Five things you need to know today

RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat on exercise with the Search and Rescue helicopter from 202 Suadron at RAF Boulmer, Nothumberland. Lifeboatmen Jonathan Payne and Ewan Thomas are lowered on to the Lifeboat with Helmsman Derek Sutton
RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat on exercise with the Search and Rescue helicopter from 202 Suadron at RAF Boulmer, Nothumberland. Lifeboatmen Jonathan Payne and Ewan Thomas are lowered on to the Lifeboat with Helmsman Derek Sutton

Travel woes in the summer heat – Broadband rollout – Summerhall for children – Fringe reviewers – Gordon Macdonald MSP

Yesterday was not a good day to be a train passenger to or from Edinburgh Waverley. It was simply too hot for the rails.

One of our readers Lindsay told us that she got on the 5:00pm Glasgow to Edinburgh which arrived late at Waverley at 18.10 although the train to North Berwick was then delayed by about 20 minutes  and she eventually arrived in North Berwick at 19.15. So two hours to get from Glasgow to North Berwick….

Another reader had tried to get a train from around 3.30 in the afternoon but eventually took a bus and yet one more got on a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk High which took 90 minutes rather than the usual 30.

The responsibility for the tracks lies with Network Rail. We asked them for a quote today but have had nothing yet. If they get back to us we shall let you know! However the temperature is a little lower today so perhaps things will run on time. If they don’t perhaps you will let us know?

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Commenting on the announcement made by the Scottish Government that joint investment with BT will bring broadband to over 600,000 homes and businesses across Scotland, Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat MP, Mike Crockart, who has been running a better broadband campaign for the last two years, said:-“The announcement is good news for homes and businesses across Scotland. Reliable, quick broadband is essential for the 21st century whether it’s for managing family finances online, working from home or running a business.

“For too long many of my constituents in the rural west of the city in communities like Kirkliston, Ratho, Ratho Station, Dalmeny and South Queensferry have had to live with an incredibly poor service and have been left out of digital plans time and again.

“I am hopeful that today’s news will secure the necessary upgrade for my constituents which is a big win for my better broadband campaign which so many local residents and businesses have backed.

“Having said that the information provided so far is not particularly detailed. I have therefore written to Nicola Sturgeon asking for further clarification on this and I will continue to push the Scottish Government to fund the vital upgrades at the Kirkliston exchange until I receive a commitment for the communities I represent.”

 

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Did you know that Summerhall also host children’s events? TOmorrow they are hosting two sessions of Creative Movement for you and your child. The first session is for babies to 3 year-olds and the second for 3-5 year-olds.  Here is more information about the classes which run on 11, 18 & 25 July 2013

 

Creative Movement for you and your child

Emma Snellgrove
Dates: Thursday 11 July / 18 July / 25 July 2013
Times: 10am – 11am & 11am – 12 noon (1 hour)

Creative Movement

Image: El Hurdagor © Tammam Azzam
Venue: Yellow Room
Age Group: 12 months to 3 yrs (10am) / 3 yrs to 5yrs (11am)

Category: Children’s Weekly Programme,

Ticket Price: Special July Taster Price of £3

To reserve a place on this class please email programme@summerhall.co.uk

These classes are open to parents and children of all abilities. They will facilitate an opportunity for parents/carers and their children to reconnect with the physical body in an energetic and playful way.

The sessions will focus on flexibility, proprioception, rhythm, co-ordination strengthening and voice exercises. As this awareness is formed, adults and children will see postural change that will eventually become full-body perception and expression.

Emma Snellgrove is a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher with over 8 years of experience. She has worked with children, youth, adults and vulnerable groups.

We take a break from classes in August due to the festival but resume again in September.

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Are you on Twitter? The Edinburgh Reporter loves Twitter and we now have over 12,500 followers….But we do appreciate that not everyone is on Twitter….

So even if you are not a follower on Twitter we would like to give you all a big Wednesday wave! This is silly season in terms of news as all of the media people appear to have gone on holiday together, but we are still here. If you have a story for us then do get in touch.

Part of what we have been doing to fill our news gaps is publish previews of Fringe shows. This leads us neatly into asking if there are any people out there who might like to write reviews for us. The advantage is the possibility of a press ticket, but that is coupled with the need for a timely snappy review with some audience reaction perhaps on audio or video. So if you think you fit that bill then please get in touch with an example of something you have written and we will be happy to speak to you about what you might do for us when the Fringe starts. Email theedinburghreporter@gmail.com

 

 

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Gordon Macdonald MSP represents the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency. And this is his monthly report on what he has been up to..

Gordon Macdonald MSP Monthly Report