On Tuesday night Ishbel Holmes will speak at an event at the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh about her tours with a bike and a rescued dog.

You can buy tickets here.

Ishbel has been cycling the world solo since 2014 and has become a worldwide phenomenon for rescuing injured street animals as she pedals. Before cycling the world Ishbel was a velodrome sprinter for Iran and spent years road racing UK. Her book, ‘Me, My Bike and a Street Dog Called Lucy’ was published this year, and a film script has been written about her life.

She will talk about her life on bicycles, from her earlier years of running away from foster care, being homeless and still trying to go to school, to becoming a velodrome champion and racing for Iran.

Extraordinary tales of adventure and survival coupled with incredible photos of crossing the Andes by bike and pedalling 5000 metres high, cycling through the Pantanal, biking Ché Guevara’s final footsteps, cycling across a country with no money.

She will also recount the tale of the first street dog she rescued while biking across Turkey, her one woman viral protest in Bolivia and how she faces 20 years in prison if she returns to Iran for defending every woman’s right to cycle.

Ishbel is travelling with her adopted dog Maria rescued in Brazil last year.  She will use funds raised by the World Bike Girl UK Speaking Tour for her and Maria to have a home over the winter months in the UK.

Tickets here on the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling website.

Councillor Maureen Child shares the content of her inbox with us – and asks for some support for her Kiltwalk which she will do this weekend.

Good luck Maureen!

“On Sunday we Councillors are doing the Kiltwalk, and our Councillor Team sponsorship targets are well and truly met. But if you still feel you can contribute, you would be more than welcome. I have walked my socks off this week and am looking forward to a more relaxed daily stroll or two after Sunday. Callum is doing the full 25 miles, but we sensible women are starting off in Pinkie, Musselburgh at 11 am and walking west along Portobello Promenade, eventually ending up at Murrayfield. The Thistle Foundation is a really great cause and what they do matters hugely to those who benefit. Click here.

“The contract for Brighton Place carriageway reconstruction has been awarded and the work is scheduled to start on 24 September. The work will give a proper solid foundation to the over 150 year old carriageway for first time. The original granite setts have lasted all that time and they have many hundreds more years of wear in them. The first phase starts at the north end between Portobello High Street and the Lee Crescent junction. The completion of this first phase will give a better estimate of how long the project should take to complete, weather permitting. It will also allow for a break and reopening of Brighton Place from 1 December 2018 to 7 January 2019. If we could all concentrate together on promoting local traders and businesses and minimising the disruption to people’s everyday lives and livelihoods, that would be great. This essential work has already been delayed for five long years.

“We local Ccuncillors have a meeting with Portobello Golf Course users and then with Edinburgh Leisure this week to get a better idea of what any proposals might be for change of the use of that space and why. As things stand, I believe the 9 hole Golf Course should remain and much more effort put in to promoting it as a facility, particularly with a sports hub and large secondary school as neighbours. Nobody is opposed to change, but it has to be worthwhile, and sustainable, and the use by current golfers should be respected.

“On the Powerleague/Westbank Site, it is highly likely that the sale to the preferred private sector bidder will be halted and work done between Council, our local Community Group Action Westbank and the wider community to put together a planning brief for the site to which any possible future redevelopment proposals would have to conform. This would bring this key Portobello site into line with the process being undertaken at Fountainbridge, Powderhall and Meadowbank, where community engagement comes first on Council owned sites, before we go to the market. All four local Councillors have been working together on this with Action Westbank and it very much in line with emerging Scottish Government Planning policy on placemaking – and very much the right thing to do.

“Finally, the Edinburgh Shoreline Project is doing really fabulous work and the exhibition at the Botanic Gardens John Hope Gateway building has been extended, it has attracted so many visitors – and return visitors, like me last week when I might otherwise have been writing Update. There will be local activity this Sunday afternoon to plant native species grown from seed at the Botanics, which will increase the biodiversity and interest of a stretch of the shoreline at Seafield. Find out all about it here.

Councillor Maureen Child is the Labour Councillor for Portobello/Craigmillar

Keen walker and networker Brendan Johnstone combines these two loves by getting business people out on the streets talking to each other on the way.

Now you can join Brendan on the fourth Netwalking event of 2018  on 4 October and go exploring from George Street to Leith. This is downhill all the way, ensuring that even those of you who don’t do the daily 10,000 steps that he does, will be able to keep up with him.

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

Brendan Johnstone, walk leader and Chamber of Commerce Partner in Enterprise said: “NetWalking is a great way to make new business contacts and it’s a very relaxed atmosphere compared to many networking events. It’s not just about doing business. It’s about developing and growing your own business by talking to others about how they’ve developed theirs.”

The format allows for plenty of time to chat and the small group of up to 12 people means there is time to talk to in quite some depth.

We all know about the health benefits of walking, not only burning a few calories but it’s great for your mental health too.

The walks  are now in their second year and cover most of Edinburgh.  Netwalkers have strolled up to the Castle, across Holyrood Park, the Royal Mile and down to the New Town.

This month’s walk will process from George Street to Stockbridge before following the Water of Leith all the way to the Shore in Leith. There will then be time to chat some more over refreshments in the Malmaison Hotel.

There is a “Petwalking” event once a year with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.

The event will begin on 4 October 2018 at 17:30 at the Edinburgh Chamber office on George Street, before departing on our walk at 17:45. The event finishes at Malmaison around 19.30.

#netwalking #networking #10000steps #ingoodcompany

Book your place here

Cue the drum roll. Get ready to cheer. This year’s Edinburgh Award goes to former Scotland cap Doddie Weir.

Doddie is being recognised for his rugby career and, now legendary, fundraising for MND research. His handprints will be cast in stone and will join the previous winners like Professor Peter Higgs and Sir Chris Hoy in the quad at the City Chambers.

This is the 12th year that the Edinburgh Award has been made, and Doddie qualifies as a  former pupil of Edinburgh’s Stewart’s-Melville College and someone who has starred on the Murrayfield pitch.

His rugby career began at Melrose RFC and he then played for Scotland and the Newcastle Falcons. He revealed that he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2017. His decision to go public with the news has led to the establishment of a charitable foundation to research a cure for MND and to provide grants for those living with MND.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross, said: “Doddie is not only an inspiring sportsman but a real champion of MND research, helping to raise awareness through his own Foundation and provide much-needed funds towards finding a cure for this disease.

“He is Edinburgh’s gentle giant, as well-respected and loved by citizens as much as his peers and rugby fans. Doddie really has made an outstanding contribution to sport, to charity and to the Capital. The Edinburgh Award is the city’s way of recognising all that he has achieved.”

Doddie Weir said: “I am hugely honoured and humbled to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award, especially when I see the names of those who have received it before me. Edinburgh has been good to me – it’s where I was born, I was educated at Stewart’s Melville College and began my rugby career here, and of course I have a special connection with Murrayfield.

“The support I have received from all over the world since I shared my diagnosis has been incredible and it has helped drive the work of our Foundation forward as we try to raise awareness around Motor Neurone Disease and help find a cure for this devastating disease.

“Edinburgh has been at the forefront of this support, along with the Borders, and I highly appreciate the efforts of everyone. I am determined that together, we will make a difference.

“I would like to thank the Lord Provost for this honour and look forward to adding my enormous paw prints to the others already there at the City Chambers.”

Nominations for the Edinburgh Award are from Edinburgh citizens and the awarding decision is taken by a judging panel chaired by the Lord Provost, with representatives from all political groups on the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

First launched in 2007, the Edinburgh Award is a way for Edinburgh citizens to pay a lasting tribute to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the city through their achievements.

Ten years ago a group of Portobello residents decided to start a book festival.

Ambitious? Maybe.

They decided they wanted everything at that festival to be kept local – and free. This meant no-one would be paid. Not even the authors.

Ambitious? Definitely.

This year the Portobello Book Festival celebrates its tenth birthday. It’s still local, it’s still run entirely by volunteers, and there are still no fees for appearing. And it’s hugely successful, gaining in popularity every year and now a prominent feature of Portobello life.

On a perfect autumn night last week the 2018 festival was launched at the Dalriada on the Prom. Introducing this year’s programme, Mae Shaw of the organising group said;

‘We see ourselves as readers and writers who want to connect with other readers….It is a sign of solidarity and support when authors are prepared to come without payment. All they are promised is good sound quality, a good chair and an engaged and enthusiastic audience. And they still come because they are in it with us.’

Mae praised the Edinburgh City Council Library Service, and in particular its Portobello branch, for their continuing support of the festival. Many sessions take place at the library, which is also the only source of tickets; other venues include Portobello Baptist Church and, for the first time this year, local care home Jameson Gate. Primary schools at Brunstane, Duddingston and Towerbank will also be treated to author events, while Portobello High School is running its very own festival earlier in the month.

The 2018 programme includes writers from near and slightly less near; its overriding aim is to be as diverse as possible, offering a variety of events that local people might enjoy. From world poetry to Desert Island Books and even a Whodunit in Skara Brae!, the festival packs no less than 23 events into one weekend in October. Enjoy an exquisite retelling of the tale of how the robin got his red breast (A Wee Bird Was Watching), talk fiction genres in Chick-Lit or Women’s Fiction: What’s in a Name?, learn about the realities of life for women from ethnic minorities caught up in domestic abuse (Real Women: Unheard Stories) and hear about the people who travelled in one Edinburgh taxi driver’s cab (Rear View Mirror). And if you’d like to have a go at writing yourself, Sarah Bradley is offering a Writing Workshop – no experience required, all styles welcome – while in Short But Sweet you can pick up tips on creating an effective short story.

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, the festival organisers wanted to create a lasting and timeless artefact – so what better than a book? Postcards from Portobello is a free collection of new writing from 31 local contributors, all reflecting local life.

‘It’s been a real experience,’ Mae said, ’to discover what a wide range of writers there are in Portobello.’

The booklet, whose publication has been made possible by funding from Creative Scotland, will be launched at the Festival’s opening event on Friday 5 October, a lively evening of words and music at which some authors will read from their work.

Tickets for all events are available from Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue EH15 1AU. Although they are disappearing very quickly indeed (there is even talk of ‘ticket hoarding’ – in Portobello!), the organisers are determined to – as Mae puts it – ‘retain spontaneity’ – so they are making sure that some tickets will always be available on the door. Even if an event is totally ‘sold out’, people are encouraged to come along and try their luck, as there are usually at least a few no shows.

Tommy Sheppard MP once described the Portobello Book Festival as ‘beautifully uncommercial’, and that’s the thing I love about it most. It’s not flash, there are no authors’ tents or champagne bars – just ‘readers and writers who want to connect with other readers’. And isn’t that what a good book festival should be?

The 10^th Portobello Book Festival runs from Friday 5^th to Sunday 7^th October 2018. Full details of all events are in the new festival leaflet, and online at https://portobellobookfestival.wordpress.com/category/home/.

Kevin Robinson is taking part in the Kiltwalk on Sunday and is raising money for the Grassmarket Community Project. Nothing unusual in that except he has an incurable form of cancer, and is on his third type of chemo this year.

He is going to do the 5 mile route. He said : “Wee Wander it may be called but it’s probably all I can manage at present.”

But he is doing the Kiltwalk to show his love for the Grassmarket Community Project (one of our favourite places too!) and to raise money and awareness of what they do.

Kevin explained : “Grassmarket Community Project offers a variety of services and projects including a cafe, woodwork and textile workshops, and an events space, which provides opportunities for some of the most vulnerable in society. It differs in terms of innovation compared to other charities in their sector as they take both a community approach as well as a so-called asset approach to their way of working. This is something in which CEO Jonny Kinross says “not all charities are able to do because they don’t necessarily have a building”.

“Not only this, key to Grassmarket Community Projects mission and the way in which they deliver their services is promotion of community spirit. It is about, accepting everyone and connecting people with their community, with Mr Kinross stating; “we eat together as a community and we share things as community”.

“I’ve dropped in on them a couple of times this year and the atmosphere within the Grassmarket Centre is just so uplifting. I even got chance to look around the Woodworking Room and spoke to Tommy who runs this area. Some of the stories he shared with me were fantastic, explaining that Grassmarket is just as much about breaking down isolation as it is about teaching skills.

“I’m delighted to be helping this cause in any way that I can as they simply help people to help themselves and are a fantastic Social Enterprise.

“Please support me if you can.”

Click here to give Kevin a hand with his fundraising.

Grange scored 11 goals against Clydesdale on their way to the Division One men’s title last season.

Last weekend, Grange thumped Aberdeen Standard 6-1 at Peffermill and the Edinburgh club travel to Clydesdale on Saturday looking to maintain their scoring form.

Frank Ryan claimed a treble against Aberdeen and he is a real threat while Clydesdale were held to a 1-1 draw by Hillhead.

Edinburgh University start their campaign at Aberdeen and coach Graham Moodie has several new faces in his squad.

Grove Menzieshill have targeted victory at newly-promoted Watsonians.

Scotland international Gavin Byers he has moved to Germany to play for HTC Uhlenhorst this season but the visitors include Aidan McQuade and Cameron Golden who have impressed for the Scotland senior team recently.

Edinburgh University retained the women`s Division One title and they travel to Tayside to face Dundee Wanderers.

Watsonians have strengthened and beat Hillhead 3-1 in their league opener.
Grove Menzieshill come to Tipperlinn and the Tayside team finished third in the league last season.

Watsonians accounted for Grove in a late-season surge last season and they have attracted Scotland star Lucy Lanigan, Cat McLellan, Morven Cawthorn, Rhona Gowans and Ellie MacKenzie.

The Edinburgh side’s’ coach Keith Smith said: “Our aim each season has always been to improve on the previous year’s finish and this season is no different.”

Stylish staycationers have outstripped visitors from the USA when it comes to enjoying the luxury life in Edinburgh this summer.

Figures from top Edinburgh boutique hotel Nira Caledonia have revealed that bookings from UK guests were up 17.5% on those from America over the June/July/August period.

And during the August Edinburgh Festival month, UK staycationers outnumbered guests from across the Atlantic by a whopping 46%.

In fact, UK visitors accounted for 35% of all bookings in August, almost as many as the next top three – USA, German and Italy – combined.

Chris Lynch, General Manager at Nira Caledonia, said it was interesting to see how Edinburgh continues to have a strong attraction for high-end travellers.

Chris said: “It’s well-known that Edinburgh has a global appeal for travellers with all types of hotel budget, but clearly it also enjoys a big pull for people from around the UK who enjoy luxury when they are on their holidays.

“It is important that Edinburgh provides the right quality of accommodation for these travellers as when they are in the city they will also be spending in restaurants, bars, shops and using other services.

“Most people would think it would be Americans and people from European cities who would be looking for luxurious boutique hotels such as Nira Caledonia when they are visiting Edinburgh over the summer.

“Instead, it would appear staycationers who may have decided to abandon a long-haul holiday or a break to the Med are holidaying nearer to home but still want to ensure they treat themselves.

“However, Edinburgh remains a must-see destination for independent-minded travellers from all over the world and with Edinburgh Airport continuing to develop as a hub for major airlines, we expect to see the ratios between domestic and overseas guests narrow over the next year or two.”

The figures from Nira Caledonia – where rooms rates over June-August ranged from starting prices of £159 to £239 – show that staycationer bookings are on the rise; in the period June-August 2017 the difference between UK and USA guests bookings was only 3.8%.

The 28 bedroom hotel – located in one of the most exclusive addresses in Edinburgh’s New Town – offers guests a blend of Georgian elegance, contemporary cool and heartfelt service.

Located over two townhouses on Gloucester Place, the property was home to the renowned 19th century bon viveur and hedonist, John Wilson, who wrote under the pseudonym Christopher North. And the décor and style aims to continue the tradition he set.

Nira Caledonia is part of Shanti Hospitality, a hotel and leisure company with a focus on building and developing exceptional assets and brands. There are two other properties in the Nira portfolio : Nira Alpina in St Moritz and Shanti Maurice in Mauritius.

niracaledonia.com or call 0131 225 2720.

Going to Myanmar to visit and do some loose English teaching in 2014 was a bit of an adventure following my retiral but little did I realise it would start a life-changing passion.  

Myanmar is the country which was known as Burma until 1989.  It is slowly and painfully emerging from years of unilateral rule by the military dictators who took over the country in a bloodless coup in March 1962. National hero, General Aung San’s daughter, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, despite having been placed under house arrest for 21 years, formed NLD (National League for Democracy), the opposition party which immediately won popular support and eventually gained enough votes to form a government in November 2015.  However it is widely recognised that there is still a significant military presence within the government and that this is slowing down both the democratic process and Myanmar’s progress. It is the poorest country in Asia, 23rd poorest in the world.

There are ongoing tribal wars around Myanmar’s borders and, in 2017, the country received widespread condemnation when more than 500,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Rakhine State.  A new United Nations report accuses the military leaders of carrying out genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, calling for six generals to face trial at the International Criminal Court. The same report accuses Daw Aung San Suu Kyi of failing to prevent the violence. The Myanmar government refutes these findings.  

Despite all of this, visiting Myanmar is a joyful and unforgettable experience.  The people are friendly, curious, humorous, and immensely grateful for any interest taken in them and their country. They are anxious to improve their standing in the world and learning English is a way of leading young people to better job opportunities and life skills.  There is a simplicity and innocence not evident in the more advanced countries of SE Asia. Much of the landscape is as it would have been hundreds of years ago.

My small charity www.ahtutucharity.org.uk  goes to the peaceful Ayeyerwady (Irrawaddy) Delta in the south west of the country every January in the cool season to teach English through active lessons and support worthwhile projects to help young people.  For example, January 2018 saw us building a new ceiling in the local boys’ orphanage with fans and lights so that the dormitory can now be used all year round.  Until then the boys had been sleeping in the crawl space under the concrete floor in the hot season.

The charity is holding a Ceilidh at the Cathedral whose funds will support Ahtutu and Together with Cambodia on Friday, 28th September – see https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ceilidh-at-the-cathedral-tickets-48910354186.  Whilst Ahtutu puts all of its funds towards supporting young people, engineering students from Edinburgh Napier University have begun a crowdfund to join us for the second time – see https://uk.gofundme.com/teaching-young-adults-in-myanmar.  Please help us to help all of the young people we work with.  Thank you.

A brand-new production of the hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, will be heading to Edinburgh next year. Former soap star Jason Donovan, in his first production role, will team up with Mark Goucher for the cult classic show which will visit the Edinburgh Playhouse in November next year as part of a UK tour.

Donovan has already performed in the London West End production of the show and he is keen to get more into production. The Australian star said:

“Having spent years performing and always harbouring the desire to become more involved in the creative process, I am delighted to be joining Mark Goucher as producer on this wonderful show. Priscilla is perfect vehicle to venture into the world of producing and bringing all my experience on the show seems the logical next step. Priscilla is such a wonderful Australian story about diversity. It is a modern musical with a great heart.”

The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, Priscilla is the story of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will be at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 4th to 9th November 2019. Tickets on sale here from Friday 14th September 2018.

Murrayfield Racers’ director of hockey, Tony Hand, warned fans weeks ago that it would be tough for his re-born side.

They suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of one National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) club last weekend.

Now, Racers, beaten 8-2 by Billingham Stars last Sunday, entertain Blackburn Hawks at Murrayfield on Saturday (face-off 6pm).

A two for one offer to students will be in operation for the clash in the NIHL North Cup.

Hand knows what his men will face as he used to coach a number of the English players.

And the former Murrayfeld Racers legend said: “Blackburn are one of the top NIHL 1 teams with a lot of quality players who I used to coach. It will very a very tough match for the Racers.”

Hand is, however, pleased with the effort his squad are giving but added: “We just have to settle down defensively as team.”

SGB Championship: Ipswich Witches 41, Glasgow Tigers 49

Glasgow Tigers sealed a play-off slot when they tamed Ipswich Witches 49-41 in England.

The result is a major blow to the hopes of Glasgow’s arch rivals, Edinburgh Monarchs, who could be pushed out of the running for a top four slot.

Ipswich led 31-29 after ten races but a 5-1 for Glasgow in Heat 11 put Tigers ahead 34-32 and they cemented that with a 4-2 two races later for a 41-37 advantage.

A 5-1 in the second-last heat made the result secure at 46-38 and Glasgow closed out Ipswich with a 3-3 in the final heat.

Craig Cook topped their scoring with 13 points and Chris Harris was next best on 11 points.

Former Tigers star Richard Lawson, who was guesting for Ipswich, was best for the home side with 12 points.

Cami Brown, Tigers’ team manager, said: “We may have knocked Edinburgh out, which is quite sweet for a Glasgow manager and fan.

“More importantly, we’re happy to be in the play-offs. We’re one of four teams and any of those can win it.”

The Royal High School – Charity walk to raise £10k for cancer

50 years ago this year, in 1968 the Royal High School moved from the site at Regent Road into purpose-built accommodation tucked away behind the gardens of Barnton.

The old building had become cramped, had restricted PE, technology and few practical facilities. It was time to change, not only buildings but also practice.

By 1973 the Royal High at Barnton was admitting girls and now is one of the largest council run schools in Edinburgh.

They are now mounting a special commemorative event tomorrow morning Friday 14 September 2018 to mark 890 Years in the City of Edinburgh and 50 years at Barnton.

The charity fundraising Sponsored Walk, will go from the Old Royal High School to the Mound precinct including a parade in East Princes Street Gardens, passing the monument to one of our many famous former pupils, Sir Walter Scott.

The School Pipe Band will lead the Edinburgh Rider and Lass ( prior to their riding of the bounds at the Riding of the Marches on Sunday), the High Constables, representatives of City Organisations and pupils, former pupils and parents to the Mound Precinct. There we will be greeted by the Lord Provost.

They will then walk from there back to Barnton along a designated route to raise money for Cancer Charities chosen by the pupils. The Walk will involve the entire school – over 1000 pupils are expected to participate.

If you see them give them a wave!

Local MP Deidre Brock greeted Rachel Clark from the Slug and Lettuce in Edinburgh at the House of Commons this week. Deidre wanted to congratulate her on graduating from Stonegate Pub Company’s ‘Bar to Boardroom’ management training programme.

Rachel’s progression through the programme is the 200th General Manager appointment from Stonegate’s pool of home grown talent.  She completed the company’s award winning ‘Accelerator’ programme.

To mark the graduation of 200 Deputy Managers through the programme, a number of MPs joined Stonegate’s ‘Accelerators’ and senior executives to learn for themselves how it works.

The Accelerator programme is part of Stonegate’s award-winning ‘Albert’s Theory of Progression’ suite of training, designed to give employees the tools to bridge the gap between Deputy Manager and General Manager, through education and dynamic group learning.

The course aims to build the participant’s confidence, encourage continued independent learning and help them to work together effectively as team. It consists of three workshops: Creating a Winning Mind; Winning in Communication and Winning in Business.

It also includes a practical component as participants must organise and produce a fundraiser event in their pub for a charity of their choice. The 200 Accelerators have raised over £300,000 for UK Charities between them with this initiative.

The guests toured the House of Commons before the main event, hosted by Luton MP Gavin Shuker. Stonegate Chief Executive, Simon Longbottom, commended the graduates and the company’s development team.

He said: “People are at the heart of what we do. We’re delighted to able to recognise the achievements of our incredibly hard-working Accelerators here at the House of Commons. The course is a shining example of how commitment in personal development can change people’s lives, as they fast become the company’s most promising managers and future industry leaders.

“Reaching our 200^th milestone is a really proud moment for Stonegate and the House of Commons is a fitting place to celebrate. As well as being a memorable occasion for the Accelerators, we believe it is important to help MPs understand the vital role that our company and the wider pub and bar industry play in offering, not just jobs, but worthwhile progressive careers, with arguably the best opportunity out of any industry to go from the bottom rung right to the very top.”

Scot Gemmill has revealed his pride at his Scotland Under-21 team who deservedly defeated the Dutch in Doetinchem on Tuesday.

A double from Everton’s Fraser Hornby was enough to clinch the victory and leave the Scots with a real shot at a play-off place.

Hibs’ pair Ryan Porteous and Stevie Mallan started the match with striker Oli Shaw on the bench.

Gemmill said: “I’d say that’s the best we’ve played since I’ve been Under-21 manager.

“You can’t underestimate how hard it is to win in the Netherlands. I don’t think too many Scotland teams have done that.

“It was really impressive. The boys showed they can execute a game-plan and new players showed they can be trusted at this level.

“I’m so proud of the team – to play under that scrutiny and produce the tactical discipline required to win.

“We knew the way the Netherlands would play and that we’d get chances on the counter-attack.

“We needed to defend well but the goal we conceded was a deflected free-kick.

“I want my players to play with an edge and they delivered.

“Fraser’s first goal was a big moment from a big player in a big game. We’re starting to develop players who can do that.”

Work to deliver a development of 43 much needed affordable homes in a high-demand part of Edinburgh is ahead of schedule according to the Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA).

The association is providing the affordable housing at Ten Brunswick Road, which have been built by CALA Homes (East) as part of its popular development.

Demand for the 43 mid-market rent homes is expected to be exceptionally high, after the recent experience of 96 new homes at Western Harbour attracting 3,400 applicants.

Ahead of a site handover in Autumn 2018, the housing association has praised the ‘exceptional’ on-site team.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive, PoLHA, said: “We’re thrilled with the outstanding quality of the homes that CALA has built. These homes are up there with some of the finest homes that the Association has ever received from a developer through the affordable planning mechanism

“It’s clear that the CALA team viewed these affordable homes with the same pride as the other high-quality homes in the development.”

Mid-market rent price levels sit between social rent prices and full open market rates. These homes are intended for people who would not qualify for social housing and find full open market rents unaffordable.

With the increasing cost of renting in Edinburgh widely publicised and average rental prices reaching £1062 per month , reports have identified that many would-be first time buyers are left spending large percentages of their income on rent.

The properties at PoLHA’s block are due to complete ahead of schedule this Autumn.  The flats are tenure blind and sit comfortably within the wider development, with a similar internal and external specification to the private homes.

Gavin Pope, Land Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “These properties offer the lifestyle benefits of a true city centre development and mark a milestone in Edinburgh’s affordable housing market.

“We are especially proud to see these homes through the planning process to the handover stage.

“It is of paramount importance that we deliver homes meeting needs across all aspects of the market and help to tackle the widespread supply shortfall.

“These mid-market apartments fill an easily recognisable void. And as well as providing opportunities for some first-time buyers, the private units next-door provided second-step homes, which will have freed up other homes to the market.”

PoLHA say that celebrating Leith’s urban character, Ten Brunswick Road showcases homes with a real sense of personality. A redevelopment of the former Royal Mail Sorting Office demolished in 2010, the derelict brownfield site remained vacant until being fully regenerated by CALA Homes (East).

The development is of striking appearance, with multi-tonal bricks adding warmth to the building’s exteriors while still matching its surroundings.

Also creating a strong visual feature are the cast stone double height entrances, which provide a strong sense of arrival at each staircase.

The Port of Leith block includes 16 one-bedroom and 27 two-bedroom mid-market flats.

While still sympathetic to the local neighbourhood, the development creates its own sense of community through specially designed pedestrian links, external balconies and communal open space gardens which are not often afforded to city centre buildings.

Christine Jardine MP has backed a campaign to raise awareness of blood cancer and put it at the forefront of cancer plans.

Ms Jardine attended an event held by blood cancer research charity Bloodwise  to hear about issues facing people with blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and spoke to patients about their experiences.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Blood cancers are the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK and the third biggest cause of cancer death in the UK. Over 40,000 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer or related blood disorder each year in the UK.

The Edinburgh West MP said: “Despite being a common cancer killer, awareness of blood cancers is low. That is why being able to hear from people directly affected by blood cancers and to understand how care can be improved across the UK is incredibly important.”

Gemma Peters, CEO of Bloodwise said: ‘\”We are delighted that Christine Jardine is supporting our campaign to raise awareness of blood cancer. As 1 in 19 are affected by blood cancer it is vital that blood cancer is central to the Government’s cancer plans going forward.”

For more information on blood cancers visit www.bloodwise.org.uk

REBUS: LONG SHADOWS

By Ian Rankin. Adapted by Rona Munro

At King’s Theatre Edinburgh
Monday 8 to Saturday 13 October 2018

On the wagon and on the case again, auld reeking skeletons from the past are about to rattle the inner-troubled cage of the city weary shamus.

In a last minute announcement Rebus: Long Shadows will now be directed by Robin Lefevre, taking the place of Roxana Silbert who has had to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances.

Rebus: Long Shadows is a brand-new Rebus story written exclusively for the stage by author of the original novels, Ian Rankin and playwright Rona Munro which premières at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Thursday 20 September and will then on UK tour. We have reason to believe that it’s a fair-cop that Mr Rankin himself will be at the Edinburgh opening night…

Detective Inspector John Rebus is retired but the shadows of his former life still follow him through the streets of Edinburgh. Whisky helped but now he’s denying himself that pleasure. When the daughter of a murder victim appears outside his flat, he’s back on the case and off the wagon.

A Daniel Schumann & Birmingham Rep production.

https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/rebus

The Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) movement is showing teens and adults alike there is more to young people than many of us may think.

The organisation has grown from humble beginnings in a relatively short space of time, starting as a pilot project, in 2014, with just five groups.

In less than four years the scheme has expanded to 41 active groups, with more than 1,000 members aged between 13 and 17, assisted by more than 300 adult volunteers the length and breadth of Scotland.

Its success was celebrated on Wednesday 12 September 2019 with a reception at the Scottish Parliament attended by the First Minister and Chief Constable Iain Livingstone

In the past 12 months, our members have volunteered in excess of 35,000 hours of their time. Members assist at local and national levels, sharing their time and expertise at internationally significant events including the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo, the Open Golf Championship and the recent European Sporting Championships. They also aid local officers in the distribution of crime prevention materials and develop valued relationships in their communities.

These young people give their free time to help others, aid their communities, develop leadership and communication skills and learn life lessons. They are a credit to PSYV, to Police Scotland and to Scotland.

Participants in PSYV have formed a diverse and inclusive community, reflective of Scotland as a whole. A total of 55 per cent of members are female; 42 per cent of volunteers come from an identified vulnerable background, including looked-after children or those facing a range of issues such as deprivation or disability; more than 20 languages are spoken by PSYV members; and in one group, for 60 per cent of participants, English is their second language.

These youngsters form a welcoming cadre, willing to learn, ready to help and hoping to inspire others. Some of the initial PSYV members are now choosing to return and invest their time in the next generation by stepping up as adult volunteers.

While these youngsters – and the volunteer adults who make these groups possible – are giving back to their towns, villages and cities, they also get the opportunity to enhance their CVs. A SCQF Level 4 award is being rolled out nationally to provide youth volunteers with an accredited educational award, with further courses available to enhance their leadership skills.

Our growth and achievements have been made possible by the commitment and dedication of our PSYV members who are supported by adult volunteers and by officers and staff working tirelessly behind the scenes to organise and operate local PSYV groups. As a result of their collective efforts PSYV has become the fastest growing programme of its type in the United Kingdom with a track record many uniformed or community organisations would rightly be envious of.

Our programme is so successful it’s being replicated across the globe, with colleagues in New Zealand having visited our team and undergone training to adopt our operating model. Interest is also flooding in from across England and Wales, as well as further afield from Australia and the USA, with officers in Seattle seeking to introduce the scheme.

As Scotland continues to celebrate the Year of Young People it is clear the PSYV programme is delivering positive outcomes in local communities across Scotland. It has shown what investing time and effort in young people can do and has gone some way – in my view – to challenging mis-conceptions about our young people in Scotland.

Ahead of the official launch with Mark Beaumont and the Council Leader, keen cyclist Adam McVey on Monday 17 September, we took the very first two branded Just Eat bikes out on the road yesterday lunchtime. What fun it was!

The bikes are very easy to use with three gears, which we have been told are specially calibrated for the Edinburgh hills. Certainly it’s been a while since I had my own bike out this year, but we managed to go all the way from Leith to the City Chambers without too much trouble.

The seats and the handlebars are really comfortable , and the bikes are not just as heavy as the  It was a gorgeous day with a little shower or two in between when we took the bikes for a sightseeing trip around the city.

My bike was called Skye and my colleague was given Adele. There are 200 bikes ready and waiting to go out on the streets on Monday morning by which time the app will be uploaded to the App Store and Google Play.

My friend and I have already tried bikes in Washington DC and in London where the actual frames are much heavier and the cycles a bit unwieldy. These bikes custom made by Pashley are cobalt blue with the Just Eat branding on the back wheel and are quite lovely. You will find that the Edinburgh Just Eat Cycles are very forgiving even for the casual cyclist, and quite manoeuvrable. First we headed through Leith Links on the off road cycle path to get the feel of the bikes, then headed up Leith Walk where we got a few waves from members of the public.

Our high point came when we met the legal team from Aberdeen Standard Investments who had just come back from Arthur’s Seat after a charity 5K. They were very happy to pose for us in costume and are delighted to know that there is a station near their office in St Andrew Square.

If they need to get to their other office at Lothian Road they might have to stop short for now as there is only a station at Chalmers Street near them. Other stations will open soon, but meantime the cycle hire scheme in common with others across the world work best for short hires, and are intended to supplement public transport. You can hire the bikes at any time of the day or night and the crew behind the scheme will ensure that bikes are moved around the city to ensure that there are always cycles for hire at every stop. The bikes will also be given some TLC when they need it.

With a council which supports an Active Travel policy this is a great addition to the mix of travel methods to get around town, and one I have been excited about.

The council has signed an agreement with Serco and Just Eat so that there should be no further public expense in relation to the scheme. And within a short time there will be electric bikes on the streets too for those who need a little extra assistance to get up the Mound.

We stopped at Candersons on Leith Walk to say hi to Debbie who stocks our monthly newspaper for us. She loves the idea of the bikes. At present the nearest bike stations are one on Elm Row and another at The Scottish Government building at Victoria Quay.

For the First Minister and her cabinet colleagues it will be easy to pick up a bike in Charlotte Square and drop it off at Victoria Quay. Downhill all the way there is little excuse not to use the bikes if you are able to.

We popped in to the Balmoral where the concierge welcomed us, but restrained himself from getting on the bike as he wears a bespoke kilt. (This doesn’t stop Howie Nicolsby from 21st Century Kilts who cycles everywhere wearing one of his many designs.)

The bikes are step through making them equally suitable for men and women, but I take my hat off to the lady with two toddlers,  one fore and the other aft, on her bike who overtook us on Leith Walk…

First of all you have to download the app which will be available soon. There is both an iPhone and Android version. You can either pay £1.50 for a single trip up to an hour long or you can get a day pass for £3 or an annual subscription for £90. This allows  you unlimited 1 hour hires for 365 days.

The app will also tell you where bikes are stationed and how many are available. When you get to a station and tap unlock it will tell you which bike to take.

You can lock the bike in any of the on street docking stations making sure that the lock mechanism beeps at you and that the bike is secure. The front light will become green and the app will confirm.

But excitingly, the bikes can be left at a virtual station where there are markings on the ground. There is no rack here but you can put the bike within the markings and press End my ride on the app. The front light will go blue and you can push a lever down to secure the bike. The bike light always goes green when the bike is securely locked.

Edinburgh I think you will love these bikes and I cant wait to see the first 200 on the streets from Monday.

Bosses at Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs have cut the price of permits until the end of the season.

The move by Malleny Angling Association comes after a drastic fall in the water level.

Alan Holbrook, the association’s secretary, said the committee have decided that the day permit will now be trimmed by £5 to £20 for the remainder of the season.

He added that the available bank space to fish Harlaw is down by about 50 per cent due to the water level.

Threipmuir, he added, is almost un-fishable.

Mr Holbrook hopes the price cut will encourage regular day permit anglers to continue fishing in the water above Balerno.

He added: “The committee are hoping for more favourable weather conditions for next season so all those who fish Harlaw and Threipmuir can return to their normal fishing pattern for the 2019 season.”

Senior bailiff Jim McComb said that catch returns will still be a maximum of four fish then catch and return.

He also stressed the dangers of fishing from steep banking.

The advice comes after one angler slid down the bank and struggled to get back.

Here is the fabulously colourful September issue which hit the streets at the beginning of this month. Remember you can pick up a copy at any local library across Edinburgh.

SP Energy Networks sign up as the new sponsor of the Scotland Women’s rugby squad.

The electricity network company’s distinctive green logo will feature on the front of the Scotland Women home and alternate strips for the 2018/19 season and the agreement also includes sponsorship rights for the men’s Scotland U20 and Scotland U18 squads and Scotland Women’s 7s team. This will be the first time since 2009, the women’s team has had a separate shirt sponsor from the men’s side.

Signing with Scottish Rugby underlines SP Energy Networks’ commitment to supporting women and girls in engineering and in sport.

CEO of SP Energy Networks, Frank Mitchell, said: “We are proud to sponsor Scotland Women as a new, exciting season is about to get underway.

“SP Energy Networks is committed to supporting women and girls in our workplaces, through our apprenticeships, women returners’ programmes and through STEM education in schools, colleges and universities, and our deal with Scotland Women is an extension of that. Through this new partnership we will help change many young women’s attitudes to opportunities in sport and in pursuing a career in engineering.

“SP Energy Networks will support rugby at all levels and ages, so we’re also delighted that this includes the talent of the future competing at under-18 and under-20 age grades.”

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer Dominic McKay said: “We are very proud to be able to bring in an organisation like SP Energy Networks and develop that relationship to the extent they are now investing in our Scotland Women and age-grade teams at this level.

“Scottish Rugby has focussed heavily on developing the women’s and youth rugby programmes in recent years and this significant sponsorship deal reflects how attractive those areas of the game have become, through improving results, to blue chip companies who want to associate themselves with the sport and the communities these teams represent.”

As part of the deal Scottish Rugby will share SP Energy Networks’ key messaging around safety, power cuts and careers within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths with schools and communities as the sports body aims to inspire the next generation of players.

Scottish Rugby will also work with its charitable partners to raise awareness of SP Energy Networks’ services for those with additional requirements; vulnerable customers who need extra help during power cuts, or those who need a little extra help in their day-to-day lives.

Frank Mitchell added: “We’re delighted that Scottish Rugby will ensure that the key work we do in the communities we serve will be amplified, be that the extra support we can give during a power cut, or access to specialised help services or safety messages.

“Similarly the players will be great ambassadors of our messages when they visit schools across the central belt of Scotland, served by SP Energy Networks.

“We look forward to working closely with Scottish Rugby over the next three years.”

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women & Girls Rugby, Gemma Fay, said: “This is a hugely positive step which demonstrates the progress the team is making through Scottish Rugby’s investment. We are developing improved performance programmes, which are enabling our players to train and play more competitively than ever before, and which also allow us to develop a wider base of quality players capable of playing at the highest level.

“To attract a standalone sponsor not only brings in welcome revenue but also helps to develop the team’s identity and recognises the contribution the group is making within Scottish sport as the pinnacle of women’s rugby and something young players can aspire to.”

The new Scotland Women strips with the SP Energy Networks’ logo will be on sale soon.

The team will play their first tests in the new strip this November – including a match at their Scotstoun Stadium against Canada on 27 November 2018. Scotland U20 will wear the SPEN logo when they compete in the U20 Six Nations Championship. Scotland U18 fixtures will be confirmed in due course.

A Festival of Tennis served up at Craiglockhart

A Festival of Tennis will take place at Craiglockhart Tennis centre on Saturday, 22 September to celebrate the launch of six new outdoor floodlit tennis courts.

The free Festival will take place from 2.00pm-4.00pm and everyone is welcome.  The afternoon will include the opportunity to watch senior and performance players on the Centre Court.  There will also be the opportunity to sign up for various tennis related coaching activities including She Rallies, an initiative to get more girls and women into the game. Details will be found on the Craiglockhart venue page at Edinburgh Leisure’s website or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.

Edinburgh Leisure’s flagship tennis facility at Craiglockhart has been served up the new outdoor floodlit tennis courts having secured funding from sportscotland, Tennis Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

The front four have been reconfigured and extended to create five courts, all with floodlights and a centre court will allow major tournaments to be hosted that can accommodate spectators.  All the courts have been resurfaced to a new all-weather artificial clay surface, which will allow play all year round. 

Kirsty Stobie, Manager at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre said: “We’re thrilled that the new surface will allow us to continue to host the Junior International Edinburgh and the Scottish Junior Open Championships each year, which will bring the outdoor courts alive with talented players from all over the world coming to participate. 

“The surface will also help support the development of our junior players within Edinburgh Leisure’s programme as well as the local development squads with the East of Scotland Tennis Association.”

Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre is also the home of Tennis Scotland, part of the Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for tennis in Scotland responsible for growing participation and supporting the long-term development of talented players.

The outdoor tennis courts at Craiglockhart has seen many world-famous players grace their surface over the years from Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe in the 1970s to Andy Murray in the 90s and the new all-weather surface and floodlights will mean the public can enjoy the courts at any time of the year. 

Craiglockhart Tennis Centre has six indoor courts and a further three outdoor clay ts at the back of the building in addition to these new courts, a cycling studio and Harry’s Café.   Its Leisure Centre close by, boasts a spacious gym with over 70 pieces of kit, fitness studios, squash courts and a multipurpose sports hall. 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/craiglockhart-leisure-centre-tennis-centre

A man who died after being struck by a tram in Edinburgh yesterday has been named as Carlos Correa Palacio.

Carlos, who was 53, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the incident near to the Saughton Tram Stop off Broomhouse Drive which happened at around 12.15pm yesterday, Tuesday 11th September.

Officers from Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit are investigating the collision, Sergeant John Easton said: “My thoughts are with Carlos’s family and friends and we are providing specialist support to them, they have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time. This was a particularly upsetting incident for all those who witnessed it, both passengers on the tram and the driver. Officers spent considerable time yesterday both speaking to people at the scene and examining the tram, and we will continue to investigate to establish the circumstances.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the collision but has not yet spoken to officers, please contact us on 101 quoting reference 1319 of Tuesday 11th September.”

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two emaciated Staffies were abandoned in the South of Edinburgh on 23 August.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted after a man was apparently seen dropping the dogs leashes and running off, leaving them alone in the street.

Inspector June Chalcroft said, “The dogs were very emaciated, with every rib and spinal bone showing, and we’re interested in finding out how they came to be in that way.

“The dogs are now in our care, and the duo will now be put on a weight gain diet and we’re hopeful they will make a full recovery.

“Dogs do not become this underweight overnight and we are therefore treating this as a case of suspected cruelty.

“We would appeal to anyone who knows who may have owned or looked after these dogs to come forward.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Hibs’ new signing Mark Milligan insists that he is ready for a new challenge at Hibs and revealed that team-mate Jamie Maclaren’s enthusiasm about the club and Neil Lennon’s reputation were factors in his decision.

The Australian international has been linked to several top English clubs in the past but visa problems denied him a move to the Premiership.

The Socceroos recent success has made him eligible and he is delighted to have chosen Edinburgh as his final destination.

Milligan said:“I have no British or European heritage so when I was younger it was much harder to get a visa. It comes down to how our national team has done over a two year period, and then on how much I played.

“Over the last five years I have been a regular fixture in the national team, and over the last nine months, since the Confederations Cup, we have been doing quite well.

“After my medical I thought things would progress quite quickly to join Hibs, but my record with visas for the UK is not great.

“There are not many Australians who don’t have that European or UK heritage so when I was younger it was a little bit more difficult to take this step, but that is just football and everything happens for a reason.

“I have had some wonderful years playing in Asia, especially in Japan, and in Australia. I’m ready for my next challenge now.

“Seeing Jamie (Maclaren) and the desire he had to come back to the club spoke volumes.

“That was probably even more convincing than all the good things he had to say about Hibs.

“Just seeing how much enjoyment he had here last season and seeing how intent he was on getting back to be a part of things this season gave me a lot of confidence and made me feel at ease when we finally sat down to make the final decision.

“I have seen quite a bit of Scottish football down the years. I grew up watching Craig Moore and Mark Viduka.

“And right now there are so many Australians here, probably the most there ever has been, so there has been a lot of interest around the league and I’ve not been immune to that.

“Neil Lennon was a great player himself and that was definitely one of the reasons that I wanted to come here, that competitive edge he has.

“It always helps having Australians who have lived in the city to speak to. That’s a massive part of coming to a football team as well, you need to know where you’re going and what you’re heading in to.

“I’ve not heard a person say a bad word about Edinburgh and again that was another factor that helped me make up my mind. I have young children so that was important too.

“With so many Australians here at the minute, probably the most there ever has been, there has been a lot of interest around this league back home and I’ve not been immune from that.

“I’m not as young as I used to be but I still want to learn. I thought I could learn here, that this was a place where I could face a new challenge. I need to be continually tested. The gaffer (Neil Lennon) will do that and this league will do that.”

“After the World Cup I sat down, first and foremost, with my wife. I have been in the (international)set-up now for 13 years and the travelling does take its toll.

“We sat down and had a very honest talk, both spoke about what we wanted, and my wife told me I’d be crazy if I was to walk away from it now. Especially starting this new adventure here at Hibs, it has given me a fresh look at football and a fresh start.”

Police are appealing for information as part of an ongoing investigation into the abandonment of a mistreated dog in Bathgate.

Officers were called to a roundabout near to Wester Inch and the Tesco Supermarket on Blackburn Road around 1.20am on Monday 3rd September, following a report of a dog being found abandoned.

The dog, which was wandering alone but could barely walk, was severely malnourished with its ribs visible and had cuts and untreated abscesses on its body.

The dog was taken to an emergency vets in Whitburn however, despite their best efforts, the dog sadly had to be euthanised the following day (Tuesday 4th September).

The dog was described as male, a Staffy-cross and golden-coloured. He was not microchipped or wearing a collar when found.

PC Kat Mackay of Bathgate Police Station said: “This poor animal was clearly in pain and needed urgent medical treatment, but was instead left alone to suffer.

“By the time help came, it was sadly too late. His health continued to deteriorate and he had to be put down. Our enquiries into this continue and we’re asking for the help of the local community.

“If anyone recognises this dog, or may have seen someone leave him in the area, I would urge them to contact either us or Crimestoppers anonymously as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0236 of 3rd September, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sharon Gill 45 works for NHS Lothian at the Western General. While she was on a night out her professional skills swung into action and she helped an elderly lady who had a nasty head injury in the street.

The 87 year-old had fallen and cracked her head which was bleeding.

Recognising that the woman needed vital help, Sharon went to her aid and directed relatives and police officers at the scene. She made sure that the woman remained both conscious and breathing until emergency services arrived.

Sharon said: “If I see someone that needs my help like that, I would never walk away for anything. It’s my job, even outside of working hours.

“I always try to think, what if this was happening to me or one of my loved ones? I would want someone to step up and help. That’s how I always think about my patients as well.

“I just hope the lady is alright now.

“You should always stop and help, even if you’re not sure how. Sometimes just holding someone’s hand and asking them if they’re alright can make a world of difference.”

Although Sharon may have been a reluctant hero, her actions were commended by the police officers who worked with her throughout the incident. They wrote to the anaesthetic practitioner’s managers the following day to praise her “outstanding” actions.

In the letter sent to Sharon’s managers, the police officer in attendance during this incidence said: “I wanted to pass my thanks on to Sharon, but also highlight the assistance which she provided during the incident, which was outstanding. Sharon is a credit to you and your team and we were very grateful for her assistance in dealing with the matter.”

Sharon, who mostly works with breast cancer patients at the Western General Hospital, didn’t tell her colleagues how her night out took a dramatic turn.

But when Lorraine Murray, the clinical lead for the department, received the letter, she wasn’t surprised that Sharon had been singled out for praise.

She said:  “This is just so Sharon. She always goes above and beyond for everyone. She takes care of every patient that comes into the hospital as if she knows them personally.

“She comes in when she has annual leave or even on her birthday, to support her patients when she knows that they need her.”

Edinburgh children in need of a holiday will go on a break to Ardvullin near Fort William next month courtesy of two charities.

Children’s charity HopScotch is able to offer two dozen youngsters from Edinburgh a break away from issues like drug misuse and mental health issues thanks to funding from the Aberdeen Standard Investments’ Charltable Foundation.

They are heading for Ardvullin which is set in five acres overlooking Loch Linnhe to enjoy walking, cycling, horse-riding and day trips.

HopScotch manager Roberta McKay said: “Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation has been a generous supporter of our work and it’s thanks to its support that we are able to offer 24 children from Edinburgh the chance to experience a HopScotch break this year. They are from organisations that support families affected by alcohol/drug misuse, domestic abuse, incarceration, mental health issues, crime and unemployment, so these young people really deserve a respite from their everyday lives, and the chance to have fun and enjoy themselves in a safe and nurturing environment. These young people have never or rarely been out of the city due to their family circumstances and this has impacted on their confidence and self-esteem. Many suffer due to parental health issues, parental drug alcohol misuse or domestic abuse so the opportunity to have a break where they can be children without the worries and responsibilities of daily life is of tremendous benefit to them.

“They are accompanied by carers who work closely with HopScotch’s project worker throughout their respite break. Offering this memory-making holiday at Ardvullin gives them a real break from their challenging and stressful home environments.”

Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation said: “Edinburgh is regarded as one of the wealthiest cities in Scotland but it also has its share of social and economic challenges. Having supported the work of HopScotch before, we know the difference these recuperative breaks can make to young people who often experience chaotic home lives and we’re pleased that 24 young people will be able to go on a much-needed break where they can enjoy some relaxation and fun in the Scottish Highlands.”

The Foundation was established in 2012 to develop the group’s charitable giving. It works with smaller charities worldwide to have a meaningful impact.