Matt said: “The TV course has been a brilliant journey. Colleagues often ask where I find my energy, and sometimes I have to ask myself the same thing, especially at 4am when I have forgotten to go to bed. Perhaps my endurance and resilience comes from my 12 years as a commando.

“Taxi driving and interacting with customers also allowed me to refine my interview skills, and I occasionally picked up customers from the TV and film world, including Angus Deayton, Ian Lavender, Paul Merton, Alexei Sayle, Ruth Madoc and Steven Berkoff, who had an influence on my chosen career.”

It is describes as the most dramatic walk in Europe. Big claim but, in this case, there is justification.

Basically, it is a cliff walk which takes you within touching distance of the sea and with the possibility of seeing porpoise and dolphin.

The Gobbins Path was masterminded by the Irish railway engineer, Berkley Dean Wise.

It originally opened in 1902 and was later abandoned in the 1960’s until an investment of over £7.5m brought about its rebirth in 2015.

It takes around 2.5 hours to do the fully-guided tour and you do need a good level of fitness as there is a one in five gradient climb at the end and the cliff path is tight with 50 flights of stairs to negotiate.

Safety is a premium but the effort is worthwhile. Yes, we saw it on a stunning day as the sun split the sky.

We tasted sea salt on your lips, felt the soft Irish Sea breeze, listened to our excellent guide Mandy to hear tales of local smugglers and saw a host native sea birds.

We didn’t see any dophins swimming off the rugged coastline but the walk along a narrow path hugging the dramatic cliff face is an adventure.

Health and safety includes wearing a hard hat and sturdy walking boots which are provided.

No bags are allowed and lockers are provided at the well-appointed and busy café/shop where you start the memorable tour.

The Gobbins is an adventure which starts with interactive exhibition telling the history of The Gobbins Path, its flora and fauna, and the story of how the path was reborn.

There is free car parking at the visitor centre and the staff there are slick and provide hearty meals at reasonable cost. The pear and parsnip soup was stunning and the Irish stew with special bread was superb.

The cake selection attracted several members of our party.

We travelled over by P&O Ferries and returned with Stena Line and stayed at The Ballygally Castle Hotel.

The month before the Fringe hits is a time for art lovers to prepare and rest before the full absurdity of festival.  It might be the quiet before the storm, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be bored.  From clay mountains to indie campouts, there’s a chance for everyone to create.

July starts with a bang at the Fruitmarket Gallery and Tacita Dean’s Woman with a Red Hat from 7 July to 30 September. Dean’s use of pioneering techniques to play with truth and fiction and the element of performance behind this themes, has produced pieces only more weighty in today’s society.

ECA’s Dead Images exhibition continues with talks and tours showcasing the exploration into collected skulls.  The lunchtime talks begin with a deep questioning of the duplicitous side of western museum collections ‘From touch to taboo: The ethics of handling human remains’ 5 July, 12pm-1.

While it was sad to say goodbye to the Talbot Rice’s impressive Trading Zones, the gallery’s next exhibition Lucy Skaer |The Green Man, 26 July to 6 October, promises to be a stimulating look into the historical collection through reinvention, referencing Pagan and Christian religions, and the natural world.

Maybe take a trip on the wild side and check out Jupiter Artland Campout Romanti-Crash!  From 3pm till early morning on July 28 campers can see music from Martin Creed, The Fish Police, Tomaga, and many more.  Talks and workshops from contemporary artists will also take place in the striking Jupiter sculpture park.

Ingleby Gallery continues to take advantage of their dramatic new gallery space in Broughton with Jacob’s Ladder, 26 July to 20 October.  The exhibition includes artists like Cornelia Parker, Alicja Kwade, and Georges Méliès, whose work can be used to traverse the imaginative territory between the interstellar, the Heavens, and earth.

This month Rhubaba will be presenting a listening lounge curated by Andrea Zarza, a place where visitors can listen to archival and contemporary recordings which explore ‘labours of love’.  All in a Day’s Work, 28 July till 19 August, and will allow visitors to sit within in the gallery in listening stations and explore domestic struggle.

A look at current design and art processes can be found at Custom Lane where studio residents have been asked to relocate to the gallery where visitors can engage with the artists at work, 2 July to 2 August.

Dovecot Gallery presents the hotly anticipated LIBERTY Art Fabrics and Fashion from 28 July until 31 August.  Before this exhibition starts, visitors can enjoy a 3-Day Tapestry Weaving Workshop, with tickets still available to buy online, starting on 10 July.

Visitors to Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop can take part in Clay Mountain from 29 July to 12 August.  The experimental clay piece is a uniquely collaborative piece where it is free for anyone to alter the evolving four-tonne clay sculpture. This process will run for the first two weeks of Charlotte Barker’s Flotilla also being shown at ESW.

MSPs gathered at the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday) to show support for Poppyscotland’s ‘Count Them In’ campaign. By highlighting the knowledge gap that is created by relevant questions not being included in the Census, the campaign seeks to identify where members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland live, and the issues they face, in order to tailor services accordingly.

Leading the call on the Garden Lobby Steps were MSPs Maurice Corry and Jackie Baillie, who serve as Convenor and Deputy Convenor respectively of the Armed Forces and Veterans Cross-party Group. The event to support Count Them In received strong cross-party support, including from the leaders of all the main Holyrood parties and more than half of all MSPs. Also in attendance was Poppyscotland’s Chief Executive, Mark Bibbey.

Mr Corry MSP said: “More and more local authorities are now seeking to incorporate information on those in the Armed Forces and veterans community in order to accurately deliver the services that they require, having served their country. I commend Poppyscotland’s campaign to have questions about the Armed Forces community included in the 2021 Census and fully believe such a campaign should be supported by all in order to enable the best services to be delivered to our veterans throughout the country.”

Ms Baillie said: “I am delighted to support Poppyscotland and The Royal British Legion’s campaign. Our country’s Servicemen and Servicewomen have done so much for us, so it is incredibly important that they are counted in official statistics. If we really want to be able to provide the help and support that the Armed Forces community needs then we should know where they live and what their needs may be. The photocall at the Scottish Parliament will allow politicians from across all parties to show their support for the campaign and for our service men and women.”

Mr Bibbey added: “Poppyscotland is delighted to have received great support among MSPs including party leaders today to add to the support for our Count Them In campaign already received from seven local authorities and a majority of MPs.

“As a nation, we promise to provide lifelong care and support for those who serve our country. By including the Armed Forces community in the 2021 Census, we can help public bodies and charities deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community, when and where it is needed most. It is important to know where members of our Armed Forces community in Scotland live, and the issues they face, in order to tailor our services accordingly.”

In Scotland, it is estimated that there are up to 545,000 in the Armed Forces community. Despite numerous attempts to survey this often hidden community, however, there remains no definitive and comprehensive data to corroborate this population estimate, or accurately map the profile, needs and location of members of the Armed Forces community.

To date, the Count Them In campaign has been supported by a majority of Scottish MPs, while seven local authorities – Aberdeen, Borders, Moray, West Dunbartonshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire – have pledged their support to date.

When I’m traipsing through the lobbies of Westminster I often think how much the mother of all parliaments could learn from its reconvened and revamped cousin up the road in Edinburgh. Not just the dangerously radical idea of electronic voting – although that’d be a good start. How much is wasted from the public purse for 650 MPs to plod back and forth for hours having their heads counted when it could be sorted in a matter of minutes at Holyrood?

There’s also the drastically modern notion that all members should be elected by the general public. At the heart of our UK democracy is an unelected chamber rivalled in size only by China’s People’s Congress. This bloated gathering of more than 800 peers is crammed with party hacks, cronies, bishops from the establishment’s favoured church (those particular seats available only for men) and has-been MPs who were rejected by the electorate, all turning up to collect £300 per day in expenses and have a jolly lunch by the Thames. Ironic they had more of a say than Scotland’s elected MPs on the EU
Withdrawal Bill’s reshaping of our democracy.

At every level in this place the archaic procedures seem designed to do nothing but frustrate. There’s the regular ‘talking out’ of Private Members’ Bills, with blustering opponents rambling on to kill all available time and stop a vote taking place on something that could improve people’s lives. This unedifying spectacle leaves anyone who witnesses it feeling utterly demoralised and disenchanted with politics. Simple limits on speaking time would put an end to all that puffed-up baloney.

Even getting a Private Members’ Bill to the stage where it can be talked out needs a bit of luck and a lot of work. You have to win a ballot, with the deputy speaker pulling numbered balls out of a jar, for the privilege of having a go at making laws. Only then do those chosen MPs have to come up with an idea for legislation, rather than developing a good idea first then putting proposals forward for equal consideration with others. That would be the sensible way to go about things, that’s the way they do it in Holyrood,
but you don’t get much which makes sense down here.

Only last week we saw the absurd situation where a bill to criminalise upskirting in England & Wales was derailed by a solitary Tory MP. The rules meant that after 2.30 on a Friday only a single objection is enough to stop a bill progressing. Up pops Tory Chris Chope to do his civic duty (?) and bring to a grinding halt all the effort to make this perverse practice the crime it deserves to be.

It may be back to the drawing board at Westminster but thankfully we’ve got a Scottish Parliament that gets things done and upskirting is already a specific criminal offence here

The architecture of Westminster doesn’t exactly help make the place dynamic, in fact it may well be part of the problem. It’s crammed with nooks and crannies, hard to negotiate, dark and imposing and secretive. It’s as if it were deliberately designed to intimidate any young whippersnappers who dare to come in with fresh ideas and energy.

By contrast Holyrood’s plethora of glass and light is a breath of fresh air, the building blending with the landscape outside rather than an impenetrable fortress. There are still lots of bad habits to be ironed out from the politicians but by and large it helps create a more open, accessible and transparent culture.

The Houses of Parliament is a fascinating museum, but it no longer works. When the MPs vacate this dilapidated palace for repairs, expected around 2025,  they should move on to a modern purpose-built place leaving behind the peers and pomp and the ridiculous procedures. I hope the Scottish MPs will have vacated long before then, we already have the parliament we need, but it would be good to see all parts of the UK better served by their democratic institutions. It would also be far cheaper than paying a ridiculous repair
bill which already has wildly fluctuating estimates from 3.5 to 7 billion pounds.

Time to move on and leave Westminster for the tourists, the history buffs and the lovers of peculiar oddities to enjoy.

Edinburgh Leisure’s iconic Victorian Dalry Swim Centre will be closing for a major refurbishment on Friday, 13 July, with a planned reopening in early December 2018.

The significant investment in the building will include:

• Mechanical and electrical upgrade including wiring and new ventilation system to make the building more energy efficient;
• A self-service kiosk and access facilities to make it quicker and easier for customers to enter the building and enjoy their activities, avoiding queues;
• New toilet and changing facilities, including disabled and family provisions;
• New tiling, flooring and cosmetic upgrade throughout the building.

Wendy Avinou, Leisure Manager at Dalry Swim Centre said: “Whilst there’s never a good time to close for a refurbishment, we’re investing a significant amount in this much loved and well-used Victorian building, to ensure that we can continue to offer a venue that’s very much at the heart of the community and that’s fit for purpose for many years to come.

“Whilst the refurbishment is taking place, Dalry-only members will be upgraded giving them access to Edinburgh Leisure’s other venues to ensure they can continue to keep active and healthy at the biggest club in town, with the closest gym being Craiglockhart Leisure Centre and the nearest swimming pool being the beautiful Victorian Warrender Swim Centre.”

Updates will be posted on Edinburgh Leisure’s social media channels and website during the closure.

A hidden gem in the west city centre, Dalry Swim Centre is located on Caledonian Crescent, just off Dalry and around a five-minute walk from Haymarket Station.

This beautifully presented Victorian bath has a real community feel, with a traditional 25-yard swimming pool bathed in natural light, two saunas, one on the poolside and one on the balcony and a compact but fully functional gym.

Eighteen year Spanish student wins prestigious music prize

Scotland’s national music school’s highly prestigious Directors’ Recital Prize 2018 has been won by an eighteen year old student pianist from Alicante, Spain.

Salvador Sanchez, an S6 pupil, was declared the winner of the 18th annual competition following a closely contested final with three other senior soloists from St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh, Scotland’s national music school.

The finalists were (L to R William Fielding (piano) aged 18 from Blackburn in England, Emma Baird (violin) aged 17 who hails from Prestwick, Fraser Mason (piano) aged 15 from Stow in the Scottish Borders and Salvador.

The four senior finalist soloists competed before a distinguished panel of judges for the award which took place at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh.

This year’s judges were James Cook, Director of St Mary’s School, Bill Chandler, Director of Artistic Planning and Engagement and Duncan Ferguson, Lecturer in Strings and Chamber Music Co-ordinator, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Salvador played Scarletti Sonata in D Minor K141, Britten ‘Night Piece’ and Chopin Ballade No.1 in G Minor Op.23.

Salvador said: “It has been such an honour wining the Director’s Recital Prize. I could not believe it when I heard my name being announced, especially after hearing such a high standard of performances from my fellow competitors.”

Dr Kenneth Taylor, Headteacher at St Mary’s Music School, said: “This year we had 25 entries for the Directors’ Recital Prize and I would like to congratulate all pupils on their performances. The very high standard we witnessed is a tribute to the hard work, enthusiasm and musicianship of our pupils, their teachers and accompanists.

“I congratulate Salvador on his well-deserved win which is a reflection of his talent and dedication to music.

“The prize is donated annually by the school’s board of directors and provides pupils with experience of public solo performance in a competition situation. For aspiring professional musicians, audiences are vital and I thank everyone who attended to listen and support the four young finalists”.

Salvador has been at St Mary’s Music School since September 2016 and started playing piano at the age of nine. He had lessons from well-known pianists in Valencia and Barcelona and in 2014, Salvador was awarded the second prize at the ‘XXV11 National Piano Competition’ in Toledo.

In 2017, Salvador was awarded the first prize in the Isobel Dunlop Composition competition for his string quartet ‘Black Rhapsody’ and he has performed recitals as a soloist around Spain. He is currently studying piano with Margaret Wakeford and composition with Tom David Wilson.

Emma Baird studies violin at St Mary’s Music School and Junior Conservatoire, RCS. She plays in several chamber ensembles, symphony orchestras and enjoys giving regular solo and group performances across the UK. Emma has appeared as concerto soloist with numerous orchestras and ensembles and has won many top prizes at the Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayrshire music festivals, most notably the Ailie Cullen award for ‘the most outstanding performance of the Glasgow Festival’ and the Edinburgh Competition Festival Concerto Competition.

Fraser Mason is from Stow in the Scottish Borders. He began to play piano at the age of seven and came to St Mary’s Music School when he was ten. He has participated in some masterclasses and was fortunate enough to get a lesson with Yuja Wang after a concert and lessons with Steven Osborne (a former pupil at St Mary’s Music School). In the future Fraser hopes to continue to study the piano abroad or study maths at Oxford or Cambridge.

William Fielding has been studying at St Mary’s Music School since he was sixteen. During this time, he has explored solo repertoire and chamber music as a member of the Strathearn Piano Trio with fellow pupils, Brìona and Finn Mannion. He has received masterclasses from Martin Roscoe, Joanna MacGregor and Mohammed Shams and has performed in venues such as The Queen’s Hall (Edinburgh), St Mary’s Cathedral, Blackburn Cathedral, Leeds Town Hall and The Barbican.

Finlay Pretsell’s documentary follows Scottish-born David Millar on his final season in cycling in 2014 as he attempts to gain selection for what will be his 13th Tour de France.

Millar bought his first road bike aged 15 and when he turned 18 he moved to France to race. Hailed as “Britain’s new cycling hope,” he was soon winning stages of the Tour de France, La Vuelta a Espana and World Championships. In 2004 Millar received a two-year cycling ban after being caught and admitting taking banned performance-enhancing drugs. Upon his return from the ban he became a prominent anti-doping campaigner, and took on part ownership of the Garmin Slipstream team to foster their anti-doping stance.

Much of the racing footage is filmed from Miller’s point of view so we hear the noise of the crowd, his laboured breathing and expletive laden conversations with fellow riders. It’s a tough watch – Millar is at the end of a career which appears to involve repeatedly torturing his body in gruelling 300km races through mountains in horrendous conditions. At 37 his form is dwindling, and he asks himself: “Why am I so weak when the others are so strong?”

The film is interspersed with interview footage of Millar sitting in the dark, often unable to even make eye contact. He comes across as petulant, especially when questioned on the doping scandal which he feels he’s exhausted in his autobiographies. In the end Millar doesn’t make it to his 13^th Tour de France – he’s dropped by his team due to poor form. He cries for the first time since he heard the news and we’re finally given a moment of emotional connection.

Likely a must-see for cycling enthusiasts who want to be immersed in the racing action but this isn’t a feel-good movie with a happy ending – it feels more like self-flagellation. Millar is so angry – at his body letting him down and with his team for dropping him but I just couldn’t relate to him on a human level and left the film with more questions than answers.

Time Trial is showing at The Cameo, more details can be found here.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell has confirmed that his department, as well as the Office of the Advocate General, will be joining the new UK Government Hub in the New Waverley Development in Edinburgh. 

The new Hub will bring together nearly 3,000 UK Government civil servants, from a range of departments, by 2020. It will improve the work of the UK Government in Scotland, enabling closer collaboration between departments, helping them deliver better services for people in Scotland. It is a key part of the UK Government’s commitment to building a strong Civil Service outside London. At present the Scotland Office is in Melville Street.

Mr Mundell said: “The UK Government is delivering for Scotland. It is right that we have the right facilities to enable staff from across the whole of the UK Government to work together to deliver high quality services. The UK Government Hub demonstrates our commitment to supporting the Edinburgh economy – which we are also driving through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal”.

The government estimates that the UK Government Hubs programme will save more than £2 billion of public money over twenty years,  relocating civil servants from existing, often fragmented office locations, to modern, cross-departmental workplaces.

The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Office of the Advocate General, will be joined by other UK Government departments and bodies including HMRC, the Office for Statistics Regulation, the Information Commissioner’s Office, the Government Actuary’s Department and HM Treasury.

Hibs contacted Ticketmaster UK yesterday following reports of a data breach.

Earlier this week, the ticketing services company announced that roughly 5% of its entire customer base had been affected, resulting in the theft of customer data, login information and payment details.

International users who purchased or attempted to purchase tickets between September 2017 and June 23 this year are affected.

UK users are also thought to be affected to a lesser degree.

Ticketmaster UK confirmed to the club that the breach does not impact on any supporters interacting through the club’s eTicketing platform.

A statement on the official club’s website reads: “Supporters who have received correspondence from Ticketmaster regarding the breach will have done so because they have purchased tickets through other Ticketmaster platforms (e.g concert tickets).”

Two of Paul Hanlon’s team mates in the historic Scottish Cup Final victory over Rangers in 2016 have paid tribute to his character and ability ahead of next weekend’s testimonial match against Blackburn Rovers.

Hanlon has been a stalwart in the Hibs’ defence in recent years and his form led to a call-up for the senior Scotland squad in November last year for a friendly against the Netherlands.

He had already been capped 23 times for the Under-21s.

The popular defender was voted as the club’s Player of the Year in March 2014 but was ruled out for the remainder of the season. At the time of his injury, Hibs were seven points clear of danger however without him, Hibs went on a losing streak and were eventually relegated.

Since then, Hanlon has helped Hibs to a famous Scottish Cup victory and promotion as Champions back to the top flight.

His equalising goal at Tynecastle will never be forgotten by the Hibs’ supporters.

Last season he played an important role in the club’s qualification for Europe and his ten year’s of first team action has seen him rewarded with a testimonial match against Tony Mowbray’s side.

Typically, like his friend Lewis Stevenson, a significant proportion of the money received will go to local charities

Liam Henderson who now plays in Italy with Bari said:  “Honestly what a player and a person Paul Hanlon is. I sat next to him in the dressing room in my time at Easter Road. He was one of the guys who took the time to take me aside and give me advice I]on the things that I could do to improve.

“One thing I remember is that before a game he would always tell me to go out and express myself. As a young player that was great to hear and tremendous advice.

“Paul deserves everything he gets He also has a better left foot than Jason Cummings!”

Lewis Stevenson said: “I have been lucky enough to have played with Paul over all the years he has graced Easter Road.

“I knew from the beginning that he was going to be a top player and in my opinion he has been the most important player in the club’s recent history. He has amazing defensive capabilities.

“His reading of the game is matched by his excellent range of passing – not to mention the fact that Pau’s chipped in with some very important goals. It’s been a pleasure to play alongside Paul and he has made my job a whole lot easier.

“I’m also privileged to call Paul one of my true friends. It’s been great to see him go from a fresh-faced teenager to a great husband to Danielle and an amazing dad to Ollie.

“He’s a life-long Hibby and for me he will go down as one of the greats. I’m sure the supporters will give him the testimonial he deserves.”

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault on Fernbank Livingston which took place around 5.30pm yesterday.

A 25-year-old man was hit on the head with a bottle as he waited outside the Superfare store and subsequently required hospital treatment for his injuries.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who saw the assault or who has information that can assist them with their inquiries to please get in touch.

The suspect is described as a white male with very short brown hair, around 6ft tall, of medium build and with tattoos down his right arm.

Detective Constable Kenneth Alexander of Livingston CID said: “This assault has left a man needing hospital treatment for a serious head injury and we are keen to trace the person responsible.

“Anyone who was in the area around 5.30pm on Thursday or who has information, including CCTV footage that can assist us in tracing the suspect is asked to please get in contact.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 3323 of 28th June or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road collision which took place around midday today in West Granton Road.

A 66-year-old female pedestrian sustained serious injuries when she was involved in a collision with a 24 year old male cyclist.

She was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and later transferred to the Western General Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

The cyclist sustained minor injuries.

Inquiries into the full circumstance of this collision are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Constable Denise Humphrey from the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit said: “This has been a very serious collision that has left the pedestrian with serious injuries and we are working to establish exactly what happened.

“If you were on West Granton Road on Thursday afternoon and witnessed the incident, or if you have any other information relevant to our ongoing inquiries then please contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact the Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh via 101 and quote incident number 1573 of the 28th June.

Detectives investigating an armed robbery in the city centre have released CCTV images of a man that they believe may have information that can assist them with their investigation.

The incident took place at Papa John’s on South Clerk Street around 11.15am on Friday 22nd June.

A 21-year-old staff member was approached in the basement area of the premises, where they were threatened, and a four-figure sum of cash was subsequently stolen.

He is described as white, around 6ft tall, of heavy build and with a pale complexion.

He is pictured wearing a black hat, a black jumper with a front pocket, black skinny jeans with rips on the legs, and Converse-style black and white trainers.

Detective Constable Stephen Herd of Gayfield CID said: “This was a distressing incident for the staff member who, thankfully, was not injured during this incident.

” We’re asking anyone who may recognise the man pictured, or who has any information which could be relevant to the ongoing investigation, to contact us or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1315 of 22 June, or report this anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Our friends at Capital Theatres have announced the return of Rowan Glen as the official sponsor of the King’s Theatre Edinburgh pantomime for the second year running.

Beauty and the Beast unites dame Allan Stewart, ‘eejit’ Andy Gray and resident villain Grant Stott in their 15^th King’s Edinburgh panto together. Their unique onstage chemistry and the dedicated Edinburgh audiences who come back year after year to see them have made the King’s pantomime the most successful in Scotland and one of the highest grossing pantomimes in the UK.

Arts & Business Scotland will provide 50% match-funding of Rowan Glen’s sponsorship through their Culture & Business Fund Scotland (CBFS), which aims to encourage active collaboration between businesses and the cultural sector.

Duncan Hendry, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres, added: “We’re delighted to have Rowan Glen on board as sponsors again this year. The ongoing support means we can build on our successes to make it an even bigger show this year. We also very grateful for the support from Arts & Business Scotland’s CBFS, which helps us develop the relationship with Rowan Glen.”

Udderly fantastic photo fun! Look out for Rowan Glen competitions with lots of panto prizes and opportunities for audiences to take selfies with Rowan Glen’s mascot, Bonnie the Cow!

Beauty and the Beast opens on Saturday 1 December 2018 and runs until Sunday 20 January 2019.

www.capitaltheatres.com/beautyandbeast

www.rowan-glen.com

University of Edinburgh scientists are monitoring one of the world’s most active volcanoes to study the link between earthquakes and eruptions.

They are tracking the seismic activity on Isabela Island in the Pacific Ocean – which is releasing violent flows of lava – to find out how one earthquake can cause others and may ultimately trigger volcanic activity.

Researchers claim that studying the Sierra Negra volcano in the Galapagos Islands will help improve forecasts for earthquakes and eruptions.

The amount of molten rock inside the volcano – called magma – increased in recent months, causing its surface to rise by more than one metre and triggering thousands of tiny earthquakes. This was apparently an indication that an imminent eruption was possible.

The recent activity had also critically stressed rocks that form the volcano’s outer structure. This led to small tremors being triggered by distant earthquakes in a volatile region – called the Pacific Ring of Fire – which accounts for 90 per cent of all seismic activity.

A team from the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences set up 14 seismometers to monitor Sierra Negra’s activity prior to eruption during a visit to Isabela Island in April.

Data captured by the instruments will allow researchers to study interactions between local tremors triggered by the build-up and release of magma and those caused by distant earthquakes. This will help them identify key factors that influence how and when a volcano could erupt.

The team plans to return to the island later this year, and again in 2019, to complete its study. They are currently working closely with Ecuador’s national geophysical institute to monitor changes in the ongoing eruption.

The project is funded by Natural Environment Research Council and supported by the Galápagos National Park. It involves researchers from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Ireland, and the Instituto Geofisico at the Escuela Politecnica Nacional, Ecuador.

Dr Andrew Bell, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences, who is leading the project, said: “Sierra Negra is providing us with an exciting natural laboratory to study the complex interplay between earthquakes and volcanoes approaching eruption. A better understanding of these processes will help improve forecasts.”

Nicola Sturgeon’s eleven are hoping to win the Independence World Cup, or at least to take Scotland into the top ten small countries in the world.  It’s been reshuffle week in the government here. And it’s been difficult to stay cool about it, with the highest June temperatures for over 20 years.

So while the rest of us were enjoying warm, dry days with almost cloudless blue skies, (in Glasgow the temperature reached 32 degrees Celsius) the First Minister was planning to refresh her team, most of whom had been in the same job for several years.  Half the cabinet has been replaced and “new talent” has been brought into the squad of 15 junior ministers.  Their job will be to breathe new fire (being careful not to set the heather alight in this dry weather) into the administration, solve some of its mounting problems, and prepare for the next election and, possibly another referendum on independence.

The biggest loss is the health secretary, Shona Robison, a close friend of Ms Sturgeon. She actually resigned for personal reasons, rather than being sacked, but she was being blamed for recent failings in the NHS. Unfairly, in my view, since the basic problem is a lack of funding and increasing expectations.  Only a few days ago she managed to offer nurses and other low-paid staff a 9 per cent pay rise over the next three years.

The other notable departure is Keith Brown, only recently elected deputy leader of the SNP. He is leaving his post as Economy Secretary to concentrate on party campaigning and election planning.  Another sign of battle preparation is the promotion of the old warhorse Mike Russell to full cabinet status as “Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations”, in other words fighting the good fight over Brexit, exploiting the shambles at Westminster for independence purposes at home.

Humza Yousaf, who has been an unusually competent Transport Minister, gains promotion to be Secretary for Justice.  His job will be to rescue Police Scotland from its troubles over senior management and computer and call centre problems.  He’s the first Asian to enter the Scottish Cabinet.

Several women gain promotion. Jeane Freeman takes on the challenge of the Health portfolio.  Shirley-Anne Somerville will be in charge of establishing the new department of Social Security, just as Scotland gains more responsibilities for welfare benefits.  And Aileen Campbell becomes Secretary for Local Government, with a special focus on tackling poverty.  More than half the cabinet are now women.

One woman who may not make it into the junior ranks is Gillian Martin. Soon after her appointment as a junior Education Minister was announced, someone dug up an embarrassing blog she’d written more than a decade ago containing insulting remarks about transgender people.  She didn’t really mean them of course but that was probably the end of her ministerial career, although the First Minister said in parliament she was still considering the appointment.   Harsh, but a lesson for us all in taking care in what we write.

Some old stagers remain, notably Fergus Ewing, Secretary for Rural Affairs, Roseanna Cunningham Secretary for the Environment, Fiona Hyslop as Culture Secretary and John Swinney as education secretary, despite having to climb down this week over his plans for a new education bill to give headteachers more powers.

Overall, the SNP government has remained surprisingly stable, despite having to pass on Westminster budget cuts and increase taxes, and despite the various missed targets in health and education. The party still leads the opinion polls with an approval rating of about 40 per cent and support for independence is holding steady at around 45 per cent.

The government shake-up comes at the end of term.  Holidays beckon for everyone.  688,959 school pupils are free for the summer. In the next few days 60,000 students will emerge from graduation halls, throwing their caps in the air. And the sun continues to shine.  They’ll be selling out of ice cream at this weekend’s 30^th annual Game Fair at Scone Palace in Perthshire.

Countryside rangers have been warning us about starting wildfires. Like the one in West Lothian where a large area of woodland has been destroyed near the village of Fauldhouse. The staff at Cairngorm National Park appealed for visitors not to light barbecues.  Tarmac melted on roads in Aberdeenshire. The roof of the Science Centre in Glasgow began dripping “goo” (a scientific term for “pitch”).  Train services across Central Scotland ran slowly as speed limits were placed on over-heated tracks.

As I said, we are losing our cool.

Finally, we’ve had another flag story this week. Apparently the Scotland Office at Dover House in London has been flying the red and white St George’s Cross from its flagpole on the days when England is playing in the World Cup, like that less than thrilling pass-back game against Belgium on Thursday evening.

But, according to the Scottish Secretary David Mundell (Westminster’s secretary for Scotland) the deal is that, in return,  all government offices in London will fly the Scottish saltire when Scotland is playing in the World Cup in 2022!

I wonder if the Sturgeon eleven will still be around.

Police Scotland’s two-week Summer Drink Drive Campaign begins today.

Police are warning drivers to leave their car at home when enjoying a drink during the summer months. Over the next two weeks, we will be conducting intelligence-led high visibility patrols and roadside checks to detect those driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Officers will also be looking out for early morning motorists that may still be under the influence from the night before.

Last year 5,791 drivers were detected being over the limit. It was only slightly less than the previous year (5,887) but a high proportion of drivers are still putting themselves and others at risk of being killed or seriously injured. Police Scotland is committed to achieving the Scottish Government’s 2020 casualty reduction targets by tackling the risks associated with drink/drug driving.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “For many of us, the holiday season is just about to start so if you’re heading out to socialise and will be drinking alcohol please consider ‘how am I going to get home?’ Whether it’s walking, catching the bus or train or arranging to share a taxi, please keep your car keys in your pocket. Help us to keep our roads safe for everyone this summer.”

Humza Yousaf, Justice Secretary said: “Most drivers understand the real damage that can be caused to themselves and others by drink driving. However, it is shocking that there remains a persistent minority who continue to disregard the law and the welfare of other road users.

“This is a timely campaign by Police Scotland as summer begins and we continue to enjoy the longer evenings, better weather, and a host of exciting sporting events including football, golf and tennis. The message from me and all road safety partners is clear – when it comes to drinking and driving, the best advice is none.

“It is a minimum 12 month driving ban if you are caught, a criminal record, a substantial fine and the possibility of a prison sentence. Drink driving wrecks lives, so it is simply not worth it for the sake of one drink. Please plan ahead, think about how you are getting home and continue to respect the law, other road users and yourself.”

The line-up for this year’s “Best of the Fest” – a chance to see some of the most popular films from the Film Festival – has been announced. The following eight film screenings take place in Filmhouse on Sunday 1 July 2018, giving audiences a chance to catch up on movies they may have missed (or want to see again) from this year’s programme.

Incredibles 2 10:55

If you missed the sold-out Family Gala of the long-awaited sequel to beloved Disney Pixar film The Incredibles here’s another chance to see the movie before its general release on 13 July. Everyone’s favourite superhero family is back but this time Helen (Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (Craig T. Nelson) at home with Violet (Sarah Vowell) and Dash (Huck Milner) to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transition for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) must find a way to work together again – which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.

Storm in My Heart 11:00

Hollywood movie stars Susan Hayward and Lena Horne were born on the same day – June 30th, 1917 – and in the same place, Brooklyn, New York. This, director Mark Cousins felt, made them twins of a sort in film history. And their connections continued. Both starred in American musicals. Both went to live in the US state of Georgia. As one was white, and one was African American, their movie careers were rather different. Taking two of their most famous films – Horne’s Stormy Weather (1943) and Hayward’s With A Song In My Heart (1952) – Edinburgh-based filmmaker Cousins explores their connections, and what classic Hollywood cinema leaves out.

Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) 11:10

After several unsuccessful suicide attempts, 27-year-old William (Aneurin Barnard) outsources the task to Leslie (Tom Wilkinson), a hitman on the brink of retirement who specialises in assisted death. But with the contract signed and death assured within a week (or his money back) William finally discovers a reason to live when he meets the woman of his dreams (Freya Mavor) and things get more complicated for both men. Leslie has quotas to meet and as far as he’s concerned the contract is binding. A charming black comedy evocative of In Bruges with a talented British cast including Christopher Eccleston. The film also marks Guy Garvey from Elbow and Peter Jobson from I Am Kloot’s first foray into film composition.

Ideal Home 16:00

This delightful comedy balances barbed humour with  feel-good moments. Steve Coogan and Paul Rudd star as Erasmus and Paul, long-term lovers who live a carefree life in Sante Fe, where Erasmus is a kitsch celebrity TV chef and Paul his long-suffering producer. The pair’s comfortable life in an expansive ranch house becomes disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Angel (Jack Gore), Erasmus’ 10-year-old grandson he didn’t know he had. Angel’s widowed father Beau (Jake McDorman), the estranged offspring from an “experiment” with a woman that Erasmus had many years earlier, has been arrested for drug dealing. So, the boy must either stay with his grandfather or enter foster care.  Angel arrives at the couple’s home clutching a plastic bag containing cash, cocaine and a Bible and life is thrown into disarray.

The Heiresses (Las Herederas) 18:00

Chela (Ana Brun) and Chiquita (Margarita Irun), both descended from wealthy families in Asunción, Paraguay, have been together for over 30 years. But recently their financial situation has worsened, and they begin selling off their inherited possessions. But when their debts lead to Chiquita being imprisoned on fraud charges, Chela is forced to face a new reality. Driving for the first time in years, she begins to provide a local taxi service to a group of elderly wealthy ladies. As Chela settles into her new life, she encounters the much younger Angy (Ana Ivanova), forging a fresh and invigorating new connection. Chela finally begins to break out of her shell and engage with the world, embarking on her own personal, intimate revolution.

C’est la vie! (Le Sens de la fête) 18:15

The directors of French hit The Intouchables Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache are back with a comedy about the chaotic preparations of a wedding set in a 17th century chateaux. A cantankerous French caterer (Jean-Pierre Bacri) must try to create a fairy-tale wedding while relying on the most disorganized group of waiters, cooks, photographers and wedding singers in the history of holy matrimonies. This is an expertly assembled, tartly played and hugely enjoyable romp with a broad multi-ethnic and multi-generational cast, all driven by a breezy score that delivers real, irreverent pleasure.

Terminal 20:30

Margot Robbie stars as a mysterious woman involved in a series of dark and dangerous events in Terminal, which she also produces. Writer-director Vaughn Stein’s film is a stylish, twisting and shrewdly complex noir-style revenge thriller. Set against the backdrop in the dark heart of a sprawling, anonymous city, the film follows two assassins (Dexter Fletcher and Max Irons) on a deadly mission, a teacher (Simon Pegg) facing a fatal illness, an enigmatic janitor (Mike Myers) and a waitress (Robbie) who leads a double life. Murderous consequences unravel in the dead of night as their lives all intertwine at the hands of a mysterious criminal mastermind hell-bent on revenge.

Flammable Children (Swinging Safari) 20:45

Everybody needs good neighbours in Swinging Safari. But under the raucous guidance of Stephan Elliott (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), no one fits that description. Reuniting with Guy Pearce after 23 years — and reteaming Pearce with his former soap co-star Kylie Minogue — the Australian writer/director recreates the unruly antics of 70s beachside suburbia as both a comedic account and a nostalgic tale. An energetic, irreverent, autobiographically inspired affair filled with key swapping, children running amok and a rotting 200-tonne whale. A glossy, kitsch and gloriously rude film

Tickets are available to buy now, are £8 (£5 for under 16’s) and can be purchased online, by calling 0131 623 8030 or in person at a Festival Box Office.

It is all aboard the Caledonian Sleeper Golfers’ special as they tee off The Open with a celebration of all things golf on board its London to Aberdeen service on Thursday 5 July 2018.

The overnight rail service will welcome Bill Thompson, Captain of Carnoustie Golf Club, offering guests a glimpse into the club’s rich past and worldwide golf connections, as well as insights into this year’s championship which is set to be held in the Angus town from 19 – 22 July.

Hosted in the Lounge Car on board, guests will be able to join Bill to learn about Carnoustie Golf Club’s 176 years as one of the top courses. Memorabilia including a treasured trophy and two medals which were won by members of the Club at the U.S. Open in 1899 will also be available for guests to see.

Celebrating its 175^th anniversary last year, Carnoustie Golf Club is recognised as one of the key players in bringing golf to countries across the rest of the world including the United States of America and Australia. Much of the way that golfers play the sport today is based on the game developed by members, with techniques dating back to the mid-19^th century.

sleeper.scot

www.carnoustiegolfclub.co.uk

KFC holding recruitment day for new restaurant on Charlotte Street this Saturday

This Saturday, KFC is hosting a recruitment day for its new Edinburgh restaurant that will be opening on Charlotte Street in August.

The recruitment day will take place at Jury’s Inn, 43 Jeffrey St, Edinburgh EH1 1DH from 10am to 3pm and there are 100 jobs up for grabs.

During the day applicants will have the chance to hear more about KFC as a brand and the employment opportunities available at the new store.

Gaeme Rintoul, KFC Operations Area Coach for Scotland said: “We can’t wait to open our new store in Edinburgh and look forward to welcoming Edinburgh locals who are keen to become part of the KFC team to our recruitment day.”

For those keen to find out more about working at KFC Edinburgh, please email kfc-edinburgh-charlotte-street@outlook.com to book an interview slot.

Natalie Dormer stars as Sofia in a psychological revenge thriller which sadly does not live up to its initial promise. Blind pianist Sofia overhears a struggle in the apartment above hers which results in the death of her neighbour, Veronique (Emily Ratajkowski). Initially, police suspect suicide but Veronique, the daughter of an alleged war criminal, knew she was in trouble and we discover that Sofia knows more about Veronique’s shady father Milos (Jan Bijvoet) than she initially lets on.

In Darkness starts well and has worthy elements – including a strong female character, co-created by Dormer herself – but the plot becomes needlessly convoluted. The film, directed by Dormer’s husband Anthony Byrne, starts with Hitchcockian undertones, playing up the sounds around Sofia and interweaving what she sees with what the audience can see. Sadly, the menacing tension gives way and the more the story gets into espionage and secret pasts, the more it blunders towards an inevitable conclusion.

What could have been an exciting thriller with a complex, well-written female protagonist instead fizzles out long before the movie’s end. The sound design is initially striking and deeply effective but grows insignificant as the film ultimately shows more interest in cheap plot twists than any visual or narrative ambition. Worth seeing for Dormer’s performance alone, which shines in a sea of poorly drawn caricatures. If you suspend disbelief and don’t take the film too seriously you may enjoy the experience but it may not play well to thriller aficionados.

The European Premiere  of In Darkness takes placeat the Edinburgh International Film Festival and goes on general release from 6 July 2018.

Local takeaways, Mania of Lauriston Place and Turkish Carry Out on Easter Road, Edinburgh are heading for nationwide fame after landing lead roles in new UK wide advertising campaign for Just Eat. The two carry outs feature in new YouTube adverts, celebrating humorous real life reviews from satisfied customers.

In the relaxed, behind the scenes style videos we see Ivan and Marin Georgiev of Mania reading a review by a local customer called Abigail, which describes their food as ‘great’ and highlights that ‘the staff have great banter’.  Similarly, Ali R Kuru and Ali Ulgu of Turkish Carry Out read out a review by a local customer called John stating the takeaway is ‘absolutely amazing’ and that ‘Ali is a legend’, which is followed by humorous reactions from the two Ali’s.

Mania and Turkish Carry Out are two of Edinburgh’s highest rated restaurants on Just Eat and the takeaways have recently been named Local Legends. Local Legend status is awarded to top restaurants based on a number of factors, including a loyal customer base who reorder time and time again, meaning they’re loved locally, and come highly recommended.

Marin Georgiev, owner of Mania said: “We’re excited to be part of this new campaign which brings some of our best customer reviews to life. It’s also a great opportunity for us to reach more people and help to grow our takeaway business.”

Ali Kuru, owner of Turkish Carry Out said: “We’re thrilled to  reach more people than ever through Just Eat’s UK wide advertising campaign. We hope the ad keeps people entertained.”

“People regularly leave funny, passionate and at times emotional reviews about their favourite takeaway,” said Graham Corfield, UK Managing Director of Just Eat.

“It’s easy to see why, as we’ve all eaten a meal where every mouthful has been so delicious, we’ve wanted to shout from the rooftops about how amazing it was. We’ve seen reviews stating everything from declarations of love, marriage proposals, people confessing they’ve had to hold back tears of joy, and one person even vowed to change their name to their favourite dish because it was so good.“

You have to download the Just Eat app or go to www.just-eat.co.uk

Anna and the Apocalypse is a teen-zombie-musical-comedy, a strange but thankfully well executed premise. The film’s tone is almost indefinable but imagine a mashup of High School Musical and Night of the Living Dead, set in Scotland. At Christmas.

An invasion of the undead threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven forcing Anna (Ella Hunt) and her high school friends to fight, sing and slash their way to survival with a fast-spreading zombie throng in relentless pursuit. Teaming up with her best friend John (Malcolm Cumming), Anna and her school mates battle with zombified snowmen and teenage hormones to try and save family and teachers alike. They soon discover that no one is safe and the only people who can be trusted are each other.

Anna and the Apocalypse started life as a 2010 YouTube short called Zombie Musical, written and directed by Ryan McHenry, who planned to direct this feature, but died of cancer in 2015 at just 27-years-old. John McPhail took over directing duties after McHenry’s passing and successfully navigates a tricky mix of genres and allows the largely unknown cast to shine. The film also features the most creative use of household items to defeat zombies since Shaun of the Dead.

A sensational soundtrack from Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly ensures the musical numbers are catchy, upbeat and fun but the film draws a line at dancing zombies, this isn’t Thriller. One sorrowful pop song involves a whole cafeteria in a dance number as Anna and John lament that real life doesn’t get happy endings like in the movies.

The film’s greatest accomplishment is the determination to play the protagonists’ emotions straight and acknowledge why they’d feel real and valid, even when the entire scenario around the characters is pointedly ridiculous, ironic and absurd.

Anna and the Apocalypse has its UK Premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival on 29 June at Odeon, Lothian Road at 6pm with an additional screening on 30 June at 11.05pm at Filmhouse.

The film will go on general release in December 2018.

More information and booking details here.

Former Hibs’ manager Willie Kirk has joined Manchester United as assistant coach to Casey Stoney MBE.

The 40-year-old began his coaching career with Livingston where he worked with their various youth sides.

Kirk moved to Hibernian in 2009, initially as an academy coach but was soon appointed as the ladies’ head coach.

During his first season in charge of Hibs, Kirk led them to the Scottish Cup in 2010 and followed that with a League Cup triumph in 2011.

Two years later, Hibs finished second and he won the Scottish Women’s Football Manager of the Year award before moving to the Scottish Football Association National Performance Centre for women’s Football where he held the post of High Performance Football Manager.

He then spent three years in charge of Bristol City in the Women’s Super League, before resigning at the end of 2017-18.

In 2016 he led Bristol to promotion to the top flight from WSL2.

Manchester United have been awarded a second-tier licence, ending their 13-term absence from the senior women’s game following a reconstruction of the leagues.

Kirk told United’s club website: “To have the chance to work with Casey Stoney and to be part of a team that is being set up from scratch, to me, is an opportunity not to be missed.

“Manchester United is renowned around the globe for developing young talent and that will continue in the women’s team.

“I would like to thank Casey for giving me this opportunity and I know that our skills and experience will complement each other as we work together to develop an exciting new team.”

Stoney added: “Willie is a fantastic appointment and has a proven track record of developing young players. Together, we have the opportunity to build something very special at Manchester United.”

Photo: Joelle Murray presenting Willie Kirk with a photo album commemorating his time at the club.

Police are appealing for information after a nursery school building was vandalised in Musselburgh.

Eight windows were smashed overnight at Pinkie St Peter’s, Pinkie Road on Wednesday 27th June.

​No access was gained to the building.

Officers are now asking anyone who was in the vicinity on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and who may have noticed anything suspicious to please get in contact.

Inspector Andrew Harborow of Haddington police station said: “Considerable damage has been caused to the school building and we are keen to trace those responsible.

“Anyone with information is asked to please get in touch with us quoting incident number 0686 of 27th June.”

Police are appealing for information after an attempted break-in to a charity shop in Haddington which took place sometime between 6.40pm on Monday 25 June and 9.15am on Tuesday 26 June at the Cancer Research UK shop on the High Street.

During this time a lock on the front of the premises has been tampered with, with damage also caused to a door and frame. Entry was not gained to the property.

Inquiries are ongoing and anyone who can help trace those responsible is asked to get in touch.

Inspector Andrew Harborow from Tranent Police Station said: “This has been an appalling act which has resulted in a loss to the charity shop and repairs needed to the shop.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the High Street area overnight on Monday into Tuesday morning.

“Likewise, anyone who can help us trace those responsible is asked to contact officers as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1275 of 26 June, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mr Mohammed Miah and Mrs Anwara Miah, were both directors of Murrayfield Developments Limited (MDL), which was incorporated in 2004 and traded as The Original Raj Hotel in Edinburgh.

From January 2012, Mr and Mrs Miah were joint directors of MDL and the company ceased trading on 19 November 2015 and went into liquidation on 9 December 2015 owing creditors over £260,000.

An investigation by the Insolvency Service, which followed the liquidation, led to a trial.

The court heard that the Insolvency Service investigation found Mr and Mrs Miah failed to preserve or deliver up the accounting records for MDL to the liquidator, as they were required to by insolvency law. This meant it wasn’t possible to account for over £1 million paid out from the company’s bank account, including cheques written to cash after the commencement of winding up proceedings. This was aggravated by the directors’ failure to provide a statement of affairs to the liquidator.

It was also found that Mr and Mrs Miah caused MDL to trade to the detriment of HMRC whilst insolvent from 1 January 2014 to the date of liquidation resulting in a tax debt of at least £228,920.

In the absence of either Mohammed Miah or Anwara Miah at the court hearing, the Sheriff granted a disqualification order against both Mr and Mrs Miah.

The disqualification commenced on 6 March 2018 and is effective until 6 March 2025.

Robert Clarke, Head of Company Investigation at the Insolvency Service said: “Directors have a duty to ensure that their companies maintain proper accounting records, and, following insolvency, deliver them to the office-holder in the interests of fairness and transparency.

“Without a full account of transactions it is impossible to determine whether a director has discharged his duties properly, or is using a lack of documentation as a cloak for impropriety.”

Murrayfield Racers have agreed a major sponsorship deal with Bauer Hockey, the world’s most recognised designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment.

Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer Hockey developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey.

Since then, Bauer Hockey has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful SUPREME®, VAPOR® and NEXUS® lines of products.

Willie Dunn, a director of Murrayfield Racers, said: “We’re delighted to have Bauer on board as our first major sponsor.

“The company are known world-wide and their equipment is used by players at the highest level in the sport.

“This is a major signing for us and it shows our commitment to work with the best and to create a team that everybody in the Capital city of Edinburgh is proud of both on and off the ice.”

Lucy Thomasson, a director of Bauer UK, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Murrayfield Racers for the 2018-19 season.

“Following the recent success of Great Britain winning gold and being promoted to top level of the World Championships and Liam Kirk being drafted by National Hockey League team Arizona Coyotes, it is an exciting time for Murrayfield Racers to return to the game.

“We wish the club every success for the upcoming season”.

Murrayfield Racers will play out of Murrayfield Ice Rink in the Scottish National League (SNL) and the National Ice Hockey League (North) Cup and Tony Hand is currently recruiting players for the squad.

Their season starts in September and fixtures are awaited.