Edinburgh Napier University student Benjamin Lang spoke at the 2018 Youth Climate Summit at the Glasgow Concert Hall last weekend, sharing the stage with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Benjamin answered a call from the 2050 Climate Group for young leaders to take part in the event to encourage action on climate change in Scotland.

The International Tourism and Marketing student was selected to be one of the key guest speakers.

Benjamin said : “It was inspiring seeing so many young people come together on a Saturday to discuss the topic of climate change.

“I feel humbled that I had the opportunity to speak in front of such a large audience and believe that the 2050 Climate Group has started a nationwide movement.”

Benjamin first got involved by joining the group’s Young Leaders Development Programme (YLDP), which aims to empower and educate young people between the ages of 18-35 to become this generations leaders of sustainable thinking.

“A young leader is someone who takes away the knowledge of what they have learned throughout the YLDP and puts it into good practice,” Benjamin explained. “The YLDP has triggered collaboration between participants of the program outwith the YLDP which has led them to take action.”

Benjamin is now Regional Hub Lead for the 2050 Operational Team and is currently on placement as a marketing assistant for St John’s Shopping Centre in Perth. After moving to Scotland from Berlin in 2008, he began to get involved in his local area to push for improvements to the environment.

“Perth has the potential to be a beautiful city, but the lack of education provided on topics such as plastic pollution, climate change and carbon footprint started to frustrate me,” he said. “It became apparent that the area I lived in started to look unappealing and it made me unhappy.

“My dog eventually got injured by this, which was the last straw for me. I became very vocal and started to challenge the status quo and now Perth Council are happy to work on future projects with me.

“I am in touch with multiple organisations within Perth including the council, SEPA, Letham Climate Challenge and ADHD+. I am looking to make the topic of climate change fun, almost how the YLDP did it for me. I am just an individual who was given the platform on this prestigious summit, now I am looking to provide this platform for each individual in Perth with the goal of creating a more cohesive and engaging community.”

Benjamin now calls for others to follow in his footsteps and join the YLDP to make positive changes in their communities.

“The young leader’s development applications are open until May 7 and I urge anyone to take advantage of this free and amazing opportunity,” he said. “It had a massive positive impact on my life and I am sure it will do so to others.”

To find out more about the programme, click here.

The City of Edinburgh Council has voted to allow a procession of women and girls to walk along East Princes Street on 10 June 2018, closing it to traffic and following the route taken by Scottish suffragettes in 1909.

The march in the early twentieth century was organised by the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), while the procession next month will be part of PROCESSIONS 2018. Participants will carry suffragette inspired banners created in a series of local workshops.

This commemorative event is produced in partnership by NOW 14-18 WWI Centenary Art Commission (who were responsible for commissioning the Dazzle Ship in Leith as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival)  and public art producers Artichoke. It will celebrate 100 years since some women got the vote under the People Act.

There will be four simultaneous events in London, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh and all will be televised live. It is hoped that around 20,000 women will take part in the march in Edinburgh.

When the closure of Princes Street was discussed at the City of Edinburgh Council meeting on Thursday the women councillors stood wearing badges and purple shawls to raise awareness of the event.

Prior to the event the Museum of Edinburgh which is owned by the council will celebrate the suffrage movement with workshops when you can make banners as part of an exhibition called ‘Their Work is not Forgotten’ which will run from 8 June to 14 October 2018.

Councillor Amy McNeese Mechan, Vice Culture and Communities Convener, will be participating in the event. She added: “On 10 June, thousands of women and girls will unite in Edinburgh to process, carry banners and fly the flag for women’s rights. Together, we will commemorate the incredible perseverance and bravery of those women who fought for the right to vote and marched through the city’s streets.

“It will feel all the more poignant to walk along the same street Scotland’s suffragettes marched down over 100 years ago.  We want this to be the type of event people look back on with pride in the future and say, ‘I was there’.”

Helen Marriage, Artistic Director and CEO of Artichoke, said: “We are delighted with the Council’s decision to close Princes Street on 10 June. We want Processions to be the largest mass participation artwork made up of women ever seen in the UK, walking together in the green, violet and white wraps we’ll distribute. It will be a moment to celebrate what has been achieved for women as well as recognise how far there is still to go. We hope that women and girls from all over Scotland will join us to celebrate the memory of all the incredibly brave women who marched through the city’s streets 100 years ago.”

Full details of the route in Edinburgh, and in fellow participating cities Belfast, Cardiff and London, are expected to be revealed by event organisers Artichoke later this month.

The event is free and you can register here 

Full details supplied by Walking Football Scotland Trustee Colin McKay.

Edinburgh City

Venue: World of Football, Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket Rd, Chesser Ave, Edinburgh EH14 1RJ

Day/Time:   Eve​ry Thursday from 11.00am to 12.30pm

Contact:       Colin on 0771 971 4932

Hearts WF

Venue: Tynecastle, Wheatfield Street, Edinburgh (World of Football, Corn Exchange until 15th May 2018)

Day/time: Tuesday – 12.00pm to 13.00pm

Contact: Alan White on alan@homplc.c.uk

Heriot Watt WF

Venue: Riccarton Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS

Date/time: Wednesday – 12.30pm to 13.30pm and Friday – 14.30pm to 15.30pm​

Contact: Michael Webster on m.webster@hw.ac.uk Phone: 07803826405​

Spartans Community WF

Venue: Spartans Community Football Academy, Ainslie Park, Edinburgh, EH5 2HF

Date/time: Monday – 12.00pm to 13.00pm

Contact: Garry Betts at garrybetts@spartanscfa.com

Corstorphine Community Centre

Venue: United Reform Church, Glebe Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 7SQ

Date/time: Wednesday – 10.30am to 11.30am

​Contact: Charlie at 0772 532 3769

Edinburgh South Community Sports Club

Venue: Drum Park Estate, Edinburgh

Date/time: Monday – 11.00am to 12.00pm

Contact: community@escfc.co.uk

Photo courtesy of Colin McKay.

Labour Councillor Scott Arthur was one of last year’s new intake of councillors at the May election. In his day job he is a professor of civil engineering at Heriot-Watt University and we always find that he has something to say – and does so quite eloquently.

His Twitter feed is full of well, full to overflowing rubbish bins and many potholes.

He is definitely trying to get things done, and here he reflects on his busy year.

He writes :

 It’s  one year since I got elected as an Edinburgh Councillor in what the media said was a “shock” result – I had been predicated to come fourth! Indeed, I got elected despite my own party’s guidance saying I had no chance!

I still find it a huge privilege to have been elected to represent the community I live in and find it humbling every time a constituent asks me for help. Every day when I cycle to work from Buckstone and on through Oxgangs and Colinton I can see the impact working with local people has had over the past year.

Yes, I’ve spent a lot of time getting potholes filled, street lights fixed and bins emptied. Keeping our streets clear of litter, snow, weeds & leaves has also become a bit of an obsession. However, I focus on these “small” things so much as I feel first impressions count – the impact of getting them right is significant.

In addition to this work in the community, I am also hugely proud that my motion to the Children & Families Committee means that the School Clothing Grant for the most vulnerable households will soon almost double. I also know that my opposition to cuts to our libraries means that there will be no reduction in opening hours.

Like any politician, I let people know about the things I have been doing in the community. Much of the most important work, however, can’t be spoken about in detail. This ranges from making sure a mum gets the support she needs to support her gravely ill son to trying to get a woman out of hospital to spend her final days at home and helping people who have fallen victim of Edinburgh’s chronic housing crisis.

It’s been a big year for me in which I’ve made a load of mistakes, but I also hope I’ve managed to make a difference. People that know me will say I’m quite political, but I hope everyone in my Ward agrees that I put the community I represent before party politics every single time!

You can contact Councillor Arthur by clicking here.

It gets better and better as news of what is happening around the city during the EIFF is released!

Now you will not only be able to watch Jaws on the big screen at The Festival Theatre but that musical score (well it really is only two notes after all..) will be performed live by The Royal Scottish National Orchestra. 

More than 40 years after the film itself caused mayhem in cinemas across the world and stopped anyone from paddling in Portobello, Jaws is back.

The film needs little introduction. It is set in Amity and directed by Spielberg and there is a massive shark which anyone who ever visited Universal Studios could tell you about in the years afterwards,

In the words of Chief Brody, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!”

Mark Adams, EIFF Artistic Director commented: “We are delighted to continue our on-going partnership with the RSNO for this wonderful film and music collaboration. Jaws set the standard for edge-of-your-seat suspense and will be an unforgettable film to experience on the big screen accompanied by the Scotland’s national symphony orchestra.”

RSNO Chief Executive Dr Krishna Thiagarajan commented: “It is impossible to imagine Jaws without John Williams’ serrating score. The experience of hearing this marvellously malevolent music live, accompanying the screening will be an unforgettable occasion. We cannot wait to get our teeth into it!”

The 72^nd edition of EIFF runs from 20 June – 1 July, 2018.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the EIFF Box Office, by phoning 0131 623 8030, or online at www.edfilmfest.org.uk. Ticket prices range from £29, £39, £49 and £59. No concessions.

Jaws is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios.  Licensed by Universal Studios.  All rights reserved.

All photos courtesy of Universal Studios 

Hibs’ defender Ryan Porteous has been named in the Scotland U21 squad for this summer’s Toulon Tournament.

The highly rated U20 captain, who recently lifted the league and cup double at that level, will be part of Scott Gemmill’s group for the tournament in May, played in the south of France.

Scotland finished in third place last summer in their first appearance in the competition for 20 years, and will be hopeful of another positive outing this year. The tournament runs from 26 May to 9 June, for players born in 1997 or later.

Porteous  has previously captained his country at U19 level, but this represents a first call-up for the U21 squad

The full squad is as follows.

Scotland Squad

Ross Doohan (Celtic)

Robby McCrorie (Rangers)

Daniel Harvie (Aberdeen)

Jason Kerr (St Johnstone)

Ross McCrorie (Rangers)

Ryan Porteous (Hibernian)

Anthony Ralston (Celtic)

Greg Taylor (Kilmarnock)

Iain Wilson (Kilmarnock)

Liam Burt (Rangers)

Allan Campbell (Motherwell)

Billy Gilmour (Chelsea)

Fraser Hornby (Everton)

Glenn Middleton (Rangers)

Harvey St Clair (Chelsea)

Elliot Watt (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Oliver Burke (West Bromwich Albion)

Michael Johnston (Celtic)

Craig Wighton (Dundee)

Scott Wright (Aberdeen)

Full Draw

Group A: China, England, Mexico, Qatar

Group B: France, Scotland, South Korea, Togo

Group C: Canada, Japan, Portugal, Turkey

Fixtures*

Scotland v Togo, Sunday 27 May, kick-off 5.30pm (local time), Stade de Lattre, Aubagne

Scotland v France, Wednesday 30 May, kick-off 7.30pm (local time), Stade D’Honneur, Salon

Scotland v South Korea, Saturday 2 June, kick-off 3pm (local time), Stade Parsemain, Fos-Sur-Mer

*Schedule subject to change depending on broadcaster’s preferences.

Next Tuesday 8 May 2018 a community food shop will be opened in Wester Hailes at the Healthy Living Centre which is part of the Wester Hailes Health Centre.

The shop will be open from 10am to 2pm each Tuesday.

You will be able to buy vegetable bags from Cyrenians Farm at £8 a bag, discounted to £6 for local residents and Tasting Change participants.

Healthy Start vouchers will be accepted which means a bag of organic seasonal vegetables will cost just £2.90.

Tasting Change’s own energy bars will be free to locals and Tasting Change participants and on sale to others.

You can donate to the organisation’s pay it forward scheme on the day.

One of the representatives from Tasting Change said : “Do let us know if there is anything that you or those that you work with, would like to see on sale at the shop.

“Our vision is for this to grow into a shop that is for everyone living and working in the Wester Hailes community. We would be delighted if you could join us on a Tuesday- or we can take orders if you don’t work then- for some plastic free shopping!”

Tasting Change is a multi agency partnership set up to tackle food insecurity and promote positive food and health opportunities in Wester Hailes.

On Saturday and Sunday 12-13 May 2018 Port Edgar Marina will hold an open weekend when they will offer taster sessions to families. The sessions will last for 60 minutes – just long enough to get the feel for everything from paddle boarding to kayaking.

The marina team is keen that those attending will enjoy the food and drink on offer which his the result of a partnership with Rogue Village. They are well known for their Canteen Street Food Festival at Archerfield Walled Garden and will bring their street food to Port Edgar.

Along with DJs, vendors like ShrimpWreck, Chick & Pea, Meat Stack, pizzas from Pizza Geeks and the Big Blu, Spice Pots, cocktails from Herringbone, Poco Prosecco, the Ferry Brewery and cakes from Mimi’s Bakehouse.

Just half an hour from Edinburgh Port Edgar Marina has great views of the Queensferry Crossing and her two older sisters with Fife beyond.

Last year there were about 5,000 visitors to the Open Weekend and tried out the sports on offer at the multi-million pound development.

Soon the marina will have its own restaurant Scots which will open this summer.

You can go out on the water on a rib ride run by Maid of the Forth if you are aged 8+ which will take passengers out under the three bridges. On dry land the activities are endless with arts and crafts, science and slime making, a mobile cave and face painting!

[tweet_box design=”default”]There’s so much to do at the Port Edgar Open Weekend you might need a lie down afterwards![/tweet_box]

“The Open Weekend is the perfect chance for people to try their hand at some watersports for the first time and enjoy this beautiful location between the iconic Road and Rail bridges and the new Queensferry Crossing,” said managing director Russell Aitken. “

“If you don’t fancy getting on the water, there will be loads to do for all the family, from shopping, as well as face painting and slime making for the kids.  We are really excited about the addition of Canteen this year, which is offering an amazing array of street food and drink and more of a party atmosphere.”

Peter Manian, co-founder of Rouge Village added: “Port Edgar Marina is in the midst of a renaissance and looks set to become a major destination that goes beyond watersports. It’s fantastic to be partnering and bringing our unique brand of events to this early stage of an exciting and dynamic vision.”

The Port Edgar Marina Open Weekend, 12 & 13 May 2018, 10am-6pm.  Parking charge of £2 on entry.  For further information, visitwww.portedgarmarina.co.uk and the events page on Facebook.

To avoid disappointment, it’s recommended to pre-book a taster session by contacting Port Edgar Watersports on 0131 319 1820 or by emailing bookings@portedgarwatersports.com.  It is £5 per child age 8-16 and £10 per adult.

www.portedgar.co.uk

www.portedgarwatersports.com

All photos  Mike Wilkinson. Contact Mike on 07768 393673 mike@mike-wilkinson.com www.mike-wilkinson.com http://mike-wilkinson.photoshelter.com

Lorna Slater, the Engineering Project Manager for Scotrenewables Tidal Power Ltd who lives in Edinburgh near the top of Leith Walk is off on a trip.

But not just any trip – she has been selected as one of 80 women from 28 different countries who will undergo 12 months of leadership development training, culminating in a 21 day expedition to Antarctica in January 2019.

Homeward Bound is a groundbreaking leadership initiative for women in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM). The programme aims to heighten the leadership capability of women scientists and engineers to enhance their influence and impact on policy and decision making as it shapes our planet.

The Homeward Bound programme recognises that there is a shortage of women in leadership and policy development positions around the world. It aims to develop the leadership skills of women in STEMM who can then fill this gap and go on to influence policy around climate change and sustainability.  Three applicants from Scotland including Lorna were accepted for the 2019 expedition.

Why Antarctica? Antarctica is not the focus, but the picture-frame for Homeward Bound. The location of the expedition is intended to focus participants’ minds, through showing them first hand, one of the world’s environments that is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Why women in STEMM? The voices of scientists will be vital in helping us solve some of our most intractable problems. But scientists need to have the skills and connections to be able to speak up outside of their own communities.

They need to know how to influence policy, how to communicate with the media and the leadership skills to take on projects and implement a vision. Women are under-represented in both STEMM and climate change policy globally, this programme aims to support women in both fields.

We look forward to hearing more about Lorna’s journey as it unfolds!

Edinburgh University could make Scottish Cup history on Saturday (push-off 4pm) if they beat favourites Grange in the showpiece game.

The students have never won the silverware and have been runners-up twice in recent years.

Grange, who have won the cup five times, were crowned Division One winners last weekend, coach David Knipe masterminding a campaign in which they only lost one game in 18 outings.

They claimed 67 goals in the process with Frank Ryan, Luke Cranney and captain Cammie Fraser plus youngsters Callum MacKenzie and Jacob Tweedie all pitching in.

Grange also won both the league games 3-1 and then 4-1 but coach Knipe said: “Both league matches have been really good close matches so I think the final will be the same.”

Edinburgh finished sixth in the league, winning only three games but they won at Grove Menzieshill and Western Wildcats en route to the cup final.

Their coach, Graham Moodie, said: “This is going to be a really tough game. Grange are the best team in the land.

“Our league games against them have been competitive and we`ve had good spells against them.”

He added: “We have to go for it on Saturday if we`re going to have any chance of winning.”

Regular networking comes to Penicuik with the start of a new business club which is designed to help local firms boost their profile and sales.

It will meet twice a month on a Tuesday morning and the start time is 7.30am prompt with a finish at 8.50am so people can get to work.

And the venue is the newly-revamped Craigie in Bog Road. There is plenty of parking.

The opening session is on May 15 and breakfast will be served with scambled egg, bacon and sausages and rolls/scones on the menu along with healthy alternatives.

The total cost is £8 per session and that includes breakfast and the meeting.

Organisers are Crystal FM (107.4FM) and The Craigie and the every business attending is guaranteed promotional time.

There will also be a guest speaker to provide hints and tips for your business. You have everything to gain from the new breakfast club at The Craigie.

So, the date to remember is Tuesday, May 15 and the time 7.30am. Book by emailing juan@thecraigie.co.uk and remember to bring plenty of business cards.

A 64-year-old male worker was stabbed in the stomach during an attempted robbery at the U Save shop in Elm Row last night.

The man was  taken to hospital and officers cordoned off the shop to allow for forensic examination.

The incident took place around 9.35pm and police are appealing for witnesses.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh responded to a convenience store in Elm Row at around 9.35pm on Wednesday following an attempted robbery.

“During this time, a 64-year-old man sustained an injury to his abdomen and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

“Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately.”

You still have time to enter The Scierra Pairs which carries the highest prize fund in British competition fly-fishing with prizes at every heat in addition to the final.

The format allows a pair of anglers entering to fish in the same boat and restrictive rules are kept to a minimum.

The competition allows all flies permitted by the fishery.

Each pair on first entry will receive a value pack containing relevant and valuable products worth more than the entry fee. There will also be hidden prizes in a proportion of value bags. Multiple entries are encouraged.

The organisers are keen to encourage junior participation and every pair of anglers containing one or more anglers under-18 can claim a discount of £10 on first entry.

The local dates are Morton Fishings on Sunday, June 3 and Glencorse Trout Fishery on Sunday, June 17. Glencorse is fully-booked.

Other dates are Carron Valley near Denny on Sunday, May 27, Black Loch at Limerigg south of Falkirk on Sunday, July 1 and Lake of Menteith near Stirling on Sunday, July 22.

The final is at Grafam Water on Sunday, August 26 and all heats fish from 10am until 5pm. Anglers can sign from 8.30am and a briefing will be held at 9.45am.

Hearts have announced that season ticket sales for season 2018/19 have already passed more than 10,000.

Season tickets have been on sale for six weeks and, after a difficult season, the club expressed its gratitude to those Hearts fans who have again shown their loyalty the club.

Hearts stated on their official website:

“The club is delighted to have broken through the 10,000 barrier in such a short space of time. Season ticket sales provide a vitally important source of income for the club as it bids to herald in a new era, on and off the park.

“As always, everyone at Hearts is thankful for the tremendous support shown by the fans. We are very hopeful that the general sale period will see even more fans get their 2018/19 season tickets as we all look forward to a new campaign at Tynecastle Park.”

A brief transition period begins today which gives those fans who have already purchased their season ticket to move to other areas of Tynecastle Park if they wish. This period ends on Wednesday, May 9th and fans looking to relocate within Tynecastle should contact the Ticket Office directly, either by phoning 0333 043 1874, option 1 then 8 or by visiting the Ticket Office, situated in the Wheatfield Stand Undercroft, in person.

A general sale of season tickets will then commence at 9.00am on Thursday 10th May and can be purchased over the phone, in person or online at Hearts eTickets.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a cat was abandoned on a doorstep in Edinburgh.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted to the cat on 30 April after a member of public found her on their doorstep in a cat carrier on Castlebrae Avenue.

Scottish SPCA Senior Inspector John Toule said, “The cat had no obvious injuries when she was found, however that could have been drastically different if she had been left outside without food and water for much longer.

“Nellie, named by staff, is a tortishell and white short haired cat and was found in a carrier on a member of the publics doorstep.

“We’re hoping that someone recognises her so we can find out why she was abandoned in this manner.

“Nellie is now being cared for at our centre in Balerno, where she will stay until we find her a loving new home.”

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.

Photo courtesy of Scottish SPCA

The cold weather had made the trout reluctant to feed in local rivers, but good sport has been reported in three local reservoirs.

At Glencorse, Bill Taylor believes that things are picking up and Davy Thomson from Edinburgh had a great day when he caught his bag limit and released another 14.

Morton Fishings near Mid Calder reported it was bonanza time for Rosyth Civil Service Angling Club.

They landed nearly 80 fish, 18 of which were returned, as the sun shone and the fish came out to play.

Secretary Don Mackenzie said: “We’ll be back.” And he’s already booked another visit in September.

At West Calder, Iona Allan tells me that the gates of Allandale Tarn open at 8am and her current hours of fishing are 9am to 9pm every night except Tuesday when they are closed.

Hatches have been abundant amongst various species, keeping the fish feeding high pretty much all day.

Both the bait pool and The Tarn continue to fish superbly with most fish hooked in the top three feet on either water.

On the Bait pool, green power bait has been a firm favourite, although she always recommends anglers bring live bait too. Both worms or maggots also catching.

On the fly, buzzers, shuttlecock’s, f/wings, spiders and good old hare’s lug shipman or damsels in all their variants are still the top listed catchers.

Some anglers favour traditional wet flies such as dunkelds or kates fished high and they are also catching regularly.

There have been no ‘hot spots’ as the fish have been feeding well and trout are being caught regularly all day around the water.

But, if anglers are looking for a sure thing, or at least as close as you can get in angling, the last hour at night, just as the sun drops, has been pretty much ‘daft o’clock’ fishing every night.

Staying in West Lothian, Bruce Hope, chairman of West Lothian Angling Association, said the water level is lower side of normal.

He added: “The river is steadily coming to life and, for me, olive dry flies are doing the business. Pheasant tail nymphs are working too.”

And on the Cramond Angling Club stretch of The Almond from Newbridge down to the River Forth it has been slow going too, but chairman Adam Cross is looking for improved sport as the weather warms up.

Finally, there have been some hatches of flies but not as many as last year according to Peter Reith of Peeblesshire Trout Fishing Association. He believes that once the weather warms up there should be good catches on the Tweed.

There were, he said, a good number of the large Tweedsmuir brown trout spawning so he forecasts some larger fish.

Hibs have announced contract extension for Academy players Lewis Allan, Callum Donaldson, Jamie Gullan, Ben Stirling, Paddy Martin, Kevin Waugh and Innes Murray.

Gregor Woods and Ryan Shanley have also signed their first professional contracts with the club.

The two youngsters were presented with their contracts and graduate certificates at the club’s Player of the Year Awards on Sunday night.

Callum Crane and Adam Watson will leave the club at the end of the season.

Crane made two appearances for the first team, starting the 3-0 win over Turriff United in the Challenge Cup and coming on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Dunfermline in the league. He has impressed on loan at Alloa Athletic this season, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

Watson was part of the successful U20 squad who won the league and cup double this season, and spent time on loan at Gala Fairydean Rovers earlier in the campaign.

A Hibernian spokesperson said “We would like to wish both well with their future careers.”

Berwick Bandits team manager Scott Courtney looks for an action replay of the form which saw off the challenge of Lakeside Hammers when they visit Workington Comets on Friday.

Comets are at Berwick on Saturday also in the Championship Shield and Courtney believes the victory was down to hard work in mid-week practice.

Skipper Kevin Doolan powered to 13 points to top score with Nikolaj Busk Jacobsen next best on nine points.

Courtney said the whole team weighed in against Hammers with six of the riders claiming wins.

And he was heartened by the form of newcomer John Lindman who looks to be improving. He came second in Heat 12.

Courtney said: “We can do this as a team pulling together.”

Tapes go up at Comets at 7.30pm and at 7pm at Berwick on Saturday.

Six-time British champion Scott Nicholls visits Armadale for the second time, 20 years after his first.

Nicholls rides for Peterborough Panthers as The Staggs Bar Monarchs race their first Championship match of the season on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

His last visit was for an England under-21 side in a 1998 Test Match against Scotland which is still rated one of the best matches ever seen at the stadium.

He has enjoyed a world-class career which has included appearances in the Grand Prix and he still rides in the Premiership for Rye House.

Monarchs welcome back skipper Erik Riss who missed last Friday and Ricky Wells will be looking to repeat his five-ride maximum of last Friday.

Panthers have two riders away on Danish League duty. They will use rider replacement for Ulrich Ostergaard and Newcastle’s Carl Wilkinson comes in to guest for Emil Grondal.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ home team manager, commented “It’s our first league match and it is very important to get off to the right start.”

Glasgow captain Chris Bomber Harris has vowed to recover from a tough start to his season.

The former world No 6 admits he has not found his best form since joining the Tigers in a big winter move.

And on Monday night the 35-year-old failed to score for Premiership side Rye House as he struggled with his machinery.

Harris, who has raced in more than 100 Grand Prix, believes he can recapture the performances that have made him one of the most popular riders on the circuit.

Glasgow open their Championship campaign at home to reigning league champions Sheffield Tigers in Glasgow on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

Harris said: “I always turn up with 100 per cent effort for anyone I ride for so for me not to be scoring well disappoints me more than anyone else.

“There have been so many rain-offs and I have had a few issues with my bikes, which I am not happy about, but the bike issues are being sorted and I am still in love with my racing.

“There is a long season ahead yet and I’m looking forward to racing my bike and proving people wrong.”

Glasgow’s reserve Jack Thomas returns to team action after gaining fifth-place finish in Tuesday’s British under-21 Final at Berwick.

He suffered a heavy crash in his fifth ride but managed to qualify for the semi-final where he finished third, one place short of the chance to challenge for a medal.

Double Feature by Phil Differ. A Gilded Balloon production | King’s Theatre Edinburgh |Friday 18 & Saturday 19 May

Delightfully pun playing and based on a long time ago cinematic format, the A & B movie programme, this pair are on a wee tour of Scotland culminating at their beloved King’s Theatre Edinburgh on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 May.

They being no other, none less than the derring-do dynamic duo of Edinburgh’s favourite award-winning double act and the stars of Scotland’s No 1 panto, Andy Gray & Grant Stott, back in a reprise of the play written by Phil Differ which was such a success on the Fringe last year.

With a  4 star recommendation from The Edinburgh Reporter, Double Feature stars Gray and Stott star as Mikey and Davey, two old pals who have been granted their dream job clearing out their old local cinema. In the process of stirring memories and recreating scenes from their favourite movies, their shared fanaticism for film soon makes way for bigger issues that have long remained unresolved…

Set against a backdrop of fading film posters, abandoned reels of film and cinema sets covered in dust, Double Feature sees Stott & Gray’s electrifying partnership in full force as they act out iconic moments from the history of Hollywood – but can the pair agree on an ending?

Double Feature is directed by long-time collaborator Ryan Dewar, and is produced by Gilded Balloon.

https://www.capitaltheatres.com/doublefeature

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The Hibernian Community Foundation’s Football Fans In Training (FFIT) programmes for men and women starts on Monday 7 May at Easter Road..

The 12-week course is free to supporters aged 35-65 with a waist size of at least 38 inches (men) or a dress size of 16+ (women) andruns on Monday evenings from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

The FFIT week plan is delivered by experienced community coaches.

Each week will consist of a different physical activity and accompanied by ‘classroom’ sessions that will help give participants the nutritional tools to maintain long term change. The main aims of the programme are to:

* Increase knowledge of diet & nutrition

* Improve lifestyle choices

* Increase physical activity amongst participants

* Reduce weight and waist measurements

* Increase engagement in other physical activity

Book your place now by visiting www.hiberniancommunityfoundation.org.uk or calling 0131 656 7062.

Almost half a million pounds’ worth of fraud has been prevented in Scotland in the past eight weeks, thanks to a ground-breaking partnership between the banking industry, law enforcement and Trading Standards.

The Banking Protocol was introduced in Scotland on 5th March, after a national rollout across the UK began last May. The fraud prevention scheme enables bank staff to contact police if they suspect a customer is in the process of being scammed, with an immediate blue light response sent to the branch.

Since its introduction two months ago, 76 victims have been prevented from losing a total of over £450,000, and two people have also been arrested in connection with such scams.

Detective Inspector Gordon Burns of the Economic Crime Unit said:”We are seeing a huge rise in vishing and phishing scams, that’s voice scams over the phone and phishing scams online, alongside bogus callers continuing to take the traditional route of carrying out their con on the doorstep. The Banking Protocol equips banking staff with the knowledge of how these scammers work and what to look out for, so they can stop fraudulent transactions in their tracks.

“These criminals are indiscriminate – they’ll often target the elderly or vulnerable in our communities but equally will try to obtain anyone’s money given the chance. The bank staff have been trained to spot unusual transactions and ask questions of the customer – if they’re not satisfied and remain concerned that the transaction is as a result of fraud or the customer is being coerced, it will be highlighted and police called for straight away.

“The initiative has prevented money from reaching the hands of fraudsters and is a great starting point for banking industry, law enforcement and Trading Standards to grow from; in addition we are keeping people’s hard earned money in their accounts where it belongs and not with those engaged in unlawful conduct. We will continue to drive forward initiatives of this nature with the intention of putting offenders before the courts and ultimately out of business.”

Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, said:“The devastating effects of fraud can be felt right across society, which is why UK Finance has led the development of this pioneering scheme. The entire finance industry is committed to cracking down on fraud and rooting out the criminals responsible – and it’s by working closely with law enforcement through initiatives such at the Banking Protocol that we can do so and protect people from becoming victims.”

UK Finance has led the development and implementation of the Banking Protocol with support from the National Trading Standards Scam team and the Joint Fraud Taskforce.

Deidre Brock SNP MP for Edinburgh North and Leith has called for an unflinching look at institutional racism at Westminster after today’s announcement of an inquiry into the Windrush scandal.

Ms Brock said:- “The appalling disregard for Windrush citizens is not an aberration or deviation from the norm – it fits right into the pattern of institutional racism at the heart of our political establishment, and this is what we need to tackle head on.

“Successive UK Governments have created an atmosphere of xenophobic mistrust and fear, and they are proud of it – the Prime Minister even praises the “hostile environment” she helped create. They thought that they had tapped into a source of votes by painting immigrants as some kind of threat to an imaginary British way of life.

“Racism runs deep in the political psyche here. A bias is embedded in the minds of many politicians that will not easily be dislodged. It has been allowed to drive debate on many issues, not least our relationship with the EU. Three million people who—like the Windrush generation — live, work, study, pay taxes and contribute to society here are treated as pawns in a political game, their lives thrown into question.

“Scotland needs immigrants – not just for population growth but the energy and impetus that comes with them. Instead of welcoming and encouraging people, our country is being damaged by the right-wing xenophobia of deportation, document checks and fear-mongering.

“This announced inquiry on Windrush has to be more than a look at who-knew-what-when. It should be a root and branch review of immigration policy and an unflinching analysis of the continuing racism of the body politic here. That is our shame and our disgrace, and we should not be content to hand it on to future generations.”

Lothian are running a day trip on 20 May 2018 to take bus enthusiasts to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum.

There is an Open Day there to enjoy all that you need to know about old buses and also the chance to go for a ride on some vintage vehicles.

Lothian will take you there on a bus which leaves St Andrew Square opposite Harvey Nichols at 9.30am and return you to the same place leaving the museum at 4.00pm.

The day return for adults costs £5.00 and 2 children may travel free with a fare-paying adult.

The entrance charge to the museum is not included – £7 for adults and a family ticket available at £17.

More details here 

Photo courtesy of Lothian 

We’ve teamed up with Specsavers stores across Edinburgh to give one book loving family the chance to win a selection of books from the Specsavers Bestseller Awards.

The Specsavers Bestseller Awards, in collaboration with Nielsen Book, celebrates the UK’s bestselling books each year.

The prize package includes something for all the family with fiction from Ben Elton and Jessie Burton, and children’s books from Julia Donaldson, David Walliams and McFly’s Dougie Poynter and Tom Fletcher.

Susan McIntosh, store director at Specsavers Shandwick Place, says: ‘Specsavers has long been a champion of books and we’re proud to encourage people to develop a real love of reading from an early age. 

‘The Bestseller Awards represent some of the greatest stories ever told and we’re delighted to be able to share a selection of them with the winning family.’

Specsavers has 10 stores in Edinburgh including: Cameron Toll, Corstorphine, Fort Kinnaird, Gyle, Dalkeith, North Bridge, Leith, Shandwick Place, Morningside and Musselburgh. 

To enter simply answer this question below before 5pm on 9 May 2018 :

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Terms and conditions 

• This prize is for one winner to win nine Specsavers Bestseller books
• This prize is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative will be offered
• Winners must be willing to participate in post-competition PR

The Yellow Practice at Sighthill Health Centre is closing on 30 June following the retirement of its senior (and only) partner, Dr Helga Rhein.

But health officials are confident that there is sufficient room for the practice’s 1700 patients to be cared for by the two other practices in the same building and in others nearby.

Michelle Miller, Interim Chief Officer of Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Plans have been agreed for the provision of GP services for patients currently registered at a single-handed Edinburgh practice, which is to close.

“The practice is one of three at the Sighthill Health Centre, where a total of 13,900 patients are registered. The majority of the 1,700 patients registered at the affected practice are being allocated to the two remaining practices in the Sighthill Health Centre, and to the Wester Hailes Medical Practice.

“A small number of patients will be allocated to other established GP practices in the area, according to proximity of the practice to their home. The Health and Social Care Partnership will be writing to the practices asking them to ensure patients are informed. Our priority is to ensure every patient continues to receive safe, effective care, and we are working with all practices involved to ensure a smooth transition of services and records.”

This matter was first brought to our attention by Councillor Ashley Graczyk who highlighted the matter by lodging a motion for tomorrow’s full council meeting.

Since last week, she has withdrawn that motion in light of a response which she received from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board.  This is the partnership between the council and NHS Lothian which is responsible for providing health and social care in the city and which is chaired by Labour Councillor Ricky Henderson.

Councillor Graczyk who represents Sighthill/Gorgie explained to The Edinburgh Reporter that the current GP partner Dr Helga Rhein retired on 1 April 2018 meaning that the medical practice is currently being run by a locum doctor.

According to Cllr Graczyk’s Holyrood college Miles Briggs MSP the practice will close on 30 June because they have not been able to recruit a new GP.

That is correct, but The Edinburgh Reporter has been assured that it was a decided move on the part of the retiring GP that led to this. Dr Rhein had the option to recruit a successor but decided that it would be better for her patients if the new practice was not a single-handed practice as hers was.

This type of business arrangement is now discouraged by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership. Single-handed practices are often unable to have a multi-disciplinary team with staff members such as advanced nurse practitioners which is fast becoming the new preferred model.

Owing to the well documented shortage in GP numbers, it is regarded by EHSCP as a better format. If a single-handed practice GP goes on holiday there is an immediate need for a locum. Given the shortage in GP numbers that is not always possible or easy. The new Scottish GMS (GP) contract offers advantages of scale to larger practices which are the preferred models.

Having reflected on the situation at her own practice, we are advised that Dr Rhein believed it would be better for her patient list (the smallest practice in Edinburgh) to be distributed across other GP practices, two of which are in the same building as hers, the Yellow Practice, is.

COUNCILLOR WITHDRAWS MOTION

Councillor Graczyk said : “I will be withdrawing my ‘Closure of Sighthill Health Centre’ motion at the next Full Council because it appears that the Integration Joint Board are finally addressing the concerns of my constituents, and will implement the initial plans for future provisions of GP care for patients currently registered with Dr Rhein’s Medical Practice at Sighthill Health Centre.

“I will also be looking for guarantees and keeping the pressure on to ensure that what the Integration Joint Board have stated, will be implemented, because my constituents’ concerns and health are important to me.”

1450 patients will be allocated to the other two practices in Sighthill Health Centre and Wester Hailes Medical Practice. Smaller numbers will be transferred to Slateford Medical Practice.

The HSCP Partnership says it is working with the two Sighthill practices to ensure they have the capacity and support required to allow the transition to take place smoothly.

Patients of the Yellow Practice will receive letters in the middle of May or earlier explaining the situation and allocating them a new practice. It is open to individuals to register with any practice which suits them. The letter will explain how to do that and give them a contact telephone number and email address for further information.

This Saturday there will be dance performances by students of Edinburgh College. at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One on Belford Road.

The costumes they will be wearing are being designed and produced by Performance Costume Masters students at Edinburgh College of Art.

There are two performances on Saturday 5 May 2018 at 11am and 2pm. Each will last about 40 minutes.

The dance being performed is original work exploring ideas related to the body, performance, process and materials alongside the works by Jenny Saville in the NOW exhibition at Modern One.

Students were asked to respond to the methods in NOW, a series of six exhibitions which bring together the best of contemporary art in Scotland, the UK and internationally. 

This third instalment features the work of Jenny Saville, Sara Barker, Christine Borland, Robin Rhode, Markus Schinwald, and Catherine Street.

Drawing on all of the artists’ work, original outfits and choreography were created after an initial two-day workshop between the student designers and dancers.

Fragments & Gestures is supported by the Jenny Saville Foundation. 

The event is part of an ongoing relationship between Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh College and the National Galleries of Scotland. Previous work has been based on the art of Louise Bourgeois and Roy Lichtenstein. 

All photos by David Cheskin

Gordon Macdonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, is asking local residents to offer their views on the current civic square, located at the front of Westside Plaza, as part of Wester Hailes Community Trust’s Making Places: Westside Plaza project.

There are going to be community drop in sessions, funded by The Scottish Government’s Making Places initiative at Clovenstone Community Centre and WHALE Arts Centre.

The Scottish Government announced funding of £20,000 to Wester Hailes Community Trust to enable development of a master plan for the civic square.

Gordon is supporting and encouraging everyone to actively contribute to the development of this community space. The sessions will allow local people to meet with the Wester Hailes Community Trust, partners in local organisations and the City of Edinburgh Council to voice their views on the civic square and what they would like to see to improve the area.

Following all the community sessions there will be a charrette when local people can work with architects, planners and others to create a Local Place Plan for the future of the Plaza.

People can also contribute by using The Scottish Government Place Standard tool to give their opinions about the Westside Plaza Project online.

Gordon said: “This is a brilliant way for people to have their views incorporated into the ongoing community-led design process.  These views will be taken on board and used by Architects HarrisonStevens to create a master plan for the future of the plaza.

“The Plaza has the potential to become a focal point for the community where activities and events could take place – and that’s why it’s important that these processes are available and that the community have the opportunity to choose what works for them.

“Communities have the best local knowledge to consider how places should evolve and I encourage everyone to take part, either at a drop-in session or online, and have their say about what works best for them and the area.”

An Edinburgh mum of three who placed the 400 millionth order with Just Eat has won a free flight to the US on the side.

Gabriella Hicks from Edinburgh, who placed Just Eat’s 400 millionth order said: “I use Just Eat regularly, so to have placed its 400 millionth order is a lovely surprise.  I ordered a cheeseburger from my favourite takeaway and now I’ve won a flight to America, I am beyond thrilled.”

Mrs Hicks ordered cheeseburger from Sugar & Spice Grill House on Colinton Mains Drive. Little did she expect what would come as an extra to the order. The restaurant also wins something as they get an electric scooter to help with their deliveries. They also get a bespoke advertising campaign to raise awareness of the takeaway.

Sugar & Spice Grill House is one of Edinburgh’s highest rated restaurants on Just Eat and is also a Just Eat Local Legend.  Just Eat Local Legends are rewarded 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.

Graham Corfield, UK Managing Director of Just Eat said: “We couldn’t have reached our 400 million milestone without our loyal customers and dedicated restaurant partners.  We’re giving our restaurant partner a brand new electric scooter, which will help them be more eco-friendly when delivering food.  We also hope Gabriella enjoys her trip to the States – the country that’s home to the all-American cheeseburger that got her there.”

Just Eat customers have lodged three orders per second in the UK over the last year. With 10.5 million customers they have grown since 2006 when they first set up a deal with Verona Pizza in London to deliver their meals. This is a business which keeps on growing with 100 million orders being placed in the last 11 months alone.