Put some spirit into gift guying for Father’s Day on Sunday, June 17, with a special whisky, according to William Grant who claim to have a unique whisky for every taste.

A gift for a cocktail lover: Monkey Shoulder appeals to those starting their whisky journey. With a cheeky disregard for tradition and commitment to unconventional serves, Monkey Shoulder offers great Scotch to a new generation of whisky drinkers. RRP of £26.83 at any major retailer, including Master of Malt

A gift for a beer lover: Treat your dad to the world’s first single malt Scotch whisky finished in bold and zesty IPA craft beer casks. Presented in a unique box, the Glenfiddich IPA Experiment really is a special tipple this Father’s Day. RRP of £45.50 at any major retailer, including Amazon.

A gift for a sophisticated dad: For those planning to bring a little finesse to Father’s Day celebrations, The Balvenie Doublewood 12 is sure to impress. Celebrate the true craftsmanship behind this whisky and savour the notes of nutty sweetness, cinnamon spices and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry. RRP of £37.96 at any major retailer, including Master of Malt

A gift for a traditionalist: If your dad appreciates time with the family on Father’s Day then Grants Family Reserve is the perfect way to enjoy this special day. This classic never fails and is flawless straight as it comes. RRP of £17.45 at any major retailer, including Master of Malt.

A gift for an entrepreneur: Hudson is the first American whiskey distillery in New York since prohibition, an original pioneer of craft spirits. From grain to glass, great care and attention goes into making Hudson, with no two bottles of Hudson whiskey ever exactly the same, as all the bottles are handmade and numbered. Mark this Father’s Day with a fine American dram. RRP of £44.15 at any major retailer, including Master of Malt.

A gift for a perfectionist: Ailsa Bay is not your traditional whisky. The only Scotch whisky to undergo micro-maturation, it is a precision-distilled single malt that is perfectly balanced between smoke and sweetness. While the granite from this remote island is more traditionally used for making curling stones, a piece of it is contained in the stopper of every bottle of Ailsa Bay. RRP of £55.43 at any major retailer, including Master of Malt.

A gift for a charmer: Treat your father to some Irish charm with Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey. Known for its smooth flavour, Tullamore is triple distilled and a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey – grain, malt and pot still. The sweet softness of grain whiskey, soft spice from the pot still and fruitiness of the malt create a uniqueness of flavour. RRP of £24.13 at any major retailer, including Master of Malt.

A 33-year-old man has been charged following a disturbance at the Fox Covert Primary School in Corstorphine.

Officers were called to the scene around 1.40pm on Monday afternoon.

No children from the school were placed in danger during the incident

Former Glasgow Tigers star Richard Lawson, now with Somerset and Lakeside, won the second British Semi-Final at Leicester, writes the British Speedway press office.

Lawson totalled 13 points from his five rides to edge out former champion Chris Harris (Glasgow Tigers) on count-back, with seven times winner Scott Nicholls third on the night with 12.

Lawson dropped his only points to home captain Danny King in Heat 4 and then Nicholls in Heat 10, but he did beat Harris when they met in Heat 7 which proved decisive with both riders ending with three wins and two second places.

Nicholls, meanwhile, recovered from a third place in Heat 1 to win his next three outings before missing out to his Rye House team-mate Harris in what effectively became a match-race for second overall in Heat 18, with the two enjoying a good tussle.

Lawson said: “It’s always nice to win this kind of event and it was one of those nights when it all came together. I made some decent starts so I really enjoyed it.

“I think it’s twice now that I’ve missed out on the Final (in the British Final) because I’ve messed up the semi, so now I need to get that off my back and get into that Final, and then anything can happen.”

Amongst the other qualifiers, Lewis Kerr (Glasgow Tigers) was also consistent throughout on his way to 12 points and a place in the Final at Belle Vue on June 11, whilst Richie Worrall (Glasgow Tigers) also made it through despite a heavy crash in Heat 16.

Worrall was the only unbeaten rider after three outings but came to grief in his fourth when race leader Adam Ellis suddenly locked up in front of him on the third bend.

With Ellis disqualified, Worrall was forced to change bikes for the re-run where he finished second to confirm his place in the Final and he was then timed out of his final ride.

King, too, got his job done in four rides as he went through the pain barrier to collect nine points before withdrawing due to his arm injury, whilst the last two places went down to a Heat 20 shootout.

All four of the riders could have made it through but in the event Ben Barker produced his best ride of the meeting to win whilst Ellis, who had put himself under pressure with the Heat 16 incident, came through in second to eliminate David Howe (Berwick Bandits) and Kyle Newman.

Howe finished on six points, the same total as Ashley Morris who put himself in the qualification picture by winning Heat 15, but his hopes ended when he found himself at the back of Heat 17 and fell on the last bend.

Matt Williamson (Edinburgh Monarchs) finished with one point.

RESULT: Richard Lawson 13, Chris Harris 13, Scott Nicholls 12, Lewis Kerr 12, Richie Worrall 11, Danny King 9, Ben Barker 8, Adam Ellis 8 (all qualify for British Final), Ashley Morris 6, David Howe 6, James Sarjeant 5, Kyle Newman 5, Ben Morley 4, Simon Lambert 3, James Shanes 3, Matt Williamson 1, Tom Woolley (res) 1.

Neil Lennon has been charged with misconduct in connection with his ‘aeroplane’ celebrations on the pitch following Jamie MacLaren’s late equaliser on Sunday.

With emotions running high, Lennon responded to a number of abusive songs from the Rangers’ supporters at the end of the 10-goal thriller.

He was sent to the stand for his behaviour and left the field to chants of ‘There’s only one Neil Lennon’ from the Hibs’ fans.

If found guilty, it would trigger a suspended two-match ban following his confrontation with referee Kevin Clancy during the 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock for which he received a three game ban.

After the game, he was questioned about whether he anticipated a further ban for his actions.

He replied: “They (Rangers fans) make it personal, don’t they? You all hear it. They were singing sectarian songs at me.

“It was just a little bit of, ‘have some of that’. It was worth it. Trust me. Bobby (Madden – fourth official) was fine about it. I should not get a ban for that, I was nowhere near them. I was just letting them know how pleased I was to get the equaliser.

“It was harmless, was it not? The sending off is enough and I should not get further punishment for that.

“I was nowhere near them (Rangers fans). I was about 50 yards away when I stopped – just as well! It was worth it, I enjoyed the moment.”

The club have until 22 May to respond to Tuesday’s notice of complaint, with a principal hearing date set for 21 June.

Since the extension of their roles was implemented last week, officers in Armed Response Vehicles (ARVs) have assisted with over 50 incidents reporting concern for a person or vulnerable missing people and have been sent to at least ten incidents to provide medical assistance

In December 2017, Police Scotland announced that ARV officers will be deployed to a wider range of incidents, with an emphasis on public protection, vulnerability and speed of response.

The new deployment model was implemented on 7 May 2018 and since then, ARV officers across Scotland have:

• Assisted with over 50 incidents reporting missing people or concern for people

• Assisted at over 20 road traffic incidents, including broken down vehicles, dangerous and drink driving incidents, vehicle fires and stolen vehicle enquiries

• Attended at least ten calls to provide medical assistance

In Dundee on Monday (7 May), ARV officers assisted at the scene of a road traffic collision and provided medical treatment to a man who suffered a serious head injury. They also assisted colleagues from Road Policing with the enquiry at the scene.

A drunk man in Inverness was helped by ARV officers after reports of him walking in front of vehicles was received.

On Tuesday (8 May), ARV officers in Edinburgh were the closest unit to an ongoing domestic violence incident and attended where they then handed over to divisional colleagues on their arrival.

On Wednesday (9 May), ARV officers in Inverness assisted after a member of the public found a man unconscious. They attended to him until the arrival of an ambulance. Also on Wednesday during routine patrols, ARV officers in Aberdeen saw an elderly woman fall over and provided her with first aid and called an Ambulance.

In Dumfries, ARV officers provided treatment to a man with self-inflicted wounds and stabilised him until the arrival of an ambulance.

On Friday (11 May) ARV officers attended to provide support to a mountain rescue incident in Dumfries where they were able to assist thanks to their 4×4 and first aid capability.

ARV officers in Stirling assisted with searching for a vehicle reportedly being driven erratically on the M9 at Bannockburn as they were the closest unit on Saturday (12 May).

Also on Saturday, ARV officers from Dumfries assisted at the scene of a serious road traffic collision in South Lanarkshire where they provided advanced first aid until the arrival of an ambulance. However, unfortunately the man died from his injuries.

On Sunday (13 May), ARV officers in Inverness provided medical assistance to a man who had been found with injuries and called an ambulance for further treatment.

In Perth, officers attended to reports of a fight in the street and traced a man involved who was arrested in connection with allegedly being in possession of a weapon.

Assistant Chief Constable, Nelson Telfer, Specialist Support said: “ARV officers are highly trained and provide valuable assistance to their colleagues in local communities, as well as to other emergency services.

“As we have seen over the past week, their support to local officers has resulted in a number of missing people being traced safely and they have repeatedly provided assistance with their enhanced first aid skills.

“The deployment of these officers will at all times be overseen by specially-trained Inspectors across Scotland who will assess the appropriateness of calls they attend using established decision making and risk assessment processes.

“The number of armed officers makes up just over two per cent of the total number of police officers and we must remember that first and foremost, they are police officers. The emphasis of the extended role of ARV officers is on public protection, vulnerability and speed of response.”

In July 1995 Falkirk manager Jim Jefferies stood outside Brockville Park to tell the waiting media and anxious Bairns supporters – “I’m staying at Falkirk”. The former Berwick Rangers manager had been given the opportunity to take the manager’s post at Hearts and, being a former Hearts captain as well as a lifelong supporter, the temptation was keenly felt. Jefferies had worked a minor miracle at Falkirk, not only taking the club to the Premier Division but also earning a respectable mid-table position when many pundits were tipping The Bairns for relegation. But, within forty-eight hours of stating his intention to stay put, Jefferies’ uneasiness at turning down what may have been the opportunity of a lifetime intensified. When Hearts chairman Chris Robinson went back to try again, Jefferies changed his mind – and history was in the making.

Two years later Jefferies was beginning to make his mark at Tynecastle – but the Scottish media was obsessed with Rangers attempt to win the league championship for a record tenth season in succession.  However, a new challenge was rising in the east. Hearts recovered from an opening day defeat at Ibrox to thrash Aberdeen 4-1 at Tynecastle and it was a taste of what was to come from Jim Jefferies’ side. Rangers still led the way but defeat from Motherwell meant that a rapidly improving Celtic and a born-again Hearts were soon snapping at their heels. The Jambos were producing highly impressive performances, particularly away from home as was evident in a 4-1 win at Motherwell and another 4-1 victory at Pittodrie.

At Christmas there was a three-way split at the top of the Premier Division with Celtic, Rangers and Hearts streets ahead of everyone else. When Rangers went to Tynecastle on 20 December many observers thought it would be the acid test of Hearts championship credentials. Walter Smith’s side coasted to a 5-2 win and everyone waited for Hearts bubble to burst, a view reinforced on New Year’s Day when The Jambos let slip a 2-0 lead in the Edinburgh derby with Hibernian to end with a 2-2 draw. But Celtic’s victory over Rangers twenty-four hours later meant Hearts were still in the title race and would remain so until almost the last three weeks of the season.

When the Scottish Cup came around some commentators had been so impressed with Hearts displays that they thought the Tynecastle side were a good bet to take the trophy – even though it had been thirty-six years since silverware last graced the west end of the capital city. The Old Firm, they reckoned, would be too involved with the championship but Jambos boss Jim Jefferies wasn’t worried about that being an apparent backhanded compliment.

Hearts were given a home draw against Second Division Clydebank in Round Three and were somewhat fortunate to win 2-0 given that The Bankies created the better chances in the game. It was Third Division opposition in Round Four when Albion Rovers visited Edinburgh and Angolan winger Jose Quitongo inspired Hearts to a 3-0 victory before their penchant for home ties was illustrated again in the quarter finals with a 4-1 win over Ayr United. Hearts eighth semi-final appearance in the Scottish Cup in twelve years had many people believing their name was on the trophy when they avoided both the Old Firm and drew First Division Falkirk. Hearts luck in the cup held firm. Despite their poorest display of the season during which The Bairns outplayed them, Hearts emerged 3-1 victors (two goals in the last two minutes sinking their lower league opponents) and their third cup final appearance in two years beckoned.

Their opponents were the side that had thrashed them 5-1 in the Scottish Cup final of 1996 – Rangers. Ibrox boss Walter Smith conceded that Hearts were a much-improved team from the one that capitulated two years earlier, but the Govan men were still firm favourites for the trophy. More than 48,000 supporters headed for Celtic Park on a warm May afternoon to witness one of the most emotional cup finals in recent years.

Hearts: Rousset; McPherson; Naysmith; Weir; Salvatori; Ritchie; McCann; Fulton; Adam; Cameron; Flogel. Substitutes: Hamilton, Robertson; Murray.

Referee: Willie Young

It was a sign of the cosmopolitan times that, of the Rangers side, only Gordon Durie and Ian Ferguson were born in Scotland (Gough was born in Stockholm while Goram and McCall were born in England of Scottish parentage). Even the Hearts side contained two Frenchman, an Italian and an Austrian.

Both sides were affected by pre-match blows. Rangers influential German, Jorg Albertz was sent off for violent conduct the previous week at Tannadice while injury ruled out Swede Jonas Thern. Hearts captain Gary Locke, who was stretchered off injured after just seven minutes during the 1996 final, missed the ’98 final because of a hamstring injury and, being a Hearts daft youngster, his anguish was felt by every Hearts supporter.

Rangers-Hearts Scottish Cup finals have a history of having remarkable beginnings. The 1976 final between the pair began at two minutes to three, Rangers scored within 80 seconds, and so Hearts were a goal behind before the official kick-off time! Astonishingly, the 1996 final kicked off at a minute to three and Hearts lost their captain within seven minutes. The fans wondered what the 1998 final would have in store – they got their answer after just 33 seconds!

From the kick-off Hearts stormed upfield. Stand-in captain Steve Fulton burst into the Rangers penalty box only to be halted by Ian Ferguson. Halted illegally said referee Young and he awarded a penalty to Hearts. It looked initially like the foul had been committed outside the penalty box but, tellingly, few Rangers players protested. Colin Cameron stepped up to slot the penalty kick beyond goalkeeper Andy Goram and Hearts had a sensational lead after just eighty seconds. Maroon clad supporters erupted in the Celtic Park cauldron and it was certainly a start to the match few people – even in Edinburgh – had predicted.

Rangers, although stung by such an early setback, responded. Rino Gattuso embarked on a powerful run from midfield, which ended with a shot, which was comfortably saved by Rousset. Then Brian Laudrup had an effort which was blocked by nineteen-year-old Gary Naysmith. Hearts, however, weren’t just sitting back. Despite a significant change in tactics by manager Jim Jefferies which saw the team adapt a more rigid 4-4-2 formation rather than their normal swashbuckling style of 4-3-3, the maroons were still capable of lightening raids on the break, epitomised by young Naysmith who was having an outstanding game at full back. The Scotland Under 21 star had just been named Young Player of the Year and his assured defending and attacking abilities were there for all to see at Celtic Park.

After half an hour Rangers Ian Ferguson – a veteran of St. Mirren’s cup triumph in 1987 – was put through by Laudrup but pulled his effort wide. Then came Rangers best effort thus far. Accepting a short free kick some thirty-five yards out, Lorenzo Amoruso fired in a magnificent shot which appeared to be heading for the top left-hand corner of the net. But as Rangers prepared to celebrate the equaliser Hearts keeper Gilles Rousset leapt majestically to palm the ball past the post. It was a fantastic save and a defining moment. In the 1996 final, the big Frenchman let a shot slip through his fingers to give Rangers a two-goal advantage from which they never looked back. It was a schoolboy error and Rousset hid his face behind his hands at the realisation at what he had done. But now, two years later, he produced one of the great stops and the twenty-three thousand Hearts supporters stood to acclaim the moment. Half-time arrived with Hearts still ahead and one wondered if history was about to be made.

At the start of the second half Rangers replaced the unhappy Stensaas with the veteran campaigner that was Ally McCoist. It signalled an all-out attacking policy by Walter Smith and for the opening five minutes of the second period Hearts were pinned back in their own half. Within minutes McCoist received a pass from the tireless Brian Laudrup but his effort went into the side net. Urged on by captain Richard Gough -playing his last game for the Ibrox club – Rangers swept forward and one wondered if Hearts could hold out. But, on fifty-three minutes, the Hearts support erupted once more. Gilles Rousset launched a long ball down field from a free-kick and it seemed that Rangers Amoruso would clear the danger. But the Italian dithered as he went to strike the ball and Frenchman Stephane Adam nipped in behind him. Taking the ball into the penalty box, Adam fired in a powerful shot which goalkeeper Goram could only parry into the net. 2-0 to Hearts and Adam ran with outstretched arms to an ecstatic Jambos support to milk the celebrations.

The noise from the Hearts end was deafening. Was the dream about to come true? Was thirty-six years of anguish about to end? The supporters, so often kicked in the teeth by countless near misses from their side, could scarcely believe it. But there were still thirty-five minutes to go. And a wounded Rangers side is when they are at their most dangerous. Seconds later Hearts almost ended the argument when Austrian Thomas Flogel headed a Steve Fulton free-kick powerfully towards goal, but his effort was well saved by Goram. But, inevitably, Rangers stormed back.

Ally McCoist, despite being written off by some people at 35 years of age, was proving a real handful for the youthful Hearts defence. A snap shot from the striker from just six yards out was well saved by Rousset before the former Sunderland player appeared to be fouled by Dave McPherson. Time was running out for Rangers but, with nine minutes to go, McCoist finally got the goal both he and his side deserved. Ferguson played the ball forward to Gattuso. The Italian slipped it to McCoist who drove the ball past Rousset and into the net from 18 yards.

The last few minutes of the 1998 Scottish Cup final were tense, nervous and fraught for supporters of both sides. Rangers threw everything at the Hearts defence but the Jim Jefferies’ side scented glory. But there was still time for more drama in this epic cup final. With two minutes to go, McCoist went down in the penalty box after a foul by David Weir. Referee Young immediately blew his whistle. For a moment it looked like a penalty to Rangers and Hearts hopes appeared to be cruelly dashed once more. But, after a nod from the assistant referee, Young awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty box much to the disgust of McCoist. Brian Laudrup’s free-kick was deflected wide and Hearts and their supporters breathed a huge sigh of relief. The period of injury time seemed to last forever. Fully four minutes stoppage time had been played when, at last, referee Young blew for the end of the match. The Hearts support roared themselves hoarse and danced for joy. Jim Jefferies almost crushed his assistant Billy Brown with a hug of delight. Hearts had won the cup for the first time since 1956 and four decades of heartbreak had come to an end.

The scenes which followed at Celtic Park were remarkable. Grown men wept and the tide of emotion that washed over those in maroon seemed almost to overpower them. Veteran striker John Robertson, a substitute but who never came on, was clearly overcome. ‘Robbo’ had been at the club for seventeen years but had yet to win a medal with the club he loved. Now, in his last season at Tynecastle, his dream had come true as it had for the thousands of jubilant supporters who found it difficult to comprehend just what had happened. When Steve Fulton went to collect the trophy he invited club captain Gary Locke to go up with him. The injured Locke – a dyed in the wool Hearts fan if ever there was one – didn’t need to be asked twice and the two players held the cup aloft to a huge ovation from the Hearts support.

Edinburgh partied all weekend as the players paraded the cup through the streets of the famous old city and on to Tynecastle Stadium for a truly emotional homecoming. An estimated one hundred thousand people welcomed them home and Edinburgh let down its collective hair. Manager Jim Jefferies had said before the game that the players could become legends if they won the cup and there’s little doubt that the Hearts support treated their heroes in a way befitting such a status.

It was an emotional end to an emotional season. In the last quarter of the league season Hearts championship challenge, admirable though it was, faded as the side dropped points to Motherwell, St. Johnstone and Aberdeen. The final nail in their title coffin was, ironically, driven in by city rivals Hibernian who recorded a rare win in the Edinburgh derby by 2-1 at Easter Road in April. It was, however, Hibernian’s last hurrah – they were relegated at the end of the season.

Such upheavals meant little to those connected with Heart of Midlothian, however. It’s true to say that the club had become something of a laughing stock in Scottish football as a result of their lack of success and their almost constant failure to produce the goods when it really mattered. Season 1997-98 changed all that. Throughout the season Hearts had consistently produced a sparkling brand of fluent, attacking football which delighted the purists. They had given the Old Firm the fright of their lives in the race for the league title.

And, after 36 years of hurt, they had finally brought silverware back to Tynecastle.

This year Jupiter Artland, a uniquely odd sculpture park only a bus ride out of Edinburgh, hosts Joana Vasconcelos’ precious objects and offers a beautiful landscape for Phyllida Barlow to embrace.  Jupiter is a spotless, vast estate, offering a special place for artists to make work in.  The two new commissions for 2018, both from internationally respected artists, follow the winding routes and spaces that make up Jupiter Artland.

While she has been creating work for decades and teaching at the Slade, Phyllida Barlow has only recently been widely recognized for her epic and deft approach to sites and materials. Her new permanent piece ‘quarry’ is plotted in Jupiter’s forest.  Two tall pillars of concrete, constructed from separate pieces made in the artist’s studio, sit among the historic trees, like remnants of an industrial communist past.

The large rock piece next to these pillars appears to have a ruined set of carved steps trailing down the front.  Barlow resists the narrative of a lost architectural past, it is rather, a sympathetic meditation on nature, and a physical manifestation of her understanding of the forest.  She previously exhibited in Edinburgh, in the Fruitmarket Gallery three years ago with an exhibition entitled ‘set’.  The white gallery floors led to a series of very different installations, stacked upon each other, creating an irritating barrier, like a natural land matter, but made from manufactured supplies.

Whereas ‘set’ was an intervention in a formal interior, ‘quarry’ is a moment of peace in nature, understood through Barlow’s signature materials.  The mountainous rock form sitting next to the columns is made of concrete and not the natural stone I assumed.  The concrete pillars are marked with pastel paints along the joints and topped with metal tilted shapes.  The pastels carefully pushing the balance between feminine mark-making and the masculine materials.

Barlow explains that when she first visited Jupiter she was confused by the surroundings.  It was only when she walked into the woods and found herself constantly looking up, did the ideas start to come to her. The metal shapes she created urged my eyes to look up too, using them as windows, to view the same sky she saw.

Only a short stroll away, visitors can see Joana Vasconcelos’ work steeped in theatricality.  A teapot made of twisted brass can be found in the Steading Gallery garden, outside Jupiter’s café (which is decorated with charming and distracting pink, permanent murals from Nicolas Party).  It is large enough for visitors to sit in the teapot’s belly and admire the delicate wrought work from within.

It is a refined spectacle inspired by the historical tale of a Portuguese queen introducing tea to the British aristocracy.  Vasconcelos is an international artist and has exhibited similar pieces elsewhere, in some cases allowing jasmine tea plants to grow up and through the brass grids.  Unfortunately, visitors to Jupiter are left imagining this aromatic experience.

Vasconcelos work at Jupiter continues in the exhibition ‘Gateway’, and will be on display until 30 September.  She has also created a piece for one of the estate’s older buildings.  A revolving heart made from red cutlery and over two metres tall, turning in a Georgian room with operatic melodies playing inside.  I immediately recognised a delicate energy, even without knowing the detailed references to Portuguese culture Vasconcelos made.

The sculpture is a large-scale reproduction of the traditional necklace Portuguese girls wear when they ‘come out’, or are introduced as eligible young women, to society.  The heart of these girls is presented outside the body, and instead of the necklace’s usual gold, Vasconcelos has reproduced it in vibrant red.  The sight is almost bloody and turns this delicate piece of jewellery into something surgical.  The use of cutlery relates to the moment when the Portuguese place down their knives and forks in restaurants when a Fado singer begins her song.

While that installation is captivating, less successful is Vasconcelos’ shoe sculpture placed outside and down the steps from the building housing ‘Red Independent Heart’.  ‘Carmen Miranda’ is the artist’s examination of contrasting notions of gender and domesticity.  A similar piece named ‘Marilyn’ was exhibited in Versailles in 2012, as was the red cutlery heart, and were not loved by all.  The open toed heel was made of different cooking pans, all manufactured in Portugal.

The artist spoke of Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe, describing them as ‘woman who changed history with a shoe’.  On closer inspection, I realised the piece had been made in collaboration with the department store Selfridges, and so I could imagine this shoe would make a stunning window display, but as an address on conflicting views of femininity, it felts like an oversimplification.

More of Vasconcelos’ sculptures can be seen inside the Steadings buildings.  A homunculus creature, ‘Valkyrie’ created from stuffed recycled textiles floats in one room with a yellow tiled column with draped beads and gargoyles stands to the opposite.

The colour bounces off the yellow tiled column, revealing purple as the viewer walks around, and sees the gargoyles spewing fabric strands.  Another piece also uses textiles to express water, with dark blues and greys possibly representing a couple bathing. Vasconcelos collected the fabrics from friends and family as well as her own home.  She revels in the exposing of these private items into public objects. The fabrics cover her sculptures and act as domestic protection.

This idea is taken further in her smaller works on the first floor of the steadings.  A collection of animals, including dogs with sharp teeth and frogs reading to jump, are caught and covered in crocheted fabrics.  They are made stationary through a simple feminine interaction.

The notion of animals acting against their nature is continued in the work of Ollie Dook, who is exhibiting as part of a new commission where Jupiter supports an emerging artist. Instead of animals caught up in pastel crochet, creatures are drawn from the imagery of the BBC series ‘Planet Earth’, which Dook examines by constructing a sculptural enclosure inspired by zoos and the way they mimic the natural habitat of animals.  He aims to invert the zoo spectacle so that us, the viewer, is observed instead of the animals.

The commission is an example of the ways Jupiter is starting to encourage younger artists, students, and art lovers, to make the short journey out of central Edinburgh to the sculpture park.  The introduction of Pay What You Want Mondays makes it even easier for them to enjoy what Jupiter offers.

It is a place which allows artists to create a direct connection with nature and different sites, something which is restricted in the city centre by the limited amount of space and freedom on offer.  This liberation can lead to ostentatious pieces with little connection to reality, but it also allows a sense of fantasy.

For artists, young and old, to have such a grand wonderland to visit and be inspired by, is a place to adore.  A mystical woodland theatre for art, which this summer, even more can enjoy.

Details of these and other exhibits at Jupiter Artland can be found on their website, along with ticketing information.

National charity SafeLives has been appointed to train 14,000 Police Scotland officers in identifying controlling behaviours to support the introduction of the new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act.

Controlling and coercive behaviours are a significant factor of domestic abuse.

The new Act, due for implementation in early 2019, criminalises these controlling behaviours for the first time in Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Gillian MacDonald, Crime and Protection, Police Scotland, said, “While physical assaults are the most visible part of domestic abuse, survivors have told us that it can be more difficult to cope with the punishing psychological abuse. This new Act recognises, for the first time, the harm psychological abuse causes to victims and their children and the complex way in which perpetrators seek to manipulate not only their victims but also the police response.

“Ensuring our officers and staff are equipped with a good understanding of controlling behaviours, is key to delivering this ground-breaking legislation.

“This training and the provisions within the new legislation will enable our officers to investigate and report not only the incident but also the wider circumstances of the abusive relationship.

“We look forward to working with SafeLives and other partner agencies who will support them, to deliver this training collectively.

“Domestic abuse affects every part of our society with no regard for age, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. We would encourage those affected to report it to the police or seek support from our partners.”

Suzanne Jacobs, CEO of SafeLives, said, “We are really delighted by today’s news. We now have the chance to change culture in relation to domestic abuse across the whole of Police Scotland. That’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to make life better for victims, survivors and their children all across the country.

“SafeLives research found that over 130,000 people in Scotland live with domestic abuse every year, with 68 per cent of victims who access specialist support disclosing controlling behaviour, and 56 per cent physical abuse.

“The police play a vital role in the response to domestic abuse – protecting victims and children and holding perpetrators to account. This training will allow us to work with partners ASSIST, the Caledonian System, Sacro and Scottish Borders Safer Communities team to develop common understanding and awareness across Police Scotland around the dynamics of abuse, coercive control and the tactics used by perpetrators. We’re committed to making sure Police Scotland feels and is ready for implementation of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill in 2019.

“We look forward to delivering this work in collaboration with many expert partners from across the domestic abuse sector in Scotland – reflecting the diverse experiences of survivors and families. We know that together we can improve the response and ensure more people receive the right support, at the right time to keep them safe from fear and harm.”

Justice Secretary, Michael Matheson, said, “We are committed to ensuring our law enforcement agencies have the powers and resources necessary to tackle crime and keep communities safe. That is why we have provided £825,000 funding to Police Scotland to develop and deliver high quality bespoke training which will help them to identify some of the more insidious and damaging behaviours that perpetrators use to control their partner or ex-partner which are covered within the new offence.

“Attitudes towards domestic abuse are changing – it’s no longer seen as a private matter, or no business of criminal law. We’re doing everything we can to tackle the scourge that is domestic abuse at every opportunity and this new funding will greatly assist in tackling it.”

Edinburgh University player/coach Sam Judge takes her treble-winning squad into Europe from Friday after a “stressful” Sunday.

She guided the students to a penalty 3-1 shootout success over arch rivals Clydesdale Western in the domestic Grand Final in Glasgow after the sides were level at 1-1 at the end of normal time.

That nerve-jangling victory came after her players won the Division One title and the Scottish Cup.

And they now face the challenge of seven other teams in Edinburgh in the EuroHockey Club Challenge I on their own pitch at Peffermill from Friday.

Judge said: “I was really pleased with the way we played (against Clydesdale Western).

“We just needed to convert our chances and their goalkeeper (15-year-old Jessica Buchanan) played well and kept them in the game.”

The stress mounted after the Glasgow side scored late-on thanks to a brilliant solo run by Lexi Sabatelli.

Judge admitted: “After Clydesdale Western scored they started to press us so the last 15 minutes were stressful.

“We made hard work of it but the girls re-grouped and were excellent in the running penalties.

“However, last weekend was great preparation for the Euros.”

Penicuik’s next business breakfast will be held on Tuesday, May 29 at The Craigie (7.30am to 8.50am).

The inaugural meeting in The Craigie was dominated by a discussion on Penicuik First.

That is the name of the Business Improvement District (BID) and treasurer Pauline Archibald outlined the project details.

The Innerleithen-based businesswoman said: “The BID started three years ago and it is a five year plan and the aim is to increase footfall into the town centre.”
She said that a number of other towns in Britain were engaged in similar BID projects.

Ms Archibld added: “Town centres are suffering and the BID is to encourage people to use their town centre businesses.

“Any town centre business pays in dependent on their rateable value and that money is then used to make the town centre a better place to be.”

The group needs help and she said: “We’re looking for more businesses to become involved.

“Only three out of over 90 businesses regular attend our monthly BID meetings.

“We have an annual meeting on Wednesday, June 13 which is a perfect opportunity to come along and see how your money is spent.”

To be at the next business breakfast at The Craigie email juan@thecraigie.co.uk

In a special joint project between National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland a new collection of historic photographs has gone on public display.

The collection of more than 14,000 images dates from 1840 to 1940, and has been acquired with support from The Scottish Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Art Fund.

There are many different subjects in the photographs such as family portraits, street scenes and sport. Until now this was the last great collections of Scottish photography in private hands.

Put together by photography enthusiast Murray MacKinnon, who established a successful chain of film-processing stores in the 1980s, starting from his pharmacy in Dyce, near Aberdeen, the photos will be displayed first in Edinburgh and then around the country.

He said: “The collection covers the day-to-day lives of Scottish people both rich and poor, the work they carried out including fishing and farming, in order to survive, and their social life including sport and leisure. These were turbulent times what with industrialisation, shipbuilding, new forms of transport, the social upheaval caused by the First World War in Europe and the Boer War in South Africa. The discovery of penicillin and radiography heralded the development of medicine and the pharmaceutical industry in Scotland.

“I would like to thank all the people involved in acquiring this collection for the Scottish nation, and for their great efforts in making this acquisition possible.”

Highlights include:

More than 600 original photographs from the pioneering days of photography featuring work from David Octavius Hill (1802-1870) and Robert Adamson (1821-1848), James Ross (d.1878) and John Thomson (d.1881), Cosmo Innes (1798-1874) and Horatio Ross (1801-1886).

Some of the finest work of Thomas Annan (1829-1887) and his son, James Craig Annan (1864-1946) including rare examples of their original albumen prints.

Fine examples of the work of Scotland’s successful commercial photographers including George Washington Wilson (1823-1893) and James Valentine (1815-1880).

Portraits of Scottish regiments from the Crimean War by Roger Fenton (1819-1869).

A series of albums and prints depicting life in the main towns and cities from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Studies of farming and fishing communities in remote villages and hamlets.

Scenes of shipbuilding, railways, herring fishing, weaving, whisky distilling, dockyards, slate quarries and other working environments.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop welcomed the public acquisition. She said “The MacKinnon collection is one of the most remarkable collections of Scottish photography and an invaluable resource for researchers, students and the wider public. I am delighted that £300,000 of Scottish Government funding has supported the acquisition, curation, touring and digitisation of this collection, preventing it from being broken up or sold overseas.

“Our rich cultural and artistic heritage plays an intrinsic part in boosting our economy and tackling inequalities. I commend the National Galleries of Scotland and National Library of Scotland for their achievement in ensuring that this unique collection can now be enjoyed by the people of Scotland, enabling the public to learn more about our fascinating early photography tradition.”

National Librarian, Dr John Scally said: “Scotland has a unique relationship with photography which dates back to the work of the early pioneers such as Hill and Adamson. This acquisition is akin to buying Scotland’s photographic album of 14,000 pictures and bringing it home, and together with the National Galleries of Scotland, we were determined to make that happen. I am confident that every Scot will feel a connection with these wonderful photographs and we look forward to sharing them with the public over the coming months.”

National Galleries of Scotland, Director General Sir John Leighton, said: “This collection superbly demonstrates the important role Scotland had in shaping the history of photography. Our ability to tell this story is greatly enriched by this acquisition, and we look forward to the exciting partnership with the National Library of Scotland in making these artworks accessible to all.”

The entire collection will also be digitised over the next three years and made available online.

#ScotlandsPhotos

Photos by Neil Hanna Photography
www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk
07702 246823

At this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival Scotland, its films and those shot here will be featured from the very first moment.

The opening film PUZZLE stars Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald and there will also be features, shorts, documentaries, animations and talent from across Scotland.

EIFF Artistic Director Mark Adams said: “Edinburgh International Film Festival is renowned around the world for discovering and promoting the very best in international cinema and Scottish talent has always been at the heart of that. The Festival’s programme always helps shine the light on to Scottish themes, performances and filmmakers, and I am thrilled that once again we can celebrate this high-level of craftsmanship in past and present Scottish work in our 72^nd year.”

Scott Donaldson, Acting Director of Screen at Creative Scotland said: “We are incredibly proud of the strength and depth of Scottish talent showcased in this year’s EIFF Programme. As ever the dedicated team at EIFF have pulled together a dynamic and exciting selection of Scottish titles across many different genres, from feature films and documentaries to animation and artists film. We look forward to Scottish audiences getting a chance to enjoy, be inspired by and celebrate these films.”

Other films will include Anna and the Apocalypse shot in and around Glasgow, Calibre which was shot in Beecraigs Country Park pretending to be the Highlands and starting Jack Lowden who was in Dunkirk.

Make Me Up is pop-art drama produced by Glasgow based video artist Rachel Maclean, Whitney and Almost Fashionable : A Film About Travis, both of which are documentaries. Fran Healy the front man of Travis directed the film about the band and they will be in Edinburgh for the film’s world premiere. Another film which will premiere here is Dirt Road to Lafayette written by James Kelman and following a Scottish father and son’s journey to North Alabama to visit their relatives.

One other stand out which will be worth a watch will be Meeting Jim by Ece Ger. This is the story of Jim Haynes who co-founded the Traverse Theatre and who was part of the Fringe story too. EIFF Honorary Patron Mark Cousins brings two of his projects to the festival with The Eyes of Orson Welles and Storm in My Heart.

Tommy Flanagan along with EIFF Honorary Patron James Cosmo will feature in Papillon and In Darkness. We met Flanagan last year when he was Grand Marshal of the New York City Tartan Day Parade, although it is not clear if he will be coming to Edinburgh next month.

Local cycling legend David Millar will be on hand to present Finlay Pretsell’s, Time Trial, followed by an extended Q&A with Millar and TV presenter Ned Boulting. Scottish director, Bill Forsyth will also introduce a screening of his classic film, LOCAL HERO, and participate in an extended Q&A with Royal Lyceum Theatre Artistic Director David Greig.

This is only a small part of what will be available to go and see in June.

The full programme of the 72^nd Edinburgh International Film Festival will be announced by EIFF Artistic Director, Mark Adams, on Wednesday 23 May.

Tickets go on sale to Filmhouse Members on Wednesday 23 May at 12noon and on sale to the public on Friday 25 May at 10am.

For more information on this year’s Festival visitwww.edfilmfest.org.uk.

Hibs defender Lewis Stevenson says that it is a massive honour to be called-up to the Scotland team for their friendlies against Peru and Mexico.

The left-back has been in excellent form this season and has played a significant role in the club’s record points haul.

The news came as a surprise to Stevenson and he claims that it has always been his dream to play for the national side.

The only Hibs’ player to have won two major cups with the club, Stevenson started the season with a testimonial match against Sunderland and he proved his generosity with large donations to charity from the proceeds.

The popular Fifer told Hibernian Media: “It is a massive honour to be called-up and involved in the national team. It is something I never thought would happen and it is something that in my head I’d given up on achieving.

“I did always dream about playing for Scotland, even though I know there are top quality left-backs still available to play and be called-up I am just delighted to be involved.

“There comes a point when it doesn’t even cross your mind about getting a Scotland call-up. I must’ve been doing something right this season to be involved and it is something I feel proud about.

“If I am called upon in the matches, I’ll try my best to help out the team.”

“I am 30 years old now, so it has come as a surprise. I’ve been involved in Scotland set-ups at youth level when I was younger.

“The last time I was in an under-21s squad was about ten years ago! I am sure it is still similar going for international duty where you have to live and breathe football.

“Playing all those years ago has probably given me the experience of what to expect and anything new I will look to adapt quickly.

“I’ll be eager to grasp the opportunity with both hands, but I’m under no illusions that there are top quality left-backs throughout the country that couldn’t make this squad, however, I’ll be trying my best when I pull on the Scotland jersey.”

“I owe it to the team. If the team were maybe languishing down the bottom of the table then I maybe wouldn’t have got this chance.

“A lot of the players at the club have made my job a lot easier at times, which has helped this year as we all work hard to make sure we cover for any mistakes that are made.

“It is nice having some familiar faces in the squad as it’ll make it a bit easier to bed in as it can be a bit like going to a new job and not knowing anyone.

“I’m sure I will know a few people from my time in the game as well, but having team-mates in the squad is a positive as it shows how well we have done as a team this season and I think it’s been a while since we had that many players called-up into the Scotland squad.”

Hibs’ on-loan midfielder Scott Allan believes that his second spell at Easter Road has made him a better player.

His form since his January move has been excellent and the supporters have taken him to their hearts, particularly after scoring a sensational opener in the Edinburgh derby.

His future is unclear as he will return to parent club Celtic but as he is unlikely to feature under Brendan Rodgers many fans hope that Hibs can get him back to Leith.

With John McGinn linked to Celtic, many believe that Allan could be part of that deal however nothing is likely to be decided until they players return for pre-season training.

Speaking to Cliff Pike of Hibernian TV after Sunday’s incredible 5-5 draw with Rangers, Allan said: “As I have said numerous times, I have loved every minute here. I think I’ve became a better player since I came back a second time. I have added goals to my game and my work rate has improved under the gaffer (Neil Lennon)

“The fans have took to me again and that is a big plus.

“We know with the players here that we were good enough to finish second. There were a couple of games. We were 2-0 up at Kilmarnock with the chance to go three up and today we were 3-0 up so it’s disappointing looking back.

“The club has moved forward ten fold since I was last here. I think that’s down to the manager and Leeann (Dempster) and George (Craig) and most of all the players they have recruited and that’s massive considering where the club was.”

This week is MagicFest in Edinburgh and on Monday evening I had the pleasure of seeing Billy Reid, one of Scotland’s best close-up magicians in action.

If you haven’t heard of Billy Reid I have a feeling you will in the near future. He was captivated by magic as a ten-year-old and he has developed his undoubted talent to the stage where he recently gave up his day job to concentrate on his magic act on a full-time basis. His progress has been such that he is now a member of the Magic Circle.

Billy’s show was billed as an innovative fusion of magic, storytelling and art, a production that is both enchanting and memorable. It didn’t disappoint as he astounded his audience in the intimate setting of Edinburgh’s Storytelling Centre in the Royal Mile with some clever card tricks and a wee bit of mind reading which, if not quite in the Colin Cloud standard, was well presented and went down with the appreciative audience.

There’s a charm and degree of style from Billy that makes him a likeable character as soon as he comes on stage. His personal story of pursuing his dream to become a full-time magician resonated with this writer as I left a full-time job in human resources three years ago to become a fully qualified hypnotherapist. Never give up on your dreams is the message.

Billy’s talent is obvious and while the show lacks some of the polish of the more established magicians who have been doing this sort of thing for many years, this will undoubtedly come as will an increased presence as a performer.

A few years back I recall Colin Cloud making his first steps as a forensic mind reader and posting a review in the Edinburgh Reporter which, now on the cusp of greatness, he still uses to promote some of his shows worldwide. I have a feeling Billy Reid will also become a name that will be on many people’s lips in years to come. More information about this talented young man is available here.

Edinburgh Reporter rating: ****

The mytaxi app has launched today in Edinburgh. We began with a photo shoot on Castle Terrace when we spoke with George Aird Chairman of City Cabs who are the taxi partners here in the capital.

If you download the app and call a cab, payment is made through the app and you have the assurance of knowing that a City Cab driver will come and pick you up. And until the end of June by using the app you will save on fares with a third off.

George Aird explained to us that they decided to proceed with the mytaxi partnership as it will be good for their company and also for their customers.

He said : “City Cabs thought this was an exciting opportunity to launch into a European market even before the passengers come into Edinburgh. Going with mytaxi gives us the ideal opportunity to do that as they already operate in 77 other major cities around Europe. So we can connect with visitors before they come here.

“We are reliable, safe and vetted by the council. Our taxi drivers all have ‘The Knowledge’ and City Cabs is one of the biggest black cab companies in Edinburgh. We have over 450 taxis and about 900 drivers. We will get passengers from A to B safely.

George Aird of @CityCabsEdin told us that their partnership with @mytaxiuk will be good for their customers – payment through the app too. pic.twitter.com/eVzDl4yimD

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) May 14, 2018

“Technology is moving fast and we thought it would be good to be in partnership with the app company. This will bring us more business and payment is easier for the customer as all their details are on the app, but for our drivers it is also guaranteed.”

Click below to download the app.

A combined team of walking footballers from Heart of Midlothian and Ayr United have won the International Super Masters 5-aside Over 65s Walking Football World Cup following a dramatic penalty shoot-out against auld enemy England.

The players who were runners up in last year’s competition were invited by tournament organisers to represent their country once again and this time they went one better, bringing the prestigious trophy back across the border.

Teams from Scotland, England, Wales, Canada, Gibraltar and Holland took part in the annual tournament which was held at Bristol University on Saturday.

Gibraltar’s national team provided the first opposition for the Scots and late goals from Harry Harvie and Tom Dowman secured a 2-0 victory and the first points of the day.

After a break in play, back to back games with Canada, represented by Inter UBC Veterans and then England, represented by Birmingham City, followed, and both matches ended goalless.

Next up were Holland’s international team who fielded a strong side containing three time European Cup winner Sjaak Swart, European Golden Boot winner Kees Kist and World Cup finalists Dick Schoenaker and Wim Rijsbergen.

In a hard-fought encounter, Captain Jimmy Bremner opened the scoring however a quickly taken free kick produced an equaliser before Tom Dowman grabbed a deserved winner.

The final ‘round robin’ fixture was against the Welsh national team and the Scots raced into a two-goal lead through Harry Harvie and Jim Bremner. Wales did manage a late consolation goal but the Scots held on to secure the two points.

At the conclusion of the fixtures, the Scots topped the table with eight points, one ahead of nearest rivals England and the pair faced each other in a winner takes all final.

The Scots dominated the game and took a deserved lead through Harry Harvie only for the English to equalise with the last kick and the final was decided on penalties.

Jimmy Bremner, John Crawford and Billy Thomson all converted from the spot whilst goalkeeper David Barr produced two fine saves to secure the coveted trophy and celebrations went long into the night.

Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin congratulated the squad for their achievement.

“Everyone involved with walking football in Scotland are tremendously proud of the victorious squad. Well done to you all. This victory moves the selection of representative squads up the agenda for Walking Football Scotland. Starting out you usually have objectives and something to aim for. Winning the World cup, raises a challenging question for us. Where do we go from here?”

Scotland Squad : David Barr (Hearts), Allan Thomson (Hearts), Jimmy Bremner (Hearts),  Harry Harvie (Ayr United), Tom Dowman ( Ayr United), Billy Thomson (Ayr United), Chris Johnston (Ayr United), John Crawford (Ayr United) and Jim Kirk (Ayr United).

Manager David Watson and Coach Jason Butler.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a series of break-ins and attempted break-ins to business premises in Uphall and Broxburn, West Lothian which took place between 1.10am and 4.30am on Friday 11th May.

A number of business premises were broken into in the Uphall Cross area with cash registers, keys and business equipment stolen.

Business premises in Broxburn including one in East Main, a sports club in Albyn Place, and an Industrial Unit off Greendykes Road where a safe, laptops and computer equipment were stolen.

Two men were seen acting suspiciously on East Main Street and Fergusson Road, Broxburn and riding dark coloured BMX bikes on West Main Street, Uphall before leaving the area on their bikes towards Broxburn.

Detective Constable Jo McCall of Livingston CID said: “These break-ins have resulted in numerous businesses sustaining extensive damage and theft of property.

“We are eager to trace those responsible and ask that anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, contacts police.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV or Dashcam footage capturing any suspicious persons in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident numbers 0168 of 11th May 2018, or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This week is Mental Health Awareness week. There is a good argument for suggesting every week should be Mental Health Awareness week; that every day should be Mental Health Awareness day. We all have mental health but it’s when our mental health starts to control our life that some people seek professional help. The recent tragic death of Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison brought this home to many.

Hypnotherapy is one area which has great success in helping people with mental health issues. Hypnosis has long been fodder for television shows and stand-up acts, and most people are familiar with hypnotists who claim to be able to make anyone do anything while under hypnosis. But hypnosis is no longer just a sideshow performance, and an increasing number of people are turning to hypnosis to quit smoking, get over depression and anxiety, lose weight, and forget about phobias. Mind Generating Success is a successful hypnotherapy practice based in the west of Edinburgh.

Definition of hypnotherapy

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep. It does involve the induction of a trance-like condition, but when in it, the client is actually in an enhanced state of awareness, concentrating entirely on the hypnotist’s voice. In this state, the conscious mind is suppressed, and the subconscious mind is revealed.

The therapist can suggest ideas, concepts and lifestyle adaptations to the client, the seeds of which become firmly planted.

Hypnotherapy aims to re-programme patterns of behaviour within the mind, enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome. As the body is released from conscious control during the relaxed trance-like state of hypnosis, breathing becomes slower and deeper, the pulse rate drops and the metabolic rate falls. Similar changes along nervous pathways and hormonal channels enable the sensation of pain to become less acute, and the awareness of unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea or indigestion, to be alleviated.

Mental Health issues can affect different people in different ways. Of course, we are all different. However, there some consistent signs which indicate mental health problems. For example, if someone believes they are inadequate or unworthy, their behaviour will reflect this. Therefore, they act in a way that indicates they can’t do things or aren’t very good at doing things. Among these behavioural traits are:

• feeling hopeless or depressed
• feeling bored with life
• having no motivation
• feeling constantly anxious or fearful of making a mistake
• lack of assertiveness
• feeling overly sensitive to criticism
• thinking there’s nothing to look forward to
• thinking negatively about yourself
• feeling tired a lot of the time
• feeling like a failure
• wishing your life was better

Hypnosis is thought to work by altering our state of consciousness in such a way that the analytical left-hand side of the brain is turned off, while the non-analytical right-hand side is made more alert. The conscious control of the mind is inhibited, and the subconscious mind awoken. Since the subconscious mind is a deeper-seated, more instinctive force than the conscious mind, this is the part which has to change for the client’s behaviour and physical state to alter.

What form might the treatment take?

Firstly, any misconceptions a potential client may have about hypnosis should be dispelled. The technique does not involve the client being put into a deep sleep, and they cannot be made to do anything they would not ordinarily do. They remain fully aware of their surroundings and situation and are not vulnerable to every given command of the therapist. The important thing is that the client wants to change some behavioural habit or addiction and is highly motivated to do so. They have to want the treatment to work and must establish a good clinical rapport with the therapist in order for it to do so.

The readiness and ability of clients to be hypnotised varies considerably and hypnotherapy generally requires several sessions in order to achieve meaningful results. However, the client can learn the technique of self-hypnosis which can be practiced at home, to reinforce the usefulness of formal sessions with the therapist. This can help counter distress and anxiety-related conditions.

The process begins with an initial consultation meeting. This will last about an hour and establish the needs of the client and what they want to ach

If you want more information about the life-changing benefits of hypnotherapy, email me at mike.smith@mgs-hypnotherapy-services.co.uk or text or phone me on 07521 353 787.

Evening appointments are available.

As a special offer for readers of The Edinburgh Reporter there is 10% off every session. Just quote ER2018 when making an enquiry.

Visit Mind Generating Success for more information.

Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon described yesterday’s 5-5 draw with Rangers as ‘absolutely bonkers’ and admitted that he sent his players out with the objective of winning 6-0.

That would have secured third place in the table and for a while it looked on as Hibs raced  into a 3-0 lead before the visitors fought back, hitting Lennon’s men on the break.

In the end both teams shared 10 goals and for the second game in succession every supporter in the ground applauded both sets of players off the field after a remarkable 94 minutes of breath taking action.

After the final whistle, Lennon who was sent off just before full time for his ‘aeroplane’ celebration on the pitch after Jamie MacLaren’s late equaliser spoke to the assembled media pack.

He said: “It was bonkers, absolutely bonkers. I enjoyed it immensely and I am thoroughly delighted we got something out of the game because we deserved it.

“We had to gamble. when you get to 3-0 you think it is on.

“We just got a bit loose with tactical discipline, but there was no tactical discipline out there today.

“We sent them out to win 6-0.

At 5-3 down you think they don’t deserve to lose the game and they showed great character to come back and take something form the game.

“I’m disappointed we have not won it. It sums up the season here at Hibs.

“It’s been pretty entertaining for the punters coming in through the gates.”

Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon does not expect to receive any further punishment after being sent to the stand yesterday following his ‘aeroplane’ celebration on the pitch in front of the Rangers fans.

After a traumatic few days, Lennon returned to the dug-out insisting that his players would try to make up the 10 goal deficit. Few believed him until Hibs grabbed a three goal lead in the first quarter of the game.

With Easter Road rocking, Hibs pressed for more goals leaving themselves vulnerable at the back and sure enough Rangers hit them on the break, eventually taking a 5-3 lead.

This time it was the visiting supporters turn to celebrate and they made their feeling known to the former Celtic players and manager, singing a song calling him a “Sad Fenian B*****d”

Lennon responded with positive substitutions and Hibs immediately pulled one back then in time added on, Jamie MacLaren completed his hat-trick to level the score at 5-5.

As three and a half sides of the stadium erupted in joy, Lennon ran onto the pitch toward the away end with his arms outstretched mimicking an aeroplane before jumping high and punching the air.

The celebration earned him a trip to the stand but he walked down the tunnel with ‘There’s only ne Neil Lennon’ belting out form his adoring fans.

After the game, he was questioned about whether he anticipated a further ban for his actions.

He replied: “They (Rangers fans) make it personal, don’t they? You all hear it. They were singing sectarian songs at me.

“It was just a little bit of, ‘have some of that’. It was worth it. Trust me. Bobby (Madden – fourth official) was fine about it. I should not get a ban for that, I was nowhere near them. I was just letting them know how pleased I was to get the equaliser.

“It was harmless, was it not? The sending off is enough and I should not get further punishment for that.

“I was nowhere near them (Rangers fans). I was about 50 yards away when I stopped – just as well! It was worth it, I enjoyed the moment.”

Swindon Robins have snapped up talented teenager Jack Smith formerly of Glasgow Tigers and the 18-year-old from Stoke will make his debut against Belle Vue on Monday (7.30).

Smith, who rode for the Aces in 2017, replaces former Glasgow and Edinburgh Monarchs racer Mitchell Davey at Reserve.

Aussie-born Davey faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining multiple injuries during Birmingham’s National League Knockout Cup clash with Mildenhall on Wednesday.

Smith, who is the son of three time British Champion and former Robins rider, Andy Smith, said: “I’m over the moon to be joining Swindon.

“It’s a shame it’s not under other circumstances because Mitch and I are quite close. It’s dreadful what’s happened to him.

“I’ve got to come in and do a job and I can’t wait to get started.”

And current Tigers star Richie Worrall is back with Poole Pirates for another temporary spell.

Worrall enjoyed a spell with Pirates in 2017 and replaces Peter Kildemand whilst Chris Holder’s availability is resolved.

He will make his comeback in Poole’s trip to Rye House in the Premiership on Monday.

Michael Palm Toft powered to a six-ride maximum of 18 points as Peterborough Panthers beat the Staggs Bar Edinburgh Monarchs 48-42 at the East of England Showground. Scott Nicholls was next best with 12 points.

Skipper Eric Riss claimed ten points to top score for the visitors with Ricky Wells next best on nine points.

Earlier, Monarchs led 8-4 after two heats and 21-15 after six races but a 5-1 in Heat Seven closed the gap to two points and Panthers levelled two races later.

They were still level at 33-33 after Heat 11 but a 5-1 in the next race and a 4-2 in the final heat proved crucial.

Championship Shield: Glasgow Tigers 33, Workington Comets 56

Former Glasgow Tigers star Dan Bewley returned to haunt his former club.
The Cumbria-based racer stormed to 14 points with three wins in six rides for Workington Comets.

And he also claimed a new track record of 57.66sec in Heat Seven.

Bewley’s score was topped by team-mate Ty Proctor who scored 15 points in the 56-33 road victory which shocked home fans.

The defeat came despite a 15-point maximum from Lewis Kerr, who claimed a track record of 57.7sec in the first race before Bewley better that six heats later.

Tigers were only four points adrift at 32-28 after Heat Ten but Comets powered home with 5-1 scorelines in Heats 11, 12 and 14 and a 5-0 in the final race.

Following the hat trick at Easter Road yesterday it seems appropriate to look at others!

Incredibly Florian Kamberi’s hat trick against Hamilton was Hibs first time in the top flight since Colin Nish scored three against Motherwell in the infamous 6-6 draw at Fir Park in 2010.

Here I take a look back at other memorable trebles by Hibs’ players.

In 2005, few football fans had heard of Northern Irishman Ivan Sproule who joined Hibs from Institute for £5,000 but three second half goals in the space of 23 minutes at Ibrox secured his place in the history books. Ironically Ivan grew up supporting Rangers.

Five years earlier Mixu Paatelainen earned legendary status amongst the Hibs’ fans with a treble against Hearts in the 6-2 ‘Demolition Derby’ at Easter Road. Hearts took an early advantage but a double just before the break by Mixu gave Hibs the lead at half time. In the second half Hibs destroyed their rivals with a sensational performance and Mixu completed his hat trick from close range against his close pal Anti Neimi.

In October 1974 Joe Harper scored a hat trick in the League Cup final against Celtic but unfortunately Dixie Deans did likewise and Jock Steins men ran out 6-3 winners. Joe joined Hibs from Everton for £120,000, the biggest fee ever paid by a Scottish team at the time but despite having a good goalscoring record, the supporters never took him to their heart.

The 1972 European Cup Winners Cup will live long in the memory of Hibs’ supporters of a certain generation and three hat trick were scored during the competition. Jimmy O’Rourke scored three times against Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, overturning a 2-1 deficit by winning 6-1 at Easter Road. In the following round against FC Besa Jimmy did the same as Hibs ran out 7-1 winners.

Before the quarter finals, Hibs beat Celtic to win their first cup for 70 years then then disposed of Hajduk Split 4-2 in the first leg with Alan Gordon grabbing three goals. Hibs Chairman Tom Hart famously predicted that the club would win the trophy and also the league title but after beating Hearts 7-0 at Tynecastle, talisman defender John Brownlie suffered a broken leg against East Fife in the next game. Midfield genius Alex Edwards was booked in that match as was given a lengthy suspension which ended Hibs hopes of a remarkable double.

Joe McBride was another player who enjoyed a European hat-trick. In 1970 he scored three and made two against Malmo having did the same against Locomotive Leipzig two years earlier. Joe joined Hibs from Celtic for a bargain £20,000 as a replacement for Colin Stein who move to Rangers for a record £100,000.

A few years earlier, Pat Quinn scored a memorable hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Hearts at Tynecastle. Remarkably these goals were Pat’s first for almost two years and the Hibs’ fans waited outside the dressing room at ful-time chanting “We Want Quinn.”

Prolific goal-scorer Neil Martin decided to repay former manager Jock Stein for leaving Hibs for Celtic with a league and couple a distinct possibility by scoring a first half hat-trick at Parkhead. To this day Neil is still convinced that Hibs would have won both trophies had big Jock stayed until the end of the season and a he made his feeling known with a ‘victory’ gesture toward the Celtic dugout.

The late great Joe Baker also loved hat-tricks and actually scored three in one game against Peebles Rovers in the Scottish Cup. The match was sandwiched between two games against Barcelona. Joe left the field deflated however as he had not matched his brother Gerry’s 10 goals for St Mirren against Glasgow University in the same competition the previous year.

In total Joe scored 16 hat-tricks for Hibs but and his quadruple at Tynecastle on 1st March 1958 to help Hibs win the game 4-3 will never be forgotten as long as football is played in the capital. Incredibly Joe was only 17 when he completed this feat.

Another remarkable statistic concerns the Famous Five. Between them they scored an incredible 46 hat-tricks.

Gordon Smith scored 16, Bobby Johnstone scored 4, Lawrie Reilly scored 17, Eddie Turnbull scored 7 and Willie Ormond scored 2.

In partnership with City Cabs, mytaxi will work with licensed taxi drivers to provide local knowledge and safe travel for the people of Edinburgh.

mytaxi is Europe’s largest taxi e-hailing app and Edinburgh is the first Scottish city to join the mytaxi family. To celebrate the expansion mytaxi are offering a 1/3 off discount for all Edinburgh passengers until the end of June. The launch marks the second city in a regional roll out set to continue over the summer, as the app continues to grow. 

In partnership with Edinburgh City Cabs, mytaxi not only provides skilled and knowledgeable drivers but also guarantees safe, reliable, convenient and cost-effective travel for Edinburgh’s residents. Supporting and promoting local licensed taxi drivers is fundamental to the mytaxi culture as the business seeks a central role in Edinburgh’s integrated transport system. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to launch our first Scottish City by partnering with the leading operator in Edinburgh. The city is outstanding for a whole host of reasons; the beautiful architecture, the thriving business community and the exciting events calendar just to name a few. We’ve had an incredibly strong start to 2018 by both expanding our London business and launching in Nottingham and we’re thrilled to continue to extend our UK footprint with such an iconic city as Edinburgh. We hope that by partnering with City Cabs, mytaxi can help you experience everything the Capital of Scotland has to offer in a safe and seamless way” Hannah Soll-Morris, Head of Operations and Expansion at mytaxi.

 “The launch of the mytaxi app in Edinburgh is an exciting prospect for our drivers. Working in partnership with mytaxi will give us access to a readily available European customers base. It’s also great to see an investment in the knowledge and skills of black cab drivers within Edinburgh”. City Cabs Chairman, George Aird.

To celebrate the launch, mytaxi will be offering *1/3 off all trips until 30 June 2018 in Edinburgh for both new and existing users *T&Cs apply.

More information is available at www.mytaxi.com 

mytaxi is a free app available for iOS and Android.  You can download the app here: mytaxi app

T&Cs
*Discount applied at the end of the trip & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount works in Edinburgh with in-app card payment. T&C apply. Live 00:01 14 May until 23:59 on 30 June 2018. mytaxi reserve the right to change or end any promotion at any time.

More information here

Campaigners who are trying to ‘Save Meadowbank’ have begun a crowdfunder to raise money for their cause.

They want the council to increase the sports facilities offered in the new stadium, reduce the amount of green space and trees which will be lost and reduce the density and height of the houses in the proposal.

They need funds for leaflets and posters to publicise their fight.

You can donate here.

Yesterday the Flyspotting campaign launched with a living room made from furniture which was found on Leith streets in the past few months.

The ‘Flyspotting’ campaign will use posters, street stencils and flyspotting stickers in and around Dalmeny Park to get the message across to offenders who leave large bulky items on the street rather than get them collected by the council.

The idea came from research which Changeworks did earlier this year which found that 8 out of 10 people thought fly tipping affected them personally.

Now the charity is partnering up with the council and other local organisations in a combined effort called Zero Waste Leith, funded by Zero Waste Scotland and the European Regional Development Fund.

Photographer Euan Myles took the photos for the posters which  Zsuzsa and Gerry Farrell of Gerry Farrell Ink, (who also run the popular volunteer anti-litter organisation Leithers Don’t Litter),   designed for this anti-flytipping campaign.

Hannah Milne, who is Changeworks’ Zero Waste Leith Co-ordinator said: “From Monday 14 May we will be working with our team of volunteers to post a new ‘Sunshine on Leith’ magazine about flytipping through letterboxes in our pilot area.

“We’ll also be putting out posters, street stencils and ‘flyspotting’ stickers in the area, including a photo series on the railings of Dalmeny Street Park that show locals sharing their thoughts on flytipping. The community really cares about living on cleaner, greener streets – it was brilliant to see over 270 people taking part in litter picks we organised in the Leith area to celebrate Earth Day recently. We can’t wait to hear and see the response to the flyspotting campaign, and enjoying the clean streets of Leith!”

The launch event was attended by local MP Deidre Brock and Councillor Susan Rae.

#Flyspotting launched in Leith today! @ChangeworksUK @litterfreeleith pic.twitter.com/puZHfxlqfx

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) May 13, 2018

Eagles show the Roosters how it’s done in Edinburgh

Match report courtesy of Eagles’ Andrew McPhail.
Due to an unforeseen last minute pull out, a planned nines tournament at Edinburgh Eagles’ Jack Kane Centre home ground,  was cancelled. However, International rugby league did return to Scotland as the Eagles welcomed Italian team, Saluzzo North West Roosters, to Edinburgh to play a full 13-a-side match.

In another warm and sunny day, Edinburgh ran out winners in a scoreline that did not reflect the effort and commitment of an Italian side who never gave up.

The visitors chose to start the game and a promising first set of six for Edinburgh saw Mark Robertson run from inside his own half only to be tackled short of the try line. This was perhaps a sign of things to come although the early stages saw both sides complete their sets with neither dominating until a high ball from Eagles on the 5th tackle near the Saluzzo line wasn’t dealt with and Nick Hanmer was on hand to pick up the bouncing ball to run in under the post for the first try of the afternoon, converted by Stuart McBain to give Edinburgh a 6 – 0 lead.

From the restart, the Eagles continued to pressure the Roosters, disrupting their rhythm with some strong tackles and continuing to stay on top by allowing the ball do the work in the warm conditions, using the full width across the field as they sought to find a way through the Italian defensive line. This finally paid dividends when the hard running Doug Watters was on the end of a cross field movement in the left centre position to go over for the second try of the afternoon to give Eagles a 10-0 lead.

Soon afterwards, a dropped high ball saw Luke McKinney go over to extend the lead to 14-0 and Saluzzo appeared to have no answer to the Eagles, who were ably moved around the field all afternoon by half backs McBain and Lewis Clarke.
The Italians never gave up but the Eagles pressure continued and they were soon gave up another try, this time by Robertson who intercepted and ran in unopposed under the posts from thirty metres. This time the try was converted by McBain to give Eagles a 20-0 lead.

Although this was a friendly, neither side let the intensity drop and the defence from both teams was, at times, ferocious which saw a number of players taken off for injuries, although thankfully none were serious. The enforced breaks in play did disrupt the flow of the game but not the determination of the Eagles to put on a good display in front of the onlooking spectators, who boasted two Scotland Rugby League representatives among then, all of whom would have been entertained with what they were seeing.

The Eagles finished the half with back to back tries, both scored under the posts. The first by Terry Logan, closely followed by a second of the afternoon for Luke McKinney. McBain added the two conversions to give Eagles a 32-0 lead at half time.
The second half was a much quieter affair and whilst the flow of the game remained as one of Eagles pressure, a combination of improved defence by the Roosters and the hot weather resulted in a much lower scoring affair.

Saluzzo had the first chance of the half to score but were unable to get over the whitewash. This resulted in an Eagles attack which saw a high ball bouncing desperately in the Saluzzo in-goal area and finally picked up by a Saluzzo player who was able to evade Eagles defenders to race down the field, only to be tackled short of the goal line, much to the disappointment of the watching crowd who by this time wanted the visitors to score.

The visitors did get their reward their efforts deserved when hard-working forward Leonardo Grasso scored the opening try of the second half. Unfortunately though this wasn’t to signal a change in fortunes as happened for the opposition last week and it was Eagles who scored next with a try by Seb Jablonski on debut for Eagles. He will, no doubt, remind his son of this fact as he too was also playing his first game for the Eagles. The Jablonski try came from broken play following another Robertson run which had the Saluzzo defence at sixes and sevens. Sadly he just didn’t have the legs of his younger days to finish however it did allow the Jablonski try to be scored on the next play.

Although the Saluzzo defence was tighter in the second half, Eagles remained in the mood to score and finish the game with two tries. By coincidence, the scorers were the same as those who rounded off the scoring in the first half.This time though, the first came from McKinney, to complete his hat trick, and finally Terry Logan, who switched to the centre, ran in on the left edge after running over two tired defenders to leave the final score at Eagles 44 – 4 Saluzzo North West Roosters.

Eagles coach Barry McGuffog said; “I’d like to thank Paolo, Marie and the rest of the players, staff and supporters who made the trip over and contested what was a highly entertaining game played in great spirit. They’re in a similar position to ourselves in terms domestic fixtures so play their regular rugby in the south of France.”

“Obviously it was disappointing that Strathmore pulled out on Friday afternoon, but after some quick discussions with Paolo at the Roosters and with our lads, we were able to get a full sided game arranged in place of the 9’s which ultimately will have benefited our guys more. We got another eighty minutes under our belts and were able to build on last week’s performance, righting a few wrongs and putting things we’ve practiced in training this week in place. We’ve got Cramlington away next week which allows us to continue building towards the cup game against Gateshead Storm on the 26th.”

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days

Hibs ended the season in fourth place with a record number of points after one of the most remarkable games of football ever seen in the capital.

Ten goals, numerous booking, a red card, a number of disputable refereeing decisions and Neil Lennon sent to the stands for celebrating a late equaliser by running onto the pitch imitating an airplane in front of the Rangers fans.

Lennon made three changes to the starting XI that lost the Edinburgh derby in midweek. Martin Boyle, Darren McGregor and Brandon Barker made way for Vykintas Slivka, Jamie MacLaren and Dylan McGeouch.

Neil Lennon took his place in the dugout and received a terrific reception form the Hibs’ fans who belted out ‘There’s only one Neil Lennon’ in his honour.

The game started at a frenetic pace then got faster.

Hibs opened the scoring in the 10th minute after Jamie MacLaren was bundled to the ground as he was trying to get on the end of a Slivka cross from the right. Referee Andrew Dallas pointed to the spot and Florian Kamberi fired a brilliant penalty high into the top corner of the net leaving Jak Alnwick helpless.

Eight minutes later Slivka cushioned a long Lewis Stevenson’s cross into the path of Scott Allan, who bundled the ball past Jak Alnwick from close range.

Easter Road erupted moments later then Jamie MacLaren headed another superb Stevenson cross into the net and the home fans started to believe that the impossible six goal victory which would have seen Hibs overtake Rangers into third place could happen.

Hibs continued to press forward and Alnwick did well to save a header from Steven Whittaker as Lennon’s men looked to make it 4-0.

It was Hibs attacking tactics that lead to their downfall however and Rangers pulled one back on the break when Jason  Holt cut the ball back for the unmarked Tavernier to fire past Ofir Marciao

Jamie Murphy then send an inch perfect through ball which Jordan Rossiter drilled into the bottom corner of the net, effectively ending Hibs’ hopes of achieving the impossible.

Rangers caretaker manager Jimmy Nichol replaced Sean Goss with Bruno Alves to steady the defence however it ws at the other end where the Portuguese international made an immediate impact sending a superb curling free-kick over the wall and into the net to level the scores.

Just before the break Rossiter was booked for scything down Kamberi and Scott Allan was also shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Rossiter.

The visitors started the second half strongly and Cummings set up Holt whose shot was deflected into the net off Efe Ambrose.

In the 68th minute, holt tried a long range effort which appeared to be heading wide until it deflected off Josh Windass leaving Marciano helpless.

Two minutes later MacLaren grabbed his second goal of the game after good work from John McGinn and Slivka.

With five minutes remaining Rangers were reduced to 10 men when Holt cynically pulled back John McGinn, earning a deserved second yellow card.

McGeouch almost made it 5-5 with a powerful strike but Alnwick produced a fantastic save to deny the midfielder.

In time added on Barker skipped past Tavernier and fired a low cross which rebounded off Bates and Maclaren flicked the ball high into the net sparking mayhem inside the stadium.

Lennon ran onto the pitch with his arms outstretched mimicking either Henrik Larsen or an airplane and was sent off for his celebration.

Rangers had a final chance in the dying second when they were awarded a free-kick 25 out but Alves’ strike hit the wall and was cleared.

After the final whistle, the fans stayed behind to show their appreciation to the Hibs players for a fantastic season.

Hibernian: Marciano, Whittaker, Hanlon, McGinn, Slivka, McGeouch, Stevenson (Swanson 85’), Maclaren, Kamberi, S. Allan (Barker 64’), Ambrose (McGregor 69’). Substitutes not used: Dabrowski, Gray, Bartley, L. Allan.

Rangers: Alnwick, Tavernier, Halliday, Rossiter (Hodson 67’), Candeias, Holt, Bates, Cummings (Windass 61’), Goss (Alves 27’), Murphy, Martin. Substitutes not used: Kelly, Herrera, O’Halloran, Docherty.

Referee: Andrew Dallas.

Attendance: 19,569.

Kilmarnock 1 Hearts 0
Ladbrokes Premiership, Sunday 13th May 2018 – Rugby Park

It’s fair to say Hearts supporters won’t be sorry to see the end of season 2017/18, a campaign which began disastrously with a Betfred Cup exit and ended with a sixth-place finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership and a team consisting mainly of youngsters on the final day of the season at Rugby Park.

With injuries and suspensions mounting to an astonishing toll, Hearts Head Coach Craig Levein had little choice but to make seven changes from the team that defeated Hibernian at Tynecastle on Wednesday evening.

Hearts have been one of the most progressive clubs in Scotland when it comes to giving youngsters their opportunity in the first team but, on this occasion, Levein had no option but to give debuts to 16-year-old Chris Hamilton and Cameron Logan while relative veterans 17-year-olds Harry Cochrane and Anthony McDonald lined up alongside 19-year-old Lewis Moore. There was also a return for goalkeeper Jack Hamilton.

Killie have had an excellent second half of the season under manager Steve Clarke and it was no surprise to see the home side make the early running. Just three minutes in and O’Donnell cut back for Kiltie but the Killie player’s effort on goal was saved by Jack Hamilton.

The visitors did create an opening a couple of minutes later when David Milinkovic set up Kyle Lafferty but the Northern Irish striker was denied by the on-rushing former Hearts keeper Jamie MacDonald.

Jack Hamilton was called into action again when he saved from Tshibola before the home side took the lead in the 11th minute. Fine play from Erwin saw him run at the Hearts defence before firing past Hamilton to put Killie in front.

The Ayrshire team sensed blood against Hearts youngsters and veteran striker Kris Boyd almost made it 2-0 with a long-range effort in the 17th minute.

However, it was Hearts who should have equalised five minutes later. Again, it was Milinkovic who set up Lafferty but the striker, on 19 goals for the season, couldn’t find a way past the legs of MacDonald.

Mulumbu then came close for Killie with a 35-yard screamer which whistled over the crossbar before Hearts injury woes continued unabated when Harry Cochrane went off to be replaced by yet another 16-year-old, Connor Smith.

Half-time Kilmarnock 1 Hearts 0

The second half took on the look of an ‘end-of-season’ affair. Chances for either team were few and far between although the best chance fell to Boyd with eight minutes left but he was thwarted by a fantastic save from Jack Hamilton.

It was Hamilton to Hearts rescue again with three minutes left when he saved twice from Erwin and then from Brophy.

The game ended in defeat for one of the youngest Hearts teams ever to pull on the first team shirts but the 400 plus travelling Maroon Army voiced their approval of their efforts at the end of the game.

Kilmarnock: MacDonald, O’Donnell, S.Boyd, Findlay, Taylor, Wilson (Burke, 77′), Mulumbu, Tshibola, Kiltie (Brophy, 55′), K.Boyd (Cameron, 90′), Erwin.

Hearts: J.Hamilton, Logan (Makovora, 64′), C.Hamilton, Hughes, Moore, Callachan, Cochrane (C. Smith, 43′), Cowie, McDonald (Henderson, 72′), Milinkovic, Lafferty.

Referee: Stephen Finnie

Attendance: 6,273

Top Man: Jack Hamilton