Gordon Macdonald MSP joined MS Society Scotland in their campaign to “Kiss Goodbye to MS”. The campaign is encouraging people to give up their guilty pleasure this May to raise money for research into MS – with the MS Society driving research into more, and better, treatments.

With MS affecting more than 11,000 people in Scotland, causing problems with how we walk, move, see, think and feel, MS Society Scotland recently held an event in The Scottish Parliament to raise awareness
of the important role research plays in the lives of people affected by MS.

The MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands pledged his support for MS Society Scotland’s “Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign”.

Gordon said: “Everyone has their own guilty pleasure and I encourage everyone, that can, to free themselves of that guilt for a few weeks and get involved in the Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign.

“MS is an unpredictable condition that is different for everyone and the more research undertaken, the better our care and support will be.

“Kiss Goodbye to MS is about people coming together globally and supporting MS International Federation to accelerate the research into multiple sclerosis across the world.”

Morna Simpkins, Director for MS Society Scotland said: “By joining a global group of fundraisers and taking part in ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS’, your small sacrifice could help us find new treatments
for people living with MS and their loved ones.

“For more than 11,000 people in Scotland, living with MS
is a daily reality. This is why the MS Society is driving cutting-edge research
into more – and better treatments to ultimately stop MS.”

About Kiss Goodbye to MS

·    Give up your guilty pleasure this May to raise
money for MS research

·
Whether it’s white wine or chocolate treats, you
can help ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS’

·
The MS Society is driving cutting-edge research
into more – and better – treatments

·
Sign up on the MS Society website at www.mssociety.org.uk/kissgoodbyetoMS

·     Tell the MS Society what your guilty pleasure is using
#KissGoodbyetoMS

A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an assault in the West End of Edinburgh which resulted in a 52-year-old man suffering serious injuries.

The assault took place  outside the Rat Pack pub on Shandwick Place in the early hours of Sunday 1st April.

Detective Constable Leigh Inglis from Edinburgh’s Violence Reduction Unit said: “This has been a priority investigation for the VRU over the past 6 weeks with numerous lines of inquiry followed, and I would particularly like to thank the public and media for their assistance with our appeals. A 28-year-old man has now been charged in connection with this incident and he is expected to appear in court at a later date.”

Police  are appealing for information to help trace a missing man believed to be in the Capital.

Scott Hutchison who is originally from Selkirk  was reported missing from Dennistoun, Glasgow, by his family earlier today.

Inquiries have established that he had visited the Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry, before leaving the accommodation at around 1am on Wednesday 9th May.

The 36-year-old, who is the lead singer of Scottish Indie Rock band, Frightened Rabbit, has not been seen since this time and concern is growing for his welfare. Anyone who knows his current whereabouts is asked to come forward.

Scott is described as white, 6ft tall with a stocky build, dark hair and a thick beard. He was last seen wearing a dark baseball cap, navy blue hooded jacket, grey or khaki trousers, white trainers.

Inspector Graeme Dignan from Drylaw Police Station, Edinburgh said, “We are keen to locate Scott as soon as possible to ensure he is safe and well and would urge anyone who can assist with our ongoing inquiries to come forward.

“If you believe you have seen him since the early hours of Wednesday morning or know where he currently is, then please contact police immediately. I’d also urge Scott to get in touch with family, friends, or with police, to let us know he is alright.”

Those with information can contact officers at Drylaw Police Station via 101 anf quote incident 0082 of the 9th May.

Sam Masters and Rory Schlein are favourites for the 61st running of the Scottish Open Championship on Friday (7.15pm).

Harrisons Ford Retail Centre of Peebles are sponsors of the event and the strongest challenge to the SGB Premiership stars should come from Edinburgh Monarchs’ duo Ricky Wells and Erik Riss.

Lat year’s winner Justin Sedgmen is not in Britain this year so can’t defend his title but Masters was the winner of the previous staging in 2014.

Schlein has the biggest incentive as he has been winner of the Open on three occasions (2004, 2008, 2011) and another one would see him equal the record of Peter Carr who won four times in the Armadale era.

The 2004 win was Schlein’s first big individual success and he said: “It was one of my first big ones, one that meant more to me than probably anyone else I think.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming back and riding in it. The best rider I ever saw around Armadale was Pete so if I could get four that would be great, and, if I’ve got time, who knows I might get five.”

There are 22 heats and the riders are: Richie Worrall (Glasgow & England), Marius Hillebrand (Germany), Erik Riss (Edinburgh & Germany), Tobias Thomsen (Denmark), Sam Masters (Wolverhampton & Australia), Ricky Wells (Edinburgh & USA), Joel Andersson (Edinburgh & Sweden), Matt Williamson (Edinburgh & England), Paul Starke (Glasgow & England), Mark Riss (Edinburgh & Germany), Max Ruml (Edinburgh & USA), Josh Pickering (Edinburgh & Australia), Jordie Stewart (Redcar & Australia), Rory Schlein (Ipswich & Australia), Kevin Doolan (Berwick & Australia), Ben Barker (Redcar & England).

John and his younger brother Ritchie McCluskey eye a glory treble when they enter the play-off semi-finals this weekend with double-winners Grange.

They helped the Edinburgh club win the men’s Scottish Cup last Saturday with a 6-3 win over Edinburgh University at Glasgow’s National Hockey CVentre.

And that came only days after the club edged Bromac Kelburne in the Division One title race to take the silverware after a 5-0 victory over relegated Inverleith.

So far, 21-year-old John has won three Scottish Cup medals, one Scottish Plate and a Division One title.

And 17-year-old Ritchie has won Central 1 and the District Cup with Grange 2’s and has this season added the Division One title and Scottish Cup.

In addition, Ritchie has won every inter-district and club age-group tournament that he has been eligible for this year and he has represented Scotland as part of the under-18 squad.

John said: “Winning both the league and the Scottish Cup playing alongside Ritchie has definitely been a highlight of a successful few years for us both.

“It is a credit to the Grange youth system to have so many young players coming up into the team, but it’s not a surprise seeing the success the junior teams have had this year.”

This has been the first season the brothers have managed to play together because of their age gap.

“We are very competitive with each other and now we are focused on giving the best performance we can for this tough weekend of play-offs.”

Grange play Western Wildcats at Fettes College (push off 2pm) on Saturday with the Grand Final on Sunday in Glasgow for the winners of the semi-final tie.

Looking ahead, John is booked to travel to Vienna with Grange to compete in EuroHockey Club Championships II.

Ritchie misses out on as the dates clash with his Higher examinations but he is currently with the Scotland squad for the under-18 EuroHockey Championships II in Wales.

The teenager said: “The last two years have been amazing and to end this season by winning the league and the Scottish Cup playing alongside John has definitely been a highlight.”

Coach Harry Dunlop has a habit of causing Grange concern and a trip to the Capital holds no fears for Western Wildcats.

The Auchenhowie side came from behind over a year ago to win 3-2 and end Grange’s Division One title dream.

Then, in mid-March this year, Western drew 1-1 at Fettes College after giving newly-crowned Division One champions Grange another scare.

The loss of two points that day was considered a big blow, but Grange recovered to take the title.

Dunlop will, however, fancy his chances of ending Grange’s great recent run in the play-offs at Fettes College on Saturday (14.00).

However, David Knipe’s men are on a high having won the Division One title in a dramatic final day of the league season.

And last weekend they beat Edinburgh University 6-3 to take the Scottish Cup at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre.

Knipe noted issues during the Scottish Cup Final and he has worked on them in training this week as he bids to clinch a glory treble and he conceded that Western will punish Grange if they are not on their A game.

Elsewhere, Bromac Kelburne entertain Grove Menzieshill at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre in the other play-off semi-final.

Yo-yo club Watsonians travel to Dalnacraig (push off 14.00) to face Dundee Wanderers in the relegation/promotion play-offs.

The other semi-final features Hillhead at home to Uddingston at Old Anniesland (15.00).

Edinburgh University have welcomed a donation from East District Hockey towards their European Club Challenge 1 later this month.

Eight teams from around Europe will compete at Peffermill from May 18 to 21 and the line-up includes hosts Edinburgh University and Milne Craig Clydesdale Western from Glasgow.

Edinburgh are in a four-strong Pool A with Welsh side Swansea City, HC Rotweiss Wettingen from Switzerland and Russian combine HC Metrostroy.

Clydedale Western compete against Gintra Strektr University from Lithuania, Italian side CUS Pisa and Belgian combine Braxgata in Pool B.

It’s the first time a Scottish university has hosted such a prestige event and Eugene Connolly, the university’s director of hockey, said it is a major coup for the university to be hosting the competition.

His squad are seeking promotion to the top tier of European club hockey and the university are major supporters of hockey in East District.

Connolly added: “We have nine men’s and women’s teams in East District and East District have given us a generous donation towards staging the event.

“We are extremely grateful to them for this gesture and are looking forward to hosting a fine tournament which we hope will showcase women’s hockey at its best.”

Gordon Amore sat dejected in the dugout at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre with a runners-up medal hanging from his neck. It was not what he wanted.

The 22-year-old captain had covered every inch of the pitch and given his all in a brave bid to lead Edinburgh University to glory in the Scottish Cup Final.

He even scored a key third goal which gave the students a chance of a comeback with 31 minutes remaining but opponents Grange scored 14 minutes from time for a 6-3 win.

Earlier, the students had been caught cold, losing two goals in the opening five minutes and three inside 20 minutes and the early blow proved decisive.

Amore could have played his last game for the students as competes his course in environmental geo-science in a few weeks time and then he has to make a decision.

And the skilful midfield player, who has also appeared for Scotland at international level, said: “We had the worst possible start on Saturday.

“Our plan was to take the game to Grange but two goals inside the first five minutes was not what we wanted or needed and you can’t lose two early goals to a team of the quality of Grange.

“However, we improved towards half-time and had the momentum going into the break.

“We battled back to 5-3 by scoring early in the second-half and we were in the game with a chance, but Grange scored again and that was it.

“The opening 20 minutes when they scored three goals was crucial.”
Sportingly, Amore added: “Grange deserved it. They have had a good season and they have a good side.”

Following all the recent difficulties with their licence and management structure all seems to be well again at Musselburgh until the autumn at least.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has granted Musselburgh Racecourse a further extension to its racing licence until the end of its Flat season on 16 October.

The licence has been granted on the basis that the BHA are provided with regular updates on the steps being taken to implement a long-term governance structure for the East Lothian track with the aim of this being in place by the end of 2018.

A working group has been established with membership from the three political groups on East Lothian Council, Lothians Racing Syndicate and staff representation, to explore two options which would see the racecourse becoming an Arm’s Length External Organisation of East Lothian Council or being put out to tender for operation by a third party

The law firm Pinsent Masons, which carried out a governance review, are providing support to the group in its deliberations and the group is due to make its recommendation by the next meeting of East Lothian Council on 26 June.

Fiona O’Donnell, Chair of the new Musselburgh Racecourse Associated Committee, said: “This is a further positive step in securing a long-term solution in the best interests of Musselburgh Racecourse. Racegoers, staff, owners and trainers now have certainty for the remainder of the Flat season.”

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “I am very pleased that progress is being made in determining the future governance of the racecourse and that the BHA has seen fit to grant a licence extension until the end of our Flat season. There is still a lot of work to be done but with co-operation and mutual understanding, the interested parties can produce a framework which will be acceptable to the BHA and which secures the long-term future of Musselburgh Racecourse.”

Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon insists that the league table does not lie and is testament to his players’ consistency throughout the season.

Whatever happens n the next two games, Hibs will finish the league campaign with a large lead over city neighbours Hearts but Lennon’s target is greater than ending up higher in the table than their Edinburgh rivals.

Hibs head to Tynecastle tonight knowing that defeat would result in a fourth place finish after Aberdeen and Rangers drew 1-1 last night. One point however would still leave Hibs with a great chance of finishing the season in second place for the first time since the glory days of Eddie Turnbull.

The Northern Irishman also refused to be drawn into the controversy regarding the state of the Tynecastle pitch after fellow countryman Brendan Rodgers called it an ’embarrassment’ following Sunday’s victory.

Lennon told BBC Scotland: “What are we, 20 points ahead? I think that is very, very healthy, and I think it doesn’t lie to how strong and consistent we have been this season.

“My aim or target isn’t to finish above Hearts or to be top dogs in Edinburgh really. It’s a by-part of what the bigger picture is. We have had a stellar season and we want that to continue.

“It’s a tight pitch and it’s not conducive to playing with a great deal of width, so the game gets narrow, it becomes a little bit more physical, and I can understand why Hearts are very strong at home.

“It’s taken a very good team to break that record. We’re hoping for more of the same tomorrow.

“It’s going to be dry and maybe a bit long, but it looked fine from where I was [on Sunday]. Hearts aren’t going to cut the pitch or treat the pitch to suit anyone else bar themselves, which is entirely their prerogative.

“You take any advantage you can. They play a certain way and they get the pitch to suit their style of play. You hear of managers bringing the pitches in at certain times. I have come up against that in the Premier League and in Europe so no change there really.”

Hibs are teaming up with the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland by showing support for a new campaign to assist individuals looking to quit smoking.

Smokers considering quitting smoking are being urged to get support through the first 72 hours, and beyond, as part of a new Scottish Government drive.

The campaign highlights that for some, the first 72 hours of quitting can be tough as the body starts to crave nicotine, however with the right support, people are twice as likely to quit for good.

With one in five smokers currently trying to stop, the campaign signposts the free help and advice offered by Scotland’s Quit Your Way service.

Run by NHS 24, the service provides tailored advice to those who are thinking about quitting, either over the phone or online.

Brett McGoldrick, Sponsorship Manager at Hibernian FC, said: “As a Club we are fully behind the Scottish Government’s campaign and want to help communicate to our fanbase and beyond that there is a wide range of support available to those looking to quit smoking.”

For more information and to find your way to quit visit quityourway.scot

The Edinburgh College of Art Performance Costume Show will take place next week on 18 and 19 May 2018. I was told today that all of the shows are already sold out but some tickets may become available here.

For the first time the college will use the former Museum of Fire as a theatre space when the students show off their creations.

There will be a vast array of different looks including the work of student Poppy Stubley who has created her own Formidable Ladies of Wrestling with characters inspired by OJ Simpson’s lawyer Marcia Clark and rapper M.I.A.

Student Katie Powell has created a clairvoyant costume featuring a woman with a huge red beak and cape covered in red veins. She has used a number of unusual fabrics such as fibre glass and sushi paper. The result is a futuristic look inspired by biotechnology.

Megan Gallacher has made an impressive creation based on a Brazilian crime drama with a larger than life totem costume with hints from the religious practices, monuments and icons of Rio, Slovakia and Glasgow.

Liberty Bramall has designed Bohemian costumes for the women of the Bloomsbury Set. Her lampshade ladies have bannister walking sticks, lampshade hats and patterned outfits with tassels.

Some performance costume graduates have gone on to much success. Emma O Loughlin won an Emmy and Bafta for Game of Thrones and The Crown. Emily Bates won the 2018 Royal Opera House bursary award and others have worked at the Royal Opera House, the C&A, Scottish Opera and Northern Ballet.

Entries and nominations are being sought for a new award which recognises the talent and dedication being shown by Scotland’s young people in the food and drink sector.

NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink have created the award which is designed to bring out the inspirational stories of young people aged between 16 and 26 who own, work or study within businesses in the food and drink sector.

The winners will be announced during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight in September as part of the Year of Young People celebrations.

Brian Lochhead, sales development consultant with NFU Mutual, said: “As I travel throughout Scotland I frequently see how integral young people are to Scotland’s food and drink sector.

“Whether it be in primary production, utilising their skills to develop modern and appealing graphics and packaging or serving some of Scotland’s iconic products in our fantastic restaurants, young people thoroughly deserve a recognised place in our country’s food and drink story.”

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said: “With this being the Year of Young People, I was incredibly keen that we afforded young people even greater recognition by working with NFU Mutual to seek out the most inspiring young foodies in Scotland.

“Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight this year will be a celebration not only of Scotland’s wonderful produce and outstanding producers but also of those people under the age of 26 who are helping to secure an exciting future for the food and drink industry in Scotland.”

The deadline for entries is 31 July and they can be submitted online at http://fooddrinkfort.scot/get-involved/nfu-mutuals-inspirational-young-person-award-2018/ or by clicking the relevant button on http://fooddrinkfort.scot/.

Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf.

The winner will receive £500, with the second and third place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively.

New Lanark World Heritage Site will host the V&A Museum of Childhood’s touring exhibition GAME PLAN: Board Games Rediscovered, in their newly-developed Mill Gallery this summer from 20 July to 4 November.

GAME PLAN celebrates the joy, excitement and occasional frustration of playing board games.

This exhibition will include some of the most iconic games from the V&A’s national collection of board games.

Visitors can enjoy hands-on interactives and see more than 100 objects, featuring games from around the world, and explores the important role of design.

Throughout the exhibition, selected games of special interest are highlighted with more detailed information on their history and influence.

Evelyn Whitelaw, New Lanark’s exhibitions officer, said: “Board games are a great way to bring the family together and we hope that visitors will enjoy reminiscing about the games they used to play and taking on challenges to find out if they are a ‘sore loser’ or ‘smug winner’.”

Alongside the exhibition, visitors will also have the chance to enjoy Challenge Games, a themed Trail and Historic Toy sessions.

New Lanark will also be running a programme of inclusive sessions with ‘Autism Friendly’ mornings and dementia friendly ‘Games We Played’ Reminiscence sessions.

Gaming enthusiasts, Scrabble Champions and Monopoly Meglomaniacs can apply to be volunteer exhibition stewards at GAME PLAN.

Interested parties should register their details by emailing New Lanark’s World Heritage and Volunteer Coordinator, Paige Hughes – paige.hughes@newlanark.org or by calling 01555 661345.

Book online before 19th July using code earlybird to receive £1.50 off individual tickets at www.newlanark.org

Kathleen Turner’s fabulous one-woman show, Finding My Voice, which has opened to great acclaim from critics and audiences alike comes to the Queen’s Hall on Monday 14 May.

This is the only Scottish date in the UK tour and demand for tickets is sure to be high for this inspirational and charismatic storytelling from a bona fide stage and screen legend.

Lending her trademark husky alto to classic tunes from the American songbook, two-time Golden Globe winner and star of Body Heat, Romancing the Stone & War of the Roses, Kathleen also voiced cartoon heart-throb Jessica Rabbit and guest-starred as Chandler’s Dad in TV Sitcom, Friends. She was nominated for Tony’s in 1990 for ‘Maggie’ in ‘Cat on a hot tin roof’ then in 2005 for her performance as Martha in ‘Who’s afraid of Virgina Woolf.’

Kathleen’s account of a career spanning 41 years on Hollywood, Broadway and the West End will be intertwined with sons like ‘Let’s Fall in Love’ ‘I’d rather be Sailing’ ‘On the street where you live’ and ‘Every time we say goodbye’.

Jay Rayner, the Observer’s restaurant critic for over 15 years will be appearing at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 12 May,

Jay  has written reviews of well over 700 establishments, and if there is one thing he’s learnt it is that people like reviews of bad restaurants. No, scratch that. They adore them, feast upon them like starving vultures who have spotted fly-blown carrion out in the bush.

In My Dining Hell, Jay examines our love affair with lousy reviews, rants about his most hated restaurant fads, lists some of some of the most excruciating nights out he’s ever had and – for balance – reads from some of the worst reviews his own work has ever received.

Enjoy a hugely entertaining and hilarious show in the company of one of today’s best loved food and drink journalists.

Jay Rayner is an award-winning journalist, writer and broadcaster. He is the Observer newspaper’s long-standing restaurant critic, is the resident food expert on The One Show, a regular judge on Masterchef and chair of BBC Radio 4’s Kitchen Cabinet. He has a lot of hair and a fine collection of flowery shirts…

Includes Q&A and book signing.

Door time: Doors open 6.30pm show starts 7.30pm

Provisional running time: approx 2 hours

Tickets £21.50

Box Office 01312281155

One of the world’s most renowned airlines will arrive into Edinburgh later this year with the launch of an Emirates service to Dubai.

The daily service will begin in October, with the Boeing B777-300ER touching down in Edinburgh at 1450 before departing at 2015 and arriving in Dubai at 0640.

It will be a year-round service and maintains and strengthens Scotland’s busiest airport’s links with the Middle East ahead of the departure of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi route.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is a fantastic announcement as we welcome another world-renowned airline to Scotland’s busiest airport – a clear statement that Edinburgh Airport is the gateway to Scotland.

“The route enhances our connectivity to the Middle East and further afield as we access that long-haul network, giving us greater access and choice than ever before. It also back fills the departure of Etihad even before that service ceases.

“The service caters for leisure and business passengers, providing daily links for international tourism and trade opportunities both inbound and outbound, and will help our growth and international standing as a world class hub.

“We’re delighted to welcome Emirates on-board and further expand our international choice for the 13.4 million passengers who use Edinburgh Airport every year, and we look forward to working with Emirates to provide a top-class service for passengers and ensure the success of this Edinburgh to Dubai route.”

Hubert Frach, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, West, said: “We’re increasing our capacity to Scotland to meet growing demand, and by introducing a daily flight to Edinburgh, it will complement our current double daily flights between Dubai and Glasgow.
Edinburgh is a very popular leisure and business destination, and the new service will offer our customers from across our global network, particularly from key inbound markets such as Asia and Australia, a direct option to the city via our Dubai hub.

“It will also be a more convenient point for travellers from the greater Edinburgh area, and beyond, such as Aberdeen and Dundee, to travel with Emirates to Dubai and onward to destinations across our network.”

Minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf said: “This new route, between Edinburgh and Dubai, is excellent news, increasing Scotland’s connectivity and helping to promote the country around the globe.

“It will give Scottish businesses even better access to global markets, thanks to the number of onward destinations on offer from Dubai. It also means that the rising number of tourists looking to visit Scotland will have even more options when it comes to experiencing our world-famous hospitality.

“This new service will complement Emirates’ existing Scottish flights and shows the airline has great confidence in our aviation sector. I congratulate both them and Edinburgh Airport on this announcement and look forward to seeing this new service take off in the autumn.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: “VisitScotland is delighted to welcome Emirates’ move to increase its daily services between Dubai and Scotland. This, alongside the recent news that Hainan Airlines will commence direct flights between Beijing and Edinburgh from 12 June, shows that international airlines have a strong commitment in investing in Scotland.

“The recently launched campaign, Scotland is Now, extends an invitation to visit, live, work, study and invest in Scotland and these investments will not only benefit Scots wishing to travel to Dubai for leisure or business but help increase inbound tourism from UAE, Australasia, China and further afield.”

Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance said: “This is a very welcome announcement and great news for Scottish tourism; the link between Edinburgh and the world’s busiest airport presents a whole new wave of market opportunities for Scotland’s tourism industry, both from a visitor and business tourism perspective.

“Scotland is already a leading destination for visitors and the opening of this, and other new routes is further evidence of the international appeal of Scotland in relation to tourism and international investment.

“We must continue to build on our competitiveness as a destination to ensure that we continue to attract this type of investment and of course to ensure that each and every visitor who comes to Scotland enjoys the quality, authentic experience we place at the heart of our tourism strategy.”

Khushi’s have been in Bank Street, Mid Calder, for years. The whitewashed restaurant does not look the most inviting from the street, and the green refuse bin was a tad off-putting near the front door.

However, many have said how good it is but, for one reason or another, I’ve not been before. My loss.

It is easy to find and parking for us was right outside the front door. Lucky I suppose as the village was alive on this Saturday night.

There is plenty of space in the surprisingly big restaurant, and the food is good.

The lighting could be improved and the service could do with sharpening. For example, we received our hot plates around five minutes before the food, but it did not detract from the fact that my South Indian lamb curry was one of the best I’ve tasted.

It was selected from a menu which has something to suit most tastes and it details with colour symbols food suitability for those with allergies.

The coconut milk, mustard seeds, spices and curry leaves dish contained a subtle taste of mustard and the flavours blended superbly.

Pam’s choice was a chicken tikka Jaipuri. The smooth taste and the subtle mix of spices made this a superb dish.

The garlic and coriander nan blended well as did the pilau rice which was cooked to perfection.

We did not know but this is a bring your own booze restaurant. I was driving to a soda and lime was fine, but other diners arrived with their carry out, some having purchased it from the mini-market next door.,

So, we’ll be back and you should try this restaurant. Prices are good and we both dined for less than £30. And, for convenience, they also have a takeaway and delivery service.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious injury road traffic collision on the B1348, Links Road, Port Seton which took place around 2.20pm on Sunday 6th May which involved an orange Nissan X-Trail and a white Ford Fiesta.  The Nissan overturned and the occupants were freed by the fire service and taken to hospital with one sustaining serious injuries. No-one in the Fiesta was hurt.

PC Julie Bishop from the Road Policing Unit at Dalkeith said: “This collision required the skills of all emergency services to deal with, which resulted in one of the occupants within the Nissan sustaining serious injuries.  The area was busy with cyclists and pedestrians and I’d like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed it, or saw the manner of driving of either vehicle beforehand.”

Contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2473 of Sunday 6th May, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Arnold Clark is giving away kit to youth sports teams across Scotland for the fifth year in a row – and a chance to win a share of £3,000 as a prize.

All sports teams for children aged 4-15 can take part no matter what sport they play.

To enter you have to follow the instructions on the Arnold Clark Gear Up for Sport webpage here. Winning teams can either get playing kits or training gear. There was a record entry for this competition last year with everyone from artistic roller skating to competitive scuba diving taking part.

Arnold Clark Chief Executive and Group Managing Director Eddie Hawthorne said: ‘Gear Up For Sport reaches the heart of communities and provides something really useful for sports clubs. Over the years we’ve seen this competition grow and grow with hundreds of clubs benefiting from it. We’re really looking forward to hearing from sports clubs throughout the UK and helping young people get some smart new kits.’  

The cash prize will be shared between three winners and all you do to enter this part of the competition is send a team photo showing your team’s spirit. All entries will be posted on social media and the photo with most likes wins.

Enter today! 

Street Soccer Scotland has joined forces with Queen Margaret University to promote social justice and health improvement.

The charity and social enterprise venture and the university have signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ (MoU) to support this worthy cause through research and collaborative projects in health and rehabilitation, sustainable business and creativity and culture.

The agreement was signed by Dr Richard Butt, Deputy Principal at Queen Margaret University and Street Soccer Scotland’s founder and chief executive, David Duke.

Street Soccer Scotland was founded in 2009 and uses football inspired training and personal development as a medium to empower people who are affected by social exclusion to make positive changes in their lives. This new partnership with Queen Margaret University will see the charity work with academics and students at the university to improve the lives of those who are excluded from the community.

Fiona O’May, Research Fellow in the School of Health Sciences said: “This agreement sets out a framework for my academic colleagues and students of all disciplines to learn from, and contribute to, one of Scotland’s most outstanding charities working to combat social exclusion caused by poverty, homelessness, mental health problems and addiction. There is a natural fit between Street Soccer Scotland’s aims and QMU’s areas of expertise and our partnership will provide many mutually beneficial opportunities as we work together to develop shared goals that meet the aspirations of socially disadvantaged adults and young people.

“Having evaluated the Street Soccer Football Works Academy and some of the charity’s other projects, we already have evidence of the positive impact such interventions can make to the lives of individual participants. As well as our allied health students and academics, the MoU opens up opportunities for Business students to gain first-hand experience of a social enterprise, and our Centre for Planned Events at QMU will be able to examine motivation among participants, providing key information for innovation across the charity’s services.”

David Duke of Street Soccer Scotland said: “We are delighted to expand our relationship with Queen Margaret University. QMU students and academics across a range of specialisms, will be provide us with unique insight from academia, on the ground support through volunteering and will deliver robust evaluation on our work, highlighting the power of sport to tackle social exclusion. Street Soccer Scotland have worked alongside QMU since 2010 and we are delighted to announce our new partnership.”

Next month one of Musselburgh’s richest races gets it own headline raceday, and tickets are £10 cheaper until midnight on Friday 11 May 2018.

The Scottish Sprint Cup Raceday takes place on 9 June 2018 supported by Edinburgh Gin. The £100,000 Edinburgh Gin Scottish Sprint Cup is the biggest race of the day and some leading UK horses are expected.

The racing that day will be broadcast live on ITV4 and everyone attending is invited to get their top hats and tails out for one of the biggest social events of the summer.

Judy Murray OBE who is a horse racing fan will also be there to enjoy the spectacle.

Aisling Johnston, marketing manager, Musselburgh Racecourse, commented: “The Scottish Sprint Cup is one of our most popular and richest flat races of the year so we’re thrilled to give it its very own headline raceday.

“It’s set to be a real highlight of the racing calendar and as well as exhilarating racing, it’s very much a social day out. There’s a wealth of gourmet food options and our sponsors Edinburgh Gin are creating a range of their famed drinks. And of course, we have Judy Murray returning,”

Judy Murray added: “I love going to the races at Musselburgh Racecourse. It is such a fun day out and the atmosphere is always amazing. I’m looking forward to being there on June 9^th and experiencing The Scottish Sprint Cup which is sure to be an incredible contest”

Edinburgh Gin will feature in all racecourse bars, restaurants and pop-up bars and the coastal track will introduce the new premium gin – Seaside Gin. Edinburgh Gin will take over the lawn selling a range of gins and gin fizzes, from classic G&Ts to innovative and themed cocktails created by the Edinburgh Gin team.

Foodies can get their locally sourced fix as award-winning gastronomy experts Heritage Portfolio provide the flavours for the day. There’s the fast selling Fish & Chips package inclusive of freshly cooked fish and chips along with wine or beer or the Gourmet Pie & Pint package– both include admission tickets and raceday programme. For those who like a little extra sparkle with their raceday Musselburgh Racecourse has launched the new Champagne Experience. Four people can experience the races in a private reserved table on the Pommery Lawn and enjoy a tasting of the four seasonal Pommery Champagnes plus glass of selected fizz.

And if that’s not enough, then there’s music from Funk Wagon, live entertainment and the acclaimed after party.

Advanced Tickets cost £30 until midnight on 11 May, full price £40. For more information on available packages and to book visit: www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Thistle Street runs between the north side of Hanover Street and Frederick Street and is full of independent traders who have partnered with residents today to close off the street for art’s sake.

There is music, food and drink from Henderson’s Restaurant, The Bon Vivant, Iris, the Pakora Bar, Thistle Street Bar, Fishers in the City and the Auld Reekie Tiki Bar, art by Chris Rutterford in the shape of his huge murals and stencils. Chris also tells stories about the murals including one where the woman was hanged in the Grassmarket!   There is also a chance to try out life drawing by the Edinburgh Drawing School and you can sit in the evening sun and enjoy the car free zone till later this evening.

A 17-year-old youth has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged knife attack on a 25-year-old Syrian refugee at a flat in the city’s Upper Gilmore Place in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Edinburgh are investigating after a 25-year-old man was seriously injured at a flat in Upper Gilmore Place shortly after 12am on Thursday 3rd May.

“A 17-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with this incident and appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday May 4.

“Anyone with information which may be able to help can contact Gayfield CID via 101.”

Hibs on-loan striker Jamie Maclaren has been named in Australia’s preliminary FIFA World Cup squad ahead of a training camp in Turkey later this month.

Socceroos manager Bert van Marwijk  named a 32-man squad which is expected to be trimmed down to around 26 ahead of the camp at the end of May.

MacLaren has been a revelation since joining Hibs  from German side Darmstadt during the January transfer window and has yet to be on a losing side.

Goals against Rangers and Hearts have made him a favourite amongst the Hibs fans and he has struck up a lethal partnership with fellow loanee Florian Kamberi, scoring five times in 13 appearances.

Hopes are high that both will remain with the club next season and whilst a fee has been agreed for Kamberi, MacLaren’s future is less certain and may depend on whether Darmstadt avoid relegation.

MacLaren said: “There’s been some fantastic footballers that never even made a World Cup before, so to be involved would be a dream – any player’s dream.

“I used to wake up at three in the morning to watch Australia play and see them get knocked out by Italy when Fabio Grosso dived on Lucas Neill in 2006.

“To be in a position where I might get selected is great. I was part of the squad that qualified for the tournament, I like to think I’ve been on that journey and I just want to keep that going. I’m hoping I’ll be in the squad.

“As a player you want to think that your chances are positive. I think the manager has watched me a few times and goals against the likes of Rangers, Celtic and Hearts do help your case.

“I need to be going on and doing well in the next few games. I know what is at stake and I know what I have to do.

“If I can continue my performances, get the regular football that I need and put the ball in the back of the net then that can only be good. That’s all I can control.

“I’d like to think that my case is strong, but it’ll mean nothing if I don’t do anything in the next few games.”

The Scottish Seabird Centre has announced the appointment of two new Trustees who are predicted to be among Scotland’s future leading conservationists.

To help celebrate Scotland’s Year of Young People, the charity promoted the opportunity for a young person to join its Board of Trustees. There were a significant number of very impressive applicants from across the country and it was therefore decided to appoint two young Trustees: Erin McFadden (a marine science graduate who lives in North Berwick) and Philip Taylor (an environmentalist and marine conservationist living in Fife).

Announcing their appointment, David Windmill, Chair of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Erin and Philip are joining us as Trustees. They both bring a wealth of skills, expertise and drive that will help us diversify our focus to explore the wider marine environment and highlight what needs to be done to address the many threats that our wildlife now face.”

Tom Brock OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, added: “We look forward to working with Erin and Philip. They will both be great ambassadors for the Seabird Centre and, as part of our ongoing support for Scotland’s Year of Young People, they will play an important role in providing ideas to attract young people to the Centre and to engage with marine conservation ”

Speaking about her new role Erin, who has spent the majority of the past few years working in every ocean and diving in some of the World’s coldest and most remote seas on board expedition vessels in the Arctic and Antarctic, said: “I’m honoured to have been selected as a Trustee at the Scottish Seabird Centre.

“Growing up in Dunbar, with the Bass Rock visible from my bedroom window and the majority of my free time spent exploring the surrounding coastline, my decision to foster a career in marine science was made at the age of 12. By the age of 17 I knew my career had to be immersed in the marine world. As a Trustee, I look forward to helping the Centre build on its great work to inspire other young people just like me to continue to protect and conserve the marine environment for generations to come.”

Philip Taylor, who has extensive experience in both seabird and marine conservation, said: “As someone who is passionate about our marine environment and seabirds within it, it is a real honour to be part of the team at the Scottish Seabird Centre, especially as it moves to focus on wider marine issues. It is a very exciting time globally for marine conservation and the Scottish Seabird Centre has huge potential in this area.

“There are also great opportunities for the Centre to engage with more young people in telling the stories of our seas and I Iook forward to supporting them in doing this.”

The Scottish Seabird Centre’s Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall management and governance of the charity. It sets the strategic direction of the organisation and monitors performance. In their role as Trustees, Erin and Philip will both contribute to building on the Centre’s success, increasing its role in marine conservation marine conservation and environmental education.

Police have issued a statement thanking vast majority of these fans who attended the Aberdeen v Hibs game at Pittodrie on Saturday afternoon.

Most were extremely supportive of officers on the ground however, a very small number of people were charged in connection with various offences before and during the game despite repeated warnings that anti-social behaviour of any kind would be robustly dealt with.

A 29-year-old man from Edinburgh was arrested and charged following a disturbance at a bar near the stadium before the match (there were no reports of anyone being injured) and for also allegedly being in possession of a Class A drug.

A 44-year-old man from Edinburgh was charged and issued with an anti-social behaviour ticket for allegedly urinating in the cemetery near the stadium, while a 59-year-old man from Aberdeen was arrested and charged in connection with making alleged sectarian and offensive comments during the match itself.

A 19-year-old man from Aberdeen was arrested for the alleged possession of alcohol within the stadium, while a 59-year-old man was charged in connection with an alleged assault within the grounds (no one was injured).

Meanwhile a 16-year-old teenage boy from Edinburgh was also charged after a car was vandalised in the Park Road area in the lead-up to the match.

Stewards ejected three people from the grounds during the game, while six people were refused entry mainly for alcohol-related issues and/or unacceptable behaviour.

Match Commander Chief Inspector Murray Main said: “I hope the quick, robust action taken by officers and stewards at the weekend serves as a clear reminder to those who choose to behave in an anti-social or otherwise unacceptable manner at football fixtures.  We will do everything we can to ensure they face the full consequences of their actions whether that’s before, during or after a game.

“The overwhelming majority of people who turned up were extremely supportive and helped the match pass without any significant disruption. Unfortunately, there is often a handful of people who think of themselves above the law and choose to behave completely inappropriately. In this case a number of people were quickly identified and arrested and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

“With another high profile match in Aberdeen tomorrow night, I want to remind the public that there is absolutely no place for anti-social behaviour in any form. I would ask that everyone supports our officers and the football stewards working in the ground as we make every effort to ensure everyone gets in and out of the stadium, and the city, safely.

“By committing crime or behaving illegally or inappropriately you are letting yourself, your family, your club and fellow supporters down.  Remember, your actions are your responsibility.”

Hidden Door is a not for profit multi arts festival which begins on 25 May 2018. They have just begun their crowdfunder and are very keen for as much financial support as they can get.

With two venues to transform they have their work cut out. They are taking over Leith Theatre which is in reasonable order despite having been left to decay for over 30 years. Hidden Door used the venue very successfully last year and will return in 2018 with an array of music, theatre, visual art, film, dance and spoken word.

The other building is the former State Cinema which opened in 1938 and went on to become a bingo and nightclub venue before closing in 2004.

The 10 day festival has set a target of £7,000 for their crowdfunder which will assist in putting on the various events and you are promised gifts in return from tote bags to VIP festival access. While they are today very nearly almost at their stated goal, we are sure they can keep accepting donations to exceed that!

You can donate here.

Last month educational theatre was used to try and promote responsible drinking to young people with visits to Drummond Community High School, Royal High School, Craigmount High School and Castlebrae Community High School in the capital.

The programme is called Smashed Live and used powerful live theatre to warn against the dangers of underage drinking with interactive workshops and discussion afterwards.

Collingwood Learning led the theatrical initiative which was sponsored by Diageo.

The hope is that students would be equipped to deal with peer pressure and make informed choices.

Gillian Dalziel, UK Programme Manager, Diageo Learning for Life – a leading hospitality employability scheme for young people – commented: “Educating pupils on the dangers of underage drinking is crucial to encouraging responsible drinking from a young age. We hope that by offering these creative and engaging sessions pupils will be equipped with the facts and confidence to make the right choices when it comes to alcohol consumption.

“Diageo is dedicated to promoting responsible drinking and has been a proud supporter of the project since it launched in 2005 and we welcome its rollout in Scotland, with the vision of breaking the culture of underage drinking and reducing alcohol related harm amongst young people.”

The Smashed Project tours the UK every year, reaching more than 90 schools and 20,000 young people. The programme has been endorsed by the UK government and was recently recognised at a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons. Globally, it is delivered in 15 countries and reached over 250,000 young people on six continents.

ANATOMY is an arts producer based at Summerhall. After five years of producing some very diverse work they will showcase the best later this week on 10 and 11 May 2018 at the Traverse Theatre.

You are promised a ‘full-throttle live art cabaret’ with everything from tactical action to bleak buffoon, from opera to pop and ballet to biscuits.

There will be commentary from Ali Maloney and Harry Josephine Giles along with BSL interpretation throughout from Yvonne Waddell.

Usually their quarterly cabarets are a sell-out so act now and get a ticket!

This is an exciting year for ANATOMY who are looking to grow and consolidate their position in the Scottish Arts scene.

ANATOMY also present matinee performance art events for younger audiences and they champion disability accessibility in the arts, by integrating disability arts.

They produced the first performance of ‘Sanitise by Melanie Jordan and Caitlin Skinner and Will Pickvance’s Anatomy of a Piano both of which won Fringe First Awards.

The full line-up includes

• The Cloud of Unknowing (Palimpset)
• It’s Not Over Yet (Cultured Mongrel Dance Theatre)
• Sanitise (Jordan & Skinner)
• Without Whom We Would Not Be Here Tonight (Rosa Postlethwaite)
• Uranus (Moreno Solinas)
• The Undercog (Lewis Sherlock)
• Until the Cows Come Home (Xelís de Toro)
• SEX – SEX – SEX (Sara Zaltash)

Date & Time
Thu 10 – Fri 11 May, 8pm

Tickets
Full price £17
Standard concession £14
Under 30s / Student £12.50
Other concession £9

See our Box Office page for full pricing and booking information.

Integrated British Sign Language interpretation
Thu 10 – Fri 11 May, 8pm