As a hypnotherapist, I usually ask my clients questions to get them to relax as the subconscious mind is more open to the power of suggestion when it is in a relaxed state. One of the questions I ask is ‘tell me about the time when you felt happiest?’ Without breaking any confidentiality, more than one client has told me ‘1998, 2006 and 2012’. From that it is easily deduced that these clients are Hearts supporters.

Part of my training as a hypnotherapist was about the importance of building rapport with clients and this becomes easier when we have a shared passion. Clients of my age will have shared my joy, heartbreak and tears over the decades and shared experiences help break the ice, not just in my profession but in social aspects too.

When I lived in Aberdeen many years ago it was not so much an icebreaker as a curiosity when the conversation turned to football and I revealed I was a proud Hearts supporter. Some Aberdonians couldn’t quite understand this. In the Granite City most people followed the Dons or Celtic or Rangers. Hearts? ‘Fit wye zat then?’* would be the typical local response.

In my early teens at Linksfield Academy in Aberdeen, I found I wasn’t the only Hearts supporter at that secondary school. A fellow Jambo called Ian Bell experienced the same taunts from classmates as I did but we were – and still are – proud Hearts supporters. Forty years on, Ian still lives in Aberdeen but we still see each other occasionally when Ian and his Hearts supporting sons (he’s clearly been a model parent) come down to Auld Reekie to see the Maroons play or when I head up north to watch Hearts from a restricted view at Pittodrie.

Before my career as a hypnotherapist, I used my Hearts supporting status to try and break the ice during job interviews (I worked in human resources but please don’t hold that against me) When asked about things like attention to detail I would trot out the old line about how, as an author, I had to ensure my books were proofread before publication. The conversation would take a turn thus:

‘You’re an author? That’s interesting. What have you written?’

‘Oh, mostly football. In fact, it’s all been about football’

‘Oh, I see.’

‘I’m a Hearts fan’

‘Hmm. I’m not into football/I’m a Hibs fan’ (both mean much about the same) would often be the reply and I can’t say being a Hearts fan has been in any way advantageous on the job front.

But it can be a source of some very interesting conversations (interesting to Hearts fans that is) Fellow Jambos of my age will inevitably ask ‘Were you at Dens Park then? There is a bond that has been forged by those of us who were at Dens Park, May 1986 to the extent you don’t need to ask what game they are referring to. It was that game, the game which traumatised so many of us as you can perhaps glean from the cover of this book.

I listen in awe at older Hearts supporters who I had not met previously but will get chatting to them at social events like weddings, funerals, Burns Suppers etc.

‘Aye, son, ah’ve been going tae Tynecastle for sixty-odd years. Ah’ve seen the Trio play (for non-Hearts supporters reading this, the Trio were Willie Bauld, Alfie Conn and Jimmy Wardhaugh, part of the legendary Hearts forward line of the 1950s) I nod my head in admiration and tell them I wish I had seen that great Hearts team.

Football has that attraction, an ability to bring complete strangers together in conversation. And not just strangers, football can help in times of distress too. When my father died suddenly in March 1997, my mother-in-law and her partner were spending a few days with us having travelled down from Aberdeen. When I got a mid-evening phone call to tell me that my father had been found dead it was like a bolt from the blue. Tragedy can lead to awkward scenarios where you just don’t know what to say. Ma-in-law’s partner thought he would try later that night by asking me if I had seen the Celtic score. I looked at him with incredulous eyes. ‘They lost to Kilmarnock’ he told me. At the time I wanted to smack him one but, upon reflection, realised he was only trying to use football to break the ice as he just didn’t know what to say at a time of tragedy.

Both of my daughters are now grown up but, like any father, I’ve been through the ‘Who’s this lad you’re seeing then?’ phase. The ice can be thickly packed when your daughter brings home her ‘significant other’ for the first time. The first question I asked these laddies was ‘Do you like football?’ Their reply would be all important in gaining my approval – not that my daughters gave a stuff about what I thought. It would get to the stage where my daughters would tell me ‘It’s all right, Dad, he’s a Hearts fan’. Although not in my younger daughter’s case – she ended up marrying a Hibs fan. And on the day Hibs finally won the Scottish Cup in 2016…

After years of living in Dalkeith, in the heart of Midlothian (do you see what I did there?) I now live in Leith. I’m now a Jambo abroad. It’s not often I visit the many local hostelries in the area as I suspect dropping into any conversation that I’m a Hearts fan wouldn’t break much ice but may end up breaking something else.

It’s good to talk football, though. It can break down social barriers and encourage empathy with people you have previously never met.

Even with those who don’t share your football allegiance.

The Easter Road South Stand is now open for Hibs fans to buy tickets for the final match of the season against Rangers on Sunday 13 May.

Tickets have sold out for the West, East and Famous Five Stands, with Hibs supporters now able to purchase for the East end of the South Stand.

Previously Rangers fans would have been given the whole of the South Stand however such is the demand these days that the Hibs’ board have decided to reward the supporters who have turned up in record numbers this season.

The game could determine which club finishes second, third or fourth in the table with a European place for next season potentially available.

Tickets are also available for Saturday’s match with Kilmarnock, with limited availability in the West, East and Famous Five Stands. We expect these tickets to sell before matchday – if this is the case then sections of the South Stand will be opened out to home supporters.

Tickets can be purchased on-line via the club website.

A police investigation is underway after a 30-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on the 6.30pm Newcastle to Edinburgh Waverley service operated by Virgin East Coast on Thursday 19 April.

The woman was unable to find a seat on the train and stood next to a group of men who she had been chatting to at Newcastle station before boarding. During the journey one of the men sexually assaulted her.

In response the woman slapped him and the man retaliated by punching her on the jaw.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Detectives are keen to speak with anyone who was on board this train and may have seen what happened.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small, could prove vital to the investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40.

I had spoken to Councillor Gavin Barrie who represents the Inverleith Ward last month when he lost his position, both as Chair of his political group and separately as Economy Convener following the SNP group AGM.

The politician who has 35 years of experience in committee work, having first been involved with trade unions and the fire service before being elected in 2012, felt then that the ousting was unfair.

Now he believes it to be so unfair that he has taken the radical step of leaving the SNP group thus becoming the second SNP councillor to become an Independent during this administration.

Barrie explained to me that his major problem is not with the rules themselves, but that there were no complaints about what he was doing before the AGM and that is what makes it unfair.

He said : “If there was no criticism, then how did I end up being sacked? All the policies and documents that were going through committee are always up for discussion. The new Economy Convener, Councillor Kate Campbell, was actually already on the committee, so she was perfectly well aware of everything that was happening. At the AGM she said she was not happy with some of the policies. My response to that is that she had every opportunity to raise points or amend items before then, but I received no correspondence whatsoever.

“I was also removed as chair of the group and now there are three relatively new councillors in the position of Chair – Ellie Bird, Secretary – Kate Campbell and the whip – Ian Campbell.”

There is a single vote for each councillor in the political group at the AGM, meaning that changes can come about quickly and without warning as seems to have happened here on a narrow vote.

There are other ‘veteran’ SNP councillors elected prior to 2017 including Frank Ross who is now Lord Provost, Cathy Fullerton who leads the council’s Regulatory Committee, Alasdair Rankin who is Finance Convener, David Key who heads up the Valuation Board, Norman Work who is Licensing Convener and Councillor Denis Dixon, but in the recent 2017 intake there are some who have already been appointed as conveners with Lesley Macinnes holding the Transport and Environment portfolio, Neil Gardiner the planning brief and Alison Dickie the Vice-Convener of Education.

COUNCIL LEADER

We asked the Council Leader Adam McVey, about the way that some relatively inexperienced people have now been elected to senior posts. He said : “I really cannot comment on internal procedures such as the AGM process, but the democratic process that the SNP group go through is one of internal challenge. It is set out in our standing orders very clearly. It is a very open process.

“People have the right to challenge any of the positions we hold in the administration if they think they have something to offer. I am quite comfortable with that.

“We not only say that these are the rules, but every member of the SNP council group signs up to them upon being elected a councillor. Gavin signed those rules. He admits that everything that happened at the AGM was within the rules, but despite the fact that he signed up to the rules he is unable to live with the consequences.”

McVey also went on to explain that Cllr Barrie had used the process in the past challenging the leadership and deputy leadership positions without notice, although unsuccessfully,  in recent years.

He defended the SNP group’s position by saying : “I feel it’s a good thing we have been able to use the talents that people have. There is no set time limit before a councillor can be appointed to a senior position. I think it is a good thing there is a mix and that we have recognised people’s talents and abilities.

“We value experience but there is no sense of entitlement just because of the length of time since they were first elected. In my experience in the two AGMs since the election last year our group has elected people on the basis of how well they would do the job, not simply personal ties.”

The Council Leader said : “I am very disappointed that Gavin has chosen to leave the group. If his genuine concern is the rules that we operate by and the rules he signed up to frankly I think he should have stayed and argued for change.”

He did concede however that the SNP continue to look at their own rules. He concluded :  “I think the SNP nationally is looking at a review of standing orders for council and MSP groups. We are making sure that we get a set of rules that are as robust open and accountable as possible, because that is ultimately how we organise ourselves as a party to create the biggest impact for our communities.”

In response to Cllr Barrie’s resignation letter the Council Leader sent a reply which included these sentiments : 

“Internal challenge is an important part of our democratic process, as set out in our standing orders- a document which you signed without hesitation upon being re-elected as an SNP Councillor.

“If the rules around challenges as set out in the standing orders were genuinely your concern, as you seem to suggest in your resignation, it would have been more constructive to remain and make the case for change.

“Thank you for your service over the last 6 years and I wish you well for future endeavours.”

 

RESHUFFLE

Gavin Barrie explained to us that the way the reshuffle worked was that he was approached by Councillor Kate Campbell (who was first elected a year ago), and asked to step aside. It was suggested that Barrie took up the planning convenership instead, standing against the incumbent Councillor Neil Gardiner. I asked if he simply did not want the planning job which is always a bit of a poisoned chalice, and he agreed that planning does not ‘float my boat’ but he admitted that he could have learned the job and done it well.

But Barrie says he is a man of principle and would not stand against a colleague in that way. He also pointed out that if the Leader or the Deputy Leader of the council had expressed to him some difficulty with any of the convenership roles then he would have been happy to give full consideration to whatever would be good for the city, the coalition or the party.

But he continued : “In reality I was approached by a backbencher coming to me saying that I should not stand for the post that I already had, that I should take out another councillor when she had indicated interest in the post only weeks before. I was really enjoying my position as Economy Convener, although it is really hard work, but really I am not in the business of taking out other councillors just because someone wants my job.

“When I read in the press that Councillor Campbell explained her activism was triggered by poor treatment at work, I realised that this applied to me. I got sacked from a job I was doing at half an hour’s notice with no prior complaints against me whatsoever.

“This is the party that leads the capital city of Scotland and I feel the politics of this should be well explored. This is the Brexit year. I have spent a couple of years now telling people in business that the SNP can do good things with the economy in Edinburgh. But the problem is that as soon as business people get to know somebody then they disappear and we have to start all over again.

“I think firmer leadership of the SNP group would be better. Apparently the group leader knew of the bid for my post for three weeks and told Councillor Campbell that he did not want her to do make that challenge. I think that there should be direct leadership with the group leader picking their best team and requiring the rest of the group to support it. I think the group needs a period of stability. It’s not good to play musical chairs every year. It’s not good for the city, the council officers or indeed the public. They need to know who’s responsible for things.”

In his letter of resignation Councillor Barrie explained his position to Council Leader Adam McVey : 

“Because what happened was within the rules of the AGM, although I believe it to be morally questionable, I have little recourse, even though I believe I have been badly treated in being replaced when working hard and getting results. If hard work, diligence and success, although recognising there is always much more to do, is a recipe in some people’s eyes for dismissal and replacement I cannot maintain my self-respect and dignity if I remain as part of the SNP Group and accept this.

“To that end, and with some regrets, I have no option but to resign.”

At previous AGMs there have been headlines when leaders were ousted and replaced : names like Frank Ross, Sandy Howat, Steve Cardownie who were all voted out by their political colleagues and replaced as group leader at various times. In contrast the other political groups have had relatively stable leadership during most of the last administration and this one.

Gavin Barrie said that a year ago when Adam was elected Council Leader he chose Cllr Barrie as Deputy Leader, but this was overturned by his fellow councillors and Lesley Macinnes was picked instead. There was no challenge to Cllr McVey’s leadership at this year’s AGM.

We put it to Cllr Barrie that he could have just stepped down as a councillor and forced a by-election in Inverleith. He replied : “Politically in my ward there are already two Conservatives and I would not like them to get another councillor elected there. It would be first past the post you see, and so it might not be reflective of the whole ward, nor would it be good for Edinburgh.”

Inverleith is a four councillor ward represented now by two Conservative councillors and a Liberal Democrat along with Cllr Barrie as an independent.

Former Glasgow and Edinburgh rider Dan Bewley raced to 13 points plus two bonus points in Belle Vue’s 59-31 hammering of Rye House in Manchester.

He also appeared in Heat 15 where he got the better of former world No 2 Krzysztof Kasprzak on the final lap.

Another former Monarchs racer, Max Fricke, added 11 points and two bonus as the Aces claimed all but four of the race wins.

Elsewhere, Wolverhampton skipper Rory Schlein, who started his British career with Edinburgh, claimed a 15-point maximum as his side defeated Poole 54-36 at Monmore.

Schlein reeled off five race wins and he could not recall the last time he did that.

Another ex-Monarchs star, Sam Masters, scored 13 points.

Schlein said he was expecting a tough challenge from Poole the squad never knew when they were beaten.

In the Borders, Berwick Bandits boss Scott Courtney insists there is no reason to hit the panic button after a home defeat.

Courtney, however, believes action must be taken to put things right after Saturday’s 49-41 reverse against Newcastle Diamonds.

He brings Bandits to Armadale in the Championship Shield on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm),

And the team manager said: “After such a spectacular victory over the Glasgow Tigers on our opening night, I was bitterly disappointed with our performance on Saturday.

“Diamonds turned up and beat us fair and square on our home track. Well done to them, but it’s not good enough for me.”

Over 300 people in the UK tragically die every year after tripping, falling or simply underestimating the risks of being near water.

Many people who accidently drown never intended to enter the water, statistics show.

Now, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with UK colleagues to raise awareness of the dangers.

The SFRS will help drive the Be Water Aware campaign which is being led by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

Assistant Chief Officer of Prevention and Protection David McGown said: “We want to prevent people from drowning and we are joining forces with partners wherever possible and appropriate to raise awareness of the very clear and significant dangers.

“Through our relentless prevention work we have successfully reduced the number of fire deaths and we will apply those very same principles to water safety.

“By supporting water safety and drowning week we hope to reduce the number of casualties and fatalities in Scotland.

“We want people to enjoy the summer season and to be safe.”

The Be Water Aware campaign will launch on April 23 and run until April 29.

NFCC Water Safety Lead, Dawn Whittaker, said “Most people would be shocked to hear that most of the people who drown only happen to be near water, for example runners, walkers and fisherman.

“They are unaware of the risks and are totally unprepared.

“By highlighting this issue and making sure simple safety messages reach them we hope to reduce the number of these needless deaths.”

Visit our water safety page for a series of tips to stay safe around water – /your-safety/water-safety.aspx

SFRS will also be posting on social media throughout the week using the hashtag #BeWaterAware

Hibs’ midfielder John McGinn insists that it will take ‘something special’ for him to leave the club in the summer.

The Scotland international has one year left on his contract and most supporters expect the club to cash in on him at the end of the season, but McGinn loves playing for Hibs and would only consider leaving if it meant testing himself at a higher level.

He has played a significant part in the club’s rise from the Championship to touching distance of second place in the top flight with a memorable Scottish Cup victory during the journey and Neil Lennon recently valued him in excess of £5m.

Speaking after Saturday’s victory over champions in waiting Celtic at Easter Road, McGinn said: “The speculation has always been there since my first season here. I’ve always said the same thing. I’m learning and I’m loving playing in front of sellout crowds.

“I feel as if I am getting better all the time. At the same time though I’m ambitious. I want to go and test myself at a higher level, however it would have to be something better than Hibs. I don’t take it for granted here. I love it.

“I’m sure the rest of the boys are the same. I have a year left of my contract and it would have to be something special for me to leave.

“I know how good I’ve got it here. I love playing with the boys here and before such supporters. The fans know that I’ve never hidden the fact I’m ambitious at some point, but that doesn’t need to be now.

Everyone, all parties will know when the time is right. It’s up to myself to keep playing and keep focusing on what I am doing.”

One thing that annoys McGinn however is the constant comparison to Celtic captain Scott Brown.

He continued: “It’s something that bugs me a wee bit, getting compared to him. I feel as if we’re different. We’re good pals off the park and we’re different players. He has something different to me and I have something different to him. I just try to focus on my own game.

“I wasn’t directly against him I was trying to stop Olivier Ntcham and Tom Rogic playing. Thankfully as a three in there we managed to do that.

I don’t think it’s unfair to compare us. Obviously we are both hungry footballers, we work hard, we try to get in people’s faces but people forget that we can both play as well.

“Obviously for me it’s nice to be compared to someone who has had such an illustrious career but at the same time I want to make my own name and put my stamp on things.”

Hibs’ defender Steven Whittaker wants four more performances like Saturday’s to take the club to second place in the table.

All eyes were on Easter Road this weekend as Celtic looked to secure their seventh title in a row but Neil Lennon’s men made them wait an extra week.

Goals from Jamie MacLaren and Vykintas Slivka sparked jubilation from the home supporters and although Celtic grabbed a consolation goal near the end, Hibs ran out comfortable winners.

Remarkably Hibs gave the hoops their second domestic defeat of the season without four key players, David Gray, Darren McGregor, Marvin Bartley and Scott Allan demonstrating the strength of the squad.

After the game Steven Whittaker told Hibernian TV: “Celtic came here to win the title on the day and we managed to stop them and take three points so it was a great start going into the remaining four fixtures.

“We always press high against Celtic and take the game to them. we know that we are more than capable of scoring against them so it was just a matter of trying to keep them out as well.

“They like to dictate play and control the pace of the game.

“I thought that everyone worked their socks off today and I thought we thoroughly deserved our win.

“We knew we were up against a quality side who would create the odd chance and that’s where we called upon Ofir (Marciano) to make some saves and he was there when needed but we created a number of chances and maybe the scoreline could have shown more goals for us but it wasn’t to be but we still took the three points.

“The next four performances have to be like that today.”

A 52-year-old man was sentenced to five and a half years imprisonment and received an Order for Lifelong Restriction after he was found guilty of a series of horrifying assaults and rapes in East Lothian.

Charles Cassidy had denied the attacks on three women but was found guilty by a jury at Edinburgh High Court in September last year.

Over a 15 year period from 1984 onwards, he carried out the systematic abuse at addresses in Musselburgh and Prestonpans.

Detective Chief Inspector Debbie Forrester of the Domestic Abuse Task Force said: “Cassidy is a dangerous individual who repeatedly attacked these women and caused extreme harm and suffering. When we received information about Cassidy’s offending we were able to carry out a detailed investigation and gather evidence which led to his conviction and today’s jail sentence.

“Without the courage of his victims in coming forward and speaking out about their ordeals, we would not have been able to put him before the court so I want to take this opportunity to thank them, I hope that they can now derive some comfort from knowing he will be in prison.

“No-one should suffer such abuse and we will always listen, support and investigate thoroughly any reports that we receive, no matter how long ago the offences took place. There is no place for domestic abuse in Scotland and we continue to work hard to bring those responsible to justice.”

Celtic arrived at Easter Road on Saturday anticipating a party to celebrate winning their seventh league title in a row but left empty handed after a magnificent performance from Hibs.

Conspiracy theorists who suggest that the players held back so that they could win the title against rivals Rangers clearly did not watch the game.

Both teams gave 100% and but for some heroics from Ofir Marciano, the trophy could easily have ended up in the Celtic Boardroom.

Having said that, Hibs could have scored more goals as both sides mounted attack after attack with play raging from end to end.

At full-time it was Neil Lennon’s men who emerged victorious thanks to goals from Jamie MacLaren and Vykintas Slivka and Rodgers had no complains about the result.

The main talking point amongst the Celtic fans before the game was the suggestion that Rodgers would replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal but at the after match press conference he distanced himself form the move.

Instead he took time out to praise his opponents. He said:  “The better team won. Sometimes you have to take your medicine. Congratulations to Hibs.”

The 19th Scottish Sale will take place at Bonhams sale rooms on Queen Street on Wednesday 25 April beginning at 1.00pm.

There are always many artworks included and this year is no different with a lovely and unusual painting by Dame Elizabeth Blackadder on public view for the first time.

Pictures Specialist May Matthews told us about The Catch of the Day which depicts some lobsters and other seafood. She explained : “It is a lovely fresh item, straight to the market! it is a beautiful Blackadder this still life with lots of interesting crustaceans and lobsters.

“There is a great story behind it. Dame Elizabeth regularly bought from the same fishmonger for years, and she mentioned to him one day that she needed lobsters which he remarked was unusual for her. The artist explained that she would like to paint them but the fishmonger first thought she might like to apply paint to the lobster shell, not knowing that she was a famous artist.

“He then jokingly said she must give him one of her paintings sometime and a few weeks later she presented him with this beautiful watercolour. What an amazing gift!”

It took a couple of years for the realisation that Dame Elizabeth is a famous artist to dawn, but the provenance of the watercolour is assured since it was a gift from the artist herself.

The Scottish Sale is the most eclectic of the whole year so there are many other items on show today and tomorrow. Anything from sporrans to MacMerry pottery, silver tea sets and an early 19th century stirrup cup made by Sir Alexander Edmondstone of Edinburgh. There are some beautiful silver objects too.

One of the loveliest things we saw which has a real Edinburgh connection is the Victorian silver ewer engraved with the arms of Edinburgh. The engravings on it feature a castle, an anchor which depicts the Lord Provost’s position as Admiral of the Firth of Forth and there is a woman with hair hanging over her shoulders.

We are told this is representative of the other name for Edinburgh Castle which is the ‘Castle of Maidens’ as it was often used to protect princesses and noblewomen in times of war. There is also a doe which recalls the city’s patron saint St Giles who apparently spent much of his time in solitude in Provence forests with only a doe for company.

The Scottish Sale at Bonhams 22 Queen Street on Wednesday 25 April 2018 from 1.00pm. More details here.

Hibernian Ladies beat Scottish Building Society SWPL title rivals Celtic  3-1 victory at K-Park Training Academy on Sunday afternoon.

Rachel McLauchlan scored the opening goal after tapping in Abi Harrison’s header at the back post. She then added a second with a superb solo effort just after the break

Celtic’s Nicole Pullar grabbed a goal back shortly after before Harrison scored with a fantastic volley near the end to secure a well-deserved three points.

After the game interim manager Grant Scott told the club website: “I’m delighted with the win but we have played a lot, lot better. That was not one of our best performances but s I said to the players at the end, that was a tough fixture and a tough venue.

“Celtic teams are always organised so it’s one that we have ticked off and we don’t look backwards.

“We know we can play better and more fluid football.

“The season has been a bit stop start with two weeks on then two off but sometimes you can look for excuses.

“We should still be better and I don’t think that is unfair criticism of the players at all. We know we can do better.

Goalscorer Rachael McLauchlan said: “I think it was a scrappy game to start off with and it took a while to get into it but once we started to put our foot on the ball and started playing our game we were lucky enough to get the three goals.

“We always want to keep a clean sheet so that was disappointing but it’s something to work on but overall at the end of the day we got the three points and that’s what we came here today for.

“We knew that they were top of the league and we knew what a physical team they could be. It’s always a challenge coming here. We knew we had to play our normal game and hopefully at the end of the game get three points.

Hibernian: Fife, Brownlie, Murray (Arnot 59’), Notley, Smith, Robertson, Graham, McGregor (Reilly 77’), McLauchlan, Napier (Turner 70’), Harrison. Subs not used: Reid, Michie, Gallacher, Cornet.

Earlier this month, the Scottish SPCA received a call to their animal helpline after a member of the public became concerned about the welfare of a swan spotted with a baseball cap tangled around her foot.

With the assistance of two members of the public, officers managed to resolve the incident.

Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue Officer Melissa Maitland said, “The poor swan had been tangled up for some time.

“Two very kind gentlemen, Calum Mckay and Jim Mckenna, from the Malt and Hops pub, volunteered to take us out on their boat to rescue the swan.

“My colleague Sarah Auldsmith and I went out on the water to catch the swan which proved tough as she was so quick!

“After several attempts of trying to catch her Darren Malcolm, another colleague, saved the day and was able to grab her with the swan hook from the river bank. He cut the cap off and she was quickly released back to her partner and settled back into her nest with eggs.

“We’re all so glad we could help her and it’s great to see her back in the water, where she belongs.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon is hoping to retain the services of front pair Florian Kamberi and Jamie MacLaren although he revealed that the move will depend on where the club finishes this season.

Supporters were stunned in January when Lennon released Scottish Cup legend Anthony Stokes for disciplinary reasons and also sent top scorer Simon Murray out on loan to Dundee.

The form of Kamberi who scored Hibs’ first league hat-trick for eight years last month and MacLaren who has now scored against both Rangers and Celtic has been outstanding.

After Saturday’s superb victory over Celtic, Lennon explained the current situation regarding the duo. He said: “We have an option on (Florian) Kamberi and the more he plays, the more we want to do it.

I would imagine there will be a lot of interest in him but we have the option and at the minute we are in control of the situation.

It’s something we would like to look at but we have got four games to go and that will depend on how the season finishes as well that will dictate how much money we can and can’t spend.

“(Jamie) MacLaren  could be a difficult one because he is contracted to Darmstadt. We’re very pleased with what he has brought. the two of them have been excellent as have the stalwarts.

“(Lewis) Stevenson and (Paul) Hanlon were excellent as was (Efe) Ambrose who seems to play his best football against Celtic. I could not fault any of them and that’s what you need.”

Berwick Bandits won the last five races by 21 points to 9 against Newcastle Diamonds in the Tyne/Tweed Trophy.

It was not enough to win the first-leg with the Tyneside team going home with a 49-41 win.

And Bandits’ team manger Scott Courtney admitted the visitors were the better team, but he refused to make excuses.

Courtney pin-pointed poor gating and a dry track which was slicker than Bandits like.

And he said Berwick were not as good as they were against Glasgow Tigers the previous Saturday.

The team manager argued that his men fought to the end of the meeting which, he feels, showed massive character.

George English, Newcastle’s team leader, believed his men shocked a lot of people with their performance.

Many, he said, expected Diamonds to go home defeated. English added: “Berwick are not a bad side at all, just look at their win over Glasgow which was no easy task and we take great confidence from this victory.”

According to one firm of Edinburgh solicitors there is a shortage of homes for sale which is making buying house a bit of nightmare in Edinburgh.

There are only around 1000 homes listed for sale across Edinburgh, so increased competition is driving premiums up and houses are selling in next to no time.

According to Warners Solicitors and Estate Agents, this resulted in around 84% of homes sold during the first three months of the year achieving a price in excess of the Home Report valuation – a marked increase compared to 55% during the same period two years ago.

David Marshall, Operations Director with Warners, said: “The main driver for the strong seller’s market is simply a lack of properties available for sale.

“The number of homes on the market just now is less than a half of what you would typically expect at this time of year, where you could historically count on closer to 2500 listings.

“This supply shortage has been a characteristic of the market for a number of years now, with fewer homes on the market encouraging fewer potential movers to act. This is compounded as Edinburgh’s population increases and older buyers increasingly look to downsize.

“For those who are simply looking to sell this is all great news of course. They can reasonably expect that their property will sell quickly and achieve a good price.”

Warners’ research comes as a report by The Resolution Foundation predicts that up to a third of UK millennials (those born between 1980 and 1996) face living in private rented accommodation all their lives.

First-time buyers find themselves at the sharp end of the current situation, as securing a property can mean they have to have a large deposit since lenders won’t tend to lend over the valuation. For a £130,000 one-bedroom flat selling at the average premium of 6.7% above valuation, that would require close to £9,000 up front in addition to the deposit and fees.

David added: “There are some reasons for optimism for buyers. As we look forward in 2018 there are potential headwinds facing the market which should lead to the market cooling down somewhat in the months ahead.

“In many areas of the UK, and in particular further south, the market has already begun to cool. It is reasonable to think that this will have a knock-on effect for the rest of the country in due course.

“This is unlikely to be sufficient to fully redress the current imbalance between supply and demand however and overall the market is likely to remain challenging for buyers throughout 2018.”

Edinburgh University women retain pole position in Division One despite slipping to a 2-0 road defeat at close rivals Milne Craig Clydesdale Western.

The students dominated the game according to coach Sam Judge but she felt they lost two soft goals.

The defeat followed a 12-0 thrashing of bottom side Kelburne at Peffermill with Sophie Maunder netting four goals.

Clydesdale Western won 3-1 at Hillhead but Edinburgh are two points ahead but have a better goal difference.

Elsewhere, Grange Edinburgh Ladies lost narrowly 3-2 at GHK but held Hillhead 3-3 at Fettes.

In the men’s title race, Kelburne in line for their 14th straight league title after beating Edinburgh University 3-1 at Peffermill, Davyn Keuter netting for the home side.

A hat-trick of penalty corner conversions by Josh Cairns proved the difference.

Edinburgh University came from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 in the second-half at Clydesdale thanks to goals from Sean Stewart, back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and Peter McKnight.

But Clydesdale took advantage of a yellow card to score two seconds from the end of the penalty period to level.

Grange kept in touch with Kelburne thanks to four goals from Irish striker Frank Ryan in an 8-2 win over Uddingston and they beat Hillhead 4-2 also in Edinburgh.

Finally, Dundee Wanderers beat already-relegated Inverleith 2-0 with goals from Bobby Ralph and Callum Ross.

Hibs’ on-loan striker Jamie MacLaren insists that he wants to stay at club and continue his partnership with Florian Kamberi, despite being contracted to German side Damstadt.

He did however reveal that a clause kicks in should the club be relegated and Damstadt are currently second bottom of the table, three points behind FC St Pauli.

The Australian is hoping to feature in this year’s World Cup in Russia and performances like yesterday’s won’t do his chances any harm.

Remarkably MacLaren almost missed the game due to a stomach bug but after a discussion with Neil Lennon he started up front and opened the scoring midway through the first half after great work by Lewis Stevenson.

He lasted until the 72nd minute before leaving the field to a well-deserved standing ovasion after being replaced by Vykintas Slivka.

Ironically it was the Lithuanian who secured the victory with a near post header moments later and although Celtic pulled one back with six minutes remaining, Hibs held out for the three points.

After the game MacLaren said: “I’d love to keep the partnership with Flo (Kamberi) going. I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly here. Myself and Flo have hit it off. It seems to be that when he doesn’t score I do.

“We compliment each other and I want to continue that, but there are four games to go and that’s all I’m contrated to Hibs for. That’s all I can think about.

“It might come down to Damstadt’s position. If they are relegated a clause kicks in but it is outwith my control.

“I didn’t travel with the boys to the team hotel because I was sick. I had a stomach bug, but I was in touch with the staff saying don’t rule me out.

“I really wanted to play in this game and I woke up on Saturday morning and went for a walk. I felt a little bit better but I had no energy from the start. I wasn’t well but adrenaline kicks in.

“I was honest with the manager before the game. He didn’t want me to let myself or my team mates down so Itold him that I would give him everything for as long as I could.

“He gave me trust and I gave it back. It is important to have a manager who believes in you and Neil (Lennon) does with me.

“He gives everyone a sense of belief whoever you are playing against.

“Celtic will be champions but we were the better side today. We know what’s at stake and it’s important that we keep winning, especially at home.”

Rangers 2 Hearts 1
Ladbrokes Premiership, Sunday 22nd April 2018 – Ibrox

It was an all-too familiar story for Hearts on their travels as the Maroons went down 2-1 to Rangers with barely a whimper at Ibrox at Sunday lunchtime.

Head Coach Craig Levein was forced into one change from the team that defeated Aberdeen in Gorgie a fortnight ago – David Milinkovic was ruled out injured and was replaced by Danny Amankwaa.

Hearts record away from Tynecastle this season is nothing to shout about and their record at Ibrox is woeful. Therefore, it was no surprise – despite the clouds of crisis circulating Ibrox since their Scottish Cup hammering from Celtic seven days ago – to see the home side dominate the first half.

In the tenth minute Tavernier’s free-kick was blocked by Steven Naismith before Windass was allowed to run at the Hearts defence before feeding Murphy but the former Motherwell player’s shot on goal was wide.

In a rare foray forward, Steven Naismith picked up a loose pass from Rangers McCrorie, but the Hearts man’s effort was blocked by the recovering defender.

Martin then saw his header land on the roof of the net as an uninspiring first half drew to a close.

Half-time Rangers 0 Hearts 0

The home support’s spirits were lifted somewhat just two minutes into the second half when Murphy sped down the left wing to cross for Candeias who set up former Hibs striker Cummings to open the scoring.

Hearts had a half-chance to equalise when good play from Connor Randall saw a cross into the Rangers penalty box which was headed on by Naismith towards Kyle Lafferty. However, the former Rangers striker’s shot on goal was woefully weak and easily saved by Gers keeper Alnwick.

It was no surprise when Rangers doubled their lead in the 64th minute. The ever-dangerous Murphy crossed for the unmarked Candeias who headed past Jon McLaughlin from close range.

The Hearts goalie then saved smartly from Windass before Hearts dragged themselves back in the game with a goal 20 minutes from the end. Hearts sub Lewis Moore was fouled by Tavernier. From Don Cowie’s free-kick, captain Christophe Berra headed home.

Hearts keeper Jon McLaughlin then spared substitute Joaquim Adao’s blushes when he saved from Windass after Adao had given the ball away.

Shortly after, Lafferty went close with a shot which hit the post. But, if truth be told, Hearts deserved nothing from a game during which they had just three shots on target.

Another trip to Ibrox, another pitiful performance from Craig Levein’s side.

Rangers: Alnwick Tavernier, John, Dorrans, Windass (Halliday, 76′), Candeias (O’Halloran, 90′), Holt, Cummings (Morelos, 85′), Murphy, Martin, McCrorie.

Hearts: McLaughlin, Souttar, Berra, Hughes (Henderson, 80′), Randall, Cowie, Smith, Godinho (Moore, 59′), Amankwaa (Adao, 55′), Naismith, Lafferty.

Referee: Craig Thomson

Attendance: 47,272

Top man: Really?

World Championship, Division One, Group A: Great Britain 3, Slovenia 1

Former Edinburgh Capitals defenceman Ben O’Connor netted as Great Britain (GB) began their World Championship, Division 1, Group A, campaign with a 3-1 victory over top seeds Slovenia in Budapest.

Slovenia, who are ranked 15th in the world, played in the Winter Olympics in Korea earlier this year, but they were no match for GB who produced one of their most memorable performances in the last decade.

Brett Perlini and Robert Dowd also scored for Scots-born coach Peter Russell’s side.

And Russell, the new head coach at Glasgow-based Elite League side, Braehead Clan, said: “That was very special. To beat a side who played in the Olympics this year is a fantastic achievement.

“The boys gave it everything and put it all on the line. I am very proud of them.

“We were outstanding all across the ice – they were real heroes out there.
“This a great start but we must not get ahead of ourselves and we still have four massive games to come.”

GB return to the ice on Tuesday when they face Kazakhstan at 4pm (3pm UK time).

Championship Shield: Glasgow Tigers 49, Edinburgh Monarchs 41

Glasgow: Richie Worrall 4, Lewis Kerr 11, Paul Starke 6, Claus Vissing 12, Chris Harris 8, Jack Thomas 3, James Sarjeant 5

Edinburgh: Ricky Wells 7, Max Ruml 1, Mark Riss 10, rider replacement for Joel Andersson, Erik Riss 14, Matt Williamson 1, Josh Pickering 8

Claus Vissing continued his great start to the season by top scoring for Glasgow Tigers and claiming a new track record.

The former Berwick Bandits and Edinburgh Monarchs racer turned on the power against one of his former clubs and the 31-year-old claimed 12 points thanks to three heat wins in five outings.

And the win strengthened Tigers position in the Borders section of the Championship Shield.

In-form Vissing was backed by Lewis Kerr with 11 points as Glasgow Tigers wrapped-up a Championship Shield double over arch rivals the Staggs Bar Monarchs.

The West of Scotland combine comfortably won 48-41 at Armadale on Friday and on Sunday cruised to a 49-41 win at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium to take charge of the Border section in the Championship Shield.

Monarchs skipper Eric Riss was best for the visits with 14 points from six rides and his brother Mark was second top scorer with ten points.

Earlier, the home side were 14-4 ahead after three heats following back-to-back 5-1 heat wins but Monarchs replied with a 5-1 of their own in the next race to bring the scoreline back to 15-9.

But Vissing then won Heat Five in a new track record of 58.18sec as the home side moved 19-11 ahead.

They kept Monarchs at bay until Heat 11 when Ricky Wells was first through the tapes.

Then team-mate Mark Riss won the next race with his brother Eric, Monarchs’ captain, in second place.

Former Grand Prix rider Chris Harris calmed nerves with victory for Tigers in Heat 13 as they moved 45-33 ahead.

And Eric Riss and his brother Mark won Heat 15 with Vissing third and Lewis Kerr fourth to put a better gloss on the overall scoreline.

Couple to cycle from Edinburgh to Budapest to raise funds for dementia charity

Dalgety Bay couple Nik Olliver who is a Health and Safety Lecturer at Edinburgh College and Richard Newton who is a freelance photographer are getting on their tandem to cycle from Edinburgh to Budapest this summer.

They are raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Their schedule will include cycling from Edinburgh to Newcastle where they will catch a ferry to Amsterdam. Heading through the Netherlands and Germany they will then follow the Danube all the way to Budapest hoping to get to the end of their 2000 km journey by 31 July.

The timetable means cycling around 100 kilometres a day.

Nik said : “It will be tough but we’re both really looking forward to the challenge. We will be camping on route so we can be flexible, but July 31 is our target and we hope to reach it and make as much money for Alzheimer’s Research UK as possible.”

Nik, a Health and Safety lecturer at Edinburgh College, and freelance photographer Richard intend to keep social media updated with images and videos throughout their cycle. Follow their journey here

So far, Nik and Richard have raised £815. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit Nik and Rich’s MyDonate page here.

Kyle Lockhart, regional fundraising officer – Scotland at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re so grateful to Nik and Rich for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK. Dementia affects a huge proportion of the population – over 70,000 people in Scotland alone living with dementia and one in three people over 65 in the UK will die with some form of the condition. Fantastic fundraising efforts like this will help us to defeat dementia sooner.”

Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon said he was ‘proud’ of his players after yesterday’s ‘outstanding’ victory of champions elect Celtic in front of a packed Easter Road.

Hibs outplayed and outfought the Glasgow giants and in reality, the scoreline flattered Brandan Rodgers’ side.

A large and noisy travelling support came through to celebrate winning the title but they were silenced by goals from Jamie MacLaren and Vykintas Slivka.

At full-time it was the Hibs’ fans who were celebrating to ‘Sunshine on Leith’ with second place now a distinct possibility.

After the game a delighted Lennon said: “I’m very proud of the team. I thought we were outstanding and played with intensity.

“We were playing the best team in the country by a considerable distance but I thought we deserved to win and I thought that our approach to the game was superb and they adhered to what we asked them to do

“We matched them all over the pitch and I don’t think we were hanging on at the end.

“In terms of intensity we had probably not played like that before, but it was what we asked them to do and we knew they were capable of it.

“We had to be aggressive with out pressing of Celtic. We watched the game against them at easter Road ast time and we were passive. They were passing round us and we didn’t want that to happen again.

“If you let them play they wear you down and tire you out.

“We tried to press them in high areas and force the issue and there was quality at the end of it.

“we did not want Scott Brown dictating the game and you have to get in his face and take the ball off him. Too mnay people dance around him and don’t get close. I didn’t want that.

“We had a few guys missing but the likes of Danny Swanson and Steven Whittaker who came in for us did  sterling job and the subs gave us life when we needed it.

“I don’t think many would have expected that today and it puts pressure on the teams around us.

We didn’t want to let Celtic win the title here. we feel they will eventually win it but we didn’t want it to happen here.

“I didn’t get any enjoyment out of it. Pride in my own team but no enjoyment. My team were outstanding.

“We have raised the bar here over the past 18-months to two years.

You have to be professional and you have your own standards to set here.

“The players will get a huge shot in the arm from that but nothing more.

“Will teams be fearful of us? I hope so but no-one has been talking about us, it’s all been about Kilmarnock and other teams not doing so well and we’ve largely been under the radar. We’ve had one defeat in 15 and that was Cetic away which is never easy.”

Berwick Bandits boss Scott Courtney did not make excuses for the 49-41 home defeat by near neighbours Newcastle Diamonds in the first-leg of the Tyne/Tweed Trophy.

Team manager Courtney pin-pointed gating as the cause for the disappointment.

And lack of watering on the track at a critical time did not assist the home men.

Courtney said: “Our gating was way down on par, and with the track – for once – as dry due to the lack of watering at the critical time as there was football on.

“The track was way slicker than we like leaving passing a bit thin on the ground which, thankfully again, is most unusual for us.”

He added: “Newcastle deserved the win, they were the better team tonight and rode better than we did.

“We were not as good as we were last week against Glasgow even though we fought to the end which showed massive character from out guys.”

George English, Newcastle’s team leader said: “I think we shocked a lot of people who simply expected us to go away licking out wounds.

“Well we really showed what was possibly with positivity and determination.

“Berwick are not a bad side at all, just look at their win over Glasgow which was no easy task.

“We get great confidence from this win which was taken through adversity with Ludvig’s engine blowing, his primary chain flinging him off the bike, Tero’s tape issue in Heat One, his two minute exclusion and fall, which he wasn’t happy with, but we pulled off what many would have though an impossible victory.

“Credit to all the lads one to seven who all wish this had been a league meeting.”

Berwick KLS Bandits (powered by Mike Hope of Wooler) 41 (Aaron Summers 10; Kevin Doolan, John Lindman 2; David Howe 5, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 9, Jye Ethridge 6, Dany Gappmaier 9).

Newcastle Boiler Technical Services Diamonds 49 (Ludvig Lindgren 6, Tero Aarnio 4, rider replacement for Lewis Ros, Matthew Wethers 11, Lewis Kerr (guest) 8, Carl Wilkonson 8, Ashley Morris 12).

Reminding you that Edinburgh Monarchs visit Glasgow Tigers on Sunday in the Championship Shield (3pm) looking for revenge after being defeat by the West of Scotland club at Armadale on Friday.

ROBERT FISH BAND
“CELTA CEILIDH”
8pm Friday 4 May 2018
The Counting house
38 W Nicolson St,
EH8 9DD

The legendary Fish band returns to the Counting House for a night introducing traditional social dancing from Scotland,Ireland, Brittany and beyond.

House band in the Assembly Rooms in the 90’s they are still pushing out. Expect wild turns of song and drama!! Dance the Eightsome reel, Connemara set, Bouree, An Dro, Gavotte, Scottiche and more!!!

TICKETS:- £12 (£10 conc) from Tradfest and on the door.

or contact Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street,EH1 1SR
T +44 (0)131 556 9579

Councillor Joan Griffiths MBE is Chair of Edinburgh Labour Group and Deputy Lord Provost. Having lived in Edinburgh all her life we asked her first of all where her favourite places in the city are.

She said : “There is so much to do in Edinburgh,  for me there is nowhere else I would want to live, Edinburgh is a vibrant city with something for everyone, bars, restaurants, theatres.

“I really love walking on Portobello beach  and I don’t mind what the weather is like, calm sea or rough it is a beautiful place to spend time. I  also love the peace and quiet walking in  St Margaret’s Restalrig churchyard.”

And on the new role which involves deputising for the Lord Provost when he is not available, she said : ” I am immensely proud to be Deputy Lord Provost. Through this role I have met some very interesting people and have enjoyed taking part in  the citizenship  ceremonies, welcoming people to the City Chambers to take the oath of allegiance to the United Kingdom.”

And finally Joan added : “The best job advice I ever received was from my father. He said ‘just do your best’ and I have always tried to do my best in whatever I do. In the next year  I will continue to do my best for my constituents and to use my role to promote Edinburgh, the best city in the UK!”

The European Stone Stacking Championship takes place on 21 and 22 April 2018 in Dunbar. The competition features various categories of competition including;

Most Stones Balanced one on top of the other

Kids competition

Balance against the clock

Most artistic balance

Hibs produced an ‘outstanding’ performance to deny champions elect Celtic from securing the league title at Easter Road this afternoon.

Head Coach Neil Lennon made two enforced changes to the starting X that drew with Ross County two weeks ago. Steven Whittaker replaced the injured Darren McGregor whilst Danny Swanson took over from Scott Allan in midfield. Allan was ineligible as he is currently on loan from Celtic.

Leigh Griffiths started against his boyhood heroes.

The game started at 100mph then got faster as both teams had chances to score in the opening minutes.

Flo Kambei almost opened the scoring in the first minute but his powerful strike was blocked by Craig Gordon. Moments later Ofir Marciano produced a superb double save to deny Tom Rogic then Griffiths.

Play raged from end to end before Hibs took a deserved lead in the 24th minute. Lewis Stevenson bravely headed a Celtic clearance into the path of Swanson then made himself available for the return pass. The long serving left back then send a sensational cross into the box and Jamie MacLaren was on hand to tap the ball into the net for close range.

Hibs almost added a second when the ball deflected off Paul Hanlon, wrong footing Gordon,  but the former Hearts’ keeper managed to clear the ball off the line.

Just before the break, John McGinn sent in an inch perfect cross which Hanlon headed inches wide.

The second half started as the first half left off and Swanson did well to dispossess Scott Brown but his shot from 25 yards went wide.

Celtic should have grabbed an equaliser in the 55th minute after Stevenson’s tackle on Griffiths fell to Rogic inside the area but Marciano produced a fantastic save to deny the Australian.

The Celtic players and the referee enraged the home support by playing on when two Hibs players were down injured and the ball was eventually deflected for a corner.

Swanson and Dylan McGeouch both required treatment which meant that Hibs wold have to defend the corner with only nine men however Lennon replaced Swanson with Brandon Barker

The on-loan winger then tormented the Celtic defence with two weaving runs before Brown upended him, earning a yellow card.

Vykintas Slivka replaced goalscorer Jamie MacLaren in the 72nd minute then moments later Stevenson went down injured after a crunching challenge.

Rogic sportingly kicked the ball into touch, earning a round of applause from the home supporters.

With 11 minutes remaining, Easter Road erupted as Hibs doubled their advantage. A long ball from Martin Boyle found Kamberi on the right wing. The striker did well to cut inside before firing in a powerful cross which Slivka headed into the net.

Moments later it could have been 3-0 after KristofferAjer mishit a back pass. Boyle slid in as Gordon tried to clear and the ball ricochet along the line before being cleared.

Odsonne Edourado pulled one back with four minutes remaining after a deflected clearance fell into his path causing some anxiety amongst the Hibs’ fans, especially when the fourth official held up the board with five minutes on it.

In time added on Kamberi did well to rob Patrick Roberts then tried an audacious effort from 65 yards but the ball flew well wide and Hibs held on for a well-deserved victory.

After the game Lennon said: “I’m very proud of my team, we were outstanding.”

Hibs: Marciano, Whittaker, Ambrose, Hanlon, Stevenson, McGeouch, McGinn, Swanson, Boyle, Kamberi, MacLaren. Substitutes: Bell, Porteous, Stirling, Slivka, Barker, F.Murray, L.Allan

Celtic: Gordon Hendry, Ajar, Boyata, Tierney, Brown, Ntcham, Rogic, Forrest, McGregor, Griffiths. Substitutes Bain, Simunovic, Roberts, Kouassi, Edouard, Simclair, Musunda

Attendance 19886

Adam Cross, chairman of Cramond Angling Club, has welcomed the opening of the Fair a Far weir fish pass.

Cross and a number of committee members were present at the event in late April on the grass next to the old mill buildings.

There The River Forth Fisheries Trust detailed their involvement in the scheme.

The trust and Cramond Angling Club had stalls to provide more information about the fish pass and fishing on the river.

The pass, incidentally, is part of RiverLife: Almond & Avon, a partnership project which is a combination between the River Forth Fisheries Trust, The City of Edinburgh Council and West Lothian Council.

And the project aims to improve the River Almond and Avon for the benefit of wildlife and the communities which border the rivers.

Adam, who made the first official cast of the season, which was also toasted by a dram, said that hopefully the work will make it easier for the fish to get up the river.

And that should make more sport available to anglers.

The chairman said there were positive noises coming from members about catch returns so far after a tough, cold winter with a late snowfall.

And he reminded potential members that The Almond at Cramond was easily accessible by public transport.