Scottish SPCA Chief Executive Kirsteen Campbell is taking on the London Marathon in aid of the charity.

Kirsteen will experience one of the world’s largest running events in aid of Scotland’s abused, abandoned and injured animals on Sunday 22 April.

Kirsteen said, “I can’t tell you what a challenge this will be for me – it’s the first time I’ve taken on a challenge of this size.

“I am delighted to be representing the Society, especially to be sporting the newly released sports gear too!

“Since joining the charity last year I’ve been amazed at how dedicated and passionate our team is. This dedication has helped get me out on all my training runs, come snow or sun! The only thing left to do is get over that finish line on Sunday!”

Sharon Comrie, superintendent of the Society’s animal rescue and rehoming centres, said, “We all think that Kirsteen’s efforts are incredible, and we are bursting with pride too.

“This is such an amazing challenge to take on and we’re extremely grateful to Kirsteen for her hard work and dedication to the cause.

“We rely solely on the generosity of the public to help us continue rescue and rehabilitating animals across Scotland and events like these really do help us save lives.

“We’ll all be cheering Kirsteen on at the weekend!”

To sponsor Kirsteen head over to her Virgin money giving page at:

virginmoneygiving.com/KirsteenCampbell.

If you would like to take part in an event for the Scottish SPCA please visit www.scottishspca.org/events.

Scotland’s new system of income tax rates and bands has come into force.

The changes were signed off by MSPs alongside the Scottish Government Budget in February.

They mean many pay less tax, but some pay more.

So, how these changes will affect you and your business?

Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce are hosting a breakfast event on the issue on 26 April at The Craigie Hotel, Penicuik.

Christa Cameron of Cameron & Co of Haddington will lay out the new tax thresholds and rates for each band of income.

She will also point out the changes and clarify some of the questions raised.

There will also be an opportunity to network and visit refurbished Craigie House, a former home of Scottish zoologist James Cossar Ewart.

The event starts at 8am and runs to 10am and the address is The Craigie Hotel, 50 Bog Rd, Penicuik, EH26 9BZ

Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel echoed the subtle homage to Erich Maria Remarque’s 1928 devastating anti-war polemic, All Quiet On The Western Front, later filmed by Lewis Milestone in 1930. (Unsurprisingly, Hitler had all available copies burned in the ‘decadent’ purification hysteria.)

Remarque’s narrative threads weave tragic, elagaic tableaux where a platoon of rookie German soldiers, each in turn, take possession of a bespoke pair of leather boots on the death of their previous owner. Similarly, War Horse, Joey, passes through the hands and reins of soldiers on opposing sides.

Each a poignant, inevitably volatile story in itself. Morpurgo, ostensibly a writer for younger readers, touches on ageless, universal themes of hope over-coming despair, courage under duress and the cathartic resolution of the tribulations of the Everyman/woman and child rendering the incredible credible. His tales are contemporary fables revealing self-evident truths seamlessly woven within timeless, moral archetypes. Appropriately, Capital Theatres have dovetailed War Horse and Birdsong to mark this year’s centenary remembrance of the Armistice.

National Theatre triumphantly leads this War Horse to water and audieneces near likewise bathe in tears of captivated wonder. Horses snort and stomp, their fetlocks shuffling and whinnies steaming are complemented by subtle trots and balletic canters. The catastrophic cavalry charges – medieval tactics meet industrial carnage – where man and horse are slaughter-scythed by crossfire machine guns, are as mesmeric as they are hideous.

Superlatives have been near, but not quite yet, exhausted on Nick Stafford’s adaptation lending – ahem – full-rein to the articulated brilliance of Handspring Puppet Company. An ecstasy of equine articulation this horse shoos away any doubts that a puppet can come alive. A first past the post thoroughbred production that tugs on the heart strings and has the audience champing at every bit for more.

Describing War Horse as an  ‘Anthem for Peace’, Morpurgo combines anthropomorphic allegory with essential, sentimental certainties allowing Stafford, Handspring and the superlative cast to guide Joey and young Albert, as both symbyotic avatar/centaur, into the psychosis of The Somme’s air-burst shrapnel mud and blood-bath carnage.

All the King’s horses’ exoskeletal equine elegance, are a balletic suspension of belief – in the horrific charges – almost beyond belief. The transitional Devon Folk singer’s refrain of John Barleycorn seeing Winter turning to Spring resonates wryly. That so many, once isolated rural and industrial areas of Britain were spewed into and expediently eviscerated in the cauldron of the Western Front is ironically best marked when the Geordie soldier wins the toss against the German who helps free Joey from the tangle barbed-wire nightmare. ‘Well, he’s wor horse now, man!’

Both stretchered soldiers and flogged exhausted horses are graphically framed as pale, staggering wraiths by Paule Constable’s lighting design. The challenge of conscience and perspective between man and beast’s mutual suffering – Joey’s anthropomorphic empathy as displacement – is ever present – ‘Why do you not show as much pity for you comrades?’ Beckons an enraged officer.

This evening is every expectation excelled.

Let the braver neigh-sayers predict when this production becomes a matter of flogging a dead horse. About the same time as war is a thing of the past. There’s some horse-sense in that at least.

https://www.capitaltheatres.com/warhorse

Another 70 shows have gone on sale today for the shows forming the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe 2018.

Katy and Karen Koren, Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “We cannot wait to host the Honeys in our biggest venue. We still have a few surprises up our sleeves… there’s definitely more to come!”

The Honeys refers to genre-defying Hot Brown Honey who will appear at the Debating Hall with a full run from the flagship venue.

The shows take place at three major venues, Gilded Balloon Teviot, Gilded Balloon at the Museum and Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre.

There is a veritable plethora of big names and you will find enough here to occupy you without wandering away from the Gilded Balloon. Here are some of the highlights :

Dame Esther Rantzen for three nights only will welcome you to 50 years of broadcasting.

Jon Culshaw of Dead Ringers and Bill Dare will give you an alternative view of politicians and celebrities when they do their impressions all to the direction of each audience.

Janeane Garofalo star of The Larry Sanders Show and Wet Hot American Summer comes back to the Fringe after a five year gap.

Henry Naylor who is an award-winning playwright and political satirist premieres Games looking at the real life story of Helene Mayer. Mayer was the only Jewish athlete on the Nazi team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Maggie Thatcher Queen of Club Nights will deliver nonstop 80s hits.

Fringe debutants include Murray Hill star of Comedy Central and Chappelle’s Show, Christian Finnegan the future of Scottish stand-up in the shape of Christopher MacArthur-Boyd, and 2017 Britain’s Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda, who is embarking upon a world tour with What the African Said.

Other names you will know include Kevin Quantum, Fred MacAulay, Chris Forbes of Scot Squad, Tom Stage, Micky Bartlett, Kai Humphries and Gareth Waugh.

There is also a children’s programme with full blown productions of Annie, Les Misérables, Brave Macbeth and Rent.

The Staggs Bar Monarchs hope to consolidate their position in the Border section of the Championship Shield on Friday by beating Glasgow Tigers at Armadale.

They face a Glasgow team with a great deal of experience and Armadale expertise.

And Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ president, said: “We must win the home match.

“It’s just a six-match section and it would be hard to come back from a loss or draw at home.

“If we can succeed on Friday then the away match two days later can take care of itself.”

Friday will also launch a series of nights to celebrate the club’s 70th anniversary.

Monarchs started life in 1948, racing their first away match at Bristol on 26 March. and their first home match at Old Meadowbank on 17 April against Glasgow.

And, on Friday, they welcome Jimmy Turner, Harry Darling and Jock Scott who all rode for the team between 1951 and 1954.

Remember, tapes go up at 7.30pm.

Glasgow Tigers team manager Cami Brown has praised Claus Vissing’s “remarkable” start to the season.

And he hopes the Danish star can keep it going against his old club, Edinburgh Monarchs, in the Challenge Shield this weekend.

The first match is at Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm) with the return at the Peugeot Ashfield Arena on Sunday (3pm).

Vissing has top-scored for Tigers twice at home and posted a solid eight points and a bonus point at Berwick on Saturday.

The encouraging start follows a season to forget for Vissing last year.

He was dropped by Berwick Bandits but Brown believes the 31-year-old is treating his move to Glasgow as his last chance to prove himself in the SGB Championship.

Brown hopes Vissing can grab the opportunity with both hands by carrying on his top performances against Edinburgh where he rode in 2013.

And the team boss said Vissing’s form isn’t a huge surprise as he and Richie Worrall were the two fittest riders at Tigers’ winter boot camp.

Edinburgh World Heritage has launched a new manifesto today outlining what the young people of Scotland think is necessary to ensure a stronger connection between them and the country’s heritage.

The manifesto was written by a group of young people living and studying in Edinburgh, and was launched at a World Heritage Day celebration attended by Scottish Minister Maree Todd Minister for Childhood and Early Years tonight at the Reid Concert Hall.

Specific recommendations from the manifesto, timed to coincide with the 2018 Year of Young People, include a call for greater honesty from heritage bodies.

This includes being truthful about issues such as the way some buildings in the New Town were funded from the proceeds of slavery, or the poor working conditions of tradesmen involved in its construction, as well as calls for better access for young people to the large proportion of public collections that are not on general view.

The resume of the manifesto boils down to five main points :

•  Have honest conversations about heritage and values
• Allow us to discover heritage for ourselves
• Don’t treat us like children
• Let us see what’s hidden
• We want to feel proud of the places we live

Other recommendations include giving young people a greater role in welcoming visitiors to the city, and for more programmes such as ‘museum lates’ to be developed and launched.

Recent research conducted by Edinburgh World Heritage has revealed that levels of engagement and understanding of Scotland’s World Heritage sites are far lower among young people than among the general population.

For example, only 8% of 16-24 year- olds are aware that Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town is part of a World Heritage Site.

Fiona Knight, 21, commented: ‘Many young people want to discover heritage for themselves. We are looking for practical, hands-on, meaningful experiences that deepen our appreciation for our heritage and allow us to talk honestly about the issues thrown up by our past’.

Murid Laly, 20, commented: ‘We want to feel proud of the places where we live. In the Old Town of Edinburgh for example, where many of us live, we see commercialisation, ‘tartan tat’ shops, and many new hotel developments. Why not allow us to welcome visitors and help explain that they are entering a living, breathing city that requires gentle handling’

All films shown this evening were shot in The Dean Village on Monday with the group walking there, exploring and finding out what the buildings might have been used for as well as what is there now. Dean Village is very pretty and this made for a good subject and we were advised in the second production to slow down, relax and take in the detail!

A third film showed elements of ‘beautiful silence’. The young person introducing it advised us to look up when walking around and feel the calm. Courting Quiet was also filmed in the Dean Village and included cats, the Water of Leith and washing drying on the line.

The last film was the only one which attempted to include a narrative and it reminded us of RJ Finlay of The Scotsman who built Well Court in the style of a Bavarian Village.

It was a very overcrowded place when first built, but is now a peaceful place close by the West End.

Patrick Geddes got a mention in passing of course as the town planner whose work affected design and redesign during his lifetime and beyond.

Maree Todd expressed that it was a pleasure to listen to the contributions this evening. She remarked that coming from the Highlands & Islands to Edinburgh has been a great part of becoming an MSP, and she still finds walking down the Royal Mile to Parliament is an incredible experience.

She said : “I am privileged to be here on World Heritage Day. This is our chance to have an effect on Scotland and we want our young people to have the skills to shape the Scotland of the future. Scotland is unique in devoting a whole year to young people.

“We owe it to the next generation to care about what is passed on to them.”

Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage commented: “We believe that Edinburgh’s World Heritage site should be a dynamic force that benefits everyone. We’ve clearly got our work cut out in better engaging with young people, and we are very grateful for the clear ideas and recommendations we have received from our young ambassadors. Now we need to move from words to actions.”

Maree Todd continued: “It’s so important that young people living in Scotland engage with and take advantage of what our heritage has to offer – helping build a sense of well–being and belonging, enjoying the educational benefits, as well as taking advantage of skills development and career opportunities.

“Our young people are the future custodians of of our precious historic environment, and I fully support the development of new ways of involving and inspiring this crucial group of people.”

Cllr Neil Gardiner, Convener of the council’s Planning Committee, said: “We’re committed to getting more young people involved in the planning process and as it is the Year of Young People 2018 it is particularly fitting that we progress this where we can.

“For example, we are working with Planning Aid Scotland to develop relationships with schools in the city, focussing on areas that will see significant change in the future, so that we can hear from young people on the type of neighbourhood and city they want Edinburgh to be in the future.”

The manifesto sets out the detail

1 – Have honest conversations about heritage and values

The heritage industry is sometimes out-of-step with our values. While the conservation of objects and buildings is important, we need to recognise that the values they represent can be outdated and lack relevance to young people.

We need to be honest and recognise this, and encourage young people to get involved and have a healthy debate about the issues thrown up by the past – such as slavery, LGBT rights, child poverty, and poor working conditions for the many involved in building our great monuments.

2 – Allow us to discover heritage for ourselves

Many of us were taken to museums and heritage attractions as children, either by our parents or our schools, though some of us did not have this opportunity. But all young people want to discover heritage for themselves, and on our own terms.

We are a generation that places huge value on having meaningful experiences. Please allow us to have practical, hands-on experiences that deepen our appreciation for heritage and for the achievements and issues thrown up by our past. We want to learn about skills such as traditional building trades and heritage story-telling as well as digital skills. We may even want to work in the heritage sector!

3 – Don’t treat us like children

So much of the heritage industry targets either children, or older people. Young adults are often overlooked, despite the fact that we are the future of the industry. When heritage professionals talk to us, it can come over as patronising.

Please listen to what we have to say, involve us, and allow us to help shape the way our past is presented.

4 – Let us see what’s hidden

So much of the material held in public collections is hidden away from public view. And so many fascinating buildings are not accessible to us. But we love being taken off the ‘beaten track’!

Give us access to the forgotten dusty corners of our country’s heritage. We will cherish the experience and help work out how to care for it and talk about it to other young people.

5 – We want to feel proud of the places where we live

Our historic cities and places often do not reflect our values. We see relentless commercialisation, ubiquitous ‘tartan tat’ shops, and new developments meet the needs of the tourism industry but make us feel alienated.

Please let us be part of the development of our historic places. Involve us in the creation of story-telling and public art. And allow us to welcome visitors and to help explain that they are entering a living, breathing city that requires gentle handling.

Police have arrested three people in connection with thirteen incidents of shoplifting involving over £4,500 worth of goods.

The incidents took place between 3rd March and 13th April at nine business premises in Prestonpans, Dunbar, North Berwick, Tranent and Gullane.

Electrical goods, food, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and household items were among the items which were either stolen or which an attempt was made to steal.

A 35-year-old woman was charged in connection with all thirteen incidents with two men, aged 29 and 30, both charged in connection with three.

All appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday 17th April.

Chief Inspector Steven Duncan, Area Commander for East Lothian, said: “We know that tackling shoplifting is a priority for local businesses and have recently established a Shoplifting Initiative Team to support this.

“The officers involved in this initiative will be working closely with shopowners and retail companies to increase reporting of offences and will use a variety of resources to detect offenders.

“Thanks to their hard work, three people have been charged in connection with a number of thefts and enquiries are currently ongoing into several other recent incidents.

“I want to reassure businesses and communities that such incidents will not be tolerated.”

Police are appealing for information after two cars were stolen in a housebreaking in Linlithgow.

Offenders broke into the property on Grange Knowe at around 2am this morning and stole car keys which were used to then steal two vehicles – a white Audi S4 Quattro and a red Ford Fiesta.

Police were quickly alerted to the theft and the vehicles were seen in Edinburgh and East Lothian a short time later but made off from officers.

PC Craig Leckie of the Community Investigation Unit at West Calder Police Station said: “This was extremely distressing for the occupants who awoke in the night to discover their home had been broken into and their vehicles had been stolen.

“The cars were seen driving dangerously and at speed a considerable distance away only 30 minutes later – the Audi, registration KJ17HWU at Cameron Toll in Edinburgh, and the Fiesta, registration SN16XVD at the Newcraighall roundabout on the A1.

“This is reckless behaviour which has put other road users at risk and we need to apprehend those responsible as soon as possible, so I would urge anyone who has seen these vehicles or knows where they are to contact police immediately.

“Likewise, anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in Linlithgow in the early hours should also call the Community Investigation Unit on 101 quoting reference 187 of Wednesday 18th April, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

For so long the only chat show host, and then the purveyor of great music on Sundays, Sir Michael Parkinson will appear on stage at Assembly Rooms on Saturday night alongside his son Mike.

It is well known how much he loves music, and it is the music with clips from his Parkinson archive which will form the backbone of the show. Joe Stilgoe will perform live to outline the journey from Barnsley, Manchester, Wood Lane and Broadcasting House.

Parky was a great talent spotter of good music giving space to some successful musicians like Michael Bublé, Diana Krall and Jamie Cullum.

Tickets are still available here.

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to trace in connection with an armed robbery at the Scotmid shop in Walter Scott Avenue which took place around 7.20pm on Sunday 15th April.

Officers believe the man pictured can assist with their ongoing investigation and anyone who can assist in identifying him is asked to come forward.

Detective Constable Stevie Herd from Gayfield CID said: “While no one was harmed during this robbery, it was a terrifying ordeal for the staff members to endure and we continue to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness.

“We believe that the man in the CCTV footage can assist with our inquiries and if you recognise him then please contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Gayfield CID via 101 and quote incident number 3530 of the 15th April. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for witnesses following three housebreakings and thefts in Penicuik which took place overnight between Monday 16 April and Tuesday 17 April.

A garage was broken into in the Eskhill area with a black and green Voodoo Wazoo Fat mountain bike stolen.

In the Clerk Road area a garage was forced open and three mountain bikes stolen. They are described as a black and orange Giant Stance mountain bike, a silver Genesis Core mountain bike, and a black Giant Defy road bike.

The third incident happened in the Croft Street area where two bikes were stolen from an outbuilding. They are described as a blue and white Giant Anthem mountain bike, and a white and blue Giant TCX SLR cross event bike, which both had studded tyres.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Sergeant Michele Lindsay from Penicuik Police Station said: “I would ask anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious behaviour in the area overnight, especially in the early hours of Tuesday morning, to come forward.

“Equally anyone who has seen, or been offered, any of the stolen property is asked to report this to officers as soon as possible.

“I would urge people to remain vigilant and secure their belongings and property, ensuring windows and doors are securely locked.

“Further advice and information on safeguarding your home and property can be found on our website at www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property.”

Those with information can contact Penicuik Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 0426 of 17 April (Eskill), 0510 of 17 April (Clerk Road) and 0612 of 17 April (Croft Street) or contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

‘War Horse’ launched with a little help from Lewis and Kilmarnock

The Festival Theatre marked the opening of the Edinburgh run of the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse by introducing Joey to riders and horses from Police Scotland’s Mounted Unit.

Joey, the life-size equine puppet from War Horse was joined by actor Thomas Dennis (who plays Albert) and Matt Forbes (Puppetry director) and the puppeteers operating Joey in Edinburgh: Tom Quinn (head), Chris Charles (heart) & Sam Parker (hind).

Police Scotland’s Mounted Unit provides vital support to policing public events and its riders and horses operate daily reassurance patrols across Scotland and Joey was joined outside the Festival Theatre by PC Claire Hunter riding Lewis, and PC Kaeren Muir riding Kilmarnock.

War Horse is the powerful story of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the British in World War I. Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in No Man’s Land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, War Horse features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage.

War Horse is adapted by Nick Stafford and presented in association with Handspring Puppet Company. Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris design is by Rae Smith, lighting is by Tony and Olivier award-winning designer, Paule Constable and movement and horse choreography by Toby Sedgwick. The puppetry directors are Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler, with video design by 59 Productions Ltd, song-making by John Tams, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Christopher Shutt. Katie Henry is the revival director and Craig Leo is the associate puppetry director. They are joined by assistant puppetry director, Matthew Forbes and resident director, Charlotte Peters.

Kash Bennett, the producer of War Horse said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to be bringing War Horse back to Edinburgh after the sell-out success of our first visit in 2014. We hope that with Joey’s first appearance in the city, we can bring people in Edinburgh a taste of the theatrical magic and artistry that audiences can look forward to with this very special show.’

Michael Morpurgo added: ‘After a few months rest, out at pasture, Joey, the War Horse and his great team from the National Theatre, are touring the UK again, and significantly during the centenary of the end of the First World War. I am so pleased this is happening; that so many more people will have the chance to enjoy this unique theatrical event. Steady boy, steady Joey. Trot on!’

The tour of War Horse coincides with the Centenary commemorations of the end of the First World War and follows the production’s sold-out tour of the UK and Ireland in 2013-2014.

War Horse, based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, is at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Wednesday 18 April to Saturday 12 May 2018 as part of a national tour and is produced on tour by the National Theatre – http://www.warhorseonstage.com/.

WAR HORSE
Festival Theatre Edinburgh
Wed 18 April to Sat 12 May 2018
Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £61 – £18

How to book:
BOX OFFICE: 0131 529 6000
GROUPS (8+): 0131 529 6005
ONLINE: http://www.capitaltheatres.com/

Walking Football Scotland in partnership with North Lanarkshire Leisure and Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, are hosting this year’s National League tournament which will once again take place at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility.

Twelve teams have registered to take part, Fife Wanderers, Hearts 56, Hearts 98, Gala Fairydean Rovers, Ayr United Beresford,  Ayr United Parkhouse, Stenhousemuir, Glasgow Sport East, Glasgow Sport West, North Lanarkshire, Motherwell and Oriam (Edinburgh).

Games will be held indoors and outdoors on 3G pitches with fixtures commencing on Wednesday 25th April 2018.  Teams will meet on a monthly basis to play 3 league fixtures which will be 20 minutes per match.

After the games, players and spectators will have the chance to meet each other socially over a tea or coffee before heading home.

League table will be  updated every month which will be emailed out and available on the WFS website www.walkingfootballscotland.org.uk and at www.nlleisure.co.uk

The full draw is as follows.

Game 1

Glasgow Sport East v Motherwell

North Lanarkshire v Ayr United Beresford

Hearts 56 v Ayr United Parkhouse

Glasgow Sport West v Fife Wanderers

Stenhousemuir v Hearts 98

GFR v Oriam

Game 2

Hearts 98 v Glasgow Sport West

Ayr united Parkhouse v Motherwell

Oriam v Hearts 56

GFR v Stenhousemuir

Ayr United Beresford v Glasgow Sport East

Fife Wanderers v North Lanark

Game 3

Hearts 56 v Stenhousemuir

Ayr United v Fife Wanderers

Glasgow Sport East v Ayr United Parkhouse

North Lanark v Hearts 98

GFR v Glasgow Sport West

Motherwell v Oriam

Tomorrow, Thursday 19 April 2018, there is  a little touch of Brooklyn coming to Edinburgh.

Brooklyn Brewery is teaming up with Edinburgh’s Andrew Usher & Co to create Scotland’s first ever indoor shuffleboard court at Usher’s premises at 32b West Nicolson Street EH8 9DD. t 0131 662 1757 for more details.

And tomorrow only there will be a shuffleboard tournament with a tap take over by Brooklyn and a fun night of games and Brooklyn Brewery freebies.

Sugar Daddy’s is a little bakery on Rodney Street which sells gluten free products and nothing else. They are now looking to expand and have set up a Kickstarter campaign seeking funding of £29,000 to invest in a bigger second contamination-free kitchen.

The Kickstarter runs till 30 April and donations will be rewarded in cakes, parties and cake baking lessons.

The first shop was opened two years ago by JP and Amy Ranaldi. Amy is coeliac and wanted to provide cakes for those who, like her, must avoid gluten. All their products are 100% gluten free and they have a wide variety of goods which are vegan or free from dairy, eggs or nuts.

Owner JP Ranaldi said : “Everyone deserves good cake and nobody should have to miss out just because they aren’t able to have certain foods.

“We identified a gap in the market for quality, guaranteed gluten free cakes for coeliacs, as well as vegans and those who are dairy intolerant, in response to growing demand from dietary challenged cake lovers.

“Since opening we have seen our customer base grow faster than we ever anticipated, which is really exciting.  However, we simply cannot keep up with demand, so a bigger contamination-free kitchen in a second bakery is the way forward for keeping Edinburgh’s sweet-toothed population happy.”

The Kickstarter campaign has so far raised £15,428 of its £29,000 goal. You can donate here.

The Hibernian Development Squad wrapped up the SPFL Development League title with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen at the Oriam yesterday.

That result, coupled with Dundee’s 4-2 defeat at the hands of Hearts saw the youngsters’ lead at the top of the table become unassailable.

The team kick-started the league campaign with a comprehensive 6-1 win at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock, before going on to take four points from six off Celtic.

After the final whistle, Assistant Coach Grant Murray who also takes the under-20s side told Hibernian Media: “It’s great for the boys that their hard work has been rewarded. When you start a season, you start afresh, you want to win games of football, you want the players to develop and you want to get them into the first-team if possible.

“The longer you sit at the top of the table, which we had last season but lost out quite late, we had that anticipation and feeling come back towards the end of the season and it was up to them to go out and perform well, manage games of football and win games – they’ve certainly done that.

“This season, they really deserve it considering the team that they have sat at the top of the league. They deserve a massive congratulations.

“I certainly have seen the players developing this season. Winning and developing goes hand-in-hand.

“Don’t get me wrong, the league is about developing players and getting them towards the first-team, but players develop when you’re winning games of football.

“In my eyes, our players are developing at a good rate and have shown that they are capable of going on and winning the Development League.

“A lot of the performances have been fantastic, none more so than the first game of the season down at Rugby Park. To go and win any game by that big a margin is great and Kilmarnock had quite an experienced side out that night too.

“The players have pushed on from there. Yes, there’s been other games where they have let themselves down, but the performances have been excellent, especially in the last quarter of the season when they really mattered.

“The two performances against Celtic, winning at home with the last kick of the ball and going ahead at Cappielow with ten men and almost winning the game. These are the big games where the players want to test themselves.

“The game that gave them the biggest lift was the recent win against Falkirk where they went behind and they had to really dig in and go right to the end and won it comfortably in the end.

“The players have scored in every game this season in the league, so that’s a great credit to them as well.”

Next week, the side have an opportunity to complete a double – the first Hibernian Academy side to do so in nine years – against Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the SFA Youth Cup Final on Thursday 26 April (7:30pm kick-off).

He added: “It is hopefully part one of a potential double and I’m sure the players are relishing that.

“The result against Aberdeen on Tuesday won’t have any influence whatsoever on the game, but, psychologically I’m hoping that it does give the boys a wee edge knowing that they are capable of beating Aberdeen.

“It will be a close game and a tough game and we know Aberdeen are capable of beating us as they won the first league game, so they will be confident of beating us in the cup final as well.”

Edinburgh University may have reached the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday, May 5, but they have other concerns currently.

The students now face three huge Division One games in four days as they bid to climb out of the drop zone.

The first challenge is a visit to Hillhead, who are one place below the sixth-placed students, on Thursday (19.45, Anniesland).

Then they host champions Bromac Kelburne, the current Division One pace-setters, at Peffermill, Edinburgh, on Saturday (16.00).

And Edinburgh are at fifth-placed Clydesdale on Sunday (15.00, Titwood).

Currently, the students have 15 points from 14 games, the same points as Hillhead who have also played the same number of fixtures.

Edinburgh’s goal difference is minus two against Hillhead’s minus seven.

Kelburne hold a two point lead over second-placed Grange and the West of Scotland club have 36 points from 15 starts.

Clydesdale have 18 points from 15 fixtures and have a goal difference of minus ten.

Former Scottish international Chris Duncan, one of Edinburgh’s most experienced players, said the games were crucial.

He acknowledged that they had let points slip away after the Festive break.

But the club have been boosted by road wins at third-placed Grove Menzieshill in the Scottish Cup quarter-final followed by an away win over Western Wildcats in the semi-final to book their place in the Scottish Cup Final on May 5.

The Scottish SPCA has launched a new website www.saynotopuppydealers.co.uk in collaboration with The Scottish Government, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, RSPCA, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Trading Standards Scotland, Blue Cross, OneKind, BSAVA and the University of Edinburgh to help raise awareness about the devastating effects of puppy farming.

Chief Executive Kirsteen Campbell said, “The Scottish Government estimated that the illegal puppy trade was worth a conservative £13 million last year in Scotland alone – and that doesn’t include the thousands of pounds in vet bills paid for by unsuspecting new owners.

“The growing illegal trade is, put simply, organised crime and at present there is little deterrent. While we already work with Scottish Government and our partners to improve animal welfare legislation we are conscious that demand for pups is growing and we must raise more awareness of the damaging effects of puppy farming to prevent people inadvertently funding the trade.

“Puppy farming has been a priority issue for us and our partners for quite some time. Individually we have been making some progress, but the industry has grown exponentially and it’s clear that a unified approach is the only way forward.

“We’re delighted to be working with expert partners across the UK and hope the launch of our new collaborative website www.saynotopuppydealers.co.uk helps those looking to buy a puppy learn what to look out for, and make informed choices.

“Last year we worked with the University of Edinburgh to better understand the impact that puppy farming has on dog behaviour. Our research showed that puppy farmed pups are more likely to have a genetic disorder and are more at risk of deadly infectious diseases such as parvovirus, which can cost up to £4,000 to treat.

“It is our hope that this new website will make it easier for members of the public looking to buy a puppy to avoid falling victim of this cruel trade. We sincerely hope everyone gets behind our campaign and pledge to #SayNoToPuppyDealers, helping us bring an end to this evil industry once and for all.”

Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said, “I know it is easy to fall in love with a cute puppy advertised on-line, but people should think very carefully before buying a pet this way.

“I would encourage everyone to consider whether they could provide a “forever home” to a dog in an animal shelter in Scotland, rather than buying a new puppy, and if they still want a puppy to buy one directly from the breeder where they can see the puppy with its mother.

“The arrival of a new puppy should be a happy time but irresponsible and illegal breeding can lead to hefty vets’ bills and even heartbreak for owners.

“Those involved in puppy dealing or illegal breeding can earn thousands of pounds from a single litter but while they count their cash, the dogs which they are exploiting inevitably suffer.

“That’s why the Scottish SPCA’s campaign has my full support. I urge anyone planning to buy a puppy to follow the available guidance to ensure that they making an informed choice.”

BSAVA president Phil Lhermette welcomed the website launch saying, “The risks of puppy smugglers bringing overseas diseases into the UK and spreading them to other dogs, or their owners are significant, so anything we can do to reduce this problem is to be applauded.

“This website will help to direct owners and veterinary professionals to the appropriate bodies as well as alerting the public for the signs to look out for before they buy a puppy that may have been smuggled into this country.”

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home Chief Executive Howard Bridges added, “The launch of the #SayNoToPuppyDealers website is a welcome step forward in the fight against puppy farming, which is having a devastating effect on animal welfare in Scotland.

“Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is the penultimate destination for many animals that have been the victims of unscrupulous breeding activities, and while for some we can put end to this difficult journey through rehoming, it is essential that this issue is tackled at the source.

“We are proud to stand with Scottish SPCA and other organisations to support this campaign.”

To find out more and pledge your support visit www.saynotopuppydealers.co.uk.

Join the party at Drumbrae Leisure Centre on 12 or 13 May 2018 for an Open Weekend showcasing Edinburgh Leisure’s new birthday party offering.

You can try out the bouncy castle, play tennis or football, as well as learning how to cheerlead along with your friends. Edinburgh Leisure has birthday parties nailed with many different activities for 3-12-year olds bound to help your child and their friends have the time of their lives, whilst saving you the hassle of organising the event and keeping them entertained.

The Open Weekend will run from 10am – 4.30pm on Saturday, 12 May and 10am – 3.30pm on Sunday, 13 May. No booking required.

Anyone booking a multi-activity birthday party during the Open Weekend, will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a party for free (terms and conditions apply)

Drumbrae’s birthday parties cost £85 and includes 60 minutes of activities and games, and 30 minutes for food and any games held by the hosts such as pass the parcel. Food and drinks should be supplied by the party hosts.

To book a birthday party, call Drumbrae Leisure Centre on 0131 312 7957.

Looking after their namesakes, Eagle Couriers have been transporting birds of prey which have perished back to the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies from some remote locations.

They have done so at cost since they understand how important it is to understand any environmental factors which threaten the birds.

In a year Eagle Couriers have ferried 43 birds back to Edinburgh with eagles, falcons and sparrow hawks among the deliveries.

Gabriela Peniche, Conservation Biologist and PhD student working on raptor health at the Dick Vet, said: “My job is to assess these birds and use the results as an indication of environmental health.

“The samples we have worked on range from barn owls to golden eagles. It is crucial that they are delivered as fresh as possible as we want to be able to assess the cause of death and whether lethal or ‘‘sub-lethal’ amounts of toxins play a part in this.

“We get samples from all over Scotland, including the Western Isles and Orkney. These sort of deliveries obviously pose issues, but Eagle Couriers has drivers all over the country.

“They have made things run so much smoother and have been very accommodating despite the variety and distance of pick-up locations.

“Their swift delivery has taken a lot of stress out of my work as I know I can rely on Eagle Couriers to pick up and deliver my samples quickly.

“The cherry on the cake really is the novelty of being able to say that my eagles are brought in by ‘Eagle Couriers’.”

Gabriela, who is originally  from Mexico, has been studying raptor health in Edinburgh since November 2015. Along with her team, she deals with the majority of cases in Scotland, with around one in three samples being transported through Eagle Couriers.

Fiona Deas, Co-Director of Eagle Couriers, said: “Being able to help Gabriela and the team at the Dick Vet in Edinburgh has been a privilege.

“We are passionate about conservation and have an environmental certification, therefore we are willing to do anything we can to help.

“Since teaming up with them, we have transported 43 samples to Edinburgh from different regions of the country.

“We have such a broad reach with couriers all over Scotland, meaning getting samples to her when they become available is no issue. From eagles to owls, we have seen it all.”

However, not all samples are sent straight to Gabriela and her team. When raptor samples are discovered in suspicious circumstances they are handed over to the police or the RSPCA to conclude whether foul play has been involved in the animal’s death.

If proven to not be suspicious, the samples are then passed on to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh where Gabriela can check for signs of disease and toxins linked to their living environment.

Undertaken by Gabriela, under supervision from faculty members at The University of Edinburgh’s Easter Bush Campus in Midlothian and Scottish Natural Heritage, the project on raptor health also runs in partnership with a wide range of organisations and institutions including the Environmental Research Institute, the Scottish Raptor Study Group, Scotland’s Rural College, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture and the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme.

It is hoped that the results gained from the project will provide an evidence base from which to improve the environment across the country.

If you find a dead bird of prey and there are no signs of wildlife crime, visit https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/raptor-health-scotland for instructions of how to arrange collection.

SNP Cllr for Leith, Adam McVey, who is Council Leader called upon all elected councillors to take part in the demonstration against the cap on family tax credit and the so-called ‘Rape Clause’ planned for Thursday 19 April.

McVey said: “This policy is the worst attack on women and children by the UK government in my lifetime.

“It shows just how reckless the UK Government is. The Two Child Cap will push 200,000 children below the poverty line, and force women to prove that they have been raped, or fa e additional hardship for them and their family. This treatment is cruel and it is inexcusable.

“The issue of rape is an incredibly sensitive one, and it is not being treated as such. The very fact that women’s aid organisations in Scotland are refusing to act as third-party referrers should be a clear sign about the policy’s viability and it’s lack of understanding of the needs of victims.

“This is shameful policy damaging the life chances of children and families in Edinburgh and across the entire country. I look forward to joining with charities, agencies and activists at the protest on Thursday – and I am calling on all other councillors to join me. The Tory government needs to axe the two child limit and rape clause now.”

This Saturday 21 April 2018 at 4.00pm you can go to a meeting at St Margaret’s House to find out about your online data.

People Know How are partnering up with St Margaret’s House to hold a public discussion about what Facebook might have done with your personal data.

Legal experts Judith Rauhofer and Burkard Schafer and data experts Mhairi Aitken offer their perspectives based on research expertise.

There will be table discussions to offer everyone the chance to talk and ask questions.

More details on the event here

If you fancy a career in early learning or childcare then the council is running two information events this week at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

The first on Friday 20 April runs from 9.30am to 12 noon and the second from 12.30pm till 3.00pm. If you can’t make it along then there is more information here.

There will be presentations from people who have changed their career paths and who are now involved in childcare. There will also be opportunities to talk one on one with council employees and representatives from colleges and private training providers.

The City of Edinburgh Council is promoting this as a way of getting into childcare :

“You could earn £15,300, while you train with us and £20,000 plus, when qualified. For Early Years training posts which start with the Council this August, the deadline for applications is 6 May 2018. You can find more details on MyJobScotland. 

“To help you decide if a career in early learning and childcare is for you, then why not sign up now for one of our information events.”

Hibs’ defender Paul Hanlon has been granted a testimonial in recognition of 10 years loyal service.

Paul has made over 335 appearances for the club after making his debut under Mixu Paatelainen in January 2008 in a 3-0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

He has scored 19 goals including the historic last minute equaliser at Tynecastle en route to the Scottish Cup victory.

The Testimonial Committee will now begin planning a series of events to be held over the coming year, with details to be announced in due course.

Typically Paul has requested that part of the proceeds are donated to charity and the recipients will also be announced in due course.

Paul said: “I’m delighted to receive a testimonial.

“Starting off as a 16 year old leaving school it’s something I could only dream of – playing for the club I supported for so many years.

“Pulling on the strip is something I’m so proud to do every week, and hopefully I can continue to do that for many years to come.

“The club has evolved so much from the time I’ve started, and we’re in a great position now to keep progressing.

“We’ve got a lot to play for between now and the end of the season and everyone’s focus is on finishing as high up the table as possible, but when the time comes it’ll be nice to reflect on the last 10 years.”

Graeme Cadger, Chairman of the Testimonial Committee, said: “Paul is a top class professional and a great role model for our younger players.

“He is a private person who avoids attention and lives his life the way a dedicated footballer should.

“Hibernian FC means everything to Paul and he is proud to be ‘One of Our Own’.

“It is an honour to be Chairman of Paul’s Testimonial Committee and I am delighted that all of my fellow members from Lewis Stevenson’s Testimonial Committee have agreed to join Paul’s Committee.

“Dedicated social media channels are currently being created and will be announced in due course.

George Craig, Head of Football Operations at Hibernian, said: “Paul is a manager’s dream – a fantastic footballer and great professional who gives everything for the club day in, day out.

“He has lived the highs and the lows at Hibs over a number of years and fully deserves all the praise that comes his way.

“Our current Academy players can look up to the likes of Paul and Lewis Stevenson as perfect examples of what can be achieved with hard work and commitment.”

Ross King MBE who is based in LA and presents celebrity news on ITV’s Lorraine, jetted in to Edinburgh yesterday to go and see close friend Gary Barlow last night at The Playhouse.

General Manager Andreas Maszczyk and the Principal team welcomed Ross with a glass of champagne before enjoying dinner at The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen.

Gary Barlow is appearing tonight at The Playhouse along with KT Tunstall but the show is a complete sell out.

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

While politicians move towards the possibility of using part of Leith Walk as a tram corridor, they are keen to make it a safer place for cyclists.

They tried armadillos but although these were quite liked by cyclists, they were broken by trucks delivering to shops in the area, and then lifted up completely.

Now the cycle lanes will be delineated with kerbs laid back to back with collapsible bollards between them in what is believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland.

After discussion with the local community they will be installed on the east and west side of Leith Walk at Pilrig Street and the east side of Leith Walk at Brunswick Road by MacKenzie Construction.

As well as these ‘delineators’ some parts of the road will be repaired with additional safety markings on the cycleway by Leith programme Phase 4 contractor Crummock.

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We want to make sure our roads are as safe as they possibly can be for everyone who uses them, which is why we’ve worked very hard with the community and walking and cycling organisations to find the right solution to replace the armadillos. Similar cycleway delineators have been successfully used in other cycle-friendly cities and we’re confident they’ll work well on Leith Walk.”

The council is keen to point out that they are using the same traffic management sub-contractor throughout the works to minimise traffic disruption.

The Programme of construction works will be as follows:

• 18 April – 20 April: Crummock undertaking remedial works to road surfacing defect on the northbound lane at Pilrig Street junction
• 23 April – 4 May: MacKenzie Construction undertaking works to install cycleway delineators at the locations noted above
• 23  April – 4  May: (for a period of up to 2 weeks) Crummock undertaking further defect remedial works at various locations between Iona Street and Brunswick Street

Hearts have confirmed the signing of St Johnstone striker Steven MacLean on a pre-contract deal. The 35-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Rangers, Scunthorpe United, Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle had been six years at McDiarmid Park. He scored one of the Perth Saints goals in the 2014 Scottish Cup final as they triumphed against Dundee United.

Hearts Head Coach Craig Levein clearly sees MacLean’s considerable experience as being invaluable to the club’s youngsters.

‘I’ve got plenty of experience and I’ve played at some big clubs in my time.’ MacLean told the official Hearts website. ‘I’ve played in different leagues as well and I’ve learned from some top players over the years.

“Hopefully I can bring that side to the younger ones and help them along the way. I’m also hopeful that I can nail down that spot in the team. I want to come here, and do well, and hopefully we can finish as high up the league as possible.

“I know the league and I know everything about Hearts. I know they’ve got passionate fans and I’ve played at Tynecastle a few times.

“I’m really looking forward to that and putting the shirt on and actually playing for Hearts instead of playing against them.”

Hearts are also believed to be closing in on the signing of Cambridge United striker Uche Ikpeazu. The 6ft 3in hitman is the club’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in League Two in England and has rejected the offer of a new contract. He is believed to be keen to try his luck in the Ladbrokes Premiership next season.

The brand new stage musical Fat Friends is coming to The Edinburgh Playhouse this weekend.

Written by Kay Mellor who also wrote Band of Gold for TV, with music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber this fun filled musical is based on  the TV series . The cast includes our own Elaine C Smith along with Jodie Prenger 2008 winner of I’d Do Anything.

The musical comes to Edinburgh first and tells the story of dieters reunited at a Zumba class. Fat Friends is funny with a sprinkling of romance on top as lovelorn Lauren continues to be forlorn about love…

The TV series followed the overweight friends struggling with the absurdities of modern dieting. James Corden’s career was launched by the show.

Thursday 19 – Sunday 21 April 2018

EDINBURGH Playhouse / 0844 871 3014 / tickets here.