A ball and seminar held last weekend by the Tumbling Lassie Committee raised at least £20,000 to help fight human trafficking and modern slavery.

The ball on Saturday featured the world premiere of the Tumbling Lassie Operetta by author Alexander McCall Smith and his musical collaborator, Tom Cunningham at Prestonfield House. Funds raised will be given to Community Safety Glasgow’s Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) and International Justice Mission. The seminar held earlier in the day discussed ways of disrupting trafficking.

The Committee, of seven members of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “We are truly overwhelmed and humbled by the response we have had to the Tumbling Lassie events this year. The Seminar was very well attended and our speakers gave us many highly practical insights into the fight to disrupt those who still seek to traffic and enslave, both in Scotland and abroad.

“With the added profile given by the world premiere of the wonderful Tumbling Lassie Operetta, written by Alexander McCall Smith and Tom Cunningham, and the generous support of Prestonfield House and many other kind donors and sponsors, the Ball was by far and away the most successful we have held –  an evening that will live long in the memories of all who were there.

“We are delighted to announce that at least £20,000 has been raised for our charities, International Justice Mission and TARA.”

Joanna Cherry QC MP highlighted the charity’s events at a debate in Westminster on modern slavery.

She said the Scottish legislation provided victims of human trafficking with statutory support for 90 days to help their recovery, but there was no similar provision for victims in England and Wales.

Ms Cherry added: “This weekend I was pleased to be able to support the fundraising efforts of the Faculty of Advocates’ Tumbling Lassie Committee which commemorates the Scottish Judiciary’s rejection of slavery in the 17th Century and exists to raise awareness and funds for charities fighting against modern slavery and people trafficking and to help survivors in Scotland and beyond.

“The charities it supports include Community Safety Glasgow’s TARA service which provides advice and support to trafficked women who have been sexually exploited.

“At Home Office questions, I called on the UK Government to amend the Modern Slavery Act so that adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales have the same statutory rights as they have in Scotland under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act.”

A demonstration is planned for Thursday evening at 5.30pm at The Mound, demanding that the UK government changes its policy on family tax credit.

A year after the legislation introduced the family cap and associated rape clause protesters will highlight the policy which they say is widely condemned.

The policy limits the number of children that parents may claim tax credits for to just two. There is an exemption if the third or subsequent child is born as a result of rape. But the campaigners point out that the mother must then complete an 8-page form verified by a third party to allow her to claim any benefits.

Both Rape Crisis and Scottish Women’s Aid expressed their concerns about such a policy last year and said that they would not act as third party verifiers. The Royal College of Nursing also said they would do the same and that it was not appropriate for a nurse or midwife to judge whether or not a woman had been raped.

The organisers of the protest, who ran a similar event last year, released a statement saying  : “We are determined not to let the DWP sweep this policy under the carpet, though they are making every effort to.

“The UK Government have deliberately disengaged with every bit of evidence, first-hand knowledge and opposition to this policy and it is, quite frankly, shameful.

 “The two-child cap is an attack on the very concept of social security as a safety net that is supposed to be ready to catch each and every one of us if we fall. This is a policy blames the poor for their poverty and takes no account of the unpredictability of life. People die. People leave. People lose their jobs. Any benefits system that requires you to accurately predict the details of your finances for 18 or more years, before you have a child, is unfeasible.

“And Esther McVey’s appearance in front of the Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee this week illustrated the alarming lack of understanding about the complexities and reality of sexual violence. Worse still, the UK Government’s reluctance to listen to survivors and those experienced in supporting survivors about the potential impact of this Policy is shameful. No woman should be forced to choose between disclosing rape possibly for the first time ever and poverty. It is a disgrace.

 “We cannot get rid of the rape clause without getting rid of the entire two-child cap, so we are clear: they both must go.

 “Last year, hundreds of people gathered in George Square to protest this callous UK Government policy. We told them then that our opposition was not going anywhere; a year on we invite you all to join us on Thursday 19 April at 5.30pm, on The Mound, Edinburgh to show them.”

During the Holyrood session on 19 April local MSP Ben Macpherson put several questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. You can watch an excerpt from that parliamentary session (interrupted by shouts from the public gallery) below :

Alison Thewliss MP who will speak at the event said: “We are now more than a year down the line since the introduction of the two child policy and rape clause, and still the Government is steadfast in its support of this abhorrent piece of legislation. Charities and other agencies have warned that these measures will push thousands into poverty, and be hugely damaging to women.

“During the last 12 months I have continued to ask questions of Ministers, but have been given little by way of reassurance or explanation as to how this policy can be justified.

“There remains an overwhelming amount of opposition to the two child policy and rape clause – clearly demonstrated by the number of people due to attend Thursday’s upcoming protest in Edinburgh – which the UK Government cannot continue to ignore. Concessions have already been made in other areas, and it would be good if the two-child cap were to follow as the next U-turn”.

Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “This time last year we, alongside Scottish Women’s Aid and Engender spoke out against the two-child cap and rape clause and our opposition to these policies now is as fierce as it was back then. We maintain that hinging benefits on proving trauma isn’t a choice, it’s a disgrace and one which may well re-traumatise women.

“That the DWP have rolled out this now notorious policy in the face of widespread criticism and the refusal of any organisation in Scotland to collude as third-party verifiers is unacceptable. Our priority is and has always been survivors of sexual violence and we are deeply concerned that this policy violates their human rights, and puts their wellbeing at risk; we will therefore continue to speak out against and support all efforts to revoke the two-child cap and rape clause as a matter of urgency.”

The weekly market is going big on 28 April 2018 when they will hold a celebration of All Things Leith for the second year in a row. 

There will be 49 stalls including their regular traders, with food stalls to tempt you and the opportunity of having a look inside Custom House which will be open for the day.

The stalls are many and varied with meat, fish, french bread, coffee, cakes, olives and tapenade, Harris Tweed to name but a few.

Special fitness classes including yoga, pilates and meta fit will take place inside Custom House led by Projekt42.

Loads of organisations will be there to take about the work they do such as Leith Festival, Leith Theatre Trust, Coburg House Art Studios, Leith Creative, Dok Artist Space, Save Leith Walk, SS Explorer, Out of The Blue, WorkingRite and the police!

This is a great day out for the family and for you to see for yourself some of the vibrance that is shining out of Leith.

The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee which is made up of MSPs from all parties visited Circle Scotland in Pilton today. Circle works with deprived communities across central Scotland trying to improve lives.

In relation to criminal justice they offer services which relate to criminals placed on remand in prison. While someone is awaiting trial or sentencing they can be placed in prison on a meantime basis. The rate of holding prisoners on remand is about 19% of the total prison population, but over half go on to receive sentences which do not involve a prison term. With an average period of 20 days on remand, the effects on families and jobs can be significant.

The Circle projects include Families Affected by Imprisonment (FABI) Women’s Outreach Team and Shine Women’s Mentoring Service.

The Shine service is offered to all adult females who are in prison, on remand or who have been served with a Community Payback Order.

Speaking about the visit, Justice Committee Deputy Convener Rona Mackay MSP, said: “Politicians considering complex issues need to be sure to hear the voices of people on the ground.

“We have heard gripping evidence today on our visit. We will consider this along with the testimony we have taken from a wide range of people working in the criminal justice system.

“Although the Committee has yet to produce its final report, it has heard that there are problems with the way remand is being used. In some circumstances remand may be causing more problems than it solves.”

Justice Committee members on the visit were: Deputy Convener: Rona Mackay (SNP, Strathkelvin and Bearsden), George Adam MSP (SNP, Paisley), Maurice Corry MSP (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, West Scotland), John Finnie MSP (Scottish Green Party, Highlands and Islands), Mairi Gougeon MSP (SNP, Angus North and Mearns), Daniel Johnson MSP (Scottish Labour, Edinburgh Southern), Liam Kerr MSP (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, North East Scotland) and Ben Macpherson MSP (SNP, Edinburgh Northern and Leith)

The UK government has announced today that the most senior UK Law Officers, the Attorney General, Jeremy Wright QC and the Advocate General for Scotland, Lord Keen are referring the Continuity Bill passed at Holyrood and similar legislation passed by the National Assembly for Wales to the Supreme Court.

The purpose of the referral is to ask if the laws proposed are constitutional and within the competence of the devolved administrations. The power to refer such legislation to the Supreme Court is exercisable by the Law Officers in the public interest.

The UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill was introduced to make provisions for continuity of law after withdrawal from the EU.

As it stands there are three legislative powers in Scotland : the EU, Westminster and Holyrood. When the UK quits the EU next year there has to be some way in which the powers used by Brussels are repatriated to either the UK or Scottish governments. The Scottish Parliament is adamant that the powers have to be given back to the devolved administration at Holyrood where appropriate.

Just ahead of the Continuity Bill being discussed at Holyrood at the end of February, Michael Russell, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, stated in the Chamber that the UK Parliament could still ‘restrict the Scottish Parliament’s powers unilaterally, through an order made in the UK Parliament, without requiring the consent of either the Scottish Parliament or Government.’ He claimed this was unacceptable to both the Scottish and Welsh governments.

Announcing the decision today to take legal action, the Attorney General, Jeremy Wright QC MP said: “This legislation risks creating serious legal uncertainty for individuals and businesses as we leave the EU. This reference is a protective measure which we are taking in the public interest. The Government very much hopes this issue will be resolved without the need to continue with this litigation.”

Advocate General for Scotland Lord Keen said: “By referring the Scottish Parliament’s Continuity Bill to the Supreme Court, we are seeking legal certainty as to its competence. Given the Presiding Officer’s view at introduction that the Bill was not within the legal scope of the Parliament, we believe it is important to ask the Court to provide absolute clarity. In doing so we are following the process set out in the Scotland Act 1998. Particularly in the run up to Brexit, it is vital that we avoid legal uncertainty in our statute book.”

The two Bills – the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill, and the Law Derived from the European Union (Wales) Bill – passed through the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly on 21 March this year.

Presiding Officer and Lord Advocate take opposing views

The Scottish legislation was passed notwithstanding the Presiding Officer’s view that it was not within the competence of the Scottish Parliament to do so, although the Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC disagreed with that position when he addressed Holyrood at the end of February in an unprecedented move.

The Lord Advocate said then : “The Scottish Government has been clear that its preferred position is a single piece of United Kingdom legislation to which the Scottish Parliament could consent: that remains the position. However, that is not the point that we are at. That is the context in which the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill has been introduced.

“The UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill has been drafted by skilled parliamentary draftsmen in such a way that, as far as possible, the approach aligns with the approach that is taken in the United Kingdom Government’s European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.”

At the conclusion of Stage 3 of the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill in Holyrood  Donald Cameron Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands  referred to Ken Mackintosh’s position and said : “There has been much talk about the devolution settlement. One does not protect that settlement by defying the Presiding Officer on legislative competence, by railroading the bill through Parliament on the false pretence that it is some kind of national emergency or by imperilling negotiations between our Governments at a critical time by passing this wretched, reckless and lamentable legislation.”

Michael Russell said :  “We should insist that the UK Government listens to and recognises the views of Scotland and the need for differentiation. We should find ways to preserve our membership of the single market and the customs union as the least bad option, and we should never give up on the obligation to observe the mandate of the 2016 referendum, in which Scotland rejected Brexit.”

Referring to the emergency timetable by which this legislation was passed in under a month Mr Russell continued : “It has been a long three and a half weeks. It has been a long few months as the possibility of the bill became more and more likely. However, there is much still to be done, and there is a key message that needs to go out from this chamber: Brexit is bad for Scotland. We need to go on making that point, because it is the basic point.

“We need to stop the damage that Brexit is likely to do to Scotland, and we need to make it absolutely clear that those people who seek to impose Brexit on a country that did not vote for Brexit are the people who are doing down Scotland, damaging Scotland and damaging every sector of Scotland. By their works you will know them, and the works are the works of the Tory party.”

Scottish Government Comment

Today Michael Russell repeated that Scottish Ministers are satisfied that the Continuity Bill is within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Russell said: “The Continuity Bill was passed by 95 votes to 32 in the Scottish Parliament, that is an overwhelming majority. Scottish Ministers are satisfied that the Bill is within legislative competence.

“The Lord Advocate will be arguing in the Supreme Court that it is within the powers of the Scottish Parliament to prepare for the consequences for devolved matters of UK withdrawal from the European Union.

“Our Continuity Bill is an important and necessary piece of legislation to prepare Scotland’s laws for Brexit while protecting the powers of the Scottish Parliament that people voted for.

“The Scottish Government has made clear it cannot recommend the Scottish Parliament consent to the Withdrawal Bill in its current form.

“Alongside the Welsh Government, we have always said our preference would be to reach an agreement with the UK Government to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill to respect the powers of the devolved administrations and both Governments are ready to  continue meaningful talks to further discuss potential solutions.

“While the Scottish Government is not opposed to UK-wide frameworks in certain areas when these are in Scotland’s interests, this must only happen with the agreement of the Scottish Parliament.”

Liberal Democrat comment

Scottish Liberal Democrat Europe spokesperson Tavish Scott MSP said: “British businesses and citizens deserve legal certainty and assurances about how they can move forward after exit day. In all this jostling for power and attention the UK and the Scottish Governments have failed to reach a compromise and left the British economy in the lurch.

“Throughout this process I have stressed the importance of co-operation and collaboration between the Scottish and UK governments. This should all have been signed, sealed and delivered in the Commons long ago, before it was allowed to descend into a battle of wills.

“We need a settlement that works for businesses and people across the UK, something both governments have so far failed to achieve.”

The Christian Aid Book Sale and Festival takes place at The City of Edinburgh Methodist Church at Nicolson Square next month from 12 to 18 May 2018.

The book sale is open from 11.00am to 4pm daily and is supplemented by a variety of talks and events.

The line up includes former City Makar Ron Butlin, Mary Paulson-Ellis who wrote The Other Mrs Walker which was Waterstone’s Scottish Book of the Year 2017.

The exhibition which runs throughout the week is about the 40 million displaced people around the world who have had to flee their homes as a result of drought, terrorism or conflict.

Rev Dr Helen Jenkins of the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, says, “We’re excited by taking part in the sale and festival again. Last year, for our first time out, we raised £2000 for the vital work of Christian Aid, and we hope to exceed that this year. It is also a convivial and enjoyable event, and our smaller size doesn’t take away from that. Our Well Cafe is on site and we’ve made a lot of new friends – and also read a lot of books!”

Two Writers Under One Roof – Ron Butlin & Regi Claire, Saturday 12 May, 1.30pm

Uprooted – stories of displaced people (and exhibition)

Diane Green, Sunday 13 May 1.30pm

Creating a Historical Novel for Children: A Guide for Adults 

Bill Brown, Monday 14 May, 12.30pm

The Things We Leave Behind (Event sponsored by Blackwell’s Books)

Mary Paulson-Ellis & The Other Mrs Walker, Monday 14 May, 6pm

A Journey Towards Self-Publishing

Alan Addison, Tuesday 15 May, 6pm

Beastly Bible Stories!

Claire Benton-Evans, Wednesday 16 May, 11am

(FREE school event – now sold out)

Vespers: Poetry & Prose for Christian Aid

Rob A Mackenzie & Friends, Wednesday 16 May, 6pm

Image of God, Personhood & The Embryo

Dr Calum MacKellar, Thursday 17 May, 12.30pm

All book events and the Christian Aid exhibition & talk take place at The City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, EH8 9BX.  t 0131 662 8635

It is World Heritage Day tomorrow 18 April 2018 and Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) are holding an event at the Reid Concert Hall which you can book until close of business today.

The event will be presented by EWH Director Adam Wilkinson who will offer an update on UK and international World Heritage sites.

Maree Todd Minister for Childcare and Early Years will also offer her thoughts on the importance of Scotland’s World Heritage sites and some of EWH’s young ambassadors will present stories and films celebrating our Old and New Towns which are themselves a World Heritage site.

Details: 
Date: Wednesday 18 April 2018
Time: Event 6pm – 7pm, Drinks Reception 7pm – 8pm
Location: Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square, Edinburgh

Tickets are £4 for members of Edinburgh World Heritage and £8 for non-members. Please click here to book. (discounts for those under 24)

There are two information sessions this week all about the City Centre West to East Cycle Link and street design project. (CCWEL)

The first is today 1pm – 7pm at 6 Murrayfield Place (formerly Bloemen Ecke) and on Thursday 19 April 1pm – 7pm at the Apex Haymarket Hotel (Athens Suite) Haymarket Terrace.

The sessions are intended to allow members of the public the chance of speaking with project leaders and ask any questions about the 4km cycle route which will pass through the city centre.

The project was approved in December 2016 and will provide a largely protected cycle route through the city centre from QuietRoutes which are already in place in north and west Edinburgh and around Leith Walk.

The council also proposes to make changes to the streetscape or public realm along the routes to encourage active travel and improve air quality as a result.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “I would encourage anyone interested to come along to one of these events, where our team will be on hand with the latest information on this major scheme.

“By vastly improving cycle and walking infrastructure through the city centre, we hope to see a real behaviour shift in terms of transport choices, creating a better environment for all those who live and visit here.

“Those who choose active travel have a great many good reasons to do so, and in turn are benefitting their neighbours by helping to improve air quality, reduce congestion and enhance the streetscape for everyone.”

As well as the information sessions a council consultation begins on 20 April on the traffic changes which are required. This will run until 18 May online with more information from the end of the week here.

For more information or to sign up to the CCWEL mailing list please contact Rurigdh McMeddes on [email protected].

Clubbiedean Trout Fishery in the Pentland Hills above Colinton opens for the season on Saturday with a fun day.

Boats are already booked out but there will be bank fishing available and there are prizes for the fastest fish, biggest bag and heaviest fish.

A BBQ will also be there it is good to see the popular fishery open as leaseholder Steven Johnston has been dogged by bad weather so far this season. The day starts at 9am.

Elsewhere, The River Forth Fisheries Trust open the Fair a Far weir fish pass on Saturday at 11.30am.

The event takes place on The Almond at the grassy area in front of the weir next to the mill buildings and the nearest post code is EH4 6HY.

Guest speakers will outline the work and the trust and Cramond Angling Club will have 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.

It 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.

SGB Championship riders who represent clubs north of the Border featured in the SGB Premiership.

Wolverhampton Wolves skipper Rory Schlein with 11 points and Sam Masters scored ten points as the former Edinburgh Monarchs duo helped spearhead the shooting down of Rye House Rockets in the SGB Premiership.

Jacob Thorssell top scored for the Midlands side on Monday with a 15-point maximum while Glasgow Tigers’ star Chris Harris and former Berwick Bandits rider Edward Kennett both scored six points with Berwick’s Aaron Summers on five points for the visitors in the 60-30 defeat.

Rye House boss Peter Schroeck said: “You have to give it to them. They out-foxed us big-time.

“When your three heat-leaders are not getting the points you know you’re going to be in trouble.”

Elsewhere, three former Monarchs riders were among the top scorers as Belle Vue resisted the comeback efforts of Poole to record a 47-43 win at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester.

Craig Cook powered to ten points but Max Fricke topped the scoring with 12 points.

And former Tigers and Monarchs racer Dan Bewley ensured the match victory. He scored 11 points overall and Dany Gappmaier of Berwick collected one for the home side.

Cook said: “We hit the ground running which is exactly what we wanted, but when you’re against a team like Poole you know it’s not going to be long before they really wind it on.

“They pushed us very hard and to be honest, we didn’t expect anything less. They’re favourites for the league and have some very talented riders who are capable of big things.

“We got the job done and brought home maximum points. It just shows what we’re capable of, even with some of our strongest guys missing.”

Cami Brown was satisfied with a four-point start to Glasgow Tigers’ Championship Shield campaign and now he’s targeting at least the same again this weekend against Edinburgh Monarchs.

Glasgow won 54-36 at home to Berwick Bandits on Friday and lost 47-43 24-hours later in the Borders.

Tigers’ team manager hopes his men can hit top form for their visit to Edinburgh on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm) and Staggs Bar Monarchs trip to Glasgow on Sunday (tapes-up 3pm).

Brown said: “After four heats on Friday when Berwick were leading I was wondering what was happening.

“We had a few teething problems and bike problems, but when the lads sorted that out, they were pretty unbeatable.

“Chris Harris didn’t have a good night and had a few bike troubles too, as did Jack Thomas, so given those two were down on scoring, to get 54 was remarkable.

“The rest of the lads really rode well and I think the potential for them all to improve is there.

“We only got ahead once (at Berwick) and I thought once we got ahead we would stay there, but they got a 5-1 immediately and went back ahead again. We were chasing it and we had another few mechanical issues.

“We were never getting beaten heavily and, if someone said we would score over 40 at every away match, it would be magic, because you’re only a few points away from a draw or a win. It’s fine margins. The boys never gave in.”

Murrayfield Racers could be back in British ice hockey next season after a shock move.

A company whose board includes David Hand, the brother of Racers legend Tony Hand, claim to have secured ice time at Murrayfield.

And they aim to compete under the name Murrayfield Racers, once Britain’s best team.

David Hand and his fellow board members are set to start talks with the Elite League to obtain the franchise to run a team out of Murrayfield.

A statement said: “Racers Leisure Ltd are delighted to announce they have secured a contract for ice time at Murrayfield Ice Rink for season 2018-19.

“The directors of Murrayfield Ice Rink agreed with the vision of Racers Leisure Ltd for the future of ice hockey in Edinburgh.

“We will now formally contact the Elite League to secure the franchise for Elite League ice hockey in Edinburgh.”

The Elite League said they are awaiting confirmation from Murrayfield regarding the ice contract and will make further comment later.

Meanwhile, Scott Pitt has been re-signed by Braehead Clan after the 30-year-old spent last season with MsHK Zilina of the Slovakia Extraliga the Glasgow side’s rivals, the Manchester Storm.

New Clan coach Pete Russell said: “Scott is a Braehead Clan legend and the all-time leading points scorer and to me it was a no-brainer to make a move to bring him back to Glasgow.”

This group of gospel singers and musicians is directed by Stefania Mauro who was born in London.

They are known throughout Italy playing around 300 performances each year at European festivals.

Their music is accompanied by speeches from preacher Cristian Barel and this month you can experience them at St John’s Church Princes Street, EH2 4BJ.

27 April 2018 | 19.30 | Tickets on Eventbrite

While you are there you can admire the beautiful ceilings at St John’s.

Joanna Cherry QC MP for Edinburgh South West and SNP Westminster spokesperson on Justice and Home Affairs, called upon the government to take steps to bring UK law on human trafficking into line with Scots law.

She pointed out during a debate on Modern Slavery earlier today at Westminster, that in Scotland The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act goes further than current UK law. She explained that the Modern Slavery Act does not impose a duty on the UK Government to provide support and assistance for victims, but that there is such a duty in Scotland.

There are some private members’ bills in the House of Lords at present which seek to make the necessary amendments. The Scottish Government provides support for victims of human trafficking for 90 days, which helps victims to have a window of time within which to recover fully and take steps to making them less vulnerable in future.

Ms Cherry said: “This weekend I was pleased to be able to support the fundraising efforts of the Faculty of Advocates Tumbling Lassie committee which commemorates the Scottish Judiciary’s rejection of slavery in the 17^th Century and exists to  raise awareness and funds for charities fighting against modern slavery and people trafficking and to help survivors in Scotland and beyond.

“The charities it supports include Community Safety Glasgow’s TARA service which provides advice and support to trafficked women who have been sexually exploited.

“Today at Home Office questions I called on the UK Government to to amend the Modern Slavery Act so that adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales have the same statutory rights as they have in Scotland under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act.”

The Tumbling Lassie Committee is named in honour of a case decided by the Court of Session here in Edinburgh in 1687, Reid v Scot of Harden and his Lady.

The case concerned a young girl gymnast, known to history only by her nickname, “the tumbling lassie”.

The Court of Session in Edinburgh heard the case in January 1687. The Court dismissed Reid’s claim (of owenership), impliedly declaring the tumbling lassie free. The case report contains the trenchant observation: “But we have no slaves in Scotland, and mothers cannot sell their bairns…”

Further background here: http://www.tumblinglassie.com

Following a settling in period, Norwegian Airlines has now announced that they will add 90,000 seats from Edinburgh, Dublin and Shannon airports to their winter schedule which runs from 28 October to 31 March 2019.

The airline began with three routes from Edinburgh Airport to Providence, Stewart New York and to Hartford.

While the Providence and Hartford flights will stop later this year, the Stewart route is strongly supported and will be increased to a daily service with flights from £149.

Stewart Airport is as yet small, but this has the added benefits of short security queues. It is very easy to get from the airport to downtown Manhattan by bus or train, and as the airport is set in up state New York, you see very pretty countryside en route. This might make for an alternative New York based holiday in itself. We just travelled to New York courtesy of Norwegian and the flights were full both ways, and it appears that this is the route which has strongest demand from the rearrangement of routes now planned.

The Boeing 737 MAX planes are newly fitted out with an average age of under 4 years old, making them greener than many rivals. No, there is no upper class or business class, but you get what you pay for. You can choose to pre-order a meal or you could actually stop at one of the diners in the nearby town ahead of boarding your flight which leaves Stewart at 9.25pm.

There is free inflight Wifi allowing you to access some entertainment through your own tablet or phone. Norwegian’s numbers are growing impressively with 362,613 more passengers choosing Norwegian in March 2018  than in the same month last year. Even though the airline admits that the date Easter fell this year impacts on the March figures, it is still many planes carrying many passengers to their destinations.

In Edinburgh we can fly to Barcelona with Norwegian as well as Stewart International New York.

Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian said: “Consumers can now benefit from more high-quality flights to the USA this winter as we focus on boosting services that reflect strong passenger demand.

“We’re giving passengers on both sides of the Atlantic more affordable choice, so we’re delighted to increase the number of flights that brings the US east coast closer to Ireland and Scotland this winter.”

Norwegian also operates the first transatlantic flights in Cork Airport’s 50-year history with a three-weekly service to Providence and the only nonstop services from Belfast to the USA in the busier summer season. Flights from Cork to Providence and Belfast to New York will continue through October and have been received positively by travellers on both sides of the Atlantic. Norwegian will continue to assess its route schedule for summer 2019.

Norwegian is the world’s sixth largest low-cost airline, carrying around 30 million passengers per year to more than 150 global destinations. The airline has around 150 aircraft in its fleet with an average age of 3.6 years, making it one of the world’s youngest fleets – the airline also has more than 150 additional new aircraft on order.

Edinburgh University are fed-up being bridesmaids after being runners-up in the Scottish Cup Final twice inside the last four seasons.

Bromac Kelburne and Grange have taken the silverware at their expense in recent campaigns.

And it is Edinburgh rivals Grange, who were runners-up to Kelburne last season, who provide the opposition again on Saturday, May 5.

The students have made it to the showpiece game the hard way by travelling to Tayside to dispose of Dundee-based Grove Menzieshill in the quarter-final.

Then they travelled to Auchenhowie to edge Western Wildcats 2-0 in the semi-final.

A set-piece conversion in each half settled the issue, South African defender Davyn Keuter opening the scoring with David Mawhinney netting in the second.

Grange were held to a 2-2 draw at Titwood with Callum MacKenzie opening for the Edinburgh club and David Nairn replying for Clydesdale.

James Nairn restored the Edinburgh side`s lead but Andrew Allan equalised with a penalty corner.

Clydesdale only scored once in their four penalty shoot-out attempts, while MacKenzie, Nairn and John McCluskey converted for Grange, who are now third in the league table, to give them a 3-1 advantage.

In the women’s semi-finals, Grove Menzieshill and Western Wildcats were level at 2-2 after regulation time but Lauren Kingston kept her nerve with the 13th penalty shot to put Grove Menzieshill into the final.

Defending champions Edinburgh University lead GHK 2-0 to at the break but fired another seven goals in the second-half to win 9-0 and book their place.

During National Stalking Awareness Week which runs from Monday 16th until Friday 20th April 2018, Police Scotland will be working alongside partners at events to raise awareness of stalking and the devastating impact it can have on those affected.

#ReportingStalking aims to support victims in the criminal justice system and highlight best practice which effectively targets perpetrators while improving the safety and support for victims and others who raise concerns.

In November 2016, Police Scotland launched an Online Reporting Form to encourage victims of stalking to come forward and report abuse. Since that time more than 200 online reports have been received and acted upon.

The form is designed to encourage people who may be unable or reluctant to attend at a police station, to report their concerns about stalking and ensure those concerns are recorded, assessed and investigated.

The facility also enables concerned third parties, including family, friends or colleagues, to contact police on the victim’s behalf.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal, Head of Public Protection in Police Scotland said, “We are committed to thoroughly and robustly investigating every report of stalking we receive. We recognise that stalking can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims, their families and friends. Perpetrators of stalking often employ behavioural tactics which appear routine and innocuous but are actually intended to cause fear, alarm and trauma.

“Along with our partners, our aim is to eliminate this form of gender-based violence. A total of 15,000 officers from a wide range of roles across Scotland have completed a specialist online training programme to recognise the indicators of risk for domestic abuse including stalking and harassment.”

The online form is supported by charities, including Action against Stalking. Its founder and CEO Ann Moulds said, “The early identification of stalking cases is critical to victim safety and to prevent the behaviours from escalating to more serious harm.

“While many early staking cases do come to the attention of the police, triggering an affirmative response, victims can often feel reluctant to phone their local police station in the early stages for fear they may not be believed or purely because they are unsure how to report it.

“Not only should the online stalking form make it easier for victims to take that first step in asking for help, the fact it exists delivers a strong message that Police Scotland is reaching out to victims of stalking to encourage them to come forward.”

Police are appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery which took place at a Scotmid store on Walter Scott Avenue around 7.20pm on Sunday evening.

A man with what appeared to be a handgun threatened counter staff and made off with three-figure sum of cash.

The weapon was not discharged and no-one was injured. At this stage we are not able to confirm if the firearm is genuine or not.

Officers are now asking anyone with information to get in contact.

The man is described as being in his 30’s, around 5ft 6 inches tall, of heavy build with brown facial hair. He was wearing a burgundy hooded top with a black baseball cap under the hood and navy tracksuit bottoms with white stripes.

He left the shop and made off in the direction of Gilmerton Road.

Detective Constable Stevie Herd of Gayfield CID said: “Thankfully no-one was injured in this incident but it was a terrifying ordeal for members of staff in the store.

“We will do everything in our power to trace this individual and, while we are making our inquiries we are keen to speak to anyone with information that can assist us.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 3530 of 15th April.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted break-in which took place around 1.30am on Thursday 12 April at the Day-Today premises in the West Main Street area of Armadale.

Four men arrived at the store in a dark-coloured saloon car and attempted to force entry to the front of the property.

The suspects failed to gain entry and left the area in the vehicle heading towards Armadale Cross.

They were all described as wearing dark-coloured clothing with hoods covering their faces.

Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to get in touch with officers.

Detective Constable Jo McCall of Livingston CID said: “This attempted break-in has resulted in the business sustaining extensive damage to their roller shutter, and if it had not been for vigilant members of the public entry may have been gained.

“We are eager to trace those responsible and ask that anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or has information that help us trace those responsible, contacts us as soon as possible.”

Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0216 of 12 April, or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

New Art Show by Alan McIntyre, Edinburgh blind artist.

2 – 30 May 2018. Exhibition Art & Design Library, Central Library, George IV Bridge EH1 1EG.

A series of paintings which are based on remembered cinema moments in time by Edinburgh blind artist. This is the first time that these paintings that have been worked on for a number of years, have been gathered together.

The oil paintings, endeavour to capture moments of isolated individuals or fleeting gestures between couples interactions, as frozen shaded and blurred images.

Alan has had a lifelong passion for art until he was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition. He is now registered blind and challenges to maintain his passion to produce art by constantly being both constrained and liberated by his altered experience of the world.

All paintings are for sale and a percentage, will go towards the recording of an audiobook from CALIBRE AUDIO LIBRARY. Calibre audio library, audiobooks for people with sight problems, dyslexia or disabilities.

Read more here.

As he told me in New York, Alex Salmond is touring with his Unleashed show this week to both Dundee and Edinburgh when his guest will be Carla Ponsati former Catalonian minister.

The other guest will be Professor Ponsati’s solicitor Aamer Anwar.

Walked into a bar and met….. #NYCTW @AlexSalmondShow pic.twitter.com/HYRJSwX8kC

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) April 7, 2018

The Dundee show will take place on Friday 27 April at the Caird Hall and there will be a special additional show in Edinburgh at the Principal Edinburgh George Street on Saturday 28 April. The show was very successful last year during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe when the run was a complete sell out.

Des Clarke (more convincing as Trump than POTUS himself), comedian Janey Godley, Sheena Wellington and the house band the Carloways will also join the line up.

Tickets go on sale later today. CLICK HERE

‘Sonians End 22 Year Wait for Ladies Cup Success

The 2018 Aberdeen Standard Investments Melrose Sevens saw another thrilling edition of the oldest – and some say ‘Best’ – Sevens tournament in World Rugby.

Along with guest sides from the USA, Poland and charity-based club Crusaders, six Edinburgh clubs fielded squads for the 128^th competition at The Greenyards, Edinburgh University filling the space traditionally taken by Stewarts Melville, the Inverleith club having League duties to fulfill on the day.

And, traditionally, National League teams were to play a vital roll in proceedings, some showing their Premiership rivals the way home.

Currie kicked off proceeding at 11:30 with their tie against Glasgow Hawks. The Edinburgh side were never really challenged and turned a half-time 14-7 lead into a full-time 40-7 win, making many another squad sit up and take notice on the way.

Boroughmuir were next up and, although Cartha Queen’s Park are near the foot of National League 1, they gave the Meggetland squad a few things to think about on their way to their 28-12 victory and two-from-two for the Capital.

Third match on the programme was an all Edinburgh affair with Premiership fixtures, Heriots up against Edinburgh University. The Uni side have concentrated on BUCS rugby in the last few years, but seemed keen to pit themselves against one of the favoured sides of the weekend.

And pit themselves they did, playing a fine brand of running rugby to be level at 7-7 at the break, before showing their more illustrious opponents the way home with two unanswered tries in the second half for a 21-7 win.

With Edinburgh Accies and Watsonians both receiving byes through to the second round, the remainder of the 1^st round was taken up by the ‘usual suspects’ from Premiership and National League, with Dundee, Marr, GHA, Hawick and Selkirk all winning through to Round 2.

Currie were, again, first up in Round 2, playing Jed-Forest – one of the ‘bye’ teams – and, again, went on to qualify for the next round. Leading 12-0 at half time, Jed-Forest came back in the second period, pushing Currie all the way, but the Edinburgh side held on to win 24-19.

Boroughmuir faced a bit more of an uphill battle in their match as they had home favourites, Melrose themselves, to contend with. But ‘Muir were hardly in the match as Melrose ran in three first half tries for a 17-0 lead, before finishing off their opponents with another two in the second for a 29-0 whitewash.

Edinburgh University were up against Edinburgh Accies in their match and, with the sun blazing out of a blue sky, and both teams wearing, near-enough, white(!) they set about their task and were 14-7 ahead at the break. However, the National League 1 runaway table-toppers were not about to let a bunch of pesky students spoil their day and scored two tries to one to squeak home 21-19.

USA Tigers then disposed of Dundee, before Marr were let loose on the Polish National squad, the newly relegated Premiership team having a point to prove on their way to a 33-7 win and a Quarter-final berth. Ayr were also granted a second round bye, but NL1’s GHA showed that a 15’s reputation counts for little in the 7’s game and swept the Premiership team aside 31-5.

Last minute replacements for Romania, Crusaders Rugby then beat Hawick 31-12, before the final Round 2 match of the day, Watsonians v Selkirk. ‘Sonians put their Premiership experience to work and followed up a 12-5 half time lead with a 24-19 final score, keeping their noses in front of a hard working Selkirk side who made them work for the win.

So, with three local teams through to the Quarter-final matches it was looking good for Edinburgh to make a decent showing at the latest iteration of this, the most famous, Sevens tournament.

Currie’s heads were first on the chopping block as, favourites, Melrose turned up the wick and, despite a close first half and 10-5, ran away with the second half scoring another three, unanswered tries for a 31-5 win.

Accies then faced the USA Tigers and this was a much closer match in scoring terms, the Tigers having a great deal of territorial advantage but just failed on a couple of occasions to convert their pressure. This was another nail-biter as Accies turned a 5-5 half time score line into a 12-10 full time win with just a missed conversion separating the teams.

Marr and GHA then put together a superb end-to-ender, with both sides showing a willingness to run at the opposition, but Marr eventually took an even closer win with 21-20 at the final whistle.

Watsonians now had to face Crusaders and, while the guest side had plenty of experience, they were a bit ring-rusty and although only two points adrift at the break on 7-5, they couldn’t hold on to the fitter – and younger – ‘Sonians in the second half, the Myreside squad running out 21-21 winners.

Now it was Semi-final time and Accies were first up against Melrose. However, the Edinburgh team were never really at the races in this one, with Melrose galloping over the line for three tries in the first half, before adding another couple in the second for their second whitewash of the day at 31-0.

Watsonians, for their part had a much harder time of it against Marr and were 14-0 down at half time, but, again, they kept their heads and scored three times in the second half to take their place in the final with a 19-14 win.

To give the finalists a bit of recovery time, the Melrose Sevens have included an exhibition match and, this year, it was Edinburgh University Ladies who were faced by a Melrose BaaBaas squad with a few guest players in attendance. However, this didn’t faze the University side as, despite being under pressure for most of the match, they held on to a 14-5 half time lead for a 14-10 full time win.

Now it was the final and Melrose and Watsonians took to the field for the final match in another thrilling day of Sevens rugby at The Greenyards.

Watsonians were first out of the blocks with an early, converted try from McKean, before Melrose’s McCann ran in a stunner from 30+ metres out for the, converted, equaliser. With both sides looking a bit cagey, it was never going to be the greatest Sevens match played and, despite some intricate passing moves, the half closed at 7-7.

Once again, Watsonians were first out of the blocks with their second try, this one from Rory Steele – who, successfully, fought off his own physio at one point in the first half so he could carry on playing – and Jackson following up with the conversion for 14-7.

As the Melrose faithful were getting closer to the edge of their seats, Ross McCann popped up with his second, converted try of the match to draw the sides level again at 14-14 and all to play for – as ‘they’ say.

With the clock running down, and extra time on the cards, ‘Sonians were pressing hard on the Melrose defence, keeping them pinned deep in their own half. The breakthrough came in the final minute with an outside ball from Steele to Scott on the touchline and the No. 3 barrelled through a last, despairing tackle to battle his way over the line for the try. The officials, initially, went into ‘consultation mode’, but the try stood and Watsonians took the Ladies Cup 19 points to 14 and a historic victory.

Images from the day will appear here over the next few days (and possibly weeks – JLP)

There were celebrations in the north of Edinburgh today as The Spartans clinched the Ferrari Packaging Lowland League title. The Ainslie Park side went into their final league fixture just a point ahead of rivals East Kilbride who were playing their final game at Stirling University. Dougie Samuel’s Spartans knew victory over East Stirlingshire would give them the title no matter what Kilby did.

However, it was a tense afternoon and, before a large crowd, The Spartans were held to a goalless draw by the Shire, who themselves made it 19 games in a row unbeaten. This meant a victory for East Kilbride would give them the title, but Stirling University produced a shock 2-0 victory meaning it was party time for The Spartans who were presented with the league trophy shortly after the final whistle.

The Spartans have ambitions to play in the SPFL. Having won the Lowland League, they will now face a two-legged play-off against Highland League champions Cove Rangers. The winners of that tie will then face another two-legged play-off against League Two basement side Cowdenbeath for a place in next season’s SPFL.

The Edinburgh Reporter offers its congratulations to The Spartans players, manager and officials in their Lowland League triumph.

Division One: Grange 3, Edinburgh University 1

Frank Ryan scored a double as Grange picked up three valuable points in their bid to chase down Division One pace-setters Bromac Kelburne.

Coach David Knipe guided his men to a 3-1 home win over Edinburgh University at Fettes.

Irish-born Ryan broke the deadlock for the home side with a penalty corner strike and the scoreline stayed the same until the break.

Then Luke Cranney made it 2-0 also from a penalty corner early in the second-half.

Edinburgh refused to throw in the towel and Ewan Mackie netted to give them hope with 15 minutes left.

The students upped the tempo looking for another goal and shortly afterwards Grange had a man on the sidelines after a yellow card.

Despite being down a man, Ryan eased nerves when he scored his second for the home side from a penalty corner to secure the points.

Tuesday 8th – 12th May 2018

Few who have read this landmark novel will forget the early explosive erotic scene involving the naive, protagonist Stephen and the highly charged, marriage-stifled, provincial beauty, Isabelle.

Equally, the climatic denouement where Stephen emerges from the labyrinth toxic Hades of the mining tunnels as the Armistice takes hold. Marking the centenary of the end of the First World War, Rachel Wagstaff’s highly acclaimed adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’s best-selling novel Birdsong embarks on its final UK tour, with dates at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh (8-12 May) and Theatre Royal Glasgow (29 May-2 June).

Birdsong tells a mesmerising story of love and courage, before and during the war. In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their worlds upside down.

As the war breaks out, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground.  Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle and the idyll of his former life as his world explodes around him.

https://www.capitaltheatres.com/birdsong

Until 3 June 2018 you can see some 1960s and 70s art from the New York scene in the exhibition Lee Lozano : Slip Slide Splice.

Lee Lozano was very active in making her “language pieces” which culminated in General Strike Piece and “Dropout Piece” when Lozano left the Big Apple and the art scene.

She simply refused to engage with all the support structures in the art world which then meant her work was unnoticed and less well known. Recently this tide has turned and now the Fruitmarket says it is reassessing her work.

There are pieces from all through the artist’s career with small paintings from 1962 and a selection of drawings from around the same time.

Four huge abstracted paintings are put in context with related drawings and notes unseen until now.

The other part of the exhibition will be Infofiction which is a restating of the language pieces made in Halifax Nova Scotia in 1971 just before giving up art.

On Saturday 31 March 2018 there is a Saturday tour as normal but this week’s will focus on the Lee Lozano exhibition. 2.00 – 3.30pm The Fruitmarket Gallery 45 Market Street EH1 1DF

Further Saturday tours each Saturday until 2 June 2018.

On 27 April 2018 there is a talk about the links between Lozano and Dame Muriel Spark when author Andrew O’Hagan and the Director of the Fruitmarket Gallery explore the parallels  between Lozano and one of Spark’s protagonists in The Driver’s Seat  in terms of their self-destructive tendencies. Details of the evening event on the website.

On 17 May you are invited to join Ruth Bretherick of the Fruitmarket Gallery to discuss refusal in the context of Lozano’s work. When you book there is some reading to be done ahead of the event so do your homework! Evening event 5-6pm.

http://fruitmarket.co.uk

A new book showing how the landscape across the country is ‘tattooed’ with reminders of the past will be launched at Golden Hare Books next Wednesday 18 April.

A History of Scotland’s Landscapes by Dr Fiona Watson and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) archaeologist, Piers Dixon,  is the most detailed work to date on the history of our Scottish landscape. It has many photographs, historic, landscape and aerial telling the story alongside maps and artworks.

The book is the result  of an 18 year project by HES – the Historic Land-use Assessment. This study mapped all the present uses such as skiing and farming alongside past activities like charcoal burning and settlements.

It explores the continuing evolution of our landscape and helps you identify the features to look out for such as runrigs and lazy beds.

Dr Watson said: “The book’s main purpose is to explore how to ‘read’ a landscape; how to notice, even in passing, the depths of the past all around us.

“It is intended to be a celebration of what remains of the nation’s historic landscapes and the work that has gone into revealing them.

“Thanks to the latest research that forms this book, we have a good idea of not only just how much remains, but also the extent to which the activities of our predecessors have shaped, and still shape, the places we live and work in today, even in the depths of our biggest cities.”

Mr Dixon said: “We hope our book shows how the activities of our ancestors still fundamentally influence our modern world.

“Now we can see for the first time just how extensive the traces of prehistoric, Roman and medieval landscapes are in Scotland: from the surviving remnants of forts and settlements, to the first roads and deep marks left by millennia-old ploughing to farm fields.

“We have also been able to highlight important findings from the HLA study to provide insight on land-use today. We can see, for instance, that while the majority of people live in just 1.4 per cent of Scotland’s land, forestry takes 15 per cent, fields and farms take up 23 per cent, and ‘rough grazing’ – areas that are too poor in quality for anything other than grazing sheep, deer or cattle – makes up a remarkable 51 per cent of the country.”

For more information about the event, visit: https://goldenharebooks.com/event/history-scotlands-landscapes-book-launch/

Weight loss. Smoking cessation. Insomnia. Anxiety. Self-esteem. Panic attacks. Tinnitus. Phobias such as fear of spiders, fear of flying. All unwanted habits. But all these issues have been successfully dealt with through the life-changing benefits of hypnotherapy.

The Edinburgh Reporter’s Mike Smith runs Mind Generating Success, a successful hypnotherapy practice in Craiglockhart.

Hypnotherapy can help replace your unwanted habits with healthier ones. And the great thing is, you are in charge! You are fully awake, completely in control. All you have to do is sit back and listen to Mike putting suggestions to your subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy is a relaxing, calm process which can bring about the necessary behavioural changes to help you achieve your goals.

Here’s what some people are saying about Mind Generating Success.

‘I went to work with a spring in my step this morning. I’ve had sleep problems for many years but after a couple of sessions of hypnotherapy, I’ve slept three full nights in a row for the first time in three years. I can highly recommend Mind Generating Success – it’s changed my life’

Client A, Midlothian – Insomnia

‘After just one session there was a noticeable difference to my anxiety issues. I feel so much more at ease now – even the dread of making a phone call has gone. I’m amazed’
Client S, Kirkcaldy – Anxiety

‘Officially 1 stone and a quarter pound off. Have not cheated on bread and potatoes once! Thanks for your help.’
Client T, Edinburgh – Weight loss

‘‘The point of the day when I just eat for the sake of eating has disappeared off my radar. I really feel the benefits of hypnotherapy and it has got me in the right frame of mind’
Client W, Leith – Snacking

“I’ve lost two stones in just four months. Hypnotherapy has changed the way I think about food. I no longer eat when I’m not hungry. When I have supper at home I quite often don’t finish what’s on my plate. My wife wonders what she’s done wrong, but she’s done nothing wrong. It’s just I’ve reached the point I don’t need to eat just for the sake of it. It’s the same when we’re out for a meal. The waiter will come over and ask if everything is okay. I say ‘of course it is. It’s just that I’m no longer hungry. And, no, I don’t want to see the dessert menu!’

‘Hypnotherapy has changed my outlook on food. I no longer am inclined to eat chocolate just because it’s there.’

‘I must say Mind Generating Success has been brilliant and so supportive. If you’re like me and are serious about losing weight – and nothing else has worked – try hypnotherapy. It really does work’

Client RC, Edinburgh – Weight loss.

‘Hypnotherapy is braw! I used to snack all day at work and when I got home after work I would choose the lazy option and phone for a pizza or a fish supper. I don’t any more, not because I’m forcing myself not to – it’s just I no longer want to. My food habits have changed and even when less than helpful colleagues at work bring in bacon rolls for everyone I find I don’t want one – despite the aroma of bacon filling the room.’

‘I’m consciously not weighing myself, but I know I have lost weight because my clothes are too big for me. More importantly, the way I think about eating has changed and it’s changed for good. Hypnotherapy has definitely changed my life for the better.’
Client RN, Midlothian – Weight Loss

‘I had an eating disorder for thirty years. I had seen psychologists and specialists, and nothing worked. Until I saw Mike at Mind Generating Success. Hypnotherapy has worked after just four sessions. My disorder no longer affects my life in the way it did before. My friends are astounded by the change in me. I can’t thank Mike enough.’
Client TF, Edinburgh – Eating Disorder

‘I’ve smoked for twenty years and it’s been a habit I couldn’t break. I have tried nicotine gum, patches, the lot. Nothing worked. I went to see Mike at Mind Generating Success more in desperation than expectation. After one session of hypnotherapy my urge to smoke disappeared. And, of course, there are the obvious health benefits of no longer smoking.
Client KA, Edinburgh – Smoking

The cost of a session of hypnotherapy at Mind Generating Success is just £60. The number of sessions depends on how well it works but many clients have stopped their unwanted habits after just a few sessions. Smoking cessation is usually a one-off session costing just £95. If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day you’re spending nearly £4,000 every year!

There’s a special offer for readers of The Edinburgh Reporter – 10% off every session! Just quote ER2018 when making an enquiry.

If you interested in losing weight, stopping smoking, reducing anxiety or have a phobia such as a fear of spiders, mice, insects, dogs or cats – or you have a fear of flying – contact Mike Smith today for an initial consultation. Tel: 07521 353 787; email: [email protected]

Website: www.mgs-hypnotherapy-services.co.uk

Championship Shield: Glasgow Tigers 54, Berwick Bandits 36

Claus Vissing helped Glasgow Tigers mug his former club Berwick Bandits.

The dashing Dane powered to 13 points in the 54-36 win however Tigers had to roar back from 9-3 down after two heats.

The home side were level at 15-15 three heats later and 5-1 scorelines in Heats Six and Ten put Tigers 33-27 in front and they never looked back.

And they finished off Bandits with 5-1 scorelines in the final two heats.

Former Tigers skipper Aaron Summers misfired on his return to Ashfield scoring only one point and team-mate Jye Ethridge was withdrawn after a fall in Heat Six.

Saturday’s action sees Tigers visit Bandits (tapes-up 7pm) and Edinburgh Monarchs are at Workington Comets (7.30pm). Both matches are in the Championship Shield.

• Cleaning up the Gilmerton Dykes Area
• Free Park History Booklet for all participants
• Certificate for all our junior helpers and a Lego treat too
• Treats from Greggs the baker as well
• Clean up the park, get rid of plastic from the environment and get some great exercise

Meet at The Bothy, 26b Gilmerton Dykes Street, EH17 8LQ

It’s the final clean up for the Spring, so come along and join in as we get the park clean and ready for the new season.

A big thanks to everyone who has helped so far, including the council (especially Jim Elliot – a star), Royal Life Assurance, Wild Reekie, the Dirty Weekenders and Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust. The help we have had has been fantastic.

We have also had our youngest ever helper along as well at only three weeks. So, we had a full 96 years between our youngest and oldest helper last Saturday. Our oldest helper is of course local legend Gilbert Clark, who rarely misses an event.

Tomorrow we are doing the Gilmerton Dykes area and there’s (sadly) still plenty of litter to clear up. We look forward to welcoming more new helpers as we did last week, and hopefully some more young helpers too. The youngsters were really pleased with their certificates last week, and we think the Lego figures went down well too. They certainly earned their rewards and worked really hard cleaning a lot of litter.