The 2018 Edinburgh International Festival was launched at the McEwan Hall this evening by Festival Director Fergus Linehan in tandem with Managing Director Joanna Baker. The beautifully refurbished building is a fabulous venue for such an event with its entertaining space below.

To a packed audience of invited guests and media the full programme of the 2018 festival was unveiled.

And yes there is everything from theatre to opera, from popular music at the new venue of Leith Theatre to full scale orchestral works. All of this will be bookended by an opening night at The Usher Hall and a closing finale with the fireworks and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

August will not be a quiet month in the city, and the programme was received by an expectant hushed audience who then enjoyed the mix of speeches and interviews on video. See the trailer below.

Scottish Makar, Jackie Kay’s words have some prominence at the beginning and end of the programme.

She wrote in Threshold : “It takes more than one language….. to tell a story.”

And yes once more at the Edinburgh INTERNATIONAL Festival there will be artists from all over the world speaking a wide variety of languages and all telling a story.

Here is the full programme :

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Fergus Linehan has been Festival Director for three festivals and 2018 will be his fourth. He continues to bring a fresh look to the most august of August festivals. This year alongside what you might consider the  classical offerings at the Festival, the boundaries are being extended even further to include all kinds of popular music down at Leith Theatre.

We sat down with him on a very busy day ahead of the full programme launch at the McEwan Hall to find out what this year has to offer.

Where have you been this last year looking for new things? Oh we have been all over the world, my team and myself. We went to the US, across Europe, Australia and Asia.

What is the newest thing you are bringing to Edinburgh this year?

Linehan replied : “It is always about the artists, and in this job you are working with some of the greatest artists in the world. So it is all about them, their fascinations and their interests and it is constantly changing. There are some interesting ideas out there and some anniversaries like the centenary of the end of the First World War which is preoccupying people.

“There is also the centenary of the birth of the great composer Leonard Bernstein which people are celebrating too. And of course it is the year of Young People in Scotland.

“Those projects tend to bubble up to the surface but you cannot be too prescriptive with artists and tell them what to think about!”

Last year we had Bloom so how do you improve upon that?

“It is a co-commission between the Proms and ourselves. We wanted to work together being the two big summer festivals in the UK. We thought we would commission an event which would take very different forms in both locations.”

So if somebody sees this at the Albert Hall in London in July they will not see the same thing in Edinburgh at the beginning of the festival?

“No it will be quite different!

“Anna Meredith a Scottish composer is going to get the profile at the Scottish event and at the Proms, so there are great benefits to working together. For us last year was a bit of a celebration or a birthday party. That was the intention of the opening event. This year we are going back to something which is probably more of a performance. We found that site in front of the Usher Hall to be almost like an arena or a performance venue.

“It really worked for Harmonium and we thought we would start with the music by commissioning someone so Anna Meredith is an Edinburgh composer with both an electronic and symphonic career and she is doing a five movement piece for us based on these telegrams she found in the Imperial War Museum.

“These were sent from the Front at the end of the First World War by very young people. We thought this was a year when we could involve young people in a participatory wain the performance, so we have students from the Edinburgh College of Art who have designed some costumes. There is a digital projected element but there is also a live element. It will be a very moving story with these tragic telegrams.”

Defending himself against the one-off programmes when the festival took events to the people on the canal and in churches and venues across the city Linehan said : “We have to make choices every year. We may come back to those kind of events again but we are taking on the Leith Theatre which I think you will agree is a pretty big choice.

“We are putting on an outdoor event at Holyrood Palace called Kadamati which is a piece created by Akram Khan. It notes the end of the First World War and anyone can come along to that.

“But with this Festival you have to be careful not to become too locked into a format of doing the same thing every year. There is a bit of a risk in doing things outdoors in August in Edinburgh you know. So we don’t want to roll that dice too many times!

“But yes we have the fireworks with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, one of the great fireworks displays of the world with a terrific orchestral concert. This year we have Holst’s The Planets and a bit of Leonard Bernstein too. It is a reflection of the serious music which the festival incorporates done in a way which is good fun for everyone.”

The festival programme is launched today 14 March 2018 at 6.30 and you will be able to find details of the full programme of events here. Booking opens to the general public on 24 March 2018.

Full programme below for downloading.

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The 2018 Edinburgh International Festival will open with a digital display at The Usher Hall on 3 August at 10.30pm. The composer Anna Meredith will provide a new work for orchestra based on her research at the Imperial War Museum. The digital imagery will again be produced by 59 Productions who made last year’s festival celebrations so vivid and memorable in St Andrew Square.

14-18 NOW have a season of commissions commemorating the centenary of Armistice and the end of the First World War, and Five Telegrams is part of that.

Anna Meredith is one of the country’s most exciting contemporary composers – widely acclaimed for her album Varmints, which seamlessly crosses classical and pop

59 Productions are the Tony Award-winning design company whose work includes the London 2012 Opening Ceremony and the National Theatre smash hit War Horse.

Part of 14-18 NOW, Five Telegrams will be presented at the BBC Proms at the Albert Hall and at the Standard Life Aberdeen Opening Event at the 2018 Edinburgh International Festival.

This is the first time these two major cultural organisations have worked together in this way and we are assured that even if you see it at the Albert Hall in July it will be something quite new in Edinburgh in August.

It was Harmonium which last used the Usher Hall as a backdrop to a digital display – and this gives us yet another opportunity to share our photos of that with you. It was an amazing sight and if Five Telegrams is even half as good it will be worth coming out late at night to see.

More details of the full  programme for 2018 available here.

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The largest dedicated festival of fly fishing and fly tying made such an impact that it will be held again next year.

Organiser David Newell had invited over 40 trade exhibitors and 40 outstanding fly tyers from Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and all over Europe.

And the crowds rolled in to Scotland’s only independent fly fishing and fly tying event at Stirling despite the Six Nations Rugby, The Old Firm game and Morhter’s Day.

Newell believes the Stirling Court Hotel on the University of Stirling Campus, which is within easy reach of Glasgow, Perth, and Edinburgh, and has over 1,800 free parking spaces, proved a real winner.

A major attraction was the work of the fly tyers exhibiting just about every style and fly tying discipline under the sun.

Many were from Scotland including Peter McCallum (pictured) and Alan Liddle but there were others including Peter Scheffler from Sweden, Bjarne Lauraen from Denmark, Simon Johanesson from Poland and Remigijus Jonas from Lithuania
Top casters included Hywel Morgan, Jen Kugler Hansen, Jessica Callihan, Michael McMenamin, Paul Procter and Phil Bailey.

Newell said: “It’s a first-year show and you never know what is going to happen, but the people of Scotland showed up in their masses. It was absolutely fantastic.

“Stirling could not have been easier to get to and the attendance on the first morning (the Saturday) secured the future for me.

“I’ve been organising events – charity events and fund-raisers – all over the world for 20 years and, to get that level of support on the first day, you are on to something.”

He revealed that when he was looking to move the festival from Penrith we thought about Stirling as is the most central of the population hubs.

Another reason is that it is 45 minutes from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth and on the motorway system.

He added: “Penrith was two hours from everywhere and when I mentioned to people that I was thinking about moving they suggested London as that is where the money is.

“However, Scotland is where the fish are. Scotland is where the people are.

“It will be on the same weekend and Scotland are playing Ireland again but we don’t have Mother’s Day. And it will be in the same place.”

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed new Ofcom plans to improve mobile services in the UK.

The communications regulator is proposing to place coverage obligations on mobile network operators in a bid to provide improved 4G mobile coverage in rural areas.

The move follows the publication of FSB research highlighting the need for Scotland-specific coverage.

Garry Clark, the organisation’s development manager for the East of Scotland, said: “Small businesses rely on the availability of good mobile phone and data coverage to do business.

“It is vital both to business and the customer but Scotland’s mobile connectivity, particularly in rural areas, has been stuck in the slow lane.

“Ofcom’s announcement that they will place coverage obligations on the big four operators could be transformational for the economy.”

Three Sodexo staff in Edinburgh have been recognised for their achievements and awarded Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scholarships.

Claire McGuire, commercial manager at the catering company’s South Queensferry headquarters, will help drive Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events forward.

The team at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh were awarded two scholarships.

Bethany Morris, senior wedding planner, has secured the sales and business development scholarship, and Katrin Gufler, senior sales and event coordinator, has been awarded the supervisor scholarship.

Musselburgh Racecourse hosts an extra jumps meeting on Friday to coincide with Cheltenham Gold Cup Day. Entry to the East Lothian course is free.

The extra fixture is a gesture to an embattled racing industry which has suffered a series of abandonments over the winter.

Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh Racecourse’s chief executive, said: “We can provide good ground when other tracks are heavy and this extra meeting is aimed at giving hard pressed trainers and owners another opportunity to race.

“It will be free entry on the day and we will have the Cheltenham Gold Cup shown live on the big screens,”

Friday’s first race is at 11.30am with the last of seven races at 3.10pm but the racecourse will remain open until after the last race at Cheltenham (5.30pm).

For further information visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Morton Fraser have introduced an agile working policy as part of a drive towards employee well-being and flexibility.

The policy encourages staff at the legal firm to make smart choices about remote working.

It also encourages them to prioritise health and well-being whenever possible.

Maggie Moodie, chair, said: “The driving force behind this is our client base. Our clients expect the best advice but also a strong and confident relationship.

“There is lots of evidence to show that agile working improves staff productivity and leads to higher morale.”

Cammy Day is councillor for Forth Ward in the north of the city and leader of the Edinburgh Labour Group. He was born and raised in what he describes as “Scotland’s fine capital city” and is a proud Edinburgh citizen.

He was a front bench councillor in the last administration which was run by Labour and now he has a prominent role in the present set-up.

We spoke with him about his political career and that wee bit of his life that he gets away from politics.

He said : “I was really proud to be elected in the by-election in Forth Ward in 2008. This was a change in my career and has allowed me the opportunity to lead on housing, community safety, Education and now as Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council along with SNP Council Leader Adam McVey.

“I spend my spare time cycling, running, going to the gym (way less than I should), meeting my friends and having my family come and dine with me each week!

“I don’t think I’ve yet mastered a work life balance. The role I have is an exciting and challenging one and can be demanding.  But I make sure I have a day a week away from work!”

So what does he like best about the place he has lived all his life?

Councillor Day continued : “Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the world, with an old town, many hills surrounding us and a sea side to enjoy. It’s a hugely popular, vibrant city with something to offer everyone  There are great bars, restaurants, theatres, sports, the best schools and universities, and something for all ages.”

So where does he like to spend time in the city? Councillor Day continued : “I really like Princes Street Gardens.  In summer it’s a Shangri-La away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a great place to relax and have some ‘chill time’.  My other favourite is Cramond and the River Almond to walk, run or cycle. It’s a beautiful part of the city and very relaxing.”

As a councillor, Cammy Day has been quite successful, rising through the ranks to become the group leader and Deputy Council Leader in this administration.

In his own career he was until recently studying community education and social policy at the University of Edinburgh. All that had to stop however when he became too busy as leader of the Labour Group.

He said : “I really enjoyed the social policy side of it. I didn’t finish the degree but if I ever find a gap I will go back! I worked in the north and north west of the city doing community development work, youth work, working with young people. I worked with tenants groups trying to get them more involved in what happens in their community. My job was really to upskill local people and help them understand policy documents from the government or the council.

“So effectively I started on the other side of the fence by helping people to challenge what goes on. I really miss that because I feel there is a lot we can do for young people with interventions early on in life to improve things. I am no longer directly providing that help and I do miss it. I try to keep my eye on this area from here at the council as I know it can transform lives.”

We suggested to Councillor Day that his portfolios of housing and then education fitted his skills and expertise perfectly. He admitted that and said : “These are probably the only two portfolios that I like or would want. This is exactly the kind of work that I used to do before in local areas.”

He is quite modest about his achievements. He told us : “I’m  not sure I’ve yet got to the pinnacle of my career – though I’m hugely proud of the roles I have serving the city right now and I lead a great team of Edinburgh Labour Councillors.  I’m also proud of  the work I have done supporting young people across North Edinburgh in my previous work.

“I don’t have a mentor as such,  but I have a few good  people around me who keep me grounded with good advice and support, including my family, friends and my good friend and agent, Sandy Cameron.

“In the next year I have some goals to achieve – both in work, delivering the best we can for Edinburgh Labour and  personally taking up a marathon and trying to be a bit fitter!”

And on the other side of the fence, what career advice would he give to others?  “Well the advice I would give is to stick at something if you believe in it,  but to be respectful and strong enough to admit that you are wrong sometimes!””

What does a typical day hold for him?  “No day is the same -but on a Monday I have an early start at The City Chambers with a council leadership meeting. I then catch up with Labour Group members, usually I have a meeting with the Police Commander, the Labour Group Executive, and at the moment I meet to discuss possible Transient Visitor Levy work.  Then I am off down to my Ward for a 6pm surgery, usually manage to visit my mother then go home! And yes for most of this agenda I run a bit late!”

ROYAL VISIT

“I think it was good to see some of the new young royals here. I think they bring something different to the Royal Family. Prince Harry is quite informal and made a beeline to talk to lots of children which is brilliant. I was there representing the leadership of the council.

“On that day you could see from the Castle Esplanade right across to Fife with sun and blue skies and in the other direction there was snow on the hills. I asked if he would come back in the summer to join us at the time of the Edinburgh Festival and I think he will.

“The more the prince shows people that he just wants to be received quite normally then I think that helps us enjoy the work the Royals do. He does a lot of work with amputees and ex-servicemen and Ms Markle appears to want to become involved with social causes and promoting women. So what we have now is two royals championing causes that I really believe in. And if we can use that to promote these causes here in Edinburgh then we should do that.

“I asked if Prince Harry and his fiancée would be staying in Edinburgh for St Valentine’s but he said no they were returning to London later that evening.”

NEXT TWELVE MONTHS

“In the next twelve months I want the council administration to deliver the best we can for the city, continue to campaign for a tourist tax for the capital city, do a marathon, work harder with my Edinburgh Labour Team and I would like to say be on time for meetings – but that’s unlikely!

“I will be looking forward to summer and a little break this year…..”

Councillor Cammy Day |t 0131 529 3281 |Twitter @cllrcammyday | FB  – Councillor Cammy Day

This is the newly fitted out Marriage Suite at the City Chambers. The council moved out of Lothian Chambers on George IV Bridge meaning that they had to find a new venue for the Registrars office.

The new area has two wedding rooms and a reception area to greet guests.  The reception area looks over Princes Street and has views over the New Town and to Fife. The interior incorporates some of the lovely oak furniture from the Grassmarket Community Project. The décor features contemporary velvet upholstery by Scottish Designer Mairi Helena, Scottish Tweed from the Isle of Bute.

Edinburgh Napier student Corinna Lehrke and Fabian Wegener were the first couple to be married in the new suite of rooms.  They are from Germany and travelled here to get married in the heart of Edinburgh.

• Resonate 2018
• RSNO announce 2018 season
• Wedding bells
• Off to the races – for free
• Edinburgh Airport’s new app

The Resonate 2018 series of concerts takes place at The Queen’s Hall this week. This allows Edinburgh schools to show off their musical dance and dramatic talent. This is the result of a partnership between The City of Edinburgh Instrumental Music Service and The Queen’s Hall.

The Resonate series features bands, orchestras and ensembles as well as school groups. This gives the young people the chance of performing in a professional venue in front of a generally appreciative audience made up of their families. But there is nothing to stop the public joining the audience to see the up and coming talent.

Ticket details here. 

Programme here for the series :

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The RSNO has named its new conductor, Thomas Søndergård. He is the 36th person to be appointed to the post at Scotland’s national orchestra following a vote by the RSNO musicians last year.

He has announced details of the programme for the upcoming season which begins on 5 October 2018 with the Mahler Symphony No5 at The Usher Hall. But the season also includes new music and new artists.

The RSNO Chorus celebrates its 175th anniversary this year and the programme features Poulenc’s Gloria. To mark the century since the end of the First World War there will be performances of Ken Johnston’s cantata All Those Men Who Marched Away.

Booking details here.

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We interviewed the council’s interior designer Lesley McMillan in this article published last month and in our newspaper. She is responsible for the fabulous interior at the new Registration Services office at the City Chambers.

The council has moved out of Lothian Chambers on George IV Bridge where the Registrars office was entered through Parliament Square. This meant that a new marriage suite had to be fitted out in its new home entered from the quad at the City Chambers. And it is quite stunning.

Last week Edinburgh Napier University student Corinna Lehrke and her fiancé Fabian Wegener who had travelled from Germany were the first couple to be married in the new venue.

Read more in our News section

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If you are free this Friday then you should know that a day at the races is too. There is no entry fee to attend the extra fixture at Musselburgh Racecourse this Friday.

The first race is at 11.30 and the last at 4.30pm. They will be showing all the action from Cheltenham on the big screen, so if horse racing is your thing then you would be mad to miss it.

More details here.

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Edinburgh Airport have announced a new app today which Edinburgh-based Neatebox have developed for their customers with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities.

The app is called Welcome and allows people to request help in advance from venues such as the airport by sending a signal to the airport to notify staff. The airport will then be able to offer a more bespoke and personal service to app users.

Read more in our News section here.

Have you read our latest newspaper yet? If you haven’t picked up a copy in  your local library or at Candersons on Leith Walk then have a read here.

A new app devised by Edinburgh based Neatebox will help those with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities.

Welcome is a way of allowing passengers to set up a personal profile which then alerts the airport or other venue that they are en route. When they get there they will be welcomed and offered a bespoke personal service.

Ken Reid offered to trial the app for Edinburgh Airport and travelled there to meet the Chief Executive and Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman.

Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, Gordon Dewar said: “Airports take people from all walks to life to destinations all over the world, and it is our responsibility to ensure we have facilities that cater for everyone regardless of their needs.

“We’ve looked at how we can improve the wide range of services we already offer and introducing technology such as Neatebox allows us to extend that passenger care and tailor our service to those requirements.

“It’s also good to work with local businesses and implement innovative approaches to passenger needs – we pride ourselves on being innovative and we are confident our accessibility will continue to improve with the introduction of Neatebox. “

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman was at the airport to see how the app will help people with disabilities and said: “The Welcome App is a great tool for disabled people and those with reduced mobility to communicate with businesses – and businesses to provide a personalised level of customer service.  Tackling some of the everyday barriers that stop disabled people leading their lives to the full is something which we should all welcome.

“We have committed to ensuring people with a disability or reduced ability are able and supported to live their lives with freedom, choice, control and dignity.   We cannot do this without organisations like Edinburgh Airport also taking responsibility to improve their accessibility. I’m sure this will make a real difference to passengers and encourage other organisations to follow their lead.”

Gavin Neate, founder of Neatebox, said: “I could not be more excited about this opportunity to provide a service for not just disabled travellers but also the people who are tasked to support them. It is this totally inclusive approach to the provision of a service which allows me to visualise a time in the future where equality is neither given nor taken but is set as a default within our society.

“With over 80,000 people who could use this service travelling through Edinburgh Airport every year, many of them with “hidden” disabilities, we could not be in a better position to demonstrate this amazing service to the greatest number of people. We hope by doing so, we can promote Scotland as being the epicentre of this innovation.”

Murrayfield under-20 entertained Kilmarnock with both teams still in the hunt for the top two places in the league, writes Ian Haddock.

However, the resulting 6-6 draw means Fife are now favourites for the title.

The game started well with Murrayfield dictating play and playing the better hockey, but first blood went to Kilmarnock.

A loose puck in front the net was sent home after some dire defending by the home team.

The Murrayfield squad then dominated play but couldn’t get the shots on net and they were made to pay when Killie went two ahead and the scoreline stayed the same until the end of the session.

Coach Daniel Ferguson reassured the Murrayfield players that they were playing the better hockey and not to worry. He stressed that they needed to dig deep and keep battling away.

The second period started badly as Killie scored after 42 seconds, but the Murrayfield boys kept working.

They created several chances and were rewarded when Ross Borwick passed to Aaron White who smashed the puck past the Killie goaltender.

Killmarnock, however, scored their fourth and pushed hard for a fifth when a shot came in from the blue line and caught Murrayfield defenceman Gregor Ball on the visor.

The blow broke the visor and there was a lengthy break as an ambulance was called he was taken to hospital.

Referee Vincent Tait ended the period and after the restart Killie scored again for 5-1 but Murrayfield pulled a goal back which proved the turning point after 37 minutes.

Arron White passed the puck to Andrew Barr who picked out Ross Borwick. He slotted home.

Five minutes later Borwick got hold of the puck and fed it to Keiran Lee who passed to Barr who fired the puck home.

Murrayfield were now dominant and, in the 49th minute, Cain Patterson fired a hard shot which the Killile goalie did well to parry, but Andrew Smith slotted home another Murrayfield goal taking the scoreline to 5-4.

Then White picked up the puck and fed Borwick who tore up the ice and slotted the equaliser.

And Murrayfield scored again. Tom Ireland found Cain Paterson who scored but the celebrations were short lived.

The visitors replied almost immediately to end the game at 6-6 and both team will be dissatisfied with the result.

Team: Wright, Haddock (A),Woods, Borwick, Grigors, White (A), Ball, Paterson, McCartney, F Lee, K Lee, Miller, Ireland, Smith, Barr (C).

Scorers: Borwick 2, White, Paterson, Smith, Barr,
Assists: Borwick 2, White 2, Paterson, K Lee, Ireland, Barr

Elite League: Nottingham Panthers 12, Edinburgh Capitals 1

Ainars Podzins provided Edinburgh Capitals only joy when they were hammered 12-1 at Nottingham Panthers.

Jordan Kelsall, Mark Derlago and Alexander Mokshantsev all claimed doubles in the runaway win.

Panthers won the first session 6-0 before Podzins scored five minutes into the middle period.

Then they were hit by five goals before the close of the period and another after 52 minutes to complete the scoring.

Emergency services were called to Newhaven Road around 5.45pm this evening after a suspicious item was found in a bus stop

An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team also attended  at the scene.

“Newhaven Road is currently cordoned off between Ferry Road and Dudley Gardens.

“The cordon will be in force while we await EOD’s assessment of the item”.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews dealt with a total of 2,782 such blazes across the country between March and April 2017.

And there were 2,830 deliberate fires over the same period the previous year.

The figures were branded “absolutely unacceptable” by Assistant Chief Officer David McGown who is the SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection.

He spoke out ahead of a Spring safety campaign to warn how firefighters will continue to work closely with Police Scotland to identify those responsible for risking the safety of communities.

ACO McGown said: “These figures are absolutely unacceptable.

“Firefighters exist to protect their communities and yet they are being put at risk by a very small minority of people within those communities who deliberately set fires.

“Let’s be very clear – fire can cause injury, damage properties and affect the environment, not to mention the potential impact on businesses and the economy.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service therefore operates a strict zero tolerance approach to deliberate fire raising.

“We will continue to work very closely with our police and local authority partners to ensure that those responsible are identified and dealt with accordingly.”

The 2,782 deliberate fires involved outdoor areas such as fields, refuse, and countryside.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also works to educate young people wherever possible on the dangers and potential consequences of deliberate fire setting.

ACO McGown added: “It absolutely goes without saying that we prefer to prevent fires – not fight fires.

“As a result, our firefighters work extremely hard to engage with the public and promote safety messages, and parents and carers can also help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks.

“Ensuring you are aware of where the children or young people you look after are and what they’re doing can help keep everyone safe from deliberate fires.”

He added: “Deliberate fires are not only reckless and dangerous, but can divert SFRS resources away from genuine emergencies where people require our help.

“However, through robust and flexible strategic planning, our crews are always ready to respond to any incident to keep our communities safe.

“I urge the public to continue to support their firefighters by reporting any fire related anti-social behaviour because there are always people out there in need of our assistance at genuine emergencies – and every second counts.”

The free and confidential Crimestoppers helpline can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 or through their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For more information on how you can join Scotland’s fight against fire and keep your home and family safe, visit the Your Safety section of the website.

The Scottish SPCA was delighted to return Huck the tortoise after he was stolen from Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect world on 21 February.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted after a member of the public spotted the tortoise in a park in Edinburgh on Thursday.

Animal rescue officer Sarah Auldsmith said, “We’re so pleased to have helped Huck get home. The caller noticed him as her dog was found rolling near him so she took him home before giving our animal helpline a call.

“I took him to our centre in Balerno and Diane, the centre manager, recognised him immediately.”

Centre manager Diane Aitchison said, “As soon as Sarah mentioned an abandoned tortoise I thought of poor Huck.

“Once we got him to the centre I identified him with pictures from the original appeal and then contacted Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World to get a formal identification.”

Lyndsey Paget, one of Huck’s keepers said, “We’re so happy to have Huck back home with us at Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World. We really missed him, and so did our visitors. Everyone has been absolutely overjoyed to hear that he is safe and sound.”

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

Police have received more than 20 new calls following a renewed appeal to find Edinburgh book keeper Suzanne Pilley’s body.

Suzanne was murdered by David Gilroy in 2010 but her remains have never been found despite extensive searches in the Argyll and Bute area.

Gilroy is believed to have killed Suzanne at her workplace in Thistle Street, Edinburgh, before transporting her body in the boot of his car to that location..

As part of the appeal, detectives released animated maps showing the route Gilroy’s car took.

Suzanne’s sisters Gayle and Sylvia also made an appeal describing the pain as ‘unbearable.’

Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston said: “I’m very encouraged by the positive response we have had to the appeal we issued last week.

“We have taken over 20 calls which are all being assessed and further inquiries carried out as appropriate.

“Even after almost eight years, I’m pleased that people are still willing to come forward with any information that could help us find Suzanne and I would appeal to anyone who has not yet watched the videos to please do so, think back to May 2010 and call or email us if you think you could assist.”

Gayle and Sylvia said the pain of Suzanne’s loss was “unbearable” at times, and they felt her body had been “discarded”.

Anyone with information for the investigation can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting Operation Mica, email SCDMITEdinburgh@scotland.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

When I told my daughter last week that I was going to see Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse she expressed surprise that I was going to such a show, saying she didn’t think this would be my cup of tea. I must admit I wasn’t sure what to expect but Hairspray is actually quite good with some powerful songs and a feel-good factor which, given the theme throughout the show – racism in Baltimore, the largest city in the U.S state of Maryland in the early 1960s – is quite an achievement.

The story tells of Tracy Turnblad, played with great enthusiasm by Rebecca Mendoza. Tracy is what may be described as stocky but shows great determination not to let her size or the prejudices of others drag her down. Tracy’s dream, as with many others of her young age, is to dance on the Corny Collins tv show and meet Link Larkin, the local heartthrob and singer, played by Edward Chitticks.

Tracy is supported throughout by her best friend Penny Pingleton, played by Annalise Liard-Bailey. The character of Penny Pingleton has an irritating high-pitched squeal of a voice. Yes, the show is based in America where high-pitched voices make themselves heard sometimes at the expense of others, but I did find this somewhat off-putting.

Tracy admirably fights against the racist policies of the city and ends up in solitary confinement (or refinement as she amusingly called it) in a detention centre for daring to become friendly with some of the black community. Penny Pingleton, in supporting her friend, actually falls in love with a young black man called Seaweed.

For me the highlight of the show was almost unintentional. Tracy’s mother Edna – played by Matt Rixon – linked brilliantly with her father Wilbur, played by Norman Pace, one half of the comedy duo Hale and Pace who were household names in the 1990s. Early in act two, Mr and Mrs Turnblad performed You’re Timeless to Me, a touching song of love and affection over the years. When Pace slightly corpsed it added to the enjoyment clearly felt by the Playhouse audience. Rixon added to the laughter and his character proved hugely popular. Rixon is the son of well-known actor and television star Matthew Kelly.

Hairspray’s musical numbers are relentless and performed with so much energy. The rousing finale of You Can’t Stop the Beat had some of the audience on their feet. Most powerful of all the singers was Motormouth Maybelle, played by former X-Factor contestant Brenda Edwards.

If you love American high-school type musicals, you’ll love Hairspray. If, like me, you’re not a huge fan of this genre then you probably won’t. But most of those going to the Edinburgh Playhouse to see the show this week will have a fair idea of what to expect.

Edinburgh Reporter rating: ***

Hairspray is on at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 17th March 2018. Tickets here.

Now the dust has settled on another Edinburgh derby, Hearts supporters have been reflecting on their fifth successive loss at Easter Road. That’s a statistic that doesn’t sit easy with the Maroon Army and this latest defeat has snuffed out any lingering hope Hearts had of qualifying for next season’s Europa League. Coming five days after Hearts Scottish Cup exit at Motherwell it isn’t difficult to see why there is growing unrest among some of the Tynecastle faithful.

It’s not just the results but the performances – or lack of performances – which is causing concern. Hearts endured a calamitous start to the season when the Ian Cathro experiment finally blew up following a failure to progress from a Betfred Cup section containing Dunfermline Athletic, East Fife, Elgin City and Peterhead. The 1-0 loss to a team in the fourth tier of Scottish football was embarrassing and the final straw. It was easy to blame the hapless Cathro for Hearts stuttering start to the season, but things weren’t helped when it took the club four weeks to appoint his successor – and opted for Director of Football Craig Levein.

Levein’s appointment seemed to divide opinion among the Hearts support. The former Scotland manager has a reputation for making his teams difficult to beat. After a less than convincing start to Levein’s second spell in charge, Hearts gradually did indeed become difficult to beat. During December and January, they went nine games without even conceding a goal, far less losing a game although goals were hard to come by at the other end too. And it all seemed to come right the week before Christmas when Hearts astonished the football world by blowing champions Celtic’s unbeaten record to smithereens by hammering the Hoops 4-0 with a remarkable display at Tynecastle. Levein got his tactics spot on that day. But it’s fair to say there have been several games since that memorable victory where Levein’s tactics and team selection have been called into question.

During that unbeaten run Hearts finally got the better of Hibernian in the William Hill Scottish Cup. But, if truth be told, it was hardly a classic and it took a scrambled goal towards the end to secure a much-awaited Edinburgh derby win (Hearts first in eight games)

Levein was busy during the January transfer window with striker Isma Goncalves leaving Gorgie and Scotland international Steven Naismith arriving. The signing of Naismith was seen as something of a coup. However, those Hearts fans looking forward to the former Rangers and Kilmarnock striker linking up again with Kyle Lafferty were disappointed. Naismith has generally been deployed in midfield with Lafferty the lone striker.

It’s the persistence with one player up front which has irked many. The feeling is that Levein’s principle aim is not to lose the game, whereas other teams – notably Hibernian – have players who dominate midfield and create chances to win games. It’s also a real cause for concern that Hearts seem incapable of playing for 90 minutes – that Celtic game aside. The cup defeat at Motherwell was a case in point. The first half was just awful from a Hearts perspective and while they did better in the second half they lost the tie thanks to a brilliant strike from xxx near the end. However, had Hearts performed to even a half-decent standard in the first half the worst that could have happened was the tie would have gone to a replay. With Motherwell awaiting the winners of the Kilmarnock-Aberdeen replay for their semi-final, a more than decent opportunity for Hearts to reach the Scottish Cup final has gone.

At Easter Road last Friday, it was an all too familiar story. Hearts stubbornness saw them to half-time with the game goalless. But they couldn’t cope with Hibs midfield superiority in the second half and the better team won.

Levein’s teams have a physical style of play which is fair enough as it’s a physical sport. But this seems to be at the detriment of style, of using width, of getting the ball down and passing it. You also wonder about the Head Coach’s temperament for the big games. It’s all very well making comments about the ‘natural order’ of things but – and as a Hearts fan it pains me to say this – the natural order of things presently is that Hibs have better players and a better team than Hearts. Like Kilmarnock who have made astonishing progress recently under Steve Clarke, Hibs are a team who know what they’re doing with a manager who knows how to get the best out of each and every player at his disposal.

Then there’s the ever-lengthening injury list at Tynecastle. 16-year-old Harry Cochrane is the latest casualty, likely to miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury. He joins influential midfielder Arnaud Djoum and full back Demetri Mitchell on the long-term injury list. John Souttar was out for several weeks earlier this season, whilst Djoum has only recently returned from a similar lengthy spell out. Which begs the question why do Hearts have so many injuries? Is it the training? Is it the style of play they are asked to perform?

Hearts are in serious danger of missing out on a top six finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership. However, given the team’s recent form one wonders if this might prove a blessing in disguise. It’s difficult to see Hearts taking any points from the other clubs in the top six after the split.

There is more talk of ‘rebuilding’ the playing squad at Tynecastle during the summer. Hearts supporters have heard this too many times recently. They want a settled team, one that has attacking flair, where every player knows their role – in short, a team that entertains and scores goals.

Ann Budge has taken Hearts on a journey that, so far, has re-established the club as once more being fit for purpose with a new main stand and a promise to hand the club over to the Foundation of Hearts, the supporters group who will run things a few years from now. However, she will surely recognise some tough decisions about the playing side need to be taken in the weeks ahead. When she took over Hearts nearly four years ago, Mrs Budge showed she wasn’t afraid to make some tough decisions. No sooner had she arrived than Head Coach Gary Locke and established players such as Jamie MacDonald and Jamie Hamill were shown the door.

A similar tough stance will be required this summer if Hearts are to make progress because, as things stand, they are already falling behind the likes of Hibernian and Kilmarnock. Of course, Craig Levein is a Hearts director so the chances of him leaving are minimal. But the best interests of the club must be put first. Hearts fans, through the Foundation, plough hard-earned cash into the club every month. If Hearts continue to regress, these pledges may be affected. Moving Levein back ‘upstairs’ and appointing a knowledgeable, well-respected Head Coach must be a consideration – and one can’t help but think what a missed opportunity there was with the aforementioned Steve Clarke.

As the majority of Hearts supporters will tell you – something needs to be done. A season like this one just isn’t good enough.

Award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall has been chosen to lead the annual NYC Tartan Day parade as Grand Marshal, the first woman to lead the Parade.

Ms Tunstall, who is a well-known face in Edinburgh as she led the Hogmanay celebrations here in 2010, said : “I’m delighted to participate in this twenty-year tradition and very proud to be the first female solo Grand Marshal.

“It is especially meaningful to step into this role with the movement for gender equality picking up great speed all over the world. I’m always happy to celebrate my roots as a Scottish musician, and I’ve never felt more empowered in my own career than I do now, it’s an exciting time.”

The Scottish Government has confirmed that over £1 million will be given to revamp the Duncan Place Resource Centre in Leith.

This is part of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund which supports local projects which engage communities in disadvantaged areas, tackling inequality and supporting inclusive growth at the same time.

This centre which lies in the B listed Leith Primary School will get £1,197,765 to allow it to become a community hub. This will provide flexible working spaces for business start-ups, charitable organisations and social enterprises. There will also be creative spaces offering artists a place to work.

Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I’m really pleased that this fantastic, locally-driven project will benefit from an injection of funding. It will help regenerate the local area, stimulate inclusive growth and create new jobs.

“The focus of the projects being funded this year range from tackling social isolation, mitigating welfare cuts, providing training opportunities, creating business space and increasing tourism – to name but a few. They are an excellent example of how national and local government are working together on shared priorities that benefit local communities.”

Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, Adam McVey, said: “This is brilliant news for Leith and the city!

“Another community hub is to be brought back to life due to regeneration funding from the Scottish Government. This project is an excellent example of what collaboration and partnership working between the public and voluntary sectors can achieve.

“We’ve worked well with the group taking forward this project and knowing those involved from the community, I’m chuffed they’ve done such a fantastic job in bringing back Duncan Place back into use.

“The funding will help to reduce inequality through the provision of much needed affordable space for events, classes and workshops on health, education and well-being and I’m excited to see the next phase of the project develop.”

Hard Rock Cafe on George Street will give anyone with an Irish passport a half price Guinness Bacon Cheeseburger on St Patrick’s Day at the end of this week. The offer is only open between 12 noon and 2 pm so be sure to be there at the right time!

Celebrate St Paddy’s Day with the Guinness Bacon Cheeseburger made with a Hard Rock signature burger patty, topped with Jameson bacon jam and succulent Guinness cheese sauce, served on a toasted bun with crisp lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and a side of Hard Rock fries.

The St. Paddy’s Day Burger is featured for St Patrick’s Day and available from Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh for £14.25.

Hibs’ midfielder Dylan McGeouch has been selected for the Scotland squad ahead of the upcoming friendly match with Costa Rica.

McGeouch who was the sponsor’s man of the match in Hibs’ derby victory over Hearts on Friday night has featured 10 times for the Scotland U21 squad.

The former Celtic player who won a Scottish Cup winner’s medal whilst on loan to Hibs has been in superb form this season and several pundits have backed his selection.

He joins fellow midfielder John McGinn in the squad.

McGinn who was nominated as Sky Sports man of the match in the same game will be looking to add to his five caps in what will be new manager Alex McLeish’s first game in charge.

Scotland face Costa Rica at Hampden Park on 23 March, before travelling to face Hungary four days later.

Speaking to the BBC at the weekend, new Scotland Assistant James McFadden said: “I spoke to (Alex) after the game and he was impressed by a lot of the players in the Hibernian team.

“Dylan McGeouch was excellent against Hearts and never wasted a pass.”

Also in the squad is fellow Scottish Cup winner Jason Cummings who is currently on loan at Rangers from Nottingham Forest and came on as a late substitute in yesterday’s defeat to Celtic at Ibrox.

Hearts keeper Jon McLaughlin and former Hearts player Callum Paterson are also included.

The full squad is as follows:

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Archer (Millwall), Allan McGregor (Hull City) Jon McLaughlin (Hearts)

Defenders: Barry Douglas (Wolves), Grant Hanley (Norwich), Russell Martin (Norwich, on loan at Rangers), Scott McKenna (Aberdeen), Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn), Callum Paterson (Cardiff), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Celtic), James Forrest (Celtic), Tom Cairney (Fulham), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth), Kevin McDonald (Fulham), Kenny McLean (Aberdeen), Dylan McGeouch (Hibernian). John McGinn (Hibernian), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Jamie Murphy (Brighton, on loan at Rangers), Matt Ritchie (Newcastle), Ryan Christie (Celtic, on loan at Aberdeen)

Forwards: Oli McBurnie (Swansea, on loan at Barnsley), Jason Cummings (Nottingham Forest, on loan at Rangers), Matt Phillips (West Brom)

Visit Outlander’s key Scottish film locations and enjoy an exclusive gift box inspired by the series.

To celebrate the release of the Outlander season three DVD, five-star Edinburgh hotel The Chester Residence has launched an exclusive Outlander-inspired package, offering guests a choice of either a private or self-guided tour around Outlander film locations throughout
Edinburgh and central Scotland.

In addition, the package includes a luxury gift box full of Outlander related goodies.

The exclusive guided tour package features a one-day private driving tour of five filming
locations with an expert guide. Guests can choose from one of three tours; the West Lothian tour which includes visits to Midhope Castle (Jamie Fraser’s family home) and Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison), the Stirlingshire and Perthshire tour which includes visits to Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) and Callendar House (Duke of Sandringham’s house), and the Fife tour which includes visits to Aberdour Castle (Sainte Anne de Beaupre’s Monastery) and Falkland (1940s Inverness).

Also included in the package is a luxury Outlander-inspired gift box which will be awaiting guests on arrival. The box includes a detailed map and guide from Visit Scotland on the Outlander filming locations, an itinerary for a self-guided Outlander tour in Edinburgh, a book of illustrations of the Scottish Outlander filming locations, a Jacobite inspired welcome drink on arrival and a voucher for an exclusive, private show round at Edinburgh Outlander retailer The Knight’s Vault (must be pre-booked) where guests will be able to get their hands’ on a replica of Jamie Fraser’s sword and dirk. This one-off opportunity lets guests see and hear about weaponry how it was made and used throughout Scottish history, in particular during the Jacobite period.

Guests who prefer to go it alone and do the self-guided Edinburgh tour will also enjoy the box of Outlander goodies. This option provides guests with an Edinburgh based list of recommendations of local Outlander film locations. The team at The Chester Residence are also on hand to recommend those locations within a short drive from the city centre such as Blackness Castle and Hopetoun House which featured in series one and two.

The Chester Residence, named ‘Best Five Star Hotel in Scotland’ in the trivago.co.uk awards 2017, is an exclusive collection of 23 five-star Georgian townhouse apartments in Edinburgh. Each apartment features the latest technology, designer furnishings and amenities. Since opening in 2006, The Chester Residence has been awarded 25 accolades.

Megan Milliken, operations manager of The Chester Residence, says: “Due to guest demand, we’ve developed this luxury package to bring something extra special for Outlander fans.

“With so many beautiful historical sights and castles right on our doorstep, we’re encouraging guests to go out and explore Scotland while learning everything they need to know from our expert Outlander guide!”

Prices start at £180 per night based on a deluxe one or two bedroom apartment, including the self-guided tour itinerary and Outlander-inspired gift box. The private, guided tour is bookable separately and in advance, and is available for a maximum of 4 people.

For further information CLICK HERE

Hibs’ international midfielder ‘Super’ John McGinn didn’t hold back with his comments after Friday’s derby victory at Easter Road.

All week the talk had been of Craig Levein’s statement about the ‘natural order’ of Edinburgh derbies ending in favour of Hearts, and whilst Neil Lennon described it as ‘irrelevant’ McGinn was less forgiving.

Whilst he conceded that the history books showed Hearts to have won the fixture more times that Hibs, McGinn insisted the ‘natural order’ for years to come will be Hibs’ victories if they can keep producing performances like that.

Hibs currently sit in fourth place, 12 points in front of their neighbours with a game in hand and it is inconceivable that they will not finish the season as the capital’s top club.

McGinn, like Lennon is not satisfied with that and both are looking to overtake Aberdeen and Rangers before the end of the campaign.

In addition, unless Motherwell or Kilmarnock win the Scottish Cup, there will be European football at Easter Road next season.

After the game McGinn told Luke Shanley of Sky TV: “Yes it did. I think if you bring the stats out Hearts have had more victories than Hibs in the Edinburgh derbies but we are not 80 or 90 and we’ve managed to change something in Edinburgh.

“In the past few seasons,  since I’ve been here,  we have only lost one and we have proved tonight what the natural order is and for years to come it’s going to follow that way if we keep putting in performances like that.

“I think you can see that the club is only going one way and Hearts better watch out because we are coming.

“There is no reason why we can’t push for second place. We had a great January window. We brought in strikers to give us a bit of a clinical edge in the final third

“Jamie (MacLaren) scored a great goal and Florian (Kamberi) has been banging them in so there is no reason if we play like we did tonight and in the last few games we can’t challenge and we can only try our best.

Elite League: Edinburgh Capitals 5, Fife Flyers 8; Braehead Clan 3, Manchester Storm 3 (after overtime); Dundee Stars 9, Milton Keynes Lightning 4

Chase Schaber and Shayne Stockton both netted doubles as Fife Flyers skated to an 8-5 victory at bottom club Edinburgh Capitals.

Carlo Finucci was also influential with a goal and three assists and Jim Jorgensen claimed three assists in the comfortable win.

Fife won the first two periods 3-1 but lost the third to battling Capitals 3-2. Dylan Anderson was the home side’s top marksman with two goals.

Elsewhere, Luke Moffatt claimed the game winner near the end of overtime as Manchester Storm edged Braehead Clan 3-2.

Dane Byers opened the scoring for Storm after nine minutes and Michal Gutwald levelled six minutes later.

Linden Springer put Storm ahead again after 35 minutes only for Robert Lepine to level seven minutes later.

That set up a tense final period but Moffatt unassisted earned the points for Ryan Finnerty’s men with 4min 41sec of the five-minute overtime period having elapsed.

Play-off chasing Dundee Stars bounced back after a home defeat on Saturday to beat Milton Keynes Lightning 9-4 at The Dundee Ice Arena.

Coach Oman Pacha demanded a top performance and they delivered in style outshooting Milton Keynes Lightning 19-33.

This was despite suffering an early shock against the second-bottom English side.

Home fans were stunned when Milton Keynes took a 2-0 lead at the end of the first session.

But Lukas Lundvald Nielsen and Marc-Olivier Mimar both hit doubles as the battling Tayside team earned two vital points by winning the second period 6-1 and the third 3-1.

A 68-year-old woman was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries after a collision with a double-decker East Coast bus on Melville Crescent at the roundabout, near the Robert Dundas statue around 7pm on Friday.

Sergeant Kos Papakyriakou of Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit said: “The woman is currently described as being in a critical condition and we continue to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.

“As part of this, we’d ask anyone who witnessed this or who has any information which may be relevant to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3653 of March 9.

A police investigation is underway after a 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on a path near Eliburn North Roundabout in Livingston around 4.45am this morning..

The suspect ‎is described as white, in his mid-20s, of medium build, around 5ft 10in and with dark brown hair and stubble. He was  wearing a dark blue or black jumper and dark jeans.

Detective sergeant David Macmillan, of Livingston CID, said: “A thorough investigation into this incident is currently underway and we continue to support the woman at this very distressing time.

“I’d urge anyone who was in the area around 4.45am, anyone who recognises this man’s description or who has information which may be relevant to contact us immediately.”

‎Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0890 of March 11, or can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

On-loan striker Jamie MacLaren was delighted to send the Hibs’ fans happy on Friday night.

With the score 1-0 to Hibs, MacLaren, whose grandfather is a dedicated Hearts fan, produced a moment of skill which will live long in the memories of the supporters.

Surrounded by defenders, the Australian twisted and turned before firing the ball into the bottom corner of the net,  sparking wild scenes at a packed Easter Road.

Earlier his powerful shot was tipped onto the bar by the Hearts’ keeper otherwise the scoreline could have been much greater.

After the game MacLaren who is hoping his form can win a place in the Socceroos World Cup squad said: “It’s hard to put into words. I thought in the first half we wee a bit patient but in the second half we came out as we did against Aberdeen. We were clinical and if my shot had went in it could have been more.

“Scotty (Allan) had a great finish then I thought I was a but unlucky as the keeper made a great save. With my finish I knew where to put it and it was great to celebrate in front of the Hibs fans. Its some feeling when the ball hits the back of the net and you hear 20,000 fans up and roaring and the boys jumping on top of me and screaming.

“It was a great moment and I’m sure the fans in green will have gone home happy.

“The boys at the back were in top form and to get a clean sheet, you can’t ask for anything more.

“I’ve got to stay patient an confident but I know I will always score goals. If I’m playing form the start I will always create chances.

“I felt like we worked hard as a team together. We are on a roll at the moment and looking forward to the next game. It breads confidence and that what has happened. we know what we have to do to get into the top three and we are so close we can smell it.

“Sunshine on Leith at the end was amazing and it was extra sweet to send the fans home happy. They deserve it because they get behind us.