Police are appealing for witnesses after a 15-year-old boy was assaulted around 8.40pm last night in Stenhouse Street West.

The teenager was walking on a pathway to the rear of a block of flats, when he was approached by a group of unknown males.

One man approached the boy, threatening him and then assaulting him with a knife.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and officers are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Grainger from Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigation Department said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a boy who was minding his own business as he walked home.

“Fortunately the victim did not require medical treatment but has understandably been left very shaken.

“There were reported to have been around 10 male youths in the Stenhouse Street West area at the time, one of whom then approached the boy and carried out this cowardly attack.

“I would ask anyone who with information that can assist with our inquiries to contact officers immediately.”

Inspector Scott Richardson from Wester Hailes Police Station said: “Officers will be undertaking extra high-visibility patrols in the Stenhouse and Saughton areas to speak with residents, gather information, and offer local reassurance to the community.

“We would urge anyone who was in the vicinity of this attack, and saw anything suspicious, or who knows who is responsible, to come forward and get in touch with us immediately.”

Contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3640 of Thursday 15th February, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Here is the latest list of roadworks around the city to help you plan your journeys.

If you find any others not on the list then do let us know or tweet to EdinTravel

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Neil Lennon is looking forward to tomorrow’s against Aberdeen in front of what could be a sell-out crowd at Easter Road.

The Head Coach however is anticipating another tough test against the Dons who sit second in the table.

Speaking at his press conference on Thursday, Neil said: “It’s fantastic that it’s near enough a sell-out which is brilliant for the club and shows how much progress the team has made.

“We’re coming off the back of a fantastic win at Ibrox and we’re playing against a team who are in great form, scoring a lot of goals and who have probably given us our biggest test of the season outside of the old firm.

“It’s not ideal to be out of the cup but with the run of injuries that we’ve had it’s been beneficial in terms of getting some players back fit and into training. It’s been a good week and I’m looking forward to the match.

“It’s a real tough game but a great game to look forward to. We’d like to make inroads on second and third place and this is a game that will have a bearing on that.”

Not having a fixture last weekend has also afforded the club’s new signings some additional time to bed into the first-team squad and Lennon was full of praise for his latest recruits.

He added: “I’m delighted, really delighted. Kamberi has been a big plus, Jamie is really starting to find his feet now and Scott Allan had a fantastic second debut at Ibrox.

“Rherras is starting to get up to speed as well and Cammy Bell has come in who’s a very experienced goalkeeper so I’m really pleased with the quality and experience that we added in January.”

As part of the City Centre West to East Cycle Link (CCWEL) changes will be made to the design of Randolph Place at the West End.

You can have your say on what it might look like at a drop-in session on Tuesday 20 February 2018 from 1pm to 7pm at Harry’s Bar 7B Randolph Place.

There are three options for the redesign which will be presented at the session, and the CCWEL team will be there to listen to people’s feedback on the options.

Hibs’ fans will hold a minute’s applause tomorrow ahead of the match against Aberdeen in memory of former player Liam Miller who sadly died aged 36 from pancreatic cancer earlier this month.

The Hibernian players will wear black armbands and in the match programme you will be able to read an article from former team-mate Danny Galbraith.

Both side of the Edinburgh divide paid tribute to the Republic of Ireland international on social media with threads on both Hibs.Net and Jambo Kickback.

Tributes poured in from football fans of all persuations  along with numerous former team mates including his friend Tam McManus who tweeted: “I’m afraid it is true that Liam Miller has sadly passed away today. Thoughts are with all his family and friends at this horrendous time. So sad.”

He described Miller as “a wonderfully talented player but more importantly a lovely, humble person who never changed despite the wealth and success”.

Liam grew up in Ovens, a village in County Cork where he played Gaelic football but his real passion was soccer.

He began his career at Celtic and made 26 appearances for Martin O’Neill’s side before joining Manchester United in 2004.

After struggling for regular first-team football he moved two years later to Sunderland for whom he played 57 times in three years before a two-year stint at Hibernian under John Hughes.

Liam actually played more games for Hibs than any other club during his career.

He later played in Australia for Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City before returning to Ireland to play for his hometown club Cork City in 2015.

He also played 21 times for the Republic of Ireland, scoring once.

Miller, who played for Celtic, Manchester United, Sunderland and Hibernian during a senior career spanning 16 years from 2000, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2017.

Scottish football legend Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I am very sad to hear that Liam has died.”He was a good professional, who served our club in an excellent manner. He was a quiet, unassuming young man and was popular with everyone at Carrington.

“On behalf of all my staff who worked with Liam at the time, we send our deepest sympathy to his family”

Liam’s funeral took place at the Church of John the Baptist in Ovens on Monday 12 February 2018 and was attended by many former team mates and managers including Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.

Councillor Maureen Child is a Labour councillor who represents Portobello/Craigmillar ward in the city. Here she rounds up her week from her postbag.

Dear All

I love reading all daily news on social media from all our our local primary and secondary schools. They all have Twitter accounts, which they use to great effect.  There’s lots of great learning and teaching going on, every day in every single one of them!

Towerbank Primary School also have a newsletter, which is well worth reading to find out about the highlights of their week, mostly written up by the children themselves. It’s fantastic to see the fruits of their links to Tanzanian School through the fabulous Portobello-born, inspiring Twende Pamoja Trust.  More about Towerbanks’s highlights here:

https://towerbankprimary.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/newsletter-9th-feb-18.pdf

If you are having persistent problems with refuse collection in your street, we would all like to get a solution. It’s not in the Council’s interest to keep on having to come back, any more than it is your interest!  Brunstane Gardens residents recently came to me with their refuse collection problems and I arranged for a senior manager and the team to meet up with them on site.

They are in a cul-de-sac off Brunstane Road so access is tricky and waiting on the Road at a peak commuting period is not a good thing to be doing either.  The result of their all putting heads together is that they are now served by a smaller vehicle, on a different round, and the collections have all been going smoothly for the last three weeks and that is set to continue.  I really do want to know about seemingly intractable refuse collection problems, like this one, so we can find sustainable solutions.

Unusually, I have declared a view on a local planning application ahead of Committee, which enables me to speak up and campaign before the application comes up for determination by other Councillors.  I joined the ‘Save the George Campaign’ when the previous proposal to demolish it came up.  That application was rightly refused by planning officers under delegated authority.

The latest planning application for the former cinema, then Bingo Hall, at 14 Bath Street is to retain the facade but turn the rest of the building into 20 flats. It comes to Committee with an officer recommendation to grant planning permission next Wednesday morning. As in the vast majority of local matters, all four Portobello/Craigmillar Councillors aka ‘Team P/C’ will be saying our concerted piece against the proposal on Wednesday, alongside the other objectors.

The building is only an eyesore now because it has been neglected by its owners.  It is Category C Listed, Art Deco, well worthy of refurbishment and retention and it could have further life as a community resource, already discussed with ready and willing partners, including Out of the Blue. There are plenty of grants that would enable this to happen, once the planning situation is clarified. Report link here.  It’s Item 6 on that Agenda: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/56169/version_2_full_meeting_papers_-_development_management_sub-committee_of_the_planning_committee_-_21-02-18

The North East Locality Committee, consisting (for the present) just of all 15 Local Councillors across four Council Wards, meets for the first time on Monday at 10am in the Dean of Guild Court Room, City Chambers.  You are welcome to attend or to watch live on the internet.  It’s archived for repeated viewing too. What prime viewing!

The papers are here:http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4333/north_east_locality_committee.

This is another step in Edinburgh, as a whole City, meeting the recommendations of the Christie Commission and the requirements of the Community Empowerment Act.

We are there to lead that process and ensure that all the Community Planning Partners work together as teams to tackle the ‘wicked’ issues and problems that can only be solved effectively, efficiently and sustainably by working together cooperatively. NHS Lothian, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and lots of other agencies and groups have all made their own firm commitments to make this emerging closer partnership work.  We are all keen to work closely with citizens, families, neighbourhoods and communities to make sure people’s lives and the places they live improve – albeit with diminishing financial resources. Quite a challenging task, so we will need your help!

At Brunstane Road South there are still a few objections to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), the tortuous legal process that has to be undertaken before parking restrictions of any kind can be put in place and enforced.  These objections must either be withdrawn or a report goes to Committee to overturn them. Council officers had thought that by amending the TRO, they could restart the process, but they have been advised that by law they have to continue with the original TRO. I am pressing for letters to go out to the objectors and that this process be moved on as a matter of urgency. Inconsiderate parking outside Brunstane Station will cause an accident and this has TRO has been dragging on far too long, seemingly interminably.

There have been a number of vehicle accidents on the road at Eastfield; the latest an injury accident to the driver of the crashed car on 2 February. Not all those accidents get reported to Police and recorded by them.  This time, it appears three resident family cars were written off, yet again, and local people fear there will be a fatality one day.

There appears to be some consensus among Eastfield residents that the traffic island to the east of the junction with Coillesdene Avenue is unnecessary. That island, combined with the camber of the road – and drivers going far too fast for the road conditions, of course – is the root of the problem.  I am having discussions with Police Scotland and the local roads authority to see what should be done to make accidents here far less likely.

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World Community Arts Day 2018 is being launched at Craigmillar Library, 17 February  2-4 pm.  All welcome.

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Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) are bringing a Mini Zoo to Craigmillar Country Park on Sunday 25 February 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Animal Man’s Mini Zoo will have a selection of weird wonderful and cuddly animals for you to see and maybe handle, if you dare. Contact Ben at ELGT on 0131 445 4025 or e-mail ben@elgt.co.uk. Next month it’s Owl Magic!

There have been a number of recent incidents locally on motor bikes, vandalism, a serious assault, theft, robbery.  Police Scotland is the first port of call, of course, contacted by ringing 999 for the response team, as an incident is ongoing, or 101 to contact the community beat officers with your information. The police always need our help as responsible citizens in preventing and solving crime, so if you ever have any information that might help, do not hesitate to call them and tell what you know.

The local Police work very closely with Council and other services to keep people safe.  They have set up local consultation meeting where you can talk face to face about any concerns you have with the Community Officers, which the Council pay for.

Outside that time, do phone and make and an appointment.  Surgeries are: EC33 (Portobello) – To be held at the Portobello Library on the last Friday of every month @ 1300hrs. Next Portobello surgery 23/02/2018. EC34 + EC35 (Craigmillar) – To be held at The White House on the last Friday of every month @ 1500hrs. Next Craigmillar surgery the 23/02/2018.  Or e-mail www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/contact-us-form

There is an archaeological dig currently taking place at Fishwive’s Causeway and they will be holding an open day on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm, when you can go along hear about the work and talk to the archaeologists carrying out the dig. These are extensive archaeological excavations on the site of the old bottle works. AOC Archaeology are carrying out the investigations and will have staff on hand on Saturday to explain what’s they’re doing.

Help celebrate the fantastic success of our local basketball teams based at Portobello High School in this Evening News article and spread the word.  Brilliant season of sport!

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/basketball/round-up-kings-in-stunning-fightback-kats-purring-yet-again-1-4687747

I hope you have a great weekend, whatever you’re doing.  I have a few emails to reply to, and phone calls to catch up on, so will now get on those cases!

Kind regards

Maureen

maureen.child@edinburgh.gov.uk

Former Hibs’ manager Alex McLeish has been appointed as Scotland head coach.

He previously held the post  for less than a year and narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2008 European Championship.

McLeish had a long and distinguished playing career at Aberdeen, playing almost 700 games and winning 13 trophies including the European Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup.

He was also capped 77 times.

After retiring from playing, he managed Motherwell before replacing Jim Duffy at Hibs.

After relegation, he built arguably the most exciting Hibs’ side since the 70s with top class players such as Franck Sauzee and Russell Latapy and was unlucky not to have won the Scottish Cup in 2001, losing to Celtic in the final.

His performance at Hibs led to a move to Ibrox where he enjoyed success as Rangers manager.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to lead my country already and I am immensely proud to be in this position for a second time.

“With Hampden Park as one of the host venues for Euro 2020 we have an amazing opportunity to showcase our talents to the world from our own back yard.

“I am relishing the challenge of leading us to a major tournament and I cannot wait to get started.”

Scottish FA President Alan McRae was also delighted to have McLeish back in charge.

“Alex McLeish is a true Scotland legend and a natural leader who has enjoyed success at club level in Scotland and England and at international level,” he said.

“During the recruitment process he received resounding endorsements from several influential figures in the game which helped establish him as an outstanding choice from a strong list of possible candidates. ”

McLeish’s first games in charge will be the friendly against Costa Rica at Hampden Park on March 23.

Hibs’ long serving defender Lewis Stevenson has made a significant donation to charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Lewis celebrated his testimonial year in 2016-17, with a series of events including a testimonial dinner and a friendly match against Sunderland.

A number of charities have benefited from the proceeds, including £500 gift vouchers for the 23 charities linked to Leith Links, as well as the Bradley Lowery Foundation and Helping Hands.

CRY is the latest beneficiary, receiving a cheque for £40,000 in memory of David and Jenni Paul.

Since its formation in 1995 CRY has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD.

In 2014 Hibernian Academy player David Paul sadly passed away from at the age of 18, having suffered from ischaemic heart disease, a disease characterised by a reduced blood supply to the heart. David’s sister Jenni had passed away in similar circumstances in 2008, aged 16.

Lewis said: “I am pleased to be able to hand over the cheque to CRY in memory of Jenni and David Paul.

“David’s loss was very difficult for us all to deal with at the time – he was a bright and talented young man and we were all affected by his passing.

“Supporters showed great generosity at the testimonial events and they deserve the credit for the donation – without that support it wouldn’t have been possible.

“Hopefully the donation will help CRY with the valuable work they do.”

Gordon Paul, father to David and Jenni, said: “We are very grateful to Lewis for the generous contribution – it’s overwhelming and a touching tribute to David and Jenni.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to Lewis for his benevolence, which will ensure the continuation of the great work that CRY do to support families like ours.”

This natty little dresser has caused some excitement in our parish. Though I haven’t seen him myself, our visiting “firecrest” has been spotted by some of my fellow volunteers at our wildlife reserve at Duddingston, in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat.  He’s one of Britain’s smallest and most beautiful birds and normally is only seen in the south-east of England where there are a recorded 550 breeding pairs.

The orange crest on his head matches the yellow crest on the female of the species and, as you can imagine, they are part of the plumage you need if you go a-courting in the early spring.  Not that spring is in the air – in fact, it’s been mighty cold, even snowy, in the past few days.

We are wondering if our firecrest is just a stray from Europe – where there are lots of them apparently – or whether he’s the result of long-term global warming. The latest bird survey, published this week by Scottish Natural Heritage, shows that Scotland’s lowland and farmland birds are increasing in number – your goldfinches and whitethroats – but our upland birds are in decline – curlews, lapwings, dotterel, black grouse.  SNH says there’s no easy explanation, though a lot of it is to do with changing land-use.

The planet may be warming but Scotland, as I say, is cooling right now. The hills are blanketed in snow, high level roads have been blocked, strong winds have disrupted the ferry services.  Mountain rescue teams have been busy searching for missing climbers in Strathcarron and near Roy Bridge.   On Ben Nevis a hill-walker fell through a cornice into the notorious Observatory Gully. Warnings have gone out for avalanches in the Cairngorms, Glencoe and the Nevis range.

Down here in the cities, we’ve been more concerned with the state of our roads.  The latest figures from the local councils have revealed that spending on roads has fallen by 20 per cent over the last seven years.  154,310 potholes were reported in 2016, that’s four miles of continuous pothole, a far bumpier ride than on roads in England.

What appears to be happening is that the SNP Government is so intent on protecting the health service budget that everything else is having to be cut, including the local council budget which, the councils say, has fallen by 7.6 per cent in real terms since 2010.  There were further strains revealed this week when the Accounts Commission cast doubt on whether councils would have enough money to fulfill the government’s promise to double the hours of free childcare, to 30 hours a week, by 2020.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced more funding for early years apprenticeships at Cowgate Under 5s centre earlier this week.

Jeremy Corbyn, on his half-term visit to Scotland, accused the SNP of being content to merely “manage Tory austerity.”  And he called on the Scottish government to end “holiday hunger” by providing poor children with school meals during the holidays.

There was further bad news for the 260 workers at BiFab oil rig yards in Fife and in Lewis. They’ve been issued with redundancy notices after a contract to build a wind farm in the Cromarty Firth went wrong.  The Scottish government has already tried to save the yards but it now seems those efforts have failed. It’s a pity because BiFab was seen as a pioneering example of oil-related  companies switching to renewables and creating so-called “green jobs.”

We were all shocked when we learned this week that Scotland has not quite rid itself of the evils of slavery. Although the term was dropped from the original charge sheet, three men were found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of 20 charges, including subjecting eight vulnerable men to “servitude.”  The gang made them work for long hours with little or no pay and held them against their will in a gypsy camp, re-capturing them and assaulting them when they tried to escape.

We jumped back into the 21^st century when the latest celebrity couple, Prince Harry and his finance Megan, paid their first visit to Scotland.  They stood bravely by the One O’clock Gun as it was fired from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle and they went on to lunch at the “Social Bite”, a café raising funds for the homeless. Later they hosted a reception at Holyrood Palace for young people’s charities. Megan is quoted as telling one member of the crowd: “It’s so exciting (being in Scotland) but it’s so cold !”

Not so cold as at the Winter Olympics in South Korea.  Scotland’s interest has centred on the curling, with the Eve Muirhead’s women’s team losing to the novices from the USA but then restoring their morale with wins against Russia and China. Meanwhile Kyle Smith’s men’s team beat Japan and go on to face Sweden.  Our champion speed skater, Elise Christie, skidded out of the 500m – just as she did three times at the Sochi Games in 2014. But she’s now fighting back the tears to try again in the 1500m on Saturday and the 1000m on Tuesday.

I wonder why Scots always have to come through adversity to win anything ? Celtic Football Club have certainly done just that.  After a series of failures in the Europa League, they finally delivered a deserved win against the mighty Zenit St Petersburg in Glasgow on Thursday night.

And just hours earlier it emerged that Alex McLeish is to try again to take Scotland into the World Cup – 11 years after he was last Scotland manager.

The Seabird Centre at North Berwick has begun a collaboration with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to develop new Environmental Science coursework together. This coursework is linked to the Curriculum for Excellent and is suitable for Nat 5 candidates in Environmental science as well as Biology and Geography teachers.

The course focuses on assessing species distribution which is called ‘zonation’ down a rocky shoreline.

Project Director, Grace Martin, and Head of the Centre’s Marine Advisory Group and Principle Adviser for Marine at Scottish Natural Heritage, Professor John Baxter also contributed to the content.

Both teacher and pupil guides have been developed.

The teachers’ guide features details of mandatory course key areas as well as suggested learning activities, encouraging students to undertake their own research along the shoreline. There is a fieldwork guide, methodologies and information on further resources. The video content features Professor John Baxter who provides a step-by-step guide on how to undertake the practical research.

Andrew Grieveson, Education Officer at the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “Awareness about marine issues and conservation are now high on the agenda and we want to help teachers raise awareness of these issues, among their students, in a scientific way.

“The world’s seas and oceans are facing several growing threats such as plastic pollution and increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the latter of which also contributes to climate change. Combined, these issues pose a serious threat to life in the earth’s marine habitats. It is therefore vital that scientists monitor the distribution of species in our seas and observe the health of their ecosystems.”

Robert Quinn, Head of Qualifications at the Scottish Qualifications Authority, said: “This is a fantastic addition to the resources available to both teachers and learners undertaking the National 5 Environmental Science course. In particular, these materials will encourage learners to research the shoreline as a potential context for their assignment.”

For further information CLICK HERE.

The Scottish Seabird Centre is currently developing further coursework ideas to offer teachers a range of options for students wishing to carry out marine fieldwork.

Two students from Edinburgh’s Napier University are celebrating the global success of an awareness  campaign based on a concept they developed.

Gemma McTaggart and Lottie Grant, both 24, developed the idea for the charitable campaign while on a placement with award-winning creative agency, PUNK.

The campaign aims to highlight awareness and support Scottish charity Worldwide Cancer Research by having members of the public flip their selfies and social media pages upside down (literally) to mark World Cancer Day.  Newspapers also got involved, flipping their front pages in eye-catching displays.

Celtic defender Alan Stubbs and broadcaster Grant Stott have joined the host of people showing support.

Grant Stott said: “I know only too well how devastating cancer can be.  In the last year alone I lost my sister in law to it and have two very close friends who have been diagnosed and told there is no cure.  Cancer research is so vital.  We need to know as much as we can about the disease to develop treatments that help people beat it.”

Gemma and Lottie’s innovative upside down thinking has significantly increased support for the charity and the pioneering work it funds and develops.

Gemma commented: ”We wanted an idea that was inclusive, that everyone could easily get behind and would encourage others to join in. The results have been amazing. I am so proud to be part of making a difference for Worldwide Cancer Research.”

”Jane and Paul from PUNK have been so helpful, patient and welcoming.  I am so grateful to them for all of their support and for this unique opportunity which has been invaluable.”

Lottie added: ”We learnt that there’s power in simplicity and we pared our idea right down to its essence – which was the small thought that gained such traction over the past few days. I loved seeing the campaign grow out in the wild and I hope it’s raised the awareness Worldwide Cancer Research so deserves.”

Worldwide Cancer Research funded 107 cancer research projects in 17 different countries last year, and has committed £4 million towards funding a further 20 projects in 2018. Their aim is to prevent cancer from cutting lives short.

Laura McLachlan, Director of Marketing and Communications at Worldwide Cancer Research, said: “As a charity, Worldwide Cancer Research likes to do things differently – which is why the Lives Turned Upside Down concept instantly struck a chord with us. We want our campaigns to ask questions, make people think and understand the importance of, not only the research we fund, but the way we fund – supporting projects all over the world. ”

“The support has been phenomenal, not just in Scotland, but also further afield, and for that we are truly grateful to PUNK, Gemma and Lottie – their talent is exceptional and we’re really looking forward to seeing where their careers take them!”

Worldwide Cancer Research is the only UK charity, based in St Andrews, Fife, funding research into cancer worldwide. It has invested over £180 million in research grants across 34 different countries.

Chinese New Year begins today. This is the Year of the Dog and celebrations will last for 15 day.

Tonight at St Cuthbert’s you can learn about the world’s first Chinese Scotsman in a lecture by Barclay Price. Tickets here.

Next Thursday 22 February there is the 2018 Edinburgh Official Chinese New Year Concert at the Usher Hall steed by the Asian Association of Culture Commerce and Education in Europe. Tickets here.

And on Monday 26 February there is a celebration of Chinese New Year at the Scottish Confucius Institute at Heriot-Watt University. Tickets here.

On 20 February 2018 at the Usher Hall you can join in the Chinese New Year Spectactular – China’s Sounds of the Silk Road. Tickets here.

The food delivery service Just Eat has told us its five most popular Chinese takeaways.

So now you can begin the Year of the Dog by getting a flavour of the Far East delivered to you.

Just Eat,  a marketplace for online food delivery, today reveals that Gy Chinese on Roseneath Place leads the pack with the highest rating. ‘Peking’ through in second place is Taste of China on Gilmore Place, closely followed by Midlothian’s Eating Plus in third.

Just Eat can also reveal that the busiest time for delivery orders in Edinburgh is Saturday night at 6pm, and the areas in Edinburgh where takeaway is most popular are Dalry and Gorgie.  

Edinburgh’s Top 5 Highest Rated Chinese Restaurants are:

1. Gy Chinese Cuisine, Roseneath Place – Order Here
2. Taste of China, Gilmore Place – Order Here
3. Eating Plus, Spring Gardens, Midlothian – Order Here
4. Taste Good Oriental Cuisine, Slateford Road – Order Here
5. So Good Chinese & Thai Takeaway, Dundee Terrace – Order Here

To order from any of Edinburgh’s favourite Chinese restaurants, download the Just Eat app today or go to www.just-eat.co.uk

A campaign to help Edinburgh’s homeless rough sleepers stay warm on cold winter nights has raised enough cash to buy more than 50 four-season sleeping bags.

GameChanger – the public social partnership involving Hibernian FC, Hibernian Community Foundation and NHS Lothian – ran the campaign in conjunction with Network Rail as part of Edinburgh Cheer, set up to make the Capital the kindest capital city in Europe at Christmas.

The sleeping bags, provided at cost price by manufacturer Vango, will be distributed by a number of charities who work on the streets.

Ben Foster scored a treble and Christian Isackson a double as Milton Keynes Lightning shot down bottom club Edinburgh Capitals 8-2 in Buckinghamshire.

Kevin King was also heavily involved with a goal and three assists in the runaway win in which the home side fired 56 shots on Capitals with only 23 in reply.

Ainars Podzins and Igor Valeyev netted Capitals consolation goals and the sides were level at 2-2 after the first period.

Indeed, Capitals led 2-1 until the 15th minute but Lightning then hit six goals without reply.

Capitals have now only won four of 43 matches and are cast adrift at the bottom of the 12-strong league.

A police investigation is under way after a 26-year-old male dog walker was slashed in the face at the Jack Kane Centre at Hunters Hall Park in Niddrie, at 7.10pm on Sunday.

The dog walker was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after the attack

Constable Peter Gilzean said: “This was a violent attack which has left the victim badly shaken. It could also result in in the victim being permanently disfigured.”

Officers believe the attacker was around 6ft and was wearing a dark parka-style jacket and dark grey tracksuit bottoms.

He added: “We are eager to trace the man responsible for this attack as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101.

Former Murrayfield Racers star Jim Lynch is the guest of honour at Friday’s (7.30pm) Elite League clash between Braehead Clan and Fife Flyers.

This is to celebrate 20 years since Lynch coached the Scottish Eagles to the Superleague Grand Slam of the league, play-offs, Benson & Hedges Cup and Express Cup.

Lynch, now 64, played for the Fife Flyers, Murrayfield Racers, Solihull Barons and Humberside Seahawks before moving into coaching with Murrayfield, Fife, Dumfries Border Vikings, Ayr Scottish Eagles and finally the Paisley Pirates.

Gareth Chalmers, Clan’s hockey and operations director, said: “We are two totally separate organisations, but what the Scottish Eagles achieved in that Grand Slam season was remarkable and hasn’t been repeated by a Scottish team since.

“We reached out to Jim and invited him along to the game against one of his former teams in the Fife Flyers.

“I’m sure he’ll get a warm welcome to Braehead Arena from the Purple Army (Clan’s fans) and visiting Fife Flyers supporters.”

Meanwhile, John Tripp urged his injury-hit Braehead Clan side not to slip-up in back-to-back home games.

The Glasgow combine entertain Fife Flyers tonight (FRI, 7.30pm) and Coventry Blaze on Saturday (7pm).

And, with only ten games left in the regular season Tripp is desperate to make a final play-off push by claiming a place in the top eight.

Clan come into the game against Flyers on the back to two wins over play-off rivals Dundee Stars.

And he said: “It was very important to get the two wins and four points last weekend against Dundee.

“We’ve got an opportunity with two home games coming up to really push on and further cement our place in eighth.

“With the injuries to (Michal) Gutwald, (Craig) Peacock, (Tyler) Scofield and (Tyler) Shattock we’re really up against it and it’s going to be tough.

“This is a time we have to be mentally strong, stick together as a team and work hard for each other.”

The Grey Horse promised something different with a new all day menu. Well, they have lived up to the promise. The varied selection has enough to satisfy even the most hungry diner, and the atmosphere in the cosy pub complements the food.

We popped in for lunch which is served Tuesday to Saturday (Sunday is a day for a roast dinner) and there were seven starters. The haggis scotch egg with coronation dressing looked different and it was, particularly with the smooth sauce which contained a hint of curry, proving an ideal starter.

The soup of the day was cream of mushroom which came home-made ciabatta bread with a hint of garlic. Butter was provided but there was no need as the bread was packed with flavour and was wonderfully moist. The subtle taste of the ingredients in the soup were allowed to flourish.

There were also seven mains. The GH burger with cheese, bacon, secret sauce and skinny chips proved five-star.

The house pie of the moment (it was steak) was a whopping portion covered by a light pastry and filled to the brim with an aromatic sauce and meat which fell apart at the touch of a fork. It arrived with smoked mash and buttered greens. Ideal.

The fish special was sea bass which arrived on an attractive bed of green beans and mash with a delicate pesto sauce which provided an interesting foil for the delicate tasting fish.

Most of us were full but one could not resist the sticky toffee date pudding with a wonderfully rich salted caramel sauce and clotted cream ice cream. It was a triumph in taste and texture so we all had a taste. Everybody loved it.

Service was slick and the attraction of real ales from the award-winning public bar ticked another box. The word is now out, particularly about the pudding.

A 54-year-old man has been charged in connection with a serious assault which took place around 7.50pm on Saturday 3 February near to the Phoenix Bar on Broughton Street.

A 51-year-old man sustained serious facial injuries which required hospital treatment.

Officers would like to thank the public for their assistance with this investigation.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Farrpoint the IT and infrastructure company founded in Edinburgh over 10 years ago has opened a new office in Manchester.

With this new outlet they predict that the firm’s turnover will grow by 50% by the end of March 2018, so they have added 15 new employees to their staff in the last year. They have also appointed two new consultants to represent Farrpoint in the North of England.

Dr Andrew Muir, co-founder and Director of FarrPoint said: “Our new office in Manchester.  will be our base in the North of England as we continue to grow and work on new projects in this area. The region is a hot bed for technology startups and SMEs, with hubs in both Manchester and Newcastle growing at a speed that rivals those based in Edinburgh and London. With our experience of working in tech hubs such as Edinburgh, our skill set and expertise will benefit growing businesses in the North of England. There is also a great deal of opportunity for FarrPoint in the public sector space in the area, with the ongoing city deals and LFFN (Local Full Fibre Networks) programme.”
 
Muir continued: “Following on from opening our office in London last year, and thanks to our recent growth, we have created two new roles and have plans to take on further staff as we continue to pick up business and projects south of the border. We have already successfully completed a diverse range of projects in the North of England, working with both local authorities and private companies. Our physical presence in Manchester will help us to build on this. As villages, towns and cities across the UK become smarter and technology continues its reach into every business, there becomes a growing demand for our independent advice on tech investment, procurement and deployment, for which we have a proven track record.”

Photo by Alex Hewitt Photography

Visitors to the National Museum of Scotland this week can enjoy a variety of animal-themed activities inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Wild Things February Half Term is a week of activities at the National Museum of Scotland supported by funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, including Gallery Safaris, Selfie Safari Trails and Meet the Expert sessions which will encourage children to explore the galleries and make new discoveries.

Wild Things February Half Term runs until Friday 16 February 2018.

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

Specsavers staff across the city have now completed their training with the National Autistic Society to help them better support any customers with autism.

The company aims to educate their staff about the condition which will allow them to treat their customers and carers with greater understanding. The staff will also know how the environment in their stores might affect someone with autism, and particularly how to best communicate with them.

Craig Daker, store director at Specsavers Gyle Centre, says: ‘Autism affects more than one in 100 people¹ and as our store is such a big part of the community, it is vital that we are able to communicate and support someone with the condition in the most effective way possible.

‘Many members of the team have already completed the different learning modules. We are very proud to be involved in support The National Autistic Society and we hope this training will help make the optical experience easier for people who are living with the condition.’

Joe Alubaid, operations manager at Specsavers Morningside, says: ‘The training opened my eyes to the challenges autistic people and their carer’s experience and we are introducing modifications for the patient journey to help with this.

‘There are many different forms of autism, and by gaining a greater understanding of our client’s needs we can make the experience more enjoyable and stress free.’

The National Autistic Society’s business development manager, Sharlene Wright, says: ‘This has been a great opportunity for us to increase awareness of autism in partnership with an organisation that is proactively seeking to enable autistic people to have a positive experience in its stores. It has been an inspiring collaboration and The National Autistic Society welcomes the open attitudes and minds with which Specsavers is seeking to enhance the lives of people on the autism spectrum.’

Staff members at Specsavers in Cameron Toll, Corstorphine, Gyle, Leith, Morningside, Musselburgh, Shandwick Place and Fort Kinnaird have now completed the training.

Police Scotland is today (15th February 2018) launching a hard-hitting campaign to reduce and prevent rape and sexual offending.

The ‘We can stop it’ campaign, which will involve advertising and social media, is targeted at men between 18 and 35 and will raise awareness about the fact that sex without consent is rape.

Assistant Chief Constable Gillian MacDonald said, “In 2018 in Scotland sadly there are men who think it is OK to have sex with someone who is sleeping or suffering from the effects of alcohol or drugs.

“We are receiving frequent reports with at least 20% of all rapes reported to Police Scotland committed in such a way.

“Investigations carried out by Police Scotland shows that men aged between 18 -35 years are more likely to be responsible and we want to send a strong message to them that sex without consent is rape, and if the person is unable to give consent to sexual activity, for whatever reason, it is rape.”

The campaign, which involves social media messaging using the hashtag #GetConsent on Twitter, advertising on broadcast media and in washrooms within clubs, bars and pubs, will be supported by a range of partner organisations.

ACC MacDonald added, “Tackling rape is a priority for Police Scotland. We are acutely aware that sexual crime is under reported, the reasons for this can be complex, however the only person responsible for such offences is the perpetrator.

“Police Scotland remains absolutely committed to working closely with partners, especially third sector support and advocacy services, to encourage survivors of rape and sexual crime to report.”

Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, added, “The law is clear – if you have sex with someone who is sleeping or so drunk they can’t consent, it’s rape. It is crucial that people are aware of this.”

Click this link to access the WeCanStopIt website.

Edinburgh Leisure is offering new adult tennis courses at the Meadows from 19.00-20.00 hours, every Tuesday evening, starting from 6 March 2018, running weekly until 27 March. Each session costs £7.60 or £5.70 with a Discount Card or £4.50 for concessions.

Two different levels are available:  Intermediates – a session for those who have played before and enjoy tactical drills and match play and Improvers – for those who can rally and serve and are looking to improve their technique and tactical play

There is also a beginners’ Wednesday night four-week course for those who are new to tennis and would like to take up the game, which also takes place from 19.00-20.00 hours.  Rackets are provided if required.

This course starts Wednesday, 7 March to 28 March and costs £30.40 /£22.80 with an Edinburgh Leisure Discount card and £18.00 for concessions.

Bookings can be made in advance by contacting Craiglockhart Tennis Centre on 0131 443 0101.

D&G AUTOCARE IS FIRST IN UK TO SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCH AN INNOVATIVE, EASY TO USE VEHICLE MANAGEMENT APP

D&G Autocare, Scotland’s leading independent garage group, with fifteen locations across Fife, Tayside, the Lothians and the Central Belt, including a garage at Stevenson Road, Murrayfield, has claimed a UK industry first with the launch of an innovative vehicle management app.

The new app, which took around two months to plan, develop, test and bring to market, was created in house by D&G Autocare’s online and mobile marketing team, based at its Headquarters in Kirkcaldy. It represents a technological investment of £10,000 for D&G, which was voted “Best Scottish Group” in 2016-17 by customers of www.whocanfixmycar.com, one of the country’s leading autocare search websites.

Those downloading the easy to use app, which is completely free, and covers both android and i phones, can now take advantage of a host of motorist benefits, including receiving timely reminders for their vehicle’s MOT and servicing. They can use the app to book their cars into a D&G garage of their choice, also being given the directions to the garage through the app. And they can check the service and insurance history of any car before deciding whether or not to purchase it.

Commenting on the launch of the new app, Pete Wood, D&G’s Director of Operations said: “We are excited to launch this new innovation to the Autocare Industry, having worked extremely hard to a number of deadlines to ensure that we are the very first garage group to achieve this in the UK. It’s always fantastic to be first, as the technology is moving at a very fast pace.”

As he explained, the app’s development was brought about by changes in marketing trends, as well as new legislation brought about by the DVLA and DVSA.

“Apps are becoming more and more popular with busy consumers, and are in many ways revolutionising how we are selecting and booking products and services we need,” he said. “Several other significant developments in the motoring sector, such as the removal of tax discs from windscreens, and MOT certificates and information on a vehicle’s history being stored electronically, made us think that an easy to use, vehicle management tool, controlled through your phone, could help our customers.”

“It’s a hugely positive development that anyone can now check a car online to see whether or not it is taxed, has an MOT and is insured,” said Pete Wood. “This will save motorists money when they come to buy a used car, as well as ensure less unsafe cars are on the roads.”

Mr Wood added, that in D&G ‘s experience, many of their customers had told them that they had unwittingly allowed their car tax to expire, with no paper tax disc reminder on their windscreens.

“The issue of car tax renewal has become increasingly problematic for busy motorists,” he said, “and our simple but effective app takes the uncertainty away, acting as a handy reminder that the tax is due. Using it to log when MOT’s and servicing is due cuts down on paper reminders in the post, along with unwanted texts and emails. It’s a one point of contact tool.”

The D&G Autocare App is free to download from the company’s website at www.dandgautocare.co.uk, plus through Google play and iTunes. Once a customer has the app they will get automatic reminders a week before their tax, MOT or car insurance is due to expire.

Multi award winning D&G Autocare is continuing to look at further expansion across the central belt. In 2014 it launched a garage in East Kilbride, it’s furthest west to date, but also established itself in Tayside with a garage at Taygate Trading Centre in Dundee in 2017 and added their newest garage, to date, at Etna Trade Centre in Falkirk, the same year. It’s first Dunfermline garage, at Rumblingwell, has recently relocated to larger premises just down the road at Balridgeburn.

D&G continues to operate an apprenticeship scheme for both trainee mechanics and administration staff, with eight young apprentices across the group.

D&G Autocare is an independent garage group with 15 garages across Central Scotland, from East Kilbride in the West across Stirling, Perth and Dundee to Fife and the Lothians. The company, employing a total of 105 people, covers all servicing requirements from MOTS, tyres, exhausts and brakes, to suspension & clutches, and can replace all car parts. It can also supply tyres and wheels and has DVSA Authorised Testing Facilities (up to Class 7 Light Commercial Vehicles) in its branches. Company cars, fleet and lease vehicles are all welcome.

www.dandgautocare.co.uk

Under 500 tickets are available for Hibs home game against Aberdeen on Saturday with no matchday sales planned.

The club have advised supporters to purchase their tickets in advance of the game.

Ticket availability is now in the South Stand only, with the East, West and Famous Five Stands selling out earlier this week.

Neil Lennon’s men go into the game in fine form having beaten Motherwell at Easter Road then Rangers at Ibrox after going out of the Scottish Cup last month.

Hibs currently sit fourth in the table, eight points behind the Dons who are second.

Tickets for the game are priced at £22 for adults and £12 for concessions (0-17 years, 65 or over, students with a valid student matriculation card – proof must be shown for all concession tickets)

Supporters can purchase online, calling 0844 844 1875 and selecting option 1, or visiting in-person during opening hours.

Jonathan Church Productions and Headlong present The National Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre production of

THIS HOUSE

Directed by Jeremy Herrin |Festival Theatre|27 – 31 March 2018

1974. The UK faces economic crisis and a hung parliament.

In a culture hostile to cooperation, it’s a period when votes are won or lost by one, when there are fist fights in the bars and when sick MPs are carried through the lobby to register their vote. It’s a time when a staggering number of politicians die, and the building creaks under idiosyncrasies and arcane traditions.

Set in the engine rooms of Westminster, This House strips politics down to the practical realities of those behind the scenes; the whips who roll up their sleeves and on occasion bend the rules to shepherd and coerce a diverse chorus of MPs within the Mother of all Parliaments.

James Graham’s critically acclaimed and prescient political drama THIS HOUSE which played to sold-out houses at the National Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and in the West End will begins its first ever UK tour with dates at Festival Theatre Edinburgh (27 – 31 March).

http://www.edtheatres.com/thishouse

Four Hibs’ players have been selected for Shelley Kerr’s latest squad for next month’s International Challenge double header against New Zealand.

Lucy Graham returns to the national set-up alongside club team-mates Jenna Fife, Rachel McLauchlan and Kirsty Smith.

Scotland face New Zealand twice in Spain, on Saturday 3 March (KO 4pm UK time) and Tuesday 6 March (10am UK time).

The two matches will act as preparation for Scotland, as they aim to reach their first ever World Cup, having won their opening two fixtures.

Their next competitive match is on Thursday 5 April against Switzerland away, before they play Poland in Scotland five days later.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a series of break-ins and attempted break-ins to businesses in the Penicuik area.

Seven properties were broken into as well as six attempts to break in to properties in the John Street, Edinburgh Road, High Street and Carnethy Avenue areas of Penicuik between 1st September and 27th October.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Community sergeant, Michele Lindsay of Penicuik police station said: “Tackling housebreaking remains a priority for local officers and we are committed to using all resources at our disposal to investigating such offences.”

Anyone with information or concerns about housebreaking is asked to please speak to a local officer, visit your nearest station, call our non-emergency number 101 or visit the Police Scotland website .