Edinburgh-based Jeff Hutchins has stood down from his position as Great Britain (GB) under-18s head coach because of work commitments with a national firm.

The Canadian-born, former Edinburgh Capitals and Dundee Stars player, who is a Great Britain international, is also assistant coach to Fife Flyers in the Elite League.

Hutchins said: “This is a strong group of players that have been selected and I am confident that they will challenge for promotion. I wish them all the luck and I will be following their progress closely.

“I want to thank Tony and the board for the opportunity and I hope to have the chance of working with GB again in some capacity.”

His position will be taken in the interim period by Ice Hockey UK’s national development head coach, Tony Hand who previously coached Great Britain men’s team and led them to the final qualifying stages for the Sochi Olympics.

IHUK chairman, Richard Grieveson, said: “I would like to thank Jeff for his work with the GB Under-18s in the first part of the season

“Tony Hand will take charge in the short term and will lead the under-18s at the World Championship later this year.

“He is leading the overall GB junior programme, has been involved with the 18s team selection and has extensive experience at international level.”

Edinburgh-born Hand, who starred for now defunct Murrayfield Racers, once Britain’s top team, said: “I am honoured to be leading the youngsters at the World Championship.

“I have seen lot of this roster over the last few months and they are a talented group of players.”

GB under-18s will compete in Division 2 Group A of the World Championship structure and the six-team tournament runs from April 1 to 7 when they play hosts Estonia, along with Australia, Korea, Lithuania and Poland.

Internationally acclaimed Edinburgh-raised saxophonist Tommy Smith will play  a hometown concert with his latest group, Tommy Smith Quartet: Embodying the Light at The Queen’s Hall on Sunday 28 January 2018.

Smith formed the group in February last year to mark two fiftieth anniversaries – his own fiftieth birthday and the half-centenary of the death of his greatest inspiration, jazz icon John Coltrane – and the response it has received has been outstanding.

Its first album, Embodying the Light, met with glowing reviews on its release in July, with The Scotsman describing its mix of Coltrane favourites and Smith originals as an “outstanding achievement” and The Herald’s Keith Bruce declaring it “Absolutely top drawer: fluid, articulate, commanding and constantly surprising.”

Following an ecstatically received sold out concert at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2017, the group toured the UK and drew a capacity crowd to the world famous Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London.

The quartet features two of Smith’s protégés from his youth orchestra, pianist Peter Johnstone, who was the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year in 2012, and bassist Calum Gourlay, who now features regularly with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. On drums is the hugely experienced Dutchman Sebastiaan de Krom, who has previously worked with Herbie Hancock and Jamie Cullum.

In concert they play without amplification, a policy Smith also favours when working with his long-time duo partner, pianist Brian Kellock

“I’ve nothing against amplified music,” he says. “My previous band, Karma, played loud, powerful electric jazz-rock. With this group, it just feels more natural to play acoustically. It makes us listen to each other more carefully and the audience gets to hear the true sounds of the instruments and the band.”

Tommy Smith Quartet: Embodying the Light will be onstage at the Queen’s Hall at 7:30pm.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has published the shortlisted companies who have made it through as finalists in the biggest ever Edinburgh Business Awards.

69 nominees have been chosen from record levels of entries across the 15 categories.

Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber (ECC) said: “The judges found this a challenging task, with very high quality entries for this year’s Awards demonstrating yet again the growing importance of these awards in the Edinburgh – and Scottish – business calendar. All of the judges were impressed with the quality of entries, which does credit to the city and its business community in all areas, from innovation to social responsibility.”

In the Best Performing Business category, AM Bid Services, AWS Recruitment, The Yard and Edinburgh Airport were among those who were recognised for their financial and operational successes and for their innovative approaches to expansion in their market.

The Edinburgh Chamber’s commitment to encouraging an equal society was reflected in their announcement of new category for 2018 – Inspiring Partnerships. Hibernian Football Club, The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, Cre8te Opportunities, The Kitchin and Grassmarket Community Project were nominated in this category, celebrating their strong and sustainable business-third sector relationships and the positive effect these have on their respective communities.

20/20 Productions, Doig & Smith and Steedman & Company are finalists in one of the most hotly-contested categories, Developing the Young Workforce, which recognises organisations who support young people into positive destinations.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce President Scott Black said today: “We had a huge number of submissions for the ECC Annual Business Awards this year. It’s great to see such a positive response, which highlights the excellent contribution our entrepreneurs and leaders, from all sectors, are making to the success of our capital city”

“With over 500 guests expected in February, we are looking forward to celebrating some of Edinburgh’s top business and third-sector achievements.”

The winners of the awards will be announced at the Awards Dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 8th February 2018. Colin Temple,
Managing Director at schuh and Sophie Dekkers, UK Country Director at EasyJet were recently announced as keynote speakers for the evening.

For more information and to buy tickets, please contact the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce – awards@edinburghchamber.co.uk or 0131 221 2999.

The full shortlist of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 7th Annual
Business Awards is as follows:

Best Performing Business 1-10 sponsored by DJ Alexander

Heehaw

Heehaw is a team of creative specialists dedicated to the craft of filmmaking. They
combine video, animation and motion graphics with a knowledge of communication
trends to produce branded films that engage, inform and entertain. Using the power of film, Heehaw help clients connect with their audience to tell their story.

AM Bid Services

AM Bid Services is one of the most highly regarded bid consultancies in the UK. This reputation has been achieved through delivering winning bids for customers and a commitment to train, advise and coach business leaders to bid more effectively, to grow their own businesses.

·
The Outcomes Partnership Ltd

The Outcomes Partnership (TOP) is an Edinburgh based SME, incorporated in July 2002.  They offer information technology consultancy activities.

AWS Recruitment

AWS Recruitment work in partnership with registered charities throughout the United Kingdom and provide them with the highest calibre of candidates from entry level through to CEO’s. They provide quality service to both clients and candidates and genuinely care about the Third Sector.

Best Performing Business 11-50 sponsored by DJ Alexander

·        
Grassmarket Community Project

The Grassmarket Community Project offers a mixture of education programs, drop-in services, social enterprise and social integration activities. Though founded on work with those traditionally labelled ‘homeless,’ this project has been extended to adults have been marginalised by lack of opportunity, skills and aspiration.

·
Pufferfish

Pufferfish use unique technology, software and content solutions to realise your creative vision. Pufferfish make digital real.

·
The Yard

The Yard, is a charity providing adventure play experiences for disabled children and young people, alongside sibling and whole family support, in the east of Scotland.

·    Workflo Solutions

Workflo Solutions (Scotland) Limited is a leading supplier
of document solutions including managed print services, multi-functional
photocopy, print and scan technology and electronic management software.

·
Specialized Signs

Specialized Signs Edinburgh, the leading sign, print, graphic & wrapping supplier.

Best Performing Business 51+ sponsored by DJ Alexander

·
Mortgage Advice Bureau Network Partner Scotland

Mortgage Advice Bureau Network Partner Scotland search thousands of mortgages
to find the right deal for you.

·        
Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is the fastest growing airport in the UK
for international passengers. Our strategy is to grow through choice – we
believe if we can offer our passengers choice at every part of their journey,
they choose how they want to travel and are ultimately happier.

·
Lothian Buses

Lothian is Edinburgh’s principal bus operator and the UK’s
biggest municipal company. The company has a vision to deliver a safe,
efficient, sustainable and socially-inclusive transport service for all those
who visit, live, work, or study in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

·        
Activpayroll

Activpayroll is a leading global professional service organisation,
providing integrated global payroll solutions, expatriate taxation services,
and online HR people management tools to over 1,000 companies in more than 140
countries worldwide.

·
ESPC

ESPC is the largest property marketing organisation in east central Scotland, and they pride themselves in providing local expertise and continuous support to their clients and customers. ESPC offers the most comprehensive methods of reaching prospective home buyers across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife.

·
SYKES

SYKES provides customer interaction management solutions, acting as the interface between a business and its customers.  Each year, SYKES handles millions of transactions across multiple channels, including voice, email, chat and social media from customers around the world who never know they are calling SYKES.

Diversity in Business sponsored by Edinburgh Trams

·
Dishoom

Dishoom pays loving homage to the Irani cafés that were once part of the fabric of life in Bombay. Opened early last century by Zoroastrian immigrants from Iran, there were almost four hundred of these cafés at their peak in the 1960s. Now fewer than thirty remain.

·
The Yard

The Yard, is a charity providing adventure play experiences for disabled children and young people, alongside sibling and whole family support, in the east of Scotland.

·
Cyrenians

For nearly 50 years, Cyrenians has served those on the edge, working with the homeless and vulnerable to transform their lives by beginning with their story, helping them believe that they can change their lives, and walking with them as they lead their own transformation.

·
Grassmarket Community Project

The Grassmarket Community Project offers a mixture of education programs, drop-in services, social enterprise and social integration activities. Though founded on work with those traditionally labelled ‘homeless,’ this project has been extended to adults have been marginalised by lack of opportunity, skills and aspiration.

Responsible Business sponsored by City of Edinburgh Council

·
Anderson Strathern

Anderson Strathern provides a complete range of specialist legal services, driven by the needs of their clients and delivered by highly skilled professionals. Their varied client base includes private individuals, commercial businesses, social enterprises, charities and the public sector.

·
Ogilvie Ross LLP

Ogilvie Ross LLP provides executive coaching and consultancy support to businesses across the UK, US and Europe. We work with senior executives to develop their commercial skills and business acumen.

·
VegWare

Vegware makes compostable foodservice packaging. Vegware’s plant-based catering disposables are designed to break down with food waste in under 12 weeks in commercial composting. Vegware holds independent compostability certification and have conducted extensive trials in organics recycling facilities.

·
Lothian Buses

Lothian is Edinburgh’s principal bus operator and the UK’s biggest municipal company. The company has a vision to deliver a safe, efficient, sustainable and socially-inclusive transport service for all those who visit, live, work, or study in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

·
Business Fives Ltd

Business Fives has created a new, exciting atmosphere and network for professionals to meet new connections, whilst promoting active lifestyles through playing sport.  They are Scotland’s national business five-a-side tournament, with over 2,000 professionals involved in 30 events.

Young Leader of the Year sponsored by Turcan Connell

·        
Alan Surgeon, AWS Recruitment

Alan Surgeon is Director and Co-owner at AWS Recruitment – a specialist boutique Recruitment Consultancy primarily working within the Not for Profit Sector throughout the UK.

·
Sarah Singh, Edinburgh Trams

As Service Delivery Manager, Sarah is responsible for delivering a safe, efficient and reliable tram operation. She has the largest team with more than 80 colleagues which include Drivers, Controllers and Duty Managers.

·        
Martyn Murray, Click Netherfield

Martyn Murray (28), is Senior Project Manager world leading company in the international museum and heritage sector.

·
Chris Kirk, Chisholm Hunter

Chris Kirk (26), Manager Designate at Chisholm Hunter Princes Street. Chris joined
the company in Glasgow 5 years ago as a Sales Assistant and has rapidly progressed to be Manager Designate in the Chisholm Hunter’s new flagship store on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

Inspiring Partnership sponsored by Essential Edinburgh

·
The Kitchin with Citadel Youth Centre

The Kitchin has partnered with the Citadel Youth Centre to develop young people – training them in the kitchen and on how to serve and deliver a top quality experience for guests. The partnership led to two ‘Supper at Citadel’ events being hosted by the young people.

·
Grassmarket Community Project with Sandemans New Europe Limited Tours

Two and a half years ago Sandemans New Europe Ltd Tours and Grassmarket Community Project established a partnership which was to be transformative and a total game-changer for both.

·        
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home with Edinburgh Trams

The strategy for this partnership was ensure a mutually-beneficial relationship. The aim was to raise awareness of the Home’s work to rescue; to raise much-needed funds for the care of these animals; to generate publicity from the partnership and
highlight the work of both Edinburgh Trams and Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home; and to provide a rewarding team-building experience for Edinburgh Trams’ staff.

·
Cre8te Opportunities Ltd

Digital Skills Academy started as a partnership between Cre8te, City of Edinburgh Council and Department of Work and Pensions, with Cre8te driving the delivery methodology and the 2 other partners providing funding and access to learners who were unemployed and needed digital literacy skills to help them find and retain work.

·
Hibernian F.C. – GameChanger initiative

Hibernian F.C. through its involvement with the GameChanger public social partnership – is forging some inspiring and sustainable partnerships with a number of third sector and public sector service providers, harnessing the power of football to deliver positive social outcomes.

Creative Marketing sponsored by Cameron Presentations

·
Lothian Buses

Lothian is Edinburgh’s principal bus operator and the UK’s biggest municipal company. The company has a vision to deliver a safe, efficient, sustainable and socially-inclusive transport service for all those who visit, live, work, or study in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

·
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been part of the fabric of our city since 1883, working in partnership with the council and Police services by welcoming lost or abandoned pets from all corners of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

·
Marketing Edinburgh

Marketing Edinburgh is the organisation dedicated to promoting Edinburgh to the world. They promote and champion Scotland’s capital city locally, nationally and internationally. Working with members, partners and stakeholders, Marketing Edinburgh maintain the profile of Edinburgh as a world-class destination to visit, invest, live, work and study.

·
Represent

Represent is an Edinburgh-based digital communications agency specialising in public relations, SEO, content marketing, social media marketing and stakeholder engagement.

High Growth sponsored by Edinburgh Airport

·
Best Western Braid Hills Hotel

Braid Hills Hotel has stood proudly overlooking Braidburn Valley Park since 1886 and is a true Edinburgh landmark. All 71 hotel bedrooms, 1886 Restaurant and event space was fully refurbished with our final bedrooms completed in May 2017.

·
BSC Edinburgh

BSC Edinburgh (formerly known as Edinburgh Language Centre) was established in 2002 and offers a range of high quality programmes for adults and teenagers who wish to learn English in Scotland.

·
AM Bid Services

AM Bid Services is one of the most highly regarded bid consultancies in the UK. This reputation has been achieved through delivering winning bids for customers and a commitment to train, advise and coach business leaders to bid more effectively, to grow their own businesses.

·
Farrpoint

FarrPoint was formed in 2007 and is wholly owned by the Directors and senior management. They provide completely independent advice and support on planning, procuring and implementing digital technology solutions and offer independent digital transformation consultancy in support of technology change across the public and private sectors.

·
Royal College of Surgeons

Formed following the 500th anniversary of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), the College’s Commercial Enterprises (RCSEd CE) commenced in 2006.

The task was to market and sell the available space in the impressive buildings, and the Hotel, with the profits then being invested back into the College.

·        
Mortgage Advice Bureau Network Partner Scotland

Mortgage Advice Bureau Network Partner Scotland search thousands of mortgages
to find the right deal for you.

International Trade sponsored by Regus

·
Heehaw

Heehaw is a team of creative specialists dedicated to the craft of filmmaking. They
combine video, animation and motion graphics with a knowledge of communication
trends to produce branded films that engage, inform and entertain. Using the power of film, Heehaw help clients connect with their audience to tell their story.

·
Click Netherfield

With over thirty years’ experience of bespoke showcase manufacturing, driven by innovative design and engineering; ClickNetherfield is a world leading company in the museum and heritage sector based in Livingston and their clients are positioned worldwide.

·
Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is the fastest growing airport in the UK for international passengers. Their strategy is to grow through choice – they believe if they can offer  passengers choice at every part of their journey, they choose how they want to travel and are ultimately happier.

Excellence in Health and Safety

·
SP Energy Networks

SP Energy Networks own and operate the electricity transmission and distribution network in the south of Scotland and the distribution network in Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales.

·
Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is the fastest growing airport in the UK for international passengers. Their strategy is to grow through choice – they believe if they can offer  passengers choice at every part of their journey, they choose how they want to travel and are ultimately happier.

·
Edinburgh Trams

Edinburgh Trams is the award winning operator of the city’s tramway with a vision to be an integral part of the future success of Edinburgh and the Lothians by providing world-class, environmentally-friendly and socially-inclusive transport.

Director of the Year sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland

·        
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams

Lea, Managing Director at Edinburgh Tram, is committed to seeing Edinburgh Trams becoming an even more successful operator and gain the highest possible recognition for service.

·
Scott Mitchell, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Commercial Enterprises

In February 2010, Scott Mitchell commenced as Commercial Director of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.  Scott attended the University of Dundee and received an MA in Hotel and Catering Management.  He came to the College with over 25 years’ experience in the hotel industry.

·
Jonathan Rayner, Edinburgh Airport

Jonathan is the Aviation Director at Edinburgh Airport. His experience and expertise in the aviation industry as well as his drive and dedication has been a key driver in the phenomenal growth that Edinburgh Airport has seen over the past few years.

·
Andrew Morrison, AM Bid Services

Andrew Morrison, Founder and Managing Director of AM Bid Services, has built one of Scotland’s fastest growing businesses. Now an established industry leading bid specialist, AM Bid Services has won over £1bn worth of contracts for its clients.

·
Dominic Taddei, Mortgage Advice Bureau Network Partner Scotland

In 2004 in the Scottish Borders, Dominic and Claire Taddei set up Clear Mortgage Solutions (CMS) creating what is today, one of Scotland’s leading mortgage and protection brokers. The impressive growth of the company is no doubt testament to Managing Director Dominic’s courage.

·
Angus MacFadyen, Pufferfish Ltd

Since joining at Pufferfish in 2016, Angus has taken the company through an exciting new phase, reinvigorating Pufferfish, its technology, its mission, its messaging and, more importantly, its people and starting to propel Pufferfish towards fulfilling its potential to be as successful as it has been innovative.

·
Michael Field, Workflo Solutions Scotland Limited

The business was established in 2007, by Michael Field who remains the sole director of the company today. The business was founded with no external funding and all growth to date has been organic and driven directly by Michael and his hands on approach to both sales and customer service.

·
Celine Sinclair, The Yard

As a parent of a child with autism and The Yard user, Celine joined their Board before being appointed Chief Executive in 2006. Since then, she has spearheaded an enormous transformation to create the sustainable model of whole family support that is The Yard now. Celine has greatly increased the long-term sustainability of The Yard by implementing an ambitious, well planned and resourced growth strategy.

Best New Start Up sponsored by Business Gateway

·        
Projeckt42

They are a new organisation that brings a variety of activities to the community in Leith, Edinburgh. Projket 42s aim is to work with the community to help build resilience and encourage positive change in people. They aim through delivering a variety of mental health, fitness and yoga classes to help children and adults see and understand the connection between their mind and their body, and appreciate the need to take care of both.

·
Business Fives Ltd

Founded in April 2016, Edinburgh based Business Fives has
created a new, exciting atmosphere and network for professionals to meet new
connections, whilst promoting active lifestyles through playing sport.

·
Ergo Law Ltd

Ergo Law was set up to bring law firms into the 21st Century. Law is one of the most traditional sectors and they believe that it needs modernising. Our boutique firm specialises in employment law.

Developing the Young Workforce sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce

·        
Company Net

The IT industry is facing a significant skills shortage.

Technology is an exciting, innovative, and thriving sector with a rock-solid future, yet talented workers are difficult to find.

·
Bluebird Care

Bluebird Care provide care at home for older and disabled adults in Edinburgh.  Assisting them with daily tasks to enable them to live independently at home for as long as possible.

·
Steedman & Company Ltd

Steedman and Company are one of the UK’s leading independent accountants, tax consultants and business advice firms. They have a unique team of qualified accountants; ex-HMRC tax advisors; exbanking and investment professionals; business development specialists and an exceptionally strong business support team.

·
20/20 Productions

For more than 27 years, 20/20 productions been providing creative solutions for some of the world’s leading organisations

·
Doig & Smith Ltd

Doig+Smith Ltd are Chartered Surveyors, founded in 1936, provide Cost Consultancy, Project Management and Building Surveying Services to the Construction Industry throughout the UK with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow,
Aberdeen and London.

Innovation in Business sponsored by Forth Ports

·
Cre8te Opportunities Ltd 

    Cre8te Opportunities is a successful social enterprise that delivers award-winning services that help to regenerate local communities.  Established in 1990, they were awarded Local Enterprise Status in 2003.

·
Games without Frontiers

Games without Frontiers’ highly adaptable learning platform has the promise to change the way we learn, educate and teach. Its greater purpose is to introduce this method into UK education thereby providing a solution more compatible with future working environments.

·
The Outcomes Partnership Ltd

The Outcomes Partnership (TOP) is an Edinburgh based SME which provides information technology consultancy activities.

·
20/20 Productions

For more than 27 years,  20/20 productions been providing creative
solutions for some of the world’s leading organisations.

Cllr Scott Arthur is the Labour councillor for the Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward. Here he writes for us about the council’s plans to review schools in the west and south west of the city:

It is a recognised fact that education in Scotland is facing huge problems. If the decline we have witnessed nationally is to be reversed, we must all take seriously our responsibility to ensure all children can reach their full potential.

Within that context, we must remember that the best schools are partnerships between inspirational teachers, motivated children, engaged parents and a supportive community. The building simply facilitates learning, it is the other elements that make it happen.

This is why the crisis facing Currie Community High School is so concerning. This school is one of the best in our Capital because of its place at the heart of the community it serves. People are right to be concerned about moving the school and dividing the community.

We must take the news that the school building has structural problems seriously,
but we must also be careful that they are addressed without harming the life chances of current and future pupils. Personally, I remain to be convinced that the entire building needs to be demolished and replaced elsewhere.

I also share the concerns of my constituents about the unexpected nature and complexity of the proposals launched by the Council’s Education department. As a local Councillor, I was only told about the consultation after the school’s Parent Council.

I am also concerned that no educational impact study has yet been undertaken and that my constituents without children at the school were not directly notified. Indeed, I have constituents living next to one of the potential sites who found out about the proposals via the Edinburgh Evening News.

Despite these problems, the current consultation is really just the first step in the process and I have been assured no decisions have been made yet. I would strongly urge all interested residents to take time to read the proposals and submit their comments before 9 February 2018

For information about the schools review on the council website CLICK HERE.

Edinburgh Police have confirmed this morning that 38-year-old Riina Elisabeth Sjögren, who was last seen in York Place on Tuesday, 9 January 2018, has now been traced safe.

She was found at 9am today on Palmerston Place.

Police thank those who helped with the search.

Craig Howieson travels to the Gold Coast for his third Commonwealth Games backed by good wishes from headteacher John Wilson plus pupils and staff at Edinburgh’s Broughton School.

He also travels thanks to the efforts of physio Steve Mutch and the Scottish Institute of Sport.

The 27-year-old, Edinburgh-born table tennis star is not making any predictions, but he is determined to do all he can to put lift Scotland up the rankings.

Thankfully, his painful shoulder, which has troubled him due to wear and tear for some time, has improved thanks to intensive physio work.

Craig and the squad will have an intensive build-up to the Games which start at the end of March.

He travels to Germany to train with a top club in Dusseldorf in early March before competing in the British Premier League.

Then they squad jet to Brisbane a few weeks later for a training camp.

Eight years ago Craig remembers being so excited about appearing in his first Games.

He also admitted to being “naïve” and he learned a lot about competing in a major event.

Glasgow was a real pressure pot environment with media attention bringing another dimension.

This time, he believes, it will be different. The squad are on the other side of the world and he is now familiar with the hoopla and environment associated with the massive Commonwealth event.

Craig, who lives in the Fountain Park area of the city, said: “I’m going there to do as well as I can for the team and individually.

“Steve (Mutch) and the physios at the Scottish Institute of Sport have done a great job easing the pain in my shoulder caused by around 20 years in the sport and their work in the last few months has been amazing.”

The experienced athlete is now mentally and physically ready for the challenges which lie ahead.

Looking back to his first Games in Delhi, India, the Scotland squad finished ninth, he lost in the last 16 of the doubles with partner Gavin Rumgay and he went out of the singles in the last 32 to an Indian opponent who lost in the play-off for a bronze medal.

Four years later in Glasgow, Craig helped Scotland to fifth, including a victory over highly-rated Canada, and he lost again in the last 16 of the doubles to a strong Nigerian team and again made the last 32 in the singles.

Craig, who is a former pupil of James Gillespie’s High School in Marchmont, admitted that it has been tough recently as he lost out on funding.

And he is now back training where his sporting adventure started at North Merchison Club in Watson Crescent.

He added: “The University of Edinburgh have been amazing in their support for me during the last ten years and the school and the staff in the PE department here are really supportive.”

He teaches all sports across all yea groups in the PE department but and champions table tennis. Pupils can take the sport to Higher level.

Craig admitted: “Pupils do challenge me to a game. They know about what I do and how I get on and many of them watched me on TV when the Games were in Glasgow.

“That was an amazing experience and I would hope to enjoy the experience in the Gold Coast as much. I’ve never been to Australia so this is something new again.”

Edinburgh has surpassed the 1,000,000 sq ft take-up mark for the first time since 2004 with 1,138,500 sq ft of office space transactions across the four quarters of last year.

The take-up reported was also higher than the previous five-year total of 808,833 sq ft, with large pre-lets including the GPU relocation at New Waverley (186,500 sq ft) and State Street Bank (65,628 sq ft) at Quartermile 3 contributing significantly, according to research from CBRE Scotland.

Further pre-lets include Standard Life Aberdeen taking 69,000 sq ft at 10 George Street and Computershare leasing 41,395 sq ft at Four North.

Edinburgh is one of four cities reporting over 1,000,000 sq ft of take-up. The others are Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham.

Angela Lowe, senior director in CBRE’s advisory and transaction services team, said: “The Edinburgh office market activity witnessed in 2017 demonstrates that occupiers are increasingly considering pre-lets in order to secure space of the required size and quality in their preferred locations.

“Recent take-up also indicates the continued importance of the financial services and tech sectors in generating demand for quality, city centre offices.”

Despite the strengthening demand in take-up, supply remains at a critically low level, with only one development scheme to complete in July this year, GSS Development’s 2 Semple Street.

It will provide 38,648 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation in a prime city centre location.

Edinburgh Monarchs have kick-started their 70th season by revealing a new club logo, the announcement of club Hall of Fame and a stage show with special guests.

The logo will appear on all activities connected with the celebrations and club director Mike Hunter promised a year packed with special events.

Monarchs Fans Trust start birthday celebrations with a 70th-themed raffle and, during the season, there will be a special meeting staged at Armadale.

Hunter said: “For those not sure of the Monarchs history we will be presenting a stage show with special guests explaining the highs and maybe some lows of our 70 years.

“It will be a busy year as we look to celebrate in style with all of our supporters.”

Meanwhile, former Edinburgh Monarchs skipper Sam Masters has assured fans that he will be ready for the new season.

The Australian suffered a broken bone at the base of his tibia when he piled into a bike after another rider crashed in practice for the final round of his national championship last weekend.

The injury requiring surgery but the 26-year-old said: “It was a tough Australian Championship for me. I could ride in a fortnight if I needed to because it’s nothing too serious even though I need surgery.

“The fact they are putting a screw into the damaged area means they are strengthening it and I’ll be right and good to go pretty quickly.”

Masters quit Monarchs to ride in the Premiership with Wolverhampton Wolves and in Europe.

He added: “The Wolverhampton team looks good and I’m really excited about everything. This is only a minor blip in my season prep.”

Mike D’Orazio described Sunday’s narrow win over Manchester Storm as an awesome feeling.

It ended a 15-game losing streak and trialist Ainars Podzins grabbed the winner with six minutes remaining.

New starting netminder Tyler Beskorowany was hailed by co-coach D’Orazio as the former Dallas Stars draft pick made several big saves.

The Canadian-born playcaller, who doubles as club skipper, enjoyed the winning feeling on Sunday.

Now, Capitals plan to follow up at Braehead Clan on Saturday and he believes Sunday’s secret was that Capitals worked hard for a full 60 minutes.

D’Orazio also said that his men did not let their heads drop when Storm tied the game in the third period.

He said: “We took it to them, we battled and got rewarded.”
The coach, who is studying at Heriot-Watt University, admitted to being a big fan of current Toronto Maple Leafs head-coach Mike Babcock.

Some fans will remember him as a former Nottingham Panthers defenceman.

Babcock talks about making your own luck and if you work hard in practice things will go your way.

That’s what D’Orazio preaches in training and he hopes to be rewarded at Braehead on Saturday. Face-off is 7pm.

Meanwhile, Dundee Stars visit Kirkcaldy (face-off 7.15pm) as they bid to earn valuable points to edge them closer to a play-off slot.

The Claret Jug, golf’s most iconic trophy, will make a special appearance at The Fife Ice Arena for Fife Flyers Elite League fixture against Scottish rivals the Dundee Stars on Saturday (face-off 7.15pm)

Britain’s oldest professional ice hockey team have have teamed up with The Open to offer ice hockey and golf fans the opportunity to have their picture taken with the world-famous trophy from 6pm in the Arnold Clark Mercedes-Benz Fife Lounge at Kirkcaldy.

Four lucky fans will also compete on the ice on Saturday for the chance to win hospitality in the exclusive Champions Club on the day of the final practice round for the 147th Open at Carnoustie in July.

Carol Johnstone, Flyers’ commercial manager, said, “The Claret Jug is one of world’s iconic sports trophies, and we are delighted to bring it to Fife.

“We have a few golfers among our team and they will be just as thrilled as the fans to get a chance to see a trophy held by some of the greatest golfers in the world.

“Ice hockey, like golf, has a rich history in Fife. Fife Flyers celebrate our 80th anniversary next season so to bringing both sports together is a special moment.

“Fans will flock to see the Claret Jug and we hope they are succesfull in our extreme putting challenge to win tickets to the 147th Open in Carnoustie.”

We think we live a precarious existence between raging snow storms but actually Scotland is blessed with a benign climate.  Yes, we have had snow this week and 80mph winds along the west coast but compared with other northern counties it’s been nothing much to write a letter about.

But I’m going to tell you anyway. So, 200 drivers got stuck overnight on the M74 near Moffat and the M8 was at a standstill for a time in West Lothian. The usual high level roads in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands were blocked by snow. Schools in Dumfriesshire, the Borders and the Highlands were closed. All this happened on Tuesday/Wednesday but by Thursday we were in a melting lull before the next snow storm arrived.

And the theme of “icy blast/followed by calm”carried on into the rest of our lives.  A chill wind blew through the economy when Carillion, the huge public sector contractor, went bust. 20,000 jobs across Britain were in jeopardy. It looked like privatisation, even capitalism itself, was in crisis.  But then came the news that other contractors would be taking over projects like the Aberdeen by-pass and the new platforms at Waverly Station. The banks stepped in to make sure workers and sub-contractors were paid. Even the pension black hole  is being filled in by the government’s Pensions Protection Fund.

There was another scary moment when the Scottish Government published its analysis of the effect  Brexit might have on our economy. A hard Brexit, under World Trade Organisation rules, would, the paper says, leave Scotland 8 per cent poorer or £12.7bn a year worse off  – £2,300 per person.  But even the softest Brexit, remaining in the Customs Union and Single Market, would leave us 2.7 per cent worse off or £4bn – £700 per person.  There would also be a sharp drop in investment, ranging from 10 per cent to 3 per cent.

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon used the figures to remind the UK government that she will make up her mind on whether to call a second referendum on Scottish independence later this year, when it becomes clear what form Brexit is going to take.

She also highlighted the need for Scotland to have a more relaxed immigration policy to be able to attract young workers and boost the economy…which we learnt this week is growing at just 0.6 per cent, compared to the UK rate of 1.8 per cent.

Meanwhile the SNP at Westminster have been pointing to the embarrassment the Scottish Tories have found themselves in by failing to persuade their “London masters” that the Withdrawal Bill (from the EU) needs to include a clause guaranteeing that powers devolved to Scotland (particularly over agriculture) will not be grabbed back by Westminster when they return to the UK.   The Tories insist it will all be put right when the Bill is considered in the House of Lords.

While the Brexit wars were going on, there was a little noticed deal being reached in The Scottish Parliament over the budget.   The Greens have squeezed out another £150m for local councils in exchange for their support for the SNP budget as a whole.  It means it will now be passed and those tax rises for the middle and upper income earners will go ahead.

Despite all the warnings about more snow and high winds on the way –  the forecasters are looking grim-faced as a write – there is another winter festival about to begin which will shelter us from the stormy blast.  Deep in the warm embrace of the city of Glasgow, “Celtic Connections” begins today. It’s celebrating its 25^th year.  Over 2,000 folk musicians from all over the world – including a pipe band from Iran – will be performing in 300 different venues over the next 18 days.  The 100,000 fans will no doubt generate their own heat.

But some folk still prefer the outdoors, whatever the weather.  Braving the icy blast on Monday were hardy parties of anglers on various parts of the River Tay. They were there for the traditional opening of the salmon fishing season, complete with pipe bands and local Provosts pouring whisky upon the sacred waters.  But not many salmon turned up.  In fact the run of young salmon last year was particularly low and salmon catches over the summer were half what they should be.

This has prompted the local fisheries board to issue an edict: all salmon caught in the spring have to be put back in the water and only one fish taken home per day in the summer and none of them female or hen-salmon.

I think I’ve just discovered a new Scottish Proverb: “There’s more to fishing than just catching fish.”

From 7 a.m. this morning, the Met Office have upgraded their weather warning from yellow to amber in a number of areas in Scotland, with travellers being warned of a high risk of disruption.

Traffic Scotland is providing regular updates on social media, as well as through its website and radio broadcasts, with travellers being asked to check the latest information before they set off.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said:”An updated and upgraded Met Office warning for Amber for heavy snow covering ‎the west and southwest has been issued this morning. This will impact on the AM and PM rush hour and throughout the day.

“SGoRR is up and running and colleagues are in close contact with TS Resilience and MART teams and the Police Scotland multi-agency response team in Glasgow, as we have been throughout the night.

“Motorists should consider avoiding peak journey times and whether they can delay or avoid travelling.

“Our winter maintenance teams are continuing to prepare the trunk road network and stand ready to react to changing conditions, treating roads and helping motorists where required.

“My advice, as always, is to take extra time to plan your journey, listen to police advice and drive to the conditions. Motorists can use the Traffic Scotland mobile website – my.trafficscotland.org – to get the latest information on the move, as well as check the @trafficscotland twitter page for updates.

“If you’re travelling by rail, ferry or air, please check with your operators to make sure your service has not been affected by the conditions.”

In line with this, Police Scotland has increased the stage of the travel advice from stage 2 to stage 3.

Superintendent Louise Blakelock, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing said:”Due to the upgraded warning from the Met Office it has been necessary to update our travel advice.

“We’ve been working closely with our colleagues at Transport Scotland, the Met Office and local councils to assess the conditions. Therfore for the duration of this updated warning, there is a high risk of disruption for road journeys and there is a high likelihood of the conditions for travel being very poor.

“Those heading out on the roads should be aware of these risks – ensure you have a fully charged phone, warm clothing, and leave extra time for your journey.

“Drive to the road conditions and make sure you check the most up to date information from Traffic Scotland and the Met Office before heading out. Our priority is to ensure the public are safe.”

Check @PoliceScotland, @TrafficScotland, @MetOffice for the latest information.

Photo by John Knox

Transport for Edinburgh, the city’s transport body has a goal of getting people on their bikes. They say they would like 15% of all commutes and 10% of all journeys to be by bike in three years’ time.

The City of Edinburgh Council already spends 11% of its transport budget on cycling infrastructure and has its own active travel policy to encourage the use of bikes in the capital.  TfE envisage dockless bikes which will make cycling more accessible and integrate it with the city’s public transport. A primary concern is road safety and in the code which they have drawn up they state that ‘Dockless bike share schemes must work for everyone without impacting, or causing a danger to, other road users.’

The idea is to have a number of bikes available for the public to use within a certain area which will be ‘geo-fenced’.

This week we met representatives from ofo a company bidding for the right to run the bike hire scheme in the capital.

Their bikes are extremely easy to use with an app which you download to your phone as the means of unlocking. The bike can be readied for use in under a minute, and locking the bike again is very simple too.

[vimeo 251769183 w=640 h=360]

Matthew Sparkes from the company told us Edinburgh has a tender process for a bike hire scheme and ofo hope to bring their distinctive yellow bikes to Edinburgh.

He explained how it works : “Every bike has a smart lock on the back. It locks the bike by pushing a rod through the back wheel, meaning you don’t have to lock the bike to anything. When the rod is in place you cannot ride the bike. We have a   smartphone app which helps you to find a spare bike and we will have hundreds all over the city. You walk up to one, scan the bike and the lock opens. As soon as you’re finished you just push the lock down and walk away.

“It costs 50p for every ride for half an hour. There is no deposit to pay, it is backed with a credit or debit card.”

Even though the bikes are light it will be difficult to steal them. To protect against theft every bike has a GPS chip inside the lock and it communicates its position back to ofo all the time.

There are several companies doing this but ofo say that they are the experts who began first.  The company already has over 3,000 bikes on the street in the UK, in London, Cambridge, Oxford, Norwich and Sheffield, although the company began in Peking where founder David Dai set up the first bike sharing platform.

If OFO win the right to set up in Edinburgh then Paul Spence will run the Edinburgh operation. At present he is Operations Performance Manager for the UK.

He said : “I’m Edinburgh born and bred and a keen cyclist and  I think this scheme would go down very well here. We are long overdue a dockless cycling platform and I would be very excited to launch and manage that here.

“It is important to protect a UNESCO site such as this, so there would be 30 marshals using E-bikes and trailers and using electric vehicles. They would be working throughout the day and evening to redistribute our bikes across the city.”

The system is also self-regulated by awarding extra points if customers return bikes to hubs.  Paul thinks the hubs for collecting and returning bikes might be tram stops, bus and train stations, university buildings and other key city centre areas. You have to return the bike to a place where bike parking is allowed.

And if you are wondering where the name of the company comes from, they say that the logo looks like a person riding a bike!

Vegware the Edinburgh based compostable packaging manufacturer has begun a composting collection service for all the products it sells in the capital.

The initiative is called ‘Close the Loop’  and with this the company now offers composting collections to businesses across Edinburgh and Scotland’s Central Belt, taking used Vegware packaging and food waste for industrial composting into high-grade horticultural compost.

Recent debate has encouraged cafés and foodservice businesses to improve cup recycling. This compostable solution by Edinburgh-based Vegware will enable foodservices to recycle all takeaway packaging, not just cups.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1BZddFgcnA]

Eilidh Brunton, Vegware’s group recycling consultant, explained: “There are now some initiatives to separate out and recycle plastic-lined paper cups. That is a good start, but what about the lid, tea bag, stirrer, spoon and sandwich box? In reality, used takeaway packaging is a mix of materials contaminated with food, and goes to incineration or landfill.

“Our approach is simple: if it’s all made from plants, not plastic, and can be composted together with food waste, then there’s no sorting. All used takeaway items go together with food waste, and can be processed at industrial composting facilities around the UK in under 12 weeks. Catering waste can create high-grade horticultural compost, to feed the next generation of plants.”

Close the Loop was in action at the recent Edinburgh Coffee Festival at the Corn Exchange. Vegware’s Environmental team provided consultancy, signage and training, and all traders used compostable cups, lids and assorted disposables.

Edinburgh Coffee Festival organiser Martin Dare, said: “We understand the challenges of recycling coffee cups, but it’s only through working with Vegware that we have found a solution to allow Edinburgh Coffee Festival to truly go zero waste. Cups are talked about the most, but making everything compostable keeps recycling simple. The measures we’re taking at the Festival are designed to demonstrate to a wider audience what compostables can achieve.”

Waste from the Central Belt is composted at GP Green Recycling, near Glasgow. Initial Close the Loop clients include the Glasgow Science Centre and independent Edinburgh cafes Union of Genius and Pumpkin Brown. Close the Loop is a disruptive model, a waste service which is flexible and competitively priced. Clients choose any collection day and have no contract ties.

The service was given cross-party support at The Scottish Parliament with a Parliamentary Motion lodged by Gordon Lindhurst MP. Vegware also won Supplier of the Year at the 2017 Food Made Good Awards for their Close the Loop solution, and the company has been shortlisted in the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards 2018.

Hearts today confirmed the signing of striker Steven Naismith on a six-month loan deal from English Championship side Norwich City. The Scotland striker passed a medical and arrived at Tynecastle late on Thursday afternoon. He will join his new Hearts colleagues for training on Friday and will be in the squad for the eagerly-awaited William Hill Scottish Cup tie against Hibernian at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Hearts Head Coach was delighted to secure the services of a player he gave a Scotland cap to when he was the National Head Coach. He told the official Hearts website:

“It’s a bit of a coup to bring somebody in of Steven’s quality, not just in a footballing sense but as a person as well. It’s much in keeping with the senior players we have here already, the likes of Don Cowie, Christophe Berra and Aaron Hughes.

“I think he’ll be a huge player in the dressing room and a great example to the rest of the team. On top of that he’s a fantastically talented football player.

“He’ll bring a bit of nous, experience, energy and enthusiasm – which he has in abundance. He’s also got goalscoring ability.”

Naismith himself can’t wait to get started. He told the official Hearts website:

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hearts. It’s a club that’s obviously had its difficulties in the past but it’s definitely flourishing now under the leadership of Ann Budge and the gaffer,”

“Hearts showed the most enthusiasm to get something done and I liked that. I took a bit of time to consider my options and it’s about the whole package, rather than just moving for the sake of moving. Hearts ticked all the boxes.

“I’ve spent the morning looking around the training base and the stadium and it’s incredible what changes have been made, especially at Tynecastle.

“It just gives you that eagerness to get started and I’m looking forward to training tomorrow.”

The 53rd Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition opens on 19 January and runs until 29 April 2018 in the museum’s largest exhibition space.

There are 100 fabulous images on display in light boxes which will both astonish and entertain you and all of which celebrate the diversity of the natural world. The darkened exhibition space allows you to view the images at their best and wonder how the photographer was in place just at the right time!

This is the most prestigious photography event and showcases some amazing images by photographers of all ages.

The photos have been chosen from an initial entry of 50,o00 which is an amazing increase on the original competition in 1965 which attracted 361 entries.

Dr Nick Fraser, Keeper of Natural Sciences at National Museums Scotland, said: “We are thrilled that the National Museum of Scotland is hosting the 53^rd Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, from the Natural History Museum in London. These captivating images offer visitors new perspectives on the wonders of the natural world, and are as arresting as they are beautiful.”

Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, said: “Wildlife Photographer of the Year is one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. The awarded images shine a spotlight on nature photography as a work of art, whilst raising questions about our crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.”

Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “We are delighted that the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Depicting everything from spectacular underwater worlds and unusual animal behaviours to breath-taking landscapes and images which examine our own impact on the natural world, this world-class exhibition has something for everyone.”

Admission: £8 adults, £6 concession.

Entry is free to National Museums Scotland Members and children under 16.

Photos  Neil Hanna Photography| www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 

t 07702 246823

We know that Rabbie Burns liked to come to Edinburgh, and certainly there is no end of suggestions for ways to celebrate his birthday from 25 January this year. Here is but a selection and if we have missed yours out then please add it in the comments section below or send us an email editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Explore Museums & Galleries Edinburgh and discover a wealth of historical hidden gems linked to Robert Burns

A plaster cast of Rabbie’s skull, a lock of hair belonging to The Bard’s wife and Burns’ draft of ‘Scots wha hae’ (Bruce’s address to his troops at Bannockburn) are just a few of the fascinating personal items linked to Scotland’s national poet to be uncovered across Edinburgh’s much loved museums and monuments.

Museums & Galleries Edinburgh offers up a captivating and cost effective way to celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s much loved poet and lyricist with an exploration of stories, highlights and monuments linked to Robert Burns across the city.

The Writers’ Museum holds an outstanding collection of personal objects, published works and manuscripts including; Burns’ writing desk, an umbrella owned by Burns, a lock of hair of Jean Armour, Burn’s wife, the certificate accepting him in to the Royal Company of Archers, 1792, a ceremonial unit acting as the sovereign’s bodyguard in Scotland who competed in an annual archery competition and somewhat more unusually, a plaster cast of Burns’ skull, one of only three ever made.

To mark the Bards’ birthday on Thursday 25 January, The Writers’ Museum will host an informal tribute to Robert Burns with an afternoon of fiddle music and poetry. The event will take place from 2pm – 3.30pm with no need to book in advance.

The Museum of Edinburgh houses a copy of The New Town Plan which offers a timely insight into the Edinburgh Burns knew – as the New Town was being built during his time in the city. The museum is also home to a flat oatcake which was believed to have been made by Jean Armour, Burns’ wife.

The collection also features the stunning Burns Monument, which will be opened up to visitors from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 27th and 12noon to 5pm on Sunday 28th to mark celebrations this month as part of the Burns Unbroke Festival. Overlooking the city on Regent road, the 70-foot high Grecian-style temple was designed by Sir Thomas Hamilton and funded by public subscriptions. The Monument is surrounded by landscaped gardens with laurels, hollies and Ayrshire roses.

Out with the city centre, a bronze statue of Burns by D. W. Stevenson sits on Constitution Street in Leith and was erected by the Leith Burns Club and gifted to The Lord Provost of Leith in 1898.

During his time in Edinburgh, the ‘ploughman poet’ made a significant and lasting impression, one that can still be felt and celebrated today across the Museums & Galleries Edinburgh collections, which are free to enter.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The impact of Robert Burns on Edinburgh and Scotland cannot be underestimated. The streets he walked in the city and the people he met were of course a great inspiration in his work, and from our statue of Burns in Leith to the Monument dedicated to his memory at Regent Road, his influence is still felt all over the city.

“We are very fortunate to have a brilliant and unique collection of monuments in Edinburgh and mementoes relating the life and times of the Bard in our Museums & Galleries Collection. In ode to Scotland’s Bard, why not head to the Museum of Edinburgh or Writers’ Museum or, take the rare opportunity to step inside the Burns Monument when it is open to the public on the 27th and 28th January?”

Gillian Findlay, Curatorial and Engagement Manager with Museums & Galleries Edinburgh said:“Burns’ legacy is phenomenal. Not only is he considered a creative genius, Scotland’s national poet and our ‘favourite Scot ever’ according to a recent poll by STV – but around the world his works are justly celebrated for their romanticism, liberalism and the compassion and humour they express about the human condition.

It’s astonishing to think Robert Burns was still only in his twenties when he produced ‘Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect’ – the collection of works that would take Edinburgh, and then the world – by storm.  Almost 250 years later, 2018 is Scottish Government’s Year of Young People and a more inspirational example of youthful creativity and verve than Burns is hard to imagine. All of us at Museums and Galleries Edinburgh are very much looking forward to welcoming a new generation of poetry-lovers to the Writers’ Museum to explore the best of their cultural heritage.”

For full information on Museums & Galleries Edinburgh please visit: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

At the National Museum of Scotland

At the National Museum of Scotland on 25 January they are putting on Burns Unbound. This is a programme of events from 11.00am for all ages.

Celebrate the poetry and legacy of Robert Burns with their packed programme of creative activities and performances. Learn to ceilidh dance, enjoy live music and discover some braw Burns poetry.

More details here.

The Kilted Yogi himself Finlay Wilson will be at the Grassmarket Community Project Burns Supper on 26 January 2018.

More details here

Hendersons on Hanover Street are putting on a Vegan Burns Night.

More details here.

On 30 January there is a Burns Night Networking event organised by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation

More details here

Café St Honoré is hosting a Burns Dinner on 28 January and invite you to join them

“Join us for dinner on Sunday 28th January as we celebrate Burns Night with a special menu packed with great Scottish ingredients.

MENU

Our cure organic Belhaven salmon, rocket, Katy Rodger’s crème frâiche and toasted oat salad, pickled cucumber

–

Local venison, Macsween haggis, clapshot, mustard greens

–

Scottish cheese and oatcakes

–

Warm organic orange marmalade cake, organic Benromach whisky ice cream

£50 per person.

Booking details here

Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons have created an alternative Burns Night cocktail for guests to cosy up to.

Refreshingly tart yet boasting that smoky flavour you’d want from a traditional dram, ‘Queen Street’ is made with BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum, MARTINI® Ambrato, celery bitters, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup and a spritz of peaty Islay Whisky.

The drink is available exclusively at Panda & Sons but if readers are keen to try their hand at mixology from home, you can find more information including the recipe and method below.

Recipe

50ml BACARDÍ Carta Blanca

20ml Fresh Lemon Juice

20ml Sugar Syrup

20ml MARTINI Ambrato

3 Dashes of Celery Bitters (Bitter Truth Brand)

Islay Whisky Spritz

Method

Shake all ingredients with ice, double-strain and serve straight up in a Nick & Nora glass. To garnish, spritz with three sprays of Islay whisky.

Red Red Rose Street

From 25 January there is a programme of talks and interactive sessions ( including ceilidh dancing) at a variety of city centre locations Red Red Rose Street is organised by Essential Edinburgh and the good news is that all events are free.

BURNS UNBROKE

James MacTaggart, Master Distiller at Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “As the producer of the official Robert Burns Malt, we were delighted to be involved in a festival that shares our passion for the poet. 

At Arran, we regard whisky making as a form of story telling. Each of our expressions take inspiration from the landscape, history and legends of the island we call home. 

We’re really looking forward to sharing these stories with festival goers and, of course, raising a glass to the Bard.”

National Library of Scotland

A letter written by Robert Burns will be on public display at the National Library of Scotland on the anniversary of his birthday, for the first time in a century.

Written a month after Burns published the Kilmarnock edition of ‘Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect’ in 1786, the letter was addressed to one of his oldest correspondents, William Niven.

As Burns still entertained thoughts of emigrating to Jamaica at this time, the letter was written to say goodbye to an old friend.

The letter is a recent addition to the NLS collection of material by and about Robert Burns.

Thursday 25 January 2018 | National Library of Scotland|George IV Bridge EH1 1EW
11.00-15.00| Drop in no need to book

Red Red Rose Street

This is a programme of events run by Essential Edinburgh from 25-27 January 2018.

There is a Burns Supper, Stories and Stories later on in the evening, the Gilded Balloon are putting on a production of Rabbie at the Basement Theatre Booking 0131 622 6552, comedy shows in the Burns Night Comedy Show,  free workshops for children and ceilidh classes for all.

Too much for us to list here – for more details take a look at http://www.redredrosestreet.co.uk

Four major public sector organisations have agreed a new plan to develop Edinburgh BioQuarter.

The five-year collaboration agreement involves The City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian, Scottish Enterprise and the University of Edinburgh as official partners at the health and science campus.

The four organisations have appointed a Programme Team, led by Director Hans Möller, to develop and implement a new business plan in 2018.

On behalf of the four public partners, Hugh Edmiston, Chair, Edinburgh BioQuarter Strategy Board, said: “This signifies a commitment and determination on behalf of all four partners to the future development of Edinburgh BioQuarter campus.

“The capabilities and expertise across Edinburgh BioQuarter is unrivalled. It is a place which offers outstanding healthcare, world-class scientific medical research, ground-breaking life science collaborations and commercial opportunities.

“Ultimately, by working together, we can improve patient care and positively contribute to the economy at a local and national level.”

The new joint vision will see the development of an integrated campus-wide approach which involves building better collaborative links between academics, scientists, clinicians, healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs. This also includes a cross-partnership focus on improving travel and transport and local amenities for people visiting the site.

Hans Möller, Director, Edinburgh BioQuarter, said: “I’m delighted an agreement has been reached between these four influential public partners.

“This is an exciting time for Edinburgh BioQuarter with over £200m of construction projects currently taking place and more to come. There are plans to build a new facility for the Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences, a medical teaching school building for the University of Edinburgh, and the potential for NHS Lothian’s Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion to relocate here.

“We want to develop more opportunities for the 7,000 people who work across Edinburgh BioQuarter campus. This means partners working together to create networks, events and to improve local amenities including travel and transport options.

“One way of ensuring that innovation and commercial opportunities are realised is by improving experiences and by making it easier for people to meet, collaborate and share ideas.”

A masterplan for Edinburgh BioQuarter, which allocates space to create a modern high density urban environment, received outline planning approval from the City of Edinburgh Council in 2013. Proposals will see a hotel with conference facilities, gym, cafes, multi-storey car parking and more office and lab space for SMEs.

Hibs’ Scottish Cup final hero Liam Henderson has joined Serie B club Bari from Celtic on a permanent contract after a successful trial.

Henderson secured legendry status at Easter Road by ‘delivering’ two corners which led to the winning goals at Hampden, ending Hibs’ 114 year hoodoo in the competition.

Hibs fans have taken to social media to wish the 21-year-old midfielder well.

He returned to Celtic Park after the final but was unable to win a permanent place in the side.

In total he made 36 Celtic appearances, but the only one this season was against Dundee in October.

He spent four months on loan to Rosenborg as they won the Norwegian title in 2015.

Neither club revealed the length of Henderson’s contract or whether a fee was involved.

Livingston-born Henderson  has been a regular member of the Scotland Under-21 squad.

Bari sit fourth, five points behind leaders Palermo

On being unveiled Henderson said: ” Ciao a tutti I tifosi del Bari! Forza Bari! which translates to “Hello to all the fans of Bari. Power to Bari”

A Celtic spokesperson said: “Everyone at Celtic wishes him every success with Bari while also thanking him for his contribution to the club over the past few years.”

Edinburgh Lumen which launches in February is billed as an immersive visual and sound display to brighten up the dark nights.

We had the Field of Light a few years ago but you will be able to walk through the area at The Mound Precinct. There will be two other areas in Assembly Rooms Lane and St Andrew Square which will be made into ‘zen-like portals of tranquility’.

St Andrew Square will become the Serenity Gardens with bespoke lighting touching every corner of the garden and will be set to calming music.

Assembly Rooms Lane will become Moments Lane with three tranquil animated scenes projected onto the walls

The Mound Precinct will become the Ocean of Light with 12,000 individual suspended lights in a display which will stand over five metres high. This is the one you will be able to walk through as it will be spread over an area 9 x 9 metres.

The installation will be created by NL Productions for The City of Edinburgh Council who hope this will provide a calmer experience for locals and residents than the summer and winter festivals.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Combining the peaceful beauty of Field of Light with the playfulness of  2016’s stick figures and Edinburgh’s Georgian Shadows, Edinburgh Lumen is our most ambitious light display yet.

“As the home of art and culture all year round, these unique pieces of public art have been specially designed for the landscape and for the people of Edinburgh to enjoy. They promise to adorn the city centre with a constellation of lights to guide us into spring and I am sure the artwork will draw an impressive footfall.”

John Donnelly, Chief Executive of Marketing Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh has a cultural calendar to admire, filled with world class festivals and celebrated traditions. The addition of Edinburgh Lumen will give locals and visitors even more reasons to shout about the city that’s constantly innovating.

“We always want to give the people of Edinburgh even more reasons come into the city centre and enjoy its vibrant retail, culture and restaurant offering. This tranquil yet enchanting lighting event will do just that.  Spread over three city centre locations, locals and visitors can weave in and out of the immersive experiences that are set to light up the dark nights”.

Free to attend, Edinburgh Lumen will be lighting up the city every evening from 8 February to 11 March 2018.  For more information please visit: www.edinburgh.org

The council is to put forward a revised plan for the new look Picardy Place to a special meeting of the Transport Committee due to convene on 25 January 2018.  They hope that the reconfiguration will provide for transport needs, and that it will enhance both pedestrian and the ‘civic’ environment.

The council says that the redesign will reduce carbon emissions as it promotes the use of public transport and active travel.

The new look roundabout is however still a roundabout, and the council is quite clear that it could not step back from that, otherwise it would be in breach of the three-way contract by which the Edinburgh St James Development is being funded. (The Growth Accelerator Model or GAM).

Leith Street will be reopened to all traffic ahead of this year’s Festival and all current diversions will be reversed. No mention is made of public support for keeping the street closed, even to car traffic.

The changes will cost the council an additional £1.5 million, partly as the central island will no longer be sold.

Previous proposals to commercially develop the island site on the middle ‘island’ have been shelved. (Some thoughts mooted were to sell it as a site for a hotel or a shopping area.) This will now form a public realm space (at least for the moment).

WORKS TO BEGIN SOON

While the finer details of the actual look have yet to be made public this new design, if agreed by councillors, will allow works to begin quite quickly. The council is simultaneously consulting on the transformation of Central Edinburgh. The report  mentions that the redesign of Picardy Place is flexible enough to allow for future proofing and integration into any redesign of other streets nearby.

There will be a direct two stage pedestrian crossing outside The Playhouse with a taxi rank outside the Omni Centre and more direct pedestrian crossings from Leith Street bus stops and Greenside Car Park into the new development.

The ban on vehicles turning left into Broughton Street from York Place will remain, despite objections to its removal.

WORLD HERITAGE SITES  

The council concedes that this is a critical junction as a gateway to the two UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Old and New Towns, and have also conceded that the area to the front of St Mary’s Cathedral should be made a more valuable public space. Part of the problem with the previous plan was that it would not have allowed funeral corteges and wedding parties any space to stop outside the cathedral.

The Paolozzi sculptures which until the end of 2017 were sited there will be returned to the area (although the exact location will have to be agreed) when work has finished. The sculptures were donated by Sir Tom Farmer to the city.

Interestingly there are only a few mentions of the Sherlock Holmes statue being returned to its original site, although Paolozzi is regaled at length. There is also mention in a couple of places of the Leith Stones which will also be returned.

DEMOCRATIC PROCEDURE

When the council published its new plans in Autumn last year the public outcry forced them to have a rethink and a period of public consultation.(Councillor Chas Booth also ensured this process was made more democratic by tabling a motion).

This step had been omitted from the previous procedure despite the fact that there have been five reports to council between May 2014 and March 2016. Such was the interest in this important junction that over 1000 individuals responded to the council who now say they have taken many of the concerns into account.

There are many pedestrians who use the area, and in excess of 100,000 bus passengers pass through Picardy Place on any day. There will now be a tram stop too if the tram completion is given the go ahead, allowing for a public transport interchange.

We ran a live blog on the issue of Picardy Place along with The Broughton Spurtle on 12 December 2017 to try and get as much information into the public domain as possible.

ACTIVE TRAVEL 

The council assures us that the new plans will reflect in particular a desire for the public areas to be much improved. There will be increased pedestrian space outside St Mary’s RC Cathedral and at the foot of Little King Street adjacent. There will also be a bus stop outside the cathedral.

Arrangements for cyclists and pedestrians across the whole space have also been incorporated into the new design as far as possible. Less space is given to motorised traffic than previously, and there will be segregated cycleways linking York Place, Leith Walk and Leith Street. With wider pavements outside the Omni Centre and on the north side of Picardy Place as well as shorter crossings for pedestrians they hope that the changes will largely meet with approval of the public.

The report states that the twin priorities of providing appropriate public space and keeping the junction moving have to be balanced.

The main points are these:

• Transformation of the island site into public realm

• Further increasing the quality of public space, particularly in front of St Mary’s RC Cathedral

• Provision for funerals and weddings and the increase in disabled parking for St Mary’s RC Cathedral

• Fully segregated cycling lanes, including through crossing areas, between York Place, Leith Walk, Leith Street and Little King Street

• Improved cycle connections to and from Broughton Street

• Pedestrian crossing outside the Playhouse

• The introduction of a taxi rank outside the Omni Centre

The council claims that the new arrangements will both improve the public realm and ensure that public transport works effectively both now and in the future.

If the tram line completion is given the go-ahead later this year then the York Place tram stop will be dismantled and a new tram stop created at Picardy Place.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The additional cost to the council in making these amendments to the design is estimated at £1.5million.

As the new arrangements affect the Growth Accelerator Model or GAM which the council entered into with Hendersons and with The Scottish Government, the plans will also require overall approval of the full council at its next meeting at the beginning of February. The financial implications will be considered at a full meeting of the council on 1 February 2018.

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “I believe this design addresses many of the concerns that have been raised and gives a balanced solution to competing demands from residents, businesses and stakeholders.

She said : “The outline plans are now published and clearly we have gone to pretty strenuous efforts to accommodate all the competing needs. That was the feature of my decision to halt progress and hold a public consultation, and then what has emerged out of that and our response to it.”

Police are reminding fans to behave responsibly at the upcoming Hearts vs Hibs derby.

The clubs will meet in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on Sunday 21st January, with a 2.05pm kick-off.

Officers will be deployed to support stewarding staff at Tynecastle and help keep fans safe as they enter and leave the stadium.

Additional officers will also be deployed in the surrounding areas to deter criminal behaviour and ensure any issues are swiftly dealt with.

Supporters have been asked to ensure they turn up in plenty of time, as late arrivers may experience queuing which will delay their entry further.

Officers are also asking fans to be mindful of local residents and ensure they are parked in a safe and considerate manner, if travelling by car.

Fans are reminded that prohibited items such as drugs, alcohol, weapons, flares and pyrotechnics are strictly forbidden and anyone found to be in possession of these will not be permitted entry.

Chief Inspector Kevin McLean, Match Commander, said: “We want people to enjoy themselves and additional officers will be on hand to ensure that supporters and stewarding staff are kept safe, should any issues arise.

“If you try to enter the ground in possession of banned items, or under the influence of drink or drugs, you will be refused entry and are likely to face further consequences.

“Please arrive in plenty of time and speak to an officer or a steward if you have any concerns about someone’s behaviour or need any general advice.

“We look forward to a good day for everyone attending and thank fans in advance for their patience and cooperation

Police have released CCTV images of two men they wish to trace as part of an investigation into a serious assault in the Grassmarket area which took place in West Port around 12.30am on Tuesday 2nd January 2018, when a 20-year-old man sustained a serious injury to his chest.

Officers are eager to trace the men, who they believe may be able to help with the ongoing enquiries.

The first man is described as white, 30 to 35 years old, of slim build and wearing a black leather jacket, a grey flat cap and blue denim jeans.

The second man is described as white, 30 to 35 years old, of slim build, with dark hair and wearing a dark-coloured winter coat with a fur lined hood.

Detective Constable Sheila Silvagni of Gayfield CID said: “The victim was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and required a number of stitches as a result of his injury.

“As part of our ongoing enquiries, we’re urging anyone who may recognise either of these men, or who has any information about this incident, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0163 of 2nd January, or report this anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A couple responsible for the murder of Colin Skillbeck in Edinburgh last year have been jailed at Glasgow High Court.

Rene Howieson was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 14-years, while Kathleen Downey (pictured)  was given a sentence of five-years and three months for the attack on the 41-year-old to death at an address in Gibson Terrace on 12th March 2017.

Mr Skillbeck was stabbed to death during the attack, which followed a disagreement over noise at the flat.

Neighbours reported the disturbance to police and emergency services attended, where Colin was found in a critical condition. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation by Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team was carried out and both Howieson and Downey were subsequently detained and charged.

While Howieson pleaded guilty to murder on 19th July 2017, Downey pled guilty to culpable homicide on 4th December.

Detective Inspector Susan Balfour from the Major Investigations Team said: “This was a particularly vicious and callous attack, which left Colin with horrific injuries that he could not recover from.

“The only saving grace for Colin’s loved ones is that Howieson and Downey pled guilty to their crimes, sparing the family the ordeal of a prolonged trial.

“Both will now spend a significant number of years in prison and I sincerely hope this provides those who cared for Colin with some form of closure, as they look to move on with their lives.

“Tackling crimes of violence remains one of our top priorities and the sentences handed to Howieson and Downey reflect the joint commitment of Police Scotland and COPFS in removing violent offenders from our communities.”

Josh Taylor will put his 11-fight unblemished record as a professional on the line against Mexico’s former two-weight world champion Humberto Soto at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday, March 3.

Tickets for the super lightweight showdown are now on sale priced £40, £60 and inner-ringisde £125.

Taylor from Prestonpans has established himself as one of the best super lightweights in world boxing.

He is the first man to stop former long-reigning IBF world champion Miguel Vazquez in his last fight in Edinbugh.

The 27-year-old is ranked highly by the WBC, IBF and WBO and is fast closing in on a world title shot.

Taylor, however, must overcome his toughest test to date against Soto and the undercard features some of the best current fighters in Scottish professional boxing.

Undefeated Jason Easton also puts his 11-fight unbeaten record on the line as chief support.

The IBO inter-continental super-lightweight champion will box Sunderland’s Glenn Foot for the vacant Commonwealth super lightweight championship.

Easton is expected to have his hands full against former Prizefighter champion Foot, who also recently held the English title.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Charlie Flynn will make his eleventh appearance as a professional and the undefeated lightweight will box in a six-round contest against an opponent to be named.

Scotland’s former amateur star Lee McGregor makes his third start as a professional when he features in an eight-round contest and undefeated IBO world lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron will make her first defence of her belt.

Airdrie based Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole, the IBO Continental champion will look to build on his impressive first-round stoppage of Belgium’s Ali Baghouz in Edinburgh.

Glasgow’s undefeated Scottish super bantamweight champion Joe Ham will feature in a six-round contest and Haddington’s undefeated prospect Iain Trotter makes his sixth start as a professional.

Police are appealing for help to trace 14-year-old James Shanley who has gone missing after failing to turn up for school.

He was last seen at 8.30am on Wednesday in the Stoneybank area in Musselburgh and he is known to have  links to the Leith, Granton and Restalrig areas of Edinburgh

Officers are now appealing for anyone who may know where he is to get in touch.

James’ family are worried about him and want him to come home.

He is described as being 5ft 6in tall, has a slim build and short black hair usually styled in a quiff.

He was last seen wearing a black Northface puffer jacket, black jogging bottoms and was carrying a black holdall.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4001 of January 17.

Drivers across Scotland are advised to travel with extra caution as the latest weather warnings for the country are announced.

Following a rush hour with minimal disruption to the road network, Police Scotland is further reducing the advice to Stage 2 – travel with caution.

However, the latest Met Office yellow weather warning for snow and ice is now in force until the early hours of Saturday 20th January, and so they continue to remind people not to be complacent and to keep following Police Scotland and our partners on social media for the latest updates.

Dependent upon prevailing weather conditions and its effect on particular areas in the roads network, Police may issue further warnings of a high risk of disruption to traffic‎.

Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle said: “Road conditions have improved overnight with less snow falling than was expected. As a result of this, and motorists heeding our messages and driving to the conditions this morning, we are now able to advise everyone that despite there no longer being a high risk of disruption, there is still a need for all drivers to take extra caution.

“This means that you should continue to make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey, and have supplies such as warm clothing, food, water and a fully charged mobile phone, before heading out. Be fully informed by checking the @PoliceScotland, @TrafficScotland and @MetOffice Twitter feeds before you travel to get the latest information and forecasts.

“No-one should ever place themselves at risk on the road and there are alternative arrangements you can make such as delaying travel until conditions improve or using public transport. The yellow warning for snow and ice is now in place, and with our partners we will continue to keep you updated whether conditions improve or worsen, and if there are any incidents that affect the road network.”

A programme of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of double Formula One World Champion Jim Clark, who died on 7 April 1968, has been confirmed.

The weekend of April 7 and 8 April will see a collaboration between The Jim Clark Trust, Club Lotus, Live Borders and Chirnside Common Good Association.

They plan to welcome visitors who would like to pay their respects, and celebrate plans for a new Jim Clark Museum.

The programme includes a commemorative church service in Chirnside, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Jim Clark museum in Duns, an anniversary dinner at Carfraemill Hotel and an open exhibition at Chirnside Village Hall for anyone who would like to showcase their own Jim Clark memorabilia.

Classic Team Lotus are planning to exhibit some of Jim Clark’s famous race cars with the addition of over 100 classic and modern sports cars from Club Lotus.

Visitors and car clubs are expected from across Scotland, the UK and around the world and organisers say that everyone is welcome.

Saturday, 7 April: The Jim Clark Museum, Duns: open all day; Jim Clark Anniversary Exhibition, Chirnside Hall: open all day; Classic Team Lotus race cars on display; Club Lotus sports cars on display; 11am, The Jim Clark Museum, Duns, ground breaking ceremony for the new museum; 3pm, Chirnside Church, Chirnside, commemoration service;
7pm, anniversary dinner, Carfraemill Hotel, Lauder. This is a ticket only event from Club Lotus.
Sunday 8 April: The Jim Clark Museum, Duns: open all day; Jim Clark Anniversary Exhibition, Chirnside Hall: open all day; Classic Team Lotus race cars on display; Club Lotus sports cars on display.

The Border Counties Rally on March 10 and 11 starts the British Rally Championship season and the organisers Hawick and Border Car Club and Whickham and District Motor Club are anticipating a bumper entry.

The event will be made up of of three sections with competitors starting from Jedburgh town centre at around 8.30am on the Saturday.

Over 44 miles of competitive action in the South of Scotland and Tweed Valley lies ahead for the crews on the opening leg and the finish is at Jedburgh Abbey at around 4pm.

On the Sunday, contenders will tackle 36 miles south of Jedburgh and the finish and prizegiving will take place early in the afternoon in Jedburgh.

Competitors from the Ecosse Challenge, Motoscope Northern Historic Championship and the Border Rally Challenge will also tackle the event.

Clayton Lackenby, clerk of the course, said: “We think we have a fantastic set of stages on offer to challenge even the most experienced of crews.

“With tests spread across two days on both sides of the Carter Bar, we truly believe it has all the ingredients to be a classic rally.”

Entries open on 25 January and the rally guide can be downloaded from the Border Counties Rally website.

Former Hibs’ striker Keith Wright has been appointed as the new Scottish FA JD Performance School coach for Broughton High School in Edinburgh.

He replaces Greg Miller in the role, and is a well-known figure in Scottish football after a successful playing career.

The Edinburgh born Hibs’ fan led the club to League Cup success as well as winning a Scotland cap during his spell at Easter Road.

He later succeeded Craig Levein as boss of Cowdenbeath.

After leaving Central Park, Keith enjoyed a stint as youth coach at Livingston before finding a long-term home with Midlothian council as Scottish FA Football Development Officer.

A hugely popular and instantly recognisable figure locally, Keith now has the opportunity to help shape the Scotland stars of tomorrow.

He said: “It’s a new challenge for me and one I’m really looking forward to taking on.

“I appreciate the chance I’ve been given to work with these elite young players, and I want to do my best to help them fulfil their potential.”

Malky Mackay, Scottish FA Performance Director, said: “I am delighted to welcome Keith to his new position within the Scottish FA.

“It is important that our most talented young players work with the best coaches and Keith is certainly in that bracket.

“From his experience as a player to his obvious enthusiasm and expertise as a coach, I’m confident he can help the participants achieve their potential.”