Both teams have players unavailable for tonight’s Edinburgh derby,

Neil Lennon has doubts over winger Danny Swanson and striker Anthony Stokes.

Swanson suffered a bang on the knee in training on Sunday whilst Stokes has a swollen ankle following a challenge in the Betfred League Cup semi-final at Hampden on Saturday.

Craig Levein has no fresh injury worries and is unsure whether to start teenager Harry Cochrane who performed well after coming off the bench against St Johnstone on Saturday.

Don Cowie is still out with a calf complaint, as is Aaron Hughes whilst Arnaud Djoum is unavailable with a knee injury.

Malaury Martin and Ashley Smith-Brown are still recovering from knocks but Connor Randall returns from suspension.

Scotland Women face Albania tonight at the Paisley 2012 Stadium, kick-off 7.30pm with free entry for all supporters in the first home World Cup qualifier of the new campaign.

Ahead of the fixture manager Shelley Kerr and the squad attended St. Andrew’s House where the players received their caps from the 2-1 win over Belarus from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who is the patron for the national side.

The First Minister took up her ambassadorial role in March 2016. Through her position, she has promoted and championed the women’s national team, working with football authorities to encourage the ever-increasing participation in the women’s game, whilst continuing to grow attendances.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I was delighted to host the reception for Shelley and the women’s national team to recognise their success.

“Following the courageous but heart-breaking performance at the European Championships in the summer – their first ever appearance at the a major international tournament – I wanted to wish them well for the World Cup qualifiers.

“We’ve started this campaign strongly and I am sure Shelley and the rest of the staff can lead this talented team to France. They are inspiring role models and I am incredibly proud to be the patron.

“Interest in the women’s game has never been higher, and I am determined the Scottish Government supports that.

“We want women and girls of all ages to be inspired to kick a ball and for men and women to attend games.

“I hope the whole of Scotland roars the team on to victory against Albania, and in the remaining fixtures.”

Shelley Kerr said: “It is an incredible honour to have the First Minister as our Patron and have the support of such an inspirational and influential leader.

“After enjoying a productive week with the squad it was a boost for the squad to visit St. Andrew’s House, meeting the First Minister and have her present the players’ caps from the Belarus match.

“We’ve come off the back of a really good away win over Belarus and we now need to build on that.

“Albania will be a team that will set up to defend and will make it very difficult for us.

“We need to be patient in our build up play and they will be play on the counter attack.

“They are a developing nation but have recently climbed two ranking places so we know they’ve got a couple of quick players who could cause us problems.

“We need to concentrate on what we have and it’ll be important to be patient during the match and take our chances when they come as we have a talented group.

“I was really pleased with the performance the other night and we showed just how much of an expansive attacking team we were.“

Jenny Beattie: “After missing out on the Euros, this is the most excited I’ve been about meeting up with the squad since my first call-up.

“Not going to the Euros was really disappointing but in a new era under Shelley Kerr it’s safe to say I’m really excited to be back involved.

“Coping not being in the Netherlands was about changing my mind-set and being focused on coming back as strong as possible.

“All the changes that Shelley has made have all been really positive. There is a really good vibe around the squad and we have won all our games so far which is always good too.

“I’ve got a few friends and family coming to the game which will be nice as I’ve not played a home game in more than a year.

“Hopefully it ‘ll be a good crowd and we can top it off with three points.”

Two men have been charged following the murder of 44-year-old Mark Squires in the Longstone area of Edinburgh on Sunday 22nd October.

Following extensive inquiries, warrants were executed  in the north west of the city and two men, aged 21 and 23 are in custody and are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.

A third man has been detained by police in connection with the investigation.

Two women who detectives were eager to trace have also now been spoken to and assisted with the ongoing investigation.

Detective Inspector Dave Pinkney of the Major Investigation Team said: “I am very grateful for the assistance of the local community, who have showed great support to the family and friends of Mark Squires and to my team whilst carrying out our inquiries locally. Our deepest sympathies remain with Mark’s family and friends at this time.

“I would also like to thank the Longstone Inn and the Jaflong Tandoori for their patience whilst we examined the scene of the incident which happened outside their premises whilst they were closed.

“I’m still keen to hear from anyone who may have information about the disturbance and there will be additional patrols in the area to offer further reassurance and for people to speak to should they be able to assist the investigation.”

Those with information can contact the Major Investigation Team via 101 and quote incident number 486 of the 22nd. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

It’s the first Edinburgh Derby of the season as Hibs host Hearts under the floodlights at Easter Road tonight, with the game kicking off at 7:45pm.

This match has sold out and tickets are no longer available, therefore no home Ticket Pods will be open for this fixture.

All Hibs’ supporters looking to collect tickets for this fixture should do so via the Hibernian Ticket Office, which is open from 10am today.

Due to the large crowd attending this evening’s game, Hibs have urged supporters to arrive early to avoid delays at turnstiles and to avoid missing kick-off.

Edinburgh Airport are sponsoring tonight’s game and Traditional Roofing and Building will sponsor the Match Ball. A La Favorita Pizza Trailer will be at the game located behind the East Stand.

Hibs’ TV will provide live coverage of the game with video for international subscribers and audio for UK and Ireland based fans.

Police Scotland have issued advice ahead of tonight’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.

Chief Inspector Gill Geany, Match Commander, said: “The Edinburgh derby is always a fantastic atmosphere, regardless of whether it’s in Gorgie, or Leith.

“Ahead of the match at Easter Road on Tuesday 24th October, I would like to remind supporters of both teams to behave appropriately so that the experience is not tarnished for themselves or others.

“I will have an appropriate police presence in and around Easter Road to keep the public safe and deter any criminal activity before, during and after the match.

“Part of our role on the day will be to assist stewarding staff with searches, and I would like to remind fans that alcohol, flares and other banned items should not be brought to the stadium. If you are found in possession of these things, you won’t get in and may face further police action.

“Similarly, no one will be allowed access to the stadium whilst drunk and remember that if you are drunk you will be turned away.”

Supporters who attend the game are reminded not to engage in any unacceptable conduct at the match.

Fans are asked to arrive early to ensure that you are in the ground in time for the kick-off. Please comply with the instructions of Police Officers and Stewards and note that searching is a condition of entry to the stadium. Searches are carried out to keep everyone safe and your cooperation is appreciated.

You are reminded that any person having a flag(s) or banner(s) and the like which may contain offensive or otherwise unacceptable material and/or flares, fireworks, devices capable of emitting smoke or the like and/or any other object which may cause or be part of any incident of unacceptable conduct on his/her person or any such person refusing to be searched shall not be admitted to the ground and any ticket held by him/her shall be liable to be confiscated without compensation and he/she shall be liable to such other proportionate sanction as the Club may determine.

Persons so engaged are likely to be arrested and may be the subject of a football banning order.

The wait is almost over for many local companies ahead of the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce awards.

They will be announced at The Brunton in Musselburgh on Thursday in front of an audience of more than 300 people.

A number of a categories are up for grabs and the judges say it has been a tough task deciding on the winners.

Three Midlothian companies are in the running for the Business Start Up of the Year award, Fayre Tasty, Cross Borders Brewery and Whisky Frames.

And AM Bid Services from East Lothian and Golf Club for Cash from Midlothian are in the short-list for the Business High Growth award.

AM Bid Services are also listed in the SME of the Year category along with ETS, Ross’s of Edinburgh and GMP Print Solutions, all from Midlothian.

Other categories are business innovation, environmental impact, commitment to student and graduate engagement, youth development, community impact and excellence in customer service.

Staff at Lothian Buses recently enjoyed a visit from two of their sponsored guide dog puppies.

Lothian Buses has supported the charity Guide Dogs for over a year and has named three puppies with the help of the staff and customers after raising £15,000.

The aptly named Marine and Diesel recently went along to the Marine Depot in Portobello so staff could learn more about the pups before they join guide dogs training school.

Community Fundraiser for Guide Dogs, Anne Rowse, said: “Marine was named after the bus depot. The staff there were inspired to fundraise as they have regular interaction with local service users and volunteer puppy walkers. The name Diesel came about after a staff vote.”

The team at Marine said: “It was really exciting to meet Marine and Diesel. It was also great to meet their local puppy walkers, Vee Frier and Judith Mackay, and find out all about their training and what their personalities are like.”

Canon have confirmed a partnership with Capital Document Solutions, a Scottish-based independent supplier of print and document solutions.

Capital have a team of over 200 operating across five regional branches and the company has been in business for nearly 40 years.

It is the largest independent document solutions provider in Scotland.

Kevin Sullivan, head of Canon Scotland, said: “Capital are a trusted local supplier with a great heritage of providing sound professional advice and exceptional customer service. Our two organisations share the same values.”

Hibs  have partnered up with Scottish Government to help eradicate hate crime and communicate the message that ‘Hate has no home in Scotland’.

The Scottish Government has launched a campaign to raise awareness of what hate crime is and to empower those who either witness hate crime or experience a hate crime to report it to Police Scotland or a third party reporting centre.

More than 5,300 cases of hate crime were reported in Scotland over the past year. The definition of a ‘hate crime’ includes crimes motivated by prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.

Laura Montgomery, Head of Sales and Sponsorship at Hibernian FC said: “Hibernian have had a long history of inclusiveness from the Club’s beginnings to the modern day era.

“The Club are fully supportive of the Scottish Governments campaign to eradicate any forms of discrimination in football and society”

For more information on hate crimes and to report concerns visit www.onescotland.org

Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to trace in connection with an ongoing investigation into a serious assault which took place around 2.30am on Saturday 29th July 2017 in the Kingfisher Restaurant on Bread Street.

A 22-year-old man was punched to the face and attended the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was found to have sustained a fractured jaw.

The man pictured is described as white, in his late teens to early twenties, 5ft 7-9ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair that was shaved at the sides with the longer hair on top styled in a quiff.

He was wearing a dark olive green bomber jacket with black cuffs, black skinny jeans and grey trainers.

He had a local accent, is believed to have links to the Muirhouse area and was seen in the company of two other men.

PC Callum Johnston of Gayfield Police Station said “The man in these images is believed to be of significance to our investigation and we’d urge anyone who can assist in tracing him to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0615 of 29th July, or report this anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Children, young people and their families with a direct experience of the current Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) system are being asked to help shape Scotland’s approach to mental health services.

The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) has started work with the Scottish Government to gather evidence from young people, their families and carers across the country to inform the approach to mental health services.

This will include recommendations for improving the experience for children and young people.

SAMH will work in partnership with NSS Information Services Division (ISD), part of NHS National Services Scotland, who will take forward a statistical audit of CAMHS data to complete the picture of the current system.

In the last year 7,255 young people who were referred to CAMHS did not receive support from that service.

At a national level we want to learn more about this situation. This audit will help to answer those questions and make recommendations for the future.

Billy Watson, SAMH’s chief executive, said: “Since the launch of our Going To Be campaign in May we have spoken to thousands of people about their experiences and we look forward to speaking to many more over the coming months.

“What we need is services that work for young people that are appropriate to their needs. A mental health problem shouldn’t just be defined by a diagnosis but it is often only then that an intervention is triggered.

“There are more young people than ever before seeking help for their mental health.

“However, this means greater demands on services and increasing waiting times. We look forward to finding solutions to improve young people’s experiences.”

Shona Robison. Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, said: “At the start of this work I wanted to ensure we took the time to hear from young people, their families and carers directly about their experiences, including those who were referred but didn’t access the service.

“This is important so we can understand how we can make improvements and route young people to the most appropriate help and support.

“Above all, young people can help shape solutions and we firmly believe can make a real and positive difference.”

Joanna Cherry QC MP asked a question about Europe at Westminster earlier today but was not entirely happy with the response from the Prime Minister.

As the SNP’s Justice Spokesperson and a member of the Exiting the EU Select Committee, Ms Cherry wanted to know what advice the UK Government has on a transitional deal for leaving the union. This followed what Ms Cherry thought was a concession by the Prime Minister during her EU Statement to the House of Commons.

Joanna Cherry asked the Prime Minister whether she had discussed the legal basis for a transitional deal with her EU counterparts and the Prime Minister responded that the EU had raised the prospect of a transitional deal in their April guidelines, and said it would be on the basis of the Article 50 process.

However, when the EU referred to transitional arrangements in those guidelines they made it clear that such arrangements could only take place to the extent that they were ”legally possible”.

The Edinburgh South West MP believes that Article 50 does not allow for transitional arrangements and the alternative is to defer withdrawal with a continuation of Single Market and Customs Union membership.

“Article 50 does not say anything about transitional deals but it makes it clear that during any period of deferred withdrawal, the treaties would continue to apply – meaning the UK would have to be in the Single Market, the Customs Union and under the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In other words, not Brexit on 29th March 2019 as the Prime Minister keeps insisting.

“This fits with what Michel Barnier said after the Prime Minister’s Florence speech. He said, “any transition must respect the legal and financial framework of the Single Market. To quote the European Council: ‘Should a time-limited prolongation of Union acquis be considered, this would require existing Union regulatory, budgetary, supervisory, judiciary and enforcement instruments and structures to apply.’ Those are the words of the European Council. I think that everybody should remember them.”

“Even if the UK government and the EU Council think a transitional deal is possible under Article 50, without continued application of the treaties, the European Parliament -which has to be satisfied- has the power to raise the question of whether such a deal complies with Article 50 with the CJEU, who could veto the whole deal.

“We may be looking at continued membership of the EU with all that entails for however long the ‘Transitional period’ might last. This is contrary to what Theresa May has claimed elsewhere including during today’s session.”

Brazilian food brand Fazenda will open a bar and grill in a £2m facelift project in Edinburgh early next year, bosses have confirmed.

City District Group, who have outlets in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, are also looking for a site in Glasgow.

The Edinburgh outlet will be in George Street and is set to offer 175 covers plus a bar area with a capacity of 40. A private dining room for eight guests is also planned.

Tomas Maunier, the company’s sales and marketing director, said: “Edinburgh is a vibrant city with an amazing food scene.

“We want to share a unique and authentic dining experience, similar to the best restaurants in São Paulo or Rio.

“With Scotland being world-renowned for its beef, we thought it was time for us to bring our way of cooking and serving meats to the people of Edinburgh.”

For a set price, prime cuts arrive at the table including chicken, lamb, pork and beef.

The selection includes their signature picanha, a juicy, tender and flavourful cut from the cap of the rump.

Chris Milner, head sommelier, said: “On top of a mix of New and Old World wines, we source a special selection of South American premium and aged wines.”

There are 20 Harry Potter inspired displays across the UK which all launched this weekend at the same time as the Harry Potter exhibition at the British Library in London, and one of these is in Edinburgh.

So what will you see?

There are special panels inspired by the British Library exhibition with pictures of books, manuscripts and magical objects. There are also images from JK Rowling’s and Bloomsbury’s collections.

Herbs from the Royal Botanical Gardens (which may have magical properties) and some magical items from the archives held by the Central Library will also be on display.

There will be a programme of events to accompany the exhibition including a visit from the Scottish Owl Centre, some magic tutorials and stage make-up lessons. These are not all in the Central Library so check the Libraries events page for details.

BBC Two will be broadcasting an hour-long documentary at 9pm next Saturday 28 October 2017, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, charting the journey of the exhibition, from object selection by the curators to opening night, as well as exploring other historical magical traditions and folklore and including interviews with J.K. Rowling and Jim Kay.

The British Library has developed the displays in collaboration with public libraries through the Living Knowledge Network which involves the National Library of Scotland.

In London 30,000 tickets have been sold for the exhibition at the British Library which the organisers say breaks all pre-sale records.

This celebration marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and puts together British Library treasures with original material from that held by Bloomsbury and JK Rowling.

Councillor Ian Perry, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “This fantastic display is set to capture the minds of Harry Potter fans young and old, so we’re extremely pleased to be working with the British Library to bring its magic to the capital.

“As an ancient city, Edinburgh itself is steeped in folklore, so it is particularly fitting to bring the book’s enchantment to our historic Central Library. What’s more, we’ll be running a range of exciting events across the city in celebration of the exhibition, which I would thoroughly recommend.”

Roly Keating, Chief Executive of the British Library said of the project:

“We are delighted to be working with 20 different public libraries across the UK to share our exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic. The Living Knowledge Network is all about sharing resources, skills and ideas to make our intellectual heritage available to everyone and here we’ve championed what lies at the heart of the Harry Potter stories that resonates deeply with people across the country to achieve this. The roll-out truly encapsulates the convening power of bringing local and national treasures together through the partners.”

Police are appealing for information following two robberies in the capital where the victims had their handbags stolen.

The first incident happened around 5.40pm on Sunday 22 October when a 42-year-old woman was approached by two men as she pushed her disabled 25-year-old son in his wheelchair along Crown Street.

The suspect knocked the woman sideways and grabbed her handbag from her shoulder. This caused a struggle during which the woman’s son fell from his wheelchair.

Both suspects then then ran off down Crown Street with the woman’s handbag.

The first suspect is described as a black male, tall, medium build, aged 17 -18 with short curly dark hair.

The second suspect is described as a white male, tall, aged 18-19, medium build with light brown hair. He was described as wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up around his face.

At around 7.45pm on the same day a 25-year-old woman was walking north on Bellvue Road when she was approached from behind by two men.

The first suspect then grabbed the woman’s phone from her hand and ran off.

The second suspect pushed the woman to the ground, kicked her, and stole her handbag.

Both suspects were seen making off down Mcdonald Place and onto Mcdonald Street.

The first suspect is described as a white male, aged 25-30, around 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build. He was described as wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.

The second suspect is described as a white male, aged 25-30, around 5ft 7ins tall, slim build, with light brown hair. He was described as wearing a green jacket with the hood up, a grey scarf with black stripes, dark grey jogging bottoms and black trainers.

Thankfully none of the victims were injured.

Detective Sergeant Mark Lumsden of Gayfield CID said: “We are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed either incident or knows who is responsible.

“I would ask anyone who recognises the description of the suspects and can help us identify them to please come forward.

“We do not believe that these incidents are linked, however, would appeal for anyone with information on either incident to contact us immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hearts have today announced that their return to Tynecastle following the completion of the club’s new main stand has been delayed a second time. The Gorgie club were due to move back to their permanent home in time for their Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Kilmarnock on Sunday 5th November. However, doubt was cast on this last week when Head Coach Craig Levein admitted to the possibility of a ‘Plan B’ hinting the new stand would not be ready in time.

Today the club confirmed the game against Killie will be played at BT Murrayfield.

Hearts owner Ann Budge released the following statement on the official Hearts website:

“Following a period of fairly intense speculation over the past few weeks, I can now confirm that the Board has decided to take further advantage of our contingency arrangements with the SRU to play our “Home” fixture against Kilmarnock FC, on Sunday, 5th November, at BT Murrayfield.

These arrangements have been confirmed with all parties involved and I would like to record my appreciation for their co-operation in agreeing to the change in venue.
I will issue a further detailed progress up-date to our supporters later in the week. I would, however, take this opportunity to stress that the building programme will see the handover of Phase 1 requirements to the club within the next 10 days.

However, the time then remaining to enable “acceptance testing” of all the various new facilities and processes would be very limited, were we to aim to play our opening game on 5th November 2017.

One of our key objectives is to ensure that our first game back at Tynecastle runs smoothly, and provides supporters with the best possible match-day experience. We have therefore decided to take advantage of the opportunity open to us to call on our contingency arrangements for this fixture, thereby giving us more time to robustly test out all of our new facilities.

I will finish at this point by thanking you all for your fantastic support so far this season, which has helped the team immeasurably. To be in a top six position, having played all 10 league games away from Tynecastle, is a terrific achievement, helped in no small measure by the superb travelling support and indeed by the wonderful turnout at BT Murrayfield. Please keep it up. We will be home soon!”

This is the second time Hearts have postponed their return to Tynecastle. The original date for their return was 9th September for the visit of Aberdeen but this game was played at Murrayfield due to a problem with the seats for the new stand.

Source: www.heartsfc.co.uk

Ben Macpherson MSP is hosting a parliamentary reception at Holyrood tomorrow night for Edinburgh and Lothians relationship counselling body, Bright Light.

The charity received a Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Stories, Stones and Bones’ grant which enabled them to look into their archives and tell the story of their work over the last 70 years.

The interactive exhibition made up of eight banners which has resulted from this research will be put on show tomorrow night when 180 invited guests will be hosted by the Edinburgh North and Leith MSP.

Mark MacDonald Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Stuart Valentine CEO of Relationships Scotland will speak  to guests along with one couple who were helped by the organisation many years ago.

Edinburgh choir Pitchcraft will entertain along with actors from Balerno Theatre Company who will bring each banner to life. There will be golden tickets in the goody bags too.

Julie Hogg-Weld, CEO, Bright Light said: “There are two clear legacies from this grant. The exhibition material showing 70 years of Bright Light history, changes in the world and in counselling per decade, and how the same problems repeat through generations, and some are new reflecting the stresses of that specific period.

“These materials will be presented with pride within schools, colleges, health centres, GP practices, shopping centres, at presentations and conferences – everywhere – helping Bright Light to spread the word and to raise awareness. Feedback has been excellent already.  The second activity I’m proud to announce, is that through discovering such quality material we are going to invest in further research as there is much more history we still haven’t touched and people deserve to see and hear about it. This will be happening in the next year.”

Commenting, Lucy Casot, Head of HLF in Scotland, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund is a key partner in the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and it was our ambition that people of all ages would have the chance to discover something new about the heritage they care about. With almost 100 projects happening across the country, over 15,000 people have done just that. We’re delighted that, thanks to funding from the National Lottery, Bright Light is part of that celebration, opening the door to fun, learning and everlasting memories for many people as we celebrate this special year.”

Bright Light relationship counselling supports individuals, couples, children, young people, and families to get the most out of relationships with loved ones – recognising people’s strengths, identifying goals, supporting each person on their journey to achieve them. The charity’s aim is to build stronger relationships, which then strengthens communities, and creates a stronger Scotland.

Colleagues from Asda Chesser are calling on the local community to help support them in their fundraising efforts for its Tickled Pink charity campaign ‘Proud to be Pink’, supporting Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now.

The store has helped to raise thousands of pounds for Tickled Pink in recent years – and customers can help support this year’s fundraising efforts either by making a donation online, or in store – or by purchasing Tickled Pink products available throughout October.

As well as fundraising throughout October, colleagues at Asda Chesser donned Pink Panther suits and sweatbands for a charity cycle in store, cycling almost 110 miles in 4 hours and raising £150 in total.

Launched in 1996, Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign has raised over £55 million to support breast cancer charities Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now.

Through ‘Proud to be Pink’ fundraising activity in October, Asda will help to achieve improved care, support and information for anyone affected by breast cancer, as well as funding vital research to help stop women dying of the disease in the future.

Gary Anderson, Community Champion at Asda Chesser, lost his mum and former Community Champion, Linda, to breast cancer a couple of years ago. He told The Edinburgh Reporter:

“As Community Champions for Asda, we are ‘Proud to be Pink’ both instore and in the local community during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We’re very proud of all the colleagues who took part in the charity cycle, it was a tremendous effort by everyone and just the start of our fundraising efforts – it’s going to be a busy period of fundraising!

“Knowing the money raised will help both charities to be there from day one for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis will inspire us to go the ‘extra mile’ when it comes to fundraising activities across Scotland this year.”

Samia al Qadhi, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Care and Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now, said:

“We would like to thank Asda’s colleagues, customers and suppliers for all they have done to support those affected by breast cancer.

“We’re so proud of everything Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign has achieved over the past 21 years. Funds raised for Tickled Pink are vital to the work of both charities; to provide specialist support and care for people living with, through and beyond breast cancer, and to invest in world-class research to stop women dying of this devastating disease once and for all.”

For more information visit the Tickled Pink website

One of our readers has been in touch to tell us that her bike was stolen last night.

This is not just any bike – it is an Orbit in a distinctive red/silver colour combination.

It was stolen yesterday evening, Sunday 22 October 2017, from Dalmeny Road which is a quiet street, and where owner Marjan unusually left it outside as she was going to use it later.

She recently took the bike on Cycle Route 1 from Thurso to Inverness and uses it in Edinburgh too.  She said : “It was a lovely bike and I’mn quite peeved it’s gone.”

Can you help? Have you seen this bike? If you have then please call Police Scotland on 101. Or you may leave a comment below or email us and we will pass your message on to Marjan who really wants her bike back,

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at a city-centre pub which took place around 12.45 a.m. this morning  at the Doctors Bar on Forrest Road.

A 43-year-old man was working within the premises and had gone outside briefly when he was confronted by two men as he re-entered.

The pair then threatened the staff member before stealing a four-figure sum of cash and entering a black cab at the corner of Forrest Road and Teviot Place.

Inquiries are ongoing to identify these men and anyone who can assist officers with this investigation is asked to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, 6ft ins tall with a slim build and wearing a navy hooded top with the hood up and a green baseball cap with white writing on the front. He spoke with a Scottish accent.

The second suspect is described as white, 5ft 7ins tall with a hevay build and wearing a dark hooded top. He also spoke with a Scottish accent.

Detective Constable Kevin Walls from Corstorphine CID said: “This would have been a very frightening experience for the staff member, and while no weapons were used or presented, the suspects made him believe they were in possession of something.

“As part of this inquiry we would like to speak to anyone who was around the Doctors pub in the early hours of Monday morning and remembers seeing anything suspicious.

“In particular, we’re keen to trace the driver of the black cab, which picked the men up after the robbery.

“This individual, and anyone else with any relevant information, is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Corstorphine CID via 101 and quote incident number 128 of the 23rd October. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You may not associate them with ghosts and spirits but Edinburgh Zoo is challenging families across the country to celebrate Hallowe’en by carving creepy-crawly pumpkins as part of a spook-tacular Hallowe’en programme and exclusive family promotion.

From scuttling spiders to slithering snails and swarms of cockroaches, families who bring animal-themed carved pumpkins to the Zoo will get a free child ticket (15 years and under) with every full paying adult from Friday 27 to Monday 30 October.

A selection of the best pumpkin designs brought in by visitors will be displayed in the Zoo entrance until Hallowe’en when all pumpkins received will be composted and used by the RZSS Edinburgh Zoo Gardens team to help fertilise plants in the park in future months.

The pumpkin challenge coincides with RZSS Edinburgh Zoo being invaded by Scotland’s most skin-crawling collection of insects until Sunday 29 October. Visitors can explore the limited-edition ‘Creepy Crawlies Exhibition’ featuring giant millipedes, crickets, beetles, stick insects, spiders, cockroaches, giant snails, spiders and a host of other weird and wonderful bugs.

The interactive exhibition will run daily from 11am – 3pm in the Budongo Trail Lecture Theatre throughout the October school holidays and is free with Zoo admission. There will be insect handling sessions throughout the day for brave youngsters and creative craft activities.

For grown-ups who aren’t keen on eight-legged friends, Edinburgh Zoo is hosting a ‘Spiders: Fight Your Phobia’ workshop with top clinical hypnotherapist Morag Torrance on Sunday 5 November. In the afternoon workshop, attendees will face their fears through hypnosis and the chance to meet the Zoo’s most friendly spiders.

Visitors to the Zoo can also explore its newest permanent exhibition, Wee Beasties. Featuring reptiles, amphibians and exotic insects, it explores the importance and diversity of our smallest animals and the important role they play in the natural world. Favourites include the iconic Natal dwarf chameleon; blue poison arrow frog and the Zoo’s Chilean rose tarantula.

Bruce Ritchie, Head of Business Operations and Visitor Experience at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, said: “This year we’re presenting a skin-crawling Hallowe’en programme with the chance for visitors to meet Edinburgh Zoo’s most weird and wonderful animals. We’re challenging families to create carved pumpkins for access to our exclusive family offer.”

Staff gearing up for opening

A fast-growing international hotel chain is opening in Edinburgh, less than 500m from the city’s International Conference Centre.

Hampton by Hilton, Edinburgh West End, will add 228 bedrooms to the city’s busy international tourism and conference markets.

Paul Wood, general manager, said: “Edinburgh is one of the busiest conference destinations in the UK and is second only to London for attracting international tourist visitors.

“The city has become a truly global centre that is a must visit for tourists.”

Fountainbridge is named after the spring water which made the location perfect for the location of the William McEwan’s Fountain Brewery in 1889.

The hotel is on the site of the former North British Rubber Company and former James Bond, Sir Sean Connery, was born in the Fountainbridge area.

Down to Earth will reunite the four fragments of the Strathmore Meteorite for the first time since it fell to earth on 3 December 1917.

A display at the National Museum of Scotland will present the story of the largest and best-documented meteorite fall in Scotland. The event opens on 10 November 2017.

Henry Coates, curator of the Perthshire Museum of Natural History, scientifically documented the event with the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, the Royal Scottish Museum (now the National Museum of Scotland) and others.

He visited the fall sites, photographing each one, and took eyewitness accounts from those who had seen the meteorite flash through the sky.

Peter Davidson, senior curator of Mineralogy at National Museums Scotland, said: “Down to Earth presents a fantastic opportunity to reunite all the fragments of the Strathmore Meteorite whilst bringing together eyewitness accounts of the event.

“It was these stories and recollections which enabled Coates to piece together the story of the night of 3 December 1917 meaning the Strathmore Meteorite is a wonderful example of observational science.”

The High Possil, Glenrothes and Perth meteorites, representing the three meteorite falls documented in Scotland between 1804 and 1998, as well as meteorites from the National Museums Scotland’s collections, will be displayed alongside the Strathmore Meteorite.

The exhibition will also explore the science behind meteorites and how these rocks have come to play important roles in day-to-day lives.

More details here

M&S is recruiting 165 additional colleagues this Christmas season in Edinburgh. A variety of roles are available across local stores in departments from Clothing, Home and Food, with applications now open.

The increase in seasonal colleagues for Christmas 2017 will help the retailer make every moment special for customers over the festive period – from purchasing presents (which for most customers begins in October or November) right through to picking up the turkey or the extra bottle of wine on Christmas Eve.

Across the UK, the company is seeking 19,000 “Moment Makers” who can bring smiles to customers’ faces at the busiest and happiest time of year.

Shona Lawrie, M&S Head of Region for Edinburgh Central said, “Making every moment special for our customers in Edinburgh is our mission and it’s never more important than at Christmas time. Every year we value the additional colleagues who help us deliver even better service for the local community. Whilst retail experience is helpful, what we’re really after are colleagues who are ready to roll their sleeves up and be part of a hard-working team – moment makers for our customers”.

Whilst temporary roles appeal to many – including working parents, students and those just looking for a little extra spending money at Christmas – every year a number of M&S seasonal workers remain with the company. Last year nearly 1,000 temps across the UK were offered a permanent role in January and many have progressed over the years to management positions throughout the business.

All new colleagues will have induction training. Rates of pay are competitive and colleagues enjoy a 20% discount on M&S products from their very first day.

To apply visit: http://careers.marksandspencer.com/

Image courtesy of M+S Media

Cape Town-born pianist Philip Clouts celebrates his quartet’s tenth anniversary with a 13-date tour that includes a concert at the Traverse Theatre
on Monday, October 30.

Clouts formed the quartet – originally a trio – to create a more intimate contrast to the band he’d been working with since the turn of the
millennium, the jazz and world-beat ensemble Zubop, which had expanded to a nine-piece through collaborations with Gambian master musicians Juldeh Camara and Njega Sohna.

“We’ve had a few changes in personnel over these ten years but bassist Alex Keen has been in the group since the start, which gives a great sense of
continuity, and I’m really pleased with the current line-up as saxophonist Samuel Eagles and drummer David Ingamells have brought some great input,” says Clouts.

“Samuel’s sense of phrasing is unique, and apart from being a great jazz player, he also brings his experience of playing Afrobeat on the London scene. David, who played on the quartet’s most recent album, Umoya, has phenomenal technique and can go from total sensitivity to powerhouse in an instant. That’s very inspiring.”

While Clouts retains a strong love for the jazz tradition and acknowledges heroes including Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett, his compositions have always tended to look further afield. Umoya spans a range of inspirations from Moroccan Gnawa music to Italian tarantella and as well as playing music from that album on tour, the quartet will be featuring newer material including a blues inspired by the biram, a five-stringed harp used by the Boudouma people of Eastern Niger.

These world music influences, added to Clouts’ interest in the music of his birthplace, South Africa, have created a style of jazz that’s aimed at the hips and feet as well as head and heart.

“Someone recently told me they found my music life-affirming,” he says.

“So I hope that the quartet’s melodic groove-oriented approach will have that effect on the people who come to hear us.”

John Lewis Edinburgh along with community driven hospitality company Airbnb, has  launched a series of ‘The Perfect Host’ Masterclasses this month, aiming to equip the public with a range of tips for preparing their spare room for guests staying over the holiday season.

Scotland has 21,900 active listings on Airbnb and guests using the service spend over £1 million per day in local communities in Scotland , so more people are turning their attention to the guest room.

The ‘Perfect Host’ Masterclasses will be delivered by John Lewis Home Design Advisers and a Superhost on Airbnb, who will pool their expertise to provide advice and top tips for transforming a spare room, to ensure it’s ready for guests this festive season.

Designed with a guest’s comfort and a host’s convenience in mind, the masterclasses will serve as a useful guide for anyone looking to improve a guest room, whether to make extra money by home hosting, or simply give family and friends an extra special stay.

The Masterclasses will take place at John Lewis Edinburgh on the following dates:

●        Thursday, 26 October, 6pm – 7pm

●        Saturday, 28 October, 2pm – 3pm

●        Sunday, 29 October, 11am – 12pm

Last year, Airbnb reported a 104% growth in business in Scotland, with hosts welcoming over 1,000,000 guests into their homes. On average, the typical Scottish host earned around £3,600 per year and hosted for 38 nights with the vast majority of them (76 per cent) renting out their primary home. This continued growth in popularity shows that more people than ever are choosing to transform their guest room and share their space with visitors to boost their cash flow .

John Lewis Edinburgh and Airbnb’s ‘Perfect Host’ Masterclasses will run through everything a host needs, from the essential products required to get a guest room set up, to those top tips and hacks for getting a room guest-ready in just an hour. For those who have friends and family coming to stay to take in the Christmas markets and festive fun of the capital city, the Masterclasses will offer advice for adding that extra warm welcome and home comfort during their stay.

Toby Durant, Home Design Advisor at John Lewis Edinburgh, said: “We’re increasingly seeing the importance of the guest bedroom amongst our customers. Whether transforming a spare room for a listing on Airbnb, or simply welcoming family and friends, the Masterclasses will offer advice on how to get started, from the essential products to tips for making a bed quickly and neatly. We hope it leaves our customers feeling inspired and set for the festive season’s influx of visitors.”

Susan Knight, Airbnb Superhost from Edinburgh, said: “As a superhost on Airbnb, it’s important to make your guests feel as welcome and comfortable as you can from the moment they arrive. I live in a quiet residential neighbourhood to the West of the City Centre, so I love that my guests have the opportunity to discover and explore a neighbourhood outside of the tourist attractions in the City Centre. Whether it’s tips for furnishing your guest room or how best to represent your town or city, these masterclasses will offer really helpful advice for anyone welcoming guests over the festive season.”

The ‘Perfect Host’ Masterclasses are held in the Home Design Studio on Level 1 and are free to attend.

To book a place, call the John Lewis Home Design team on 0131 525 8468 and sign up to a date and time.

Next Sunday 29 October 2017 at 5.30pm the hall will be brought alive with the sounds of the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra with Peter Donohoe.

The St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra has a distinctive rich sound which has been an important part of its hometown’s history since its beginnings in the 1930s.

They will perform an all Russian programme including two of Tchaikovsky’s most popular works the Romeo and Juliet Overture and his Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathétique’,

[tweet_box design=”default”]Edinburgh audiences will experience one of the best orchestras in the world as part of Usher Hall’s Sunday Classics.[/tweet_box]

Romeo and Juliet was arguably Tchaikovsky’s first true masterpiece weaving sumptuous melodies together and making full use of the orchestra’s sweeping string section.  Symphony No 6 is a piece which he described many times as “the best thing I ever composed or shall compose”. A work that is about life and death which is full of vivid passion, struggle and pain.

The muscular playing of the St Petersburg Symphony and its rich Russian sound will create an experience to transport audiences at the Usher Hall to deep within the Russian psyche.

The orchestra is led by Kazakh conductor Alan Buribayev, chief conductor of the Astana Opera House and Principal Guest conductor of the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra in Osaka. Until last year he was Principal Conductor of RTE’s NSO. Still in his 30s, Buribayev has made a name for himself around the world across a wide range of opera and symphonic repertoire.

Joining them is one of the foremost pianists of our time, Peter Donohoe CBE. He joins the Orchestra for Rachmaninov’s ‘jazzy’ fourth piano concerto, bringing his musicianship, stylistic versatility and commanding technique to the Usher Hall’s Steinway. His performances are described as monumental, charged and compelling and together he and the Orchestra are sure to deliver a memorable performance of this dramatic concerto.

The St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra used to be called the Leningrad Radio Orchestra and is famous for having performed Shostakovich’s 7th Symphony in 1942 whilst the city was under siege. This month marks the 100^th anniversary of the Russian Revolution which started in St Petersburg in 1917.

The Orchestra featured in theBBC Two documentary Leningrad:The Orchestra That Defied Hitler in January 2016.

Tchaikovsky Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 in B minor, ‘Pathétique’

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.4

Alan Buribayev Conductor
Peter Donohoe Piano

USHER HALL, SUNDAY CLASSICS

Tickets £34, £28, £23, £17 and £12.50 (Concessions available)

You can also buy tickets for five or more concerts and get one free by becoming a member of the Sunday Classics Club

Book 5 or more concerts in the 2017-18 season (8 Oct 2017 – 3 June 2018) to become a member of the Sunday Classics Club. As a member you can take advantage of the following benefits.

• Sunday Classics Club Membership Card
• Free Sunday Classics concert programmes on concert day
• Complimentary tea/coffee at Sunday Classics concerts
• Flexible ticket exchange scheme*
• Invitation to special Sunday Classics Club Party
• 15% discount on the Sheraton Hotel’s Sunday Lunch**
• Complimentary glass of Prosecco when booking the Sheraton Hotel’s afternoon tea**

£1.50 transaction fee applies on all phone and online bookings.

Other concerts this year in the Sunday Classics series include:

• Brussels Philharmonic with Nikolaj Znaider | 12 November
• Basel Chamber Orchestra with Stephen Hough | 19 November

With Halloween fast approaching ScotRail Alliance has launched some specially branded trains.

The ScotRail logos have been altered and they now feature ghouls, pumpkins, bats and witches. These trains will be in service on the Edinburgh – Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk route, and other routes across the country until the start of  next month.

Earlier this year ScotRail trains were decorated with Pride logos to celebrate Pride Glasgow and this new campaign builds on the success of the previous campaign

Syeda Ghufran, head of engineering projects at the ScotRail Alliance, said:

“If you’re dressing up this Hallowe’en, have a scream but stay safe.

“Please remember to store your broomsticks in the luggage racks provided, and customers are reminded to speak to a member of staff if they see any unaccompanied ghouls, ghosts or zombies.”

Photos courtesy of ScotRail Alliance 

Vapiano will open in Edinburgh this month bringing an easy-going approach to Italian food and creating around 50 jobs.

It is the global company’s first Scottish restaurant and it is situated on three floors in St Andrew Square.

It will offer pizzas, pastas, antipasti and salads ordered directly from chefs at the open kitchen and made fresh.

Payment is made via the smart-card system which sees everything added the card of a customer as they order.

Phil Sermon, managing director, said: “Edinburgh has one of the greatest restaurant scenes in Europe so we’re thrilled to be joining it.”

The first Vapiano restaurant opened in Hamburg, Germany in 2002.

Since then, the business has developed a portfolio of 186 outlets in 31 countries on five continents.