Tickets are now on sale for the under-20 World Championship taking place at Dumfries Ice Bowl in December.

The Division 2, Group A tournament from 10 to 16 December sees Great Britain play Estonia, Japan, Korea, Netherlands and Romania.

It’s the fifth World Championship to be held at the venue in six years and Andy French, general secretary of Ice Hockey UK, said: “The facilities are perfect to host such a showcase event.

“The ice is superb and the staff are some of the most experienced, knowledgeable and professional in the industry.”

Adam Wilson, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s events champion, said: “Great Britain’s five matches will be the live sporting occasion of the year for our region and demonstrate the council’s determination to be pro-active in bringing great sports and cultural events to our area.”

Tickets range from £5 for a single match ticket to £25 for the full week championship pass.

There are group discounts and up to two under-16s go free with every ticket-purchasing adult.

Tickets are available now from the Midsteeple Box Office and Ice Bowl as well as online at https://www.ticketweb.co.uk/search/?keyword=ice+bowl.

Edinburgh City have announced their new manager following the recent departure of Gary Jardine. City have appointed James McDonaugh, who was Falkirk’s Assistant Manager until he and Manager Peter Houston were dismissed recently. McDonaugh was previously Head of Academy Coaching at Hibernian.

City have also appointed player-coach Craig Beattie as Assistant Manager.

City released the following statement on their official website:

Edinburgh City FC are delighted to announce that former Falkirk assistant manager, James McDonaugh, has been appointed as the Club’s new manager. McDonaugh, who was Head of Academy Coaching at Hibernian prior to joining the Bairns, will take charge of training tonight and will be in the dugout for Friday night’s Scottish Cup tie against Stenhousemuir.

Craig Beattie takes on the role of assistant manager, with the new management team completed by the appointment of former Hibernian Academy coach, Colin Jack, as first team coach.

City Chairman Jim Brown commented “the Club has come a long way on and off the field in a relatively short space of time and this was reflected in us receiving a number of high calibre applications for the post. However, it was clear from early on in the process that James was the outstanding candidate and the Board are delighted that he has agreed a contract with the Club until the end of the 2018/19 season”.

James McDonaugh commented “I’m delighted to be offered the chance to manage Edinburgh City. It’s an ambitious Club and in my discussions with the Chairman and the Club’s Sporting Director, Jim Jefferies, I was impressed by their vision for the future. It is clear that there has been a lot of good work going on already and I hope to carry that on”.

Charity set to draw a crowd with annual art exhibition

St Columba’s Hospice is urging art lovers in and around the capital to go to its annual art exhibition, from 20-22 October 2017 at The Edinburgh Academy in Stockbridge.

Over 120 of Scotland’s most renowned artists and exciting emerging talents have signed up to take part in this year’s fundraising event.

The Art Friends of St Columba’s Hospice Exhibition, now in its 31st year, offers a unique and affordable selection of contemporary painting, sculpture, print and jewellery. Exhibitors include established artists such as award-winning painter James Fraser RSW and still life and landscape painter Gillian Henshaw.

Alex Sharp, Event Manager for St Columba’s Hospice, said: “2017 marks the 40th anniversary of St Columba’s Hospice making this year’s exhibition extra special for exhibitors and supporters alike. We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of all of the artists submitting work – it’s great to be able to showcase the range and diversity of Scotland’s creative talent, under one roof.”

Madeleine Gardiner, a landscape artist from Edinburgh, studied at The Edinburgh Academy between 2009 and 2011, and is one of this year’s exhibitors. Madeleine said: “St Columba’s Hospice is a cause very close to my heart, the exhibition is a great opportunity for me to display my work and raise money for a fantastic cause at the same time. I hope this fundraiser is a big success and that people across the capital will drop in to see what’s on offer.”

There is sure to be something for everyone and, to celebrate the Hospice’s 40th anniversary there will also be a ‘40 for 40’ exhibition wall which will feature 40 exclusive postcard paintings designed by featured artists and available to buy at £40 each.

Bonham’s Auctioneers and Valuers will be on hand between 12pm and 3pm on Saturday 21 to value jewellery and Cat Outram, one of the featured artists will be doing printmaking demonstrations. Artist Catriona Millar has also donated one of her paintings, ‘Marsha and Bud’ for a raffle prize with tickets on sale throughout the weekend.

The exhibition is free for all to attend and offers art lovers a wonderful way to support the hospice with a portion of every sale being donated to the charity. Since launching in 1986, the event has raised over £330,000, helping St Columba’s provide vital care and support to patients and their families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Fortnight of Action is currently ongoing.

The SFA, SPFL, SJFA and its member clubs have been supporting the campaign since it started in Scotland.

In addition to increasing the awareness of SRtRC’s work in Scotland, the Fortnight of Action from 6th – 20th October shows commitment at the highest level of Scottish football to eradicate racism and discrimination of any form from the game.

SRtRC believe that it is vital to highlight the anti-racism message at this time of year as it runs alongside Football Against Racism in Europe’s (FARE) Football People Weeks.

All professional clubs will show their support over one weekend on Friday 14th October and Saturday 15th October. Clubs will be united in calling for an end to racism in football and society. Players in over 40 European Countries are involved in similar events as part of FARE network against racism and discrimination.

Show Racism the Red Card has received excellent support from football clubs, football authorities and football fans the length and breadth of Scotland – we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. We have heard of many instances where supporters have been proactive in promoting the anti-racism message, making it clear that racism and discrimination are not welcome at their club. We urge fans to continue to support the anti-racism message; it is the responsibility of us all to ensure that it is carried out beyond the Fortnight of Action and beyond the terraces.

Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPFL said “Football is a powerful medium to break down barriers and promote tolerance. Our clubs have supported Show Racism the Red Card since season 2003/04 and once again, this united action in support of the campaign sends out the positive message that football is a game to be enjoyed by all.”

Hibernian captain David Gray said: “It is important that we continue to stress that no form of discrimination has any place in our sport, as well as society in general.

“The Club has a strong history of inclusiveness and all the players in the squad are backing Show Racism the Red Card’s Fortnight of Action campaign to continue to deliver a positive message about inclusiveness in sport and in life.”

The campaign will continue to speak to all football clubs, the football authorities and the police to eradicate all forms of racist behaviour.

The SPFL, SJFA and its clubs deplore all forms of racism and any racist behaviour will not be tolerated at SPFL or SJFA matches.

Over the past year Show Racism the Red Card has faced major funding difficulties but we strive to continue our work. We are working with grassroots football, community groups, schools, the police and prison service to ensure that going forward Scottish society and Scottish football is fair and inclusive for all.

Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever their background. We all have a part to play in challenging racism in football and society.

Hibs today announced plans to help raise awareness of mental health.

The Club is working with its GameChanger Partners Hibernian Community Foundation and NHS Lothian and other mental health agencies to break down barriers around mental health issues and promote positive mental well-being.

One in three people living in Scotland will be affected by a mental health problem each year – with depression and anxiety the most common illnesses.

Add in the fact that around one in eight of us – or 12% of the population – take anti-depressants every day and it is plain to see the scale of the issue, and the importance of talking about our own mental health and well-being.

That is why GameChanger is delighted to support those agencies working in this field at the Aberdeen match, which is our closest home game to World Mental Health Day.

We will have a number of those organisations in our stand concourses, engaging with supporters and raising awareness of the issues and the work that they do. We are delighted to commend the work of Breathing Space, Choose Life, Scottish Association for Mental Health (SamH), Health in Mind, the Polish Family Centre and Samaritans.

GameChanger supports suicide prevention work through  hosting the Choose Life Challenge football tournament, played this year at Hibernian Training Centre in the summer and involving 20 teams from all over. Supporters will welcome to the pitch at half time the two teams who won the Choose Life Challenge Cup and Shield respectively, Ladzio and Asda Athletic.

They will be taking part in a half-time ten-second shootout, all in the name of fun, but with the serious purpose of raising awareness, and we thank them for their participation.

Next week, GameChanger in partnership with the ScotRail Alliance, has organised a two-day mental health first aid course for a number of East Junior and Lowland League teams, to help them ensure their coaching and other staff are better equipped to spot and deal with mental health issues. Our thanks to ScotRail Alliance for their support.

Scottish Water want you to think carefully about using water and what you put down the loo.

Anything other than the 3Ps (see below!) should not be flushed away to clog up the sewage system and make their way on to beaches. Our coasts are impacted by cotton buds and cleansing wipes which can be left in rivers or the sea for a long time after they are used.

And they ‘engaged’ the penguins at Edinburgh Zoo to get the message across.

Scott Fraser, Scottish Water’s corporate affairs regional manager, said: “We’re delighted to be with the penguins today at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, to highlight how we can all help the water cycle and only flush the 3P’s – Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper down the toilet. It’s the simplest way to remember, no matter how old you are.”

“Around 80% of all blockages are entirely avoidable because they are caused by people putting the wrong things down their sinks and toilets. That’s why we’re constantly working with the public to prevent blockages that can clog up the cycle.”

Bruce Ritchie, Head of Business Operations and Visitor Experience at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo said: “We’ve had incidents of our toilets and sewers being blocked due to the wrong things being flushed. That’s why we’re keen to support Scottish Water’s 3P’s campaign and raise awareness to our visitors to only dispose of Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper down our toilets.

“As a conservation charity we know our visitors will be keen to do their bit and prevent anything untoward entering our seas and damaging our marine ecosystems. That’s why the penguins are helping us promote the 3Ps today.”

Scott Fraser continued: “We are pleased with the response to our campaign to date, which has seen a reduction in sewer blockages of 11% in the past three years. However, with nearly 100 sewer blockages a day, there is a long way to go.

“Scottish Water customers can learn more about what they can do to keep the cycle running, what should not be flushed down toilets or poured down sinks and how they can save their drains, protect their homes, their neighbours’ homes and the local environment at www.scottishwater.co.uk/cycle including viewing all our campaign videos.”

Urban Union has been building new homes at Pennywell in Muirhouse for some years, but now the final phase is on sale.

There is just one house and a handful of apartments left for sale. The two bedroom Laird is available for £185,000.

Neil McKay, Urban Union, said: “With just one house left, buyers will need to act fast to snap up the last house at Pennywell Phase 2.

“The second phase of new homes at Pennywell has proved extremely popular with existing members of the community as well as new people moving to the area. The development is a great choice for young professionals and families, with access to great transport links and within close proximity to city centre amenities.”

Pennywell Living lies in the neighbourhoods of Muirhouse and West Pilton. Just south of the A90, its location also provides easy access to both the M8 and Forth Road Bridge.

For more information visit www.urbanunionltd.co.uk or call 0131 343 3391.

Some of Edinburgh’s top business people raised funds for Edinburgh’s Dog and Cat Home last Friday by spending the day in the kennels. They all had to raise some cash before the door was unlocked and they were allowed out!

Celebrity Vet ‘Marc the Vet’ Abraham, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home CEO Howard Bridges, Boyd Legal’s Property Sales Director, Kerry Wells, iMultiply CEO Kirsty MacKenzie, iMultiply Director John Gilbertson, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s Head of Membership, Richard Ellis, and Premium Benefits Ltd Managing Director, Karl Fogg all took part.

Armed with only a laptop and a mobile phone, the group had just one working day to raise as much sponsorship funds as they could, in order to be released. A series of treats were awarded to mark their progress, including the addition of a chair to their dog kennel, and the chance to stretch their legs on a walk with one of the Home’s resident dogs.

The group raised over £7,000 during the day, with iMultiply’s Kirsty MacKenzie and John Gilbertson being crowned joint ‘Top Dogs’ for the most money raised individually. All funds raised will be used to support Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s work to care for stray and abandoned pets from Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s Director of Fundraising and Communications Nicola Gunn said: “In the Dog House 2017 has not just raised much-needed funds Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, but also highlighted the many animals who are spending months, even years, calling these spaces home.

“We must never forget that a kennel is not a long-term solution for an animal’s care, and we will continue to work tirelessly to secure loving forever homes for any dog or cat that reaches our door. We send our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to be part of this event.”

The trouble with public meetings is that everybody starts from a different place. At last night’s meeting of the New Town and Broughton Community Council it was no different. There were nigh on 60 people plus a dozen or so community councillors in a hot and sweaty room at Broughton St Mary’s with a couple of major developments on the agenda.

One of these was the possible realignment of the traffic at Picardy Place.

The Director of Place, Paul Lawrence, a council official, attended the meeting to try and explain the current position. He was accompanied by a member of the council’s Communications team and also Alasdair Sim of Sweco, an engineering, environment and design consultancy.  Mr Sim is now a technical director, but he used to work on trams when employed at the council, so travel and traffic management is very much his area of expertise.

Mr Sim explained the practical effects of the possible rearrangement of the roadways in this area at length to the assembled councillors and members of the public at some length.

Mr Lawrence explained the council’s position as one party to a legally binding contract, whereas the members of the community council and the members of the public who were there only want a roundabout that is better than the present one. And they all had different views.

The council facilitated the Edinburgh St James development by introducing the Growth Accelerator Model of funding. The GAM is a three party contract and is legally binding. (Read more about the GAM below)

The meeting listened intently to what Mr Lawrence had to say.

Information and the communication of it is usually the key to getting two sides together. And there was criticism of a lack of tangible information from the council both last night and in recent months.

The council was criticised for not putting anything in writing about the way the Picardy Place roundabout design had come about. There has been one public consultation exercise on 22 September 2017 at Valvona & Crolla VinCaffee on Multrees Walk.  One community councillor said there was little notice given of that event. When asked about future consultation dates, Mr Lawrence was unable to confirm those as yet, although a commitment was made last Thursday that there will be more consultation.

Another member of the public asked that any future consultation events are held locally. The council appear to be considering holding such events at the City Chambers which was felt to be too far away and inappropriate.

A suggestion from the floor was that the pavement outside the Cathedral is made wider than appears to be proposed given its role in the community. Questions as to what the Cathedral think remain unanswered.

Comments about the possibility of tunnels or bridges under the roundabout were met with a degree of scepticism.

But the Transport Committee agreed last week that they would consult further on possible changes which can be made.   It was made clear during the committee meeting last Thursday that in order to keep within the terms of the tripartite contract they cannot make many changes. Some at last night’s community council meeting did not understand that it seems.

It was mentioned during the lengthy discussion that if one party (for example the council) unilaterally tries to change the terms of the GAM, then it might lay them open to being sued by the others. This was mentioned at the Transport Committee last week, and it is clear that the consequences could be serious. The sum of £60 million is at stake, and there is always the possibility of the council incurring further costs in relation to the tram extension as a result of any breach in the contract.

Mr Lawrence was keen to explain that the GAM and the tram extension are not in fact connected. The GAM is only related to the roads and traffic management envisaged when it was entered into. (Read a fuller explanation of the GAM below.)

The council officer echoed what he said at last week’s Transport and Environment Committee meeting when he said this is an ‘optimal scheme’ and perhaps not the perfect one. Some of the difficulties which people have with this layout are aired here in our earlier article.

The drawing brought to the meeting (shown above) bears just a little resemblance to the one on the GAM contract which was shown to the Transport and Environment Committee last week.

Another member of the public accused the council of having a wider, somehow secret, plan to change the layout of the city centre, explaining that there are proposals for Hanover Street and Frederick Street that would affect the East End too.

Picardy Place plans may be far from perfect, but if the tram extension (or completion of route 1A) proceeds next year at this time when the council vote on it, then the tram stop at York Place will move to Picardy Place. This will make it into a transport hub or interchange.

When the tram line was being built it was initially going to stop at St Andrew Square. Then, without too much discussion, there was suddenly talk of it going all the way to York Place and that was what eventually happened. It was clear that this was a kind of ‘future proofing’, and indeed the possibility of a tram stop or traffic interchange at Picardy Place in this design protects the future position too.

The new tram stop will only be put in place if the tram extension proceeds. (Yes you might understand that, but others muttering around and about me last night did not seem to grasp the fundamental point that to put a tram stop in Picardy Place you need to first of all extend the line. To extend the line…… you get my point.)

Chair of New Town and Broughton Community Council Ian Mowat said : “It was a robust debate and although residents did not get the commitments to rethink the scheme many wanted, I took from the council official’s responses that real change might yet be made if the community pushed hard enough for it.”

Conservative Councillor Joanna Mowat echoed her party’s line when she suggested that the whole scheme should be shelved until next year when the decision on the tram extension is made. The Conservative Group is firmly against the tram extension and constantly ask for delays usually because of the ongoing Tram Inquiry.

Then there is the so-called Development Site in the middle of the Picardy Place area. Until The Edinburgh Reporter asked the question there was no mention of the fact that this land is at least in part Common Good Land. This means that the council would need a court decree to be able to sell it. But this is not really the decision on the table right now.

It is probable that there will be a decision made on any changes to the Picardy Place design at the Transport Committee meeting in December. But meantime we expect many people to have their say. If you would like to have yours, then do add a comment below. 

So are there any facts we learned from last night’s meeting? 

The council continues to promote the use of public transport and active travel in the city as stated in its Active Travel Plan 

This latest design would keep traffic moving north to south and the council believes it improves public transport options.

A tram is 43 metres long and the tram stop or interchange needs to be 70 metres long. It is probable that the tram stop would be formed on the north side of the triangle for that reason.

Traffic would be regulated around the three sides by traffic signals, and the hope is that traffic would pass around Picardy Place almost without a stop.

A new bus stop may be formed outside the Cathedral rather than on York Place for westbound traffic.

Mr Lawrence denied that Sustrans had ‘walked out of the discussions’ on Picardy Place as reported by other media. He said that the design Sustrans proposed was not workable. But he said that the council and Sustrans continue to have good relations evidenced by the new schemes announced for Edinburgh just the other week.

(Sustrans issued a written statement on their website here. They believe that the proposal does not follow Scottish Government policy for Designing Streets. They also consider that the multi-lane gyrator is unsuitable for a gateway to Edinburgh’s World Heritage area. Finally they believe this plan is driven by traffic modelling and that the cycling infrastructure is not a good design. Some of those at the meeting appeared to have read this as there were constant refrains of “Driven by transport options” during the meeting.)

The decision on the future design of the roundabout has been delayed by the Transport Convener Councillor Macinnes who decided not to take a decision on it last week. Instead she asked council officers to conduct more consultation in the next month and a half, and give the Transport Committee a full written report for 7 December 2017.

Mr Lawrence confirmed that options for the so-called Development Site (the area in the middle) will be a part of that written report. It will also record the full history of the site.

The council’s view is that it would be advantageous to carry out work on the roundabout now while Leith Street is closed for 44 weeks, after which we were reminded all current diversions will be reversed. It would minimise disruption.

If there is a tram extension then the plan is for the London Road junction to be controlled by traffic lights. (it appeared to us that it would be a junction rather than a roundabout in future)

The council has consulted with Edinburgh Access Panel about the way those with disabilities will access this area.

 

EXPLAINER

Growth Accelerator Model GAM

At the moment the council is in a binding agreement with The Scottish Government and the developer of Edinburgh St James, all as agreed and overseen by the Scottish Futures Trust. This tripartite agreement is called the Growth Accelerator Model and is the way parts of the development of the £1 billion scheme is being paid for.  It is the first of its kind, although is now being used elsewhere in Scotland, namely in Dundee.

In short it is a funding mechanism to help attract private sector investment but which pays for infrastructure that the public will benefit from. In the case of Edinburgh St James, the council wanted to update the area, the owners Henderson wanted to update the St James Shopping Centre but there was a £60million financial hole. The Growth Accelerator Model (originally called the Regeneration Accelerator Model) unlocked the capital needed to make Edinburgh St James a reality with all the city centre improvements to public realm, roads and traffic management, a new energy centre and upgraded utilities. (There is a huge new sewer going in at the top of Leith Street which is why it is closed.)

The council could not afford to pay for the works to the surrounding area and this had stalled any development in the area for years. The Scottish Office had decanted leaving one of the blocks an empty shell for a long time.

The council proposed the case that if the scheme was somehow financed then they would get more in the way of income as rates and council tax receipts would increase. More than that, the scheme itself would impact on the local economy and create around 2,500 jobs in the long term along with short term construction jobs. Based on the numbers which the council put forward : increases in rateable values both in the development and across Edinburgh, with more jobs and training in deprived areas of the city, The Scottish Government provided grant funding to the council.

The Scottish SPCA is delighted to have received a very generous donation from family business, Calzeat.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has been partnered with the family run business since 2013 with £1 being very kindly donated from every Funfair scarf sold.

Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre Superintendent Sharon Comrie said, “Since 2013 the partnership has raised an incredible £5,294 for Scotland’s abused, abandoned and injured animals.

“As an animal welfare charity we receive no government or lottery funding and we rely solely on donations, so we are always incredibly grateful for any funds raised on our behalf.

“It’s great to see their campaign feature Zara the staffie, who was a dog rescued by us, in the Calzeat advertising campaign and hopefully this will make people think twice about staffies.

“All too often they are unfairly labelled as dangerous and aggressive when in fact they tend to be friendly and affectionate dogs, like Zara.

“With the support of Calzeat, we’ve been able to rescue and rehome even more animals in desperate need of our help.”

Calzeat designer Tom Renton said, “We at Calzeat are very proud to support Scottish SPCA and all the unsung work they do to help Scottish animals in need.”

Photo courtesy of Scottish SPCA

Police have confirmed that Alan Easton who was  reported missing at the weekend has been traced.

The 68-year-old was last seen in the Comiston area on Sunday.

He was found safe and well in the Scottish Borders on Monday.

Officers would like to thank all those who supported the appeal for information.

Edinburgh Monarchs skipper Sam Masters takes over as captain for injury-hit Wolverhampton Wolves as they bid to lift the SGB Premiership Knockout Cup.

Rory Schlein and Kyle Howarth have joined Freddie Lindgren and Jacob Thorssell on the injury list and will miss Tuesday’s first-leg against Belle Vue at Monmore and the return in Manchester 24-hours later.

The duo crashed in the Championship Pairs at Sheffield on Sunday. Schlein has a wrist problem and won’t race again this season and Howarth needs a week off with bad bruising of the lower back.

Scott Nicholls is joined by former Wolves favourite Ricky Wells, an Edinburgh Monarchs rider, and Nick Morris of Berwick Bandits in Wolves side for the first leg.

Aces operate rider replacement for ex-Monarchs racer Max Fricke, who was hurt in the Grand Prix at Torun in Poland last weekend.

Wolves team boss Peter Adams said: “We know the size of the task but to have four of our top five now missing makes it extremely hard.

“Sam Masters will take up the captaincy and I have no doubt he will do a good job for us and the reserves will need to contribute.”

Aces skipper Craig Cook, another former Edinburgh rider, said: “It’s our last two meetings of the season and we’re determined to make them count.

“We want to bring at least one trophy back to Manchester this year and now is the perfect opportunity.

“Wolverhampton are seriously depleted and we are without Max. On paper, we should be able to go to Monmore and make a decent impression ahead of the home leg.”

The original Blade Runner was released in 1982 but its dystopian future is set in the year 2019, a mere 37 years later.

Blade Runner 2049 released in 2017  is set in 2049, a mere 32 years later.

Predicting the future is hard. The future in BR2049 is too far advanced to be only 30 years from from today. The future is almost the same –we still have Blade Runners working for the LAPD, it rains, it is smoggy, we have the synthesised street voice which had been in my head since 1982 encouraging me to “CROSS NOW, CROSS NOW, CROSS NOW….” endlessly.

When I write a review I don’t read other reviews – I don’t want cross contamination, I don’t want to be influenced by what others say. I avoided Rotten Tomatoes and stayed away from the papers. However I did accidentally spot that the Guardian had given BR2049 a 5 star review.

5 stars –  that is the highest score – so they think it is perfect? I did not read the review so it could be a qualified 5 stars.

I am disappointed by BR2049.

Yes, it is visually stunning; it had to be visually stunning. It has to compete with a stunning original, but something is not right. The story is good but it plods along. It comes in at over 2 hours and 40 minutes. A great movie can be lengthy, but it will only be great if it does not seem to be lengthy. I also miss the Vangelis music score.

In the original Blade Runner there is a question of whether Deckard played by Harrison Ford is a replicant. In the original theatrical release I believe we don’t get a strong message that Deckard is a replicant.  In the “Final Cut” version of the movie, which I saw in the Edinburgh Filmhouse in May 2016, Deckard dreams of a unicorn. The character of Edward James Olomos, Gaff, leaves a unicorn outside his door – is that the sign that he knows Deckard’s memories are implants – that he too is a replicant designed to kill replicants?

Coming away from the theatre in 1982 I remember the humour and great quotes from the movie: “Are you testing if I am a replicant or a lesbian Mr. Deckard?” “If only you had seen what I have seen with your eyes” “The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long…” and of course the “tears in the rain” monologue.

Stirring and thoughtful stuff.

I was listening closely for some thoughtful dialogue in BR2049, I did not hear it, perhaps that comes with a repeat viewing. Deckard’s “I did your job once – I was good at it” is my (only) stand out.

Ford and Gosling turn in workmanlike performances. The outstanding character in the movie in my opinion was the character of Lieutenant Joshi played by Robin Wright. I liked her understatement, style, attitude, control, her whisky drinking and her other flaws.

Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armin and Robin Wright is showing at VUE, Odeon, Cameo and Dominion cinemas around Edinburgh.

Knockout Cup, quarter-final, second-leg; Newcastle Diamonds 44, Glasgow Tigers 46 (agg: 88-92). Premiership promotion/relegation play-off, first-leg: Sheffield Tigers 32, Leicester Lions 58.

Newcastle: Ricky Wells (guest) 8, Ashley Morris 4, Stuart Robson 7, Ludvig Lindgren 7, Steve Worrall 12, Ben Hopwood 3, Alfie Bowtell 3

Glasgow: Richard Lawson 8, rider replacement for Nike Lunna, Richie Worrall 10, Dan Bewley 8, Aaron Summers 12, James Sarjeant (guest) 8, Jack Smith 0

Skipper Aaron Summers powered to 12 points as injury-hit Glasgow Tigers squeezed past Newcastle Diamonds to qualify for the Knockout Cup, semi-final.

The cup holders were under intense pressure going into the return leg only 46-44 ahead as this is their last chance of silverware this season, but held their nerve in a tense battle on Tyneside.

Diamonds led 43-41 going into the final heat of the see-saw leg but Richie Worrall won the battle of the brothers.

He took the flag with Summers second leaving twin Steve Worrall in third and guest Ricky Wells (Edinburgh Monarchs) last.

Worrall was second top scorer for the visitors with ten points and also influential was guest James Sarjeant, a former Tigers racer, who collected eight valuable points from seven rides.

Stewart Dickson, Tigers’ team manager, said: “We came down here to win the tie and that’s just what we have done.”

Edinburgh Monarchs star Eric Riss scored five points as Premiership side Leicester Lions mauled Sheffield Tigers from the Championship 32-58 in Yorkshire. The second-leg is at Leicester on Monday.

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery in the Stenhouse area of Edinburgh which took place around 12.15 p.m. on 12 September 2017.

The male is described as being white, 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall with a slim build. He was wearing a quilted jacket, dark trousers and white Adidas trainers.

Detective Constable Kevin Walls said: “While the shop worker was not injured, this was a frightening experience, which resulted in the theft of goods from the store.

“Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around Nadeem’s Store, 10 Stenhouse Cross, Edinburgh should contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information to help trace a male reported missing from Lanark Road.

Alan Easton was last seen in the Comiston area around 4.25pm on Sunday 8th October within his Kia Carens car with registration number LD07 NHN.

Since then, the 68-year-old has not returned home, nor has he been in contact with family or friends.

Alan is described as white, 6ft tall with a stocky build and grey and white hair.

Temporary Inspector Trisha Clark from Drylaw Police Station said “Alan was last seen in a distressed state, and our concerns are growing for his welfare.

“I’m asking anyone with information to Alan’s whereabouts, or that of his vehicle, that can assist in locating him to contact police immediately.

“We would also urge Alan to make contact with ourselves, or with his family and friends, and confirm he is safe.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2730 of 8th October 2017.

Lung Ha Theatre Company |Thingummy Bob by Linda McLean

Bob is an ageing disabled man in a care home and he has lost something important, something that might make him happy, he just can’t remember where he left it but is absolutely sure it isn’t where he is living. He’s beginning to forget things, including his own story and he is convinced that only by escaping from the home will he be able to find the parts of him that are missing. His two young friends, Gemma and Cap, come to visit and he tries to enlist their help; but they are all being watched by a strangely voluble security camera and a multi-faceted nurse.

“I don’t know what I’m doing here, I came in to visit somebody, I don’t remember who, and they let him go and kept me. It’s a terrible mistake.”

Maria Oller, Lung Ha Theatre Company’s Artistic Director is directing Kenneth Ainslie, John Edgar, Mark Howie, Emma McCaffrey and Gavin Yule, drawn from the Lung Ha Theatre company performing team. Janis Claxton is movement director with music composed by Philip Pinsky, set and costume design by Karen Tennent and lighting by Simon Wilkinson.

Lung Ha Theatre Company’s most recent show, was the world premiere of Dr Stirlingshire’s Discovery – in coproduction with Grid Iron; and in partnership with RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, the Royal Lyceum Theatre and part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival – which received two nominations in the 2017 prestigious CATS Awards.

The Studio, 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh on Saturday 14 October at 7.30pm
Tickets: £12/£10
Box Office 0131 5296000

www.edtheatres.com

The Samhuinn Fire Festival in the Old Town takes place on 31 October 2017. It is run by the Beltane Fire Society and will take you back to the pagan celebrations marking the end of the harvest and beginning of winter.

From 9-11pm the unticketed event processes from the Royal Mile to West Parliament Square

You can volunteer as a steward at the festival which means that you look after those performing and those watching on. Liaising with police and security this is a good way to understand more about the Beltane Fire Society and what it does.

Here is the Winter King :

Get into the true spirit of Halloween in Edinburgh this year by visiting Escape Reality, Scotland’s newest escape room experience.

With two of the scariest escape rooms in Scotland, Nosferatu and The Asylum, you will need to be brave, calm and calculated.

Challenging Nosferatu you will have to use your skills to identify the world’s most dangerous vampire known to man. If bloodsuckers aren’t quite your cup of tea then maybe escaping an asylum might be better instead? The derelict building has been abandoned for many years and you just had to go and investigate it. Now you’re lost and need to escape, you might not be alone…

Both escape rooms are rated four-star difficulty so you will need to assemble your A-team to play.

For two weeks, Escape Reality are also offering customers 20% off with a special discount code – HALLOWEEN20 available to use between 16^th – 31^st October. Additionally, players will be able to take part in a Murder Mystery competition with the chance to win a free game.

If you are going on the sleeper near Halloween then look out for witches and ghouls!

Guests of Caledonian Sleeper are in for a treat as storytellers from The Real Mary King’s Close– climb on board to tell the unnerving tale of Burke and Hare.

Themed for Halloween and set to take place on the overnight Edinburgh-bound service from London on Tuesday 24 October, the on board event will offer guests a unique insight into the murders committed by the notorious pair in 1828.

Renowned for telling the real stories of Edinburgh’s fascinating history, The Real Mary King’s Close is an award winning social history tour which takes guests through a unique warren of 17^th century streets, frozen in time beneath the Royal Mile.

The storytelling event forms a calendar of on board events organised by Caledonian Sleeper and its partners to offer guests a series of Scottish-inspired experiences.

Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s guest experience director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “We’re really excited to be hosting the storytelling event in partnership with The Real Mary King’s Close. Scottish history fascinates people from across the world and this event will really bring to life an intriguing and dark time of the countries past. We hope guests enjoy the event and aren’t too unnerved to get a good night’s sleep.”

Friends of Starbank Park are having a party! More details here.

Make your Halloween Costumes at a special sewing class with Edinburgh Sewcial  on 14 October 2017. Ideal for children according to the organisers.

Details here

Annasach’s Halloween Ceilidh

27 October 20.00 at The Pear Tree 36 West Nicolson Street EH8 9DD. Tickets here.

Fancy dress encouraged, but not required, and there will be a prize for best costume. Tickets are priced at £8 (adults) and £6 (concessions). Students will need a valid ID to claim concession. Retain your receipt from the ticket purchase, as it is needed.

Massaoke

Live band at Summerhall smashing out anthems from the eighties and beyond.

Giant screen with a room full of partygoers on 27 October 2017 from 21.00. Tickets here.

Edinburgh Horror Fest

Loads of horrible things to do at a variety of locations across the capital! Attractions include a Resident Evil live playthrough, ghost stories and spoken word horrors. Over-18s only- please present a valid ID at the door of events.

Click here for full details.

At the Botanics

At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh from Friday 13 October –  Tuesday 31 October, 10am-4pm, Halloween trail – £2 per trail booklet

This Hallowe’en help Caley the good garden witch and her cat, Mi-agh as they plan a very special party for the the Garden’s animal friends. Follow the trail to work out which creatures have been invited to the party and what they would like to eat. Complete the trail and you will be rewarded with a tasty treat too!

The Georgian House

At the Georgian House hear tales of gore and misdeeds in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. Behind its grand Georgian exterior lies a darker past: this is, after all, the city that inspired the Gothic horror of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. And as you make your way through the house in the late evening, you’ll delve into the tragic past of its former owners, the Lamont family.

Ticket details here

The Pumpkin Run

On 22 October there will be a chance to get out for a good autumn run – either 1k or 5k depending on your age and ability! Click on the picture to register for the event at the Royal Highland Centre to raise funds for When You Wish upon a Star

The Real Mary King’s Close

Visit The Real Mary King’s Close this Halloween, for the return of the 2016 sell out tour Condemned. Join a character guide and travel back to a time when Mary King’s Close was open to the skies. Fear and suspicion lurked around every corner, and witch trials were a regular occurrence. Hear how the inhabitants of Mary King’s Close and the surrounding streets were implicated in witchcraft, and the fate that befell them.

A late night tour experience, Condemned offers a unique insight into Edinburgh’s fascinating history with the occult, telling the stories of its infamous accomplices and most ardent opponents. Condemned will take you on a journey through Scottish history, documenting how and why attitudes changed over time. Make your way into the 18^th century and see how the Enlightenment introduced new ways of thinking, changing perceptions and bringing relief to those who would have once have hidden behind closed doors.

With themes of witchcraft being explored more and more in popular culture such as Outlander, Condemned will challenge perceptions and go beyond what we believe to be true.

Tour creator Keith Baxter commented: “Condemned offers a different insight into the history of Mary King’s Close, exploring Edinburgh’s historic fear of the unknown; where it originated and how it came to be a part of everyday life. With this tour we wanted to dispel the myths and tell the real history of the occult in Scotland, it proved so popular in 2016 that we just had to bring it back to The Real Mary King’s Close, bigger and better.”

This Halloween, who will you believe and who will you condemn?

Condemned will run Friday 13 October, Saturday 14 October, Thursday 19 October, Friday 20 October, Saturday 21 October at 22.15pm and is priced at £16.95 per person.

Advance booking is recommended and tickets can be booked online at www.realmarykingsclose.com, by phone on 0131 225 0672 and in person at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Spooky Pictures

At Lauriston Castle on 15 October 2017 come and create a spooktacular gothic photo frame using some monstrously messy Modroc and decorate with terrifying things with Lauriston Castle staff.

10.30-12.30 For families.

Tickets here.

The Church of Scotland has chosen a former probationer from St Giles Cathedral, Rev Susan Brown who is now minister at Dornoch Cathedral, as the next Moderator Designate of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Rev Brown (58) married Madonna and Guy Ritchie at Dornoch and she also baptised their son Rocco there. She marries around 30 or 40 couples a year, but they are probably still the most famous!

She said she is ‘deeply moved and honoured’ to be chosen as the Church’s ambassador for the year 2018-19.

Mrs Brown said: “Being Moderator will not be about what I can do, but about what God wants to do.

“I am conscious that it is both a great privilege and a great responsibility – one I can only undertake at God’s prompting.”

Although she is not the first woman moderator she will take up the role 50 years after the Church of Scotland ordained the first woman to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

Undeterred by her mother who felt she was too short to be a minister, Reverend Brown says her 93 year-old mother is now ‘extremely proud’. She grew up in Penicuik where her father was a miner at Bilston Glen colliery and with her twin and older sister she went to Penicuik High School.

When she was only 10 years old she met Derek Brown who is now her husband while attending Sunday School. Mr Brown is chaplain at Raigmore Hospital Inverness and lead chaplain for NHS Highland. The couple have two children Simon aged 30 who is a novelist and who just won a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award and Hannah (27) who is a social anthropology graduate.

Rev Dr George Whyte, Principal Clerk of the Church of Scotland, welcomed Mrs Brown’s appointment.

He said: “I was delighted to hear of Susan’s nomination. She brings great personal qualities and a wide range of ministerial, community and family experience to the post. I look forward to working with her throughout the year.”

A keen lover of the outdoors who walks her black labrador Finnbar every day, Mrs Brown will bring her love of getting out and about to the role of Moderator.

“My theme during the year will be walking alongside people,” she said

“When you walk alongside people, you listen and you exchange stories.

“It gives us a chance to talk more deeply than when we are face to face.”

“Deliberately making the time to walk in our communities, praying as we go, talking with those we meet, listening to the stories of friends and strangers alike, seems to me to be following in Jesus’ footsteps.

“Your faith is supposed to be a whole body experience.

“It’s not just your head or your heart, it is every part of you.

“It’s body, mind and spirit.”

The Edinburgh International Science Festival has a fund of £10,000 on offer for two or more creative projects which they can include in the 2018 festival. And the deadline for applications is looming – 10 October 2017.

If you are a designer, technologist or artist then this might be for you, particularly if you work in the field of life sciences and have a project to deliver on the theme of life.

The 2018 festival runs from 31 March to 15 April 2018 when the theme is Life, the Universe and Everything. The idea is to celebrate the wonder and diversity of life.

Powered by EDF Energy this is Europe’s biggest Science Festival and your proposal would potentially have a large family audience. It would be part of the free exhibition programme at Summerhall and the National Museum of Scotland.

Proposals will be reviewed and selected by a panel, facilitated by Edinburgh International Science Festival, using the following criteria:

– The quality, creativity and originality of the proposed project.

– The clarity of interaction between the proposed project and the theme of life.

– The likelihood that your proposed idea can be delivered within your budget.

– Evidence of the ability and commitment of those involved to deliver the project on time.

The submission deadline is 5pm Tuesday 10 October 2017
 and the successful projects will be announced in mid October.

Full information on submission requirements can be found at www.sciencefestival.co.uk

A police investigation is underway following an armed robbery which took place at Newsboyz newsagent off Bridge Street in Penicuik around 8.10pm on Friday evening.

An 80-year-old shopkeeper fought with the robber who was armed with a samurai sword and during the struggle he suffered a minor injury to his hand.

More than £100 in cash was stolen from the shop.

The suspect is white, around 20-years-old and around 5ft 7in in height.

Detective Inspector Paul Batten said: “This is an extremely unusual offence, given the style of weapon used and thankfully the shopkeeper was not seriously injured.

“We are treating this robbery with the utmost seriousness and I would ask anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around the store on Friday evening to contact police immediately.

Those with information can contact Dalkeith CID via 101, quoting incident number 3936 of October 6.

Bursaries of £20,000 will be available from next year for people wishing to change career and become a teacher in priority science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subjects.

This new bursary is the latest in a series of measures the Scottish Government is taking to recruit more teachers and in developing Scotland’s STEM capacity.

School subjects which will be eligible for the bursaries are maths, computing science, physics and technical education but these will be reviewed each year according to need.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, said: “We have founded our education reforms on faith in our teachers, but in schools in some parts of our country and in some subjects we know we have a shortage of teachers.

“We have taken a range of actions to help councils tackle that problem and now I want to go further.

“STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths – are crucial, not just to the education of our children but the future of our economy.

“We need to recruit more teachers in these subjects, and to do that, we need to reach beyond recent graduates and attract people who have the appropriate subject degree but are working in business or industry.”

Former Edinburgh Monarchs star Rory Schlein was taken to hospital after crashing in the SGB Championship Pairs at Sheffield on Sunday.

Ipswich Witches’ hopes of glory were ended when Schlein came to grief in his second ride and suffered an arm injury, leaving Danny King as their only representative.

The Suffolk club’s boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “We are waiting on news from the hospital.

“Early signs are it is nerve damage but I don’t think there was anything broken.

“It is something we have dealt with every week this season with riders getting injured and that sums it up.

“We will deal with it again this week and we hope for the best for Rory’s fitness.”

David Knipe guided Grange to a fourth straight win as he drives the success-hungry Edinburgh club forward in search of silverware.

The 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Dundee Wanderers at Fettes saw the home side dominate the Division One game.

However, they failed to accept a number of gilt-edged chances and it is that aspect of play which Knipe is keen to sharpen up in training this week.

His men will need to be razor-sharp on Saturday as Grange have a major assignment when they travel to Auchenhowie (13.30) to play the early-season pace-setters, Western Wildcats.

It was Western who destroyed Grange’s Division One title dream on a dramatic final day of the league campaign last term.

Grange held an early lead but Western upped their game to take the points and hand Bromac Kelburne the title.

That is history and new-look Grange are continue to develop their game.

Demanding Knipe, after Saturday’s game, said: “We are a bit happier. We controlled the game and created many chances.

“Now we have to get better at the important bit.”

The two other Edinburgh-based clubs in the top flight are at home on Saturday.

Newly-promoted Inverleith play Clydesdale at Peffermill while Edinburgh University entertain Hillhead, both fixtures push off at 4pm.

The only other game on the card is Dundee Wanderers at Dalnacraig against defending champions Bromac Kelburne (14.00).

The Paisley side will be keen for a big result after being dumped out of the EuroHockey League in Barcelona last weekend following back-to-back defeats.

Scott Arthur is Labour councillor for  Colinton/Fairmilehead. He is newly elected in May 2017, but has found his feet quickly and has views on many diverse issues.

You can follow him on Twitter here and Facebook here.

Here he writes for us about the proposal to increase the School Uniform Grant for Edinburgh’s Children

“I joined the Labour Party just under three years ago. When I first joined there were many aspects of the party’s culture that I had to learn and respect. One thing I noted quickly was that speakers at events liked to start their speeches with tales of their own humble upbringing and ended by saying how pulling and sharing resources can make a difference. This blog is no different.

“I grew up in a single parent household in one of the most deprived areas of the UK – a council estate in Kirkcaldy during the 1980’s miner’s strike. My route out of that was to work hard at school and go on to complete a degree and eventually a PhD.

“I was lucky as my family understood the difference education could make to my life chances. This was not because they were well educated themselves, but because they had ability but were not given the same opportunity in the 1940s and 1950’s.

“Days off school were not permitted unless a death certificate could be provided, and I was one of only two people from a huge housing scheme (Smeaton) to “stay on” at school for 5^th and 6^th years. Above all else, a school uniform had to be worn.

“The school uniform was not an easy thing for my father to provide for me and my two brothers. He had to rely on two aunts and my Gran to help ensure I had one – particularly big ticket items like shoes and a jacket, which often came by way of the Littlewoods Catalogue. I don’t remember this being a particularly enjoyable experience – having my clothes bought by a committee – but the end justified the means.

“I had largely forgotten about this experience until the school year started again in August 2017. At that point, the BBC ran a story on the support available to low income families to help them equip their children for school.

“It outlined how the “School Uniform Grant” varies from £40 (North Ayrshire) to £110 (West Lothian) in Scotland, and how the Poverty Truth Commission estimates the actual cost to be £129.50 “even when shopping at supermarkets and bargain stores”.  The story The Poverty Truth Commission told about life in Scotland today was exactly what I had experienced 30 years ago:

“Very often, school clothing grants simply aren’t enough to cover even the most basic uniform – leaving families stressed out, anxious and wondering just where the money is going to come from. Some even end up in debt or struggling to afford other basic essentials like food and heating.”

“It made me feel ashamed to know this was still happening in Scotland. Worse than that, I was ashamed because the City of Edinburgh Council offers one of the lowest grants. The grant in Scotland’s Capital is only £43 and £50 for primary and secondary school children respectively. Pretty much as soon as I read the BBC report, I donated £129.50 to the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank.

“Why does this matter?

“It is now an accepted fact that child poverty is rising in the UK. However, we also must accept that The City of Edinburgh Council, The Scottish Government and the UK Government have a duty to use their powers to reverse this trend.

“In my view a key part of that is ensuring children are equipped to attend school as, I believe, education is key to breaking the kind of poverty which is handed down from generation to generation. With all that in mind, I am delighted to say I have the following motion to review Edinburgh’s School Uniform Grant coming before the “Education, Children and Families Committee” on Tuesday 10 October. It reads as follows:

Motion by Councillor Arthur – Child Poverty – School Uniform Grant 

“Committee: 

Recognises that child poverty is rising in Edinburgh and that the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Government and the UK Government have a duty to use their powers to reverse this trend. 

Recognises that a significant burden on low income families is providing their children with a school uniform. 

Recognises the significant work of the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, Edinburgh Police Fund for Children, and others to help equip children from low income families for school. 

Recognises the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland estimate that the cost of a school uniform is £129.50, but the School Uniform Grant provided by City of Edinburgh Council is only £43 and £50 for primary and secondary school children respectively. 

Recognises that the Scottish Government recommends the School Uniform Grant level be set at £70, but many Local Authorities exceed this.   

Asks that within two cycles (four months) Council Officers report on the feasibility of increasing the School Uniform Grant to ensure that from the 2018/19 academic year children from low income households are better equipped for school.”

“The motion has support within the Labour and SNP Groups of Councillors, not least from Councillor Alison Dickie, so I am hopeful that it will be approved and we can take a small step towards ensuring Edinburgh’s children can reach their full potential.

“Last week at an event in East Lothian on “The Cost of the School Day” project I listened with great pride to all the work The City of Edinburgh Council is doing to ensure finance is not a barrier to education, but I was also ashamed to hear how that lack of a clean uniform that fits can be a barrier to kids reaching their full potential (via an inspiring presentation by Pattie Santelices, Strategic Development Officer for Health & Wellbeing).

“Next to me a West Lothian Councillor whispered that her council had the highest School Uniform Grant in Scotland.  I smiled and said I wanted Edinburgh to be the first to meet The Poverty Truth Commission’s target of £129.50.

“Within these financially constrained times, it may not be easy to find the £129.50 for every child that needs it. That’s why we also have to continue to work with third sector partners, just like Manchester did, to ensure every child in Edinburgh is fully equipped to reach their full potential at school.”

Omar Pacha has slammed his misfiring Dundee Stars squad after their 7-2 Elite League capitulation to Edinburgh Capitals.

The crestfallen coach apologised to fans and said he was lost for words after the defeat at the Dundee Ice Arena which sees Stars anchor the 12-strong league with only two points from four league games.

He claimed it was the toughest defeat of his coaching career and he branded the performance on the club’s own TV channel as being totally unacceptable.

Pacha added that the game was “a complete disaster.”

He alleged his men refused to shoot, made plays they should not have done and added: “Days like today you can’t forgive.”

The coach has lately been on a PR offensive to boost attendances and he appealed to new fans to “give us a second chance.”

The Canadian-born playcaller said: “It’s probably the toughest defeat of my coaching career.
“It’s really frustrating.”

Asked what went wrong he said: “Everything. The first period we refused to shoot, we had guys thinking they could make plays.

“We’re a good team when we keep things simple, if we drive the net and put pucks on the net.

“We refused to do that in the first period and it cost us a goal on a PK (penalty kill) and we told them (the players) not to give them any second chances.

“The second goal was a complete breakdown defensively in respect of our assignments and in the second period we decided to play run-and-gun with them.

“That is exactly what we said not to do throughout the league.”

The former Manchester Storm coach added: “It is really frustrating as a coach and disappointing as you will have bad days, but a day like today you can’t forgive.

“I can say we can learn but it is unacceptable to do that at home, especially in front of our own fans.

“On a night when there are new people in the stands, it hurts the club not only on the ice but off it.

“It is a complete disaster.”

He added: “It is up to them (the players) to pick it up. Listen, this is a business, you are here play hockey, you are paid to play and you have to perform.

“It is not OK to perform like they did tonight (SAT). Guys have to be accountable and they have to be responsible.

“We talked about consistency from the first day (of pre-season training camp) and we saw the complete opposite.”

He added: “It’s a really, really bad night, its unacceptable and I can only apologise to the fans that paid and I really hope the new fans give us a second chance.”

Elite League: Fife Flyers 3, Guildford Flames 5. Challenge Cup, Group B: Edinburgh Capitals 2, Dundee Stars 1. Challenge Cup, Group A: Sheffield Steelers 3, Braehead Clan 2.

Sergei Banashkov and Dylan Anderson netted for Edinburgh Capitals in Challenge Cup, Group B, to complete a weekend win double over misfiring Dundee Stars.

Banashkov scored after 34 minutes with Pavel Vorobyev and Igor Valeyev assisting and Anderson’s strike arrived 11 minutes later.

He was set up by lively Mike Cazzola but Stars’ lifeline came from Gabriel Levesque two minutes after than with Riley Stadel assisting.

In Yorkshire, Andreas Valdix netted with 15 seconds left to earn Sheffield Steelers a 3-2 Challenge Cup win over Braehead Clan.

Steelers led 2-0 after 37 minutes with goals from John Armstrong and Jonathan Phillips but Ville Hamalainen and Ryan Potulny scored 22 seconds apart deep in the middle session to level.

Fife Flyers hopes of a weekend win double evaporated when they were burned by Elite League newcomers Guildford Flames.

Flyers outshot their visitors 27-31 but the English side counted where it matter most.
Kruise Reddick claimed a double for the visitors and John Dunbar made sure the points were heading over the Border with an empty net strike, Reddick assisting, with just over a minute left.

Glasgow Tigers team manager Stewart Dickson insists the Knockout Cup Cup quarter-final with Newcastle Diamonds is still in the balance despite only taking a two-point lead to the North East on Monday.

Dan Bewley, Jack Smith and Richard Lawson all return to the team and Dickson said: “Losing two 5-1s in the last two heats was a blow, ut I still think it’s in the balance because we’ve got most of our team back.

“We have to get in among their big two of Robert Lambert and Steve Worrall. We can take points off the rest of their team, but our big points need to take points off their big boys.

“I feel we can match them everywhere else but heats 13 and 15 could be our downfall if we’re not careful.

“I hope Jack Smith and Dan Bewley can bring the form they’ve been showing for Belle Vue. I also hope Richard Lawson can bring his Premiership form to Brough Park.

“We intend to go down there and win the tie and give ourselves a chance in the semi-final.”

Meanwhile, Dickson bemoaned a refereeing decision which he said cost Glasgow a place in the final of the SGB Championship Pairs at Sheffield.

Lawson and Aaron Summers qualified in second from their group to set up a with Redcar for a place against hosts Sheffield in the final.

With Lawson second behind Redcar’s Charles Wright, a third place for Summers would have been enough and they thought they had got that when the Tigers rider appeared to beat Ben Barker in the run-in to the line.

However, referee Stuart Wilson gave it to Barker, sending the Bears through.

Dickson claimed he had been shown proof that Summers should have been given third place.

He said: “The centre green photographer showed me the picture and you can clearly see that Aaron got it by more than half a bike length, but the referee got it wrong, which is the third time he has done so against our club.

“That was a big call and a very poor decision in a big meeting. I feel sorry for the Glasgow fans who travelled down and our riders are gutted as well.”

Sheffield went on to win the event. Edinburgh did not get out of Group B. They scored 20 points with Sam Masters collecting 12 and Ricky Wells eight. Berwick were in the same group and skipper Kevin Doolan scored four and David Howe seven.

Police in Edinburgh need help in tracing a teenager who is reported missing from the south of the capital.

Hamid Iqbal from Howden Hall Road left his residential address on Monday 2 October 2017. But he was last seen at McDonalds on London Road yesterday 7 October 2017  at around 8.15 p.m.

The young man has not been in contact with family since being reported missing and officers are keen to establish his current whereabouts.

Anyone who can help police with this inquiry is asked to come forward.

Hamid is described as Asian, 5ft 3ins tall of slim build and with short dark hair.

He was wearing a dark hooded top, blue jeans and dark Adidas trainers when he was last seen.

As part of this investigation officers are also looking to trace a silver Ford Focus car with registration number SV09 EYA.

Inspector Keith Fairbairn from Craigmillar Police Station said: “While we believe Hamid is not in any immediate danger, we are keen to locate him as soon as possible and return him home.

“If you know where we can find Hamid then please contact police immediately.

“I would also urge Hamid to get in touch with us so we can confirm he is safe.”

Edinburgh Police today released a CCTV image of a man they wish to trace in connection with a serious assault on a 21-year-old woman at an address in Viewcraig Street, Edinburgh on Wednesday 30 August 2017

It is believed that the man in the photo is of interest to detectives investigating the matter. They ask anyone who recognises him to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Paul Cooper of Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “This has understandably been extremely distressing for the victim involved and we continue to follow up all lines of enquiry.

“The man pictured is believed to be of significance to our investigation, and we would urge anyone who recognises him not to approach him but to come forward to police as soon as possible.

“Anyone with information can call Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.'”