Sister Act, the classic 1992 musical comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg, is the latest film to receive the ‘live cinema’ treatment with the ‘Sister Act Live Choir’, UK Tour presented by Amacoast Cinema.

Film fans have been clamouring for pop-ups and live cinema experiences in recent years, as audiences look for new, innovative ways to enjoy the films they know and films that will turn into instant classics. Sister Act fans in Edinburgh and the Lothians will be immersed in a fresh new cinematic, musical experience, 25 years on after the film was first released.

Sister Act Live Choir will boast a choir made up of 35 gospel singers and full band, as they accompany the onscreen nuns with live performances of songs from the film soundtrack.

“We are delighted to be touring this powerful and uplifting live cinema experience” says founder, Dele Aro. “We were delighted to see the shows connect such a large diverse group of people together, to share a unique experience and create new memories around a much-loved film”.

The show comes to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall next May and is sure to be popular the capital city’s film lovers.

Sister Act tells the hilarious story of Vegas lounge singer Deloris van Cartier (played by Whoopi Goldberg), who after witnessing a murder at the hands of her boyfriend must enter witness protection to avoid a similar fate. She turns to the one place that she hopes he will never look – a convent. Disguised as a nun, Deloris woefully tries to adopt her new lifestyle and after several false starts, she finally finds her voice at the heart of the church choir.

Sister Act Live Choir will feature the Uplifted Voices choir for the show, who have featured on BBC Gospel Proms, and provided backing choirs for the live shows on ITV’s The Voice, Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor. There will also be a special guest performance from Britain’s Got Talent Semi-finalist’s ‘Gospel Singers Incognito’

Sister Act Live Choir is at the Usher Hall on 19th May 2018. Tickets are available here.

Premiership Knockout Cup, semi-final, first-leg: Wolverhampton Wolves 59, Somerset Rebels 31

Sam Masters powered to 13 points as Wolverhampton Wolves thrashed Somerset Rebels in the first-leg of the Premiership Knockout Cup semi-final.

Former Edinburgh Monarchs racer Rory Schlein joined the Armadale club’s current skipper on 13 points in the comfortable win.

Mark Riss, who also rides for Monarchs, collected three points.

Glasgow Tigers rider Richard Lawson was best for Rebels with 11 points but former Tigers racer Josh Grajczonek had a disappointing night and scored only two points.

A Rosewell company uses former Scotch single malt whisky barrels and turns them into elegant but rustic picture frames.

Whisky Frames is now in the short-list for Business Start Up of the Year in the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber Awards.

Opposition comes from Cross Borders, a microbrewery based at Dalkeith and is the brainchild of two school friends.

Gary and Jonny meet, aged 9, at the Kinross after-school gulag and bonded over custard creams and table football.

It was Gary who won the football. Jonny polished off most of the biscuits. Instant friends.

Jonny then studied brewing and distilling at Heriot-Watt University and with Gary launched the company at the Stockbridge Tap in Edinburgh. Gary does the paperwork.

They produce five core beers – pale, IPA, porter, heavy and braw – and have also released two seasonal brews (Spring and Summer) and have plans to release further seasonal and experimental beers.

The company now claim to be one of Scotland’s most sought after new breweries and their beers can be found in craft beer and real ale pubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Borders.

Dalkeith-based Fayre Tasty claims to be a healthier takeaway and outside catering company who aim to deliver on taste, value for money and our contribution to helping local companies, farms and suppliers.

No preservatives or additives are included to the freshly produced filled wraps, paninis, focaccia’s and other daily prepared items.

In another category, Food & Drink is the world’s first food and drink Business Improvement District (BID) which aims to celebrate the quality of East Lothian’s premium produce.

It is short-listed for Business Innovation of the Year and over 40 companies in East Lothian have collaborated to promote the food and drink via social media, PR and digital marketing.

They provide businesses with collaborative transport and distribution solutions, exclusive events and business support, plus routes to market.

Their member portfolio ranges from small scale artisan brewed ales and lagers, to hand-foraged liqueurs, bean to bar chocolate, certified Scottish meats and fish, dairy, baked goods. Larger internationally acclaimed businesses are also involved.

Paragon from Musselburgh are one of their competitors for the award and the 29-year-old company are specialists in the supply, support and implementation of cleaning products and systems.

Originally focused on the food sector, working with restaurants, butchers, bakers and food manufacturers, Paragon extended its services to care, local authorities and the leisure market.

They now have independently accredited products which are supplied to a number of UK train companies.

Dunbar Music School is in the running for a Community Impact Award in the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards.

It was set up by Jacqui Preston and Siobhan Grealy and provides music tuition and performance opportunities for children and adults in Dunbar and the surrounding areas.

Tuition is provided by highly-qualified professional musicians in piano, violin, viola, guitar, ukulele, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, clarsach, preschool music, kodaly musicianship, choir and songwriting.

The school also teaches family groups, grandparents and their grandchildren with guitar and ukelele lessons together and they have an adult guitar group.

AM Bid Services from North Berwick are in the mix for the Business High Growth award.

They are a multi-sector specialist providing advice and assistance to organisations bidding for contracts in the public, private and third sectors.

Turnover has increased by 195 per cent in Year Two to £268k and is on track for a further 68 per cent increase in Year Three.

Other categories include Environmental Impact, Commitment to Student and Graduate Engagement, Commitment to Youth Development, Business Ambassador of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service.

Keith Barbour admitted that the judges will have a hard task in picking a winner for this year’s eventual winners.

The organisation’s chief executive officer was commenting after the release of the short-list for the major business event of the year in this area.

Mr Barbour, who is on the judging panel, revealed that the quality of submissions was extremely high.

The awards will be presented at The Brunton, Musselburgh, on Thursday, October 26, before an audience of over 300 guests.

Final judging will take place in the next few weeks and Mr Barbour said: “The judges will have a difficult task.

“The awards have been on-going for the last 11 years and the standard of entries has increased year-on-year.

“Overall, the range of businesses and the quality of them shows what an array of talent we have in this area.”

Edinburgh Monarchs chairman Alex Harkess has called for a repeat as they open their SGB Championship semi-final at Ipswich Witches on Thursday.

The Scots pipped the Suffolk side 47-46 in a SGB Championship clash on July 27 and Monarchs edged Ipswich 48-44 in the same competition earlier this month at Armadale.

Revenge is also on the agenda as Ipswich emptied Edinburgh out of the competition last season.

Harkess said: “When you get to this stage of the competition there are no easy matches, but we are the only team to have defeated the Witches at their home this year and we just managed to squeeze a win against them at home.”

Meanwhile, Witches captain Danny King has issued a rallying cry to his teammates.

King has been with the Witches for nine seasons during his career and admits winning a trophy would be a special moment for him.

He said: “Ipswich is a club close to my heart and we might not ever be in the position we are now ever again, so we need to step up, take it and make it ours.”

Two former Monarchs are in their squad, Rory Schlein and Justin Sedgmen.

And King said: “We need to leave nothing out there. Everyone has got to give everything.”

The 31-year-old added: “It would be nice to get a big win on Thursday to go to Edinburgh (on Friday) with but I believe we can win there too.”

Police Scotland have issued advice to the pubic to help avoid becoming a victim of housebreaking with the darker nights setting in.

A statement on the website states: “Take a few simple steps to avoid becoming a victim of a housebreaking this autumn/winter.Now that the darker nights are back and the evenings are drawing in, we want you to remain safe and would like to share the below advice with you.

• If you’re going away or even going out for the evening, set a timer switch to turn your lights on when it gets dark. Unlit houses are a giveaway that no one is at home.
• Remember to lock your doors, patios and downstairs windows. Also lock any windows on the first floor where access can be gained via a flat roof.
• If you’re at the rear of the house or in the garden, lock your front doors and windows. This simple act will deter opportunistic criminals.
• If you have a house alarm… USE IT. Make sure you set it when you go out and when you go to bed.
• Don’t leave car keys, ID cards, or valuables near windows, doors or letterboxes, where thieves can reach through to steal them.
• Lock your garden gates and side entrances. Don’t leave tools lying around in the garden which could be used to break in to your home.
• Property mark your valuables.
• Register your property on Immobilise, the UK national property register https://www.immobilise.com/
• Register bikes on https://www.bikeregister.com/

Find out more in our Keep Safe pages, and if you have information about a housebreaking phone the Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Scotland Under-19s head coach has named a 20-player squad for a friendly against France on Wednesday 4 October.

The squad includes Hibs’ duo Ryan Porteous and Fraser Murray along with Hearts Daniel Baur.

The venue and ticket details will be confirmed in due course.

Donald Park took over the squad during the summer and they will play two friendlies against France with the second one on 6 October set to be played behind closed doors.

In November they will then play in the Euro qualifying round against Luxembourg, Armenia and Czech Republic.

Goalkeepers

Aidan McAdams (Rangers)

Kieran Wright (Rangers)

Defenders

Daniel Baur (Heart of Midlothian)

Robbie Deas (Celtic)

Wallace Duffy  (Celtic)

Ryan Porteous (Hibernian)

Stephen Welsh (Celtic)

Aidan Wilson (Rangers)

Midfielders

Jamie Barjonas (Rangers)

Lewis Ferguson (Hamilton Academical)

Charlie Gilmour (Arsenal)

Jordan Holsgrove (Reading)

Fraser Hornby (Everton)

Jonny Mitchell (Falkirk)

Forwards

Jack Aitchison (Celtic)

Michael Johnston (Celtic)

Glenn Middleton (Norwich City)

Fraser Murray (Hibernian)

Zak Rudden (Rangers)

Callum Smith (Dunfermline Athletic)

Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of electrical cable from a property on Newbattle Road.

The theft took place between 4.30pm on Friday 15th September and 8.30am on Tuesday 19th September from the industrial units at the rear of Newbattle Abbey College.

During this time entry was forced to the units through a locked gateway and a significant quantity of overhead electrical cable was stolen.

Inspector Helen Miller from Dalkeith Police Station said, “The theft of electrical cable is extremely dangerous and could have resulted in serious injury to those responsible. Substantial damage has been caused and local businesses have been affected by the loss of electric power.

“Anyone who may have seen any suspicious in the area around the time of the theft, or who can help with our investigation, is asked to get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1225 of 19 September, or alternatively contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Rising star Josh Taylor takes a huge step-up when he squares-up to Mexico’s former world champion Miguel Vazquez at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on Saturday, November 11.

Tickets for the fight, billed as Risk v Reward and which will be screened live on Channel 5, are on sale from Friday, September 22 from £40. Around 300 VIP seats ringside are priced at £125.

Former world champion, Barry McGuigan, who is promoting the fight, acknowledged that the match-up was a big risk but he is confident the Scot, nicknamed The Tartan Tornado, will beat the former long-reigning IBF world lightweight champion.

McGuigan argues that East Lothian-born Taylor is one of the best super lightweights in world boxing and the promoter said the Scot successfully stepped-up in class in his last fight in Glasgow in July.

Then, the 26-year-old stopped the previously unbeaten Ohara Davies.
And that, argues McGuigan, proves that Taylor is ready to move onto the world stage.

Scotland’s ten-fight undefeated WBC Silver and Commonwealth super lightweight champion puts his title on the line in the promotion at Ingliston which has 3,000 seats.

Since turning professional in July of 2015, McGuigan said Taylor has lit up the British professional boxing scene with a series of scintillating performances.

He has also set the record for the least number of bouts taken to win a Commonwealth belt.

Taylor has already boxed in each of the home nations as a professional, as well as three times in the USA on big world title bills.

The Scot has also boxed live on Showtime in the USA at the home of boxing, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In the opposite corner this time from Guadalajara, Mexico, is 44-fight veteran Vazquez, is one of the most experienced fighters in world boxing.

The former world champion reigned as world champ for five years defending his title all over the world.

And the 30-year-old has beaten a number of unbeaten opponents in the past, including Bredis Prescott, Denish Shafikov, Leonardo Zappavigna and Mercito Gesta, the last three of which were world title defences.

Vazquez has only ever been beaten by the best, such as Saul Alvarez (twice) and Timothy Bradley and the teak-tough Mexican told a press conference in Edinburgh that he is not jetting thousands of miles to Edinburgh to go home empty-handed.

McGuigan said the scene is set for an action-packed encounter between two world class super lightweight boxers, with the winner of this intriguing contest one step closer to a world title shot.

Hibs Head Coach Neil Lennon praised his players’ ‘fantastic character’ after twice coming from behind to beat on-form Livingston and qualify for the Betfred League Cup semi-final which will potentially mean a fifth Hampden trip in the last 18 months.

Lennon made four changes to his starting line up after slating the team’s performance against Motherwell when they surrendered a two goal lead.

International goalkeeper Ofir Marciano paid the penalty for being at fault for both ‘Well goals but his deputy Ross Laidlaw had to pick the ball out of the net in the 12th minute after the defence failed to deal with a simple free-kick into the box which was headed into the net by Scott Pittman.

Steven Whittaker was also dropped to the bench however he came on to replace the injured David Gray shortly after Livingston’s opener.

Danny Swanson who started the game in place of Brandon Barker equalised with a superb curled shot from the edge of the area but it was the Lions who regained the lead with a superb strike from Raffaele De Vita.

Hibs responded immediately and Anthony Stokes supplied Martin Boyle who fired the ball past former Hearts’ keeper Neil Alexander from an acute angle.

Hibs dominated the second half but with extra time looming Lennon’s men secured another semi-final place from the penalty spot after Paul Hanlon had been brought down by Pittman.

Stokes calmly slotted the penalty low into the bottom left hand corner of the net despite Alexander’s gamesmanship ahead of the kick.

Elsewhere Rangers beat Partick Thistle after extra time in the other quarter final whilst Dundee face Celtic tonight and Motherwell meet Aberdeen on Thursday.

After the game a delighted Lennon said: “I thought we were excellent. The character the team showed was fantastic.  You’re looking at a very happy man here.

“From an attacking point of view I think we could have scored three goals in the first 10 minutes. We scored two beautiful goals.

“Their second goal was beautiful, there wasn’t much defensively we could do about that, their first goal was poor from us because it was set play which we worked on yesterday but we dealt with it.

“We’re in the semi-final, we got the win, we played good football, we created umpteen chances and thoroughly deserved to win the game.

“It might have been a bit nervy at times but I thought we had good control of the game for long periods.”

James Sarjeant rides for Glasgow Tigers in their play-of, semi-final, first-leg at Sheffield Tigers on Thursday and says he’s ready to play a major part in the Tigers’ push for the title.

The Englishman rode for the club in 2015, helping them to two finals in their debut season under new ownership.

The Workington racer stands in for the injured Tom Perry and it follows another guest appearance for Glasgow at Edinburgh on Friday when he scored 12 points.

Sarjeant is happy to pull on a red and white racejacket again and will aim to use his experience of competing for trophies at Ashfield when he lines up at Owlerton.

He said: “Hopefully, I can help Glasgow get through into the play-off final.

“I’ve been riding at reserve this year and I’ve felt a performance like Edinburgh was coming for a while.

“I’m trying to finish on a high, it’s been a bit of a bumpy year and start-stop, so it’s good to get some matches in.

“I’ve raced Sheffield a few times now. It’s a fast track and a little bit different to Glasgow. We’ve got a good enough team to get plenty of points.”

Glasgow use rider replacement for the absent Nike Lunna while Dan Bewley returns to the team at No 2. Richard Lawson moves to No 1 with Aaron Summers at No 3 and Richie Worrall at No 4.

Jack Smith is battling to be fit at No 7 after his finger injury and is still doubtful with Newcastle’s Alfie Bowtell lined up to deputise. Sarjeant slots in at 6.

The sides square-up again on Tuesday at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium in the second-leg with the winners facing Edinburgh Monarchs or Ipswich Witches.

 

Scotland’s animal welfare charity will be joining Battersea and Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home at the Scottish Parliament today (20 September) as the charities are joined by MSPs to call for tougher sentences for animal cruelty offences.

The Scottish SPCA supports the maximum jail sentence for those convicted of cruelty and welfare offences under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to be increased, from 12 months, to five years.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Sentencing for animal abuse is very inconsistent in Scotland and we feel a five year maximum jail sentence would provide the sheriff with a greater range of options.

“Under current laws animal abusers will get a lighter sentence than those found guilty of fly tipping which needs to change.

“The Scottish SPCA is the only animal charity in Scotland able to investigate cruelty to animals and help take people guilty of abuse and neglect to court.”

Head of Education and Policy Gilly Mendes Ferreira said, “We feel the current maximum sentence in Scotland for animal cruelty offences doesn’t act as a deterrent since very few sheriffs’ use the maximum sentence.

“In 2016 our investigations led to 33 bans on keeping animals, including five life bans, 25 fines, 13 community payback orders and only three jail sentences.

“There are large inconsistencies in animal cruelty sentencing throughout Scotland which we would like to see addressed.

“Our supporters and the general public have been very vocal about an increase in maximum sentencing as they want to see justice for the animals who have been abused, abandoned and neglected in Scotland.”

Speaking about an increase in the maximum sentencing Emma Harper MSP for South Scotland said, “I support a review of the sentencing for animal cruelty and animal welfare crimes and I would encourage inconsistencies found across Scotland for sentencing animal cruelty crime to be addressed.

“I recently learned that fly-tipping currently carries a heftier sentence of 5 years compared to the 12 months for cruelty crimes against animals. I’d like to see this change.”

Ruth Maguire MSP for Cunninghame South said, “The Scottish SPCA does wonderful work in preventing cruelty to animals and in making sure that animal welfare law in Scotland is enforced.

When trusted expert organisations such as the Scottish SPCA point out areas where the law could be improved, I think that it’s incumbent upon us all to listen to them and consider their advice carefully.

Their investigations have found that very few sheriffs’ use the maximum sentence. Many people will share their concern that this impacts on its ability to act as a deterrent – and would wish to see the operation of maximum sentences for animal cruelty in Scotland.”

Margret Mitchell MSP for Central Scotland said, “It is clear that the current penalties for animal abuse are hopelessly inadequate.

On a daily basis there is harrowing evidence that they do not serve as any meaningful deterrent.

The abuse often results from a thriving illegal business where perpetrators can make big money whilst keeping defenceless animals in appalling conditions.

It is then left to charities like Scottish SPCA to care for these often traumatised animals.

The time is long overdue to redress the balance with the increased sentences suggested.”

Hibs are through to the Betfred League Cup semi-final after twice coming from behind to defeat a brave Livingston team at Easter Road tonight.

Head Coach Neil Lennon made four changes from the starting XI that drew 2-2 with Motherwell on Saturday.

Ross Laidlaw, Lewis Stevenson, Vykintas Slivka and Danny Swanson replaced Ofir Marciano, Steven Whittaker, Brandon Barker and Simon Murray.

The only other time the pair have met in the tournament was the 2004 final which the West Lothian team won.

Hibs started brightly and created four good chances in the first five minutes but it was the visitors who went ahead with their first attack of the night.

Raffaele De Vita sent in a dangerous free kick which Scott Pittman headed into the net to the delight of the small band of travelling supporters.

David Gray was forced to leave the field with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Steven Whittaker who slotted into the right back position.

Hibs equalised in the 17th minute when Martin Boyle rolled the ball into the path of Swanson who curled a shot past former Hearts keeper Neil Alexander.

If the Hibs fans thought the danger was over they were mistaken and the Lions re-took the lead 10 minutes later when De Vita fired an unstoppable shot into the net off the underside of the bar with Laidlaw helpless.

Hibs fought back immediately and a great one two between Martin Boyle and Anthony Stokes ended with the winger firing the ball into the net form an acute angle.

After a pulsating 45 minutes, the second half calmed down with Hibs dominating possession and creating the better chances but Livingston always looked dangerous on the break without creating any clear cut chances.

Lennon replaced Slivka with Dylan McGeouch and the former Celtic midfielder made the difference. His vision and energy helped Hibs keep possession as they sought the winner.

With eight minutes remaining Swanson found Paul Hanlon in the penalty box and as he was running away from goal, he was barged in the back by Pittman and referee Bobby Madden pointed to the spot.

Alexander tried to delay the kick as an act of gamesmanship but it made no difference to Stokes who calmly slotted the ball low into the bottom left hand corner of the net to secure a place in the semi-final.

After the game a delighted Neil Lennon said: “I thought we were excellent. The character that the team showed was fantastic. You are looking at a very happy man.”

Elsewhere Rangers beat Partick Thistle 3-1 after extra time to join Hibs in the semis. Celtic face Dundee on Wednesday and Motherwell face Aberdeen on Thursday.

Hibs: Laidlaw, Gray, Hanlon, Bartley, McGinn, Slivka, Swanson, Stevenson, Boyle, Ambrose, Stokes. subs: Marciano, Whittaker, Matulevicius, Murray, Barker, Porteous

Livingston: Alexander, Lithgow, Byrne, Pittman, Todorov, Cadden, Jacobs, Carrick, De Vita, Hackett. subs: maley, Longridge, Mullin, Mullen, Mackin, Robinson, Brown

Referee Bobby Madden

Attendance 8535

I should admit here that I was never a huge fan of Cilla Black. She had a powerful voice back in the 1960s but the loveable Scouser persona began to grow rather tiresome as her singing career began to give way to her television presenting career in the 1980s and 1990s (Blind Date and Surprise Surprise were tv shows I avoided like the plague)

However, Cilla the Musical tells the story of how Cilla White, the young office girl who could sing a note or two became Cilla Black, one of Britain’s biggest light entertainers.

This spectacular and heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series has been written by BAFTA award winner, Jeff Pope and stars Kara Lily Hayworth as Cilla. Hayworth beat thousands of hopefuls in nationwide open auditions for the coveted role.

Hayworth produces a quite brilliant performance. When she sang Anyone Who Had a Heart just before the interval I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, such was the power of her rendition.

Playing her lover and eventual husband Bobby Willis is Carl Au, perhaps most famous for his role as Barry in the BBC series Waterloo Road. Au also produces an impressive performance and the story is as much about Cilla’s on-off relationship with Bobby as it is about her road to stardom.

Playing Cilla’s manager Brian Epstein – who also managed The Beatles and who was introduced to the young Cilla by the Fab Four – is Andrew Lancel. Best known for playing Detective Inspector Neil Manson in ITV’s The Bill and Frank Foster in Coronation Street, Lancel gives a passionate performance as the troubled Epstein.

It’s the introduction by a young John Lennon – played by Michael Hawkins – to Epstein that changes Priscilla White’s life forever. By the age of just 25 she would be known as singer and TV Star Cilla Black, Number One selling artist and at the fore-front of the Brit-Pop music scene. The musical score is the ultimate soundtrack to the 60’s including Cilla’s greatest hits. As well as Anyone Who Had a Heart, the audience is treated to Alfie, Step Inside Love and Something Tells Me; Twist and Shout by the Beatles; California Dreamin by The Mamas and The Papas’ and many more.

Produced by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield, alongside Executive Producer and Cilla’s son, Robert Willis, Cilla the Musical is quite simply a superb show. Kara Lily Hayworth gives the performance of her life and even the comic timing is of the highest standard (‘I’ve been practising me vowels’ she tells a bemused Brian Epstein)

Those who weren’t particularly fans of Cilla Black – me included – will find it hugely enjoyable and quite emotional in parts (when you hear her and Bobby sing You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling you’ll know what I mean) However, if you loved Cilla then you simply must go to this outstanding musical.

Cilla the Musical is on at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 23rd September. Tickets here

Edinburgh Reporter rating – ***** five stars all the way!

Underbelly who have the contract with The City of Edinburgh Council to provide all the entertainment for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2017 have announced today that the programme is refreshed for this year – and will be very icy!

The Famous Spiegeltent will return to Edinburgh after missing out on her summer visit as St Andrew Square was closed to most of the shows previously put on there. David Bates, owner and producer of The Famous Spiegeltent, said: “We’re coming home for Christmas! We’ve got some spicy seasonal treats in store for Scotland this winter with some new international acts that will bend your minds and bring the fishnets to your Christmas stocking!”

There will be a new feature – The Ice Adventure – which will be staged at the west end of George Street. This will take visitors on a journey through frozen Scotland with the newest attraction made of snow and ice.

The other new feature Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar will be free and will feature nightly projections onto General Register House. One glimpse of Edinburgh in years past will be produced each night until Christmas.

Edinburgh Trams will team up with Edinburgh’s Christmas to ask schoolchildren to design a special Christmas and Hogmanay tram which will brighten up the city streets.

Underbelly are now in charge of the programme of events at both Christmas and New Year in the capital and the city’s festive entertainment attracts many visitors to the city. While the events company have been in charge of Christmas over the last five years the number of tickets sold and people who visited increased year on year. Between 2013 and 2016 there was a 46% increase in the number of tickets for Christmas events, and almost a million visitors to the city last year. In addition footfall in the city centre during December has risen by almost a quarter since 2012.

As usual those living in an EH postcode will enjoy a 20% discount on tickets bought, which applied to 130,680 tickets purchased last year. CLICK HERE 

Everything Christmassy will begin on 17 November 2017 and will go on until 6 January 2018.

Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, Edinburgh’s Christmas, said: “This is the fifth year Underbelly has produced Edinburgh’s Christmas on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and we are extremely excited to be presenting such an ambitious and refreshed programme spreading farther and wider across the city, reaching more communities than ever before.

“There is the free to access giant Advent Calendar on General Register House to the brand new icy Scottish journey of The Ice Adventure on George Street, to the breath-taking La Clique Noel taking residence in our Festival Square Spiegeltent on Lothian Road and Winter Windows on display in Craigmillar and Wester Hailes.

“The economic impact of Edinburgh’s Christmas on the city is growing every year and with the positive effect it has socially on the residents of Edinburgh, we are proud to be able to bring world class winter entertainment to the Scottish capital yet again.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, said: “Produced on behalf of the Council for the enjoyment of everyone, Edinburgh’s Christmas has become one of the top winter festivals in the UK.

“This year’s programme celebrates the past, present and future of our city, with a combination of new attractions, popular events and old favourites.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the festive cheer spread beyond the city centre this winter with decorative displays in many of our local communities. From Westerhailes to Leith, 50 artworks by local schoolchildren will provide a window into the Edinburgh of the future. It will spread awareness of the 2050 City Vision initiative and brighten all corners of Edinburgh.”

Jamie Hamilton, of Hamilton Ice said: “We couldn’t be happier to be part of Edinburgh’s Christmas for the first time. We’re having great fun imagining and creating in snow and ice many aspects of Scotland from Robert the Bruce to Dolly the Sheep for The Ice Adventure, which we hope visitors will enjoy exploring and discovering.”

Steven McConnachie, Director of Double Take Projections, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Underbelly on both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar will be a stunning new feature for this year and we are enjoying working with partners to uncover some old Edinburgh gems which will be revealed in December.”

Matthew Brown, Musical Director at the Nonsense Room Productions said: “Is that a shark in the spiegeltent?!  Following a UK and international tour in 2017, Nonsense Room Productions are delighted to be bringing Shark in the Park back to Edinburgh this Christmas. See all three of Nick Sharratt’s Shark in the Park brought to life in this fun family musical!”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh, said: “Christmas is a vital time of year for our retailers and our hospitality businesses, as well as a time of year that everyone who enjoys our city centre – residents and visitors alike – looks forward to. Edinburgh’s Christmas is now a big part of that, and we are looking forward to another fantastic Christmas.

“Essential Edinburgh is delighted to be partnering with Underbelly to animate the west end of George Street, to create a brilliant Light Night, and to create the famous and hugely popular ice rink in St Andrew Square. “

John Donnelly, Chief Executive of Marketing Edinburgh said: “The new attractions and planned expansion of Edinburgh’s Christmas offering this year is terrific news for the city.  By enlarging the geographical footprint of the festive celebrations across the city centre, we are creating a refreshed destination experience that will crucially encourage residents and visitors to explore further afield, helping them to discover new shops, restaurants and bars.”

Neil Gregory, Deputy Head of Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland said: “We’re delighted to be a lead partner working with Underbelly on this year’s festive celebrations in the capital.  We’ve been working with them and Double Take Projections to provide a huge gift box of images from our holdings in the National Record for the Historic Environment and Scran.  Using our archives to create a digital advent calendar to showcase the winters of years gone by is a perfect finale to a fantastic Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and a great way for us to wish visitors to Edinburgh city centre a very happy Christmas”.

Here is the 2017 programme :

AROUND THE CITY

• Edinburgh’s very own, free to access giant Advent Calendar will be projected onto General Register House with 25 glimpses of Edinburgh Winters from years gone-by one revealed each day, created by Double Take Projections, recent projection partners for the opening of the Queensferry Crossing.

 

In Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar archive of the city dating back to the 1700s supplied by partners including Historic Environment Scotland, National Library of Scotland, and National Records of Scotland will be animated and set to a soundscape reflective of that year, supporting the end of 2017 as the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar will be visible on General Register House at varying times from 5pm to 10pm every day.

General Register House. Free to access.

Friday 1 – Monday 25 December.

 

• In a partnership with Edinburgh Trams, Edinburgh’s Christmas has invited Edinburgh school children to design a special Christmas and Hogmanay Tram, which will brighten up the city’s streets this winter.

 

• Winter Windows, in partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland, involves schools in Edinburgh.  The schools take part in the creative project conceived by Underbelly in 2014 to embrace the talents of the city’s young people and showcase them to residents and visitors out of the classroom and onto the street. During the autumn term, each school will work with pupils to design stained glass windows with the theme of 2050 Edinburgh City Vision, highlighting the City of Edinburgh Council’s campaign to engage everyone in imagining the the City’s future.

This year up to 50 windows will be displayed across the city. In West Parliament Square the Winter Windows designs from each school will be displayed outside St Giles just off the Royal Mile to be seen by the thousands of visitors to Edinburgh’s Christmas, giving local schoolchildren a great way to get involved in the festivities and show off their artistic talents.

In 2017, this will expand into communities outside the city centre with windows popping up in Leith’s Kirkgate Plaza, Craigmillar Library Plaza, Drumbrae Plaza and Westerhailes Plaza.

Various locations. Free to access.

Friday 17 November to Monday 25 December

• 24 Doors of Advent returns allowing residents and visitors to peep behind usually closed doors across the city throughout advent. In 2017, working with Historic Environment Scotland, 24 Doors of Advent opens many new doors for you to explore including Trinity House, Lauriston Castle and Mansfield Traquair.

Various locations. Free to access.

Friday 1 – Sunday 24 December

GEORGE STREET

• The Ice Adventure – a journey through frozen Scotland

Brand new for 2017, this arctic installation at the west end of George Street is an immersive walk-through experience filled with spectacular ice and snow sculptures to take your breath away. The event is produced by Underbelly and Hamilton Ice, producers of the Ice Kingdom at London’s Winter Wonderland – that event’s most popular and pre-booked attraction. Supported by Shackleton Whisky, this attraction will also feature an ice bar.

George Street 17 November to 24 December Tickets are for timed slots – more info online at www.edinburghschristmas.com

Take a tour of Scotland with life-like ice sculptures of Vikings, fairies and Kelpies, Highland cows, eagles and Dolly the Sheep, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Greyfriars Bobby, and of course the Loch Ness Monster!

George Street. Tickets £10 (£7)

Friday 17 November to Sunday 24 December 2017

• The ever-popular Santa’s Grotto is moving to join The Ice Adventure on George Street.

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to Santa…
A chance for children to meet Father Christmas, hear a festive fairy-tale, and receive a wee gift.

George Street. Tickets £8

Saturday 18 November to Sunday 24 December 2017

 

• Sunday 19 November is Light Night in Scotland’s capital city when the Christmas lights are switched on across the city. This year Light Night will again be hosted by Forth One DJ Arlene Stuart and will showcase the Edinburgh’s best amateur choirs and dance groups, including Little Voices Big Stars, Edinburgh Rock Choir and Edinburgh Ballet.

George Street. Free to access

Sunday 19 November, 3-5pm

Visitors to attractions on George Street can also enjoy rides, market stalls and a beautiful light dome at the junction of George Street and Castle Street in the style of the popular Street of Light that was on George Street in December 2016.

 

FESTIVAL SQUARE SPIEGELTENT

 

• The Festival Square Spiegeltent pops up on 17 November outside the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa on Lothian Road, with a dazzling new show from the internationally famous La Clique …. La Clique Noël proudly presented by Edinburgh’s Christmas, David Bates and Spiegeltent International.

 

This very special seasonal treat sees the outrageous and unforgettable theatrical phenomenon La Clique coming home for Christmas with their trademark inspirational mix of cabaret, new burlesque, circus and contemporary vaudeville in a new, sexy, dangerous show! Presenting Scotty The Blue Bunny, Heather Holliday and Vicky Butterfly, among others, this special night will also showcase the talents of Dannie Bourne and The La Clique Palace Orkestra featuring… Kelly Wolfgram!

LA CLIQUE NOËL

17 November 2017 to 6 January 2018 at 8.00pm Monday to Friday, 6.00pm and 9.00pm Fridays, 5.00pm and 8.00pm Saturdays.

Tickets starting from £19.50 weekdays, from £24.50 weekends (from £14.50 previews) are available to book now at www.edinburghschristmas.com and 0131 510 0395

Friday 17 November – Saturday 6 January​

SHARK IN THE PARK

Nonsense Room Productions

Based on the books by Nick Sharratt

1 December to 6 January 2018. Tickets are available to book at edinburghschristmas.com

• When Timothy Pope receives a brand new telescope for his birthday, boy is he excited to test it out at the park! But wait… is that really a shark he can see? Families can enjoy  Nick Sharratt’s Shark in the Park in which Nonsense Room Productions (Hairy  Maclary and Friends Show) bring Sharratt’s three shark books together for the stage with a fantastic cast and fun songs to entertain the kids this Christmas.

 

Festival Square Spiegeltent. Tickets from £10

Friday 17 November – Saturday 6 January

 

• For those looking to get their dancing shoes on, family favourite Baby Loves Disco offers little groovers who might not even have found their feet yet a chance to dance the day away.

Festival Square Spiegeltent. Tickets £9

Friday 17 November – Saturday 6 January

 

• Spreading the Christmas effect across the city, and working in partnership once again with fellow theatres and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh’s West End, Christmas on Stage sets out to draw audiences to some of the best Christmas entertainment around town! The Traverse Theatre brings classic fairy tale Cinderella and pitch-black comedy How to Disappear, while The Lyceum Theatre premieres The Arabian Nights.

 

• The popular Edinburgh resident’s 20% discount across all shows, rides and events returns in 2017. In 2016 130,663 tickets were sold to Edinburgh residents accessing their 20% off tickets, providing a total saving of over £199,000 to residents across the city.

 

EAST PRINCES STREET GARDENS

• East Princes Street Gardens remains a centre point for families with Santa Land’s Christmas Tree Maze providing lots of Christmas magic to kids aged 1 to 100+. Favourite rides including the Star flyer, traditional double Carousel and the Forth One Big Wheel return. The Gardens throw open their gates on Saturday 18 November.

East Princes Street Gardens. Free to access.

Saturday 18 November – Saturday 6 January

 

• The Scottish Market will join together with the European market, seeing over 130 craft, food and drink stalls pop up across the Gardens. Free to access.

 

ST ANDREW SQUARE

• St Andrew Square Ice Rink

The elliptical ice rink in St Andrew Square is always a popular draw and a much loved part of Edinburgh’s Christmas, set next to the Christmas Nativity scene in the gardens.

17 November 2017 until 6 January 2018

10am – 9.30pm, slots 45 minutes

 

• Nativity Carol Concert

In conjunction with St Andrews and St Georges West and Edinburgh Churches Together, at the start of Advent, a carol concert will take place around the Nativity Scene in St Andrew Square, generously donated to Edinburgh by Sir Tom Farmer.

St Andrew Square. Free to access.

Sunday 3 December, 3pm, St Andrew Square

Christmas on Stage sets out to draw audiences to some of the best Christmas entertainment around. The Christmas on Stage partnership between the Lyceum, Traverse, Usher Hall and Edinburgh’s Christmas will celebrate live theatre and music in Edinburgh’s West End.

As part of the Christmas on Stage partnership, tickets via edinburghschristmas.com will be available for the Traverse Theatre and Royal Lyceum Theatre. The Traverse Theatre brings classic fairy tale Cinderella and pitch-black comedy How to Disappear, while The Lyceum Theatre premieres The Arabian Nights.

 

LIGHT NIGHT

George Street. Free to access.

Sunday 19 November, 3pm – 5pm

Light Night is an event free for all to enjoy, which encapsulates the true spirit of the festive season: family and the community.

Choirs and dance groups from across Edinburgh including Little Voices Big Stars, Edinburgh Ballet and Edinburgh Rock Choir will perform across two stages on George Street in front of an expected audience of around 20,000 people. The event will be once again hosted by the formidable Forth One DJ Arlene Stuart.

The Christmas Tree on the Mound, a gift to the City of Edinburgh Council from Hordaland County Council in Norway, will be lit as part of the Light Night switch-on.

THE MOUND PRECINCT AND EAST PRINCES STREET GARDENS

18 November 2017 to 6 January 2018. Free to access.

The Star Flyer: See Edinburgh as you have never seen it before, and this year you might just open your eyes! Located next to the Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens.

The Forth One Big Wheel: The arrival of the Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens signals the festive season has arrived! Take a ride in this Dutch made Ferris wheel’s cosy, covered pods to enjoy spectacular views across the city. Bejewelled with 20,000 lights it makes a joyful addition to Edinburgh’s famous festive skyline. A new partnership with Forth One brings a special soundtrack to this festive experience.

Santa Land: In the heart of East Princes Street Gardens Santa Land is a place of Christmas sparkle and magic with the Elves workshop hidden inside the Christmas Tree Maze, the Santa Train and other affordable kids rides. Note that Santa’s Grotto can be found on George Street this year.

The European Christmas Market: Over 100 stalls return to East Princes Street Gardens and the Mound Precinct from across northern Europe with a selection of tasty food, warming drinks and beautiful handmade gifts for sale.

 

 

Police Scotland has today (Tuesday 19 September) introduced its dual language logo featuring both English and Gaelic.

The branding will be introduced on the service’s website and intranet. It will also be carried on signage, stationery and vehicles, and will be introduced on these items as they are replaced on reaching the end of their serviceable life.

The changes are being made as part of the force’s commitment to implementing its Gaelic Language Plan, which sets out the service’s pledge to creating a sustainable future for the language in Scotland by integrating it within Police Scotland’s services and corporate identity.

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Cowie (Local Policing – North) said, “This is the latest step being taken by Police Scotland as we move towards full implementation of our Gaelic Language Plan.

“We are keen that Gaelic speaking communities across the country are well served and ably represented by the national service.”

“Upholding tradition and supporting native languages is important, as is making the service as accessible as possible for members of the population who use Gaelic. More work will take place in the coming months and years to deliver the improvements contained within our Gaelic Language Plan.”

“We have a keen group of Gaelic speaking officers/staff who are ably assisting in progressing these improvements.”

Speaking on behalf of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Daibhidh Boag, Director of Language Planning and Community Developments said, “The inclusion of Gaelic as a normal part of Police Scotland’s identity is a really significant milestone for the language. By including Gaelic as part of the logo renewal process, Police Scotland have contributed significantly to the Scotland-wide effort to raise the profile of Gaelic and have done so in as cost-effective a manner as possible.

“We very much welcome Police Scotland’s commitment to Gaelic generally and to increasing the visibility of the language across the communities that they serve.”

Police Scotland’s Gaelic Language Plan is a five-year project, scheduled until 2021. Work will be ongoing throughout that time.

Poileas Alba a’ cur suaicheantas ùr Beurla-Gàidhlig air bhog

An-diugh (Dimàirt 19mh An t-Sultain) tha Poileas Alba a’ cur air bhog suaicheantas ùr dà-chànanach ann am Beurla agus Gàidhlig.

Thèid an suaicheantas, air a bheil an dà chuid Police Scotland agus Poileas Alba, a thoirt a-steach air làrach-lìn agus eadra-lìon an t-seirbheis. Nochdaidh e cuideachd air soidhnichean, pàipearachd agus carbadan agus bidh e ga thoirt a-steach air na nithean seo nuair a ruigeas iad deireadh am beatha feumail.

Tha na h-atharraichean gan dèanamh mar phàirt de dhleastanas an fhorsa gus a Phlana Gàidhlig a chur an gnìomh – plana a tha a’ mìneachadh gealladh an t-seirbheis gus àite seasmhach a chruthachadh airson na Gàidhlig ann an Alba le bhith a’ toirt a-steach a’ Ghàidhlig do sheirbheisean agus dearbh-aithne chorporra Phoileas Alba.

Thuirt Leas-àrd-chonstabal Anndra Cowie (Poileasachd Ionadail – Tuath): “’S e seo an ceum as ùire a tha ga dhèanamh le Poileas Alba mar a thèid sinn air adhart gu ruige buileachadh slàn a’ Phlana Ghàidhlig.

“Tha sinn dealasach gu bheil coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig air feadh na dùthcha gam frithealadh agus gan riochdachadh gu comasach leis an t-seirbheis nàiseanta.

“Tha dualchas làidir ann an Alba agus tha e cudromach a bhith a’ cur taic do chànanan dùthchasach, agus dèanamh an t-seirbheis cho ruigsinneach ‘s as urrainnear dèanamh airson buill a’ phobaill aig a bheil Gàidhlig. Tha barrachd obrach ri dèanamh anns na mìosan is bliadhnaichean a tha romhainn gus na leasachaidhean a th’ anns a’ Phlana Ghàidhlig againn a thoirt gu buil.

“Tha buidheann-obrach againn anns a bheil oifigearan agus luchd-obrach èasgaidh aig a bheil Gàidhlig a tha a’ toirt air adhart na leasachaidhean seo.”

Thuirt an Stiùiriche Planadh Cànain is Leasachaidhean Coimhearsnachd aig Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Daibhidh Boag, “’S e clach-mhìle mhòr a tha seo dhan chànan gu bheil Gàidhlig gu bhith na pàirt gu cunbhalach de dh’ìomhaigh Poileas Alba. Le bhith a’ dèanamh Gàidhlig na pàirt den t-suaicheantas ùr aca, tha Poileas Alba a’ cur gu mòr ris an iomairt air feadh na dùthcha gus ìomhaigh na Gàidhlig a thogail agus tha iad air sin a dhèanamh gun chosgais ro mhòr idir. Tha sinn a’ dèanamh toileachas mòr ris an taic a tha Poileas Alba a’ toirt dhan Ghàidhlig san fharsaingeachd agus ris mar a tha iad a’ dèanamh a’ chànain nas follaisiche sna coimhearsnachdan air a bheil iad a’ frithealadh.”

‘S e pròiseact còig-bliadhna a th’ anns a’ Phlana Ghàidhlig aig Poileas Alba, a bhios a’ ruith gu 2021. Bidh obair a’ dol air adhart tron ùine sin.

British businesses are running the risk of being hacked and having confidential data leaked due to a laissez-faire attitude towards digital security.

The news comes in a survey which is released at a time when cyber threats are at an all-time high.

Over 1,000 people replied to the survey commissioned by www.Probrand.co.uk which revealed that 46 per cent admitted they have the same password for everything at work.

And 1 in 4 confirmed they use an easily researched piece of information as the basis of their password.

Date of births were the most common easily guessable password used for digital accounts. This was closely followed by spouses’ names
And 18 per cent rely on their children’s names as memorable but insecure passwords.

British companies are risking hackers and external parties being able to guess workers’ passwords by doing basic research.

And only 24 per cent of workers quizzed confirmed that their company changes passwords for key digital accounts and services when a member of staff leaves.

This means that many businesses could be at risk of former employees.

Matt Royle, the company’s marketing director, warned that cyber breaches can put companies out of business.

And he added that the humble password is still a major exposure point for many.

Four Hibs matches selected for live TV coverage during December.

The home fixture against Celtic has been moved from its original date of Saturday 9 December to Sunday 10 December with a 12:30pm kick-off, and will be live on Sky Sports.

The home match against Rangers on Wednesday 13 December will be screened live with the kick-off date and time unaffected, with the same applying for the Edinburgh Derby at Tynecastle on Wednesday 27 December – both have been chosen by Sky Sports.

BT Sport have selected Hibs fixture away to Aberdeen on Saturday 16 December, with the fixture date remaining the same, but the match kicking-off at 12:30pm.

Davyn Keuter can put his feet up this weekend as Edinburgh University do not have a game and reflect on a double hat-trick on his Division One debut for the students.

And the South African-born defender revealed that it is not the first time he has netted six in one game.

Four of his strikes in an 8-5 victory over city rivals Inverleith at Peffermill came from penalty corners.

The other two were from penalty flicks as the Fife-based, former Dunfermline Carnegie player slotted home.

The bearded player from Durban switched to Division One side Edinburgh University from the Division Two club in the summer looking to play at a higher level.

It was a big decision for the Dunfermline-based talent who works full-time in the factory which produces paint to keep the iconic Forth Rail Bridge in top condition.

And it is the new Forth crossing which is causing Keuter the biggest hassle currently.

He has to drive from his Dunfermline home training twice a week at Edinburgh’s Peffermill.

And the traffic on the new Queensferry Crossing has been a nightmare.
Keuter moved to Scotland several years ago to study architecture and loves it here.

He said: “I wanted to test myself in a higher league and I got this opportunity. Things have gone well so far.

“I’ve scored six goals in a game before in South Africa and my debut could not have gone better.

“I scored from a penalty flick after around 30 seconds after our first attack and the most difficult goal was my sixth.

“I knew it was my double hat-trick and I’d also put one past their goalkeeper earlier in the game.

“I was glad it went in and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
“We’re looking to finish in the top four.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery on a cycle path near Mearenside, between Bughtlin and Maybury Drive which took place around 7am on Monday morning.

A 48-year-old woman was walking along the cycle path when she approached from behind by a man on a bicycle who pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground.  Following a struggle, the man left in the direction of Maybury Drive empty handed.

The woman sustained a minor leg injury as a result of the attack, however she did not require medical attention.  She immediately contacted police, who are now appealing for witnesses.

The suspect is described as a white man with a slim build.  He is around 6ft tall in height and is believed to be around 20-years-old.  He has short unkempt hair and wears a stud in his right cheekbone, near to his eye.

He was wearing a navy blue CrossHatch top, dark tracksuit bottoms and was riding an old fashioned racing bicycle.

Detective Constable Kevin Walls of Corstorphine CID said:  “This was a frightening and despicable attack on a woman, who has been left badly shaken by this incident.

“We are eager to trace the male suspect as soon as possible.  I would ask anyone who saw this man in the Mearenside area on the morning on Monday, September 18, or recognises his description, to get in touch with us immediately.”

Those with information are asked to contact officers at Corstorphine CID on 101, quoting incident number 0450 of September 18, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sheffield Tigers yesterday opted to face Glasgow Tigers in the end-of-season Championship play-offs.

The Yorkshire combine are currently to of the ten-strong table with 83 points from 34 fixtures.

Glasgow are fourth with 67 points from the same number of matches.
The first-leg has been confirmed for Yorkshire on Thursday (7.30pm) with the second in Glasgow on Tuesday, September 26.

Edinburgh Monarchs, who are third in the table with 71 points from 35 meetings, have confirmed they will square-up to Ipswich Witches, who finished second and have 77 points from 36 fixtures, with the first-leg at Foxhall on Thursday.

The return will be at Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm) and a trip to Suffolk should not concern the Scots.

They are the only team to win there this season and have revenge on their mind as Ipswich knocked Monarchs out of the play-offs at this stage last season.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving after a double decker bus collided with a walkway at the Western General Hospital on Sunday afternoon and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

A police spokesperson said: “Police in Edinburgh were called to the Western General Hospital at 3.25pm on Sunday 17 September following a report that a double-decker bus had collided with a bridge.

“Six of the seven passengers, men and women aged between 14 and 60, were taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with a number of injuries. Thankfully, none of the injuries were life-threatening.

“The road was reopened around 8.45pm while investigations were conducted at the scene and the vehicle was recovered.

“The 21-year-old driver has been charged with dangerous driving and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Enquiries continue and anyone who may have witnessed this and has not yet spoken to officers is urged to contact Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit via 101, quoting incident number 2477 of 17^th September.”

A Lothians Chamber of Commerce is hosting two events which may boost your business.

A joint networking lunch at Dalhousie Castle, Midlothian, on Thursday, 21 September is being organised by Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce and their counterparts in West Lothian from noon to 2pm.

George Archibald, Midlothian’s chief executive officer, said the lunches always probe extremely popular.

He added: “It is an ideal way to make contacts and raise the profile of your business, all in a friendly and relaxed environment.

“To help you make the most of the networking opportunities, be prepared to move to another table between courses.”

The next Chamber Breakfast Club is on Thursday 28 September (8am to 10am) at the Best Western Kings Manor Hotel, Milton Road, Edinburgh.

Funding Opportunities from Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) the title of the main talk and the scheme is designed to help smaller higher-risk trading companies raise finance.

It offers a range of tax reliefs to investors who purchase new shares in those companies.

Mr Archibald said: “Anyone wishing to obtain relief, or to set up their own qualifying company, should take tax advice, not only at the outset, but on an on-going basis, to ensure that all relevant tax reliefs are claimed, obtained (and retained) and all opportunities grasped.”

Sebastien Sylvestre netted the game winner as Belfast Giants bounced back from an early deficit to edge battling Edinburgh Capitals 6-5 in the Challenge Cup at Murrayfield.

He found the net unassisted with just over 13 minutes of the game left but goals from Mike Gazzola and Taylor Stefishen made it an edgy final three minutes for the Belfast side.

It was a glory night for Giants’ Glasgow-born forward Colin Shields who iced in his 600th Elite League game and scored one goal and assisted on another.

Jimmy Jensen netted a treble as Dundee Stars edged arch rivals Fife Flyers 7-5 on Tayside also in the Challenge Cup. Dundee led 5-1 after the first session and 7-2 after the middle period.

Fife hit back with three goals in the final 20 minutes to put a more respectable face on the scoreline.

Braehead Clan completed a dismal weekend with a 4-1 defeat at Coventry Blaze.

Adam Brace scored the Glasgow side’s only goal after four minutes of the second period to make the scoreline 2-1.

But Blaze claimed two third-period goals to take the points, including a third goal of the season from captain Ryan Dingle, a former Fife Flyers player.

Coach John Tripp has now seen his under-strength side skid to back-to-back Elite League defeats on the road after losing 3-1 at newcomers Milton Keynes on Saturday.

Grange’s new defender Dan Coultas believes fans have yet to see the best from the success-hungry Edinburgh club.

The Raeburn Place-based outfit edged Dundee combine Grove Menzieshill 2-1 in a scrappy game at Fettes on Saturday, that is despite going 2-0 ahead.

Grove replied with a goal which came from an initial reverse stick shot which was then scrambled over the line.

Coultas, a former Great Britain squad member, joined Grange from Edinburgh University during the summer.

And the Scottish international said: “After Grove scored we had a period when we were down to eight players but we managed to organise well defensively and pull through.

“We also created chances which were well saved but we were well below par.”

Grange, however, have won their opening two games and coach David Knipe is determined to keep the pressure on champions Bromac Kelburne.

And the Edinburgh side are desperate to erase the memory of last season when the Division One title was ripped from their grasp in the final minutes of last season.

They let slip a lead at home to Western Wildcats and Kelburne beat Edinburgh University to come from behind and collect the silverware.

Edinburgh Monarchs chairman Alex Harkess reminded success-hungry fans that there are no easy matches at this stage in the play-offs.

The Armadale combine square-up to Ipswich Witches in their play-off semi-final and the first-leg is at Foxhall on Thursday. The deciding leg is at Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

Harkess reminded supporters that Monarchs are the only team to have defeated the Witches at their home arena this season and they squeezed a win against the Suffolk side at Armadale ten days ago.

The Scots will be at full-strength for Thursday and there is a revenge element here as Witches beat Edinburgh easily in the play-offs last season.

Sheffield Tigers, the long-time Championship pace-setters, picked Glasgow Tigers for their opponents and the first-leg is at Owlerton on Thursday with the return next Tuesday at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium.

The West of Scotland Tigers have suffered a recent form slump which has seen them lose three home meetings in two weeks but this follows a spate of injuries.

Glasgow go into the meeting as underdogs but team manger Stewart Dickson hopes to be able to welcome back injured riders Dan Bewley and Jack Smith.

Glasgow went close to winning at Sheffield earlier this season and also beat their Yorkshire rivals by 55-37 at home in July, form they’ll be looking to recover this time around.

The most recent meetings between the sides, however, have seen Sheffield run out convincing winners at both tracks.

A total of 24 events are featured during the tenth Balerno Music Festival from 27 September to 15 October.

Local performers will be on stage as well as an impressive line up of professional musicians renowned throughout Scotland and beyond.

Margaret Logan, one of the officials, said the festival offers a wide selection of musical events including classical, jazz, folk and choral.

Highlights include The Meadows Chamber Orchesta who present an evening of Beethoven’s lyrical Sextet in E Flat Major in Juniper Green Parish Church on September 30 (19,30 to 21.30).

The Soft Shoe Skiffle Band take the audience down memory lane with hits from the 50s and 60s like Singing the Blues, My Old Man’s a Dustman and folk songs including Wild Mountain Thyme and Wild Rover. This event is staged at Balerno Parish Church on 5 October (19.30 to 20.30).

Sirocco Winds, a dynamic and professional ensemble of wind players, make their first appearance at the festival. The group has a varied repertoire chamber music and the show is at Balerno Parish Church on 13 October (19.30 to 21.30).

The Scarlett Quartet appear at the Gala Concert performing a variety of choral music including favourites from opera, musicals and traditional Scottish. The venue is Balerno Parish Church on October 14 (19.30-21.30).

Tickets can be bought online at www.balernomusicfestival.org.uk until the 13 October

Balerno can be reached via the A70 from Edinburgh and the village has ample parking spaces close to all events.

All performances are on the 44 bus route from Edinburgh and are within easy walking distance of bus stops.

For further information contact Margaret Logan on magslogan@yahoo.co.uk or at 0131 449 2255.