Wind River
Direction: Taylor Sheridan
Screenplay: Taylor Sheridan
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen
Length: 111 minutes
Rating: R
Inspired by actual events, we follow US Fish and Wildlife Service tracker Cory Lambert (Renner) who must deal with the wild animals that threaten the livestock on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, United States, in the wild wild mid-western heartlands of the country. For those who will be counting, the corpse counter increases steadily as dead wolves and cows all make appearances at the opening.
One day, however, he discovers a human body, of a Native American teenage girl who has died under suspicious circumstances. A young FBI agent, Jane Banner (Olsen), called in from Las Vegas by the tribal police chief for assistance, arrives initially unprepared for the nature of the case file and daily life in this often forgotten part of America. Harsh living conditions and poor future prospects dominate the people of these lands as much as the cold climate and severe landscapes that imprison them.
Capitalism, globalisation and infrastructure have bypassed them completely, despite these ideas being so powerfully promoted by Western civilisation, resulting in a rejection of federal government in favour of local sustainability and individual survival. Life here is difficult and dangerous, of course, but not to the point of depression and desperation. In contrast to the bitter weather, the film provides a warm introduction to the characters of the story. But beware. Danger is ever present and everywhere.
Hot and cold are the two themes that flow throughout this film, creating a successful partnership worthy enough to equal that of the two main protagonists. Passions fire and emotions flare battling the plain bleakness and isolating darkness of the lands and people. Country music featuring piano and guitars intersect with pounding drums and melancholy violins in a wildly contrasting score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. ‘Wind River’ is a film that builds and builds, more and more, from a slow introduction to an explosive finale of tragedy, revenge and survival. Subsequently, the corpse counter going off the scale.
After ‘Sicario’ and ‘Hell or High Water’, writer Taylor Sheridan continues to deliver with another clever screenplay for ‘Wind River’ where he also makes an accomplished directorial debut. Interestingly, ‘Wind River’ will be joined by ‘The Mountain Between Us’ and ‘The Snowman’, all within one month, as the most recent additions to the winter set thriller with a male and female protagonist working together for the first time film club. Winter is coming!
“Why are you looking for clues when you’re missing all the signs?”
‘Wind River’ is in cinemas now.
7/10.
£1.3m to support locally-produced food
Crops growing in a field in Midlothian has more chance of ending up in Scottish schools. Picture Nigel Duncan Media
Plans to increase the use of Scottish produce in schools, hospitals and other public sector organisations have been unveiled by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.
A total of £1.2m has been confirmed to expand the current Food for Life programme and a further £100,000 will deliver a new Supplier Development Programme.
This will, help small and medium sized food and drink businesses compete for public sector food contracts.
Mr Ewing said: “These new measures will put local sourcing at the heart of many public sector supply chains, meaning that more people around Scotland will be able to enjoy our locally-produced, fresh food.
“We are committing more than £1m over the next three years so more young people in our schools have the benefit of fresh, healthy and locally sourced food.
“We are supporting small and medium-sized businesses to access valuable public sectors contracts which otherwise would remain out of reach.
“There is now a real opportunity to build on the good work that has already been done in this area to unlock the potential public sector food and drink market which is worth £150m in Scotland annually.”
Advice on how to grow your own vegetables
A vegetable box and you can do this with advice. Learn more during the Harvest Festival
A Harvest Festival is being held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) this weekend to celebrate the end of the growing year.
The free event, organised by RBGE’s Edible Gardening Project, will have experts on hand to give advice about growing and harvesting fruit and vegetables.
There will be a show of produce grown in the Botanics’ edible garden and by community garden projects throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Visitors will get the chance to vote for the best produce box on the day. There will be wheat threshing demonstrations and food samples from the garden as well as storytelling, crafts and live music including the ever popular Barrow Band.
Judy Paul, Community Engagement Manager, said: “The Harvest Festival is a traditional celebration of a successful growing year for fruit and vegetables.
“We want to share our harvest experience with visitors and bring together community groups and garden projects to show and taste produce and have some fun.
“Edible garden project staff and volunteers will be on hand to give growing advice to visitors and there will be a chance to sow seeds to take away.
“There will be something for everybody and we hope the event will inspire more people to start growing their own fruit and vegetables.’’
The Harvest Festival will be held in the Demonstration Garden and Botanic Cottage from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. (16 and 17 September).
Meanwhile, the Edible Gardening Project, supported by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery, helps people to grow their own vegetables and fruit by offering advice on how to get started.
There are drop-in sessions each Monday and Tuesday from 1pm to 2.30pm when volunteers are on hand to give advice about vegetable varieties, sowing seeds, composting, pruning, harvesting, storing and preparing your produce, and more. It is perfect for beginners.
Edinburgh Political Focus – what are the politicians saying this week?
In Edinburgh there are many politicians from Councillors to MSPs and then there are the MPs who have to travel to London from Monday to Thursday each week. As well as that we have Alyn Smith MEP from Edinburgh. They usually have something to say so here is a flavour of what they have commented on this week.
Gordon Macdonald MSP reminds you that there are two public consultations that you can get involved in to shape the future of bus services and smart ticketing in Scotland.
Transport Scotland has set up two consultations which will run until 5 December 2017.
Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said, “Millions of people across Scotland use buses every day.
“Transport Scotland’s two new consultations offer the public and stakeholders in Edinburgh an important opportunity to have their say on how best to improve Scotland’s bus services.
“In order to develop an effective, joined up, Scotland-wide smart ticketing and payment service, it is important that as many transport operators, public bodies and users as possible are consulted.”
The two consultations can be found below: –
Local Bus Services in Scotland – Improving the Framework for Delivery Click Here
Maureen Child is the Labour councillor for Portobello and Craigmillar. She sends out a newsy email each week and here is an excerpt from the latest :
I am grateful to Barney Dellar for this link which attempts to bust some of the myths about 20mph and air quality. It injects some research-based scientific findings into this over-heated transport debate. http://www.20splenty.org/20mph_limits_improve_air_quality
Interesting chat on social media and elsewhere about the cutouts of the Powerleague site.
There was a unanimous decision of Council to market the site and to ring-fence the proceeds to fill the funding gap for rebuilding Meadowbank. There were no dissenting voices. The questionnaire reflects that fact. It is also a fact that the planning status of that site in the recently approved Local Development Plan is as open space. It is not a designated housing site. Make of all that what you will.
You might have seen the Portobello Rotary traditional games at the Portobello Village Show. Now the club is inviting you to an Doors Open Evening to hear about the work Rotary club members do in the local community and their major worldwide project to eradicate polio. So do come to the King’s Manor Hotel on Wednesday 11 October, 6.15pm for 6.30pm, for a communal meal and chat. Portobello Rotary is a small club, but a welcoming one and it should be a great evening.
The community cinema group in Craigmillar have planned a whole day of outdoor cinema screenings in an amazing yurt for Friday 22 September. These screenings are part of the first event to be held on the temporary green space on this day. Their programme includes local film made over the years, from Arts the Catalyst to Bill Douglas’ My Childhood. The event is about more than just watching a film – but opportunity for people to connect, share stories and come together as a community. Could be a great day and if nothing else a yurt isn’t something you would see every day as you travel along Niddrie Mains Road. More information fromdani.Waddell@thistle.org.uk
Portobello Library are having a Dementia Cafe on Tuesday 19 September, 10am – 4pm. A diagnosis of dementia can be a frightening, both for the person with dementia, and for their families and friends. The good news is that there are lots of groups and services in Edinburgh that offer support for people with dementia and those who care for them. Come along to our drop-in cafe to find out more. There will be people on hand to chat you to about dementia, and to help you find groups and services in your local area. You can drop in any time between 10am and 4pm and have a cuppa, a scone and a good natter!
Christine Jardine is Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West and yesterday in Westminster she demanded that VAT is lowered for those involved in Tourism.
Christine Jardine MP for Edinburgh West
Ms Jardine, who pressed the UK Government during Questions to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said:
“Edinburgh West’s local economy benefits from the large number of tourists who visit places like the new Queensferry Crossing, our world renowned zoo and the home of Scottish Rugby. I want to ensure these businesses and the communities they are part of are supported in every way possible.
“That’s why I pressed the Minister today on looking at implementing an initiative that our European partners already have in place to give VAT flexibility to businesses in the tourism industry.
“Businesses all over the country deserve the best deal possible from the UK Government.”
Miles Briggs, Lothian MSP, congratulated the University of Edinburgh Principal Sir Timothy O’Shea on being named as this year’s winner of the Edinburgh Award. Miles has this morning tabled a Parliamentary motion at Holyrood welcoming the award which has already attracted broad cross party support. Sir Timothy becomes the 11th recipient of the award, following in the footsteps of previous winners including JK Rowling, Professor Peter Higgs, Dame Elizabeth Blackadder and Professor Richard Demarco.
Sir Timothy O’Shea
Speaking today Miles said: “I congratulate Sir Timothy on receiving this prestigious award which is richly deserved.
“Sir Timothy has provided strong and dynamic leadership for the University of Edinburgh during his period in charge and has helped ensure that it remains one of the very best academic institutions internationally with a global reach and profile.
“The University of Edinburgh is a key element of the economy of the city and wider region and helps drive economic growth here and it is entirely appropriate that Sir Timothy’s contribution to the University and city is being recognised through him receiving this prestigious civic honour.”
Jeremy Balfour MSP for the Lothian Region attended the Which? Nuisance Calls campaign event on Wednesday 13 September at the Scottish Parliament, giving his support to the Which? Campaign to stop nuisance calls.
Which? research shows as many as eight in 10 (81%) Scots received a nuisance call on their landline in the last month, so campaigners from the consumer champion spoke to MSPs about the issues with these calls that many are facing in their constituency.
Alex Neill, Which? Managing Director of Home Products and Services, said: “We’re delighted that Jeremy Balfour MSP attended our event and is backing our campaign to put an end to nuisance calls.
“Scots continue to receive more nuisance calls than the rest of the UK, and we are delighted that Jeremy will get behind the Scottish Government’s action plan and raise awareness of this everyday menace to the public.”
Jeremy commented that ‘the issue of nuisance calls affects everyone and I am pleased to support the campaign to help raise awareness of how people can protect themselves against nuisance calls, especially the vulnerable and most at risk people in our local areas.’
Joanna Cherry MP for Edinburgh South West in her usual direct fashion spoke during a debate on the European Withdrawal Bill in the House of Commons on Monday. She quoted the Law Society of Scotland view on the bill before the house while levelling the claim against the bill that it is a power grab by Westminster, including some of the devolved powers.
“The effect of the bill would be to remove the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament in relation to any matter in retained EU law. This would be the case even if it related to areas of law not reserved to the UK under the Scotland Act, such as agriculture or fisheries.”
And as usual Tommy Sheppard MP for Edinburgh East rose to make a barnstorming speech about the alleged power grab contained in the bill.
He said : “Let me put this on the record: the people who sent me to this place to speak on their behalf voted by 74% to retain their European citizenship and against the process in which we are now engaged.
“The people of my country voted by 62% to retain their European membership. We were told in 2014 that the independence referendum was not a matter of Scotland dissolving itself and its citizens becoming part of another country. It was about a political union between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Within that Union, according to David Cameron, the views of Scotland would be respected.
“I call now for that respect to be shown to Scotland and to the Scottish Government. I know that the UK will leave the European Union—that much is certain—but what happens next must be different in different parts of the United Kingdom; it must be different in Scotland, so that Scottish interests can be protected.
“I say to the Conservative and Unionist party in Scotland: you may have a majority in this vote, but you are alone tonight in Scotland in letting this process go through.”
The Bill was passed.
Deidre Brock MP for Edinburgh North and Leith is still in pursuit of the truth from David Mundell the Secretary of State for Scotland. Particularly she wants to unearth how much it costs to run the Scotland Office. She asked : “To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what the names are of his Department’s special advisers; and what the annual employment costs of those advisers are.”
The Secretary of State for Scotland referred her to a government publication giving the salaries for all special advisers. You can find it here and it discloses only one special adviser for Mr Mundell who may receive up to £70,000 per year.
Yet another transatlantic route has opened up direct from Edinburgh Airport. Following all the flights offered by Delta and Norwegian, now it is the turn of United to fly somewhere new.
This time the route is to the nation’s capital, Washington DC which is such a lovely city to visit.
From next summer United Airlines will operate the service beginning on 23 May 2018, offering daily flights from capital to capital.
United will continue to operate their year-round flights to New York Newark as well as extending their summer service to Chicago.
Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport Gordon Dewar said: “This is fantastic news for Edinburgh Airport and Scotland as we connect our two capital cities for the first time.
“As Scotland’s busiest airport, we are a leader for international destinations and this demonstrates the confidence of US carriers in the Edinburgh market, standing ahead of other parts of the UK with such strong inbound tourism demand.
“Our partners at United have seen first-hand the positive impact of flights from Edinburgh to New York Newark and Chicago, and we are keen to replicate that to Washington for both a business and tourist audience.
“The Scottish economy will also benefit as we open up Edinburgh to a new market and as international passengers continue to soar, we will see a positive contribution to the local and national economy.”
Minister for Transport Humza Yousaf said: “This new service between Edinburgh and Washington DC will help to strengthen the important economic and cultural links between Scotland and the United States.
“The launch of a direct route into America’s capital city is great news for Scottish businesses, giving them better access to important US markets through United’s hub operation. It will also help support our tourism industry by making it even easier for visitors to get a taste of the fantastic experiences Edinburgh, and Scotland as a whole, have to offer.
“I warmly welcome this announcement and wish Edinburgh Airport and United Airlines every success with this new route. I have no doubt it will prove popular with travellers on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Fundraising appeal to buy custom built sports wheelchair for young football coach
A Just Giving fundraising page established to raise money to buy a custom built sports wheelchair for a young football coach has passed the half way mark.
Organisers hope to raise £2,000 for the RGK wheelchair and so far £1087.00 has been donated by 59 supporters.
Mathew Moir has Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, both of which have meant that he has endured many major surgeries since birth.
The most recent surgery resulted in a decrease of mobility and balance, leaving Mathew requiring the use of his wheelchair more frequently than ever before.
He has spent many years fighting battles to land himself a position within the football world and recently that has happened.
Following a spell of volunteering at Spartans Connections FC, the disability section of The Spartans Football Club the Hibs’ fan who is pictured above with Sam Stanton at the Scottish Cup Final has now been given the role of Assistant Manager to one of their teams.
This is an enormous achievement which has only been reached following many physical and mental health battles over a number of years.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with wheelchairs, one fit doesn’t suit all. To enable Mathew to continue to build both his independence and self-confidence, as well as to practically work on a 3G surface with his team, he drastically needs to upgrade his current wheelchair.
Having access to a custom-built sports chair will have an enormous impact of Mathews life. This is an upgrade which isn’t available through NHS services.
The preferred option is a chair from RGK the official sponsors of British Wheelchair Basketball who supply equipment to grassroots sports clubs, elite athletes, gold medalists and the most progressive and adventurous wheelchair users.
Half of the companies’ advisors are Ex-Paralympians who have been responsible for 21 podium medals over the years.
Every penny counts and any support is much appreciated by Mathew and his family.
On learning of the appeal, former Hibernian defender Chris Hogg sent his best wishes, tweeting: “All the best to Matthew. Great to see that he is involved in the game. Great guy (and family) and lots of good memories of him from my time up North”
A Big Band comprised of teenagers and staff of the Rockhampton Grammar School from Australia will give a free concert on 24 September2017 at 3.30 PM in the Main Hall of the Hub.
The Rockhampton Big Band are touring throughout the UK this month and the concert in Edinburgh will be one the highlights of their tour.
Their musical director is Mr John Evenhuis and they will play a jazzy repertoire with pieces like ‘Send in the Clowns by Stephen Sondheim, arr. Jerry Nowak and ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars, Jeff Bhasker and others, arr. Victor López.
The Australians will share this special concert with the Leith Community Concert Band. This traditional Scottish Band was formed in 1986 by Fredreick Frayling-Kelly.
The band has a great heritage and years of experience. They perform nationally as well as internationally. They have also played many times at the war remembrance events in Ypres, Belgium. Director is Mr. Tommy Carr.
Entry is free. However, to be sure of a seat, people could send an email to concert@wenstravel.com All who reserve through this email address get one complementary drink.
Speedway – Harkess keen to seal play-off place
Alex Harkess (left) with fellow director Ian Sneddon in the pits at Armadale with former rider Andrew Tully. Picture by Nigel Duncan Media
Alex Harkess has targeted wins over Glasgow Tigers and Workington Comets as Edinburgh Monarchs bid to seal a play-off place.
He concedes that neither of the matches is easy but he wants to secure a place in the last four sooner rather than later.
Tigers, who visit Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm) bring in former Edinburgh rider Ashley Morris who won a Premier League championship medal with Monarchs seven years ago.
Morris has been recruited by injury-hit Tigers to stand-in for crocked Finnish star Nike Lunna. James Sarjeant, a former Glasgow racer, replaces injured Tom Perry.
Former Monarchs rider, Dan Bewley, is sidelined with groin problems and Tigers will use rider replacement for him.
Glasgow’s strength is built on the top three of Richie Worrall, Richard Lawson and former Edinburgh rider Aaron Summers, all of whom are in fine form.
Earlier this season, Tigers battled to a 45-45 draw at Armadale, with Summers top scoring with 11 points. They will be looking for a repeat or better this time.
Shrek the Musical Heads to Edinburgh in December
Believe all ‘ogre’ again! SHREK THE MUSICAL will be at the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festive season this year from 12th December before touring the country in 2018.
The musical is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek! and the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animations feature film. Originally directed in the West End by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, the production has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori with multi award-winning set and costume design by Tim Hatley.
Leading the cast as beloved swamp-dwelling ogre ‘Shrek’ will be Steffan Harri, having previously starred in the original UK tour of SHREK THE MUSICAL and Aberdeen born Call the Midwife star Laura Main as ‘Princess Fiona’. Also joining the cast will be Marcus Ayton as Shrek’s wisecracking sidekick ‘Donkey’ and Samuel Holmes as pint-sized villain ‘Lord Farquaad’. Further casting to be announced.
The company of fairy-tale characters will include Adam Baker, Ethan Bradshaw, Michael Carolan, Joseph Dockree, Will Hawksworth, Sarah-Louise Jones, Reece Kerridge, Thomas Lee Kidd, Amy Oxley, Jemma Revell, Lucinda Shaw, Sam Stones, Adam Taylor, Jennifer Tierney, Sophie Wallis, Francesca Williams, Laura Wilson and Kevin Yates.
Laura Main, who will play Princess Fiona in the upcoming tour, said: “I’ve been waiting a long time for an adventure like this to come along and now that it has I am ready to swap the surgery for the swamp in one of my favourite musicals. Shrek has made a Believer out of me and I can’t wait for this fairy-tale to take me across the country.”
Caro Newling, Co-Producer at Neal Street Productions, said: “At Neal Street we take pride in bringing together colleagues from different disciplines in new creative collaborations. For this Shrek tour, we are particularly excited to be bringing together Nigel Harman, with whom we have worked on many successful Neal Street projects, and Laura Main who joined Call The Midwife for the very first series back in 2012. Since Shrek the Musical’s West End debut in 2011 we have opened our doors to nearly 2 million audience members nationwide. It’s great to be out on the road again, ten years after Neal Street co-produced the first incarnation of the show with DreamWorks Animation in Seattle and then on Broadway.”
Nick Salmon, Co-Producer at Playful Productions, added: “I am thrilled that the show will be reuniting many of the talented team members who have been involved in the production since day one. Nigel has gone from being Lord Farquaad, in the West End to directing our touring production and Steffan, who was previously one of our hilarious Three Pigs, will be stepping into Shrek’s ogre-sized shoes. We can’t wait to bring this much-loved story to audiences across the country once more.”
Shrek the Musical is at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 12th December 2017 to 7th January 2018. Tickets are on sale now from here
Field hockey – students face fresh challenge
All change for Graham Moodie who opens his campaign against Inverleith at Peffermill on Friday. Picture Nigel Duncan Media
Edinburgh University coach Graham Moodie lost three Scottish international players during the summer break.
David Forrester is now in France, Dan Coultas, a former Great Britain squad member, has joined Edinburgh rivals Grange and Jamie Wong is playing on the continent.
And two of the club’s most experienced players, Scottish international Chris Duncan and Sean Stewart, have long-term injuries.
Moodie said it would be difficult for any coach to replace players of this quality but he added: “That said we have recruited really well and have an exciting young team.”
It includes five new junior internationals, Jack Jamieson, Ben Pearson, Matthew White, Ewen Mackie (all Scotland under-18 players) and David Mawhinney, an Ireland under-21 international).
Moodie has also added experienced players with Tom O’Kellly from Gordonians, Kevin Wong from St Andrews University, Simon Blaschke from Munich and Davyn Keuter of Carnegie.
The students open their campaign in Division One with a home clash against newly-promoted Inverleith on Friday (8pm) at Peffermill.
Moodie added: “The team has lots of potential and the challenge is getting them up to speed and gelling as quickly as possible.
“We are clear that this is a bit of a transition year for the team and, with a limited pre-season, Friday is really one of the first steps on that journey.
“Our focus is on ourselves and getting the best out the team.”
Inverleith coach Stuart Neave has no injury concerns ahead of the game after losing 5-1 at defending champions Bromac Kelburne last Saturday.
Stuart Hatton misses out as he is working but otherwise Inverleith will be at full-strength.
Neave said: “With regard to last weekend, whilst obviously disappointed in the result and the slow start we had, I was very pleased as the game went on, especially in the second-half where we created a number of good opportunities.
“Overall the work rate and attitude of the team was excellent.”
Meanwhile, Uddingston entertain Western Wildcats on Friday in another floodlit Division One clash.
Alana raises funds for SANDS by walking across the Queensferry Crossing
Alana Jamieson from Livingston was one of the lucky ballot winners who walked across the Queensferry Crossing on the weekend before it opened. She didn’t even know that her father had applied for tickets until they arrived.
Along with her family, mum Tracy and her brother Kyle, she completed the walk to raise funds for SANDS Lothians. This gave her the chance to get video footage of the event with the GoPro that her employers Eagle Couriers gave her. They also pledged £130 to start off her fundraising.
Alana, said: “I was quite nervous for the walk but thankfully I didn’t do it alone. We didn’t even know my dad had put our names in for the draw until we had all been selected.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m really glad to have done it for a charity that does such amazing work in my local area.
“Even though I probably won’t be using the new bridge too often it’s exciting to be part of the opening walk. I imagine a lot of my colleagues will be frequent users of the bridge.”
The Jamieson family lost their baby daughter and sister, Rachel, and so the walk has raised money for SANDS Lothians a charity which supports bereaved families where a baby dies as a result of miscarriage or stillbirth, or where the baby dies soon after birth.
Edinburgh Monarchs suffered at the hands of Sheffield Tigers in a 58-34 defeat in Yorkshire despite 15 points from red-hot Ricky Wells.
Reserve riders who did most of the damage. Jan Graversen powered to 11 points and Georgie Wood scored seven while their counterparts Max Clegg and Mitchell Davey managed four points between them.
None of Wells’ team-mates reached double figures and skipper Sam Masters, who returned to the saddle after injury, was next best on seven points.
High-flying Tigers stamped their authority on the match quickly and led 37-19 after nine races.
Wells won Heat 10 with Mark Riss second for a 5-1 to reduce the deficit to 38-24 but back-to-back 4-2 scores plus 5-1’s in Heat 13 and Heat 14 ended the contest.
Walkers get fired up for Edinburgh Kiltwalk
Nearly 3,000 walkers are prepared for Sunday’s Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk in Edinburgh
The final rallying cry for Kiltwalkers went off with a bang when charities gathered at the One o’clock gun at Edinburgh Castle.
Kiltwalk CEO Paul Cooney was joined by representatives from ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity and ENABLE Scotland to make sure this Sunday’s Kiltwalk goes off with a bang.
2,850 walkers are already signed up to take part in the annual Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk this Sunday and there’s still time to sign up and walk for a charity of your choice.
This year more than 700 charitable organisations are set to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every charity, including ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and ENABLE Scotland.
Paul Cooney, Chief Executive of the Kiltwalk, said: “The final Kiltwalk of the year is set to be a special one. Thank you to each and every walker who has signed up to take part so far. Every step taken by walkers will make a huge difference to the lives of those who need it most.
“Each year the Kiltwalk gets bigger and we believe it is on course to become Scotland’s biggest charity mass participation event.”
With more than £1.3 million already distributed to charitable causes from the Glasgow Kiltwalk alone, this figure will increase after this Sunday’s event, which is the fourth and final Kiltwalk of 2017.
For every pound raised by walkers, £1.40 goes to charity. This comes after Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation generously pledged that 140% of all fundraising at each of the four 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will go to walkers chosen charitable causes.
The Mighty Stride (26 miles) sets off at 9am from BT Murrayfield. The route goes via Leith and takes in iconic landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park, allowing for some picture-perfect moments.
The Big Stroll (12 miles) leaves BT Murrayfield at 11am while the Wee Wander (5 miles) sets off from Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground at 1pm. All the walks finish at the Kiltwalk Village at BT Murrayfield where a hot meal, a few drinks and a night of entertainment awaits.
Theresa Shearer, CEO of ENABLE Scotland, commented: “More than 500 walkers took part in the Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee events to raise vital funds for, and awareness of, our organisation. We are really looking forward to ending our 2017 Kiltwalk adventure on a high note, and are aspiring to make the Edinburgh Kiltwalk the single largest mass participation event in ENABLE Scotland’s history.
“Thanks to the generosity of The Hunter Foundation there has never been a better time to get involved and raise money for the causes that matter most to you. I invite everyone to join the hundreds of our supporters who are helping us break down the barriers to an equal society for every person who has a learning disability.”
Charles Dunphie, Scottish Director for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity said, “We’re delighted that soldiers support the Kiltwalk, which helps to raise funds for many worthy causes; in particular, good luck to all those walking for the Army’s national charity!”
One lucky Edinburgh Kiltwalker will win a brand new Renault Clio thanks to Platinum sponsor Arnold Clark who has donated a car for each of the Kiltwalk events in 2017.
Images courtesy of Neil Hanna Photography
14-year-old girl suffers fractured jaw and concussion in school attack
A police investigation is underway after a 14-year-old girl suffered a fractured jaw and concussion in a serious assault at Knox Academy in Haddington, East Lothian on Monday August 28.
The teenager was taken to hospital following the attack
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in East Lothian received a report that a 14-year-old girl was the victim of an assault in Haddington on Monday, August 28and enquiries into this are continuing.”
An East Lothian Council spokesman added: “The safety of our children and young people is always paramount and our schools have clear policies and procedures in place to ensure any allegations are dealt with appropriately.”
New service for the elderly coming to Edinburgh – jobs available
Many of our older people simply want to live in their own homes as independently as possible for as long as possible. Now there is a new service available in Edinburgh offering support and companionship which could help with that.
MyLife Living Assistance offers a range of premium bespoke home support packages. These include dementia care packages, respite and personal support or assistance with everyday tasks such as shopping or housework. MyLife Living Assistants are matched to clients according to their specific needs with care varying from an hour’s visit once a week through to 24 hour live-in care.
MyLife also offer live-in care which means that a specially trained MyLife Living Assistant lives with clients 24/7. This ensures that they are safe and can enjoy fulfilled lives – providing peace of mind for both clients and their loved ones.
Live-in care is welcomed by older couples who live together in their own homes and older children who live away from their parents and have limited opportunities to assist them. It can provide a balance between maintaining familiar surroundings and round-the-clock support.
MyLife Edinburgh Business Manager Sue Judge says: “We are delighted to bring our expertise and experience to Edinburgh and will be doing our utmost to help those who need additional support to live fulfilled lives. If you or your loved one requires extra support and you’d like more information about the choices which are open to you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.”
The company is also currently recruiting for MyLife Living Assistants to join the team.
It is preferable for job candidates to have some level of care or comparable customer service experience, this can include having cared for a family member or loved one. If you are a compassionate and pragmatic individual interested in a career in care, please contact the MyLife Edinburgh team for further details.
MyLife Living Assistance Edinburgh offers living assistance and support across Edinburgh, this includes – but is not limited to – the following areas:
Comely Bank
Morningside
Murrayfield
Newington
New Town
Stockbridge
The Grange
Trinity
For further details about the care services available or potential career opportunities, please contact the MyLife Living Assistance Edinburgh team on 0131 603 4449 or click here
First high speed train comes to Scotland
ScotRail Alliance has this morning welcomed the delivery of the first of the high-speed trains which will be rolled out from next year. The first train will be used in Aberdeen and will be used for driver training in the coming months.
At ABERDEEN RAILWAY STATION Unveiling of the new fleet of HSTs
The fleet will be leased from Angel Trains which has committed to invest in excess of £50m in the fleet in the coming years.
These trains will be used between Scotland’s seven cities for passenger services, and feature more seats, more room for luggage, power sockets at seats and better on-board catering.
ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes said: “The arrival of the first high-speed train in Aberdeen is an exciting milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had. Our refurbished high-speed trains will connect Scotland’s seven cities, offering better connections for commuters, business travellers and an opportunity for tourists to get out and about across this great country.
“The refurbished high-speed trains will mean more seats, better services and an improved experience for our customers.
“The investment we are making in high-speed trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance’s commitment to building a world class railway for the whole of Scotland.”
Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said: “It is great to see this train arrive in Scotland for driver training, an important step towards delivery. Next year sees the start of a transformed inter-city service – connecting Scotland’s seven cities with high-speed trains.
“The refurbishment programme has already started. And when the 26 fully upgraded trains roll out across the country, I know they will be popular with passengers: more seats, better journeys, the latest standard of comfort, better accessibility, and enhanced catering.”
RSNO features China connection
Chinese composer Xiaogang Ye
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) presents two concerts celebrating the works of arguably China’s greatest living composer in the Western classical tradition when it performs the music of Xiaogang Ye to audiences in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Heralded by the New York Times as one of China’s leading contemporary composers, 61 year-old Xiaogang Ye, who is also artistic director of the Beijing Modern Music Festival and vice-president of China’s Central Conservatory of Music, is perhaps most famously known for composing the music to accompany the 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
The titles of the works featured in China Story evoke the countryside and the poetic heritage of the country, Mount Emei, Scent of Green Mango, and The Song of Sorrow and Gratification.
In the spirit of partnership and connection with nature the programme also includes a work from one of the UK’s greatest composers, Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes.
The orchestra will be led by frequent RSNO collaborator, Hungarian conductor Gilbert Varga, and will be joined by multiple prize-winning pianist Wan Jieni, Lu Wei, Concertmaster of Deutsches Symphony Orchester Berlin, 2007 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World winner Shenyang and acclaimed percussionist Hu Shengnan.
The composer said: “My story is part of the Chinese story and now I will bring this story to Scotland. I hope that through music, a universal language, I can show the world the fascinating culture of modern China.”
While taking the root form of Western symphonic music, Ye’s compositions also contain many typically Chinese influences, such as the use of Zheng, a traditional string instrument.
The RSNO has developed a significant connection with China. In addition to inviting many of its top soloists to perform in Scotland, including Lang Lang, the orchestra made its first visit to China in 2012/13, has recorded two albums of the works of celebrated composer Ge Gan-Ru and has also made two recordings with pianist Xiayin Wang.
In addition, the RSNO has been invited to make a return visit to China in 2018/19.
China Story is at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh on Friday 29 September and at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday 30 September. Both performances start at 7.30pm. For more information visit www.rsno.org.uk.
The Edinburgh Award 2017 announced
The council has announced today that the recipient of the 2017 Edinburgh Award will be Sir Timothy O’Shea, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh and Chair of Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Sir Tom Farmer receiving the 2015 Edinburgh Award with four Lord Provosts, Eric Milligan, Donald Wilson, Lesley Hinds and Norman Irons
Sir Timothy will be the 11th person to receive The Edinburgh Award following in the handprints of Sir Tom Farmer, Tom Gilzean and Dame Elizabeth Blackadder.
He will receive the award from the Lord Provost at a reception in the City Chambers later this year, following the addition of his handprints to the flagstones in the quad outside.
Tom Gilzean, the charity fundraiser who received the 2014 Edinburgh Award
Lord Provost, Frank Ross, said: “Placing Scotland’s Capital on the world stage as a beacon of knowledge, research and further education; the University of Edinburgh promotes the city as an international leader for academic excellence.
“Driven in large part by Sir Timothy, the institution has expanded over the last 15 years and asserted itself as one of the top 25 academic institutions in the world under his watch. After successfully steering it through the challenges of the UK’s economic crisis, Sir Timothy has enhanced the profile of the University and, in doing so, the city for which he is thanked.
“Sir Timothy has done much to promote Edinburgh to the world and to support close to 10,000 FTE jobs, the education of more than 39,000 students, and invaluable academic research. I hope this award goes some way towards recognising all that he has achieved for and on behalf of the city.”
Sir Timothy will retire from his position at the University in January 2018, following an illustrious career and is currently Chair of many organisations both within the world of academia and outside it.
Sir Timothy O’Shea added: “As someone who loves the city and enjoys living and working here so much, I am delighted to receive this award. Having been Principal of the University for 15 years, and Chair of the Fringe for the past five, I have seen at close quarters how the Council has helped both to flourish.
“The University and the Fringe have greatly benefited from the vision and energy demonstrated by councillors and officials. It has been an enormous pleasure to work with them in promoting Edinburgh.”
Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea BSc (Sussex), PhD (Leeds), DUniv (Heriot-Watt), DUniv (Strathclyde), LL.D hc (McGill), D.hc (St. Petersburg HSS), FAcSS, FRSE, FREng, was appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh in October 2002.
New era for Meadowbank Stadium
An artists impression of the new Meadowbank due to open in 2020
Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Stadium, which has hosted two Commonwealth Games events, is to close in December marking the start of major redevelopment plans to create a new sports centre.
The new Meadowbank is due to open by Easter 2020 and work will start next year and a Fireworks Concert in November will be the last major public event at the stadium.
Councillor Ian Campbell, vice-convener of culture and communities for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is the start of a major redevelopment to support physical activity, health and well-being in Edinburgh for generations to come.
“The facility mix has been revisited, and now incorporates improved indoor athletics facilities in line with feedback from individual users and sports clubs.”
He added: “Meadowbank has been at the heart of sport in Edinburgh for almost half a century.
“We now need this new-look venue to greatly support physical activity in Edinburgh for at least the next 50 years to come, while catering for the city’s ever demanding housing needs.”
The new sports centre is set to include an outdoor athletics track with a 500-seat stand, two multi-sport games halls, three fitness studio, a gym, a gymnastics hall, two squash courts, a combat studio for martial arts, a boxing gym with ring, a 60m, six-lane indoor athletics track and jumps space, an outdoor throwing area, two FIFA standard 3G (all weather) pitches, one which will be in the centre of the athletics track, a cafe and meeting rooms.
The new centre will be partly funded by residential and commercial development on parts of the existing site that are not required for the new sports complex.
This will include development of affordable and low cost housing through the council’s 21st Century Homes Programme.
Dog tied to railings at unmanned Blackburn Police Station.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a dog was discovered tied to railings at unmanned Blackburn Police Station.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted after the elderly female, who is at least eight years old, was found tied up with a choke chain on Wednesday (13 September).
Inspector Alastair Adams said, “Whilst the dog is in good condition, she was left without food or water and the person who tied her up couldn’t have been sure that whoever found her would help her.
“We haven’t been able to locate any owner through her microchip so we’re asking locals to contact us if they recognise her and know who she may have belonged to.”
Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
Photo courtesy of Scottish SPCA
Theatre – Explore life after 50 with The Flames
Following the success of projects including Out of the Dark, a theatre-based Mental Health venture for people over 50, and Unusual Places to Dance, an 18 month project with CACE (Older People, Active Lives) and Cumbernauld Theatre, Tricky Hat Productions will present a bold and vibrant multi-media performance by The Flames.
Produced by Tricky Hat and founded in 2016 as part of Luminate Festival, The Flames are a Glasgow based Theatre Company formed exclusively for creative people over 50 who produce work to challenge pre-conceived ideas of how older people think, and what they aspire to.
Combining performance with original music and striking audio and visual design, The Flames take inspiration from everyday life, making the extraordinary out of the ordinary.
Photo credits – Jassy Earl
Combining live music, film projections, and devised theatre, The Flames will explore and challenge life after fifty. This work will present a fresh look at how we approach ageing.
The evening will allow The Flames to present the culmination of five weeks of explorative, bold, and intimate work.
Tricky Hat Productions, Glasgow presents The Flames at CCA in Glasgow
Directed by Fiona Miller Music Composed by Mick Slaven Audio Visual Design by Kim Beveridge | October 4 2017 at 3pm and 7pm.
TV Smith – No One Chord Wonder
TV Smith is coming to Edinburgh, which means you have the chance to spend the
evening with somebody who is a punk legend.
But on top of that he is a witty and talented writer and allegedly one of the most giving and kind people you are likely to meet in today’s cut-throat music business.
For those who don’t know, TV is the former singer and songwriter of The Adverts, who were an original member of the London punk scene in the late 1970s.
The band was most famous for the songs Gary Gilmore’s Eyes, Bored Teenagers and One Chord Wonders.
For my money, their debut album, Crossing the Red Sea with the Adverts, is one of the finest long players that came out around that time and sums up exactly what was going on at the time.
After the Adverts went their separate ways, TV continued in TV Smith’s Explorers until 1983, when he released his first solo album, Channel Five.
He then formed Cheap, who despite touring for five years and at least one Peel Session, failed to find a label willing to release their album RIP… Everything Must Go!, which was released after John Peel’s death.
TV has toured all over the world since the early 1990s, both solo and with backing bands, managing to release nine albums and five books of tour diaries in between gigs.
Most recently, TV released The Alternative Top 50, a book presenting fifty of his best songs as poetry, with an extensive foreword by Henry Rollins. Talking to him, it’s obvious that he is happy with the book and is quite rightly proud of it.
Andy Vella, who is known for his work with the Cure, designed the beautiful layout and each song or poem is presented in a different font.
As TV has said, “the words run free across the page, unexpected nuance and meaning exposed, shouting loud and proud their new purpose – no longer are we song, now we are poetry.”
Life for TV these days is touring and he reckons he does on average 130 gigs a year. He says performing is the best way to get your music across, to put it out in front of people.
For TV, “Life for me now is touring. I don’t have a schedule or a routine, I just play where and when I want. There’s no schedule or routine to it, it all just comes together under a do-it-yourself approach.
“The current run of gigs starts in Edinburgh because of Billy (Liar, who’s supporting him at Bannerman’s). Billy’s supported me several times and he kept saying we should do a show in Edinburgh and now the time is finally right.
“I don’t have a label or a publisher so this is how I make my living, presenting my music in its purest form. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy playing with my band (the Bored Teenagers), but when I’m touring with them I miss playing solo. With a band, you have the same set list every night and you need time to rehearse new material. Playing solo though, I can be as spontaneous as I feel like, or as much as the crown and venue allow me to be. I can choose what I play, try out new songs, play for anything between forty minutes and three hours, plus enjoying a bit of banter with the audience.”
TV’s last album, I Delete, came out in 2014 but he’s hoping to release a new one in the New Year. “I think this probably the best material I’ve ever written but at the moment it’s just finding time to record it in between the gigs. Between now and the end of the year I’m in Germany and Ireland, plus playing throughout the UK. Any spare time I have, I’m in the studio at home, recording the songs and making sure they sound as good as
possible. I’m hoping the new one will come out in the Spring but as with all things, you can’t do it all.”
On that subject, I asked TV about his tour diaries; he’s released five volumes so far but sadly these interesting and amusing insights into life on the road are currently unavailable. He would love to write more and give us further tales of the emergency sandwich but time pressure doesn’t currently allow it. “I’ve got to sleep sometime! Plus, the diaries take up room and there’s no space in the luggage for them.”
Before I finished the interview I had to ask about how people now view punk and his compatriots from the seventies. There’s still a great deal of love for bands and performers from them by many, myself included.
Sometimes though I worry. Is it all down to nostalgia or has the songs’ energy and power kept people coming back to them. “No, it’s not nostalgia; if it was you wouldn’t have new people coming to the gigs or listening to the music. Let’s face facts, people are listening to the stuff we made then whose parents hadn’t even met when the songs were released. There’s a fantastic power and energy from that time. If you look back at that era, there was a huge amount of originality and spark in the music and the bands.
“Sadly, business and celebrity – everything that we were fighting against – overwhelmed this incredible creative scene. Now it’s just profit margins, return for shareholders and getting one of the label’s songs featured on the likes of X-Factor.
“All that side of music sickens me, but I never gave up and I’m still out there forty years later, performing and showing new musicians that there is an alternative. You see these really talented people who just don’t get the break or the chance they should; there is definitely less of a support network for them but they can do it.”
TV’s opinion of the celebrity cult our society has developed is obvious and while he still believes in the punk ideal, he knows what he’s up against in the industry and the media. He added : “You see these people coming through, a manufactured ‘product’ that has no substance; it’s like the record companies are trying to build castles out of dust. I find it deeply depressing.”
Thankfully, though, there are still people out there fighting the good fight and playing damn fine, original music at the same time. TV Smith is definitely one of them; not a three-minute hero, more of a forty-year wonder.
TV Smith plays Bannerman’s Bar (212 Cowgate, EH1 1NQ) on Thursday 14th September, doors 19:30.
Tickets are £8 (plus £1 booking fee) in advance from the bar or £10 on the door.
Support is from Billy Liar, one of Scotland’s most articulate singer-songwriters, and Paper Rifles, who burst onto the scene two years ago from the ashes of the Curators.
Hibs Football Fans in Training course starts on Monday 25th September
Hibs Football Fans in Training course starts on Monday 25th September and places are going fast, so anyone interested should sign up as soon as possible.
Training will take place in the concourses and pitchside at Easter Road stadium for this twelve-week course, which runs on Monday evenings from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Football Fans in Training (FFIT) is a FREE course, open to men aged between 35-65 with waist size of at least 38 inches.
Designed specifically for male fans, the FFIT week plan is delivered by experienced community coaches.
Each week will consist of a different physical activity and accompanied by ‘classroom’ sessions that will help give participants the nutritional tools to maintain long term change. The main aims of the programme are to:
The Scottish Government recognised the importance of Football Fans in Training (FFIT) and last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled its new Programme for Scotland, which sets out planned legislature over the next 12-month parliamentary period.
As part of the announcement, the Scottish Government’s white paper sets out that the new Active Scotland Delivery Plan will be launched, “with a wide range of actions across all sectors including showcasing the contributions of football clubs to deliver positive outcomes, including the Football Fans in Training programme and Walking Football.”
Nicky Reid, the SPFL Trust’s general manager welcomed the specific recognition of one of the most successful projects Scottish football has seen, within the plan.
“We’re pleased to note the formal inclusion of FFIT within the Programme for Scotland as an example of best practice that will be a part of the new Active Scotland Delivery Plan,” she said.
“It is a clear recognition that our clubs are now being recognised for their ability to deliver.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure we access those in the hardest to reach places with meaningful activity which supports genuine need.”
In 2016-17, 79 courses were run across Scotland, engaging 1,116 people, with an average completion rate of 72.5%.
Participants lost an average of 5.14kg each, and saw their waist reduce by 9.5cm.
The programme first launched in 2010.
Cramond & Barnton Community Council will meet next week
The first meeting of the Cramond & Barnton Community Council to be held after the summer break takes place at the Cramond Kirk Hall on 21 September 2017.
The meeting will cover regular business including a police report, planning report and an update from the local councillors.
The community council issued an end of year report ahead of the summer to explain some of the work they have done on behalf of residents which you can read here :
Glasgow: Richie Worrall 10, rider replacement for Dan Bewley, Richard Lawson 15, Ryan Douglas (guest) 3, Aaron Summers 7, James Shanes 4, Jack Smith 2
Ipswich: Danny King 10, rider replacement for Justin Sedgmen, Mark Riss (guest) 10, Kyle Newman 4, Rory Schlein 14, Nathan Graves 11, Connor Mountain 3
An Edinburgh Monarchs rider and a former star helped put the skids under ambitious Glasgow Tigers despite 15 points from home hero Richard Lawson.
Monarchs German star Mark Riss guested for high-flying Ipswich Witches and powered to 10 points.
And Aussie rider Rory Schlein, who started his British career at Armadale, claimed 14 points.
Reserve riders Nathan Graves and Connor Mountain piled on the agony for home fans with 11 points and three points respectively.
Home Reserves, James Shaines, a guest rider, scored four and Jack Smith two and that made a big difference.
Glasgow skipper Aaron Summers had called on his injury-hit side to put down a marker as Ipswich are likely play-off opponents.
But the Suffolk side eased ahead with 4-2 scorelines in Heats Two, Three, Four and Seven for a 25-17 lead.
Then they hit Glasgow with a 5-1 in Heat Eight to go 30-18 ahead but a 7-2 for the home side in the next race thanks to a tactical ride win for Richard Lawson and a third from guest Ryan Douglas pulled the score back to 32-25.
Witches then powered to two 5-1 wins in Heats 11 and 13 to take a 46-35 lead.
And the visitors kept their cool to close out Tigers with 3-3 scorelines in the final two races.
Romeo & Juliet / Twelfth Night @ The King’s
Following their successful season at the King’s in 2016, stripped-back Shakespeare company, Merely Theatre, bounce back to Edinburgh with a double-barrelled Bard-fest. They take risks, they take liberties, they take the pithy bits and big them up massive. They Bardly go when no Ham-Dram has gone before.
Artistic Director Scott Ellis promises audiences will understand the plays better than ever before, “Shakespeare writes in a rhythm that creates a sense of momentum. We make every moment as clear and vivid as possible, and ensure there is no dead air interrupting that momentum. By respecting the language, we make the stories as clear and well-focused as possible, so audiences can get swept up in them.” In Merely Theatre productions, there is no fourth wall and the audience exists in the world of the play, shifting the audience from passive observer to active participant.
As a disclaimer, The Edinburgh Reporter reads in to this that Toby Belch and buddies may get you well drunk before tossing you in to a lethal Veronese street brawl with the Montagues and Capulets. Terms & Conditions apply.
ROMEO AND JULIET: Fighting for love in a world defined by hate. Hot-blooded, feuding families become trapped in a spiral of passionate and violent outbursts, until they are forced to confront the many faces of love and loss. Merely Theatre present Shakespeare’s most tragic romance in a production that resonates with extremes of emotion. Oh yes? Teenage sex, drugs and violence is like so totally last Renaissance innit?
TWELFTH NIGHT: Yellow is The New Black in Merely Theatre’s raucous, joyous, witty and moving rendition of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. In this comical tale of identical twins, disguises, music and madness, no-one is who they seem, and their deceptions drive one another to new heights of absurdity. Tudor chewed-upPeep Show for cross-dressers? Move along please!
They have the talent, they have the vision, they have a nerve. They have the iconoclastic temerity to snook a cock at plodding paradigms and slap their thighs in derision at the capricious calumny of convention. Nevertheless, best sit a few rows back mind – a strong suggestion of fluid exchange going on here…
Divino Enoteca launches Edinburgh’s first Italian Afternoon Tea
Award-winning Italian restaurant Divino Enoteca is the first restaurant in Edinburgh to launch a traditional Italian Afternoon Tea.
The Afternoon Tea for two features beautifully hand-crafted sweet and savoury Italian treats presented on an elegant three-tier cake stand. Exquisitely presented, the top tier features the classics – tiramisu and fruit panettone served with chocolate sauce. The middle tier features delicate cannoli pastries filled with rich pistachio mousse and figs glazed with pistachio cream, while the bottom tier features savoury dishes including bruschetta, focaccia with ricotta cheese and fried capers, and gnocco fritto filled with smoked swordfish, pickled beetroot and samphire.
From Monday 11th September, the Afternoon Tea is available Monday to Saturday from 3pm to 5pm and is served with a selection of teas and coffees for £30, or with tea or coffee and a glass of Italian Prosecco for £40.
Divino Enoteca, part of the Vittoria Group, focuses on fresh, seasonal Italian cuisine, using carefully selected local produce to ensure each dish is packed with genuine Italian flavours. The intimate restaurant and wine bar, located on Edinburgh’s Merchant Street, has been awarded 12 industry accolades since opening in 2010. Awards include ‘Best Italian in Scotland’ in The Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards 2016.
Mattia Palumbo, general manager at Divino Enoteca, said: “At Divino we are well known for our authentic Italian cuisine, fine wines and intimate, sophisticated setting. We want to offer our customers something a bit different, bringing a unique Italian indulgence you won’t find anywhere else. We have combined the traditional Italian ‘Aperitivo’ course consisting of small pre-dinner bites, with our take on the classic Afternoon Tea. It’s the perfect Italian treat for any occasion from meeting friends to family celebrations!”
Divino Enoteca’s Italian Afternoon Tea is freshly made in-house daily and must be booked in advance at: www.vittoriagroup.co.uk/divinoenoteca/ or phone 0131 225 1770.
Long Live The King’s! Ambassadors announce pledge to support £25 million regeneration.
The Festival City Theatres Trust has announced a number of high profile Cultural Ambassadors for the capital campaign to transform the King’s Theatre Edinburgh and, by extension, invigorate the Tollcross environs.
John Byrne, Andy Gray, Bill Paterson, Ian Rankin, Elaine C Smith, Allan Stewart and Grant Stott have pledged their support to the £25million capital campaign to regenerate the King’s and by extension the Tollcross area of the city centre. Opened in 1906 The King’s Theatre is one of Scotland’s oldest and most loved theatres. Now 110 years old it is in dire need of major redevelopment to bring it up to twenty first century standards and to meet the needs of modern audiences.
The Festival City Theatres Trust, the charitable organisation that runs the Festival and King’s Theatres, plans to transform the historic building to modernise and preserve it for generations to come. The charm and heritage of the Edwardian auditorium will be retained and its front of house and backstage facilities will be modernised to create a vibrant theatre which attracts the best performing companies.
In their support for the King’s Theatre, fellow ambassador, painter and playwright John Byrne says: ‘I will endeavour to do a good job as I love the King’s and have done down the many years we have gone to see a great many of the wonderful productions there.’
Actor, comedian and panto star Andy Gray added: ‘I am absolutely delighted to be a Cultural Ambassador for the King’s redevelopment. It’s my favourite theatre in the world, and I have the most wonderful time every time I walk through its hallowed doors.’
Ian Rankin, who describes himself as an ‘author and theatre-goer’, enthused with: ‘I always enjoy my visits to the King’s Theatre. It’s a grand space where magic happens for all age groups. But like other buildings of its vintage, it would benefit from a bit of TLC, bringing it up to scratch for the twenty-first century. This is our chance to shape the King’s for future generations. It’s too good an opportunity to miss and I hope fans of the theatre from Edinburgh and beyond will join in.’
And actor, comedian and first lady of Scottish pantomime Elaine C Smith: ‘‘It’s an honour for me to support the campaign to bring the King’s into the 21st century and to help make it the theatre everyone wants and needs it to be.’
All-round entertainer and panto star Allan Stewart says: ‘It is wonderful news that the King’s will soon be restored to its former glory. My dressing room there feels like my second home as I have been ‘living’ there since the early seventies. I have so many wonderful memories. Let’s all get behind fundraising money for this project.’
Broadcaster, actor and panto star Grant Stott wrapped things up with his inimitable enthusiasm: “Every role I’ve played at The King’s has been special, for so many reasons, but to have been invited to be a Cultural Ambassador for the King’s Capital Campaign is something that I am so very proud of. I care so much about this building and to play any part in helping to get her back shining once again is nothing but a complete honour.”
The campaign to transform the King’s Theatre is supported by a Campaign Board made up of prominent figures from the Scottish business community. The Board members so far appointed are: Guy Cameron, Chief Investment Officer of Cameron Hume; Simon Mackintosh, Chairman of Turcan Connell; Andrew Milligan OBE, Head of Global Strategy of Standard Life Aberdeen; Dame Joan Stringer FRSE, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University; and Karyn Watt, Head of Infrastructure and a partner at Anderson Strathearn.
Images courtesy of King’s Theatre.
Seafish Launches New Campaign Urging People to Eat More Fish
MasterChef winner Jane Devonshire and Edinburgh based Seafish, the UK’s authority on seafood, have joined forces to urge the UK to fall in love with seafood with the launch of a new nationwide campaign teaching parents and children how to cook simple seafood suppers.
‘Back to School’ will see parent and child cookery classes rolled out across the country as part of Seafish’s wider ‘Fish 2 a Week’ campaign which aims to encourage the public to eat two portions of fish each week, as recommended by health experts.
The programme of recipes, information, tips and tricks has been developed by Jane and registered dietician, Juliette Kellow.
This is the latest instalment of Seafish’s Fish 2 a Week health campaign encouraging the UK to add seafood to their menu twice a week, as part of a healthy, balanced diet to help prevent health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and coronary heart disease.
A YouGov survey conducted by Seafish has revealed that two thirds (66%) of adults in the UK aren’t eating enough fish, missing targets set to help protect our heart health, and 82% of females aged 35-44 are not aware of the recommended consumptions levels.
Jane Devonshire said: “As a mum myself, I know it can be tricky to get your children to try new fish dishes. There are hundreds of different varieties of delicious fish available and so many ways to cook them, from perfect fish pies to a hearty kedgeree. Back to School is the ideal platform to show families how easy it is to cook with seafood, and create recipes for kids to enjoy.
“I’m excited to help families across the UK, by showing them how simple it is to add seafood to their diet. Fish is a great, versatile, fast food option with most dishes being quick to prepare and easy to cook – it’s also a lot more affordable than many people realise making it ideal for busy lifestyles.”
Juliette Kellow, registered dietitian and ambassador for Seafish, said: “Two portions of fish a week has been recommended by the NHS to help ensure we keep our bodies in good working order and can help maintain a healthy heart.
“Eating fish also helps to lower risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s and contributes to healthy skin, hair and nails as well as the maintenance of normal vision, brain function and better sleep. Back to School is a great way to demonstrate how families can kick start a healthier lifestyle for children across the UK.”
Seafish’s Chief Executive Officer Marcus Coleman said: “Our Fish 2 a Week campaign is all about making sure that people know that by eating more fish more often, they can lead healthier lives. We think our Back to School classes will show the nation how to enjoy a whole host of delicious seafood dishes the whole family can enjoy and benefit from.”
Variety is key. Seafish’s ‘Fish 2 a Week’ campaign aims to encourage people to try alternative, tasty species, create new recipes and enjoy some favourites. Seafish’s website is packed with recipe inspirations to help the UK fall in love with fish all over again.
Shelley Kerr takes charge of Scotland Women for first time tomorrow in Budapest
Shelley Kerr played the first of 60 games for Scotland in a 3-0 defeat to England in April 1989 as a 19-year-old.
Successful coaching spells with Arsenal Ladies, Scotland Under-19s and Stirling University followed but tomorrow she will see her ultimate dream become a reality.
At 4pm (UK time) on Thursday Scotland will take on Hungary in Budapest and it’s a moment she eagerly awaits as her journey as Scotland head coach begins.
Along with her assistant Andy Thomson, she met with the squad for the first time on Monday, leading an intense session before the team jetted off to Budapest in the afternoon.
The match will aid preparations for the World Cup qualifiers which kicks off next month against Belarus in a group also containing Albania, Switzerland and Poland.
Reflecting on her first couple of days with the team, she said: “The players have got off to a great start and have been really receptive of our ideas. I’ve spoken to them about what our philosophy will be as a team moving forward.
“I have played alongside or coached the majority of the squad and it’s been good to get familiar with them again.
“I’ve developed as a person personally and professionally since then and you can see all the players have done similar in their performance journey so far.
“We are preparing for the Hungary match of course, but ultimately the World Cup Qualifiers are our focus.
“In our first team meeting we outlined how we will work moving forward and it’s a long term strategy. You have to look beyond the here and now.”
Shelley’s journey to the top hasn’t always been straightforward but after experiencing a number of different lines of work, she is now ready to continue Scotland’s rise, after they made their first appearance at a major championships in the summer.
“I’m a great believer that you should have a broad skillset and you shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way,” she said.
“Your lifelong journey is a learning experience and being subjected to lots of different experiences will only help that.
“I worked in a factory for 17 years, eventually ending up in football management and I’ve since gone back to university.
“I worked in the factory when I was a teenager. It was a Japanese company who were really big on values and they taught me two words which have stood me in great stead throughout my career.
“Being organised and disciplined. If you can be that you’ll do well in life.”
A lot has changed since Shelley first pulled on a Scotland shirt, including her mind-set going into the games.
Having prepared the team in Budapest, Shelley is relaxed about her first match and looking forward to the immense feeling of pride of taking charge of the team.
“As a player I got really nervous before games but I don’t really get like that as a coach. After the pre-match meal, it’s always a hard time as you know you’ve done your preparation and it’s upto the players to perform.
“It’s going to be a very proud moment come kick-off.”
Maureen Child is the Labour councillor for Portobello and Craigmillar. She sends out a newsy email each week and here is an excerpt from the latest :
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