Police Scotland continues to review all safety and security plans and operations following the dreadful events in Manchester last night

This includes ensuring that armed policing and specialist resources are appropriately deployed.

Twenty-two people including children were killed and a further 59 were injured in the attack which took place following an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

Police in Manchester confirmed that the bomber died at the scene and officers are currently working to establish whether he was acting alone or was part of a network.

Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: “My thoughts and those of everyone at Police Scotland are with those who have lost loved ones or who were injured in the attack in Manchester.

“As part of the UK-wide response to these events, Police Scotland continues to review all safety and security plans and operations.

“This includes ensuring our armed policing and specialist resources are appropriately deployed.

“People will therefore see armed police on patrol at transport hubs and crowded places. There is no intelligence to suggest there is any threat to Scotland but I would ask the public to remain alert and report anything suspicious.

“We continue to liaise with the UK authorities in response to this incident.”

Over 60 firefighters tackled a blaze at the former Royal Victoria Hospital yesterday evening.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) responded to a call at 4.17pm and the incident was upgraded to a level three with nine crews and pumping appliances now in attendance.

The hospital was closed in 2012 when a new unit opened at the nearby Western General Hospital.

A SFRS spokeswoman said: “We are currently in attendance at the former Royal Victoria Hospital.

“Six appliances are dealing with the incident in the roof area of the building.”

The smoke was visible for many hours from a distance away :

Fire at Old Royal Victoria hospital seen from Carrick Knowe….. pic.twitter.com/baEwO3YwBd

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) 22 May 2017

The second round of fixtures for the inaugural Scottish Walking Football League takes place at Ravenscraig tomorrow.

Hearts are fielding two teams, named after Scottish Cup winning years.

Hearts 56 face Stirling, Ayr United and Fife Wanderers whilst Hearts 98 face Stenhousemuir, Stirling and Ayr United.

After tomorrow’s games, the league will shut down for June and July to allow for summer holidays.

Billy Singh, Walking Football Development Officer, Paths for All says: “Walking football has seen a massive growth over the last few years with over 600 players taking part in games across Scotland on a weekly basis. We already have a national walking football festival and regional festivals so it made sense to pilot a national league. The benefits of playing walking football include improving physical and mental well-being, building new friendships and signposting to other activities in their local area. All players will be given pedometers to calculate how many steps are taken during games and to encourage players to build walking into their daily routine. I would encourage people to come along and support the teams and to find to out more about walking football.”

Former player Craig Dargo and now SFA Football Development Officer for North Lanarkshire Leisure says: “We are delighted to be hosting the National walking football league in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire. Walking Football has proved a great success in North Lanarkshire and is a fantastic way to keep in shape, socialise and to play the game we love.  Not only was the quality of games in the opening league meetings fantastic, the manner in which the games were played in made it an enjoyable spectacle to watch and im sure to play in.

Walking Football ambassador Davie Hay says: “It’s great to see so many teams from all over Scotland competing in the national walking football league. The growth of this version of the beautiful game has been phenomenal and I am heartened by the fact that we have so many people still playing football in their later years.”

Week 2 Fixtures – 24^th May 2017

Game 1

Tullibody Community FC v North Lanarkshire

Stenhousemuir v Hearts 98

Stirling v Hearts 56

Ayr United v Greater Glasgow United

Fife Wanderers v Gala Fairydean Rovers

Game 2

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Tullibody Community FC

Greater Glasgow United v Fife Wanderers

Hearts 56 v Ayr United

Hearts 98 v Stirling

North Lanarkshire v Stenhousemuir

Game 3

Tullibody Community FC v Stenhousemuir

Stirling v North Lanarkshire

Ayr United v Hearts 98

Fife Wanderers v Hearts 56

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Greater Glasgow United

Even though we don’t yet know the political make up of the administration, or who will take up all the conveners’ posts, for Councillor Maureen Child it is business as usual. Here she writes from the City Chambers about events taking place in Portobello/Craigmillar.

Last week was a bit of a struggle with technology and internet access, and moving office, but I think I’m getting somewhere that feels more akin to what passes for ‘normal’ around here.

We four Ward 17 Councillors had our first meeting together first thing last week and agreed ways of working together with joint meetings, email and casework, trying to get a spread of surgery times and places across the Ward.

I will continue with my Portobello Library surgery (usually) every Monday at 7pm and I will be available at other times and places for face-to-face meetings right across Portobello/Craigmillar Ward. You only have to get in touch with me any time (within reason!) to arrange a meeting or a visit. My contact details are below. Or stop for a chat in the street, bus, shop or cafe.

Enough about us! How about you? This amazing season, Portobello High School won all three Edinburgh Secondary Schools Football Association League Cups, the first school to achieve that feat in 57 years.  Many, many congratulations toTeam Porty!

There has been a spate of bike thefts in Portobello recently. It’s something the police are all too well aware of. However, they can’t tackle this all by themselves. They need the public to help stop this kind of crime by making sure their bikes are suitably marked and recorded. The local beat officer, PC Matt McPherson, insists that, despite the bike thefts, a lot of other crimes are down and Porty remains a safe place to live!  Listen to Porty Podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/71622/514279-44-crime-in-portobello

A local resident has asked me to tell you this cautionary tale:  “One day last week a man called at my neighbour’s house claiming to have come to inspect the boiler. Only the 18 year old son was at home. He let him in, but became suspicious when the man didn’t seem to know what he should be doing. When asked what company he worked for, he said ‘Corgi’.  That, of course, was the former gas fitters’ registration organisation, now known as Gas Safe. The son told him to leave – no harm done.  BUT many older folk could recognise the name Corgi and be taken in, without such a good outcome.”

Portobello Amenity Society (PAS) AGM is at 7.30pm on Monday 12 June in the Baptist Church Hall, Portobello High Street. The speaker is Cliff Hague, Chair of the Cockburn Association who will give and illustrated talk on Planning in Edinburgh: Past and Present. You might well want to come along and join at £5 per household or £2 for the unwaged member.

PAS has just launched a website – www.pasportobello.co.uk The website contains information about recent major planning applications in Portobello and copies of PAS’s response to these. PAS will update the planning pages on a regular basis so that the latest information is always available. You can download copies of the Portobello Architecture Heritage Trail from the website and there is information about the restoration of the Coade Stone Pillars in the community garden on the Promenade and about the historical building plaques in Portobello. You can read PAS Newsletters over the last 20 years and read about the issues PAS have campaigned about over that period. Other material, such as walks in and around Portobello, will be added at a later date.

Could you spare a few minutes to help Drake Music, based in Craigmillar, to win the People’s Choice Award in the Scottish Charity Awards 2017. They’ve been shortlisted for their achievement in finding digital solutions which help disabled people access music making – as well as being the first organisation to help disabled people use iPads as musical instruments and the first to use Brainfingers technology and bite switches to control music software, they also launched Scotland’s first orchestra (Digital Orchestra) for talented young disabled musicians. Please vote for Drake Music before Friday 26 May 5pm by visiting this site – i can testify it just takes a few moment: https://goodhq.org/scottish_charity_awards_2017/drakemusicscot

Following our successful community buy-out of Bellfield Church and Halls, Action Porty Ordinary Members are currently voting on a name for the space. If you want to have your say, you can join us! Should it be called “The Bell” or “Bellfield” or “The Bellfie”?  Click here to join and find out more and become a member:: https://www.bellfield.scot/membership/

Portobello High School teacher Chris Aitken is running the Edinburgh Marathon on 28 May for the Health Opportunities Team (HOT) to support the work they do to help and support our young people. Chris has already doubled his modest original target.  Let’s stretch that Funding target even further:https://www.justgiving.com/ChrisAitken1983?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=ChrisAitken1983&utm_campaign=pfp-email

Every Wednesday at 11am, writers would be welcome at the Thistle Centre of Wellbeing in Craigmillar. The writers group is aimed at people with a long term illness or recovering from an illness and they welcome guest professional writers and spoken word artists too. Please do contact Rose if you’re keen to go along, read or perform and listen to the group’s work. EMail: rosefraserritchie@yahoo.co.uk.

Have a good week!

Kind regards, Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | The City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 | Mobile 07718 666 481 |  Twitter: @MaureenChild1 | Facebook: Maureen Child for Portobello/Craigmillar

Edinburgh Capitals have confirmed they want a non-playing head coach to replace Michael Dobron but co-owner Scott Neil said the Murrayfield-based club are in no rush.

Dobron has joined French side Brest and Neil realises the clock is ticking as other teams announce close-season signings.

He added: “We’re collating names on the coaching and playing front. We’re hopeful of having things narrowed down by the end of June.

“There are talks and things going on in the pipeline and I’m trying to make guys understand I would rather have the approval of a coach before we press a button on them.

“We don’t want a situation where all the players are in place before he is. To me, that wouldn’t be fair so we need to get the coaching situation sorted out first.”

Ever heard of NetGolf? Well you have now.

Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber (MELCC) believe golf and networking are a winning combination.

So, members and non-members have been invited to the inaugural NetGolfing event.

There they get a lesson with a PGA professional and then there is the option to play nine holes or practice.

The event is aimed at both golfers and beginners to focus on informal networking, coupled with fresh air, exercise and a bit of fun.

The location is the Melville Golf Centre near Lasswade on Wednesday, June 7 from 2pm.

At today’s Scottish Labour manifesto launch we asked the Labour leader Kezia Dugdale about whether it was her and the executive who are delaying approval of the proposed SNP/Labour coalition.

This is what she said:

We asked the Scottish Labour Leader about the proposed council coalition and what was happening with it… pic.twitter.com/qwhB8buFH7

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) May 22, 2017

The council elections on 4 May 2017 have resulted in the SNP Group being the largest with 19 councillors. Since there are 63 councillors in total they could either try and form a majority administration or they could form a coalition.

For the last five years the Labour Group led the Capital Coalition with SNP, but it is proving difficult to form an administration this time round.

Adam McVey the leader of the SNP Group told us : “Talks are ongoing and we expect all parties to put the city’s interests before all other considerations, including the General Election.”

A council meeting will be held this Thursday morning.

Earlier today in the fabulous (though rather warm!) events room in the Grassmarket Community Project, the Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale was welcomed by the party faithful, who included some of the local Edinburgh candidates.

She railed against the Tories  who have she said failed in their bid to leave the nasty party tag behind. Criticising their actions which are very different from what they said, Dugdale explained that the Tories delivered cuts to disabled people, introduced the bedroom tax and the rape clause. She claimed that they have slashed support and threatened opportunities at every turn, and of course have ‘dragged us into an ill-fated European referendum which could damage our economy and people’s livelihoods even further.

She said  : “They pledged, and continue to pledge, to be a party of working people. What a joke! But it is not funny. It’s offensive. Working people today are set to be £1400 a year worse off by 2020. They have cut tax credits, watched as wages have gone into freefall and turned our economy into one where low paid, insecure work and zero hours contracts are endemic.”

As for the SNP they fared no better. “It is right that we present people with a clear choice. And an opportunity to reject the politics of division that both the SNP and the Tories represent. They are the two sides of the same coin. Both are intent on distraction and diversions, ducking the real issues in this election campaign.”

The main points in the Scottish Labour Party 2017 manifesto are:

Labour will create a Scottish Investment Bank with £20 billion of investment power to help businesses grow and stimulate the Scottish economy.

There will be a £250 billion National Transformation Fund to drive investment across the UK

Opposition to a second Scottish Independence referendum

Introduction of a £10 an hour Living Wage

Establishing a Constitutional Convention to form radical proposals on how the country should be run – as a federal UK.

The Transport plans in the 120 page document include a reference to our very own Lothian Buses which is being held up as a model for municipal transport.

But with only one MP elected at the 2015 General Election Scottish Labour may still have a hill to climb. We asked Ms Dugdale about this manifesto and how it might help Ian Murray get re-elected for Edinburgh South.

We spoke to the Scottish Labour leader after the launch :

We also spoke with Ian Murray who until recently was the only Labour MP in Scotland, representing Edinburgh South.

He was clear that Labour have answers which people want :

We spoke to @IanMurrayMP after the launch of Scottish Labour’s manifesto today pic.twitter.com/YNnigwGQ2B

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) May 22, 2017

Gordon Munro who is standing in Edinburgh North and Leith was emphatic when we asked him if the manifesto enthuses him. He said : “The electorate in Edinburgh North and Leith have proved to be quite volatile with their voting intentions. In 2010 there was a whole sheaf of them voted LibDem. In 2015 another whole sheaf of them voted SNP and this time they actually took out the sitting MP Mark Lazarowicz. I am looking to get the middle ground back to Labour so that I am the MP for Edinburgh North and Leith.”

Here is a quick chat with Edinburgh North and Leith candidate @GJMunro26 – it was noisy! We will record an interview with him soon pic.twitter.com/6A3IFESDH6

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) May 22, 2017

Commenting after the Scottish Labour manifesto launch, SNP Depute Leader and candidate for Moray, Angus Robertson, said: “This manifesto launch shows once more Kezia Dugdale’s desire to hit the poorest in our society with a bumper tax bill – seeking to raise the tax burden of those on the lowest incomes.

“Labour cannot pretend to support ordinary workers when at the same time they want to hit them with a fresh tax bombshell – something even the UK Labour party have avoided.

“Polling over the weekend has shown that Labour can’t win the election in Scotland – and if Labour voters want to keep the Tories out of Scotland, only a vote for the SNP can achieve this.

“As always on tax, on trident and on Brexit, Labour are at sixes and sevens.

“This election is about who can best stand up for Scotland’s schools, hospitals and pensions from unnecessary Tory cuts and an extreme Brexit deal which will put Scottish jobs at risk.

“It is the SNP who have led the opposition to the Tories at Westminster – and as is becoming clear in this election, Scotland is leading the policy debate in the UK.

“Now more than ever, it is vital to have strong SNP voices standing up for Scotland – only then can we protect Scotland from the dangers of an unopposed Tory government at Westminster.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “We need to get the SNP to cancel their divisive independence referendum. The SNP risk leaving Scotland outside the UK as well as outside the EU. That is bad for business, security and the NHS.

“The big problem for Labour is that they voted with the Conservatives for an extreme hard Brexit.

“They have joined UKIP in giving up on the single market. They would be devastating for Scottish jobs.

“If you want Scotland in the UK and the UK at the heart of Europe you’re only choice is to vote for the Liberal Democrats.”

A total of 121 drivers were detected for drink/drug driving offences following 3619 breath tests carried out in last week’s drink/drug drive campaign, which equates to one in 30 of every test carried out.

The week-long campaign was run to coincide with the time of year when statistics show Scotland’s road users are at their highest risk of being killed or seriously injured because the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Officers found one driver in Dundee, aged 39, who was more than twice the limit and was driving without a licence or insurance, so his vehicle was seized. They also found one driver, aged 66, who was more than four times the limit in Strathaven, and another, aged 35, in Cambuslang, who was almost five times the limit. During the campaign six drivers were found to be over the limit between 6am and 10am the following day.

Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The number of drivers detected is obviously too high – even one person detected is one too many. It is disappointing that so many people made the wrong decision last week and were prepared to put themselves and every other road user at risk.

“These results highlight that the effects of alcohol do not wear off immediately and drivers must consider that even if you make alternative arrangements to get home after an event, you could be over the limit the next day, depending upon the amount you have had to drink. Drivers must be aware of this if they intend getting behind the wheel the following morning. Make sure you do not get caught out, like these some of these drivers did.”

Police Scotland is committed to achieving the Scottish Government’s 2020 casualty reduction targets by tackling the risks associated with drink/drug driving and the campaign supports the service’s efforts to reduce road casualties.

Anyone with information on drink/drug drivers can contact Police Scotland on 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call 101 or Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Leading Scottish craft brewer, Stewart Brewing, is celebrating after winning a top prize at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards last night. The brewer’s popular beer Radical Road fought off tough competition to win the Brewing award, which was introduced for the first time this year and is sponsored by Heriot Watt University.

The awards ceremony, which took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 18 May, recognised businesses and individuals in Scotland who are leading the way with innovation, enterprise and quality. There was a record number of 820 guests in attendance with a grand total of over 270 entries across all the award categories.

Jo Stewart, Stewart Brewing co-founder, commented: “It’s such an honour to be recognised at this prestigious level so we’re incredibly proud, especially when the competition was so strong. It’s been a huge team effort to get us to where we are today and it feels great to know all our hard work has paid off. Thanks so much to our customers and to Scotland Food and Drink for their continued support.”

Radical Road pours golden with long lasting white foam. The nose is bursting with American hops; tonnes of pine, grapefruit and citrus combine to make a tantalising hop cocktail. The taste is medium bodied with long lasting smooth bitterness and alcohol kick. Waves of hop come from the triple hop brewing technique which gives a complex flavour profile.

Radical Road is available in the Stewart Brewing brewery shop in Loanhead and the new Stewart’s Dockside Tap shop in Leith, as well as in select Edinburgh pubs and bars.

The brewer also recently announced that four of their popular beers – Black IPA, Embra, Ka Pai and St. Giles – are now available to buy in Majestic Wine stores across Scotland.

The Stewart Brewing brewery is located at Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, 26a Dryden Rd, Loanhead.

Sunday lunch is a tradition for many. Succulent roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables with horseradish sauce. It makes the mouth-water just thinking about it.

Having it cooked for you and thereby hassle-free adds to the package and convivial surroundings, where you feel welcome and at home, enhances the overall experience.

We don’t normally indulge in Sunday lunch. A sandwich in between attending a sporting event or shopping trip or even gardening suffices.

However, the invitation to review the offering at Kyloe. an old Scottish word for Highland beef cattle, which neighbours The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, The Caledonian, was too good to sidestep.

The tram made getting there so easy as it stops in Shandwick Place, less than two minutes away.

Our table overlooked Edinburgh’s bustling West End and the modern decor is relaxing. Shafts of light pierce through into the well-presented, first-floor restaurant. You don’t feel cramped.

Service is slick and Kris, our Polish-born waiter, explained the procedure. Starters, which include oysters, are extra but we went straight into beef cooked pink (you can have it well done if you wish) and cut at your table.

Root vegetables, roast potatoes and creamed cabbage arrived plus gravy and horseradish sauce.

Diet problems are carefully catered for (my cabbage did not have cream) and the presentation, quality and quantity was hard to fault. The vegetables could have been a tad hotter, but that is a minor detail.

The main was followed by crumble. The crunchy browned topping covered a scrumptious mix of fruit and the dish was topped off by smooth vanilla ice cream, perfect.

Because of my lactose intolerance Kris suggested banana and cherry sorbet. It was melt-in-the-mouth delicious.

Beware of unisex toilets. Once you get over the shock – the lady ahead of me wondered why I was following her – then they are among the best kept around, with marble wash basins and flowers.

Kyloe is worth considering, not just for Sunday lunch. Its location, service and quality are hard to beat.

Kyloe
Gourmet Steak Restaurant
1-3 Rutland Street
Edinburgh . EH1 2AE
Tel: 0131 229 3402
Email: info@kyloerestaurant.com

Tony Hand has been inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Cologne, Germany.

The 49-year-old received the Richard ‘Bibi’ Torriani Award for an outstanding career by a player from a non-top hockey nation as part of the 2017 inductees.

The Edinburgh-born former forward scored over 4,250 points in an illustrious 34-year senior playing career which started when he was a 16-year-old.

He became the first British-raised player to be drafted by a National Hockey League side when he was selected by Canadian cracks Edmonton Oilers in round 12, 252 overall, in the 1986 entry draft.

Later, in a two-year stint as Great Britain head coach, he led the national side to the final qualifying stages for the Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014.

Hand, a former Murrayfield Racers, Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals and Ayr Scottish Eagles star, said: “I am honoured and privileged to be here to accept the award. I am overwhelmed.

“I started playing hockey when I was nine. My father passed away when I was seven and my mum brought us up. The sacrifices she made for me to get to here.”

“It is the pinnacle of my career, something I never ever dreamed of.”

Hearts Greek defender Tasos Avlonitis has confirmed he will be leaving Tynecastle when his contract ends at the end of May. The 27-year-old came to Gorgie as one of nine new signings during the January transfer window and made 11 appearances for Ian Cathro’s side.

The Edinburgh Reporter also understands Alex Tziolis will also leave Tynecastle as Cathro seeks to rebuild his side after a disappointing season.

The Hearts Head Coach told the official Hearts website:

We’re glad the end of the season is here, as we have alterations to make. What’s important is that we got through a lot in the past 5 months. Now, the work ahead is very clear. Nothing can rock my confidence in my ability, and my clarity in what I do.

“There are areas we are focusing on improving with new players, but I don’t consider it to be a ‘major’ thing, but there will be a significant difference between today and when we return to competitive action.

“It’s an important part of this club to provide opportunities for young players,” he continued. “Jamie and Euan are two strong – and very different – players, with good qualities, and it’s important that for next season we begin to see a blend of experience with the likes of Aaron Hughes and Don Cowie, and boys like Jamie and Euan, who is only 16, and see how they grow.”

Meanwhile, Hearts goalkeeper Jack Hamilton has been named in the Scotland squad for the crucial World Cup qualifier against England on 10^th June.

Hibernian Ladies retained the SWPL Cup with a superb 4-1 victory over Celtic in the final at Broadwood Stadium yesterday.

Hibs star Kirsty Smith opened the scoring before Ruesha Littlejohn equalised moments later.

Lucy Graham restored the lead and Hibs went in at half time with a one goal advantage.

Rachel McLauchlan made it 3-1 just after the break then Rachael Small secured the victory with 12 minutes remaining.

After the game Smith told the club website: : “When I picked up the ball, I seen that I had space and I was able to hit the ball and luckily it went in.

“I’ve had so many shots in other games where the ball’s not gone in, so I’m absolutely delighted that it went in.

“It was a tough game, and it always is against Celtic. We dug deep in the first half and it was quite a close encounter and in the second half we scored twice and we got through the game well. We won, and that’s the main thing.”

Stand-in captain for the day Small said: “We’re absolutely delighted. It was always going to be tough coming into the game.

“We switched off in the first half, and at this level you can’t do that, we knew Celtic would come at us and they put us on the back foot. We gathered our thoughts at half-time and we put it right in the second half; we’re thrilled.

“We set out what we wanted to do, and thankfully we got the trophy and brought it back on the 21st of May.”

Head Coach Chris Roberts: “It’s means everything to me to see how happy the girls are. It’s been a tough four week period for us, we’ve played Celtic, Glasgow City, Glasgow City, Spartans, Celtic and Celtic in the space of the last four weeks.

“To be right in there with the league at this stage of the season and to lift a bit of silverware, on the 21st of May, I’m really delighted and pleased for the girls.”

Celtic: Cunningham, Ross, Napier, Crilly (Howat, 75), Montgomery, Whyte, Mulvey (Ewens, 70), Clark, Poucel (Richards, 64), Littlejohn, McFarlane (Fulton, 75). Unused substitutes: Dalgliesh, Gibson, Rafferty.

Hibernian: Fife, Hunter, Michie (Leishman, 90), Smith, McLauchlan, Graham, Turner (Turner, 64), Cornet (Gallacher, 77), Harrison (Murray, 89), Small, Brownlie. Unused substitutes: Reid, Robertson.

Police are appealing for information after a teenager was assaulted and robbed at a bus stop on Roseburn Terrace  about 11.25pm last night.

A 16-year-old male was with friends when they were approached by around 15 male youths and an altercation ensued.

The victim was then pushed to the ground by three of them, assaulted and money was taken from his wallet.

He sustained minor injuries but didn’t require medical treatment.

The first suspect is described as white, aged 16 to 17 years, 5ft 5ins tall, of skinny build, with short blonde hair.

He was wearing a white Nike hooded tracksuit top with a Nike tick on the right shoulder, black cotton tracksuit bottoms and black and white trainers.

The second is white, aged 16 to 17 years, 5ft 10ins tall, of lanky build with light brown hair which was longer on top and shaved at the sides. He was believed to be wearing a baggy navy cotton tracksuit.

The third is white, aged 16 to 17 years, of average build and 5ft 9ins tall. He was wearing a grey hoodie and tight grey tracksuit bottoms.

The suspects were last seen walking along Roseburn Terrace.

Detective Sergeant Robbie Wallace from Corstorphine CID said: “This was a cowardly attack by a group of youths which resulted in a 16-year-old being assaulted and his money taken.

“Although no serious injuries were sustained, this ordeal was distressing and we’re pursuing various lines of enquiry to trace the suspects.

“Anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area around this time, or who recognises the descriptions of the suspects, is asked to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0121 of 21 May, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We know it’s the best city in the world but, according to a report by the Office for National Statistics, Edinburgh is the most popular city in Scotland and second in the UK with overseas visitors.

There was a 6% increase in foreign visitors since last year, most notably from North America.  These tourists spent an extra £155 million during their trips here which is up 9% on the previous year.

Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:  “These figures underline Scotland’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination and are a credit to our tourism industry’s hard work to attract and welcome more than 2.7 million overseas visitors last year.

“We have seen an 18 per cent increase in the number of visits from North America and welcomed more than 1.6 million visitors from across Europe, highlighting the strength of our connections with the US and our neighbours on the continent.

“Our overseas visitors spent £1.85 billion in 2016, a 9% increase on the previous year and a welcome boost for our tourism and hospitality sectors and wider economy.

“We are committed to working with VisitScotland and the tourism sector to build further on Scotland’s reputation as a must visit, must return destination.”

The ONS report which aims to inform the travel and tourism industry shows that UK residents have also been travelling out of the UK more than the previous year with a jump of 8%. The report can be read in full here.

SGB Championship: Berwick Bandits 50, Peterborough Panthers 40

Berwick: Nick Morris 14, Jye Ethridge 3 (withdrawn through injury), David Howe 7, Kevin Doolan 7, Lewis Bridger 4, Dany Gappmaier 13, Lee Payne 2

Peterborough: Lasse Bjerre (guest) 9, rider replacement for Kenneth Hansen, Paul Starke 11, Simon Lambert 6 (withdrawn through injury), Ulrich Ostergaard 8, Ashley Morris (guest) 6, Tom Bacon 0

Nick Morris and Dany Gappmaier both claimed double-figure scores as Berwick Bandits snapped an 18-year losing streak to Peterborough Panthers.

At the same time the Borders club claimed their first win in the SGB Championship in their 11th match.

It came at a cost as Jye Etheridge was withdrawn with a wrist injury after tangling with Panthers racer Simon Lambert.

Morris top scored with 14 points from five outings and Gappmaier claimed 13 from seven heats in the welcome win.

Bandits still prop up the rest of the ten-strong Championship but team manager Gary Havelock said he had noted green shoots in recent matches and the squad delivered.

Paul Stark was best for the visitors with 11 points and Bandits were 16-14 behind after Heat Five but turned it around to the delight of their fans.

Online entries are now open for fifth City of Edinburgh Running Festival (CERF), Scotland’s foremost family running event.

This year’s festival will be held on 23 June 2017 at Meggetland when a unique handicapping system will be used which gives each competitor an equal chance of winning, no matter their age or ability.

The event includes an 800 metre event, the UK’s most lucrative race with a £1,000 prize for first place, and categories for both adults and youths.

Edinburgh-based medical device company OrthoLink, is sponsoring the 110m sprint offering £3,000 to the winner, one of the largest prize money totals on the pro-running circuit.

CERF adds to a calendar of professional running dating back almost 200 years including Jedburgh Games and The New Year Sprint and chairman, Graeme Armstrong said: “The City of Edinburgh Running Festival is a great opportunity for the whole family to get involved as we have races for all levels and distances.”

Male and female athletes compete in youth, junior and open categories and, with over 20 events scheduled to take place over the evening, showcasing the finest of Scotland’s athletic ability.

Competitors have until 11 June to register at www.entrycentral.com

Helping Hands Community Football organisation is to start up FREE football sessions in Wester Hailes on the football pitch in Clovenstone at Clovenstone Drive.  

The sessions are aimed at 8-12 year olds who live in the South West Edinburgh area.   All the young people attending the sessions will receive a free ball to practice at home.  The sessions are led by former professional football players such as Micky Weir and Paul Kane to name a few. The sessions start on Monday 22 May and run from 6pm until 7.15pm.  

Lothian Bus services No 3 and No 30 both stop at the pitch so it is very easy to get to by public transport.

For further information telephone 07525 477 330.

Celtic 2 Heart of Midlothian 0

Ladbrokes Premiership, Sunday 21^st May 2017 – Celtic Park

Season 2016/17 began way back on 30^th June for Hearts as they embarked on an all-too brief qualifying campaign for the Europa League. Nearly eleven months, two Head Coaches and a plethora of new faces later, Hearts ended the season with a somewhat predictable defeat at the home of champions Celtic. However, as in the display at Ibrox the other week, there were glimmers of hope of better times ahead for the Maroons as Hearts gave a resolute display.

Hearts under-fire Head Coach Ian Cathro made a couple of changes to the side that lost at St Johnstone on Wednesday. Many expected striker Bjorn Johnsen – who showed obvious displeasure in being replaced at half-time in Perth – to pay the cost of such petulance, particularly when Hearts were going into the cauldron of Celtic Park. However, Cathro kept Johnsen in the side alongside Isma Goncalves. Sam Nicholson made way for the now free from suspension Prince Buaben while Malaury Martin was replaced by 19-year-old Jamie Brandon.

Although there was a party atmosphere at the home of the champions – among the home support at east – there was a definite ‘end-of-term’ feel as the game kicked off. Hearts were content to sit back and absorb Celtic pressure but it took the home team fully 15 minutes to pose a threat on goal when Griffiths fired in a free-kick from 20 yards which went inches past.

As expected, Celtic dominated possession but young Brandon wasn’t afraid to put in a tackle or two in midfield which was encouraging from a maroon point of view.

In the 20^th minute, Tierney fired in from long-range but his effort was just too high. McGregor was next to try his luck but former Celtic keeper Noring saved well.

It was pretty much one-way traffic but Hearts almost took an unexpected lead in the 26^th minute when Alex Tziolis fired in a long-range shot which came agonisingly close for a rare Hearts goal at Celtic Park.

Noring was the Hearts hero when he saved well from Boyata before, just before half-time, Bjorn Johnsen curled a free-kick which whistled past Gordon’s post.

Half-time Celtic 0 Hearts 0

Given the champions’ free-scoring record this season and Hearts well-documented defensive woes, it was something of a surprise – not to say relief for the small band of Hearts fans who travelled west – to see the game still goalless as the second half kicked off. But, inevitably, this didn’t last long.

Just five minutes into the second half, Hearts defence resorted to type. Roberts was given far too much space to cross for Griffiths – inexplicably unmarked – to head past Noring.

The former Hibernian striker nearly made it two five minutes later but fired into the side net.

Noring saved from Brown as the Hoops upped the tempo but Hearts could have drawn level in the 65^th minute. Tziolis delivered a fine pass for Bjorn Johnsen who chested the ball and raced into the Celtic penalty box. Sadly, the big American’s shot lacked any power and was easily saved by former Hearts keeper Craig Gordon.

With 14 minutes left, it was game over. Roberts fired a pass into the Hearts penalty box where the ball broke to Armstrong who blasted past Noring to make it 2-0 – and ensure Celtic would complete their league campaign unbeaten.

Hearts threw on another teenager – Euan Henderson – and great play from the debutant set up fellow substitute Malaury Martin who forced a fine save from Gordon. From the corner, Johnsen’s header bounced back off the post with the Celtic keeper beaten.

Martin again forced Gordon into a fine save but the game ended soon after with another defeat for Hearts although there was plenty to be encouraged about from youngsters Brandon and Henderson.

One suspects there will be major changes to this Hearts team over the summer. Given the team’s performances and results over much of the last six months, one certainly hopes so.

Celtic: Gordon, Simunovic (Toure, 74′), Brown, Griffiths, Sinclair, Gamboa (Rogic, 46′), Armstrong (Sviatchenko, 79′), Boyata, Roberts, McGregor, Tierney.

Hearts: Noring, Nowak, Buaben (Walker, 65′), Hughes, Smith, Brandon, Tziolis (Henderson, 78′), Cowie, Djoum, Johnsen, Goncalves (Martin, 55′).

Referee: John Beaton

Att: 58,967

Top man: Jamie Brandon

The Church of Scotland’s charity CrossReach announced a major community baking campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues across Scotland today in Princes Street Gardens. 

HRH Princess Royal came to Princes Street Gardens at the Heart and Soul Festival where she presented the winner with a prize and also invited communities across the country to hold cake sales with a difference. The Princess Royal is attending the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland as Lord High Commissioner to represent Her Majesty the Queen.

Her Royal Highness and the Moderator between them cut a large Grey Cake made specially for the Heart and Soul festival. Before the cake was cut, the audience enjoyed a ‘Bake Off’ style video where Rev Dr Derek Browning recently challenged the Church’s Youth Moderator to a competition in baking the first CrossReach Grey Cake. The Youth Moderator’s cake was judged the best!

The Princess Royal had entered the gardens on The Mound and walked through the Festival where various groups have set up shop in tents. The crowds of people who were at the festival were surprised by her appearance there this afternoon, including one lady who was so excited and told Her Royal Highness that she was “so very beautiful”. She stopped to speak with many representatives of the church groups and people along the way.

You are asked to bake Grey Cakes which are grey coloured on the outside but reveal a colourful inside when cut. One in four Scots will experience mental health issues and the Grey Cakes reflect what it must be like to live under the fog of depression or anxiety.

CrossReach’s new Chief Executive, Viv Dickenson, said: “Mental health services are significantly underfunded, but can make such a big difference so quickly to people. Our Grey Cake campaign is doing what the church does best, and that is getting alongside people and baking! We are combining our core skills, and I really hope communities across Scotland will get behind this.”

The Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, the newly installed Moderator of the Church of Scotland, will support the initiative throughout his year in office. The minister of Morningside Church, Dr Browning said : “It says to me how, very often, with people all we see on the outside is the grey colour.  We very rarely get to see when people have poor mental health what’s going on underneath the surface.”

The Grey Cake initiative is inspired and endorsed by Emma Thomas of The Depressed Cake Shop. CrossReach, which is one of Scotland’s largest social care providers with services across the country, believes the cake sales will help raise awareness of mental health issues and raise funds for a variety of charitable services which support them.

Information packs on how communities can take part will be available on the CrossReach website, www.crossreach.co.uk, from Monday 22 May 2017.

Scottish Ladies are keen to encourage more women into fly fishing.

Dione Roberts, secretary of the Scottish Women’s Fly Fishing team, says it is a shame that more don’t take up a sport which has more to offer than just catching trout or salmon.

Edinburgh-based Dione said: “We’re trying to bring people into fishing. I personally am a keen salmon fisher and I see a lot more ladies salmon fishing because it is a comfy sport.

“You are seated on a boat and have your ghillie there to help you but I do find with trout fishing it can be quite daunting.

“If you are going to fish on a river there are questions. What clothes do I need? Am I going to wade? Where do I go? Where do I start off? What equipment do I need?”

Reflecting, she said: “It used to be I would see father and son or daughter out fishing and I very seldom see that now.”

And she added: “We’re trying to bring ladies in, not to be just to part of a team but just to go out and enjoy fishing and the sights and sounds on the river, the sight of a kingfisher going down the river perhaps. It’s lovely.

“I also tie my own flies and I find that really relaxing, bring the fly tying equipment out, watch the telly and make a fly and go out the next day and catch on it.

“So if women are interested they should get in touch. We do a development weekend and we also have three ladies, including myself, as qualified Level 2 coaches.

“We are all around the country and you can find information about us on our website.

“Type in Scottish Ladies Fly Fishing or SANA Ladies and and the website will come up.

“We would be happy to come out and buddy somebody but if anybody wants to go out fishing and I am going then I am happy to take anybody to a river, boat or anything.”

The Young Walter Scott Prize (YWSP), the UK’s only creative writing prize for young people dedicated to historical fiction, is open for entries.

Budding young historical novelists aged between 11 and 19 have until October 31 to enter.

A series of creative writing workshops take place across Britain in June and July. Two are in Edinburgh at Trinity House of Leith on 12 June for 16 to 19-year-olds and one of 11 to 15 year-olds at Craigmillar Castle on June 13.

These sessions have been created specifically to give young people a chance to immerse themselves in historical places.

The two initiatives aim to inspire young writers to play with ideas, to explore the cracks between historical facts and to become the historical novelists of the future.

Judges are looking for a piece of creative writing between 800 and 2,000 words inspired by any aspect of the past. It could be an actual historical event, place or person and it has to be set in a time before the writer was born.

Entries will be judged in two categories, 11 to 15 years and 16 to 19 years.

The winners of each category win a £500 travel grant to enable them to visit the historic site of their choice anywhere in the UK and a VIP invitation to the Borders Book Festival in Melrose in June next year to receive their prizes.

Two runners-up in each category receive a book token and all four winning stories are published in a YWSP anthology book.

The prize was set up two years ago by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and is named after Sir Walter Scott who, as a boy sent to live in the Scottish Borders, set about exploring the countryside and listening to the stories of the people he met there.

This inspired him to write and to later become the most celebrated author of his time.

The workshops will led by writers and experts in interpreting historical places who can help young writers see the past in new ways, and to begin writing or developing their work further.

For full details of workshop bookings and how to enter the prize, please visit the YWSP website 

Two Edinburgh schools have beaten off stiff competition from across Scotland to be selected as finalists at this year’s Scottish Education Awards.

Craigroyston High School has been named as a finalist for the Enterprise and Employability across Learning (Secondary) Award.

The shortlisted entry highlights how the school has been nationally recognised for partnering with businesses and employers to give students many opportunities to develop skills for life, work and learning.

Currie Community High School has been shortlisted for the Sciences, Technologies, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Award thanks to innovative and hands-on initiatives they have in place for young learners to learn subjects in these areas.

All of the finalists will be invited to attend an awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on Wednesday, 7 June 2017, when judges will unveil the winners of each award category.

Andy Gray, Head of Schools and Lifelong Learning at the City of Edinburgh Council said: “It is a real achievement and being shortlisted shows just what a pool of talented education staff we have in all our schools.”

More information here  www.scottisheducationawards.co.uk

Jim Eadie is standing as the SNP candidate in Edinburgh South. Today he met with supporters at the local bowling club where he was joined by SNP Leader, Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Eadie said : “We have been out campaigning for the last several weeks, out on the doorsteps every day, speaking to voters across the constituency and getting our message across.

“I want to be a strong campaigning MP for the south of Edinburgh and to stand up for the people and the communities who live here. I want to be a strong voice, not just for Edinburgh South, but joining a strong team at Westminster who will always speak up for Scotland and who will stand up to the Tories against the damage that they are inflicting on people in Scotland and across the UK.”

Although it is an impossibility for the SNP to form the next UK government since they can only have a maximum of 59 out of 650 MPs, Mr Eadie is keen to point out that they can do a lot of good at Westminster. He continued : “We have said in this election as we did in 2015 that we would join with other parties, the Labour Party and others, to lock out the Conservatives. There is no way that we would want the Conservatives to be in government when we have any influence over the outcome of the election. Unfortunately the Labour Party is too weak and too divided south of the Border to be alternative government in waiting. What the SNP offers is a strong voice against the Tories, and we have shown in the last government that we can be an effective opposition.”

Today’s campaign message was all about pensions, so this was a perfect place to meet the people who might be affected by the Tories plans to abandon the so-called ‘triple lock’ on payments to those who have retired. The triple lock was introduced by the Tory LibDem coalition in 2010 and it guarantees to increase the rate of pension by a minimum of 2.5% or the rate of inflation if higher.

This was a move to ensure that any increases would be real and meaningful in light of any increases in the cost of living. Some analysts say that the cost of this could be as much as £45 billion in the next 15 years. Rather than abolishing it completely the Tories in their manifesto have reduced the protection to a proposed double lock which is based only on earnings and prices. Nothing will change until 2020.

Earlier today in Liberton Nicola Sturgeon called in to explain to some SNP supporters that her party has plans to protect pensioners across Scotland from deeper Tory cuts.

The First Minister bowled a ‘blocker’ against the Tories plans on pensions when we met her earlier today pic.twitter.com/btD8XBhr8c

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) May 20, 2017

She was well-received by the small group who had assembled to have a light lunch with her (hot foot from The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland) and the club president JT then gave her a lesson in bowling.

The SNP will call on voters across Scotland to back strong SNP voices who will stand up for Scotland against further Tory austerity which is set to hit pensioners hard.

Saying that the Tories’ confirmation this week that they plan to end the pensions triple lock and slash the winter fuel allowance will hit pensioners hard, along with denying many women born in the 1950s the pensions they are due, the SNP aim to protect pensioners in their manifesto to be published on Tuesday.

Some of the key points will include:

• Demanding the retention of the triple lock on the State Pension

• Committing to maintain winter fuel payments and extending the eligibility to families with severely disabled children

• Opposing plans to increase the State Pension Age beyond 66

• Supporting women who have been deprived of the pensions they expected to secure the pensions they are due

HRH The Princess Royal has addressed the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, where she is serving as Lord High Commissioner representing Her Majesty The Queen.

After praising the General Assembly as a place for “reasoned and civilised debate” she said the numbers worshipping in church may be falling, but “there is still a need for ‘spiritual leadership, and in fact, “that need is greater than ever.” She continued “The importance of the General Assembly has been reasoned debate and that reasoned debate is in quite short supply at the moment.”

From a position just next to the newly installed Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh the Rt Hon Frank Ross, she addressed the gathered clergy.

HRH The Princess Royal also noted that churches in Scotland have “a major role to play in welcoming strangers,” a tradition she believes is “stronger in Scotland than in many other parts of the world”.  The speech came after the election of the new Moderator Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, who was installed in the role by the retiring Moderator Very Rev Dr Russell Barr.

Her Royal Highness is the first member of the Royal family to take on the role for a second time, having first served in the role in 1996. On Friday she took part in the Ceremony of the Keys at Holyrood Palace and she resumed her duties this morning with the ceremonial procession which opened the General Assembly. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also took part in the opening ceremony.

The opening session included an address from retiring Moderator, Very Rev Dr Russell Barr, who has drawn attention to the situation of homeless people across Scotland throughout his year of office. Addressing the Assembly he identified a lack of political will as the one thing missing to resolve a situation that he described as “unacceptable”. He said “Homelessness continues to be a stain upon our nation’s character and consciousness. There should be no room for homelessness in 21^st century Scotland.”

SGB Championship: Edinburgh Monarchs 53, Newcastle Diamonds 39; Peterborough Panthers v Berwick Bandits postponed.

Edinburgh: Ricky Wells 10, Mark Riss 7, Erik Riss 7, Josh Pickering 1, Sam Masters 13, Max Clegg 10, Mitchell Davey 5

Newcastle: Aaron Summers 5, Ashley Morris 9, Lewis Rose 6, Ludvig Lindgren 8, Ben Barker (guest) 10, Ben Hopwood 1, Connor Coles 0

Magnificent Max Clegg powered to ten points from seven rides as Edinburgh Monarchs came from behind to see off Newcastle Diamonds.

Sam Masters top scored with 13 points for the home side, winning four of his five heats and Ricky Wells also collected ten points.

Guest rider Ben Barker was best for Newcastle with ten points but Edinburgh made the worst possible start against the side with the best record against them at Armadale.

Monarchs lost the first heat 5-1 but snapped back with a 5-1 in the second thanks to ex-Glasgow Tigers racer Mitchell Davey and Clegg.

But they lost the next race 5-1 for an 11-7 deficit and this see-saw match saw Monarchs come within two points with a 4-2 in Heat Four for an overall score of 13-11.

Newcastle then hit the home side with another 5-1 to take their lead to 18-12 but then Edinburgh upped a gear.

They posted 5-1 scorelines in the next two races to lead 22-20 and never looked back.

Back-to-back 5-1s in Heats 10 and 11 saw Monarchs ten points clear and they closed out the opposition.

Meanwhile, Berwick Bandits were due to race at Peterborough Panthers but the match was postponed.

The Fort Kinnaird Specsavers branch recently celebrated its second birthday throwing a  beach party to raise money for Sick Kids.

The beach in question, was none other than the store itself. With weather no long an issue, the staff decorated the store with props and wore their  summer clothes.

A DJ was brought in and began playing classic summer songs as children were entertained with face paints and a balloon artist, raising £50 for the charity.

In the past six months the shop has raised £250 through various events towards Sick Kids. Tracy Galloway, director of the Fort Kinnaird branch, said : “It’s been great to celebrate our second birthday with a beach party but we also wanted to raise vital funds for a charity that is close to our hearts.”

“We are delighted to so many of our customer were able to join us on the day to help us celebrate.”