Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in the Davidson’s Mains area.
The collision took place around 9.15am on Sunday 14 May at the junction of Quality Street and Main Street.
A 70-year-old woman was struck by a Lothian Bus and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Road closures remain in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area while invesigations continue at the scene.
Inspector Stuart Mitchell of Drylaw Police Station said: “Our thoughts are with the woman’s family at this very difficult time and we continue to offer them support.
“Our enquiries into this collision are ongoing and we’d ask anyone who can help to come forward.
“Anyone who may have witnessed this collision and has not yet spoken to officers is urged to get in touch.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1270 of 14 May.

The Foxlake Outdoor Festival at Dunbar on May 20 and 21 offers adrenaline activities including a huge Free Fall Stunt Bag with a total drop height of eight metres, a seven metre high climbing wall, displays of free running with Access Parkour and The Clan Scotland Cycle Stunt Team performing stunt shows.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to jump out of a plane or fall from a building, the Free Fall Stunt Bag is the activity for you.

A selection of Highland Games from Winton Castle includes Tossing the Caber, Wheat Sheaf Pitching (still strong in East Lothian agricultural shows, the Wheat Sheaf must be thrown over the bar which increases in height), The Winton Ski (strap your team onto a set of skis and start the stopwatch), Hay Bale Rolling Relay and The Winton Dash (an old school obstacle course, against the clock).

There will also be archery and falconry and a selection of Britain’s finest comedians including Des Clarke, Tom Stade and Darren Connell.

Additional acts include Charlie McIntosh from Scotsquad, Janey Godley, Gary Little, Joe Heenan, Jamie Dalgleish, a former Scottish comedian of the year, Rossco Mclelland, the current Scottish comedian of the year and Jojo Sutherland, an award winning Scottish stand-up.

East Lothian’s finest local musicians booked including tribute acts by Abba A Rival, Take This, Durananduran, Jersey Notes (4 Seasons), Little Fix, Status No, Eltan John, George Michaels, Glasgow Blues Brothers, Simply Rod (Stewart) and Beatles Revisited. All supported by local talent through ELJam (East Lothian Youth Music Forum).

The Foxlake Outdoor Festival weekend is all about getting the family active outdoors so you can try the Foxfall Course, the UK’s only rope course constructed over water, or get on your wet suit and give wakeboarding a try, or if you prefer to stay dry, hop on and master a segway.

Rangers 2 Heart of Midlothian 1

Ladbrokes Premiership, Saturday 13^th May 2017 – Ibrox

It’s been a long and difficult season for Hearts and the long-suffering Maroon Army. Saturday’s trip to Ibrox to face Rangers was one that was a journey too far for many of them and it’s fair to say the majority of Hearts supporters just want the season to end.

Yet, despite much criticism in recent weeks, there were glimmers today of what may be possible with a group of players who have failed to impress thus far.

Somewhat inevitably Hearts returned along the M8 with nothing after another loss in Glasgow but a 2-1 defeat didn’t tell the whole story. Prince Buaben was sent off just before the half-hour mark but the ten-men of Hearts pushed Rangers all the way, particularly in the second half and could count themselves unlucky not to snatch a point.

Hearts Head Coach Ian Cathro rang the changes from the team that lost to Aberdeen at Tynecastle six days ago. Goalkeeper Viktor Noring made his debut and replaced Jack Hamilton while Liam Smith, Sam Nicholson, Malaury Martin and Bjorn Johnsen came into the side with Lennard Sowah, Andraz Struna and Alex Tziolis dropping out and Jamie Walker being suspended following his ordering off last week.

It wasn’t just the Hearts supporters who weren’t enthused by this fixture. Judging by the number of empty seats, the Rangers fans weren’t fussed either and the fact the game was a lunch-time kick-off broadcast on Sky Sports didn’t help either.

There certainly seemed to be an ‘end-of-the-season’ feel as the game kicked off but Rangers went ahead in the seventh minute. A cross from Miller found the head of Garner who nodded the ball past Viktor Noring to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.

Three minutes later, Windass had the chance to double the home side’s lead when he was put through by McKay and while he took the ball past Noring his shot on goal was cleared by Prince Buaben.

Hearts gradually woke up to the fact they were a goal down and fine play from Arnaud Djoum set up Bjorn Johnsen who fed Don Cowie. The former Scotland player’s shot was saved by Rangers keeper Foderingham.

Noring then pulled off a decent save from Garner as play swung to the other end of the field.

A great tackle from Arnaud Djoum saw the Cameroon international set up Isma Goncalves who then set off on a charge towards the Rangers goal. However, the former St Mirren player was thwarted by Hill.

In the 26^th minute, Hearts saw red – literally. Prince Buaben challenged Windass just outside the Hearts penalty box and the Rangers man went down. No penalty – but referee Bobby Madden deemed the challenge as denying a goalscoring opportunity and promptly ordered the Hearts man off.

It looked like Goodnight Vienna for Hearts chances although five minutes before half-time a corner from Don Cowie was met by Bjorn Johnsen. His header was just beyond Goncalves.

Viktor Noring was forced into a couple of fine saves from Bates and Hill as Hearts got to the break with just a one goal deficit.

Half-time Rangers 1 Hearts 0

Hearts replaced Malaury Martin with Alex Tziolis at the start of the second half. Within five minutes, the Maroons – or rather, the Yellow and Pink hoops – were unexpectedly level. Fine play from Don Cowie – yet again – set up Bjorn Johnsen who passed to Isma Goncalves to fire past Rangers keeper Foderingham.

Joy for the Hearts fans – but not for long. Two minutes later, a long high ball was fired into the Hearts penalty box. Keeper Noring punched a cross from Tavernier into the air when perhaps he should have caught the ball. It fell to McKay who drilled it home to put the home side ahead.

A great run from Hearts Liam Smith set up Goncalves who crossed the ball back to Smith but the young defender headed wide. It was a golden chance to equalise for a second time.

Seconds later, Johnsen shot straight at Foderingham as ten-men Hearts chased an equaliser.

Viktor Noring may have been at fault for Rangers second goal but he kept his side in the game with fine saves from Toral and Waghorn.

Another defeat for Hearts, then, but encouraging signs. At least Hearts managed to score a goal away from home on Saturday – for the first time since the Scottish Cup defeat at Ladbrokes Championship side Hibernian in February…

The defeat, coupled with St Johnstone’s victory over Partick Thistle, means Hearts can no longer qualify for next season’s Europa League qualifying stages. Given the rebuilding work required on the team, this is perhaps a blessing.

Afterwards, Ian Cathro was upbeat despite the result. He told the official Hearts website: “We were strong and consistent today, and we didn’t let things rock us. Our attitude and work rate was first class. They had counter attacks, yes, but so did we. We had to try and be bold.

“For me, it’s a bag of mixed feelings today. I’m disappointed to lose, but there are a lot of positives within that.

“Those of us on the inside know how and what we’re building. After today, I’m more convinced than ever that this is going to be a very good team.”

Rangers: Foderingham, Tavernier, Hill, Garner, Toral (Waghorn, 74′), Miller, McKay, Windass (Dodoo, 52′), Hodson, Holt (Barjonas, 67′), Bates.

Hearts: Noring, Buaben, Nowak, Hughes, Smith, Nicholson (Choulay, 84′), Cowie, Djoum, Martin (Tziolis, 46′), Johnsen (Currie, 74′), Isma.

Referee: Bobby Madden

Att: 47,809 (ticket sales as opposed to bums on seats I suspect)

Top man: Don Cowie – for the umpteenth time this season.

Stade come back to beat Gloucester and take the Challenge Cup

European Rugby came to Edinburgh on Friday night as Stade Francais and Gloucester faced off for the European Rugby Challenge Cup in front of just over 24,000 fans.

The match kicked off at BT Murrayfield under drizzly, misty conditions which did little for the handling as both sides probed for a dominant position. The first score came from an intercept by Gloucester wing, Jonny May. With Stade on the offensive inside Gloucester’s half, a loose pass was grabbed out of the air by May and the English speedster galloped in the 50-odd metres to dive over for the opener. Fly-half, Billy Burns then knocked over the conversion for 7-0 after 14 minutes.

The match then got bogged down for a while as, once again, both teams seemed to be trying not to lose rather than going for the win.

Slight relief came in the 22^nd minute when Burns scored a penalty to take the English side three points further clear at 10-0, Jules Plisson pulling three points back for the Parisians five minutes later.

Gloucester then upped the ante as they used their forwards to carry deep into Stade territory, putting pressure on the defence but, inevitably, losing possession through handling errors.

Three minutes before the break, the French side were up in the opposition 22 when scrum half, Will Genia floated a deft kick over the defensive line where the ball was juggled by Stade lock, Tom Savage. The ball dropped back and, fortuitously, bounced up into the hands of the evergreen Sergio Parisse, who then had the simple task of falling over the line for the try. Plisson then converted for the equaliser and, with a couple of minutes left in the half, it was honours even at 10-10.

It wasn’t honours even with team numbers for long as a clearance kick from the restart by Plisson was almost charged down by Gloucester 9, Willi Heinz. Unfortunately, Heinz was unable to change direction in mid-air and collected the 10 on his way to ground. Referee, John Lacey, felt that a TMO look was required and that showed that, while Heinz had indeed – unavoidably – crashed into Plisson, he had done so with a hand and elbow to the head was immediately yellow carded for the incident.

A – very – short time later, another Gloucester player almost followed him after a 14 v 15 brawl on the touchline. It appeared that Will Genia had been flattened at the back of a ruck by Gloucester No. 7, Lewis Ludlow. Not content with ‘taking the half-back without the ball’, he then continued with what our American cousins term ‘Unnecessary Roughness’ which initiated the punch up.

Then, thank goodness, it was half time at 10-10.

The second half was an altogether different affair. Stade turned up the wick and dominated play, aided and abetted by some sublime handling at times and tempered with the odd bout of sublime mis-handling.

Just avoiding a bullet when Gloucester’s Tom Marshall grounded the ball over the dead-ball line, following two over-the-head chips from sub, Greg Laidlaw, Stade’s first try of the half came in the 58^th minute as the French side were on the attack from their own territory. A one-handed offload from full back, Hugo Bonneval (Yes, I had to look twice as well! – JLP) found centre, Jonathan Dante who sprinted in from nigh-on half way, to slide over in the corner for the try. The kick was missed, but, with just under 60 minutes played, it was 15-10 to Stade Francais.

The French side then piled on the pressure, pinning the English team into their own 22 for long periods and, generally, dominating play and making the defence kick to clear their lines.

Reward came in the 71st minute when a slip by Gloucester’ Welsh hooker, Richard Hibbard, opened up a gap which gave Stade’s centre, Geoffrey Doumayrou, a huge gap to launch through and dive spectacularly over for a 10 point lead. Replacement, Morne Stein then chipped the conversion over for 22-10 with seven minutes left to play.

He followed this up a couple of minutes later for 25-10, leaving their opponents with the virtually impossible task of scoring three times in five minutes. They did their best, but had to settle for a consolation try from Ross Moriarty – converted by Laidlaw – a couple of minutes from time, but it was too late and Stade Francais took the win and, given their domestic season, gained a back door entry into next years Champions Cup.

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days.

Police are appealing for witnesses following two housebreakings which took place between 11pm on Sunday 7th May and 6.30am on Monday 8th May at addresses in Red Fox Crescent and Bavelaw Crescent Penicuik.

Entry was forced to the properties and an Audi A1 and a quantity of electronic items, including a tablet device and laptop were taken.

The Audi was recovered on 8th May in Bog Road in Penicuik with certain items of property taken in the Bavelaw Crescent housebreaking found inside.

Local officers are treating both break-ins as linked and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Sergeant Michele Lindsay from Penicuik Police Station said:

“We are continuing to conduct enquiries into both housebreakings and are appealing for the public’s help as part of this.

“As part of our ongoing investigation we would ask that anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in any of the areas affected to contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0473 of the 8th May for the first incident or 0487 of the 8th May for the second.

Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Scott Gallacher, Brian McLean, Alex Harris, Chris Humphrey, Grant Holt and Jamie Insall have all left Hibs.

Goalkeeper Gallacher joined the club on a short term deal following an injury to Ofir Marciano.

McLean also arrived on a short term deal during the second half of the season following injuries to Paul Hanlon, Jordon Forster and Liam Fontaine. He made two appearances for Hibs.

Harris (pictured) is a Hibernian Academy Graduate, and made 60 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2012. ‘Boozy’ will be fondly remembered for his contribution in the 2013 Scottish Cup semi-final, scoring his first goal for Hibs as part of the sensational 4-3 comeback win against Falkirk.

Humphrey joined Hibernian on a short-term deal from Preston North End in January, and made a blistering start to his Hibs career with a man-of-the-match performance against Dundee United at Easter Road.

An injury sustained in the opening minutes of the Scottish Cup win over Hearts hampered his time at the club, with Humphrey returning to fitness for the final few matches of the season.

Striker Holt was an almost ever-present for Neil Lennon’s side this season, scoring 7 times across 39 appearances including 3 in the final 4 matches of the season. His iconic Incredible Holt goal celebration netted the Hibernian Community Foundation a cash windfall thanks to Marathonbet.

Jamie Insall signed for the club in the summer of 2015, and spent the past two seasons on loan at East Fife.

Development Squad members Aaron Dunsmore and Ali Smith have also left the club following the expiry of their contracts.

It was also announced earlier this week that James Keatings would also be leaving, with the striker agreeing terms with Dundee United.

A club spokesman said: “We would like to thank all the above players for their efforts and contribution to the club and wish them well with their future careers.”

Next weekend, 19-21 May, Museums across Edinburgh will open their doors celebrating Scotland’s culture. There will be over 140 events across three days in the biggest ever Festival of Museums.
The venues across Edinburgh aim to entice visitors by having hands –on activities, showcasing the amazing culture of Scotland.

Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “Museums across Scotland will open their doors next weekend to host the biggest and most exciting Festival of Museums ever. We have a bumper programme packed with events celebrating Scotland’s rich culture and incredible history – from the Picts and Border Clansmen to Vikings and even pirates! Make sure you check out what’s happening near you.”

 
With events targeting all age’s events will be taking place across Edinburgh. Some of the highlights are set to be Your Teddy Takes a Walk around Edinburgh, City Art Centre, Saturday 20 May, which is a cartoon drawing session for the whole family with Stephen White, artist for The Broons and Oor Wullie. Photography events such as An Evening with Dark Edinburgh, St Cecilia’s Hall on Friday, 19 May which is a talk and workshop on how to create stunning images in Edinburgh given by the man behind Dark Edinburgh photography.

 
With so many events spread across the weekend Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said: “I would encourage everyone to take part in the Festival of Museums, it offers a packed programme of activities for all ages with over 140 events being held all across Scotland.”
To check out the full Festival programme visit the website where you can search for all the events in Edinburgh and beyond.

Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon and GameChanger visited Saughton Prison earlier this week to kick off their mental health activities as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Lennon, who has spoken on many occasions about his own challenges with mental ill health, supervised the final of a football competition and then took part in a Q&A with the prisoners and staff around mental health, discussing his own challenges, experiences in football and how he learns to cope when going through difficult times.

It is estimated that between 60-80% of the prison population suffer from poor mental health and one in four of the general public experience low mood, depression or anxiety. Raising awareness around the subject is an important objective of GameChanger so not only can people who are suffering seek the help they need, but more of us are aware of the signs in each other and can listen and signpost for help if someone needs it.

GameChanger is hosting its own 7 aside football competition to continue to raise the profile of mental health. The GameChanger Choose Life Challenge Cup takes place on Saturday 3rd June 11am to 3pm at Hibernian’s Training Centre at East Mains. To enter a team is free and spaces are available on a first come first served basis.

To register, call John Murphy on 0131 663 1616. The GameChanger Choose Life Challenge Cup is a fun competition open to anyone aged 16 or over, with mixed teams very welcome.

The winners will also get the chance to attend Easter Road for a penalty shoot out competition during a Hibernian home match around Suicide Prevention week in September.

Bookbug Week, an annual celebration of Scotland’s national book gifting programme, takes place between 15 and 21 May with hundreds of free events for children and babies held across the country.

This year’s theme is Bookbug’s Big Giggle, a fun and playful theme that encourages parents and carers to share playful songs and stories with their children in order to highlight that laughter is essential for well-being and for building bonds between carers and children.

Now in its seventh year, Bookbug Week 2017 will see free Big Giggle themed events taking place in every local authority in Scotland, with special appearances from some of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators.

Schools and nurseries across the country can also tune in to watch a fun-filled Authors Live event with Alex T Smith, streamed live at 11am on Wednesday 17 May.

Bookbug prizes will also be up for grabs in on-line competitions throughout the week and families can find details of all Bookbug Week events by visiting the website or asking at their local library.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Bookbug Week invites every family with young children to take part in the hundreds of free and fun-filled events across Scotland, to celebrate the joy that comes from sharing books and rhymes together.

“This year’s theme highlights how sharing these fun songs and stories can help with children’s confidence, development, connectivity and over-all well-being.”

Behind this headline is one very determined and persuasive woman. Lynne McNicoll OBE founded the charity It’s Good 2 Give seven years ago and this year she realised her dream by completing a building project on Loch Venachar in the Trossachs.

The 3 bedroom house was opened today by TV personality Lorraine Kelly, who cut the ribbon,  before a crowd of supporters from David Ferguson who gifted the land on which it is built to Edinburgh hairdresser Charlie Miller OBE who does so much for teenagers with cancer.

The proceedings were opened by birthday boy Grant Stott who is one of the charity’s patrons, with Lynne offering many heartfelt thanks to those present. The project only got underway when the local council said they would allow building on the site, but only if it was an exceptional building. Tony Kettle who is an award winning architect stepped up with the unique wave-shaped roof inspired by the ripples on the loch.

Fundraising by the charity has now reached over £2million.

Lynne said : “Opening the Ripple Retreat today is an amazing milestone for our charity.  Our dedicated funders and passionate volunteers have worked tirelessly to deliver something unique which will make an enormous difference to hundreds of people from all over Scotland every year.

“The Ripple Retreat will be a lifeline to families struggling with the devastating effects of a child’s cancer diagnosis.  Families are quickly thrown into despair having their child endure the ordeal of chemotherapy and the ravaging effects of this cruel disease.

“Our gift to these families is the Ripple Retreat.  A luxurious and peaceful living space for a short break to relax, reflect and hopefully, enjoy time together.

“On behalf of It’s Good 2 Give, our generous supporters and many dedicated volunteers, we are extremely proud to launch the Ripple Retreat for all the families we are committed to helping through an immensely difficult time in their lives.”

Lynne McNicoll was joined at the launch by Tabitha Lawson, age 12, a former cancer patient who received support from the charity at the age of 6, Alfie Byrne, age 7, whose sister died from cancer and Kira Noble, aged 13.  They are all now active Young Ambassadors for It’s Good 2 Give.”

She was also joined by her husband Ian McNicoll who likes to keep maintain a quiet but supportive presence. He has project managed the 18 month building project along with Lynne.

Many who have met Lynne over the years have been aware of her persuasive nature, but understand that it is all in a good cause! She recruited the help of a number of large businesses to help with the Ripple Retreat build including John Dennis Construction, Cundall, Harley Haddow, Kitchens International, James Morrow, Walker Group, Spifox and KDMedia. The pier in front of the modern designer house was funded by contributions from the Wooden Spoon charity.

The outstanding garden created by Semple Begg Garden and Landscape design, was funded by a donation from Spifox, the Scottish property charity which raises funds each year to support children and young people throughout Scotland.

The charity began when Lynne ran a healthy snack round in the oncology ward at the Sick Kids, but this was quickly extended to include workshops mentoring and practical support.

To donate to the Ripple Retreat, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/RippleRetreat.

Hearts have announced that full-back Faycal Rherras has left the club by mutual consent. The Moroccan internationalist joined the Gorgie club last summer and was a regular under previous Head Coach Robbie Neilson, making 23 appearances. However, Rherras has not made the same impact under present Head Coach Ian Cathro and last played for the Maroons in a 2-0 defeat from Partick Thistle in February.

Meanwhile, Ian Cathro has refused to comment on speculation linking former Hearts defender Christophe Berra with a return to Tynecastle. Berra has left English Championship side Ipswich Town after he expressed a desire to return to Scotland for family reasons. Rangers have also been linked with the 32-year-old.

One week after the results of the City Council elections were announced, you might have expected to know how the coalition might be made up.

There is no one political group which has a majority, so it is clear that some sort of joint working arrangement may be needed, but none has yet been declared.

We had understood that a deal between the SNP and Labour Groups had been reached on Wednesday evening, but so far this has not yet been revealed.

We were also told that both National executives have to sign off on the pledges and details, but that does not yet appear to have been achieved.

The SNP group leader, Adam McVey explained the current position to The Edinburgh Reporter. He said : “Coalition negotiations are ongoing, and I’m still hopeful that we can reach a deal which reflects the vision of Edinburgh that the majority of the people of Edinburgh voted for.

“I can’t pretend that the internal Labour party process required before a deal can be signed off hasn’t been a frustrating element of these negotiations. However, we’re ready to lead the City and we’ll keep working hard to find an agreeable solution take our Capital forward.”

At last week’s elections the SNP was returned as the largest group with 19 councillors, and the Conservative Group under the leadership of Inverleith councillor Iain Whyte have 18. Despite these numbers the SNP have been trying to turn their five year relationship with the Labour Group of 8 councillors into a different vehicle, and a minority coalition. In the last administration it was the Labour Group who had the largest number of councillors and they led the Capital Coalition. This time round it will be the SNP who will lead on the agenda for the next five years, and the Lord Provost will be appointed from among their number. The SNP group will also depend on each issue on support from the LibDems and Greens who both increased their councillor numbers at last week’s election.

We hope to be able to tell you that the capital of Scotland has a new council administration at the beginning of next week.

Police are appealing for information following a hate crime that occurred between 5.30pm and 5.40pm on Monday 8th May in St Andrew’s Place.

A 31-year-old man was walking along the street when he was subjected to racial abuse by two men, before being pushed to the ground and assaulted.

He sustained minor injuries but didn’t require medical treatment

The first male is described as white, 25-30-years-old, medium build, approximately 5ft 10ins with short dark hair.  He was believed to be wearing an orange jumper, dark jogging bottoms and light blue trainers.

The second male is also white, 25-30 years old, slight build, approximately 5ft 10ins with light stubble and short dirty blonde hair.  He was believed to be wearing a dark coloured T-shirt, grey jogging bottoms and white fabric trainers.

Leith Community Inspector Alan Carson said: “This has been a highly distressing ordeal for the victim who we will continue to support.

“This was an unprovoked attack in an area that would have been busy at the time and we’re doing everything we can to formally identify the suspects.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident but there will be an increased police presence in and around the immediate area.

“Tackling hate crime is a key Police Scotland priority. There is no place for intolerance in our society and we take a zero tolerance approach towards anyone involved in hate crime.

“The Leith community are proud of what is a really diverse mix of culture and background, and I know they will be disgusted at the behaviour of those responsible for this crime.

“We’re appealing to the community and to anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area between these times to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Re-defining supporters’ engagement in their local community, Big Hearts is the only football club charity shortlisted this year. Big Hearts Supporters aims to give fans of Heart of Midlothian Football Club opportunities to give their time to support local charities in Edinburgh.

This unique fan engagement initiative, and the first of its kinds for a charity in Scottish football, aims to facilitate supporters of Heart of Midlothian Football Club to become volunteers in their local community.

Organised by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Awards, which are free to enter, celebrate the life-changing work of charities, community groups and individuals dedicated to making Scotland a better place to live.

Craig Wilson, Big Hearts General Manager, said: ‘’We are thrilled to have the fantastic opportunity to highlight once again the amazing outcomes of our Big Hearts Supporters initiative.  Since launching 15 months ago, the movement has allowed us to support even more families across Edinburgh and have clearly opened new perspectives for football fans’ engagement in their local community.’’

Martin Sime, Chief Executive, SCVO, said: “Year after year Scottish charities and voluntary organisations prove themselves to be beacons for creativity, tenacity and innovation. This year’s Scottish Charity Awards finalists demonstrate these qualities in abundance and are shining examples of how people can work together to make Scotland a better place.”

All shortlisted entries will also compete for the People’s Choice Award which will be decided by the public via online voting.  The public can vote for Big Hearts by clicking on the following link: Scottish Charity Awards 2017

Police in Edinburgh have released a detailed description of a vehicle they want to trace in connection with a collision in the south of the city.

The incident took place around 8.25pm on Monday 8 May 2017 in Burdiehouse Road, at the junction with Southhouse Broadway.

A Honda CBR 125 was involved in a collision with a white BMW 5 Series, which was last seen heading in the direction of Straiton.

The 59-year-old male rider sustained injuries to his ribs and wrist and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Officers are eager to trace the driver of the BMW, which is described as a saloon-type vehicle with tinted windows and an M5 body kit.

The vehicle was a newer model which had a personalised plate that is believed to include the numbers 5 and 3.

PC Ross Halliday of the Road Policing Unit at Fettes said: “We’re continuing our enquiries to trace the BMW and are appealing for anyone who recognises this vehicle’s description to come forward.

“If the driver see’s this appeal, we’d urge them to make contact with us as soon as possible to assist with the ongoing investigation.”

Those with information can contact Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit via 101, quoting incident number 3907 of 8 May 2017, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There is no rest for the Edinburgh Wolves as the BAFANL fixtures keep the big hits coming. After the disappointing events of last weekend Head Coach, Don Edmonston and his team have had little time to prepare for the visit of Tamworth Phoenix Saturday.

The game against East Kilbride, which was lost in the 4th quarter, will have no doubt sapped some of the early season confidence from the Wolves camp. But with hosting last year’s Premiership North champions, the Wolves can seek solace in the fact that they are massive underdogs with nothing to lose.
Tamworth opened their campaign last weekend with a resounding defeat of the Lancashire Wolverines, 52-0, and will look to continue their dominance of the Premiership North with their trip to Edinburgh.
The real question for the game is if we will see the Wolves return to the high-flying, high scoring offense that they have become synonymous with or the more conservative game they played against East Kilbride last weekend. The Edinburgh Wolves, returning to Meggetland this week, after playing at Peffermill during the playoffs and last weekend.
This weekend should prove to be an interesting trial for the Wolves and a great opportunity for the team and staff to gauge themselves against the bets team in the North and, based on last year’s ranking, the 3rd best team in the country.

The game kicks off at 14:30, tomorrow the 13th of May, and the gates open 13:30. Tickets are £6 or £15 for a season ticket that will include this game and the remaining three home games.

“I to the hills will lift mine eyes……”  The airy words of Psalm 121 always lift my spirits and remind me to be calm and put things in perspective.  Last weekend I headed for the hills and escaped the temporal world of elections, economic tribulations, Brexit negotiations, independence referendums, class wars, culture wars, sports results and all the paraphernalia of modern life. I went to Knoydart.

This rocky peninsula on the west coast is best accessed by ferry from Mallaig.  It consists of three mighty Munros and one of Britain’s most remote communities. High on the ridges of Ladhar Bheinn (pronounced Lar-ven), on a gloriously sunny day, we were treated to the best view this world has to offer……. the Skye Cullins, the islands of Rum and Eigg, and away in the distance the Outer Hebrides, all set in a glistening blue sea.  Behind us, the hills and lochs stretched to the horizon.

These hills, I’m told, are 800 million years old and they lie on rocks which are even older, some 3 billion years old.  The Skye Cullins are newcomers to this scene, being the result of a rude interruption by a volcano 60 million years ago. Even in our crudest form, we humans have only been here for one-sixtieth of that time. And I have been here for 0.000066 of that one-sixtieth. Now that’s what I call perspective.

When we are dead and gone, indeed when all human kind are dead and gone, these hills will still be here. Maybe the deer will still be here, and the descendants of the raven we saw, and the ptarmigan and the little meadow pipits.  Maybe, too, the wild flowers that charmed us on the lower slopes. Compared with these fixtures, we live a precarious life.  But one we should be less troubled by.

Down from the mountains, we take ourselves seriously. We make the best of our short-term circumstances. In this case, we eat in a fine restaurant in Inverie and stayed in one of the holiday cottages on the Knoydart Foundation’s 17,200 acre estate.  It was bought by the community in 1999 after a series of absentee landowners had neglected it for decades.  Since then, buildings and tracks have been restored, businesses started, the water, sewerage and hydro-power systems have been renewed and the population has doubled to over 100.

Coming back from this small Utopia to my more ordinary life in Edinburgh was a bit of a shock.  I found that the political landscape had changed as a result of the local council elections. The SNP were now the biggest party in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and in another 14 districts across Scotland.

I was astonished to find that the Conservatives were claiming to be the main opposition to the SNP and that Labour had lost 133 council seats and was down to just 20 per cent of the vote. I was equally astonished to learn that no one was talking about local council issues at all and everyone was going on about “independence” and, to a lesser extent, “Brexit.”

So now we enter the UK General Election campaign proper, with just four weeks till polling day.  There is much talk of targeting and tactical voting, with the Greens deciding to stand aside in all but three of the 59 constituencies.  SNP grandees Alex Salmond and Angus Robertson are facing the Tory upsurge in the North East. Labour’s only MP in Scotland, Ian Murray in Edinburgh South, is relying on Tories to support him to keep the SNP at bay. The Liberal Democrats are desperately hoping to win back Edinburgh West. And so it goes on.

First Minister’s question time on Thursday was all about education and the National Health Service, despite the fact that these are not matters for the Westminster MPs we are about to elect.  But there is sufficient concern about both to make them election issues. A government study has found that only half of pupils in Senior Two classes are performing well in literacy and only 65 per cent are performing well at the end of their primary school career.

Another shift in the Scottish landscape was signaled this week when we found out that North Sea oil and gas produced no tax revenue at all in 2016. In fact, the Treasury lost £338m due to decommissioning and investment subsidies for the industry.  You can see why the Scottish Government is moving swiftly away from oil and gas and relying more on renewables.  It’s set a new target to meet half our energy requirements from renewables by 2030.

Finally, the Jacobite clans have captured Edinburgh Castle, a feat they failed to achieve in 1745.  Some 30 kilted clan chiefs marched up The Royal Mile and through the gates of the castle for the first time in 272 years ……but it was by invitation.  The clans are to get a special place at this summer’s Military Tattoo and this week we were given a preview.  Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces captured the rest of the city back in 1745 but the Hanoverian garrison in the castle managed to hold out against them with the aid of some rather large guns.

I never thought I would see such a grand reconciliation as I passed Prince Charlie on his monument at Glenfinnan on the way back from Mallaig. But when you go to the hills you never know what you might see when you get back.

Glasgow are setting a minimum target of a point as they bid to maintain their unrivalled league record in the Scottish derby tomorrow.

Tigers are the only SGB Championship side to take something from each of their seven meetings this season.

If they win at Armadale, they will go joint-top with the Monarchs but they could go above them if they repeat their big-scoring heroics of the return fixture two weeks ago.

Twenty four hours later, the Tigers take on Redcar at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium in what’s anticipated to be a thrill-a-minute fixture.

Glasgow star Richard Lawson is keen to see his side’s record continue and insists a point, for teams that lose by six or less, is the least they should be aiming for on the road.

“That is our minimum target though some people would be happy with getting a point, with the way that everyone’s going at the minute, we should be aiming for more than that.

“You’ve got to come away from those meetings with at least a point, because even if they get the win and we get a point, it’s going to help in the league against those kind of clubs. But I think we should look for more.

“It will be an exciting meeting. Earlier on in my career I had some bad meetings at Edinburgh but recent years haven’t been too bad.

“It’s not a track I dislike at all, it’s just I didn’t have much luck there and then I dreaded going because of that.

“But I quite like the track now and it’s always a bit more fun riding for Glasgow against Edinburgh because of the derby. I look forward to it.”

Candidates standing in Edinburgh’s five constituencies in the UK Parliamentary Election on 8 June 2017 were announced  yesterday evening as nominations for candidates closed at 4pm.

The nominated candidates for each constituency are listed in full below and on the Council website.

Some of these are now well kent faces. The three remaining SNP MPs, Tommy Sheppard, Deidre Brock and Joanna Cherry along with Labour’s Ian Murray have been fairly vocal in the last two years of the last parliament. But there are also some other names on the list which are known to us.

Conservative Iain McGill is standing again having lost his chance at a seat in the Holyrood election last year to Jeremy Balfour MSP on a cut of a pack of cards. McGill has stood many times and is a fervent campaigner. He is taking his chances in Edinburgh North and Leith against former Depute Lord Provost Deidre Brock and Labour Councillor Gordon Munro.

Jim Eadie who was until last year an MSP is taking on the apparent might of the Labour Party in Edinburgh South where not only Ian Murray has been their MP, but Daniel Johnson is the recently elected MSP.

Miles Briggs is a list MSP who is standing in Edinburgh South West against Joanna Cherry and also Foysol Choudhury MBE, a Bangladeshi born businessman who founded the Edinburgh Mela.

In Edinburgh West the Liberal Democrats believe they have their best chance as this was a LibDem seat till the last election. They are fielding a relative heavyweight candidate Christine Jardine against the SNP’s Toni Giugliano who was unsuccessful at the Holyrood elections and also Sandy Batho another unsuccessful candidate last year.

This is the full list and if your name is on it then we would like to meet you for interview. editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Edinburgh East
GRAY, Tristan Philip Pierre – Scottish Liberal Democrats
KING, Patsy – Scottish Labour Party
MACKIE, Katie Crichton – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
SHEPPARD, Tommy – Scottish National Party (SNP)

Edinburgh North and Leith
BROCK, Deidre Leanne – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MCGILL, Iain – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
MUNRO, Gordon John – Labour and Co-operative Party
SLATER, Lorna Jane – Scottish Green Party
VEART, Martin – Scottish Liberal Democrats

Edinburgh South
BEAL, Alan Christopher – Scottish Liberal Democrats
EADIE, Jim – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MURRAY, Ian – Scottish Labour Party
SMITH, Stephanie Jane Harley – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

Edinburgh South West
BRIGGS, Miles Edward Frank – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
CHERRY, Joanna Catherine – Scottish National Party (SNP)
CHOUDHURY, Foysol Hussain – Scottish Labour Party
MIR, Aisha Jawaid – Scottish Liberal Democrats

Edinburgh West
BATHO, Sandy – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
GIUGLIANO, Toni – Scottish National Party (SNP)
JARDINE, Christine Anne – Scottish Liberal Democrats
TELFORD, Mandy – Scottish Labour Party
WHITTET, Mark Robertson – Scotland’s Independence Referendum Party

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh in the UK Parliamentary Elections, said: “If you’re not registered for the UK Parliamentary Elections, make sure you don’t miss the deadline to register – go to gov.uk/register-to-vote and do it today, it only takes a few minutes.

“Voters should be aware that some polling places will be different on 8 June. Poll cards will begin landing on people’s doormats from next week (w/c 15 May) – please check your poll card carefully to make sure you get to the right place to cast your vote on polling day.”

To vote in the UK Parliamentary Elections on 8 June, voters must be aged 18 or over and either a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen.

Voter registration closes at midnight on Monday 22 May. Anyone already registered for the Council elections on 4 May does not need to re-register. However, anyone who has changed address since the 4 May local elections needs to re-register to be able to vote in the UK Parliamentary Elections on 8 June.

Applications for postal votes must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 23 May. 

Voters are urged to check their poll cards carefully as some polling places will be different from those used in previous elections (including in the recent Council elections). Poll cards will be sent out from Monday 15 May.

Applications to vote by proxy must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 31 May.

Postal ballot packs will start being sent out during the week beginning Monday 22 May. Postal voters are encouraged to return their completed ballots as soon as possible.

Voters should mark an X beside one candidate.

Find out more about where, when and how to vote.

The Ferry will not be left without a bus service following intervention by Lothian Buses.

The Edinburgh Reporter has been told that from 4 June 2017 they will be introducing a new service to South Queensferry with their new bus company called Lothian Country.

The bus firm will be wholly owned by Lothian Buses but will operate as a standalone business with its own buses and products.

Historically two major transport providers First and Stagecoach have been unable to operate commercially viable services within this area with low passenger numbers and increasing levels of traffic congestion contributing to their withdrawal.

The company has issued a statement about the new service :

“The successful continuation of bus services is wholly dependent on customer usage levels – it’s important that the community embrace our new venture to ensure its ongoing success.

“We have been working hard behind the scenes over the last few weeks gathering customer and journey time data, and working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council on the delivery of bus priority measures that ensure our ability to run reliable services which optimise journey times and deliver a positive customer experience.

“Some of these measures have now been agreed for implementation:

• Traffic signal prioritisation at Princes Street/Queensferry Street junction and Queensferry Street/Melville Street
• A commitment that the existing citybound bus lane is not compromised on approach to Dean Bridge
• Review of parking restrictions on key arterial city routes to allow for passing places for buses

There is, however, an ongoing need to look long term and strategically at traffic flows into the city.

No further details or information on routes and fares are currently available for release.

We are now working hard to finalise these prior to registration with the Traffic Commissioner and public release and they will be available during the course of next week.

We want you to have the opportunity to be the first to have access to all details including the new routes and fares by signing up to receive information below.

Follow our Facebook feed at facebook.com/lothiancountry 

Follow our Twitter feed at @lothiancountry

We look forward to seeing you onboard soon!

SNP aim to hold on to two Central Scotland constituencies with the same candidates in the General Election next month.

Hannah Bardell contests Livingston against opponents from the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and Scottish Labour Party.

Charles Dundas, a former Edinburgh councillor, is the Liberal Democrat nominee with Damian Timson representing the Scottish Conservatives. Rhea Wolfson is the Scottish Labour Party candidate.

Martyn Day, a former West Lothian councillor, won the Linlithgow and East Falkirk seat at the last election during the SNP landslide.

On this occasion he faces opposition from Joan Coombes of the Scottish Labour Party, Charles Kennedy of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist and Sally Pattle for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Ms Pattle runs a well known bookshop in Linlithgow.

The election comes hard on the heels of last week’s local election and there the Tories celebrated.

Previously, they only held one seat on West Lothian Council with veteran councillor Tom Kerr, a former Provost of West Lothian, the lone Tory.

Now they have seven seats and Kerr hopes that they can maintain that momentum in the national poll.

Aberdeen City has been the creative hub for the members of ‘SPAM Art Collective’ who are all graduates of Gray’s School of Art and have witnessed first-hand the cultural rejuvenation of the city where their practices have flourished. They are now about to bring their art to Edinburgh’s Patriothall Gallery this summer.

Not wishing to rest their laurels, they have produced an exhibition to showcase their development as artists and as individuals as they find their voice in a post-art school landscape. Also contributing to the exhibition is local artist John Morrison, who is part of ‘Peacock Visual Arts’ which has been a cornerstone of Aberdeen City’s culture since it was established in 1974.

SPAM Art Collective was founded by graduates of Gray’s School of Art shortly after the end of their studies in 2016 with the intention of contributing to the ever growing art scene in Aberdeen by bringing the community pop-up shows, exhibitions and zines. Due to the various disciplines shared by each member, this brings forth an exciting arrangement for broadening the audience’s views on a range of subject matters. These contributions provide a forum for the members as they make their mark in the fast paced, socially engaged world of today.

Hatch is an exhibition and incubation space, a stone’s throw from the renovation works of Aberdeen Art Gallery on the cobbles of Belmont Street. The young space provides a unique opportunity for innovation and inspiration in which SPAM Art Collective can showcase in the heart of Aberdeen City

In addition, the group will be showcasing further work at Patriothall Gallery, Hamilton Place, Edinburgh (21st July-1st August).

Scrum Down! Lawrence Dallaglio and Turkish Rugby Team, Kadikoy, take on an Airbus 330 in Istanbul

Ahead of the European Challenge and Champions Cup Final rugby tournament in Edinburgh this weekend, the Official Airline Partner of the tournament, Turkish Airlines challenged Lawrence Dallaglio and amateur Turkish Rugby Team Kadikoy to a scrum with an Airbus A330 at Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul. Visit www.turkishairlines.com for further information.

In celebration of the European Challenge and Champions Cup Final tournament in Edinburgh this weekend, the Official Airline Partner of the tournament, Turkish Airlines challenged Lawrence Dallaglio and amateur Turkish Rugby Team Kadikoy to a scrum with an Airbus A330 at Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul.

Weighing in at 242 tonnes, with a wingspan of 64 meters and a length of 63 meters the Airbus A330 is far stronger than all the European Challenge and Champions Cup teams combined, yet the eight-strong Kadıkoy team members were eager to pick up the gauntlet to see if they could take on the pack and push the aircraft backwards down the runway, aided by a scrum machine.

In preparation for the challenge the Wasps, England and Lions legend Dallaglio, spent time coaching and putting Kadıkoy through their paces to get them into shape for the stunt, with technique and scrum tips How did they fair?  Was their crouch, touch, engage good enough to beat the Airbus A330? Watch the video to find out!

Dallaglio, who won the European Cup as captain of Wasps in 2004 and 2007, said; “It was a hugely fun training session. I’ve scrummed down against a few heavy lumps in my time but it’s not every day you get use of a 242 tonne passenger plane to train with!”

“The guys from Kadikoy are all amateur Turkish players who are very passionate about putting Turkey on the map as a rugby nation. They put everything into it and we had some challenging weather conditions but it was a great experience!”

On Friday night, Gloucester take on Stade Français in the Challenge Cup final followed by Saracens going head to head with Clermont Auvergne on Saturday night in the climax of Rugby Union’s elite European Club competition, The Champions Cup. Both games are hosted at the iconic BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

Turkish Airlines, Europe’s Best Airline for the sixth consecutive year by Skytrax, have partnered with Lawrence Dallaglio, a two-time European Challenge and Champions Cup winner to champion the sponsorship.  The ‘Player of the Cup’ will be awarded a 1-million-point Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles card in recognition of their outstanding performance during the tournament.  This will be awarded during the final match.

12 May 2017

Cara Dillon plus special guests

Cara Dillon has won Best Album at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and has a legion of devoted fans from the world of folk, while her angelically clear voice, bitter-sweet storytelling and witty charm have also won her a broader following. In concert Dillon treats her audiences as friends, ‘as if they were neighbours chit-chatting over the garden fence’ (The Guardian).  Cara’s fifth solo album, A Thousand Hearts, is another small masterpiece of song and emotion, ethereal and radiant, beautifully honed and perfectly true.

Tickets here

13 May 2017

Kevock Choir 50th Anniversary Concert

Graham Lovett: conductor
George Wilson: piano
Finlay Smith: violin

To celebrate 50 years of singing, the Kevock Choir will perform a selection of popular favourites selected by choir members, including Cantique de Jean Racine (Fauré), Ave Verum(Mozart), and choral arrangements of Battle Hymn of the Republic, Shenandoah, music from Schindlers List, songs from Les Misérables and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Tickets here.

15 May 2017

Tom Chaplin plus support

You may think you know Tom Chaplin. His soaring, emotional voice lay at the centre of Keane, the anthemic, multi-million selling British band who scored 5 number one albums between 2004 and 2013, delivering such unforgettable hits as Everybody’s Changing, Is It Any Wonder?and Somewhere Only We Know. Now, Tom Chaplin returns with his extraordinary solo debut The Wave, a self-penned album revealing the real man behind the songs.

It is a journey from utter despair to redemption, love and self-acceptance, told with enormous, emotional pop music. The voice is the same. The songs tell a whole new story.

Tickets here.

16 May 2017

Nicola Benedetti

Nicola Benedetti returns for an intimate evening’s recital and “in conversation with” playing a new programme of classical works for violin and piano, alongside her duo partner, Alexei Grynyuk.

Tickets here.

17 May 2017

Stacey Kent

The internationally acclaimed and Grammy-nominated vocalist, Stacey Kent, returns to The Queen’s Hall with a brand new concert, featuring music from her latest album Tenderly (Sony Music / Okeh Records).

Tenderly sees Stacey return to familiar ground with her first album of standards and jazz-classics since the release of her breakthrough album of 2003, The Boy Next Door – featuring tracks such as The Very Thought of You, Tangerine, In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning and Embraceable You.

Tickets here

18 May 2017

The Fureys

Legends of Irish music & song The Fureys, renowned for their hit songs I will love you, When you were sweet 16, The Green fields of France, The old man, Red rose café, From Clare to here, Her father didn’t like me anyway, Leaving Nancy, Steal away etc return for another great night of music, songs and stories at The Queen’s Hall on 18 May 2017.

Tickets here.

19 May 2017

KT Tunstall plus support

Brit Award and Ivor Novello Award winning KT recently was honoured further with the Inspirational Artist gong at the Women In Music Awards. It Took Me So Long To Get Here, But Here I Am is the third single taken from the full bodied and blooded KIN which was released earlier this year to rave reviews and debuted at No.7 on the official UK Album Chart.

Tickets here.

20 May 2017

Got Soul Choir : Sizzlin’ Soul

Led by soul powerhouse Maryam Ghaffari, the 100+ voices of Edinburgh’s premier soul choir bring you Sizzlin’ Soul!

For this concert, the Choir are joined by special guest, UK’s hottest soul diva Sharlene Hector from Basement Jaxx, plus the full Got Soul live band, to give you a night of infectious and uplifting songs guaranteed to get you on your feet.

Tickets here.

21 May 2017 

An evening with Kris Drever & Band (featuring Louis Abbott of Admiral Fallow and Euan Burton)

To simply call Kris Drever ‘a folksinger’ would be like saying that LAU, the acclaimed band in which he also sings and plays, is ‘a Scottish folk trio’. Both true descriptions but reductive ones that only hint at the progressive joys contained in the music of each.

Kris Drever launches into 2016 with a brand new studio album If Wishes Were Horses (Reveal Records). With it he celebrated his first decade as an acclaimed solo artist and songwriter. The new album is his first for six years (during which time his band Lau have established themselves as the most widely acclaimed and musically progressive trio in British folk music).

Tickets here

25 May 2017

Mànran

Mànran are one of the best-known and best-loved Scottish bands on the scene today. The 2011 launch of their debut single, “Latha Math” heralded a meteoric rise to the top of the Scottish music world that quickly saw them playing many of the most prestigious festivals in Europe despite having only been in existence a few short months.

Tickets here.

27 May 2017

Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society

A Grand Night for Singing

Join the Principals, Chorus and Orchestra of the renowned Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society, conducted by its Musical Director, David Lyle, as they usher in the Summer with a programme of vocal and orchestral music encompassing music theatre, opera, operetta and – of course – the incomparable works of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Tickets here.

Coming up in June the hall is hosting an extra special event as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival – more about that soon!

Next week at The Queen’s Hall they are hosting one of their favourite performers.

Nicola Benedetti MBE is performing with Alexei Grynyuk on piano.

This will be an intimate evening’s recital followed by a Q & A with the doyenne of the violin.

Nicola will be playing a new programme of the Brahms Violin Sonatas 1, 2 and 3, alongside her duo partner, Alexei Grynyuk.

The Queen’s Hall is the ideal setting to showcase Nicola’s individual interpretation of exquisite smaller scale pieces and provides the perfect contrast to the orchestral repertoire that she performs more often in Scotland and the rest of the world.

Nicola Benedetti is one of the most sought after violinists of her generation. Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today.

Winner of Best Female Artist at both 2012 and 2013 Classical BRIT Awards, Nicola records exclusively for Decca (Universal Music). The enormous success of Nicola’s recording, Homecoming; A Scottish Fantasy, made Nicola the first solo British violinist since the 1990s to enter the Top 20 of the Official UK Albums Chart.

She is credited with broadening the appeal of classical music to young and new audiences through her extensive education work and appearances at events such the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and iTunes Festival. Nicola was appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours, in recognition of her international music career and work with musical charities throughout the UK.

Website www.nicolabenedetti.co.uk
Twitter @NickyBenedetti

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce that ENGLAND IS MINE will close the 71^st edition of the Festival on Sunday 2^nd July, 2017 at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh.

ENGLAND IS MINE takes audiences back to 1970s Manchester, where Steven Morrissey (Jack Lowden – Dunkirk, A United Kingdom, ’71), an introverted, uncompromising teenager, finds himself frustrated with his working-class existence.

With dreams of a successful music career being dampened by his run-of-the-mill job at the local tax office, Steven finds solace in the city’s underground gig scene where he meets Linder Sterling (Jessica Brown Findlay – Downton Abbey, The Riot Club) – an intelligent, self-assured artist – who encourages him to make his ideas of superstardom a reality.

Culminating in his first meeting with Johnny Marr, ENGLAND IS MINE, is a feature length biopic based on the early life of Morrissey, the outspoken former lead singer of seminal British band The Smiths. The film is directed by Academy Award® and BAFTA Award nominee Mark Gill (The Voorman Problem) and produced by Baldwin Li (The Voorman Problem) and Orian Williams (Control).Key cast will be in attendance on Closing night.

EIFF Artistic Director Mark Adams said: “Morrissey is one of Britain’s most iconic artists, and this delve into his formative years is a witty and enthralling look at a great music talent. The world premiere of ENGLAND IS MINE will be a perfect way to wrap this year’s Festival.”

Tickets will go on sale at 10 am on Friday 12 May through the EIFF website. For more information visit www.edfilmfest.org.uk.

Edinburgh Monarchs bosses admit to having been left seething by their squad’s 57-34 capitulation to Glasgow Tigers at Ashfield last month.

And spokesman Graham Muncie says the Armadale club are looking to make up for this when Tigers visit the West Lothian track on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

The key battles, he claims, may be at the top end of the team and Tigers head east sporting what many consider to be the strongest top three in the league.

He said: “Aaron Summers, Richard Lawson and Richie Worrall all battle for the No 1 slot for the Tigers and all are currently averaging more than nine points per match for the season.”

Muncie revealed that Monarchs are back to full strength and with Josh Pickering continuing to ride through the pain barrier with two broken fingers.

Glasgow will be missing Finnish prospect Nike Lunna who suffered a broken thumb in a crash against the Monarchs at Ashfield.

Rider replacement will operate in his place with Richard Lawson, Dan Bewley and the Tigers reserves being eligible for a ride.

Monarchs bosses have appealed to fans following parking issues in local residential areas particularly Mallace Avenue behind the stadium.

The club pride themselves on being considerate neighbours and part of the Armadale community we would please ask that all fans park in one of the official car parks.

SYHA Hostelling Scotland has added 143 en-suite rooms at the new Edinburgh Haddington Place Youth Hostel to its portfolio from 17 July to 2 September 2017,

The rooms are ideal for individual travellers and small groups looking for a central location as it is 15 minutes walk from Edinburgh’s city centre and main transport links.

It is also close to SYHA’s flagship, five-star Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel, open all year and a popular choice with families and large groups.

SYHA chief executive Keith Legge said: “Securing additional youth hostel accommodation in Edinburgh for the busy summer months has long been part of our strategy.

“We can now offer an even wider range of affordable accommodation to families, groups, young people and individual travellers looking to make the most of the capital’s vibrant summer festivals.”

For more information on SYHA Hostelling Scotland go to – https://www.syha.org.uk/.

Braehead Clan boss Gareth Chalmers has confirmed that new player signings are imminent despite not having a coach.

Nearly 50 applications from top coaches from Europe, North America and the UK have been received following the dismissal of Ryan Finnerty but Chalmers, the club’s hockey and operations director, said they will take their time.

He confirmed that player signings are imminent but said that highly-rated netminder Michal Zajkowski is leaving the Scottish Elite League club to join his hometown team, Örnsköldsvik, in Sweden.

Chalmers said: “We’re spending time doing our homework on each coach to ensure we’re looking at the right candidates.

“Negotiations with a number of players are close to being finalised and we’ll be in a position soon to start confirming the exciting new roster.”