A man and two women have been detained as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a 41-year-old man in Gibson Terrace yesterday
The death is currently being treated as supicious and inquiries are continuing.
Former Hearts’ player and Hibs’ coach Donald Park has been appointed as Head of Coaching and will work closely with the Scotland national youth team coaches as well as provide coaching support and mentorship to academies within the Club Academy Scotland structure.
In addition, Jim Fleeting will move on from his post as Director of Football Development to become Director of Coaching and will lead on coaching within the seven regional Performance Schools whilst also overseeing the coach education programme.
As part of the changes Andrew Gould will succeed Jim Fleeting by becoming Head of Football Development, overseeing the grassroots football programmes following 10 years as Head of Regional Development.
SFA Performance Director Malky Mackay said: “Jim and Donald are two highly respected and experienced coaches and these new roles will greatly enhance our coaching programme at all levels.
“Our coach education programme is among the most highly-regarded in Europe but these changes will allow us to provide greater focus in education and mentoring at all levels of the game.
“The roles will not only provide our own national youth teams and Performance School coaches with better support, but the clubs, and the coaches working within the clubs, will also benefit greatly.
“These are important changes that will support the development of our coaches and ultimately serve to help us produce better players for the Scotland national team.”
The appointments are the next stage of Project Brave, a series of changes aimed at harnessing the success of the strategic plan and ensure a more efficient pathway to first-team football.
The proposals include a reduction from the current 29 funded academies to a maximum of 16, selected via an independently audited criteria-based system. That, in turn, would streamline the number of players in the academy system from around 2500 to around 1200, bringing greater focus to talent development and optimising playing opportunities.
In addition, enhanced funding for achieving Measureable Performance Outcomes will encourage best practice, the alignment of youth-age matches to a summer season will promote attractive football and the return of reserve-team football is designed to expose young players to more intense competition at the key age of development.
Since the launch of Scotland United: A 2020 Vision in 2011, the Scottish FA has worked in partnership with senior clubs to provide a pathway for the country’s most talented players from the seven regional performance schools, Club Academy Scotland and the national youth teams programme.
A Police investigation is underway following the death of a man who was found with serious injuries at a property on Gibson Terrace opposite the Fountain Park complex on Sunday night.
Emergency services including armed police officers attended the scene around 8.15pm and the man received treatment from ambulance staff but was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers are treating the death as suspicious and have appealed to members of the public who can assist with their inquiries to contact Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Police are appealing for witnesses after a vehicle was intentionally set on fire about 11.10pm on Saturday night outside an address at Bill Russell Grove, Dalkeith.
The suspect has been seen smashing the vehicle window and setting it on fire causing substantial damage and also damaging a vehicle parked nearby.
He is described as 16-18 years old, 5ft 11ins, slim build. He was wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, black jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.
Detective Constable James Welsh of Dalkeith Police Station said: “This deliberate act has caused the vehicle owner a great deal of distress and upset about the damage that has been inflicted on her car.
“We’re still conducting enquiries in order to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or recognise the suspect description.”
“Anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area around this time is asked to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Within five minutes of parking my car at Rosslynlee Trout Fishery, two anglers had their rods bent by fish.
That is, to my mind, a solid endorsement of the sport available at the 5.25 acre fishery near Penicuik.
BACKGROUND: The loch, which has views towards Edinburgh, Fife and the Moorfoot Hills, is stocked regularly with quality rainbow and blue trout from two pounds to double figures and there is also a good head of brown trout.
Fishing is by fly only and, in order not to damage the stock, anglers are requested not to net or handle fish.
They are asked to unhook in the water with a release tool or forceps and lift out the flies.
Robert and Joan Pitcairn pride themselves on having a fine reputation as a good “top of the water” fishery and there are 30 well-constructed platforms for a maximum of 24 rods to avoid overcrowding. Two boats are available.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7jzTSmT7cY]
Contact: Robert and Joan Pitcairn
Web: www.rosslynleetroutfishery.co.uk
Address: Newbigginghill near Penicuik EH26 8QF but beware as three local properties have the same postcode
Directions: the fishery is at Newbigginghill around four miles from Penicuik, five miles from the Edinburgh by-pass and four miles from Bonnyrigg on the A6094 Bonnyrigg to Howgate road on the left hand side, two miles south of Rosewell
T: 01968 679606
Times: gates open 8.15am and the fishery is open daily from 8.45am to 5pm and to dusk from the end of April to the end of August
Car park: for about 20 cars
Species: rainbow, blue and brown trout
Basic prices: from £12 for four hours catch and release and from £19 for four hours, take the first two fish and then catch and release
Concessions: none
Rod hire: only for experienced anglers
Catching method: fly only
Minimum 6lbs nylon and flatten hook barbs and maximum of two flies
How many pegs: 30 but restricted to 24 fishermen to avoid overcrowding and to provide an angler with his or her own space
How many boats: two
Booking: advisable, especially at weekends and holidays
Outings: welcomed and contact Robert or Joan Pitcairn
On-site facilities: shop with basics including leader material and hooks. Snacks are also available along with tea/coffee and cold drinks. A microwave is in place for heating food
Bothy: with toilets and disabled access. There is a seating area with a wood-burning stove where anglers are welcome to eat their own food and join in friendly conversation
Progressive rock band Frost* will be appearing at the Liquid Rooms on Saturday 8th April.
BAFTA nominated and Ivor Novello award winning songwriter Jem Godfrey formed the band in 2005 after 5 years of writing million selling number 1 records for the likes of Holly Valance, Atomic Kitten and X-Factor. The band quickly gained attention with the release of their debut album “Milliontown in 2006 which remains an oft cited influence to this day with many up and coming bands.
Since then Frost* have released a second album, a DVD and supported Dream Theater, Spock’s Beard and Pallas on hugely successful tours. Frost* are following up on their very successful summer 2016 tour with this Spring 2017 Tour.
In the intervening time, Jem has been recruited by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai to play keyboards on various tours, John Mitchell has released the critically acclaimed “Lonely Robot” album, Nathan King continues to tour and record with pop legends Level 42 while Craig Blundell is now the drummer for prog luminary Steven Wilson who has recently released the smash crossover record “Hand. Cannot. Erase”.
With latest album “Falling Satellites” released in May 2016. A fantastic Cruise to The Edge. An already existing legendarily loyal and deeply committed fan base. Frost* are cementing their reputation as one of the leading progressive rock acts of the 21st century.
Frost* are:
Jem Godfrey – Keys/vocals,
John Mitchell – Guitar/vocals (It Bites),
Nathan King – Bass/vocals (Level 42)
Craig Blundell – Drums (Steven Wilson)
Gordon Strachan has announced his squad for Scotland’s forthcoming matches against Canada and Slovenia.
Hibs’ star John McGinn is included which could mean that he would miss the game against Falkirk on Saturday 25th.
Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser and Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney have been handed their first senior call-ups.
There are also places for striker Jordan Rhodes, currently on loan to Sheffield Wednesday from Middlesbrough, and Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong, who netted in Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Rangers yesterday.
Hull City goalkeeper Allan McGregor, on loan at Cardiff City, has returned to the group after impressing at his loan club, and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matt Phillips has also been recalled.
Scotland take on Canada in an International Challenge Match on Wednesday, 22 March at Easter Road Stadium before facing Slovenia four days later in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.
Tickets for both matches are available to buy at tickets.scottishfa.co.uk
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers
Craig Gordon (Celtic)
David Marshall (Hull City)
Allan McGregor (Hull City)*
Defenders
Ikechi Anya (Derby County)
Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town)
Grant Hanley (Newcastle United)
Russell Martin (Norwich City)
Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn Rovers)
Andrew Robertson (Hull City)
Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Lee Wallace (Rangers)
Midfielders
Stuart Armstrong (Celtic)
Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday)
Scott Brown (Celtic)
Oliver Burke (RB Leipzig)
Tom Cairney (Fulham)
Darren Fletcher (West Bromwich Albion)
James Forrest (Celtic)
Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)
James McArthur (Crystal Palace)
John McGinn (Hibernian)
James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion)
Matt Phillips (West Bromwich Albion)
Matt Ritchie (Newcastle United)
Robert Snodgrass (West Ham United)
Forwards
Steven Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday)
Leigh Griffiths (Celtic)
Chris Martin (Derby County)*
Steven Naismith (Norwich City)
Jordan Rhodes (Middlesbrough)***
* on loan to Cardiff City
** on loan to Fulham
*** on loan to Sheffield Wednesday
International Challenge Match
Scotland v Canada
Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh
Wednesday, 22 March 2017, kick-off 7.45pm
2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier
Scotland v Slovenia
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Sunday, 26 March 2017, kick-off 7.45pm
On Friday, Police Scotland welcomed the largest ever intake of newly qualified officers in its history.
A total of 174 new recruits celebrated their Passing Out Parade at Scottish Police College, Tulliallan today in front of Chief Constable Phil Gormley and senior officers, as well as family and friends.
The students, who started their 11-week training course just before Christmas, were split into three divisions, with three classes in each division.
Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: “Today is a significant landmark in the career of the officers as they move from training to achieving their ambition of serving in our communities. I was delighted to see over 1000 family and friends attend at the Scottish Police College to show their support for our new officers.”
The constables will now move onto a week’s local training and then into Operational Policing in Division.
Of the new officers passing out today, 35% were women, and Police Scotland is keen to receive applications from people interested in joining the service across Scotland, and in particular women and people from under-represented groups including the BME communities
More information about joining Police Scotland as an officer can be found here:
Elite League: Edinburgh Capitals 4, Fife Flyers 5; Dundee Stars 4, Manchester Storm 2
Edinburgh Capitals play-off hopes were further dented with a home defeat to arch rivals Fife Flyers.
The home side netted three goals to one in reply in a tense final session at Murrayfield but Fife won 5-4.
Seb Thinel opened the scoring on the power play after 18 minutes but Capitals hit back just over two minutes later.
It was Yevgeni Fyodorov who netted but Fife hit the home side with a triple whammy.
Chase Schaber fired the visitors ahead after 27 minutes and James Isaacs made it 3-1 four minutes later.
And captain Ryan Dingle score on a power play three minutes later as Capitals hit penalty trouble.
Capitals rallied with two unanswered goals, Ian Schultz netting on a power play after 46 minutes and Mason Wilgosh four minutes later.
But Kyle Haines settled Fife nerves with a fifth 29 seconds later when Fife had a man advantage only for Capitals’ player/coach Michal Dobron to close the gap to one with less than four minutes remaining.
At Dundee, Stars were 2-0 behind to play-off rivals Manchester Storm before bouncing back with four straight goals to claim two vital points.
Paul Phillips after seven minutes and Mark Heatley three minutes after that put the visitors in front.
Cale Tenaka sparked the comeback with a goal after 14 minutes and he netted again, this time on the power play, in the 39th minute.
Kevin Bruijsten popped in No 3 after 46 minutes and a power play strike from Justin Faryna with 53 minutes on the clock settled the game.
Glasgow Tigers star Richard Lawson won British speedway’s traditional curtain raiser.
The Cumbrian powered to victory in the Ben Fund Bonanza title, beating former Grand Prix star Chris Harris, Tigers team-mate Richie Worrall and Edinburgh Monarchs racer Ricky Wells in a hotly-contested final.
The 31-year-old said: “I wasn’t totally happy with the way I was riding but it came together in that last one (heat).”
Hibernian Chief Executive Leeann Dempster has thanked outgoing fans’ representative Amit Moudgil for his services to the club.
He served two years, playing a significant role in player identification but lost out to Frank Dougan and Tracey Smith in a recent election.
Ms Dempster said: ““On behalf of the board I’d like to thank Amit Moudgil for his service over the last two years. On top of his input as a director of the Club, Amit has played a significant role supporting our player identification process and I very much hope he can continue this work.
“As our first fan representatives, it should also be acknowledged that both Frank and Amit have played an important role in helping us to establish the position.
“The election has been a positive process. I have been impressed by the range of skills and experiences that the candidates have and I am keen that they join the various supporter working groups that help us gather feedback and deliver a variety of retail, stadium and other Working Together initiatives.”
Amit Moudgil said: “Serving on the board of the Club over the last two years has been an honour and privilege. I would like to thank everyone who made this possible, it truly was a life-changing experience. I would also like to thank everyone involved at the Club for their support and friendship over the last two years, we have great people driving the Club forward.
“I believe the Fan Representative role is an important part of the Club and would like to wish the successful candidates all the very best. I’m confident they will continue to ensure that the voice of the fans is heard.
“Finally, I would like to wish Leeann, the Board, Neil, the team and everyone connected with the Club all the very best for the remainder of the season and the push for promotion.”
Here in Edinburgh we are well used to Pedal on Parliament, the mass demonstration of cycling which takes place each year, and it has been held before in Aberdeen, but now it is to be extended to three cities across Scotland.
As part of the organisation of the event a crowdfunder has been launched today. Find out more about it here.
On 22 April the streets of Aberdeen and Edinburgh will be filled with bikes, and on Sunday 23 April 2017 it will be Glasgow’s turn. The difference is that Glasgow’s ride will be on closed roads.
The purpose of Pedal on Parliament is to hold ‘family-friendly protests for a cycle-friendly Scotland’.
The aim of holding the demonstrations before the council elections in May is clear. In Edinburgh we have a portion of the Transport Budget set aside for cycling, but that is not true across the whole of the country, and this demonstration will highlight the need for good cycling infrastructure.
Cycle hire firm nextbike have offered support already and they will donate annual memberships to those who back the online fundraiser commenced today. You might also feature in a video created by the mysterious cycle campaigner Bike Gob, and be subjected to a personal tour of East Dunbartonshire’s mean streets by helmet cam cyclist Magnatom.
Julian Scriven, Managing Director of nextbike UK said “As the leading cycle hire provider in Scotland, we are committed in getting more people on bikes and cycling across the country. Already more than 20,000 people in Scotland are members of nextbike, and we aim to increase this number as we expand throughout the country but, for cycle hire to be successful, we would like to see further support from the government in terms of long-term thinking – roads have to re-designed to ensure safety of all road users.”
Echoing this, Dr Dave Brennan, the force behind the popular Magnatom YouTube channel and one of the original organisers of Pedal on Parliament said, “We’re delighted to get the support of private companies like nextbike, which shows that cycling isn’t just about keeping healthy and saving the planet – it’s a route to economic prosperity too.
“We run Pedal on Parliament on a shoestring but taking the message right across Scotland, not just to the politicians in Holyrood, takes more money. With nextbike’s support – and donations from our supporters – we hope that we can get the word out to everyone who’d like to see safer cycling conditions for themselves and their loved ones in Scotland.”
Pedal on Parliament call for:
- Proper funding for cycling (5% of the transport budget & 10% for active travel overall).
- Design cycling into Scotland’s roads.
- Slower speeds where people live, work and play
- Integrate cycling into local transport strategies
- Improved road traffic law and enforcement
- Reduce the risk of HGVs to cyclists and pedestrians
- A strategic and joined-up programme of road user training
- Improved statistics supporting decision-making and policy
Berwick Bandits have secured a sponsor for their 50th season spectacular on Saturday, March 18 (tapes-up 7pm).
Grant Henderson Tankers of Hamilton have come on board for this unique event featuring riders from the Olympus Marquees Berwick Bandits (powered by Mike Hope of Wooler) plus guests.
Co-promoter Scott Courtney said: “Grant is a great guy who loves his speedway and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to Shielfield Park.
“We are also excited to be welcoming some very special guests. I’m led to believe there will be several Bandits Legends from seasons past attendance.
“I can’t name names at this stage but I can say that quite a few heroes from the last 49 seasons will be joining us to celebrate all things Berwick Speedway.
“We are pulling out all the stops to make it an event to remember.”
Action for Children has partnered with House of Fraser in a deal which marks the first UK-wide official charity partnership for the retailer.
The move follows the launch of the House of Fraser Foundation to support disadvantaged children in communities across the UK where its colleagues and customers are based.
Edinburgh’s Princes Street store is supporting the charity’s Gilmerton Road Short Breaks service and customers can make a 50p donation at the till point. Store cafes are donating some of the sales from selected beverages between 6 and 13 March.
Funds will be raised in a variety of ways including staff fund-raising, customer engagement and company donations.
Nick Jones, managing director of fundraising, communications and policy at Action for Children, said: “Action for Children helps disadvantaged children across the UK, through practical services and programmes that are proven to work.
“In partnership with the House of Fraser Foundation, we will make a lasting difference to the lives of children who need our help the most in communities across the UK.”
Frank Slevin, chairman of House of Fraser, said: “The launch of the House of Fraser Foundation is a pioneering step forward for us.”
Elite League: Braehead Clan 2, Sheffield Steelers 3; Cardiff Devils, Dundee Stars; Manchester Storm 4, Edinburgh Capitals 0; Coventry Blaze 3, Fife Flyers 4 (after overtime).
Bottom club Edinburgh Capitals were hit by a four-goal blast from Manchester Storm with Darian Dziurzynski netted a treble and Mark Heatley a single to further dent their play-off hopes.
Dundee Stars were level with champions-elect Cardiff Devils after 23 minutes but were then hit by three straight goals.
Mark Richardson had put the Elite League pace-setters ahead after 48 seconds of the middle session and Cale Tenaka levelled less than three minutes later.
But a Joey Haddad double and a single from Josh Batch ended the contest in which Dundee’s netminder Joe Fallon and his back-up Craig Holland dealt with 40 shots and Ben Bowns received 22.
Elsewhere, Coventry Blaze, who are also in the chase to claim a play-off position, were dumped by a strike from Carlo Finucci after 3min 28sec of sudden-death overtime.
Earlier, Ross Venus fired Blaze ahead after 13 minutes and Flyers’ captain Ryan Dingle levelled 53 seconds into the middle session.
Dingle netted a second 33 seconds into the third and Finucci scored an unassisted goal just over a minute later to increase the lead to 3-1.
Blaze powered back with goals from Brett Robinson after 46 minutes and Shawn Boutin four minutes later to set up a grandstand finish.
Matt Keith netted a double but Braehead Clan were edged 3-2 by high-flying Sheffield Steelers in Glasgow after being 1-0 after 14 minutes.
The home side were then hit by three unanswered goals in a 20 minute spell from a Robert Dowd double and a singer from john Alexander.
Keith’s second power play goal made it 3-2 with less than seven minutes remaining but Clan were unable to find a leveller.
Division One: Bromac Kelburne 4, Hillhead 1; AAM Gordonians 1, Grange 5; Watsonians 1, Uddingston Deans Eng 2; Grove Menzieshill 4, Western Wildcats 1.
Second placed Grange kept the pressure on Division One leaders Bromac Kelburne with a 5-1 win at bottom club AAM Gordonians.
The Edinburgh side trail the West of Scotland club by five points but have a game in hand.
Callum Milne opened the scoring for the visitors from a penalty corner after 18 minutes.
Grange doubled their tally when Joe Waterston finished off a move involving Luke Cranney.
Ten minutes into the second-half Todd Mills made it 3-0 from a penalty corner and Patrick Longmate added a fourth from open play.
Ali Irvine finished the scoring for Grange before the home side notched a consolation.
Bromac Kelburne maintained pole position in the table thanks to a hat-trick by Josh Cairns in a 4-1 win over Hillhead.
The scoreline might have been greater but for Hillhead goalkeeper Jamie Frail.
Ben Peterson claimed Kelburne’s other goal and Fraser Ward scored Hillhead’s consolation
Grove Menzieshill consolidated third place with a 4-1 win over Western Wildcats, Aidan McQuade scored a hat-trick while Albert Rowling claimed the other.
Uddingston Deans Eng moved into the top four with a narrow 2-1 away win at Watsonians.
Steven Percy scored in the first-half from a penalty corner and Alex Shaw doubled the tally from open play in the second before the Edinburgh side pulled one back from a set-piece.
Frank Dougan and Tracey Smith have been successful in their bid to become supporter-elected non-executive directors of Hibernian FC.
The duo will formally take up the positions as directors of the Club at the next board meeting at the end of March. The length of term is two years.
A total of 2,316 eligible votes were cast by 1,319 supporters. The top four placings were Frank Dougan (736 votes), Tracey Smith (489 votes), Charlene Feeney-Seale (434 votes) and Amit Moudgil (341 votes).
A statement on the club website read: “The Club would like to thank all eight candidates who took part, who gave up their time and energy throughout the process, and we hope they will continue to contribute to the club in the future.”
Hibernian Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “I would like to pass on my congratulations to both Frank and Tracey and look forward to welcoming them to the next board meeting.
“Over the last two years both the board and myself have benefited from having the supporters’ view represented through the two representatives, and we look forward to building on this in the coming years.”
It has long been a debate in clubhouses throughout the country but now VisitScotland has launched an online poll to find the nation’s most beloved golf holes from almost 600 courses across the country.
The poll, which includes some of the most famous golf courses and holes in the world, will look to gather views from thousands of golfers worldwide to find golf holes in Scotland that have #ScotSpirit – a feature of the national tourism organisation’s Spirit of Scotland campaign.
From a shortlist of 26 courses spanning multiple regions of Scotland, golfers are asked to vote for their favourite holes in seven distinct categories ranging from the best opening hole to the hole with the best view.
Including renowned holes such as the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon and the Road Hole at St Andrews to more hidden gems such as the 12th at Hopeman or the 6th at Lamlash, the poll seeks to find those holes that engender #ScotSpirit among golfers.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Golf is one of Scotland’s great gifts to the world and we know that golfers experience a special feeling when they tee it up in the country where the game began.
“We call that feeling #ScotSpirit and we’re excited to launch this poll to find the holes that have the hairs standing up on the back of golfers’ necks.
“With so many fantastic courses across Scotland, the Home of Golf, this is no easy decision but we look forward to analysing the results and to find out which holes truly capture the Spirit of Scotland.”
The golf poll can be found here and will run until April 2 with results expected by April 12.
Hibs’ Chief Executive Leeann Dempster has strongly condemned the fans who recklessly set off a pyrotechnic (smoke bomb) following Jason Cummings’ goal at Tannadice last night.
Hibs took a large travelling support to the game and the vast majority behaved appropriately.
After the game Ms Dempster said “We had a great travelling support for the match. The fans by and large were great, as they have been all season, providing vocal backing throughout the match.
“Unfortunately the behaviour of a few individuals is tainting the reputation of the wider support.
“We released a statement last Sunday following a similar incident against Ayr United, which led to two fans receiving indefinite bans from Hibernian matches home and away.
“We outlined the risks of pyrotechnics and flares and I will reiterate again that they are dangerous and the use of them is damaging our good name. Incidents like this lead to our club being investigated by the authorities which is a complete waste of club time and resource.
“We hope the small number of supporters that continue to act in such a reckless and dangerous manner can heed this warning and we restate our position that incidents will be fully investigated and where individuals are identified they will be subject to sanctions.”
Heart of Midlothian 4 Hamilton Academical 0
Ladbrokes Premiership, Saturday 11th March 2017 – Tynecastle
Without a win in five games, it’s fair to say Hearts were beginning to feel the pressure when Hamilton Academical visited Gorgie on Ladbrokes Premiership business on Saturday. The Maroons have struggled since being knocked out of the William Hill Scottish Cup by city rivals Hibernian with defeats from Partick Thistle and Ross County in the league adding to the feeling of despondency over Tynecastle.
However, the Maroons returned to form with a fine display against an Accies team who had recently defeated Aberdeen. A goal right on half-time from Arnaud Djoum was followed by second half strikes from Isma Goncalves, Jamie Walker and substitute Malaury Martin and gave the much-maligned Jambos a 4-0 win.
Hearts Head Coach Ian Cathro made a couple of changes to the team that lost to Ross County a week past Wednesday. Jamie Walker replaced Choulay while Isma Goncalves returned from his one match ban at the expense of Bjorn Johnsen.
The sun was threatening to break through the clouds in Gorgie and Hearts certainly made a bright start. Just four minutes had gone when Alex Tziolis crossed towards Jamie Walker whose header was saved well by Accies keeper Woods. It was to prove to be a busy afternoon for the visiting goalie.
Goncalves was then through on goal and was denied by Woods who raced from his line to minimise the danger.
Sam Nicholson then fired in a long-range effort but, again, Woods was equal to the task with a fine save.
It was one-way traffic towards the Hamilton goal with the visitors rarely threatening. It looked like Hearts had made the breakthrough when Lennard Sowah’s cross was headed goal wards by Goncalves and the home support began celebrating. But they reckoned without keeper Woods who threw himself to tip the ball away. It was a quite brilliant save and it kept Accies on level terms.
The procession towards the Hamilton goal continued. On the half hour mark, Tziolis met Don Cowie’s corner but again Woods was the hero for the visitors.
He was at it again two minutes later when he pushed aside Jamie Walker’s effort. Then, with half-time approaching, the over-worked keeper thwarted Goncalves again after the former St Mirren striker drove a shot from inside the penalty box.
The afternoon was beginning to take on a familiar look for Hearts. Totally dominant, having the bulk of possession but being unable to score. But this was rectified on the stroke of half-time. The Hearts players were queuing up to pepper shots on the hard-pressed Accies keeper before the ball broke to Arnaud Djoum who blasted home from six yards. The feeling of relief around Tynecastle was palpable.
Half-time Hearts 1 Hamilton Academical 0
The second half soon took on the characteristics of the first – Hearts attacking relentlessly. Just four minutes in, it looked like the Maroons had doubled their lead when Isma Goncalves fired past Woods but the celebrations soon died down when assistant referee running the line at the Wheatfield Stand raised his flag for offside.
Hearts weren’t to be denied though and did score again in the 55th minute although there was an element of farce to their goal. Jamie Walker appeared to be the victim of a crude foul and while the crowd bawled for a free-kick, referee Craig Thomson saw nothing amiss and play continued. However, Accies keeper Woods clearly believed a foul had been committed for when he received the ball from a team mate he picked it up. Pass back roared the home support although it had to take Hearts captain Don Cowie to forcefully make the point to referee Thomson before he awarded a free-kick inside the Accies penalty box. Cowie himself took the kick, tapping the ball to Goncalves who blasted the ball high into the net. 2-0 to the home side.
Hearts were on fire now and ended the game as a contest two minutes later. Jamie Walker was fouled just outside the penalty box. This time a free-kick was awarded. The attacking midfielder took the kick himself and fired in a brilliant shot which not even the heroic Woods could keep out.
Jamie had his tail up now and he jinked his way into the Accies penalty box only to see his shot at goal hit the side netting.
Hearts then took their foot off the gas somewhat but there was still time for another sublime free-kick two minutes from the end.
With Walker having just been substituted, substitute Malaury Martin took a free-kick from twenty yards which deceived keeper Woods at his near post and the scoring was complete at 4-0 to Hearts.
Ian Cathro was understandably a happy man after the game but wasn’t going overboard with a tough trip to Aberdeen beckoning next Saturday. He told BBC Scotland:
“I think one of the biggest positives throughout the first-half was the character of our players to keep pushing.
“We created a lot of chances, we were dominant in the game early, we played with good possession, mixed our attacks as well.
“There were a lot of good stops from him [Hamilton goalkeeper Gary Woods], but the fact we never felt any stress, we stayed calm, we stayed patient, we kept doing the right things and we very much deserved the goal before half-time.
“When you suffer a bad week and three unacceptable results, which was the case, the focus day-to-day has to be on making improvements and making sure you give the maximum every day.
“That’s not changed because of this performance and this result. What it means is that everything we had to do today we have done and we will also work again very, very hard tomorrow.”
A fine performance and a fine win for Hearts who still harbour hopes of clinching a place in next season’s Europa League qualifiers.
Hearts: Hamilton, Struna, Avlonitis, Nowak, Sowah, Tziolis, Cowie, Djoum (Martin, 63′), Nicholson (Choulay, 69′), Walker (Johnsen, 87′), Isma.
Hamilton: Woods, Skondras, Imrie (Gogic, 55′), Docherty, Redmond, Crawford, Bingham (Tierney, 73′), Brophy (GIllespie, 64′), Donati, McMann, Sarris.
Ref: Craig Thomson
Att: 15,881
Top Man: Jamie Walker – when Jamie is on top form so are Hearts.
Edinburgh Leisure is hosting a Group Fitness Instructor recruitment day at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre next Sunday, 19 March 2017, from 10.00-16.00.
Group Fitness is at the heart of Edinburgh Leisure, and with over 750 classes a week that means there are a lot of opportunities for both permanent and cover classes.
Edinburgh Leisure is looking for motivated, enthusiastic and professional instructors to deliver their energetic, high quality Group Fitness Classes to people of all abilities. Each class is unique and appropriately challenging for each individual and great fun for everyone.
Edinburgh Leisure’s recruitment day gives participants the chance to learn more about becoming an Edinburgh Leisure Group Fitness Instructor and the opportunity to audition for them. Anyone with an ‘Exercise to Music qualification’ or equivalent level 2 qualification, should register their interest.
Location: Craiglockhart Leisure Centre
177 Colinton Road
Edinburgh, EH14 1BZ
Time: 10.00-16.00* (Approx. dependent on numbers)
10.00-10.15: Registration
10.15-10.45: Paperwork and service contracts explained
11:00-12.00: Presentation on Edinburgh Leisure
12.30-16.00: Audition
To register your interest, or for more information please email: availability@edinburghleisure.co.uk
Speedway chiefs are eyeing up a bonanza of great motorsport as the tapes go up on the British season on Sunday.
The Peugeot Ashfield Stadium hosts the Ben Fund Bonanza, the traditional season curtain-raiser for the sport in the UK, at 2pm.
An international field will take to the re-laid track, with English legend Chris Harris, fresh off the Grand Prix circuit, among the favourites to take the title, along with Glasgow’s 2016 KO Cup heroes Richard Lawson, Richie Worrall, Aaron Summers and Nike Lunna.
Also making the line-up are former Team GB riders Lewis Bridger, David Howe, Steve Worrall and Ben Barker.
It will be the first chance that fans have to sample the changes made to the Ashfield arena during the winter – including the introduction of new terracing.
Stewart Dickson, Glasgow co-promoter and track curator, believes the event will give fans their best-ever opening to a speedway season in the city.
He said: “The Ben Fund Bonanza is always a top sporting occasion. It is the first chance for fans to see the stars in action ahead of the new campaign and it is great to have an international field full of spectacular racers.
“Home fans will have plenty to shout about as any one of the four Glasgow riders could take the title, but they’ll face stiff competition, not least from past Grand Prix winner Chris Harris, who loves to wind it round the fence at our place.
“We’ve done a lot of work during the winter to make the stadium bigger and better – and this will be the first test for our new state-of-the-art polyfoam fence.
“We’ve also worked hard on the track to improve the surface and give the riders the best chance they have to showcase themselves – we hope that’ll give us the best racing we’ve had since our 2014 revamp in one of the best speedway arenas in the country.
“It’s been a long winter and I can’t wait for the meeting to start, and to get that smell of methanol in my nostrils again – there really is nothing better if you’re a fan of speedway and motorsport.”
Riders taking part in the meeting will race free of charge, with thousands of pounds expected to be raised for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund – which supports injured riders.
The line-up is: Claus Vissing, Thomas Jorgensen, Lewis Bridger, Aaron Summers, Kevin Doolan, James Sarjeant, Steve Worrall, David Howe, Richard Lawson, Ben Barker, Ricky Wells, Richie Worrall, Stuart Robson, Chris Harris, Max Clegg and Nike Lunna.
But not yet quite gone.
The demolition of the old Portobello High School will take a couple of weeks, and although the process was begun this week it was not without a little delay.
There was a problem with a hose on one of the machines, so when we visited on Thursday there was little to see, and certainly no moving machinery.
But Geoff Pearson of Northfield and Willowbrae Community Council has a bird’s eye view and was on hand to capture this video yesterday:
CANADIAN defenceman Jacob Johnston remains up-beat ahead of Edinburgh Capitals’ crunch clash at play-off rivals Manchester Storm today, Saturday (7pm).
The Murrayfield men occupy bottom spot with 34 points from 46 games while Storm are ninth with 39 points from 47 fixtures.
The men from The Storm Shelter have lost their last eight games but have won two of the three match-ups so far in the North West 9 4-2 and 6-2) but lost the last fixture 5-2 giving Capitals hope.
Johnston said: “We have to string together some wins in our remaining six games and hope for other results to go our way. The guys won’t give up until we are mathematically eliminated.”
Braehead Clan are out for revenge when high-flying Sheffield Steelers visit Glasgow tonight (SAT, 7pm).
The third-placed Yorkshire side snatched a 2-1 victory on their last visit and Clan are determined to add to their 4-1 midweek win over struggling Manchester Storm.
Clan are fourth in the ten-strong table with 51 points from 47 games and want to stay ahead of fifth-placed Nottingham Panthers who are a point behind but have played 44 games, three less than the Scots.
Elsewhere, Fife Flyers coach Todd Dutiaume wants a reaction from his side after a verbal volley following their 5-3 home defeat to Capitals last weekend.
The Fifers, who are sixth, travel to play-off chasing Coventry Blaze (7pm) who are a position and four points behind but have played 48 games, two less than the Kirkcaldy club who won 1-0 on their last visit.
Dundee Stars, who occupy the eighth and final play-off spot, are 33 points adrift of champions-elect Cardiff Devils who won 4-1 on the only previous occasion the pair have met in the Principality in the league this term. The face-off is 7pm.
Vinny Scarsella, Stars’ American marksman and the current Elite League Player of the Week, said: “We’re confident right now.”
Photocall to mark the beginning of work on Dunedin Canmore new development in Craigmillar, Edinburgh
Dunedin Canmore which is part of Wheatley Group has begun building 111 new affordable homes at Craigmillar as part of the major regeneration project there.
Councillor Joan Griffiths who is the city’s Housing Convener attended the ground breaking to mark the beginning of the development.
She said: “This significant new development at Craigmillar town centre will provide much needed affordable housing in the east of Edinburgh, with homes for social and mid-market rent.
“This site is a brilliant example of how the Council and our housing association partners are delivering on the joint commitment to build 16,000 new affordable homes in Edinburgh over the next 10 years.
“The Council’s commitment alongside Dunedin Canmore won’t just deliver 111 homes – we expect it to generate benefits to the local community, improving the area and supporting jobs and local businesses.”
The homes will be one and two bedroom flats and family houses catering for a wide range of tenants. They will be a mix of social and mid-market rent, the latter category catering for those who are unable to rent privately or struggling to buy their own home, and are also unlikely to be high up the social housing register.
Dunedin Canmore Chair Tom Mitchell said: “We’re really excited to play our part in the regeneration of Craigmillar and to be bringing forward our first homes for mid-market rent in the area. The new houses and flats and the redevelopment of the surrounding area will make a significant difference to the community.”
The homes, due to be completed by summer 2018, are part of the redevelopment of Craigmillar town centre, being carried out by the EDI Group, that will see the area transformed by new homes and a new retail centre, along with a public square and neighbouring community play park, complemented by a new secondary school, all underpinned by a detailed masterplan.
It is the EDI Group, the council’s property arm which is at the forefront of the developments in Craigmillar.
Kuan Loh, Senior Development Manager at The EDI Group Ltd said: “The EDI Group is delighted to be playing a leading role in Craigmillar’s regeneration with these new homes. They are vital to the continued redevelopment of Craigmillar and our overall masterplan which is focused around putting quality housing in a welcoming and sustainable environment.
“We are also pleased to be contributing to a new community play park adjoining this development, ensuring that public amenities remain at the heart of this on-going regeneration.”
Pic Bill Fleming info@billflemingphotography.com
mobile 07836 632 704
Scotland’s inability to see off Australia through a simple but crucial error in decision making and execution in the dying minutes of the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final left a nation deflated.
Compare and contrast that with Scotland in 2017 who beat both our Celtic cousins, Ireland and Wales, in the recent six nations.
The progression shown by the rugby team has made a lasting impression on Andy Tennant, Scottish Hockey’s new head of performance, who has been impressed by both the precision and mental toughness shown by Vern Cotter’s men.
Tennant believes the progression shown by the rugby team provides an excellent blueprint for other Scottish sporting teams and he hopes to help his coaches bring some of that magic to our hockey teams to ensure they can compete with the same toughness in prestige tournaments.
That will take time, but the former high performance coach of Scottish Cricket firmly believes that Scotland has the raw materials and stable of talented hockey players who can aspire to delivering world class performances on the global stage.
Of course, some would scoff and say he would say that as he has just taken up the job as high performance coach for Scottish Hockey.
But, spending an hour with this engaging and affable former international cricketer, it is easy to see why hockey bosses have handed him such a key role in the sport.
For one thing, Ayrshire-based Tennant knows what it is like to success and, crucially, fail in the sporting arena where little things mean a lot.
He also knows sport and not just high-profile ones like football, rugby and cricket.
As a younger man he was a keen follower of Ayr Scottish Eagles, the professional ice hockey team who won all four trophies up for grabs during a glorious Grand Slam year back in 1998.
Tennant became close to the players, a unique quality of ice hockey, and, as an aspiring coach, started to understand the psyche of successful teams built from players from different backgrounds and from different parts of the world.
He got to know their traits, their strengths and weaknesses and, basically, what made them tick and has also studied in other sporting areas, like the New Zealand rugby team.
He, like the rest of sports lovers, celebrated the success of unfashionable English football side, Leicester City, who won the Premiership at a canter last season with an exhilarating brand of football under then boss Claudio Ranieri.
Could, argued Tennant, the Italian have made a crucial error in disposing of key parts of their backroom staff including the sports psychologist?
He does not want Scottish Hockey to make mistakes and recognises that the organisation has a major job on its hands to convince business to support his vision to develop successful international teams and podium athletes.
Tennant has been in post since January after 13 years with Scottish cricket. He has already travelled to Spain with the country’s senior women’s team for the World League.
He will see the senior men’s team compete in Ireland soon in their World League, but one thing he is convinced off – this country has talent and two passionate and hard-working head coaches in Gordon Shepherd (women) and Derek Forsyth (men) supported by committed support staff.
Gaining success requires resources and Tennant would love to see more Scottish corporates back the enthusiasm of the organisation but he realises that businessmen and women demand a return on their investment.
He said: “We are embarking on an exciting journey which will hopefully give young Scottish athletes the opportunity to win Commonwealth and Olympic medals and we hope that a number of Scottish businesses may want to partner and support us on that journey.”
Other partnerships, like the one enjoyed by hockey bosses and Edinburgh University, could also be a key to progress.
And the fact that Scotland has a number of fee-paying schools already committed to hockey is, he argues, a major plus.
Now he wants to see the state school system come on board in a big way in partnership with local clubs, creating “hockey hotbeds” where young hockey players would be able to access the same opportunities afforded to the players in the independent sector.
He highlighted the outstanding work being done by Uddingston Hockey Club who he singled out as an example of “excellent practice”.
It is, he said, all about aspiration and belief. Scotland currently has two players in the Great Britain squad, Edinburgh-born Chris Grassick, Scotland’s captain who is recovering from a serious leg injury, and Alan Forsyth, last season’s top scorer in England’s top league for club side Surbiton.
The boys come from different parts of the country. Paisley-born Forsyth was an integral part of the Bromac Kelburne squad which has dominated Scottish hockey for more than a decade.
Grassick played for Inverleith before moving south to Surbiton to continue his development and push for an Olympic place.
Tennant is determined to ensure that Scotland unearths talent from all part of the country and would love to see the university community in Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow mirror the facilities offered to students at Edinburgh.
Is it, he argues, a surprise that the Capital’s university supplies several members of the current national squad?
Tennant said: “I was on the plane coming back from Spain with the women’s team and got into conversation with one of our young squad members.
“She told me that her sister was in the Great Britain sailing squad and the girl I was speaking to is now making here mark in hockey.
“I’d love to see both of them making the Olympics and possibly standing on a podium.”
The gold medal success of Britain’s women’s team in Rio has ignited a passion for the sport as well as raising the profile.
Now is the time for administrators, business and the public to take note of Tennant’s desire to turn raw, natural talent into successful athletes.
Two males aged 17 and 14 have been charged in connection with a racially aggravated assault and robbery of a taxi driver in North Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 6.55pm on Sunday, March 5, in West Pilton Place.
The 17-year-old will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, March 13. It is anticipated that the 14-year-old will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and the Children’s Reporter.
Enquiries are still ongoing to trace others involved in this incident and officers are continuing their appeal for witnesses.
Detective Inspector Paul Grainger of Corstorphine CID said: “Racially motivated crimes are completely unacceptable and they have no place in the North Edinburgh community.
“Detectives are dedicated to this enquiry and are working hard to identify other teenagers responsible. I am confident that we will be making more arrests in the days ahead.
“However in order to fully investigate this incident we need the support of the local community in North Edinburgh.
“If you are have any information regarding this incident, or general information about hate crimes in the area, I would ask you to get in touch with police as soon as possible.”
In the last three months there have been two other racially motivated incidents involving taxi and delivery drivers in the North Edinburgh area.
The first occurred in Muirhouse Drive on Monday, December 27, 2016. A 28-year-old man was charged with racially aggravated conduct and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, December 29, 2016.
The second happened in Lower Granton Road on Thursday, January 19, 2017, when a 29-year-old male taxi driver was subjected to verbal abuse. Enquiries are currently ongoing into this incident.
Inspector Stephen Sutherland of Drylaw Police Station said: “Thankfully these types of incidents are very rare and are not a reflection of North Edinburgh or the people who live and work there.
“These crimes are committed by a small minority intent on ruining a great community spirit. However in order to protect everyone in our community, we need all hate crimes to be reported to us.
“If you have been a victim of a hate crime you can report this to Police Scotland via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Alternatively you can report a hate crime through a third party, such as Edinburgh Council’s North Edinburgh Neighbourhood Office and the Edinburgh Central Mosque. More details can be found on the Police Scotland website.”
Missing Edinburgh woman Jeanne Brannigan has been found safe and well.
Officers had become concerned for her welfare before the 46-year-old was traced in Glasgow at around 7pm this evening.
Police have thanked the public for their assistance with this appeal.
Hibs’ hopes of automatic promotion received a massive boost thanks to a victory over Dundee United following an ill-tempered 90 minutes at Tannadice earlier tonight.
Referee Don Robertson showed twelve yellow and two red cards as well as sending Neil Lennon to the stand near the end, but when the dust finally settled, it was the visitors who secured all three points.
Lennon made one change to the starting XI with Darren McGregor returning from suspension in place of Jordon Forster.
Lewis Toshney was fortunate to escape a card following a reckless challenge on Andrew Shinnie however the referee showed no mercy when he did it again a few minutes later.
Jason Cummings then broke clear of the United defence but was wrongly flagged offside, much to his annoyance,
On the half hour mark, Toshney again flew into a tackle on Shinnie and although he tried to pull out at the last minute, his trailing leg caught the Hibs’ midfielder and he was sent off.
Eight minutes later Hibs took a deserved lead when Jason Cummings beat the offside trap and latched onto a superb pass from Shinnie before firing a sensational half volley high into the net leaving Cammy Bell helpless.
Hibs should have had a penalty just before the break after Cummings was bundled to the ground by William Edjenguele, but referee Robertson waved away the appeal.
Hibs continued to dominate possession and should have wrapped things up in the 67th minute when David Gray headed the ball into the path of Martin Boyle but the winger fired over the bar from 10 yards..
With Hibs coasting to victory, two moments of madness from Cummings changed the course of the game.
After being flagged offside, he picked up the ball and demonstrated his frustration by throwing it to the ground, earning a yellow card, then moments later he pushed a Gray cross into the net with his hand and was ordered off.
United then went route one and started pumping high balls into the Hibs’ penalty box but McGregor and Man of the Match Efe Ambrose easily dealt with everything that the Tangerines could muster.
With time running out Bell produced a world class save to deny Shinnie then just before the end Lennon was ordered to the stand but by the time he walked along the touchline, the referee blew for full time sending Hibs nine points clear of Falkirk, ten points clear of Dundee United who have a game in hand and 12 points clear of Morton who have two games in hand.
After the game, Lennon defended Cummings and praised his played for their performance. He told BBC Scotland:”Jason’s got to learn to control his temper.I’ve been there – I got many a telling off from Martin O’Neill in my younger days – but he’s an outstanding talent and he’s come up with a really big goal in a big game and he does it consistently and it’s not a coincidence.
“We were outstanding. The only disappointment was the sending off really, which put us on the back foot for 10 minutes.The rest of the game, we played really strongly and we looked a very good side. Thoroughly deserved to win.
“I wanted them to put down a marker for the rest of the season and hopefully they’ve done that.It is a difficult place to come and win, but I thought we were head and shoulders above Dundee United.
“I underplayed it this week, but it is probably the biggest game we’ve had league wise for two or three seasons and they’ve responded brilliantly.”
Dundee United: Bell, Dixon, Durnan, Toshney, Murray, Fraser (van der Velden, 84), Nicholls, Edjenguele, Flood, Andreu (Mikkelson, 63), van der Struijk. Unused substitutes: Zwick, Dillon, Murdoch, Telfer, Robson.
Hibernian: Marciano, Gray, McGregor, Ambrose, Stevenson, Bartley (Fyvie, 68), McGinn, Boyle (Forster, 87), Shinnie, Holt (Graham, 79), Cummings. Unused substitutes: Laidlaw, Keatings, Crane, Martin.
Referee: Don Robertson
Attendance: 9,532
Police are appealing for information in order to trace 46-year-old woman who has been reported missing from the Dalry area of the City.
Jeanne Brannigan was last heard from around 9.25am on Friday, March 10. When she failed to return to her home in Caledonian Crescent her family became concerned and contacted police.
Jeanne is described as white woman with a medium build. She is around 5ft 8” in height with curly blonde hair. She also speaks with a strong South African accent.
Jeanne is believed to be wearing a blue sweater and blue trousers, which both have Edinburgh University branding upon them. She is also wearing a black jacket with a fur-lined hood.
Jeanne also has links to Dumbartonshire and officers believe she may be in the Erskine area.
Inspector Gillian Lundberg of Wester Hailes Police Station said: “Jeanne has not been in touch with anyone since the morning of Friday, March 10, and we are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.
“I would ask anyone who has seen Jeanne, either in Edinburgh or in the Erskine area, is asked to get in touch with us immediately.
“I would also ask Jeanne if she sees this message to get in contact with either her family or the police to let us know her whereabouts.”