The Scierra Pairs carries the highest prize fund in British competition fly-fishing.

There are prizes at every heat in addition to the final and the format allows a pair of anglers entering to fish in the same boat.

Restrictive rules are kept to a minimum and the competition allows all flies permitted by the fishery.

https://youtu.be/SFdJ-htpJLs

This year, the organisers are keen to encourage juniors and every pair of anglers containing one or more fishermen under 18-years can claim a discount of £10 on the first entry.

Local venues include Morton Fishings near Livingston on Sunday, 4 June 2017.
All heats will fish from 10am until 5pm and anglers can sign in from 8.30am. A briefing is held at 9.45am.

Scottish venues include Stenhouse Fishery on Sunday, March 25 (a new venue), Lake of Menteith on Friday, April 14 (limited boats), Glencorse Reservoir on Sunday, April 30 (entry is full), Carron Valley on Sunday, May 28, Morton Fishings on Sunday, June 4;
Black Loch on Sunday, July 2 (a new venue), Lake of Menteith on Monday, July 10.

The Grand Final is at Llyn Brenig on Sunday, August 27 with the first prize of £1,500 and second £1,000. Third place is worth £750, fourth £500 and the best fish £200.

Entry forms are available at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday would not confirm she would consult with the Scottish people, and ask the Scottish Parliament to agree, before she changes the Scotland Act after Brexit.

In response to a question from Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deidre Brock, Mrs May only confirmed that she speaks to the Scottish Government a lot.

Speaking after Prime Minister’s Questions, Deidre said:

“It looks like the Prime Minister hasn’t even thought about what she’ll have to do after Brexit, this just shows her contempt for democracy in Scotland.

“Ms May couldn’t provide any clarity on a straightforward question about consulting with the Scottish people before ripping up and rewriting the Scotland Act.  She said last week that she was intending to make big changes to devolution but this week she refused to say that she’d ask the Scottish Parliament to agree to the changes.

“It’s not even clear from her vague response whether Theresa May even understands that her plans to seize EU powers that should come to Scotland needs changes to the devolution settlement and the Scotland Act.

“Ms May’s Tory Government has done little more than pretend to consult the Scottish Government on Europe, now it seems that the need to get consensus on changing the Scotland Act may not even have crossed her mind – she’s not even going to ask her own MSPs at Holyrood.

“She should clarify her intentions and start to respect Scotland’s institutions and the will of the Scottish people and Ruth Davidson should step up to the plate and tell her London boss that the Scottish Parliament has to get a say.”

Port of Leith, home to the historic Royal Yacht Britannia, is welcoming a new floating fixture to its hospitality industry.

Plans to construct Scotland’s first ‘luxury static floating hotel’ were today lodged with The City of Edinburgh Council. This project requires the restoration and conversion of the former  National Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender, MV Fingal, into a 23 bedroom hotel.

The £3.5 million development by the Royal Yacht Enterprises promises to deliver the “ultimate in luxury, offering a wide range of bedroom suites, cabins with private balconies, duplex apartments and a stunning Presidential Suite.”

The aptly named ‘Boatique Hotel’ will open its doors in Easter 2018, boasting an additional 30 new jobs in hospitality for the area: on top of Britannia’s 170 staff.

MV Fingal has had a rich maritime history: the developers of the new hotel have ensured that the decor of their development will be in-keeping with Fingal’s career.

The Royal Yacht Britannia remains an award winning attraction in Edinburgh, attracting a record of 350,000 visitors last year. The yacht has maintained its position as the ‘best attraction in Scotland’ for 11 years, by Visit Scotland.

Cheif Executive Bob Downie said: “Having excelled in the visitor attraction market for nearly 20 years, we are very much looking forward to the challenges of operating in the luxury hotel market and the benefits it will generate for Britannia over the years to come.”

What is your favorite landmark in Scotland? Do you agree with the construction of this hotel in the historic port? Leave your comments below or tweet @ryan_latto and share your views.

Rory Schlein is the first name to be confirmed for the Harrisons Scottish Open speedway at Armadale on 31 March 2017 (tapes-up 7.15pm).

Nicknamed Roo-boy, the former Edinburgh Monarchs star is currently contracted to SGB Championship side Ipswich Witches and Indianerna in Sweden.

Australian-born Schlein, now aged 32, first signed for the Monarchs in 2001 and two years later was a key member of the Edinburgh squad which won the Premier League title.

The two-time winner of the Elite League Riders’ Championship was also part of the Coventry Bees squad which won the Elite League championship in 2007.

Schlein, who has twice taken part in the Speedway World Cup, is a three-time winner of the Scottish Open and is the first rider to be named by the club for this year’s event.

Elite League: Braehead Clan 4, Manchester Storm 1

Edinburgh Capitals fans breathed a sigh of relief when Braehead Clan moved into fourth place in the ten-strong Elite League table when they beat Manchester Storm 4-1, the English side’s eighth straight defeat.

It means that Capitals did not lose any ground in their bid to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs by claiming a top eight spot in the table at the end of the regular season.

Storm stay ninth with 39 points from 47 fixtures and are out of the play-off places along with bottom club Capitals who have 34 points from 46 games.

Dundee Stars occupy the eighth and final play-off position with 40 points from 46 games while Coventry Blaze are seventh with 41 points from 48 starts.

It was Great Britain squad player Craig Peacock who fired Clan ahead after six minutes only for Taylor Dickin to level with 32 seconds left of the first session.

Clan then claimed two goals in five, second-period minutes with Scott Pitt firing the home side head after 14 minutes and Mike Hammond netting with 57 seconds left of the session.

And Corey Cowick’s 14th goal of the season finished off Manchester with less than eight minutes left on the clock.

Hibernian Ladies have announced that home matches for the 2017 season will take place at Ainslie Park.

The SWPL season kicks off on Sunday with an away fixture against Rangers, before the team welcome Aberdeen on Sunday 19 March.

Hibernian Ladies are looking to follow up on last season’s success, winning both cup competitions.

The club would like to thank Broxburn United for the wonderful hospitality at Albyn Park over the past six years.

Fans can follow all the latest news from Hibernian Ladies through the team’s Twitter account, @HibsLadies.

The club will also have updates on the Hibernian website, including match highlights on Hibs TV.

Photo by John Preece

A 37-year-old man has been sentenced for attempting to smuggle a quantity of drugs into HMP Edinburgh.

On 5th November 2016 John Grant attempted to smuggle a large quantity of Class A drugs and other drugs related paraphernalia into HMP Edinburgh using a drone.

Grant pled guilty in court today and was subsequently sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Detective Sergeant Bruce Coutts of Gayfield Pro-Active Unit said: “Police Scotland has a zero tolerance policy towards drug related offences and we will continue to deal with any offences reported to the police as a top priority using every resource at our disposal.

Sergeant Graeme Rankin, Police Scotland’s Civil Aviation Authority Liaison officer said:”People need to be aware that a drone is classed as an aircraft and therefore is governed by aviation legislation and people may commit crimes and offences.

“In this instance, a drone was used to attempt to transport illegal drugs and mobile phones into a prison and he has been convicted of a range of offences.

“Please be aware that anyone with access to a drone needs to understand the guidance provided by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone Safe campaign. We don’t want people to be unwittingly committing a crime but it is your responsibility to understand the correct procedures for flying a drone before you do so.”

The public can assist greatly in helping police tackle drug related offences and we would urge anyone with information on offences of this nature in their area to come forward to police or contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Grange can’t afford any mistakes in the Division One title race as they are only five points behind pace-setting Bromac Kelburne with a game in hand.

The Edinburgh side have 28 points from 11 games while the West of Scotland club, who are the defending champions, have 33 points.

On Saturday, Grange visit bottom club AAM Gordonians (push off 15.30) while Watsonians face a key clash as they bid to add to their disappointing record which has produced only three wins in 11 Division One games.

The former league leaders entertain improving Uddingston Deans Eng at Peffermill (13.00) and the Lanarkshire side, who just beat the drop last season, have climbed to fifth position in the ten-strong table.

They have 14 points while seventh-placed Watsonians have 11 points and coach Mike Leonard will hope that the point taken in last weekend’s joust at fellow-strugglers, PSL Team Sport Clydesdale, will have boosted moral.

Edinburgh University, who eared only one point from a possible six last weekend courtesy of a 3-3 home draw with PSL Team Sports Clydesdale, after being 3-1 down and a 2-1 defeat at AAM Gordonians, are not in action.

Other games on Saturday see defending champions Kelburne entertain Hillhead (13.30) and Grove Menzieshill hosting Western Wildcats (13.00). On Sunday, PSL Team Sport Clydesdale host Hillhead (14.30).

World and Olympic swimming champions will feature in an impressive roster of talent at the Edinburgh International Swim Meet this weekend.

More than 900 swimmers from 31 countries will take part in the three-day event at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Swimmers competing at the event include Danish Olympic gold medallist Pernille Blume and world record holder Rikke Moller Pedersen, alongside Swedish world champion Jennie Johansson.

The University of Edinburgh will be represented by a number of athletes including psychology undergraduate and Olympian Nicholas Quinn and Commonwealth medallist Corrie Scott (Chemistry).

They are joined by medical student Kathryn Greenslade, a Team GB youth champion and Welsh international, and Lizzie Simmonds – a Team GB Olympian and British record holder.

Swimming is one of the University of Edinburgh’s core performance sports. Since the programme was introduced in 2008, Edinburgh has placed athletes on World Championship, Paralympic, Commonwealth and numerous international teams.

Edinburgh is regularly ranked in the top three at British University Championships swimming events and placed nine athletes at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Helen Murray, Chair of the Edinburgh International Swim Meet Organising Committee, said: “We are delighted to have such high calibre athletes competing at this event, which seems to have grown in stature over the past few years, becoming one of the most prominent events in the international swimming calendar”

The event is organised by Scottish Amateur Swimming Association East District in association with the University of Edinburgh.

Swimmers are competing ahead of the British Championships in April and the World Championships in Budapest in July.

The Queen’s Hall will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2023 and now in the year of History, Heritage and Archaeology the Scottish Government has  granted it some funding to ensure that it will celebrate that anniversary in refurbished style.

Good news that the Scottish Government will help @queens_hall with a grant to refurbish the 200 year old building pic.twitter.com/Ai1rWoALmd

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) March 9, 2017

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The Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop visited the hall this morning to announce that £650,000 of funding will be made available to The Queen’s Hall for its ambitious plans to refurbish the outside before undertaking some fundraising to redo the inside of the hall.

Ms Hyslop said:“I am delighted to announce the £650,000 grant for building improvements to the Queen’s Hall, a much-loved part of Edinburgh’s performance history. It is a firm favourite with performers and audiences throughout the year including Edinburgh’s International, Fringe and Jazz and Blues festivals.

“We have increased capital funding for Historic Environment Scotland’s work to preserve, promote and protect our historic buildings, and enabled them to maintain their commitment to provide £14.5 million for external projects such as Historic Environment Repair Grants. We have also maintained funding for our five National Performing Companies and are continuing to invest in cultural infrastructure projects.

“As we celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, the funding will ensure the historic building is in a good state of repair and can continue to host the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and other performances over the next few years.”

Nigel Griffiths, Chair of the Queen’s Hall said: “We are delighted with this Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland vote of confidence in the future of the Queen’s Hall. We look forward to completing these important heritage works, which pave the way to an even brighter future and the celebration in 2019 of the 40th anniversary of the Queen’s Hall as a world class concert hall.”

Gavin Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra said:

“We are immensely grateful to the Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland for this important funding to support the Queen’s Hall. It will be welcomed by everyone in the Orchestra, our audience and by all the staff at the Queen’s Hall.”

Dnipro Kids are heading to Ukraine in April for their next visit, and are looking for supporters to donate any unwanted kids football shirts to take over to those in need.

In September 2005 Hibs’ fans made a UEFA Cup trip to the Ukrainian city of Dnipropetrovsk and after witnessing the conditions suffered by local orphans, a handful of supporters organised a charitable collection.

Within a few months the idea has snowballed and the well meaning Hibernian support has an official charity to its name. The charity is still going strong and in its first year the itraised around £16,000 in donations.

As well as purchasing items such as winter coats and boots it has also been used to purchase medical equipment and make repairs to the building where they live. It has also been used to purchase baby food, baby essentials and clothing for a Crisis Pregnancy Centre in the hope that helping mothers that are struggling to cope can prevent children from becoming orphans.

At the moment  a number of supporters that pay a monthly amount of £10 to the Dnipro Appeal. This money has recently been used to pay for the medical treatment of a girl called Nastya that was suffering from spinal problems. Without the operation there is no doubt that her condition would have worsened and she would have found life in Ukraine very difficult as her handicap worsened and she may have found it difficult to find work.

It is hoped that a successful outcome to the operation will greatly improve her condition and give her a fighting chance in life.

Supporters are encouraged to hand in child football strips that are in good condition to the West Stand reception area of Easter Road stadium during regular office hours.

If you do not have any child strips you can also make a financial contribution through the Dnipro Kids website.

Police have charged a 36-year old man and 37-year-old woman with drug and other associated offences after the recovery of Class A and Class B drugs valued at £450 in Prestonpans High Street on 7th March.

Officers also recovered drugs related paraphernalia and a three figure sum of cash.

They are both scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Sergeant Derek MacDonald of Tranent Community Policing Team said:

“East Lothian division has a zero tolerance policy towards drug related offences and we will continue to deal with any offences reported to the police as a top priority using every resource at our disposal.

“The public can assist greatly in helping police tackle drug related offences and I would urge anyone with information on offences of this nature in their area to come forward to police or contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Next month the Edinburgh International Science Festival will have a wide range of events for adults and children alike.

These events feature great female scientific minds or discuss  women in science.

Moments in Time, Saturday 1 — Sunday 16 April, The Mound Precinct

The 2017 Scottish Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is a time to celebrate and explore Scotland’s fascinating past – our greatest figures and iconic attractions, as well as our hidden gems. At the Science Festival, we are using this opportunity to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s rich scientific tradition, which has given rise to many discoveries that have changed the world.

Moments in Time is a family-friendly outdoor installation of iconic Scottish police boxes. Step inside and allow yourself to be transported back in time as we take you on a journey through some pivotal moments in Scotland’s scientific history. Through a series of immersive snapshots, you will discover milestones of Scottish scientific achievement from the flowering of philosophy and science during the Enlightenment, through the rapidly mechanising world of the Industrial Revolution, to the data rich and globally connected Information Age.

The boxes will also shine a spotlight on some very special Scottish endeavours and the scientists that have brought them to life, including how women in science, medical pioneers and some very important inventions have shaped our national heritage.

Part of the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology supported by Event Scotland.

Gravitational Waves, Thursday 13 April, National Museum of Scotland

Join Prof Sheila Rowan, Director of the Institute of Gravitational Research and Scotland’s Chief Scientific Adviser, and Prof Martin Hendry, Professor of Gravitational Astrophysics and Cosmology, as they talk about their research that led to the discovery of gravitational waves. Host Marcus Chown, science broadcaster and writer, will help describe the present and future research, as gravitational wave experiments around the world ramp up their abilities.

Science in a Post-Truth World, Wednesday 5 April, National Museum of Scotland

Post-truth, an adjective ‘relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief’, was the Oxford Dictionaries 2016 Word of the Year. If the world no longer values knowledge, facts and learning – the principles on which science is based – what can we do to protect the pursuit of scientific truth? Join philosopher Julian Baggini, Prof Dame Anne Glover, Vice-Principal of the University of Aberdeen and former Chief Scientific Adviser to the President of the European Commission, and host, editor of The List Yasmin Sulaiman, to investigate.

A Death Online, Friday 7 April, Summerhall

When we die, our physical possessions are only part of what we leave behind – there is also our diverse and data-rich online life. But what happens to your data when you die? Do our lives continue online after we die? Join BBC presenter and social psychologist Dr Aleks Krotoski, Prof Wendy Moncur, Chair of Digital Living at the University of Dundee, digital death researcher Stacey Pitsillides and psychologist Dr Elaine Kasket to discuss the technical, psychological and legal issues we now face in death due to our lives being increasingly lived online.

Heart Attack: Science’s Battle of the Sexes, Saturday 1 April, Summerhall

Coronary heart disease is Scotland’s single biggest killer, yet often the diagnosis is overlooked in women. Why are more men than women diagnosed with a heart attack? Why are women more likely to die after a heart attack than men?

British Heart Foundation-funded research scientists and cardiologists, Prof Nick Mills and Dr Anoop Shah, are fighting for every heartbeat – whether male or female – here in Edinburgh. Join them as they pose questions and suggest answers with a panel including a female heart attack survivor and a GP.

Presented by British Heart Foundation Scotland.

Girl in the Machine, Monday 3 — Saturday 22 April, Traverse Theatre

Wildly in love and with successful careers, Polly and Owen feel ready to take on the world. It seems like life can’t get much better. But when a mysterious new technology creeps into everyone’s phones, their world is turned upside down. Girl in the Machine is a timely exploration of technology in a world that’s falling apart. Written by Traverse Associate Artist Stef Smith and directed by Traverse Artistic Director Orla O’Loughlin.

Hospitals of the Future, Sunday 2 April, Summerhall

Technology is transforming our hospitals in incredible ways. Margaret Frame, Director of the MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, is joined by surgical robotics nurse Debbie Munro and Margaret Duffy from the Scottish Government to discuss what our future hospitals will look like. Hosted by healthcare journalist Pennie Taylor. Supported by Dexcom.

Food Expiry Dates: what to believe?, Thursday 6 April, Summerhall

Many supermarkets in the UK now to donate any unsold food to charity, but huge quantities of food are thrown out in homes, businesses and stores each day for being past it’s sell by date. In fact as a country we produce about 10 million tonnes of food waste each year. But should we believe the dates on food labels and what can technology do to help us avoid waste? Join a panel including Solveiga Pakstaite, inventor of a bio-reactive food expiry label, and Dr Jacqui McElhiney, Head of Food Protection Science at Food Standards Scotland, to discuss these issues and more.

Catching the Travel Bug, Saturday 8 April, Summerhall

As our world becomes more connected, the spread of disease and viruses becomes more of an issue. Who is responsible for minimising the risks and what can be done to stop these diseases from becoming a global pandemic? Join Karen Bartlett, author of The Health of Nations, as we explore this very present issue.

Why is life so complicated? Can my computer help?, Monday 10 April, Summerhall

Computer simulations are capable of generating massive amounts of data, but this needs to be processed and analysed before it becomes useful. Computational biophysicist Dr Sarah Harris argues that the need to find simple mathematical and physical theories to explain our observations is even stronger now than before the advent of computation.

Musselburgh Racecourse is set to add an exciting new fixture to the coming season with the inaugural Easter Saturday raceday on 15 April 2017.

Racing enthusiasts and those in search of a great day out over the holiday weekend will enjoy an Easter spectacular of first-class racing including the debut of the £100,000 Queen’s Cup; an exhilarating new flat race that has been given the royal approval by Her Majesty following her visit to Musselburgh Racecourse during its bicentenary celebrations.

A true racing aficionado in her own right with a proud history, The Queen has a longstanding relationship with Musselburgh Racecourse, visiting many times over the years. Having opened the Queen’s Stand back in 1995, Her Majesty returned last year on the racecourse’s 200^th anniversaryto present the specially commissioned Bi-Centenary Cup and discuss plans for the newly appointed Queen’s Cup with Musselburgh Racecourse chief executive Bill Farnsworth.

Adding a touch of sporting royalty to the raceday proceedings, Judy Murray will be in attendance to enjoy the first ever Easter Saturday fixture and present the Queen’s Cup.

She commented: “I love the excitement of a day at the races. The mix of the strength and speed of the horses, the skill and colour of the jockeys and the roar from the stands, makes it a fantastic sporting day out. It’s a real thrill to have been invited to present the first ever Queen’s Cup and I’ve no doubt it’s going to be a contest to remember.”

Early Bird tickets are on sale until 31 March 2017, offering a £10 saving on adult tickets (raceday price £30), with children under 17 admitted free. For those looking to make an occasion of it, Musselburgh Racecourse has an array of exclusive packages available including the chic Pommery Pop Package (£42), the Gourmet Pie and Pint for hungry racegoers or the Hen and Stag package for a send-off in style.

Aisling Johnston, marketing manager, Musselburgh Racecourse, added: “We’re thrilled to add this new fixture to our 2017 season and to host the Queen’s Cup in honour of Her Majesty is a real privilege. It’s set to be real highlight in what’s already shaping up to be a fantastic year of racing here at Musselburgh Racecourse.”

For more information on available packages and to book Advance Tickets for £20 visit: www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

A new shop has appeared at 25a Dundas Street and the official opening is today. The Wedding Shop will provide a one stop multi-retailer gift list provider for those getting married in and around the capital.

This is the fourth location for the store which has other branches in Dublin, Chelsea and in Selfridges store.

There are lovely items to add to your wedding list from makes such as Le Creuset, Riedel and The White Company.

We had a look earlier:

New shop official opening on Dundas St later today. We went for a look! pic.twitter.com/Fznmo62W56

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) March 8, 2017

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The Wedding Shop will be open from Monday to Saturday 10am till 6pm

Showroom Manager Nicola Gemmell said :  “Established for over 26 years, The Wedding Shop is the original bespoke gift list registry in the UK and I’m delighted to be opening their first Scottish showroom on Dundas Street.

“I look forward to welcoming couples to our inspiring space and helping them to choose from our portfolio of thousands of products as well as being able to add honeymoon vouchers, cash contributions, experiences and anything else they desire.”

THE WEDDING SHOP, EDINBURGH 

25A DUNDAS STREET, 

EDINBURGH, EH3 6QQ

TEL: 0131 558 7755

For further information visit www.weddingshop.com or email hello@weddingshop.com to book a consultation.

The city’s specialist music school, St Mary’s Music School which has its base in the heart of the West End is holding a series of auditions in the next few months. They want to find those children and young adults who dream of a musical career in the same way as the school’s alumni pianist Steven Osborne, conductor Garry Walker and baritone (and comedian) Alexander Armstrong.

The school has a teacher for every instrument from accordion to bagpipes, organ and flute. Those who audition now could be at the school this September.

Entry is based on musical talent, not on ability to pay and Scottish Government funding, up to 100 percent, is available through the Aided Places Scheme to assist with the cost of tuition and boarding fees.

Dr Kenneth Taylor, headteacher at St Mary’s Music School, said: “We are looking for students of all ages who show exceptional ability and have the real desire to make music their focus. The school offers them the opportunity an excellent academic education alongside a dedicated music programme structured around their individual talents and preferences and can be an incredibly fulfilling experience.

“Importantly, the school offers students numerous opportunities to perform and develop their skills in front of a live audience, including concerts at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, guest recitals or at our own public performances. With the majority of our students going on to enjoy a career in music, this is an enormously rewarding element of the educational environment we provide.”

Former St Mary’s Music School pupil, Hannah Foster, 21, is currently in her third year of study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Glasgow. She has had a passion for the flute since the age of seven, and joined St Mary’s in Primary 7.

She describes her arrival at the school and her memories of the music school: “Despite initially being nervous, I found that the setting was quite informal and welcoming. The purpose of the advisory audition was to see if I was ready for a formal instrumental audition. After successfully completing this second audition, I was offered a place at the school.

“The Primary department at St Mary’s consisted of 18 pupils, between Primary 5 and Primary 7. It was a positive and friendly environment, where staff worked very hard to ensure pupils received support in every area of the curriculum. Even during academic lessons, however, I knew music was never far away.

“The sounds of strings, wind, piano and voice constantly flowed and echoed through the corridors. Each day was broken into periods of academic lessons and music, allowing me to commit far more time to practising flute each day. The experience also afforded new opportunities, such as chamber music and jazz ensembles.

“When it came to sitting Standard Grades and Highers, I loved being able to take my mind off the exams by practising flute. My favourite practice room in the school was the Music Library. It was full of books, old and new, and looked out onto the grassy school grounds. It was great to have peace and quiet to practise during the day.

“It was important to me to focus on music during my time at school and I was given many performance opportunities at the school that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else.”

Hannah left St Mary’s Music School with four Highers (grade A) and two Advanced Highers (grade A) and had been a Woodwind Category Finalist in BBC Young Musician 2014 before taking up her place at RCS. Earlier this year, she won the RCS Classical Concerto Competition, reached the Semi-final of the Stockport International Music Competition, and was awarded Second Prize at the British Flute Society Young Artist Competition in London.

She has now been accepted onto both the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) Apprenticeship Schemes.

Hannah adds: “After graduating, I would like to continue performing in the UK. For me, music is about communication. Being part of the magic of live performance is exhilarating. I am particularly passionate about performing concertos with orchestra and this is something I hope to continue after I graduate. My overall ambition is to take part in as many different musical experiences as possible; to perform, to collaborate and to spend my career bringing my passion for music to audiences far and wide.”

It is planned to make whisky right next to Ocean Terminal and The Royal Yacht Britannia in the first purpose built distillery to be constructed in the capital for over a century.

Although it is four years since the idea of a new distillery was first mooted the site is now confirmed and a planning application will be submitted in the next few months.

Ian Stirling and Patrick Fletcher are the Edinburgh pair behind the project which will focus on fermentation, a key part of the process rarely highlighted to consumers.

“The first step to making whisky is making a beer” explains Ian, who was previously head of Off-Trade sales at the award-winning London merchant Roberson Wine, “and as any beer fan will know, there is a whole world of possibilities in that process. We want to play with those possibilities, ferment something special, and then distil a delicious lowland whisky.”

The Port of Leith Distillery’s modern approach will be reflected in the design and construction of the £5m building, which is intended to create an exciting new landmark for Leith and includes plans for an adjacent floating restaurant and bar. The area was once the centre of Edinburgh’s vibrant whisky industry, but consolidation and market downturns led most producers to retreat to rural locations by the later part of the 20th century. Many of the bonded warehouses that lined the shore still exist today as converted flats.

“Leith was once the national hub for the Scotch industry and it’s really exciting to be restarting that tradition”, says Patrick. “Our business will boost the local economy by drawing more tourists and residents down to the harbour and providing many new jobs. And hopefully the quality of our building’s architecture will encourage more investment in Leith.”

Accessibility is a key priority for the company, who intend to open the distillery not only to tourists, but also students and local enthusiasts alike. “Patrick and I took our first step down this road by purchasing a still and playing with it.” says Ian. “We’d like to give people the chance to do the same thing, but in a slightly safer environment than Patrick’s back garden”.

The distillery plans to eventually produce 400,000 lpa (litres pure alcohol) per year. The company has secured investment to apply for planning consents and building warrant. Significant investment has already been committed for the construction phase, pending the successful outcome of the planning process. “It took a long time to find the ideal site.” Says Patrick. “Ocean Terminal bought into our vision when we had no money and only a plan. By agreeing to this land deal, they’ve made an enormous contribution to our business and, we hope, to Leith.”

Dennis Jones, Centre Manager Ocean Terminal said, “We are seeing Ocean Terminal more and more as a leisure, cultural and recreational destination. This visionary new distillery on our doorstep can only enhance that strategy”.

Subjit Jassy, Asset Manager at Resolution (owners of Ocean Terminal), “We are proud to support such an innovative and ambitious plan, and this deal ties directly into the social shift within the shopping centre industry”.

Threesixty Architecture have been appointed to design the building.

This is the second new lowland whisky proposed in recent times. Last week the new Ardgowan Distillery obtained planning permission for its new distillery which will be built at Inverkip over the next 12 months.

Orvis in Edinburgh start their free learn fly fishing basics courses this weekend – perfect for the opening of the trout season on 15 March 2017 – and they are designed for beginners of all ages,

The course includes free lessons on fly casting and outfit rigging and all you need to to is to call a store associate on 0131 226 6227 for details. Class spaces are limited. Call or pop into the shop in Hope Street, Edinburgh to reserve a spot.

A spokesman said: “Fly fishing is a sport the whole family can participate in. All ages are welcome to attend this store-based cours, but those under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Bring the whole family and learn what this great sport is all about.”

The dates are:
March: Saturdays 11, 18, 25
April: Saturday 1, Sunday 23
May: Monday 1, Saturday 6, Friday 19, Monday 29
June: Thursday 8, Saturday 24
July: Saturdays 1, 15, 29
August: Saturday 12, Monday 28
September: Saturday 9, Friday 22
October: Saturdays 14, 28

Two former Edinburgh Capitals stars have been included in Great Britain’s (GB) squad for a double-header against Poland which forms part of the build-up for the World Championship.

Dundee-born netminder Stephen Murphy and defenceman Mark Garside from East Kilbride, join a third Scot, Glaswegian forward Colin Shields, and three other players with Scottish clubs in the squad.

Zach Sullivan and Craig Peacock of Braehead Clan plus evergreen Fife Flyers forward Brendan Brooks, who was born in Canada, are also squad-mates.

Coach Pete Russell’s squad face Poland on 14 April at Nottingham’s National Ice Centre and and again on the 15 April this time at Coventry’s Skydome Arena.

The squad will be cut to 23 ahead of the World Championship where GB will face Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Netherlands and Japan from 23 to 29 April in Belfast.

Scots-born Russell, said: “The coaches feel we have picked the right balance but there was so much competition across the board.

“We have a good balance of offence and defence and I think it’s the strongest team we have selected in the two years.”

He said: “We have been challenged to win a gold medal by the association and to do it on home soil.

“It’s going to be a wonderful experience and we need everyone behind the whole group.”

Brooks, who played for Breaehead last season, is named for the first time in a British line-up and it follows an impressive league campaign with Flyers.

The 38-year-old, who was once contracted to National Hockey League giants, Detroit Red Wings and St Louis Blues, has notched 45 points from 20 goals and 25 assists in 46 games.

The centre or right wing said: “I wasn’t sure if international hockey was going to happen again.

“I was asked to play for Canada at the Deutschland Cup in 2011 but got injured and couldn’t be a part of it.

“I had a call to play one more year at the Spengler Cup but the team I was playing for at the time had games during the same time as the tournament and I wouldn’t have been able to go.”

He added: “My initial reaction was with a big smile and couldn’t wait to contact my mom and grandparents about it.

“It is a very emotional thing for my grandparents and mom to see me represent their home country.

“My plan is definitely to be a part of the 23 man roster. I think it would be a huge honour to be on the squad and represent GB. I wouldn’t be going if I wasn’t serious about being on the team and help go for the gold.”

Netminders: Ben Bowns (Cardiff Devils), Stephen Murphy and Jackson Whistle (both Belfast Giants: Defence: Josh Batch Mark Richardson (both Cardiff Devils), Mark Garside (Belfast Giants), Steve Lee (Nottingham Panthers), Ben O’Connor and Dave Phillips (both Sheffield Steelers), Zach Sullivan (Braehead Clan), Paul Swindlehurst (Manchester Storm), Jonathan Weaver (Telford Tigers).

Forwards: Brendan Brooks (Fife Flyers), David Clarke and Robert Farmer, Robert Lachowicz (all Nottingham Panthers), Russell Cowley, Liam Stewart and Ross Venus (all Coventry Blaze), Robert Dowd, Jonathan Phillips (both Sheffield Steelers), Sam Duggan (Orebro, Sweden), Luke Ferrara (Sheffield Steelers), Evan Mosey (Rockford Ice Hogs, USA), Matthew Myers (Cardiff Devils), Craig Peacock (Braehead Clan), Jack Prince (Manchester Storm), Colin Shields (Belfast Giants).

The Edinburgh Folk Club, at Summerhall, is presenting the folk duo Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage tonight Wednesday 8 March 2017.

Hannah, best known for her debut album ‘Charms Against Sorrow’, and Ben of The Willows, have been touring and performing  and writing material together since 2013.  The pair released an album ‘Before the Sun’ in 2016. The pair call themselves “children of folk clubs”, both having a similar musical heritage.

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The folk duo have performed in Oxford, Cambridge and Kansas last month, joining fellow folk fans in Scotland in Glasgow on the 7th of March, Edinburgh of the 8th, and Kirkcaldy on the 9th.

Hannah and Ben’s relationship is special and this is strongly evoked through through melodic harmonies:

“We’ve had some lovely shared moments with us and the audience, where everyone ‘gets it’ at the same time without us asking.  I know Hannah very well and we play together all the time. We know what each other is thinking, so those moments are special. I love singing with Hannah, she’s fantastic to sing with, so we have that synchronicity all the time anyway. ”

Tickets for the Edinburgh event are £10/£9 concession, or £7 for EFC members.

You can join the Edinburgh Folk Club here, to receive more information about up-and-coming events and news.

Beautiful Belle, an eight-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback cross, proved to be a model companion for Miss Teen Edinburgh Galaxy when she visited the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Lanarkshire.

Shanden Hill is preparing to represent Edinburgh at the national final of Miss Teen Galaxy 2017 on Friday and visited the centre to give a generous donation after completing a sponsored walk around Strathclyde Park.

The 15-year-old student came to the centre where she met the staff and some of the amazing animals who are looking for a new home.

Peter Fleming, manager of the centre in Lanarkshire said, “We would like to wish Shanden all the best for the forthcoming competition.

“We’re delighted to receive this kind donation.

“As an animal welfare charity we receive no government or lottery funding so we rely entirely on the support of the public.

“Without these donations we would not be able to continue our vital work rescuing and rehoming abandoned and unwanted animals in Scotland.”

The grand final of Miss Teen Galaxy is being held from 9 – 12 March 2017 at Park Hall Hotel in Lancashire.

If you can offer Belle a new home please contact our centre in Lanarkshire on 03000 999 999.

Three-time British champion Chris Harris joins the star-studded field for the Allied Vehicles Ben Fund Bonanza at Ashfield on Sunday.

Harris, nicknamed Bomber, has ridden in several Bonanza and returns to Glasgow after scoring 14 points on his last visit,

The popular rider tracked for Coventry at Ashfield at the start of the 2016 season and he said “I enjoyed it there last year. It’s a nice shape and well-prepared so, hopefully, I can do the same again and have some fun.”

Harris rides for Rye House this season and said: “It came out of the blue when it happened but it’s a good team we’ve got down there and I’m looking forward to it. It will be a new challenge.

THE FIELD: 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, Nike Lunna

NOTE: For travelling fans going there are roadworks in the Ashfield area so allow a little extra time to get there.

Whilst Hibs’ fans are planning a ninth visit to the national stadium in the last five years, defender Darren McGregor insists that he and his team mates are taking each game as it comes.

The semi-final against Aberdeen will take place on Saturday 22nd April and Hibs have seven games to play before that including a ‘six pointer’ against Dundee United on Friday night.

Neil Lennon’s men are currently seven points ahead of United having played one game more and victory would go a long way in securing automatic promotion.

The central defender told Hibernian Media: “There are big games before the Semi Final, but it was one of delight. We played Aberdeen last year and they’re a really good team, so we know we are in for a really tough game.

“I think we have proven ourselves over the last couple of years that we’re good in cup competitions against teams from the league above, having only lost to Ross County, so we’ll go into it with confidence.

“Between now and then there are more important games to play, so any talk of the semi-final is shelved as there is a lot of hard work involved between now and then.

“There is a cliché about taking one game at a time and that the next game is the most important, but this truly is significant.

“Dundee United beat us the last time, so we’re going up there with the mindset to not let that happen again. The table will look a lot different if we get a win, which is what we’re focusing on doing.”

Police in Edinburgh and the City of Edinburgh Council are continuing to work with the community to create a city free from Islamophobia and associated prejudice behaviour.

A total fund of £40,000 has been contributed to by Police Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government.

Its purpose of the Shared Vision – Your Decision initiative is to help local people deliver innovative projects which reduce prejudice and foster positive relationships between diverse communities.

Between 10 November and 12 December 2016, applications were submitted for projects to receive up to £5,000 from the total fund.

Residents were then asked to decide which of 34 projects, who collectively applied for over £120,000, were given funding.

A vote was launched on 28 January, running until 13 February, at an event in the city which brought together the projects and the public.

Over 2500 people collectively voted at the event, online and at local libraries with thirteen projects now being given funding.

Sergeant Scott Kennedy of Edinburgh’s Prevention’s Interventions & Partnerships (PIP) Team said:  “It’s been really encouraging to see so many people eager to be involved and the support received from the public throughout this process.

“We’ll continue to work together with all the projects to tackle prejudice and ensure that Edinburgh remains a welcoming and diverse city.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved and wish all the projects the best of luck!”

Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhood Committee, said: “Participatory budgeting exercises like this continue to be exceedingly popular, allowing local people to make real decisions about priority activities in their local area.

’Shared Vision – Your Decision is a great example of the positive work being carried out across the city with partners to promote equality and tackle Islamophobia.”

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National Museum of Scotland wins Sudocrem Award from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

The Scottish Ambulance Service has appealed for organisations or businesses to register potentially life-saving public access defibrillators on its dedicated website, gaining support from Lothians MSP Miles Briggs.

Mr Briggs said: “Public access defibrillators can make the difference between life and death for those who suffer from cardiac arrest before an ambulance arrives.

“There is currently no legal obligation to register defibrillators which is why the Scottish Ambulance Service is asking people to help them know where these are so that when someone calls 999 the ambulance service will know where the nearest defibrillator is if it is required.”

He added: “I join the Scottish Ambulance Service in encouraging leisure centres, schools, libraries, transport services, community centres and other public places with defibrillators in Lothian to register their devices on the Scottish Ambulance Service’s website.

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Murray McEwan, the ambulance service’s national resilience manager, said: “We are grateful to have Miles Briggs behind our campaign.

“When someone experiences a cardiac arrest they are unconscious and not breathing, or not breathing normally, and their life is in immediate danger, which is why these defibrillators are so important.

“If we know where defibrillators are in every community our call handlers may then be able to direct bystanders to a defibrillator in the event of somebody experiencing a cardiac arrest and talk them through action to take.”

This season the RSNO will pay tribute to Gene Kelly, Leonard Bernstein, Gershwin and they will perform at the RSNO at the Movies series at the Edinburgh International Festival. All of this American influence will mark the orchestra’s 125th year and the RSNO Chorus’ 175th birthday but will be interspersed by a bit of Beethoven and Prokofiev for good measure.

Earlier today RSNO Chief Executive, Dr Krishna Thiagarajan, announced the new season by explaining that this weekend the orchestra is off to Florida for a series of concerts, the first US visit since 1986. But they will certainly not neglect their Scottish audiences as there will be over a hundred concerts across Scotland aiming to deliver the highest quality live orchestra to as many people as possible.

Dr Thiagarajan said : “Since I joined the RSNO in 2015 I have been honoured to be part of a team which has been able to provide our loyal and growing support with a greater number of concerts and of unparalleled variety. We’ve strived to offer more of what our core audience love – large scale symphonic repertoire – while bringing in new strands to develop audiences for live orchestral music, such as music from films and for schools, the latter recently reintroduced at our rehearsal and performance venue, the RSNO Centre. We have a drive and a duty to do more, however, and I’m proud to unveil this gem of a Season, designed to showcase the excellence and versatility of Scotland’s national orchestra.”

Peter Oundjian will be Music Director of the orchestra for the sixth year in succession along with Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Søndergård. He said : “It gives me great pleasure in unveiling our 2017:18 Season, one which bids farewell to a significant anniversary for the Orchestra and which heralds a milestone for our founding organisation, the RSNO Chorus.

“Since its humble beginnings as an amateur singing group meeting weekly in a café on Glasgow’s Argyle Street 175 years ago, the former Glasgow Choral Union has displayed a determination to bring important works to the concert halls of Scotland, many of them for the first time, including Handel’s Messiah.

“It is this pioneering spirit which we endeavour to continue. We bring many well-loved works of the grand symphonic and choral tradition this Season, but also the less frequently performed, a greater number of new works, and for Leonard Bernstein’s one hundredth anniversary, his celebratory and revelatory MASS, a first for Scotland.” The MASS was commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy in honour of her husband John F Kennedy.

Bernstein would have been 100 in 2018 so it is fitting to give his work recognition at this time, so the RSNO along with the RSNO Chorus will collaborate with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as part of the Bernstein 100 celebration. The Scottish première of his 1971 MASS will be performed at the Glasgow Concert Hall on 5 May 2018, but here in the capital we will have the West Side Story tribute on 27 April 2018.

Gene Kelly : A Life in Music is part of a series of Scottish events to feature the life and work of the Hollywood legend, accompanied by unseen footage of the star. An introductory evening at the RSNO Centre in Glasgow will feature his widow, Patricia Ward Kelly giving an intimate insight into her late husband, the film star.

And if you have missed out on tickets for the EIFF event featuring the RSNO playing live music to the screening of the Raiders of the Lost Ark then fear not, there are more film events in the offing.

The RSNO will provide the live soundtrack to Hitchcock’s Psycho in Edinburgh and Glasgow this October, and Brief Encounter will be the next film event in February 2018. RSNO At the Movies will feature music from Alien, The Blues Brothers, Raging Bull and Trainspotting to name but a few. Richard Kaufman a member of the John Williams’ Orchestra will bring a concert programme devoted entirely to The Music of Star Wars.

There will be midweek concerts to highlight the work of female conductors and presentations by Thomas Søndergård entitled Under the Skin of…….. which will focus on the life and music of Johannes Brahms presented by RSNO violin Ursula Heidecker Allen.

Along with some Rimsky-Korsakov, a St Andrew’s Day party featuring Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain, Children’s Classic Concerts, Nicola Benedetti and Oundjian with some big symphonies this is a wide-ranging programme which will undoubtedly have something for you.

The tickets are priced from £12.50 up. The easiest way to ensure that you don’t miss out on tickets or what’s on is to download the RSNO app here. The 2017:18 programme will go up on their website shortly.

To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson visited Lothian Buses to help them remove a wheel nut from one of the fleet’s greenest buses.

This is an annual focus on the way that apprenticeships work for businesses and the economy, as well as being good for the apprentices themselves.

Ms Davidson went to the bus company’s Annandale Street depot in her own constituency to meet some apprentices. She said: “Lothian Buses runs an outstanding apprenticeship programme and I was hugely impressed with the young people I met at the depot today.

“They were enthusiastic, informed and even helped me have a shot myself – they are a real credit to the company.

“Apprenticeships are an important route into work for young people who are able to earn while they learn valuable skills.

“One of the most impressive aspects of the Lothian buses visit was seeing how the company supports the over-25s through their apprenticeship programme, at their own expense.

“This is an area where we see real opportunities for growth and to help those who have lost employment, left the armed forces or are seeking a career change.

“Right now there is limited Scottish Government funding to help and we believe expanding the apprenticeship programme to include the over-25’s would benefit countless individuals as well as upskill the Scottish workforce.”

Over the last decade the bus company has trained 80 apprentices, many of whom have stayed with the company, and five rising to the rank of supervisor.

Jim Armstrong, Engineering Director, said: “Our approach to apprentice training focuses on the key objective of future proofing our business. We understand the importance and value of helping develop technical skills amongst our young people to ensure that they go on to have successful careers.

“Over the last ten years, Lothian Buses has trained over 80 apprentices and retained over 31 young apprentices and 24 mature apprentices. Of them, I’m delighted to say, five have progressed their careers and are now in supervisory roles within the engineering department.

“We are committed to the success of our Apprenticeships and look forward to welcoming a further ten apprentices later this year.”

If Simon Byrom appeared fatigued at Edinburgh Sheriff Court this morning, then it was because he has spent just over a week living in a self-constructed treehouse, hanging from a branch from a firmly planted tree in Edinburgh’s Cowgate area.

Byrom, founder of the ‘Let There Be Light’ campaign, which takes its name from the motto of the Edinburgh Central Library, stressed the importance of the land to the locals of Edinburgh and their heritage. The public land was originally to be used for the extension of the Central Library, however Dreamvale Properties had acquired the space to build a city hotel.

Dreamvale had taken the hardy campaigner to court this morning to evict him from the tree.

Despite controversy over the planning permission granted to Dreamvale, they hold the title deeds to the property. Their argument that Byrom was breaking several health and safety laws by being on their property in a self-made structure added to their claim to evict Mr Byrom from the tree.

The Edinburgh Reporter heard only yesterday that Mr Byrom had been hanging upside down in the tree above the footpath, a possible danger to passing pedestrians.

Their main call was that Byrom should not be granted a term of notice before his eviction from the treehouse as his welfare would not be affected: Byrom is a permanent resident in Edinburgh’s Old Town, and his treehouse is not his main home.

Byrom replied: “Under the European Convention of Human Rights, article 6, I am entitled to a fair trial. The notice of legal action was given to me only four days ago. Literally nailed to the bottom of my tree. I had no time to logistically organise legal support or advice, and so I am here representing myself.

“The building of this hotel goes against the work and philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie, founder of the Central Library. The ‘Let There Be Light’ campaign is supported by locals, councillors, MPs and MSPs alike who do not want to see the ‘gentrification’ of our historic city.”

During his defence, he claimed his cause was supported by his social conscience and for the common good. He stressed he had never intimidated or abused police officers, fire wardens, or construction workers during his stay in the tree.

“Several local communities are affected by the controversial hotel development including the recent departure of ‘Access Edinburgh’ the homelessness medical clinic. Environmentally, this structure will add to the pollution already building in this small area”.

Sheriff McGowan, although sympathetic to Byrom’s claims, eventually ruled in favour of Dreamvale. He asked Mr Byrom if he had any legal entitlement to the land he had occupied in the tree. Byrom agreed he did not, however he again stated the social and moral causes for his occupation of the tree.

Sheriff McGowan eventually stated, “This is a court of legality, not morality.” and ruled in favour of the hotel developers.

Anne Duthie, friend to Byrom and supporter of the campaign, stressed the need for an environmental review, saying : “The hearings we had about permission to build on King’s Stables Road didn’t even have an environmental authority present. Environmental implications were the main objections to these buildings being constructed.”

During the court hearing, Andrea, a friend of Byrom’s, kept vigil in the treehouse. He stayed there until the news of Simon’s defeat eventually brought him down to ground level. Just before he left, a postman approached Andrea, handing him a letter addressed ‘To the Man in the Tree, Cowgate, Edinburgh.”

Simon and Anne now want a Judicial Review of the planning permission given to Dreamvale by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Thousands of fishermen from all over Scotland attended the open weekend at the Glasgow Angling Centre at The Point Retail Park.

The Edinburgh Reporter visited to see what was going on.

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And bosses revealed that they are planning to stage a similar event in their new Edinburgh store at Granton Retail Park soon.

Thomas Carlisle, manager at the Glasgow store, said that dates would be announced soon for the event which is again expected to be a major attraction for anglers.

The Edinburgh Reporter will keep you up to date with announcements regarding the event.