University of Edinburgh Business School is for the first time hosting a two-day event aimed at developing business solutions to some of today’s most pressing social issues and challenges.

Until tomorrow, more than 100 entrepreneurial undergraduates will compete in #makeyourmark to develop innovative business ideas which tackle real social challenges, ranging from fuel poverty and loneliness in old age, to financial literacy and gender equality.

Teams of students will take part in hands-on workshops and receive mentoring from some of Scotland’s leading business minds, as they develop their own solutions to a range of social issues.

Each team will then present their business idea to a panel of esteemed judges on the final day, for a chance to secure some valuable work experience and internship at some of Scotland’s leading socially-focused businesses and social enterprises.

#makeyourmark was opened by Deputy First Minister and social enterprise champion, John Swinney, followed by a keynote speech from Ian Marchant, Chair of Wood Group, former CEO of SSE and one of Scotland’s leading social investors.

#MakeYourMark event @uoebusiness seeks innovative ideas to solve problems like fuel poverty and homelessness Dean Wendy Loretto explains… pic.twitter.com/g4BcDcHNd8

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) February 22, 2017

To get the creative juices flowing, students also took part in a panel discussion around the topic of ‘matching profit with purpose’, featuring Alastair Davis, Chief Executive, Social Investment Scotland, Josh Littlejohn, Founder, Social Bite, Debra Riddell, Owner, Breadshare and Liz Turner, Head of Corporate Responsibility, BT Scotland. The panel will be chaired by Tom Levitt, Editor of the Guardian’s Sustainable Business.

Wendy Loretto, Dean of the University of Edinburgh Business School said: “#makeyourmark is a fantastic opportunity for the Business School to take a leading role in helping to develop and nurture the social conscience of tomorrow’s business leaders. It builds on our wider work to instil the value of responsible leadership in our students, including the introduction of a dedicated course on Global Challenges, to address the key issues in the contemporary business environments. Importantly, our undergraduates are increasingly looking towards careers that will allow them to give something back to local, national and international communities.

“This event will provide them with the tools to make their own mark on society and business and help shape their own career choices. As young graduates entering the workplace for the first time, their world view, experience and opinion will be invaluable in helping to shape the future direction of business in society.

“With inspiration and mentoring from some of Scotland’s leading social entrepreneurs and business minds, I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas our students come up with. I’ve no doubt that some if not all of these ideas will have some practical benefit for Scotland’s business and social enterprise community.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney: “Scotland’s social enterprises are the perfect illustration of how the Scottish Government’s aim of inclusive growth can bring about economic benefits alongside social or environmental gains.

“As part of our 10-year approach to strengthening the sector, we want to encourage the social entrepreneurs of the future.  Scotland’s universities and colleges are absolutely central to that ambition. The Edinburgh University #makeyourmark initiative is a fantastic example of an innovative approach, with undergraduates given the support of some of Scotland’s best social entrepreneurs and business leaders to develop commercial ideas that also tackle some of the most pressing issues in our society.

“Across our whole education system it is crucial that our young people are given the help and encouragement they need to flourish and reach their full potential.  At the same time we must harness their fresh thinking, new ideas and energy to ensure Scotland’s economy is equipped to continue to compete in a changing world.

“Ventures such as #makeyourmark will help us realise those aims, and I wish all of the participants well as they take part in this exciting project.”

Seven men have been arrested in connection with a large-scale disturbance in the city centre last week.

Following the Hearts vs Hibernian Scottish Cup match on Sunday 12th February, police received reports of disorder and violence taking place outside a pub on Brougham Place.

As a result of this incident two men required treatment for facial and head injuries.

Earlier today officers carried out enforcement activity in the Oxgangs, Newington and Meadowbank areas of the city, as well as within Newtongrange, Ormiston and Aberfeldy.

The men aged 16, 20, 26, 33, 33, 48 and 48 were all subsequently charged and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday 23rd January.

Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “The disorder on Brougham Place was football-related and caused a great deal ofconcern to local residents, businesses and patrons in the area.

“We will not tolerate such offences and will actively pursue anyone believed to be involved to ensure they are brought to justice.

“The vast majority of supporters of both Hearts and Hibernian are regularly a credit to their clubs and behave responsibly whenever their teams are in action. However, a small minority behave in a manner, which puts themselves and others at risk.

“The replay of the Scottish Cup match takes place tonight and we’ll have an appropriate presence in place to ensure the safety of all spectators and maintain order in and around the stadium.

“In addition, police will be assisting stewards to check for contraband items such as alcohol, weapons and flares and anyone in possession of such things will be prevented from entering the ground and may be arrested.

“Following the match, officers will be out on patrol and any offences identified will be dealt with robustly.”

John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, talked with students and staff at the Royal Blind School during a tour of their campus in Morningside this morning.

Mr Swinney visited the school to find out how it delivers education and care to young people with visual impairment, including some with complex needs.

Pictured are student Christina Tyler who smiles as John Swinney tries to read a science diagram while wearing sleep shades to simulate blindness.

Photos courtesy of  

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Glass Peaks will be playing Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on 17 March 2017. Tickets are £5 in advance from Tickets Scotland and Music Glue.

Having been founded just over a year ago, GLASS PEAKS are quickly earning themselves a reputation as one of the Southeast’s hottest new talents. The four-piece from Kent dive into the realm of self-proclaimed ‘melancholic alt-pop’, derived from influences such as Joy Division and The Smiths and resonating the sound of contemporaries like Ben Howard, Foals, The Maccabees and White Lies.

The gig will be as part of a tour across the UK including Glasgow the following night at Buff Club. They have recently released their second single ‘Speak and Spell’ which has been played on BBC Radio 1 Introducing and Absolute Radio.

Although their influences are clearly defined, it’s evident GLASS PEAKS are determined to stamp their own mark on the scene. The music is an earnest marriage between raw, energetic passion and methodical, thought provoking articulation. As the band become increasingly revered for their powerful live show, it’s easy to hear and see why so many people are already captivated by their sound.​

http://www.glasspeaks.band/
https://www.facebook.com/glasspeaksband/ https://twitter.com/glasspeaksband

‘You kissed me because you were awfully nice and I was awfully nice and we both like kissing very much. It was inevitable.‘

The Minnesota Monthly once described Hay Fever as ‘…an exhausting exercise in emotions and extremes/the humour is contagious.’ Ah, our American cousins do so terribly, terribly get wrought with the vapours.

Set in those immediate years after the horrors of the Great War this was a time for the bright young things to celebrate the genteel interbellum. Daddy being filthy rich with a stately pile in the country/Richmond pad helped of course.

A swathe of eligible young bachelors had been left to fertilise the fields of Flanders, a disproportionate higher % of junior officers suffering fatalities compared to the ordinary Tommy.

So, a ‘gel’ had to catch catch her beau when the chance arose. This was the time of the emerging Bohemians, the shocking aesthetic of the ‘free-loving’ Bloomsbury Set and emerging Art Deco. Charles Ryder was about to fall for the fatal charms of Sebastian Flyte and teddy bear Aloysius. On to this exotic canvas Noel Coward, at the peak of of his craft, portrays his bitter-sweet family farce, Hay Fever.

Set in the rural retreat of the eccentric, if not ironically named, Bliss family, this riotous assembly charts the unconventional antics of a self-dubbed ‘bohemian’ family of four.

Directed by Dominic Hill, revelation, romance and outrageous behaviour set the tone of this 1920s comedy which explores the games people play to avoid the realities of everyday existence. Considered to be one of Noël Coward’s most enduring comedies, the production opens at The Lyceum on Friday 10 March-April 1, transferring to Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre from 5 –22 April.

Ticket details here.

The Scottish Government has announced a new £25,000 scholarship in memory of Gordon Aikman who died at the beginning of the month.

The scholarship will support improvements in motor neurone disease (MND) care. Gordon was diagnosed with MND at the age of 29. He campaigned hard for the rest of his life to raise funds and awareness. Gordon’s Fightback has raised over £550,000 to help MND Scotland find a cure for the disease.

The Gordon Aikman Scholarship will fund individuals and professionals to develop practical improvements in the way people with MND are cared for – such as sharing best practice in specialised physiotherapy or developing a better understanding of carers’ educational and support needs.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said the scholarship programme would commemorate the contribution Gordon Aikman made to improving the lives of people with MND and continue his legacy.

The announcement was made today in the Scottish Parliament – during a parliamentary debate held to reflect on the contribution Gordon Aikman made to public life and to further raise awareness of MND.

The Health Secretary has also requested that Chief Scientist’s Office work with the NHS Research Scotland Dementia and Neuroprogressive Disease Research Network to convene a research event to take forward discussions on how to bring MND clinical trials to Scotland.

Opening the debate, Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “Gordon was deeply committed to advancing the cause of people living with MND in Scotland.

“His campaign not only raised over a half a million pounds for the charity, MND Scotland, but was also instrumental in bringing about changes to the law around voice therapy and doubling the number of MND specialist nurses working in the NHS.

“Gordon was an inspirational figure and I want to make sure that the momentum he created – and the good work that followed from that – continues to be taken forward, even now he’s gone.

“That is why I’ve established a scholarship programme in honour of Gordon. The scholarship will fund professionals or individuals with knowledge of MND, to take forward research into new and better ways of caring for people with the condition.

“I very much hope it will continue to drive forward the improvements to MND care that Gordon has kick-started in Scotland and be a fitting tribute to his memory.”

Lawrence Cowan, close friend of Gordon Aikman and Chair of MND Scotland, said: “Gordon’s campaigning transformed MND care in Scotland. With this scholarship we can help inspire people to keep transforming MND care for years to come.

“It will help bring people together, try new things and ultimately improve how we fight back against this cruel disease.”

Gordon’s husband, Joe Pike, said: “We are delighted that this scholarship will continue Gordon’s legacy. We must also work hard to make Scotland an international centre for clinical trials into MND.

“It is vital we find a cure for the disease that robbed Gordon of his future, and continues to affect hundreds of families across the country.”

A series of new initiatives designed to protect Scotland’s environment and tackle climate change have been published today by the Scottish Conservatives in a major new policy paper.

Timed to mark Scottish Environment Week, the country’s main opposition party is setting out a range of new ideas in a bid to lead the debate on how we best reduce carbon emissions, protect Scotland’s natural resources and encourage sustainable growth.

Writing in the paper’s foreword, shadow environment secretary Maurice Golden warns that our natural resources cannot be consumed at the current “unsustainable” rate – and more work must be done by the Scottish Government to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

The paper also sets out new ways to ensure Scotland’s rich biodiversity and natural landscape is protected to the highest environmental standards – and to work with urban and rural communities to grow Scotland’s economy.

The new paper today includes policies which support:

• A step change in support for electric cars including incentives for electric car ownership – such as free town centre parking and allowing use of bus and taxi lanes. The document also proposes a new fund to expand electric vehicle charging across Scotland and urges public bodies to consider electric vehicle ownership.
• A target to ensure 50 per cent of Scotland’s energy comes from renewables by 2030, with individual targets for heat, transport and electricity sectors.
• The establishment of new national parks where there is public support.
• The creation of a new Centre for Circular Economy Excellence – a world-leading facility to examine how best to maximise our use of natural resources.
• Support for nuclear as part of a low carbon economy – with new plants at Torness and Hunterston.
• Backing for 10 per cent of all the Scottish Government’s capital budget should be spent on energy efficiency measures – with the aim of ensuring all homes are energy efficiency by 2030.
• A new target to ensure 75 per cent of all waste is recycled by 2035 through the creation of an easy-to-use collection system.
• The creation of 15,000 hectares of new quality woodland per year – up from 7600 a year.
• New developments to maximise solar energy capture and install heat pumps in design considerations.

Had time for a quick chat with @RuthDavidsonMSP this morning on the Conservatives new Environment Paper pic.twitter.com/9nP3B6Yv12

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) February 22, 2017

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “We are marking Scottish Environment Week.We’ve put together a paper with lots of different actions that we could take to make Scotland a happier healthier place. Each and every one of them on their own won’t be enough to change the planet but all together they could make a really big difference.”

The Tory leader had been out trying a new electric BMW when we met her and she reflected on her own car:”My car is about 6 or 7 years old now and it was second hand when I bought it, so it is probably due an upgrade! If some of the ideas we have in here like increasing the number of electric charging points, allowing electric vehicles to use bus and taxi lanes were put through it certainly might make me think again. I think it would make others think again too.”
Scottish Conservative shadow environment secretary Maurice Golden said: “It’s about taking global leadership on climate change. It’s about protecting our environment and also about growing our economy as part of that process. We need sustainability and we need to take leadership here in Scotland on climate change and that is something that this document will deliver.”

Davidson concluded: “This isn’t something that people would ordinarily associate with the Conservatives, really deep thinking when it comes to the environment but this shows that we’ve got strength and depth in our number.

“We’ve got people of real experience like Maurice who spent his entire working life before coming into Parliament in the environmental and business sector. ”

“There’s a lot in here and I hope that this is a jumping off point for all parties to have a discussion not just the Conservative Party.”

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BBC Learning has launched a new campaign to improve literacy skills and encourage enjoyment in writing among primary school children in Scotland. It teamed up with the National Literacy Trust, Comic Relief and Blue Peter for a new competition called BBC Red Nose Day Comedy Classroom.

In a bid to improve children’s love of literacy in Scotland, the winners in each age category (age 6-8 and 9-12) will get their rib-tickling jokes performed live on a special Red Nose Day Blue Peter programme next month. The final judging panel will include both Richard Curtis, Miranda Hart, and Blue Peter’s Barney Harwood.

They will also been with a chance of winning a visit the Blue Peter studio to watch the programme and will receive an orange Blue Peter competition winner’s badge, a signed certificate and Comedy Classroom trophy.

Supporting the drive to improve literacy skills in schools, Sir Lenny Henry co-founder of Comic Relief said: “No matter how old you are, we all love to laugh and to tell jokes. Now it’s your turn: for Red Nose Day, join in with your friends and classmates to come up with some hilarious jokes. It’s a great way to get involved with all the fun.”

Sinéad Rocks, Head of BBC Learning, commented: “We want this competition to provide a fun and inspiring way to engage students by helping them find the funny side of literacy and by demonstrating how literacy is the bedrock of good comedy and comedy writing. We hope it provides some great laughs in classrooms across the UK as well as giving students the opportunity to produce some fantastic entries.”

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, continued: “Our research shows that more needs to be done to inspire children in Scotland to enjoy writing. We believe that introducing them to comedy writing can help. Comedy harnesses many key writing skills to create laughs and can be a great asset in the classroom. The BBC Red Nose Day Comedy Classroom competition is a brilliant way to get started!”

The competition closes on 28^th February 2017.
To find out how to enter the competition, download resources for the classroom, or for terms and conditions click here.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious sexual assault earlier this month which took place between 3 a.m. and 4.30 a.m. on Sunday 12th February in the Meadowbank area of the city.

A 19-year-old woman had been out within the Grassmarket and got into a vehicle before the male driver attacked her.

Following the assault the victim sought assistance from a female occupier of a flat in or around Meadowbank Terrace before contacting police.

Over the past week detectives had been following a positive line of inquiry but are now requesting that members of the public who can assist with their investigation come forward.

The suspect is described as being of Asian ethnicity with dark skin, in his forties and bald. He spoke with an foreign accent and was wearing glasses.

Detective Inspector Kevin Harkins from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “Since the attack took place officers have been conducting CCTV trawls and door-to-door inquiries throughout the Meadowbank area to identify potential witnesses and bring the male responsible to justice.

“I am eager to hear from anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious during the early hours of Sunday 12th February, or who recognises the description of the suspect and believes they can help us identify him.

“In particular, we are really keen to hear from the occupant of the flat who spoke with the young woman following this incident. We’d ask her to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Scottish SPCA is seeking the owner of a black cat found at South Queensferry Burger King.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted by a member of the public who was concerned the cat might be hit by a car.

The cat, who has been named Jessie, is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Edinburgh.

Assistant centre manager Kenny Sharpe said, “She came into our care late on Monday 20 February after being found roaming the Burger King car park.

“We believe she’s an indoor cat who’s gotten lost as she is very friendly, albeit a bit nervous in her new surroundings.

“She’s in good condition – we think she’s been snacking away on discarded meals – however does have some alopecia on both ears.

“We’re hoping to reunite her with her rightful owner. However, if no one comes forward for Jessie we’ll start looking to find her a suitable new home.”

Anyone who recognises Jessie is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

SPEEDWAY: Kevin Wolbert has expressed his disappointment at not being included in Edinburgh Monarchs’ team plans for this season.

The popular German, who has also ridden for Glasgow Tigers, will now ride for Leicester Lions in the Premiership.

German-born Wolbert, said: “Edinburgh signalled in November that they were planning their team without me so I was very disappointed.

“I feel very settled in the UK wherever I have ridden and we tried everything to get a place in a team but all slots were closed.

“I was very surprised and lucky when Damien Bates’ brother Marc contacted me. We completed the deal pretty quickly and I am happy and keen to be back in UK Speedway and back in Premiership racing.

“We (the riders) are all are very keen to ride here. It is a good mix between young guns and experience.

“We are all racers and I think we can gain some decent results. We are not in a favourites’ role but nobody should under-rate us.”

Meanwhile, The Ben Fund Bonanza at Glasgow on Sunday, 12 March will be sponsored by the Glasgow team sponsors and club owners, Allied Vehicles.

Peter Facenna, the company’s managing director, said: “It’s a very important cause. Riders of all clubs are grateful to have the Ben Fund.”

Book free coaching on the canal

More big names confirmed for Glasgow Angling Centre open weekend

Fishing articles in The Edinburgh Reporter are reaching out and The Avon Angling Club (ACC) in South Lanarkshire have been in touch to say that The RiverLife project on the Almond and Avon is not the only one in Scotland to assist with the enhancement of the environment for fish.

The 40-year-old Avon club is one of a number of organisations who have been involved in the construction of two fish passes and this project opens over 200km of spawning ground.

The Avon flows from Dungavel until it meets the River Clyde at Hamilton. AAC have the salmon lease for the full river and has leases for trout fishing from Browns Bridge down to the confluence with The Clyde.

The club has a hatchery which is used all year round to grow trout eggs to fry. These fish are then released in to the surrounding burns which feed into the main stem of the river.

AAC recently supplied trout eggs to the Clyde In The Classroom Project which uses the life history of a native Scottish species, the brown trout, to promote awareness of river ecology among young people across the River Clyde catchment.

The project is delivered by the Clyde River Foundation and their webmaster said it is a great basis for outdoor learning.

If anybody is interested in fishing the AAC water then permits can be purchased via their website or local permit outlets.

Migratory permits are by application only and all details can be found on their website at www.theavonanglingclub.co.uk.

CONTACTS: www.theavonanglingclub.co.uk

Webmaster@theavonanglingclub.co.uk

https://m.facebook.com/theavonanglingclub

Meanwhile, a half-hour session with a qualified coach (Heather Lauriston) is available between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, at the canal near Glasgow Angling Centre, Saracen Street, Glasgow G22 5HT.

Email heather-lauriston@ghof.org.uk to book and all sessions are free with fishing tackle provided.

Nearby, Glasgow Angling Centre are hosting their Open Weekend featuring deals, free tuition and free demos featuring a host of celebrities including Scottish fly tying maestro David McPhail (Fulling Mill) and international angler and broadcaster, Hywel Morgan, a consultant for Daiwa, a Lanarkshire-based fishing tackle manufacturer, plus sea angler and TV presenter, Dave Barham.

Other VIP guests scheduled to be there include Paul Little (Partridge), Scott MacKenzie (MacKenzie DTX), Barry Ord Clarke and Ian Mackenzie (Veniard), Ian Gordon and Stevie Munn (Hardy/Greys), Gary Scott (Shakespeare) and Craig Barr (Wychwood).

The Scottish Government’s Labour Market Strategy has spawned a group of academics, trade union representatives and business experts who will meet later today in Edinburgh. The purpose is to support the government’s wish to create more and better paid jobs.

The think tank will examine ways of producing such jobs and getting the unemployment rate down.

The aim is to have jobs where employees feel valued and respected.

Chaired by Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn, the group will also measure the strategy’s progress, make recommendations on adapting to changes in the labour market such as the impact of Brexit, and consider new research on developing the workforce.

He said:“We recognise that creating a fairer society, where there are no barriers to work and employees are skilled, valued and meet the needs of employers is key to our ambitions of building a strong and inclusive economy.

“Our labour market must be responsive and adaptable and we must ensure that we are taking all the steps we can to get more people into secure, well paid, quality work which is why getting businesses, trade unions, policy and academia together to come up with new ideas is crucial.”

The members of the group include:

Dr. Jim McCormick, Joseph Rowntree Foundation; Prof. Ewart Keep, Oxford University

David Watt, Institute of Directors Scotland

Dr. Gina Netto, Heriot-Watt University

Elma Murray, SOLACE

Prof. Graeme Roy, Fraser of Allander Institute

Stephen Boyle, Royal Bank of Scotland

Amanda Jones, Maclay Murray & Spens LLP

Gary Sharp, Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed

Jamie Kerr, Thorntons Law

Michelle Armour, Babcock International Group

Hamish Watson, Scottish Power

Mark Smith, Standard Life

Lynne Cadenhead, WES

Grahame Smith, STUC

Francis Stuart, Oxfam

Lucy O’Carroll, Aberdeen Asset Management

ICE HOCKEY: Elite League: Coventry Blaze 4, Edinburgh Capitals 1; Nottingham Panthers 7, Cardiff Devils 4.

EDINBURGH Capitals hopes of a play-off place suffered a blow when they were beaten 4-1 at fellow-strugglers Coventry Blaze.

Michal Dobron’s men opened the scoring in the vital Elite League basement clash when Ian Schultz netted after 4min 58sec on the power play with Jacob Johnston and Michal D’Orazio assisting.

Earlier today the Scottish Government fixed income tax rates and bands set out in their Budget Bill, achieving a first in Scottish Parliamentary history.

Scottish Income Tax proposed rates and bands 2017-18

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said:

“This is a historic day for Scotland – the first time ever that rates and bands of income tax are being set by the Scottish Parliament in line with Scotland’s needs and priorities.

“But the passing of the Scottish Rate Resolution is much more about our future than it is about our history.

“This represents the best deal on tax and public services anywhere in the UK – increasing investment in the NHS and helping protect free prescriptions, free personal care for the elderly, mitigation of the bedroom tax and free higher education.”

London garage punk band Sisteray are about to hit the road for their UK tour.

The tour will include a show at Edinburgh’s Henry’s Cellar Bar on 10 March.

SISTERAY, songwriters Niall Rowan (vocals) and Dan Connolly (guitar) along with Marco Polo (drums) and Mick Hanrahan (bass guitar) have set out their intention to re-write the indie guitar rule book.

Sisteray came together out of their shared love for bands such as The Smiths, Velvet Underground, The Clash and The Replacements. This is proven in the upbeat melodies and lyrical observations of 21st century Britain, combined with high-octane live performances that have been key to making their live shows unmissable.

Sisteray’s belief and passion in their music, as well as their strong political views has been seldom seen since the days of The Clash; with Dan recently asked to appear on primetime BBC News, ITV and The Independent to voice his views on the recent Syria debate. Word is beginning to spread in the likes of BBC Radio 1, Radio X, Fresh on the Net, Louder Than War, Artrocker, BBC 6 Music, Subculture, Gigslutz, Time Out and The Londonist and in another statement of intent, the band have renamed their blog ‘Sisteray – The Road To Reading Festival 2016’.

www.sisteray.com
www.facebook.com/sisterayuk www.twitter.com/sisterayuk

The Famous Spiegeltent has been evicted from St Andrew Square and will not be there this August. The trouble is that the 3,000 piece structure may not be anywhere unless a suitable alternative is found.

David Bates, who owns the 97 year-old tent has told us there has been little or no explanation from Standard Life, the Royal Bank of Scotland or other private owners represented by Essential Edinburgh.

He was only told this month that the gates to the garden will not be open for his tent and shows, and that no viable alternative has been found. This means a logistical nightmare for Mr Bates who must now ask shows to book elsewhere with other venues.

After 33 years and in this important 70th anniversary year it seems that time has run out for the Grand Old Dame which travels from Australia each year to Auld Reekie to put on shows like this:

Have an uplifting minute by turning up the sound on our video. Then book tickets! @Captivate_LTD in St Andrew Square pic.twitter.com/tT2R6QUC8L

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) August 8, 2016

This is not just any old tent, The Famous Spiegeltent has been coming to Edinburgh since 1983, and was the first ever when she arrived at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in 1983.

She has been located across the city on the rooftop at Waverley Mall, next to the Sir Walter Scott Monument and had a central role in establishing the festival hub at George Square Gardens. When the Spiegel Terrace moved to George Street then she brought class to the new offering there. Since 2014 The Famous Spiegeltent has been the jewel in St Andrew Square.

Interesting facts we learned during our chat with David Bates of @FamousSpiegel the other day! pic.twitter.com/8LpcUGuQTw

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) August 12, 2016

Roddy Smith Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh said: “We have been in discussion with City of Edinburgh Council and the owners of the garden for some time about its ongoing use. These discussions have been aimed at finding a balanced and sustainable way of managing the use of the garden for the future.

“Everyone agrees that the garden is a superb, green space in the heart of the city to be enjoyed by local people, visitors and those who work in the city centre all year round. In other words, it is a space for relaxation, as well as providing a pleasing interlude in the pedestrian journey through the city centre. Its importance as a pedestrian route linking the east and west of the city centre will grow as the new Edinburgh St James development comes out of the ground.

“There was also unanimous agreement that – at appropriate times of the year – the garden will be animated with high quality activity that will not adversely impact on the look and feel of the space, and that activity will be designed to minimise disruption to the garden. We are looking at specific plans and will distribute these in the near future.

“The city’s festivals play a huge part in the city’s reputation as a place to visit, and the footfall they generate is important to local businesses. Therefore we should also recognise the wider work that is being done to identify public spaces in the city centre and how they can be best used in an integrated, sustainable way to help further enhance the special ambience of Edinburgh city centre and ensure the city centre’s continued huge attraction and therefore help its continued prosperity.”

Essential Edinburgh, which runs the city centre Business Improvement District, manages the Square on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and the owners.

Photo Thierry Franco

Police are appealing for witnesses after a housebreaking at an address in Joseph Cumming Gardens, Broxburn which  occurred between 6.15pm and 7.15pm on Sunday.

The suspects for this incident are believed to have arrived in a white Audi  hatchback car, which they parked at the dead end of Holmes Road and between Badger Park and Joseph Cumming Gardens.

The suspects were disturbed when the householder returned home. They made their escape in the white car.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who was in the area and who may have seen the white hatchback car or anyone acting in a suspicious manner, to please get in touch.

Constable Julias Nyamakanga of the Community Investigation Unit at Bathgate said: “There may have been a number of dog walkers who walked past the white car when it was parked and we are keen to hear from them.

“Additionally anyone who has seen this car in Holmes Road is asked to come forward.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

From Thursday 23 February George Street will be lit up to mark Scotland’s year of History, Heritage and Archaeology in Edinburgh’s Georgian Shadows, and to mark the 250th anniversary of the New Town.

There will be a trail to follow from St Andrew Square to Charlotte Square and the visual stories will give a glimpse into the earliest residents of our capital city.

Manchester by the Sea is opening at The Filmhouse on Friday 24 September. Booking details here.

Starring Casey Affleck who has won a Golden Globe for best actor in this East coast drama.

Oscar®-nominated screenwriter Kenneth Lonergan (Gangs of New York) has produced a  finely-crafted film set in coastal Massachusetts. With six Academy Award nominations, it has to be worth a look, particularly as it stars Michelle Williams whose fabulous film Certain Women won the best film award at the 60th BFI London Film Festival last year.

You can go and see Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown’s medals at the National Museum of Flight.

The Out of the Blue Flea Market opens its doors on Saturday 25 February 2017 with over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books and bric-a-brac. Once you’re done with your bargain hunting, stop in for lunch at the Drill Hall Arts Café which offers a delicious range of home-style cooking, cakes and more!

You can go and watch Edinburgh Rugby at Myreside on Friday night – or you can enter our competition here and win four tickets so that you can take three friends with you!

Enter the competition here.

Photo of Captain Eric Brown’s medals by Neil Hanna Photography
www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk
07702 246823

Police are renewing an appeal for witnesses after three men aged 85, 68 and 65 years were assaulted in the Colinton area of the city.

The incident occurred around 6.30pm on Tuesday, July 26th 2016, on Redford Road near Colinton Bowling Club. Whilst none of the men were seriously injured, one of the victims did require to attend at hospital following the incident.

Officers have released CCTV footage of two males and a female whom they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries. They would ask those shown in the images or anyone who recognises them to contact them.

The first male is described as white, approximately 5’6″ – 5’7″ tall, 20-21 years old, athletic build, dark hair with short back and sides, slightly longer on top. He had dark stubble on his chin and was wearing olive green top and slightly darker trousers.

The second male is described as white, 20-21 years old, athletic build with fair hair and clean-shaven. He was wearing outdoor clothes, namely light trousers and a blue top and had a backpack on.

The female is described as white, late teens to early 20’s, athletic build and 5’4″ tall. She had long blonde hair worn loose. At the time of the incident, she was wearing blue patterned lycra leggings with a light coloured top.

All three were observed to be riding bicycles heading south along Redford Road.

Chief Inspector Helen Harrison of Wester Hailes police station said: “This was a despicable attack carried out for absolutely no reason whatsoever and I can reassure the victims as well as the wider public that are doing everything in our power to trace and arrest these individuals.

“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I am eager to hear from those shown in the images or anyone who recognises them.”

If anyone can identify the persons shown please contact PC Freya Cowan at Wester Hailes Police Station on 101 or if they wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to display Captain Eric Brown’s medals at the National Museum of Flight. We seek to tell the human stories behind some of our aircraft, and it is a privilege to help tell the extraordinary story of the greatest pilot in our country’s history. Our visitors can already view footage of Captain Brown discussing his extraordinary career, so it’s wonderful that they will now also have the chance to view these fascinating medals up close.”

Born in Leith, Captain Brown remains the Royal Navy’s most decorated pilot. He flew 487 different types of aircraft; more than anyone else in history. He completed 2,407 aircraft carrier landings and led an extraordinary life; he interrogated Hermann Göring and was one of the first British servicemen to arrive at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

He was the subject of a 2014 BBC2 documentary Britain’s Greatest Pilot: The Extraordinary Story of Captain Winkle Brown. Today’s pilots are able to fly far more safely thanks to the techniques and technologies he helped to test.

Matthew Sheldon, Executive Director of Heritage at The National Museum of the Royal Navy said: “Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown has made a national, and indeed international impact across his career; his life is truly the story of a pioneer of flight so The National Museum of the Royal Navy is very pleased to be able to loan these artefacts to support telling his story in Scotland.”

The National Museum of Flight is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm until the end of March. It is open daily from 10am-5pm from April to October.

Tickets: Adult: £12, Concessions: £10 Child: £7 (under 5 free), Family: £31 (2 adults and 2 children), Members: Free, Group rates available.

http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-flight/

Neil Hanna Photography
www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk
07702 246823

The Edinburgh Solicitors’ Property Centre reports that Edinburgh is a buyers’ nightmare and a seller’s delight owing to the small number of properties on the market.

With over £14.3 million worth of property being sold in October to December 2016, an increase of 35.3% over the previous year, it appears that more houses changed hands in the run up to Christmas, although overall numbers were down by 0.1% on the previous year.

Properties are selling faster and there has been an average increase of 0.5% in sale prices in the city in the last quarter of 2016. Meanwhile in the Borders prices have risen by 5.9% in the year, whereas those escaping to Shetland are facing prices which have increased by 26% in the last year.

Ron Hastings from Borders Solicitors Property Centre said: “The Borders appears to have benefited from an increased number of people moving back to the Borders from abroad, perhaps in anticipation of the Brexit effect while also taking advantage of the lower exchange rate.

“We are also seeing a trickle-down effect from high prices in the Edinburgh.  Many buyers are prepared to downsize or commute from as far down as Hawick and Jedburgh to benefit from the lower prices. The Borders Railway has also proved to be attractive with its greatly improved connections to the city.”

This new backpack which you may see The Edinburgh Reporter using at the moment is part of a Kickstarter campaign which is just about to close in the next few days.

I am always on the hunt for the perfect backpack and so I hope to tell you more after a few days trial! The backpack just arrived in Edinburgh this morning from Hong Kong, and it looks smart but will have to be pretty good to take the place of the KATA bag I have been using for some time.

The designer of the Udee backpack says it has something for everyone. The versatile and user-friendly design is equipped with 19 features perfect for frequent travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those like us who work remotely.

So I am trying it out – feel free to ask about it when you see me!

The 19 features include:

1. Charging port

2. Earphone port

3. Weight reduce

4. Anti-theft

5. Safety LED light

6. Portable cooler

7. Photography bag

8. Water proof

9. Phone pocket

10. Power bank pocket

11. Notebook pocket

12. Pen pocket

13. Passport/cards holder

14. Carabiner

15. Safty reflective stripe

16. Security pocket

17. Luggage belt

18. Large volume, 25L capacity

19. Expandable volume

An Edinburgh man is preparing to take on the London Marathon to thank the charity Guide Dogs for giving his deaf blind father “his life back”.

Programmer Dean Hetherington, 24, decided to enter the race to raise money for Guide Dogs Scotland after watching his dad Colin Hetherington regain his independence when he was matched with Labrador Jason in 2014.

Dean said: “I’ve set myself the huge, scary task of running the London Marathon. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but more importantly it gives me an opportunity to give something back to Guide Dogs Scotland for all they’ve done to support my dad.

“My dad has Usher Syndrome, which causes progressive sight and hearing loss, and over the years I watched him become much less independent.

“As I was growing up, I noticed that he needed to hold on to other people’s arms for guidance, that he couldn’t see as well in the dark, that he couldn’t do everything that he wanted to do. His eyesight was slowly taking his life away from him.

“Then Guide Dogs Scotland matched my dad with Jason, the most lovable lump of a dog I’ve ever met. He’s super clever and diligent but he’s also full of character. He’s super serious and ready for business when he’s in harness and ‘on duty’ but he’s a big goof when he’s let loose.

“Every time I contact my dad he’s in a different part of the country with Jason. Having a guide dog has allowed him to meet people with similar conditions, help those in need and travel independently. Jason has given my dad his life back and for that I can’t thank Guide Dogs enough.”

You can support Dean’s London Marathon effort via his fundraising page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/deanhet-london-marathon

Image 1: Dean Hetherington after completing the Edinburgh half marathon

Image 2: Dean Hetherington at his graduation, with his father Colin Hetherington and guide dog Jason

There is a new leaseholder at Clubbiedean Reservoir in the Pentlands following a recent tender process by Scottish Water.

Members of the current Clubbiedean Fishing Club have been told that it will not exist after February 28.

Rudy Anderson, the leaseholder for the past five years, advised members of the situation in a message on the club Facebook page.

He said that the lease had not been renewed and revealed that Scottish Water made it a blind bid this year.

Mr Anderson said: “I will miss the fishery and all the people I have made friends with over the past five years.

“I would like to give special thanks to all who helped me out in different ways in setting up the club.”

Meanwhile, I hear there is a new committee running the Musselburgh and District Angling Association and permits are available for their stretch of the River Esk from Ace Bike Co at 101 North High Street, Musselburgh EH21 6JE (behind the Brunton Hall) t: 0131 665 4468 (open 9am to 6pm, not Sunday) or the Edinburgh Angling Centre on Granton Retail Park, 65 West Harbour Road, Edinburgh EH5 1PW t: 0131 202 6351.

There is not a map for the river but Stevie Devine told me that the bottom bridge on the Esk nearest the mouth is where the stretch starts and it finishes close to The Cowpits in Whitecraig at the Dukes Wall.

The permit I’m told is £20 with concessions available.

Elsewhere, Orvis in Edinburgh (near Charlotte Square and just off Prices Street) have another free fly tying session on Sunday, March 5 between 11am and 1.30pm.

This video may help you to get a flavour.

Anybody interested is asked to phone the shop at 19 Hope Street, EH2 4EL on 0131 226 6227. The session is open to anybody with any level of experience.

Finally, Glasgow Angling Centre at Unit 1, The Point Retail Park, 29 Saracen Street, Glasgow G22 5HT t: 0141 212 8880 are holding an open weekend on March 3 and 4 offering free tuition and free demos along with the latest products for 2017.

Among celebrities attending are broadcaster and international angler, Hywel Morgan, a Daiwa consultant, Paul Young, the actor and presenter of several TV fishing shows, and Scottish fly tying guru, David McPhail of Fulling Mill, the star of many videos available on YouTube. PS: the store also promises huge savings.

Craft brewer Innis & Gunn has advised that it now has a deal signed to send beer to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

The company has made an arrangement with distributors Dxcel International to sent their flagship ale Original and Ossian, a Golden ale by Inveralmond Brewery which Innis & Gun bought last year.

Shanghai based Scot Alan Hepburn will work with the distribution company to smooth the sales and marketing to the distant shores.

The company’s recent crowdfunder raised £2.5m and with over 2,000 new shareholders to keep happy the brewery means to double turnover to £25 million by 2020.

Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn commented on the deal: “Exports have always been very important to us since we started 13 years ago. We’ve seen our products do exceedingly well in Canada, the US and Sweden and we thought it was about time we head into the largest beer market in the world.

“China excites us not only because of its size, but also its growing passion and thirst for great craft beer. In Dxcel International, we have found partners with not only the network to distribute beer, but tremendous insight on consumer tastes and a joint passion on educating and informing consumers about the breadth of what great beer is and can be.”

A man has been charged with fireraising after damage was caused to flats in Haddington at the weekend.

At around 3.30am a fire was discovered at Dobson’s Place and some of the flats were evacuated until smoke cleared from the common stair. The entrance door, bins and cars parked nearby were all damaged by the fire.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with fireraising and was due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Monday 20th February.

Community Police Inspector Andy Hill said: “Incidents like this are fortunately rare, however the potential for injury to persons and damage to property is quite apparent. Police Scotland takes such matters extremely seriously and we are continuing to investigate other fireraisings which have happened recently in the area.

“On this occasion, the prompt action of the fire service and police officers at the scene led to a detention of a 29-year-old local man who has since been charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”

If anyone has any information about any fireraising in the Haddington area, contact Dalkeith CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The invasion is over. Edinburgh is safe.

Thanks mainly to the collection of superheroes at Meadowbank Leisure Centre this weekend. The Capital Sci-Fi con was a rousing success as 7000 people passed through the doors to celebrate everything science fiction.

The fans were greeted by 7 foot tall Wookies and legions of Stormtroopers, among many other great costumes. The event was organised in the same way the big conventions with panel’s discussing topics such as Ladies of Sci-Fi, Wandbattle Workshops and Lightsabre Temple Training.
The atmosphere was great as a mix of young and old fans came together to enjoy their shared passions, discuss the merits of new vs. old Star Trek, and hunt for their favourite stars autograph.
There were stars from the world of comics as Edinburgh’s own Tanya Roberts was present, leading a workshop in drawing and chatting with fans at her booth. Gary Erskine, another star of comics, made the journey across from Glasgow while Bob Salley travelled all the way from the Boston to promote his independent comic Salvagers.
The whole week culminated in two outstanding cosplay competitions. The first was for the children under the age of 12. In a tough field, there were some excellent costumes and also some very cute ones as the youngest contestant was just 15 months old. The overall winner for the under 12s was a larger than life R2D2.

In the adult section, with over 50 contestants ranging from the mainstream to the more obscure. After some lengthy deliberation, the judges decided on the three winners. In the category of character embodiment, the winner was Daniel James Gray, whose on stage thirst shredding, vein popping enactment of Old Man Logan was deemed the best portrayal.

Next, up in the Armour Build category, the winner was Sam Marshall as a Raider from Fallout 4, a costume that involved welding body armour together and only took Sam a “few weeks”.

The winner in the Best Fabric and Best in Show went to Claire Nugent from Darlington, who stole the show, as the Queen of Hearts.

The field had some great costumes and showed the passion and enthusiasm for the subjects they loved, with notable mentions going to Maleficent with her animatronic wings and Captain Boomerang for being so entertaining in character throughout the judging period.
The show ended with a very emotional Keith Armour, who has spent the last year pulling the event together came on stage to chants of his name from the crowd, Keith thanked everyone who attended and all of the staff and volunteers who contributed so much of their time and enthusiasm.

As the event was winding down, Keith said: “The atmosphere has been electric all weekend, the guest have had a fantastic time, the movie guest have had a fantastic time, and the cosplayers have had a fantastic time.”

Keith continued “I try my best to put the best con I possibly can for people to come and enjoy themselves and we do everything from table top gaming, retro gaming, computer programming, we’ve got all the costumes and props, we try to cater for everyone. Now we just need to find out how much we raised for CHAS.”

The smiles on the faces of everyone leaving Meadowbank were a clear reflection of how great the convention was and just how much the people of Edinburgh and its immediate neighbours enjoyed a truly wonderful weekend.

London-based saxophonist Rachael Cohen is among the featured musicians in the latest series of the popular Playtime jazz sessions at the Outhouse in Broughton Street Lane, which begins this Thursday.

Cohen, who attended the City of Edinburgh Music School at Broughton High before going on to study at Birmingham Conservatoire, is back in town to appear in a special Homecoming concert at the Queen’s Hall on Friday 10th March. She will also take workshops at her old school and saxophonist Martin Kershaw, who was her tutor there and is also one of driving forces behind Playtime, has invited her to make her Playtime debut the night before her Queen’s Hall gig.

Since graduating from Birmingham, Cohen has become established on the London jazz scene, playing regularly at jazz hot spots including Ronnie Scott’s and the Vortex, and she released her first album, Halftime in 2014 on top UK jazz label Whirlwind Recordings.

Also scheduled to appear for Playtime are guitarist Kevin Mackenzie, who will lead a celebration of the music of John Coltrane this Thursday 23rd February, to mark the fiftieth year since the great saxophonist’s death, and Glasgow-based pianist Peter Johnstone.

Johnstone, a former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year and winner, with Glasgow quartet Square One, of the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 2015, recently joined saxophonist Tommy Smith’s new quartet and will lead a Playtime homage to Herbie Hancock on Thursday 23rd March.

Police are appealing for witnesses after reports of a child being assaulted on Melbourne Road, North Berwick around 9:10am this morning.

About this time a female, thought to be responsible for the child, was seen to slap him to the face and buttocks causing him to cry.  She was then seen to pull the child aggressively by the wrist towards the beach while shouting at him.

The female is described as white, mid 20’s, 5ft 4 inches, slim-built with dark brown hair and a well-spoken English accent, wearing a pale blue Paramo jacket with the hood up and stone-coloured trousers.

The child is described as white, 9 or 10-years-old, 4 ft 8 inches to 5ft, slim-built with dark brown short hair.  He had a similar accent to the female and was wearing a dark green waterproof jacket and dark trousers.

Sgt John Forrester of Haddington Police Station said: “Due to the nature of this incident, Police have concerns for the welfare of the child and and we are appealing for the public’s help in identifying both the female and child.

“Anyone who may have seen either the female or the child in this area around this time or who may have information as to their identity 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.