Hard Rock Café Edinburgh sent us a goody bag today with a taste of the merchandise they have just launched along with Pitbull, a Grammy® award-winning international superstar.

We got a T-shirt and a glass for our long cocktails but why are they launching this range?

The Pitbull Signature Series : Edition 35 shirt is inspired by the global star, Mr Worldwide, supporting the SLAM Foundation. This will support learning opportunities for children around the world.

Pitbull commented, “Music and education have always been a driving force in my life. Partnering with the Hard Rock Heals Foundation for my Signature Series shirt will benefit SLAM! (Sports, Leadership, Arts and Management) in its effort to help students from all walks of life achieve their highest potential.”

A percentage of the retail price of each Pitbull Signature Series shirt sold will be donated to SLAM through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation. The new Signature Series shirt features Pitbull’s famous moniker, “Mr. Worldwide,” in vibrant turquoise and pink lettering in homage to his Miami upbringing.

Charity merchandise is a big part of what Hard Rock does. It has raised millions for charitable causes around the globe.

Today we got a goody bag…..from…… @HardRockEdin #SignatureSeries pic.twitter.com/96HP8FfBtp

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) 27 January 2017

Visit HardRock.com for additional details on Hard Rock’s Signature Series, or Rockshop.HardRock.com to purchase the new Pitbull Signature Series: Edition 35 merchandise.

At the Scottish Police Excellence Awards today Lothian Buses was crowned as policing partner of the year. The main reason for the capital’s bus company rising above its competition was that it has a dedicated Transport Liaison Officer.

This move has been in place since 2015 when the bus company and Edinburgh Police decided to collaborate to tackle incidents and issues on the transport network.

Police Scotland appointed PC Julie Cochrane who has worked with the bus company’s staff to address crime and ant-social behaviour.

Commenting on the win Claudine Molloy, Head of Operations Lothian Buses said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Police Scotland, so to win this award further cements the great work we have done together over the past 18 months.

“We share the same values around community safety and I’m confident that our work together has and will continue to benefit our staff, customers and the wider community.”

Police Scotland Inspector, David Happs added: “This award recognises the commitment of Police Scotland and Lothian Buses to work together to provide safe travel throughout the city for the large number of local residents, visitors and staff that use this network on a daily basis.

“We have already observed a large reduction in the number of incidents of antisocial behaviour through focussed joint initiatives and intervention. I anticipate the innovative school education programme delivered jointly by Constable Julie Cochrane and Lothian Buses’ Community Engagement team will deliver further long term benefits to the Edinburgh community.”

As part of the partnership strategy, Lothian Buses and PC Cochrane designed a schools liaison programme to deliver a behavioural change communication workshop to high school pupils. In the first eight months of last year, the workshop was presented to 22 local schools engaging with over 1200 young adults.  Overall feedback from pupils reported a 96% positive learning experience.

Enforcement activity was also carried out following reports of antisocial behaviour in areas of Edinburgh.

Photograph by Ian Georgeson t 07921 567360

Caledonia Pride would love to earn a confidence-boosting first win in the Women’s British Basketball League.

However, the Scots-based side face a huge challenge when they travel to Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters on Saturday (tip-off 3pm).

The Yorkshire combine are second in the ten-strong league having won eight of their ten fixtures so far.

Only Nottingham Wildcats, who have won nine of their ten outings, are ahead of them and the Sheffield side have netted 838 points and conceded 661.

Pride have lost all nine of their fixtures and are ninth in the standing with 447 points scored and 688 conceded.

Coach Bart Sengers remains up-beat as do the girls and they certainly cut down on turnovers in their last outing, a 59-50 home defeat to physical Manchester Mystics.

Hard-working Hannah Peacock scored nine valuable points and firmly believes that a win will come soon.

Their last trip to All Saints High School resulted in a 88-45 defeat on October 23 but Peacock argues that a lot of hard work has been done since then and Pride are a much-improved side who are on the cusp of earning their maiden win.

EDINBURGH Capitals player/coch Michal Dobron should be at full-strength for the club’s Elite League double-header this weekend.

The Murrayfield men visit basement rivals Coventry Blaze on Saturday (face-off 7pm) and entertain Manchester Storm on Sunday (face-off 6 pm).

Dobron’s challenge is to catch Coventry who occupy the eighth and final play-off place.

It is Dobron’s first visit to Coventry this season but so far Capitals have beaten the Midlands outfit 4-1 and 8-2 at Murrayfield.

Blaze are eighth in the ten-strong table with 29 points from 36 games and are boosted by Sunday’s 4-0 win at second-bottom Dundee Stars.

Capitals prop up the table with 23 points from 32 games but Dobron said: “We still believe we can get a play-off place but these are two big matches for us.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in the Southside which took place around 12.45pm yesterday in Buccleuch Street when a 43-year-old male was punched to the face.

He was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he received medical treatment for a serious injury

The suspect is described as male, white, 6ft – 6ft 2ins, thin build, greying hair wearing a high vis jacket and sandy coloured boots.

DC Stephen Herd of Gayfield CID said: “We’re still conducting enquiries in order to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or recognise the suspect description”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or report this anonymously to the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

An historic pub which has connections to famous writers, doctors and even fictional detective Sherlock Holmes re-opens to guests on 1 February after a major facelift.

The near 200-year-old Salisbury Arms on Dalkeith Road, formerly known as the Belleville, was originally built in 1820, will soon have a contemporary and relaxed feel.

New general manager Robin Jacobs, formerly of the Sheep Heid in Edinburgh’s Duddingston, said: “The Salisbury Arms is such a beautiful pub and it provides a hub for the local community.

“We have some changes planned that will allow us to retain the history of the pub whilst bringing it into the 21st century.”

Robin added: “We’re passionate about offering those who enjoy the finer things in life a place to discover and share great tasting food and drinks.”

Tom Campbell, the head chef, will also introduce a new seasonal menu featuring Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken and Caramelised Fig and Whipped Goat’s Curd Pizza as well as daily specials and pub favourites.

Visit the website for more details.

Former Rangers, Hearts and St Mirren goalkeeper Scott Gallacher has joined Hibs on a deal until the end of the season.

The 27 year old has spent the first half of the current campaign at St Mirren, and will act as competition for Ofir Marciano and Ross Laidlaw following the departure of Otso Virtanen in January.

Scott trained with his new team mates on Thursday and has now put pen to paper on a short-term deal.

Gallacher told Hibs TV: “It’s absolutely fantastic to join Hibs and it’s a great opportunity for me and I’m ready to go.

“I’m very excited to come here because it is a massive club.

“The facilities are absolutely fantastic here and we had a good training session.

“Combo’ (Alan Combe) is great and a hard worker so training was of a good standard. I met Ofir (Marciano) and Ross (Laidlaw) today and they seem really good guys.

“It’s good competition for places here and we’re all at a very good standard. It was a good standard out at training.  It’s just a short-term deal, so I’ll keep my head down, work hard and see what becomes of it.

“The move came quite fast for me but it was good. The boss is a big character in football and he seems a good guy but someone you don’t want to mess with as he has a bit of steel about him.”

Hibs midfielder Andrew Shinnie admits that dropping down to the bench was difficult to take but hard work on the training ground has paid dividends and last week he was back to his best in the 8-1 victory over Bonnyrigg Rose.

With Kris Commons returning to Celtic, Shinnie is likely to start against Queen of the South at Palmerston tomorrow and although he expects a tough game he is confident that if the players play to their ability the team are more than capable of returning with all three points.

Speaking to Hibs TV, Shinnie said: “I missed out on the last couple of games because I was not as fresh as I could be but the boys did well and got two great results against Dundee United and Dumbarton so I had to take it on the chin. I was on the bench but I trained hard and last Saturday I felt refreshed and energetic.

“We have a great squad here. We have players back fit now and we have brought in players and that’s what you need, competition for places or people get a bit complacent but that’s just football.

“Obviously Kris (Commons) came in and did really well, but if you are not in the team you just have to work hard which is what I did.

“We’re in great spirits. Obviously we had a couple of great league wins and a good cup win, so everything is going well.

“We’ve got a good lead at the top of the table and we’ve got to keep putting the pressure on other teams to keep up with us. We’re playing well, training’s been great, everyone is in great spirits and we’re looking forward to going down there.

“It will be astroturf which is always a bit difficult to play on and Queens area tough team. At the start of the season when we played them down there they were unbeaten at the top of the league that shows that they have quality in the team.

“If we go there and play the way we can then we will get three points.”

While the rest of the world was worrying about Mr Trump’s wall or what the Appeal Court judges would say about Brexit, I was shivering in a tent at a Scout camp on the edge of the Pentland Hills. This crazy venture is known as the “Brass Monkey Camp”, held every winter, in an attempt to offer Scouts – boys and girls – a real challenge.  And it certainly was “challenging” to get up at 7am, after a fitful night’s sleep, and pack your tent away in freezing cold fog, all before breakfast.

But 80 or so brave 11-14 year olds survived the adventure – and all its other challenges – and went home rejoicing. The tents took days to dry out and the leaders are still defrosting.

Those 80 youngsters looked healthy enough, but apparently Scotland is still the sick child of Europe, according to a report this week from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.  It found that although child health is improving in Scotland, it is improving at a much slower rate than most of Western Europe.

Some 27 per cent of children are overweight or obese and 400 children die each year from avoidable diseases. The basic issue, the report says, is inequality.  A fifth of all children in Scotland, 210,000, live in households below the poverty line. They do not have a good start in life.  Nearly a third of mothers in deprived areas smoke during pregnancy, only 15 per cent of them breast-feed. Children living in poverty do not enjoy a good diet, nor do they take the right amount of exercise. And despite all the government’s programmes to address these issues, Scotland – indeed the whole UK – is slipping behind its European neighbours.

The answer of course is to do something about poverty, relative poverty, which brings us to the state of our public services and the Budget.  MSPs this week voted down the SNP government’s first attempt at drafting next year’s Budget. Ministers now need to reach an agreement with one of the other parties to get their tax and spending plans through parliament.  Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats want to see Scotland’s new power to raise income tax actually used to fund better public services. The SNP may well be forced into doing so, or face an election.

The historic ruling by the Appeal Court in London on Tuesday, that the Westminster parliament must approve the triggering of Brexit negotiations, has received a mixed response in Scotland. On the one hand, Remainers (62 per cent of Scottish voters) have welcomed the fact that we are stilling living in a parliamentary democracy and sovereignty lies with MPs in the House of Commons, not with the Prime Minister nor the People, even in a referendum. But on the other hand, MSPs at Holyrood are disappointed that the judges ruled against them having any legal say over negotiations with Europe. The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says it all makes a second independence referendum even more likely.

None of this has stopped the Scottish Government pressing on with its de-carbonising agenda. This week it published a new target to generate half of all Scotland’s energy requirement (heating as well as electricity) from renewable sources by 2030. It’s a big ask, since only 15 per cent of our energy comes from renewables at present.

It would take our greenhouse gas reduction to 66 per cent.  The current target, a 42 per cent reduction by 2020, has already been met, so there is hope.  The plan includes another attempt at carbon capture, reducing energy demand, greater energy efficiency and district heating.  If Mr Trump is listening, Scotland, at least, is taking the “Chinese hoax” over climate change seriously.

A strange row is continuing to rumble over the goings-on at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Glasgow.  It held an interfaith service recently involving a reading from the Koran. Unfortunately the Muslim student concerned chose a passage which specifically states that Jesus is not the son of God.  This has caused some Christians to raise an eyebrow and others to raise merry hell.

The head of the Episcopal church in Scotland, Bishop David Chillingworth, has been forced to apologise, and now one of the Queen’s chaplains Rev Dr Gavin Ashenden has resigned his official role so that he can speak out against such readings from the Koran. So much for the Cathedral’s attempt at inter-faith dialogue. Oh well, the best laid schemes………..

And while we are still in Burns season, let us sing in praise of two Glasgow lassies who look set for classical music stardom.

Sisters Sarah and Laura Ayoub have been signed up by Decca Records.  They’ve already played violin and cello at the Royal Albert Hall and recorded at the Abbey Road studios.  The Royal Scottish National Orchestra was brought in to accompany them in a medley of Scottish songs. And now, for Burns Night, they have made a recording of “My love is like a red, red rose” and other Burns classics which should keep us calm and romantic though the rest of the winter.

Here is a little snippet for you:

Our brand new single is out NOW! Our favourite Scots tunes with the @RSNO. Available now on iTunes: https://t.co/SXwHsdD46G pic.twitter.com/483bHHD6H2

— The Ayoub Sisters (@TheAyoubSisters) January 20, 2017

There is to be a wedding open day at The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre at 25 Palmerston Place EH12 5AP on Saturday 28 January 2017 from 11am till 4pm.

The Victorian Townhouse has many rooms to accommodate your ceremony and reception which you will be able to see then. There is The Helen Duncan Room and Mary Duffy Room which is a suite comprising drawing room with ante room off it both featuring ornate cornices and chandeliers. This is recommended for your wedding breakfast and reception.

There is a ceremony area in the Sanctuary where the wedding can take place and the venue can supply officiants to conduct the service unless you wish to supply your own.

On Saturday as well as the venue various catering, entertainment and floral suppliers will display what they can offer.

The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre

Address: 25 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh EH12 5AP

Telephone: 0131 625 0700

Contact: Shereen Fazeli (Venue Manager), shereen@arthurconandoylecentre.com

Email: bookings@arthurconandoylecentre.com

Website: www.arthurconandoylecentre.com

Wedding Page:www.arthurconandoylecentre.com/weddings

by Robin Gauldie

With only five days to go until the end of ‘Dry January’, Edinburgh’s independent off-licence chain Vino is offering thirst-crazed customers an opportunity to get back on the sauce at bargain prices this weekend.

Customers who sign up for Vino’s loyalty programme 30% off all wines, beers and spirits at its four shops in Broughton, Stockbridge, Grange and Morningside on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (see www.vinowines.co.uk for addresses).

Discounts are available for in-store purchases only. It’s first-come, first-served (no online orders or home delivery) so get there early and fill your boots. Cheers!

As a reminder that this year marks the 70th anniversary year of Edinburgh festivals the overarching body EdinburghFestivals.com has produced a video to remind us what we might have seen in the past, and what we might expect in the future.

This year’s calendar is already filling up!

The Edinburgh International Science Festival 1-16 April 2017

Imaginate Festival 27 May to 4 June 2017

A programme of theatre and performance art for children and young people.

Edinburgh International Film Festival 21 June to 2 July 2017

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 14 to 23 July 2017

Edinburgh Art Festival 27 July to 27 August 2017

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 4 to 26 August 2017

Edinburgh International Festival 4 to 28 August 2017

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 4 to 28 August 2017

Edinburgh International Book Festival 12 to 28 August 2017

Now officially the largest of its kind in the world, the whole festival takes place in Charlotte Square in the city centre with many notable authors always on the programme. Even if you only sit in the garden you will be exposed to literary greatness!

Scottish International Storytelling Festival 20 to 31 October 2017

This takes place around the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile and is inspired by the tradition of stories or oral folk tales.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30 December 2016

The Edinburgh International Science Festival culminates on 16 April 2017 with a great day long celebration when would-be inventors show off their wares.

At Summerhall from 10am till 5pm there will be opportunities for the creative among you to get involved as exhibitors, stallholders, workshop providers and speakers.

It is billed as a networking type of event when you might just meet the person who can help you bring your invention to life. You have to apply by 31 January to get involved.

This video will give you a flavour of what is on offer:

More information here. 

Police Scotland is appealing for information and urging the public to remain vigilant after an elderly man was defrauded of a large sum of cash in the Scottish Borders.

The 85-year-old was within his home in Eyemouth when he received a telephone call on Monday 23rd January from an individual claiming to be a police officer.

During this time the caller advised the victim that there was a problem with his bank account and someone would attend at his home the following day to uplift his bank card.

The victim was then visited at around 2.15 p.m. on Tuesday 24th January and handed over his card to the male at his door.

As a result of this, a five-figure sum of cash was removed from the man’s bank account and inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.

The male who attended at the victim’s door is described as white, early forties, around 5ft 9ins tall with a medium build, clean shaven face and olive-skinned complexion. He was wearing a black tammy hat, black trousers and spoke with a Scottish accent.

Detective Constable Barry Mercer from the Financial Crime Unit said: “The victim has been left devastated at the theft of his savings and we are pursuing various lines of inquiry to identify the culprits.

“If you recognise the description of the male who attended at the man’s home, or if you have any information relevant to this investigation the please get in touch.

“While the caller may have sounded extremely convicing I would like to remind the public that neither police, nor banks will contact you by phone to request you hand over your bank card or account details.

“If you receive a call of a similar nature, do not comply with the caller’s request. Hang up and contact police immediately.

“For more information or advice on preventing financial crime please visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk.”

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

Berwick Bandits skipper Kevin Doolan believes the new-look line-up can do well next season.

The popular Australian is pleased with the close season team building by the club’s new owners.

And he said: “We have the right balance of experience and youth. Importantly, they are guys who are hungry to race.”

He added: “The new promotion have stepped in to build on a lot of hard work put in last season and take things forward.

“I want to try and get everyone settled in and bring out the best in everyone because, if we get everyone riding to their potential, I think we can do really well.

“We know we have a track that we can race on. It can deal with weather and there will be dirt on it.

“Hopefully, we’ll see some good results so we’re at the right end of the table.”

Here he is being interviewed by the team last year:

The branding says an authentic taste of Mexico and the establishment in Edinburgh’s atmospheric Canongate (there is another in Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City) is where founder Mayra Nunez says you savour the flavours and most popular dishes of her home town in Mexico, Valle De Bravo.

This Edinburgh restaurant has been a firm favourite of some members of my family for over 25 years, so they must be doing something right.

As a first-timer, the in-house team answered a number of questions.  I was unsure of what to order, particularly as the food is served tapas style so you to try different dishes. (Beware, the bill can mount!)

The Alitas de Pollo spiced chicken wings cooked in garlic, coated with chilli and honey proved a wonderful starter, the flavour exploding in the mouth.

My rustic lamb, picked from the specials menu, was interesting without being spectacular. It is lamb cooked with pasilla chillies, roasted garlic and mushrooms and topped with goats cheese and was served with rice.

The first few forkfuls were great but then I became a little bored with the taste.

I enjoyed the overall experience – it was busy without being rowdy – but I’d hate to be there on a big party night. The noise may be too much for me!

Pancho Villa’s, 240 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8AB (t: 0131 557 4416)

iMultiply has named Paul Atkinson as Chairman of its Board effective from January. Atkinson, a recruitment industry veteran and a founding partner in investment firm Par Equity, will help iMultiply build on its successful track record of placements for high-growth, investor-backed companies in Scotland.

He has already served as a Non-Executive Board member of the company since 2015 and takes over the Chair position during what they describe as a time of ‘exciting growth’ at the company.

iMultiply also added John Gilbertson, Director of its Accountancy division, and Arturo Carbonell, Director of Executive Search services to the board.

“This is an exciting time in the company’s development,” Atkinson commented. “My role is to work with the Board, develop the company’s strategy and growth potential, and provide insight and guidance as to where iMultiply’s service offerings will fit in the broader market context.”

iMultiply first distinguished itself in the Scottish recruitment market by becoming the first resourcing agency to base its consultants’ bonus structure around customer satisfaction.

Atkinson praised iMultiply for setting a new standard in recruitment service, and for its strong track record in finding talent for investor backed high-growth companies.

He said: “The calibre of individual that early-to-mid stage high-growth companies adopt is essential if the companies are to reach the next stage of their evolution.

“iMultiply is placing people who understand operationally what high-growth technology companies need. Having experience of working in that environment is vital.

“The financial elements are obvious – tight control of cashflow and investment KPIs – but it also requires people who have good experience of dealing with both private and venture capital investors, and dealing with contracts.”

Kirsty Mackenzie, iMultiply’s founder and CEO, said Paul Atkinson brings the right combination of experience to help guide the company.

She said : “Paul will make an excellent contribution as Chair. He not only shares our values, he’s also been an extremely supportive Non-Executive Director with a real desire to be more involved as we enter our next stage of growth. We are looking to increase our headcount by 25% over the next 24 months, during which time we also aim to double our turnover to more than £2 million.”

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has just signed up its 185,000th member, reinforcing its place among some of the top membership organisations.

The milestone member was one of hundreds signed up at the recent Manchester Beer and Cider Festival, one of CAMRA’s many successful annual events, which saw nearly 15,000 visitors enjoying real ale, real cider and perry.

The organisation’s current membership puts it ahead of the Conservative Party, the SNP, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and UKIP. Only the Labour Party has more members.

After 45 years of being one of the largest single-issue consumer groups in the world, CAMRA is still seeing nearly 10,000 new members join each year.

Issues facing the beer and pubs industry still top the agenda for many, with CAMRA’s key campaigns including the protection of pubs from closure, keeping beer affordable and promoting the wellbeing benefits of visiting your local continuing to strike a chord.

CAMRA is also well known for the 200 beer festivals that it runs across the UK, including its flagship Great British Beer Festival, which will be returning to London Olympia this summer from the 8 to 12 August and featuring over 900 real ales, other craft beers, ciders and wines.

Edinburgh-native Colin Valentine, CAMRA’s National Chairman, said: “It is fantastic to see our membership continue to grow year-on-year at such a successful rate.

“We have seen the world of beer change significantly since 1971, with the rise in breweries and rapid closure rates in pubs, which is why we continually evaluate our purpose and strategy to reflect these changes.”

Danny Handling got his first taste of competitive football since July during yesterday’s Development game against St Mirren.

The midfielder picked up an injury ahead of the UEFA Europa League second leg tie against Brondby, which left him sidelined for the first half of the campaign.

The 22-year-old whose career has been plagued by injuries said that he felt that everything went well from his perspective.

Speaking to Hibernian Media, Handling  said: “I’m delighted to have got some minutes under my belt. I just felt that my fitness was a key issue for me to work on, but I felt fine, my legs were a bit heavy, because I had the tough training sessions on Monday and Tuesday. Apart from that, everything went well.

“I said to Craney at half-time that I could have played 90 minutes, and I was happy to, but the staff noticed that I was getting leggy because it was my first game back. That’s what happens after a while out, but I’m delighted with how it went.

“The aim is to get back into the first-team and get back into the gaffer’s plans – but it is one step at a time. Playing against St Mirren is the first step of hopefully a few, before I get back involved again.

“I’ll take each game with the Development Squad that I play as it comes and see how I get on, but after today, I’m just happy to be back playing.”

Photo by John Preece

Police in Edinburgh and the City of Edinburgh Council are inviting people to vote for projects designed to create a city free from Islamophobia.

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

Its purpose is to help local people deliver innovative projects which reduce prejudice and foster positive relationships between diverse communities.

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

Residents are now being asked to decide which of 34 projects, who collectively applied for over £120,000, will be given funding.

The communities of Edinburgh are invited to attend an event at Methodist Church Hall in Nicholson Square on Saturday 28 January, from 1.30pm – 3.30pm, where these projects will be showcased and voting will open.

Sergeant Scott Kennedy of Edinburgh’s Prevention’s Interventions & Partnerships (PIP) Team said: “It’s been really encouraging to see so many organisations and groups eager to be involved and who want to help create a city free from prejudice, so we’re really looking forward to heading into the next phase.

“These projects are for the benefit of the people and communities of Edinburgh, so I’d urge residents to get involved and have their say in where this public funding goes.”

Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhood Committee, said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to vote for projects that can really make a difference. There are fantastic organisations and groups throughout the city who, with a grant from a fund like this, make real strides towards an end to Islamophobia.

“Participatory budget exercises like this continue to be exceedingly popular, allowing local people to make real decisions about priority activities in their community.”

Voting is open to all people who live in Edinburgh and are aged 8 and above. Voting will open at the event and run until Monday 13 February. Details on how you can have your say can be found at www.scotland.police.uk/shared-vision-your-decision

Police have released CCTV images of two men they wish to trace as part of their inquiry into a hate crime on a bus earlier this year.

The incident happened at around 12:15pm on Sunday, March 13th, onboard a number 25 Lothian Bus service travelling from Restalrig Road bound for the city centre.

A young boy was racially abused in the incident and officers believe the males shown in the images may be able to assist them with their enquiries.

The first man is described as white, in his early 30’s, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, messy dark hair, wearing a dark jacket with blue trim and has a Scottish accent.

The second male is also white but believed to be older, possibly in his early 40’s. He is between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, has messy brown hair, wore a dark jacket, had acne scarred skin and spoke with a local accent.

Constable Steven Gilroy of Leith police station said: “The men pictured in this CCTV footage are of interest to our ongoing investigation and I ask anyone who recognises them to contact police immediately.

“There’s no place for intolerance in modern society and we take a zero tolerance view towards anyone who carries out such offences.

“Rest assured that we treat all reports with the utmost seriousness and will investigate all complaints that are passed to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where all information can be provided anonymously.

Green MSP for Lothian Alison Johnstone is today urging Scottish Ministers to act on a report just published which claims that 400 child deaths each year are avoidable.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have produced The State of Child Health report which demands that the Scottish Government must consider a ‘child health in all policies’ approach.

Its headline message is that one in five children in the UK lives in poverty and inequality is blighting their lives. Children’s health in the UK is a major cause for concern and below par with the rest of Europe.

The report calls for lower speed limits such as the 20mph limit which we are rolling out in Edinburgh which would create safer areas for play and active travel. The report also claims that one in five P1 children  in England, Scotland and Wales are overweight or obese leading to problems including Type 2 diabetes.

Alison Johnstone, Health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said:

“The link between poverty and poor health is well established and this shocking report shows we need a transformation in how Government approaches the issue. Four hundred preventable child deaths each year must prompt serious action.

“Green MSPs have been pushing for an anti-poverty budget from Scottish Ministers, and we’ve already secured a guarantee that Glasgow’s Healthier Wealthier Children project, which boosts incomes for vulnerable families, will be rolled out across Scotland. We need to see other interventions such as an allowance for young carers, promotion of the Living Wage to stop in-work poverty, and a more humane approach to social security.

“We also need to see a shift in spending to make it easy to be active every day. The lack of funding for walking and cycling while motorways and air travel are set to benefit, and the deep cuts planned to sports agencies and council services, show that Scottish Ministers haven’t grasped how serious the situation is.”

by Robin Gauldie

Flights from Edinburgh to Australia are cheaper than from anywhere else in the UK, according to one of the world’s largest travel agency chains.

Flight Centre’s first-ever Australia Travel Trends Report, released today to celebrate Australia Day, also reveals that Glasgow is the most expensive departure point for flights to Oz.

On average, there’s a 22 per cent price difference between flights from Glasgow and flights from Edinburgh, according to the report.

Flight Centre also predicts record low fares to Australia and other long-haul destinations in 2017, with airlines offering cut-price tickets to compensate for the weakness of the pound as a result of Brexit. 

Sterling is currently trading at around A$1.67 Australian dollars to the pound. In the late 1990s, when the Australian dollar was at an all-time low, £1 bought around three dollars. 

The company, which specialises in long-flights to Australia, New Zealand and other far-flung destinations, has shops at North Bridge, Forrest Road and Queensferry Street.

Heart of Midlothian 4 Raith Rovers 2 (after extra-time)

William Hill Scottish Cup Fourth Round Replay, – Wednesday 25^th January 2017 -Tynecastle

Hearts made hard work of progressing to the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup on Wednesday evening, requiring extra-time to see off the challenge of Championship side Raith Rovers.

It was a long evening in more ways than one for the long-suffering Maroon Army. Rovers, manager by former Hearts captain and manager Gary Locke, gave as good as they got and took an early lead through Barr. Hearts levelled through Currie and it required an extra thirty minutes for the home side to go through thanks to extra-time goals from Martin, Walker and Johnsen.

Hearts Head Coach Ian Cathro made two changes from the team that threw away the first game at Kirkcaldy on Sunday. And they were surprise changes too – Don Cowie and Krystian Nowak being replaced by Prince Buaben and 18-year-old striker Rory Currie.

The visitors were first to threaten when McManus, scorer of Raith’s equaliser on Sunday, raced past Aaron Hughes but his effort on goal was saved by Jack Hamilton.

Jamie Walker was then thwarted as Hearts struggled to take command of the game.

In the 14^th minute Tynecastle was stunned when Rovers took the lead. Barr was given the freedom of Gorgie to run in on goal and his shot took a deflection before spinning past Hamilton.

The home crowd were becoming restless and voiced their concern when M’Voto almost doubled the visitors’ lead with a header.

This finally spurred the home team to life and Malaury Martin’s free-kick fell at the feet of Andraz Struna who brought out a fine save from Rovers keeper Cuthbert.

Ten minutes before half-time Hearts equalised. Fine play from Bjorn Johnsen set up Rory Currie and the teenager found the net from close range. Relief around most of Tynecastle.

Half-time Hearts 1 Raith Rovers 1

There was a welcome sight for Hearts fans at the beginning of the second half when Sam Nicholson appeared as a substitute, the winger’s first appearance since October. He replaced Buaben.

Raith remained defiant and Stewart nearly put the Fifers back in front before Currie had a chance for the home team but his header was straight at Cuthbert.

Twenty minutes from the end, Sam Nicholson almost marked his return to the Hearts first team with a goal but his header struck the crossbar.

Moments later, Jamie Walker was fouled in the penalty box but referee John Beaton refused to give a penalty kick.

Despite a frantic end to the 90 minutes, there was no further scoring and the game went into extra-time.

Hearts were hoping their superior fitness levels would prove key and so it proved at the beginning of extra-time when Walker was again fouled in the penalty box. This time referee Beaton awarded the spot kick which was duly dispatched by Malaury Martin and Hearts, at last, were ahead in the tie.

But not for long.

Seven minutes later a mistake from John Souttar was capitalised on by Raith’s Stewart who passed to Hardie who made no mistake. 2-2 and it looked like a penalty shoot-out was on the cards.

However, just four minutes later Hearts were awarded another penalty kick, again for a foul on Walker. Jamie took the kick himself and Hearts were back in front.

A further late goal from Bjorn Johnsen sealed the victory and put Hearts through to the fifth round where they will face more lower league opposition when Hibernian come to Tynecastle in the second weekend in February.

Hearts: Hamilton, Struna (Smith, 91′), Souttar, Hughes, Sowah, Kitchen, Buaben (Nicholson, 46′ – Sammon, 108′), Martin, Walker, Currie (Zanatta, 99′), Johnsen.

Raith Rovers: Cuthbert, McHattie, Callachan, M’Voto, Benedictus, Stewart, B.Barr (Johnston, 99′), Matthews, Davidson (Thomson, 70′), McManus (Skacel, 99′), Thompson (Hardie, 79′).

Referee: John Beaton

Att: 10,740

Top Man: Rory Currie

by SNP Councillor Lewis Ritchie who represents the Leith Walk Ward. 

‘Just about managing’ no longer – the benefit cap will push struggling families into deeper poverty.

This month, 425 of the poorest households in Edinburgh had their benefits cut as the Tory Government’s extended benefits cap was rolled out across the city.

There is a cruel irony in the fact that just as the Conservatives attempt to position themselves as the party of those who are ‘just about managing’, this indiscriminate and damaging policy will place hundreds of Edinburgh’s must vulnerable families at severe risk of material deprivation, homelessness and household food insecurity.

The cap is merely the latest in a litany of UK Government welfare reforms specifically designed to vilify those who have least and create a false and potentially dangerous distinction between the ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ poor. However, out of all of these policies, the benefit cap is perhaps the most fundamentally flawed.

For one, it is fails to take account of individual household circumstances and places an arbitrary limit on the amount of benefits that may be received regardless of where the person lives or how many children they have, thus breaking the long established link between social security and need.

According to the Department of Work and Pensions’ own research, the result is that almost two thirds of those affected will be female lone parents, with analysis undertaken by One Parent Family Scotland suggesting that a single parent with two children will be left with less than £120 per week for housing costs – not much in Edinburgh’s overheated rental sector.

This means that those who either can’t find work or can’t afford childcare in order to get out to work will have to choose between giving up their home or bringing down household expenditure some other way – with cutting spending on heating or food the only option available to many.

Faced with such choices, the mental and physical toll that this policy will have on those who find they no longer have enough to make ends meet will be devastating. Increases in the rate of child poverty, family breakdown and hunger are all likely consequences – with an already stretched network of local authority and third sector services placed under additional strain as they struggle to cope with the fallout.

Ostensibly, the Westminster government maintains that the cap is effective in ‘incentivising’ work and encouraging the unemployed into employment. Yet such a claim is refuted by their own research, with a joint project between the DWP and Oxford City Council determining that the odds of long-term unemployed claimants finding work ‘reduced by 2% for every pound of income lost through benefit cuts’.

This research merely proves what we already instinctively understand – that the crushing effects of poverty, worrying if you can keep a roof over your family’s head and wondering how to put enough food on the table are probably not the best conditions in which to find gainful employment.

Yet even as I write this, I know that there will be those who agree with the simple proposition that ‘no one on benefits should earn more than someone in work’, indeed, when the policy was put to a vote in the House of Commons, only 48 of Labour’s 216 MPs voted against it.

But this is a dangerous oversimplification of a complicated problem. My belief, and the belief of the SNP, is that the most effective means of eliminating poverty and supporting people into work are those that are rooted not in ideology and sound bites, but borne out of the best possible international evidence and research.

Experience tells us that it is targeted, holistic support which is most effective in both protecting people from poverty and assisting the unemployed into secure employment – not an indiscriminate cap which unfairly and unnecessarily targets the poorest and weakest in society.

Instead of creating additional barriers that only serve to punish the most vulnerable, our focus should be on removing the barriers that prevent people from working and to do so in a manner that takes into account individual circumstances and treats people with basic human dignity and respect.

Cllr Ritchie has also drafted a letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Damian Green MP:

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Mel Young kicked off The Homeless World Cup in 2003 along with Austrian publisher Harald Schmied, is the Chairman of SportScotland and founded, among many other publications, the Scottish Big Issue. The paper is still going strong and is sold by homeless people on the streets to more than 40,000 readers every week. Young holds no fewer than five honorary degrees and is a Senior Fellow of the World Economic Forum.

For this work which he undertakes to help the homeless he has been recognised by the United States Sports Academy.

The Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award which they gave to him in 2016 is very important indeed. Previous recipients include the likes of Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Jordan.

The award is given in recognition of someone who has demonstrated a concern for mankind.  Mel Young has most certainly done that.

The Homeless World Cup is exactly what it says and last year it was played in Glasgow. Participants must have been homeless since the last tournament, make a living as a street newspaper vendor, be an asylum seeker or be in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program and homeless in the previous two years

The Lord Provost the Rt Hon Donald Wilson mentioned that Edinburgh was very proud of Mel and all that he has achieved during a short ceremony at the City Chambers when he presented him with the award and the certificate.

The Lord Provost said: “In Edinburgh homelessness is going up, so the gaps and divisions have not yet gone. It is an ongoing battle as Mel knows because he has set himself the challenge of eradicating poverty. I think if anyone can do it he can!

“His influence has been international, but the people who are here tonight reflect the impact he has had on the city. This reception is an opportunity for the city to say thank you, and that is why I am so delighted to make the presentation of the award to Mel.

“It is incredible to think that the passion of one man in Edinburgh has led to over one million people across the globe receiving help through the Homeless World Cup.”

Mel Young thanked his wife in particular for her unfailing support and mentioned several others in the room. He said: “The latest story about the Homeless World Cup is about a player from Brazil who became a trainee chef and then published a book as he is one of the leading chefs in the country. He has gone from living on the street, and now, with the help of football, he is able to put something back. There are lots of these moving stories around the Homeless World Cup.

“One of the key reasons this works is because of the common language of football that everyone understands. It is fabulous to have two people in this room, Ann Budge and Sir Tom Farmer who at different times have saved our city’s football clubs. These clubs mean so much for Edinburgh and to the people who watch the games. That is the power of football! You have put smiles onto so many people’s faces.

“I spoke recently at the City Vision 2050 launch and I hope that many people get involved in that because this is a great city here in Edinburgh. It is great to be part of the conversation. One of the first issues raised during that launch was that people do not want any more poverty in the city. That is fabulous and something to start with!

The very gracious Mel Young honoured by @LordProvostEdin tonight for winning the Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award pic.twitter.com/H5aZkoLha0

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) January 25, 2017

“I cherish this award. If we all work together one of my mantras is that we are ingenious people, we created the internet and I don’t see why we can’t use our ingenuity to end homelessness and end poverty in the world.”

The Jackie Robinson Award is one of the highest honours which can be awarded, and is only made to people who exhibit ‘the highest qualities of dedication, grace under pressure, personal sacrifice, compassion, hope and dignity that characterise the promotion of human welfare and social reform’.

It has taken me 35 years to cross the threshold of the World’s End but I made the mistake of walking in at 6pm on a Saturday.

It was packed with customers at the bar and in the restaurant. It was, sadly, uncomfortable as a result. No seats, people jostling to get to the bar, shouting not talking to mates, waiting ages for service as the bar staff were busy, is not my idea of fun.

That said, it is a couthy, wee boozer with a lot going for it. It also has bags of atmosphere and is conveniently placed for meetings.

The clientele included tourists as this pub is in Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. The beer selection was adequate – I don’t care for Belhaven Best – so I plumped for Bitter and Twisted, a pale ale, from Harviestoun Brewery.

The brewery describe it as being “the connoisseurs’ session beer par excellence”. For me, it lacked bite.

We had one drink and left and I would go back, just not on a Saturday night, and when I do I will write another review!

World’s End, 4 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TB (t: 0131 556 3628)

As well as my duties as Vice Convener of the Council’s Planning Committee I am also the Convener of the Craigentinny and Duddingston Neighbourhood Partnership.

My term as Convener of the Partnership’s Board ends in May and of all the jobs I have done as part of my role as one of Edinburgh’s councillors being Convener of the Neighbourhood Partnership has been amongst the most satisfying.

The main highlight for me is the success of this years community grant applications. Community groups can apply for community grants all over Edinburgh.

Through local neighbourhood partnerships, many local groups have benefited from a grant this year including Craigentinny Primary School Parent Council, Upward Mobility, Craigentinny-Lochend Playgroup, Link Up Women’s Support Centre, Hermitage Park School Parent Council, St Ninan’s Parent Council, Craigentinny Lochend Social Centre, The Lochend Community Growing Project, Royal High Primary School Parent Council, The Ripple Project, Cavalry Park Sports Club and we contributed to the Summer Fun event with Northfield & Willowbrae Community Centre.

All of these groups and several more are able to do work and run projects that will benefit the Craigentinny and Duddingston community.

The Neighbourhood Partnership has also had success this year with successful community events at Duddingston and St Margaret’s House, while the Area Board and our Environment Forum has also worked hard to improve the locality.

These two groups are currently working hard (along with both of our local community councils) to improve the area around Meadowbank and Portobello Road and members of the public have really bought into this.

It’s an exciting time and while the benefits of this work have already started to accrue we will see solid improvements over the next few years.

All in all, 2016 was an exciting year for the Partnership and I’d like to thank the board and the council and police officers who support the work. I’m sure 2017 will be just as exciting.

Councillor Alex Lunn is a member of the SNP Group on the council, Vice Convener of the Planning Committee and Convener of the Craigentinny & Duddingston Neighbourhood Partnership

Police are appealing for information to help trace an elderly man reported missing in the west of the city.

William Scott was last seen leaving his home in Elliot Road at around 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday 25th January and has so far failed to return to the address.

The 88-year-old has also not been in touch with family or friends since this time and concern is now growing for his welfare.

Anyone who can assist officers in establashing William’s current whereabouts is asked to come forward.

He is described as white, betwee 4ft 10ins and 5ft tall with a bald head and grey hair round the side and has cuts on his nose and chin. He was last seen wearing a grey three-quarter-length coat and may also have a chequered bonnet.

Inspector Neil Whiteside said: “William lives with dementia and as such we are eager to locate him as soon as possible to ensure he is alright.

“He is known to frequent the city centre including Lothian Road and Leith Walk and so we currently have officers searching in these areas.

“Anyone who has seen him since 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, or who has any other information that can assist with our inquiries, should contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.