Edinburgh based playwright Lee Gershuny has produced a play being performed by older actors for the Luminate Festival, Scotland’s creative ageing festival.

A modern monk walks the world asking questions as he, or sometimes she, goes – the answers form a colourful fabric of paradox and insight.

Often gentle and funny, frequently poignant and always intelligently observed, Lee Gershuny’s Reflections of a Constant Monk is an interweaving of poetry, parable and original music.

It poses fundamental questions about human existence, whether it has purpose and why the bully seems to get away with trampling on the meek.

But far from despairing, the double gendered monk at the heart of the narrative sees beyond the immediate pain and drudgery of life and points to the possibility of beauty and freedom.

Reflections of a Constant Monk, which premieres at Summerhall in Edinburgh as part of Luminate, is rich with a sense of pilgrimage and possibility – a work born of deep experience.

This is brought out to the full by the Edinburgh-based Elements World Theatre, which, for this production, consists of older performers aged 50 to 70

Gershuny, an internationally published poet and award-winning playwright, says: “As life goes on we tend to become increasingly aware of our own follies and foibles, and certainly of our mortality.

“But hopefully we also pick up a little wisdom along the way. Reflections of a Constant Monk looks playfully at some of the big questions we all ask about life and the world through the eyes of a modern-day wandering monk.

“Like the rest of us he or she is confused about why we seem to be permanently teetering on the brink of catastrophe. But he has an endless curiosity and willingness to see beauty in the darkest moment.

“Ultimately the monk’s religion, gender, culture and background don’t matter at all – he is an Everyman and Everywoman – bewildered and bedazzled by the same things as the rest of us are now and always have been.”

Reflections of a Constant Monk is directed by Corrine Harris and Robin Mason. The poetry is presented by Lee Gershuny and the music is played by Harris, Mason and Peter Galinsky. The music is composed and directed by Robin Mason.

Poetry and music

• Venue: Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Place, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
• Wheelchair accessible call 0131 560 1581
• Time: 7.30pm
• Tickets: £12/£10
• Dates: 12-14 October
• Suitability: 12+
• www.the-elements.org.uk
• Box office: 0131 5601581 General Enquires: 0131 560 1580

Two charities have won awards totally £12,500 in recent national awards made by the ScottishPower Foundation.

One is a music charity which offers free, live musical concerts to people living in care and the other is an organisation set up by young people to fight climate change.

Music in Hospitals, which was recognised in the Community Impact and Engagement category, received £5,000 to go towards supporting activity across the UK while 2050 Youth Scotland Climate Change Group was recognised in both the Innovation category and the Community Impact and Engagement category, taking home £7,500.

Community Impact Award

Winner – Music in Hospitals

Runner Up– 2050 Scotland’s Youth Climate
Group

Innovation Award

Winner- 2050 Scotland’s Youth Climate
Group

This year, with the support of the Foundation, Music in Hospitals launched its Magic Moments initiative which is enabling over 100 live concerts across the UK, aimed at reaching people living in healthcare settings to improve their quality of life. 2050 Youth Scotland Climate Change Group has been recognised on a national and international stage for its innovation and new approach to addressing the challenge of transitioning to a low carbon society.

Ann Loughrey, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation, said at the awards ceremony held at Theatr Clwyd in Mold, Flintshire: “Music in Hospitals makes such a positive impact in local communities and it’s been a fantastic to be able to support the charity this year. The 2050 Youth Scotland Climate Change Group is a shining example of young minds working to protect our environment. Every year we work with truly inspirational projects and it’s great to see the different they all make.”

The Foundation has donated over £1M to charities across the UK this year. The Awards ceremony celebrated the 21 projects which it has funded in 2016. There were four categories and £30,000 was awarded in total to charitable projects the length and breadth of the UK.

The ScottishPower Foundation established in 2013 supports charitable projects and reinforces the energy company’s commitment to charitable work throughout Britain.

The Foundation provides funds to support charitable initiatives that promote the advancement of education, environmental protection, citizenship and community development, arts, culture and science, as well as the prevention of poverty or disadvantage. Its aim is to make a significant and lasting contribution to society and enhance the quality of life in local communities.

• Council Finance and Resources Committee meets today

Today we want you to tell you about a few of the key points concerning the council’s finances some of which will be discussed at this morning’s Finance and Resources Committee. For the first time the council will get a mid term report from the Finance Convenor about how things are going right now.

Finance Convener Alasdair Rankin is the councillor in charge of the city’s finances, but it is Hugh Dunn who is the council officer charged with the responsibility of doing the sums with what they describe as a ‘flat or declining budget’.

MUSIC LESSONS

Both men, when we met them last week, are convinced of one thing, that the budget when it is presented to the council in January will be balanced. That is actually a legal requirement so it comes as little surprise. What was a surprise was that the council managed to do a U-turn on their proposal to axe instrumental music tuition in schools across the city.

The cost of providing the lessons is in the order of £1.7m, but such was the pressure from parents and councillors that the Finance committee have had to find the money and make savings elsewhere.

You will be able to have your say tomorrow when the council opens its consultation on the way it delivers its services, and how it could do that better. More on that later today when the consultation goes live.

NO INCREASED BORROWING

The City of Edinburgh Council has not actually borrowed any substantial new sums in the past four and a half years. It has instead reduced its borrowing by just over £100 million upon the sale of Atria One, the office block on Morrison Street which the council developed itself. With blue chip tenants like the Law Society of Scotland and the UK Green Investment Bank it was snapped up on sale by a German company who already own the Scottish Widows building close by.

The sale to Deka Immobilien for £105,ooo was announced in April this year.

Councillor Gavin Barrie, Edinburgh’s Economy Convener, said at the time: “I’m delighted that we have concluded the sale of Atria. This is a further endorsement of the Council’s decision to create an innovative funding package to develop much needed Grade A office space in the city to attract new, and retain existing, businesses in the Capital while also cross-subsidising the cost of an expansion to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

“The fact that we have been able to attract investment into Edinburgh from a major overseas real estate company is testament to the quality of the building and its occupiers.

“Our plan was always to sell Atria once the development was completed and the economic conditions were right to achieve the best possible return for the Council’s investment and I believe we have achieved this.”

Proceeds from the sale will be used to support the Council’s improving debt position and repay the monies borrowed to facilitate the development. The sale will bolster the Council’s Strategic Development Fund which was set up in 2013 to help create new development opportunities, support business innovation, deliver jobs and promote economic growth in Edinburgh, and help deliver the Council’s Transformation Programme.

TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME

This is the scheme by which the council’s staff will be reduced and costs cut with a reorganisation of the way the council works. The services will now be provided by four localities instead of centrally with large departments.

Councillor Rankin said that the council’s Transformation Programme means that the council will become a ‘leaner and more affordable organisation’. The numbers of positions or jobs which would be lost were quoted at the beginning of the process. It was said at that time that around 2,000 jobs would probably go.

This does not mean that 2,000 people will become redundant or will take early retirement, but it does mean that where possible anyone moving on from the organisation will not be replaced.

At this point around 700 people have made arrangements to leave the council, and more reviews are still being carried out with members of staff. This may well lead to more people leaving.

The simple fact is that the council must reorganise as it cannot afford to continue in its present form. The localities model will deliver services nearer to where they have to be delivered, and the hope is that this will make better use of funding.

SAVINGS
In 2012 the council was faced with saving £160 million from its revenue budget and the Finance Convener says it has been ‘quite an achievement to balance the budget and maintain services’.

The Autumn Statement from the UK Government will affect the council and they say that they have to work hard at anticipating the steps they will have to make all of the time, but particularly after an announcement such as this.

They also have to provide for a changing demographic which means that an extra £6 million is needed for social services both for the increased number of elderly people and also younger people with social care needs.

Across council staff there is expected to be a 1% pay award in the next year.

SURVEYS OF COUNCIL OWNED BUILDINGS

Even after all the savings, last year the council delivered a surplus of £800,000 and out of that it spent over half on conducting surveys of buildings which were of similar construction model to the PPPI schools closed as a result of defective construction. This was not covered by the council’s contract with Edinburgh Schools Partnership which we are told by the council will cover all other consequent costs such as hiring buses to transport pupils to other schools during the closures last term.

There is an independent inquiry into the 17 schools closed earlier this year under the chairmanship of John Cole.

WASTE

Waste whether domestic or trade has been a problem for the council all summer long. In fact since the size of bins were changed and the council stopped collecting trade waste the streets have been littered with bags of rubbish.

The council admits that there have been 58,000 complaints about its waste service collection, but it says that it is actually a really small number in the scheme of things. It equates to 0.2% of all the waste collections made in the city. However if one complaint is made by one person (and we admit that is unlikely but bear with us….) then the number of people who have complained is equal to about 10% of the city’s population.

The budget and general spending relate to the revenue budget but what about the council’s capital spending on large projects? The maintenance of roads and footpaths will have to continue of course but the council also have their eye on bigger matters.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

We were told that there are four capital projects which the council would like to prioritise in the next year: the replacement of South Morningside Primary School, a new Dumbryden Care Home, funding to develop the ailing Meadowbank Sports Centre and the refurbishment of North Bridge which apparently requires some attention.

In 2016/17 the council needs to make savings of about £73 million, but we were told that they have already made plans for these, and so is confident of meeting its savings targets.

There are over 100 jobs available in HMRC DFID and the Scottish Executive in the 2017 Civil Service Fast Stream which opens later today.

This is a scheme for final year students and recent graduates whatever their background.

The aim is to make the Civil Service more diverse and inclusive. Currently, only 4% of Fast Stream candidates come from a disadvantaged background compared with 24% of the overall graduate population.

The way that applications are dealt with will change the diversity of candidates on the scheme. Online tests have changed from verbal and numerical reasoning which has been proved to disadvantage those from a lower socio-economic background. The Civil Service believe that the situational judgement tests which will replace them will be a fairer way of working out how candidates would deal with real life situations.

Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Sir Jeremy Heywood, said: “The new Fast Stream application process is a demonstration of our commitment to attracting the most talented people to the Civil Service, no matter what their background. The Fast Stream offers unrivalled development opportunities to tackle and solve challenges that can improve the lives of millions across the country. It is a graduate scheme like no other.”

The Civil Service Fast Stream is open to final year students and graduates who have at least a 2:2 degree, or are predicted to get one. The starting salary ranged from £25,000 to £28,000 with many opportunities available including finance, digital and technology, business, communications, commercial and the diplomatic service.

Police are investigating following a robbery in Craigmount Hill.

The incident happened around 8.30pm last night when a 65-year-old man was approached by three men, who walked towards him from the direction of North Bughtlin Gate.

They demanded money from the man and subsequently searched him resulting in the theft of his keys and his walking stick.  The men also threw a brick through a nearby window damaging the property before leaving the scene.

The victim made his way his home where his family were waiting and contacted police who are now appealing for witnesses.

The first two suspects are described as white men between the age of 18-22 and around 5ft 6″ to 5ft 8″ in height.

The third suspect is described as a black man who was also between the age of 18-22 and around 5ft 6″ to 5ft 8″ in height.  It is unknown what any of the suspects were wearing.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Tait of Corstorphine CID said:  “This was a frightening and thuggish attack on a vulnerable man, who has been left badly shaken by this incident.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the Craigmount Hill or North Bughtlin area on Tuesday, September 27, and either saw anything suspicious or recognises the description of the suspects, to come forward immediately.

Hibs have completed the signing of Neal Eardley following a successful trial period, subject to international clearance.

The right back started his career at Oldham Athletic, before spells at Blackpool, Birmingham City and Leyton Orient.

The 28 year old Welsh international featured in the last two development squad matches for the club, scoring in Tuesday night’s game against Rangers which was abandoned due to a linesman being taken ill. He has signed a short term deal until January, and will wear the number 26 jersey.

An independent judicial panel convened by the Scottish FA has dismissed the case against Hibs and Rangers following the disturbance after this year’s Scottish Cup final, finding no provision in the current rules to punish the clubs.

The panel ruled that the SFA complaint was “irrelevant and should be dismissed” and “does not offer to establish any infringement or breach of a rule”.

A statement on the Hibs’  website reads: “Hibernian FC welcomes the decision of the Judicial Panel which has dismissed the complaint raised against the Club for the reasons set out in the judgment.

“Receipt of the complaint was the first quantification to the Club of the damage to the pitch at Hampden. The Club has today paid that sum to the Scottish FA.”

Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive of Hibernian, said: “We hope that this now brings an end to the matter and the Scottish FA can concentrate on implementing the recommendations made by the Independent Commissioner, Sheriff Principal Bowen.”

The Edinburgh Reporter’s Mike Smith is a qualified hypnotherapist. In the latest of his series of articles on how hypnotherapy can help address unwanted habits or disorders, Mike looks at how this can help change your life if you feel you are stuck in a rut.

Autumn. That time of the year when the realisation that the long, warm summer days are but a distant memory and ahead of us lie dark, cold mornings and daylight disappearing before 4.00pm. Not only that but Christmas looms on the horizon with all the stress and expense that entails (and many shops are already festooned with Christmas ‘goodies’…)

Does this make you feel down? Do you feel your life has got stuck in a rut that you feel you’ll never get out of? Are you sick and tired of the same old routine, day in, day out, your life a ceaseless drudgery? Perhaps not. But, if this resonates with you, read on…

Of course, routine can be a good thing and we all need some kind of routine, otherwise life would be chaotic and potentially dangerous. We need some semblance of what is going to happen in order we can plan ahead. But it’s when this routine takes over and begins to make you unhappy that you realise something has to change. Have you ever said to yourself or a close friend or partner ‘there must be more to life than this?’

You may have said this if you are in a job that makes you unhappy. You yearn for Friday night but dread Sunday night and the prospect of going to work on Monday. It may be a high pressure job with its constant demands which cause you stress and undermine your confidence.

You may be in an unhappy relationship but because it has become a way of life you are frightened of changing it. This is particularly so of people who have been in a job or in a relationship for several years but are unhappy. ‘Ach, you’ve just got to get on wi’ it’ is an oft-used phrase. But you don’t. You can make the changes to your life which will improve it and make you happier than you are now.

Too much predictability can cause long-term damage to a person’s thought process. You feel trapped, stuck in a rut, feeling as if there is no escape. You do the same things every day, see the same people every day, stick to the same routine every day. There is nothing to stimulate you, nothing you find challenging. Yet, you dream of a new, different life, one which doesn’t necessarily have to be exciting but which is different to the tedium you are experiencing now.

Okay, I hear you ask, how can you change your life for the better? Well, firstly, you need to decide what it is about your life you want to change. Do you wish you could speak out more at work? Feel the demands of your job are too great but you daren’t say anything to your manager?

Perhaps the stressful nature of your job means you comfort eat. Possibly because you don’t have enough time during the working day to eat properly, you find yourself gorging high-fat, convenient food when you get home. ‘Ach, it’s been a hellish day, I’m going to have a chippy for tea’ I’ve been there myself but now my extra-large tee-shirt lies crumpled in the drawer…

Perhaps you feel stuck in a relationship that has been going nowhere for years but you feel it’s too late to change now so you have to put up with it. There’s the kids, the mortgage and the dog to think about. Fair enough. But perhaps you’re one of those people whose children are now grown up and have flown the nest and you still feel trapped in an unhappy relationship…

Or have you been smoking cigarettes for more years than you care to remember and now feel the effects this has on your health? If you’re like me, a fifty something, and have grandchildren, do you feel you can’t do the physical activities with them like you used to do with your children all those years ago? I don’t smoke but I know several people who do and wish they could stop for the sake of their health, their children and their grandchildren. My father died very suddenly nearly twenty years ago. One day his heart just stopped working and that was that.  A year before he died he told me his GP wrote a prescription slip and passed it to him. It read ‘stop smoking’. My father tried but didn’t succeed. He was 58 when he died.

So, what to do?

If you’ve read this far and are nodding in agreement, then good! However, it’s not easy to change your life just like that, especially when you’ve been stuck in the same routine for several years. But there’s a solution. It’s a matter of coming to terms with what you’re doing with your life – and what you would like to do with your life. Change doesn’t come easy. It requires effort. But I can help you make the changes to bring out a happier life. And we could all do with more happiness in these troubled times.

Hypnotherapy can bring about the changes to your life you want – and possibly even need. Hypnotherapy can help you look at your life differently and guide you to think of doing things differently, in a way which will benefit you. Yes, you. Hypnotherapy can help your life take on a new sense of purpose and make it exciting again.

Firstly, you need to know what changes it is you want to make to your life. Once you do you can contact me and together we can discover the tools and techniques that will bring improvement to the quality of your life – and bring happiness and contentment. Life is too short to accept what we’ve got if we’re unhappy with it.  Change for the better is all about you. When you discover the tools to make those changes then your hopes for a better life can be fulfilled.

Hypnotherapy can be applied to a wide range of medical, dental and psychological problems. Areas of application include anxiety and stress conditions, weight control and addictive behaviours and self-esteem and confidence issues. It is also used to enhance performance in several areas such as sport and public speaking.

Hypnotherapy gives you time for one of the most important things in your life – you. With relaxing techniques tailored to suit you, you will feel calmer, more relaxed and have a better understanding of your life, needs and aspirations as well as others.

Contact me today to arrange an appointment. After a free, no obligation initial consultation, we can decide together the best way to enable you to achieve your goals.

My practice – Mind Generating Success – is at 14-18 Hill Street, Edinburgh – between Castle Street and Frederick Street, so handily placed if you’re in the city centre.

Phone or text me on 07521353787 (24 hours) to arrange a date and time for an initial free consultation or email me at: mike.smith@mgs-hypnotherapy-services.co.uk

Home visits are available by arrangement.

Whether you wish to stop smoking, lose weight, increase self-confidence or overcome a phobia why don’t you advantage of a free consultation and take the first step to overcoming this by natural methods – the strength and power of your mind – by contacting me for further information.

We have but one life – so why not try and change your life for the better?

A 13-year-old boy was  taken to hospital after being attacked in a suspected hate crime in the East Craigs area on 13th September.

Two 13-year-old boys have been charged in connection with this incident and both have since been reported to the Children’s Reporter.

A police spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh investigated an assault in the East Craigs area, which took place on Tuesday September 13.

“A 13-year-old boy attended the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with minor injuries.

“Two boys, both aged 13, were subsequently charged in connection with this.

“Officers remain committed to thoroughly investigating any and all reports of hate crime”

Police have released an image of Stuart Hamilton at Edinburgh’s Haymarket Station.

The 37-year-old has not seen his family and friends in the last two weeks and this image is his last confirmed sighting.

The image shows Stuart at the bottom of the escalator at Haymarket Station about to board a train at 10.16am on Sunday, September 25.

It is understood that he then travelled to Manchester and may still be within the Greater Manchester area.

Stuart is described as a white man with a medium build.  He is around 6ft 2″ in height with short, dark, receding hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue top along with a black hooded top, blue jeans and white trainers.  He was also carrying a dark rucksack.

Police Scotland has been working with Greater Manchester Police in order to trace Stuart.  Further checks of CCTV will be conducted today (Wednesday, September 28).

Inspector Jonathan Elliot of Drylaw Police Station said:  “Stuart is still missing and we are again appealing to the public in order to trace him.

“We have now obtained this image of Stuart at Haymarket Station on Sunday, September 25. Anyone who remembers seeing Stuart, or recognises his description, in either the station or on a train is asked to contact us immediately.

“We would also ask anyone in the Manchester area who knows Stuart’s whereabouts to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

While your little ones are occupied and active, parents and carers can put their feet up. (although we are sure there are other opportunities for the older generation to get active too – but just not in the soft play area!)

Customers signing up for an Edinburgh Leisure soft-play membership in October, will receive membership in November free.

Unlimited soft play costs £15.00 per month, so your little adventurers can enjoy endless fun in any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city.

The state of the art facilities, Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello and Scrambles and Rock Tot Playroom at the EICA: Ratho are suitable for children up to 10 years, are clean and safe, with friendly staff on hand.

While the little ones are playing you could enjoy the facilities of their cafés at the same time. The cafés all sell healthy snacks and tasty treats.

To join, pop into your local soft play venue at Edinburgh Leisure and for further information visit: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

The conversation around a vision for the capital city has begun with the publication of the Sustainable Cities Index 2016 by Arcadis. You can read the whole report at the end of this article, but the basis of the report is People, Planet and Profit. Clearly the report is deserving of a lot more reading than we have yet had time to devote to it, and we hope you will let us know what you think of it.

The report explains that these three criteria will demonstrate social, environmental and economic sustainability and are a good place to start in assessing what the city is like now.

They do not appear to explain why they chose the 100 cities, except that their coverage has increased from the 50 prominent cities they studied previously, to the 100 chosen now ‘both developed and emerging, around the world’.

The purpose of Edinburgh 2050 is to set out a vision for what Edinburgh might look like at that time. That might mean that everyone walks everywhere, it might mean that development of new buildings is dealt with differently. It could mean that there is less or no inequality among people living here, it might mean that poverty is no more.  It all rather depends on your perspective and what matters to you.

The City of Edinburgh Council has started the conversation and is keen that you register and have your say. The edinburgh.org website has been taken back from VisitScotland who were using it for a time, and is being used for this and Marketing Edinburgh’s other projects in selling the city to the world.

But the council will not be formulating the vision. You and others like you will. So make sure you have your say here.

Green Group Councillor Gavin Corbett has had his say on his blog here. He has written about the whole basis of the sustainability study by Arcadis which he condemns.

He questions the fact that Edinburgh has been ranked 13th out of the top 100 sustainable cities and explains that the term sustainability has to be examined more carefully. His argument is that the profit element of the Arcadis equation skews the city’s ranking.

He explains that Edinburgh would not have scored so highly if more or different cities had been chosen, or chosen on the true interpretation of the word sustainability.

But Arcadis have used profit as one of the three principles on which their report is written, and they have chosen cities from around the world both developing and emerging. In truth we are not worried about what is happening elsewhere except in so far as we can learn from it. What we are really interested in is what Edinburgh is and what it can become.

It will be a melting pot of ideas at the very least!

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• Balerno Music Festival 2016
• Oktoberfest
• Sale of Designer Clothes
• Buzzing around George IV Bridge
• At the Traverse Theatre

The ninth Balerno Music Festival is already underway and it runs till 9 October 2016. There are concerts and events for all the family, and Balerno Village Screen are putting on Love and Mercy at the Ogston Hall on Saturday night. Tickets for the tale of Beach Boy Brian Wilson’s life are FREE!

The full programme is here.

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is fundamentally about beer. On offer is the one-and-only Oktoberfest beer called Bavarian Festbeer. It is a dark golden lager with brownish hue and comes with a touch of sweetness and a strong and slightly bitter aftertaste. The beer has travelled 993 miles from a respected brewery in Bavaria to Edinburgh in a 24-thousand-litre beer tanker.

During the whole process, the beer is always kept cool in 2°C to guarantee its freshness. Then, it is pumped into guests’ glasses through a refined craft system.

Where will it take place?

Princes Street Gardens West, Red Square

When is it?

5-9 October 2016

Where can I find out more?

Click here for Ticket information.

If you would like to help us in our quest to make the site even better and to reward our journalists for our work then perhaps you would consider making a donation of £1 each month by using the Donate button below?

Deidre Brock MP has reminded us that there is a sale of designer clothes going on today – all in a good cause… to raise funds for those women going back to work.

Help support women back to work by heading to the @SmartWorksEDI fundraising sale tomorrow, 9-4. Bargain clothes to be had! pic.twitter.com/aKq5RtWCGZ

— Deidre Brock (@DeidreBrock) 27 September 2016

 

The second hotel in the city centre to have its own rooftop hives has told us their roof is just buzzing! They are supporting the bee population by installing bee hives which are home to 180,000 bees which will produce very local honey indeed for use in the G&V Hotel.

Read more here

The writer Sue MacLaine also performs in the play Can I Start Again Please? which is on at The Traverse Theatre from tomorrow till Saturday. She is pretty fond of The Barony Bar it appears from the blog on the Traverse website!

Read more here. 

If you are reading this article in print and would like to visit The Edinburgh Reporter website then simply scan the QR code here with a smartphone or tablet.

Sign up here for a daily email from The Edinburgh Reporter

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In response to the Scottish Governments report on Recorded Crime in Scotland 2015/2016, published today Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “The overall recorded crime picture remains largely positive with a 4% fall in overall recorded crime across our communities. This coupled with an increase in the detection rate of 1.2% reflects the hard work carried out by police officers and police staff throughout the country.

“The report also highlights the large demand on Police Scotland with 246,243 crimes recorded during 2015-16.

“The increase in the report of sexual crime is in part a reflection of the increased level of confidence the public has in reporting this type of crime to the police with the knowledge that every complaint will be handled sensitively and professionally. This equally applies to reports of historical abuse.

“We recognise the increase in crimes of violence and although this remains low in a historical context, we continue to work with partners in communities to tackle violence and address the influence that alcohol plays in many of these crimes.

“The recorded crime statistics are an important barometer on the level of service that the public get from Police Scotland, but they are only part of the picture.

“On a daily basis officers and staff provide help, advice and assistance on many different subjects ranging from anti-social behaviour, missing persons and mental health issues.

“In addition, we are developing a better understanding of the demands on modern policing in relation to issues such as cybercrime and online child exploitation which will be a focus for us in the future.

“Police Scotland will continue to engage with the public to identify issues in local communities across Scotland that will direct and inform the shape of policing for the future.”

Recorded crime in Scotland is at its lowest level since 1974 according to new figures released today.

In total, 246,243 crimes were recorded in 2015-16, compared to 256,350 in the previous year. Key highlights include:

• Crimes of dishonesty including theft, housebreaking and shoplifting fell from 126,857 to 115,789
• Non-sexual crimes of violence are at their second lowest level since 1974 despite a slight rise over the twelve months from 6,357 to 6,775
• Fire-raising, vandalism etc. increased from 52,091 to 54,226, though this remains 58% lower than in 2006-07
• Other crimes (mostly drug related or crimes against public justice) fell from 61,488 to 59,180.
• Crimes of handling offensive weapons have fallen to their lowest level since 1984, down to 3,111
• The number of offences recorded by the police in Scotland fell from 379,498 to 339,193. These include motor vehicle offences and breach of the peace
• The overall police clear-up rate increased by 1.2 percentage points to 51.6%.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “I am very pleased that Scotland now has the lowest rate of recorded crime in 42 years, including reductions in drug crime, theft and handling offensive weapons over the last year.

“I am grateful for the excellent work of Scotland’s police officers and their specialist and other civilian colleagues in detecting, disrupting and deterring criminal activities. Each of us can contribute to keeping our communities, homes and businesses safe, including by minimising opportunities for criminals.

“Police continue to lead that preventative approach alongside partners in other public services and the private and third sectors – not least in addressing emerging threats online, including child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and cyber-fraud.

“While higher levels of recorded sexual crime are broadly in line with UK trends, include a significant number of historical cases and may reflect greater willingness by victims to come forward, such incidents are completely unacceptable. This is why we have taken tough action to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Since 2006-07 we have also invested more than £10.5 million in a range of violence reduction programmes during which time violent crime has more than halved (down 52%) and is at its second lowest level since 1974.

“Today’s report also indicates that female victims of common assault were far more likely than men to be assaulted by a partner or ex-partner – underlining why the Scottish Government has committed an additional £20 million over three years to tackle violence against women, alongside our plan to strengthen legislation against all forms of domestic abuse.”

You are invited to get involved in the latest conversation in Edinburgh all about the City Vision 2050. This clear idea of what we all want for our city will form the backbone for all policy decisions made in the city in years to come.

This conversation has been started by The City of Edinburgh Council in association with Marketing Edinburgh, but the ideas will be yours and future policy will be driven by those ideas.

That was the message at the launch of the City Vision yesterday in the city. The presentations ranged from one from Peter Proud of Cortex whose office we were in, one by Mel Young Founder of the Homeless World Cup, one from the Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and one from Graham Hill of Arcadis.

Arcadis conducted a survey of 100 Global cities in their Sustainable Cities Index where Edinburgh scores pretty well on some criteria and not so well on others. For example the city scored well on the basis of its economic sustainability but poorly when its transport infrastructure was the main consideration.

One of the recurring themes was that lack of income for some creates great inequality, that the growing population is creating its own strains on the city’s infrastructure and that more homes are needed.

The Chief Executive Andrew Kerr was at pains to point out that the way this conversation will move forward is not for it to be driven by the council and he urged local people to get involved with the process.

Inspirational stuff this morning at #edinburgh2050 launch @melyoung53 @Rabbies_Travel @ArcadisUK @Edinburgh_CC pic.twitter.com/zh7s3KICQp

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) 27 September 2016

Click here to register and have your say on the themes that have already been opened up. More will open as the process develops with the goal of creating a draft plan by Christmas.

The three questions are :

What’s great about Edinburgh in 2016?

What could be better?

What would you like it to be like in 2050?

Prospective students for St Mary’s Music School are invited to the school’s open day on 8 October 2016.

St Mary’s takes pupils from all over Scotland and abroad following an entrance process based on audition and assessment, musical ability and potential. Financial circumstances are irrelevant since there is up to 100 per cent funding available from The Scottish Government through the Aided Places Scheme. This funding can be used for tuition and boarding fees, and Cathedral and school bursaries are also available.

At the moment there are 80 pupils at the school of whom 32 are boarders.

The music school is the choir school of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, the only place in Scotland to offer such education.

There is also an academic element to the school and potential pupils can audition throughout the year.

And on 8 October 2016 there is an Open Day for pupils, parents and teachers to go along in the afternoon between 2.30 and 5pm, to Coates Hall on Grosvenor Crescent to find out more about the places in the school.

For further information have a look at the school’s website www.st-marys-music-school.co.uk

The Edinburgh software firm Scott Logic has appointed a Glaswegian to a senior role!

Glaswegian Philip Pinkowski graduated from the University of Glasgow in computing science in 2009 moved to Edinburgh and has never left.

Phillip explained: “I previously worked for Weatherford, an oil and gas service company, mainly using .NET technologies with some newer HTML5 and Angular experience.

“I came across Scott Logic when I was looking for an opportunity to improve my skills and branch into other technologies and industries. I had heard good things about working at Scott Logic and its progressive attitude towards using new technologies and helping staff to develop skills, along with striving to develop high quality software.

“The move from long term product work to the varied work of client projects really appealed to me, and since starting I’ve met loads of new people. I’ve also had the opportunity to begin learning some new web technologies and I’m excited for the challenges ahead, working on interesting client projects.”

Scott Logic’s Head of Development in Edinburgh, Murray Crease, added: “It‘s great to welcome another talented individual to augment our software consultancy  team.

“I’m really looking forward to working closely with Phillip and seeing him develop on client projects.”

If your child has bags of energy to burn off – then join Edinburgh Leisure for a FREE Born to Move Roadshow at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Friday, 30 September 2016.

Born to Move is focused on inspiring young people to fall in love with physical activity, and let them enjoy the energy, confidence, good health and increased ability that goes with it.

The classes are suitable for 2-3 year olds and 4-5 year olds and are jam packed with smiles, laughter, fun and singing. Each class teaches age appropriate motor skills that improve agility, balance, co-ordination, endurance, flexibility and speed.

The Born to Move instructors will be delivering a roadshow with FREE half hour sessions throughout the day as follows, and will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the classes.

The following sessions will be available: 2-3 year olds need to be accompanied by a parent / carer

Contact reception at Meadowbank to book on T: 0131 661 5351 or E:info.msc@edinburghleisure.co.uk

The retailer Aldi has launched its search for the country’s next Top Product today.

They want to find a new and exciting product which will be a hit with Scottish shoppers. Last year it was the Orkney baker Argo whose Caramel Shortbread took their eye, along with Cobbs Chocolate Brownies. The deal with Aldi was worth almost £200,000 to the producers.

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director ALDI Scotland, said: “The search for Aldi’s Next Top Product is a fantastic opportunity to discover new exceptional food and drink businesses from all over the country and give them the opportunity to compete with long-established brands. Given the success of 2015’s search, we’ve brought it back again this year to give more Scottish producers the chance to secure their big break. We’re looking forward to receiving application forms from a wide range of producers.”

Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive James Withers commented: “Aldi’s search for Scotland’s Next Top Product presents a great opportunity for Scottish food and drink producers. In addition to getting onto Aldi shelves, the winner will get great support to build their own capabilities, including working with the retailer’s buyers to make the most of the year’s listing and to focus on elements such as product design. I’d encourage producers to enter this competition; it’s a worthwhile exercise for companies regardless of whether they win.

“Aldi is placing a strong focus on sourcing locally and the resultant relationships with Scottish suppliers are great to see. This approach is invaluable for the continued growth of our sector. The Scottish food and drink industry has been enjoying sales growth year on year and there is good reason for us to be recognised as a Land of Food and Drink as we offer quality products with a strong identity. This hunt for the next best product has proved to be good exposure to new or as yet undiscovered products in the market, although I suspect that the judging panel will have a tough job on their hands identifying just one.”

The deadline for entries is Friday 18th November. Scottish businesses can enter the competition via Scotland Food & Drink’s website by filling out an online entry form www.foodanddrink.scot/aldi. Suppliers must be SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) accredited and have the capacity to meet the demands of supplying Aldi’s 67+ Scottish Stores to apply. The winning product will also be subject to an Aldi audit. The full list of terms and conditions are also available on the website.

The five-star G&V Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh is welcoming 180,000 new guests this month.

The guests are honey bees which will live in hives on its rooftop in a bid to support the local bee population and provide delicious home-produced honey to guests.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Quorvus Collection has set up three beehives on the roof of its luxurious hotel, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘fit for a queen’!

In an initiative that pushes the boundaries of eco-tourism in Scotland’s capital, Quorvus Collection’s G&V has partnered with leading sustainability business Plan Bee Ltd to welcome 180,000 bees to its hotel on the legendary Royal Mile.  As well as benefitting the local environment, the aptly named ‘G&Bees’ will provide a treat for G&V’s guests who can enjoy fresh honey with their breakfast each morning.

Guests can also sample the exclusive honey at the design-led hotel’s newly refurbished Cucina restaurant, where executive chef Mattia Camorani is showcasing it within a range of inventive and delicious new dishes – straight from hive, to plate.

In celebration of the G&Bees Mattia has created a five course honey infused menu to tantalise the taste buds, highlights include: Scottish Clave Brie & truffle honey with charcoal water, oven roasted Atlantic Cod fillet with honey glazed heritage carrots and honey and milk sorbet with honeycomb and bee pollen.

Martin Scott, General Manager of G&V Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have our own bee hives. At Quorvus Collection we are committed to our values of Care, Create and Cultivate; I see no better way to give back to nature than with our own hives. The abundance of parks and flora around Edinburgh will create a perfect environment for the bees and the best part is that the honey produced will be served to our residents every morning. It’s been an amazing experience working with the G&Bees and extracting our very own honey.”

With nature-based tourism now accounting for 40% of all leisure-industry spending in Scotland, G&V’s new offering is sure to delight an increasing number of eco-conscious travellers.

Environmentalists and health experts alike have long extolled the virtues of honey bees, celebrating them for the role they play in pollinating a third of the food we eat and for the health benefits of their produce. In addition to being 100% natural, organic and delicious, local honey has been proven to help combat a range of health problems, including hayfever.

Plan Bee works in partnership with businesses large and small to support and exceed their environmental ambitions, from family-run restaurants to international brands. With honey bee numbers having rapidly declined in recent decades, these partners are playing their part in returning more than 15-million bees to the natural environment, supporting our agriculture, parks and gardens.

Nightly rates at G&V Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh start from £209 per night inclusive of breakfast. To make a reservation or for further information please contact +44 (0)131 2206666; info@gandvhotel.com; www.quorvuscollection.com/gandv-hotel-edinburgh

Police are investigating following the theft of three cars through housebreaking in the Penicuik and Eskbank areas.

Both incidents were reported to police on Monday, September 26, and occurred when the properties were unoccupied.

The suspects were able to gain access to the properties and use car keys to take the vehicles.

The first incident happened at an address in Mauricewood Park, Penicuik, which resulted in the theft of a silver Volkswagen Golf and a silver Audi A6 estate.

The second housebreaking occurred at an address in Glenesk Crescent, Eskbank, where a silver Citroen C1 was stolen.

Police Sergeant Michele Lindsay of Dalkeith Police Station said:  “We are now appealing for information regarding both these housebreakings and would ask anyone with information to come forward.

“We would also remind members of the public there are precautions you can take to ensure your property is safe while you’re on holiday, such as asking your neighbours if appropriate to keep an eye on your property, cancelling deliveries to your home, using timers on lights and if you have an alarm making sure it’s set.

“All these measures can deter thieves and give you peace of mind while you are away on holiday.”

Did you know that you can now recycle your unloved or unwanted bras to raise vital funds to help stop deaths from breast cancer?

There are new eye-catching pink bra banks installed at the City of Edinburgh Council’s three Community Recycling Centres:

• Bankhead Recycling Centre, Sighthill
• Fillyside Recycling Centre, Leith
• Old Dalkeith Road, Craigmillar

Installed by Breast Cancer Now, in partnership with the Council and recycling specialists Nathan’s Wastesavers, the banks will allow bras to either be upcycled into new materials – including carpets, purses and textiles – or start a new life on the other side of the world in developing countries.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Environment Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We fully support this exciting new partnership which will allow women in Edinburgh to recycle their bras in a way that will not only benefit the environment but provide funding for cutting-edge breast cancer research.

“We would like to encourage local women to take advantage of the new Breast Cancer Now bra banks and give their unwanted underwear a new life while helping to stop deaths from breast cancer.”

Find out more about Breast Cancer Now’s work. Full details of the Council’s Community Recycling Centres, where the bra banks are located, are available online.

Proving that there is demand for properties at all levels of the market there is now just one property left at Barratt Homes’ The Kilns development in the south of Edinburgh.

The four bedroom Crichton with integral garage is the very last home available at the development, which is located just five miles south of the City Centre.

With a bright lounge, an open plan kitchen-dining area, utility room and French Doors leading to the rear garden, the Crichton offers space and light downstairs. Upstairs, two double bedrooms and two single bedrooms mean that there is lots of room for growing families.

Anne Ross, sales director for Barratt Homes East Scotland, said: “With the Pentland Hills to the west, Straiton Retail Park to the south and an abundance of golf courses in the vicinity, The Kilns offers the best of the city with the benefits of the great outdoors on its doorstep.

“Travel to the city centre takes just half an hour with public transport, and with the City Bypass just minutes away, families looking for their next home should act now to secure our last property at The Kilns, one of our most popular developments.”

The Crichton is currently available from £268,995 – but hurry!

For more information visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 08442 732 564

This Friday at the George Hotel The Hummingbird Ball will raise funds for Diabetes UK once more.

The charity’s local Edinburgh fundraising group have already raised £340,000 for research into the disease with money being ploughed into Scottish projects.

Chair of the Diabetes Scotland Edinburgh Local Group, Craig Cameron, said: “The Hummingbird Ball is always a fantastic night that’s enjoyed by all, with funds being raised for an important cause. Diabetes is a major health issue, with 38,800 people living with the condition in Lothian.  Diabetes UK is leading the way in cutting edge research, including some ground-breaking projects across Scotland, which will have a positive impact on the lives of people affected by the condition.

“When we arranged the first Hummingbird Ball in 2001 we thought it would be a one off event.  No one could have imagined in those early days that we would reach 16 years and raise in excess of £340,000. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported this incredible achievement.

“Our regular supporters have once again responded magnificently but there are still a small number of tickets available for those keen to come to the event. We would be delighted for the support of local and national businesses to help us raise even more money by donating prizes for the raffle and auction.”

The evening will include dinner, entertainment a charity auction and a raffle. Natasha Raskin of TV’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip will lead the way on winkling money out of guests for auction items.

Pam Taylor, Diabetes UK National Fundraising Manager for Scotland, said:  “The success of the Hummingbird Ball over the past 16 years is truly amazing given that the event is organised entirely by volunteers and we’re delighted that it is planned to go-ahead this year. Over £340,000 raised through the event is testament to the volunteers’ commitment to funding Diabetes UK research in Scotland.  It’s a fantastic achievement and we’re truly grateful.”

Tickets for the event, priced at £60 each – or £600 for a table – can be purchased by contacting Diabetes Scotland office on 0141 245 6380 or scotlandfundraising@diabetes.org.uk. Tombola, raffle and auction prizes can also be donated in this way.

Quotient Clinical, the Translational Pharmaceutics® company, a leading provider of early stage and specialist drug development services, today announced the expansion of its Data Sciences function with relocation to a larger office, staying in Edinburgh.

The expansion comes in response to growing customer demand for the Data Sciences service. The total Data Sciences headcount has increased by more than 34% during the past two years and is now at over 50 employees. Quotient Clinical is currently actively recruiting.

Quotient Clinical’s Data Sciences offering supports its proprietary Translational Pharmaceutics platform, which integrates formulation development, real-time adaptive GMP manufacturing and clinical testing. The Data Sciences experts provide bespoke services for early phase clinical studies including: data management, eCRF programming, statistics and statistical programming, pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation, and medical writing. These capabilities deliver real-time data to customers for review and interpretation, enabling crucial dosing decisions to be made during the course of a study and to aid development of clinical programs post study.

Greg Johnson, VP Data Sciences, Quotient Clinical, commented: “Our unique Translational Pharmaceutics platform is increasingly being recognised in the industry for reducing clinical development timelines, cutting associated costs, and offering enhanced data-based decision making ability throughout the process. As a consequence, demand for our integrated Data Sciences service is also growing, and we are therefore delighted to announce this expansion and the move to a new larger office, ensuring that customers continue to receive the highest standard of service.”

Translational Pharmaceutics brings innovation to early drug development by integrating formulation development, real-time adaptive GMP manufacturing and clinical testing within a single organisation. Drug products are manufactured in real-time immediately prior to clinical testing, creating the opportunity to modify dose and formulation compositions in response to emerging clinical data (safety, pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic). The platform can be applied to a wide range of drug products, including oral, inhaled, dermal and IV, and encompasses simple and complex formulation types.

A new state-of-the-art facility which will enhance the safety of communities across the East of Scotland has been opened today by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)

Chair of the SFRS Board, Pat Watters and Chief Officer, Alasdair Hay formally opened the new East Service Delivery Headquarters and Asset Resource Centre at Newbridge which is part of a £1.9million +VAT investment in the East of the country.

It brings together 130 staff under one roof and pools the experience and expertise of teams from across Response and Resilience, Prevention and Protection, ICT and Maintenance.

The new base combines three facilities that had reached the end of their operational life – Lauriston Place in Edinburgh, Maddiston in Falkirk and Thornton in Fife – ensuring the SFRS has the resource needed to ensure the safety of communities across the East.

The new facility will be led by John Miller, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer who has responsibility for service delivery across the East serves a population of 1.6 million people, based across a wide ranging geography of some 7,700 square kilometres. Our East area crews are based at 65 fire stations.

The area includes Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh and the areas of Clackmannanshire, Stirling, Falkirk, West and East Lothian, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and Fife.

The facility also supports partnership working between SFRS and Police Scotland, which sees the maintenance of police fleet vehicles onsite.

Chair of the SFRS Board, Pat Watters said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce the formal opening of our new Headquarters and state-of-the-art Asset Resource Centre here at Newbridge.

“There can be no clearer demonstration of our commitment to keeping our communities safe across the East – by bringing together our very best expertise and experience under one roof.

Chief Officer Alasdair Hay said: “I’d like to personally thank all of the staff involved for their hard work to ensure the move was delivered seamlessly, and for engaging so positively with the new facility.

“This new location gives us huge potential to extend our future capabilities in key areas such as training and development.”

At the G&V Hotel later this week Scottish artist and textile designer Hatti Pattisson will launch her debut shoe collection in collaboration with luxury footwear brand Taschka from her personally-designed ‘Garden Paradise’ suite.

Shoppers can choose from two designs, both of which are decorated with the very textiles featured in Hatti’s G&V suite, ‘In Bloom’ and ‘Into the Blue’. The statement slippers, Hatti’s take on Taschka’s classic JAI design, promise to transform any outfit – true works of art in every sense of the phrase.

The launch of the collaboration with Natasha Rahiani of Taschka will delight lovers of contemporary Scottish design, giving them the chance not only to sleep surrounded by some of the country’s finest artwork and textile design – but wear to it on their feet, too.

G&V is already home to a further eight bold suites by modern Scottish designers including fashion designer Judy R Clark, artist Christine Clark, design duo Timorous Beasties, furniture designer Holster and local interior design studio Graven. It is with great pleasure that G&V continues its support for local Scottish talent by hosting the launch.

Hatti’s own suite is a one-of-a-kind space that channels the city’s dynamic architecture whilst showcasing Hatti’s original artwork, featuring bursts of floral colour in the living area and oceanic shades in the bedroom.

Award-winning artist and textile designer Hatti Pattisson commented: “It’s wonderful to be launching the shoe collection from the suite I designed at G&V, as both of the fabrics used – inspired from my original paintings – feature throughout the suite. I often describe my paintings as ’emotive landscapes’, an expression of my reaction to the world around me. My textiles are a further exploration of that. I hope that this collaboration shows people how the fabrics I create embody a range of different moods, from the fun floral intensity of “In Bloom” to the sophisticated inkiness of “Into the Blue.”

The two young designers were introduced by online lifestyle collective PAD Lifestyle, which led to a partnership between the extremely talented duo. The outcome – a capsule collection of two beautifully-designed limited edition slippers – is a collision of the fashion, art and textile design worlds and is a spectacular showcase of home-grown British talent.

*The shoe collection is available to buy, subject to availability, from PAD Lifestyle’s website, from its store on Howe Street and from the reception at G&V on the evening of the launch. The collection retails at £180 a pair. 

A night’s stay in Hatti’s ‘Garden Paradise’ Suite at G&V starts at £739, B&B.

Trinity Academy pupils went to South Africa in the summer and they have worked to raise money for a small rural school there.

They visited Farmerfield in the Eastern Cape after raising £2,500 to be used for installing electricity in the school. Each of the pupils also took with them a Trinity Academy schoolbag which they filled with books and gifts.

Kariega Foundation have sent the school this video by way of thank you and to document the children’s trip.

Emma Stirling of Trinity Academy said : “I think the rest of the staff on tour would agree with me when I say it was one of the most rewarding experiences of the trip.”

Police are appealing for information in order to trace a 37-year-old man who is missing from the Edinburgh area.

Stuart Hamilton, who lives in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh, has not been seen in the last two weeks and officers are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

He is believed to have been in Edinburgh over the weekend, before travelling to Manchester on Sunday morning (September 25) by train.  Officers believe he may still be in the Greater Manchester area.

Stuart is described as a white man with a medium build.  He is around 6ft 2” in height with short, dark, receding hair. He was last seen wearing a blue top along with a black hooded top, blue jeans and white trainers.  He was also carrying a dark rucksack.

Inspector Jonathan Elliot of Drylaw Police Station said:  “Stuart has not been seen for two weeks and we are eager to trace him as soon as possible.

“Anyone who has seen Stuart in the Edinburgh area in the last few weeks, or recognises his description, is asked to get in touch with us immediately.

“If would also ask anyone who is aware of Stuart’s whereabouts in the Greater Manchester area to contact Police Scotland at their first opportunity.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.