Fresh appeal following South Queensferry attack

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Police have launched a fresh appeal for information one week on from an indecent assault in South Queensferry.

A 7-year-old girl was attacked on a cycle path to the rear of the South Queensferry Bowling Club between 1.30 p.m. and 1.45 p.m. on Friday 3rd June and a major investigation by the Public Protection Unit has been underway ever since.

A dedicated team of detectives are continuing to progress inquiries, while high-visibility police patrols have been carried out in South Queensferry over the past week.

During that time officers have spoken to a number of local residents, dog walkers and other members of the public to gather information and identify the suspect.

While officers have been encouraged by the level of response and support from the community, they are urging anyone who believes they may know, or have seen the male responsible, to come forward.

He is described as white, high school age with hazel brown-coloured hair that was swept forward and wearing dark bottoms, a blue round neck t-shirt with white lettering and had a temporary tattoo on one of his hands.

He was also in possession of a black and blue rucksack.

Detective Inspector Julie Marshall from the Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh said: “It is now one week since a young girl was subjected to an indecent assault in a wooded area of South Queensferry and I would firstly like to thank the public for their incredible support and assistance with our inquiries.

“Several members of the local community have already come forward to provide information that continues to be progressed as part of our efforts to trace the suspect.

“I would again ask that anyone who has information relevant to our investigation, who has yet to speak with police, does so immediately by calling 101, making an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by speaking to any of the officers out on patrol in the area.”

Chief Inspector James Jones, Local Area for Commander for North West Edinburgh said: “As we expected, the South Queensferry community has come together to help us identify the young girl’s attacker and bring him to justice.

“We will continue to maintain a visible presence within the area to speak with local residents and gather any information that may be relevant to this investigation.

“I remain confident that someone within the community knows the suspect or can help us find him. If this is the case, then please contact police immediately.”

Edinburgh councillor blogs – Councillor Gavin Corbett

Councillor Gavin Corbett represents the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart Ward. He is a member of the Green Group at the City Chambers.

He is delighted that the appeal for funds for the Gorgie City Farm has raised so much money in just six weeks. He writes:

“I don’t imagine that there is a family in South West Edinburgh who has not been to Gorgie City Farm at some time. It is also a massive draw across the city.

It is one of these fixtures on the local landscape which has always been there and, as a result, is potentially taken for granted.

My own sons spent uncountable hours clambering over the tractor which greets visitors near the entrance. And my oldest son spent a couple of years as a volunteer farmer on a Saturday morning and seemed always to gravitate to mucking out the pigs just before he came home to be hosed down on the front step.

But, of course, in reality, Gorgie Farm has not always been there and will only be there in the future with community support and generosity.

One of my neighbours, and longstanding Scottish Green Party member, Bill Brockie, was formerly the priest at St Martin’s on Dalry Road and was very involved in the early days of the farm in the 1970s. He has told me that funding was a constant issue back then. The farm had and retains a firm principle of making access to animals and learning about growing open to people of all background.

That makes funding just as much an issue now as it was in the 1970s.

So it was a huge worry to me when relatively new manager (and another near neighbour) Josiah Lockhart revealed that there was a huge hole in the farm’s budget this year, at one point putting the farm’s very existence in jeopardy.

Fortunately, since that bleak announcement, in a space of only six weeks, the farm has raised £100,000 to plug the budget, much of that coming from small donations from individuals but also from local businesses and community groups – and all the while championed by the Edinburgh Evening News. From the ashes has come some real good.

It is not all over yet, of course. That £100k buys the farm breathing space until the end of the financial year and allows the council’s 3 year grant to continue, secure in the knowledge that there is a farm there to fund. But a lot still needs to be done with that breathing space: converting massive goodwill into regular giving and volunteering; getting the farm café re-opened, securing new funding for new programmes; and putting the farm on more of a social enterprise footing.

It is a big challenge but massively exciting. What has happened over the last six weeks makes me very proud of the city and the community in this part of Edinburgh. And, by building on it, we can make sure Gorgie City Farm stays at the heart of the community.”

You can still donate to the Gorgie City Farm appeal here.

Edinburgh councillor blogs : Maureen Child

Maureen_Child_17_200x200 Councillor Maureen Child represents the Portobello/Craigmillar Ward on the City of Edinburgh Council.

Dear All

While I manage to forget most of the time, I will be descending 167ft from the Forth Rail Bridge – with a rope firmly attached gripped with white knuckles – in aid of The Thistle Foundation this coming Sunday afternoon, 12 June.

Got the T-shirt, and the gritted teeth. Someone told me last Sunday that she had done it for her 40^th Birthday and it was the best thing she ever did. She got wobbly climbing up there, froze at the top before she set off and needed a push to start, but….. Eeek!…don’t think about it! Thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored me so far. If you can and want to contribute to the amazing work of the Thistle and sponsor me to do this really bonkers thing for someone who gets vertigo up a ladder, just click on the link on my sponsorship page: https://thistlefoundation.everydayhero.com/uk/maureen-abseil

Friday 10 June – tomorrow – is the last day for comments/objections to the proposal to demolish the George Bingo in Bath Street and erect flats instead. Link to the detail of the application is here: https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=O5XY9TEW0GY00 The planning officers’ assessment will follow in the next few weeks before it goes to Committee for decision. The tests for demolition detailed in the Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP tests) have not been met, in my view. No listed building should be demolished unless it has been clearly demonstrated that every effort has been made to retain it. The Council will only approve such applications where they are satisfied that:

the building is not of special interest; or
the building is incapable of repair; or
the demolition of the building is essential to delivering significant benefits to economic growth or the wider community; or
the repair of the building is not economically viable and that it has been marketed at a price reflecting its location and condition to potential restoring purchasers for a reasonable period.

As we speak, a group of people with significant expertise and local knowledge are working on an alternative plan for the building.

Please see Planning Application Notice (PAN) at the pre-application stage for the huge industrial site at Baileyfield Crescent. More info is here https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=O86UYXEW0GY00 The public consultation is on 29 and 30 July in Portobello Town Hall.

It was an absolute pleasure to attend the final of the City of Edinburgh Basketball Club’s special tournament to mark its last game at Portobello High School – the team’s home for more than two decades. This was part of the celebrations of the old high-rise building that day where hundreds of former pupils went down memory lane together. Six teams of former pupils took part and it was a really fabulous family event. I have also seen the recorded video messages from all over the world of people who played at Porty but were not able to make it on the day, but had gone on to play and coach at a high level. Amelia Morgan, chair of the City of Edinburgh Basketball Club, said: “Portobello High School has been synonymous with City of Edinburgh Basketball for over two decades; it’s been our home and has seen thousands of players through its doors in that time.” More here:

http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/our-region/edinburgh/city-of-edinburgh-basketball-club-to-play-last-game-at-portobello-high-1-4146071

The move to make the speed limit in Edinburgh’s residential streets 20mph has begun. Approximately 50% of Edinburgh’s residential streets are already in 20mph zones. The project extends the 20mph speed limit to the city centre, main shopping streets and residential areas while retaining a strategic network of roads at 30mph and 40mph. A map of the 20mph network and implementation timetable is available at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/20mph. Our area is to be implemented in February 2017. Maps of the 20mph network will be available to view in the Members’ Lounge prior to the Council meeting on 2 June and also distributed to each of the Group Offices. Here is some information we hope to improve walking and cycling experience in Edinburgh: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20087/cycling_and_walking

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) are on the hunt for local heroes so if you know someone in our local area who’s making a difference please let KSB know. More here: http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/local-environmental-quality/clean-up-scotland/get-involved/nominate-a-hero/

Scottish Water has sent a letter to local residents to let them know that they will be carrying out works on Portobello Golf Course for 8 weeks from 20 June to install a new sewer connection for the new Portobello High School. This pipeline will run across the golf course from Stanley Street to the new school and Scottish Water have been meeting with Edinburgh Leisure and the three golf clubs who use Portobello Golf Club to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum when the works take place. The works will be done in phases to ensure that only one hole on the course will be closed at anytime to allow the course to remain open and no works will take place at weekends. Reinstatement works will take place as they go along. I have an electronic copy of the letter if you would like one.

Myplace: Edinburgh is a competition being run by CEC as part of Edinburgh’s contribution to activities for Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 which is focused on the Edinburgh Pavilion on The Mound. Between 1 June and 10 July, you can add a photograph of their favourite Edinburgh place to Edinburgh Collected (https://www.edinburghcollected.org/) and say makes it special to you. A fabulous way to promote the places we love. More background here – and there are Portobello connections:http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/2068/pavilion_to_pop-up_on_the_mound To participate, click here:https://talesofonecity.wordpress.com/2016/06/01/myplace-edinburgh-a-competition-for-the-year-of-innovation-architecture-and-design/

The local circus skills group Full Cirqle are having a Family Circus Day on Sunday 19 June 11am-4pm. There will be aerial, ground based circus and parkour workshops for all ages. If parents would like to join in a class they will need to book a space for themselves as well as their child. They ask that parents attend workshops along with pre-schoolers and remember to book themselves on. Besides workshops, they have drop in supervised play available throughout the day. Follow the link to book space on a workshop, or drop in on the day: https://bookwhen.com/fullcirqle

It was a great experience to be at the Inspiring Volunteers event hosted by Edinburgh’s Volunteering Champion Lord Provost Donald Wilson in the City Chambers on Tuesday evening and meet people from Portobello there too, among all the amazing volunteers whose great contributions were being celebrated that evening. I already knew Euan Thomson was getting the award as a volunteer with the charity Changeworks as one of their ‘Heat Heroes’. Euan helps vulnerable people understand their fuel bills and coaches them on how to use their heating effectively and he goes above and beyond the remit. But it was also great to meet the wonderful and inspiring Shona Black who was awarded the Lord Provost’s Volunteer of the Year for her work with Guide Dogs Scotland. More here: https://www.facebook.com/donald.wilson.1650/posts/1200159533335917

Attached a flier for an ‘herb planting’ event next week, 14 June, organised by Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT). They will be planting herbs in some of the tree containers on the temporary greening site on the space to the east of the Craigmillar East Office – this space being designated for the new secondary school. I have a, electronic copy of the flier of you would like more detail.

Craigmillar Castle is a great place to visit, especially with children. Much more fun than Edinburgh Castle. See this recommendation of all ‘our very own’ castle has to offer: http://edinburghwithkids.com/2016/02/02/activities-craigmillar-castle/

Have a great weekend when it comes!

Best wishes

Maureen

Five things you need to know today

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2016
Colinton Community Council
Fruitmarket Gallery Design Market
Edinburgh Festival of Cycling
Celebrations aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from 13-29 August 2016 in Charlotte Square Garden. The theme is in Director Nick Barley’s own words ‘slightly utopian’. The theme is ‘Imagine Better’ which can be interpreted differently depending on which word is emphasised.

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The refugee crisis will be examined in an event featuring journalist and author Bidisha and Wolfgang Bauer, an undercover reporter, along with Gulwali Passarlay who was smuggled out of Afghanistan aged 12. Many others will be involved in this strand of events discussing difficult, hard topics.

Tickets go on sale online at 8.30am on 21 June 2016. You can either turn up at the Roxburghe Hotel to buy your tickets in person or you can book by phone.

Booking tickets by phone: 0845 373 5888

Opening hours:
Tue 21 June: 8.30–17.00
Wed 22 June to Fri 12 August 2016: 10.00–17.00, Mon–Fri
Once the Book Festival has opened: 9.30–20.45, daily

The programme is online here

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The Next Colinton Community Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 14th June 2016 at 7:30 pm in Colinton Bowling Club – Red Room.

Papers for the meeting are available at the following links
www.colintoncc.org.uk/minutes or ColintonCC Papers14th June 2016(240kb)The community council will discuss the village retail position.

This weekend The Fruitmarket Gallery throws its annual design fair, in cahoots with their event partner Creative Edinburgh, filling the galleries with all manner of print, jewellery, fashion and homeware goodness.A carefully chosen line-up of more than 30 designers will present their work for sale, and there will be opportunities to try your own hand in Process Studios workshops and designer-led events over the weekend. Come and be inspired. You’ll leave with at least a spring in your step, and perhaps some new design gems too.

10–12 June, Free entry
Preview: Fri 10 June, 5–9pm
Sat 11 June, 10–6pm
Sun 12 June, 10am–5pm

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling has just started rolling out its huge programme of events about all kinds of cycling. It runs for 10 days till 19 June 2016.

This is Scotland’s greatest celebration of cycling culture now in its fourth year and has something for you whether you dress in Lycra or tweeds.

Edinburgh All-Ability Cycling will take place this afternoon from 13:00 to 16:00 at Bangholm Outdoor Education Centre. This is training for the unsure and will be repeated on Sunday 12 June, Tuesday 14 June and Friday 17 June.

Cycling and the Law will be discussed this afternoon at a free event at Word Power Books and the evening event is called The Way of St James, with my father, his love and a dodgy bike. Scot Whitlock cycled the Way of St James or Camino de Santiago on a folding bike. This event will take place at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation.

Many more events to come over this weekend and next week. Have a look at the programme here.

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To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s official birthday weekend the Royal Yacht Britannia has music and cake!

On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June 2016 visitors will be offered complimentary cake and fizz. The cakes will be created by lizzie’s Tea party and are topped with a commemorative chocolate from The Highland Chocolatier.

A jazz trio will provide music from the American Songbook from 1-4pm on Britannia’s Verandah Deck. On Saturday the resident pianist will play on the grand piano once played by Princess Diana and Noel Coward.

If you share your birthday this weekend then you might get on board for free if you have proof of your date of birth.

Buy your tickets here.

qrcode.26455216 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.

Musselburgh is ready for the richest race of the year

Musselburgh’s richest race of the year has caught the interest of four trainers who lost out in last week’s Epsom Dash.

Musselburgh Racecoure: Edinburgh Cup But the quartet of raiders will have to outgun last year’s winner Red Baron who is looking to do the double for trainer Eric Alston in the £100,000 William Hill Scottish Sprint Cup.

The five-furlong feature race at Musselburgh’s sold-out Stobo Castle Ladies Day on Saturday (11 June) is not short on quality and the 17-strong field has David Nicholls’ Kimberella, which lost by a short head at Epsom to Caspian Prince, vying with other Epsom also-rans including third placed Duke of Firenze, Monsieur Joe and Green Door.

The East Lothian track will be packed to the gunnels with a 10,000 capacity crowd waiting to see if Red Baron can better last year’s performance when it blazed a trail to set a course record with a sensational time of 57.1 seconds.

Kimberalla, from a plum draw (17) right against the stands’ rails, is the current 5/1 favourite with the sponsors William Hill, with See The Sun, Thesme and Red Baron (well-backed from 12’s earlier in the week) on 8/1.

See The Sun is trained by Tim Easterby and ridden by Rachel Richardson and the Yorkshire raider is aiming for a hat-trick following wins over six-furlongs at York and Doncaster.

Hoofalong, co-owned by golfer Lee Westwood and a current 16/1 shot, is trained by Easterby’s veteran uncle Mick and scored at Chelmsford City in April.

Eleven-year-old Tangerine Trees, now trained by Mick Appleby, is a dual course and distance winner at Musselburgh but his finest hour came when scooping the Group One Prix De L’Abbaye De Longchamp on Arc day 2011.

Musselburgh Racecourse managing director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “The going is good to firm and we have fast ground so you can expect another lightening quick race. We are delighted with the way in which the William Hill Scottish Sprint Cup has evolved to be one of the UK’s fastest and richest sprint races and it’s our ambition over time increase the prize money to rival the Ayr Gold Cup.

“With excellent prize money on offer, including the £40,000 consolation William Hill Scottish Tartan Trophy, we have a cracking card lined up on Saturday and the atmosphere at a capacity Musselburgh as these horses come down the home straight takes some beating.”

Gates open at 11am on Saturday, the first race is at 2pm and the William Hill Scottish Sprint Cup is at 3.45pm.

Man due in court following Haymarket assault

After yesterday’s appeal regarding an alleged assault at Haymarket Railway Station which took place on the same day as the Scottish Cup Final, police have arrested a 23-year-old man.

The accused was detained in custody and was expected to appear in court today.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “British Transport Police can confirm that following a previous appeal a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault on a 37-year-old man at Haymarket station, Edinburgh around 9.45pm on Saturday, 21 May 2016.

“He is now the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

“The man is presently detained in police custody and it is anticipated that he will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court later today, Thursday 9 June 2016.

“Members of the public and media are thanked for their assistance in this matter.”

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2016 – what the directors have to say

TER Book Festival Launch 2016

“Too much of what we are hearing in the press is negative. We are being told what we will lose if we vote in a certain way in the Referendum. We hear about how much it will cost in our household bills. To my mind it is far too negative and from what I hear from the public, people want a more positive vision for the future.

“Writers are exactly the kind of people whose job it is to create visions. They are imagining better worlds all the time. I think if we can put writers in front of audiences to talk about what they imagine then we have the possibility of sorting out some of the problems in the world.

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“In this year’s programme there is something for everyone and for all tastes. We have celebrities who have written brilliant memoirs like Sue Perkins of the Great British Bake Off, Gregor Fisher better known as Rab C Nesbitt and Simon Callow the great Shakespearean actor who will be speaking about Orson Welles.”

The Edinburgh International Book Festival was launched at The Jam House on 9 June 2016 under the theme Imagine Better

Janet Smyth, Director of the Children’s Programme was, as she always is, very enthusiastic about the books and authors who will be speaking for children, but also the whole range of activities which take place at the Storybox activity centre.

“The Big Draw is part of the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme. Anyone can come along, and one of the illustrators from the programme will lead parents and children in creating a huge big picture!”

Alex T Smith is the illustrator in residence and will be presenting his many characters through fun workshops, Big Draws and interviews.

But there are also some children’s events featuring books. David Mellings will be featuring Hugless Douglas who questions if food can be yummy without honey. Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell will be presenting The Siobhan Dowd Trust Memorial Lecture highlighting the importance of giving all children access to books. And that is the great thing about much of the children’s programme: it is always free to go into the Charlotte Square Garden, but some of the children’s activities are also free to take part in.

Have a look at the programme here.

Neil Lennon is ‘proud’ to be the new Hibs’ Head Coach

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Neil Lennon says that he is proud to be the new Hibs’ Head Coach and he insists that he is looking forward to getting started in his new role with promotion his number one priority.

Lennon, who has previously managed Celtic and Bolton Wanderers, feels that the platform to succeed has already been built and he is aiming to get out of the Ladbrokes Championship and challenging for silverware on a regular basis.

Speaking to Hibs TV, Lennon said: “It feels fantastic and I feel very proud first of all, obviously tinged with anticipation as well and I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

“It’s a great stadium and I always enjoyed playing here, the atmosphere was always great. I was really impressed with the training facilities when I saw them last night.

“The infrastructure is there and it is a big city club, what we have to do now is to endeavour to get out of the division that we find ourselves in and build a team to challenge for honours consistently over the next few years.

“There is a lot of hard work ahead of us. It was a brilliant end of the season and the players showed great character I thought. after losing the play-off to Falkirk then to come back to win the cup spoke volumes.

“We need to get promoted either by winning the Championship or doing up through the play-offs, whatever it takes. That’s a priority for us. The cup competitions are always fantastic to play in and European football as well for however long that will be, but the priority is to get promotion and I think that most Hibs fans would agree.

“The problem with the Europa League is that it comes very early. I might not have my squad finalised by then. I’m hoping to have a pool of 20 to pick from. It will just depend on the draw. If the draw is good then you never know where it could take us, but it’s a bonus and that’s the way I am looking at it.

“We are looking at key areas more than personnel but we are at a very embryonic stage for what we want to achive. I had a good chat with the Head of Recruitment last night and I’ll look at some footage tomorrow of players we would like to bring in.

“I also want to see some of the games we played last year, some where we did well and others where we didn’t.

“We need to learn how to win ugly at times. We certainly have the talent to play good football but we have to scratch out a few more results and that easier said than done. It’s about trying to get the temperament and mentality right.

“I’m on the training ground every day. I like my teams to work hard. I also like a disciplined team who have an edge. My man management is very strong and I think I am good at getting the best out of players and motivate them. I worked under Martin O’Neil for 10 years and learned a lot under him.

“I know the culture and environment of the Scottish game and the Championship and we will adapt to it as quickly as we can.

“What I want to do is fill Easter Road as best as I can and put a team on the pitch that the fans will enjoy watching and be proud of.”

Further 12 men arrested following cup final disturbance

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Police have arrested a further 12 people in relation to the violence and disorder at the Scottish Cup football final, after carrying out a number of operations at a range of addresses in Edinburgh, Fife and Glasgow this morning.

The latest operational activity brings the total number of arrests in relation to the disorder following the final whistle at Hampden on Saturday 21 May 2016 to 28.

The detective leading the operation has emphasised that the new arrests are just the “first phase” of the large-scale investigation as he expects more arrests to take place in the coming weeks.

From the activity this morning, 10 men, aged 17, 18, 21, 23, 23, 29, 29, 29, 34 and 50 years, were arrested and are detained in police custody for a number of offences including alleged assault, vandalism, disorder and antisocial behaviour.

A further two men, aged 18 years, are the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with alleged disorder and assault at the game.

Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham said: “This is a large-scale investigation into the multiple acts of violence, disorder and vandalism, involving large numbers of people which occurred in the aftermath of the Scottish Cup Final.

“I have a team of officers which has been working extensively to identify those individuals involved in violence and disorder, regardless of the colour of their scarf.

“Let me be very clear about this investigation; it is wide-ranging but utterly focused on those involved in violence and disorder. Due to the significant number of people concerned, there are three distinct phases to the investigation. Firstly focusing on those involved in the most serious acts of violence, then those involved in disorder and lastly those embroiled in acts of vandalism such as wrecking signage and goalposts.

“Identifying those concerned takes time but be in no doubt, if you were involved in these acts of disorder, expect a police officer to be knocking on your door.”

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Police Scotland will continue to work with football authorities, clubs and other organisations to help make Scottish football a safer environment for everyone to enjoy, without the threat of disorder.

“We will also support any independent investigation being carried out by the Scottish Football Association into the circumstances around the disorder after the cup final.”

Officers have been reviewing hours of CCTV and television footage, photography and material from social media. Significant work is being carried out by a dedicated team of officers who are analysing footage from cameras in the stadium and television production shots to identify those responsible for the disorder within the stadium at Hampden.

Already 16 arrests were made in the first week following the match for a range of crimes including assault. One person was charged with a number of separate assaults, one of which is allegedly on a woman and another where he allegedly used a chair. Individuals believed to have allegedly assaulted Rangers players and staff have also been arrested.

Detective Supt Graham continued: “This morning’s action in Edinburgh, Fife and Glasgow targeted those supporters already identified by my inquiry team detectives over the three weeks since the cup final took place last month, bringing the total number of arrests to 28.

“I would reiterate my previous appeal to those involved directly in the disorder to come forward or for anyone with any information, including footage or images, to get in touch with the inquiry team on 0141 532 5457 or by emailing scottishcupfinalpitchinvasion@scotland.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively, members of the public can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be provided anonymously.

“This just the first phase of the investigation and I anticipate more action in the coming weeks and months to track down those responsible for violence and disorder.”

Five things to do in Edinburgh this weekend

Walking Wedding Fair
Castle Street Summer Fair
Film in the City
Read the Fringe brochure and book your tickets
Sharing Secrets Festival

Nestled beneath Edinburgh Castle, boutiques in the stunning picturesque streets of Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, are gearing up to host Edinburgh’s first Walking Wedding Fair,this weekend.

Over 20 businesses, who are involved in the Greater Grassmarket BID (Business Improvement District), will be taking part in this first of a kind unique, free wedding event including Walker Slater Men’s & Ladies stores, Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Fabhatrix, La Baratine, Godiva Boutique, Demijohn and Armstrongs Vintage Emporium.

Showcasing everything from the perfect location and ‘his and hers’ outfits to cakes and hats for the big day, visitors will have the chance to walk round the stores taking part, get some ideas and advice for their big day and enjoy some cake, fizz, special offers and enter a competition to win a wedding hamper, with proceeds going to the Grassmarket Community Project.

There will also be a chance to sample the impressive alternative wedding cheese cake at I.J Mellis Cheesemongers and visit The Red Door Gallery for locally designed bridal jewellery and ideas for wedding party presents.

Walking Wedding Fair

The ultimate wedding location can also be viewed on Sunday, 12^th June between 12noon and 5pm, as the Apex Grassmarket opens the doors of its stunning wedding suite, boasting the best Castle views in the city. Visitors will find an eclectic array of wedding ‘Pop -up Shops’ in the suite to give couples the chance to get even more inspiration and information on hosting their big day in the Old Town.

Paul Walker, Founder and Director of tailoring specialists, Walker Slater, said: “We are really excited about this first-time wedding event in one of the most beautiful settings in the City.

“It’s a great chance for people to check out the boutique and specialists stores taking part and get some ideas for their big day.”

Norrie Stewart, Greater Grassmarket Project manager, said: “Whether it’s expert advice you are looking for on vintage bridal gown by Rowan Joy at Godiva, tailor-made Harris suits at Walker Slater or bespoke hats at Fabhatrix – Greater Grassmarket has is all covered for this fantastic alternative Walking Wedding Fair, which is sure to be a huge success.”

Castle Street Summer Fair

“Castle Street Summer Fair takes place on Castle Street from June 6 – 12 and will reflect the quality of shopping on this beautiful street, a fine summer fair filled with quality gifts that are locally made or and ethically made and run up Castle Street from Princes Street to Rose Street.”

Film in the City

Let’s hope the weather holds for our outdoor cinema extravaganza in St Andrew Square Garden this weekend. The lawn has just been repaired in time for you to sit on it and watch free films outside.

Take a deckchair, a picnic and your family!

More details here.

The new CEO of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Shona McCarthy, launched its 2016 programme earlier in the week with 3,269 shows for you to choose from. Have a long lie and catch up on what is on offer for you in August.

Sharing Secrets Festival starts this weekend!

Learn to Knit and Crochet and Welcome to Westfield start off the Festival with the formal launch at Dalry Primary School on Monday morning. Come and join in for a Community breakfast with Cllr Cathy Fullerton at 8.45am at Dalry Primary to celebrate.

sslogo200px-round1 A spokesperson said: “Many thanks to all who have helped pull together the programme and are volunteering their time to showcase the area as the creative hub that it is.

“As Dalry Primary are the instigators of the festival, some of the activity is just for the school children. However, the creativity inside the school will be seeping out with poems on the pavement, artwork hung around the area and open activities for parents and public at the school.

“There are activities for all ages – films, a puppet show, ceilidhs, performances, art and dance workshops, exhibitions, guided walks and much more. Activities will happen from Haymarket to Saughton Park.”

See the full programme for details of all events which run until 19 June 2016.

New format for Scottish Challenge Cup

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The Scottish Challenge Cup is being expanded in season 2016/17 with the introduction of additional clubs from the Highland and Lowland Leagues, all Ladbrokes Premiership under-20 teams and two representatives each from the Welsh Premier League and Northern Ireland Football League.

They will join the 30 Ladbrokes Championship, League 1 and League 2 teams to give an overall total of 54 competing in the exciting new competition format across seven rounds, with the majority of fixtures taking place during international weekend breaks – with Hibernian entering the competition in Round 3.

In addition to the continued support from longstanding competition broadcaster BBC ALBA, the SPFL has also secured new broadcast deals with S4C and Premier Sports to cover selected fixtures live during next year’s Scottish Challenge Cup.

The competition’s new format was devised and approved by the SPFL Board and UEFA following recommendations made by the SPFL Competitions Working Group, which comprises representatives of member clubs across the leagues.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, said: “This is another exciting day for Scottish football with the announcement of this exciting new format of the Scottish Challenge Cup demonstrating further innovation and forward-thinking for the game in this country.

“The introduction of Ladbrokes Premiership u20 teams will give young players a taste of competitive football at senior level, while extending the number of Highland and Lowland League clubs taking part further strengthens the pyramid system and their place within Scottish professional football.

“We are also very pleased to be supported by UEFA in delivering an element of cross-border competition through the invitation to our colleagues in Northern Ireland and Wales which brings a completely new dimension to the Challenge Cup and the levels of excitement and interest in it.”

The Scottish Challenge Cup was established for season 1990/91 to mark the Scottish Football League’s centenary and has been run every year since (with the exception of 1998/99).

A snapshot of the new format for the 2016/17 Scottish Challenge Cup is as follows:

– Round 1 (August) – 28 teams: 12 x Ladbrokes Premiership u20 teams, 8 x Ladbrokes League 2 teams, 4 x Highland League teams, 4 x Lowland League teams

– Round 2 (August) – 24 teams: 14 x Round 1 winners, remaining 2 x Ladbrokes League 2 teams, 8 x Ladbrokes League 1 teams

– Round 3 (September) – 24 teams: 12 x Round 2 winners, 10 x Ladbrokes Championship teams, remaining 2 x Ladbrokes League 1 teams

– Round 4 (October) – 16 teams: 12 x Round 3 winners, 2 x Northern Ireland Football League teams, 2 x Welsh Premier League teams

– Quarter-finals (November): 8 x winners from Round 4

– Semi-finals (February): 4 x winners from Quarter-finals

– Final (March): 2 x winners from Semi-finals

Draws will be regionalised throughout the competition, and seeded from Rounds 1-3 only. During Rounds 1-3 inclusive up to two matches per round will be shown live (one by BBC ALBA and one by Premier Sports) with a number of options available to all three broadcasters from Round 4 onwards (at which stage BBC ALBA, S4C and Premier Sports will all show live matches).

Alan Esslemont, Head Of Content at BBC ALBA, said: “BBC ALBA’s coverage of the Challenge Cup since 2008 has proved extremely popular with viewers and the addition of clubs from Northern Ireland and Wales from next season will undoubtedly add to the excitement of the tournament. We are pleased that BBC ALBA will be continuing to provide live coverage at a time when new cross-border rivalries will be formed and when there will be interest from football fans across Scotland in this innovative new format.”

Andrew Howard, FAW Head of Competitions, said: “We are both really delighted and excited to have two Welsh representatives included in this competition for the 2016/17 season. We are confident that this new format will generate a great deal of interest from Welsh football fans and we believe that the quality of the clubs in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League will be showcased for all to see. We would like to thank the SPFL and the Scottish FA for their vision, their invitation and their cooperation and we hope that this is the start of something quite special for all parties and especially the Welsh clubs concerned.”

Andrew Johnston, Northern Ireland Football League Managing Director, said: “The NI Football League is delighted that two of our member clubs will participate in this competition next season and I have no doubt that it will prove to be a success both on and off the pitch. It will provide a different kind of challenge for all clubs, and is a great opportunity to showcase the product on offer in the NIFL to a wider audience.”

Sue Butler, S4C Sport Content Commissioner, said: “As the broadcast partner of the FAW for the Dafabet Welsh Premier League, S4C are delighted to be part of this exciting cross border initiative. At an exciting time for Welsh football on both a domestic and national level, we look forward to following the Welsh teams’ progress in the Scottish Challenge Cup against new teams and in new locations.”

Richard Webb, Director of Operations at Premier Sports, commented: “We are thrilled to be involved in the Cup and complement the existing television agreement with additional coverage. We congratulate the foresight of those tasked with making the new competition a reality and we believe the revised format will make for some very interesting fixtures with the added spice of cross border and SPFL U20 club participation.”

Leith Festival 2016 – on now!

The Leith Festival kicked off its first round of hype last Friday with its launch at the Leith Dockers Club. Dan Bastianelli was showing off his sleight of hand and there was background music courtesy of Penny Jackson and Cad Delworth, Phil Attridge and others. The festival programme was lauded with champagne, a finger buffet and some retro entertainment.

Sponsored by Unite the Union and sponsored by local companies such as This Is

Jammy, the audience were treated to a charity auction and Ratpack music from Tony Delicata and Paul Ellis, regulars at the Malmaison Hotel.

With red carpet and piper, Bob Lawson piping us into the venue, which had laser lights flitting around the room it was all pzazz for the start of the festival which runs till 19 June 2016 . Prior DJ for Kingdom FM, John Murray, concluded the night with a disco to entertain the locals of Leith.

At the Scottish National Portrait Gallery – Out of their Heads : Building Portraits of Scottish Architects

From this weekend at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (SNPG) some of Scotland’s most stunning buildings and the achievements of the country’s most distinguished architects will be celebrated.

The innovatively-presented exhibition sets out to explore the key figures who have helped to shape Scotland’s world-renowned architectural heritage.

Out of Their Heads: Building Portraits of Scottish Architects, organised by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and supported by the Scottish Futures Trust, is a headline event of the year-long Festival of Architecture 2016 and the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. It is set to open at the Portrait Gallery on 11 June.

Out Of Their Heads will feature a series of 12 special constructions, based upon the profiles of key buildings, drawn by Edinburgh artist Ian Stuart Campbell Hon FRIAS. On each will be installed a portrait of an architect – paintings, photographs, drawings and busts are drawn from the collections of the SNPG and RIAS.

Internationally recognised names, such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) and Robert Adam (1728-1792) feature. The exhibition will also introduce some architects perhaps less familiar but whose buildings are very well known, such as Jack Coia (1898-1981) and Sir Robert Matthew (1906-1975). Coia was responsible for many of Scotland’s finest Roman Catholic churches, while Matthew’s practice was behind buildings including London’s Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh.

Scotland has produced an impressive array of architect pioneers. The dozen selected architects in Out Of Their Heads span a range of styles and a long chronology, beginning with Sir William Bruce (about 1625-1710, depicted in a vivid portrait by John Michael Wright), who almost single-handedly introduced neo-classicism to Scottish architecture in the 17th century, and culminating with the late Kathryn Findlay (1954-2014), former Associate Professor of Architecture at Tokyo University and avant-garde architect of the surrealist, Salvador Dalí-inspired, Soft and Hairy House (1994) in Tsukuba, Japan.

Kathryn Findlay forged a strong career in Japan, producing neo-expressionistic homes alongside her husband Eisaku Ushida (b. 1954); In 2012, Findlay collaborated with the artist Anish Kapoor, on the striking ArcelorMittal Orbit tower in the London’s Olympic Park. Two years later, Findlay was awarded the prestigious Jane Drew prize by the Architects Journal for her “outstanding contribution to the status of women in architecture”, tragically announced on the same day as she passed away.

Other architects to feature will include Sir Basil Spence (1907-1976), designer of Glasgow University’s Natural Philosophy building – on display is a photograph of Spence by the renowned photojournalist Lida Moser; James Craig (1739-1795), responsible for the lay-out of Edinburgh’s New Town, and Sir Robert Lorimer (1864-1929), creator of the magnificent Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.

Margaret Brodie (1907-1997) was site architect for much of the building of the Glasgow Empire Exhibition of 1938 and was the first female student to graduate from the Glasgow School of Architecture with First Class Honours.

Also represented is Sir Robert Rowand Anderson (1834-1921), the architect responsible for the red-sandstone Gothic Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the founder in 1916 of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

One of Scotland’s leading Victorian architects, Anderson enjoyed an outstanding architectural career, with the highlight being the Portrait Gallery. The Gallery was completed in 1890, the first specially built portrait gallery in the world. Among his many other commissions were the Dome of Old College, The Faculty of Medicine and McEwan Hall at Edinburgh University, the Catholic Apostolic Church in Edinburgh, Glasgow Central Station Hotel and Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute. Anderson also restored many churches, cathedrals and abbeys, namely Dunblane Cathedral and Paisley Abbey.

Also featured is the great Modernist Peter Womersley (1923-1993), who lived in the Scottish Borders but also worked in Singapore.

As Scotland’s most famous architect and a massively influential figure worldwide, Charles Rennie Mackintosh secured his international reputation upon completion of the stunning Glasgow School of Art in 1909. In the exhibition, he is wonderfully captured in a very personal portrait by his friend and patron Francis Newbery, the Head of Glasgow School of Art.

This year, Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design will be showcased across the globe through a range of events and activity. The Festival of Architecture 2016 is a key to this exciting year-long celebration with hundreds of events across the length and breadth of the country.

To also mark the Festival of Architecture 2016 and running alongside Out of Their Heads, a series of celebrity photographic portraits have been commissioned by the RIAS from Broad Daylight (Tricia Malley and Ross Gillespie), to showcase and document the world class architecture of Scotland. Each portrait will feature a celebrity along with a commentary on their favourite Scottish building.

Christopher Baker, Director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, said: “The variety and outstanding quality of Scotland’s architecture is a key element of its distinctive culture and international profile. This exhibition celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Scottish architects, ranging from the brilliant seventeenth-century innovator Sir William Bruce to great contemporary figures, such as Kathryn Findlay. It seems fitting that their work should be highlighted within one of Edinburgh’s finest buildings – Sir Robert Rowand Anderson’s spectacular Scottish National Portrait Gallery. We are immensely grateful to the RIAS and Scottish Futures Trust for supporting the project so generously.”

OUT OF THEIR HEADS:
BUILDING PORTRAITS OF SCOTTISH ARCHITECTS
(part of the Festival of Architecture 2016)
11 June 2016 – 5 February 2017
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD
Admission Free
#OutOfTheirHeads | #IAD2016

Secret Edinburgh Launch – Blackwells South Bridge – Thursday 2nd June 2016

Hannah Robinson 300dpi Part of the Secret City series, Hannah Robinson introduced her new title, Secret Edinburgh, at Blackwell’s South Bridge last Thursday. The filmmaker and screenwriter gave us her insight to Edinburgh, selling copies of the new title, quizzing us on visual aspects of the city that I certainly was not aware of.

Informing her audience that it took two years of research and work before its publication date, Robinson introduces the crowd to places such as St Bernard’s Well and the Aerotone in Portobello Baths as well as the Evolution of Leith sculptures. Contentiously hinting that the story of Greyfriars Bobby is actually a bit of a scam, she mentioned that she is always on the lookout for more ideas and information on other people’s “Edinburghs”. She makes it clear that this publication is her exploration of this city, and is keen to find out about the city from other perspectives.

Robinson talks about some of the inclusions in this city guide, “The Debenham’s library is so unexpected and has a great story behind it, while the Living Memory Association is a wonderful community experience. I knew about the LMA because I had made an animation with them for the Disability History Society.

“My mum told me about the Museum’s Collection Centre because she had given them a load of pottery (she’s a potter who runs the pottery in St Margaret’s House art studios) and the Debenham’s Library I had stumbled across while clothes shopping and loved it.”

Capturing her love of the capital this event inspired many to buy her guide, as she clearly has a great fondness for Edinburgh and its hidden gems.

The book Secret Edinburgh is available to buy here.

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2016 – Imagine Better

JLP Book Festival Launch

Festival Director, Nick Barley, and Director of the Book Festival’s Children’s Programme, Janet Smyth, posed for photographers outside The Jam House earlier today following the launch of the 2016 programme for the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

This year the festival will include many events to get you thinking. The theme is ‘Imagine Better’, meant as a play on words so that you can idealise a better world or simply think more.

JLP Book Festival Launch

There will be 800 writers, poets, illustrators, politicians, journalists, historians, scientists, philosophers and playwrights from 55 countries in Charlotte Square garden later this summer.

JLP Book Festival Launch

With names such as Nicola Sturgeon, Jackie Kay, Gordon Brown, Cecelia Ahern, Sophie Kinsella, Julia Donaldson, A.L.Kennedy, Alan Cumming, Tam Dean Burn, Julian Clary, Gregor Fisher, James Yorkston, Frank Gardner, Stellar Quines, Carol Ann Duffy and Jonathan Safran Foer, there is a varied, eclectic and interesting festival in prospect.

The full programme is available now – Click here!

Photos by John Preece

Garry Parker joins Neil Lennon at Easter Road

Garry Parker will be Neil Lennon’s assistant at Easter Road and the Edinburgh Reporter looks back at the successful playing and coaching career of the 50-year-old.

Parker started his career at First Division side Luton Town as an apprentice in 1982, before making his debut the following year.

After failing to win a regular place in the team, he moved to Hull City where his form caught the eye of Brian Clough who paid £250,000 to take him to Nottingham Forest.

He won the first major honour of his career when Forest beat Luton to win the 1989 League Cup. He also scored twice at Wembley in their Full Members Cup Final victory over Everton later that year and was also part of the Forest side that retained the League Cup in 1990, beating Oldham Athletic in the final.

His performances earned him a call-up to Graham Taylor’s England squad although he did not win a cap for his country although he did play in a B International and was also capped at Under 21 level.

In 1991, Parker was sold to Aston Villa where was a member of the side that narrowly missed out on winning the first ever Premier League title in 1993.

In February 1995, he joined Leicester City where he partnered Neil Lennon in the centre of midfield.

His first season with the Foxes ended in relegation but Leicester bounced back the following year to win promotion via the Play-Offs with Parker himself scoring in the final,

He later won the third League Cup winner’s medal of his career after beating Middlesbrough in 1997 then after five years with the club he joined the backroom staff at Filbert Street and briefly took charge of the side in October 2001 following the departure of manager Peter Taylor.

In 2010 he teamed up with Neil Lennon at Celtic as first team coach and helped the club to three league titles and two Scottish Cup wins as well as progressing to the last 16 of the Champions’ League.

He also worked with Lennon at Bolton Athletic before moving to Easter Road.

Neil Lennon is new Hibs’ Head Coach

Hibs training centre

Neil Lennon has agreed to join Hibs as Head Coach, replacing Alan Stubbs who left the Club following the Scottish Cup Final win to become Manger at Rotherham United.

He joins on a 2-year deal, and will be assisted by Garry Parker.

The former Celtic player and manager is a popular appointment amongst supporters due to his success at Parkhead where he won three league titles and two Scottish Cups.

He also guided the Hoops to a last 16 place in the Champions’ League, beating Barcelona on the way.

Rod Petrie, Chairman of Hibernian, said: “We are delighted to have secured a Head Coach of Neil’s calibre and profile, and we look forward to him bringing his drive and mentality to our campaign to win the Championship this season and secure promotion back to the top flight of Scottish football.”

Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive, added: “As soon as Neil was identified as the outstanding candidate we were determined to bring him to Easter Road. He has managed at a very high level, taking Celtic to the last 16 of the Champions League, and we were attracted by his ability to get the most out of players and his driven, winning mentality.

“On behalf of everyone at Hibernian FC we would like to extend a warm welcome to both Neil and Garry.”

Five things you need to know today

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Edinburgh North and Leith MP speaks out on tax matters
Royal Highland Show 2016
Walking Wedding Fair
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016
Musselburgh Ladies Day is a sell-out!

Deidre Brock MP has backed a budget amendment to make multinational companies publish country-by-country information on their businesses – including profits made and taxes paid in each country where they operate.

Brock_Deidre_MP Ms Brock, a member of the Public Accounts Committee, co-signed the amendment to the Finance Bill put forward by Labour’s Caroline Flint, being launched yesterday. She said: “I’m happy to support Caroline Flint’s amendment and work on a cross-party basis to build a fairer tax system.

“Greater transparency is a crucial step in tackling tax avoidance and evasion. It’s something the SNP supports, and something I called for after the Public Accounts committee grilled the Chief Executive of HMRC about the recent backroom deal with Google. How can people believe big businesses are paying what they are due, when the system is so shrouded in secrecy?

“If multinationals are made to publish information on their tax dealings in other countries, it will make the system fairer for UK based businesses. It would mean we know when companies are stashing their cash in tax havens, and we know when a ‘sweetheart deal’ is being done.

“It would also bring tax justice to developing companies, who potentially lose more revenue through tax dodging that they gain from overseas aid.

“The amendment would be relatively simple to enact – country by country reporting is already required by HMRC – but it would remove the cloak of confidentiality so we don’t rely on leaks to learn what’s really going on.

“I welcome the cross-party support for public country-by-country reporting, and call for the UK Government to take this important step towards a more open tax system.”

23 June 2016 is an auspicious date for a variety of reasons, one of which is that the Royal Highland Show 2016 will begin then and runs till Sunday 26 June 2016.

The 176th Royal Highland Show is one of Europe’s most impressive celebrations of farming, food and rural life, the Royal Highland Show – which last year attracted almost 190,000 visitors – showcases top quality livestock, food and drink and rural living at its most vibrant.

The Royal Bank of Scotland, partner since 1981, continues to support the Show and the agricultural industry in Scotland.

More details about tickets and what’s on here.

***

Nestled beneath Edinburgh Castle, boutiques in the stunning picturesque streets of Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, are gearing up to host Edinburgh’s first Walking Wedding Fair,this weekend.

Walking Wedding Fair

Paul Walker, Founder and Director of tailoring specialists, Walker Slater, said: “We are really excited about this first-time wedding event in one of the most beautiful settings in the City.

“It’s a great chance for people to check out the boutique and specialists stores taking part and get some ideas for their big day.”

The Fringe starts on 5 August – but you already have the chance to download the programme here and buy your tickets!

Fringe facts 2016

Comedy makes up 34% (compared to 34% last year)
Theatre makes up 27% (compared to 27% last year)
Music makes up 15% (compared to 14% last year)
Musicals and Opera makes up 4% (compared to 3% last year)
Children’s Shows make up 5% (compared to 5% last year)
Dance, Circus and Physical Theatre makes up 3% (compared to 4% last year)
Events make up 4% (compared to 4% last year)
Cabaret and Variety makes up 4% (compared to 4% last year)
Spoken Word makes up 3% (compared to 4% last year)
Exhibitions make up 1% (compared to 2% last year)

There are 643 free shows, 164 pay what you want shows, 1,731 premieres and 48 different countries represented.

What are you interested in?

Have a look at the programme here:

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One of Edinburgh’s biggest fashion and sporting events is set to be the social event of the season having sold out yet again, for more than eight years.

After selling out of general admission tickets in March, Musselburgh Racecourse’s annual Stobo Castle Ladies Day sold out more that two weeks in advance, promising to make this year’s meet one of the best yet.

The racecourse, now in its 200th anniversary year, will truly celebrate in style after collaborating with Edinburgh Fashion Week to offer attendees expert styling tips and see the fashion frenzy hit new heights.

The day, which features Musselburgh’s most valuable race, the £100,000 William Hill Scottish Sprint Cup, attracts top names from the world of racing, fashion and celebrity including TV personality Vernon Kay and newly appointed Miss UK.

And it doesn’t stop there as lucky racegoers will also be in with a chance to win a brand new £10,000 car thanks to local car dealership Belmont Wallyford.

Aisling Johnston, Marketing Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Stobo Castle Ladies Day always attracts a huge amount of interest and we’re delighted to have sold-out once again.

“We always get to see a fantastic array of outfits and I’m sure this year won’t be any different.

“Teaming up with Edinburgh Fashion Week has been a fantastic addition, and given us even more of an excuse than usual to play up to and flaunt our fashionable side.”

Stobo Castle Ladies Day - Musselburgh Racecourse. Pic shows: — Stobo Castle Ladies Day – Musselburgh Racecourse.

Already known for its style credentials, Stobo Castle Ladies Day sees all attendees dress to impress at Edinburgh’s foremost fashion extravaganza. Trendy racegoers will be able to show off their design creations and be in with a chance of being crowned ‘Queen of Style’.

The spread of luxury packages that have been on offer have enabled many attendees to add an extra element of class to their day from the Picnic Pavilion, giving racegoers a dedicated bar and reserved table, to Champers and Hampers, offering a luxury lunch hamper and plenty of bubbly.

With a packed race-card the day will be capped off by the after-racing party in the Stage Marquee.

Hosted by heart-throb Vernon Kay, the after party will offer all Ladies Day racegoers a chance to unwind after a day of spectacular racing drama and enjoy an exclusive DJ set filled with chart topping tunes.

Aisling added: “The after-party has always been a huge success and, as it’s open to all ticket-holders, we’re sure it will be full yet again with another fantastic attendance at the racecourse.”

Taking place on 11th June, Ladies Day typically sells out months in advance. Racegoers are encouraged to buy early to avoid disappointment and this year’s sales are an indication of why.

As part of the year-long celebration of the historic racecourse’s 200th anniversary, there will also be a special Bi-Centenary Celebration Raceday on Friday, July 8th.

For more information and to book tickets to other race-days please visit: www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

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Family tribute to teenage cyclist Iain Wightman

Iain Wightman

A teenage cyclist who died following a road traffic collision in Edinburgh has been named as Iain Wightman.

The 18-year-old sadly passed away after colliding with a vehicle on a rural road between Dalmeny and Kirkliston on Monday 6 June.

The incident happened on Standingstane Road at its junction with Burnshot Road at around 10:30am

A silver Land Rover Discovery travelling from Kirkliston on Burnshot Road was involved in the collision.

Iain’s family have issued the following statement: “Iain was a wonderful, wonderful boy, much loved and missed by his brother Colin, sister Katie and Mum and Dad.

“He wanted to train to be an Olympic cyclist and was a great rugby player.

“He is a great loss in our lives and will never be forgotten by those that knew him and we wish he was back with us.”

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016 – the detail

At the programme launch this morning Shona McCarthy the brand new Chief Executive took time to mention the new partners who are putting their weight behind the giant arts festival.

TER 2016 Fringe Launch

Skyscanner is a new commercial partner this year, organising travel for those coming to the city this August. Gareth Williams CEO of Skyscanner said: “We are delighted to be working with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2016. Skyscanner’s mission is to help people find great travel options at the best prices possible. With artists and audiences attending the Fringe from all over the world, Skyscanner is a perfect match, helping travellers to plan their trip and get the best deal out there.”

As well as the strategic partnership, the former boss of Skyscanner appears to be opening the doors of his property at St Stephen’s Church to C venues where there will be four performance spaces including a 450 seat theatre in the Grade A listed building.

Other new venues include the National Museum of Scotland which is partnering with Gilded Balloon where there will be a variety of comedy, theatre and children’s shows.

Merchants Hall will host a new partnership between Scottish spirit producers Arbikie Highland Estate and Mackenzies Catering where sit-down meals will be served to the accompaniment of jazz, soul, hip-hop, classical and folk.

At the Assembly Rooms the very first Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival will take place which will celebrate the crossover between technology and arts entertainment. There will be VR, games and digital theatre.

TER 2016 Fringe Launch

Leith Depot will become a Fringe venue for the first time and Dragonfly cocktail bar in the West Port will become a comedy venue. The Queen’s Hall will be home to some of the top names from Scotland’s folk and traditional music scene, while C Venues – C South will offer a varied programme of theatre and family friendly shows in the grounds of St Peter’s Church.

The Royal Mile and The Mound will be central to the Fringe as always with street performers and buskers, all thanks to the support of Virgin Money.

Meanwhile Fringe Central which is for artists and media will be at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation for the first time this year

Made in Scotland is made up of 19 shows curated from music, theatre and dance all made and produced in Scotland. Creative Scotland, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, the Federation of Scottish Theatre and the Scottish Music Centre have all collaborated in this to highlight the diversity of Scottish performing arts.

From today tickets will be available for collection from the Fringe Box Office, 180 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QS and from the University Visitor Centre, 2 Charles Street, Edinburgh EH8 9AD.

From 01 August, for the third year running, there will be a collection point in Domestic Arrivals at Edinburgh Airport.

There are over 20 collection points throughout the city open during the Fringe. For a list, and for more information please go to edfringe.com.

Watch our short interview with Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy, here :

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The Edinburgh Reporter News from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016 – programme is out now

TER 2016 Fringe Launch

Yes folks it is that time already – you can now pick up your 2016 brochure for all things Fringe.

The brand new Chief Executive Shona McCarthy is determined to ensure that the open access festival continues to be just that. At the launch earlier today marking her first year of being Chief Executive, she said : “Artists are at the core of this and will be during my time here. It would not happen at al without the artists and performers who take the risk and put their work on show.

“The Fringe is indeed an extraordinary thing : a festival that defies the norm in every possible way. At its heart is the founding principle of open access, allowing any one the opportunity of being part of it. Being part of it means being listed in the programme, experiencing the city at its cultured best and to develop as artists.

“I am looking forward to welcoming participants and audiences to Edinburgh in August for another fantastic Edinburgh Festival Fringe. ”

Festivals Champion Councillor Richard Lewis said: “It is a pleasure to take part in the opening of the Festival Fringe. While the money is important – and the £142 million that is generated for the city is key and the council welcomes the income to our city economy, but bringing the arts and particularly the international arts to Edinburgh this August is crucially important.

“For the City of Edinburgh Council this marks the 70th year of supporting the festivals and the Fringe continues to go from strength to strength. The 2016 programme is a testament to the popularity of the festival as a place that performers from all over the world flock to showcase new work and meet new audiences.”

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The Edinburgh Reporter News from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Film in the City this weekend

Film In The City 1-1

Film Fest in the City, returns for its fifth year this weekend from Friday 10^th – Sunday 12 June.

St Andrew Square Gardens will become a buzzing, outdoor cinema arena that will screen 15 ‘must see’ movies in the heart of the city centre.

Hosted by EdinEvents in partnership with Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), the FREE outdoor attraction has an epic mix of movies, from cult classics such as The Breakfast Club, 10 Things I Hate About You and One Million Years B.C., to family favourites which include Minions, Finding Nemo and The Muppets.

The packed programme of sensational screenings will also feature superhero blockbusters Ant-Man and Big Hero 6 and a host of other box office hits, such as Jurassic Park, Mad Max: Fury Road and Pitch Perfect.

Other programme highlights include a special ‘dance along’ screening of Grease on the Saturday afternoon in association with Dance Base – an absolute must-see for those who were ‘Born to Hand Jive’, whilst the breath-taking sci-fi sequel, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, will bring the event to a dramatic close on the Sunday night.

Once again the St Andrew Square screenings will partner with Graham’s the Family Dairy who will serve a new cinema-themed ice-cream flavour during the weekend, whilst an on-site bar hosted by multi-award winning Pickering’s Gin will be selling a selection of movie-themed cocktails to keep visitors refreshed throughout the weekend.

Launched in 2011, the St Andrew Square screenings were created to bring film lovers into the city centre, to celebrate the capital’s rich culture and creativity and generate excitement during the run-up to the world famous EIFF.

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh, the company behind EdinEvents said: “Edinburgh City Centre provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend of exciting outdoor film screenings and we are delighted to be working closely with EIFF once again to bring such a popular event to both residents and locals.

We are confident that this year’s programme will offer something for everyone and once again be a big hit with visitors.”

Mark Adams, EIFF Artistic Director said:” We are thrilled that the wonderfully entertaining and fun-packed Film Fest in the City is again acting as the perfect preamble to this year’s festival. These outdoor screenings are real cinematic occasions and the films this year packed with laughs, action and drama.”

For further details on Film Fest in the City visit www.edinevents.com.

Neil Lennon is expected to be appointed as new Hibs’ manager

hibs

Neil Lennon is expected to be appointed as Hibs’ manager with Garry Parker as his number two.

The pair worked together at Celtic and Bolton Wanderers.

Lennon had a hugely successful playing career, winning the League Cup twice with Leicester then winning five Scottish titles and six domestic cups at Celtic Park.

He returned to Parkhead as a coach in 2008 and eventually became manager two years later, winning three successive league titles and two Scottish Cups before leaving.

He was able to save Bolton from relegation in his first season with the club however his second saw them drop to the bottom of the table before he left in March.

A move to Bolton followed later that year and, although Wanderers initially improved under Lennon, they were bottom of the Championship by the time he left in March, with the side eventually relegated.

The move for Lennon has been seen as a mark of ambition for Hibs and the majority of supporters were happy to see his name on the shortlist following the resignation of Alan Stubbs.

Lennon is contracted to work as a TV pundit during the European Championships which start this Friday but it is not clear whether he will fulfil this should he take the Hibs’ job.

Lidl begin the Craigmillar regeneration

The regeneration of Craigmillar Town Centre in East Edinburgh has started with works commencing on a Lidl supermarket at Niddrie Mains Road.

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The store was granted planning permission in September 2015 and works will be carried out by construction firm Clark Contracts to build the sustainable 1407m² store on the 1.5acre site, which will create up to 25 new jobs when opened.

The new store, which has seen a total investment of £6.5m by the national supermarket chain, will boast state-of-the-art facilities including a bakery, 12 tills and 93 parking spaces.

The supermarket first revealed last May that it wanted to re-locate the Craigmillar store as part of its ongoing ambitions within the UK. It is hoped that construction will be completed within 10 months, with the doors opening to customers in March 2017.

Lidl UK’s Head of Property for Scotland, Gordon Rafferty, commented: “There’s been much anticipation for this new Lidl store and it’s great that we are now in a position to break the ground and start the build. We are extremely grateful for all the support that we have received so far, and would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst we enter this next phase of the development.”

Due to be completed over the next six years, the redevelopment of Craigmillar Town Centre being carried out by The EDI Group Ltd will see the area transformed by a new retail centre, as well as a public square and community play park complemented by a new secondary school and further housing.

Economy Convener Councillor Gavin Barrie said: “We’re extremely pleased to see works start as part of the regeneration of Craigmillar Town Centre. The commencement of works signals our ambitions to make significant improvements to the town centre and create an environment where communities can thrive for generations to come.

“The new retail centre will create a focal point for the community with high quality store options including Lidl and Home Bargains which is due to commence construction in the next four months.”

Lidl, which was crowned Grocer of the Year at the 2015 Grocer Gold Awards, has experienced continued growth over the years, as consumers flock to the shop to discover products ranging from quality British fruit and vegetables to premiums wines from its much coveted Wine Cellar collections. Lidl’s success shows no signs of slowing, as the latest Kantar Worldpanel results outline its continued growth and market share high of 4.4%

The store in Craigmillar is part of Lidl’s existing store portfolio of 630, and will form part of the company’s growth plans which hope to see this increase to 1,200 store in the future.

Hibs’ pre-season fixtures announced

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Hibs will face Berwick Rangers, Edinburgh City and Motherwell in their pre-season schedule.

First team players will arrive back for pre-season training on Thursday 23 June, as they prepare for these fixtures and their Europa League matches.

Berwick Rangers will host Hibernian at Shielfield Park on Tuesday 5 July with a 7:45pm kick-off, representing the third season in succession that the side have travelled to Berwick-Upon-Tweed as part of their pre-season preparations.

Two evenings later the players will make a short trip to Meadowbank Stadium to face Edinburgh City, who were recently promoted into the Scottish Professional Football League in May, again with the match kicking off at 7:45pm.

Easter Road will stage a match on Sunday 10 July, with Motherwell travelling to Leith for a 3pm kick-off, as the fixtures culminate before the side begin their UEFA Europa League campaign on 14 July.

All fixtures are subject to SFA approval. Ticket information will be announced in due course

Red Arrows flypast to mark Airport’s centenary

Edinburgh Airport’s centenary celebrations continued with a Red Arrows flypast at the weekend – and the occasion was captured by two plane-spotting competition winners.

Ten Hawk aircraft from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team completed the pass over the airport.

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The jets flew in a wide formation known as the Wall, at a height of 500ft and at about 400mph.

On Thursday 2 March 1916 Edinburgh Airport began life as a Royal Flying Corps aerodrome named Turnhouse and was a key military base for the remainder of the World War One.

The British Airports Authority (BAA) took over ownership of the airport on April 1, 1971. Initial stages of the redevelopment began two years later and the terminal building, designed by Sir Robert Matthew, was opened officially by Her Majesty the Queen on 27 May 1977.

John Watson, Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “It was a great honour to have the Red Arrows come here on a beautifully sunny afternoon and mark a very special birthday for the airport us with a brilliant fly-past.

“Although clearly focused on delivering future growth at Edinburgh Airport we have a rich and long history – and our association with the RAF is something that we are very proud of and we will never forget.

“We had a tremendous response to the competition we ran on Twitter and it was great to have two winners join us for the occasion; the pics that Colin McLeod and Dennis Penny have taken are absolutely fantastic.”

Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and Red 1, said: “We were honoured to have the opportunity to play a part in Edinburgh airport’s important milestone.

“The Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force and so it’s always a special privilege to help celebrate the anniversary of an airfield with both a proud military flying past and a role in modern-day aviation.”

Image 1: Colin Mcleod, from West Lothian, shot from the Air Traffic Control Tower.

Image 2: Dennis Penny, from Dunfermline, shot from the Edinburgh Airport Fire Station.

The short film footage was filmed by Flight Lieutenant Marcus Ramsden, the team’s Junior Engineering Officer, who was in the rear seat of the aircraft flown by Red 1.

Irish Business Network in Scotland launched today

A new organisation to bring together businesses in Scotland and Ireland is being launched in Edinburgh today.

The Irish Business Network in Scotland is being set up at a time when trade between Ireland and Scotland has grown to unprecedented levels. The organisation’s members are expected to come from the established Irish business community in Scotland, companies in Ireland looking to expand into Scotland, and Scottish businesses with an interest in Ireland.

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Founding chairman, Colm Moloney says it’s an exciting time to launch the new Network:

“This is about encouraging businesses and entrepreneurs in both Scotland and Ireland to explore the opportunities on the other side of the water. We want to create a network that shares ideas and information, creates opportunities for partnerships and collaborations, and taps into the experience of those people and companies that have made a success of broadening their horizons across the Irish Sea.”

One of the founding members is the Allied Irish Bank which has for many years had branches in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Regional Director Billy MacLeod says the Irish business community in Scotland is wide and diverse:

“Ireland, like Scotland, has seen huge growth in innovation-based industries like energy, technology, construction and lifesciences. And, just as in Scotland, culture and heritage companies are thriving too. Alongside these, the support sectors, such as finance, law and accountancy, have also taken the step across the water to set up new operations.

“Allied Irish Bank specialises in banking for owner managed businesses and has several really exciting Irish clients in Scotland. I am delighted that the new Network will help oil the wheels for those who wish to bring new business to Scotland or from Scotland to Ireland.”

The initiative is being encouraged by the Scottish and Irish governments. Speakers at this evening’s launch at Edinburgh Castle include the Irish Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, and Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP.

Fiona Hyslop said:

“Scottish exports to Ireland are worth around £1.125 billion, while the turnover of Irish businesses here in Scotland is over £2.5 billion, supporting nearly 6,000 jobs.

“The Scottish Government is pleased to welcome the development of the Irish Business Network Scotland ‎to provide a way for businesses wanting to expand to tap into companies with experience already located in Scotland.

“We also welcome the close collaboration that has already begun between the Network and the Scottish Innovation and Investment Hub in Ireland, to ensure opportunities are developed for Scottish companies wanting to trade or invest in Ireland.”

Paschal Donohoe said:

“The establishment of the Irish Business Network is further evidence of the already close cooperation that exists between Ireland and Scotland at so many levels. The Network will provide an opportunity to bring together businesses from the two countries for their mutual benefit. The Irish Government is especially keen to foster such links.

“As Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform I also have a special interest in the opportunities for cooperation provided by the EU-funded INTERREG Programme between Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland which will see more than €280 million invested in the region for the period 2014-2020.”

The Network is the result of a meeting of many businesses in Scotland with links to Ireland supported by staff at the Consulate of Ireland in Edinburgh and Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, Mark Hanniffy, says he has been impressed by the drive he has seen to make it happen:

“I have been struck since the moment I arrived in this job by the similarities between businesses in Scotland and Ireland. We share a very positive business climate, and our enterprises – both new and established – have an ambition for growth and an eagerness to expand into new markets. Nonetheless, opening a new business in a different country can be daunting. Your home government and its agencies can help with advice and information but often it’s being able learn from others who have made the journey before you that makes the biggest difference.”

For more information about joining the new network, go to www.irishbusinessnetwork.scot and follow the organisation on Twitter @irishbusnetwork

Five things you need to know today

Edinburgh Leisure have your summer holiday activities planned
Gung-Ho! at The Meadows
Summer of Golf in the City
Let’s Get Edinburgh Online
Yoga for Alzheimer’s

Thinking ahead to the summer holidays? They start with a bang on 1 July when Edinburgh Leisure run a Join In event in The Meadows.

Edinburgh Leisure are also running a free summer sports programme at different venues across the city.

Events will take place at The Meadows every Wednesday and Friday from 2 – 4 pm, starting 6 and 8 July respectively to 10 and 12 August.

There will also be sports at Saughton from Monday, 4 July – 8 August from 2 – 4pm.

Younger children (primary school children, aged 5 and up) will be catered for with outdoor play sessions at Hunters Hall, by Jack Kane Sports Centre, every Tuesday from 2-4pm, which will run from 5 July.

There will be spaces for 60 children at the Meadows, 44 at Saughton and 20 at Hunter’s Hall to get involved in the free sessions. No pre-booking is required but everyone must register at the sign-in desk on the day and it will be on a first come, first served basis.

BBC Children in Need is inviting fun-seekers to take part in Gung-Ho!, a 5K giant inflatable obstacle course which will bring its UK tour to The Meadows, Edinburgh on Saturday 11^th June. Participants are challenged to run, walk or giggle their way through the crazy inflatables for the charity as part of Team Pudsey. Those that pledge sponsorship will receive a discounted ticket for £30 via www.bbc.co.uk/Pudsey, as well as a free t-shirt, training support and goodies on the day.

A race like no other, the 5K Gung-Ho! course is made up of 10 giant inflatable obstacles that participants have to run, crawl and climb over to complete the challenge. These include gigantic ball pits, super-sized slides and a 5,000 square foot inflatable moon walk. The course is completely unique and runners don’t have to be an athlete to take part!

Speaking of the event Jonathan Rigby, Director of Marketing at BBC Children in Need, said: “We’re so excited to be visiting Edinburgh with the first ever Gung-Ho! for BBC Children in Need. It’s a fun new way for supporters to challenge themselves whilst raising money to help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro-athlete or first time runner, we can’t wait to see you there!”

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Yet another event to take over St Andrew Square Garden will arrive on 16 June and will be there until 19 June. The Golf Coast Interactive Zone will be open between 10:00 and 6:00pm and will allow you to find out more about golf in Scotland this summer.

The activities will include tips from the Nike Performance Fitting Centre at Archerfield Links, the challenge of the Long Drive Contest, a mini putting area for children and a Go Kart Track from East Links Family Park. There will also be seaways from Foxlike Adventures.

Scotland’s Golf Coast is of course the East Lothian coastline so convenient for Edinburgh. To find out more about Scotland’s Golf Coast, visit www.golfeastlothian.com

A national roadshow giving people free advice and help with using the internet is coming to Edinburgh later today.

With almost 17% of people in Scotland missing out on the benefits of being online, the Scottish Government’s Let’s Get Online campaign is set to help people across Scotland get online with a nationwide roadshow.

Let's Get Online

From keeping in touch with friends and family and searching for jobs, to managing bills and watching catch-up TV, the campaign aims to highlight the benefits the internet can provide.

The Let’s Get Online team will visit towns and cities across Scotland from 31 May until 22 July offering free, informal, one-to-one, drop-in sessions on how to get online.

The free drop-in sessions will take place in Edinburgh today and later this week.

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Yoga expert Stacey Chavis will be hosting a yoga class to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and is encouraging people to sign up and join her.

Stacey, 43, will be teaching at The Voodoo Rooms on 12 June 2016 as part of Yoga for Alzheimer’s, an initiative set up by the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

The challenge is encouraging people to get into their favourite yoga positions while raising money to help find treatments for dementia, which affects 850,000 people nationwide.

Tickets are £15 each, with 100 per cent of the profits going to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Those taking part are also encouraged to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship.

Stacey first turned to yoga when she was 19, after seeking solace in the activity while studying at Colorado University, and began teaching after she moved to Scotland 13 years ago.

She now owns The Edinburgh Yoga Room, teaching a range of classes for all levels, including Stacey’s specialty – ashtanga yoga, and rocket vinyasa yoga.

The yogi, who is originally from New Mexico, USA, said she “jumped at the chance” to take part in Yoga for Alzheimer’s because her 80-year-old father William Moir has lived with dementia since he was in his mid-70s.

She said: “My father was a great scientist, and has a degree in physics and maths, went to law school, and has a PHD in ecology. He was a botanist and focussed on global warming.

“Now he is moving into a care home in Santa Fe. For a long time he was independent but then he stopped being able to go anywhere on his own. He took part in research but it’s quite far gone now.

“It’s so sad when I see him unable to remember the names of plants, something he spent his life talking about.

“Luckily his sister is in the same care home with him. She is 82 and has Alzheimer’s. But it’s very difficult to live in another country when I’m not able to see them very often.

“That’s why I want to help dementia research. Everyone of all abilities is welcome.”

To join the class, which takes place at 12pm, go to http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/event/yoga-for-alzheimers-edinburgh/.

Yoga enthusiasts can sign up right up until 12 June.

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Promoting traditional building skills

Earlier today we went along to St Andrew Square which was echoing to the sound of chisels and other tools used by traditional craftsmen.

This is an event which will be coming back later in the summer when the Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival comes to St Andrew Square with a further stonemasonry demonstration, lime mortars demonstration and marbling and graining techniques in sign writing skills (to name but a few!). The summer event runs from 23 August 2016.

The Edinburgh Reporter met Emily Tracey who is a building stone conservation specialist with British Geological Survey and also Vice-Convener of the Edinburgh branch of Scottish Traditional Building Forum. The forum is made up of people from all disciplines who work together to raise the profile of traditional building skills.

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She explained: “We are trying to promote the use of traditional materials and traditional skills. Edinburgh is built of many different types of stone, particularly sandstone, and usually this material is readily available from numerous quarries around the country. Today we have gone from thousands of quarries to about a dozen. This is something that we are trying to promote and raise awareness of so that we can use the traditional materials not just for repairs and maintenance but also for construction which is in keeping with the environment of a World Heritage Site.

“This is something that we need to be aware of.

“There are no traditional quarries left in Edinburgh. We had the famous Craigleith Quarry which is now where Sainsbury’s is, but there are stones currently available which are a good match, meaning that they have a similar mineralogical composition and aesthetic.”

John McKinney of Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum explained: “The idea is to get young people from Edinburgh to consider the various different skills that are required to repair and maintain Edinburgh’s built heritage as a potential career for them going forward.

The group is organising the fifth Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival in August as part of the Festival Fringe to celebrate Edinburgh’s traditional buildings.

John continued: “All the presenters give up their time free of charge, venues free of charge and all the organisation is done free of charge. We get a small amount of sponsorship to cover the costs of registering with the Festival Fringe and to cover catering costs.

“We are also working on a mini-golf course using traditional building skills and materials which will be hosted in George Street during the whole of the Festival Fringe.

“This is an example of collaboration across the whole of the traditional building sector to promote careers and appropriate repairs and maintenance all done for the benefit of the whole industry.”

Hearts Announce Record Season Ticket Sales

Hearts today announced a record number of season ticket sales with more than 12,500 being sold less in just under four weeks.

The Maroon Army have turned out in their droves to back Head Coach Robbie Neilson and his squad of players – likely to be joined by former Kilmarnock and Republic of Ireland striker Conor Sammon later this month – as the Jambos look to mount a challenge for the Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership title.

With Europa League football just three weeks away, Hearts anticipate even more sales in the days ahead with the possibility of a complete sell-out of season tickets looking likely.

Neilson told the official Hearts website:

“12,500 season tickets is a fantastic achievement, and the amazing thing is that we’re not finished yet,” said the Gorgie chief. “By all accounts the demand is not slowing down, so I’m anticipating an even higher number in the coming weeks.

“To have so many of the fans backing the team and committing to the club for next season is tremendous. Having a full Tynecastle every week, yet again, will go a long way to helping the team meet its targets on the park.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. With new arrivals to come, European football and a competitive league, there’s a lot to be positive about as we head into next season.”

Season tickets can be bought, subject to availability, over the phone by calling 0333 043 1874, option 1, online at Hearts eTickets or in person at the Hearts Ticket Centre on McLeod Street.