Voting in The Scottish Parliamentary Election might appear a little confusing at first glance. Thankfully the Scottish Parliament have an explanatory video to help you with that:

https://youtu.be/jYmtDPDvpfE?list=PL4l0q4AbG0ml6j-_G72rgvqQiM1n1Wgyu

Toni Giugliano says he wants to represent the various areas of the constituency. He explains: “I work in mental health at the moment and I am witnessing the effects of welfare reform and the impact of Tory austerity on people across the country.

“I want to be able to bring the experience to the fore of why we need a better system and why the UK Government is failing so many people at present with the welfare changes it is implementing.

“I was born in Italy I came to Scotland when I was seven years old and have lived in Edinburgh for most of my life. I worked in the Scottish Parliament for four years on matters directly connected to Edinburgh Western helping communities and people here. I would argue that nobody else knows the range of issues that affects this area better than me from transport issues in Queensferry to broadband in Corstorphine.

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#SP16 Toni Giugliano SNP from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

“I have been in the SNP for a number of years now. I worked in Brussels for a number of organisations and I want to put forward the case for remaining in the EU.

Candidates from all four main parties are being fielded in Edinburgh Western Constituency. This seat was won by the SNP MSP Colin Keir with a majority of 2689. Mr Keir stepped down in March 2016. 

The LibDems say they are particularly strong here as they had an MP in the constituency until 2015. Mike Crockery lost his Westminster seat to Michelle Thomson who was elected as an SNP MP, but who is currently suspended from the whip and who sits as an Independent MP.

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#SP16 Sandy Batho Scottish Conservatives from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Sandy Batho was keen to meet The Edinburgh Reporter at the Zoo where he is a Board director. He also lives in the constituency where the zoo and animal conservation are two of his passions.

As an HR director he believes that many of the skills he has developed in his roles for big businesses will stand him in good stead in politics.

“My main interest is in ensuring that there are good economic prospects in the constituency. The backbone of much of our policy is to ensure tat there is a vibrant economy. We need to eliminate the deficit. If we don’t have that then good public expenditure cannot be provided.

“It is good that we have Edinburgh Airport in this constituency for example. It has developed well in recent years since the very small place it was when I first visited it. It now connects continents and that growth is to be applauded.

“We also have the HQ of RBS in Edinburgh Western. The financial sector has taken a huge knock in recent times but I think it is right that we support this major financial institution.”

Listen to our interview with him here:

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#SP16 Sandy Batho Scottish Conservatives from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

The Edinburgh Central candidate and leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, held a very Edinburgh rally at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh earlier today. This was a show of green shoots rather than a rare species, as the others on stage were the younger generation all coming along to take the party forward.

The Scottish Secretary of State David Mundell MP was in attendance to show his support on this the last day of campaigning for Holyrood 2016.

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#SP16 Ruth Davidson Holds A Rally In The Botanics from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

How is that strong opposition going to manifest itself? Ruth Davidson explained: “The way that the Scottish Parliament works is that the larger your party is the more time you get in the Chamber, the more people you get onto committees that provide all the scrutiny, so it is important that we can be that stronger opposition. This means physically stronger in terms of the number of people, but also to be able to use the levers of the parliament to really hold the SNP to account.

Asked if Edinburgh Central was essentially a safe seat for her to be contesting Davidson said: “The Conservatives are coming from fourth position, and we think they can do an awful lot better. I have spoken to thousands of people across Edinburgh Central in the months of this campaign since before Christmas and I know there are lots of people looking to us for the first time. It is also one of the seats which, being a city centre seat, has the highest turnover of voters, so what happens in one election doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen in the next election. So I think it is all to play for in Edinburgh Central.”

There are four candidates for the Edinburgh Southern Constituency but we have only managed to capture one of them on camera. 

This has been an SNP seat since 2011 when Jim Eadie won it with a majority of 693.

BRIGGS, Miles – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

EADIE, Jim – Scottish National Party (SNP)

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#SP16 Daniel Johnson Scottish Labour from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

SUBBARAMAN, Pramod – Scottish Liberal Democrats

Daniel Johnson is articulate and assured. He describes himself as a shopkeeper, and told us he runs the Paper Tiger and Studio One chain of shops.

But although you might think that would make him more suited to being a member of the Conservative party, he has supported Labour for almost 20 years.

He admits he has big set of shoes to fill with Ian Murray MP representing this area for Westminster.

I have real world experience and am not a career politician. I am the sort of person who likes to roll my sleeves up and get things done.

The biggest thing for me is to reconnect politics and people again. In the big noise from the SNP during the last few years I think that has been lost. During my campaign I have run Big Idea Events which are listening events. If I am elected I will keep doing that every single year, publishing the priorities that people tell me about and telling people how I will pursue them in parliament.

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#SP16 Daniel Johnson Scottish Labour from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

This seat was held by the SNP until 2016. Gordon MacDonald took it from the Conservatives in 2011 with a majority of 1758 votes.

The 2016 candidates are:
FARTHING-SYKES, Emma – Scottish Liberal Democrats
HEARY, Blair – Scottish Labour Party

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#SP16 Blair Heary Scottish Labour candidate for Edinburgh Pentlands from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

LINDHURST, Gordon – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

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The Edinburgh Reporter #SP16 Gordon Macdonald Edinburgh Pentlands from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Iain McGill has stood for Westminster, Holyrood and the council in the past. He is a fiercely loyal Conservative activist and really wants to have the political position to make a difference.

Born and bred in the capital he is always campaigning for something even if there is no election in sight. He always has a smile on his face no matter what the result!

He is the owner of an employment agency and knows all too well the effects of employment law on both those who work and the bosses. He was behind David Cameron in wanting to renegotiate the EU deal, but will definitely not be voting to stay in the EU.

He told The Edinburgh Reporter : “I think this is the seventh time I am standing in a Parliamentary election. I may need to take up a new hobby as there is a wee gap now until the next parliamentary election in 2020!

“There are two strands to this election. It is quite interesting as a candidate as I can campaign on local issues and personal priorities.

“But there is a party vote and a constituency vote.

“The constituency matters which I would like to change include rough sleeping which is on the rise in Edinburgh.

“Edinburgh used to have fantastic policies and support  for folks who are homeless. It’s changed and we are seeing the effect of that on the streets now. It is entirely avoidable and I want that to be a priority for the city again.

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#SP16 Iain McGill Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

“The other thing comes up a lot during my day to day work and at hustings as well. Parliament passed a bill four or five years ago, the Self-Directed Support Act,  to allow the most vulnerable folks in our society to direct and choose their own support packages. This is a fantastic bill but councils across the country are not implementing that properly. Our most vulnerable folks then have to get a lawyer just to get the rights they should have.

“Speaking up and ensuring that these people get the services that they absolutely deserve, that is where my personal priorities are.

Labour have had 6 leaders in the last 8 years, and they have not landed a punch on the SNP. We need to be providing strong opposition to the SNP and holding them to account, making sure they are not passing the bad bills they are passing like the Named Person legislation, or Offensive Behaviour at Football acts.

“We should be just very much holding them to account and making sure that we don’t have that second referendum.

“People should give their vote to Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Conservatives for a strong opposition.”

Patrick Harvie was being very green this morning as he took the train from Glasgow and then walked from Waverley to meet the assembled press at the police box on Leith Walk.

His colleague Andy Wightman arrived on a bike, showing that they do more than talk the talk.  Wightman is the possible second Lothian list MSP along with Alison Johnstone who was first elected in 2011. The Greens tell us that around 12% of list votes for the Scottish Green Party would ensure that both Alison and Andy are elected to Holyrood. This would repeat the party’s performance of 2003 when Robin Harper and Mark Ballard were both elected in Lothian.

But the thoughts are that there will be many more than just these three returned to Holyrood this time round.

Harvie is still very upbeat despite the long days and nights of campaigning now behind him. He told The Edinburgh Reporter: “It is the last day of campaigning. Across the whole of Scotland Green campaigners are out there asking Scotland to recognise that we can build a better country, a fairer more equal country that invests in the homes and jobs of the future.

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#SP16 Patrick Harvie Scottish Green Party from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

“But we need a bolder Holyrood if that is to happen, and Green MSPs will be very much advancing that agenda in the next session of the Scottish Parliament.

Asked to tell us how many seats they will get, Patrick admitted that his track record of political betting is dismal and he will not be putting any money on it, but said: “What I  will be doing is putting every effort into the final day of campaigning and into activism on polling day to convince every voter we can possibly reach that a better Scotland is possible, and that we need a bolder Scotland to make that happen.

by Duncan McTavish, Glasgow Caledonian University

People tend not to get excited by elections where the result is widely predicted. The current consensus that the next vote for the Scottish Parliament will result in another convincing SNP victory is a case in point.

The comparison with recent visits to the ballot box doesn’t help either. First, we had the SNP minority government of 2007-11, then the 2011 SNP landslide, which led directly to the independence referendum of 2014. Barely eight months later came the 2015 UK election in which the Scottish nationalists won an unprecedented 56 of Scotland’s 59 seats.

So, after all that, this next phase in Scottish politics is bound to be dull, right? Wrong.

Power surge

Scotland’s increased powers will lend extra significance to the main parties’ policy positions. This will create a dilemma for the SNP should it, as expected, win the election comfortably. It will want to continue to present itself as a managerial catch-all party. Hence its relatively modest income tax proposals, designed to spike any claims that this is the party of high tax. We will also see incremental alterations typical of long-serving governments – the proposed changes to council funding and council tax, for example.

Yet the government will be tempted to nation-build by making distinctively Scottish policy changes. Welfare might be an obvious place, though the scope will be limited. The Scottish government will be tied to existing UK welfare spend, the bulk of it still reserved and framed within the UK Universal Credit system.

What about the other big parties? Labour’s campaign under Kezia Dugdale has been energetic but incoherent. We have seen contradictions on independence, for instance. The party has also proposed tax increases for all without apparently determining the effects on people receiving in-work benefits, as well as various other initiatives from a “childcare revolution” to a commission to investigate occupations that favour one gender.

Add to this Dugdale’s initial opposition to UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Scottish Labour coming out against Trident renewal.

This all makes it hard to say how the party will handle the new Holyrood in the short to medium term. And while Labour in Scotland may not quite be in existential crisis, its seemingly embedded difficulty with the Scottish question will prove a real challenge to forming a strong challenge for government. The long-lasting difficulties of the Spanish Socialists in Catalonia should provide a warning if not a parallel.

For Ruth Davidson’s Scottish Conservatives, at least one poll is predicting a best-ever second place finish ahead of Labour. Yet the party has struggled to find a voice since the devolution of 1999, having been the only party that opposed it, and it will once again rely perhaps solely on the regional lists for its MSPs.

The fact that Davidson is proposing to maintain income tax at UK levels rather than pushing for a “lower tax, business-friendly” Scotland, underscores her unionist instincts. Elsewhere she has presented a softer image than the UK party – she is more supportive of accepting refugees, for example. It will be interesting to see how the Scottish Conservatives handle tensions within the party on these kinds of issues following the EU referendum.

We can also expect a return to the multi-party politics of the Scottish parliament’s earlier years. Competing with the Liberal Democrats for fourth place are the pro-independence Greens, which are expected to rise from two to possibly eight MSPs. We might even see the odd MSP from the Scottish Socialists, RISE or UKIP. Overall representation in parliament is also likely to nudge closer to gender balance, with all but the Conservatives prioritising it.

The independence question

The SNP is seeking to maintain itself as the non-unionist party in Holyrood. It is asking electors for “Both Votes SNP” – not only the constituency vote but also the regional list vote. The list system is designed to “correct” parliamentary representation by favouring parties whose share of the vote is under-represented by constituency seats – anyone apart from the SNP, in this case. But if a list vote for a smaller independence-supporting party such as the Greens, RISE or the Scottish Socialists would maximise the number of separatist MSPs, why the “both votes” message?

Arguably, the anti-independence parties make more comfortable opponents for the SNP than other pro-independence parties. The 45% of people that voted Yes in 2014 have broadly maintained their allegiance to the SNP, so this makes opposition to unionist parties almost a given, and their position gains them little political traction. This frees the SNP to focus on the likes of Labour’s unease over independence. On the other hand, credible opposition from a group of independence supporting MSPs (like the Greens) may change the tone and give them leverage beyond their small numbers.

The party will also have to cope with the fallout from the EU referendum. Many believe a Brexit vote would split the UK by triggering a second Scottish independence referendum. Nicola Sturgeon agrees it would create great pressure for another vote if Scotland voted Remain. Yet the first minister, a much more cautious politician than her predecessor Alex Salmond, would probably rather not go down that road.

There would be many unknowns around the Brexit negotiations. How smooth would a UK exit be and how would this impact Scotland and Scottish opinion? If another referendum were called, given the choice between the EU and the UK, which way would Scots swing?
If Scotland did opt for the EU, what would be the currency arrangements, the accession terms for joining, the fiscal deficit with the UK, and so on?

Polling indicates that support for Scottish independence would only rise to the low 50s in the event of a UK Leave/Scotland Remain vote – well short of the circa 60% support the first minister has in the past considered necessary to trigger a referendum.

Indeed, this is a problem for the SNP irrespective of the EU referendum, since losing two independence votes would be disastrous for the party. Nevertheless, will it be able to resist calls for a second referendum from its rank and file during the next parliament? And if so, would they remain as politically engaged with the party? In the coming parliament, the SNP could turn out to be the SNP government’s biggest challenge of all.

Duncan McTavish, Professor of Public Policy and Management, Glasgow Caledonian University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

In the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, The Atelier was described as a ‘must visit’ on Edinburgh’s dining scene according to many of my friends, so I was rather excited to go along last week for dinner. The restaurant was first opened in 2013 and began getting excellent reviews from the very start, resulting in the awarding of 2 AA rosettes for the team in 2014.

From the love of cooking at home whilst growing up as a child, coupled with extensive experience from kitchens all around the continent, Head Chef and Co-Owner, Maciek brings his passion for food to life with the dishes served in the restaurant.

There is a hint of adventure and experimentation with the food that is definitely modern European in its roots with big bold flavours coming through. [tweet_box design=”default”]The Atelier brings together fantastic Scottish food, foraged, local ingredients and flair to the West End.[/tweet_box]

The menu changes regularly featuring a long list of excellent local suppliers and Scottish seasonal treats abound. They strive to ensure that they work with the freshest and quality produce, so that their guests can continue to enjoy incredible flavours created by their talented team in the kitchen.

The set menu is just £14.90 for 2 courses and £17.90 for 3 is incredibly good value as is the A La Carte menu which has mains around £20. It’s a relaxed affair at The Atelier whether that is for an impromptu lunch, business date or leisurely evening meal. It is also ideal for an intimate special occasion or family celebration. So what are you waiting for?!

The best part of the food, is that every plate is a masterclass in presentation; you will definitely be sneakily instagramming them while no one is looking!

We were brought a little amuse bouche. This was a crispy beef shin wonton with a beautiful sweet and spicy Asian sauce that went really well with the Pinot Noir we had from the house selection.

To begin our Atelier experience, my partner and I both had the scallops with mussels, ale, heritage potato and wild leeks which was incredible.

The flavor of the subtle scallops mingled beautifully with the fresh lemon sauce, crisp salty wafer and garlicky leeks. We were both really impressed and could have happily had them again for the main course!

I chose the Lamb loin with buckwheat, broad beans and cabbage in salsa verde with a courgette flower.

The lamb was perfectly cooked and the buckwheat, which I have never tried before, was very nice along with the rich sauce and combined with the sweetness from the apricots.

My dining partner enjoyed the Veal loin served with roasted and pureed carrots, leeks and potatoes which was ‘very succulent’ and the different carrot textures lovely. It did come with a coleslaw of carrot which was not to his taste, so despite leaving that we both cleaned our plates very quickly.

We finished with a Rhubarb Bavarois and sorbet which was really fruity and light. The Atelier provides a great interpretation of flavours and adventurous tastes which I really enjoyed. I can highly recommend this local eatery and we will definitely be going back very soon!

Price £14.90 2 course or £17.90 3 course set lunch and pre theatre.

Approx £20 evening meal main course

info@theatelierrestaurant.co.uk

www.theatelierrestaurant.co.uk

Telephone 0131 629 1344

As news came out yesterday of Glasgow UKIP Chairman Sarah Devenney’s resignation, the Edinburgh list candidate Alan Melville Vice-Chairman of UKIP Edinburgh & Lothians, and the top Lothians list candidate for the party believes he may yet be proved right.

He says that his prediction of party disintegration appears to be coming true.

Melville said: “UKIP stalwarts past and present have demanded change from David Coburn’s ‘cronyism autocracy’ for some time, and their voices have been ignored, to the great detriment of not just the party, but the anti-EU movement in Scotland.

“To be short of candidates in a General Election might be misfortune; to be short of candidates in the subsequent Holyrood election seems like carelessness.

“I call on David Coburn to resign forthwith, and to take his incompetent little clique with him. UKIP does not need them, the Campaign to Leave certainly does not need them, and Scotland would be better off without the lot of them.”

• Exams start today
• The Men from Leith
• Beach Cleaning Kits on offer
• Iberodocs begins today
• Belhaven Bikes – award winners!

One more day of campaigning left before the Scottish Parliamentary Election takes place tomorrow.

But today it is all about exams as secondary pupils begin the exam season, some with a view to getting enough passes to get to university, and others only starting out on the couple of years at the end of their schooling which is dominated by studying.

Cllr Paul Godzik, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I want to wish all those pupils sitting their exams over the coming weeks the best of luck. We want our young people to reach their full potential and achieving good results can give them plenty of options for the future education and career decisions that lie ahead. Pupils and teachers have put in a tremendous amount of hard work preparing for these exams as have the parents who will have been encouraging their children to do their best.

“I am sure that, as they did last year, our young people in Edinburgh will be very successful.”

The Men from Leith is a one night only combination of three talented musicians and songwriters from Leith staged as part of Tradfest. The legend that is Dick Gaughan, the supremely American influenced Dean Owens and the soul and jazz of Blue Rose Code (Ross Wilson by any other name) will be on stage at the Queen’s Hall this Friday at 7.30pm. A mix of styles but all hailing from the historic port, this will be a show with ‘grit, fire and honesty’!

Rotary is a charity organisation, with the twin aims of ‘service above self’ and charity fundraising to help people lead a better life.

Two members of Edinburgh Rotary groups are currently planning long distance cycling rides to help raise money for good causes.

Daniel Barreto, of the Portobello Rotary Group, is cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for End Polio Now, the Rotary’s own charity. End Polio Now aims to eradicate the crippling disease of polio from the whole world.

This project has been going since 1979 and now polio is restricted to only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

It’s a disease that tends to attack children and Daniel, like so many other parents, wants a world where every child can grow up healthy and happy.
So far he has raised £2,569 towards his target of £10,000.

Another Rotarian, Willie McColl is raising money for cancer research, following the death of his brother-in-law, Peter. He is aiming to beat Mark Beaumont’s record in a circular ride from Inverness.

So far, he’s raised £4695.98, though there’s more to come – his friends have arranged a fundraising St Trinian’s Disco on July 1st (dressing up positively encouraged!) at Old St Pauls Church.

Submitted by Jenny Glover

Hibs youngsters Jordan Sinclair, Aaron Scott, Sean Brennan, and Jordan McGregor will leave the Club

Sinclair, 19, joined the Club in the summer of 2009, and has been involved in the Academy since, and made his first-team debut in this season’s Scottish League Cup run, coming on as a substitute for Sam Stanton in the victory over Montrose.

Brennan, who is regularly seen during warm-ups at Easter Road, made the bench for Hibernian’s William Hill Scottish Cup Fourth Round tie away to Raith Rovers in January, and joined the Academy in 2011. The goalkeeper, 19, played his part in two East of Scotland Shield victories in 2013 and 2014.

McGregor has recently enjoyed a loan spell with Berwick Rangers alongside Callum Crane, and helped guide the Shielfield Park club to safety in Ladbrokes League 2. The 19-year old central defender joined in the summer of 2014 and scored in that year’s edition of the East of Scotland Shield against Hearts at Easter Road.

Scott, who is a central midfielder, joined Hibernian from Hearts in January 2015 – making his debut against his former club in a mini derby on the day of the move. The 18-year old played against Ayr United in a pre-season friendly at Somerset Park, and recently enjoyed a loan move to gala Fairydean.

A club spokesman said: “Hibernian would like to thank the players for their time at the Club and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

Police in Edinburgh have taken part in a multi-agency emergency response day with local secondary school pupils.

The event was held at the Meadows on Tuesday 3 May with around 120 pupils from James Gillespie High School.

Road policing officers went through scenario-based incidents such as a simulated road traffic collision, and what information is vital when calling 999.

Officers also discussed safety advice and the main causes of collisions.

Police Constable David McCurdy, who is based at Fettes, said: “The aim of this event was to educate the students on what we, as emergency services, are looking for from them if they witness or come across a road traffic collision.

“It was important to get the students to interact and show them what they could do to help any casualty before we arrive.

“It also showed how the police, fire and ambulance service work together and how labour intensive these incidents can be.

“We discussed what emotions the next of kin may have, and what emotions officers may have when dealing with these kind of incidents.

“Hopefully it leaves a visual impact on what could happen, and it should have them thinking a bit more and be prepared should they come across this in a real-life situation.”

Kevin Gore came to public notice with his songs supporting independence during the Independence Referendum.

Well used to public performance he now feels ready for Holyrood, but his political journey really started during his student days. He became the vice president of the University of Edinburgh’s student association when he organised protests against Tory education cuts. He graduated from Moray House/Edinburgh University with a professional qualification in Community Education.

We met him after a day at work with a social welfare agency which focuses on helping those living in the south west of the city.

He is determined to create a better fairer and more equal society with emphasis on social justice and equality. He lives in Leith and has three children.

He told us: “I am the first list candidate for Solidarity. I was very much involved in  the Yes campaign for independence. I am a musician and my independence songs that I wrote got quite a lot of airplay. When I met Tommy Sheridan during some of the demos at that time,  it reminded me of the old Labour party and the socialist values I liked when I was growing up.

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#SP16 Kevin Gore Solidarity candidate Lothian from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

“I am a community worker in Wester Hailes. That was another reason for getting into politics. For the last 25 years I have seen the causes and effect of poverty in the peripheral housing estates around Edinburgh. I have done a lot of work to find ideas and initiatives to relieve poverty in these areas.

“I get very frustrated and maybe this is a way to become a fire prevention officer rather than a firefighter.

“I have directed people to food banks for quite a long time now, when the Labour Party was in power as well not just the Tories.

“First and foremost Solidarity wants independence just as soon as possible – and we are looking at 2018. Some of the people we represent cannot wait any longer than that.

“We feel that to say that it needs a trigger for independence is not quite the situation that we have now. We are not sure what other triggers we need particularly with 56 SNP MPs at Westminster

“I think that to get back to a true socialist Scotland independence is the way forward. After we get independence then I think that socialism will again rise in Scotland. Whether it is Solidarity or another socialist party that will be the main party in the Scottish Parliament.”

Kevin has a Facebook page for his campaign here.

Local charity Leith Links, which was set up in June 2013 to raise funds for the Hibs Kicks for Kids initiative, is approaching its third anniversary and so far they have raised over £32,000 which has gone to providing the opportunity for children to experience the thrill of attending games at Easter Road.

From an initial 22 KfK season tickets purchased in season 2013/14, the charity quickly progressed to 146 in 14/15 and finally to the remarkable total of 152 in 15/16

Many of the tickets obtained are allocated to the Multi Cultural Family Base (MCFB) and earlier this year several youngsters attended the League Cup final at Hampden Park. (See picture)

The MCFB has been running for 4 years now and has main aims. The first is to help the children and young people gain a sense of belonging and integrate into their local communities and become contributors to Scottish Society. The second aim is to develop links with local grassroots football teams so that the children and young people can be supported to move on when they are ready.

They also benefit from a befriending scheme including donations and kit from generous Hibs’ fans and this has resulted in around 15 Black Minority Ethnic (BME) children from the MCFB’s football project having moved on to clubs in South East Scotland, such as Redpath Albion, Edina Hibs, Leith Vic., Craigroyston, Blackhall and Newcraighall Vics and one youngster has shown so much promise that he could progress to Spartans.

Leith Links Treasurer Susan Linn told the Edinburgh Reporter: “Next season’s fundraising campaign is now well underway, with over £6,000 already raised and there’s another auction planned…which will include a ‘money can’t buy’ football experience but more details about that will be announced soon.

“Four years ago, there were only five BME children playing football in the South East so definite progress is being made in this area

“If there’s anyone out there who enjoys watching this level of football and would like to pop along to show their support, please let me know.”

Lorraine Grady from The MCFB explained: “Our relationship with Leith Links goes back 2 years when Susan first offered me tickets to the Hibs home games. All the children who attend my project want to play for clubs and getting tickets for the matches has been fantastic as it has given the children and young people a ‘sense of belonging’. This is achieved by the Hibs supporters saying things like ‘Hi boys enjoy the match’ or ‘that was a great goal son did you see it’ the sense of belonging and being part of what I hear being referred to as the Hibs family goes a long way to achieving the aim of belonging and integration. Attending the cup final was a fantastic day for them and again some of the supporters took the time to tell them to enjoy the game or ask if they were excited.

“The children and young people who are playing for the grassroots clubs do so because of the generosity of the Hibernian Supporters Association who provided the money to buy the kit and pay the fees. I will run out of money at the end of this season to continue paying fees and Susan is hoping that the association will provide money for at least a couple of them to keep playing. I hope this will eventually result in better representation of BME communities in professional football.

“Finding money to fund this project is a never ending struggle and I have had to shut down 2 sessions, however, I still have 30 children attending the football sessions weekly and a waiting list.

“I’d like to say a big ‘Thank you Leith Links’ it is the smallest things we do in life that make the biggest difference.”

To donate click here

Blair Heary already looks like a politician, but even though he has been out seven nights a week for some weeks now, he still managed to look fresh with a night’s campaigning ahead when we met him in Oxgangs.

Heary told us why he wanted to become an MSP: “I became a candidate here as I know this area really well. I grew up here and I have worked here at the Pentland Community Centre in Oxgangs with kids with special needs. So firstly I am representing an area that I know and care about and I have the opportunity to tackle social problems. I know and understand the area and its needs, and want to have the chance to give something back.

“I also want to have the opportunity to tackle the social problems that I have experienced first hand throughout my working life and as a campaigner.

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#SP16 Blair Heary Scottish Labour candidate for Edinburgh Pentlands from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

“I believe that poverty and inequality lie at the heart of many of these social problems. In this election I believe that we have a radical policy agenda that will get to the root of some of these problems.

“First of all I think we have to look at taxation. We need a much more progressive system of taxation to make sure that we are tackling wealth inequality. I think we need to look at wages and make sure that people are getting a fair wage for a day’s work.

“I also think we need greater investment in employment and training. We need more affordable housing and greater community empowerment. These are just some of the areas that we can tackle in this election that will make a real difference to poverty and inequality.

“Working with trade union colleagues we can help to ensure that workers get paid the living wage.

“A recent report published by one of the Holyrood committees showed that despite some encouraging employment statistics in Scotland they actually mask a worrying trend of poor quality employment. That includes a lack of secure work and also poor wages. An economy that is built on poor wages is not sustainable or healthy.

“I think we need to work with employers and our trade union colleagues and try to encourage people to pay the workers a living wage. It improves workers’ standards of living but it is better for the economy overall.

“I am pro Europe for three reasons. Firstly I am a Trade Unionist and Europe has been great for maintaining workers rights that we enjoy here in the UK today.

“I like being outdoors and Europe has been great for making sure that some of our coastlines and rivers are cleaner and greener than they have ever been before. I also think it has been great for boosting jobs and growth.

“My interest in politics came from my work in the care sector. I was able to help countless individuals and their families get more support and help individuals reach their full potential. By entering the political arena you’re able to help people on a much bigger scale.

“In my work I supported children and young adults with complex special needs, predominantly young people with autism spectrum disorders. I worked one to one with various young people over the years with various individual learning plans. Sometimes that was to encourage someone into further education or employment, or sometimes it was just building enough confidence so that the young person could live semi-independently.

“If you are in Holyrood you are actively involved in making the legislation, and one of my pledges is that I will consult with the constituents on any bills that I try to bring forward in the Scottish Parliament.”

Dean Owens, Dick Gaughan and Ross Wilson, who performs and records as Blue Rose Code, will all play at The Queen’s Hall on Friday night. Whether they will all play together is yet to be decided – but really that is what you would want as a finale isn’t it?

They are all of course well worth hearing in their own right, but this one-off concert will bring together the Men from Leith in one show.

The Edinburgh Reporter met Owens and Wilson at the Leith Dockers Club where they were having a wee practice in the sunshine.

They both profess to be in some awe of the giant Scottish musician Dick Gaughan who makes up the Friday night line-up.  Gaughan holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Influenced as he was by Scottish and Irish Gaelic music, he is something of a rarity.

The three will appear on one stage, but they have quite different styles.

Ross Wilson sings with touches of soul and jazz, and his new album And Lo! The Bird is on the Wing features a cameo voiceover by Ewan McGregor – of Trainspotting fame. He is compared to Van Morrison’s Celtic soul, and although we only heard him sing for a mere few minutes, it was enough to make us want to go along on Friday night to hear more.

He said: “I am really passionate about songs and that’s why I said I would play the gig.

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The Edinburgh Reporter meets Dean Owens and Blue Rose Code from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Owens is billed as Celtic Americana from Leith via Nashville and is without doubt one of Scotland and Edinburgh’s finest singer songwriters. He has appeared many a time and oft at the Soundhouse which is where The Edinburgh Reporter first heard his distinctive soulful voice. He recently recorded an album in Nashville called Into the Sea which has had fabulous critical acclaim.

He will be appearing with his Whisky Hearts band made up of former Silencers/Simple Minds drummer Jim McDermott, Brian McAlpine (keys and accordion), Amy Geddes (fiddle), Craig Ross (elec gtr) and Mike McCann (bass guitar).

Police have arrested and charged a 22 year old man in connection with an incident where a man made indecent remarks to a woman.

The incident happened on Thursday 21^st April in Leith.

The man was also charged with a number of other sexual offences that occurred in the Leith and Bonnington areas between the 14^th and 22^nd April.

He will appear in court at a later date.

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with the long-time tradition of afternoon tea before a loiter along George Street? None, I would argue.

I took my Mum to Tigerlily for her belated celebration last week and I am very glad I did.

I wanted to go somewhere that we could relax, and have a good catch-up over our tasty morsels, which would also provide a sense of decadence befitting the occasion — it’s not too often I get to go out on a ladies date with my Mum.

Recently refurbished apparently to welcome Mr Clooney, Tigerlily has several stylish dining spaces, each with its own unique ambience. From crisp white walls adorned with scandi-style picture frames to fairy-light sprinkled walls of ivy, with chic, cascading chandeliers which hover over diners, there is something for every taste here.

On booking I requested a quiet corner so that we might enjoy our chin-wag to the full.

I contacted the restaurant in order to specify dietary requirements (grain-free this time) asking if I could swap my half for a salad which they could do no problem.

Emboldened by some unknown resolve I probed a little further, asking if the chef might feel like tackling a grain-free afternoon tea?

As it turned out the chef is a culinary voyager.

A call from the manager in the morning confirmed everything that could/couldn’t be eaten and the chef’s plans were sounding good. We were seated in a quiet part at the back of the restaurant which we appreciated.

No dinky little three-tier tea for us: my food had to be kept separate to avoid any contamination. Instead we were presented with a large slate each with our goodies laid out for the picking. It looked good!

My rolls were made of linseed flour and stuffed full of ham and salad, and roasted veggies. Light and springy, these were unlike any other gluten free roll I had tried.

I had a small roasted butternut squash and quinoa salad which was light and tasty, and two almond meal bakewell tarts. All very impressive.

I also had a scone. The lightest, fluffiest, most flavoursome gluten-free scone known to man. It is a hard task to get a gluten-free scone right (I would know!) and this was perfect. So much so that full Enid Blyton mode kicked in – this baby was getting smothered in lashings and lashings of silky cream and a dollop of strawberry jam. (Careful remember that wedding dress! Ed)

My Mum was very happy with her selection – a little more traditional with finger sandwiches, cupcake, a scone and mini doughnut and lemon meringue pie.

We celebrated my lovely Mum in style and had a glass of fizz as well as our choice of tea.

The Brut was delicious and added zest to the occasion. The manager popped his head in to see if everything was okay and he told me that they get so many requirements these days they are well-practised in catering for a multitude of needs.

I well believe it. I am already looking forward to my next visit, when I shall no doubt be requesting a platter of those delicious scones.

The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh launched its 2016-17 programme with dazzling derring-do earlier today.

Newly appointed Artistic Director, David Greig’s, tenure has not so much hit the ground running as rocketed this already vibrant 2016 season in to 2017 with breathless haste.

With his international reputation garlanded with awards such as The Lorax (Old Vic), The Events (Traverse, Scotland and Young Vic), Sam Mendes’ West End hit, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dunsinane (Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre of Scotland), and The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland) he is not a man to hide his light under any mega-dome.

David said: “The Lyceum’s 50th Anniversary has been an extraordinary year for the company and the success of Mark Thomson’s final year has allowed me to put together this expansive and ambitious programme for my first season as Artistic Director.

“We will be presenting more work with 11 main stage productions, 4 of which are world premieres, and many of the artists involved will be making work with The Lyceum for the very first time. I’m keen to make new meaningful partnerships, such as our new exciting relationship with the Edinburgh Science Festival and build on existing relationships, such as our involvement with the Edinburgh International Festival, to ensure that we stay at the heart of this fantastic city and truly be a Civic Theatre for the people of Edinburgh and our visitors.

“I want to put our citizens centre stage at The Lyceum to share this beautiful space and the amazing experience of making theatre – we need to cast at least 200 members of the public in this year’s season so please come and join us!

“I’m also keen that the citizens of Edinburgh have more opportunities to explore and appreciate the splendour of this Victorian building – we will be presenting regular Variety Nights featuring an ever-changing line-up of musicians, poets and theatre-makers. I’d like us to collaborate more across the UK and the world to share our unique experiences and individual stories.

“This year Lyceum co-productions will visit Glasgow, Belfast and Newcastle, and our theatre will welcome Malthouse Theatre Melbourne and Black Swan State Theatre Company’s production Picnic at Hanging Rock.

“This is a programme that takes risks and is full of experiment and adventure – I believe that Edinburgh deserves nothing less. The time has come in this Athens of the North, birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment, for the city to stake its claim to a theatre of world-class ambition and scope.”

Interestingly, and this says as much about the man’s modesty as it does his command of some of the World’s finest directorial talent that his home-turf directorial debut does not tread the boards until May 2017 with Scottish playwright, Linda Maclean’s new play Glory On Earth. Tantalisingly described as a reimagining of the historic meetings between Mary Queen of Scots and John Knox.

The plot charts the fatal relationship between a charming young queen and an uncompromising old zealot as they battle for the hearts and souls of 16^th Century Scotland.

Edinburgh certainly provides an authentic background to the often-scandalous events surrounding young Mary. Closet murder at Holyrood and a literally, explosive termination of an old relationship.

John Knox was not shy of a ruck either when his fiery preachings caused tremors that were felt across Europe and beyond, and brought a revolutionary schism to non-conformist worship in Scotland. Here is a taster of what David Greig and his flamboyantly eclectic programme has promised for Edinburgh Festival audiences and beyond. (A word to the wise, an exclusive Edinburgh Reporter tip, book very early for next April’s A Number, Carol Churchill’s compelling domestic clone-horror)

Wind Resistance – 4 August – 21 August 2016. David Greig’s first production as Artistic Director (as Dramaturg) and the World Premiere of Scottish Singer/Songwriter Karine Polwart’s debut into theatre.  This new theatre gig will be performed in a bespoke performance space the Lyceum’s Rehearsal Studio with direction by David’s long-term collaborator, Wils Wilson.

The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil – 14 – 24 September 2016. Joe Douglas’ widely acclaimed Dundee Rep production will mark his debut at The Lyceum and be the first time this iconic political play has been performed on The Lyceum stage since the original production in 1973.

The Suppliant Women – 1 October – 15 October 2016. David Greig’s first play for The Lyceum main stage unites the creative team behind the 2013 international runaway hit The Events – David Greig, Ramin Gray and John Browne will create a new version of this Ancient Greek story about the flight of refugees and human rights that deeply resonates with our world today.  One of the oldest surviving plays in existence -this story will be re-imagined with 50 citizens of Edinburgh playing the pivotal role – the “suppliant” women.

Jumpy – 27 October – 12 November 2016. BAFTA multi-award winning actor, Daniela Nardini returns to The Lyceum stage to play the lead role in this deliciously irreverent hit West End comedy of mid-life crisis, teenage rebellion and a mother-daughter relationship in meltdown.  Olivier-award winning director Cora Bissett will bring a distinctively Scottish twist to this contemporary tale.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – 26 November – 31 December 2016. The ever Inventive Edinburgh born theatre-maker Anthony Neilson will return to his home town to make a magical Victorian version of this classic family story by Lewis Carroll for Christmas.

Picnic at Hanging Rock – 13 January – 28 January 2017. The Lyceum will welcome its first international mainstage production outside of the Edinburgh Festivals in its 50 year history – hosting the UK premiere of Malthouse Theatre Melbourne and Black Swan State Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of this haunting, iconic Australian bush tale. Directed by Australian artist Matthew Lutton.

The Winter’s Tale – 9 February – 4 March 2017. Acclaimed artist Max Webster, who recently directed David’s enchanting adaptation of The Lorax, will direct Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love, betrayal and magic. Max will bring a distinctive Scottish flair with a cast of actor-musicians.

Hay Fever – 10 March – 1 April 2017. A new co-production with the Citizens Theatre Glasgow, the Citizens’ award-winning Artistic Director Dominic Hill will direct Noël Coward’s riotous farce charting the unconventional antics of a self-dubbed ‘bohemian’ family of four. Revelation, romance, and outright outlandish behaviour set the tone of this 1920’s dark comedy.

A Number – April 2017. As part of an exciting new partnership with the Edinburgh International Science Festival, renowned Scottish director and playwright Zinnie Harris will direct Caryl Churchill’s acclaimed sci-fi story about cloning and its consequences. This eerie production will be performed in an intimate ‘in the round’ space created on The Lyceum’s main stage.

Charlie Sonata – 29 April – 13 May 2017. An urban, funny, booze-soaked fairytale about redemption brings together the artistic talents of Scottish playwright Douglas Maxwell and internationally acclaimed director Matthew Lenton for this World Premiere.

The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other – June 2017. The citizens of Edinburgh take centre stage again in the season finale, a large-scale production directed by Wils Wilson. Written by Austrian playwright Peter Handke, in a translation by Meredith Oakes the production will feature a 100 strong, all-Edinburgh cast and a soundtrack of entirely new music.

***Additional strands include a series of Sunday Variety Nights to showcase musicians, poets and theatre-makers.

Photography from:  Colin Hattersley Photography colinhattersley@btinternet.com www.colinhattersley.com  T 07974 957 388

Sarah Boyack is the Scottish Labour candidate for Edinburgh Central and she is a list candidate too. A veteran of the Scottish Parliament since 1999, she is a well-known voice and stood as Scottish Labour leader last year too.

She did represent this constituency until the election in 2011 when she lost the seat to Marco Biagi the SNP candidate by a narrow margin of 237 votes.

She campaigned for legislation through during the last parliament to prevent party flats in the city’s tenements and modern blocks, but the key problem here is affordability.

She is keen to get new housing which is affordable to rent and to buy.  She says that young graduates and young professionals are having real trouble in buying accommodation, and that these people are now leaving the city.

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#SP16 Sarah Boyack Scottish Labour candidate Edinburgh Central from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Boyack said: “I am very keen that we get new housing but also that it is affordable. Our house to home policy will help first time buyers but there is a general need for more affordable housing. Our big commitment is for 60,000 affordable houses over the next 5 years. I have made representation on gap sites in the centre as they come up in the planning system. I think there should be a requirement for 25% affordable housing on each and every planning application made relating to land in the city centre.”

“Some of these issues run right through the period of the Scottish Parliament such as affordable housing and also affordable warmth and heat. I also want a Warm Homes Act in the next parliament.

To encourage developers to build in the city centre is to enforce the 25% policy on all city centre sites no matter whether these are used for hotels, housing or student flats.

“I am a big environmental campaigner and want to tackle the issue of fuel poverty. A Warm Homes Act would help those renting from  private landlords in the city centre.

“It is time for a new way to fund local government as council tax is now unfair. We need a tourism levy which would raise about £18 million here in Edinburgh to help plug a hole in the city’s finances and also a property based tax.

“We urgently need a fairer tax system. For example those earning over £150,000 have broader shoulders and they should be able to afford to pay bit more.”

Jeremy Balfour was educated at Edinburgh Academy and went on to become a solicitor before studying Theology in London.

He returned to Edinburgh in 1999 and worked for a charity lobbying the Scottish Parliament.

Balfour then become an assistant minister in a Baptist Church in the city, and in 2005 he was elected a Councillor for Murrayfield. He is involved in a number of charities working in Edinburgh.

He stepped down as leader of the council’s Conservative Group in October 2012 and at present is the Convenor of the Governance Risk and Audit Committee. He has lived most of his life in the city and enjoys most sports. He is married and has twin girls who were born in 2011.

With all of this local politics in his background it is perhaps no real surprise that he is throwing his hat into the Holyrood ring, and not for the first time.

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#SP16 Jeremy Balfour Conservative candidate from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

He explained that he is a firm believer that Holyrood is now come of age but must start taking more responsibility. He said: “I think for the first time Scottish politicians can stop blaming Westminster and stop saying that it’s all the fault of those nasty people in London. They can now say we are responsible so next time the SNP say there is no money then we can ask why did they not raise the tax to pay for it.

“Next May the situation changes. I believe that Scotland does not want to pay any more tax than those people south of the Border.

“If you look at the opinion polls the Conservative voice is getting louder. The Conservatives have a great chance to become the official opposition this time round.”

Balfour is hailed as a local hero by the campaigners who oppose a cycle path through Roseburn: “Councillor Jeremy Balfour, who is fourth on the Tory list for Lothian- but should be, in truth- for his steadfast opposition to the track and profound commitment to social justice, number 1.

“Jeremy was the man who brought the impending disaster of the track to his constituents’ attention in early December (when the Council neglected to notify the residents of its plans) and was the first to sign the petition. For these actions alone, he is a local hero.”

High praise indeed!

Police are appealing for information to help trace a man reported missing from the city centre.

Derek Hain, who stays in Telford Drive, was last seen within Chalky’s nightclub on Picardy Place at around 2.30 a.m. on Sunday 1st May.

However, the 55-year-old has not yet returned home and hasn’t been in contact with friends or family since this time.

Concern is now growing for his welfare and anyone who believes they may have seen him is asked to come forward.

Derek is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall with a heavy build and dark but greying hair. He was last seen wearing black jeans, a navy blue top, black trainers and a black jacket.

Inspector Davie Ferguson from Drylaw Police Station said: “It is out of character for Derek to go missing and we are eager to establish his whereabouts as soon as possible to ensure he is alright.

“I would ask anyone who believes they may have seen Derek since the early hours of Sunday morning to contact police immediately.

“In addition, I would also appeal directly to Derek to get in touch and let us know he is safe.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.