Tickets for the Scottish League Cup Final presented by Utilita go on sale from Monday 22 February at 10am.

Hibs have been given an initial allocation of 25,800 tickets, with more available to the Club should there be demand.

Tickets will be sold based on priority loyalty points waves. Supporters are able to purchase two tickets per client reference number to facilitate group purchases.  In order to ease the purchase process for groups and families, loyalty points will not be awarded for this match.

Ticket Waves

10am Monday 22 February: 90 point or more

10am Thursday 25 February: 1 point or more

10am Monday 29 February: General sale

Hibs TV subscribers will have now received an e-mail from the Club with regards to ticket arrangements, and Kicks for Kids supporters will receive an e-mail on Monday.

Loyalty Points

As noted above, loyalty points will not be awarded for this match. Supporters should not re-allocate additional tickets when purchasing as it will not allow them to process if the person they have allocated to does not have the required number of points.

The Ticket Office are currently processing the loyalty points for HSL members for whom they  have a client reference number for. Any questions relating to HSL loyalty points should be directed to info@hiberniansupporters.co.uk.

Prices

Tickets will be available in all four stands at Hampden, and are priced at £25 for adults and £10 for juveniles (15 and under).

Tickets will be available online, at the Hibernian Ticket Office and through the Hibernian Call Centre

A pop-up exhibition presented by Edinburgh University Design Society

Exhibiting a body of work inspired by the refugee crisis, and, in the process, showcasing design’s humanitarian power, Edinburgh University‘s Design Society hosted a two day workshop (18th-19th February) for 40 volunteers exploring the importance of good design and its significance in aid-relief through practical challenges.

The show has been curated on the site of the workshop and bears the fruits of the participants’ labour from all stages over the previous two days.

Participants took over the abandoned university building and established their own dwelling structures. Between them, washing lines covered in brainstorming ideas weave through the ‘camp’ and an enormous map, drawn by all 40 participants illustrates the camp’s design from above.

The groups of young designers each produced a portfolio of designs taking their product through the each stage of the design process, as is the way in professional design firms. A draft was critiqued by a panel of design society committee judges and the final designs mounted will be proudly displayed alongside their structures in this reclaimed space.

An interactive exhibit will allow visitors to vote for their favourite designs by placing a paper cut-out footprint into the dwelling structure of the team with the best design.

A film, including a time-lapse video of the construction process, will be screened in this immersive environment.

The participants were helped by a representative from Shelterbox charity, who gave a presentation and answered many of the design teams’ questions.

Students from all disciplines were invited to volunteer in the programme. This offered the opportunity to consider the nature of the design process through the participants’ multi-disciplinary backgrounds.

Exhibitions Manager Olivia Bright says ‘We are very excited to present such an exciting and relevant exhibition. Design’s humanitarian power, in addition to its creative excellence, is frequently overlooked in the art world, so we’re proud to present such an egalitarian show.’

• Edinburgh BAFTA winner
• Sign up for the Snowflake Run!
• Investing Women
• Horse racing more popular than ever
• Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the Sick Kids

Rebecca Morgan is from Edinburgh and she won a BAFTA with the short film which she produced with Writer/Director Caroline Bartlett. We interviewed Rebecca earlier in the week which you can read here. Now some people across the UK will be  able to see the film on the BAFTA Tour. So if you are in Stromness anytime soon….. here is the list of dates (but sadly not in Edinburgh!)

And there is a lovely snippet of the film in this video here:

Tomorrow the Snowflake Run takes place in Holyrood Park.

The run in Edinburgh is just one of four taking place across the UK. This new 10K event will raise money for life-saving research for Cancer Research UK.

And you may be pleased to know that there is still time to enter. Your age and ability do not matter much, as long as you have a bobble hat or beanie to wear and don’t mind being hugged by a ‘polar bear’ or two along the way.

Susan Johnstone, Cancer Research UK’s national event manager in Scotland, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that so many people have signed up to our first ever Snowflake Run in Edinburgh. But with 85 people diagnosed with cancer every day in Scotland, we need as people as possible to take part and help give cancer the cold shoulder.”

Organisers hope to raise around £120,000 to advance research which will help more men, women and children in Edinburgh, and across the UK, survive cancer.

Susan continued:  “It’s thanks to research that half of people diagnosed with cancer now survive. But half is not enough. That’s why we need as many people as possible to embrace the elements for the Stoke Snowflake Run.

“There are over 200 types of cancer and we won’t stop until we find cures for them all. The more research we are able to fund the sooner that day will come.”

For more information about the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Snowflake Run visit snowflakeseries.co.uk

The first angel investment group made up only of women is called Investing Women and they are holding their first conference Ambition and Growth here in Edinburgh at Our Dynamic Earth on 7-8 March 2016.

200 of Scotland’s most successful businesswomen will attend the conference, including a dinner at Edinburgh Castle on the evening of 7 March and of course they will celebrate International Women’s Day the following day.

An important announcement will be made at the conference when the winner of the £20,000 AccelerateHER pitching competition will be announced.

Key speakers will include Dr Lena Wilson CEO of Scottish Enterprise and Annabelle Ewing MSP as well as Jackie Waring founder and CEO of Investing Women.

Horse racing is increasing in popularity in Scotland according to Scottish Racing. Last year over 300,000 people went along to the five racecourses in Scotland which is the highest number for seven years.

This is the country’s second most popular spectator sport in fact, and none more so than at Musselburgh Racecourse where they had record crowds in February. At Ladies Day last year a record attendance of 10,300 watched the richest race of the year the £100,000 William Hill Scottish Sprint Cup.

VisitScotland have named the course among the top 20 visitor experiences in the country. As well as horse-racing there is room for golf on the 9 hole course in the middle of the circuit!

The sport brings £173 million to the Scottish economy, and of course the successful horses ensure they are kept in some kind of luxury by winning £6.7 million in prize money.

Three of the Scottish racecourses, Ayr, Hamilton Park and Musselburgh were rated in the top dozen courses in Britain out of a total of 60.

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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra entertained children at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children earlier in the week. As part of their community outreach programme they ran a whole day of musical workshops to entertain the children.  Some are in hospital for a long time and have operations to go through. The patients’ families were invited to enjoy the music along with their children.

The workshop leader Matilda Brown and cellist Harriet Davidson used lots of fun and encouraged the children to create their own stories and sounds.

Fiona O’Sullivan, Arts Programme Manager of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “This was a fantastic activity organised for the children and we are extremely grateful for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for helping us make it happen.

“This is just one of the many activities we provide to ensure children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness; they are less scared of hospital and have a more positive experience. Not only did this help the children to relax but it was also a learning experience and taught many of them how to play some of the instruments and communicate through sounds.

“It’s definitely something we would look to do again in the near future.”

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Two years ago this weekend, Hearts hosted Celtic in a SPFL game at Tynecastle. As is the way with these fixtures it was a lunchtime kick-off to meet the demands of satellite television coverage. The question was why Sky TV thought the game worthy of live transmission to the nation. Celtic were running away with the league – they were more than 20 points clear at the top of the table – but, more importantly in the eyes of the Hearts support, their team were cast adrift at the bottom of the league. The Maroons were 16 points behind Partick Thistle and Ross County. Of course, the 15 point deduction imposed on Hearts at the beginning of the season for entering administration in the summer of 2013 meant relegation was likely from day one.

Six of the Hearts team that day were aged 21 or under with another four teenagers on the substitute’s bench. Despite a spirited performance from the home side the champions-elect scored two second half goals – the second deep into injury time – to win 2-0. Hearts Head Coach Gary Locke took consolation from the fact that his side’s performance was a huge improvement from the last time Celtic visited Tynecastle and cruised to a 7-0 Scottish Cup win. Nonetheless, relegation was merely a matter of when and not if for Hearts and the future of one of Scottish football’s great clubs was very uncertain.

The Hearts support remained loyal to their team – nearly 16,000 were at Tynecastle that day – but to say they were apprehensive is putting it mildly. Russian businessman Vladimir Romanov, who presided over the club from 2004 until 2013, had long gone and the club’s financial backers UBIG had collapsed. There were many a sleepless night for the Maroon Army. How long would their team be out of the top flight of Scottish football? What did the future hold? In fact, would there even be a future for Heart of Midlothian Football Club? A question that brought a lump to the throat of every Hearts supporter and brought horrific flashbacks of when Hearts nearly went bust in 1981 only to be saved at the last minute by Wallace Mercer.

History will relate that Hearts were saved two years ago by the Ann Budge fronted Bidco 1874 who intend to pass control to the supporters group Foundation of Hearts around three years from now.

Mrs Budge helped rescue the club and installed former Hearts defender and manager Craig Levein as Director of Football and former Hearts defender Robbie Neilson as Head Coach. Neilson enjoyed huge success in his first season, securing automatic promotion as a revamped Hearts side won the Ladbrokes SPFL Championship in breath-taking style, finishing 21 points ahead of Hibernian, who were also relegated, and 24 ahead of Rangers – the two teams many thought would be favourites for promotion.

You may ask why I’m writing about this now. Well, although the events of season 2013/14 are still fresh in the memory for the majority of Hearts supporters, it seems there are some who still can’t acknowledge how close to the abyss their club actually came. Less than two years after relegation was confirmed, Hearts are now back in the top flight of Scottish football. Not only that but they sit third in the Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership, presently 11 points ahead of fourth-placed Ross County. Participation in the Europa League in season 2016-17 looks likely, a thought unimaginable just eighteen months ago.

Yet, there are some Hearts supporters who are seeing this as a winter of discontent. There is a general assumption in Scottish football that the best chance of success for clubs other than Celtic is in the cup competitions. Since they lifted the Scottish Cup in such exhilarating fashion by demolishing Hibernian 5-1 in the 2012 final, Hearts record in any cup competition makes for dismal reading. Until this season, they hadn’t even scored a goal in the William Hill Scottish Cup since that historic day nearly four years ago. They finally scored against Aberdeen in the fourth round last month and secured a fine victory. However, all that counted for nothing as Hearts threw away a two-goal lead against Hibernian in the fifth round at Tynecastle – and subsequently lost the replay on Tuesday evening before a baying Easter Road crowd, tormented by the 5-1 experience in 2012 and desperate for some form of retribution even if this came before this season’s competition had even reached the quarter final stage.

As tends to be the way with many who are passionate about their team, many Hearts fans saw the defeat in black and white terms. After all, Hearts were playing lower league opposition. They didn’t play well in the first game at Tynecastle but couldn’t enhance the adage that it’s the sign of a good team that plays poorly but still wins as Robbie Neilson’s side couldn’t hold on to a two goal lead at home with barely ten minutes remaining. It not only gave their old rivals a reprieve but handed them the initiative. Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs said the Hibees would fancy their chances against anyone at Easter Road. Striker Jason Cummings, once on Hearts books, stoked up the mind games by saying Hibs would definitely win the replay.

Hearts, it seems, couldn’t handle this. Gorgie defender Jordan McGhee spoke after the game on Tuesday.

“The boys know we didn’t really turn up in the first half. For the first ten minutes, we weren’t even on the pitch. Hibs came out of the traps and we didn’t know how to deal with it. We settled in the second half and started passing the ball, which we’re good at. I thought we were much better then, we created a few chances and possibly should have scored. Fans and everyone else give their opinion but, as footballers, it’s our job to take it on the chin and move on.”

What has dismayed many Hearts supporters in the aftermath of the cup exit is their team ‘didn’t know how to deal with it’ to quote young McGhee. Why was this? I find it difficult to believe it was down to a lack of preparation as Robbie Neilson is one of the most studious coaches in the game and would have told his players what to expect. Neilson’s reaction after the game spoke volumes. He didn’t say many words but what he did say struck an ominous note for some Hearts players

“We’re disappointed. It was a big game for us, the club and the fans and we failed to get through but we have to accept that and take it on the chin.

“We fought back well but didn’t manage to get the ball in the net. We had a good period of play in the second-half and a lot of chances and we didn’t take them.

“It was a big game for us but you have to take the highs and lows.

“We’re still building as a team. We’ve got a long, long way to go and I think tonight proved that.”

Hearts do indeed have a long way to go and the cup defeat from Hibernian clearly demonstrated that. Despite playing poorly Hearts should have won the first game in Gorgie.  The players have the ability to have played far better, particularly in that first half at Easter Road. If the players have a long way to go then so too has Neilson. His team selection and tactics against Aberdeen in the previous round were spot on. Hearts played exceptionally well in the first half and thoroughly deserved to win. Now there may have been extenuating circumstances when Hibs came to Gorgie; Osman Sow was in the process of finalising his move to China, Prince Bauben and the hugely influential Arnaud Djoum both hobbled off injured while Sam Nicholson was clearly struggling with injury in the final few minutes. Nonetheless Hearts performance against their city rivals was nowhere near as intense and impressive as it had been against the Dons.

Some Hearts supporters say Neilson concentrates too much on the opposition and chops and changes his team selection according to who Hearts are playing. Alan Stubbs, on the other hand, believes his Hibs team are good enough to beat anyone, particularly at home. This belief filters through to the players as was demonstrated at Easter Road on Tuesday. It’s not difficult to form an opinion that perhaps some Hearts players don’t believe they are good enough. Billy King, for example, was a key part of last season’s success and had recently came back into Hearts first team following a spell on the sidelines. But no sooner was he back making an impact than he was sent on loan to Rangers until the end of the season. Yes, the return of Jamie Walker from injury may have influenced Neilson’s decision but young King must wonder about his future at Tynecastle.

Many Hearts fans have questioned the decision to let King go, even if it is only on loan. At the time of Neilson’s appointment as Head Coach in May 2014 there wasn’t a shortage of people questioning that decision either. His predecessor, Gary Locke, was popular with the Gorgie faithful and some felt the way Locke along with experienced players such as Jamie MacDonald, Jamie Hamill and Ryan Stevenson were treated – all of whom were pointed towards the Tynecastle exit as soon as Craig Levein returned – didn’t cast the club in a good light.

Some of those critics are now rounding on Robbie Neilson. It seems the impressive performances of last season – admittedly in the Championship – and the manner in which Hearts raced to promotion have been forgotten. Some have questioned the decision to let talented youngsters such as Dale Carrick, Brad McKay and Kevin McHattie leave and have doubted the wisdom of bringing in replacements from overseas such as Juwon Oshaniwa, a player who featured in the last World Cup for Nigeria but whose Gorgie career has stalled somewhat. Last season Hearts played a very effective passing game with Neilson saying he would never revert to a long ball style. Yet, this season, the critics argue, Hearts have resorted to long ball tactics to a big target man – previously it was Osman Sow, now it is Abiola Dauda – on several occasions.

This is the first time Neilson and Levein have faced criticism since they restructured Hearts less than two years ago. As is always the case when the team is winning and delivering success all is well. When things don’t go so well the critics aren’t slow to voice their opinion. Which is what makes football the game it is.

That said, Hearts remain on course for a decent season. There will be no silverware at the end of this campaign while Hibernian are chasing two cups and the Championship title Hearts secured with such ease this time last year. However, for a promoted club, one should not overlook the fact that Hearts have done very well in their first season back in the Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership.

When Ann Budge took control she said there was a two year plan to get Hearts back to the top flight of Scottish football. The two years aren’t up yet but Hearts are not only back in the top division but are sitting pretty in the chase for a place in Europe next season. They have attracted one of the best young players in the land in John Souttar who was prised away from Dundee United as well as an experienced Scottish internationalist in Don Cowie. And there have already been goals from on-loan striker Abiola Dauda.

Yes, a derby defeat is always difficult to take, particularly so in the Scottish Cup. Hearts didn’t play well in either of the ties against Hibernian but the reputation of Heart of Midlothian FC is such that surely some credit should be given to the opposition. Hibs are playing well just now and have the status of a Premiership club. No Hearts fan likes to lose to Hibs but it happens – nowhere in the laws of the game does it say Hearts have to win every Edinburgh derby.

As Robbie Neilson said on Wednesday – and there is no doubt Craig Levein and Ann Budge concur – Hearts are very much a work in progress. And as some of the Hibs players said earlier this week, Hearts are presently in a place Hibs want to be – doing well in the top division of Scottish football.

A place in next season’s Europa League is eminently feasible for Hearts. Which brings back memories of the last Hearts team to win promotion to the top flight of Scottish football – Alex Macdonald’s side of season 1983/84 which finished in fifth place in the Premier Division and were rewarded with a Uefa Cup tie with Paris St Germain the following season.

Mistakes will continue to be made by the players, the coaching staff, the Director of Football (Danny Swanson, anyone?) and the Board of Directors. That’s what being a work in progress is about. Every fan is entitled to their opinion but all I would ask disgruntled Hearts fans is to consider where their club was heading this time two years ago – and where they are likely to be heading a few months from now.

The Foundation of Hearts was founded on the community spirit which refused to let a Scottish football institution die. The fans will continue the remarkable progress initiated by Ann Budge. One cup defeat, no matter how bitter it tastes, will not change that.

Sam Martinez, the well known Edinburgh pensioner and fanatical Hibs’ fan who was born in 1910, when no women and only some men had the right to vote in Scotland has celebrated his 106^th birthday this week.

To mark the occasion in style, Sam Martinez and his family were invited to a special lunch held in his honour by The Merchant Company, Scotland’s pre-eminent livery company.

Pat Denzler, Master of the Merchant Company, welcomed Sam to The Merchants’ Hall where he was presented with a birthday cake, given a special lunch and talked to some of the Members about events in his life.

While the Suffragettes were calling for votes for women in Scotland in 1910, Sam was born far away in Belize, one of eleven children in his family.

In 1941, he was one of more than 800 men who travelled by ship from Belize, during World War ll, to Scotland where he worked as a forester. After the War ended, Sam decided to stay in Scotland where he raised a family and became an ardent Hibs supporter.

Sam is one of 250 older people in the Capital who receive a pension from The Merchant Company and he is their oldest pensioner by far.

Pat Denzler said: “It has been a great joy for us at The Merchant Company to celebrate Sam’s 106^th birthday. He has had a remarkable life, having been through two World Wars, and has seen so many changes in the world. We wished him not only a Happy Birthday but many happy returns.”

Sam commented: “It has been great to celebrate another year in the beautiful city of Edinburgh which I call home.”

Police are no longer investigating an allegation of robbery in Jackson’s Entry which was reported to officers last Thursday.

After an enquiry, a male teenager has been charged with wasting police time.

A police spokesperson said; “Following a report of an assault and robbery in Jackson’s Entry on Thursday 11th February, detectives have now concluded their inquiry and are satisfied that no further investigation into this incident is required.

“An 18-year-old man has subsequently been charged with wasting police time.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision on Rodney Street which took place  around 5.20pm yesterday and involved a cyclist and a white Transit van.

A 35-year-old woman sustained minor injuries, and was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The driver of the van did not stop at the scene.

PC Fraser Mitchell of the Road Policing Unit said: “At this time, we’re still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision and are asking anyone who witnessed this to come forward.

“Anyone who saw a white Transit van in the area around this time, or has information which can help us trace the driver, is also urged to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For advice on how to stay safe as a cyclist, please contact 101 or visit the Police Scotland website at www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/road-safety/adult-cyclists

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in the north of the city which took place around 10.30 p.m. on Thursday yesterday in West Pilton Gardens.

The victim, a 34-year-old man,  was walking towards Samsuns Fish and Chip Shop on Ferry Road and had just reached the junction with Ferry Road Avenue when three men approached him.

At this time they engaged him in conversation before one of the men produced a hammer from his sleeve and demanded money.

The victim handed some cash and the males ran off towards Ferry Road Gardens.

Officers are now asking for anyone who can assist with their inquiries to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, mid twenties, around 6ft 1ins or 6ft 2ins tall with a stocky athletic build and clean-shaven face. He was wearing a dark grey hooded to with the hood up, dark jogging bottoms and spoke with an Eastern European accent.

The second suspect is described as white, early twenties with a medium build and heavy stubble on his face. He was wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up and dark jogging bottoms.

The third suspect is described as white, late teens to early twenties, 5ft 6ins tall with a skinny build. He was wearing a hooded top and a body warmer.

Detective Constable Andy Cory from Gayfield Police Station said: “The victim was not injured during this robbery, but was shocked when one of the suspects produced a hammer and subsequently handed over money.

“We are now urging anyone who was in or around West Pilton Gardens on Thursday evening and remembers seeing anything suspicious to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspects, or who has any information relevant to this investigation should also get in touch.”

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

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road collision which  happened around 6.50 p.m. in Monktonhall Terrace Musselburgh.

A 39-year-old man was crossing the road when he was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Golf car that was travelling south.

The pedestrian sustained a serious head injury and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh before being transferred to the Western General Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Road Policing Officers responded to the scene and the road was closed for approximately three hours while they carried out their inquiries.

Anyone who can assist with this ongoing investigation is asked to come forward.

Sergeant Gary Taylor from the Road Policing Unit at Dalkeith said: “As part of our inquiries we are eager to speak with any other motorists or pedestrians who were on Monktonhall Road at 6.50 p.m. on Thursday evening and who witnessed this collision.

“I would ask that anyone who believes they have information relevant to this incident to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

With tickets for the Scottish League Cup Final presented by Utilita due to go on sale from Monday 22 February, Hibs have reminded supporters of the arrangements with regards to supporter coach registration.

To aid Police Scotland in directing coach traffic to the correct parking area Hibs are asking those organising supporter coaches to the Final to register their details with the Club.  This process has been extremely successful in past years in ensuring all coaches have the recommended travel plans for the day, easing congestion to and from Hampden.

The Club will circulate the recommended travel routes to and from Hampden for  supporters together with a numbered pass to display in the window of the coach. This will help fans travelling on specific  coaches to identify it again post-match given that over 100 coaches are likely to make the trip.

To do this the club have asked  that fans  contact the Hibernian Reception, by telephone on 0131 661 2159 or by email at reception@hibernianfc.co.uk leaving the details below. Travel plans and the numbered pass and will be returned in good time before the match.

Name of Coach Organiser:

Mobile Telephone Number:

Email Address:

Address for details to be sent to:

Departing From:

Time of Departure:

Number of Coaches:

Size of Coaches:

Police are urging the public to remain vigilant after a 68-year-old woman fell victim to a telephone fraud at her home in Mayfield on Wednesday.

The victim received a call from a male claiming she was owed money back from a foreign investment but was required to transfer cash to release the funds.

After the victim transferred a four-figure sum on two occasions that day, staff at her local bank became suspicious and reported the matter to Action Fraud.

Local officers are now progressing this inquiry and others are now urging others to be wary of this approach, as well as similar scams.

Sergeant Stuart Aitchison from Dalkeith Police Station said: “Thankfully, the victim’s bank intervened before any further funds were transferred out of her account and we are now investigating to identify whoever was responsible for this fraud.

“I would advise anyone who receives a call like this not to provide any personal details or agree to pay in cash to the caller, no matter how convincing they seem.

“If you would like any more information on safeguarding yourself against fraudsters then please contact Action Fraud or visit the Police Scotland website.”

On the closing night of their month-long tour (a jam-packed schedule of dates all over the UK including Edinburgh’s Electric Circus) I caught up with Eliza and the Bear to find out about the forthcoming album and life on the road.

JS: How is the tour going?

EB: Really well thanks! We’ve seen a massive increase of people coming out to shows and having a sing along!

That’s great! Who was the best crowd on this tour?

That’s a tough one, to be fair. Exeter had a pretty special crowd from start to finish. The venue sold out pretty early on and everyone was buzzing from when the doors opened.

That must have been a great atmosphere. What’s been your weirdest fan moment?

Weirdly enough we hadn’t had that many crazy moments until that Exeter show. I had a girl come up to me and actually ask if it was okay to propose. We swapped rings for a couple of hours. It was very romantic.

How do you spend your time between gigs? Does it get a bit tiring or is that where you get your inspiration for new songs?

We do a lot of writing when we are at home but on tour we don’t really get much time. Especially on this tour we haven’t had many days off, so the ones we do get are usually spent sleeping or having a little go at five-a-side.

Does the pressure mount to change your material as you move forward to keep it fresh? Does that happen naturally?

That just happens naturally. We really don’t think to much about constantly being fresh as such. We just keep our heads down and write music that we enjoy hearing.

How did Eliza and the Bear begin?

We all live within 15 minutes of each other down in Essex and were playing in bands together. Weirdly it ended up being us five who just didn’t want to give up writing music and playing live, so we got together with no intention of doing much. Things started escalating and here we are now!

Can you describe your band in a sentence for those who haven’t discovered you yet?

No-one in this band is called Eliza.

Nice tip. You seem to have quite a ‘big band sound’ (thinking Arcade Fire/Of Monsters and Men) and the tracks are quite anthemic – do you have additional musicians on stage?

We would love to have strings and brass live on stage to recreate the sound we make in the studio but unfortunately we can’t afford to bring people out. In the future it’s definitely something we want to look into. For now it’s just us five but keep your eyes peeled!

Noted! How much is your music influenced by other bands that you all love?

I think that our influences subconsciously seep into our writing process. We all have common bands and artists that we’re into then we kind of dive off into our own i-pods. The writing process is just all of us in a room jamming ideas or riffs that we like the sound of.

What is the hardest part about what you do?

Sharing Travelodge rooms every evening. Some of the guys’ hygiene is a bit questionable so at times it can get a little tough.

I can imagine – what keeps you going?

People buying tickets to our shows and singing along.

The Bulmer ad was a pivotal moment – how have things tangibly changed since then?

It really put that track out to a lot of people. I think people know that song but don’t necessarily know that it comes from us. Now whenever we play it in the set you see people’s faces as they realise they’ve heard it before.

That must be a rewarding moment! What’s the plan from here? 

The album is out on April 8th and we are looking to do some special shows around that. Then after that were looking to have a summer full of festivals!

I’m sure our readers will want to keep an eye on that! And for my last question (because I have to ask) – Have you tried haggis yet?

Its so, so weird that you ask that because I genuinely tried it for the first time yesterday. I actually quite enjoyed it! Kind of like a rich stuffing.

The band’s new hit, It Gets Cold, is taken from their eponymous forthcoming self-titled debut album, due for release on 8 April on Capitol Records. The album also includes the broody string-laden ‘I’m On Your Side’ and the commanding force of ‘Oxygen’, plus fan favourites that have long been part of the band’s live set, among them ‘Brother’s Boat’, album opener ‘Friends’ and ‘Upon The North’.

‘It Gets Cold is about returning back home after an inconceivable amount of time. It’s about the things you will miss being away from home and the moments in time you miss whilst at home reminiscing. It’s about the romanticism of memories. Lyrically I think It Gets Cold focuses on the journey itself more than the destination, it covers the dangers that you may face, but also the courage you will find in the face of adversity.‘ James Kellegher, lead singer Eliza and the Bear.

http://www.elizaandthebear.com/

https://twitter.com/elizaandthebear

https://www.facebook.com/elizaandthebear

Mention the word “referendum” in Scotland and you’d better duck behind the stockade because the empty Irn Bru cans will come flying. But it looks like we are going to get another one, if not in June, then in the autumn, depending how David Cameron’s negotiations go in Brussels today.

So where does Scotland stand on membership of the European Union ? The opinion polls, disconcertingly, are all over the place. Some put support for the EU at over 60 per cent, others say it’s more like 40 per cent. All are agreed however that there are a lot of undecided voters and that the gap between the two sides is narrowing.

Romantics say that Scotland has always been an outward-looking country, with long historic ties to France, the Netherlands, the Baltic countries and with the world in general. We still do most of our trade with Europe – £12 billon at the last count. America is next, and a long way behind, with trade worth £4 billion.

But actually, we don’t have huge links with the Continent.  Not many of us speak other European languages. There are only 60,000 EU citizens working in Scotland – despite the influx of Poles, Czecks, Latvians and others in recent years.  We have 13,000 European students at Scottish universities but hardly any Scots study abroad.  We don’t even play football in Europe any more.

We know the European Union largely through its agriculture and fishing policies and the occasional new road in the Highlands and Islands. Business leaders complain about EU bureaucracy, but most of them want Britain to stay in.  Indeed the “Stronger in” campaign has already started work in Scotland, chaired by the Muslim academic Professor Mona Siddiqui and directed by the former Labour MP Frank Roy.  The “Leave” campaign is “in embryonic form” to put it generously, though there is a Labour Party “Leave” campaign headed by the former MP Nigel Griffiths.

In short, it’s not clear how the European referendum will go in Scotland. We first have to battle through our own Scottish Parliamentary election on 5 May.  The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for the EU referendum to be postponed till the autumn out of “respect” for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish voters who will have to contend with two campaigns running at the same time.  To complicate matters, she has also hinted that if Scotland votes to stay in the EU but England votes to leave, that might be ground enough for a second referendum on independence. Then the Irn-Bru cans really will start flying.

Speaking of our own election campaign, the Finance Secretary John Swinney is still locked in talks with the UK treasury over the “fiscal framework”, the new deal on tax powers which are coming to Scotland next year. He is off to London for further discussions today.

Meanwhile the First Minister announced a £75m fund to try to save Scotland’s manufacturing industry which is looking more anaemic every day.  Since the beginning of the year we’ve seen hundreds of jobs at risk at Tata Steelworks in Lanarkshire, Texas Instruments in Greenock, Polaroid Eyewear in Dundee and Hawick Knitwear in the Borders.

Scotland’s unemployment rate now stands at 5.8 per cent, compared to 5.1 per cent in the UK as a whole. Yet, despite all this, there have never been more people in work, 2.6 million people, nearly 75 per cent of all those of working age.

Jobs which have been saved include the 700 staff at Torness nuclear power station on the East Lothian coast. Its French owners, EDF, announced this week that they are to extend its life till 2030.   I remember it being built, some 30 years ago, amid much controversy. Then, the worry was over safety, now the worry is cost.  The anti-nuclear campaigners say the subsidy given to nuclear is a distraction from investing in renewable energy for the future.

This week has brought tragedy in the Scottish hills. Two men in their 70s died when they were forced to spend the night in freezing conditions after they got lost in a snowstorm in the Lowther Hills in southern Scotland. Another man died in an avalanche on Creag Meagaidh, north of Fort William.  And on Ben Nevis, the search is still going on, as I write, for a young couple who’ve been missing for nearly a week.

Even here in Edinburgh, the weather has been cold and windy, with occasional sleet showers. On one such day this week I was working as usual at my local wildlife reserve, at Duddingston Loch, when a hungry sparrow-hawk flew into one of our cars. He entered by one window, sat for a moment on the dashboard, and then flew out the opposite window.  We reckon he thought he’d seen food in the car.

The whole incident lasted hardly a second but it reminded me of something the Venerable Bede said: “Our present life is like the swift flight of a sparrow through the room where you sit at supper in winter, flying in one door and immediately out at another.”

Suddenly life’s daily triumphs and disasters fall into context.

Pupils from Deans Community High School and St Margarets High School attended the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service youth engagement programme  at Bathgate fire station last week.

Seven pupils from 3rd year took part over five days in a programme that allowed participants to experience basic fire service tasks such as team building, first aid, hose running, ladder climbing, Search and Rescue and community fire safety activities.

Local Area Liaison Officer Stuart Watson explains: “Working with young people means that the fire service can raise awareness and challenge attitudes to fire safety and other forms of anti-social behaviour.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Youth engagement project engages with young people aged between 12-17 in order to work towards reducing hoax calls and secondary fires and to increase awareness of local community safety issues.

“We encourage positive social behaviour by using a combination of intensive group work and fire service activities with a view to raising self-esteem, confidence, personal motivation and increase problem solving skills

“The programme allows participants to experience basic fire service tasks and all activities incorporate a fire safety message and endorse a strong group work component.’’

Mr Watson adds: “I would like to thank Tracy Harrison, Community Champion from Tesco Bathgate who provided lunches for the pupils throughout the week.”

Councillor Anne McMillan attended on behalf of West Lothian Council to present the certificates on the last day.  Parents, carers and representatives of both schools also came along to see the youths put on a display of what they had learnt though the week.

Hibs are looking to increase their fanbase by attracting more students to attend home games at Easter Road.

A students support society is currently being established at Edinburgh University and the club hope that other institutions follow suit, both within and outwith the capital.

A statement on the club’s website reads: “Are you a Hibernian supporter studying at an Edinburgh college or university? We want to hear from you!

“Hibernian are looking to assist with the formation of student supporter societies in Edinburgh institutions. We have a strong existing student support and want to grow this to attract more supporters to Easter Road Stadium.

“This is your chance to get involved and become founders of a society for your college or university. We have already been in touch with supporters from Edinburgh University who are in the process of establishing a society, and we want to help this grow as well as facilitate the formation of new associations in other colleges or universities.

“If you are interested please e-mail promotions@hibernianfc.co.uk with your name and college/uni and we’ll be back in touch.

“Please note we are also interested in hearing from students outwith the Edinburgh area, so please get in touch if you’re based elsewhere and interested in helping to grow the Hibernian fanbase.”

Fiscal Framework

#spiritscotland

Two million visitors to National Galleries of Scotland

Tonight at the Queen’s Hall

Craiglockhart Community Council

It is amazing how quickly we all assume the abbreviations of the political world.

Deputy First Minister is off to London today to have further talks with the Westminster government. He is seeking a deal on financial arrangements for the powers which Scotland expects with the Scotland Bill, otherwise the fiscal framework.

The Scottish Government made a new offer to the Treasury last week and now that Chief Secretary to the Treasury Greg Hands has returned from his holiday, Mr Swinney will meet with him later today.

Mr Swinney said:

“The Scottish Government is very clear that we want to reach an agreement on the fiscal framework that lives up to the spirit and the letter of the Vow and delivers the key principle of no detriment as set out in the Smith Commission.

“For both Parliaments to have adequate time to scrutinise an agreement it is important that we make progress. That is why I am travelling to London as part of our efforts to secure a fair deal for the people of Scotland and for the rest of the UK.

“Crucially, for there to be an agreement which the Scottish Government could consider recommending we must ensure that the Barnett Formula is retained and that Scotland and the rest of the UK are no better or worse off as a result of the devolution of further powers, that is a key test of any proposal.

“I remain committed to reaching an agreement that is in line with the principles of the Smith Commission.”

VisitScotland invited Danny Macaskill along to Edinburgh Castle last week to publicise their new campaign to put Scotland on the tourist map.

If you have anything to add to the conversation you are asked to add the hashtag #spiritscotland to your tweets.

Photos of the Scottish capital will be beamed across the world to inspire foreigners to discover Scotland and all that it has to offer.

The TV advert used to publicise the campaign has the RSNO and a voiceover by Edinburgh-born actor Iain Glen, along with an Edinburgh-based army piping instructor.

Sergeant Andy Reid, a regular at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where he has performed as the lone piper, recalls his experience of the annual spectacle at Edinburgh Castle in a 90-second film.

On his involvement in the campaign, he said: “This was a great opportunity to represent my unit, and the army as a whole, to promote and inspire others to visit Scotland.”

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More than two million people have visited the National Galleries of Scotland in the last year in Edinburgh, the first time that so many have done so.

The number of visitors has risen by over 12 per cent over the previous year.

The amazing exhibitions at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art like The Amazing World of M.C. Escher and ARTISTS ROOMS : Roy Lichtenstein, a special three room display of works from the Pop Art forerunner Lichtenstein all served to attract more art lovers than ever before.

John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that visits to NGS have now surpassed 2 million for the first time in our history.This result reflects a growing interest in our collections, exhibitions and activities from local, national and international visitors and, as one of Scotland’s leading cultural institutions, we hope to build on this success in years to come. Our focus will remain on improving and promoting our world-class collection, engaging with the public in new and exciting ways and developing both the strength and breadth of our yearly cultural programme.”

We are sure that even more people will want to see the new exhibition at the Modern which is part of British Art Show 8.

We had a preview last week:

The Edinburgh Reporter News from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Tonight at The Queen’s Hall you are invited to Shut Up and Dance!

American indie rock band Walk the Moon’s upbeat anthem Shut Up & Dance was one of the biggest hits of last summer, topping the Billboard chart and hitting triple platinum sales in the USA and tonight they are in Edinburgh.

Tickets here.

Nominations are now open for new members of Craiglockhart Community Council.

All names must be in by 7 March 2016.

Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee, said: “Community councils play such an important role in local democracy, allowing residents to make their opinions heard to the Council and other organisations.

“Anyone interested in making a difference in the Craiglockhart community should consider signing up for the opportunity to meet new people and get involved in improving their local area.”

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Back in November I had a health issue which required investigating, the result of which was a wee operation yesterday. Initial findings have shown ‘nothing untoward’ although a biopsy has been taken to make sure that’s the case.

The National Health Service is constantly in the news, principally because of the UK government’s reform plans for the NHS in England. In Scotland, health is a devolved issue although you might think differently if you watch the news on the BBC or ITV.

I’m home now, recuperating, after a long and tiring day. I’m drugged up with appropriate painkillers and faced with the prospect of walking like John Wayne without his horse for a few days, if you get my drift…

I must offer a big thanks to the wonderful staff at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital who made time there as bearable as they could.

NHS staff are extremely hard-working and work long hours. One of the nurses I spoke to started her shift at 7.30am. As she prepared my discharge papers just after 4.00pm she commented she was grateful for finishing early that day – she was getting away at 6.00pm. I know you’ll find this difficult to believe but I do have a mump and a moan about things from time to time. However, I consider myself lucky when I compare what I do for a living to those who work long hours in a pressurised environment where mistakes can be deadly.

So, I take my hat off to NHS staff (even if one of the nurses on duty yesterday was of the Hibernian persuasion and was keen to relate the events of the Edinburgh derby the previous evening which was almost as painful as the pain I’m experiencing now) They even phoned me at home today, 24 hours later, to see how I was.

I’m not sure if some politicians truly appreciate NHS staff –  but I certainly do.

The other day I was reminded about something my wife said to me a wee while back. No, it wasn’t ‘have you mended that kitchen shelf yet?’ Nor was it ‘so when are you going to paint the spare room?’ (although there’s little doubt if she reads this I will be reminded yet again about these tasks…)

Rather it was when she who must be obeyed remarked that ‘we’ll all be replaced by robots before very long’ that re-entered my thoughts. Not for the first time I thought ‘she’s right’.

I’m in the process of training to be a counsellor, having recently qualified as a hypnotherapist (appointments now being taken…) I’ve had to postpone my class due for this weekend as I had to go to hospital this week and will need a few days to recuperate. When I telephoned the company running the course and told the person on the other end why I wouldn’t be able to attend class this weekend I was told I would need to advise them by email.

‘So, you can’t deal with this query over the phone then?’ I asked incredulously. To which she replied ‘I’m sorry, Mr Smith – you will need to email what you’ve just told me’

The fact I was able to speak to someone at all only resulted after enduring one of those highly irritating automated messages – press one for finance queries, press two for course details, press three for all other queries – alternatively, press four if you feel like throwing your phone out of the window…

I have experienced the same issues at my place of work. I had been paying invoices to one particular company by phoning up and paying by company credit card. Now I have been advised that I need to ‘pay the invoices on-line as we will no longer be taking payment details by phone’. So that was me told – at least it was by a human voice…

So many things are automated these days. Even the somewhat mundane task of doing the weekly shop at the supermarket is fast becoming a grapple with a machine at the ‘self-service’ checkouts. I usually opt for the old-style method of being served by a human being at the checkout till. I shared a wee bit of banter the other day with a woman in a well-known supermarket in Leith who light-heartedly chided me on the way I had packed my bag and how the £100 bunch of red roses (is this right? Ed) I had bought for the aforementioned Mrs Smith may fall out. Trying getting that from a machine which does little other than beep at you as you scan your goods.

It has even reached the pastime of going to watch football. Just before Christmas, I headed to the Granite City to watch Hearts play Aberdeen. As I entered the turnstyle I was about to offer a greeting to a home official about it being a cold day (as it always is at Pittodrie) only to discover there was no one there. I had to insert my match ticket into a slot in a machine which then moved the turnstyle so I could gain entry to the stadium. I found this rather dismaying – no longer will I be greeted by ‘fit like, min’ as I enter Pittodrie Stadium.

It seems the art of conversation is being threatened by automation whether it be self-service checkouts, websites or damned pre-recorded messages. It’s bad enough when you go out for a meal or a few drinks and your companions have their mobile phone seemingly glued to their hand. The irony is that people don’t tend to use their phones for conversing any more. It’s for texting, using ‘apps’ and posting on social media. ‘I’m in the pub with Jim, Jean, Bob and Carol’ and within minutes people will be ‘liking’ or ‘re-tweeting’ this comment  – people who probably haven’t spoken to each other for some time or, worse still, haven’t even met the person who posted the comment.

As I recover from my wee op (that’s operation and not app for application – although if there had been an ‘app’ for what I’m getting done I would be a happy man) I have been asked by my manager at work to let her know when I should be fit to return to work. ‘Text me’ was her parting shot as I left the office.

I could go all retro and actually phone her – but there’s a fair chance I’ll be greeted with an automated message along the lines of ‘Can’t come to the phone right now – leave a message after the tone’

Is it just me? Hello? Speak to me….someone….

Edinburgh Comic Con returns for a third year, but this time they have found a new home at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

As usual, they will feature all the top named guests from the world of comic books and science fiction, including writers, artists and actors.

These include:

COMICS:

– Marco Rudy (Bucky Barnes: Winter Soldier, Swamp Thing, etc) – UK Exclusive
– Sara Richard (My Little Pony, Powerpuff Girls, etc) – UK Exclusive
– John Lees (Standard, Oxymoron, etc)
– Brad Walker (Guardians of the Galaxy, Batman, etc) – UK Exclusive
– Jorge Jimenez (Earth 2 Society, Arrow, etc) – UK Exclusive
– Gordon Rennie (Judge Dredd, Doctor Who, etc)
– Tom Raney (X-Men, Superman, etc) – UK Exclusive
– Tom Foster (Judge Dredd Megazine, 2000AD, etc)
– Jim Calafiore (Deadpool, Black Panther, etc) – UK Exclusive
– Chris Burnham ( Nameless, Batman and Robin, etc) – UK Exclusive
– Yishan Li (Blue Beetle, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, etc)
– Iain Laurie (And Then Emily Was Gone, Mothwicke, etc)
– Dan McDaid (Planet of the Apes, Judge Dredd, etc)
– Nick Pitarra (Manhattan Projects, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc) – UK Exclusive
– Emma Beeby (Judge Dredd, Robbie Burns, etc)
– Bruno Redondo (Injustice, Human Target, etc) – UK Exclusive
– Javier Fernandez (Magneto, Doomed, etc) – UK Exclusive

FILM/TV:

– Cas Anvar (Assassin’s Creed, The Expanse, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, etc)
– Julain Seager (Thor 2, Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Who, etc)
– Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, etc)
– Femi Taylor (Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi)
– Arti Shah (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Guardians of the Galaxy, Harry Potter, etc)
– Patricia Tallman (Babylon 5, Star Trek, Army of Darkness, etc)
– Paul Blake (Star Wars: A New Hope)
– Peter Roy (Star Wars: A New Hope & Return of the Jedi, James Bond, Superman, etc)
– Ian Hanmore (Outlander, Game of Thrones, etc)
– Jimmy Vee (Doctor Who, Pan, Star Wars: EPVIII)
– Kerry Ingram (Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, etc)

In addition there will be the familiar attractions such as prop displays, large vehicles, photo opps, photobooth, costuming groups, gaming area, panels and cosplay, to name but a few.

Our charitable endeavours will once more be undertaken by the Edinburgh Science Fiction Fellowship, who this year will be fund raising on behalf of Cash For Kids.

This year, the annual cosplay championships will have a grand prize of £500, which will see entrants from all over the world travel to Edinburgh to showcase their costumes.

Tickets are available online via http://www.heroconventions.com where you can also find more information about this year’s event.

Submitted by James Lundy

A police enquiry is underway after a woman and toddler were  found injured on Stenhouse Street West at around 4.30am this morning.

The pair were taken to hospital where they were treated for non life-threatening injuries.

Five players from Hibernian Ladies, Lia Tweedie, Abigail Harrison, Rachael McLaughlan, Chelsea Cornet and Cailin Michie have been included in  Gareth Evans’ Scotland Women’s Under-19 squad for their upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Czech Republic in Portugal.

The two matches in the Algarve will form part of the team’s preparation for April’s UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship Elite Round qualifiers against Portugal, France and Greece.

Scotland Women’s Under-19 squad to face Switzerland and Czech Republic

Goalkeepers

Rebecca Flaherty (Aberdeen LFC)
Laura Hamilton (Rangers LFC)

Defenders

Sarah Clelland (Glasgow City FC)
Cassie Cowper (Aberdeen LFC)
Cailin Michie (Hibernian LFC)
Donna Paterson (Aberdeen LFC)
Georgie Rafferty (Celtic FC)
Courtney Whyte (Celtic FC)

Midfielders

Claire Adams (Rangers LFC)
Chantelle Brown (Rangers LFC)
Chelsea Cornet (Hibernian LFC)
Erin Cuthbert (Glasgow City FC)
Amy Gallacher (Forfar Farmington LFC)
Rachel McLauchlan (Hibernian LFC)

Forwards

Carla Boyce (Glasgow City FC
Kirsty Hanson (Liverpool LFC)
Abigail Harrison (Hibernian LFC)
Lia Tweedie (Hibernian LFC)

Scotland vs Switzerland
Thursday 3rd March 2016, 4pm kick-off
Algarve, Portugal

Scotland vs Czech Republic
Monday 7th March 2016, 4pm kick-off
Algarve, Portugal

Police have carried out a successful partnership day of action to ensure vehicles travelling on the road network are fit for use.

Officers were joined by colleagues from the DVSA and HMRC at checkpoints at Hermiston Gait on Tuesday 16th February to inspect over 160 cars, vans and lorries. In total, police and partner agencies stopped 169 vehicles whereby two were found to have no MOT, while another two were also found to have no insurance.

One further vehicle was seized for a document offence and a lorry driver was given a fine for a tachograph offence.

A male driver of a vehicle was also arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Working alongside the Driver and Vehicle Service Agency, Road Policing Officers identified numerous cars and vans with defects that required rectification.

A number of those inspected needed immediate attention and drivers were directed to ensure the necessary rectifications were carried out.

Other partners from UKBA and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance to monitor for immigration offences and to carry out scrap metal checks.Neither agency reported any issues or concerns from the vehicles inspected.

Chief Inspector Stevie Innes, Road Policing Area Commander for the East of Scotland said: “It is absolutely essential that all vehicles utilising our road network are roadworthy, particularly during the current challenging and adverse weather conditions.

“During the roadside checks we carried out on Tuesday, a number of cars, vans and lorries were identified as having various levels of defects that required immediate repair, or were not legally permitted to be on the road because they had no tax or insurance.

“I would like to remind all motorists that should your vehicle fail a roadside check or if you are found not to have the appropriate documentation you will face further police action, which may result in a fixed penalty fine, points on your licence or a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

“We will continue to carry out vehicle inspections alongside our partners and I want to thank all of the agencies involved for their assistance and support during Tuesday’s activity.”

• Edinburgh Fashion Week 
• Pennywell Shopping Centre
• Rare Whisky sale
• Boys Brigade
• RSNO and the RSNO Chorus at the Usher Hall

Last year was the first time that Essential Edinburgh and EdinEvents ran Edinburgh Fashion Week. Well now it’s back!

From 5th to 6th March at The Mound you can see fashion from Edinburgh’s stores and boutiques and enjoy masterclasses in make-up and styling.

There will also be a children’s fashion show for the very first time.

Tickets are now on sale via Eventbrite and the weekend will be rounded off by the Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Collective Show.

This year, the event will partner with breast cancer charity Walk the Walk to host a one-of-a-kind Moonwalk show on Saturday 5 March. An array of Scottish celebrities, sports personalities and designers will be taking part in the extravaganza which will culminate in an exciting live auction. Other collaborators include iconic Edinburgh blogger Satisfashion and fashion movement Scot Street Style amongst others.

Following the weekend launch, participating retailers will be running exclusive promotions across the city and the week will close with the Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show on Friday 11th & Saturday 12th of March in The Biscuit Factory.

Community Action North along with the regeneration company Urban Union and North Edinburgh Arts have combined forces to provide giant planters to brighten up Muirhouse Shopping Centre.

The scheme is called Wishing Penny-Well and is designed to encourage members of the community to help brighten up the shopping centre by planting seeds and flowers. Urban Union set up the planters and residents were invited to make a special wish for the area.

At the ceremony last week the Craigroyston High School rock band provided music and everyone who attended was given a heart-shaped treat.

Craig Kidd, from Urban Union, added: “This year we wanted to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Pennywell in a very special way and I think we’ve achieved this by encouraging local people to love their community and by brightening up the Muirhouse Shopping Centre. The event proved popular with several local residents joining in the fun and we hope the community can take pride in the efforts that have been made to develop and grow the Pennywell area.”

The Pennywell development will provide 356 new social and mid-rent homes for The City of Edinburgh Council and 363 new houses for private sale.

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Bonhams will be selling some pretty special whisky next month with one bottle of Glenfiddich estimated to fetch anything up to £15,000.

This bottle was filled in 1991 from casks from 1937 and 1939, and is number 448. The bottle is in its original fitted wooden presentation case along with a certificate of authenticity.

Bonhams Whisky Specialist, Martin Green commented: “The Glenfiddich 50 year oldis one of the most sought-after whiskies at auction and always excites much interest when it appears.  Whisky collecting is very much an international pursuit and I would not be surprised to see bidding for this bottle from the USA and countries in the Far East as well as closer to home.”

Callum Marshall a volunteer with the Boys’ Brigade has graduated from the King George VI Youth Leadership Training course.

The Very Reverend Andrew McLellan, who is Brigade National Chaplain and a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, presented Callum with his certificate at a ceremony in Carluke on 13 February.

Callum from Bonnyrigg said: “KGVI has provided me with a qualification, helped improve my leadership and communication skills, whilst at the same time develop friendships which I know will last a lifetime. This incredible experience has given me the motivation and confidence to make a difference for future BB generations.”

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Rebecca Morgan is a young film producer from Edinburgh, and on Sunday night she was at the BAFTAS as a nominee – and her short film won!

That is to say Rebecca and her co-producer Caroline Bartleet (who also wrote the script) won the BAFTA for their film called Operator . It is a huge honour and they are both thrilled, but naturally we were only interested in Rebecca since she hails from the capital, while Caroline is from Essex.

Rebecca was brought up in Edinburgh where she volunteered at Edinburgh International Film Festival for a couple of summers, and then went on to study film at The University of Nottingham, followed by a bit of travelling and finally a leap in the dark into London. After a couple of months she began worked as a runner with a film production company and only last year she became a freelance film producer.

Caroline wrote the script in Spring 2014 and asked Rebecca to produce the film with her. Both Rebecca and Caroline love the way that films tell stories. When she agreed they decided to raise the money on Kickstarter and agreed a rough budget of around £7,000 which they managed to raise. This allowed them to employ a couple of well-respected female actors for the two main roles. The star, Kate Dickie, previously appeared in Game of Thrones and Red Road and Vicky McLure had roles in This is England and Line of Duty.

They were careful with their budget and did not use everything for production preferring to keep money aside for the post-production and submitting the film for festivals.

They also received a sum of money from the Fire Brigades Union, in view of the subject matter of the film. The operator in the Fire Control Room played by Kate Dickie deals with a 999 call. (No spoilers here!)

Getting nominated for a BAFTA, the young producers had to enter the film for one of BAFTA’s recognised film festivals. In their case it was the BFI London Film Festival which allowed them to make their application for BAFTA.

After finding out they were nominees on 8 January Rebecca went out and bought a dress without any ‘messing around’, and without involving any fancy designers.

The film is compelling, riveting viewing even thought it is under 10 minutes long. When we asked what happens with the film now, Rebecca told us that some of the bigger film festivals want to premiere films and clearly that status has now been lost, so the aim is to put Operator on line so that it becomes widely available to the public.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to Rebecca over Skype:

The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS – Edinburgh girl wins BAFTA from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

As to the filming process, Rebecca explained: “The film was made with a complete crew of around 25, and in fact the first day was devoted to setting up the lighting rig. It is hard to explain how many people and how much equipment it takes to make even a short film like this! We had, I think, five guys who came in on set up day with scaffolding poles and lights to create the mood lighting effect. You might think we just had a couple of lights, but it was a massive production!”

“The producer’s role is to find the location, find the crew, get the insurance, negotiate the contracts, make sure everyone turns up on time and that everything goes smoothly. You also have to control the budget and then there are the festival submissions.

“The producer has the most control, but also the most responsibility.

“The great thing about a BAFTA is that the funding next time around might be easier. Caroline and I are hoping to do another short film this year, perhaps together and perhaps not; it depends on what happens.”

At the BAFTAS the pair were sitting alongside all their fellow nominees in the same row. But they did not know what order the awards were being announced in so it all happened quite suddenly.

Rebecca told us that they partied alongside the other nominees on Sunday evening: “We still can’t believe it. The whole of Sunday and Monday was a real blur!”

PS Rebecca also has a famous mum: Nicola Morgan who writes all those fabulous books for young adults.

Next month from 11-13 March the Edinburgh International Swim Meet takes place at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

If you are going along then you will see Scottish swimmers like Robbie Renwick, Hannah Miley, Duncan Scott, Ross Murdoch and Corrie Scott, who all became household names after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

An elite entry from the GB squad is also expected including Derby’s Adam Peaty, London Aquatic’s Aimee Wilmott, Bath’s Siobhan-Marie O’Connor, Jazz Carlin and Lizzie Simmonds, and Plymouth’s Ruta Meilutyte and Ben Proud.

Tickets are available here for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In the mornings and afternoons there will be open heats and age group events with finals taking place each evening.

The event is organised by SASA East District along with lead sponsor University of Edinburgh and swimwear company Speedo.

Every year, Ayr Racecourse plays host to two of the most prestigious meetings of the British horse racing season. The Scottish Grand National meeting, which takes place just one week after the main Grand National event, and the Ayr Gold Cup meeting will both attract tens of thousands of spectators to Scotland’s primary racecourse as they look to beat the bookies and return home with hefty profits.

The Scottish Grand National weekend is truly one of the nation’s greatest sporting spectacles. Although it doesn’t compete with the traditional event in terms of size, there are still some phenomenal racehorses entered into the race on a yearly basis and the Scottish National tends to throw up a few shocks or two throughout the race weekend.

In addition, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the children entertained. Ayr is one of the best racecourses for providing additional entertainment; whether that’s live music or additional games to take part in around the racetrack. Sometimes, they even have a jockey simulator – which shows you exactly what it’s like to be a jockey when you’re approaching fences and how it feels on landing.

Then we have the Ayr Gold Cup meeting in September, which spans three days – a day longer than the Scottish Grand National weekend. Over the years, some of the top-rated racehorses in the sport have featured in the Ayr Gold Cup and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the best trainers, jockeys and thoroughbreds in action later in 2016.

However, if you simply cannot wait for either of these events, you can check out the Cheltenham Festival, which is the next major meeting in 2016. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that there will be many Scottish jockeys involved – especially after Ryan Mania retired in 2014 – but it will still be a superb event and many Scots will travel down to the meeting. In the build-up to the event, you can keep up with Cheltenham tips from different Cheltenham insiders.

The two Ayr festivals are among the greatest meetings on the horse racing calendar but Cheltenham can help to give you a different perspective of an English festival. You won’t be alone as plenty of Scots will head down to the racecourse and if you simply cannot attend one of the Ayr meetings, Cheltenham is the next best place to go!

“The Eglinton stands, Ayr race course – geograph.org.uk – 43204” by william craig.

Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons

The most recent report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland was issued today and says that the Royal Hospital for Sick Children could do better.

The report follows an unannounced visit to the hospital on 2 and 3 December when the inspectors found a number of areas for improvement.

Although they found the wards and departments generally clean they say that systems must be put in place for compliance with standard infection control precautions.

Some of this seems as ever to be common sense precautions. In one area of the hospital where nursing staff were caring for patients who all had the same infection, staff were not wearing face masks or filtering face piece respirators. Apparently no risk assessment had been carried out.

Another recommendation is that all high visibility vests worn by staff when handing out medicine should be laundered by the hospital. Some staff had said that they took them home to wash.

In another area inspectors spotted some PVC splints which were drying after being washed with soap and water, presumably to be re-used. The inspectors were adamant in their report that the hospital must ensure that all equipment is both appropriate and clean.

Speaking of the report, Jacqui Macrae, Head of Quality of Care for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “In this inspection we found that the wards and departments were generally clean, however we have also identified a number of areas that need to be addressed. NHS Lothian must ensure compliance with infection prevention and control policies, implement improvement action plans and ensure all equipment used in the care environment is clean. This inspection resulted in five requirements and two recommendations which we expect NHS Lothian to address as a matter of priority. We will continue to inspect the Royal Hospital for Sick Children to ensure improvements are made.”

Hibs’ Head Coach Alan Stubbs admitted that his players had to ‘dig deep’ to progress to the quarter finals of the William Hill Scottish Cup after a pulsating 90 minutes against city rivals Hearts at Easter Road last night.

After dominating the first half with some superb one touch football, Hibs looked to be cruising into the next round, but Hearts came back fighting in the second period and it was a combination of stout defending and poor finishing which kept the score at 1-0 and sent the green and white clad supporters home in a happy mood.

After the game Stubbs said: “It is a great result for the players and the club but we had to dig deep tonight to come though.

“Hearts put us under pressure in the second half but we managed to contend with it and get the result we all wanted.

“I said it would be a close game, two good teams but we created the clearer chances in the game and we had to deal with some difficult balls into the box and defend properly and I knew there would be times when we would be under pressure.

“But there is no denying they are a good team. We have just beaten the third-best team in the county at this moment in time.”

With tackles flying in and no quarter being asked or given, referee John Beaton controversially sent two players off in the last 15 minutes however neither decision won the support of the Hibs’ boss.

Firstly, Paul Hanlon was clearly fouled on the half way line. Hearts skipper Blazej Augustyn reacted furiously to the decision, picking the ball up then throwing it to back up the pitch in what the referee deemed an act of petulance.

Moments later, Jason Cummings kicked the ball away after being given offside. At first the referee appeared to take no action however after being surrounded by Hearts’ players he spoke to the young striker who seemed to argue. That was enough for a second yellow card to be shown to add to the one he received for his goal celebrations.

Stubbs however had some sympathy and added: “I thought the sending-offs actually spoilt the game a little bit.

“I thought they were soft red cards in the end. I don’t want to see any players sent off. I just thought it affected the momentum of the game for both teams

“I think in the first one, you are always running the risk but I didn’t think he (Cummings) did anything wrong apart from stand there.

“He didn’t make any actions towards the fans, he stayed on the pitch, which is what you are supposed to do.

“For the second one I think he was booked for booting the ball away but I am led to believe he was actually looking to fetch the ball and didn’t boot the ball away.

“I am obviously guessing a little from what people are saying but I thought it was a bit harsh. But we won and we are delighted.”

With arguably more ‘high profile’ transfer signings having arrived at Easter Road during the Alan Stubbs reign, Darren McGregor almost slipped in under the radar in the summer, but if they didn’t know his worth before, the Hibs’ fans certainly do now.

Some supporters assumed that McGregor would be a bit part player in the team which contained recognised central defenders such as Paul Hanlon, Liam Fontaine and Jordon Forster, but the lifelong Hibs’ fan’s performances on the field have quickly changed that perception.

McGregor’s consistency and ‘no nonsense’ defending skills won him the Rangers’ fans ‘player of the year’ award last season, so it was surprising when he was released by Mark Warburton, but Rangers’ loss has proved to be Hibs’ gain.

Most observers thought he was heading for the top flight with St Johnstone however when his ‘first love’ came calling then it was no contest and last night’s victory over Hearts has convinced him that he made the right decision.

The after match celebrations from three quarters of the  19,433 sell-out crowd will live in both the players’ and supporters’ memories for a long time as the team  completed a lap of honour to the strains of ‘Sunshine on Leith’ and McGregor was quick to praise the long suffering supporters.

After the game a beaming McGregor told the press pack : “It’s well documented I’m a Hibs’ fans and to see the game out and hear the stadium singing Sunshine on Leith was one of the best memories I’ve had in football.

“To be in the team I supported all my life and beating their rivals in the Scottish Cup is a dream come true.

“I am so grateful, after everything I’ve been through with injuries, to have been given this chance. This is my number one moment in football. I can’t think of anything that eclipses it.”

Of course a Scottish Cup press conference at Easter Road requires the obvious question. Can Hibs end the 114 year hoodoo and finally lift the famous old trophy.

McGregor has no doubts. He continued: “The games we have played this season will tell you we can. We have already beaten Aberdeen, Dundee United, St Johnstone and now Hearts as well. So that tells you we can do it.

“Inverness will present a different challenge and they will be difficult but with the talent we have in our squad then we can do it.”

• Scottish Parliamentary Election 2016
• Edinburgh Art Festival
• Careers at the Botanics
• International Women’s Day in Edinburgh
• One City Trust

We have begun interviewing all the candidates we can find for the Holyrood Election 2016. If you are standing in Edinburgh or Lothian then do get in touch. 

Our aim is to have interviews with all (or nearly all!) by the end of March.

SCOOPIT

If you are at the very beginning of your career as an artist and ready to showcase your work, Edinburgh Art Festival would like to hear from you.

Following the successful launch of Platform: 2015, the organisers have called for proposals to participate in Platform: 2016, their new initiative designed to provide a dedicated opportunity for artists at the beginning of their careers to participate in the festival.

Between 3-5 artists selected through the open call will be invited to present their work in a group exhibition as part of the 2016 festival. Selected artists will be given an artist fee, a dedicated production budget, and supported by the festival team throughout the development and delivery of the exhibition.

For more information and how to apply, visit the Edinburgh Art Festival website.

Application deadline: Monday 29th February, 5pm. 

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Yesterday afternoon it became too dangerous to allow the public to wander around the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh due to the high winds.

But if this is a place you could see yourself working then they are holding an information day there today.

The day will comprise talks and short presentations to explain the broad range of careers that the garden can offer.

Who is the event aimed at?

• Anyone interested in starting a career in horticulture
• Students on horticulture courses
• Anyone already in horticulture wishing to progress their career
• Anyone with qualifications / experience in another area wanting to apply these to horticulture
• Career advisers

Book your place here for the day long Careers Day which runs from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

International Women’s Day will be celebrated at the Festival Theatre on 8 March 2016. Speakers will include Orla O’Loughlin, the Traverse Theatre’s Artistic Director, Lee Chalmers, the Lothian List candidate for The Women’s Equality Party, Alice Strang, Curator of the Modern Scottish Women exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Jemima Levick, recently appointed as the new Artistic Director of Stellar Quines and Susan Russell, co-founder and Chair of the recently launched Women In Tourism, a not-for-profit organisation which seeks to develop a framework of activity in recognition of the challenges and opportunities available to women within the tourism sector.

The sessions are free but ticketed. You can book online atwww.edtheatres.com/internatioanlwomensday or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.

The One City Trust has grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 available for registered charities and constituted groups based in Edinburgh, which work in Edinburgh and which have an annual income of less than £200,000. These must be social inclusion projects with one of these aims: Community connectedness, cultural bridging or civic inclusion.

There may be as many as 8 grants available.

For further information and to request an application form, please see www.onecity.org.uk

If you’d prefer to speak to someone, please telephone Susan Shippey on 0131 469 3874 or e-mail 1617applications@onecity.org.uk  Please note that the Trust is supported by the council on a part-time basis.

The deadline for applications is 29 April 2016, and projects should commence on 1 July 2016 and run for up to one year.

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