The Legend Returns – UK Tour 2016 – Celebrating 100 Years Of Frank Sinatra – on 14 February 2015. You could be there if you just enter our competition here!

Much loved international singing star, the one and only JACK JONES, is returning to the UK and you could be there with a friend in our competition to win two tickets.

Enter by 15 January at 12 noon.

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Back for a short tour in February 2016 it’ll be Jack’s first visit to the UK since 2013 and it promises to be a rare treat. Complete with a big band he celebrates one of the greatest singers of all time – Frank Sinatra.

The dates coincide with the release of Jack’s new album “Seriously Frank” celebrating 100 years of Sinatra. With 13 tracks, a 22 piece orchestra and piano from Dave Grusin, “Seriously Frank” combines some classic numbers with lesser known songs, all arranged and conducted by Patrick Williams.

Rated by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett as numero uno, Jack Jones is something of a benchmark. He has 60 albums to his credit, two Grammies and another five nominations, an Emmy, and awards too numerous to mention. He has performed at two Royal Variety Shows and has his own Hollywood Walk of Fame star right next to his father’s, the film star Allan Jones.

Jack’s respect for a well crafted song has led to him recording some of the greatest ballads of all time but his career has spanned it all – pop, jazz, musical theatre, film. He is, as Mel Torme put it, “the greatest ‘pure’ singer in the world.”

On fine form at 77, this is a man who has sung his whole life through. One of the very few original greats left standing,

What better show then to be bringing to the UK than ‘Jack Sings Frank’ – one legend’s tribute to another.  And particularly appropriate since it was Frank that inspired Jack to sing. When at school Jack’s  friend, Nancy Sinatra, brought her Dad in one day to sing at assembly… and from then on it was sports’ loss and entertainment’s gain.

Born into a showbiz family (on the actual night his father, Allan Jones, recorded his hit Donkey Serenade), Jack started singing professionally at the age of 19 supplemented by his income as a petrol attendant. Signing his first deal with Capital Records in 1959, Jack went on to record with several labels over the years, 20 albums with RCA alone, and have 17 chart in Billboard’s Top 20.

Perhaps best known for his hit renditions of The Impossible Dream, Lollipops and Roses, What I Did For Love,  The Race Is On, Lady, Call Me Irresponsible and The Loveboat theme amongst others, he has also addressed the work of contemporary artists such as Randy Newman and Carole King.

Consistently playing to packed houses world-wide, not to mention stellar venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Centre and the White House, Jack Jones is an artist who truly knows how to entertain. This is one tour that promises to be superlative on every level.

Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are on sale now from all usual venues priced £29.50.

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt today issued a call for everyone to consider making joining the Organ Donor Register their new year’s resolution for 2016.

This year Ms Watt made a special plea to Scots from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to consider joining the Register and discuss organ donation with their friends and family.

Statistics show that around 25 per cent of people on the UK transplant waiting list are from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, yet only around five per cent of donors are from these communities.

Due to higher levels of diabetes, heart disease and hypertension within this population group, people from these communities are up to three times more likely to need a transplant than the general population.

But as a transplant is much more likely to be successful if the donor and recipient have the same ethnic origin, the shortage of suitable organs means that people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities wait, on average, twice as long as the general population.

Muhammad Azam, 43, from Edinburgh, received a life-saving liver transplant in December 2014, just days before the New Year.

In 2006, after undergoing a routine medical examination, Muhammad was diagnosed with Hepatitis C.

The father of two said: “I was really surprised when I received the diagnosis. I didn’t have any symptoms and felt perfectly normal at the time. Looking back, I was extremely busy as I’d just started running my own shop, so I was probably neglecting my health to a certain extent, but I’d never have guessed anything so serious was wrong.”

As time went by, Muhammad’s health began to deteriorate, and in 2012 he took a turn for the worse.

He said: “My health rapidly declined and things really went downhill. I was constantly exhausted and was even unable to walk at times because I felt so weak. It was a miserable existence. This was when the doctors told me if I was ever going to recover I’d need a liver transplant.”

Muhammad was placed on the waiting list for a new liver in October 2014. After two months, he received the call he’d been waiting for.

“It was late one night that I got the call to say there was a potentially suitable liver donor for me and that I had to go straight to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. After they ran tests on me overnight, I was told the liver was definitely a suitable match, and my transplant went ahead the next morning.

“I remember having very mixed feelings at this point. I was excited that I was finally going to get my transplant, but I was very aware that for me to get this fantastic news, another family were going through a horrendous time.

“As soon as I came round after the operation I felt noticeably different. I could tell something had changed and I just felt instantly better than I had in months. Since then my recovery has been fantastic. Two days after the transplant I was able to walk around again and within nine days I was allowed to go home to recuperate. I’m now back at work part-time and am looking forward to returning to full-time work in the near future.

“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t done so already to join the NHS Organ Donor Register. It’s the most generous thing anyone could ever do for another person. Thanks to my donor, I’ve been given a second chance at life. It really is the greatest gift of all.”

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said:

“Muhammad’s story shows the life-changing impact that a transplant can have on someone.

“This new year I’d call on everyone, from every community, to consider making joining the Organ Donor Register their resolution for 2016.

“It is a reality that we need more donors from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities if we are to be able to help people like Muhammad get a new lease of life.

“Sadly, people from these communities wait too long for a suitable organ and it is vital to encourage more people from minority ethnic backgrounds to join the Organ Donor Register.

“That is why the Scottish Government is working in partnership with Kidney Research UK to deliver the award-winning peer educator programme – which has seen over 400 people from hard to reach communities join the Organ Donor Register.

“We will continue to work hard over the next year to build on this success and address some of the misconceptions surrounding organ donation in these communities.”

Muhammad added:

“I was surprised to find out about the shortage of organ donors from ethnic minority communities in Scotland, because it’s something I’ve always supported. I think there can be misconceptions surrounding organ donation and religion, but actually, all major religions in the UK support it in principle.

“A transplant from someone of the same ethnic group has a much higher chance of success, so it’s vital for people from all ethnic backgrounds to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.”

Police in East Lothian have arrested a man in connection with a large-scale disturbance at a bar in Musselburgh.

Officers successfully traced the 31-year-old following a public appeal for information into the incident on Monday, December 28, at the Hole in the Wa Pub in New Street.

He was detained in custody to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Local officers are continuing their appeal for information into this matter and are particularly keen to trace several other persons who were within the pub at the time of this offence.

Detective Inspector Stevie Bertram from the Lothians and Scottish Borders CID said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who came forward with information and assisted with this investigation.

“However, our enquiries are ongoing as we look to trace several others who we believe were also involved in this incident. I again ask anyone who can help identify these individuals to contact police immediately.”

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

Files opened for the first time at the National Records of Scotland show details of the first full year of operation of the then newly-established Scottish Executive.

A central event of the year 2000 was the death of First Minister Donald Dewar and Cabinet minutes now made public show the impact of this on Government – and Parliament – business.

These files form part of the annual release of archived information by the Scottish Government. Since 2009 the Scottish Government has proactively opened over 13,000 files at 15 years.

Due to the Scottish Government’s policy of proactive release a considerable amount of information from the year 2000 is already publicly available at the National Records of Scotland. This includes files on the Borders Rail Link and land reform legislation.

Tim Ellis, Chief Executive of NRS and Keeper of the Records of Scotland, said: ‘The annual release of Scottish Government information is always much anticipated and of interest to many people, including historians, researchers and the wider public.

‘Last year the first Cabinet Papers and minutes of the then new Scottish Executive were released,  shedding light on the earliest days of the first administration. This year’s release – including the first full year of Scottish Cabinet information – continues this process and I hope generates a similar level of interest.

In also welcoming this latest release of information, Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Parliamentary Business, said: ‘I look forward to the latest release of Scottish Government information by the National Records of Scotland. As with last year’s first release of Scottish Cabinet information, I anticipate those files now being made public will make fascinating reading.

‘Information made available at the National Records of Scotland as well as the wealth of information proactively made available on the Scottish Government’s website demonstrates this Government’s ongoing commitment to openness and transparency.

Detectives are currently carrying out enquiries in the Mosside area of Blackburn, as investigations continue into the murder of Martin Hamilton.

Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham said: “Whilst examinations and searches are ongoing near West Calder where Martin Hamilton’s remains were found, we are now conducting further work in nearby Blackburn.

“As the investigation has progressed we have identified this area of Blackburn as of interest, and I am keen to speak to anyone living or working here who may have any information which could assist.

“As well as some search activity, officers will be carrying out extensive house to house enquiries and high-visibility patrols of the area.”

Anyone with information about the murder of Martin Hamilton should contact the Major Investigation Team at Livingston on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Hibernian Ticket Office has reminded fans that they can still buy tickets via the club’s online eTicketing website over the holiday period.

Tickets are currently on sale for Saturday’s match with Raith Rovers, the William Hill Scottish Cup tie with the Rovers at Stark’s Park on Saturday 9 January, the trip to the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday 13 January and the home match with St Mirren on January 23. Half season tickets are also still on sale, with Saturday’s match the first game included in the ticket. Fans buying a half season ticket in advance of the game  will be able to collect a match ticket from the Ticket Office on Saturday, with the season ticket card posted out the following week.

Hibs are expecting the Ticket Office to be busy in the lead up to kick off on Saturday. Fans collecting tickets should arrive early to avoid the queues and ensure you don’t miss any of the action.

Supporters looking to buy tickets for Saturday’s match are able to use the free print at home facility. To purchase  print at home ticket simply purchase a ticket online and select the print at home delivery option. Fans  will receive their normal booking confirmation followed by a second e-mail with their e-ticket attached which should then be  printed off and brought to the game, and this will be scanned at the turnstile.

10 loyalty points are available for home matches when tickets are purchased directly from the Ticket Office (online, by phone or at the Ticket Office). The club are not able to award points for tickets purchased from the matchday ticket pods. 5 points are available for away matches, and 90 points for supporters purchasing half season tickets.

Tickets for the Semi Final of the Scottish League Cup presented by Utilita will be sold based on loyalty points, with the first wave of sales commencing on Wednesday 6 January.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has once again been a major success and the event has retained its prestigious, world-wide reputation as the ‘Home of Hogmanay’.

According to organisers Unique Events, who have produced Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for 23 years on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, a capacity crowd of 75,000 revellers celebrated the New Year at the world famous Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and The Old Town Ceilidh, where party-goers from far and wide enjoyed top class music and entertainment.

Performing their only live date of 2015, Biffy Clyro delivered an exhilarating headline performance at Concert in the Gardens, kicking off what promises to be another huge year for the band. Special guests Honeyblood opened the show, followed by a crowd pleasing set from Edinburgh band Idlewild, who celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2015 with the release of their first album for five years, the critically acclaimed Everything Ever Written.

The world famous Street Party entertained party-goers with a stellar line-up across four stages. Maxïmo Park, Mercury Prize nominees Slaves, and Glasgow band White lit up the Waverley Stage, while on the Castle Stage, Celtic music stars Shooglenifty, Peatbog Faeries and Rura welcomed in the New Year with a bang. Revellers throughout the Street Party danced to Funk and Soul classics provided by BBC 6Music’s Craig Charles, who manned the decks on the Frederick Stage, while festival favourites Guilty Pleasures brought their non-stop cabaret party to the Mound Stage.

New for 2015, The Old Town Ceilidh saw around 4,000 people enjoying Scottish roots artists including Sporran Again, Cask Strength Ceilidh Band, Whisky Kiss and Ceilidhdonia, who played across two stages in Parliament Square. Ceilidh lovers literally danced their way into the record books, as they participated in a successful attempt to smash the Guinness World Record for the Largest Scottish Country Dance.  Final numbers will be verified in a few days.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Festivals and Events Champion, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Yet again, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations have been the envy of cities across the globe. With one of the most impressive fireworks displays against the most stunning of backdrops, to the soundtrack of our most home-grown artist line-up yet, this was a fantastic way to ring in 2016.  We’ve brought 75,000 revellers from all over the world to discover our great capital city and tonight has truly been an international celebration of Scotland. I would like to thank all the Council staff and our partners who have made this event such a success.”

Pete Irvine, Director, Unique Events said: “Biffy Clyro rocked the Concert in the Gardens, and revellers across the Street Party enjoyed a superb line-up across the four stages – and we broke the Guinness World Record at the Old Town Ceilidh – ‘Edinburgh: at Hogmanay: the only way…”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said:  “Edinburgh has once again welcomed in the New Year in style. I would like to thank everyone who turned up for supporting officers and stewards to deliver a safe and hugely enjoyable event.

“We have worked for many months with the City of Edinburgh Council, Unique Events and other emergency services to plan for the Street Party and I am delighted that it passed with no arrests.”

Free Hogmanay NightBus Services ran throughout the capital once again, supported by sponsors Diageo and Lothian Buses as part of the global Join the Pact responsible drinking initiative from Johnnie Walker, which has secured over one million personal commitments from people across the world to never to drink and drive.

The skies and buildings around the city centre were turned blue at 10.00pm for Unicef’s New Year’s Resolution for Children, and British Astronaut, Tim Peake, sent a special message to revellers at the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party wishing everyone a happy Hogmanay

The entertainment continues today with a programme of activities for all the family:   For the hardy, the sold out Stoats Loony Dook – the annual New Year’s Day dip in the River Forth which celebrates its 30th anniversary – will start off with a communal warm-up and fancy dress competition, before Dookers Parade through South Queensferry at 2.30pm. The brave (or daft) Loony Dookers will then take to the water, while those not quite brave enough to take the plunge can watch the action from vantage points along the beach and through the town.

First footers are also invited to come and enjoy some of the very best art and culture from across Scotland, brought to Edinburgh’s Old Town at Scot:Lands.  Visitors can take a journey around eleven atmospheric venues in the Old Town, each curated and customised by notable artists and arts organisations from all over the country.  Scot:Lands is supported by the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund.

Scot:Lands

New Year, new you

Loony Dook

Take the bus to Musselburgh Races today

Turner at the Scottish National Gallery today

A very Happy New Year to you all. We hope you have had a good time overnight and that 2016 is everything you wish it to be.

Today there is a mini pop up festival offering free entertainment across the city centre. You may be too late to book but if you get along to the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website you may be able to get a free ticket, or chance your arm and get along to the Old College just after midday.

The all-important element of chance returns again this year, as audiences ‘check in’ at the Departure Lounge in the University of Edinburgh’s Old College, before spinning a compass to discover their first destination on a randomly, tantalisingly selected, unpredictable journey through eleven hidden Edinburgh Old Town venues – some familiar and some unknown and rarely accessible to the public.

Read more here.

Today is of course a good day to start new habits and make resolutions. One of our sponsors has a great way for you to be super healthy this year.

The Health & Beauty Juicery offers cold pressed juices delivered to your front door. Click below for more ‘juice-full’  information!

The Loony Dook takes place today in South Queensferry. You are too late to book your place but you can certainly go and watch anytime from around 12.30 onwards. The actual swim takes place about 2.30 but there will be lots to see at the RNLI station at the Hawes Pier before that.

This year, the event is brought to you by Stoats, Edinburgh’s favourite porridge pioneers. They’ll be there on the day, warming everyone up with free bowls of energising porridge, plenty of giveaways and a fabulous fancy dress photo stage. From there, participants will join the Dooker Parade through the High Street before throwing themselves into the freezing Firth of Forth!

Spectators are welcome to cheer on the Dookers at various vantage points along the route or down on the beach. South Queensferry has a variety of pubs, cafes and restaurants, all open on New Year’s Day.

Special Stagecoach services will also be available on New Year’s Day operating between Edinburgh to South Queensferry to the Stoats Loony Dook.

Click to download the New Year’s Day timetable and please note journey time from Edinburgh city centre to South Queensferry is approx. 45mins.

Today there will be racing at Musselburgh and if you are worrying about how to get there then worry no more as First Bus are running a service to Edinburgh for £5 return.

More information here.

Today the annual display of Turner opens at the Scottish National Gallery. Go today or sometime in January.

Turner in January: The Vaughan Bequest – works by the artist Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851).

TURNER IN JANUARY 2016:
THE VAUGHAN BEQUEST 
1−31 January 2016
Scottish National Gallery
The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
0131 624 6200 | Admission Free
#NGSTurner

Our Five things articles will be taking a rest until 11 January 2016. If you have something that you would like mentioned then please email us editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

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

Two missing stand-up paddle boarders were rescued from the River Forth near Portobello on Wednesday.

1872 SCOTTISH CUP
UPDATE ON FIXTURE VENUE FOR THE DECIDING LEG

Saturday evening’s GUINNESS PRO12 fixture between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby has been moved to BT Murrayfield after the Scotstoun pitch was deemed unplayable following the recent storm which hit the country.

All efforts have been made to get the game played at Scotstoun, however following heavy rain and wind in Glasgow over the last 48 hours it is no longer possible to play the second leg of the 1872 Scottish Cup at Scotstoun, especially with more bad weather forecast for the weekend.

The game will be played at BT Murrayfield and will kick off at the same time (5.15pm) and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

All tickets for the fixture at Scotstoun will be valid for the game at BT Murrayfield and any further ticketing information will be provided in due course. Please be aware that this fixture is still a Glasgow Warriors home game and all Edinburgh Rugby season tickets and car parking passes will not be valid for this match.

Any Edinburgh Rugby supporters that have purchased bus tickets to travel through to Scotstoun on Saturday afternoon will be fully refunded now that circumstances have changed, and we will endeavour to update you as soon as we can when further details have been announced with regard to ticketing for the match. We will also contact you in due course to arrange your travel refunds.

The UK Government has announced the list of those deemed worthy of an honour of one kind or another, in an atmosphere of criticism for giving honours to Tory supporters. The government has honoured Lynton Crosby with a knighthood amid much muttering of cronyism. Sir Lynton was the mastermind at the helm of the Conservative Party General Election campaign earlier this year.

Here in Edinburgh several have been recognised:

A knighthood has been given to Paul Grice,  who has been Clerk and Chief Executive at The Scottish Parliament since 1999, for services to the Scottish Parliament and voluntary service to Higher Education and the community in Scotland.

An OBE for Professor David Lane who is Professor of Autonomous Systems Engineering, Heriot Watt University and Founding Director, Edinburgh Centre for Robotics. For services to Engineering.

An OBE for Professor Joanna Wardlaw, FRSE, Professor of Applied Neuroimaging and Honorary Consultant Neuroradiologist, University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian. For services to Neuroimaging and Clinical Science.

An OBE for Professor Susan McVie who is Professor of Quantitative Criminology, University of Edinburgh and Director, Applied Quantitative Methods Network in Scotland. For services to Social Sciences.

CBE has been given to Professor Cait MacPhee who is Professor of Biological Physics, University of Edinburgh for services to Women in Physics and to Mark McInnes who is Director of The Scottish Conservatives. McInnes is also a councillor on the City of Edinburgh Council’s Conservative Group. He put out this message on Twitter:

Thankyou everyone for their kind messages makes it even more of an honour. Now off to face the Istanbul snow pic.twitter.com/UUJfehtoeq

— Mark McInnes (@Morningsidemark) December 31, 2015

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40,000 light up Edinburgh’s Princes Street

When the press call invitation to the Torchlight Procession flooded into my in-box, I thought ‘Why not, could be interesting…’

The evening started 5:45pm in the Assembly Halls Courtyard with a few of Shetland’s Up Helly Aa Vikings to light the way. A brief appearance by the Lord Provost before he attended to his other duties, a quick interview by a Japanese film crew and we were on our way. Nearly…..

With the parade starting at 7:00pm, it took a while to get everyone organised with the Police, marshals, press, pipe band and Vikings to get into some semblance of order before the off.

Just prior to this, a couple of us set off early to see if it was possible to find a vantage point to capture the Procession as it descended The Mound, but the numbers of spectators at the barriers meant that this idea was a non-starter. We grabbed a couple of photos and then set off  – quickly – for Calton Hill and images from there of the torches processing along Princes Street. Never – and I mean NEVER – will I have anything to say about the weight of stuff I carry at a rugby match following the ‘sprint’ up to Waterloo Place with two heavy cameras and a bag to keep it all in, and then on up to the top of Calton Hill. It never used to be that high….

Once there and normal physiological services resumed, it was a fine sight to look back on as thousands and thousands of torches could be seen along Waterloo Place, along Princes Street and around the corner at The Mound. They just kept on coming.

Eventually, the Vikings made it and congregated around the canon near to the Trafalgar Monument for another photo shoot.

Job done, tram to be caught ‘somewhere’, so we were off. As the foot of The Mound was passed, the torch bearers were still flooding along and, that nearly an hour and ten minutes after the start, gives an indication of the sheer numbers – eventually estimated at over 40,000 – involved as the river of light barely paused on it’s way to the finish.

And a blue Edinburgh Castle, to boot. All in all, a truly unforgettable sight…..

Is it true (as the Edinburgh Evening News want us to believe) that the closure of Calton Hill on Hogmanay is absolutely all about the council saving money? The council deny this, saying at every opportunity that the decision not to make this an official viewing area was made on safety grounds, and was made in discussion with all other agencies involved including Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland.

There is also the revelation that there are tickets left for the street party, allowing critics of the hill closure to suggest that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay just want to sell more tickets. The event was a sell-out last year without the need for such a measure, so can that be true?

It is true that the council official who reported to Chief Executive Andrew Kerr on the proposed closure did mention money in just one line of his letter to Mr Kerr.

The letter said:

“While Calton Hill has been used as a viewing point for the Hogmanay fireworks for a number of years, it is not an official viewing area for the celebrations, and is used as a firing site for the midnight fireworks. Stewards are provided to secure the fireworks site, but the hill is unlit, is not an official viewing area and no facilities are in place to accommodate any audience (e.g. sufficient steward numbers, toilets, first aid, etc. Legislation and best practice require these measures at organised public events.). The budget challenges facing the Council mean there is no funding to make this an official site. In addition, assessments of current prevailing wind speed and direction indicate a very large area of the hill acting as a fall out zone for fireworks debris for Hogmanay.

Over recent years the number of people gathering on Calton Hill has substantially increased. Estimates now put this at a few thousand.  As a viewing area, Calton Hill is a specific concern because of its topography, the presence of fireworks (both firing and debris) and the growing number of people on the hill.  Given it is Hogmanay, alcohol consumption must also be a consideration.

Opening the hill will put additional burden on Police Scotland resources and require additional first aid provision on a night that already sees the emergency services highly pressured. If the weather is particularly cold or wet then risks increase further.

Taking all of the above into account, and the continuous assessment procedures in place to ensure crowd management and safety, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Core Group (comprising representatives from Council Public Safety, Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Unique Events) reviewed the site risks and arrived at the decision to close the Hill to the public.

There are other areas within the city centre from which to view the fireworks, including North Bridge where safety arrangements are put in place for the public. While the Street Party provides safe and managed city centre celebrations, North Bridge is also stewarded and has first aid provision to accommodate the public. The Meadows and Inverleith Park remain safe and popular sites for the public to view the fireworks.”

So is the correct interpretation of one sentence in this letter that the move was made all because of money, or is it truly a matter of concern for the health and safety of citizens and visitors?

There are those who feel so strongly about the closure that they have started petitions to persuade the council to open the hill to the public, saying that the council is acting like an over-protective nanny (It has always been an informal viewing area in the past). There are others so affronted by this restriction on their rights that they appear set to storm the barricades later this evening.

When The Edinburgh Reporter asked the Culture Convener Councillor Richard Lewis on Tuesday during the press briefing what the alternatives were to using Calton Hill he suggested North Bridge, Inverleith Park etc, where there will be stewards, and Pete Irvine of Unique Events said that the higher fireworks can in any case be viewed from all over the city.

The Culture Convener did concede that the decision, made last month, might have been publicised earlier than it was, but repeated that the reasons for it were all about health and safety.

Any decision involving the council does of course have to be viewed as part of a larger picture; in a climate of budget reductions, voluntary (perhaps compulsory) redundancies among council staff, and decreasing revenue budgets which affects all council departments and not just this one. What do we want the council to spend the money on? They have just held a three month long consultation on that very subject.

You can also watch our video interviews with the main conveners about the finances of their departments and the upcoming council budget to be agreed at the end of January (which the council say is made a little more difficult by the Scottish Government’s budget announced in December).

Would the council have been right to ‘find’ the money somewhere in their budget to enable Calton Hill to become an official viewing spot, and how much would it have cost anyway? There are many other draws on their finances, and prioritising spending on the growing population at either end of the age spectrum seems to be their main goal. Would it have been right to spend what might easily have been a six figure sum on opening the hill for a couple of thousand people for a few hours this evening?

The council has had a revenue budget of around £1bn to spend in the recent past,  but in the next financial year that total will be reduced by £126m and the council aims to make a further £15m of savings to allow it to spread the cuts over the next few year

The Chief Executive has now issued the necessary Section 11 notice which Malcolm Combe has been keeping an eye on as you can see below. This enables the council to close the hill from 7pm this evening till 2am on New Year’s Day.

What do you think?

Just in time for Hogmanay, here is The City of Edinburgh Council’s s.11 order to suspend Calton Hill access rights. pic.twitter.com/9R8Yjvb9Xc

— Malcolm CoMBE (@MalcolmCombe) December 31, 2015

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Police in West Lothian are appealing for witnesses following a number of housebreaking incidents at the start of this week. Sometime between 8am and 7pm a home in Niddry Road, Winchburgh was broken into and a three-figure sum of cash was stolen from inside.

Local officers in Threemiletown also responded to an attempted break-in on Monday at an address in Canal Court when the occupant disturbed someone trying to gain access via the front door.The attempt was unsuccessful and those responsible made off from the area.

On Tuesday 29th December a report was received relating to a housebreaking in Niddry View, Winchburgh, which happened sometime between 2.50pm on Monday and 2.30am the following day.During this incident a quantity of jewellery and a three-figure sum of cash were taken.

A final break-in occurred sometime between 4.15pm and 7.15pm on Tuesday at a property in Miller Street, Winchburgh, resulting in the theft of a BMW 116D Sport with registration number SM59 CCU.

Police believe these incidents are all linked and may also have been committed by those responsible for the theft of a Volkswagen T-Sporter from Philpstoun on Monday 28th December.Anyone who can assist with these inquiries is asked to come forward.

Constable Ross Hamill from the Community Investigation Unit in Livingston said: “Given the proximity of all of these offences and the close timeframe in which they took place, we believe the same people have been involved and are keen to hear from anyone who can help us identify these individuals.

“In addition anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity within Philpstoun, Winchburgh or Threemiletown between Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th December should also contact police immediately.”

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

The decision has been taken by The City of Edinburgh Council with the support of Police Scotland and Unique Events, who produce Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations on behalf of the Council.

In recent years, an increasing number of spectators have chosen to visit Calton Hill throughout the evening of 31 December, and in particular to watch the Midnight Fireworks. However the hill is unlit and uneven under foot and the closure will ensure members of the public are kept safe on the night.

Our suggestions for alternative viewing of the midnight fireworks include Inverleith Park where the view is good but distant, North Bridge, Regent Road or Castle Street if you can get close enough and Braid Road to the south of the city. Corstorphine Hill offers a view from a distance too. What are your suggestions? Do add them below.

Braid Hills Hotel has a Hogmanay event and outdoor decking area for viewing the fireworks. More details here. Contini Cannonball has a Hogmanay event and there are details of that here.

Where are you going to celebrate the New Year?

Just in case you have never been here at New Year before this is what you might expect tonight.

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Tickets are essential for most of the events such as the Street Party and the Old Town Ceilidh but all the information you need is in the programme below.

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Looking for a scone and a cuppa to keep you going today? Look for inspiration here in our Top Five Scones article here.

Then go forth and find new scones for our new 2016 list! Send your recommendations to rosemary@theedinburghreporter.co.uk .

Edinburgh Capitals play their traditional match against Fife Flyers this afternoon at 4.00pm. The match will last about two and a half hours and is played at Murrayfield Ice Rink.

Tickets here.

Tonight there is an earlier than usual show at the Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square but what better way to get your Hogmanay entertainment underway than watch impossible feats?

Book your tickets here or at the Box Office in St Andrew Square.

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

Edinburgh residents looking to make space in their homes can have bulky furniture items collected for free through the National Re-use Phone Line.  The free service, managed by Zero Waste Scotland, collects unwanted items such as wardrobes, chests of drawers, sideboards, tables, sofas and beds that are in re-usable condition and takes them away to be used again.

The service is a hassle-free way to move items on that you no longer want in a way that’s good for both planet and pocket. The free service also ensures items in good condition go on to have a longer life, which reduces their impact on the environment.

Local residents can simply call 0800 0665 820 to pass their items on. Items are collected by local re-use organisations which sell the furniture to support good causes. The phone line is open from 9am to 5pm and you can donate online at any time at www.reusephoneline.com.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland commented:

“Whatever the reason – perhaps you have ordered a new sofa in the post-Christmas sales, the National re-use phone line takes the hassle out of passing on old items, and sends them on to be used by someone else. It means you can avoid a trip to the tip, help someone in need and help the planet all in one phone call.”

To ensure your item can be collected, Zero Waste Scotland does advise householders to check that sofas and armchairs have their fire tags still in place to comply with regulations around re-sale, and to ensure items are not broken or damaged as they would not be able to be collected.

Encouraging greater re-use of items is a key part of Zero Waste Scotland’s work in creating a circular economy, where products and materials stay in the highest value state for as long as possible. Around half a million of sofas are sent to landfill each year in Scotland. However, around a fifth are currently re-used which generates £1.5m to the Scottish economy through sales and employment and saves the equivalent of 4500 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of taking 750 cars off the roads.

Re-using items is significantly more environmentally friendly than recycling them. For example, re-using 100 sofas saves 1.5 tonnes of carbon compared to recycling them. The Recycle for Scotland website has a wealth of information about how to reduce your waste and re-use more often as well as information on recycling, providing a one-stop shop for ways to become a zero-waste household.

Find out more at www.reusephoneline.com

Heart of Midlothian 3 Dundee United 2

Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership, Wednesday 30 December 2015 – Tynecastle

Hearts recorded a narrow but thoroughly deserved victory over basement club Dundee United in front of another sell-out Tynecastle on Wednesday evening.

The Maroons got off to the worst possible start by conceding a penalty kick in the opening minute but stormed back with three first half goals through Gavin Reilly, Prince Buaben and Osman Sow before conceding another right on half-time.

Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson made three changes to the team that battled for a 2-2 draw with champions Celtic at the weekend – captain Alim Ozturk returned to the team at the expense of Blazej Augustyn while Jordan McGhee replaced the injured Callum Paterson and Billy King took the place of Arnaud Djoum who limped off on Sunday afternoon and was considered only fit enough for a place on the substitute’s bench.

In the United team was Hearts 2012 Scottish Cup winning hero Ryan McGowan who was given a warm reception from the home crowd.

Any notions this was going to be an easy game for Hearts were dispelled in the first few seconds when Juwon Oshaniwa needlessly fouled Fraser inside the penalty box leaving referee Bobby Madden no option but to award United a penalty kick. McKay duly converted to the delight of the 744 United fans.

Sam Nicholson then had a header saved by United keeper Szromnik before the winger almost connected with a raking pass from the impressive Gavin Reilly.

Hearts pressure was rewarded in the 17^th minute. Billy King’s corner eventually found Reilly who fired home from six yards to level the score at 1-1.

Moments later, Reilly almost put Hearts ahead from a cross from McGhee but his header was agonisingly wide.

In the 25^th minute Hearts went ahead. Prince Buaben collected the ball on the edge of the United penalty box and his effort on goal was straight at Szromnik. However, the United keeper inexplicably parried the ball which squirmed past him and into the corner of the net to the horror of the watching away support.

Five minutes later, Hearts went further ahead. Billy King was brought down inside the penalty box and Osman Sow made his usual efficient job with the penalty kick. 3-1 to Hearts and seemingly game over. Not so, however.

Right on half-time a Fraser free-kick was given the ‘after you, Claude’ treatment by the Hearts defence as the ball sailed past them all and into the net to put United back in the game.

There was still time for one last piece of drama in a remarkable first half when United’s Durnan was sent off for denying Gavin Reilly a goalscoring opportunity. From the resultant free-kick, Alim Ozturk saw his effort blocked.

Half-time Hearts 3 Dundee United 2

Robbie Neilson replaced Morgaro Gomis with Arnaud Djoum for the start of the second half and it didn’t take the Belgian long to fire in an effort that Szromnik saved well.

Thereafter Reilly, Sow, King and Nicholson all had chances as Hearts sought to put the game to bed. It was Jordan McGhee who had perhaps the best chance towards the end but his effort from six yards out was saved well by Szromnik.

The final whistle sounded a few minutes later with United pressing for the equaliser and while there was disappointment that Hearts hadn’t added to their lead it was a welcome first win in six games.

Robbie Neilson was satisfied with the result if not ecstatic with the performance.

“I thought we responded really well and got ourselves into a really good position and then lost another bad goal from a set-play that goes directly in,” he told BBC Scotland.

“Second half, they had a man sent off and we were a bit gung-ho. We just didn’t finish things off and it became a bit tense in the end. We huffed and we puffed and we had four or five clear-cut chances and didn’t take them.

“Overall, I was pleased – it was a good result against a team that are fighting for their lives.” 

Hearts: Alexander, McGhee, Ozturk, Rossi, Oshaniwa, Buaben, Gomis (Djoum, 46′), King, Nicholson (Zanatta, 82′), Reilly, Sow (Swanson, 80′).

Dundee Utd: Szromnik, Dixon, Morris (Dillon, 45′), McKay (Spittal, 46′), Rankin, Erskine, McGowan, Durnan, Gunning, Fraser, Demel (Souttar, 79′).

Referee: Bobby Madden

Att: 16,721

Top man: Gavin Reilly

Hibs’ midfielder Fraser Fyvie has been suspended for two matches following an incident with Rangers’ Andy Halliday during Monday’s defeat at Ibrox.

Halliday appeared to aim a kick at Fyvie before barging against his arm with his shoulder. Initially it looked as though the Rangers player had head-butted Fyvie who held his face and Halliday was sent off as a result. Television replays however showed that there had been no contact with his face.

The former Aberdeen player will miss two matches, coincidentally both against Raith Rovers – a Championship meeting at Easter Road on Saturday, then a Scottish Cup fourth-round meeting in Fife a week later.

The Scottish FA compliance officer said Fyvie’s actions caused referee Bobby Madden to make an error and offered the 22-year-old a two-game ban, which he opted not to contest.

A second meeting of the Scottish Government’s resilience committee has been held, as Storm Frank continues to affect much of Scotland.

The First Minister, Deputy First Minister and portfolio Ministers have been updated on the emerging weather situation and the work underway with local partnerships to co-ordinate the response and ensure at risk areas are as prepared as possible.

Weather warnings are still in place for most of the country whilst almost 100 flood warnings are now in force with the risk of severe flooding in Dumfries & Galloway.

Rising river levels, flash floods and surface water have caused significant disruption to travel networks whilst high winds have brought down trees and disrupted power supplies in some areas.

Police Scotland have this morning issued a stage three alert – for a high risk of disruption – for Dumfries & Galloway, Argyll and Central Scotland.

Environment Minister Aileen McLeod said:“We are dealing with a very serious situation as a result of Storm Frank. Weather warnings from the Met Office have unfolded as forecast and much of Scotland has been experiencing strong winds, torrential rain and rising rivers.

“The Scottish Government’s Resilience Team is closely monitoring the situation which is still developing as persistent rain continues to fall onto saturated ground – and is expected to deteriorate further as river levels continue to rise, even after the rain has stopped.

“It is imperative that people look for and take heed of the latest warnings, information and advice from SEPA, Police Scotland and Traffic Scotland. In particular, consider whether you need to travel and take all possible precautions to stay safe, particularly in the worst affected areas.

“It is clear that people across Scotland are experiencing some challenging situations and the Scottish Government is working closely with local authorities, Police Scotland, SEPA and resilience teams across the country to mitigate the impacts of flooding and the extreme weather we are experiencing.”

Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, said: “We expected challenging conditions today and that has turned out to be the case. Our resilience teams are currently coordinating with partners and agencies in order to ensure that our transport networks remain operational throughout this period of bad weather and we will continue to share latest information between all parties so that we are engaging in an effective and coordinated response.

“I advise anyone travelling to check the local conditions in their area by taking advice from Traffic Scotland or Police Scotland before setting out and to take extra care while on the roads.”

Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Duty Hydrology Manager, said:“Heavy rain has fallen overnight as forecast. Some areas saw 100 mm in 12 hours, which is an exceptional amount of rainfall, especially over already saturated ground

“The main areas of concern in terms of flood impacts are Dumfries and Galloway, Western Borders Tayside and Grampian and south Highland.

“Reflecting the potential impact from significant river levels upstream and downstream of Whitesands in Dumfries, SEPA has issued a Severe Flood Warning for the Whitesands area. This is being done in consultation with Dumfries and Galloway Council and Police Scotland. We are also keeping the situation elsewhere across the country, for example Deeside, under review.

“More localised flooding, which is expected to affect roads and farmland – maybe isolated properties – across large parts of Central and Southern Scotland, and into North East. The worst of the rainfall has largely passed, but larger rivers will take some time to react as the water moves down towards the sea. Some are reacting now, but in areas like Dumfries the worst of the flooding is expected to co-incide with high tide mid-afternoon today. Rivers further east will take longer to respond. Areas like Callander, Perth, Deeside and Spey areas will continue to see rising levels throughout the day and some will not peak until the 31st.

“However from Friday the situation should start to improve for everyone.

“We would urge people to keep a close eye on Met Office forecasts and on SEPA’s flood updates page which can be found at http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/. There is also some advice on our website about preparing for flooding here http://www.floodlinescotland.org.uk/your-home/

“SEPA staff will continue to monitor rainfall and river levels closely with the Met Office, local authorities and Scottish Government throughout the coming days to keep everyone up to date with the developing picture. Members of the public can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.”

Detectives investigating the murder of Martin Hamilton, whose remains were found near West Calder earlier this month, are focusing their inquiries on the last sighting of him in April 2015.

The 53-year-old was last seen about lunchtime on Thursday 16th April in Great Western Road in Glasgow. Enquiries carried out so far indicate that he may have died a short time after that.

His remains were discovered by a dog walker in a remote area of woodland near to West Calder on Thursday 17th December. A post mortem examination established that he suffered serious injuries which are believed to have led to his death.

Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham is leading the inquiry and said: “There are two specific sets of people I want to speak to as we seek to establish who is responsible for the death of Martin Hamilton. Firstly, we are working to establish his movements on 16th April and shortly thereafter. He was last sighted in the west end of Glasgow, and I’m keen to hear from anyone who may have seen him or has information about where he went after this.

“The area where his remains were found are fairly remote but can be accessed from the B7015 near to the Five Sisters Business Park. I also want to speak to anyone who may have been in this area on or shortly after 16th April who may remember seeing any vehicles or persons out of the ordinary. Any information, however insignificant it may seem, may be extremely important to our investigation.”

To help jog memories, Thursday 16th April 2015 was a few days after the wedding of Andy Murray and Kim Sears. Around this time the fixtures for the split of the top and bottom of the Scottish Premier League were announced, and it was the run up to the UK General Election. Jess Glynne was top of the charts with “Hold My Hand” and Fast and Furious 7 was the big movie at the cinema.

Police and various scientific experts continue to work at the scene near to West Calder, conducting a detailed examination and search of the area. Specially trained officers are providing support to Martin Hamilton’s family as inquiries progress.

Anyone with information should contact the Major Investigation Team at Livingston on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information to help trace a man reported missing in the Capital.

Daniel Hannan was last seen in the Morningside area around 7am on Thursday 24th December.

Since then the 31-year-old has failed to make contact with family or friends and concern is now growing for his welfare.

Anyone who knows his current whereabouts is asked to come forward.

Daniel is described as white, 6ft 2ins tall with a slim build and dark hair that is balding on top. He was last seen wearing a dark round neck jumper and dark trousers.

It is believed he has friends and associates within the Morningside and city centre areas, as well as in Fife.

Inspector Stephen Rosie from St Leonard’s Police Station said: “It has been almost a week since Daniel was last seen and we are obviously eager to find him as soon as possible and ensure he is safe.

“Anyone who believes they have seen him since Thursday 24th December, or who knows where he is, should contact police immediately.

“In addition, I would also ask Daniel to get in touch so we can establish that he is alright.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.

Hibs’  midfielder John McGinn insists that the confidence of the squad has not been knocked after their 4-2 defeat at Ibrox on Monday.

The Scotland Under 21 captain has been in fine form since joining the club in the summer and he is looking forward to putting  another long unbeaten run together, starting at Easter Road on Saturday against Raith Rovers.

Hibs dropped to third place last night when Falkirk beat Livingston, but Stubbs’ men have a game in hand over the Bairns and a victory over Raith Rovers will see them back on track in the race for automatic promotion.

Speaking to Hibs TV, he said: “If you put it into perspective one defeat in 18 isn’t too bad at all, we just need to try and put a similar run together. Our confidence has not been dented.

“We know it was just a minor blip in what was a really good run. We know we’ve got the players in here that can put together another run like that.”

McGinn was also full of praise for the fans and the support they have given the team this season, both at home and away.

“They have been brilliant all season, they’ve come back in their numbers now and it has really given the team a boost.

“The 900 that travelled to Ibrox were in fine voice and I hope they come along on Saturday and bring their pals.”

Scotland’s Food Secretary Richard Lochhead announced that the coveted 1000^th Taste Our Best accreditation was awarded to The Royal Exchange Coffee House, part of The Real Mary King’s Close visitor attraction in Edinburgh.

The Cabinet Secretary was joined by The Real Mary King’s Close general manager Craig Miller at a special event at the SECC celebrating Scotland’s successes in the food and drink sector throughout the past year – which includes doubling the number of Taste Our Best accredited establishments in just 12 months.

Mr Lochhead said: “This has been a phenomenal year for Scotland’s food and drink industry, and doubling the number of Taste Our Best establishments is a real achievement. We started off with 500 in January, and here we are, less than a year later, with 1000. I can’t think of a better way to round up the Year of Food and Drink, and I’d like to offer huge congratulations to Craig and the team at The Royal Exchange Coffee House, within The Real Mary King’s Close, for sourcing Scottish produce and their continued support of the sector.

“This year has thrown the spotlight onto our fantastic natural larder and has offered us countless opportunities to celebrate and promote it to the world. The turnover value of the sector now stands at £14.3 billion, with our manufacturing growth rate double that of the UK average. The statistics speak for themselves – more and more people are selling our food in greater numbers than ever before, and I want to see that continue into 2016 and beyond.”

Craig Miller, general manager at The Real Mary King’s Close said: “We are delighted to be the 1000^th business to receive the Taste Our Best accreditation from VisitScotland. At The Real Mary King’s Close we pride ourselves in offering our guests an authentic experience of Scottish history and we wanted to extend this authenticity to our recently opened café, The Royal Exchange Coffee House.

“The menu features locally sourced produce and Scottish favourites. We carefully considered which suppliers to use to ensure that our guests experience a real taste of Scotland and we are very proud to be able to work with local businesses. Scotland’s food and drink is renowned worldwide and we are thrilled to be playing our part encouraging guests to eat local and experience the best Scotland has to offer.”

James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink said:

“2015 has been a real milestone year for Scotland’s food and drink industry. The sector crossed the £14 billion mark in annual turnover for the first time and we’ve seen all parts of the country celebrate the fantastic people and products that make up this Land of Food and Drink. The fact Scotland can celebrate a Year of Food & Drink is testament to the journey we’ve been on.

“Our sector is a source of pride for Scotland and so it should be – we have an amazing mix of long-established and newly emerging businesses which are now thriving. The challenge into the future is to make every year feel like a celebration of our sector. With more and more hotels, restaurants and destinations showcasing local food, I’ve no doubt that the momentum from 2015 can continue in the years ahead.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “We are proud to reach this magnificent milestone in the Year of Food and Drink and delighted that The Real Mary King’s Close is our 1000th Taste Our Best recipient. For this five-star visitor attraction to achieve the accreditation only months after opening its cafe goes to show the excellent standards it sets itself.

“Scotland can be proud of its natural larder and the Taste Our Best scheme recognises that. Not only does it indicate to visitors that the establishment believes in quality but it also shows they are committed to promoting local produce and giving customers a true taste of Scotland.

“Taste Our Best is open to restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes, takeaways, accommodation providers and visitor attractions – any business with a food and drink offering. With research finding that three out of four visitors think eating local cuisine will enhance their visit, Taste Our Best really is a recipe for success.”

The attraction’s new café, The Royal Exchange Coffee House, opened in Summer 2015 as part of a £500,000 redevelopment project. The menu showcases locally sourced produce and a variety of Scottish favourites. Suppliers include Northern Edge Coffee, Rendalls Quality Butchers and Anteaques.

The café’s name alludes to The Royal Exchange Coffee House which operated between the mid-18th and early 19th centuries and could be accessed via what is now the Quadrangle of the City Chambers.

Photos Warren Media

Police have released CCTV footage of two men they wish to trace as part of an investigation into an assault.

A 21-year-old man was walking along Elm Row at around 12.30am on 27th November and had just passed the Jeremiah’s Tap pub when he was approached and struck to the face.

The victim sustained injuries to his mouth and was assisted by various members of the public following the attack.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMLnuFClFro&w=420&h=315]

Both of the men pictured in these images are of interest to the inquiry and anyone who can assist in identifying them is asked to come forward.

They are described as being white and in their early twenties.

One was wearing grey Adidas cotton bottoms a black hooded jacket with a white emblem on the left breast and hood and black trainers.

The other was wearing a dark hooded top and dark trainers with a white rim around the bottom.

Detective Constable Iain Wallace said: “The victim sustained painful injuries to his mouth and our inquiries have been continuing to trace those responsible.

“As part of this investigation we are eager to trace the men within this CCTV footage and anyone who recognises them should contact police immediately.”

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

McQueen Legal tell The Edinburgh Reporter that there is no time like the present.

Partner Mary McQueen explained: “Now IS a brilliant time to sell!”

She continued: “Let’s grab the bull by the horns and debunk a few myths. As a seller, now IS a fantastic time to sell. In this ‘Seller’s market’, there is a shortage of good property for the number of potential purchasers who are out there looking.

So how do you get started? And about those myths. The danger is that myths are powerful: they can feel true even when they’re not.

Myth no 1: It’s better to wait and sell your house in the Spring.

Spring is when the amount of properties on the market increases.   When there is a greater number of properties available, the law of supply and demand dictates that there is less interest in every property.   This results in less notes of interest, less closing dates and lower prices achieved.

The truth: Autumn/winter is every bit as good especially when demand outstrips supply as a present. 

Myth no 2: If you want to hit the market in Spring, wait till Easter. 

Not true. January is much better than April.  People have time to discuss possible house moves, or they fall out and split up over the so called Festive Season and they are all fired up to make that move.   When there are less properties available, your property attracts more attention.

The truth: Spring should mean January/February. 

Myth no 3: I need to buy before I sell. 

Dangerous. You could end up with two properties on your hands – at least for a period – and that puts pressure on you to sell at a less advantageous price.  Further, when you try to purchase, the first question from the selling agent will be about your financial position to buy and conclude missives.   If you have still to sell and you have still to arrange your mortgage, they are much less likely to recommend to their clients that they sell to you.  Clients do not often end up having to rent because they can’t find a new property in time – but it does happen occasionally.

The truth: You should sell first iso that you do not severely damage your financial position..

Go along and chat with McQueen Legal on 0131 226 1926.

All of their properties can be viewed on their website. Click the image below to have a look at what they have on sale right now.

easyJet announces new Fearless Flyer course dates for 2016
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground then easyJet’s courses could help you get up, up and away.

The two-day courses will take place throughout the UK including Belfast, Bristol, Gatwick, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle, and are suitable for anyone with a fear of flying – whether they experience general anxiety or an extreme phobia.

Between the end of February and the middle of June 2016 easyJet expects to help around 1,000 nervous flyers to overcome their fears.

During the first day of the course attendees are taught a variety of proven mind techniques from top phobia expert Lawrence Leyton. Attendees will also learn about the sounds and sensations experienced when flying on an aircraft from a senior easyJet Captain who also dispels common flying myths.

The following day attendees are taken on a one hour dedicated easyJet experience flight where they put their new skills to the test whilst listening to a live commentary of the flight from the Fearless Flyer team.

It is one of the best priced aerophobia courses in the UK at just £189 per person. Participants can also invite a companion to join them on the flight if they wish for just £69. Spaces on all of the courses can be booked at www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com.

Over the past year, Police Scotland has put serious and organised crime in the spotlight, with significant successes in detecting and disrupting criminal networks.

Officers have tackled serious organised crime groups spanning the length and breadth of Scotland and the UK.The crime groups were capable of generating significant amounts of illegal profit at the expenses of law-abiding communities and businesses.

Although drug trafficking remains the key business of serious and organised criminals, officers from the Specialist Crime Division have reported seeing an extensive diversification into other areas of activity.

As well as significant drug and money seizures, 2015 saw the first conviction in Dundee of three men involved in a complex financial fraud known as Cuckoo Smurfing.

During the past year:

• a total of 2,107 arrests were made,
• 122 people arrested were described by officers as being principal players involved in serious and organised criminal activity.

Through investigations led by officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism units located across the country, working to support local policing officers and community priorities, a concerted effort has been made to reduce the threat posed by serious and organised crime groups. Officers have  worked closely with a wide range of partners to address the activity of serious and organised criminality.

Individuals involved in Serious and Organised Crime use violence, corruption and intimidation to target vulnerable individuals across the country and they pose a serious and significant threat to communities, individuals and businesses across Scotland.

Police Scotland and partners across the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce are committed to disrupting and dismantling organised criminality across Scotland and work to ensure that Scotland is a hostile environment for criminal activity.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruaraidh Nicolson, Organised Crime Counter Terrorism Unit said: “Tackling serious organised criminals remains one of the highest priorities for Police Scotland and we remain determined to reduce the harm they inflict on communities.

“The work undertaken in 2015 across Scotland by Police and partners in the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce has led to significant successes not just in drug seizures but across a broad range of criminality including violence, robbery and counterfeiting. We look forward to demonstrating further significant successes in 2016. The public can help us to tackle Serious Organised Crime by reporting any suspicions they may have. We stand ready to act to keep people safe.”

Lindsey Miller, Procurator Fiscal for Organised Crime and Counter-Terrorism at the Crown Office said: “The last year has shown that the combined work of the agencies on the serious organised crime taskforce is driving criminals out of business. The Cuckoo smurfing case was an international fraud on a truly vast scale. It clearly demonstrated the ability of police and prosecutors in Scotland to conduct investigations that stretch across legal jurisdictions and continents, to outsmart highly experienced organised crime groups, and to bring to justice individuals involved in extremely complex frauds.

“We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and the NCA to ensure that we stay one step ahead of these gangs and that we dismantle their networks and bring them to justice wherever they are found.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “There’s no place for serious organised crime in Scotland and I’m proud of the efforts of our law enforcement agencies in taking on and taking down these criminals who are exploiting law-abiding communities and businesses.

“Since 2008, we’ve reinvested over £75 million of cash seized from these crooks, putting it back into community initiatives right across the country as part of our Cashback for Communities programme – funding 1.8 million activities for young people.

“Today’s latest figures show another successful year of operations in dismantling these criminal operations. It is clear that the concerted action taken by law enforcement agencies under the leadership and strategic direction of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce is making huge strides in stamping out these types of crimes across Scotland, making our communities safer. As we move into 2016, there will be no let-up in our efforts.”

Delicious home recipes originating from Edinburgh & The Lothians have been captured in a new recipe book launched this month.

Produced by VisitScotland, You’ll Have Had Yer Tea? Treasured Tastes of Scotland features more than 40 recipes submitted by members of the public following a nationwide appeal by the national tourism organisation. 

Each recipe is accompanied by a special memory giving the background to each dish. Whether it’s a childhood recollection of helping mum bake shortbread or frying the catch of the day after a fishing trip with granddad, each delicious recipe is brought to life by the story behind it.

The book also offers some ‘foodspiration’ so that people can embark on their own culinary adventures around the country, highlighting regional specialities and food and drink experiences unique to certain locations.

The Edinburgh & Lothians section features family recipes such as ‘Janet Henderson’s vegetarian haggis’ – submitted by Barrie Henderson who now makes his gran’s recipe for customers to his restaurant, ‘Edinburgh raspberry fog’ – which Harriet Martin made in her first year of marriage and is still loved by her children and now grandchildren 48 years later, and ‘Granny Norma’s custard creams’ – which reminds Heather Anderson of Easter holidays with her grandparents.

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You’ll Have Had Yer Tea, which is available free of charge in VisitScotland Information Centres throughout the country, is published as new research reveals that  more than half of families in Scotland do not sit down for meals together on a daily basis.

The national tourism organisation is now urging families to enjoy dining together and create more mealtime memories.

The research, carried out by Scotpulse on behalf of VisitScotland, showed that only 47 per cent of people in households of two or more sit down as a family to eat dinner every day, while 8 per cent said they would never do this and 9 per cent had not done this in the last week.

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The survey of more than 800 adults also revealed the following:

·         Participants with children in household are less likely to sit down every day to eat dinner

·         Over 55s  are more likely than average (47 per cent) to sit down as a family every day compared to 35 per cent of under 35s (least likely to sit down together every day)

·         Participants from the north of Scotland are more likely to sit down every day as a family (52 per cent) compared to the average (47 per cent) 

You’ll Have Had Yer Tea’s foreword is provided by Scottish chef and food enthusiast Shirley Spear.  

She writes: “The idea behind this recipe book was to create a legacy for the Year of Food & Drink 2015, reminding ourselves of our local Scottish roots, our home-cooking skills and memories of days gone by when family food, cooking and eating together were more prevalent. I would love to see more of this in future.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said:

“From ‘Mum’s Traditional Scotch Broth’ to ‘Granny Norma’s Custard Creams’, You’ll Have Had Yer Tea is a mouth-watering collection of recipes that serves as the perfect accompaniment to the Year of Food and Drink. 

“Many of the treasured memories contained within the book are of Scottish people sitting down to enjoy meals together as a family. We would encourage people to do this more often, where possible, so they can create their own precious memories around mealtimes and I am sure this book will give them some fantastic inspiration for traditional Scottish cooking.

“The Year of Food and Drink has been a great success, helping to raise the profile of Scotland’s outstanding natural larder on the world stage. It has built on the momentum generated by previous focus years and Homecoming Scotland 2014 in further developing Scotland’s reputation as a Land of Food and Drink. It has also helped to debunk any myths about Scottish cuisine being all about fizzy drinks and deep-fried chocolate bars.”

You’ll Have Had Yer Tea? Treasured Tastes of Scotland is available free of charge from  VisitScotland Information Centres throughout Scotland and can also be obtained online here.

  
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, in collaboration with the Edinburgh International Science Festival, the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency, today announced that they will be broadcasting a special message from British Astronaut Tim Peake on board the International Space Station to welcome in the New Year at the world famous Street Party. 
Pete Irvine, Director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a truly global event with revellers joining us from over 80 countries around the world. This year we’ve gone one better and will be visited from Space! In an special message to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Tim Peake, who is travelling high above us on the International Space Station, is expected to help us welcome in 2016. Revellers throughout the City centre should keep an eye on the event and stage screens just before the Midnight Moment.”
Dr Simon Gage, Director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival said “In the few hours that revellers enjoy the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party the International Space Station, travelling at five miles per second, will orbit the Earth three times. If we are lucky we may even spot it going over. With UK astronaut Tim Peake aboard, 2016 will be a remarkable year for UK space science with much for us all to follow and be inspired by. We’re delighted to have been able to extend the invitation to Tim and with the UK Space Agency and ESA to bring a little bit of science to this great party.”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is produced by Unique Events on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council.
 

The death of Martin Hamilton, whose remains were found in West Lothian earlier this month, is now being treated as murder.

A post mortem examination carried out on Monday 28 December established that the 53-year-old from Glasgow suffered serious injuries which are believed to have led to his death.

His remains were discovered by a dog walker in a remote area of woodland near to West Calder on Thursday 17 December. Police and various scientific experts continue to work at the scene, conducting a detailed examination and search of the area.

Specially trained officers are providing support to Martin Hamilton’s family as inquiries progress.

Anyone with information which may assist the investigation into Martin Hamilton’s death should call the Major Investigation Team at Livingston on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.