Friends and relatives of discerning Hibs’ fans worried about finding the ideal Christmas gift need look no further.

‘Hibernian Retro’ are about to launch a 2016 calendar featuring rare images from bygone days which represent the proud history of the club.

The content of the calendar is being kept secret but after chatting with one of the men behind the production, the Edinburgh Reporter is confident that no-one who receives this unique gift will be disappointed.

A spokesman for Hibernian Retro said: “We’re really excited for the imminent launch our very first Hibernian Retro calendar for 2016. The calendar features extremely rare images of players from days gone by, making for what we feel is a unique Christmas present for Hibernian FC supporters both young and old.

“We anticipate the calendar to be very popular, so you can place a pre-order now by emailing hibernianretro@hotmail.com Prices to the UK will be £13.99 which includes postage and packing. International postage will vary.

“All orders will be 100% fulfilled by the second week in December.”

Fans can also follow Hibernian Retro  – The Life And Times Of Hibernian FC Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Elm Row which occurred  in the early hours of Friday 27th November.

A 21-year-old man was walking home and had just passed the Jeremiah’s Taproom pub at around 12.30am when two men approached and confronted him.

The males then struck the man to the face causing him to fall to the ground before they walked off down Montgomery Street.

After suffering a cut to his lip during the attack, the victim returned home before reporting the matter to police.

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

Detective Constable Iain Wallace said: “This appears to be a random assault, which resulted in the victim, who did not know his attackers, sustaining a painful injury to his mouth.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity on Elm Row during the time of this incident and would ask those with information to contact police immediately.

“In particular, we are eager to hear from a group of people who entered the street from a nearby common stair while the assault was taking place.

“These individuals may have seen something that can help our investigation and I would ask them to get in touch with us.”

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

The Church of Scotland is welcoming its largest number of trainee ministers in 5 years as it launches its new careers website www.tomorrowscalling.org. 

It is estimated that hundreds of parish ministers will reach retirement age in the next decade. 

So far, the Kirk has accepted 27 new candidates for training this year, and with further applicants due for assessment next month, it could be the largest intake for ten years.

The Tomorrow’s Calling campaign to promote training for parish ministry was launched at the General Assembly in May. A range of videos about parish ministry have been positively received and the new dedicated careers website is the latest stage of the campaign. The site is designed to inspire and inform potential applicants for the ministerial training programme. It features practical information about the various steps involved in training, helps individuals to start exploring their calling to serve God and provides many first-hand accounts from a parish ministers and chaplains about life and work in ministry.

“We’re no different to other professions facing up to retirement challenges, like GPs and teaching,” says Rev Neil Glover, who at a youthful 43 years of age is the Convener of the Church’s Ministries Council.

“The Church has been slow toget to get to grips with the scale of the problem but now it is a top priority. We currently have just over 800 ministers, and more than 400 of them are aged 55 or over. Ministers tend to work a bit beyond the normal pension age, but we now need to recruit 30 new trainees every year. With around 10 ministers usually returning to parish ministry or joining us each year, then we will be able to continue serving our parishes.”

Louise Purden and her father Rev John McPake are at the opposite ends of ministry. Louise, who is 39, has just been accepted as a trainee while her dad, at the age of 67, has come out of retirement to work part time as an associate minister at Edinburgh’s Gorgie Dalry Parish Church.

Ms Purden said she had never come under any pressure from her father to follow in his footsteps but she recently started feeling “butterflies in her tummy” the more she thought about becoming a minister herself.

“I have worked for the church for many years doing various things – youth and children’s work – and people have often said to me in the past ‘have you ever thought about being a minister to which I very quickly replied no, it is not for me’.

“I guess I have become more aware of the roles that ministers can have and how much the Church has enhanced my life and my family life and I want that for my children as well so I am looking forward to it.

“For me one of the most appealing things is being part of a community and doing everything you can to be Jesus and show God’s light there.

“I really believe in the national church and think we have an opportunity to be a voice in society as well as in a parish.”

Ms Purden is married to Richard with whom she has two children, Ryan, 4, and Christina, 3.

Her father, John, entered ministry at Edinburgh’s Liberton Northfield in his mid-40s after a career with BT. He said he was “very encouraged and pleased” with his daughter’s decision.

“In a way I am not surprised but I never asked her if she was interested in becoming a minister. I just felt that if it was right, God would lead her forward in that direction.”

Mr McPake, 67, said the best piece of advice he could give to his daughter is “be yourself” because she is a very warm person and already a great communicator.

Reflecting on whether 39 is too old to train for the ministry, he said: “You bring your life experiences to your position as minister.

“I do not look at my life and think I wish I had done it earlier.

“I am glad I did it when I did and believe that what I brought into ministry, these experiences, helped me to be the minister that I am.”

Reflecting on the situation many of his fellow ministers are finding themselves in as they approach retirement age, Mr McPake said:”I retired officially at the end of 2013 and then I was invited by Gorgie Dalry Church to come back as associate minister with them and I am really enjoying that.

“I cannot wait to preach every Sunday, that is one of the reasons I couldn’t retire, I didn’t want to stop talking about Jesus.

“It’s also exciting to be involved in new kinds of community work, like the Saltyard café the Church runs in Dalry.

“There’s so much going on and it’s great to see the Church trying new ways of connecting with people through the week. It’s not just about Sundays.”

Since the Church launched its ‘Tomorrow’s Calling’ campaign at May’s General Assembly, a series of promotional films about parish ministry have been viewed over 100,000 times on social media.

The success led to the idea of ministers turning movie makers for the online Advent calendar, and more than 3,000 people have already signed up to receive the daily videos.

More than 50,000 have watched the promotional video on the Church’s website and Facebook page.

“Tomorrow’s Calling has certainly generated lots of interest,” says Rev Neil Glover.

“Everyone experiences their calling to ministry differently and many put it off for one reason or another. What we are saying now is come and talk to us, find out if ministry is right for you.

“It’s an immensely rewarding role, which has its challenges but also changes lives and makes a real difference in communities across Scotland and beyond.”

A unique event featuring Europe’s largest inflatable slide is coming to Edinburgh as it visits Scotland for the first time.

It’s all part of Gung-Ho!, a seriously fun 5k run which launched earlier this year with thousands taking part in three successful events in England.

Now, CBeebies presenter Alex Winters, who came up with the idea, is bringing the Gung-Ho! course to the capital

Scottish thrill-seekers are being given the chance to show how Gung-Ho! they are as the event, which features 10 huge inflatables, heads to The Meadows next June.

Alex Winters said:

“People have really embraced Gung-Ho! so we’re now rolling the event out across the UK. It’s a really fun challenge and it’s been great to see the smiles as people clamber, leap and bounce over the obstacles.

“Next year we’re taking Gung-Ho! to the next level, so start setting your fitness goals for 2016 by securing your place at next year’s event… that’s if you’re Gung-Ho! enough.”

The event takes place on June 11, 2016. Tickets are available now at a special discounted price of £30 and would make great gifts for friends and family this Christmas.

For more information about Gung-Ho! and to book tickets visit www.BeGung-Ho.co.uk or follow on Facebook: BeGungHo, Twitter or Instagram: @begungho

Virgin Money Street of Light

Edinburgh Rugby win over Dragons

Meet the Edible Gardening Team at the Botanics

Behind the scenes tour at Gladstone’s Land

Christmas Charity Festival 2015

Tonight the Virgin Money Street of Light will be lit up for the very first time on the Royal Mile at 6,30pm. You might need to be there early to get a good spot!

This stunning new addition to Edinburgh’s Christmas launches today on St Andrew’s Day and runs till Christmas Eve, with a specially designed architectural installation of 60,000+ lights stretching along the Royal Mile, from City Chambers to the Tron Kirk.

Audiences will enter this stunning canopy of light, rising up to 19 metres high and listen to specially commissioned recordings from choirs from across Edinburgh – all synchronised to the lights. The show lasts for 20 minutes, after the first show the lights are switched off in readyness for the 8.15 show. After this show the lights will remain on till midnight.

Edinburgh Rugby won by a large margin on Friday night against Newport Gwent Dragons. John Preece has the full report and some other spectacular photos here.

In other sports news Hearts managed a draw with Motherwell in an away match played in heavy rain and a ‘swirling wind’ according to Mike Smith. Read the match report here.

Take a look around the productive garden at the Botanics with the Edible Gardening Project volunteers today between 1:00 and 3:00pm.

Find out what jobs need doing in your own garden now and have your vegetable growing questions answered. With seed sowing activities for children during the Scottish school holidays.

This project is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. More details here.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone’s Land is running some special behind the scenes tours today as part of its St Andrew’s Day celebrations.

This high-rise tenement spans nearly 500 years of history, and has been recreated to showcase the daily life of those who called it home, including a wealthy laird in the 1600s, a merchant shopkeeper, and the servants who did the dirty work. Gladstone’s Land was one of the “world’s first skyscrapers” and highlights the turbulent life of a capital city bursting at the seams.

Senior assistant Sally Whitford said: “As part of this special tour, visitors will have the opportunity to view rare Renaissance painted ceilings in rooms normally hidden from public view. Our knowledgeable guides will be on hand to explain the origins of this unusual form of decoration and their hidden meanings, and to tell the stories of the real people who once lived here.”

Outside, there will be beautiful owls and birds of prey – meet baby barn owl Gladstone, tiny Hamish or majestic eagle owl Guinevere.

Glad Tidings, the tenement’s Christmas shop will also be open late this evening and offering some special offers and refreshments for folk coming to see the switch on of Virgin Money’s Street of Light.

Gladstone’s Land in the heart of Edinburgh is a fascinating building. Originally the home of a wealthy Laird, it showcases high rise living 17^th-Century-style and authentically illustrates life in a Lawnmarket tenement apartment. Originally it housed wealthy families on each floor and had two luckenbooths (shops) at street level.

Next weekend on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December at Inverleith Park from 9.30am – 5pm the Christmas Charity Festival takes place.

There will be many charity stalls and you can stay awhile and have a snack at their tea/ coffee bar.

Watch Santa’s reindeer as they get ready to pull Santa on his sleigh in the Santa Parade / Toddle. Toddle Tent for the little ones will be open both days.

There are many attractions for children, including a soft play area, card making, ginger bread decorating and storytelling.

Santa’s Grotto open Saturday and Sunday from 10am You are advised to book early.

Carol Service 3pm Saturday 5th December Join in the annual Christmas Carol Service followed by free warm mulled wine and hot mince pies.

More details here.

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Two Hibs’ players joined staff and patients at St John’s Hospital in Livingston to officially launch the newly refurbed space-themed play room within the hospital’s children’s ward.

Club Captain David Gray and player Liam Fontaine were among those who joined the St John’s team to officially cut the ribbon on the new interactive play room funded by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF).

The players took time out of match preparations ahead of the Ladbrokes Championship home fixture versus Livingston, to drop into the hospital and officially lift the wraps off the exciting new play space which will be used by hundreds of sick children who visit the hospital each year.

The children’s ward play room – based within the hospital – received a major refurbishment introducing the newest technology including Xboxes, Game Cubes, space themed lighting and an interactive floor projector, making the room a modern and child-friendly place for its patients.

New books, paints and a 3D TV means the play room now appeals to a variety of ages and is a welcome addition to the unit which keeps children distracted while they are waiting for their appointments. Portable DVD players were also introduced to keep children entertained in both the hospital waiting area and the wards.

The Hibs stars stayed on following the opening to meet and chat with children and parents, sign autographs and have photographs taken.

David Gray said: “I attended St. John’s Hospital some time ago with my daughter Ivy due to illness.  When I returned for the opening of the playroom I was immediately struck by the difference in the room.

“The playroom is now a light and bright space which is welcoming to children and their families.  I particularly like the games area and I know Ivy would love the interactive projector.  It’s fantastic that the Sick Kids Friends Foundation has been able to fund this improvement which will benefit so many children and their families.”

Jordon MacDonald, play assistant at St John’s Hospital, said: “We are delighted with our new play room – the artists have really done us proud with their space themed work.

“It was lovely to be able to invite people in to show them the space and the new play equipment will help make children feel more at ease while visiting the hospital. We would like to thank Hibernian FC and the Sick Kids Friends Foundation for making the refurb possible.”

Roslyn Neely, chief executive of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “The team at St John’s have worked so hard to bring the new play room to life and we are delighted to support such a worthy addition to the hospital.

“For children, visiting the hospital can often be a daunting experience however, with a new play room full of the latest in technology we hope visits to the hospital will be a more positive experience for them and their families.”

For more information on the Sick Kids Friends Foundation visit www.edinburghsickkids.org or visit us on Facebook at Edinburgh Sick Kids or Twitter @EdinSickKids.

Bring Me The Horizon have managed to shape their sound into what an arena band should sound like: huge choruses and energy at the click of a finger.

They have come a long way since the days of ‘Pray for Plagues’ and ‘Chelsea Smile’, but they evidently still want to keep some elements of the heavy days with them.

They have strengthened their anthems with electronica for Sempiternal and then furthered the process on their new album That’s the Spirit.

Those two sides of BMTH – the screamo and the electronica – attracts two categories of fans: the ones who were teenagers when the band’s early stuff was released, and fans who are only now in their mid-teens. The noticeable sonic shift of their music is garnering more and more fans along the way.

The Sheffield band could have died out a long time ago, but have managed to survive in a genre of music where bands are generally forgotten about.

If anybody thinks that their lyrics are cheesy or their music is just lousy – neither of which are the case – it is made up by their terrifyingly spectacular live show that doesn’t have a single dull moment.

The crowd responded to BMTH’s chaotic live show in the same vigorous way that Oli Sykes and Co. jumped around on stage, by commanding the crowd to open up mosh pits, circle pits and an attempted ‘wall of death’.

The majority of the set was built up by songs from their last two albums, to showcase their ‘new sound’, as only ‘Chelsea Smile’ and ‘Blessed with a Curse’ managed to wiggle their way into a setlist of only 13 songs. For a band with five albums to their name – admittedly all songs on their debut are virtually impossible for Oli Sykes to scream nowadays – a more substantial set would have been welcomed by a crowd mildly disappointed at its premature ending. Bring Me The Horizon have instead opted for production over setlist.

After headlining Wembley Arena and selling it out, arenas across the country are the only option for the band as audiences grow. They sold out the Corn Exchange show in a day, and played just before Metallica at Reading and Leeds. While an arena may not be intimate enough for the band, the production value alone will be enough to sell out arenas nationwide.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on the A720 which occurred near the Dreghorn junction shortly before 5pm last night

A pedestrian was involved in a collision with a blue Skoda Citigo that was travelling westbound.

The 16-year-old was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he remains in a serious condition.

Road closures were put in place east and westbound until around 3am to allow emergency services to conduct the necessary enquiries at the scene.

Road Policing Sergeant Andy Gibb said: “We’re currently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision and are asking anyone who may have witnessed this, or who has any other information which can help with our enquiries, to come forward.”

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

Love was in the air at Musselburgh race course at the St Andrews Day meeting on Friday after a man fancied his chances and got down on one knee.

Racegoers watched open mouthed as Scott Cunningham took centre stage in the parade ring after the opening race to ask Danielle Anderson, his girlfriend of just over one year, to marry him.

Although the couple are big fans of watching horse racing on TV, The Saltire Race Day at Musselburgh was the first time they had been to a race meeting and Scott chose to make it an event that they will never forget.

The 26-year-old student from Falkirk, said: “I wanted to do something original and make everything perfect for her.

“It took me ages to plan exactly what I was going to say as I wanted to make sure I got it perfect. I was unbelievably nervous and my whole body was trembling, but Danielle said yes and that’s all that mattered.

“I kept it a secret as I really wanted to surprise her. I asked permission from her Mum, Dad, Nana and Grandad for her hand in marriage, but they are the only ones who knew. I didn’t even tell my family but I know they are delighted for us.”

Scott, met his fiancé Danielle, 27 from Cumbernauld, at Barleystone Care Home in Falkirk where Scott worked as a Care Assistant and Danielle attend on a placement from New Lanarkshire College where she studied nursing.

Scott, who is now studying professional cookery at New College Lanarkshire, said: “We hit it off immediately. It became clear early on that we were extremely happy, we are made for each other and it has all led up to this moment.”

“I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better. I really want to thank everyone at Musselburgh Racecourse who helped make it all possible, they went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly and I am so thankful to them.”

Danielle, a nursing student at University West of Scotland said: “I was totally shocked, I had no idea what was going on.

“I could not have asked for a more perfect day and I just want to thank everyone who was involved – but especially Scott, I cannot wait to start planning.”

The award winning Musselburgh Racecourse is firmly established as one of the UK’s most stylish racecourses, hosting 27 flat and jumps meetings each year, including the hugely popular Stobo Castle Ladies Day.

The 5 star Visit Scotland venue is popular with racing enthusiasts and is firmly established with both families and corporate clients. Events such as and the imminent Totepool New Year’s Day Race Meeting and the Scottish Cheltenham Trials are helping it attract a more diverse audience.

For racegoers travelling by train, Musselburgh Racecourse provides a free bus shuttle service to and from Wallyford Station and for people using the Borders Railway line, a new shuttle service will operate from Newcraighall Station.

For further information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood has created the ultimate advent calendar for big kids – a digital door a day back in time to childhood winters.

The High Street Museum has teamed up with 26 writers and local charity It’s Good 2 Give to bring treasures from the City of Edinburgh Council’s collection to life through stories.

Online here from December 1 until Boxing Day, the countdown to Christmas will reveal pictures of nostalgic objects which are on display in the Museum such as Christmas angel tree-toppers , a traditional wooden sledge and stocking filler favourites like marbles and spinning tops.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The digital advent calendar celebrates the Museum’s winter exhibition with 26 writers. Each writer was given a festive object from the collection and a simple instruction – to write 62 words about how the item stirs their own memories and feelings about Christmas and winter. Some of the stories they have written are fact and the others fiction but all of them celebrate the nostalgia of Christmas time and winters as a child.”

The Advent Calendar was launched by writers from the collective 26, so-called for the 26 letters of the alphabet, at an event in Edinburgh earlier in the week. It forms part of the free-to-visit 26 Children’s Winters exhibition, open until 31 March 2016. The Calendar will go live on December 1 on the 26 Stories of Christmas website.

Author Sara Sheridan has been involved in the project throughout. She commented: “Edinburgh is awash with writing talent and, though all of the writers are part of the collective 26, they come from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and career stages, from established novelists to screenwriters, copywriters and fledgling poets.

“What they have in common is that they have each been allocated only 62 words with which to capture the spirit of their object – that feeling of winter which is such a big part of Scottish life and childhood. What’s most surprising is how different the pieces turn out. The exhibition covers a broad and exciting response to over a century’s worth of objects, chosen by the curators at what is one of Edinburgh’s most loved museums.”

The exhibition has teamed up with local charity Its Good 2 Give to heighten awareness of the work they do with sick children in the East of Scotland. The online Advent Calendar will feature a donate button to raise money for the cause.

Join in the debate about keeping bees next weekend at Quakers Meeting House on Victoria Terrace.

Bees not having a part of their own essential honey? colonies translocated to work on the pesticides? imported bees bringing new diseases?

Should science look into the implications of these beekeeping practices? Would it make sense to agree on a Best Practice Code for beekeeping that guarantees a basic Welfare for the honey bee? Citizens, beekeepers and scientist have a date on 5 December to share their opinions. Read more on the Facebook page here. 

Your presence is important for this to considered happen nationwide!
handinhandwithnature@gmail.com

Submitted by Luisa Gonzalez

Old Town tenement’s free behind-the-scenes tours for St Andrew’s Day

The National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone’s Land is running some special behind the scenes tours on Sunday 29 and Monday 30 November as part of its St Andrew’s Day celebrations.

This high-rise tenement spans nearly 500 years of history, and has been recreated to showcase the daily life of those who called it home, including a wealthy laird in the 1600s, a merchant shopkeeper, and the servants who did the dirty work. Gladstone’s Land was one of the “world’s first skyscrapers” and highlights the turbulent life of a capital city bursting at the seams.

Senior assistant Sally Whitford said: “As part of this special tour, visitors will have the opportunity to view rare Renaissance painted ceilings in rooms normally hidden from public view. Our knowledgeable guides will be on hand to explain the origins of this unusual form of decoration and their hidden meanings, and to tell the stories of the real people who once lived here.”

Outside, there will be beautiful owls and birds of prey – meet baby barn owl Gladstone, tiny Hamish or majestic eagle owl Guinevere.

Glad Tidings, the tenement’s Christmas shop will also be open late tomorrow Monday 30 November and offering some special offers and refreshments for folk coming to see the switch on of Virgin Money’s Street of Light.

Gladstone’s Land in the heart of Edinburgh is a fascinating building. Originally the home of a wealthy Laird, it showcases high rise living 17th-Century-style and authentically illustrates life in a Lawnmarket tenement apartment. Originally it housed wealthy families on each floor and had two luckenbooths (shops) at street level.

Where better to celebrate St Andrew’s Day than in St Andrew Square which will again host Edinburgh celebrations today with the best Scottish music, poetry and dance – all free.

The main stage will feature the Scottish three piece, The Banana Sessions, playing with their unique style of folk-pop and the multi-award winning Blazin’ Fiddles headlining with music from their new album and across their career spanning nearly two decades.
The entertainment in the Spiegeltent will include readings from Scotland’s Makar, Liz Lochhead. The Royal Scottish Dance Society will lead Ceilidh dances and workshops and the Spiegeltent programme will close with one of Scotland’s most acclaimed singer songwriters and his five piece band, Dean Owens and The Whisky Hearts, playing his infectious brand of Celtic Americana, from Leith via Nashville.

THE SPIEGELTENT

Stick Man – Live on Stage!
A special free St Andrew’s Day performance of our headline family show, from the book by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.
11am (60 minutes)

Scottish country dancing workshop and dance
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society will lead a Scottish country dance workshop followed by a dance, where you can put your new moves to good use.
1pm & 4.30pm (50 minutes)

The Michty McNicol’s’ Scots Way-HAY!!! 
Join the Michty McNicols as they celebrate St Andrews Day with the Long Lost Legends of Scotland! The invention of tartan, a lassie who feared nothing, St Andrew and the Bread and Butter Barny… all this and an all-singing-all-dancing finale with the one and only Elvis Burns! Fun for all the family!
2.45pm (45 minutes)

Liz Lochhead
6.30pm (50 minutes)

Dean Owens and the Whisky Hearts
Dean Owens is one of Scotland’s most acclaimed singer songwriters, he will perform alongside his five piece band the Whisky Hearts, playing his infectious brand of Celtic Americana, from Leith via Nashville.
9pm (60 minutes)
MAIN STAGE

Pulse of the Place
Pulse of the place is a vibrant youth-led samba drumming band based in Edinburgh.
12.30pm (45 minutes)

Nativity Carol Concert
In conjunction with St Andrews and St Georges West and Edinburgh Churches Together, at the start of Advent, a carol concert around the Nativity Scene, generously donated to Edinburgh by Sir Tom Farmer.
3pm (60 minutes)

The Banana Sessions
Scottish three piece, the Banana Sessions, play with their unique style of folk-pop.
5.15pm (60 minutes)

Blazin’ Fiddles
Multi-award winning Blazin’ Fiddles headlining St Andrew’s Day main stage with music from their new album and across their career spanning nearly two decades.
7.30pm (60 minutes)

Canadian comic John Hastings, a rock-solid performer and master of the funnies, will be bringing Christmas cheer to Edinburgh next Saturday 6 December when he headlines Gilded Balloon Comedy at The Studio at The Festival Theatre, Edinburgh; the final Gilded Balloon comedy gigs of 2015.

He will be joined on stage by Dumfries born Mark Nelson, whose confident and perfectly paced stand up is certainly not for the easily offended.  Also on the bill will be the endearingly bonkers and naturally exuberant Harriet Dyer, whose weird and wonderful adventures have often ended in folk trying to section her.  Glaswegian Chris Conroy is the perfect compere for both nights; he just wants to make his audiences laugh.

John Hastings is as fluid as he is dynamic in his non-stop routines, sometimes he’s powerful and declamatory, taking down drunken hecklers with impeccable ease, and at other times he will share an intimate confidence. As such he’s an expert technician, delivering with a winning mix of passion and intimacy.

Hastings’ hilarious and authentic comedy routines will fly across the comical antics of his life and misadventures unleashing thoughtful rants at the British use of language and the absurdity of his various experiences in the UK. Whether it’s the British becoming feral on drunken nights out or the terrors of travel by Megabus, he deploys some great turns of phrase without resorting to tired clichés or tedious puns.

This charming, self-deprecating and loveable comic is truly engaging, finding the funny in everything he does, whilst sharing his imaginative and smart sense of humour with the audience at every turn.  But no matter what he throws out he will leave his Scottish audiences laughing from start to finish.

Mark Nelson’s mix of dark humour, cutting observations and superb one liners is on the menu for comedy fans in Glasgow and Edinburgh.  As a solidly consistent and excellent stand-up he is not afraid of creating a stir.  His likeable, quietly-spoken and laid-back style belys the stronger content that can push the boundaries of taste and has audiences laughing at things they know they really shouldn’t be laughing at. Yet the material is intelligent, well conceived and cleverly crafted.

As a relative newcomer to the comedy circuit Harriet Dyer has heads turning. She is an imitable raconteur with an animated and compelling presence and a whirlwind fizz of energy.  Her oddball escapades highlight the thin line between being eccentric and “mental.” She weaves her surreal and hilarious tales of a misspent youth that are so outlandish they have to be true.  Her delightfully offbeat delivery, with little filter between brain and mouth, and her bewildering anecdotes that veer off on entertaining tangents, give her a totally unique comic voice.

Glasgow comic Chris Conroy is the expert compere for both Drygate and The Studio. Since his first stand-up performance in January 2010 he has been to the UK’s major cities and carved a reputation as a comic that just wants to make audiences laugh and help them to leave with a grin on their face. Chris won the prestigious ‘King Gong’ competition at the Comedy Store in December 2010, supported Tom Stade on a recent national tour and regularly performs at major comedy clubs around the country

For further information on Gilded Balloon Comedy at Drygate and Gilded Balloon Comedy at The Studio at The Festival Theatre click here.

Twitter – @Gildedballoon

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Gildedballoon

Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, the fashion to textiles retailer that owns The Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Peacocks, is to open a further 100 stores in the next two years after recording strong sales and record profits.  

The Group, which also owns fashion brand Jane Norman, homewares retailer Ponden Mill, and golfing brand Pro-Quip, said that its focus on quality, value for money products and positive customer service had helped it deliver strong underlying like-for-like sales across its brands in the year to February 28, 2015. 

Total sales at the Group – which opened a total of 71 new stores in the UK and Ireland during the period – had increased to more than £562.6m, with profits before tax rising by 28 per cent to £91.2m. 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation was also up 16 per cent to £100.9m. 

In continued investment the Group will open a further 53 outlets in the current year, including five new overseas stores, and create 800 new jobs. It will also further update its existing shops as it targets the organic growth of both its Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Peacocks brands.  

The group currently operates more than 1,000 stores across the UK, as well as hundreds of concessions and multiple e-commerce sites, and employs more than 10,000 staff across the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

Steve Simpson, Group Commercial Director of Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, said: “Each of our brands has its own core focus, but they are united in their determination to reward strong customer loyalty with excellence in quality, value for money, and customer service. 

“Whether they are cost-conscious mums looking for family fashion or discerning shoppers seeking a more timeless sense of style, our customers know they can rely on us to deliver what the quality they want, at the price they want, both on the high street and online.” 

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill enjoyed positive like-for-like sales, although it recorded slightly reduced total sales of £166.2m from £168.5m in 2014 after closing a small number of underperforming stores. 

Online sales grew by 15 per cent, partly thanks to enhanced e-commerce platform that allows ‘in store’ ordering and click and collect, while it had also increased its range to include ladies’ as well as men’s fashion, helping it broaden its customer base. 

Sales in destination towns such as Oban, Fort William, Stratford, Oxford, and Windsor, also rose due to strong numbers of overseas visitors keen on buying British. 

Peacocks, which focuses on value fashion for the entire family, grew sales by eight per cent to £351.7m. 

The business, which was founded in 1884 by market trader Albert Peacock as a Victorian penny bazaar, has so far received more than £150m in investment since being bought out of administration in 2012. It now has 477 stores in the UK and Ireland, with international operations in a further eight countries.  

Online sales at Peacocks rose by 62 per cent, including a 154 per cent increase in purchases made on mobile devices aided by the implementation of a new mobile optimised platform. Online sales also rose by 23 per cent at Jane Norman. 

Mr Simpson added: “Edinburgh Woollen Mill was already a category leader in over-40s fashion, and further broadening its demographic will only help it to continue its growth, both here in the UK and overseas. 

“Peacocks, meanwhile, is benefiting from a truly omni-channel approach comprising online, mobile and high street, as well as out of town stores and concessions. 

“While this has helped boost sales across both brands, control of sourcing and input prices has helped deliver strong margin growth. 

“As well as opening more than 50 stores during the current year, we are now actively looking for new sites both here in the UK and overseas with a target of opening a further 100 new stores in the next two years.”  

The Group said it believed the fact that it was debt free and with a strong balance sheet meant it was in a good position to continue its strong performance to date, despite increased competition and a growing squeeze on consumers’ disposable income. 

Visitors to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions in Edinburgh were seeing double  as twins Max and Oscar Lithgow (age 2) took to the roof of Camera Obscura to check out some of the different events and activities taking place in Edinburgh for St Andrew’s Day.

In addition to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, which is offering free child entry until 30 November, there are 47 other offers across Edinburgh and the Lothians  Day including 2 for 1 on surf lessons at Coast2Coast Surf School and free child entry at The Royal Yacht Britannia.

As well as the offers available, Edinburgh will be holding its own St Andrew’s Day celebrations in St Andrew Square today as part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals. The free event will feature the best Scottish music, poetry and dance with performances from The Whisky Hearts, Blazin’ Fiddles and Liz Lochhead.

As part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals celebrations, the Virgin Money Street of Light will give people the opportunity to enjoy a major new free event for the Edinburgh Christmas Season. Launching on St Andrew’s Day itself tomorrow, the Virgin Money Street of Light is an architectural installation of over 60,000 lights stretching along the Royal Mile, set to music from Edinburgh choirs.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: “St Andrew’s Day is going to be bigger than ever before with a huge range of events taking place in the lead up to our national day. I’d encourage people across Edinburgh, The Lothians and beyond to get together to celebrate and get involved in the programme.

“The celebrations are part of the Scottish Government’s Winter Festivals programme which this year has been provided with a record £390,000 of funding to support 21 key cultural events in 15 local authority areas across the country.”

Andrew Johnson, Director and Manager of Camera Obscura and World of Illusions added: “There are lots of great things to do in Scotland over the winter. Here at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, it’s a great time to visit, with beautiful winter light for our Periscope Show, and prime location for seeing the city’s Christmas lights from our rooftop chamber. We’re also opening an hour later Friday to Sunday this winter – till 7pm – to accommodate growing numbers taking advantage of our kids go free St Andrews Day offer. “

Scotland’s Winter Festivals is a programme of events which will run across Scotland in the lead up to St Andrew’s Day, through Christmas and Hogmanay, to Burns Night to promote and showcase Scotland as a modern and creative nation with a rich heritage. The programme will provide an opportunity to celebrate the best in Scottish music, arts, food and drink.

To find out what’s going on in your area and download vouchers for your St Andrew’s Day out visit www.scotland.org/standrewsday

Climate March

Advent yarnbombing

Twelve day pass for Glenogle Swim Centre

Christmas Craft Workshop

Out of the Blue – Gretna 100

Yesterday Edinburgh was awash with rain, and a bit of colour amidst the downpours from those taking part in the Climate March.

The head of a march of as estimated 7,000 people who braved the weather in Edinburgh to march through the city urging Britain’s and Scotland’s politicians to reach a deal to cut carbon emissions and stabilise climate chaos at next week’s Climate Talks in Paris which start this Monday.

Pictured at the head of the march as it winds its’ way down The Mound towards Princes Street Gardens are SCCS (Stop Climate Chaos Scotland) chairman Tom Bannatine and other speakers who addressed the rally at the gardens.
 The Meadows to Princes Street Gardens demonstration was organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland – a coalition of green and humanitarian charities and NGOs.

Read more here

On the first Sunday in Advent (that’s today!) people living in Edinburgh and south to Penicuik, west to Falkirk and further out to Peebles in the Borders will find they have been yarn bombed by angels. The knitted angels will adorn railings, trees, fences, and buildings.

Each angel will have a tag – a message of good news and a link to a website where people can, should they wish, find information about local church services. The website also work as an Advent calendar with a daily advent thought right up until Christmas Day.

But Rev Lynsay Downs, who initiated the yarn bombing project, says that the participating churches are not looking for anything back – the angels are a gift. Lynsay says, “These knitted angels are all about bringing a gift to others that doesn’t ask anything in return. Our  real hope is that the angels raise a smile and remind those who see them that Christmas is coming – a time when space is to be made for peace and joy to be at the centre of our lives.”

Watch out for displays of angels in Dunbar, Morningside, Murrayfield, Penicuik, Portobello and all over the diocese.

Christmas has come early at Edinburgh Leisure….pop into Glenogle Swim Centre for more information or to buy your 12 day pass.

More information and Terms & Conditions can be found here.

Out of the Blue Drill Hall based film maker Ray Bird’s brilliant documentary film of their Heritage Lottery funded Gretna 100 social history project is now available on Out of the Blue’s Youtube channel.

The film powerfully illustrates how a participatory arts project can have a long lasting impact for participants and audience alike.

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Over five thousand campaigners marched through Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon to urge world leaders, gathering the Paris, to take concerted action against climate change.   It was one of a series of rallies being staged in cities across the world.

Despite strong winds and occasional rain, the marchers made their way from the Meadows to Princes Street gardens, carrying banners, beating drums, blowing bugles and ringing bells.  They’d come from all over Scotland and from all of the 60 organisations involved in the Stop Climate Change Chaos coalition. Many were in fancy dress – a polar bear, a panda, two turtles.

The rally in Princes Street gardens included live music and speeches from politicians, compared by the comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli. The environment minister Aileen McLeod said Scotland was leading the way with a target of reducing carbon emissions by 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050.

The UN Conference on climate change begins in Paris on Monday.  Environmental campaigns want to see an agreement to cut carbon emissions enough to hold global warming below the crucial figure of 2 degrees Celsius and they want the rich countries to subsidise the poor countries to make the necessary changes.

The head of a march of as estimated 7,000 people who braved the weather in Edinburgh to march through the city urging Britain’s and Scotland’s politicians to reach a deal to cut carbon emissions and stabilise climate chaos at next week’s Climate Talks in Paris which start on Monday (30th November 2015).
Pictured at the head of the march as it winds its’ way down The Mound towards Princes Street Gardens are SCCS (Stop Climate Chaos Scotland) chairman Tom Bannatine and other speakers who addressed the rally at the gardens.
The Meadows to Princes Street Gardens demonstration was organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland – a coalition of green and humanitarian charities and NGOs.

Photography for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) from: Colin Hattersley Photography – colinhattersley@btinternet.com – www.colinhattersley.com – 
07974 957 388

The  A720 Edinburgh City Bypass is currently closed due to a serious road traffic collision.

Emergency services including police and ambulances are at the scene near to the Dreghorn Junction on the westbound carriageway.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Police and emergency services in Edinburgh are currently in attendance at a road traffic collision on the A720 near the Dreghorn junction.

“A pedestrian has sustained serious injuries as a result of this incident, which happened shortly before 5pm.

“The road will remain closed for the time being and motorists travelling in the area are advised to expect significant delays.

“Our inquiries into the full set of circumstances are ongoing and anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact police on 101.”

Motherwell 2 Heart of Midlothian 2

Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership, Saturday 28 November 2015 – Fir Park

On a day when one would hesitate to send their dog out, Hearts maintained their recent unbeaten league run with a 2-2 draw at Motherwell on Saturday. The Gorgie Boys got off to the worst possible start by losing a goal in the opening two minutes but fought back well (if you’ll pardon the pun) for a thoroughly merited draw.

Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson made two changes to the team that drew with Dundee at Tynecastle last Saturday with striker Juanma back in the team following his suspension and Danny Swanson brought into midfield. Billy King and Prince Buaben were the players who stepped aside.

With heavy rain and a swirling wind, conditions were difficult for both teams. With barely two minutes played, Hearts – playing in their Foundation of Hearts tribute strip – found themselves behind. Goalkeeper Neil Alexander appeared to be fouled by Moult as he came to collect a cross but the Motherwell striker was alert enough to poke the ball home much to the disgust of the Hearts custodian who was booked by referee Steven McLean for his protests. Robbie Neilson has spoken of his anger about players being booked for arguing with officials but it appeared the Hearts keeper had a point as it seemed he had been pushed by the goalscorer.

However, the visitors didn’t take long to draw parity. In the tenth minute, great play by Osman Sow set up Juanma who chipped the ball over keeper Ripley to level the game at 1-1.

Sow should have put Hearts ahead just three minutes later after he capitalised on a mistake by Kennedy but the Swede was denied by Ripley.

The Steelmen then had a chance through Pearson but the former Scotland player’s effort was blocked by Hearts Blazej Augustyn.

It was end-to-end stuff and the home side had another chance when Moult set up McDonald but the former Celtic striker couldn’t find the target with his effort.

Danny Swanson then delivered a brilliant free-kick which found the head of Igor Rossi but the defender’s header went over the bar. Swanson repeated the feat minutes later, this time finding the head of Callum Paterson. The Scotland Under 21 star’s header was on target but couldn’t beat keeper Ripley who produced a fine save.

Just before half-time McDonald thought he had put the home side in front again but he was denied by Neil Alexander before Juwon Oshaniwa cleared the danger.

Half-time Motherwell 1 Hearts 1

Oshaniwa made way for Jordan McGhee in the 50^th minute with the Nigerian clearly struggling with the conditions.

Twenty minutes into the second half, fine play from the industrious Swanson found Juanma but the Spaniard’s chip past Ripley trundled wide. Hearts were to rue this missed chance seconds later when Motherwell went in front. Fine play from Johnson saw him skip past Rossi and substitute Jordan McGhee and he lashed the ball beyond Alexander to make it 2-1 to Mark McGhee’s side. However, as they did in the first half, Hearts wasted little time in equalising. Osman Sow was the hero and he fired in a brilliant effort from thirty yards which gave keeper Ripley not an earthly. 2-2 and it was game on once more.

The visitors then went in search of an equaliser as the wind dropped and play became slightly easier. Juanma set up Sam Nicholson but the youngster’s effort on goal was wide and a real chance for the winner had gone. Young Sam had an even better chance moments later when a shot from Sow was blocked by the home defence but fell for Nicholson ten yards out. However, to the despair of his team mates and another huge travelling Hearts support, Nicholson blazed the ball over and Hearts had to settle for a point when it could easily have been three.

Robbie Neilson couldn’t fault his players for effort when he spoke to BBC Scotland after the game.

“It was an end-to-end game but weather conditions were horrific,” said the Hearts gaffer. “You couldn’t take free-kicks as the ball was blowing all over the place. I’m disappointed to drop two points as we would like to come here and win but we accept a point. The players worked hard and got into good positions but sometimes they made bad decisions.”

Hearts draw meant Aberdeen climbed above the Jambos into second place in the Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership. The Maroons face Inverness Caledonian Thistle next week before heading for Pittodrie in a fortnight for what is already looking like a mouth-watering clash.

Motherwell: Ripley, Hammell, Grimshaw, McManus, Pearson, Johnson (Ainsworth, 67′), Lasley, Kennedy, Law, Moult, McDonald (Robinson, 84′).

Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Augustyn, Rossi, Oshaniwa (McGhee, 50′), Pallardo, Djoum, Nicholson, Swanson (Buaben, 68′), Juanma, Sow.

Referee: Steven McLean

Att: 5,141

Top man: Osman Sow – what a goal!

Bonus point win for Edinburgh in PRO12

Edinburgh never looked like losing Friday night’s match against the Dragons at BT Murrayfield, the question being ‘by how much could they win?’

Win they did, but they made heavy weather of it, spurning several chances to cross the whitewash which was particularly concerning as the visitors were down to 13 players at one point during a four-yellow second half.

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne opened the scoring within the first – Edinburgh dominated – five minutes with a penalty.

Despite playing most of the first period of the match in the visitors half, by 15 minutes the scores were level as No. 10, Dorian Jones knocked over a penalty awarded for a collapse by Edinburgh front row in a 22 metre scrum.

The hosts resumed their pressure from the restart and drove down into the Dragon’s 22. A penalty line out saw the home side rumble their way up to and over the try line, with Willem Nel in charge of the ball. Referee, Marius Matrea went ‘upstairs’ for a decision, but try it was, and, with Hidalgo-Clyne’s conversion, Edinburgh were 10-3 ahead after 20 minutes.

The next score for the home side was a 28^th minute penalty from Hidalgo-Clyne following another Edinburgh-rich period of possession. However, the nearest they got to the line was Matt Scott’s charge down the right flank being pulled up a metre or so short. Recycled ball from this move saw the ball shifted to the centre of the field, but lack of penetration saw Matrea pull play back to give Hidalgo-Clyne another shot at goal for a 13-3 scoreline.

The Dragons managed an addition to their score with a 34^th minute penalty from Jones, but this was just a brief hiatus in Edinburgh’s relentless attacking play. Several breaks were generated, chief amongst which was a fine line break by Tom Brown, but – as they say – you can’t run without your legs and a fine last ditch tackle by wing, Ashton Hewitt, brought his opposing wing down just inside the 22.

But, that just delayed, what should have been the inevitable, and shortly before the break, Nel reached out across the line again for his ‘second’ try. Matrea, once again, went to the TMO for judgement and, following a lengthy consultation, Nel was deemed to have performed a ‘double movement’ and the try was disallowed.

So, despite the huge domination of possession and territory by the home side, the Dragons were hanging on to their coat tails at the break as the sides went in at 13-6.

The home crowd were anticipating a repeat performance in the second half and they weren’t (too) disappointed.

Within the first 10 minutes of the match, the Dragons lost two players to the sin bin, both for scrum infringements. The first of these was on Edinburgh’s 22, where Boris Stankovitch received his marching orders and the second was in the Dragons 22 less than five minutes later, Phil Price – on to replace Stankovitch in the front row was binned for a similar offence.

Now against 13 men, Edinburgh went on the offensive, but just couldn’t find a way through until the 58^th minute when play swiftly passed across the pitch and a wide ball found Alistair Dickenson on the left wing, the prop barging in the corner over for Edinburgh’s second try and another TMO consultation. This one went on for ages – prompting one humourist in the crowd to shout “Some of us have homes to go to!” – before awarding the try. Hidalgo-Clyne score the difficult conversion to bring up a 20-6 scoreline and Dragons lost their third player – Dorian Jones – to yellow soon after their first had returned.

Edinburgh were now fully in charge of the match, but, frustratingly, could not see the ball over the line. The Dragons’ defence, it has to be said, played heroically as they lost another player to yellow, Nic Cudd being the ‘receiver’, in the 69^th minute.

This was now Edinburgh’s chance to go for the bonus point and four minutes in to the yellow, Brown dived over in the corner following another ruck inside the five metre zone. Hidalgo-Clyne missed the kick – his only one of the match – but the hosts now had a healthy 25-6 lead.

The bonus point try then came up a couple of minutes later. With Sean Kennedy on for Hidalgo-Clyne, the scrum half made a break through the defence and into the 22. A pop pass off the floor found Matt Scott with a free run in under the posts and the bonus point try was scored. Kennedy knocked over the conversion and, with three minutes left to play, it was 32-6 to Edinburgh.

Those final three minutes, or so, belonged to the Welsh side. Foot off the gas a touch, maybe, by the home side found play inside the home five metre line and quick ball off the top of a penalty line out with seconds to go found the returnee, Cudd, bundled over for a TMO decided – who would have thought? – try. It was awarded and, with Jones’ kick successful, Matrea blew for full time and a bonus point 32-13 win for Edinburgh.

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days

The Edinburgh Reporter sends our best wishes to Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale who meet Huntly in the William Hill Scottish Cup Third round this afternoon.  This stage of the competition has a history of creating cup-shocks and with the Premiership big-guns entering in the next round, there’s everything to play for.

‘Hutchie’ have a proud tradition for bringing youngsters though and Sky Soccer Saturday have interviewed a number of former players including Jason Cummings, Leigh Griffiths and Kenny Miller ahead of today’s game.

The full draw is as follows.

WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP THIRD ROUND
Saturday 28 November, 3pm kick-offs

Stranraer v Buckie Thistle

Queen’s Park v Forfar Athletic

Formartine United v Cove Rangers

Dumbarton v Alloa Athletic

Stirling Albion v Cumbernauld Colts

Albion Rovers v Greenock Morton

Falkirk v Fraserburgh

Wick Academy v Linlithgow Rose

Peterhead v Livingston

Huntly v Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale

Elgin City v Raith Rovers

Airdrieonians v Brechin City

Ayr United v Dunfermline Athletic

Inverurie Loco Works v Annan Athletic

Stenhousemuir v East Kilbride

Cowdenbeath v Arbroath

Hibs’ Development Squad player Callum Crane will join Berwick Rangers on a short-term loan until 24 January 2016.

Crane, 19, who can operate either as a left-back or in the midfield, returned from injury earlier this week to score a superb long-range goal for the Hibernian Development Squad in their 2-1 victory over Motherwell.

In other news, striker Lewis Allan’s loan deal with Forfar Athletic has been cancelled.

The young forward recently underwent surgery to remove a bone cyst from his thoracic spine and is currently recovering. He is expected to resume training towards the end of February 2016.

Jamie Insall, who joined the Club in the summer transfer window, has had his loan deal with East Fife extended until 17 January 2016.

Insall featured on numerous occasions for the Hibernian Development Squad before joining the New Bayview side – scoring on his debut for the Gary Naysmith’s outfit in a 5-3 victory over East Stirlingshire.

The doors to Edinburgh Leisure’s popular gym at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre will temporarily close on Sunday, 29 November 2015 for refurbishment. By the end of 2015, Edinburgh Leisure will have invested £1m in top of the range fitness equipment in five of their fifteen gyms.

The gym is due to close at 6pm on Sunday 29 November and will re-open at 6.30am on Monday 21 December. Other parts of the leisure centre will remain open during this time, including the fitness studios with a full fitness programme on offer as normal, the Tennis Centre, squash courts and the cycle studio.

The refurbishment will include new flooring, painting, wall graphics, and all new top spec cardio (CV) and resistance equipment, which will include a new SYNRGY360 station for gym based group exercise classes, the first time that this has been installed at any of the Edinburgh Leisure sites.

Edinburgh Leisure Fitness Manager, David McLean said: “As a not-for-profit organisation, we are constantly reinvesting in our sites to ensure that our customers have a welcoming environment in which to work out and also the latest equipment for our customers to stay active with.

“The SYNRGY360 is a ground-breaking group training system designed to create memorable experiences for all exercisers and we’ll be launching group circuit classes training using this equipment in the New Year.”

Located between Craiglockhart Hill and Colinton Road, Craiglockhart Leisure Centre enjoys beautiful views across Craiglockhart Pond over the west of the city to the castle.

The Leisure Centre boasts a spacious gym with over 70 pieces of kit, fitness studios, squash courts and a multipurpose sports hall.

The Tennis Centre (just two minutes’ walk away) offers Junior and Adult courses in a fantastic tennis facility with indoor and outdoor courts, as well as a cycling studio and café.

During the period of time that the gym is close, customers can use any of the other sites. The closest gyms are Warrender Swim Centre and Gracemount Leisure Centre.

Further information is available on www.edinburghleisure.co.uk. Follow Edinburgh Leisure on Facebook (EdinburghLeisure) and Twitter (@Ed_Leisure).

Scotland’s Climate March

Consultation on antisocial behaviour

CPR training available from SFRS

Penguin Festival 

Whisky Enlightenment Tour

In The Meadows today at 12 noon Scotland’s Climate March will begin to wend its way down Forrest Road, George IV Bridge and then down the Mound. Before then there are some pre-march activities including a banner-making workshop from 11:00.

At the Ross Bandstand there will be a rally with music, comedy and speakers. You are invited to wear your brightest colours to show that Scotland is taking strong action on climate change.

More information here.

The Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership, on behalf of its partners and stakeholders including the City of Edinburgh Council and Police Scotland, are looking to consult with residents and visitors of Edinburgh about their experience and opinions of Antisocial Behaviour in Edinburgh. The views will be fed into Edinburgh’s Antisocial Behaviour Strategy for 2016-19.

You can take part by clicking here.

Email jonathon.miller@firescotland.gov.uk for more details of how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can help with life saving training on CPR.  The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service now has instructional DVDs and mannequins which can be made available to members of the public at fire stations with a view to teaching them how to conduct CPR. This is in partnership with the British heart Foundation and in line with Scottish Government’s pledge to save an extra 1000 lives from out of hospital cardiac arrest by 2020.

Edinburgh Zoo is holding Penguin Festival Lights, when the Zoo will stay open later between 4 December and 6 January. The penguin art colony will be brightly illuminated and the nearby Mansion House colourfully lit up at dusk. The light display will be switched on at around 3:45pm and last until 6pm, and festive food and drink will be available to purchase.

In addition to the more than 100 penguins that already call RZSS Edinburgh Zoo home, for a limited time only five extremely rare gold penguin statues will be hiding around the Park during the festival. Visitors who find a gold penguin are asked to upload a selfie with the gold penguin and post it to the Zoo’s social media, using #goldpenguin to stand a chance of winning a Penguin Magic Moment experience.

The Penguin Festival also includes festive family film screenings with a penguin theme, including Happy Feet Two, Penguins of Madagascar and March of the Penguins. The screenings are free with Zoo admission and will be shown at 10:30am every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 4 December to 4 January (excluding 18 and 25 December).

Children can also enjoy a magical storytelling session on Sunday 20 December with Storyteller in Residence Alette Willis, who will regale visitors with mystical penguin tales at the penguin viewing hut.

Throughout the festival, visitors will be able to watch the penguins at Penguin’s Rock being treated to a shower of bubble enrichment every day at 12 noon and the daily Penguin Parade at 2:15pm, which is proudly sponsored by home energy efficiency company Penicuik Home Improvements Ltd, who are the first ever sponsors of the famous parade.

For those who fancy taking their very own penguin home and owning a piece of unique art and RZSS Edinburgh Zoo history, visitors can purchase Ottmar Hörl’s penguin statues. Future collector items, the statues will remain in-situ until after the festival, but come with a certificate so they can also be purchased as a special Christmas gift. The distinctive models will be available to purchase from 4 December both online at store.rzss.org.uk/en and on site in the gift shop at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo.

For more information about the event, please visit the RZSS Edinburgh Zoo website at: http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/events/2015/12/penguin-festival/

Launching on St Andrew’s Day and running until Christmas Eve, the Whisky Enlightenment tour and tasting experience is perfectly timed so visitors can either begin or end their visit to Virgin Money’s Street of Light with an illuminating whisky experience.

Visitors will warm up with a delicious winter toddy on arrival, before taking a light-hearted look at the world of Scotch Whisky, where they can sample a specially selected single malt matched with chocolate. Guests can then enjoy a relaxed viewing of all 3,384 bottles in the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky.

Read more here

A man who was traced by police in Edinburgh just hours after he used a shotgun to shoot through the window of his ex-girlfriend’s house was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Friday.

Kevin Gartland fired two shots from outside the property on Gilmerton Dykes Avenue on July 13th  2015 .

No one was injured in the attack and the 24-year-old fled the scene prompting a major investigation involving specialist police resources.

Within 12 hours Gartland was apprehended in the west of Edinburgh by specially trained officers from the Armed Response Unit.

He was later charged with various offences including reckless discharge of a firearm.

Following today’s sentencing Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacLean of Edinburgh CID said:

“Kevin Gartland is an extremely dangerous individual and it was only by chance that his utterly reckless actions did not kill or cause serious injury to a member of the public.

“Thanks to the swift actions of my team and specialist resources from across Police Scotland, he was quickly traced, taken into custody and evidence was secured resulting in the firearm involved being recovered within one week of the crime.

“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the tremendous police effort that led us to Gartland within a matter of hours and the invaluable assistance afforded to us by the local community.

“Today’s sentence, and the investigation pursuant to it, sends a clear message that anyone involved in the criminal possession and discharge of firearms can be sure that the full spectrum of resources available to Police Scotland will be directed tirelessly against them to ensure they are arrested and brought before the courts.

“I urge anyone who has information about those involved in the criminal use of firearms to please contact us on 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was indecently assaulted at a bus stop in the west of the city last weekend.

The incident happened around 4pm on Saturday 21 November on Glasgow Road, Ratho Station.

A 14-year-old boy was waiting with friends on a bus to take them towards town when a man walked past the bus stop.

At this time the suspect assaulted the youth before continuing to walk on towards Newbridge.

The victim was uninjured and reported the matter to his parents later that evening before contacting police.

Officers have since been carrying out extensive CCTV and door-to-door inquiries in the area to identify the male responsible and are now urging any member of the public who can assist with their investigation to come forward.

The suspect is described as white, between 40 and 60-years-old with short grey hair. He was wearing a dark purple and grey waterproof anorak, a tartan scarf and dark trousers.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Pleasance said: “The young victim was not injured during this incident, but it was obviously an unpleasant experience and we are keen to hear from anyone who can help us trace the suspect.

“If you remember seeing any suspicious activity in Glasgow Road last Saturday afternoon or remember seeing a male matching this description then please contact police immediately.”

“In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation is also asked to get in touch.”

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