Police are appealing for witnesses following a theft from a school in the south of the city.

The incident happened sometime between 12pm on Friday 4th October and 12pm on Monday 7th October at the Kaimes School in Gracemount.

A secure container was broken into and nine Nevada Fuji 1.9 mountain bikes were stolen from within.

One of the bikes was subsequently recovered on the grounds, but the others remain outstanding.
Anyone who can assist officers in tracing those responsible is asked to come forward.

The missing bikes are all black in colour with yellow piping and have a combined value of £2,400.
Sergeant Stephen Cairns said: “The Kaimes School provides vital support, assistance and education for children with additional needs requirements and the bikes were an important tool for their learning and development.

“Pupils are regularly taken out in the local community and to the Glentress Mountain Bike facility and all will be deeply disappointed at this cruel and opportunistic theft.

“I would ask that anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious around the school or can help us locate the bikes contacts police immediately.”

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

A crime ring that distributed in excess of £3 million worth of Class A and B controlled substances throughout Fife, Tayside, Edinburgh and Ayrshire have today been collectively sentenced to nearly 50 years in prison.

Stephen Nisbet, who with the assistance of others, operated a drug empire throughout Scotland from his cell in HMP Edinburgh.

Nisbet has today been sentenced to a further 12 years in prison.  His brother James has also been sentenced to 10 years.  Five others have also been sentenced today (Friday, October 9) at Glasgow High Court.

This conviction is the result a Police Scotland covert operation, Operation Lapstone, which has been led by the forces Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit (OOCTU).  66 people have been arrested during this long-term operation.

The operation ran for seven months and led to the dismantling of a major and established crime group.

Police Scotland worked in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service and Nisbet has since been removed from HMP Edinburgh and is now housed in a different part of the prison estate.

Operation Lapstone is an example of the modern era of policing in Scotland, where a number of police officers have come together from different areas, deploying specialist resources to vigorously pursue criminals and bring them to justice.

OCCTU Detective Chief Inspector Colin Boyle said:  “Serious organised criminals undermine the efforts of those that are trying to make an honest living.

“Nisbet, along with others, ran a drug empire throughout Scotland.  Operation Lapstone did not just disrupt this empire – it dismantled it.

“As an organisation we are committed tackling the sale and supply of drugs in our community and this continues to be a top priority for Police Scotland.

“We will not tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour and we will continue to hold those who peddle drugs in our community to account and bring them to justice.”

Police are appealing for help in tracing a missing 23-year-old Berwick woman.

Katie Grout from Goldstone in the town left her home at approximately 7am on Thursday, October 8.

She is described as white, 5 feet 5″ tall, very slim build, with shoulder length brown hair with a small scar under her chin.

She was wearing black and white checked trousers, black long sleeved top and grey boots. Katie left home driving her silver Vauxhall Corsa car registration DY61 HJJ.

She was spotted near Harthill Service Station on the M8 and is believed to be travelling in Scotland.

Police are concerned for her welfare and are carrying out enquiries to locate Katie.

Officers are appealing for Katie to make contact with them, or anyone who recognises her to call police straightaway.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting log number 251 of 08/10/15 .

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted in the city centre yesterday.

The 23-year-old was making her way down the escalator leading from Princes Street to Waverley Station at around 5.40pm when a male intentionally pushed her causing her to tumble almost to the bottom.

As a result she was knocked unconscious briefly and was treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service but declined further treatment.

Officers are currently following a positive line of inquiry but are asking anyone who can assist with their investigation to come forward.

The suspect is described as white, early twenties, 5ft 6ins tall with a regular build, short flat black hair and pale skin. He was wearing a white polo shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Sergeant Dave Hughes said: “This was an unprovoked assault, could have had far more serious consequences and left the victim with more serious injuries.

“The Princes Street and Waverley Station area are always extremely busy and there would have been several members of the public around who may have witnessed this incident.

“I would therefore ask that anyone who can help us with our ongoing inquiry contacts police immediately.”

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

Sometimes I regret being tee-total, but not this week. Edinburgh is hosting a world conference on alcohol policy with 500 experts from Europe, Asia and America all considering the question – how do we stop drinking ourselves to death ? They calculate that 3.3 million people across the world die each year from alcohol related causes. And a lot of Scots are among them – 1,152 last year.

We are one of the world’s hard drinking nations. We buy a fifth more alcohol per head than the English or the Welsh. And we tend to drink it in those famous weekend binges. According to Scottish government statistics, half the men in Scotland and a third of the women drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol each week. It costs our economy £3.6 billion in lost production, NHS costs, social work spending and petty crime – that’s £900 per taxpayer. Three quarters of young offenders are drunk at the time of their crime.

A lot has been said about Scotland’s “relationship” with alcohol. The Scottish government says it’s taken 40 measures, so to speak, to reduce alcohol consumption. Among them is the lowering of the alcohol limit for driving from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg. Even in my limited experience, this has changed social habits quite markedly in the last few months – people will not even take half a glass of wine if they are driving home.

Then there is the vexed issue of minimum pricing – making it an offence to sell alcohol at less than 50p/unit, raising the price of 60 per cent of drinks sold in off-sales and supermarkets. But, despite being the will of parliament, this policy has been held up for the past two years by a legal challenge from the Scotch Whisky Association.

So this “relationship” is indeed a very liquid one –flowing in difference directions at the same time. On the one hand, a good drink can quench a thirst, quicken a friendship, jolly an occasion, ease a pain, drown a sorrow. But, taken in excess, it can deepen a depression, cloud a judgement, ruin a liver, soil a pavement, commit a crime. And many Scots seem not be able to drink in moderation, we either drink too much or not drink at all.

In one respect at least, the Scottish Government has been drinking a toast to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. George Osborne announced at the Conservative Party conference on Monday that he was loosening the purse strings on infrastructure spending. This will mean £500m more for Scotland and we wait to see which road, rail, water projects will get the go-ahead as a result.

We also wait to see if the Conservatives can recast themselves as “the People’s Party” in Scotland, as they are trying to do in Jeremy Corbyn’s England. The party leader here, Ruth Davidson, has predicted “a record number” of Conservative MSPs in the Scottish parliamentary elections next May. But there are several Munros for the Tories to climb between now and then – not least the divisions over Europe and immigration, the continuing strength the SNP in the opinion polls and the re-emerging Labour Party.

One piece of infrastructure which hit the news this week was the new bridge being built across the Forth. Workers found what looked like old explosives at a demolition site they were clearing just north of the bridge. The existing Forth bridges had to be hurriedly closed for an hour on Wednesday while a controlled explosion was carried out. Roads around the area will be closed again on three weekends later this month to allow work to be done on the feeder roads to the new £1.6 billion crossing.

And more infrastructure news – I can report that the new £300m Borders Railway is well worth a day out. For £11.20, off-peak return, we were treated to 30 miles of beautiful rolling countryside and a smart new terminus at Tweedbank. The train seemed to be well used, indeed, it had double the expected number of passengers in the first month. It’s just a pity there is hardly any room for bikes, a fault on all Scot Rail services.

We learned this week that Tweedbank is to be the permanent home for the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Councillors have approved a special £6m visitor centre to house the history of the nation, stitched in 165 pictures.

One picture it will not contain is Scotland competing in the European football finals. With typical and exasperating bad luck, we went out in a two-all draw with Poland that was oh so close. We were 2-1 ahead when the Polish magician Robert Lewandowski scored with the last kick of the game. The crowd at Hampden Park sank into the ground and have not been seen since.

Another man who saw his hopes sink without trace was the English yachtsman 82 year-old Julian Mustoe. His 25ft boat, the Harrier, ran into stormy weather 100 miles off Shetland on Wednesday and lost its steering. Mustoe himself was rescued, but his boat sank while under tow to Norway.

He had lived alone on board the Harrier for the last ten years and had sailed round the world, following in the wake of Charles Darwin’s voyage of the Beagle. He was hoping to have one last adventure, tracing the old Hanseatic League trading routes around the Baltic. “I’m beginning to think my luck has run out,” he told reporters. “What I’m going to do with myself I don’t know.”

I think he should allow himself a little drink and retire to a country steeped in dreams of what might have been. (or maybe someone should start a fundraising campaign to buy him a new boat? Ed)

Police are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious fire at a construction site within the city.

The incident happened at around 10.40pm on Wednesday 7th October at the premises in Haddington Place where new student accommodation is being built.

Subsequent enquiries have established that the fire is believed to have been started deliberately resulting in significant destruction to the lower ground floor of the building.

It is estimated the cost of the damage will be in excess of £250,000.

Detectives are keen to trace three teenagers who were seen in the area around the time of this fire and anyone who can help identify them is asked to come forward.

The first youth is described as male, white, 14-17-years-old, 5ft 6ins tall with a heavier build and short brown hair. He was wearing a light-blue hooded top with a logo on the chest.

The second youth is described as male, white, 14-17-years-old, 5ft 6ins tall with a thin build. He was wearing a baggy light-grey hooded top with the hood up and matching grey jogging bottoms.

The third youth is described as female, white, 14-17-years-old, 5ft 5ins tall with a heavier build, pale complexion and purple/reddish hair tied in a ponytail. She was wearing a mid-length black jacket.

Detective Constable William Doughty said: “This construction site is the location for new student accommodation and the developers are understandably upset at the level of damage caused and the obvious delays this fire will have on their completion date.

“The three teenagers seen within the area are of great interest to this investigation and anyone who can assist us in identifying them should contact police immediately.

“I would also urge anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation to get in touch.”

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

The well known opticians Black & Lizars celebrate 185 years in the business this week.

Today in their flagship Frederick Street store they had cake which Managing Director Geraldine Wood is holding aloft in our photo above. Wood was appointed MD earlier this year and has been with the company almost 12 years.

The store is fully accessible with a ramp outside and lift inside to take any customers with limited mobility to their examination rooms. Children are not forgotten as they have their own dedicated space downstairs where they can be assessed for their new glasses.

The company has a venerable history.  It supplied cameras to tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton and one of the inventors of the television John Logie Baird, as well as photographic supplies for Queen Victoria and the Queen of the Belgians .

But Black & Lizars is also a company which has always looked to the future, and it will also be celebrating its position at the forefront of optical technology, as a leader in ultra-wide retinal scanners and Nikon spectacle lenses for the digital age

This is the story of a remarkable Scottish company, which has been satisfying customer demands for nearly two centuries and now has two dozen stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Police  have arrested and charged two men, aged 21 and 18, following four thefts and two assaults.

Around 8am on Tuesday 7 October, officers were called to Allanfield following a report that two men in possession of a hammer were attempting to break-in to vehicles.

Local officers, officers from the Vehicle Crime Team, and a dog handler all attended and an 18-year-old was apprehended at the scene. A 21-year-old was subsequently traced and arrested.

Both were charged in connection with the theft of a Honda CBF Motorbike, a pedal cycle, a theft from a taxi and a theft from a Renault Clio. They were also charged in connection with an assault of a man aged 27 and a further assault on a 28-year-old man.

They appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday.

DI Alan O’Brien said: “Through Operation RAC we are continuing to use all available resources at our disposal to pursue perpetrators of acquisitive crime and put them before the courts.

“I would urge the public to remain vigilant and ensure they make their homes and belongings as secure as possible. For advice on safeguarding your property please speak to a local officer, contact Police Scotland on 101 or visit our website.”

A man who went missing from Winchburgh in West Lothian at the start of the month has been found.

Kenneth Deacon was traced safe and well last night  in Livingston.

Police Scotland have issued a statement  thanking the public and media for their assistance with this matter.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision on Comiston Road (Buckstone Terrace) last night.

The incident occurred around 8pm when a 57-year-old man fell into the road.  He was then struck by a small dark coloured vehicle.

Upon striking the man, the vehicle failed to stop.  He was found by a member of the public who contacted the emergency services.  The man was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment, however was pronounced dead at a short time later.

Police are now appealing to the public for information.

Inspector Richard Latto said:  “This was a fatal road traffic collision, where a vehicle failed to stop.

“This incident occurred on a busy road and with this in mind, we are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area last night to come forward.

“Anyone who has information, or recognises the description of the car, is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Stories Without Borders: Tapestries and Rugs. An exhibition of a series of tapestries and rugs to coincide with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival Stories Without Borders (23 October-1 November 2015). The gallery will also host a traditional storytelling event with Linda Williamson on Saturday 24 October. 10.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday, Dovecot Gallery, Infirmary Street. Exhibition ends 5th November 2015.

Big Draw Art Workshop with Sara Beevers: Design A Garden Book Cover. Taking up this year’s Big Draw theme of storytelling through drawing, create your own garden-related book cover with the library’s tools, watering cans, plants, and plant pots using pencils and pastels – with Sara’s guidance you can create an exciting illustration. Please note materials are not supplied; bring pencils, rubber, pastels, sketch book or loose paper (A3 or larger – the bigger the better). All ages and levels of experience are welcome including total beginners. 2-4pm, George Washington Browne Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here.

Luminate Festival at Stills: join Stills’ Director for a tour of the exhibition Here Comes Everybody by Kennard Phillips, exploring ideas around image consumption, production and camera surveillance. Followed by tea, cake and informal discussion. 11am Stills, Cockburn Street. Free, no booking required. Luminate is Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival and runs 1st-31st October 2015 at venues throughout the country. The full programme is available here.

Lunchtime Concert: Ruth Slater (violin), Aaron McGregor (violin), Alice Allen (cello) and John Kitchen (harpsichord) play Avison Trio Sonata in D minor Op.1 No.1, Corelli Trio Sonata in D major Op.3 No.2, Stanley Concerto in C minor Op.10 No.4 and Handel Trio Sonata in G major Op.5 No.4. 1.10pm, Playfair Library Hall, Old College, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge. Free.

Meet Arne and Carlos: Norwegian knitting superstars (and fashion designers…) Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrison will be at  McAree Brothers to sign copies of their books and chat about their yarns. 5-6.30pm, McAree Brothers, 19 Howe Street. Free but please email sales@mcadirect.com if you plan to come along. This event is sponsored by Coats Crafts UK and Search Press. Arne and Carlos will also hold a workshop on making Christmas Balls (these things retail at $100 in some stores, so get knitting…) at the shop on Saturday 10th October; please see the shop’s website here for further details and price. McAree Brothers’ neighbour Bon Papillon, 15 Howe Street, will also be specially open 5-7pm tonight!

Luminate: Lifting The Lid – A Dementia-Friendly Social. Visitors with dementia, their friends and supporters are invited to this Friday morning session to explore a history of Scottish cooking with storyteller Allison Galbraith at the National Library of Scotland. Sessions include active participation such as art activity, tactile and sensory experiences,  with refreshments. 10.30am-12 noon, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free: to book please phone Beverley Casebow, Learning and Outreach Officer, on 0131 623 3745 or email b.casebow@nls.uk. Luminate is Scotland’s creative ageing festival. Library Social, a programme of free events for people affected by dementia, is part of a new initiative between the National Library of Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and National Museums Scotland; contact each venue for more details, or pick up a leaflet with full listings of the autumn programme.

After School Crafts: for children aged 0-12 (children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult). 2pm today and every Friday, Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue. All welcome: for more information please speak to a member of staff, call 0131 529 5558 or email portobello.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Edinburgh World Justice Festival continues this week. Today’s events are:

(1) Egalitarian Frames Opening Night – an exhibition which will bring to light issues which are in the spirit and theme of the festival, with photography and fine art around the principle of political, economic, social and environmental equality. This exhibition aims to explore issues where the principle of equality is not only neglected but also counteracted by factors such as globalisation and greed. Opening tonight, 5.30-8.30pm, Whitespace Gallery, 25 Howe Street, then 11am-5pm daily until 15th October 2015. Organised by Edinburgh World Justice Festival; for more information please contact Malena Persson  on 07479 903 620 or email malenapersson@yahoo.co.uk;

(2) The Yes Men Fix The World: a film about an audacious duo, who pull off spectacular media hoaxes to expose corporate crimes and make corporate bosses look silly. Stay around after the screening for a discussion on corporate control and how we might campaign just as audaciously on climate justice in the run-up to the COP in Paris this November. 7pm, Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Organised by Global Justice Now; for more information please contact Liz Murray on 0131 243 2730 or email liz.murray@globaljustice.org.uk.

In Focus: The Honourable Mrs Graham by Thomas Gainsborough. The bewitching picture of Mary Graham is forbidden from ever leaving Scotland, obliging many lovers of Thomas Gainsborough and his time to journey to the Scottish National Gallery to pay homage to the resplendent portrait. Who was Mary Graham, and why does her portrait continue to captivate audiences over 200 years after its creation? Art historian, Heather Carroll will explore Mary’s life and the legacy of her famous portrait. 12.45-1.15pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. No booking required: free, unticketed.

Naked Aye Art: Shapes That Shift Desire – Ten Red Plus Spoken Word. A night of eclectic, poetic and musical takes on what shakes and shifts our desires, with ten performers showcasing works as part of the Naked Aye multi-arts exhibition at St. Margaret’s House, with Rachel McCrum, Janette Ayachi, Katie Ailes, Catherine Wilson, Carly Brown, Douglas Garry, Marjorie Lotfi Gill, Joe with the Glasses, Kevin Cadwallender, Agnes Torok and Josephine Sillars. 6.30pm, Third Floor, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Free entry, BYOB.

Caesura #34: Caesura has been exploring the recesses of poetics, language and sound since 2012. Tonight: experimental writing and sonic spelunking in intimate performances by Maggie O’Sullivan, Nichola Scrutton, Wounded Knee and Dominic Hale. 7.30-10.30pm, Demonstration Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £5/£4 and may be booked by calling the Summerhall Box Office on 0131 560 1580 or online here.

SMHAFF 2015: A Bird Does Not Sing Because It Has An Answer, It Sings Because It Has A Song. This beautiful exhibition is the culmination of a series of craft workshops by the Link Up Women’s Support Centre community, in collaboration with artist and jeweller Fiona Hermse. The work explores themes of support, connection, nature, transience and expression. Launch tonight 6-8pm, then 10am-4pm Saturday 10th-Friday 16th October, Gallery 3, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Free.

Broth: an honest exploration of the experience of elders in 21st century Scotland, told by artist Donna Rutherford through the tradition of soup making. Broth explores the rituals and revelations that trace changes in people’s lives, families and wider communities through a series of personal storytelling conversations, with music by Inge Thomson. An original performance commissioned by the Seannachies Research Network, led by The Institute of Design Innovation at The Glasgow School of Art and funded by the Scottish Universities Insight Institute. 7.30pm (1 hour, followed by discussion), Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost£10/£8/£5 and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here. Also at 2.30pm and 7.30pm (7.30 performance with BSL interpreter) on Saturday 10th October. This event is part of Luminate: Scotland’s creative ageing festival.

Balerno Music Festival: the eighth Balerno Music Festival has a packed programme of concerts, films, cabaret, workshops, children’s events, folk music sessions, the Festival Busk and a jazz party. Today’s events include Jazz at Lunchtime with the Roger Cull Trio, and two concerts from the Borders Big Band and folk musicians and singers Alistair McDonald and Sangsters in the evening. All tickets may be purchased from Balerno Parish Church Office (9am-12 noon, Monday to Friday), Balerno Farmers’ Market, or by post or online; for full booking information click here. The festival ends on 11th October 2015.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival: films for all tastes (‘from the foodies to the fanatics!’), primary and secondary school screenings, a gastronomic evening and opening and closing events. Today’s films, both showing at Filmhouse, Lothian Road, are;

(1) at 6pm: The Unexpected Life/La vida inesperada (12A): (in Spanish and English with English subtitles) (see listing for Friday 2nd October)

(2) at 8.30pm: Magical Girl (18) (in Spanish with English subtitles) (see listing for Sunday 4th October)

Tickets may be purchased from the Filmhouse box office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online; prices vary.

LGBT Age: Dive and Luminate Present The Queerest Cabaret in Town! A timeless queer cabaret for all ages  and persuasions. The night will include special guests, live performers from different generations, spoken word, music, comedy and live art, and will be hosted by Miss Annabel Sings. This event will be BSL interpreted. 7.30-9pm, Summerhall Old Lab, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £9/£7 and advance booking is preferred; please contact the Summerhall Box Office on 0131 560 1580 or book online here. Luminate is Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival. For more information about LGBT Age please contact lynda@lgbthealth.org.uk.

Get involved with Chronicle Online

Big poem for National Poetry Day

Edinburgh Restaurant Festival

Wiki House at Fountainbridge

Edinburgh Trams

The full list of all workshops being run at The White House on Niddrie Mains Road for the Chronicle Online is here.

Anyone who lives or works or has any interest in East Edinburgh is most welcome. The first session will be this afternoon at 2:00pm

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As we told you yesterday the UK’s largest printed poem was unveiled in Edinburgh yesterday on National Poetry Day.

‘Spiral’, by Elizabeth Burns, is featured on a 25 by 8 metre banner overlooking the city’s famous Royal Mile.  The evocative short poem, inspired by the spinning motion of the potter’s wheel, was selected from a shortlist of five by a public online vote and will now remain on the Royal Mile until summer 2016.

The competition is part of the ‘Big Words’ project, a unique collaboration between the Scottish Poetry Library and Edinburgh’s New Waverley development.  The poem has been printed onto a huge scaffolding banner covering the façade of the historic Sailor’s Ark building on the Canongate, currently being transformed as part of the area’s redevelopment.

The selection of ‘Spiral’ as the winning poem is especially poignant for friends and family of Elizabeth Burns – and for poetry admirers across the globe. The poet, who was a descendent of Robert Burns and was educated in Edinburgh, died of cancer in August this year aged 57.

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A community-use WikiHouse being built at Fountainbridge this weekend will be the first of its kind in the UK.

The innovative and sustainable community project is located at India Quay a brownfield site in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge which in the future will become a vibrant new canalside development being led by developer EDI.

Led by the Fountainbridge Canalside Initiative (FCI), and supported by EDI, the WikiHouse will be a new community meeting space for the meanwhile projects based at Fountainbridge.

The building of the WikiHouse will take place from today until Sunday and members of the public and media are welcome to come along to the site to have a look with most activity expected on Saturday 10am-4pm.

Read more here

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Edinburgh Trams may have come in for some criticism during the building of the line, but the operation has now attracted an award.

The company has been crowned Operator of the Year. Read more here.

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Jim Eadie MSP for Edinburgh Southern raised the issue of reopening the South Edinburgh Suburban Railway for passenger use as he questioned the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, during General Questions.

Referring to the hybrid tram-train used in Germany as one example of successful innovative methods of transport in Europe to combat heavy rail capacity pressures, Mr Eadie asked the Scottish Government to closely monitor the pilot tram-train scheme in Sheffield to ensure Edinburgh can utilise and benefits from current infrastructure for new sustainable rail links.

Commenting, Mr Eadie said: “We have consistently seen a demand  over the past 30 years to reinstate the South Edinburgh Sub.

“SESTRAN, Transform Scotland and the Capital Rail Action Group amongst many others have all called for the reopening of this line given the massive beneficial impact it would have for tens of thousands of people within our city. We constantly see our roads congested during rush hour peak times and I believe the South Sub would drastically cut congestion, travel time and would help with meeting our carbon emission ambitions.

“I believe reinstating the South Edinburgh Sub using a tram-train hybrid may well be the best way forward. We have seen from the successful model used in Germany, which is now being copied across Europe, that a mix of heavy and light rail can utilise a city’s infrastructure so new public transport links are available. I will be keeping a close eye on the pilot scheme in Sheffield to see what lessons can be learned and applied in Edinburgh.

“I do appreciate there are a number of hurdles to clear first before we can have passenger trains running on the line again; however, I believe this is a project worth exploring given economic and social benefits this will bring and I will seek to raise this issue at every available opportunity

The South Edinburgh Suburban Railway was initially built to relieve freight congestion, but transitioned into a thriving passenger service and served a number of different stations within the city and its outskirts including Gorgie, Craiglockhart, Morningside, Blackford, Newington, Craigmillar and Portobello. The service was indefinitely terminated after the Beeching Report indicated a number of stations on the line should close.

This video shows the line in use by a steam train in 2010, but there are trains using it even today but mainly for freight. What do you think? Would you use the line to get into town?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTHF285RHOU]

First there was the Grove community garden and now there will be a community-use WikiHouse which will be constructed at Fountainbridge this weekend. It will be the first of its kind in the UK.

The innovative and sustainable community project is located at India Quay, a brownfield site in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge which in the future will become a vibrant new canalside development being led by developer EDI.

Led by the Fountainbridge Canalside Initiative (FCI), and supported by EDI, the WikiHouse will be a new community meeting space for the ‘meanwhile projects’  based at Fountainbridge. These are projects which use the land until it is needed by the owner-developer.

The building of the WikiHouse will take place from 9-11 October. Members of the public are welcome to come along to the site with most activity expected on Saturday 10am-4pm.

The community WikiHouse will be constructed by teams of local volunteers and supporters of the project.  Over the weekend, the WikiHouse will be assembled using the WikiHouse system.  WikiHouse is an international initiative enabling people to build their own housing with only basic tools and skills required.  It uses sections of pre-cut wood which slot together perfectly to create floors, walls and ceilings and is more akin to a jigsaw puzzle than a traditional building project.

Denise Havard, Community Development Manager at EDI, said: “Together with the Fountainbridge Canalside Initiative we have been actively supporting and enabling the meanwhile projects to take place. Supporting these community projects is a large part of our plans at India Quay and our other sites across Edinburgh.”

One of the project organisers, architect Akiko Kobayashi said: “We’re really looking forward to the WikiHouse being assembled this weekend with the help of lots of people. As a member of FCI, the project has been an incredible opportunity for me to be able to contribute to the site’s Meanwhile Uses  and the local community’s longer term aspirations for the area.”

Councillor Frank Ross, Economy Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The WikiHouse is an innovative idea and it’s positive to see the land at India Quay being used in this way. Keeping the space active maximises the potential of the land before the EDI Group’s proposed development takes place.”

India Quay at Fountainbridge is a vibrant new canalside development from EDI, with community at its heart. Before construction starts, the brownfield site is being used as a space for various temporary community projects supported by EDI. (Map courtesy of India Quay)

The Fountainbridge Canalside Initiative is working hard to enhance the strong community spirit that exists in the area and will be carried forward to the new India Quay development. The WikiHouse will provide a place for the Fountainbridge Canalside Initiative to hold  workshops and classes, conversations and gatherings.

Police are appealing for information to help trace a 29-year-old man missing from the Redhall area.

Nathan James was last seen in Redhall Crescent at around 5am today (Thursday 8 October). He has links to the Mid Calder area and it’s believed he may have travelled there this morning.

Nathan is South American by birth and is described as 5ft 10inches tall, with a stocky build, short black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his neck, and two on his right arm that include a sun with stripes on his wrist.

Inspector Neill Whiteside said: “We’re growing increasingly concerned for Nathan’s welfare and are asking anyone who thinks they may have seen him since this morning, or has information which can help us establish his whereabouts, to come forward.

“If Nathan hears this appeal, I would urge him to get in touch with either us or his family and let us know that he is safe and well.”

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

Even if the building of the tram line has come in for criticism from many quarters it appears that the operation of the service is deemed successful. Edinburgh Trams won the Operator of the Year category at the 2015 Light Rail Awards after its first 16 months in service.

The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday night. These recognise excellence and innovations in the light and urban rail sector across the world.

Transport Convener Lesley Hinds said: “Everyone at Edinburgh Trams can take great pride in what they have achieved. The team have put in a huge effort to make Edinburgh’s new tram service a success and they deserve all the credit for this award.”

Charles Monheim, Chair of Edinburgh Trams said: “Edinburgh Trams is now an accepted and valued part of life in our city and the service is used by thousands every day. This is because of our people and I’m very pleased that the team have the opportunity to celebrate.”

Ian Craig, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh, said: “This is fantastic news for the Edinburgh Trams team who have put in so much work to launch the service and to make it a success.

“Initiating and running a brand new operation comes with many challenges and Edinburgh Trams has risen to them all. It’s great to be recognised by the industry in this way and, with passenger satisfaction ratings among the best in the UK, we know our customers like what we do too.”

Edinburgh Trams carried 4.92 million passengers during the first year of service, around 370,000 ahead of the target set before launch. The service received a 95% overall customer satisfaction rating following an independent UK-wide survey by Passenger Focus and operated with 99% service reliability. This means that reliability and satisfaction levels are among the top performing public transport operators in the UK.

The line which was delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council several years late and over budget has led to an inquiry under the chairmanship of Lord Hardie. The enquiry held a Preliminary Hearing earlier this week.

MAGIC OF HARRY POTTER AT THE MUSEUM

Visitors to the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh will picture the magic of Harry Potter as part of a nationwide competition with Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Launching tomorrow (Friday 9 October) to celebrate the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay, the competition will challenge people of all ages to seek out and photograph an image from the new book placed in locations around the country and share via social media.

Working with children’s charity Kids in Museums and The Telegraph newspaper, Bloomsbury has placed 12 Jim Kay prints in 12 different museums around the UK and Ireland, including the City of Edinburgh Council owned and managed Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile.

With a clue to solve at each venue participants must find these images, take a photo of themselves with it and share via Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #HarryPotterSpotter.

Jim Kay has always been a fan of museums saying: “Museums are one of my favourite places to visit. The objects they contain tell the story of ourselves and our world, and I find them endlessly inspiring and fascinating. My illustrations owe so much to museum collections, it’s an honour to know they will appear in the places that made me want to become an artist.”

Councillor Richard Lewis, Edinburgh’s Culture Convener, added: “This is a great draw for our free-to-visit Museum of Childhood and a unique chance to celebrate the magic of Harry Potter in Edinburgh. Potter Spotters will find JK Rowling’s hand-prints just a stone’s throw away from the Museum at the City Chambers, and it’s also just a short walk to the Elephant House where she famously penned parts of her novels. With the October School break almost here, this is also a perfect opportunity for families to make a day of it and revisit the Museum.”

One overall winner will receive a family ticket to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter plus a Harry Potter tote bag, a Jim Kay signed print and a copy of the Deluxe Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (RRP: £150). 12 additional prize winners, one from each museum, will receive a Harry Potter tote bag, a Jim Kay signed print and a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Illustrated Edition (RRP: £30). Participants only need to spot one print to enter.

The Harry Potter Spotter competition launches on Friday 9th October and closes at midnight on Sunday 1st November.

Go to http://www.harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/uk/harry-potter-spotter-competition for full details of the competition.

Well George Clooney and a couple of others since the dinner will be held at the EICC!>

This rapidly expanding capital legal firm is celebrating an impressive double nomination at this year’s Scottish Business Awards – setting up a date with A-list attendee, George Clooney.

Gilson Gray, which launched in May last year, is in the running in both the Customer Focus and Emerging Business of the Year categories, with the winners set to be announced at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 12 November.

The nominations were made public just days after Gilson Gray announced seven figure profits for its first year of trading as well as the acquisition of the entire Commercial Dispute Resolution Team at Morisons Solicitors LLP.

Managing Partner, Glen Gilson, said: “With the two nominations closely following our first year figures and continued expansion of the team, there is a real feel-good factor at Gilson Gray.

“We are extremely proud of what we have achieved in our first year of trading and sincerely thank our clients and the Scottish business community for their ongoing support.

“I also must thank all who have joined Gilson Gray for embracing the philosophy that clients want straight talking “can do” approachable advisors that understand and care about their objectives.  Because of this we have retained our focus and integrity while establishing an enviable skill base, with expertise right across the legal landscape.

“Our clients truly are at the centre of our operation and it is particularly pleasing that we were nominated by a third party for the ‘Customer Focus’ award.”

Comedian Rob Brydon will host the awards; along with a Q and A session in which George Clooney will discuss the ‘Business of Holywood’ as well as his humanitarian work in Sub-Saharan Africa.

There will also be a guest appearance from Scottish Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy ensuring a memorable and momentous night for Scottish business.

In 2014, Gilson Gray opened as the largest full service law firm launch in Scottish legal history, with a portfolio of talent poached from the leading firms in Scotland – opening simultaneously in Glasgow and Edinburgh with a radical client-focus strategy that offers a cost effective alternative to the top ten firms in the country.

In its first year, Gilson Gray has firmly established itself in virtually every field of law while the residential property and estate agency side of the business, led by the renowned Matthew Gray, has secured an expert team and is developing a strong industry reputation.

The financial services arm of the business has also emerged as one of the leading examples of type in the country.

Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to trace in connection with the serious assault of a 55-year-old man.

The incident occurred at around 3.20am on Sunday 12 July on the eastside pavement at the junction of Princes Street and Waverley Bridge.

Detectives are eager to trace the man pictured in the image, as they believe that he may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The man is described as a white man, 5ft 9inches tall, in his late 30s, with a slim build. He was wearing a checked shirt, jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Iain Wallace said: “We are keen to establish the identity of the man pictured in the CCTV images and would urge anyone who recognises him, or who has any other information which can assist with our investigation, to contact police as soon as possible.”

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

Police are appealing for information in order to trace a 70-year-old man, who is missing from the Newhaven area.

James Kerr was last seen yesterday (Wednesday, October 7) at his home in Laverockbank Terrace at around 11am.

He was found not to be at home at 8pm.  This is not considered to be his normal practice and Police Scotland was alerted.

James is described as a white man with a slim build.  He is around 5ft 10” – 6ft in height and has silver hair.  He also walks with a stoop.

He may be wearing a green jacket and green trousers, although this has not been confirmed.

James has not gone missing before, and it is considered unusual for him to be out overnight.  He also has a variety of medical issues, making him particularly vulnerable.

Inspector Graeme Dignan said:  “James has now been missing since last night and we are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

“He has not been missing before and it considered unusual for him to be missing overnight.

“Anyone who has seen James, or recognises his description, is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information regarding James’ whereabouts are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.

The UK’s largest printed poem will be unveiled in Edinburgh this morning, on National Poetry Day which is today!

Spiral, by Elizabeth Burns, will adorn a 25 x 8m banner overlooking the city’s famous Royal Mile.  The evocative short poem, inspired by the spinning motion of the potter’s wheel, was selected from a shortlist of five by a public online vote and will now remain on the Royal Mile until summer 2016.

The selection of Spiral as the winning poem has a special poignancy for friends and family of Elizabeth Burns. The poet, who was a descendent of Robert Burns and was educated in Edinburgh, died of cancer in August this year aged 57.

The poem will be read by Edinburgh Makar Christine de Luca on Thursday morning. Also in attendance will be members of Elizabeth’s family, including her sister Alison Burns, and her mother and husband.

The unveiling is part of the ‘Big Words’ project, a collaboration between The Scottish Poetry Library and Edinburgh’s New Waverley development.  The poem has been printed on to a huge scaffolding banner covering the façade of the historic Sailor’s Ark building on the Canongate, currently being transformed as part of the area’s redevelopment.

Representatives from the Scottish Poetry Library and New Waverley will also be attending the unveiling.

Waterstones West End Presents An Evening with Richard Happer: the Edinburgh-based author launches Abandoned Places: 60 Stories of Places Where Time Stopped, in which he reveals the history behind eerie ghost towns, empty streets, crumbling ruins and lost empires around the world. From St Kilda and Chernobyl to Six Flags Jazzland – abandoned after Hurricane Katrina – many of the places featured were once populated and now lie unoccupied, modern day ruins, sitting in decay. 6pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. Free tickets are available from the shop or by calling 0131 226 2666.

Poetry and Coffee: Eleanor Livingstone, Angus Reid and Sheila Templeton will be reading selections from their poetry. 10.30-11.30am, Henderson’s Cafe, 94 Hanover Street. Free, drop-in. For more information please contact henry.e.marsh@gmail.com.

Edinburgh World Justice Festival continues this week. Today’s events are:

(1) Does The Pope Speak For Us All On Ecology and Justice? In Laudato Si Pope Francis calls for ecology and social justice. Does he speak for us all? Pope Francis’s recent publication on the environment and sustainable development bears directly on issues the United Nations is set to tackle with the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals. Should we think of the Pope’s message as representing only people of his faith, or more broadly as a voice of the Global South? 6-7.30pm, Faculty Room North, David Hume Tower, University of Edinburgh, George Square. Organised by the Ethics Forum of the University of Edinburgh; for more information please call 07583 246 926 or email Christina.dineen@ed.ac.uk.

(2) VSO: Still Sharing Skills and Making A Difference. VSO has been recruiting people to share skills in the Global South for more than 50 years. They have made many changes both in the people they have sent and the roles the volunteers have played. This evening aims to examine if there is still a contribution to be made by volunteers. 7.30-9pm, Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Organised by Edinburgh VSO Supporters Group; for more information please contact Cathy Crawford at crawfordcathy@hotmail.com or Joan Nadeau at kjoannadeau@yahoo.co.uk.

National Poetry Day at the National Library: staff from the Library and guests will lead an informal session of poetry readings on this year’s theme, light. Celebrate National Poetry Day by bringing along a favourite poem or submit one in advance by emailing Literature and the Arts Curator Andrew Martin at a.martin@nls.uk. 2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or online here.

Mayfield-Salisbury Thursday Club: John Graham talks about Calcutta and West Bengal. 2pm, Upper Hall, Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church, 18 West Mayfield. The club meets weekly from October to May, with an attractive programme of music, slides, talks and demonstrations. New members warmly welcomed; annual membership costs £4 and there is a 50p charge for tea at each meeting. For more information please contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234.

Dr Simon Zagorski-Thomas: Classical Music ‘Hyper-Production’. Simon is Course Leader for MA Record Production /MMus Electronic Music Composition and Reader at the London College of Music. 5.15pm, Lecture Room A, Floor 2, Alison House, Reid School of Music, University of Edinburgh. Free and open to all; if you have any queries, please contact the organise, Dr Benedict Taylor, at B.Taylor@ed.ac.uk.

Golden Hare Books Presents An Evening with Justin Cartwright. One of Britain’s most acclaimed novelists, Justin Cartwright’s previous work has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize and awarded, among others, the Whitbread Novel Award, the Commonwealth Writers Prize, the South African M-Net Literary Award, the Hawthornden Prize and the Sunday Times Fiction Prize of South Africa. He will be discussing his latest novel, Up Against the Night, an intimate and unflinching portrait of one man’s troubled relationships with South Africa’s tumultuous history and his own chaotic family. 7pm, St Stephen’s Centre, St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. Free tickets are available via eventbrite here.

Cameo Big Scream: screenings exclusively for parents/carers and their babies under the age of one year. Today: East of Eden (PG): notable mainly for the electrically emotional scenes between Raymone Massey as the stiff, stern patriarch and James Dean as the rejected ‘bad son’, this is Elia Kazan’s classic adaptation of Steinbeck’s novel about the rivalry between two teenage boys for the love of their father. It’s a film of great performances, atmospheric photography and a sure sense of period and place. 10.30am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online here.

Portrait Gallery Curator’s Talk: an opportunity to chat to Portrait Gallery curators about current exhibitions. This month Librarian Sarah Jeffcott leads an introduction to the research resources at the Portrait Gallery. 5.30-6pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. No booking required: free, unticketed.

King Arthur in Edinburgh: author, storyteller, lecturer poet and musician Stuart McHardy investigates of the deep rootedness of Arthurian tradition in Edinburgh and Scotland. Stuart’s three dozen published books reflect many aspects of Scottish tradition and history inspired by his love of his native land and its multifarious stories, and include works on history, folklore and, purely out of a sense of public service, The Edinburgh and Leith Pub Guide. 10.30am, Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate. Tickets cost £5/£3.50 and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here.

The Hidden Theatres of the Marche: author Ian Arnott RSA, RIBA, FRIAS examines the origins of the theatre boom in Le Marche, and analyses the historic, social and architectural significance of a remarkable theatre heritage which stretches from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. How did a tiny, isolated area of Italy come to have over 100 theatres, many of which are architectural gems and still in working order today? The event will be chaired by Professor Joseph Farrell (University of Strathclyde). 6pm, Italian Cultural Institute, 82 Nicolson Street.

Spark Greyfriars Lunchtime Concert: Greyfriars Organist and Choirmaster Henry Wallace will play JS Bach Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV582, Felix Mendelssohn Sonata in D Minor Op.65 No.6 and Maurice Durufle, Suite pour Orgue Op.5. 12 noon, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free.

LGBT Language Cafe: after the success of the LGBT Language Café pilot in August, LGBT Health & Wellbeing continues to provide a safe, sociable and supportive space for LGBT people whose first language is not English. If you would like to improve your spoken English and socialise with other LGBT people, these fortnightly sessions will provide fun and inclusive ways to practice speaking English and find out more about the LGBT community in Edinburgh. For ages 16+. 6.30-8.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking is preferred: for more information and to register, please contact Jules on 0131 523 1104 or email jules@lgbthealth.org.uk. Free.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh and Capercaillie Publishing Present Christopher Harvie: Dalriada. Set at the beginning of WWI, Christopher Harvie’s debut novel weaves together the literary, scientific, military and political worlds of this turbulent era, mingling real figures like Lloyd George and John Buchan with the author’s own actors and other peoples’ creations, such as Hitchcock’s Mister Memory and Lawrence’s Constance Chatterley, as they grapple with the new ideas that will help end the war and shape the twentieth century. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8229 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via eventbrite here.

The Drawing Room – October: an informal, artist-led drawing session. Each session is developed by a contemporary artist and reflects concerns within that artist’s own work. The Drawing Room examines the range of possibilities within contemporary drawing practice and explores how mark-making can also be conceived as sculpture, installation, video, performance, writing, sound, textiles and animation. All materials are supplied and no experience necessary. 5.30-6.45pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free but booking is required: to book a place, please contact the Education Department on 0131 624 6410 or email education@nationalgalleries.org.

Jonathan Chung’s Glasshopper Trio: Ex-Glasgow, now London–based, sax player Jonathan Chung has teamed up with another ex-Glasgow colleague, drummer Corrie Dick, and London bassist James Kitchman, to form Glasshopper, an exciting young trio born out of a love for melody and improvisation. Influenced by free-improv, modern jazz, rock and folk worlds, the band performs Jonathan’s original compositions, weaving together sonic bliss and euphoric rock-outs. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival: films for all tastes (‘from the foodies to the fanatics!’), primary and secondary school screenings, a gastronomic evening and opening and closing events. Today’s films, both showing at Filmhouse, Lothian Road, are;

(1) at 6pm: 5 Days to Dance/5 Dias para bailar (U) (in Spanish with English subtitles) (see listing for Sunday 4th October)

(2) at 8.15pm: 7th Floor/Septimo (18) (in Spanish with English subtitles). A father becomes involved in a desperate search to find his children, who disappeared while going down stairs from their apartment on the seventh floor.

Tickets may be purchased from the Filmhouse box office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online; prices vary.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

The Monster Jeely Piece!

Edinburgh Restaurant Festival 

Dinner with Val McDermid

PoppyScotland Ride of Remembrance

We all know that Edinburgh is the home of Hogmanay but one of the best things about living here is that you get to go home to your own bed, and the tickets are discounted for those with an EH postcode.

Sadly some tickets are already sold out but there are many things to do over the three days.

Read more here.

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Tomorrow the Monster Jeely Piece challenge will be pulling into Waverley station.  Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network members Tiphereth in a Jar and Breadshare  are joining forces to create the largest jeely piece the UK has ever seen.

Final preparations are now underway for the challenge which will be taking place at the Local Motive Market at Waverley station.

The ingredients for the jeely piece will be provided by two Edinburgh based social enterprises: community bakery, Breadshare and Tiphereth in a Jar, who will be supplying 12 kilos of organic strawberry jam for the event.  The finished ‘piece’ will be shared amongst commuters, railway staff and passers-by.

There will be enough to feed 768 people!

Sandwich construction will begin at 11am on Friday morning, with piece tasting from 1pm.  The challenge will launch the organisation’s Eat the Good Stuff campaign which aims to promote the range of high quality food social enterprises in Edinburgh.  Edinburgh is home to food social enterprises of all shapes and sizes including cafes, pubs and fair trade distributors.  This campaign will place the spotlight on these food organisations and introduce the people of Edinburgh to the top quality and socially good products that they offer.

All are welcome on the day to view and try this jam filled master-‘piece’!

www.buythegoodstuff.co.uk

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Over ten days beginning today (8-18 October), the Edinburgh Restaurant Festival will offer plenty for food lovers to sink their teeth into with over thirty of the capital’s most-loved restaurants offering irresistible three course lunches for £15 and three course dinners for just £25.  From city favourites, Contini Cannonball, Kyloe, Cucina and Fisher’s in the City to recently launched No.8 Lister Square and Acanthus there is something for every culinary palate.

John Donnelly, Chief Executive of Marketing Edinburgh commented: “Edinburgh’s reputation for food and drink is second to none, from Michelin star establishments, to pop up dining and high-end street food.  The Edinburgh Restaurant Festival gives us an opportunity to go to town and celebrate this variety and diversity, as well as showcasing the quality experiences on offer.  

“With more restaurants per head of population than anywhere else in the UK, there is a lot to choose from, so the carefully curated event programme and affordable set menus give foodies a chance to sample the wares of a whole host of top restaurants, while meeting some of the people and chefs working hard behind the scenes.”

Tonight there will be a unique fine-dining extravaganza of three delicious courses all for £25 per person to coincide with the Edinburgh Restaurant Festival’s set menu price point.

Each course will be meticulously devised by the city’s top chefs, Mark Greenaway, Craig Hart and Paul Wedgwood, which will be served up in the beautiful surroundings of The Hub on the Royal Mile.

Also, to celebrate 50th anniversary of the twinning partnership between Edinburgh and Florence, we invite very special guest Maria Dimaglie to prepare your primo piatto live on stage.

This mouth-watering dinner will be the official launch event for the city’s 2015 Edinburgh Restaurant Festival which will take place throughout from the 8th – 18th October. The evening will celebrate the best of Scottish food and drink, with engaging behind the scenes video footage of all three chefs preparing their dishes. Guests will also be able to pose their questions to the chefs in person and via social media throughout the evening.

***

You could have dinner with one of the UK’s biggest crime writers at the George Street Bar and Grill on 28 October. A three course meal, chatting with the funniest crime writer in Edinburgh (sorry @beathhigh!) – Val McDermid. Tickets cost £55 each.

This is Val speaking at a Central Library event last year.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYlCdqldclE?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]

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Poppyscotland is calling for bikers to get involved in a special Ride of Remembrance in Edinburgh this weekend.

On Sunday 11^th October around 200 motorbikes, scooters, trikes and quads are expected to take part in the 2015 Ride of Remembrance, organised by Poppyscotland supporter group War Torn Troops Remembered (WTTR). The event is open to all bikers.

Departing from Straiton Park & Ride at 9am, the convoy will travel to the city, congregating at the Scots American War Memorial in Princes Street Gardens West where, at 10.30am, a Remembrance service will take place. A pipe band will play and there will be a collection for Poppyscotland.

This will be the fourth year that the biking community has come together to pay tribute to Servicemen and women who have lost their lives. In support of Poppyscotland’s current work with members of the Armed Forces community, WTTR has raised £12,615 for the charity since 2012 through this annual event and other year-round fundraising activity.

Bikers wishing to take part can find out more and register in advance by emailing wttrregistration@yahoo.co.uk There is a registration fee of £5 with all proceeds being donated to Poppyscotland.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the service in Princes Street Gardens West.

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Tickets are now on sale for the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and other events at the end of the year as announced  at a press launch earlier today.

You are invited to ‘Release your Party Animal’ and certainly there was an animal face mask in the goody bag which we were all given before leaving. This is billed as the best New Year’s Party on the planet, and certainly it has lots to persuade you that this will be the case.

Biffy Clyro will headline the flagship concert in Princes Street but events will also expand to the Old Town. And the organisers have yet to announce the plans for Scot:Lands the free events for the whole family on New Year’s Day.  Pete Irvine said they are just finalising the programme at the moment. In other cities in Scotland things are closed, but Edinburgh is buzzing!”

Pete Irvine said:  “This year it really is bigger as the festivities are expanding to the Old Town around the Cathedral with a big ceilidh here.”

At 11:00pm you will have a chance of taking part in a Guinness World Record attempt to stage the World’s Longest Strip the Willow. The city already holds the record, but now everyone is invited to put their kilts on and get dancing.

Irvine continued: “There is to be a new stage called the Castle Stage where Scottish Celtic crossover bands Rura, Peatbog Faeries and Shoogelenifty will perform.”

The whole Street Party will be set to a funk and soul soundtrack from BBC 6 Music’s Craig Charles who presents his Funk n’ Soul Show alongside Edinburgh’s own Simon Hodge.

Councillor Richard Lewis said:”This is the festival we have managed to export to the rest of the world. It is great fun and it is alsoa big investment into the city’s economy. While the council has some competing priorities for its budget every single councillor knows how important this Festival is to the capital.”

The social media campaign #Blogmanay returns to showcase the unique experience of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay while using the festival as a gateway to explore and discover the delights of visiting Scotland, ‘the home of Hogmanay’ in winter. There will be a huge bank of live digital content produced by guest bloggers joining #Blogmanay from across the world.

Tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Concert in the Gardens are already sold-out.

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The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS – Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2015 from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Tickets for the world famous Street Party, The Old Town Ceilidh, and pre-booked Torches for the Torchlight Procession, are on sale now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com, by calling Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Box Office on 0844 573 8455 or by calling into the Hogmanay Box Office at The Fringe Office, 180 High Street, Edinburgh. Street Party tickets are priced at £25.00 (including booking fee). 

Early bird tickets for EH postcode residents are still available at £19.00 (including booking fee).  

Old Town Ceilidh Tickets are priced at £45.00 (including Booking Fee).  Torches for the Torchlight procession can be pre-booked (priced at £10.00) and registration for the Stoats Loony Dook is also open (£10.00 including booking fee and 10% donation to the South Queensferry branch of the RNLI).

Photos by the lovely John Preece! 

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2013_09_04-Forth-Road-Bridge.jpgPolice Scotland, Amey, the Forth Road Bridge and Traffic Scotland confirmed earlier this afternoon that officers would close the M90 and the Forth Road Bridge in both directions.

The road was closed from 4.45pm and remained closed for almost an hour. All approaches were also closed. The timings were amended due to the current rainy and foggy weather conditions.

This followed the discovery of materials  believed to be used in the historical demolition process  carried out in the same areas as the current roadworks for the new Queensferry Crossing.

Although there was no immediate danger to the public, a decision was made to dispose of thes materials with the assistance of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) and to close the road as a precaution.

Police Scotland later confirmed that the Forth Road Bridge and surrounding roads have now reopened.

A spokesman said: “The EOD has safely carried out their controlled explosion and the public are thanked for their patience during this matter.”

The Forth Rail Bridge was also closed temporarily while the controlled explosion took place.  Police Scotland worked with British Transport Police and Network Rail to facilitate all of this.

Police advised  members of the public who wished to travel on this road to postpone or bring forward their travel plans as the road was expected to be closed for two hours.

Chief Inspector Irene Ralston of Police Scotland said:  “Exposed wiring was discovered today at the Queensferry Crossing, and while this posed no immediate risk to the public, as a precaution we were compelled to close the Forth Road Bridge and the M90.

“We advised motorist to avoid the area during this time and seek alternative routes and thank the public for their understanding at this time.”

Earlier today the council’s planners approved plans to create a new contemporary visual arts space at the City Observatory complex on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill.

The project will mean that one of Edinburgh’s most iconic sites is saved for future generations, creating a newly-built gallery and restaurant opening this historic site to the public for the first time in its history.

Leading contemporary visual art organisation and gallery, Collective is working in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council to redevelop the City Observatory as their new permanent home.

The building lies on Calton Hill, one of Scotland’s first public parks and is a jewel in the crown of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the birthplace of astronomy and timekeeping in Edinburgh and forms a vital component in the group of buildings on Calton Hill which are both architecturally and culturally significant to the history of the city and the nation, and contribute to Edinburgh’s status as the Athens of the North.

The City Observatory was designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818 as a temple to the Enlightenment, scientific innovation and discovery. It is of great architectural importance,but requires major investment and conservation as it is in a state of disrepair and on the Buildings at Risk Register.

With the City of Edinburgh Council, Collective will work to conserve and reinstate the original 18^th Century Playfair designs, display and interpret the telescopes and astronomical instruments and open the building to the public with education and gathering spaces. The grounds will be restored and a  subterranean gallery and restaurant will be created.

Collective have operated from Calton Hill since early 2014 after restoring the City Dome and opening it as as a gallery showing the work of established and international artists who have not exhibited in Scotland before. This space has attracted huge numbers of visitors to the site, interested in the historic building and its exhibits of contemporary culture.

Working with Collective Architecture on this first phase, they have now been appointed to develop and take forward the plans drawn up by Malcolm Fraser Architects, for the rest of the site.

This world-class complex will combine innovative art and iconic heritage, creating a new synergy, for the enjoyment of and benefit to the public and place with contemporary art at the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most popular locations. Whilst the majority of funding for this £3.5m project has been raised, Collective is continuing to raise funds in order to start on site early 2016 and aim to open up the entire City Observatory walled complex early 2017.

Kate Gray, Collective’s CEO and Artistic Director, said: “We are delighted that the plans for the site have been approved which will enable Collective to make the City Observatory on Calton Hill our new permanent home.

“The unique site will have a new future bring together contemporary art with the historical innovations the site was associated with in the past, creating an inspiring and exciting environment for both artists and visitors. Historically observatories are places to observe the stars and make scientific discoveries but Collective’s vision is to be a new kind of City Observatory, a place to look at art and view the city that art was made to be seen in.

“We will bring people together to engage with art, science, and Edinburgh’s heritage.”

Cllr Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convenor for the City of Edinburgh Council said: “The redevelopment of the Old Observatory on Calton Hill could be one of the most significant cultural and heritage projects to take place in the city.

“Known as the birthplace of astronomy and timekeeping, and situated with breathtaking views in the heart of the Athens of the North, the Observatory would be reinstated to the original 19^th Century William Playfair designs under Collective’s plans in order to create a hub of history, science and art for residents and visitors to enjoy. The decision today is an important step on that journey.”

Police Scotland, Amey, the Forth Road Bridge and Traffic Scotland have confirmed that officers will shortly close the M90 and the Forth Road Bridge in both directions.

The road is due to close at approximately 4pm for at least two hours.  All approaches will also be closed.

This is following the discovery of materials believed to be used in the demolition process at the site of the new Forth Road Bridge (Queensferry Crossing).

Although there is no immediate danger to the public, a decision has been made to dispose of these materials with the assistance of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) and to close the road as a precaution during this time.

The Forth Rail Bridge will also close temporarily while the controlled explosion takes place.  We are working with British Transport Police and Network Rail to facilitate this.

Police are advising members of the public who wish to travel on this road to postpone or bring forward their travel plans as the road is expected to be closed between 4pm and 6pm.  These times are approximate and can be brought forward or pushed back.

Chief Inspector Irene Ralston of Police Scotland said:  “Exposed wire were discover today at the Queensferry Crossing, and while this is poses no immediate risk to the public, as a precaution we are compelled to close the Forth Road Bridge and the M90.

“We would advise motorist to avoid the area between 4pm and 6pm and seek alternative routes.

“We thank the public for their understanding at this time.”

Police Scotland will continue to update the public on Police Scotland Facebook and Twitter with developments, including information on any further roadt closures.

The Craig Gowans Memorial Fund  (Sick Kids Friends Foundation)  won the prestigious Voluntary Fundraising Group of the Year award last night at a Glasgow Hotel.

It’s been a successful year for the charity who officially become Guinness World Record Holders, smashing the record for the Longest Marathon Playing Football in aid of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation in July when a group of enthusiastic football fans  completed a 105 hour-long football match at Ainslie Park `which boasted an astounding final score of 774 – 707.

The game, hosted in memory of the late Falkirk defender Craig Gowans, who tragically died exactly ten years previously, originally hoped to raise £37,000 for the SKFF – inspired by Craig’s professional number at Falkirk, number 37 however over double that figure was raised.

The seventeen year-old was only two weeks into his professional contract with the Bairns when the tragedy occurred. As well as being a talented footballer, Craig was a straight A pupil and talented artist at Stewart’s-Melville College, where he won the School’s Athletic Championship. He also had an unconditional offer to study Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art, but chose a career in football.

The money raised will be used by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation to fund enhancements to the new Sick Kids hospital at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France, specifically a state-of-the-art Snoezelen room in Craig’s name. The space will be a calming room with multi-sensory equipment providing a relaxing and stimulating space for children with sensory impairments.

Ex-Hibs’ and Scotland boss, Alex McLeish attended the game along with  current Scottish Cup holding manager, John Hughes who was the Falkirk manager at the time of Craig’s death. Former team-mates Scott Arfield and Thomas Scobbie were also there to cheer the players on.

Kerry MacKay from the Scottish Fundraising Conference Committee said: ‘Fundraisers and volunteers are the face and backbone of our charities – they donate their time; champion our causes; inspire and encourage others; and ultimately increase philanthropic income. Their commitment and drive deserves not only to be acknowledged, but celebrated. The Scottish Fundraising Awards showcase the most inspiring stories whilst giving a fantastic opportunity to publicly thank and salute our awesome fundraisers’.

The Scottish Fundraising Conference and Fundraising Awards are held annually in the autumn.

The other groups shortlisted for the award were Shimmer and Sparkle Committee, Scottish Spina Bifida Association and Ballater Charitable Chiels and Mrs Lindsay Barclay, The University of Edinburgh Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and local charitable causes

This year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay extravaganza was launched at the Signet Library this morning amid much music, bacon rolls and the speeches ensued.

This year the organisers are expecting the event to be a sell-out as in past years, so get your tickets quickly for those events that are ticketed. Some are free like the Scot:lands events on New Year’s Day.

The Home of Hogmanay will welcome visitors from abroad as well as including locals in the Torchlight Procession, the Street Party with headliners Biffy Clyro and local band Idlewild.

The Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop was at the launch this morning along with Pete Irvine of Unique Events and Councillor Richard Lewis who is the Festivals Champion and Culture Convener. We spoke to them all afterwards and will have a video report and more photos later.

The Street Party will have more stages and screens than ever before and some Food and Drink Villages. The Castle Stage is new this year and will have Scottish bands Rura, Peatbog Faeries and Shooglenifty.

The celebrations begin on Wednesday 30 December with the family-friendly Torchlight Procession as 10,000 torchbearers wind their way through the city streets lined with tens of thousands of spectators.  The Procession, which is supported by EventScotland, will move from George IV Bridge towards the finale of the Son et Lumière display on Calton Hill which can be viewed from across the city and from the streets surrounding the hill.  Access to Calton Hill will be exclusively available for torchbearers and their accompanying friends and family.

On Thursday 31 December, the musical line-up across the seven stages in the centre of the city promises to deliver an exhilarating party soundtrack for the anticipated 75,000 revellers.  The flagship Concert in the Gardens (which sold out in a record 10 days) features headliners Biffy Clyro making their only UK appearance this year who are joined by very special guests Idlewild and Honeyblood for a very strong all-Scottish line-up.

There’s a new look to the world famous Street Party with an additional stage and screens, expanded entertainment zones and dedicated ‘Food & Drink Villages’.  The Waverley Stage (Indie) will be headlined by Newcastle alt-rock band and Mercury Prize nominees Maxïmo Park, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their seminal debut album ‘A Certain Trigger’ with special guests, energetic punk duo Slaves and Glasgow funk outfit, the hotly tipped White.  

Maxïmo Park said, “Where better to spend New Year’s Eve than the Home of Hogmanay?!  Edinburgh is a spectacular city at the best of times, but it undoubtedly outdoes itself at the turn of the year. The Street Party will be a double celebration for our band as it’s ten years since our debut album came out, which guarantees a party mood.”

The new Castle Stage (Scottish) features performances from leading Scottish Celtic crossover bands Rura, Peatbog Faeriesand a special 25th anniversary performance from Shooglenifty.

The Frederick Stage (Party) provides the soundtrack to the whole Street Party with DJ sets from BBC 6 Music’s Craig Charles, who presents his ‘Funk n’ Soul Show’, alongside Edinburgh’s own Simon Hodge. VJ’s Buttercup and Pixels mix cutting-edge visuals to accompany the dance tunes which are relayed on seven screens along the length of Princes Street and throughout the Street Party arena.  The Mound Stage (Cabaret), which alters position this year, features the Guilty Pleasures cabaret performers, fresh from their sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.  Guilty Pleasures offers a heart-thumping, show-stopping, disco-dancing, rollercoaster of a night’s entertainment featuring DJ’s, dancers, performers and audience participation.

The perfect ending to the event calendar for the Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has signed up to Scotland’s Food Charter for Events. Organisers have created new refreshment and break-out areas around the Street Party arena including Market Street and the West End of Princes Street. The Mound Precinct, leading into East Princes Street Gardens, offers a food and drink experience, with retailers from the Edinburgh’s Christmas European Market on hand with a feast of cuisine beneath the exhilarating Star Flyer and Big Wheel attractions, offering revellers a sky-high view of the capital.

More details on Edinburgh’s Hogmanay here.