Leicester-based singer-songwriter Hannah Boleyn will release her new album The Boleyn Affair on 2 October on the Tudor Gate Records label, and will play one Scottish show at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on 19 October to promote it.

Boleyn’s new soulful album was produced and mixed by Ash Howes, of Ellie Goulding and Kylie Minogue fame, and tells stories of love, loss and emotion.

The debut single ‘When You’re Gone’ has already been played on Radio 2, and is one of the many songs on the album that is inspired by split-ups with lovers. ‘Tough Love’, however, focuses on her love-hate relationship with the music industry, and the struggles of getting recognition.

Boleyn draws her songwriting influences from Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey and Shirley Bassey, to create her unique style of pop.

She has toured the country supporting The Overtones, The Saturdays, Tinie Tempah, James Morrison, Joan Armatrading and UB40.

Tickets can be purchased from the Electric Circus website.

This is your big chance to get behind some doors that are not usually open to the public! Take the opportunity to see behind the scenes in some of the beautiful buildings in Edinburgh not normally open at all or where there would usually be an entrance fee payable. This will be the 25th year and the theme is Food and Drink Edinburgh so many of the venues available will reflect this.

Over the course of the weekend many of the 120 participating venues are celebrating Edinburgh’s rich culinary heritage. Drop into The Arthur Conan Doyle Centre to hear the history of famous Edinburgh brewer William McEwan whilst sampling his beers.  Visit the newly opened Signet Library to view its elegant tea salon in and amongst the colonnades.  Pop down to Stockbridge to visit St Stephen’s Church with its many stands honouring local businesses, charities and community groups involved in Food and Drink from around Edinburgh.

But the biggest question is where to go today? And how many buildings can you fit in? There are 113 venues in the brochure so you have lots to choose from. The whole programme is at the foot of this article for you to peruse.

But the best news is that there is now an app which was released just in time for this weekend.

Click here to download from the App Store.

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Economic recovery is measured in many ways but Ronnie Scott thinks that doing up your property is one of those, and he is particularly interested in the attention now being given to the smallest room in the house.

Ronnie Scott, founder of Boscolo Bathrooms, has opened a new showroom in Stockbridge to meet with demand and to extend the reach of his growing business.

The £75,000 investment has also created two new jobs, with another two on offer and Mr Scott’s ambition is to double business revenue.

He said: “When I started Boscolo in 2008 we were only months old when we found ourselves in the worst recession in history.  Even among people who were not suffering financially, there was a reluctance to be seen spending money on home improvements that might have been considered as ‘showy’.

“Those were extremely tough times and we fought hard to come through it by delivering outstanding service and attention to detail no matter how tight the margins were.

“It’s satisfying that we are seeing that dedication paying off and we are now in a very good place. People have the money and the confidence to invest on home improvements. Fortunately for us new bathrooms are often at the top of their priority list.”

Expansion is the next chapter in the business success story with Boscolo Bathrooms original Causewayside showroom firmly established with discerning home owners in Edinburgh’s Southside. The company’s growth has been organic while it has retained most of the original staff from 2008.

Mr Scott added: “Clients generally prefer to work with companies based locally, so our existing base has served us brilliantly in that part of town. The vast majority of our business is in Morningside, The Grange, Braids, Blackford and the postcodes EH9, EH10 and EH11.

“However, there is almost an invisible partition in the city and we’d like to establish more of a foothold to the north of Princes Street. With our new showroom open we are already seeing interest from the New Town, Stockbridge, Inverleith, Barnton, Ravelston, Murrayfield and Trinity.”

An added benefit is that the new showroom in North West Circus Place is on the same street as two interior designer businesses – Jeffreys Interiors and Ian Smith Design – while Farrow & Ball’s Edinburgh showroom is also a neighbour.

Mr Scott believes that will make the street a must-visit for selective home owners looking for inspiration on property improvements. Those are also the type of clients looking for high-quality bathrooms from the most respected manufacturers, including Villeroy & Boch, Dornbracht, Keuco and Mastella, all of which are supplied and fitted by Boscolo.

The business offers home owners a fully rounded service, which starts with a detailed property survey, before clients then go through a 3D design and review process. Boscolo’s 10-strong team then take care of the meticulous fit out and finishing.

Another reassurance for Boscolo customers is that they are provided with a detailed account of everything that will be involved in their bathroom project, with every item costed and a clear timeline laid out.

Mr Scott added: “Our clients never have to deal with anybody other than us. They don’t have to worry about dealing with a supplier, or a separate fitter. If there are any issues at all it is Boscolo Bathrooms – and very often me – who they will be dealing with.

“That is hugely reassuring for people who may have had bad experiences elsewhere when they are passed around between supplier, fitter and manufacturer trying to resolve an issue. What any customer really wants is a single point of contact and we provide that.”

The experienced team supply and fit up to 75 bathrooms per year earning the vast majority of referrals by word of mouth from satisfied customers.

Mr Scott said: “We don’t discuss figures because our clients are the type of people who want to know they can be absolutely assured of our discretion at all times.”

The experienced plumber, who completed his apprenticeship in the 1980s with the NHS added: “I didn’t realise it at the time but that work with the NHS instilled in me the qualities I have built this business on – attention to detail, good manners and respect.

“Those are vital qualities when you are dealing with our clients, who tend to be high net worth and fastidious individuals who demand very high levels of service and quality.”

Boscolo’s new showroom is at 17 North West Circus Place and is online at www.boscolobathrooms.co.uk/

Cockenzie demolition

M&S World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

Get involved with Chronicle Online

Edinburgh children eat lobster

Victorian Selfies!

The end of an era in East Lothian yesterday when the iconic twin chimney stacks and the turbine hall (on the right of the photo) were demolished.

Over 160kg of nitro glycerine based explosives were used in the demolition of the chimney stacks, where there were approximately 1500 charge holes drilled in each chimney.  The explosives were designed to blow out the base of the chimneys so they fell towards each other. Both chimneys were demolished simultaneously where they impacted about 140m in the air. The 220m long turbine hall was demolished by 120kg of explosives, which were attached to 19 major box columns that were removed progressively within 1 second.

The initiation system was fully backed up with double detonators and connectors throughout where separate back up firing lines were run to each chimney. Overall 4,000 metres of shock tube was employed in the demolition project.

The button, to initiate the demolition was pushed at 12pm by East Lothian resident, Donald McCulloch, the winner of a charity raffle that was organised by Longniddry & District Rotary Club.

Hugh Finlay, ScottishPower Generation Director, said: “The demolition team have been working towards this day for two years, and it was fantastic to see all of our detailed preparations and calculations culminate in such a dramatic event. Comprehensive planning and consultation ensured the event could be managed safely. I would like to thank our partners in this project East Lothian Council and Police Scotland and our contractors Brown and Mason”.

Originally operational in the summer of 1967, Cockenzie was officially opened on the 24th May 1968 by the Secretary of State for Scotland, The Rt. Hon. William Ross. The Power Station generated more than 150 Terawatt Hours (TWh) of electricity in its lifetime, enough to power the average annual electricity needs of more than 1 million homes every year during its 45 years of operation. In total, it is estimated that more than 10,000 people have been employed at Cockenzie, during construction and operation, with many thousands of other jobs supported in the wider supply chain and local area.

When Cockenzie opened in 1967, it was the largest power station in Scotland and Britain was still 2 years away from natural gas being used in electricity generation. Coal accounted for approximately 72% of the fuel input used for electricity generation in Britain, compared to approximately 20.5% in 2014.

In an average year the station would receive approximately 800 train loads of coal, meaning that up to 36,000 freight trains stopped at Cockenzie’s coal handling plant to make deliveries over the lifetime of the station. The last delivery took place at 3pm on Saturday 9th March.

Designed by Sir Robert Matthew (who also designed Edinburgh Airport and the Royal Commonwealth Pool), and famous for its distinctive twin chimney stacks, the station was built with a generating capacity of 1,200MW, comprising four identical units, each capable of generating 300MW. Due to strategic investment and high levels of maintenance, the station comfortably outlived its original estimates of a 25-30 year life cycle.

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M&S’ store in Edinburgh has raised £3,200 after a successful month-long fundraising campaign for Macmillan’s 25th anniversary World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Shoppers were out in force to support the cause, joining an estimated five million people across the UK who also participated in coffee mornings for Macmillan. As well as serving huge amounts of coffee and cake, employees at M&S Gyle also dressed up as characters from popular 1950’s film, Grease. Customers were entertained by local musicians including a trumpet player whilst two classic cars were on-show outside of the store.

The Edinburgh store was part of a nationwide fundraising drive by M&S, in its sixth year of supporting Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. During this time, M&S has raised over £4million for Macmillan, helping to fund more specialist Macmillan services in local communities across the UK. It is hoped that this year will be the most successful event yet, beating the collective £25million total raised last year.

Store Café manager, Joanna Reid, at M&S Gyle, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers for helping us to make this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning a huge success! With it being the event’s 25^th anniversary, this year had added significance, so we are delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount for what is an incredibly impressive and worthy charity.

“We will be continuing to raise funds until the end of September, so if you didn’t make it along to our coffee morning event on Friday, there is still an opportunity to pop in and treat yourself to a coffee and cake to help towards our final fundraising total.”

Fundraising efforts for the coffee morning have been underway at M&S since the start of September, and will continue until the end of the month. Throughout this time, 10 percent of the proceeds from Macmillan Coffee Morning products sold in the Foodhall –  including a delicious Macmillan Victoria Sandwich, M&S’ famous Colin the Caterpillar Cake and a limited edition World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 25^th Anniversary Biscuit Tin – will go to the charity.

All M&S Cafés have also been donating 5p from every cup of coffee and slice of cake sold, and will continue to do so until the end of the month. Two bespoke Coffee Morning badges, designed by renowned British designer Sophie Conran, and which feature her own recipes, are also available from Cafés and Foodhalls for a suggested donation of £2.

Furthermore, an array of stylish, limited edition home products – including a bone china mug, tea towels and an apron – are available in selected M&S homeware departments, with 10 percent of each sale going to Macmillan.

Chloe Gallagher, Senior Partnership Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Each year we are astounded by the nation’s efforts in getting behind the coffee morning and this year our expectations have been exceeded yet again. I would like to personally thank every single person who has helped make this year another great success, by visiting their local M&S or hosting their own coffee morning.

“The event was a storming success, and we are hoping to have raised more than ever before. I have no doubt that thanks to M&S’ support, we’ll be able to fund even more essential professional posts. Cancer can be the loneliest place, but together M&S and Macmillan ensure that more people in the UK have the support they need in their own community, meaning that no one has to face cancer alone.”

For more information about Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning please visit www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk.

***

***

Many parents across Edinburgh, and the rest of the UK, will be all too familiar with fussy eaters at mealtimes. However, according to a new survey the days of plates left untouched may soon be a distant memory.

Research unveiled by Seafish, the industry authority on seafood, has shown that Edinburgh children between the ages of seven and eleven are becoming far more adventurous when it comes to fish consumption, with a surprising 40% having tried crab, 33% sampling squid, while one in five has even eaten  lobster.

Cod is still the most commonly eaten fish by kids, while other favourites follow close behind, with 80% eating tuna, haddock 73.3% and salmon 60%.

However, while the statistics for adventurous eating have been praised, the total levels of fish consumed per week may require some improvement. Currently, only 24.3% of seven to 11-year-olds across the UK eat two pieces of fish per week – the recommended minimum.

The research also highlighted that almost 30% of children in the UK have never partaken in the traditional British pastime of eating fish and chips at the seaside.

The survey has been released in conjunction with the launch of a student chef-led pilot education programme, which aims to teach children about the variety of seafood available and how it gets from the ocean to our tables. It is hoped that the initiative will encourage children to eat a greater variety of fish more often, as well as inspire the Chefs of tomorrow.

For more information on the Seafish education programme and unique recipe ideas, fish fans are being encouraged to visit the Fish is The Dish website.

***

Keep an eye on the National Museums Scotland Facebook page to find out how you can get involved in their Victorian Selfie competition which begins on 30 September.  You are promised ‘fantastic prizes’!
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Storytelling: Stories in the Stars. Join storyteller and musician Marion Kenny in the Gallery’s Great Hall as she shares legends of the starry constellations, accompanying her stories with her heavenly harp and ethereal flute. Hear the Greek legend of Andromeda and Perseus, be beguiled with American First Nation legends of the great and little bears and listen to star-studded myths from around the globe. For ages 4-12. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. No booking required: free and unticketed.

Active Archaeology: join the Holyrood Park Rangers at this family day and discover what life was like in the Iron Age – meet people from the past and try out skills from the period. Join a druid for walks into the past where you’ll meet many colourful characters, and have a look at some artefacts uncovered within Holyrood. 11am-3pm, Holyrood Park Education Centre, 1 Queen’s Drive, EH8 8HG. This free event is part of SAHF – the Scottish Archaeology and Heritage Festival, organised by Archaeology Scotland, an educational charity seeking to inspire the discovery, exploration and enjoyment of Scotland’s past. For more information please email hs.rangers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or call 0131 652 8150.

Cameo Vintage Sundays: classic films back on the big screen. Today’s film is L’Eclisse (PG) (in Italian with English subtitles): a 1962 Cannes Special Jury Prize winner, L’Eclisse (The Eclipse) is the conclusion of Michelangleo Antonioni’s informal trilogy on modern malaise (preceded by L’Aventura and La Notte); it tells the story of a young woman who leaves one lover only to drift into a relationship with another, an arrogant young stockbroker. But as the film progresses, her emptiness becomes more obvious, echoed in the Roman architecture that dominates so much of the film, and she finally decides on a life of solitude rather than marriage or a failing relationship. Rich in bold symbolism, L’Eclisse paints a picture of how modern industrial society can obliterate the emotions between men and women. 1pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online here.

Lauriston Castle: Beautiful Bird Boxes. Mike Durnan shows you how to use found natural objects from the grounds of Lauriston, paint and other materials to transform your own wooden bird box into a very special home for your feathered friends. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. Tickets cost £4 per person and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here. Please note that these workshops are intended for families working together: at least one paying adult must accompany your child, and no child should be booked into a workshop alone.

Doors Open Day: Filmhouse. A free Incredible Inventions Arts and Crafts event to tie in with the Filmhouse Junior screening of Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder – families of all ages are invited to drop in. 9.30-11am (for Filmhouse Junior screening see below); Incredible Inventions Arts and Crafts can be booked in advance – but you can also just come along.

Beyond The Veil: Stories of the Prophets. Beyond the Veil is an Edinburgh-based Muslim Women’s Group aiming to promote a better understanding of Islam on a basic level, and believing that it is through integration and partnership that understanding on a reciprocal basis can be achieved. Since the group’s establishment in Spring 2006 it has been involved in many projects and with partners from across the City and beyond. The group’s next storytelling event will be about Prophet Ibrahim (AS) (part two) and is suitable for children aged 5-10 years. 2-4pm, Munro Centre, 6 Park Grove Street. Booking is essential and should be made by emailing your child’s name, age, details of any allergies, and your own mobile number and email address to beyondtheveil@hotmail.co.uk.

Filmhouse Junior: screenings for a younger audience. Today’s film is Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder (Doktor Proktors prompepulver) (PG) (English language version), based on a series of books by crime writer Jo Nesbø. Shy and lonely Lise and her new neighbour, curious and excitable Nilly, investigate a cloud of smoke coming from the home of reclusive inventor Doctor Proctor…11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and may be purchased from the Filmhouse box office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online here.

LGBT: Me & T Monthly. A supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are trans*, non-binary or exploring their gender. An opportunity to discuss experiences, questions or concerns. 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact the group at any time: me.and.t.monthly.scotland@gmail.com.

Take One Action: Audience Award Winner. The final screening of Take One Action 2015 – as voted for by the audiences from the festival’s host of critically acclaimed premieres. In the last few years, audiences have been treated to The Revolutionary Optimists, Girl Rising and Chasing Ice; this year it could be a darling of the festival circuit or an exciting newcomer. Please note: the screening will be anticipated as a certificate 15 and children may therefore not be admitted. 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Present a ticket stub from another Take One Action 2015 festival film at the Filmhouse box office any time up to Saturday 26 September to get your Audience Award Screening ticket for just £4.50. One reduced price ticket per stub; only valid when booking in person by 9pm on Sat 26 September. All tickets bought for this event are non-refundable.

The Tinderbox Orchestra: Edinburgh’s award-winning Tinderbox Orchestra is a 25-piece developmental youth orchestra (ages 14-25) with an amazing array of strings, woodwind, brass, percussion and electric instruments, performing an eclectic fusion of funk, orchestral and improvisational music. Mentored by some of Edinburgh’s (and beyond) leading instrumentalists and composers, Tinderbox is a high-energy, full-spectrum music generator powering its way through all kinds of original and known compositions ‘Rave Culture meets last night of the Proms’  (The Herald). This event is a fundraiser, with proceeds going towards the orchestra’s debut album costs. 4-5pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £3 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.

Uptown Abbey: Lauriston Castle Above and Below Stairs. Join Edinburgh Living History, the award winning troupe of Living History interpreters at Lauriston Castle; this is a unique chance to observe life in an Edwardian house. Meet the last private owners of Lauriston, the Reids (Mrs Reid gifted the castle to the nation in 1926), their staff  and some special guests as they go about their daily lives. 1pm or 2pm or 3pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. Tickets cost £5 (adult). £3 (child) or £12.50 (family) without afternoon tea or £6.50/£4.50/£17 with tea, 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 First World War in Cinema: The Guns of Loos (U) (silent film with accompaniment). The Guns of Loos marked a bold new approach to depicting the war on screen; the striking recreations of the conflict at Loos provide the backdrop to an intense psychological drama about a factory owner faced with the horrors of returning from the war. Combining strong performances with outstanding cinematography, the film received rave reviews on its release in 1928, with many critics declaring it the best war film ever made. Soon forgotten during the emergence of the ‘talkies’, this commemorative screening is an opportunity to see a unique film brought back to the big screen. The film will be accompanied by a brand new musical score by one of the UK’s leading silent film composers and performers, Stephen Horne, commissioned by Dundee Contemporary Arts in association with the Great War Dundee partnership. 4.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £10/£8, or £6 for members of the armed forces with ID, and may be purchased from the Filmhouse box office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online here.

Singers Night with William Young and his Trio: an evening of superb vocals from the ex-Cincinnati Soul/Blues/Jazz vocalist, backed by a top-drawer jazz trio featuring swinging pianist Peter Johnstone. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.

Ragged University Film & Curry Night: come along, put your feet up and see a film in the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of the Serenity Cafe. The screening is followed by food (classic daal recipes, provided free) and a discussion about the film. Tonight: This Film Is Not Yet Rated (18), an investigation into the American film censorship board’s notoriously secretive methods of rating films. 6pm, Serenity Cafe, 8 Jackson’s Entry, The Tun, Holyrood Road. Free, but please make a donation towards the work of the cafe if you are able to do so.

City Link 2015: the City Link Festival is an international event celebrating culture and urban life between cities through symposiums, artist exchange, workshops, study trips, city walks, performances and social bonding, inspiration and co-creation, City Link started in 2012 as a co-creation project between cultural communities in Copenhagen and Hamburg. Until 2014, the network primarily consisted of people from these two cities, but the City Link Festival in Hamburg in September 2014 kick-started City Link as a global network connecting people, projects and communities throughout the world. This year the festival’s theme is democratic renewal; it will bring together people from Edinburgh and Copenhagen with ideas that could link cities, discuss local initiatives, inspire each other and investigate possibilities of co-creating cities across Europe. Today’s closing events are:

Hold Me Dear: Four Cities, Four (Extra) Ordinary Places – Launch Event. Bring a picnic to King George V Park on the grass next to Rodney St tunnel and enjoy live jazz, mural painting, cycle tours and speakers to celebrate the launch of this unique outdoor exhibition, a co-created gallery of stories and photographs of Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Istanbul and Hamburg. 12 noon-2pm, Rodney Street Tunnel. Free. Exhibition continues until 20th October 2015;

Flytte: an evening of poetry and music on the theme of ‘displacement’. Listen to work that explores the theme of cultural displacement and have the opportunity to chat with the performers about the effect place and displacement can have on creativity; discuss how this topic may be explored through literature, and how this can help in our understanding of a widening cultural Scotland. Confirmed poets to date: Bashabi Fraser, Jessica Johannesson Gaitán, Gerd Laugesen and Chris Jam. The evening will finish with music from Edinburgh’s own Dallahan, an internationally renowned touring band with Scottish, Irish and Hungarian members. This session will begin the documentation of Flytte which, after a series of future events, will result in a publication aiming to reflect the ideas of cultural displacement raised by all participants and to assist in a greater understanding of migration, its challenges and its benefits. 6pm, Process Studios, Abbeymount Techbase, Unit 13, 2 Easter Road. Free: refreshments available by donation – all donations will go to Syrian Refugee Emergency.

St Giles’ at Six: Through the Spectrum of Colours. Magdalena Durant (soprano) and Chris Harding  (piano) take a musical journey spanning one hundred years of songs, with lieder by Brahms, Fauré, Debussy and Szymanowski. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.

Scottish artists’ relationship with the sea will be the focus of a free new exhibition opening in Edinburgh this weekend.

‘The Artist & the Sea’, which will run until 8 May 2016 at the City of Edinburgh Council’s City Art Centre, explores the many ways in which the sea has been represented in Scottish art through the centuries.

From the fisher families of Newhaven, through to the industrial changes that led to the development of shipbuilding and the busy Port of Leith, to the moods swings of the North Sea in all Scottish weathers, the exhibition will feature a stunning series of paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculpture.

The exhibition features 37 artworks spanning over 180 years, with notable interpretations by William McTaggart, Joan Eardley, John Bellany and Elizabeth Ogilvie.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Scottish waters have always had a hold on the imaginations of Scottish artists. The City Art Centre’s exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the centuries, exploring how Scottish communities have worked with the sea and how artistic styles have changed across the generations.

“The unique appeal of Edinburgh’s coastline, in particular Cramond, Newhaven and Leith have also played a key role in the city’s heritage. Visitors will enjoy exploring the sea’s impact on the city’s history, and how much – and how little – Edinburgh’s coast has changed. 

“The City Art Centre is a nationally recognised collection and I hope this display will inspire people to rediscover and appreciate our historic city and familiarise themselves with some of Scotland’s great artists.”

Exhibition curator, Helen Scott, added: “Scotland has a long and complex relationship with the sea – its landscape, history and culture have been shaped by proximity to the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Over the centuries artists have responded to this influence in various ways.

“The Artist & the Sea explores maritime events, the day-to-day experiences of coastal communities, and seafaring mythology and folklore themes by a range of artists selected from the City Art Centre’s collection of historic and contemporary Scottish art.”

The new exhibition opens during the final weekend of the landmark ‘Scottish Art: People, Places, Ideas’ exhibition. In October, the City Art Centre will welcome two further major exhibitions: ‘William Gear (1915-1997): The Painter that Britain Forgot’, a partnership exhibition with the Towner Art Gallery timed to coincide with the centenary of the abstract artist’s birth, and the complementary City Art Centre curated exhibition‘ Jagged Generation: William Gear’s Contemporaries and Influences’, which will explore the artist’s connections to Edinburgh and Scotland. These exhibitions launch on 24 October 2015.

The City Art Centre is owned and managed by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Exhibition opening times 26 September 2015 – 8 May 2016 : Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm; Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Admission: Free. Guides will be on hand to offer spotlight tours of both exhibitions at 11am and 3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Featured artists and artworks include:

John Bellany’s The Obsession (c.1968), William McTaggart’s The Preaching of St Columba (c.1898), Samuel John Peploe’s A Rocky Shore, Iona(c.1929), Joan Eardley’s Summer Grasses and Barley on the Clifftop (c.1962), Thomas Buttersworth’s The Arrival of George IV at Leith Harbour 1822, (c.1822), David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson’s Two Newhaven Fishwives (c.1843-7), and Elizabeth Ogilvie’s Sea Journals (1989).

Sneaky Pete’s is a confined venue – there’s no disputing that. But when you have to try to take off your coat, you know that the venue is packed from stage to door – it is certainly humid in there. But then again, the fuzz of rock n’ roll warms you up too, right?

PINS have toured excessively throughout the last few years, having developed and amalgamated their sound from lo-fi distortion to a more polished post-punk buzz. If you were touring with the likes of indie punk legends Sleater-Kinney and latest garage blues rock fanatics Drenge, then it’s easy to arrive at this pleasing conclusion.

While PINS rattle through an hour of highly satisfying rock, from delicate to raucous, the Saturday night crowd took the expeditious punk ambience and escalated it further, as the middle of Sneaky Pete’s turned into a spirited mosh pit. It was perhaps too much for lead singer Faith Holgate, who stops ‘LuvU4Lyf’ towards the end because of some unacceptable crowd behaviour. And just at the last hurdle the gig is regrettably tamed.

Every member of PINS acts differently on stage. Faith Holgate appears occasionally hesitant at front-centre stage for a position that should exude vitality, whereas drummer Sophie Galpin commands the entire performance from the back with her dynamic and formidable drumming abilities. Yet disparities continue, as bassist Anna Donigan controls her bass playing half-heartedly yet admirably as she periodically glances at the riotous crowd, while lead guitarist Lois McDonald effortlessly struts around, using all of  the restricted venue stage.

Most of this is why PINS are swiftly gathering a fan base. Effectively, the band looks massively debonaire on stage, while at the same time they produce noisy, infectious and snappy melodies for the crowd to consistently bop along to.

All signs indicate that they are on the course to next generation post-punk stardom, only steadily – they are still only playing venues like Sneaky Pete’s for the moment.

Earlier this week Edinburgh artist Andy McIntosh announced a solo show at the Scottish Design Exchange – a new gallery space in the city’s Ocean Terminal shopping centre. The exhibition, entitled “Shores”, opens on 30 October and runs until 13 November. The exhibition will showcase Andy’s body of work which includes landscapes constructed from found objects, and works made using his pioneering “concrete printing” technique.

Originally from Perth, McIntosh launched his career as a more conventional landscape painter. In 2005 he made the decision to set himself a new, challenging set of parameters – he would continue to make paintings, but without brushes, paint or canvases. Approaching the problem of commercial waste culture with postmodern humour, Andy began to comb scrap yards. He discovered objects and remnants that suggested narratives, and thus his unique painting language was created. Discarded items placed in the frame and gallery context take on characters of their own, helped along by the cultural references in their titles.

Still deeply influenced by the Scottish landscape, Andy has begun to develop works made of found objects collected on beaches and from Scotland’s wild places – these will feature prominently in the Shores exhibition, which evokes ideas of edgelands, flotsam, and objects manipulated in part by the elements. The title also references the gallery’s location, which is directly on the shore of the Forth estuary.

“The title image is a detail of a new piece called Loch Muick, located near Ballater in the Scottish Highlands. This is a very special place to my wife and I and I was inspired to create it after a walking trip up there a few weeks ago. It’s made of found objects fused with clear plastic.”- Andy McIntosh

Concrete Printing

The artist’s concrete printing technique, discovered by accident, involves a process where Images printed onto acetate are transferred onto the concrete surface, which absorbs the ink. This results in a 2-D image which is something of an industrial fresco for the 21st century.

Green with Orange Short Film

On 4 October, Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts will show a short film about Andy as part of their World of Film International festival. A project by graduate director Michal

Korzonek, the film explores the impact of Andy’s artistic career on his everyday life, looking at how he manages parenthood and his “day-job” in conjunction with his practice and the demands of exhibiting.

Submitted by Andy McIntosh

Scotland’s Pub of the Year will host fundraiser for UNICEF’s Children of Syria Emergency Appeal
With the entire world coming together to celebrate the Rugby World Cup, Malones Edinburgh have teamed up with global children’s charity, Unicef, to help raise awareness and desperately needed funds for the global humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Europe.

Robin Keane, event organiser and whose family own the Malones group said; “We have all been deeply shocked by the heart-breaking images of the crisis in Syria. Over 14 million children have been affected by the conflict and almost 3000 people have died whilst trying to reach safety in Europe.”

“We believe that this is an extremely worthy cause, we know that all the pubs will be packed on Sunday with the Scotland and Ireland RWC matches so we are urging people to show some support for these helpless children who have become needless victims of war.”

From 6.30pm on Sunday 27 September Malones Edinburgh, winner of Scotland’s Best Pub 2015, will host a night of music, raffles, prizes and games in aid of the children of Syria.

The fundraiser will also take place in Malones other venues in Glasgow and Aberdeen. Collectively Malones Irish Bars are aiming to raise a minimum of £5,000 for the cause. The Rugby World Cup Games will be shown from 2.30pm kicking off with at 2.30pm with Scotland v. USA followed by Ireland v. Romania at 4.45pm.

Unicef works to protect the millions of children living in danger throughout the world, focusing on the 5 key dangers children face today:

• Violence exploitation and abuse: helping to protect children around the world
• Disease: vaccinating millions of children around the world
• Hunger and malnutrition: providing 80% of the world’s life-saving emergency food
• War and conflict: providing vital support for children caught up in conflict
• Disasters: protecting children that are left vulnerable to the many dangers created by disasters

Robin said of the challenge: “We have chosen to support Unicef through the Songs for Syria fundraiser because we believe it is a world recognised charity who fight for the protection of children across the globe. We have been shocked by recent events related to the crisis in Syria and want to do what we can to help the cause.”

It is suggested those attending the night make a donation of £5 on the door and have also set up a fundraising page, which can be found at: http://myfundraising.unicef.org.uk/MyPage/Malones-Songs-for-Syria

Submitted by Simon Keane

So the twin towers of Cockenzie Power Station have gone. “It’s sad,” said the lady standing beside me as we watched them fall. There were tears in her eyes.

And she wasn’t the only one to breathe a sigh of lament. You could hear the crowd gasp as the explosion boomed across the waterfront. Thousands of people lined the shore, a flotilla of small boats stretched out into Forth, one adventurer had even taken to his microlite to watch from the air.

The 150m Cockenzie chimney stacks have dominated the East Lothian coast for the last 50 years. They became a landmark in people’s lives…..people passing on the motorway or the train, people seeing them from the Fife coast or from ships at sea, or from aircraft coming into land at Edinburgh Airport. They landmarked the lives of the 500 people who worked in the power station at any one time and the 5,000 folk who lived in the combined villages of Cockenzie and Port Seton. Among them were my parents, my father being the local parish minister here in the 1980s.

The passing of the chimney stacks also marks the end of the Age of Coal. The last remaining coal-fired power station in Scotland, Longannet, is due to close next year. There are no more deep mines left and coal has become an unacceptable source of energy since we woke up to the threat of climate change.

Cockenzie was built in 1967, as its utilitarian architecture revealed. It was big, ugly, modern, imposing and powerful, with a capacity of producing 1200 megawatts of electricity, providing energy for much of Central Scotland. It originally burnt coal from the mines directly beneath it. As the deep seams ran out, it changed to open-cast coal and finally to imported coal from Russia. But in March 2013, its owners, Scottish Power, finally decided its days were over. There were thoughts of converting it into a gas fired power station but these have now been abandoned. The only plan left for the site is as a deep-water terminal for cruise liners.

As the lady said, it is sad to see Cockenzie towers go. But, actually, I am glad we are moving on. Coal is a finite resource and a dirty one. I am particularly glad men don’t have to go down mines any more, it was an inhuman task. But the fall of those great chimneys leaves a question mark rising in the dust. How are we going to power our country in the future ?

Celtic 0 Heart of Midlothian 0

Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership, Saturday 26 September 2015, Celtic Park

Given recent results and recent defensive displays, Hearts secured an unlikely point from their visit to league champions Celtic on Saturday. Indeed, it was an inspired performance from the much-maligned defence which the home side failed to breach and ended Hearts run of three successive league defeats.

Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson isn’t averse to changing his team and he made four changes from the side that knocked Kilmarnock out of the League Cup on Wednesday evening with Jamie Walker, Juwon Oshaniwa, Miguel Pallardo and Juanma all starting. The main surprise was the omission of captain Alim Ozturk who had to be content with a place on the substitute’s bench – apparently the defender was feeling the effects of a niggling injury.

When Hearts visit Celtic Park they are usually put under pressure from the start and Saturday’s game proved no different. Hearts defence looked to be carrying on their uncertain form of recent weeks and gave the ball away far too cheaply. However, the home side failed to capitalise and the first real chance of the game fell to the visitors when Jamie Walker’s corner fell to Sam Nicholson but the winger’s effort on goal sailed over the bar.

Celtic’s Commons then came close with a 25 yard free-kick before, moments later, the Scotland player shot straight at Neil Alexander in the Hearts goal. Former Hibee Leigh Griffiths then launched a long-range effort which looked net bound before Alexander punched clear.

At the other end, Osman Sow set up Juanma but the Spaniard’s shot on goal was just too high.

Celtic were pressing for the breakthrough and Forrest hit the post from 20 yards before Rogic and Griffiths passed up glorious chances as Hearts began to ride their luck somewhat.

Half-time Celtic 0 Hearts 0

Seven minutes into the second half the vociferous travelling support thought their side had taken the lead when Jamie Walker’s chip found Igor Rossi but the defender only found the side netting and the Maroon Army’s joy was short-lived.

Celtic continued to pile on the pressure and Brown came close with another long-range effort.

Hearts gave a debut to new signing Arnaud Djoum with ten minutes to go. Moments later Bitton headed wide when it seemed easier to score for the home side. Griffiths was again posing a threat and a curling shot from the striker was well saved by Alexander.

The game was petering out for a goalless draw although Hearts had a great opportunity to steal all three points right at the end when Sam Nicholson was clean through on goal only to be crudely brought down by Ambrose who was shown a red card by referee Kevin Clancy. From the resultant free-kick, Callum Paterson’s effort on goal was blocked by the Celtic defence. Celtic then had an effort ruled out for offside before the final whistle blew seconds later.

Afterwards, Robbie Neilson declared himself satisfied with his side’s afternoon’s work. “We’re pleased with a point but long term I’d like to build a team that comes here and wins three points.” he told the official Hearts website “That’s what we want to do, build a team that can come here and compete, play better football and dominate the game.

“We rode our luck a little bit in the first half but you have to do that here. We had a couple of chances in the game and could’ve nicked it but all in all, a point is a decent result for us.”

In the end, Hearts came away with a hard-earned point and a clean sheet, something it has to be said very few Hearts supporters expected.

Celtic: Gordon, Lustig, Boyata, Ambrose, Izaguirre; Brown, Bitton, Commons, Rogic (Ciftci, 75′), Forrest, Griffiths.

Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Augustyn, Rossi, Oshaniwa, Gomis, Pallardo, Nicholson, Walker (Djoum, 79′), Sow (Buaben, 64′), Juanma (Reilly, 76′).

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Att: 46,297

Top man: Neil Alexander  – the former Rangers keeper kept the Celtic attack at bay.

Hibs passed up a glorious chance to leapfrog Falkirk into second place in the Championship this afternoon when they were held to a 1-1 draw against St Mirren at Easter Road.

The players went into the game knowing that a victory would see them overtake the Bairns who drew 0-0 with Queen of the South last night, but it was not to be.

Head Coach Alan Stubbs made one change to the starting XI that beat table topping Aberdeen on Wednesday night with ex St Mirren defender Darren McGregor making way for Marvin Bartley as Hibs reverted to their trusted 4-1-3-2 formation. John McGinn retained his place in midfield against his former club but there was no place for goal scorer Dominique Malonga.

St Mirren had former Hibs’ captain Ian Murray in the away dugout with Keith Watson who spent part of last season on loan at Easter Road in the defence alongside former Hearts’ star Andy Webster,

The Hibs’ fans arrived in confident mood, having won their last six home games without conceding a goal and dominated the first quarter of an hour without creating any clear cut chances.

It was the Saints who opened the scoring however against the run of play when Calum Gallagher, looking suspiciously offside latched onto a through ball before beating David Gray in the box and calmly side footing the ball past Mark Oxley.

Hibs almost equalised in the 28th minute when Lewis Stevenson’s low cross was deflected into the air. Martin Boyle headed the ball into the path of Jason Cummings but Jamie Langfield was able to punch the ball to safety.

The breakthrough came just before the break when Stevenson found Liam Henderson in midfield. The on-loan teenager  looked up and sent an inch perfect cross to the back post when Gray headed the ball back across goal and Boyle was on hand to head the ball into the net.

In the 59th minute a Stevenson strike hit the junction of the post and bar with Langfield beaten then Henderson mishit the ball from eight yards after some good work by Dylan McGeouch and Boyle.

Stubbs replaced Boyle with Malonga and the striker almost scored with a header from a John McGinn cross but Langfield managed to parry the ball away.

St Mirren substitute Steven Thompson was booked for a bad lunge on Paul Hanlon which could have resulted in a red card. In fact the striker should have been booked earlier after attempting to kick McGinn but the referee failed to act.

Both Cummings and Malonga had long range efforts in the dying minutes as St Mirren held on to secure a share of the points.

Hibs: Oxley, Gray, Stevenson, Hanlon, Fontaine, McGinn, Henderson, McGeouch, Bartley, Boyle, Cummings. Subs: Reguero, McGregor, Malonga, Stanton, Carmichael, Dunsmore, Martin

St Mirren: Langfield, Kelly, Webster, Goodwin, McMullan, Carswell, Howieson, Baird, Watson, Gallagher, Shankland. Subs Wilks, Conlan, Thompson, Agnew, Morgan, Mallan, McGrath.

Referee Crawford Allan

Hibernian 12th man Raymond Sclater

Attendance 8911

Just ahead of 12 noon the twin chimney stacks which have dominated the East Coast skyline for so long stood proud. Then there was a decided wobble from the one on the left.

Then we realised they were falling towards each other for what looked like a last embrace.

Police  have commended the actions of five 11 and 12 year-old boys from the North Edinburgh area, after they saved a woman’s life.

The incident occurred on Sunday, September 20, at around 4.30pm when a woman entered very cold waters at Gypsy Brae and started to swim out towards Fife.

The five boys (Wacka Ceesay (11), Andrew Bell (11), Tyler Jay Anderson (12), Aleks Czernecki (12) and Kian McGee (11)) tried to talk her out of doing so.  When this was not successful, one of the young boy’s raised the alarm with an adult and requested that the Coastguard to be called.

Police and Coastguard arrived and the woman was rescued from the water.  The boys identified the area where the woman was and provided footage of the woman entering the water as evidence.

The woman was taken for treatment and is currently recovering from her ordeal.

The boys were very helpful to police and they were taken for a tour of Drylaw Police Station as a reward. Officers then took them home and praised them in front of their parents.

The boys told police that they knew what to do due to what they learned at The Risk Factory, a Police Scotland sponsored interactive safety centre. The Edinburgh based initiative is sponsored by local authorities and emergency services in the Lothians area and is available to all local children in Primary 7.

Police Sergeant John Brock said:  “This incident could have quite easily had a tragic ending.  Due to the swift and conscientious actions of these boys a woman’s life was saved. Police Scotland commends them for their bravery and quick thinking.

“It is also notable that they learned these skills through their attendance at The Risk Factory, an initiative purposely designed to equip young people with the ability to use their initiative in crucial situations.”

“Thank you to these five boys for demonstrating outstanding community spirit.”

Demolition at Cockenzie today

Culture Crawl

Ethical Investment conference

Edinburgh Direct Aid need your help today!

#ZooSleepOut raises £24,000 for homeless charities

Are you going to Cockenzie today (or some vantage point nearby!) to watch the demolition at 12 noon? Then you must be aware that there are no official vantage points. Scottish Power appear to have taken over Cockenzie House for the day for corporate jolliness and it is anyone’s guess how many people will want to witness the demolition of the iconic chimneys and turbine hall on the north side of Edinburgh Road. Some roads round about will be closed.

The structures are almost the same age as the Forth Road Bridge. We visited Port Seton to have a last look at the chimneys which so dominate the immediate area and the distant skyline.

Important info ahead of the #Cockenzie power station demolition this Saturday http://t.co/oqHc33jV2o #Lothian pic.twitter.com/Fiu2UhFtsO

— ScottishPower (@ScottishPower) September 21, 2015

A last look around #Cockenzie before the iconic 149m chimneys and turbine hall are demolished tomorrow https://t.co/ugixS2Bguy #ChimDem — ScottishPower (@ScottishPower) September 25, 2015

Road closures and traffic restrictions via @ELCouncil ahead of the #Cockenzie demolition tomorrow – Please plan ahead pic.twitter.com/63vH4Kj62b

— ScottishPower (@ScottishPower) September 25, 2015

***
Maggie’s Culture Crawl started from Fettes College last night when Alexander McCall-Smith fired the starting gun.

Part night-walk, part cultural adventure Maggie’s Culture Crawl Edinburgh, sponsored by Brodies LLP, is inspired by the architectural design and programme of support so integral to Maggie’s, as walkers get the chance to explore Edinburgh discovering cultural, architectural and artistic delights along the way.

The event was curated by author Alexander McCall Smith who has written a special short story to celebrate the route around the capital

He said: “Edinburgh is one of the world’s great cities, much loved by visitors and residents alike. Maggie’s Culture Crawl provides an enjoyable and unusual way of seeing some of the city’s well known landmarks, as well as providing access to some of its best kept secrets. It is particularly pleasing that this will also help raise funds for Maggie’s Edinburgh, which continues to provide much needed support for those affected by cancer.”

The event took in 10 miles of the city with exclusive access to a number of landmarks including Parliament Hall, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Dovecot Studios before finishing at Maggie’s Edinburgh and meanwhile raising as much money as possible for Maggie’s Edinburgh to continue to support people with cancer and their family and friends.

Photos courtesy of Bill Fleming

info@billflemingphotography.com
mobile: 07836 632 704

***

One of the world’s top green investment experts is addressing a free conference on developing an ethical approach to money in Edinburgh next week. Tessa Tennant, who is regarded as one of the pioneers in the field of sustainable investment, is the keynote speaker at the ‘Good Money Week’ conference on Saturday 3 October 2015.

More information here.

***

Can you spare an hour or two today to help Edinburgh Direct Aid move some donated goods so that they can fill even more containers of aid to send to the Lebanon? They would really appreciate it if you can.

Read more here! 

***

So I survived the Zoo Sleep Out on Thursday night. It wasn’t only the cold, the damp and the wild animals I had to dodge though – some people just don’t know when to calm down and go to sleep! There was Grant Stott and Susan Morrison winding the participants in the fundraising event up to fever pitch, and then they left!

I picked a spot away from all the other sleepers and settled down for what was a remarkably okay sleep……

Then the piper arrived at 6am to waken everyone up for a porridge breakfast to set us on our way for the day. Everyone that is except a pair of revellers who had rather overdone the partying and were still in the middle of the lawn at 7:00 when I was leaving……!

The important message was that homeless people can get real help from two Edinburgh-based charities who offer different types of services. Heather Arni Chief Executive of Four Square who stayed for the sleep out (and who looked remarkably fresh after a night under the stars!) was delighted with the fundraising efforts which will make a huge difference to her organisation. She said: “We hope that the people who slept out understand that because of the amazing amount of money raised, some of our young people won’t have to go through other nights like that. The Sleep Out participants have contributed to the provision of vital services which will help young people to overcome homelessness and build better futures. We are overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of all of those involved.”

Edinburgh’s Lord and Lady Provost were joined by 126 local fundraisers and together they raised £24,340 and counting for Edinburgh homeless causes to be split between the Rock Trust and Four Square.

The sleep out took place outside next to the popular Penguins and Lemur Walkthroughs. Featuring talks with charity workers, some of the city’s youngest rough sleepers, participants were moved by stories of teenagers living without a home.

The brainchild of Edinburgh’s Lady Provost Elaine Brand, the event was the first of its kind for the Zoo. She said: “I’m overwhelmed by Edinburgh’s fundraising efforts. So many people got behind the event and raised vital funds for charity.

“Homelessness in Edinburgh remains a pressing issue and while nobody can truly experience the struggle of sleeping rough based on one night in the cold, everyone who took part will take away the knowledge of just how difficult this year’s colder months will be for our young homeless people.”

The Lord Provost Donald Wilson added: “I’m so glad that together, we were able to make a difference. Our sleepover at the Zoo was certainly a challenge and leaves you feeling so thankful to have a warm bed with a roof over your head to go home to.

“That is something some of Edinburgh’s young people wouldn’t have without the efforts of the Rock Trust and Four Square. These charities are hugely important for Edinburgh’s struggling young people who find themselves with nowhere else to turn.”

You can still show your support for these great charities on social media #ZooSleepOut and by making a donation: www.virginmoneygiving.com/SleepOutAtEdinburghZoo

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Juniper Green Farmers’ Market: stalls with an extensive range of products, including breads, cakes, cheeses, fish, meat, pies, preserves, coffee, Fair Trade goods, hot snacks and drinks. The market also offers local residents the chance to meet with their local councillors, community councillors, MP and MSP. 9am-1pm, Juniper Green Village Hall, 1A Juniper Park Road. Organised by Juniper Green Community Council.

Waterside Autumn Festival: Garvald Edinburgh’s Waterside Workshop opens its door to let you see its members’ fantastic work. Autumn Cafe with hot soup and home baking, Waterside Garden with plants, herbs, produce and crafts for sale, artwork exhibition, puppets, cards and jewellery, performances of The Dream World and The Fox’s Tale, and the launch of Garvald’s new book, Past, Present and People. 10.30am-1.30pm, Waterside Workshops, 492 Gorgie Road. Garvald Edinburgh is a Scottish Charity offering creative opportunities and support for people with learning disabilities. It is inspired by the ideas of the educator and philosopher Rudolf Steiner and has been operating in Edinburgh since 1969, providing creative working environments focusing mainly around craft, catering and artistic skills. Currently it provides opportunities and support for over 200 people, and in addition it supports around 40 people in their own homes and flats that are made available through links with housing associations. Garvald Edinburgh achieves consistently excellent gradings from the Care Inspectorate.

French Family Saturdays: an all-in-French Saturday session for children aged 4-10, with craft, stories, and food. September is the start of the French school year, and it’s also the time of harvest; come and make a crafty garland with apples and pears before tasting a delicious apple juice from Presqu’île de Rhuys in Brittany. 1-3pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Tickets cost £7 (£4 members) per child, accompanying parents free. Advance booking is highly recommended and may be made by emailing info@ifecosse.org.uk. The programme for the Family Saturdays season 2015/16 is available here. For details of membership of the Institute click here.

The Treasure Trove Autumn Fair. The Royal Edinburgh Repository and Self-Aid Society’s motto is ‘use your skills to pay the bills!’, its historic purpose being ‘the relief of those in need, by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other hardship’. The lovely Treasure Trove shop in Castle Street sells handiwork – knitwear, baby clothes and shawls, hand-made toys, home baking (including cakes, preserves and tablet) and seasonal goods – made by its members to help them gain an independent livelihood. Come and enjoy this fantastic pop-up fair to help raise money for the members of the organisation; there will be a variety of stalls which will showcase some amazing crafts. 10.30am-3.30pm, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Free admission.

Doors Open Day: Edinburgh College’s Milton Road Community Garden. The Garden is part of the College; it provides the opportunity for students, staff, community members, and groups to learn to grow their own food, to reflect about what they are eating and why, to learn about sustainability and how changing our consuming habits can have impacts on local economies and community makeup, as well as on our environment. Participants explore their taste and (re)-discover vegetables and the benefits of diet for wellbeing; they also re-learn how important sharing food is. There will be some workshops related to gardening and preparing ground for the winter, perhaps building raised beds and compost heaps. Guided tours, information, children’s activities, displays, refreshments; free parking. 11am-4pm, 24 Milton Road East.

St Bride’s Family Cinema: see your favourite films for free! Juice and choc ices available in the interval for 50p. Today’s film is The Nut Job (U).  Please note: all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Subtitles are available on request. 10.30am-12.30pm, St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry. Next week’s film will be Toy Story 2 (U). All welcome.

Doors Open Day: RBGE Botanic Cottage. The Botanic Cottage is simultaneously the oldest and newest building in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and has recently been rebuilt after being moved stone by stone across the city from its old home on Leith Walk. Discover the fascinating story of this 250 year old building, designed by John Adam and James Craig, and containing one of the oldest classrooms of the Scottish Enlightenment, now set for an exciting future as a hub for community learning in the Garden. The Botanic Cottage is still a working site, and won’t open to the public until later this Autumn. For ages 16+ only. Please wear sturdy shoes. Entry will be every 30 minutes, and will be on a first come, first served basis. 1-4pm, Botanic Cottage, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Also at same times on Sunday 27th September.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for children aged 0-4 and their parents and carers. 10.30am today and every Saturday, Balgreen Library, 173 Balgreen Road. Free.

University of Edinburgh Undergraduate Open Day: for everyone interested in applying for undergraduate studies. Find out about subjects, accommodation, the careers service, libraries, sport, student disability service and lots more. Meet staff and students; advice sessions for parents too! The Open Day operates across several university sites (including Edinburgh College of Art); a shuttle bus service will be available. 9.30am-5pm (College of Art 9.30am-3.30pm), University of Edinburgh. Booking is required; full information and a link to the booking site may be found on the university’s website here.

Doors Open Day: John Knox House. Dating back to 1470, John Knox House is one of Scotland’s greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland’s turbulent history. Located in The Netherbow, the house was the home of James Mossman, goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots, and became known as the final residence of John Knox, the Protestant reformer. 10am onwards, John Knox House, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free but timed tickets are required (30 will be issued for each 30 minute slot) and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here.

LGBT ‘Living with….’ Creative Writing and Performance Workshops:  a series of creative writing and performance workshops as part of LGBT Health’s latest arts and mental health project ‘Living with…’. The project aims creatively to capture and give a platform for people to express the impact that living with, or caring for, someone with a long term condition has on people’s mental wellbeing. Established Scottish authors, poets and playwrights will be leading a series of workshops to help to you build confidence in developing or perfecting creative writing and performance skills, with no pressure to take to the stage.  To be followed by an evening performance on Saturday 17th October as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. 2-4pm, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace. Booking is essential: please email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk to be the first to know when booking and further details for this week’s workshop are announced – or keep an eye on the LGBT Health Facebook page.

Family Ceilidh: come with family and friends to dance well-known Scottish dances. All the dances will be called and there will be easier circles for the littler ones. A fun introduction to sociable dancing with live music for all ages. 2pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £6/£4 and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here. Supported by the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland.

People’s Climate Rally Edinburgh: an event to celebrate what people in Scotland are doing to make the necessary changes to our economy and society to protect our climate and create a more positive future. Speakers will include Alison Johnstone MSP (Green Party), Richard Dixon (Director, Friends of the Earth), Eleanor Dow (Medact), Paul Glynn (Mondo Loco/Glencorse Community Garden), Chris McGuinness (Chair, 2050 Climate Group), Jess Pepper and Robyn (Climate Reality Project), renewables expert Keith Barnham (Imperial College, London), Gill Davies (fossil fuel divestment), Alex Robertson (Pedal on Parliament), Lesley Hinds (Edinburgh City Council), Tommy Sheppard MSP (SNP) and representatives from Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and Interfaith Scotland, plus music from Protest in Harmony, Open Community Singing Group and Irresistible Urges, and stalls from different community groups, NGO’s, businesses and individuals working on relevant projects that you can get involved with. There will also be 20 minutes of ‘Turbo Talk’ slots where you can announce your own campaign or project – email pcm.edinburgh@gmail.com to book your time. 1pm (assemble from 12.30pm), The Mound Precinct, Princes Street.

Lunchtime Concert: Bøneskoret Choir, Bergen, Norway. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Lothian Derby Dolls Clothes Swap: an opportunity to clear out your wardrobe, catch up with friends and make some new ones. The rules are:

1) Everyone must bring at least one item of quality clothing.
2) You will have half an hour to browse before the swish opens.
3) No item may be claimed before the swish opens.
4) As soon as the swish is declared open, everyone may take what they want.
5) Remember no scratching, spitting or fighting.

Any remaining clothing will be donated to charity. This is a fundraiser for Lothian Derby Dolls (roller derby skaters), so please buy some raffle tickets on the day. 1-4pm, Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Portobello.

The Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling. Stories and brags and fibs and riddles! Come and enjoy some rambunctious multi-sensory adventures with storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane. Journey from the streets of the Old Town to hidden glens in the Highlands and back again with games, songs, props and puppets! Lots of fun for everyone, but particularly for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. 11am,  Storytelling Bothy, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5 per child, accompanying adult free, and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here. Please remember to book a free adult ticket for yourself in addition to purchasing your child’s ticket.

Doors Open Day: French Institute, French Consulate and Free French House. Visit the Institute’s Georgian house on Randolph Crescent and discover the magnificent views of the Dean Valley and the Firth of Forth, the garden at the back, and the beautiful dome; along the way, glean some information about the history of the building and its famous inhabitants, including the Stevenson sisters. The neighbouring office of the Consul General of France will also be open. On the other side of New Town, at 28 Regent Terrace, you will also be able to visit the former Free French House officially opened by General de Gaulle in 1942 and precursor of the Institut français and the French Consulate before their move to Randolph Crescent in 1946. The French Institute and Consulate at 13 and 12, Randolph Crescent will be open 10am-4pm today only; the Free French House at 28 Regent Terrace will be open 2-5pm today and on Sunday 27th September.

Polwarth Nearly New Sale: children’s clothes, toys, equipment and much more. In aid of Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital and Polwarth Parish Church. 11am-1pm, Polwarth Parish Church, Polwarth Terrace.

Doors Open Day: Filmhouse. Enjoy a guided tour of the Screen One Projection Box – normally off limits to the public! 10am, 10.45am and 11.30am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tours must be booked in advance via the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 (early booking advised)

Document Scotland: The Ties That Bind – Photographers’ Tour. Document Scotland exhibiting artists Colin McPherson, Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert, Sophie Gerrard and Stephen McLaren will lead a tour around this new exhibition, which features photographs of and about Scotland and its people at a pivotal moment in the country’s history. 2-3pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. No booking required: free, unticketed, but as places are limited and demand may be high, please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Fergus McCreadie: solo jazz piano from the fast-rising 18 year old Dollar-based pianist, playing original compositions and arranged jazz standards. 5.45-6.45pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. Free entry: please note this venue is cash only.

Take One Action! Film Festival: ‘connecting people, world-class cinema and creative action for a better world’. Twelve days of screenings and discussions, in Edinburgh and Glasgow, on issues as diverse as environmental activism, LGBT rights in African countries, cycling, the value (or not) of university degrees, the Arab Spring, literacy, the global financial system, food chains and much more. Today’s film is Landfill Harmonic (12A) (in Spanish with English subtitles); ‘a testament to the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit’. The inspiring true story of The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a youth music group from the slums of Paraguay. Their choice of instrument – recycled garbage – blazes with hope in the face of inequality and environmental injustice. More than 60% of Paraguayans live in poverty, and in the slums of Cateura, young people have fewer chances than most. Enter Favio Chavez, a musician and teacher who sees boundless opportunity where others see garbage. Working hand-in-hand with local garbage pickers, children and parents, the orchestra is soon catapulted into the global spotlight – but when a natural disaster strikes their country, Favio must find a way to keep the orchestra intact and maintain a source of hope for their town. Plus shorts: The Reinvention of Normal and Remade in Edinburgh. Presented in association with Oxfam. 5.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Filmhouse box office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online; prices vary. The screenings will be preceded by a fun (and wholly voluntary) 10-minute South American song workshop in the auditorium, led by community singing teacher Penny Stone; they will be followed by conversations and opportunities for creative, effective personal action.

Doors Open Day: Tours of the National Library. A chance to see behind the scenes at Scotland’s largest reference library, which is also a major research centre in Europe. Displays will include archive photos of the construction of the building and key architectural features, along with drawings and plans. Tours last around an hour. 2pm (all other tour times already fully booked), National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Booking is essential as places are limited and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or online here. Free.

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. Tonight’s events are (1) Pentland Singers – Music for a New Century. A concert of some of the very best of twenty-first century choral music: music that has already gained a much-loved place among amateur and professional choirs alike, including excerpts from Karl Jenkins The Armed Man, alongside music by Howard Goodall, Paul Mealor, Cecilia McDowell and others.  7.30pm, Balerno Parish Church, 2 Main Street, Balerno. Tickets cost £9/£5; (2) Cabaret and Dance to Revival (ABBA tribute act). Relive the fantastic sound of the Swedish stars with this authentic ABBA show, which has been thrilling audiences up and down the country with its spectacular tribute; an ideal opportunity to relive your younger days and sing along! 8.30pm (doors open 7.30pm), Balerno Bowling Club, 5 Ladycroft, Balerno. Tickets cost £10. All tickets may be purchased from Balerno Parish Church Office (9am-12 noon, Monday to Friday), Balerno Farmers’ Market, by post or online; for full booking information click here. The festival continues on Friday 2nd October and ends on 11th October 2015.

Organ Recital: Duncan Ferguson, Organist and Master of the Music at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, crosses the road to give a recital featuring organ music from Germany, France and Britain, including works by Buxtehude, Bach, Nicolas de Grigny, Dupré, William Faulkes, Handel and Guilmant. 7.30-8.30pm, Palmerston Place Church, 10 Palmerston Place. Admission free.

National Gallery Highlights Tours – September: an introduction to and tour of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound . Free and unticketed.

Out of the Blue Flea Market: over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books, bric-a-brac and so much more. Delicious coffee, cake and light lunches available at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe. 10am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

Soulsville: a monthly night of rapturous soul music brought to you by DJs Francis Dosoo, Fryer & Mr Mason. Rugged rhythms & deep blue grooves long into the midnight hours at one of the club’s consistently busiest nights, featuring glowing visuals downstairs plus rotating guests upstairs. 11pm-3am, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. £5. The Bongo Club is owned by local arts charity Out of the Blue; ‘putting the sounds of the underground and imaginative aspirations before the mighty dollar and encouraging the community to get involved and use the space to do their own thing’.

Doors Open Day: RBGE Herbarium and Library. This terrazzo and glass building overlooks the NE corner of the Botanic Garden; opened in 1964 and extended in 2005-6, it houses one of Europe’s largest botanical libraries and a collection of around 3 million preserved plant and fungi specimens, supporting the Garden’s global research, conservation and education programmes. For ages 12+. 1-4pm, Herbarium and Library Building, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Also at same times on Sunday 27th September.

Scots Music Group Ceilidh with Matthew Maclennan Ceilidh Band: the band was formed in 2005 and has played everywhere from Burns Suppers in Germany to accordion and fiddle clubs in Stornoway. Please note that only alcohol purchased at the venue may be consumed at the ceilidh; water will be freely available. 7.30 (doors open – dancing from 8)- 11.30pm, St Brides Centre, Orwell Terrace. Tickets cost £9/£7 in advance (£10 on the door, sta) and may be purchased from St Bride’s Centre Box Office in person or by calling 0131 346 1405 or Scots Music Group on 0131 555 7668 or online here.

Absolut Piano with Olly Ferrell: 7.30pm, Sofi’s, 65 Henderson Street.

City Link 2015: the City Link Festival is an international event celebrating culture and urban life between cities through symposiums, artist exchange, workshops, study trips, city walks, performances and social bonding, inspiration and co-creation, City Link started in 2012 as a co-creation project between cultural communities in Copenhagen and Hamburg. Until 2014, the network primarily consisted of people from these two cities, but the City Link Festival in Hamburg in September 2014 kick-started City Link as a global network connecting people, projects and communities throughout the world. This year the festival’s theme is democratic renewal; it will bring together people from Edinburgh and Copenhagen with ideas that could link cities, discuss local initiatives, inspire each other and investigate possibilities of co-creating cities across Europe. Today’s events – more follow on Sunday 27th September – are:

Pecha Kucha: 20 Seconds x 20 Slides. A mini Pecha Kucha event with a series of short and inspiring 20 slide x 20 second presentations by artists, to architects, urban planners, curators and activists, all of whom work in or close to grassroots and community/bottom up initiatives creating change in cities. An opportunity for people to share their work and ideas both in a public platform and with each other and to make some new connections. 5-7pm, Architecture & Design Scotland, 7 Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate. Sponsored by Studio DuB. Tickets are required and may be obtained here;

Neu! Reekie! Edinburgh and Copehagen: When Comets Collide. A night of music, poetry and animation from Danish and Edinburgh artists, curated by Edinburgh’s culture-making collective Neu! Reekie! 7-11pm, Pilrig St Paul’s Church, Pilrig Street. Tickets cost £10/£8 and may be purchased via Brown Paper Tickets here. To be followed by an After Party with LeithLate DJs Dai and Martin at Victoria Bar, 265 Leith Walk.

3 Straight Heads: soulful covers from the Edinburgh-based four-piece. 9pm, The Skylark, 241-243 Portobello High Street.

Shetland Wool Week: your second opportunity for a trip away this weekend is not your standard festival – Shetland Wool Week is a world renowned celebration of Britain’s most northerly native sheep, the Shetland textile industry and the rural farming community on the islands. Numerous classes and workshops in all aspects of knitting, pattern writing, spinning, colour working, button making, dyeing and weaving, open studios, exhibitions, boat trips to Noss National Seabird Reserve, farm visits, mill and factory tours and lots more. For full details of all events, prices (each event is priced separately) plus travel and accommodation advice see the Shetland Wool Week website here. Ends 4th October 2015.

The Blueswater: fronted by dynamic vocalist Felipe Schrieberg, The Blueswater is the 12-piece band behind award-winning Fringe show ‘Blues!’. Their unique songs, big beefy horn section, old-school R&B, blues, soul, and good ol’ Rock‘n’Roll will fill the dancefloor. Come on down, dance, and get your mojo working! Plus DJ Ahmed. 12 midnight (entry from 11.30pm)-3am, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.

The Centipede Project is celebrating local produce whilst creatively highlighting food poverty on Monday 12th October. An art installation incorporated into a Harvest Banquet will focus on facts about food poverty at the same time as celebrating traditions of grace and sharing of food from around the world.
With contributions from local growing groups and cooks, local residents of both Muirhouse and West Pilton will share a three-course meal free of charge at lunchtime on 12th October in the Old Kirk and Muirhouse Church. Thanks to support from local organisations, a very special treat will be on offer for dessert!
Children from the area can also enjoy a free ‘Porridge & Play’ session, run by theatre company Licketyspit in the morning which will take place on the new play space created by Centipede Project in May 2015. This will be followed by art workshops and apple pressing throughout the day. For more details go to http://www.centipedeproject.wordpress.com

Submitted by Joanne McArthur

We are just about at the end our harvest season. It’s been two weeks later than usual this year because of the wet summer. But farmers are reporting pretty good yields of wheat and barley, though the whisky companies have had to lower their standards because a lot of the barley crop has been “skinned” by the weather.

Generally, the Scottish farming community reckons it’s been skinned this year, as last year, by the supermarkets, and, by extension, us the consumers who are demanding unrealistically low prices for our milk, meat, vegetables and fruit.

Milk is the most famous example, where Scotland’s 2000 dairy farmers are getting an average of just 24p a litre for their milk at the farm gate, while it costs them 30-32p to produce and it sells on the supermarket shelves for around 80p.

The average farm income in Scotland was £31,000 last year – not a lot when you take into account all the hard labour the farmer puts in and the risks he takes, not mention the capital employed – a basic farm tractor costs at least £60,000. Without European subsidies, the average farm would have made a loss last year of £16,000.

Scotland’s 30,000 farmers (double that, if you count part-timers) are facing another change in the Common Agricultural Policy. From December this year, farm subsidies (around £500m a year in total) will be based on the number of hectares actually in production, not the number of hectares that were in production back in 2002. The new rates will also mean much less of a subsidy for hill farmers. They are meeting in Oban next week to decide what to do about it.

The answer, of course, is for us all to pay more for our food. The average family spends £60 a week on food, or 12 per cent of the weekly budget. Fifty years ago, the figure was 33 per cent. We have to be prepared to pay more for our Scottish labelled food unless we want to leave the business of farming to countries thousands of miles away with cheap labour and a cavalier attitude to animal welfare and the use of pesticides. (and the bees! Ed.)

But no matter what the cost, we learned this week that Scots are still not eating the right food. The Scottish Health Survey found that only 14 per cent of children are eating their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. We adults are not doing much better, at 20 per cent. The survey also showed that we are still falling short of the recommended “moderate physical activity”. Only 76 per cent of children are doing their hour a day and only 63 per cent of adults are doing their recommended two and a half hours a week. Last year’s Commonwealth Games were supposed to make us into a healthy nation but alas the above figures are virtually unchanged from the year before. And when asked if the Commonwealth Games had inspired them to take up a sport, only 4 per cent of adults said they were thinking about it.

So the politicians will have to think again about that Games legacy. They have also been thinking again about independence. The leaders of both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats have bowed to the inevitable and have granted their members dispensation to campaign for independence if they so wish.

Nicola Sturgeon says it’s a desperate attempt to stop the avalanche of Labour and Lib Dem members to the SNP. And she’s challenged unionist leaders to say if they would rule out another referendum on independence if circumstances change, such as the UK voting to leave the European Union.   She’s also been underlining her own European credentials by calling on the UK government to take in more refugees from Syria and to abandon its plan to scrap the Human Rights Act. She’s suggested that the Scottish Parliament could block such a move since the European Convention on Human Rights has been written into Scots law.

The official unemployment figures may be holding steady at 5.9 per cent but there are still signs of a shaky jobs market. The seafood company Young’s confirmed this week that it will shed 650 jobs at its processing plants in Fraserburgh and Grantown-on-Spey. When ScotRail announced they were looking for 100 new train drivers, they got 12,000 applications. Scottish Natural Heritage was also deluged with applications when it advertised for 10 part-time goose counters on Islay at just £9.37 an hour.

Scotland’s sporting stars have been earning their keep this week. The Murray brothers have taken Britain through to the final of the Davis Cup after a magnificent win against Australia in Glasgow. And the Scotland rugby team saw off the giant-killers from Japan, 45-10, in the World Cup and now face that well known rugby nation, the USA.

If you are of a certain age you may be glad to hear that the Bay City Rollers have re-entered the jobs market after 40 years. Scotland’s first boy-band, or at least three of them, are getting together again to launch a new album and embark on a re-union world tour. It will begin at the Barrowland in Glasgow in December and go on to Japan, Sweden and America.

So “Shang-A-Lang” to all Scots everywhere. (and there are now extra dates added in Glasgow as the first concert sold out in three minutes!)

Hibs have announced that they will be associated with Men’s 10K – a running event set up to help promote and encourage healthier lifestyles in men.

Men’s 10K first started in Glasgow in 2006 and since then it has become a popular event on the running event calendar for people throughout Scotland. Since the first race, over 4,000 men have taken part in the run, with it making a positive impact on the lives of more than 30,000 men.

The Edinburgh event takes place on Sunday 1st November and Annette Drummond, Marketing Director, believes it is a fantastic opportunity to make a contribution to changing the health of men in Scotland.

Annette said: “The life expectancy of men in Scotland is the lowest in Europe, and worryingly is three years less than in England and Wales. Mental health problems are also a significant issue amongst men, with almost three out of four suicides in the age category of 18 to 34 in Scotland being men. This has to change.

“The Men’s 10K plays such an important role in Scotland, inspiring thousands of men of all ages and abilities to get that little bit fitter. Running a 10K is a great challenge for anyone, whether they are just starting out or already take part in regular sport.

“The benefits of exercise are universally accepted, but in the UK, we quite simply don’t do enough of it. So we say to Scotland’s men stop saying “I could”, “maybe” and “I might” – take control of your life and create some positive change!”

There will be flyers left around Easter Road Stadium on Saturday ahead of the fixture against St Mirren and information will also be available on our LED advertising boards

Police  are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious fire at a flat which happened around 8.20pm on Thursday at an address in Magdalene Drive.

A sofa, which was within the common stair, was set alight resulting in significant damage to the close and leaving residents without electricity for a period of time.

Anyone who can assist officers with their investigation is asked to come forward.

Detective Constable Mark Gifford said: “While no one was injured during this incident, the residents were left greatly inconvenienced after losing their electricity.

“Anyone who can help us trace those responsible is asked to contact police immediately.”

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

Hibs, Hearts, Spartans and Boroughmuir Thistle have players in the Scotland Women’s under-15 Squad.

Five players from Edinburgh teams were selected in Pauline Hamill’s squad for a training camp at the end of this month, namely Hibs’ Kirsty Morrison, Spartans Georgie Adderley, Boroughmuir’s  Elena Santoyo-Brown and Hearts’ pair Micheala McAlonie and Naomi Welch.

The Scotland Women’s Under-15 Squad is as follows:

Georgie Adderley (Spartans LFC)
Sophie Allison (Glasgow City FC)
Jade Baillie (Celtic FC)
Emma Craig (St Mirren Boys Club)
Morgan Cross (Central Girls Academy)
Lauren Alison Davidson (Glasgow City FC)
Rhianne Ferguson (Central Girls Academy)
Leah Fleming (Jeanfield Swifts)
Kelsey Gibson (Chelsea LFC)
Carly Girsoli (Celtic FC)
Taylor Hamill (Celtic FC)
Jemma Marriott(Glasgow City FC)
Micheala McAlonie (Hearts LFC)
Philippa McCallum (Forfar Farmington LFC)
Laura McCartney (Glasgow City FC)
Tara McGonigle (Linlithgow Rose LFC)
Kathleen McGovern (Celtic FC)
Rebecca McGowan (Raith Rovers)
Sara McWhirter (Rangers LFC)
Kirsty Morrison (Hibernian LFC)
Emily Mutch (Westdyke Thistle)
Dierdrie O’Riordan (Aberdeen LFC)
Elena Santoyo-Brown (Boroughmuir LFC)
Naomi Welch (Hearts LFC)
Kendall Welsh (Celtic FC)
Rachel Wolecki (Jeanfield Swifts)

POLICE UPDATE – The two year old Beagle was recovered safe and well in the Redbraes place area shortly before 2pm after being found by a member of the public.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of a car which happened around 12.25pm today  in Willowbank Row.

A 65-year-old man was standing outside his Honda CRV when four male youths approached him.  The victim was then pushed over before one of the suspects entered the car and drove off, turning left onto Ferry Road towards Leith.

The other youths then made off on bikes and on foot.

The male who stole the vehicle is described as white, 15-16-years-old 5ft 9ins tall with dark hair. He was wearing all dark clothing with a hood up and was in possession of a backpack.

The other suspects are described only as white, male, 15-16-years-old and wearing grey clothing.

Officers are now conducting local inquiries to trace these individuals and find the car, which had the man’s beagle dog within at the time it was stolen.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “Fortunately the victim was not injured during this incident, but is obviously deeply upset at the theft of his car and his pet beagle.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the Willowbank Row area at on Friday afternoon and remembers seeing anything suspicious.

“I would also ask that any members of the public, who spot a Honda CRV with registration number DN06 WND, contact police immediately.

“In addition anyone who can help us identify and locate the suspects should come forward.”

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

Firefighters were called to respond to a fire in a derelict building in Edinburgh’s Merchiston Road last night .

The call was received by Operations Control at 9.42pm and three appliances (including a turntable ladder) were sent from Tollcross as well as pumps from MacDonald Road, Crewe Toll and Penicuik.

On arrival crews witnessed smoke issuing from the building and firefighters in breathing apparatus used two high pressure hose reel jets to tackle the fire.

They also carried out a search of the premises and were able to confirm there was no one inside. After the area had been dampened down they used a thermal imaging camera to check for any remaining hot spots.

The last appliance left the scene at 2.53am this morning (25 September 2015).

SFRS believes the fire was started deliberately and the incident is being investigated by Police Scotland.

Hibs’ Head Coach Alan Stubbs insists that his players will be taking nothing for granted when they face St Mirren at Easter Road on Saturday.

The Saints who are managed by former Hibs’ skipper Ian Murray currently sit in eighth place in the Championship after a slow start during which they have won only five points from seven games, but Stubbs insists that his team will face a tough task.

Speaking to Hibs TV he said: “It’s important to keep up our performances and the reason we get results is due to the performances.

“That’s five straight wins now, no goals conceded, and the team deserve a lot of credit for that.

“But we’re not going to dwell on that, because football has a habit of catching you by surprise when you’re resting on your laurels.

“Wednesday night was a fantastic result but it has gone and we move onto Saturday now. It will be a tough game but one that we will be ready for and one that we will be looking to take three points from.

“We never look further than the next game anyway. We obviously plan with games in advance but we are always focusing on the next game and that is the same with this Saturday. We will do our homework and due diligence on St Mirren.

“We have had them watched and have a decent amount of information on them. I’ve watched them, my staff have watched them and the scouts have watched them so we know what to expect. It won’t be easy, no matter what the results have been but it’s one that we are ready for.”

The Hibs’ fans who were praised by Chief Executive Leeann Dempster for their backing of the team will be happy to know that Stubbs will have the same squad available with no new injuries reported.

He continued: “From last night’s game there is no-one who has picked up any injuries or knocks so from that point of view we are delighted. there will be no fresh injury worries. The ones who weren’t involved probably won’t be ready for Saturday so we will go with the same squad of players.

Hibs’ Chief Executive Leeann Dempster has praised the supporters for their backing of the team during Wednesday’s victory over high-flying Aberdeen at Easter Road.

Magnificent goals from Jason Cummings and Dominique Malonga secured a Scottish League Cup quarter final place and Ms Dempster is hoping that the result against the table toppers will encourage lapsed fans back to the stadium for this Saturday’s game against St Mirren.

Speaking yesterday, she told the fans: “Well, last night wasn’t bad, was it?

“We’re delighted with the performance of Alan and his team in yesterday’s win. If you haven’t watched the highlights back yet they’re available on Hibs TV – I still can’t decide which goal I prefer!

“We were up against the country’s in-form team and more than matched them across the park. We scored two excellent individual goals to cap a great team performance, and the defence showed why they’ve been receiving plaudits in the press of late.

“We needed that extra bit of support to see us through the last 10 minutes and the fans delivered. It was a very special end to the match and a great one to share with everyone that was there. Thanks for your efforts last night and over the season so far.

“Saturday’s game will make it five in six matches at Easter Road, and to me it’s no coincidence that we’ve built up a bit of momentum with these home matches. We’re going for our sixth win in a row now, and ideally another good performance to match.

“Hopefully you’ll be able to make it along to Easter Road on Saturday, or tune in on Hibs TV if you can’t make it, and all going well we’ll have another reason to celebrate. If you haven’t got your ticket yet you can buy online or visit the Ticket Office.

“Enjoy the game when it comes.

“GGTTH

“Leeann”

Inside Out: Samuel Bough’s Edinburgh Castle in Context Walking Tour. Starting inside the Scottish National Gallery, historian Alastair Learmont will take a closer look at Sam Bough’s Edinburgh Castle (1860) before moving outside to look at the castle in the context of Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town. Please come dressed for the weather, and be ready and able to walk at a reasonable pace – tours walk at an easy pace, cover less than two miles of walking and are generally appropriate for all ages and fitness levels, but please use your best judgment. The tours will go on rain or shine, although in cases of severely inclement weather on the day, the tour will remain in the gallery. 12.45-1.45pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound . Free but advance booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment as tours are limited to 15 places: tickets may be obtained in person from the Information Desk in the Gardens Entrance of the Scottish National Gallery, or by calling 0131 624 6560 between 9.30am-4.30pm.

Artists Unlimited Coffee Morning: cake, coffee and chat in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. 10.30am-12.30pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove.  All welcome!

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – with tombola! 11am-12.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.  All welcome. In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. 

Make a Dragonhead Mask: for ages 7-10. 2.30-3.30pm, Charles Smith Room (upstairs), Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Please contact a member of staff to book your free place or call the library on 0131 529 5654 – and please be on time as a full hour will be needed to complete the masks.

Gallery Social: Bailey’s Stardust. A relaxed and informal guided tour with refreshments, for anyone affected by dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. 10.30am-12 noon, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound (meet at Information Desk, gardens entrance). Free but please book by contacting the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.

The Macular Society: a speaker from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 10.30am, Church Hall, London Road Church, corner of London Road and Easter Road. All very welcome; feel free to bring a friend  The Macular Society was formed to help those with macular degeneration to understand their situation and find resources of help and support; through the society, people can receive information about research, discover their capabilities and discuss problems and solutions with others who have macular problems. The main Edinburgh branch meets on the last Friday of every month except December, and there are also local support groups meeting regularly in Morningside, Stockbridge and Portobello. For more information contact the group leader on 0131 449 7716 or deputy leader on 0131 667 3598. Further information may also be found on the Macular Society’s website here.

A Day of Prayer and Action for Refugees. St John’s Church has for many years fought hard to raise awareness of the refugee crisis and the need for action. Many people feel confused, fearful, upset and uncertain as to how they should act in the face of the many refugee crises the world is now facing. The church will be open for communal and individual prayer and for community organising to respond to the urgent needs of refugees and migrants. 8am-10pm, St John’s Church, Princes Street. All welcome.

The Wild Wild West: a walk along the shore of Harperrig, the largest reservoir in the Pentlands Regional Park, then up the second highest point in West Lothian, West Cairn Hill. A strenuous 6 mile walk, suitable for ages 16+; sturdy footwear and waterproofs will be required. 10am-2pm, Harperrig Car Park, Pentland Hills Regional Park. Booking is essential and may be made by contacting Pentland Hills Regional Park HQ, Hermitage of Braid, 69a Braid Road (0131 529 2401/pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk). Free but donations appreciated.

Take One Action! Film Festival: ‘connecting people, world-class cinema and creative action for a better world’. Twelve days of screenings and discussions, in Edinburgh and Glasgow, on issues as diverse as environmental activism, LGBT rights in African countries, cycling, the value (or not) of university degrees, the Arab Spring, literacy, the global financial system, food chains and much more. Today’s film is Democrats (15) (in English and Shona with English subtitles), a gripping political thriller offering an incisive warts-and-all snapshot of a nascent democracy. Shot over three years, with remarkable access to the corridors of power in Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, Democrats focuses on two political opponents tasked with drafting a new constitution. Mangwana, a blustery cynic unashamedly buoyed by the might of ruling party ZANU-PF, stands in stark contrast to the cautious Mwonzora, from the barely tolerated Movement for Democratic Change. Director Camilla Nielsson charts the two men’s complex relationship as they travel throughout the country during a nationwide consultation process marred from the outset by corruption and intimidation. Yet as meetings descend into violent clashes and Mwonzora faces imprisonment, Democrats captures unmistakable progress towards more democratic rule – and serves as a vivid illustration of our common struggle for dignity. Presented in association with NIDOS. 8.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Filmhouse box office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online; prices vary. Director Camilla Nielsson and community outreach worker Twimukye Macline Mushaka will join this screening.

Bit-Phalanx Music (in association with The Fruitmarket Gallery) presents: Coppe + Barbara Morgenstern + Special Guest Christ. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her own label, Mango + Sweetrice Records, Japanese electronic singer-songwriter and music producer Coppe returns to Edinburgh to mark the occasion and showcase her new album ‘20rpm‘. Acclaimed Berlin-based pianst, singer, producer and composer Barbara Morgenstern, will be visiting Edinburgh for the first time in her 18 year career for a full set highlighting her brand new collaborations album ‘Doppelstern‘, whilst returning to Edinburgh once again with Coppe is producer Chris Horne, aka Christ.  6.30pm pre-gig reception (with access to current exhibition), Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street, followed by performance at Old St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 63 Jeffrey Street (opposite the gallery). Tickets cost £8 + transaction fee (£10 on door, sta) and may be purchased via eventbrite here.

Scottish Borders Folk Tales: James Spence launches his collection of folk tales from the Scottish Borders, rich in stories tall and true, ancient and recent, dark and funny, powerful and fantastical. Richly illustrated and enlivened by the rhythmic Scots language of the region, these well-loved and magical stories are retold in a lively and engaging style by James, who will also perform at the launch. 6pm, Storytelling Court,  Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free and unticketed.

Serenity Cafe Club Night: Pass the Mic. Hosted by Fran Cawkwell and Stevie Paget. 7pm-late, Serenity Cafe, 8 Jackson’s Entry, The Tun, Holyrood Road. Admission £5/£4. Serenity Cafe is Scotland’s first recovery cafe, run by people in recovery for people in recovery, and public customers who want good quality, good value food in a relaxed space. It also offers a wide range of activities for members. All events are drink and drugs free.

Passion: a Postcard Exhibition.  All works are for sale at £15 each. Open preview tonight 6-8pm, then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday (closed Sundays and Mondays), The Gallery on the Corner, 34 Northumberland Street. Ends 30th October 2015. Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2015.

Tabla Alba Presents An Evening of Dhrupad Music: a rare opportunity to hear the oldest existing form of Hindustani Classical music, performed here in Scotland by Pelva Naik (vocal), Baha’uddin Dagar (Rudra Veena) and Vijay Kanguktar (Pakhawaj). 7pm, Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Tickets cost £10 and may be pre-booked by calling 0141 357 2175 or emailing deepchandi108@gmail.com. Tabla Alba has been promoting Indian Classical music in Scotland for over ten years.

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus Open Day: an opportunity to meet some current students and staff and hear about the student experience at Heriot-Watt University. Lots of information about courses, accommodation, finance, student support, careers and more; some activities will be available on a drop-in basis but booking is essential for academic talks and tours, as places are limited. For full information and a link to the university’s eventbrite booking page, click here. 10am-4pm, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, EH14 4AS. There will be a second open day on 31st October 2015.

Chick Lyall Quartet: the pianist/composer brings in his great 4-piece, playing some of Chick’s originals mixed with some jazz standards, and featuring established jazz names Colin Steele (trumpet), Tom Lyne (bass) and, just back from touring in New Zealand, Glasgow drummer Stuart Brown. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.

Edinburgh Chiapas Solidarity Group Presents Ayotzinapa: Chronicle of a State Crime/cronica de un crimen de Estado (in Spanish with English subtitles). On the night of September 26, 2014, in the city of Iguala, in Guerrero, Mexico, more than a 100 young students of the Escuela Normal Rural of Ayotzinapa, were attacked by police forces, resulting in 3 students dying, more than 20 injured, and 43 kidnapped by the police. The Mexican military is also implicated in this crime. Within a few days tens of thousands of voices, especially young voices, echoed through streets and avenues across Mexico and the world, demanding the safe return of the ‘disappeared’ students, and denouncing this act as a Crime of State – although it remains unpunished to this day. In their testimony and the commentary of other witnesses and experts, two student survivors of the Iguala massacre reconstruct the climate of impunity, corruption, and criminality that exists, not only in the state of Guerrero but in the entire country. This is one of a programme of events organized for the first anniversary of the disappearance of Ayotzinapa’s students. 7pm, The Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place. Edinburgh Chiapas Solidarity Group will hold a demonstration on The Mound to raise awareness about this issue and the wider problem of corruption, violence and state impunity in Mexico 11am-12.30pm, tomorrow – Saturday 26th September.

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. Tonight’s event is A Night At The Shows with Balerno Theatre Company: a celebration of wonderful songs from the company’s upcoming pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk plus well known favourites. 7.30pm, Balerno Parish Church, 2 Main Street, Balerno. Tickets cost £5/£3 and may be purchased from Balerno Parish Church Office (9am-12 noon, Monday to Friday), Balerno Farmers’ Market, by post or online; for full booking information click here. The festival ends on 11th October 2015.

Guid Crack: Tales of Whisky – Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling night. Through decades of storytelling Stuart McHardy has developed an affy drouth (great thirst) that can only be properly slaked with whisky; a night celebrating Scotland’s long love affair with the ‘cratur’ – as Burns wrote, ‘Freedom and whisky gang the gither’. Accompanied young adults welcome. 7.30pm, The Waverley Bar (upstairs), 3-5 St Mary’s Street. Entry by suggested donation of £3.

LGBT Film Nights: Bi Visibility Day Special. After a community consultation last quarter, the monthly film nights are being replaced with a series of quarterly events that will include a film screening, guest speaker and time for discussion afterwards. This quarter, to celebrate Bi Visibility Day (23rd Sept), LGBT Health and Bi and Beyond Edinburgh present Appropriate Behaviour (15) and a speaker from SQIFF (Scottish Queer International Film Festival). Refreshments will be available. However you identify, come along and be proudly bi, or show support and solidarity for your bisexual friends. 6.30-9.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Please book online here or by contacting Jules on 0131 523 1104/jules@lgbthealth.org.uk. SQIFF 2015 will take place in Glasgow 24th-27th September 2015.

Das Contras: tightly arranged original funk/soul/reggae stylings from this 7-piece fronted by singer/guitarist and song-writer Sher Watson, with 3-horn trumpet, sax, trombone brass section. Plus Funk DJ. 12 midnight (entry from 11.30pm)-3am, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.

Soulacoaster: a night of live music with Edinburgh’s 12 piece soul band; classic hits made famous by legends such as the Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and The Commitments. Over 18s only. 7.30pm, Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street. Admission £7.

City Link 2015: the City Link Festival is an international event celebrating culture and urban life between cities through symposiums, artist exchange, workshops, study trips, city walks, performances and social bonding, inspiration and co-creation, City Link started in 2012 as a co-creation project between cultural communities in Copenhagen and Hamburg. Until 2014, the network primarily consisted of people from these two cities, but the City Link Festival in Hamburg in September 2014 kick-started City Link as a global network connecting people, projects and communities throughout the world. This year the festival’s theme is democratic renewal; it will bring together people from Edinburgh and Copenhagen with ideas that could link cities, discuss local initiatives, inspire each other and investigate possibilities of co-creating cities across Europe. Today’s events – more follow on 26th and 27th September – are:

democratic renewal: City Link symposium. A day-long symposium comprising a morning of talks at Summerhall + one activity of your choice (in various city locations) in the afternoon. For full details please click here. Talks: 9am (registration from 8.30am)-12 noon, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, afternoon activities 2-4pm, locations vary. Tickets cost £10/£5 and may be booked via the Summerhall website;

This Space Could Be…. an interactive public engagement project that invited users of the Foot of Leith Walk to share their thoughts, desires and ideas for the local public space. TSCB arranged a number of small interventions and consultation events in the space of New Kirkgate; in playful and democratic ways, people of Leith were asked to say what they think the space could be… The findings of the research have been gathered in ‘The report on conditions and potential of space at the Foot of the Leith Walk and New Kirkgate and design recommendations based on innovative ‘on the spot’ public consultations’. Now some of the thoughts gathered in the report will be temporarily turned into something tangible; for the few days of the festival an installation will appear in the Foot of the Walk area. Pop in to the Foot of Leith Walk, look around, ask questions, share stories and comment on the This Space Could Be Facebook page here. From 1pm, New Kirkgate, Leith. Ends 4pm Sunday 27th September.

Jura Music Festival: your first opportunity to get out of Edinburgh this weekend is a well-established favourite for lovers of traditional music. The 22nd Isle of Jura Music Festival (‘6000 deer, 200 people, one festival’) offers ceilidhs and concerts, featuring Finlay MacDonald, Chris Stout, Jenn Butterworth, Manran, Kathleen MacInnes & The Urban Teuchters, Pete Smoke & The Roaches, Skipinnish and the Norrie MacIver Trio. Jura can be reached by ferry or plane; for full information, tickets and accommodation options (including camping), see the festival website here. Isle of Jura, Argyll & Bute, PA60 7XU. Ends 28th September 2015

Council delays decision on redundancies 

RNIB Glow in the Dark

Doors Open Event today

Battle of Britain service

Cockenzie chimneys to be demolished tomorrow

The council’s Finance Committee decided yesterday not to adopt the advice of their officers on privatising Facilities Management Services to make substantial savings. They opted instead to retain the service in-house, although it may mean less money is saved in the short term, and more jobs could be lost.

Read more here

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In the next 15 minutes, someone in the UK will be told “you are losing your sight.” RNIB is here for everyone affected by sight loss, for practical and emotional support, and to help more blind and partially sighted people to face the future with confidence.

RNIB is holding the Glow Neon 3km Fun Run on 31st October at 7pm at Meadowbank Sports Centre.

Participants can run, dance, hop, skip or walk their way around a 3km track covered in glowing neon paint to raise money for RNIB. Live DJs and cannons filled with luminous glow water create the party feeling at our Glow Neon Fun Run. Glow is open to everyone aged ten and above and is fully accessible to people with sight loss.

Help us raise money to make every day better for everyone affected by sight loss.

For more information and tickets, go to rnib.org.uk/glow or see https://www.facebook.com/events/699643393514015/ or Twitter #GlowNeon
***

As part of the Cockburn Association week of events leading up to Doors Open Day tomorrow there will be a talk today (Friday) between 1-3:00pm at RCAHMS 16 Bernard Terrace EH8 9NX which will tell the story of the Royal Botanic Cottage.

Here is the full programme of events which are taking place tomorrow and Sunday. Where will you go?

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We do hope you have had a look at the photos which our John Preece took yesterday at St Giles’ Cathedral at the service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

If not click here!

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The chimneys and the turbine hall at Cockenzie will be demolished tomorrow at 12 noon. There are many road restrictions in place but do tell us if you get anywhere near and get any good photos or video!

The controlled explosive demolition is planned to take place at 12 noon tomorrow Saturday 26th September. Immediately following the chimney demolition, a second controlled explosion will be initiated to bring down the turbine hall structure. The demolition will be undertaken by Brown and Mason, who have successfully managed similar projects for ScottishPower in recent years at Inverkip Power Station and Methil Power Station.

An exclusion zone will be in place from 9am to ensure that the demolition can be carried out safely. The safety restrictions will cover the Greenhills, sections of Edinburgh Road and the John Muir Way, as well as extending in to the Firth of Forth. Traffic restrictions will also be in place in the vicinity of the power station from 7am. Edinburgh Road will be closed from Appin Drive to East Lorimer Place. A section of Whin Park housing estate and the West Harbour area will also be closed. Diversionary routes will be signposted. All restrictions will be lifted shortly after the demolition has taken place.

It is anticipated that viewing locations in the immediate vicinity of the power station will be very limited. Police Scotland, ScottishPower and East Lothian Council have all recommended that people who would like to watch the demolition take the time to plan their position in advance.

George Camps, ScottishPower Project Manager, said: “The demolition of the chimney stacks and the turbine hall requires careful planning. Even though the structures will be brought to the ground in a matter of seconds, months of preparations are needed to make sure that everything goes according to plan. We have also been working closely with Police Scotland and East Lothian Council to put sensible safety precautions in place. The chimney stacks are visible for many miles and we would encourage anyone wishing to view the demolition to plan their location in advance and to be aware of the temporary safety restrictions that are in place.”

Inspector Andy Harborow said: “The iconic Cockenzie chimneys have been standing tall within the local community for almost fifty years and we anticipate many members of the public will turn out for their demolition.

“To preserve the safety of those in attendance, we have been working alongside our partners at East Lothian Council and Scottish Power to identify and create a suitable exclusion zone for the demolition.

“No vantage points or parking spaces have been allocated to view this event and so anyone visiting the area is asked to be considerate to the local community and try to minimise any disruption.”

East Lothian Council Leader, Willie Innes, said: “The demolition of the chimneys will be a visible and final signal of the end of Cockenzie Power Station which has been a presence in the life of many local residents. I know for some people the demolition will bring mixed feelings but the local communities are already focussed on helping to plan the future of the site and are excited about the new opportunities that may be offered here.”

The twin chimney stacks are both 149 metres tall, and were constructed in time for the coal station opening in 1967. The turbine hall structure is predominantly made of steel, and measures 220 metres in length, 41 metres in width and 31 metres in height. Cockenzie Power Station generated more than 150 Terawatt Hours (TWh) of electricity in its lifetime, enough to power the average annual electricity needs of more than 1 million homes every year during its 45 years of operation.

The ‘button press’ on the day of the event, which will initiate the demolition of both chimneys, will be carried out by East Lothian resident Donald McCulloch, the winner of a charity raffle that was organised by Longniddry & District Rotary Club. The sales of the tickets have raised over £7,800, with proceeds being distributed evenly between the Prestonpans community, Cockenzie & Port Seton community, Longniddry & District Rotary Club, and ScottishPower’s partner charity, Cancer Research UK.

Here is an aerial video which Scottish Power have produced by way of historical record:

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Dear All

Four pupils from Portobello High School will be tracing the footsteps of pupils from a hundred years ago when they set off in October for the beaches and battlefields of Gallipoli. This is part of an exciting international initiative organised by the Gallipoli Centenary Education Project involving pupils from schools in those countries that sent troops there.  More here: Portobello and the Great War

New Group for young writers aged 16-25, in collaboration with Out of the Blue.  You’ll get advice on how to write, edit, design and publish your own material,.  The big launch is at 6pm on Wednesday 7 October here: Craigmillar Library  And hopefully, we’ll be fostering the young writers of the future for this great initiative: Craigmillar Chronicle on Line

The fabulous Craigmillar Library is looking for feedback on the services they offer in order to improve and ensure they are providing the best for people who use the Library or might in future.  See here:  Customer Survey

There will be a folk concert in St Mark’s Episcopal Church off Portobello High Street (opposite top of Bellfield Street) on Wednesday 7 October.  Details here:  Folk Concert

A date for your diary: ‘Spooktastic’ Fundraiser for The Thistle Foundation – a Quiz Night on Friday 6 November, 7 for 7.30pm at Hearts Supporters Club, Craigmillar Castle Avenue (just opposite Thistle Entrance) .  More here: Quiz Night

Portobello Community Council meets Monday 28 September at 7:30 pm in Portobello Baptist Church Hall, 185 Portobello High Street. All welcome to attend.  Agenda and more information here: Portobello Community Council

If you (or your son/daughter) are out in uptown Edinburgh on Friday or Saturday nights and find you or other in your company need some help in a crisis, the Edinburgh Safezone Bus is there for you in Cathedral Lane opposite the Omni Centre and the Playhouse, between 10pm and 4am.  Or you can call the bus staff on 07920 70 65 68.  More here: Safezone Bus  The Edinburgh Bus is a fabulous example of everyone working together to keep people safe. This film highlights the huge benefits of this kind of partnership working. buff.ly/1Of0H30

More on collaboration with the Third Sector here: Compact Quarterly Newsletter  Sign up to getting it quarterly Here

There is still time for you to comment on the Lothians, Borders, Edinburgh and Southern Fife region-wide SESplan Main Issues Report which is about how we might develop the City Region over the coming decades: Press release from SESplan

More about planning issues in the City of Edinburgh’s regular planning blog.  Link here: Planning Edinburgh

The Co-op have a £750,000 fund from the plastic bag charge to help local projects.  Here’s how to apply:  Co-op Local Fund Application

Seeking funding to continue your project? Click here:  Big Lottery

To keep children safer, vehicular traffic is being banned around six Edinburgh primary schools at drop-off and pick-up times. The council-run pilot scheme is intended to keep moving traffic away from streets outside the schools for an hour at the beginning and end of each day for at least 18 months. An exclusion zone for cars is now set up outside Duddingston and St John’s RC primary schools as part of phase 1 and Towerbank will be part of phase 2 in the New Year. More here: School Streets

A Scottish Parliament Committee wants your views on parking on pavements and double parking. Watch their video to find out more: Double Parking Video

This weekend it’s “Goodbye to Cockenzie power station, a cathedral to coal”: Guardian Article  I will be away for a short break until Monday afternoon, so will miss this great demolition spectacle which we could clearly see from Portobello beach!  Quite a loss.

Best wishes for a great weekend, when it comes – whatever you’re doing.

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 | Mobile 07718 666 481| Twitter @MaureenChild1

Edinburgh’s Lady Provost will brave a cold night at the Zoo in September in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for local causes, and The Edinburgh Reporter is among the 250 people braving the cold (and now wet!) conditions.

On a crusade to raise awareness of homelessness in the city, the Lady Provost Elaine Brand has challenged local businesses and individuals to join her as she swaps her bed for a sleeping bag and experiences a night with the nocturnal sounds of the RZSS Edinburgh Zoo’s animal inhabitants.

‘The Lady Provost’s Sleep Out at Edinburgh Zoo’ will raise vital funds for Four Square and the Rock Trust to help young people get off the streets and into work. Already, over 150 people have signed up to take part including teams from Edinburgh companies, members of the British Army and Lord Provost Donald Wilson.

The Lady Provost said she wants people to “open their eyes” to what it is like for young homeless people during the colder months but admits the challenge will be nothing compared to the struggle faced by those who sleep rough every night.

She said: “In spite of Edinburgh’s continued growth as a successful and affluent city, homelessness remains a pressing issue. Nobody can truly experience the struggle of homelessness based on one night in the cold, but I hope our eyes can be opened to what it is like to spend a night outside. We’ll be sleeping out in September when the nights get longer and the temperature drops – I hope this shock to the system will emphasise just how difficult this year’s colder months will be for our young homeless people.

The Lord Provost Donald Wilson added: “Elaine is determined to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Edinburgh and this event is an attempt to raise as much money as possible for Four Square and the Rock Trust. These charities are very close to her heart and I hope we can help to make a big difference.”

Edinburgh Zoo, owned by the charity the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), is home to more than 1,000 endangered animals and is one of Europe’s leading centres of conservation. The sleep out will take place outside the Zoo’s historic Mansion House, close to the popular Penguins Rock and Lemur Walkthrough.

Chris West, Chief Executive of RZSS, said: “We are delighted to support worthy causes of this nature. We wish every success to all those involved in raising awareness of homelessness in Edinburgh.”

While the number of people presenting to the City of Edinburgh Council as rough sleepers is the lowest of any Scottish city – having reduced by almost 15 per cent over the last five years – almost 4,000* people were assessed as homeless in the Capital last year. A quarter of those are aged 24 or younger.

The Rock Trust Chief Executive Kate Polson said: “We support approximately 400 young people from across Edinburgh and the Lothians every year, which shows that youth homelessness is a real problem. For the majority of people who become homeless, the main reason behind it is family breakdown or problems at school. It can really happen to anyone. This event will help raise awareness of the hardships faced by those forced to sleep rough and the Lady Provost and all the participants are helping to highlight the devastating issue of youth homelessness.”

Four Square Chief Executive Heather Arni said: “Every night in Edinburgh we provide a safe haven for 40 young people aged 16-24 in two hostels and 18 training flats. But simply giving them a roof over their head is not enough. We give them skills to fend for themselves, lik cooking, budgeting and the chance to take a training course or volunteer. The Zoo sleep out facilitated by the Lady Provost and RZSS Edinburgh Zoo will enable both charities to continue their work.”

‘The Lady Provost’s Sleep Out at Edinburgh Zoo’ will take place overnight on Thursday 24 September.

Show your support on social media #ZooSleepOut and by making a donation:www.virginmoneygiving.com/SleepOutAtEdinburghZoo

Hailing from Aberdeen, now living in Edinburgh, Steve Christie treats us to the second in his instalments of D.I. Buchanan, and the high-paced crime set in his preceding city. Cold Shot follows the careers of insular alcoholic Detective Buchanan and his partner as they formulaically uncover the motives behind the homicides of an elderly, yet vengeful mastermind. Despite wonderfully unpicking the seams of the city, Aberdeen, with acute accuracy, this Scottish crime novel does not quite achieve the twisting narrative it clearly sets out to.

The main character, who is quickly striking people off his list as being connected to the death of one very close to him, is not interrogated to any degree. His disdain for narcotics is not even consistent as he finds some on one person from his list, which he then uses to increase his strength and agility, which seems a contrived addition to the plot

Exploring drug use, corruption, conspiracy, family bonds, degeneration of health and meticulously planned revenge, it is rich in plot. As with many crime novels, however, the characters seem somewhat two-dimensional and are not developed as much as I would like to see. Clearly with formidable traits, it would be a richer read and one would  get a deeper sense of the protagonist.

Unfortunately the female characters are also highly clichéd within this genre, expected to work harder to subsequently clear themselves of the derision in which they are introduced into the novel. With a couple of typos and flimsy character development this unfortunately was not to my taste. However, it is a well-executed piece of storytelling with the underbelly of the Granite City effectively threading through the narrative.

Cold Shot by Steve Christie is published by Ringwood Publishing.