Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement appointing 45 new Peers to the House of Lords, Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society, said:

“At a time when the government is talking about reducing the cost of politics, this announcement is an expensive insult to the public. These new appointments will cost at least £1.2m per year, and that’s before increased operating costs are taken into account.

“Today’s further expansion of the Lords – part of the constant arms race to pack the chamber with loyalists, whichever party is in power – shows the system is well and truly bust. The rapid growth in size and cost of our ‘upper chamber’ is a national scandal, and the sooner we sort out this mess the better.

“The Prime Minister says he regrets not reforming the chamber in the last Parliament, and given the escalating cost of the Lords it’s something the Chancellor may be beginning to regret too. So instead of more partisan packing of the Lords, now is the time to do the right thing and get on with the vital work of ensuring we have a democratic upper House, where the public finally get a say.”

Among the names on the Dissolution List 2015, Alistair Darling is the one which stands out for us here in Edinburgh, but there are other Scots in the form of Malcolm Bruce, Michelle Mone and Sir Menzies Campbell. Danny Alexander has given a knighthood too.

Here is the full list :

Nominations from the Leader of the Conservative Party

• James Arbuthnot – former MP for North East Hampshire and Front Bench Minister
• Rt Hon Gregory Barker – former MP for Bexhill and Battle and former Minister of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change
• Catherine Fall – Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister
• Simone Finn – Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Trade
• Stephen Gilbert – Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party
• Rt Hon William Hague – former MP for Richmond and former Foreign Secretary
• Robert Hayward OBE – former MP for Kingswood, Board Member of Dignity in Dying and Trustee for the YMCA
• Rt Hon Douglas Hogg QC – former MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham and held several ministerial roles
• Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE – former MP for South Cambridgeshire and former Cabinet Minister
• James Lupton CBE – Chairman of Greenhill Europe and former Co-Treasurer of the Conservative Party
• Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE – CEO of Mitie Group PLC
• Anne McIntosh – former MP for Thirsk and Malton and Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee
• Michelle Mone OBE – leading entrepreneur and sits on the Board of Directors for The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust
• James O’Shaughnessy – Managing Director of Floreat Education
• Emma Pidding CBE – former Chiltern District Councillor and former Chairman of the National Conservative Convention
• Stuart Polak CBE – Director of the Conservative Friends of Israel
• Councillor Gary Porter – Councillor for South Holland District Council and Chairman of the Local Government Association
• Councillor Elizabeth Redfern – Leader of North Lincolnshire Council
• Rt Hon Andrew Robathan – former MP for South Leicestershire and several Front Bench and government roles
• Kate Rock – Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party
• Councillor Jane Scott OBE – Leader of the Wiltshire Council
• Kevin Shinkwin – longstanding voluntary sector professional
• Philip Smith CBE – Chief Executive of the Association of Conservative Clubs
• Philippa Stroud – Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
• Rt Hon David Willetts – former MP for Havant and several Front Bench roles
• Rt Hon Sir George Young Bt CH – former MP for North West Hampshire and former Cabinet Minister

Nominations from the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party at the time of Dissolution

• Sir Alan Beith – former MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed and former Chair of the Justice Select Committee
• Sharon Bowles – former MEP for South East England
• Sir Malcolm Bruce – former MP for Gordon, and former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats
• Lorley Burt – former MP for Solihull and former Chair of the Liberal Democrats
• Rt Hon Sir Menzies ‘Ming’ Campbell CH, CBE, QC – former MP for North East Fife and former Leader of the Liberal Democrats
• Lynne Featherstone – former MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and held several ministerial positions
• Don Foster – former MP for Bath and former Liberal Democrat Chief Whip
• Jonny Oates – former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition government
• Shas Sheehan – former Councillor for Kew and involved in several community groups
• Sir Andrew Stunell – former MP for Hazel Grove and former Department for Communities and Local Government Minister
• Dorothy Thornhill MBE – Mayor of Watford; former Councillor and Assistant Headteacher

Nominations from the Leader of the Labour Party at the time of Dissolution

• Rt Hon David Blunkett – former MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough and former Cabinet Minister
• Rt Hon Alistair Darling – former MP for Edinburgh South West and former Cabinet Minister
• Rt Hon Peter Hain – former MP for Neath and former Cabinet Minister
• Rt Hon Tessa Jowell DBE – former MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and former Cabinet Minister
• Spencer Livermore – senior Campaign Strategist for the Labour Party
• Paul Murphy – former MP for Torfaen and former Cabinet Minister
• Rt Hon Dawn Primarolo DBE – former MP for Bristol South and former Minister
• Dave Watts – former MP for St Helens North and former Chair of Parliamentary Labour Party

Despite protestations to the contrary, it seems that former Labour MP Alistair Darling is to maintain a presence in Westminster following his elevation to the Lords in the Dissolution Honours list just published.

The former Edinburgh South West MP had announced his retirement from politics prior to the 2015 General Election. His seat was snapped up by Joanna Cherry QC on behalf of the SNP.

Darling was leader of the Better Together campaign during the Scottish Referendum campaign, Chancellor of the Exchequer for the fateful three year period between 2007 and 2010 when the global meltdown took place.

He first became an MP in 1987, and held a variety of posts including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Secretary of State for Scotland. He also held the Transport and Trade and Industry portfolios.

His grandfather was the retailer in Princes Street, owner of the great women’s outfitters, Darlings. Alistair Darling is an old boy of Loretto School in Musselburgh, and he achieved LLB at Aberdeen University.

He is a former councillor with Lothian Regional Council, and has largely been a career politician with the exception of his apprenticeship to become a solicitor and then admission as an advocate at the Scottish Bar. He resigned from the Faculty of Advocates in 2010 when it was widely reported his financial affairs were being investigated.

In 2009 the Daily Telegraph reported that Darling had ‘flipped’ his house four times in expenses claims. LibDem calls for his resignation fell on deaf ears.

Sir Malcolm Bruce who was the former MP for Gordon and formerly Depute Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell and Michelle Mone OBE have also been given peerages. Former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander who lost his seat for Inverness, Nairn Badenoch and Strathspey at the General Election has been knighted. His Wikipedia page has already been changed when we checked it at 1.30pm!

It is a long list of peerages which is published today, when the Government was also issuing news about net migration figures which have hit a record high, thus attracting media comment that this was a good day to bury bad news.

Hibernian Ladies stars, Chelsea Cornet, Abigail Harrison, Amy Lynch, Simone McMahon, Cailin Michie and Liz Tweedie have been named in Gareth Evans’ Scotland Women’s Under-19 training squad in preparation for the upcoming UEFA European Championship qualifiers.

Scotland, who drew twice with the Republic of Ireland last week travel to Austria next month where in the first round of qualifiers they will face Austria, Ukraine and Albania.

Scotland Women’s Under-19 Training Camp Squad

Brogan Anderson (Hearts LFC)
Carla Boyce (Glasgow City FC)
Sarah Clelland (Rangers LFC)
Chelsea Cornet (Hibernian LFC)
Cassie Cowper (Aberdeen LFC)
Erin Cuthbert (Glasgow City FC)
Rebecca Flaherty (Aberdeen LFC)
Amy Gallacher (Forfar Farmington LFC)
Laura Hamilton (Celtic FC)
Kirsty Hanson (Liverpool LFC)
Abigail Harrison (Hibernian LFC)
Kodie Hay (Glasgow City FC)
Kirsty Howat (Rangers LFC)
Katie Jones (Bristol Academy WFC)
Amy Lynch (Hibernian LFC)
Rachel McLauchlan (Aberdeen LFC)
Simone McMahon (Hibernian LFC)
Cailin Michie (Hibernian LFC)
Claire Adams Mullen (Rangers LFC)
Georgie Rafferty (Glasgow City FC)
Hayley Sinclair (Rangers LFC)
Lia Tweedie (Hibernian LFC)
Alyshia Walker (Glasgow City FC)
Courtney Whyte (Glasgow City FC)

Louise Davidson, the teenager reported missing yesterday has been found safe and well.

The 19-year-old was traced in Henderson Street, Edinburgh, just before midday on Thursday 27th August.

Police have thanked for their assistance during this inquiry.

Experienced business performance coach is bringing a new business improvement tool to the Fife, Edinburgh and Lothians marketplace.

Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians are to become one of the first areas of the UK to benefit from a unique business improvement methodology called System-Four, which could dramatically improve business growth; staff motivation and wellbeing in a variety of different industries as they continue to recover from many years of recession and economic uncertainty.

Created by Corporate Coach and NLP Practitioner, Wendy Chalmers Mill, System-Four began life as a as series of Training Conferences, which Wendy and her co facilitator in the system, Mark Douglas, held throughout Scotland.

Following the development of the methodology as a flexible business tool, System-Four can now go directly into companies and businesses of all sizes, and is jointly facilitated by two practitioners.

As it is highly tailored to each individual company using it, System-Four can be facilitated by Wendy and Mark over a single day, or, depending on what the client wants, perhaps up to three days of training. It can also be applied to very specific problems or challenges in the workplace.

Said Wendy:”I am delighted to introduce System-Four directly into a business environment. The training conferences were very successful, but my ultimate aim was to bring the system right to my client’s door. I see huge potential in many industry sectors, to boost morale and improve business performance. Rather than have to attend a specific training conference, the system can now come to you, the employer.”

“What is different about System Four is that it is collaborative learning, “said Wendy, who has twenty five years experience of the physical, emotional and communication needs of businesses, and lists The House of Commons and The House of Lords as long term clients.

“It is as far removed from the old Power Point way of learning and training as you can get,” said Wendy, “in the past staff were trained “at” rather than facilitated “with”.

“We use visual learning methods to carry out the training. System-Four is all about getting staff in an organisation to become accountable and take ownership of their problems. Then they can develop a realistic action plan which ensures that the necessary changes really do happen.”

Added Wendy: “We need two facilitators to carry out the System-Four system, so it is immediately much more interactive. Mark works within the corporate world as a Change & Leadership Specialist, partnering CE’s and Directors to unleash profits. We work well together and bring different areas of expertise to the table.”

System Four encourages participative leadership in an organisation, it is designed to enable co-workers to start talking to each other in the correct way and to come together to problem solve.

“Based on my many years of experience in interpersonal and non verbal skills, I have found that staff are less competitive and work better together when they have a joint goal. System Four enables them to make decisions together, “said Wendy.

“The evidence of our last extremely damaging recession was that in many cases, keeping the right staff in the firm was vital for when better times returned. System-Four is an investment in your staff, they are best placed to deal with their own challenges if they have the right problem solving techniques,” she finished.

System-Four is a UK wide operation, and since developing the workplace based system from the original Training Conference hybrid, Wendy is expecting to boost her parent business Positive Performance too. The firm deals with personal development and leadership training to motivate staff and improve job satisfaction and well being. For 2015-16, System-Four is projecting to double its turnover, with a number of companies across Scotland already signed up to collaborative sessions.

For further details checkout http://www.system-four.com or contact Wendy on 07973 262005.

Submitted by CLARE GRAHAM

Many Scottish club professionals have played the Deer Park Masters for a number of years now, but in relation to the recent competition certain stalwart professionals have praised what they see as the tremendous support and camaraderie the Tournament offers.

Ross McConnachie from the Drumoig Golf Centre said of the event, which was won by Greig Hutcheon for the third time in a row: “To have a double shotgun two days in a row and obtain 100 pro-am teams is a tremendous achievement and testament to all the hard work that goes into running the event.” The Tournament, now in its 12th year, attracts 100 pro-am teams with many business sectors represented to play with the pros in a team of four.

Paul Wardell, professional at Berwick Golf Club said: “I hope that the Muir Group and Deer Park will continue to offer the event for many years to come, such is the importance placed on it by myself and my fellow pros.” During the past few years when many clubs struggled during recessionary times the Muir Group has kept the event going with cash prizes for the best performing professional players and Tartan Tour points of merit up for grabs too.

Mark Kerr, professional at the Marriott Dalmahoy said: “The Deer Park Masters is one of the strongest events on the Tartan Tour schedule, an event which is greatly appreciated by the golf professionals of Scotland.” He also congratulated the club on the work carried out on the course over the last few years which had made a “tremendous difference.”

Alan Muir, Business Development Director for Muir Construction said: ”This event is epitomised by a fantastic team spirit, and the pros who take part year after year giving us amateurs so much enjoyment are an integral part of what the Tournament is all about . We really appreciate their support and making the time to come out and play the event. We designed the event originally to thank and support them.”

Mr Muir also thanked the Gold Sponsors of the event, Emtec. “They have shown us terrific support over the past few years, as have many of the firms who come back to the Masters time and time again.”

The Deer Park Masters was conceived as a means of supporting the club professionals of Scotland, a grass roots support which has been greatly appreciated over recent years of recession and decline in golf club membership. At the same time, the pro-am tournament, which sees both a pro-am team competition on day one, and a contest strictly between the club professionals on day two, enables amateur golfers to gain valuable insight into the game they love by playing with fifty leading club and team professionals from all over Scotland.

Deer Park Golf and Country Club, part of the Muir Group of Companies, was opened in 1978 and forms the centrepiece to what has become a thriving community of homes, offices and leisure facilities built by Muir and offering the ideal blend of lifestyle and location.

The club has recently hosted a Tartan Tour Senior Open and a Ladies Open, both completely new professional events for Deer Park.

Submitted by CLARE GRAHAM

Milk and Honey? Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show. Original artwork and jewellery for sale, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support. The show launched in 2003 and has raised over £140,000 for the charity to date. Over 120 artists will exhibit, including Norman Ackroyd, Trina Bohan, Aileen Grant, Rona MacLean, Cat Outram, Sheena Fleming Phillips and Jack Vettriano, plus ten jewellers, including Angela Boag and Caroline Temple. 10am-7pm today, 10am-4pm on 28th, 29th and 30th August, Bonhams, 22 Queen Street. Free admission.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Writers at the Fringe: every Thursday throughout the Fringe, Blackwell’s invites a selection of Scottish performers to give a taste of their work. New and unpublished works of literary art stand alongside established novelists, with any and all genres free to be expressed, from poetry to cutting-edge drama, folk music, contemporary fiction and all that is found between. Tonight’s line-up is Michael Cannon, Malacky Tallock, Carol Fox, John Mackay and Andrew O’Hagan. 5.45pm for 6pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets may be obtained from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8229, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk, via eventbrite here or from the Fringe Box Office here.

St Mary’s Cathedral Lunchtime Recital: Oksana Mavrodii (soprano) and Anna Mavromatidi (piano). 1.10pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free.

The Chalmers Ensemble: the horn and string quartet returns to the gallery to play works by Mozart, Hoffmann and Rebay. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

Cameo Big Scream: screenings exclusively for parents and carers with babies under one year old. Membership of the Big Scream Club is free (ask at the Box Office) and lasts until your baby’s first birthday. Today’s film is Casablanca (U) starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. 10.30am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets are at the usual matinee price (babies admitted free), and may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online here.

Escher: A Mathematician’s Eye View. Ian Stewart, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics (University of Warwick) looks in simple, non-technical terms and with many illustrations, at the relationship between Escher’s art and mathematics, and explores applications of these mathematical concepts to the real world. No specialist mathematical knowledge is required, just an interest in visual patterns. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Edinburgh Book Fringe: daily events – all of them free (donations appreciated) – for two weeks at Word Power Books, Edinburgh’s independent radical bookshop. Today: writer and academic Penny Johnson (Birzeit University, Ramallah)  and Palestinian writer, lawyer and human rights activist Raja Shehadeh discuss their new book, Shifting Sands: The Unravelling of the Old Order in the Middle East, which brings together fifteen impassioned and informed voices to talk about a region with unlimited potential and yet which can feel ‘as though the world around me is on fire’. ‘This intelligent, reasoned perspective on life in the Middle East is a breath of fresh air’. 1.30pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. All welcome! No booking required, but arrive promptly as space is limited.

Meet the Glasshouse Staff: find out more about this stunning collection of plants from the people who care for them. Every month meet a different member of the indoor horticulture team, each with different specialist knowledge. 1-2pm, Glasshouses, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free with Glasshouse entry (£5/£4, children under 5 and essential carers free).

Phill Jupitus Sketch Comic in Conversation: each Thursday evening during the festivals, Phill Jupitus will be in conversation with a special guest – a passionate, personal and irreverent look at art, a chat about what Phill has seen in the galleries this week, and possibly some sketching! The guests’ identities will be announced nearer the time. 7-8pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Edinburgh Art Festival – Spotlight Tours of Scottish Art: People, Places, Ideas. Guided tours of the City Art Centre’s Scottish Art collection, focusing on people, places and ideas. 11am or 3pm, (meet at reception) City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. No booking required, free – suggested donation £2. Also at same times on Saturday 29th August 2015.

Made in Prague: the New Czech Cinema UK Tour 2015. The biennial UK showcase of contemporary Czech cinema is back for the fifth time, with five titles capturing the country’s dramatic past and its influence on contemporary life and culture. Today’s film is Nowhere in Moravia (Dira u Hanusovic) (15), Miroslav Krobot’s humorous debut focusing on eccentric characters living an isolated life and looking for love. 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 6382 or online: prices vary.

The Big West Fest: Together Enjoy Being Together. The latest play from the WHALES without a Cause drama group is set in the resort of Hailes Castle. It’s always been a popular spot for holidaymakers looking for cheap drink and fun times, but how will its new upmarket appearance go down with the regulars? And what is the shady manager Rupert up to?  7pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Also at same time on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th August, with an additional show at 2.30pm on Saturday 29th. This event is part of The Big West Fest, WHALE’s on-site festival offering a programme of free performances and activities from today until Saturday 29th August for anyone over the age of 16.

The Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival: the only event run both by and for the television industry, celebrating the creativity, diversity and inspirational talent in the field, and debating the major issues facing the industry. Today: (1) At 6pm, Hand of God – an Amazon Original Series. A psychological drama about a morally corrupt judge who suffers a breakdown and believes God is compelling him onto a path of vigilante justice. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session chaired by Andrew Collins, with series creator Ben Watkins, director Marc Forster and cast members Ron Perlman, Dana Delany and Alona Tal. (2) Doctor Who: The Magician’s Apprentice – a chance to see the opening episode of BBC1’s new series, written by Steven Moffat, produced by Peter Bennett and directed by Hettie Macdonald. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session with guests to be announced later. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 6382 or online: prices vary.

Guilty As Sin: 9pm, The Old Chain Pier, Trinity Crescent.

JUST Festival: Moving Minds: A Community-Led Dialogue/Workshop. Gypsy/Travellers and MECOPP (Multi-Ethnic Carers of People Project) will lead this interactive workshop – a chance to dispel myths and promote dialogue. This seminar should be of relevance to all who are interested in looking at their own policies and practices with regard to minority groups, and especially to those who work with carers. 12.30pm, St John’s Church, Princes Street. Free but booking is essential and may be made by emailing donna@mecopp.org.uk. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article on the JUST Festival event Gypsy Travellers – Has Time Run Out? here.

New route from Edinburgh Airport

Council rejects demolition at Canonmills Bridge

Fringe Tip of the Day

Q & A with Val McDermid

Computer Classes in Craigmillar

Another new route to New York’s JFK Airport will begin next year when Delta begin their daily service at the end of May.

Colin Keir MSP for Edinburgh Western has welcomed the announcement by Delta Airlines/Virgin that their joint venture will launch the new service.

Mr Keir said: “All new routes from Edinburgh are welcome as they boost employment and tourism opportunities, something that is vital to the Edinburgh and wider Scottish economy.

With direct flights to New York, Edinburgh will link with the most influential global financial centre. Add to this the tourism potential and it makes this a real diamond route.

Well done to Edinburgh Airport CEO Gordon Dewar and his team for securing this route and to Delta and Virgin for identifying Edinburgh as a positive destination.”

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The council rejected an application to demolish the buildings on Canonmills Bridge yesterday amid loud cheers from the public gallery.

Green candidate for the Leith Walk by-election Susan Rae said: “It’s been clear for weeks that there was widespread community dismay about plans to demolish the buildings at Canonmills Bridge. So I’m delighted that the planning committee has thrown out the plan.

“It’s not just about the physical appearance of the buildings. It is also about sustaining a hub which has gathered a lot of affection among local people.

“So I hope the views of local people are now heard loud and clear.”

Read our report here.

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At 15:45 today for 1 hour you can go to Assembly Theatre, George Square, EH8 9LH and pay £10 to £14 per ticket plus special offers for family and children and go and see the performers from Japanese hi-tech dance show SIRO-A. 

The Edinburgh run lasts until 31 August at the Assembly George Square Theatre.

The SIRO-A group was formed in 2002 by classmates from Sendai, in Japan, each with their own finely honed set of skills.

Audiences are treated to a visual feast in which the Siro performers interact with spectacular video projection, light animation, stunning laser effects and a pulsating techno beat. The show crosses all boundaries of language and culture, and is a treat for people of any age.

Reality and animation are blended in a constantly shifting landscape which combines playful humour and astonishing beauty in what they describe as a “virtual hyper-reality”. There is even a fresh interpretation of the ancient Japanese art of shadow puppetry.

Bookings: assemblyfestival.com, 0131 623 3030 or Assembly box offices at Assembly Hall and Assembly Roxy, Assembly George Square and Assembly Checkpoint or Edinburgh Fringe at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/siro-a

Website: www.siro-a.co.uk, www.siro-a.com

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Best-selling author, Val McDermid, and two forensic experts will be joining Future Learn for a live video Q&A today from 16:45 – 17:30 GMT+1.

Edinburgh resident Val wrote the murder mystery behind the University of Dundee’s free online course available on Future Learn, Identifying the Dead: Forensic Science and Human Identification. The course allows you to be a forensic investigator and solve the crime yourself!

She and the experts will be answering your questions about forensic investigation, the different roles that exist, and where crime writers get their ideas from. Click here.

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

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Hibs progressed to the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup thanks to a second half own goal from Stranraer’s Scott Rumsby at Easter Road earlier tonight.

The last time these teams met, Hibs won an eight goal thriller but fans expecting a similar scoreline were to be disappointed.

Following another busy week in the transfer market, Head Coach Alan Stubbs made two changes to the starting XI that lost narrowly to Rangers on Sunday. New signing Darren McGregor took over from injured skipper David Gray while Dylan McGeouch replaced Dan Carmichael in midfield. Summer signing James Keating was listed amongst the substitutes for the first time following a period on the sidelines due to injury.

There was a familiar face in the Stranraer line up with Paul Cairney returning to Easter Road after a spell with Kilmarnock.

Hibs started brightly and Fraser Fyvie brought out a good save from Conor Brennan then Jason Cummings went close with a long range effort.

In the 22nd minute John McGinn found Fyvie on the left. The midfielder cut inside and fired a powerful effort against the crossbar.

Although Hibs continues to dominate possession, it took a world class save from Mark Oxley to keep the scores level. A hopeful ball into the box was headed down by Mark McGuigan into the path of Craig Malcolm and the striker’s effort was heading to the top left hand corner of the goal but Oxley managed to tip the ball over the bar.

Hibs eventually grabbed the lead that their pressure deserved when McGinn won the ball in midfield and sent an inch perfect pass into the path of Fyvie, The former Wigan midfielder cut the ball across the face of the box and with Cummings waiting to pounce, Rumsby intercepted the ball but could only knock it past his own keeper into the net, much to the relief of the home supporters.

Six minutes later Fyvie had to leave the field with a tight hamstring and was replaced by Carmichael. The wingers first act was to fire a long range shot goalwards which clearly struck a defender’s arm inside the penalty area, but the referee waved play on to the fury of the Hibs’ fans. considering the similarity to the decision against Rangers at the weekend.

Cairney was booked for a foul on McGeouch then substituted, leaving the field to a standing ovation from both sets of fans.

Hibs continued to create chances although Stranraer looked dangerous on the break.

Keatings replaced Cummings with six minutes remaining and Hibs held on to secure the victory.

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

Stranraer: Brennan, Robertson, Pettigrew, Rumsby, Mair, Thomson, Cairney, Bell, Malcolm, Stirling, McGuigan. Subs: Currie, Keenan, Aitken, McCloskey, Longworth, McGill, Rowan.

Referee Kevin Clancy

Attendance 5224

It’s 2pm in Edinburgh, but it’s only 8am in Austin, Texas. Not many of us look too bright at that time in the morning, but Sarah Dossey (banjo/vocals) and Jesse Schaefer (especially Jesse Schaefer…) (bass) are all smiles and enthusiasm, and if Andrew Goolsbee is a little more serious it’s only because he’s concentrating on his violin. The trio throw themselves into the opening sets of Austin Sound Exchange’s first performance at Central Hall, Tollcross with two numbers, Don’t Ya Cut Me Down and a lively rendition of Blind Billy.

The Exchange is a non-profit collaboration of musicians and vocalists who have come together to share the country, folk, blues and Americana of their home city – one which has more live music venues per capita than any other in the US. This is their first visit to Scotland; at least the sun is shining intermittently, and if they’re freezing, they manage not to look like it.

More Exchange members now join the stage, including singer Marie Ring, whose strong singing blends well with Dossey’s higher pitch. Clayton Ring, one of the Exchange’s featured artists, now takes the lead role, and the sound is amped up with drums, keyboard and electric guitar. Ring’s assured voice has a wonderful rich tone; he reminded me of Glen Campbell, but that is because I am Very Old. His self-penned I’ll Be The One is inspired, he tells us, by the idea of living in the moment, seizing the day. I Won’t Back Down Again was written when Ring was suffering from acute Meniere’s Disease, during which time he wondered if he would ever be able to perform again; luckily for us he’s much better now.

After a slightly chaotic changeover (this is, after all. their first encounter with the venue), the lead is taken over by another Sound Exchange featured singer and blues guitarist, Chris Beall. Beall’s voice is quite different from Ring’s, slightly husky, rougher around the edges; to me it says saloon bars and railroads and all those things we – no doubt erroneously – associate with the West. Dug Down Deep is the story of his father’s (‘the motorcycle man’) debilitating bike racing accident and subsequent rehabilitation; it’s played to a thumping beat, which does threaten to drown out the vocals a little bit at some points. It’s followed by Half A World Away, in which Beall is accompanied by singer Amy Hooper; the two voices complement one another excellently, Beall now well into his stride and sounding more confident with each number. Hooper also plays flute, though the sound system could probably do with a little adjustment to allow us better to enjoy this.

The Exchange bring the session to a close with a rip-roaring finale; all of them clearly get a kick out of performing, and it’s refreshing to see people not afraid to look happy on stage. I am sure that the issues with the sound system in this first performance will now have been resolved, so if you like a bit of foot-stomping Texas music of an afternoon, get yourself along to the Central Hall this week.

Austin Sound Exchange will be at Central Hall, Tollcross as part of the 2015 Just Festival at 2pm every day this week, last performance on Saturday 29th August. Tickets cost £10 and are available from eventbrite, the Fringe Box Office, the Just Festival Box Office or on the door (subject to availability). All images (c) Austin Sound Exchange and members.

Markus Birdman’s free Fringe show is a triumph. Grimm Realities deals with Birdman coming to terms with his daughter growing up, with a mixture of comical perspectives and re-imagined fairy tales.

He has re-written, and re-illustrated tales made famous by the Brothers Grimm, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, to get a clearer, truer message across. Not so filthy that it’s crass, but filthy and clever enough to warrant constant laughter from the audience.

Birdman is a realist, and isn’t afraid to push the limits of what society deems appropriate. He has created an hour of thought-provoking, hilarious stand-up with the added metaphors he has sculpted from well established fairy tales.

From dealing with the role of a parent and all its challenges, Grimm Realities is an engaging hour of insightful black comedy that aims to inspire a rethink of traditional viewpoints.
Canons’ Gait (Venue 78)
August 26-30
Time: 15:40 (55 minutes)

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has just announced the outcome of the elections to the Society’s governing body, the Board of Directors.

The elections were held to coincide with the Annual General Meeting of the Society which took place on Tuesday 25 August at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.  Anyone is allowed to join the Society and all members of the Society were entitled to vote. This year the turnout in the election was 52%.

Since 2010 the Society has had a constitution in which candidates for the board were able to stand in three categories: show participant, venues and an open category.

In the Show Participant category Harry Gooch was elected over Tamsin Fitzgerald.

In the Venue category Luke Meredith was successfully elected over J D Henshaw and Sam Gough.

Matt Panesh won the election in the Open category ahead of Brian Cleary, Thomas Goodwin, Alister O’Loughlin, Bridget Stevens and Barrie Taylor.

The elections were carried out using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system of preferential voting and were managed on behalf of the Society by Electoral Reform Services.

Each of the newly elected Board Members will serve a four year term.

Police are appealing for information to trace a missing Fife woman who did not return from a night out in Edinburgh.

Louise Davidson was last seen outside the Espionage nightclub in the Capital’s Victoria Street at around 4.30am yesterday morning (Tuesday).

However, the 19-year-old has not yet made her way back to her home in St Kilda Crescent, Kirkcaldy and concern is now growing for her welfare.

It is believed Louise was heading towards the Underbelly in the Cowgate area and may have been in the company of two men and anyone who can assist police in finding her or these individuals is asked to come forward.

Louise is described as white, 5ft 5ins tall with long black hair, and green/hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing light-coloured denim jeans that were ripped at the knee, a cropped black top with the number 21 on the front, black heeled shoes and a black clutch bag.

The two men are described only as being white and wearing tracksuits.

Sergeant Neil McGurk said: “It is unlike Louise not to get in contact with friends or family and let them know where she is and as such we are eager to establish her whereabouts as soon as possible.

“Anyone who believes they have seen her since the early hours of Tuesday morning is asked to contact police immediately.

“We would also urge Louise to get in touch with a family member, friend, or with police to let us know she is safe.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

Police have confirmed that the incident on George IV Bridge this morning is now being treated as a serious sexual assault on a 25 year-old man.

The area has been cordoned off to allow for a forensic examination.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Edinburgh are investigating following the serious sexual assault on a 25 year-old man.

“The incident occurred today at around 6.30am. Cordons are in place at the corner of George IV Bridge and Chambers Street and at Greyfriars  Kirkyard.

“Enquiries into the full circumstances of this incident are ongoing.

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

The council’s Development Management Committee considered the application to demolish the Victorian building at Canonmills Bridge this morning for more than two hours before deciding to refuse it to resounding cheers from the public gallery.

They heard deputations from Save Canonmills Bridge, local ward councillors, the Cockburn Association and other local groups with an interest along with a representative speaking on behalf of the owner.

The report put before the council recommended demolition of the building. There is planning permission already in place for a development of 2 restaurants, 6 flats and 3 townhouses granted in 2013 when a legal agreement relating to transport requirements was signed.

Councillor Maureen Child commented that the whole sense of place in Canonmills depends on the building on the bridge. Councillor Hinds and the other two local councillors Councillor Barrie and Councillor Gardner pleaded with the committee to refuse the application on the basis that this would lead to the break up of a real ‘place’ in the capital.

Councillor Ronnie Cairns exhorted the committee to refuse the application. He said: “These shops are beautiful!”

Jan Anderson of Save Canonmills Bridge said: “My involvement started with Ross McEwan and I getting together and putting a leaflet through local residents’ doors. We were pushing against an open door. We have around 7,000 signatures for our petition to save the buildings. We have had a lot of people speaking to us on our stall on the bridge. There was a shocking lack of communication in relation to the earlier stages of this process.”

She quoted the well known line from that well known Joni Mitchell song”Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till its gone” and pleaded with the council to save the buildings that are there and which she said now seem to have a successful economic future.

Ms Anderson explained that Canonmills is a busy road junction with four bus routes, and a unique and open skyscape. In more recent times the buildings have been used in different ways and at the time of the last planning permission the building was a bit forlorn. This is not about saving Earthy this is about saving the essence of the area.

The group had gathered ideas and comments from members of the public on luggage labels and these were passed round the councillors attending the meeting. It became clear as the discussions progressed that the mood of the committee was to refuse the demolition order of the Victorian building.

Marion Williams Director of the Cockburn Association told The Edinburgh Reporter: “I am delighted that the committee were unanimous in refusing permission to demolish this building. Demolition would have had a detrimental impact on the urban setting and sense of place Canonmills enjoys. The community made a clear case and the councillors have responded well to their heartfelt representations to save the building.”

The committee took the decision after two hours of deliberation and discussion that they would refuse the application to demolish the building. This leaves the planning permission for the new building in place, but it would appear that the developer will be unable to do anything with it if they cannot demolish what is already there.

We are currently awaiting comment from Fouin and Bell on behalf of Glovart Holdings who own the property.

Here is a round up of some comments on Twitter:

Slightly quicker off the mark with yesterday’s authors. Amongst those visiting the photographers yesterday were Edwin Collins, Ian Rankin, Festival Director Nick Barley and ex-MI5 head, Stella Rimington.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a pygmy hedgehog was found in a box within a cage in Edinburgh.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Thursday (20 August) after a member of the public found the animal in the communal garden of South Clerk Street in the Newington area of Edinburgh.

The hedgehog is now in the care of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Balerno, where staff have named her Nawari.

Animal rescue officer Stephanie Grant said, “Pygmy hedgehogs can legally be kept as pets in the UK.

“These animals are becoming increasingly popular as household pets but some people may not realise the specialist care they need. We think this could be why Nawari has been abandoned.”

“Nawari was thin when we found her but she has been eating well since then and we will be looking to rehome her to a new owner that will give her the love and care she deserves.

“We are asking anyone with any information to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Photo by Scottish SPCA

Parts of George IV Bridge have been cordoned off by police who are investigating a possible assault.

Officers were called to the scene earlier this morning and an enquiry has commenced into the circumstances.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said:  “Police in Edinburgh are investigating following a possible assault on George IV Bridge.

“The incident was reported to police today  at around 6.30am. Cordons are in place at the corner of George IV Bridge and Chambers Street and at Greyfriars Kirkyard.

“Enquiries into the full circumstances of this incident are ongoing.”

Celebrity Organ Recital: Michael Harris (Organist and Master of Music, St Giles’) will play Muffat Toccata Decima, Rinck Six variations on a Theme of Corelli Op 56, JS Bach Prelude and Fugue in G BWV 541, Ritter Sonata No 3 in A, Heathcote Statham Rhapsody on a Ground, Judith Weir Ettrick Banks and Dupre Prelude and Fugue in B Major. 8pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Tickets cost £8/£5 (students)/accompanied children free, and are available from the Cathedral shop (0131 226 0673), from the Fringe Festival Box Office by calling 0131 226 0000, online here, or on the door (sta).

Edinburgh Book Fringe: daily events – all of them free (donations appreciated) – for two weeks at Word Power Books, Edinburgh’s independent radical bookshop. Today: graphic designer and Yes Scotland artist Stewart Bremner and The National cartoonist Greg Moodie discuss their work. 1pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. All welcome! No booking required, but arrive promptly as space is limited.

Lunchtime Concert: Morley Whitehead plays organ requests. 1.10pm, Morningside Parish Church, Braid Road/Cluny Gardens. Free: a retiring collection will be taken for the church’s music scholarship fund.

Thomas Muir in Literature: A Portrait Gallery Tour. Professor Gerard Carruthers and Professor Nigel Leask (University of Glasgow) lead a tour of selected works from the Portrait Gallery collection relating to the 18th century republican and revolutionary Thomas Muir of Huntershill and his circle. The tour will discuss Muir’s relationship to Scottish culture in his own day and afterwards, especially through literature. It will also consider Muir’s associations and his journeying from Glasgow to Edinburgh, Paris, Botany Bay and the American continent. 12.45-1.30pm, Great Hall, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free but places are limited and tickets should be obtained in advance from the Information Desk at the Scottish National Gallery or by calling 0131 624 6560.

LGBT Icebreakers: if you want to meet people, are just coming out, or don’t feel confident going out on the ‘scene’, try this informal, fun and friendly social group for LGBT people and anyone questioning their sexuality or gender identity. For over 18s only. 7.30-9.30pm, The Regent Bar, Montrose Terrace. For more information please contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283 or alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.

St Mary’s Cathedral Coffee Concert: John Bryden plays Mozart on the Cathedral Steinway. The recital will be followed by coffee and shortbread. 10.30am, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free.

‘Lifting the Lid’ Exhibition Tours: Manuscripts Curator Olive Geddes leads a tour of Lifting the Lid: 400 Years of food and drink in Scotland, an exhibition that uses the Library’s rich collections to explore Scotland’s changing relationship with food and drink, the diversity of Scotland’s larder and some of the myths and traditions of the Scottish diet. 11am-12 noon, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or online here.

LGBT Women’s Wellbeing Group: an inclusive group offering the chance to meet other LGBT women in a relaxed environment – a chance to chat, pick up information and take part in activities promoting health and wellbeing. The group is open to all LGBT women and welcomes transgender people who identify primarily as women. Today: Summer Nights – a visit to a range of free festival shows, line-up to be confirmed. 3-8pm; for details of meeting place, etc and to join the mailing list to keep up to date with the group, please contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283 or alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.

The Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival: the only event run both by and for the television industry, celebrating the creativity, diversity and inspirational talent in the field, and debating the major issues facing the industry. Today: (1) At 4.30pm, Masterchef: The Professionals – an exclusive preview screening of the first episode of the eighth series of the show, which returns to BBC2 in the autumn. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session with judge and chef Monica Galetti; (2) At 8.30pm, Singing in the Rainforest – an exclusive screening of the new show from Watch, which sees musicians leave their creature comforts behind and embrace life with remote tribes from all around the world. Scottish indie rock band Glasvegas visited the Waorani of Bameno, Ecuador, in one of the most remote areas of the Amazonian rainforest, two days by canoe from the nearest road. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session chaired by Andrew Collins and a live performance from Glasvegas. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 6382 or online: prices vary. The festival concludes at the Filmhouse on Thursday 27th August: see listings.

Edinburgh Gay Men’s Book Group: an inclusive group where you can meet new people and read and discuss interesting books. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact info@gaybookgroup.co.uk.

Tollcross Community Council: the meeting will include a Living Streets presentation by David Hunter, feedback on planning developments in Kings Stable Road and Fountainbridge, and licensing applications. 7-9pm, Tollcross Community Centre, 117 Fountainbridge. All who live or work in the area are welcome.  For more information please visit the Community Council’s website here.

St Mary’s Cathedral Lunchtime Recital: Chalmers Ensemble. 1.10pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free.

1-6 Canonmills

Museum closures

Fringe Tip of the Day

Drop in events in Morningside 

TRIM do CPR!!

A protest is expected at the City Chambers this morning to support opposition to the planning application to demolish the buildings on Canonmills Bridge currently occupied by Earthy.

Read more here

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The National Museum of Scotland may remain closed in part today so check the position on the museum website here before setting out for Chambers Street.

Read more about the industrial dispute here.

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Our Fringe tip today is one for lunchtime so even if you are at work you might be able to make some time for this – Sy Thomas in Jumper. A solo comedy show which has had good reviews when the press have made it along.

If you go (or if you have been) then do send us your five word review! theedinburghreporter@gmail.com

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Yesterday’s included Roy Hattersley and the hyperactive Norwegian crime-writer, Jussi Adler-Olsen

Forfar Athletic 1 Heart of Midlothian 2 (after extra time)

Scottish League Cup Second Round, Tuesday 25 August 2015 – Station Park

Hearts may have set the Ladbrokes Premiership alight this season with five wins in a row but they made hard work of progressing to the third round of the Scottish League Cup, requiring extra-time to defeat League One side Forfar Athletic at Station Park.

Head Coach Robbie Neilson made seven changes from the side that defeated Partick Thistle on Saturday with Jack Hamilton, Jordan McGhee, Kevin McHattie, Sean McKirdy, Billy King and Gary Oliver all finding a starting place.

As you might expect for a team top of the Ladbrokes Premiership, Hearts dominated possession but found former Scotland goalkeeper Rab Douglas in fine form.

With the game goalless and thoughts turning to extra-time, it looked like Hearts had at last made the breakthrough when they were awarded a penalty. However, as in keeping with much of Hearts season so far, the penalty kick was missed – Douglas producing a fine save from Gavin Reilly.

With 16 minutes left, Hearts finally got the goal their play deserved when Kevin McHattie fired home Sam Nicholson’s cross. Relief at last for the travelling Maroon Army – but not for long.

With just six minutes left, The Loons equalised with a header from Dunlop and thus another thirty minutes extra-time had to be played – but not before Denholm was sent off for the home side.

Midway through the extra-time period, Hearts made their numerical advantage and superior fitness pay off when Gavin Reilly diverted Callum Paterson’s effort past the despairing Douglas to ensure Hearts went through. Forfar were then reduced to nine men when Nicoll was sent off for a shocking tackle on Hearts youngster Callumn Morrison.

Forfar Athletic: Douglas, Dunlop, Campbell, Nicoll, Travis, Young (Malin, 46′), Hay, Hodge, Templeman, Fotheringham, Denholm.

Hearts: Hamilton, L. Smith, McGhee, Rossi, McHattie, Gomis, McKirdy, King, Nicholson, Oliver, Reilly.

Referee: Greg Aitken

Att: 1,844

Where Stories and Self-expression Overlap: Rachel Cusk and Benjamin Wood at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 

Whilst they sit on stage it is not entirely obvious to see why acclaimed, award-winning author Rachel Cusk is collaborating with the relatively youthful, fresh-faced Benjamin Wood at an Edinburgh International Book Festival event. Cusk’s twenty years of experience writing in comparison to Wood’s two novels does give room for us to question this fusing but once they start discussing the thematic strands of Outline and The Ecliptic it starts to become clear. Delving even further into the writing experience and process, before and after publication, the audience are given an even richer insight into the act of creating, and insular livelihood which is incremental to its yield.

Rachel Cusk, with seven novels published and two Whitbread Awards, one of which for The Last Supper, discusses the processes that went into the creation of Outline, which was shortlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction 2015. Wood, who presently lectures Creative Writing at Birkbeck University, captured the attention of reviewers with his first novel, The Bellweather Revivials and has created a stir with new novel The Ecliptic.

Both get the audience to think about the introverted, insular life of the writer and the process of writing a book, both before and after. Chaired by Serena Field, BBC Arts Producer, we are given an insight into their acclaimed works, with the focus being on artists, exposure and writing retreats.

Rachel Cusk informs the fairly hefty but enthused crowd that with Outline she, “wanted to find a form that would describe a devastated landscape and conceiving that took a long time.” The Ecliptic, which is about a young Scottish female painter, Elspeth, in refuge, Portmantle, and works back to how she gets there. Benjamin admitted that a great deal was drawn from his own experience as he had a residency to live in Istanbul, writing for three months. “Istanbul’s absorbance of culture took over me,” Wood highlighted. He also alluded that there was a lack of interference from the publisher, editor, the outside.

Cusk exclaims on the notions of creative retreats: “I do need that shelter, I need to shut away and write” as she reflects on her time in Helensburgh. She elaborates that what she, “felt was that being among these people things you would have to justify, to be with your own kind where you don’t have to explain yourself.”

Wood’s view on the pre and post writing process highlights the vast differences in experience for the author: “intense experiences of solitude and those of participation can be quite brutal” Serena effectively plays devil’s advocate on the concept of creative retreats, “strange idea that art can be created in isolation as art is your translation of the world.”

Wood advocates however that it is unquestionably understandable and productive for creative people to work amongst other creative minds. If nothing else Cusk and Wood both hit home the impact that writing and publicity can have on them as writers, which in itself is highly interesting: “the work that you do is very insular and then you are expected to go out, talk about it.”

Evidently, both Cusk and Wood draw significantly upon their own experiences rather than research when it comes to the foundation and crux of their work, with Cusk exclaiming, “If I have not seen it, not done it, then it is not what I do.”

 Outline by Rachel Cusk is published by Faber & Faber. The Ecliptic by Benjamin Wood is published by Scribner UK and, both are available from bookshops and online.

Friends of the Earth tell us that Edinburgh Council has announced plans to formally extended its city centre Air Pollution Zone by another 3.5 km to the South and West of the city. They also say that this designates an area where air pollution regularly breaks Scottish Air Quality Safety Standards.

Campaigners marked the new area with a photo stunt this morning showing people on their morning commute wearing gas masks and struggling to breathe against a backdrop of a gigantic gas mask banner on Nicolson Street which is in the heart of the newly extended Pollution Zone.

Friends of the Earth Scotland air pollution campaigner Emilia Hanna said,

“Toxic traffic fumes right here on Nicolson Street are harming the public’s health. Long-term exposure to this sort of air pollution can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke and has been linked with babies being born with low birthweights. Air pollution causes 200 early deaths in Edinburgh alone every year. [3]

“Nicolson Street is heaving with festival goers as well as commuters at this time of year and it is a scandal that everyone is forced to breathe in illegal air pollution. Nicolson Street needs to be transformed from a toxic thoroughfare into a sustainable transport avenue. Priority should be given to walkers, cyclists and public transport users, and car use should be restricted. The bus lanes on Nicolson Street should be upgraded to be in operation all day rather than just at peak hours. This would create a cleaner, safer, and more attractive environment where everyone could breathe clean air.”

FoE say that Edinburgh has five pollution zones and the city centre pollution zone was first declared in 2000. In addition they say that Edinburgh City Council has so far failed to eradicate illegal levels of air pollution. The Scottish Government also apparently missed a European legal deadline to achieve clean air in Edinburgh by January 2015. Along with the UK Government it has been forced by the Supreme Court to produce a new Air Quality Plan before the end of the year. It is currently drawing up a Low Emission Strategy to tackle the country’s air pollution.

Ms Hanna continued: “Road traffic is the main cause of air pollution, so the Council needs to work together with the Scottish Government to get more people walking and cycling and using public transport. It also needs to introduce a Low Emission Zone across the city, where vehicles entering the most polluted areas need to have meet clean emissions standards or pay a fine.”

by Michael Casey

Boy,can Maire Clerkin dance. Yes, we know she is now a choreographer in Hollywood but when she break loose throughout this tale of Irish dancing in Crouch End, North London, it is a wonder to behold.

Maire paints a familiar picture of growing up in an Irish family in North London, with the dancing as the hobby of her family.

There is skilful use of images to punctuate the story but Maire fills the floor with her movement and her words. We particularly like the dancing sequence with an over-amorous Northern Irishman. Oh, and George Macrae!

There is some great break out dancing towards the end, when Maire’s footwork is dazzling.

A tender love letter to a dance form that was a vital part of immigrant life for many Irish, growing up in London.

Tickets here

Michael Casey is the Editor of YourThurrock and this review is a collaboration between The Edinburgh Reporter and YourThurrock, two of the many hyperlocal news websites in the UK.

Bette Davis aka Jessica Sherr jumps for joy with her Two Oscars as she celebrates her successful run of her show Bette Davis ain’t for Sissies at Assembly Rooms. The show which returned to the Edinburgh Fringe has had incredible sell-out houses with fans of the diminutive actress including Liz Leonard tweeting ”Highly recommend @BetteDavisAint at @EdinburghFringe Excellent writing & superb performance by #JessicaSherr ”.

Sherr who featured in blockbuster film Annie with Jamie Foxx said ” There are no better audiences than those who come to the Edinburgh Fringe they have such love for the legend that is Bette Davis”.

ABOUT BETTE DAVIS AIN’T FOR SISSIES
It’s the Academy Awards 1939 and the Los Angeles Times leak the winners early! Bette Davis will lose to Vivien Leigh. With newspaper in hand Davis decides to leave! Witness Bette’s most defining moments as a tenacious young starlet fighting her way to the top. See what happens when someone who always wins … loses. The play, written by Sherr, who has an uncanny resemblance to the young starlet, offers audiences a rare insight into the mind of one of Hollywood’s greatest stars.

Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies, Assembly Rooms until 30 Aug.
Tickets: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bette-davis-ain-t-for-sissies

Submitted by Ann-Marie Baptiste

Reviewer: Amy Taylor: The Public Reviews

Lance is a performer, a visionary, a jack of all trades behind the stage on his two gay dads’ cruise ship, who longs to have this moment in the limelight. For one night only, he’s in town with his chat show, Late With Lance! and he’s invited Hugh Jackman, Liza Minelli and Miami Sound Machine to be his extra special guests. They just haven’t turned up yet.

The follow up to Marino’s previous one-man show, Desperately Seeking the Exit, performed at the 2012 and 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Late With Lance! is, a parody of that Edinburgh Fringe staple, the solo show. In Marino’s hands, the show is a send up of our celebrity-obsessed culture, a pastiche of the talk show confessional and a sneering comment on the quest for fame.

Underneath all that desperation and flair, Lance is a damaged, lonely man, yet, for what he lacks in actual talent and intelligence, he’s just so damn sweet. In lesser hands, Lance would be an unsympathetic character, but Marino makes him a completely sympathetic character. Marino’s energy and ability to relax and involve the audience is inspiring, because although it looks like Lance has no idea what he’s doing, the audience are completely under his control.

Although the jokey references to Edinburgh as ‘Edinburger’ wore a little thin near the end, you can’t help but Lance a man who is so disarmingly charming that when he asks members of the audience to get on stage in lieu of his missing acts, they agree willingly. A great follow up to his previous work, Late With Lance! Is delightful ray of sunshine at this year’s Fringe.

Runs until 30 August 2015

Submitted by Amy Taylor