Dillie said: “I wasn’t supposed to be doing the Festival alone. I was supposed to be up in Edinburgh as per usual with my buddies in Fascinating Aïda, wringing the last drops of fun from our recent show, Charm Offensive before taking a year off to write the next show. And then Adèle Anderson, the Dame, my friend, colleague and collaborator of over 30 years, was diagnosed with cancer, and suddenly all our lives were upended, hers most of all. So our little break will be rather longer than ever intended, and I shall be solo-ing more than I’d ever planned, and keeping the name of Fascinating Aïda alive in my own way.”

After celebrating 30 years of Fascinating Aida, Dillie Keane is taking a break from the trio to bring audiences her brand spanking new show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 6 – 31 August – her first solo show there in 557 years, written by her and Adèle Anderson..

Brand new songs, grand old favourites, gorgeous songs of love and hilarious songs of disgraceful filth. Dillie will break your heart, mend it again and have it sent to the cleaners for pressing. And she’ll give you her recipe for chutney while she’s at it.

As founding member of Fascinating Aida, Dillie has amassed over 17 million hits on Youtube for their charming and now infamous takes on a variety of topics from Cheap Flights to OFSTED to Dillie’s notorious ode to dogging, which itself has reached 2 million hits so far.

Having studied music at Trinity College, Dublin and acting at LAMDA, Keane founded Fascinating Aida in 1983, discovering her now long term writing partner Adèle Anderson who joined in 1984. With the trio she has enjoyed 30 years of success, playing countless tours around the UK and Ireland, featuring stints in London theatres including the Donmar Warehouse, Theatre Royal, Haymarket, the Apollo and the Garrick. Further afield they have played shows theatres on New Zealand, New York, South Africa as well as one month at the Sydney Opera House.

Away from Fascinating Aida, Keane has presented a number of one woman shows both in the West End and at the Edinburgh Festival as well as developing her acting career in plays such as The Plough and the Stars (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Juno and the Paycock (Leicester Haymarket); Present Laughter (Birmingham Rep) and the Dublin premiere of The Vagina Monologues.

Submitted by Arabella Neville-Rolfe

Hibs have announced  arrangements regarding the club Loyalty Scheme for the 2015/16 following feedback and consultation with supporters.

The Club launched the loyalty scheme last season to recognise supporters who attend matches on a weekly basis as a season ticket holder or walk-up. The mechanism allows for wider recognition of supporters who attend away matches, as well as those who cannot commit to a season ticket but who attend Easter Road regularly.

As part of the newly structured Working Together format a group of supporters and club representatives have met over the summer to shape the Loyalty Points system for the upcoming season. Fans from supporters groups including Carlton, St Pats and Orkney branches put themselves forward for the group, and were joined by supporter representatives Amit Moudgil and Frank Dougan.

Feedback from last season was taken into account alongside experiences of other clubs operating similar systems. Particular issues around the early award of points for 15/16 season tickets, allocation of play-off away tickets and the possibility of rolling forward points to recognise ongoing attendance at matches were all discussed.

There were also discussions on the difference between loyalty in attending games compared to financial contribution through other means, such as club shop expenditure, share purchase, HSL donations etc. It was decided that both should be treated separately, with the Hibernian Loyalty Scheme focused solely on the distribution of tickets based on attendance at matches. The group will now look at the merit in developing a ‘reward’ based scheme recognising wider finanical contributions to the Club as a longer term project to develop.

As a result of the discussions some changes were proposed to the system for 15/16. The point levels for 2015/16 have been increased to 10 and 5 points for home and away matches respectively, with season ticket holders receiving 180 points. Point totals will be carried over from last season, with a rolling 3 year cycle planned for accumulation of points. For example, when season 2017/18 begins the points from 14/15 will be removed.

The accumulation of points is designed to recognise the ongoing commitment of supporters across seasons, with the 3 year period able to capture ongoing loyalty without supporters building an unassailable points total or handicapping new supporters of the Club.

The proposed points system is shown below:

Ticket Type	2014/15 Points	2015/16 Points
Season Ticket	150	180
Home League/Cup Walk-Up (per game)	5	10
Away League/Cup Walk-Up (per game)*	3	5

*points are only available for away matches where tickets are provided to Hibernian in advance.

The total number of points given to season ticket holders for home matches was brought into line with accumulated walk up home points (18*10=180) to bring equality in attending matches. STHs maintain value through upfront points award, meaning they will have more points for home matches compared to walk up supporters throughout the regular league season.

It is proposed to use the points system for selling tickets to every away match where we receive tickets in advance for sale. Waves of sales will be utilised to spread the sales of tickets where time permits, giving the opportunity to recognise those with the highest number of points first. We also hope to provide monthly ‘points statements’, which would be e-mailed to supporters to make it easier for supporters to be aware of the number of points they have. Please check your e-mail address on your eTicketing account to ensure you have an accurate e-mail address registered.

150 points were awarded in 2014/15 for 2015/16 season tickets, an additional 30 points will be allocated to existing tallies to make up the 180 points. Supporters should check their loyalty points by logging in to eTicketing and contact the Ticket Office (tickets@hibernianfc.co.uk / 0844 844 1875) if there are any questions.

Director Amit Moudgil said: “We believe we have a developed a loyalty system which is fair and provides priority to supporters who attend the most matches. This was only made possible through the constructive feedback we received from supporters and the efforts of the Working Together group – which has highlighted that positive changes can be made if we work in collaboration with one another”

 

Former Hibs and Nottingham Forest midfielder Brian Rice has been appointed as assistant manager at Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC in time to  help the Scottish Cup holders prepare for tonight’s  Europa League tie with Romanian side FC Astra Giurgiu at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

Rice, who has been coaching leading Qatar club, Al Khor, replaces another former Hibs’ hero, Russell Latapy who left the club last week to pursue his ambition to become a manager in his own right.

Manager John Hughes told the club website: “This is the third time Brian and I have linked up as he was my assistant at Falkirk and Hibernian so I have a full insight in to the quality of his coaching and I’m delighted he has agreed to join us.”

“Brian is a highly qualified coach and can be a big asset to us as we face the challenge of a new season.”

Rice commented: “I’m very pleased to be working with John Hughes again, as we share an outlook on the game. From Qatar, I watched Caley Thistle’s progress last season and you could see they had the stamp of John’s possession football style.”

“There is real character and togetherness in their dressing room and I am keen to make a positive contribution to drive the team forward.”

Rice scored 12 goals in 98 games for Hibs before Brian Clough paid £175,000 to take him to Nottingham Forest in 1985 for whom he appeared 115 times, scoring 12 goals.

After a loan spell at Stoke City, he joined Falkirk in 1991, scoring 8 times in 101 games before moving to Dunfermline Athletic in 1995 and later having spells at Clyde and Morton before finishing his playing career in 2000, when he was appointed Morton assistant manager under Ian McCall.

He followed McCall to Airdrie and then to Falkirk and when John Hughes came in as manager of The Bairns in 2003, Rice was retained as assistant and they won the First Division and reached the 2009 Scottish Cup final.

When Hughes was appointed Hibernian boss in June 2009, Rice followed him to Easter Road. Now they are together again.

Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that James Lewis has been found safe and well.

The 79-year-old was traced in the Ingliston area around 9.10am today.

Officers have issued a statement thanking the  public for their assistance during this appeal.

A major Scottish environmental group has called on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to “urgently” publish details of a meeting she held with a billionaire energy tycoon on the subject of fracking.

Ineos boss Jim Ratcliffe earlier claimed to have received private assurances that the SNP is ‘not opposed’ to fracking in Scotland.

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “Given that Jim Ratcliffe is now using his conversation with the First Minister to back up his claims on fracking, Nicola Sturgeon urgently needs to publish a note of their meeting and make a statement on what she did and didn’t say to the Ineos boss.“

The Scottish Government announced a moratorium on fracking on 28 January 2015 pending a health impact assessment report, a public consultation, regulatory reform and planning reform. It was later revealed that Nicola Sturgeon was meeting with Mr Ratcliffe on the same day.

”The Scottish Government is officially neither for nor against fracking, that is after all why we are having a moratorium while the evidence is examined and the public are asked what they think.” said Dr Dixon.

“We don’t share Ineos’ rosy view of the world. We’re convinced that Scotland will move to a full ban on fracking when we’ve looked at the evidence of health impacts, environmental contamination and climate change emissions that this industry has brought elsewhere.”

The firm has already acquired fracking exploration licences for 700 square miles across central Scotland.

A Scottish Government spokesman responded by saying the meeting was nothing out of the ordinary.

“As previously published correspondence shows, the meeting with Ineos was just one of the regular meetings that ministers have with the whole range of stakeholders in the energy and environmental sector.

“Mr Ratcliffe’s comments simply reflect what we have already said publicly on this issue – no fracking can or will take place in Scotland while the moratorium we have announced remains in place, a policy that has received wide support from both environmental groups and industry.”

Dr Dixon argued that this is a dangerous move by the SNP.

”Labour’s strong position on fracking is going to make the SNP look weak unless the party goes beyond a neutral stance in the run up to the Scottish Election.

“With many SNP MPs elected on a no fracking promise at the General Election, the SNP as a party will have to go further than the SNP as the current government of Scotland to remain credible on this issue.”

However the government stated that they are looking at all options very closely.

“We are taking a careful, considered and evidence-based approach to unconventional oil and gas, and the moratorium and the planned public consultation will allow all stakeholders and local communities to have their say.”

Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, is sceptical of the claims made by Jim Ratcliffe that Scotland is soon to be opened up for fracking. The MSP said:  “We know that the Scottish Government’s moratorium is only temporary, however, the strength of public opinion on the matter that helped us achieve that measure gives me full confidence that the Scottish public will continue to be heard.

“The latest comments from Mr Ratcliffe are not surprising given his vested interest, but what I would find surprising is if his vision of a Scotland with more polluting fossil fuels at the heart of our industrial future is shared by the majority of Scots.

“Scotland has what it takes to develop a jobs-rich economy focusing on a reindustrialisation programme which respects the environment, and also respects the rights of employees to organise and have their interests represented by a Trade Union.

“Unconventional gas extraction doesn’t lend itself to community ownership as renewables do, but sucks investment and talent away from jobs in the industries of the future. I hope the wishes of the Scottish electorate carry proper weight with SNP Ministers.

“We have come a long way since I led Holyrood’s first debate on fracking in May 2014, proposing a ban. All other parties voted against my calls at that time, but the Scottish Greens will continue to lead calls for the current pause to become a full ban on this dirty and unnecessary method of extracting yet more fossil fuels.”

Tony Singh pop-up brings spice and flavour to Edinburgh Festival

The larger-than-life celebrity chef, Tony Singh is set to return to Scotland’s capital this August (1st – 31st) with a new pop-up restaurant, Road Trip, promising stripped down dining at its very best.

Housed for the duration of the Edinburgh Festival at Metro Brasserie in the Apex International Hotel, located in city’s Grassmarket, the pop-up’s diverse and eclectic menu will offer ‘street food’ made with the finest international and locally sourced ingredients, drawing inspiration from Tony’s travels across the globe.

Synonymous with Tony’s charismatic personality and contemporary culinary approach, dishes on the Road Trip menu will be affordably priced from £5.00 each and with tables available from 12noon to midnight seven days a week, the restaurant offers the ideal pit-stop for busy festival goers looking for something tasty to refuel between shows.

Dishes as varied and international as a Single Fish, synonymous with his Edinburgh background to Pho, a noodle soup from Vietnam, will appear alongside daily specials using the best of that Scotland’s outstanding natural larder has to offer. And, it wouldn’t be a Tony Singh pop-up without his legendary haggis pakora making an appearance on the menu.

Tony Singh says, “I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this project, back behind a stove in the heart of Edinburgh. It’s going to be brilliant to use the best of Scottish and British produce, in a mash up of styles and flavours from all the places around the world I have been lucky enough to munch in. The street food menu is dead simple and really tasty….like me, it’s a cheeky mash-up of cultures and experiences! Come along and get stuck in”.

All dishes will also be available to takeaway – the perfect accompaniment to the Festival Fringe shows, produced by Sweet Venues, which will be a daily fixture at the Apex International Hotel – also an official Fringe venue for 2015.

Stuart Douglas, General Manager of the Apex International commented “We’re delighted to be working with Tony Singh who has a fantastic reputation, not only in the capital and across Scotland but UK-wide. Tony’s passion for tastes and presentation can be enjoyed by visitors to Edinburgh during the festival, his loyal foodie followers, Edinburgh locals, and of course our hotel residents who will find a very different dining offer this year.”

For more information on the Road Trip menu and how to book click here.

Bookings can also be made either by calling 0845 365 0002 or emailing metrointer@apexhotels.co.uk
Follow @apex_inter and @McTSingh and they will be using the hashtag #SinghsRoadtripfor live updates on Road Trip throughout the festival.

Tony Singh @McTSingh

Submitted by Gillian Lamont

On Monday night, hairdressing legend Sam McKnight returned to his Scottish roots, when he attended an intimate #The Coterie session with journalist and BeautyMART co-founder Anna-Marie Solowij in Edinburgh’s Dovecot studios.

Hosted by Creative HEAD magazine, Sam shared detailed stories and coinciding photography from some of the most iconic moments in his forty-year career with a crowd of loyal McKnight admirers.

The buzz among the waiting audience was not only loud but really sang McKnight’s praises before he had even taken his seat. Immediately it became clear just how respected the stylist is, with many members of the audience calling his journey to success an inspirational one.

The evening began with Creative HEAD magazine’s publisher, Catherine Handcock, outlining the definition of the word ‘coterie’ as the reason “why we do these sessions.” She explained that a group of people with a shared passion, not only in hairdressing but in coming together to create these opportunities, was so perfect to describe the community formed on the evening.

Expecting to learn how to create the perfect coiffure, I returned home from the event feeling freshly educated in how to construct a flourishing career path. Sam McKnight escorted the crowd through hairdressing history from a time where ‘How To’ videos were non-existent and the 90s supermodel boom, to today’s celebrity transformation editorials. Here are ten valuable lessons he taught us throughout his The Coterie Edinburgh Session.

1- The key is staying humble.

Sam himself requested that The Coterie events branch out across the nation making their way north to reconnect where it all began for him in Scotland. He expressed his thanks for the opportunities that stemmed from training at Molton Brown hairdressers, which in turn led to a long relationship with Vogue magazine.

When asked about the biggest lesson he had learned throughout his career, he insisted it is vital to recognise “It is not all about you.” The coveted icon also keeps himself grounded by pursuing a love for gardening and baking.

2- Timing is everything.

McKnight reflected on the eighties as being a time of change and the beginning of hairdressers having the opportunity to branch out on their own, exploring the artistic side of the business.

3- Do not be afraid to take a risk.

The risk can be anything  – whether it is with coming up with an edgy hairstyle, moving to New York or cancelling a Vogue shoot to travel to Pakistan with Princess Diana, (you know, the usual!). Sam emphasised the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone as he dwelled fondly on his adventures, “Hairdressing is an amazing skill to have, if something does not work out, you can always fall back on it.”

4- Embrace change and the new.

Illustrated as the pinnacle of modern, sexy hair, Sam McKnight advocated the creative push that social media platforms such as Instagram have brought to fashion. He explained, “Instagram is so relevant to what I do and a fantastic tool to the industry. It is like my scrapbook or a Polaroid going around the world.”

5- Be prepared.

Especially when working with wigs, McKnight recommended that being prepared is when he works best. He discussed one of his most recent ventures in the hair meets fashion world, preparing 72 wigs to execute the already iconic, futuristic, sharp bob look for Chanel’s AW16 couture show.

6- Be adaptable.

He explained that the style you create in the dressing room will not look the same once on set. You have to be open to making changes to your work.

The hairdresser told the audience of Karl Lagerfeld’s specific abstractions. As he demonstrated drawings the director of Chanel sent over for one of the brand’s couture shows and the following outcome, Sam focused on the importance of working together to alter the style and achieve the vision in mind.

7- It is not a competition.

A harmonious marriage between hair and makeup is essential in order for a look to work. He emphasised that it is not about overpowering one another but instead meshing together with other professionals and working as a team.

8- Forming solid, respectful relationships in the workplace is key to your career.

There is a lot to be said for putting energy into working relationships. Sam encouraged establishing a give and take partnership as he explored some of his friendships with names from Peter Philips, creative director of Christian Dior Makeup and photographer Mario Testino, to Kate Moss and Princess Diana. A lot of which are based on a mutual respect from working in a creative environment together.

It became clear why McKnight’s collaborative nature has helped his success. Untangling the industry’s spider web of connections, Sam joked, “Do not burn bridges, perhaps you may singe them a little.”

9- Do not have any regrets.

Solowij questioned whether McKnight ever found himself looking back on a show and wishing he had done something differently. The stylist explained how he does not have any regrets but alternatively processes new ideas and realises potential for future opportunities.

10- Have fun.

Simply ending with, “A bit of humour is important. There is always lots of fun to be had”, Sam McKnight’s down to earth character prevailed.

By joining forces, The Coterie, Babyliss PRO, Anna-Marie Solowij and Sam McKnight provided Monday night’s audience with captivating yet relatable experience for everyone.

fills monkey: incredible drum show
Pleasance Courtyard Forth
5-31 Aug (not 12, 17, 24) 17.30 (ends 18.30)

A sensational humour-rhythmic mayhem infused drumming extravaganza and it’s coming to the UK for the first time at this year’s Fringe.

The French illegitimate sons of Stomp (with a hearty dose of Animal from The Muppets) bring their sensational smash hit humour-rythmic drum show to the UK for the first time.

The Incredible Drum Show is a completely crazy polyrhythmical hour where anything percussive can happen – and almost certainly will! Bursting with contagious energy it’s a show unlike any other with quirky humour, top-notch staging and two of the most skillful drummers you’ll ever see.

The show arrives at the Fringe fresh from sell out tours of France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada where audiences aged 7 to 77 lapped up the irrepressible humour and frenzied rhythmic mayhem, inevitably ending in standing ovations and audiences air drumming all the way home.

The Incredible Drum Show is a highly visual experience with superb lighting and production values. As well as virtuosic drumming there’s choreography, juggling and mime, sound effects, unexpected props and heaps of surprises – you’ll not only see tennis racquets used as drumsticks but tennis balls too – and in turn drums being used for tennis practice.

With their twin kits set up alongside each other, Sébastien Rambaud and Yann Coste are natural performers. Their limbs become a blur as they demonstrate their impeccable percussive skills. Their unique brand of mischievous humour is never far away as they indulge in a not inconsiderable rivalry.

Sébastien and Yann first met in 2005 when they were demonstrating drums and percussion at a trade fair. They immediately hit it off and discovered they had a shared interest in promoting their trade beyond the usual ‘drummer at the back’ role. They kept in touch and Fills Monkey was born in 2009. Since then the dynamic drumming duo have honed their act to perfection, selling out theatres, breaking records and becoming international festival sensations.

Sébastien ‘Seb’ Rambaud discoverd music in 1994 studying drums, orchestral percussions, piano and jazz guitar simultaneously. He has played in and recorded with several well known bands in his native France and written music for a number of albums.

Yann Coste began playing drums at the age of 11 at the Agostini Academy in Lyon and has been playing professionally in bands since he was 16. As a drummer and guitarist, he has numerous tours and sessions under his belt.

The show has enjoyed rave reviews with both Le Monde and Le Parisien giving it 5 stars. In POaris actor Euan McGregor took his daughter to see it twice!

Submitted by Martin Mouth

David Domoney, TV gardener on STV’s This Morning and Love Your Garden comes to George Street on Saturday 18th July for a free workshop.

David will be hosting a crash course on gardening projects that are quick and easy to do at home. If you come along to Dobbies’ Urban Gardens in Edinburgh (opposite the Assembly Rooms) at noon, you can learn how to plant pots, hanging baskets and herb gardens.
Dobbies is also offering to plant up your used coffee cup for free if you bring it along with you.
Speed Gardening sessions and other workshops will then be held throughout summer, many of which are free and some will be held for charity.
More details can be found here: http://www.dobbies.com/urban-gardens/

Submitted by Kate Cheesman

River Dipping. Get into the river for this favourite activity! 2-3.30pm, Water of Leith Conservation Trust, 24 Lanark Road. £4 per child, accompanying adult free. Booking is essential and may be made by calling the Visitor Centre on 0131 455 7367 or emailing admin@waterofleith.org.uk.

LGBT Age: Salads & Smoothies. A nutritious and vitalising light lunch in good company; recipes and fresh fruit and veg will be provided to enjoy in the garden sunshine. 11am-1pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Free but booking is preferred; please contact lynda@lgbthealth.org.uk. LGBT Age is a project run by LGBT Health & Wellbeing for LGBT people aged 50+; it aims to promote health and wellbeing and create social opportunities through its befriending service, social programme and information sessions. If you would like to sign up to the monthly LGBT Age e-bulletin, click here.

From Carlins to Carving: walk the full length of the Pentland Hills Regional Park and learn about the two witches (carlines) of Carlops, the dry slopes of Hillend – and a few things in between! Magnificent views! This is a strenuous walk of 12 miles with an ascent of 1,100m. For over 16s only: free. 9.45am-5pm, meet at Carlops Village Car Park.  Bring sturdy footwear, waterproofs and lunch. This event is part of the Pentland Walking Festival (16th-18th July 2015); other walks include Teddy Bear Adventures, Northern History and The Ridge – for further information about all walks please contact the Pentland Hills Regional Park Service HQ at Hermitage of Braid 69a Braid Road; call 0131 529 2401 or email pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Art Buffet. Bragela Hornel invites you to explore and be amazed by the gallery’s table of delights! Focusing specifically on abstract paintings, create unique and inspiring works of art. 2-4pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. £4 per person: advance booking is essential and must be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here. Please note that these workshops are for families working together: all children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult, and children must not be booked into workshops alone.

Northfield and Willowbrae Community Council. The meeting will include a discussion with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, which is consulting on the design for the new Hamilton Park which, with the new St John’s Primary School, will be one of the largest projects in the area for some time. Come along to this first consultation and get some ideas! 7pm, Northfield/Willowbrae Community Centre, Northfield Road. All welcome.

Public Information: cool/hot, funky/electric modern jazz from the Edinburgh-based quartet of Don Kelman (sax/flute), Iain Carleton (guitar), Ron Ballin (electric bass) and Desmond Travis (drums). Originals and re-arranged standards, plus some lesser-heard material by Ornette Coleman, Miles Davis et al. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.

An Evening with Judy Blume: the iconic YA and adult author makes a rare visit from the US to talk about her new novel for adults In the Unlikely Event. Judy will be in conversation with Edinburgh YA author Cat Clarke. 6.30pm, Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place. Tickets cost £7 (£5 for Waterstones’ Cardholders) and may be obtained online here (transaction fee applies).

Hot Tin Roof: the Edinburgh-based guitar trio – Andy McKay Challen (acoustic guitar/vocals), Gavin Jack (electric lead guitar) and Kenny Miller (Cajon) – play stripped back, atmospheric blues and soul. 9pm, Old Chain Pier, Trinity Crescent.

Edinburgh College in the running for green awards

Ravelston Dykes road works

TaeKwonFIT class

Summer Fayre

Edinburgh Castle concerts

Edinburgh College has been named as a finalist in three categories in the prestigious Green Gown Awards, which celebrate sustainability initiatives in the education sector.

Now in their 11th year, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities, colleges and the learning and skills sectors across the UK.

Read more here.

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Ravelston Dykes sewer connections – road closed at Murrayfield Road from Friday 17th July for 2 weeks. #edintravel pic.twitter.com/tqnFueG0n0

— EdinburghTravelNews (@edintravel) July 15, 2015

There is a complete list of all notable road works here on the Council website.

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Tomorrow you could get along to a TaeKwonFIT class at 7.00pm.

Non-contact and safe. No previous experience in martial arts required.

Class instructor Julia is certified fitness instructor, 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo, with nearly 10 years experience in training and competing on national and international level.

Taking place at Edinburgh Palette. More details here.

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Edinburgh Castle already have the seating up in readiness for the Tattoo but from this weekend they are hosting a series of concerts – and there are still some tickets available!

Tickets are extremely limited for Lionel Ritchie, contact Ticket Master or Ripping Records and these have to be collected in person from Ripping Tickets, 91 South Bridge Edinburgh.

Tickets are still available for The Vamps and Boyzone and these can be purchased from Ticket Master or See Tickets.

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Heather McCormack from Edinburgh has set herself a real challenge this weekend when she will cycle 150km in Perthshire. .

After the massive success of our British athletes in cycling across the world, more and more people up and down the country are getting on their bikes and using the time to get some fresh air on their face while livening up their daily commute to work.

What kind of person signs up to take part in a 150km distance event?  Heather McCormack has a landmark birthday on the horizon, but isn’t letting that become a barrier to enjoying herself and seizing the day, while getting a rather large spot of exercise, of course.

Heather is the first person to ever sign up for the brand new distance at Macmillan Cycletta, the UK’s leading series of women only bike rides and is tackling the 150km this weekend on Sunday 19th July at Scone Palace, Perth.

To mark this landmark distance for the event which takes place up and down the country through the year, the team at Human Race, Macmillan Cycletta event organisers, decided to track Heather to find out her story.

No stranger to a physical challenge, Heather has been looking for an event that suits her personally in this extra special year.

“I decided to take part in Macmillan Cycletta for various reasons, but the main one is that 2015 is a significant year for me as I will be turning 60. 

“Over the years I’ve done running and half marathons. I even completed the London Marathon in 2012, which was a lifelong ambition of mine. I was the tortoise rather than the hare, but loved every minute of it. I’ve been looking for new inspiration since and found it in an event like Macmillan Cycletta”

Heather re-discovered cycling after her work relocated and the commute was a bit too far to walk.

“I’ve cycled all my life, but stopped when I had my family. I started again more recently when my work moved further away. It ended up being my incentive to get back in the saddle. My partner and I went to Yorkshire to see the Tour De France last year too which was really inspiring. There was such a fantastic atmosphere and it was really sociable, so it got me thinking about finding a cycling event that suited me.

“I considered cycling groups locally but they seemed a bit more family orientated which didn’t suit me as well since my son is all grown up. I felt I needed something to build my confidence.”

Heather’s search for an event was over last December when she received an email from Human Race about Macmillan Cycletta and saw that they ran events all over the country. She then signed up for the Scottish event, taking place at Scone Palace, Perth this year.  

“I had signed up for these emails when my partner and I took part in a Human Race event, combining it with a visit to my son in Kingston Upon Thames. When I read about Cycletta, I knew it was right for me and just went for it. It was very spur of the moment.

“I was attracted to Cycletta because it is a women only event. The idea of a Sportive felt a bit too intimidating – especially as this will be my first cycling event. I wanted something less pressured and more fun and sociable. Even the name, Cycletta, has a more friendly feel.”

Now, as well as birthday celebrations to look forward to, Heather is starting to think about fitting in some all-important training.

“I haven’t really started training yet, but I will find a training schedule online. I never follow training programmes religiously though. I usually wiggle it a bit to suit my circumstances. I’m not really that competitive. It’s not about that for me, it’s more about the personal challenge. I know it sounds crazy, but training doesn’t phase me – I’m quite happy doing it.”

In the year of her 60th birthday, Heather has some very wise advice for any ladies out their looking for a challenge.

“Just give it a go. It doesn’t have to be competitive and you meet like-minded people. Unless you experience it, you don’t know how friendly, fun, relaxed and social these sorts of events are. 

“I know it seems like a huge distance to cycle, but people often underestimate themselves. Believe me, I’ve thought I was going to be at the very back whenever I’ve taken part in events, but I’ve never been last yet. Also you always gets just as much of a cheer if you’re at the tail end as you would if you were at the front. I’m hoping that Cycletta will be the same and not have that competitive edge – winning isn’t the be all and end all.” 

Heather is participating in Macmillan Cycletta at Scone Palace this Sunday. The event has three distances with 150km being the longest. There are also race distances of 100km and 50km. To find out more and sign up visit http://humanrace.co.uk/events/cycletta

A rollicking band of young pirates (and maidens and policemen) are coming to the Fringe this year to present Gilbert and Sullivan’s most-beloved comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance.

On his twenty-first birthday, and with his pirate apprenticeship complete, Frederic leaves his crew to seek love and redemption in the form of the beautiful (if somewhat nutty) Mabel. But when a startling paradox is revealed, will Frederic’s sense of duty doom him to betray her? And what of Ruth, the middle-aged nursemaid he once loved?

The Pirates of Penzance is sure to have the whole family humming along. So join us as we embark on a swashbuckling musical adventure!

Performances: 9th-11th & 13th-15th August 2015, Time: 15:05 (2h10)
Venue: Paradise in Augustines (Fringe Venue 152), Tickets: £10 / £8 / £30 Family

 

The Pirates of Penzance is attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with the support of Mermaids: The University of St Andrews Performing Arts Fund. They are also appearing here:

Bear Hug: Paradise in The Vault, 8th-22nd August.
Blind Mirth: Paradise in The Vault, 8th-22nd August.
Patriots: Paradise in The Vault, 8th-22nd August.

For more information on any of the Mermaids shows visit http://www.mermaidstheatre.com.

Follow @FringePirates and like their Facebook page for updates.
Submitted by Peter Swallow

Ria Lina: Taboo Raider

The Stand Comedy Club 2 (Venue 5)
5 & 7-30 (not 17) @ 6pm

Ria Lina makes an eagerly awaited return to the Edinburgh Fringe, following straight on from her 2014 hit show, School of Raison, which has just received a commission from BBC Radio 4.

In Taboo Raider, Ria addresses the touchy issues in society: racism, disability, religion, body image; and asks is political correctness doing more harm than good?

Witty and audacious, Ria is shamelessly angling for another commission, because who, secretly, doesn’t revel in discussing awkward dinner party topics like ’do we still need political correctness?’ ’Does free speech really exist?’ and for dessert: ’Which is your favourite ‘-ism’?’

Taboo Raider is not for the faint of humour.

Winner of the EMMA Award for Best Comedian, Ria Lina has been a regular on the international stand-up comedy for the past 14 years, generating a lot of love in a lot of rooms thanks to her dry wit and bawdy ukulele songs. Her 2014 Edinburgh Fringe show, School of Riason, was nominated for the Amused Moose Laughter Awards; contained one of Dave TV’s Top 10 Jokes of the Festival; and was recently commissioned by Radio 4 as a half-hour special to be aired in 2016.Previous projects include her critically acclaimed shows Thpethial (2013) and It’s Not Easy Being Yellow (2012), which transferred to the Brighton Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe, and Singapore International Festivals. Ria also wrote for the Ladyboys of Bangkok’s Fantasy &Feathers(2010) and Glamorous &Amorous(2013) tours.

Ria has appeared in the ITV2 comedy sketch show Meet the Blogs (for which she also wrote) and has written and presented her own documentary for Channel 4 revealing the truth behind the myths that surround oriental women in Britain. Other projects include Sweet n’ Sour Comedy and Malai Monologues, for BBC3; The World Stands Up, for Comedy Central (USA), the Paramount Comedy Channel (UK), and the Comedy Network Channel (AUS).

Title: Ria Lina: Taboo Raider
Venue: The Stand Comedy Club (Room 2), 16 North St Andrew Street, EH2 1HJ – http://www.thestand.co.uk
Tel: 0131 558 7272
Dates: 5 & 7- 30 (not 17)
Time: 6pm
Age: 14+
Duration: 1 hour
Entry: £8 (£7 concessions)

 

Web: http://www.rialina.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ria.lina
https://www.facebook.com/tabooraider
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ettieboo
Submitted by Julian Hall

Police are appealing for witnesses following the assault of two men on Sunday.

The two victims, aged 50 and 55, were walking along Princes Street around 3.20am when they saw a woman being assaulted on the eastside pavement at the junction of Princes Street and Waverley Bridge.

The man who assaulted her is described as white, 25-30 years old, 6ft 4inches tall, with a slim build. He was wearing a black shirt and dark trousers.

They attempted to intervene and were subsequently assaulted by at least one male and required hospital treatment for facial injuries.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 9inches tall, with short brown hair. He was wearing a red checked shirt and blue jeans.

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

Detective Constable Iain Wallace of Gayfield CID said: “This was a brutal attack on two men who appeared to be offering their help and we are urging the woman involved to contact us so we can establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

“We’re also asking anyone who witnessed the incident, who saw the suspects around the time of the incident, or has any information which can help with our enquiries, to come forward.”

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

Police are appealing for information to help trace an elderly man reported missing within the city.

James Lewis left his house in Ferniehill Avenue at around sometime around 9am this morning and has not yet returned home.

Concern is now growing for the 79-year-old’s well being and anyone who believes they have seen him is asked to come forward.

He is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall with a heavy build, bald head and a trim grey beard. It is believed he is driving his grey Toyota Aygo.

Inspector Jonny Elliott said: “We are keen to ensure that James is safe and so would ask that anyone with information as to his current whereabouts contacts police immediately.

“I would also request that James gets in touch with family, friends or with police to let us know where he is and that he is alright.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

Top Scottish authors Ken MacLeod and Ron Butlin were the first to try out Edinburgh’s new ‘book benches’ after they were installed in George Street’s urban gardens today. Along with Lizzie MacGregor who edited Luckenbooth, an anthology of poetry, they sat and posed for photographers and film crews earlier this afternoon.

Ken MacLeod’s Night Sessions and Ron Butlin’s The Magicians of Edinburgh are among the ‘books’ used to fill the benches.

The four hand-carved sit-on sculptures, built from wooden versions of Edinburgh’s favourite books, have been commissioned and installed by the City of Edinburgh Council to commemorate the 10th anniversary year of the city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature.

Crafted by Peter Graham of Bespoke Design with the support of DWA Landscape Architects Ltd, the benches are intended to celebrate the Scottish Capital’s reputation as a home of great literature.

The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

A list of the city’s ‘top 40’ titles as compiled by the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust can be found carved into the sculptures.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: “As the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Scotland’s Capital city is a genuine hub for all things linked to literature. These additions to the city’s streets to celebrate 10 years of this fantastic designation can only go to reinforce that status further.

“You could get lost tracing through the rows upon rows of books featured in these sculptures. Like any good bookshelf, you’re sure to find a title that suits your tastes.”

The books which are included are as follows:

Fiction

44 Scotland Street (2004) by Alexander McCall Smith

Complicity (1993) by Iain Banks

The Fanatic (2000) by James Robertson

The Game of Kings (1961) by Dorothy Dunnett

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1961) by Muriel Spark

Trainspotting (1993) by Irvine Welsh

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox (2006) by Maggie O’Farrell

Classic Fiction

Waverley (1814) by Sir Walter Scott

The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner (1824) by James Hogg

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886) by Robert Louis Stevenson

Noctes Ambrosianae (1820 – 1835) by John Wilson et al.

Marriage (1818) by Susan Ferrier

The Expedition of Humphrey Clinker (1771) by Tobias Smollett

Non-fiction

A Treatise of Human Nature (1740) by David Hume

Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes (1878) by Robert Louis Stevenson

Encyclopaedia Britannica

Theory of the Earth (1788) by James Hutton

History of the Reformation in Scotland (1586-1587) by John Knox

Mary Queen of Scots (1969) by Antonia Fraser

The Silent Traveller in Edinburgh (1948) by Chiang Yee

Curiosities of Crime in Edinburgh (1861) by James McLevy

Royal Edinburgh: Her Saints, Kings, Prophets and Poets (1890) by Margaret Oliphant

Boswell’s Edinburgh Journals 1767-1786 by James Boswell

Poetry

Robert Fergusson Selected Poems (2007) edited by James Robertson

The Poems of Norman MacCaig (2005) edited by Ewen McCaig

The Ever Green (1724) by Allan Ramsay

The Magicians of Edinburgh(2012) by Ron Butlin

Luckenbooth: An Anthology of Edinburgh Poetry (2007) edited by Lizzie MacGregor

Crime

Body Politic (1997) by Paul Johnston

Fatal Last Words (2009) by Quintin Jardine

Black and Blue (1987) by Ian Rankin

Case Histories (2004) by Kate Atkinson

Children’s

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997) by J.K. Rowling

Fleshmarket (2003) by Nicola Morgan

Maisie Comes to Morningside (1984) by Aileen Paterson

Greyfriars Bobby (1912) by Eleanor Atkinson

A Child’s Garden of Verses (1885) by Robert Louis Stevenson

Science-Fiction

The Night Sessions (2008) by Ken MacLeod

Player of Games (1989) by Iain M. Banks

Halting State (2007) Charles Stross

 

Tesco Bank Tour O’ the Borders reaches riders milestone

Today (Wednesday 15th July) Tesco Bank Tour O’ the Borders announced 2,000 riders have now signed up to take part in the 2015 event, making it the biggest to date 

This remarkable milestone comes with just under a month to go until the cycling challenge sets off from Peebles (9th August 2015), with riders enjoying some of Scotland’s best road riding on a route closed to all cars and other traffic.

News of this breakthrough, positions Tesco Bank Tour O’ the Borders as the fastest growing cycling sportive in Scotland. 

On hand to help make the announcement were four of this year’s participants who posed for photos against the backdrop of the Cademuir Road – a beautiful location, one of many on the stunning route.

Tour O’ the Borders began in 2012 when 300 riders took part, but has quickly grown into one of the biggest closed-road cycling events on the Scottish calendar, and in January it was announced that Tesco Bank would be the main partner.

In June, a new route, the ‘88 Challenge’ was announced, which enjoys the same Borders scenery, and the iconic Talla climb that riders in the original ‘120 Challenge’ will experience.  At 88.8km (55 miles) it will be a little easier on riders’ legs and allows cyclists of all abilities to participate in the event. 

Riders can register to take part in either the ‘88’ or ‘120’ Challenges at www.tourotheborders.com

Neil Dalgleish, Event Director at Tesco Bank Tour O’ the Borders said: 

“It’s fantastic to see so many people signed up already. The organizing team are all keen riders and part of the Borders cycling community, so for us to be able to share this superb route with cyclists from all over the UK and beyond is a real pleasure. Closed road events are a real treat to take part in and we’re aiming to make this a hugely enjoyable and exciting event for everyone. The route is a cycling classic.”

Adele Mills, Senior Community Investment Manager at Tesco Bank added:

“Tesco Bank is proud to support the communities we serve and we are particularly keen to support event an event that makes such a positive impact on the local area. We’re delighted that 2,000 riders have signed up to Tesco Bank Tour O’ the Borders and look forward to welcoming them all on the day”.

 

 

Local singer to fulfil childhood dream by making Fringe debut with ‘The Music of Doris Day’

A local singer and actress from Greenbank has spoken of the pride she feels after fulfilling her childhood dream of securing her first show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Sarah Laing, a former pupil of Boroughmuir High School, grew up attending the Fringe and can’t wait to bring some vintage charm to the festival with her one-woman show, The Music of Doris Day. The show will be performed throughout August at the Free Sisters venue, which is run by the Laughing Horse Free Festival.

The 26-year-old said: “I have been going to see shows during the Fringe for as long as I can remember and always dreamed of being the one up there performing. I love the buzz that is around Edinburgh during August and can’t wait to be right in the middle of it all. The fact that I’m going to be performing hasn’t quite sunk in yet – I actually screamed when I got the email confirming my slot!”

Sarah, who studied Musical Theatre at university, has wanted to pursue a career in the industry since she got her first role as Dorothy in her Brownies’ production of The Wizard of Oz at Greenbank Parish Church, aged nine. She explained: “I am just as excited about stepping into Doris’s shoes as I was stepping into Dorothy’s ruby slippers when I was nine. This is an absolute dream come true for me and I can’t hope that everyone who comes along enjoys my performance.”

The show, which has already enjoyed a successful run at the Big Burns Supper festival in Dumfries this year, features stories about Doris’s life and renditions of some of her most popular songs such as Que Sera Sera, Secret Love and Sentimental Journey.

Sarah explains: “I remember seeing Calamity Jane for the first time when I was nine and being blown away by Doris’s performance as she not only had a beautiful voice but was also really quirky and funny. I regularly perform in care homes in Edinburgh as I love engaging with the residents, many of whom have dementia, and using music to try and tap into their memories.”

 

The Music of Doris Day will be performed in the Gothic Room at the Free Sisters, Cowgate from Thursday 6th- Sunday 30th August (excluding 17th and 18th) at 10.45am each day. Official fringe page: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/music-of-doris-day

 

Submitted by Sarah Laing

Can You Escape, Edinburgh’s newest attraction, is launching its next mission just in time for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Operation Heckle.

The company’s newest venture is an outside escape game which will allow teams of 3 – 6 people to follow the trail of the fictional character Nick Knock who is out to ruin the Fringe. All the team have to do is decipher where he is hiding the device which will cut power to the city in 60 minutes – easy? Think again! There are a range of puzzles and riddles along the route which teams need to solve in order to solve the mystery in time.

Can You Escape is one of five escape games based in the city centre. The company formed in December 2014 and earlier this year were awarded Scotland’s Best Family Day Out at the Entertainment and Hospitality Awards. They already run two missions, Operation Odyssey and Operation Bald Eagle, from their headquarters on Holyrood Road for 2 – 6 people and say they have received excellent feedback on TripAdvisor.

Alastair Watson, founder of Can You Escape, said: “This will be Edinburgh’s first outside escape game so we are very excited to be launching it time for the Fringe. It is quite different from our existing games as it’s out and about in the real world where there are lots of distractions! The feedback we’ve had from our test teams has been great, and we are looking forward to its official launch in August!”

Anyone interested in signing up to Operation Heckle can book a slot on the website, now for missions starting on Friday 31st August.

Submitted by Lauren Pluss

 

Edinburgh College is a finalist in three categories in the prestigious Green Gown Awards, which celebrate sustainability initiatives in the education sector.

Now in their 11th year, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities, colleges and the learning and skills sectors across the UK.

The college is shortlisted for the following awards:

• Facilities and Services Award –for the college’s eCar project. Edinburgh College has been operating a fleet of electric cars since its inception in late 2012 to provide staff with a sustainable, low-carbon, low-cost transport option for travel between its four campuses and other corporate travel. Significant impacts have been made in reducing the number of trips normally carried out in staff members’ own cars, saving 86,227 miles and £38,825 on equivalent travel expenses.
  They are also fully integrated with the curriculum, offering students on our Engineering, Automotive and Electrical courses hands-on experience, and three electric vehicle scholarships have been created – in partnership with local care dealer Alex F. Noble – as the project continues to expand.
• Student Engagement Award – in recognition of the work done to develop the college’s two community gardens as an important college and community resource. The community gardens at Milton Road and Sighthill campuses have more than 200 participants from a diverse range of groups including students – including many with additional support needs – staff and local community members and groups. For many of these users the gardens represent much more than a space to grow food. They are a space to learn about healthy living, gain new skills, build self-confidence and self-esteem, increase employability, adopt sustainable behaviours and make friends.

• Carbon Reduction Award – in recognition of the college’s Sustainability team’s work to develop a Carbon Management Plan, with a footprint and a projects register; a waste strategy; a community growing strategy; a green travel plan; and more. The comprehensive Carbon Management Plan has at its heart a target of 18% minimum reduction by 2020. The college’s energy-saving measures include a solar meadow at Midlothian Campus, photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of the Granton Campus and an eco-friendly hair and beauty academy.

The college is pitched against other colleges and universities from across the UK, and is the only college to be recognised in the Student Engagement and Facilities and Services categories.

Martin Webb, Edinburgh College sustainability officer, said: “We are thrilled to be acknowledged for the progress made to embed sustainability within the college infrastructure and curriculum. We are early on our journey towards achieving the aims of our wider sustainability strategy, but our small enthusiastic team are committed to improving co-ordination, facilitation and promotion of Edinburgh College’s sustainability efforts.”

With sustainable development moving up the global agenda, the awards are now established as the most prestigious recognition of sustainability excellence within the tertiary education sector, as well as the environmental sector.

Image caption: Sustainability officer Martin Webb and Community Garden coordinator Severine Monvoisin in the Sighthill Community Garden.

 

Adding together group and solo recordings, members of the Osmond family charted an incredible 13 singles on the UK charts during 1973 resulting in the coining of a new word, “Osmondmania”, to describe the phenomenon.

With their clean-cut image, talent, and energetic pop-rock sound, the Osmonds have toured to crowds of screaming fans around the world, now, over 40 years later, ‘Osmondmania’ is set to return to the capital when the ‘Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular’ appears at the Queen’s Hall on Monday 21st December.

This dazzling, must-see holiday extravaganza comes directly from the historic stage of Branson USA’s beautiful Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.

Fans are encouraged to book their tickets quickly as the show is likely to be a sell out and here is a preview of what to expect:

In addition to the Osmonds, Irish Comedian Jimmy Cricket will display his jovial hilarity in this festive family tradition along with the Moon River Singers and dancers and nostalgic footage of the legendary Andy Williams from Christmases past.

In addition, the audience will be able to sing along to their favourite Christmas Classics including “Silent Night”, “Last Christmas” and ‘Merry Christmas Everybody.’

The Osmonds will also perform their mega hits made famous during more than five decades of entertaining around the world including “Love Me for a Reason”, “Crazy Horses”, “Down By The Lazy River” and many more.

Andy Williams Moon River Theatre Owner and Operator Jimmy Osmond said: “I am thrilled to bring Andy’s Christmas Spectacular to our friends in the UK. I first appeared on Andy William’s stage when I was only three years old. My brothers had been singing back-up on Andy’s biggest hits and had been regulars on his hit television series for several years, It’s such a joy to carry on Andy’s legacy and continue his treasured holiday tradition.”

Tickets are available at The Queens Hall 0131 668 2019 www.thequeenshall

Hibs started their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 win over Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park last night, but a potentially serious  injury to Danny Handling (pictured)  put a dampener on the victory.

Ironically Handling is no stranger to the Shielfield Park pitch, having spent a successful spell with the ‘Wee Rangers’ in 2012 scoring six goals in his first four games.

New skipper David Gray opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but four  minutes later Handling was stretchered off the pitch with a  knee injury receiving warm applause from both sets of fans.

Last season’s top scorer Jason Cummings added a second in the 55th minute after good work from Scott Allan then five minutes later the midfielder who has been subject of much transfer speculation in the summer showed why when  he dropped his shoulder and added a third.

In the 70th minute Alan Stubbs made six substitutions including Antonio Reguero, Jordon Forster, Alexd Harris and Borderer Lewis Allan.

Afterwards Head Coach Alan Stubbs told Hibernian TV: “Tonight’s performance was very similar to the first half against Wigan which I thought was very  good, so I’m really happy with where we are, The lads look fit and strong and the more minutes we get into them is looking good for the start of our competitive games.

“We are looking forward to the season but we still have a couple of things to do. I’d like to bring in another midfield player. Danny (Handling) looks like he has picked up a nasty injury. We’ll get him scanned and take it from there.”

Hibernian: Oxley (Reguero, 70), Gray (Dunsmore, 70), Hanlon, Fontaine (Forster, 70), Stevenson (Crane, 70), Martin, Handling (Stanton, 20), Fyvie, S. Allan, Cummings (L. Allan, 70), Malonga (Harris, 70).

Photo by John Preece

 

Don’t know what PEP is?

Pilton Equalities Project is situated in the community of North Edinburgh.

They provide day-care services which measurably reduce the isolation of older and other vulnerable adults. These services include five local day-care clubs, a four day mental health provision and a weekend resource for isolated individuals. They enable people to participate in activities that they would not normally have access to: literacy, ICT provision, home-care services & volunteering. PEP also operates a comprehensive community transport service.

Chatterbooks: if you are 8-12 years old and like books and reading, come along to Chatterbooks and meet new friends, talk about books and join in games and competitions. 3.45-4.45pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. All welcome! For more information please ask at the counter, call 0131 529 5617 or email Mohammed.boussabou@edinburgh.gov.uk

Summer Fun in the Courtyard: free family activities for children of all ages. Today Mrs Mash the Storytelling Cook returns to enthrall all – everyone welcome! 11.30am-1pm, Courtyard, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street.

Visually Impaired Tour and Workshop: The Amazing World of MC Escher. A free descriptive tour and practical workshop for the visually impaired. 10am-3.30pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road – meet and collect at the gallery’s back door. To book a place please call the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.

Origami Wonders! Make a regular sized origami creation, then try a larger one. For children aged 5-12 years: children under 8 must be supervised by someone over 12. 2-3pm, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive. All welcome!

Marvellous Messy Monoprints. The grounds at Lauriston Castle are teeming with wildlife – Michael Craik invites you to take this as your inspiration and get messy with a variety of monoprinting techniques, materials and stamps to create a colourful woodland masterpiece. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. £4 per person: advance booking is essential and must be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here. Please note that these workshops are for families working together: all children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult, and children must not be booked into workshops alone.

Lunchtime Concert: The Choir of Trinity Cathedral, Columbia, South Carolina. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Stamp It: a fun, interactive workshop for children aged 7-12 years, using stamps in games, arts and crafts. Learn about animals through stamps, with Sandie Robb from the Association of British Philatelic Societies. Sandie also works for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. 2-3.30pm, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required via eventbrite here. Please note this workshop is not suitable for children under 7 years.

Treasures from Europe: The Art Collection of James, 1st Duke of Hamilton. During the 1620s and 1630s James Hamilton acquired a collection of paintings which was to rival that of Charles I, and which formed the basis of the renowned Hamilton Collection, including works by Titian, Bellini, Giorgioni, Rafael, Rubens, Mytens and Van Dyck. The collection was sold in 1919 and is now dispersed around the world. Kate Anderson, Curator, Portrait Gallery, will highlight some of these key works, examining the collecting tastes of this important Scottish nobleman and the impact his collection had in Stuart Britain. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Water Bottle Spirals: make a colourful decoration for inside or out. For ages 5-12 years. 3.30-4.30pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. All welcome.

Getting Started at the National Library of Scotland: learn how to get a library card (please bring evidence of identity with you if you plan to register), find your way around the library and request materials from the collections. The workshop will include a tour of the Reading Rooms and will last about 90 minutes. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or online here.

Moto Madness: design your own record-breaking vehicle. For ages 5-12 years. 4-5pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Court. All welcome.

Record Breakers Physical Fun & Games: challenge yourself and become a record breaker! How long can you hop on the spot? 2-3pm, Kirkliston Library, 16 Station Road. All welcome!

LGBT: Bi & Beyond Edinburgh. A fortnightly social gathering for people who identify as bisexual and non-monosexual. With organised social activities and refreshments provided, whatever your label or lack of label, we welcome you. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact biandbeyondedinburgh@gmail.com.

VSO Comedy Night: enjoy a good night of comedy and help to raise funds for this life-changing charity. 8.30pm (doors open 7.30pm), The Stand Comedy Club, 5 York Place. Tickets cost £8/£6 and may be reserved by calling The Stand on 0131 558 7272 or by contacting Cathy Crawford on 0131 620 0552/crawfordcathy@hotmail.com. VSO is an international development charity, creating long term solutions to global poverty by sending volunteers from a range of professions to share their skills with some of the world’s poorest communities.

Girls’ Night In: for ages 12-14 years. 5-7pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. All welcome.

Grassmarket Community Project Presents Bill McGillivray. Bill was a missioner with Edinburgh City Mission, Pilton for many years, and is a member of the Magic Circle. He has performed all over the world, entertaining people with his blend of fact, humour and magic. 4.15pm, Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. All welcome, free admission: donations very welcome! The Grassmarket Community Project is a charity providing mentoring, training and education to participants, many of whom are amongst the most vulnerable of Edinburgh’s citizens, in a nurturing environment. It operates a community cafe, woodwork and tartan social enterprises, and a range of social integration and educational activities for members, aimed at enhancing life skills and developing confidence. To read about The Edinburgh Reporter’s afternoon at the Project, click here.

Jammin’ At Voodoo: monthly live jam session with some of Scotland’s leading musicians playing lounge grooves from many genres – blues, soul, funk, ska, rock and reggae, jazz and country. Musicians play by invitation only to set a good standard. For over 18s only. 9pm, The Ballroom, The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street. Free admission.

The Long Lost Trio: guitar-led Jazz and Blues, infused with some Funk, Americana and Soul, from Thomas Dibb (guitar), John Pope (bass) and David Carnegie (drums). Influences include John Scofield, Bill Frisell, The Meters, The Band, Medeski Martin & wood, and Herbie Hancock. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.

Heb Celt 20: It may only be Wednesday, but your first chance to get away from it all starts today! Set in the grounds of Stornaway’s Lews Castle and at various other venues throughout Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Heb Celt offers music from Celtic cultures with contemporary, traditional, indie-folk, rock and world influences. Numerous acts include Salsa Celtica, Raghu Dixit, Idewild, Shooglenifty and Afro Celt Sound System – plus community events, Circus Heroes in the Magpie Big Top, Japanese street theatre with Daiki-san and CHEEKY-san, magic, cookery demonstrations, Blasad dhen Fheis (Taste the Festival), children’s activities, family concerts, Gaelic language tasters, Latin dance workshops, ceilidhs, Highland & Celtic dancing, community concerts, late night sessions – and the Shinty Challenge Cup. Starts today and ends on the evening of Saturday 18th July. Calmac ferries sail daily from Ullapool to Lewis. For more information, including accommodation and travel options, see Heb Celt’s website here.

Boda Bar Quiz: for teams of 4 people. 8pm, Boda, 229 Leith Walk.

COMAS Pub Quiz

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

EdinburghReportage

T in the Park 2015

AVIVA Tour of Britain 2015

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The press releases about Fringe shows are coming in thick and fast. If you are doing the media or publicity for a show – or indeed are trying to promote anything else which is happening in Edinburgh – then take advantage of our Submit your Story feature here.

Get yourself a free listing!

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One of our readers has used our EdinburghReportage page as a kind of advertorial for themselves. This is absolutely fine with us!

Tell us about your favourite Edinburgh independent businesses – or tell us about your own. Why should customers come to your cafe, hairdressers or service business?

Come on Edinburgh we all know someone who is great at something. Share with us your best recommendations!

Click here to add your contribution to EdinburghReportage

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Were you at T in the Park? Kieran Scott was there for us and he has done a sterling job – typing on his phone in his tent for at least some of the content he has produced.

Have a read here to relive your festival experience. And do let us know how you got on!

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The Edinburgh leg of the Aviva Tour of Britain has been revealed by race organisers and the City of Edinburgh Council.

As the host city for Stage Four of the premier road cycling race, which will travel 218km from the Scottish Capital to Blyth, Edinburgh will stage the Tour at 10:00am on Wednesday 9 September 2015.

The route was launched with Lothians-based professional cyclist Evan Oliphant (Team Raleigh GAC) at the Council’s City Chambers.

Cyclists will face a spectacular journey through the heart of the Capital, starting in Holyrood Park, winding past the Scottish Parliament and along the Royal Mile towards Edinburgh Castle.

The race will descend Johnston Terrace and travel through the Meadows before passing Arthur’s Seat and heading out of the city. After leaving Edinburgh, the race will move on to East Lothian.

“As the starting point and host city of the Scottish stage and with the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House and ancient volcano Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh is the place to be to experience the thrill of the Tour of Britain.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland said: “Scotland is gearing up to welcome the Aviva Tour of Britain and the top international cyclists and enthusiasts it brings with it from around the world.

“Scotland is the perfect stage for events with a global reputation for cycling and I’m certain the stages unveiled today will offer up some of Scotland’s most iconic and picturesque locations as a backdrop across the handlebars, as well as a fantastic spectator experience for all ages.”

Chief Executive for Scottish Cycling Craig Burn added: “Scottish Cycling is continuing to see an upsurge in interest in all areas of cycling. The Aviva Tour of Britain is a great showcase for cycling in Scotland and the hard work of the daily activities of our 178 clubs and the 600 plus events staged annually by our clubs and members.”

The Aviva Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step. Details of the rest of the Scottish route are being announced by Sweetspot, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council.

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Leggoland

The Blind Poet
6 – 30 August (not 17) @ 1.30pm

 

In May last year comedian Colin Leggo became a below-the-knee amputee. For a stand up this could be an occupational disaster, but instead Colin has embraced this situation and created his debut one man show Leggoland.

Both life-affirming and ultimately very silly, the show has been helped by Colin’s unusual – and quite prescient – name and by his unstoppably cheery disposition. “Losing a leg needn’t stop you standing up” says Colin, and there’s more golden wisdom where that came from.

After a decade of problems with his leg, Colin feels well qualified to bring you the highs and lows of hospital visits, including brushes with visiting fame, midnight liaisons with old men, and talking to national press in your pants.

 

Colin Leggo is a stand-up comedian, Youtube-botherer and Cornish fool who dabbles in the fine arts of puns, wordplay and having a foot made of plastic. A stand up comic since 2001, Colin is also one half of double act Colin & Rob who have been finalists in both the Laughing House New Act of the Year and the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Awards.

A proud Cornishman, Colin’s YouTube channel has a strong following both internationally and from his homeland, with over 750,000 views and 2,000 subscribers, the channel core of Cornish based videos which have built up his dedicated fan base.

 

Full Listing:

Title: Colin Leggo: Leggoland
Festival: Laughing Horse Free Festival – http://www.freefestival.co.uk
Venue: The Blind Poet, 32 W Nicolson St, EH8 9DD [Venue 271]
Tel: 0131 667 7533
Dates: 6 – 30 August (not 17)
Time: 1.30pm
Age: 16+
Duration: 1 hour
Entry: Free [Donations]

 

Twitter: @colinleggo
Facebook group: http://www.facebook/leggolaughs

Submitted by Julian Hall

Kelly Kingham
Inside Out

Just The Tonic, The Spare Room
August 7 – 29 (not 11th, 18th, 25th) @ 5pm

 

In his latest Fringe hour, rising star Kelly Kingham tells the story of a man who, no matter how he tries, can’t stop the inside from bubbling out.

At 50 years of age Kelly suddenly realises that it may be entirely possible to die before you’ve ever really lived. Kelly’s been so busy shoveling money into a mortgage, under-performing at work and disappointing his wife, that any thought of happiness completely slipped his mind.

Inside Out is what happens when your coping strategies can’t cope; when the crutches you cling to are actually holding you back; and when the truth is always inconvenient.

This isn’t a comedy – this is a desperate bid for freedom.

Join Kelly on this feverish adventure and he tries to be brave, tries to embrace change and tries to kill a dog called Colin.

 

A former motorcycle courier (and van-driver, on-site controller, yard manager and quality manager), Kelly Kingham has performed across the UK for promoters including Off the Kerb, Komedia, The Stand, Jongleurs, Glee, Funhouse Comedy, Bottle-Rocket and Gag Reflex. Kelly has reached the finals of the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year Awards and the NATYs (formerly the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year Awards) and has performed solo shows at the Edinburgh, Brighton and Buxton festivals.

Kelly also wrote Jump: The Musical, a Fringe smash at the Pleasance in 2010. He wrote it from scratch using just a ‘how-to’ book and sheer bloody-mindedness!

 

Title: Kelly Kingham: Inside Out
Venue: Just The Tonic, The Spare Room, Rowantree Bar, EH1 1LG [Venue 88]
Web/Tel: http://www.justthetonic.com / 0330 220 1212
Time: 5pm
Dates: August 7 – 29 (not 11, 18, 25)
Age: 16+
Duration: 1 hour
Entry: Free [Donations]

 

Web: http://www.kellykingham.com
Twitter: @kellykingham
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kellykinghamfans

Submitted by Julian Hall

 

Late Monday afternoon. It had been a very busy day in the office, one of those days when one wished that Alexander Graham Bell, a Scot of some distinction, hadn’t bothered inventing the telephone. The damn contraption hadn’t stopped ringing all day…

Being a Monday the general mood of my colleagues and I was down in any case. It didn’t help that it was a typical July day in Edinburgh – damp, dreich and grey. It also didn’t help that, while I left the office early just after 4.00pm, the reason for this was a visit to the dentist to get a filling replaced. Ochone, ochone as Angus Og used to say.

I usually abort my attempt to board a tram at Bankhead any time after 5.00pm. I read in the news the other day that passenger numbers at Edinburgh Airport topped one million last year. I think they all get on the tram I try to get on after a hard day’s graft…

However on Monday, having left the office early for the dreaded trip to the dentist – you know the drill (get on with it – Ed) – I did manage to squeeze on to a tram. Not only that, but I managed to get a seat. I was seated next to a lovely lady and her two toddlers in a buggy made for two. We immediately began chatting – this, after one of said toddlers whacked me on the shin with his boot – and, after apologising for her youngster’s act of random violence (oh, don’t worry about it, the blood stain on my new suit will soon be removed with a spot of dry cleaning) her Australian accent told me she was in Scotland for the first time.

Now alongside the tourists and weary air travellers, the tram was full of grim-faced locals glad that the first day of the working week had been put to bed. However, this lovely lady from Perth – Western Australia that is, not Perth in Scotland – was a positive ray of sunshine. As the tram trundled through the streets of Scotland’s capital city, she was genuinely in awe of the city’s buildings, scenery and sheer beauty which many of we locals can take for granted.

She gasped delight as the tram snaked its way past Murrayfield Stadium and through the Haymarket. Most of us are usually gasping for breath rather than with delight by the time we reach the Haymarket as we empathise with how sardines must feel. But this delightful lady was clearly thrilled at being in Edinburgh and seeing some of its treasures. As the tram eventually headed on to Princes Street she gazed at Edinburgh Castle in astonishment and marvelled at the gardens and shops.

She told me how lucky I was to be living in such a beautiful and vibrant city. And do you know something? She is absolutely right. As she departed at St. Andrew’s Square she thanked me, although quite what for I wasn’t sure. It should have been me thanking her, not only for her charming company, but for making me feel so proud of Scotland’s magnificent capital.

Yes, Edinburgh has its faults just as every other city does. And the trams have become something of a routine for stand up comics (stand up being the words given how difficult it can be to get a seat on the damned things during rush-hour times) But it has always been – and always will be – a magnificent city. Majestic, beautiful, vibrant – just wondrous. It certainly thrilled this Australian visitor.

So if you’re heading to work tomorrow and contemplating another day of hard graft think, for a moment, about this incredible place. Scotland’s jewel in its crown.  Edinburgh. A city to be immensely proud of.

I know I am.