Two community groups in the capital have been awarded a combined funding boost of £15,000 through the Clydesdale Bank Spirit of the Community Awards to recognise the important role they play in the local community.

The Spirit of the Community Awards announced the substantial donations to voluntary groups at an awards ceremony in Glasgow to recognise the charities and not-for-profit organisations which are going the extra mile.

Twelve community groups across Scotland were selected to share funding of £75,000 to make a real difference in their local areas including ProjectScotland based in Edinburgh and Edinburgh Cyrenian Trust.

ProjectScotland based in Edinburgh offers young people throughout Scotland aged between 16-30 years the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community through 3 month volunteering placements with local charities and has been awarded £10,000.

Edinburgh Cyrenian Trust is an independent charity which works with vulnerable people to help address homelessness, addiction issues and helps lead people into employment. The social and welfare group has been awarded £5,000 to assist fund a part time worker who will deliver support to some of the most distanced from the labour market.

Now in its third year, the awards programme aims to recognise charities and not-for-profit organisations for the invaluable contributions they make to their local communities.  Groups were invited to enter the awards scheme under one of three categories; financial education, employability and environment.

An overall winning group has been selected in each category securing £10,000 of funding, along with three highly commended winners that were each awarded £5,000.

Debbie Crosbie, Chair of Yorkshire and Clydesdale Bank Foundation, said: “Clydesdale Bank’s Spirit of the Community Awards recognise and support the important role that voluntary and charitable organisations play in their local communities. It has been inspiring to see the great work that is being done at grass roots level across Scotland.

“ProjectScotland and Edinburgh Cyrenian Trust are both extremely deserving winners and have been recognised for their community spirit with these awards from Clydesdale Bank.”

Tully Treslove, Mentoring Manager at ProjectScotland, said: “ProjectScotland helps young people aged 16-30 to get on in life through volunteering. Mentoring is a vital part of our programme and this award from Clydesdale Bank will transform our service in the South West of Scotland. We will recruit, train, and provide ongoing support to 30 Mentors in the area, and by working with Clydesdale Bank branches, we’ll also be able to sign-up employees to work with a local young person.”

Rachael Wallace-Lane, Head of Early Intervention for Edinburgh Cyrenian Trust, said: “The grant from the Yorkshire and Clydesdale Bank Foundation will support the work we are doing with some of those who are most disconnected from the labour market. By supporting vulnerable people to stabilize their lives and return to work we will be reducing the need for them to call on a whole range of services, in addition to those aimed at employability.”

Clydesdale Bank’s sister organisation, Yorkshire Bank, has also announced 12 successful recipients of £75,000 as part of the Spirit of the Community Awards initiative.  This brings the total funds awarded to 24 community groups up and down the country to £150,000.

For further information about Yorkshire and Clydesdale Bank Foundation’s Spirit of the Community Awards, please visit www.cbonline.co.uk/foundation

Police are investigating following a serious assault in Restalrig Road, near to Leith Links which took place this morning  around 1.50am when two male suspects approached and assaulted two men and a woman who were walking home.

One of the men sustained a serious leg injury as a result of the attack.  He was taken by the Scottish Ambulance Service to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and is currently in a stable condition.

Police are now appealing for information regarding this incident.  Both suspects are described as white men aged 18-20 with slim builds.  They are both described as tall (6ft – 6ft 2”) in height and were wearing dark suits with white shirts and black ties.

The first suspect has dark brown hair while the other has shaved blond hair.

Detective Inspector John Kavanagh said:  “This was an unprovoked and vicious attack on three people, which has resulted in one of the group suffering a serious leg injury.

“We are eager to trace the two suspects as a matter of urgency.  Anyone who recognises their description, or was in the area at the time of the attack, is asked to contact police immediately.”

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

The Leith Gala Day parade started off from Pilrig Park this morning led by two police horses Kilmarnock and Stewarton and escorted by Police Scotland motorcyclists.

But the procession was also led by Provost for the day,  Willie Barr from Citadel Youth Centre suitably attired in mock ermine and accompanied by Jack Sparrow.

Followed by representatives from other Leith groups the parade made its way out to Leith Walk and then on to Leith Links.

We caught up with some parts of the procession as it headed off on its way:

[vimeo 130625598 w=500 h=281]

Leith Gala Day Parade 2015 from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

The Scottish EDGE awards held at RBS Gogarburn last night awarded over £1million in funding and prizes to thirty six Scottish entrepreneurs. 

The overall winners scooped £900,000 after a gruelling Dragons’ Den style finals day to select the most promising start-up businesses that will bring the maximum return for the Scottish economy in terms of growth and jobs.  A further £75,000 was awarded to 11 Young EDGE (founders under 30 years old) winners and £100,000 to 11 Wild Card EDGE (early stage businesses) winners who also collected their trophies at the gala event in the evening.

Scottish EDGE chairman David Shearer, who headed a panel of top business figures judging the entries, said: “We heard from many excellent businesses over the course of this funding round and those which have been selected to receive funding are the cream of the crop.

“Young businesses in the growth phase are the engine of the economy and we are delighted to be able to support the most promising of these firms with the funding they need to thrive. Many have ambitious plans that our funding injection will set in motion immediately.

“The quality of the enterprises we saw on Friday bodes very well for the future of the Scottish economy, and I’m sure that many of our finalists are destined to become well known as they grow and generate wealth and jobs. “

The funding competition, aimed at identifying and supporting  Scotland’s top early stage and high growth potential entrepreneurs,  received more than 250 hopeful applicants, which where whittled down over a number of rounds to leave 26 in Friday’s final.

The 16 winning businesses were:

·       £45k – Beer52.com – the UK’s no. 1 craft beer club which links small craft breweries with craft beer fans across the UK

·       £100k – Carbon Black System Ltd – a company which provides customers with high-tech custom built stylish carbon fibre wheelchairs

·       £50k – CLDB – a company which provides off-site manufactured, cost effective , low energy building using natural materials

·       £100k – Freedom One Life Ltd – a company which designs and manufactures a new generation of power wheelchairs

·       £30k – Geek Retreat – a comic book store and gaming café aimed at “Geeks”

·       £75k – Helson and Jackets LLP – 3D 360 degree video display, that creates full moving video objects that appear to float in space

·       £40k – Hidden Armada – a start-up which is currently developing a PC game called Mutiny, where your phone becomes your controller

·       £50k – Ibisvision Limited – developed “RingOfSight” –  a revolutionary software based system for  diagnosis  of glaucoma

·       £50k – Katy Rodger’s Artisan Dairy – a company which produces a range of dairy products including Ice cream and yogurt from their family farm

·       £65k – Medicen Devise Limited – a company which developed a new medical sterilised catheter device called “Steriderm”

·       £40k – Nutrifiz Ltd- the world’s first effervescent wheatgrass tablet

·       £30k – Orwell and Goode – a lifestyle brand creating innovative textile based products including cushions and wallpaper

·       £65k – RiCo Developments t/a Recipop- an app which allows brands to add promotional products to their customer’s online supermarket basket

·       £50k – Shot Scope Technologies Ltd – wearable technology that automatically collects scoring and statistical data for golfers

·       £50k – The Wee Tea Plantation Limited – Scotland’s only tea plantation which counts Kensington Palace and Balmoral Hotel as customers

·       £65k – VH Innovation Ltd – designed the “Recoil Kneepad” – new more comfortable and protective kneepad design

The awards were presented by Sir Tom Hunter at a glittering ceremony celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship at the RBS Conference Centre, Gogarburn, Edinburgh.

The judging panel consisted of Scottish EDGE chairman David Shearer; Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s director of regional development Carroll Buxton; Carol Graham of Graham’s Family Dairy; Royal Bank of Scotland HR chief Elaine Arden; and David Sneddon of Scottish Equity Partnership.

The entrepreneurs and attendees on the day also heard from BrewDog co-founder James Watt, who told of how the hugely successful Scottish craft beer company grew from a simple idea in 2007 to the expanding international business it is today.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Congratulations to the Round 6 winners of the Scottish EDGE. They demonstrate the strength of entrepreneurial talent emerging in Scotland. Talent that is helped by competitions such as this and by the range of high quality support across public, private and third sectors.  I applaud the CAN DO spirit of all the entrants to this year’s competition. Their positive attitude reinforces Scotland’s position as a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation.”

Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship, Royal Bank of Scotland & NatWest, said: “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the Scottish economy and make a significant contribution in terms of employment and wealth creation. The Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to continue to support the Scottish EDGE as it plays an important role in promoting and supporting entrepreneurialism in Scotland.

“Starting your own business is becoming increasingly popular and The Royal Bank of Scotland is determined to play a major role in supporting and helping entrepreneurs fulfil their dreams.

“Growing the economy by helping start-up businesses is crucial and that is why The Royal Bank of Scotland is working with organisations such as Scottish EDGE, Entrepreneurial Spark, The Hunter Foundation, Scottish Enterprise, HIE, Princes Trust Youth Business Scotland and Business Gateway as well as Scottish Government to ensure that people are given the best possible chance of success.

“Once again, the quality of the finalists has been superb and the judging panel had to work hard to decide on the eventual winners. Each winner is a proud reflection of the entrepreneurial talent that exists within the Scottish business community and ecosystem.”

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer Business Gateway National Unit, said: “Our congratulations go to all of the award winners and finalists and we wish them well as their businesses grow and develop.  Business Gateway supports thousands of SMEs across Scotland every year and we are delighted to see so many of our clients securing important funding from the Scottish Edge Awards that will help them on the road to fulfilling their aspirations.”

Eleanor Mitchell, Director of High Growth Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, said: “The Scottish EDGE encourages and supports Scotland’s expanding base of entrepreneurial activity. Past winners have used the award to recruit new team members, fund their marketing activities, translate their ideas into products and expand their sales and they’re demonstrating strong growth.

“Providing companies with access to new sources of early stage growth finance is vital and the Scottish EDGE helps to fill this gap, complementing existing grants and investment products that support Scotland’s entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions and to build sustainable businesses.”

Photos Sandy Young

Is Edinburgh a beauty junkie’s paradise for shopping?  Some favour cities such as Glasgow and Newcastle which are only only a short train journey away.

But whether you are on a budget or enjoy taking a browse down the more luxurious cosmetics route, believe it or not our capital city has it covered. The capital is home to a plethora of makeup, skin and hair care suppliers however you may just need a helping hand in knowing where to look.

Boots and Superdrug undoubtedly reign as the nation’s high street staples for all beauty essentials, but here are some alternative cosmetic hotspots in Edinburgh.

Space NK, 103 George Street and Harvey Nichols’ Beauty Hall,

30-34 Saint Andrew Square:

If you are a self confessed beauty queen of regular indulgence or simply treating your makeup bag to a well deserved upgrade, both Space NK and Harvey Nichol’s have a great deal to offer when it comes to nabbing some of the world’s leading cosmetic brands. As the Mecca of all things beauty, both boutiques offer premium products from the likes of Tom Ford, By Terry and NARS while also stocking more coveted and budget friendly labels from across the pond, for example US skincare phenomenon Mario Badescu.

Marks and Spencers Beauty section, Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, EH15 3RD:

If you are in the market for upping your skincare ante without severing your purse strings, the recently launched beauty department at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird store carries a selection of the skincare blogging communities’ most raved about commodities.

With a range of products from Burt’s Bees, to REN and other French pharmacy favourites such as Nuxe, it is a haven for skincare lovers. Similar to Harvey Nichol’s, M&S offers a medley of hard to find brands such as Jurlique or Korres. The cosmetics concession’s laid back atmosphere is a breath of fresh air to beauty shopping as you can browse freely through a serious selection of brands without feeling overwhelmed.

Kiehl’s, 54 George Street:

As the first Scottish Kiehl’s store, the brand has brought something special to Edinburgh’s recently refurbished Assembly Rooms. If you prefer a more wholesome approach to your skincare regime or love unearthing the science behind beauty, try popping in to Kiehl’s. Beginning as a family-run business, Kiehl’s was established in 1851 and specialises in natural skin and hair products, withholding extensive cosmetic and medicinal knowledge. Issuing skin consultations, the shop has something to offer everyone from the more opulent beauty enthusiasts to thrifty weekend browsers. Furnished with a treatment area, coffee bar and barbers, the store’s cool and quirky interior is worth a visit.

The Body Shop and Lush Princes Street:

If you are not wanting to spend so much on your beauty shopping, but still have the desire to invest in quality products, two more affordable retailers are Princes Street’s Body Shop and Lush stores. Both brands provide kind to skin cosmetics at a purse friendly price. I think the customer service in Lush on Princes Street is particularly great and I recommend trying their facemasks. Made with fresh and organic natural ingredients they are modified to target specific skin types, covering various skin woes. The Body Shop’s Chamomile and Tea Tree ranges are inexpensive and gentle therefore would suit a variety of skin types, particularly those suffering from breakouts.

No matter if you are a born and bred Edinburgher or a newbie in town exploring the city, these local shopping landmarks might help you to boost your beauty game.

Webb Ellis trophy comes to town

On Friday June 12, Rugby’s most prestigious prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, was in Edinburgh as it travels across the UK and Ireland for the 100-day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.

This was the Trophy Tour’s first visit to Edinburgh following a 12 month journey around the world as part of a celebration of Rugby and marked the countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2015 Opening Ceremony at Twickenham Stadium on September 18.

The Webb Ellis Cup was in Edinburgh on Friday and was on display during the Edinburgh Rugby P7 Rugby Festival at the home of Scottish Rugby, BT Murrayfield. Scotland’s most capped Scottish international Chris Paterson, as well as Edinburgh Rugby players Matt Scott and Grant Gilchrist, were attendance and were posing for photos with the youngsters and signing autographs.

Scotland’s scheduled fixtures for the 2015 RWC are –

v Japan – 23rd Sept. Kingsholm, Gloucester

v USA – 27th Sept. Elland Road, Leeds

v South Africa – 3rd Oct. St. James’ Park, Newcastle

v Samoa – 10th Oct. St. James’ Park, Newcastle

The news that Edinburgh Airport has enjoyed increased passenger numbers has been warmly welcomed by Edinburgh Western Constituency MSP Colin Keir.

Mr Keir said: “This is tremendous news once again from our city airport. It is vital to the economic growth of the city as well as the related jobs that come with having such a successful business. Obviously the new direct routes have given more choice and better deals for those travellers who use the airport which is great for tourism and great for business generally”.

“I’m pleased the airport management have accepted there have been problems with the security hall and that they are working towards a solution. If the airport wish to maintain a world class service with direct routes, the passenger experience has to maintain the same standard”.

Edinburgh Leisure has discovered that almost 40% of adults in Scotland do not feel confident in the water, and it plans to do something about it.

They would like to show you that swimming is a fun activity for all, whether you want to strengthen and tone or relax and revive.

The survey results, which examine national levels of water confidence (either swimming or taking part in other water-based activities), reveal a gap in ability in this potentially life-saving skill.

Another key finding is that around a quarter of those surveyed said that they had either a holiday, outdoor activity or time swimming with family negatively affected by lack of water confidence.

However, Edinburgh Leisure has a range of options designed to make swimming suit you. As well as lane swimming, they offer fitness classes in the water like Aquafit and Hydrospin, which are great for managing weight, as well as Skills and Drills and Powerswim for those looking to improve muscle tone.

Edinburgh residents can also relax and revive after a swim at one of our poolside saunas or even the Turkish Baths at Portobello.

Edinburgh Leisure Chief Executive June Peebles said: ”We have pools throughout the city offering Edinburgh Leisure an exceptional range of water-based activities. There is something for everyone – whatever your age and stage. If you are already a regular ‘pool’ user, great – please continue being active with us. If you have not taken a ‘dip’ for a while, why not pay us a visit? The activities on offer can help improve your health and leave you feeling good – please come see us soon.”

Bette Belle takes part in Edinburgh Leisure’s Swimming Buddies initiative as a volunteer within the ‘Ageing Well’ programme.

Bette learnt to swim when she was 63 and, until she had a stroke in 2009, swam every week. After her stroke Bette lost confidence in the water and really missed swimming.

When she heard about the Swimming Buddies programme at the Royal Commonwealth Pool she decided to go along.

The Buddies do not teach swimming but offer help and encouragement. Bette has been going along to the pool and have enjoyed the experience.  She found that after a few weeks she could actually swim a little.

Bette said: “I can swim better now and am always encouraged by the buddies. I enjoy being in the pool and feel a sense of achievement that I can actually swim a little. I also enjoy meeting and chatting with the people who come along. I am glad I attend the Swimming Buddies.”

Sheila Currie first started adult swimming lessons at Drumbrae Leisure Centre 12 years ago as a complete non- swimmer. Sheila absolutely loved being in the pool and learned to swim, progressing to our ‘Masters’ class which she continues to attend.

For the past eight years, Sheila has now been volunteering in assisting the teaching of other adult beginners to swim, some of whom are terrified to even go down the pool steps.  Swim Teacher Karen Robertson who she assists said: “Sheila is absolutely brilliant with nervous adults as she totally understands their fears and phobias. We also have had “special needs” adults with whom Sheila has achieved far more in the water than I ever could have from poolside.”

Sheila has passed her Level 1 Teacher qualification and hopes to do her Level 2 at some point in the future, possibly once she retires.

This year Sheila completed the Individual 2.5k (100 lengths) at a recent Swimathon, coming 22nd nationally in her age group. Most of the swimmers she teaches and the regular Thursday morning swimmers sponsored her as she is an inspiration to them all.

More information on the Edinburgh Leisure campaign, ‘Swimming Suits You’ can be found on www.edinburghleisure.co.uk throughout June.

Strange Town Presents Max to the Future by Alan Primrose. Max thinks of a novel way to avoid homework problems… Suitable for all the family. 3pm, Netherbow Theatre,, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£5 and may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here (transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings). Also at 2pm on Saturday 13th June 2015. Strange Town is a theatre company that aims to enable young people aged 5-25 years to fulfil their creative potential whilst producing work of the highest quality that is daring, exciting and entertaining. The company is based at Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street. The performers in Max to the Future are all aged 8-10 years.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day! They will be doing it in Gottingen, Chicago and Caracas – so bring your wool and needles to Sighthill or Ratho and join in! Tea, cakes and lots of knitting – bring your friends! Help will be on hand if you’re a beginner or need a refresher course. 11am-12 noon, Sighthill Library, Sighthill Road and 2-4pm, Ratho Library (in front of the building, or indoors if wet), School Wynd.

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling continues today! Rides, films, talks, drama, books, photos, workshops and lots more. Today’s events include the Capital Trail (a self-supported mountain bike time trial), the annual Edinburgh to St Andrew’s Cycle Ride, a Bike Curious Family Workshop, an Adult Commuter Course, a Cycle Speedway ‘Come and Try’ Family Day and a Women’s Cycle Forum. For more information please see the festival’s website here or its Facebook page here, or pick up a programme from many venues across the city and beyond, including libraries, leisure centres and many shops. Ends 21st June 2015.

Leith Festival 2015: Trinity House – Maritime Leith. Visit Trinity House and take a self-led tour of Leith’s maritime history, using the latest technologies to uncover the local stories behind the collections. Meet the conservators to learn about the work they carry out on the vast painting collections, and watch digital recordings of Leithers talking about their memories. 10am-4pm, Trinity House, 99 Kirkgate. Free. Also at same times on Saturday 20th June. On Thursday 18th June there will be object handling sessions (11am-2pm) and tours of Trinity House led by Junior Guides Tours (11am-1.30pm). For more information please contact adam.gorysz@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or call 0131 554 3289.

Scottish Waterways Trust Wildflower Survey: volunteer as a ‘citizen scientist’ and help discover more about the plants growing on Edinburgh’s canalside – develop your plant ID skills, make friends and have fun. Led by Anna Canning of Floramedica. 10.30am-1pm, Water of Leith Conservation Trust, 24 Lanark Road. No experience needed, and new faces are very welcome – all you need is a love of plants, enthusiasm and curiosity. Free. For more information contact Anna on 07790 885969 or anna.canning@blueyonder.co.uk.

Leith Festival Gala Day and Pageant: children’s activities, market stalls, fun fair, dancing. Gala Day Pageant arrives at approx 12.45pm. 10.30am-4.30pm, Leith Links. Leith Festival continues throughout the week with a huge programme of events for all ages, including a tea dance, art shows, a dancing display, free keep fit sessions, ‘speed crafting’, a charity walk, comedy, films, music of all kinds, theatre, magic, poetry, tours (including the famous Trainspotting one – and a chance to see behind the scenes at Easter Road), Teddy Bears’ picnic and an Open Day at the new Tardis in Lochend Park! Concludes on Sunday 21st June with the Leith Festival Tattoo. To see the full programme visit the Festival’s website here.

Pastels and Painting Pebbles: a drop-in art workshop. See the current Inverleith House exhibition, Nicolas Party’s Boys and Pastel then come and explore the materials used by the artist in an informal drop-in workshop for ages 8-12. Have a go at painting a pebble like a fruit, and make pastel portraits of yourself or a friend. 2-4pm, Lower Ground Floor, Inverleith House, Royal Botanical Garden, Inverleith Row. Free.

Bruncheon! Featuring the Sound of Muesli: local musical talent creates a chilled-out atmosphere; the Drill Hall Arts Cafe serves delicious home-made food, from kippers to cakes with lots in between. This month’s acts will be Jemima Thewes (‘traditional folk and self-penned songs with a floaty and haunting quality’) and Tim Lane, with a pre-set from Diana de Cabarrus aka Candythief. 11.30am-3pm (live music from around 12 noon), Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Free entry.

Leith Festival 2015: Art By The Water: an exhibition by a selection of Coburg House artists and makers – paintings, jewellery, signwriting and textiles. 11am-6pm, Coburg House Studios, 15 Coburg Street. Ends 21st June 2015.

Lines and Dots for Tots with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Children aged 2 to 4 years are invited to meet Lily Line and Dotty Dot and their amazing musical friends. Find out what happens when you take a line for a walk – dance about, sing and make marks to music, inspired by the work of American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. 10.30am or 11.45am, meet in the exhibition Artist Rooms: Roy Lichtenstein at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free but booking is essential and may be made by calling the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560. Please note that a maximum of two adults may accompany each child.

Leith Festival 2015: Delicartessen Summer Exhibition. New works by local artists Jacqui Higgs, Ronnie Buchan, Yvonne Hutchison and John Dunbar, including colourful Scottish harbour scenes and stunning cityscapes of Leith. 11am-1am today, then 11am-12 midnight Sunday-Thursday, 11am-1am Fridays and Saturdays, Joseph Pearce’s, Elm Row. Ends 31st July 2015. For more information please contact Vanessa@delicartessen.co.uk.

New Edinburgh Orchestra: Mendelssohn Overture ‘Ruy Blas’, Schumann Symphony No 3 ‘Rhenish’ and Brahms Piano Concerto No 1 in D Minor. Piano soloist: Helena Buckmayer; Conductor: Tim Paxton. 7.30pm, Inverleith St Serf’s Church, 280 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £10/£7 (children £1) and may be obtained from members of the orchestra or the Queen’s Hall Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 668 2019 or online here. Also on the door, sta.

Gallery of Modern Art Highlight Tours – June 2015: monthly tours of the gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key works. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed. Please note that temporary access is through the cafe at the rear of the building.

Leith Festival 2015: Seafield Cemetery and Crematorium Open Day. Guided tours of this listed building; find out what happens during and after a service, and see changing fashions in burial memorials, from Victorian headstones to modern mausolea and burial chambers. All welcome; refreshments provided, free parking. 10am-3pm, Seafield Cemetery and Crematorium, Seafield Place. Free. For more information please email seafield@edinburghcrematorium.com.

Filmhouse Over the Rainbow: a new monthly screening strand for new and classic LGBTQIA films and events. This weekend’s film is Something Must Break/Nanting maste ga sonder (18) (in Swedish with English subtitles). Taking its title from a Joy Division B-side, this collaboration between Ester Marin Bergsmark and Eli Leven (both of whom identify as trans*) presents ‘a powerful story of love and longing against a backdrop of shifting gender identity and stylistically daring eroticism’. 3.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or online here: prices vary. Also showing at 8.40pm on Sunday 14th June 2015.

Leith Festival 2015: Scottish Mineral & Lapidary Club – Open Studio and Demonstration. The Club’s object is to encourage an interest in natural minerals and in the crafts and craftsmanship related to them – members are keen enthusiasts and very willing to assist both newcomers and old hands. 11am-4pm, Scottish Mineral and Lapidary Club, 20 Maritime Street. Also every day until the end of the Festival – times vary, please see Festival website for details or contact enquiries@lapidary.org.uk or 0131 554 0004.

Moana: The Rising of the Seas. Taster performances from the Oceania Dance Theatre and Pasifika Voices Choir as they share their love of the nature and culture of the Pacific through music, dance and poetry. Several islands in Oceania are already threatened with submersion under water, with the islanders having to consider what the demise of their homelands will mean to them as a people, a culture and even a nation. This elaborate and ambitious Oceanian music-dance-drama is a collaborative creation born out of a desire to use the performing arts of the Pacific to bring attention to this most pressing issue for many Pacific Island nations. 2pm, 2.30pm or 3pm (15 minute sessions), Grand Gallery, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free, drop-in.

Gilbert & Sullivan Society Concert. 7.30pm, Cramond Kirk, Cramond Glebe Road. Tickets cost £10 (under 18s admitted free) and are available from the Kirk Office 9am-12 noon Monday to Friday.

Scotland’s Open Gardens: Rocheid Garden. A young but rapidly maturing garden with an impressive diversity of plants, shrubs, trees (native, exotic and rare). Natural pond, woodland, mature trees, award-winning compost shed with a roof creating waves of ornamental grasses. Refreshments available (subject to weather). 2-6pm, Rocheid House, 20 Inverleith Terrace. £4.50 per person, of which 40% goes to Alzheimer Scotland and the net remainder to SG beneficiaries.

Edinburgh Concert Band Summer Sparkler: a sparkly summer evening of live music in support of Waverley Care, with special guests InChorus. 7.30pm, Greyfriar’s Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Tickets cost £10/£8 and may be purchased by emailing info@edinburghconcertband.org.uk.

Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2015

World Naked Bike Ride

Smelly plant at the Botanics

Airshow

Muirhouse Photogrpahy Grou

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Read more here.

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The World Naked Bike Ride, Edinburgh is part of a global protest against car culture, oil dependency, and a way to demonstrate cyclist vulnerably on the roads. Also a celebration of body freedom and a lot of fun! Dress code is “as bare as you dare”. Most people wear shoes and Scottish laws mean minimal genital coverage is required.

Read more here

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A big smelly plant is now in bloom at the Botanics soon….

The Amorphophallus titanum (titan arum), one of the world’s biggest and smelliest blooms, is set to flower and could look like the one at Basel. It’s a first for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and for Scotland.

There was great excitement at the Garden this morning when horticulturists discovered the bud had started to unfurl to reveal a flower. The plant is currently 137cms in height and getting bigger by the day.

The Botanics said: “It is expected that the titan arum, which is housed in the Lowland Tropics House, will be of great interest to visitors. So, when it is in full bloom, and at its smelliest, the Garden will be open from 9am until 9pm. Visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for details and to check its progress.”

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In July you have the airshow to look forward to.

Here’s a reminder of what you might be able to see:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L5h9u-CJk0]

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Get down to Muirhouse Library to see the Muirhouse Photography Group exhibition.

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Hip, hip hooray! The Edinburgh Reporter is absolutely delighted to tell you that Gordon Aikman has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list just published tonight.

I met Gordon at the penalty shoot out which he organised during the General Election campaign between politicians of various colours, and it would be hard to say I had met someone I liked more this year. This is a person who is determined but grounded, and energetic despite suffering from the illness which he campaigns for.

Mr Aikman will receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his efforts to fund a cure for MND and improve care for people with the condition.

Since being diagnosed with the terminal condition last year his campaign GordonsFightback.com has raised almost £300,000 for research into a cure for the disease.

His campaign was also instrumental in transforming MND patient care in Scotland by successfully lobbying First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to double the number of specialist MND nurses and fund them through the public purse.

MND patient, campaigner and founder of GordonsFightback.com, Gordon Aikman, said: 

“Wow.  I am absolutely thrilled.  I am completely over the moon to receive this incredible honour.

“Day in day out thousands of people across this country are bravely battling this disease.  I want to share this honour with each and every one of my fellow fighters.

“We’ve achieved so much this year, but there is much still to do.  80-95% of MND patients experience voice loss before they die.  We need urgent Scottish Government action to ensure that nobody dies without a voice.

Speaking about his efforts to fund research into a cure, he said: 

“It’s too late for me, but we can and we must find a cure for future generations.  With every day I have left I will be fighting for a world free of MND.”

You can donate to Gordon’s Fightback by texting MNDS85 £5 to 70070 or visiting GordonsFightback.com

The Queen’s Birthday Honours have just been announced and Iain Livingstone Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. 

Livingstone began his career with Lothian and Borders Police in 1992 and has worked in a variety of policing roles both within the service and with external agencies.

With Lothian and Borders Police, he led a multi-agency group that created the structure for the strategic delivery of public protection services across the force area involving eight key public sector bodies. The resultant shared leadership arrangements were praised by a subsequent HM Inspectorate of Constabulary inspection.

lain has worked with the Scottish Government, the Crown Office and the voluntary sector to develop national objectives and outcomes for child protection, including a Scottish Investigators’ Guide for Child Protection, guidance for conducting critical incident reviews, and guidance for the police service in Scotland on investigating sudden unexplained death in infancy. His strategic links with key members of the Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre and the Association of Chief Police Officers across the UK has led to success in a number of high-profile operations targeting predatory paedophiles.

Recognising that equality of service was critical to the success of Police Scotland, lain drove elements of the reform programme with regard to specialist policing support. In particular, he instilled urgency and capability to the time critical reform work required to establish the Police Information and Review Commissioner.

While representing the police service on the Scottish Crime Campus programme board, he demonstrated commitment to maximising best value for the public purse and was instrumental in the creation of this purpose-built facility on time. Operational since January 2014, the facility provides specialist accommodation for elements of Police Scotland and its partner agencies which will enable closer working in the fight against serious organised crime.

Iain has a wealth of proven experience in criminal investigations, including a range of high-profile cases requiring strong strategic leadership. He has also successfully performed a broad variety of roles as ‘Gold’ strategic commander, including the visit of Pope Benedict XVI and the environmental protest and Climate Camp directed at the Head Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh, both in 2011. For the duration of both events, Iain’s leadership minimised the disruption to civic life.

Which side? This side? That side? No. Northside. Coming from the North side of the Republic of Mancunia, Blackley and Moston’s finest return to Scotland taking in shows at The Classic Grand Glasgow and The Liquid Rooms Edinburgh.

Their Northern baggy groove offering funky, danceable ‘choons’ tinged with punk, reggae and psychedelia. The original ‘mad for it’ band in my eyes and ears. With ‘bass geeetar’, soaring, choppy guitars – wah-wah aplenty, catchy drumbeats and the infectious Warren ‘Dermo’ Dermody on vocals, Northside were well and truly ‘in the area’ with their indie / dance crossover appealing to the masses over a few hazy summers.

For those of a Madchester/baggy persuasion the return of Northside will invoke memories of times gone by. They were signed to Tony Wilsons Factory Records and released 3 singles ‘Shall We Take A Trip’, ‘My Rising Star’ and ‘Take 5’, after the release of their album ‘Chicken Rythms’ the band split in 1992. In 2014 the band took to the road with a reunion tour and now in 2015 there is the promise of new material being thrown into their live sets.

Lead singer Dermo said about the Scottish shows “I love Glasgow, always have always will. Every time we go there its like the first time, a home from home. One of our most memorable gigs was at the Barrowlands. The last time we played Edinburgh was in the early 90’s and it was a musical riot. I’m sure it’ll be the same again when we go back.”

Northside are joined on both dates by Glasgow’s very own Britrockers Feet Of Clay, who over recent years have headlined Barrowlands and will be performing at festivals throughout the summer.

The Classic Grand 9th October: Also on the bill Revolver and Seaside Sons
The Liquid Rooms 10th October: Also on the bill Mechanical Arms
https://youtu.be/iuAd0wGEYlE

Tickets are available from Tickets Scotland, See Tickets and Ripping Records for £12
http://www.seetickets.com/tour/northside-scottish-shows/

Submitted by David Hanvey

Councillor Maureen Child who represents Craigentinny/Duddingston gives us her usual weekly round-up of news and what’s on in her area.

A plug for local resident Nick Bell – he is planning a charity event later this month in aid of the Indreni Children’s Home in Nepal. Nick worked at the children’s home in January and February this year. Although all the children survived the earthquake, the buildings suffered serious damage and the children are currently camped out in the yard. They urgently need funds to build a new home.  Porty Summer Shindig is to raise funds for Nepal Children’s Home The event will be on 27 June, 3pm – 7pm, at Tribe Porty, 19 Windsor Place, Portobello, EH 15 2AJ.

More here

There will be music, Nepali Chai, home made samosas and cakes. There will be an arts and crafts area for kids. Kids go free and adults are £6/£4 concession. There is also a link to buy tickets at: www.portyshindig.eventbrite.co.uk.

Another local resident living near Craigmillar Castle has asked me to let you know that Craigmillar Castle Road will be closed from Monday 15 to Friday 19 June from 09:30 to 15:30 daily for maintenance. This is an annual event on the first two days the road is blocked off from the Craigmillar side and for the rest of the week the road closed from the Old Dalkeith Road to a point south of the castle car park.

It’s the Moonwalk this weekend, so don’t forget to cheer if you see them coming through Portobello, at whatever time of the day or night.  I’ve been there – and it helps!  The walk does involve road closures, so be prepared for those too.

More information here.

I had the best breakfast ever served at Castlebrae Community High School on Thursday by pupils there at their Creative Conversation event, sitting amid the fantastic artwork they have produced and hearing a lot about the wealth of partnership working going on there.  The S6 youngsters were ‘fresh’ from their Prom the previous evening, courtesy of Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Hub where everybody had a fantastic celebration. More about this great school and what they have achieved here:  Castlebrae Community High School | Information for pupils, parents and staff

The recent regular snapshot bathing water figures from SEPA are bad news for Portobello West (near where the Figgate Burn comes out) but this is not to be to be confused with Portobello Central, our Seaside Award beach. I have since spoken to Scottish Water and they are planning some investment over the next few years in filters and other upstream kit to ensure the bathing water meets the new tougher EU standards. See: Evening News Article

This weekend, Saturday 13-14 June is the Edinburgh Beach Volleyball Championships, which will be worth watching.  More here: Hosted by Beach Volleyball Scotland

Private Desks for co-working are now available at Tribe Porty in Windsor Place, Portobello.  More here: pic.twitter.com/G0kgSWypyM

Action Earth is helping to get people and communities busy outdoors.  The campaign has grants to give to groups of volunteers who are carrying out environmental projects in Scotland. Grants from £50 to £250 are available for practical activities that involve volunteers in improving outdoor spaces or creating habitats for wildlife. Grants can be used to purchase plants, tools and materials or to cover volunteer expenses. If your group is volunteering on a Local Nature Reserve we can give you up to £500 for practical work, wildlife recording or educational activities that encourage more people onto the reserve. The campaign is run by Volunteering Matters (formerly known as CSV) from April to December each year and is supported by Scottish Natural Heritage.

If you have any questions contact Robert Henderson on 0131 622 7766 or action.earth@volunteeringmatters.org.uk For more information and to apply online go to: http://actionearth.csv.org.uk/

Edinburgh is working to become a dementia friendly city, including Portobello which gets a mention here: goo.gl/fb/Ej3ENU

Craigmillar Festival Fun day is on Saturday 27 June this year. An information event will take place at the fabulous art deco White House, 70 Niddrie Mains Road on 27 and 29 June and will run in conjunction with an exhibition of photos of the area taken in the late 80’s early 90’s.The event will provide residents with information on recently announced developments in the Town Centre and Greendykes and plans for the remaining land within the PARC Regeneration area. Do just drop in and get the latest on the regeneration of Craigmillar and visit the cafe. pic.twitter.com/Woh31sFQPd

“Change a life in your lunch break” says Edinburgh charity Care and Repair, which aims to help older people with the small tasks they find it increasing hard o impossible to do for themselves. It could be as simple a changing a light bulb. More here:  Care and Repair Campaign

Carrier bag cash from Asda set to kick start five social firms and our now local Portobello Breadshare is one of them.  See more here: Carrier Bag Cash Boosts Social Enterprises  and even more here with nice Breadshare photo:www.greenbuildingpress.co.uk/article.php?article_id=2116

Two local girls are in the baton twirling Scotland Squad for this year and will be competing in the European Championships in Slovenia in July.  Both the Scotland Group and Scotland Team took first place at the British Open in Nottingham in May. Our local ‘starlets’ Martina Bell (Brunstane) and Emma Robertson (Piersfield), both age 16, have been training hard for months. The very best of luck to them!  Currently, they are entirely self funded, so if anybody would like to support or sponsor them, I can put you in touch.

Police  are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in Waterloo Place which took place yesterday when a male suspect on a pedal cycle approached a 36-year-old man who was driving a taxi.

The suspect presented the taxi driver with a weapon and robbed him of a sum of money. The man was uninjured as a result of the attack.

The suspect is described as a white man around 30-years-old.  He has a heavy build and short hair.

He was wearing a light grey hooded top and bottoms and was riding black and white mountain bike.

Officers are now appealing for any information regarding this incident.

Detective Sergeant Robert Richardson said:  “This was a frightening experience for the taxi driver, who has thankfully been left uninjured as a result of this attack.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident, or saw someone matching the suspect description, is asked to contact police immediately.”

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

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault in the Newhaven area which took place around 12.30pm yesterday  in North Fort Street when a 22-year-old man was approached and assaulted.

The suspect then directed verbal abuse towards a young woman who tried to intervene.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s with a medium build, who was around 6ft tall. He had short dark blonde/brown hair and a beard. He was wearing a hi-vis vest with a dark top underneath, and dark workman-style trousers.

The suspect left the scene on North Forth Street, reaching a footpath and running north towards Newhaven before getting into a car.

The victim sustained head injuries and was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

PC Iona McWilliam said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim, which took place in the presence of a number of young children and their parents.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has information which can help with our enquiries, is asked to come forward.”

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

Cake Fest is being held on the 21st June, and along with entertainment and a market, an edible map of the city is being built.

Emma McQueen said: “I set up my business, Story Cakes, three years ago and I’m really excited to be making the Balmoral Hotel out of chocolate cake. The staff at the Balmoral have been lovely about letting my in to take photos of the building, and I’m hoping to make it as detailed as possible (including making all 620 windows!).

Submitted by Emma MacQueen

Firefighters were called to Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh just after 11 o’clock last night to help a couple who had become stuck on the crag face.

Edinburgh Operations Control sent  crews from Tollcross and Newcraighall fire stations to the scene. 

Firefighters rescued the man using line rescue equipment. The woman was led to safety by fire service and Police Officers.  Neither were injured.

An SFRS spokesperson said: “We are often called to assist people on Arthur’s Seat, especially during summer months.  It is important to take care whilst walking or running in this area and we recommend you remain on clear paths wherever possible.  Make sure have your mobile phone with you and let people know your plans and when you are expected back.

“It takes time and a number of resources to carry out these types of rescues. We would urge people to take care on Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags and stay safe while exploring the area.”

The Royal Highland Show starts next week at Ingliston and The Edinburgh Reporter has two tickets to give away!

There is an impressive line up for this year’s 175^th event, which takes place from 18-21 June at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh.

Featuring the very best of Scotland’s musical talent, there is a packed programme of music and entertainment across several dedicated stages throughout all four days of the Show.

The Cookery Theatre – this year featuring top chefs such as Neil Forbes, Paul Wedgwood, Craig Wilson, David Haetzman and Fred Berkmiller – will have a theatrical element, with chefs and celebrities being challenged to whip up a dish against the clock. Tastings and talks will give showgoers the opportunity to meet some of Scotland’s finest producers with plenty of audience engagement and participation.

More information on the show here on their website.

To enter all you have to do is answer this question by 5pm on Monday 15 June 2015! Good luck.

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As part of the 2015 Leith Festival, the residents at Coburg House have put together an exhibition to celebrate this vibrant creative community in the heart of Leith.

The number of artists and makers working from Coburg House has been steadily growing over the years and now they form one of Edinburgh’s foremost creative communities. There are 50 studios providing a home to over 80 artists in a range of disciplines – from painters to print makers, jewellers to ceramicists, weavers to fashion designers.

Some of the artists and makers will be participating in the Gala Day on Leith Links on Saturday 13 June as well as exhibiting their work in the gallery at Coburg House, 15 Coburg Street EH6 6ET.

Open daily from Saturday 13 June – Sunday 21 June 11am – 6pm

Summer has finally arrived. For three consecutive days we have been walking around in t-shirts under blue skies and blazing suns.  Temperatures hovered around 22 degrees Celsius in Central Scotland on Thursday and a scorching 24 in Aboyne.   Even the flowers have been surprised and have wilted in the midday heat.  At the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh twitching botanists are waiting to see if the amorphophallus titanium will flower – it does so once in every seven years and then only for 48 hours.  The male of the species is always so romantic !

So the heatwave which was supposed to start in April, may well have begun at last…..though, this is Scotland, so things may change again. We have been doing our best not to change the climate like this. But for the fourth year running we have failed to meet our target for cutting carbon emissions to 47.9m tonnes.  We came close however.  Figures out this week show we pumped 49.7m tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere in 2012/13.  And the government maintains we are still going to meet our globally ambitious target of cutting emissions by 42 per cent by 2020.

We’ve already achieved a 38 per cent reduction since the base year in 1990.  But that’s been fairly easy, with the move away from coal and heavy industry.  The furnaces at Longannet will be closing down next year and that will help too.  So will the electrification of the railways and the home insulation programme. But environmentalists say the Scottish government needs to stop building new roads and stop talking about cuts to air passenger duty.

When we haven’t been worrying about climate change, we’ve been listening to our politicians banging on about “full fiscal autonomy”.  We’ve heard more about the £7.6 billion black hole in the Scottish budget if the government here were to be in charge of all its revenue and expenditure. The SNP say the black hole would soon be filled by economic growth and this week they tabled an amendment to the latest devolution bill at Westminster to move towards full fiscal responsibility as soon as possible.

The Labour Party has worked out that the price of North Sea oil would need to rise to $200 a barrel (from its current $60) to close the fiscal gap. And the Orwellian Office of Budget Responsibility has worked out that, actually, North Sea revenues are set to fall from £34bn a year to just £2bn because of the industry’s “mid-life crisis”,  the term used this week by Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.

The deputy first minister John Swinney though was having none of this. At question time at Holyrood he accused Labour of peddling “the politics of fear”.   He was standing in for Scotland’s new international celebrity Nicola Sturgeon. She was over in America touring the White House, the World Bank, the IMF, the think tanks and television studios.  She even took tea at the exclusive Lowell Hotel in New York, and not just any tea, but tea grown in the foothills of the Himalayas of Perthshire.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor George Osborne was selling off the nation’s stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland, or at least hoping to off-load some of the £45bn of shares we bought to bail the bank out in 2008.  The sale will begin in the autumn and if it goes well over the next few years, it will bring in £32bn to the Treasury.  The union Unite has condemned it as an early sale at a “knock-down price” but the Chancellor says it’s the best deal the taxpayer can get.

And now the strange case of Sheku Bayoh.  He was a young man from Sierra Leone who’d lived in Fife for ten years and had a young family. For reasons we don’t know he was arrested by the police on 3^rd May in Kirkcaldy and died in their custody. The cause of death has not yet been established but is believed to be asphyxiation. The internal police investigation took over a month to take statements from the police officers involved – one of whom was injured in the incident – and no report has yet been published.  Last weekend, hundreds of local people attended Sheku’s funeral and paused outside Kirkcaldy police station calling for an explanation.  I think we are owed one.

Finally, we learned this week that the Isle of Skye has become a palaeontologist’s paradise. Apparently, dinosaur hunters are flocking to the island following the discovery of several exciting fossils by experts from Edinburgh University.  The fossils are from the mid-Jurassic period, about 170 million years ago, and include parts from long-necked dinosaurs, heavy weight armour plated dinosaurs and early examples of tyrannosaurus rex.  At the time, Skye was part of a swampy, hot steamy jungle until climate change took a hand.

With the scorching week we’ve had, it looks like we’re heading that way again, though I gather there may be one or two chilly weekends before Scotland becomes a Mediterranean country.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4tEtAhuBCY]

Mairi Campbell: Pulse.  A preview of Mairi’s new work in development, which will tour from November 2015. ‘Whether it’s the rugged beauty of a Highland tune, an improvised audience ‘sounding’ over mesmeric viola and voice, or ballads and songs, Mairi draws on her deep well of Celtic ancestry to find music that is both ancient and new’. 7.30pm, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court. Tickets cost £8/£6 and may be obtained from the Box Office on 0131 315 2151. Also at same time on Saturday 13th June 2015.

Artist Talk: Faisal Abdu’Allah. The artist will introduce the concept for his new solo exhibition Squad, which has been developed collaboratively with LGBT Youth Scotland to provide social commentary on the nature of displacement, privilege and cultural assumptions. Squad is part of Abdu’Allah’s ongoing umbrella venture entitled The Squad Project, which aims to reflect the artist’s deep engagement with both the physical and metaphysical properties of material, through traditional printmaking techniques explored through a range of unconventional print media. Abdu’Allah’s talk will be followed by a preview of the exhibition. 6-7pm (talk), 7-9pm (preview), Edinburgh Printmakers, Union Street. Free tickets for the talk may be obtained via eventbrite here; the preview is unticketed and open to all. The exhibition will then be open 10am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday until 18th July 2015.

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling continues today! Rides, films, talks, drama, books, photos, workshops and lots more. Today’s events include Inspired to Ride (a film about the inaugural Trans Am Bike Race), a fun family session at SKELF Bike Skills Park, and a talk on cycling and the law. For more information please see the festival’s website here or its Facebook page here, or pick up a programme from many venues across the city and beyond, including libraries, leisure centres and many shops. Ends 21st June 2015.

Strange Town Presents The Ollissey by Tim Primrose. ‘A madcap journey across the ‘Burgh, based on Homer’s Odyssey. Sort of’. Suitable for all ages. 7pm, Netherbow Theatre,, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£5 and may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here (transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings). Also at 7pm on Saturday 13th June 2015. Strange Town is a theatre company that aims to enable young people aged 5-25 years to fulfil their creative potential whilst producing work of the highest quality that is daring, exciting and entertaining. The company is based at Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street. The performers in The Ollissey are all aged 11-14 years.

Cycling and the Law: Cycle Law Scotland is the country’s first award-winning legal service dedicated to representing injured cyclists. Brenda Mitchell has 27 years experience and is a passionate cyclist herself; she will talk about her experience of dealing with compensation claims for cyclists on a daily basis, where and why crashes occur, what the courts have decided, and why. Her presentation will include case law, case studies, video footage, common cycling accidents and what to do in the event of a collision. There will be time for lots of questions, so bring yours! 2-3pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required via eventbrite here. This event forms part of Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 2015.

Grassmarket Community Project Behind the Scenes Tour: The Making of the 69th Edinburgh International Film Festival Awards. This year’s Film Festival awards will be made in the Grassmarket Project’s own woodwork shop; come along and learn about the ancient art of Pyrography (poker art) and meet the members who will be hand-drawing every award on beautiful recycled wood. Enter the competition to guess who will end up holding them! Take a look at the wider project and how it uses the recycling of wood to change people’s lives. Guided tours of 30 minutes begin at 2.30pm, Grassmarket Community Project, Candlemaker Row. Booking is advised: contact the centre on 0131 225 3626.

LGBT Women’s Wellbeing Group: an inclusive group offering the chance to meet other LGBT women in a relaxed environment, with chat, info and activities promoting wellbeing. The group welcomes all LGBT women and transgender people who primarily identify as women. Today: ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ – an evening of music and memories featuring live acoustic performances from Jules Stapleton Barnes and Courtney Lynn. 6-8.30pm; for information on venue and to be added to the group’s mailing list, please contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283 or email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.

Boys and Pastel: Curator’s Tour. Join curator Paul Nesbitt and Exhibitions Officer Chloe Reith as they lead an in-depth discussion on the work of artist Nicolas Party and his current exhibition at Inverleith House. 2-3pm, Inverleith House, Royal Botanical Garden, Inverleith Row. Free.

Commonweal Edinburgh North & Leith: Words and Poetry with Shaun Moore and Rosie Kane. The cafe will remain open for this event, so come early! 7.30pm, Area C Coffee House, 239 Leith Walk.

Strange Town Presents Viral by Alan Gordon. ‘There are times in life when you find yourself on the edge, with no idea of how you got there or where you go next; a leap into the unknown or a tug back from the brink. Whatever happens, the mistakes you make may just be forever’. This play contains content around mental health issues. Suitable for ages 12+. 9pm, Netherbow Theatre,, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£5 and may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here (transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings). Also at 9pm on Saturday 13th June 2015. Strange Town is a theatre company that aims to enable young people aged 5-25 years to fulfil their creative potential whilst producing work of the highest quality that is daring, exciting and entertaining. The company is based at Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street. The performers in Viral are all aged 14-16 years.

Fires of Love: A Celebration Concert. This critically acclaimed early music quartet [Frances Cooper (soprano), Gordon Ferries (lute and guitar), Jonathan Hugh-Jones (baritone and recorder) and Marcus Claridge (percussion)] specialises in innovative programmes of Renaissance and early Baroque chamber music, combining a stunning array of instruments with soprano and baritone voices. Tonight they are performing one final farewell concert of music of the European Renaissance, celebrating 17 years of music making. 7.30-9.30pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Admission £5 on the door.

Caesura #32:  since 2013 Caesura has been exploring the recesses of poetics, language and sound with a series of stripped-back events focusing on experimental writing and performance. Tonight’s event features kitchen sink avant-noise from Leeds-based Legion of Swine, music and poetry from Opul, Glasgow-based theatre-maker and poet Emilia Weber and experimental writer Tom Betteridge. 8pm, Demonstration Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £5/£4 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 560 1581 or online here.

The Wynntown Marshals + Dropkick: the Edinburgh-based alt. country/Americana band celebrates the launch of its third album, The End of the Golden Age. ‘Lyrically strong guitar-driven pop and rock with plenty of hooks’. Dropkick are an Edinburgh-based five-piece who released Homebound last year. ‘Songs that capture a power pop spirit tinged with a country edge, shimmering guitars and vocal harmonies (recalling) classic California bands and more local contemporaries such as Teenage Fanclub and Danel Wylie’. (Americana UK). 7.30pm, The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street. Tickets cost £10 (transaction fee applies) and are available online from Ripping Records here.

Wester Hailes Fun Run

Leith Late

Community bursary scheme 

Today at the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling

12 Tub Cinema Club

The Wester Hailes Fun Run where Lord Provost the Rt Hon Donald Wilson cut his marathon teeth last year takes place this weekend. The fun starts at Wester Hailes Education Centre at 10am on Sunday.

Come along and cheer the runners on! What else is on this weekend? Do tell us! We need to add you to our listings or come along and take some photos of you!

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An Edinburgh-based property management company has launched its fifth community bursary scheme, offering much-needed funding to local groups.

Ross and Liddell will offer grants of up to £500 to community organisations across Scotland that make a vital difference to their local area.

Irene Devenny, Managing Director at Ross and Liddell, said: “We set up the Community Bursary in 2011 because we feel that it is important for Ross and Liddell to play an active role in our local communities.

“The response has been overwhelming and to date we have provided support to more than 100 groups across the country, including smART Craft, Strange Town and Linlithgow Young People’s Project. The funding can have such a positive impact and it’s always great to hear about how groups have used our support to make a real difference.

“Last year was the scheme’s most successful year; we received almost 300 applications and it was really tough choosing the groups who would receive our support.

“As we launch this year’s bursary, I would encourage everyone involved with community groups and organisations to apply. We are looking forward to supporting even more community groups in 2015.”

Ross and Liddell also has offices in Glasgow, Paisley and Dundee.

Applications are now open and groups can apply for a bursary by visiting www.ross-liddell.com to download an application form.

The closing date for applications is Friday 7 August 2015.

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Today at the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling we fancy a film. This film at the Pleasance Bar:

On June 7, 2014, forty-five cyclists from around the world set out on the inaugural Trans Am Bike Race, following the famed TransAmerica Trail. Their mission is to cover 4,233 miles in one enormous stage race, traversing through ten states in a transcontinental adventure of epic proportions.

Inspired To Ride follows closely the journey of a handful of these cyclists as they prepare, compete and experience what riding 300 miles a day feels like with only a few hours sleep. They will rely solely on their fitness, meticulously chosen gear and mental fortitude to get them to the finish. And to make it even more interesting, they’ll be self-supported – no crew, no follow vehicles and no prize money waiting at the end. These athletes will endure agonizing climbs in the Rockies, driving winds in the Great Plains and sawtooth switchbacks in the Appalachians all for a pat on the back, potential bragging rights and a cold beer when its all over. Some are out to make history and set records, while others are simply trying to finish.

Four cinematographers, cameras flying in the sky and GoPros galore will give the audience an incredibly immersive experience while these cyclists speed along the TransAmerica Trail revealing its varied landscapes, intriguing locals and captivating stories which dot this path of discovery.

Director: Mike Dion
Producers: Hunter Weeks, Kia Kiso, Mike Dion
Featuring: Mike Hall, Juliana Buhring

The film will be followed by a Q&A with Juliana Buhring

Tickets here but here’s a taster

[vimeo 123160209 w=500 h=281];

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More film news now! The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street is opening its doors to everybody rather than being a members only bar and restaurant. They are showing films from next Friday night. Book now and your ticket gets you a whisky and a whisky flavoured ice-cream from S. Luca.

We were at the press night yesterday evening and it was great to see The Angel’s Share in such a nice comfortable setting with delicious ice-cream!

https://steller.co/site/static/js/steller.js

The 12 Tub Cinema films:

From Friday 19^th June to Saturday 11 July, The North View room at the Society’s 28 Queen Street venue will be transformed into an intimate cinema, complete with bean bags, deck chairs and ushers serving whisky ice creams and drams. The films being screened are:

• Friday 19 June, The Angels’ Share

o   Ken Loach’s bittersweet comedy about a life-changing trip to a whisky distillery

• Friday 26 June, Whisky Galore

o   The 1949 Ealing classic sees Scottish islanders try to plunder 50,000 cases of whisky from a stranded ship

• Saturday 27 June, Lost in Translation

o   Contemporary classic in which Bill Murray plays an aging actor hired to promote a Japanese whisky

• Thursday 2 July, Inglourious Basterds

o   Learn how to order a 33-year old Highland Scotch the right way in Tarantino’s WWII epic

• Friday 3 July, Barfly

o   Cult 80s movie set in LA loosely based on the life of writer and whiskey fan Charles Bukowski

• Friday 10 July, Withnail & I

o   Two out-of-work actors with a taste for whisky go on holiday “by mistake” in this cult indie drama

• Saturday 11 July, Casablanca

o   An undisputed classic starring renowned whisky lover, Humphrey Bogart

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On Thursday morning various commuters converged on St Andrew Square from a range of starting points and got there by various means, and for once the weather was beautiful!

It was part of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling and participants were trying to find out which mode of transport was fastest and who damages the environment least.

There were commuters on bikes, trams, cars, buses and trains. They began from points outside the city boundaries and aimed to get to St Andrew Square for 8.15am.

One of the organisers, Chris Hill, said

“The purpose of the commuter challenge is to show how fortunate people working in Edinburgh are with their travel options.

“There are already Park and Ride sites around the city, express bus routes, a tram and, coming soon, a new rail line from Midlothian.

“In addition a much improved cycle route alongside the A90 from Queensferry – handy for Fife cycle commuters and a new off-road connection south from Lasswade Road all offer new ways of getting about.

“In the city centre an important segregated link is being constructed between the long established Innocent Path and The Meadows.”

Irene Gardiner likes the tram: “I use it almost every day from my office at Haymarket. More convenient, comfortable and faster than the bus. To access the tram stop at ‘Haymarket, I don’t even have to cross the road.”

Max Blinkhorn lives in Portobello and works at Heriot Watt’s Riccarton campus – 11 miles away.

He sometimes drives, but usually takes the express bus or goes by train or bike. He said:

“I’ve found there are many quick travel options available to those who want to cross the city. Driving via the bypass can take an hour at busy times.

“Express buses or the train from Brunstane to South Gyle and Edinburgh Park really work for me and save a lot of money. Both have wifi onboard and I can catch up with email and facebook on the move.

“My commuting time is much more valuable now and I have no driving stress. If I want, I can cycle all or just part of the way using the train and off-peak trams, depending on my timetable. I often get off at Waverley and head to Portobello either by the Restalrig Cycleway or through Holyrood Park. And of course, I don’t need to spend money and time on a gym membership!”

Photos courtesy of Chris Hill

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been dealing with a wild fire near Glencorse Reservoir near Penicuik since earlier this afternoon.

Edinburgh Operations Control received a call just before noon and sent two appliances from Penicuik and Sighthill fire stations.

Due to the fire being fanned by the wind, further appliances from Dalkieth, Liberton and West Linton have also gone to assist.

Firefighters are still tackling the fire, which is in an area measuring 500m, with two main jets, a light portable pump and beaters.

The incident is ongoing and may be for some considerable time.

The area is popular with hill walkers and the fire service have asked everyone to avoid the area until fire operations are concluded.

Edinburgh Southern MSP, Jim Eadie, has today  written to Transport for Edinburgh Chief Executive, Ian Craig, seeking an urgent review of policy for those with motorised mobility scooters to allow use of both the bus and tram network in Edinburgh.

Currently, the MSP says Transport for Edinburgh do not allow those with mobility scooters on buses or trams due to ‘operational circumstances’ and that they have cited very large passenger volumes on high-frequency services, coupled with the challenge of manoeuvring a scooter on and off a crowded bus or tram and the potential risk to other passengers as reasons for their current policy.

Commenting, Mr Eadie said:

“Given we are living in 2015, it is about time that transport within Edinburgh was accessible for all. I will continue to push Transport for Edinburgh vigorously to ensure they make the policy change, which is vital to ensuring everyone within our community can go about their daily lives without having the unnecessary problem of struggling getting from A to B.

“The vast majority of people in Edinburgh rely on both the tram and bus networks for commuting to and from work, socialising or shopping. It is not right in today’s society that some in our community are being excluded from using either buses or trams. Let’s not forget that these methods are Edinburgh’s two main transport networks and they should allow access for all and not be selective.

“I have written to the Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh to seek a meeting and I am hopeful I will be able to put my views to him at the earliest opportunity.”

A spokesman for Transport for Edinburgh told The Edinburgh Reporter:

“Accessibility is a big priority for us across all of our services. With 100% accessibility along the tram system and an accessible full fleet of low-floor buses, we compare very well with other operators.  However, we are always looking at ways to enhance our services for passengers and the Group is currently considering what further improvements can be made.”

Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson has been censured by the SFA. Scottish football’s governing body’s Judicial Panel met at Hampden Park this morning to discuss the incident during Hearts final league game of the season against Rangers at Tynecastle on 2 May when Neilson was sent to the stand by referee Callum Murray. He was then issued a notice of complaint from the SFS Compliance Officer.

The Panel decided against banning the Hearts chief from the dugout but he has been formally warned about his future conduct.

Hearts, meanwhile, have announced they have sold more than 11,000 season tickets for the forthcoming SPFL Premiership campaign. The Maroon Army are clearly relishing their side’s return to the top flight of Scottish football despite the fact there will be no Edinburgh derby in the new season for the first time in 17 years.

Edinburgh’s Urbane Art Gallery is hosting a solo show by Clare Andrews, the artist who splits her life between Rio de Janeiro and Edinburgh.

The exhibition, entitled ’Living In The Abstract’ will be a solo exhibition in Urbane Gallery’s solo room, and will run from 20th June to 12th July. A Private View is taking place in the gallery at 25 Jeffery Street, Edinburgh from 6-8pm on 19th June, and Clare Andrews will be in attendance.

Clare Andrews’ art has been described as ”openly engaged with the social and political realities of our time, especially where they impinge on the everyday lives of women, in work, health, housework, etc. Stylistically Andrews has favoured what might be described as a comedic realism, and she has a remarkable gift for naturalistic observation. Her work displays poetry and visual wit.”

Recently she was one of the invited artists to exhibit in the 189th Annual RSA Exhibition.

Tracey Robertson, Urbane Gallery Director said: ” We are excited to have Clare’s work here in Edinburgh, as much of her art has been shown in Brazil. Her paintings are thought-provoking pieces which arouse emotion and comment, and are sure to get our visitors talking.”

Anyone who wants an invitation to the private view should contact the gallery at info@urbaneart.co.uk.

Submitted by Rosemary Walker

Edinburgh’s dedicated housebreaking officers have arrested three more people as part of the ongoing Operation RAC.

Sometime between 31st May and 1st June an address in Riccarton Mains Road was broken into and a Honda CRV was stolen using the true key.

In the early hours of 5th June police were alerted to a suspicious vehicle in the area of Allan Park Drive. Enquiries established that another property in Baberton Mains Park had been subject to a housebreaking and a Seat Leon had been taken.

Both the Seat and the Honda were subsequently recovered and on Wednesday 10th June a stolen property warrant was executed at an address in Muirhouse Gardens and various items were recovered from within.

Two men aged 19 and 17 were charged with the break-ins to both homes as well as various road traffic offences.

In addition, police also detained an 18-year-old man in Pennywell Road on Tuesday 9th June for a breach of bail conditions. He will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for this offence.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “This is another great recovery of high-value vehicles as part of Operation RAC and another two men are in custody.

“I want to make it clear to everyone involved in housebreaking and vehicle theft that we will pursue you with all the resources at the disposal of Police Scotland.

“Tackling housebreaking is my top priority and my officers are keen to hear from the public who may have vital information on those responsible for these offences.

“If you have information, or would like to know more about how to safeguard your property then please call us on 101. Alternatively, crime can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Crime prevention advice is also available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk.”

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling starts today! Rides, films, talks, drama, books, photos, workshops and lots more. Today’s events include the SEStran Commuter Challenge 2015, talks by Swiss mountain biker Gian Liesch and intrepid bike messenger Emily Chappell, and a reading of a new play by Tamara von Werthern. For more information please see the festival’s website here or its Facebook page here, or pick up a programme from many venues across the city and beyond, including libraries, leisure centres and many shops. Ends 21st June 2015.

Strange Town Presents Gone by Duncan Kidd: a play about a rather different school trip… Suitable for all ages. 7pm, Netherbow Theatre, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£5 and may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here (transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings). Also at 5pm on Sunday 14th June 2015. Strange Town is a theatre company that aims to enable young people aged 5-25 years to fulfil their creative potential whilst producing work of the highest quality that is daring, exciting and entertaining. The company is based at Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street. The performers in Gone are all aged 11-14 years.

Coast to Coast: a group exhibition of new works by gallery artists including Hazel Cashmore, Beth Robertson Fiddes, Ian Rawnsley, Imogen Alabaster, Mark Nicholas Edwards and Susie Christie, featuring works inspired by the sights and sounds of the coast and beaches. 10.30am-6pm Tuesday to Friday, 10.30am-5.30pm Saturday and 12 noon-6pm Sundays, Union Gallery, 45 Broughton Street.

Poetry and Coffee: with AC Clarke, Jim Aitken and Rosemary Hector. 10.30-11.30am, Henderson’s Cafe, 94 Hanover Street. Free drop-in event: for more information please contact henry.e.marsh@gmail.com.

Live Music Now: Ian Watt. The Scottish guitarist, internationally known through his performances all over the world, plays Baroque music from the royal courts of Europe in anticipation of the Liotard exhibition, together with a selection of Edvard Grieg’s evocative Lyric Pieces. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

The Edinburgh Bookshop and Waywiser Press Present KM Ross: The Blinding Walk. The New Zealand born, Edinburgh-based, author of Falling Through the Architect presents his new novel: in the aftermath of an unforseen and tragic turn of events, Mel Seuchar strides along Longniddry beach trying to make sense of it all. What really happened? How did it come to this? ‘An epic novel of skilfully crafted and memorable characters deftly interwoven into a complex and engaging story’ (Helen Dumont).7pm, The Edinburgh Bookshop, 219 Bruntsfield Place. Free but booking is advised and may be made by calling the shop on 0131 447 1917.

University of Edinburgh Inaugural Lecture: Professor Win Rampen, Chair of Energy Storage, speaks on Energy Storage: Our Future Salvation? 5.30-6.30pm, Swann Lecture Theatre, Michael Swann Building, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, The King’s Buildings, EH9 3BF. Free and open to all. Please contact louise.farquharson@ed.ac.uk for further information.

Portrait Gallery Curator’s Talk: The Scandal of the Feuding Philosophers – Hume and Rousseau in 1766. This month Lucinda Lax talks about Ramsay’s celebrated portraits of David Hume and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. 5.30-6pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

Spark Greyfriars: an organ recital by James Ritzema (Reid School of Music) 12 noon-12.45pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free.

Pippa Goldschmidt: The Need for Better Regulation of Outer Space. The author of the acclaimed novel The Falling Sky brings together an outstanding collection of short stories on the theme of science and its impact on all our lives. ‘In turns witty, accessible, fascinating and deeply moving, Goldschmidt demonstrates her mastery of the short form as well as her ability to draw out scientific themes with humane and compelling insight’. 6.30pm, Looking Glass Books, Simpson Loan, Quartermile. To reserve your free place please email info@freightbooks.co.uk.

Let’s Glow: Edinburgh College Summer Showcase. The College’s Music Box presents a showcase of classical, jazz and traditional music, the culmination of a year’s work by the College’s students. Join them to celebrate their achievements in an evening featuring ensembles that include the choir, big band, concert band, brass group and folk group. 7.30pm, Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street. Tickets cost £10/£8 and may be purchased from the Queen’s Hall Box Office in person, by calling 0131 668 2019 or online here.

Cafe Voices: Fathermen. To complement the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s current Fathermen exhibition, storyteller Peter Snow explores the presence – and the absence – of men in family settings. This is the Centre’s monthly storytelling session, with an open-floor section for storytellers to tell their own tales. 7pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £5 and may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here (transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings).

Strange Town Presents Wearing Badges Is Not Enough by Duncan Kidd. Based on actual events, this is the story of what happened when young people protested against the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Suitable for ages 14+. 9pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£5 and may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here (transaction fee applies to phone and online bookings). Also at 7pm on Sunday 14th June 2015. Strange Town is a theatre company that aims to enable young people aged 5-25 years to fulfil their creative potential whilst producing work of the highest quality that is daring, exciting and entertaining. The company is based at Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street. The performers in Wearing Badges Is Not Enough are all aged 16-18 years.

Free Range MTB:  Bike Packing in Perspective. After attempts at losing toes during winter mountaineering and at breaking bones during downhill mountain biking, Swiss mountain biker Gian Liesch mixed disciplines and started bikepacking (cycle touring off-road). He now tackles 10,000 ft summits, riding across mountain chains in summer and winter and taking part in what is possibly Europe’s toughest MTB race…and has found that it is not ‘all about the bike’ but about spending time in and with nature. 2-3pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required via eventbrite here. This event forms part of Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 2015.

Really Free Market: come and share food, art, games, tools and anything else you like! 7.30-9pm, Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Portobello. Organised by Portobello Time Bank.

Kircudbright Jazz Festival: your first chance to escape the city this weekend is to a picturesque artists’ and harbour town in Dumfries & Galloway. Kircudbright’s 18th annual celebration of traditional New Orleans, Dixieland and Swing Jazz – melodic music, mostly from the 20’s and 30’s – will include performances from Penman Jazzmen, Kircudbright International All Stars, Savannah Jazz Band, Sulwath Syncopators, New Phoenix Jazz Band, Diplomats of Jazz and many more. For more information (including accommodation options) and to book tickets please see the festival’s website here or its Facebookpage here. The festival continues until 14th June 2015.

Eden Festival: if you want your weekend to be altogether louder and larger, you still need to head for South West Scotland, but this time to Moffat. This year’s Eden Festival will offer nine stages, kids’ arena, circus tent, drive-in cinema, comedy, cabaret, workshops, art, games – and of course music; acts include Ms Dynamite, Grandmaster Flash, The Skints, Portico, Dub Mafia, Dumfries & Galloway Choir, InChorus Choir and a gazillion more. For information and tickets see the festival’s website here: tickets are also available from many outlets in Edinburgh, including Ripping Records and Tickets Scotland. Accommodation options include not only ‘normal’ camping pitches but also luxury bell tents and wooden summerhouses. Raehills Meadow, Eden, near Moffat. The festival continues until 14th June 2015.