Huxtable have been announced to headline Fortune Promotions’ monthly gig on 26 June, this time at Sneaky Pete’s with support coming from The Number 9s and Empire By Day.

Huxtable are the latest exciting talent to arrive on the Scottish music scene, with hard-hitting melodies arriving from the two-piece Glaswegians. This gig will come off the back of a gig at Hard Rock Cafe in Glasgow and supporting Fatherson. They’ve notably supported Biffy Clyro at the Troxy in London last year.

The Number 9s are due to give Huxtable a run for their money with their headline performances that are known for being “thunderous and captivating”, while Empire By Day will be looking to build upon their intriguing sound after support slots with Young Aviators and local band Pronto Mama.

Fortune Promotions, headed by Steven Mackay, puts on gigs every month in and around various venues in Edinburgh to showcase some of the latest local talent.

Tickets are available through SEE Tickets for £6, or bought on the door at the venue for £7.

World Champion Curler, Eve Muirhead, awarded more the 80 gold medals to some of the nation’s most inspiring school pupils at the showcase award ceremony for Scotland’s biggest educational supporting legacy project in the Bute Hall, University of Glasgow.

The inspire>aspire National Awards Ceremony earlier this week brought to a close the three-year ‘Global Citizens in the Making’ project, which inspired 100,000 pupils in 58 Commonwealth Nations and Territories.

Over the three-years, more than 300 schools in Scotland from all 32 local authorities participated in the project which asks pupils to use the inspiration of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and consider their own aspirations and ambitions as global citizens. The programme originates in Scotland and many schools have connected classrooms with other Commonwealth nations.

More than 80 National Finalists were awarded gold medals for their exceptional work throughout the academic year. During the awards presenter Eve Muirhead’s keynote, she used her own story of success to emphasise the importance of identifying goals at a young age and using inspiration to achieve these.

In the Secondary awards, Sarah Hutton of Gracemount High School (photographed above) won 2nd Prize for S3 whilst Helena Cassels took out 1st Prize in the S1 category.

Catherine Stilher, MEP and Rector of St Andrews University was among the judges this year and said:

“What I have experienced today is inspiring and enlightening. To learn from young people about their experiences and how they see the world helps me understand better the challenges that young people face today.

“I think this exercise should be conducted with politicians. Perhaps we would make better decisions!”

Programme manager Julie Thompson said:

“Tuesday’s award ceremony showcased the work of only a fraction of the inspiring young people who have participated in this project.

“Our ambition with this project was to use the opportunity of Glasgow 2014 to create a generation of active, connected global citizens and we believe that over the three years, we have successfully contributed to the legacy of the games both at home and abroad.

“It is a privilege to gain this personal insight into our young people and I urge you to go on our website and view this work – our young global citizens will inspire you!”

Submitted by Alex Gregg

It’s that time of year again – whilst many pupils are in limbo, waiting for the results they hope will see them heading to the college of their dreams, the year below is turning its thoughts to UCAS and the perils of the dreaded personal statement. If you or your charges are planning to apply to university for 2016 entry, open days are one of the ways to start – virtually every college runs one, some run two or three, and they are excellent ways not only to find out about courses but also to get a feel for the place – could you really stand this concrete block/ivory tower for four years? What’s the accommodation like? Can you take up drama? Dungeons and dragons? The didgeridoo? Where’s the sports centre (and the bar)?

So here is a round-up of coming open days – you do need to book for most of them, so go to the relevant website and register your intention to take the next step into uncharted territory – the World Beyond School – and please check all dates and details with the universities before setting off.

August 2015

17th – Highlands & Islands; North Highland College

31st – Dundee

September

1st – Strathclyde + Aberdeen

2nd – Glasgow Caledonian

7th – Edinburgh

9th – West of Scotland Dumfries Campus

16th – West of Scotland Hamilton Campus

19th – Stirling

23rd – Abertay

25th – Heriot Watt

26th – Dundee + Edinburgh

30th – St Andrew’s + West of Scotland Paisley Campus

October

3rd – Edinburgh Napier (all campuses) + Glasgow Caledonian + Strathclyde + Robert Gordon’s University (Aberdeen)

7th – Robert Gordon’s University + West of Scotland Ayr Campus

14th – St Andrew’s

24th – Glasgow + University of the Highlands & Islands Theological College (Dingwall)

27th – Dundee (Art & Design only)

28th – St Andrew’s

31st – Heriot Watt + Stirling

November

5th – St Andrew’s

The University of Edinburgh offers some tips on how to get the most from your visit; make sure you study the programme for the day in advance, make a list of the timed events – talks, tours of halls, etc – that you want to attend, and register for any that require advance booking. At Edinburgh some talks are repeated throughout the day – those in the morning are often busiest, so you may have more luck with the later ones. Bring your queries about student finance, study abroad options, student support services, careers and facilities for disabled students, and don’t be afraid to ask – although you can of course contact the universities at any time, there’s no substitute for talking to staff – and current students – on the day. The University of Dundee also suggests visiting a variety of departments – you might find you’re interested in something you hadn’t previously considered, and it’s better to find out now!

Parents, friends and teachers are welcome at open days, but don’t worry if you’re going on your own – there will usually be Student Ambassadors to help you and you’ll soon meet other people. The Universities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh even offer low cost bed and breakfast in student halls for the night before the open day, and Aberdeen arranges an optional party in the evening. The University of Glasgow includes tours of the city in its programme and Edinburgh operates a shuttle bus between its various sites.

And if you can’t make the date of an open day, don’t despair – most universities offer private visits, self-guided tours, online chats and lots of ways to help you find out more – contact the admissions offices for information.

Good luck! Soon this could be you:

If you are to look at your diet today, it is fair to say most people see where changes need to be made. Maybe you need to cut out one of the four coffees you drink a day? Maybe you should leave out that doughnut at lunch? While most of us trying to swap the fat-filled fructose treats for granola bars, there is one man intent on showing you that there is simply no way to live your life without feeling bad about it.

A man who cut sugar out of his life three years ago sets himself up on a supposedly ‘healthy’ diet, consuming the average consumed amount of 40 teaspoons of sugar per day.

Director/writer/all-round main star Damon Gameau has used his own apparent achievement of cutting out refined sugar to trape around the globe and point out others who should be doing the same. Enlisting the odd help of Hugh Jackman and Stephen Fry as child friendly spokespeople, he has put together a film that feels like an overly long, ninety plus minute educational tool. But there is little education to That Sugar Film; instead becoming more of a condescending, painfully staged piece on why sugar is so bad and not showing any real resolution.

The film feels as though it has injected caramel into its thirsty veins. There’s an obvious plot comparison here: Super Size Me. While that was a piece that justified its scaremongering tactics, the fear here stems from fast edited shots of large behinds and overweight children eating ice cream. There are only a couple of moments where the effects ring true. An encounter with a seventeen year old Kentucky boy who was near enough weaned on Mountain Dew makes for excruciating viewing, while the refined sugar obsessed Aborigines and their attempts to combat their own problems gives another dimension to what is otherwise a film almost entirely about its director. Gameau’s tactics are wholly ineffective; showing his ‘hyperactivity’ by jumping up and down and delivering psychoactive ticks directly down the camera lens. Super Size Me shocked people into thinking twice about fast food; That Sugar Film convinces you to go out and buy a Snickers.

Condescending, crass and painfully egotistical, Gameau’s attempts to educate the world on sugar in our diets backfires gloriously.

★☆☆☆☆

That Sugar Film has its UK premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2015. More information can be found on the EIFF website here.

A 40-year-old man was today sentenced to one year in prison at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for stalking a woman.

Scott Ellis repeatedly sent threatening communications and made malicious allegations relating to a 37-year-old woman and her family between 16^th May 2013 and 14^th May 2014 in Edinburgh. Some of these offences were also racially aggravated.

Ellis pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday 30^th April and was bailed until sentencing.

Detective Constable Graham McIlwraith said: “Ellis’ actions had a profound effect on the victim and her family and I would like to extend my gratitude to them for their courage and cooperation throughout.

”I hope the conclusion of this case provides them with some closure and enables them to move forward.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of two cars during a housebreaking in the Pentlands area.

Around 4.30am on Thursday 18th June a silver-coloured 3-door Aston Martin Vantage Motor Car, registration D7 JAM, and a grey-coloured BMW X5, registration SM13 TUW, were taken from the property.

PC Ged Murray of Corstorphine Police Station said: “We’re eager to trace these vehicles and return them to their rightful owners and would urge anyone with information about these thefts, or the whereabouts of these cars, to get in touch.”

Anyone who may be able to help officers with their enquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Edinburgh Zoo has issued video footage of Scotland’s only female giant panda, Tian Tian playing with the food given to her. The food is what the zoo call ‘enrichment’ which is a kind  of treat for her on top of all the bamboo she already eats.

The video shows Tian Tian playing with the enrichment in the shape of a log.  The zoo keepers discovered the log in her outdoor enclosure, so they hid it under a huge pile of bamboo for her to find.

As soon as she clambered onto her swing she sniffed out her surprise under all the bamboo. She left her dinner in favour of playtime. She quickly dug out the enrichment item, which she then pushed off her hammock, before performing a “ninja roll” after it. She then proceeds to pick up the log to play with it, before rubbing its scent into her fur.

Enrichment plays an important role in the lives of the animals at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, providing extra stimulation that helps them to demonstrate natural, species-typical behaviour and to enhance their physical and physiological well-being. The keepers and enrichment team create the enrichment programmes with each individual species’ natural behaviours in mind.

Earlier this year the zoo carried out artificial insemination on the female panda, and issued this statement: “Artificial insemination took place on Tian Tian the female giant panda in the early hours of Thursday 26 March 2015. The procedure was carried out by the expert team of three veterinarians at RZSS, alongside Chinese colleague Doctor Wang Chengdong from the China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP). Only semen from male panda Yang Guang was used during the procedure.”

There has been no update from the zoo on any possible pregnancy since March.

Hibs unveiled their new strip for the forthcoming season today.

The strip marks a return to the traditional white sleeves, synonymous with the Hibernian jersey since they were first introduced in 1938, alongside a simple white collar with green trim and cuffs to match.

The club also worked with sponsors Marathonbet to design the all-white logo, helped by supporter feedback.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “We are delighted with the design for the new home strip and accompanying kit launch video.

“The feedback from supporters following the preview shots from May has been very positive, and we hope that we’ll see plenty of our fans in the green and white around Edinburgh.

The accompanying promotional video is symbolic of the increased connections the club are trying to build with the wider community. The work done by the Hibernian Community Foundation brings more people into contact with the club and the badge in a positive way, ultimately building the supporter base and the next generation of Hibs supporter.

Our community football programmes will be running across the summer, and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of kids having fun kicking a ball in Hibernian jerseys.”

Just Sport’s Steve Ladd said: “We are really pleased with the positive feedback received from supporters since the preview shots for the new Hibernian Home Strip were released. The return of the white sleeves has certainly gone down well and we’re looking forward to the launch both in store and online.”

On the new clean white design of the Marathonbet logo, CEO Stan Reoutt said:  “Being a sponsor isn’t about being overly intrusive, and when we saw the design of the new home strip, we wanted to help create something that wasn’t only smart and in-keeping with the club colours.

“But is also a foundation of what we believe is going to be a big season for Hibernian after narrowly missing out last season.

“With our clean white Marathonbet logo, we believe we have helped to create a kit the players and fans can take real pride in wearing.”

The fixtures for the 2015/16 Ladbrokes Championship season have been announced and Hibs start with an away trip to Dumbarton on Saturday 8 August,  followed by a home match against newly-promoted Morton (15 August) and then a huge game against Rangers at Ibrox on 22 August.

Speaking  to hibernianfc.co.uk, Stubbs said: “There is always a huge amount of excitement when the fixtures come out to discover how our schedule will look for the upcoming season.

“Our planning starts now and will ensure we’re ready and thoroughly prepared for the first game at Dumbarton on 8 August, which will be a tough start.

“Everything we do is geared towards making sure we prepare correctly and that we hit the ground running once the season starts.

“There is a lot of optimism and excitement and now we need to build on that in order to experience an enjoyable and successful season.”

Hibernian’s 2015/16 Ladbrokes Championship fixtures (please note fixture dates and kick off times are subject to change)

Scotland’s most senior female police officer has said no roles or ranks are unattainable for women, as the service celebrates 100 years of women in policing.

Policing teams the length and breadth of the country are holding events to celebrate the achievements of female officers past and present, as well as giving prospective recruits the chance to ask questions and encourage them to sign up to the service.

There are currently around 5,150 female officers in Police Scotland, which makes up approximately 29 per cent of the 17,500 serving police officers at present.

One of the key celebrations was held today, Friday 19 June 2015, at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan.

The latest class of Police Scotland recruits passed out this morning, with 38 per cent of them female. Their achievements were celebrated by invited guests, including Deputy Chief Constable Local Policing Rose Fitzpatrick, Assistant Chief Constable Kate Thomson, and Assistant Chief Constable Val Thomson, representatives from the Scottish Women’s Development Forumm the Scottish Police Authority, and other senior police officers and staff.

Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, Annabelle Ewing, was also in attendance.

The course sergeant for the class was Sergeant Clair Fletcher, while the parade was led by Physical Education Instructor, Jacqui Tindal. 

Deputy Chief Constable Local Policing, Rose Fitzpatrick, said: “This year marks the 100^th anniversary of women in policing and is a milestone Police Scotland is delighted to celebrate.

“The opportunities available to women have changed dramatically over the last century – there is now no role or rank in Police Scotland which a woman cannot attain. We are really delighted, as a force, to celebrate the impact women have made on policing in the past and continue to make now.

“I am proud that Police Scotland is committed to ensuring equality and the availability of opportunities for all, regardless of gender, background, sexuality or race. Of course there is always more we can do and the views and experiences of our female officers will continue to shape our service for the future. ​

“Policing is a challenging, exciting role with public service at its heart. Today’s parade, especially with such a high proportion of female officers passing out, enables us to celebrate the past and the present, and I wish all the officers involved the very best for their future in policing.”

Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, Annabelle Ewing MSP, said: “This is an historic day for Police Scotland, and the rate of female recruits passing out this morning confirms that policing is a viable career for women in Scotland.

“The latest figures show we have a record level of female employment in Scotland, but the Scottish Government will continue to use all the levers at our disposal to help more people into high quality employment opportunities.”

Superintendent Suzie Mertes, Chair of Scottish Women’s Development Forum, said: “The Scottish Women’s Development Forum is delighted to be part of the celebrations for 100 Years of Women in Policing.

“We have come a long way in the last century. In 1922, the Chief Constable of Dundee City Police was forced to publicly deny he had such a thing as a woman on his staff – now Police Scotland is proud to say nearly 30% of our officers are women and they can be found working in every area of policing.

“Progress hasn’t always come easily, and the SWDF pays tribute to those early trailblazers who did so much to challenge the status quo”

Scottish Police Authority Board Member, Moi Ali said: “Over recent decades, the style of policing has evolved around some distinctive traits – approachable, responsive, collaborative. I don’t believe it is an accident that this style has developed alongside increasing representation of women within the workforce.

“Whether serving as police officers or staff, women have played a pivotal role in shaping that Scottish approach and it is fitting that we mark this milestone and celebrate the value that women have added over the last century.”

The Labour MP for Edinburgh South, Ian Murray has complained to the Deputy Speaker, Eleanor Laing about tweets sent out by the SNP earlier in the week.

Murray said in the House of Commons yesterday:

“On a point of order, Mrs Laing. For the third time this week the House has taken a position in votes that will be recorded in Hansard and in the official record of the House. Unfortunately shortly after those votes have been taken certain SNP MPs have tweeted out completely the contrary to the result of the votes. That happened on the Scotland Bill on Monday, the European Union Referendum Bill on Tuesday and again this evening. Can you rule on whether that is bringing the House into disrepute and how we stop that happening?”

The Deputy Speaker responded:

“I understand the point that the hon. Gentleman makes, and he has done well to draw it to the attention of the House and, no doubt, further afield, but he will appreciate that it is not a matter on which I can rule from the Chair at present. One would hope that a reasoned report of what happens in this Chamber will be disseminated widely throughout the country by many means of communication, not just on social media, and that people will always choose which report they wish to believe.”

Ian Murray is the only Labour MP in the whole of Scotland.  He is part of Her Majesty’s Official Opposition and is the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.

Martin Boyle has agreed to join Hibs  on a permanent basis after the winger signed a two year contract.

The Edinburgh born 22-year-old moved to Easter Road  on loan from Dundee in January with Alex Harris going in the opposite direction.

He made 17 starts and scored three goals before suffering a knee injury at Falkirk at the start of May.

Boyle told Hibernian TV: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Hibs on a permanent basis – I enjoyed every minute of my loan stay at the club.

“Obviously I was gutted to miss the play-offs because of the injury, but I’ve made good progress in my recovery and can’t wait to help Hibs push for promotion during the upcoming season.

“We’ve got a good group of players here and an excellent manager – the future looks really bright and I’m excited to be a part of it.

“I’m aiming to repay the manager’s faith in me and show the supporters what I’m capable of by putting in some consistently good performances.

“It was incredibly frustrating to suffer my injury set-back because I felt I was hitting some decent form, but I’m planning to come back stronger.”

Boyle’s arrival is the latest deal to be concluded during a productive start to the summer transfer window with Fraser Fyvie, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Carmichael and James Keatings also signing contracts while captain David Gray agreed an extension to his deal.

Head Coach Alan Stubbs said: “We’re delighted to have Martin on board for the new season and that the deal is now all done and dusted.

“He is still going through his rehab process, but hopefully we’ll have him back available for selection sooner rather than later.

“Martin is another valuable addition to the squad for what promises to be an exciting season.”

A man who attacked a woman on Leith Links has been found guilty of rape.

Faizan Ali subjected his 28-year-old victim to the serious sexual assault in the early hours of Thursday 11th November 2014.

He was found guilty at court today and will be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Keith Fairbairn said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who had the courage to come forward, report the incident and work with officers.

“These arrests should send a clear message to our communities that regardless of the circumstances of a crime, we will investigate the matter thoroughly and anyone found to be responsible will be brought to justice.

“I would urge anyone who wishes to report a crime to come forward and rest assured that your report will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.”

This weekend Scotland’s farmers are putting on their 175^th Royal Highland Show in the fields around Edinburgh Airport known as Ingliston. It’s a reminder to us city folk that Scotland is still an agricultural country….our 30,000 farms, of one sort or another, cover 70 per cent of the land area.  65,000 people work directly in agriculture and they, in turn, support one in ten jobs in the entire economy.

So for three gloriously sunny days (I hope), 180,000 visitors at Ingliston will watch a thousand cattle, 1500 sheep, two thousand horses, countless chickens, goats, dogs and well-turned-out owners strut their stuff in the judging rings of Scotland’s premier agricultural show.  This very day my sister is taking her primary school class to Ingliston. I wonder what they will make of it all.  Will they be more interested in the hamburger stalls, the craft shops, the outdoor clothing stands or the gleaming new combine harvesters and tractors.   (Incidentally, there were 39,762 tractors in Scotland last year….. government statisticians counted them all.)

What may pass the children by is that Scottish farming is in serious trouble. Total farm income fell last year by 18 per cent, according to a Bank of Scotland Survey. More than half of all farmers say they made a loss in 2014.  Hill farmers, dairy framers and organic farmers all suffered bad years. Cereal farmers faced low international prices.

Final figures are not in yet for 2014 but in 2013, which was considered a good year, average farm income was just £30,000, and that includes the average European Union subsidy of £38,000.  Dairy farmers seem to have the worst deal of all, with the cost of production rising last year to more than what they were getting for their milk at the farm gate.  This year looks to be even worse, with farmers being paid 25 per cent less for their produce than last year as the supermarkets engage in a price war  for market share.

Supermarkets are now selling two-litre cartons of milk at less than £1.  This cannot be right, and it reflects the overall truth that we are not paying enough for our food.  Although food prices have risen in the last few years, the average household spends around 17 per cent of its income on food and drink, compared with 33 per cent back in the 1950s.  In this official “Year of Food and Drink” we should be giving our farmers a better deal.  They work harder and take more risks than any city folk I know.

Another industry in trouble is the North Sea oil industry.  Leaders gathered for their annual conference in Aberdeen this week to try to come to terms with the fall in the oil price from over $100 a barrel this time last year to $60 today. The conclusion seems to be that costs will have to be trimmed, workers laid off, and companies will have to share resources.   In fact a new regulator has been appointed to ensure this happens.  And the first minister Nicola Sturgeon used her conference speech to call on the UK government to give tax-breaks to companies exploring for new fields.

At question time at Holyrood on Thursday Ms Sturgeon also laid into the Westminster government over its surprise decision to cut subsidies to the on-shore wind industry from April 2016, a year earlier than expected. “It’s wrong-headed, perverse and outrageous,” she told MSPs.  It will mean a loss to the renewables industry of £3bn, she said, and, in the end, will result in consumers paying between £2bn and £3bn more for their electricity.

The cut in windfarm subsidies will please one of Scotland’s famous sons and owner of two of its major golf courses. Not since Don Quixote has anyone tilted at windmills quite so vigorously as Donald Trump.  This week he announced that he’s campaigning to be the Republican candidate for the US Presidency.  Though his mother was born on the Isle of Lewis, he’s clearly not been affected by Hebridean modesty. “ I will be the greatest jobs president God ever created,” he told his supporters.

Perhaps he will be will able to bring jobs to his mother’s homeland too.  Our unemployment rate has risen again this month to 5.9 per cent or 163,000 (compared to a fall to 5.5 per cent for the UK as a whole).   Youth unemployment in Scotland did fall slightly but it still stands at a scandalously high 14 per cent.

Another figure which has risen is the number of people being killed on our roads.  Two hundred people died last year, 28 more than the year before and the highest figure for four years.  It includes a sharp rise in the number of pedestrians and motorcyclists killed, but, happily, the number of cyclists being killed continues to fall.  The transport minister Derek Mackay hopes this year’s figures will be better because of the new lower alcohol limit in Scotland and the introduction of average speed cameras on some of our most dangerous roads.

Last weekend, I enjoyed a breezy walk along the cliffs at St Abb’s Head, on the Berwickshire coast and, like others, I was astonished to hear that the local lifeboat station is to be closed down.  It houses a small inflatable lifeboat which specialises in rescuing the many divers who flock to St Abb’s for the clear water and dramatic rock formations below the surface.  The RNLI says it’s all part of a review of rescue services along the whole east coast and a new inshore lifeboat is to be added to the station at Eyemouth three miles south of St Abb’s.

Let’s hope the RNLI have got it right because the St Abb’s lifeboat station has been in operation for over a hundred years and has saved the lives of 226 people.

Leith Festival 2015: Teddy Bears’ Picnic! A fun morning of crafts, songs, toys, a Bible story and a picnic; for all pre-school children – don’t forget your Teddy Bear! 10-11am, YMCA/Acorn Centre, 1 Junction Place. Free. For more information please call Katherine Sced on 07512 786 731 or email info@gracechurchleith.org.

Easel Sketching in the Gallery – June: led by artist Damian Callan. A different subject every month, sometimes with a model. 2-4pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery (please ask at the information desk for exact location), 1 Queen Street. Free; no booking required; all materials supplied.

Aileen Paterson: the author of the Maisie the Cat books talks about the process of becoming a children’s writer/illustrator. 2-3pm, Boardroom, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required via eventbrite here. This event forms part of In Their Own Write – Women and Words, a festival of talks, exhibitions and workshops organised by Glasgow Women’s Library, Edinburgh City Libraries and the Bonnie Fechters women’s group. Aileen will follow this event with a story session for children in the Children’s Library from 3-4pm – please contact the library for more information.

Lunchtime Concert: First Presbyterian Church of Granville, Ohio – Chancel Choir and Festivo Bells.  12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling continues today! Rides, films, talks, drama, books, photos, workshops and lots more. Today’s events include a special bike films night at Balerno Village Screen, a talk by Thompson Crowley, author of At Home in the Bushes (see separate listings), a day of cycling diversity with Crags All Ability Bikes  – a chance to try out range of machines and find the right bike for you – including adapted machines from Get Cycling CiC (York) and some recumbent trikes from Laid Back Bikes, and The Edinburgh Night Ride – a new mystery route through East Lothian. 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.

LA Young Designs Fathers’ Day Gift Stall at Leith Walk Police Box: personalised gifts – funky T-shirts, wall art and eco bags. 10am-2pm, Leith Walk Police Box, Croall Place.

Edinburgh College of Art Undergraduate Open Day: come and see the college, find out about its programmes, meet academics and students and see some of the students’ work from the recent Degree Show. You will also be able to attend other talks – on topics such as accommodation (there will also be a chance to see some), student finance and study abroad, as part of the wider University of Edinburgh Open Day. 9.30am-5pm, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Booking is essential; to reserve your place via eventbrite click here, and to find out more about the day’s options, click here.

At Home in the Bushes: a twenty-minute talk from the author Thompson Crowley, who will discuss the joys of cycling, the rush of the road, the wonder and awe of the scenery, and how cycling and wild camping can save the world. 2-2.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required via eventbrite here. This event forms part of Edinburgh Cycling Festival 2015.

University of Edinburgh Open Day: find out about student life in Edinburgh from the students and staff themselves, explore the campus, learn more about the range of courses available, and ask questions about accommodation, admissions and job prospects. There will be a programme of talks throughout the day, and the opportunity to chat to departmental staff. 9.30am-5pm, University of Edinburgh. Booking is essential; to reserve your place via eventbrite click here, and to find out more about the timetable for the day click here. There will be a pre-Open Day online chat session for you to ask questions about the day’s programme and activities, and any queries about travelling to the university, on Tuesday 16th June from 3-7pm; to join in go to the University of Edinburgh Admissions Facebook page here. Further Open Days will be held on 7th and 26th September 2015.

Edinburgh Acting School Presents Shakespeare’s Best Bits: Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On. A group of actors audition for the ultimate Shakespearean play, which is a mixture of Shakespeare’s best bits. Watch as they tackle some of the most famous moments under the scrutiny of a director who has had enough of seeing Shakespeare done badly. A treat for all – with or without any knowledge of Shakespeare! Suitable for ages 12+. 7.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £10/£8 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 same time on Saturday 13th June 2015.

Images of Waterloo: from Battle to Bicentenary, 18th June 1815 – 18th June 2015. Freelance art historian Dr Patricia Andrew examines the colourful artistic creations inspired by the Battle of Waterloo, from the date of the battle itself right up to the present day. The centenary commemorations of 1915 are also included; they were held during the First World War, when political alliances had changed completely. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Radical Politics and Citizenship in Europe: from the Balkans to Scotland. A book launch and round table discussion with speakers Penny Travlou (Edinburgh College of Art), Srecko Horvat (Croatian philosopher and writer) and Igor Stiks (Edinburgh College of Art). The background for the discussion will be three books, Welcome to the Desert of Post-Socialism, a volume on socialist heritage and post-socialist reality, edited by Igor Stiks and Srecko Horvat, Nations and Citizens in Yugoslavia and the Post-Yugoslav States, an examination of geneology of citizenship in the Balkans by Igor Stiks and What Does Europe Want? by Srecko Horvat and Slavoj Zizek. 6pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free: all welcome – donations also welcome!

Balerno Village Screen: Rising From the Ashes. An award-winning and critically acclaimed feature-length documentary about two worlds colliding, when cycling legend Jock Boyer moves to Rwanda to help a group of struggling genocide survivors pursue their dream of forming a national team. The screening will be preceded by Danny MacAskill’s short The Ridge. This event forms part of the Edinburgh Cycling Festival 2015; a complimentary cold beer will be served by the bike caddy team from Heverlee Witter. 7.30pm (doors open 7pm), St Joseph’s Hall, 2 Main Street, Balerno. Free; all welcome – but please reserve your place via eventbrite here to enable the organisers to manage numbers (and please also remember to cancel your booking if you can no longer attend). Balerno Village Screen is a community cinema funded by donations.

Spoken and Sung – a night of music and poetry with Liz Lochhead, Christine de Luca, Ron Butlin and the Rudsambee Company of Singers, in aid of the Scottish Poetry Library . Refreshments on sale during the interval. 7.45pm, St Mark’s Unitarian Church, Castle Terrace. Tickets cost £10/£8 and may be purchased via eventbrite here.

The Portobello Comedy Night: Bruce Morton, Daisy Earl, Christopher MacArthur-Boyd, MC Stephen David, and a ‘very special’ guest. 8.30pm, Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Portobello. Tickets cost £10 (transaction fee applies) and are available from Brown Paper Tickets here.

Soulacoaster Live. A night of live music with Edinburgh’s 12-piece soul band; a set packed with hits made famous by legends such as The Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and The Commitments. For over 18s only. 7pm (doors open – on stage 8pm), The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street. £7 on the door.

Edinburgh International Film Festival continues today! For details of all films and other events see the programme here or pick up a paper copy at EIFF venues and many other locations throughout the city. Tickets are available in person from the Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Cineworld, Fountain Park, Odeon, Lothian Road and the Festival Theatre, by calling 0131 623 8030 or online here. Today’s highlights include The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974), a special retrospective screening of Joseph Sargent’s cult classic in which an armed gang hijacks a subway train, forcing a downbeat transit cop (Walter Matthau) into a battle of wits with the wily gang leader (Robert Shaw), and Big Gold Dream: Scottish Post-Punk and Infiltrating the Mainstream, the story of record label Fast Product, started in the late 70’s in Bob Last and Hilary Morrison’s Edinburgh flat, that led to a music scene that reverberated throughout the UK and beyond.

A Traditional Swedish Midsummer: the newest member of the Boda family offers you frog dancing, food, live music and Akvavit to celebrate the summer solstice – and yes, it’s dog-friendly! 6pm, Akva, 129 Fountainbridge (at the canal basin).

Rally & Broad: literary cabaret duo Jenny Lindsay and Rachel McCrum bring you the best in spoken word, live literature, new music and ‘other spiced treats’ in their last Edinburgh show of the season, with Ross Sutherland, Hannah Silver, Dan Willson (Withered Hand), Ryan Van Winkle and Caro Bridges. 7pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. £5 on the door (sta).

Sofi’s Midsummer Fruit Weekend: cider tasting, music, games, head garlands and exclusive fruity cocktails. 6pm today and onwards through the weekend, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.

Nitekirk: a creative, drop-in experience of church. Reflection, gentle music, places of activity (Scripture, prayers, poems, pictures, art supplies). Come and go as you please, join in quiet conversation and songs or just sit in silence and enjoy the space. The theme tonight is Joy. 8-11pm, St Columba’s-by-the-Castle, 14 Johnston Terrace. ‘A place of welcome, a space for stillness, a pause on your journey, an open door’. For more information please email nitekeirkedinburgh@yahoo.co.uk.

Bardic Journey to Skye: here’s your first chance to get away this weekend – though you’ll have to be organised; it’s not a day trip! Seanachaidh of Glendale, George Macpherson, harpist Heather Yule and Donald Smith of The Scottish Storytelling Centre will lead this story trail, following Gaelic poetry and culture and the lives of the great Gaelic poets through the Highlands by the Trossachs, Inveroran, Glencoe and Keppoch all the way to Glendale and North West Skye. Arriving on Friday evening, the group will join a programme of talks, walks and a ceilidh, returning to Edinburgh on Sunday evening via Skye’s special places. Departs Edinburgh 10am today. The total price for the whole weekend is £195, which includes all travel, accommodation and two evening meals. More information can be found on the Storytelling Centre’s website here, and booking may also be made online or by calling the centre Box Office on 0131 556 9579.

Solas Festival: your second opportunity for a ‘trip out’ is a little bit nearer to home, but no less alternative. Solas is not your average festival: as well as headline acts like The Vaselines, The Raghu Dixit Project, Honeyblood and the let’s-hope-not-appropriately-named Harry Bird and the Rubber Wellies, there’s political and cultural debate with top people like Liz Lochhead, Tom Devine, Denise Mina, Janice Galloway and Gerry Hassan, art from Georgia Yates, Art Against Sectarianism and Joanna Monks, step dancing from Nic Gareiss, films, workshops and a children’s programme that includes circus skills, storytelling and a chance to build dens with Instinctively Wild. Solas aims to create a generous, hospitable place where the arts can be performed and enjoyed by all, whilst making space for challenging debate with activists, writers and thinkers from across the political, cultural and religious spectrum. For more information (including accommodation options) and to book tickets, see the festival’s website here. Solas takes place at The Bield at Blackruthven, Tibbermore, Perthshire; the festival continues until Sunday 21st June 2015.

Royal Highland Show

Trams to Newhaven?

Armed Forces Day next week

Man convicted of Leith Links rape

Daily flights to Chicago celebrated with a little jazz

Today is the second day of the Royal Highland Show. Yesterday it was cold and rather uninviting which is a terrible pity as there is so much to see and so much effort has been put in to preparing and bringing animals, machinery and handicrafts (to name but a small portion of what you can see there) to Ingliston.

There are still things to see which are indoors but if you are going out there today do layer up!

Here are some of the animals we did see during yesterday’s visit:

***

Another step towards the probable extension to the tram line might be taken next week when the council grants more time for working up a business case for it.

It was announced yesterday that a report to be brought to the council meeting next Thursday will  set out the first findings of what is called the Outline Business Case. This involves the scrutiny of many figures, facts, views and yes, some of the history of the tram project.

Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds explained to us that while the report will bring out the preliminary findings of what council officials have been working on since December last year, they now need more time to conduct robust scrutiny of the figures.

The council noted last year that the tram extension is key to supporting economic growth in Edinburgh, and speculation is that the numbers of passengers on an extended line would increase the use of the tram overall. The belief is that the tram would integrate with the Leith Programme (to restore Leith Walk to the condition it was in prior to tram excavations there) and the St James Quarter development.

There are some obstacles to overcome before any extension to Newhaven (which was the original destination point when the tram project began) can even be started. Funding might be tricky, given that the Scottish Government have already said they will not pay any more towards the tram. We are told that other options such as the Green Investment Bank and possibly European funding for the project which may cost up to £144m.

The current tram stop at York Place was always intended as a temporary placement and when the St James Quarter project is completed the likelihood will be that a stop is sited at Picardy Place instead. The possible options are to extend the line to Newhaven, Ocean Terminal, Foot of the Walk and McDonald Road. The last of these has been discounted as it has not been proved financially viable.

The first year of Edinburgh Trams has according to the council officers been largely in line with projections. They have carried around 5 million passengers, and apparently this has not detracted from Lothian Buses performance. That company have also enjoyed a successful year (remember they gave the council an extra couple of million earlier this year from their profits). It appears that what has actually happened is that more people have been choosing to use public transport.

An all-party working group has been meeting since October last year to monitor progress and ensure that this investigation work alone is run within the budget allocated to it. The permissions are already in place for the line to be laid, and we do already have twenty seven trams which is more than enough to run a line all the way from the airport to Newhaven and back.

What the Council Leader and the Transport Convener were both at pains to point out to us yesterday was that if the extension plans go ahead, it will only be when every number has been closely examined. They are determined that history does not repeat itself in the second phase. One novel idea is to explore with the possible contractors in a formal way whether they would be even interested in undertaking the contract in the first place.

Finally there will be a data room set up ahead of the council meeting later this year when the report is brought back for consideration in October, ensuring that all councillors are aware of all the facts before making a decision.

Watch our interview with Lesley Hinds here.

***

With the full support of Garrison Headquarters and the City of Edinburgh Council this year’s Armed Forces Day event will again be held in the Grassmarket and will include a parade that will provide a high profile presence of the Armed Forces and Veterans community. There will be music, entertainment and stalls until 3pm on Saturday 27 June.

For more information visit:

www.armedforcesday.org.uk/event/edinburgh-armed-forces-day/

***

A man who attacked a woman on Leith Links has been found guilty of rape.

Faizon Ali subjected his 28-year-old victim to the serious sexual assault in the early hours of Thursday 11th November 2014.

He was found guilty at court today and will be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Keith Fairbairn said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who had the courage to come forward, report the incident and work with officers.

“These arrests should send a clear message to our communities that regardless of the circumstances of a crime, we will investigate the matter thoroughly and anyone found to be responsible will be brought to justice.

“I would urge anyone who wishes to report a crime to come forward and rest assured that your report will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.”

***

Edinburgh Airport and the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival offered travellers a taste of Chicago blues yesterday in celebration of United Airlines’ new direct route to the Windy City. Two leading Scottish blues musicians, Jed Potts and Sandy Tweeddale delighted passengers by picking up their guitars and performing some numbers at the airport’s new Plaza area.

2015 will have the Festival’s biggest blues line up to date with a headline concert – Blues From Chicago, sponsored by Edinburgh Airport, plus a programme featuring exciting American blues names making their Scottish debuts.

Mud Morganfield and Lurrie Bell are just two of the legendary musicians playing as part of the Blues From Chicago concert at Edinburgh Festival Theatre on Friday 24 July.

United announced their new service to Chicago O’Hare last year and the daily service will fly until 2 September when it will change to four times weekly until 6 October.

More information about the Edinburgh Blues and Jazz Festival here

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In February this year Waverley Bridge was closed to southbound traffic to allow the £1m improvement programme to take place.

Part of this work was to build a ‘setted raised table’ between the north and south ramps of Waverley Station. The raised table is designed to act as an informal or uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, encouraging traffic to slow down and making it much easier for pedestrians to cross the Bridge to and from the Station ramps

[tweet_box design=”default”]Following recent reports of a bus ‘grounding’ on the new raised part of the road on Waverley Bridge the council has confirmed it has no plans to close it meantime.[/tweet_box]

While the council are monitoring the area, there will be no further work done at present.

The work on Waverley Bridge was designed to improve the traffic, pedestrian access and road safety as per plans produced in 2013.

The council states categorically that the new design was agreed prior to the fatal accident last year on Waverley Bridge involving Reverend Tom Sinclair who was killed by a car. Rev Sinclair was attending the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland at the time of his death.

The council has also confirmed that here is no plan to reduce the speed limit on Waverley Bridge, but admits it may paint the warning ‘Slow’ on the road just in front of the raised area which they also say is within the standard specifications for raised tables on roads

Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “Following various reports that Waverley Bridge is to close later this month I want to clarify that this is not the case, and that we are not planning to reduce the gradient of a raised table on the street.

“We are currently monitoring the situation with regard to buses crossing the table, which has been designed to standard specification, and are looking into methods of slowing vehicles down on approach, which is necessary for smooth transit.

“The redesign of Waverley Bridge and Market Street dates back more than two years, and was implemented to enhance the area’s environment for public transport users and pedestrians, as well as improving road safety and traffic management.

“As the changes begin to take shape, we are already seeing the benefits to the public, and have received lots of positive feedback on its impact on reducing street clutter and improving access to Airlink and tour buses in addition to cycling provision.”

What The Edinburgh Reporter saw there yesterday morning was two vans taking advantage of the lovely smooth surface on the pavements by mounting the kerb to park there.

Police in Edinburgh are asking for help or information in connection with their investigations into a serious assault in the Niddrie area.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 17 at around 7pm, near to the junction of Niddrie Marischal Road and Niddrie Mains Road, when a 37-year-old man sustained an arm injury from another man.  The suspect then made off on foot in the direction of Niddrie Marischal Place.

The 37-year-old was taken the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment where he is detained in a stable condition.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged around 30 years old with a stocky build.  He is around 5ft 5” – 5ft 7″ in height.

He was wearing a light grey jumper with small Nike logo on left chest, a black body warmer with a hood, dark grey jeans, white Adidas trainers and a black baseball cap.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said:  “When this incident occurred the area would have been busy with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, which leads us to believe there may have been a number of witnesses.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact police immediately.”

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

Four men responsible for various corruption offences identified within the City of Edinburgh Council have been jailed.

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, Charles Owenson (62) was sentenced to four years and four months in prison, while James Costello (44) was given a sentence of three years and nine months. Brendan Cantwell (44) was given a sentence of two year and three months and Kevin Balmer (54) was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison.

All four pleaded guilty last month following an investigation into the City of Edinburgh Council’s allocation of building work contracts to private building firms.

In addition, further charges of fraud and money laundering were libelled against Costello and Owenson, which they were also sentenced for today.

Detective Inspector Arron Clinkscales said: “These men knowingly misused public funds to establish building work contracts that ultimately benefited themselves, rather than go through the appropriate and legal channels.

“Police Scotland carried out a robust investigation into this complex enquiry, resulting in Owenson, Costello, Cantwell and Balmer being identified and subsequently charged with a variety of corruption offences.

“The sentences they have been handed today reflects our commitment to working alongside our relevant partners to tackle all forms of fraudulent and corrupt activity, wherever it may arise.”

In the rolling English countryside, an aging woman smokes her first cigarette in years. Things have changed since she smoked last. Her life relying on one man, with whom she had no children, has had the ties that held them together loosened ever so slightly. The world she was so comfortable in is swiftly unraveling before her very eyes.

When Andrew Haigh last dealt with relationships, he was observing the conversations between two gay men in Weekend, the 2011 critical darling that propelled him into the British line of cinematic vision. Since then, lovers of his work have waited patiently to see what would come next.

It is the weekend before their 45th wedding anniversary, and Kate and Geoff are busy preparing the party they’re already almost regretting. In the midst of it all, a letter has arrived. It’s addressed to Geoff, letting him know that the body of his ex-lover has been discovered in the Swiss Alps, encased in ice almost 50 years after she went missing. Now, Kate can’t help but feel her marriage is being threatened by a dead woman she never knew.

Haigh has made it clear that his fondness lies in love and the complex, aching twine that wraps itself around it. Moving from one end of the spectrum to the other, 45 Years places the viewer in the midst of a slowly disintegrating marriage between Kate and Geoff Mercer. The gentile intimacy of the camerawork making you feel as though you are sitting in an armchair in the corner of their living room, witnessing the two have the conversations you never hear in person, but must often occur.

His scriptural adaptation of David Constantine’s short story In Another Country barely brings it to life. Liveliness isn’t in the fibre of 45 Years. Instead, Haigh’s words add a solemn lyricism to his source material. The characters feel no different to those written by Constantine either. That’s no complaint; the slight conflict between the pair makes for sombre, enchanting viewing. And that is a compliment best paid to those behind them.

In particular, Charlotte Rambling’s striking lead performance is certainly BAFTA worthy. Her affecting efforts here add a deep burning, effervescent fire to the turbulent situation; even though she remains astute and level headed throughout. Hystericism is nowhere to be seen here. There are no explosive arguments; rather passion filled conversations between Rambling and the equally exquisite Tom Courtenay about what their marriage has, and could of been.

45 Years comes impossibly close to perfection. A subtly rich, at times warming and still, often devastating relationship drama, Haigh proves his worth as an exemplary British filmmaker with two outstanding performances to boot.

★★★★★

45 Years plays at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2015. For ticketing information, head to the EIFF website.

Chris Forrest, Managing Director of Microsoft Scotland and Professor Harald Haas, Chair of Mobile Communications at the University of Edinburgh, will deliver the keynote presentations on innovation in Scotland’s technology industry at the EICC’s June InnovationNation talk.

Both speakers will present their views in 20-minute talks before joining forces to lead an open forum discussion. The InnovationTech lecture event on Monday 22 June 2015 starts at 6.30pm, with doors opening and refreshments available from 6pm.

Tickets are free with registration to attend through EICC’s website http://www.eicc.co.uk/innovationnation.

Professor Harald Haas is Chair of Mobile Communications at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering and is Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at pureLIFI. The term Li-Fi was coined by Professor Haas and is described as a ’rail track’ technology, which was developed in Scotland and first demonstrated by streaming a video through an off-the-shelf LED lamp at TED Global 2011. Subsequently, LiFi was listed among the 50 best inventions in TIME Magazine.

Chris Forrest is the Managing Director of Microsoft Scotland. He will discuss the ’Modern Workplace’ and how that is being shaped by rapidly changing social norms, environmental factors and technology advances.

Chris Forrest comments; “I am delighted to be supporting the EICC’s ‘InnovationNation’ lecture series. Scotland has an abundance of talented people of all ages bristling with innovative ideas and projects which it seems apt to celebrate at the heart of Scotland’s capital and at the EICC.”

Doors open at 1800 for a 1830 start. The lecture will be followed by a networking drinks reception.

Following Monday’s lecture, the next talks in the InnovationNation series are: InnovationArts in August, InnovationCity in September, InnovatonSpace in October and InnovationLight in November. More details on the series can be found on the EICC website.

Submitted by Jill Spink

Hearts have signed Polish centre-half Blazej Augustyn. The 27 year old’s last club was Gornik Zabrze where he played 18 times last season and he will join Robbie Neilson’s side subject to international clearance.

As a youth player, Augustyn was on Bolton Wanderer’s books but left the Lancashire club in 2007 due to limited opportunities to make the first team. Augustyn has experience of top level Italian football, having played for Catania. He has also played for Vicenza Calcio in Italy as well as Legia Warsaw in his homeland.

Hearts were desperate to secure an experienced centre half following the summer departures of captain Danny Wilson and Brad McKay.

Councillors will discuss the viability of the possible extension of the tram in Edinburgh.

The update will be heard by Full Council on Thursday, 25 June and will present the emerging conclusions of a draft Outline Business Case, which evaluates the extension of the tram to either Newhaven, Ocean Terminal, the foot of Leith Walk or MacDonald Road.

Further work is now to be carried out, including a formal market consultation, testing and auditing of the financial model and an investigation of alternative funding options, ahead of the final decision in autumn.

The Edinburgh Reporter interviewed Transport Convener Lesley Hinds earlier today:

The Edinburgh Reporter News from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

The application period for Scotland’s leading environmental award scheme is drawing to a close and businesses in Edinburgh are encouraged to enter their green credentials for a chance to join the country’s list of sustainable champions.

All entries for this year’s Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards, which recognise and showcase businesses that are taking significant steps to reduce their impact on the environment, must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 13 July 2015.

Open to organisations of all sizes and sectors, the awards aim to encourage efficient use of resources, enhance business competitiveness, improve environmental performance and support wider sustainable development goals.

There are seven award categories open for entry this year with multiple entries accepted. Categories include: Management (Large and SME), Environmental Product or Service, Transport, Co-operation, Hydro-Nation and Circular Economy. In addition to this, the Micro Business Award will be presented to the best entry to any category from a company with less than 10 employees.

Previous award winners have included Rabbie’s Small Group Tours, Vegware, Soilutions and Radisson from Edinburgh, Fife Harca Ltd., Peel Tech Ltd., FMC Technologies and Brand-Rex from Fife, Airdrie based Albert Bartlett & Sons Ltd, BAE Systems Naval Ships and GRAHAM Construction from Glasgow, Dundee based IRT Surveys Ltd. and Taypack Potatoes, Stagecoach and Jessie Mac’s B&B in Perth, to name a few.

Gillian Bruce, chair of the VIBES Awards, said: “We want to hear from businesses in Edinburgh that are working hard to make Scotland more environmentally aware – this could be down to a new product or service or an improved process that is resulting in environmental and business benefits. We’ve received some great entries so far but there is still time for businesses to enter and showcase their commitment to the environment.

“Sustainable practices are crucial to businesses of every kind and VIBES showcases some of the fantastic work being done by companies across Scotland to reduce their impact on the environment. We’d encourage anyone thinking of applying to get in touch with us if they have any questions or require support.”

Scotland’s businesses will also have the opportunity to attend an application guidance event with VIBES and Fife Green Business. Held on Wednesday 24th June at Fife Renewables Innovation Centre, the breakfast seminar will run from 8am-10:30am and will offer advice and tips on the 2015 VIBES application process as well as providing an opportunity for businesses to ask questions.

Sponsoring the awards this year are Scottish Government, ScottishPower, Zero Waste Scotland, Brand-Rex, Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard and The University of Stirling Management School. A number of previous VIBES winners have also pledged their support as VIBES Ambassadors and are encouraging other businesses to enter for their chance to win a coveted VIBES Award.

VIBES is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, Energy Saving Trust and Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group. The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and Bright Green Business.

The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www.rsaaccreditation.org).

To reserve a space at the application event on the 24th June please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2015-vibes-awards-helping-you-write-a-winning-application-tickets-15556043545.

For more information on VIBES or to obtain an application from, please visit http://www.vibes.org.uk.
Twitter: @VIBES_Awards

Submitted by Lesley Ogilvy

Amy Berg is known as the uncensored, strong willed documentary filmmaker who’s willing to show the world how warped and unaware it truly is. She’s made magic in the past, whether that’s the exceptional West of Memphis, Deliver Us From Evil or her striking work on the Hollywood child molestation exposé An Open Secret, she is yet to let her audience down. Which leads us to ask, what went wrong with her fictional debut?

It has been almost a decade since two ten year old girls were charged with the kidnapping and murder of a baby in their sleepy, American hometown. Years later, after the pair are released from a young offenders correctional facility, another child has gone missing. With the two now wandering the streets of the town, a detective must decide if cracking the case is as simple as pointing the finger at who is easiest to blame.

It’s impossible not to note the comparisons between Every Secret Thing and near enough every high profile child abduction case in UK history. The novel on which the film is based is most likely inspired by the case of James Bulger. Which leads us to think: can we forget this blip in Amy Berg’s career, and see her do a documentary series on these absorbing crimes instead?

Nicole Holofcener, the director and writer of the slick, middle aged rom com Enough Said has penned Every Secret Thing’s screenplay. A totally incongruous choice perhaps, and one that has unfortunately little pay off. A plethora of static, awkward dialogue litters the film; making it at times a sort of implausible crime story to follow.

The two seemingly ‘reformed’ criminals are played by Dakota Fanning and Danielle Macdonald, who do a solid job of doing their rather cliched characters justice. Unfortunately, this will ultimately remain a forgettable addition to Fanning’s impressive repertoire. Diane Lane tries her best to work with what she’s given but seems to cave by the conclusion, delivering some cringe worthy, unconvincing lines.

Amy Berg has done her utmost to make Every Secret Thing as intense and shocking as her documentary work, but a lack of serious tension and a spatter of shaky dialogue leaves the audience indifferent; this is perhaps Berg’s biggest disappointment.

★★☆☆☆

Every Secret Thing has its UK premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2015. Ticket information can be found here.

Gordon MacDonald MSP has written for us about the difficulties facing the new sports pitches recently unveiled in Balerno. A lot of hard work went into providing these pitches for the area, and it seems that their open door policy is now in danger. 

I attended the opening of the new 3G pitches at Malleny Park a couple of weeks ago with the Minister for Sport Jamie Hepburn MSP and Councillor Bill Henderson.

These new 3G pitches at Malleny Park, Balerno which are now being used for both football and rugby were funded in part by the Scottish Government’s Cashback for Pitches programme that provided £200,000 towards the cost.

The intention was that they would be available for use during school hours for Balerno High School and local primary schools. Currie RFC and Currie Star FC would have the use of the facility at night and weekends with some community access at weekends and during the holidays.

However since their opening there have been a number of incidents that threatens that “open door policy”. There have been a number of verbal confrontations between coaches and groups of youths who refuse to leave when they are asked so that training can take place. Parents have also faced verbal abuse from some of the youngsters and there are now allegations of an assault on Friday 12 June resulting in police and paramedics having to attend.

Each morning the 3G pitches are covered in litter and there have been concerns about burn marks from dropped cigarettes. Both Currie RFC and Currie Star FC are having to spend more time making the pitches playable than coaching the youngsters.

The result is that in order to protect this investment for the community, it is actively being considered that the gates should be locked at all times and only those booked to play will gain access. The fence will also be altered, at considerable expense, to prevent access by climbing over. It is unfortunate that the actions of a minority are spoiling the opportunity that the wider community should be enjoying.

More news of events taking place in St Andrew Square this summer has just been announced and tickets go on sale today.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh today announced its first-ever music festival in Scotland. Hard Rock Rocks Edinburgh will be a three-day music festival in the capital, taking place at the iconic St. Andrew Square Garden from Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August. Acts confirmed to perform across the weekend include The Voice winner Stevie McCrorie, Edinburgh’s own singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt, rockers Big Country, Brit-nominated rock band The Feeling, three piece Fatherson who stormed The British Embassy show at SXSW, as well as a collaboration performance from Starsailor’s James Walsh and Ben Montague.

The announced acts will perform to an intimate crowd in a beautiful, original 1920’s Spiegeltent. Tickets for these gigs go on sale today, so be sure not to miss out! Visit arfringe.com to book.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh continues its support of new music with a second acoustic Rising Stage. Set under the Melville Monument in the Square, this stage is free for all the city’s music fans to come down and enjoy a packed bill of  emerging breakthrough acts.  The line-up for the Rising Stage will be announced soon.

There will be some fantastic food and drink offerings at Hard Rock Rocks Edinburgh with the Hard Rock food truck on site across the weekend serving up the cafe’s tasty menu. The infamous Hard Rock Rock Shop will also be making a pop-up appearance selling Hard Rock merchandise and an exclusive Hard Rock Rocks Edinburgh rubber duck!

Music is the heartland of Hard Rock and Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is proud to be presenting its debut Hard Rock Rocks Edinburgh festival.

01Leith Festival 2015: Trainspotting Tour. Great as an introduction to the book and film – and equally great if you’re a hard-core fan, as guide Tim Bell gives lots of insights you’ve probably never thought of before – whilst not missing any of the laughs. For adults only. 7pm, Port O’Leith Bar, 58 Constitution Street (starts here and ends at the Foot of the Walk 183 Constitution Street). £4/£3 per person – no advance booking, just turn up: for information please email mail@leithwalks.co.uk. Also at same time on Friday 19th June and Saturday 20th June 2015.

Onwards! LGBT Age Capacity Building Project: for LGBT community members and professionals working in older people’s services. 2.30-5pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 652 3284 or emailing katherine@lgbthealth.org.uk.

Help Contribute to Recovery in South West Edinburgh – Volunteers Needed! Community Health & Advice Initiative – Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership invites people who are in recovery, and interested in being part of a team to develop and shape recovery in this area, to an informal get together (with lunch provided). 10.30am, Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, 30 Harvesters Way. For further information and to book your place, please call Susan Butters at CHAI on 0131 453 9406.

Spells, Spaceships and Seashells: readings by Oxpens Creative Writing Group. 2-3pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. New members of the group are welcomed – please contact Morag at Pentland Community Centre on 0131 445 2875 or morag.grant@ea.edin.sch.uk.

Easel Sketching in the Gallery – June: led by artist Damian Callan. A different subject every month, sometimes with a model. 2-4pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery (please ask at the information desk for exact location), 1 Queen Street. Free; no booking required; all materials supplied. Also at same times on Friday 19th June 2015.

Edinburgh International Film Festival continues today! For details of all films and other events see the programme here or pick up a paper copy at EIFF venues and many other locations throughout the city. Tickets are available in person from the Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Cineworld, Fountain Park, Odeon, Lothian Road and the Festival Theatre, by calling 0131 623 8030 or online here. Today’s highlights include The Closer We Get, Karen Guthrie’s ‘tender yet bittersweet’ Scottish documentary about of an apparently ordinary family having to deal with broken dreams and hidden secrets, and Hector, the story of a homeless man (a perfectly pitched performance from Peter Mullan) whose past life starts to catch up with him.

An Evening of Classical Music with Charles Whitehead: the New Zealander concert pianist plays Prokofiev Piano Sonata Op 8 No 84, Ravel Gaspard de la Nuit and Scriabin Deux poemes Op 32. 7pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. All welcome: free admission.

Inspired Flash Fiction: a guided visit to the City Art Gallery followed by an art-inspired flash fiction writing workshop at the Central Library. Please note that this event involves about 20 minutes of walking, some of it uphill. 2pm, City Art Gallery, 2 Market Street. Free but booking is required via eventbrite here. This event forms part of In Their Own Write – Women and Words, a festival of talks, exhibitions and workshops organised by Glasgow Women’s Library, Edinburgh City Libraries and the Bonnie Fechters women’s group.

The Luvvies Present Love Match: ‘playing gay in the straight world’. Richard Hall’s play looks at what happens when a mainstream actor takes on his first gay role and considers the pressures of pretending (or not). ‘A comedy of manners for the gay world, going from love-all to match-point in two sets’. Plus two shorts by David Dalzell, Moved to Touch and Train to New Zealand, plays that represent a larger work-in-progress exploring LGBT people’s need to feel connected, or realising disconnection. For ages 15+. 7.30pm, Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £9/£6 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 560 1581 or online here. Also at same time on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th June 2015. The Luvvies exist to promote dramatic theatre that expresses aspects of the lives and experiences of the LGBT community, and to increase confidence and self-esteem.  For more information email info@theluvvies.org.

Simon Armitage – The Great War: An Elegy. The award-winning poet, playwright, novelist, lyricist and broadcaster discusses the challenges of writing poetry for his BBC commission The Great War: An Elegy and shows film extracts. 6-7.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Tickets cost £5/£4 and may be purchased in person from the gallery’s Information Desk or by calling 0131 624 6560 between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Word Power Books Presents Barry Phillips and Grant Hill. Barry Phillips is a third generation Dundee supporter; his debut novel The Tartan Special One has gained thousands of fans worldwide with its surreal charm and violent hilarity – ‘Scottish football gets torn apart and stitched back together with due care and debauchery’. Grant Hill founded the now infamous Teckle Collective; his debut Clubbed to Death ‘weaves its way through the unforgiving nature of the music industry via the empty dancefloors of a club for the lost’. ‘A very funny, no-holds-barred, romp into the Dundonian badlands’ (Neil Forsyth). Both authors will read from their books. 6.30pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free: all welcome – donations also welcome!

LGBT Learning Disabilities Social Circle: a monthly group for LGBT people who also identify as having a learning disability or difficulty. This session’s theme will be EDG (Edinburgh Development Group) and Self Directed Support. 2-4pm, Lifecare Centre, Cheyne Street, Stockbridge. For more information and to join the group, please contact George Burrows on 0131 652 3281 or email george@lgbthealth.org.uk.

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. Today there will be object handling sessions (11am-2pm) and tours of Trinity House led by Junior Guides Tours (11am-1.30pm), Trinity House, 99 Kirkgate. Free. For more information please contact adam.gorysz@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or call 0131 554 3289.

Italian Cinema: Una Piccola Impresa Merionale (15). A group of family outcasts ends up in a remote lighthouse – ‘after a period of chaos, this small world gradually discovers that unity makes strength’. Directed by Rocco Papeleo. In Italian with English subtitles. 6pm, Italian Cultural Institute in Edinburgh, 82 Nicolson Street. Free: please reserve your place by calling the Institute on 0131 668 2232 or online here.

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling continues today! Rides, films, talks, drama, books, photos, workshops and lots more. Today’s events include The Brotique Pop-Up Fixie Shop, the King of Kaimes Hill Climb & Barbecue and a talk by Fraser Cartmell, Multiple Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Champion. 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.

Nothing Ever Happens Here: James Blackshaw and Yusuf Azak. ‘Blackshaw sings in a gentle but assured voice, while his words combine his personal experiences, neuroses and fantasy through many layers of abstraction, poeticism and dark humour’. James’ new album Summoning Suns draws inspiration from 60’s and 70’s singer-songwriters, baroque/orchestral pop and folk music. Yusuf Azak is an Aberdonian living in Glasgow: his album Peace in the Underworld is out on Gerry Loves Records. Over-18s only. 8pm, The Dissection Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £10/£8 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 560 1581 or online here.

Leith Festival 2015: Leith Community Concert Band: the annual Festival concert. 7.30pm, St Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Easter Road. Entry by donation. For more information please contact leithcommunityconcertband@gmail.com.

Old Royal High School Preservation Trust: a community drop-in session to view plans for the proposed transfer of St Mary’s Music School to the old Royal High School. 5-8pm (drop-in), Canongate Kirk, 153 Canongate. All welcome.

Arthur and Merlin in Scottish History. Following a discovery on the shelves of the National Library, Adam Ardrey wrote Finding Merlin and Finding Arthur. These evidence-based, time-lined, supernatural-free books show how Scotland is linked to these world legends – now, for the first time, the wonderful legends of Arthur and Merlin are firmly fixed in Scottish history and geography. 2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required and may be made online here or by calling 0131 623 3734.

Hot Tin Roof Trio: Andy McKay-Challen, Gavin Jack and Kenny Miller bring their blues to the OCP. 9pm, Old Chain Pier, Trinity Crescent, Newhaven. Free.

Picturehouses Slow West Satellite Q & A/Preview Night: live via satellite from the Jameson Film Club, join director John Maclean, Oscar-winning producer Iain Canning and host Edith Bowman for a special preview screening, preceded by an acoustic set from Jim Dixon and Vincent Neff of Django Django. In Maclean’s first feature, shot in New Zealand, naive teenager Jay Cavendish searches for his estranged sweetheart – who has a price on her head. Rescued from a vicious bandit and henceforth accompanied by a roughneck drifter with his own agenda, Jay eventually learns what it is to be a man in an unyielding world. A complementary glass of Jameson’s will be served. 8.40pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online here; prices vary.

Edinburgh Guarantee

Royal High School

Magic Festival

Farm to Fork

Leave more time when travelling to and from Edinburgh Airport

More school leavers than ever in Edinburgh are moving into work, education, or training, thanks to the strong partnership that has developed between the public and private sectors through the Edinburgh Guarantee.

[tweet_box design=”default”]Figures published by the Scottish Government show that the success rate of school leavers in Edinburgh achieving and sustaining a positive destination are at the highest rate ever.[/tweet_box]

The figure is up 10 per cent since the Edinburgh Guarantee began four years ago and is now at 93.1 per cent.  The Capital is now the best performing city in Scotland and is 12th out of all local authority areas, which puts us well above the national average.

The statistics show that more school leavers in Edinburgh are getting into jobs compared to September 2013 with over one in four of school leavers in employment at the snapshot taken in March.  Just over 40% are getting into and sustaining places in Higher Education while over a quarter of school leavers opt for Further Education.

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The Royal High School Preservation Trust (RHSPT) is to host the first public exhibition of its plans to move St Mary’s Music School into the iconic Thomas Hamilton buildings on Carlton Hill.

The exhibition, which takes place at Canongate Kirk on Thursday 18^th June, will set out how the RHSPT will fund the conservation of the former Royal High School and how it will adapt the buildings to give the music school the greater performance and teaching space it desperately needs to fulfill its ambitions as an internationally recognised centre for young musical talent.

The exhibition will also stray from the conventional format for such consultation events, by including performances from students at the music school.

William Gray Muir, Chairman of the RHSPT said:

“Backed by philanthropic funds, we are in a unique position to bring new life to the Old Royal High School by restoring it to its original purpose. We want to see St Mary’s Music School move to the site where it can enjoy a new, inspiring and internationally prestigious home. With the extra space it needs to expand and which the High School could provide, it can also open its doors to greater numbers of talented Scottish children.

“What makes the project particularly exciting is the chance to create three significant new performance spaces of unrivalled character within the city. This will bring together the schools exceptional pupils, musicians of international standing and an audience drawn from the citizens of Edinburgh and beyond.”

He added:

“I would encourage local residents to come to the exhibition on 18^th June. Students from the music school will be performing in the impressive surroundings of Canongate Kirk and we will have a number of people available to discuss the history of both schools and the opportunities our plans present.”

Ken Taylor, Headteacher for St Mary’s Music School, added:

“This is an incredibly exciting prospect for the School. We have been growing steadily to the point where we are bursting at the seams and need to increase our performance and teaching space. The opportunity to move into the former Royal High School Buildings not only allows us to fulfill our ambitions to expand, but will also serve to give Scotland’s only independent music school a greater and more prestigious international standing.”

The RHSPT Public Exhibition takes place on Thursday 18^th June, between 5pm and 8pm, at the Canongate Kirk, 153 Canongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH8 8BN.

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This summer from 26 June magic comes to Edinburgh. See the top magical performers live on stage at the Magic Village at Summerhall. There are six theatre spaces on one site over 8 days with 30 performers including Paul Wilson, Will Houstoun, Ali Cook, Richard Wiseman, Colin Cloud, Mark Elsdon, Rob Jagerhorn + many more.

“There’s nothing quite like seeing magic live, close up, with no screens, Hollywood effects or fancy TV editing getting in the way of something beautifully impossible. So Awake in Wonder at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival from 26th June till 4th July.”

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City centre workers are to be given a chance to enjoy lunch featuring the best produce local farmers can offer – prepared by some of the Capital’s most celebrated chefs.

Farm to Fork is an event which will take place at St Andrew Square Garden on Tuesday, June 23^rd from 11am till 4pm to mark the 15^th birthday this month of the renowned and award-winning Edinburgh Farmers Market.

On offer will be delicious lunches prepared with inspiring ingredients straight from the market, prepared by top city chefs Neil Forbes (of Café St Honore), Mark Greenaway (of Restaurant Mark Greenaway); Victor and Carina Contini (from Continis) and Dale Mailley and  Edward Murray (from The Gardener’s Cottage).

A mini-market will also be a big part of the day, with select producers offering fresh baked goods, organic meats, artisan chocolates and more. Live music will also be a feature of the day.

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of event and Farmers Market organisers Essential Edinburgh, said: “It is tremendous to mark the 15^th birthday of the market and also Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink with this celebration of the abundance of top quality local produce and the fantastic talent we have in our city chefs.

“Edinburgh Farmers’ Market continues to be one of the very best markets anywhere in the UK, with a whole raft of awards that testify to its quality, diversity, and even the stunning setting at Castle Terrace under the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. It is the only farmers market in Scotland to take place on a weekly basis in one location, every Saturday.

“Thousands of people go to the Farmers Market and many of our city’s best chefs source high quality ingredients at the market. This event sees some chefs showcase the ingredients to be found at the Market in an imaginative and fun way that will allow city centre workers to enjoy a very keenly priced and deliciously appetising lunch. We hope everyone enjoys the day.”

In addition, a special expanded Farmers’ Market is planned for Saturday, June 27^th to mark the 15^th birthday.

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“It’s important that we maintain safe operations at the airport and we’ll be in regular contact with Police Scotland and colleagues at the Royal Highland Centre throughout the event. We’ll also be posting frequent updates on Twitter using #RHStravel.”

Being prepared for security is also important to remember. All passengers flying should ensure liquids, gels and pastes are 100ml or less and presented in a clear plastic re-sealable bag. More information on how to be prepared for security can be found on the airport’s website edinburghairport.com/prepare

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