While the billions of pounds from the Sky and BT television deals have arguably taken football away from its working class roots in England, it’s reasonable to suggest that, in Scotland, the game is still associated with those who work hard in order to earn enough money to pay the bills and afford themselves the odd treat now and again. With spring already here and summer on the horizon there will be many who are looking forward to their holidays in the weeks ahead. Until the time for their break arrives, of course, it will be business as usual with their noses still pressed to the grindstone.
Going to watch their football team is one of those treats (depending on who you support) that supporters will put ahead of many others. So when the fans read comments attributed to the Head Coach of their team that some of his players had failed to show the hunger and desire to win a game, some are entitled to express their feelings of anger – some quite vehemently if some of the comments on social media are a gauge.
Sunday’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road saw Hibernian run out deserved winners as their city rivals, having secured the SPFL Championship title a few weeks ago, failed to provide any intensity to their game. Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson seemed in little mood to defend the performances of some of his team in the aftermath of a pitiful performance.
“My complaints are that we never performed as well as I expect the players to,” Neilson told Hearts official website. “We didn’t do what we were meant to do, and as a result we had to change things.
“We were already 1-0 down by that point. The second half was a bit better, but to be honest, the players didn’t have the desire today and that’s the worst thing. The hunger wasn’t there today. It’s alright doing it against Livingston, Dumbarton, Alloa and the rest, and we’ve done it consistently but the past week has not been good enough.”
Until last weekend, Hearts had lost just one league game all season and that had an element of self-destruction when Falkirk won 3-2 at Tynecastle in January, the winning goal coming after Morgaro Gomis was dispossessed on the edge of his own penalty box. That Hearts had opened the scoring in the first minute of that game but still contrived to lose it perhaps demonstrated the first signs that Hearts need to develop a ruthless streak. They certainly demonstrated this a little more than a month later when they demolished Cowdenbeath 10-0 at Tynecastle but since clinching the title and automatic promotion three weeks ago, Hearts have undoubtedly gone off the boil.
Having lost just once in nine months, Hearts have suffered two defeats in the space of a week – to Rangers and Hibernian. Neilson pointed out that the players who have coasted through the league campaign until the last fortnight would be in for a shock if they thought they could win games regularly next season in the same manner.
“They’ll need to learn quickly because they’re not going to have it all their own way next season in the top league,” he said. “We’ll be at Celtic Park, Tannadice, Pittodrie next season. We’ll be up against bigger and better teams than anyone we’ve faced this season, and my question to the players is – are you ready for that?
We’re going up to the Premiership and we need better performances than the one at Easter Road. It needs to be a higher standard.
Sometimes in defeat you learn a lot more about people. There are players that I thought did really well on Sunday, there’s others that didn’t step up to the plate. We can work with them over the summer, or we bring other guys in.”
It has been a marvellous season for Hearts and they deserve to take their place at Scottish football’s top table again next season. Some of the performances during this campaign have been outstanding – which makes it all the more difficult to accept why standards have slipped in the past couple of weeks.
Hearts defeat at Ibrox last weekend was a disappointment, particularly as the Maroons played the whole of the second half against just ten men following McCulloch’s ordering off just before half-time. Despite dominating the second half, Hearts struggled going forward and managed just one goal through Zeefuik meaning Rangers won 2-1. There were murmurs of discontent among the Hearts support but they knew the big one for them was the Edinburgh derby the following weekend.
On Wednesday evening Neilson, with perhaps one eye on the capital clash, made seven changes to the side to face Alloa Athletic at Tynecastle. Again, it was a less than impressive performance from the champions although they did win 3-0 and victory was never in doubt. It was a little disconcerting, though, to hear the outgoing Adam Eckersley bawl at his team mates during this game having to ‘encourage’ them to move for a pass from the full back. If Eckersley, not knowing where he’ll be playing next season, was having to urge his SPFL Premiership bound colleagues to look for the ball then it gave the impression some of the Hearts players had already let their minds wander on to the beach.
This mind-set was never going to be afforded in the cut and thrust of an Edinburgh derby. Hearts were second best in all areas and this was perceived by some of the supporters as a lack of effort from some of the players – and in a game the fans want their team to win more than any other this is wholly unacceptable. Neilson himself seemed to have tinkered with a winning formula, opting for a 3-5-2 formation with Sam Nicholson and Billy King, so impressive this season, on the substitute’s bench at kick-off. As someone said on Twitter on Sunday ‘If you want to experiment that’s fine – but can you let us know before we spend £28 on a ticket?’
They say every cloud has a silver lining. Robbie Neilson will have discovered more about some of his players in the last eight days than he did in the preceding eight months and there’s no doubt he will put this right in the summer. Defeats to Rangers and Hibernian, difficult as they were to digest, will serve as a reality check to not only some of the players but many supporters who may have begun to believe that all their team had to do was to turn up for a guaranteed three points.
Football is still a working class game in Scotland. It’s not so long ago that the miners, shipyard workers and tradesmen looked forward with much anticipation to the Edinburgh Fortnight Holiday at the beginning of July. They will have got their wages on the Friday but knew they still had to put in a shift before stopping for a well-earned break.
With games against Raith Rovers, Cowdenbeath and Rangers still to come, that’s something some of the Hearts players may wish to think about.
Edinburgh councillor staging protest at Faslane
Edinburgh Green Party councillor Chas Booth is sitting on a road this afternoon along with Patrick Harvie MSP, the Green co-convener. You will have seen him on the TV news earlier.
Chas Booth said: “Weapons of mass destruction are obscene at any time, but wasting billions of pounds on Trident while cutting services for the most vulnerable is doubly obscene.”
“As a councillor I have seen first hand the pressure on essential services such as schools, community centres and swimming pools in my ward. I cannot sit idly by as services for the most vulnerable are threatened with cuts while billions are wasted on new nuclear bombs. That’s why I’ve taken peaceful action against Trident today – to draw attention to the obscenity of spending money on new nuclear bombs.”
Rugby – Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens
Warriors take the title to keep The Ladies Cup in Glasgow
The 125th edition of the Melrose Sevens was played at The Greenyards on Saturday in a mixture of showers and sunshine. The accompanying bitterly cold wind didn’t deter the usual big crowds from turning out to see Glasgow Warriors taking the crown for the second year in succession.
All six of Edinburgh’s top sides fielded teams, with Edinburgh Academy being the lone representative with a bye into Round 2.
Watsonians and Boroughmuir were drawn together and it was the National League side who won through with a comfortable 19-7 victory. Stewarts-Melville were next up against Ayr and the West coast side sprinted into a the lead, posting 26 unanswered points before Stew-Mel managed to come up with a consolation try to make it a 26-7 final score.
Premiership finalists, Heriots, then came up against Jed-Forest. Finishing the regular season 10 points clear of Ayr at the top of the Premiership, Heriots may have been expected to win easily, but sevens is a different game and National League side, Jed ran away to a 22-5 win. Last out for Edinburgh were Currie. The West of Edinburgh side came up against another Border’s team in the shape of Selkirk and had little trouble in puting them away to the tune of 31-15.
Watsonians played Hawick in the second round and, once again, Sonians saw off another Premiership side, this time dealing out a whitewash on their way to a 38-0 win. Edinburgh Accies then played Kelso. This was a very evenly matched contest with ‘normal’ time finishing at 12-12. With ‘sudden death’ applying in extra time, Accies scored the necessary try to win 17-12. Currie won through to play one of the guest teams, the South Africans from North West University. South African University sides have usually gone well at Melrose but in a closely contested match they lost out to Jed-Forest 21-17. Currie played Melrose’s near Neighbours, Gala an the second last match of the second round and couldn’t repeat their first round display, losing out to the Border’s team 19-7.
Two Edinburgh sides had, therefore qualified for the quarter-final matches, but that was to be the end of their participation for the day. Watsonians put up a decent display against – eventual finalist – the German National side, but were put out with a 22-14 win for the ‘visitors’. Accies played Jed in the next match on the cards, but, once again, the National League side put in a fine performance to take a close match 19-17.
Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors had quietly gone about their business and put Dundee away 31-0 and then had a slightly harder task against Gala, but came up trumps 26-12. They then played Jed-Forest and had to endure going behind, before running in three tries of their own. Jed then came back with their second but Glasgow held on to win 17-12 and a final berth. Germany had, what was seen as, the harder task, but Melrose couldn’t up their game sufficiently and went out 22-12.
In the final, Glasgow took an early 12-0 lead, but Germany came back with three tries to head the Professional side 21-12. However, that was the end of their scoring and Warriors eventually ran out 36-21 winners to take the title and the Ladies Cup back to Scotstoun for the second year in a row.
Images from some of the matches will appear here over the next few days.
Lewis Stevenson wins William Hill Goal of the Round award
Hibs’ defender Lewis Stevenson has won the William Hill Goal of the Round with his strike against Berwick Rangers in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.
The popular left back is Hibs’ longest serving player having made his debut against Ayr United on 21st September 2005.
He has played 261 times for the club and scored five goals.
In 2007, he was named man of the match when hibs won the CIS League Cup, beating Kilmarnock 5-1 at Hampden.
Lewis overwhelmingly won the public vote with 74% of votes cast, with Craig Sibbald of Falkirk coming second with 20% of the vote.
Former Hibs team-mate Leigh Griffiths was third with 5%.
Results in full:
Lewis Stevenson – Hibernian: 74%
Craig Sibbald – Falkirk: 20%
Leigh Griffiths – Celtic: 5%
Danny Devine – Inverness Caledonian Thistle: 1%
Photo by John Preece
Witness appeal following serious assault in Tollcross
Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault in the Tollcross area which happened around 5.15pm on Sunday in Home Street.
Two men left a business premises separately and attended the smoking area when the suspect launched an unprovoked attack on the victim.
The suspect then briefly went back inside the premises before leaving, however his associates did not leave with him.
The victim sustained significant facial injuries and was conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
The suspect is described as white, 30-35 years old, slim build with dark brown hair. He was wearing jeans and a light-coloured t-shirt.
Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.
Detective Inspector Alan O’Brien said: “This was a brutal attack in broad daylight and we are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to contact police as soon as possible.
“Likewise, if you saw the suspect around the time of the incident, or know who he is, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Lamb found tangled in barbed wire in East Lothian
The Scottish SPCA is caring for a lamb that was found tangled in barbed wire in East Lothian.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Thursday (9 April) after a member of the public spotted the female lamb in a sticky situation just off the A1 close to Tranent.
The animal is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming centre where staff have nicknamed her April
Animal rescue officer Melissa Maitland said, “Unfortunately April doesn’t have an identification tag or a chip so we’re appealing to anyone who recognises her to get in touch.
“It’s likely April hasn’t travelled too far so we’re hoping someone will realise she’s missing and come forward. If not we’ll find her a new home.”
If you recognise April, please call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Photo by Scottish SPCA
Derby win secures play-off place for Hibs
Hibs’ derby win over Hearts yesterday, coupled with Queen of the South’s victory over Falkirk has guaranteed Alan Stubbs’ side a play off place.
Hibs are now nine points clear of fifth placed Falkirk who only have two games left to play.
Goals from Jason Cummings and Farid El Alagui secured the three points yesterday and kept Hibs’ hopes of a second place finish alive although Rangers do have a game in hand.
Hibs face Livingston away, Alloa Athletic at home then Falkirk away in the run in and nine points would ensure that second place goes down to the wire with Rangers travelling to Tynecastle on the last day. Ironically Hearts could do their rivals a massive favour by winning that game.
The Easter Road side also have a Scottish Cup semi final against Falkirk next Saturday and possibly a final at the end of May.
Stubbs has a few selection problems ahead of next week’s semi-final with David Gray certain to miss the game due to injury. Scott Robertson missed the derby due to a hamstring injury whilst both Jason Cummings and Dominique Malonga picked up knocks during th game. In addition Keith Watson and Marton Boyle are both cup-tied.
Brewery launches crowdfunding campaign
A brewery which will be set up in Edinburgh aims to be the UK’s first dedicated gluten free establishment.
The Bellfield Brewery has now launched a crowdfunding campaign offering members of the public the chance to invest in the business. The company has engaged the Edinburgh Sketcher to do the lovely drawings which we use here.
Using equity platform Crowdcube, the brewery has already attracted more than 57% of its desired capital (£85,990) through private and initial contributions from the public.
The remaining £64,100 will be raised by offering public investors a combination of an equity stake alongside a menu of rewards ranging from exclusive bottlings to the chance to brew their own beer at the brewery, which will be established in the capital.
Working in partnership with independent brewing experts, the Bellfield Brewery is developing a range of beers and lagers that are naturally gluten free, with its first products expected to be on sale by autumn 2015.
The range will include a premium IPA, the flavour and style of which is difficult to perfect using entirely gluten free ingredients.
The founders have also signed a Collaboration Agreement with Heriot-Watt University’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling.
Subject to funding from the Scottish Funding Council, this collaboration will launch a rigorous programme of research and further recipe development during April and May 2015.
Gareth Howells, one of the co-founders of the Bellfield Brewery, said: “We believe the best way for us to put the UK’s first dedicated gluten free brewery on the map is to bring in investors to own a share of this exciting new business. They will be our first customers and ultimately the ambassadors for the brand we aim to build.
“While gluten free lager and beer has been available for some time, its distribution is limited, particularly in the on-trade, and the category in general has niche appeal. Brewing with entirely gluten free grains remains technically difficult.
“There are only a handful of dedicated gluten free breweries in the world but we’re the first to be established in the UK. We plan to brew a range of beers and lagers that will have broad consumer appeal using traditional brewing methods combined with non-traditional ingredients: a combination of art and science.”
Marie Brown, Operations Manager at the Bellfield Brewery, said: “The market opportunity is significant. Based on our current forecasts, we estimate that we can achieve a market valuation of between £5.8m and £10.9m by 2018.
“We’re bringing in industry experts across all areas of the business including Chartered Brands, the company that oversaw the strategy and development of market leader Genius bread.
“We are already in discussion with a number of potential distributors, and we expect to be supplying independent specialists, multiple retailers and the on-trade by October 2015.”
In 2014, total UK beer sales reached £16.9 billion while sales ofpremium, bottled ale have increased by 20% since 2010. Sales of craft ale in the UK are estimated at £438m and the sector is growing.
Mintel reports confirm that 34% of regular beer drinkers would consider gluten free beer if it tasted as good as regular beer.
The Bellfield Brewery is based in Edinburgh and was founded by a group of friends who either have coeliac disease themselves or have loved ones who are coeliacs. The Bellfield Brewery will seek Coeliac UK’s GF accreditation for its entire range, so that all products carry the internationally recognised ‘crossed grain’ symbol.
Do you know what is reserved to Westminster and which powers are devolved to The Scottish Parliament? Well there is a handy guide here which might help you in your decision about which way to vote on 7 May.
The Edinburgh Reporter will be reporting live from the count overnight on 7 May from the EICC.
Next week at the same venue 86 Candlemaker Row they are showing The Spirit of 45.
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People’s increased use of the web is helping usher in a new era of artificial intelligence in computers, a science festival audience will hear tomorrow evening.
When people spend time online, either browsing the internet or communicating with others, their activity helps fill gaps in the machines’ knowledge.
This helps computers make associations between words, images and ideas, helping them to make sense of complicated text, improve their language translation, or identify pictures.
This rise in artificial intelligence is helping computer scientists develop smarter search engines and technologies that can adapt to suit the needs of users.
It will help speed the arrival of the internet of things, in which everyday objects, such as domestic appliances and cars, use the web to connect with users and with each other to operate efficiently and smartly, researchers will say.
Further improvements in artificial intelligence could help computers interact with people in a more intelligent way. Computer programmes are now on a par with humans in performing routine tasks – so much so that software is used to check that interactions are being performed by people rather than robots, researchers say.
Professor David Robertson, Professor of Applied Logic in the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, will join Dr Gautam Shroff, chief scientist for Tata Consultancy Services Research in India, in an exploration of artificial intelligence at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.
Spare a thought for those school pupils who have exams to face right after the Easter break. Broughton High School are running Easter holiday revision classes! (What a great idea!)
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Monday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
In Focus: Robert Delaunay’s The Cardiff Team in context. Art historian Jonathan Blackwood takes a close look at Delaunay’s The Cardiff Team (1913) in the context of aesthetic developments at the time. Themes such as the development of Cubism and Orphism, relations between Delaunay, his wife Sonia Terc Delaunay, and Frantisek Kupka, and the straining towards abstraction in painting, will all be outlined in detail. The links between high modernism and popular entertainment are also considered in a talk that will open out a familiar painting to new scrutiny. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today Magdalene Minis – Egg Painting and Choosing. 1.30pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.
Sofi’s Cult Movie Nights: see popular classics on the silver screen in the cosy, darkened back room. Free popcorn! This week: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (PG). 8pm, Sofi’s, 63-65 Henderson Street.
Make a Bunny Mask: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
Lunchtime Concert: SINK. Daniil Doumnov (accordion), Tim Vincent-Smith (violin) and Matt Wright (soprano sax) are an Edinburgh-based trio who explore the tactile air by means of vibrations influenced by (among others) Beethoven, Cage, Zorn and Matt’s dog Daisy. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Easter Holidays @ Gilmerton Library: Board Games Tournament – Scrabble and Battleships. For children of all ages. 2.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free.
Toddler Time: short screenings exclusively for pre-school children and their parents and carers. Today: Q Pootle 5 Programme 3 – join the stars of the hit CBeeBies show (created by best-selling children’s author and illustrator Nick Butterworth) as they tackle everyday problems of the final frontier; with friendship at the heart of the series, Q Pootle 5 and his friends find fun and adventure wherever they go. 11am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets cost £3 for members of the Toddler Time Club: membership is free, please ask at the Box Office. Tickets may be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723. Adults accompanying club members are admitted free; no adult will be admitted unaccompanied by a pre-school child.
Make a Butterfly Mobile: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, 6 School Wynd. Free.
Joseph Pearce’s Book Club: an informal gathering with coffee and cakes, beer and books – new members very welcome. Currently reading The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov and Larissa Volokhonsky. 6.30pm, Joseph Pearce’s, 23 Elm Row. For more information please call 0131 556 4140.
Tiny Tales: Hare, There and Everywhere: it’s spring – but where, oh where, is Hare? Join storyteller Renita Boyle, Wiggly Woo and friends at the bottom of the garden for a seek-and-find parachute play adventure for toddlers aged 1-3 years. 10am or 11.30am (40 minute sessions), Storytelling Bothy, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5 per child and may be booked online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579.
Make a Spring Garland: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.
.My Fountain: Fountainbridge Residents’ Group. Get involved in local issues and have your say. 6.15-7.45pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. All welcome.
Easter Fun & Games @ Oxgangs Library: Easter X-box Challenge. For ages 7-12. 11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.
Martin Scorsese Presents Masterpieces of Polish Cinema: a season of films curated by Scorsese, all screened in pristine digital restorations. Today: Ashes and Diamonds (Popiol i dimant) (12A). (In Polish with English subtitles). Andrzej Wajda’s superb film vividly captures the turbulence and confusion immediately following the Second World War, as a former resistance hero turns anti-Communist assassin. 6.15pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. The film will be introduced by Dr Pasquale Iannone (University of Edinburgh). It will be shown again at 8.45pm on Wednesday 29th April 2015.
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
Puppet Animation Festival: Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre Presents 3 Bears. The shiny metal world of Goldilocks meets the lovely natural wooden world of the three bears – the result, a very sticky adventure all round. For ages 3+. 10.30am, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. To book please contact WHALE on 0131 458 3267.
Garden Buddies: help work commence on the Big Lottery Awards for All funded library garden. 2.30-3.30pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. Free.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents The Monthly Book Quiz: if you know your Waugh from your Peace and your Meyer from your Heyer, try the monthly quiz – you’ll be tested on everything from classics to current bestsellers. Teams of up to 5 people welcome. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free and unticketed, but please arrive early as space is limited.
Plant pot painting: for ages 5-12 years. 3-4pm, Muirhouse Library, 15 Pennywell Court. Free.
Puppet Animation Festival: Lens On Legs – A Clay Animation Adventure. Help to uncover extraterrestrial life on Mars as you explore storytelling, model making and camera-handling techniques to make your own stop-motion film in this two day workshop.
Use claymation to build original characters while learning about life on Mars. For ages 10+. 11am-3.30pm today and Tuesday 14th April, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court. £2/£1/50p. To book please contact NEA on 0131 315 2151 or email admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk
For Crying Out Loud: regular screenings for carers and their babies under 12 months (no more than 2 adults per infant). Baby changing, bottle-warming and buggy parking facilities are available. Today’s film isStill Life (12A): a hit at Edinburgh International Film Festival, Still Life is a poignant drama about a lonely, sweetly idealistic man who finds fulfilment in helping everyone but himself. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4.50/£3.50 and may be obtained by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688.
Superhero Masks: 3-4pm, Balerno Library, 1 Main Street. The library is also running a storybook competition during the holidays; collect a blank storybook from the library and complete it – there will be a prize for the best one returned.
Pear Tree Quiz: if you know your physics from your psychics – or maybe you are still mourning the loss of 15-to-1? – try the Pear Tree’s weekly quiz. Cash prizes. 9-11pm, Pear Tree House, West Nicolson Street. £1 per team: tables fill up fast, so please arrive early.
Gilmerton Community Garden Graffiti Art Workshops: help brighten up the garden space with Bridgend Growing Communities and Gilmerton Community Centre. Today there will be a Design Session – come along and help plan some ideas, then on Wednesday 15th April come back for the Graffiti Day – a full day session with a professional artist, using your ideas from today to create some artwork for the Community Garden. 12 noon-2pm today, then 10am-3pm on Wednesday 15th, Gilmerton Community Centre, 4 Drum Street. Both sessions are free but booking is essential; please contact the Centre on 0131 664 2335 or email cld-gilmerton@ea.edin.sch.uk Free – you just need to bring your lunch on Wednesday.
Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland: who’s looking out for our historic buildings? A round-table debate with representatives from different disciplines on the challenges to be faced under new planning legislation. There will be an opportunity to contribute and to ask questions. 6.30-8.30pm, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. £5/£2.50 (students). Non-members warmly welcomed.
Making Friendship Bracelets: for ages 12+. 6-7pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Free.
Picturehouse Docs: Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (15). Noted documentarian Brett Morgen turns his attention to perhaps the most influential rock star of the 90s, Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain; the film includes interviews with Courtney Love, bassist Krist Novoselic and (in archive footage) drummer Dave Grohl. ‘A veritable feast for fans’. 6.20pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723. Also showing on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April 2015: times vary – see website for details.
LGBT Spiritual Space: Maxwell Reay, NHS Mental Health Community Chaplain, offers a supportive space for people to discuss and develop ideas of spirituality and identity. For people of all faiths and none. Today: opportunities for individual conversations and information regarding spiritual needs. 6.30-7.30pm, (within weekly Drop-In, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283 or email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.
LGBT Police Surgery: seek advice, raise concerns around safety issues, report incidents or discuss policing in your area with an officer from Police Scotland. No appointment needed for this informal setting. 6.30-7.30pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For support around safety issues or to meet with the police outwith the police surgery, please contact George Burrows on 0131 652 3281 or by emailing george@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Spring Break Activities at Craigmillar Library: today 1.30-2.30pm Craft with Sooz, 4-5pm Minecraft with Joe C, 6-7pm Games Tournament. All children welcome; any child under 8 years must be supervised by a family member over 12 years. Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Free.
Cameo Culture Shock: the best in cult and genre films. Today: Solaris (PG): this original 1973 Tarkovsky version of the film is a meditation on the nature of desire and memory, and the self-imposed walls that keep us from realising our greatest wishes. 8.30pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723.
Tricolour: a monthly night showcasing three different poetry and spoken word talents. Three different voices, three different styles, three different takes on life. This month: Rachel McCrum, Marianne Macrae and Jenny Lindsay. 6.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free places may be booked online here or by calling 0131 623 3734.
Police investigate sexual assault in Hillend area
Police in Midlothian are investigating following a report of a sexual assault in the Hillend area.
The incident initially started at around 3.30am this morning when a 31-year-old was picked up by car that she believed to be a private hire taxi. She entered the car in Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, near to Greyfriars Bobby’s statue.
She was then taken to a layby just passed Hillend Ski Slope, near to Boghall Farm in Midlothian where she was assaulted. After the assault she was taken to the city bypass where she left the car, near to the Sheriffhall roundabout.
Police are now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the victim or the car when it was travelling.
The suspect is described as a man with a South Asian appearance, aged 35-40, with an Edinburgh accent. He is around 5ft 5”- 5ft 6” with a slim build; dark cropped hair and is clean-shaven. He was wearing dark clothing.
The car used is described as a five door saloon, which is possibly navy blue in colour.
Detective Sergeant Keith Mackay said: “This was a frightening experience for the woman, who is now in the care of her family.
“We are eager to trace this man and are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who recognises the man’s description, or the description of the car, is urged to come forward.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Hibernian 2-0 Heart of Midlothian
Goals by Jason Cummings and Farid El Alagui secured a valuable three points for Hibs in an ill-tempered Edinburgh derby at Easter Road this afternoon.
The result leaves Hibs in second place on goal difference although Rangers have a game in hand as both clubs fight for second place in the Championship.
Head Coach Alan Stubbs made two changes to the starting XI that beat Dumbarton on Wednesday with Dylan McGeouch returning from injury in place of the injured Scott Robertson and Fraser Fyvie taking over from club captain Liam Craig who dropped down to the bench, and Liam Fontaine took the armband in his absence.
Robbie Neilson, who had the luxury of resting a number of his key players for the game against Alloa Athletic in midweek, made seven changes to his team.
In a frantc start to the game, Adam Eckersley appeared to push his head into the face of Scott Allan however referee Kevin Clancy missed the incident.
Moments later Miquel Pallardo was lucky to escape a yellow card for a foul on Allan before Hearts almost took the lead when Genero Zeefuik latched onto a through ball but Paul Hanlon did well to disposes the striker.
At the other end, Fyvie fired inches over after good interplay between Alan, Martin Boyle and Cummings.
Callum Paterson headed against his own bar trying to clear an Allan corner before Jordon Forster had a shot cleared off the line.
Hibs eventually took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when Allan’s corner was headed clear, only for Fyvie to return the ball into the box. El Alagui outjumped the Hearts’ defenders and nodded the ball into the path of Cummings who slotted the ball into the corner of the net from four yards.
In the 36th minute, Kevin McHattie was replaced by Sam Nicholson then two minutes later, another dangerous Allan corner found Fontaine unmarked however the defender’s volley crashed off the bar and was cleared.
Just before the break, Jamie Walker dispossessed McGeouch on the half way line and headed toward the goal before being brought down by Hanlon who was booked, causing outrage from the Hibs’ fans as the referee had been more than lenient towards several Hearts’ players.
To make matters worse, he then booked Forster for complaining about a decision and Clancy was booed off the pitch at half time.
Hearts looked the more lively after the break although Hibs had a penalty claim rejected when Cummings was wrestled to the ground by Alim Ozturk inside the box.
Hibs should have wrapped things up in the 69th minute when substitute Dominique Malonga broke clear of the Hearts defence and with Boyle unmarked inside the box, the striker elected to shoot from distance and the ball went harmlessly past the post.
Hearts almost grabbed an equaliser but some brave defending prevented the ball going over the line.
Malonga then had to leave the field due to an injury and Franck Dja Djedje.
In time added on, Djedje did well to beat Ozturk then find El Alagui unmarked inside the box. The striker appeared to hesitate before calmly chipping the ball over Neil Alexander into the net, sparking wild scenes from three quarters of the stadium.
Please remember to check with the venue before setting out to any event: details may have changed since the event was listed.
MONDAY 13TH APRIL 2015
In Focus: Robert Delaunay’s The Cardiff Team in context. Art historian Jonathan Blackwood takes a close look at Delaunay’s The Cardiff Team (1913) in the context of aesthetic developments at the time. Themes such as the development of Cubism and Orphism, relations between Delaunay, his wife Sonia Terc Delaunay, and Frantisek Kupka, and the straining towards abstraction in painting, will all be outlined in detail. The links between high modernism and popular entertainment are also considered in a talk that will open out a familiar painting to new scrutiny. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today Magdalene Minis – Egg Painting and Choosing. 1.30pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.
Sofi’s Cult Movie Nights: see popular classics on the silver screen in the cosy, darkened back room. Free popcorn! This week: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (PG). 8pm, Sofi’s, 63-65 Henderson Street.
Make a Bunny Mask: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
Lunchtime Concert: SINK. Daniil Doumnov (accordion), Tim Vincent-Smith (violin) and Matt Wright (soprano sax) are an Edinburgh-based trio who explore the tactile air by means of vibrations influenced by (among others) Beethoven, Cage, Zorn and Matt’s dog Daisy. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Easter Holidays @ Gilmerton Library: Board Games Tournament – Scrabble and Battleships. For children of all ages. 2.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free.
Toddler Time: short screenings exclusively for pre-school children and their parents and carers. Today: Q Pootle 5 Programme 3 – join the stars of the hit CBeeBies show (created by best-selling children’s author and illustrator Nick Butterworth) as they tackle everyday problems of the final frontier; with friendship at the heart of the series, Q Pootle 5 and his friends find fun and adventure wherever they go. 11am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets cost £3 for members of the Toddler Time Club: membership is free, please ask at the Box Office. Tickets may be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723. Adults accompanying club members are admitted free; no adult will be admitted unaccompanied by a pre-school child.
Make a Butterfly Mobile: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, 6 School Wynd. Free.
Joseph Pearce’s Book Club: an informal gathering with coffee and cakes, beer and books – new members very welcome. Currently reading The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov and Larissa Volokhonsky. 6.30pm, Joseph Pearce’s, 23 Elm Row. For more information please call 0131 556 4140.
Tiny Tales: Hare, There and Everywhere: it’s spring – but where, oh where, is Hare? Join storyteller Renita Boyle, Wiggly Woo and friends at the bottom of the garden for a seek-and-find parachute play adventure for toddlers aged 1-3 years. 10am or 11.30am (40 minute sessions), Storytelling Bothy, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5 per child and may be booked online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579.
Make a Spring Garland: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.
.My Fountain: Fountainbridge Residents’ Group. Get involved in local issues and have your say. 6.15-7.45pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. All welcome.
Easter Fun & Games @ Oxgangs Library: Easter X-box Challenge. For ages 7-12. 11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.
Martin Scorsese Presents Masterpieces of Polish Cinema: a season of films curated by Scorsese, all screened in pristine digital restorations. Today: Ashes and Diamonds (Popiol i dimant) (12A). (In Polish with English subtitles). Andrzej Wajda’s superb film vividly captures the turbulence and confusion immediately following the Second World War, as a former resistance hero turns anti-Communist assassin. 6.15pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. The film will be introduced by Dr Pasquale Iannone (University of Edinburgh). It will be shown again at 8.45pm on Wednesday 29th April 2015.
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
Puppet Animation Festival: Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre Presents 3 Bears. The shiny metal world of Goldilocks meets the lovely natural wooden world of the three bears – the result, a very sticky adventure all round. For ages 3+. 10.30am, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. To book please contact WHALE on 0131 458 3267.
Garden Buddies: help work commence on the Big Lottery Awards for All funded library garden. 2.30-3.30pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. Free.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents The Monthly Book Quiz: if you know your Waugh from your Peace and your Meyer from your Heyer, try the monthly quiz – you’ll be tested on everything from classics to current bestsellers. Teams of up to 5 people welcome. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free and unticketed, but please arrive early as space is limited.
Plant pot painting: for ages 5-12 years. 3-4pm, Muirhouse Library, 15 Pennywell Court. Free.
Puppet Animation Festival: Lens On Legs – A Clay Animation Adventure. Help to uncover extraterrestrial life on Mars as you explore storytelling, model making and camera-handling techniques to make your own stop-motion film in this two day workshop. Use claymation to build original characters while learning about life on Mars. For ages 10+. 11am-3.30pm today and Tuesday 14th April, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court. £2/£1/50p. To book please contact NEA on 0131 315 2151 or email admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk.
For Crying Out Loud: regular screenings for carers and their babies under 12 months (no more than 2 adults per infant). Baby changing, bottle-warming and buggy parking facilities are available. Today’s film isStill Life (12A): a hit at Edinburgh International Film Festival, Still Life is a poignant drama about a lonely, sweetly idealistic man who finds fulfilment in helping everyone but himself. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4.50/£3.50 and may be obtained by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688.
Superhero Masks: 3-4pm, Balerno Library, 1 Main Street. The library is also running a storybook competition during the holidays; collect a blank storybook from the library and complete it – there will be a prize for the best one returned.
Pear Tree Quiz: if you know your physics from your psychics – or maybe you are still mourning the loss of 15-to-1? – try the Pear Tree’s weekly quiz. Cash prizes. 9-11pm, Pear Tree House, West Nicolson Street. £1 per team: tables fill up fast, so please arrive early.
Gilmerton Community Garden Graffiti Art Workshops: help brighten up the garden space with Bridgend Growing Communities and Gilmerton Community Centre. Today there will be a Design Session – come along and help plan some ideas, then on Wednesday 15th April come back for the Graffiti Day – a full day session with a professional artist, using your ideas from today to create some artwork for the Community Garden. 12 noon-2pm today, then 10am-3pm on Wednesday 15th, Gilmerton Community Centre, 4 Drum Street. Both sessions are free but booking is essential; please contact the Centre on 0131 664 2335 or email cld-gilmerton@ea.edin.sch.uk. Free – you just need to bring your lunch on Wednesday.
Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland: who’s looking out for our historic buildings? A round-table debate with representatives from different disciplines on the challenges to be faced under new planning legislation. There will be an opportunity to contribute and to ask questions. 6.30-8.30pm, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. £5/£2.50 (students). Non-members warmly welcomed.
Making Friendship Bracelets: for ages 12+. 6-7pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Free.
Picturehouse Docs: Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (15). Noted documentarian Brett Morgen turns his attention to perhaps the most influential rock star of the 90s, Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain; the film includes interviews with Courtney Love, bassist Krist Novoselic and (in archive footage) drummer Dave Grohl. ‘A veritable feast for fans’. 6.20pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723. Also showing on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April 2015: times vary – see website for details.
LGBT Spiritual Space: Maxwell Reay, NHS Mental Health Community Chaplain, offers a supportive space for people to discuss and develop ideas of spirituality and identity. For people of all faiths and none. Today: opportunities for individual conversations and information regarding spiritual needs. 6.30-7.30pm, (within weekly Drop-In, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283 or email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.
LGBT Police Surgery: seek advice, raise concerns around safety issues, report incidents or discuss policing in your area with an officer from Police Scotland. No appointment needed for this informal setting. 6.30-7.30pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For support around safety issues or to meet with the police outwith the police surgery, please contact George Burrows on 0131 652 3281 or by emailing george@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Spring Break Activities at Craigmillar Library: today 1.30-2.30pm Craft with Sooz, 4-5pm Minecraft with Joe C, 6-7pm Games Tournament. All children welcome; any child under 8 years must be supervised by a family member over 12 years. Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Free.
Cameo Culture Shock: the best in cult and genre films. Today: Solaris (PG): this original 1973 Tarkovsky version of the film is a meditation on the nature of desire and memory, and the self-imposed walls that keep us from realising our greatest wishes. 8.30pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723.
Image: National Library of Scotland
Tricolour: a monthly night showcasing three different poetry and spoken word talents. Three different voices, three different styles, three different takes on life. This month: Rachel McCrum, Marianne Macrae and Jenny Lindsay. 6.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free places may be booked online here or by calling 0131 623 3734.
TUESDAY 14TH APRIL 2015
Jigs with Pigs: Ceilidhkids are back! Outdoor family dancing workshop. 3-3.45pm, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. Free but donations appreciated. Please note that this event is weather dependent – if in doubt, please call the farm first.
Forth Canoe Club Children’s Try-Out Session. This well-established volunteer-run club offers a range of kayaking opportunities; its summer term starts today with a try-out session, when the children will be assessed and split into groups according to ability. All sessions are led by UKCC Level 2 coaches. 6pm, Forth Canoe Club Boathouse, Harrison Road, Polwarth. For further details or to book a place, please call Kate James on 07939 504610 or email kate.james@virginmedia.com.
Force Majeure
Cameo Silver Screen: if you are aged over 60, join the Silver Screen Club for free, and enjoy discounted tickets and a free tea or coffee + biscuits at these special weekly screenings. Ask at the Box Office for membership details. Today’s films: Force Majeure (15) (showing at 12.45pm and 3.20pm); Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (15) (showing at 3.30pm); Blade Runner: The Final Cut (15) (showing at 1.15pm) and While We’re Young (15) (showing at 1pm and 4pm),Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be obtained online or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723.
Creative Edinburgh: Glug- ‘Risky Biz’. Bringing together creatives and techies for an evening of inspiration and informal networking, Glug is based around a series of talks by practitioners and entrepreneurs from different creative disciplines. This month’s theme is ‘Failure‘ and the idea that to succeed and follow your passion, you must accept the ups and downs and bumps in the road. Speakers: Jakub Michalski (co-founder of Future Positive), Rachel McCrum (Rally & Broad), James Jefferson (Creative Director and co-founder of Equator) and Iain Morrison (Enterprise Manager at The Fruitmarket Gallery). Janine Matheson (Director, Creative Edinburgh) will introduce the speakers, and there will be a break for networking. 6-9pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. Tickets cost £10 (full-paying Creative Edinburgh members free) and include refreshments; they may be obtained via eventbrite here, or on the door (STA). Glug is an eclectic group of people from all creative walks of life, from advertising and graphic design through to fashion and architecture.
Easter Fun & Games @ Oxgangs Library: Egg Meets Pinata. For ages 5-11. 11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North. This activity will continue at the same time on Wednesday 15th April.
A Calendar of Memories: a new monthly session of stories, songs, laughter and reminiscence in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court, hosted by the Life Stories project, who specialise in sharing stories with older people to help rekindle imagination, trigger memories and increase communication. 2-3pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £3 and may be booked online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579.
Edinburgh International Science Festival: Junior Scientist Training School. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a scientist, come and learn about the science of farming with real scientists! Complete three challenges – an experiment, a game and a craft – to gain your Junior Scientist certificate. For ages 5+. 11am-4pm (drop-in), Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. No booking required. With Scotland’s Rural College.
The Speakeasy: the ever-popular Speakeasy returns with a cross-section of exciting perfomers – an evening of insightful humour and storytelling mixed with theatre, music, song and poetry guarantees an enjoyable night out. This month’s performers are comedian Andrew Learmonth, spoken word artist and Loud poet Agnes Torok, comedian Keiron Nicholson and dance artist Janine Melanie Wyse, plus Mark Jeary performing Momentum by Rob Drummond and a special performance by Paco et Jacques. Guest host: Loud poet and European Slam Champion 2015 Miko Berry. For ages 16+. 8pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £7 and may be booked online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579
Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today The Inbetweeners – Youth Club, 7-9pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.
Taryn Simon: A Living Man declared Dead and Other Chapters
In Focus: Citizens of the Twenty-First Century – Taryn Simon’s A Living Man Declared Dead and Other Chapters. Dr Benjamin Greenman (Glasgow School of Art/Open University) will discuss the work of the American photographer Taryn Simon., known for her large-scale projects that investigate the unexpected and often overlooked aspects of contemporary society. Her work A Living Man Declared Dead and Other Chapters, of which one ‘chapter’ has recently been acquired by the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, charts the lives of individuals and their bloodlines from across the globe. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Easter Storytime: 10.30-11.30am, Balerno Library, 1 Main Street.
Leith Folk Club: Ben Miller Band with support Jack Badcock. Ben Miller is a player of Scottish Smallpipes, Border Pipes and Highland Pipes, whose repertoire and style draw mainly on the Gaelic traditions of Western Scotland and the Canadian Maritimes, blended with a healthy dash of Irish tunes for good measure. 7.30pm (doors open), Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £7 and may be purchased in advance via the Club’s website here or by texting 07502 024 852.
The Edinburgh Science Festival Busking Bike! An opportunity for children to get involved in some mind-boggling science, experiments and dazzling demonstrations. 11am-3pm, McDonald Rd Library, 2 McDonald Road.
The Jazz bar: 101st Airborne. Soaring guitar and driving funk rhythms from brilliantly creative guitarist Aki Remally and his 4-piece Funk/Soul groove band (named after Jimi Hendrix’s army unit). 12 midnight (entry from 11.30pm)-3am, The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £3/£2 on the door: please note this venue is CASH ONLY.
French Cinema: Camille Redouble (15). After an evening of heavy drinking, Camille (Noemie Lvovsky, who also directs) wakes up 25 years younger. When her parents pick her up from the hospital, she realises she’s just been granted a second chance to rebuild her life, especially the love part of it, with Eric, her future ex-husband. In French with English subtitles. 6-8pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free. Also showing at 1pm on Wednesday 15th April.
Making Easter Baskets: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
Make Easter Chick Masks: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.
Making Handprint Lillies: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, 6 School Wynd. Free.
Sweet Easter Baskets: for all ages. 2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place.
Easter Badge Making – plus, throughout the holiday, a Where’s Wally Edinburgh landmarks quiz. 3-4.30pm, Colinton Library, Thorburn Road.
Garden Buddies: help work commence on the Big Lottery Awards for All funded library garden. 3-4pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. Free.
Spring Break Activities at Craigmillar Library: today 1.30-2.30pm Reading Club, 4-5pm Art Club with Helen and Mark, 6-7pm Teen Tuesday. All children welcome; any child under 8 years must be supervised by a family member over 12 years. Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Free.
Easter Holidays @ Gilmerton Library: Springtime Frieze. For children of all ages. 2.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free.
Easter Holidays @ Leith Library: (1)2.30-4pm, Water of Leith Frieze – for under-12s; (2) 6.30-7.30pm, Kinect Gaming – for under-16s. Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free.
Puppet Animation Festival: Faux Theatre – Celeste’s Circus. A first trip for little ones into the magic of the big top. Thrills and spills, oohs and aahs as Celeste invites you to applaud an hilarious high-wire hippo and a crafty cat, and to fall in love with an endearing seal. ‘A real joy to watch, with a delightfully retro feel’. For ages 0-5 years. 10.30-11.05am, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Tickets cost £6/£4 and may be purchased via eventbrite here. Online sales close 24 hours before the event; any remaining tickets will be sold on the door, cash only.
Puppet Animation Festival: Mousetale Puppets Present Oscar and the Highland Castle: Answering a call for help, Oscar the mouse leaves his attic home and heads for Loch Ness, where he finds Incy Wincy Spider among the ruins of an old castle. Mysteriously swept back in time, Oscar joins Incy’s campaign to free the castle from English rule and restore Scotland’s independence! ‘A truly memorable and inspirational performance’. For ages 4+ and families. 2pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Tickets cost £6/£4 and may be purchased via eventbrite here. Online sales close 24 hours before the event; any remaining tickets will be sold on the door, cash only.
WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL 2015
Rhymetime: songs and tunes for young children and their parents and carers. 11-11.30am or 2-2.30pm today and every Wednesday, Newington Library, Fountainhall Road.
Visually impaired tour and workshop – Ponte City: Mikhael Subotzky and Patrick Waterhouse. A free descriptive tour and practical workshop for the visually impaired. 10am-3.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. To book a place please call 0131 624 6560. Ponte City continues at the Portrait Gallery until 26th April 2015.
Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today Magdalene Minis – A Trip to the Park. 1.30pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.
Will Pickvance
Lunchtime Concert: Piano Speak with Will Pickvance. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Puppet Animation Festival: Storybox Theatre Presents 3 Pigs.The Three Little Pigs, Susannah the Fanciful Sow and The Old Woman and her Pig are all brought to life with the amazing ingenuity and formidable storytelling skills of Rod Burnett. For ages 4+. 2pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8.50/£6.50 and may be booked online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579
French Cinema: Camille Redouble (15). After an evening of heavy drinking, Camille (Noemie Lvovsky, who also directs) wakes up 25 years younger. When her parents pick her up from the hospital, she realises she’s just been granted a second chance to rebuild her life, especially the love part of it, with Eric, her future ex-husband. In French with English subtitles. 1-3pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free.
Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today The Juniors (activity to be confirmed), 6-8pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.
Boda Pub Quiz: Teams of four people are required. 8pm, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk. Please book at the bar or by calling 0131 553 5900 or emailing bod@bodabar.com
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
Puppet Animation Festival: Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre Presents 3 Bears. The shiny metal world of Goldilocks meets the lovely natural wooden world of the three bears – the result, a very sticky adventure all round. For ages 3+. 11am or 2pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Tickets cost £5 and may be booked via the Edinburgh International Science Festival website here or by calling 0844 557 2686. All ticket holders will be able to tuck into a bowl of tasty fresh porridge while they watch the show, courtesy of Edinburgh-based manufacturer Stoats. Also at same times on Thursday 16th April.
LGBT: Bi & Beyond Edinburgh. A fortnightly social gathering for those who identify as bisexual and non-monosexual. With organised social activities and refreshments provided, whatever your label or lack of label we welcome you. 7-9pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Group contact: biandbeyondedinburgh@gmail.com.
Mightier: A Political Poetry Night. An open mic (sign ups can be before the event) with a featured guest performer. ‘Because the personal is political, spoken word pieces featuring issues such as (but not limited to) social justice, LGBTQIA rights, inequality, class, the state, refugees, disability and mental illness, public services, and money are invited. Compere: Suky Goodfellow. 7pm for a 7.30pm start, Area C Coffee House, 239-241 Leith Walk. All welcome. Please note venue is BYOB (corkage applies) and cash only. This is a Common Weal Edinburgh North & Leith event.
Build an Igloo: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.
Edinburgh Women’s Interfaith Group: a guided tour, talk on Buddhism and Q & A session with Ani Rinchen. 2-4pm, Kagyu Samye Dzong Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre, 4 Walker Street (off Shandwick Place). All welcome: no booking required, but please arrive punctually.
Edinburgh Folk Club: Artisan 2015 Reunion Tour. Hilary Spencer, Jacey Bedford and Brian Bedford ‘ a velvety tenderness that no other harmony group comes near’ (Taplas). 8pm, The Pleasance Cabaret Bar, 60 Pleasance. Tickets cost £10/£9/£7 (members).
Spring Break Activities at Craigmillar Library: today 1.30-2.30pm Craft with Sooz, 4-5pm Minecraft with Joe C, 6-7pm Games Tournament. All children welcome; any child under 8 years must be supervised by a family member over 12 years. Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Free.
The Jazz Bar: Hans Luchs Trio. Chicago based trio playing interactive, exciting modern jazz. ‘Blistering tones keep the momentum from slacking’ (Chicago Jazz). 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £7/£5 on the door: please note this venue is CASH ONLY.
Easter Holidays @ Gilmerton Library: ‘April Showers’ Umbrella Craft. For children of all ages. 2.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free.
Live @ The Loft: relaxed fortnightly songwriters’ showcase for musicians and music lovers in the loft of The Outhouse. PA and house guitar provided, feel free to bring your own instruments. 9pm, The Outhouse, 12a Broughton Street Lane. Free entry.
Make a Bunny Plate: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
Superhero Mask Making: 2-3pm, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. The library is also running a storybook competition during the holidays; collect a blank storybook from the library and complete it – there will be a prize for the best one returned.
Wiff Waff Wednesday: a monthly ping pong night for all ages, with music, drink and great food available to buy from the Drill Hall Arts Cafe. ‘Friendship first, competition second!’ 6-10.30pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Free entry: all welcome.
Mary Seacole: Forgotten Hero. The story of a very independent-minded 19th century Jamaican woman who refused to be defeated by prejudice and adversity. 3pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. An outreach talk by the Surgeons’ Hall Museum.
THURSDAY 16TH APRIL 2015
Flat Six @ Electric Circus. A fun night celebrating upcoming Scottish talent, with young bands and musicians (Flat Six, Colour Trap, Menage a Trois, The Hecklers and Calum Campbell) to raise funds for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, a charity in Scotland providing music therapy for vulnerable children, young people and adults across the country. 6.45pm, Electric Circus, 36-39 Market Street. Tickets cost £5 (+ transaction fee) and may be purchased online here. All proceeds and donations will go to Nordoff-Robbins.
Languages of Leith Storytelling: for ages 5-12 years. 3pm, McDonald Rd Library, 2 McDonald Road.
Piershill Library Easter Holidays Crafts: 3-4pm, Piershill Library, Piershill Terrace. Free. Also at same times on Friday 17th April.
Spring Break Activities at Craigmillar Library: today 1.30-2.30pm Joe’s Tricks. All children welcome; any child under 8 years must be supervised by a family member over 12 years. Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Free.
Easter Fun & Games @ Oxgangs Library: Badge Making. For ages 5-11. 11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.
Live Music Now: Jemma Brown and Maryam Sherhan. Mezzo soprano Jemma Brown, accompanied on piano by Maryam Sherhan, explores David Robert’s career and travels in the Middle East, performing music by Mozart, Ravel, Bizet and Ireland. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Museum Outdoor Games: for under-12s. 11.30am-12.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Free.
Edinburgh International Science Festival: Ex Machina (15). Alex Garland’s science fiction thriller: computer programmer Caleb Smith wins a competition to visit the private estate of his company’s reclusive CEO Nathan Bateman, only to find that he has been chosen to evaluate the capabilities and consciousness of Nathan’s latest experiment in artificial intelligence. The experiment is Ava, a female AI, who proves more sophisticated – and more deceptive – than Nathan or Caleb could have imagined. 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £10/£8 and may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. This screening will be hosted by Dr Adam Rutherford, science writer, geneticist and presenter of Radio 4’s Inside Science, who will be joined by Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, and co-founder of the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, Anil Seth for an in-depth Q & A on artificial intelligence, neuroscience and some futurecasting on the possibilities and dangers of man-made consciousness.
Decorating Eggs: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.
Poetry and Coffee: Sally Evans, Richie McCaffrey and Finola Scott will read selections from their poetry. 10.30-11.30am, Henderson’s Cafe, 94 Hanover Street. Free, no booking required – just drop in.
Easter Chick Paper Craft: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, 6 School Wynd. Free.
Waterstones Edinburgh Presents Stuart David: In The All-Night Cafe. The author discusses his memoir of Belle and Sebastian’s formative years with BBC Radio Scotland presenter Vic Galloway. 6pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. Tickets cost £5 (£3 for Waterstones loyalty card holders) and may be obtained from the shop’s front desk.
Upcycling Musical Instruments: for ages 5-12 years. 3-4pm, Muirhouse Library, 15 Pennywell Court. Free.
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
Puppet Animation Festival: Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre Presents 3 Bears. The shiny metal world of Goldilocks meets the lovely natural wooden world of the three bears – the result, a very sticky adventure all round. For ages 3+. 11am or 2pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Tickets cost £5 and may be booked via the Edinburgh International Science Festival website here or by calling 0844 557 2686. All ticket holders will be able to tuck into a bowl of tasty fresh porridge while they watch the show, courtesy of Edinburgh-based manufacturer Stoats.
Puppet Animation Festival: Puppet Stew Presents Puppets! Puppets! Puppets! A puppet-making workshop – make your own rod puppet to take home. For all ages – children under 8 must be accompanied. 10am, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road and 2pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. To book please contact Craigmillar Community Arts on 0131 669 8432 or WHALE on 0131 458 3267.
LGBT Age: Music Memories – an evening of socialising and music appreciation. Choose a favourite song or piece from any genre, and the organisers will add it to the playlist. 6-8pm, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking preferred: please contact lynda@lgbthealth.org.uk
Jill Todd Photographic Award: Call for Entries. Stills will host the JTPA in November of this year. You are eligible to enter for this award if you will graduate from a Scottish or Irish degree programme in Photography or Fine Art this year, or have done so in the past three years. This evening Robin Gillanders, former Reader in Photography at Edinburgh Napier University and one of the award team selectors, will talk about the award and what the selectors will be looking for from entrants; he will also discuss previous winners’ work. If you are thinking of entering this year – or even if you are not – come along to discuss the JTPA and entering photographic awards generally. 6.30pm, Stills, Cockburn Street. All welcome: no booking required. For more information about the JTPA click here.
Image: www.geograph.co.uk
Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church Thursday Club: Hamish Coghill will give a talk on A Walk Along the Water of Leith. 2-4pm, Upper Hall, Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church, 18 West Mayfield. All welcome: annual membership costs £3, but you don’t have to be a member to come along. Tea 50p. For more information please contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234.
Pom Pom Chicks Crafts: 3.30-4.30pm, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. The library is also running a storybook competition during the holidays; collect a blank storybook from the library and complete it – there will be a prize for the best one returned.
Edinburgh University Press and Blackwell’s Present Northern Neighbours – Scotland and Norway since 1800. How did the development of two small countries at the north of Europe, whose histories were joined from about 795 AD – including a 300 year alliance – nevertheless diverge sharply in the modern era? This edited collection of essays is a topical, comparative study of the economic, social and political development of Scotland and Norway since 1800, covering topics such as land ownership, politics, agriculture, industry, money & banking, local government, education, religion, access and the outdoor life. Join two of the editors Lesley Riddoch and John Bryden to celebrate the publication of this new monograph. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available via eventbrite here, or in person from the store’s front desk, by emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or calling 0131 622 8218.
Big Scream: screenings exclusively for parents and carers and their babies under 12 months. (No adult will be admitted without a baby). Today: Home 2D (PG) – Gratuity ‘Tip’ Tucci is a canny teenager who managed to avoid capture when the world was conquered by an alien race known as the Boov. She accidentally befriends Oh, a rascally young Boov outcast who has annoyed many of his Boov peers. Having become firm friends, the pair set out on a fun, action-packed road trip which might well help to make the Boov-run planet a far better place. 10.30am, Cameo, Home Street. Membership of the Big Scream club costs £5 and lasts until your baby’s first birthday; it enables you to buy tickets at Picturehouse members’ rates (babies admitted free); please ask at the Box Office. Tickets may be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723.
Criticism Playpen: a new fun event for all poets and readers who want to learn more about poetry reviewing and criticism. You don’t need a degree in literature to attend, just an interest in poetry and in how we as individuals and as a community respond publicly to published poetry. Before the session you will be asked to write your own review of a book provided by the organiser, the Scottish Poetry Library, and email it to Jennifer Williams; the reviews will be shared between participants at the session. Jennifer and poet and reviewer Dave Coates will run both workshops. 6.30-8.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street. Tickets cost £5/£4 and may be booked via eventbrite here. Please book early as places will be very limited. For more information please email jennifer.williams@spl.org.uk
Looking Glass Books Presents Kirstin Innes: Fishnet. The award-winning freelance journalist, writer and arts PR launches her debut novel. Rona Leonard walks out of her sister Fiona’s flat and disappears. Six years on, Fiona’s mundane existence is blown apart by the revelation that, before she disappeared, Rona had been working as a prostitute…..Fiona embarks on an obsessive quest to investigate the sex industry that claimed her sister. ‘A clear-eyed, meticulously researched and controversial look at the sex industry and the lives of sex workers, questioning our perception of contemporary femininity’. 6.30pm, Looking Glass Books, Quartermile, Simpson’s Loan. Free but please RSVP to info@freightbooks.co.uk.
The Jazz Bar: Billie Holiday’s 100th Birthday Party*! Award-winning jazz singer Alison Affleck has Scotland’s largest repertoire of both rare and well known Billie Holiday tunes; she appears with an all-star 5-piece band featuring Chris Grieve (trombone) and Dick Lee (saxes). 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is CASH ONLY. (*Holiday’s actual birthday was 7th April).
FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2015
Martin Scorsese Presents Masterpieces of Polish Cinema: a season of films curated by Scorsese, all screened in pristine digital restorations. Today: Night Train (Pociag) (12A) (In Polish and English with subtitles). A sleeper train rockets through the night, among its passengers might be a murderer. Leon Niemczyk and the director’s wife, Lucyna Winnicka, are strangers sharing a compartment while studiously hiding personal secrets. 6.15pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. This film will be shown again at 6.15pm on Friday 8th May 2015
Bookbug: for pre-school children and their parents and carers. 10.30am, McDonald Rd Library, 2 McDonald Road.
Spotlight On: Serious Games. Join Pam Kato, Professor of Serious Games (Coventry University) to explore how the adoption of game technology in business, healthcare and the arts is changing our lives for the better. Pam is an internationally recognised expert on serious games for health. For ages 14+. 2-3pm, Auditorium, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free but ticketed: to book please call 0300 123 6789, call in to the Museum’s reception or book online here.
Lunchtime Concert: Strandvik Blandakor, Fusa, Bergen, Norway. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Puppet Animation Festival: Puppet Stew Presents Puppets! Puppets! Puppets! A puppet-making workshop – make your own rod puppet to take home. For all ages – children under 8 must be accompanied. 10.30am, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Tickets cost £6/£4 and may be purchased via eventbrite here. Online sales close 24 hours before the event; any remaining tickets will be sold on the door, cash only.
From Heart to Hearth: an evening of heart-warming stories to make you laugh, cry, wonder and dream. Join this new and exciting company of Scottish storytellers around the warming hearth of stories – be transported into history and the supernatural, into fairy worlds and Celtic worlds as students share the fruits of their journey from the storytelling course Stories: Heart to Hearth. Hosted by David Campbell and Janis MacKay. 7.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 and may be booked online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579.
Spring Break Activities at Craigmillar Library: today 1.30-2.30pm Trivia Challenge. All children welcome; any child under 8 years must be supervised by a family member over 12 years. Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Free.
Spring Edible Gardening Festival: join the Edible Gardening Project as the team get started in the vegetable patch for another year. From growing chillies on the windowsill to creating a vegetable garden with habitat for pollinators, there will be information and hands-on activities for all the family. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio and Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. No booking required. Also at same times on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April.
Easter Holidays @ Gilmerton Library: Flower Fingers Craft. For children of all ages. 2.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free.
Easter Holidays @ Leith Library: Water of Leith Birds Craft. For under-12s. 2.30-3.30pm, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free.
Easter Fun & Games @ Oxgangs Library: Crafty Friday. 2.30pm, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.
Collective Gallery Open Days: as the designs for the City Observatory complex go to planning, come along to the City Dome to talk to the staff and view the plans for this exciting project. 12 noon-4pm, Collective Gallery, City Observatory and City Dome, Calton Hill. Also at same times on Saturday 18th April.
Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today The Juniors – Youth Club 6-8pm and The Seniors – Youth Club, 8-10pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.
Serena Korda: The Hosts – Ectoplasmic Variations. A month long project by the artist. An army of ceramic warriors lies in wait, wounded, amputated and punctured, an itinerant group of mercenaries or a rabble of dissidents. These warriors are waiting to be activated by Serena Korda and the Rhubaba Choir: over the course of the exhibition there will be a call to arms combining voice and percussion, drawing on a rich history of jugs used as musical instruments, from country blues jug bands to the psychedelic rock of the 13th Floor Elevators. The Hosts: Ectoplasmic Variations will unfold as a sound experiment fusing sculpture and voice at Rhubaba. Exploring the materiality of object and sound, Korda will work with the choir during Saturday rehearsals to develop a musical score that will be performed on Saturday 2nd May 2015. Preview tonight. 6-9pm, Rhubaba, 25 Arthur Street, then 12 noon-5pm Friday to Sunday until 10th May 2015. (If you would like to join the choir, see Saturday’s listings for information).
Bookbug: for young children and their parents and carers. 10.30-11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.
Birds of the Water of Leith Craft Session: for ages 5-12 years. 3pm, McDonald Rd Library, 2 McDonald Road.
The Big Photo Quiz Night: a pub quiz style event to raise funds for Stills’ engagement programme, which provides access to free activities for community groups, families and young people. An evening full of fun and photography – pitch your photo knowledge against others to see who really does know their Colin Prior from their Hobbit Shire (photographic knowledge will help but is not necessary to have a good time!) Teams will be of up to 8 people. 6.30pm, Stills, Cockburn Street. Tickets cost £10 and may be booked online here.
Image: Stirling Castle by Carl Radford
Monochrome: an exhibition celebrating the photographic history of Scotland and the rich natural beauty of the country; a collection of black and white Scottish work set in the context of work from further afield. Participating photographers: Mike Jackson, Katie Cooke, Rob Hudson, Andrew Sanderson, Carl Radford, Douglas Thompson, Jim Mortram and Rafael Biernicki. 9.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm Saturdays, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Ends 15th May 2015.
Help with the Library Igloo: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.
Health In Mind Social Group: a new drop-in group for everyone aged 65+ in the Colinton Area. Come along for tea, chat and a different topic each fortnight, meet new people and enjoy a fun activity – today this will be on the theme of reminiscence. 10am-12.45pm, Colinton Library, Thorburn Road. For more information ask the library staff or call Natasha on 0131 225 8508 or email cc@health-in-mind.org
Make a Sheep: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, 6 School Wynd. Free.
Easter Chick Paper Craft: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
Rally & Broad: Can’t Buy Me Love. A cabaret evening of spoken word and live music talking all things love and money, with Bella Hardy (BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year 2014), William Letford, EmmaJane Unsworth, Freddie Alexander and Faith Elliott, hosted by Jenny Lindsay and Rachel McCrum. 7-10pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. Tickets cost £5 on the door.
Celebrate Vaisakhi – the Spring Festival! Colourful stories and crafts for ages 5-12 years. 2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place.
Superhero Mask Making: plus, throughout the holiday, a Where’s Wally Edinburgh landmarks quiz. 3-4.30pm, Colinton Library, Thorburn Road.
Looking Glass Books Presents John Niven in conversation with Jenni Fagan. The author of Cold Hands, Straight White Male and The Second Coming will read from his work and discuss it with the Edinburgh University Writer in Residence. 6-7pm, Looking Glass Books, Quartermile, Simpson’s Loan. Free.
Caesura #30: third birthday. Featuring Glasgow-based poet Calum Rodger, new writer Katy Hastie, Scottish actor and writer Jamie Scott Gordon and Edinburgh native writer and curator GS Smith, who return to their old haunt to celebrate three years of exploring the recesses of language and sound. 7.30pm, Artisan Bar, 35-36 London Road. £5 on the door. For more information contact goodnightpress@gmail.com.
The Jazz Bar: King Louis and the Primas! Jump/jive fun with a 6-piece of top players, including Dave Batchelor (trombone/vocals), Fat Sam’s band leader Hamish McGregor (sax/clarinet), top trumpeter Colin Steele, and the bluesy, driving guitar of Ross Milligan. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is CASH ONLY.
Marmion Prophylactic Groove EP Launch. Alternative rock band Marmion launch their new 6-track EP with support from The Hecklers, Dog On A Swing and The Micro Band. For over-18s only: ID will be required. 7-10.30pm, The Banshee Labyrinth, 29-35 Niddry Street. Free entry: all profits and donations will go to Drake Music Scotland, a charity helping people with disabilities to learn, compose and perform music.
Nitekirk: a creative drop-in experience of church. ‘A place of welcome, a space for stillness, a pause on your journey, an open door’. This month’s theme is Surprise. 8-10pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. All welcome.
SATURDAY 18TH APRIL 2015
Edinburgh Steiner School Bike Sale: second-hand adult and child bikes, trikes, scooters, bike seats, tag-a-longs, cycling accessories, etc. Come along to buy or sell: sellers can drop bikes off from 9-10am on the day. 80% profits to the sellers, 20% to fundraising for the school. 10am-12 noon, Steiner School of Edinburgh, 60 Spylaw Road.
CODA Music: Record Store Day. Live music from King Eider (on stage 1.30pm) and Malinky (on stage 2.30pm). Shop opens 8.30am. Coda, 12 Bank Street, The Mound.
Underground Solu’shn: Record Store Day. Live music from 2pm, with James Yorkston and Randolf’s Leap, vinyl DJ sets from Finitribe, Vic Galloway, Linkwood, and more. 8am-7pm, Underground Solu’shn, 9 Cockburn Street.
McAlister Matheson Music: Record Store Day. A reception with former Scottish Chamber Orchestra Principal Cello, David Watkin, who will illustrate a 30-minute talk about Bach with extracts from his new recording of the Cello Suites. Refreshments will be served. 5pm, McAlister Matheson Music, 1 Grindlay Street.
St Kilda: image – www.explore-harris.com
Historic Scotland: Celebrating World Heritage Day. A chance to find out about the five World Heritage Sites in Scotland in a fun family afternoon. Children will be able to try out lots of activities; dress up as an 18th century mill worker, make a Roman (cardboard!) sword, listen to magical stories and handle replica prehistoric artefacts, whilst for grown-ups there will be presentations on the recent laser scanning work by the Scottish Ten team (a ground-breaking international 3D scanning project) and the chance to talk to the coordinators for each of the sites. 12 noon-4pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free. For more information please contact the World Heritage Team on 0131 668 8763.
Linlithgow Union Canal Society: LUCS 40th Birthday Party! Join the festivities at the Canal Centre – free boat rides, folk music, steam boats, canal quiz trips, a school painting competition, and tea, coffee and cakes in the Tea Room. All those who bring proof of having been born in 1975 will receive a free family ticket for the Aquaduct Trip. NB: there is no Aquaduct Trip today. 1-4pm, Linlithgow Canal Centre, Manse Road Basin.
Muster: an open, free and informal engagement for artists of all disciplines – from drama to music, photography to board game design, or for anyone just looking for general inspiration for a new project; come along, meet potential collaborators, and work on whatever you like in the Centre’s halls and meeting rooms. 9.30am-4.30pm, Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road. Please contact Helen Cloete at cloeteh@ericliddell.org to share plans you have for the day or for more information.
Morningside Farmers’ Market: a wide variety of quality goods – meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, baking, preserves, deli products, drinks, crafts, gifts and gourmet dog treats, with refreshments available throughout the market and from The Merlin Pub & Kitchen. 9.30am-3.30pm, The Merlin (rear car park), Morningside Road.
Rhymetime: songs and tunes for young children and their parents and carers. 11-11.30am today and every Saturday, Newington Library, Fountainhall Road.
Easter Fun & Games @ Oxgangs Library: Tiger Tales. For children aged 4-8 years. 2.30pm today and every second Saturday, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.
Image copyright Lucky Frame
Edinburgh International Science Festival: Game City – Modern Playing. An afternoon of ideas, music, video and debate, with a chance to play the latest demos of innovative games from Scottish developers. For ages 14+. 3-4.30pm, Auditorium, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 (concessions/members): to book please call 0300 123 6789, call in to the Museum’s reception, or book online here (transaction fee applies).
Hatching Bird Craft: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.
Spring Break Activities at Craigmillar Library: today 1.30-2.30pm Crafts with Billie. All children welcome; any child under 8 years must be supervised by a family member over 12 years. Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Free.
Lunchtime Concert: NK Osterdalen, Norway. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Spring Edible Gardening Festival: join the Edible Gardening Project as the team get started in the vegetable patch for another year. From growing chillies on the windowsill to creating a vegetable garden with habitat for pollinators, there will be information and hands-on activities for all the family. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio and Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. No booking required. Also at same times on Sunday 19th April.
Rhubaba Choir
Serena Korda: Singing Workshop for The Hosts – Ectoplasmic Variations, a month long project by the artist. An army of ceramic warriors lies in wait, wounded, amputated and punctured, an itinerant group of mercenaries or a rabble of dissidents. These warriors are waiting to be activated by Serena Korda and the Rhubaba Choir: over the course of the exhibition there will be a call to arms combining voice and percussion, drawing on a rich history of jugs used as musical instruments, from country blues jug bands to the psychedelic rock of the 13th Floor Elevators. The Hosts: Ectoplasmic Variations will unfold as a sound experiment fusing sculpture and voice at Rhubaba. Exploring the materiality of object and sound, Korda will work with the choir during Saturday rehearsals to develop a musical score that will be performed on Saturday 2nd May 2015. The Rhubaba Choir is open to new members; if you enjoy singing and would like to be a part of this project and/or join the choir, come along to a workshop with Serena Korda today; this will form the starting point for the project. 11am-3pm, Rhubaba, 25 Arthur Street. Suggested donation £5 (includes lunch and refreshments): booking essential, please email info@rhubaba.org.
Easter Basket: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.
Bookbug: for young children and their parents and carers. 10.30-11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.
Nothing But The Poem – Rosemary Tonks: two reading sessions to read and discuss the poems of Rosemary Tonks. (1) With poet Kate Hendry at 11am and (2) with writer Jessica Johannesson Gaitan at 2.30pm, The Saltire Society, 9 Fountain Close. Tickets to either session cost £5/£4 and may be booked via eventbrite here. Please note Rosemary Tonks will be present on paper only.
St Bride’s Family Cinema: see your favourite films for free! Juice and choc ices available during the interval for 50p. Please note that all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Today: The Aristocats (U). 10.30am-12.30pm, St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry. All welcome!
Pretty Peacocks: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, 6 School Wynd. Free.
Martin Scorsese Presents Masterpieces of Polish Cinema: a season of films curated by Scorsese, all screened in pristine digital restorations. Today:Innocent Sorcerers (Niewinni czarodzieje) (12A).(In Polish and English with subtitles). Newly qualified doctor and jazz fanatic Bazyli has so little time for emotional engagement that when he actually falls in love he doesn’t know how to handle it. 6.15pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. This film will be shown again at 8.45pm on Monday 27th April 2015
LGBT – T Time in Edinburgh: an informal social gathering open to all transgender people and supporters. Come along for tea/coffee and a chat in a friendly, relaxed environment. An optional event runs alongside each T Time involving a range of interests, information and activities: this time a Write to Recovery taster session – an opportunity to take part in a session involving meeting with others to explore how writing can help with mental wellbeing. Find out how to get the best out of the Write To Recovery tool; there will be no pressure to read anything out, nor any marking or critique of anyone’s writing. 1-4pm (optional Write to Recovery session 2-3.30pm), LGBT Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or at jules@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Boda’s Absolutely 80s Night! A fun night dedicated to the 80s, with pina coladas and 80s-style cocktails. From 8pm, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk. To book a table call 0131 553 5900.
Brass for St John’s: featuring Edinburgh Brass Band and guests from North London Brass Network, and celebrating the recent twinning of the two organisations – the first twinning of two brass bands in Scotland! Expect musical magic, sonorous solos, a number of old favourites and new pieces in a night of music and entertainment from two respected ensembles. 7.30-9pm, St John’s Church, Princes Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 from eventbrite here (transaction fee applies) or on the door. All proceeds will go to the St John’s Development Project.
The Jazz Bar: ‘World Premiere’ Quintet. Every Saturday a hand-picked 5-piece of excellent jazz players is brought together for the first time. With a different selection of musicians each week, it’s always a surprise line-up – even for the players. Tonight: New York based star sax player Tim Armacost and locals Colin Steele (trumpet), Steve Hamilton (piano), Ed Kelly (bass) and Bill Kyle (drums). 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is CASH ONLY.
Puppet Animation Festival: Puppet Stew Presents Puppets! Puppets! Puppets! A puppet-making workshop – make your own rod puppet to take home. For ages 4+ – children under 8 must be accompanied. 10.30am, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court. £1/50p. To book please contact NEA on 0131 315 2151 or email admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk
Guided Walk: Rhododendrons in the East. Join a garden guide and hear of rhododendrons that grow in the less favourable climate of this east coast garden. Enjoy the colours and scents of this genus and hear about the lives of the collectors and their journeys that resulted in the collections held by the Botanics today. For ages 14+. Meet at the John Hope Gateway reception, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. £5 per person: tickets may be purchased at the John Hope Gateway reception desk or by calling 0131 248 2944.
An Evening of Leider and Arias: Roxana Nite (soprano) and Ancuta Nite (piano) perform Schumann Dichterliebe, JM Geddes Lasses Love and Life, and a selection of famous arias. 7.30pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Tickets cost £10/£8 on the door.
The People Are In The Streets: Scottish premiere of Joel Venet’s feature documentary on the Yes Campaign over the length of the Scottish Referendum year, as experienced by activists from the Radical Independence Campaign, young first-time voters, and anti-austerity groups. With reflection and inspiration from Lesley Riddoch, Gerry Hassan, Alex Bell, Tariq Ali, Cat Boyd, James Foley and Adam Jones, and music from Franz Ferdinand, Mogwai and a host of Yes artists at the Night for Scotland concert at the Usher Hall. Produced in close partnership with the Edinburgh Radical Indpendence Campaign, and providing a unique insight into a Referendum year of growing political action in Scotland. 6.30-9.30pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Tickets cost £2.50 and may be purchased via eventbrite here (transaction fee applies).
SUNDAY 19TH APRIL 2015
Filmhouse Junior: films for a younger audience. This week: Paddington (PG): a young Peruvian bear travels to the city in search of a home…when he meets the kindly Brown family, it looks as though his luck has changed – until this rarest of bears catches the eye of a museum taxidermist. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688.
Modroc Mirrors with Margaret Findlay. Inspired by the shore and woodland, make a beautiful crafted mirror with Modroc. For families. 11am-3pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. £5 per person: places must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here. Please note that at least one paying adult must accompany each child: children must not be booked into workshops alone.
Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today The Juniors and The Seniors (activities to be arranged) 7-9pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.
Spring Edible Gardening Festival: join the Edible Gardening Project as the team get started in the vegetable patch for another year. From growing chillies on the windowsill to creating a vegetable garden with habitat for pollinators, there will be information and hands-on activities for all the family. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio and Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. No booking required.
Talking Trees Storytelling: let the Botanics’ volunteers grow your imagination with tall tales from around the world. For ages 5+. 2-2.45pm, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. No booking required.
Martin Scorsese Presents Masterpieces of Polish Cinema: a season of films curated by Scorsese, all screened in pristine digital restorations. Today:Knights of the Black Cross (Krzyzacy) (PG). (In Polish with subtitles). One of Poland’s biggest hits, this lavish widescreen epic was based on Henryk Sienkiewicz’s much-loved novel, The Teutonic Knights. Set at the turn of the 15th century, it depicts the tension between the Poles and Lithuanians and their Teutonic neighbours, culminating in a thrilling reconstruction of the 1410 Battle of Grunwald. 7.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. This screening will be introduced by Dr Malgorzata Bugaj (University of Edinburgh and University of Stirling); the film will be shown again at 2pm on Saturday 9th May 2015.
Image copyright Sheila Sim
Scotland’s Open Gardens: Redcroft. A walled garden surrounding an Arts & Crafts villa, providing an unexpected haven off a busy road. Daffodils, fritillaries and other early spring bulbs, blossom and rhododendrons. 2-5pm, Redcroft, 23 Murrayfield Road. Entry £4 of which 40% will go to Fresh Start (Edinburgh) and the net remaining to Scottish Gardens beneficiaries.
Edinburgh International Science Festival: Mini Maker Faire. Back for its third year at Summerhall, the Faire highlights the diversity of human creativity by bringing together makers from all sorts of unexpected areas under one big roof. Gadgets, hardware, software, knitwear and food – a chance for the whole family to come out and interact with robotic puppets, 3D printers, model boats, motorised skateboards, science experiments and even virtual Minecraft worlds. Discover the hidden creative gems that are worked away at constantly by enthusiasts, artists and geeks throughout Scotland and further afield. A special programme of in-depth workshops will bring an extra element to the weekend – learn the secrets of taxidermy, try your hand at welding, and get busy with some electronic kits. 10am-5pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £5 (under-3s free) and may be purchased online here or by calling the Festival Box Office on 0844 557 2686.
Bags of Art: cool and creative fun with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. For ages 4-12 years. 2-4pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed: supported by the Friends of NGS.
Scotland’s Open Gardens: Winton House. Enjoy an informative tour of this historic house, and walk around the estate to work off a delicious lunch and home baking. Entry to garden £4, tours of house £5/£3, children under 10 free. 40% of the proceeds will go to Bethany Christian Trust and the net remaining to Scottish Gardens beneficiaries. 12 noon-4.30pm, Sir Francis Ogilvy Winton Trust, Winton House, Pencaitland.
Whisky Galore!(U) A special screening of the original 1949 classic in association with the National Theatre of Scotland, to introduce their new Gaelic adaptation of Whisky Galore/Uisge-Beatha Gu Leor. Adapted from Compton Mackenzie’s famous comic novel, Whisky Galore tells the story of the attempts of the fictional islanders of Todday to salvage and hold onto 50,000 cases of whisky from a shipwreck. 3.10pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be obtained online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688: prices vary. The screening will be followed by a discussion chaired by NTS Artistic Director, Laurie Sansom, in conversation with Hannah McGill, jounalist and former Artistic Director of EIFF, and a member of the new play’s cast. The new Gaelic stage version will be performed at St Columba’s Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 20th April (tickets available from The Hub). Discounts are available for purchasing tickets for the film and the play together.
Serenity Cafe Trivia Quiz: general knowledge and pop questions – with prizes! Come on your own or bring a team. 2-5pm, Serenity Cafe, 8 Jackson’s Entry, The Tun, 111 Holyrood Road. Entry £4, includes refreshments on arrival. The Serenity Cafe is Scotland’s first recovery cafe, run by people in recovery for people in recovery, and for public customers who want good value, good quality food in a relaxed space. All events are family-friendly and drink and drugs-free.
Hearing impaired tour – Ponte City: Mikhael Subotzky and Patrick Waterhouse. A free tour of the exhibition with portable loops. led by Tessa Asquith-Lamb. 11am-12 noon, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. To book a place please call 0131 624 6560. Ponte City continues at the Portrait Gallery until 26th April 2015.
Cameo Vintage Sundays: ‘classic films back on the big screen where they belong’. This week: Harold and Maude (15). A young man with a death wish and a 79-year-old high on life find love in Hal Ashby’s black comedy. 1pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723.
Latin American Social Movements: in Latin America some of the poorest people on the planet have taken back land and resources from the rich – the Zapatistas in Mexico and the Landless Movement in Brazil are but two examples. Clif Ross, co-editor of Until The Rulers Obey, will give a presentation and lead a discussion. 6-9pm, Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place. The Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh is a self-managed social resource centre. This event has been organised by Edinburgh Chiapas Solidarity Group.
St Giles At Six: Leader Ensemble. Brahms Sextet No 1, Op 18. 6pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
Five things you need to know today
Friends of Craighouse
Love Stories
Parcel pains
#GE2015
Today at Edinburgh International Science Festival
The former Edinburgh Napier University building at Craighouse has already been sold. The planning process is underway, but the Friends of Craighouse have not yet given up hope that they can have the planning decision reviewed in a judicial review. They now have a fighting fund of over £6,000 and they are asking for further donations so that they can proceed.
Indulge us. In the wake of Andy Murray’s wedding to his teenage sweetheart yesterday you may be thinking about love and marriage. And it is Sunday. So here is something to make you stop and think.
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“I am still regularly astonished by the beautiful love stories that spin out of our recording booth week after week….
Our Mike Smith has just got married (well he’s two months in….). The new Mrs Smith bought some things online. Good news for someone who does not like going shopping (like Mr Smith). But then it got to delivery time and that was where the problems started.
“Now we may live in an age of instant communication with the aforementioned internet, mobile phones and ‘smart’ technology. We can transfer money between bank accounts in seconds and instantly converse with someone on the other side of the world through wonderful inventions such as Skype. However, there remain tasks which have yet to catch up with technology – and arranging a parcel delivery where everything goes to plan appears to be one of them.”
The Edinburgh Reporter’s current project is to interview the 33 Edinburgh candidates for the General Election.
So far not too many have contacted us or replied to our emails. But there are some who have and you can watch those videos here. (Or scroll right down to the bottom of the page and watch our Vimeo channel there) Others will be added just as soon as possible.
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There are many many things to see and do at the Edinburgh International Science Festival, but this evening there is a discussion event about cycling which has attracted our attention:
Journalist and author Max Glaskin presents an evening of science hacks for cyclists, exploring how and why a bicycle works whilst investigating topics such as: the enigma of the self-stable bikes; the make-up of metal; the secrets of slipstreaming; the dirt behind these ‘clean machines’ and the truth about hairy legs!
More details about the event and booking a ticket here.
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Sunday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
Image copyright Andrea Jones
Scotland’s Open Gardens: 61 Fountainhall Road. Large walled town garden in which trees and shrubs form an architectural backdrop to a wide variety of flowering plants. Several alpine beds, and three ponds, with and without fish, which have attracted a lively population of frogs. 2-5pm, 61 Fountainhall Road, EH9 2LH. Admission £4, of which 40% goes to Froglife (a national wildlife charity committed to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles) and the net remaining to Scottish Gardens charities. Also open on various other dates throughout the summer: see SG’s website for details.
copyright Alicia Bruce
Portrait Detectives: collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history! For ages 4-12. 2-4pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free: no booking required. Supported by the Friends of NGS.
Filmhouse Junior: screenings for a younger audience – this week Belle and Sebastian (PG) (in French and German with English subtitles). In a small Alpine village in World War II, a little boy and a beautiful sheepdog defy the Nazis to help those who are deserving. Director Nicolas Vanier successfully adapts the 1965 TV series for the big screen. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small.
Edinburgh Comic Con 2015: an extensive selection of talent and traders, numerous special guests, lots of events and (today only) a cosplay competition. 10am-5pm, Potterow, Bristo Square. Tickets may be purchased for one or both days: prices vary, children under 10 years free but must be accompanied by a paying adult. To book see website here or purchase on the door (cash only).
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Teenage Book Group: if you love to read or just want to read more, join this group to talk about the latest teenage fiction and your own favourite books. Currently reading Claire Furniss’s The Year of the Rat. 2-3pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. If you would like to join (it’s free!) email your details to schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Farmyard Animals: Friends and Foes. A hands-on, family-friendly session with activities, storytelling and interactive displays about the lives of farm animals. Scientists from the Moredun Institute show and tell how they help control pests and diseases, leading to happier and healthier sheep, pigs, cows and chickens – and how this is better for the environment. For ages 5+. 11am-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required. Also at same times on Monday 13th April 2015.
Waterstones Presents Irvine Welsh: the author signs copies of his new book A Decent Ride. 11am, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street.
St Giles’ At Six: Peter Seivewright (piano) plays transcriptions for piano by Liszt and Rachmaninoff of music by JS Bach and Fritz Kreisler. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
Edinburgh man’s secret diaries reveal the hell of the Arctic Convoy
Recently discovered secret diaries kept by Leonard H Thomas have been transcribed and published by his daughter Leona Thomas.
Leonard kept them while on the Russian Arctic Convoys in 1942 when he was on four convoys to and from Murmansk and Archangel. The latter was PQ18 which followed PQ17 – the convoy decimated by enemy action in July 1942.
Over the previous ten years Leonard had previously sailed on RRS Discovery II to Antarctica having joined as a 17 year-old lad from his home town of Portsmouth. While on these voyages he kept copies notes, sketches and diaries and so, when war broke out and he joined up and was posted to HMS Ulster Queen, it seemed natural for him to continue his writings. Should any of his writing be discovered he would be in serious trouble and so he wrote in abbreviated form and secreted them well.
After the War he married and moved to Edinburgh in 1949 and joined James Howden Ltd, installing the heavy turbines in electrical power stations including those at Portobello, Longannet and Cockenzie.
After he retired, he began writing his memoirs starting with his early memories of Portsmouth, where he was born in 1912 and then describing his Antarctic years and later, the War years. Leonard died in 2000 at the age of 88.
Since her own retirement, Leona, has started going through the copious amounts of Leonard’s writings and memorabilia. Discovering he had been on the Russian Arctic Convoys, she began her own research and in due course became part of the team who took 40 Arctic Convoy veterans and their families to Loch Ewe in 2013 where they received their Arctic Star medals. She has also embroidered a panel for the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry commemorating the links with the convoys and NW Scotland.
Inspired by meeting the veterans, Leona began to transcribe and edit the writings of her father and these are due to be published in a book entitled ‘Through Ice and Fire’. It tells of how the men, having survived the treacherous journey under fire and in intense cold, then suffered from appalling food shortages under the stark conditions they met in on the freezing, unforgiving and unknown shores of Archangel. Once berthed there they faced the approaching winter and being trapped in the port where they endured the frosty Russian attitudes towards the British Navy. It illustrates the fortitude and bravery of the men who sailed on the convoys to Russia – as Churchill called it – ‘the worst journey in the world.’
‘Through Ice and Fire: A Russian Arctic Convoy Diary 1942’
Published by Fonthill Media.
ISBN-13: 978-1-78155-440-1
Edinburgh International Science Festival – Gender and the Brain
The ever enquiring Edinburgh International Science Festival hosts ‘Gender and the Brain’ as part of BBC Radio Scotland’s Brainwaves series this Monday. An expert panel led by broadcaster Pennie Latin is ready to explore the differences between the brains of different genders, and what that means for us as a society. Is there still a battle of the sexes? Is this an outmoded idea? Have traditional gender roles any place in modern world, or are there good societal reasons for the way they have developed?
Professors Polly Arnold and Richard Ribchester agree that there are indeed some differences in the brains of boys and girls even before they are born, thanks to the influence of hormones in utero. These small differences can be seen at both anatomical and cellular level, but what does this really mean to us as people? The evidence seems to point to extreme plasticity in the brain, meaning that we all respond and change as we grow. This makes us unique individuals, whether we are male or female.
The Science Festival panel and audience ponder the questions “What are the differences between male and female brains, and how does this affect our development and our society?” Dr Gillian Brown explains the current research in this area from her perspective as a behavioural neurobiologist, including differences in environment and social expectations of girls and boys. What influence does the ‘pink princess’ face of advertising, or science toys marketed specifically for boys, really have on our children?
In an audience interaction session there is humour and tolerance for the average differences between the genders. As the room explores the stereotypes of men and women with many chuckles, the panel points out that these stereotypes are only that, average differences across large groups of male and female. As the current human research is based on averages, the panel explains the flaws in applying the results of averages onto an individual’s capabilities, saying “assumptions made of an individual‘s abilities based on gender are unscientific.”
However, research in this area does have important practical applications in health and social care, since some diseases affect one sex more than the other. Professor Simon Baron Cohen discusses his work on autism, which is far more prevalent on boys than girls. He gives real insight into what happens when the ‘maleness’ of a brain reaches extremes.
As always at an Edinburgh International Science Festival event, there is far more interest, enthusiasm and questioning than there is time for in the session, so the discussion continues in a convivial manner in the bar, in the best scientific tradition.
The session is hugely enjoyable and good humoured, with a message of tolerance for our individual differences. The panel advises that we are all unique, with our own talents and foibles, regardless of our gender.
To join the debate listen in to BBC Radio Scotland on Monday at 1.30 pm or catch it via the website.
Edinburgh’s Divisional Commander Mark Williams has released his April message to the public and describes the need for crime prevention as well as the good work being done by his officers who are targeting criminals throughout the city.
Dozens of arrests have taken place over the past few days and individuals have been charged with scores of crimes.
Cars worth over £100k have been recovered and extra officers have been deployed on the streets.
He also discusses the significant seizures of cannabis plants from across the capital and describes how organised criminal gangs are involved in the drug trade.
Chief Superintendent Williams pledged to continue his focus on organised crime, housebreaking and vehicle crime.
Spring Fling Visual Art Festival comes to Edinburgh
Fine Art Society Edinburgh and Scotland’s premier open studio event teams up to showcase Dumfries and Galloway.
Edinburgh jewellery artist Jo Garner launched an exhibition by some of the best-established and emerging artists and makers from Spring Fling – Scotland’s premier open studios event around the Dumfries & Galloway region – has opened in Edinburgh, ahead of Spring Fling’s main festival on 23-25th May.
Jo Garner lives and creates her edgy-but-fine jewellery in Edinburgh’s New Town.
The Spring Show Dundas Street Gallery exhibition is at The Dundas Street Gallery, Edinburgh, until 25 April 2015.
It is organised by Dumfries and Galloway-based Spring Fling in partnership with the Fine Art Society Edinburgh. More than 150 people attended a special preview at the gallery on Thursday night.
Edinburgh-based Mara Seaweed is now stocked UK-wide by M&S. Mara Dulse seaweed flakes will be available in 173 of M&S Food Halls across the UK as part of a new Artisan Range of branded products from the British Isles.
Mara’s CEO, Fiona Houston said: “Launching as a branded product in Marks and Spencer is a huge step for us and shows that seaweed is now firmly on the British menu. Mara has moved from novel to mainstream.”
The company was selected this spring to be one of three finalists in the BBC Food & Farming Awards for Best Food Producer.
Fiona continued:“This couldn’t have come at a better time and we are thrilled that Mara is finally being recognised for its vision.”
In 2014 Slow Food UK named Dulse a ‘Forgotten Food’. Mara’s listing at Marks and Spencer will reintroduce this ancient superfood with a unique taste, to a wider audience. “Dulsing” (harvesting and eating Dulse) has been a tradition around the coast of the British Isles for centuries. Mara are reviving this tradition by hand harvesting in Scotland’s clean, cold waters.
Melissa Webb, M&S Product Development Manager said: “Mara Seaweed taps into a trend we see growing through 2015, as shoppers start to understand how seaweed is used and search it out to use when baking, or to season dishes.
“We’re really proud of the latest additions to our collection of artisan, branded foods. This is the first time we’ve featured anything from the UK and from April there will be over 20 new foods and ingredients from great suppliers across the British Isles.”
If you’re training for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival you will already know that there are only seven weeks to go. But if you are still considering entering then the good news is that there is just time! Entries close on 15 April.
We are building up a library of video interviews with all of the Edinburgh General Election candidates we can meet up with. If you wish to be interviewed then get in touch!
A timely reminder for a last minute animation workshop starting next week from Tales of One City which is the Edinburgh Libraries Blog: “Since February we’ve been running an #artcore Animation Studio for teenagers with Red Kite.
“Young people from all around Edinburgh have been coming together and bringing their stories and designs to life with expert guidance from animators from Red Kite, Edinburgh College of Art and Edinburgh College.
“As a treat for our younger audience Red Kite will hold an Animation Studio for aspiring animators aged 5-12 next Thursday and Friday at McDonald Road Library.
“The studio runs over two days, Thursday 16th and Friday 17th April from 11.30am-1.30pm at McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4L.
“The studio is free and all equipment is provided, just bring your imagination!”
Next Saturday is World Heritage Day. You are invited along to the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the High Street to find out more about the five world heritage sites in Scotland.
More information about the event and how to book here.
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Edinburgh and East Lothian will host the Friends Life Tour of Britain this September. VisitScotland says it expects the major event to bring a welcome boost to the local tourism economy.
It is hoped that the event will impact positively on accommodation providers in the city and surrounding area, providing them with another tourism opportunity to capitalise upon. With cycling being a popular activity in Edinburgh and the Lothians the area is well set to host such an inspirational event.
Scotland will welcome two stages of the Friends Life Tour of Britain on two separate days for the first time ever with the UK’s biggest professional cycle race. The tour will see its second day, Stage 4 of the race, on 9 September in Edinburgh, the first visit to Scotland’s capital for the modern race, before travelling through East Lothian. Departing from Holyrood Park, Stage Four will pass through the centre of Edinburgh before heading into East Lothian and then through the Scottish Borders to Northumberland, where the stage will finish in Blyth.
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Commonwealth Law Reform Conference in Edinburgh this weekend
The Scottish Law Commission is hosting a major and prestigious international law reform conference in Edinburgh today and tomorrow.
The Conference is the biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Association of Law Reform Agencies (CALRAs). This is the first time the conference has been held in Scotland.
The conference will mark the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Law Commission, which was set up in 1965.
The theme of the conference is: Law Reform in a Fast-Changing World.
The keynote address will be delivered by the Rt Honourable Lord Carloway, the Lord Justice Clerk.
The conference will include a special session to mark the 50th anniversary with addresses by the Honourable Lord Pentland, Chairman of the Scottish Law Commission, and the Rt Honourable Justice Lloyd Jones, Chairman of the Law Commission for England and Wales.
The conference will include sessions on
the independence of law reform agencies in the modern age;
ways of involving stakeholders and experts in law reform;
new developments on the implementation of reports of law reform agencies: this will include a presentation on the new process for law reform in the Scottish Parliament
cyber crime; and
law reform in the electronic age.
The conference will be attended by over 60 delegates, representing law reform bodies in countries across the Commonwealth and beyond. There will be delegates from many countries in Africa, India, Nepal, Mauritius, Cyprus, the Carribean, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and the UK.
The Chairman of the Scottish Law Commission, Lord Pentland, said:
“I am delighted that this prestigious international conference on law reform is being held for the first time in Edinburgh. It coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Law Commission. We are proud to be part of the Commonwealth family of law reform agencies, many of whom will be represented at the conference. By exchanging experiences and ideas we hope to learn much from each other and to promote the cause of law reform globally.”
Saturday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
National Gallery of Art – Roy Lichtenstein – Painting with Statue of Liberty
Lichtenstein Easter Art Explosion! Drop in and join in a range of activities exploring the work of American Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. Make an artwork out of musical notes and hear your crazy composition performed. Have fun designing a comic strip and create your own personal ‘Wall Explosion‘ – the perfect adornment for any home! 2-4pm, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free: no booking required.
Craigmillar Library Spring Break Activities: Treasure Hunt with Sooz. 1.30-2.30pm, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Any child under 8 years must be supervised by a family member over the age of 12.
Puppet Animation Festival: The Puppet State Theatre Company Presents The Man Who Planted Trees. This multi-sensory theatrical adaptation of Jean Giono’s environmental classic tells the inspiring story of a shepherd who plants a forest, acorn by acorn, transforming a barren wasteland. As much a touching tale as it is an hilarious puppet show, this beautiful, award-winning production shows us the difference one man and his dog can make to the world. ‘Perfect for children and adults’ (The Guardian). For ages 7+. 2pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8.50/£6.50 and may be booked in person, online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579; a transaction fee applies to online and phone bookings.
Puppet Animation Festival: The Man Who Planted Trees. A special screening of the classic Oscar-winning animated film about the shepherd Elzeard Bouffier, who over 35 years quietly cultivated a magnificent forest in a desolate area of France. 4.30-5pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5 and may be booked in person, online here or by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579; a transaction fee applies to online and phone bookings.
Gallery of Modern Art Highlight Tours: monthly tours of the Gallery’s collection, focusing on key works. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, meet at Main Entrance, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free: no booking required.
Edinburgh Comic Con 2015: an extensive selection of talent and traders, numerous special guests, lots of events and (on Sunday) a cosplay competition. 10am-5pm today and Sunday 12th April, Potterow, Bristo Square. Tickets may be purchased for one or both days: prices vary, children under 10 years free but must be accompanied by a paying adult. To book see website here, or pay on the door (cash only).
Spring Into Leith: Easter Crown Making. For children aged 5-12 years. 3pm, McDonald Road Library, 2 McDonald Road. Free.
Edinburgh College of Art Illustration: an exhibition by 4th year students, staff and alumni. 12 noon-5pm today, then 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, 12 noon-5pm Saturdays, Doubtfire Gallery, 3 South East Circus Place. Ends 2nd May 2015,
Edinburgh International Science Festival: Dr Bunhead’s Exploding Easter Egg Show! Witness the world’s biggest Easter Egg explosion, rainbow foam fountains, the Easter Bunny bazooka and loads more Easter science shenanigans with the world’s favourite TV stunt scientist. Dr Bunhead ‘turns the science curriculum into a burning, bubbling, exploding ball of fun’ (Sunday Times). For ages 7+. 11am-12 noon, George Square Lecture Theatre, University of Edinburgh, George Square. Tickets cost £6 and can be booked online here or by calling 0844 557 2686.
Spatial Relief (red) copyright Tate London
Possibilities of the Object: Amplified Tour. A special tour of this new exhibition, with portable FM loops for the hard of hearing. 2-3pm, Fruitmarket Gallery, Market Street. Free but please book by calling 0131 225 2383 or emailing info@fruitmarket.co.uk.
Puppet Animation Festival 2015: Eco Drama Presents The Worm: An Underground Adventure. Underneath your feet in the muddy brown soil squirms the world’s best kept secret…a wonderful, magical creature called The Worm. Join two nature lovers, Wilma and William, on a journey underground as they discover a family of friendly musical worms and their colourful miniature world. With laugh out loud songs, including one about worm poo, The Worm is a fun-filled musical tale guaranteed to make everyone giggle, wiggle and love the squirmy wonders beneath our feet. After the performance the audience is invited to see some real worms in a specially designed wormery. For ages 3-7 years: please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-12 noon, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. Tickets cost £4/£3/£2 and can be booked by calling North Edinburgh Arts on 0131 315 2151, emailing admin@northedinburgharts.co.uk or in person. The performance will be followed by a free garden workshop, to which everyone is welcome. Come and learn about composting, and enjoy some free soup!
Raoul De Keyser’s Early Works: a talk by Professor Stephen Jacobs (Ghent University). Professor Jacobs, author of Raoul De Keyser: Retour 1964-2006will focus on De Keyser’s early works featured in the current exhibition in the context of the artist’s oeuvre, demonstrating the way in which certain themes and motifs, which were developed early on, remained important throughout his career. 2pm, Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Arboretum Place. Free but booking is required as places are limited: tickets may be obtained from Inverleith House or via eventbrite here.
Edinburgh International Science Festival: The Incredible Power of Light – Lasers and the Search for Alien Worlds. Over the last decade astronomers have identified hundreds of planets outside our solar system – however planets that could support life are relatively small, so finding them is a massive challenge. This talk will look at how research which began in laser laboratories is making an impact on planet hunting! For ages 15+. 2-3pm, The Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. Free: to book a place please call 0131 348 5200 or email spbookings@scottish.parliament.uk.
Organ Recital: Hannah Gibson (Birmingham Conservatoire) plays Nicholas Bruhns Praeludium ‘The Great’ in E Minor, Robert Schumann Four Sketches for Pedal Piano Op 58, Olivier Messaien L’Ascension (complete), Gabriel Faure Pavane Op 50 and Louis James Alfred Lefebure-Wely March in F Major. 7.30pm, Palmerston Place Church, Palmerston Place. Free.
Puppet Animation Festival 2015: Faux Theatre Presents Celeste’s Circus. Come and join the circus! A first trip for little ones to experience and enjoy the magic of the big top. Thrills and spills, ooohs and aaahs, for ages 0-5 years. 2pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road. Please contact CCA on 0131 669 8432 for tickets.
Bruncheon! featuring The Sound of Muesli: local musical talent and DJs creating a chilled out atmosphere, alongside delicious home-made cafe food in the open space of the Drill Hall. Kippers, morning rolls and sweet treats a-plenty! 11.30am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Free entry.
Holyrood Art Club Annual Exhibition: the Holyrood Art Club is one of the oldest – and certainly the largest – art clubs in Edinburgh. It was founded in 1957 and currently has over 100 members. Submissions for its exhibition are selected by an independent professional artist, with approximately 200 being hung. 11am (official opening)-5.45pm today, 10.30am-5.45pm Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th, Thursday 16th and Friday 17th April, 10.30am-4.45pm Wednesday 15th and Saturday 18th April, and 2pm-5.45pm Sunday 12th April, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Ends 18th April 2015.
CoderDojo: a programmers’ coding club for ages 10-16 years – learn all about programming in a fun and sociable environment. 2-4pm today and fortnightly, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive. Free: for more information, please contact the library on 0131 529 5244.
Buzz Around the Botanics: join the hunt for bees and other minibeasts. Take your ID guide and recording sheet into the Garden, then record your results on the big map. All young scientists will receive a pack to take away. For ages 5+. 11am-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required. With the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Open Air Laboratory.
Poster designed by the pupils of Craiglockhart Primary School
Spring Fling 2015! If you are 50+ and looking for inspiration, a new hobby or interest, a volunteering opportunity, ways to get involved in your local neighbourhood – or something else – the Spring Fling is for you. Over 45 stalls (including Scottish Ramblers, Edinburgh Quilters, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, MECOPP, Police Scotland, Edinburgh Leisure and LGBT Health & Wellbeing) plus giveaways, tasters and music. Refreshments available in the cafe. 11am-4pm, Eric Liddell Centre, Holy Corner, Morningside Road. Admission free.
Edinburgh & Lothians Rock Garden Club Spring Flower Show. Displays of bulbs, alpine and rock garden plants, stalls from six leading nurseries, seeds, sundries and refreshments. 10.30am (show hall opens 12 noon)-4pm, Fairmilehead Parish Church, Frogston Road West. Admission £1. All very welcome!
CANCELLED: Pentland Scout Group Ceilidh with The Robert Fish Band. 8pm-12 midnight (doors open 7.30pm), St Brides Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry. Tickets cost £8/£6 in advance from the Centre on 0131 346 1405 or £10/£8 on the door (STA).
Portobello Open Door Film Night: The Imitation Game (12A). Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant band of codebreakers at Bletchley Park during the darkest days of World War II. 7pm, The Wash House Community Centre, Adelphi Grove. Tickets cost £6/£4 and are available from Popeye’s Sandwich Shop, 132 Portobello High Street, or on the door (STA).
Image by Jemima Kuhfeld
Edinburgh International Harp Festival: Tom Pow and Wendy Stewart. Writer Tom Pow and harper Wendy Stewart will talk and play with music and words. These two art forms can express the same emotion in so many different ways yet influence each other dramatically. How can we marry the two without one detracting from the other? Come, listen and reflect. 11am, Merchiston Castle School, 294 Colinton Road. Tickets cost £8 and may be booked online, by phone or in person: see the Edinburgh International Harp Festival’s website here for full details.
Wendy Stewart
REVIEW – Simple Minds at the Usher Hall
Simple Minds were the archetypal 80’s band: their emphatic, stadium-sized, harmonic and synth-filled hits meant that their studio energy transcended and inflated into a live phenomenon. Their friendly rivals, U2, pipped them to the post in terms of more convincing live vigour and studio experimentation. Ultimately, U2 became the biggest band in the world, and Simple Minds died off amid some repetitiveness.
Tonight, at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, a venue Simple Minds have played several times in their lengthy career – in fact, it’s the 37th anniversary of Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill beginning their musical journey – it feels as if we’re back to their youthful energy.
With no support act and a mountain of a back catalogue, Simple Minds were predicted to play a lengthy set. Actually the band played two sets, with a 10-minute intermission splitting them. Their first set was geared towards the more casual Simple Minds fans, with the inclusion of two acoustic numbers and a solo piano performance by female backing singer, Catherine Davies. Their second set is shorter yet more alternative, with a change in backing vocalist and more modern material.
From the start, the Usher Hall was vibrant and spirited. Jim Kerr’s Bono-esque stagecraft dominated the show, utilising the entire stage set-up while making sure his dedicated fans are right at home. It could not get any better for the paying customers, their first set ending with ‘Waterfront’ and ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ back-to-back, and fan favourites such as ‘Glittering Prize’ and ‘New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)’ entertaining the top-end of the first set. As it concluded, Jim Kerr mentioned that “most bands would be off now on their private jets and eating sushi, but we’ve got plenty more music to play.”
The second set didn’t gather just the same momentum as the first, with some lack of interest from a crowd that were previously eager, now appearing disenchanted. But all of that changed with the final two songs, ‘Big Music’ and ‘Sanctify Yourself’. The show went on for more than two hours and the 55-year-old band return to the stage for the second time to play a mixed encore, including a baffling rendition of ‘Riders on the Storm’ and a jubilant finale of ‘Alive and Kicking’.
“Glasgow gave us our break but Edinburgh made us,” Kerr stated mid-show, clearly in awe of the joyful Usher Hall crowd that was staring right at him. Even when the show ended 150 minutes later with the house lights rising, half the band want to stay on stage. Kerr, Burchill, and the long-time mighty drummer Mel Gaynor graced the stage, applauding the resounding audience, while dancing to Kingsmen’s ‘Louie Louie’ that blared over the PA.
But that last minute exemplifies one thing for Simple Minds: that they never know when this musical adventure is going to end. It could end tomorrow, or one of Scotland’s longest-running outfits could record and play live for another 10 years. The prolonged salutations showed that Simple Minds want to savour such moments.
As Jim Kerr said at the end of ‘Alive and Kicking’, “We’ll never forget this.”
Cullen Property will be at Property Investor Show 2015
Cullen Property management is expecting a rise in ‘silver landlords’ looking for property in Edinburgh at this year’s Property Investor & Homebuyer Show 2015, being held in London later this month.
From Monday 6th April (Pension Freedom Day) people can spend their pensions as they wish, and are no longer forced to convert their pension pots into annuities – resulting in an increase in those reaching retirement age opting to invest in property instead*. As a result, Cullen Property management is predicting a surge of interest in Edinburgh property at this year’s Property Investor & Homebuyer Show, and is receiving more and more enquiries from older property investors with previous links to Edinburgh.
This follows last week’s news that Nationwide is now lending to investors up to 70 years of age, with a maximum loan term of 35 years, meaning the investor can theoretically be a BTL landlord up to the age of 105.
Cullen Property’s operations director Steve Coyle says: “It is interesting to see the rise in silver landlords and we are receiving more enquiries from older people, many of whom used to study in Edinburgh and who consider the city fondly as a result, particularly if their children now study here, too. More mature property investors are interested in securing not just a buy-to-let flat but a long-term home for their children and even grandchildren.
“It will be the fourth year in attendance at the Property Investor & Homebuyer Show for us and every year we discover a new focus. The first year (2012) we were the only Scottish exhibitors but gradually, over the last few years, we’ve seen a real boost in profile for Edinburgh, with more interest shown in purchasing high quality property in the city – particularly in historic and traditional stone buildings. We will be on hand to inform the show delegates about the many excellent and affordable investment opportunities available here.”
The Property Investor & Homebuyer Show is the UK property sector’s main event of the spring season, and the largest landlord and investor networking hub in the UK. The show organisers are expecting over 5,000 delegates over the two day event, which takes place at ExCeL London on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April.
Cullen Property will be at Stand 242 on both days of the show, opening at 10am and closing at 6pm on Friday/5pm on Saturday.
Edinburgh is brilliant for our favorite four legged friends with loads of great parks and hills both in the city centre and nearby for a walk to blow the cobwebs away.
Here are some of our favorite places for a daunder and some fabulous views of Auld Reekie too!
One of the seven hills in the city and the most impressive with the looming Salisbury Crags cutting through the skyline, Arthur’s Seat is definitely one of my favorite walks. The views from the top are stunning looking west to Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Road Bridge and East to East Lothian and Berwick Law. There are many routes up to the top – the easiest is probably to park at Dunsapie Loch or Park round at the Palace of Holyrood and do the full walk past St Anthony’s Chapel and up to the summit. Your dog can run wild through the ponds between the crags and the summit and tire them out properly with a hike to the top!
If it is sunny a nice pint in the beer garden at the Salisbury Crags pub is highly recommended! (no dogs inside unfortunately)
The Hermitage walk is absolutely beautiful with a gentle stream bubbling along beside the path and it and is accessible for wheelchairs, prams and bikes too leading to the Hermitage visitors centre. There are many paths around the stream that lead up to Blackford Hill (Observatory Hill to some) which has a fabulous view of the whole city as well as to Arthur’s Seat. Dogs love paddling in the stream and chasing rabbits up the hillside. Wild garlic is in season in spring and grows in the glen!
It is an important part of Edinburgh’s natural heritage, and is classified a Local Nature Reserve. Blackford Pond and the surrounding wetland are important for water birds such as swan, little grebe, heron, pochard, mallard and tufted duck. Moorhen and coot nest at the edge of the pond amongst the reeds. Friends of the Hermitage often organise tours to learn more about the flora and fauna – more information here.
After your walk head along Morningside road for lots of lovely pubs and coffee shops – almost all of them are dog friendly.
Edinburgh is right on the coast making for some fabulous walks all along its coastline. Portobello beach is great for dog walkers in the winter months for a brisk stroll and then a warming hot chocolate in the Espy. It’s a great day out to wander along to Cramond Island. It is a tidal island in the Firth of Forth that can be reached at low tide by a causeway from the village of Cramond. There is a noticeboard at the landward end of the causeway setting out the times when it may safely be crossed.
A text service introduced last year may also be helpful.
Members of the public can text the word CRAMOND to 81400 and the RNLI will reply with safe crossing times for the tidal causeway which leads to the popular tourist attraction.
This new initiative follows a five year period (2008-2013) when nearly 600 people were rescued from Cramond Island by Queensferry lifeboat.
Cramond Island is a fascinating place, and also a very popular one. The island offers a touch of wilderness almost on Edinburgh’s doorstep: though the liberal application of graffiti to most standing structures and remains of camp fires suggest it is not as respected by all its visitors as might be hoped but this does not dampen the spirits of the many visitors and their pups!
Take note, and make sure you allow yourself the time you need to explore an island that turns out to be larger than it looks, and the time to get back along the causeway before the waters close over it.
The hill is only 531 feet (161 metres) high. However, from all angles it presents a long low wood-covered ridge, rising above the western suburbs of Edinburgh: Corstorphine, Blackhall Murrayfield and Balgreen. Corstorphine Hill is readily identified by its distinctive Tower with many walking routes criss-crossing over it you are sure to find something new every walk!
We love wandering up behind the Zoo for a glimpse of some more exotic animals. Look out for zebras, ostriches and antelopes in the African Plains enclosure of the Zoo. Closely spaced are fine view points to the north, east and south, the latter known as Rest-and-be-thankful, where travellers paused to take in their first glimpse of Edinburgh and before the last leg of their journey.
The towpath on the Union Canal forms a great route for regular walking in the city, to get to work, to walk the dog or get some exercise. It’s 32 miles along the Union Canal from Edinburgh Quay and it con with the Water of Leith. A perfect way to escape the city streets for a while and enjoy a new perspective on the city.
The Water of Leith walkway passes through many areas of interest including: Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Garden and Leith. Ideal for family and doggy walks, the walkway is a delightful afternoon’s stroll, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The route is suitable for cycling and is accessible in part by wheelchairs and even on horseback.
Inverlieth Park is a great place for a detour where a huge expanse of grass is waiting for your dog and his frisbee, spectacular views of the castle from the North side and a great place for watching fireworks (without your dog!).
Just a short 30 minute train journey (or drive) away from Edinburgh and is a fabulous little seaside town with some of the best fish & chips or lobster & chips in Scotland, and some cosy seaside dog-friendly pubs and a great ice cream shop.
North Berwick has a long stretch of beach as far as the eye can see so you can stretch out the walk as long as you’d like. We usually walk up the beach past the golf course for about 2 hours before turning around and heading back to the centre for lobster and chips at the Lobster Shack (and penny sweets too!). The beach is extremely clean and tidy and again is a very popular walk with other dog owners, especially if they are fond of a good splash in the sea.
Nearby Tyninghame, Yellowcraigs and Gullane Bents are also brilliant dog walking beaches.
Head out the Southside of Edinburgh and you will find the Pentlands – a fabulous place for a walk with the dog! With 100km of waymarked routes that are suitable for all levels of fitness, there is something for everyone.
When planning your trip to the Pentlands be aware that many places become busy very quickly, in particular, Flotterstone, Harlaw and Threipmuir car parks so get there early! I love the walk up from the Flotterstone pub along the ridge and back by the reservoirs and so does our dog! Don’t forget to look up on your climb and take in the lovely views.
Watch out for sheep though it is lambing season and the farmers can get annoyed if your dog is prone to sheep worrying.
Tell us your favorite places so we can add to our list!
Letter from Scotland
A campaign of daffodils
I’ve spend much of this week wandering lonely as a cloud over the fields and hedgerows of England. On family visits in Norfolk and Hertfordshire I saw ten thousand daffodils, weeping willows just come into leaf and gorse bushes flowering a dazzling yellow. And as we cycled along, there would be the occasional election poster peeking out from newly trimmed gardens to remind us that there was an election on.
When I arrived back in Scotland I found that spring had arrived here too. The daffodils were in full bloom. It was even slightly warm, in the sunshine. But the election posters have not yet flowered and the news is all about that old autumn constitutional chestnut of “full fiscal autonomy”.
It seems to have come as a surprise to the press and the unionist parties that the SNP want Scotland to raise all its own taxes and spend all its own money. Of course their MPs would vote for it, if offered the chance. (And so should the Liberal Democrats for that matter, along with new converts to the federal faith like Gordon Brown.)
But Westminster is not going to offer anyone the chance to vote for full fiscal autonomy, at least for the foreseeable future. All parties there, except the SNP, insist the independence referendum last year settled the issue and everyone is getting on with implementing the increased devolution the majority of Scots wanted in the first place.
It’s also become clear during the leaders’ debates on television that the SNP and the Greens are offering voters a very different vision of the future from the unionist parties….NO to further “austerity” and NO to the renewal of Trident nuclear weapons. Both are probably minority views but they are held by a sufficient number of committed voters to make the election too close to call. At least though, the campaign is coming down to substantive issues and is not just a series of small one-upmanship bids on health spending or childcare and dubious claims about the economy.
Happily, some people in Scotland are thinking slightly longer-term. Researchers at Edinburgh University have been studying the Great Extinction, some 250 million years ago. They’ve discovered that a series of volcanic eruptions caused so much carbon dioxide to enter the atmosphere that two-thirds of land animals died out and 90 per cent of marine life perished in the acidic seas. It’s only slightly reassuring that even if we continue to burn all the known oil reserves in the world it would not produce as much carbon dioxide as the ancient volcanoes but it is a warning that CO2 is bad for our health.
Having completed my own cycle journeys this Easter, I take my helmet off to Scots adventurer Mark Beaumont who is setting off on a 10,000km cycle ride through Africa. His aim is to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town in less than 50 days. This is a man who has already cycled round the world and from the north to the south of the Americas, so for him this latest ride must seem like a Saturday afternoon jaunt.
Another handsome Scot with a Saturday afternoon engagement is Andy Murray. He gets married tomorrow in his home town of Dunblane to the lady who has cheered him through many a triumph and disaster Kim Sears. The town has apparently gone delirious with pubs and high street shops all selling Andy/Kim themed products and the golden post-box in honour of Andy’s Olympic medal has been given a new lick of paint. And so the town with pleasure fills and dances with the daffodils.
Restaurant review – Las Iguanas
So I have to confess I love Latin American food of all types, from the quick and easy street food through to the really exciting cooking coming out of many new places these days. For me Mexican food is all about having lots of fun while enjoying tasty food you can share with your friends and family. At Las Iguanas you can certainly do that – we visited the restaurant on a Wednesday night last week and the place was packed with people enjoying a margarita or two and having a feast!
The restaurant is a very slick chain but seems to have retained a degree of independence and fun that is often missing when they grow so big. Our server was super friendly and really helpful with recommendations of new dishes to try. The décor is quirky with some cool pictures and trinkets from across South America and regional specials on the menu.
The menu is also huge and what’s more they cater for all kinds of allergies and eating habits including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan.
Las Iguanas is committed to serving freshest food, and the highest quality ingredients and try to be GM free – yay. They pride themselves on their native South American suppliers like their coffee supplier, Daterra (who are Rainforest Alliance certified), and cachaça partners, Magnifica, who grow our very own organic sugar cane – mixed only with local spring water during distillation.
So what about the food? Well we certainly enjoyed it! I started with a Brahma which is one of my favourite beers (resisted a margarita as it was a school day!). Sunday to Wednesday all classic cocktails are £3.90 and they have a fab starter deal where you can choose 3 for £14.40 or five for £24. We decided to share nachos of course, calamares and a duck taquito. All three were very good, I liked the nachos a lot and our lovely server brought us extra guacamole too. To be honest as a couple you could easily order this deal for lunch as we were quite full!
Sizzling fajitas were next on my menu and they were a sizzling skillet of food joy! The steak was very tasty and the dips good. I added refried beans to my order too so had lots to pack into the tortillas. My partner in crime ordered one of the new specials XimXim which is a peanut based curry with chicken and crayfish. He said it was very nice but could have done with a bit more spice for his taste! We were far too full for desserts I am afraid so cant comment on that but the table next to us had a plate of churros (donuts) with dipping sauces that looked very tempting.
I think it’s a great place to have a catch up with friends and very well priced, especially with all the fab midweek deals on drinks and food.
141-143 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JY
0131 226 2107
Sick Kids Ultimate Sports Quiz
The Sick Kids Friends Foundation is calling on sports fans to pit their knowledge against rival teams at an Ultimate Sports Quiz to help the charity raise funds for the vital Drop in Centre at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) in Edinburgh.
The charity hopes to raise more than £18,000 for the centre which benefits thousands of families each year including the Harnwells who are photographed here.
These two young children visit the hospital regularly.
7-year-old Olivia receives treatment and her 9-year-old brother Ben visits the hospital for chemotherapy to treat leukaemia.
The Foundation is looking for supporters to enter teams of five or ten to battle it out at The Ghillie Dhu on Thursday, 23 April, after last year’s event raised £10,700 for the hospital’s Wayfinding signpost system.
This year the charity will aim to raise £18,500 for the SKFF Drop in Centre, which provides a non-clinical atmosphere where patients, siblings, families and friends can spend time together away from the hospital.
Last year the centre welcomed more than 650 patients and 1,700 parents.
Michelle Harnwell visits the Drop in Centre regularly when accompanying her two children to appointments at the RHSC.
Michelle said: “Olivia has cerebral palsy and as a result visits the Sick Kids regularly for crucial orthopaedic appointments. My son Ben also has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia so we visit the hospital every month so he can receive life-saving chemotherapy treatment and blood and platelet transfusions.
“During these worrying times the Drop in Centre is a haven – it’s somewhere you can go for a relaxing, reliable chat located within the hospital grounds. The team are second to none and their professional, empathetic and approachable nature always puts me at ease.
“As well as having the opportunity to meet with other parents who are going through a similar experience, the centre provides complimentary therapy which helps keep you sane after spending hours in the hospital ward worrying about your little one.”
The SKFF’s Drop in Centre was the first of its kind in the UK when it opened its doors in 2006 and the funds raised from the Ultimate Sports Quiz will help to meet the £135,000 the charity invests in the centre each year.
SKFF supporters and sports buffs attending this year’s quiz will be treated to a drink and tasty supper before having the opportunity to get their hands on priceless sporting items at the event auction.
The quiz itself will be hosted by Scottish sport pundit Scott Wilson and quizmaster Johnny Craig.
Rachel McKenzie, head of voluntary fundraising at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “We’re very excited to welcome quiz teams from across Edinburgh to join long-time SKFF supporter Scott Wilson at the eighth annual Ultimate Sports Quiz.
“I know Scott will have no problem putting attendees’ sporting knowledge under the spotlight on what is sure to be a great night of fun and fundraising. There’s still time to secure your place and help us continue to fund a fantastic facility which benefits thousands of families each year, including the Harnwells.”
The SKFF’s Ultimate Sports Quiz will take place from 7pm on Thursday, 23 April at The Ghillie Dhu, 2 Rutland Street, Edinburgh.
Tickets are priced at £45 per person, £225 for a team of five or £450 for a team of ten and can be purchased from Linda Cameron on 0131 668 4949 or linda.cameron@luht.scot.nhs.uk.
Local filmmaker teams up with BAFTA crew on new Edinburgh film
An Edinburgh filmmaker has teamed up with BAFTA nominated producers to create a bold new drama set in the capital that features a homeless man as the main character.
Stray Dog is a bleak drama set against the gritty Edinburgh milieu featuring a vagrant who is not what he seems.
The solo-penned script by Fender puts issues like homelessness, addiction, gambling, violence and bullying, and isolation under the spotlight through the struggles of its main characters.
Douglas Fender, 25, has secured the talents of Alan McLaughlin and Craig McKenna the team behind Newcomers BAFTA nominated short film When the Tide Comes In, and acclaimed Scottish actors Gary Lind and Michael Daviot who both starred in the hit American TV Show – Outlander.
The team headed up by Fender has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise a budget of £10,000 for the film and are calling on the public to back it and help bring the story to the screen. If the target of £10,000 is reached Douglas will donate 5% to a homelessness charity or shelter.
Stray Dog follows a down on his luck, widowed comedian struggling with a gambling addiction who is saved from a beating by a vagrant whose bite seems more terrifying than his bark.
When a local hard-man debt collector attacks the comedian the mysterious homeless man comes to his aid and sparks an unlikely friendship, setting off a catastrophic chain of events that will test their friendship and irrevocably change their lives.
The tragic story is the first feature film from up and coming independent filmmaker Douglas Fender, from Saughton, and will be shot in Edinburgh over the summer of 2015.
Douglas Fender said, “Violence is never far from the surface in Stray Dog but it is a story that is full of heart. Tragedy is brewing. It’s also a story that reminds us of the destructiveness of rage and grief but also of the power of simple acts of compassion, and how friendship can change people as they face their own demons.”
Supporters of the crowdfunding campaign can bag a walk on part in one of the movie’s violent scenes. There’s other perks up for grabs, depending on the amount of the donation.
Fender’s previous short films include Open Lines, which featured a cameo from independent cult horror icon Lloyd Kaufman. The 30-minute short was created on zero-budget and highly rated on IMDB, the Internet movie database.
Douglas says he hopes to continue putting Edinburgh on the map with high quality, independent filmmaking, hot on the heels of the success of Box Office hits like ’Filth’ and ’Sunshine on Leith’.
“Stray Dog does have a very bleak tone like so many films set in Edinburgh, presenting the city as a wonderfully gritty backdrop to the story but it’s not the focus. It doesn’t shout ‘Scottish’. ‘Stray Dog’ is woven from that unmistakable fabric of Edinburgh but I hope it’s a universal story that focuses on the characters own personal stories and growth.”
Cullen Property management is expecting a rise in ‘silver landlords’ looking for property in Edinburgh at this year’s Property Investor & Homebuyer Show 2015, being held in London later this month.
The Sick Kids Friends Foundation is calling on sports fans to pit their knowledge against rival teams at an Ultimate Sports Quiz to help the charity raise funds for the vital Drop in Centre at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) in Edinburgh.
