In the aftermath of the SPFL Championship fixture shambles, Hearts will make a formal complaint about SPFL’s Chief Executive Neil Doncaster’s handling of the situation.
Hearts owner Ann Budge is understood to be angry at the decision on Wednesday to move the club’s final league fixture of the season – against Rangers at Tynecastle – to Sunday 3 May without consultation. To add salt to an already open wound, the SPFL today announced the fixture would revert to its original date – Saturday 2 May – albeit with a 12.15pm kick-off.
“The way in which Scottish football is being run really does need to be examined and explored,” Mrs Budge told BBC Scotland. “I’m not talking about personalities, I’m talking about the process. I have never run a business by committee. I find it very difficult that in certain situations you need 42 clubs to say yes before you can make any change. So the whole way in which Scottish football is run is something we do need to look at and keep challenging if things are wrong.
The attitude of ‘well that’s the way it’s done in football’ needs to be challenged.”
Hibernian have also hit out at the SPFL’s handling of the fixtures while Kilmarnock have also criticised Doncaster, stating they had asked for a home fixture post-split to mark the occasion of Killie winning the league 50 years ago – but were ignored.
Hearts have thanked their supporters for their patience and understanding while they deal with this ‘difficult situation’.
Former Hibs’ star Tommy Preston dies aged 82
Former Hibs’ inside forward Tommy Preston has sadly passed away aged 82.
Tommy was an immensely popular figure at Easter Road, watching all the home games from the director’s box and always taking time to chat to the supporters,
He will be sadly missed by Hibs’ fans everywhere and the Edinburgh Reporter sends our condolences to Tommy’s friends and family.
Tommy played for Longstone Primary School then Juniper Thistle where he won an under 18 Scottish Cup medal. He then moved to Edinburgh Thistle and Newtongrange Star before Hugh Shaw signed the youngster for Hibs.
After a spell in the reserves alongside his friend Roy Erskine, the grandfather of Andy Murray, Tommy became a regular in the first team playing in a variety of roles.
Tommy made his first team debut over 60 years ago on 17th April 1954 in a 3-0 defeat to Celtic at Easter Road in front of a crowd of 45,000. Among his team mates that day was three members of the Famous Five, Eddie Turnbull, Willie Ormond and Bobby Johnstone.
His first goal came less than a month later against East fife in the League Cup.
In 1955, along with his team mates, he made history playing against Rot Weiss Essen in the European Cup as Hibs became the first British team to play in Europe.
Three years later, he played in the 1958 Scottish cup Final defeat to Clyde at Hampden Park.
In total Tommy played 313 times for Hibs, scoring 50 goals including both home and away in the club’s historic Inter Cities Fairs Cup quarter-final against Barcelona.
His final game in the famous green and white strip was against Aberdeen on 28th March 1964.
After leaving Hibs, Tommy played with St Mirren for a year.
A spokesman for Hibernian tweeted. ‘Hibs are saddened to learn that all time great Tommy Preston has passed away. He was 82. His memory marches on.”
Edinburgh International Science Festival – Robert Llewellyn is on his way
Cult comedy legend Robert Llewellyn is on his way to the Edinburgh International Science Festival as part of an unprecedented automotive adventure to travel the length and breadth of the UK in an electric car.
The comedy star and electric vehicle evangelist will arrive in Edinburgh on Saturday for a special event at the EDINBURGH CENTRE FOR CARBON INNOVATION (ECCI).
Robert Llewellyn, star of cult 90s Sci Fi TV show RED DWARF, will make the stop at the ECCI on the afternoon of Saturday 18 April to recharge his batteries and share stories of his uncharted journey.
The event forms part of ECCI’s ‘Low Carbon Future’ series for the Science Festival.
Robert Llewellyn said: “I’ve driven many thousands of miles in electric cars, but not usually in under 3 days. This journey to get to Edinburgh is fairly ridiculous, I didn’t plan to do it, it just sort of happened. The car I’m driving will help, the already legendary BMW i8, a plug in hybrid supercar, so I’m not exactly slumming it.
However, I will be seeing and filming some amazing renewable things on the way and no doubt reinforcing my conviction that there truly are viable, economically advantageous alternatives to burning fossil fuels emerging all the time.”
The actor, comedian, writer Robert Lewellyn was also the star of hit Fringe 2014 show ELECTRIC CARS ARE RUBBISH. AREN’T THEY?
Follow Robert’s journey from Bristol, via Orkney to Edinburgh which starts today on Google Plus and Twitter.
REVIEW – James Bay at Queen’s Hall
It propels the latest one-hit-making, slightly distinguishable individual into an award that pretty much nobody wants: it’s the Critics’ Choice award. Yet, funnily enough, the critics don’t choose who gets it. Who does? I certainly didn’t.
This Critics’ Choice fame is reminiscent of that given to Tom Odell in the past.
The only difference this time for James Bay is his top-hat wearing, chisel-jaw identity that, for the former, several members of the audience are trying to copy.
Of course, in typical Critics’ Choice tradition, there is nothing here that oozes originality. It’s the prosaic that comes from live pop artists these days, struggling to build up the momentum of the crowd amid a monotonous shower of ballads and borderline rip-off hooks, and a sea of phones to capture those very mundane moments.
James Bay’s rocket to fame is a little disconcerting. The singer-songwriter has just sold out his second night at O2 Academy Glasgow, not to mention that he has also sold out three nights at the 5,000-capacity Brixton Academy.
The 62-million Spotify streamed hit emphasises one thing: follow the guidelines to allow you to write a pop song and it may miraculously gain velocity as it reaches A-list Radio 1, then people buy the album for that one song.
‘Hold Back the River’ is what everybody is waiting for, and even the songs that sound remotely similar to it lift the crowd up prematurely. Of course, Bay leaves it to the end to a standing ovation, glancing at the last of the small venues he’ll play for a while.
But if there’s anything James Bay can be charged with, it’s the matter of not complicating things.
Take Tom Odell as an example, again. Long Way Down is a 35-minute album, and for all the dreariness it exudes during that relatively short amount of time, a live show can’t surpass an hour, if that.
Ninety minutes later on the Usher Hall stage and Tom Odell can still be bashing away at his piano. A total travesty unfolds right in front of 1,500 peoples’ eyes. James Bay just didn’t do that, and rightly so. He played what the crowd wanted to hear, even if he struggled to motivate them.
It was a real struggle to grasp what the big deal is. Bay isn’t exactly authentic, which is a trait all musicians strive for right now. He did not take advantage of the opportunity to become a charismatic live figure, while the band were ultimately there to make the songs and himself look good.
Effectively, you may as well stay at home and listen to the album – the live experience isn’t any different.
Hearts Fixture Moved Again
The on-going row over the SPFL’s decision to move Hearts last SPFL Championship game of the season with Rangers to 3 May took a new twist today with the news that the SPFL have now announced the game will revert back to Saturday 2 May – with a 12.15pm kick-off.
A spokesperson for the SPFL said: “Following consultation between the SPFL, member clubs and broadcast partners regarding the final round of Championship fixtures over the weekend of 2 & 3 May 2015, Sky Sports has now suggested an alternative schedule for its televised Championship match that weekend.
As a result, we are pleased to confirm all five Championship matches that weekend will now kick off simultaneously at 12.15pm on Saturday 2 May. The Hearts v Rangers match will be televised live on Sky Sports.
The SPFL would like to thank Sky Sports for its flexibility and understanding and we’re sure all football fans will look forward to an exciting climax to the Championship season.”
Both Hearts and Hibernian had issued strong statements following Wednesday’s announcement regarding the fixture change. Indeed, Hearts announced that any supporters who had already purchased tickets for the game but could no longer go could seek a refund. They have now had to announce if anyone who had been refunded but can make the original date to contact them.
This is another embarrassment for SPFL officials whose organisational skills, it has to be said, leave a lot to be desired. Perhaps they should step aside and allow Ann Budge and Leann Dempster, the owners of Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian respectively, to run the league on their behalf….
Hibs’ Hampden ticket update
Hibs’ supporters buying tickets online for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup Semi Final (18 April, kick off 12.15pm) have been reminded that they have until Friday 17 April at 5pm to collect their tickets from the Hibernian Ticket Office.
The Ticket Office will be open from 10am-5pm on both Thursday and Friday, both for ticket sales and collections. Tickets can also be purchased online, with tickets available for the North, South and East Stands.
The Ticket Office will not be open on Saturday, so all tickets must be picked up 5pm on Friday. The club recommend that those purchasing from now onwards should select the collection option, as there is unlikely to be enough time to receive tickets through the post.
Hibs are awaiting final confirmation with regards to matchday sales at Hampden Park, and will communicate arrangements when we can.
However supporters should note that those purchasing on the day will not benefit from the 10 loyalty points available to supporters.
Supporters looking to receive their loyalty points should ensure they purchase directly from the Club and allocate tickets to individual client reference numbers.
Music legend Don McLean chats to the Edinburgh Reporter
Music legend Don McLean, renowned as one of the most enduring singer-songwriters and forever associated with his classic hits American Pie and Vincent (Starry Starry Night) is looking forward to coming home to his family roots in Scotland next month when he performs at the Usher Hall on 27th May.
The tour marks the launch of a remastered CD and DVD of a classic concert which features Don in peak form before a sell-out crowd at the historic Free Trade Hall in Manchester on 22 October 1991.
The audio has never previously been released on any format. First time out on DVD (previously out on VHS 20 years ago)
Earlier today, Don whose father Donald McLean is part Scottish, kindly took time out of his busy schedule to chat to the Edinburgh Reporter about his love of Scotland and the capital in particular as well as telling the audience what they can expect on the night and reminiscing about his long and highly distinguished career.
Don said: “I’m looking forward to visiting Scotland very much. Edinburgh is beautiful, I love it there. It’s just majestic. It’s like no other place and I really mean that. You will probably see me on the streets of Edinburgh taking a nice walk so if you see a little guy with glasses and bushy hair, that’s me.
“I used to play the old Apollo in Glasgow and the city was really a depressing place in the seventies but it has come back tremendously and I like Aberdeen as well although I’m not playing there on this trip.
“We are going to have a bigger band, with an extra guitar player so it’s going to be a little harder sound and it will be all the songs that the audience know including ‘Crying’, ‘Vincent’, ‘American Pie’,’Castles in the Air’ plus many of the songs from the first few albums I made but also new songs from an album I am making called ‘Botanical Gardens.’
“The concept of ‘Botanical Gardens’ is about a man getting away from the city and going behind iron gates to this garden with beautiful girls and imagining himself as a young person, meeting one, walking hand in hand in the rain then the end of the day comes and does he go back to the world or stay behind these gates with these beautiful girls in this fantasy world?
“There is also one song that is on the internet called The Waving Man and you could see if you felt like it. There is a video of the actual waving man who is right in front of his old age home where he lives. He actually goes out there to smoke and he started waving at folks.
“For at least two years I would see him waving me in and out. When I left town he would wave me goodbye and when I came home he would wave me hello, so he began to interest me and I wrote this song where I fantasised about his life which is actually pretty close to his actual life. My wife took some pictures on her phone and we put it on You Tube and now the man can hardly come out to wave as he is a sensation.
“I’ve not actually spoken to him. He’s 83 and has all the publicity he can take and I didn’t want to make this thing into anything bigger, but the town loves him and they all know about the song. There are waving men everywhere, that’s the other thing. I’ve had people come up to me after the shows and telling me that they have a waving man in their community. They’re all over the country and many are veterans.”
The tour takes in 18 venues throughout the UK which would be exhausting to man half his age, but Don has no intention of retiring as he explained: “I’ll be 70 this year but I like to work a lot so I would miss it very much if I couldn’t go out and do that. It’s been a part of my life since I was a teenager and I don’t know what I would do if I stopped. It would be like an old person losing their driving licence. It would ruin me I think.”
Don hit the headlines last week when his handwritten lyrics for ‘American Pie’ were sold at Christie’s in New York for an incredible $1.2m and he has decided to hold another auction in two years time.
He continued: “That turned out very well. There are a lot of people that hate ‘American Pie’ and don’t like me very much so if it hadn’t sold I would have gotten a lot of ‘we told you so’ kind of stuff but they had to put their tails between their legs which gave me a lot of satisfaction. That’s the Scottish side of me, I like to win.
“In about two years I am going to sell banjos, guitars, clothes I wore on albums as well as other things such as a high-end watch collection, some saddlery and silver buckles I’ve had through the years . It’s going to be quite diverse. I have some nice antique Colt pistols. There is a movie and book called American Troubadour which tells everything about my life and career and a lot of the pictures in the book are pictures of the items I will probably sell. It will be quite extensive.”
Don also looked back on his illustrious career: “In 2000, it was a wonderful honour to be invited to play at the Millenium concert and I was invited by President Clinton who particularly wanted me there. The concert was for people who had supposedly influenced the 20th century. I got to sing ‘American Pie’ as the lights on the Washington Monument and the words two thousand were lit in sparklers in front of 600,000 people around the reflecting pool there. I have had some wonderful moments in my career which have been because mostly people wanted me there such as Garth Brooks at Central Park in front of a million people then the Glastonbury show was wonderful then we did ‘Stagecoach’ which was the biggest festival in America last year and that was hugely successful, but I do all kinds of shows, both big and small.
So would Don like to be starting again in the music industry today as a 16-year-old?
“Oh good lord No. I wouldn’t know how to do it. I have no idea how you would accomplish what I did today. It was so much easier then when you either hit a home run or you struck out. Now you can put a lot of money into somebody and get all kinds of stuff going on that means nothing. There is just so much activity out there and it means nothing. Even the number one record means nothing. It’s gone in two days and no one ever cares about hearing it again.
“Every song I had in the charts is remembered all over the world and these songs are played somewhere every day. If you have a gift for songwriting for melody, for lyrics, for conceptualisation, there is a market for that. People want to hear that.
“I think rap music has been extremely damaging to the ability of audiences to hear real music. I believe that all they can hear is a catchy chorus. Furthermore the technology has made people’s concentration less effective than what it was. They want instant information coming at them all the time and need to be stimulated constantly so the idea of a long song with lots of lyrics like ‘American Pie’ or songs that Bob Dylan would write….. We all listened to Bob Dylan as we were growing up, now you have to be an intellectual.”
Since first hitting the charts in 1971, Don has amassed over 40 gold and platinum records world-wide and, in 2004, was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. His songs have been recorded by artists from every musical genre, most notably Madonna’s #1 recording of American Pie in 2000 and George Michael’s version of The Grave in 2003, sung in protest at the Iraq War.
Bella Hardy to appear at the 2015 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival
Ingenious singer-songwriter, Bella Hardy, will play at the 2015 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival as part of her new album tour of the UK.
The Edinburgh-based songstress, who was Singer of the Year in last year’s BBC Radio Folk Awards, has just released her eagerly anticipated new album With the Dawn, a heart-felt collection of self-composed songs which tell a story of travel, of choices, lessons and hope.
Bella has been hailed as one of the most creative and prolific original singers in the UK and With the Dawn, her seventh solo album, has already received a number of five star reviews from the national press and was recently described as “nothing short of a masterpiece” by the Sunday Times.
Bella comes to the Corner House Hotel in Annan on Saturday, 23 May, at 7.30pm and the concert is one of over 70 performing arts events taking place across Dumfries and Galloway during 22 to 31 May.
Festival programme director, Peter Renwick, said: “The Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival has an excellent 36-year reputation for bringing world-class performing arts to predominately rural parts of Southern Scotland.
“We are delighted to be hosting an artist of such high calibre in Annan.
“Bella is an exceptional artist at the forefront of the contemporary folk movement. It is great for the festival to be capturing one of the country’s leading rising stars and this is very much about the us investing in high profile acts coming to the smaller towns of south-west Scotland.
“We are all looking forward to hearing her.”
Further information from http://www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
Sporting integrity at risk with SPFL decision to move Hearts v Rangers game
Hibs have been in contact with the SPFL regarding the decision to move the Hearts v Rangers game to from Saturday 2nd May to Sunday 3rd May.
This means that potentially Rangers could go to Tynecastle knowing exactly what they have to do to secure second place in the Championship, leaving Hibs at a disadvantage.
Should both clubs win their remaining games, Rangers will be two points behind Hibs and will have to win the game, however should Hibs draw one of their games, then Rangers could play for a draw against Hearts. Second place could also depend on goal difference which again would allow Rangers an advantage.
Hibernian FC’s Chief Executive, Leeann Dempster said: “In previous seasons, the League has ensured that all of the final round fixtures are played at the same time.
“I have been in contact with the SPFL following its announcement that one final round fixture would kick off after all the other results are known. I have reminded them in very clear terms that – as the organiser of the competition – the responsibility for protecting its unimpeachable sporting integrity lies with them.”
Ms Dempster received support from Hearts’ owner Ann Budge who issued a statement on the club website: “When it also became apparent to us that our fixture was the only game to be moved, we were equally alarmed as, rightly or wrongly, this casts a shadow over the sporting integrity of the Championship.
“While it may not be enshrined in the newly merged rule book of the SPFL, it is protocol the football world over for fixtures such as the last day of the championship to be played simultaneously.
“To move only one (or even two or four) out of five fixtures would seem to be leaving our game wide open to unsavoury accusations.
“I will be sending in a formal complaint to the SPFL in relation to this appallingly late decision.”
An SPFL spokesman responded: “On this weekend, the Hearts v Rangers match is scheduled for Sunday 3 May to be broadcast on television and it is not clear to us why this has caused so much surprise,” he said.
“This is a key game in the Championship season and will inevitably attract huge interest from fans around the world.
“It is unreasonable to expect all Championship fixtures that weekend to move to the Sunday when a number of them will be unaffected by the Hearts v Rangers tie.
“However, as a result of this fixture, all Championship clubs have been invited to submit a request should they wish to move games to the Sunday.
“To date, the only feedback we have received is from one Championship club, which has asked for its match to remain scheduled for the Saturday.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we have had no request from Hibernian FC to move its fixture to the Sunday.”
Hibs reject claims of play off ‘cash grab’
Hibs yesterday emphatically rejected claims made in a national newspaper that the Club was seeking to carry out a play-off “cash grab.”
The claims were made in the Daily Mail by an anonymous “senior official” at another Scottish club regarding a proposal from Hibernian, Heart of Midlothian and Motherwell regarding the level of Levy paid by clubs participating in the play-off matches.
The proposal, which is due to be discussed later this month at a General Meeting of the SPFL, was issued to clubs yesterday – a day after an anonymous briefing took place with the newspaper. The proposal was drafted after full, proper and open consultation with the SPFL member clubs and discussion with the SPFL Board.
The Easter Road club insists that the article makes a number of inaccurate claims, and in particular:
The article claims play-off cash is used largely to benefit lower league clubs – 82.5% of play-off cash is distributed to Premiership clubs.
The article claims Hibernian could generate £1 million in gate receipts if the Club qualifies for play-off matches against Rangers and the 11th placed team in the Premiership. This figure is a poor work of fiction – any income generated is likely to be only a fraction of that amount.
Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive of Hibernian, said: “We are appalled at the way in which this has been conducted. An anonymous briefing appears to have been carefully orchestrated to ensure damaging and inaccurate coverage appears on the very day in which the SPFL circulates the proposal to member clubs.
“It is interesting that a senior club official would only speak to the Daily Mail on condition of anonymity – what have they got to hide? The anonymous briefing presents the Levy as being an issue for League 1 and League 2 clubs. The actual briefing note on Resolution 1 circulated today by the SPFL makes it plain that no club will receive less from the Play Off Levy this season than they did last season.”
“This is possible because the Board of the SPFL has negotiated a live TV broadcasting deal for the Premiership Play Off Matches – all six games could be broadcast – at a match fee which is just 10% of what clubs receive from televised Scottish Cup ties. The TV deal has been approved by the Premiership clubs. But only one Premiership club will feature and the Championship clubs whose home gates could be affected by live TV were not consulted and didn’t have a vote.”
”All clubs benefitted from the Levy last season and will continue to benefit this season. In fact, based on the league table as it stands at the moment, for winning the Premiership Celtic will get 50 times as much from the Levy as Albion Rovers will get for winning League 2. Similarly the distributions to Aberdeen (second) is 37 times the money received by Queens Park (second) in League 2.”
“It’s a neat trick for an anonymous senior club official to suggest that this resolution will be defeated by the self-interest of clubs in League 1 and League 2.”
Ms Dempster lso stressed that the debate around Play Offs was legitimate, but was not initiated by Hibernian. “The debate began in October when the Board of the SPFL sought to introduce minimum pricing for Play Off Matches and to change the Rules to state that Season Tickets were not valid.
“We disagree, because we believe Clubs should be allowed the flexibility to deal with their Season Ticket Holders as they think best. Resolution 1 has been requisitioned by three clubs – and other clubs say they support it – because the Board of the SPFL refused to amend its proposal to accommodate the point of principle.”
She stressed that the Levy was originally designed to help pay for the parachute payment made to clubs relegated, and added: “When the Parachute Payment is fully funded by the Scottish FA as it is at the moment there is no need for a Levy. In those circumstances all the Levy does is take money paid by supporters to watch the team they support and redistribute that to every other team in the league. Any club which can imagine itself in that situation would say that was unfair.”
“If the changes the Board of the SPFL want to see had applied last season, then the Premiership club relegated through the Play Offs would have received the Parachute Payment funded by the Scottish FA on one hand and would have had a sum equivalent to 25% of the Parachute Payment taken away from the other hand by the SPFL through the operation of the Levy. This is not what was intended.”
“It could be argued that the Levy is not required at all when the Parachute Payments are fully funded. It is right that there should be a debate about how that funding might happen moving forward when the Scottish FA support ends.
“However, the requisitioning clubs have suggested that the Levy still applies but at half the current rate, given the new television income. Every club in the league continues to benefit and as the figures pan out for this season, no club will receive any less.”
“We are looking for a balanced debate and fairness.”
Thursday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
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).
Five things you need to know today
Edinburgh International Science Festival – Mini Maker Faire
Big Hullabaloo at Hula
Scottish Press Awards
Illegal Jacks
Timebank Temptations Choir
The Mini Maker Faire is a celebration of maker culture – a family friendly day of learning, crafting, inventing and tinkering taking place at Edinburgh’s hub for art and technology, Summerhall. The event will be packed with exhibits, installations and interactive workshops from makers of all kinds – designers, artists, crafters, scientists, inventors and DIY-ers – who will fill the Faire with the next generation of technologies and modern crafts. Visitors can meet the makers and will have plenty of opportunities to get hands on and ‘making’ themselves. You can view images of last year’s Faire here.
Edinburgh Mini Maker Faire takes place Sunday 19 April, 10am – 5pm at Summerhall (Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL)
Entry tickets £5 (children under 3 go free) – available in advance from Full details of the 2015 programme can be found at sciencefestival.co.uk, through the Box Office on 0844 557 2686,or in person on the day at Summerhall.
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We like going to the Grassmarket for a juice or two, and we know some of you do too. But now Susan at Hula thinks she may have had enough, and may be prepared to move premises to escape the big bins outside her front door. Read on…
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Over on Twitter, Hula is trending…Unfortunately it’s not about our soon-to-launch new healthy menu items, it’s about…
Our editor is off to the Scottish Press Awards tonight as a guest. We can’t actually win anything at these awards as we didn’t enter, but we will bring you some of the glitz and glamour from the event on Twitter and Periscope.
The shortlist of those who might win in a variety of categories is here
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Illegal Jacks is back – well they will be if you and others put your hand in your pocket and help the Kickstarter campaign to bring back the much lamented Edinburgh institution and in the process create 14 new jobs.
The Kickstarter page with the full story on why the restaurant needs £75,000 is here.
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Timebank Temptations Choir need your vote to win the award they are shortlisted for.
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Timebank Temptations choir has been shortlisted for a Voluntary Arts EPIC Award! But we need your votes to win. On Monday 20th April, please visit www.epicawards.co.uk and vote for us as the People’s Choice!
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Edinburgh is Cuckoo for cakes
Cuckoo’s Bakery to open second city centre shop
Cuckoo’s Bakery opens its second Edinburgh store, in Bruntsfield, this Saturday 18th April 2015, at 10am. The expansion follows on from the success of its first cake shop and tea room in Dundas Street, which opened in 2011.
The Bruntsfield cake shop will specialise in layer cakes, as well as offering Cuckoo’s famous cupcakes, brownies, scones and a wide range of tray bakes. It will reflect the bespoke style of the Dundas Street shop, similarly featuring vintage furniture. The Bruntsfield shop, however, with its retro décor and 1950s style coffee machine, aims to offer customers a nostalgic, retro feel.
The team at Cuckoo’s Bakery uses only the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients to craft the most imaginatively designed, flavoursome cakes. With their bakers in Leith starting work at 1am, all cakes are freshly baked daily, by hand, setting them apart from much of the competition. In 2014, industry experts recognised the quality and uniqueness of the Cuckoo’s Bakery product when they won the ‘Best Cake in Scotland’ award at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2014, for their raspberry and white chocolate cupcake.
Cuckoo’s Bakery is owned by Graham Savage and Vidya Sarjoo, friends who met working in London. Graham says: “We are really excited about opening our new shop and expanding our Edinburgh presence. We want to offer customers something slightly different to our Dundas Street shop so the focus is on the new shop being more of a ‘cake wonderland’ where customers can order celebration layer cakes, or sit in and enjoy a choice of loose leaf teas and cakes.
Vidya says: “We try to push the boundaries when it comes to producing innovative cakes, especially our seasonal cakes, and our customers are extremely passionate about our products. Due to very positive feedback and high demand the second store was an obvious decision. Our team works extremely hard every day to help make our high-quality products stand out.”
Cuckoo’s Bakery’s new shop is located at 116 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh. On Wednesday 22nd April an invitation-only launch night will mark the opening of the new shop with goodie bags, cupcake and tea tasting sessions and the chance to meet the owners.
Cannes 2015: Emmanuelle Bercot’s La Tête haute to open festival’s 68th edition
For the first time in its 68 year history, the Festival de Cannes has selected a film directed by a female as their prestigious opening film. Emmanuelle Bercot’s latest effort, La Tête haute, will play at the Palais des Festivals on Wednesday 13 May, and will be released in French cinemas the same day.
The film follows young Malony and his life from the age of six through to the age of 18 as he is passed through social care in the North of France.
Bercot’s work has been part of the festival since 1997, when her short film Les Vacances won the Jury Prize. Her first feature, Clement, played as part of the Un Certain Regard selection in 2001.
“The choice of this film may seem surprising, given the rules generally applied to the Festival de Cannes Opening Ceremony,” explains Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Event. “It is a clear reflection of our desire to see the Festival start with a different piece, which is both bold and moving. Emmanuelle Bercot’s film makes important statements about contemporary society, in keeping with modern cinema. It focusses on universal social issues, making it a perfect fit for the global audience at Cannes.”
The festival has previously announced that Mad Max: Fury Road will have its world premiere on May 14th, playing Out of Competition at the Palais.
The full programme is set to be announced on Thursday 16 April at 11am.
New boss for YMCA Edinburgh
YMCA Edinburgh has appointed Emma Brown as their new Chief Executive who takes over from Kerry Reilly.
Reilly became the new National General Secretary of YMCA Scotland at the end of 2014.
Emma, who until recently was Youth Work Manager at YMCA West and Central Hertfordshire, brings a wealth of youth work experience, combined with considerable energy and a deep rooted passion to make a difference.
Emma said: “From my experience of working for the YMCA in England I know the impact that the YMCA movement makes in helping people to belong, contribute and thrive. Even though these are challenging times in the sector, in terms of funding and changing policy priorities, I believe there are many new opportunities and approaches, to working with those who need it most. I look forward to working with the staff team to continue to support people of all ages, in transforming their lives.”
YMCA Edinburgh runs a range of projects and programmes, including holiday play schemes, playrangers, mentoring for young people at risk of offending, youth clubs, women’s support groups and schools work providing one-to-one support for referred pupils. The organisation works with over 200 local children, young people and their families each week, giving them the chance to take part and belong, make a difference through their contribution and ultimately through their development thrive within their community.
Stewart Higgins, Chairman of the Board, said: “Kerry was an exceptional leader of YMCA Edinburgh. We wish her every success and indeed look forward to working closely with her in her new role. I speak for the whole board when I say we are delighted Emma is joining and we look forward to growing from the strong foundation that Kerry and our excellent team have given us.”
Savour Festival bills itself as the ultimate foodie fair.
Brought to you by Sharon Wilson, the founder of the institution that is Bite magazine, Savour celebrates the best and most innovative Scottish artisan produce. This year Savour has a greater array of exhibitors including independent restaurants, boutique bars, craft brewers, local distillers, purveyors of puddings and baked delights on 5 July 2015 between 1.00pm and 6.00pm at Summerhall.
Sharon explained: “Savour wants to offer more than delicious nibbles and aims to excite and entertain the audience for the whole afternoon. So alongside the fabulous exhibitors there will be expert talks packed with gourmet inspiration, from brewing the perfect beer to the perfect cuppa and even how to mix a cheeky cocktail, we have something for all appetites!
“Savour is also turning a biology lab into a wine lab; presenting bespoke wine tasting journeys from the Wine Tube Map team, taking you on a sensory journey through the world of wine.
“Taking place in the historic Summerhall, Savour sets to deliver an array of delectable delights in an exciting and rather unusual setting, which transforms a dissection room into a wine lab and veterinary equipment cupboards into a gin lounge.”
Sharon’s passion for gastronomic delights has ensured a line up of the crème de la crème of Scottish producers.
You are promised an afternoon like no other, celebrating and promoting the amazing companies and creating an innovative and fun day out.
Tickets for Savour Festival are available from the website.
Savour Festival is on: July 5th 2015 13:00 -18:00 | Summerhall, Summerhall Place, Edinburgh EH9 1PL | 0131 560 1580
Hearts Hit by Triple Blow
Hearts were hit with a triple-whammy today with the news that three regular first-team players will miss the rest of the season.
Goalkeeper Neil Alexander has suffered a broken finger and it has been revealed the former Scotland keeper has been getting painkilling injections in recent weeks as Hearts clinched the SPFL Championship title. Alexander has now undergone an operation to get a bone reset and will take the rest of the season to recover.
Winger Billy King, so impressive this season, has had an ankle problem for some time and he has also undergone an operation in order to alleviate the problem. Both Alexander and King are expected to report for pre-season training in the summer.
The third absentee is full-back Adam Eckersley. Hearts were offered a two-game ban from the SFA’s Compliance Officer following an allegation the former Manchester United player head-butted Hibernian’s Scott Allan during Sunday’s Edinburgh derby. Eckersley will miss this Saturday’s visit of Raith Rovers and Hearts trip to Cowdenbeath the following week and while he will be available for the final game of the season at home to Rangers it remains doubtful if he will feature given he has not been offered a deal at Tynecastle for next season.
The game against Rangers has been switched to Sunday 3 May with a 12.30pm kick-off and will be broadcast by Sky Sports.
Newington Library reopens with paper sculptures ‘set free’
Newington Library has been closed since January for building work but today the building was reopened to the public with a visit from the Culture Convener Richard Lewis and the mysterious paper sculptures which are now on display there. Also photographed alongside Councillor Lewis are Ali Bowden, Director of City of Literature Trust and 8 year-old Levy Roy.
Investment in this busy library has led to the installation of new heating, lighting and electrical systems, and fresh décor throughout.
The caged birds are part of several sculptures made out of books that have been placed around the capital since 2011 by an anonymous artist, leading to worldwide speculation about their source. The only clue about the inspiration was the same message left on many of them stating that they were created “in support of libraries, books, words and ideas”.
This particular set has been loaned to the library by the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust. They were gifted to the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2013, when members of staff were surprised to find 30 paper birdcages after being tipped off by a series of tweets. They were accompanied by instructions to “set them free” at various locations.
Vintage Trail guide – helping you to go retro
Edinburgh Council has just launched a new Vintage Trail guide which you can read here. The guide, which is packed with over 100 businesses including those selling clothes, books, music, food and drink, and which also lists clubs and markets, was inspired by the number of high quality vintage retailers in Edinburgh.
At Armstrongs in the Grassmarket the many outfits on sale were on show with live models!
Witness appeal after taxi driver assaulted in Niddrie
Police are appealing for information after a taxi driver was assaulted in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh around 11pm on Sunday when the driver who had picked up a fare from the city centre, dropped off two males and a female at Niddrie House Avenue. As the driver opened the door of the taxi to assist the passengers, he was struck to the face with a glass bottle by one of the males.
The driver suffered a broken nose as a result of the assault.
Police are now appealing for anyone in the area who has information to come forward to police immediately.
PC Victoria Henretty said: “This was a completely unprovoked and violent assault on a taxi driver, and we are appealing for anyone who was in Niddrie House Avenue on Sunday 5th April at around 11pm to contact police, particularly if you have information that in relation to the identity of the suspects.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Five things you need to know today
Edinburgh College student wins UK photography competition
Colouring in for adults
Wester Hailes Community Council meeting
Pitch to Rich
Hub Awards open now
An Edinburgh College student has won the UK-wide Student Photographer of the Year award from photographic equipment company Calumet. Oliver Henderson, who is studying for a HND Professional Photography at the college, beat more than 1,000 students from across the UK to the top spot and a prize of £11,000-worth of photography equipment. Oliver is the first winner of the new competition.
Oliver’s photo which you can see below is of a woman in a red dress under a spotlight on a rooftop, set against an industrial background. The judges praised the imagination, passion, meaning and flair behind the photo.
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Yes really Edinburgh Libraries are getting in on the craze of colouring in classes for adults.
“Our colouring-in groups will provide tea, pencils and some very intricate designs to get to work on.
The Ratho group starts on Friday 15th May 11am-12.30pm and will meet every fortnight thereafter.
The Sighthill Library group starts on Monday 20th May 6.30pm-7.30pm and will get together weekly.
Nominations are now open for this year’s Hub Awards. This is the second year of the awards, which is run in conjunction with Heriot-Watt University Sports Union Blues and Volunteers Awards on Saturday 16th May 2015.
Criteria and evidence for each award is to be found at the link below. Nominations close on Wednesday 6th May 2015.
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Wednesday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
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.
Pitch to Rich 2015 – Live in Edinburgh
Starting up a business? Read on!
Calling all entrepreneurs in Edinburgh! This is your chance to hear the thoughts of some of the most successful entrepreneurs and, if you are up for it, roll up your sleeves, get on stage and pitch your business to them and a live audience.
This event is part of #VOOM Pitch to Rich 2015 – Virgin Media Business’ nationwide competition, with an unprecedented £1 million business accelerator prize fund, to find the country’s most exciting and innovative businesses.
That’s right, this summer nine finalists will lay it all on the line and pitch their businesses live to Sir Richard Branson and his hand-picked panel of judges to win the competition, the prizes and the support of the Virgin Group. If you want to take your business to the next level, this is a great opportunity to do it.
But first, before the live final of #VOOM Pitch to Rich 2015, Richard has asked his pals to help scout the best business minds across the UK.
This event is the chance to test your pitch on a panel of entrepreneur heroes, hear what they have to say to help improve it and create some buzz in your local area, giving you a better chance of making it to the live final this summer.
Even if you don’t want to pitch, you are guaranteed to hear from top entrepreneurs who have been there and done it and watch some local aspiring entrepreneurs go head-to-head as they test out their pitches to the panel.
Entrepreneurs applying to #VOOM Pitch to Rich 2015 will need your support and votes to make it to the final, so this is your chance to get behind your local talent and champion them to the top.
GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
JO MALONE, FOUNDER OF JO MALONE & JO LOVES
HOW DO YOU GET PITCHING AT THIS EVENT?
One part of this event will involve hearing three business pitches from real entrepreneurs who are looking for your support to win Virgin’s national Pitch to Rich competition. When you register your event ticket, you can also apply to be one of those pitchers. To apply, all you need to do is add the link to your Pitch to Rich competition entry page when prompted during the event ticket application process. If you haven’t yet applied and set up your competition entry page, you can do that now at www.pitchtorich.co.uk. The organisers will be in touch via email to confirm whether or not you’ve secured a slot to pitch during the event.
SO, YOU WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT PITCH TO RICH?
#VOOM: Pitch to Rich 2015 is now open and entrepreneurs from across the UK are entering the competition – don’t miss out on this chance to take your business to the next level!
Out of thousands of entrepreneurs entering the competition, only nine will make it to the live final, where Richard Branson and other high profile judges will pick only four winners to share the £1 million prize fund – one winner from each of the three categories (Start Up, Grow, New Idea categories, and People’s Choice).
We want each of you to nail your pitch, so the #VOOM Pitch to Rich UK tour is your opportunity to get feedback from the pros, perfect your pitch and drum up local support for your campaign.
JUMP START YOUR NETWORKS AND MAKE SOME NOISE. EVERY VOTE COUNTS.
Find out more about what that means and about the amazing prize package at www.pitchtorich.co.uk
The competition closes on 5 May and the 50 pitches in each category of the competition with the most public votes will be taken through to Richard Branson’s team of Judges.
If you’ve entered, you’ll need to do everything you can to win votes – put up posters, make phone calls, charm journalists into talking about you – this event is your chance to network and get people looking at your page.
See you there!
Run away to Portobello and join the circus
If a new social enterprise’s crowdfunding campaign is successful there will soon be a circus academy in Portobello. Edinburgh’s Centre for Circus Arts wants to be a place where circus artistes can train every day and teach others how to juggle, unicycle or do whatever it takes to be entertaining!
“One month ago a group of circus makers were offered the rare chance to take on a warehouse building in Portobello, a seaside town on the outskirts of Edinburgh, and dedicate it to circus arts. We took that chance and Full Cirqle was born. But we only have four weeks to get rigging points and truss in, install an entry system and make it safe for children before we open on 10 May!
“There are people working in Circus all over Scotland but all share their spaces with other projects. Edinburgh’s brand new Centre for Circus Arts will include a dance studio, two rehearsal spaces, storage, offices and an aerial barn. It is a bold and exciting project at just the right time, days before several groups of circus artists lost their training space at nearby The Arts Factory to demolition. Full Cirqle expects to be home to seven circus companies and up to 50 individual members working in circus, theatre, parkour, music, film, yoga, pilates and physical therapies. We want to welcome our wider community to learn, train and play with us. The social enterprise we are creating is by the people for the people!”
You can show your support by paying in advance for your membership. The link to Crowdfunder is here.
The Full Cirqle group launched their short campaign and have already met their initial target but they now wish to take the target up to the next level.
They explain what another bit of funding will get them: “When we reach £7500 we get a floor in the studio and insulation round the doors. When we reach £8500 we get a website, a booking system, a fresh water tap and a toilet.”
Lots of information and photos on the Portobello Community Council website and you can watch this video to find out more:
[vimeo 124033245 w=500 h=281]
#GE2015 Election Hustings in Wester Hailes
There will be an Election Hustings Meeting for Edinburgh South West on Wednesday 22 April 2015 at 6.30- 8.30pm in WHALE Arts Agency 30 Westburn Grove. The hustings meeting is organised by Wester Hailes Community Council.
The candidates attending will include Joanna Cherry, Richard Lucas, Ricky Henderson and Gordon Lindhurst.
We have already interviewed two of these candidates (we are working on interviewing all 33 Edinburgh candidates) and you can hear what they have to say here:
Free swimming with Edinburgh Leisure for one more week
Edinburgh Leisure is offering free swimming for Primary School children this Easter break.
We’re happy to announce that thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council, the free swimming initiative will be on offer again at all Edinburgh Leisure pools from 3rd – 20th April (inclusive).
Primary School children can swim for free during Public Swim sessions. Remember that children under 5 swim for free all year round at every Edinburgh Leisure pool.
World Heritage Day is celebrated around the world as you might expect. Here in Edinburgh as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites we have much to celebrate – and take care of.
On Friday evening there is a free event at the City Chambers to discuss the value of heritage with Sorcha Carey the director of the Edinburgh Art Festival, Adam Wilkinson Director of Edinburgh World Heritage and a representative from Krakow which is a World Heritage City.
You can also join Edinburgh World Heritage on Twitter and Facebook on 17 & 18 April when they will celebrate the day with stories of historic buildings in Edinburgh. The hashtag is #WorldHeritageDay.
Edinburgh College of Art fashion show gets the ‘Downton’ factor
At the end of next week the Edinburgh College of Art stage their catwalk show at the Sculpture Court in the college.
One of their performance costume graduates will speak of her experiences as a designer for the award-winning period drama Downton Abbey as part of the show on Saturday 25 April.
Anna Robbins, who graduated from ECA in 2005, will address the audience at a post-event talk on Saturday evening.
The talk will take place after graduating students in Fashion, Performance Costume and Textiles showcase their cutting-edge creations in a catwalk show with choreographed routines, all set to a soundtrack chosen by the students.
This year’s vibrant and varied work has been influenced by fairytales, family photographs and space-age holidays.
Tickets are still available for SHOW 2015 at the following times:
Thursday 23 April: 6.30pm and 8.30pm
Friday 24 April: 3.00pm (Schools Show) 6.30pm and 8.30pm
Saturday 25 April: 2.00pm and 8.00pm
Tickets costing £12 per person (plus £1.25 booking fee) via Hub Tickets.
At the Usher Hall – Symphony for Sunday
The Usher Hall is offering you a Symphony this Sunday afternoon.
This weekend the Czech Philharmonic will feature the soloist Josef Špaček on 19 April at 3pm.
The programme includes:
Smetana Barterted Bride Overture Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Dvořák Symphony No.7
Small to medium sized businesses in Edinburgh are to be given another year to apply for vouchers, which could connect them to superfast broadband. The scheme has helped 370 businesses in Edinburgh with superfast connections so far.
Vouchers will be awarded to businesses to help cover the installation costs of connecting to superfast broadband services up to the value of £3,000. Businesses will pay the VAT costs and the ongoing subscription. To qualify for a voucher, applicants should be small to medium sized or be a third sector organisation located in the City of Edinburgh Council area, have fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £40m. Visit the Connection Voucher website to find out more and apply online.
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Highland Spring Mini Tennis Month 2015 will take place in schools, parks and tennis venues across the UK in April 2015. Tennis venues will be hosting free parent and child coaching sessions for the whole family to promote tennis as a family sport by showing parents how easy it is to play tennis with their children.
As pioneers of the kids bottled water market, Highland Spring is committed to getting more children to adopt better hydration habits and take part in active sport. This passion is reflected in Mini Tennis as an opportunity to inspire and motivate more children to take up the sport and get active.
With smaller courts, nets and rackets and lower bouncing balls, Highland Spring Mini Tennis offers the perfect introduction to the sport, with all the fun and energy tennis offers.
This programme has been developed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), enabling players to develop vital skills and techniques at an early age. You can also find your closest Mini Tennis events here: http://ow.ly/Lx5ca
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The Melrose Sevens took place over the weekend and our John Preece was there to gather all the action for you.
Click here for his article with a selection of shots.
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If spending a leisurely afternoon in lovely surroundings while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea and hearing from some inspiring guest speakers sounds like a perfect way to enjoy an afternoon, then you’ll love ‘SocieTEA’ at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.
Established earlier this year, SocieTEA is a series of exclusive and inspiring ladies afternoons hosted in the elegant dining room of The Pompadour by Galvin within the luxury hotel at Edinburgh’s West End.
The next event is scheduled for Thursday 23 April 2015 when Dan Rook, Leaf Executive at Chash, The Fine Tea Company, will talk about the ever fascinating history and culture of tea and its influence in British society as well as details on its production, processing, different grades and health benefits.
Tickets for the event (1-4pm) are priced at £40 and includes a glass of champagne, mouthwatering afternoon tea specially created for SocieTEA guests with finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and a selection of cakes and pastries. Ticket price also include £5 donation to charity.
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Ingenious singer-songwriter, Bella Hardy, will play at the 2015 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival as part of her new album tour of the UK.
Savour Festival bills itself as the ultimate foodie fair.
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Starting up a business? Read on!
Anna Robbins, who graduated from ECA in 2005, will address the audience at a post-event talk on Saturday evening.
