Five things you need to know today

2015_04_14 EdiViews-20

Corstorphine Hill 

New app for the buses

Hayfever advice

Plastic bag charge raises £1m

Tomorrow’s big match 

You can climb the Corstorphine Hill Tower which is open tomorrow afternoon from 2-4pm. It will mark a year since the opening of the John Muir Way from one side of the country to the other.

More information about the hill here.

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Blind and visually impaired bus passengers will now be able to navigate more independently around Edinburgh thanks to new features on Transport for Edinburgh’s mobile app.

Working closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Royal Blind School, the company has updated its existing app to include key features to assist the blind and visually impaired when using its bus or tram services.

The free app, which is available on Apple and Android Smartphones, now includes VoiceOver technology which means that blind and visually impaired passengers can have any part of the app spoken to them, including next stop announcements and walking directions to a bus or tram stop.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener and Chair of Transport for Edinburgh, said:

“We are committed to providing accessible travel for everyone in Edinburgh, and this app will further enable passengers to make the most of the services on offer.

“This is one of many innovations by Transport for Edinburgh to create a modern, integrated network for the city, allowing us to provide one of the most accessible public transport services in Scotland.”

John McEvoy, Digital Designer at Transport for Edinburgh, said:

“This has been a real partnership with the RNIB and Royal Blind School over many months to make our app as user-friendly for our blind and visually impaired passengers as possible.

“The new features have been designed to help them get around Edinburgh more easily, giving them information they need around bus stop locations and also helping them with their journey planning and keeping them right when it comes to getting on and off buses and trams.

“We’ve received really positive feedback about the app following trials with members of the RNIB and are delighted to finally make it available to the public. It’s the next step in app technology and we’re really proud to be the first bus company to launch it in the UK.”

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SCOTLAND’S national telehealth and telecare organisation is offering people some helpful tips and advice for managing the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.

The onset of spring also heralds the start of Hay fever season for many people. To coincide with Allergy UK’s Awareness Week (20th to 26th April), NHS 24 is offering a few simple tips to help minimise the effects of the condition.

During the spring and summer months, NHS 24 receives an increase in calls from people experiencing the symptoms of hayfever – itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus pain and sneezing. Last year, the service received a total of 816 Hay fever-related calls between April and August. Visits to the Hay fever section of the online health information website NHS inform increased by 50% between May and June 2014. In addition, the Hay fever self help guide at www.nhs24.com was visited more than 3,700 times in June last year.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees and grass, and can cause irritations of the eyes, nose and throat. The most effective way to control hay fever is to avoid exposure to pollen but this is very difficult to do, particularly during the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors.

“Avoiding cutting grass, walking in grassy areas, and camping may reduce your exposure to grass pollens. When you are outside, wear sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes and change your clothes and take a shower when you come back inside.

“If you get hay fever symptoms even when taking care, there are a number of over-the-counter medicines available from your local pharmacy. I would also remind people that NHS inform provides a wide range of information on Hay fever and allergies in general.”

For more information on the symptoms and treatments for allergies, visit www.nhsinform.co.uk The NHS 24 Self Help Guide at www.nhs24.com includes information for managing the symptoms of Hay fever at home.

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Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced that four retailers have donated more than £1 million to good causes as a result of the single-use carrier bag charge, which came into effect almost six months ago.

Ahead of the six month anniversary on Monday 20 April 2015 the indicative figure has been revealed following retailer reports that single-use carrier bag usage has been reduced by more than 80 per cent since the charge was introduced on October 20, 2014.

Nationwide retailers that signed up to Zero Waste Scotland’s Carrier Bag Commitment – an agreement to disclose information on the charge, and donations made, to a central publicly available portal – are reporting that various charities up and down the country have also benefited from funds raised by the charge.

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Local sides to battle out it out in Sunday cup final http://wp.me/p5exFc-nj

Posted by North Edinburgh Community News on Friday, 17 April 2015




Rugby – Edinburgh v Dragons, European Challenge Cup

 

 

Edinburgh slaughter Dragons to make Scottish rugby history

EdinReport-EdinvDragons-5

BT Murrayfield hosted one of the European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-finals on Friday night with Wales’ Newport-Gwent Dragons the visiting side.

The Dragons were coming off the back of a PRO12 win against Leinster, so were fairly confident of taking the win. Edinburgh, on the other hand, had been hammered by Munster the previous week, but were still talking up their chances of success. Neither team had made a European Rugby final before so, to use the old adage, it was all to play for.

And play they did. Both sides put on a superb display of rugby in front of  8,231 supporters – with a fair number from Glasgow in support – but Edinburgh proved too strong for the visitors, running in five tries to the Dragons’ one.

Dragons took an early lead with a Dorian Jones’ penalty after three minutes, but Edinburgh were soon on the attack and, 10 minutes in, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne levelled the score at 3-3. Although the EdinReport-EdinvDragons-4visitors gained possession from the restart, the home side soon turned them over and set off upfield once again. A couple of line-outs in the Dragons’ 22 gave the Edinburgh men good possession and Dougie Fife carried to within a few yards of the line. A quick recycle saw the ball into the centre and Stuart McInally – playing in his ‘old’ flanker role – battled his way through a couple of tackles and dived over for the first try. Hidalgo-Clyne then kicked the conversion and Edinburgh were 10-3 ahead after 15 minutes.

Once again the Dragons came back with the ball from the restart and from a line out attacked the Edinburgh 22. They were turned over in front of the posts, but it was done illegally and Jones sent his second penalty of the night over for 10-6.

The home side then switched on the power and two successive penalty kicks to touch had the teams set up in the Dragons 22. Hidalgo-Clyne put in a sniping run up the centre and the subsequent ruck saw the ball out to the wing for Tim Visser to gallop home for the second try. Hidalgo-Clyne missed this kick so the score stayed at 15-6 with just over 15 minutes of the half still to play.

During the next 10 minutes or so the score went up to 18-9 following an exchange of penalties – Jones going ‘in off’ for the visitors points – but Edinburgh were clearly in the ascendancy and another penalty in overtime saw the score at 21-9 at the break.

EdinReport-EdinvDragons-2

Dragons came out strongly in the second half and put a bit of pressure on the Edinburgh defence, pressure which told as , three minutes into the half the scored their try, prop, Dan Way, launching himself over from a metre or so out. Jones converted to bring the Dragons up to within a score at 21-16.

Dragons then lost their second player to yellow for infringing at the breakdown, inside the 22 following a superb combination of Phil Burleigh and Visser which saw Edinburgh take the ball deep into Dragons’ territory.

The five metre scrum went the way of the Dragons, but, in attempting to clear, Jason Tovey had his kick charged down by Ben Toolis. Toolis was the quickest to react and chased the bouncing ball into the goal area and touched down less than a metre from the dead ball line for Edinburgh third. Hidalgo-Clyne sent the ball over for the conversion and Edinburgh were in a healthy 28-16 lead. A couple of minutes later, the scrum half added to Edinburgh’s tally with another three-pointer to take the home score to over 30 at 31-16.

EdinReport-EdinvDragons-3Edinburgh’s tails were now well and truly up and the Dragons had no answer to the home side’s play. This was especially noticeable in the set pieces where the Edinburgh scrum was much the stronger and the lineout managed to steal the ball from the visitors on several occasions.

With 15 minutes left, Hidalgo-Clyne added insult to injury when he picked up loose ball in the Dragons’ half and sprinted through unopposed for the fourth try, He also converted and the score was now an unassailable 38-16.

Less than three minutes later, the backs were on the scoreboard again. Following yet another turnover, Sam Beard carried deep into Dragons’ territory, before releasing Fife round the outside for the fifth try on the night. Another conversion from Hidalgo-Clyne cemented the scrum half’s position at the top of the tournament’s individual points table and put the icing on a very dominant performance from the home side.

Despite losing their third man to yellow, the Dragons put up a stiff fight in the dying minutes, but they were held out and the home side celebrated at the final whistle to be the first Scottish team to qualify for a European Rugby Final of any sort.

Final score Edinburgh Rugby 45 Newport-Gwent Dragons 16.

Images from the match will appear here early next week.




Letter from Scotland

A new Lady flies in
A new Lady flies in

Scotland is in mourning for a fine Lady who has gone missing, presumed dead.The faithful female osprey, named Lady, has failed return to the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s reserve at Loch of Lowes in Perthshire for the first time in 24 years.  She is thought to have had an accident or simply been too old to complete the 4,000 mile journey back from her winter feeding grounds in West Africa.   Up till now the Lady has not been for turning. She has lived three time longer than the average osprey, successfully reared 50 chicks and earned millions of pounds for the Scottish tourist industry.

But already a smart new female, named Lassie, has taken her place.  She arrived on 31st March and quickly moved in with Laddie who has been Lady’s partner for the past few years.  This week, they produced their first egg and staff at the reserve are hoping a new dynasty of Lowes ospreys has been established.  How quickly we accept regime change and forget the past.

I wonder if we will be able to accept the result of the general election on May 7th with quite such equanimity…if indeed there is to be regime change. This week the parties have been setting out their stall of promises like street traders on market day.  They’ve been calling out their bargains and perfecting their patter. The manifestos have been published and subjected to a fairly heavy pounded by the think tanks and the pundits.

Everyone, of course, is promising to reduce the government deficit (now running at around 5 per cent of GDP ) and start repaying the national debt. They just differ over the timescale. The Conservatives want to balance the books by 2018, Labour by 2020, the Lib Dems somewhere in between and the anti-austerity parties like the SNP, the Greens and the Socialists say it will take a little longer.  Each party insists its promises have been fully costed but again it depends on the assumptions made.

Which leaves us with the “gut” issues of independence, immigration, nuclear weapons, personalities and, above all, trust.  The last of the UK leaders’ television debates took place on Thursday, without David Cameron and Nick Clegg who very sportingly wanted to give the opposition parties a chance to air their views. Once again Nicola Sturgeon shone brightly, challenging Ed Miliband over austerity, Trident, and a deal with the SNP to keep the Tories out of power.  The press pundits judged, though, that Mr Miliband came out of it pretty well.

Meanwhile, out in the real world, unemployment has been rising again. In Scotland the rate is back up to 6 per cent, compared to 5.6 per cent for the UK as a whole. Although the overall number of people in work is up, so too is the number of people seeking work, particularly young people.  Youth unemployment is still scandalously high at 17 per cent.  It’s true that growth has returned to the economy (2.8 per cent) and inflation is at zero but real earnings have only just recovered after 6 years of decline and a fifth of all jobs are only part-time.

Of course, part-time work suits some people, like doctors, who are on annual salaries of between £60,000 and £80,000 a year.  According to the BMA this week, another 14 per cent of GPs are thinking of going part-time, 32 per cent are thinking of retiring early.  They put this down to the pressures of the job – too little time for each patient and too much bureaucracy.  The answer to the “crisis”, according to the BMA, is to increase the share of the health budget going to general practice so that more GPs can be employed. But that, of course, implies cuts elsewhere.

The whole county was shocked this week by the murder of “a lovely and popular” young woman in Glasgow.  Karen Buckley was a 24 year-old nurse from Ireland who was enrolled on an occupational therapy course at Glasgow Caledonian University.  She’d been on a night out with friends in a Glasgow club. Her body was found on a farm not far from the city.

Mercifully, such killings are becoming rarer.  Last year, 61 people were murdered in Scotland, the lowest figure for 40 years. But Scotland still has the seventh highest murder rate in Europe, way above the rate in England and Wales.  Most Scottish murders are the result of pub brawls, drink-fuelled domestic disputes or knife carrying gang fights. Three quarters of victims are men.  And last year, every single murder was solved by the police.  A 21 year-old man has already appeared in court on Friday charged with Karen’s murder.

I was shocked too to learn this week that the Clydesdale Bank had been fined £20m for trying to cover up its mistakes over the selling of payment protection insurance.  It’s not the first bank to misbehave of course, but I expected better from a fine Scottish institution, founded in 1838 as a charity bank by a Glasgow councillor James Lumsden.  Its own distinctive bank notes sport Robert Burns on the £10 note and Robert the Bruce on the £20 note, an assurance of good Scots values.

Last month the bank showed a brave willingness to turn over a new leaf by pioneered the plastic note, a £5 note celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Forth Rail Bridge.  But now the shame-faced current owners, the National Bank of Australia, are planning to sell the Clydesdale at a knock down price of £2 billion.  I think the city of Glasgow should buy it and restore the bank’s reputation.




Five things you need to know today

2015_04_14 EdiViews-21
All Media Scotland
Golfing for Barnardo’s 
Scottish Electorate on the rise
World Heritage Day
Exam Stress
A new, free source of news about Edinburgh has been launched by a long-established Scottish website that helps organisations to connect with the media.
The twitter feed, www.twitter.com/allEdinburghPR, comprises media releases about the capital that have been posted on the website, www.allmediascotland.com.
It is one of several dedicated twitter feeds – including food, theatre, music – that are operated by allmediascotland, which provides a media release mailing service, high search engine ranking for releases appearing on its site, plus training, especially for those a bit nervous about how to write a release.
Says managing director, Mike Wilson: “We know that many organisations that are unable to retain a PR agency or employ their own PR officer still want to promote themselves, enhance their reputation. So, our service is not just about delivery, but providing lots of support.
“For instance, we have set up a Q&A answer session in Edinburgh on May 1 – with the editor of Third Force News, published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations –  to provide an insight into what a newspaper editor is looking for, when it comes to stories.”
He continued: “We charge for releases, but, at potentially as low as £5 per posting, it is a fraction of the time and energy spent on compiling a release. And we guarantee an appearance other than one’s own website.”
For more information, email info@allmediascotland.com.
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Leading children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland has teamed up again with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association (SLGA) for its annual fundraising golf tournament, now in its 16th year.

The charity is appealing to lady golfers in Edinburgh and the Lothians to register for the event and tee-off in support of the charity.

A series of competitions are being organised throughout the summer months by local golf clubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The top scorers from the play-offs will go through to the final, which will be held at Arbroath Golf Course on Friday 28 August.

Last year the competition raised over £2,000 for Barnardo’s Scotland and this year the SLGA and the charity is hoping for an even better response.

Golfers interested in taking part in Barnardo’s Scotland and SLGA’s annual golf competition should contact their local golf club, the SLGA on 0131 339 3987 or Clare McTaggart from Barnardo’s Scotland on 0131 446 7097 or by emailclare.mctaggart@barnardos.org.uk.

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The number of people registered to vote in elections in Scotland continues to rise, according to figures published by National Records of Scotland.

The registered electorates for local councils, the Scottish Parliament, the UK Parliament and the European Parliament have all seen increases. With the exception of 2009, Scottish electorates have risen year on year since 2003, with an additional peak of nearly 4.29 million for the Independence Referendum, which also included 16 and 17 year old voters.

On 2nd March, 2015:

  • 4.13 million people were registered to vote in the local government and Scottish Parliament elections – an increase of 11,432 (0.3 per cent) compared to March 10, 2014, and is at the highest level ever recorded.
  • 4.04 million people were registered to vote in UK Parliament elections – an increase of 8,207 (0.2 per cent)
  • The number of EU citizens registered to vote in local government and Scottish Parliament elections dropped by 5,434 to 88,688 (5.8% per cent). This is likely to underestimate the total number of EU citizens resident in Scotland, since some may not register to vote.

The deadline for registrations to vote in the UK General Election is 20th April 2015. You can register to vote on the Edinburgh Council website by clicking here

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IMG_4091They have raised a flag at the City Chambers to mark World Heritage Day which is today.

The pale blue and white flag would not play nice with us as there was no wind,  but we hope you get the idea!

Are you, or someone you know revising for exams? If you’re feeling exam pressure, you’re not alone. Last year school and…

Posted by NSPCC Scotland on Thursday, 16 April 2015

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Friday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

night train

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 rhymetime image

Bookbug: for pre-school children and their parents and carers. 10.30am, McDonald Rd Library, 2 McDonald Road.

serious games at nms

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.

piershill easter crafts

Piershill Library Easter Holidays Crafts: 3-4pm, Piershill Library, Piershill Terrace. Free.

st giles

Lunchtime Concert: Strandvik Blandakor, Fusa, Bergen, Norway12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.

puppet stew 2

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.

hearthearth

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.

Craigmillar Library 6

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.

vegetables at botanics

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.

gilmerton library easter

Easter Holidays @ Gilmerton Library: Flower Fingers Craft. For children of all ages. 2.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free.

piershill easter crafts

Easter Holidays @ Leith Library: Water of Leith Birds Craft. For under-12s. 2.30-3.30pm, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free.

south neighbourhood library crafts

Easter Fun & Games @ Oxgangs Library: Crafty Friday. 2.30pm, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.

collective_logo

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.

youth club

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.

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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 3

Bookbug: for young children and their parents and carers. 10.30-11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.

heron

Birds of the Water of Leith Craft Session: for ages 5-12 years. 3pm, McDonald Rd Library, 2 McDonald Road.

front of Stills

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
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.

TER Wester Hailes Library

Help with the Library Igloo: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.

colinton health in mind group poster

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.

sheep clipart

Make a Sheep: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, 6 School Wynd. Free.

clipart paper chicks

Easter Chick Paper Craft: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.

rally & Broad April 2015

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, Emma Jane 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.

Stockbridge Library 7

Celebrate Vaisakhi – the Spring Festival! Colourful stories and crafts for ages 5-12 years. 2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place.

Superhero-Party-Masks

Superhero Mask Making: plus, throughout the holiday, a Where’s Wally Edinburgh landmarks quiz. 3-4.30pm, Colinton Library, Thorburn Road.

john niven

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.

artisan bar edinburgh

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.

king louis and the primas

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.

banshee labyrinth exterior

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 4

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.




Scottish Press Awards – Daily Record scoop the pool

16/04/15 RADISSON BLU - GLASGOW 36th Scottish Press Awards. winners

The Scottish Press Awards took place last night at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Argyle Street. Everywhere you looked there was somebody who looked familiar. (Even Fred Macaulay was there!)

The winners were announced by the super professional Tam Cowan with the Chair of the Judges Austin Lafferty doing a good job in ushering the winners into position for the obligatory photos.

Photographer Gordon Jack was remembered at the start of the evening along with other ‘absent friends’ from the press who have passed away this last year.

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Two other members of the press pack were given awards: Stewart Attwood was crowned Sports Photographer of the Year and Jeff Mitchell was awarded News Photographer of the Year (they are photographed above in the middle of the front row).

The Daily Record was crowned Scotland’s Newspaper of the Year for 2014 at the 36th annual Scottish Press Awards.

In total The Daily Record won five accolades at the ceremony at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel, with Keith Jackson named as Sports News Writer of the Year for the third year in a row.  The paper also won Front Page of the Year for its splash ‘THE VOW’ about the plans to deliver more powers to the Scottish Parliament after the Referendum.

Winners of major individual awards also included Marion Scott from the Sunday Mail, who was named both Reporter and Journalist of the Year’. She said on getting the first of her two trophies that she was ‘flabbergasted’ but wanted to thank the two Jims in her life – her husband and her editor.

The Daily Mail won Campaign of the Year for its Armed Police campaign, with the newspaper also winning Journalism Team of the Year

The Daily Record took the award of Newspaper of the Year for the way in which it handled the debate of the referendum.

Commenting on the Daily Record’s Newspaper of the Year award, Chairman of the judges, Austin Lafferty said the newspaper’s coverage of the issue was: “A fine example of journalistic imagination, skill, and political nous.”

Weekly Newspaper of the Year went to Fife Free Press.

The awards are organised by the Scottish Newspaper Society (SNS). SNS director John McLellan said: “2014 was a year to remember and all our editorial teams more than stepped up to the plate to deliver some brilliant journalism which captured a significant moment in time.

“Scottish newspapers remained at the heart of the action and reaffirmed the industry’s ability to make vital contributions to the decisions affecting the lives of all Scots.

“Judging the awards is never easy and this year was more difficult than most, but it’s always a privilege to see the quality and diversity of coverage in our titles across all subjects.”

Over £3,500 was raised from a table raffle for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

The full list of winners which included a special Chairman’s award to The Sunday Herald is as follows:

 

Award Winner Publication
Sports Photographer of the Year Stewart Attwood Herald & Times Group
News Photographer of the Year Jeff Mitchell Getty Images
Cartoonist of the Year Brian Petrie The Scottish Sun
Young Journalist of the Year Darren Hamilton Evening Telegraph
Weekly Newspaper of the Year Fife Free Press
Arts/Entertainment Journalist of the Year Brian Beacom The Herald
Interviewer of the Year Patricia Kane Scottish Mail on Sunday
Political Journalist of the Year David Clegg Daily Record
Columnist of the Year Chris Deerin Scottish Daily Mail
Financial/Business Journalist of the Year Erikka Askeland The Press & Journal
Feature Writer of the Year Emma Cowing Scottish Daily Mail
Sports Feature Writer of the Year Aidan Smith The Scotsman
Sports News Writer of the Year Keith Jackson Daily Record
Innovation of the Year Scotland Now
Front Page of the Year Daily Record and THE VOW
Journalism Team of the Year Scottish Daily Mail
Campaign of the Year Scottish Daily Mail on Armed Police
Scoop of the Year Murray Foote THE VOW for the Daily Record
Reporter of the Year Marion Scott Sunday Mail
Lifetime Achievement Award Drew Cochrane
Journalist of the Year Marion Scott Sunday Mail
Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2014 Richard Walker Sunday Herald
Newspaper of the Year Daily Record



allmediascotland sets up a new Edinburgh Twitter account

A new, free source of news about Edinburgh has been launched by a long-established Scottish website that helps organisations to connect with the media.
The twitter feed, www.twitter.com/allEdinburghPR, comprises media releases about the capital that have been posted on the website, www.allmediascotland.com.
It is one of several dedicated twitter feeds – including food, theatre, music – that are operated by allmediascotland, which provides a media release mailing service, high search engine ranking for releases appearing on its site, plus training, especially for those a bit nervous about how to write a release.
Says managing director, Mike Wilson: “We know that many organisations that are unable to retain a PR agency or employ their own PR officer still want to promote themselves, enhance their reputation. So, our service is not just about delivery, but providing lots of support.
“For instance, we have set up a Q&A answer session in Edinburgh on May 1 – with the editor of Third Force News, published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations –  to provide an insight into what a newspaper editor is looking for, when it comes to stories.”
He continued: “We charge for releases, but, at potentially as low as £5 per posting, it is a fraction of the time and energy spent on compiling a release. And we guarantee an appearance other than one’s own website.”
For more information, email info@allmediascotland.com.



Hearts To Make Official Complaint to SPFL

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

WNRCDV5076 Don McLean

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.”

Photo 2 (1)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?

02110019“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.

The album is available at

http://www.wienerworld.com/don-mclean-live-in-manchester.html

or on Amazon at

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Manchester-Special-2CD-Package/dp/B00N9A8RLC




Bella Hardy to appear at the 2015 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival

BellaHardyWithTheDawn-smallIngenious 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

Submitted by Sara Bain

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Sporting integrity at risk with SPFL decision to move Hearts v Rangers game

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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’

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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

where words fail

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.

TER McDonald Road Library 2

Languages of Leith Storytelling: for ages 5-12 years. 3pm, McDonald Rd Library, 2 McDonald Road.

piershill easter crafts

Piershill Library Easter Holidays Crafts: 3-4pm, Piershill Library, Piershill Terrace. Free. Also at same times on Friday 17th April.

Craigmillar Library 1

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 badge

Easter Fun & Games @ Oxgangs Library: Badge Making. For ages 5-11. 11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.

jemma-brown-and-maryam-sherhan

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.

clipart outdoor games

Museum Outdoor Games: for under-12s. 11.30am-12.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Free.

ex machina

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.

new easter eggs

Decorating Eggs: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.

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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.

Ratho Library carfts poster Easter

Easter Chick Paper Craft: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, 6 School Wynd. Free.

in the all night cafe - cover

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.

Musical instruments sketch

Upcycling Musical Instruments: for ages 5-12 years. 3-4pm, Muirhouse Library, 15 Pennywell Court. Free.

Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
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.

TER_May_03 Election Day 50

Edinburgh North & Leith General Election Hustings: 7.30-9pm, Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, Bellevue Crescent. All welcome!

puppet stew 2

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_entrance

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 2

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
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

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.

northern neighbours cover

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.

Home (film)

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.

golden hare's golden hare

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.

fishnet - cover

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.

alison Affleck

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

2015_04_14 EdiViews-24

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…

Over on Twitter, Hula is trending…Unfortunately it’s not about our soon-to-launch new healthy menu items, it’s about…

Posted by Hula Juice Bar on Tuesday, 14 April 2015

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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

***

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.

***

Timebank Temptations Choir need your vote to win the award they are shortlisted for.

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!

Posted by North Edinburgh Time Bank on Wednesday, 15 April 2015

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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.

• For more information visit: http://www.cuckoosbakery.co.uk

Submitted by Stacey Dent




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.”

Submitted by Nicola MacVean

emma

YMCA-Edinburgh-Acorn-logo




Savour Festival will be back in July

05072015Savour 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’

2015_04_15 Paper Sculptures-1

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

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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!

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Witness appeal after taxi driver assaulted in Niddrie

2011_10 Police signs 11

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

2015_04_EdiViews-8

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.

Oliver Henderson - Winner

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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.

Contact Ratho Library on ratho.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or 0131 333 5297 or Sighthill Library on sighthill.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or 0131 529 5566 to find out more.”

***

Wester Hailes Community Council will hold their monthly meeting this evening at Wester Hailes Library from 6.00 till 7.45pm.

***

Pitch to Rich! event on 29 April will interest the entrepreneurs among you.

More details here.

***

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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.

The nomination form is accessed here.

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Wednesday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

bookbug rhymetime image

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.

ponte city poster

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.

playpark

Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today Magdalene Minis – A Trip to the Park. 1.30pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.

Will Pickvance
Will Pickvance

Lunchtime Concert: Piano Speak with Will Pickvance. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.

3 pigs

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

Camille Redouble poster

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.

Easter badge

Happy Easter at Magdalene Community Centre: today The Juniors (activity to be confirmed), 6-8pm, Magdalene Community Centre, 106b Magdalene Drive.

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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
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.

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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

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.

wester hailes easter crafts poster

Build an Igloo: for ages 5-11 years. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.

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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.

artisan

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).

minecraft image

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.

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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.

gilmerton library easter

Easter Holidays @ Gilmerton Library: ‘April Showers’ Umbrella Craft. For children of all ages. 2.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free.

live at the loft

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.

sighthill library easter crafts poster

Make a Bunny Plate: for ages 4-11 years. 2-3pm, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. Free.

currie library easter events

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

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

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

https_proxyStarting 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.

You can get your ticket here. 

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!