The Edinburgh Reporter spoke earlier today to Stevie Christie who is the founder and director of Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival which takes place at George Square over next weekend. The festival promises to take you to the mountains for some adventure, but more than just films there is a long list of great and inspiring speakers too.

There are tickets available here

You can listen to our short interview here:

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There’s so much on in Edinburgh this week that you probably won’t have time to go to bed….from Girls Rock School to National Libraries Day, the Edinburgh Iranian Festival, Harry Potter Night, LGBT History Month and Craig Charles at the Bongo Club, there’s something for everyone – even your canine companions are catered for with the return of the inimitable Dugs In Pubs.

MONDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2015

For Crying Out Loud: A Night At The Opera (U). Special screenings for parents/carers and their babies under 12 months (up to two adults per baby). Bottle-warming, baby-changing and buggy parking facilities available. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4.50/£3.50 and can be booked by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688 (tickets for these shows are not available online).

Hayter and Atelier 17: Printmaking in Paris in the 1930s. Kerry Watson, Librarian at the Gallery of Modern Art, discusses prints made by Hayter and other artists at Atelier 17 and now on show in the Keiller Library at Modern TWO. Stanley William Hayter (1901-1988) was of pivotal importance to printmaking in the 20th century. He set up Atelier 17 in Paris in 1927, establishing it as a space for teaching and collaboration. A trained scientist, Hayter’s approach to print processes was to test the boundaries, and he latterly developed a new method of colour printing that relied on the relative viscosities of the inks used. In his long career he also worked with artists as diverse as Pablo Picasso, Yves Tanguy, Joan Miro and Jackson Pollock. 12.45-1.30pm, Keiller Library, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. Free and unticketed.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents The Monthly Book Quiz: if you know your Waugh from your Peace and your Meyer from your Heyer, try Blackwell’s Book Quiz – teams of up to five people can take part. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. No tickets are required but please arrive early as space is limited. Contact Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216 for more information.

Edible Gardening: Seasonal Advice. Drop in to find out how to grow your own food, and take a look around the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project team. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Also at same time on Tuesday 3rd February.

Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland Winter Lecture Series: Craigievar – 50 Years in NTS Care. Ian Gow, National Trust for Scotland curator since 1988, will talk about this fine example of baronial architecture. 6.30-8.30pm, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George St. £5 (£students £2.50) payable on the door. Non-members warmly welcomed. Call 0131 557 0019 for more information.

Edinburgh CND: 6pm, ACE, 17 West Montgomery Place. All welcome.

LGBT Police Surgery: seek advice, raise concerns around safety issues, report incidents or discuss policing in your area with an officer from Police Scotland. 6.30-7.30pm (within Drop In, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. No appointment needed; for support around safety issues or to meet with the police outwith these times, contact George Burrows on 0131 652 3281 or george@lgbthealth.org.uk.

Gilmerton Library Writers’ Group. Whether it is fiction or poetry you write or want to write, look no further! 6pm tonight and fortnightly, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Call the library on 0131 529 5628 for more information.

Humanist Society of Scotland: Dr Stuart Ritchie – Religion and Intelligence. Are atheists more or less intelligent than religious people? Can something as simple as an IQ test tell you anything about someone’s beliefs in the origin of the universe or the existence of God? Psychologists have carried out a great deal of research in an attempt to answer these questions; Stuart Ritchie (Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh) will discuss this research, and ask whether any conclusions can be drawn about the relation of IQ to religion. There will be a coffee break after the talk, followed by a Q & A session; discussions will continue in The Mitre in High Street. 7.30-9.30pm, Scotsman Hotel, North Bridge. For more information contact the Edinburgh Humanists’ secretary at edinburgh@humanism-scotland.org.uk.

Bridge 2 Business: Beauty and the Booking System – how new businesses  in the hair and beauty sector handle customer engagement. Guest speakers Hayley Brown of Glam Candy and Leah Hutcheon of Appointedd will talk about how they became interested in enterprise, their differing approaches to customer interaction, and how they source and keep customers. There will be opportunities to network and ask lots of questions. 6-8pm, Boardroom, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required via eventbrite. Organised by Young Enterprise Scotland.

Living Our LGBT Memories: The Living Memory Association and LGBT Youth Scotland will uncover your LGBT stories. Bring your photos to scan, your stories to share and your enthusiasm for a range of interactive activities. 10.30am-4pm, Ground Floor, Ocean Terminal, 5 Quayside Place. Continues 10am-4pm Monday to Friday until 27th February 2015. To learn more about LGBT History Month, read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article here.

TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2015

Kraftworks: the new adult art movement. Kraftworks is a new weekly drop-in session for adults who are interested in crafts and activism, or who would like the chance to relax and meet in an informal, friendly environment. Each session will be artist-led, with opportunities to learn new techniques and create your own products. The first session is today, when you can decorate and paint porcelain mugs and crockery. Different techniques will be demonstrated, and everyone can have a cup of tea, a cake and a blether whilst decorating! For ages 16+. 10am-12 noon, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. Free: for more information just contact the NEA Box Office on 0131 315 2151. Next week: techniques and experimentation with clear resin.

Craigie Aitchison: A Life in Colour. Award-winning writer Cate Haste talks about her new, fully illustrated, study of the life and work of Scottish artist Craigie Aitchison (1926-2009). This is the first book to cover the entire oeuvre of a painter whose distinctive and powerfully evocative style has earned him widespread critical acclaim and public popularity. Haste draws on original documents, family archives, letters, published interviews with the painter, and new interviews with those who knew the artist to explore the relationship of his life to his work. A book signing will follow the talk. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Edible Gardening: Seasonal Advice. Drop in to find out how to grow your own food, and take a look around the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project team. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row.

Edge and Shore Artists’ Talk: visual artist Helen Carnac and dance artist Lailla Dialo in conversation with Dovecot weaver Jonathan Cleaver, chaired by Roanne Dods. At 5.30pm the artists will engage in a process of live making prior to the talk, which begins at 6pm for 6.30pm, South Gallery, Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street. Free but please book via eventbrite. Edge and Shore: Acts of Doing is a new work exploring the edges and boundaries of making and working, performance and installation: it continues at Dovecot until 7th February.

LGBT Art Therapy: Doll Making. Facilitated by art therapists, be guided through techniques to make your own doll, in order to explore elements of self-expression in a therapeutic group setting. No experience or skill in art required. Please note this group will take place over two sessions – today and 10th February. 6.30-8.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Places are limited so booking is essential: contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283 or email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.

Edinburgh Central Library Book Group: this month the group is discussing The Moon Field by Judith Allnatt. 6pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. All welcome, no booking required – just turn up!

Representing Muslims in Scotland and the North-East: a Series of Seminars with British Muslim Poets, Writers and Filmmakers. Tonight: Leila Aboulela. Born and raised in Sudan, Leila Aboulela is an award-winning writer who now lives in Aberdeen. She has written three renowned novels, The Translator, Minarets and Lyrics Alley, a collection of short stories Coloured Lights and a BBC Radio 4 commissioned play The Insider. Much of her work examines the ways in which religious belief, gender and class are ‘translated’ between cultures. 5.30pm, Project Room, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh. There will be a Q & A session and refreshments after the talk. Everyone welcome.

Lunchtime Concert: Stewart Kempster (Bass) and Ingrid Sawers (Piano) perform Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel and songs by John Ireland, Frederick Keel, John Hearne, Michael Head and Peter Warlock. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.

Metamorphoses: Martin Parker, Adam Linson and Grey Area perform pieces exploring the boundaries between electronics and acoustic sound. Martin Parker ‘Vertebrae‘ for live electronics, Owen Green  New work for cardboard box and live electronics, Adam Linson ‘Cryptogramic sporules I’ for double bass and electronics, Armin Sturm ‘Insects’ for ensemble and Stockhausen ‘Kontakte’ for 4-channel tape. Sound projection by Sean Williams. 7pm, Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place. Free but booking required via eventbrite. Supported by The Leverhulme Trust and the University of Edinburgh.

History in the Pub: a new monthly event looking at all aspects of history, with talks from academics, authors, journalists and interested laypersons. Open to everyone with an interest in the past. 7.30-9.30pm, The Counting House Bar, West Nicolson Street. Free.

WEDNESDAY  4TH FEBRUARY 2015

Centenary Choral Concert in aid of Poppy Scotland. Edinburgh Napier University Chamber Choir and soloists, directed by Michael Harris, present a re-creation of a charity concert originally given in 1915 by the Morningside Amateur Opera Company, including music by Sullivan, Stanford, Coleridge-Taylor and Elgar. 7.30-9.30pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George St. Admission by programme: £7/£5 on the door.

Portobello Film Club: Nick Cave  in 20,000 Days on Earth (15). Drama and reality combine in a fictitious 24 hours in the life of musician and international cultural icon Nick Cave. With startlingly frank insights and an intimate portrayal of the artistic process, the film examines what makes us who we are and celebrates the transformative power of the human spirit. 7.30pm, Skylark Cafe, 241 Portobello High Street.

The Scottish Gallery: four new exhibitions. Introducing: the work of three jewellers – Heather McDermott, Una Burke and Sarag Angold, David Eustace: Selected Works – a survey exhibition on the work of renowned photographer, including celebrity portraits, iconic fashion photographs from Vogue and images from Highland Heart, Lindean Mill Glass Showcase: a beautiful collection of glassware, and Modern Masters IV: unseen work of FCB Cadell and rediscovered groups of work by Denis Peploe and JD Fergusson. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm on Saturdays, The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas Street. Exhibitions close 28th February 2015.

Lunchtime Concert: flautists from Edinburgh Napier University, with Chris Harding (piano). 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Craigmillar Library Book Group. A new group starting tonight; come along and collect the first book, Stef Penney’s The Tenderness of Wolves. 6.30pm, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Coffee, tea and biscuits available!

The Colour of Emotion: Jenny Mason and Lynne Harkes. Jenny Mason is an Edinburgh-based painter using landscape as a starting point, a place of escape to ease the busy mind. Her current work concentrates more on formal aspects and fields of colour rather than direct representation of the landscape. Also from Edinburgh, Lynne Harkes finds her inspiration above all in nature, getting a special thrill from taking hidden blooms or faded leaves and giving them magnificent life on canvas. 9am-5pm, Wednesday-Sunday, Bon Papillon Gallery, 15 Howe Street.

Bi & Beyond Edinburgh: a fortnightly social gathering for those who identify as bisexual and non-monosexual. With organised social activities and refreshments provided, whatever you label or lack of label, we welcome you. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact biandbeyondedinburgh@gmail.com.

Adult Scrabble Club: pop in for a fun and relaxed game of Scrabble. 3.30pm today and fortnightly, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. For more information please call 0131 529 5595 or drop in to the library.

Heriot Watt University Postgraduate Open Day: an opportunity to meet academic staff and current postgraduate students. Explore the campus and facilities, and find out more about how postgraduate study can enhance your career prospects. 1.30-4.30pm, Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Campus, EH14 4AS. Please register your intention to attend via eventbrite here. If you cannot attend in person, the university is running a simultaneous live chat event, when you can join in online and put your questions to advisers.

Central Library Lego Night: for ages 7-11 accompanied by an adult (possibly an AFOL – Adult Fan of Lego!), Central Library, George IV Bridge. Contact the library for times.

Doing Politics: Professor Richard Freeman, Professor of Social Science and Public Policy, University of Edinburgh, delivers his inaugural lecture. 5.15-6.15, Main Lecture Theatre, 50 George Square. All welcome.

The Cramond Association History Section: AGM, after which Jenni Calder will speak on Scottish Emigration to North America. Tea and coffee are served after the meeting. 7.30pm, Millenium Room, Cramond Kirk Halls, Cramond Glebe Road. All welcome: visitors £1 per meeting.

Jazz Romantics: songs by Astrud Gilberto, Jamie Cullum, Ray Charles et al. 7pm, Hemma, 75 Holyrood Road.

THURSDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2015

Live Music Now: Knox and Ion. A dynamic and exciting guitar duo, creating a mix of Latin, world and jazz music. Based in Glasgow, Knox and Ion’s pieces consist of Indian scales, African beats and Brubeck-style changes. Their live show is infectious and ever-evolving, capturing the very essence of improvised music. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

The Thursday Club: Duncan Currie will speak on Namibia and South Africa. 2pm, Upper Hall, Mayfield Salisbury Church, West Mayfield. All very welcome: contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234 for more information.

Ecumenical Friends at St Cuthbert’s: Swarup Bar – News From Kolkata. 12.30pm, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, 5 Lothian Road. All warmly welcome: £1.50 per person, tea and coffee provided, bring your own packed lunch.These events are organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.

Streetlife: an exhibition of latest works from Gallery favourites such as Patsy McArthur, Adam Kennedy and James Newton Adams and new artists Frank McNab and Lucy Jones, all drawing inspiration from the sights and sounds of the urban jungle. Public preview tonight 6-8pm, then 10.30am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon-6pm Sundays, Union Gallery, 45 Broughton Street. Ends 1st March 2015.

The Friendship Club: a friendly meeting place for senior citizens – all very welcome, with or without any church connection, and whether you would like to attend every week or just occasionally. Tea, home baking, board games, card games, sometimes live music – and lots of chat! The club’s aim is to provide a relaxed friendly and welcoming meeting place for senior citizens: ‘There is always a smiling face waiting to welcome you’. 2-3.30pm, Ground Floor, Annan House, 10 Palmerston Place. Contact Palmerston Place Church for more information.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Owen Dudley Edwards: How David Cameron Saved Scotland. David Cameron was PM throughout the campaign for Scottish independence. Many thought that if Scotland voted Yes he may lose his job, but Scotland voted No, so where does that leave him? In this new book, Owen Dudley Edwards explains to Mr Cameron what the wilder psychiatric shores of premiership involve, whether he knows it or not, what sort of people he recruited to gain his victory and whether they knew they were recruits, what his opponents were like and why they opposed him, how Scotland reversed the UK fall in voter interest, and why. He also looks at how far the victory was won on the playing fields of Eton. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained via eventbrite or from the shop’s front desk, or by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.

Harry Potter Book Night: come and celebrate JK Rowling’s wonderful stories of everyone’s favourite wizard with an evening of games and activities, including a (fairly) fiendish quiz with prizes. Dress code: wizard, witch or best muggle attire, with a prize for the best outfit. Sorting Hat Ceremony begins at 6pm (evening ends at 7.30pm), Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. For more information call 0131 226 2666….AND

Another Harry Potter Book Night! (Except that this is an afternoon – so you could go to both!) Crafts, games and quizes, all related to the Boy Wizard, with a prize for the best costume. 2.30-4pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road.

LGBT History Month Community Discussion: Role Models. The theme of this year’s LGBT History Month is Education. A huge influence on our learning throughout life, whether at school, at work or elsewhere, are the role models we have. This evening will be a chance for the LGBT community to come together to discuss what role models mean to us. 6.30-8.30pm, LGBT Youth Scotland, 40 Commercial Street. Booking is preferred and can be made online here or by contacting Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or jules@lgbthealth.org.uk. For more about  LGBT History Month, read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article here.

The Jonathan Mills Lectures: A Potted History of Festivals and Festival-Making. They become more popular by the day, but what do we even mean when we use the word ‘festival’? Jonathan Mills, composer, festival director and Visiting Professor at the University of Edinburgh, explores aspects of the complex relationships between ritual and place, habit and space that have come to define the elusive phenomenon of the festival. 5.15pm, Lecture Room 1, Minto House, University of Edinburgh, Chambers Street. This is the first in a series of lectures: the next one Curating In Time will take place on 12th February 2015.

Kitten On The Keys: Jam Circle – improvisations, exercises, jam. 7pm, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk.

FRIDAY 6TH FEBRUARY 2015 

Edinburgh Iranian Festival Opening Ceremony: a non-political showcase for world-class Iranian culture, for musicians and artists working both in and outside Iran. Tonight’s event will include an introduction to the 2015 programme, a poetry reading by Rab Wilson of his Scots translation of the Ruba’iyat of Omar Khayyam alongside a reading in the original Persian, live music from Arezoo Symphony Orchestra and a drinks reception. 8-10pm (doors open at 8, event begins at 8.30), St John’s Church, Princes Street. Tickets cost £5 (under 10s are free but must be kept under parental supervision at all times) and are available from the Traverse Theatre Box Office on 0131 228 1404 or online here.

Harry Potter Party: calling all Muggles, Witches and Wizards! Come and make a wand with Mr Ollivander, brush up on your potions and try a treat from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes Skiving Snackbox! Award for the best costume. 2-4pm, South Queensferry Library, 9 Shore Road.

Faith Eliott Exhibition Launch: Edinburgh based Faith Eliott is a maker of puppets, drawings, sculptures, songs, poems and ‘other such debris’. Come and be the first to see some of Faith’s work and get first dibs on unique pieces. 7.30-10.30pm, Sofi’s Bar, 63 Henderson Street.

Edinburgh College of Art Friday Lecture Series: Agata Pyzik.  Polish writer and critic Agata Pyzik writes for various magazines including Frieze, The Wire, The Guardian, New Statesman, Calvert Journal, Icon and New Humanist. In her book Poor But Sexy: Culture Clashes in Europe East and West she looks at the abandoned scenes of history in Eastern Europe, its relationship with the West through historical and political movements, and the development of popular cultural forms. 11.30am, Main Lecture Theatre E22, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Free and open to all.

Lunchtime Concert: Artisan Trio with Jean Johnson. Aisling O’Dea (violin), Clea Friend (cello), Ed Cohen (piano) and Jean Johnson (clarinet) play Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.

A New International: an evening of songs, stories and cabaret as A New International celebrate the release of their debut album Come to the Fabulon at a gig hosted by Rally & Broad, with Caro Bridges and Mr Twonkey. 7-10pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. Tickets cost £6 on the door/£5 in advance, and can be booked online here. The Bongo Club is a nightclub, live venue and all-round artistic hub owned by local arts charity Out of the Blue, putting ‘the sounds of the underground and imaginative aspirations before the mighty dollar’.

Four Corners Tenth Birthday Party: Craig Charles (6 Music). Four Corners is one of Scotland’s longest running clubnights, providing a top drawer soundtrack of deep funk, soul, afro beat, latin, disco, rare groove, jazz, hip hop and reggae: tonight it celebrates its tenth birthday with top funk ambassador Craig Charles. ‘Craig Charles’ BBC Radio 6 show is the most popular on the network, and behind the decks he knows how to work a room’.  11pm-3am, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. Advance tickets sold out: 200 will be available on the door (£10) from 11pm, first come, first served.

Balerno Village Screen: Boyhood (15), 7.30-10.15pm, St Joseph’s Centre, Johnsburn Road, Balerno. This month’s screenings will all be preceded by Danny MacAskill’s brilliant new video The Ridge, in which – for the first time in one of his films – Danny climbs aboard a mountain bike and returns to Skye, his native home, to take on a death-defying ride along the notorious Cuillin Ridgeline. Come along and enjoy it on the big screen in all its glory – much better than watching it online! Please register your intention to attend either via BVS’s online booking page (no fees) or by picking up a ticket in Balerno Post Office or the Mill Cafe. Balerno Village Screen is a community cinema offering free admission: it is funded by donations.

SATURDAY 7TH FEBRUARY 2015

Balerno Village Screen: 2.30-4pm, Mr Peabody and Sherman (U), and 7.30-9pm,What We Did On Our Holiday (12A), St Joseph’s Centre, Johnsburn Road, Balerno. This month’s screenings will all be preceded by Danny MacAskill’s brilliant new video The Ridge, in which – for the first time in one of his films – Danny climbs aboard a mountain bike and returns to Skye, his native home, to take on a death-defying ride along the notorious Cuillin Ridgeline. Come along and enjoy it on the big screen in all its glory – much better than watching it online! Please register your intention to attend either via BVS’s online booking page (no fees) or by picking up a ticket in Balerno Post Office or the Mill Cafe. Balerno Village Screen is a community cinema offering free admission: it is funded by donations.

Lunchtime Organ Recital: Andrew Caskie (Palmerston Place Church) plays Mendelssohn Overture to St Paul, Hollins Concert Toccata and works by Durufle, Griveau and John Gardner. 12.20-1.15pm, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, 5 Lothian Road. Free: retiring collection.

Sofi’s Dugs in Pubs: the first canine event for 2015! Bring your dug to meet with his pals and have a tail wag. 12 noon, Sofi’s Bar, 63 Henderson Street.

Girls Rock School Launch Party with The Twistettes, MiaouMix, The Megaphone Choir and Rhubaba. Think bands are just for boys? WRONG! Ever thought about taking up an instrument and starting a band? What’s stopping you – think you can’t sing or play? We don’t care – wanting to try something new and having a positive rock attitude is more important than perfect pitch, and instruments can be learned! From 16th February Girls Rock will be running six free/by donation weekly workshops, led by experienced musicians, in vocals, electric guitar, bass and drums for women (trans inclusive) for over 18s. The workshops will take place on Monday evenings at St Margaret’s House, 152 London Road; the launch party is tonight, 7-10pm, Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh College of Art – enter via Lady Lawson Street. £5/£3 per person. To reserve your place in the workshops, email girlsrockschool@gmail.com or go to www.girlsrockschool.wordpress.com. See Facebook event page for more information.

Edinburgh Iranian Festival: Perception Opening Night. The Perception multi-artform exhibition showcases the work of forty Iranian and non-Iranian artists from all over the world, inspired by Iran, who responded to an open call for submissions. Disciplines included photography, video, installation, multi-media, painting and sculpture, and over 200 submissions were received, of which those on show were selected by a judging panel. Tonight singer and songwriter Azadeh will give a musical performance, accompanied by Nourbakhsh (percussion), Nicole Robson (cello) and Chris Jerome (keyboard). This will be followed by a prize giving ceremony, drinks reception and a preview of the exhibition. 8.30-10pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Free admission. Perception continues at Summerhall until 16th February 2015.

National Libraries Day: Art with Susan Dalgliesh. Come and meet the artist, who will spend the day in the Fine Art Library making art and explaining her techniques. Join in with a project if you wish! There will also be an exhibition of art by children attending Susan’s art club. 10am-5pm, Fine Art Library (Central Library), George IV Bridge.

National Libraries Day: Treasures of the Library. A rare chance to see some of the rare jewels in the Library’s historic collections. 1.30-2.30pm, Boardroom, Central Library, George IV Bridge.

Portrait Gallery Thematic Tours: A Few of My Favourite Things. Monthly thematic tours of the Portrait Gallery’s collection, Not ‘raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens’ but Susanna Kerr’s personal collection of some of the most mysterious, moving, quirky or enchanting works in the collection! 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

National Libraries Day: Edinburgh: Celebrity City Guide. Writer Joanna Soroka talks about her book, which connects Edinburgh’s most notable people to its streets. Edinburgh: Celebrity City Guide details the lives of one hundred of the city’s most famous people, along with illustrations and maps of the places where they lived, worked or dallied. 2-3pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. To book call 0131 529 5665 or email stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.

National Libraries Day Monster Workshop! Let your imagination go wild as you design and draw monsters with illustrator Cate James. For ages 6-8. 10.30-11.30am, Children’s Library (next to Central Library), George IV Bridge. Free but please book via eventbrite here.

FebFest Coffee Morning and Sale: home baking, bacon rolls, cards, children’s activities, raffle, books and gifts. 11am-1pm, St Mark’s Church, 287 Portobello High Street.

National Libraries Day: Help Make A Book Tree. Help make the library’s Book Tree with leaves made from your reader recommendations; tell us about your favourite books and maybe pick up someone else’s favourite. 10am-2pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road.

Darkness Visible: a series of feature films selected to accompany Christopher Orr’s exhibition The Beguiled Eye at the University of Edinburgh’s Talbot Rice Gallery. Each film reflects different elements in Orr’s work, from the enchantment and terror of the Ozark mountains in Winter’s Bone to the barren, ominous desolation of Tarkovsky’s ‘Zone’ in Stalker, and the unearthly mystery and sense of adventure in Super 8. Each film will be introduced by an assistant curator from Talbot Rice. Today: Super 8 (12A). 3.40pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked online or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688: prices vary. Series continues on Sunday 8th and Monday 9th February 2015. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s review of The Beguiled Eye here.

Guess How Much I Love You Activity Weekend: balloons, activities and prizes to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this much-loved picture book – and while you’re in the store, you can make a Valentine’s Day card for the person you love ‘to the moon and back’. 10am-2pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. For more information call 0131 226 2666.

The Art of Hassan Meshkinfam: the first exhibition in Scotland of this renowned Iranian artist. A chance to see a wide selection of Hassan Meshkinfam’s work, from figurative paintings and watercolour landscapes to a new series of collages produced around the work of the Persian poet Nima Yushij, (whose life and work will be celebrated at the gallery on 14th February). Open preview 5-7pm tonight, then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday, The Sutton Gallery, 18a Dundas Street. Exhibition closes 28th February 2015.

National Libraries Day: Tiger Tales. A special book-themed Tiger Tales for children. 10am, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Please call library on 0131 529 5603 to check times.

Drawing From Nature: design and print greetings cards with a springtime theme, using handmade paper and plant-based inks. For all ages. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free, no booking required. Also at same times on Sunday 8th February 2015.

National Libraries Day Mini Video Games Fest: join in the competitive fun with a big-screen FIFA tournament, take a trip through gaming history with some retro game machines, plus Minecraft and fun multiplayer action. For ages 8+. 1.30-4.30pm, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drum Brae Drive.

Tours for National Libraries Day: take this opportunity to learn more about the National Library, the collections, services, exhibitions and events, and see behind the scenes. 10am or 12 noon (11am tour already full), National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Places are limited so booking is essential, either online here or by calling 0131 623 3734.

Edinburgh Iranian Festival at the National Museum: a day of music, fashion and debate inspired by Iran. Events will include a Persian Chic Fashion Show and panel discussion on contemporary Iranian fashion, a performance by Persian folk singer and songwriter Azadeh, and a curator-led viewing of a display of ancient Iranian garments. 1-4pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free. For details of times and locations within the museum, please see the NMS website.

National Libraries Day: Music with the Clarsach Society. Members of the Edinburgh branch of the Clarsach Society perform solos, songs, duets and ensembles. 2-2.20pm and 2.35-2.55pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge.

Gallery Ten: new exhibitions. Robert Powell: artist in print, Liam Flynn: vessels in wood, Stephen Nolan: paintings, and Emma Mogridge: jewellery collection. Preview today 2-4.30pm, then 10.30am-5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, Gallery Ten, 10 Stafford Street. Exhibitions end 14th March 2015.

Leap In Time: an exhibition of work by two German photographers, Erich Salomon (1886-1944) and Barbara Klemm (born 1939). Working primarily as photojournalists, both have produced unique documentary images of their time, including photographs of many of the most important people, places and moments of the 20th century and early 21st century history in Germany and elsewhere. 11am-6pm daily, Stills, 23 Cockburn Street until 5th April 2015. An exhibition of the Institute for Cultural Relations, Germany in cooperation with the Goethe Institute, Glasgow.

St Bride’s Family Cinema: see your favourite film for free! Juice and choc ices available to buy in the interval at 50p each. This week: Madagascar Escape 2 Africa (PG). 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Place, Dalry. Please note all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Next week: Shrek 2 (U).

National Libraries Day: Mystery Book Lucky Dip. Don’t know which book to start, or looking for something a little bit different? Try Balerno Library’s Mystery Book Challenge, with books handpicked by library staff. Balerno Library, 1 Main Street. Contact library for more details.

National Libraries Day: Redesign Your Library! Let your imagination run wild with the library’s Art Club and show us what you would have in your ideal library. For ages 5-12. 2-3pm, Muirhouse Library, 15a Pennywell Road. #strongernorth

The Big LGBT Music Jam: a creative and supportive space for making music. Play, sing your own song or just be an appreciative listener, all music tastes welcome. Bring your own instruments, some percussion supplied. 1-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact biglgbtmusicjamedinburgh@gmail.com.

National Libraries Day: Read and Remember World War I. Sing along to the songs of World War I, browse a selection of books and have a cuppa. 10.30-11.30am, Central Library, George IV Bridge.

Edinburgh Trans Women: support group aimed at transsexual women at any stage of transition – women who are transgender and live as women full or part-time, and those who are questioning their gender identity.  We will look forward to meeting you and prefer you to email us the first time you want to visit. 7.30-9.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Contact: info@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk.

National Libraries Day: Bags of Love. Decorate a bag to carry your library books in. 10.30-11.30am, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road.

Greener Leith Annual Pruning Workshop Day: learn how to prune fruit trees at this free workshop run by Ben Dell from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Soup and sandwiches provided! To keep warm the group will also be carrying out general maintenance and a litter pick. 11am-2pm, Children’s Orchard, Leith Links. Booking required: contact charlotte@greenerleith.org. Please note that places are limited to 15 and priority will be given to people from Leith. Please dress appropriately for the cold weather and bring a pair of sharp secateurs if you have them. Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult at all times.

National Libraries Day Bake Sale: come along and celebrate with a cake and a coffee. Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan: contact library for times.

National Libraries Day: Murakami Bingo. Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. Please contact the library for details.

National Libraries Day: Polish Bookbug. A new Polish Bookbug session with songs, rhymes and fun – and today with tea and biscuits for the whole community, to celebrate National Libraries Day. 10.30-11.30am, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. All welcome!

SUNDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2015

2015 Iranian Film Festival: a season of classic and contemporary films from Iran, including a number of Scottish premieres, shown as part of the Edinburgh Iranian Festival. Today: The Desert Fish (12A): a young boy wants to unravel the mystery of his dead mother, who comes to him in dreams. He undertakes an incredible journey to find out where he came from and the secrets his father never told him. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session with the director, arts director and editor. There will also be a drinks reception and live music from Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin at the Traverse Theatre Bar, Cambridge Street, 8.30-9.30pm (after the film). 6.10pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked online here or by calling the box office on 0131 228 2688. Prices vary: there are deals for purchasing multiple tickets for this season. The 2015 Iranian Film Festival is curated by Dr Nacim Pak-Shiraz and sponsored by The Sutton Gallery, Arts & Business Scotland, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies of the University of Edinburgh, and the Filmhouse.

Portrait Detectives: Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history! For ages 4-12 years. 2-4pm (drop-in), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Edinburgh Iranian Festival: Persian Calligraphy. Meet painter and printmaker Jila Peacock whose work, based on the elegant and dynamic forms of Persian calligraphy, creates a beautiful fusion of art and language. Listen to Jila talk about her work and create your own calligraphic art. 2-3pm, Nomad’s Tent, 21 St Leonard’s Place. Free admission.

Darkness Visible: a series of feature films selected to accompany Christopher Orr’s exhibition The Beguiled Eye at the University of Edinburgh’s Talbot Rice Gallery. Each film reflects different elements in Orr’s work, from the enchantment and terror of the Ozark mountains in Winter’s Bone to the barren, ominous desolation of Tarkovsky’s ‘Zone’ in Stalker, and the unearthly mystery and sense of adventure in Super 8. Each film will be introduced by an assistant curator from Talbot Rice. Today: Stalker (PG). 2.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked online or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688: prices vary. Series concludes on Monday 9th February 2015. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s review of The Beguiled Eye here.

Filmhouse Junior: The Wind Rises (PG). A decades-spanning epic from master filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Jiro dreams of flying and designing aeroplanes; he studies hard and joins a Japanese engineering company in 1927. His bright intelligence and dedication will lead him to create the Zero fighter, a bomber put into service just as Japan is contemplating war with the US. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and can be booked online or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Teenage Book Group: if you love to read or just want to read more, join the group to talk about the latest teenage fiction and your favourite books. The group reads anything from classics to contemporary and historical to dystopian, and is currently reading Alex Bell’s Frozen Charlotte. 2-3pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To join (it’s free!) just email your details to schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.

Edinburgh Iranian Festival: Fashion Sale. A second chance to see the pieces displayed at the Persian Chic Fashion Show at the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday, with an opportunity to purchase. 10am-5pm, Nomad’s Tent, 21 St Leonard’s Place.

Edinburgh Iranian Festival: Beyond the Chador – Iranian Dress for Women. Dr Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood talks about Iran’s centuries-old production of intriguing textiles and beautiful garments, especially for women, and how urban and regional dress have responded to each other over time. 11am-12 noon, Nomad’s Tent, 21 St Leonard’s Place.

Drawing From Nature: design and print greetings cards with a springtime theme, using handmade paper and plant-based inks. For all ages. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required.

Heriot Watt University Anniversary Service: a Town and Gown event to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the granting of the university’s charter. Excelsior Per Cantum, the university’s chamber choir, will perform at the service. 10am, Currie Kirk, 156 Lanark Road West.

Edinburgh Iranian Festival: Iran and Tourism. If you have ever wondered about travelling to Iran, this is your opportunity to learn about the country’s history and cultural heritage from the experts, and to find out more about where to go and how to get there. Dr Laurent Galbrun (Heriot Watt University) will give an insight into the people, culture, art and architecture of Iran from a European perspective, illustrated by his photographs of the architectural gems of Esfahan, Shiraz, Kashan Qazvin, Qom and Tehran. Dr Masood Khodadadi (University of West Scotland) specialises in cultural tourism, tourism marketing, destination branding and destination image formation process; his recent research has focused on how institutional/popular discourses of Iran/Persia are constructed and perceived in Britain. Warwick Ball has 20 years of experience in operating tours to Iran and over 40 years of personal travel in the country as an archaeologist and historian; he will take the audience through an amazing journey. UK-based tour operators Persian Voyage will also attend to provide visa and travel advice. 3.30-5pm, Nomad’s Tent, 21 St Leonard’s Place. Free admission.

St Giles’ At Six: Edinburgh Napier University Composers Concert with The Edinburgh Quartet. New compositions for string quartet by student composers Jason Sweeney, David Paton, Linyi Tam, Jonathan Grant, Ian Sutherland, Robin McLeish and Alexander Vella Gregory. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.

Edinburgh’s Barney’s Beer has come on board with Scottish band Idlewild, brewing a new beer to celebrate their eighth album Everything Ever Written. The craft beer brewer, based at Edinburgh Arts Hub Summerhall, was approached by the band who were looking for a symbiotic way to launch their new album.

The album, predominantly written on the Isle of Mull and recorded in Edinburgh, launches in the UK on 16 February 2015. The beer will be available in Scotland as part of a limited edition batch to coincide with the launch. The band and brewer are very excited to be working together to celebrate the launch of the new album and the band’s return to music after five years away.

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

Brewer Barney commented:

“When the band approached me to collaborate on a beer I invited them down to the brewery to have a taste of some beers and throw around some ideas. We’re not new to artistic collaborations having worked with John Byrne, Ryoko Tamura & Will Pickvance – so it was great to have the whole band’s input and come up with something that reflects the ideas behind Everything Ever Written”

The Band joined Barney in his brewery in late 2014 to taste some beers and work out how best to match the album with a bespoke brew. The band tried Barney’s range from the very light Extra Pale ale to a new double Volcano IPA – the band, all beer drinkers, settled for a beer that would be sessionable and accessible to music fans and beer fans alike.

The final beer – Scottish Fiction IPA – named after a track from the band’s ‘The Remote Part’ album which featured the poem Scottish Fiction by the late Edwin Morgan – is made with Scottish malt and American hops to mirror the album’s musical ingredients – Scottish Folk, Hebridean psychedelia, americana and American alternative rock.  

The band’s Roddy Woomble added:

“Idlewild are a band of committed and enthusiastic craft beer and ale drinkers and Barneys beer has been a favourite for quite a while. The fact that Barney’s beer and Idlewild both hail from Edinburgh makes a collaboration like this extra special….”

The very limited edition brew of 1250 bottles will be available at independent beer & wine shops and also will also be available on cask for a limited time only.

The bottles will also feature a QR code that will give access to a free download of a special acoustic performance of one of the bands earliest and best-loved tracks – A Film For The Future.

The beer will be available at stockists including Vino Wines, Great Grog & Cork & Cask and online at Beer52.com

In September you may spot some pretty rare cars in the grounds of The Palace of Holyroodhouse as the Concours of Elegance 2015 is coming to the capital. Her Majesty the Queen has granted her permission to the organisers, Thorough Events, to use the royal palace for the first time.

The event was held last year in the grounds of Windsor Castle, and it is the royal connection which makes the event unique. HRH Prince Michael of Kent is the patron of the driving event.

There is an exclusive tour around Scotland which will involve 60 of the rarest cars from around the world and this will have its grande finale on The Royal Mile.

There will also be hundreds of other cars on display in Edinburgh from the most prestigious automobile manufactures and car clubs across the UK.  The car clubs will have the opportunity of competing for the Club Trophy during the weekend.

While such an event usually features one winner this one will allow all the invited cars to appear as winners, but the owners can vote for another car as the most elegant car in the event.

The main objective of the Concours of Elegance is as a fundraiser for a number of charities.

Tickets and hospitality will be bookable in advance here. 

Here is a look at some of the cars which took part last year

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWGVWzkbhtA&w=560&h=315]

Art Maker – February. Join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. For ages 4-12 years. 2-4pm (drop-in), Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Edinburgh School of Music Showcase: ESM Director Kira Easson presents some of her top music students in a monthly showcase of their burgeoning vocal and instrumental talents. 3-5.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £3 cash on the door only.

Winter Guided Walk: join a Garden Guide for a leisurely afternoon walk around the Garden. Discover stunning seasonal highlights and learn about the history of the Garden and its plants. For ages 14+. 2pm, John Hope Gateway reception, Royal Botanic Garden Inverleith Row. £5 per person; no advance booking required.

Filmhouse Junior: Films for a younger audience, weekly on Sundays at 11am. Tickets cost £4.00 (£5.00 for 3D screenings) per person, big or small. Filmhouse, Lothian Road.  Book via the Filmhouse box office.

Sofidelity: singer songwriter club in Sofi’s back room. 6-8pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.

St Giles At Six. An organ recital by Paul Bowen (Bradford Cathedral): JS Bach, Dubois, Howells and Mathias. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.

Ricky Henderson selected as Westminster candidate

News

Andy Murray

Get Started with Media

Weekly news round up

Councillor Ricky Henderson who represents the Pentland Hills Ward on Edinburgh Council has been selected as Westminster candidate for the Labour Party in this May’s General Election.

Read more here.

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Well that’s January over and done with. Phew we made it! Some of you have been detoxing and some have enjoyed a dry January. However you have passed the month that has just finished we hope you have had fun.

Whatever you are up to now in February we would love you to tell us your news of whatever magnitude. If you know someone who has a big birthday bash coming up then tell us and we will give them a shout out on the relevant day in one of our future Five things articles. If your organisation has done something really good then there are a few ways to get in touch with us.

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Is there anywhere else to be this morning other than in front of  a television set willing Andy Murray to victory in the Australian Open? We  don’t think so.

All the information you need about Murray and his quest to win his first Australian Open title is right here on the Australian Open Tennis 2015 website.

The BBC have it covered on BBC One and BBC Five Live. More information here.

If you fancy having a go at tennis yourself then contact Edinburgh Leisure to find out where your nearest courts are and when the next series of coaching starts.

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If you are aged between 18 and 25 and are currently unemployed then this course might be of interest to you. The Prince’s Trust is running a course to help you improve your media skills, prepare and host an event as part of a group challenge and receive up to three months support after the programme.

There is a Taster Day for you to try it out on 11 February and then the programme runs from 16 February to 6 March 2015 in Edinburgh and Lothian. If you are interested there is more information here. THE COURSE IS FREE…. and they provide you with lunch each day.

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The Edinburgh Reporter has recently started contributing a news bulletin to Black Diamond FM and you can listen to this week’s bulletin below.

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You can listen to Black Diamond FM by clicking here.

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Musselburgh Racecourse is optimistic that its £152,000 showpiece John Smith’s Scottish Cheltenham Trials meeting will go ahead later today Sunday 1 February.

The East Lothian course will hold a precautionary 8am inspection but with a forecast of bright clear weather on Sunday with temperatures of +4 degrees, boss Bill Farnsworth is hopeful racing won’t fall to the weather which has hit a number of other meetings across the UK.

He said: “Based on today’s forecast of +4 degrees which is expected to be repeated tomorrow, I am hopeful that we will be racing as planned. There is a possibility of some light rain tonight and temperatures could dip to -2 but we are putting covers down on the most vulnerable parts of the track to counter that.

“Tomorrow is due to be bright and clear and if we get the go-ahead it should be a beautiful day to watch some of the country’s leading jumps horses as they prepare for Cheltenham.”

The eight card meeting features two Listed races, including two £25,000 races, backed up with four £20,000 features. Gates open at 11am and the first race is off at 1pm.

For further updates check Musselburgh’s social media feeds on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MusselburghRacecourse and Twitter @musselburghrace

SPFL Championship, Saturday 31 January 2015 – Indodrill Stadium

Much has been written in the printed and on-line media this week about how Hearts would react to their first league defeat of the season following Falkirk’s 3-2 victory at Tynecastle last Saturday. Would there be an adverse reaction to this setback? Would doubts be placed in the minds of the players? Would their confidence now turn to nerves? These questions were answered in emphatic fashion in Clackmannanshire on Saturday evening when Robbie Neilson’s men returned to winning ways by coasting to a 4-1 victory over Alloa Athletic.

Neilson had said during the week he would have made changes to the Hearts team for this game regardless of the result in Gorgie last week. Sure enough, Jordan McGhee, Sam Nicholson and Genero Zeefuik had to be content with places on the substitute’s bench while their replacements Alim Ozturk, Miguel Pallardo and James Keatings took to the field on a cold, windy winter’s evening.

As is customary, Hearts began on the offensive from the kick off. James Keatings had the game’s first chance after just two minutes but he hit the side netting. Three minutes later, however, Hearts went ahead with a spectacular goal. Miguel Pallardo fired in a screamer from 25 yards which gave Alloa keeper McDowall not an earthly. As against Falkirk last week, Hearts had made the perfect start.

Jamie Walker then almost made it two when he was set up by Osman Sow but the youngster’s effort only found the side netting. It was a miss Hearts almost regretted when former Jambo Stephen Simmons hit the post as play swung to the other end of the field. However, with just 11 minutes played, Hearts were 2-0 up thanks to a quite brilliant solo goal from James Keatings. The hard-working forward showed great skill by dancing past the Alloa defence before firing in a low shot to double the visitors’ lead. It was a superb effort, one of the goals of the season.

It was all Hearts now and Osman Sow fired in an effort which was well saved by McDowall. Then Keatings fired in another effort which rattled the crossbar as Hearts threatened to go on the rampage. The only minor gripe for the Maroon Army was that their heroes were only two goals ahead at the interval. Half-time Alloa Athletic 0 Hearts 2

Hearts were still dominant in the second half. Therefore, it was something of a shock to the system when the Wasps pulled a goal back on the hour mark. As against Falkirk last week, the Hearts defence looked none too clever when Spence resisted a less than convincing challenge from Pallardo to head home. Hearts discomfort, however, only lasted five minutes. Simmons gave the ball away to Jamie Walker and the youngster thrust into the Alloa penalty box before firing the ball past McDowall. 3-1 to Hearts and the fire in the Alloa bellies had been doused.

Walker almost scored again after fine work from Eckersley but this time McDowall palmed the ball clear.

Hearts ended the game in fine style and scored a fourth goal in stoppage time when Callum Paterson headed home substitute Billy King’s corner.

So Hearts answered their critics in style with a fine, dominant performance to stretch their lead over Rangers at the top of the SPFL Championship to 16 points. Two games now follow against bottom side Livingston. After the disappointment of last week, Hearts fans are delighted to see Robbie Neilson’s side back to their best.

Alloa Athletic: McDowall, Doyle, Gordon, Benedictus, Meggatt, Docherty, McCord, Simmons, Holmes, Spence, Buchanan

Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Wilson, Ozturk, Gomis, Walker Pallardo, Buaben, Keatings, Sow , Eckersley.

Referee: Stephen Finnie

Att: 2,592

Top man: James Keatings. What a goal!

Councillor Ricky Henderson has been confirmed as the candidate for the Westminster seat of the erstwhile Chancellor Alistair Darling who announced his resignation from politics at the end of last year.

Convener of the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee he is well known as a hard working local councillor.

The Scottish Labour  party voted for Henderson ahead of the other nominees who included fellow councillor Norma Austin Hart. 

Married with two grown up children, Henderson has been a councillor for 16 years. He has represented the Pentland Hills ward since 2007.   

Speaking after his selection at a constituency meeting in the Pentland Community Centre, Councillor Henderson said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen to succeed Alistair Darling as Labour’s candidate. He will be a very hard act to follow but I am looking forward to the campaign ahead. It will be hard work but I know Labour can hold this seat. The people of Edinburgh South West know that only by voting for Labour can they get eject David Cameron from Downing Street.”

Alistair Darling said:  “My congratulations to Ricky on his selection. I know he will be an excellent candidate. He understands the constituency and will be a first class MP. I’ll be doing all I can to ensure he wins the seat for Labour in May.”

Darling won the seat last time with a majority of 8447 in 2010 over Conservative candidate Jason Rust who is an Edinburgh councillor. Mr Darling has held the seat since 2005 and previously represented Edinburgh Central.

You can read Ricky’s blog here.

Maurice Malpas sitting in the directors’ box probably saw Hibs create more chances today than they did during his and Terry Butcher’s entire tenure, but incredibly despite dominating thoughout, Alan Stubbs’ men could only take one point against Raith Rovers after Christian Nade grabbed a last gasp equaliser to counteract Martin Boyle’s earlier strike.

Head Coach Stubbs made one change to the starting XI that beat Queen of the South last week, with new on-loan signing from Dundee United, Keith Watson taking over at right back from Callum Booth who was told last week that he would not be offered a contract at the end of the season and elected to move to Partick Thistle on loan.

Former Hamilton Academical keeper Tomas Cerny started on the bench alongside Jordon Forster who continues his comeback from injury. Franck Dja Djedje was also listed amongst the substitutes after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Before the game, there was a minutes’ applause in memory of former Hibs’ Chairman Douglas Cromb who passed away last week.

Hibs started brightly in freezing cold conditions and spurned three good chances in the first two minutes. Liam Craig went close with a header from a Watson cross, then Martin Boyle had a shot blocked before Liam Fontaine headed inches wide from a Craig cross.

The home side dominated possession,sometimes holding the ball for two minutes without a Raith player getting a touch as they looked to grab an opener.

In the 23rd minute, Craig’s free kick was flicked inches wide by Fontaine then Watson’s goalbound shot was blocked on the line as Hibs pressed for an opener.

Four minutes later Boyle should have scored after the excellent Scott Allan found him unmarked eight yards from goal, but his shot was well saved.

Craig then should have done better from a Lewis Stevenson cross but his header from five yards flew just past the post.

Two minutes later, Craig found Jason Cummings who turned and shot first time from the edge of the box but with the keeper beaten the ball rebounded off the post.

Craig then headed just over from an Allan cross and shot inches wide from a McGeough pass then just before the half time whistle his jersey was blatantly pulled inside the box but the referee waved away the fans’ and players’ appeals and he left the pitch with boos ringing in his ears.

The breakthrough finally came in the 46th minute when Boyle beat the offside trap and latched onto a fine through ball from Allan before calmly slotting the ball home to register his first goal in the green and white of Hibs.

Cummings should have doubled Hibs’ lead five minutes later after a great run by Allan but his shot was well saved by David McGurn.

A great run by Fontaine almost created a second but shots from Cummings and Boyle incredibly stayed out.

In the 72nd minute, a Liam Craig strike from the edge of the box was parried by McGurn and Boyle headed in the rebound but his effort was ruled offside, then ten minutes later, a sensational pass by Allan reached Boyle but the on-loan striker elected to shoot when Djedje was in a better position and the keeper made an easy save.

With the game heading to injury time, Rovers won a corner on the right. Ryan Conroy sent in perfect cross and Nade headed the ball into the net to the delight of the travelling support.

Hibs: Oxley, Watson, Sevenson, Hanlon, Fontaine, Craig, Robertson, Allan, McGeough, Cummings, Boyle. Subs Cerny, Forster, Stanton, Handling, L Allan, Dja Djedje, Martin

Raith Rovers: McGurn, Thomson, Watson, Hill, Anderson, Moon, Stewart, Callachan, McKay, McKeown, Nade. Subs Cuthbert, Fox, Scott, Conroy, Vaughan, Carrick, Barr

Attendance 9024

Shake Your Tale! MacRumba and Fandango’s Stories and Tangos! Travel around the world in story and dance with globetrotting dance sensation Carmen Fandango and Disco-Bothy storyteller Ruridh MacRumba, as they take you on a story-dance adventure to celebrate different countries and cultures. Edinburgh-based zumba instructor Frances Bavin and storyteller Fergus McNicol bring you a fully participative fun-filled family session, perfect for parents and children aged 6-10 years. 11am, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £6/£4 and can be booked online here or by calling the box office on 0131 556 9579.

National Gallery Highlights Tours: an introduction to and tour of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

St Bride’s Family Cinema: see your favourite films for free! Adventure. excitement, fun and laughs, with juice and choc ices available in the interval for 50p each. All welcome: children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. This week: Dumbo (U). 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry.

St Peter’s Community Coffee Morning: speciality Ceylon teas, freshly-brewed coffee, home baking, Fair Trade stall and musical entertainment. 10am-12 noon, St Peter’s Church Hall, Lutton Place. Free entry. In aid of the church’s work with the homeless through The Bethany Trust.

Out of the Blue Flea Market: from vintage clothes, books and bric a brac to musical instruments, small furniture and antiques – rummage for treasures at over 45 stalls. Delicious coffee, cake and light lunches on sale at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe. 10am-3pm today and the last Saturday of every month, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 35 Dalmeny Street, Leith.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children. 10.30-11am today and every Saturday, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. Also at same time every Tuesday.

Tutti Frutti: sister duo playing country and rock n roll. 9pm-12 midnight, Dalriada Bar on the Beach, 77 Promenade, Portobello.

Edinburgh Society of Musicians Concert Programme. George Todica (piano): Silvestri Scholarship Concert – Scriabin, Enesco, Chopin and Rachmaninov. 7.30pm (prompt), Edinburgh Society of Musicians, 3 Belford Road. Free.

Manga Workshop: Edinburgh League of Comics will help you to create your own characters and script a story. Take home your very own comic book! For ages 10+. 2-4pm, Kirkliston Library, 16 Station Road. To book your free place contact Nicola at the library by calling 0131 529 5510 or emailing kirkliston.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Scots Music Group Ceilidh with Bella McNab’s Dance Band. 7.30pm – dancing from 8pm to 12 midnight, St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry. Tickets cost £8/£6 in advance or £10/£8 on the door, and are available from St Bride’s Box Office on 0131 346 1405 or the Scots Music Group on 0131 555 7668.

Tim Loud/Depresstival: ‘gut-bustin’, foot-stompin’ acoustic blues/country/punk/rock’ from Leeds singer/songwriter Tim Loud and ‘caustic, witty and cathartic anti-folk’ from goth-tinged songstress/philosopher Depresstival. 7pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place. Free entry, BYOB, small corkage charge.

What is the local economy for? What is happening to our community? Why so many supermarkets? And are they making life better? Organised by a group of local people who want to understand how the local economy works and who is driving these changes, this is the first in a series of day workshops asking ‘Who is the local economy for?’ Speakers: Alison Johnstone (Green Party MSP), Dan Gay, RIC Economy Group and Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty. 9.30am-2.30pm, Tollcross Community Centre, 117 Fountainbridge. All welcome: light lunch provided and creche available (call 07949 230245 to book creche). Supported by ALP and Tollcross Community Association.

Library closed in Craigmillar today 

Lauriston Castle tours

Charity Swap Shop Party

Scottish Labour Party conference in Edinburgh

Vote for Edinburgh business in British competition

East Neighbourhood Centre and Craigmillar Library are closed today for essential building maintenance work. Councillor Maureen Child explained to The Edinburgh Reporter: “They plan to install two heat curtains in the entrance area of the building, and will need to replace the main power distribution board to accommodate it. This will mean an improved experience of the building for everyone, with a warmer and more inviting reception space.  To minimise disruption as much as possible, the building will be closed to the public on Saturday 7 February and will reopen as usual at 8:30 am on Monday 9 February.”

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Lauriston Castle usually opens its doors for guided tours on demand, but for a number of dates there will be no tours.

The dates are : Sat 7 Feb; Sat 7 March; Sat 21 March; Sat 4 April; Thu 9 April; Sat 18 April; Thu 23 April; Sat 2 May; Thu 7 May; Sat 16 May; Thu 21 May; Sat 30 May.

Check on the website for further details and in case of change.

The gardens are open though and they are lovely.

“The Castle is set within an historic garden laid out by William Henry Playfair in the 1840s.  Overlooking the Firth of Forth and Cramond Island,  the views from the garden are magnificent. The recent award winning Japanese Friendship garden, gifted by the prefecture of Kyoto, is a tranquil place to contemplate.”

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Scottish Labour is holding a one day conference on 7 March 2015 in Edinburgh at the EICC. The new leadership team of Jim Murphy MP and Kezia Dugdale MSP think it is time for a fresh start and they want to bring together their members, politicians, trade unionists and societies and businesses from all over Scotland.

They propose a rewrite of their constitution to ensure that Scottish Labour changes to reflect the changes in Scotland. They will also seek agreement on policy for the 2016 Scottish manifesto.

More information on the Scottish Labour website.

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Another date for your diary. There will be a charity swap shop party on 7 February at the Pilates Attic in Thistle Street Lane.

Charity Swap Shop Party!

This is a great idea…..
Bring along your unwanted clothes, coats, shoes, jewellery, bags, hats, and other accessories, books, CD’s, unwanted christmas gifts and anything else!
They should be in good enough condition that someone else would want them. The more the merrier, we want all shapes, sizes and styles!

More details here.

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CAPR-Style, a manufacture of adaptive clothing for people with disabilities and special needs, has been chosen as Scotland’s Most Innovative Small Business in the GREAT Business ‘Faces of British Business’ competition. CAPR-Style is now competing for the national prize and to be named the Most Innovative Small Business of Great Britain.

Founded in 2013 CAPR-Style design, manufacture, and distribute adaptive clothing for those with additional support needs. The clothing designs include innovative features that aid the wearer allowing greater independence or can ease the difficulty that clothing can create for carers.  The only company of its kind they offer a wardrobe of adaptive clothing for both children and adults.

Founder and mother Claudia Romero began the business to create clothing for her severely disabled son and those like him and the company has grown from there. The team of 4 are based in Edinburgh and have developed close links with schools and groups in the area. Working alongside families they continue to develop new ranges to accommodate solutions to common difficulties and create bespoke pieces to cater to individual needs.

The Business is GREAT Britain campaign launched the competition in 2014, in association with BT Business, to find the most innovative and exciting UK businesses. With public voting making up 50 per cent of the final decision, every vote counts. Voting will close on 23 February and the winner will be announced on 3 March.

Claudia Romero, Executive Manager, CAPR-Style said:

“We are thrilled to be awarded as a regional winner in the GREAT Faces of British Business competition. It is great to see the difference in needs for those with disabilities and their families being recognised and we hope that we will be able to reach and help more people.”

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: ‘CAPR-Style is a brilliant example of a successful small firm run by enterprising and hardworking people.’

Recently awarded the Bronze Product Award by Mumpreneur UK for their Arran Style Padded Knee trousers, CAPR-Style are gaining a reputation for its innovation and ingenuity. Now named Most Innovative small business in Scotland, CAPR-Style is now in the running to win the national competition and the top prize of £30,000 worth of government support. The winners will be decided by a combination of judging and public vote. They need your vote as a GREAT business at greatbusinesscompetition.com.

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‘Teen weepies’ are so prevalent nowadays they have almost become a genre of their own. When the manic John Green fans screamed to the holy heavens at the release of The Fault in Our Stars, it was no longer enough to present teenagers with relationships tainted by simple quarrels; we needed something authentic and moving. Feasibility isn’t exactly the strong point of R.J. Cutler’s ‘car crash’ romance If I Stay, but it is devilishly easy to get lost in its dreamy ideas.

A talented young cellist finds herself on the brink of reaching a perfect life. Auditions for Julliard Music School and a boyfriend who oozes talent and enviable sex appeal; it all seems so insignificant when she finds herself the victim of a car crash, left to decide between family and the boy she loves.

Chloë Grace Moretz seems to have made a series of great role choices recently, and If I Stay is no exception to this. Its concept may be totally farfetched, and its execution rather disorganized, but nothing negative be said for Moretz’s performance. She plays the character of Mia with authenticity that rivals performers a whole lot older than her. She’s emotionally captivating; a charming presence in a film that otherwise, could be seen as a little drab. Her co-star, the British import Jamie Blackley does his best with a rather silly role; but their on screen presence as a couple is where the film shines greatest.

If I Stay manages to balance an adoration of music, grief and teenage lust on an equally serious if unstructured level. Only one is truly affecting. As soon as the turning point hits with Mia’s car crash, the film develops a thick skin of grief which acts as a layer of beautiful, emotive material for Moretz. That said, this skin is so thick that its almost impermeable. Although it has its touching moments, it doesn’t punch you in the gut in the manner that it probably should. This could be down to its determination to jump through a timescale so short that its difficult to decipher one moment from another.

A beautiful lead performance and emotional gravitas do their best to stop If I Stay from becoming a sprawling teen love story. For the most part they succeed, but a lot of cliched dialogue and uninspired characters stop it from becoming an exemplary addition to a downtrodden genre.

If I Stay is released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment on Monday 2 February 2015

The City of Edinburgh Council will decide on a proposed settlement scheme developed with the solicitors representing families affected by past practices at Mortonhall Crematorium.

The settlement scheme reached with Thompsons Solicitors, who are representing 129 clients, provides for payments of £1,000 and £4,000 depending on circumstances, together with payment of legal expenses.

Details of the scheme are covered in the Mortonhall Crematorium – Settlement of Claims report which is going before the City of Edinburgh Council next week.

Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The events of the past two years have understandably been distressing for families affected by the events at Mortonhall Crematorium. The Council is taking forward all the recommendations made by Dame Elish Angiolini in her report, and will ensure nothing like this happens ever again.

“On 5 February the Council will also consider a proposed scheme that offers an alternative means of settling claims from affected families, represented by Thompsons, and would avoid the need for parents to pursue their cases through the courts.

“Our work on the Mortonhall Multi-Agency Working Group is progressing well and designs have now been produced for potential memorials. Further details are available in the Mortonhall Action Plan: Update report.”

Patrick McGuire, from Thompsons Solicitors, commented: “The past two years have been extremely distressing for the families affected by events at Mortonhall. In addition to the grief they face over the loss of their children the families also have to bear the deep upset caused by practices at the crematorium. Despite this they have shown remarkable courage and resolve to make the Scottish public aware about what had gone on.

“As a group the Mortonhall parents have displayed great solidarity and compassion to each other and it is largely through their efforts that we now have wider investigations into events at crematoria throughout Scotland.

“The proposed settlement scheme makes very clear that none of the families we represent will be excluded and again this is testament to the strong will and dignity shown by my clients.

 “The Mortonhall families, through their tenacity and decency, have brought us to where we are today. In doing so they have ensured that in the future no other families will have to suffer distress due to unacceptable practices at our crematoria.”

You can also see the possible designs in our separate article here.

Three men responsible for the distribution of drugs and counterfeit cash in Edinburgh have today been jailed.

At the High Court in Edinburgh Jason Forbes was sentenced to 32 months in prison while Darren Hendren was given a 20-month sentence. Edmond Reid received two 36-month prison sentences, which will run concurrently.

Between October 2012 and May 2013 officers from the Organised Crime Counter Terrorism Unit carried out surveillance activity within the Inch and Niddrie areas of the city as part of Operation Harvester.

As a result, almost £10,000 in forged notes was seized from an address in Niddrie Marischal Crescent in January before one kilo of cannabis and 576grams of diamorphine were recovered during a search of a property in Cumnor Crescent in May.

Reid and Handren were detained during the raid at Cumnor Crescent and were subsequently charged while Forbes was arrested in September during follow up enquiries under Operation Harvester.

Detective Superintendent David Gordon said: “All three individuals were identified during Operation Harvester as being key players in the supply of drugs and counterfeit money within the Capital and following a thorough investigation and significant surveillance activity they were all subsequently arrested and charged.

“At the culmination of this operation officers from the OCCTU recovered large quantities of harmful drugs before they could be distributed within our communities along with several thousands of pounds in forged cash.

“Forbes, Reid and Hendren had been conducting their illegal activity within the Inch for some time and believed that they were immune to police reprisal. However, with the support of the local public they have now been removed from the area and will spend significant time in prison.

“The sentences handed to each of them today reflects the continued commitment of Police Scotland and the Crown Office to identify those involved in serious and organised crime and bring them to justice.

“If you wish to report a crime in your area then please contact us on 101, speak with your local policing team or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police Scotland have confirmed this afternoon that Anne Cunningham who was reported missing this morning has been traced. 

She was found within the complex of Drummond Grange Nursing Home at around 11.15am today.

She was found safe and unharmed.  Police would like to thank those who participated in the search.

All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre are about to take their new show on the road, but just before they do you have one chance to see it on Saturday night at the Traverse Theatre. This is part of the Manipulate Festival, the international festival of visual theatre and film.

Three’s a Crowd is a production which crosses the boundaries between ground and air, expertly managing harness flying, aerial acrobatics, contemporary circus and dance theatre to present an exciting show for you. It delves into the inner workings of human relationships. The clue is in the name!

The Edinburgh Reporter met up with Jennifer Paterson, Artistic Director of All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre who directs the show:

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The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS – All or Nothing from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

The production also involves creative collaboration from writer Zoe Venditozzi and choreographer Brigid McCarthy.  The show has been designed by Becky Minto, with lighting design by Kate Bonney, and is set to a powerful new score by Luke Sutherland.

All or Nothing is Scotland’s leading aerial dance company creating, performing, training and helping to establish aerial arts in Scotland since 2006.  http://www.aerialdance.co.uk/

Venue: The Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED

Part of the Manipulate Festival, the international festival of visual theatre and film

Date: 31 January 2015

Time: 19:30

Tickets: £16, £12 conc, £8 conc

Box Office: 0131 228 1404 | http://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on| boxoffice@traverse.co.uk

It is now two years since the matter of babies ashes ‘missing’ from the council-owned Mortonhall Crematorium was first brought to light. This has been a harrowing story from the outset for the families in particular, but also a major problem for the Chief Executive of the council who has had to work hard to satisfy the demands of the bereaved families for information. In the words of one father The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to the council has managed to do that now, and he feels that personally he can look forward to a sense of closure once the memorial plans are fulfilled.

The investigations since 2012 have delved into the minute detail of the events which took place many years ago when babies died and their remains were cremated in the city without ashes being produced afterwards.

The council set up a working group along with SANDS Lothian, SiMBA, MACC and affected parents to try and resolve the matter. That resolution will now take two forms. The first is an offer of financial compensation to some of the affected families, and the second is a more tangible memorial, one at Mortonhall and one on a site elsewhere in the city.

Following discussions with all of those involved the council is proposing a memorial garden at Mortonhall and another memorial elsewhere when the location has been settled upon. Some families expressed a strong wish not to have to return to Mortonhall which held such sad memories for them, and so it is felt best to have two places where bereaved families can perhaps find some solace.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to the Chief Executive of the council and two of the affected parents :

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The Mortonhall Multi-Agency Working Group has consulted landscape designers to come up with proposals for the Mortonhall site and a garden with a reflecting pool is one possibility suggested. The final decision on the design will lie with the families, and the council will then implement the landscaping work just as soon as possible, and hopefully around the time of the one year anniversary since the report written by Dame Elish Angiolini was published.

Sue Bruce said: ” I am personally very encouraged with the progress made by the working group in dealing with both Dame Elish and Lord Bonomy’s recommendations. I would like to pay tribute to the willingness of all participants especially the parent representatives for all their efforts.”

Sara Fitzsimmons Executive Charity Director of SiMBA said: “Sitting on the group has reassured me that parents’ views and considerations are first and foremost throughout all discussions. You can see the progress being made implementing Dame Elish’s recommendations, one of those being the memorials. It was the parent’s decision that there should be one at Mortonhall and a second one away from the grounds.”

It is understood that the final form of the second memorial has to be agreed but suggestions have included fountains and sculptures.

ollowing the initial complaints to the council in 2012 the Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council commissioned a report by Dame Elish to advise on what had happened and what could be done in future. That report contained many recommendations specific to Edinburgh council.

Dame Elish interviewed parents, crematorium staff both present and past, funeral directors and a range of experts. The report extends to over 600 pages.

A further report was produced by Lord Bonomy on behalf of The Scottish Government in June 2014 which made recommendations on what should happen nationally to ensure that this does not reoccur anywhere in Scotland.

Due to her condition, officers believe Anne may still be in Lasswade area of Midlothian.  However she previously lived in the Davidson’s Mains/ Ferry Road area of Edinburgh and may have travelled to this part of the city.

Inspector Andrew Hill said:  “We are growing increasingly concerned for Anne’s welfare and we are appealing to the public for any information regarding her whereabouts.

“It was very cold last night and Anne is not dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.  It is essential that we trace her as soon as possible.  If you have any information please contact police immediately on 101.”

Anyone with information regarding Anne’s whereabouts is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A man has been arrested and charged after a woman was assaulted and robbed of her vehicle on Jane Street on Wednesday 28th January.

The 34-year-old is scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Friday).

The Guid Crack Club: Tongue in Cheek. Join Jack Martin, Edinburgh’s famed teller of tales, conveyer of wise-cracking puppets, and pun-plucker, in this special Burns Guid Crack. ‘Guard your tatties and hold on to your haggis!’ Young adults welcome if accompanied. 7.30pm, Waverley Bar, 1 St Mary’s Street. Free: suggested donation £3 per person. No booking required.

Common Weal Edinburgh North and Leith Social Night: as the Common Weal’s first series of events comes to a close, this is an opportunity for all to come together to discuss how to take things forward, and to reach out to new people. Wine, food, music from Calum Carlyle and something very special from Drew Wright aka Wounded Knee. If you would like to perform a set, contact Common Weal. 7pm, Area C Coffee House, 239-241 Leith Walk.

After School Art Clubs: an opportunity for children to experiment with a range of materials and techniques to create cardboard constructions , masks, puppets, ceramic work, collages, painting and drawing. For primary and early secondary age children. 1.30-3pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 55 Newcraighall Road. For more information and to book a place, call 0131 669 8432. £1 per session. Also runs 5-6.15pm on Wednesdays.

Gallus Crows: Midlothian-based acoustic Americana and folk group. 9pm, Captain’s Bar, South College Street.

Family History World War One Drop-In: do you have any diaries, letters, photos or medals from World War One? Or are you trying to find out more about your family’s wartime history? Why not come along, talk to the experts and get some one to one help? Please book by contacting the library; if today’s times are not convenient, email edwar@ed.ac.uk to make another appointment. 11am-1pm, Mezzanine Area, Central Library, George IV Bridge.

War Artists Series: Continuing Conflict – 1945 to the present. Freelance art historian Dr Patricia Andrew discusses the development of war-related art from the end of World War Two to the present day. She looks at both the official schemes for professional artists and the work of numerous unofficial and amateur artists. Also included are those who criticise war and its weapons, the peacetime mediators on war, and those looking back over the twentieth century, to commemorate and to warn. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Vive the (R)evolution: Poems in Translation. Jane Goldman and Kath Swarbrick examine the poetic dialogue between French surrealist Georges Hugnet and American writer Gertrude Stein, and offer their view on translation, distance, proximity and collaborative process. This performance will be in English and French. 7-8pm Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. £5 (£3 for members).

Heriot Watt University Lunchtime Music Hour: The History of Jazz Piano with the wonderfully charismatic Richard Michael. 12.30-1.30pm, Zero Degrees, Student Union, Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Campus, EH14 4AS. Free.

Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants: a free Scottish Chamber Orchestra workshop for children. When King Colin’s golden underpants go missing and the royal bottom is bared, it’s Sir Scallywag to the rescue! Brave and bold, courageous and true, he’s the perfect knight for the job – and what does it matter if he’s only six? Join the SCO team for an afternoon of music making: with the help of the workshop leader and SCO musicians, hear the story and learn the songs and actions featured in the SCO’s upcoming Family Concerts. Please note: all children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. There will be two workshops (1) 2-2.45pm for ages 5-9 years and (2) 3-3.45pm for ages 1-4 years. The workshops will be held at North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court, but booking – which is essential – must be made through the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, either online here, by calling 0131 478 8342 or emailing anna.hainsworth@sco.org.uk.

The Facility Project: Kalopsia launches this new textile ‘makerspace’, a place where textile creators, designers and producers can make, collaborate and innovate. Drinks and networking will be followed by speakers, a Q & A session, refreshments, more networking and music. 6-9pm, Kalopsia, LE2, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. Kalopsia is a creative agency and textiles collective; formed in 2012, it now operates as a social enterprise.

Edge and Shore: Acts of Doing. Visual artist Helen Carnac and dance artist Laila Diallo present a new work exploring the edges and boundaries of making and working, performance and installation. Working within the gallery space at Dovecot, the artists reveal an ever-evolving work that brings together objects, images, film, writing and live making. The work offers an insight into the working process, which is highlighted from 2-4pm each day (not 2nd Feb) when the artists are in a focused period of activity in the space. Visitors are encouraged to return at regular intervals over the eight day period to observe the different states that a work might take in a process of live making. 10.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays) until 7th February 2015, , Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street. There will be a free artists’ talk at 6pm on 3rd February and a workshop (£40/£30) on 2nd February 2015: see website for details and how to book.

Edinburgh College of Art Friday Lecture Series: Patrick Keiller. Filmmaker, writer and lecturer Patrick Keiller studied architecture at University College London and fine art at the Royal College of Art; his films include Robinson in Space (1997) and Robinson in Ruins (2010). This talk takes place the day after a screening of Patrick Keiller’s landmark film about the UK’s housing predicament The Dilapidated Dwelling (see Thursday’s listings). 11.30am, Main Lecture Theatre (E22), Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. All welcome: free.

Crafty Friday: arts and crafts session for children aged 4+. 2pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Free but please book your place by calling 0131 529 5595 or asking in the library.

Lunchtime Organ Concert: John Kitchen plays Samuel Wesley’s Voluntary in G Minor, Op 6 No 9,Voluntary in D, Op 6 No 8, and Nos 5,6 & 7 from Twelve Short Pieces, Mendelssohn’s Thema mit Variationen in D, and William Russell’s Voluntary No 12 in C minor/major. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.

Trading Standards uncover lottery scam

Dame Kelly Holmes in Edinburgh

What’s on in Edinburgh today

Flea Market

RNIB plans for 2015

Trading Standards officers at Edinburgh Council have uncovered a scam which could have cost one resident £16,000 until they stepped in.

Read more here.

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The Edinburgh Reporter was lucky enough to be invited along to the People’s Postcode Lottery on Wednesday evening when Dame Kelly Holmes was principal guest. She was interviewed on stage by TV presenter Fiona Phillips who is an ambassador for the charity, and was warm and funny about her sporting career and her charity work.

Yesterday she visited The Real Mary King’s Close on behalf of her charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, to launch a Cycle Challenge fundraiser that will mean staff clocking up some 700 miles in 7 days with a route that spans the entire UK!

The Cycle Challenge is in aid of The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, the chosen charity for Continuum Attractions who run The Real Mary King’s Close and a further 6 cultural attractions across the UK, all of which are part of the 700 mile cycle challenge route.

And whilst staff would love to be braving the elements for this worthy cause, local bike store Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op have supplied a static bike meaning that visitors to the Edinburgh attraction will be able cheer the avid cyclists on as they virtually make their way around attractions such as York’s Chocolate Story, the hallowed cobbles of Coronation Street and Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower.

Craig Miller, General Manager, The Real Mary King’s Close comments: “The team are really excited to welcome Dame Kelly, and what better person to launch our virtual charity cycle than an Olympic champion. We just hope that we can keep up with the pace that she’s going to set. Either way, we’re looking forward to pushing the pedals for this worthy cause.”

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Our list of what’s on in Edinburgh has won us an award recently so perhaps you would like to know that today’s article is here.

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Over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books, bric-a-brac and so much more. Treat yourself to delicious coffee and cake at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe.

The weather is playing with us again. Just when we were enjoying the snowdrops and the birdsong, along comes another bite of winter. The cold north-west wind has brought three inches of snow to much of the Highlands and Dumfries and Galloway, and a dusting to the central belt. A hundred schools have been closed. There’s been a spate of minor road accidents and, in the Borders, a lady walker who strayed from the path was nearly overcome by a blizzard. After a search lasting more than three hours, she was eventually found by a rescue dog just 10 metres from the track.

The cold weather has once again highlighted our dependence on gas to heat our homes. The energy companies have been signalling a cut in our bills – but not, in most cases, till the spring – and only while world oil prices remain low.   Meanwhile a frantic debate has broken out over our supplies of gas in the long term.

The Scottish government on Wednesday announced a moratorium on planning permission for all types of unconventional gas production, including fracking. The energy minister Fergus Ewing told MSPs the ban will last for as long as it takes to carry out a full assessment of the risks of pollution and earth disturbance and a public consultation exercise. It follows a vote at Westminster on Monday during which the UK government was forced to abandon its dash for fracking gas and accept 13 further environmental conditions before licences can be issued.

Fracking, of course, doesn’t just split rocks deep underground, it splits public opinion and the political parties. And there was a lot of political fracking going on. Broadly speaking, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats are gung-ho in favour of pumping water and chemicals into parts they cannot reach in the north of England and central Scotland. They say it will give Britain another oil and gas bonanza and save importing shale gas from America to supply the huge petrochemical works at Grangemouth employing 1300 people.

Labour’s new leader in Scotland Jim Murphy says his newly emancipated “branch office” would ban fracking unless there was a majority of local residents in favour of it. The SNP say that’s impractical. But neither Labour nor the SNP have quite had the courage to follow the Greens and ban fracking altogether.

The SNP have however found the courage this week to change their minds over prison policy. The prisons minister Michael Matheson said he’d been persuaded by the arguments in Dame Elish Angiolini’s report that building one large women’s prison at Greenock was not a good idea. Instead, he announced that the current and ageing prison at Cornton Vale near Stirling would be replaced with one small central prison and a series of local prisons where women with drug or mental health problems would be treated closer to their homes. And so said all the other parties.

There’s been no argument either over the success of the controversial average speed cameras on Scotland’s killer road, the A9. In the first three months of the trial, the number of drivers caught speeding has fallen by over 90 per cent. And there have been no deaths on the stretch of road – between Dunblane and Inverness – where the cameras are installed.

It looks like more cameras will be installed on Loch Ness, if VisitBritain has anything to do with it. The tourist agency is to spend £2m promoting Loch Ness to holiday makers throughout the world. And, of course, the Monster will be mentioned. As I explained a couple of weeks ago, scientists at Edinburgh University have established that Nessie is a descendant of the Jurassic sea lizard and she only surfaces once every 170 million years. Not that that will stop the extra foreign tourists spending an estimated £3.5m in the hotels and cafes around the loch.

Finally, it’s going to be a wonderful weekend for sport. On Sunday Andy Murray plays in the final of the Australian Open tennis tournament and Celtic meet a team called Rangers in the League Cup semi-final at Hampden. It’s the first time Rangers have met their old rival since they fell into financial disgrace three years ago. This week, the club mended its books with a loan of £10m from the owner of the Sports Direct group Mike Ashley but, alas, not to everyone’s satisfaction.

We shall see whether it makes a difference to the players …unless of course the weather decides to take part in the game.

If you’ve ever seen Wounded Knee – aka singer and experimental vocalist Drew Knight – perform, you’ll know just how spellbinding he can be. Well now you have a chance to learn how he does it – the Saturday he’ll be leading a singing workshop with the Rhubaba Choir, and everyone is welcome to come along. As Rhubaba say, ‘It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in a choir before or only sing in the shower – if you enjoy singing, come along and lend your voice!’ Or as Drew puts it, ‘Just bring your lungs and your lugs!’ Drew ‘s music ranges from stripped down folk balladry to ‘abstract improvised vocalic stravaigs’; he often accompanies his singing with a Shruti box or twa string guitar. It’s high energy stuff.

For this event Drew will be taking songs from his own repertoire and a range of traditional material to develop and explore a series of rounds, sea shanties and hollers celebrating summer, cycle paths…and unlimited bus travel – so even if the singing doesn’t warm you up, the themes should.

The workshop will take place at Basic Mountain on Hill Street, which was originally built as a dance studio and has excellent acoustics thanks to its domed ceiling. Lunch and refreshments will be served to everyone involved. If you would like to attend you should reserve your place via eventbrite and/or email info@rhubaba.com (so that they can arrange the catering). The workshop will run from 11am to 3pm and is free, but Rhubaba suggest a donation of £5 per person, payable on the day. Rhubaba will be organising more workshops over the coming months, the next two being with singer Christopher Bruerton and artist Serena Korda.

Rhubaba Gallery and Studios is an artist-run organisation in Arthur Street, Leith, providing studio space for 19 artists and a programme of events and exhibitions. The Rhubaba Choir meets twice monthly on Thursday evenings; for more information see www.rhubaba.org.

‘Being gay has taught me tolerance, compassion and humility. It has shown me limitless possibilities of living’ Armistead Maupin.

LGBT History Month is for everyone – individuals, community groups, organisations, service providers, LGBT and non-LGBT people alike. It takes place across Scotland every February, and its aim is to celebrate LGBT lives and culture and to recognise the achievements of LGBT people throughout history.

This year LGBT History Month is focusing especially on homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in education; the notorious Section 28 (which prohibited the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in UK schools) was repealed in Scotland in 2000 (it took four more years for England and Wales to follow suit), but LGBT Youth Scotland’s research shows that almost 70% of LGBT young people have still experienced homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying at school.

LGBT History Month is an opportunity for schools to celebrate LGBT lives and culture and send a message of equality; the organisers have come up with lots of ideas for this, from displaying their Story of Section 28 poster to arranging a screening of Shh! Silence Helps Homophobia, an award-winning short film by LGBT Youth Scotland. 27th February has been designated Purple Friday, when everyone is asked to wear purple and tweet their #purpleselfie; schools (and everyone else) are encouraged to raise funds to support LGBT Youth’s work – suggestions include holding a purple cupcake bake sale, getting sponsored to dye your hair purple or even running a purple knit-a-thon.

Throughout the month there will be lots of events in Edinburgh – from screenings of Pride, Dunno Y and other LGBT films to a discussion of role models in LGBT people’s lives. Rev Elder Cecilia Eggleston leads a workshop on ‘What the Bible really says about sexuality and gender’, after which you can help celebrate the history of the LGBTI denomination, The Metropolitan Community Church. If it’s literature you’re after, Zoe Strachan presents an evening of LGBT writers’ poetry and prose at Waterstones, or if you’d rather get your LGBT history ‘live’, you can share your stories and photos at Living our LGBT Memories. McDonald Road library even offers you the chance to come and interview an LGBT ‘human book’!

Beauty Is The Beast is a workshop that will explore ‘who we are and how we look as we notice the temporary roles of beauty, ugliness, gender, ethnicity, age, weight….defined by shifting standards’, and for friends, family and partners of Trans people Breaking Out of the Trans Narrative: Me & T will be a discussion examining media representations of trans people. Edinburgh University Students Association has also arranged a wide range of events, from lectures to discussions, films, theatre – and The Big EUSA Gaylidh. You can find details of EUSA’s programme here.

Talking Heids, hosted by Colin McGuire, will inspire you with poetry and song at Sofi’s Bar, LGBT Youth Scotland hosts LGBT Talent Performs, an open mic night for young people, their friends and allies – and if you just want to party, look no further than Old St Paul’s, where Philippa Snatch will be in charge of a very different Pride Scotia Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, or Summerhall, where Dive will present Broken, a Valentine’s ball complete with caged bar, visual art, peformance, blood artistry and burlesque (‘It’ll break your heart to miss it’…)

And it’s not all about the big stuff; the organisers of LGBT History Month want people to celebrate the small, personal ways that people can mark the occasion, such as reading a book with an LGBT theme or by an LGBT author, signing off your emails with a note about LGBT History Month, putting up posters where you work, or ‘something else more spectacular and creative!’ You can tweet your ideas: #lgbtsmallsteps.

For details of all these events and more, plus advice on setting up your own event, resources and more ideas about getting involved, see www.lgbthistory.org.uk or the Facebook page.

A mixed week for Edinburgh’s teams saw some big wins, some narrow defeats and the traditional postponement due to an unplayable pitch at Currie.

Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh scored four tries against Bordeaux on Friday night (full report in ‘Sports’) to ensure their place in the quarter finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup. Leading 14-6 at half time, the home side put in a terrific performance in the second half, scoring three tries to Bordeaux’s two – one of which was late on and took advantage of a tiring host – to take the match 38-20, with 28 points – including two tries – coming from Sam Hidalgo-Clyne. The scrum half also, quite rightly, won Man-of-the-Match and, hopefully, his selection in the Scotland squad can lead onwards and upwards.

Club Rugby

BT National League

With Currie’s match off, Boroughmuir, Edinburgh Academicals and Heriots all had home matches to try and enhance their league positions. Unfortunately, none of them could take advantage and all three went down to their opponents.

Boroughmuir played out a 5-3 defeat to Gala, Accies lost out to Glasgow Hawks 27-7 and Heriots slipped up with a close 14-12 loss to Melrose.

In the table, Heriots have had their lead reduced to 10 points, but Melrose, in second, still have a game in hand,

while Currie have dropped to eighth from sixth with 30 points. Boroughmuir and Accies are still ‘holding on’ to ninth and tenth places with 28 and 23 points respectively and are looking like firm favourites for the play-offs.

BT National League, Div. 1

Both Watsonians and Stewarts-Melville both had bonus point wins over Borders’ opposition on Saturday, with the more impressive win coming to Stew-Mel who put 47 points past Kelso on their way to a 47-15 victory. Watsonians didn’t quite manage to match their North Edinburgh rivals – or, indeed, their win over Marr a couple of weeks back – but still came up with a pretty impressive 36-10 win over Biggar.

The two sides are still in third and fourth places with Stew-Mel two points behind second placed GHA with 54 points, followed by Watsonians who lie fourth with 49 points, but have played one more match than the top three.

U20’s International Trial

On Tuesday night, Scotland’s Under 20 side played a Scotland Club XV select at BT Murrayfield in their final training/selection match before their Six Nations campaign which starts on February 7^th away in France.

Leading 18-0 at half time, the first quarter of the second match saw the Club XV side rapidly reduce that to 18-17. However, the U20’s rallied in the final 10 minutes to run in two tries for a not so convincing 30-17 win.

Image – Mike Hanning (Stewarts-Melville) chasing his chip kick through on the way to his hat-trick of tries

Under 20’s survive second half comeback by Club XV.

Scotland’s Under 20’s played their final preparation match on one of BT Murrayfield’s back pitches on Tuesday night. The opposition was a Scotland Club XV drawn from the clubs in the BT Premiership. Although the U20 side eventually won by a comfortable margin, they didn’t have it all their own way, and improvements, particularly in the handling department will have to be made before the start of the 2015 Six Nations campaign.

An early penalty from scrum half, George Horne gave the International select an early lead, but proceeding were put on hold shortly after the restart as the Club XV lock, Callum Templeton suffered a serious lower leg injury which required on field treatment by the medical team before he was carried off the field and sent to hospital.

Just before the end of the first quarter, the pressure exerted by the U20 side told as full back, Ruairi Howarth found a gap in the defence and ran in the first try of the match. Horne then converted in the increasingly stiff wind for a 10-0 lead.

The Club XV side were still struggling to find their feet, but were still giving a good account of themselves – mostly in defence – until four minutes from the break when a series of rucks on the Club try line saw Scott Cummings burrow through for the second try. With the wind getting problematical, Horne didn’t even get close with the kick, but made up for the miss with a penalty on the stroke of half time for an 18-0 lead for the U20s.

During the break, the Club XV made a few key changes to their personnel and came out with all guns blazing. Keeping the U20 side penned into their half, they drove up to the 22 and, ten minutes in, a short pass from replacement scrum half, George Graham, found centre Ross Curle. He then proceeded to dodge and sidestep his way 15-odd metres through the U20 side and score the Club XV’s opening points under the posts. Unfortunately, the conversion from straight in front was rattled of the post by No. 22, Ben Chalmers, so 18-5 was the score.

With their tales up, it was less than five minutes before the Club side crossed the whitewash again. With their wide game panning out well, wing Reuben Norville, crashed through a two-man tackle to score out wide, but Chalmers’ kick was again unsuccessful, so 18-10 was the score

With the U20’s in a bit of disarray, the Club XV side were soon on the scoreboard again. Another gap finding pass from Graham found Curle and the centre raced through for his second try under the posts. This time, it was No. 10, Gregor McNeish who slotted home the kick to take his side up to within a point at 18-17.

Some strong – and probably unprintable – words must have been spoken to the team after this try as, just inside the final quarter, they found themselves battering away at the Club line. Several rucks on the right of the field pulled in the defence and this allowed Horne a bit of space. The scrum half used all the space – and a little bit more to force his way over right at the corner flag to stretch the lead to 23-17. The Club side came back and crossed the line with a rolling maul, but the referee decoded there had been some sort of infringement and disallowed the try. However, the U20’s were now on the up and the final score was a superb passing effort from the backs which culminated in wing, Alec Coombes, putting Chalmers round the outside for a try under the posts. Again the kick sailed through for a final score of 30-17.

All-in-all, it was a none too impressive performance from the Scotland U20 side. There was plenty of effort and endeavour, but far too many mistakes from turnovers, dropped balls and missed passes. Added to this was a Club XV side who were not there just to make up the numbers, thus giving the coaching staff a few things to work on before the opening match against France  a week on Saturday.

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days.

The community radio station East Coast FM (ECFM) is more usually in the market town of Haddington broadcasting from the safety of their studio there. But earlier today they made history by broadcasting live from a train on the East Coast line.

Using the WIFI network ECFM were able to transmit via the internet and through the station locally in East Lothian.

Today’s special event marked the launch of a new dedicated app for iPhone and android which allows you direct access to the station. The East Coast FM 107.6 app is available to download for free now.

The Edinburgh Reporter caught up with the presenters as they were getting on the train in Waverley this morning:

[vimeo 118115876 w=500 h=281]

The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Ian Robertson, Station Manager at ECFM said, “We are all about the community at ECFM and that community got a bit bigger today. We are delighted to have undertaken such a significant first in the history of rail travel between Edinburgh and London. We hope our listeners enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed broadcasting. We want listeners to know we have our own dedicated app which will make it even easier to tune into East Coast FM.

“Raising awareness of the station is a big part of our fundraising and what keeps us going. I’d like to thank East Coast and the technical team that made this possible today. Maybe ECFM really is the biggest little radio station in the world!”

East Coast spokesman Richard Salkeld said, “We were really pleased to be able to support East Coast FM’s innovative idea to broadcast live from the East Coast Main Line. It’s the first time we have hosted a live radio broadcast along the route between Edinburgh and London at speeds of 125mph. It’s certainly a creative way to use the on-board Wi-Fi! ”

The lunchtime and drive time shows were broadcast live from the 10am to King’s Cross and the 3:00pm to Edinburgh trains.

The council has advised The Edinburgh Reporter that work by their Trading Standards team has prevented a man from falling victim to a £16,000 foreign lottery scam.

A couple of weeks ago we explained that Colinton was about to elect a new community council. Following the nomination period nine members have been elected to represent the views of local people.

The first meeting of the community council will be held in the near future, when the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer will be appointed.

Following this, the community council will be able to make arrangements for future meetings.

Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee, said: “Congratulations to the new members of Colinton Community Council, I look forward to working with them to help promote positive developments and joint working in their community.

“Community councils are a great way for local people to meet and share ideas for improving the area, as well as raising awareness of the issues that matter with the Council and other relevant groups.”

The city’s community councils are involved in each of its 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships and work with the Council and other organisations to represent the views of local people.