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:

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.

Police are appealing for information to help trace a man reported missing from Edinburgh’s Old Town.

James Farmer was last seen in the Grassmarket area around 10.30am on Thursday 22nd January.

Since then the 51-year-old has not been in contact with friends or family and concern is now growing for his welfare.

James is around 5ft 7 inches tall, average build with a fair complexion and salt-and-pepper coloured hair.

He was wearing a black ‘Everlast’ jacket and sports trousers with a white stripe, and a hat.

James still has family in the Kirkcaldy area and has also been known to travel to Stirling, Aberdeen and other parts of the country on the bus.

Police Inspector Nick Young said: “We are keen to establish that James is safe and well and we would ask anyone who can assist us in tracing him to come forward.

“Anyone with information can contact us on 101.”

The Hibernian Community Foundation are offering boys and girls from Primary 1 to Secondary 2 who are deaf, the chance to build their football and interpersonal skills and make new friends.

The Foundation will be holding an open day for parents to get more infrmation about the programme, the play to learn approach and how to develop a pathway of suppor for young people who are deaf, including regular weekly sessions.

The open day will take place at the Hibernian Training Centre (EH35 3NG) on Saturday 7 February between 12.30pm and 2pm. Hearing friends and siblings will be made welcome.

This exciting new project will link community fooball and will include other organisations such as the National Deaf Children’s Society.

To find out more, parents and children are invited to come along to the open day and can register ther interest by emailing [email protected]

Green councillors are to seek council support for an outright ban on fracking and what they describe as ‘similar technologies’ in the Edinburgh Council area. This follows the announcement by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing in Holyrood yesterday that there will be a public inquiry into the process and a moratorium on all planning applications meantime. 

The Edinburgh Reporter met with Councillor Chas Booth to find out what they believe the council can do:

The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

The six-strong Green councillor group are tabling a motion at next week’s full council meeting pointing out the risks with unconventional gas, fracking and coal gasification; and the inconsistency with the council’s own commitments to reduce carbon emissions by 42% by 2020.

Cllr Chas Booth, Green environment spokesperson, said:

“While Edinburgh is not currently high on the list of potential sites where fracking licences are sought, we do have a large rural area immediately next to West Lothian where fracking is a live concern. And, of course, any activity around the Forth seabed would affect all councils which border the Forth estuary.

“So that is why I have tabled this motion seeking clarity on the city council’s position on fracking. It is a technology which puts at risk community and public health, the city’s own ambitious carbon reduction targets and Scotland’s real future in clean, green jobs.

“Over the last week I have heard a lot of bluster and bluff from senior Labour and SNP politicians, with weasel words about moratoriums and conditions, all of which leave the door open for fracking.  It is time to send out a clear message: fracking and similar techniques are outdated follies which are not needed, not wanted and must be rejected.”

The motion is expected to say:-

1. MOTION FROM GREEN GROUP

 

Fracking and unconventional gas

 

This Council:

Notes concerns over the health and environmental impacts of unconventional gas, fracking and coal gasification;

Notes that, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New York State and many other countries and states have implemented moratoria or bans on fracking;

Believes that allowing unconventional gas, fracking and coal gasification in Edinburgh would be inconsistent with the council’s climate change targets and would pose unacceptable risks to people’s health and the local environment;

Calls for a report within three cycles to review the minerals policies in the Local Development Plan in light of new health concerns over unconventional gas, fracking and coal gasification, and to ensure the LDP is consistent with the Council’s sustainability policies and climate change targets;

Agrees that this report should also set out options for the council to implement an immediate ban on unconventional gas, fracking and coal gasification.

 

The Scottish SPCA is searching for the owner of a kitten who was found hiding under a car bonnet in Edinburgh.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Tuesday when workers at Pentland Land Rover in Newbridge popped open a car bonnet and discovered something furry lurking inside.

The kitten, thought to be around five to six months old, is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, where she has been nicknamed Sweety.

Animal Rescue Officer Fiona Thorburn said, “Sweety was found in a car which had travelled from Gleneagles Hotel that day.

“It’s fair to say the workmen got a bit of a shock when they went to inspect under the hood and ended up pulling her out.

“Thankfully Sweety didn’t sustain any injuries from her journey and seemed very happy to be out of the car.

“It’s quite common for cats to climb into car engine areas for warmth and Sweety was very lucky to have escaped injury.

“If someone is looking for Sweety then we’d love them to get in touch, but if no-one comes forward to claim her then we will find her a loving new home.”

Anyone who recognises Sweety is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.

Photo by Scottish SPCA

Police in the Borders are appealing for witnesses following two vehicle break-ins in the Eyemouth area.

The first incident occurred between 5:30pm on Sunday (Jan 25) and 7:30am on Monday when a grey Mitsubishi Warrior parked on a street at The Crofts in Ayton was broken into. Three chainsaws worth a four-figure sum were removed.

The second incident took place between 4am and 6am on Monday (Jan 26) when a Citroen Jumper van, parked at the England/Scotland lay-by on the northbound A1, was entered and two boxes of cargo removed.

Anyone who can assist police with their enquiries is asked to come forward.

Inspector Keith Dougal said: “Police are keen to speak with anyone who seen or heard anything suspicious in the area at around the time of these thefts.

“There have been a number of power tools taken from both vehicles so I would ask people to stay vigilant.

“Anyone with information that can help trace the culprit or culprits is asked to contact police immediately on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and the theft of a vehicle in Leith yesterday.

The incident happened around 11:30am in Jane Street when a 61-year-old woman was approached by a man asking for directions. He then assaulted her before driving away in her silver Honda Civic towards Leith Walk. The vehicle is likely to be damaged as it collided with a street sign on Albert Street, causing additional damage to another vehicle, shortly afterwards.

The suspect is described as a white man of slim build, in his late thirties/early forties, 5ft 8inches tall and wearing a black hooded top and dark tracksuit bottoms. He had dark hair and was described as unshaven with a grey beard.

Detective Constable Joanne Robertson said: “This was a callous attack which has left the victim shocked and distressed and we are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have seen the stolen vehicle or suspect, to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Scottish Government announce moratorium on fracking

Edinburgh Leisure has a new Chair

Wintry walk for the weekend

Wartime concert – next week!

Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing announced plans in The Scottish Parliament yesterday afternoon to halt any planning permission being granted for the process known as fracking while further investigations are made into what has become a controversial way of extracting oil and gas from shale rock. Known as ‘unconventional’ the process has attracted environmental concerns in the US where it is prevalent and in the UK where it is trying to gain a foothold. The Minister 

Scottish Green MSPs welcome the new position on fracking and other forms of unconventional gas extraction announced the Energy Minister, but warn that it still falls short of a full ban.

Scottish Green MSPs Patrick Harvie and Alison Johnstone have campaigned against unconventional gas extraction since the 2011 election. As well as proposing a ban, which all other parties voted against, they have urged ministers to provide funding for local authorities to develop robust policies to handle any fracking applications.

A Scottish Green petition calling on the UK Government to halt the imminent awarding of licenses to frack for gas across Scotland has achieved over 5,700 signatures since its launch last week.

Alison Johnstone MSP said:

“A year ago the First Minister said shale gas was an undoubted opportunity; today the Energy Minister announced a pause but asks us not to rule it out. It is clear that the sustained pressure we’ve been putting on the Scottish Government has paid off, but we do not intend to rest here.

“The SNP and Labour voted against a ban last year when I led the Scottish Parliament’s first debate on fracking. While a delay to allow for further research is a welcome step, it remains a worry that neither SNP ministers nor Labour are talking about ruling it out.

“Leaving the door ajar to a new wave of fossil fuels is incompatible with our climate change ambitions and risks diverting attention and investment from the undoubted opportunity we have to pursue clean technology and energy efficiency.”

The statement from SNP Energy Minister Fergus Ewing also failed to meet a key element of Scottish Labour’s triple lock system by leaving Scottish communities with fewer protections than Labour forced on the Tories according to Scottish Labour.

Scottish Labour said they would introduce a triple-lock system to halt any onshore fracking taking place in Scotland until environmental and health safeguards are in place. This involves:  

–       A local referendum before final planning approval is given; 

–       Halting any fracking in Scotland until the lessons of fracking in the rest of the UK are learned; 

–       A comprehensive review of the baseline conditions before any planning application is granted; 

Scottish Labour has repeatedly called on the UK Government to suspend the current licensing round for Scotland until the power over licensing is devolved to the Scottish Parliament through the Smith Agreement.

Scottish Labour’s Shadow Energy Minister Lewis Macdonald said:

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government has finally agreed to Scottish Labour’s demand to use the planning process to halt fracking for the time being. But today’s statement doesn’t go nearly far enough.

“It’s disappointing that after lots of noise from the SNP over the last few days they have let down communities across Scotland. The SNP Government had the chance today to confirm that no fracking will take place without the consent of the local communities affected, but failed to do this.

“We won’t just have a public consultation. We will give Scots a local veto over fracking.”

***

Former Scotland rugby cap and Business Development specialist David Milne has been appointed to the position of Chair of Edinburgh Leisure, with immediate effect.

Milne, who hails from Edinburgh and has a keen interest in many sports, has been appointed following the departure of Edinburgh Leisure Chair Charles Winstanley, who came to the end of his tenure in December last year.

David has worked in a range of business sectors and has held board positions in five businesses.  He currently works in a business development position with part of the RBS Group.

Of the appointment to Edinburgh Leisure’s Board, David said: “I am excited about taking up my new post as Chair of the Board at Edinburgh Leisure and bringing my business acumen and enthusiasm for sport to the table. I have used almost every facility in Edinburgh Leisure’s portfolio over the years and am really looking forward to working with them to provide the best range of services to help the people of Edinburgh be active and healthy.”

The Board of Edinburgh Leisure said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Milne as Chair of the Board of Edinburgh Leisure.  His wealth of experience in business development and passion for sport will be of huge advantage in helping to guide Edinburgh Leisure forward.”

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, added: “The year ahead looks set to hold a number of opportunities and challenges for Edinburgh Leisure, and the Board’s expertise and support is vital in guiding the organisation forward. It requires strong leadership and I believe David’s energy and his eye for business development will be valuable as he takes up the role of Chair. I welcome David to the position and look forward to working with him.”

David is married with two grown-up children and is one of three brothers who have all played rugby for Scotland.

***

Looking for an outdoor escape this weekend?

Join local charity New Caledonian Woodlands for a Wintry walking workshop in some local woodlands and learn to identify trees all year round by their buds, shape, colour and position. Finish the day in the warmth of our green hub site for some revision, quizzes, and of course, cake. Beginners, improvers and experienced welcome!

This workshop will run on Saturday 31st January 2015 from 10am to 4pm approx and will cost £25 for the day. This price includes all materials, expert tuition and a delicious lunch as well as hot drinks and snacks throughout the day.

For more information or to book a place please get in touch on [email protected]

***

Cameo Big Scream: Paddington (PG). These screenings are exclusively for babies under one year old and their parents/carers: low lights are left on in the auditorium, and nappy-changing facilities are available. 10.30am, Cameo, 38 Home Street. Membership of the Big Scream Club is required (£5) and tickets are then at Picturehouse members’ prices (babies free).

Growing Underground: Forest’s Very Open Stage. This month featuring local band Bonavent. If you would like to book a slot, contact Forest or sign up in the cafe and ‘please make sure there is something of you in your performance’. These events fill up fast, but five slots are kept back for acts turning up on the night. Free tea, coffee or corkage up to £1.50 for performers. 7.30-11pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place. Free entry.

Gate 55 at Sighthill Library: drop in for a tea or coffee and a chat. 11am-12 noon today and every Thursday, Sighthill Library, 55 Sighthill Road. All welcome!

Printmaking in the Vaguest Sense: an exhibition by Laura Jardine Paterson and Jordan Pilling. Open preview tonight 6-9pm, then 10am-6pm until 1st February 2015, Dundas Street Gallery, 6a Dundas Street.

Fundraising Auction of Things That Money Can’t Buy: ever wanted to take a trip in a vintage Bentley or have your family tree researched?  Come along to this auction in aid of the St John’s Development Fund – there will be refreshments and entertainment on a Burns Night theme, and the chance to bid for your chosen lot. 6pm, St John’s Church Hall, Princes Street.

Edinburgh University Theatre Company Presents The Real Inspector Hound: an original comedy by Tom Stoppard. 7.30pm, Bedlam Theatre, 11b Bristo Place. Tickets cost £5/£4.50/£4 and are available from the theatre.

SOLD OUT! An Evening with Deliciously Ella: healthy food blogger Ella Woodward will be speaking about her new cookbook, followed by an audience Q & A session. 6pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. Tickets cost £5/£3 (Waterstones Card holders) and can be obtained from the store or booked online. For more information call 0131 226 2666.

Mayfield Salisbury Thursday Club: Rev Sarah Kilbey will talk about The Sounds of Silence: Coping with Deafness. 2pm, Mayfield Salisbury Church Upper Hall, 18 West Mayfield. All very welcome – for more information please contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234.

PRINT: MEDIA – Ars Brevis: Live and Let Die. Sophie Kromholz will deliver this lecture, examining the tension between infinity and the finite in printmaking, and questioning where the life of the print starts and where it finishes. Sophie is an art historian, creative explorer and communicator, currently completing her PhD at the University of Glasgow. PRINT: MEDIA is a series of lectures exploring the broad scope of print within the field of contemporary arts practice, with the aim of generating discussion around multimedia approaches to printmaking and expanded definitions of contemporary print. 6.30-7.30pm, Edinburgh Printmakers, 23 Union Street. Tickets cost £5 (or 2 for £8, free for EP members) and can be booked via eventbrite or by calling 0131 557 2479.

Rhubaba presents Patrick Keiller The Dilapidated Dwelling, a film examining the predicament of domestic space in advanced economies, the UK in particular. A fictional researcher (with the voice of Tilda Swinton) returns from a 20 year absence in the Arctic to find that, while the UK is still one of the world’s wealthiest economies, its houses, flats, etc are typically old, small, dilapidated, architecturally impoverished, energy-inefficient, and especially, extraordinarily expensive. The film asks why repeated attempts to modernise house production have not been more successful, and how the UK’s housing economy has become so ‘thoroughly dystopian’. The film will be followed by a Q & A session with the artist. 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked via the Filmhouse box office: prices vary.There will be an accompanying lecture by Patrick Keiller at 11.30am on 30th January at Edinburgh College of Art.

Edinburgh College Course Information Days: find out about courses starting in August – whether you want to get on the career ladder, learn new skills or continue with your studies, come and talk to staff across the curriculum. The College can offer all sorts of courses, from HND, HNC and associate degree programmes that lead on to university study, to Access courses to help you get back into education, community-based courses and industry-approved qualifications. 2-6.30pm, Edinburgh College Milton Road Campus, 24 Milton Road East. Another Information Day will take place at the College’s Sighthill campus on Tuesday 27th January: each Information Day will cover the full range of courses offered at all campuses.

Ecumenical Friends of St Cuthbert’s: Mary Moffett – Faith In Older People. Everyone is warmly welcome: bring your own packed lunch, tea and coffee provided. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, 5 Lothian Road. £1.50 per person, These events are organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.

North Edinburgh Grows: relief carving and letter cutting course. Come and learn a new technique with NE Grows Artist in Residence Natalie Taylor – this 5 week course of structured sessions will introduce you to the main elements of letter cutting into ‘dressed’ or sheet/wood planks. Simple starting techniques will introduce cutting into the wood, leading into carving shapes and letters in relief. (Please note this is not a 3-D carving class). No experience required, all tools and materials supplied – but please bring an old shirt or apron. Creche available at NE Arts: this must be booked in advance. 2-4pm today and 5th, 12th, 26th February and 5th March, CDT Department, Craigroyston Community High School 67 Pennywell Road. Free – £5 refundable deposit to be paid on booking. For more information and to book, contact North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court, tel: 0131 325 2151.

ECA Thursday History of Art Research Seminar Series 2015: The Life and The Life Writing. Chaired by Professor Alex Danchev (University of St Andrews) and followed by drinks in the Minto House Common Room. 5.15pm, Lecture Room 1, Minto House, University of Edinburgh, 20-22 Chambers Street. Free and open to all.

Scottish Book Trust New Writers’ Showcase: some of the hottest new writing talents in Scotland will perform their work live as the Scottish Book Trust celebrates its New Writer Awards. The awards identify and help to develop the authors of some of the most affecting, exciting and engaging new writing in Scotland; winners are selected from hundreds of entries by writers including Liz Lochhead, Doug Johnstone and Jenni Fagan. 7.30-9pm, The Jam House, 5 Queen Street. Tickets cost £2 + booking fee and can be booked via The Jam House website here.

Hibernian Community Foundation teamed up with the Lothian Autistic Society to stage an inaugural Open Day at the club’s Training Centre in Ormiston, East Lothian last weekend.

Around 50 boys and girls, aged 7-16, attended the event with their parents and carers. This included families from across East, Mid and West Lothian as well as from Edinburgh.

Head of Community Coaching Tom Elliott, along with some Healthy Hibee volunteers, welcomed everyone to the first event in this new partnership.

Children had an opportunity to take to the pitch and score some goals while parents found out more about the project before everyone was invited to a tour of the facilities, including the first-team changing room.

Hibernian Community Foundation and Lothian Autistic Society believe that this exciting new project will encourage young people with autism to take part in community football.

Tom Elliott said: “I’m delighted with the numbers of children along with their parents and siblings, who joined us at the Training Centre on Saturday.

“The children’s enthusiasm was obvious and they got the chance to take part in a practical football session.  I’m looking forward to working closely with Lothian Autistic Society as we prepare to deliver weekly sessions for the boys and girls to attend.

Keith Watson has joined Hibs on loan from Dundee United until the end of the season.

The 25 year-old right-back will immediately provide the team with extra defensive options with Callum Booth moving to Partick Thistle on loan and David Gray recovering from injury.

Speaking  to hibernianfc.co.uk, Watson said: “I’m really pleased to sign for Hibernian on loan – it’s a great opportunity for me and I’m excited about the future.

“I know a few of the Hibs players – Scott Allan, Scott Robertson and Farid El Alagui – from my time at United and they’ve all spoken very highly of the manager and the set-up here.

“I’ve been really impressed with the progress that has been made so far this season and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.

“After experiencing a few set-backs with injuries over the years, I now want to kick-on, play regularly and help the team to achieve promotion.”

Head Coach Alan Stubbs welcomed the news and believes Watson will bring added quality to the squad.

Stubbs said: “We’re delighted to have secured Keith’s services until the end of the season – his arrival will bring further quality to the squad and provide greater competition for places.

“Keith will give us an option at both right-back and centre-half – bringing greater balance to the defence and ultimately strengthening the group.

“That is an area that we were looking to strengthen and bringing Keith in on loan has effectively done that.

“I would like to thank Jackie (McNamara) and Dundee United for allowing us to make this happen.”

Watson is expected to be available for Saturday’s Scottish Championship match against Raith Rovers at Easter Road (31 January, kick off 3pm).

Police in West Lothian are appealing for witnesses following an attempted armed robbery at a Post Office in Livingston which took place around 11am this morning on Cameron Way, Knightsridge.

A male suspect approached the counter armed with a knife and demanded money from staff.

The member of staff refused and the suspect left the scene empty handed. He departed on a mountain bike and was last seen heading west towards Sinclair Way.

Anyone who can assist police in identifying the man responsible is asked to come forward.

He is described as being around 5’10” tall, of average build, wearing sunglasses and a backpack. He was also wearing a black scarf covering part of his face, a dark jacket and a black top with its hood up.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Although this was a failed robbery it was nonetheless a traumatic experience for those inside the Post Office.

“Police are keen to speak to anyone who recognises the description of the male culprit or who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of Cameron Way.

“We believe someone matching this description has been seen in the area over the last few days.

“Anyone with information that can assist our enquiries is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police carried out a major operation across north and central Edinburgh yesterday  in conjunction with a number of its partner agencies.

Officers from the Search and Recovery Team (SART) and CID searched five commercial premises and discovered a significant amount of counterfeit tobacco products and alcohol.

As a result of this activity, illegal goods worth around £4500 were seized including around 70 litres of vodka and whisky valued at approximately £3000 and a large quantity of imported tobacco. A 29-year-old male was also arrested for an immigration offence.

The day of action was based on intelligence gathered by Trading Standard officers, who were on hand to assist with their specialist dog and handler unit.

Staff from Imperial Tobacco, HMRC and Stirling Council also assisted Police in the operation.

DCI Stuart Houston, Edinburgh Division CID said: “Following intelligence, officers from Police Scotland, HMRC, Trading Standards, Imperial Tobacco and Stirling Council took part in a day of action targeting a number of commercial premises in Edinburgh.

“As a result, officers seized around £4500 worth of counterfeit goods and made one arrest in relation to an immigration offence.

“This follows a similar operation we led in December and we will continue to thoroughly investigate those who choose to ignore the law surrounding the sale of counterfeit goods.

“If anyone is aware of counterfeit goods being sold to the public then I ask them to contact police immediately on 101 or Crimestoppers.”

Three’s A Crowd To Premiere At Manipulate Festival, Edinburgh

All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre’s touring production of Three’s A Crowd – harness flying, aerial acrobatics, contemporary circus and dance theatre – to premiere at The Traverse Theatre before touring

Scotland’s All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre will premiere their new touring production, Three’s A Crowd, at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, on Saturday 31 January 2015, as part of the 8^th Manipulate Festival, the international festival of visual theatre and film.  It will then tour to eight venues in Scotland and Wales from February to June 2015 (see full venue listings below).

Three’s A Crowd crosses the boundaries between ground and air, expertly merging harness flying, aerial acrobatics, contemporary circus and dance theatre to create an exciting, challenging and spectacular show that delves deep into the inner workings of human relationships.

Inspired by the themes of action, reaction and consequence, and how we all affect each other, Three’s A Crowd is set around a reunion of six friends.  Who brings them together?  How are the characters connected? What really lies beneath the surface as the layers are peeled back? What happens to the friendship dynamic, to each individual, when a third element becomes involved?  When individual memories and perceptions differ what are the results?

This dynamic, energetic, humorous, yet equally endearing show that explores human emotions is deftly told, using stunning imagery and breathtaking aerial skills, by six leading international performing artists – Danuta Ramos, Freya Jeffs, Chrissie Ardill, Tony Mills, Rob Heaslip and Itxaso Moreno.

Three’s A Crowd is directed by Jennifer Paterson, Artistic Director of All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre; with 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/

The creative team have a vast array of experience:  Jennifer Paterson was part of the aerial team who entertained at the London Olympic ceremonies and has performed for companies such as National Theatre Scotland, Becky Minto designed the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games,  Kate Bonney is the lighting designer on Enchanted Forest and Luke Sutherland is a prolific musician and composer who played with Mogwai on their last tour.

Three’s A Crowd is funded by Creative Scotland with support from On Fife (Fife Cultural Trust).

Hibs’ defender Callum Booth has joined Partick Thistle on loan until the end of the 2014/15 season.

Academy graduate Booth, 23, has recorded 12 appearances so far this season and has scored one goal.

The versatile full back has played at both left and right back this season, deputising for injured David Gray.

This will be fifth loan move in his career – his previous loan spells have been with Arbroath, Brechin City, Livingston and Raith Rovers

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted armed robbery in Ferry Road which took place last night (Tuesday, January 27) at around 6.30pm at a Scotbet bookmakers.

The male suspect approached the counter with a handgun. He handed the member of staff a note, demanding they hand over money.

The member of staff refused to hand over any money and the suspect ran out of the shop empty handed.

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid 40’s, around 5ft 5″ with a slender build.  He was wearing a black hat, which peaks at the top, waterproof black gloves, a khaki green jacket, dark jeans with faded patches and notable turn ups and brown ankle boots.

Police believe the incident may be linked to a previous armed robbery, which occurred at a petrol station on Ferry Road on Sunday, January 18.  This robbery was successful, and a three-figure sum of money was taken.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said:  “While this robbery was unsuccessful, this incident was very distressing for the member of staff and we are keen to trace the suspect as soon as possible.

“We also believe that this incident may be linked to a previous incident the happened at a petrol station last week, also on Ferry Road.

“Any witnesses who may have seen the suspect, or who recognise the description of him, are asked to come forward.”

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

Merseyside Police is appealing for the public’s help to trace two men detectives want to speak to in connection with an on-going investigation into thefts from cash point machines across the North West and Central England.

Both men, Adam Murphy and Andrew White, are wanted for conspiracy to cause explosions at cash machines and burglary of bank and shop premises between January 2013 and December 2013.

Adam Murphy, 29, is described as being white of a medium build with short brown hair and blue eyes. His last known address is Waresley Crescent in Liverpool. Detectives believe Murphy may be in Scotland.

Andrew White, 25, is described as being white of a medium build with fair hair and blue eyes. His last known address is Nyland Road in Huyton. White has links to Spain.

As part of the same investigation seven men were sentenced to more than 114 years last year. In December 2014 Jonathon Webb and Daniel Morgan were sentenced to a total of 32 years in prison after being found guilty of offences following a three week trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

In September 2014 five other men, Thomas Whittingham, Anthony Bushell, Craig Cartwright, Kurt Beddoes and Ian Ellis, were sentenced to a total of 82 years after being convicted at Liverpool Crown Court trial for the same series of thefts/attempt thefts.

All seven men were part of a group responsible for ATM attacks at 28 premises (banks, post offices and supermarkets) in Wirral, Lancashire, Cheshire, Southport, Liverpool, Prescot, Loughborough, Gloucester, Birmingham, Northampton and Derby. These attacks resulted in losses to the businesses targeted by the thieves, of approximately £800,000, not to mention damage to the properties estimated to be in excess of £480,000.

Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney, from the Matrix Serious Organised Crime Team, said: “The Force is once again asking the public for their help in catching two of Merseyside’s most wanted criminals.

“Adam Murphy and Andrew White are wanted by the force in connection with an on-going investigation into thefts from cash point machines across the North West and Central England.

“The techniques used in these thefts were extremely dangerous and we are fortunate that no-one was hurt.” “I have no doubt that the community will embrace this opportunity to assist the police in bringing these people to justice and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Simon Wood Media Officer Direct Line 441517778575 Force Website <www.merseyside.police.uk> Force Twitter @merseypolice

The council is delighted that there was a great deal more interaction with their draft budget proposals this year than in 2014. The report for next week’s Finance Committee explains that they received five times more responses than last year through their 11 week long budget consultation.

The council put a lot of effort into getting the details of what they spend over to residents, including paid for advertising in the Edinburgh Evening News, and a big part of their consultation was the adoption of the online budget planner which you could use to try and balance the budget yourself.

The online planner allowed residents to have their say on what the capital should spend or save in the next three years.

Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee said that one of the most surprising things for those who used it was the kind of things that the council spend money on. He said: “This whole consultation process is more effective each time. Some members of the public were actually surprised at the range of services that the council provides. They had had no idea we did so many things.

“Overall this has been a successful consultation although we are always prepared for more people to get involved. We reached out to different age groups from the young to the old, and it was interesting to me what people wanted to safeguard. It is very much in line with the council’s own priorities. There was a broad range of responses and we will take heed of what people had to say. That is the whole point of the consultation particularly in times like this when money is tight.”

1719 people used the online planner.

782 people phoned the council or contacted them by email or letter.

145 budget leaflets were completed and returned to the council.

524 comments were made through social media.

The council has analysed all the data from these responses and found that more men than women responded overall, that the age group 35-44 offered more responses than any other and that parents were more engaged with the consultation.  There was a petition to keep Edinburgh Leisure facilities open which largely resulted from the Edinburgh Evening News coverage suggesting possible closures.

In relation to the possible increase in allotment charges almost 100 people responded on this matter, but most importantly the Federation of Edinburgh and District Allotments and Gardens Association (FEDAGA) offered some suggestions which may be implemented by the council anyway. One suggestion for increasing revenue from allotments (which are so popular across the city there is in some cases a waiting list of up to 7 years) is to put a joining fee in place for new allotment holders.

The suggestion that public toilets might be closed was a matter for some concern with the responses including the idea that the facilities might be contracted out to a profit making company.

Another important part of the process which will probably be repeated next time round is the budget Question Time which was held at the City Chambers involving six senior councillors. Although only 40 people attended the event, 200 watched online live and the webcast was watched another 862 times afterwards.

People who responded were most concerned about possible cuts to Edinburgh Leisure, increases in allotment charges, changes in library opening hours, changes to maintenance of parks and the closure of public toilets outside the city centre. They also suggested that the council should look at ways of increasing its income rather than making any cuts to services.

Most people seem to support the protection of front line services for vulnerable people, care for the elderly, culture and refuse collection. The council is responsible for more services than any other public body in the city and has a fairly static budget of around £1bn to provide these with in the next three years. Any savings must therefore be made by implementing changes to the way the council works, whether by procurement or using technology, otherwise increases in funding for one service will mean reduced spending elsewhere.

Over the next two decades the population in the capital is expected to increase faster than any other local authority area in Scotland, and most of the growth will be at either end of the age spectrum where most of the council money is spent.

In recent years the council says it has managed to find £200m of savings or ‘annual efficiencies’ but it still needs to find £67m of savings in the 2017/18 budget. Some of the council moves on reorganisation of the way it works are designed to provide some of these savings. The series of changes to the council’s structure will mean the establishment of four local areas and the devolution of power to the local areas who will be responsible for their own parts of the budget across all council services there.

Councillor Rankin concluded: “The comments and results of the budget planner are now being carefully considered along with all the other feedback we received. This will help us to make the right decisions for our residents now and in the future when setting our budget. I would encourage people to watch councillors making these important decisions for the city live, via our website, or catch up afterwards on the webcast archive.”

The report will be approved at the Finance committee meeting on 3 February 2015 and then the council plans to offer feedback to both residents and organisations on the final budget decisions which will be made at the full council meeting on 12 February 2015 which you can watch online here.

The council have been asked to sell a corner of Princes Street Gardens to the National Galleries of Scotland. It is a very little corner of the gardens, a strip about 5 metres wide, but it will make a big difference for the gallery who plan to use it for a terrace and new pathway arrangement outside, while inside the building the aim is to increase space for exhibits.

At higher level the area running alongside the galleries at the foot of The Mound will be extended and the council hopes that the redesign of the steps, footpaths and the new gallery extension will all add to the way the Old and New Towns connect at this point.

Princes Street Gardens is Common Good Land which can only be sold if The Scottish Parliament agrees to pass a bill to allow the sale, or a variation to a 1991 Act of Parliament is agreed to by the Court of Session. There is some precedent as the same procedure had to be gone through last time the gallery was extended in 2004 when the Playfair Project was built.

If the proposal is given the green light by councillors on the Finance and Resources Committee next week then the procedure to release the land will begin and negotiations on a price will also be hammered out. The Gallery has already said it will meet the costs of the legislative change including the council’s legal fees.

A spokesman for The National Galleries of Scotland said: “The Scottish National Gallery is currently in the process of finalising plans to transform the visitor experience and the presentation of the Scottish collections at its buildings on The Mound.

“Part of the proposal includes pushing a boundary wall out slightly to align with the Weston Link building. This is a small move (an extension of 5m) but it would bring major benefits for visitors to the Gallery and to the public circulating in this area.

“The proposal is to transform spaces that are currently used for offices into additional new gallery spaces and to make it possible for visitors to have access to the collection from the garden level. This slight rearrangement will help resolve the convoluted and confusing visitor journey around the buildings on The Mound.

“It would also provide the benefit of creating both a new landscaped public pathway and terrace at the gardens level, connecting the NGS complex more readily with the Gardens and an increased public walkway at the precinct level above, improving the width and amenity of the current north south pedestrian route between Princes Street, the Playfair Steps and the Old Town.

“The aim of this project is to position the NGS as an excellent resource for the appreciation and promotion of Scottish Art. The NGS hope to work with Edinburgh City Council to create a world-class visitor attraction at the heart of the capital.”

NGS has appointed a design team led by Gareth Hoskins Architects who will draw up the design and plans for expansion of the Scottish Wing into the gardens. Historic Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage are said to be supportive of the plans.

The flagship restaurant at The Balmoral has had a £200,000 facelift, but the owners Rocco Forte Hotels are anxious to point out that the elements of the restaurant which were considered essential fixtures by their regulars have been left in situ. So breathe easy, the lacquered walls are still there.

There is a fabulous new daisy gerbera broadloom carpet on the entrance stairway from Princes Street and lovely soft touch wooden flooring throughout the three distinct spaces that make up Number One.

The space furthest from the entrance can also be used as a private dining room, but is more often in use as part of the dining area for smaller groups who wish to enjoy an unparalleled culinary experience. The curious thing that the restaurant’s general manager has noticed is that their clientele has become younger in recent years. Now whether that means the young customers are saving up for the £70 a head dinner or just more affluent than their forebears is immaterial. They are simply there for the experience, to savour and enjoy every mouthful.

At a recent press lunch we were entertained to a piece of complete real foodie heritage.

General Manager Franck Arnold explained that the restaurant is known for its romantic setting, the art on the walls from the London School of Art and its space. He said: “We wanted to increase seating capacity and have some tables for two in the bar area. This is now a destination restaurant for couples who have something to celebrate. The ceiling has been completely redone and the newly designed lighting is focussed on each table. It has been an interesting endeavour, all done in a matter of weeks. From the first feedback we have had it appears that people already like it.”

The hotel group’s refurbishments are all overseen by Olga Polizzi, Director of Design.

I am still savouring the distinct taste of the Balvenie smoked salmon which took head chef Brian Grigor two years to devise. It is smoked over wood chips from Balvenie casks in the Belhaven Smokery in Dunbar, but the taste has taken some effort to get just right. When it is served it is the most theatrical dish on the menu with swirling clouds of smoky steam billowing from under the cloche.

Grigor is a born chef. He started his career under Jeff Bland in 2001, and after a brief sortie elsewhere he returned to The Balmoral and the kitchen preparing the exquisite food for Number One which has had Michelin star status for thirteen consecutive years.

Grigor said: “The whole ethos of the restaurant is first class produce and 95% of it is from Scotland. We have good contacts with really good suppliers who we have known for a number of years. I would like to think that the restaurant has a good seventeen years of business behind it now and a lot of that is repeat business.

“I have always loved this hotel and to finally be head chef here is exactly where I want to be. There are a couple of signature dishes, the smoked salmon and the chocolate dessert which has been updated for 2015.”

It is perhaps a little known fact that the former railway hotel has separate kitchens for each restaurant, including a banqueting kitchen for all of its function suites.

Truly an institution this hotel is safe in the hands of the Rocco Forte Hotels group who understand the heritage of the building and the guests’ desire for the first class experience.

Menus from £70 upwards.

Booking details here

99 days to the General Election

New Scottish Tax body at the ready

Soundhouse at the Pleasance

Connor’s a star in the making

Scottish Opera still have tickets for this weekend

Today marks 99 days until the General Election 2015. We are keen to hear from you about arranging a time to conduct an interview if you are standing for a Westminster seat. [email protected]

Some parties have already nominated their candidates for the five Edinburgh seats, although there are still some announcements to be made.

Do you know of any candidates? Then let us know!

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Deputy First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that Scotland’s new tax agency is ready to start operations from April 1st this year.

Revenue Scotland was officially established on January 1st, with the aim of collecting Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Scottish Landfill Tax from April 1st – the first Scottish taxes for more than 300 years.

Reflecting the progress made by Revenue Scotland, Mr Swinney has now written to the UK Government confirming the agency’s readiness and asked for the necessary legislation to be laid at Westminster to “switch off” the two UK taxes in Scotland – stamp duty land tax and UK landfill tax – from April 1st.

Mr Swinney said:

“Revenue Scotland staff have been working extremely hard to implement our long-standing plans to be ready to hit the ground running on April 1st, to collect and manage the two devolved taxes.

“A group of senior Scottish and UK government officials have agreed that all necessary preparations are now in place and arrangements can now be made to introduce the devolved taxes.

“I have written to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury asking for the required orders to be laid at Westminster to allow Revenue Scotland to take the reins – effectively switching off stamp duty land tax and the UK landfill tax.

“These two new taxes are the first national taxes for Scotland in 308 years and it is important that they are administered fairly and correctly.

“Last week, I announced a revision of LBTT rates, which will mean 50 per cent of all household transactions paying no tax and more than 40,000 buyers paying less on the purchase of a new home.

“Our ultimate aim is to apply a fair tax regime to help grow the economy and increase opportunities for people. I am confident Revenue Scotland is up to that challenge.”

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In the Soundhouse at The Pleasance series, Moishe’s Bagel will be appearing on Monday night 2 February 2015. Soundhouse say: “This is a five-piece firecracker of a band presenting thrillingly original cutting-edge klezmer and folk music. Featuring virtuoso performances from some of Scotland’s finest musicians, these guys play an intoxicating, life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance, jazz grooves, folk tunes, and Middle Eastern rhythms.”

More booking information here. 

Here’s a taster:

Uncle Roland’s Flying Machine from Horo Gheallaidh ©BBC Alba 2011 from Moishes Bagel on Vimeo.

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A budding young actor from Loretto School has landed a role in a top BBC drama set to air in the Spring.

Connor McKinley, aged 14 from Edinburgh, stars alongside an impressive cast including Peter Mullan, Gary Lewis, Sharon Small, Christian Cooke and Charlotte Spencer in a new BBC drama, Stonemouth , a two-part dramatisation of acclaimed author, Iain Bank’s novel made by BBC Scotland and Slate North.

Read more here.

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Still time to buy tickets for Inés de Castro which is on at the Festival Theatre this week.

Commissioned by Scottish Opera in 1996, James MacMillan’s extraordinary first opera, after the play by Jo Clifford, has established itself as a modern masterpiece. Shocking, intense and utterly compelling, it is all the more macabre for being based in fact. This new production is directed by Olivia Fuchs (A Midsummer Night’s Dream 2013) and is conducted for the first time by the composer himself, bringing new musical insights to the fore.

Here is the writer in conversation:

Festival Theatre, 13–29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9FT

Thursday 29 January 7.15pm•Saturday 31 January 7.15pm

 Booking details here

Holocaust Memorial Day Edinburgh: a programme of readings and music by the pupils of Boroughmuir School, with speakers Ela Weissberger, survivor of the Terezin ghetto, Hasan Hasanovic, Bosnian survivor, and Irena Winfield, who will give testimony of her family’s experience of the 1915 Armenian genocide and later conflicts in Armenia. There will be a buffet reception for all those in attendance (donations welcome). 6.45pm, Boroughmuir High School, 26 Viewforth. To reserve your place please email  [email protected]

Scotland’s Gem: the Diverse Social Circles of Jane, Duchess of Gordon: Jane Maxwell, Duchess of Gordon, was a vivacious figure among the nobility in eighteenth century Britain. Although relatively unknown now, the Scottish duchess had a broad social network which ranged from Highland labourers to British and French royalty. Art historian Heather Carroll will explore the portraits of Jane’s friends and family to assess her role as a political hostess, patron of the arts and staunch Scot. 12.45-1.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

Chatterbooks: a monthly reading group for ages 8-9. Come and talk about what you’re reading and why you do – or don’t! – like it; there’ll also be a craft or game to accompany the chat. There are currently four spaces available, so if you are interested come into the library and talk to a member of staff. 3.45-4.45pm, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road.

LGBT Icebreakers. Are you new to Edinburgh? Want to meet new people? Just coming out? Icebreakers is an informal, fun and friendly social group for LGBT people and those questioning their sexuality or gender identity. For those aged 18+. 7.30-9.30pm, The Regent, 2 Montrose Terrace. Email [email protected] for more information.

Morningside Justice and Peace Group: Martin Petty, Chairman of Harlaw Hydro Ltd, Balerno, will talk about Community Energy – Here in Edinburgh. The talk will be followed by a Q & A session and discussion. 10.30-11.30am, The Open Door, 420 Morningside Road. All welcome: £1 per person. For more information contact [email protected].

Sheena McDonald in conversation with Olivia Giles. In 2001 Olivia Giles’ life was changed forever when meningitis left her a quadruple amputee; she gave up a successful legal career to focus her energy on helping people in sub-Saharan Africa. Broadcaster and journalist Sheena McDonald understands better than most the life-changing effects of illness or accident: in 1999 she suffered a life-threatening head injury when she was knocked down by a van. Join Sheena and Olivia in conversation, when they will discuss Olivia’s work in Africa and the BIG Dinner campaign.  7pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street. Tickets cost £7 and can be booked online here or by calling the box office on 0131 556 9579.

Edinburgh University Theatre Company Presents The Real Inspector Hound: an original comedy by Tom Stoppard. 7.30pm tonight and Thursday 29th January, Bedlam Theatre, 11b Bristo Place. Tickets cost £5/£4.50/£4 and are available from the theatre.

LGBT Age (50+): Lang May Yer Lum Reek. All those aged 50+ who would like to meet up with others are welcome to attend these events, which take place in Edinburgh and Glasgow. This month: an alternative to the usual Burns Night – ‘Bring your stories, your songs and your best funny turns/As we raise a toast to the Bard, Rabbie Burns!’ 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking is preferred: please contact Lynda Peachy on 0141 271 2330 or email [email protected].

College of Naturopathic Medicine Winter Health Series: Recharge Your Resolution. Join CNM therapist Roisin Cooke as she provides tips on how to get back on track with your New Year resolutions, lose those Christmas pounds forever and eat well, live well and stay healthy in 2015. 6.30-8.30pm, Hendersons, 94 Hanover Street. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.

What is happening to the Russian economy? Towards the end of 2014 the Russian economy was plunged into crisis: at this event, organised jointly by the University of Edinburgh and the Scotland-Russia Forum, a panel of experts will discuss the reasons for the crisis. its likely outcome and its effects on Russia, her neighbours and the rest of the world. 6.30 (registration from 6)-7.45pm, Auditorium, University of Edinburgh Business School, 29 Buccleuch Place. All welcome: free, but registration required; book via website or contact Shona Black at [email protected]/0131 651 5981. The event will be followed by a networking reception.

Edinburgh Gay Men’s Book Group: an inclusive group where you can meet new people and read and discuss interesting books. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Group contact: [email protected].

Canongate Kirk Concert: Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. 1pm, Canongate Kirk, 153 Canongate. Free: retiring collection.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children. 10.30-11am, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.

Lunchtime Concert: Will Pickvance – Piano Speak. Piano requests and repartee at this popular event. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

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. 5-6.15pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 55 Newcraighall Road. For more information and to book a place, call 0131 669 8432. £1 per session. Also runs 1.30-3pm on Fridays.

Loretto School are very proud of Connor McKinley who is a budding young actor and who has landed a role in a top BBC drama set to air in spring 2015.

Connor McKinley, aged 14 from Edinburgh, stars alongside an impressive cast including Peter Mullan, Gary Lewis, Sharon Small, Christian Cooke and Charlotte Spencer in a new BBC drama, Stonemouth , a two-part dramatisation of acclaimed author, Iain Bank’s novel made by BBC Scotland and Slate North.

The first TV adaptation of Banks’ work since his death in 2013, Stonemouth is a rite-of-passage tale delving into love, loyalty and vengeance, focusing on the character of Stewart Gilmour played by Christian Cooke (The Promise, Magic City), who returns to the fictional village of ‘Stonemouth’ for his best friend’s funeral.

Connor plays the young ‘Ferg’ in the TV drama which was filmed in Greenock during October. He is no stranger to acting, having secured starring roles in stage shows as diverse as ‘Grease’, Rooster in ‘Annie’ (both Loretto School) and Mega Mix (Edinburgh Playhouse) ‘Singing in the rain’ and Matilda (Stagecoach). However, this is Connor’s television debut, courtesy of his agent, Alana Heron Agency.

“Acting is what I would love to do. It was really exciting filming for Stonemouth and the experience has given me further confidence and I am looking forward to the future and, I hope, more starring roles.” Says Connor.

Jonathan Hewat, Director of External Affairs at Loretto School, added: “ We are all greatly looking forward to Connor’s screen debut on the BBC this Spring. He was awarded a Drama Scholarship at Loretto and it is obvious that acting is a route that Connor will follow – one to look out for in the future.”

Demand for skilled professionals will increase in 2015, according to research by recruitment firm Eden Scott. The outlook for the year is relatively optimistic despite a universal concern that finding suitable candidates will be much more challenging than in recent years.

• Job growth predicted in 2015
• Skill shortages are expected to drive salaries up, particularly in markets such as IT
• A third of UK workers are expected to change their role this year

Eden Scott has released their Recruitment Market Insight Report for 2015, providing market intelligence to hiring managers and business owners on market sectors such as; Accountancy and Finance, Construction, Food and Drink, Hospitality, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy and Sales and Marketing.

The report gathers anecdotal evidence and feedback from industry leaders and employers to provide predictions for the recruitment market in 2015 across market sectors such as; Accountancy and Finance, Financial Services, International Finance, Construction, Food and Drink, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy and Sales and Marketing.

Michelle Lownie, Director of Eden Scott, comments: “We pride ourselves on delivering credible market information each year to highlight the key factors should consider as part of their recruitment strategies.

“2015 is forecast is set to be an energetic and progressive year for recruitment, investing in people, rebuilding trust and confidence and building upon the employment growth experienced nationwide in the previous year.”

To download a copy of the Scottish Job Seeker Report 2014, please visit the Eden Scott website.

Submitted by Jamie Armstrong

There was a big push last year ahead of September’s independence referendum to get people to register to vote, but once more Edinburgh residents are urged to think about their right to vote, with 100 days until the 2015 General Election.
People across the capital are being reminded that they will be voting for MPs to represent them at Westminster on Thursday 7 May 2015 when the general election takes place.

More than 84% of the city’s residents voted in the Scottish Independence Referendum in September, which attracted a record-breaking turnout across the country.

While most people who registered to vote in time for the referendum will remain eligible to participate in the UK Parliamentary Election in May, first time voters or anyone who has since moved will need to register again.

Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “It was incredible to see Edinburgh’s huge turnout in the Scottish Independence Referendum and we would like to continue this enthusiasm in the general election.

“No doubt the majority of people who took part in September will be keen to cast their vote in May. Voting should not be a once in a lifetime activity – elections are opportunities to have a say on issues that matter to us all. Anyone who is keen to register or is unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

Find out more about voter registration and elections information on the Council website.

The number of households applying for welfare assistance has risen by a third in the last year, according to new statistics issued by the Scottish Government.

Scottish Welfare Fund Statistics to 30 September 2014 show that during the most recent quarter (July to September 2014):

• 52,400 applications were made to the Scottish Welfare Fund, an increase of 33 per cent on the same quarter last year;
• 25,800 Crisis Grants were awarded, 32 per cent more than the same quarter last year. These were predominantly for food, heating costs and other living expenses, with an average award value of just over £70;
• 11,200 Community Care Grants were awarded, 51 per cent more than the same quarter last year. These were predominantly for home furnishings and white goods, with an average value of just under £600.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Alex Neil said: “That anyone should be live in poverty in a wealthy country is completely unacceptable and we’ll continue to tackle poverty and inequality to create a more prosperous and fairer society.

“Scottish Welfare Fund grants are a lifeline for people in crisis to buy the everyday items, or cover basic living costs that so many of us take for granted. This is why we are taking steps to establish the Fund in law through the Welfare Funds (Scotland) Bill.

“120,000 households in Scotland, one in twenty, have now been helped by the Scottish Welfare Fund in its first 18 months of operation. The increase in applications over the last year is due, in part, to work done by local authorities and advice services to raise awareness of the Fund.

“We have allocated £33 million a year to the Scottish Welfare Fund to make sure that we continue to reach out to households in the most deprived areas – around half of awards are made to applicants in the 20 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland. Many families are paying a heavy price for the UK Government’s welfare reforms and this investment will help to mitigate the effects of these cuts on some of our most vulnerable households.”