In an important announcement The Scottish National Portrait Gallery announced today that a near life-size portrait is being added to the collection.

The new acquisition is Portrait of Lady Montgomery by Sir Henry Raeburn (1756-1823). This elegant and impressive full-length portrait was allocated to the SNPG through the Acceptance in Lieu of Tax scheme early this year.

It is a major work by Sir Henry Raeburn, the leading Scottish portrait painter of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Full-length portraits from Raeburn’s late career are rare, and this imposing yet sensitively modelled work is the only example of a female sitter depicted by the artist in this format in the SNPG’s collection. Raeburn’s handling of Lady Montgomery’s features and clothes is at once vivid and yet highly subtle. She appears to gently smile at the viewer, while posed before a dramatic skyscape.

The painting presents a near life-size portrayal of Lady Helen Montgomery, née Graham (d.1828), a wealthy Scottish heiress.  Lady Montgomery was the daughter of Thomas Graham of Kinross House, who had made, lost and re-made a fortune in India, before inheriting the family estates in Kinross and sitting as MP for Kinross-shire. She married Sir James Montgomery, who achieved both local and national prominence as, first, an MP and, then, as Lord Advocate, in 1816. He erected Stobo Castle between 1805 and 1811. Lady Montgomery is notable for the considerable wealth and social standing she brought to her marriage, which resulted in the union of two well-established and influential Scottish families. 

Christopher Baker, Director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery commented: “This is a splendid addition to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Raeburn had a remarkable ability to create an intimate and sensitive portrait within a grand format and here displays his slick technical skills with great mastery. We are very grateful to the Acceptance in Lieu scheme for making it possible for this impressive work to be transferred to public ownership.’

Almost certainly commissioned to mark her then recent marriage in 1816, Raeburn’s portrait presents Lady Montgomery in appropriately flattering terms. She is dressed in the simple, empire-line dress that was highly fashionable at the time; attached to the gold chain around her neck is a piece of jewellery which is probably a heart-shaped watch key, a possible reference to her new life. The painting is presented in its impressive original frame, which was made in Edinburgh in the early nineteenth century. It was included as a key loan to the 1997 SNPG exhibition which explored and celebrated Raeburn’s career.

In addition to the portrait of Lady Montgomery which is being unveiled today, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery has also been generously allocated through the Acceptance in Lieu scheme a fine portrayal, also by Raeburn, of her father-in-law, Sir James Montgomery. This work will be the focus of a later display at the Gallery.

Hibs’ under-20 team are back in SPFL Development League action tonight (kick off 7.15pm) against Partick Thistle at Ainslie Park.

Joe McBride’s team are unbeaten in nine and have scored an impressive 16 from the previous four games.

Striker Lewis Allan has contributed seven goals in the previous six games – and the 17-year-old from Earlston in the Borders told hibernianfc.co.uk “I’m looking forward to the game against Partick Thistle – hopefully I can play well, help the team and get amongst the goals again.

“It is just great to be involved and be part of it. I think I’ve learned a lot since the summer and I just want to improve, so that when I do get an opportunity I can make an impact.

“I travelled with the squad to the game on Saturday and went to Dumbarton the weekend before, so it is all good experience for me – being in and around the first team set-up.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run incident in Davidson’s Mains on Sunday.

A thirteen-year-old boy was on a push-along scooter in Main Street at around 8.10pm when the collision occurred after the car mounted the pavement.

He sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for Treatment.

The vehicle failed to stop at the scene of the incident and was last seen heading towards the Drylaw area.

Anyone who can assist officers with their ongoing enquiry is asked to come forward.

The vehicle is described as a dark-coloured people carrier type similar to a Citroen C4 hatchback.

Inspector Chris Scobbie said: “Fortunately, the boy was not more seriously injured as a result of this incident, but still required treatment at hospital.

“The driver failed to stop and we are conducting local enquiries to trace this individual.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision and who may have information relevant to this investigation.

“In addition, I would urge the driver to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information regarding these incidents should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mac’s Munchkins: an hour of farm-themed storytelling, crafts, playgroup and songs. For ages 2+. 10am and 3pm,  today and every Tuesday, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. £2 per child, no booking required, just come along and meet up at the Red Tractor.

Cancer Research UK’s Annual Art Exhibition: a week of original and unique art. Paintings from £30 to over £1,000, plus crafts, cards and handmade jewellery. Lots of great gift ideas! Teas, coffees, soup and home baking available to purchase in the cafe. 10.30am-5pm today and Wednesday to Friday, 10.30am-4pm Saturday, Adam House, 3 Chambers Street. Ends 6th December 2014.

Le Havre (2011): Marcel Marx (Andre Wilms), a former bohemian and struggling author, has given up his literary ambitions and relocated to the port city of Le Havre. He leads a simple life based around his wife Arletty (Kati Outinen), his favourite bar and his not too profitable profession as a shoeshiner. As Arletty suddenly becomes seriously ill, fate throws the young African refugee Idrissa (Blondin Miguel) into his path. Director Aki Kaurismaki’s masterpiece champions the downtrodden and celebrates the little things that make life worth living. ‘A glorious, colourful and deeply humane work.’ Shown in French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free. Also showing 1-2.30pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2014.

Janice Cairns: Forgiving Nancy. Janice will read from her first suspense romance novel, and talk about her journey to publication and the challenges she faced – a story that many unpublished writers will find inspiring. Refreshments available! 2-3pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. No booking required, just come along.

Dementia Awareness Talk: over 86,000 people in Scotland have dementia, and the number is expected to double over the next 25 years. In this talk Andrew Senew, Director of Home Instead Senior Care, will discuss the causes, symptoms and different types of dementia, and the importance of diagnosis, medication, diet and lifestyle. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies: 10.30am, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan.

Community Navigator Information Stall: if you are 65+ and would like to find out about interesting local activities, groups, organisations and services, drop in to the library today or any Tuesday and say hello to the Health in Mind staff. 10am-12 noon, Oxgangs Library, 43 Oxgangs Road North.

Edinburgh Film Music Orchestra Concert: the orchestra and Edinburgh College of Art present a concert of varied film music, game scores and collaboration film music. Conductor: Yato Durant. 7.30pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square. Entry by donation.

Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues this week. Today September (2013): a gentle film about loneliness in the suburbs of Athens. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.

The OCP Pub Quiz: £5 per team, winner takes all, with some ‘tasty’ prizes for the runners-up.  8-10.30pm, Old Chain Pier, 32 Trinity Crescent.

Loretto stained glass window

Council budget meeting

Jenson Button coming to Edinburgh 

Small Business Saturday

Bruntsfield late night shopping

A specially commissioned stained glass window has been installed in Loretto School’s Chapel to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the 1914 Christmas Truce to be unveiled by relatives of British and German officers involved.

The window was commissioned in commemoration of the 1914 Christmas Truce and Loretto’s association with that event and was created by Haddington-based artise, Kate Henderson.  Its inspiration was the meeting of former Loretto pupil, Major Archibald Buchanan-Dunlop  and his German counterpart. 

Their historic handshake was a gesture during the extraordinary event of the ‘Christmas Truce’ in Ypres 1914. The positive image of enemy soldiers at peace is juxtaposed with the 148 poppies, representing all those Old Lorettonians lost in the conflict. The phrase around the shield Gloria in excelsis deo et in terra pax ((Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace). The official unveiling of the stained glass window will take place during a special Commemorative Service in the Loretto Chapel on Saturday, 20^th December at 11:45 a.m.

The grandsons of Archibald Buchanan-Dunlop (a former Loretto pupil and one of the instigators of the 1914 Christmas Truce) and Hauptmann Maximilian Freiherr (Baron) von Sinner, (the commanding officer of the Machine-gun Company of the Prussian 6th Jäger Battalion, who was also involved in the Christmas Truce) will come together and unveil the stained glass window together in what promises to be a poignant act of reconciliation.

Jonathan Hewat, Director of External Affairs at Loretto School, said, “ We all grew up with the story of soldiers from both sides putting down their arms on Christmas Day 1914, and it remains wholly relevant today as a message of hope over adversity, even in the bleakest of times. We are delighted to be welcoming to the Service relatives of two soldiers involved in this most famous of truces.”

***

The council ran a live meeting with a public audience of around 50 last night at the City Chambers.

You can read the questions put to the panel of councillors here on our live round up, but you can also watch the hour long proceedings again here.

Then you can still have your say on the draft budget for a week or two here.

***

Do you have a ticket for the driving event on Thursday in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens featuring a former F1 World Champion and the 2014 McLaren Mercedes drivers?

The event is sponsored by Johnnie Walker and you are promised a driving spectacular featuring Mika Hakkinen, Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen.

The real reason behind the event is to promote the drinks giant’s stance against drinking and driving, but what we will get for two and a half hours from 11:00 is a “Join the Pact” Driving Spectacular.

If you don’t already have a ticket for the Ross Bandstand then it appears you are too late, but there will be free public viewing by the Ross Fountain and on the top level of the gardens (you might need binoculars from there!).

For everyone who signs up the drinks company commits to 1 km of free transport so that late-night revellers can get home safely rather than having to take a car. Join the Pact to never drink and drive by tweeting #GetHomeSafely to @JohnnieWalker_ or by visiting www.jointhepact.com

***

What better way to support small business Saturday this weekend than by going to Coburg House Art Studios in Leith.

It is the Open Studios weekend and over 80 artists in 50 studios will be exhibiting their work.

There will be exquisite jewellery, Harris tweed bags, hand woven scarves, a diverse and inspiring range of paintings and prints, extraordinary ceramics and conceptual three dimensional pieces. With many award winning artists making Coburg House their home it’s definitely worth a visit.

OPEN STUDIOS

SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER + SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER

11AM – 6PM

15 COBURG STREET, EDINBURGH, EH6 6ET

www.coburghouseartstudios.co.uk

***
Tomorrow evening in Bruntsfield from 6pm-8pm on 3rd December is Bruntsfield Shopping night!

Come out for a daunder on Wednesday evening and you are guaranteed carols, mince pies, mulled wine and great gift ideas from some of the City’s best independent shops.

The local Christmas lights will also be switched on that night, a craft fair on at the Eric Liddell Centre, wine-tasting at Oddbins and a guest appearance by Santa!

Rugby Round up

Brewin-Dolphin Schools Cup Finals

Thursday night at BT Murrayfield saw the conclusion the the B-D Schools Cups for U16 and U18 Boys. As this was, probably, the first time – and, probably the last time – most of those involved would be playing on the big pitch, the players involved came out with all guns blazing, intent on enjoying the experience and puting up a good performance for the supporters. Speaking of which, at over 5,000 it was a bigger, and more enthusiastic, crowd then Edinburgh usually get.

The first match on the pitch was the U16 match between Dollar Academy and Merchiston Castle School. Dollar came out of the traps firing on all cylinders are were soon into an early lead and, with three first half tries to Merchiston’s one, lead 19-7 at half time.

However, whatever it was that Merchiston had in their half time drinks caused a sea-change in their game and they dominated much of the half, scoring 13 unanswered points to take the lead going into the final 10 minutes. Dollar then scored their fourth try with eight minutes left to retake the lead, but the game wasn’t over yet. With the clock showing 70 minutes – full time for the boys – Merchiston pinned Dollar back near their try line and were rewarded after 3-4 minutes of attacking – and, it has to be said, a fantastic defensive effort from Dollar –  with the winning try with a 25-24 score line.

The U18 match followed this one, but could it follow the drama? With George Watson’s College and Merchiston Castle School lining up for the start, it was a much anticipated game. Despite dominating much of the play, Watson’s were 5-3 down at the break, following their 35th second penalty and a Merchiston try.

The second half carried on as the first, with a dominant Watson’s team, keeping Merchiston at arm’s length and scoring three tries and a penalty to take a 23-3 lead into the final five minutes. Once again, a Merchiston team left it late to turn up the wick and their two tries left them within a score of taking the match. But, in spite of dogged resistance to Watson’s defence, they couldn’t get over halfway from the 79^th minute restart and the match finished 23-17 to Watson’s for their third successive Cup victory.

Edinburgh Rugby

Playing away this weekend in Italy, Edinburgh had high hopes of maintaining their form to beat Zebre in Parma. However, it wasn’t to be and, leading 10-6 in the final 20 minutes, Edinburgh leaked two tries to lose the match – and their first in five – 18-10.

Next up for the Edinburgh squad is London Welsh in the European Challenge Cup on Sunday (K/O 2:00pm, 7^th Dec.) at BT Murrayfield. Edinburgh currently top their group with two wins from their two outings against French opposition and, given Welsh’s woeful record this season, should make it three as the two French sides vie to knock each other out of the competition.

Club Rugby

BT Premiership

It was back to BT League action at the weekend with all four teams playing in the capital – Accies were at ‘Muir – and three coming home with the points. Boroughmuir beat Edinburgh Accies 22-16 at the bottom of the table clash at Meggetland, Currie saw off a Borders’ challenge from Gala to the tune of 21-10 and Heriots beat another Borders’ side, Hawick, 29-15 at Goldenacre.

All this leaves Heriots one place nearer the top in second with 41 points and Currie in sixth with 28. Boroughmuir and Edinburgh Accies still prop up the table in ninth and tenth places with 19 and 14 points respectively.

BT National League, Div. 1

Stewarts-Melville beat Peebles 34-18 at Inverleith on Saturday, while Watsonian’s travelled to up to Aberdeen Grammar to suffer a 25-16 defeat at the hands of the North-east side.

Stew-Mel are still third in the table with 38 points and Watsonians in fourth but maintain their one-point gap with 37.

The council are running a live event at the City Chambers tonight. You can follow proceedings live on line by clicking here (or using the watch again feature if you have missed it) but at the same time this page will update automatically with all the comments from social media.

We are sure you will have something to say about how the council use their budget over the next financial year from 2014 to 2015. The council has to make some savings but they have said that Edinburgh Leisure will not face any closures, and they are proceeding with new school building as normal.

So what does it really mean for Edinburgh?

You may find out here this evening from 7:00pm. Use the hashtag #edinbudget for your tweets or Instagram posts to be included here.

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Councillor Paul Godzik is the Education Convener on the council. He is keen to preserve spending for schools and recently he has cut the turf at two new schools being built in the city. The schools in Portobello and Fountainbridge will both be ready for secondary school pupils in August 2016.

The Edinburgh Reporter interviewed Councillor Godzik at the ceremony in Portobello:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME5YSr8GJxw?list=UUpyjaNvEF_ryiKTJ6QxCkIA]

Councillor Godzik writes:

Edinburgh schools are performing well, we continue to perform better than comparable cities in Scotland and neighbouring authorities. Early indications from this summer’s exam results are set to show this trend will continue.

Add into the equation new statistics showing 91% of young people in Edinburgh achieved a positive destination on leaving school and you really can see that the Capital Coalition’s commitment to providing opportunities for our young people to achieve their potential is working.

However, we all know that the Council faces significant financial challenges, our overall funding is being reduced and given the Council Tax freeze there is little opportunity to raise additional revenue. These budget pressures mean we have to make careful choices when prioritising where we spend our money.

It means looking at every area of spending and checking if we can be leaner and deliver more efficiently. It is undoubtedly a difficult task, but I want to reassure everyone we are committed to spending on our schools and delivering a first class education.

We already have a £30m, five year maintenance and repair plan for our schools and other buildings in our Children and Families estate. However we realise this is an area where more money needs be spent to ensure they are all of a good or excellent condition. By realigning our spending I hope we can ensure there is more capital funding for areas like maintaining school buildings and other major projects.

We are already delivering much-needed new schools at James Gillespie’s, Boroughmuir and Portobello, we have funding committed for St Crispin’s Special School and St John’s RC Primary, and no other Council in Scotland has taken such an innovative and collaborative approach to tackling the issue of rising school rolls like we have.

We know that sending your child to school for the first time can be a stressful experience for any family, so despite the unprecedented rise in rolls we’ve given parents a guarantee that places will be available at their local catchment primary. A £15m investment in our rising rolls project has already seen an extra 46 modern, high quality class spaces delivered in our primary school estate in the first two years and more are on the way.

We will continue to invest in services for the very youngest to provide them with the best start in life – more than £4m has been invested in our Early Years Change Fund. We’ve set out plans for eight new nurseries and we are also providing free nursery places of up to 600 hours for pre-school age children.

Looking after and protecting the most vulnerable children, services for children with disabilities, providing additional support for learning, more foster carers and effective youth offending services are all key areas. Our transformation programme, seeking to change the nature of these services, boosting support and reduce long-term demand is ongoing.

While there are undoubted challenges ahead we will face these head on and need the public to be our partners on this journey.

The budget proposals are out for consultation so we want to hear from as many residents as possible on where people want us to invest and where they would recommend savings. For example next week I’m holding a budget engagement meeting with parent council chairs.

Last year we did listen and made changes to our proposals for school librarians, learning assistants and payments to kinship carers. We have also taken on board views about protecting our schools’ budget and this is reflected in this year’s proposals.

The referendum process saw many young people engage in politics for the first time and we want to build on this successful engagement with them. We now have an online budget planner where people can try for themselves to set a balanced £950m budget.

We need to ensure the high standard of service we provide for our children is not affected so I would urge everyone to have their say and go to www.edinburgh.gov.uk/budget to give us their feedback.

Also you can join in the debate tonight online by watching the live Question Time event here.  Join in using the Twitter and Instagram hashtag #edinbudget

Singing sensation Susan Boyle was this afternoon officially honoured with the Fan’s Choice Award from last year’s Scottish Music Awards. The Britain’s Got Talent star beat out an abundance of Scottish talent, thanks to votes from fans in 2013. She was presented her award today by Donald MacLeod, chairman of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland at their base in Broxburn where she also participated in a therapy session with some of the pupils.

The 2013 Fan’s Choice Award gave the public the power to vote for their favourite Scottish artist. Fans voted for Susan from a shortlist of the biggest selling Scottish acts of the year, including Emeli Sandé, Biffy Clyro, Texas and Calvin Harris. However, it’s not just Scotland who’ve fallen in love with Susan’s charm, the West Lothian born singer has gathered a legion of fans all over the globe since she burst onto our screens in 2009.

Susan Boyle is the definition of an overnight success. In perhaps the most famous TV talent show audition ever, she wowed judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan with her incredible rendition of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’.  Susan instantly became a huge hit worldwide, with her first audition being watched on YouTube over 560 million times. Despite not winning the contest, Susan has gone on to achieve extraordinary levels of success. She has released six albums, three of which have hit the top spot in the UK and two in the US, amassing  record sales of over 23 million worldwide. The Scottish Music Awards celebrate artists who fly the flag for Scotland and there is no doubt that Susan is the perfect illustration of this.

Susan hasn’t had the easiest of upbringings however, as she claims she was constantly teased as a child, ‘I like a laugh, but I didn’t like being the butt of a joke. All my life, I’ve had to fight to prove myself.’  Susan has Aspergers Syndrome, a mild form of autism. Being honoured by a charity that uses music to help improve the lives of autistic children and adults really means a lot to Susan, ‘The work that Nordoff Robbins Scotland does is absolutely remarkable, to be acknowledged by the Scottish public is always heart warming, but the fact that it’s in association with Nordoff Robbins Scotland makes this extra special.”

Susan was today joined by children from Beatlie School in Craigshill, Livingston to accept her award. The school provides primary and secondary education for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Pupils Rowan Robertson, Vikki Cavanagh and Alana Cairns, who were in attendance today, benefit from the incredible work of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland today had Susan participate in one of the therapy sessions. Deputy Head Teacher, Debbie Green had nothing but praise for the charity, “We are always looking for meaningful and relevant activities in the community for our senior pupils so that they can be learning in a variety of contexts and environments.  Our link with Nordoff Robbins has provided such an opportunity.”

The Scottish Music Awards acts as the largest source of funding for the charity Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland which requires £600,000 a year to operate. The organisation uses music as a form of therapy to help enrich the lives of over 400 children and adults all over Scotland suffering from trauma, illness or disability. The fundamental belief of the charity is that everyone, no matter how ill or disabled has a response to music. The unique combination of music and therapy is revolutionary, allowing one’s creative side to combine with other forms of therapy illustrates the healing powers that music holds.

Saturday 29th November saw Neon Jungle and Nicholas McDonald perform at the 16th annual Scottish Music Awards, and winners of the coveted Tartan Clef Awards went to Jimmy Somerville, Prides, Still Game and Prince, amongst others, for their services to the Scottish music industry.  The evening raised over £130,000 for the charity on the night, with auctions prizes being sold to the likes of Lorraine Kelly and DF Concert’s Geoff Ellis.

Councillor Ricky Henderson, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee, concentrates here on his priority of ensuring there is enough money to go round to look after those who need some kind of care to help them live as independently as possible. Councillor Henderson is the Labour representative for Pentland Hills, where he commands a great deal of respect as a local councillor.

Councillor Henderson writes:

Councillor Cammy Day is the Vice Convener of Health Social Care and Housing. The Edinburgh Reporter always seems to meet Councillor Day at the launch of a housing development and last week was no exception. We met at the new housing development in Pennywell, Muirhouse, and he spoke to us in this video.

[vimeo 113037265 w=500 h=281]

The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS Housing at Pennywell from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Councillor Day is a candidate in the 2015 Westminster election, and he write:

Edinburgh is a fantastic place to live and it’s our job to help make sure people in the city are able to live in quality, affordable housing in a safe environment.

We have to make sure that as a Council our budget constraints don’t stall progress in developing modern, energy efficient homes for tenants, at costs they can afford. This means that we have to use our resources wisely to upgrade our current housing stock and build new homes to the highest standard. Over the last year I am proud of our achievements in doing this and, together with our partners, we provided almost 1,300 new affordable homes, trebling the number of new affordable homes being built in the city.

New homes have been let to tenants in Craigmillar and West Pilton, while one of Scotland’s largest housing-led regeneration projects is currently underway in Pennywell, and set to deliver over 700 homes in the North of Edinburgh. This work is delivering long lasting benefits to local communities and we are looking to expand on this to regenerate and enhance other parts of city.

However, building better communities isn’t just about new housing, it is about making sure people feel safe in their homes and in their communities. That is why the work of our Community Safety teams of officers and wardens are so important in tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, which can have a huge impact locally, on an individual, and on the environment.

We have also committed £1million to begin to upgrade our CCTV systems across Edinburgh and are working with partners to create an integrated CCTV network for the city. We are lucky that we live in a city that was voted the UK’s safest this year, and that residents tell us they mostly feel safe after dark, but we’ll keep listening together with partners so that the people who live, work and visit here are kept safe.

There is much to do to meet the needs of a growing population and the increasing demands that this places on the Council, so when it comes to allocating next year’s budget we must get it right. We have to build on successful projects and fund new ones to make sure our residents live in safe, thriving communities across the Capital. That is why we are urging people to play their part in our budget decisions, so please have a look at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/budget and let us know your priorities.

Also, you can ask Councillor Henderson any health, social care and housing questions during a live Budget  session today from 7:00pm. The hashtag is #edinbudget.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is in full swing, and you can happily spend a day on skates, swings and helter-skelters, partaking of pancakes, pies and pretzels and enjoying everything else the markets have to offer.

If, however, you should find yourself growing weary of the stalls and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread (surely hard to imagine!) then take a stroll down the smaller avenue overlooking Santa Land and you’ll find a surprise there.

Out in the Christmassy air of the Princes Street Gardens, The Stained Glass Window Project is a collaborative enterprise between Edinburgh primary schools and local businesses, in which children from around the city have created designs for stained glass windows. The best entries are now on display.

The theme for this year’s exhibition is ‘winter’, and the project has certainly inspired some suitably seasonal works.

Every one of the 21 ‘windows’ is charming. Our favourites included a woolly mammoth design by Abi Macmillan from St John’s RC Primary, a minimalist portrayal of the Edinburgh skyline by Finn Latimer of Trinity Primary, and a window reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” by Hannah Richardson of Hermitage Park Primary.

The City of Edinburgh Council Arts & Creative Learning Team rightly commended the lovely tree design from Sam Worley of Roseburn Primary, but all of these window designs are to be commended for showing us the creative talents and imagination of our city’s schoolchildren.

Taking pride of place along an avenue in the Christmas Market, found by following directions to Santa Land, this project is a reminder of the delights of Christmas for those of us perhaps disheartened by the videos of members of the public beating each other out of the way to reach the last cheap television on Black Friday.

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well; take a break from the festive frenzy and find it here, in the centre of Scotland’s capital.

Supported by the Edinburgh City Council and the Underbelly.

Contributors:

Broughton Primary: Maya Davidson

Corstorphine Primary: Aidan Gribble

Forthview Primary: Sagal Ayaanle

Fox Covert RC Primary: Leigh Macdonald

Hermitage Park Primary: Hannah Richardson

Holy Cross Primary: Annelise Allan

Nether Currie Primary: Finlay Owen

Roseburn Primary: Maya Williamson

Sam Worley (commended by CEC Arts & Creative Learning   Team)

Sighthill Primary: Gab Peter

St David’s RC Primary: Ben Forbes

St John’s RC Primary: Abi Macmillan

St Mary’s RC Primary: Antonia Puchala & Reiss Gallagher

Trinity Primary: Finn Latimer

Victoria Primary: Ella Johnson

Later today you will have the chance to quiz the council about how they are going to spend the money we all pay to them in council tax. (At least that is where some of their annual £1bn budget comes from.)

There is a Budget Question Time event taking place at the City Chambers tonight at 7:00pm. Frank O’Donnell the editor of The Edinburgh Evening News is in the chair and will direct proceedings on the floor of the chamber and you can watch the proceedings live through the council’s webcast service here.

The Edinburgh Reporter will also have our own live event running over here which will collate any tweets or Instagram photos sent using the hashtag #edinbudget.

On the panel will be:

Councillor Alasdair Rankin (SNP) is the council’s Finance Convener and has set out the draft budget for consultation. You have another couple of weeks to add your comments to the draft which you can do here. Councillor Rankin is keen to stress that the council really can listen to you and that last year changes were made to certain areas of spending following public comment.

A number of more operational budget proposals for 2015/16 were agreed at the Council meeting on Thursday, 23 October 2014. The rest of the budget will be agreed on Thursday, 12 February 2015.

Councillor Steve Cardownie (SNP) the Deputy Leader and Festivals Champion. The SNP government has imposed a council tax freeze, but we suppose this is counter-balanced by the success of all the festivals which take place in the city year-round, and the income these generate for the council and businesses across Edinburgh.

Holyrood held a one-day event to examine the economic impact of the festivals on the capital in August this year. Councillor Cardownie writes here about his thoughts on the draft budget for festivals.

Councillor Paul Godzik (Labour) who is in charge of the Education budget has been pleased to attend the sod cutting ceremonies at two new schools this year. The new buildings will provide state of the art facilities for pupils and local residents when the new Portobello High School and Boroughmuir High School open in August 2016.

Councillor Frank Ross (SNP) who is the city’s Economy Convener and who has masterminded the council funded development of the Atria office building next to the EICC. Councillor Ross writes here about the city’s economy.

Cllr Ross commented on Edinburgh being ranked third in the UK for economic performance and quality of life by the 2014 Good Growth for Cities index, from PwC and think tank Demos.

Councillor Ricky Henderson (Labour) looks after spending in the areas of Health Social Care and Housing and has the unenviable task of trying to balance the books in his department while UK government measures such as the Bedroom Tax and Universal Credit have been introduced which affect many aspects of these policies.

Councillor Adam McVey (SNP) is the Vice-Convener of Transport and Environment with an eye on matters about active travel. He is the Chair of the Cycling Forum and the Walking Forum which have recently been set up.

(We think he may be the youngest councillor, but are not entirely sure of that!) Councillor McVey lives in Leith and represents the interests of the people in the Leith Ward.

Councillor Norma Austin Hart (Labour) is the Vice-Convener of Culture and Sport where many people have thought there might be sweeping cuts to services. Councillor Austin Hart is about to announce her candidacy for election to Alistair Darling’s seat in Edinburgh South West at next year’s General Election.

The Leader and Deputy Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council clarified the council position regarding the future of Edinburgh Leisure venues, describing discussions around potential closures as ‘entirely premature’.

Their comments followed recent media coverage around the council’s budget proposals for the next financial year, 2015/16.

Council leader, Andrew Burns, said: “I want to be entirely clear that there are no proposals to close any council-owned leisure facilities and any discussion around this is entirely premature.

“As a local authority, we are facing significant challenges, most notably increasing demand on front line services and financial constraints, and Edinburgh Leisure must jointly play their part in facing up to these challenges.

“Since becoming a Trust in 1998, Edinburgh Leisure has done much to improve the delivery of sport and leisure in the city – consistently improving their annual turnover and, with that, reducing their reliance on council grant funding – and we recognise the enormous value the venues and services bring to communities across the city.

“We believe this model can continue to be successful and would expect their Board to imaginatively explore and exhaust all possibilities around improving efficiency and reducing costs in the years ahead – while maintaining their level of service as far as possible.”

Deputy Leader, Steve Cardownie, added: “Despite these obvious challenges, the council’s commitment to sport remains undiminished and we will continue to work closely with Edinburgh Leisure, sportScotland, and others to find the necessary funding to ensure our facilities are fit for a 21stcentury capital city.

“The recent refurbishment of the Royal Commonwealth Pool and successful bid for the National Performance Centre for Sport are testament to this fact, as is our continuing work on developing a sustainable and affordable replacement for Meadowbank Stadium and Sports Centre.”

The full budget proposals, the budget planner and short film can all be accessed at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/budget.

You can have your say by:
– completing the online budget planner to have your say on what services you would spend or save money on in 2015 to 2018
– commenting on the 2015/16 proposals

Hibs will face Arbroath in the 5^th round of this year’s Scottish Cup.

Their  fans will be hoping for a similar score to the last time the teams met in the Scottish Cup when the Easter Road side won 6-0 thanks to goals from Scott Brown (2), Ivan Sproule, Michael Stewart, Steven Fletcher and Gary O’Connor nine years ago when Tony Mowbray was the manager.

The tie will take place on Saturday 7 February and ticket information will be confirmed in due course.

Head Coach Alan Stubbs told hibernianfc.co.uk “First and foremost, we’re delighted that we’re at home. As I’ve said before, getting a home draw was a priority, so we’re pleased we’ve managed to get that.

“The tie against Arbroath will be a tough game – they are currently doing really well and are top of League Two.

“We will have them watched and prepare properly for the tie. We certainly won’t underestimate and will give them the respect they deserve.

“It should be a good Scottish Cup tie and it’s one that everybody is looking forward to.”

The other Edinburgh team in the last 16, Spartans will host Berwick Rangers or Albion Rovers.

The full draw is as follows:

Dundee v Celtic

Falkirk v Annan Athletic / Brechin City

Hibernian v Arbroath

Partick Thistle v St Mirren or Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Queen of the South v St Johnstone

Rangers v Raith Rovers

Spartans v Berwick Rangers / Albion Rovers

Stranraer / Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee United

No this is not some kind of reality TV show, but a real competition where homeowners do the nominating of those painters and decorators that they think do the best job.

Brian Urquhart from Liberton has been announced as a finalist in the Dulux Trade Ultimate Professional Decorator Awards 2014. He was shortlisted for the UK-wide competition by the paint manufacturer as part of its annual campaign to recognise the UK’s most professional decorators.

The Ultimate Professional Awards allowed homeowners across the UK nominate local painters and decorators who they felt embodied excellent service and consistently delivered high quality, professional workmanship, while going above and beyond.

The judges commented on Brian’s willingness to provide his customers with advice and his extremely professional approach.

Brian will now go through to the final stage of the competition, where he will compete with nine other finalists for the title of the UK’s Ultimate Professional Decorator 2014. In recognition of their achievement, the overall winner will receive the Ultimate Prize – either VIP tickets to a sporting event or a relaxing luxury spa experience.

Samantha Balloch, Marketing Manager for Dulux Trade, commented: “We launched the Ultimate Professional Decorator competition to support the sector and highlight the hard work of decorators across the UK who work with pride, passion and professionalism.

“Brian is a great example of a decorator who not only carries out the job to an extremely high standard, he also treats his clients homes with the utmost respect, so it is great to be able to declare him a finalist in the Ultimate Professional Decorator Awards 2014.”

The final awards ceremony will take place late November when the overall winner will be announced from the 10 shortlisted entries.

For more details of Dulux Trade’s search for the UK’s Ultimate Professional Decorator, go to www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/ultimate

Police are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious fire at Paul’s RC Church, Muirhouse Avenue.

The incident was reported to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at around 9.20pm yesterday (Sunday, November 30).  The fire has caused substantial damage to the building and is believed to be deliberate.

Police are eager to trace a number of youths in connection with this incident, who are believed to have been loitering near the building less than an hour before the fire started.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and the fire was brought under control just after midnight.  Fortunately the building had been vacant since its closure in October, which meant there were no casualties. 

Pennywell Road and Muirhouse Avenue were temporarily closed but have now reopened.  A part of the pavement on Muirhouse Avenue is still cordoned off and this will remain in place until the safety of the building has been assessed.

Inspector Alan Carson said:  “This was an appalling attack on a religious building which, despite its closure, was still of importance to the local community in Muirhouse. It was a reckless act which could well have resulted in serious injury or worse.

“We are eager to talk to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the church on Sunday night. 

“We are particularly keen to trace a group of youths who were seen near the church less than an hour before the fire was reported.  Tracing these young people would significantly help us with our enquiries.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A charity single in memory of Liberton schoologirl Keane Wallis-Bennett is now released.

Called ‘Keane’s Song’ it was written by her friends, with support from the school chaplaincy, just two days after Keane died tragically at Liberton High School.

Keane’s Song by Keane’s Girls, available now on iTunes and Google Play, is both a celebration of Keane’s personality and a lament that her friends miss her so much. The money raised from sales of the single will provide additional funds for enhancing the planned memorial garden at Liberton High School.

Aimee McCauley, 13, said: “I knew Keane since I was little, we had lots of fun times together. The song means a lot to me because when I’m sad, I can play the song and it makes me smile and remember all the good times. I miss her loads.”

Megan O’Hara, 13, said:  “I can’t believe we’ve done this. Who would think we would go from writing the song in the church to help us cope to it being on iTunes!! Keane would love it.”

Keane’s mother Abbie Wallis said:  “Keane’s friends have worked incredibly hard the past few months to make this happen and it would mean the world to myself and my family that everyone supports them by downloading the song.”

The song was created when the school chaplains, based in a partnership of local churches in the South East of Edinburgh, decided to open up the church next to the school (Liberton Northfield) in the days following the tragedy as a space where people could come and reflect, pray, light candles and write in a book of condolences.

Many pupils, teachers and members of the local community came through the space in the next few days. During a quiet spell on Thursday afternoon, one of the chaplains was playing guitar when a group of first year pupils entered the building. They asked him to keep playing and this led on to the idea of trying to write a song about Keane. Ideas and suggestions began to flow and soon there was the beginnings of a song.

The pupils returned later that evening to continue writing it and then returned the next day to listen to the song again. At their request the song was sung at a balloon release held at Goodtrees on the Friday afternoon and with the family’s permission, it was sung at a memorial service in Liberton Northfield the following Sunday. The song was then sung at Keane’s funeral service.

On each occasion it was one of the chaplains, David McNeish, who sang it on behalf of the young people who helped create it. The possibility of recording a version of the song with pupils themselves singing began to take shape. The chaplains therefore worked with a committed group of Keane’s friends who rehearsed the song weekly before recording it in the Music Department using equipment that the PTA had raised funds for previously. With help from Scott McCorquodale, Principal Teacher of Music, and bass and lead guitar from Guitar Teacher Mike McGeary, the song was recorded, mixed and uploaded to iTunes and Google Play.

David McNeish, Probationer Minister at Church of Scotland’s Liberton Kirk, said “I am so unbelievably proud of all the young people who helped to write and record this song. It’s incredibly moving to hear them singing their hearts out and a fitting tribute to their friend Keane, who loved music so much. Everyone is very excited that the single is now available to order from iTunes and we hope many people get a chance to hear just how brilliant Keane’s Girls are.”

Keane’s big step-sister Rebecca Nicholson-Bennett tweeted her support from Melbourne, Australia “She loved music so I’m sure she’s excited for the single release. Do my baby sister proud :)”

Headteacher Stephen Kelly said: “Coming together and recording the song is a very special way for Keane’s friends to remember her by. We’ve been blown away by the community response in support of the school – they’ve been absolutely fantastic and I hope everyone takes the opportunity to download the song and raise additional funds for the memorial.”

As the new owner of renowned Edinburgh based chocolatier, Coco Chocolate, the only “fire” that ex-firefighter Calum Haggerty will now encounter on a daily basis will be from the chilli in his chocolate products!

He is about to take the company, which has been a stalwart with foodies from all over Edinburgh and the Lothians for the past ten years, in a new direction.

Coco Chocolate’s popular range contains not just perennially popular chocolate and chilli but Great Taste 2014 award winning combinations such as Gin & Tonic (One Star) and Rose & Black Pepper tablet bars (Two Stars), a range of best selling truffles, and Edinburgh’s favourite Hot Chocolate.

Calum, who is originally from Inverness, said: “I had been a firefighter for eight years with Lothian & Borders Fire Service, now The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service but I decided to have a complete career change in 2013 when I left the service, looking for a new challenge in the world of business. I took over Coco Chocolate in 2013,” he said.

“I have always been a huge chocolate fan and a supporter of local produce. The more I’m learning about the production and history of chocolate, the more passionate I am about the quality product that we are lucky enough to produce and sell.”

Calum added: “I am thoroughly enjoying my change of career – Coco Chocolate is a business with huge potential and we have just embarked on a rebranding exercise to repackage our products, a new look website with an online shop to match and a refit of our flagship Bruntsfield Place shop at a large cost .”

“We are going through a five year plan to expand to Aberdeen and Glasgow, develop our new school and our wholesale business. We have been working with Busies Gateway to develop the business.”

Calum explained that Coco Chocolate’s new look is the work of Edinburgh based Nevis Design who have undertaken all of the rebranding for the firm, including the website.

 “I wanted to work with a firm which specialises in food and drink brands and I am very pleased with the look they have come up with. The striking black and white art deco style lettering fits with the characteristics that Coco Chocolate is known and loved for, but gives us a fresh, modern edge,” said Calum.

“We have a very loyal customer base so I wanted something that was likely to appeal to them but would also attract new customers too, especially with 2015 being the Year of Scottish Food & Drink. I think that artisan producers like us are particularly well placed to benefit from the increased attention that special themed years like this generate, said Calum, who also has a shop on Broughton Street and plans to open a new Chocolate School next year at Summerhall in Edinburgh.

“At the moment we have our own Chocolate Kitchen at our headquarters in Summerhall and we hold Artisan Chocolate Making Classes and workshops here but there is huge potential to widen this strand of our business out. We estimate that the new branding and refit will generate an extra Ł40k a year in turnover.“

Calum Haggerty finished by saying that an online shop was key to Coco Chocolate moving forward as Edinburgh is a huge tourist and foodie destination.

“We want to successfully attract repeat custom from all over the UK and overseas. Our current  range fits with this, effectively offering the very best of Scotland on a plate with products such as our Haggis Spices Chocolate, and those where we have teamed up with other Scottish based artisan producers such as Artisan Roast, Pickering’s Gin and The Dalmore Scotch Whisky.”

www.cocochocolate.co.uk

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have been tackling a large fire at St Paul’s church on Muirhouse Avenue since 9.30pm last night. Our earlier report is here.

At its height, fire appliances including two height appliances, from Crewe Toll, McDonald Road, Tollcross, Sighthill and Marionville were in attendance.

On arrival firefighters were faced with a well alight two storey building.  The building was formerly used as a church but is now a derelict building.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a line of hose to tackle the fire.  Two water towers from the height appliances were used to extinguish the fire.

Crews worked tirelessly throughout the night and brought the blaze under control by just after midnight.

Group Manager and Incident Commander, John Hanlin, said: “Crews were faced with a well-developed fire on arrival.  The initial firefighting efforts were by teams using breathing apparatus and a line of hose which helped prevent further fire spread.

We used the two height appliances for water towers to tackle the fire externally and managed to bring in under control.

“The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. A joint investigation by police and specialist fire investigators has been arranged and will take place today.”

SFRS crews were supported by Police Scotland, who set up an outer cordon at Pennywell Road and provided traffic control while emergency services tackled the fire.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “The fire is being treated as suspicious and anyone with information that can assist police with their enquiry is asked to come forward immediately.”

Police are urging the public to stay safe online when shopping for gifts over the festive season.

Today is believed to be the busiest day for shopping on the Internet, with thousands of people purchasing goods to be delivered in time for Christmas.

With that in mind, officers are keen to ensure that all cyber shoppers do not become easy targets for fraudsters.

Anyone buying products online is urged to use only reputable or trusted sites and if you are unsure about the authenticity of anything being offered, then do not attempt to purchase it.

In addition, people are again advised to be wary of the ongoing banking scam known as ‘vishing’.

Inspector Emma Croft said: “In addition to the busy crowds we are beginning to see in Edinburgh’s city centre, many people will also be surfing the web for the best bargains when buying their Christmas gifts.

“It is therefore essential that the public do all they can to stay safe from those who would look to secure your personal details for criminal profit.

“When purchasing items, use only retail sites that you have previously dealt with or who are nationally recognised as authentic sellers. Never give out any bank details or any other personal information if you are not entirely certain that the site is genuine.

“If you have any concerns about a site then report the matter to police or the Action Fraud organisation on

“We are also keen to ensure that the hard-earned savings of the public do not become an easy target for criminals who may attempt to extort money using the vishing tactic.

“Therefore, it is important that our communities recognise neither the police, nor banks, will cold-call an account holder and ask for personal details, or for money to be transferred elsewhere.

“If you receive a call like this, do not comply. Hang up and ensure the line has been cleared before contacting police.”

Ahead of the City Chambers live Question Time event, the Economy Convener, Councillor Frank Ross writes to explain the budget challenges for the city’s Economic Development department for which he is responsible.

Councillor Ross is the SNP councillor for Corstorphine/Murrayfield Ward and has a background in business. The Edinburgh Reporter interviewed him about the city’s economy in April of this year:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXcXd663AEY?list=UUpyjaNvEF_ryiKTJ6QxCkIA]

He writes:

Edinburgh is the most prosperous city in the UK outside London and is always coming top of the ratings for quality of life. This is largely due to our strong economy and continuing to build on this is at the heart of our Strategy for Jobs.

The way we communicate and do business globally is changing and if we are to continue to compete on an international stage for investment and talented workers, we must ensure our current workforce is ready to adapt to new skills, which requires our continued investment.

Edinburgh’s technology sector has a real buzz about it, which was highlighted recently by Tech Britain, who recently announced it is the third largest in the UK. Our world class universities are turning out talented graduates every year and many of them are joining businesses in the city or setting up their own. To keep the industry growing at or ahead of its current rate, we need to increase the flow of fresh talent coming into Edinburgh.

On a local level we are working with partners across the city in many training centres such as Fort Kinnaird, an innovative recruitment and skills centre which opened in the shopping centre there in September 2013. After a year of opening, the centre, which is run in conjunction with many other partners, has exceeded all expectations. Almost all of the Fort Kinnaird retailers that recruited for Christmas positions did so through the Centre, resulting in 380 local jobseekers securing work.

Over a third of those placed continued into permanent jobs with their employers. This is a fantastic result, particularly as it is providing much needed employment to people in areas of higher job seeker claimant levels such as Craigmillar.

We are also continuing to invest in our incubators to nurture entrepreneurial start-up talent in the city. Creative Exchange, wholly owned by the Council is now full and others are expanding rapidly. In face of this demand we are looking at innovative options for incubator expansion.

Ensuring that Edinburgh’s young people have opportunities is also vital for economic success. More than one in every hundred full-time equivalent employees in the Council is now an apprentice and since the Edinburgh Guarantee launched two and a half years ago it has supported over 1,000 young people into employment training or further education. The Edinburgh Guarantee has also helped 200 employers in the last financial year giving young people new opportunities.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2YUUD5zzCk]

There is much to do to keep our economy growing and the increasing demands that this places on the Council, so when it comes to allocating next year’s budget we must get it right. It is important that we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to find work and has a good quality of life. That is why we are urging people to play their part in our budget decisions, so please have a look at our budget planner and let us know your priorities.

Join in the debate this evening from 7:00pm till 8:00pm using the Twitter hashtag #edinbudget or by watching the proceedings live online here.

Ahead of the Budget Question Time event being run from the City Chambers this evening at 7 till 8pm, the City’s Festivals and Events Champion, Councillor Steve Cardownie, writes about the Council’s Budget decisions.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is in full swing and it is only a matter of weeks until 75,000 people flock to the Capital to experience Edinburgh’s world famous Hogmanay festival.

Last winter, a footfall of 1.5m was measured at the East side of Princes Street Gardens as residents and visitors took in the various winter attractions on offer in the centre of town.

The Council supports these events and many others throughout the year because Edinburgh is a unique and proud festival city.

From the summer festivals all the way through to the Science, Storytelling, Film, and Jazz and Blues Festivals, Edinburgh’s year-round calendar of events is what our city is renowned for. There is always something different due to take place, whether it be international diving competitions at the Royal Commonwealth Pool or cycling events with thousands of spectators in the heart of the city. There is no other place on earth that rivals Edinburgh’s quality and quantity of festival and events programming, and nobody does it better.

But I don’t believe there is room for complacency. Edinburgh has been working since 1947 on expanding and bettering our festivals, and this longevity is one of the greatest reflections of their success.

Some people may wonder why the Council should be funding the festivals at all, but my argument is that the Council doesn’t fund these events – it invests in them.

For every pound invested by the Council in cultural services, twelve times as much spending is generated in the city’s economy. The benefit of all of this to hotels as occupancy rates rise and to bars and restaurants in the city is huge in August and December in particular.

As a Council and a city there are difficult decisions to be made about where to spend and save money in the next budget. I believe a big reduction in Edinburgh’s cultural spending would not only knock the city’s international reputation and tourism, it would hit our local economy and jobs market too.

Almost four million people came to Edinburgh to attend the city’s 12 biggest festivals last year, generating £245m for the local economy and £261m for the national economy, and importantly supporting 5,242 full time jobs in Edinburgh. Yet the percentage of the Council’s budget spent supporting these events is just 0.6 per cent.

The support of the Council for events can quite often act as the lifeblood for some organisations. Council support of an event can mean agreeing to cover basic, yet crucial, elements of an event that commercial sponsors aren’t quite so excited by. Support for necessities like cleaning products, waste disposal and electricity bills can mean a great event taking place when otherwise it couldn’t. The Council’s support of events means help with public safety, and road and traffic management as well as securing significant national and international profile for the Capital city.

Aside from the obvious economic benefits, the festivals make Edinburgh a great place to live and work.

This winter, hundreds of local people will be enjoying a special discount that is in place for EH postcode holders for Christmas and Hogmanay events – something that has been initiated by the Council. Significant reductions in the funding to Edinburgh’s Festivals could potentially result in higher ticket prices and no concessions on tickets for residents.

The Great winter run in January, which is supported by the Council, also attracts significant national and international media exposure every year and provides the ideal platform for people across the city to get physically active after the Christmas and Hogmanay party is over.

I hope those who enjoy these events each and every year join in the Council’s budget debate and let us know how important the city’s events offering is to them. A panel of Councillors will be answering questions during a live Question Time Debate this evening from 7:00pm. Join in here or on Twitter using the hashtag #edinbudget.

This article was originally published in the Edinburgh Evening News on Friday 28 November. 

Win tickets to see Edinburgh Rugby take on Treviso

The Edinburgh Reporter has teamed up with Specsavers, sponsor of the Guinness PRO12 match officials, to offer readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Edinburgh’s game against Treviso on 19 December at 19.35.

Two pairs of tickets can be won.

For a chance to win this prize fill in the form below

Over 18s only.

Closing date is 16 December 2014 at 5.00pm.

Terms and conditions:

The winning entry will be selected by the editor. There is no cash or prize alternative.

Specsavers has stores across Edinburgh – Shandwick Place, Cameron Toll, The Jewel, Morningside, Musselburgh, North Bridge, The Gyle and Leith.

Visit www.specsavers.co.uk

Animal Art: new mosaics, lino-cuts and monoprints from artist Freya Levy. Private view tonight 6-8pm, Glass & Thompson, 2 Dundas Street. Refreshments provided! Exhibition continues until Christmas: read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about Freya’s work here.

National Museum of Scotland Tours: free daily guided tours with a different theme each day: see website for details. Today: An Orkney Story. For adults and groups of 6 or less (larger groups should book a tour via the Museum’s website). 3-4pm, today and every day in December, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street (meet Tour Guide at Tour Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0). No booking required.

Open Eye Gallery Christmas Exhibitions: Perfect Balance investigates abstract form and composition through the medium of printmaking, Feast Your Eyes invites a number of gallery artists to interpret this seasonal title, and On A Small Scale is a postcard exhibition by a wide range of gallery artists. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, Open Eye Gallery, 34 Abercromby Place. Exhibitions end 24th December 2014.

Craft and Chat: if you enjoy knitting, sewing, crochet, quilting, embroidery, papercraft – or any other form of craft! – and fancy some company while you work, come along to Fountainbridge’s new monthly group. Bring your project, get ideas and tips, and the library will provide the tea and stickies. 6-7.30pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street.

Christmas Movie Mondays: Home Alone 1 & 2. An 8 year old is accidentally left at home alone when his family fly off to France for Christmas. 8pm (Home Alone 1) and 10pm, (Home Alone 2), Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street. Free.

Tricolour: monthly night showcasing three different poetry and spoken word talents. Three different voices, three different styles, three different takes on life: this month Harry Giles, Jo Clifford and TS Rosenberg. 6.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free tickets can be booked here, or call the Library on 0131 623 3734.

World Aids Day Gathering: an annual community gathering to remember everyone affected by HIV. This year the theme is ‘tackling HIV together‘. 6-8pm, St John’s Church, Princes St/Lothian Road. Meet at LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, to walk to the venue together, or meet up there – if making your own way, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a seat.

Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues this week. Today The Rehearsal (1974), Jules Dassin’s inspiring account of student heroism in the Athens’ Polytechnic’s rising against the Junta and the Greek Colonels, starring Arthur Miller, Laurence Olivier, Melina Mercouri, Lilian Hellman, Olympia Dukakis and Mikis Theodorakis. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.

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 5 people can take part; please arrive early to secure your place. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. For more information contact events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.

Planning application for student housing

24 Doors of Advent

Art on sale to raise funds for Sick Kids

Talking about The Smith Commission

#GivingTuesday

An application has been made for planning permission for a student housing development at Meadow Lane which will involve the demolition of a garage.

The Cockburn Association highlighted this on Facebook, but some of the commenters are very dismissive of the proposal, saying that the council will not listen anyway.

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Edinburgh’s Christmas 24 Doors of Advent begins today.

This real-life advent calendar lets you open a door a day throughout December.

Each day from 1 – 24 December, a building around Edinburgh that’s usually closed to the public will open its doors.

This project is run in collaboration with the Cockburn Association. Schedule of doors is listed below:

1 December: The Writers’ Museum
2 December: Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory
3 December: Edinburghs Christmas – Stained Glasss Window Project
4 December: St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church,
5 December: 31 Heriot Row,
6 December: Talbot Rice Gallery,
7 December: Victorian School Room
8 December: Tour by Scottish Tour Guide Association
9 December: Old City Observatory Grounds
10 December: Assembly Hall
11 December: Riddle’s Court
12 December: Gilmerton Cove
13 December: Mansfield Traquair
14 December: Edinburgh Gin
15 December: Assembly Rooms
16 December: Gogar Cabinet Works
17 December: Traverse Theatre
18 December: Barney’s Brewery
19 December: New Register House Dome Room
20 December: Gladstone Land
21 December: Dovecot Studios
22 December: City Chambers
23 December: St Giles’ Cathedral
24 December: Dalmeny Kirk

 

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A collection of original, professional art works are to be sold online for a limited time to help raise funds to support the work of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) in Edinburgh.

Commissioned exclusively for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF), 122 unique pieces of art were displayed at the charity’s prestigious Postcards 2014: Small Pictures for Big Projects art exhibition last month

From today a limited number of remaining pieces will be available to purchase online for just £300. The art has been generously donated by more than 70 distinguished artists and painters from across Scotland and beyond.

Each postcard sized masterpiece is displayed anonymously, with the identity of the artist only revealed upon purchase.

Truly unique pieces from prominent contributors including John Busby, Helga Chart and Donald Provan have been donated.  The sale will open online at www.edinburghsickkids.org/events from today until Tuesday, 16 December.

To date, this year’s exhibition has raised more than £42,000, which will be used to help the SKFF provide art, music and drama therapy programmes at the RHSC in Edinburgh.

Harnessing the inspiration and strength that art can bring to children and their families, the SKFF’s Artists in Residence programme is now a comfort to thousands of patients and will be transferred to the new children’s hospital due to open in 2017.

Maureen Harrison, chief executive of SKFF, said: “Our online art exhibition presents art lovers and Sick Kids supporters with a final opportunity to own one of the beautiful pieces commissioned especially for our biennial art event.

“We are truly grateful to the distinguished artists who have donated their work so generously, as well as to all of our supporters who attended this year’s exhibition, helping us to raise more than £42,000 to date.

“Whether you know your Peter Bourne from Alfons Jasinski or just appreciate a beautiful piece of art, we still have a number of exciting pieces up for sale which are sure to brighten up your home and help us provide a wide range of extra comforts for sick children and their families.”

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We know it’s tomorrow but you have to get ready for #GivingTuesday. And Gorgie City Farm are throwing down a challenge to you that you might have to think about!

St Paul’s Chapel in Muirhouse closed its doors recently and when we visited Muirhouse the other day we took some photos of the building. The former church is not in the best state of repair, and is currently on the market for sale by Rydens.

This evening flames are engulfing the roof of the building.

If you have any photos please share them with us.

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I wanted to share some pictures and a video I have made of Edinburgh’s Christmas in Princes Street Gardens.

I’m a very amateur photographer and only seem to get the camera out either at Festival or Christmas time.

Hope you enjoy

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGP0_BcurlQ]

Submitted by Martin Cutler

Lots of Christmassy things this week, from craft fairs to carols and music to markets – but if the very thought of anything festive sends you running from the room, fear not – there are plenty of alternatives; films, plays, quizes, choirs, fabulous fundraisers…..and even if you already wish it was January, you’ll surely be hard put to resist Saturday’s Christmas Dugs N Pubs….

MONDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2014

Animal Art: new mosaics, lino-cuts and monoprints from artist Freya Levy. Private view tonight 6-8pm, Glass & Thompson, 2 Dundas Street. Refreshments provided! Exhibition continues until Christmas: read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about Freya’s work here.

National Museum of Scotland Tours: free daily guided tours with a different theme each day: see website for details. Today: An Orkney Story. For adults and groups of 6 or less (larger groups should book a tour via the Museum’s website). 3-4pm, today and every day in December, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street (meet Tour Guide at Tour Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0). No booking required.

Open Eye Gallery Christmas Exhibitions: Perfect Balance investigates abstract form and composition through the medium of printmaking, Feast Your Eyes invites a number of gallery artists to interpret this seasonal title, and On A Small Scale is a postcard exhibition by a wide range of gallery artists. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, Open Eye Gallery, 34 Abercromby Place. Exhibitions end 24th December 2014.

Craft and Chat: if you enjoy knitting, sewing, crochet, quilting, embroidery, papercraft – or any other form of craft! – and fancy some company while you work, come along to Fountainbridge’s new monthly group. Bring your project, get ideas and tips, and the library will provide the tea and stickies. 6-7.30pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street.

Christmas Movie Mondays: Home Alone 1 & 2. An 8 year old is accidentally left at home alone when his family fly off to France for Christmas. 8pm (Home Alone 1) and 10pm, (Home Alone 2), Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street. Free.

Tricolour: monthly night showcasing three different poetry and spoken word talents. Three different voices, three different styles, three different takes on life: this month Harry Giles, Jo Clifford and TS Rosenberg. 6.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free tickets can be booked here, or call the Library on 0131 623 3734.

World Aids Day Gathering: an annual community gathering to remember everyone affected by HIV. This year the theme is ‘tackling HIV together‘. 6-8pm, St John’s Church, Princes St/Lothian Road. Meet at LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, to walk to the venue together, or meet up there – if making your own way, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a seat.

Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues this week. Today The Rehearsal (1974), Jules Dassin’s inspiring account of student heroism in the Athens’ Polytechnic’s rising against the Junta and the Greek Colonels, starring Arthur Miller, Laurence Olivier, Melina Mercouri, Lilian Hellman, Olympia Dukakis and Mikis Theodorakis. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.

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 5 people can take part; please arrive early to secure your place. 6-7.15pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. For more information contact events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.

TUESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2014

Mac’s Munchkins: an hour of farm-themed storytelling, crafts, playgroup and songs. For ages 2+. 10am and 3pm,  today and every Tuesday, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. £2 per child, no booking required, just come along and meet up at the Red Tractor.

Cancer Research UK’s Annual Art Exhibition: a week of original and unique art. Paintings from £30 to over £1,000, plus crafts, cards and handmade jewellery. Lots of great gift ideas! Teas, coffees, soup and home baking available to purchase in the cafe. 10.30am-5pm today and Wednesday to Friday, 10.30am-4pm Saturday, Adam House, 3 Chambers Street. Ends 6th December 2014.

Le Havre (2011): Marcel Marx (Andre Wilms), a former bohemian and struggling author, has given up his literary ambitions and relocated to the port city of Le Havre. He leads a simple life based around his wife Arletty (Kati Outinen), his favourite bar and his not too profitable profession as a shoeshiner. As Arletty suddenly becomes seriously ill, fate throws the young African refugee Idrissa (Blondin Miguel) into his path. Director Aki Kaurismaki’s masterpiece champions the downtrodden and celebrates the little things that make life worth living. ‘A glorious, colourful and deeply humane work.’ Shown in French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free. Also showing 1-2.30pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2014.

Janice Cairns: Forgiving Nancy. Janice will read from her first suspense romance novel, and talk about her journey to publication and the challenges she faced – a story that many unpublished writers will find inspiring. Refreshments available! 2-3pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. No booking required, just come along.

Dementia Awareness Talk: over 86,000 people in Scotland have dementia, and the number is expected to double over the next 25 years. In this talk Andrew Senew, Director of Home Instead Senior Care, will discuss the causes, symptoms and different types of dementia, and the importance of diagnosis, medication, diet and lifestyle. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies: 10.30am, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan.

Community Navigator Information Stall: if you are 65+ and would like to find out about interesting local activities, groups, organisations and services, drop in to the library today or any Tuesday and say hello to the Health in Mind staff. 10am-12 noon, Oxgangs Library, 43 Oxgangs Road North.

Edinburgh Film Music Orchestra Concert: the orchestra and Edinburgh College of Art present a concert of varied film music, game scores and collaboration film music. Conductor: Yato Durant. 7.30pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square. Entry by donation.

Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues this week. Today September (2013): a gentle film about loneliness in the suburbs of Athens. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.

The OCP Pub Quiz: £5 per team, winner takes all, with some ‘tasty’ prizes for the runners-up.  8-10.30pm, Old Chain Pier, 32 Trinity Crescent.

WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2014

The Edinburgh Telephone Choir and special guests The St John’s School Children’s Choir perform an evening of carols (with sing-alongs!) to raise funds in aid of the Ebola Crisis. 7.30pm, St John’s RC Church, 35 Brighton Place, Portobello. Free entry: donations encouraged as you leave!

Kellan MacInnes: Caleb’s List. Kellan tells the story of how he discovered Victorian mountaineer Caleb George Cash’s long-forgotten list of the mountains visible from Arthur’s Seat, and explains what led him to take on the challenge of climbing them all. ‘More than a climbing book, Caleb’s List is the story of a survivor.’ 6.30-7.30pm, Morningside Library, 184-186 Morningside Road. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite or by calling the library on 0131 529 5654.

Edinburgh Greek Film Festival continues this week. Today 45m2 (2010) ‘a precisely observed and coherent portrait of Greece as it is now, from handbag shops to rotten boroughs’. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.

Blackamoores: Africans in Tudor England, their Presence, Status and Origins. This ground-breaking publication by Onyeka challenges the deep-held beliefs of what it is to be English. Onyeka has examined 250,000 documents during 10 years of research; this is the first time that a major historical publication has focused on the status and origins of Africans in Tudor England. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

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

Le Havre (2011): Marcel Marx (Andre Wilms), a former bohemian and struggling author, has given up his literary ambitions and relocated to the port city of Le Havre. He leads a simple life based around his wife Arletty (Kati Outinen), his favourite bar and his not too profitable profession as a shoeshiner. As Arletty suddenly becomes seriously ill, fate throws the young African refugee Idrissa (Blondin Miguel) into his path. Director Aki Kaurismaki’s masterpiece champions the downtrodden and celebrates the little things that make life worth living. ‘A glorious, colourful and deeply humane work.’  Shown in French with English subtitles. 1-2.30pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free.

Lounge Act feat. Katya Mansell, Claire Brierly and Joshua Brooke-Lawson: an all acoustic night. 8pm (doors open 7.30pm), Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street. Free entry.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Nikki Welch’s Pocket Guide to Wine: a perfect, concise guide for anyone who loves wine and wants to find out more, arranged in an easy-to-use format in which different types of wine are shown schematically on a map like the London underground. Nikki Welch spent 10 years selling and marketing wine and is now the owner of Convivium Wine. This event will include tastings of two wines. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be collected from Blackwell’s front desk or reserved by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.

Morningside Justice and Peace: Alexandra Smith, Reader in Russian Studies, University of Edinburgh, speaks on Russia Today, followed by questions and discussion. 10.30-11.30am, The Open Door, 420 Morningside Road. All welcome: £1 per person. For more information contact b.darcy20@gmail.com or call 0131 228 1807.

THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2014

Balkans Music Camp Fundraiser: guitarist Dan Abrahams is raising funds for this project, which offers music therapy for conflict-trauma victims and those with special needs. Loads of great party music from folk trio Caro River and The Bridges, Croatian singer Erik Balija, superfunky Foo Birds, Blues/RnB outfit The Blueswater, and a Van Morrison soul/folk/jazz mix from The Lo Birds. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door, cash only.

From Advent to Christmas: upholding the Portrait Gallery’s longstanding tradition, The Edinburgh University Singers return for their annual concert of seasonal music, introduced by John Kitchen. 1.15-1.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

Bookbug: rhymes and songs for very young children and their parents and carers. 10.30-11am, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street.

Human Capital: an absorbing treatise on how the rich can ride roughshod over ‘the little people’ when their security is threatened, and also a thrilling and gripping drama with a mystery at its centre, Human Capital is set in a town in Brianza. A hit and run accident leaves a young cyclist dying – two well-known families are involved; director Paolo Virzi draws a ruthless and cynical portrait of family members, old and young. ‘A slick, sly fusion of class critique and murder mystery.’ The film will be preceded by a screening of Edinburgh International Film Festival award-winning short film Coral Red. 6pm, Italian Cultural Institute, 82 Nicolson Street.  Free but please book online here. For more information contact the Institute on 0131 668 2232.

Big Book Group Christmas Quiz: test your literary knowledge at the annual quiz for ALL book groups in Edinburgh. Teams of up to 6 people should book in the name of the Group Leader, stating how many tickets are required. 6.30-8pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Contact Annie Bell on 0131 242 8046 or email her at annie.bell@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information.

LGBT Learning Disabilities Group: Winter Wonderland. Come and enjoy the Winter Wonderland; there will be time to look at the German Christmas Market stalls and watch activities like skating and the big wheel – bring money if you want to go on a ride or buy anything. Members of Dates N Mates will also be joining the group.  2-4pm – meet at  LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, to walk to Princes Street together, or meet at 2.15pm at the entrance to the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens. Booking by 1st December is essential: call 0131 652 3281 or email george@lgbthealth.org.uk. The Learning Disabilities Project provides a range of opportunities for confidence building and friendship among LGBT people who also identify as having a learning disability or difficulty. Please bring a carer or supporter with you if you need help to participate.

Edinburgh Greek Film Festival concludes today with Miss Violence (2013); an 11 year old jumps to her death with a smile on her face: what is the secret that Angeliki took with her? How can the social services understand what goes on in clean, orderly homes like hers? ‘The harshest violence is that of silence, of the unspoken’. 8.35pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone or online.

Portobello Christmas Street Fest: an evening of festive entertainment and late-night shopping with around 40 local shops taking part. Lots of one-night only special offers and festive hospitality! Santa, characters from Frozen, a fire engine, elves, carols, dance, music. Streetdance from Lothian Dance Academy at 5.30pm, Santa will arrive at about 5.45pm, lights switched on at 6pm. Children with a golden ticket will receive a gift from Santa: tickets can be purchased in advance for £5 from Favers. (This is a non-profit making gesture). Dress for the occasion – Santa hats, reindeer antlers and sparkly clothes encouraged! 5-8pm, Portobello High Street.

University of Edinburgh Ethics Forum: should the university employ prisoners? A lunchtime session examining prison labour and the university’s role in the rehabilitation of prisoners in Scotland. 1-2.30pm, Seminar Room 4, Chrystal Macmillan Building, University of Edinburgh, George Square. All welcome.

Science on a Winter’s Evening: the University of Edinburgh College of Science and Engineering presents a celebration of two distinctive research areas, with public lectures, displays, interactive activities and live music. Looking to the future, Professor Harald Haas describes the potential for Li-Fi developments to change the face of modern communication; investigating the past, Dr Steve Brusatte reveals the latest dinosaur discoveries and how his work is made possible. 6-8.30pm, Michael Swann Lecture Theatre, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, King’s Buildings EH9 3BF. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. For more information contact sciengmail@ed.ac.uk.

Polar Bears in Purgatory + Defenestrators + The Dead Sets + more: a night of punk and pop-punk. 7pm-1am, Henry’s Cellar Bar, 16a Morrison Street. £5 on the door.

Looking, Mediated: a new screening programme of moving image works by artists who utilise, address and challenge contemporary forms of visual experience. Often traversing formal boundaries, these works explore how we view and interact with imagery today, and how these interactions inform social and cultural relationships, both on and off the screen. Through forms of audio-visual production, such as green screen, 3D animation, avatars, ASMR, image galleries, self-broadcast and interpretive documentary, the potential of the screen as a site for the departure from, or surrogate to, reality is interrogated. Curated by Max Carter for LUX. 7-9pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free but booking required via eventbrite.

Chocolate: History, Facts and Myths. Ali Gower, owner of The Chocolate Tree in Bruntsfield, will give insights into the growing of cacao in South America and explain the challenges of making chocolate, from bean to bar. The Chocolate Tree are Scottish craft chocolate makers who work directly with cacao growers to encourage the growing of heirloom cacao which will sustain biodiversity and fine flavour chocolate into the future. They also aim to provide growers with the best possible deal, cutting out the middle men. 7.30-9.30pm, Lecture Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden, 20a Inverleith Row. £6/£5, no prior booking required.

Edinburgh’s Budget Challenge: find out more about budget proposals in your community. 6.30pm, Fort Community Centre, 25 North Fort Street. For more information call 0131 553 1074.

Le Paysage: entre art et nature. What is landscape? Is it the touch of nature or the work of mankind? Is it space or the representation of space? Is it something we live in or something we look at? Philosopher and sociologist Professor Jacques Leenhardt questions the social construction of the so-called landscape throughout the history of perception and thought. A talk in English. 6.30-8pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free.

Ecumenical Friends of St Cuthbert’s: Margaret McGregor – Advent Meditation. Bring your own packed lunch; tea and coffee provided. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, 5 Lothian Road. £1.50 per person: all welcome. Organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.

Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop Artist’s Talk: Finnish artist Leevi Lehtinen talks about his work and presents a screening of Finnish Collective Muu’s Performance Voyage 4 video art collection.  Leevi Lehtinen is an animation filmmaker and media artist whose passion is to combine traditional animation art with other art disciplines; Muu is an artist-run interdisciplinary artist association, founded in 1987 to represent and promote new experimental forms of art. 6pm, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, Bill Scott Sculpture Centre, 21 Hawthornvale, Newhaven. Call 0131 551 4490 for more information.

Simply Singing: a group singing songs from all around the world in 3 or 4 part harmony. No need to be able to read music or understand musical terminology; songs are taught by ear in the traditional way. New members welcome. 7-9pm, Swap Shop (ground floor), St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. £4 per session.

Scotland-Russia Forum: sparkling Russian/English conversation over tea and cakes. 11am today and the first Thursday of every month, Summerhall Cafe, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. No booking required, just come along – all very welcome! No charge except for any food or drinks you may wish to buy from the cafe.

FRIDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2014

Women By The Sea: portraits by Eleanora Scalise. Launch party for this new exhibition of watercolours painted on Eleanora’s recent trip to Southern Italy. From 7.30pm, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street. Free refreshments!

Quartermile Christmas Market: street food, local designers, makers and artists, foodie treats, inspiring gifts. 11am-6pm, Lister Square, Quartermile.

Your World War One Family History – Drop-In Session: if you have any diaries, letters, photographs or medals that you’d like to know more about, or if you are trying to discover more about your family’s history in World War One, come along to this session and get some free help from the experts. 11am-1pm, Mezzanine Area, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required via eventbrite. If these times are not suitable for you, email edwar@ed.ac.uk for an appointment.

Scottish Society of Artists Annual Exhibition: the 117th exhibition opens today. Invited artist: Graham Fagan; invited curators include Pryle Behrman, Mark Daniels and Sarah Cook, who will curate an ambitious film and digital media programme; invited graduates: Marina Burt, Morgan Cahn, Jamie Davidson, Ryan Eeson, Davy Forsyth, Sophie Hopkinson, Liga Kocane, Lola Milne, Laura Mullan and Jess Standfast. 10am-6pm from today (7pm on Thursdays), Royal Academy, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Ends 20th December 2014.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies. 10.30am, Oxgangs Library, 43 Oxgangs Road North.

Katie’s Picture Show: 25 years of bringing art alive. To coincide with his exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery, James Mayhew will talk about all areas of his work, from 25 years of Katie and bringing art to life for children, to other book illustration and beyond.  Find out about his work with musicians, as an educator and as a set designer. With examples from sketch books and other, less familiar, work, he will reveal his inspiration, materials and methods, and his plans for the future. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Edinburgh Napier University Campus Tours: Napier’s Student Ambassadors will lead tours at all three campuses, giving you a chance to see the fantastic facilities. Tours will begin at 2pm and run simultaneously at Craiglockhart  (Glenlockhart Road), Sighthill (Sighthill Court) and Merchiston (10 Colinton Road) campuses. Early booking is essential and can be made here. For further information contact studentrecruitement@napier.ac.uk.

Vive the (R)evolution: Poems in Translation. Madeleine Campbell will give a bilingual reading of prose and poetry by Mohammed Dib, and discuss ways in which her approach to translation is dictated by his very singular style in the broader context of Maghrebi literature of French expression. 7-8pm, Institut Francais Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. £5/members £3. For more information see website.

Will We Ever Speak to Aliens? Professor Charles Cockell, University of Edinburgh, is this month’s guest speaker at The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh. 8pm, Church Centre, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge. All welcome: free.

Wildings of Winter: launch of a fantastic collection of art work by designer and illustrator Caroline Halliwell. 7pm onwards, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk. Refreshments provided!

Uniting for Peace – Scotland: Edinburgh Christian-Muslim Interfaith Event. Global Threats & Global Prospects: Faith Reflections for World Peace. Speakers: a representative from the Pakistan High Commission,  Mark Lazarowicz MP, Ms A Andregeli (Pax Christie) and Rev Brian Cooper (Churches and Interfaith Secretary, Uniting for Peace). The main event will be followed by an informal gathering and refreshments. 7.15-9.15pm, Annandale Street Mosque, Annandale Street (off Leith Walk). Further information from Rev Brian Cooper on 0131 446 9545.  Arranged by Uniting for Peace and Annandale Street Mosque: donations towards costs very welcome!

Illicit Ink: The Company We Keep: a sinister story of capitalism, corruption and office romance gone awry. For ages 16+. 8-9.30pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets £6/£4, available from the Storytelling Centre on 0131 556 9579 or online here.

It’s In The Bag Christmas Charity Spectacular! Join the award-winning It’s In The Bag for their Christmas Storytelling Spectacular! Snowflakes, jingle bells, elves, little donkey and much more to get families into the festive spirit. It’s In The Bag use songs, creative games, drama and more to bring their stories to life. For children 0-5 years and their parents and carers. 9.30-10.15am or 10.30-11.15am, Whale Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Tickets cost £5 per child, adults free, and booking is essential (25 children per session): call Whale on 0131 458 3267 to reserve your tickets – proceeds will be donated to Whale Arts Youth Projects and The Toybox,  a charity for street children in Guatemala.

at source III: exhibition of works by Lorna Fraser, Fiona Hutchinson, Anna King, Tony King, Gerry McGowan, Teena Ramsay, Carol Sinclair, Robert Balfour Ward, Keiko Mukade and Mark Powell. 5.30-8.30pm tonight, 11am-5pm Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December, Patriothall Gallery, 1D Patriothall, off Hamilton Place, Stockbridge.

SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2014

Christmas Special Dugs N Pubs: dress your pooch up as a Christmas pudding, Santa or Rudolph and meet your favourite doggy friends at Sofi’s! 12 noon, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street.

Out of the Blue Christmas Arts Market and Open Studios – stalls will include furniture, jewellery, illustrations, photography, textiles, paintings, ceramics, clocks, vintage wear and mulled wine. There will also be a small Music Fair organised by local labels (Hobbes Music, Hero Records, Glint Recordings, mini50, Tabernacle and Groove Line) selling their own releases whilst their DJ Collective plays throughout the day, and an Open Studios event offering a chance to see behind the scenes and meet some of the Drill Hall based artists and makers. 11am-5pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Entry £1.

Ukrainian Craft and Food Fair: a charity event featuring Ukrainian crafters who live in Scotland. 12 noon-4pm, Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, 14 Royal Terrace. Entry £1 (children free), which includes a tea or coffee and a mince pie. Organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain. 

Edinburgh University Brass Band: a concert of music from various genres and time periods, conductor Angus Tully. 7.30pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square. £5/£3, tickets available on the door. More information from eubrassband@gmail.com.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies: 2.30pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan.

FACE (Fighting Against Cancer in Edinburgh) Christmas Fair: crafts, books, cakes, candy, bric a brac, tombola, raffle, Santa’s Grotto, children’s games, police motorbike, refreshments, carols and much more. 11am-3pm, Edinburgh Cancer Care Outpatients, Western General Hospital (Off Crewe Road). Free entry.

Maharaja Duleep Singh and Queen Victoria: removed from his throne in Northern India by the East India Company, Duleep was separated from his mother at the age of 10 and brought up by his Scottish guardian, Dr John Spencer Login. He was eventually ‘adopted’ by Queen Victoria and became a popular figure amongst British high society. Priya Atwal (University of Oxford) explores Duleep’s peculiarly British upbringing across mid-19th century India, England and Scotland and delves into how the queen and the doctor attempted to mould Duleep into a new kind of ideal ‘Anglo-Indian prince’ during a formative period of the British Raj. 2-3pm, Auditorium, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Booking required: free tickets can be reserved online, by calling 0300 123 6789 or in person at the Museum’s information desk.

GENERATION Tours at Modern One: free, discussion-led tours of the GENERATION exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am or 1-1.45pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed.

The Open Orchestra Concert: Borodin, Eine Steppenskizze; Tom Cunningham, Edinburgh Suite, Mozart Haffner Symphony No.35 in D Major. Conductor: Andrew Lees. 7.30pm, Canongate Kirk, 153 Canongate. The Open Orchestra is an established group of amateur musicians of all ages and abilities.

Christmas Crafternoon: a festive afternoon drop-in session at which you can make a Christmas decoration inspired by the Museum’s collections. 12 noon-4pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free. Also available at same times on Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2014.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for very young children and babies. 10.30am, Oxgangs Library, 43 Oxgangs Road North.

The Edinburgh Christmas Tree Festival: a festival of Christmas trees donated by local businesses. Today until 24th December, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street.

Illustrated Storytelling with James Mayhew: James Mayhew’s much-loved picture-book character Katie has been making art an adventure for children worldwide for 25 years. James’s infectious enthusiasm and fantastic events are legendary – find out why as you watch him tell amazing stories while painting upside down! Get your book signed in person – a perfect Christmas treat! For ages 5+. 2-2.30pm or 3-3.30pm, Main Gallery Floor, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. No booking required.

Portrait Gallery Thematic Tours: White as Snow. Monthly thematic tours of the Portrait Gallery’s collection: this month artist Emily Learmont traces the colour white through the art of portraiture, looking at the portrait of Mary,Queen of Scots, the history of lead white paint, and how artists painted shimmery white silk. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

Christmas Truce Concert: a concert in memory of the Christmas ‘truce’ between troops on the front in Flanders on Christmas Eve 1914. An evening of German and British carols performed by all-male vocal group Ensemble miXtur, accompanied by readings and poetry. Join the German Consulate General for this festive charity event. 6-7pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. All contributions will be donated to charity.

Ponte City: Mikhael Subotzky and Patrick Waterhouse – Opening Talk. South African photographer Subotzky and British artist Waterhouse discuss their collaborative project Ponte City with Anne Lyden, International Photography Curator at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The project, currently on show at the Portrait Gallery, documents the Ponte City building in Johannesburg from 2007 to 2012. 2-3pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Christmas Craft Fair: Eco Kidz Pop Up Stall: a fantastic selection of recycled gifts. Eco Kidz is a Creative Social Enterprise project for children aged 8-12, set up by North Edinburgh Arts and funded by the Big Lottery Young Start Fund: it aims to develop young people’s art, design and business skills by helping them to create their own brand of handmade, market-ready products using recycled materials and upcycling techniques. Today’s pop up stall will offer jewellery, notebooks, pincushions, vases, brooches, key rings, magnets, Christmas cards and more. 10am-12.30pm, North Edinburgh Arts Cafe, 15a Pennywell Court.  For more information click here.

Edinburgh Youth Choir: the Choir performs two short concerts of your favourite Christmas songs. From traditional tunes to jazzy jingle bells, there will be something for all the family to enjoy and get involved in! 11.30am-12 noon or 1-1.30pm, Great Hall, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

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 instrument – some percussion supplied. 1-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. No need to book, just turn up! For more information contact biglgbtmusicjamedinburgh@gmail.com.

Christmas Craft Fair: hand-crafted gifts, Santa’s Grotto, carols. 1-4pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road.

Natural Partners: Forests and Education. Forests, trees and woodlands, and all aspects of wood as a material, offer fantastic opportunities for learning. Explore a number of hands-on activities, suitable for all ages. 12.30-3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio, Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required. Facilitated by students from Moray House School of Education and staff from Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland. Also available at same times on Sunday 7th December.

Bohemia Art, Craft and Vintage Christmas Fair: browse and buy from local artists, designers and makers. Cafe open. 11am-4pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free entry.

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, meet at John Hope Gateway reception, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. £5 per person, no advance booking required. Also available at same time on Sunday 7th December.

TF Muir: The Meating Room. Best-selling Scottish crime writer TF Muir will be signing copies of his new thriller, The Meating Room, the fifth book in his DCI Andy Gilchrist series. When Andrew Magner’s business partner is found dead in his car in Anstruther all the evidence points to suicide – why did he do it?And was Magner himself a serial rapist in his youth – or something even worse?  ‘Gilchrist might just be the bloke to put St Andrew’s on the crime fiction map’ (Daily Record). 2pm, Waterstones, Ocean Terminal. For more information call 0131 554 7732.

Coburg House Open Studios: come out of the cold and explore Coburg’s four floors of working artists’ studios in the heart of Leith. Meet the creators of the work on display and pick up the perfect hand-crafted piece. Painting, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and more. 11am-6pm, Coburg House Art Studios, 15 Coburg Street. Also open at same times on Sunday 7th December 2014.

The Edinburgh Gallery Christmas Exhibition: opens today, then 11am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm Saturdays, The Edinburgh Gallery, 20a Dundas Street.

SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2014

Gorgie City Farm Christmas Craft Fair: festive fun and crafts. 11am-4pm, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road.

A Very Merry Swapshop: celebrate the festive season with a Lego Swapshop to close off the year! If you collect Lego minifigures of any kind, come along to the shop and trade out your doubles/extras and unwanted figures with other collectors for the ones you want. Prizes and games too! 3pm, Waterstones Cameron Toll, 6 Lady Road. Call 0131 666 1866 for more information.

Filmhouse Junior: Young Voices (PG). A selection of films made by young people who participated in the Filmhouse’s Understanding Cinema project at schools and cinemas across Scotland in 2013/14. Most of the films were made by primary school children, and demonstrate ‘wonderful imagination, skill and creativity’. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. £3.50 (all ages): book online or call the box office on 0131 228 2688.

Christmas at Lauriston: Edinburgh Living History 1910. Be transported back to the Edwardian era and celebrate Christmas with Mr and Mrs Reid, their staff, family and friends on these special costumed interpretation tours. 1pm or 3pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road. £5 per adult, £3 per child, £12.50 per family – or with refreshments £6.50/£4.50/£17. Bookings must be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by phone (0131 228 1155, Monday-Saturday) or online.

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

LGBT: Families Love? A workshop designed to give you a safe place to explore what ‘family’ means to you. How many of our beliefs, expectations, disappointments, happinesses and hurts are caused by a culture that was force-fed to us from childhood? By using creative methods, the facilitator will encourage you to work towards challenging what is positive and negative about how you relate to this word, possibly redefining what your idea of ‘family’ is. Through sharing with other members of the group, find ways to live at peace with your unique experience. Facilitators arre fully trained and experienced psychotherapists/counsellors. 10am-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking essential: for more information and to book, email Alison at alison@lgbthealth.org or call 0131 652 3283. Free.

Christmas Crafternoon: a festive afternoon drop-in session at which you can make a Christmas decoration inspired by the Museum’s collections. 12 noon-4pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free. Also available at same times on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2014.

Natural Partners: Forests and Education. Forests, trees and woodlands, and all aspects of wood as a material, offer fantastic opportunities for learning. Explore a number of hands-on activities, suitable for all ages. 12.30-3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio, Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required. Facilitated by students from Moray House School of Education and staff from Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland.

Advent Music and Reflection: Angels From Heaven. Music by David Willcocks, Max Reger and Will Todd, performed by the sopranos and altos of the church choir with Laura Cioffi (flute), directed by Brigitte Harris. There will also be a reflection for the season of Advent. 1.30-2pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. All welcome.

Mortonhall Crematorium Christmas Memorial Service: led by John E Jones, Civil Celebrant, with a performance by The Edinburgh Telephone Choir. All Books of Remembrance will be on display in the Pentland Chapel. Light refreshments will be provided. 3pm, Mortonhall Crematorium, Howdenhall Road.

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, meet at John Hope Gateway reception, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. £5 per person, no advance booking required.

Christmas Crib Exhibition and Afternoon Tea: come and see a variety of cribs and enjoy afternoon tea and a chat, with a short blessing service at 4.30pm. If you have any exhibits of your own cribs, whether homemade, bought, treasured over the years, strange or wonderful, please contact Rev Sophia Marriage on 0131 629 1219 or sophia.marriage@stmarksportobello.org.  Cribs may be brought to the church during the week beginning 1st December. 2-4.30pm, St Mark’s Episcopal Church, Portobello High Street.

Open Mic with Matt Norris: a night of acoustic/unplugged open mic for songwriters, cover artists, poetry/spoken word and anything else you’d like to perform for an audience. From 8pm, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street.

Christian Aid Service of Thanksgiving: a chance to celebrate the work of Christian Aid partners around the world and to thank the supporters who make this possible. The service will be led by the head of Christian Aid Scotland, Kathy Galloway. All welcome: tea and coffee will be served after the service. If you are planning to attend, please email edinburgh@christian-aid.org or call 0131 220 1254 to enable the organisers to plan refreshments. 6.30-7.30pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. All welcome.

On St Andrew’s Day, daylight experts and roof window manufacturer VELUX is celebrating Scotland’s stunning landscapes and pre-releasing a selection of stand-out images from the third year of the Lovers of Light annual photography competition.

Budding photographers from across the UK have been using Scotland as their inspiration, travelling its length and breadth to photograph its unparalleled beauty. Capturing everything from skyline views of Edinburgh and snow-capped mountains in Lochinver, to the historical sights of Eilean Donan and a misty morning on Loch Fyne.

Launched at the end of October, the competition challenges photographers of all levels to creatively capture a moment of daylight and, in less than a month, the competition has generated over 3,000 entries.

This year, two trip-of-a-lifetime prizes are on offer. The winning entrant from the main category will enjoy a summer of endless daylight in northern Finland, where the winner and their guest will sleep under the midnight sun in a glass igloo and log cabin in Arctic resort Kakslauttanen. The winning entry from the new Instagram category will be treated to a fabulous guided photo safari of New York City.

The main VELUX Lovers of Light photography competition is entered via photo sharing website, Blipfoto and in the mobile category, social snappers can post their photos on Instagram using the hashtag #VELUXloversoflight.

Lovers of Light judge and Blipfoto founder Joe Tree said: “As a photographer, you don’t have to go far in Scotland to capture a stunning scene. Most of the time it’s right on your doorstep.

“Lovers of Light entrants from across the UK have been embracing Scotland’s rapidly changing weather, its limitless natural landscapes, and even the changing city skylines, and the entries have been outstanding so far. It’s the perfect backdrop for any photographer.”

Entries to the VELUX Lovers of Light competition must be submitted by 20 February 2015 to have a chance of winning the prizes. Winners will be revealed in March 2015.

To enter the competition, find out more and read full terms and conditions, visit www.velux.co.uk/loversoflight