Our new leader Nicola Sturgeon may not yet have declared Scottish independence but we are setting out on a different road from the rest of the United Kingdom in one important respect – drinking and driving. Amid all the comings and goings at Holyrood this week, a quiet reformation was under way. MSPs give final approval for the drink driving limit to be reduced from 80mg of alcohol to 50mg per 100ml of blood. It means just one drink could put you over the limit.

In effect, we now have a no-alcohol policy on the roads in Scotland. Warning signs are going up next week and the new law comes into effect on 5 December 2014. Scotland’s infamous relationship with alcohol will have to change. Out goes the old Burns-inspired jolly camaraderie with the demon drink and in comes the new European code of sobriety. Not “one for the road” but none for the road. It should cut road deaths by 10 per cent and lead to new traditions.

Less alcoholic drinking perhaps. Or one person in the party staying sober to drive everyone else home. Or the bus or taxi becoming the common mode of transport for a night out. It may even send out a message that a car is a dangerous thing, not to be driven recklessly, while under the influence of drink or drugs or while suffering from a serious illness, sudden blackouts or simple old age.

There have been two shocking court cases involving unforgivable driving this month. One was a 93 year-old woman in Caithness, with a history of blackouts, who drove into a young couple from England enjoying a cycling holiday. One was killed and the other seriously injured. Another involved a middle-aged man in Glasgow, who failed to disclose his blackouts, but continued to drive his Range Rover around the city and killed two female students. Scotland’s whole relationship with cars needs to change.

We’ve been changing our relationship with our first minister this week. Alex Salmond bowed out with a gracious speech in parliament saying it had been “the privilege of my life” to serve as First Minister for the past seven and a half years. His last duty was to watch Scotland being beaten by England 3-1 at a “friendly” match at Celtic Park. But he was confident that better times lie ahead.

On Wednesday Nicola Sturgeon was formally elected as First Minister and on Thursday she took the oath of office in front of a row judges in splendid red gowns at the Court of Session. Her first outing at First Minister’s Questions followed immediately afterwards when she went out of her way to be kind and considerate to her opponents. Nothing was too much trouble. Yes, she would meet the relatives of cancer patients who had been caught in a postcode lottery of costly drugs. Yes, she would listen to ideas from all sides about police reforms or prison policy. She wanted to be First Minister for the whole of Scotland, not just SNP supporters.

It will have to be a careful balancing act because it won’t be easy to satisfy everybody – even over the next few weeks. Today she appointed her new cabinet. Next week the Smith Commission on further devolution is due to make its first report. Then she’ll be outlining her programme for government, and early next year there’s the budget and the UK general election campaign.

This week there also emerged another difficult balancing act for Scotland: do we allow fracking for shale gas ? Ineos, the owners of the Grangemouth refinery, have announced plans for a £640m investment in fracking in the UK to supply its new shale gas facility. It’s already been awarded two licences to begin prospecting for shale gas in Central Scotland. But there’s a cross-border issue here with licences being awarded by the UK government and planning permission decided by the Scottish government. Will this be part of the Smith Commission negotiations ? And which side – in the fracking debate – will the Sturgeon government come down on ?

Balancing is not easy for any first lady, as Judy Murray (Andy’s mother) found out last weekend. Scotland’s first lady of tennis tumbled out of Strictly Come Dancing. Her waltz to “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” just wasn’t good enough to save her from the judges’ final verdict.

So it was left to a mere man to show that Scotland could still excel in the art of balancing. The stunt cyclist Danny MacAskill, fresh from his ride over the Cuillin ridge, did a loop-the-loop in a giant ring set up on a barge in the River Thames. From a distance, it was to show him apparently riding around the London Eye.

You’d need a few drinks to appreciate that…but please don’t try to drive home !

Leith-based wave energy company, Pelamis, have published an announcement on their website today that the company is in administration and Blair Nimmo and Gary Fraser of KPMG have now been appointed as Joint Administrators of Pelamis Wave Power.

The company was founded in 1998 by Dr Richard Yemm and their latest wave energy converter is being tested at EMEC in Orkney.

The directors of Pelamis regret to announce that they have been unable to secure the additional funding required for further development of the Company’s market leading wave energy technology. As a result of this the board has reluctantly moved to appoint an administrator to assess the options for securing the future for the business and employees of Pelamis.

Pelamis is the world’s most advanced wave energy technology and company. It recently received a strong endorsement of this leading position from independent consultants following a series of due diligence exercises. This work included detailed assessments of the onward commercial viability of the technology and designs. The combination of over 350 man-years of experience in the team, some 15,000 hours of real grid connected test data and intensive parallel R&D work gives Pelamis a unique platform from which to develop and demonstrate the viability of its technology for commercial deployment at scale.

The directors and employees of Pelamis are dedicated to the success of this revolutionary technology, and are committed to working with the administrator when appointed, the Scottish and UK Governments and any future partners to ensure its success.

 

A Scottish Government spokesperson said:

“This is a sad day for Pelamis and an anxious time for employees and their families.

“Clearly the news that PWP has gone into administration is a matter of real regret. Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government have been working closely with the company and its shareholders to try and find a way forward and help support the company in its current form.

“The Scottish Government stands ready to engage with the company and we will support affected employees through our initiative for responding to redundancy situations Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE).

“Early stage technologies such as this can be difficult, but the development of wave energy has been blighted by the uncertainty facing the energy sector more widely, following reforms of the UK’s electricity market. Our belief in the future success of wave energy is undiminished.”

The works of critically acclaimed abstract artist, Alex Echo, will be on display at an Edinburgh gallery this weekend.

Alex Echo’s latest collection, comprised of original and limited edition pieces, will be on display at Castle Fine Art with the artist himself making a guest appearance at the gallery on Sunday 23^rd November, between 1-4pm.

The collection, which features abstract canvases painted using bright and colourful Dulux paint, will also showcase a collection of water-inspired artwork, with royalties of each piece being donated to international charity WaterAid, in what Echo describes as “a small attempt at giving a little something back to this beautiful earth.”

Echo has already raised over £500,000 in funds from the sales of his artwork to support and benefit various charities across the world, such as his 1999 ‘Imagine Love’ SWATCH watch, which sold 153,000 units worldwide and had royalties given to paediatric AIDs charities.

In his 35 years as an art professional, Echo has used his knowledge and expertise – specifically in art history – to edify inner-city kids as well as children with handicaps and mental disabilities.

Echo uses a unique perspective and palette of colour to create complex and extraordinary works of contemporary art.  In a mélange of intricate brush stokes, his work brings together the beauty and history of impressionism with a new language of technique and style. The vibrancy and softness of Turner and the structure of Rothko is evident in his work.

David Gill, Castle Fine Art, Edinburgh’s Gallery Manager said: “It’s fantastic to have the works of international talent, Alex Echo, on display at our gallery.  When viewing Echo’s collection, his journey is evident. He’s grasped life and celebrated it, and we are delighted to have his work on display; it’s a real asset to the UK’s art scene.

Echo’s work has been exhibited all over the world and has a famous fan following including Oprah Winfrey, Robert Downey Jr and Cindy Crawford. In 2010, Echo’s colourful designs even inspired fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, who used his painting, ‘Classic with a Twist’, to create a fabric pattern for his 2011 Spring/Summer collection.

Last year, a Fender Stratocaster designed by Echo for guitar legend Eric Clapton CBE was auctioned off to raise thousands of pounds for The Crossroads Centre, an addiction recovery facility founded by the musician in 1998.

Speaking about his art, Echo said: “I don’t need to say anything with my art – but hopefully my artwork will inspire people to look at the world as a place to be loved and protected. It’s my attempt to capture a small part of the miracle of nature.”

Echo’s paintings aim to find the balance between history and contemporary art, resulting in visually striking pieces that appeal to a varied audience.

The exhibition is free of charge to view at Castle Fine Art  and Alex Echo will be at the gallery on Sunday 23^rd November from 1-4pm.

Limited prints of Alex Echo’s work are available to buy and start from £295.

For more information visit Castle Fine Art, Edinburgh, telephone 0131 261 9181 or visit www.castlefineart.com

Anti-cuts campaigners say that The City of Edinburgh Council’s draft budget proposals for 2015/6 will significantly damage services for those most in need.

They say they are also in fear of a steep deterioration in terms and conditions for council employees. Resistance to the budget will be organised at a public meeting to be held by community groups and trade unionists at the end of the month.

The Council is proposing cuts of £22m, as part of a three-year strategy that will inflict further cuts of £55m and £77m in the next two financial years. Campaigners will identify reductions to services for vulnerable people in the capital.

They say that they will challenge councillors on how they can support such cuts and still claim to be fulfilling their pledge when they took office in May 2012 to reduce poverty, inequality and deprivation in the city.

The meeting, which has been organised by a coalition of organisations including Edinburgh Anti Cuts Alliance, Edinburgh TUC, East Edinburgh Save our Services and UNITE Edinburgh Not For Profit Branch, will be held  at 7.00pm on Thursday 27 November 2014, at the Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

More information from www.edinburghagainstcuts.org.uk

The Scottish Government’s new Cabinet has today been announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, subject to the necessary parliamentary approval.

As the First Minister unveiled her new Cabinet, she made it clear she was taking the opportunity to make progress on equal representation for women by achieving it first in her own Cabinet appointments. In a Cabinet comprising the First Minister and nine Cabinet Secretaries, half will be women.

The First Minister said:

“This new Cabinet is a team of all the talents, which will take forward this Government’s priorities for Scotland.

“The aims of my Government are clear: to create a nation that is both socially democratic and socially just, a nation that is confident in itself and governed effectively and a nation which will address poverty, support business, promote growth and tackle inequality.

“The new Cabinet team I have announced today will pursue these priorities with verve, vigour and determination.

“Every member of the Cabinet is part of this Government’s top team on merit, on the basis of the excellent work they have already done as ministers. The Cabinet line-up is also a clear demonstration that this Government will work hard in all areas to promote women, to create gender equality and it sends out a strong message that we will start the business of redressing the gender balance in public life starts right here in Government.

“I said earlier this week that we will leading by example on equal representation, and encourage others to follow by addressing low pay and improving childcare. The Cabinet appointments I have made today will ensure these issues have the highest priority.

“I also want to take the opportunity to thank outgoing cabinet secretaries Kenny MacAskill and Mike Russell for their sterling work in government.

“I am confident that we are now equipped with the men and women who will go forward and deliver on these aspirations to create a better Scotland.”

The full list of Cabinet appointments are:

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy – John Swinney MSP.

Deputising for the First Minister – the constitution – the National Performance Framework – government strategy, reform, delivery and outcomes across portfolios, cross government implementation of Scotland’s Digital Future and relations with other UK administrations.

Scottish Public Finances and their sustainability – the Scottish Economy, fiscal policy, the Scottish Budget, public spending, taxation, budgetary monitoring and reporting, public service reform, public bodies policy, efficient government, public sector pay and pensions.

Business and Industry – enterprise, trade and inward investment, energy and renewable energy, innovation, tourism, business regulation, accountancy and insolvency.

Securing the Government’s parliamentary business – liaising with the parliamentary bureau and MSPs of the government party, open government, including Freedom of Information.

Resilience

This portfolio will include a Minister for Business, Energy & Tourism and a Minister for Parliamentary Business.

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities – Keith Brown MSP

Infrastructure and capital investment – European structural funds, government procurement, Scottish Futures Trust, Scottish Water, Scotland’s cities, transport policy, public transport, air, rail and ferry services. Scotland’s roads.

Responsibility for veterans.

This portfolio will include a Minister for Transport.

Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training – Roseanna Cunningham MSP

Fair work – employment policy, women’s employment, youth employment, the living wage, skills and employment training, implementation of the Wood Commission’s recommendations, Skills Development Scotland.

This portfolio will include a Minister for Youth & Women’s Employment.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning – Angela Constance MSP

Education – science, higher education and universities, further education and colleges, educational attainment, school standards, quality and improvement, the teaching profession, school infrastructure and staffing, behaviour, measures to combat bullying, qualifications, modern languages, Scottish studies, children’s rights, children’s services, early years, adoption and fostering, child protection, looked after children, children’s hearings, protection of vulnerable groups, social services workforce, youth work, non-advanced vocational skills, the Gaelic and Scots languages, cross-government co-ordination on Scotland’s islands.

This portfolio will include a Minister for Children & Young People and a Minister for Learning, Science & Scotland’s Islands and Languages

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport – Shona Robison MSP

National Health Service – acute and primary services, patient services, patient safety, medical records, quality strategy, dentistry, allied healthcare services, national service planning, NHS performance, NHS staff and pay.

Health and wellbeing – public health, health protection, child and maternal health, health improvement, sexual health, problem alcohol use and recovery, healthy working lives, adult care and support, carers.

Sport – physical activity and securing the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

This portfolio will include a Minister for Public Health and a Minister for Sport and Health Improvement.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights – Alex Neil MSP

Social justice – democratic renewal, elections, community empowerment, community planning, local government, planning, building standards, business improvement districts, town centres, housing, welfare, measures against poverty and homelessness, the third sector and the social economy, equality, social and human rights, religious and faith organisations, cross-government co-ordination on pensioners’ rights and welfare.

This portfolio will include a Minister for Local Government & Community Empowerment and a Minister for Housing & Welfare.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice – Michael Matheson MSP

The Justice system – security, access to justice, criminal law and procedure, civil law, the police, the legal profession, courts, sentencing, prisons and prisoners, victims and witnesses, reducing reoffending, youth justice, criminal justice social work, community safety, fire and rescue services, anti-social behaviour, drugs policy, violence reduction, anti-sectarianism, liquor licensing.

This portfolio will include a Minister for Community Safety & Legal Affairs

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment – Richard Lochhead MSP

Rural Scotland – land reform, the physical and marine environment, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, food and drink, crofting, sustainable development, biodiversity, natural heritage, environmental protection, flooding, water quality, national parks, environmental and climate justice.

This portfolio will include a Minister for Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs – Fiona Hyslop MSP

Culture and the arts – national records, national identity, built heritage, architecture, broadcasting, cross-government co-ordination on European Union and international relations, international development, fair trade, the Scottish diaspora, cross government co-ordination on bringing major events to Scotland.

This portfolio will include a Minister for Europe & International Development

Law Officers

Lord Advocate – Frank Mulholland

Solicitor General – Lesley Thompson

The First Minister has confirmed that the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General will continue to serve.

Police in Edinburgh have today launched their annual campaign to keep people safe during the festive season.

As part of Operation Greenland, (formerly Operation Astrodome) officers in the city centre will each day issue a special ‘Countdown to Christmas’ photo on social media. The image will relate to a specific theme of festive safety or update the public on policing activity being carried out over Christmas and New Year.

The public can receive these images and updates by liking the Edinburgh Division Facebook page and by following the @EdinCityPolice Twitter account.

Social media users can also join in the discussion about the campaign by using the hashtag #OpGreenland.

As always, officers within the Capital will provide a high-visibility presence across the city in the coming weeks to offer a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice.

In addition, police will specifically target busy areas and destinations during the holiday season to distribute specially designed leaflets that inform the public on how to ‘Shop Safe’ and ‘Party Safe’.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful, vibrant and safe cities in the world, and the policing plans we’re announcing today means this is set to continue into the festive season and beyond.

“The city is already getting busier, with locals and visitors taking full advantage of the shopping and attractions on offer, and many people will soon be out enjoying festive nights out in the restaurants, pubs and clubs.

“We are keen to ensure people can have a safe and enjoyable time whilst soaking up the fantastic atmosphere that the city has to offer.”

Community Safety Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh is a safe place to visit and to live in, and our winter festival attracts people from around the world each year.

“We want to make sure that everyone will enjoy themselves and stay safe. I urge revellers to keep an eye on their belongings during a night out and to act responsibly.

“Working closely with the police and other agencies, our community safety wardens will be conducting high visibility patrols. Starting at the end of November, extra patrols will be out on Friday and Saturday evenings, and there will be a daily focus on the winter festival area.”

Ch Supt Williams said there are a number of simple steps you can take whilst enjoying the festive season. “Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings and keep your property safe when out and about. If you’re enjoying a night out in town then please drink responsibly and don’t let excessive alcohol consumption ruin your evening.

“This will also be our most interactive festive season yet and through social media we will issue a new ‘Countdown to Christmas’ photo each day with further information and advice. Members of the public can view these images by liking the Edinburgh Division Facebook page and following our @EdinCityPolice Twitter account.

“Updates on all Operation Greenland activity will also be available on these sites, as well as our @EdinburghPolice Twitter account, which covers the entire city.”

Castleview Primary School had some visitors, and they arrived with free gifts.

The pupils got their hands on their Book Bug Packs with three free books, ahead of Book Week Scotland – which runs from 24th to 30th November.

Every P1 primary school child across Scotland will receive free books as part of the national celebration of reading.

Pictured with their Book Bug books are (from left) Logan Munro, Benjamin Sek, Nikolaos Tsolakis and Fathia Imanudin.

Photographs by

Colin Hattersley Photography

Public Relations  –  Press  –  Corporate  –  Charities  –  Arts & Entertainment

07974 957 388

colinhattersley@btinternet.com

www.colinhattersley.com

Bon Papillon Winter Exhibition: Ingrid Nilsson with Senja Bownes, Lynne Harkes and Melanie Williamson. Open preview 5.30pm tonight, then 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Bon Papillon, 15 Howe Street. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s choice of the Top Five Scones in Edinburgh here – and see why Bon Papillon won!

Jamboree Fundraising Ceilidh: a family night to help raise funds to send five Young Explorer Scouts to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015. The scouts all belong to Craigentinny Scout Unit: this will be a fantastic opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience for them, and part of the event’s proceeds will also be used to assist scouts in developing countries to attend the Jamboree. A professional ceilidh band will play and supper is included in the ticket price; a bar service will be available. 7-11pm, Portobello High School, 10 Duddingston Road. Tickets £7 (£5 for ages 5-15), £20 for a family of 4. Email joan.m.thomson@btinternet.com for more information.

Storytime: for young children. 10.30am today and every Friday, Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace.

Lunchtime concert: Gordon Bragg (violin) and James Willshire (piano) perform Mozart Sonata for Violin and Piano in G major K301, Respighi Sonata for Violin and Piano in B minor and Bartok Romanian Folk Dances. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.

Freeze Frame Film Club: an informal evening of flickering images from classic old favourites.  This month: Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot, with Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe. Come early and enjoy a three course meal before the show, or simply come for the film. Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 8pm, Out of The Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Film £2.50/£2, payable on the door or in advance from the cafe: meal £15 per person, must be booked in advance via the Drill Hall Cafe on 0131 555 7100.

Crafty Friday: arts and crafts afternoon for children aged 4+. 2pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Free, no booking required – just turn up!

University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Open Day: an opportunity to learn  more about the university’s postgraduate programmes and meet staff and current students. General information (funding, accommodation, facilities, life in the city, employability, etc) plus special sessions in each School: see website for details and full programme. Coffee from 9.30am; drinks reception 5-6.30pm, and lots of events in between. Booking required: click here. For more information contact Student Recruitment and Admissions on 0131 650 4360, on Facebook or via online form.

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

Edinburgh College of Art Friday Lecture Series: Lucy Soutter, contemporary art photographer. 11.30am – contact College of Art for venue. All welcome.

Fiddle 2014: the Scots Fiddle Festival starts today!  Recitals, ceilidhs, sessions, workshops, concerts, stalls and talks at two venues, the Queen’s Hall and Summerhall. You can go on a Fiddle Walk and delve into the fiddle history of Edinburgh, try step dancing, learn some tunes from Shetland, see top fiddlers perform, ceilidh the night away or learn some Gaelic with last year’s winner of the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal for Ladies Solo Singing – and there’s plenty more!  For full programme see the festival website. Opening concert tonight; Orkney Folk: The Fiddle Gathering,  7.30pm, Queen’s Hall, 85-89 Clerk Street. Festival continues on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November. All tickets available from Queen’s Hall box office, in person, by phone (0131 668 2019) or online.

War Poets Collection Guided Tours: Catherine Walker leads a guided visit and talk about the many interesting characters who have had links with Napier’s Craiglockhart campus over the years. (The exhibition is open during usual campus hours and all are welcome to visit). 11am-12 noon or 2-3pm, War Poets Collection Exhibition Area, Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, EH14 1DJ. Free but booking required (max. 12 people per tour): call 0141 455 4260 or email events@napier.ac.uk.

Edinburgh Napier University Campus Tours: come along, view the fantastic facilities and meet the Student Ambassadors. Tours will run simultaneously at 2pm at each of the Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill campuses. Online booking is required and early booking is highly recommended as tours fill up fast. For further information contact studentrecruitment@napier.ac.uk.

Royal Botanic Garden Photography Competition Exhibition: see the work of the winners and finalists in this competition, run by the Friends of RBGE. 10am-3.45pm, Gateway Gallery, upstairs at the John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free. Closes 8th February 2015.

What Nourishes Us?An Inter-faith Evening. Sharing  in a nourishing supper, sharing thoughts on what nourishes us spiritually,and sharing a common path of contemplation (walking the labyrinth). Please bring some food to share. 6.30pm, Polwarth Parish Church, 36-38 Polwarth Terrace. For more information contact Margaret at labyrinth@polwarth.org.uk. Part of Scottish Inter-Faith Week.

Easel Sketching in the Gallery: November. Sketching in the Gallery, led by artist Damian Callan. A different subject each month, sometimes with a model. All materials supplied. 2-4pm, Main Gallery Floor, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Landscape with Apollo and the Muses by Claude Lorrain (1652): Lorrain was a pioneer of the classical or idealised landscape of the 17th century, and Landscape with Apollo and the Muses is a grand, definitive statement of his supremely poetic style. Art historian Andrew Paterson considers the qualities that made Claude so influential on later landscape painters such as Turner and Constable, and even on the origins of rural tourism. 12.45-1.30pm, (gallery floor) Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Collette Rayner: Access As Idiot Distraction. A new film created by the artist based on research into the Principality of Sealand, a former World War II sea fort located six miles off the port of Felixstowe, claimed by its owners as a sovereign micro nation in 1967. Working with digital animation, sound and text, Collette reclaims an unsuccessful attempt to gain access to Sealand in 2013. Preview 6-8pm tonight, then 10am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday until 25th January 2015, Collective Gallery, City Observatory and City Dome, Calton Hill.

transFORM: a new exhibition drawing together a group of four artists, Nathalie Cortada, David Henderson, Robert Mach and Keiko Mukaide, who produce diverse work with a shared underlying passion, a fascination with the human made world – the things people make, the processes used to make them and how an object’s life affects how we see it and react with it. Open preview 6-8pm tonight, then 12 noon-7pm Tuesday to Friday, 11am-6pm Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday until 30th November 2014, Patriothall Gallery, Wasps Studios 1d Patriothall, off Hamilton Place, Stockbridge.

Julius Koller: Galeria Ganku: book launch.  Ganek Gallery or Galeria Ganku is the name of an inaccessible rock formation in the High Tatras, a mountain range on the border of Slovakia and Poland. Koller co-opted this as a site for a fictive institution, initially beginning in 1971 by drawing on pages from the natural history magazine Vysoke Tatry (High Tatras). Ganek Gallery grew up around a small group of members, had a constitution and a set of articles, and served as an umbrella for the imaginative activity of the group. This book, written and edited by art historian and writer Daniel Grun in Slovak and English, includes magazine papers, photographs, photomontages and textual documents by Koller, an essay on the origins and context of the gallery, and interviews with the key participants. 6-9pm, Rhubaba, 25 Arthur Street.

Laurel Gallery Christmas Exhibition: works by gallery artists in 2D and 3D media, with new glass work by David Flower. From today until 10th January 2015, Laurel Gallery, Stephen Street, Stockbridge. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Nitekirk: a welcoming sacred space for all, ‘a place of welcome, a space for stillness, a pause on your journey, an open door’. This month: Threads of Memory, with music by Justin Nash. Come and go as you like, join in songs, create art, read poems, have quiet conversations – or just sit in silence and enjoy the space. 8-11pm (drop-in), Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. This ministry is rooted in Greyfriars Kirk and supported by its ecumenical friends. A different venue each month; all welcome. More information here.

‘Imagine there’s no Hunger’

Postgraduate evening at QMU

Scottish Art Sale

Blackhall Library competition

Video selfies

From today you can go along to Hard Rock Edinburgh and donate £5 to hang a wish on their Christmas Treet. The money will be donated to WhyHunger and The Salvation Army. Hard Rock supports The Salvation Army by providing Christmas Dinner for 60 homeless men and women.. The charity drive is part of the ‘Imagine There’s No Hunger” campaign which aims to turn John Lennon’s dream into reality.

A proportion of the cash raised from the Imagine merchandise will benefit WhyHunger’s campaign against childhood hunger and poverty.

Fans worldwide are encouraged to share their IMAGINE experiences by posting messages, photos and videos via the official social media channels for the 2014 IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGERcampaign: Facebook.com/HardRock or Twitter.com/HardRock, and hashtag #IMAGINENOHUNGER.

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Prospective students looking to find out more about postgraduate study opportunities are invited to attend the Queen Margaret University (QMU) Postgraduate Opening Evening on Wednesday 26th November from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

QMU’s team of academic staff will be on hand to talk people through over 40 postgraduate courses and the University’s campus-based Careers and Employability team will present the options for enhancing career prospects by achieving a postgraduate qualification.

For those looking to hear more about postgraduate study at QMU from a student perspective, QMU postgraduate student, Des Quinn, will be talking about his experiences.  Des studied MSc International Management and Leadership at QMU and is due to graduate in 2015.  He is currently working as a Hospital Manager for The Huntercombe Group, running a mental health hospital for adolescents.

People can also take the opportunity to have a one-to-one chat about developing their personal skills and knowledge, enjoy a tour around the campus or tap into advice on everything from applications to funding.

QMU offers a niche range of postgraduate degree courses, including Business Management and Enterprise; Creativity and Culture and Public Relations to Hospitality, Gastronomy and Education; Dietetics and Nutrition; International Health; Nursing; Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies; Physiotherapy; Podiatry and Diabetes; Radiography and Speech and Hearing Sciences.

Details of QMU’s new postgraduate qualifications in Dispute Resolution and Public Services Governance will be of interest to professional complaint handlers and current managers of public services in public, private or third sector organisations.

The MSc Public Services Leadership has been designed in collation with learning and development professionals from City of Edinburgh Council, Dundee City Council and Orkney Islands Council. It is the only course in Scotland  to offer public service managers masters’ level learning in leadership that is embedded in practice.

QMU’s new Masters in Research may be of interest to graduates in psychology, sociology, film and media, performing arts and business, consumer, events and hospitality management.

The University’s new Masters in Clinical Research may be of interest to graduates in medicine, nursing and allied health professionals.

For those who are unable to attend the Postgraduate Open Evening in person, but are still interested to learn more about postgraduate study opportunities at QMU, there is a special ‘virtual’ Postgraduate Open Day taking place online between 9am and 7.30pm on Wednesday 26th November.   QMU’s academic team will be talking online, throughout the day, about a range of postgraduate courses available at the University.

To register your interest for the QMU Postgraduate Open Evening, and for more information on the ‘virtual’ Open Day online, go to http://www.qmu.ac.uk

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Two paintings by the Scottish artist Robert MacBryde feature in Bonhams Scottish Art sale in Edinburgh on Thursday 4 December.  Woman by a Fireplace 2 is estimated at £10,000-15,000 and Still Life at £7,000-10,000.

Robert MacBryde and his life-long partner Robert Colquhoun were the toast of London throughout the 1940s earning themselves the nickname of ‘The Darlings of Bond Street’. The ‘two Roberts’ as they were known were both born in Ayrshire and met as students at Glasgow School of Art.  Finding the social climate in Scotland at that time repressive they left for London in 1937 – famously saying they’d only return in a wooden box – and in the early 1940s established a studio at 77 Bedford Gardens, Kensington where their riotous parties drew the great and the good of the artistic community.

Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Michael Ayrton, Prunella Clough, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Hugh MacDiarmid and Dylan Thomas were frequent visitors. John Minton shared the studio and lodged with the pair.

Close neighbours Jankel Adler, an old friend from Glasgow with direct experience of avant garde advances on the Continent, and Wyndham Lewis, one of the elder statesmen of British art, offered invaluable encouragement and guidance to the Roberts during this period.

When they were eventually evicted from the studio in 1949, the year Woman by a Fireplace 2 was painted, MacBryde’s talent and fame were approaching their high point. The Museum of Modern Art in New York had pre-purchased pictures by MacBryde, Colquhoun, Edward Burra, Bacon and Freud from the Lefevre Gallery’s Modern British Painting exhibition in 1948, and Patrick Heron’s subsequent review of the show, which also included Hepworth, Nicholson and Lewis, placed MacBryde in pole position on this occasion.

Colquhoun and MacBryde were further inspired to pursue figure subjects in the 1940s due to their friendship with Adler and a major Picasso retrospective at the V & A in 1945. While the former continued in this vein, MacBryde gradually came to focus on the still life themes for which he became best-known and of which Still Life from around 1955 is a good example.

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We love this competition!! Blackhall Library are running a competition where you have to match your face and a book…Oh here they are to tell you all about it!

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Hibs have reminded fans that the window for nominations for the two positions of supporter board representatives closes Friday 21 November at 5pm.

Any supporter aged 18 and older with a Season Ticket Membership for seasons 2012/13, 2013/14 or 2014/15 (as of Thursday 23 October 2014) are eligible to nominate themselves for election.

Current shareholders (as of Thursday 23 October 2014) are also eligible.

Hibs have announced a new partnership with Capital Cars and the Edinburgh-based taxi company will provide a priority service to supporters which will create an additional revenue stream for the club.

Starting with Saturday’s away game at Dumbarton, supporters can obtain fixed-price tariffs for Hibs’ fans for all away games in the Scottish Championship. That means fans travelling together can enjoy door-to-door service for away matches for just a fraction more travelling to the game by train.

Capital Cars will then also donate a portion of the metered fare (up to 20% depending on the destination) to Hibs when bookings are made over the phone quoting “HIBS 1875”.

In order to help supporters to stay on the ball, Capital Cars have also launched smart phone apps (for both iPhone and Android) to enable fans to book and track their taxi online.

The app, which is available for iPhones and Android devices, alerts Capital Cars to each booker’s location and shows where the nearest taxis are to pick them up. It will also send details of the taxi and estimated arrival time.

A plea for help from a National Association of the Fleming Clan!

For those who are members of Clan Fleming, an Amigerous Clan listed under Murray.

We support Scotland’s aims of independence within the U.K. TO HAVE A TRUE PARLIAMENT. You may also be of any combination of Brit/Scot/Irish descent. we support ALL things Scottish, and Celtic in nature. We welcome all Fleming’s, regardless of age, culture, place of national origin, colour, faith path or sexual orientation. WE also support the “YES” vote for a true independence of Scotland.

The Fleming Clan has not had a Chieftain since 1724. It’s beyond time to correct that.

We desire to have the Fleming name represented before, and recognised by the Lyon Court in Scotland, having a modern Chieftain, and world-wide recognition. We will have a constitution and By-Laws as set by the membership in Scotland, and abroad.

Submitted by Mel J. Fleming II/ Trace Fleeman

Having recently opened Marco’s Pool Hall and Pizza Bar is a boutique pool hall in Edinburgh, and is the latest project from Paul Demarco, Managing Director of Marcos Leisure. Paul said: “It has been an honour and a labour of love to restore and reinvent Marco’s for a new generation. This isn’t pool as we’ve come to know it, it’s stylish and cool.

“What we’re offering is different from anything else happening in Edinburgh just now so it’s an exciting time. Marco’s on Grove Street was always a big part of Edinburgh life so it’s great that we’ll be able to offer that to a new generation of people looking to try something a bit out of the ordinary.”

This is a real attempt to give pool a makeover in a similar way that bowling and ping pong have been reinvented in recent years. It’s a real departure from the slightly scuzzy pool halls you usually expect (sorry to any pool hall owners!). The décor is really unusual and stylish with lots of exposed copper and vintage memorabilia including an old pool table with a glass top revealing loads of pool and snooker balls signed by famous players.

To give you a wee bit more info on the food offerings, authentic stone baked pizzas start with a margarita base which you can customise with a choice of 10 toppings including all the usuals like pepperoni, chicken, mushroom and so on. Beers on tap include Caledonian Three Hop Edinburgh Lager and Heineken. There is also a wide selection of bottled beers, wines and spirits including local favourite Edinburgh Gin. They also offer screenings of  all the main sporting fixtures on in the main bar and you can also request a table near the screens downstairs if there is something you wish to watch.

Downstairs, far from the dingy surroundings people have come to expect, its rather like walking into a sci-fi movie with pillars of multi-coloured LED light and 18 state of the art American Pool tables in the dedicated space.

We went on a Tuesday when there were a few people there playing pool. The pool tables are well lit and there’s plenty of room to walk around to play your shots. We were put on one in front of the TV screen which for us was a bit annoying as people kept coming to check the score of the match and getting in the way, so a top tip is to request one further away if possible. The vibe is very relaxed and friendly with people chatting to you about shots and sharing tips which I really liked. Our pizza was good too – we had pepperoni, jalapeno and mushroom with a couple of beers to wash it down.

After a couple of games we wandered up and grabbed a seat in the bar for another drink and to watch the match which was a great end to the evening!

If you fancy a game of pool you can head down any day of the week and they also take bookings to guarantee you a space.

Marco’s Pool Hall and Pizza Bar, 79 Grove Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8AB

Find Marco’s online:
www.marcos.uk.com
twitter.com/marcospoolhall
facebook.com/marcospoolhall

Some images are courtesy of Verity Productions

Tenants and Residents In Muirhouse is delighted once again to work in partnership with Energy Scotland.

Many residents may recall Dagmara from Energy Scotland in the community shop a few months back, giving out free advice and arranging home visits etc.

For the past few months we have been in talks about bringing the advice sessions back and we want them BIGGER.

So why not pop in to North Edinburgh Arts for free advice on all things home related, how to keep your home warm the cheapest way, what is the best deals out there, can you get support for your fuel, Is out of date food really that bad for you and it is hoped that Fire Scotland will also be in attendance

10th December 2014
10am till 2pm
FREE Refreshments provided

Submitted by Robert Pearson

Can you beat the clock? New tourist attraction launches in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s newest tourist attraction launches at the beginning of December with an exciting marketing stunt where you can win free tickets. If you see a golden key in the city, be sure to take a snap and share it on twitter using #canyouescape. Twenty lucky tweeters will be invited, with their team of agents, down to Can You Escape HQ to see if they can solve the mystery and escape the room.

Escape games have become increasingly popular in the US, Europe and Asia over the last year. The concept is based on ‘escape the room’ video games and venues are starting to pop up across the UK.

Can You Escape Edinburgh is a real life escape game for 3 – 6 players and is based at 5 Holyrood Road, just off the Royal Mile. Willing agents will be given exactly one hour to solve a range of clues, cryptic puzzles and riddles in order to solve the mystery and escape. The venture is a great day out for families, friends and companies looking for a team building activity. Can you and your team beat the clock, solve the mystery and make it on the leader board?

The venue currently has one room with plans to open a second room early next year.

The business was made possible by Business Gateway Edinburgh funding and support.

Founder, Alastair Watson, said: “We are very excited to welcome our very first
agents along to HQ at the beginning of December. Make sure you keep an eye out on our Facebook and twitter pages for clues as to where our golden keys will be hidden to be in with a chance of winning tickets to our VIP weekend. Let the
searching and clue solving begin…”

If you’re not lucky enough to win tickets, don’t worry you can now book tickets online at http://www.canyouescape.co.uk, bookings are available from 5 December.

In the run up to Christmas a Can You Escape gift voucher makes a great gift, to buy a unique gift for someone this Christmas get in touch with Can You Escape direct.

You can also follow Can You Escape on twitter (@CanYouEscape) and Facebook.

Submitted by Lauren Pluss

Here in Scotland we have an abundant and varied natural larder of produce – in particular oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and trout. Although in days gone by oily fish was a staple part of the Scottish diet nowadays research has indicated that – in spite of being one of Europe’s primary fishing nations – we consume much less fish than other countries in Europe, such as Spain, Finland and Norway. Despite the media coverage regarding the positive health benefits of fish, the majority of us are struggling to consume the Food Standard Agency’s recommendations of two portions of fish a week, of which one portion should be oily.

So what makes oily fish so good for us? Not only is oily fish packed with protein, low in saturated fat and high in vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and iodine, it also contains the essential polyunsaturated fatty acid Omega-3 which can only be obtained from a very few foods. Omega-3, and in particular the bioactive components eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been associated with a number of health promoting qualities ranging from alleviating rheumatoid arthritis to boosting mental health.

The effects on cardiovascular health have received particular attention, with numerous studies suggesting that an increased consumption of oily fish can lower blood pressure and raise levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, while reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol. There’s increasing evidence that since oily fish makes the blood less sticky it can reduce blood clots and fatty build-ups in the arteries which can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Furthermore, the Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish may also play a role in brain health and, in particular, ensuring mood stability. Research has found that some cultures which consume a lot of omega-3 have lower levels of mental health conditions in comparison to those who consume less. Evidence has indicated that oily fish can help improve the mood of people who are suffering from depression and has also been linked with boosting memory and improving concentration. Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids is not just important in adults but is essential during childhood and is particularly important in promoting healthy brain development in babies during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Oily fish not only has great effects on our heart and mental health but is also fantastic in providing numerous vitamins and minerals and is one of the best and most concentrated dietary sources of vitamin D. With the winter nights drawing in it can be difficult to get the recommended amount of vitamin D as the majority of our vitamin D is derived during the summer months when sunlight hits our skin. Including oily fish in our diet is an easy way of boosting our vitamin D. For example a portion of salmon contains roughly 360 international units (IUs), essentially a days’ recommended intake for an adult! Vitamin D plays many important roles in the body including helping to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphate and it helps aid in the absorption of calcium, something which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.

So which fish are oily? Sardines, mackerel, trout, herring, salmon, anchovies and fresh tuna all count as oily fish whether they are tinned or fresh. The only exception to this is tinned tuna, which does not count as an oily fish: when it is tinned the amount of long-chain omega fatty acids is reduced to levels similar to other white fish such as cod and haddock.

Incorporating oily fish into your diet regularly in an affordable way may seem difficult. However, getting your weekly quota of oily fish doesn’t need to cost the world. Tinned oily fish, such as sardines and mackerel, are much cheaper than fresh salmon and still contain the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA. Tinned fish is a great way of stocking up your store cupboard and can be used in a variety of ways, including on toast as a quick and nutritious snack or part of a meal. As oily fish already contains a certain amount of fat, it is best to use a cooking method which doesn’t require the addition of oil such as shallow frying and deep-fat frying. The best options for cooking oily fish are grilling, baking, steaming or simply added to pasta, stovies, curries and stir-fries for a no-fuss nutritious dinner option.

Authentic Mackerel Curry (Ayala Meen)

Ingredients:

• Fish Fillets (preferably mackerel but any strong-tasting fish will do) – 500 gr

• 2 small onions, chopped

• 4 green chillies, slit and deseeded

• Ginger – thumb-sized piece, finely sliced

• Garlic – 5 cloves, sliced

• Chilli powder – ½ tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp • Grated coconut – ½ cup

• Coriander leaves – 1 sprig, chopped

• Coriander powder – 1 ½ tsp

• Tamarind – small golf ball-sized (or you can use 3-4 pitted prunes)

• Cumin seeds – ½ spoon

• Water – as required

• Aniseed powder – ¼ tspn

• 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped/ ½ tin whole tomatoes, roughly chopped

Method:

1. Clean the fish, remove bones and drain off excess water

2. For the marinade: in a bowl mix ¼ tsp chilli powder, ½ tsp turmeric , ¼ tsp aniseed powder (optional) and a little water. Rub onto the fillets and leave aside for 10-15 minutes.

3. In a mixer, put the grated coconut, ¼ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp chilli powder, tamarind/prunes, ½ tsp cumin seeds, and a little water. Grind to a thick paste (if you don’t have a blender you can simply mix by hand)

4. Heat a splash of oil in a pan and quickly fry the slit chillies, 1 ½ tsp coriander powder, ¼ tsp chilli powder, onions, ginger and garlic

5. Add the coconut paste from step 3, briefly fry, then top up with ½ cup water to make a ‘gravy’

6. Once boiling, add the marinated fish pieces, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Then add tomato chunks and simmer until they are heated through

7. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with brown rice or naan bread

Submitted by Gail Hutchison

Report courtesy of the Knight’s Head Coach, Pete Laird. (Library Photo – JLP)

The Knights started their 2014 campaign with a disappointing result away to Newcastle. A first half offensive display that was marked by high snaps, penalties and turnovers masked a tremendous defensive display with Linebacker Jamie Welsh forcing and recovering 2 fumbles.

Newcastle held a 2-0 lead at the half following a blocked punt which carried out of the end zone.

The 3^rd Quarter saw the Raiders Wishbone offense gradually begin to wear down the Knights smaller defensive unit and gradually broke a long run to start to pull clear.

A further Raiders Touchdown pass, one of only 2 attempts from the Raiders all day meant the Knights were chasing the game as it entered the 4^th Quarter. Ryan Lewis capped a fine drive by the Knights with a 4 yard score but the Raiders notched their 3^rd and final Touchdown of the day on the very next series.

A subsequent 80 yard Kick Return by Rookie Benji Goodman set up Jack Laidlaw to run in for his first ever Touchdown from the 3 yard line and complete the days scoring.

The Knights now travel to The Glasgow Tigers next Sunday hoping for a change in fortunes.

Next Fixture: 24^th November, versus Glasgow Tigers, 12 noon at Garscube Sports complex

Film Director, Magnus Wake is hoping to make a new movie in Edinburgh next year but he needs just over £1m to enable him to do that. So can you help?

Seriously, he is asking for about £50,000 of crowdfunding and you can get a wee credit in the movie if you do. If you send in a selfie that might be shown too.

The Edinburgh Reporter met with him to find out how it will work:

[vimeo 112406324 w=500 h=281]

The Edinburgh Reporter NEWS – Crowdfunding from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

The best selling psychic thriller First and Only by Peter Flannery is to be made into a feature film by the award winning director. As part of the ambitious project, Wake’s production company Encaptivate Films has launched an Indiegogo crowdfund to raise £50,000 of the film’s £1.6 million budget. The First and Only campaign will be the largest film crowdfunding campaign launched in Scotland and funders have been using putting their selfie photos into the production allowing them to have their own 15 seconds of fame in the movie’s credits. The Selfie Perk is one of a range of rewards designed to involve funders in the creation of the movie. Other rewards include an opportunity to influence how the film is made, the chance to appear as an extra and have your name included in the production.

Peter Flannery’s First and Only follows the adventures of Psimon – a young man with exceptional powers who is haunted by the murder of an old friend. Channeling the cut and thrust of The Bourne Trilogy and the chilling realism of The Sixth Sense the movie follows our hero as he tracks down a serial killer whilst battling with his own inner demons as well as world governments who decide he is too dangerous to be allowed to roam free. A Kindle success story, the novel has become an Amazon best seller and received rave reviews from around the world. Director Magnus Wake was one of over 60,000 fans of the novel and recognising its cinematic potential, successfully secured the options to create his first feature film set in Edinburgh. As well as starring James Robinson (Young Wallace in Braveheart) the film promises to make the most of Edinburgh’s haunting backdrop in a fast paced action adventure that sees the hunt for a serial killer turn into a battle between good and evil.

Maverick producer and director of television, commercials and brand films, Wake has setup Encaptivate to make films using the latest online tools and techniques that are revolutionising the industry. Keen to demonstrate how exciting crowd funding can be as part of this he said: “We’re looking to create something truly ground breaking. We’re not just asking for a donation; we want to give back rewards that people will love. We’ve got one amazing reward which will bring our funders completely into the film making process. People will hopefully not only want to back this film but will really enjoy doing it”.

For more about the campaign and to contribute to the crowd fund please visit Indiegogo.

Follow the campaign on Twitter and on Facebook

Here is the film’s trailer:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kedmako1_V8]