The Hibs’ board have responded to the supporters’ group ‘BuyHibs’ who launched their bid to take control of the club at a press conference at the Hibernian Supporters’ Club in Sunnyside yesterday.
In a statement on the club website, Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “We are delighted to learn that Pat Stanton is leading and has launched a campaign to encourage supporters to invest in the ownership of the Club and fund its sporting ambitions.
“We look forward to having a positive conversation with BuyHibs so that we can understand the full details of their proposals and how they are intended to both keep the Club safe and take it forward.
“It is well known that the Board has been consulting widely with supporters and is fine tuning its strategy for the future of the Club.
“This will be presented to the existing 1,700 shareholders of the Club at the forthcoming AGM and shared with supporters and the wider Hibernian family.
“This is a genuinely exciting period of change at the Club and the Board has consulted widely and will continue to listen to all contributions to make sure that all supporters are involved.”
The Gang Show is back
Hurry to get your tickets as this show is usually a sell-out! This year the annual Edinburgh Gang Show will be not only the biggest of its kind in the world but also the biggest production to be staged on the King’s Theatre. With over 330 young people from the Scouting and Girlguiding movements, it will be a busy and exciting show!
Running from the 18th-22nd November at the King’s Theatre, the Edinburgh Gang Show includes slick song and dance numbers from Michael Jackson to Disney’s Frozen and many more, as well as topical comedy sketches.
Andy Johnston, the Edinburgh Gang Show Director said;
‘This is my 12th year as Director and it features the largest cast ever assembled for an Edinburgh Gang Show. Over 330 young people will get to experience the amazing buzz that you only get when the houselights go down at the start of a Gang Show and that almighty roar resounds around the auditorium.
It is a very, very special show, one which is forward looking, while at the same time keeping in line with the format that was created 82 years ago by Ralph Reader. The show is a reflection on what has happened throughout year and we strive to make sure there really is something for everyone.’
It will be a special occasion for the youngest female cast, the Brownies, as the section turned 100 years old in 2014! In celebration there will be a special Big Brownie Birthday number with 170 Brownies, in two casts, 70 more than usual! This party number includes songs from Sister Act and Hannah Montana.
This modern, fast paced and funny production is not a show about Scouting and Girlguiding it is a performance by those in Scouting and Girlguiding. It allows these young people the chance to develop their performance skills in a professional environment and continue to do something that they clearly enjoy and love.
Edinburgh Gang Show 2014
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
Tue 18 to Sat 22 November
Evenings 7.00pm
Saturday matinee 2.15pm (Audio described & BSL interpreted)
The new supporters’ group BuyHibs have outlined their vision for the future of the club.
BuyHibs has three key aims; to create an ownership model that provides the resources to invest in the team and drive performance on the pitch, for all Hibernian supporters to be inspired and included in our community ethos, joining together to make Easter Road a fortress and to honour Sir Tom and fulfil his pledge to return Hibs to the community by facilitating a dignified change in our ownership model.
In addition, the group plan to ask the current owners – Sir Tom Farmer and Rod Petrie – to move the assets of Hibernian Football Club into a Community Interest Company.
These assets include the Hibernian Football Club Ltd, Easter Road Stadium and the Hibernian Training Centre (known as “East Mains”)
This would mean a Community Interest Company (CIC) which is a special type of limited company that exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.
A CIC has three special requirements:
•It must include a community interest statement explaining the company’s business plans
•It creates an “asset lock” which creates a legally binding statement that ensures the company’s assets will only be used to further its social objectives
•It sets a limit on the amount of money that can be paid to shareholders
The benefits for Hibs would involve moving the assets of Hibernian Football Club into a Community Interest Company which would offer three key benefits for the club, namely the community interest statement would allow us to clearly restate that we are a football club, the “asset lock” would ensure that Hibs, Easter Road and the Hibernian Training Centre could not be used for anything outwith the community interest statement and a limit would be set on any dividend payments (BuyHibs.org would propose a limit of 10%)
BuyHibs are confident that the Community Interest Company approach offers the most stable future
for Hibs. But we also appreciate that such a move will require significant change to the ownership at Hibernian Football Club.
The group hope to work closely with the current owners to ensure the smoothest possible transition.
BuyHibs propose a new ownership model with three key elements:
•Sir Tom Farmer to retain a 26% interest as a golden share
•BuyHibs – with the backing of Hibs supporters – and Sir Tom Farmer to own a majority (ie over 50%) of Hibs
•Allow investors to make an investment and bring their own expertise and experience to the board of Hibernian Football Club
The final percentages owned by both BuyHibs and additional investors are unknown – they’d be dependent on both interest from investors and the backing Hibs fans give BuyHibs.
BuyHibs is not advocating 100% fan ownership of Hibernian Football Club and we are not attempting to “force” Sir Tom Farmer out of the club.
If Sir Tom Farmer did want to give up all interest in Hibs, BuyHibs would be open to purchasing his remaining shares in the future.
They believe that a model of 51% fan ownership and 49% business ownership – what’s often known as the “German model” – is the most attractive method of fan ownership for Hibs.
In addition, BuyHibs aims to be a pragmatic organisation with final percentages based on what works in practice rather than what is said to work in theory.
They believe that previous discussions of ownership at Hibernian Football Club have lacked transparency. As an organisation created for and by fans we want to change that.
Therefore we publicly launched BuyHibs at the same time as approaching the current owners with four key questions:
•Are the current owners willing to transfer the assets of Hibernian Football Club into a Community Interest Company?
•If so, when would they propose to do this?
•Will the current owners actively support the community ownership model that BuyHibs are proposing?
•How much do they value the assets of Hibernian Football Club?
At present BuyHibs don’t have a timescale for the changes they are proposing. However They believe that it is imperative for these changes to happen as soon as possible to allow for fresh investment in Hibs and to create an ownership model that allows as many fans as possible to reconnect with the club.
BuyHibs insist that they can only succeed with input from Hibernian supporters and that is why they are asking fans to pledge money on a monthly basis. The funds raised will be used to buy shares in the new Community Interest Company.
The Hibs fans will then own a percentage in Hibs. By maintaining their pledge each month they will have an interest in the share of the ownership, with voting rights following a one member, one vote structure.
The ownership and future direction of Hibernian Football Club has been the subject of much discussion and much heated debate in recent months.
They understand that many fans remain sceptical of the various ownership models that have been proposed, but believe the structure proposed by BuyHibs is the best way of protecting Easter Road Stadium, the Hibernian Training Centre as well as renewing Hibs as a force in Scottish football.
Hibs fans unite to buy club
A newly formed fans group called BuyHibs has announced its intention to unite fans with the aim of buying Hibernian FC.
The group, which will headed by Hibernian legend Pat Stanton, is welcomed by the Hibernian Supporters Association, the Formers Players Association and the Hibernian Shareholders Association who will be meeting with their members to discuss the best way to support the campaign.
The announcement follows open meetings with supporters and a comprehensive fan survey of over 4000 supporters carried out by Supporters Direct Scotland.
The survey revealed that 84% of supporters believed that it is time to look at fan ownership options and to seek a change of direction in the ownership of the club. 80% also stated that they believed Easter Road should be safeguarded as the future of the club and any change to that would require fan approval. 68% said that they would be willing to join a membership scheme to provide additional income for the club
The BuyHibs campaign has also launched new website – www.buyhibs.org – where supporters can find out more about the group’s proposals and pledge financial support. A Twitter presence has also been created – @buyhibs – and Facebook – BuyHibs – to allow information to be shared and discussion to happen.
Pat Stanton said: “The BuyHibs campaign has the ultimate aim of buying our club. We are in the fortunate position that the motivation for BuyHibs has not been generated from an emergency situation through a threatened insolvency like supporters of other clubs have been faced with. We want to be in a position where we can make a positive contribution to the long term position of our club and to be ready to buy the club when the opportunity arises. We are asking fans to pledge to provide funds which will allow BuyHibs to drive positive change, and to give an indication of what size of stake is achievable. We are open to work with all Hibernian minded people and groups who share the same goal.
“As a first step, we call on Sir Tom Farmer and Rod Petrie to meet with us to find and promote a positive and sustainable change for the betterment of Hibernian and to provide Sir Tom with a clear and deserved exit from the club he has backed for many years.”
Director of the BuyHibs campaign, Neil Wheelan said: “The club are failing on and off the park and the need for change has never been greater; the club needs a new direction with fresh drive and investment coming into the club. The potential within the Hibernian fanbase is enormous and this must be used to take the club forward.”
“The club needs sweeping changes to bring a new and more positive outlook and the required fresh investment. It would appear that the current custodians have no desire to invest to move the club forward so we call on Sir Tom Farmer to remain true to his word and pass the Football Club, Easter Road Stadium and the East Main Training Academy into a community backed vehicle that safeguards the future of all assets. In doing this it will allow Sir Tom Farmer to leave a legacy for the work that has been done during his time as custodian.”
“Greater fan involvement is a must as no one cares about their clubs as much as the supporters do. There also needs to be greater transparency and a greater focus on football. We want the Hibernian support to unite behind the drive to bring positive change and to get our club back where it should be. That will mean having a greater involvement and control over the running of our club. It is our club and our responsibility.”
Andrew Jenkin, of Supporters Direct Scotland added: “Supporters are the heart and soul of any football club and the Buy Hibs campaign shows Hibernian have many passionate, knowledgeable and highly skilled supporters who would like to be further involved in the running of the club. Fan owned clubs are shown to have stronger ties with their communities, attract more sponsorship and encourage greater match day spending. Supporters Direct Scotland are pleased to support and assist the Buy Hibs campaign which potentially offers supporters a greater role in governance through democratic processes”.
Unemployment falls across Scotland
The First Minister the Rt Hon Alex Salmond called what may be his penultimate press conference in the position this morning at Bute House to give the press two pieces of good news.
Accompanied by the Chief Commercial Officer of Flybe, Paul Simmons, the First Minister heralded the reinstatement of a Flybe base in Aberdeen next year where 100 direct jobs will be created, and confirmed that Scotland is firmly out of recession by announcing the unemployment figures.
When announcing any airline related news, the First Minister takes the opportunity to raise the matter of Air Passenger Duty, claiming this morning that APD is responsible for the latest private failure of Prestwick Airport.
The First Minister said: “APD in the short term is a 100% tax. For long haul international flights it is a smaller percentage of the fare, so for domestic flights it is iniquitous. It is a priority for the Scottish Government that this is devolved.”
The figures published by the Office for National Statistics show a drop in the number of people unemployed of 50,000 in the last year, but also show an increase in employment over the period July to September 2014.
Alex Salmond was quick to point out that employment among women has risen by 45,000 and the Scottish unemployment figure among women is less than that south of the border. Here the female unemployment rate stands at 4.8% whereas the UK rate is 5.7%.
The young are also among those sectors who enjoy a higher rate of employment and the First Minister said this was largely down to the Government policy of Modern Apprenticeships.
They show that Scotland has the highest employment and economic activity rates and lowest unemployment rate of the 4 nations of the UK.
Scotland’s employment rate of 73.8 per cent is higher than the UK rate of 73.0 per cent, whilst Scotland’s unemployment rate of 5.9 per cent is lower than the equivalent UK rate of 6.0 per cent.
Commenting on the figures First Minister Alex Salmond said:
“Scotland is outperforming the UK on employment, unemployment and inactivity rates, which demonstrates the commitment of the Scottish Government in supporting our economy.
“I am particularly pleased to see the progress we are making on narrowing the gender gap.
“The figures show that despite the global recession the Scottish economy continues to strengthen with overall employment now 43,000 higher than the 3-month period April-June 2007, with female employment 66,000 higher over the same period.
“With discussion on further powers for the Scottish Parliament now taking place it is essential that we have the full tools we need to support employment opportunities for everyone in Scotland.”
Wednesday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
Music Box @ Colinton Library – Inaugural Event: An audience with Benny Tetteh-Lartey. A unique chance to meet and listen to the award-winning singer-songwriter and Afro-Scot Beat pioneer, following on his community appearances for Black History Month. See some of the instruments Benny has created himself, hear some acoustic variations and find out how Benny’s background has informed his music and songwriting. Refreshments provided! 4-5pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Free and unticketed.
An Evening with Graeme Macrae Burnet and Michael J Malone: two distinguished Scottish writers talk about the influence on their work of France, its people, its history and its culture. Graeme is the author of The Disappearance of Adele Bedeau ‘a captivating psychological thriller’ (The Herald) in the tradition of Georges Simenon. Michael co-authored The Guillotine Choice with Bashir Saoudi, the son of the book’s subject Kaci Mohand Saoudi, who was sent from French Algeria to Devil’s Island for a crime he did not commit. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article on the launch of The Guillotine Choice earlier this year here.
Metre by Meter: Exploring Poetry in the Trenches. Learn about Siegfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke and Wilfred Owen and discuss some of their World War One poetry. 6.30-7.30pm, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. Free: to book a place please call 0131 529 5609 or call into the library.
Play Poland: New Horizons and New Europe Film Sales. Special screenings of Trash, Fragmenty, Incredibly Flexible Man, Island, Moonshine, The Big Leap and Game. 6.30pm, Meow Photography Studios, 86-92 Causewayside. Free. Shown as part of Play Poland 2014 Film Festival.
The British Heart Foundation Collection: Piershill Library will be collecting clothes, bric a brac, toys, books, etc for this charity today. If you need a bag, just ask in the library. Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace.
Guided Tour of the National Library: guided tour of the building and an introduction to the Library’s collections and history. 10.30am, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Booking essential as numbers are limited: call 0131 623 3734 or book online. Please inform the library of any special access requirements.
Health In Mind Coffee Morning: are you 65+? Want to find out what’s going on in your local community? Pop in and join others for a cup of tea and a chat. 10.30am-12 noon today and every Wednesday, Community Room 1 (upstairs, lift available), Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road
image courtesy of Carlos Delgado
Leaving It All: Scottish soldiers’ wills and appeals against military service. A remarkable archive of wills of Scottish soldiers is held by National Records Scotland. Dr Tristram Clarke led the project to catalogue the surviving wills; personal stories can also be found in the records of the Military Appeals Tribunals in NRS. Dr Clarke’s talk will focus on what these often poignant documents can tells us about the lives of individual men and their families during the Great War. 2-3pm, General Register House, 2 Princes Street. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Edinburgh Napier University Undergraduate Webchat: if you are a UK student thinking about studying with Napier, this is the chat for you! Join in online and speak to staff and other prospective students – about courses, the UCAS process and even about living in Edinburgh. 4-6pm; please register here. For more information contact studentrecruitment@napier.ac.uk.
Bookbug: 30 minutes of rhymes and songs for very young children. 10.30-11.15am, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road.
Tollcross Community Council: monthly meeting. Come along and share your views! The Community Council addresses issues such as litter, street cleaning, graffiti, road repairs, recycling, policing matters, changes to social care arrangements, planning applications and new licensing proposals. 6.45-8.45pm, Tolcross Community Centre, Fountainbridge. More information here.
Make It: an informal get together for people interested in any form of hand crafting, be it sewing, card-making, knitting, patchwork, quilting, crochet…Drop in, swap hints and tips, learn something new or just enjoy a chat and a cup of tea with like-minded people. If you can carry it in, you can bring it! 6.30-7.45pm tonight and every Wednesday, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road.
Everyone Kens Everyone: a showcase of documentary-style photographs taken of local people from Muirhouse over a 3-4 year period. Borja Prada’s sensitive portrayal is a celebration of the diverse community that lives in the area. Opening 4.30pm today, then 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 10am-12 noon Saturdays, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. Call 0131 315 2151 for more information.
Grow Your Own Garden Workshops. A course of six-structured ‘grow your own’ workshops for beginners. Workshop 2:Getting Growing – sowing seeds and creating new plants from cuttings, bulbs and other plant parts. For ages 16+. 6-8pm tonight or 10am-12 noon on Saturday 15th November (session is repeated, so you should attend one or the other), North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. Free, no booking required, but you are requested to stay for the whole two hour session, as the workshops are structured. Creche is available for the Wednesday evening workshops, but must be booked in advance. Call 0131 315 2151 for more information.
Lunchtime Concert: singers from Edinburgh Napier University accompanied by pianist Chris Harding. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Edinburgh Newman Circle: Michael TRB Turnball, lecturer and author (including Scotland: The Facts, and a biography of Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray) will speak on St Andrew – Myth, Legend and Reality. 7.30pm, St Catherine’s Convent, Lauriston Gardens. For more information contact Dan Cronin on 0131 667 5270 or danjcronin@btinternet.com. All welcome.
Five things you need to know today Edinburgh!
Edinburgh College needs new board members
Concert – with added Rankin
Register your primary school child now for 2015
The Traverse Theatre needs your Skye Terrier!
Summerhall Christmas Market
New, high calibre Board of Management members are being sought for one of Scotland’s leading colleges. Edinburgh College is advertising for new members of its Board of Management. The positions offer talented individuals a great opportunity to shape the strategic direction and management of Edinburgh College and make a real impact on young people’s lives.
These positions are some of the first board-level opportunities to have arisen since the merger of colleges across Scotland. As part of a government driven process following regionalisation, all colleges in Scotland must carry out open recruitment to appoint non-executive members to their boards. Edinburgh College is looking for a range of candidates that can meet its criteria.
Adverts have been placed in national publications looking for the ideal candidate. All candidates should have the ability to contribute to a dynamic Board, dealing with complex issues and promoting the highest standards of governance, following a period of considerable change in the college sector.
The College is aligned to Scottish Government priorities around a wide range of topics, including creative industries; energy; financial and business services; food and drink; life sciences; and sustainable tourism and it is hoped that a number of applicants would be able to help inform the college’s on-going strategy and development on these topics.
The Edinburgh College Board of Management particularly welcomes applications from groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s public bodies, such as women, disabled people and people aged under 50. The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Monday, 17 November 2014.
Commenting on the opportunity, Ian McKay, Chair of the Board of Edinburgh College, said: “Being an Edinburgh College board member is a truly rewarding experience. The college sector faces a wide range of challenges following a period of significant change, and a dynamic, high calibre team will give the college the direction it needs at this critical time.
“Our priority is ensuring a high quality experience for our current and future students, while also meeting the needs of communities and businesses across the region. The college is an integral part of the communities we serve and we would like talented people from communities and businesses across the region to be part of our Board. We are offering a unique opportunity to shape the lives of thousands of young people and help drive the college’s strategic direction. I hope that a wide selection of talented candidates will consider applying.”
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Royal Blind will host a magical evening of festive music in partnership with Music Therapy charity Nordoff Robins Scotland. The concert includes performances from the Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra, a variety of classical & folk musicians and a reading from Ian Rankin, OBE. The event takes place on Tuesday 2 December 2014 from 7pm at St Mark’s Church, Edinburgh. Tickets can be booked online or by phoning 0131 229 1456.
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There are only two days left until Registration Week closes for prospective primary school children this week.
If a child is due to start P1 in August 2015, parents/carers must register their child this week.
Convener of Education – Paul Godzik
Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said parents should register their child at their local catchment school rather than expecting to get them into another school in a different part of the city.
He said: “I’d encourage everyone to register their child at their local school and support their local community. We want to see thriving local schools at the heart of the community, so instead of making an out of catchment request I’d encourage parents to work with their local school.
“Our rising primary school rolls, with the number of pupils expected to peak at nearly 31,000 by 2019, mean there are fewer spaces available at schools across the city.
“Last week head teachers opened their schools up so parents were able to see first hand the benefits of sending their children to their local school – not just for the families involved but for the community where they live.
“The increase in pupils and pressures on classroom spaces will be with us for many years and parents have an important role to play in helping us tackle this issue by choosing to send their child to their local school.”
Registration has to be in person and everyone should contact their local school to find out what time they can register.
When deciding the school parents want their child to attend, there are a number of important points that need to be taken into account:
Placements are allocated to children based on their residence at the time of allocation. All parents must provide proof of residency for a catchment place when they register their child for school.
A child is only entitled to a place in the primary school where they attend nursery if they live in the catchment area.
Catchment places will only be guaranteed to children living in a primary school catchment by 28 February 2015. Where a denominational Roman Catholic school is oversubscribed, priority will be given to catchment baptised Roman Catholics.
If a placing request is successful for one child, this does not guarantee that requests for younger children will be successful. This could mean that younger children would attend a different school to their older siblings.
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The Traverse Theatre need your dog! Their winter play by Iain Finlay MacLeod features a Skye terrier called Max, so if you have a four legged friend they could use then get in touch with them.
They need a photo of your dog by Friday of this week when their Artistic Director, Orla O’Loughlin will choose the one they want. Actually the dog will not be treading the boards, just a portrait of your pet. Tweet the photos to The Traverse on Twitter @traversetheatre tagging your tweet #FindMax or send them by Facebook.
After the show finishes on Christmas Eve you will get the portrait to keep.
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Summerhall Christmas Market returns on 14 December 2014 with a bumper crop of traders from across Edinburgh and beyond. The market will take over the first floor of the old Veterinary College with over fifty traders selling locally sourced and fairtrade food, drink, crafts and gift ideas. Traders range from familiar Edinburgh companies to artists and makers who are based in studio spaces, or residents at Summerhall.
Pop down to shop a huge range of bespoke furniture, skincare, craft beer, gin, soft furnishings, art prints, knitwear, vintage clothes, organic chocolate, textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, baby clothes and toys, stationery – you name it – it’ll be there as part of the event with a low carbon footprint but very high quality local fayre.
Summerhall based community choir the Summerhall Singers will be on hand with carols and Christmas songs over lunchtime and to warm those cockles the Gluhwein will be flowing.
New to Summerhall – throughout December the arts hub will be selling beautiful ethically sourced Christmas trees in the courtyard. The Christmas tree forest will be open all day on Sunday 14.
Alongside the market will be the familiar blend of drop-in activities for families and kids in the Yellow Room and fresh yummy food served up at the Royal Dick Pub. Street food vendors Jones and SonsBBQ, Harajuku Kitchen, The Big Blu and Ninja Buns will take over the courtyard – alongside a couple of hand warming braziers.
Shoppers are invited to skip away from the high street and feel at home in Edinburgh’s creative village. Join us to sort your Christmas shopping all under one roof.
£2 admission. Tickets on the door.
Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook returns to Capital
Following the huge success and popularity of Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook over the last 8 years, he is delighted to announce they will be returning once again and this time taking to the road for 5 shows in Aberdeen, Perth, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Teemed with jovial anecdotes, modern and traditional Christmas music and exquisite musicianship that will tug at ones heartstrings, it is indeed “the perfect way to fill up your festive fuel tank” The Scotsman. Phil will be joined by some of the finest musicians on the Scottish folk scene including: Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr and Kevin McGuire along with a special guest Brass Band.
What can you say about Phil Cunningham, a superb innovative instrumentalist, with not simply the fastest fingers in the West but some of the most sensitive ones, too! He is fondly remembered from his days with Silly Wizard and Relativity and as witty musical partner of the great Shetland fiddler, Aly Bain. Also widely recognised from his television and radio presenting, he has been involved in some of the seminal programmes that have enabled Scottish music to walk tall, a true ambassador for traditional music. Also a humourist, his breezy banter can have a 2000-seat hall falling about in the aisles.
Phil often keeps high company and no less is true for this year’s special Christmas gathering. A powerful mix of lead vocalists include the inimitable Eddi Reader, who has celebrated a career spanning over 3 decades and has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers. With anMBE for outstanding contributions to the arts, 3 BRIT awards, a #1 single and 8 critically acclaimed solo albums, Eddi is considered to be “one of Scotland’s greatest national treasures” The Scotsman. Karen Matheson OBE, is recognized the world over as the haunting lead vocalist of Celtic supergroup, Capercaillieand one of “the finest Gaelic singers alive today”Billboard Magazine. Kris Drever, the young Orcadian singer and guitarist is part of the backbone of today’s contemporary roots scene and is widely admired as a solo artist, collaborator, and member of folk superstars,Lau. Also joining Phil are multi-instrumentalist, John McCusker, one of Scotland’s most accomplished and versatile musicians in any genre who has worked with artists as diverse as Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller and Patti Smith, Teenage Fanclub and Billy Connolly; Ian Carr, who is known for his original and eclectic approach to traditional music guitar and has established an instantly recognisable sound that has influenced countless musicians and Kevin McGuire who is a highly sought after double bassist who has performed with the likes of Karine Polwart and Kate Rusby. Make sure to oil your vocal chords and bring the family!
Thursday 18 December
Glasgow City Hall (Grand Hall), Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NQ
Look out for the Wojtek the Bear bus which was unveiled this afternoon by the Lord Provost the Rt Hon Donald Wilson and which is currently on the number 26 bus route today.
The Wojtek story is a fascinating one, as he really was a part of the Polish Army. Rescued when only a cub in 1942 in Persia he was brought up by members of Polish II Corps and then fought alongside Allied Forces in the Italian campaign, notably at the Battle of Monte Cassino. Unbelievable as this tale sounds, it is true and there is now a trust set up to raise funds for the statue in his honour planned for Princes Street Gardens. Wojtek ended his days in Edinburgh Zoo in 1963.
The statue will cost around £300,000 and already over £200,000 of that sum has been raised. Today on Armistice Day and Polish Independence Day the bus was unveiled in Festival Square. Lothian Bus number 889 has been donated for 12 months by Lothian Buses and will run on a variety of routes across the city.
Planning permission has already been granted by the council for the statue to be put up in the area of Princes Street near the Ross Bandstand.
Jacob from South Queensferry is off home to read the book!
Lothian Buses said that part of the reason for their sponsorship is that they have an international work force. Over the last 10 years Lothian Buses have had a steady recruitment of Polish people coming to Edinburgh to start new lives with their families.
The company currently employs around 100 Polish employees, some who have been working there for a decade, including Lukasz Bieda, who was driving the Wojtek bus today. Lukasz is also the originator and project manager of the Wojtek bus project.
Ann Faulds, Chair Lothian Buses, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting the Wojtek Memorial Trust. The story of Wojtek the Bear is close the hearts of many of our Polish employees and the wider Polish Edinburgh community. The bus looks fantastic, is sure to be very popular with our passengers and I’m confident that it will play a big part in further raising the profile of the ongoing fundraising drive.”
Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop added:
“Wojtek the Soldier Bear symbolises the strong relationship between Scotland and Poland and our historic links. The Scottish Government recognises the huge contribution Polish immigrants make to Scottish life – from the Poles who fought alongside us, and alongside Wojtek, in World War Two, to more recent arrivals.
“I want young Scots, including those from Polish families, to know the story of Wojtek the Soldier Bear, and I’m delighted that this bus will bring the story alive to many people across Edinburgh.”
Witness appeal following Drum Street attack
Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault which happened around 4.15pm on Sunday 9th November in Drum Street.
A man was driving north in his Audi estate car when he became aware of a silver Volkswagen Golf driving close behind him.
The man then pulled his vehicle in allowing the car behind to overtake.
A short time later, whilst queuing in traffic outside Javits takeway, the occupants of the Golf exited and approached the Audi.
At this time, the driver also exited his car and the three men had a brief conversation before the victim was struck to the face.
Both suspects then entered their car and drove off from the area.
The victim suffered a serious facial injury and is currently being treated at St John’s Hospital.
Officers are currently following a positive line of enquiry in relation to this attack. However, anyone with information that can assist with their investigation is asked to come forward.
Detective Constable John McShane said: “The victim has suffered a painful injury to his face, which requires medical attention and we are eager to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed this assault take place.
“Similarly, anyone with any further information relevant to this ongoing enquiry is also asked to contact police immediately.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Tuesday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
Armistice Day: Prayer and Meditation. The Memorial Chapel will be open for prayer and meditation. 10.45-11.15am, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Lothian Road.
TOGETHER Remembrance Event: marking the eleventh day of the eleventh month with a musical reflection held jointly with City Centre partner churches St John’s Episcopal and St Cuthbert’s. There will be readings, responses, and new music composed especially for this occasion. 7.30-8.30pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street. All welcome.
Words and Music for Armistice Day: music and poetry by, and dedicated to, those who fell in World War One, including music by Elgar, Butterworth and composers whose careers were cut short by war. Simon Nieminski (organ) and Monica Toll (soprano). Words read by Fr Jamie Boyle. 7.30pm, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, York Place. Free: retiring collection.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Alanna Knight: The Balmoral Incident. Edinburgh-based crime writer Alanna Knight launches the latest novel in her Rose McQuinn series. As Rose travels with her niece Mabel and trusty dog Vane to stay with her friend Olive on the Balmoral Estate, little does she know that within 48 hours of her arrival, death will have visited the great castle. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Remembrance Day Talk: Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) during the First World War. Yvonne McEwen discusses this much-neglected story. Based on ground-breaking original research, this talk examines the long-held, uncritical and overly-romanticised views of First World War nursing and addresses the professional, personal and political consequences that arose for nurses in the pivotal period 1914-18. The talk will include a Q & A session and the launch and signing of Yvonne’s new book In The Company Of Nurses. 6-7.30pm, The Symposium Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons, Hill Square. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Bookbug Rhymetime: rhymes and songs for the under 3s. 10.30-11.ooam or 11.30am-12 noon, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Free, no booking required.
War Poets Collection: Exhibition Guided Tours. Edinburgh Napier University’sCraiglockhart campus has a fascinating past. It opened as a hydropathic establishment in 1880 but was requisitioned during the First World War as a hospital for shell-shocked officers; Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon famously met here. From the 1920s the building became home to the Convent of the Sacred Heart and Craiglockhart College of Education. The university houses a small special collection of material relating to the history of Craiglockhart. Catherine Walker will provide a guided visit and talk about the many interesting characters who have had links with Craiglockhart over the years. The exhibition is open to the public and all are welcome to visit. Tours will take place 11am-12 noon and 2-3pm today and on 13th, 19th, 21st, 25th and 28th November, Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, Glenlockhart Road. Free but please register by calling 0131 455 4260 or emailing events@napier.ac.uk. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Baby Cafe: enjoy coffee and a chat, with toys, books and games for babies and toddlers. 11am-12 noon today and every Tuesday, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace.
ESOL Chatabout Reading Group (intermediate level): a great opportunity for adults to learn English as a second language. Free, informal and relaxed monthly sessions – practice your English and share your ideas about the book the group is reading; build your confidence in reading, speaking and understanding the language. 10-11am, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. To find out more please contact Mohammed.boussaboun@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5617. Next meeting Tuesday 9th December 2014.
Lunchtime Concert: Music Students from the University of Edinburgh. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.
Pat Dishon: The Delaneys of Edinburgh. Pat will talk about researching and writing her book, set in St Patrick’s Church in the Cowgate during the ‘Little Ireland’ period in the 19th century. 7pm, Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue. All welcome.
Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links: autumn meeting. Dr Chris Wigglesworth will talk about The Geology of The Meadows. 7.30pm, The German Church, Laudate House, 1 Chalmers Crescent. All welcome – bring your questions and ideas! More information about the Friends and their activities here.
Lee Miller’s Transgressive Eroticism: Patricia Allmer, Chancellor’s Fellow at Edinburgh College of Art, will focus on the engagement of the American photographer Lee Miller with the writings of the Marquis de Sade. The talk will explore her Sadean work, both as model and photographer, in relation to the Sadean philosophies of her Parisian avant-garde peers, such as the American writer and alleged cannibal William Seabrook, and the anti-Surrealist group around Georges Bataille’s publication Documents. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Level Up: Reading XP – reading and gaming teen group for boys aged 11-14. 6-7pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. For reading list click here.
North Edinburgh Community Circle: if you would like to feel more connected, offer support to other people, have people to turn to when life gets tough, build friendships with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, or get a fresh perspective on things, come along to the Community Circle. The group shares a meal at the start of the meeting; this is free but any contributions of food to share are welcome. 5.30-8pm today and the second Tuesday of every month, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. For more information contact Linda at Edinburgh Development Group on 0131 476 0522.
Imagination Mill: a new exhibition of work by Hannah Botma (illustrator), Caroline Halliwell (illustrator), Tess Barnard (printmaker/fine artist) and Katie Forrester (illustrator), a group who met at Edinburgh College of Art and are all recent graduates or current postgraduates. Explore their works of fictional vision and be inspired to use your own individual ‘imagination mill’. Opening 5.30-7.30pm tonight, then 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 10am-12 noon Saturdays, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. Call 0131 315 2151 for more information.
Christmas Carol Singing Sessions: fancy a wee sing? Come along to these sessions, which will be held every Tuesday in November, working towards singing at the Christmas Craft Fair on 6th December. 12.30-1pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road. No booking necessary – speak to Mike or Tricia if interested.
Five things you need to know today Edinburgh!
Free pick up for rubbish on Wednesday
Taekwondo
New Waitrose store
Musselburgh Racecourse to undergo improvements
The Gang Show
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Over 600 athletes from seventeen nations are converging on the capital this weekend – including Australia, Pakistan, Canada, Kenya, Malaysia, Ghana, India and Malta.
Athletes competing on the day include Jade Jones from Wales, Lutalo Muhammed from England, Laura Burns from Northern Ireland plus a number of Scottish players; Asia Bailey, Kimberley Clarke, Damon Sansum and Jordyn Smith, with this great selection of athletes it’s going to be a great 2 days.
Taekwondo Scotland Chairman Dr Bill Darlington said: “There is astonishing quality right across our squad and I’m confident we’ll be amongst the medals.”
Event Director David Bailey added: “The calibre of fighters will result in a great show. With Olympic medallists like Jade Jones and Lutalo Muhammad coming, there’s a lot of class. It’s going to be a spectacular event.”
Tickets
Daily spectator tickets – £10 (adults) and £6 (children under 16) – can be purchased in advance through the Taekwondo Scotland website at www.taekwondoscotland.org or at Meadowbank on the day of the event.
In this month’s planning list there is an application for Listed Building Consent for three new bronze plaques to be installed on the pavement in front of the War Memorial at The City Chambers on the High Street, which we will no doubt see in place soon. Out at Corstorphine on St John’s Road there are plans for a major development of a food retail store which will involve demolition of the existing shops which will then be replaced by a cafe, parking and landscaping. This is the site of the former Woolworths store, although there are a couple of other shops lying adjacent to it.
Image courtesy of Realis Estates Limited
It is intended to use the site for a Waitrose store which willl provide 22,000 square feet of sales space on the ground floor, 11,000 square feet of staff and storage on the upper level and 140 parking spaces in a two storey car park. The development is estimated to be worth £14m. What do you think? Would this be an improvement for Corstorphine? This would be the third Waitrose store in Edinburgh, with others in Comely Bank and Morningside. If the plans are eventually passed then the new store is planned to open in 2016 with 150 new jobs with the John Lewis Partnership who will run the store.
There will be a public exhibition of the proposal at Corstorphine Library on 10 December 2014 which is the second held by the developers, or you may click here for further details of the design.
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Musselburgh Racecourse has invested £250,000 in upgrading facilities as part of an ongoing refurbishment to maintain 5 star visitor status.
The East Lothian track is the only Scottish racecourse to hold a 5 star VisitScotland rating and the management team have a year-round focus on pushing up standards and improving the visitor experience.
On the back of a record-breaking Flat season, the East Lothian has reinvested profits to make a series of improvements, including re-branding and extending the bars and introducing a new logo and signage which reflects the course’s heritage as it approaches its 200th anniversary.
In the short close season between the end of the Flat campaign and the start of the jumps season, builders, decorators and landscapers have been busy completing a programme of works.
The former bistro bar located underneath the grandstand has been upgraded and extended, taking in the former Annual Members’ bar, and will now be named the Harris Tweed Bar in honour of the first winner of the Edinburgh Cup in 2010, with the Annual Members’ bar now located in what was Le Garcon D’Or bar. The Lothian Suite in the Queen’s Stand and the Champagne Bar have also been refreshed with new furniture and carpeted areas.
Musselburgh Racecourse commercial manager, Sarah Montgomery, said: “The refurbishment work is necessary if we are to maintain our VisitScotland five star rating and is contributes to the overall success of the racecourse.
“All profits from our most successful Flat season have been invested to ensure the facilities at Musselburgh remain the best in the country in terms of quality, comfort and value for money. The new logo and signage celebrates our history dating back to 1816, while enhancing the customer experience in helping people to navigate their way around the racecourse.
“Racing faces a lot of competition in continuing to attract the paying public and these improvements will help grow attendances and encourage visitors to return to Musselburgh.”
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The Gang Show runs from 18 to 22 November at the King’s Theatre with everything from Michael Jackson to Disney’s Frozen, song and dance and comedy sketches.
This will be the biggest yet with 330 young people made up of Edinburgh Scouts and Guides.
Get your tickets now!
Edinburgh Gang Show 2014
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
Tue 18 to Sat 22 November
Evenings 7.00pm
Saturday matinee 2.15pm (Audio described & BSL interpreted)
Drugs worth £50k recovered from car in Craigroyston
A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the discovery of a quantity of drugs within a car on Friday evening.
Road traffic officers in Edinburgh pulled over a vehicle in the Craigroyston area, after it was seen to be driving at speed around 8pm. £50,000 worth of heroin was discovered within the car, along with a four figure sum of money. The driver was subsequently arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.
Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness said: “This is a significant recovery of controlled drugs. I would appeal to members of the public who have information around the supply of drugs within their community to contact the police. This can be done by speaking to your local officer, contacting police on ‘101’ or anonymously through the registered charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
McLaren 2014 project
The centenary of pioneering animator, artist, and musician Norman McLaren has been marked by the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) in conjunction with the National Film Board of Canada with a ground-breaking, nationwide celebration of McLaren’s life and work.
More than 62,000 people took part in over 80 events, ranging from exhibitions, screenings, workshops and performances at 41 venues in Stirling, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and across the rest of the UK. Meanwhile, in a popular programme of sessions in over 130 schools, specially trained teachers delivered the McLaren Digital Animation Workshops to 3,450 7 to 9 year old children. As a result more than 4,000 short, animated films were created, with most now available for viewing at www.vimeo.com/McLaren2014.
As part of the legacy of the McLaren 2014 project, Historic Scotland erected a permanent plaque outside McLaren’s childhood home in Stirling. The plaque was unveiled on the actual centenary of his birth (11th April), marking the start of six months of celebrations. At the same time, McLaren appeared on stamps both in the UK (as part of a series highlighting the work of UK film directors), and in Canada (as part of a series to mark the 75th Birthday of the National Film Board of Canada where McLaren spent much of his working life).
The CMI partnered with the National Film Board of Canada in organising the McLaren 2014 Programme activity as part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme, and the Year of Homecoming Scotland celebrations. The programme ran from April to September 2014.
Iain Gardner, McLaren 2014 Artistic Director, says: “It’s been an absolute delight to celebrate Norman McLaren’s centenary this year with the collaboration of the NFB and all of our venue and workshop partners around the UK. I hope that this programme gave people an insight into why Norman McLaren was such an influential figure in the world of animation and film.”
Polo – EUPC Annual University Club Polo Tournament
Every Autumn, the Edinburgh University Polo Club holds a tournament for like minded clubs at Edinburgh Polo Club’s Dalmahoy arena. Below is organiser, Madison Brigg’s report on matters equestrian….
The Edinburgh Annual Tournament
After much anticipation, this year the Edinburgh University Polo Club hosted the Annual Tournament from 31st October to 2nd November at Dalmahoy. Taking part were Edinburgh, Stirling, St Andrews and Newcastle. Spurred on by the wonderful weather, excellent polo was played by all, particularly Carlos Baird, who was awarded most valuable player and our Edinburgh’s most improved player, Victoria Lombardi.
The team lists were dominated by Edinburgh University players, especially in the Open and the tournament’s first alumni match, in which the players were all representing the hosting university. The weekend was kindly supported by GAM (Global Asset Management), and prizes were donated by Pampeano and Player Layer. Our chosen charity was ‘Riding for the Disabled’. Thanks everyone for your donations! John Preece (usually interrupted by the small matter of the Autumn Internationals, the ER’s photographer/reporter was on hand to attend all three days this time around – JP) was able to capture beautifully the ponies, hired from the Douglas family and Thom Bell, performing to their usual high standards. The spectators and players were entertained by the “apres polo” style music scene, amusing commentary and treated to LovSushi and a barbeque. Players let their hair down on Friday night, with extra Halloween enthusiasm, followed by a trip to Garibaldi’s. On Saturday night we dined at Candy Bar and then on Lola Lo Club, who generously sponsor us throughout the year.
Overall scores:
Beginner 1st: St Andrews A, 2nd: St Andrews B, 3rd: Edinburgh B.
Novice 1st: Stirling (pictured), 2nd: Ed C, 3rd: St Andrews A.
Pakistan Society Heritage Project presents Rural Reflections: an exhibition of rural scenery of Pakistan and Scotland. ‘Here we share the stories of ten members of the 50+ group of the Pakistan Society of Edinburgh, who began their lives in rural Pakistan before moving to the UK. Although they have lived in Edinburgh for many years, none of the group had ventured forth to the Highlands of Scotland. Their journey to find out more about rural life and the history of highland communities not only opened their eyes to a distinctive cultural heritage, it also brought to the fore their own vivid memories of growing up in rural Pakistan.’ 10am-8pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am-5pm Thursday to Saturday, CommunityRoom 2, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Free booklet available at the exhibition.
Gilmerton Writers’ Group: for everyone with an interest in writing prose, poetry or plays. 6.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street.
Metre by Meter: Exploring Poetry in the Trenches. Learn about Siegfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke and Wilfred Owen and discuss some of their World War One poetry. 6.30-7.30pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Free: to book a place please call 0131 529 5603.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Children’s Book Group: if you are 8 to 11 years old with a love of books and biscuits join this group for a friendly hour of books and chat! Currently reading John Fardell’s gripping adventure story The 7 Professors of the Far North. 6-7pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To join just email your details to childrens.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Ruth Bailey and Jackie Holt: Knit Your Own Broons. The authors of Knit Your Own Scotland and Knit Your Own Britain launch their latest book. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Veterans Breaking Barriers Information Day: come along and meet representatives from Veterans Scotland, Job Centre Plus, Crisis Skylight, Citizens Advice Bureau, Officers Association Scotland, The Legion Scotland, SSAFA, Combat Stress, SAMH, Regular Forces Employment Agency, The Thistle Foundation, Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, The Lothians Veterans Centre, Veterans First Point, Remploy, Drummond Education, Veterans First Point, Shelter Scotland, Timebank’s Shoulder 2 Shoulder Erskine Project and more…there will be a social area to relax and meet fellow armed forces veterans, plus a chance to watch a film made by ex-servicemen about leaving the forces (showing at 1pm and again at 3pm). 12 noon-5pm, Teviot House, 13 Bristo Square. Free: all welcome (not just veterans!) For more information contact Caronne on 07837 040568 , email Caronne500@hotmail.com or see the Veterans Breaking Barriers Facebook pagehere.
Eduardo Paolozzi: Judith Collins, independent curator and writer, talks about her new book on Leith-born Paolozzi – the first full-scale historical appraisal of his work in all media. The talk will be followed by a signing. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Victor Zhang – Huawei Technologies. Former CEO of Huawei UK and Ireland, Victor Zhang took up the post as President of the Brussels office and the West-EU Public Affairs and Communications department in June 2014. In this role he is responsible for strategic relationships between Huawei Technologies, European Institutions and the European ICT industry and West-EU Public Affairs Department. This is a joint event with the University of Edinburgh and the Confucius Institute, and forms part of the Institute’s Business Lecture Series. 6.30 (registration and coffee from 6pm) -7.45pm, Auditorium, Business School, University of Edinburgh, 29 Buccleuch Place. All welcome: book via eventbrite. Free.
image courtesy of Colin Gilmour www.silverexpressions.co.uk
Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland: Studley Royal – ‘The Wonder of the North’ – past, present and future. Michael Ridsdale, Head of Landscape at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate, National Trust, will talk about the multi-disciplinary management of this world heritage landscape. Joint lecture with The Garden History Society in Scotland. 6.30-8.30pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street. £5/£2.50 (students). Non-members warmly welcomed.
Be Arty, Be Healthy: Free Healthy Lunch and Christmas Craft Workshops. Come along and make items such as Christmas decorations and festive wreaths to sell at the Christmas Fair on 6th December. Lunch 12.30-1pm, workshop 1-4pm, today for the next three Mondays, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road.
TUESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2014
Armistice Day: Prayer and Meditation. The Memorial Chapel will be open for prayer and meditation. 10.45-11.15am, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Lothian Road.
TOGETHER Remembrance Event: marking the eleventh day of the eleventh month with a musical reflection held jointly with City Centre partner churches St John’s Episcopal and St Cuthbert’s. There will be readings, responses, and new music composed especially for this occasion. 7.30-8.30pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street. All welcome.
Words and Music for Armistice Day: music and poetry by, and dedicated to, those who fell in World War One, including music by Elgar, Butterworth and composers whose careers were cut short by war. Simon Nieminski (organ) and Monica Toll (soprano). Words read by Fr Jamie Boyle. 7.30pm, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, York Place. Free: retiring collection.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Alanna Knight: The Balmoral Incident. Edinburgh-based crime writer Alanna Knight launches the latest novel in her Rose McQuinn series. As Rose travels with her niece Mabel and trusty dog Vane to stay with her friend Olive on the Balmoral Estate, little does she know that within 48 hours of her arrival, death will have visited the great castle. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Remembrance Day Talk: Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) during the First World War. Yvonne McEwen discusses this much-neglected story. Based on ground-breaking original research, this talk examines the long-held, uncritical and overly-romanticised views of First World War nursing and addresses the professional, personal and political consequences that arose for nurses in the pivotal period 1914-18. The talk will include a Q & A session and the launch and signing of Yvonne’s new book In The Company Of Nurses. 6-7.30pm, The Symposium Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons, Hill Square. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Bookbug Rhymetime: rhymes and songs for the under 3s. 10.30-11.ooam or 11.30am-12 noon, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Free, no booking required.
War Poets Collection: Exhibition Guided Tours. Edinburgh Napier University’sCraiglockhart campus has a fascinating past. It opened as a hydropathic establishment in 1880 but was requisitioned during the First World War as a hospital for shell-shocked officers; Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon famously met here. From the 1920s the building became home to the Convent of the Sacred Heart and Craiglockhart College of Education. The university houses a small special collection of material relating to the history of Craiglockhart. Catherine Walker will provide a guided visit and talk about the many interesting characters who have had links with Craiglockhart over the years. The exhibition is open to the public and all are welcome to visit. Tours will take place 11am-12 noon and 2-3pm today and on 13th, 19th, 21st, 25th and 28th November, Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, Glenlockhart Road. Free but please register by calling 0131 455 4260 or emailing events@napier.ac.uk. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Baby Cafe: enjoy coffee and a chat, with toys, books and games for babies and toddlers. 11am-12 noon today and every Tuesday, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace.
ESOL Chatabout Reading Group (intermediate level): a great opportunity for adults to learn English as a second language. Free, informal and relaxed monthly sessions – practice your English and share your ideas about the book the group is reading; build your confidence in reading, speaking and understanding the language. 10-11am, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. To find out more please contact Mohammed.boussaboun@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5617. Next meeting Tuesday 9th December 2014.
Lunchtime Concert: Music Students from the University of Edinburgh. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.
Pat Dishon: The Delaneys of Edinburgh. Pat will talk about researching and writing her book, set in St Patrick’s Church in the Cowgate during the ‘Little Ireland’ period in the 19th century. 7pm, Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue. All welcome.
Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links: autumn meeting. Dr Chris Wigglesworth will talk about The Geology of The Meadows. 7.30pm, The German Church, Laudate House, 1 Chalmers Crescent. All welcome – bring your questions and ideas! More information about the Friends and their activities here.
Lee Miller’s Transgressive Eroticism: Patricia Allmer, Chancellor’s Fellow at Edinburgh College of Art, will focus on the engagement of the American photographer Lee Miller with the writings of the Marquis de Sade. The talk will explore her Sadean work, both as model and photographer, in relation to the Sadean philosophies of her Parisian avant-garde peers, such as the American writer and alleged cannibal William Seabrook, and the anti-Surrealist group around Georges Bataille’s publication Documents. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Level Up: Reading XP – reading and gaming teen group for boys aged 11-14. 6-7pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. For reading list click here.
North Edinburgh Community Circle: if you would like to feel more connected, offer support to other people, have people to turn to when life gets tough, build friendships with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, or get a fresh perspective on things, come along to the Community Circle. The group shares a meal at the start of the meeting; this is free but any contributions of food to share are welcome. 5.30-8pm today and the second Tuesday of every month, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. For more information contact Linda at Edinburgh Development Group on 0131 476 0522.
Imagination Mill: a new exhibition of work by Hannah Botma (illustrator), Caroline Halliwell (illustrator), Tess Barnard (printmaker/fine artist) and Katie Forrester (illustrator), a group who met at Edinburgh College of Art and are all recent graduates or current postgraduates. Explore their works of fictional vision and be inspired to use your own individual ‘imagination mill’. Opening 5.30-7.30pm tonight, then 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 10am-12 noon Saturdays, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. Call 0131 315 2151 for more information.
Christmas Carol Singing Sessions: fancy a wee sing? Come along to these sessions, which will be held every Tuesday in November, working towards singing at the Christmas Craft Fair on 6th December. 12.30-1pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road. No booking necessary – speak to Mike or Tricia if interested.
WEDNESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2014
Music Box @ Colinton Library – Inaugural Event: An audience with Benny Tetteh-Lartey. A unique chance to meet and listen to the award-winning singer-songwriter and Afro-Scot Beat pioneer, following on his community appearances for Black History Month. See some of the instruments Benny has created himself, hear some acoustic variations and find out how Benny’s background has informed his music and songwriting. Refreshments provided! 4-5pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Free and unticketed.
An Evening with Graeme Macrae Burnet and Michael J Malone: two distinguished Scottish writers talk about the influence on their work of France, its people, its history and its culture. Graeme is the author of The Disappearance of Adele Bedeau ‘a captivating psychological thriller’ (The Herald) in the tradition of Georges Simenon. Michael co-authored The Guillotine Choice with Bashir Saoudi, the son of the book’s subject Kaci Mohand Saoudi, who was sent from French Algeria to Devil’s Island for a crime he did not commit. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article on the launch of The Guillotine Choice earlier this year here.
Metre by Meter: Exploring Poetry in the Trenches. Learn about Siegfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke and Wilfred Owen and discuss some of their World War One poetry. 6.30-7.30pm, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. Free: to book a place please call 0131 529 5609 or call into the library.
Play Poland: New Horizons and New Europe Film Sales. Special screenings of Trash, Fragmenty, Incredibly Flexible Man, Island, Moonshine, The Big Leap and Game. 6.30pm, Meow Photography Studios, 86-92 Causewayside. Free. Shown as part of Play Poland 2014 Film Festival.
The British Heart Foundation Collection: Piershill Library will be collecting clothes, bric a brac, toys, books, etc for this charity today. If you need a bag, just ask in the library. Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace.
Guided Tour of the National Library: guided tour of the building and an introduction to the Library’s collections and history. 10.30am, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Booking essential as numbers are limited: call 0131 623 3734 or book online. Please inform the library of any special access requirements.
Health In Mind Coffee Morning: are you 65+? Want to find out what’s going on in your local community? Pop in and join others for a cup of tea and a chat. 10.30am-12 noon today and every Wednesday, Community Room 1 (upstairs, lift available), Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road
image courtesy of Carlos Delgado
Leaving It All: Scottish soldiers’ wills and appeals against military service. A remarkable archive of wills of Scottish soldiers is held by National Records of Scotland. Dr Tristram Clarke led the project to catalogue the surviving wills; personal stories can also be found in the records of the Military Appeals Tribunals in NRS. Dr Clarke’s talk will focus on what these often poignant documents can tells us about the lives of individual men and their families during the Great War. 2-3pm, General Register House, 2 Princes Street. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Edinburgh Napier University Undergraduate Webchat: if you are a UK student thinking about studying with Napier, this is the chat for you! Join in online and speak to staff and other prospective students – about courses, the UCAS process and even about living in Edinburgh. 4-6pm; please register here. For more information contact studentrecruitment@napier.ac.uk.
Bookbug: 30 minutes of rhymes and songs for very young children. 10.30-11.15am, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road.
Tollcross Community Council: monthly meeting. Come along and share your views! The Community Council addresses issues such as litter, street cleaning, graffiti, road repairs, recycling, policing matters, changes to social care arrangements, planning applications and new licensing proposals. 6.45-8.45pm, Tolcross Community Centre, Fountainbridge. More information here.
Make It: an informal get together for people interested in any form of hand crafting, be it sewing, card-making, knitting, patchwork, quilting, crochet…Drop in, swap hints and tips, learn something new or just enjoy a chat and a cup of tea with like-minded people. If you can carry it in, you can bring it! 6.30-7.45pm tonight and every Wednesday, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road.
Everyone Kens Everyone: a showcase of documentary-style photographs taken of local people from Muirhouse over a 3-4 year period. Borja Prada’s sensitive portrayal is a celebration of the diverse community that lives in the area. Opening 4.30pm today, then 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 10am-12 noon Saturdays, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. Call 0131 315 2151 for more information.
Grow Your Own Garden Workshops. A course of six-structured ‘grow your own’ workshops for beginners. Workshop 2:Getting Growing – sowing seeds and creating new plants from cuttings, bulbs and other plant parts. For ages 16+. 6-8pm tonight or 10am-12 noon on Saturday 15th November (session is repeated, so you should attend one or the other), North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. Free, no booking required, but you are requested to stay for the whole two hour session, as the workshops are structured. Creche is available for the Wednesday evening workshops, but must be booked in advance. Call 0131 315 2151 for more information.
Lunchtime Concert: singers from Edinburgh Napier University accompanied by pianist Chris Harding. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Edinburgh Newman Circle: Michael TRB Turnball, lecturer and author (including Scotland: The Facts, and a biography of Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray) will speak on St Andrew – Myth, Legend and Reality. 7.30pm, St Catherine’s Convent, Lauriston Gardens. For more information contact Dan Cronin on 0131 667 5270 or danjcronin@btinternet.com. All welcome.
THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2014
Firhill Christmas Market: enjoy seasonal refreshments as you browse the fabulous stalls – crafts, gifts, cards, jewellery, cakes, decorations and much, much more….7.15-9.15pm, Firhill High School, 9 Oxgangs Road. Entrance £2, under 12s free.
Previously….Scotland’s History Festival starts today! Talks, discussions, walks, tours, song, theatre; celebrate Robert Louis Stevenson, hear about The Kaiser’s Spy in Scotland, experience a mediaeval concert at Rosslyn Chapel, learn how to write historical narratives at the City Art Centre, and be part of history in the Grassmarket when Chris Rutterford incorporates pictures of locals and visitors into a 64′ outdoor mural. For details of these and many more events, see Previously’s website. Festival ends 30th November 2014.
Writing Your Story, Writing History, with RLS Fellows J David Simons and Chris Dolan. Robert Louis Stevenson was a master of writing the past to create wonderful stories such as Kidnapped, The Master of Ballantrae and Treasure Island. To celebrate RLS Day, join this masterclass in writing narratives from the past, either through actual historical figures and events or through personal histories and memoir. 1.30-4pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Free, but places are limited and must be booked via eventbrite. Supported by Scottish Book Trust.
Amnesty International and Relief Theatre Present Even If We Lose Our Lives, exploring the difficulties faced by women in modern Afghanistan through the stories and words of Parween, founder of the only girls’ school in Laghman province, Manizha, the American-raised organiser of a women’s shelter, and Dr D, an anonymous gynaecologist operating in an unnamed province. Interviews were conducted by actor and human rights activist Christine Bacon. Each peformance will be followed by a short talk and Q & A session led by Amnesty activists and other guest speakers. All proceeds will go to Amnesty International. Please note: this play includes references to violence and domestic and sexual abuse. 8-9.15pm tonight and 14th & 15th November, Cairns Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets £6/£5: book via Summerhall’s website or at the box office (0131 560 1581).
Bookbug: 30 minutes of rhymes and songs for very young children. 10.30-11.00am, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.
Robert Louis Stevenson All-Day Reading: the Robert Louis Stevenson Club journeys with the travel writing of RLS – backpacking, canoeing, hiking with a donkey, crossing the Atlantic and Wild West and sailing the South Seas. 11am onwards – drop in or stay all day, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free and unticketed.
Share A Story: storytime for the under-5s. 10.30-11am today and every Thursday, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. No need to book – just come along!
Robert Louis Stevenson: Rare Pieces from the Collections: a chance to see rare material relating to RLS from the National Library’s collections, including first editions and photographs. On display for a limited period today only. 11am-2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free and unticketed.
Gaelic Songs and Rhymes for children and babies. 10.30am, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. (Next session on 27th November at Blackhall Library.)
Tusitala’s Colinton: tour Robert Louis Stevenson’s Colinton following the new Poetry Trail, viewing the statue of a young RLS with the sculptor, and exploring RLS’s haunts in the Manse garden. 11am-12.30pm, begins from Triangle Public Garden viewing point on Woodhall Road. To book call 0131 441 2537 or email ccct@colinton-conservation.org.uk.
Image courtesy of Davide Panseri
Cafe Voices: Stevenson Stories. Join storyteller Peter Snow for an evening of RLS stories as part of the Storytelling Centre’s monthly Cafe Voices session. 7-8pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets £5: book online or call the Centre’s Box Office on 0131 556 9579.
Becoming Julie: My Incredible Journey – Julie Clarke launches her new book. Julie was born a boy in 1950s Scotland, but after battling her demons for many years she underwent transgender surgery in 2006 to become a women: her ‘poignant, funny and always honest’ book charts her struggles along the way. 6.30-8.30pm, Waterstones, George Street. Free tickets available in store: further details on 0131 225 3436.
Words and Deeds, Weapons and Wounding: Edinburgh University’s exhibition Words and Deeds: Women, Warfare and Caregiving explores the often neglected and understated story of women in warfare and was housed at Surgeons’ Hall Museum in 2013. Subsequently a new exhibition has been developed by the Museum to be displayed in conjunction with the original exhibition. Weapons and Wounding highlights the severity of injuries, exploring the progression of weaponry and the ever increasing need for new medical and surgical techniques to cope with wounding in warfare. 10am-8pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am-5pm Thursday to Saturday, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Closes 29th November 2014.
Pass On a Poem: ‘ a chance to explore poetry in a beautifully bookish though wonderfully informal setting.’ Read a favourite published poem aloud, or just come along to listen to a diverse collection at this live poetry event. No previous experience of poetry or reading live required! If you know what you want to read, email the shop with details and they will add you to the list. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street.
Royal Mile Walking Tour: Walking tour of the Royal Mile, from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, led by Edinburgh Festival Voluntary Guides. 10am-12 noon, today and every day to 30th November 2014, starting from the foyer of The Hub. Booking is essential and tickets are £3/£1: contact George Laing on 0131 334 8490 or gklaing@aol.com. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Catriona Child: Writing Historic Fiction. Edinburgh-based Catriona’s second book Swim Until You Can’t See Land, is set partly in World War Two, and charts the relationship between two women, born sixty years apart, whose chance encounter marks a watershed for the younger woman. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Live Music Now:Laura Margaret Smith (mezzo-soprano) and Geoffrey Tanti (piano) perform A Castle Mills Suite, a new cycle of songs by John Maxwell Geddes, commissioned as part of the World War One Centenary Art Commissions. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.
Image courtesy of Lufke
Censoring Creativity: From Plato to Bach. Professor Stephen Rose, Royal Holloway College, University of London, will speak on this topic in the University of Edinburgh’s Music Research Seminars series. The talk will be followed by a Q & A session and a drinks reception. 5.15-6.15pm, Lecture Room A, 2nd Floor, Alison House, Nicolson Square. All welcome. For more information or any special access requirements contact a.c.davison@ed.ac.uk.
Generation DJ Set: Loops Haunt. Residing deep in the Scottish countryside Scott Gordon ‘Loops Haunt’ has been producing experimental electronic and audiovisual artwork since 2003. His sound often encompasses ineffable ambiences and rugged industrial sounds sculpted into structure. For GENERATION By Night, Loops will offer a site-specific set, responding to the artworks on display and the theme of GENERATION: 25 years of contemporary art in Scotland. 6pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed.
Artist Talk: Ross Sinclair. Ross will talk about the process of re-staging Real Life Rocky Mountain, before performing as part of it. 6pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed. Part of GENERATION By Night.
Portrait Gallery Insights: George Jamesone, Scotland’s First Portrait Painter. Kate Anderson, Senior Curator at the Portrait Gallery, discusses the life and work of George Jamesone. Jamesone was a key figure in the development of portrait painting in Scotland; he was the first great native-born artist in a profession dominated by foreigners. 5.30-6pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free, but places are limited and should be booked by calling 0131 624 6560.
The Drawing Room: an informal artist-led drawing session. Each session is developed by a contemporary artist and is inspired by the GENERATION exhibition, whilst also reflecting concerns in the artist’s own work. All materials supplied: no experience necessary. 5.30-6.45pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed. Part of GENERATION By Night.
Write On! a new free writing group for people in South Edinburgh who would like to try something new or develop their creative writing. A friendly, supportive group offering planned writing sessions, structured around prompts to kickstart your imagination. Interests in all kinds of writing, including poetry, prose and memoir welcome, as are people completely new to creative writing. The group is about writing for pleasure rather than critiquing writing styles. 3.30pm today and every Thursday until 11th December 2014, Tynecastle Community Wing, Tynecastle High School, McLeod Street. Advance registration essential: contact Rose at Health All Round for more information: 0131 337 1376 or Rose@healthallround.org.uk.
Communities for Conservation: Food and Mood Workshop. Join this workshop to learn more about a healthy, balanced diet. A fun and interactive session looking at the role of fats, sugar and salt. 11am-1pm, ELREC (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council), 14 Forth Street. Book your free place via eventbrite, email JGaunand@elrec.org.uk or call 0131 556 0441.
India in the Archives: The Royal Society for Asian Affairs India Collection. Renowned historian of colonial Lucknow Dr Rosie Llwellyn-Jones will present material from the Collection. 4-5.30pm. Sidney Smith Lecture Theatre, Medical School, Teviot Place, Doorway 1, Room 2.520, University of Edinburgh. One of a series of seminars arranged by the Centre for South Asian Studies.
Ecumenical Friends at St Cuthbert’s. Charles J Burnett: Heraldry – the Shorthand of History. Everyone warmly welcome; bring your own packed lunch, tea and coffee provided. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Lothian Road. £1.50 per person. Organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.
Kirk O’Field Coffee Morning: Edinburgh Food Initiative food co-op selling fresh fruit and vegetables, sale table with new and nearly-new goods – as well as teas, coffees, and the renowned bran scones and butteries! 10.30am-12 noon today and every second and fourth Thursday in the month, Kirk o’Field Parish Church, 140 The Pleasance.
Dancing Mice Album Launch: ‘Eroded takes in electronic pop, weird folk, psychedelia, and post punk, melding them into a quirky, erudite style with some cool pop hooks’. Plus guests Sacre Noir: Scottish-based electronica three-piece, and PAL: pop/new wave influences and songs in German. 7pm, Henry’s Cellar Bar, 16a Morrison Street. Free entry.
FRIDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2014
Spanish Fine Foods and Gifts Open Day: join El Olivo olive oil company for a glass of wine, and taste the oils and other Spanish delicacies. Gifts, oils, chorizos, tapenades spices, antipasti, rice, vinegars and much more! Plus Spanish wines from Calduero Importers, jewellery, baskets, cashmere ponchos and nutritional advice. 11am -9pm (drop in), 1 Dalrymple Crescent. 10% of takings will be donated to local cancer charity itsgood2give. For more information call El Olivo on 0131 668 4751 or email info@elolivo-olive-oil.com. Hasta luego!
Caesura #27: Goodnight Press. One of a series of events exploring experimental writing and performance through stripped-back, often anarchic, perfomances. This month’s event features Belfast-born writer and critic Maria Fusco, London-based experimental poet Jennifer Cooke, sound poet and Dada scholar David Hopkins and found poetry duo Ed Smith and Thomas MacColl. For ages 12+. 8-10pm (doors open 7.30), Demonstration Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets £5: book via Summerhall’s website or at the box office (0131 560 1581).
Jenni Calder and Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley: a new edition celebrating the 200th anniversary of what is widely regarded as the first historical novel in the western tradition. Come along to hear Jenni Calder discuss the themes of Waverley and her reworking of the text for modern readers. 3-4pm, Scotland’s People Centre, New Register House, 3 West Register Street. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Amnesty International and Relief Theatre Present Even If We Lose Our Lives, exploring the difficulties faced by women in modern Afghanistan through the stories and words of Parween, founder of the only girls’ school in Laghman province, Manizha, the American-raised organiser of a women’s shelter, and Dr D, an anonymous gynaecologist operating in an unnamed province. Interviews were conducted by actor and human rights activist Christine Bacon. Each peformance will be followed by a short talk and Q & A session led by Amnesty activists and other guest speakers. All proceeds will go to Amnesty International. Please note: this play includes references to violence and domestic and sexual abuse. 8-9.15pm tonight and 15th November, Cairns Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets £6/£5: book via Summerhall’s website or at the box office (0131 560 1581).
Storytime: 10.30am today and every Friday, Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace.
Edinburgh University Singers: Parry Blest Pair of Sirens, Parry I was glad, Stanford Magnificat Op.164, Finzi Part Songs. Conductor and organist: John Kitchen. 1.10pm, McEwan Hall, Teviot Place. Free and unticketed.
LGBT Women’s Wellbeing Group: Feeling Good. An opportunity to learn about – and try out – relaxation techniques and adrenalin boosters that can make us feel good about ourselves. 2-4.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Contact alison@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 652 3283 for more information or to be added to the group’s email list.
Edinburgh College of Art Friday Lecture Series: Michelle Sank. Sank is a photographer whose work reflects a preoccupation with the human condition, encompassing issues around social and cultural diversity. Free and open to all: for details of time and location contact ECA.
Bookbug: 30 minutes of rhymes and songs for very young children. 2.30pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan.
Macular Society: Macular Degeneration (loss of central vision). If you have MD or know someone who does, drop in for an informal chat and coffee with others who have the same condition and learn more – don’t worry on your own, join the group for friendly support, information and help. 10.30am-12 noon today and on the second Friday of each month, Falcon House, 91 Morningside Road, EH10 4AY.
The Hare and the Tortoise: Recitals for Wrigglers. A concert for babies and toddlers. 10.30am, Charles Smith Room, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Tickets £5 for one adult and one child, £2.50 for each additional child.
Scottish Fair Trade Forum Fair Trade Awards Ceremony and Exhibition Launch: an evening of awards and culture. Browse the stalls, taste Equal Exchange’s new hot chocolate, be the first to hear who this year’s award winners are (awards presented at 6.30pm), and view the Fairtrade Foundation’s photography exhibition Fairtrade at 20: The Power of You. The exhibition will then run in the Chaplaincy Centre until 21st November. 6-8pm, Chaplaincy Centre, University of Edinburgh, 1 Bristo Square.
The Transfer of Science and Philosophy Across Religious Boundaries in the Middle Ages: Professor Charles Burnett of the Warburg Institute, London, one of the world’s leading scholars working on the history of science in the Islamic World, will deliver this special lecture exploring what happens when a scientific or philosophical work is translated from one religious culture to another, specifically from pagan Greece to Islamic Arabic and from Islamic Arabic to Christian Latin culture. 6-8pm, King Khalid Building, Royal College of Surgeons, Hill Square. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite. For more information contact rosie.mellor@ed.ac.uk.
Quiz Aid! come and have fun and test your knowledge at this Christian Aid fundraiser, and help people in the world’s poorest communities work their way out of poverty. Come with a ready-made team of 4-6 people, or come on your own and join a team on the night. Enjoy a glass of Fair Trade wine or juice. Donations for bottle stall much appreciated. 7.30pm, The Walpole Hall, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. £5 per person, no charge for children.
Image by John McKenzie for L & T
Indian Encounters: a new exhibition exploring the changing relationships between Great Britain and India during the 18th and 19th centuries through the lives of two men with very different experiences of British Imperial rule, Captain Archibald Swinton and Maharaja Duleep Singh. Duleep Singh became the first resident Sikh in Britain after he, at the age of 10, had to surrender the Sikh Punjab and all his treasures to the East India Company. Archibald Swinton served in the East India Company’s army at the beginning of its military expansion into India. 18th century miniature paintings and 19th century jewellery, plus Casualty of War, a contemporary work completed in the miniaturist tradition by artists The Singh Twins, reflecting on their personal view of Duleep Singh’s life and their own Sikh heritage in Britain today. 10am-5pm from today, Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free. Closes 1st March 2015.
The Travelling Gallery: GENERATION TG – a group exhibition including five artists working in a range of media, focusing on what it is like to be a contemporary visual artist in Scotland and including a film of artists talking about their work to pupils from Edinburgh schools. 1.30-4pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road.
The Fine Art Society of Edinburgh: Derek Clarke MBE RSA 1912-2014: Portraits of Rocks – Eighty Years of Landscape Painting. The first major exhibition of landscape paintings by the late Derek Clarke to be shown since the artist’s death in February at the age of 101. Inspired by Scottish and Irish landscapes and painted over a period of 80 years, the 25 paintings in this exhibition had, until recently, sat undisturbed in the artist’s Stockbridge studio. Clarke studied at the Slade School of Art (1931-35) and taught at Edinburgh College of Art for 30 years, retiring in 1978. His pupils there included Elizabeth Blackadder, Barbara Rae, John Bellany and George Donald. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 11am-2pm Saturday, Bourne Fine Art, 6 Dundas Street,
SATURDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 2014
Hidden Haiti: Fourth World Art. Discover more about how Haitian artists recycle materials by turning them into beautiful artwork and homeware at this launch exhibition, and learn how Fourth World Art is supporting artisans to rebuild after the crippling 2010 earthquake. 1am-5pm, The Old Lab, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Free. Also open at same times on Sunday 16th November.
Amnesty International and Relief Theatre Present Even If We Lose Our Lives, exploring the difficulties faced by women in modern Afghanistan through the stories and words of Parween, founder of the only girls’ school in Laghman province, Manizha, the American-raised organiser of a women’s shelter, and Dr D, an anonymous gynaecologist operating in an unnamed province. Interviews were conducted by actor and human rights activist Christine Bacon. Each peformance will be followed by a short talk and Q & A session led by Amnesty activists and other guest speakers. All proceeds will go to Amnesty International. Please note: this play includes references to violence and domestic and sexual abuse. 8-9.15pm, Cairns Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets £6/£5: book via Summerhall’s website or at the box office (0131 560 1581).
History Research: Understanding Language and Handwriting. In family history research you may come across challenging handwriting, Latin, Scots or antiquated English, as well as some unfamiliar terminology. Dr Bruce Durie, author of Scottish Genealogy and Documents for Genealogy and Local History, shows how to understand such documents. 11am-12 noon, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite or by calling 0131 242 8100. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Putting the leaves on the branches: Enriching your family tree. Join Dr Bruce Durie, author of Scottish Genealogy and star of BBC’s Digging Up Your Roots, to discover how to take your research further and enrich your family tree with more than just names, dates and places. 2-3pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite or by calling 0131 242 8100. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors: Pop-Up Family History Surgery. Scotland has the best-maintained records and facilities of any country in the world for undertaking family research. Visit the family history surgery and chat with the experts from Scotland’s largest family history centre, Scotland’s People. 10am-4pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free and unticketed. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Be Part of the History of the Grassmarket: local artist Chris Rutterford will be incorporating faces of visitors and locals into a 64′ long outdoor mural depicting historic scenes from the area, including the hanging of Maggie Dickson in the 18th century. Have your photo taken by the artist to be included in the scene, watch him paint, and learn about the history of the area through his characterful storytelling. If you have a story to tell relating to the Grassmarket, come to the gazebo, where stories will be collected to use for future history events and guides. 11am-4pm today and 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th November 2014, in Grassmarket’s historic central square. Free, no booking required. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
David Purdie: Sir Walter Scott’s Heart of Midlothian. Opening with the start of the Porteous Riots in 1736, The Heart of Midlothian is one of Scott’s most famous historical novels, featuring murder, madness and seduction. A new edition of the book has been expertly reworked for modern audiences by David Purdie. 3-4pm, The Saltire Society, 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street. Tickets cost £5/£2.50 and can be booked via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Getting Started with Family History Research: Ken Nisbet of the Scottish Genealogy Society offers pointers for those beginning their family history research. Find out about the extraordinary resources held in the Society’s family history centre, with the opportunity to explore before and after the talk. 1-2pm or 3-4pm, Scottish Genealogy Society, 15 Victoria Terrace. Free but places are limited; book via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
SCRAN: Explore your heritage online. Find out how photographs, news stories, letters, maps, artefacts and oral histories can bring your heritage to life. Explore the places that your ancestors may have lived and worked. This presentation will offer a tour through SCRAN’s digital collections to sample some of the material on offer for family historians. 11.30am-12.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Rei Nakamura: piano, electronics and video. A programme of new works by Raquel Garcia Tomaz, Alberto Bernal and Christian Winther Christensen using electronics, movement and video to create an entirely new type of performance, both visually and aurally examining the interrelation of movement and sound, which are independent, but mutually supportive. 8pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.
LGBT: Trans Remembrance Gathering. Annual memorial event in honour of all those killed through transphobic hatred and prejudice in the last year. Take part in reading names, contribute to some arts and crafts, or join in quietly in the space. 2-3.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact Jules Stapleton Barnes at jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or on 0131 523 1104.
Crime Prevention Initiative: police officers will answer your questions relating to crime prevention and distribute helpful leaflets. South Edinburgh Crime Prevention Partnership will be offering shed alarms and bike locks for sale. 2-4pm, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road.
Adult Learners’ Voice: Have Your Say. Hear about Adult Learning in Edinburgh and have your say in shaping the future. 10am-12 noon, Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket. Refreshments served from 9.45am. To book your free place contact vicky.petrie@ea.edin.sch.uk or call 0131 558 8222. All learners welcome!
Morningside Farmers’ Market: fresh, local, seasonal goods direct from the producers. Meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, cheeses, baking, breads, preserves, jams, chutneys, confectionery, Continental treats, vegetarian foods, kitchen condiments, crafts and more. Hot refreshments available in the market or from The Merlin Pub and Kitchen next door. 9.30am-3.30pm, Merlin Pub & Kitchen car park (rear of Merlin), Morningside Road.
GENERATION Tours at Modern One: informal, discussion-led tours of the 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.
Portrait Gallery Architecture Tour: monthly architecture tour of the magnificent Arts & Crafts building, designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. 2-2.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free, but places are limited and must be booked by calling 0131 624 6560.
Scottish Parliament Guided Tour: a great opportunity to enjoy a guided walking tour of the Scottish Parliament building and to find out more about how the Parliament works. 1.45-3pm, Scottish Parliament, Canongate. Free but places are strictly limited and must be booked in advance: contact Anne or Christine on 0131 458 5959 or email anne.livesey@ea.edin.sch.uk. Organised by South West Community Learning and Development Team, City of Edinburgh Council.
Grow Your Own Garden Workshops. A course of six-structured ‘grow your own’ workshops for beginners. Workshop 2:Getting Growing – sowing seeds and creating new plants from cuttings, bulbs and other plant parts. For ages 16+. 10am-12 noon (session is a repeat of the one held on Wednesday 12th November, so you should attend one or the other), North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. Free, no booking required, but you are requested to stay for the whole two hour session, as the workshops are structured. Call 0131 315 2151 for more information.
St Cuthbert’s Christmas Fair: tombola, hampers, baking, preserves, cards, decorations, craft, bric a brac, Jack-and-Jill stall, guess the weight of the cake – come along, find some bargains for Christmas, and maybe win a prize! 10am-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Lothian Road. £1 per person. Donations for stalls welcome between 9am and 4pm on Friday 14th November.
Rosy Blue Blues Band: one of Scotland’s most exciting blues bands – early blues through to rock, soul, modern classics and their own compositions. 9pm, Old Chain Pier, 32 Trinity Crescent.
Christopher Orr: The Beguiled Eye. Christopher Orr’s first solo show in Scotland, bringing together new and recent paintings, and featuring for the first time the artist’s remarkable sketchbooks. Orr’s oil paintings and watercolours offer enigmatic glimpses into other worlds where modern characters appear within expansive environments, laden with drama.The intriguing scenes derive from an appropriation of a vast range of visual materials, including National Geographic magazines, scientific manuals, 1950s snaps, art historical images and Super 8 films. Opening 12.30pm today, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Closes 14th February 2015. Free.
SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2014
Sing Out! featuring Brighton’s Praise Group. Come and sing out for homeless people! Organist: Robin Gardiner. Refreshments will be served in the Undercroft Cafe following the Sing Out! 7pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street. Retiring collection for Scottish Churches Housing Action.
Roddy Simpson: Victorian Scottish Photography. Roddy Simpson, photographer, photohistorian, author, Open Studies tutor at Edinburgh University and Honorary Research Fellow at Glasgow University, will talk about the photography of Victorian Scotland – its processes, personalities and popularity. 4-5pm, The Saltire Society, 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. Part of Previously….Scotland’s History Festival.
Hidden Haiti: Fourth World Art. Discover more about how Haitian artists recycle materials by turning them into beautiful artwork and homeware at this launch exhibition, and learn how Fourth World Art is supporting artisans to rebuild after the crippling 2010 earthquake. 1am-5pm, The Old Lab, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Free.
Bags of Art: cool and creative fun for ages 4-12 with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. 2-4pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.
Hearing Impaired Tours: Remembering the Great War. A free tour with portable loops for the hearing impaired led by artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb. 11am-12 noon, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. To book your free place contact the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.
St Giles’ At Six: Sang Scule. A Garden in the North:Warrior Kings and Holy Men. Choral music for Robert The Bruce by Ben Parry, and for James IV by Sheena Phillips, with plainsong for St Columba, St Ninian and St Kentigern and Scottish Renaissance motets by Peebles, Douglas and Anon. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
Old Dalkeith Road Collision Update
Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that a 22-year-old man, who was the front seat passenger of the Hyundai involved in Friday’s fatal road collision on Old Dalkeith Road has now died.
The man sustained serious injury and was taken to hospital with another passenger, who continue to be treated and the 24-year-old driver, who later passed away.
Officers have now confirmed the driver’s identity as Sean Allan from Loanhead.
In a statement issued by Sean partner, Charlene Tweed, she said:
“Sean was a loving father to his three children Eilidh, Sean and Mason, as well as his step-daughter Sophie, playing a big part in her life for a number of years.
“He was also a wonderful partner and I am utterly destroyed by his death.
“I am struggling to find the words to describe my grief and would ask that our family be left alone to grieve and come to terms with our devastating loss.”
Enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this collision are ongoing and Road Policing Officers continue to urge anyone who can assist with their investigation to come forward.
Sergeant Ross Drummond said: “We are still trying to establish exactly what happened to result in this collision and the tragic death of two young men.
“As such, I would ask motorists who were on Old Dalkeith Road at around 11.10pm on Friday evening and witnessed the collision to contact police immediately.”
“In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to our ongoing enquiries is also asked to get in touch.”
Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.
Historic Scotland in ticket giveaway
Some of Scotland’s best known heritage attractions will be giving away thousands of free tickets to people who pre-register online as part of this year’s St. Andrew’s celebrations.
Scotland’s most visited paid for tourist attraction, Edinburgh Castle, the former home of the Stewart Kings and Queens, Stirling Castle, and Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness are amongst 35 of Historic Scotland’s winter ticketed attractions participating across the length and breadth of the country.
Members of the public can register for tickets from today, 10th November, at a special website, www.ticketgiveaway.co.uk. Visitors can register for a free ticket for their chosen site for either Saturday 29th or Sunday 30th November which will provide admission for up to two adults and three children.
There is no limit to how many sites can be applied for, although visitors are being urged to be quick to register so they don’t miss out on the chance to visit a great historic property for free with registration closing at 5pm on Friday, 28th November.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism for Historic Scotland said:
“The ticket giveaway is a great way to visit Scotland’s iconic heritage attractions for free.
“By registering online at www.ticketgiveaway.co.uk, visitors can apply for tickets which will provide complimentary entry on either Saturday 29th or Sunday 30th November. There are a huge amount of sites to choose from – from the recently restored palace of James V at Stirling Palace to the magnificent border abbeys.
“In order to ensure a quality experience for visitors, numbers will be capped at participating sites so we would urge people to get in quick to ensure they get their first choice of venue and have the opportunity to enjoy a visit to a heritage site for free.”
The ticket giveaway is part of the Scottish Government’s Winter Festivals campaign which celebrates Scotland’s unique festivals – St. Andrew’s Day, Burns Night and Hogmanay – and this year forms part of Homecoming 2014, which has seen events take place the length and breadth of Scotland.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said:
“We are in a privileged position in Scotland to enjoy some of the most diverse and celebrated heritage in the world.
“This ranges from magnificent prehistoric monuments to grand castles and cathedrals to symbols of our more recent industrial heritage.
“Each of these magnificent sites has its own individual story to tell as well as their wider contribution to the rich tapestry of Scotland’s past.
“The St. Andrew’s weekend is a fantastic time to get out and about and learn more about the heritage on your doorstep or indeed further afield, helping to connect people today to the past.”
Pakistan Society Heritage Project presents Rural Reflections: an exhibition of rural scenery of Pakistan and Scotland. ‘Here we share the stories of ten members of the 50+ group of the Pakistan Society of Edinburgh, who began their lives in rural Pakistan before moving to the UK. Although they have lived in Edinburgh for many years, none of the group had ventured forth to the Highlands of Scotland. Their journey to find out more about rural life and the history of highland communities not only opened their eyes to a distinctive cultural heritage, it also brought to the fore their own vivid memories of growing up in rural Pakistan.’ 10am-8pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am-5pm Thursday to Saturday, CommunityRoom 2, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Free booklet available at the exhibition.
Gilmerton Writers’ Group: for everyone with an interest in writing prose, poetry or plays. 6.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street.
Metre by Meter: Exploring Poetry in the Trenches. Learn about Siegfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke and Wilfred Owen and discuss some of their World War One poetry. 6.30-7.30pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Free: to book a place please call 0131 529 5603.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Children’s Book Group: if you are 8 to 11 years old with a love of books and biscuits join this group for a friendly hour of books and chat! Currently reading John Fardell’s gripping adventure story The 7 Professors of the Far North. 6-7pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To join just email your details to childrens.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Ruth Bailey and Jackie Holt: Knit Your Own Broons. The authors of Knit Your Own Scotland and Knit Your Own Britain launch their latest book. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from Blackwell’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Veterans Breaking Barriers Information Day: come along and meet representatives from Veterans Scotland, Job Centre Plus, Crisis Skylight, Citizens Advice Bureau, Officers Association Scotland, The Legion Scotland, SSAFA, Combat Stress, SAMH, Regular Forces Employment Agency, The Thistle Foundation, Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, The Lothians Veterans Centre, Veterans First Point, Remploy, Drummond Education, Veterans First Point, Shelter Scotland, Timebank’s Shoulder 2 Shoulder Erskine Project and more…there will be a social area to relax and meet fellow armed forces veterans, plus a chance to watch a film made by ex-servicemen about leaving the forces (showing at 1pm and again at 3pm). 12 noon-5pm, Teviot House, 13 Bristo Square. Free: all welcome (not just veterans!) For more information contact Caronne on 07837 040568 , email Caronne500@hotmail.com or see the Veterans Breaking Barriers Facebook pagehere.
Eduardo Paolozzi: Judith Collins, independent curator and writer, talks about her new book on Leith-born Paolozzi – the first full-scale historical appraisal of his work in all media. The talk will be followed by a signing. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Victor Zhang – Huawei Technologies. Former CEO of Huawei UK and Ireland, Victor Zhang took up the post as President of the Brussels office and the West-EU Public Affairs and Communications department in June 2014. In this role he is responsible for strategic relationships between Huawei Technologies, European Institutions and the European ICT industry and West-EU Public Affairs Department. This is a joint event with the University of Edinburgh and the Confucius Institute, and forms part of the Institute’s Business Lecture Series. 6.30 (registration and coffee from 6pm) -7.45pm, Auditorium, Business School, University of Edinburgh, 29 Buccleuch Place. All welcome: book via eventbrite. Free.
image courtesy of Colin Gilmour www.silverexpressions.co.uk
Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland: Studley Royal – ‘The Wonder of the North’ – past, present and future. Michael Ridsdale, Head of Landscape at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate, National Trust, will talk about the multi-disciplinary management of this world heritage landscape. Joint lecture with The Garden History Society in Scotland. 6.30-8.30pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street. £5/£2.50 (students). Non-members warmly welcomed.
Be Arty, Be Healthy: Free Healthy Lunch and Christmas Craft Workshops. Come along and make items such as Christmas decorations and festive wreaths to sell at the Christmas Fair on 6th December. Lunch 12.30-1pm, workshop 1-4pm, today for the next three Mondays, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road.
Five things you need to know today Edinburgh!
Planning for national summit
Cycle paths
Tai Chi
National Trust for Scotland looking for a new boss
At The Queen’s Hall tonight
Children and young people from all over Scotland are to meet in Edinburgh today to plan an unprecedented national summit.
Around 90 young people and 50 adults who work in education, youth work and the third sector are meeting to begin making arrangements for the Children and Young People’s Summit announced by Education Secretary Michael Russell in September.
The summit will gather a range of voices committed to making Scotland a better place for our children and young people, to inform and improve the important policy decisions that affect them.
Eleven to eighteen-year-olds from every local authority in Scotland have been invited to take part in the planning process – together with staff from third sector groups and charities specialising in young people’s services – with the intention of holding the summit in the New Year.
Today’s event in Edinburgh is the beginning of a process that will see conversations with children and young people take place around the country. The young people in attendance will co-produce plans for the summit programme and subsequent conversations.
Children and Young People Minister Aileen Campbell said:
“To make Scotland the best place to grow up we need to listen to the experiences and opinions of our young people. Today, children and young people are meeting in Edinburgh to make that happen.
“Starting today, the process of planning Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Summit is bringing together kids from all over the country with adults who support them.
“Together, they will decide how best to involve Scots of all ages who are interested in improving services for children and young people.
“We’ve seen very clearly this year that – contrary to myth – our young people are extremely keen to help shape our future as a society. This is the beginning of a major effort to make sure they can do just that.”
Schools Minister Dr Alasdair Allan said:
“This is the start of a very exciting process. Thousands of professionals work hard and thousands more people are volunteers who are committed to making Scotland a better place for our children and young people.
“We want this summit to bring an added voice to this conversation – that of our children and young people themselves.
“They will help plan the summit and it is for them to decide where, when and how it will happen. They will be closely involved in developing the approach and the content of the summit, which will inform future policy and drive improvement in services for children and young people.
“Scotland’s young people are bright, hard-working and committed to their communities. I can think of few people better placed to help make Scotland the best place to grow up.”
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Cyclists and pedestrians in North Edinburgh use the off road pathways to get about without going too near a main road too often. Some have now suggested that perhaps the paths there should be marked out in the same way as Middle Meadow Walk, where cyclists are encouraged to keep to one side and pedestrians another. What do you think? Would it make walking there less of a challenge? You can add your comments below this article or add them to the conversation here on the Innertube Map site.
This week Dr Bike will be at Fiveways Junction from 3pm to 6pm to help you check over your bike and make sure it is roadworthy.
You can now try Tai Chi Thursdays 12—12:40pm at the East Neighbourhood Centre, 77 Niddrie Mains Road. Tai Chi is a slow and gentle form of exercise with lots of health benefits. Why not take 40 minutes out of your day to try out one of the free classes, run through by the Health and Wellbeing team at the Thistle Foundation.
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Scotland’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, is to seek a successor to take over from its Chairman, Sir Kenneth Calman, when he completes his term of office in a year’s time.
Scotland’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, is to seek a successor to take over from its Chairman, Sir Kenneth Calman, when he completes his term of office in a year’s time.Sir Kenneth will have served as Chairman for five years by the time of the charity’s Annual General Meeting in September 2015 and will formally relinquish the role to the new appointee.
Sir Kenneth said:
“I took on the role of Chairman in 2010 at a time of significant change. Over the past four years much has been accomplished thanks to the input of Trustees, volunteers and staff, as well as local communities. There is still much to do.
“The Board has agreed a timetable for the creation of a new five-year strategy for the Trust to be put before our members in 2016 and implemented from 2017. It is clear that leadership of the new strategy should therefore be from someone who can follow that process through and, for that reason, I am sure that next year is the right time for the Trust to appoint a new Chairman.
“In the meantime there is still much work to do and I look forward to continuing to be part of such a great organisation. It has been an enormous privilege being part of the National Trust for Scotland and I will continue to enjoy it.”
The Trust’s Nominations Committee has now begun the task of seeking Sir Kenneth’s successor beginning with adverts placed in a national newspaper last weekend.
The person being sought will be expected to represent Trust externally and to promote its interests to the outside world. He or she will also convene the charity’s Board of Trustees, which is ultimately responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the Trust.
The National Trust for Scotland’s Chief Executive, Kate Mavor said:
“Sir Ken will be hard act to follow – there is no doubt about it. This is why we are allowing such a long lead-in time to appoint his successor. The Board want to be confident they appoint the right person to take on the role, secure in the knowledge that Sir Ken’s wise guidance and counsel will continue during this period.
The Trust’s Secretary, Stephen Small added:
“We have a fairly exacting specification and the Chair must demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and diplomacy and have the ability to guide the Trust through a continued period of change and renewal.”
Potential candidates are being invited to visit Saxton Bampfylde’s website at www.saxbam.com/jobs for further information.
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Tonight the Emerson Quartet are playing at the Queen’s Hall at 7.45. Ticket details here.
The Queen’s Hall says about them: “The Emerson Quartet, perhaps the most famous name among today’s string quartets, opens the New Town Concert Society 50th anniversary season with a magisterial review of four centuries of music for the medium from four of the greatest masters of their age. This concert will give Scottish audiences their first opportunity to hear the quartet playing with its eminent new cellist Paul Watkins – the first personnel change in almost 40 years.”
Rugby – Scotland v Argentina, viagogo Autumn Test Series
Five-try Scotland beat Australia-conquering Argentina at BT Murrayfield
Vern Cotter’s first home match as Scotland coach gave the supporters a great deal to feel good about as Scotland played one of their better matches in recent times in their opening viagogo Autumn Test series. Starting with 10 Glasgow Warriors players – all the backs apart from Greg Laidlaw – the team promised to have the bit of cohesion lacking in the last few pre-Cotter matches.
Unfortunately, that ‘bit of cohesion’ lasted about 90 seconds as a loose pass from Laidlaw went behind the intended target and Argentina’s No 7, Javier Deso, collected the ball and galloped in from half way for the opening score. Nicolas Sanchez then put the kick over and it was 7-0. And then it was the home side’s turn. Working the ball upfield after the restart, the team moved the ball across the face of the Argentine try line, ending with a ruck a couple of metres out. Richie Gray picked the ball up and dummying the pass out, dived through the gap to score. This left Laidlaw with a difficult kick from the tramlines, but eh ball went over to make it a 7-7 scoreline with seven minutes on the clock.
Argentina then spent the next period of play, pinning the Scotland side back in their own half, but a ruck infringement gave them a chance to go ahead again. This Sanchez duly did and it was 10-7 to the visitors.
The next 10 minutes-or-so of the match were mostly played in the Argentine half of the field with Scotland probing for the breakthrough, but a couple of turnovers from them kept the home side out. Until the 21st minute. Centre Mark Bennett put Tommy Seymour in space but his pursuit of his kick through from the wing was ‘interrupted by a blatant shoulder charge from Juan Imhoff. With him seeing yellow from referee, Wayne Barnes, Scotland choose to go for the line and, from the ensuing lineout catch-and-drive, Jonny Gray emulated his brother’s efforts of a few minutes previous and burrowed over for a try. 12-10 and another difficult kick for Laidlaw, but the captain had brought his kicking boots up from Gloucester and the ball sailed between the posts for a 14-10 lead.
The Argentine side was now looking a wee bit jaded after their hard Rugby Championship campaign and three minutes later another skilful passing move from the backs came up trumps with Sean Maitland going over on the right wing. Laidlaw then saw yet another difficult kick over the bar for the home side to go 21-10 into the lead. Another fine penalty strike from Man-of-the-Match, Laidlaw,then put the Scots further ahead at 24-10 and that’s how they went in at half time.
Stuart Hogg missed a long range kick early in the second half, but redeemed himself a couple of minutes later with Scotland’s fourth try. A tackle on Rob Harley drew in the visitors’ defence and his offload put Laidlaw through a yawning gap which he exploited to run at the Argentine defence. His pass then found Hogg on the wing and the full back, evading a desperate attempted tackle, threw himself over in the corner for the opening score of the second half. This gave Laidlaw his fourth really challenging attempt at goal – he must have been wondering – but, again, he came up with the goods and the score now stood at 31-10 to Scotland after 47 minutes. The game now went into a bit of a midfield arm-wrestle – relieved with a 61st minute penalty from Laidlaw (34-10) with neither side dominating and the whole thing getting a bit bogged-down.
Argentina then upped their game and a yellow for Harley gave them the man advantage and they crossed the line, only for Barnes to rule a double movement and award a penalty to Scotland. This only stopped them for a few minutes and pressing the line again caused Scotland to commit an infringement suitable severe enough for the referee to award a penalty try. The easy kick went over and pulled the score up to 34-17 and the visitors’ tails went up and they looked decidedly more alert than they had for the previous 20 minutes.
Not alert enough, however, as a simple pass out from Cortez was intercepted by a flying Seymour who flew away to score a spectacular diving try under the posts to put Scotland further ahead with nine minutes of play left. Duncan Weir scored the afters and opened the gap to 41-17.
Out of sight? Maybe not, as the visitors turned up the heat in the final few minutes to another two tries to make the final score closer than it, perhaps, should have been.
Following Jim Hamilton getting binned just as Harley returned, a ruck on the line saw scrum half, Martin Lanajo diving over the pile of bodies for Argentina’s third try. Juan Martine Hernandez scored the conversion to pull the score up to 41-24. The final seconds of the match had Scotland defending gallantly again – with Bennett performing a try-saver a few metres out – but another touch down on the final whistle by Cubelli gave an easy kick for Hernandez to bring the final tally up to an Argentina-flattering 41-31.
However, it was a fine performance from the Scots, who, unusually, managed to attack and defend with equal skill in the same match – something that has lacked a little in the past. The BT Murrayfield faithful now have to look forward to the entirely different prospect of the World and multi-Rugby Championship champions, the New Zealand All Blacks, gracing the hybrid turf. We can but hope……
Images from the match will appear here over the next few days.
Book Review – Never Mind the Jambos
Hearts supporters continuing to follow their team by bus and car, and then again by railway, would do well to make their journey seem much quicker by buying Never Mind the Jambos, a Hearts quiz book expertly compiled by lifelong Hearts fan John McBurnie.
The book has many questions and answers about Edinburgh’s oldest and most successful club and Jambos of all ages will be fascinated by some of the gold nuggets of information to be found. For example, some of my acquaintances of the Hibernian persuasion never tire of telling me their club was the first British club to play in the European Cup in 1955. What I didn’t realise, until I read Never Mind the Jambos, is that Uefa actually invited Hearts to play enter first but the Tynecastle club were fearful of a points deduction by the Scottish League if they were late back from a European trip and so declined the offer – leaving the way for Hibs to take their place.
Look back at wonderful facts about the Edinburgh derby (with the 2012 Scottish Cup final afforded its own chapter called ‘the greatest game in history’), memorable goals, defeats and players, and one of the most successful goalscoring acts in Scottish football history – the Terrible Trio. Questions relating to the long and eventful history of the club are here, from its formation to today’s cult heroes, from the dizzying highs to the devastating lows. Glory days, on and off the field dramas, club legends – they’re all there.
This is an excellent book and in an easy to read format. It’s small enough to stick in your inside pocket so may be useful the next time you’re debating the history books with a Hibby over a pint of foaming ale. Even for schoolchildren who can challenge their pals in the playground.
Never Mind the Jambos is an excellent stocking filler with Christmas just a few weeks away. Once you pick it up, you’ll find it hard to put down!
Never Mind the Jambos, by John McBurnie is published by The History Press. £6.99
What is natural capital?
The council’s Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee met earlier this week and decided to become a member of the Scottish Forum on Natural Capital, making it the first Scottish local authority to do so.
The Green Group were not in favour of doing this, and proposed an amendment which was defeated. Councillor Steve Burgess explained their reasoning: “I’m very aware that those proposers of Natural Capital from environmental organisations have the very best interests of nature at heart – for them the fundamental problem is that nature is currently under-valued, and this is what they are seeking to redress. However, Green councillors are also aware of controversy about the concept of Natural Capital, with concerns coming from the World Development Movement and from Friends of the Earth International about making nature into a commodity that can be traded.
“Green councillors decided with ongoing debate among key organisations, that for the Council to join one side or another was not a decision to be taken lightly. We proposed that rather than being tacked onto the end the annual report on the city’s biodiversity, that the committee postponed its decision for a further more detailed report.”
The forum met at the end of last month when business leaders, government officials and environmental experts assembled to raise awareness of the organisation’s goals. Following the meeting an overwhelming 95% felt that if we had a better understanding of natural capital it would ‘lead to better outcomes for business, society and the environment’.
You can watch the whole proceedings of the council committee meeting on the council’s Webcast service here.
Bodies such as The Scottish Government have already become members of the forum but what exactly is this body which held their first conference last November right here in Edinburgh and what is it trying to do?
The First Minister Alex Salmond opened the conference , and the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP addressed delegates remotely in a video which we show you here:
There are other videos on YouTube which are tagged with the hashtag #NatCap13
Natural capital includes all ‘assets’ such as forests, rivers, minerals or oceans, all of which combine to provide us with things which are essential such as water and food. When businesses are taking any decisions on their own activities the Forum believes they should take steps to protect our ‘natural capital’, which academic research values at anything between £21 and £23 billion per year to the Scottish economy. The Forum plans to use the index developed by the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Natural Capital Asset Index, as a tool in future calculations.
The group wants to calculate the value in monetary terms of the natural assets in Scotland, and then work out the cost of depleting it. They plan to involve accountants, business people and academics in researching these numbers in a kind of huge accounting exercise designed to protect our natural environment.
Co-Chair of the Scottish Forum on Natural Capital and Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Jonny Hughes, said: “Scotland is showing real leadership internationally in this area, having hosted the first major global conference on this topic – the World Forum on Natural Capital – in Edinburgh last November.
“Building a fair, equitable and stable economy will depend on us restoring a healthy natural environment and this will only happen if business leaders, environment charities, governments and others work together. What is very clear from this survey is that business leaders want such collaboration for a brighter future for society, our economy and the natural world.”
The Scottish Forum on Natural Capital brings together public, private and voluntary sector organisations to protect and rebuild Scotland’s natural capital. To date, there are over 50 member organisations including Alliance Trust, BT Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, SSE, SEPA, John Muir Trust, Buccleuch, James Hutton Institute, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Mazars LLP and the Scottish Government.
Fatal crash- appeal for witnesses
Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision between two cars.
Emergency services responded to a serious road collision involving a Hyundai and a Subaru Impreza on Old Dalkeith Road around 11.10pm on Friday evening.
The three men who were in the Hyundai were conveyed to ERI to be treated for their injuries but the driver, a 24 year old man, was pronounced dead in hospital.
The road was closed from Cameron Toll to the Post Office building at Bridgend while road traffic officers established the circumstances.
Police Sergeant Andy Gibb said: “This serious road collision resulted in one driver losing his life. We are appealing for anyone who witnessed this collision and who was in the area of Old Dalkeith Road, to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Sunday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today
Tony Conrad: Opening Reception for Invented Acoustical Tools 1969-2014. The legendary artist, composer, performer and filmmaker will play a selection of his invented acoustical tools and present a number of additional works in film and video. This is Tony’s first solo exhibition in the UK. 12 noon- 3pm: (drinks reception from 12 noon, performance/films start at 1.30pm), Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. To reserve a place email ihouse@rbge.ac.uk.
Songs of World War One – Old and New: a workshop with Scott Murray. Singer/songwriter Scott, of Sangsters fame, has been involved with the New Makars Trust in Fife. 3-5pm, Pleasance Cabaret Bar, 60 Pleasance. £5: tickets from Edinburgh Folk Club, Coda, The Mound or Paddy Bort on 0131 650 2458/email: ebort@ed.ac.uk. Part of the Carrying Stream Festival 2014
copyright Alicia Bruce
Portrait Detectives! Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history! For ages 4-12. 2-4pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries.
Life Through A Lens: using a mixture of microscopes, experiments and art, join a voyage of discovery – see what the pioneers of microscopy saw and find out how microscopes are helping scientists today. 12.30-3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio, Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free. With The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Teenage Book Group: if you love to read, or just want to read more, join the group to talk about your favourite books and the latest teenage fiction – classical to contemporary, historical to dystopian, anything you fancy! Currently reading Faye Bird’sMy Second Life. 2-3pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free: if you would like to join, just email your details to schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Remembrance Day Concert: San Salvator’s Chapel Choir. Conducted by Tom Wilkinson. 6-7pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free.
Devotional Performance of Durufle Requiem: to be followed by a reception hosted by Friends of the Cathedral. 3.30pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place.
St Giles at Six: Edinburgh Napier University Chamber Choir: Remembrance. Choral music for the season of Remembrance by Parry, Elgar, Bainton and John Ireland. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
Five things you need to know today Edinburgh!
Remembrance Sunday – First Minister to lay wreath in Edinburgh
Legion Scotland’s Edinburgh parade
Hearts remember at Haymarket
Roads around Portobello
Teenage Book Group
First Minister Alex Salmond will attend the National Remembrance Service at St Giles Cathedral this morning where he will lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance on behalf of the people of Scotland.
The 2014 service is especially poignant as it comes during the centenary commemorations of the First World War.
Ahead of laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh, the First Minister said:
“The people of Scotland will always honour, with respect and appreciation, the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
“Scotland, in common with so many other nations, suffered an appalling loss of life in the Great War, and its effects on Scottish life were profound and long-lasting. Not one single community was untouched by the conflict, and rural Scotland suffered particularly severe losses.
“This week, I announced the latest funding from our £1 million Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund, set up to restore lasting tributes to fallen servicemen and women. It is hugely important that these memorials are properly maintained. We owe it to the names inscribed on these memorials as well as to their living relatives to keep monuments in a proud condition, reflecting the respect they deserve.
“It takes an incomparable event to bring a whole nation to a halt – united in remembrance, reflection and gratitude – and there is no more profound an event than a conflict that saw over a hundred thousand sons, fathers, uncles never return from the front line. Today we stand with members of the German Navy to remember and pay tribute to the fallen; a true symbol that in conflict there is always the resounding hope for peace and reconciliation.”
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Scotland’s largest veterans charity Legion Scotland, the day to day name of the Royal British Legion Scotland, leads the nation in observing Remembrance Sunday with the parade and ceremony in Edinburgh..
The annual Remembrance Parade takes place at the Stone of Remembrance, City Chambers at 11.00am. The Gun will be fired from Edinburgh Castle and a two-minute silence will be observed, marking the centenary of the start of the First World War. This will be followed by a service in St Giles Cathedral.
Legion Scotland’s Remembrance Sunday parade of veterans, serving military detachments and cadets will begin at Edinburgh Castle and will march to the Stone of Remembrance at the City Chambers where it will be met by official figures including the Lord Lieutenant and the First Minister.
VIP Meghan Mathews, 10, will lay a special wreath for children whose lives were lost or changed forever by war.
Her father Jonathan served in Afghan and was just 35 when he was killed in 2008. Sergeant Jonathan Mathews served with the Army for over 19 years. He was shot and killed in Afghanistan during an ambush by a sniper.
Sergeant Jonathan Mathews served as a trainer to the Afghan Army. He was attached to The Highlanders, 4th Battalion. When he was killed Sgt Matthews and five colleagues rushed to treat an injured nine-year-old boy after a suicide bomber killed four people at an Afghan army base.
Meghan, who attends Prestonpans Primary School, will wear her father medals and lay a wreath at the parade before receiting a reading of Binyon’s Lines.
Meghan’s mum Shona, 46, from Edinburgh said, “We speak about him every day and at night she kisses a photo of him. We have kept everything. It’s important for Meghan to be able to remember. So I keep everything in a box, photos, medals and things that belonged to her Dad. Every year around Remembrance Sunday we get out the box and look through all the things.”
“My husband always led from the front and was first to go in. He volunteered to go to Afghanistan. Nothing will ever take away the loss. Meghan will grow up without her father. Every Remembrance Sunday no matter where I am I cry for him. Laying the wreath is a great honour for Meghan and I am so very proud of her.”
Meghan’s grandfather, William Myles, will also attend on Sunday 9th, he is a member of Prestonpans branch of Legion Scotland and served with the Highland Fusiliers.
A German marching contingent will also take part in the Act of Remembrance and wreath laying ceremony. The Naval attaché are taking part while the German Frigate ship the Brandenburg is docked at Leith on a routine visit.
The contingent of 20 will form a fourth detachment at the event and the Commanding Officer Ivo Schneider will lay a wreath. It is the first time that the German military have taken part in the Remembrance ceremony, organised by Legion Scotland since 1921..
Wreaths will also be laid by the Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, the Rt Hon Donald Wilson, the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP First Minister of Scotland, the Armed Services, Emergency Services and other public bodies after a short open air ceremony to commemorate the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and civilians during times of war.
Following the Parade VIPs will join members of the public at a Service of Remembrance at St Giles Cathedral.
The Edinburgh Parade is one of over thirty events across Scotland on Remembrance Sunday organised by hundreds of volunteers for Legion Scotland.
Kevin Gray MM, Chief Executive Officer of Legion Scotland said, “On Remembrance Sunday, our heartfelt tribute will be paid to every single serviceman and woman that has fought and died to keep us safe. On this momentous day and during the centenary of the start of WW1 our thoughts will also be with those who still serve in our Armed Forces and families like Meghan’s whose lives are changed forever by war.
“We are delighted to welcome the German contingent at this Remembrance event for the first time in its history. This is the first time a foreign Navy has taken part and it’s incredibly fitting and positive that we can come together to pay tribute to all those affected by war at the national Remembrance event for Scotland.”
“No matter where we come from we can all join together to show our immense gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made on our behalf by so many brave men and women.”
Legion Scotland plays a lead role in organising Remembrance events across Scotland and helping to preserve Scottish war memorials. The charity also works with schools to educate children about Remembrance.
Every year Legion Scotland runs a competition for primary schools to encourage them to research the stories behind the names on their local war memorial. The charity also launched the Voices of Veterans campaign to preserve stories of ex servicemen and women and their families during the centenary of the start of World War One.
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Today the Hearts first-team squad, coaching staff and Board members will take part in the annual memorial service at Haymarket, where it is expected that over 2000 people will be in attendance.
Supporters intending to go to the service should arrive in plenty of time so that the event can begin at its scheduled time of 10.40am.
Fans are asked to assemble in Morrison Street, which the club has worked hard to have closed for this purpose, and where a special sound system has been installed to relay sound from the event.
The club would like to thank the Haymarket Bar for giving use of its power during the service. The Haymarket Bar will also be open prior to the event for supporters who wish to purchase breakfast before the day begins.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club asks all those planning on going along to the service to respect the crowd-control measures which will be in place to help the event proceed in a dignified and orderly manner.
There are two war memorials for the First World War. The first is the McCrae’s Battalion Great War Memorial in Contalmaison France and the second is the Heart of Midlothian War Memorial in Haymarket which was donated to the city by the club a short time after the First World War ended.
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Councillor Maureen Child has been in touch to tell us about some road disruption in her Ward:
In consultation with the Council’s local neighbourhood roads team, the house builder at Newcraighall North site between Gilberstoun and Newcraighall, Barratt’s, have now confirmed the date for the closure of the A6095 to Musselburgh, to allow for the dismantling of the Newcraighall disused rail bridge. The road will be totally closed for one week, starting Monday 17 November. In addition, there will be some preparatory works prior to the 17th and some additional works for a couple of weeks after.
I am advised that Duddingston Road West, which has been closed for some weeks to allow renewal of the railway bridge, will re-open on Monday – so the No 42 bus should be back to its normal route.
The Sir Harry Lauder Road is also down for resurfacing, starting next week, with a squad working through the night. Peffermill Road will be closed for a few days in January for vital Scottish Water works.
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There is a teenage book group which meets today at Blackwell’s on South Bridge at 2.00pm. The group is currently reading Faye Bird’s My Second Life. If you join the book group then you get 10% off every book that they read. To join just get in touch with Blackwells by clicking here or drop in at the shop.
Heart of Midlothian 1 Raith Rovers 0
SPFL Championship, Saturday 8 November 2014 – Tynecastle
Remembrance weekend is always an emotional time of the year and this year was particularly poignant for those who turned up at Tynecastle in large numbers for the SPFL Championship game between Hearts and Raith Rovers. One hundred years have passed since the beginning of the Great War and the story of how the table-topping Hearts team of 1914 became one of the first clubs in Britain to sign up to fight for King and country is perhaps the most important part of the rich history of this famous old club. Raith Rovers, inspired by their Edinburgh counterparts, did likewise days afterwards and it was fitting both these clubs should come together the day before Remembrance Sunday. A lone piper played as the teams lined up immediately before kick-off and the 16,000 plus crowd stood in absolute silence, a fitting tribute to those players from both clubs who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country a century ago. The only sound was from the rain battering the roof of the Wheatfield Stand which gave an added poignancy to a sombre occasion.
The game itself, sadly, was not one which will live as long in the memory as those players who were the victims of war. Hearts made three changes to the team that deflated city rivals Hibs a fortnight ago with Callum Paterson suspended and captain Danny Wilson and Osman Sow injured. Jordan McGhee, Brad McKay and Jamie Walker were the respective replacements.
Alim Ozturk, whose 40 yard screamer which gave Hearts a 94th minute equaliser at Easter Road nearly two weeks ago, was given a rousing reception form the appreciative home support as the game kicked off. Hearts camped themselves in the Raith Rovers half, teasing and probing for openings. When, just four minutes in, the ball broke to Ozturk 40 yards out the call came from the home support to shoot. The Turk defender strode forward ten yards, looked up and fired in another long-range effort which cannoned off the gloves of Rovers keeper McGurn and spun into the net to put Hearts a goal ahead. Bedlam at Tynecastle!
Ozturk had another long-range effort moments later with a 25 yard free kick which just went wide. It was beginning to look like the big defender was keen on finding another role for him at Tynecastle – that of leading goalscorer!
If the home support sat back and waited for the anticipated goal rush, as has been the case in so many games at Tynecastle this season, they were to be disappointed. Raith Rovers stuck to their game plan of thwarting Hearts forward moves at every opportunity.
As the game wore on, Hearts continued to enjoy possession – but they were unable to make it count for anything. There were passes aplenty from the home side but many were made sideways or, frustratingly for the increasingly anxious home support, back towards the defence and goalkeeper Neil Alexander.
Towards the end of the game, Raith finally began to believe in themselves and began to threaten an equaliser, a prospect which seemed unlikely during a rather mundane first half but looked more likely in the final ten minutes when Hearts were reduced to ten men when full back Adam Eckersley was forced off with injury with the home side having already used all three substitutes. Thankfully, for the maroon hordes, Hearts held out and so remain four points clear at the top of the SPFL Championship table.
To his credit, Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson didn’t try to pull the wool over the eyes of the Hearts support after the game.
“The result was more important and impressive than the performance, if I’m honest” he told the Hearts official website. “We started really well and I thought we’d build on that, but we got selfish at times. The boys made the wrong runs, didn’t use the ball well enough and it wasn’t happening for us. However, it gives us something to work on, so we’ll get the boys in tomorrow and try to fix it.”
And there is the difference between the Hearts approach of this season compared to others. Whilst before, some of the players might have spent their Saturday night enjoying a beer or two, now they are getting an early night ahead of what will undoubtedly be a tough training session on Sunday morning.
For the second game in succession, Hearts have played poorly – but still remain unbeaten. There now follows a tough run of games starting with a tricky trip to Falkirk next week before Rangers come calling to Gorgie – and Celtic then come on Scottish Cup business.
No one needs to tell Robbie Neilson there will need to be a marked improvement in performance if Hearts are to get take anything from these games.
Top Man: Alim Ozturk – as the fans bellowed ‘he scores when he wants!’
Cowdenbeath 1-2 Hibernian
Hibs recorded a valuable victory over Cowdenbeath at Central Park this afternoon to consolidate their position in the play-off places.
First half goals from Paul Hanlon and Jason Cummings were enough to secure the three points however an injury to keeper Mark Oxley saw the Hull player replaced at half time by youngster Kleton Perntreou and although the ‘Blue Brazil’ pulled one back, Hibs held on for the well-deserved victory.
Head Coach Alan Stubbs made no changes to the team who received a standing ovation from the Hibs’ fans despite losing on penalties to high flying Dundee United in the League Cup quarter finals last week.
Dylan McGeough who missed that game due to a suspension did not make the squad due to an injury whilst midweek hat trick hero Jake Sinclair made the bench.
Hibs started the game brightly in their white away strip and looked comfortable despite the terrible weather conditions and eventually broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Hanlon was able to get onto the end of a well taken Scott Allan free kick before guiding a left footed shot into the net.
Just before the break, David Gray found Cummings inside the penalty area and the youngster hammered the ball into the corner of the goal to double the lead.
There was a scare of the travelling support when the teams emerged for the second half as Oxley who had looked uncomfortable following fall in the first half was replaced by teenager Perntreou who was making his competitive debut.
Hibs continued to dominate possession and Cummings in particular looked dangerous however Cowdenbeath managed to pull one back when Jon Robertson got on the end of a Lewis Milne cross to nod the ball into the net.
Matt Kennedy and Alex Harris replaced Danny handling and Dominique Malonga and despite Cowdenbeath applying some pressure in the dying minutes, Stubbs’ men held on to secure a valuable three points.
The result leaves Hibs three points clear of Raith Rovers in fourth place in the Championship.
I have in my hand a half-penny minted in 1914. It’s worn and faded, almost black with age, but you can still see King George V’s head on it and that awful date. I’ll be taking it to show my scout troop tonight as we discuss the Great War. It’s so hard to imagine what those times were like and what the war was really about.
Was it a war of defence against the threat of invasion by the Kaiser’s evil empire ? Was it a fight between democracy and aristocracy – as many Americans believed ? Or was it a kind of tribal bloodletting which mankind is fated to endure as part of the rhythm of history, like universes go through big bangs ?
Whatever it was, it completely recast our world. Maps were redrawn, aristocracy was blown away, women were liberated, governments took a hand in our daily lives. The changes were massive, because the shock itself was so great. Nine million soldiers were killed and seven million civilians, on all sides. In Britain, one in seven young men died. Scotland suffered especially badly, losing 147,000 soldiers.
I know I’ll be shaking when we lay the wreaths on the war memorial outside my local church on Remembrance Sunday, particularly on this 100th anniversary. I’ll be looking down on the yellow leaves fallen on the green grass and wondering if we can ever forgive ourselves for that war, and for all the wars since. Iraq and Afghanistan may be over but we are now engaged in another struggle, this time against the Islamic State. We do so little to prevent wars happening in the first place and then we are surprised when we get drawn in, usually with the best intentions.
To speak of other things this week seems disrespectful. And yet the task of building a better world must go on. Lord Smith and the party representatives are in the process of rebuilding Scotland after the minor earthquake of the referendum. This week they’ve been sifting through the 380 submissions made to them on what the new devolution settlement should contain.
Meanwhile a new umbrella group has joined the debate, the Scottish Campaign for Home Rule, led by Labour’s Henry McLeish and the SNP’s Andrew Wilson. It hopes to draw “civic Scotland” into the discussion and seek a consensus on the news powers that should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. “Civic Scotland” this week includes a new recruit, Alistair Darling who announced he was retiring as an MP while he was still “relatively young” (60) and after a career as a “safe pair of hands” in a string of ministerial roles in Labour governments, ending as Chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the Better Together campaign.
Mr Darling is backing Jim Murphy in the race to succeed Johann Lamont as leader of the Scottish Labour Party. From early soundings it looks like Mr Murphy has won the support of most MPs and MSPs . But they only have a third of the electoral college vote. The unions seem to be falling in behind Neil Findlay and the membership section may prefer the centrist candidate Sarah Boyack. All will be revealed on 13th December.
A party leader’s lot is not always a happy one, of course, as Alex Salmond found out this week. He was recreated, ridiculed and roasted on a bonfire in East Sussex. A large effigy of Mr Salmond – along with the Loch Ness Monster – was part of the bonfire night parade in the village of Lewes. The organisers, the Waterloo Bonfire Society, explained they have a tradition of “creating satirical tableaux based on topical events.” Mr Salmond said it was completely unfair to involve Loch Ness Monster but if the people of East Sussex want to liken him (Mr Salmond) to Guy Fawkes in trying to blow up Westminster, then so be it.
Finally, another interesting society made the news this week, the Speculative Society at Edinburgh University. This secret, men-only society has been going since 1764 and is one of the oldest debating clubs in the world. However it seems it’s going to have to change its ways since the university is insisting it joins the 21st century and admits women as members.
I dare say Robert Louis Stevenson, one of its more famous old boys, would be surprised to learn it hadn’t moved with the times. This year’s RSL Day, marking the author’s birthday on 13th November, will be celebrating his travel writing and it so happens that I am currently reading his first book, “An Inland Voyage”, written when Stevenson was 26. It’s a charming and philosophical account of a canoe trip – with a friend from the Speculative Society Walter Simpson – along the rivers and canals of Belgium and France in 1876.
Again this was a different world from ours, before the Great War trampled on those quiet rivers and canals. Before everything changed so much and so tragically. And before we understood how important keeping the peace must be.
Muirhouse Photography Group
A new photography group is starting up in Edinburgh this morning at 10.30.
You don’t even need a camera as you will be able to borrow one. Get along to Muirhouse Library. We hope they might share some of their photos with us either here or on EdinburghReportage set up so that you can share your photos and videos with our readers.
