Bubble Day: North Edinburgh Arts has been appointed by Urban Union to develop an arts strategy for the regeneration project at Pennywell. Come along to this creative thinking day and have your say! 12 noon-4pm, Community Shop, Pennywell Road. Tea and cakes provided! Contact North Edinburgh Arts for more information.

Live Music Now Netherlands: Duo Ivoire. As part of an ongoing Live Music Now exchange programme Duo Ivoire, featuring Joukeline Sizoo on harp and Sophie Gourlet on flute, present a programme of French music by Faure and Francaix, along with the Sonata for flute and harp by Italian film composer Nino Rota. 6-6.30pm, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Books in Focus: Small Scottish Presses. The NGS’s series of Books in Focus sessions looks at artists’ books held in the special collections of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.  This session will focus on publications produced by small 20th century Scottish presses, including artists’ books published by Helen Douglas’ and Telfer Stokes’ Weproductions, the Moschatel Press and the Morning Star Press.  11.30am-12.30pm, Reading Room, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. Limited places: please book by calling 0131 624 6268 or emailing gmainfo@nationalgalleries.org

Stigma Free Arts Cafe….Inspiring Tastes of Life: take a break and bring your lunch to an inspiring and safe cafe space and enjoy poets, musicians, dancers, speakers and visual artists.  All welcome! 12 noon-2pm, Augustine United Church, 41-43 George IV Bridge. Free, no booking required. Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2014.

Oui Love Tour: Andrea Balency and NLF3. Oui Love showcases the cutting-edge creativity and pop nous of France’s current exports, featuring the exquisite dubstep-R ‘n’ B-pop hybrid of Andrea Balency and the chiming Afro-tinged experimental grooves of NLF3, plus local support act. 7-11pm, Sneaky Pete’s, 73 Cowgate. Admission free but ticketed: reserve your ticket via eventbrite. Supported by bureauexport and the Institut Francais: more information here.

Rushton and Tyman: Stop Thief! Rushton & Tyman’s Flaghall is a space of potential multiple uses – a community hall, an exhibition space or a meeting place. In this exhibition the artists re-imagine Flaghall as a reading room where texts, talks and performances are brought together under the title Stop Thief!  Visitors to the exhibition at this time will experience live interventions in the gallery, further exploring themes raised in this work. 5pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Free.

John Currie’s Infra Red Scanner: looking at a hot world through very cool technology! Professor John Currie’s inaugural lecture will explore the application of infra red technology through the medium of music. Professor Currie will show how the development of research using infra red thermography at Napier over the last 30 years has provided a greater understanding of the world in which we live, drawing examples from whisky making to the animal world, from outer space to your living room, all tempered with a little light music….The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception. 6-7pm, The Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre, Craiglockhart Campus, Edinburgh Napier University. Free but please register your attendance with lectures@napier.ac.uk

Mystic Hymns of Sufi Poets: mediaeval Italy and Turkey produced two of the greatest mystics, St Francis and Rumi. 800 years after their deaths, Latif Bolat, Turkish singer, composer and scholar of Turkish music and folklore, presents this programme celebrating their legacies with poetry, music, movement and philosophical ideas, reflecting the devotional and mystical aspect of Anatolian culture accumulated over thousands of years. 6pm, Italian Cultural Institute, 82 Nicolson Street.  Free. Part of Journeys, a project delivering a message of unity and fraternity in the face of conflicts.

Antonio Pacitti: Joy and Protest. An exhibition presenting two sides of the Scottish-Italian painter, sculptor and potter, who died in 2009. Pacitti was inspired by nature but also by injustice and oppression. ‘No other artist painted with so much love, brightness and enthusiasm‘ – Craigie Aitchison (The Guardian.) Today until 24th October 2014, 2-5pm Mondays, 9.30am-5pm Tuesday -Thursday, 9am-12 noon Fridays, Italian Cultural Institute, 82 Nicolson Street.  Free. Part of Journeys, a project delivering a message of unity and fraternity in the face of conflicts.

Highlight Arts Launch: the team behind Reel Syria, Reel Iraq and Reel Afghanistan are celebrating their transformation into Highlight Arts with a free evening at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Live music, film and poetry with collaborators old and new, including Shooglenifty, Krystelle Bamford, singer Kaela Ewan, Syrian writer Golan Haji, DJ Dolphin Boy, plus films by director Roxana Vilk and some specially curated Arctic region shorts. 7.30pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Royal Mile. Free but booking essential: up to four tickets per person. Call Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or book via the Centre’s website.

Adding Gender Equality to Your Shopping Bag: Edinburgh Fair Trade City Group lead a discussion on what more could be done to promote gender equality in the world of Fair Trade, both at home and abroad, looking at Equal Exchange’s Coffee Grown by Women, the work of Get Paper Industries in Nepal and Weaving Destination’s work with trafficked women in India. 6.30-8pm, One World Shop, St John’s Church, Princes Street (corner of Lothian Rd.)

The Scotland-Russia Forum: monthly meeting for sparkling Russian/English conversation over tea and cakes. 11am, Cafe, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. No need to book, all very welcome. No charge apart from cost of any refreshments you may wish to purchase in the cafe.

Engineers Without Borders Charity Fundraiser Party: live bands and a party vibe to raise money for projects, including local outreach and international projects in countries with harsh developmental barriers. Music from Jack Wright (soft rock/country) and the 17-piece Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra. 9pm (entry from 8pm) The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4, cash on door only.

The 2014 Ridley Scottish Cyclocross Series kicks off in style in Falkirk, with the backdrop of the 14th century mansion at its centre, Callendar House.

Success from the 2013 series is expected to carry on with over 350 riders already pre-entered for the inaugural event with even more expected to enter on the line.

The Callendar Park event, now in its third year, has in the past attracted riders such as Grant Ferguson, Commonwealth Games athlete and all round British mountain bike legend, and with the tradition of such company the start list this year is of equal calibre.

Race organiser David Lines told The Edinburgh Reporter that the course will be suited to those riders not only adept at off-roading, but also those who have major success in road racing. He said:

“The course is really dry, fast and flowing with a few technical and off camber sections to test people out.”

“On this type of course I expect the likes of Rab Wardell (Orange Monkey Pro Team) (photographed on the right above) and James McCallum (NFTO Pro Cycling, ex-British Criterium Champion) to be the men to watch.”

Head along to Callendar Park where there promises to be exciting racing all throughout the day, beginning with the under-8’s at 9.50am all the way to the main event of the senior males at 2.00pm.

We provide Foodie Walking Tours of Edinburgh. Our main clients are visitors to Edinburgh but during the month of October as part of the Edinburgh Restaurant Festival we are offering anyone with an EH post code address the tour for £39 instead of the normal £55.

The tours visit up to six locations in the Old and New Towns,  tasting food and drink on the way. As the group walks between stops the guide talks about the history of Edinburgh, pointing other interesting places to visit.

The tour last three and half hours starting at the Hotel du Vin and ending up at the Ghillie Dhu in the West End.

You can view further information about the tour on our website http://www.eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk

Submitted by Alan Chalmers

FLAVOUR HUNTERS INVITED TO SAMPLE THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY’S MEMBERS’ ROOMS

Special ‘Glorious 12’ menu of seasonal game tapas and rare whiskies on offer as whisky club welcomes non-members

With the game season in full swing, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is inviting flavour hunters to visit its Members’ Rooms in Edinburgh and experience the delights of SMWS membership – and a special ‘Glorious 12 Rare Whisky & Game Tapas’ tasting menu.

Until 20^th October, the Society’s Members’ Rooms at 28 Queen Street and The Vaults in Giles Street, Leith will be open to non-members who want to discover more about the SMWS experience and its single cask whiskies.

For this limited period, tickets (£25) are on sale for visitors to access the venues with a Society guide and enjoy the ‘Glorious 12 Rare Whisky & Game Tapas’ tasting menu, which highlights the complex flavours in the Society’s whiskies and different types of game meats. Following their unique tasting, guests can access the private members lounge and the Society’s range of more than 200 rare single cask malts.

Both SMWS Members’ Rooms will also be running a ‘Flavour Shooting Gallery’ competition – guests can shoot an array of the flavours found in SMWS whiskies to win prizes.

The menu

The menu features four Scottish game tapas dishes, each served in shooting clays, flavour-matched with four of the Society’s single cask whiskies – including wild mallard bresaola with orange and fennel salad paired with a sweet, fruity and mellow whisky; and guinea fowl with pearl barley and parsley broth paired with a lightly peated whisky.

Membership offer

A special discounted membership offer will also be available during this period – anyone wishing to join the Society during their visit will have their ticket cost deducted from membership, making membership £97 rather than the standard £122. New members will receive a luxurious welcome pack, including a Member handbook, three SMWS malts and an e-voucher.

 Tickets/more information:

The Glorious 12 Rare Whisky & Game Game Tapas experience will run at the Society’s two Edinburgh Members’ Rooms until 20^th October

Tickets: £25

http://www.smws.co.uk/whisky-tastings/Glorious12RareWhiskyGameTapas00031024.html

@SMWSUK #Glorious12

In celebration of Chocolate Week that takes place from 13^th to 19^th October 2014, One Square is offering a Chocolate Orange Afternoon Tea experience during the months of October and November.

This indulgent afternoon tea showcases a range of sweet and savoury bites all featuring a delicious combination of chocolate and orange twists, served with a choice of enveloped or loose leaf fine teas and infusions that are traditionally prepared at the table.

Guests can start with assorted sandwiches with fillings such as orange and thyme poached chicken, before sampling the exquisite chocolate pastries including Manjari chocolate orange cupcakes and Guanaja chocolate and orange doughnuts. For the traditionalists, there are three varieties of freshly-baked scones that are served with Devonshire clotted cream alongside a selection of preserves and Ashanti chocolate and orange curd.

To further delight all chocoholics, the gin experts at One Square bar have created a Chocolate Orange Martini to accompany this afternoon tea. This chilled beverage features Sloane’s premium Dutch gin which is stirred with Cointreau and crème de cacao blanc until ice cold, then served straight up in a chilled martini glass and garnished with an orange twist.

The Chocolate Orange Afternoon Tea experience is served daily in One Square between 2.30pm and 5.30pm from 1^st October until 30^th November and costs £23.00 per person (£30.00 with the Chocolate Orange Martini).

To book, call One Square on 0131 221 6422 or email info@onesquareedinburgh.co.uk

One Square, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk

We are currently running a free computer drop in Slateford Green Community Centre 2 Slateford Green EH14 1NF every Wednesday between 10am and 12pm until 29 October 2014.

From absolute beginners to those wanted to develop their skills further, everyone is welcome. Please contact us on 0131 661 8888 or info@digitalskillsacademy.org.uk for further information

Submitted by Matthew Bakewell

The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse has confirmed to Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian, that he will take up her suggestion of encouraging public sector pension funds to stop investing in fossil fuels.

The Swedish National Pension Fund is to divest $100 billion worth of assets, while the Global Divest-Invest coalition, including foundations like the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, has pledged to take $50 billion of investment out of fossil fuels.

Alison Johnstone MSP said:

“700,000 people around the world took part in climate marches ahead of last week’s UN Summit in New York. I took part in a rally of thousands in Edinburgh. People know that we are on the cusp of an opportunity.

“We want to see practical action from all nations, and we need the political will which Scotland has already shown with its carbon reduction targets.

“One such action would be on public sector pension funds. They have long term investment horizons and are keenly aware that tackling climate change means we need to move away from fossil fuels. It makes little sense to keep investing in companies at risk of having billions of pounds of ultimately unusable assets.

“I’m glad the minister has listened to this important point and plans to pursue the matter; it could be a significant part of Scotland’s commitment to climate justice.”

Edinburgh-based McNeill Maguire & McCreath, Chartered Surveyors have announced that, as of today 1st October 2014, they will join with Allied Surveyors Scotland plc. This amalgamation brings together two of Edinburgh’s most long-standing and well respected surveying practices to enhance the services they can offer to clients.

Chris Highton FRICS, the Director in charge of Allied Surveyors’ operations across Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders, said: “This move will further enhance our offering across Edinburgh and beyond. The 3Ms brand is one that has operated in Edinburgh for over 35 years and brings a wealth of experience and a highly respected team of surveyors and support staff.”

He continued: ”There is a great synergy between our two firms and this can only be good for our clients. The combination of our existing team, joined with the 3Ms team, gives us the ability to offer our clients an unbeatable level of service.”

The Managing Director of McNeill Maguire & McCreath, Lindsay Duguid welcomes  the move: “At a time when we have seen a steady recovery in the Edinburgh housing market, it is exciting to be able to offer our clients a bigger and stronger presence in the city and surrounding areas.”

At the same time as the new venture begins, it has also been confirmed that Jim Dallas FRICS will be retiring from the business. Jim is a well known and respected surveyor who has spent decades working in Edinburgh and his local knowledge will be missed.

However, a new surveyor, Associate Director Aisha Akram MRICS, will be joining the team from today. “Aisha has many years experience, previously working from the Allied Dunfermline office. She is well known in Edinburgh and will add to the excellent service which we presently provide.” said Chris. ”This is a really exciting time for us and I hope we can continue to offer all of our existing clients, together with a steadily increasing number of new clients, a level of service which is second to none in the city and beyond.”

Submitted by Simon Breeze

‘For the children of staff it was all holiday; it was our lives.’

Eleanor Harris has wonderful memories of Blair House. As a child she tagged along when her father, a teacher at The Edinburgh Academy, led study trips to the farm cottages and lodge that the school had purchased in the 1970s.  The headmaster at the time, Bertie Mills, had used a bequest to buy the property in Glen Doll in the Angus mountains; teachers fitted it out and it became the school’s field centre, used for everything from camping to climbing, biology to music, bouldering to botany. Even on Easter revision camps the pupils would study in the mornings then head off into the hills after lunch. People came back from Blair House changed, says Eleanor, for the better; friendships were made, creativity nurtured, countryside discovered. She calls it ‘the spirit of Glen Doll.’

Last year, however, the school made the decision to close Blair House.  It was inconvenient, had no water sports, was unsuitable for co-ed groups (though Eleanor and her friends clearly survived…) and did not meet new fire safety standards. The Academy put Blair House on the market. And Eleanor Harris decided to buy it.  For her it is ‘all my first and best dreams come true.’

Eleanor’s vision is to transform the property into a 21st century field centre, not just for the pupils of a private school but for all children – and students, and adults; Blair House will welcome a wide range of groups who want to study, climb, paint, walk and generally appreciate the spectacular grandeur of Glen Doll. She wants to make Blair House available not only to schools but also to universities – it’s within reach of all the Scottish ones. And as soon as her plans were known more ideas came flooding in – residential art courses, retreats, botanical surveys (Glen Doll is home to the Corrie Fee Nature Reserve); Eleanor has received huge support not only from her friends but what she calls ‘the wider Blair House diaspora.’ ‘I feel as if I’ve gained an enormous extended family.’

There’s still a long way to go before Blair House re-opens its doors.  Eleanor is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of West Scotland, not a millionaire – she’s looking at crowd sourced funding schemes, business plans, and anything else that will help her realise her dream. She has no experience of running a business nor of masterminding a refurbishment; what she does have is vision, energy and hope: in today’s cynical world, these are worth having.

Eleanor still has a piece she wrote in junior school prior to a visit to Glen Doll:  ‘I always get butterflies if I am going to Blair House…..it is my absolute favourite place to be.’  Soon a new generation will have the chance to feel those butterflies.

If you would like to know more about Eleanor’s project you can visit Blair House’s facebook page here, or email Eleanor: eleanormharris@gmail.com

Just in time for Christmas the toys giant Toys “R” Us is opening a second store in Edinburgh, this time at Ocean Terminal.

This is just one of three new stores opening in Scotland this week with two others in Glasgow and Stirling being added to the list.

Brand mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe will welcome shoppers into the new stores.
Edinburgh’s second Toys”R”Us store is located in Ocean Terminal shopping centre store where Disneys’ Frozen dolls and CraZLoom bands and bracelets are expected to be hot favourites as Christmas shopping is well underway.

Now the 5000 sq ft Christmas store is gearing up to celebrate their first week of opening with celebratory activities at a Grand Opening event in store this Saturday (4^th Oct).

With 11 new staff in place, Store Manager Abi Bestwick proudly said “Comments are positive and the flow of customers is promising as families, young and old, are popping in to take a look at what we have in store.  I also have a great team of dedicated staff working with me, it’s been great fun in store and we warmly extend an invitation to everyone in Edinburgh to join us on Saturday, it will be a great day to meet new customers”.

Two other stores open this week in The Forge Shopping Centre in Glasgow and The Thistles Shopping Centre in Stirling.

Aswell as a diverse and comprehensive toy range in the new shopping centre locations, customers will have the opportunity to sign up to the Toys “R” Us Gold Card allowing money off vouchers and benefits through the reward programme. The toy retailer is also expecting shoppers to take full advantage of the Click and Collect service from the new stores, yet another convenient way to shop locally.

Toys “R” Us are hosting Grand Opening Celebrations in each of the stores on Saturday 4 October when the winner of their social media competitions will cut the ribbon at a 9am ceremony.

Geoffrey the Giraffe will be meeting and greeting customers and handing out goody bags to shoppers while stocks last.

One of Scotland’s largest homes-led regeneration projects has welcomed Action for Children’s Youthbuild group to a construction-based workshop session in their dedicated training area in Edinburgh.

Youthbuild is a six-week training programme helping young adults gain the necessary skills to secure employment in the construction industry, and 12 young people from across Edinburgh attended a groundwork session at Urban Union’s Pennywell Living development in the north of the city.

The scheme is open to 16-19 years olds who have faced considerable disadvantage when gaining employment and training within the industry. The three-hour session, which was delivered by Urban Union’s contractor Robertson, involved participants taking part in three different workshops; building a mini timber kit model, mono blocking and footpath preparation.

The session provides an opportunity for aspiring young people to gain practical onsite experience and to learn what a construction project looks and feels like. It’s also a great opportunity for participants to ask questions of time served professionals.  Youthbuild participants will also benefit from a four week placement with a construction employer

Janice Russell, Director of Urban Union’s said: “Pennywell is about more than just delivering new homes to the area, we are committed to creating desirable communities.  By working with Youthbuild we are assisting young people gain much needed skills and training to help improve their prospects for employment within the construction industry.”

Practice team leader at the Action for Children Employability Strategic service, Nicola Raine, said: “Many of our trainees have never been on a live building site so practical training with experienced tradesmen is such a valuable experience for them. A huge thank you to Urban Union and Robertson on behalf of all our trainees for the chance to improve their knowledge, skills and confidence in such an enjoyable learning environment.”

Pennywell is the largest housing project of the City of Edinburgh Council’s much heralded 21st Century Homes programme which has pledged to build 1400 homes for sale and for rent in the capital. As well as homes, the Pennywell project is also set to deliver a range of community benefits including 36 apprenticeships and 24 new entrant construction jobs – as well as a public park, community facilities and private and shared gardens.

PHOTOS ROB MCDOUGALL

Yet another Festival to entertain you. The tickets have gone on sale today for the Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh. 

The 2014 Scottish International Storytelling Festival starts on  24 October and runs for ten days until 2 November.  The programme is themed ‘Once Upon a Place’ and celebrates Edinburgh’s reputation worldwide as a city bursting with culture, as well as being the world’s first UNESCO designated City of Literature.

Scotland is welcoming the world in 2014 and in this Year of Homecoming, the Storytelling Festival is an important event on the Homecoming calendar, bringing together home-grown talent and acclaimed storytellers from across the world to tell their tales and enthral audiences. The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is the perfect event for everyone from home or abroad who wants to explore what is distinctive and special about Scotland and its international connections, with a programme that combines storytelling ceilidhs with talks, landscape tours and specially commissioned performances, and the finale weekend marks the ancient Celtic New Year of Samhain/Hallowe’en.

There will be special events commemorating the great storytellers and thinkers of Edinburgh including Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and John Fee – a storyteller who had a fantastic backdrop of Old Town Tales that have been gathered into a book.

Highlights of the programme include:

• Open Hearth Sessions – celebrating common humanity and stories and songs that connect across the continents.
• European Seeing Stories Series – celebrates the magic of place and looks to the future in terms of sustainability and conservation.
• Halloween celebrations including ‘Ballads and Tales of the Supernatural’ at the Storytelling Centre and ‘Haunted Tales of Old Edinburgh’ at the Museum of Edinburgh.

There is also a fantastic children’s line-up including ‘Tales of a Granny’ at the National Museum of Scotland and ‘Tales of a Grandson’ at the Festival Theatre.  There will be stories of animal antics at ‘Down on the Farm in Gorgie’ at Gorgie City Farm and several traditional story telling events throughout the festival.

Special exhibitions on display during the festival at the National Library of Scotland, include a commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley as well as a special exhibition of personal stories marking the centenary  of the First World War, called ‘Behind the Lines’.

This year storytelling goes on tour as the festival reaches out with Edinburgh with events taking place across Scotland including;  Glasgow, Dundee, Fife, Aberdeen, Perthshire, Orkney, the Isle of Bute, Oban and the Scottish Borders with storytellers telling tales of local traditions, landscapes and history.

Festival Director Donald Smith explains more:

“We are delighted to present the programme for this year’s festival; it’s packed with exciting events and a fantastic mix of homegrown storytelling talent and as well as global visiting storytellers.  The theme of place is key to us, as Edinburgh is such an inspiring city.  Over the years it has produced an array of wonderful writers, some of whom we’ll pay our respects to during the festival, and as an ever evolving vibrant place it continues to inspire year on year.  I’m also very pleased that we are able to reach out beyond the city limits with a programme of events taking place throughout Scotland.”

The major strands of SISF 2014 Once Upon a Place are supported by the Scottish Government Edinburgh Festival Expo Fund, and the Festival is launched by Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs:

‘I am delighted once again to see such a rich and diverse range of tales on offer at this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival, played out through story and song, to celebrate the importance of places to our cultural life in Scotland. The theme of Once Upon a Place is particularly apt, in this the 2014 Year of Homecoming.

‘The Scottish Government is pleased to be supporting the 2014 Festival through our Edinburgh Festival Expo Fund. The Festival will enhance and creatively communicate a shared experience of place, by bringing together local and international dimensions. From projects inspired by the bicentenary of Sir Walter Scott’s first novel, to Storytelling for a Greener World, there is an exciting array of events to engage and inspire.’

For the full line-up, to book tickets and find out more call 0131 556 9579 or go to www.tracscotland.org/festivals/scottish-international-storytelling-festival
The Festival Box Office opens from the 1 October.

EdinburghReportage is the place we gather our user generated content, which means that it is where we need help from you!

You can upload your photos or videos, or simply write your own thoughts on the topics that we have suggested. There is a brief sign in procedure but after that you can use your phone or computer to add content to the storyboards. You can also offer your own storyboard topics to us too.

There is information here about what using EdinburghReportage involves.

To give you an idea of what it looks like here is our latest storyboard full of autumn colours.

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We will use the storyboards on The Edinburgh Reporter to bring you news on a variety of topics.

What would you like us to gather news about? It could be a project to collect as many photos of one place or subject – or it could be a call to action about something you want something done about!

The EdinburghReportage site is built on the same software used by GuardianWitness. The lovely people at n0tice offered it to us to use and we would love you to help us out.

Young poets

Edinburgh’s Christmas

Concert at the Liquid Room

RSNO Young Ambassadors

The Chefs Table

The Edinburgh Reporter very much enjoyed meeting the young poets from Forthview Primary School yesterday morning. They have just published a book of poems inspired by their visit to War Horse at the Festival Theatre. Read more here.

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

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At least for one day it was Christmas in Edinburgh yesterday when Underbelly announced all the details of the events which will delight us over the Festive period. 

But they are also organising other events on St Andrews Day and, fittingly, these will take place in St Andrew Square.

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Luminate Scotland: Colin Gray: a journey with his parents through life, love and death. A selection of works documenting Colin Gray’s 34 year collaborative journey with his parents. Including work from The Parents series which started in 1980, from In Sickness and In Health photographs that explore his parents’ older age and his mother’s death, and a preview of new work from Do Us Part, his ongoing series of images of his father and daughter. Part of To Absent Friends, a people’s festival of storytelling and remembrance. 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday from today until 7th November 2014, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. Luminate is Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival.

Go home and sit still!  The Scottish Women’s Hospitals in the First World War. Chris Short tells the story of the women who braved deprivation, disease and war to provide a high standard of nursing care during the Great War. Elsie Inglis offered a 100-bed hospital unit staffed by women to be deployed anywhere in the war zone. The courage and tenacity of doctors, nurses, orderlies , drivers, cooks and administrators in the Scottish Women’s Hospitals won them the respect of civilians and the military, and their work influenced legislation that is still relevant today.  6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required via website.

Michael Bracewell on Jim Lambie: internationally acclaimed writer, novelist and cultural commentator Michael Bracewell discusses Jim Lambie’s work in relation to its broader cultural context. 6.30-7.45pm, Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street. Free.

New Realities and Challenges for Emerging Markets after (and in) crisis: the case of Russia. Alexei Kudrin is Honorary Professor in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, University of Edinburgh, former Russian Minister of Finance, former Deputy Prime Minister, Honorary Professor at St Petersburg State University and the author of over 30 books on economics and finance. 5.30-6.30pm, Lecture Theatre 175, School of Law, University of Edinburgh Old College, South Bridge. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite.

Lunchtime Concert: Kingston University Twist Choir. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

PhD in an Hour: If I Swear My Translator Swears…one PhD student, one fascinating topic, one cafe, one hour. This month Ilgin Aktener talks about his PhD investigation of the effect of unfair censorship on literary translation in Turkey, where publishers of William S Burrough’s The Soft Machine and Chuck Palahniuk’s Snuff were taken to court on the grounds of obscenity and are now facing 3-6 years in jail. 6-7pm, Lovecrumbs, 155 West Port. Free tickets are bookable via eventbrite.

WHALE Snappers: anyone with an interest in taking photos, learning about portraits and printing in a darkroom is welcome to come along to these monthly sessions. Lead by a friendly professional photographer, all levels of experience welcome – try it out! 6-9pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. £4 per session: next session 5th November.

Get Online i-Pad Course: do you have an iPad with which you need help? New four week course for beginners starts today. 12 noon-2pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Places are limited, so drop into the library or call 0131 529 5595 to book a free place. Suitable for all versions of i-Pad.

Chatterbooks: reading group for P4-P7. Books, games, craft activities and a snack. First meeting today 3.45-4.45pm, then every first Wednesday in the month. Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. To book your place call 0131 529 5667 or drop into the library.

Drawing and Painting Hands: Edinburgh-based artist and tutor Damian Callan will teach this free class, which will begin with demonstrations of drawing and painting hands in charcoal and oil paint. All materials provided. 9.45am-4pm or 7-9.45pm, WASPS Studios, 2/3 West Park Place, Dalry (off Dalry Road, 5 minutes walk from Haymarket Station.) Call 07951 878560 to book a place.

Damian created a mural in Edinburgh Airport last year which we were privileged to see:-

Free The Technics Two: vinyl session – ‘not only do we demand a revolution we can dance to, we want to dance to our own tunes.’ 4-7pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place.

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

Win a pair of tickets to see Riverdance 20^th Anniversary Tour!

With an incredible two decades of global success since the show first burst into the public’s heart at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1994, this is an unmissable chance for UK audiences to reconnect with what the Irish Times rightly described as “The Original…The Best”.

This 20th Anniversary UK Tour, gives Riverdance fans old and new, the opportunity to celebrate an incredible milestone for an incredible show.  Twenty years after it took its first steps, a truly phenomenal piece of theatrical entertainment is back by popular demand. Don’t miss this anniversary tour!

Win a pair of tickets to see Riverdance 20^th Anniversary Tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse!

Edinburgh Playhouse

18 – 22 Greenside Place
Edinburgh
EH1 3AA

Box office: 0844 871 3014

4-9 November 2014

Entries must be submitted by 15 October 2014 at 5pm 

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Visit www.riverdance.com/uk for more information.

Terms and Conditions: Subject to availability. Valid for Mon – Thurs performances at the Edinburgh Playhouse (4-9 November 2014). Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered.

Firefighters were called to a fire in a bedroom in a Morningside flat last night.

Operations Control Edinburgh mobilised Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) appliances from Tollcross fire station around 8.41pm.

Firefighters arrived to find the bedroom of the three-storey  flat in Morningside Drive well-alight and immediately committed four firefighters in breathing apparatus with two high pressure hose reel jets to tackle the flames.

Group Manager David Mackie said: “When our crews arrived they were confronted with a significant fire in the bedroom of the second floor of the property.

“Firefighters worked hard to extinguish the fire and prevent further fire spread.  The crews then used a used a fan to ventilate the property.

“The fire had started due to a candle being left lit and unattended. We would urge everyone to be very careful when using candles. The very nature of candles make them a fire risk and if they have to be used, they should be handled responsibly and safely and kept away from other items and materials.

“Whether you are using candles to scent or decorate your home please remember to extinguish them before you go to sleep and never leave them unattended even for a second. If you must use candles please ensure they are in a noncombustible candle holder and placed on a noncombustible surface.

“The property did not have a working smoke alarm. We would encourage anyone who doesn’t have a smoke alarm to have one fitted immediately. Smoke alarms save lives. If you don’t have one then call Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and arrange a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit and we will provide you with a smoke alarm free of charge. It could save your life.

“Home fire safety visits only take around half an hour and are delivered by firefighters from your local community. If you or someone you know could benefit from a FREE visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, by texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.”

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident this morning in which a pedal cyclist was struck and seriously injured by a following car.

The accident happened on the westbound A904, South Queensferry to Linlithgow road, approximately 25 metres east of its junction with Headrigg Road, South Queensferry.

The male cyclist was taken to hospital with a serious head injury, and has been placed in an induced coma.

Sergeant Gary Taylor, of the Livingston-based Road Policing Unit, is in charge of the investigation. He said: This road is very busy at this time in the morning, with most traffic heading towards Edinburgh, and I am appealing to any motorist who saw this collision, or a white Audi TT and a pedal cyclist, around 7.30am.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or they can provide the information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police have received a positive response from the public following two firearms incidents in the south of the city on Saturday 20^th September.

On Saturday evening (27^th September) police revisited the scenes where shots were fired at a car in The Murrays Brae and at a property in Gilmerton Dykes Drive, with the aim of gaining new information.

Over the course of an hour, officers spoke to the drivers of 323 vehicles and 533 people in the area to offer reassurance and to appeal for further information. 3000 leaflets have also been delivered to members of the community over the weekend with details of how to get in touch with both Crimestoppers and the Police.

High-visibility patrols and police activity will continue in the area. Anyone who can assist officers with their enquiries is asked to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Gray said: “The community has come forward with information and we are progressing with a number of leads. Enquiries are continuing at a pace and CCTV, forensics and witness statements are progressing well. But we still need people to come forward who may hold the key to our investigation.

“Anyone with information relating to any ongoing criminal offences in their area can contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Moredunvale on Saturday evening.

The incident happened around 9.30pm during a party at a property on Moredunvale View when a 16 boy received an injury to his neck. He was taken to ERI and the scene was secured while police investigated the circumstances.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses who may have information that can assist with enquiries.

Detective Constable John McShane said: “This assault happened on Saturday night on Moredunvale View during a party attended by a number of youths. While the 16 year old was not seriously injured, he is likely to have permanent scarring. There was noise at the street at the time, and we will hope this will jog people’s memories who may have information that can assist.”

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

Two successful policing initiatives within Edinburgh have been honoured at the finals of the Police Scotland Local Policing Year One Awards.

The Force launched the internal awards to recognise innovation and excellence in delivering and supporting local policing across Scotland. Teams from across the country were invited to submit entries in seven categories:

* Partnership working

* Tackling crime

* Diversionary projects

* Communications

* Change ad innovation

* Public safety

* Consultation and community engagement

At the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan today, police in Edinburgh and their partners at the Scottish Prison service won the ‘Tackling Crime’ category for their work as part of Operation Avocation.

Tackling serious organised crime is a priority for the Force and within the city, officers responsible for responding to HMP Edinburgh have for a long time been working alongside partners at the Scottish Prison Service to tackle criminal activity occurring behind bars.

Crimes, which previously took place within the facility, included drug possession and drug dealing; possession of contraband items and assault and so Operation Avocation was launched to disrupt all offences detected at the prison.

The campaign saw Police Scotland officers work closely with prison service colleagues on various enforcement activities and resulted in the formation of the Prison Watch scheme, which has been a successful tool in preventing the supply of illicit and contraband material entering into HMP Edinburgh.

Prison Watch has also previously been awarded with Prison Watch has also previously been awarded with the Butler Trust Award hosted by HRH The Princess Royal.

Constable Tracey Gunn from Operation Avocation said: ‘We are delighted to have one this category at the Scottish Policing Awards. Police Scotland has an excellent working relationship with the staff at HMP Edinburgh. I feel very proud due to the fact that we have worked extremely hard to ensure the safety or prisoners, visitors and prison staff in relation to contraband within the prison and to deter, disrupt and detect members of local organized crime groups.

“Due to the success of Operation Avocation in HMP Edinburgh I hope that this joint initiative can be replicated in all Scottish prisons.

Edinburgh police and their relevant partner agencies were also successful in the ‘Working in Partnership’ category thanks to the success of an innovative information-sharing campaign between hotels within the Capital.

In late 2007, PC Bruce Burt and the Security Manager at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa conceived the idea of hotels within the city sharing information with a view to tackling all types of crime in the hotels.

Checkin was launched in May 2008 and has created an active group of 100 hotels in Edinburgh. Although in competition for guests, they have formed a coalition to combat criminal activity. They share information including CCTV images between themselves about criminal or suspicious behaviour. This allows them to protect each other from future crime and adapt to changing crime patterns.

The Checkin group uses a simple and secure website (www.checkinhotelsedinburgh.co.uk) to allow its members to share information. The one off cost of the website was £2300 with annual hosting costs of £130. Essential Edinburgh who manages the Business Improvement District in Edinburgh City Centre funded the site. The annual hosting is funded by the Edinburgh Hotel Association.

Since its creation Checkin has been responsible for a significant amount of arrests relating to not just local recidivist offenders but Organised Crime Groups from the UK and abroad.

Prior to the creation of Checkin in Edinburgh Hotels would frequently find local recidivist offenders within their hotels. Rather than alerting the police they would escort the person from the hotel believing that since they hadn’t stolen anything nothing could be done. The hotels have since been educated about Section 57 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act and now regularly report intruders to the police and other hotels. This has seen an increase in section 57 offences being reported and persons identified and charged.  By reporting these persons break-ins to hotel rooms have been prevented. In the four years prior to the creation of Checkin hoteliers experienced annual break-ins ranging from 64 to 79. In the fourth year after the creation of Checkin this figure was down to just 10 break-ins. Comparing crime data four years before the creation of Checkin and the subsequent four after saw an overall 23% drop in crime down from 2119 to 1623 crimes.

Constable Bruce Burt from the Checkin team said: “Winning this category at the Local Policing Awards is testimony to the excellent partnership working between Police Scotland and the Hotel Sector.

“It is hoped a successful entry at the Local Policing Awards will enable the work of the Checkin Group to be replicated throughout Scotland’s towns and cities creating an enviable network keeping staff and visitors to Scotland’s Hotel Safe.”

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick added: “The Local Policing Year One Awards recognise innovation and excellence in delivering policing across Scotland and share best practice.

“The Awards enable us to celebrate the achievements of Police Scotland officers and staff and their partners in keeping people safe and tackling the policing priorities identified by local communities.”

PUPILS WELL VERSED IN DRAMATIC WARTIME TALES

A series of emotional First World War poems written by primary school children after watching the play War Horse have been transformed into a new book. The Edinburgh Reporter went up to Edinburgh Castle earlier this morning to meet Kayleigh-Louise, Ashley, Logan and William who were representing their school at the media call there. William read us a little of his poem and we spoke to Eileen Littlewood the headteacher of Forthview Primary to find out what they will do with the profits of the book.

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P6 and P7 pupils from Forthview Primary School saw the National Theatre’s ground-breaking production at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh earlier this year. They were so inspired by the show they decided to write a series of poems based on the experiences of Scottish people during the war.

These have now been turned into an anthology, Stolen Lives, was recited for the first time at a special launch event at the Festival Theatre this morning after the photo call.

The poems were read out by actors from the critically-acclaimed First World War play Regeneration, which is currently on a week long run at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh (Tuesday 30 September – Saturday 4 October).

The pupils watched War Horse as part of the START project run in conjunction with the Festival Theatre which aims to make cultural venues more accessible to young people. They were then helped in turning the poems into a book by author Mary Turner Thomson – it was during one of her workshops that P7 pupil Demmi-Leigh Brammer came up with the title Stolen Lives. 

Demmi said: “We wrote our poems after seeing War Horse and hearing some World War 1 poems. I thought of the title, ‘Stolen Lives’ because the soldiers were killed by complete strangers as if their lives were being stolen from them.

“I am really excited about the launch. I think it’s going to be really fun but, at the same time, I am quite nervous about singing in front of lots of people.”

Forthview Primary School Head Teacher Eileen Littlewood said: “The pupils were inspired to write these wonderful poems after seeing War Horse as they were captivated by the story of Joey and the historical events of the First World War.

“The pupils really are very talented writers and thanks to their excellent teachers they’ve succeeded in writing very beautiful, atmospheric poems.”

Mary Turner Thomson the book’s publisher said: “I was very impressed with the pupils’ poetic endeavours and felt they had put a lot of effort and emotion into their contributions.  This whole project has been an amazing experience and a reminder of the horrors the people who fought in the war went through.

“It’s good that a whole new generation of our children are inspired to think about their sacrifice 100 years since it began. These young poets, seeing their work in print within their very own book of poetry, will now remember and pass this on to the next generation as well.”

Cerin Richardson, Learning & Participation Manager at the Festival and King’s Theatres, said: “Watching the inspirational War Horse led the pupils to taking part in some artist-led music, dance, puppetry and poetry workshops in school, as part of the START project funded by the Princes Foundation for Children and the Arts.

“The children produced some extraordinary work and this encouraged them to write the poems included here in their book, Stolen Lives. The Festival Theatre is delighted to have been part of the process which has led to this wonderfully imaginative and beautifully written book of poems.”

Today’s launch also coincides with Historic Scotland, who run Edinburgh Castle, launching their new school project ‘Learning about Scotland’s First World War’.

Craig Fletcher, Senior Learning Manager at Historic Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be working with Forthview Primary School and other partners on this new project which allows young people to explore their local heritage, whilst learning more about the war and its impact on Scottish people.

“Historic Scotland will work in partnership with local schools during the commemorative period for the First World War. Pupils will visit historic properties to explore buildings, museums and objects as they investigate and discover the impact of the War in Scotland and discover real people’s stories. They will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops enabling them to reflect on their learning experiences.”

Special thanks also go to officers from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Integrated Literacy Strategy team and students/tutor from the Illustration Department of Edinburgh College of Art who worked with the pupils to illustrate their poems.

You would be forgiven if you think it is a bit early to talk about Christmas but there is so much organisation in the events which make Edinburgh the place to be that they had already started thinking about it last January.

The Christmas Wheel will be back, there will be an ice rink, but it will be in St Andrew Square, and the Spiegeltent will be back with a burlesque show by the guys from Briefs as well as a circus show straight from Australia called Scotch and Soda. The Star Flyer will be moved to East Princes Street Gardens so you will have to go there for your thrills this year!

Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood from Underbelly Ltd are well known in Edinburgh as they now run the Christmas events and some events during the Fringe, such as the Festival Wheel. Santa and the cast from Briefs were on hand to help launch another bigger, better but also more affordable Christmas in the Capital.

The council are delighted with Underbelly’s organisation of the events over the festive period as was clear from the warm words from Festivals Champion, Councillor Steve Cardownie at the launch this morning. The council are one of the main sponsors of the event along with Essential Edinburgh and Marketing Edinburgh, Heineken UK, Diageo, Drambuie, Transport for Edinburgh, Yplan, Aggreko, Edinburgh Evening News, Forth One and Two, Edinburgh Airport  and The List.

One of the main aspects of this year’s events is that if you live in Edinburgh you will get a discount on tickets! As well as this there will be some cheaper tickets for the family area in the lower part of East Princes Street Gardens.

Ho Ho Ho! More news about other events on St Andrews Day and the lead up to Christmas in the next few days.

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Hibs’ Head Coach Alan Stubbs has praised his players after a sensational 3-1 win over Championship favourites Rangers at Ibrox.

Two goals from teenage striker Jason Cummings and one from David Gray gave Hibs a three goal lead at half time before Nicky Law pulled one back ten minutes after the break.

Speaking immediately after the game Stubbs told Hibernian TV: “This is a real positive step in the right direction.

“Dingwall was great because it gave the players belief, especially because we played with a different formation.

“We came to Ibrox and I thought we looked strong again. The team may change again on Saturday, but we’ll have to wait and see.

“We’ve got a chance now to really get ourselves amongst it with two home games. It’s going to be tough, but we’ve given ourselves a real chance.

“I thought we produced a really good performance here (at Ibrox) earlier on in the season, but we didn’t take anything from it.

“When you put in a performance of that same quality, but you get the result then it makes it really enjoyable.”

“The lads defended magnificently – I thought they stood up and dealt with the threat of Boyd and Daly.

“The three at the back has given us greater solidity, particularly at set-pieces because I feel that’s where we’ve been hurt this season.

“We’ve dominated games, but then the opposition have scored from one or two of the set-pieces that they’ve had.

“I’ve said all along, ever since I came to the club, that I wanted the team to be flexible – it could all change on Saturday.

“I’ve got a group of players and they’ll all be needed during the season. There’s got to be togetherness in the dressing room because everybody has a part to play in the team.”

Police in Edinburgh are issuing more members of the public with a special property-marking kit as part of an ongoing initiative with SmartWater Technology Ltd.

In February this year, 600 residential properties in the Grange and Greenbank areas of the city were issued with home security packs to help safeguard their belongings.

Each kit contained a uniquely coded bottle of SmartWater solution, which is brushed on to the homeowner’s possessions.

In addition, high-visibility signage was put in place within the participating streets to alert criminals that SmartWater is being utilised in the households around that area.

As a result, domestic housebreaking in both locations fell by around 53 per cent in comparison to the previous six months.

Now, 800 kits will be provided to homeowners in and around the Duddingston area, as Police Scotland works in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council Community Safety team to roll the strategy out further within the Capital.

Chief Inspector Mark Rennie, Local Area Commander for Edinburgh East said: “The results of the pilot within the Grange and Greenbank were incredibly encouraging and we hope to see similar results following the extension of this initiative with SmartWater Technology Ltd in Duddingston.

“Our local ward plan and consultation tells us that housebreaking is a crime that most people in the area are worried about. Local officers will today begin visiting homes to provide residents with the property-marking kits and to put up signage warning housebreakers that the product is in use within the area.

“Our local ward plan consultation over the last 2 years has made it clear that Housebreaking is a crime that most people in the area are worried about. The expansion of this scheme demonstrates Police Scotland’s commitment to using all resources at our disposal to prevent local people being the victim of this extremely impactive crime”.

Community Safety Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “We all have the right to feel safe and secure in our own homes, and the roll out of Smartwater to the Duddingston area of the city is extremely welcome. This initiative will help to deter would be housebreakers from burgling people’s homes, as their property will be forensically marked with a traceable liquid, only identifiable to that individual’s personal possessions.

“Police Scotland and Council staff will be out delivering packs to more than 800 homes in the area in the coming weeks.

“More than 91% of people living in Edinburgh feel safe after dark which is partly due to excellent initiatives like this, which show the Council, Police Scotland and residents working in partnership to create safer communities.”

Police are appealing for information to help trace a woman reported missing in the Capital.

Laura Porter was last seen at her father’s home in Coatfield Lane around 9pm on Sunday 28th September.

However, the 26-year-old has not been in contact with anyone since this time and concern is now growing for her welfare.

Laura knows the city well and is known to frequent the Cameron Toll area.
Anyone who can assist police with their efforts to find her is asked to come forward.

She is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall with a very skinny build, blonde hair with pink highlights and a nose piercing.

Laura walks with the aid of a crutch and was last seen wearing a black bomber jacket with a fur lined hood, green skinny jeans, black doc martin boots.

Inspector Bob Innes said: “Laura has not spoken to friends or family since Sunday evening and so far, we have been unable to establish her current whereabouts.

“As such, we are keen to hear from anyone who believes they have seen her since she was last seen and would urge anyone with information to contact police immediately.

“In addition, I would ask Laura to get in touch and let us know she is safe and well.”

Detectives investigating recent firearms incidents in the Gilmerton area of Edinburgh have recovered a large quantity of stolen property during their enquiry.

An intelligence-led search was carried out at an address in Craigour Crescent yesterday (Monday) following information received from the public via Crimestoppers in relation to firearms.

No guns or ammunition were found. However, officers seized two motorcycles and other motorcycle parts that were confirmed as stolen from the Gorgie area of the city.

In addition, various power tools, which are also believed stolen, were removed from the property.

The value of the items recovered is estimated at being over £15,000.

Police are currently following a positive line of enquiry in relation to the discovery of these stolen items.

Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Gray said: “The public continue to provide us with information in relation to the recent incidents in Gilmerton and as a result we have been able to recover high-value stolen goods from an address.

“I would like to thank our communities for their continued support and assistance, which is proving invaluable in tackling serious and organised crime in the Capital.

“Recoveries like this send a very clear message to criminals that neither the public, nor the police will tolerate their activities and by working together we will bring you to justice.

“Anyone with information relating to any ongoing criminal offences in their area can contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Edinburgh Choreographic Project presents Witch Tour of Greyfriars Kirk and the dance performance of ”The Confession of Isobel Gowdie” by Royston Maldoom

The witch tour will start outside Dance Base in the Grassmarket and will include the areas of the Grassmarket and the Greyfriar’s Churchyard.

Experienced guides will take you on a tour through Edinburgh’s magical Old Town with stories including tales of torture, murder, executions, witches and body-snatchers.

Following the tour there will be a dance performance with choreography by the international choreographer Royston Maldoom

”The Confession of Isobel Gowdie”

Choreography: Royston Maldoom

Music: James MacMillan CBE

Set to Scottish composer James MacMillan’s dynamic score ‘’The Confession of Isobel Gowdie’’, is dedicated to the memory of the last woman to stand trial for witchcraft in Scotland in 1662. Royston’s choreography is a fantasy, honouring the many women who have been and are persecuted for being perceived as a threat to the religious and political establishment worldwide.

This work was first created by Royston for Tumbuka Dance Company, Zimbabwe, and recreated on Aura Dance Theatre, Lithuania.

Tour & Performance Price: 13.00 GBP/10.00 GBP

Telephone: 0131 668 2019

Tickets available at: www.thequeenshall.net/elsewhere/shows/ecp-royston-maldoom-obe-retrospective-8-30pm

Little Ducks Club for parents and toddlers: stories, singing, crafting and playing, with free snacks for children.  All welcome. 9.30-11am every Tuesday, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church (meet in Chapel in Undercroft Cafe), 13 George Street. For more information call Angela Grant on 0131 225 3847.

Edinburgh Inter-Faith Assocation (EIFA) Annual Lecture on Gandhi Day: a talk by author and historian Anthony Copley.  Afghan Peace Volunteers will join the meeting via Skype, the Lord Provost the Rt Hon Donald Wilson will deliver a speech, there will be a Q & A session, and local musicians will perform. A reception will follow hosted by the Lord Provost. 6-8.30pm, City Chambers, 253 High Street. Free places should be booked via eventbrite. ‘There are many causes that I am prepared to die for, but no causes I am prepared to kill for.‘ Mahatma Gandhi.

American Impressionists in the Garden: garden historian Caroline Holmes will explore European gardens painted by Sargent in France, Italy and England, together with those by Hassam, Cassatt, Chase, Freiseke and the American colony at Giverny. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Prospects of Climate Justice: Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group on International Development. Prospects of international agreement on limiting climate change depend on COP talks in Paris in 2015. Will they succeed? Will the poorest people and nations be protected? And what can Scotland do to aid success? This event is open to the public through pre-registration. 5.30-7pm, Scottish Parliament, Horses Wynd. Email sarah.boyack.msp@scottish.parliament.uk or info@ewjf.org.uk to register. Part of Edinburgh World Justice Festival.

Air Pollution and Heart Attacks: Our Changing World lecture by Professor David Newby. Air pollution is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and death worldwide. Prof Newby will discuss the size of the problem, the scientific evidence and ways to reduce the risks. 6-8pm, Appleton Tower (Lecture Theatre 4), University of Edinburgh, 11 Crichton Street. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite.

John Hunt’s After Work Blues: acoustic/electric blues by singer/guitarist John Hunt with his amazing hand-built guitars. ‘Gritty, funky boogie-woogie from a master of blues slide-guitar‘ (Evening News) 6.30-8.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. Free entry before 8pm.

eBook surgery: get help with downloading free eBooks, emagazines and audiobooks. 2-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. No appointment necessary.

Cafe Ceilidh: a friendly session concentrating mostly on Scottish traditional or more modern songs and tunes, but appreciative of other songs, music and poetry too. Hosted by members of Linten Adie, a group which grew out of Scots Music Group’s daytime singing classes and now meets at St Bride’s. Singers and musicians from Scots Music Group and non-members who would like to perform or just enjoy listening all welcome.  A confidence builder for those who are new to performing and fun for the more experienced. For more information contact Mary on 01573 223515 or email mary.m.watt@gmail.com. 1.30-3.30pm, St Bride’s Community Centre, Orwell Road. Free.

Life in Progress: Image Theatre. An exciting introduction to Image Theatre and the work of Brazilian director Augusto Boal. Explore the themes of discrimination and stigma using a variety of fun drama techniques. Includes a showcase of work-in-progress from LGBT Health and Wellbeing Drama Group. 4-8pm, South Side Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street. Free but booking required: email emily@health-in-mind.org.uk.  Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2014.

Lunchtime Concert: Uli Fenner (violin), Robin Mason (cello) and Peter Evans (piano) perform Schubert’s Piano Trio in B flat D898. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square, University of Edinburgh. Free.