Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee

EdinburghReportage

Superconnected city

Live Well in Later Life meeting 

TEDX at Edinburgh Napier

The council’s Communities and Neighbourhood Committee meets this morning and will hear reports on what has been happening in and around the city which have been instigated or facilitated by the council’s neighbourhood offices.

For example the councillors will be told about Almond and Western Edinburgh Neighbourhood Partnerships held a Dementia Awareness Day in June to bring many groups who have an interest together. This ranged from carers and a variety of organisations such as Alzheimer Scotland and Edinburgh Leisure and many more.

They will hear about the Craigmillar Festival Fun Day which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and the extended school holiday programme which was organised by Portobello and Craigmillar Neighbourhood Partnership.

The committee will also hear about the new strategies which the council will develop to encourage greater community participation in local initiatives by ensuring that marketing campaigns and consultations are more meaningful to local residents. This results from the What’s my Patch campaign that the council ran recently.

Council papers for this meeting are here.

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Add to our autumn colours storyboard over here. Send us your photos of autumn colours, the fruits you pick in the wild. Anyone got any mushrooms yet? We would love you to share your photos and thoughts on autumn over here on EdinburghReportage then we will feature the best in an article about Autumn in Edinburgh.

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Edinburgh is one of 22 UK Superconnected Cities which means it has vouchers of up to £3000 available to businesses looking to install better broadband connections in their premises.

The scheme is offered by the UK Government and managed locally by the council.

The grant, in the form of a voucher, is part of the government’s broadband transformation across the country, helping cities to create and attract new jobs and investment and make the UK the best place in the world to do business.

Benefits to businesses as a result of faster, better broadband include:

• Growing and accessing new markets through better communication with customers and suppliers
• Increasing security through fast secure back-up of data
• Increasing productivity and improving customer service through faster upload and download speeds
• Reduce the costs of software and hardware by benefiting from the option of online applications and data storage
• Enhance the way you communicate and collaborate by accommodating colleagues, clients and partners on real-time video calls, and by sharing information on cloud-based software

More information on the Edinburgh council website here.

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An Evening with Barrington Stoke – award-winning Edinburgh-based publishers of books for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic young readers. For teachers and parents interested in dyslexia and children’s reading, with speaker Mairi Kidd, Barrington Stoke’s MD. With 350+ books in print, Barrington Stoke’s list includes works from authors such as Julia Donaldson and Anne Fine and is designed with tinted backgrounds, heavy paper and special fonts to reduce visual stress and overcome barriers to reading. 7pm, Christ Church Centre, 6a Morningside Rd. Free but space limited so please book via mail@edinburghbookshop.com or 0131 447 1917. Event organised by The Edinburgh Bookshop.

Keywords: Aesthetics. A five part series on language and contemporary art organised by the School of History of Art, University of Edinburgh. Tonight: Neil Cox (University of Edinburgh) and Larne Abse Gogarty (UCL), chair Stacy Boldrick (Fruitmarket Gallery) 6.30-8.30pm, Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street. Free but booking essential: information here.

Cafe Ceilidh: Songs of War and Peace. An afternoon of songs and music with Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group. 2-4pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street. Free and unticketed.

ShuttleScots: inclusive, relaxed and friendly LGBT badminton club. Meet new people, make friends, develop skills and have fun in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. First session free and you are welcome to bring a friend; racquets are available to borrow. Previous experience of badminton not needed; all levels of players welcome, and regular social activities are arranged. 7-9pm, Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road. Email the group at info@shuttlescots.co.uk or complete the form here to let them know you are attending.

Line Dancing: strut your stuff, keep fit and have fun at the Line Dancing class that’s second to none – stetsons optional! Tutor: Kat of Bear Essentials. 12.30-2pm, St Bride’s Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace. £3.50 per session. Please note this is an intermediate class. Contact centre for more information.

LGBT Health: Self-Image for Men. The first of two linked workshops for GBT men: this week there will be time to discuss how you feel about yourself, next week will build on the first session to explore how this can affect the decisions you make about relationships and sexual health. 6-8pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking essential: contact George by emailing george@lgbthealth.org.uk or calling 0131 652 3281.

The Edinburgh Quartet: Helen Grime String Quartet and Shostakovich String Quartet No 4 in D, Op.83. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square, University of Edinburgh. Free and unticketed.

Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) During the First World War: Yvonne McEwan discusses the much-neglected story of QAIMNS. Based on original ground-breaking research, this talk moves away from the long-held overly-romanticised view of First World War nursing and addresses the personal, political and professional issues that arose for nurses in the pivotal years of 1914-18. 4pm, Level 5 LRC, Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court. Free but spaces are limited so please email events@napier.ac.uk to book. Presented in association with the Words and Deeds, Weapons and Wounding exhibition.

World War One: Scottish Tales of Adventure. Best selling author and historian Allan Burnett explains how he has brought the First World War vividly to life for young readers. Allan will discuss his decision to focus on how the war affected Scottish men and women, and why he chose the book-lined trenches of NLS as the HQ of his research campaign. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required: call 0131 623 3734 or click here.

Once Upon a Forest: bike-powered screening. Be transported into the rainforest canopies of the Amazon and Africa. In a tropical forest 200 feet above the ground, botanist Francis Halle makes intricate drawings of all he surveys. His images then come alive in Oscar-winning director Luc Jacquet’s sensory spectacular, using innovative, soaring cinematography techniques to illustrate how trees communicate, co-operate and fight for their lives.  Suitable for ages 8+.  7.30-9.15pm, Gateway Decking (outdoors), Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Tickets £6/£4; book via Take One Action Film Festival here.

On Sunday at Newington Cemetery on Dalkeith Road, visitors will be invited to visit the ten most interesting graves.

William McTaggart, the famous Scottish painter, is buried there along with his daughter.

Arnaud Massey, the French golfer (there was once a commonly used club called a “Massey Niblick”) is buried there and he gave his daughter the middle name of Hoylake after a famous victory at the club just outside Liverpool where the Open was held this year.

Jean Thompson, the wife of the founder of the Rotary Club, and the Reverend Dr John Ross, the first person to translate the New Testament into Korean, are also buried there to name but four of the ten.

A map will be provided showing the graves and nearby trees of interest and each gravestone will have an interesting summary of the person or people buried there.

A lot of work has gone into planning the day and vegetation has been removed from some of the gravestones  to make them accessible.

Longer term, it is hoped to improve the cemetery in other ways and an action group has been formed to try and tackle this.

Edinburgh’s away record in the Pro 12 slumped to a new low on Sunday as they were beaten heavily by the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea. Comprehensively outperformed in attack, set piece, defence and execution, the visitors were missing in all aspects as the Welsh side won convincingly 62-13.

Positive showings in the opening two weekends for the capital side gave coach Alan Solomons confidence during the week but were embarrassed by a slick Ospreys side who notched up their third victory in as many weeks to go top of the Guinness Pro 12 standings.

The misery started in the very first minute with scrum half Rhys Webb streaking in from forty metres out to go underneath the posts. Fly half Dan Biggar converted to put the home side 7-0 up. Webb fired another shot into the wound of the visitors with a sniping try from close range ten minutes later. They got a third try before half time as well, this one a demonstration of the dominance of the Welsh. A rolling maul which started from 20 metres out sped up with every metre and eventually Dan Baker charged over the line to score.

The only positive aspect of Edinburgh’s game was perhaps that they managed to at least score some points. A Tom Heathcote penalty and a brilliantly taken Hamish Watson try before the half time whistle was scant consolation for the visitors who now languish in their customary lower echelons of the Guinness Pro12 standings. Wing Tim Visser latched onto a box kick from Sam Hildalgo Clyne and volleyed forward. Catching his own kick he was dragged down short of the line but managed to beautifully feed Watson off the ground and the flanker sped into the corner.

However, there was only one team present and one team who was going to win. Despite a yellow card for Justin Tipuric in the second half, the Ospreys went on to score six more tries; including three in the final eleven minutes. A series of embarrassing handling errors from Edinburgh and highly questionable defence allowed the home side to romp clear. Despite some Edinburgh pressure in the Ospreys half, Watson dropped a simple pass which allowed winger Jeff Hassler to streak up the touch line. The Canadian showed great pace and despite Phil Burleigh’s efforts, Hassler went in at the corner for the host’s sixth try.

Jonathan Spratt added a seventh while Tipuric was in the Sin Bin from close range to extend the lead. Edinburgh now at a complete loss struggled to construct two phases without committing errors. The Ospreys were back up in Edinburgh territory again and Hanno Dirkson ensured they would finish the weekend on top of the Guinness Pro12 standings with another try.

Now with a comfortable lead and bonus point in the bag, the Ospreys looked to open the game up even more, running from deep whenever possible. But alas, it was another Edinburgh mistake that led to the eighth try; Phil Burleigh’s erratic offload that should have found Ollie Atkins, found only Tom Grabham who coasted under the posts. The Welsh would score once more three minutes from time through Tyler Ardron’s powerful fend on Watson to end a miserable day for the visitors. 62-13 the match finished with almost no positives to take for Edinburgh, except the 13 points. Ospreys on the other hand are in a rich vein of form, having scored 16 tries in their opening three encounters. They play Munster at Thomond Park, Limerick next weekend, while Edinburgh receive the Scarlets at BT Murrayfield on Friday.

Result

Ospreys 62 (24)

Tries – Webb (2), Baker, Biggar, Hassler, Spratt, Dirkson, Grabham, Ardron

Conversions – Biggar (4), S Davies (2)

Penalties – Biggar

Edinburgh 13 (10)

Try – Watson

Conversion – Heathcote

Penalties – Heathcote (2)

Later today there will be music and celebrations to herald the official opening of the Mural on the Meadows between 5.00 and 7.00p.m.

Heather Goodare chair of Friends of Meadows and Bruntsfield Links (FOMBL) is very much behind the idea to cover the plain wall of the electricity sub-station with a mural.

Heather explained how the mural came about: “Scottish Power, the City of Edinburgh Council and FOMBL were all concerned at the upkeep and visual appearance of the site. The Council had suggested the use of advertising hoardings to ‘brighten it up’. FOMBL wanted to find a much more imaginative solution. At the same time, students from the School of Art came along to a South Central Neighbourhood Partnership meeting suggesting that artwork on the Meadows might be an interesting thing to encourage. We took the bait!

“South Central Neighbourhood Partnership awarded us a grant that has covered half the cost. Edinburgh Evening News made a contribution and the balance was funded by Scottish Power, who own the walls and kindly gave their consent.

“The mural depicts local landmarks, some of which date back to the ‘International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art’, which was housed in a huge pavilion on the Meadows in 1886. I hope it will encourage the local community and visitors to explore further and that it will, in its turn, become a landmark, enhancing the cultural amenity of the area.”

On the FOMBL website they explain a little of the story behind the paintings:

Heather’s Jig is a named for Heather Goodare. The mural poem ‘The Throng of Folk’ tells of the jig being danced with vigour and of ‘high-jinks on Bruntsfield Links’. This mirrors the verve and tenacity with which Heather has steered the mural project to fruition. It is Astrid and Rachel’s way of marking her contribution with heartfelt thanks.

They are delighted that Heather’s Jig has now been composed by Malcolm Goodare and will be premiered by his ensemble Fiddlers on the Ramp at the mural launch on 22nd September 2014. So the jig becomes another addition to the folklore of the Meadows.

You will find more information about the mural here.

Photo courtesy of FOMBL

Holyrood resumes this week

Westminster enquiry

Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council meeting

City planning

New boss for Conference Centre

Holyrood resumes this week following the recess for the Referendum vote. Although there is no formal business today there will be a statement by the First Minister Alex Salmond tomorrow and a debate on that during the afternoon.

After the decision in the debate there will be time for members business including this motion presented by Gordon MacDonald MSP on the continued success of Dad’s Rock:

S4M-10546# Gordon MacDonald: Dad’s Rock, International What’s On 4 Junior Award Winner 2014—That the Parliament congratulates Dads Rock, Scotland’s only network of free playgroups for dads and kids, which won the Most Outstanding Baby and Toddler Group at the International What’s On 4 Junior Awards; notes that the international annual awards, now in their eighth year, celebrate the best children’s activities, classes and party providers in the UK, Ireland and Australia; congratulates Steve Leslie of Dads Rock on winning the Most Outstanding Community Group Volunteer for Children or Families award; understands that nearly 90,000 international votes were cast by parents and carers, including from the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency, and considers that this is a fantastic achievement for a small charity that was only established in 2012.

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The UK government Political and Constitutional Reform Committee has agreed to hold an inquiry looking at the future of devolution in the United Kingdom, in the light of the referendum result.

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-09-mscc-meet-poster.pdf

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The city’s planning committee has come in for a bit of criticism recently and we are still to hear whether the latest decision on the proposed development at Craighouse is to be called in by The Scottish Ministers or not.

Meantime we found this TED talk about the importance of open spaces in a city and thought it worth sharing with you.

What do you think of our city’s open spaces?
Are there enough of them? Do they offer enough to us and our city visitors? Where is your favourite public space in Edinburgh? Share it with us here on our EdinburghReportage  storyboard.

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Marshall Dallas has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

He will join the company on 1 October 2014 succeeding Hans H Rissmann OBE who has held the role for 21 years.

Marshall Dallas has a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector, having held senior management roles at MacDonald Hotels, Queens Moat House, Gleneagles Hotel and Trust House Forte during a hotel industry career spanning almost 25 years.

His most recent executive roles have been in the private healthcare sector, most recently at Nuffield Health, where he has been a Director since 2013. He was previously an Executive Director of BMI Healthcare for two years.

Hans H Rissmann OBE will hand over operational responsibility on 31 October 2014 following a month-long transition.

A report detailing his appointment will be noted at the City of Edinburgh Council meeting on Thursday 25 September.

EICC Chair and City of Edinburgh Councillor, Gordon Munro, announced the appointment. He said: “I am delighted with Marshall’s appointment after what has been a wide ranging search and we are confident that he has the skillset required to take the expanded, award-winning business forward.”

Marshall Dallas said: “I am delighted to have been given this exciting opportunity to lead one of the world’s most cutting-edge conference and exhibition centres. Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh has much to offer both national and international business tourists.

“While, the addition of the new Lennox Suite, with its unique hall-wide moving floor system, puts the venue in the first rank of city centre destinations in a global meetings marketplace.”

Marshall Dallas was born in Dumfries and now lives in Central Scotland with his wife and two children.

EICC, a company owned by the City of Edinburgh Council opened for business in 1995, underwent a major expansion in 2013, doubling in size, and is regarded internationally to be redefining city centre conference and event space.

The business is winner of the European Foundation for Quality Management award, was first in class to achieve Environmental Management Standard, ISO14001 and is the reigning UFI Sustainable Development Award winner across the global exhibition industry.

Edinburgh Zoo has confirmed today that Tian Tian the female giant panda is not pregnant. Director of the Giant Panda project, Iain Valentine, explained:

“Tian Tian’s hormone levels have now returned to normal, so we can confirm that she is no longer pregnant. Panda reproduction and biology is complex; all data gathered since conception took place pointed to a pregnant panda likely to carry to full term, sadly this did not happen. There is no evidence she has had a miscarriage, so late reabsorption of the foetus could have occurred.

“Although Tian Tian has not successfully given birth, it is important for her individual biology as a female giant panda and for the future of giant panda conservation across the globe that we tried. We will also be reviewing all our data and procedures from this year and last.

“The team continue to monitor Tian Tian and she is in great health. The specialist team here and international colleagues will thoroughly review every aspect of how we care for her.

“From today (Monday 22 September) we will be opening the outdoor viewing area of Tian Tian and Yang Guang’s enclosures at Edinburgh Zoo; pre-booking to view the pandas over the first week will not be required – walk-up tickets will be issued on the day; however, we would recommend you book online using the normal booking system from the afternoon of Monday 22 September if you are visiting between the 29 September and 31 October.”

Edinburgh’s Aquamarine Power collaborate on the scale model now in place for next stage in research

The goal of a standardised, self-contained offshore electricity generator for the wave industry moved a step closer last week when a tenth-scale WavePOD prototype moved to the world-leading Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Controls (IFAS) at Aachen University, Germany.

The WavePOD wave power offtake device is being developed by global drive and control manufacturer Bosch Rexroth as part of a collaboration including some of Europe’s leading wave energy developers, utilities and academic institutions. Its goal is to develop an industry-wide power take off that will generate electricity reliably and cost effectively at sea.

The tenth scale prototype which comprises a drive train, cylinder frame and power take off, has been manufactured in Middlesbrough and at Bosch Rexroth’s hydraulics centre at St Neots, Cambridgeshire, prior to being shipped to IFAS.

“Laboratory testing at Aachen University’s world-class facility will give excellent data on how the WavePOD works in controlled conditions, and will allow Bosch Rexroth to develop and refine the prototype prior to testing at sea next year,” says Martin McAdam, Chief Executive Officer of Aquamarine Power – one of the founding partners in the collaboration.

“The project will then put the WavePOD prototype through a programme of installation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning in a real sea wave conditions on our Oyster 800 machine in Orkney in 2016,” McAdam says.

Following this, the consortium hopes to have secured funding which will allow the development of a quarter scale prototype to be tested at sea on both Oyster 800 and Carnegie Wave Power’s CETO technology at WaveHub in Cornwall.

The WavePOD prototype development and testing programme receives funding support from the Scottish Government’s Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund (MRCF).

Progress has been welcomed by Simon Robertson, MRCF Programme Manager from the Carbon Trust.

“A significant milestone has been met on the way to developing a common power take off system with significant cost and performance benefits,” he says.

Consortium partners include project founders Aquamarine Power and Bosch Rexroth, along with wave technology developers Albatern, Carnegie Wave Energy UK and M4 WavePower. It also includes Irish utility ESB, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, IFAS and University College Dublin’s Energy Research Centre.

Deaf for the Day: clerical assistant Amanda Gray is going ‘deaf for the day’ to raise funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – and the charity will be at the centre to show how clever and life changing Hearing Dogs are.  At 11am you are invited to join St Bride’s BSL Group to learn some basics of British Sign Language: information will also be available from Deaf Action, Action on Hearing Loss and Sign & Be Heard.  St Bride’s Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace – contact centre for more details of times, etc.  Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/Amanda-Gray77.

LGBT Spiritual Space: Conflicts of Sexuality and Faith. Explore conflicts that exist within these two aspects of identity; Maxwell Reay, NHS Mental Health Community Chaplain, offers a supportive space for LGBT people to discuss and develop ideas of spirituality and identity – suitable for people of all faiths or none. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly drop-in session 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. No booking required.

SEEP II: Mirrors and Mires – Writing and Performance Workshop with Andra Simons; part of Cachin Cachan Cachunga!’s exhibition at Patriothall. 1-4.30pm, Patriothall Gallery, 1 Patriothall (off Hamilton Place), Stockbridge. Places cost £5/£4 and can be booked by emailing cachin@blissfultimes.ca  More information here.

World War One Cinema: A Farewell to Arms. On the Italian front in WWI, an American ambulance driver falls in love with a nurse. Shown as part of Gorgie War Memorial’s World War One Commemoration. 6.30pm, St Bride’s Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace. Free. PG Certificate, 110mins.

Walking Group: free, volunteer-led walking group: open to all, various locations accessible by public transport. 1.30pm every Monday, meet at Pilton Community Health Project. To register your interest call Lianne or Clare on 0131 551 1671, email admin@pchp.org.uk or drop in to the Project at 73 Boswall Parkway – or just turn up.

The Edinburgh Philosophy and Psychology Group. September meeting: Forgive and Forget – how do we deal with the memories of past wrongs? Are we able to move on or not? What is the role of forgiveness? Discussions are non-academic and group members come from a wide range of ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Non-members are welcome and group meetings are free, with free sandwiches. 8-9.30pm, Links Hotel & Bar, 4 Alvanley Terrace, Bruntsfield.

MONDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2014

LGBT Spiritual Space: Conflicts of Sexuality and Faith. Explore conflicts that exist within these two aspects of identity; Maxwell Reay, NHS Mental Health Community Chaplain, offers a supportive space for LGBT people to discuss and develop ideas of spirituality and identity – suitable for people of all faiths or none. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly drop-in session 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. No booking required.

SEEP II: Mirrors and Mires – Writing and Performance Workshop with Andra Simons; part of Cachin Cachan Cachunga!’s exhibition at Patriothall. 1-4.30pm, Patriothall Gallery, 1 Patriothall (off Hamilton Place), Stockbridge. Places cost £5/£4 and can be booked by emailing cachin@blissfultimes.ca  More information here.

World War One Cinema: A Farewell to Arms. On the Italian front in WWI, an American ambulance driver falls in love with a nurse. Shown as part of Gorgie War Memorial’s World War One Commemoration. 6.30pm, St Bride’s Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace. Free. PG Certificate, 110mins.

Deaf for the Day: clerical assistant Amanda Gray is going ‘deaf for the day’ to raise funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – and the charity will be at the centre to show how clever and life changing Hearing Dogs are.  At 11am you are invited to join St Bride’s BSL Group to learn some basics of British Sign Language: information will also be available from Deaf Action, Action on Hearing Loss and Sign & Be Heard.  St Bride’s Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace – contact centre for more details of times, etc.  Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/Amanda-Gray77.

Walking Group: free, volunteer-led walking group: open to all, various locations accessible by public transport. 1.30pm every Monday, meet at Pilton Community Health Project. To register your interest call Lianne or Clare on 0131 551 1671, email admin@pchp.org.uk or drop in to the Project at 73 Boswall Parkway – or just turn up.

The Edinburgh Philosophy and Psychology Group. September meeting: Forgive and Forget – how do we deal with the memories of past wrongs? Are we able to move on or not? What is the role of forgiveness? Discussions are non-academic and group members come from a wide range of ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Non-members are welcome and group meetings are free, with free sandwiches. 8-9.30pm, Links Hotel & Bar, 4 Alvanley Terrace, Bruntsfield.

TUESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2014

An Evening with Barrington Stoke – award-winning Edinburgh-based publishers of books for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic young readers. For teachers and parents interested in dyslexia and children’s reading, with speaker Mairi Kidd, Barrington Stoke’s MD. With 350+ books in print, Barrington Stoke’s list includes works from authors such as Julia Donaldson and Anne Fine and is designed with tinted backgrounds, heavy paper and special fonts to reduce visual stress and overcome barriers to reading. 7pm, Christ Church Centre, 6a Morningside Rd. Free but space limited so please book via mail@edinburghbookshop.com or 0131 447 1917. Event organised by The Edinburgh Bookshop.

Keywords: Aesthetics. A five part series on language and contemporary art organised by the School of History of Art, University of Edinburgh. Tonight: Neil Cox (University of Edinburgh) and Larne Abse Gogarty (UCL), chair Stacy Boldrick (Fruitmarket Gallery) 6.30-8.30pm, Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street. Free but booking essential: information here.

Cafe Ceilidh: Songs of War and Peace. An afternoon of songs and music with Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group. 2-4pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street. Free and unticketed.

ShuttleScots: inclusive, relaxed and friendly LGBT badminton club. Meet new people, make friends, develop skills and have fun in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. First session free and you are welcome to bring a friend; racquets are available to borrow. Previous experience of badminton not needed; all levels of players welcome, and regular social activities are arranged. 7-9pm, Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road. Email the group at info@shuttlescots.co.uk or complete the form here to let them know you are attending.

Line Dancing: strut your stuff, keep fit and have fun at the Line Dancing class that’s second to none – stetsons optional! Tutor: Kat of Bear Essentials. 12.30-2pm, St Bride’s Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace. £3.50 per session. Please note this is an intermediate class. Contact centre for more information.

LGBT Health: Self-Image for Men. The first of two linked workshops for GBT men: this week there will be time to discuss how you feel about yourself, next week will build on the first session to explore how this can affect the decisions you make about relationships and sexual health. 6-8pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Booking essential: contact George by emailing george@lgbthealth.org.uk or calling 0131 652 3281.

The Edinburgh Quartet: Helen Grime String Quartet and Shostakovich String Quartet No 4 in D, Op.83. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square, University of Edinburgh. Free and unticketed.

Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) During the First World War: Yvonne McEwan discusses the much-neglected story of QAIMNS. Based on original ground-breaking research, this talk moves away from the long-held overly-romanticised view of First World War nursing and addresses the personal, political and professional issues that arose for nurses in the pivotal years of 1914-18. 4pm, Level 5 LRC, Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court. Free but spaces are limited so please email events@napier.ac.uk to book. Presented in association with the Words and Deeds, Weapons and Wounding exhibition.

World War One: Scottish Tales of Adventure. Best selling author and historian Allan Burnett explains how he has brought the First World War vividly to life for young readers. Allan will discuss his decision to focus on how the war affected Scottish men and women, and why he chose the book-lined trenches of NLS as the HQ of his research campaign. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required: call 0131 623 3734 or click here.

Once Upon a Forest: bike-powered screening. Be transported into the rainforest canopies of the Amazon and Africa. In a tropical forest 200 feet above the ground, botanist Francis Halle makes intricate drawings of all he surveys. His images then come alive in Oscar-winning director Luc Jacquet’s sensory spectacular, using innovative, soaring cinematography techniques to illustrate how trees communicate, co-operate and fight for their lives.  Suitable for ages 8+.  7.30-9.15pm, Gateway Decking (outdoors), Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Tickets £6/£4; book via Take One Action Film Festival here.

WEDNESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2014

Sounds of Jazz: Interplay – guitarist Lachlan MacColl and guest.  Lachlan is known in Edinburgh as ‘the jazz musician’s jazz guitarist’  and plays a wide range of styles from Swing and Latin to BeBop; he has also written for the BBC.  7-9.30pm, Henderson’s, Hanover Street. Free.

Cooking for Babies and Families: 10.30am-12.30pm, Pilton Community Health Project, 73 Boswall Parkway. Call Fiona Manson on 0787 554 5757 for more information. In partnership with Bumpstart.

Volunteer Recruitment Fair: over 50 organisations looking for volunteers, with volunteering advisers on hand to help. Employability workshops at 11.30am and 3pm, cafe serving delicious food and drink. 11am-7pm, St Paul’s & St George’s Church, York Place. For more information see Volunteer Centre Edinburgh’s website.  ‘The difference you’ll make is priceless.’

Ruskin and Venice: Ruskin called Venice ‘a paradise of cities.’ Ruskin scholar Robert Hewison looks at Venice through Ruskin’s eyes and discusses his role in shaping our own view of the city. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Mary Seacole – Forgotten Hero? Chris Short tells the story of this 19th century Jamaican woman who refused to be defeated by prejudice and adversity, provided free medical care to prospectors travelling to the Californian gold fields and later nursed in the Crimean War.  4pm, Level 5 LRC, Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court. Free but spaces are limited so please email events@napier.ac.uk to book. Presented in association with the Words and Deeds, Weapons and Wounding exhibition.

Lunchtime concert: Piano Speak with Will Pickvance. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Balerno Music Festival 2014 starts today: a community-run festival with classical music, cabaret, workshops, folk music, film, jazz – and (on 4th October) ‘Strictly Comes to Balerno‘! Today until 12th October, various venues, see website for programme and further details. Ticket prices vary.

THURSDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2014

Mac’s Munchkins: an hour of farm-themed storytelling, crafts, playgroups and songs. For children aged 2+ – meet at the Red Tractor. 3pm today and every Thursday, Gorgie City Farm, Gorgie Road. £2 per child, payable on arrival: no booking required. Also running every Tuesday morning at 10am.

Bookbug: stories and rhymes for young children and their carers. 10.30-11am today and every second Thursday, Fountainbridge Library, Dundee Street.

Putting the ‘f’ in Chemistry: Professor Polly A Arnold, Crum Brown Chair of Chemistry, delivers her inaugural lecture. 5.15pm (followed by a reception in the Michael Swann foyer), Swann Lecture Theatre, King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh. All welcome.

Medical Detectives Lecture: Dr Jeffrey Schoenebeck – Doggedly Dependent, a Canine Story of Human Intervention and Form. 6-7pm (doors open 5.40pm), Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Medical School (Doorway 3), Teviot Place, University of Edinburgh. Free places can be booked via eventbrite.

South West Sounds: Musician in Residence Rod Jones leads weekly workshops for any local musicians – no matter what type of instrument you play , what type of music you like or what standard you are at: write, rehearse, perform and record your music together. 10am-6pm today and every Thursday until 18th December (three groups – contact centre for details), WHALE Arts Centre, 30 Westburn Grove. FREE!

A Glimpse of Nepal and the High Mountains: Sarah Somerville will be celebrating her 50th birthday by embarking on a 10-day cycling challenge in N India in support of Macmillan Cancer Care. To get into the spirit, Ronnie Auld will share his experiences and dazzling images of Nepal and the Himalayas, and will give an insight into this intriguing, seductive region. Refreshments available. 8pm for 8.30pm, Craiglockhart Primary School, Ashley Terrace. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite: suggested donation of £3 on door.

WordPlay: Life Writing. Creative gallery-based writing sessions inspired by GENERATION and designed to explore the ideas of character, description and identity.. This WordPlay session asks participants to illustrate the object of study using text instead of image: Christine Borland’s L’Homme Double provides a perfect source point to explore the fascinating ideas behind her practice and how it can be applied to writing. 5.30-6.45pm, Royal Scottish Academy, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free but booking required: email education@nationalgalleries.org or call 0131 624 6410. Part of GENERATION By Night. More information about WordPlay here.

Writing Wrongs and Dispelling Myths: Women, Sex, Art, and the Marriage of John Ruskin. Dr Rob Brownell discusses his latest book Marriage of Inconvenience, which sets the record straight with regard to a number of the notorious myths still circulating about Ruskin’s marriage to Euphemia Gray. Some strongly held beliefs may well be challenged by this radical reappraisal of Ruskin’s reputation. The talk will be followed by a book signing. 6-7pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

2014 Planet Earth Lecture: The world is warming – what next? Professor Dame Julia Slingo DBE, Chief Scientist UK Meteorological Office, explores the frontiers of climate science. 6.30-9.30pm, Royal College of Physicians, Queen Street. For more information and to register, contact fiona.hartree@edinburgh.ac.uk

The Remarkable Elsie Inglis and the Scottish Women’s Hospital: Iain Mcintyre tells the story of Elsie Inglis, pioneer of medical education for women, successful surgeon in Edinburgh and a leader of the Suffrage movement, whose work with the Scottish Women’s Hospital in the First World War made her a national heroine.  4pm, Level 5 LRC, Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court. Free but spaces are limited so please email events@napier.ac.uk to book. Presented in association with the Words and Deeds, Weapons and Wounding exhibition

Golf on the rocks: a journey round Scotland’s island courses. Gary Sutherland leads an illustrated journey round some of Scotland’s most far-flung golf courses, from Shetland to the Outer Hebrides. A writer from Hopeman on the Moray coast, now living in Glasgow, Gary is the author of Hunting Grounds, Great Balls of Fire, Golf on the Rocks and Life Cycle, and has written for various national newspapers. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required: call 0131 623 3734 or click here.

FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2014

Coburg House’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning: Coburg Studios’ resident talents present an array of cakes as diverse as their artwork. Homegrown favourites – and Chinese steamed buns! 10am-2pm, Coburg House Gallery, 15 Coburg Street, Leith. In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Postcards From….200 artists have been invited to create postcard-sized artworks exploring people’s perceptions of mental health. An eclectic mix showcasing different themes, mediums, styles and techniques. Open preview tonight 6-8pm then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday until 25th October 2014, Gallery on the Corner, 34 Northumberland Street. Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival.

Forces of Nature: the power of nature is explored by artists who have experience of mental health conditions. Open preview tonight 6-8pm then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday until 25th October 2014, Gallery on the Corner, 34 Northumberland Street. Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival.

Explorathon ’14: One Night, Unlimited Discovery. An extravaganza of discovery, debate and entertainment to celebrate European Researchers’ Night. Events for all ages, from Meet the Experts drop-ins to a Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, from Volcano Night to Steampunk Science and Cafe Scientifique. 1-10pm, various venues – see website for details. Many events free, some may charge; booking required for some events.

The Guid Crack Club: Promises, Pacts and Careless Oaths. Storyteller John Wheeler from Galloway shares stories of cunning, compassion, beauty and poetic justice at Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling night. 7.30-10pm, Waverley Bar (upstairs), 3-5 St Mary’s Street. Accompanied young adults welcome. Entry by donation (suggested donation £3.) More information here.

Walking Group: free, volunteer-led walking group: open to all, various locations accessible by public transport. 10 am every Friday.  For more information or to register your interest call Lianne or Clare on 0131 551 1671, email admin@pchp.org.uk or drop in to the Pilton Community Health Project at 73 Boswall Parkway – or just turn up on the day.

Tanino Duo: Fernando Sanchez (guitar) and Santiago Alverez (chromatic harmonica) play original arrangements of Argentinian tangos along with valses, milongas and folk music. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square, University of Edinburgh. Free and unticketed.

The Long and the Short of It: an evening with Mark Douglas-Home and Peter Ross. September’s literary salon will focus on different forms of writing, looking at stylistic similarities and differences between journalism and fiction and the unique challenges of both long form and short form writing. Mark Douglas-Home is an author (The Sea Detective and The Woman Who Walked Into The Sea) and former editor of the Herald.  Peter Ross is a six time winner at the Scottish Press Awards and widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest feature writers. He recently published Daunderlust, a collection of his Around Scotland columns for Scotland on Sunday. 6.30-9pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen St, Stockbridge (please note new address.)  Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.

Leith Community Centre Youth Activities: 1-2.30pm: Multi-Sports for P5-P7 with qualified sports coaches, 3-4.30pm: TGI Friday for 11-15 year olds (includes access to sports and gaming facilities) 6-8pm. £1 per week, today and every Friday. Leith Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate.

SURF: Cyber cafe and sexual health service for 14-18 year olds, 6-8pm, Leith Community Centre, 12a New Kirkgate. Free.

Out of the Box Boxing Club: learn to box with qualified coaches. For boys and girls aged 12-18. 5-6.30pm every Friday, Leith Victoria Boxing Club, 28 Academy Street. £1.50 per week, payable at the door.

Classical Musicians Scotland presents Ian Watt, internationally acclaimed guitarist. Aberdeenshire-born Watt will play JS Bach, Scarlatti, Mangore, Turina and Torroba. 1-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Church, Lothian Road. Free entry: retiring collection.

Gallery Social – GENERATION: 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland. Join artists for relaxed guided tours for anyone affected by dementia, their friends, relatives and supporters. These very informal tours will begin with refreshments in the Learning Centre. 10.30am-12 noon, National Gallery of Scotland (Gardens Entrance), The Mound. Free but bookings should be made by contacting the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.

An ‘Unprofitable’ Sport? Bans, Billionaires and the Growth of Golf. Golf has come a long way since it was first documented, prohibited by an Act of Parliament in 1457. Laurie Rae, Senior Curator at the British Golf Museum, will discuss how the game has developed, from the east coast of Scotland to the Olympic Games. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

ECA Friday Lecture Series: Oliver Chanarin ‘Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt.’ Chanarin is one half of Broomberg & Chanarin, artists living and working in London. They have had numerous international exhibitions and founded the imprint Chopped Liver Press to publish and sell their own and other artists’ books. In 2013 they were awarded the Deutsche Borse Photography Prize in recognition of their ‘significant contribution to the medium of photography’ for War Primer 2, and most recently collected the ICP Infinity Award 2014 for their publication Holy Bible.  11.30am-1pm, Main Lecture Theatre (E22), Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Free and open to all.

Serenity Cafe Club Night: Jim Smith Soul Spectacular. Family-friendly –  ‘the drink and drug-free alternative.’ 7pm, Serenity Cafe, 8 Jackson’s Entry, off Royal Mile. £6 waged/£4 unwaged. Serenity is Scotland’s first Recovery Cafe.

Dunbar Traditional Music Festival: want to get away from it all this weekend?  Dunbar Trad Music Festival includes jazz, folk, traditional Scottish and blues music, and almost every event is FREE. In addition, strolling musicians and singers are welcome to acoustic and open mic sessions at the Royal Mackintosh Hotel on Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons. Starts today, ends Monday evening.  Various venues: see website for programme.

The Southside Choir: a concert programme of popular music in aid of the homeless. 8pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free: donations requested.

The Jura Music Festival 2014 – want to get really far away from it all this weekend? The 2014 Jura Music Festival starts today and ends on Sunday. Great celebrations of traditional music and craic!  Grand Concert, ceilidhs, workshops and sessions for all ages. For ticket prices and availability see website or call 01496 820 362. ‘6000 deer, 200 people.’

SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2014

Open Grip 6: Aerial Event. A performance opportunity for all levels of artist, specifically for aerial and acrobatics. Each piece must be a first draft never performed before. An exciting evening of brand new aerial and acrobatic work made locally: 8 pieces of no more than 5 minutes each. Audience involvement is key, as there will be a 2 minute interval between each act during which feedback is requested via comments cards. 7.30-8.30pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.  £3 per person, payable at the door.

Forth Regeneration: Building New Futures. Find out about regeneration initiatives taking place across the Forth neighbourhood and ways in which you can help shape future plans. 10am-2pm, Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road. To book email scott.dunkin@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5001. Facilitated by Forth Neighbourhood Partnership and Community Councils.

Free Family Cinema: Horton Hears a Who? Adventure, excitement, fun and laughs: juice and choc ices available in the interval for 50p each. Best for children up to 10 years: all children must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace. Free. (Next week: The Sword in the Stone.)

Bookbug: stories and rhymes for young children and their carers. 10.30-11am today and every Saturday, Fountainbridge Library, Dundee Street.

Out of the Blue Flea Market: over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books and bric a brac. Delicious coffee and cake available to purchase at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe. 10am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

University of Edinburgh Open Day: for students considering undergraduate entry in 2015. Explore the campus, attend subject information talks, meet current students and academic staff, find out about accommodation, careers and student life. 9.30am-5pm, University of Edinburgh (various venues.) Booking essential via eventbrite.  More information here.

Tulip Mania: popular family drop-in workshop taking inspiration from the Where Do I End and You Begin exhibition. Make your own tulips and other flowers inspired by Antonia Hirsch’s work Colour Shift. Suitable for the whole family working together. 1.30-3.30pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. No booking required: meet at reception.

Equip Your Sympathy: workshop for those who are new to the practice of campaigning, or need inspiring to get back into the saddle. Unleash your sympathy and imagination, hear from ordinary campaigners and get to grips with the building blocks of developing an effective campaign for the things you care about. Led by Kirstie Shirra. 10.30am-1.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Free, but registration required: email campaigning@takeoneaction.org.uk with a brief description of your interest in taking part. Part of Take One Action Film Festival 2014.

Kellan MacInnes: Climbing the Scottish Mountains Visible from Arthur’s Seat: an illustrated talk by Kellan MacInnes. Kellan’s book Caleb’s List, which was shortlisted for the 2013 Saltire Scottish First Book of the Year Award, tells the story of how he discovered Victorian mountaineer Caleb George Cash’s long forgotten list of mountains and what led him to take on the challenge of climbing them. 1.30-2.30pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. To book call 0131 529 5665 or email stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

John Knox’s 500 Years: five hundred years after John Knox’s birth, where does his legacy stand – in religion, literature, education and politics? And did he ever live in John Knox’s House? Historian, novelist and storyteller Donald Smith takes stock of the man whom Scots have worshipped and denounced with equal gusto. 2-3pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street. Free but requires booking: click here for tickets. Part of Doors Open Day 2014.

Scots Music Group Fundraising Ceilidh with Heeliegoleerie: Heeliegoleerie is a ceilidh band formed around fiddle player Eilidh Steel and guitarist Mark Neal; great driving Scottish music with an experienced caller. Licensed bar (no BYOB.) 8pm-midnight (doors open 7.30pm), St Bride’s Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace. Tickets £8/£6 in advance or £10/£8 on the night: available from Scots Music Group online or in person/by phone from St Bride’s Centre (0131 555 7668.)

Peace of Cake: a bake sale in aid of the Peace & Justice Centre. Bring a plate and enjoy the company and the Centre’s library. 10am-1pm, Peace & Justice Centre, (lower level) St John’s Church, Princes Street.

GENERATION tours at Modern One: free, 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.

National Gallery Highlight Tours: an introduction to and tour of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Image, Instinct and Imagination: Landscape as Sign Language. Geographer Jay Appleton and photographer Simon Warner join forces to explore Appleton’s theory of landscape appreciation, first published in his book The Experience of Landscape. Through photographs, narrative, poetry and detailed captions, this exhibition answers the question posed in the book, ‘What do we like about landscape and why do we like it?’ Simon Schama has described Appleton as one of the two thinkers largely responsible for the revival of cultural geography in Britain. 11am-5pm today then Monday to Saturday until 4th October, Matthew Architecture Gallery, Minto House, 20-22 Chambers Street. Free entry.

SUNDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2014

Storytelling: Right Royal Adventures. Join storyteller Anna Lehr in the magnificent Great Hall and hear all about the daring deeds and amazing adventures of some of the royal portraits. For ages 7+. 2pm or 2.45pm or 3.30pm (30 minute sessions), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

SEEP II: Mirrors and Mires – Open Mic with Open Barbers (featuring Liz Cronin), part of Cachin Cachan Cachunga!’s exhibition at Patriothall. Haircuts 12 noon-6pm; open mic 6-8pm, Patriothall Gallery, 1 Patriothall (off Hamilton Place), Stockbridge. Haircuts – pay on arrival; open mic £3/£2. More information here.

GENERATION tours at the Royal Scottish Academy: free, discussion-led tours of the exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am or 1-1.45pm, Royal Scottish Academy, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound . Free and unticketed.

WHALE Arts Market Fair: stalls include arts, crafts, bric a brac, gifts, accessories and designer wear. 1.30-4.30pm, WHALE Arts Centre, 30 Westburn Grove. Free entry and the chance to win prizes!

Danish Film Club at The Outhouse: some of the best Danish cinema shown for free in this monthly screening. For over 18s only. This month Applause. 7pm, The Outhouse (upstairs), 12a Broughton Street Lane. More information here.

St Giles’ at Six: Cantica Alba – Northern Lights. Edinburgh-based vocal ensemble Cantica Alba, directed by Michael Harris, present a programme of music from Britain and the Baltic. Byrd, Macmillan, Chilcott, Jaako Mantyjarvi and Urmas Sisask. 6pm,  St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free: retiring collection.

The Climate Change marches are taking place across the world today but here in Edinburgh there is a large group of people demanding a mobilisation against climate change. World leaders are gathering in New York for a landmark UN climate meeting and the largest march is taking place there but protesters have also taken to the streets starting at The Mound today. According to the Facebook page there could be at least 1,000 people on the march.

This is what the movement wishes governments and councils across the world to address:

[vimeo 105412070 w=500 h=281]

“DISRUPTION” – a film by KELLY NYKS & JARED P. SCOTT from Watch Disruption on Vimeo.

Below we have included some of the photos of people on the march today from Instagram and Twitter. If you have photos or videos of yourselves on the march then please tweet them to us here or add them to EdinburghReportage here. And do tell us what moved you to join in the march.

And we’re off! #PeopleClimateMarch #ActionNotWords Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/EKdD6cuDxG

— Richard Dryburgh (@RWDryburgh) September 21, 2014

Perfect sign for #PeopleClimateMarch today. #Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/dr7FJHQPfs

— FoE Scotland (@FoEScot) September 21, 2014

Edinburgh High Street. #PeopleClimateMarch pic.twitter.com/TgMNMakXGO

— Stephanie Flude (@TheNobleGasbag) September 21, 2014

On my way to #peoplesclimatemarch in Edinburgh. No better way to spend the afternoon. Come and join us!

— Alison Johnstone (@AlisonJohnstone) September 21, 2014

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Hibs Head Coach Alan Stubbs insists that it is impossible to legislate for the kind of mistakes that his players are making which has resulted in the club losing four of the first six league games.

With city rivals Hearts sitting top of the table, there are rumbles of disquiet amongst the Hibs fans, mainly against the board, but Stubbs and his backroom staff have also came in for criticism.

When CEO Leeann Dempster announced that Hibs were aiming not only for promotion, but to win the Championship, this was greeted as a sign of ambition by the long suffering supporters but the results so far have been poor and many supporters have been critical of the numbers and quality of the players signed.

Only a last minute winner last against part timers Dumbarton and a freak goal from keeper Mark Oxley against Livingston on the opening day of the campaign have secured points and with high flying Rangers at Ibrox as the next fixture, things are already looking bleak for the Easter Road club.

Last week’s attendance of over 11,000 included many free tickets given away as a gesture of goodwill on the great Pat Stanton’s birthday, but it will be interesting to see the numbers who turn up for the next home game.

Speaking to Hibernian TV after yesterday’s defeat, a dejected Stubbs said: “It’s basic mistakes that we seem to be conceding goals and at this moment in time we are getting severely punished for them.

“It’s great to come back from goals but I’d rather see us getting the first goal and commanding the game but we are doing some silly things and are not helping ourselves.

“You can’t legislate for things like that. You can work on the training ground and do all sorts of shape work.

“The hardest thing in football is scoring goals and the fact that we are giving team opportunities and gifting goals is not helping us and to come from behind is not an easy thing in football to do.

“We have just got to get ourselves together and improve and put the results right, it’s as simple as that. It’s only us and the players that can do that.

“You can either feel sorry for yourself or do something about it and we need to do something about it.

“It was an alarm call for Dominique (Malonga) to come into a game like that with the frenetic pace   against defenders who were coming into the back of him. It’s not the strongest part of his game, we want to get balls into his feet and turn but we still have to deal with it. We have to get better quality of service into him. We didn’t get behind them enough and when we did get in there we didn’t capitalise on the opportunities.”

“Thou shall hev a fishy on a little dishy, when the boat comes in!”

Not content with having a fabulous steak restaurant at Picardy Place called Steak, executive Head Chef Jason Wright has opened his second restaurant Fish Eatery serving… yep you guessed it fish!

The restaurant has a relaxing and contemporary nautical theme with blue and white colours throughout. In the reception area, those of you who have frequented Picardy Place will recognise the huge bar that used to be where Fish now resides! The restaurant seats 46 so has a real personal feel to it and in the back room there are a couple of fab booths you can reserve for larger groups.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through to Saturday from 12 noon until 11pm. Fish Eatery’s menu features dishes such as citrus lemon sole, fish stew, halibut kiev (we will come back to this baby later!) and chicken and lobster macaroni for main courses with a wide selection of starters and desserts too, as well as an early tea time menu available until 6.30pm. All of the fish is sourced from Scottish fishmonger Gary Welch who is locally famous for offering the best fish, shellfish and seafood in Scotland.

The aim of the restaurant is to be an affordable fish restaurant where people can go and enjoy fresh fish, full of flavour any day of the week, the restaurant steers away from the usual shellfish and ½ lobster and focuses on the staple fish that is part of everyone’s diet.

We were lucky enough to be invited to go for dinner. I arrived at the restaurant knowing that we were going to Picardy Place but suddenly realised I didn’t know whether to go and ask the people in Steak where to go or try the hotel! As the menu was on the fence closest to the hotel we opted for that door and were correct (phew!)

The reception leads in to the bar area where we were greeted by the loveliest waitress I have met in a very long time. She was so delighted to explain to us the drinks lists and then chat through the wines, recommending an excellent white that we both loved. We sat at the bar and chatted with the staff about their favourite dishes and perused the menu. The restaurant has a really warm and friendly atmosphere and somewhere you could walk in for a mid-week meal as well as go for a special occasion.

I ordered the dressed crab which came sat in its own shell and looked very appetising but unfortunately there was only the white meat so not your usual dressed crab, but the meat was clearly very fresh and tasted beautiful.  My partner ordered the rollmop herrings and they arrived in a little can with the most incredible deep fried gherkins! I’ve never had them before and they went really well with the vinegary flavour of the fish. 

For main course I ordered the mussels (£15 a Kilo) in cider and bacon which is the best sauce for mussels ever! Move over Mariniere – there’s a new sauce in town! Plump juicy mussels with chips is always a winner for me.

Moving on to the Halibut Kiev (£15) – yes I said halibut not chicken. This is such a great idea for a dish harking back to dinners after school, though this was much better presented than Dad’s Kiev, chips and beans! The beans were served with crab meat and fish stock and had tons of smoky flavour which matched the fish perfectly but our waffles could have done with a bit longer in the fryer so I was nice and traded for a few of my chips which were perfectly cooked. I personally didn’t like the dish as much as my mussels but my partner thought it was really very good.

For dessert I had the Chocolate and Marmalade Tart (£6) which was served warm with an anglaise sauce. The flavour of the chocolate and orange was perfectly balanced and one of the nicest chocolate tarts I have ever had.

We had a fantastic meal at Fish and love the aim of working with everyday fish and making it fabulous.

We will definitely be going back soon!

Police are appealing for witnesses following a report of a firearm being discharged at two addresses in the Gilmerton area of Edinburgh last night (22 September).

Significant enquiries are under way after a firearm was discharged at a parked vehicle, within The Murrays Brae about 9.30pm.

A short time later a firearm was also discharged at a house in Gilmerton Dykes Drive, Edinburgh.

Police are also linking this with a suspicious incident, about 10pm at Walter Scott Avenue, where it is believed unknown persons have approached an address. There are no reports of anyone having been injured as a result of any of the incidents.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said: “This is a significant police enquiry and I would appeal for anyone who has any information that could assist with this investigation to come forward. I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area or immediate streets surrounding the addresses, at the time, and may have seen anything suspicious, to contact police immediately on 101.”

Chief Inspector Mark Patterson said: “Incidents like this are extremely rare but in light of this we have stepped up high visibility patrols in the area of Gilmerton and the Inch.

Members of the public can also be reassured that we have a dedicated enquiry team actively pursuing those responsible.”

Stew-Mel eventually overcome Marr for their season’s opening win

National League newcomers, Marr RFC, visited sunny Inverleith for their third round match against last year’s League runner’s-up, Stewarts-Melville. With three defeats and a draw between them, both sides were looking for that elusive first win.

And it was the home side that took an early lead with a try from No.14, Matt Morrell, who was bundled over in the corner for the five points. Nick McCashin then scored the kick to give Stew-Mel a 7-0 lead after just six minutes. However, it only took the visitors a couple of minutes to get on the scoreboard with a long range penalty from their No.10, Rory McGee. The next 20 minutes or so of the match were frustrating for Stew-Mel supporters as their team, worked their way upfield several times, only to be turned over at the breakdown by a the fiercely competitive Marr pack. But, with 10 minutes to go, a successful penalty from McCashin stretched the lead out to 10-3. Straight from the off, however, Marr drove upfield and from a line-out in the home 22, drove No. 7, Paul Burke over for a try. With McGee’s successful conversion, the sides were drawn at 10-10.

Back on the attack in the final few minutes, Morrell was stopped just short, but from the resultant recycle, Stew-Mel won another penalty, which McCashin saw over to take the sides into the break at 13-10.

Marr’s McGee drew the sides level again after 15 minutes of the second half. Once again, Stew-Mel attacked from the off and drove Marr back onto their own 22, only a bit of over-ambition keeping the Inverleith side out. But pressure told, and following a break from the centre of the field, another deep incursion was finished off by Mike Hanning running round on the overlap to touch down behind the posts. Another kick over form McCashin pulled the home side out to a seven point lead at 20-13.

With the match entering the fourth quarter, Marr duplicated Stew-Mel’s effort with a fine try from their No.14, Scott Bickerstaff, who stepped inside the Stew-Mel wing to gallop over, touch down and, following the kick from McGee, bring the sides level at 20-20. But it didn’t last as the Inverleith side turned the wick up a touch and threw all they had at Marr. With just less than 15 minutes of the match left, a quick tap penalty around half way by Alan Whittingham, caught the away side on the hop and a bit of desperate defending failed to prevent the inside ball off the floor puting McCashin through a yawning gap for Stew-Mel’s fourth, and bonus-point, try. McCashin then ‘netted’ his conversion and the gap was back out to seven at 27-20. Stew-Mel were now in the driving seat and with 10 minutes left scored their fifth and final try through front-row, Hugh Lindsay who broke through the centre of the defence to score near the posts. McCashin scored the kick and at 34-20, and a few minutes left to play, Marr had little chance of coming back. It didn’t stop them trying, though, as they put the home defence under a fair bit of pressure, but the match ended with no further scoring and Stew-Mel were the victors at 34-20.

It was a frustrating first half for the home support with Stew-Mel losing possession at almost every breakdown, but they eventually got it together for a fine win against an opposition who refused to go away.

Images from the match will be available here over the next few days.

Morning worship at St Giles

Autumn colours

Volunteer Fair

After Dark at the Botanics

Gallery on the Corner

Today in Edinburgh the morning service at St Giles will be attended by some of the Scottish politicians involved in the Scottish Independence Referendum over the last two years and is being live streamed here.

The Lord Provost the Rt Hon Donald Wilson, John Swinney, Douglas Alexander Ruth Davidson and Alistair Darling are expected to be in attendance.

The idea behind the service is to reunite politicians in Scotland following what the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland views as a divisive battle.

The Church of Scotland’s post referendum service of unity and common purpose at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Sunday, 21 September at 11.30am is open to the public.

1000 people are expected to attend, including leaders from the Better Together and Yes Campaigns who will contribute readings during the service.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev John Chalmers, will preach on the need to promote healing where there has been hurt and unity where there has been division.

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Now that autumn seems to be finally upon us would you share with us some of your photos of autumn colours? EdinburghReportage has a new storyboard waiting to be painted in colours of autumn leaves, fruit you have picked for jam-making or your own observations on what autumn brings to mind. EdinburghReportage stories can be told in photos, video or in words – so let’s sum up autumn! And the photos can be from anywhere not just Edinburgh. EdinburghReportage is here for this and any other contributions you might like to make!

Show off those lovely mushrooms you have picked or brambles that you see. When we have collated a few photos then the storyboard may be published here on The Edinburgh Reporter.

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Later this week the capital’s volunteering event of the year takes place. The fair will showcase volunteering opportunities from across the city, helping to put volunteers in touch with volunteer involving organisations and vice-versa.

When? Wednesday 24th September 2014
What time? Open to the public between 11.00am – 7.00pm
Where? At St Paul’s and St George’s Church on York Place

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The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to open after dark with magical light event
Under cover of darkness, in the heart of the City, the abundant natural landscape of ‘the Botanics’ will come alive this winter, when the gates are opened to visitors at night-time. Who knows how many pairs of little glowing ‘eyes’ will be keeping watch over them as the Garden sheds some light on its after-dark secrets?

This November, visitors to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) will be invited to enter the Garden after dark for a spectacular outdoor event featuring a magical combination of light and nature. It is the first outdoor light experience of its kind to be organised by the Garden.

Night in the Garden, which starts on 30 October and runs until 23 November, has been created by the Botanics and Edinburgh-based Unique Events, in association with Scottish light artist Malcolm Innes and his colleague Euan Winton. The artists’ vision means that night-time visitors will be able to make their way through a one kilometre route full of light and shadow and experience the Botanics in an entirely new manner, with interactive stations and a few unexpected surprises along the way.

The outdoor trail will use the Garden’s favourite features, such as the famous Victorian Glasshouses and Pond, as the backdrop for extraordinary light effects. Visitors can watch ‘the sun’ set inside the Palm House, see a host of sparkling lights suspended over water and enjoy enchanting illuminations that bring the indoors outside. They will also have the opportunity to create their own light show by manipulating some of the installations themselves.

Heather Jackson, RBGE’s Director of Enterprise, commented: “This is a chance for those who know and love the Edinburgh Garden, as well as new visitors of course, to see it in a completely different light – quite literally.

“We have over 700,000 daytime visitors a year and we are often asked if it’s possible to come at night, so we thought we’d come up with something unique to create a truly enchanting experience.

“The planned light installations by Malcolm promise to be spectacular, and by combining the wonder of light with the secrets of the trees and nature we have in abundance, it will certainly be a magical evening to remember for our night-time visitors.”

Malcolm Innes said: “The Garden at night is already a magical place, as some of the most recognisable features softly merge into the darkness. It is this new reality that we will be manipulating to create installations that span the range from grand spectacle, through romantic and beautiful, to mysterious and tiny.

“The kind of hard edged, simplified geometry we learn at school is seldom discussed in relation to the natural world, but when the two are brought together, the visual effect can be magical. Come and join us and bring the family as we turn the world inside out and make the invisible, visible.”

The event will be open to members of the public with an hour-long experience allowing visitors to participate in something that they have never seen before, with different parts of the route being jaw-droppingly spectacular, some romantic and pretty, and others just a wee bit spooky – although not enough to put the kids off. Night in the Garden is an event for all the family.

The experience is being delivered by RBGE and Unique Events, Scotland’s leading independent events company; organisers of the capital’s famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations and large-scale outdoor festivals and events. ‘Botanic Lights’ installations are designed by Malcolm Innes and Euan Winton of Edinburgh Napier University, and Leith-based Black Light is working with the partners to deliver lighting installation technical support.

Pete Irvine of Unique Events said: “Unique Events is delighted to be involved in this exciting and innovative project. The Botanics is one of Edinburgh’s best loved places to visit in any season, but we will never have experienced it like this.”

Visitors to Night in the Garden will be required to purchase tickets in advance for a specific date and time slot. Tickets will go on sale soon, with further details about how to get them, along with information about timings and facilities on offer, to be released over the next few weeks. In the meantime, further information about the event can be seen on the website.

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First Minister Alex Salmond has said that the independence movement will go on but his time as leader of the SNP and thus as First Minister is nearly over. He will not accept nomination as the Leader of the SNP at the party’s conference in November and will be replaced as First Minister shortly thereafter.

The Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP commented on the resignation :

“Members from across the chamber will recognise the First Minister as an outstanding parliamentarian and will join me in recognition of his substantial achievements and public service as an MP, MSP and as Scotland’s longest serving First Minister. He will bow out following the most remarkable national debate and democratic renewal of our nation.”

This is The Daily Telegraph’s video of his resignation speech:

The move was perhaps inevitable but still caused surprise among many of the national politicians and the party faithful.

The Scottish National Party has witnessed a growth in membership of almost 5,000 following the referendum on Thursday.

Commenting, SNP Business Convenor Derek McKay said:

“Seeing our membership spike by nearly 5,000 is incredibly encouraging.

“Some will no doubt be coming from Labour – whose traditional heartlands were voting Yes on Thursday – but many will be new to politics, and they will continue the legacy of the referendum, and the amazing level of engagement we saw.”

So who else is there to lead The Scottish Government now?

There are two main candidates but there is still time between now and November for any one of the current Cabinet members to raise their leadership head above the parapet.

Nicola Sturgeon is Deputy First Minister and widely viewed as the natural successor.  Sturgeon led the independence campaign for much of the time, partly it is said to ensure that much of the debate was wider than simply Mr Salmond himself.

John Swinney already served as Leader of the SNP for four years  until 2004 when he stepped down due to the SNP’s poor showing in the European elections, and appears not to be seeking any SNP positions now. A former pupil of Forrester High School and the University of Edinburgh where he graduated in Politics, he has been a lifelong career politician and is Finance Secretary in the Scottish Government.  He is said to support Sturgeon’s bid to be declared leader although she has not yet officially declared herself a contender.

The 80th SNP conference will take place in Perth from 13 to 15 November 2014 at  Perth’s concert hall. Details of the conference are here.

Who do you think would make the best candidate? Comments below please!

We have all become news junkies over recent months – but what is the news where you live?

Is it something really important to you and the people who live in your area?

Tell us about your community council meeting, your plans to run a food bank, your school, your fundraising efforts.

Has a new shop opened? Got a new cafe to go to? Did your team do really well?

Then tell us here!

EdinburghReportage is where The Edinburgh Reporter asks you to get involved in reporting the news where you are. Your contributions will be published here on the EdinburghReportage pages.

We will issue regular calls for Stories, which can be told with words, photos or video on a wide variety of topics. We will also ask you to suggest stories here.

All submissions will be moderated, but as long as you abide by the rules then your story will get published!

Art Root Open Studios: want a day out in sunny East Lothian? This year’s Art Root is the most ambitious to date and includes not only lots of open studios but also group exhibitions and a range of bookable workshops and events. Come and visit the talented artists and makers who live in this beautiful corner of Scotland – it’s only a few short miles from the city! Venues in North Berwick, Dunbar, Direlton, Pencaitland, East Linton, West Barns, Whitekirk and stops in between. Plenty of great cafes and tea shops in the area. Full details and PDF brochure here. A great day out guaranteed – even if the sun isn’t…..

Edinburgh Canoe Marathon: a great opportunity for canoe and kayak marathon  paddlers to race in the heart of Edinburgh. The race is over four courses and there should be a distance suitable for all paddlers. Event starts at Meggatland Bridge, EH14 1DD: use car par on north side of canal only. Registration opens at 9.30am: briefings for medium (12k), short (6k) and junior (under 12s) races start at 10.40am, briefing for long race (18k) starts at 9.50am. Entry fees: senior £4, junior £3 plus you must for insurance purposes be a member of the Scottish Canoe Association or the British Canoe Union to participate – day membership will be available for £5.  Enter in advance by contacting mjames@rgare.com, or on the day. More information here.

Colony of Artists: a varied collection of work on display in the artisan community of Abbeyhill Colonies. Over 30 artists in 20 venues open their homes to show painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, music and much more. 1-5pm, Abbeyhill Colonies, junction of Easter Road and London Road: for more information see website here. Arrival by bus or on foot is recommended.

Stockfest: St Stephen’s Street Traders’ Association Street Party: shopping events, live music, craft stalls, demonstrations, fun for all the family. 12 noon-5pm, St Stephen’s Street, Stockbridge.

GENERATION tours at the Academy Building: free, discussion-led tours of the GENERATION exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am or 1-1.45pm, The Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound. No booking required.

Bags of Art – September: cool and creative art for ages 7-12 with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. 2-4pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. No booking required: free.

Hearing Impaired Tour – American Impressionism: a New Vision. Free tour with portable loops for the hearing impaired, with artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb. 11am-12 noon, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. To book a free place contact the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.

Harvest Festival at the Botanics: a celebration of the vegetable growing year for all ages. Discover the delights of growing your own vegetables with the Edible Gardening Project team: community garden produce show, fun activities, edible gardening advice, information about harvesting, cooking and storing crops, seasonal recipes, tasters and more. 1-4pm, John Hope Gateway and throughout the Garden, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free, no booking required.

Seeds of Time: follow crop diversity pioneer Cary Fowler in this film about his impassioned journey to re-invent a global food system that can ‘live forever.’ UK Premiere and bike powered screening! 7.30-9.15pm (doors open 7pm), Gateway Decking (outdoors), Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Tickets £6/£4 can be booked here. Part of the Take One Action Film Festival. 

St Giles at Six: Voiceworks. Vocal solos, duets and ensemble items from composers including Mozart, Morricone and Sullivan. 6pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free: retiring collection.

Autumn Lecture: Rev Dr Marjory MacLean talks about the Forces Chaplaincy. 7-8pm (refreshments served at 6.30pm), Church Halls, Morningside Parish Church, Cluny Gardens/Braid Road, Morningside. All welcome.

SPFL Championship, Saturday 20 September 2014 – Tynecastle

After a week where Scotland’s people decided to remain as part of the UK, thoughts turned to somewhat more mundane matters at Tynecastle on Saturday afternoon as Hearts entertained Cowdenbeath in the SPFL Championship. After last week’s goalless draw at Dumbarton, Robbie Neilson’s side were looking to get back on track against a side who gave Hibs an almighty fright at Easter Road last weekend. After a decidedly shaky first half, the Maroons did eventually get on track to record what turned out to be another comprehensive win in the league this season.

There was a pre-match blow the home side when Kevin McHattie and Sam Nicholson failed fitness tests and were replaced by debutant Adam Eckersley and Jamie Walker. On the plus side there was a welcome return to the team for Calum Paterson, having recovered from an injury sustained in Hearts opening weekend victory at Ibrox.

Jimmy Nicholl’s Cowdenbeath caused Hibernian all sorts of problems across the city seven days ago and it was clear the Blue Brazil were in the mood to do the same to Edinburgh’s top team. Several challenges of the physical variety were made by the visitors early on but referee Craig Charleston didn’t see fit to brandish a yellow card in the early stages. Hearts, as you might expect, were dominant and they deservedly took the lead after 15 minutes. A sublime pass from skipper Danny Wilson found Billy King inside the Cowden penalty box. The youngster took a touch before driving the ball past keeper Thomson to put the home side in front. However, the lead didn’t last long.

Five minutes later Oyengua drove an effort which was saved by Hearts keeper Neil Alexander; however Gallagher fired in the rebound to stun the home support in the 15,000 plus crowd – another phenomenal attendance at Tynecastle this season. Osman Sow almost put Hearts in front again but his effort produced a fine save from Thomson. The first half petered out with Hearts, particularly defender Alim Ozturk, looking too casual at times and the team’s frustration spread itself to the stands. Half-time Hearts 1 Cowdenbeath 1

If Head Coach Robbie Neilson felt the same as the Hearts supporters did at half time he would have had a word or two in the ears of some of the Hearts players at the interval. Whatever he said had an immediate effect as Hearts went straight on the attack. Osman Sow linked up brilliantly with Billy King and the Big O’s shot was well saved by keeper Thomson. Buoyed by this, Hearts went ahead in the 48^th minute. Adam Eckersley’s cross from the left was headed home by Jamie Walker and the sense of relief around Tynecastle was palpable.

Seven minutes later, Walker was fouled inside the penalty box and Hearts were awarded a penalty kick. Sow did his usual expert job from the spot and Hearts were 3-1 ahead.

The Maroons were now displaying the passing game which had destroyed Falkirk a few weeks back and which had been sadly lacking from their first half display. Substitute Soufian El Hassnaoui made an immediate impression with a brilliant pass to Sow but the big Swede fired his effort into the Gorgie Stand, to the chagrin of the Hearts support.

With ten minutes to go, Hearts made it 4-1. Fine work from Sow set up another substitute, Dale Carrick, who fired in a low shot past the Cowden keeper to ensure the three points would remain in Gorgie. Carrick almost added another moments later with a tremendous effort from 25 yards which struck the Cowden crossbar and bounced to safety. The impressive Carrick was not to be denied a second goal, however. With four minutes left his effort from a similar distance flew past Thomson to complete the scoring at 5-1 to Hearts.

Such a scoreline, of course, is synonymous with Hearts famous Scottish Cup final triumph over Hibernian more than two years ago and the home support bellowed their appreciation.

It was, as the cliché goes, a game of two halves. In the first period Hearts huffed and puffed and struggled to deal with the sometimes overly-physical attentions of the visitors. It seemed Hearts had resorted to long ball tactics which suited Cowdenbeath. However, in the second half, Hearts went back to the quick passing style which has been their trademark this season and this brought their just reward.

With Rangers dropping two points and Hibernian losing again, Hearts are now three points clear at the top of the league, the damage from last week’s draw at Dumbarton remedied by Rangers inability to defeat Alloa Athletic. Hearts are now 10 points ahead of the ailing Hibees which, even at this stage in the season, is a significant gap.

Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Wilson, Ozturk, Gomis, Walker, Robinson, King, Keatings, Sow, Eckersley.

Cowdenbeath: Thomson, Campbell, Armstrong, Wedderburn, Robertson, Higgins, Gallagher, Brett, Oyenuga, Fraser, Hughes.

Referee: Craig Charleston

Att: 15,594.

 

photo – Mike Smith

Top man: Danny Wilson – the captain was immense today.

Alan Stubbs’ Hibs lost to Queen of the South for the first time in a league fixture in 50 years this afternoon at Palmerston Park.

In a poor game with few chances created by either side, an Ian McShane goal in the first half secured the points for the managerless Doonhamers who remain fourth, five points clear of seventh-place Hibs.

Alan Stubbs made two changes to the starting XI who beat Cowdenbeath last week, with new signings Dominique Malonga and Jake Sinclair replacing Paul Heffernan and Scott Allan.

On-loan Sinclair started brightly and threaded an inch perfect pass through for Matt Kennedy, who did well before his shot was easily saved by goalkeeper Zander Clark.

Andy Dowie then went close for Queens before Reilly unselfishly squared the ball to McShane who capped off a fine run from deep in midfield with a calm finish past Mark Oxley to give the home side the lead.

Hibs had the chance to equalise just before the break, but Congo international Malonga wayward free kick flew well over the bar.

A Paul Hanlon header from a Kennedy’s cross almost levelled the scoring just after half time then substitute Jason Cummings had an effort cleared for a corner as Hibs looked to get back into the game in front of their own supporters.

Queens looked the more likely to score however and local lad Iain Russell headed narrowly over.

With time running out, Oxley was thrown up front at a set piece but the 6ft 3in keeper was unable to trouble the home defence.

Hibs travel to Dingwall on Tuesday to play equally off form Ross County in the League Cup then head to Ibrox a week on Monday.

Queen of the South: Clark, Higgins, Durnan, Dowie, Holt, McShane, Fowler, Carmichael, Russell, Reilly, Lyle. Subs Baird, Kidd, Dzierzawski, Atkinson, Slattery, Hooper, Smith.

Hibs, Oxley, Gray, Stevenson, Hanlon, Forster, Robertson, Stanton, McGeough, Sinclair, Kennedy, Malonga. Subs Fontaine, Craig, Handling, Allan, Booth, Perntreou, Cummings.

Ref Alan Muir

Attendance 3083

Police in Edinburgh were called to a disturbance in the street at Restalrig Circus around 1am this morning where a man was found with serious injuries. The 46 year old was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but was later pronounced dead.

Police have now launched a murder enquiry and are appealing for anyone with information to contact police.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie said: “This is a murder enquiry and we are keen to trace three men who were seen in the area at the time. We believe the victim had been in the Tor public house prior to the murder.

“Anyone who believes they heard or saw anything that could help with this investigation should contact police on 101.”‪

The Hibernian Historical Trust are looking to expand their successful Football Memories Project which helps men and women living with dementia.

It is a chilling statistic, but over 84,000 people in Scotland have a diagnosis of dementia, which is the equivalent of every spectator on an average Scottish football weekend.

Many of those affected have short term memory problems, but are able to recall events from the past with some clarity, and recognising   this, a joint project between Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden Park, helps men with dementia by reviving memories of players, matches, goals and incidents from football matches in their younger days.

Around  fifty Football Memories groups have been established across Scotland, from the Shetland Isles in the north to Stranraer in the south, where people with dementia and other memory problems gather to enjoy looking back at old photos and memorabilia.

Several key people in Scottish Football have been only too willing to become supporters, including the late great Lawrie Reilly and Peter Cormack from Hibs as well as Sir Alex Ferguson, Craig Brown, Andy Roxburgh, Billy Stark Craig Levine and Willie Miller.

The work is also backed by the Scottish Professional Footballers Association, the Scottish League Managers and Coaches Association and the Scottish Highland League.

The level of detail in the recall of the men attending can be quite spectacular, and the project aims to record many of the stories which emerge for future use and to avoid part of the nation’s football heritage being lost forever..

The project was launched two years ago and trains volunteers to spend time with people with dementia who have an interest in football, talking about teams and matches from the past and working with images and memorabilia to stimulate memories. The project is a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum, and is supported by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and BUPA Care Homes.

So far, hundreds of people with dementia have benefitted from the programme, and a number of relatives have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved. One woman told the organisers: “I drive here with a man with Dementia and I return with my husband,” whilst another said: “It’s the only time I hear him speak. I can’t believe that’s him doing all that talking. He doesn’t say anything at home except yes and no.”

The Hibernian Historical Trust have been holding such meetings within the West Stand of Easter Road Stadium for several months, thanks to the generosity of the club, and such has been the success of the project that organisers are appealing for help from the public to identify people in the early stages of dementia who would benefit from attending.

Club Historian Tom Wright told the Edinburgh Reporter: “We have plenty volunteers willing to help and we are looking to expand our involvement in the programme. Hibs provide excellent facilities and we are keen to help as many men and women as possible. Although the meetings are held in Easter Road, fans of all teams are made welcome, not just Hibs’ supporters. In fact, since we started Celtic , Hearts and St Johnstone fans have attended.

“The only stipulation is that we can not guarantee transport so anyone wishing to attend has to make their own way to and from the stadium although we are happy to accommodate friends or family who want to accompany them.

“Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from our meetings should email curator@hibshistoricaltrust.org.uk for more information.

On EdinburghReportage we have a whole range of storyboards just waiting for your contributions. These storyboards allow you to add text, photos and videos. And today we would particularly like to invite you to share your time-lapse videos with us.

Inspired by Queen Margaret University professor Walid Salhab to produce your own time lapse film?  Here is his latest…

[vimeo 105378561 w=500 h=281]

Edinburgh: Festival City In Motion from walid salhab on Vimeo.

There are many ways to produce these videos and many technical rules about how to smooth out the results.

We produced this one a while back at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl7JcgduQ4k]

This was done with a camera, a tripod and a remote control followed by an edit through Aperture.

But now there are easier ways to produce really good results. Recently we have used our Instagram account to bring you video news ‘on the fly’ from wherever we happen to be.

Do you use Instagram to film video? Then perhaps you have the new Hyperlapse App? The new free app was launched recently and this page is where you will find information to help you use it.

So why not have a shot at producing a time lapse video this weekend and publish the video to our time lapse storyboard here?

You might be out for a walk in the Pentlands, walking up Arthur’s seat or you might be a passenger in a car when you have two hands to film the streets you pass through.

EdinburghReportage is where The Edinburgh Reporter asks you to get involved in reporting the news where you are. Your contributions will be published here on the EdinburghReportage pages.

We will issue regular calls for Stories, which can be told with words, photos or video on a wide variety of topics. We will also ask you to suggest stories that you would like to contribute to

All submissions will be moderated, but as long as you abide by the rules then your story will get published!

Harlaw Hydro

Take One Action Festival

Strictly Prancing – tickets left for   tonight

Colony of Artists

Farmers’ Markets

The council leader Andrew Burns has written in his latest monthly Leader’s Report about the latest cooperative project in Edinburgh. A fan of cooperatives Burns said:

“I am delighted that work has now begun to develop a hydro electricity generation scheme at Edinburgh’s Harlow Reservoir, a community led initiative that will harness enough energy from the water to power more than 50 homes.

“Due to be completed by the end of the year, the project aims to save more than 129 tonnes of carbon dioxide and produce 260,000Wh of green electricity. It has the backing of 240 shareholders, myself included, with around 70 per cent from the local Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green communities. Further investment is still required and the project is calling for additional backers.

“As I’ve said before, we are aiming to become a more Cooperative Council through, amongst other things, promoting the development of cooperatives and other social enterprises. Please visit the Council website for further information.”

The Edinburgh Reporter was at the recent launch of Harlaw Hydro and you can watch our video here:

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

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The Take One Action Film Festival is now underway so if you have any activism left in you then this is the place for you.

“Take One Action – Scotland’s Film Festival for inspiring social change cinema and movies that matter – kicks off this year the day after the Independence referendum.

In its seventh year, Take One Action Film Festival will screen the best films on social justice, global activism and environmental issues, from 19 September to 04 October 2014 in several venues in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Many events will be presented in association with the Festival’s long-term partners: Christian Aid, Oxfam, Unison, the World Development Movement and NIDOS (the Network of International Development Organisations in Scotland).

With a bumper crop of 10 UK premieres and 4 Scottish premieres, Take One Action 2014 is shining a light on inspiring stories of change, including a new strand focusing on nonviolent protest. It opens on 19 September at Filmhouse, Edinburgh, with the UK premiere of Everyday Rebellion, a kaleidoscope of peaceful civil disobedience at its most creative which takes in the Occupy movement, Syrian and Iranian opposition activists, Femen and Spanish Indignados.

Find out information on individual screenings and events on the festivals webpage.

 

Here is the full programme

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-Take-One-Action-Film-Festival-Programme-Guide.pdf

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Aberlour, Scotland’s Children’s Charity, today announced the judges for their flagship Edinburgh fundraising event, the popular and prestigious Strictly Come #Prancing.

Strictly Come Prancing, which is based on the popular TV programme Strictly Come Dancing, will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on Saturday 20 September, and promises to be a perfect evening of fun, entertainment and fine dining.

Lined up to judge the dancers on the evening are Andy Hamilton (CEO of CompanyNet), Pamela Mundt (of Microsoft Scotland) who won Strictly Come Prancing 2013, and Senay Taormina (Head of Dance at the MGA Academy)

The event is being sponsored by CompanyNet and supported by Microsoft, with monies raised going towards Aberlour Family Outreach – Edinburgh, a service which works with families across the city who are experiencing difficulties with substance use.

Tickets are priced at £70 per person and will include a champagne reception, followed by a three course dinner. This will then be followed by a live dance show, with couples made up of the great and good of Edinburgh, each of whom will be performing a specially choreographed dance routine.  At the end of the evening, the audience will be able to vote for their favourite couple who will be crowned Edinburgh Strictly Come Prancing Winners 2014. The dance floor will then be opened to all guests with live music from Sainsbury’s Bank’s very own band The Back Office until the wee small hours.

Aberlour Fundraiser, Nicola Gandy said, “Aberlour’s really pleased and excited to be returning to Edinburgh with Strictly Come Prancing. I’m really pleased that CompanyNet is sponsoring the evening, and that Microsoft are also continuing to support Aberlour. Their support really will make a difference to Scotland’s vulnerable children and young people.

This promises to be a fabulous evening of champagne, fine dining and some brilliant dancing. It’s going to be unmissable. We’ve got a whole host of fantastic couples lined up to dance the night away and we’ve got a great panel of judges. I can’t wait.”

Andy Hamilton, CEO of CompanyNet commented, “Working with Aberlour is hugely rewarding, and we’re tremendously pleased that we’re able to support Scotland’s leading children’s charity. I’m looking forward to a fantastic evening and hopefully, some fantastic dancing.”

Pamela Mundt of Microsoft Scotland said, “We are delighted to be continuing to support such a great and worthwhile cause. We’ve seen first-hand what a difference Aberlour makes to the lives of Scotland’s children and young people and we’re looking forward to continuing our long standing relationship with our chosen charity”

Senay Taormina, Head of Dance at MGA Academy said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Aberlour on Strictly Come Prancing again this year. It’s a great event to be involved with; a fun evening for everyone, while helping to raise money for such a great cause.”

Tickets are available now for Strictly Come #Prancing which takes place on the evening of September 20 2014 at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.aberlour.org.uk/prancing

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Colony of Artists takes place this weekend.

30 artists

20 houses

Many pieces of art for you to have a look at.

More information here.

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The Farmers Market in Castle Terrace and then the Stockbridge Market held tomorrow will do their best to entice you with good fresh food.

On a dull, misty, September day, Scotland reluctantly decided to stay with the rest of Britain, for better or for worse, and we lost our First Minister as a result. We are not used to such dramatic events. We usually live a quiet life, eking out a modest living on the north west fringe of Europe.

But in a single volcanic day we were subjected to a series of political shocks. First we astounded ourselves with a turnout of 85 per cent to answer a startlingly fundamental question: “Should Scotland be an independent country ?” As the results started to come in, Glasgow’s answer was Yes, so was Dundee’s, and we thought the opinion polls were wrong and that Alex Salmond and the SNP might win.

Then as the night wore on, it became clear that the rest of Scotland had voted No, and by even more than the opinion polls were predicting, 55 per cent to 45 per cent. At 6am, Alex Salmond, graciously I thought, accepted the decision of the people and called on the Westminster politicians to fulfil their vows to deliver more powers to the Scottish parliament.

Within an hour the Prime Minister was on his doorstep in Downing Street promising to do just that, and more. England, Wales and Northern Ireland were also to have greater devolved powers, and on the same time-table as Scotland.

And herein lies the rub, because such a complex federalisation of the British state can hardly be delivered in a few months. Especially at Westminster, which, when viewed from Scotland, seems to be a witches cauldron of party bickering, bonuses, expenses, austerity, welfare cuts, privatisation and euro-scepticism.

Then, at 4pm, came the final shock of this extraordinary day. Alex Salmond announced he was quitting as leader of the SNP and therefore as First Minister. He had taken the independence movement as far as it would go, for the moment, and it was time for a new leader “to hold Westminster’s feet to the fire” and deliver more powers to the Scottish Parliament.

The master tactician had decided that it was best for him to leave while his departure was still a surprise. He is taking responsibility for the SNP’s defeat but, in a way, the referendum campaign has also been his triumph. It has set the political heather on fire, re-invented the public meeting and the discussion of political matters in homes, colleges, work-places, gyms, pubs, trains and maybe even planes. Never have so many Saltires been flown. It has lifted the turnout at elections from the usual 60 per cent to 85 per cent and swelled support for independence from 30 per cent to 45 per cent. For the last week it has even engaged the London media and the Westminster political class. And today, it has shaken the constitutional bedrock of Britain.

Not bad for one balding, middle aged man from Linlithgow. Alex Salmond has been leader of the SNP for 10 years – following an earlier 10 year stint. He has brought the party from a poor third, to the winner of two elections and to the referendum that, arguably, has changed Scotland and Britain for ever, despite resulting in a clear No.

The new leader of the SNP will undoubtedly be the feisty Nicola Sturgeon who eats unionist politicians for breakfast and has brought women and the city of Glasgow into the political conversation. She will now be pitched against David Cameron and Ed Miliband in the fight for Scottish home rule.

It will probably be a messy affair. Ordinary people will turn back to their own lives and leave politics to the politicians. The world’s media will decamp to other crises and Scotland will slip back into being a quiet backwater on the western fringe of Europe.

But we have lived through interesting times and been though a searing 24 hours.

On the day after the historic Scottish Independence Referendum the First Minister called a press conference at Bute House to issue his resignation as leader of the SNP and as First Minister by the time of the SNP conference in November.