Photo by Craig Mitchell

Ever since 2008, the Glaswegian outfit have been on an impressive trajectory supporting the likes of Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance; while even being personally sought out and invited by Smashing Pumpkins’ ex-drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin, to support the illustrious alternative rock band at their Glasgow arena show. So after rising to significant heights due to the unprecedented yet highly deserved success of their previous album, Free, Twin Atlantic are back.

Attempting to “claim indie rock domination” while playing at Edinburgh’s petite Liquid Room is perhaps nonsensical, but a pre-tour always brings out the main surprises which are songs that will probably not be played again in the main tour. Unusually, the band brought out more Vivarium material and even a song that hadn’t been played in two and a half years: ‘Caribbean War Syndrome’.

The new songs were what the hardcore fans – who were placed at the front after queuing since early afternoon – wanted to hear. Twin Atlantic brought out five songs from their new album (out next Monday), Great Divide, and the crowd didn’t shy away or show any sort of apprehension towards the new songs. ‘Brother and Sisters’, with its You Me At Six-esque chorus, had the crowd up in arms and harmony, while ‘I Am An Animal’ and ‘Heart And Soul’ received a riotous crowd reception. ‘Fall Into the Party’ essentially repeats the method of how Twin Atlantic rose into commercial success in the first place but more harder hitting. Free was essentially playing it safe to gather Radio 1 plays, Great Divide is perhaps branching out and seeing where the route takes them – by rolling out their various hard rock influences and combining them into one.

Sam McTrusty couldn’t emphasise his admiration for Edinburgh enough – constantly stating how emphatic the crowd were and how beautiful the capital city is. Their version of ‘Crash Land’ being hailed as the best version they’ve ever played live, as McTrusty was drowned by the boisterous voices of the Edinburgh crowd. The band returned the energy of the crowd by putting in an ecstatic performance, while constantly egging the crowd to up their game.

After selling out two gigs at the Barrowlands in their home town of Glasgow in an hour while performing at some other legendary venues in the UK on the same tour in October, Twin Atlantic are evidently on a path to what You Me At Six have achieved – but with more credible and less monotonous music under their belt.

The memories range from the mundane to the magical, sometimes a mix of both: Easter Road lit by gaslight, taking laundry by push cart to the washhouse, playing drums in a band at the Palais de Dance, penny matinees at the Picturedrome.

These vivid recollections and many more have been collected over the years by Edinburgh charity the Living Memory Association (LMA), and are currently part of an exhibition at Ocean Terminal shopping centre.

Alongside quotes from residents and photographs, objects galore are casually dotted around; a Bush radio, colourful Ladybird hardbacks and Christmas annuals, medicine bottles, ration books and cigarette tins.

It’s certainly an intriguing draw, not least because it’s situated in a unit slap bang in the middle of the glitzy shopping centre, alongside High Street retailers, coffee houses and a multiplex cinema.

LMA, founded three decades ago, works across Edinburgh and the Lothians. It runs reminiscence groups and training sessions, produces books and DVDs, provides themed ‘handling boxes’ (containing artefacts for use by community and school groups), and runs a huge online archive of photos.

The charity was offered the unit for free in May and since then thousands have called in to view the exhibition, some of whom have heard about it through word of mouth, and others who stumble upon it by chance.

“It’s been successful from day one. People get it right away,” LMA’s Heather Robertson says cheerily. “It is quite a unique venture and we thought people might not understand it, but very few ask what is for sale!

“We get many people in who have fond memories of the local area, but also curious tourists who are visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia. Our comments book shows people really love it.”

The lease was recently extended to the end of 2014 and LMA plan to host a series of exhibitions over the coming months. The next, in August, is sport-focussed. Taking centre stage will be the story of the Edinburgh Dynamos, an all-woman football team who enjoyed success in the 1940 and 50s.

The new venture means staff and volunteers now divide their time between their main base at Quayside Street (which houses an office and reminiscence/training room), and Ocean Terminal. The latter, with automatically high footfall, has boosted the charity’s profile no end.

Robertson adds: “I think it’s very important that the private sector works with the public sector; it is a symbiotic relationship and there are huge benefits. We are bringing in customers who are then
going round the shops and buying a coffee, and we as a charity get all the benefits of being in a public space.

“At Ocean Terminal we are where the people are, we are connecting with the local community and beyond, and that is the purpose of our charity. It’s a tremendous opportunity.”

• LMA is keen to hear from any offspring of members of the Edinburgh Dynamos. Please phone 0131 553 4580 or email comhist@googlemail.com

Submitted by Rosalind Gibb

Six businesses from Edinburgh have been shortlisted for this year’s Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards – Scotland’s leading environment awards scheme. Wind and Cloud Travel, Grease Monkey Cycles, Edinburgh Leisure, Mercat Tours, Soilutions and Celtic Renewables have been chosen as six out of 24 Scottish businesses.

Companies from all over Scotland entered the Awards, which recognise businesses that contribute to Scotland’s sustainable development through improving processes or developing new products and services.

Wind & Cloud Travel, shortlisted in the Transport category, is an Edinburgh-based tour operator, offering German speaking eco, hiking, trekking, whisky, sailing, food, rail and photography tours for individuals and small groups in Scotland. Grease Monkey Cycles, also shortlisted in the Transport category, is a cycle servicing company who also lend courtesy bikes to customers if necessary and guarantee a turn-around within 48 hours.

Edinburgh Leisure, shortlisted in the Management (large) category, is a social enterprise created to manage and develop sport and leisure services on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. Mercat Tours, shortlisted in the Management (small) category, operates scheduled and private walking tours of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Blair Street Underground Vaults.

Soilutions shortlisted in the Environmental Product and Service category, provide remediation of contaminated soils and waters on sites to remove the need for disposal of contaminated materials to landfill. Celtic Renewables, also shortlisted in the Environmental Product and Service category, is one of the most innovative companies in sustainable biofuel, commercialising the copious residues of Scotland’s most iconic export, the £4-billion malt whisky industry.

The awards aim to encourage efficient use of resources, improvement of environmental performance, enhancement of business competitiveness, and support for wider sustainable development.

2014 has seen a streamlining of the Award categories, comprising Management (SME and Large), Environmental Product or Service, Transport, Co-operation, Hydro-Nation, Circular Economy and Micro Business.

Winners of the 2013 VIBES Awards include Airdrie based, Albert Bartlett & Sons Ltd., Dryden Aqua Ltd., Rabbie’s Small Group Tours and Vegware from Edinburgh, Whitmuir Organics from West Linton, Peeblesshire and Biomatrix Water Solutions in Morayshire. Many of the 2013 winners signed up as VIBES Ambassadors in 2014, promoting the benefits of entering the awards to their wider business networks.

Gillian Bruce, Chair of VIBES, commented: “The VIBES Awards have been recognising champions of sustainability for 15 years it is encouraging to see so many entries from such a wide range of sectors from across Scotland in 2014.

“Scotland’s businesses have proved yet again to be blazing a trail in their sustainable practices and every one of those on the shortlist can be proud of their achievements.”

The VIBES Awards ceremony, which is a great networking opportunity for like-minded businesses, will take place at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow on 27 November 2014. Details are available from http://www.vibes.org.uk

Sponsoring the event and award categories this year are Business Stream, Albert Bartlett and Sons Ltd, ScottishPower, Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland, Lothian Buses Ltd. and NetRegs. The University of Stirling Management School is a venue sponsor.

The VIBES Awards are a strategic partnership between Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, Energy Saving Trust and the 20:20 Climate Group. The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and Bright Green Business.

Submitted by Lucy Nicolson

If you visited LUSH Spa in Princes Street this weekend, you might have been surprised to find yourself greeted by a dog.  No, he wasn’t there to sample the soap or have a massage – though he probably wouldn’t have minded a bit of either.  LUSH invites a different ‘grass roots’ charity into its shop every month to raise funds and this time it was the turn of Springer Rescue for Scotland.

On Sunday Vivienne Benson, one of the charity’s key volunteers, had brought along 6-year old Murphy, who appeared to be the most laid-back dog in the world. Murphy is Vivienne’s own rescue dog and although he’s not a purebred springer, she’s sure he’s got a bit of the breed in him somewhere. Murphy was there to support his brother Dougie, a purebred springer who had selflessly worked the Saturday stint. They didn’t enjoy all that attention and adulation one little bit of course: they’re just good actors….

Vivienne explained that the charity currently has about 25 dogs looking for homes.  Springer Rescue does not have its own kennels; if an animal needs to be rehomed in a hurry it is fostered with a volunteer until a permanent home can be found. As well as funds and new homes, Springer Rescue needs people – could you perhaps transport a dog to its new home or fosterer, or could you become a Fosterer yourself? Perhaps you could help the charity by becoming a Homechecker, visiting people who hope to rehome a spaniel to make sure that their accommodation is suitable? Or maybe you could raise funds to facilitate the rescue of more of these beautiful dogs? There’s lots of information and advice about all of these possibilities on the charity’s website.

Springers are bright, active dogs who need to exercise their minds and their bodies.  The charity rehomes all ages of dogs from all sorts of backgrounds, and will offer owners lots of advice and support to make the experience a positive one for everyone, human or canine.  If you would like to consider rehoming a springer, again take a look at the website or contact them to have a chat.

LUSH’s lovely assistant told us that the company has a team that actively looks for charities that might benefit from its help. LUSH also sells ‘Charity Pots’ of their gorgeous body lotion, and over the weekend 100% of the sale proceeds (less the VAT) go to their charity of the month. The tops  of Charity Pots have pictures of some of the other charities who have benefited from the scheme, such as the Bristol Bike Project and Save Shaker Aamer. The lotion itself contains seven ingredients from LUSH’s very successful SLush Fund, which was set up in 2010 to take the company beyond just buying Fair Trade ingredients and enable it to develop supportive relations with the communities that produce them.

People who buy a Charity Pot during the weekend also get the chance to have a free smoothie – provided they’re prepared to make it themselves on the Smoothie Bike!

So if you’d like to get involved with Springer Rescue (or even if you’d ‘just’ like to make a donation), get in touch with them now.  And if you already volunteer for a local charity that might benefit from LUSH’s help, see the company’s website for details of how to apply, and for information about the many other causes it supports, including the protection of hen harriers, the Peace Campaign in Columbia and the human rights charity Reprieve.

In a time where comedy revolves around gimmicks and over the top publicity, David O’Doherty sits on a desk chair with a children’s keyboard, playing a song about the plight of the relationship between The Curie Twins and Albert Einstein. Off the wall yet wholly relatable, O’Doherty delivers a comedic conversation that has everybody laughing.

“They can dress this up all they like, add these fancy lighting rigs but this is still a lecture theatre…”. He’s right. As he plays from the Assembly Hall in George Square, the audience gather round in neat rows, ready to be lectured in a class about O’Doherty’s comedic wisdom. He has the ability to draw in big crowds with clever jokes that don’t require grotesque language or themes to culminate laughter. That’s not to say his humour is tame, he does teeter on the edge of delightfully dark, often verging into the territory of finding happiness in a world full of disappointment.

He builds up story like jokes that sometimes fall a little flat on a rather fatigued audience, but always redeems himself. As he reels off lengthy gags about product placement deals in a deceptively inventive manner, the audience’s awareness of O’Doherty’s sense of humour is shared, and impressed nods and grins grow. It’s when these come to their culmination that we share in his offbeat humour.

His range of topics stem from the mice in his attic to finding contentedness in a bleak world. It may be a vast and dangerous range to dabble in, but there is no denying that David O’Doherty is indelibly funny, distinctive and smart with his words.

For tickets, head to the Fringe website

Neil Henry’s show is called Impossible for a very good reason –  what Neil does for 60 minutes is I would say impossible! He is not a run of the mill “pick-a-card” or produce flowers from his sleeve kind of magician far from it, Henry does magic tricks that leave you open-mouthed. These are the kind of tricks that scramble your mind and leave you scratching your head.

Having met Neil at last year’s Fringe when he was in a brilliant play called The Curse of Elizabeth Faulkner we have kept in touch over the past year.   I was intrigued why Neil was swapping acting for magic and there will be an interview here later.

This is the man who Stephen Fry called ” A mixture of Rowan Atkinson and my Ironmonger”

Neil Henry’s Impossible is on at 3.50pm at The Cabaret Bar in The Pleasance Courtyard until the 25th August tickets are £7.50 (concessions £6.50)

Hibs have unveiled Academy Coaching Manager Eddie May and Head of Player Identification and Recruitment Graeme Mathie – further strengthening the club’s football department.

May, 46, is a former graduate of Hibernian’s youth set-up and made 124 appearances scoring 15 goals before embarking on a successful coaching career.

Previously Academy Director at Falkirk before experiencing spells working as High Performance Football Coach at the University of Stirling and youth coach at Rangers, May brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the newly-created role and will directly oversee the development of all the club’s Academy players – from under-8s through to under-17s.

Mathie, 31, is a former player with Coventry City and Motherwell, who spent four years in Celtic’s scouting department before experiencing a spell as an SFA development officer.

Head of Football Operations George Craig welcomed the appointments and believes the pair will add incalculable value to the club’s set-up.

Craig told the club website: “We’re delighted to be able to bring both Eddie and Graeme to the club – their roles will be pivotal in ensuring Hibernian continues to move forward.

“Eddie has been hand-picked to lead the Academy moving forward. He will oversee all Academy technical coaching including the Transition Academy with Spartans.

“Eddie’s knowledge and experience of youth football in Scotland made him the perfect fit for this newly-created role within the Academy.

“Graeme will oversee all player recruitment – from the first team right down to the Transition Academy.

“Graeme spent four years in player recruitment at Celtic and he has already been working alongside the club during the summer transfer window, which has led to the arrival of some quality players.”

The club can also confirm that Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh has left the club with immediate effect to take up the post of first team coach at Falkirk.

McDonaugh had been associated with Hibernian’s Academy for several years and led the under-20s and East of Scotland team to success last season.

The club issued a statement on the website saying that they would like to thank James for his contribution and wish him all the best as he embarks on the next chapter in his career.

The latest news from Edinburgh Zoo is in. And it confirms that Tian Tian is pregnant.

Iain Valentine, Director of Giant Pandas for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said:

“The latest scientific data suggests Tian Tian the giant panda is now pregnant and that implantation has taken place, therefore she may give birth at the end of the month. This is all very new and complex science and we still have a bit of time to go yet, as like last year, the late loss of a cub remains entirely possible.

“Just to recap, artificial insemination was carried out on female giant panda Tian Tian on Sunday 13 April 2014. Our team of internal and external experts have continued to analyse specific hormone and protein levels on a daily basis in Tian Tian’s urine. In simplistic terms, when this information is studied retrospectively this allows us to predict if she is pregnant, if she is likely to carry to full term and when she is likely to give birth. It is very likely that we will not know 100% if Tian Tian is pregnant until she gives birth; however very new scientific tests will give us a strong indication, they are just too new to be definitive.

“Monitoring a female giant pandas behaviour – for example if she is sleeping a lot, eating more or spending time in her cubbing den –  is not an indicator of if she is pregnant or otherwise, as giant pandas experience pseudo pregnancies and she will show ‘pregnant’ type behaviour whether she is pregnant or not.

“Two of our Chinese colleagues are due to travel to Scotland in mid-August and we continue to monitor and wait.”

In 2013, RZSS successfully performed the first artificial insemination procedure to take place on a giant panda in the UK. The team have since been able to confirm that Tian Tian did become pregnant, however most likely reabsorbed the foetus late term – a common occurrence in giant pandas both in zoos and the wild.

Wave energy firm Aquamarine Power has appointed experienced financier Douglas Robb as their new Chief Financial Officer.

Robb’s role will be to bring in further private and public sector investment in support of the firm’s ambitious commercialisation plans.

Aquamarine Power is currently completing a major refit of their Oyster 800 wave machine which is scheduled to go back into power production at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney this autumn. The business recently secured £6.8 million in new funding from existing shareholders, which include Scottish Enterprise, SSE and global power and automation firm ABB.

Commenting on his new role, Robb said:

“This is a very exciting time to be joining the Aquamarine Power team. The company has a very clear technology commercialisation programme and my role will be to secure the significant public and private investment needed to bring this plan to fruition.

“I believe that with the right market signals and continued national and European support we can  bring in new investors and partners to take a stake in what has the potential to be a £multi-billion global business.”

Robb joins Aquamarine Power from Cornelian Asset Managers where he was Director of finance, compliance and operations. Prior to this he held roles with Lloyds Banking Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers where he focussed on areas including real estate and corporate restructuring.

He is a chartered accountant (ICAEW) with a BA (Hons) in Economics, and lives in Edinburgh.

Submit your photos and video to EdinburghReportage today!

Neil Oliver talking at Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Art Festival 

Virgin Atlantic is funny

New Homes

The Fringe is now well underway and the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival are both off the starting blocks. What have you been to see? What did you enjoy best?

We would like  to see your photos and videos of the sights you see and have your reviews of the shows you get along to.

Add your photos, videos and reviews here. Take a look at what others have already posted!

***

Neil Oliver will lead the annual Combat Stress Summer Lecture in Edinburgh this August, as the world commemorates the start of the First World War. Combat Stress, the specialist mental health charity for Veterans, was formed in 1919 in the aftermath of the War.

It is fitting that the Lecture, on 19 August 2014, will take place at Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus, the site of the former Craiglockhart War Hospital. Throughout the First World War many soldiers returning home were sent to Craiglockhart War Hospital for treatment, where renowned war poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfreid Sasson first met.  Guests at the Lecture will be able to visit the University’s fascinating museum, which houses The War Poets Collection.

Following his qualification as an archeologist in 1988, Neil Oliver has gone on to work across subjects from the early Stone Age in Scotland to the examination of World War ll coastal fortifications. Most recently he worked with renowned historian Trevor Royle on a documentary examining the impact of modern trench warfare on a rifle company of 4^thQueen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, making him a fitting speaker for the Combat Stress Scotland Summer Lecture.

The UK’s leading mental health charity for Veterans, Combat Stress marks its 95th anniversary this year. With more than 830 Veterans currently being supported in Scotland the charity’s work is as vital today as it was after the First World War.

Combat Stress provides a unique and dedicated service to Veterans with conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.  The charity provides a range of specialist services including Hollybush House treatment centre in Ayrshire, a Community and Outreach Service and a 24-hour Helpline, 0800 138 1619.

Neil Oliver said: “It is a real honour to be chosen by Combat Stress to lead their Summer Lecture, especially in a year which marks an event as significant as the centenary of the First World War. Throughout my work and the various research projects I have been involved in I have become increasingly aware of the effects war has on Veterans, not only those who have served in the past but also those leaving the armed forces today. This lecture gives me a great opportunity to raise awareness of the invaluable work that Combat Stress does in Scotland, and throughout the UK, to support Veterans and their families. I am looking forward to sharing my own experiences and knowledge with those in attendance on the day.”

Kath Provan, Fundraising Officer for Combat Stress in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Neil Oliver to speak at our annual Summer Lecture. I am sure that with his vast experience and knowledge he will lead a thoroughly interesting and compelling event.

“The Summer Lecture helps us to raise awareness of the work of Combat Stress in supporting Veterans and their families. Following the success of last year’s event, we are looking forward to welcoming both old and new faces along to Craiglockhart Campus in August.”

The lecture will be held on Tuesday 19 August at 12pm at Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus. Tickets are on sale now at a cost of £29.50, including a buffet lunch, and are available by calling 01372 587 148 via www.eventbrite.co.uk.

***

This week artist Leon Morrocco talks to Richard Demarco at the Open Eye Gallery.

More here.

***

To celebrate the Edinburgh Fringe Virgin Atlantic are working with top comedians including Russell Kane and Richard Herring in a series of sky-high gigs this August as our short haul service Little Red becomes the unofficial 300th Edinburgh Fringe venue.

Russell Kane performed the first sky high gig on return flights from London to Edinburgh last week and this week it was the turn of Carl Donnelly!

***

Barratt Homes have confirmed two new housing developments, which will bring over 400 new homes to the East of Scotland.

Duddingston Park South, in Duddingston will have 139 homes and Newcraighall Village in Newcraighall will have 165 homes. In addition to these new homes Barratt will also build 102 affordable homes across each development.

Newcraighall Village and Duddingston Park South are both set to launch later in 2014.

Anne Ross, sales director at Barratt Homes for the East of Scotland said: “2014 has been buoyant year for new homes sales and we are pleased to be launching these two new developments in the Edinburgh area, to allow us to keep up with demand. With a wide selection of modern homes on offer and in sought after locations, we hope these developments will be extremely popular.

For more information, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0844 811 6699.

The Sagas of Noggin the Nog

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2014

VENUE  3 – BOSCO TENT, ASSEMBLY GEORGE SQUARE – 12.50PM – DAILY

“In the lands of the North where the black rocks stand guard against the cold sea, in the dark night that is very long, the Men of the Northlands sit by their great log fires and they tell a tale . . . “ and the tale they tell is of Noggin, King of the Nogs

This year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a group of terribly charming Viking storytellers recreate the wonderful world of Noggin the Nog in this new piece of theatre for children, families and fans. With silly vikings, puppets, live music and original film.  The production plays every day at the Bosco Tent, Assembly George Square at 12.50pm.

The show is directed by John Wright (co-founder of Told By An Idiot) and stars Clive Holland, Nicholas Collett, Max Mackintosh and Anthony Gleave.

Noggin goes on a journey of adventure and discovery, accompanied by the brave and mighty ThorNogson and the great green bird Graculus, to battle against the fearsome Ice Dragon and the dastardly deeds of Noggin’s wicked uncle, Nogbad the Bad!

THE SAGAS OF NOGGIN THE NOG is based on the TV films of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin. Peter in turn based the drawings of Noggin and the other characters on the Lewis chess pieces, which were rooted from a sand dune in Uig Bay in 1831 by a superstitious soul who ran away thinking they were elves. Peter decided that were Nogs.

Sadly, Oliver Postgate is no longer with us but for over forty years Postgate and Firmin have been synonymous with the best in children’s television including Bagpuss and The Clangers. Their classic films are still loved by viewers of all ages and it is immensely rewarding to see the responses of audiences to the work all these years later.

With simple techniques and delightful storytelling, this is a piece of theatre to sit and enjoy together with your children and grandchildren.

www.nogginthenog.org

Glenham Property have attempted to answer this question for Edinburgh Reporter readers.

We’re fast approaching the referendum have you noticed any difference in the property market (rental or investment) which you think can be attributed to this?

The demand in the rental market continues to grow due to the increasing numbers of people looking to the Private Rented Sector to meet their housing needs. However supply has been hit by a lack of investment for a period of time. Since the recession and the lack of Buy to Let mortgage products right up to the current day the supply of quality rental stock is not keeping up with demand.

The Private Rented Sector (PRS) has enjoyed a sustained and consistent growth in recent years. A structural change from owner occupation towards renting began a decade ago, long predating the economic downturn. The sector is home to an increasingly wide range of people—from young professionals to housing benefit claimants—and a growing number of families with children.

With the shortfall of new homes being built and by the lack of serious investors, compounded by the ‘accidental’ landlords selling their properties now that the sales market is more buoyant this has resulted in a lack of stock.

Clearly the coming referendum is having an impact on inward investment and this is a serious concern. Hopefully we will have some clarity come September and hopefully those investors currently waiting to see the outcome will come back into the market

However Edinburgh continues to be an excellent market to invest in residential property. We are still achieving yields of between 6% and 8% for new purchases and with capital appreciation once again growing a typical investor can achieve a leveraged investment of over 12% return per annum which favourably compares with any other investment.

24 March 2016 has been noted as the date that the Government would become independent, do you think up until this time the market will stagnate, improve, or no change?

Should Scotland vote for Independence come September then clearly there will be a long period of uncertainty leading up to March 2016 and probably beyond. Should a Yes vote win it will be absolutely fundamental to the Scottish economy that the Scottish Government provide instant clarity on areas such as currency etc. Without this the economy could quickly slip into recession and the rental market will no doubt be affected.

However the Private Rented Sector is fundamental for providing a significant amount of the housing needs in Scotland and due to the lack of supply I feel there is a level of resilience.

If there is a majority ‘yes’ vote what do you think the key implications for property owners in Scotland will be?

This is very difficult to predict as we do not have clarity over even the basics like the currency and exchange rate system Scotland would use. However should there be any level of uncertainty in the markets and the economy is hit then the first area to feel the cold will be property values. This could have a detrimental effect on current property investments and further damage future investment.

Again if there is any level of uncertainty which effects areas like mortgages this could have dire consequences for all areas of the property industry.

Will there be a different impact for landlords and investors?  

The majority of landlords are also investors however we have seen the phenomenon of the ‘accidental’ landlord over the last number of years with the recession and the crash of the housing market. Whilst a number of these ‘accidental’ landlords have taken the opportunity to sell now that the market has picked up the investor landlord is looking for long term returns from residential housing stock.

The truth is that we just don’t know the full impact on the markets should Independence take place but what we do know is any level of uncertainty will have a dramatic impact on whether new investment takes place and also current investors deciding to cash in and leave. Therefore it is absolutely critical that there is clarity regarding the critical issues for investment as soon as possible.

Do you think this could lead to an increase in demand for rental property if there are questions over value of properties and mortgage availability?

If the sales market takes a fall or if there is further tightening of the mortgage criteria or products on the market this will clearly have an effect on the PRS. With the average age of the first time buyer now over 34 years old the pressure on the PRS is immense. Whilst this can be good for the investor with rising rents it is important to maintain an equilibrium between supply and demand to ensure all areas of the market are catered for and the PRS performs efficiently.

If this was the case then could this be a positive for landlords and encourage them to invest more?

Without a doubt if there is a demand then there will be investors looking to supply. However this will only be the case if they feel that the medium/long term future is safe and secure.

What would be your five top tips for anyone considering investing in the Scotland property market, and in particular Edinburgh?

Obtain expert advice and understand your market

Only invest in the medium/long term

Always ensure the yield is sufficient to service the debt, provide a surplus and pay for any extraordinary costs throughout the year

Carry out due diligence and full investment analysis.

Don’t over estimate your likely returns or hedge your bets on capital growth to make your investment stack up

Edinburgh has always been a very resilient and buoyant rental market and the Private Rented Sector in Scotland has grown by over 6% per annum since 2001. Whatever happens Edinburgh should continue to be a great City to study, live and work.

There are over 47,000 students and Edinburgh’s working population has increased over 13% since 2000. Put all these factors in the mix and Edinburgh property should continue to perform strongly.

Glenham Property are specialists in property management and investment in Edinburgh.

Our bespoke and specialist services include property search and property investment in Edinburgh whilst the letting agency side of the business helps landlords quickly find tenants and ensure that their property is well looked after throughout the lease period.

Find out how Glenham Property can help you with your property management needs today by calling 0131 557 5101 or email .    

A BUMBLING, CHARISMATIC LONDON MAYOR ATTEMPTS TO BECOME PRIME MINISTER (how true that might well be….)

This summer the writers of previous Edinburgh Fringe hits Coalition and Making News and multi-award winning director of Instinct For Kindness and Lockerbie – Unfinished Business are set to team up with one of the most respected actors of his generation to present a satirical tale of political intrigue, gamesmanship and ambition in the corridors of power. Alan Cox is to be directed by Hannah Eidinow in Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s Kingmaker, the story of a fictional yet strangely familiar political figure whose bumbling bonhomie disguises a fierce determination and a heart of steel.

Former Mayor of London Max Newman is a seasoned politician, scruffy, energetic, seemingly chaotic immensely charming and very ambitious. As the top job becomes vacant, Max knows his time may well have come. He needs to make his move but he also needs someone to stand against so it doesn’t appear to be a shoo-in. Into the frame comes Dan Regan. Young and impressive, he has risen through the ranks very quickly but, some may say, he is a little naïve? And then there is Eleanor Hopkirk, a seasoned Tory Whip who sees straight into Max’s soul and will do everything to stand in his way. Is Dan a dupe, a decoy or Max Newman’s nemesis, can Eleanor do anything to stop the former Mayor and will Max’s comic and colourful past return to destroy him?

Set in a stuffy office in the House of Commons in a time quite close to the present, Kingmaker takes a sly satirical look at the ruthless game of politics and reveals a man behind a myth and a myth behind a man.

Alan Cox most recently appeared in Hannah Eidinow’s production of Playing with Grown Ups at the Brits Off-Broadway festival at 59E59, where he previously performed the critically acclaimed Cornelius by J. B. Priestley. His work in this neglected classic, which started at London’s Finborough Theatre, was described as ‘monumental’ by The Guardian and “ Wonderful!” and “Virtuosic” by The New York Times. His other theatre work includes seasons at the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Chichester Festival Theatre. He made his West End debut in Strange Interlude, and recent appearances include The Creeper and The Importance of Being Earnest. Off-West-End he appeared in the London premieres of Longing, The Earthly Paradise, The Flu Season, TheRubenstein Kiss and Passion Play. His film credits include The Dictator, Contagion, August, The Auteur Theory, Mrs. Dalloway, An Awfully Big Adventure and Young Sherlock Holmes. A long list of television credits include starring opposite Laurence Olivier in John Mortimer’s A Voyage Round My Father in 1982 and as Alan Bennett in the Peter Cook and Dudley Moore dramatisation Not Only But Always.

Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky met at university and have written together on-and-off ever since.

Robert Khan read law at the Universities of Southampton and Cambridge and was called to the Bar in 1995. Since then he has worked variously in Parliament, policy and politics. He is also currently a Councillor in Islington.

Tom Salinsky is the artistic director of improvisation company The Spontaneity Shop, co-author of the book The Improv Handbook and he teaches presenting, public speaking and storytelling for a wide-range of corporate clients. He was in the cast for the improvised Radio 4 Drama A Time To Dance, which was nominated for a Sony Award.

Hannah Eidinow is a multi-award winning director. Her awards include five Scotsman Fringe First Awards at the Edinburgh Festival forAn Instinct for Kindness 2011 (UK Tour & Trafalgar Studios 2012; Argus Angel Award 2012); Lockerbie: Unfinished Business 2010 (UK Tour); What I Heard About Iraq 2006 (UK Tour & West End 2007); Somewhere Beneath it All, A Small Fire Burns Still 2011 and Gone(New Ambassadors 2004). She was recipient of 2010 Vauxhall Collective Award for Theatre. Further credits: A British Subject (Arts Theatre 2011; Edinburgh Festival & Brits off-Broadway Season NY 2009); The Lady From The Sea, a new version by Frank McGuinness starring Lia Williams (Arcola; BBC Radio 3 with Hugh Bonneville); plays by Anthony Neilson, April de Angelis, Dave Florez and Lucy Kirkwood in The Terror Season 2009, 2010, 2011 (Southwark Playhouse and Soho Theatre); New Israeli Political Drama Platform Series (Royal National Theatre).

Edinburgh Fringe

Theatre

KINGMAKER

A satirical play by Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky

Starring Alan Cox

Directed by Hannah Eidinow

Until August 25th 15.00 (1hr)

Pleasance Beneath

https://www.pleasance.co.uk

0131 556 6550

July 30 to August 1 £7.50 (previews)

August 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-24

£14 (£13)

August 4-7, 8, 13, 14, 20, 21, 26 £13 (£12)

August 12,18,19, 25

£12 (£11)

A year ago I decided to sign up to climb Kilimanjaro on a bit of a whim. Although I knew it was going to be a huge task I was doing it to raise money for Association of International Cancer Research and that gave me more drive to succeed. Before I knew it I was in I was in Asia and alongside a group of three with 2 guides and a team of sherpas, local guides who know the mountains well, I faced up to one of the biggest challenges of my life so far.

It took four days of climbing to reach Uhura Peak – known as ‘the roof of Africa’ – the highest point on the continent. The first three days were challenging but enjoyable as we went through rainforest and desert terrain but I have to admit that the fourth day, when we made the final ascent to the summit, was the most physically and emotionally difficult experience I have ever had. Reaching the peak and ultimately raising almost £3500 for such an amazing charity was what really made it worth it for me – it was an incredible feeling of overwhelming happiness and exhaustion. The view wasn’t bad either! The entire experience was extremely exciting and terrifying but I did it and on the two day trek back down the mountain my mind was swirling with different thoughts and feelings and I found myself contemplating my next terrifyingly exciting challenge – performing in my first ever Fringe play.

I was cast in ‘The Villains, The Vote and the Black, Black Oil’ just before I left for my trip to climb Kilimanjaro and the whole team at Caught Red-Handed Theatre have been so supportive of me. It’s both my first Fringe and the first time the company have performed at the Festival, so we’re all finding our feet together! I’m really excited to be a part of the production, especially something so relevant and topical in the run up to the referendum. What I like most about the play is that it weaves together live music, makes clever cultural and social observations, and it’s pretty funny too! As a modern reimaging of ‘The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil’ it pays homage to the original by exploring three harrowing events in Scottish history which have occurred since 1979, where 7:84 Scotland left off, to our present day.

My experience climbing Kilimanjaro taught me that I can rise to the challenge and overcome obstacles in my way. The challenges I face as an actor, especially in an environment like the Fringe where there are so many shows vying for attention, can be daunting but working with a new theatre company and being part of their first show gives me a unique opportunity to help shape Caught Red-Handed’s future. When I vote in the referendum I’ll be making a choice which will shape Scotland’s future. It all reminds me a little of Kilimanjaro; I wonder what the view from the top will be like…

By Hannah Cumming

Edinburgh-based Caught Red-Handed Theatre bring ‘The Villains, The Vote and the Black, Black Oil’ to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe from August 18th-24th at 20:55 at International 2, Sweet Grassmarket, Fringe Venue 18. Tickets are available from the Box office: 0131 243 3596 and online.

Submitted by Hannah Cumming

Patrick Monahan: Adventures in Monahan Land, Gilded Balloon Teviot 8pm, until 24th August, £12 (£11 concessions)

Monahan’s charismatic and positive aura emits around the Gilded Balloon Wine Bar well before the show starts and well after it is meant to end. You’ll find virtually every review of his gigs mentions his renowned hugging nature, with this review now not being any different.

In his latest offering, the hugs are still ever-present, the welcoming atmosphere leading up to a successful attempt at getting the audience in the mood by picking on a front-rower and performing a Zumba routine with them. On his first night of the run, serious injury was a high possibility!

By relying heavily on creating banter with his audience, every show will be different, but a recurring ‘getting in to a party’ skit showcases Monahan’s moves which wouldn’t look out of a place in one of the Fringe dance shows. His experience at a Prince concert is one of a handful of anecdotes, some of which fizzled out a tad towards their respective endings.

He mentioned that he had not quite got through as much of the show as he had planned and promised to email it but if you’re looking for an enjoyable and comedic evening with an upbeat Teesider then you should sign out of your email, venture away from your PC or phone screen and see what Monahan has to offer.

From the gorgeous and covetable furniture of Garden Party to the comntemplative and exquisite ceramics of Fragments and the historic and colourful textiles of India Street, there is much to enjoy at Gayfield Creative Spaces’ new exhibitions.

India Street: The Bombay Sample Book

Did you know that chai wallahs hang chillis from their tea carts to ward off evil spirits? This is but one of the many interesting facts to be learned at Gayfield Creative Spaces’ new summer exhibitions. India Street displays artists’ responses to the Bombay Sample Book and discusses the close relationship between a vale in Dunbartonshire and a country many thousands of miles distant. The Edinburgh Reporter has already written about this fascinating project, the brainchild of Gayfield Creative Director John Ennis and Curator Katy West, here.  Now the exhibition is open to the public, and a visit is highly recommended.

John Ennis first experienced India in 1998. Calling on a friend in Ahmedabad, he visited the Calico Museum and ‘My senses went into overdrive – the vibrancy of the colours, the intensity of every back-story and the delicious chai from the vendor at the gate.’ In 2013 John met Katy West at The Lighthouse in Glasgow; Katy had just returned from  a British Council trip to Ahmedabad.  India Street grew from this chance encounter.

In the calm white space of g1 this international design collaboration features the work of both Indian (Delhi, Ahmedabad) and Scottish (Glasgow) artists.  Glorious colours are the backdrop to traditional drawings of birds, elephants and even some dancing legs; other artists have chosen to work digitally.  Charlotte Linton’s Gandhi in Darwen is perhaps particularly noteworthy; it depicts the Mahatma’s visit to Lancashire in 1931.  As a mill town, Darwen was one of the many places to suffer when India introduced a boycott of British goods as it struggled to gain independence.  Although local people remembered Gandhi as unfailingly polite and kind, he was able to offer little hope to the textile workers, saying to one of them ‘My dear, you have no idea what poverty is.’ By the time independence came in 1947, the UK weaving industry was in terminal decline.

And back to the chai (because we all know how important the refreshments are…) Local potter Alistair Dearie has made terracotta cups in the style of those used on every street corner in Indian cities.  They are traditionally made from the clay of local rivers, baked on open fires, used once and thrown away – they dissolve back into the earth in a perfect cycle of use and re-use. Alistair has created slightly more robust versions but still followed the Indian practice of throwing them very quickly with no additional turning, though he has fired them at a high temperature and given them a slip glaze to make them last longer. Lokesh Ghai (pictured, top), one of the talented contributors to India Street, kindly offered me some tea and I must say the experience of drinking from these little cups is quite different from that offered by a Scottish take-out.

Making Well: Fragments

As a former doctor John Ennis has always believed that our wellbeing is inextricably linked to our surroundings. ‘We know intuitively that the spirits are lifted, stress is reduced and healing is enhanced by the act of making and by environments that are aesthetically pleasing: rigorous research in the area of design and  health confirms this.’

Carol Sinclair is a ceramic artist who explores the importance of memory and issues surrounding memory loss and Alzheimer’s. Carol’s exhibition in g2 displays ethereal fragments of white porcelain from which she pushes out tiny holes, sometimes also layering one piece over another to create subtle shading. Carol, a graduate of Gray’s School of Art who works from a studio in Patriothall here in Edinburgh, explains that the pieces might represent the memories that we lose and those we retain.  Even the memories we do hold on to are affected by the layers of subsequent experience; no-one can ever be sure that a memory is accurate – but what is ‘accurate’ in this context? Carol’s beautiful Trickle Bowl reminds us that sometimes the more we seek to capture and retain memories, the faster they seem to disappear – the bowl looks like a container, but it is perforated with escape routes just like our minds.

Victoria Claire Bernie’s accompanying film shows Claire at work, her hands gently shaping the pieces and showing us that though we might try to impose shape on our thoughts, the materials, be they clay or memories, will retain their own qualities; we can work only with them.

g2 provides a quiet space in which viewers can take time away from the hurly-burly of the festivals to contemplate their own connections.

Fragments has also been developed into a digital book for iPad and android tablets by Colin Usher of East Lothian partnership Coffee Table Digital. The iPad app can be downloaded from Carol’s website.

Garden Party

In g3 Gayfield celebrates design in a European context, marrying stunning pieces from Scotland with equally impressive work from Dutch designers. There is also an emphasis on resource efficiency and recycling: Piet Hein Eek’s striking dining table appears to be made from shiny white tiles but is in fact constructed from plywood, simply layered and painted to great effect. Geoffrey Mann’s beautiful ceiling light was inspired by the flight of a moth round a bulb – again appearances are deceptive, as what looks like a hand-made sculpture has actually been made on an industrial 3-D printer.

Award-winning Glasgow studio Timorous Beasties, established by Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons in 1990, display desirable deckchairs showcasing their unique fabrics and highly diverse patterns. Grand Blotch Damask (on the left in the photo) is a fabulous take on a traditional design, its deep blues overlaid with bright orange and mossy greens.  

Laura Spring was once a Timorous Beasties’ apprentice: now she has her own label with striking prints whose subject matter is designed to complement the objects they adorn.  Here she shows upcycled picnic hampers lined with a jolly blue and white fabric – the pattern consists of randomly arranged parasols (or could they be umbrellas?…)

For me, the star of this party is Piet Hein Eek’s wonderful cupboard, made exclusively from scrap wood painted in calming natural colours. The yellows, whites and soft dusty blues of the drawers and doors working well with the plain wood frame.

Everything in Garden Party is for sale, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to three Edinburgh charities with which Gayfield is associated: Artlink, The Art Room and The Yard.

John Ennis has dedicated Garden Party to his parents, Vina and Harold Ennis, ‘forever inspiring.’  The same can be said of all three of these superb, engaging exhibitions: another triumph for Gayfield.

India Street, Fragments and Garden Party are all open 11am-6pm Thursday to Sunday until 11th September 2014 at Gayfield Creative Spaces, 11 Gayfield Square. Gayfield is currently running a series of Twilight Talks between contemporary designers, curators and researchers, exploring the role and context for design in contemporary Scottish cultural life.  All talks are free and open to all; places can be booked via eventbrite.  The next one is at 6pm on Thursday 14th August at Lyon & Turnbull in Broughton Place: Piet Hein Eek will discuss The Ecology of Design with Amanda Game, independent curator and Gayfield’s Creative Advisor.

Edinburgh College are recruiting a small army of volunteers to help home-teach immigrants English who are unable to attend classes. The Edinburgh College Home Learning Scheme, which is predominantly used by immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, supports those who would like to have a better grasp of the English language and UK culture. Their clientele

includes mothers with young children or members of the community who are unable to attend college for other reasons, such as ill health or unsociable working hours.

With almost one million immigrants living in the UK who do not speak a basic level of English, the Learning Scheme can provide vital language skills to allow people to have a better quality of life.

Before taking on the role as an English tutor, volunteers receive hands-on training from specialist English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) staff at Edinburgh College. This includes practical teaching tips, intercultural communication and awareness of cultural sensitivities. Throughout the course, volunteers are supported by a lecturer and attend regular training days.

Rose McKendry, a volunteer at the Edinburgh College Home Learning Scheme, said: “Teaching students from other countries and nationalities has given me an insight into how different life is and how strange it must be for people when they first come here. I now have a deeper sympathy and understanding for people who do not speak the language or understand our customs.”

Jean Howat, ESOL lecturer at Edinburgh College, said: “We are very excited to be recruiting our next round of dedicated volunteers. We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life who would like to use their communication skills to help those who are most in need of tuition. Previous volunteers have included students from university and college, retired teachers and those who simply want to give back to the community and meet new and interesting people.

“Teaching immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers can have many benefits. Volunteers can open themselves up to a new culture and way of life, and learn what it’s like to integrate into Scottish society. For many of our students, learning English can help them to go about their daily lives, such as learning how to fill out doctor’s forms and filling out application forms for a job. It can also help people to integrate within their local community and put an end to feelings of isolation.”

Last year, Dandy Darkly racked up a hellish body count in his Gory Hole, a series of horror stories that climaxed in a veritable massacre of hypocrites. After a twelve-month refractory period, he’s back at the Festival and his bloodlust is unquenched.

As show time approaches, the Dandy peacocks through the bar of CC Bloom’s, every inch the 21st century regency fop, except…. As befits his name, his dress is more refined and his frippery disguises a certain seriousness. A connoisseur of horror and the LGBTQ scene, Dandy Darkly is familiar with treatment women can receive within the genre and the scene, as well as patriarchal society more generally. In Pussy Panic, he’s tempting the clientele down to the basement performance space to examine those imbalances.

The night starts, pedal to the metal, with Little Sally And Her Big Pussy. It’s a fantastical tale of a young kleptomaniac that in its ten-minute running time manages to incorporate observations on the pro-choice debate, the military-industrial complex and the terrors of straight white male America. The Blood Mother And The Scarecrow King’s black magic rites slip through musings on disposable pop culture and all sorts of cultural appropriation. Dandy’s voguing and zombie dancing leave the audience in no doubt that this story also has its roots in our world.

Before the story of Mister Timothy And America’s Sweetheart turns the Dandy’s scalpel on the misogyny of a mincing mortician, the emotional heart of the show is the sweet story of an aging Rosie The Riveter type and the similarly geriatric witch who loves her.

Dandy Darkly’s Pussy Panic is a serious-minded show steeped in cattiness, absurdity and gore. In stitching together a night of overarching themes, Dandy Darkly and his musical collaborators Adam Tendler, Rachel Blumberg and Bryce Edwards have upped their game. This year’s show includes drum-driven sissy-rap, sweetly evocative carnival romances, a newly-refined costume, and a sympathetic venue.

Whatever you do, do go down to the cellar.

Dandy Darkly’s Pussy Panic is part of PBH’s Free Fringe at CC Blooms (Venue 171), 18:45, Aug 11-12 and 14-24

Submitted by Ricky Brown

All artists see the world in their own particular way, and Andrew Gilchrist is no exception. His paintings are characterised by the use of his own version of stippling: little lozenges of colour that together create beautiful images of flowers, trees, water, pantiled roofs and even fishing nets. Andrew has been painting all his life, and like any artist he uses art to help him interpret the world: Andrew is also on the autistic spectrum, so for him painting is an even more important means of communication.  This month The Gallery on the Corner, in collaboration with Art In Healthcare, is exhibiting a collection of Andrew’s fascinating work.

Andrew’s paintings frequently feature water, as is evidenced in his two studies Rock Garden and The Pond, both inspired by the Botanic Garden, and his larger paintings of Anstruther and Crail harbours and of the Isle of Seil.  The Pond in particular gives a feeling of calm and purity with its reflections of trees in still water, whilst Rock Garden shows a tumbling white waterfall surrounded by the yellows, pinks and greens of abundant plant life and the grey of small stones. By contrast the harbour pictures are full of colourful boats and waterside houses; the stippling effect is used here on fishing nets laid out to dry – the vivid oranges and greens of the nets on the side at Anstruther remind one of a dragon relaxing in the sun. Meanwhile The Isle of Seil shows tiny white houses dwarfed by the brown and green cliffs.  In the bay a small boat lies still, and on the quayside a solitary figure turns away from us and looks out beyond the headland.

The theme of departure – on boats, into the hills – is taken up again in Groudle Glen, Isle of Man which shows a sunlight-dappled walkway leading through the green foliage.  In Man in the Forest, my favourite painting, a figure walks away from us through a darker autumnal scene of browns and greys; fallen leaves cover the ground. Who is this person and where is he going? In all of Andrew’s paintings the use of light is especially striking, from the sunny days of Anstruther Harbour and Culross Palace and The Forth to the brooding dusk of Man in the Forest.

The Waterwheel, Groudle Glen returns to more exuberant colours; the red wheel sits beside a pagoda-style building, both surrounded by pink, white and green flowers and ferns.

This lovely exhibition is open 11am-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday until 30th August 2014 at The Gallery on the Corner, Northumberland Street, EH3 6LS.  All of the paintings in this exhibition are for sale: proceeds will be split between The Gallery on the Corner, Art in Healthcare and Andrew himself, who will use his share to buy more art supplies.

The Gallery is also currently showing impressive, ethereal acrylics by Keith Ross, Below Ben Ross and Newton Ross, the stunning Firefly by Paul Marshall and wonderful psychedelic paintings and colourful collages by Seonaidh Jaques.

The success of the ’Great British Bake Off’ has led to a new genre at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe: Cake Theatre. Phil Jacobs from ’Muffin Times’ takes a look at some the shows at this year’s Festival with a tea or cake related theme.

The Fringe has many different genres of shows and cakes and baking are represented in many of them. In comedy. For instance, there’s…

Half Baked by 2013 Funny Women Awards winners Twisted Loaf.

Cookies and Cream by James Oliphant & Archie Maddocks which features doughnut related tales and Cupcakes with Colebrook and Khoshsokhan which combines comedy and bakery.

In cabaret there’s Tina T’urner Tea Lady by 2014 London Cabaret awards winnner.

In musicals there’s ’Ernest; or Much Ado About Muffins’ which has a full tea service on stage for much of the show.

In theatre there’s…Tea and Jamboree with Queenie by Mardy Arts which includes a cup of tea in the ticket price.

Tea for Tabitha by Blanket Theatre, Tea Time Story by Ornamental Theatre and of course the tourettes smash Backstage in Biscuit Land by Touretteshero.

Dance & Physical theatre are represented by Green Tea and Zen Baka from David W W Johnstone who provide something for those with more health conscious tastes.

Finally, there’s Music at Teatime by the Royal Over-Seas League who give recitals of Brahms, Mozart and Schubert all with tea, coffee and shortbread.

So whatever your taste in entertainment you’re sure to find a cake related show to suit you at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Submitted by Chris Denton

Croft and Pearce: Give and Take, Gilded Balloon Teviot 5:45pm, until 24th August (except 11th), £10 (£8 concessions)

Accomplished and adaptable, Croft and Pearce return to the Fringe with more memorable scenarios. The first sketch immerses the audience into what becomes an enjoyable peek into the lives of many well-crafted characters, including ‘Jean and June’ and an un-pc Brown Owl.

Their later tea-time slot didn’t attract as packed a house as last year (on this particular night), but those that did venture out on the dreich evening were treated to a solid performance by two top talents.

It would be exciting to see this pair develop and expand upon their more ‘daring’ scenes, perhaps in a later timeslot, and a few more examples of ‘audience-involving’ sketches could see them flourish furthermore.

Imagine being told you have third stage cancer.

Now imagine you are only 31 when you are told this.

And now imagine you are already four months pregnant.

All of this happened to Matilda Tristram.  Matilda was already an illustrator and animator when she received this devastating news; she eventually decided to write a comic journal to record what was happening to her, first posting it on her website in monthly instalments then turning it into a book Probably Nothing: a diary of not-your-average nine months.

Katie Green suffered from severe anorexia throughout her teenage years. Like many anorexics, her eating disorder wasn’t about wanting to look like a model; it was about getting control over part of her life, a life which she found impossible to cope with in any other way. She received treatment, returned to school and looked – but didn’t feel – better; then she went to university and sought help from an alternative therapist – a therapist whose help consisted of grooming her for sexual abuse. It’s taken Katie years to write about all of this: her graphic novel Lighter Than My Shadow was published last year.

Matilda and Katie were both at the Edinburgh International Book Festival to talk about their experiences and their books with Stuart Kelly.

Katie wrote Lighter Than My Shadow when she found that all the other books she read about eating disorders either told sufferers that all they needed was positive thinking or alternatively that they were doomed and would never recover. She wanted to give people hope, but she also wanted them to understand how hard mental illness can be.  She feels that her book (which is over 500 pages long) may be almost too much for newly-diagnosed anorexics, but hopes that it will help their families and friends to understand how they feel, and why. Matilda wrote Probably Nothing partly as something to do during the long, arduous – and very boring – hours of chemotherapy. She also wanted to help people understand cancer patients’ experiences.

Do they feel that writing was therapeutic?  Matilda thought ‘not really’ – it didn’t make her feel any better at the time, psychologically or physically. It was a distraction from the fast-moving horrors of her everyday life – and it did help her to tell people what not to say to a cancer patient. Bombarded with well-meaning comments and advice, she was too polite to tell people to shut up face to face, but in her drawings she could explain. Both writers agree that it’s sometimes been easier for them to communicate through their books; constantly talking about what has happened to them can be painful and tiring. They also wanted to convey the sheer randomness of their illnesses; in a blame culture, says Stuart, this is perhaps something we need to hear. Matilda finds that people want to know what caused her cancer (no-one does), ‘Is it inherited?’ – it’s a way of protecting themselves ‘None of my family had it so I’m safe.’ Katie says that many people still struggle to understand mental illness and (sometimes encouraged by the media) see eating disorders as a lifestyle choice.  She didn’t choose anorexia, ‘I thought at the time that I was doing everything right.’

Matilda was writing ‘in the moment’ – she felt she couldn’t not write the book and says it’s the only piece she’s ever done in which she didn’t worry about form or style ‘It just came out…I didn’t know what would happen next until it happened.’ For Katie, writing about events that had taken place years earlier was hard. She was surprised by how much she was affected by revisiting the past, and she wrote at least twenty drafts of Lighter Than My Shadow before the time felt right to publish. In the end she developed a kind of immunity, thinking of herself in the book as a character on the page, not as Katie Green today.

Neither author, observes Stuart, plays into the image of ‘the earthly saint in waiting’, the ‘brave and noble survivor.’ Matilda feels that people often want to think of cancer patients as positive and tell them they will gain from their experience; in fact, she says, it’s a lie. ‘You don’t so much learn from it as live through it.’ For Katie, if there has been any lesson it’s that, unlike the book, the story never ends; ‘This is a journey that will continue for me.’

So why choose the graphic novel (or comic, as Matilda prefers)? Both Katie and Matilda came late to the form; Katie admits she thought comics were ‘for people who couldn’t really read’ until, at 22, she was given a copy of Art Spiegelman’s Maus ‘It turned my life upside down.’ Matilda’s earlier drawings did contain stories, but it was Deborah Levy, her tutor at the Royal College of Art, who encouraged her to write more. Her work in children’s television also taught her that the easiest way to write fifty episodes of a series every year is via fast storyboarding

Katie felt she could do something different with images; she’s ‘a visual person’ and suggests that graphic novels can offer an immersive experience and are perhaps the best medium for conveying strong emotions and creating a sense of atmosphere without being too explicit. A picture, says Matilda, can explain things that are just too difficult to put into words; irony can be created by juxtaposing an image with just one line of dialogue. Cancer and pregnancy are both such complicated things that she wanted to draw them as simply as she could.

Katie initially represents her illness as a black cloud hovering above her character’s head, but as the story moves on to her sexual abuse, the images move inside her body. This enabled her to show how her own understanding of her illness had changed; from seeing anorexia as a monster outside of herself, she came to realise that it was actually a part of her, a part that she had to work with and manage. Although her thought patterns no longer control her eating, they still affect her in other ways; she now works obsessively to create perfect art; ‘You can’t move on until you acknowledge that mental illness might always creep in through the back door.’

Over the past five years, Stuart notes, far more female illustrators have started to write graphic novels, often about real-life events (Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home.)  Matilda points out that the graphic form gives authors total control; they don’t have to answer to anyone and they aren’t expected to write in a certain traditional way. Graphic novelist Joe Sacco has said that a graphic image can’t be subedited or messed about. Katie agrees: both women have a background in animation, but in film collaboration is key, ‘In a graphic novel you can just do your own thing.’  Her own editor was, however, excellent, helping Katie to realise where she was saying too much, and not even questioning her use of the blank page to create essential pauses in the narrative, places for the reader’s imagination to take a turn. Visual rhythm and pacing are, she says, only possible in this format.

Matilda’s family and friends have been very supportive of her writing.  Although she hopes that her son James (who is currently crawling around at the front of the tent, happy as can be), won’t be interested in Probably Nothing for a while, she enjoys re-reading parts of the book with her partner Tom; it is, she explains, a record of their lives, not just of her illness, with memories of fun times and even jokes. A scene in which someone at a party puts his face (uninvited) on what he thinks is Matilda’s pregnancy bump (it is actually her colostomy bag) is – at least in retrospect – hilarious. Other moments are more poignant. Matilda drops the teabags one day and for that moment this tiny event becomes worse than everything else; in her fragile state this one last straw almost drives her over the edge.

Katie’s family could not share her wish to be honest and open about her past in public, so she is especially appreciative of their huge support despite their different ways of coping. She particularly wants the book to show that eating disorders are not (as is sometimes suggested) the fault of the sufferer’s parents.

So what next for Matilda and Katie? Both women hope to write more graphic novels (Matilda missed the form so much she even wrote three extra strips to accompany the book’s release) and more for children, but they also want to get away from writing about their illnesses.  At the moment though, Katie just wants to have a rest.

This was a very interesting and thought-provoking session.  Katie Green and Matilda Tristram are both hugely engaging and communicative speakers, and Stuart Kelly’s chairing was outstanding.

Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green is published by Jonathan Cape.

Probably Nothing by Matilda Tristram is published by Viking.

Considering that Mark Nelson was the winner of the inaugural Scottish Comedian of the Year in 2006, and since then has gone on to star in his own Radio Scotland show as well as writing and starring in this year’s successful ‘Don’t Drop the Baton’ the sketch show linked to the Commonwealth Games, it was perhaps surprising to find him playing at the Billiard Room in the Gilded Balloon one of the smaller Fringe venues.

The truth is that Mark is one of Scotland’s best kept secrets, but hopefully not for much longer.  Think Kevin Bridges anecdotal skills coupled with Frankie Boyle’s ability to shock and you get an idea of why the Dumfries comic’s act was well worth braving the  stormy conditions last night.

The quietly spoken comedian quickly won the audience over with his smart one liners and cutting observations along with just the right amount of audience participation.

Unlike other comedians who like to humiliate selected audience members, Mark tended to use the men to confirm that his views on how much more fun being single is was correct.

Please Think Responsibly is about him having to face up to the responsibilities of becoming a father and how much his life has changed since then, although not always for the better.

A routine about the differences in responsibility of adults to teenagers was particularly well received as were his thoughts on the forthcoming referendum and his comparisons to Scandinavia were both clever and funny, but the best part of the show was when he discussed his relationship with his (long suffering) wife and in particular how and when he discovered that she was a sociopath.

One or two of the jokes could have caused offence, but his delivery and cheeky smile made it hard to take any.

If you get the chance to go along to see Mark this Festival then go out of your way to do so and you certainly won’t be disappointed.

The Guilded Balloon – Billiard Room

Thursday 31 July – Monday 25th August 2014 (Not 11th) 20.45 for one hour.

Suitability 16 plus

On so many levels, it’s hard not to react to South African artist Brett Bailey’s Exhibit B with appalled disbelief. Yet the stories it tells of the astonishing cruelty and barbarism carried out in the name of European colonialism are all too true – and, indeed, need to be more widely known.

Amid the neo-Classical splendours of the Playfair Library in Old College Quad (in what feels like a horribly appropriate setting), Bailey and his group Third World Bunfight have installed a human zoo of living exhibits, each one illustrating a particular story of colonial power – from the black women shown all over Europe during the 19th century because of their supposedly strange body shapes to masked and bound figures embodying far darker, far more distressing episodes of cruelty in our shared history of objectifying and suppressing other races. And as you gaze at the carefully constructed tableaux vivants, each ‘exhibit’ gazes right back at you, not with hate or accusation, but simply with awareness of the disturbing new knowledge you’ve just acquired.

To say it’s uncomfortable viewing is a huge understatement. It’s a highly confrontational, uncompromising work, but it’s also delivered with exquisite beauty and attention to detail. And a ‘decompression’ room telling the back stories of the performers taking part is a much-needed step back into the real world, as well as adding yet another level of awareness to the work.

It’s hugely powerful, deeply unsettling, but vital viewing.

Exhibit B, Playfair Library, Old College Quad, until 25 August (not 14, 18, 21).

Photo Sophie Knijff

Police in Edinburgh are reminding the public to ‘Hold Onto Your Stuff’ during the busy Festival period and help deter acquisitive crime.

The city centre is already becoming busier, with hundreds of thousands of additional visitors taking in the sights and experiencing the numerous events taking place during the coming month.

To ensure that tourists and local residents do not become easy targets for pickpockets and thieves, officers will be distributing leaflets and displaying posters throughout the city, which offer useful advice and guidance on safeguarding belongings.

The ‘Hold Onto Your Stuff’ materials are translated into a range of languages and warn the public against setting their bags or jackets down or leaving items unattended while out witin the city.

In addition, Community Policing Team Officers will continue with their high-visibility patrols to engage with the public, offer information and advice on crime prevention and address any issues or offences they observe.

Inspector Nicola Page said: “Despite the large increase in visitors to the Capital, Edinburgh remains a very safe place. However, thieves will always look to capitalise on any opportunities, which arise in busy areas.

“To help deter acquisitive crime, particularly in the city centre, officers will regularly be out on foot and bicycle patrols to speak with the public and distribute our ‘Hold Onto Your Stuff’ leaflets, which provide guidance on how to protect their belongings.

“The leaflets are translated into the native languages of many of Edinburgh’s most common visitors and the posters can be viewed throughout the city to ensure as large an audience as possible know how to appropriately safeguard their possessions.

“Members of the public can also obtain crime prevention advice by checking out our website, or following our Twitter account @EdinburghPolice.”

MONDAY 11TH AUGUST 2014

Phill Jupitus: Sketch Comic.  The National Galleries of Scotland are letting legendary stand-up, poet and roving sketchsmith Phill Jupitus loose in its rooms for three weeks during August.  Each morning Phill will sketch a favourite of his from the gallery collection.  Come and watch, or join in – bring your own ipad or drawing materials and make and share your own sketches.  NGS will post Phill’s work on Facebook and Twitter each day, and will encourage you to post yours too. This week Phill will be at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.  He and fellow stand-up and art lover Hannah Gadsby will also present a free talk every Thursday (6.30pm at the Hawthornden Lecture Theatre) about the works they’ve seen that week. 10am-12noon every day until Friday, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Free and unticketed.

CeildihKids at the Fringe – Scottish dancing for all the family.  Very simple, child-friendly dances to tradtional Scottish music.  Bring Mum or Dad along to partner you!  2-2.45pm, Gorgie City Farm, Gorgie Road.  Part of www.freefestival.co.uk 

Edinburgh Book Fringe presents Chrys Salt, Tessa Ransford and Alexander Hutchison, who will read their poetry with a dash of song. Chrys is artistic director of The Bakehouse and convenes BIG LIT, a strand of the Dumfries and Galloway Festival. Her work has been read on Radios 3 and 4 and she has performed at festivals internationally. Tessa is a poet, translator, editor and cultural activist on many fronts, and was the founder and first director of the Scottish Poetry Library. Her work is published by Luath, her most recent collection being Made in Edinburgh. Alexander is a poet and translator who has worked mainly as a university teacher; he writes in Scots and English.   Alexander’s work was first published in the 1970s; his most recent collection Bones and Breath was published by Salt in 2013.  1pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome!

Where Do I End and You Begin: Curator’s Tour. Jane Connarty, Project Manager, leads an informal tour to introduce the exhibition and its themes. 3pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street (meet at reception.) Free.

Hard Rock Monday: 11 kinds of nachos, hard rock DJs, bands (Dead White Males + Let Love Rule.)  12 noon till 1am, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Jordi Savall: one of the major figures in the field of Western early music, largely responsible for bringing instruments of the viol family (most notably the viola da gamba) back onto the stage.  11am-12 noon, Music Department, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Contact shop for more information: 0131 622 8218.

Lunchtime Concert: Andrew Forbes plays St Mary’s magnificent ‘Father’ Willis organ. 1.10-1.50pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free; retiring collection.

Words and Deeds: Women, Caregiving and Warfare: an exhibition in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and The Surgeons’ Hall Museum. Today until 5th September 2014, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s article on Chris Short’s recent talk about the exhibition, Dr Elsie Inglis and the Scottish Women’s Hospitals in World War One here. 

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

Civil Strife and Defeat: a lecture exploring the strategies used by 5th century Athenians to make sense of civil war and military defeat and ‘restart’ the democratic memory of the city after the restoration of democracy in 403.  How does a community come to terms with memories of war, conflict and civil strife? 1-2pm, University of Edinburgh, Meadows Lecture Theatre, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Doorway 4, Old Medical School, Teviot Place. Free but booking essential via eventbrite.

Nikola Kyosev ad Silviya Mihaylova: flute and piano. 2-2.40pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free.

The Travelling Gallery: GENERATION TG.  A group exhibition including five artists working in a range of media. The exhibition focuses on what it is like to be a contemporary visual artist in Scotland, and includes a film of artists talking about their work to pupils from Edinburgh schools, in collaboration with Screen Education Edinburgh.  The Travelling Gallery will be at various Edinburgh locations this week: today, 10am-6pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Terrace. Free.

The Shape of Things to Come and Lichtspeil Opus I (1921): The Shape of Things to Come is a new Soundfilm composed by Richy Carey in collaboration with visual artists Printy Curry, Tom Varley and Tom Walker. There will also be a performance of Carey’s new score based on Walther Ruttman’s Lichtspeil Opus I (1921), the first of Ruttman’s pioneering ‘Light Plays’, first performed in Munich. Both works show film as a musical agency and question the role and potential of video in musical composition. 7.30pm, St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street. Free entry.

After the Revolution Who Will Clean Up the Mess? Artist Ellie Harrison, whose work was co-commissioned with Edinburgh Art Festival as part of Counterpoint, discusses her work and practice with journalist and human rights activist Ewa Jasiewicz. 6.30-7.30pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free but tickets must be booked via eventbrite. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s review of Counterpoint here.

TUESDAY 12TH AUGUST 2014

The Lost Fleet Beyond the Frontier: Steadfast. Meet Jack Campbell, author of the Lost Fleet series. 12.30pm, Waterstones West End (Princes Street.) More information on 0131 226 2666.

The Travelling Gallery: GENERATION TG.  A group exhibition including five artists working in a range of media. The exhibition focuses on what it is like to be a contemporary visual artist in Scotland, and includes a film of artists talking about their work to pupils from Edinburgh schools, in collaboration with Screen Education Edinburgh.  The Travelling Gallery will be at various Edinburgh locations this week: today, 11am-5pm, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Road. Free.

Lunchtime Concert: Viola Ensemble, Korea. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Haruki Murakami Early Opening Launch: to celebrate the publication in English of Murakami’s new book Colorless Tsukuru Tasaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, Blackwell’s will open an hour and a half early today to enable you to get your copy before anyone else. There will also be a prize draw for a signed first edition (the shop has one all of its own) – and free orange juice and croissants until 9am! 7.30am -9am, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Please check Blackwell’s Facebook page to let them know if you wish to attend.  And please note, Haruki Murakami will NOT be in attendance.

Rua MacMillan and Suzanne Houston: fiddle, vocals and piano. 2-2.40pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free.

The Great War and Modern Scotland: debates around the Independence Referendum have suggested that the history and memory of the Great War remains a contested aspect of contemporary Scottish politics. This lecture will highlight some of the effects of this event of global significance on Scotland and the Scots, and look at ways in which competing interpretations of the war have coloured our view of it over the last century. 1-2pm, University of Edinburgh, Meadows Lecture Theatre, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Doorway 4, Old Medical School, Teviot Place. Free but booking essential via eventbrite.

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

Psychomanteum: seance with bands.  The Violent Mood Swings and Black Cat Bones entertain dead celebrities in a spooky basement. 8pm-1am, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place.

Michelle Hannah and Shona Macnaughton in Conversation: Counterpoint and Edinburgh Festival artists discuss their work and practice with writer and artist John Beagles. 6.30-7.30pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free but tickets must be booked via eventbrite. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s review of Counterpoint here.

Medal Ceremony and Monster Poetry Slam: with Ryan van Winkle.  For ages 5-11.  2-3pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Road.  Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Lunchtime Concert: Charlotte Rowan (violin) and Charlotte Stevenson (piano.) 1.10-1.50pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free; retiring collection.

Harry Potter quiz and Dragon on a Plate: for under-12s.  2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

The Visible Appearance of Shadows: the Prodigious Portrait of Obscurity – Whistler in France. Margaret Macdonald, Professor of History of Art, University of Glasgow, demonstrates how from student days onwards James McNeill Whistler had close contacts with French artists including Fantin Letour and Monet, and how he also had a profound influence on individual artists and wider art movements, becoming a significant link between the art worlds of Europe and America. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Occupy: Critical Theory and Radical Democracy – a series of public talks and discussions (opening forum.)  Speakers Robert C Smith and Richard Gunn will discuss Occupy and its implications: radical alternative democracy and the struggle for social change, with anyone who comes along.  More information here. 1pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

Mindfulness at Lunchtime: come and find peace and mindfulness with a guided sitting and walking meditation. Enjoy food together, mindfully in silence, and end with a short, silent meditation before returning to the world refreshed. Bring your own lunch.  A regular Community of Interbeing meeting in collaboration with Unitarians of Edinburgh. 12.15-2pm, St Mark’s Unitarian Church, 7 Castle Terrace. Free but please register here.  Part of the just Festival.

Create A Three-Dimensional Story: enjoy an afternoon in the Glasshouse working with artists Anneli Holmstrom, Emma Pratt and Kadie Salmon, creating works inspired by the current exhibition, Captain Lightfoot Presents…explore real and imagined stories through the use of three-dimensional collage. Family event. 12 noon-3pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South.  Free but booking essential – contact Lauriston Castle on 0131 336 2060 or email lauristoncastle@edinburgh.gov.uk

WEDNESDAY 13TH AUGUST 2014

Aonach Mor: fiddle, guitar, accordion,vocals and piano. 2-2.40pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free.

The Travelling Gallery: GENERATION TG.  A group exhibition including five artists working in a range of media. The exhibition focuses on what it is like to be a contemporary visual artist in Scotland, and includes a film of artists talking about their work to pupils from Edinburgh schools, in collaboration with Screen Education Edinburgh.  The Travelling Gallery will be at various Edinburgh locations this week: today, 10am-5pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street . Free.

Reminiscence Day: looking back through time to Victorian Edinburgh with the help of reminiscence boxes from the museum. For children. 1-8pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road.

Lunchtime Concert: Viola Ensemble, Korea. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

The Plebs League and independent working class education: Colin Waugh, researcher and author, will tell the fascinating story of the Oxford trade unionists who set up the Plebs League over a hundred years ago, and will spark a discussion on what the Plebs League means for us today. 1pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

Titian in Ten: ten minute pop-up talks given by NGS staff. Gain an exclusive insight as staff from across the galleries offer different perspectives on Titian’s masterpieces. 2pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

A (Pre-) History of Violence: the world is becoming an increasingly violent place, or so the media would have us believe. Does that mean earlier periods of history saw more peaceful days? This lecture examines the evidence for violence and conflict in pre-history: focusing on skeletal evidence for cranial trauma, it will show how analysis has revealed not only endemic rates of violence, but also that a high number of women and children were affected. 1-2pm, University of Edinburgh, Meadows Lecture Theatre, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Doorway 4, Old Medical School, Teviot Place. Free but booking essential via eventbrite.

Free the Technics: 45s played on turntables. 4-7pm, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place.

Wonderfuk! Live music: Daniel Sage (N Carolina), Sister Chain and Brother John (Berlin), Small Feet Little Toes (Edinburgh) and Felt Tip Pen. 8pm-1am, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place.

Storytelling with Babette Cole: Babette’s hilarious stories and wonderful illustrations have been charming and enchanting children for nearly 40 years. The author of the Princess Smartypants and Fetlocks Hall series and the million-selling Mummy Laid an Egg will read from her latest book, The Wildest West Country Tale of James Rabbit and the Giggleberries.  2pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow.  Free tickets must be booked via eventbrite.

Turner’s Champion: Ruskin and his favourite modern painter. Ruskin knew Turner in the last decade of his life, and was able to acquire some of the greatest works produced in this final flourish of the artist’s career. Ian Warrell, art historian,, explores his passionate defence of the great landscape painter, as well as exploring how Ruskin’s enthusiasm was changed by discoveries he made after Ruskin’s death. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Occupy: Critical Theory and Radical Democracy – a series of public talks and discussions (second forum: critical theory and egalitarian democracy). Speakers Robert C Smith and Richard Gunn will discuss Occupy and its implications: radical alternative democracy and the struggle for social change, with anyone who comes along.  More information here. 6pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

THURSDAY 14TH AUGUST 2014

INSPIRED! The 2014 Edinburgh Macmillan Art Exhibition and Sale starts today. Art and jewellery for sale in a beautiful venue: proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support. 10am-5pm today and Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday, Bonhams, 22 Queen Street. Free admission.

Aquillos Ensemble: the Aquillos Ensemble perform an arrangement of Ave Maris Stella from Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610.  This work was originallly composed for performance in the famous St Mark’s Basilica, Venice.  It is also hoped to include works by Ibert, Arnold and Dance Suite by Hallam. 6-6.30pm,  Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed. The Aquillos Ensemble will also play on Sunday 17th August at St Giles At Six, 6pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile.

‘Germany Wants This War’: the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War also marks one hundred years of dispute and disagreement.  Central to this has been the apportioning of ‘blame’, and attention has recently shifted onto the role that Britain played in the crisis. This lecture will examine the decision-making process in Britain from a broader European perspective. 1-2pm, University of Edinburgh, Meadows Lecture Theatre, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Doorway 4, Old Medical School, Teviot Place. Free but booking essential via eventbrite.

Growing Underground: open stage.  If you want to play email events@theforest.org.uk or sign up in the cafe. 8pm-1am, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place.

Gayfield Twilight Talks: Too Much Stuff – The Ecology of Design. The second in a series of six conversations between contemporary designers, curators and researchers, to explore the role and context for design in contemporary Scottish cultural life. Leading Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek talks about the way that design thinking can create a more sustainable model of living.  6-8pm, Lyon & Turnbull, 33 Broughton Place. Free, but places must be booked via eventbrite.

Pass on a Poem: ‘A chance to explore poetry in a beautifully bookish though wonderfully informal setting.’ Read a favourite published poem aloud or just come along to listen. No previous experience of poetry or reading live required! If you know what you want to read, email the shop with details to book your slot. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow.

Lunchtime Concert: Katrina Nimmo (soprano) and Seho Lee (piano.) 1.10-1.50pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free; retiring collection.

Portrait Gallery Insights: GENERATION – Luke Fowler.  Anne Lyden, International Photography Curator at NGS, introduces Luke Fowler’s The Poor Stockinger, the Luddite Cropper and the Deluded Followers of Joanna Southcott (2012), part of GENERATION.  5.30-6pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Free but places are limited and must be booked by calling 0131 624 6560.

Silverbirch: flute and guitar. 2-2.40pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Writers at the Fringe: every Thursday during the Festival Blackwell’s invites a selection of Scottish performers to give a taste of their work. New and unpublished works of literary art stand alongside established authors, with any and all genres free to be expressed. This week: Sarah Maine, Ajay Close, Margaret Halliday, Lesley Glaister and Andrew Greig. 5.45-7.45pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets available from the shop’s front desk or by phoning 0131 622 8218, or from The Fringe box office.

The Drawing Room: an informal, artist-led drawing session.  Each session is developed by a contemporary artist and is inspired by the GENERATION exhibition, also reflecting concerns in the artist’s own work.  All materials supplied, no experience necessary. This session’s artist is Catherine Street. 5.30-6.45pm, Royal Scottish Academy, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed, no booking required. Part of GENERATION By Night.

The Glass Half Full: Moving Beyond Scottish Miserablism. Film director Eleanor Yule and academic and novelist David Manderson discuss their new book.  ‘Cultural miserablism: the power of the negative story with no redemption and no escape, that wallows in its own bleakness.’ Scotland is a small and immensely creative country. The role of the arts and culture is one that many are rightly proud of – but do we portray Scotland in the light we should? The Glass Half Full confronts the negative Scotland we portray not only to the world but more importantly to ourselves.  1pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

Phill Jupitus: Sketch Comic Lectures.  Phill Jupitus and Hannah Gadsby present a talk about the works they’ve seen this week, the work that Phill has created and any sketches the public have shared. Expect a passionate, irreverent, personal look at art, with the occasional surprise guest. 6.30-7.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Occupy: Critical Theory and Radical Democracy – a series of public talks and discussions (third forum: Occupy and its critics). Speakers Robert C Smith and Richard Gunn will discuss Occupy and its implications: radical alternative democracy and the struggle for social change, with anyone who comes along.  More information here.  6pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

The Generator! By Night: unleash your childlike, creative side at the crazy art lab and have fun imagining the art of the future. Take inspiration from art works on display in the GENERATION exhibition and jump into a world of experimentation, exploration and invention.  Special evening opening of the children’s Generator! activities for adults only. 5-7pm, Royal Scottish Academy, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed, no booking required.  Part of GENERATION By Night.

Artist Talk: Laura Aldridge. Laura Aldridge discusses her work creating ceramics and textiles for the interior of the most recent bothy in The Bothy Project, on site at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE until 31st October 2014. 6pm, Modern ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed, no booking required.  Part of GENERATION By Night. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the new bothy here.

GENERATION Live Music: Norman Shaw.  As an artist, musician and writer, Norman Shaw explores the interface between art and music. His DJ-ing has taken him from playing Detroit techno to experimental noise, and his live performances range from vocal improvisation to guitar-driven experimentation, together with remixing Gaelic psalms and re-appropriating black metal sonics. Norman will be improvising on the sonorous nature of the GENERATION exhibition using guitar, voice and electronics. 6pm, Modern ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed, no booking required. Part of GENERATION By Night.

WordPlay: Title and Narrative. Creative gallery-based writing sessions inspired by GENERATION. Explore the power of words in contemporary art using Graham Fagan’s Peek-a-Jobby as a starting point. Through informal group discussion and practical exercises, Session 1 of WordPlay takes a closer look at the use of titles in GENERATION art works and how they can imply a narrative that reaches far beyond the confines of the art gallery. 5.30-6.45pm, Modern ONE, Belford Road. To book a free place call 0131 624 6410 or email education@nationalgalleries.org  Part of GENERATION By Night.

The Travelling Gallery: GENERATION TG.  A group exhibition including five artists working in a range of media. The exhibition focuses on what it is like to be a contemporary visual artist in Scotland, and includes a film of artists talking about their work to pupils from Edinburgh schools, in collaboration with Screen Education Edinburgh.  The Travelling Gallery will be at various Edinburgh locations this week: today, 10am-8pm (as part of Art Late North), City Art Centre, 2 Market Street . Free.

FRIDAY 15TH AUGUST 2014

Snap It Up! Charity Photography Sale and Auction. Edinburgh Photographers and Edinburgh Museums and Galleries showcase work from some of Edinburgh’s most talented photographers, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.  See the works on display in the spectacular setting of the Lauriston Castle Glasshouse, place your bids and buy! 6.30-9pm (preview 6-6.30pm) Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South.  Free but booking essential (only 100 places available) via eventbrite.  Guests will receive a complimentary drink and a cupcake. Catalogue available to view here.

Dactyl Issue 2: Launch Party: launch of the second issue of ‘one of Scotland’s premier literary zines.’  Dactyl 2 features original poetry, prose, photography and illustration on the theme of ‘Time and Space.’ An evening of blether, cake, readings, fizz and nonsense. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow.

Mythical Maze Dragon Collage: craft event for ages 7-11. 2-3pm, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Slide Too Far: trombone quartet. 2-2.40pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free.

The Travelling Gallery: GENERATION TG.  A group exhibition including five artists working in a range of media. The exhibition focuses on what it is like to be a contemporary visual artist in Scotland, and includes a film of artists talking about their work to pupils from Edinburgh schools, in collaboration with Screen Education Edinburgh.  The Travelling Gallery will be at various Edinburgh locations this week: today, 10am-5pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street . Free.

Pin the Horn on the Unicorn: can you pin your designer horn on the unicorn with your eyes closed? For ages 4-12.  2-3pm, South Neighbourhood Office and Library, 40 Captain’s Road.  Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Zoolab: Mythical Creatures Hiding in a Maze. Come and help to make a host of mythical and mysterious characters. For ages 4-11. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-3pm, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Free but booking essential via eventbrite.

Lunchtime Concert: Kingston University Twist Choir. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Occupy: Critical Theory and Radical Democracy – a series of public talks and discussions (fourth forum – Occupy: routes forward?). Speakers Robert C Smith and Richard Gunn will discuss Occupy and its implications: radical alternative democracy and the struggle for social change, with anyone who comes along.  More information here. 6pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

Give the Ball to the Poet: a new anthology of Caribbean poetry: meet the editors and illustrator of this new anthology. 6-8pm, Waterstones, George Street. Free tickets available from the store.  Drinks and nibbles provided!  Further details on 0131 225 3436.

DIVE: an eclectic anything-goes queer party/cabaret: ‘for, by and of the people.’ 8pm-3am, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place.

The Vagenda: A Zero Tolerance Guide to the Media. Freelance journalist and regular contributor to The Guardian and New Statesman Holly Baxter and Guardian Student Media Columnist 2011 Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett discuss their book, a funny, hard-hitting examination of women and the media ‘for anyone who has ever had any niggling doubts about the sidebar of shame.’ Baxter and Cosslett founded The Vagenda Blog in 2012, when they stopped laughing at ridiculous magazine articles and started to feel a bit uneasy. The Vagenda asks real women everywhere to demand a media that reflects who they actually are.  1pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street. Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

Lunchtime Concert: Dan Smith ‘a serious challenger to Jools Holland’ (Blues in Britain) plays boogie-woogie piano. 1.10-1.50pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free; retiring collection. Dan Smith will also play in a concert, Cathedral Blues, with his band at 10pm tonight in the Cathedral: tickets £12/£10 on the door or from the Edinburgh Fringe Box Office.

Innerleithen (Celtic) Music Festival: want to get away from it all this weekend? The Innerleithen Music Festival begins today in the Borders, just 30 miles from Edinburgh on the banks of the Tweed. Concerts featuring national and local stars, plus workshops, sessions and other events. Guests include Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham, Boys of the Lough, The Shee and Fiona Hunter. Begins 4pm, ends Sunday evening. For details of acts, ticket prices, accommodation, etc see website.

SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 2014

Huggers! Child-friendly show for all ages, featuring comedy, magic, music and more. A huge success in Adelaide, Melbourne and Edinburgh for the past 3 years. 12 noon-1pm, Gorgie City Farm, Gorgie Road.  Part of www.freefestival.co.uk

Edinburgh College of Art Masters Festival: exhibition and series of events by postgraduate students from the Schools of Art, Design, Architecture and Landscape Architecture.  The ECA Sculpture Court will be turned into a events space featuring talks, performances and exhibitions from a variety of ECA programmes. 11am-5pm, (with late openings on 20th and 21st August) from today until 24th August 2014. Edinburgh College of Art Main Building, Lauriston Place. Free but some events require booking – see website for details. Part of Edinburgh Art Festival.

The Artists’ Writing Room at Edinburgh College of Art: an exhibition featuring a collection of over a hundred artists’ books to browse through, prints for sale and a workshop space. If you are interested in writing or publishing as part of your art practice, the free and informal workshops and talks will give you the opportunity to hear artists and writers speak about how and why they choose to publish as part of their practice. Also free ‘Edits-While-U-Wait’ service on certain days. Hosted by Claire Walsh and Kalopsia. 11am-5pm from today until 24th August 2014.

Little Artists: Illustrator and watercolour artist Jackie Morris hosts storytime and gets creative with the wee ones. Jackie’s books include East of the Sun, West of the Moon, The Cat and the Fiddle, and I am Cat. For ages 4-7. All supplies provided. 11-11.45am, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow. Free and open to all but booking recommended (via the shop, twitter or email) as space is limited. Children must be accompanied: parents/carers can enjoy a cup of tea while the children get colouring!

Lunchtime Concert: Priory Singers and Jesmond Choral Group from Newcastle Upon Tyne. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Deception in High Places: A History of Bribery in Britain’s Arms Trade. Nicholas Gilby, whose research has featured in The Guardian and on Al-Jezeera and Newsnight, discusses his new book ‘a devastating portrait of the UK government’s complicity in arms deals corruption over many decades.’ (Andrew Feinstein.) Deception in High Places reveals the corruption endemic in Britain’s biggest arms deals over the last fifty years.   1pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

Close-Up Cities: drop-in workshop for families, taking inspiration from the Where Do I End and You Begin exhibition. See the city differently by looking at it close up, then create your own print inspired by Gavin Hipkins’ images of the city of Changdigarh in India.  Suitable for the whole family. 1.30-.3.30pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street (meet at reception.) Free, no booking required.

Forest’s 14th Birthday Party! DJs, presents, dancing, cake, and live music from The Phlegm, Jen and the Gents and Lake Montgomery. 8pm-3am, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place.

Portrait Gallery Architecture Tours: monthly architecture tours of the magnificent arts and crafts building designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. 2-2.45pm,  Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Free but places are limited and must be booked by calling 0131 624 6560.

Lunchtime Concert: The Murray Duo.  1.10-1.50pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free; retiring collection.

GENERATION Tours at Modern ONE: free, discussion-led tours of the GENERATION exhibition. focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am and 1-1.45pm, Modern ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed, no booking required.

Knox and Ion: Latin jazz guitar duo. 2-2.40pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free.

Scottish Independence: A Feminist Response. Trade union activist and co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign Cat Boyd and University of Glasgow doctoral student Jenny Morrison launch their ‘accessible and daring’ new book.  There have been numerous high-profile books for and against independence, but so far none has focused directly on the question of gender.   ‘Timely and tightly argued..a serious contribution both to the referendum debate and to the literature of ‘fourthwave’ feminism.’ (Neil Davidson) 1pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

Ken a bit Mair: follow up drop-in sessions to the family history workshops. 2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.

SUNDAY 17TH AUGUST 2014

Art in the Healing Environment: celebrate and reflect on this year’s exhibition in a lively discussion with a panel of experts and artists. Chaired by Dr Donnie Ross, former Chairman of Grampian Hospitals Art Trust. Part of INSPIRED! 2014 Edinburgh Macmillan Art Exhibition and Sale. 1.30-2.30pm, Princes Room, Bonhams, 22 Queen Street. Free admission. More information on the Macmillan Art Show website.

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

Putin and the Oligarch: The Khodorkovsky-Yukos Affair. Author and Professor of Russian and European Politics  Richard Sakwa discusses the rise, fall and regeneration of one of Russia’s richest men and his confrontation with the country’s leader.  The arrest of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, head of the Yukos oil company, in 2003, was a key turning point in modern Russian history. In this book Sakwa considers the relationship between Putin’s state and big business, and Russia’s emergence as an energy superpower.  1pm, Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free – donations welcome! Part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe 2014.

Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller: fiddle, piano, vocals and step-dance. 2-2.40pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free.

Bryan Lee O’Malley signs Seconds: A Graphic Novel. Canadian cartoonist O’Malley, best known for his Scott Pilgrim series, signs copies of his new book. 12 noon-1pm, Forbidden Planet, 40/41 South Bridge.

Organ Recital on St Mary’s magnificent ‘Father’ Willis organ: Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster. 4.45-5.45pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free; retiring collection.

Non-Stuff: Acoustic Music. Unplugged magic from The Forgotten Works and Jemima Thewes, ahead of the Non-Stuff Festival in Biggar in September. Come and rest those weekend blues with songs of murder, death and lost love. 8pm-1am, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place.

St Giles At Six: The Aquillos Ensemble. Ravel (arr Mason Jones) Le Tombeau de Couperin, Ibert Trois Pieces Breves, Pilss Wind Serenade, Hallam Dance Suite.  6pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free: retiring collection.

Live streaming from the Book Festival 

Edinburgh International Festival 

Hearts beat Rangers

Supermoon

Lifeboat

If you have missed out on the tickets for the George RR Martin event today at Edinburgh International Book Festival then you need not fear. There is a live streaming of the show with the Game of Thrones author by BBC Arts Online from Charlotte Square today at 8pm . More details here. 

***

This morning Nicola Benedetti will play with an ensemble of her regular collaborators performing Brahms and Shostakovich in the first concert of BBC Radio 3’s series of Festival 2014 live broadcasts.

As the home of classical music, BBC Radio 3 has broadcast from Edinburgh International since the beginning of the Festival. The broadcasts are part of BBC Radio 3’s annual commitment to covering the classical riches the festival has on offer, and in 2006 the station expanded its coverage to include the introduction of three weeks of live morning concerts broadcast from Queen’s Hall.

Many regular shows such as BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast, the drive-time In Tune programme and The Early Music Show cover the Festival. BBC Radio 3 also broadcasts a selection of recorded evening Edinburgh International Festival concerts in the autumn after the end of the BBC Proms season, bringing the total to 22 concerts. The concerts are also shared through BBC Radio 3’s relationship with the European Broadcasting Union and other international broadcasters which last year saw the Festival’s concerts reaching listeners in over 35 territories worldwide.

This year’s coverage of The Queen’s Hall weekday morning concerts includes programmes reflecting one of the Festival’s overarching themes – the commemoration of the outbreak of World War One; Ian Bostridge reveals responses to conflict in songs by Kurt Weill and Benjamin Britten (12 August); Simon Keenlyside brings together songs from George Butterworth’s A Shropshire Lad (20 August); while Anne Sofie von Otter and Daniel Hope perform songs and instrumental music from Terezin, a concentration camp north of Prague (25 August).

BBC Radio 3 will also broadcast six concerts from the Usher Hall over a week in September– the Opening Concert with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra conducted by Oliver Knussen (15 September), Ute Lemper with Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by Lawrence Foster (16 September), Collegium Vocale Gent directed by Philippe Herreweghe (17 September)and the I, CULTURE Orchestra with conductor Kirill Karabits (18 September), and BBC SSO and Ilan Volkov performing Jonathan Mills’s Sandakan Threnody (19 September)– all for future broadcast in September in Live in Concert. Holst’s The Planets performed by the BBC SSO and Concerto Italiano’s beautiful programme of early music from Greyfriars Kirk will be transmitted BBC Radio 3 this autumn Jonathan Mills, Festival Director, said: “Working with BBC Radio 3 to bring the Festival’s concerts to people not able to join us in Edinburgh is incredibly valuable. We are delighted to be broadcasting 22 concerts with them this year and hope that audiences around the world will tune in to enjoy them.”

Donald MacLeod, presenter of the concerts on BBC Radio 3, said “For a few years now I’ve had the privilege of being able to sit up in the balcony of The Queen’s Hall and enjoy music-making of consistently outstanding quality, introducing the artists and their programmes to the radio audience not lucky enough to be able to be there in person. There’s always a buzz of anticipation in the hall which comes across on the live broadcast and each year this beautifully-planned series offers up a series of stellar performances. I am looking forward to another year of wonderful music and hope you will tune in and join us direct from Edinburgh.”

***

Just a short time ago not even the seventh son of a seventh son could have forecast that Rangers and Hearts would be kicking off their league campaign at Ibrox in the second tier of Scottish football. Read more here of Hearts win over Rangers yesterday. Read more here

***

We were disappointed not to catch sight of the Supermoon last night. If you did then do share your photos

This is Nasa’s version :

Tonight: #Supermoon! 14% closer to Earth & 30% brighter than other full moons. http://t.co/LkqAQvRsjJ pic.twitter.com/LJYm8EBY0c

— NASA (@NASA) August 10, 2014

@sianwilliams100 Supermoon at Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone…. pic.twitter.com/4NZLwIjsd3

— Nicky Vines (@NickyVines) August 10, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
***

The Queensferry lifeboat was called out twice yesterday:

Just before 1 pm yesterday the first cappp The casualty was assessed by lifeboat crew and handed over to paramedics on Cramond shore.
Crew: Mike Garfitt, Iain Leil, Derek Sutton, Tom Glasby.

SPFL Championship, Sunday 10 August 2014 – Ibrox

Just a short time ago not even the seventh son of a seventh son could have forecast that Rangers and Hearts would be kicking off their league campaign at Ibrox in the second tier of Scottish football. However, both clubs’ financial predicaments of recent years have resulted in Rangers and Hearts – two of the biggest clubs in the land – commencing season 2014/15 outside the top flight. It didn’t prevent a crowd of over 43,000 and the Sky Television cameras from heading to Govan for the season’s opening league game.

Prior to kick-off there was a fine tribute to former Rangers and Hearts defender Sandy Jardine who died last April. Hearts had two former Rangers players in their starting line-up – goalkeeper Neil Alexander and skipper Danny Wilson – while Rangers had four former Jambos in their side, David Templeton, Lee Wallace and Scottish Cup winning duo Marius Zaliukas and Ian Black.

Rangers, unbeaten in their entire league campaign last season, began on the offensive and a slack pass-back in the opening minutes put Hearts goalkeeper Neil Alexander under pressure from former Ibrox team-mates Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd but the Gorgie custodian managed to recover.

After an early spell of pressure from the home team, Hearts began to settle and had most of the possession of an admittedly disappointing first half. That said, they were given a huge let-off after 20 minutes when a deflected effort from Miller fell for Templeton and the former Hearts winger headed over from six yards when he really should have scored.

As the first half wore on, Hearts began to control the game and a teasing cross from Danny Wilson was pushed wide of the Rangers goal by Alim Ozturk before Sam Nicholson’s rather weak header, which was easily saved by home keeper Bell, was the game first attempt at goal to be on target. Half-time arrived with the game goalless.

Eight minutes after the interval, Hearts took the lead. Billy King’s corner was met by the head of Danny Wilson and the skipper eluded the challenge of McCulloch and Wallace to head into the corner of the net to put the Maroons in front. Joy for the vociferous travelling support.

Midway through the second half there was a blow for Hearts. Goalkeeper Neil Alexander took the full force of an elbow from colleague Ozturk meaning he had to be stretchered off, his replacement being another former Rangers player Scott Gallacher.

The injury meant there was six minutes stoppage time to be added. In the first of these, Law found room in the Hearts penalty box to hook the ball beyond Gallacher to grab the equaliser and what most people believed would be a share of the points.

However, straight from the kick-off, Sam Nicholson raced forward and slipped the ball through to Osman Sow. The big Swedish forward, so impressive in pre-season friendlies, took a touch before firing a low shot beyond Bell to put Hearts back in front – and secure three valuable points. It was a brilliant finish by the former Crystal Palace player and he took the acclaim of the 1,700 strong travelling Hearts support as referee Craig Thomson blew the final whistle moments later.

All in all, it was a fine performance from Hearts and a superb result at the home of many people’s favourites for the SPFL Championship this season. Losing their goalkeeper and then an injury-time equaliser but still winning the game is a huge testament to the character of this emerging Hearts team. Head Coach Robbie Neilson wore the look of a delighted man at the end of the game as well he might.

Next Sunday, Hearts welcome Hibernian to Tynecastle for another game live on Sky Sports. It should be a cracker to match anything the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has to offer!

Rangers: Bell, Zaliukas, McCulloch, Foster, Wallace, Templeton, Black, Law, MacLeod, Miler, Boyd.

Hearts: Alexander, McGhee, Ozturk, McHattie, Wilson, King, Gomis, Buaben, Nicholson, Carrick, Sow.

Referee: Craig Thomson

Att: 43,683

Top man: Skipper Danny Wilson – covered every blade of grass at Ibrox and scored a goal into the bargain.

Alan Stubbs refused to take credit for signing a goal scoring keeper as Hibs started their Champion with a 2-1 win at home to Livingston at Easter Road yesterday.

In fact both goals came from players making their competitive debuts for the club with striker Farid el Alagui giving Hibs an early lead then Marx Oxley adding a second a few minutes later.

Despite dominating the first half, they were unable to add to the two goal lead and when Livingston pulled one back early in the second half, the manager was delighted to hold on for the three points.

After the game Head Coach Stubbs told Hibernian TV: “In all honesty, I didn’t think Mark would score the winning goal today, but it’s won us the game.

“I thought we played really well at Ibrox, but took nothing from the game and today we played well for periods, especially the first half.

“In the second half, we didn’t dominate as much as I would have liked us to, but we still got the three points.

“I’ve said all along that, first and foremost, I want to win games of football and secondly if we can do that with a style of football that’s pleasing on the eye then we will. I can only build something if we can win games.

“We knew Livingston weren’t going to lie down and let us go three or four goals up. We know that no team is going to come here and let us play the way we want to play and we’re prepared for that.”

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014

The Edinburgh Book Fringe presents Andrew Davies, Senior Lecturer in Modern British History at the University of Liverpool, who will discuss his book, City of Gangs: Glasgow and the Rise of the British Gangster.  ‘…evokes the energy and excitement of gang life, their pride, their loyalty to each other, their love of fighting and their brutal excesses’ (History Today)  1pm, Word Power Books, 43 West Nicolson Street. Free.

Songwriter’s Bliss: one full band backing five great songwriters. 8pm-1am,  Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place. Free.

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

Celebrity Organ Recital: Duncan Ferguson, Master of Music, St Mary’s Cathedral. 4.45pm, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place.

Watch Out, Beetles About! Investigate the undergrowth of Lauriston Castle and learn how to identify the different creepy crawlies you find. Use these as inspiration to create a bug finger puppet. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. Tickets cost £5 and must be purchased via the Usher Hall Box Office, online, in person or by phone.

St Giles At Six: Rudsambee. Rudsambee return to St Giles with an eclectic programme to appeal to many different tastes. Well established choral works by Kodaly and Tormis rub shoulders with newly composed pieces such as the award winning Cariad by Welsh composer Ieuan Wyn. 6pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Retiring collection.