Police Scotland officers in Edinburgh are issuing a fresh appeal for witnesses to come forward after another car linked to the Hamilton & Inches robbery was recovered in the north of the city.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing into the high-value armed robbery that took place on Friday 6th June, when three men dressed in dark clothing entered the jewellery store at around 11.40am and threatened staff with various bladed weapons.

The trio smashed a number of display cabinets before making off with over £1 million worth of goods, including a £325,000 diamond Chatila necklace and eight Patek Phillipe watches ranging from £22,000 to £66,000.

All of the suspects were then seen entering a white BMW car, which was recovered a short time later in Gloucester Lane.

Police Scotland can today reveal that it has been established the men then abandoned the BMW before getting into a dark blue Honda CRV that was seen heading towards Stockbridge.

The Honda, a late 2007 model, would have contained at least four people and it is thought to have travelled north along Gloucester Street on to Kerr Street, then through the main Stockbridge thoroughfare towards Raeburn Place.

It was recovered abandoned in a car park at East Pilton Farm Rigg in Edinburgh, and it is believed that the vehicle may have been dumped there after the robbery.

Detective Inspector Carol Craig is urging any members of the public who may have seen the vehicle in Edinburgh on Friday 6th June to get in touch with Police Scotland immediately.

“The response we have had from members of the public to this very serious incident has been terrific so far,” said Detective Inspector Craig, who has been leading the investigation into the armed robbery.

“But those responsible have still to be identified and we hope that the recovery of the dark blue Honda CRV could prove crucial. We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle being driven in Stockbridge around the time of the robbery or being dumped at East Pilton Farm Rigg to come forward.”

An inventory of all the stolen items continues to be undertaken but it has emerged that over £800,000 worth of jewellery was taken from the window displays alone.

The items included Chatila earrings worth £95,000 and diamond rings ranging from £3,525 to £61,000, while the most expensive piece of jewellery stolen from the window was a diamond Chatila necklace costing £325,000.

Detective Inspector Craig added: “This was clearly a very high-value robbery and the items involved very precious pieces of jewellery. It was also a frightening experience for the staff at the shop and we are working hard to establish exactly what happened.”

Anyone with any information on the Hamilton & Inches armed robbery can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police Scotland has confirmed that missing woman Kirsty Heggie has been found safe and well.

Kirsty, who is 23-years-old and from the Leith area, had last been seen near Holyrood Palace on Sunday morning.

She has now been located in Gullane in East Lothian and officers would like to thank the public for their considerable assistance.

This week is traditionally the week that HM the Queen takes up residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse where she accepts the keys from the Lord Provost the Rt Hon Donald Wilson in the Ceremony of the Keys.

Here are some of the city’s councillors forming a line up to greet her at Holyrood yesterday.

The Queen is received in the city of #Edinburgh by the City Chamberlain at the Ceremony of the Keys #QueeninScotland pic.twitter.com/t5OwChgEYs

— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) June 30, 2014

 

Her Majesty then proceeds to have a garden party to which the great and the good are invited. Of course in this digital age there is a YouTube video showing you what to expect if you are invited. What you should never expect is good weather as traditionally it rains, but today when the garden party takes place the weather forecast looks very promising. Just remember to avoid the area if you are driving….

Police Scotland advise:-

“From 1pm until 7pm, Holyrood park and the surrounding roads will be very busy, especially at 6pm and we would strongly advise that you look for alternative routes away from this area.

If you’re invited then do tweet us some photos of yourselves in all your finery!  @EdinReporter

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4OWWMlvHrs]

 

edyglassie caught the guard of honour on video yesterday morning at Holyrood.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Crystal Coverdale (@edgylassie)

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js

 

Follow The Edinburgh Reporter on Instagram

.ig-b- { display: inline-block; } .ig-b- img { visibility: hidden; } .ig-b-:hover { background-position: 0 -60px; } .ig-b-:active { background-position: 0 -120px; } .ig-b-48 { width: 48px; height: 48px; background: url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-sprite-48.png) no-repeat 0 0; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (min--moz-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (-o-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2 / 1), only screen and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and (min-resolution: 2dppx) { .ig-b-48 { background-image: url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-sprite-48@2x.png); background-size: 60px 178px; } }

Photo © Thomas Haywood

TUESDAY 1 JULY 2014

Journey: an exhibition by Queen Margaret University Art Psychotherapy graduates 2014. Preview tonight 6-8pm, then continues Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-5pm, until 28th July 2014.  Gallery on the Corner, 34 Northumberland Street.

eBook surgery: get help with downloading free eBooks, emagazines  and audio books.  2-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge.  Free drop-in session, no booking required.

Monster Tattoo Designs.  For ages 5-11.  2-3pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Road.  Free, part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Nessie Door Handles.  For under 12s.  2-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free, part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Trevor Royle at NLS: on the 98th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme ‘Flowers of the Forest’ author Trevor Royle will explore the battle from a Scottish point of view and explain that, despite the heavy casualties, the Somme cannot be written off as a complete failure.  6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge.  Free: book online or call 0131 623 3734.

Pirate Pete’s Paper Dressing-Up Box: spend a fun morning transforming yourself into a pirate! Make your own crazy cutlass, pirate hat, accessories and even your own parrot! Suitable for families. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South.  £5 per person.  Bookings must be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person or by calling 0131 228 1155  (Monday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm) or via the Usher Hall website.

MP launches irresponsible parking bill – QMU Honorary degrees – Edinburgh International Magic Festival – Yoga Mix – CHAS fundraising

Loads of good stuff still on at the Magic Festival.

Have a read at the full programme here. The Festival runs till 4 July 2014.

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Magic-Fest-2014.pdf

***

***

An opportunity to help Children’s Hospice Association Scotland with their fundraising.

Can you spare an hour to help CHAS raise funds? We have been given two fantastic opportunities to bag pack but we need your help to fill the checkouts!

Saturday 12 July we will be at Morrisons at the Gyle between 10am until 4pm.

Saturday 26 July we will be at Asda Chesser between 12pm and 6pm.

If you can help us for an hour please contact the Laura on 0131 444 1515 or email  lauracampbell@chas.org.uk

Please share and help us make the most of these valuable opportunities.

Former Hibs’ midfielder Paul Cairney has joined Kilmarnock on a two year contract.

The 26-year-old Glaswegian was released by Terry Butcher at the end of last season.

Cairney started his career at Queen’s Park and moved to Partick Thistle in 2008, scoring 20 goals during a four year spell at Firhill.

He moved to Hibs in 2012 under then manager Pat Fenlon and made 53 appearances in two years.

His Easter Road career was blighted with an injury picked up in pre-season training at the start of the campaign.

Cairney joins former rival Jamie Hamill at Rugby Park.

Photo by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

Hibs’ defender Ryan McGivern will join English League One club Port Vale – pending international clearance.

The Northern Ireland internationalist, 24, originally joined Hibs on loan from Manchester City in August 2012 before making the move permanent 12 months ago.

He made 70 appearances – scoring one goal – during his stay at Easter Road.

McGivern has previously spent time on loan at Morecambe, Leicester City, Walsall, Crystal Palace and Bristol City.

He is understood to have signed a two year deal after the Valiants negotiated his release from the remaining 12 months of his contract.

He has 21 caps for Northern Ireland, the last of which was in their goalless draw away to Cyprus in March.

Photo by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

KENNEL CLUB LAUNCHES AWARDS TO FIND SCOTLAND’S BEST DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESSES

The search is on to find Scotland’s most dog friendly places, as the Kennel Club launches its Be Dog Friendly Awards 2014.

Even though we are regarded as a nation of pet lovers, many dog owners struggle to find shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and even beaches that welcome their four-legged friends. That is why the Kennel Club has launched the 2014 Be Dog Friendly Awards to reward and encourage businesses and public places across the UK that adopt a dog friendly attitude.

The awards are being held in association with Dog Friendly, the UK’s leading directory with over 32,000 carefully selected dog friendly entries in 19 categories.

There will be ten Be Dog Friendly Awards for excellence:

• Hotel / Hostel
• Pub / Bar
• Day out
• High Street
• Beach
• Café / Restaurant
• Camping / Caravanning
• Town / City
• Great Outdoors
• Large Organisation

The winners in all categories will be determined by public recommendation and vote. In addition to the category awards, a Special Recognition prize will be awarded to a place or business that the Kennel Club identifies as pulling out all the stops for its canine customers.

The awards will be presented at the Discover Dogs Show, to be held at Earls Court, London on 8 – 9 November 2014.

Speaking about this year’s awards, Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko said: “With over 8 million dogs in the UK, now is the perfect time to encourage more non–pet businesses in Scotland to adopt a dog-friendly attitude.

“Our research has shown that four out of five businesses with a dog-friendly policy say it has helped them attract more customers and has had a beneficial effect on staff. Taking dogs out and about, particularly as puppies, gets them used to being around people and dogs and leads to a dog friendly nation.”

Steve Bennett from Dog Friendly comments: “We are delighted to be part of the Kennel Club Be Dog Friendly campaign.  Our customers are always looking for more businesses and locations and are keen to share their favourites.

“The Be Dog Friendly Awards are the perfect opportunity for businesses to sign up to the campaign and become more accessible to dogs and their owners.”

The competition runs until 10^th October.  To recommend and vote for your favourite dog friendly places or businesses, click here. Everyone who makes a nomination or votes will be entered into a free prize draw to win a £1,000 voucher towards a dog-friendly holiday, with runner up prizes of ten pairs of tickets to Crufts and Discover Dogs.

If you are running a Fringe show then this is for you.

Applications are now open for the 2014 Fringe Sustainable Practice Award, celebrating the greenest and most sustainable shows on the Edinburgh Fringe. This project, a partnership between Creative Carbon Scotland and the Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts, with media partner The List, rewards shows which engage their audiences with sustainability, take responsibility for their environmental impacts, and think big about how the arts can help to grow a sustainable world. Applications are open from February 19th to July 18th, with a shortlist announced in The List on July 30th, and the winner announced in a ceremony at Fringe Central on August 22nd.

“We believe artists and cultural organisations are uniquely placed to address the challenges brought on by climate change – through the art they produce, the audiences they speak to and the way in which they operate,” says Ben Twist, Director of Creative Carbon Scotland, “This major award celebrates and publicises their innovative work during the Festival Fringe.”

Shortlisted shows will receive coverage in a special feature in The List on the Fringe Sustainable Practice Award, published on July 30th, and reviews of shortlisted shows will be highlighted in The List’s festival issues and website. The organisers of the Award are seeking to bring new publicity and audiences to productions working hard to do their best work and to do it sustainably. The winner will receive the Award itself along with a special feature and coverage in the Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts’ Quarterly Magazine.

The award for Sustainable Production on the Fringe was first launched in 2010 at the Hollywood Fringe and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Previous Edinburgh recipients include: The Pantry Shelf (2010), a satirical comedy that takes place in any ordinary pantry shelf, produced by Team M&M at Sweet Grassmarket; Allotment (2011) by Jules Horne and directed by Kate Nelson, produced by Nutshell Productions at the Inverleith Allotments in co-production with Assembly; The Man Who Planted Trees (2012) adapted from Jean Giono’s story by Ailie Cohen, Richard Medrington, Rick Conte and directed by Ailie Cohen, produced by the Edinburgh’s Puppet State Theatre; and How to Occupy an Oil Rig (2013), by Daniel Bye and Company, produced at Northern Stage. Awardees have gone on to future success on the Fringe and presentations around the world including as close as Cardiff for World Stage Design, and as far as New Zealand and all across the US and Canada.

“We see the arts as the best driver of sustainable societies and it’s not just our opinion: data shows that performance promotes positive environmental, social, and economic impacts. This award is intended to reward those artists and companies which embody all of these positive points in an intentional way. It’s not just about going green,” says Ian Garrett, Director of the CSPA. “The fringe model provides an ideal platform to start working with sustainable ideas through all of the freedoms and restrictions the festival allows!”

Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of cultural organisations using the arts to help shape a sustainable Scotland. The Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts is in the Arts is a Think Tank for Sustainability in the Arts and Culture.

Shows can apply now by clicking here.

 

The RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat Station and Fete attracted a large crowd at South Queensferry with attractions on shore and on the water raising £3.750.00.

 

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery in the East Craigs area of the city, which took place around 10.45pm yesterday (Sunday)

A 43-year-old woman was walking home when a male approached as she reached the vennel leading between houses at the east end of Mearenside.

At this time the victim was punched to the back of the neck before being robbed of her handbag.

The male then made off towards Bughtlin Park and the woman contacted police.

Enquiries are now ongoing to trace the suspect and anyone who can assist in tracing him is asked to come forward.

He is described as white, between 30 and 40-years-old, between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 7ins tall with a medium build, dark brown hair that was shaven at the sides, stubble and a broken upper tooth.

Detective Sergeant Robert Wallace said: “Fortunately the woman was not seriously injured, but was left very shaken as a result of this attack.

“We have a very detailed description of the suspect and would be keen to hear from anyone who can help us identify him.

“In addition, anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in East Craigs area on Sunday evening is also asked to contact police immediately.”

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

Edinburgh schools have broken up for summer and the parents among you may be wondering how to keep that awful phrase “I’m bored!” at bay.

Edinburgh Council, which offers a wide choice of entertaining and educational activities for children and young people, has created a ‘best of’ list to help families stay occupied on a budget.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: “The summer break is a chance for families to get together and try something different but it is also a challenge to keep the kids entertained without breaking budgets. Whatever the weather, there will be a host of activities and events taking place across Edinburgh this summer, many of which are free.

“With the Commonwealth Games taking place in Scotland, there is the added excitement of trying new sports and learning about our fellow Commonwealth countries, and highlights to look out for this summer are the Active City sporting exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh and the many one off sport classes at Edinburgh Leisure venues.”

WHAT’S ON AT MUSEUMS

First on the list of things to do is a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh  on the Royal Mile. Housed in the beautifully restored 16th Century buildings on the Canongate, it is the city’s principal museum of local history and from 5 July, will be home to a brand new exhibition looking at sport throughout the ages in Edinburgh.

With special activities for children, and a focus on the Commonwealth Games, the Active City – Celebrating Edinburgh’s Sporting Heritage exhibition  is ideal for kids who are excited for Glasgow 2014, and to coincide with the exhibition there will be a special come and try sports challenge in the museum courtyard for children on 10 July.

Also on the Royal Mile, the Museum of Childhood   hosts a treasure trove of toys the whole family will love. Children can learn what it was like to grow up in other eras and gaze at a range of toys and games, while adults can enjoy a trip down memory lane.

The latest exhibition to open at the Museum is a display of posters created by children for the annual Fringe Festival Children’s Posters Competition . This competition has been an annual event for the Fringe Festival since 1980 and this year’s competition received 3,453 entries from 144 schools across Scotland.  The winning designs and runners up can be viewed at the Museum until 31 August 2014.

EDINBURGH’S LIBRARIES

As always, it will a busy summer across Edinburgh’s 28 libraries, with lots of free events.

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six books during the long summer holiday. The theme for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge  taking place in all libraries across the city will be Mythical Maze created by top illustrator Sarah McIntyre.Children can read whatever they like – fact books, joke books, picture books, audio books – just as long as they are borrowed from the library.

Every time children finish a book they get stickers and rewards and there’s a certificate for everyone who finishes.Mythical Maze challenges children aged four to eleven to find their way around a labyrinth that introduces them to fantastical creatures from the world of legend and mythology, collecting stickers of each character along the way.

Central Library has a brand new dedicated Children’s space with lots of new books, cubby holes to read them in, an under 5’s room and an arts and crafts area. Budding musicians can practice in the new music Library’s acoustic pod or on the digital piano.

South West  Edinburgh Libraries are celebrating the Commonwealth Games with their Summer of SportProgramme which will  host sport themed activities for local children including the chance to have Good Luck cards delivered to the athletes in the Commonwealth Village.

Need holiday reading but want to keep your suitcase light? Edinburgh Libraries provides free to use ebooks, audiobooks and  downloadable magazines for children and adults. Visit the Edinburgh Libraries’ website for further details of special holiday events.

ART IN THE CITY

This summer, families can also get stuck into crafts through the Edinburgh Art Festival . Launching on 31 July, a host of children’s workshops will be held in the City Art Centre .

The Centre also has a busy programme of Street Magic Master Classes up until 4 July as part of Edinburgh’s International Magic Festival . Classes range in price and places can be booked through the festival websites.

STAYING ACTIVE

To help keep kids active, Edinburgh Leisure  is offering a host of activities to enjoy throughout the holidays, including fantastic free Multi-Sport sessions . Youngsters aged 5-16 are invited to try football, gymnastics, tennis, boccia, athletics and much more at the Meadows every Wednesday and Friday afternoon from 2 July – 8 August. Kids will benefit from support by qualified coaches and local sports clubs. There’s no need to book, visitors can just drop into The Pavillion Cafe, Jawbone Walk in Edinburgh’s Meadows.

From June 28 until August 12, Edinburgh Leisure is also offering free swimming all day to all primary school children at Dalry, Gracemount and Ainslie Park Leisure Centres. There will also be free swimming available between 12:00pm-3:00pm at Wester Hailes Education Centre. Following a successful Easter initiative, this year marks the first time the free summer sessions will be open to any public swim session at participating pools.

In good weather, the beautiful grounds of Lauriston Castle, laid out by William Henry Playfair in the 1840s, hold over 300 trees and are worth a wander – especially on 29 July when children are invited to visit and learn how to identify each one. Entry is £5 per person. Guided tours of the Castle take place every day at 2:00pm except Friday and the Castle has a huge programme of family activities throughout the summer which can be booked through the Usher Hall .

After taking in the city, where better to enjoy the breathtaking views of Edinburgh than by climbing to the top of the tallest tribute to a writer in the world, the Scott Monument  in East Princes Street Gardens. Equally impressive is the Nelson Monument  on Calton Hill.

And just in case you need to know Edinburgh schools begin the autumn term on 13 August 2014. All other term and holiday dates are here.

A giant portrait of Franz Schubert, one of the world’s most famous and revered Romantic composers was created – and destroyed – today on the beach at Elie, East Neuk of Fife, commissioned for the East Neuk Festival to highlight its ‘Schubertiad’ weekend on 5-6 July 2014, finale of the 2014 tenth anniversary programme. The festival concludes on Sunday 6 July.

The Sand in Your Eye team applied their deft and speedy skills to achieve the most ephemeral of portraits that disappeared later in the afternoon when the waves rolled in (somehow appropriately symbolic for a composer of such talent whose life ended so early at 32).

The East Neuk Festival is renowned for its world class chamber music programming.  The Schubertiad is a day and half of Schubert’s works for singers, instrumentalists, theatre and symphony from morning ‘til night.

More info on: www.eastneukfestival.com for details and booking.

Colin Hattersley Photography

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

07974 957 388
colinhattersley@btinternet.com
www.colinhattersley.com

Police  looking for missing person Kirsty Heggie have widened their search to East Lothian.

Kirsty Heggie, who is 23-years-old and from the Leith area, was last seen near to Holyrood Palace at around 9.35am on Sunday 29th June.

As well as searching in the capital, officers are now following up information that Kirsty may have been in the Ormiston and Tranent areas sometime between 8am and 10.30am today.

Kristy was wearing a brown/black blazer jacket, a black vest top, black trousers and black trainers when she was last spotted on Sunday.

She was carrying a black bag that had pink/orange flowers on it and may have in her possession a purple blanket with flower stitching on it.

Described as white, 5ft 6in, of slim build and with short curly blonde hair, Kirsty resides in the west of Edinburgh and is known to frequent the city centre area, where she regularly busks.

Inspector Murray Tait said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned about Kirsty’s welfare as she has not made contact with friends or family since 29th June.

“We have reason to believe that she was in Ormiston and Tranent early on Monday morning and it’s possible that members of the public saw her and are able to come forward with information.”

Anyone with information that can assist with the search for Kirsty Heggie is urged to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101.

Hibs have announced a three-year heritage partnership with Crabbie’s that will see the long-term partner named as The Famous Five Stand sponsors.

Crabbie’s experienced an enjoyable three years as Hibernian’s Main Sponsors and that mutually beneficial relationship will now continue for a further three years – galvanising the bond between two of the biggest brands to have come out of Leith.

As heritage partner, Crabbie’s will sponsor The Famous Five Stand which will include the introduction of The Crabbie’s Museum, highlighting the historical links with the brand, Hibernian and Leith, and continued brand ownership of popular supporters’ bar, Behind the Goals.

In addition, the Crabbie’s logo will appear on the back of all first team and retail kit plus they will have exclusive brand rights to all stadium advertising sites within The Famous Five Stand and an activation programme that will include a number of exciting supporter initiatives.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “The commercial team has worked closely with Crabbie’s to produce this creative and wide-ranging agreement that will further enhance the relationship between us in a way that will showcase our shared heritage and history.

“As well as both having our origins in Leith, Hibernian and Crabbie’s share a culture of innovation and have ambitious plans for the future, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership in the coming years.”

Ron Young of Crabbie’s said “We are delighted that we are continuing our association with Hibernian Football Club for another three years. We hope that this heritage partnership demonstrates our real long term commitment to Hibernian Football Club.

“Crabbie’s is enormously proud of its roots in Leith and the back of shirt sponsorship, as well as The Famous Five Stand means something special to the brand.”

 

The Scottish SPCA is seeking the owner of a tarantula found in a cupboard in Portobello.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was called out on Sunday (22 June) after a man was shocked to discover the tarantula in his home in Baileyfield Road.

The creature is now in the care of the charity’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno, where he has been nicknamed Sebastian.

Centre manager Diane Aitchison said, “Sebastian is in good condition so I think there’s a chance he’s escaped from home and his owner is looking for him.

“Tarantulas are quite popular pets, although most people would probably get a fright if they came across one.

“Thankfully, the man who found Sebastian wasn’t too fazed and he managed to contain him until we got there.

“It would be wonderful to return him home if he has gone missing.

“If no-one comes forward for Sebastian we’ll find him a caring new owner who understands his needs.”

Anyone who recognises Sebastian is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Photo by Scottish SPCA

Police are appealing for information to help trace a woman reported missing from the Leith area.

Kirsty Heggie, who is 23-years-old, was last seen near to Holyrood Palace at around 9.35am on Sunday 29th June.

She was wearing a brown/black blazer jacket, a black vest top, black trousers and black trainers. She was carrying a black bag that had pink/orange flowers on it and may have in her possession a purple blanket with flower stitching on it.

Described as white, 5ft 6in, of slim build and with short curly blonde hair, Kirsty resides in the west of Edinburgh and is known to frequent the city centre area, where she regularly busks.

Inspector Murray Tait said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned about Kirsty as she has not made contact with friends or family since 29th June.

“If anyone has any information that can assist with our enquiries, they are urged to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101.

Send us a postcard with EdinburghReportage  – Blackhall Library having a busy summer – Visit the Scottish Parliament this summer –  Today at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival – Burgers in Edinburgh

 

The Edinburgh Reporter is very lucky to have a sister site called EdinburghReportage which is built by the lovely people at n0tice. We are in good company. The Guardian have their Guardian Witness site here and Encyclopaedia Britannica have theirs here.

Our EdinburghReportage site is a chance for you to send in your photos, some video or even a little text to contribute to our various assignments. The site can be accessed from a computer or indeed from your phone and you can log in with Facebook or Twitter. You can save the website as a shortcut on your phone’s home screen to make it really easy to visit.  Watch the video below which will show you how and then have a look at our storyboards and see if there is one that you wish to contribute to. Click the add your contribution button and follow the instructions to add your photo or video.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v88wobFZ6NM]

Today we have just set up a new storyboard for you to send your virtual postcards. The summer holidays have just begun. If you are reading this from a beach in the Med or a cruise ship on the high seas will you share your ‘postcard’ with us? Go on tell us where  you have got to! The Edinburgh Reporter is not off on holidays at the moment so we would love to see where you are all off to.

And if you have ideas for new storyboards then do let us know! theedinburghreporter@gmail.com

***

 

 

 

 

***

Although the Scottish Parliament is now in recess till 3 August the parliament building remains open for visitors.  The current recess means that parliament reconvenes for a mere 20 days before a further recess till after the Scottish Independence Referendum in September. There is a cafe, guided tours and an exhibition in the main entrance hall. At present the Honours of Scotland are on display.

All details of the tours and how to organise your visit are here. 

***

Today you can take your young children aged over 4 to see Colonel Custard doing magical things, and you are promised mayhem!

“Colonel Custard is the current British Children’s Entertainer National Champion. He has been entertaining children for over a decade with his unique blend of fun-filled magical mayhem. His award-winning children’s shows have taken him around the world, delighting audiences both young and old with his crazy antics. The magic show includes juggling, levitation, unicycling and loads more surprises along the way. Fun for all the family with slapstick comedy and “blow your brains” magic.”

More details on the Magic Festival website here.

Scottish Storytelling Centre at 5pm.

Have a read at the full programme here. The Festival runs till 4 July 2014.

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Magic-Fest-2014.pdf

***

Foodies and gourmet burger aficionados may be in for a treat when a new burger joint with Michelin star pedigree opens its doors in Edinburgh at the end of this week

Following in the footsteps of its Glasgow restaurant, which launched in July 2013 and was crowned ‘Best Burger in Glasgow’ in its first year, Burger Meats Bun will open in the capital on Friday 4 July 2014 at midday on Edinburgh’s Forth Street.

The award winning burger bar is the brainchild of friends Ben Dantzic and James Forrest, who met working at the renowned, Michelin-starred, Peat Inn in Fife.

Burger Meats Bun in Edinburgh combines a cool, laid-back and rustic interior with an ethos of sustainability, using only the finest ingredients from Scottish artisan suppliers and producers including The Aberfoyle Butcher, Gartmorn Farm and cheesemonger George Mewes.

The menu is simplistic, focusing on freshness and quality rather than quantity of options, and specialising in burgers made from the best Scotch beef and slow grown, organic chicken.

The drinks list also stays true to the Burger Meats Bun philosophy, offering a range of quality and interesting specially sourced alternatives to the usual suspects.  Happy Chappy Pale Ale from Cromarty Brewery, north of Inverness will be available – a stunning handcrafted ale not found in many eateries and watering holes around Edinburgh.  Seasonal beers from West Brewery will also be available throughout the year.

Director and Manager Ben Dantzic (29), who has worked in a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants and was most recently the Manager at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles Hotel before opening the first Burger Meats Bun in Glasgow in 2013, said: “Burger Meats Bun fuses high quality produce and mouth-watering recipes with a cool interior and atmosphere to offer a brilliant, yet accessible culinary experience.  We’re really pleased with how the concept has been received in Glasgow in the last year and are now excited to be expanding our business and bringing it to Edinburgh.”

Director and Head Chef James Forrest (31) who has worked as a chef in Etain and The Peat Inn, added:  “From our experience working in the fine dining sector with some of the best chefs in the UK, we noticed a real gap in the market for a casual concept, using first-class ingredients and making everything from scratch, and Burger Meats Bun does just that. We hope that Edinburgh foodies will enjoy it as much as our Glasgow customers have.”

When Burger Meats Bun opens on Forth Street on Friday it will mark a year to the day since the restaurant opened in Glasgow.

For further information about Burger Meats Bun and to view the menus please visit www.burger-meats-bun.co.uk

Follow Burger Meats Bun on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook

Burger Meats Bun – Burgers. But Better.

Opening Times

Tuesday – Sunday – 12-10pm

Monday – Closed

 

 

 

MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014

Continuing: GENERATION: 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland. Venues include the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art One, Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Fruitmarket Gallery and Collective Gallery, with more exhibitions opening throughout the summer.  See website for locations and opening times.

Edinburgh in the 1950s: the authors of this fascinating book will give an illustrated talk on the dramatic changes the city underwent during this decade. 6.30pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Booking recommended as seating is limited: email blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5595.

This Room is Waiting: poems from Iraq and the United Kingdom.  Ghareeb Iskander, John Glenday and Krystelle Bamford launch an anthology that sheds new light on real lives in contemporary post-war Iraq.  ‘A ground-breaking anthology.’ 6.30pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free, donations welcome.

Last Monday Book Group: Golden Hare Books’ monthly group discusses Sworn Virgin, an extraordinary contemporary novel by Albanian writer Elvira Dones. Wine and other refreshments provided – you are welcome to go along even if you haven’t read the book!  6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow.

 

TUESDAY 1 JULY 2014

Journey: an exhibition by Queen Margaret University Art Psychotherapy graduates 2014. Preview tonight 6-8pm, then continues Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-5pm, until 28th July 2014.  Gallery on the Corner, 34 Northumberland Street.

eBook surgery: get help with downloading free eBooks, emagazines  and audio books.  2-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge.  Free drop-in session, no booking required.

Monster Tattoo Designs.  For ages 5-11.  2-3pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Road.  Free, part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Nessie Door Handles.  For under 12s.  2-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Free, part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Trevor Royle at NLS: on the 98th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme ‘Flowers of the Forest’ author Trevor Royle will explore the battle from a Scottish point of view and explain that, despite the heavy casualties, the Somme cannot be written off as a complete failure.  6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge.  Free: book online or call 0131 623 3734.

Pirate Pete’s Paper Dressing-Up Box: spend a fun morning transforming yourself into a pirate! Make your own crazy cutlass, pirate hat, accessories and even your own parrot! Suitable for families. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South.  £5 per person.  Bookings must be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person or by calling 0131 228 1155  (Monday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm) or via the Usher Hall website.

 

WEDNESDAY 2 JULY 2014

Remade in Edinburgh: Repair Surgery.  Weekly drop-in session to help you fix your computers and your textiles, with volunteer sewing tutor and computer assistants. Free but donations encouraged to help with running costs.  7-9pm, Repair and Reuse Centre, 17 Guthrie Street, EH1 1JG.

National Galleries of Scotland Visually Impaired Taster Session: want to find out more about the NGS’s visually-impaired programme?  Drop in to this informal taster session, meet some of the artists who work on the programme and learn more about the kinds of activities offered.  Open to all. 10.30am-1pm, Farmer Education Suite, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Free, but places must be booked by contacting the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.

PhD in an Hour: Music Listening in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. One PhD student, one fascinating topic, one cafe, one hour. Every month a PhD will be explained so that complete beginners to the subject can enjoy learning about groundbreaking research and ideas. This month Ellen Spaeth, whose PhD is in Clinical Psychology but who has a background in music, discusses how music evokes emotions in us and how that power can be harnessed for good.  6-7pm, Lovecrumbs, 155 West Port. Free.

Titian in Ten: ten minute pop-up talk delivered 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.

John Byrne: a Portrait.  Robert Hewison, art historian and biographer of John Byrne, discusses the art and life of one of Scotland’s most engaging contemporary artists.  12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Monster Mash: draw your own monster: for ages 5+.  2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.  Part of the Mythical Monster Summer Reading Challenge.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Charlie Stross: The Rhesus Chart.  Edinburgh resident and celebrated science fiction writer Charlie Stross introduces the new novel in his Laundry Files series. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge.  Free tickets available from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218.

Wiff Waff Wednesday: a monthly ping pong night for all ages with music, drink and great food at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe, ‘friendship first, competition second.’  6-10.30pm, free entry, all welcome. See Facebook page for more information.  Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street.

 

THURSDAY 3 JULY 2014

Trust: Ajay Close talks about her new novel, which follows a set of characters with very different social backgrounds over three decades, from the Miners’ Strike to the banking crisis, asking some searching questions about how people adapt over time – and how they stay the same. Chaired by Ali Bowden, Director of Unesco City of Literature Edinburgh.  7-8pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge.  Book via eventbrite.

GENERATION Opening Lecture: Katrina Brown, GENERATION Associate Curator, Simon Groom, Director, Gallery of Modern Art and artists Graham Fagen and Rachel MacLean will discuss the life of an artist in Scotland and the vision for the GENERATION project, while offering a flavour of the art scene then and now.  6-7.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Books in Focus: Surrealist Poetry. The ‘Books in Focus’ sessions focus on artists’ books held in the Special Collections of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.  This session will look at collaborations between surrealist artists and poets, featuring poetry by Paul Eluard, Andre Breton and Georges Hugnet and illustrations by artists such as Man Ray, Joan Miro and Hans Bellmer.  11.30am-12.30pm, Reading Room, Modern Two.  Free, but limited places: book by calling 0131 624 6268 or emailing: gmainfo@nationalgalleries.org

‘Patriotic Porkers’ and other films: Scotland’s First World War film collection.  This screening showcases films from the First World War held at the Scottish Screen Archive at NLS.  Senior Curator Ruth Washbrook will guide you through these historic films, which were often made by local cinema managers and which provide an insight into the war effort at home. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge.  Free: book online or call 0131 623 3734.

Nordic Walking Taster Session: Nordic Walking is a specific fitness technique that enhances everyday walking with the use of poles and is great for people with knee or back problems.  Free session taught by Sam Leyton: poles provided. 12noon-1pm, East Gate, Royal Botanic Garden. Booking essential: call the Education Office on 0131 248 2937.

 

FRIDAY 4 JULY 2014

Amazing Minotaurs and Other Mythical Creatures: for ages 5-11.  2-3pm, Blackhall Library, Hillhouse Road.  Free, part of the Mythical Monsters Summer Reading Challenge.

Lady Agnew of Lochnaw by John Singer Sargent.  Lady Agnew, painted in 1892, seems in hindsight to belong to a lost era which must, by contrast with the tragedy of the First World War that concluded it, have seemed frivolous. Dr James Lawson of the University of Edinburgh will attempt to recover the eye of the 1890s in approaching the picture.  12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Make a Dragon: craft event for ages 7-11.  2-3pm, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. Free, part of the Mythical Monsters Summer Reading Challenge.

Rainbow Loombands and Hana Bead Bracelets: craft event for under 15s.  2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street

Monster Crafts: for ages 5+.  2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.  Part of the Mythical Monster Summer Reading Challenge. Free.

American Treasures for 4th July: in the United States Independence Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. To mark the 238th anniversary NLS curators Chris Taylor and Dora Petherbridge will show fascinating rare books and manuscripts from NLS collections.  10am, 11.15am and 2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge.  Limited places so book early, either online or by calling 0131 623 3734.

Lunchtime concert: Canadian Celtic Choir from London, Ontario. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Literary Salon: Burn This Book – Freedom to Write/Freedom to Read. A monthly gathering for anyone keen on new experiences and bookish chat. Burn This Book will focus on the transformative power of writing and the importance of freedom in producing and accessing literature. Three speakers – Moira Forsyth, Christine de Luca and Sarah Irving – will discuss the vital role of PEN Scotland, the issue of diversity in literature, writing in a minority tongue, the recent prisoner book ban, and more.  6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow.  Free: donations will be taken for PEN.  Book via eventbrite or call into the shop.

 

SATURDAY 5 JULY 2014

Garden Story Time: a special story time session for under-12s, with stories outside, growing your own salads and learning about healthy eating.  2.30-3.30pm Moredun Library,

Ruskin Opening Lecture – ‘The Innocence of the Eye’: Ruskin Revealed.  Christopher Newall, art historian and curator, will focus on the creative genius of Ruskin and how this is quintessentially represented in his draughtsmanship.  2-3pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free but tickets required: available from the Information Desk at the National Gallery or on the door, subject to availability.

Images of Childhood: Portrait Gallery Thematic Tours. Emily Learmont looks at the way our perceptions of childhood have changed over the centuries, and how portraiture has reflected this. 2-2.45pm and 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Free and unticketed.

GENERATION tours: discussion-led tours of the exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am and 1-1.45pm, Modern One, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.  Free and unticketed.

Zoo Arts Extra: Summer Animation Project.  Outdoor filming and stop motion performance animation – book now for all or part of this four day summer project. Come with your family or by yourself to watch a treasure trove of inspiring artists’ animations.  The artist Alice Betts will introduce a range of techniques, including sound recording and editing, whilst filming around Muirhouse. Create your own short animated films: there will be a screening of the final production at the Filmhouse. Snacks and/or meals will be provided each day.  10am-1pm today, then 10am-3pm on Monday 7th and Wednesday 9th July and 10am-1pm on Saturday 12th.  Suitable for ages 9+ and adults.  North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court.  Free but a returnable deposit of £2 per session or £5 for all four sessions will be required.   Contact 0131 315 2151 for more information.

Hugh Murdoch: a new exhibition including over a dozen new acquisitions from Hugh Murdoch’s estate. Opens today, then 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, Doubtfire Gallery, 3 South East Circus Place.

Your Green Spaces: spend a day exploring some of Edinburgh’s iconic green spaces. In the morning take a tour of some of the spaces with the Garden History Society in Scotland  – come dressed for the weather and wear comfy shoes!  In the afternoon work with artist Erik Petrie to create some amazing artwork interpreting your experiences and imagining your vision of these spaces. The afternoon session is optional. Free and suitable for all ages.  10am-4pm, City Art Centre, Market Street.  To book call 0131 529 3993.

 

SUNDAY 6 JULY 2014

Art Maker: join the Art Maker Club (for ages 4-12) and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. 2-4pm drop-in session, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Gallery.

Children’s Flower Painting and Face Painting: come and learn about Chinese flower painting and get your face painted too!  Free, all ages welcome, no booking required: part of the Botanics Orchid Fair, supported by the Taipei Representative Office in the UK, Edinburgh office.  1-4pm, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden.

Giving Nature a Home: hop along to the Botanics and take part in a range of family-focused weekend wildlife activities.  RSPB staff will help you discover more about the range of wildlife that makes the garden its home, from minibeasts and birds through to mammals.  Free, all ages welcome, no booking required.  11am-4pm, Royal Botanic Garden: ask at reception for venue.

St Giles At Six: organ recital by Heinrich Walther.  Programme will include Byrd, Liszt, Bach and Uzandigaza.  6pm, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile.

 

Just under a third of all Edinburgh residents can now look forward to a less complicated recycling regime from September onwards.

Edinburgh Zoo has decommissioned the safari and Christopher Welsh is annoyed!

So annoyed is he in fact that there is a petition here which needs another 200 or so signatures. If you are as annoyed as Christopher then maybe you could head over there and sign it too?

“The management at Edinburgh Zoo have seen fit to decommission the hilltop safari, citing they need ‘outside investment’ to make it viable. Profits running into the £millions and an internal sponsorship department mean the only reason a service doesn’t exisit is because management don’t want one.”

From January the zoo has offered a mobility vehicle which can carry up to four people including a wheelchair passenger to most locations throughout the zoo.

 

Submitted by Christopher Welsh

 

The remarkable thing about the clash of military commemorations at Bannockburn and Stirling on Saturday was how non-political they turned out to be. There was very little flag-waving, either of Union Flags or the blue Saltire. It seemed both sides in the referendum battle had decided to call a truce for the day.

Alex Salmond and David Cameron shook hands briefly on the podium in Stirling as they watched the march-past of over a thousand serving soldiers and veterans. Many thousands of people lined the streets, all politically well behaved, though the “Yes” campaign had a cheeky stall in the central square.

The bid by Stirling Council to lead this year’s Armed Forces Day was widely seen as a political tactic. It was to be a “spoiler” for The Scottish Government’s event down the road, the celebration of Robert the Bruce’s victory over the English exactly 700 years ago. In the end though, the “Yes” campaign side-stepped the move by turning down the nationalist mood music at Bannockburn. And in any case, both sides were dampened by increasingly persistent showers as the afternoon went on.

So Armed Forces Day turned out to be genuine “thank you” to the men and women of the army, navy and air-force. And the crowds were treated to the usual marching bands, a fly-past by Typhoons and Tornados and a parachute display by the Red Devils.

 

And Bannockburn turned out to be a chance for the re-enactment societies to stage a dramatic demonstration of pike-soldiers, archers and knights on horseback.

The sell-out crowd of 10,000 people queued at the hamburger stalls, roamed around the clan tents and listened to the bands on stage. A large number of Americans were noticeable for their clean and bright kilts, and their own marching band.

In the end, neither side of the referendum debate won. The victory went to the weather. And what remained was history.

 

For me, the best films are still the story tellers. I can appreciate a beautifully shot, masterfully crafted cinematic experience, but I only truly love the films which tell a story that captures my imagination and draws a genuine emotional response. Castles in the Sky is one of those films.

This is a true story simply told, and is based on the experiences of visionary Scottish Engineer, Robert Watson-Watt.  It tells the story of how a maverick inventor, working in the Meteorological Office, became the unlikely saviour of the Air Ministry, and ultimately, of Great Britain.

Director Gillies MacKinnon lets the characters tell the story, so there are no epic set pieces or whizzy special effects. Instead the director skilfully intersperses the film with real-life footage and contemporary news reels to give the context of the tension, secrecy and uncertainty in the build up to World War II.

Eddie Izzard gives an impressive performance as Watson-Watt, subtly underplaying the inventor’s madcap tendencies, giving a pretty credible Scottish accent to boot. Izzard brings to life the enthusiasm and passion of the great engineer, while portraying his softer side with a wholly convincing performance of a man torn between his passion for his work and his country, and his love for his wife and home life.

Watson-Watt tells The Ministry that the death ray he was asked to build could not be achieved, but that he could go one better. Instead of destroying aircraft, he could make the invisible visible, so that the now visible aircraft could be destroyed by more conventional means than fanciful ‘Death Rays’. So despite being ‘not quite the right sort’ he becomes a key figure in developing the newly emerging science of radar, and turning it into a useful defence for an island nation at war. His visionary approach, coupled with his practical nature convince the Ministry to fund and staff his research.

Watson –Watt, when assembling his team, eschews the Oxford dons and stuffed shirts favoured by the Ministry, instead involving his canny welsh mates from the Meteorological Office to build his crack team. ”We need free thinkers, rule breakers, men without ties” he rages to the meddling Ministry man who doubts the wisdom of this approach. And, of course, Watson-Watt is right. The story depicts the trials and tribulations of the search for a workable, practical system, battling against lack of funds, equipment and a watertight roof. The canny lads resort to ‘any means necessary’ and carry out a heist to get the equipment they need. This, and other moments of levity, including impromptu cricket games and drunken sing-songs that fail to impress The Ministry, bring a lightness to the film against the backdrop of growing fear as war looms ever closer. The tension builds as our anti-heroes attempt to demonstrate a working prototype to convince the Ministry to carry on funding their research. The supporting cast do a sterling job of portraying the highs and lows, joys and frustrations of their vital work, and the stresses it puts on relationships; both personal and professional.

Spoiler alert (but only if you are really bad at history) – our canny crew pull off the impossible task and develop the first ground-based early detection radar system just in time for the outbreak of war. This early warning system proved vital for the RAF and provided the edge they needed to win the Battle of Britain despite being outnumbered three to one.

This quietly compelling film brings home the idea that our freedom is due to the quiet heroism of so many men and women who put their lives on hold to use their ingenuity and quiet resilience for the war effort. Deftly shot, crisply scripted and subtly acted, this film is undoubtedly one of the highlights of 2014 Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Elaine Downs

 

Edinburgh International Film Festival today – Customs House to become Leith Museum – Horse trials – RNLI Fun Day – Weather snaps

The building, which will be put up for sale by the National Museums Scotland, has been identified by the Campaign for a Leith Museum as an ideal venue for housing cultural exhibitions relating to the maritime heritage of the Leith area.

At a full Council meeting on Thursday, the Capital Coalition confirmed a decision in principle to acquire Custom House through the Common Good Fund, following necessary legal and financial checks.

The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT)  agreed to join the Council in project-planning the delivery of a Leith Museum within the building.

Culture and Sport Convener Councillor Richard Lewis, who has backed the campaign for a Leith Museum, said: “Without any pledges on the table to save Custom House on the Shore, the campaign for a Museum in Leith has reached a crisis point. Leith had such a rich heritage and we could not sit and watch this opportunity pass by.

“The Council has voiced an intention to save the venue, and we have placed a bid which we hope will purchase the building before it is put up for general sale by National Museums Scotland.”

John Campbell, Chairman of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: “We are delighted with the contribution of the Council to save Customs House for the benefit of the people of Leith and beyond. SHBT, as an organisation which has restored many buildings throughout Scotland look forward to working with the Council, the community and other key stakeholders in the development of this exciting project.

“Leith Customs House is the oldest in Scotland, built by Robert Reid in 1812, is the most historically significant building on the Leith waterfront and set the standard for Customs Houses throughout Scotland.”

The Edinburgh Common Good Fund is a fund to benefit the people of Edinburgh through projects and initiatives that better Edinburgh areas and boost public access.

***

Hopetoun is the place to be for a bit of royal spotting as well as some exciting sport in the form of the Gillespie Macandrew International Horse Trials. Her Majesty the Queen’s granddaughter, Zara Phillips,  is taking part, and was expected to bring three horses with her.

Last month as a bit of a publicity stunt the organisers brought some horses to St Andrew Square.

***

 

***

Whether it’s good weather or bad we would love to see your photos. If it’s raining or sunny Edinburgh always looks beautiful, so do use our sister site EdinburghReportage to show off your photos.

The site is mobile responsive and you will find it very easy to upload photos instantly from your phone.

We look forward to seeing your snaps!

\\

 

 

SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2014

Joe Abercrombie: Half a King.  Blackwell’s Edinburgh hosts the only Scottish event for Joe Abercrombie, one of Britain’s leading fantasy authors. An exclusive insight into Joe’s new book Half A King, a classic coming-of-age tale and the start of a new series.  6pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge.  Free but booking is essential; tickets are available from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218 or via eventbrite.

St Giles at Six: pianist Luke Welch plays Schumann, Chopin and Brahms.  6pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street.  Free and unticketed.

Stockbridge Duck Race: ducks (not real ones!) are numbered and released from the bridge into the Water of Leith at 3pm then caught by Duck Wardens further downstream.  The owners of the first lucky ducks to cross the line win prizes generously donated by local businesses.  Ducks are now on sale at £1.50 each from many local Stockbridge establishments and also online – see Facebook group for details. All profits will be donated to Lifecare and St Columba’s Hospice. Race is followed by an Apres Duck party and a children’s disco.

Leith School of Art End of Year Exhibition: Leith School of Art offers full-time and part-time courses and a summer school.  This exhibition will showcase work by this year’s students.  10am-4pm, Leith School of Art, 25 North Junction Street. Free.

An Edinburgh Jewish Welcome – You’re Welcome to Write! Creative Writing Day presented by the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities around the themes of Welcome and Migration. Want to share your story about immigration and welcome?  Come and discover your writing talents with the help of three writers who will offer insights and guidance on writing short stories and poetry.  Open to everyone regardless of writing experience and level of spoken English. Free Kosher buffet lunch, creche facilities and activities for children. 10am-4pm, Jewish Community Centre, 4 Salisbury Road, EH16 5AB. Free, part of Refugee Week Scotland  For bookings and more information see website or contact fiona@scojec.org

Plum Blossom Painting Demonstration: Dr Chun-Chao Chiu is an artist from Taiwan renowned for his mastery of traditional Chinese brush painting in depicting landscapes and floral art.  Join him as he paints a classic plum blossom watercolour in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the designation of plum blossom as Taiwan’s national flower.  Discover the symbolism behind plum blossom and many other national and regional flowers. 1-4pm, Patrick Geddes Room, Royal Botanic Garden. Free, no booking required.

Mythical Maze: art, crafts and activities for ages 5+.  Part of Edinburgh Libraries’/The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge. 2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.

A stunning new exhibition of portraits by one of the UK’s most versatile and accomplished artists has opened the summer season at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Born in Paisley in 1940, John Byrne has had a remarkable career over the last five decades, enjoying huge success as an artist, theatre designer, playwright and screenwriter.  As a painter, as in life, Byrne is difficult to pin down, skillfully switching between an extraordinary array of styles, in a manner which betrays his restless intelligence and his remarkable ability to absorb disparate influences from the art of the past and draw upon them at will.

John Byrne: Sitting Ducks will explore and celebrate Byrne’s innovative and richly varied portraiture, with a selection of around 30 paintings and drawings, dating from the early 1970s to the present day.  Focussing mainly upon sitters who are close to him – his children, partners, family members, friends and colleagues – it will also feature many witty and insightful self-portraits, such as Self-portrait with Yellow Cigarette (1986) and Ceci n’est pas un Auto-Portrait (c.2003), his homage to the Belgian surrealist Magritte.

 

Among the highlights will be a number of striking portraits of the actress Tilda Swinton, the artist’s former partner; iconic images of Billy Connolly, whom Byrne first met through their mutual friend, the singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty (whose beautiful, hand-painted guitar will also be on show); and an unforgettable portrait of the actor Robbie Coltrane in the guise of Danny McGlone, one of the principal characters in the six-time BAFTA award-winning series Tutti Frutti, which Byrne wrote for the BBC in 1984.

Alongside these well-known images will be a fascinating selection of more intimate and revealing works, generously lent by a number of private collectors, which have rarely been seen in public.  These include brilliant and touching images of Byrne’s children: John and Celie from his first marriage (the latter featuring in an extraordinary pastel sketch from the early 1970s, Celie Watching TV); and Tilda Swinton’s twins Honor and Xavier, who appear, singly and together, in a number of memorable portraits.

The exhibition’s punning title underlines the significance of loved ones in Byrne’s work.  Falling so easily within his sights, they are a source of endless fascination for him, and are often, as a result, the subject of his most powerful works.  Byrne is also an obsessive painter of his own likeness, having created hundreds of self-portraits in the course of his long career.  For Byrne, identity is fluid, shifting and inconstant, and he appears in his paintings in a dizzying range of guises, somehow concealing as much as he reveals.

Indeed, Byrne’s first success as an artist came in the late 1960s when he submitted a series of paintings to a London gallery, claiming they were the work of ‘Patrick’, a retired labourer who painted as a hobby.  The works were painted in a faux-naïve style which stemmed from Byrne’s admiration for the work of ‘primitive’ painters like his great hero Henri ‘Le Douanier’ Rousseau (a self-taught French artist who was championed by Picasso and the surrealists).  They were an instant hit, and though he quickly had to reveal his true identity, Byrne continued to produce work in a similar vein.  Sitting Ducks will feature some key works from this period, including Self-Portrait in a Flowered Jacket (1971-3) and the remarkable The American Boy (1971), a powerful and enigmatic image, painted on an epic scale.

Byrne’s ‘Patrick’ paintings belied his training and sophistication as an artist (he had been described by the registrar at Glasgow School of Art as one of the most gifted young painter ever to have studied there), and demonstrate how easily he can shift gear in his work.  Some portraits, such as Xavier Asleep (2001), are dashed off with breath-taking facility while others, Sir Raymond Johnstone (1993) for example, are executed with immense control and precision.  Many are done partly or wholly from memory rather than from life, with their realism filtered through Byrne’s imagination.  Works such as Red and Uread (2002/04, a painting of Tilda Swinton), which are part-portrait and part-caricature, are described by Byrne as ‘formal’ portraits – images which capture and present the essence of the sitter unmistakably.  Tellingly, Xavier Swinton-Byrne was once asked about the length of time he had to sit for his father and replied with a smile “My Dad knows what I look like.”

A profoundly individual artist, John Byrne has always admired painters who broke the rules, or who, like Rousseau, didn’t seem to realise that there were any.  The prodigious range of work on show in Sitting Ducks illustrates how aptly the same claim can be made for Byrne himself, as well as the remarkable technical prowess, versatility, ingenuity, inventiveness, fun and gravity that he has brought to the genre of portraiture.

Speaking of the exhibition Christopher Baker, Director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery said, “It is especially fitting that we should be celebrating the wonderfully diverse and accomplished portraiture of John Byrne – as he was the man who re-opened the doors of the Portrait Gallery following its successful re-development in 2011. I think visitors will find this a hugely enjoyable exhibition, as it combines iconic works with surprises, public figures and private moments. Underpinning them all is great warmth, wit and technical skill.”

Organised in partnership with Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.  Part of High Life Highland.

Part of the Edinburgh Art Festival, 31 July – 31 August 2014

Following its appearance in Edinburgh the exhibition will tour to Inverness, 1 – 29 November 2014.

JOHN BYRNE: SITTING DUCKS
14 June – 19 October 2014
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD
Admission free | 0131 624 6200
nationalgalleries.org
#JohnByrne

Step right up as the Carnivàle takes to the stage tomorrow at the Edinburgh Dungeon, bringing with it all things funny and frightening as a big top full of thrilling tales travels through time at Scotland’s top attraction for scary fun.

Playing host to a collection of wonderfully dark circus stars, the Edinburgh Dungeon’s exciting new celebration, Carnivále, launches this weekend. In the centre of our capital city, it promises to separate the brains from the brawn and the bold from the bashful … if you’re game?

With the Dungeon’s usual injection of cheeky humour and thrilling new special effects, join the ringmaster and his cast of colourful characters throughout July and August as they produce splendid, spectacular and show-stopping scary fun.

Based on Market Street, the Edinburgh Dungeon – winner of the Scottish Entertainment Awards Best Visitor Attraction 2014 – serves up non-stop action and hilarity throughout an 80-minute interactive adventure through the country’s murkier past. With 11 live-actor shows, state of the art special effects, 360º theatrical sets, two heart stopping rides and gripping storytelling by hero characters, visitors to the Edinburgh Dungeon are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh or follow @EdinDungeon for updates.

 

 

Every parent knows what it’s like taking a young child on a fun outing, and for those with twins, triplets or more it can be double, triple or even quadruple the challenge.

That’s why Edinburgh Leisure is celebrating Twins, Triplets & More Awareness (TAMBAS) Week with a limited-time-only £1 entry fee for multiples to its Scrambles and Tumbles soft play centres.

From 30th June – 6th July twins, triplets and higher multiples will only have to pay £1 each to enjoy an hour of soft play at either of these venues.

Scrambles at Edinburgh Indoor Climbing Arena (EICA) Ratho is a hugely popular soft play which draws inspiration from the world class climbing facility.

For under 5’s there’s the Rock Tots MEGA play café, offering a huge space with toys ideal for little ones to crawl, toddle and run around.

Tumbles at Portobello is a fantastic soft play based in the recently opened state-of-the-art Gymnastics facility. With comprehensive zoned areas for babies to 10 years old, Tumbles also allows kids to glimpse the exciting world of Gymnastics.

Parents and guardians of TAMBAS can also enjoy a well earned relax with quality coffee and tasty treats in Edinburgh Leisure’s own Refresh Cafes while kids play.

Adam Cruttendon, Manager of EICA, said: “We are delighted to support the Twins and Multiple Births Association Awareness Week with this special offer at two of our much loved soft play centres.

“Edinburgh Leisure is committed to helping all kids discover a love of activity from a young age. It can be more challenging for families with twins and multiples to get out and about as everything is at least double the work and double the cost – so this week it will be even more affordable at Edinburgh Leisure. Parents and guardians can enjoy a well earned break in our cafes, and kids are just going to have an absolute ball.”

The national awareness week is run by the Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA), a charity set up by parents of twins, triplets and higher multiples and interested professionals.

Edinburgh Leisure is offering every twin, triplet or multiple entry for £1 for each for 1 hour of softplay from Monday 30th – Sunday 6th July at Tumbles, Scrambles or Rock Tots. Siblings are normal price.

Edinburgh Leisure is a not-for-profit organisation which manages 30 venues on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, providing the widest range of facilities and community based programmes across the capital.

For further information visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Edinburgh has a new Makar – Fundraising for It’s Good to Give – Craigmillar Festival 2014 – Ride of the Lions  – Bees colonising Holyrood

 

The Scottish Capital’s new poet, the Edinburgh Makar, was inaugurated yesterday afternoon at a special reception within the City Chambers.

Christine De Luca, who in May was announced as the fourth writer to be nominated for the prestigious post, follows in the footsteps of previous Edinburgh Makar Ron Butlin to become Edinburgh’s version of the Poet Laureate.

A highly respected poet and author, Christine was born in Shetland but has lived in Edinburgh since the late 1960s. An inscription of her name has been added to the Edinburgh Makars’ plaque in City Chambers, which also bears the names of the three writers who have held the office to date: Stewart Conn (Makar from 2002 to 2005), Valerie Gillies (Makar from 2005 to 2008) and Ron Butlin (Makar from 2008 to 2011, and reappointed from 2011 to 2014).

The Edinburgh Makar is a civic post instituted in 2002 by the City of Edinburgh Council. The writer is selected and nominated by representatives of the Scottish Poetry Library, Scottish PEN, The Saltire Society, Edinburgh City of Literature Trust and the Council.

The meaning of the Scots word Makar stresses the role of the poet or author as a skilled and versatile worker in the craft of writing.  Edinburgh has always been a literary city, and to celebrate the importance of writers in the Capital the Council continues to show itscommitment to the promotion of writers and literary projects, which enhance Edinburgh’s international reputation, including the post of the Edinburgh Makar.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: “Christine De Luca is an accomplished and prize-winning poet who writes in both English and Shetland dialect, which includes elements of old Scots and Norse.

“She is the latest addition to an illustrious group of writers who have filled this exciting role over the last decade, each benefiting the city with their talent, and I thank the fantastic Ron Butlin for the passion and spirit he brought to the role.

“Christine is an excellent choice, and I am sure she will inspire a great many people during her term as Edinburgh Makar.”

Christine De Luca said: “I feel amazed and apprehensive, ‘shaken and stirred’.  All three previous Makars have shaped the role and graced it.  I just hope I can rise to the challenge.”

Ron Butlin said: “Being Edinburgh Makar for the last six years has been a great honour and a real pleasure.  I am delighted that Christine de Luca will be my successor. A fine poet and lovely woman, she will be an excellent Makar!”

***

Emma Hay and Malcolm Comerford will be walking the seven hills of Edinburgh today. They expect it will take them about 4 or 5 hours to complete the 14 mile trek for the local charity It’s Good 2 Give. You can read more and make a donation to the cancer charity by clicking here. 

***

***

Roger Baird, a former Scotland and Lions player has been cycling from Twickenham by way of the Millennium Stadium and the Aviva Stadium in Dublin along with other former stars of these pitches in the Ride of the Lions.

The Ride of the Lions will arrive at Murrayfield today about 3.30 or so after a cycle of about 1000km . You can follow their progress on Twitter here. 

The Edinburgh Reporter interviewed Roger a couple of weeks back

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

***

The Scottish Parliament became the first legislature in the UK to have beehives when two were installed earlier this year.  The bees are now ready for their new homes.

Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP said:-“The Scottish Parliament has welcomed many guests and visitors but there has been a special buzz around the bees.

“Since we announced we would become the first Parliament in the UK to have its own beehives, the enthusiasm and level of interest from Members, staff and visitors has been astonishing.  We are looking forward to trying the first batch of honey which will hopefully be ready later this year.”

Paul Holmes, Chair of Kelvin Valley Honey said:-“Being the first of the UK’s four legislatures to welcome honey bees into its midst shows remarkable foresight and demonstrates in very real and practical ways the Scottish Parliament’s commitment to the nation’s environment.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Scotland’s law makers to observe at first hand the work of these amazing insects and the vital contributions that they make to our everyday lives, the environment and Scotland’s economy.

“Having honey bees at its heart not only benefits the Parliament but, through increased levels of pollination, also benefits the wider Edinburgh environment, most especially the city’s green spaces, parks and gardens by as much as two and a half miles around it.”

Ironically, the variety of bee at the Parliament will be the Buckfast Bee which is known for its calm temperament and productivity.

Mr Holmes added:-“People may well think the association is quite funny but it is a great variety. The bees are calm, acclimatised to the Scottish climate and are prolific honey producers and will be a very welcome addition at Holyrood.”