Four people have been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act as part of Police Scotland activities to target serious and organised crime.

Officers seized two kilos of herbal cannabis valued at £20,000 together with a sum of cash during a search of two men on Calton Road on Friday 11th July 2014.

Two pair, aged 34 and 25,  were detained and are  due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Monday).

Police also executed a drug search warrant in the Piershill area of Edinburgh, which resulted in the recovery of a small amount of herbal cannabis and a a sum of cash.

A 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman have been charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

The drugs were intended for distribution across Edinburgh and enquiries will continue to identify those believed to be involved.

Detective Inspector David Wright said: “As a result of the investigation, in excess of £20,000 of a Class B controlled drugs has been removed from the streets of Edinburgh.

“These arrests should send a clear message that Police Scotland will continue to act on information from the public to tackle serious and organised crime whenever it arises.

“I would like to thank the local community for their continued support in targeting the activities of organised criminals in their area.

“Anyone wishing to report criminal activity in their area can contact us on 101 or make an alternative report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open will be played at Gullane and Castle Stuart in the next two years. 

The  golfing competition will continue to showcase Scotland’s finest links courses with the announcement that Gullane Golf Club and Castle Stuart Golf Links will respectively host the championship in 2015 and 2016.

In making the announcement yesterday at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, The European Tour and their key partners – title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management and the Scottish Government – have maintained their recent policy of rotating Scotland’s national open around some of the country’s finest links courses the week before the third Major of the season, The Open Championship.

That policy has enjoyed an incredible level of success with each of the last three Open Champions – Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Darren Clarke – having competed in the Scottish Open the week before being declared the Champion Golfer of the year.

Mickelson, of course, won the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open last year before going on to collect the sixth Major of his career at Muirfield just seven days later.

In addition to the future venues announcement at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, it was also revealed that, from 2015, the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open will be preceded by a new, 54-hole qualifying tournament for Scottish golfers – to take place the weekend preceding the Scottish Open – which will offer six places in the Championship. Further details of the qualification tournament will be announced at a later date.

Scotland’s First Minister, the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, commented: “The Scottish Open has firmly established itself as one of the prime tournaments on The European Tour and has enjoyed another action-packed four days at Royal Aberdeen this week. Scotland is home to some of the very best links courses in the world and it will be great to see some of the sport’s best players experience the challenge that Gullane and Castle Stuart will present in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

“We are lucky to be able to have the ability to move this extremely popular competition from one fantastic coastal course to another, spreading the benefits of tourism and television exposure to a global audience. Scotland is famed for staging major international events and this competition will provide a multi-million pound boost to these local economies and Scotland as a whole.

“These two courses are wonderful advertisements for the links game, and I have every confidence that they will enhance Scotland’s reputation both as the Home and Future of Golf.”

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “Along with the Scottish Government and The European Tour we are proud to continue building an exciting future for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open with this announcement today. Aberdeen is a long-standing, supporter of Scottish golf at all levels of the game and that support extends to all the diverse and wonderful courses we have in our country. Rotating this great tournament around Scotland is of key importance and we look forward to the next two years and beyond, as the tournament continues to deliver for our brand both on a domestic and international scale.”

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “Scotland’s First Minister, the Right Honourable Alex Salmond, and Aberdeen Asset Management Chief Executive, Martin Gilbert, have been the driving force behind the recent success of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and today we salute their efforts to showcase two of Scotland’s superb links courses.

“Together with the Scottish Government and Aberdeen Asset Management, The European Tour is delighted to announce Gullane and Castle Stuart as the next two venues for the championship. At Gullane, we will be treated to one of the game’s most historical venues, while Castle Stuart will once again showcase a truly modern links test.”

Golf has been played over the links at Gullane for more than 350 years, making it one of Scotland’s most prestigious member clubs. With three superb courses to choose from, the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open will be played over a composite lay-out of Gullane No. 1 and No.2.

Gullane Golf Club, located on Scotland’s east coast on the Firth of Forth, has long been associated with world class competition having staged Final Qualifying for The Open Championship five times, the Scottish Amateur Championship four times and the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship four times. Gullane will be the ninth different course to host the Scottish Open and the 19^th Scottish venue to host a European Tour event.

Bruce Dunlop, Past Captain of Gullane Golf Club, said: “Gullane Golf Club has been working closely with The European Tour for a number of months and we are therefore delighted that they chose the Club as the venue for the 2015 Scottish Open.

“We have a long proud record of hosting Championship golf over our historical courses.  With some of golfs finest scenery and magnificent links turf and 350 years of golfing history on Gullane Hill, the Club very much looks forward to welcoming some of the world’s finest golfers to next year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

“In recent years the Scottish Open, driven by the Scottish Government and Aberdeen Asset has quite simply gone from strength to strength. East Lothian hosted last year’s highly successful Open at Muirfield and with Gullane being situated at the heart of this most cherished golfing coastline it is terrific news for the Scottish golfing public that the decision has been made to rotate the event throughout the country.”

East Lothian Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Spokesman, Cllr John McMillan, welcomed today’s announcement. He said: “The Scottish Open attracts the top golfers and the selection of Gullane for the 2015 event recognises the quality and challenge of the course and the tremendous knowledge and passion for the game in East Lothian. Scotland’s Golf Coast is acknowledged as one of the finest areas for golf in the world and to host another major tournament so closely after the 2013 Open Championship is a real accolade for the county.”

Castle Stuart Golf Links may only have been open since 2009 but the Inverness course has already written itself into Scottish Open history having hosted the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on three occasions between 2011 and 2013, with Luke Donald, Jeev Milkha Singh and Mickelson prevailing as champions at the Moray Firth venue.

Mark Parsinen, Managing Partner of Castle Stuart Golf Links said: “We are naturally delighted to be selected to host the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and to once again be working with The European Tour to attract some of the world’s finest golfers back to the links here at Castle Stuart.

“Not only is this a great announcement for the team at Castle Stuart but it is also wonderful news for the whole of the highlands community, who I am sure will turn out in great numbers once again to support this flagship European Tour event and help to make it a most successful week.”

Scotland men got their first medal in the European Small Countries Basketball Championship since Edinburgh 2008 when the squad won bronze.

On his return home last night Head Coach Iain Maclean said:- “The players are certainly disappointed, but we should concentrate on the positives of which there were many. We’ve a core group of dedicated, hard-working players who gave their all in every game and have gained some valuable experience as well as some harsh lessons.”

Scotland were drawn in Group B with Malta and Wales and had their opening game against Malta on 7th July.   On paper this would be a tough game for the Scots particularly when Malta have Samuel Daguara a 2.23m Centre!

In the opening quarter, it was Scotland who made a promising start with a 6 nil run in the first two minutes.  However, Malta were able to pull it back and opened up a 23-13 lead at the end of the quarter with Scotland struggling to make their shots.  The opening five minutes of the second quarter was a fairly even affair with neither team able to dominate the game and the score at 31-25 to Malta.  However the final minutes of the second quarter saw the Scots stretch into the lead and closed the quarter out with a 2 point advantage 37-39.  Q3 was a period of mini runs with the lead changing 5 times before Malta were able to squeeze out a five point lead at the end of the quarter, 58-53.

The game was set for a tight finish in Q4 and once again neither team could open up a strong enough lead with it changing 6 times and with 51 seconds to play, Malta were up by 4 points.  Jonny Bunyan made an open field goal to narrow the gap to 2 points and then with 3 seconds left to play tied the game with two free throws and set-up overtime.  During the overtime period Malta were 10 from 11 for free throws which together with a couple of crucial turnovers from Scotland proved decisive and Malta closed out the game 87-82.

A tremendous effort by the Scots with leading scorers Nicholas Collins 23pts 10 rebounds, Jonny Bunyan 21pts 7 rebounds, Lee Reilly 11pts and Tom Adorian 11pts 8 rebounds.

Photos and report courtesy of basketballScotland.

St Mirren have signed former Hibs’ striker Ross Caldwell on a one year deal that also has an option for a further year.

The 20-year-old has been on trial with Saints since the start of pre-season.

Caldwell made his debut for Hibs in 2011 against Rangers and made 19 appearances in 2012/13, scoring two goals, but he will be best remembered by the Easter Road faithful for scoring a superb last minute effort at Tynecastle to secure a famous victory.

Caldwell fell out of favour under boss Terry Butcher last term and was loaned to Scottish Championship side Alloa, for whom he scored twice.

St Mirren manager Tommy Craig said of his latest signing, “We’re delighted to have Ross on-board. He is still on his way to fulfilling the potential that he has shown for quite some time and we hope that we develop him into the player that we believe he can be.”

Ross is equally delighted to be joining St Mirren, he said, “I am delighted to have joined St Mirren. Having been at the club now for a couple of weeks I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute here and already feel part of the set up. I now want to repay the faith shown in me by Tommy, Gary and Jim in the season ahead.”

Hibs’ Head Coach Alan Stubbs is hoping to complete the signing of former Falkirk striker Farid El Alagui ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Dunfermline at East End Park.

The 28 year old French Moroccan striker is currently a free agent, having spent the second half of last season on loan from Brentford to Dundee United where he scored three goals including the third in a 3-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road.

El Alagui scored an impressive 27 goals in 43 appearances for Falkirk during the 2011/12 season which saw him named PFA First Division player of the year.

Brentford manager Uwe Rosler beat off competition from St Johnstone, Kilmarnock and several English Championship clubs to sign El Alagui on a two-year contract but a few months after signing he suffered a serious knee injury which kept him out for the rest of the season.

Police have revealed that an 85 year old woman who was attacked in her Morningside Grove home on Friday was stabbed and beaten in a sexually motivated assault which left her with life threatening injuries.

The pensioner was discovered by her husband at around 5pm on Friday and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she is unconscious in a critical but stable condition.

Speaking at a press conference at former Police  Headquarters at Fettes Avenue, Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie said the attack is being treated as attempted murder.

He said: “We are satisfied from the injuries sustained by our victim that she had been stabbed on numerous occasions. They are life-threatening injuries without a doubt.

“Her condition is described as critical but stable. She was possibly the victim of a blunt force trauma. She is also displaying injuries which may be consistent with some form of sexual attack.

“As a result of the door-to-door inquiries, we have identified a witness who saw a male standing outside the locus, we believe in the doorway, about 3.30pm on the Friday afternoon.

“That is clearly a crucial time for us because the victim’s husband had left the house at that point, leaving our victim on her own.”

The man is described as aged 18 to 30, of average build with short dark hair. Police are appealing for anyone who can help identify the man to come forward.

“In my experience within the service, I’ve never really heard of anything to this extent, of this nature – an attack on an elderly woman in the safety of her own house, a vicious attack, and plainly an attempt to take her life.”

“We’re dealing with undoubtedly an attempted murder, there’s a potential sexual element to it and we can’t rule out the possibility of a theft. Perhaps the lady has disturbed somebody carrying out a theft or something similar to that.”

Chief Inspector Richard Horan reassured Morningside and Edinburgh residents that extra patrols were being carried out in the area.

He said: “People are obviously concerned for the victim, for their neighbour. I would say that crimes like this are incredibly rare and we will continue to try and reassure the community using every possible avenue.

“We do have extra police officers out on the street, we are able to attend and respond to any concerns people have, we will continue that as long as it takes as we progress the investigation towards detecting and arresting the perpetrator.”

Officers in the area are continuing door-to-door inquiries and CCTV footage in the area is being examined.

Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Want to see your art work displayed at a New Town gallery?  Now’s your chance.

As part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, The Gallery on the Corner, 34 Northumberland Street, is inviting artists to take part in an open exhibition exploring the 2014 theme of Power.

Each artist is asked to create a piece of artwork, in any medium, on postcard-sized MDF.  The postcards (there are 200 available) can be collected from the Gallery from 11am on Tuesday 15th July and returned no later than 5pm on Friday 12th September.  They will be exhibited at the Gallery during the Festival in October and sold for £15 each, with all proceeds going towards the Gallery’s work in supporting artists with mental health conditions.

For more information contact the Gallery on 0131 557 8969 (Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm.)

A 36 year old woman has been charged with murder and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

This follows the death of a 20 year old man during an incident  in The Loan, South Queensferry, in the early hours of Sunday 13th July.

Police are continuing to carry out enquiries as part of the investigation.

MONDAY 14TH JULY 2014

Dog Tales: the Dogs Trust are hosting this storytelling session about safety around dogs and responsible dog ownership.  For ages 5-10.  2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza.

Lunchtime Concert: First Central Presbyterian Church Choir, Texas.  12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Street Games. 2.30pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Teen Events at Moredun: from X-Box tournaments to nail art – different activities every Monday and Wednesday evening. 6.30-7.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road.

Informal Concert: The Dreyfoos School for the Arts.  3pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Heroes vs Zombie Part One: Stage Make-Up. Come and try your hand at mixing fake blood, painting faces and mastering the art of transformation through this two hour workshop. All participants will become a character of their choice and will be invited to stay for the Heroes vs Zombies Assault Course in the afternoon.  10am-12 noon, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove.  For ages 10+.  Free, but booking essential (see website.)

Heroes vs Zombies Part Two: Assault Course. Designed to show off the wonderful results of the morning Stage Make-Up course: the participants will be split into two teams for a fun-filled and action-packed afternoon. 1-3pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove.  For ages 10+. Free, but booking essential (see website.) If attending morning and afternoon session, please bring your own lunch.

TUESDAY 15TH JULY 2014

Edinburgh Hacklab Open Night: Edinburgh Hacklab is part of the worldwide hackerspace movement – shared spaces for people who mess around with technology for fun. Everyone is welcome to Hacklab Open Nights, which are held each Tuesday and Thursday. Bring along a project to tinker with, ask for some electronics help, hack some code, or just have a chat and see what’s happening.  7pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Place.  Also at same time on Thursday 17th July. Free, just drop in. For further information see website.

Stories, drama and games with author Corinne Davies.  For ages 5-10.  2pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Mythical Maze: Activities and Events: 2.30pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Enter the Gallery on the Corner’s Fourth Open Postcard Exhibition: from 11am today you can collect postcard-size MDF (200 are available) from the Gallery and create a piece of artwork in any medium.  Return it to the Gallery by 12th September and it will be exhibited there during the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival in October. Gallery on the Corner, 34 Northumberland Street. Gallery open 11am-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Dog Tales: the Dogs Trust are hosting this storytelling session about safety around dogs and responsible dog ownership.  For ages 5-10.  2-3pm, Sighthill Library, Sighthill Road.

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

Quests and Fables: Mythical Storywriting. For ages 5-11.  2-3pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Court. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Teddy Bears’ Tea Party: to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. 2-3pm, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza.  Donations to RNIB welcome.

Leprechauns and Pots of Gold.  For under 12s. 2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

WEDNESDAY 16TH JULY 2014

Eccentric Professors, Diabolical Baddies, Boy-Eating Monsters and High-Flying Jellyfish with award-winning author John Fardell.   For ages 7-13.  2.30-4.30 pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. Free tickets for this event must be booked through eventbrite.  Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

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

Merlin Hats – make your own wizard hats!  For ages 5+.  2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.  Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Teen Events at Moredun: from X-Box tournaments to nail art – different activities every Monday and Wednesday evening. 6.30-7.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road.

Dancing on Tables: indie rock band from Dunfermline influenced by Biffy Clyro, the Vaccines, and Hendrix-style guitar. 7pm, The Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street.  Free.  Over 18s only.

Visually Impaired Tour and Workshop: GENERATION – 25 years of Contemporary Art in Scotland.  A free visually descriptive tour and practical workshop for the visually impaired. 10am-3.30pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, Belford Road. Places must be booked via the NGS Information Desk on 0131 624 6460.

Titian in Ten: ten minute pop-up talks 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.

Scottish Self-Portraiture: From Jamesone to Byrne. Bill Hare, University of Edinburgh, explores the changing face and role of the artist in Scottish portraiture from Jamesone to Byrne. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Cardboard Extravaganza! If you love a game show, this is the event for you.  With a show host and prizes to be won, why not come and see if it’s your lucky day? 11am – 12 noon for ages 5-10, 1-2pm for ages 10+. WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove.  Free, drop-in, no booking required.

National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Concert: NYoS Senior Orchestra commemorates the First World War centenary. Soloist: brilliant 21 year old pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, the youngest British musician ever to sign for Decca Classics, who will perform Cesar Franck’s Symphonic Variations. NYoS will also perform works by Butterworth, Alexander Glazunov and Peter Longworth. Conductor: James Lowe. 7pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Tickets £12/£8/£4 from Queen’s Hall Box Office.

THURSDAY 17TH JULY 2014

Dog Tales: the Dogs Trust are hosting this storytelling session about safety around dogs and responsible dog ownership.  For ages 5-10.  2-3pm, Ratho Library, School Wynd.

The Accidental Fold: Fashion model Saskia De Brauw’s record of the discarded emphemera of everyday life that she encounters on her international travels, ‘forgotten remains that….capture and contain the proof of life.’ 10am-5pm daily until 25th July 2014, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.  Free.

Teddy Bears’ Tea Party: to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. 2-3pm, Ratho Library, School Wynd.

Photopia: since the 1990s David McLean has been photographing on the streets of Milan, London, Edinburgh and Tokyo.  His work is described as ‘collaborative street portraiture’ rather than street photography. Preview tonight 6-9pm, then 10am-6pm until 25th July 2014. Gayfield Creative Spaces, 11 Gayfield Square. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.  Free.

This is Happening Now: exhibition of contemporary South African painting, photography and print curated by Fashion Festival Creative Director Jonathan Freemantle. ‘A subjective snapshot of the emerging South African scene….the exhibition showcases a new breed of artists vividly capturing the zeitgeist in Jonathan’s native country.’ Preview tonight 6-9pm, then 10am-6pm until 25th July 2014. Gayfield Creative Spaces, 11 Gayfield Square. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.  Free.

Scotland’s Referendum: A Guide for Voters. Jamie Maxwell and David Torrance launch their new book. 7.30pm, Waterstone’s George Street.  To reserve a place, email events@luath.co.uk or call 0131 225 3436. Free; refreshments will be served.

Mythical Stories and Crafts: different mythical stories and a related craft each week. For under 12s. 2.30-3.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

SAM (South African Market): pop-up design market and exhibition.  Based in Cape Town, SAM is South Africa’s first one-stop shop for South African design.  Set up by Naomi Bossert and Berlinda White, SAM provides a platform for South African fashion, furniture, jewellery and decor designers to retail their most accomplished work. SAM will bring a selection of the most exciting South African designers to Edinburgh. Preview tonight 6-9pm, then 10am-6pm until 25th July 2014. Gayfield Creative Spaces, 11 Gayfield Square. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.  Free.

Story in the Park: stories in the sun with staff from Blackhall Library.  2.30pm at Drylaw Park (behind Drylaw Parish Church) Groathill Road North.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents A Brush with Burns: Ian Campbell, Emeritus Professor of Scottish and Victorian literature at the University of Edinburgh and a specialist in the works of the national bard, will talk about his selection of poems in A Brush with Burns, a new publication illustrated with watercolours by Dame Elizabeth Blackadder. Songs will be sung and wine will be drunk!  6.30pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge. Free tickets available from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218.

Edinburgh Skeptics in the Pub: Pippa Goldschmidt – Writing the World. Pippa has a PhD in Astronomy and writes fiction, non-fiction and poetry, all inspired by science.  She will be talking about how literature can be used to interrogate and celebrate science.  The Edinburgh Skeptics Society was founded to promote science, reason and critical thinking throughout the year and during the Science Festival and the Fringe. 7.30pm, The Banshee Labyrinth, 29-35 Niddry Street.  Free, donations welcome, please RSVP here if you wish to attend.

Serenity Cafe Thrift Shop:  drop in and update your look.  10am – 3pm every Thursday. Delicious lunches and snacks available to purchase in the cafe.  Serenity Cafe, Jackson’s Entry, off Royal Mile (enter beside Starbucks or off Holyrood Road at Pizza Express.)

GENERATION DJ Set: Fudge Fingas. Fudge responds audibly to key GENERATION art works and plays a selection of tracks that have inspired artists in Scotland over the past 25 years. 6pm, Royal Scottish Academy (Scottish National Gallery), The Mound.  Free and unticketed. Part of GENERATION by night.

The Drawing Room: artist Emma Bowen leads an informal drawing session inspired by the GENERATION exhibition.  All materials supplied, no experience necessary. 5.30-6.45pm, Royal Scottish Academy (Scottish National Gallery), The Mound. Free and unticketed. Part of GENERATION by night.

Eight Blocks or a Film: contemporary artist Kate Davis will talk about her recent solo exhibition, inspired by the Edward Lovett Doll collection at the Museum of Childhood. 3pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Free, but booking required. Email Lynn.Wal@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 556 9163

Corroboree: First Nation Woodcarving. Sculptor James Harry from Vancouver brings a First Nation perspective to his work with a range of materials, media and styles that reflect both the artistic heritage of the Pacific North West and contemporary influences. 10am-4pm, Royal Botanic Garden (various locations across the garden, check signs on arrival.) Free.  Also on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July.

FRIDAY 18TH JULY 2014

Director’s Choice: Michael Clarke, director of the Scottish National Gallery, leads a tour of his favourite paintings in the collection.  12.45-1.15pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free but tickets must be obtained, either on the door (subject to availability) or in advance from the SNG Information Desk.

Monster Search Treasure Hunt and Quiz. Ages 4+. 2pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Ride Like Hell and You’ll Get There.  Paul Carter, author of Don’t Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs, This is Not a Drill and Is That Bike Diesel, Mate? launches his fourth book. Carter has worked in the oil industry all over the world but now lives in Perth with his family. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge. Free tickets available from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218.

Crafty Day – drop-in for ages 4-12. 2.30pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Lunchtime Concert: Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, First Baptist Church, Penascola, Florida. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Crazy Mazes. For ages 5+. 2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.  Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Informal Concert: Festival Chorus, Palatine, Illinois. 3pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Make a Loch Ness Monster! For ages 7-11. 2-3pm, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge. No need to book, just turn up.

Live Music at the Pear Tree: 4-5pm The Awakening Project, 5-6pm Houndog Fraser & Rock Hunter, Calum Baptie & Dylan Noble.  The Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. All free.  Over 18s only.

Mythical Maze: Stories and Crafts: Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Minotaur Mask Man: mask decoration and nose-ring design.  For ages 4-12. 2-3pm, South Neighbourhood Office and Library, 40 Captain’s Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Scary Snake Surprise: make your very own scary slithery snake sock puppet inspired by the Greek legend of Medusa. For ages 4-12. 2-3pm, South Neighbourhood Office and Library, 40 Captain’s Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Facepainting Rainbow Fever: rainbows and rainbow biscuits.  For under 12s. 2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street.

Make-believe masks: creative play activity for ages 4+.  2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place.  Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Corroboree: First Nation Woodcarving. Sculptor James Harry from Vancouver brings a First Nation perspective to his work with a range of materials, media and styles that reflect both the artistic heritage of the Pacific North West and contemporary influences. 10am-4pm, Royal Botanic Garden (various locations across the garden, check signs on arrival.)  Free.  Also on Saturday 19th July.

Imaginarium: part one of a two-day workshop.  Let your imagination run wild and come and try your hand at making a play.  All levels of experience welcome – imaginations essential!  For ages 10+. 12 noon -2pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free. but booking required.

SATURDAY 19TH JULY 2014

Want to start a band? If you are under 21, come along to try out the instruments that artist Ross Sinclair and the Collective Gallery are going to be giving away this summer.  You must be committed to starting a band, interested in performing, and able and willing to take part in the project over the coming year. In return you would get free instruments, mentoring, recording time and distribution. 1-5pm, Collective Gallery, City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill. (Every Saturday until 31st August 2014.)

Fancy a day out?   The picturesque borders village of Cockburnspath is less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh: it was popular with many Scottish artists in the 19th century, and Cockburnspath Art Exhibition is on today! Original work by local artists. ‘Bite-sized’ pictures from £15. Tea, coffee, home baking. Cockburnspath Village Hall, 10am-7pm.  Also on Sunday 20th July.

Knit Works! The Danish Cultural Institute has invited some of the finest knitting experts from Scandinavia and Scotland to exhibit their work. They will also share thoughts, stories, passion, ideas and knowledge with visitors to the exhibition, who are invited to join in a large co-creative drop-in workshop Nordic Knitathon, in which a giant knitted ‘masterpiece’ will be created from individually worked squares.  Please bring your own knitting needles, size 4-4.5, if you wish to participate in the Knitathon: all yarns provided by sponsors. 11am-4pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street.  Also on Sunday 20th July, same times. Free. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.

American Impressionism Opening Lecture: Katherine Bourguinon, TERRA Foundation for American Art, gives an overview of the exhibition ‘American Expressionism: A New Vision‘ carefully analysing individual paintings to explore what Impressionism meant to an American audience in the closing years of the 19th century. 2-3pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free, but tickets must be obtained on the door (subject to availability) or in advance from the SNG Information Desk.

Live Music at the Pear Tree: 4-5pm Ruari McMillan, 5-6pm Jordan Findlay, 6-7pm ThirtyThreeConnection. The Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. All free.  Over 18s only.

Imaginarium: part two of a two-day workshop: return for a fantastic second day of Imaginarium! Build on the ideas from day one and experiment with lights, music and film. At the end of the session there will be a short performance for family and friends. For ages 10+.  12 noon -2pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free, but booking essential (see website.)

Portrait Gallery Architecture Tour: tour of the magnificent Arts & Crafts building designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. 2-2.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Free but pre-booking essential: call 0131 624 6560.

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 (Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art), Belford Road. Free and unticketed.

Corroboree: First Nation Woodcarving. Sculptor James Harry from Vancouver brings a First Nation perspective to his work with a range of materials, media and styles that reflect both the artistic heritage of the Pacific North West and contemporary influences. 10am-4pm, Royal Botanic Garden (various locations across the garden, check signs on arrival.)

SUNDAY 20TH JULY 2014

Fancy a day out?   The picturesque borders village of Cockburnspath is less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh: it was popular with many Scottish artists in the 19th century, and Cockburnspath Art Exhibition is on today! Original work by local artists. ‘Bite-sized’ pictures from £15. Tea, coffee, home baking. Cockburnspath Village Hall, 10am-7pm.

Mythical Maze art, crafts and activities. For ages 5+. 2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North.  Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Sunday at Six: Clarinettist Calum Robertson plays From Galloway by James MacMillan, Gaitadas by Marcos Fernandez and Kneeling (2014) by Clare McCue. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Retiring collection.

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.

Workshop with Arne and Carlos: bring your own crochet hook (4-4.5) and join Arne and Carlos as they demonstrate how to crochet a little flower from one of their own patterns.  All yarn provided. 1.30-3.30pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Workshop sign-up sheet will be available on the day. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.  Free.

The Stories We Tell: Amanda and Tallulah Harlech. Mother and daughter Amanda and Tallulah Harlech will talk about the stories parents tell their children, stories that are passed on though time, and the new stories that are told in return.  They will also discuss the inspiration that stories, poems and prose give to their work in the fashion industry. 4pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free, booking required via eventbrite.

Hearing Impaired Tour: GENERATION: 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland. Tessa Asquith-Lamb leads a free tour with portable loops for the hearing impaired. To book a place contact the SNG Information Desk on 0131 624 6560. 11am-12 noon, Modern One (Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art), Belford Road.

Bags of Art: cool and creative fun with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser.  For ages 4-12. 2-4pm, Modern One (Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art), Belford Road. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of SNG.

Retina: Rankin – Portraits of Men. Best known for his captivating fashion photography, Rankin’s photographs have become synonymous with dynamic and intimate portraiture, shooting everyone from royalty to rockstars, models to members of parliament. This exhibition showcases some of his most iconic male portraits. 10am-6pm, runs until 22nd July 2014. Assembly Rooms (Music Hall), 54 George Street. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.

Retina: Rika and Helena Christensen ‘A Private Moment.’  Helena Christensen’s passion for photography was the catalyst for her modelling career: view the private havens of creative and inspiring women Helena and Ulrika (Rika magazine) know and admire. 10am-6pm, runs until 22nd July 2014. Assembly Rooms (Music Hall), 54 George Street. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.

Talking Trees: volunteer storytellers will grow your imagination with tall stories from around the world. 2-2.45pm. John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden.  For ages 5+.  Free, no booking required.

Tickets on sale today for God Help the Girl at Corn Exchange

Culture Hour

Portobello High at the Jazz Festival

At Cabaret Voltaire tonight

Edinburgh’s Police Boxes

Tickets go on sale today at 12 noon we are told by the lovely people at Edinburgh Corn Exchange who are very excited about this event they are hosting in August.

Sundance Award-winning musical feature film GOD HELP THE GIRL, in partnership with Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), will premiere live in UK cinemas via satellite on Saturday 16 August 2014 from Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange with the cast and Stuart Murdoch lead singer in Belle & Sebastian in attendance.

Following the film’s screening, the group will be live on stage playing their own songs and songs from the film (with the ‘God Help The Girl’ singers). The film will be released nationwide on 22 August through Metrodome Distribution.

GOD HELP THE GIRL is a coming of age tale set in Glasgow over the course of one hazy summer.  Written, directed and with original songs by Stuart Murdoch, lead singer of the group Belle and Sebastian, GOD HELP THE GIRL is a story of a young girls problems entering adult life, uniquely told through a soundtrack of indie pop. GOD HELP THE GIRL stars Emily Browning (Sucker Punch, Magic Magic), Olly Alexander (Great Expectations and forth coming The Riot Club) and Hannah Murray (Skins, Game of Thrones) and was produced by twice Oscar-nominated producer Barry Mendel (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums). The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2014 and was awarded a special jury prize at the festival.

GOD HELP THE GIRL will be launching UK wide with a special live satellite screening across UK cinemas on 16 August 2014, followed by a nationwide release from 22 August 2014.

CERT: 15     RUNNING TIME: 111 minutes

Ticket information here.

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On Twitter this evening between 7 and 8 pm there will be a #çulture hour preceding the #culturesummit. The Edinburgh International Culture Summit takes place later in the summer, when they will discuss the theme Culture – a Currency of Trust.   This evening is an opportunity for any one to get involved to share their thoughts and open up the debate.

These are the questions to be answered

#CultureHour questions:

• What are the cultural activities and creative opportunities that makes your city unique? #culturehour #culturesummit

• How can cities of the future be an exciting collaboration between technology, creativity and design? #culturehour #culturesummit

• Which cities do you think have the strongest cultural identity and why? #culturehour #culturesummit

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After a very successful Cabaret night in February, Portobello High School’s jazz musicians and singers received an invitation to perform at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. They will be performing at the Tron Kirk on Saturday, 19 July at 10.30 am. Their programme will include songs from the Great American Song Book as well as some Blues from The Nomads. Tickets (£2) will be available at the door. If you fancy a coffee and some music on a Saturday morning, they would love to see you!

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At Cab Vol tonight…..

Join Dame DADA and her Doll’s as they explore the dynamics of Cabaret, through an immersive night of live installations and bursts of song, comedy, dance and music.

Cafe Voltaire will be transformed into Dame DADA’s cabaret dungeon for one evening on   14 July 2014 with the night beginning at 7.30pm.

This is Eclectic Impact’s relaunch of the popular and groundbreaking form for exhibitioning contemporary artists and practitioners in and around Edinburgh.
Check out DADA Edinburgh’s facebook page for more information about our ethos and how to get involved with the nights.

DADA Edinburgh is completely FREE as always and all we ask is that you spread the word amongst everyone you know to get show the buzz and talent amongst the contemporary arts community.

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Built in 1933 across the city our police boxes are now underused by the police who no longer need someone to phone in to HQ. We have a selection of photos on our storyboard here on EdinburghReportage, but we need your stories about them.

Were you a police officer or do you know someone who was, and who used them? We would love to have this little bit of history kept alive.

Last week I was out in the wilderness but this week I was in the heart of Scotland. It seemed a big jump from the top of An Teallach, on the north-west coast, to the John Muir Way through the old rust belt of Central Scotland, but they are just two sides of the same country. Scotland is both a highland and a lowland.

John Muir might not have classed his new 134 mile coast-to-coast trail as “wilderness” but it is an introduction to wilderness. And it is an adventure, because at each corner the “Way” changes so much. A friend and I cycled it in three gloriously sunny days, starting in Helensburgh. The trail then weaves over to Loch Lomond, past the Campsie Hills to the canal at Kirkintilloch, sometimes on tarmac, the next moment on gravel or grass, sometimes through trees, at other times out in open fields.

The “Way” gets steadily busier and more industrial as you come to the Falkirk Wheel, Linlithgow and Bo’ness. Then it becomes a coastal trail as you follow the Firth of Forth to South Queensferry, through Edinburgh to Musselburgh and Prestonpans. Finally it changes to golfing country, old fishing villages and barely fields as you head for North Berwick and Dunbar. It was from here, of course, that the young John Muir walked, behind his fundamentalist father, on this very trail to board his ship for America in 1849. The rest is history …or at least the history of the environmental movement.

I wonder what John Muir would make of his old country today. Yes, we have two national parks and 42 designated “wild land” areas but we have only just started on cutting our carbon footprint, returning to walking and cycling as modes of transport, beginning to re-cycle our waste and greening our energy.

The first newspaper I picked up after our trip had a banner headline speaking of a “green power surge.” The energy regulator Ofgem has approved SSE’s plans for a sub-sea cable in the Moray Firth to bring renewable energy from the North Sea and Northern Isles to the markets in the south. Ofgem has also promised to end the crazy tariff system which has seen renewable energy producers in the north charged more to use the transmission lines than carbon-belching power stations in the south of England.

I notice too that some councils – Edinburgh, Fife and Aberdeen among them – are planning to issue us with smaller dustbins to encourage us to re-cycle more of our domestic waste. Only 40 per cent of our household waste is currently re-cycled in Scotland, behind England and way behind other nations in Europe like Germany on 62 per cent and 63 per cent in Austria.

While I was away in the wilderness there was, apparently, a national strike. Have the working classes finally revolted as in 1926 I wondered? Civil servants and local government workers have indeed much to complain about. Their earnings have fallen by 20 per cent since the bankers’ recession began and thousands of jobs have been lost as a result of the government’s austerity programme. It’s astonishing there hasn’t been a revolution and no one’s head has been cut off. But it turned out that this “national strike” was a bit of flop, especially in Scotland where we are already into the holiday season.

We are also into the marching season and today, the 12th of July, I guess several hundred Scottish Orangemen will have gone over to Northern Ireland to take part in the Orange Parades over there. They normally do.

Last weekend, there was a 4,000 strong march through Glasgow. Unfortunately these traditional marches have political echoes in this referendum year. The Orange Order has registered with the Electoral Commission as a “No” organisation and it’s proposing to hold a “Better Together” rally in Edinburgh just five days before the vote on 18th September. The official Better Together campaign is not so sure this is a good idea and it’s tried to distance itself from the  Orangemen in recent days . Too much drumming can be a bad thing.

Not at Balado it can’t.  Scotland’s answer to Glastonbury is under way as I write with 85,000 fans standing in a field in Kinross listening to the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding. I’m not sure this is what John Muir had in mind when he urged us all to get out into the great outdoors.

Photo courtesy of City of Edinburgh Council

In 1913 James Richardson emigrated with his family from Bellshill to Vancouver. A year later Britain declared war on Germany. James became Piper James Richardson of the 16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. By 1916 he was at piping the battalion forward from the Regina Trench at the Battle of the Somme.

Piper Richardson’s bagpipes are one of many moving exhibits displayed in a new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.  He had helped to evacuate casualties from the field then returned when he realised he’d left his pipes behind.  He was not seen again. The pipes were eventually recovered and for many years kept in a Perthshire school – until research tied them to the Canadian Scottish. They are now on loan from the British Columbia State Legislature.

In the centenary year of World War One, Common Cause tells the stories of Scots from Commonwealth countries who served their homeland. Memorabilia, fundraising posters, paintings, sculpture, films and photographs – and even a well-preserved antelope – help to show how objects can reflect plural identities and profound experiences of war.

Long before 1914, military service was one of the ways in which Scottish emigrants demonstrated their affinity with Scotland.  Military units with Scottish traditions were as much a part of the emigrant social scene in Commonwealth countries as St Andrew’s societies and Burns’ clubs, and part-time regiments were constituted forces of the British Empire. Displays of military dress, regimental titles and insignia, together with the bagpiping tradition, were all conspicuous displays of Scottish identity.  Exhibits from this era include a sporran from the Transvaal Scottish Regiment – and a doublet from the Liverpool Scottish (formed in 1900), for Scots identity was just as important to those who had moved south of the border. Scottish regiments were also part of the Scottish social networks in London, and in 1914 similar groups began to recruit in Newcastle and Manchester.

In 1914 thousands of Scots emigrants (and those of Scottish descent) joined the armed forces of their new countries – Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  Most sailed for Europe; the 1st Battalion Transvaal Scottish, however, sailed from Cape Town for the campaign in German SW Africa (Namibia.)  Many Scots in the United States also sailed home to join the British Armed Forces; in 1918 they were joined by Scots in the American Expeditionary Force. In her memoir, Testament of Youth, Vera Brittain recalls the tall, healthy American soldiers entering the War, ‘so god-like, so magnificent, so splendidly unimpaired in comparison with the tired, nerve-wracked men of the British Army….they seemed Tommies in heaven.’

The exhibition includes many recruitment and propaganda posters, urging men to join up and applauding the contributions of each country.  Newfoundland – a British colony until 1949 – proudly states that it alone has donated £20,000 to the war effort.  In 1915 the Newfoundland Regiment became the first non-Scottish unit to garrison Edinburgh Castle, and the province’s war service is still a treasured memory of its unique identity.

Perhaps the centrepiece of Common Cause is Nancy. Nancy, a springbok doe, was the mascot of the 4th South African infantry (also known as the South African Scottish), having been presented by a well-wisher.  The soldiers marched to war in kilts and bonnets, but took Nancy with them to the Western Front as a symbol of their dual identity.  She survived all three years on the Front, dying two weeks after the end of the War.  She was given a military funeral and then stuffed, mounted and returned to South Africa, where she was presented to Scots-born Sir William Dalrymple, a mine owner who had helped to found the battalion.  She now resides in the Distong National Museum of Military History, where I’m sure the sight of her has brightened up many a school trip.

Australia and New Zealand are also represented; the New Zealand Cross awarded to Cornet Angus Smith is displayed, as is the Victoria Cross awarded to Private James Crichton (2nd Battalion Auckland Regiment) who served at Gallipoli and later on the Western Front. Crichton was an Ulster Scot, born in Ireland.  His family migrated to Scotland, he worked as a miner in West Lothian, joined the British army and served in the South African War, then worked as a cable-layer in Canada and Australia before settling in New Zealand.

Wallace Anderson’s grandparents all emigrated to Australia in the mid 19th century.  He left his art teaching job to volunteer for overseas service with the Australian Imperial Force and was wounded in France in 1917.  After the war he became a highly acclaimed sculptor and contributed important works of art to the Australian War Memorial and other monuments: his 1933 bronze sculpture Defence of ANZAC, showing two soldiers at Gallipoli, is exhibited here.

The kukri or traditional knife of Lieutentant JF Russell is one of the exhibits showcasing the contribution of the 10th Gurkha Rifles.  Lieutenant Russell was killed in action.

Chaplains have always played an important part in military life. The Reverend DC Lusk, born in Uddingston, had been a chaplain at Oxford before joining the London Scottish.  Twice decorated for gallantry with the Military Cross, he returned to Oxford after the war and later became a parish priest in Edinburgh.  Lusk’s portable communion set is a poignant reminder of his duties in the field.

Victory in the war was followed by economic depression in the UK.  Hardship and disillusionment led to greater emigration, especially to the USA and Canada; many sailed on RMS Aquitania, a model of which is included in the exhibition.

Common Cause is a fascinating and thought-provoking exhibition, and one that helps to inform us all about events that were as real to our grandparents as 9/11 or Afghanistan are to us, whilst also demonstrating the loyalty of Scots throughout the world to their homeland .

The exhibition, which will run until 12th October 2014, has been curated by Dr Stuart Allan, Principal Curator of Scottish Late Modern Collections at the National Museums of Scotland.  The Museum is open 10am-5pm daily and admission is free. The National Museums will offer a programme of related events and activities throughout the centenary year.  The National War Museum in Edinburgh Castle is hosting another exhibition, Next of Kin, until March 2015, after which the exhibition will tour several museums across Scotland.

In its summer show from 23 July 2014, the Urbane Art Gallery on Edinburgh’s Jeffrey Street will be exhibiting the real body cast of athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, among other sculptures by world leading body-cast sculptor Louise Giblin. The sculpture version of the gold medallist is available to buy at the gallery for £8,700 with ten per cent of the proceeds going to Headfirst charity.

The summer show, which runs during the Edinburgh International Festival until September, includes a range of sculptures and drawings by Giblin, and new paintings by popular Scottish artist, Rosie Playfair.

Louise Giblin, who studied art and sculpture at Brighton and Chelsea Art College, is a Member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors (MRBS), and her subject matter is the human form. Her models have included well-known politicians, musicians, top sports people, television celebrities, dancers and businessmen. Her sculptures and drawings have been exhibited in London, the USA and Hong Kong.

Rosie Playfair, who is a partner in the Edinburgh PR firm Playfair Walker, graduated from Dundee Art College in Graphic Design. She describes her stylised work as ’design-led’ rather than painterly. Rosie’s work is held in collections in London, Scotland, Paris and St Tropez.

The Urbane Art Gallery, is delighted to be showcasing these artists this summer. Tracey Robertson, gallery director said: ”Louise’s work is really exciting, and she is becoming very well known, not least because her models are prominent figures in themselves. We are very pleased that she has chosen our gallery to show off her talent. Rosie’s work is always popular with our gallery visitors and sells well. We are looking forward to seeing her new work before anyone else does.

”I expect that during the Edinburgh Festival and with Commonwealth Games fever, our gallery will be very very busy – not least because of its location close to Waverley Station and just off the Royal Mile. I am expecting lots of visitors.”

Submitted by Rosemary Walker

Police Scotland today issued general safety advice following the incident in the Morningside area on Friday (11th July) when an elderly woman was attacked within her home.

Superintendent James Frame said: “I’d like to reassure the public that as well as a dedicated enquiry team investigating the incident, we have officers from Police Scotland carrying out patrols in the Morningside area over this weekend to reassure residents and deal with any concerns local people may have.

“As always, we would also encourage residents to call us should they have concerns regarding anyone who calls on them unannounced in unusual circumstances or regarding anyone they perceive to be acting suspiciously around their home”.

Police also have security advice if you receive unsolicited callers at your home.

Keep your front and back doors locked.

Use the door viewer or nearby window before answering the door.

Fit a door chain or bar – and use it.

Only let callers in if they have an appointment and you have confirmed they are genuine.

Ask for identification, but don’t rely on it – it can sometimes be fake.

If you don’t know who the caller is, and you’re not expecting them, don’t let them in.

Don’t be persuaded by persistent callers, if need be arrange a different time when a family member or friend can be there.

Look out for those in your community and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland on 101.

If the person refuses to leave or you feel scared or threatened Phone 999 and ask for the Police.

Please remember, if in doubt keep them out.

Further information about beating Doorstep Crime and Bogus Callers can be located on the Police Scotland website at www.scotland.police.uk <http://www.scotland.police.uk>

The Edinburgh Reporter explained earlier in the week that the company that the council had engaged to provide the city centre wifi here in Edinburgh had gone bust.

The council have now explained that they envisaged a 10 year concession contract with GOWEX in a deal meaning that the broadband provider would build and run a free high-speed Wi-Fi network in the city. Council buildings, lampposts and CCTV columns were agreed to be exchanged for a guaranteed rental income and revenue share, and the first phase of this Wi-Fi was due to go roll out later this month. A full report on the project (see Item 7.2) was submitted to the March Finance and Resources Committee Meeting.

In response to the news about GOWEX, Councillor Frank Ross, Economy Convener has commented:-“While the GOWEX collapse is disappointing for the Council and for the many businesses and residents who have been looking forward to the network going live, the Council’s intentions remain the same and we are determined to roll out free outdoor Wi-Fi in Edinburgh. We are working hard to identify the full impact this development will have on the project and what the Council’s next steps will be.

“The Council’s Connected Capital Programme, which aims to make Edinburgh one of the best connected cities in Britain, remains a priority and other projects in progress include free Wi-Fi on trams, Lothian Buses and in key public buildings. A voucher scheme providing capital funding of up to £3,000 – enabling small businesses and charities to upgrade their broadband connection speeds – is already available and Edinburgh is one of 22 cities across the UK benefiting from Government’s Super Connected Cities £150m Programme, which is being delivered through Broadband Delivery UK.”

Police are investigating after a 20 year old man was seriously assaulted following an altercation in South Queensferry in the early hours of this morning.

The serious assault happened on The Loan, near to Scotmid, around 1.30am.

The man was conveyed to ERI where he is in a critical condition.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this altercation to contact police immediately.

Detective Inspector Raymond Brown said: “This was a violent assault where the male received significant injury and an investigation is ongoing.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in or near The Loan around 1.30am and who witnessed a disturbance, to contact police immediately. We are also keen to trace a car that was seen in the area at the time.

Chief Inspector Mark Rennie said: “I’d like to reassure residents that at this stage this appears to be an isolated incident and following our initial investigation we have now reopened The Loan to all traffic.

“We will also have officers in the area tonight to reassure the public and carry out further enquiries.”

SUNDAY 13 JULY 2014

Tea Ceremony and Tea Tasting: if you don’t know your oolong you don’t know tea.  Come and join Denise Leishman as she explains how the climate and geography of Taiwan produce some of the finest teas in the world, and taste them as prepared by her expert hands.  Learn how the tea ceremony still has a place in today’s culture, and discover the stories behind the tea-related gems in the Botanic Garden’s herbarium and archives.  1-4pm, Patrick Geddes Room, Royal Botanic Garden.  Free, no booking required, suitable for ages 8+.  Part of the Orchid Fair exhibition.

Family Garden Party: come along and join in a celebration of all things vegetable!  Take part in fun activities like vegetable printing and seed sowing and find out more about the Edible Garden and School Garden areas.  1-4pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden.  Free, suitable for all ages, no booking required.

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.  11am-4pm, Royal Botanic Garden – ask at reception for venue.  Free, all ages, no booking required.

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

Lego Swap Shop: come along with any of your unwanted Lego minifigures and trade them for some awesome new ones at the fifth Lego Swap Shop!  Guess the Number and speedbuilding competitions.  3-5pm, Waterstones Cameron Toll.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Teenage Book Group: the group reads anything from classics to contemporary, dystopian to historical. Currently reading the phenomenal worldwide bestseller, Jostein Gaarder’s Sophie’s World, a book that draws the reader into the worlds of Socrates, Descartes, Spinoza, Hegel and all the great philosophers, raising profound questions about the meaning of life and the origin of the universe.  2pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge.  To join (free) email schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Portrait Detectives! Collect your kit, follow clues, and solve a mystery from history! 2-4pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Suitable for ages 4-12.  Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of NGS.

Open Garden: 4 Harelaw Road, Edinburgh EH13 0DR is open today under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.  An attractive, well-designed garden featuring a delightful pond and statuary with a collection of unusual ferns and herbaceous plants. 2-5pm, entry £4.  Plant stall, teas, disabled access. 40% of profits to Motor Neurone Disease Society, remainder to SGS nominated charities.

St Giles’ at Six: Irish flautist Aisling Agnew and Scottish guitarist Matthew McAllister perform JS Bach’s Sonata BWV 1034, Carmen Fantasie by Francois Borne and works from the Scots & Irish baroque. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street.  Free – retiring collection taken.  No booking required.

World Cup Final

Barnardo’s Big Toddle

Fundraising for MS

Edinburgh’s Hidden Gems

Brunch in Edinburgh  

The final of the World Cup will be played later today between Argentina and Germany. No matter who wins it will be something of a spectacle, even if you’re not a real year-round football fan. The interesting statistics provided by National Grid in the infographic above show us which team has caused the biggest surges in electricity usage across the UK, which is appropriately the host nation, Brazil.

These surges are called TV pickups as they happen when everyone rises from the couch while watching something of universal appeal on TV and then puts the kettle on. Today’s final is not expected to create a record surge in pickups but it is expected that the demand will be between 700MW and 900MW which is about 360,000 kettles both at half-time and full-time. With penalties possible the engineers in National Grid’s control room will be observing closely.

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Summer’s here and it’s time to toddle for Barnardo’s Scotland! Parents across Scotland are being urged to sign up for the UK’s number one fundraising event for the under fives – The Barnardo’s Big Toddle 2014. Hundreds of children are expected to take part in the sponsored walk which has raised thousands for vulnerable children in Scotland over the past 18 years. The toddle can be as long – or as short – as organisers want, and with this year’s outer space theme, budding Buzz Lightyears and Princess Leias will be putting their best feet forward to raise cash.

Clare McTaggart, the Regional Community Fundraising Manager for Scotland, said: “For the past 18 years, children across Scotland have amazed us with their enthusiasm and commitment to joining in and helping others. This year, we thought we’d give little ones a chance to ‘go to infinity and beyond’ and dress up as their favourite character associated with space. “Every penny raised goes directly to our work with under-fives – so everyone can enjoy themselves and help raise vital funds for less fortunate children.”

Those who register receive a Big Toddle pack containing information and fundraising ideas. Please go to www.bigtoddle.co.uk or call 0800 008 7005 to register.

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The MS Therapy Centre Lothian is urging supporters to help secure the funding it needs for a new creative writing service which will benefit its 200 visitors.

The Centre needs just another £1,000 to fund MS: My Story, a series of eight weekly creative writing workshops, specifically designed for people with multiple sclerosis to experiment with writing about their lives. The groups will be led by a creative writing facilitator who focuses on the therapeutic benefit of writing – not spelling, grammar or literary quality.  This means that the content of the writing, no matter how personal, will be treated as important and valuable. At the end of the eight week series, participants will be given the option to publish a piece of their writing in a small booklet.

The booklet will then be used to raise awareness of MS, and to raise further funds for the centre.

Nancy Campbell, Operations Manager at the Centre, said:-“Writing is not a substitute for counselling or therapy, but it is a cost-effective, community-based and often enjoyable way to address emotional issues.  Putting words down on the page can help people to order their thoughts, perhaps even leading to positive adjustments to their lives.  Penning a poem can also create a wonderful sense of achievement.”

In order for the initiative to be possible, the Centre is looking to raise a total of £2,500. For each person who makes a donation through the crowdfunding website – ranging from a minimum of £10 to over £500 – will be kept informed of the project’s process with some being able to take part in a creative writing workshop.

Nancy added:-“The yearly cost of providing our current services is around £200,000, which we are able to raise thanks to the kind support of regular donors and fundraisers. “However, these running costs mean that we simply cannot draw upon existing support to fund new projects – every penny is needed to maintain our current level of support.  We are hoping that crowdfunding will help us to find new supporters, interested in pioneering this innovative and exciting way of supporting our clients.

“The money will cover the fees of the creative writing facilitator inclusive of materials and over an 8 week period, the cost of 200 copies of our publication and a launch event.” To donate please visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/MS-My-Story/ The MS Therapy Centre Lothian is a charity providing help and practical therapies such as physiotherapy, complementary therapies and oxygen therapy as well as emotional support and advice.www.mstc-lothian.org.uk

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Most of our readers are locals. So you all know the best place to have brunch, lunch, a drink in a beer garden or the best fish and chips in town. Those are the kind of things we would love you to share with us on our Hidden Gems storyboard on EdinburghReportage which is another site under The Edinburgh Reporter banner. Go on tell us what you like best about Edinburgh no matter what it is! Head on over to the site by clicking this link.

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Talking of eating, we hope you have enjoyed our new reviewer’s restaurant reviews here in our Food and Drink section.  The latest review is of Earthy Foods in Causewayside where Carol had a lovely brunch. The Edinburgh Reporter enjoyed brunch yesterday at The Beach House Cafe in Portobello.  The Prom was busy as ever but it seems that the waiting staff cope with weaving in and out of pedestrians and cyclists to serve their lovely food.

Other brunch recommendations can be found here. 

Our photo today was taken from Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Edinburgh and a big thank you to them for allowing us to use their roof!

Celebrities have filmed themselves in lipreading selfies in aid of Hearing Dogs

Pauline Quirke, John Barrowman and BBC’s Naga Munchetty support deaf charity

British actress Pauline Quirke, BBC newsreader Naga Munchetty and deaf Big Brother winner Sam Evans have all filmed ‘selfie’ videos to support John Barrowman’s Deaf for the Day experience and raise awareness of the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

The fun online video quiz asks viewers to guess what the celebrities are saying by attempting to lipread their selfie films, and gives you the option to share your score on social media. Lipreading is an important form of communication used by deaf people across the UK.

Play the lipreading video quiz here!

The lipreading quiz supports the Charity’s Deaf for the Day campaign this week, in which its ambassador John Barrowman MBE had gel moulds inserted into his ears to simulate a 60% hearing loss.

John went deaf to better understand the difficulties of hearing loss and to experience the life-changing difference a hearing dog makes. He said;

“In all honesty, going deaf for the day was one of the most insightful yet exhausting days of my life. 1 in 6 people in the UK suffer with hearing loss but hearing dogs are life-changing and help to remove some of the isolation and loneliness that deafness so often brings.”

William McCulloch who was reported missing earlier today has been found safe and well in the Holyrood area of the city, Edinburgh Police have confirmed.
He was traced by a member of the public and police would like to thank all those who assisted in the search.

Hibs continued their pre-season workout with a comfortable 4-0 away win over Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park earlier today.

Goals from new signing David Gray, Liam Craig, Tom Gardiner and Lewis Allan secured the victory in front of a noisy travelling support.

Scott Robertson returned to the starting line-up after recovering from injury and trialist Luke Coulson who had just been released from Cardiff City took his place on the bench.

There were a few familiar faces in the Rangers’ line up with former players Lee Currie, David Gold, Dean Horribine and Jay Doyle all on the home squad.

Hibs started brightly and Craig went close before Gray opened the scoring after winning a crunching tackle on David Gold before striking a long range effort into the net.

Alan Stubbs’ men added a second after the break when Max Todd rounded the goalkeeper only to be brought down and Craig netted the penalty.

Callum Booth saw a fine effort deflected past the post and from the resultant corner Todd floated a terrific cross into the area which Lewis Allan nodded into the path of Gardiner who calmly netted from closer range.

Allan rounded off the scoring near the end and Gareth McCaffrey was unlucky not to add a fifth in the last minute.

Hibs face Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park on Tuesday.

Berwick Rangers: Bald (Andrews 46′), Jacobs (Gray 62′), Hoskins, Currie, Fairbairn, Tulloch (Doyle 70′), Willis (McKenzie 62′), Currie, Russell (Miller 70′), Carse (Dunn 62′), Gold (Horribine 70′). Substitute not used: McKenzie.

Hibernian: Perntreou (Brennan 67′), Gray (Coulson 46′), Stevenson (Booth 62′), Hanlon (Forster 60′), Nelson (Gardiner 67′), Craig (Dunsmore 62′), Todd, Robertson (Tudur Jones 46′), Cummings (Allan 46′), Handling (Martin 70′), Stanton (McCaffrey 67′). Substitutes all used.

Referee: Brian Colvin.

Attendance: 1,556.

Police searching for a vulnerable elderly man in Edinburgh are increasingly concerned for his well-being.

William McCulloch, 72 years old, was last seen leaving his home address at Bedford Court at 8.50am this morning (12 July). William suffers from Alzheimer’s  and uses a walking stick.

Inspector Gill Geaney said: “We are extremely concerned for William’s safety and we are appealing for assistance from the public to help trace him.

“We ask that people check their outhouses, gardens and sheds for signs of William. He may be in a confused state but if you believe you have seen him or have any information that may assist, please contact police on 101.”

Photograph 5 years old

Oh I do love Earthy!  For those of you who may not have been yet or do not know Earthy began back in 2008 with its founders decided to share their love of good food, eating locally, seasonally and organically, and growing your own. The idea behind Earthy is a ‘neighbourhood hub’ combining the elements of a food market and farm shop, deli and restaurant serving fantastic seasonal local and organic produce with a warm and very chilled out vibe.

There are three Earthy market stores: Causewayside, Canonmills, and Portobello. The shops are brimming with the best and tastiest local, seasonal and organic produce, food and drink from over 100 local producers, as well as supporting artisan producers, fair-trade growers and co-operatives from further afield.

Both shopping and eating at Earthy is such a lovely, convivial and relaxing experience whether you sit inside or out in the herb garden. Living near Causewayside we frequent that shop more than others but have to say the dinner menu at Canonmills is excellent and very well priced.

The venue operates an all day café style menu (and shop) serving breakfast from 9am 7 days a week (10am on Sunday) until 6.00 or 7.00pm depending on the day. They do a great avocado and chili on sourdough bread for breakfast and good bacon rolls.

So on to lunch in the beautiful Scottish sunshine this week at Earthy Causewayside. They have extensive outdoor seating both immediately out side the building and in the back yard surrounded by plants for sale. All the outdoor spaces and the conservatory area are dog friendly but the man restaurant is not. When the sun is shining you cannot beat relaxing in the yard surrounded by herbs and flowers.

At lunchtime they have a huge selection of salads such as new potatoes, peas and asparagus with mint, or bulgur wheat, chickpea and feta to name a few. There are usually 10 salads to chose from to make a salad plate, ciabattas, flatbreads and specials such as pulled lamb platter with dips and salads or home made burger with mint relish and sweet potatoes.

I always order the tart when I go to Earthy, as I have a slight quiche addiction. You get one portion of salad for free with your tart, which is plenty to fill you up. Our choices were beetroot, feta and hazelnut and bacon, roasted pepper and goat cheese. They were both excellent and went very well with our Fentiman’s ginger beers and free water.

Coffee and tea selection is extensive and it would be rude not to have one of the amazing cakes to go with your lunch so a carrot cake and a chocolate and nut brownie appeared essential. Later we did a spot of veg shopping in the upstairs shop, got a loaf of bread and set off home inspired to create something just as good for tea! Until next week Earthy!

Events at Earthy this summer feature the new Junk and Funk Sunday Market where you can take a table for £12 and sell your bric a brac, artwork, creations and inventions. Junk and funk will be open to the public from 10.30am-4.30pm.

Earthy – more info online by clicking here.

Causwayside Monday to Saturday 9-7 and Sunday 10-6

Canonmills as above plus restaurant Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30pm

Portobello Monday to Friday 9-6, Sat 9-5:30 and Sunday 10-4

The 16^th European Congress on Biotechnology expected to generate millions for the Capital’s economy

The city will be full of biotechnology experts from Sunday when the conference begins, but apart from all the important discussions which will take place at the 16th European Congress on Biotechnology at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), perhaps the more important aspect is what it will do for our city’s economy.

Marketing Edinburgh estimate that it will bring an economic value of £1.3 million to Edinburgh during the four day European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB16) from 13-16 July 2014. It is expected to attract over 800 academic and industrial biotechnologists. The scientific programme is designed to cover all aspects of biotechnology, including environmental and green biotechnology, microbial physiology, microbial synthetic and systems biology, industrial biotechnology, biochemical engineering, medical biotechnology and much more.

ECB16 has benefited from VisitScotland’s Conference Bid Fund. Match-funded by cities, the bid fund is geared towards increasing Scotland’s competitiveness within the conventions market and attract high-yielding conferences, linked to Scotland’s areas of expertise in industry, commerce, science and medicine.

Marketing Edinburgh Chief Executive John Donnelly, said: “Bringing ECB16 to Scotland was the result of a terrific collaboration between Convention Edinburgh, the EICC and our members. The entire process commenced over two years ago, when we approached Edinburgh Napier University’s Emeritus Professor and Edinburgh Ambassador, Charlie Bryce, to potentially lead the conference bid.

“From there it was a lot of hard work from our Ambassadors, the Business Tourism team, host venue the EICC, VisitScotland and conference agency TFI Group – not only to initially win the bid but to bring those plans to fruition. It’s a great example of how working together effectively can achieve amazing results and successfully generate millions for Edinburgh’s economy”. 

Fergus Ewing, Scotland’s Tourism Minister, said: “The VisitScotland Conference Bid Fund has been instrumental in helping to attract numerous prestigious, high-yield, high-spend international conferences to this country, making Scotland more competitive within the international conference market. Securing the bid for the European Congress on Biotechnology is excellent news for Scotland, and for Edinburgh in particular, and is further testament to the world-class facilities at the EICC.”

Louise Andrew, EICC Head of Sales and Marketing said:  “Congresses in city centre locations are always successful and the ultimate flexibility of our space, in the heart of Edinburgh, is even more value enhancing. During ECB16 each day begins and ends with major plenary sessions for 800 plus delegates but in less time than it takes to break for coffee our revolving auditoria deliver four symposia stages in the same space, optimising congress programme time and delegate satisfaction”.

Simon Maier, Creative Director, TFI Group, said:  “ECB16 is organised by the EFB in conjunction with us; working together in close partnership, we have used our shared expertise to produce a brilliant, vibrant and engaging congress which is certain to leave its mark in Edinburgh’s scientific history. TFI looks forward to organising more events in this beautiful city, where we already have a strong presence.”

Over 109 conferences and events are due to take place in Edinburgh between 2014 and 2021, estimated to generate over £117 million for the local economy. This includes internationally respected conventions such as the European Aquaculture Society in 2016 and the Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies conference in 2021.

Edinburgh is the number one ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) conference destination in the UK outside of London and rated 21 in the top 50 European City ranking.

For further information on Convention Edinburgh and its services, including the Ambassador programme at www.conventionedinburgh.com @conventions

For further information on 16^th European Congress on Biotechnology visit:  www.ecb16.com

Photo © Malcolm Cochrane

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a vulnerable 72 year old man who has been reported missing from the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh.

William McCulloch left his home in Bedford Court at 8.55am this morning (12 July) and hasn’t been heard from since. This is unusual behaviour for William, and his family are increasingly concerned for his welfare.

William is described as white, 5ft5in to 5ft 6in tall, medium build, bald with hair at the back of his head, wearing a beige jacket, blue jeans and black shoes. He also uses a walking stick.

Inspector Alan Bowie said: “We are concerned for William’s welfare as this is out of character for him. I’d ask that anyone who has seen a man matching William’s description around the Stockbridge area or further afield, to contact police immediately.”

Anyone who knows where William is or who has information that could assist should contact police on 101.

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 34 year old man who has been reported missing from the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh.

James Heron, who previously used the surname Robertson, was last seen near his home on Niddrie House Square on Tuesday 8th June around 1pm.

James is described as being white, 6ft tall, slim build, shaved hair and was last seen wearing a yellow t shirt and blue jeans.

Inspector Murray Tait said: “Police, along with his family, are getting increasingly concerned for James as he has failed to make contact with family or friends. He is also known to travel regularly to England and has previously been in both Sheffield and Bristol. Anyone who has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.”

Anyone who knows where James is or who has information that could assist should contact police on 101.

Hibs’ latest signing David Gray is delighted to be back in his native Scotland after ten years south of the border and he had no hesitation in signing for the Easter Road club despite having once been on the books of rivals Hearts. He also insists that his spell at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson where he trained alongside world class stars will pay dividends in his future career. Speaking at the pre Berwick Rangers match press conference at the Training ground, the 26 year old said: “This is a great opportunity for me and I was delighted to take the chance of playing at such a big club.  I’ve spoken to the manager and I know some of the lads who are playing here at the minute and everyone is really enthusiastic about the up and coming season. “It (Playing against Hearts) doesn’t bother me. I’m a professional football player at the end of the day and I’ll be 150% wanting Hibs to win. “The day I signed for Manchester United was special and I was a bit star struck but making my debut was probably the highlight because then you can say you’ve played for Man U. I knew the day before when we were shaping up. Sir Alex said, ‘you’re going to be playing tomorrow’. It was brilliant to hear that. The back four that night was myself, Wes Brown, Mikael Silvestre and Gabriel Heinze, it was quite a strong back four. It was a horrible windy night at Crewe and we won 2-1 after extra time. “I was very fortunate to get that education at Man United. You’re almost spoiled as a player. It’s top class facilities, coaches and physios – it’s just great. “You’re lucky enough to train and play with some of the best players in the world and you can see what they do on a day to day basis, how professional they are and what they’ve had to do to get to where they’re at. It stands you in good stead on and off the pitch in how you should conduct yourself. From a learning point of view, it was different class. Paul Scholes was the best for me from training with him. If you’re on his team, you win. He’s a different class. “I started off as a winger / striker because I was quick I used to play up front then toward the end of the season I was moved to right back for one game which was a bounce game for the reserves and the way they play you still get to get forward then after the game I had a chat with the staff and that said they wanted to try me in that position and it took off from there. Gray will make his debut against Berwick Rangers today at Shielfield Park.

Police in Edinburgh are searching for someone who attacked an elderly woman in her own home yesterday afternoon.

Around 5pm on Friday evening police in Edinburgh were called to an address in Morningside Grove where an 85 year old woman was found with significant injuries.

Detective Superintendent David McLaren said: “Whilst we are in the very early stages of a serious crime investigation, it would appear at this stage that this lady has been attacked in her own home. As a result she has received life threatening injuries.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the Morningside grove area between 2pm and 5pm today to make contact with us as a matter of urgency. I particularly want to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously.”

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

SATURDAY 12 JULY 2014

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.  11am-4pm, Royal Botanic Garden – ask at reception for venue.  Free, all ages, no booking required.  Also available on Sunday.

Little Artists: meet Debi Gliori, author and illustrator of the Mr Bear and Witch Baby series, The Tobermory Cat and many more, as she introduces the magical Dragon Loves Penguin! Story time, plus a chance for children to pick up pencils, crayons or paints (all supplied) to create their own magical characters.  Parents can have a cuppa whilst their children enjoy the fun.  For ages 4-7. 11am, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow.  Story time is unticketed, but tickets must be obtained in advance for the art session. Sign up in store or email: mail@goldenharebooks.com.

Bruncheon! featuring the songs of Neil Young.  On the same day that Neil headlines in Hyde Park, some of Scotland’s finest will be performing their own renditions of his classic songs.  The musical line-up will be complemented by a delicious bruncheon menu.  11.30am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

The Gruffalo!  Meet him at the Edinburgh Bookshop, 219 Bruntsfield Place. 10am- 12noon.

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

Creative Family Fun Day: Indian dance, clay modelling, singing, painting and jewellery making. 12-4pm, Craigmillar Community Arts Centre, 58 Newcraighall Road.  Part of the 50th Craigmillar Festival.

Ruari McMillan: singer and guitarist. 1-2pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free.  Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

NASOV: NASOV is Italian folk singer Francesco Bordo. 2-3pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free.  Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

Daniel Scott: singer, songwriter and guitarist. 3-4pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free.  Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

Under the Dogwood Tree: acoustic Americana, folk and old-time country played on fiddle, dobro, flute and harmonica, with harmony vocals. 4-5pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free.  Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

Houndog Fraser & Rock Hunter: blues harp and guitar duo who play ‘a mix of originals and good old standards, all good time, foot stomping, whisky drinking blues.’  First CD, Broke Down Load, just released. 5-6pm, Pear Tree Garden, West Nicolson Street.  Free.  Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

Electrobuddha: guitar, vocals, drums and bass guitar. 6-7pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free.  Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.