Tenants with Scotland’s leading house and care providers were set to celebrate today with a tea party bringing together service users, relatives and the local community.

Bield’s Donaldson Court in Edinburgh is hosting a Superjam Tea party which allows residents to enjoy cakes, lashings of jam and live entertainment- all brought together by Fraser Doherty, the brainchild behind Superjam.

Fraser started making the jam with his grandmother in 2005 when he was 14-years-old and following visits to Bield’s Carntyne Gardens in Glasgow, makes a significant contribution to tea parties at Bield services. Whenever possible, Fraser will host the parties himself.

His grandmother would make homemade jam and scones and visit older people in her Glasgow neighbourhood and Fraser was so inspired by his grandmother that he decided to turn this hobby into a career.

Fraser’s successful career has enabled him to provide free tea parties for older people across the globe.

Since 2010, the SuperJam have contributed to hundreds of free parties for older people who live alone or in care.

He said:- “I have fond memories of visiting Bield services as a little boy with my grandmother so it’s great to be able to go back and keep the tradition going.

“I want these SuperJam Tea Parties to raise awareness of loneliness and show the difference made when we get residents and the local community together to simply enjoy each other’s company.

“It’s a great chance to chat, make new friends and most importantly, have a laugh. Hopefully the party will encourage more people to visit services in their area as spending just a few hours with somebody who lives alone really can make a world of difference.

“I plan to keep the parties going across the world and get as many people together, laughing and ultimately using the jam as a way to get people together.”

SuperJam Tea Parties have been extremely popular across the globe bringing older people together in countries such as Australia and Korea.

This will be the first time the party has visited the Edinburgh service where residents are already looking forward to a day of socialising and indulging in cakes and scones.

Kevin Rowe, fundraising manager for Bield, said: “We are thrilled to host a SuperJam Tea party at  Donaldson Court.

“It really helps raise the awareness of loneliness and encourages residents, relatives and even members of the community to come together and spend time chatting and laughing.

“Hosting events like this where it’s a case of simply eating cake and drinking tea makes such a difference to our residents’ lives and helps bring the community together.

“Everyone is welcome to the party so we’re all looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar and new faces at the party.”

Anyone can volunteer to set up a SuperJam Tea Party by applying for a grant at www.superjamteaparties.com

Bield – a registered charity- provides housing and care services for older people in Scotland, starting out with one housing development in Bo’ness. Established for over 40 years, Bield provide a range of care services and housing for over 20,000 people across twenty two local areas.

It’s been more than three years in the making, and this week all the work and wild imaginings have paid off: GENERATION, the National Galleries of Scotland’s largest ever exhibition, opens to the public tomorrow Saturday 28 June 2014.  Its focal points in Edinburgh include our three national galleries, but artists will also be showing in many other exhibition spaces across the capital and throughout the country.

GENERATION celebrates 25 years of contemporary art in Scotland: over 100 artists who have been a part of this exciting and internationally acclaimed period will participate, offering everything from fine art to installations, films, photography, sculpture, print-making and collage.  Organised by NGS in partnership with Glasgow Life and Creative Scotland, GENERATION is part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme. It brings together work from private and public collections, together with new pieces commissioned especially for the exhibition.  Artists have been involved in the preparations from the beginning, some choosing works from their back catalogues, others producing new pieces or restaging installations from previous shows.  The NGS team was keen to make sure the artists all knew what the others were planning, and how their own work would fit in to their allotted space and to the work around it. Visitors will experience the varied, dynamic and fascinating story of contemporary Scottish art, a story that certainly gives the lie to the person who once asked if there could really be ‘enough art in Scotland to justify a weekly column.’

In Edinburgh the largest part of the exhibition is staged at Modern Art One, where GENERATION fills the entire gallery. Upstairs Ross Sinclair installs Real Life Rocky Road, a representation of the Highlands featuring himself as his Real Life character, singing and playing guitar amongst the (stuffed) wildlife. Meanwhile, Torsten Lauschmann’s video of mechanical toys with a Vaudeville soundtrack At the Heart of Everything a Row of Holes compares the workings of the first computers to the punch cards once used in weaving technology. Lauschmann, who is German but based in Glasgow, looks at the ways in which technology can overtake our lives to the extent that we no longer have to do anything – it is all done for us.  In the end we find ourselves having to work against it: workers started off benefiting from the help machines gave them, but now they have to go to the gym to deal with the effects of physical inertia at work.

Julie Roberts is exhibiting some of her iconic paintings of medical ‘furniture’, equipment and clothing. Selecting the pieces has been, she says ‘a memory trip’ – she enjoyed thinking about where and when each work was painted, who she worked with at the time, and what those works meant, and still mean, to her.  One painting is of a gynaecological bed in an IVF clinic; when Julie saw it the sheet was still warm from the woman who had just left it, ‘it was both emotional and life-giving.’

Peek-a-Jobby, the installation Graham Fagen has recreated from its first incarnation at Matt’s gallery in London, seems at first to be a ‘cussy student apartment’ with many references to the 1980s. Fagen is interested in the interplay and disjuncture between art and life, expectation and surprise; he wants the viewer to pick up a script and become part of the room.  The power of the work is in the viewers’ imagination as they read the script and discover its unexpected denouement; a surreal event is conjured from a banal everyday scene.

Claire Barclay’s installation Trappings was commissioned by NGS, who asked her to use her allotted space in an innovatory way but with reference to her previous work.  An enormous wooden frame acts as a kind of loom around which wool is strung or woven.  Barclay uses natural materials and looks at how these function in our everyday world; she aims to discomfort the viewers, to ask them to consider the seemingly familiar and question their perceptions; how well do we know these things? how do we relate to them?

Islanders, Charles Avery‘s project, describes a fictional island in drawing, sculpture, painting and text. The figures in Market Place are mysterious, they have strange, often angry, faces and are sometimes emaciated.  We try in vain to pin down a ‘real’ location – the buildings are modern, one labelled ‘Bargain Village’, but the scene is almost mediaeval. Untitled: view of the port at Onomatopoeia – which is over five metres wide – shows more of these enigmatic islanders alongside tourists arriving by boat.  Avery improvises as he works, drawing entirely from his imagination; if a narrative starts to emerge he follows it.  In Dilettantes he depicts some islanders hunting an enormous eel, watched by what appear to be visitors, one wearing startling yellow wellington boots.  We are irresistibly drawn in to the story and start to imagine our own narratives.

Some of Victoria Morton‘s works are vast, exuberantly coloured canvases; Morton is an active musician as well as an artist and is interested in the relationship between tonality and colour, in the ways that music and paintings can resonate on psychological and emotional levels. Her portrait of the late composer and electronic musician Daphne Oram, is especially striking.  Lucy McKenzie meanwhile works on themes of identity and trompe l’oeil.  Here she exhibits pieces from her project Quodlibet; pinboards and writing desks appear to be covered in everyday objects, but closer inspection reveals these to be paintings. She aims to blur the boundaries between art and life, to explore and question existing orthodoxies.

Film is not neglected in GENERATION: in 24 Hour Psycho, Douglas Gordon slows down Hitchcock’s film to make it run over twenty-four hours. He wants to show us the way that memory operates in the flow of our consciousness: in this work our knowledge of what is to come is frustrated as we anticipate the famous shower scene that never seems to arrive (although the NGS staff say they can calculate exactly when it will…) Gordon is interested in the complexities of the human mind and in schizophrenia. He has also added to the role call of names that we see as we climb the gallery stairs; it is a list of all the people Gordon has ever met, exploring memory and the idea that we are what we remember.

At the National Gallery of Scotland we climb the wide staircase to see Karla Black’s beautiful Story of Sensible Length, an ephemeral pink and white hanging commissioned as a response to the gallery’s neo-classical sculpture hall; the fabric seems almost to float in the still space. Black is interested in ‘the raw creative moment when art comes into being’ and in themes of childhood and play.  We move from this to the stunning monochome of David Shrigley’s room full of woodcuts and ceramic black boots.

Entering the late Steven Campbell’s On Form and Fiction (first shown at the Third Eye Centre in Glasgow) the visitor is immersed in colour, music and sepia drawings.   The  work creates ‘a claustrophobic, fictional world of bizarre happenings’ whilst by contrast Martin Boyce’s Our Love is Like the Flowers, the Rain, the Sea and the Hours (an installation first shown at Glasgow’s Tramway) is a sparse darkened area illuminated only by trees made from tubular lamps.  In this ghostly unnamed setting Boyce merges the natural and the constructed, the real and the imagined, and perhaps asks how art in public urban places is experienced by those who see it.

These are just some of the many impressive and challenging works in Edinburgh’s contribution to GENERATION.  In the city itself there will be more exhibits at the National Portrait Gallery, the City Art Centre, the Dovecot Studios and eight other venues.  Glasgow is hosting 21 exhibitions and other shows can be seen in galleries, studios and spaces from North Uist to Peebles and Thurso to Kircudbright. Note that whilst some exhibitions are running simultaneously with those at NGS, others will continue to open throughout the summer. There is a also a programme of talks and tours (most of them free) beginning in July. Full details of all exhibitions and events are on the GENERATION website.

GENERATION aims to increase public engagement with contemporary art. In a year in which its political future is set to be decided, GENERATION also shows the world that Scotland’s dynamic and inspiring art scene helps to place it at the heart of international culture.

Gallery uses new technology to show paintings in room settings

Urbane Art Gallery, on Edinburgh’s Jeffrey Street, has installed a new programme on its website which enables visitors to view their potential purchase in a number of room settings.

Thanks to Tangram, who supplied the furniture and interior shots for the effect, Urbane Art can now showcase their paintings to customers in real home situations as well as in the gallery.

Gallery Director Tracey Robertson said: ”A lot of people can’t imagine what a painting will look like when removed from the gallery and hung in a living room, so now we can show them that, which helps them to envisage it in their own home. I can show them when they are here in the gallery or they can do this themselves on our website by clicking on a painting they like and then clicking ’View in a room’. As far as I know there is no other gallery in Scotland which does this. Tangram are leading experts in contemporary furniture and interiors, and we are very grateful to them for supplying the interior images and furniture.”

Julian Darwell-Stone from Tangram said: ”We source and install contemporary furniture, lighting, rugs and blinds from leading European manufacturers, with the emphasis on design and aesthetic. We felt that Urbane Art Gallery, with its wonderful modern art collection, was the perfect partner to collaborate with, and we are very pleased to be associated with this initiative.”

Submitted by Rosemary Walker

Hearts today completed their fifth new signing in recent weeks as they prepare for the new season in the SPFL Championship. Former Turkish Under 21 defender Alim Ozturk has become the latest player to sign for Robbie Neilson’s team after leaving Trabzonspor in Turkey.

Ozturk, 22, who was born in the Netherlands but qualifies for Turkey through parentage, was previously with SC Cambuur in the Dutch League. He moved to Trabzonspor for a sizeable fee but things didn’t work out as planned and he spent some time playing in the reserve side.

Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson was delighted with his latest capture. He told the club’s website:- “Ozturk is a very good player. He was sold to Trabzonspor 18 months ago for quite a bit of money and was a big prospect for them.

He wants to get back playing and has taken a big gamble coming here as he has taken a big hit on his wages. I think the fans will really take to him. He is big, strong and athletic and is good on the ball, too. I think him and Danny Wilson will form a great partnership.

“We have been trailing him for a few weeks and didn’t think we had a chance of getting him but I’m delighted to have signed him and sometimes you just have to wait a little while to get players like him.”

Hearts have already signed former Hamilton Accies striker James Keatings, former Scotland goalkeeper Neil Alexander, striker Soufian El Hassnaoui and midfielder Morgaro Gomis as they prepare to joust with Rangers and Hibernian for promotion back to the top flight of Scottish football.

When the former church building in Stockbridge came up for sale earlier in the year a campaign to save it for the community did not manage to secure the building at the time. There has been ongoing speculation regarding the future of St Stephen’s Church in Stockbridge since then, but now a resolution has been reached which may be just as good for the community.

It is now confirmed that Edinburgh businessman, Leslie Benzies, has agreed to buy the property in a philanthropic gesture which will preserve the long-term use of the property as a local community venue.

Philip Johnston, spokesperson and consultant for Leslie Benzies, said: – “Mr Benzies has lived in the area for over ten years and recognised the building’s importance to the community.  This is an entirely philanthropic purchase, which will preserve the building for years to come and we are delighted to have concluded a deal that will ensure the long-term viability of the property as a community centre that benefits all.

“A charitable trust has been created by Mr Benzies to manage the community centre and its Board of Trustees will include representatives of the local community.

“Stockbridge is a busy residential area with a relatively small number of community venues. The preservation of St Stephen’s Church as a community centre meets a pressing need as well as protecting an important historical building, which is significant as it was designed by architect William Henry Playfair and has been hailed as one of the most important Georgian buildings in the area. We are delighted that we can help bring the Church back to its former glory securing its future whilst providing a renovated local and performing arts centre that will benefit the wider community.”

Philip Johnston concluded:- “My client looks forward to completing the sale imminently to secure the plans for the Church’s ongoing use. We will engage with the community as the plans progress and look forward to welcoming local residents and groups back to the Centre in the very near future.”

Edinburgh College has achieved the highest rating possible in its Education Scotland inspection report published today.

Education Scotland’s overarching judgement on the college is that “Edinburgh College has in place effective arrangements to maintain and enhance the quality of its provision and outcomes for students and other stakeholders.” This is the highest rating a college can achieve in the review process.

This means that “in relation to quality assurance and enhancement, the college is led well, has sufficiently robust arrangements to address any identified minor weaknesses, and is likely to continue to improve the quality of its services for students and other stakeholders.”

Principal Mandy Exley welcomed the report: “I am delighted that we achieved the top rating in our recent inspection. I know we have all worked extremely hard since merger to create a college that meets the needs of students and industry. This has been demonstrated by our students’ excellence and success, but it is also important to receive such a strong inspection report, highlighting success and innovation across the organisation.

“We will continue to work with our industry partners and our students’ association to build on this success and to deliver even more opportunities that are relevant to the economic needs of Edinburgh and Scotland.”

Her Majesty’s inspectors spent a full week at the college in late April and early May conducting in-depth research, observations and interviews with staff, students and stakeholders to test the quality of the learning experience.

Looking at strategic direction, the regional chair, board and principal are praised as “working well together to provide clear direction for the college’s development” with strategies and operational plans providing a clear and comprehensive basis for its future.

The report comments widely on many aspects of the college’s operations. The curriculum is described as meeting the needs of students and industry well, while the report notes that the college has extensive and highly successful strategic links with key partners within the region and further afield.

Dr Allan Colquhoun, university liaison and emerging technologies manager at Selex ES and chair of the newly launched Edinburgh College Development Trust, supports the college’s work with industry, commenting: “Edinburgh College should congratulate itself on a positive report. Although “effective” is the highest rating, this wording does not truly reflect the college’s achievements. Edinburgh College has delivered education in depth and breadth from schools to degree level that has resulted in most students moving on to employment or to other studies. The college successfully prepares students for work and supports business through apprenticeship and CPD programmes. It is clear that some of the good work done by the college has influenced the Wood Commission and will result in its good practice being shared across Scotland. The pioneering work on the Academies project, creating smooth pathways from school through college and onto university, will hopefully become the norm in the post-Wood landscape alongside the blending of academic and work-based learning as exemplified by the Graphic Design mentoring programme highlighted in the report.”

The inspectors recognised the college’s commitment to fully involving students at every level of decision making, noting that “the college works very effectively in partnership at a strategic level with Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA) and the student voice is influential at Board, College committee and campus level. The college has ensured that the student voice has been a major influence as it progressed through merger to become one institution and has pioneered an approach to student representation at a strategic level.”

Student achievement and success is strong, with 94% of students whose destinations are known progressing successfully to further study, apprenticeships or employment. The report goes on to state that successful completion rates on FE and HE full time programmes were above the national sector performance level, while within the subject areas of art and design, care, engineering, hospitality, land-based and sport and leisure, the levels of student success rank amongst the best in the sector.

As part of the report, the inspectors also highlight initiatives which are sector leading. They have singled out the college’s effective partnership working in setting up the South East Scotland Academies Partnership in conjunction with Queen Margaret University, employers and schools, a programme which benefits both students and employers.

Karen Prophet, education manager at the City of Edinburgh Council added: “The City of Edinburgh Council wish to acknowledge the positive partnership working through effective school college partnership provision which was recognised as innovative practice in today’s Education Scotland report on Edinburgh College. We look forward to developing our successful collaboration further to jointly deliver improved outcomes for young people. I’d like to congratulate Edinburgh College on this very positive inspection report.”

Links with industry are also key to another highlighted sector-leading initiative, the college’s innovative and imaginative industry mentoring programme for HND Visual Communication Graphic Design students. The design industry links integral to this programme have resulted in students winning prestigious national awards and high numbers going on to further study or directly to successful careers in the industry.

Police arrested  a 43-year-old man in East Lothian yesterday in connection with alleged offensive online tweets posted about First Minister Alex Salmond.

The man was detained in police custody and was expected to appear at Haddington Sheriff Court today,

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We can confirm that a 43-year-old man has been arrested and is presently detained in police custody in connection with allegedly posting offensive tweets.”

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

The re-trial of World’s End murder suspect Angus Sinclair will take place at the High Court in Livingston on October 6.

The 69 year old is accused of murdering Helen Scott and Christine Eadie while acting along with his brother-in-law Gordon Hamilton, who is now deceased, in October 1977

Sinclair  appeared at Glasgow High Court yesterday  for a preliminary hearing. He denies the two charges against him of raping and murdering the Edinburgh teenagers who  were found dead after a night out at the World’s End pub in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Sinclair originally stood trial in 2007, but was acquitted after a judge ruled there was no case to answer, but earlier this year the Crown Office was granted authority to bring a fresh prosecution following an application under the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act allowing suspects found not guilty in court to face a new trial.

Sinclair will be the first person to be retried under these new laws.

Police Scotland officers in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was assaulted in Leith.

The 29-year-old was subjected to an unprovoked attack while walking south on the bridge crossing the Water of Leith at the north end of Great Junction Street.

He was punched and kicked by a group of three teenagers during the incident, which took place at around 3pm on Tuesday 17th June.

It is understood that members of the public intervened to stop the assault and Police Scotland are very keen to trace those people.

Police Constable Iona McWilliam said: “This was a terrifying and unprovoked attack on a man and enquiries are underway to identify the three men responsible.

“It took place in the middle of the afternoon and we would urge anyone who witnessed the event or who may know something that would help our investigation to come forward immediately.”

The first suspect is described as white, aged between 16 and18, of slim build, and wearing a grey hooded top and grey jogging bottoms.

The second man is also described as white, aged between 16 and 18, of slim build, wearing a grey hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms, and he was carrying a black drawstring sports bag at the time.

The third suspect is described as white, aged between 16 and 18, and of slim build, and he was wearing a black top with a white Adidas logo on side.

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

The Hibernian Community Foundation have continued their association with local groups linked to the Global Citizenship Partnership with the donation of new ‘old-stock’ kit to the initiative.

DHEF encourages families and especially women of all ages and cultures and from every sector of society to reach their potential through formal and informal educational projects. DHEF has a Christian ethos and in its activities promotes respect for the individual, personal freedom, self-confidence and responsible attitudes in professional, private and public life.

For the past 5 years, the charity has organised visits to Kampala, Uganda where volunteers have built a local school and now teach local children.

This week, Edinburgh based biology student Anna Stevenson received some of the new old-stock kit which the team of 15 volunteers will take with them. Anna is sports co-ordinator for the trip, and the Hibernian supporter was delighted when the Foundation agreed to support her efforts.

Portobello High School – Jazz at the Botanics – Dads Rock – Marketing Edinburgh – Orchid Fair –  

The council’s private bill to allow a new school to be built in the park at Portobello was passed yesterday afternoon just before 5pm.

The promoter of the bill was Siobhan McMahon the Labour MSP for Central Scotland since parliamentary rules prevented the Edinburgh and Lothians MSPs to officially back the bill. Lothians MSP Kezia Dugdale referred to this in her remarks:-“When we last met to discuss the bill, I expressed my frustration at the rules that preclude members who represent an area from participating in a private bill process that affects that area. I was worried that my colleagues would not understand the complex and long-standing community interest in the issue and that they would be cold to the arguments from both sides and simply go through the motions, without an affinity for the community in question.”

Ms McMahon concluded her introduction to the final stage of the bill process thus:-“In conclusion, the committee has spent over 12 months considering the issues pertaining to this divisive bill and is disappointed that there has not been a greater degree of constructive resolution and engagement between the parties. We acknowledge the objectors’ concerns on various fronts. For example, there will inevitably be adverse impacts due to noise and operational disturbance; there will be a visual impact from the construction of the building and some loss of views to Arthur’s Seat; and there are indeed health benefits to be derived from open space, which the park provides. However, the committee also recognises that compensatory and mitigation measures will be implemented as required by the planning process; that there are other green and open spaces in the vicinity; and that there will be other benefits to the community from the new sporting facilities.

Overall, we are satisfied that an appropriate balance has been struck between the private interests of those who would be adversely affected by the proposal and its benefits to the wider community.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the City of Edinburgh Council (Portobello Park) Bill be passed.”

Lothians MSP Gavin Brown said:-“The significant progress that has been made on a couple of items has encouraged me to make my up mind to vote in favour of the bill at decision time today. The first was the firm commitment that was given to designate the existing site as a new park or recreation facility and to give it Fields in Trust status. Although that is not a statutory provision, it provides a degree of safeguarding and weakens some of the arguments against the bill. Secondly, as was referred to earlier, the amendment in the name of Alison McInnes that was lodged at phase 2 of consideration stage restricts the situation somewhat. Effectively, the bill can do only what it says on the tin—it will not give any wider scope to the City of Edinburgh Council or to any other council. Those two points are quite important and they tip the balance in favour of our passing the bill.”

It is true to say that this has been a divisive matter in the local community and those on both sides have been passionate about their cause.  Those forming the group objecting to the site of the new school did not appear to be admitting defeat last night, but it is now clear that the new school will be built and open in time for the new school year in August 2016.

Alison Johnstone Lothians MSP said:-“As an Edinburgh councillor, I visited Portobello high school and was, frankly, appalled by the condition of the building. Learning and teaching in that poorly designed and poorly maintained building is needlessly challenging. If Portobello high school had been properly designed in the first place and had been allocated a meaningful life-cycle maintenance budget, we might not be here today. I know that those who oppose building on the park also whole-heartedly agree that Portobello needs a new school. Passions have run high in this debate because our parks and our schools are among our most precious and most important community assets, and the local community concerned cares deeply about those assets.”

The bill was passed in the nick of time as Holyrood is now in recess for six weeks.

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The Botanics are hosting a jazz evening in July, so if you’re a member or know someone who is, then you can still get some tickets for this event.

Join the Friends of RBGE for an evening in the magnificent Palm Houses. Sparkling wine and canapes will be served and live music provided by the Roger Cull Jazz Trio. Tickets are available to Members and their guests.

All funds raised will be directed to the Small Project Fund, which supports worthy Science and Horticulture projects across our four Gardens.

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Two new high profile, non-executive appointments have been announced at Marketing Edinburgh, further strengthening the organisation’s role in promoting the city as a world-leading investment and visitor capital.

Bill Percy, Customer Experience Manager at Virgin Money and Juliana Delaney, Chief Executive of Continuum Group (owners of award-winning attraction The Real Mary Queen’s Close) have joined the board at Marketing Edinburgh, adding experienced industry voices to the table, dedicated to the promotion of Scotland’s Capital.

The new non-executive appointments follow the announcement of Gordon Robertson, ‎Director of Communications at Edinburgh Airport, as Chair of Marketing Edinburgh in April 2014.

Bill Percy, Customer Experience Manager at Virgin Money said:-“Virgin Money has a strong base in Edinburgh and a long-standing association with some of its iconic events, such as The Fringe and of course the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert that brings the Edinburgh International Festival to its close. Joining the board at Marketing Edinburgh offers the chance for me to make a contribution to a city I’m passionate about and help shape the direction of its future as an investment capital in Europe.”

Juliana Delaney, Chief Executive of Continuum Group said:-“Leading attractions like The Real Mary King’s Close richly embody the heritage strand of the city, but Edinburgh has so much more to offer as a place to Live, Work, Invest, Study and Visit – so I’m thrilled to join Marketing Edinburgh and to help bring the city’s unique brand to the wider market place. Other cities aspire to reach the level of quality and richness Edinburgh already has, but as those cities are snapping at our heels, the job remains a challenging one!”

Gordon Robertson, Chair of Marketing Edinburgh, said:-“A significant objective of Marketing Edinburgh’s three year business strategy is to build private investment in the organisation through Edinburgh’s ‘corporate citizens’. These new appointments reinforce this goal, with two hugely experienced, high profile individuals – each able tap into their own respective industries while taking a proactive role in growing Edinburgh.”

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Also at the Botanics they are holding an orchid fair starting from today.

Taiwanese Orchid Fair Fri 27 June to Sun 20 July Come and see a stunning display of colourful and elegant orchids by the Taiwan Floriculture Exports Association. Weekend activities will include Chinese flower painting and orchid culture tips. Orchid Events: Plum Blossom Painting Demonstration – Sun 29 June Chinese Flower Painting & Face Painting – Sun 6 July Life in the Trees – Fri 11 July Tea Ceremony & Tea Tasting – Sun 13 July Click on the event to find out more.

FRIDAY 27  JUNE 2014

John McPake and the Sea Beggars: Edinburgh native Stuart Campbell launches his debut novel ‘an extraordinarily warm and humane exploration of psychosis.’  6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow.  Free event but please book via eventbrite or by calling into the shop in advance.

Gallery Social: John Byrne. Join artists for relaxed guided tours for anyone affected by dementia, their friends, relatives and supporters.  Very informal  tours exploring highlights from the permanent collection or special exhibitions.  Tours begin with refreshments in the Learning Centre: meet at the Information Desk.  10.30am-12 noon, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  To book a place call 0131 624 6560

Katie Paterson: Ideas. Paterson’s work is cross-medium, multidisciplinary and conceptually driven with an emphasis on nature and cosmology. Ideas presents her most recent work as part of the nationwide project GENERATION.  10am-6pm, Monday to Saturday, from today until 27th September 2014 (also open 12 noon- 5pm on Sundays in August only), Ingleby Gallery, 15 Calton Road.

Jim Lambie: a solo exhibition of the work of Jim Lambie, one of Scotland’s most internationally significant artists known for visually compelling, generous and beguiling work which attracts both critical and popular acclaim.  Bringing together two decades of sculpture and installation, the exhibition is part of Edinburgh Art Festival 2014 and GENERATION.  Today until 19th October 2014, 11am-6pm Monday to Saturday, 12 noon – 5pm Sundays.  The Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street.

Lunchtime Concert: Dokko Long Beach Polytechnic High School Choir, California.  12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free and unticketed.

Georgian Edinburgh before the New Town: a lecture by James Simpson, a conservation architect in private practice in Edinburgh.  James co-founded the firm of Simpson and Brown, now one of the leading historic buildings practices in the UK.  2pm, City Art Centre, Market Street.  Free: for bookings and further information contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 or email  margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

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. Also open Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June.

Orchid Fair at the Botanics: the Taiwan Floriculture Association leads the world in orchid culture. See their stunning, colourful and elegant display of the state of the art in orchid floriculture.  Special events, including painting demonstrations and a tea ceremony, will be held around this exhibition (see Sunday’s listing for the first one.) 10am-5,45pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Royal Botanic Garden.  Free, no booking required.  Exhibition ends 20th July 2014.

Afternoon Tea Club: 3.30pm, Fountainbridge Library, Dundee Street.

School’s Out for Summer! Summer crafts and games session.  Celebrate the start of the summer holidays at South Queensferry Library, 9 Shore Road, 2-4pm.

Lothian Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack, has welcomed new laws to help homeowners get on with common repairs to their property.

The provisions, passed yesterday evening as part of the Housing (Scotland) Bill, will allow owners to ask the Council to pay a share of common repair work on behalf of missing or uncooperative owners.

The Council will then be able to recover the cost from the owner over a period of between 5 and 30 years although the owner can appeal the duration of the repayment period.

The new provisions will help to address delays to common repairs where a majority of owners are unable to proceed because of missing or uncooperative owners – a situation that has often left repairs incomplete or forced owners down the route of statutory repairs.

During the passage of the bill, Ms Boyack successfully moved amendments which could see similar powers provided to housing associations to help them take forward building repairs in properties where they have tenants.

Speaking following the passage of the Bill, Ms Boyack said: “Over the years I’ve handled a number of cases where efforts to take forward joint building repairs have been frustrated by one or two owners.

“Up to now, other owners have often been forced to club together to pay the missing share with little prospect of recovering their money due to the cost of court action.   The only alternative has been to leave repairs until the point where they become dangerous or approach the council for a statutory repair. 

“The city is still dealing with the legacy of the statutory repairs scandal and while the Council continues to develop a new scheme, we need to find ways to support homeowners to get on with repairs themselves.

“These new provisions will allow owners to ask the Council to step in with a guarantee that they will be able to recover their costs.   This is a big step forward and it is important that the new measures are implemented as soon as possible.

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government accepted my argument to potentially extend these powers to housing associations and will be lobbying Ministers to take the issue forward.

“In Edinburgh, I know of associations that have been forced to sell properties as they can’t afford necessary repairs.  Not only does this reduce the availability of social housing, where provision is already a major concern, it also reduces the money available to associations to provide services to their tenants.

“Every homeowner has a responsibility to maintain their home to a safe standard and the provisions in the Housing Bill will hopefully make it easier for owners to work together on repairs.”

Photo Jon Davey Photography

Hibs formally introduced new Head Coach Alan Stubbs to the media today at the club’s training centre in East Lothian and the former Celtic defender has asked the supporters to help make Easter Road an intimidating place for visiting teams.

Stubbs said: “We’re all in it together and it’s vital that we’re all pulling in the same direction.

“It’s going to be an exciting season and I want the fans to be our extra man – it’s as simple as that.

“I remember coming to Easter Road and seeing how passionate and vocal the fans can be.

“It can be an intimidating place for away teams to play and I want that to come back and I want our players to enjoy playing at Easter Road again.”

Stubbs stresses he is keen for his Hibernian team to produce an attractive brand of football, but says his primary objective is simple – to win matches.

He added: “My philosophy first and foremost is that I want to win games of football.

“I don’t want to be in a position where I’m talking about philosophies, style of play and everything, but we’re not winning games.

“At 4.45pm on a Saturday afternoon, supporters want to be going away from the ground with a winning feeling and secondly talking about the players and how well they played.

“I want to give them a spring in their step again – I think that’s important.”

Police Scotland, Tayside Division is appealing for information that could help trace the whereabouts of 27 year old Lynton Frazer, who was last seen in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh on Wednesday 25 June.

Lynton had been staying in Brechin and is known to travel extensively.

He is described as being five feet nine inches tall, of slim build with short-brown coloured hair.

When last seen Lynton was wearing a blue-coloured hooded top and blue-coloured tracksuit bottoms with white-coloured stripes down each side.

Anyone who knows where Lynton is or who has information that could assist Tayside Division in tracing him should call 101 or speak to any police officer

Police Scotland is appealing for information that could help to trace the whereabouts of 47-year-old absconder Kenneth Tait. He was last seen in the Craigleith Retail Park in Edinburgh at 7pm on Wednesday 25 June 2014.

Kenneth is six feet three inches tall, of thin build, with short thinning grey-coloured hair with fair complexion. He is believed to be wearing a red-coloured jacket.

Anyone who has seen Kenneth or who has information as to where he is now should contact Police Scotland on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fancy somewhere to have a coffee where there is no problem with parking and there is free wifi?

300 Edinburgh coffee drinkers were today rewarded with a complimentary stylish reusable Bert’s Coffee Mug when Edinburgh’s award winning Corn Exchange opened its doors of new venture – Bert’s Coffee Bar.

The idea for the coffee bar came about after numerous and repeated requests from clients, local businesses and friends of the Corn Exchange who wanted somewhere they could get a high quality barista style coffee experience.

The Corn Exchange is a family run business and “Bert’s” is named after second generation Bert Demarco who is renowned for his love of quality coffee.

Scott Snedden, Venue Manager commented:- “After a significant financial investment and many months of planning, training, and hours of coffee and cake tasting we are delighted that Bert’s Coffee Bar is now open for business.  The aim is to offer a consistently high quality Barista experience for our customers old and new.  Having retained all the original features of the listed building, the atmosphere is stylish and welcoming at the same time family and business friendly.  Offering free Wi-Fi has also meant that on day one we already have several hundred social media followers. “

The coffee bar, the first of its kind in the Slateford area of the city is located within the stylish grade 1 listed original part of the Corn Exchange on Newmarket Road, Edinburgh.  It offers just over 50 seats, and during the warmer summer months for those who prefer their coffee al fresco there will be tables located outside the main entrance.

Hibs have announced a significant six-figure partnership deal with Marathonbet, which will see the global bookmakers become the Club’s new Main Sponsor.

The initial two-year agreement begins ahead of the 2014/15 season and includes an option to extend to a third year.

The Marathonbet logo will adorn the front of Hibernian’s home and away shirts plus the new sponsors will also operate in-stadia betting at Easter Road Stadium from the start of next season.

Established in 1997, Marathonbet is the sportsbook of choice for more than 1.5 million players across more than 185 countries.

Hibernian Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “We are delighted to welcome Marathonbet as our new Main Sponsor and we are excited about how our mutually beneficial partnership will develop moving forward.

“Marathonbet are an ambitious company who are aiming to grow substantially over the next few years – Hibernian shares similar goals and we’re confident the two brands will work well together as a team.

“Today’s launch sees the beginning of another new chapter for Hibernian and another fresh addition to the club as we look towards the start of the upcoming season.”

Marathonbet CEO Graham Luke said of the new partnership: “Hibernian Football Club present a unique opportunity for Marathonbet to launch its association with Scottish football. Hibs is a club famed for its history and its loyal and ardent fanbase.

“We join the club at a time of rebuilding that also sees the introduction of a new Chief Executive and Head Coach and these appointments underline the ambition of the club going forward.

“These ambitions echo our own as we look to grow and expand into new territories and this agreement is a key vehicle in broadening the awareness of our brand and helping us reach our strategic goals.”

A regeneration project in North Edinburgh is getting underway this week and some Craigroyston pupils were on hand to help start things off.

A total of 719 high quality private and affordable homes will be built as part of the Muirhouse and Pennywell area master plan. The first phase is due to commence on the site of the former Craigroyston High School on Pennywell Road.

The Council has committed over £42m to the project which is levering in a substantial amount of private investment to the area.

With 60 new jobs and apprenticeships and 180 placement opportunities available, the local community is set to feel the benefits.

Pupils from Craigroyston Primary joined the City of Edinburgh Council’s Housing Leader, Cllr Cammy Day, and directors from site developer Urban Union to officially mark the start of the work.

The Pennywell development will be delivered by the Council’s 21st Century Homes programme and will lead to 356 homes becoming available for social and mid-market rent over the next six years. Urban Union will sell the remaining 363 homes privately. Delivered in four phases, the first phase will lead to 193 homes, of which 108 will be for the Council, being built by the end of 2016.

The project will also deliver a number of community benefits, including jobs and training through apprenticeships and work placements.

An Arts Strategy for the regeneration is being developed and Urban Union recently appointed North Edinburgh Arts to take this forward. Other plans for the area include a play area, park, a community garden and landscaping.

Cllr Day said: “Residents will be delighted to see the start of work on the initial part of this project, which will breathe new life into the north of the city.

“Quality housing and access to jobs are major steps in tackling poverty, and working in partnership with companies such as Urban Union, NHS Lothian and local community groups will help to improve the future health and wellbeing of locals, as well as attract people to the area.

“The creation of training and job opportunities as well as new high quality affordable homes and investment in the area will support the local community and the economy.

“This will help to meet the high demand for homes in Edinburgh and create a sustainable neighbourhood in partnership with the local community.”

Janice Russell, Director of Urban Union, said: “We are now looking forward to moving on site and progressing with one of Scotland’s largest and most significant homes-led regeneration projects.

“As well as homes, the Pennywell project is also set to deliver a huge range of benefits – including apprenticeships and construction jobs as well as an innovative artworks strategy which will all deliver wider opportunities for the local community.

“Most importantly, we now want to build on the high level of community engagement which has already taken place in the development of the masterplan for the area. There will be opportunities for the community to be involved in finalising the plans for public spaces as well creating a range of community enterprises and partnership working.

“Our track record in Scotland shows we are 100% committed to community engagement and we look forward to developing strong local partnerships which will form the cornerstone of our development street.”

Roy Douglas, chairperson of the Muirhouse and Salvesen Community Council, said: “The local community will be really happy to see that the work on this major project is starting. The development is a vital step forward in the regeneration of this area and will bring vital jobs and low-cost housing.”

An archaeological dig at Bridgend farm house on the edge of Craigmillar Castle Park has been trying to find traces of an old chapel believed to have been used by Mary Queen of Scots.

The week long dig has uncovered the original floor of the building and the stonework of what looks like a well. Fragments of pottery from the 16th century have also been found and even some white gritty ware believed to be from the 12th century. The team from Rubicon Heritage, led by Colm Moloney and Louise Baker, were undertaking the dig for the Greater Liberton Heritage Project, with funding from the National Lottery.

According to paper records, a chapel was built on the site of the farm house in 1518 by Sir Simon Preston, the owner of Craigmillar Castle. The Rev Alexander Stratonne was listed as chaplain and required to say prayers for the souls of King James III and James IV. It’s known that Mary Queen of Scots lived briefly at the castle in the winter of 1566 while she was recovering from the birth of her son, James VI. It’s likely therefore that she worshipped at the Bridgend Chapel.

The chapel obviously fell into disuse during the 17th or 18th century because by 1792, Rev Thomas White was describing it as “stables where there had previously been a chapel.” The Ordnance Survey map of 1850 records the remains of a chapel but refers to the building as a labourer’s cottage. The “cottage” is presumed to be the farm house we see today and the chapel became the outhouse, used to store hay and keep pigs.

Earlier this year the farm house, now owned by Edinburgh Council, was leased to a local charity, Bridgend Inspiring Growth (BIG), which has been formed to restore the building and open it as a community-owned environmental centre. BIG has been given Lottery funding to draw up detailed plans for a community kitchen and cafe and a base for outdoor activities in the park. It’s also planning to include a heritage exhibition in the farm house to explain the history of the chapel, the castle and the park.

BIG has already secured funding from the Council to employ a part-time community development worker who is running a series of pilot projects over the summer, ranging from gardening and cooking to walking clubs, healthy living courses and children’s forest days.

For details click here to see the website.

In his new comedy show ‘Robin Ince is In (and out of) His Mind’, Ince explains that the human mind is one of the most complex organisms in the Universe. This week’s sell-out show at Edinburgh’s Stand comedy Club left the audience in no doubt that Ince’s mind is in a league of complexity all its own.

He took the audience on a comedic magical mystery tour, full of intriguing ideas, scientific questioning and random cul-de- sacs.

He covered a mind-boggling array of subjects from the cerebral to the silly, as intellectual as the writings of Kafka and as banal as his stint as toilet monitor on the Scotrail train to Perth.  The pace and content of this show made for an exhilarating ride.

Ince often cites himself as the ‘interested idiot’, so his voyage of discovery and self-discovery through psychology and the science of the mind doesn’t assume any prior knowledge, and anyway takes so many random detours and daft observations (including one about the Undersecretary to the Tooth Fairy) that no -one is left feeling inadequate. His humour is warm and inclusive, impulsive and erratic, but always face -achingly funny.

We often talk about comedians having excellent comic timing, but Ince’s version of comic timing is to talk as fast as he can in order to squeeze as many laughs as humanly possible.

As always, there was so much humour and so little time, this show seemed to be the tip of the iceberg of brain-based humour to come. This bodes very well for August and the madness of the Fringe, where we can roll up and do it all again, with even more new material for Ince to pack into his two week stint at The Stand.

But for tonight the audience left The Stand gasping for air, as the laughs per minute and the speed of topic changes left them hot, breathless and happy. Not bad going for a lecture about the brain. I might even have learned something too.

Robin Ince’s Blooming Buzzing Confusion  is at The Stand 31^st July-12^th August 16.25pm

Today’s meeting of the council is split into two distinct parts, one to deal with the Mortonhall babies ashes matter and the other to deal with normal business.

The Lord Provost is to mark the solemnity of the meeting with the lighting of a candle before proceedings begin.

The Edinburgh Reporter will be following proceedings live from the floor of the city chambers.

Last week, MSPs voted to pass the Buildings (Recovery of Expenses) (Scotland) Bill

The Member’s Bill, promoted by Labour MSP, David Stewart, will give Local Authorities with much needed extra powers to recoup their costs when dealing with defective and dangerous buildings. It reintroduces charging orders which will enable Local Authorities to recover their costs in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, David Stewart said:- “I am delighted that my Bill passed stage three with support across the chamber, and this is the culmination of 4 years hard work.”

“During its passage through Parliament it was clear that this measure had widespread support from Local Authorities and the wider building sector. It is a testament to what can be achieved when ordinary Members and the government work co-operatively.”

“Too many buildings have been allowed to drift into disrepair and need urgent remedy. It is, of course, the owners’ responsibility to repair buildings. My Bill aims to enable councils to carry out desperately needed repairs whilst shifting the financial burden back to the owners themselves.”

“I am optimistic that that Local Authorities will proactively use this new power to ensure they will not be out of pocket when stepping in to deal with building standards issues.  This will mean they will feel more confident in carrying out repairs, hopefully leading to less repairs being delayed, scaled back or even cancelled due to concerns over cost recovery. Indirectly, it will hopefully also stimulate the repair and maintenance sector of the construction industry as more repairs will be carried out.”

Lothian Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said:- “This is a positive Bill which will help struggling Local Authorities re-coup their costs of dealing with various building standard Issues. It is estimated that only that only 50% of debts are recovered and that currently there could be over £3.9 million outstanding.”

“Dangerous and defective buildings are a real problem across Scotland, with up to 81% of dwellings in need of some kind of repair.  In the Lothians 46 Dangerous Building notices were issued in 2011-2012. These are not just unsafe to the public, they are an eyesore; they can have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area by driving down house prices on a street or making town centres seem unwelcoming.”

Scottish Building Federation Managing Director, Vaughan Hart said:- “SBF supports this legislation as a welcome move to support the repair of unsafe buildings in Scotland.”

“Buildings that are not properly maintained can pose a major risk to the public, particularly in built-up areas. Local authorities have an important responsibility to protect the public by repairing buildings that are dangerous. This legislation would enable them to do that with greater confidence as they can recover the associated costs from the building owner.”

The Scottish Government had a long session yesterday to approve The Housing (Scotland) Bill which is designed to improve condition of houses let to either private or social tenants. The new law also prevents the sale of up to 15,500 social houses over the next ten years and will support improvements to the private rented sector.

The Bill will end the Right to Buy social housing in Scotland over the next two years, giving tenants time to consider their options and find financial advice if they want to exercise their right to buy their home

The legislation will establish a private rented sector tribunal which gives tenants and landlords access to specialist justice and allow them to resolve disputes more effectively.

Changes to mobile home site licensing will also improve the rights of over 3,000 households, many of whom are elderly, living permanently in mobile or park homes across Scotland.

Other measures in the Bill include introducing a regulatory framework for letting agents and giving local authorities new discretionary powers to tackle poor housing conditions in the private sector.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “This is a historic day for housing as it marks the end of Right to Buy social housing in Scotland.

“Stakeholders from across the sector have given this legislation widespread support as they recognise that we have put together a package of measures which will help improve housing in the social, private rented and owner-occupied sectors.

“Today I put forward a number of amendments to the letting agent provisions in the Bill to provide a robust regulatory framework that will ensure consistent and high standards of service for tenants and landlords across Scotland.

“I am very grateful to all those who have contributed their views on the Bill over the last nine months and more. But legislation is only one of many actions that this Government is taking to improve housing in Scotland.

“This government continues to invest in affordable housing. Earlier this week the First Minister confirmed we have invested £1 billion in affordable housing since April 2011, putting us well on track to delivering an additional 30,000 homes across Scotland by March 2016. This investment is supporting 8,000 jobs in each year of the five-year parliamentary term.

“This Bill is a landmark step forward for housing. With the full powers of independence we will have greater control to tailor our grants and housing supply investment, and to integrate housing and welfare policies to meet the needs of our communities and the homebuilding industry in Scotland.”

The new season fixtures for the BT Premiership season have just been announced with Boroughmuir Rugby kicking off their new season at home to Stirling County. With the recovery back into the Scottish Premiership achieved, Boroughmuir Ruby have been working hard over the off season to build their squad, ready to make a statement this season.

Director of Rugby Malcolm Clapperton commented:-

“The importance in getting us back up into the Premiership was vital for us to achieve last season. With this now done, new goals have been set and I am feeling very positive in our preparation.”

Clapperton went on to talk about the number of new players, enquiring about joining Boroughmuir Rugby:

“We are attracting a number of new players to the club who see what we can offer from the type of rugby we play to the vibrant nature of the club created by our great members and supporters. This will be an exciting season to be a part of.”

One of the changes introduced this season, which is seen as a positive step by the SRU, is the introduction of a ‘Premiership Play-Off’. This will see the top four teams, at the end of the league season, play out for the Premiership title by way of semi-finals and final games.

This will be great for Scottish Club rugby fans, as just because a team has finished top of the league, does not guarantee the Premiership Title.

Submitted by Justin Tito

Portobello High School – Action plan for Mortonhall – Get online at Craigmillar Library – Potholes – Waverley Market today

The bill currently before Holyrood to allow the council to build a new school in Holyrood Park will reach its final stage debate today.

We believe you will be able to follow the proceedings live here.

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Following an outcry about the way that babies ashes were disposed of the council’s chief executive instructed a report on the practices and incidents at Mortonhall Crematorium at the beginning of this year. That report was made public and copies delivered to each of the 250 plus families involved last month.

Following the publication of the report the council set up a multi agency working group which has now met several times. Representatives include the Scottish Government, NHS Lothian, funeral directors, Edinburgh Crematorium Ltd, SiMBA, Mortonhall Ashes Action Committee and SANDS at local and national level representing those who were bereaved and who were affected by the disposal of ashes without their knowledge.

As well as the report by Dame Elish Angiolini into matters in Edinburgh there has been a separate commission into Infant Cremation across Scotland led by Lord Bonomy, and the outcome from that commission must be considered alongside the report prepared solely for the City of Edinburgh Council.

The council are holding a special meeting today to discuss the recommendations which the group has produced.

There are 22 recommendations:-

1 – The Council should review how Mortonhall Crematorium is managed.

2 – The Council should put in place systems of audit and inspection to ensure safe working practices that provide high quality services to next of kin.

3 – The Council should lead and support a change of culture and attitude at the Crematorium towards providing services to next of kin.

4 – The Scottish Government should commission research to ascertain the most effective, practical and safe practices for the future to provide reassurance to next of kin that their ashes of their child will be recovered.

5 – The cremation of non viable foetuses (pre 24 week gestation period) should be regulated by legislation

6 – The Council should amend the Application for Cremation form (Form A)

7 – All partners should develop training and  guidance for those taking parents through the process of arranging their baby’s funeral

8 – The Scottish Government should review Cremation Regulations including clarifying the legislative position of stillborn babies within the Regulations.

9 – The Scottish Government should make statutory the section of the Form A dealing with instructions for disposal of any ashes

10 – The Council should address the condition of land adjacent to the Garden of Rest at Mortonhall

11 – The Scottish Government should provide a legal definition of ashes

12 – The Scottish Government should ensure proper, accountable and transparent regulation of the cremation of pre 24 week foetuses

13 – The Council should discuss overnight cremation with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to ensure compliance with the permit

14 – The Council should urge the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) to review their policy and guidance documents

15 – The Council should ensure adequate training for its staff

16 – The Scottish Government should make changes to its guidance on the subject of ashes informed by scientific or medical evidence and research.

17 – NHS Lothian should further train its staff in working with bereaved families and develop clear and simplified policy and guidance

18 – The FBCA and the ICCM should develop training specifically for the cremation of  foetuses and young children

19 – Communication between all agencies should be carried out on a more formal basis.

20 – The Council should ensure that parents understand the importance of Form A and see and sign it in all cases

21 – The Council should ensure that the location of interment of remains is recorded in future

22 – The Council should discuss options for memorials with parents taking into account the range of views expressed in particular about its location.

 

There is notice of one deputation by Willie Reid the chair of MAAC and an affected parent. Usually such deputations are heard at the beginning of the meeting and are give about ten minutes to speak. The working group will also continue to meet and will report back to the council in twelve months.

You can follow all proceedings at the special meeting and the council meeting which follows on the council’s webcast service by clicking here.

The Edinburgh Reporter will be at both meetings and will report live from the city chambers about any important decisions.

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Craigmillar Library are running classes to help you get online. Learn how to Skype. Learn how your laptop really works and how to use it to find information or apply for jobs online. The East Neighbourhood run the computing classes on Tuesday afternoons or Friday mornings and you can find out more information by contacting the library staff.

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Potholes are everywhere you look – when you really start looking for them. True to say that the council is spending some of its time and resources resurfacing roads. They have just finished Chester Street and are working on Thistle Street in the city centre for example.

The council was asked by Councillor Joanna Mowat to produce figures for all revenue spent on carriageways and footpaths over the last three years. This has been confirmed as £7.7m broken down by area as shown below. One interesting figure is that spent in the City Centre in 2011/12. Out of the total of £477,038 some £337,849 was allocated to be spent on George Street. It is not clear that this sum was actually spent but now the council are spending more money this year on setting George Street out as a pilot project where some of the street will be closed to cars.

3 Year Revenue Carriageway & Footway Spend 2011-2014

Neighbourhood	2011/12	2012/13	2013/14
City Centre & Leith	£ 477,038.93	£ 404,424.75	£ 398,227.99
East	£ 431,927.00	£ 361,458.00	£ 358,207.00
North	£ 332,202.00	£ 300,611.00	£ 322,919.00
South	£ 586,148.66	£ 549,320.72	£ 497,718.00
South West	£ 335,127.26	£ 405,992.16	£ 330,000.00
West	£ 608,743.00	£ 587,924.00	£ 497,718.0

We would like to draw the council’s attention to the dropped manhole cover in our photo today. It is situated on the corner of Queen Street at the junction with Queen Street Gardens. We have watched it become worse and worse over recent weeks. Please could it now be fixed?

If you have any potholes or roads that you think need attention then do tell us!  editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk or you can report it to the council by clicking here.

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Avalanche may be closed but it is not gone.

Platform 2 Market in Waverley Station is quickly becoming the Friday destination for delicious food and local and ethical gifts but this week, Avalanche will be bringing a feast for the ears with its visiting music fair, including CDs as well as a healthy selection of vinyl and posters that will be a ‘must’ for music lovers.

“Our first appearance at the new Platform 2 Market at Waverley Station on Friday 27 June will focus on the things Avalanche is best known for: a wide selection of new indie vinyl, releases from dozens of local bands and a fantastic selection of posters of all sizes. There will of course still be a great selection of second hand vinyl, both albums and 7″ singles,” says Kevin Buckle, Owner.

“These are trying times for the music industry but what is unique about our Music Fair at Platform 2 Market, is you can’t download a large Frightened Rabbit fly poster or replace the sound and physicality of vinyl.” Says owner Kevin Buckle. “We will also have the new CD from Avalanche favourites ‘Broken Records’ for those of you who haven’t picked up a copy yet and I can highly recommend the new album from Hamish James Hawk which reminds me of Magnetic Fields and Belle and Sebastian at their best. I must say I’m looking forward to this a lot.”

The market is run by LocalMotive Markets every Friday from 11am to 7pm on Platform 2 with Avalanche making a guest appearance on the fourth Friday of every month.

For further information, please go to www.localmotivemarkets.co.uk

THURSDAY 26 JUNE 201

World in Chains: the Impact of Nuclear Weapons and Militarisation. Political activist Angie Zelter launches her latest book, ‘essays that question the integrity of a society that accepts nuclear deterrents as valid forms of defence.’  6.30pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free, donations welcome.

Live Music Now: Suzanne Houston and Kristan Harvey – Kristan Harvey (fiddle) and Suzanne Houston (piano) specialise in Scotland’s traditional music.  Their programme includes arrangements of some of Scotland’s oldest traditional melodies, as well as newer compositions that are shaping the development of folk music today.  6-6.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Free and unticketed.

The Economics of New Borders: Implications: a panel discussion.  As the Independence Referendum approaches, economic questions have come to dominate the public debate on Scotland’s future.  This Scottish Institute for Research in Economics event will showcase methods used by economists to evaluate the possible costs and benefits of independence, discuss the experience of other countries and explore the implications for Scotland.  6-7pm, St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street. Free tickets must be booked via eventbrite.

Lunchtime Concert: Piano Speak.  Will Pickvance’s popular off-the-cuff weekly concert of piano improvisations and repartee. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free and unticketed.

Scandalous Edinburgh plc walking tour: an informative and interactive guided walking tour, full of surprises, around Edinburgh’s financial districts.  ‘History, anecdotes and eye-opening information. Prepare to be scandalised…’  4.30-6.30pm starting at St Andrew Square. Organised by the World Development Movement, a UK-based anti-poverty campaigning organisation.  Tickets cost £5 (concessions £3)  to include taxi ride and hot chocolate, and must be booked in advance via eventbrite. Other dates in July are also available – see website.

Hibs have announced four pre-season friendly fixtures in the build-up to the 2014/15 Scottish Championship season.

With new Head Coach Alan Stubbs in charge, a Hibs XI head south to Innerleithen on Saturday 5 July, kick off 3pm to face Lowland League side Vale of Leithen.

Admission prices for this match at Victoria Park (click here for directions) is £7 for Adults and £3 for Concessions – it promises to be an enjoyable day down in the Borders as the club kicks off preparation work for the upcoming campaign.

The following weekend Hibs travel further south to face Scottish League Two side Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park on Saturday 12 July, kick off 3pm.

The last time Hibs travelled down to Berwick was three years ago in a pre-season friendly which ended in a 3-0 win. Admission prices are £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions (under-16s, students and over-65s).

Then Hibs head north across the Forth Road Bridge to face Scottish League One club Dunfermline Athletic in a friendly at East End Park on Tuesday 15 July, kick off 7.30pm.

The last time Hibs played in that part of Fife was a memorable 3-2 win in the SPL back in January 2012.

Admission prices for the pre-season friendly fixture at East End Park are £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions.

Hibs then face Scottish League One club Stirling Albion at Forthbank Stadium on Sunday 20 July, kick off 2pm.Admission for this friendly match is £10 for Adults, £5 for Concessions (students, over-65s), under-17s are £2 while under-12s are free