Edinburgh man disqualified as company director

Festival Carnival

Tom Jones

Travelling Gallery

Scottish Car Show

Ian MacKay, a director of Edinburgh Timber Products Limited, a joinery company, has been disqualified as director for 12 years for acting as a director while bankrupt.

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The Edinburgh Festival Carnival takes place today, and we hope the weather is better than yesterday. This means that there will be disruption to just about every bus service that Lothian Buses runs, but only between 1.00 and 4.00pm. Check out actual status for buses and trams here.  Avoid Princes Street if you are not interested in crowds, music, dancing and general fun. The Carnival Facebook page explains what it is all about:-

“On Sunday, July 20, Edinburgh’s city centre will be awash with music, dance and colour as the Carnival spirit arrives in town to mark the opening of the 2014 Summer Festival season.

From 2pm to 4pm, the Edinburgh Festival Carnival will present more than 400 international and local performers, taking residents and visitors to the city on a vibrant global musical journey. There will be fun and entertainment for the family throughout the afternoon, providing a free day out, thanks to the support of City of Edinburgh Council.

With a combination of professionals and amateurs, the Carnival is an adventure in rhythm and melody with music, dance, colourful costumes and street entertainment.”

 

If you fancy hearing some jazz then click here for the Jazz Festival programme for today.

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One of the judges of The Voice is singing on the Castle Esplanade tonight. Tom Jones will be strutting his stuff for all his fans.

Tickets are possibly still on sale

Online: www.ticketmaster.com, www.seetickets.com

Ticket hotline: 08444 999 990

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The annual bus stop tour of art is launching for the summer.

For the past 25 years the Travelling Gallery  has played an active part in showcasing Scottish artists, and now it is to be part of GENERATION , a nationwide celebration of contemporary art in Scotland.

The exhibition will take place in over 60 venues between 19 July – 14 November 2014.

The Travelling Gallery is a mobile art gallery, custom-built in a big, beautiful bus. The bus will travel the length and breadth of Scotland, visiting schools, high streets, community centres, and many other venues on the way.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convenor for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Once again the Travelling Gallery is set to be a fascinating exhibition which will draw crowds from communities across Scotland.

“This year, I am particularly looking forward to a short film that has been developed for the exhibition which includes artists talking about their work to pupils from Edinburgh schools. Another highlight will be seeing the bus when it returns to the City Art Centre as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival in August.”

To find out where the gallery will tour and when it visit Edinburgh, see the Travelling Gallery listings.

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The Scottish Car Show is on today at The Royal Highland Centre Ingliston from 10am till 5pm.

“The Scottish Car Show is the largest indoor/outdoor family day out around, providing top notch vehicles from all walks of life. Add to this first class entertainment throughout the day, a massive stunt show featuring the World’s Greatest Stunt Performers, Illusionest, Petting Zoo, Kids Zone and fun for all the family. We’ve got over 1,000 cars on display, plus our indoor arena’s showcasing the best cars around from sleek supercars to stickerbombed rat wagons. All ages can get involved in the action too from taking a trip on the Land Train to passenger laps in the infamous Drift Taxis where you can experience firsthand the thrills and spills of being inside a fully spec’d drift wagon as it glides sideways, tyres smoking round our tarmac trac.”

 Ticket details here. 

Photo – Mike Smith

Pre-season friendly, Friday 18 July 2014 – Tynecastle

As pre-season friendlies go, Friday evening’s game between Hearts and FA Premiership holders Manchester City was a pretty decent effort. The glamour fixture, arranged to mark the centenary of the main stand at Tynecastle attracted a crowd of over 12,000 to Gorgie which was a pretty good turnout considering we’re in the middle of the holiday season.

Hearts had Neil Alexander, Alim Ozturk, Morgaro Gomis, Prince Buaben and Osman Sow making their home debuts and all five players impressed, particularly Gomis who orchestrated things in midfield.

The English champions weren’t quite at full strength – hardly surprising when you consider how many of the City squad were playing in the World Cup Finals in Brazil – but their starting eleven still included the likes of Samir Nasri, Alvaro Negredo, Micah Richards, Javi Garcia, Jesus Navas and Scott Sinclair, all of whom have considerable first-team experience.

Hearts began the game in sprightly fashion with young Sam Nicholson looking particularly impressive. Sadly, the young winger had to leave the field after just 15 minutes with what looked like an ankle knock. He was replaced by Billy King.

City had the first real opportunity when Nasri got to a cross from Navas but the former Arsenal playmaker’s effort was saved by Neil Alexander.

Dale Carrick then had a chance for the home team after he was set up by Jamie Walker and it took a fine save from Wright to deny the young Jambo.

City took the lead in the 24^th minute. Fine play from the impressive Negredo set up Sinclair who buried the ball past Neil Alexander to give the visitors the lead – although there was more than a suspicion of offside in the build-up. The Manchester side, who were cheered on by around a thousand City fans in the Roseburn Stand, went in one goal ahead at the interval.

City made several substitutions at the break but if Hearts thought things would get any easier they were soon changing their minds when they saw the likes of Kolarov, Fernando and Rodwell appear for the second half. Nonetheless, it was Hearts who scored a fine equaliser in the 55^th minute. Great possession play by Dale Carrick set up newcomer Osman Sow and the big centre forward showed fine composure before easing the ball beyond Caballero. The goal was all the more impressive when you consider Sow had taken a knock just before this and his last action before going off was to score Hearts equaliser.

The game looked like ending in a draw which would have been a fair result. However, with ten minutes left, Hearts right back Callum Paterson made a rash challenge on Huws inside the Hearts box to concede a penalty. Kolarov made no mistake with the spot kick and City held on to win 2-1.

Considering the quality of the opposition, Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson can be pleased with his team’s showing. Even on this early evidence, it’s clear Hearts will be contenders for the Championship and promotion back to the Premiership.

Hearts: Alexander (Hamilton, 70′), Paterson, McHattie, Wilson (McGhee, 75′), Ozturk (McKay, 70′), Gomis (Oliver, 75′), Walker (Holt, 56′), Buaben (Robinson, 59′), Sow (D. Smith, 56′), Carrick (Keatings, 56′), Nicholson (King, 16′).

Manchester City:  First half – Wright, Richards, Leigh, Nastasic, Rekik, Garcia, Zuculini, Sinclair, Nasri, Navas, Negredo. Second half – Caballero, Bossaerts (Clichy, 71′), Boyata, Kolarov, Denayer, Fernando, Rodwell, Sinclair, Huws, Jovertic, Guidetti.

Referee: Steven McLean

Att: 12,188

Top man: The highly impressive Morgaro Gomis.

For the next fortnight Scotland will be on show to the rest of the world. It’s a frightening thought. What will the big wide world, with its teeming millions, make of our Commonwealth Games ? Just as the World Cup shone a searing spot-light on Brazil, so the Glasgow Games will expose us to unforgiving scrutiny.

Will the opening ceremony on Wednesday be spectacular and entertaining enough ? Will Susan Boyle and Rod Stewart make up for the absence of the exploding Red Road flats ? What will it say about our history and our vision for the future ? Will the 261 sporting events go according to plan ? Will the venues win architectural approval…the re-vamped stadiums, the new velodrome, the Hydro, the 700-apartment athletes village ? Will the 4,500 competitors and the 2,300 support staff and the million spectators enjoy their moment in the Glasgow sun…or the rain ? Will the tens of millions watching on television be impressed ? Will the £563m it has all cost (£200 over budget) be worth it ?

The questions may well spill over into sharp inquiries about Scotland as a whole. Is this a county on the verge of independence ? What shape are we in ? Do we have a vision for the future ? A long train journey this week to the south of England and back gave me time to read Lesley Riddoch’s challenging new book, “Blossom”. In it she asks if the little white rose of Scotland can blossom in the shade of the overgrown shrub called Britishness ? Her answer is: probably not.

But more importantly she argues that “independence without empowerment is a recipe for no great change.” She insists pretty stridently that the debate needs to move on to the issues of equality, local decision-making, the role of women and confidence in our own culture.

It has not really stuck me before that whatever happens on 18th September, Scotland will be a different country because of the debate we’ve been having over the last two years. Radicals like Lesley have forced us to address the question: what sort of nation do we want to be ? More equal ? More entrepreneurial ? More de-centralised ? More environmentally friendly ? More healthy, more active, more educated, more cultured, more responsible, more taxed ? For what it’s worth, my answer to all of the above is Yes.

Mind you, compared with most of the 70 countries in the Commonwealth and the 200 countries in the world, Scotland is in a fortunate position. We did have an airliner brought down over our heads by terrorists a few years back but we have not had a civil war for some time. We have not been invaded for even longer. We are not having to fight for our independence, we can simply vote for it. We are among the 20 richest nations on the planet. This week we learned that our economy is growing at 2.6 per cent a year and a record 2.59 million of us are in work.

It’s just a pity that unemployment has also risen ( to 6.9 per cent because of students coming onto the market) and wages have only risen by 0.7 per cent. The Tories seem to have succeeded in cutting back the public sector, from 26 per cent of the workforce in 2010 to 21 per cent today but we have paid the price for their success with under-employment and falling living standards. Some 17 per cent of Scottish workers are earning below the living wage.

Before we return to the Games, I would like to have one more moan. Why is the Westminster government giving a loan guarantee of £230m to Ineos, the owner of the Grangemouth oil refinery ? If oil is such a strong industry you would think it could raise the investment for a new storage tank from the money markets without government guarantees. And it’s not as if it’s a storage tank for “Scotland’s oil”, it’s for American shale oil squeezed from the earth by fracking. I wonder, if there is an independent Scottish government after 18th September, if it would offer a loan guarantee of £230m to renewable companies struggling to raise funds for wave and tide power projects.

But to the Games: I wish Glasgow 2014 all the very best on Wednesday and beyond. It may be more of a turning point for our nation than we think. Big questions are being asked of us.

Edinburgh parents join international fundraising efforts..

All proceeds from a family fun day organized by Karina Reinhardt of Turtle Tots Edinburgh at Gymboree in Slateford on Sunday 10 August 2014 will go towards an international fund to care for six month old baby Elizabeth Soffe who almost perished in a house fire.

The Baby Elizabeth fund was set up by the Soffe’s friends and family in Qatar, Ireland and Edinburgh, in order to meet the ongoing medical costs for the tiny tot who is receiving specialist treatment in Birmingham. Elizabeth has already had thirteen operations since she suffered burns to sixty percent of her body when the air conditioning unit above her cot caught fire as she napped in her parents’ rented house in Qatar.

As a non-British resident Elizabeth does not receive NHS support and her parents are currently facing an insurance battle with their landlord in Qatar.

Karina, from Greenbank, Edinburgh is a close friend of the Soffe family and is organising the fundraising event said:

“Our fun day is all about showing support for Elizabeth and her family during this difficult time. Parents and their little ones can come along for half an hour of soft play fun with the Gymboree team and then enjoy face painting and arts and crafts as their parents enjoy tea, coffee and cake.

“We’ll have soft play timeslots for children up to the age of five so that everyone can enjoy themselves in safety. In addition to the fun day we are running a fantastic raffle with lots of amazing prizes from some lovely local businesses, including Edinburgh Buggy Bootcamp, Edinburgh Baby Massage, Nurture Me, Lazy Daisy, Gymboree, RugbyTots, CloserToYou, Monkey Music, Clear Photography, Physiobumps, and of course my own business Turtle Tots Edinburgh.

“Elizabeth’s parents Sinead and Liam are touched by the amount of support the preparations for the fun day have already received from people in Edinburgh and we just hope that lots of families will make it along on 10th August for a great day in aid of a great cause.”

Tickets for the fun day cost £6 per child. Tickets must be booked in advance but can be paid for at the door on the day. To book a ticket or to buy raffle tickets at £1 per ticket contact [email protected].

More information about the baby Elizabeth fund can be found at http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/the-baby-elizabeth-fund-/190347

 Submitted by Karina Reinhardt

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.)

Cyclist injured on Morrison Street

Mardi Gras today!

New look for street cleaners

Airport sponsoring Jazz Festival

Blind people swap places with bus drivers 

A cyclist was injured in a collision with  a lorry yesterday afternoon causing the closure of Gardner’s Crescent for some time.

The cyclist was taken to hospital after being treated for his injuries at the scene.

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The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has begun and today at a variety of venues there will be lots of free music!

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An army of street cleaners have taken to Edinburgh’s streets to join the city’s fight against litter.

 Stepping into their uniforms for the first time, the team of 30 gathered in Princes Street Gardens to blitz street clutter.

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Our photo today was taken from Camera Obscura and World of Illusions – thank you for the use of  your roof terrace!

The City of Edinburgh Council has appointed conservators to undertake the careful removal of the Jawbone Arch in the Meadows so that the bones can be stored ahead of repair work.

In an effort to secure the future of the Jawbone Arch, which has stood in the park through all weathers for over 100 years, the bones will be removed later this month. They will be taken into storage for up to six months to allow them to dry. After that, experts will assess their condition before preserving and repairing the bones.

The area surrounding the Jawbone Arch will be cleared of fencing for easy pedestrian and cycle access through the Meadows in time for the Festivals season.

The total estimated repair work for the bones is £49,000, with just over half of the funding target being provided by the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage.

Additional support from the Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council, the Grange Association, the Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, and a range of individuals has also been pledged. The shortfall in fundraising now sits at £20,000 to complete the project.

Whalebone arches can be found in many places around Scotland, particularly in areas associated with the whaling industry. Edinburgh’s Arch is one of last relics of the International Exhibition of Science and Art which took place in the Meadows in 1886. The jaw bones of a whale formed part of the stand of the Shetland and Fair Isle Knitters, and after the exhibition they were gifted to the city.

Help secure the future of the Jawbone Arch 

For those who may wish to make cash donations to the fundraising appeal for conservation work to the Arch, this can be gifted:

Online: On Just Giving search for the Meadows Jawbone Arch. You can give by credit or debit card and if you are a taxpayer your tax can be reclaimed.

By cheque: Please post or hand in to Edinburgh World Heritage, 5 Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD. Please mark the envelope ‘Jawbone’.

Through Facebook: Save the Jawbone Arch

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener, said: “The Jawbone Arch is an iconic structure within the Meadows landscape but is in need of restoration following years of being exposed to the Edinburgh elements.

“It is fantastic that so many organisations and locals have pledged support of the project, and the removal of the monument is hopefully the first step in restoring it to its former glory.”

Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Conservation work is essential if we want the Jawbone Arch to survive and be enjoyed by future generations. Several places around the world have whale-bone archways, but Edinburgh’s was a gift from the knitters of Shetland and Fair Isle, and is a rare example with formed of two pairs together.

“The response to the fundraising appeal has been very encouraging, but we need even greater generosity from the people and companies of Edinburgh to ensure the Jawbone Arch’s future.”

Heather Goodare, Convener of the Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, said: “It is very encouraging that over half of the total cost of the repair and re-installation of the Jawbone Arch has already been raised by Edinburgh World Heritage and the City of Edinburgh Council.

“Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links are fully supporting it and hope that their members will continue to donate, as they have done in the past.  It is also great that at last the bones are to be removed and will be in the care of an expert conservator who will undertake the dismantling, repair, conservation and re-installation of the Arch.

“This means that the footpath underneath the Arch will once again be accessible, in time for the Festival, after the months when it has been fenced off owing to safety considerations. This really will be a cause for celebration.”

Photo kim traynor [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

We are more used to seeing him as the promoter for The Stand in Edinburgh, but given his union past it is perhaps not unexpected that Tommy Sheppard is to talk this evening about the political topic of the moment: independence.  

Tommy Sheppard – the co-founder of the popular Stand chain and former Assistant General Secretary of Scottish Labour while Jack McConnell served as the General Secretary – will tell an audience at Glasgow University tonight about why Labour supporters are backing a Yes vote in September.

An advocate for a Yes vote in 1997 and 2014, Tommy is expected to say that Labour voters will determine the outcome of the referendum.

Mr Sheppard will say: ‘All my life I’ve been a social democrat. By which I mean that credo developed in western and northern Europe in the decades after WW2 which called for government action to temper capitalism so that it could better provide for a majority of the population. A mixed economy we use to call it. Together with a belief in strong public services, the pursuit of equality of opportunity and a foreign policy founded on peace and co-operation these were the pillars of a political philosophy which at one point in our recent history was looking like becoming the norm.

‘These used to be the policies of the Labour Party. When I was a teenager they were the policies of a Labour government. It is because I believe now what I believed then that I will be voting yes in September.’

The audience will also hear about Tommy’s personal political journey and the reasons why Labour voters will reject the call of the party leadership to vote No.

Mr Sheppard will add: ‘I am not a nationalist. For me this is not about identity. This is not about flags and anthems. It’s about getting the powers of government in Scotland so that we can make it a better place to live.’

Tommy will give his passionate talk on the referendum at the university’s Charles Wilson Building.

Five men have been arrested and charged following football related disorder during the SPFL play-off match in Edinburgh earlier this year.

The game between Hibernian and Hamilton Academical took place at Easter Road Stadium on Sunday 25th May, with thousands in attendance at the venue and in many of the city’s bars and licensed premises.

A significant police operation was in place to during match day and officers quickly responded to reports of a large disturbance on London Road at full-time.

Several people believed to be involved in the incident were not traced at the time and a joint investigation between their national Football Coordination Unit (FoCUS) and Edinburgh’s Divisional Violence Reduction Unit was launched.

As a result of police action carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday, the males aged 17, 20, 27, 32 and 46 were detained in the Seafield, Leith, Tollcross, Gorgie and Slateford of Edinburgh and have all been charged with a breach of the peace.

All of the men will appear in court at a later date.

Police continue to follow a positive line of enquiry in relation others connected with this disturbance.

Inspector Stevie Sutherland who leads the Divisional Violence Reduction Unit in Edinburgh said: “This end of season match was watched by over 18,000 supporters and on the whole the behaviour before and during the match exemplary.

“However, following the match a small minority became involved in disorder at the top of Easter Road at the junction with London Road causing fear and alarm to other members of the public.

“These actions were totally unacceptable and as a result of joint enforcement activity undertaken by officers from these two specialised Police units, several arrests have now been made.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour associated with football.

“We will seek Football Banning Orders in each case, and wish to send a clear message that disorder of any form will not be tolerated and anyone found to be responsible for offences of this nature will be robustly dealt with”.

Big-hearted Sky employees from the Livingston contact centre became intrepid explorers on the streets of Scotland – all in aid of youngsters living with life-threatening conditions.

Four members of staff from the Livingston base – Jim Smith, Paula Frame, Lee McIlduff and Gillian McEwan – joined another six staff members from contact centres across the country on the Big Treasure Hunt Charity Challenge to raise money for Make A Wish Foundation UK.

In pairs, the adventurers were tasked with travelling to seven Sky contact centres across the country with a budget of just £20 to get from site to site. Team members were not allowed to use their cars, or to ask for lifts from family members, instead relying on public generosity and the kindness of local businesses.

With help from staff the seven contact centres, and from local businesses en route to each stop, the team raised £2,139.50 which has been matched by Sky, taking the total to an incredible £4,839.50.

Setting off from the contact centre in Livingston, each pair of adventurers made their own way to the centres in Greenock, Larbert, Dunfermline, Uddingston and to the two centres in Glasgow, and back to Livingston.

At each site, they were asked to complete three challenges to raise awareness of the cause. Challenges included getting someone from the Honda garage in Glasgow to take them for a Happy Meal at McDonald’s, performing “I’m a Little Teapot” in the canteen of the Uddingston contact centre, making a human sign of the word “Livingston” at the Livingston contact  centre, and having pictures taken at the Falkirk Wheel.

Teams were awarded points and prizes for each successfully completed task, best selfie, and the first group arriving at each centre – and points were deducted if groups arrived back at Livingston after 8pm.

Make A Wish Foundation UK grants wishes to youngsters aged between three and 17, who are battling life-threatening conditions.

Sky people plan lead Rachel Houston said: “It was a really rewarding and uplifting experience.

“As we were running about with Make A Wish t-shirts on, the treasure hunt really helped to raise awareness of the cause and got people interested.

“Staff at the contact centres were fantastic, as were local businesses. Network Rail even donated tickets for some of the journeys, and people offered us lift from centre to centre.

“I’m so proud of everyone who took part, and would like to thank everyone who got involved and helped us raise such a fantastic amount for a great cause.”

Police in Edinburgh investigating an armed robbery at a post office in Drumbrae earlier this year have released CCTV footage of two men they wish to trace as part of their enquiries.

A three-figure sum of cash was taken when a customer was robbed at knifepoint during the incident, which took place on Thursday, 20th February 2014 at the Duart Crescent store.

Those responsible then made off towards Dochart Drive.

Police are keen to speak with the two males pictured within the footage and anyone who can help trace them is asked to come forward. The CCTV images also show a red Vauxhall Corsa and officers are keen to locate this vehicle.

Detective Constable Richard Emerson said: “This has been a frightening experience for the customer as well as the staff in the post office.

“We are particularly interested in a red three-door Vauxhall Corsa, which we believe is relevant to our ongoing investigation.

“Anyone who can help us trace this vehicle or the men pictured within the CCTV footage is asked to contact police immediately.”

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

Scotland Women’s Under-19 midfielder Lizzie Arnot is looking forward to tonight’s clash against the Netherlands in Norway, but insists the team are prepared for a tough encounter in Jessheim.

The Hibernian winger was influential in Scotland’s victory over Belgium on Tuesday in their European Championship opener, a win which puts Scotland top of Group A going into the fixture.

Speaking from the team hotel in Lillestrøm, Arnot described the positive atmosphere within the Scotland camp.

“The build-up to tomorrow has been good” Arnot told the Scottish FA website.

“Despite being at a major finals, I think we are all quite relaxed. We never get worked up about things that are outwith our control. We just act the same, we are focussed for tomorrow but at the same time we are excited.”

The win over Belgium was Scotland’s first ever victory by a women’s team at a major finals. Whilst Tuesday was a historic day for all concerned, the left-winger was keen to stress that the match is now in the past, with all of the players’ focus on tomorrow’s match.

“We take confidence from Tuesday’s victory. The win was the first for a Scottish women’s team at a major finals, which is something that we take belief and pride in.

“What we know and understand though is that tomorrow is a new game with new challenges. It’s a new game so we are not taking any for granted. Our feet are firmly on the ground.”

Tomorrow’s opponents provide a stern test, but not at alien one. Scotland played the Netherlands at the La Manga tournament, with Scotland securing a 2-2 draw thanks to a brace from Zoe Ness.

“We played the Netherlands in La Manga and it was a very tough game. We are under no illusions; they will be a tough opponent once more tomorrow.

“They are technically very good, and are skilful with the ball in possession. They are physically fit and fast also, but we can definitely match them in those departments. “

With the tournament in full-swing, the rest time between matches shortens is only two days. For some players, the lack of recovery time may be an issue. Arnot believes that this is not an issue for her and her Scotland teammates.

“I think we’re use to the frequency of games at a tournament like this. They come in thick-and-fast, and they fly by really quickly. I’ve played in tournaments in which the respite was shorter, so it is not a problem for us.”

I’ve been absolutely loving it here it has been such an enjoyable experience, The facilities have been great, and representing Scotland at a major tournament has just been amazing.

Arnot is one of five Hibernian players in the Scotland squad, along with Jenna Fife, Lucy Graham, Megan Cunningham and Katey Turner. Having so many players from club in the squad who know how each other play is beneficial, but Arnot insists that the contributes to a greater club-like dynamic within the Scotland squad.

“It helps obviously that so many of us play together on a week-in, week-out basis. We’re close, but it doesn’t affect the team dynamic at all. Everyone in the team gets on with each other really well, there are no cliques within the squad.

“It is roughly the same group of players who have played throughout qualification from the first round of matches in Macedonia to the Elite Round stage in Croatia to where we are today. It feels like we have all been on this journey together.”

It is a journey that Arnot is obviously keen to continue with the rest of the squad. A win against the Dutch would go a very long way to securing Scotland’s place in the semi-finals. As enticing a prospect as it, it has not shifted the focus of the squad.

“We’re aware that if we win tomorrow it allows us to continue our journey. As an exciting thought as it is, we’ve pushed it to the back of our minds. We’ve got a job to do, first.”

Photo from SFA

Hibs have unveiled the backroom staff who will be in place as they fight to gain promotion from the Championship at the first attempt, including  John Doolan, Andy Holden, player-coach Alan Combe, physiotherapist John Porteous and strength and conditioning coach Paul Green

Former Wales internationalist Holden, 51, will assist Stubbs and brings an extensive amount of top-level coaching experience following a 19-year spell with Everton.

Stubbs told the club website : “I’m really pleased to be able to bring Andy on board. His experience will be a huge help to everybody at the club.

“Everybody in the football department will be able to tap into his immense knowledge, which was gained by working alongside excellent managers such as David Moyes and Walter Smith.

“Going forward, Andy is going to play a big part in what we’re trying to achieve here at Hibs.”

Combe, 40, fulfils a lifelong dream by joining the club and he follows in the footsteps of his feted Great-uncle Bobby – one of Hibernian’s all-time greats.

During a long and successful playing career, Leither  Combe represented St Mirren, Bradford City and Kilmarnock and has already been coaching for three years.

Stubbs believes Combe will help to develop the club’s young keepers while also being an able back-up goalkeeper for the first team.

Stubbs said: “Our young keepers will learn a huge amount from working with Alan – he has a wealth of experience and he is a talented coach.

“He will be another valuable addition to our backroom staff and he will also provide excellent back-up to our first choice goalkeeper when called upon.”

Porteous will become Head Physiotherapist, replacing David Henderson, who has joined Aston Villa, and he brings over two decades worth of experience to the role.

Stubbs added: “I’m also happy to welcome John to the club – he will bring a lot of knowledge and expertise to our medical department.

“John was with Motherwell for 20 years and his appointment is another positive step for Hibernian.

“He is widely considered to be one of the best physiotherapists in the country and his arrival here is another excellent appointment.”

Formerly with Falkirk, strength and conditioning coach Green is another experienced addition to the backroom staff and Stubbs believes these appointments will provide an excellent support structure for the squad.

He said: “We’re aiming to build the best backroom staff we can to ensure our squad have everything they require in order to go out and succeed on the pitch.”

Willie Kirk, the new High Performance Football Manager at the Scottish FA’s National Performance Centre for Women’s Football, is eager to use his experience in club football to develop the next crop of Scotland stars.

Kirk was appointed last month following a successful four and a half years at the helm with Hibernian Ladies, and he has his sight set on overseeing the growth and development of the game in this country.

“My job consists of managing girls development – this ranges from putting on football technical sessions, modules on recovery, sport psychology, as well as developing good communication with club coaches,” Kirk told the Scottish FA’s website.

Kirk’s experience in women’s club football means that he understands fully the relationship which the Centre should have the clubs. The players that live and train at the National Performance Centre, a campus-like environment which combines elite-player training in conjunction with their studies, all play for different clubs, but Kirk believes that they can work in partnership.

“From my background I am aware that the players belong to their clubs. Using a holistic approach, we are here to help maximise their potential. The job will be interesting since each player has different needs and wants which the Centre can help identify and work on.”

The opportunity to lead the National Performance Centre was one that was too good to refuse. The position at the Centre allows Kirk the chance to focus purely on football.

“In my previous role at Hibernian, as well as coaching the first team, I also worked in the club’s community development whilst examining the overarching structure of the club.

“Being High Performance Football Manager now gives me a chance to properly focus on a small group of players but in a professional environment.”

The National Performance Centre has been at Stirling University since it was first established in 2009 but this summer relocates to Heriot-Watt University. Development work on the new National Performance Centre, due for completion in 2016 and also based at Heriot-Watt, starts later this year. The move to Edinburgh is a switch which Kirk supports.

“I think relocating to Heriot-Watt two years in advance of the National Performance Centre is a good move.

“To be based there and to see the development will be fascinating in itself and come 2016 it’ll be an unbelievable facility. There are certainly some exciting times ahead.

The role that the National Performance Centre plays in the sport’s development in Scotland, Kirk believes, cannot be understated. For a number of reasons they are invaluable, allowing the players to train and improve in a professional manner, whilst also bridging the gap between youth-level and the A-squad.

“The National Performance Centre is vital. We’re in an amateur environment but we are trying to do things as professional as possible. Anything we can give to these players out-with their clubs is a bonus since their clubs simply do not have the capacity or the resources to do that.

“This particular Centre is a middle ground between the Under-19 and the A-squad, since fewer and fewer are players are going immediately from one squad to the next.

“The Centre is a good stepping-stone in their preparation and their development. All the girls at the Centre receive fitness testing and athletic ability assessments, which will all be used and compared to A-squad players.

“The long term is to get as many players from the Centre into A-squad as possible.”

Another important feature of having centres such as the one at Heriot-Watt is that they allow Scottish players and coaches-alike to stay in touch with more advanced countries.

“We’re seeing with results at Under-17, Under-19 and A-squad level that we are competing with countries which are much bigger and have more access to resources.”

Kirk has been in Norway this week watching the Women’s Under-19 side compete at the UEFA European Championships, and he has been encouraged by the side’s victory over Belgium on Tuesday. Crucially, the squad featured eight players who are with the Centre, seven of which played ninety minutes in the Group A opener.

“It is good to see them playing against the best in Europe. It is the highest standard they’ve played at so it was important for me to come out here and see exactly the sort of standard that we are aiming for.”

Photo by Hibernian Community Foundation shows Williw being presented with leaving present by Scottish Internationalist Joelle Murray.

Police in Edinburgh will be revisiting the area around Morningside Grove, following the serious assault of an elderly woman last Friday (11th July).

The 85-year-old woman received life-threatening injuries when she was seriously assaulted in her home between 3pm and 5pm, while her husband had left the house to visit the shops.

She remains in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in a serious but stable condition.

Officers will return to the area this afternoon between 2.30pm and 4.30pm (Friday 18th July) to carry out further enquiry.

They will be stopping buses and motorists, engaging with members of the public who may have seen something suspicious and will carry out further door-to-door enquiries around businesses and homes.

As well as a dedicated enquiry team investigating this incident, officers have been carrying out high- visibility patrols in Morningside to offer reassurance and to deal with any concerns local people may have.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie said: “This was a brutal assault on an elderly lady and we are treating it as attempted murder. We have been examining CCTV in the area and from the buses that pass through, and by revisiting the area we hope we can jog people’s memory who may have noticed something suspicious around Morningside Grove last Friday.

We are keen to trace a man who was seen standing near the locus around 3.30pm on Friday afternoon. He is described as 18 to 30 years old, average height and build, and with short dark hair. This is a crucial time as this is when the victim was alone in the house.”

Anyone with information that can assist in the enquiry should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Due to unprecedented demand for tickets for Billy Connolly’s High Horse Tour 2014,  a further date has been added at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh on Wednesday 15 October 8:00pm which will go on sale on Monday 21 July 2014 at 9:00am

The Usher Hall sold over 8,000 tickets when the initial set of dates went on sale last week and there is expected to be exceptionally high demand for tickets for the new date. The website, phone lines and Box Office counter will be extremely busy.

The Usher Hall  are maximising the number of staff dealing with bookings by phone and in person. They will also be controlling the number of people able to access the website at any one time so that sales can be processed smoothly.

They ask all their customers to please be as patient as possible as they get through the volume of booking traffic –  there is understandably an extremely high level of demand for one of Scotland’s most popular celebrities.

A spokesperson for the venue said:-“We are delighted to be able to offer a further opportunity to see Billy Connolly at the Usher Hall.”

Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA | 0131 228 1155

www.usherhall.co.uk

An allocation of tickets are will also be available at the following local outlets:

Tickets Scotland,127 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DT | 0131 220 3234
www.tickets-scotland.com

Ripping Records, 91 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1HN (in person only)

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.

Last chance to become a Board Member with Bield  

Nelson Mandela International Day

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT AT 9.00am today

‘McIlvanney and Massie in Conversation’

Yoga Mix

Bield, Scotland’s leading social care and housing provider, is looking to recruit new voluntary Board Members who share their passion in helping older people to live fulfilled and independent lives.

The Edinburgh-based organisation believes the opportunity provides the chance for individuals to gain important learning and development skills, as well as knowing they are making a real difference to the lives of Scotland’s older people.

Read more here

***

Nelson Mandela’s  birthday was 18 July  and is now designated Nelson Mandela International Day. People are asked across the world to offer 67 minutes of voluntary service to their own community to help change the world.

You could help by donating books for children in South Africa.

Today ACTSA Scotland (Action for Southern Africa) is asking people to use their 67 minutes to sort out and bring us children’s books to be sent to school libraries in Nelson Mandela’s home Province of Eastern Cape, with which Scotland has a particular link.

What are needed are children’s books of all kinds, in English, to encourage reading for fun. This helps to develop fluency in reading English which is vital for all parts of the children’s education. (Their mother tongue is mainly Xhosa, but education is mostly in English). Story books or factual books, for all ages from pre-school to teenagers, are welcome – Books that will amuse, absorb, inform and catch the imagination of young readers.

They must be in good condition, please – no loose or taped up pages, or badly damaged covers, and factual books should not be too out of date.

On and around 18^th July a number of collection points in towns and cities across Scotland will again be open to receive donations of books, including public libraries in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Renfrewshire, some trade union premises, and the office of Cathy Jamieson, MP at 32 Grange St., Kilmarnock KA1 2DD. Offers of premises for further collection points are welcome.  Check the website or contact ACTSA Scotland at the addresses below to ask about these locations, or to make other arrangements for your books to be delivered or collected.

Enquiries to ACTSA Scotland, 52, St. Enoch Square, Glasgow G1 4AA

E [email protected] Website http://mandeladayscotland.org/

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There will be a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT here at 9.00am.

It will have connections to wellies, bananas and big laughs……

Of course if you are visiting after 9.00am Friday 18 July you will know all about it!

Did you know that you can sign up to our daily email which will bring you all the news in your inbox at 7am each morning?  That would help you keep up to date! Sign up on the right hand side of this page here.

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Writers Allan Massie and William McIlvanney to discuss their differing perspectives on independence at a special event marking 50 days until referendum day.

Two new pamphlets by leading Scottish writers inspired by the 2014 independence referendum are published today (18^thJuly 2014), two months to the day until Scottish voters go to the polls to determine Scotland’s future. The publications are the latest in an ongoing programme of Saltire Series Pamphlets, commissioned by non-political independent charity the Saltire Society.

One pamphlet, entitled ‘Nevertheless’, makes the case for a No vote in the September poll and is the handiwork of prominent journalist and writer Allan Massie. The other pamphlet, ‘Dreaming Scotland’, authored by the novelist and poet William McIlvanney sets out his own reasons for voting Yes.

The two writers will be in conversation with one another at a special event to be hosted at the Central Hall in Edinburgh at 7.30pm on Wednesday the 30^th July and chaired by Robyn Marsack of the Scottish Poetry Library, marking exactly 50 days until the historic vote takes place.

Massie has written almost 30 books, including 20 novels and won the Saltire Society Scottish Book of the Year award for his 1989 novel A Question of Loyalties about Vichy France.

Arguing the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom, Allan Massie’s Pamphlet concludes:

“It is, for me, a matter of self-confidence. If you feel the lack of that, you will vote for independence. If you feel confident of Scotland’s ability to remain Scottish and prosper in the Union, you will agree that we are indeed Better Together and vote “no”. The Unionist says, I am Scottish. Nevertheless I am also British, and value the Union with England, “our sister and ally”, as [Sir Walter] Scott called her.”

William McIlvanney is also a past winner of the Saltire Society Scottish Book of the Year award for his 1996 novel The Kiln and has been previously described by none other than Allan Massie as ‘the finest Scottish novelist of our time’.

Setting out his reasons for voting in favour of independence, McIlvanney writes:

“Politically, Scotland’s like a living entity which has been cryogenically frozen and stored within the UK for over 300 years. Isn’t it time to come out of history’s deep-freeze and explore for ourselves who we really are?  Whatever that reality turns out to be, let’s confront it.  It’s time to grow up and take full responsibility for ourselves.  A yes vote would do that.”

Saltire Society Executive Director Jim Tough said:

“Much of the political debate around the referendum has rightly been focused on practical questions and the economic case for and against. We wanted to provide an opportunity for some more philosophical thought to be given to the question. Hence we asked two of Scotland’s contemporary writers, each bringing an alternate perspective, to contribute these thoughtfully argued pieces. We wanted personal reflections rather than polemics. I think they dig that bit more deeply into what motivates people to vote one way or the other at a more instinctive level. Both pamphlets also offer some fascinating insights into the way history has shaped the Scotland we live in today – and who we are as modern Scots.”

Tickets for the ‘McIlvanney and Massie in Conversation’ event as well as both limited edition Pamphlets (‘Nevertheless’ by Allan Massie and ‘Dreaming Scotland’ by William McIlvanney) can be purchased from the Saltire Society offices or through the Saltire Society website: www.saltiresociety.org.uk.

***

The newest kids on the block in yoga terms in Edinburgh are John and Amanda who are stirring things up at Yoga Mix. Here they are below in fairly advanced yoga positions. We don’t think their beginners class starts with this!

Have a look at their website here or give them a call on 07587476016 to book a class at either Ronde Bicyle Outfitters in Stockbridge or The Granary in Leith.

Our photo today was taken from Camera Obscura and World of Illusions – thank you for the use of  your roof terrace!

Virgin Trains comes to the rescue of missing teddies!

• Today Virgin Trains becomes first travel operator to introduce a teddy tracker – available in Glasgow
• Virgin Trains pledges to return all lost toys left on board their trains
• Idea inspired by mother’s plea to Richard Branson to find 7-year-old’s missing teddy, Rufus

Virgin Trains has come to the rescue of hundreds of families travelling during the summer holidays by being the first travel operator to introduce a novel teddy tracker to make sure kids don’t lose their best friends by leaving them behind on a train.

The teddy tracker is inspired by the heart-warming story of 7-year-old Ted McCaffery from Stockton Heath, whose mother recently contacted Richard Branson on Twitter to help relocate his lost teddy Rufus. Footage from CCTV showed that he wasn’t left on a Virgin Train after all, but was happily returned by a friendly neighbour some weeks after he was lost. The incident however left an indelible mark on Sir Richard, who was so moved by the desperate plea he received that he then tasked his staff to come up with a solution to help lost toys arrive home safe and sound in future.

Each year, the cries of hundreds of upset children across the country can be heard as they lose their teddies in transit. Toys account for over half of the items of lost property left on Virgin Trains annually. The lost property cupboard at London Euston alone currently has 87 cuddly residents that are waiting to be reunited with their owners.

The special trackers, which are introduced today, can be personalised and tied around teddy’s paw so he can be identified and, when handed over to Virgin Trains staff, his safe journey home can be arranged. So the great news is, even if teddy is left behind on board a Virgin Train or at a station, he will be able to find his way home.

To help ensure the safe onward travel of lost teddies UK wide, Virgin Trains has also added extra manpower to its priority boarding team by recruiting 12 additional volunteers. The team will be on the lookout for passengers travelling over the summer holidays who need a bit of extra help, whether travelling with lots of luggage or young children, and will be on hand to help customers to find their seats, stow their luggage and settle in comfortably for their journey. The paid volunteers are a combination of Virgin Trains friends and family members and volunteers from Euston-based youth charity, New Horizons.

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group said: “As anyone who has young children will know, losing a favourite toy can be heart-breaking, and we know it can often ruin a family day out. We were so touched by the message from Ted’s mother that our staff have been working hard to come up with a solution. And that’s when we had the idea of creating a tracker that you can tie onto your teddy.

“It’s so simple but by promising to return any missing toys we really hope that it will help to ease any stress or anxiety that parents might have when taking a trip with their children and ensure every customer’s journey is that little bit better over the summer holidays.

The Virgin Trains teddy tracker will be available UK-wide on all routes from today.

The Edinburgh Reporter has also had some really good interaction with Teddy Bear Lost and Found on Facebook which is worldwide.

Bield, Scotland’s leading social care and housing provider, is looking to recruit new voluntary Board Members who share their passion in helping older people to live fulfilled and independent lives.

The Edinburgh-based organisation believes the opportunity provides the chance for individuals to gain important learning and development skills, as well as knowing they are making a real difference to the lives of Scotland’s older people.

Brian Logan, Chief Executive of Bield said while the organisation has been through a raft of changes in recent years, the continued challenges of the sector means that there is a need for new strategic thinking to take it forward.

Brian said: “At Bield, our philosophy is ‘Free to Be’ – that’s about letting people make their own choices about how they live their lives while being there to support them when they need it.

“Becoming a voluntary Board Member is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is looking to gain valuable experience in the social care and housing sector.

“We are really looking to welcome people to the team who share our objectives to make Scotland a better place to live for our older people.

“Working as a Board Member for Bield will allow an individual to feel they are making a difference.

“We’d strongly encourage anyone who shares our values to apply. We’re keen to hear from applicants from all backgrounds, communities and ages to reflect Scotland’s rich diversity.”

In particular, Bield are looking for strategic thinkers with experience in health, social care, property development, legal issues, finance, pensions, ICT or telecare.

The deadline to apply is Friday 18^th July with interviews taking place at the end of July and into early August.

To receive an application pack, contact Bield on [email protected], or write to them at Bield Housing and Care, 79 Hopetoun Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4QF.

An Edinburgh software solutions and web design company met with Finance Minister John Swinney this week as he announced record levels of employment for Scotland.

Lyles-Sutherland has grown from just two employees to 11 in the space of a year after taking on two contracts a week for, SME Professional, its specialist property lettings software.

It has also expanded into other industries, as diverse as the elderly care market and genealogy research after founders University of Edinburgh graduates Robin Lyles and Fraser Sutherland found a niche for their IT skills.

Lyles, 30, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to meet the minister who came to see us because companies like ours are doing so well. It’s heartening to know that after a long recession small businessses are starting to grow again.

“We have expanded rapidly over the last 12 months as our software solutions – particularly for the property industry – have really taken off.

“In Edinburgh alone we have 30 property lettings agents on our books and in Scotland we have a 10 per cent market share. We are signing up lettings agents at a rate of two a week at the moment. Not only that but we are preparing for launching our services into the Middle East.”

Mr Swinney visited the shared office hub – at the Creative Exchange in Leith – where he met with both Robin and Fraser for a 30-minute briefing.

Lyles added: “I think he was impressed at the power of our software systems and how it can benefit the SME market as a whole, from his knowledge of the sector.

“We showed him our software system and he was interested and asked a lot of pertinent questions; he could see we offered value for money and how we could expand easily into other areas.”

The Finance Secretary’s meeting with the pair coincided with the release of new labour market data statistics which show employment now at a ‘record level’ in Scotland.

According to the ONS data covering the period March-May 2014 employment in Scotland rose by 76,000 over the year to reach a record 2,587,000.

And National Statistics published by the Scottish Government indicated that the economy has now grown past its peak pre-recession levels.

Employment in Scotland has now increased over the quarter for 17 consecutive monthly releases, the longest ever unbroken run of increasing quarterly employment.

Mr Swinney said: “Today’s figures mark an important stage in our recovery.

“These positive output figures show that Scotland’s economy continues to go from strength to strength with growth of 1.0 per cent over the quarter and 2.6 per cent over the year – the fastest annual growth in over three years.

“Nearly six years on from the start of the financial crisis, our economy is now larger than before the downturn. Output in Scotland is at record levels and we have exceeded our pre-recession peak at least one quarter ahead of the UK.”

Submitted by Robin Lyles

The Craft Scotland Summer Show returns from 1 – 23 August, featuring the high quality work of over 30 makers living and working in Scotland. It will showcase a diverse range of craft including fantastic homewares, jewellery in a variety of materials, beautiful textiles, original ceramics and unusual woodwork. The Show takes place on the 2nd floor of White Stuff Emporium, George Street, Edinburgh and coincides with the Edinburgh Festivals.

Work on display at the selling exhibition includes Grainne Morton’s jewellery which evokes a sense of nostalgia, vibrant textiles by Morag Macpherson, ceramics by Sian Patterson that take their influence from Victorian pharmaceutical and preserving bottles and Cheryl Smith’s sculptures created from reclaimed wood and recycled Scottish textiles.

This year the show is featured as part of the Fringe Programme and Craft Scotland has teamed up with Edinburgh International Book Festival, who will host a number of ‘Meet Your Maker’ events in Charlotte Square. Further sessions will take place in a purpose built ‘living room’ area outside White Stuff on George Street.

Fiona Logue, Director of Craft Scotland explains more:-“Last year’s inaugural show attracted over 4500 visitors from across Scotland and from overseas. We were delighted to be able to welcome so many visitors to view a vast array of work, meet makers and buy Scottish craft. I am thrilled to be bringing the show back to Edinburgh’s vibrant George Street again this year. By displaying a wide variety of makers and their disciplines, we can show off the breadth of our vibrant craft scene in Scotland.”

The Summer Show opens on Friday 1 August, information of all the events will be detailed on the website
• The Craft Scotland Summer Show
• 1 – 23 August 2013
• 2nd floor, White Stuff, 89 George Street, Edinburgh
• Free entry
• http://www.craftscotland.org/summershow for more information, opening times, events, maker biogs and blogs
• Stay up to date with the Craft Scotland Summer Show on twitter at #cssummershow
• Connect with the Craft Scotland team for updates @craftscotland

Submitted by Jude Henderson

The Counting House Loft at 1:15am Aug 1st– 9th

Following a sell-out run at Edinburgh 2012 and again with his new show “Bring On The Apocalypse” (Irish tour), star of Irish TV’s Damo & Ivor, comedian Tom O’Mahony plays this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival Aug 1st-9th.

Bring On The Apocalypse is possibly the earliest/latest show in Edinburgh (1:15am start). In this year’s show Tom discusses with the audience the apocalypse of the watered-down-version blokes have become and sets about trying to convince you that he is the man to set the balance right. There’ll be some pretty messed up stories and observations along the way.

Dubbed by the critics as a ‘badass of Irish comedy’ Tom starred alongside the legendary and late, great Rik Mayall on RTE’s hit comedy Damo & Ivor in 2013 and is set to return in Season 2 (alongside Snatch’s Alan Ford) reprising his role as the intolerable toff “Tarquin”. A finalist in RTE’s 2013 New Comedy Awards, this lad has starred in several TV adverts, (typically playing someone you wouldn’t like). In 2014 Tom played support to Nina Conti at the Cork Opera House and also Police Academy’s Michael Winslow on a nationwide tour. Playing the country’s biggest festivals, Tom will be supporting the brilliant Stewart Francis at this year’s Vodafone Comedy Festival in Dublin. Tom has a weekly national-radio slot on iRadio entitled “Mantime” where he discusses the failings of modern blokes and how they can redeem themselves (there are a lot of stanley-knives and hammers).

With a background in martial arts (and later MMA cage fighting), hunting and of late comedic-acting, Tom’s style of stand-up is a little more direct and hard-hitting than most, drawing influence from Joe Rogan’s similar transition. Working with the Great One Rik Mayall has added a few extra pounds to Tom’s comedy sledge hammer.

About an hour beforehand the ritualistic (and no way religious) sacrifice of a can of Monster energy drink followed quickly by the demolition of a quarter-pounder (with cheese) takes place. Topped off by 5 minutes of mirror-pointing and reciting the mantra “who’s the man? You’re the man”.

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery of a 17 year old male in Davidson’s Mains, Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 12.15am in the early hours of Wednesday (16th July) on Main Street.

The victim was walking towards the bus stop outside RS McColl when the three suspects walked past him, before stopping around the chip shop which is 50 metres east of the bus stop.

The victim then noticed the three males come back towards him and surrounded him. The first male demanded the victim’s belongings before punching him to the left side of the face. The victim then handed over his mobile phone and wallet and the three suspects made off along Main Street, in the direction of Drylaw.

The first suspect is described as white, teenage, 6ft 1in to 6ft 2in, slim build, possibly with freckles, wearing a dark grey hoody with the hood up, and matching joggers. The two other suspects are white, teens, 6ft tall, in similar tracksuits with light grey matching hoody and joggers.

Detective Sergeant Robert Wallace said: “Fortunately the victim was not seriously injured, but was left shaken by the attack.

“Anyone who believes they may have witnessed this assault and robbery, or who has information that can assist out enquiries, is urged to contact police on 101.”

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

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.

Customs House

West Mains allotments Open Day

Dovecot do jewellery

Scotland creates a Sense of Place

Usher Hall QMU graduations

The council have bought Customs House from National Museums Scotland and it is likely that they will use it as the location for the new Leith Museum, although all options for community use are to be explored.

The Culture and Sport Convener, Councillor Richard Lewis, said:- “I am delighted that the Council has been able to step forward to acquire the building. This is excellent news for the Leith community who have campaigned for more than six years to save the historic Custom House building.

“The building and the surrounding area share a rich history, with Custom House once acting as the main site of imports in Leith. Our offer should secure the future of the building for public use, as a hub for the local community.

“Now that the Council’s bid has been accepted by National Museums Scotland, we are determined to take the project forward and identify how and when we can help open the doors to a heritage centre for Leith.

“We are currently undertaking due diligence procedures and a report will be put to the full Council on how to take plans forward.”

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Dazzle returns to Dovecot Studios with over 2,000 pieces of contemporary jewellery from more than 50 makers.

This year’s show features Edinburgh graduate Kelly Munro, who has won the 2014 Rising Stars Award and also a new young jeweller Emma Calvert who uses textiles in her innovative work. Cara Tonkin, Suzanne Claire, Caroline Finlay, Katie Roberts, Chris Boland, Elizabeth Campbell, Grace Hamilton and Chie Mannami are also all new to Edinburgh Dazzle and will exhibit alongside established designers such as Mark Nuell, Jane Adam, Kaz Robertson and Grace Girvan.

From 1-25 August 10 Infirmary Street EH1 1LT

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Scotland Creates: A Sense of Place

Until 31 August 2014 Grand Gallery, Level 1 National Museum of Scotland

Free

How do we express our Sense of Place? Since 2012, young people from across Scotland have worked with staff at National Museums Scotland and at four partner museums, to explore what they felt was important about where they come from. They chose objects from the National Museum of Scotland and their local museums, for exhibitions in 2013. This final exhibition, the culmination of their project, showcases their choices and ideas, expressed through art, music, dance and films.

Find out more about the Scotland Creates project here.

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Queen Margaret University were so pleased with the Usher Hall as a venue for their graduations that they have made a film and sent us the link. You can watch it here. Anybody graduate that day? Then why not share your graduation photos with us here on our EdinburghReportage storyboard. 

Our photo today was taken from Camera Obscura and World of Illusions – thank you for the use of  your roof terrace!

Edinburgh’s world-famous floral clock pays tribute to the city’s tenth anniversary as Fairtrade City.

Enjoying a few sunny rays from the floral clock gardener’s ladder is Rachel Farey (correct), chair of Edinburgh Fair Trade City Group.

Photos courtesy of

Colin Hattersley Photography

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

07974 957 388
[email protected]
www.colinhattersley.com

Sometimes they come in plastic packets, sometimes they are the size of a teeny thing. Sometimes – heaven forbid! – they are toasted in a panini machine or defrosted in a microwave. I have been served all of these atrocities, and none of them passes the test.  Fortunately, there are places in Edinburgh where the offerings prove that Scotland is the home of good scones.  Here are my personal favourites:

5   Cafe Modern One

The scones in all of the Scottish National Galleries’ cafes are good, but somehow the Modern One baking beats the rest. Fresh, tasty and served with lots of jam, I especially like the way that the chef tries new recipes – the apricot and chocolate scones are divine – but the standard fruit and plain scones are also reliably good.  If (for some strange reason) you don’t want a scone, the cafe serves lots of other yummy cakes, lunches, snacks and ice creams and it is licensed. It can sometimes be a bit noisy, and I would prefer the butter not to come in little packets, but eating outside on the terrace of the beautiful garden is a true pleasure. The cafe is run by Heritage Portfolio.

4   Mimi’s Bakehouse, 63 The Shore, Leith

We first encountered Mimi’s one freezing January day soon after it had first opened.  It was virtually empty so we were pleasantly surprised to see a counter stuffed with the most amazing cakes – everything from deep Victoria sandwiches to cup cakes, rocky road, cookies and of course scones. Mimi’s serves breakfasts, full lunches and spectacular afternoon teas with champagne, but it’s the scones I go for every time – huge, melt-in-the-mouth concoctions served with lots of butter and jam. These days Mimi’s is extremely popular and it can sometimes be hard to get a table  (though you can book ahead)- its popularity is a little bit of a drawback as the screams of children do occasionally echo round it at peak times of the weekend, but the staff are unfailing cheerful and friendly, and the baking is as good as ever.  Walk there along the Water of Leith, then you’ll feel slightly less guilty about your calorie intake… (Mimi’s also have a lovely cafe on the Royal Mile)

3  The Haven, 8/9 Anchorfield

This small and pretty cafe was opened by Edinburgh University graduate Natalie Kwek, who decided to try to turn her hobby into a job.  She most certainly succeeded – within a short time it was one of Trip Advisor’s top-rated cafes in Edinburgh, and deservedly so. The Haven serves great breakfasts, light lunches, and magnificent warm scones that crumble deliciously as you pop them into your mouth.

The cheery exterior paintwork and the eclectic mirrors, lights and furniture inside create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, the staff are lovely, and if I lived nearer to the Haven I would be the size of a house by now.

2  The Piecebox, 2 Polwarth Crescent

The Piecebox is my local cafe, and I love it dearly.  The counter heaves with enticing cakes – loaves smothered in berries, cakes dripping with chocolate, brownies bursting with brownie-ness. Chandeliers dangle from the ceiling, armchairs await you, newspapers are provided.

The scones are fabulous, the butter (masses of it, hoorah!) is especially creamy, and the jam is the best I have tasted in a cafe.  The staff are very jolly and helpful, the cafe is dog-friendly, and somehow both dogs and small children seem to behave perfectly.  The Piecebox also serves breakfasts and lunches, offers an outside catering service, and is licensed. As I do live extremely near to this cafe, I am indeed well on the way to house-like proportions.

1   Bon Papillon, 15 Howe Street

Stuart Allan is a picture framer who also makes the best scones in the New Town.  Ingrid Nilsson is an artist who also delivers these masterpieces to your table. Bon Papillon is a great little gallery of contemporary art with a regularly changing exhibition – the next one, which opens with a preview at 5.30pm on 1st August, showcases work by Evelyn Buchanan and Kathleen Mullaniff.  The cafe is beautifully peaceful and spacious; it serves soups, sandwiches, light lunches and fantastic cakes – naturally the scones are for me the star turn, with daily specials (the raspberry ones are particularly mouth-watering) and standard favourites, all of them huge, warm and irresistible.  And the butter is never in packets: Bon Papillon gets everything right.  (NB – the cafe is closed for Stuart and Ingrid’s holiday from today until 23rd July. It’s usually open Wednesday to Sunday.)

So that’s what’s in my little floury scone book – how about yours?

An Edinburgh teenager who admitted firing at children with a BB gun has had his sentencing delayed for seven months because he is going to Fiji on a gap year holiday.

Jack Hewitt, 17, fired at primary school children, aged between eight and ten and one girl was struck on the forehead and another was hit just below the eye.

Others had red marks and bruising on their arms, legs, stomach and heads.

Hewitt, who pleaded guilty to the shooting, had his sentencing adjourned in January so he could complete his Scottish Higher exams, and today at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Isobel McColl delayed it until February 2015.

The Scottish Conservatives Party’s justice spokeswoman, Margaret Mitchell MSP, said: ‘This latest deferral sends out completely the wrong message.

‘The public will be mystified and alarmed that there has still not been an official sentence handed down for the crime committed.

‘The parents of children who suffered as a result of this incident will also rightly be angered by a further delay.

‘Rather than allowing a gap year holiday in Fiji, the Criminal Justice System should be dealing with this case, as opposed to bending over backwards to accommodate the perpetrator.’