Ireland and Spain make the semi-finals in Glasgow

Thursday was Quarter-finals day at the FIH Champions Challenge at a bitterly cold Glasgow National Hockey Centre as the eight teams entered the knockout stages of the tournament. With a Semi-final place as the prize, there it was ‘all to play for’ and all eight teams seemed to up their games and played four fantastic matches for the supporters to enjoy.

The first match of the day was South Korea v Ireland and the Koreans had, so far, swept all before them in their race to the Final. Ireland were, therefore, just another stepping stone on their way…. Or so they thought. It was a match of contrasting styles, with the Korean side patiently building from the back and Ireland using all of their Celtic flair and zipping the ball about the pitch. Flair that came to the fore after only three minutes of the match when No 24, Kathryn Mullen, lashed the ball home from a penalty corner for the opener. The match then continued in the manner described, but Korea were getting more edgy as the half progressed, evidenced by their coach who was, more than occasionally, raging at them from the sidelines. Just less than 15 minutes into the second half, they got their reward for persistence. Pressurising the Irish defence, they won a penalty corner and No 9, Hye Lyoung Han, found the back of the net. This was the signal to step up the pace and Korea dominated the game for the next 10 or so minutes. But Ireland came back and a series of three penalty corners got them back into the game and with the third being converted by Anna O’Flanagan, they were back into the lead. For the rest of the match, it was again all Korea, but they couldn’t break down the Irish defence – with particular praise to Emma Gray in the Irish goal – and so the team in Green progressed through to the Semi-finals.

Next match on the pitch was an all European affair between Belgium and Spain. Although the teams have a similar World Ranking – Belgium 12, Spain 14 – Belgium went into the match as clear favourites, but it was the, apparently, less favoured team who scored first with a sixth minute penalty corner, converted by No 3 Rocio Ybarra. The remainder of the half was largely dominated by Belgium, but Spain did manage to make the Belgians work in defence a few times. Then, nearing the end of the first half, Belgium struck back with a 31^st minute goal from No 13, Alix Gerniers, to draw level at 1-1. The second half was much more even, with the frantic pace swinging from end to end. But, with no further goals the match went to penalties. These are played one-on-one, with the attacker starting on the 22 metre line and the goalkeeper able to advance once the opponent has moved off. After five attempts each and the score 2-2, it was down to ‘sudden death’. Spain’s Beatriz Perez was first up and she rounded D’Hooge in goal to put all the pressure on Belgium’s Gerniers. And the pressure told as she failed in her attempt to get past the ‘keeper – who performed a superb stick-stop from the strike – to give the match to Spain who then went wild in celebration. 3-2 to Spain and the second Semi-final place decided. Who would join them?

Images from the matches will appear here over the next few days.

As few can have failed to notice, in less than 5 months we’ll have the opportunity to say yes or no to Scottish independence.  Debate is hotting up, and now Tradfest, the city’s festival of Scottish culture, tradition, Gaelic and folk arts, has joined the fray with a series of events co-hosted by Blackwell’s.  The first took place on Wednesday night, when Alan Riach, poet and Professor of Scottish Literature at Glasgow University and Alexander Moffat, artist and former Head of Painting at Glasgow School of Art, introduced their book, The Arts of Independence, to a packed audience.

Arts of Independence arose from the article quoted above, in which Riach argued the cultural case for independence.  It examines all areas of Scottish cultural life, from fine art to literature, music to film and even television.

Moffat began the evening by reading from a recent article in the London Review of Books, in which Colm Toibin looks at the independence campaign in Catalonia, where debate has moved into the forefront of regional life.  Toibin argues that the Catalan language and the region’s other cultural differences are central to the separatist movement’s agenda.   Barcelona has inaugurated major museums in honour of three of its greatest artists, Picasso, Miro and Tapies; Toibin sees these as having a more powerful presence and greater public resonance than any government building. The Catalonian independence movement would, says Toibin, be the poorer without the arts.

Riach explained that Arts of Independence was not intended to promote any particular political party, but to facilitate debate, encourage dialogue between ‘poets, philosophers and politicians’, and engage public imagination; the authors have referred to artists, writers and musicians that readers will already know such as McTaggart, Fergusson and Peploe to make their thesis more accessible to everyone. Moffat’s illustration for the front cover shows the moment before conflict; the authors are passionate about the arts but want conversation to be open and engaged.  Consumerism and the celebrity culture are becoming the focal points of UK society; the arts counter ignorance, and compel us to experience humanity. They allow us to participate in the ‘international conversation’; being one nation allows our message to transcend borders.

Riach and Moffat believe that a ‘carapace of caricatures’ about Scotland is preventing us from understanding the challenges in art; only through independence can we turn away from the trivialisation and dumbing down that is stifling democratic thought and suffocating what Ezra Pound called ‘immaterial man’, towards a society that is not obsessed with possessions, fame and market forces.  Moffat explained that many of the main players in the Modernist movement of the early 20th century were Scots (Fergusson, Geddes); Fergusson said that artists were at that time way ahead of politicians in their ideas about transforming society. Riach and Moffat want to counter indifference about the arts, to create a dynamic debate about what the arts can do, for Scotland and for humanity.

Nationalism alone, they say, is not enough; the arts in Scotland are fundamental – without them the country would be ‘just another economic region to be exploited.’  Asked by Hugh Andrew (MD of Birlinn Books) why, if the arts are so important to the independence movement, the SNP’s White Paper devotes only six pages to them, Riach agreed that this was a failing, and re-emphasised that neither he nor Moffat intended their book to back any one political faction; they want to see an independent Scotland that would deliver the opportunity – and the responsibility – to work towards a more human society.  Moffat pointed out that the widespread dissemination of literature and paintings is relatively recent and concurrent with the rise of neglected voices – first those of the working class of 19th century industrial Britain, and more recently those of women, a whole new generation of whom are learning from past events and seeing that changes need to come; Liz Lochhead, poet and Glasgow Makar, was a prime example of this. The work of developing a true democracy should be the fundamental driving force of independence.

Scotland, says Riach, is ‘a complex theatre of memory’ that can now be drawn upon to teach us how to do things better.  The head and heart should work together with neither dominating; nationalism gives us the political and economic arguments for independence; the arts ‘give us the data on the nature of what it is to be human.’

This was a thought-provoking and entertaining evening (Riach even gave the audience a rendition of Tyburn Tree); time ran out before the questions did – which may well be what is said on September 18th 2014.

The Arts of Independence is published by Luath Press and available from Blackwell’s.

Tradfest and Blackwell’s continue the debate on Tuesday 6th May, when David Torrance will introduce is book, A New Union, in which he argues for a new federation, in which Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England would become sovereign states on a  more equal footing.  On Wednesday 7th May, Gerry Hassan will discuss Caledonian Dreaming: the Quest for a Different Scotland, in which he challenges the myths that define modern Scotland and its place in the UK.  Each event starts at 6.30pm; free tickets are available from Blackwells front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218.

Tradfest continues until 11th May, with a wide range of music, talks, storytelling and exhibitions.

Police  are urging the public to be wary of a group of thieves who have this week been posing as police officers in an attempt to steal cash from tourists.

Detective Sergeant Willie Falconer, who is based at Gayfield station, explained: “All of the incidents are very alike and there is clearly a group of thieves using the same tactic to try and make off with cash from unsuspecting tourists.

“On Thursday in St Andrews Square, for example, we received a report from a woman after she was approached by a Mediterranean/dark European looking man posing as a tourist. The man and woman were soon approached by another two men who were of Asian appearance and presented themselves as police officers.

“The so-called police officers then asked to see their wallets on the pretext of checking for counterfeit currency and identification. They took some cash from the wallets, appeared to sniff the money, replace it and then handed the wallets back.

Enquiries are ongoing into the incidents and Sergeant Falconer is appealing to the public to come forward with any details that may assist the investigation, while also warning tourists to be on their guard.

He added: “These crimes are being carried out so quickly that the victims are being duped into thinking the cash is still in their wallets or purses.

“We take crimes of theft and impersonating police officers very seriously and will do our utmost to catch the culprits. Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The end is now in sight. After seven years of construction work the tram line is complete, the trams are here, and now you can get on board.

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Hinds announced this morning that fare-paying passengers will be able to start using the tram on  31  May 2014 when the first service leaves the Gyle Centre at 5am heading for York Place.

The Edinburgh Reporter was at the Gyle Centre tram stop this morning to speak with Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP, Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Hinds and CEO of Transport for Edinburgh, Ian Craig.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU5dpPYHwuY&w=560&h=315]

The 14km route with its 15 stops has been completed for some time now, and in recent weeks we have become used to the sight of trams on the line during the necessary testing phase. And now you will be able to start using the tram as a means of transport to help you get from Edinburgh Airport to York Place, or anywhere else along the way.

The journey along the full route will take around 35 minutes. Passengers should find it smooth and there ought to be room for passengers and their luggage. Trams are powered by electricity and they have no carbon emissions on the street. Regenerative braking allows them to use energy otherwise wasted.

You will be able to use your Ridacard on the tram as well as on the bus, since Transport for Edinburgh will run both Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses.

Wheelchair users and those with young children in prams should find the tram very accessible as there is no step between the tram and the platform. At all tram stops there are ramps or lifts to make the journey as easy as possible.

You must buy a ticket or validate your Ridacard before getting on the tram and every tram will have a ticket inspector to check that all passengers have paid. If you buy an annual Ridacard it costs £612, which means that your daily travel costs could be just over the cost of one single ticket currently £1.50. A Ridacard offers you free transport on the Airlink bus and will now cover travel on the tram too.

Around 130 people are employed by Edinburgh Trams.

Teachers can download a lesson plan here to help them teach schoolchildren about trams and how to use them.

Police Scotland today announced its support for an international multi-agency operation to target cyber-crime in the Philippines following an investigation into the death of a Scottish teenager.

Daniel Perry, 17, from Fife, who died in July 2013 at the Forth Road Bridge, had been the victim of an alleged sextortion attempt. Inquiries by Scottish detectives revealed an electronic online trail, which led to the Philippines and links to organised crime groups there.

The authorities there have, over the past two days, targeted a number of organised crime groups involved in cyber-crime and have arrested a large number of people as part of Operation Strikeback. Inquiries by the Philippines National Police are on-going to establish the circumstances of the involvement of individuals in relation to Daniel’s death and Police Scotland will continue to liaise with the authorities in Manila.

Police Scotland has worked with a number of international agencies, including Interpol, NCA CEOP, Homeland Security Investigations, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Philippines National Police, through a cyber-crime taskforce, to provide information to the authorities in the Philippines to assist with their operation.

Following the conclusion of the operation, Police Scotland issued a strong prevention message to anyone who may fall victim to such crime.

Senior officers in Scotland have also highlighted that regardless of where in the world criminals operate to target the vulnerable, the reach of law enforcement is global and every effort will be made to bring offenders to justice.

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Major Crime and Public Protection, (and former Commander of Police in Edinburgh) said: “Daniel’s death last year led to a major criminal inquiry which ultimately led officers to the Philippines.

“The enforcement action over the past two days by the Philippines National Police has been supported by Police Scotland. We have had officers in Manila observing and assisting in the past few days, working with a wide range of partners including Interpol, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Philippines National Police and CEOP and law enforcement from other countries.

“Our message is clear: Our focus is on keeping people safe and there is no hiding place – anywhere in the world – if you are a criminal and you undertake this type of activity, which preys on those who might be the most vulnerable and susceptible to coercion and blackmail.

“A young Scottish teenager lost his life as a result of this online activity. The impact on his family, friends and wider community cannot be imagined. I hope that the efforts of law enforcement and our partners in Scotland and globally helps to provide some reassurance to Daniel’s family and the wider public that we are determined to tackle this type of criminality.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham, of Specialist Crime Division Major Investigation Team East, led the investigation into Daniel’s death. He travelled to Manila to liaise with the authorities in the Philippines. He said: “Our investigation has been supported by a range of partners in the UK and abroad and that’s been a significant factor in helping us understand the circumstances which led to Daniel losing his life.

“Daniel was a victim of a crime which uses threat and intimidation to coerce people into parting with money. This is an organised criminal activity, which is there for one reason – to generate profit by exploiting the vulnerability of others. It’s an abhorrent crime and in this case a young man lost his life, which is something his family and friends have to live with. We have been thorough and relentless in our pursuit of answers to why Daniel died.

Police Scotland is committed to supporting victims of cyber-crime and targeting offenders. Superintendent Danny Hatfield, Safer Communities, said: “Victims should not suffer in silence. If you suspect you are the victim of such a crime, report it to the police immediately. We will listen. We will investigate. We will act. This operation demonstrates that and should provide confidence to any member of the public who believes they are being targeted in this way.

“There are some basic, common-sense steps which can be taken to minimise the risk and threat from online criminals. They relate to computer hardware and software and personal online safety. By taking these steps it reduces opportunities for criminals online and will increase individuals’ safety. Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and we see no difference between delivering that policing focus on the streets of our communities or online.

“Work is on-going across Police Scotland to ensure our response to such incidents is as professional as possible. Officers from Specialist Crime Division and Contact, Command and Control are developing that response to ensure victims get the right level of service when coming forward and reporting crime to us.”

Johnny Gwynne, Director of the NCA’s CEOP Command, said: “Criminals who think that by sitting behind their computer in a foreign country they can blackmail or sexually abuse members of the UK public with impunity should know they are wrong. With partners in the UK and around the world, we will pursue them with any means at our disposal.

“Everyone, particularly young people, should realise that there are dangers to sharing anything online that they would not want family and friends to see. But there is help out there if you do. Click CEOP on our website to report abuse, and you can get advice and support from the NSPCC by calling 0808 800 5000, or from Childline on 0800 1111.

“Guidance for children and young people on staying safe online, as well as information for parents and teachers, can be found can be found at www.ThinkuKnow.co.uk.”

John Logue, Director of Serious Casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The global nature of sexual cyber crimes means law enforcement agencies in Scotland need to work more closely than every before with their counterparts around the world to ensure that we remain one step ahead of those who engage in these appalling acts. The Crown Office has directed the Scottish end of Operation Strikeback from the outset. We cannot comment on a live investigation but we can reassure the public that cyber crimes committed against Scottish citizens will be treated extremely seriously and borders will present no barriers to that. ”

Daniel’s mother, Nicola Perry added: “The manner of Daniel’s death is every parent’s worse nightmare. After being targeted by complete strangers online, he was left so traumatised by his ordeal that he chose to take his own life.

“Whoever was at the other end of that computer did not know Daniel. They didn’t care that he was a loving and caring person with his whole life ahead of him. To them, he was just another faceless victim to exploit for cash.

“Losing Daniel has left us all devastated and we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened. I would like to thank the police officers who have supported our family during this extremely distressing time and for keeping us up to date with the progress of their investigation.

“If we are to make sure that no other parent or family member loses a loved one in the way that we have lost Daniel then people must take care when talking to others online and not share intimate pictures or personal information that could be used against them.

“Since Daniel’s death we have been overwhelmed by the kind words and sympathies expressed by so many people across the country. We would now ask that our privacy be respected as we continue to grieve.”

Key prevention steps:

Computers

* Install good anti-virus and spyware software as well as a firewall

* Don’t open unsolicited and unverified attachments

* Use security passwords which are not obvious or easy to guess

* Turn of computers when not in use

* Disconnect or cover webcams

* Exercise caution when downloading or installing programmes

Personal

* Don’t post personal information or images you would not want family or friends to see

* Don’t provide personal information online simply because it has been requested

* Be suspicious – not everyone online will be who they claim to be

* Set up a separate email account to access social media – don’t use a work email or existing personal account

* Use privacy and security settings on social media sites so you know who is viewing content

* Encourage friends and family to use appropriate privacy and security settings

* Close unused social media accounts down

* Report anything you are unhappy with to site administrators

Victims

* You are the victim of a criminal act – it’s not your fault

* Do not respond to threats – the more you respond, the more demanding they will become

* Police Scotland will take all complaints of this kind seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation

* Victims will be supported and signposted to external guidance agencies

* Victims should contact the police on 101. In an emergency use 999

* Police Scotland is working the Scottish Government and many partners across the public and private sector to keep people safe online

Offenders

* Police Scotland will take all complaints of online extortion seriously

* Complaints will be rigorously investigated

* All investigative tools, including covert and overt techniques, will be used to gather evidence and identify offenders

* We will work with a range of partners

* We will arrest and report offenders where sufficient evidence has been gathered

Police Scotland is urging people not to drink and dive in an effort to promote safer drinking with divers who visit sites near Eyemouth and St Abbs in the Scottish Borders.

PC Richard Toward, Community Beat Officer in Eyemouth, Lothian and Scottish Borders Division of Police Scotland, who developed the initiative, said: “Many of those who come to the area are highly experienced and well-equipped for what can be a dangerous sport. One issue, however, is that some divers drink the night before they dive, and this can contribute to increasing the risks to divers.

Along with partners which includes the RNLI and Marine and Coastguard Agency, Police Scotland is promoting a safer diving campaign and is advising visiting divers to drink sensibly when planning to dive the following day. The campaign will run over the summer period to raise awareness of the issue of drinking and scuba diving, and the dangers that this can cause.

Work has already been carried out by the Dedicated Diving Research Centre (DDRC Healthcare) based in Plymouth, which has produced information material relating to drinking and diving, and  is being distributed by Police Scotland.

The campaign will target local dive boats, dive centres, accommodation providers bed and breakfast, hotels and caravan parks, pubs and restaurants with a view to them displaying and giving out leaflets to divers who may use their facilities.

PC Toward said: “The waters around Eyemouth attract divers from all down the east coast of Scotland and the north-east of England and our message to them is to drink responsibly and dive safely. The campaign will continue with engagement with divers at local shore diving sites to groups of divers who may visit the area and our overall aim is to reduce the number of times the emergency services and NHS have to respond to divers needing assistance.

“Community officers from the East Community Policing Area will be visiting tourist accommodation, harbours and dive centres to raise awareness to visiting divers.

Hibs’ star Scott Robertson joined Fit Fans, Glenn Milne and Scott Thomson at the Club’s Training Centre as they prepare for this Saturday’s incredible Hibernian Hat Trick Marathon.

Over 30 graduates of the Community Foundation’s Fit Fans and Healthy Hibee programmes have signed up to collectively complete at least 78 miles in order to raise funds for charity, starting at 7am, at Easter Road Stadium.

With each marathon requiring 104 laps around the pitch, the target is to complete a total of 312 laps. Last year the participants were so inspired by the surroundings that many went much further than they had thought possible, and this year is likely to be even better.

Every runner has completed Hibernian Community Foundation programmes aimed at supporting fans to lose weight, get fit and improve their health.

Alongside the SPFL ‘Football Fans in Training’, the Foundation runs Healthy Hibee courses for both men and women that feature health promotion information and　 Fit for Change　 to provide on-going support for fans to achieve success through team work, camaraderie and good fun.

Saturday’s event kicks off at 7am to ensure that all the runners are finished well ahead of kick off time at 3pm when Hibernian take on Partick Thistle.

Lifelong Hibee and Fit fan Glenn Milne intends to complete his first full marathon at the age of 54 by running the 104 laps at Easter Road.　 This comes after losing an incredible seven stones directly as a result of attending the courses.

Other fans will do assorted distances between one and 13 miles.

Scott Robertson said: “This marathon requires a massive effort from everybody involved. Running all those laps around the pitch will be a phenomenal achievement, and I’m pleased to support all the runners.　 Hopefully the fans will support them too so they will raise a lot of money from it.”

Foundation Chairman Iain Gray MSP gave the event his full backing.

The MSP for East Lothian said: “I have met many of the participants in the Fit Fans and Healthy Hibee programmes and heard from them what a difference the programme has made to their lives.　 Now they will be demonstrating that big time in the marathon event.　 Guys like Glenn should be an inspiration to more fans to take up the Healthy Hibee challenge.”

Stewart McGuire, Operations Manager for the Hibernian Community Foundation said: “Last season’s successful event helped us see how far our guys had come. They started FFiT by walking and keeping a step count, and had become fit enough to run around the pitch.

“This year’s runners include graduates from Football Fans in Training and men and women Healthy Hibees. Each person commits to run a set distance but they can get caught up in the buzz and challenge themselves to run a bit further. It’s a great team event with support from the Club, community, friends and family. All the money raised from the marathon will be used to keep health, fitness and wellbeing programmes going into the coming 2014/15 season. ”

General donations for the Hibernian Hat Trick Marathon can be made through Just Giving at http://www.justgiving.com/Kris-Von-Wald or by text from any provider to 70070 using the code ‘HITC78’ and the amount.

Edinburgh Trams – St James Quarter development – New Town Community Council – Relatives traced – New exhibition at Ten Gallery

There is a big photo call and Edinburgh Tram announcement this morning which can only mean one thing – it is nearly time for your tram…..

It is widely expected that the big day when the fare-paying public can start using Edinburgh Trams will be announced by the Transport Minister this morning.

Watch this space! #carefulnow

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Despite misgivings among opposition councillors at yesterday’s full council meeting, the council are to proceed with borrowing over £61m to ensure that the £850m redevelopment of St James Quarter goes ahead. This is one of 12 designated developments in the city which have been earmarked by the city council as priority sites. If the city can unlock these  gap sites then the council say they can create up to 20,000 jobs as well as 28,000 construction jobs.

The St James Quarter site will be developed by TIAA Henderson Real Estate who own it, along with the council and The Scottish Government.

The council will now borrow £61.4m over 25 years and this money will be used in a financing model called a ‘Regeneration Accelerator Model’ (RAM) . The council monies will be used in ‘enabling infrastructure’ according to the council report considered at yesterday’s meeting. The borrowing costs will be just under £5m per annum and the promise is that the funding cost will be met from ‘new funding streams’ which are essentially business rates from the new buildings. The council also promise 2300 new jobs as a result of this redevelopment.

The tram is seen as a key part of the development as it will bring passengers from the airport almost to the front door. (The tram service is expected to carry around 4.5 million passengers each year.)

The planning permission for demolition and rebuilding of the St James Centre  was granted in June 2009.  An application was made to the council in March 2014 to extend the period in which the St James Centre (with the exception of John Lewis, New St Andrew’s House and the car parks) can be demolished. The proposal is that the permission is extended by three years.  The council’s Head of Planning approved this subject to rubber stamping by the Scottish Ministers.

If you are wondering what it might look like have a look at this fly through video…..

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P50kERmGZc]

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New Town and Broughton Community Council will meet on 12 May 2014 at Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church on Bellevue Crescent at 7.15pm.

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Police Scotland officers in Edinburgh have now traced the next of kin of an elderly man who died recently.

John Montgomery, who was 91 years old, was discovered in his home at Grays Court in the capital on Saturday 26 April 2014.

Police Scotland thanked the media and public for their assistence.

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NEW Exhibition – From 10^th of May 2014

Gallery TEN – Stafford Street – West End – Edinburgh

10 May to 14 June 2014

•  Seven New Gallery Artists & Five Gallery Artists with new work
• Kate Steenhauer & Matt Wilson – recent award winning printmakers
• New Jewellery by Moxon & Simm
• New works by award winning Glassmaker Laura Birdsall
• New “Submarine” monoprints by Georgina Bown

Exhibition will also include –

Printmaker – Lauren Milton & Kate Fahey ( 2013 – Grays graduates)

Painting – Mairi Timoney, Ann Cowan & Jill McLoud

Jewellery – Eleanor Symms Eloise Kerr

Ceramics – Kirsty Louise Jones

ONLINE CATLOGUE – http://issuu.com/gallery-ten/docs/current_catalog

After 8 months at sea, students from Class Afloat – West Island College International will be arriving in Edinburgh today aboard the majestic tall ship SS Sørlandet, the world’s oldest operating fully-rigged tall ship.

The Scouts have been in touch with The Edinburgh Reporter to tell us about their growing numbers:-

“Scouting membership in the east of Scotland continues to grow, with 298 new members in the past year

Scouting numbers have increased in 2014 with more girls, boys and adults seeking out everyday adventure.

The total number of young people and adults in East Scotland, who have joined Scouting, has risen by five per cent in the past year and youth membership figures have now reached 6,378.

Scouting continues to grow across the UK where there have been nine years of sustained growth.

Scouting provides an attractive adventure-based programme for young people and adults, which changes their lives and their local communities for the better.

Record numbers of girls continue to join Scouting across East Scotland. More than 60 female Scouts, an increase of 13 per cent on last year, have signed up to the adventure-based challenges of Scouting.

The increase in membership numbers locally reflects the latest Scout census figures which have just been published.

This data provides evidence of sustained growth across the UK for the ninth consecutive year with a membership total of over 550,000, including almost 45,000 in Scotland. This has cemented Scouting as the largest co-educational youth Movement in the country.

The Scout Association, which seeks to transform the lives of young people by providing an inspiring programme of everyday adventure, has confirmed its commitment to further increase the number of young members.

It is launching a plan to recruit a further 58,000 more young people, as well as 18,000 more adult volunteers, by 2018.

Over 200 activities, including adventure glider flights, skiing, rock climbing and water zorbing, are offered by Scouting around the UK, so it’s no surprise that more and more young people are joining the Movement.”

Alice Farrer, a 13-year-old Scout from the Cardrona Scout Group, said:

“Getting involved in Scouting is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I get the opportunity to take part in so many different adventures and I get involved in helping my local community.”

Dylan Lynch, an Assistant Scout Leader with the 30th Craigalmond (Davidson’s Mains) Scout Group, said:

“Being a Scout Leader is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It’s something I can do on a flexible basis when I have enough time to spare. It’s great helping young people in my local area get the most out of life and watching them develop week in-week out. I’ve also picked up loads of transferable skills that I’m able to use in my job and wider life.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said:

“I am super proud to see so many young people and adults learning new life skills, achieving personal rewards through Scouting in South East Scotland. I am excited to see Scout numbers continue to rise across the UK and the big reasons for this are that more and more young people are realising that Scouting can give them so much – whether it’s the opportunity to be involved with some incredible adventures, learn practical life, outdoor and teamwork skills, or helping to improve their local communities. People don’t want to miss out and Scouting brings them all together, empowers them and allows them to make a positive impact.”

SNP MEP Alyn Smith took to the streets of Edinburgh this week with local Councillor Stefan Tymkewycz calling for people in Scotland to use their votes on 22 May to make Scotland’s mark in Europe.

Smith said:-“The European Union is hugely important to both Edinburgh – as Scotland’s capital and financial centre – as well as the country as whole. Being an active part of the EU has helped to create thousands of jobs in the local area and this will continue to be the focus of elected SNP MEPs.

“With the UK set on a collision course with the EU, it is becoming increasingly clear that the only way to make Scotland’s mark in Europe is to vote SNP this May and vote Yes to independence in September.

Cllr Tymkewycz said:-“I was delighted to welcome Alyn Smith along to my ward. We got a great response in Craigentinny and Duddingston; the interest and enthusiasm shown by the residents was very encouraging and we will continue to work hard to ensure Scotland is represented by a strong SNP team in Europe.”

Local newsagent owner Zahida Azhar said:

“The SNP has supported small businesses incredibly during these tough times and that’s why I’m supporting them on May 22, 2014.”

In this picture (attached) from left to right are :

Francis Kerrigan : George Heriot’s School
Captain Sir Norman Lloyd-Edwards : President of English Speaking Union (ESU) South Wales and Chair Of Judges
Charlie Holmes : George Heriot’s School
Jane Easton : Director General, English Speaking Union

Francis Kerrigan and Charlie Holmes of George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh have won the English-Speaking Union International Schools Mace held in Cardiff. They defeated Dulwich College, England in the final of this highly-contested international debating competition which brings together the top teams from each of the home nations.

Shannon Turner and Andrew Beverstock, from Edinburgh University, who won the Scottish leg of the John Smith Memorial Mace (JSMM), very narrowly lost to Cambridge University in the John Smith Memorial Mace Final, which was also held in Cardiff.

The English-Speaking Union Scotland as part of the ESU of the Commonwealth works with schools throughout Scotland to help maximise the future potential of young people in society through the effective use of the English language, and hosts annual national debating competitions as a focal point for this aim.

Submitted by Alex Orr

In certain areas of the city steps have been taken to defy the wily gulls who for so long attacked our black bin bags and ensured that rubbish was strewn across the streets.

Then in 2011 the council decided to introduce the gull proof sack. There are all sorts of rules about using them. You must place your rubbish in a black plastic bag inside the gull proof sack. You must put the rubbish out on a certain day at a certain time, not a minute before, otherwise you may be fined.

So this would signal the end of the problem? Well it might if the bags were not just used in a certain way, but also emptied in a certain way. What the council appear to do is send a squad on foot ahead of the refuse truck. They empty the black bags out of the gull proof sacks and then make a heap of these at intervals along the street. This makes it easier for the refuse truck which presumably has to make fewer stops on its journey.

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It might seem that to send an advance party like this is a great idea. But the problem is that they are sent along the streets some three hours in advance of the collection time, meaning that for a substantial part of the evening the rubbish lies on the street. This is not much of a problem at the moment as the gulls have not quite arrived here in any number, but we shudder to think what mess could result in the summer.

Councillor Adam McVey who is Vice-Convener of Transport and Environment explained to The Edinburgh Reporter:-“This is an operational issue which we’re still trying to solve. The system should work by residents being asked to place their landfill waste in black bags or similar large bags such as swing bin liners, then place them in the gull proof bags for presentation at the kerbside. The crews should then empty each gull proof bag and manually lift the contents to the lorry.

“Crews are not allowed to stockpile bags and come back for them later as this will leave the bin bags vulnerable to gull attack. I have spoken to officers who are going to issue the crews with a written instruction tonight regarding this issue instructing that they do not do it under any circumstances.

If anyone experiences problems with this on their street they should get in touch and I’ll ensure any problems are dealt with.” Councillor McVey’s contact details are on the council website here.

It was way back in November 2011 that a council report explained why it is essential that plastic bags are no longer used:-

“The project team kept a visual record of the impact of the waste collection methods on street cleanliness before and during the pilots. Before the pilots commenced street cleanliness in all areas of city centre suffered an adverse impact on black bag collection days. Previously black bags were collected twice a week, mostly in the morning. Most householders would present their black bags at the kerbside the evening before or early in the morning on the day of collection. The longer that bags are left out on the street the higher the likelihood of them being attacked by gulls and other animals.

“This likelihood increases significantly during the spring and summer. The extended daylight hours and the increased foraging for food by gulls during their nesting season leads to a high incidence of burst bags. By the time bags are collected many will have been burst with and their contents scattered across the pavement. There were also incidents of waste being mis-presented by some households and left out on the street for two or three days.

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Submitted by James Layfield

Earlier today the council was asked to approve an £850 million funding package for the improvement of the St James Centre shopping mall in the east of the city centre. GAVIN CORBETT argues that the decision was rushed and ill-evidenced.

You’d be hard pushed to find anyone with any love for the current St James Centre. It is a very obvious symbol of past weaknesses in planning and development.

That is why today I joined other councillors in welcoming proposals to bring its redevelopment to fruition. As a city we do need to be mindful of the lessons of the last decade; of the fragility of an economic base built simply on consumer spending. If the revamped St James area can lead to something different then so much the better.

I also welcome the other benefits of redevelopment: new jobs, including targeted employment on disadvantaged citizens; a new energy centre; and provision for disabled visitors.

So yes, the St James area needs utterly revamped. Yes, it is right that the maximum public benefit should be secured from that process.

That is not the issue. The issue is proper scrutiny of the case for the public purse providing £61 million for this commercial development, when the proposal is handed with two days notice as a fait accompli.

And that is in the context of the project generating a developer profit of around £130 million.

To be clear: £130 million is what is described in the council report as “normal profit”. A profit above that level is described as “super profit” and is shared between public and private partners. But that first “normal profit” of around £130 million goes only to the commercial developer and its private investors.

I’d have thought that it might be possible to pay for at least some of the £61 million of infrastructure out of that £130 million profit, much as we routinely expect many developments to do through section 75 planning agreements.

That would still leave a profit of almost £70 million. That seems like a lot to me. But, I am told, financiers would not get out of bed for a mere £70 million profit.

Is that correct? Are we happy with that assertion? That is why we need proper scrutiny of the public money going into this scheme, much more than 2 days allows.

We are told that the subsidy of £61 million will pay for itself through uplift in business rates. All well and good. If the centre prospers and if new shops and hotels are genuinely additional – rather than displacing retail and beds elsewhere in the city.

But it begs a bigger question of what business rates are for. Can we only justify higher business rates yields on the basis of immediate infrastructure on the site on which the development is built? What about the schools and colleges which educate the workers who work in those companies, and the roads and railways which transport the goods which are sold in the premises? They are also paid for business rates and those wider benefits need equally to be funded by business rates uplift.

This is a massive development which begs absolutely critical questions about the appropriate level of public subsidy for commercial developments. I cannot believe that it is so fragile that it would be jeopardised by asking for  a period of 4 weeks for proper scrutiny. That would still allow the project to be signed off in May, which is what the project timeline indicates.

The St James redevelopment is much needed, but simply to wave this proposal through at 2 days notice would be a dereliction of the duty we owe to all such projects to be properly assessed and understood.

Gavin Corbett is Green spokesperson on Finance and Economy

Edinburgh Council agreed this morning to set up a multi agency group with representatives from NHS Lothian, Sands Lothian and The Scottish Government to discuss and produce a plan of action in the wake of the Mortonhall report.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to Councillor Lesley Hinds who is responsible for council-run crematoria after the meeting to find out what the decision really means.

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Meantime down the road at Holyrood The Scottish Government has approved £100,000 for bereaved families coping with bereavement in the wake of the baby ashes investigations.

This was announced by First Minister Alex Salmond, as he confirmed counselling organisations would benefit from £100,000 in Scottish Government funding.

The First Minister told the Scottish Parliament that the extra money would be made available to organisations that have been closely involved in helping families affected by tragedies such as those at Mortonhall Crematorium.

Mr Salmond said Scottish Government officials have already contacted two such groups – SANDS Lothian and Forget-Me-Not Care and Counselling – to discuss the best way to ensure continued support for parents.

The First Minister also confirmed that the Lord Advocate had now referred Dame Elish Angiolini’s report into the events at Mortonhall to the police for further investigation.

The First Minister said:

“I know the thoughts of all of us are with the families affected who have not only suffered the loss of a child, but the additional trauma that the Mortonhall report highlights.

“No one should have had to experience this pain, and we are determined that no-one ever will again. That’s why the outcome of Lord Bonomy’s Infant Cremation Commission, along with those of Dame Elish Angiolini, will lead to new burials and cremation legislation.

“Action to stop these terrible events happening again in the future is a priority of this parliament, but we must care for those who are affected in the here and now. We provided additional funding last year to assist the two counselling organisations that have done such sterling work and have been closely involved with the parents affected by the issue.

“Today, I can announce that I am making available an additional £100,000 for counselling services for the families affected and Scottish Government officials have already begun discussions with counselling organisations to take this forward.”

The First Minister continued:

“The Scottish Government will implement the recommendations of Elish Angiolini’s report as regards the Government. Edinburgh Council have also made a similar commitment and we will take forward Lord Bonomy’s infant cremation commission and its recommendations into legislation at the earliest possible moment so these events never befall any family in Scotland again.

“There are a number of key priorities regarding this issue. Firstly, to find out exactly why, over a period of many decades, the processes at Mortonhall and perhaps elsewhere, were allowed to continue in the way that they did.

“Secondly, The Lord Advocate has referred Dame Elish Angiolini’s report to the police for further investigation. We have to allow that investigation of any possible criminality to properly take its course.

“Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly of all, having met a number of the parents, one of the key priorities is to establish that every possible investigation has been made into every individual case. That is absolutely predominant in the Scottish Government’s consideration of how we proceed from here.”

Hibernian EOS fought back to secure an  East of Scotland King Cup second round victory against Central Taxis Premier Division champions Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale at the Training Centre last night

Trailing  2-0 with less than 10 minutes remaining goals from Neil Martyniuk  and Conner Duthie took the game into injury time before under-17 striker Duthie scored the winner to set up a quarter final tie against Edinburgh University on Wednesday 7 May.

After the game a delighted Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh told Hibernian TV: “Tonight we played against a very good football team, Lothian Thistle HV.

“They’re the best EOS team we’ve played by far and credit to them for taking a 2-0 lead after it was goalless at half time.

“But our lads, in our second game in as many days, have a never say die attitude and when Martyniuk scored a fine header I knew we had a chance.

“Conner Duthie, who is only 16, came on for his first game with us and he produced a great finish to level the game with a minute left.

“On to extra time and both teams’ legs were going, but we kept at them and again Duthie volleyed low into the corner, this time in 118th minute.

“There was no coming back for Lothian Thistle, who did play well, but tonight was all about these young Hibs boys; their fitness, their football and their attitude was just first class.

“It keeps our season going that little bit longer now and our great run going.”

Ireland youth internationalist Gareth McCaffrey was taken off early in the first half with an injury, but the striker should be available for selection for next week’s matches.

Hibs’ EOS are back in action on Monday 5 May with an East of Scotland League Cup semi final against either Leith Athletic or Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.

Hibernian under-17s, who are expected to field both Duthie and under-20s’ regular Scott Martin, face Hearts at Easter Road on Sunday afternoon to contest the East of Scotland Shield, kick off midday (admission: £4 Adults, £2 Concessions). Hibernian’s Academy have an opportunity to make it 10 East of Scotland Shield triumphs in a row.

Hibernian EOS: Kleton Perntreou, Aaron Dunsmore, Tom Gardiner, Neil Martyniuk, Callum Crane, Jordan Sinclair, Jamie Beaton, Scott Martin, Dean Horribine, Taylor Hendry, Gareth McCaffrey. Subs: Max Todd for Mccaffrey, Conner Duthie for Hendry, Ben Stirling for Martin (unused) Dougie Horne and Kevin Waugh

Five men have been charged with football-related disorder offences as part of a new policing operation in Edinburgh.

Operation Wolf, which launched today, will see uniformed and plain-clothes officers across the Capital take part in various enforcement days during May to tackle the crimes that are most adversely affecting our communities.

These officers will be assisted by colleagues from Police Scotland’s Operational Support Unit as well as the Specialist Crime Division and will target those involved in violent crime, antisocial behaviour, drugs, theft and hate crime.

In the coming month, local policing teams throughout the city will undertake ‘days of action’ to address the issues, which have been identified as policing priorities by the local community.

Today’s Operation Wolf activity was carried out following a large-scale disturbance at the International Bar in Brougham Place on Sunday 27th April.

Two men were left injured as a result of this incident and police have been carrying out enquiries to trace a group of people believed to be involved.

In total, seven addresses in Craigmillar, Leith, South Queensferry, Telford, Dalry and Braids were visited and men aged 19, 22, 22, 24 and 30 are all due to appear in court tomorrow (Friday). A number of others will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the disturbance.

Superintendent Matt Richards, who is leading on Operation Wolf, said: “Operation Wolf has been launched following engagement with our various communities, who have highlighted a number of local issues that require a police response.

“Crimes such as violence, antisocial behaviour, drugs and hate crime can have a significant impact on public confidence and through this initiative we are demonstrating our commitment to tackling these offences and bringing those responsible to justice.

“The disorder that took place outside the International Bar was not only distressing for the local residents in the area, but it left two men injured and violent offences like this will not be tolerated in Edinburgh.

“Operation Wolf enforcement will continue throughout this month to target those involved in all sorts of criminal activities and I would urge the public to continue to engage with us to report crime and identify the issues affecting their area.

“Where crimes like those at the International Bar are committed, the full resources of Op Wolf will be used to hunt offenders down.”

Police are looking for assistance from the public to trace the next of kin of an elderly man who died recently.

John Montgomery, who was 91 years old, was discovered in his home at Grays Court in the capital on Saturday 26th April and all efforts by police to find any of his relatives have so far proved unsuccessful.

Anyone who thinks they have some information which may be of use should contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Leo du Feu’s girlfriend Jennifer is a long-suffering woman; she’s accompanied him up mountains, stayed with him in shower-less eco hostels and even put up with him pitching their tent on heather (which they soon discovered is not quite the bed that the Famous Five led us to believe…)  Leo loves trains, and travels on them to remote parts of Scotland; en route he draws and paints the most beautiful pictures of wildlife, landscapes, derelict buildings, old railways – and especially birds.  On Tuesday night at Blackwell’s, Leo introduced his new book Landscapes and Birds of Scotland, a collection of 230 pictures and some equally fascinating notes.

Leo spent most of his childhood in Linlithgow;  at school he won the Primary 7 Art Cup, and an extremely colourful papier mache bird brought him success in the West Lothian Young Artist of the Year competition.  He was surrounded by art at home; his mother Susan Smith is a community art teacher, tapestry specialist and Iyengar Yoga tutor.  He graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2006, and has worked as a full-time artist ever since, recently relocating to Burntisland.  At college he was already interested in landscape and nature, but his interpretation of them was quite different from his more recent work; his early paintings were fantastical, portraying the jagged edge of a leaf as a mountain range, or a sheep’s skull as a barren wasteland.  Whilst at college he was also able to work on huge canvases, something that he very much enjoys but finds more difficult in the smaller space of his studio.

In 2005 the UK Astronomy Technology Centre at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh chose Leo to create a permanent display of  four 4m high depictions of land, sea and space.  Realising that workers would pass by the paintings every day, Leo hid little surprises for them to find – a tiny ark,an unexpected building – and even  a thumbnail sketch of Sir Isaac Newton’s death mask. Each of the paintings was worked on three canvases, which were then hung in groups in the foyer of the Crawford Building.

After graduation, Leo wanted to travel around the country to sketch and paint, the only obstacles being no car and no money; he approached Scotrail with what he considered a not unreasonable request for limitless free travel and £10,000 expenses.  Sadly, Scotrail couldn’t quite come up with that lot, but they did provide a travel pass for the Aberdeen to Inverness route, asking Leo to produce some work that could be exhibited at a celebration of the line’s 150th anniversary.  Leo was thrilled to be exploring a new area, sketching everything from whisky barrels stacked beside the tracks to Dunideer Hill Fort near Insch.  Whilst he loves large canvasses, some of his works are miniatures measuring as little as 10 x 10 cm.  He’s also interested in old station buildings, many of which have now been ‘adopted’ and are used as shops, cafes and galleries; one of his paintings is of the station at Nairn, now also a florist’s. After a short exhibition at the anniversary event itself, Leo’s work was shown at the Elgin Museum, a visit to which he highly recommends.

Leo makes many sketches from train windows, creating a visual diary of notes to remind himself of colour, wind direction and location.  He originally worked from photos as well as sketches but now prefers the latter, saying that these give the artist more freedom.  He now does much of his painting on location; all he needs are a small watercolour palette, a sketch book, a few brushes and some pencils. When drawing in ink he waters it down to get different tones; he also sometimes likes to sketch in biro.

Impressed with Leo’s work, Scotrail invited him to paint for the Glasgow to Stranraer line’s anniversary; this was followed by work for the spectacular West Highland line from Fort William to Mallaig.  It was on a journey to Mallaig that he and Jennifer stayed at that place with no showers; Loch Ossian hostel, which is so eco that it even has bat-friendly paint. One mile from the nearest station, high on Rannoch Moor, the hostel is inaccessible by car; Leo loved it.  We don’t know what Jennifer thought, but it was no doubt better than that night on the heather.

Although he enjoys sketching station buildings and railway bridges, Leo rarely draws the trains themselves.  As his interest in birds grew, he started to hide birds in his railway pictures, and now much of his work concentrates on the puffins, owls, razorbills, buzzards and herring gulls that he sees on his travels.  He has recently sketched short-eared owls at Dunbar Quarry, and has also visited the Isle of May, where he advises waving a stick above your head to avoid being ‘dive-bombed.’

In 2009, a travel scholarship from the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour allowed Leo to visit Orkney.  Despite the wind sometimes being so strong that it ripped the paper from his hands and made cycling physically impossible, Leo was hugely impressed with the islands, enjoying the down-to-earth fishing village atmosphere in Stromness and particularly loving the island of Hoy.

A Royal Overseas League Commonwealth Arts Travel Scholarship enabled Leo to travel across Canada in the footsteps of the 1920s landscape painters ‘the Group of Seven.’  Travelling 3000 miles by train, Leo sketched as he went; on his return, he self-published his first book, Sketches from Canada; this led to an approach from Jeremy Mills, a publisher who had followed Leo’s work for some years and who was keen to collaborate with him on a project.  The result was Landscapes and Birds of Scotland.

This was a fascinating and entertaining evening with a very appreciative audience, who enjoyed not only the artwork but also Leo’s laid-back commentary and infectious enthusiasm for his subjects.  I’m sure we all sympathised with Jennifer too….

Leo and Susan’s exhibition’ In the Outdoors‘ opens at the Bon Papillon Gallery, Howe Street on Friday evening, with an open preview from 5.30 to 7.30.  It will then run until 1st June,  9-5 Wednesday to Sunday.

Landscapes and Birds of Scotland is published by Jeremy Mills Publishing and available direct from them or  from Blackwell’s at the price of £20.

Leo du Feu and Susan Smith are participating in Forth Valley Open Studios, 7-15 June 2104 – an opportunity to visit over 140 artists in their studios, galleries and pop-up exhibitions

Loch Ossian Hostel is run by the Scottish Youth Hostels Association and can be booked via their website.

Scotland beat India and then draw with South Korea

Days 2 and 3 of the FIH Champions Challenge saw the competition of the pool matches in both Pools A and B. The results of these matches go forward to decoding the Quarter-final match-ups.

On Day 2, Scotland were drawn against India who had suffered a torrid time against the hard-hitting South Koreans. Although India appeared to be much improved from that match, Scotland dominated the first half, but failed to get on the score sheet until the 30^th minute from a Nikki Kidd penalty corner, which Emily McGuire followed up three minutes later with a second from open play. Scotland continued their domination of the match in the second half and added to their tally from a Vikki Bunce penalty corner and another open play goal from Rebecca Ward.

In the other Pool A match, Belgium were beaten by the South Koreans in a tense match. The Korean’s went ahead late in the first half, but Belgium drew level from a penalty corner halfway through the second. Three minutes later, however, South Korea struck back with their second to take the match 2-1.

In Pool B, following up a period of sustained pressure, USA scored first in their match with South Africa. However South Africa hit back with a goal in either half to take the match 2-1. Also in Pool B, Spain and Ireland played out a 2-2 draw. Leading 2-0 at the break, Spain let Ireland back in to draw level with two goals in four minutes. Spain had a final seconds’ penalty corner, but the ball was launched over the bar, much to the joy of the Irish.

On Day 2 Scotland were up against South Korea as World Ranking 16^th played 7^th. South Korea opened the scoring in the 12^th minute, but a later yellow gave Scotland the one player advantage. It was an advantage they used well and began pressing the Korean defence. Pressure told in the 31^st minute when Linda Clement hit home for the equaliser. With Nikki Cochrane doing great things in the Scottish goal, Linda Clement – again – took advantage of a missed ball in the Korean ‘D’ to deflect in for the lead. South Korea then threw everything at the Scottish defence, but Cochrane was playing the proverbial blinder. Unfortunately Korea converted a penalty corner in the 57^th minute to draw level and the match ended 2-2.

The other Pool A match was between India and Belgium and India came under the cosh once again. A spate of green cards – one player receiving two(?) – led to Belgium scoring their opener after 33 minutes to lead at half time. They followed that up with a second soon after the restart and a third five minutes later. Another two goals in the final five minutes sealed the win for Belgium and consigned India to bottom of the eight teams.

In Pool B, Spain earned a hard fought draw with South Africa. Indeed, Spain were dominant for most of the first half and scored first to take the lead. South Africa then came back with an equaliser before half time to go into the break 1-1. The second half was a half of missed chances and unforced errors. Missed chance of the half came South Africa’s way when Zuberia, in the Spanish goal, saved from a penalty to keep the scores level, 1-1 being the final score. The other Pool B match was between USA and Ireland, and USA went on to take the match 3-0. Scoring all three goals in the first 25 minutes, the American team continued to hold the Irish at bay for the rest of the match, but didn’t manage to add to their tally.

The Quarter-final line-ups are therefore –

South Korea v Ireland.

Belgium v Spain.

South Africa v Scotland.

USA v India.

(Photos – Vikki Bunce and Linda Clement in action against Belgium)

Images from some of the matches can be viewed here

Belgium take the overall, while Scotland finish in fourth

Day three of the Men’s Tournament sorted out the play-off places and the final day sorted out the finishing order.

Against the run of play, Scotland opened the scoring against Argentina late in the first half, but the South American side scored two in the final five minutes to go into the break 2-1. An early third goal in the second half stretched the visitors’ lead and then a penalty corner conversion put them 4-1 ahead. Scotland pulled a goal back, but a fifth from Argentina sealed the match. Scotland went on the play England in the third/fourth play-off match and, by dint of better goal difference over England, Argentina went through to the first second place play-off. Where they went on to play Belgium. The Belgians beat England 2-1 in their match to secure their play-off spot against Argentina.

In the Final, Belgium had to take Argentina to a penalty shoot-out in order to secure the title. An early 2-0 lead was reduced to a single goal by Argentina with a reply on the stroke of half time. Another in the 44^th minute pulled them level, and no further scoring meant a penalty shoot-out. A 3-0 whitewash to Belgium in the shoot-out meant that they went home with the cup

Scotland lost out 5-1 to England in their match, so finished fourth in the FIH 4 Nations Tournament. 4-0 down at half time, they seemed to have no answer to the superior English side. However, a goal two minutes from time salvaged a bit of pride for Scotland, which was quickly wiped out when England netted their fifth seconds later.

Images from the tournament can now be found here

There are a few FREE tickets left for Edinburgh Libraries’ event with Lindsey Davis, author of the Falco Roman mysteries series.  Lindsey will be at the Central Library 7-8pm tonight to talk about Falco, her ‘next generation’ Flavia novel ‘Enemies at Home’, and her latest venture, a quick read entitled  ‘A Cruel Fate.’

Tickets must be obtained in advance from evenbrite.  Further details from the library on 0131 242 8000.

Young people in Scotland seeking employment are set to benefit from £500,000 seized from criminals, in the third phase of funding from CashBack for Communities.

The first ever CashBack funding award to Action for Children will enable the Scottish charity to extend its work with unemployed young people and develop a new program called Positive Choices. The project will improve the skills of around approximately 160 young people across Scotland to prepare them for a career in the construction industry. It will also offer opportunities in sports coaching, social care and the oil and gas industries over the next three years.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “I am delighted to award Action for Children this money through the newest phase of the hugely successful Cashback for Communities scheme.

“The organisation plays a vital role in improving the lives of children throughout Scotland and, by using cash seized from criminals will improve the futures of generations of Scots to come.

“The £500,000 funding will provide vital training and additional skills to not only benefit individuals, but also their communities around them, and I am delighted that these ill-gotten gains can now be used for genuine good.”

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The announcement comes as the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed that a further £8 million had been recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act over the last year, adding to the £80 million already seized since 2003.

Over £74 million of money seized through the Proceeds of Crime Act has been put to excellent use through CashBack for Communities, funding around 1.2 million activities and opportunities for young people since 2007.

Solicitor General, Lesley Thomson, said: “The Crown Office figures released this week show that we have disrupted the illegal activities of hundreds of criminals in Scotland during the last year.

“By continuing to outsmart organised criminals we have identified a further eight million pounds from criminal ventures which will be used to help build strong communities and provide valuable opportunities for young people such as the Positive Choices programme for young people.”

The announcement was made at a visit to Youthbuild, an Edinburgh project that aims to give unemployed young people the opportunity to gain the skills and certificates they need to work in construction. The young people involved were on hand to demonstrate their newly acquired skills in tiling.

Paul Carberry, Director of Service Development at Action for Children Scotland, said: “We work with some of the most vulnerable young people in society – young people who have left school with no qualifications, are unemployed, and who lack the confidence and motivation to find work.

“As well as offering industry-recognised accreditations and paid work experience, we also provide wraparound support to help them succeed in, and maintain, employment. The CashBack for Communities funding will enable us to work with larger numbers, giving young people the tools to build a better future and helping to tackle youth unemployment in this country.”

Photos by Jane Barlow

The council has taken swift action following the publication of the report on Mortonhall Crematorium yesterday A multi-agency working group will now produce an action plan for the council run Mortonhall Crematorium.

The Capital Coalition motion, which was unanimously approved at this morning’s City of Edinburgh Council meeting, calls for a multi-agency working group to be set up following the publication of the report.

The group is likely to consist of representatives from the Council, Scottish Government, NHS Lothian, SANDS Lothian and other appropriate organisations.

Its remit will be to consider the recommendations in Dame Elish Angiolini’s report, devise an action plan and report back to a special meeting of the Council on 26 June 2014.

Council Leader Andrew Burns said: “On behalf of the Council, I want to offer profound apologies to parents for the distress and pain caused by the previous practices at Mortonhall. I also want to thank Dame Elish Angiolini and her team for their work on this investigation and all parents and witnesses who have contributed to the report.

“I have asked the Chief Executive to put together a multi-agency working group, including parents’ groups and other relevant agencies, to consider the report’s recommendations.

“The group will be tasked with a detailed action plan for consideration at next month’s special meeting of council. We must act on the recommendations to ensure that the highest possible standards are adhered to at Mortonhall and that nothing like this can happen again.”

Sue Bruce will be responsible for chairing and facilitating both the operation of the working group and the delivery of its remit.

Capital Coalition Motion

• Offers a profound apology to parents for the distress and pain caused by the previous practices at Mortonhall
• Thanks Dame Elish Angiolini and her team for their work on this investigation and all parents and witnesses who have contributed to the report, and notes receipt of the report
• Acknowledges the recommendations made in respect of Council practices and agrees that a report from the Chief Executive outlining the Council’s response to these recommendations will be brought back to a special meeting of The City of Edinburgh Council on Thursday, 26 June at 10.00am
• Notes the report makes recommendations for the Council as well as other organisations and that these recommendations will have implications for Edinburgh and also other parts of Scotland and the UK
• Agrees to establish and lead a multi-agency working group, chaired by the Chief Executive,  with the membership and remit as per the attached appendix  to be reported back to a special meeting of The City of Edinburgh Council on Thursday, 26 June at 10.00
• Agrees that at the 26 June special meeting, the Lord Provost will allow questioning of relevant officers and allow deputations by affected parents and other interested parties.

Membership and Remit

• The Chief Executive of The City of Edinburgh Council will be responsible for chairing and facilitating both the operation of the working group and the delivery of its remit.
• In addition to officers of the Council, invitations to join the Group will be extended to those organisations referenced in the report including the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian and also to SANDS Lothian and any other organisations considered to be appropriate.
• The remit of the Group will be to:

• Consider the recommendations in Dame Elish Angiolini’s report
• Devise an action plan in response to the recommendations with indicative timescales for completion; and
• Produce a report on the outcomes of its work to be received in time for consideration at a special meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council to be held at 10.00 on Thursday 26 June.

The council meets at the City Chambers each month – this month this is the first of two meetings. You can watch proceedings live online and you can follow our live coverage here.

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Council meeting – Jack Kane Sports Centre hosting Sports Day today – National Hate Crime Conference in Edinburgh next week – Scotland Creates: A Sense of Place – Usher Hall Sunday concerts 

Following the publication of the report into the Mortonhall Crematorium investigation there will be a full council meeting this morning. This will be streamed online, but there will be no discussion of the Mortonhall report at the meeting, although the council leader has mentioned it in his monthly report.

The papers for the meeting can be accessed here.

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Dozens of children with a disability are to enjoy a dedicated multi sports event designed to celebrate the Commonwealth Games.

Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and Active Schools, will welcome 72 children with additional support needs to the Jack Kane Sports Centre for the High Flyers Multi Sports Day later today.

This multi sport taster event is a unique opportunity for children and young people with special education needs (SEN) to try out athletics, boccia and tennis to get into the spirit of the games.

With the support of ten SEN schools from in and around the Lothians, it is hoped the event will channel the excitement of Scotland’s ‘year of sport’ to inspire more children with a disability to enjoy physical activity and develop the healthy habits crucial for greater quality of life into adulthood.

High Flyers is an innovative project which enables greater access to sport for children with disabilities, in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport and Active Schools, and funded by the City of Edinburgh Council.

James Brandon, Community Inclusion Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This event is to inspire young people with limited opportunities to try new sports and to get involved in clubs in the local area.  It is at events such as these that future Paralympian and ParaGames athletes start their journeys.”

Jude Salmon, Active Schools Manager, said: “This is a really worthwhile event which has been tailored to provide support and encouragement for young people with a disability in Edinburgh and beyond. High Flyers will offer the chance to try new sports including athletics and join in the excitement for the Commonwealth Games.”

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Scottish Alliance for Regional Equality Councils (SAREC) is hosting a National Conference on Hate Crime in Scotland on the theme “Tackling the Barriers to Reporting Prejudice Incidents/Hate Crime” on 7 May 2014 at 10am at Leith Academy, 20 Academy Park,  EH6 8JQ.

The SAREC National Hate Crime Conference seeks to identify and address barriers to reporting hate crimes and discriminatory incidents by bringing in key stakeholders from communities and the public sector agencies to discuss the issue. The event will enable the four Regional Equality Councils (Central Scotland, Grampian, Edinburgh and Lothians and West of Scotland) along with other partners to share their expertise on the work around hate crime along with learning from participants of the event to take steps to addressing this important issue.

Victims often feel disillusioned in reporting hate crime due to the negative perceptions about agencies, their attitudes, negative media, lack of follow-up and resolution. SAREC aims to raise awareness amongst key policy makers and legal stakeholders for the enhanced need for reporting hate crime.  More needs to be initiated to foster effective engagement between the community and police and other agency involved and encourage reporting thereby leading to a reduction in fear towards reporting hate crimes. SAREC is determined to do unrelenting work towards challenging all forms of racism and discrimination.

SAREC is delighted that Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE has agreed to be the keynote speaker at the conference. Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE is the founder of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust. She is also a writer and justice and human rights campaigner.

Doreen has led a campaign to reform the policing values of the UK after the grief of losing her 18-year-old son, Stephen Lawrence. Her struggle to bring a change in the country’s attitudes to policing and racism has had a profound effect on the legal system in the UK. The contribution she will make comes at a particularly important time when there is great focus upon Prejudice Incidents/Hate Crime, equality and justice.

SAREC Chair Dr Malcolm Green says, “Scotland is a multicultural society with people living here from all walks of life and backgrounds. However, differences and discrimination exists on the grounds of Race, Sexual orientation, Religion/faith, Disability or Transgender/gender identity and people transgress into the negative arena of hate crime.’’

‘‘We hope the conference will bring into attention the enhanced need for reporting hate crime and tackling the barriers that exist in reporting these incidents thereby fostering a culture of reporting incidents.’’

‘‘This conference will also highlight the need for having effective mechanisms at National level for resolution of hate crime incidents in Scotland.”

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From 9 May – 31 August 2014 on the Grand Gallery, Level 1 at the Museum there will be a free exhibit called ‘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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The Usher Hall, which is enjoying its centenary year, has announced their latest international concert season for 2014-15.

The coming season will feature six orchestras from around the globe:  St Petersburg Philharmonic (2 Nov), Brussels Philharmonic (30 Nov), St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra (15 Feb), Camerata Salzburg (15 Mar), Czech Philharmonic (19 Apr), Warsaw Philharmonic (10 May).

The Usher Hall is continually presenting great programmes from some of the world’s leading orchestras, renowned conductors and brilliant guest soloists.  This season features, amongst others, Yuri Termirkanov, Miloš Karadaglić, Natalie Clein, Nicola Benedetti and Jiří Bělohlávek.

As a bonus the venue has programmed Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (23 Oct), visiting as part of the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s Performance and Education Tour of the UK, in commemoration of the First World War centenary.

Also announced today is a concert entitled The 2014 Commonwealth Games Gala Concert – Edinburgh Raises the Baton.  This concert features the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Edinburgh Royal Choral Union.

This season forms part of the Usher Hall’s core programme supported by The City of Edinburgh Council which owns and manages the venue.

Culture Convener Councillor Richard Lewis said:-“I eagerly await the new Autumn programme at the Usher Hall.  The venue was designed and built with wonderful classical music in mind and the tradition of concert-going continues as strongly as ever.  It’s a genuine pleasure to sit back in the auditorium and loose oneself in the music emanating from these first class orchestras from around the world.”

Tickets are available on Wednesday 30 April via usherhall.co.uk and 0131 228 1155.

£32  | £26  | £21  | £16  |  £12 Limited number of early bird discounts available – £10 off top price ticket

Under 16’s go free

£10 tickets available for students / unwaged

20% off each ticket for groups of 6-10

On Saturday May 10^th, Queensferry Rowing Club will host the inaugural Alan Meldrum Community Challenge at Port Edgar Marina. 

 Alan Meldrum was the first Vice-Captain and a founding member of Queensferry Rowing Club in 2011.  When Mel, as he was known locally, passed away in 2013 the club thought it would be appropriate to hold an event in his memory that will bring the Community together. This will be a fitting tribute to honour the memory of the man who did so much to establish the club. 

The event will involve a number of local businesses and organisations racing against each other; these include Police Scotland, Hopetoun Estate, Scotmid, Queensferry Medical Practice, QCCC, Scottish Parliament Broadcasting Teams and New Forth Crossing.

The racing starts at 11:00am with heats at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00 with the Final at 14:30.  After the Final there will a session for anyone who wishes to give rowing a try.  The event is going ahead with the much appreciated assistance of North Queensferry Rowing Club, ActivCity Funding and City of Edinburgh Council.

Words and Photo from Donal Ferrie of Queensferry Rowing Club

Edinburgh Airport is expanding to form a new security hall promised to sort out any queuing on departure from the capital by air.

Today there was a ‘topping out’ ceremony to mark the completion of the building to its full height. This does not mean the building is finished however. It will take until November before the new part of the terminal can be opened to the public. But Edinburgh Airport are very pleased with the way the contract is going, and invited The Edinburgh Reporter along to witness the event.

CEO of Edinburgh Airport Gordon Dewar got his hands a bit dirty today to help things along, ably helped by local MSP Colin Keir.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w17INLLZV3c?list=UUpyjaNvEF_ryiKTJ6QxCkIA]

The new report issued today by the Royal Society of Edinburgh into digital participation says that the step change proposed by the Scottish Government needs to step up a gear.

They conclude that the government will have to spend £100m to ensure that there is no widening of the digital divide across the country, but that the divide is not all about geography.

We spoke to the chair of the RSE Inquiry, Professor Alan Fourman about the findings

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxO7S7MySPM]

You can download the report here.