Police Scotland in Edinburgh have confirmed that a 76-year-old man died in a road traffic collision in the city centre last night.

The man, who is not being named until relatives have been informed, was involved in a collision with a vehicle, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Road Policing Sergeant Neil Inglis, who is in charge of the investigation, said: “This was a tragic incident where a man has sadly lost his life and I am appealing for any witnesses who were on Waverley Bridge around 5pm tonight (Monday, May 19, 2014) to contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Pensioner dies on Waverley Bridge – Community Access to Schools – RSNO Season Finale! Symphony of a Thousand – Meadows Festival – Hidden Door Art Auction

A 76 year-old pensioner died yesterday evening on Waverley Bridge after being struck by a car near the pedestrian ramp entrance to the railway station.

Police are asking for any witnesses to the incident to come forward with any information.

***

When the Education Committee meets today they will focus their attention on the community access to schools. The  eight community high schools across the city are designed to be used by people in the local community ‘after hours’, but now the council wants to introduce primary school buildings into that letting arrangement.

The council has been examining ways of increasing the use of school buildings outwith normal school hours. The buildings are already used by adult education classes but it was hoped this review might unearth some other possibilities. At present the council support given to the community high schools is £3.2m against income generated of £1.87m.

The council will put extra staffing in place to cope with these community programmes, and in view of the extra staff any allowances made to head teachers of community high schools will no longer be paid. The council will consult with the trade unions on the proposed new arrangements and employing new staff. They have developed an online booking system which is currently being tested to make it an easy task to book a school for your event, and a scale of charges has been devised.

This scale of charges means that if you hire a sport hall from the council it might cost £35 in future as opposed to around £31 now, although other charges such as the hire of a gym or pool will reduce by a small margin. The council estimate that they will generate about £1.04m of income in future years by levelling out all of the charges and ensuring that they are the same across the city.

Charges for adult education classes are also to be set this morning. A course at Drummond Community High School for example will cost £58 this year but rise to £60 next year.

From 2016 the cost for all courses at all schools will be the same and the full fee payable will be £60.

Other items on the agenda include new classrooms for certain primary schools where overcrowding is envisaged. The council expect to be educating 31,000 pupils in 2019, and so is introducing a recommendation to build standalone classrooms such as those already constructed at Granton, Wardie and Trinity Primary Schools which the council consider to have been well received.  

***

On Friday 30 May 2014 | 7.30pm The RSNO will play the Mahler Symphony No8 Symphony of a Thousand

Peter Oundjian (CONDUCTOR)
Erin Wall (SOPRANO I)
Elizabeth Llewellyn (SOPRANO II)
Sarah Tynan (SOPRANO III)
Caitlin Hulcup (MEZZO-SOPRANO I)
Susan Platts (MEZZO-SOPRANO II)
Simon O’Neill (TENOR)
Luthando Qave (BARITONE)
Jonathan Lemalu (BARITONE)

RSNO Chorus
RSNO Junior Chorus
Royal Scottish National Orchestra

More information and tickets here.

***

A reminder about the Meadows Festival which takes place on 7 and 8 June – and yes it takes place in The Meadows!

Live music, food stalls, football and many other family attractions. They are looking for volunteers to help them set up.

***

Police in Edinburgh are currently dealing with a fatal road traffic accident on Waverley Bridge, which happened shortly after 5pm.

Traffic in the area is congested as Waverley Bridge is completely closed, and will remain so for some hours while full accident investigations are carried out.

The accident involved a man being struck by a car on the bridge near to the pedestrian ramp entrance to Waverley Station.

Details of the victim will be released once next-of-kin are notified.

There are currently 12 places remaining on this year’s Summer Youth Theatre Project which takes place at Southside Community Centre from June 30th – July 11th.

Supported by The City of Edinburgh Council’s Department of Children and Families, this intensive theatre project involves around 40 young people with varying degrees of experience over a two week period.  The young people meet daily for three hours in the morning, with optional workshops to further develop different theatre skills such as improvisation, movement, mime, voice, script writing and prop making taking place each afternoon from Thursday July 3rd. Participants use these skills to devise their own production which is presented to the public on the final night of the project.

Further information / Application forms from http://www.livedrama.co.uk/

Submitted by Rebecca Kilbey

Visitors to the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway last week were treated to an extra large slice of nostalgia courtesy of a group of enthusiasts who hired the scenic heritage line for a four day photo shoot starring the beautiful Sir Nigel Gresley designed LNER locomotive, Morayshire, which is maintained and operated by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS) at Bo’ness for owners National Museums Scotland.

This photo shows Morayshire, BR number 62712, newly painted in British Rail Lined Black complete with early British Railways Lion & Wheel Crest at Birkhill Station. It is the first time in over 50 years Morayshire has been in BR black livery and hundreds of visitors are expected to attend the Mixed Traffic Gala at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway which will mark the occasion of Morayshire’s  first ever gala in this livery on 31 May and 1 June.

 For bookings have a look at the website

Photo ©Neil Cave 2014 – TimeLine Events.

Thinking of going on holiday through Edinburgh Airport soon? Now you can do it in some style.

No.1 Traveller have just opened their promised lounge at Edinburgh Airport which will allow you to be collected by chauffeur from your front door, whisked through the airport like a VIP using the Fast Track service and left luxuriating in the lounge till your flight is ready to leave. You may still have to take your laptop out of your bag to clear security, but the experience is designed to be as stress free as it can be.

When in the lounge the food will be freshly prepared throughout the day and a choice of seasonal dishes can be made to order. As well as newspapers and a TV with news there is wireless internet access.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to CEO and Founder, Phil Cameron, who told us all about it:-

The Edinburgh Reporter was given the chauffeur driven experience earlier today and it was something we would really like to get used to!

Entry to the lounge alone is £22.50 in advance or £27.50 at the door.  You will find the No.1 Traveller lounge on the right after you have passed through security, and it is open daily from 4.30am till 9.00pm.

Book your travel needs here on No.1 Traveller.

Online as well as on the forecourt

Peter Vardy brings in a team of digital professionals

Peter Vardy, the car company that claims it is always ahead of the game, has appointed a team of nine young digital professionals to ensure that the automotive retailing group is always up to speed with the latest technology.

Recognising that the online experience of car buying deserves as much attention as Peter Vardy’s award-winning showroom sales journey, the company is taking on nine Digital Marketing Executives to work within its eleven dealerships across Scotland.

The new appointments will give each site a distinct online personality and they further illustrate Peter Vardy’s determination to remain at the forefront of digital innovation in an interconnected age.

The digital professionals will introduce online guests to an enriched, interactive and inclusive experience, with first class photography and video about the cars of their choice, as well as tapping into all the latest trends on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Peter Vardy’s Digital Marketing Manager Euan A Cameron said: “This is another ahead-of-the-curve initiative from a company which pulls out all the stops to make buying a car a great day for the most important people in the process – our guests.

“Our digital professionals know that our guests want to research and investigate the best deals possible and they are geared up to make that online decision-making as interesting and as informative as they can.”

New Digital Marketing Executive Rebekah Fraser at Peter Vardy’s Vauxhall Dalgety Bay outlet said: “We want people to have as much information as possible, so I spend each morning checking that all our cars are correctly advertised on petervardy.com and other third party sites including Auto Trader.

“Another part of my job is to update social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to give Peter Vardy Dalgety Bay a unique personality.”

Kabir Akram, the new digital professional at BMW Edinburgh, said: “My main role is to provide social media content and to help with digital strategy at a local level. I am really looking forward to seeing the company grow digitally.

“A big part of my job is CitNOW video, a 360 degree walk round of a car which we can send to our guests via email. We can show specific parts of the car to give guests the input they need to make an informed decision.

Euan and his new team of Digital Marketing Executives look forward to making the Peter Vardy car buying experience even better than it is today.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a leopard gecko was dumped inside a plastic container in Edinburgh.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Thursday (15 May) after the lizard was found under a bush in a communal garden in the Silvermills area.

Inspector Emma Phillips said, “Abandoning the gecko in a plastic tub was extremely cruel and whoever did this couldn’t have been sure he would receive the help he needed.

“He was left inside a clear plastic container with air-holes, but there was no guarantee he would have been discovered.

“We’re asking anyone who recognises this gecko or saw someone in the area acting suspiciously to contact us on 03000 999 999.

“Thankfully, the gecko is in good health and has already been offered a new home where he will receive the care and attention he needs.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Photos  by Scottish SPCA

Monday 19th May 2014

Getting Started with your i-pad: Drop-in session, beginners welcome.  4-7pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace.  Part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Monthly Book Group: currently discussing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘Americanah‘.  To join email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk with your contact details.  6-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge, call 0131 622 8218 for more information.

Live Life to the Full – a group open to female carers over 60 to provide respite from their caring responsibilities at home.  A sociable and active group led by Hellen Blyth.  10.30am-12 noon every Monday until 14th July 2014.  Free. St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace (off Dalry Rd), tel: 0131 346 1405.

Kirstine Roepstorff exhibition  – how does a tone, time or the feeling of summer manifest itself within visual perception?  Continues until 19th June 2014 (open Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm) at the Danish Cultural Institute, 3 Doune Terrace, tel: 0131 225 7189.

Tuesday 20th May 2014

Flora & Fauna: AristoCats – exhibition of work including paintings, collage, cards and bags by Midlothian Community Access Team.  11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday at The Gallery on the Corner, Northumberland Street, tel: 0131 557 8969.  Exhibition continues until 30th May (closed Sundays and Mondays.)  The Gallery on the Corner represents and supports artists who have a physical or mental health condition or who are from a disadvantaged background.  Part of Autism Ventures Scotland.

Scots Music Group Cafe Ceilidh hosted by the Linten Adie singing group.  A friendly afternoon of Scots Traditional and contemporary songs and music – bring along a tune or a song or simply come and listen.  1.30-3.30pm St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace (off Dalry Road.)  For further information contact Mary Watt on 01573 223515 or email mary.m.watt@gmail.com.  Also see www.scotsmusic.org

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Angus Konstam, author of Bannnockburn: Scotland’s Greatest Battle for Independence, published to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the battle that helped to define the Britain we know today. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge.  Free tickets from the shop’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218.  More information from Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Mysteries of Social Media: how to use Facebook & Twitter.  Drop-in session, 2-3pm, Blackhall Library, Hillhouse Road.  Part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Extreme Crystallography: Towards Infinity but not necessarily Beyond.  Professor Malcolm MacMahon from the University of Edinburgh School of Physics and Astronomy gives the second in a series of free talks to celebrate 2014: The International Year of Crystallography.  6.30-7.30pm (doors open 6pm), Cairns Lecture Theatre, Summerhall.  Tickets must be booked via eventbrite.  Aimed at ages 16+ but all welcome.

University of Edinburgh – Question Time: award-winning journalist Bill Jamieson chairs a debate on the Scottish Independence Referendum and Entrepreneurship with an expert panel of politicians, economists and financial commentators.  6-7.30pm, George Square Lecture Theatre, Buccleuch Place.  Free but tickets must be booked via eventbrite.

University of Edinburgh Reid School of Music: BMus Final Year Recitals.  Reid School of Music and other venues – see website for details of performers and locations.  Free and open to the public.  9am-5.15pm (continues on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd, times vary.)

Embodiment: preview event for exhibition of paintings by Edinburgh-based graphic designer Alan Lennon.  6-8pm, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court (next to Muirhouse Library.)  Tel: 0131 315 2151 for more information.

North Edinburgh Grows Drop-In Sessions. Learn how to grow your own vegetables, fruit and herbs.  Relaxed, informal sessions every Tuesday 1-4pm, no experience necessary – for ages 16+ but you are welcome to bring your children with you.  Contact North Edinburgh Grows Co-Ordinator, Valla on 0131 315 6408 or northedinburghgrows@gmail.com for more information.  North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court (next to Muirhouse Library)

Road to the Referendum: half day session which will consider some of the background issues as well as hard facts and statistics which should inform the debate leading to the Referendum  Facilitated by Alex Wood, experienced  teacher and adult tutor. Part of Adult Learners’ Week.  2-4.30pm, Kirkliston Library.  To book, email kirkliston.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5510.

Wednesday 21st May 2014

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

Collective Gallery – tour of the exhibitions led by Gallery assistants and exhibition staff.  1pm, no booking required, free.  Collective Gallery, City Observatory, Calton Hill.  Tel: 0131 556 1264.

The Edinburgh Lectures: Beam Me Up Scotty – Professor Tom Devine OBE discusses the global impact of the Scottish people over the last three centuries.  6pm, Hawthornden Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound (Gardens Entrance).  Tickets are £5 and must be bought in advance, either in person from the Usher Hall box office or by calling 0131 228 1155 or online at www.usherhall.co.uk.

e-books for beginners: find out how easy it is to download free e-books from the library website. Bring your own i-pad, tablet, Kindle Fire or e-book reader or have a go on one of the library’s own.  2-4pm Morningside Library, Morningside Rd.  To book email morningside.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5654.

The Strange Case of James Hogg ‘the Ettrick Shepherd’, a talk by Robin Baillie.  12.45-1.15pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen St.  Free, no booking required.

Book Cafe: come along for a chat about books, library resources, e-books and book groups, and enjoy a free cup of tea too.  2.30-3.30pm, Ratho Library, School Wynd.  No booking required.  Part of Adult Learners’ Week.

The Taylor Wessing Prize – a descriptive tour/workshop for the visually impaired; 10am-3.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen St.  Free but booking required on 0131 624 6560.

Make Your Own Hanging Basket: materials provided free by Bridgend Growing Communities. 2.30-3.30pm Gilmerton Library.  To book email gilmerton.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5628.  Part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Christopher A Whatley: The Scots and the Union: Then and Now.  The cornerstone text on the Union of Scotland and England brought up to date in the face of present day debate on independence.  6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge.  Free tickets from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218.  For more information call Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

University of Edinburgh Reid School of Music: BMus Final Year Recitals.  Reid School of Music and other venues – see website for details of locations and performers.  12 noon to 8pm (continues on Thursday 22nd.)

Road to the Referendum: Part 1 of 4.  Four week course considering the history, politics, culture and literature – as well as some hard facts & statistics – which should inform the debate leading to the Referendum.  Facilitated by Alex Wood, experienced teacher and adult tutor.  10.30am-12.30pm, Portobello Library.  To book email portobello.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5558

Road to the Referendum: Part 1 of 4 – course as above, 6-8pm Morningside Library, Morningside Road.  To book email morningside.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5654.

Road to the Referendum: half day session considering some of the background issues – as well as some hard facts & statistics – which should inform the debate leading to the Referendum. Facilitator Alex Wood (see above).  2-4.30pm Central Library, George IV Bridge.  Bookings via eventbrite.

Diane’s Drop-In: IT advice.  Drop-in session for anyone new to computer use.  2-4pm, Leith Library, Ferry Road.  Part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Ryan Van Winkle: Nothing But The Poem: join Edinburgh Libraries’ Poet in Residence to read and discuss a poem.  No experience needed, nothing to fear!  6.30-8pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge.   Book via eventbrite.

Over My Dead Body: Hazel McHaffie will discuss her most recent novel, set in the world of medical ethics.  6.45-7.45pm, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan.  To book email corstorphine.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5506.

Thursday 22nd May 2014

Social group for those aged 65+.  All welcome; come along, have a cup of tea and a chat, and help to choose the group’s future activities – anything from arts and crafts to visiting speakers.  Free.  Every Thursday 12.30-2.30pm until 5th June 2014 at St Brides Community Centre, 10 Orwell Place (off Dalry Rd.)  For more information or if you need help to attend, please contact Katie from the Community Connecting Project on 0131 225 8508.

Word Power Books and the University of Edinburgh Centre for South Asian Studies present Meena Kandasamy, poet, writer, activist and translator, who is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Meena will discuss her debut novel, The Gypsy Goddess.  4pm, David Hume Tower Conference Room, George Square, University of Edinburgh.  Free, all welcome.  Word Power Books: 0131 662 9112.

University of Edinburgh Reid School of Music: BMus Final Year Recitals, Reid School of Music and other venues.  12noon to 5.15pm, see website for details of locations and performers.  Free and open to the public.

e-books for beginners: find out how easy it is to download free e-books from the library website. Bring your own i-pad, tablet, Kindle Fire or e-book reader or have a go on one of the library’s own.  2-4pm, Portobello Library. To book call 0131 529 5558 or email  portobello.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Getting started with your i-pad: learn the basics of using apps, internet & photos.  2-4pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place.  To book email stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5665.

North Edinburgh Arts: Garden Gang – creative garden workshops for 8-14 year olds, 3.30-5pm every Thursday.  Drop in, make something arty for the garden and enjoy hot chocolate and healthy snacks.  For more information contact North Edinburgh Grows co-ordinator, Valla on 0131 351 6408 or email northedinburghgrows@gmail.com.

Life Writing: creative writing session with Nicky Melville. 2-4pm, Currie Library, Currie.  To book email currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5609.

e-books for beginners: 11am-1pm, MacDonald Road Library, MacDonald Road.

My Story: Writing To Relax.  With support and encouragement from Dorothy Baird, adult tutor and poet.  All levels welcome. 1-3pm,  Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Road.  To book email muirhouse.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5528.  Part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Friday 23rd May 2014

Still Life with Bird’s Nest.  A talk by Dr Tico Seifert on Jan van Huysum’s painting.  Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. 12.45-1.15pm, free, no booking required.

Book Cafe: come along for a chat about books, library resources, e-books and book groups, and enjoy a free cup of tea too.  No booking required, just pop in! 2.30-3.30pm, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan.

Michael Dix: The Idolisation of Scale.  Preview of new exhibition investigating the idea of scale through a series of paintings.  5.30-8.30pm, Alpha Art, Hamilton Place, tel: 0131 226 3066.  Exhibition then continues during normal gallery hours until 15th June (NB closed Weds.) www.alpha-art.co.uk

e-books for beginners:  find out how easy it is to download free e-books from the library website. Bring your own i-pad, tablet, Kindle Fire or e-book reader or have a go on one of the library’s own.  2-4pm, Sighthill Library, Sighthill Road.  To book email sighthill.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5566.

Stirling Chorale, USA: Lunchtime Concert, 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.

Snug Lab: Assembly Roxy‘s first of a series of nights launches with an eclectic mix of musicians, fine art, graphic designers and visual artists.  Live music from Liam Kidd, Timo Preece and Frequent Flyers.  7.30-11pm, The Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place.  Tickets £5, available from eventbrite or on the door.

Saturday 24th May 2014

Sarah Knox: Shorelines.  Pop-up exhibition, 10am-7pm at Marchmont Gallery, 56 Warrender Park Road. Enquiries: 0131 228 8228 or  enquiries@marchmontgallery.com

Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show – today until 1st June.  Lauriston Place Campus, 11am-5pm with late opening to 8pm on Weds 28th and Thurs 29th.  Free entry.

e-books for beginners: find out how easy it is to download free e-books from the library website.  Bring your own i-pad, tablet, Kindle Fire or e-book reader or have a go on one of the library’s own. 10.30am-12.30pm, South Queensferry Library, Shore Road.  To book email southqueensferry.library@edinburgh.gov.uk  or call 0131 529 5576.

Bohemia Moon Arts, Crafts, Vintage and Design fair with Spring Cafe.  10.30am-4.30pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free entry.

Book Cafe:  come along for a chat about books, library resources, e-books and book groups, and enjoy a free cup of tea too.  No booking required, just pop in!  11am-12.30pm, Leith Library, Ferry Road.

Letts Monster Practice Event: come and join in Monster fun with Letts Monster Practice activities – ways for children aged 5-6 to learn English and Maths skills.  11am-3pm, Waterstones West End (Princes St), tel: 0131 226 2666 for further details.

Chris Kent: The Golem – Chris will give an illustrated talk about his latest graphic novel, The Golem, a Victorian tale of jealousy and revenge.  2.30-3.30pm,  Central Library, George IV Bridge.  Part of Adult Learners’ Week.  Book via eventbrite.

Fancy a day out of Edinburgh?  East Neuk Open Studios starts today and continues on 25th May, 31st May and 1st June, 10.30am-6.30pm. Follow the red balloon trail to meet the artists responsible for an exciting range of paintings, textile, prints, jewellery and more.  Free, see website for details of individual venues in Cellardyke, Pittenweem, Crail, St Monans and elsewhere.

Sunday 25th May 2014

Meet the Ancestors – Tales from the Forest.  Hear traditional tales about the natural world with storyteller Susan Wilson.  For ages 7+, 2pm, 2.45pm and 3.30pm (30 minute sessions), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.  Free.

Lego Minifigures Character Encyclopaedia Swapshop: the 5th Lego Swapshop is taking place at Waterstones Cameron Toll at 3pm.   Come & trade with everyone to get the rare minifigure you’ve been after, or make your own minifigure for Waterstone’s Gallery of Awesome.  More details on 0131 666 1866

St Giles At Six: Concert – Neil Mantle (horn), Roderick Long (violin) and Richard Beauchamp (piano) perform Lennox Berkeley Horn Trio Op 44, Johannes Brahms Horn Trio Op 40.  6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.

Football

Hibs will face Hamilton in a two legged play off to decide whether they remain in the SPFL next season or follow Hearts into the Championship. The first leg will be played on Wednesday night in Hamilton and the second leg will be at Easter Road on Sunday.

Hamilton beat Falkirk 2-1 on aggregate to win the right to face Terry Butcher’s men.

Congratulations to St Johnstone who won the Scottish Cup for the first time in their history with a 2-0 win over Dundee United at Celtic Park. Former Hibs’ midfielder David Wotherspoon, who was left out of the Pat Fenlon’s squads against Hearts and Celtic set up the first goal and had a fine performance.

Commiserations to Edinburgh born Allan McGregor who played in goal for Hull City in their narrow FA Cup Final defeat to Arsenal. City led 2-0 after eight minutes before the Gunners fought back to win the trophy in extra time.

Women’s Football

Hibernian Ladies beat Buchan 9-1 away from home whilst Spartans won 11-0 against Inverness at Ainslie Park. Hutchison Vale lost 0-9 to Glasgow City.

Speedway

The Scotwaste Monarchs made it 12 wins out of 12 in their amazing start to the season with a 56-36 win over Ipswich Witches. That is the best anyone has done at any stage of the season since the current Premier League started in 1997, but unfortunately it was at the expense of an injury to Aaron Fox.

Afterwards John Campbell said “I think Aaron might be OK, and I really hope so because he was excellent and would be so hard to replace if we have to ride without him.”

He was released from hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning having had the nasty gash on his right thigh stitched.

Aaron later told the club website: “They’ve pulled the wound back together and stitched it up

“Initially, after the crash, I didn’t have any feeling in my leg and I feared the worst but as the feeling returned and I was able to move my leg I knew I hadn’t broken anything. I’ll heal fairly quickly but my kevlars were not so lucky. They were cut off and now they are only good for the bucket. I’m told that there was some fundraising going on in the stadium to help me replace them and I’m very grateful for that and any help that I can get. There’s some damage to the bike as well that I’ll have to fix. Some bits to straighten and some to replace.”

The Edinburgh Reporter wishes Aaron a speedy recovery.

Safer Travel Day – Foster in Scotland Day – Police Boxes – Edinburgh College Employment Fair

Police Scotland is promoting safe travel to airport passengers as part of an event taking place at Edinburgh Airport today.

Police Scotland’s Border Policing Command is running a ‘Safer Travel Day’ where advice and guidance will be offered to passengers on how they can keep themselves safe while travelling.

There will be two stalls situated within the terminal building, where police officers and airport staff will be on hand to provide advice and guidance.

They will hand out leaflets to passengers containing a range of tips on safe travel, from crime prevention and personal safety advice, to who to contact in an emergency when abroad. The intention is to ensure that passengers are equipped with the information they need to have as safe a journey as possible, from airport to destination.

There will also be similar events held at Aberdeen, Glasgow and Prestwick airports.

Sergeant Stevie Amabile, based at Edinburgh Airport, said: “We are always looking for different ways to engage with the public and staff at Edinburgh Airport, and this event is another opportunity to raise awareness of the security issues when travelling by air. We will also be providing crime prevention information to help keep people safe as they travel between destinations.

The Edinburgh Reporter hopes to travel safely to the airport today – by chauffeur driven limo…. More on that adventure later!

***

People across Scotland are being asked to think about the amazing work that foster carers do on Monday 19 May, Fostering in Scotland Day.

The special day is an opportunity to celebrate the work that thousands of foster families do across the country, as part of the Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight (12-25 May).

Some 4,400 foster families look after more than 5,300 fostered children on any one day in Scotland. Despite Scottish people being extremely positive and confident about foster care, there is a need for a further 850 families to be found across the next 12 months.

A recent poll found that:

• 73 per cent of the Scottish population felt positive about foster carers and the work that they do;
• 23 per cent said they would consider becoming a foster carer now or in the future;
• 33 per cent think they would be very or fairly likely to be accepted as foster carers if they applied with the next two years.

This is compared with a UK average of 28 per cent, and is higher than in Northern Ireland, Wales or any English region. Across the UK, the poll found that younger people, those over 55, single people and those with no children were less likely to think they could be accepted. Fostering in Scotland Day gives a real opportunity to bust these myths, as in fact:

• There is no legal minimum age to become a foster carer, though in general they will be 21+;
• There is also no official upper age limit on being a foster carer;
• Single people can foster as well as married or cohabiting couples;
• There are many gay and lesbian foster carers;
• Foster carers do not need to own their own home;
• People don’t have to be parents to foster.

What is important is that foster carers have the right skills and qualities to look after children separated from their own families, who have often experienced abuse or neglect. Discover what these skills and qualities are with our skills checklist, explore the different types of fostering and learn about the road to fostering.

Director of the Fostering Network Scotland, Sara Lurie said: “Today is real opportunity to focus on foster carers in Scotland and the amazing work that they do, and to encourage others to see if they have the skills and qualities needed to foster.

“We’ll be sharing the stories of fantastic foster carers and care leavers on social media throughout the day – join us on Twitter at #FCF2014.

Natalie Innes, from South Lanarkshire, became a foster carer five years ago when she was 24. She says: “Fostering is something that brings so much to our family life. Being a foster carer is an immensely rewarding life and I can’t see myself doing anything else.
“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they might have the skills to care for vulnerable children to get in touch with a fostering service and to see if it’s for them. If you have patience, love in your heart and room in your home why not see if you can give a vulnerable child a new start?”
19-year-old Shannon Mamara said: “I have been in foster care for nine years and have been lucky enough to stay with the same foster family. Carol and Billy and their family never made me feel out of place, they all made me feel so welcome and made it feel like my home too.

“I didn’t get on well at school, but started in college to study hairdressing and have managed to get some amazing qualifications. There is no way I would have got them if it hadn’t been for my foster carers pushing me to try my best.

“I wouldn’t change this family for the world, they are my family now and will always be part of my life.”

Foster Care Fortnight is supported by children’s minister Aileen Campbell MSP. She said: “I am grateful to those people who, already open up their homes and commit themselves to provide care and support for some of our most vulnerable children.

“I fully support this year’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign, which aims to encourage even more people, from a wide and varied range of backgrounds, to consider whether they too could provide a safe, supportive and secure family life and give a brighter future for those children, by applying to become a foster carer.”

To find out more about fostering and becoming a foster carer, see www.couldyoufoster.org.uk, contact Fosterline Scotland on 0141 204 1400 orfosterlinescotland@fostering.net, or contact your local fostering service.

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Any idea where our Police Box of the day is? There are many of them across the city, sometimes in rather unusual places. No prizes – but you could always leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Last day today to go and see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.

Dates: Sat 3-Mon 5 May & Sat 17-Mon 19 May
Times: 12:00-16:00
Cost: Free, drop-in

Enjoy holiday weekend activities, including crafts, stories and object handling inspired by incredible images of the natural world from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Magic Carpet

Each day we have two special themed Magic Carpet story activity sessions for under 5s – one at 11:30 and one at 14:30. Limited places, sign up at the Lighthouse Lens in the Grand Gallery 10 mins before start time.

Hands on activities

There’s also a different hands-on activity each day, inspired by the exhibition. Come to the Learning Centre on Level 4 between 12:00 – 16:00 and make:
Date: Saturdays 3 &17 make an animal thaumatrope
Date: Sundays 4 & 18 make a cyanotype photogram
Date: Monday 5 & 19 make a wildlife mask

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Sunday 18 May 2014 – Heart and Soul, and a VERY BIG drawing!

Curing What Ails You: Medicine in the 1940s.  The Lothian Health Service Archivist will talk about the advancements in medicine that took place during this period, with an exploration of the Service’s Archive and a chance to see rarely displayed items.  St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street, 11-11.45am.  Tickets free but must be booked via eventbrite. A Festival of Museums event.

Dynamic, Participative and HUGE! – artist Damian Callan (who we met last year at the airport) will continue to work on a huge charcoal drawing inspired by the City Arts Centre’s A Capital View exhibition.  Watch the artwork grow and model for one of the figures in it.  Free, all ages, 12-5pm.  To book call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

Electrifying the Guitar: Musical Instruments in the 1940s.  During the 1940s, the first solid body for the electric guitar was created, making the Rock& Roll movement possible.  This talk will look at the development of one of the world’s most iconic instruments & the technology that led to a revolution. 12-12.45pm St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street.  Free but booking essential via eventbrite.  A Festival of Museums event.

Winging It: Civil & Military Aviation in the 1940s.  Two aviation experts will talk about two very different strands of aviation in Edinburgh at the time. 2-3pm, St Cecilia’s Hall.  Free but must be booked via eventbrite.  Part of the Festival of Museums.

Victory Kitchen Tea Party: a family event at which parents & children alike can learn about life in Edinburgh in the 1940s.  2.30-4.30pm St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street.  Free but booking essential via eventbrite. A Festival of Museums event.

Blackwell’s Teenage Book Group – join in to talk about your favourite books and the latest in teenage fiction.  From classics to contemporary, dystopian to historical – the choice is yours.  Currently reading Sally Green’s Half Bad.  2-3pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge.  To join, email your details to schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Members receive a 10% discount on all books read by the group.

Heart and Soul: Hands Across the World.  The Church of Scotland celebrates the life of the church through its international heritage: music, swing band, seminars, exhibitors, children’s activities, youth tent.  1-6pm, Princes Street Gardens.  Free entry.  More details on the Heart & Soul website.

Call to Remembrance: a World War One family roadshow. Scotland’s War Project team will help you to trace your family’s involvement in the Great War.  Bring along old papers, photos and documents to get guidance in tracing service records and help in identifying regiments, cap badges, medals, etc.  Learn about the local impact of the war in the Lothians.  See some iconic WWI items from the collections and learn about the interpretative & conservation work of Edinburgh’s Museums & Galleries.  All ages, free.  1pm onwards at Lauriston Castle Gardens, 2a Cramond Road South.  tel: 0131 336 2060 or 0131 336 1921.

Please note this event is in the Gardens: there is an admission charge to the Castle itself.  Part of the Festival of Museums.

Stockbridge Market – VIBES Awards – Photography Exhibition – European Elections – At the Filmhouse today

We have grown quite fond of Sundays in Stockbridge with a bacon wrap from one stall at Stockbridge Market and a coffee from another run by Steampunk Coffee Company (housed in a VW camper van). What are your favourite things to do in Edinburgh on Sundays? 

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Applications for the 15^th annual Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards are now open and businesses in Edinburgh are being encouraged to enter the search for Scotland’s greenest business.

The VIBES Awards is Scotland’s leading environmental awards scheme, recognising businesses that contribute to Scotland’s sustainable development through improving process or developing new products and services.  The awards are free to enter and entries can be submitted until 11 July 2014.

The awards aim to encourage efficient use of resources, enhance business competitiveness, improve environmental performance and support wider sustainable development goals.  There are seven awards categories open for entry: Management, Environmental Product or Service, Transport, Co-operation, Hydro-Nation, Circular Economy and Micro Business.

Winners of the 2013 VIBES Awards include Airdrie based, Albert Bartlett & Sons Ltd., Dryden Aqua Ltd., Rabbie’s Small Group Tours and Vegware from Edinburgh, Whitmuir Organics from West Linton, Peeblesshire and Biomatrix Water Solutions in Morayshire.

Gillian Bruce, Chair of VIBES, commented: “The VIBES Awards have been recognising champions of sustainability for 15 years and have engaged with businesses across the country from a wide range of sectors.

“We want to continue to encourage the great work being done by so many businesses that are working to make Scotland more environmentally aware and would be very keen to hear from businesses in Edinburgh”

Sponsoring the event this year are Business Stream, Albert Bartlett and Sons Ltd, ScottishPower, Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland, Lothian Buses Ltd., NetRegs and the University of Stirling Management Centre.

Lothian Buses were 2012 winners of the Transport section for running the first hybrid double decker fleet in Scotland.

VIBES has also teamed up with former winners to host free-to-attend events to give interested businesses information about the awards and how to enter.  Dryden Aqua Ltd. are hosting an event in Edinburgh on 20^th May followed by an event in Forres hosted by Biomatrix Water on 22^nd May.  Businesses interested in registering should contact vibes@sepa.org.uk.

The VIBES Awards are a strategic partnership between Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, Energy Saving Trust and the 20:20 Climate Group.  The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and Bright Green Business.

The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www.rsaaccreditation.org).

For more information or to obtain an application form for the VIBES Awards visit www.vibes.org.uk.  Facebook: www.vibes.org.uk Twitter:@VIBES_Awards

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At the Botanics you can have a walk around an outdoor photography exhibition – the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition.

Time:10.00 am — 5.45 pm

Location:Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (find us)

Venue:John Hope Gateway Decking (outdoors)

Price:Free

Booking:No booking required

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The new Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has described the moment he was installed this morning in Edinburgh as a “humbling and uplifting” experience.

The Right Rev John Chalmers received the millennium cross and ring from Very Rev Lorna Hood as he was installed as the 86^th Moderator of the modern era.

“There was an extraordinary sense in which the whole Church is behind you,” Mr Chalmers said.

“It is both humbling and uplifting at one and the same time. It will be a very special year ahead.”

This is the text of the Queen’s letter which Prince Edward brought on Her Majesty’s behalf:

“Right Reverend and Well Beloved, We Greet You Well. We gladly renew on this Occasion Our pledge to preserve and uphold the rights and privileges of the Church of Scotland. In doing so, We acknowledge, with Gratitude to Almighty God, the Church’s steadfast witness to the Christian faith and its services to our people in Scotland and in many lands overseas.

Throughout the history of Scotland, the Church of Scotland has played a key part in shaping the governance of Scotland and Scottish society.

“We recognise that contained within the articles declaratory of the Church of Scotland, church and state hold mutual duties towards one another.

“So in this important year of referendum we pray that whatever the outcome, people of faith and people of goodwill will work together for the social good of Scotland.

“We recognise too the important role that the church can play in holding the people of Scotland together, in healing divisions and in safeguarding the interests of the most vulnerable.

“In this year in which Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, we commend to you those who will come from around the world as competitors and spectators.

“We are confident that the church will play its full part in welcoming, supporting and extending the hand of friendship to the diverse peoples of the Commonwealth.

“This year the First World War will be remembered, when people around the world are called to commemorate the valour, courage and sacrifice of so many who gave their lives in the many battles that scarred Europe from 1914 to 1918.

“As well as being a time of commemoration, we believe that it is a time to pray for the peacemakers of the world, and for a day when nations shall live at peace with one another.”

“As always it pleases Us greatly to be informed of the many good works of the Church over this past year and in particular We are greatly encouraged by the joint venture with the Church of England and the Methodist Church in founding the Churches Mutual Credit Union.  We welcome this initiative as another example of the way in which the Churches seek to serve the needs and interests of the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.

“Once again We are conscious that in this Assembly you will give consideration to matters which will lead to passionate debate, in these circumstances We pray that your considerations will be marked by gracious contributions and Our prayers will be for the peace and unity of the Church of Scotland.

“May your faith and courage be strengthened in your deliberations during the week ahead and through the times to come.  As We are unable in Our Own Person to be present at your Assembly this year, We have chosen Our most dearly beloved Son His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Viscount Severn to be Our representative being assured that Our choice will meet with your approval.

And so, praying  that the blessing of Almighty God may attend your deliberations, We bid you heartily farewell.”

Photos Andrew O’Brien

Police Scotland has named the Police Officer who died while he was travelling to work on Friday 16 May 2014 as Constable Mark Murtagh, who was based at Galashiels Police Station.

Constable Murtagh’s motorcycle was in collision with a bus on the A6105 near Earlston, and Road Policing officers are continuing to investigate the incident and are appealing for witnesses.

Chief Superintendent Gillian Imery, Divisional Commander for the Lothian and Scottish Borders Division of Police Scotland, said: “It is with the deepest regret that I can confirm that Constable Mark Murtagh, who served in the Lothian and Scottish Borders Division, has died following Friday’s accident near Earlston.

“Our sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.

“Road Policing Officers are continuing their investigation and I would urge any members of the public who witnessed the collision, or whom believe they can assist with this enquiry to contact Police Scotland immediately by calling 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

In a statement released through Police Scotland, his family paid tribute to him, saying: “Mark was a caring and loving husband, a devoted father and will be greatly missed.

We would ask that the media respect our privacy at this difficult time and allow us to grieve in private.”

BUYERS ARE SNAPPING UP APARTMENTS AT MILLER HOMES’ VARCITY NORTH

As analysts anticipate an increase in property values over the coming months, savvy buyers are snapping up city apartments for a variety of reasons, including investment opportunities or as part of a longer term pension portfolios.

In Edinburgh, Miller Homes’ Varcity North development is seeing the effects of this buyer activity first hand, as over one-third of the apartments coming to market have been sold at their early bird release phase

One of the most popular styles is the type 10, a two bedroom apartment with open plan living and kitchen area, an en-suite in the master bedroom and ample storage throughout, including a separate utility cupboard.

The type 10 apartments will be ready to move into from September/October and are available from only £120,800 now, based on a purchase price of £151,000, with Help to Buy (Scotland) assistance, where a 5% deposit would be required and help with up to 20% of the purchase price could be provided from The Scottish Government.

Anne Marie Britton, Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland said:- “Priced at a very affordable level, Varcity North is an excellent opportunity for people to make their first step onto the property ladder, and for others looking to get a return on investment property.

“There is ample space across the type 10 apartment, making it an appealing buy. As well as open plan living, the apartment’s location is perfect for exploring Edinburgh and beyond.

“With over one-third buying off plan, the results speak for themselves on the quality of build and the right mix of properties that are proving to be highly attractive to buyers.”

Varcity North is a contemporary development which once completed, will consist of 209 apartments across five campuses. Prices start at £102,000 for a one bedroom apartment through to £179,000 for a three bedroom.

Miller Homes participates in the Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme, which is available on properties up to a maximum purchase price of £400k.

Buyers are expected to contribute a deposit of 5% of the full purchase price, with help of up to 20% of the purchase price from the Scottish Government. Buyers will own 100% of their home under the scheme.

Help to Buy (Scotland) assistance is provided by the Scottish Government and is secured over your new home. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

For more information, go to www.millerhomes.co.uk or call 0808 250 6468.

Saturday 17 May – The Festival of Museums

The Object of Art is to Give Life Shape: learn about the popular artistic styles of the 1940s & explore the limitations on available artistic materials.  A demonstration of techniques by Rachel Hosker and Joan Smith will be followed by a chance to have a go yourself.  2-3.30pm, Edinburgh College of Art Sculpture Court, 74 Lauriston Place.  Free but places must be booked via eventbrite.  Part  of the Festival of Museums.

Bruncheon featuring the Sound of Muesli: Bongo Club Performers head down to Leith for the day.  Live music plus a delicious brunch menu at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe.  11.30am-3pm, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street: 0131 500 7100

Out of the Blue Showcase Day and Building Tours: come and get a taste of what’s on offer; drama, music, art and circus skills.  Tours will include artists at work and a look at the building’s architectural and historic significance.  10am-5pm, drop-in, no need to to book.  Call 0131 555 7100 for details.

Surgeons’ Hall: The Great Exhibition – a celebration of the museum as it was, and a chance for you to create artworks and to choose your favourite part of the museum.  Architectural drawing, pathology modelling, forensic skull drawing and bookmaking – sessions throughout the day, with special guests too. Entry free today.  Art events also free but must be booked via the Museum’s eventbrite (which has details of all sessions) to ensure a place. 10am-3pm. Suitable for all ages but under-12s must be accompanied by an adult.  Call 0131 527 1711 for more details.

Wendy Carle Taylor: a special musical performance to mark the last day at the Surgeons’ Hall before it closes for refurbishment.  A selection of songs inspired by Edinburgh’s medical history.  ‘She moves her audience to tears, laughter, shivers and delight.’  5-5.40pm.  Free tickets available via eventbrite.  Contact Surgeons’ Hall for more information: 0131 527 1711. Part of the Festival of Museums.

St Giles’ Cathedral Lunchtime Concert with guitarist Michael Christian Durrant.  12.15pm.

A Broad View: workshop to experiment with unusual format landscape drawings & paper constructions, led by artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb. Adults only. 10.30am-3.30pm, City Arts Centre, 2 Market Street.  Free, but booking required – to book contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

James Craig – Unplugged: Dr Anthony Lewis gives a fascinating insight into the life of James Craig, who at 26 years old won a competition to design Edinburgh’s New Town. 2pm at the City Arts Centre.  Adults only. Free: booking as for A Broad View (above.)  In partnership with the Cockburn Association and Previously….

Participative, dynamic and HUGE...creating a giant performance drawing.  Artist Damien Callan will produce a giant charcoal drawing of a scene in the Centre’s A Capital View exhibition. Visitors can watch the artwork evolve AND can model for figures in the drawing.  Free, all ages, 12-5pm and continuing on Sunday.  Booking as for A Broad View (above.) Part  of the Festival of Museums.

3D Maps – a drop-in workshop for families. Create your own 3D map of Edinburgh.  Free, no booking required, 1.30-3.30pm City Arts Centre. 2 Market Street.

Craft bombing – Fun in St Andrew Square – Edinburgh Trams – Spa in the City – Edinburgh Insider

Did you catch sight of the craft bomb yesterday on the canal? It should still be there if you’re quick!

More information and photos here

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City Centre shoppers will witness a display with a difference today, featuring sumo suits, speed shot and sh’bam.

Edinburgh Leisure’s fun, family friendly event in St Andrew Square is set to inspire the city to have a fitter, more active summer, in Scotland’s year of sport.

In addition to outdoor gym challenges and fitness class tasters, Edinburgh Leisure will offer free passes to the city’s 16 gyms and 10 pools, to help everyone kick-start the pre-summer fitness plan.

Children will love trying out the sumo suits and speed shot, while adults can enjoy the chance to try new kinds of equipment or the latest workout.

There will also be a chance to win a year’s free membership of Edinburgh Leisure.

The outreach event will be promoting Edinburgh Leisure’s popular £35 cashback campaign, which helps members get into the fitness habit with the promise of their joining fee refunded after they have hit the gym an average of 16 times over the course of eight weeks.

This will be the third time Edinburgh Leisure has run the promotion, which has proven a huge success in motivating members to use their membership, get into the fitness habit and see a real lasting benefit in terms of lifestyle change in the longer term.

Ashleigh Murray, Fitness Class Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “What better way to try one of our fun taster classes than out in the sunshine with our fantastic team of fitness professionals.

“There is also a load of other great activities for all ages and abilities, so we hope to get as many people involved as possible on Saturday, and inspire the city to enjoy a fit and active summer.”

Edinburgh Leisure is offering the Cashback promotion for its full range of membership packages until June 30^th. Existing members are also being offered a reward of £25 for referring a friend.

Edinburgh Leisure manages 30 venues on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, providing the widest range of fitness classes, state-of-the-art facilities and community based programmes across the capital.

For further information about Edinburgh Leisure venues and memberships visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

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Edinburgh Trams want you to get aboard a tram this weekend. No sadly they will not take you anywhere just yet, but they do want you to familiarise yourself with the tram and how to buy a ticket.

Read more here.

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Next weekend St Andrew Square will be turned into a Spa in the City! Read more here about the event – and how to win a goody bag!

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Our editor has been quoted as someone who knows about Edinburgh…..along with some other locals in the know!

 

Their opponents were the side that had thrashed them 5-1 in the Scottish Cup final of 1996 – Rangers. Ibrox boss Walter Smith conceded that Hearts were a much improved team from the one that capitulated two years earlier but the Govan men were still firm favourites for the trophy. More than 48,000 supporters headed for Celtic Park on a warm May afternoon to witness one of the most emotional cup finals in recent years.

It was a sign of the cosmopolitan times that, of the Rangers side, only Gordon Durie and Ian Ferguson were born in Scotland (Gough was born in Stockholm while Goram and McCall were born in England of Scottish parentage). Even the Hearts side contained two Frenchman, an Italian and an Austrian. 

“Eastre, Hymn to the Sun”, a sculpture valued at £12,000-18,000, by Scottish Colourist John Duncan Fergusson, which lay under his bed for three years before he could afford to have it cast, will be sold by  Edinburgh auctioneers, Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh on 22 May 2014.

The sculpture is part of a unique collection of works of art by Fergusson from private Scottish Collections, valued at over £100,000. They come to sale at the same time as a major exhibition of his works ‘Scottish Colourist Series: J. D. Fergusson Exhibition’ continues at the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh until the 15th June 2014.

“Fergusson was the most commercially successful and critically regarded of the Scottish Colourists. His paintings and sketches are well known, but the three sculptures we have in our sale are much rarer.” said Charlotte Riordan, Paintings Specialist at Lyon & Turnbull.

There are three bronze sculptures in the exhibition, “Eastre, Hymn to the Sun” £12,000-18,000.

“Effulgence” £7,000-10,000 and “Torse de Femme” £2,000 -3,000.

Charlotte continued “The main reason sculpture wasn’t a bigger factor in Fergusson’s career was simply down to money.  Fergusson and Morris were very unmaterialistic and always hard up.  He would create plaster maquets but rarely had the money to have them cast.  Often, he would paint the plaster gold and exhibit them alongside labels stating “can be cast upon purchase”.  The plaster of his most famous sculpture ‘Eastre: Hymn to the Sun’ lived under his bed for three years before he could afford to have it cast!”

Featured paintings include “At the Dinner Table” £30-50,000 and a significant portrait “Mademoiselle Cassavetes”, painted in 1938, which is valued at £20,000-30,000.

Charlotte explained “Spending more time in France, he exhibited with greater frequency in Paris and London and his profile was consequentially higher. Arguably, Cadell and Ferguson were the two Colourists in whose work influence of Cezanne was most evident. Their work shares a robustness of line and sense of rhythm that is found less frequently or easily in Peploe or Hunter’s paintings. However, where Cadell’s work was deliberately flattened, Fergusson’s had a more sculptural quality as here in his work of 1938, ‘Mademoiselle Cassavetes’.  One of the artist’s typically handsome women, the composition is also demonstrative of Fergusson’s attention to pattern. It has been noted that many of Fergusson’s female sitters wear hats, perhaps viewing a woman’s taste in fashion as an extension of their personality.”

The Insider’s Guide to Edinburgh Fringe [Infographic] by the team at Housetrip

Submitted by Alexandra Ashton

September 2001, New York City.  For most of us, the date brings to mind one thing: the attacks on the World Trade Centre.  The day the world changed. For artist Julie Roberts, however, life changed for a different reason.  Julie was a guest at one of Louise Bourgeois’ Sunday Salons; she found the experience so moving that she knows she will remember it even on her deathbed.

Julie is an internationally celebrated artist who will soon take part in the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art’s new exhibition, ‘Generation: 25 years of Contemporary Art in Scotland.’  Last Monday at Modern Art One, Julie told the fascinating story of her afternoon at Bourgeois’ house on West 22nd Street.

In 2001, Julie had been asked to participate in the International Studio and Curatorial Program in New York.  Along with four other young artists from the Program, she was also invited to attend Bourgeois’ Salon, which took  a few days after 9/11.  Bourgeois, who was French and who had also arrived in the US as a young artist, liked to meet young people, especially those from overseas; the other guests were various artists, musicians and dancers.  Julie was told that she must bring along an original piece of her work and a gift for Bourgeois; she was making a series of graphite portraits of Jack the Ripper’s victims at the time, but – having heard about Bourgeois’ penchant for chocolate and fearing that her portraits would end up covered in it – Julie took some reproductions of other works. The guests were also told that ‘careerist intentions are unwelcome’ – Bourgeois aimed to recreate the Parisian salons of the 19th century; she wanted stimulating, honest discussion and did not like anyone to come looking for favours.

The Salon was hosted by Paulo Herkenhoff, then of MOMA.  On arrival, the guests were led through the small house into a room overlooking the overgrown, romantic garden.  The whole place was very shabby (in the days before that word went with ‘chic’) with peeling grey paint.  Throughout her years of teaching Julie has noticed that the more affluent the students, the shabbier they look – people like to ‘play at the opposite’, and she wonders if this also applied to Bourgeois, whose child had been solidly middle-class.

Julie is interested in how people live in their own spaces. This house was very much a studio, it had an artist’s ‘look’; things were recycled, domestic and studio life intertwined, a table used for dinner would also act as an easel.  Grey metal chairs – which Julie thinks may have come from the Brooklyn garment factory that Bourgeois had bought in 1980 – were arranged in a circle. Rum, vodka and whisky were set out on a coffee table; there were no other drinks.  A film-maker sat at the back recording the session.  Bourgeois was brought into the room and sat at the front.  She was tiny, hadn’t been outside for years and was wearing a white long-sleeved T-shirt and black nylon knickerbockers, which she kept yanking up to her armpits.  Two red bricks propped up the cushions on her chair, and Julie noticed that at some point Bourgeois slid down so that she was sitting on hard brick.  Despite her age – she died in 2010 at the age of 98 – she was lively and animated.  Julie remembers the brightness of her eyes and her scary, inquisitive gaze.

The environment was intense, the room bare; for Julie it felt like an installation in which the guests were the performers, or a circus with Bourgeois as the lion-tamer.  There was some light from the garden and also a small old-fashioned pink lamp, which seemed very feminine and at odds with the rest of the decor; Bourgeois constantly fiddled with this lamp, clearly enjoying its homeliness and femininity. Downstairs was Bourgeois’ old studio, which Julie (having seen it on her way to the loo) describes as something from a horror film.  This had once been the sewing room; it was hard to imagine people creating Bourgeois’ fabric sculptures in such a dark depressing place. On the top floor was Bourgeois’ late husband Robert Goldwater’s library, now Bourgeois’ living space; the participants wondered if that was super chic, but they doubted it.

The artists gave Bourgeois their gifts but she was only interested in the chocolates, stuffing these into her  mouth as fast as she could – she was by then on a restricted diet and her assistant swiftly confiscated the rest.  Julie had been advised to bring jam but this was ignored, as were others’ offerings of flowers.

The question posed by Bourgeois was ‘Does anyone think art should be emotional?’  Julie’s own work is about emotions; fear, childhood trauma, abandonment. She is currently finishing a five year project on children’s homes (having at one point been in one herself.)  She bravely raised her hand, and was told to sit on a chair in the middle of the room; with the camera on her, she felt close to tears.  She showed her paintings of wax anatomical models, and one of a woman’s torso lying prone in the 19th century Paris morgue with a dead child.  This prompted another girl to describe how she had come on the subway and had seen a couple with a baby in their arms – the baby seemed to die and turn blue as the family travelled to the hospital. Bourgeois commented that Julie’s work was ‘interesting.’

The discussion opened out, and a German Process Movement artist said that the question was rubbish, he did not want to talk about emotions. Bourgeois loved a fight and had a furious argument with him, then turned her attention to the other people in the room. A girl who made sculptures from women’s hair particularly attracted her attention; she wanted to know why only female hair was used, and pressed the artist (who was sitting next to the man she had just married) to admit that she was gay.  Bourgeois then announced that she would give the girl some hair and chopped some of her own off with scissors.  Worse was to come, as she then ordered Julie to go round the room collecting a hank of hair from each guest.  If people declined, she insisted; she was in total control.  The German artist had a shaved head – Bourgeois told him to take his top off, and Julie was grateful to see that he had more than sufficient hair on his chest to satisfy requirements.  All the hair was collected and put into a plastic bag for the hapless artist.

The girl from the subway had brought a 20 minute performance video as her original work; during the showing, Bourgeois nodded off, waking up at the end  to announce ‘that was interesting, let’s see it again.’  She promptly fell asleep through the second showing.

As the alcohol flowed, Julie noticed that everyone was moving closer together; Bourgeois had drawn them in.  The German announced ‘You are the spider…you have us all in your web..’  Spiders are an iconic image in Bourgeois’ work, the sculptures often huge with legs like the needles from her parents’ tapestry workshop. They are often seen as the mother figure; the most famous is entitled ‘Maman.’ Spiders are also very industrious: Bourgeois own mother was a weaver who ‘never stopped working.’

In the middle of the afternoon, Bourgeois’ son Jean Louis called her; Bourgeois had always said that she had a special relationship with him, and now they had an intense conversation whilst the guests sat and watched.  Suddenly, the mood had shifted; Bourgeois was no longer the master of ceremonies.  A window opened onto her personal life, a private moment in which her face showed intense love and joy.  Julie felt privileged to observe this revelation of Bourgeois’ maternal side.   Anthony D’Offay has talked about the conflicting demands of art and motherhood in Bourgeois’ work, and Julie agrees that it is hard enough to be a female artist without being a mother as well; many women choose not to have children because they see this as the only way to have their work taken seriously.  It is wrong however to say that Bourgeois only had success late in life; she was part of the American Abstract Artists Group in the 1950s and a friend of Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.  She had exhibitions at the Tate and MOMA .  The unusual aspect of Bourgeois’ career is that she kept going; she worked until her death, and her late works garnered a great deal of public acclaim.

Bourgeois was a feisty woman who subverted female stereotypes.  She was honest and open; she benefited from the first wave of feminism in the 1970s, but she was still always pulled two ways between motherhood and art, and was sometimes criticised for being selfish in not giving her sons her full attention.  She is famously said to have thrown a roast dinner out of the window so that she could concentrate on her work.  Julie’s view is that a certain amount of single-mindedness is essential to an artist’s success, and that whilst women are called selfish, men are simply ‘focused’ or ‘have an ego.’  She points out that Barbara Hepworth farmed her children out so that she could sculpt, and that the idea of sending children away was much more familiar in those early post-war days.  Bourgeois tried to grasp the contradictions in life and work and represent them in her art.  All of her work was about memories.

At the end of that afternoon in West 22nd Street, Bourgeois returned the gifts that she did not like to the donors.  Julie remembers seeing one of the assistants putting all the ‘forbidden’ food into the kitchen bin. In the street it was dark; the moon was huge.   Although it had happened only a short while before, 9/11 had not been mentioned all day; the fear it engendered had been taken away. Outside, the artists asked one another ‘What happened?’  Bourgeois did not go out, the world came to her.

Julie still feels moved and privileged to have been a guest at the Salon; she says that Bourgeois’ tenacity and determination spurred her on and persuaded her to keep going even when interest in women’s work was at its lowest.  Now a new feminist movement is benefiting young artists, whilst Julie is coming to terms with her own childhood through her work on children’s homes and separation.  She uses her work as a cathartic exercise, just as Bourgeois’ work finally allowed her to reach the state of ‘hanging in there.’

The audience for this lunchtime talk very much appreciated Julie’s entertaining and honest style, and the sharing of a story that brings a great deal to our understanding of Louise Bourgeois, artist, mother; woman without secrets.

Artists Rooms: Louise Bourgeois, A Woman Without Secrets closes at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One on Saturday 18th May 2014.

Generation: 25 years of Contemporary Art in Scotland, featuring over 30 artists including Julie Roberts, will open at Modern Art One and the Scottish National Gallery on 28th June 2014, admission free.

Artists Rooms is an important public collection of international contemporary art that the Art Fund is helping to share across the UK.

Louise Bourgeois
UNTITLED, 2010
Fabric, thread, rubber, stainless steel, wood and glass
199.4 x 221 x 110.5 cm.
ARTIST ROOMS Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. Lent by the Artist Rooms Foundation 2013

Photo: Christopher Burke, © The Easton Foundation

BLACKWELL’S EDINBURGH PRESENTS

ANGUS KONSTAM: Bannockburn

Date: Tuesday 20th of May
Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Blackwell’s Bookshop, 53-62 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YS
Tickets: Free – available from the front desk at Blackwell’s Bookshop or by phoning 0131 622 8218

Bannockburn: Scotland’s Great Battle for Independence

The Battle of Bannockburn on the 23 June 1314 is arguably the most seminal event in Scottish history, and one of the least understood. Bannockburn is a battle that helped define the Britain we know today. Seven centuries later, debates on national identity and independence are heavily influenced by the events of 1314. This book, published to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the battle, will draw on the latest scholarship and archaeological evidence to provide a fast-paced, highly readable and clear narrative of this important story. It will also explore the modern legacy of the battle, as politicians delve into the past in order to support their vision of the future.

About the author… Angus was raised on the Orkney Islands, and now resides in Edinburgh. He has written more than 60 books on maritime history, naval history, historical atlases, and other historical non-fiction.

This event is ticketed, but tickets are FREE.

For more information or if you would like a signed copy please contact Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216

Submitted by Krishan

Police Scotland is promoting safe travel to airport passengers as part of an event taking place at Edinburgh Airport on Monday 19th May.

Police Scotland’s Border Policing Command is running a ‘Safer Travel Day’ where advice and guidance will be offered to passengers on how they can keep themselves safe while travelling.

There will be two stalls situated within the terminal building, where police officers and airport staff will be on hand to provide advice and guidance.

They will hand out leaflets to passengers containing a range of tips on safe travel, from crime prevention and personal safety advice, to who to contact in an emergency when abroad.  The intention is to ensure that passengers are equipped with the information they need to have as safe a journey as possible, from airport to destination.

There will also be similar events held at Aberdeen, Glasgow and Prestwick airports.

Sergeant Stevie Amabile, based at Edinburgh Airport, said: “We are always looking for different ways to engage with the public and staff at Edinburgh Airport, and this event is another opportunity to raise awareness of the security issues when travelling by air. We will also be providing crime prevention information to help keep people safe as they travel between destinations.”

Competition ends Friday 23 May at 5pm.

Leading lifestyle retailers are offering free pampering and preening with the return of Spa in the City, which arrives back in St Andrew Square from Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 May, while also expanding into new bases in Grassmarket and the West End for the first time.

Now The Edinburgh Reporter can allow six of you the opportunity of winning a goody bag courtesy of the nice people at Spa in the City – see details below!

The free urban spa experience is returning as part of the This Is Edinburgh campaign, allowing shoppers to book complimentary massages, makeovers and health and beauty consultations from a host of participating retailers including Boots, Chamomile Sanctuary, Neal’s Yard, Harvey Nichols and Jenners.

All pampering treatments are free and can be booked upon arrival at the event, with each base focusing on a different theme, designed to leave shoppers refreshed, relaxed and ready to try new looks in Summer 2014.

• Indulge – Spa in the City’s largest base at St Andrew Square will this year take on an indulgent theme, providing an oasis of massages, facials and deep relaxation in the midst of the busy, city centre location.
• Inspire – In the West End, Spa in the City attendees will be inspired by new looks and new attitudes, with beauty treatments and motivational talks on offer, including a flirting workshop from Karen Barr, who runs the popular 7 Steps to Love master classes for women looking to find romance.
• Invigorate – The Grassmarket will come alive with refreshing and revitalising treatments to ensure visitors leave feeling energised and ready for summer.

As well as free treatments and tips, event attendees will receive an offer-book packed full of exclusive discounts from participating retailers and surrounding restaurants and bars, providing the chance to make a day of it with a bite to eat or a cocktail post treatment. Goody bags will also be available to the first 100 visitors.

Founded by Essential Edinburgh in 2008 to ensure Edinburgh leads the way in business and leisure, this year’s Spa in the City event additionally supports the This Is Edinburgh campaign’s goals of attracting residents and those living within a 2 hour travel radius into the city centre.

Andy Neal, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh said:-“The return of Spa in the City highlights the health and beauty excellence available in Edinburgh city centre, with everything from world class hotel facilities at places like Balance Spa and Beauty at The Roxburghe, to independent experts such as The Face and Body Clinic and even Scotland’s only Lush spa available on our doorstep.

“It’s now a well-loved event which drives thousands of people into Edinburgh each year, and we look forward to welcoming attendees back to St Andrew Square as well as attracting new faces to the additional bases in Grassmarket and the West End”.

For further information and updates on participating retailers visit thisisedinburgh.org.uk. Additionally, shoppers can follow updates on Twitter and Instagram using #EdinSpa.

To reserve treatments you need to get along early on the day. For more details of what is happening click here.

Six goody bags are reserved for Edinburgh Reporter readers. You will have to collect them at the registration tent on the day if you win.  Enter here! (This competition ended on 23 May 2014)

There has been some craft bombing going on at the Leamington Lift Bridge on the canal….

If you passed by earlier today you will have seen an array of knitted and sewn handiwork adorning the bridge which is the main thoroughfare for boats passing into Edinburgh Quay.

We know that the lovely people at Re-Union had a lot to do with this! If you are looking for a great day out then hire the Re-Union barge. They will take you and your guests out along the canal looking after you along the way with teas, coffees and they tell us they also do a mean afternoon tea!

Their next Tea and Cake Cruise takes place on Sunday the 25th of May from 2 – 4pm. Tickets are £15 per person and must be purchased in advance: phone Sam on 0131 261 8529 or book online.

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The Queens’s Baton Relay will take place around a 36 mile route around Edinburgh starting on 14 June 2014.

Over 100 baton bearers have already been nominated on the basis of their work in sport, community or youth projects.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The relay will be a fantastic opportunity for people to take to the streets to show their support for our batonbearers and celebrate Edinburgh’s part to play in the Commonwealth Games.

“It is great that the Queen’s Baton will travel throughout the Capital and into the many communities that make this city so unique.

“As host of the 1970 and 1986 Games, and co-host of this year’s diving event at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, it is fitting that the baton will be brought home to Edinburgh – the only city in the world to welcome Commonwealth Games events for a third time.

“I urge everyone to get into the spirit of the Games and join in the Edinburgh celebrations on Saturday 14 June.”

A map of the Edinburgh relay route is available online: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zsU1Yf5HvMTA.kZT2rOWgjy04

For further information on Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay route in Edinburgh, visit the City of Edinburgh Council’s Get Ready Edinburgh web sectionhttp://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20181/glasgow_2014_in_edinburgh

Who can the Tartan Army support at the World Cup?  

As thirty-two nations prepare themselves for the euphoria and drama of a World Cup campaign, there are many other countries that will have to watch from the side-lines after failing to qualify, and unfortunately that includes Scotland.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in modern history, with some of the best teams and players in the world set to take centre stage. Qualifying for the most prestigious tournament in international football is a wonderful feeling for fans and players alike, particularly for the players who fulfil a lifetime ambition of representing their country at the World Cup.

Missing out on the action has become a recurring theme for Scotland, who suffered an all-time low during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualification stage by becoming the first UEFA-based team to be eliminated. Although their future looks somewhat brighter under the guidance of Gordon Strachan, the Tartan Army will once again watch the World Cup from home and not pack Brazil with passionate and good spirited supporters. Long-standing tension between the two countries may mean that proud Scots would not think to support England at the World Cup, and will therefore look elsewhere for a nation to give their full backing to. Checking the latest odds at Coral could highlight a potential underdog that Scotland fans could become knowledgeable of and support them in their quest for World Cup glory.

Greece

The Euro 2004 champions may be hard pressed to repeat their against-the-odds feat in Brazil where the considerable heat and humidity may be too much to handle. History does not favour Greece either, as they have only qualified for three World Cup tournaments in its history and have a solitary victory to their name. Greece had to overcome a tough qualifying play-off tie against Romania, but will arrive at the World Cup with hope that they can progress from Group C and qualify for the knockout stages for the very first time. Being drawn alongside Colombia, Ivory Coast and Japan provides an intriguing group in which any team can qualify for the second round. The incentive for Scotland fans to back the Greeks is the inclusion of Giorgios Samaras of Celtic in the provisional 30-man squad for Brazil 2014. Samaras looks set to leave Celtic Park in the summer, but supporters may keep an eye on how the striker and his country perform. Punters can get massive odds of 300/1 for Greece to win the World Cup, making them a massive underdog which Scotland fans could relate with.

Honduras

An impressive qualifying campaign has created hope across Honduras that their national team can do themselves proud and record the first World Cup victory in their history. Beating Mexico and the USA in the CONCACAF section is an encouraging sign that Honduras are on the rise, and have the quality to pose a threat to Switzerland, France and Ecuador in Group E. It would be the greatest shock in football history if Honduras went all the way at the 2014 World Cup, with odds of 2500/1 putting them alongside Iran as the rank outsiders in the bookmakers’ eyes. Many Scotland fans will support Honduras in their efforts to make an impact with Brazil, with Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre and Rangers’ Arnold Peralta set to play starring roles for the Central American nation.

Uruguay

Any nation that manages to derail England and knock them out of this summer’s World Cup will be cheered by many Scotland fans. It is for this reason that the Tartan Army may get behind Uruguay, who are ranked amongst the dark horses to go far in Brazil. A tournament held in their continent may give them a significant advantage over Group D opponents Italy, England and Costa Rica, but Uruguay also have enough quality to mount a serious challenge at the World Cup. 28/1 puts the South Americans amongst the teams who have what it takes to upset the favourites and lift the famous trophy. It may be a tall order for Uruguay to end a 64-year wait for their third World Cup, but football has a strange habit of throwing up surprises and it is more than possible that Uruguay could be victorious once again.

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EDINBURGH REVEALS THE GLASGOW 2014 QUEEN’S BATON RELAY ROUTE

• Edinburgh will be the first port of call in Scotland for the baton on Saturday 14 June 2014
• A programme of celebrations will include chance to see the baton across Edinburgh communities, concerts in Princes Street Gardens and at the  Usher Hall, a family school run event and chance to try Commonwealth Games sports at Meadowbank
• Today the City of Edinburgh Council launches Glasgow 2014 in Edinburgh an information hub on how to join in Edinburgh Commonwealth Games celebrations

The 36 mile route of the Edinburgh leg of the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay has been revealed today by The City of Edinburgh Council and Commonwealth Games organisers.

The relay in Edinburgh, which will mark the start of the baton’s 40 day tour of Scotland ahead of The Commonwealth Games, will offer residents and visitors the opportunity to cheer on the baton and join in community celebrations on Saturday 14 June 2014.

The Queen’s Baton will be carried through Edinburgh by over 100 batonbearers who have been nominated in recognition of their contributions to sport, community and youth projects, including representatives from the city’s secondary schools.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for The City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The relay will be a fantastic opportunity for people to take to the streets to show their support for our batonbearers and celebrate Edinburgh’s part to play in the Commonwealth Games.

“It is great that the Queen’s Baton will travel throughout the Capital and into the many communities that make this city so unique.

“As host of the 1970 and 1986 Games, and co-host of this year’s diving event at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, it is fitting that the baton will be brought home to Edinburgh – the only city in the world to welcome Commonwealth Games events for a third time

“I urge everyone to get into the spirit of the Games and join in the Edinburgh celebrations on Saturday 14 June.”

To signal the start of the relay celebrations in Edinburgh, a Gala Classical Concert will be held at the Usher Hall on the evening of Friday 13 June. Entitled Edinburgh Raises The Baton, the concert features the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union, and the acclaimed pianist Stephen Hough.

On Saturday 14 June, the day of the relay in Edinburgh, crowds will get the first glimpse of the Queen’s Baton as it is arrives at Heriot-Watt University, chosen as the site for Scotland’s National Performance Centre for Sport. To celebrate, the Centre will be hosting sports activities for all the family including Gaelic football, dancing and tennis, events for children including a bouncy castle and face painting, as well as community and farmers markets. Further details are available on the Heriot-Watt website.

The relay will move to Murrayfield Stadium where it will board a tram to make its way to the city centre, taking in Edinburgh Castle, where a 21 gun salute at 12:00 noon will mark the Queen’s official birthday celebrations.

The baton will then travel down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace where it will signal the start of the City of Edinburgh Council’s School Run Event, which is supported by Games for Scotland and supermarket chain Scotmid.

The School Run is a unique event encouraging school age children of all abilities to play their part in relay day over a 2.2km route through Holyrood Park and run, jog or walk side by side with sporting stars to raise money for community and school sports facilities. Young people can sign up to the run through their schools.

Both the School Run and the Queen’s Baton Relay will then pass through Holyrood Park to Meadowbank Sports Centre and Stadium, the home of Edinburgh’s previous Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. At Meadowbank, the Council’s free ‘Tryathon’ event will take place with the opportunity for budding sports stars to try their hand at Commonwealth Games sports and cheer the arrival of the Queen’s Baton.

The relay will then take in more of Edinburgh’s communities including Leith, the Portobello Promenade and Duddingston, before the baton is received at the Royal Commonwealth Pool where a spectacular diving demonstration will be held.

To celebrate the end of the relay, a community concert will be held on Saturday evening at the Ross Band Stand in Princes Street Gardens so that even bigger crowds can take part in the festivities. Further details on the concert, which will be free but ticketed, will be available closer to the date. Tickets can be reserved from Friday 16 May through the Usher Hall website and box office.

On Sunday June 15, the Queen’s Baton will travel to South Queensferry. The Baton will then visit all other local authorities in Scotland.

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games Ms Robison, said:- “The Queen’s Baton Relay is an exciting and dynamic countdown to the Games and offers the perfect opportunity for communities across the whole of Scotland to share in the pride and excitement of what look to be the best and most successful Games ever.

“When the Baton arrives into Scotland and the Capital on the 14^th June, I urge everyone to join in with the celebrations and events across Edinburgh, and surrounds, and in particular to come out and support the wide range of inspirational batonbearers as they carry this enduring symbol of the Games in their local areas.”

Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle said: “Edinburgh Castle has witnessed many hundreds of years of history and continues to provide a spectacular backdrop for history in the making today.

“We are delighted to be welcoming the Queen’s Baton relay to the castle, and I am sure that its arrival will provide a great spectacle for visitors to the castle.”

Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University, said: “We are very pleased that the first Scottish leg of the Baton Relay is through our Edinburgh Campus and right past what will be the site for the new National Performance Centre for Sport.”

Edelweiss flew into Edinburgh for the first time today on its new Zurich to London route.

The CEO of Edelweiss the leading Swiss leisure airline flew the plane himself, and was given the usual water cannon welcome from the airport Fire Brigade.

We spoke to CEO and Captain of the inaugural flight, Karl Kistler, after the landing.

Edelweiss will fly twice weekly Mondays and Fridays from Edinburgh to Zurich.