The University of Edinburgh has made a £1.2 million investment in some of the world’s most advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Mass Spectroscopy instrumentation to further consolidate its position as a ‘centre of excellence’ for its acclaimed research in cutting-edge molecular science.

The investment, funded by Core Capability EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) and the University of Edinburgh, will support the installation of NMR and Mass Spectroscopy instrumentation, providing the chemical sciences industry with one of the most advanced facilities in Europe, capable of handling an array of molecular constituents, across a broad spectrum of chemical and proteomic sampling.

Moreover, it heralds a new frontier in NMR and Mass Spectroscopy by offering greater efficiencies – higher sensitivity, shorter measurement times, high throughput, better accuracy and superior characterisation. For example, Throughputs by Ingenza, a biocatalyst and bioprocess development company, serving the pharmaceutical, food, fine chemical and biofuel industries, claims that the new NMR spectroscopy ‘provides an almost instantaneous turnover of samples which is a huge benefit to research efforts.’

Welcoming the investment, Professor Eleanor Campbell, Head of the School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh said:-“This latest investment in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectroscopy further enhances our capability to support the chemical sciences and pharma communities.

“We now provide full access to the latest analytical instruments and expertise, and I’m confident we’ll see fruitful national and global collaboration, given the University of Edinburgh’s historic legacy as a centre of excellence in this field and also for our students and researchers to take their expertise into the wider world.”

Edinburgh Research and Innovation (ERI), the commercialisation arm of the University of Edinburgh, will look to develop commercial opportunities for the state-of-the-art instrumentation. Stuart Duncan, ERI’s Business Development Executive at the School of Chemistry commented:-“This investment builds on our excellent track record in making our world class research base available to the wider chemical sciences communityand on our ongoing collaboration and equipment-sharing with the University of St Andrews who have made a similar scale investment in complementary equipment. It will be of interest to many different businesses which need access to these important analytical techniques.”

The investment has been warmly welcomed by Chemical Sciences Scotland, the partnership of industry with Scotland’s world-renowned academic sector and government agencies.

Its chairman, Sandy Dobbie, said:-“Collaboration, in particular between industry and academia, is a key component if we are to grow Scotland’s chemical sciences sector.  Today’s announcement is another great example of how Scotland’s academic sector is helping to support research within industry to improve manufacturing processes and develop new products.”

Head of chemical sciences at Scottish Enterprise, Caroline Strain, added:-“Encouraging higher levels of innovation amongst our chemical sciences companies is a key priority for us, particularly as we strive to become leading players in sustainable manufacturing.   I welcome today’s announcement by the University of Edinburgh, and we will continue to work closely with them to help realise our collective ambitions.”

NMR is a sophisticated and powerful analytical technology that is used by many disciplines of scientific research, medicine and industry. NMR delivers structural determination and identification of a range of materials including small organic/inorganic molecules, steroids, antibiotics, carbohydrates, lipids, polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids and complex mixtures.

Mass Spectrometry, too, is a powerful analytical tool which can help to answer a wide range of biological and chemical questions.

For example, the identification and characterisation of proteins — of interest to researchers involved in the discovery of new therapeutic targets and to the biopharmaceutical industry for the characterisation of new potential products.

The new NMR and Mass Spectroscopy facilities will be showcased at an official ‘industry day’ ‘open ceremony’ event being held by the School of Chemistry on Thursday 1^st May. Details can be found here.

Further information on NMR and Mass Spectroscopy at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry can be found on the University website.

Trams are still being tested on the route which runs between Edinburgh Airport and York Place, and there is no announcement from the council as yet about the date when passengers can start using the new transport.

The Edinburgh Reporter was out at Haymarket yesterday morning and made this little film which shows that pedestrians and other road users have a way to go when it comes to acknowledging the trams on the streets.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVXVbgLP-qk]

All drivers have to have 60 hours of driving under their belts, and they have to do at least one practice tow of a ‘broken down’ tram before they will be allowed to carry passengers.

Until then the Edinburgh public is urged to watch out for the tram. They do have bells but are otherwise silent, so pedestrians and other road users should be #carefulnow as all the social media safety messages advise.

As a cyclist it’s nice to get a little wave from @EdinburghTrams when we stop to let him go by #carefulnow #livetogether

— Rich Dyson (@rich_dyson) April 24, 2014

Second weekend of tram driver training and testing and what a corker of a day for it! #dingding #carefulnow

— Edinburgh Trams (@EdinburghTrams) April 19, 2014

Following on from the huge success of the Football Fans in Training programme which has helped hundreds of supporters throughout the country lose weight and develop a healthier lifestyle, the Hibernian Community Foundation are now offering a free initiative at the club Training Centre in East Mains, Ormiston.

The ‘Healthy Hibee’ programme which aims to help the community get fit and be healthy starts tomorrow between 9am and 10.30.

The course will focus on improving health and fitness through physical activity, good nutrition and basic health screening.

With courses for men and women the programme offers a range of health promotion information, guidance on diet and nutrition, group based physical activity sessions and fitness challenges.  Hibernian Training Centre provides the venue and the course is suitable for fans of all ages who are interested in improving fitness, managing weight and achieving personal health goals.

For 90 minutes each week, participants gain access to support and advice to begin their own personal journey to better health.

For more information visit the website at www.hibernianinthecommunity.org.uk and to register for courses contact Phil Ord at 0131 661 2159 or by email at POrd@hibernianinthecommunity.org.uk.

Dedicated Young Cadets to provide an evening of music and colour on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

Saturday 26th April 2014, Starts 7pm Ends 8pm. Free Entry

The Army Cadet Force Association (Scotland) will be holding a Beating Retreat at Edinburgh Castle, performed by musicians aged from 12-18 from the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps. Members of the public along with Lord-Lieutenants, MSPs and other members of the community will watch the inspiring evening of military music on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
The event gives the public an opportunity to enjoy the dedication and skill of young people from cadet detachments within local communities all over Scotland.

The main part of the event will be the Beating the Retreat by the massed Pipes and Drums. This traditional military ceremony of Scottish music and pageantry has its origins in the early years of military campaigns when the beating of drums and the parading of Post Guards heralded the closing of camp gates and the lowering of flags at the end of the day. Today, it is a musical ceremony that is designed to entertain.
This free event will commence at 7pm and conclude at 8pm.

Submitted by John Menzies

Sandy Jardine, a man forever associated with the rebirth of Heart of Midlothian FC in the 1980s, has died, 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 65.

Jardine was brought to Tynecastle by his close friend and then Hearts manager Alex MacDonald in 1982 and the former Rangers and Scotland defender was instrumental in shaping Hearts as a major force in Scottish football.

Many people, including those at Rangers where he had played with distinction for 17 years,believed that his best days were behind him when he moved back to his home city to join Hearts. However, Jardine prove everyone wrong and would be a key player for Hearts for another five years, his experience and knowledge of the game helping the development of youngsters such as Craig Levein.

Jardine was initially assistant to MacDonald but his influence was such that then Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer appointed Jardine joint manager in 1986 – the year forever associated with heartache for Hearts as they lost the league title in the last eight minutes of season 1985/86 with a 2-0 loss at Dundee. Jardine’s major contribution to that team, which also reached the Scottish Cup final that year, was such that he was named Scotland’s player of the year for the second time at the age of 37.

Jardine played 38 times for Scotland and was part of the Rangers side who won the European Cup Winners Cup in 1972.

In a statement, Hearts offered their condolences to Jardine’s family saying they were deeply saddened at the death of a club legend.

The saying goes that only the good die young. Sandy Jardine epitomised everything good about football and his contribution to Hearts will never be forgotten.

The Edinburgh Reporter’s thoughts are with Sandy’s family at this sad time.

MSP to hold funding event today – Pedal on Parliament – Church changes service this Sunday – Newington Library – World Book Night at Leith Library

Colin Keir MSP is to hold a funding advice open day today for all charities, voluntary organisations and social schemes who work within his constituency of Edinburgh Western.

The event, which aims to bring together funders such as The Big Lottery, The Bank of Scotland Foundation , the Scottish Government Climate Challenge Fund, City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Airport and Sainsbury’s together with local charities, will take place at St Thomas Episcopal Church, Glasgow Road, between 10am – 12pm.

Attending the event will be representatives from many major charities and voluntary organisations which work within Edinburgh Western, as well as representatives from major funders such as those listed above and more.

Colin Keir MSP said:-“It’s my hope that fruitful relationships between funders and charities, and some great funding opportunities, will arise from this event, as the work which these groups do for the local community is not only extremely important, but invaluable.”

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Local cyclists and pedestrians are asked to go and join the campaign for cycling safety at Pedal on Parliament which is for both pedestrians and cyclists.  The ride will take place tomorrow Saturday 26 April 2014  when cyclists from all over the country will be gathering in The Meadows at 11:30am before cycling together down the High Street to The Scottish Parliament in order to highlight the benefits that active travel could bring to Scotland. There are various feeder rides and all the details here at the website.

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A CITY centre church is moving its Sunday service so that its members can support the Bupa ten-mile race with jelly babies and running music.

Augustine United Church, on George IV Bridge, normally holds its morning worship at 11am but will shift the service to 1pm on Sunday to support the runners.

Rev Fiona Bennett, minister at Augustine United Church, said:- “As Christians we want to promote wellbeing for people and planet. Our worship is part of our spiritual wellbeing but we also want to support physical health and to encourage all those who will be running on Sunday.” “A lot of these races in Edinburgh are held on Sunday mornings which make it hard for people to access our church building – so instead of seeing this as a challenge, we’ve turned it into an opportunity to help serve our local community.”

‘One of our members, Mandy Scott, is also running in the race so we will be cheering her on and interviewing her as part of our service at 1pm.”

Augustine United Church is part of the United Reformed Church and has formed a local ecumenical partnership with St Columba’s by the Castle Episcopal Church and Greyfriars Kirk, Church of Scotland. The congregation also works in partnership with the Metropolitan Community Church.

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Can you help by donating goods to Newington Library for the fair they are holding there next month?

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If you missed it World Book Night took place on Wednesday night. Here is an Edinburgh Libraries video of what went on at Out of the Blue Drill Hall when books were being given away.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTfyq6mlFlk]

Miller & Carter, one of the UK’s top steakhouses, has now opened its first restaurant in Edinburgh at Cramond Brig.

The steakhouse will create over 60 jobs and add to city’s already diverse mix of dining options. Following a major refit, the new steakhouse will create dining for 150 internal covers and a further 50 outside.

Miller & Carter prides itself on serving the perfect steak. The highest level of professionalism, knowledge and skill goes into bringing the most flavoursome, succulent cuts to the plate. Promising a meticulous attention to detail and complete respect for the meat at every step, from breeding to the butchers block to the grill.

All chefs must complete a specialist, dedicated steak school to ensure they are complete steak experts and ready to serve the very best 28 day aged Scottish steak.

David Jardine, the new manager at Miller & Carter Edinburgh, said: “It’s really exciting to be introducing the brand to Scotland. There’s a huge opportunity in Edinburgh – and we’re looking forward to showcasing our steak expertise in the city.

“Finding the right location for a Miller & Carter is one of the things that helps make our steakhouses so special. The new site is easy to reach from right across the city, and the coaching house styled building provides us with a unique venue with a distinct feel and personality.

“Work on the new site is well underway and we are looking forward to opening our doors for business in April.”

For more information visit their website.

SCOTLAND’S FIRST FAIR TRADE FIESTA TO TAKE PLACE IN EDINBURGH ON WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY

To celebrate Scotland’s status as only the second Fair Trade Nation in the world, the first ever Fair Trade Fiesta is being held in Edinburgh on World Fair Trade Day, 10 May 2014.

The Fiesta begins with a Parade which leaves the City Chambers at 1 pm then progresses down to Princes Street Gardens for a free concert in The Ross Band Stand featuring acts from around the world, headlined by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and hosted by Fair Trade Ambassador Hardeep Singh Kohli.

The Rt Honourable Donald Wilson, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, will start the Parade on its way from the City Chambers in The Royal Mile.  Pupils from St Thomas Aquin’s High School and St George’s School in Edinburgh will join members of the Edinburgh Samba School, Broughton School’s pipers and drummers and around 300 others marching in the Parade, including college, university and interfaith groups.  Davidson’s Mains Pipe Band whose members are all under 14, will pipe the parade down to Princes Street Gardens and join the headline act, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers on stage to play a number.

Scotland’s International Development Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP will lead the parade and speak during the concert about the importance of Fair Trade and his pride in Scotland’s Fair Trade nation status.    Other speakers include two Ghanaian farmers who will give a firsthand account of Fair Trade working.

The entire event is being sponsored by Scotmid, Scotland’s co-operative supermarket  with the support of a grant from the Scottish Fair Trade Forum.

Other acts performing in the concert include Simply Soweto Encha, reggae band The IFoundation, Afro-Celt band Zuba, Edinburgh’s Got Soul and Clan Macondo.  Red Dog Music are supplying the entire concert back line equipment.

Follow the Fiesta on Twitter @FairTradeFiesta

The SNP has said that it welcomes the announcement by the Scottish Government that they will fast-track the end of Right to Buy.

During a debate on the Housing (Scotland) Bill, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced that the Scottish Government will amend the notice period for Right to Buy from three to two years after the date the Bill receives Royal Assent.

The SNP explain that abolishing the right of a council tenant to buy their home will help increase the supply of social housing in Scotland. Measures in the Housing (Scotland) Bill will protect up to 15,500 social houses from sale over a 10-year period and safeguard social housing stock for future generations.

Commenting, SNP MSP Marco Biagi said:-“It is vital that we increase the supply of social housing in Scotland and that is why right-to-buy must end.

“The SNP in government has an excellent track record of investment in affordable housing. We are on track to meet our affordable housing targets to build 30,000 affordable homes by March 2016, including 20,000 homes for social rent.

“On top of this, we are outperforming Labour’s record on council housing building – in the past 6 years 4,432 new council homes have been completed – compared to only 6 under the last 4 years of the Labour-Lib Dem administration.

“Ending Right to Buy, along with other measures in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, will help safeguard housing stock for future generations.”

To launch their new range of frozen ready meals, The Pantry asked us along to a blind tasting – in complete darkness! This may seem a little strange but by suppressing the dominant sense of sight we were able to evaluate these meals using our gastronomic senses of taste and smell – a completely different experience.

The idea for the evening was to give feedback on the flavours, the textures and the seasoning of each meal. To allow the taste buds some measure of comparison, each of The Pantry ready meals were tasted alongside a current ‘competitor’ in the market.

This was a really fun evening and we sampled a variety of dishes. One favourite was the fish pie with a layer of mushy peas and filled with variety of delicious shellfish. We also sampled macaroni cheese with truffle oil and a lentil moussaka. I am certain that the feedback provided to the busy restaurant will ensure that when the meals hit the shelves you will like them very much.

The newly developed selection of ready meals, by Chris Thompson, are all based on ‘Pantry favourites’ and use locally sourced ingredients. There are eight varieties of ready meal in the collection (including four vegetarian options). Each meal is cooked straight from frozen, and comes in a variety of sizes including a family sized serving (servings available for 2/4 or 6).

The meals will be available to purchase from both The Pantry, and a number of local shops. The Pantry team are currently developing an app which, among other things, will provide details of where the ready meals can be purchased and will allow you to pre-order.

Although we heard about the biodegradable packaging, we didn’t see it on the night. That said we are really looking forward to seeing the packaging and branding in the light of day!

The Pantry, 1-2 North West Circus Place, 0131 6290 206

Police Scotland will be carrying out an operation at Sunday’s SPFL game between Hibernian and Hearts, searching for anyone in possession of fireworks or flares.

Officers will be carrying out searches outside Easter Road stadium, and a specialist search dog will also be used to identify anyone trying to smuggle illegal items into the stadium.

Police are warning that robust action will be taken against anyone trying to take flares or fireworks into the ground. The warning follows incidents at matches earlier in the season where flares or fireworks were used.

Superintendent Liz McAinsh, who is in charge of the policing operation on Sunday, said: “The match kicks off at 1245pm, and I would encourage supporters to get there early, as there is limited parking near to the ground.

“There will be search cordons in place around the stadium, and searches will be undertaken as a condition of entry to the ground.  A specialist search dog will be used to detect anyone in possession of fireworks or flares.

“We recognise that the majority of supporters are well behaved, however there are a small minority who in the past have put themselves and others in danger by throwing fireworks or flares.

“If this behaviour continues then it will only be a matter of time before someone suffers a serious injury, and we are working with clubs and stewards to do all we can to prevent such dangerous behaviour.

“Anyone who is caught with a flare or firework can expect to be arrested, either at the time, or as a result of a post-match investigation. As well as receiving a criminal conviction, they may very well find themselves being banned from attending future matches throughout the country.”

Police are appealing for information to help trace a 65 year-old man reported missing from his home in Marine Drive.

George Anthony McDowall was last seen at his home address around 8.20am on 20 April 2014 and it is believed he may have travelled to Inverness.

George is described as 5ft 7in tall, slight build with pot belly, bald, black round glasses, may have facial hair, a 2 inch diameter brown birth mark on the top of his head and small birth mark on his left cheek.

He was wearing a green t-shirt with ship motif on front, green chord jacket, blue jeans and yellow converse hi-top.

Inspector Graeme Dignan from Police Scotland said: “George’s family and friends are very concerned about his welfare and police are keen to hear from anyone who may have information on his whereabouts.

“Anyone who has information that can help in tracing him is urged to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

Police investigating two linked indecent assaults in the Leith area of the city in the early hours of 14th April, have released a new description of the suspect.

The first incident happened around 12:15am on Easter Road when a 30-year-old woman was putting a rubbish bag out onto the street. She was approached by the suspect, who then grabbed her and followed her back to her flat. He ran off after the victim raised the alarm, and was lost to sight in the Easter Road area.

The second incident happened around 1am on Henderson Street when a 23 year old woman was alighting from a bus. As she walked towards Giles Street, the suspect approached her, grabbed her with both arms and indecently assaulted her. She managed to scream for help and he was disturbed by a witness in a neighbouring property.

The suspect is described as white, mid 20s, 5ft10in to 6ft tall, medium build, fair complexion and with short dark hair.

He was wearing navy jeans, dark trainers and a black hooded jacket which featured an Adidas logo on the right chest, a white stripe across the back and three white stripes on both shoulders.

Detective Sergeant Keith Fairbairn said: “Police are continuing to engage with the community in Leith and following enquiries we now have a further description. We would like to emphasise that incidents like these are extremely rare but we are fully committed to tracing the perpetrator.

“If anyone has any information or recognises the description of the suspect, they are urged to contact police immediately.”

Police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist their inquiries to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information following a serious assault on a man in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh in the early hours of Easter Monday.

Enquiries are ongoing after a 26-year-old male was attacked as he walked under George IV Bridge heading towards the Grassmarket about 0300 hrs on Monday 21st April.

The man was struck on the head from behind and received facial injuries which required stitches. He was also treated for a broken collar bone after being taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The area was very busy at the time and as a result of reviewing CCTV, the suspect is described as being a white, heavy male in his late teens to early 20s, with dark blonde hair which is short at the back and sides and longer on top.  He was wearing a short-sleeved light coloured checked shirt. He was in the company of four other males, all around the same age, one of which was wearing a pink t-shirt and thick black-framed spectacles.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “This was a very serious incident, which happened at a very busy area of the Cowgate early on Easter Monday.

“We are eager for people to come forward with any details which may assist police.”

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

Nationwide music programme for schools launched with national composition competition for 12-18 year olds

RSNO Engage for Schools most ambitious Scotland-wide orchestral music initiative to date

From May, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) will provide the most comprehensive orchestra-led music access programme to primary and secondary schools across Scotland. In terms of scale and choice, RSNO Engage for Schools is the first of its kind in the UK, as education establishments can pick and choose the level of music education provision they require from over thirty options.

Headlining the new initiative, the RSNO launches a national composition competition, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, open to 12 to 18 year olds across the country. Notes From Scotland invites young composers to write a two-minute work for an instrumental trio, quartet or quintet. The theme for the first year’s Notes From Scotland is inspired by five National Trust locations around the country.

BAFTA, GRAMMY and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Craig Armstrong OBE, famed for his soundtracks to blockbusters such as Moulin Rouge!, Love Actually and The Great Gatsby, welcomed the move: “This is a fantastic idea to engage young people in composition and to bring them together with existing composers and musicians to pass on their knowledge and skills. I’m sure it will be an invaluable experience for all concerned.”

RSNO Engage for Schools comprises four distinct sections; RSNO PLAY – performance-based workshops, RSNO CREATE – composition workshops, RSNO LISTEN – exploring musical concepts and appreciation, and RSNO WATCH – educational performances. Among the many available activities and workshops are conducting lessons, improvisation for beginners, samba workshops, instrumental coaching, digital composition sessions, an Instrument Petting Zoo (where children can play with orchestral instruments for the first time), and, from January 2015, a cross-Atlantic collaboration with US orchestras examining the music of American composers.

Last June the RSNO published the first ever careers booklet created by an orchestra, providing information on available courses and further education opportunities as well as case studies and insights into the workings of a modern professional symphony orchestra.

The booklet is available from the RSNO website. Now the Orchestra will be providing work experience opportunities to fifty young people each year, where pupils will assume control of Scotland’s national orchestra over a two-day period, with a view to planning, producing and performing their own concert at the end of the placement.

RSNO Engage for Schools is devised to be fully integrated into the goals of the national Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), offering increased music education and learning provisions through new concerts for every level of CfE from age 3 – 18 years. It is intended that, in its first year, over fifty thousand young people in Scotland will benefit from engaging with some form of RSNO Engage activity.

The RSNO Engage for Schools is part of the RSNO Engage initiative, announced last year, which has led to a five-fold increase in the number of people enjoying music with Scotland’s national orchestra outside of its Season performances. A notable success story is the RSNO’s Young Ambassadors scheme, which invites young people aged 16 to 18 to help promote the live orchestral experience in their area. There is now at least one RSNO Young Ambassador for every local authority in Scotland, and the attendance of audience members under 26 years old has risen to 15% across Scotland and nearly 20% in Glasgow as a result.

RSNO Director of Learning and Engagement Jenn Minchin: “We’re very excited to be unveiling our new programme, RSNO Engage for Schools. Its development is geared towards providing the most valuable experience in terms of musical enjoyment and understanding, and provides a seamless integration with schools curriculum requirements at all levels. What’s more, it is available to every school across the country, and those who choose to engage with Scotland’s national orchestra can do so at the level of their choice. It promises to be the most ambitious learning and engagement drive of any performing arts organisation in the UK, and we are very much looking forward to sharing our love of music with many new enthusiasts.”

For more information on RSNO Engage for Schools, contact the RSNO Engage Team

by telephone on 0141 225 3574

by email: Engage@rsno.org.uk

Photo of RSNO Principal Trombone Davur Juul Magnussen and Col Young from St John’s School, Perth by Fraser Band

The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has announced the appointment of Craig Hart as Executive Chef. Craig takes over from Malcolm Webster who is progressing his career with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts as Executive Chef at the Sheraton Dubai Tower Sheikh Zayed Road.

Craig joins the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa from the world-famous Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire. He has worked across the resort’s collection of restaurants including the classic Strathearn Restaurant that boasts two Rosettes and focuses on fine dining, as well as the vibrant Mediterranean-inspired Deseo restaurant. Within his role as Head Chef, Craig has spearheaded an innovative, new menu in the recently-refurbished Dormy Club House, ahead of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles later this year. Prior to that he held roles at the Golf Hotel in St Andrews, as well as the renowned Champany Inn near Linlithgow, and had previously worked at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa as a Chef de Partie.

In his new role at the Sheraton Grand, Craig will take culinary charge of the hotel’s One Square restaurant. Since opening in March 2012, One Square has developed an excellent reputation for modern British cuisine in statement surroundings. Craig will continue to build on the restaurant’s unique offerings, including Dining at the Pass, a bespoke culinary experience for up to four people which takes place in the high-octane heart of the One Square kitchen.

Craig will also assume responsibility for the conference and banqueting culinary operation which is the largest of its kind in an Edinburgh hotel, catering for up to 500 for dinner or 1,000 for a reception. The hotel is known for bringing a restaurant edge to banqueting, allowing clients to enjoy outstanding cuisine as they would in a fine dining restaurant. The Sheraton Grand has also spearheaded “theatre in banqueting” in which the talented Chefs showcase creatively visual touches, such as blowtorching desserts in front of the guests.

Tristan Nesbitt, General Manager at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa commented: “We are delighted to welcome Craig back to the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa team. The hotel enjoys an excellent reputation for its high-quality, innovative cuisine so the position of Executive Chef is an important and dynamic role for the UK’s flagship Sheraton. This is an excellent opportunity for Craig and the kitchen team to build on the hotel’s culinary standing and take our food offering to the next level.”

“To work with daylight, you need to understand how it interacts with an object, how it bounces off a surface and how it has the power to change an environment. We have this utterly changeable weather, quite easily having four seasons in a day, but for photography that’s great! The unpredictability makes it quite exciting; when everything comes together it can make the perfect photo.”

The video was commissioned for The Daylight Project, an online hub launched by VELUX last year to highlight the importance of designing with light.

The Edinburgh Reporter has a (slightly neglected!) Blipfoto account which you can see here. We must post a photo….or two!

YOUNG MUSICIANS JOIN VETERANS AT MILITARY PARADE AT EDINBURGH CASTLE

Musicians from the youngest pipe band in the Lothians and a Veteran who is celebrating nearly 50 years of service to charity launched one of the biggest military parades in the Capital.

Piper Caris Grieve, 10, and Drummer Chloe Courtney, 14, from Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion Scotland Pipe and Drums joined Veteran Adam Caruthers, 79, at Edinburgh Castle to launch the Beating Retreat which takes place this Sunday.

Over 300 musicians from across Scotland will parade in precision drill and swirling tartan colour at the annual Royal British Legion Scotland Beating Retreat by the Massed Pipe and Drums at sundown at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Sunday 27 April 2014 at 7pm.

The Royal British Legion Scotland, the country’s biggest membership veterans charity, is calling on people of Edinburgh to show their support at the Beating Retreat to celebrate the year of Homecoming Scotland and help the charity commemorate the centenary of World War One.

Musicians from Cockenzie and Port Seton band will perform with the Royal British Legion Scotland Central Band and a dozen local bands including Edinburgh Central Postal Band at the free event. The Riders branch of the Legion will join the parade on motorbikes along with Scouts, Cadets and scores of Standard Bearers.

Today the Beating Retreat is a major event in the Armed Forces and Royal British Legion Scotland calendar. The Royal British Legion Scotland, which has 170 branches across Scotland, hopes the Beating Retreat will showcase the breadth of talent, diversity and commitment of its bands and members.

Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion Scotland Pipe and Drums band features musicians from age 7 to 78 and has grown from a few members to over sixty in a few years.

Last year they formed a special band to show the talents of their youngsters and have performed on the CD for backing music for a CD by local opera singer Jamie McBride who has tipped some of the bands youngsters as future stars.

Kevin Gray MM CEO of the Royal British Legion Scotland said, “Pipe bands, scouts, riders and dedicated members of our branches travel from all corners of Scotland to take part in the Beating Retreat. It is a spectacular ceremonial showcase of talent from the Legion.  It’s a great family event and completely free. We hope families from Edinburgh and the Lothians will come and enjoy the experience.”

“We are thrilled to see so many talented youngsters performing in this year’s Beating Retreat. And we are extremely honoured to have the support of veterans like Adam Caruthers, whose commitment as a Standard Bearer has made events like these possible for almost 50 years. It makes us proud to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to honour the tradition in the true Legion spirit – of comradeship and diversity.

Adam, who served five years in the Scots Guards, celebrates 49 years as a Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion Scotland this year.

We all know that the attention of most people who visit Edinburgh Zoo falls on the pandas and the penguins, but now you can get a really good view of what the meerkats are up to as they have a new enclosure.

Edinburgh author Alexander McCall Smith was on hand to help them settle in to their new digs, by reading them a story from one of his books.

Born in Africa, McCall Smith is known for his bestselling series The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, which has sold over twenty million copies and translated into over forty languages and follows the adventures of Botswana’s first ever female detective – Precious Ramatswe. He has also written a children’s series about Precious as a child detective, with meerkats featuring in a number of the stories.

The dynamic new enclosure is located at the entrance to the Zoo and replaces the old sea lion enclosure. The Zoo’s group of meerkats have moved into their new digs, which features sanded areas for digging, large rock features, caves, heat pads and a meerkat house. Visitors can come face to face with the charismatic creatures with 20 metres of glass panelling running along the front.

As part of the redevelopment  the front entrance now includes a large welcome plaza, with ‘where to go’ signage to allow visitors to orientate themselves before starting their day at the Zoo. Four large wooden meerkat benches featuring hand-crafted meerkat carvings, created by a local chainsaw artist Iain Chalmers take pride of place in the middle of the plaza.

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Chris West, Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which owns and operates Edinburgh Zoo, said:

“It was a great delight to be joined by Alexander McCall Smith for the grand opening of our new meerkat enclosure and welcome plaza. It seemed only fitting to have one of Edinburgh’s best-loved writers who specialises in African-themed stories to assist in launching Edinburgh Zoo’s newest enclosure.

“Meerkats are extremely charismatic and inquisitive animals, making them extremely popular with our visitors. They will even hold eye contact, which makes it hard not to love them. The new enclosure gives visitors an opportunity to see more of our family group as well as provide the meerkats themselves with a large natural enclosure to explore, while the welcome plaza offers visitors improved orientation signage as well as space for keeper talks and animal handling sessions.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Alexander McCall Smith read a selection of his works to VIP attendees of the opening ceremony, while visitors were treated to African music and African-themed face-painting at the front reception. This was followed by a private screening of Meerkats: The Movie at the Budongo Lecture Theatre, which was scripted by Alexander McCall Smith, created by BBC Films and The Weinstein Company, and narrated by the late Paul Newman. The feature length British wildlife docu-drama, which anthropomorphises the daily struggle of a clan of meerkats in the Kalahari Desert, follows the coming of age adventures of a young meerkat called Kolo.

Photos courtesy of Ivon Bartholomew for RZSS

New line up announcements with Rachel Newton, Fiona Hunter, Adam Sutherland & Mary MacMaster adding to festival highlights

In the run up to the opening of Edinburgh’s only multi-arts festival dedicated to Scottish culture, traditional, Gaelic and folk arts the organisers have added even more talent to TradFest’s already packed line up of music acts and musicians.

The National Collective’s “AA The Airts: Project Wish Tree” will be hosting a contemporary line up of Scottish talent including Adam Sutherland, Hamish Napier & Innes Watson (Treacherous Orchestra) plus slots by Rachel Newton & Rona Wilkie and many more. Flowers of Edinburgh returns again with a ‘who’s who’ of contemporary Scottish folk including harpist Mary MacMaster, Steve Byrne,  Morag Brown and others. Rachel Newton’s show ‘Changelings’, based on a Celtic Connection New Voices commission, features Corrina Hewat & Rona Wilkie whilst Steve Byrne invites Fiona Hunter, Lucy Pringle, Siobhan Miller & Kirsty Law as part of Scott’s Songs.

Taking place between April 29 and May 11 and boasting over eighty events and shows, spread across twenty six venues in Edinburgh (the hub is the Scottish Storytelling Centre), TradFest promises a hugely entertaining and enlightening programme with something for everyone including a new family-friendly strand to its programme and plenty of free events.

Featuring Scottish and international music concerts, talks and debates spanning Scottish cuisine to political self determination, storytelling sessions revelling in mystical folklore, Fringe theatre, puppet shows, walking tours, visual arts, film screenings, conferences and craft fairs, TradFest will turn Edinburgh into a hive of activity inspired by and coinciding with Beltane and May Day.

To view or download the programme Click here  

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This morning as part of Physical Activity Week, Sports Minister Shona Robison led a ‘health walk’ of delegates attending the 7th National PAHA Conference (Physical Activity Health Alliance), which is being held today at Murrayfield.

In the year of the Games, Ms Robison will be addressing the conference, whose theme this year is ‘Making the Environment Fit in 14’ and will be attended by a variety of people from different sectors and professions who are involved in the promotion of physical activity and health in Scotland.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke with Margaret Burns Chair of NHS Health Scotland and the Minister (who was walking at the time!)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vip-hiopQYg]

‘West Lothian On the Move’ led the health walk from Haymarket train station to Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, giving delegates the opportunity to choose an active and alternative means of travel to the conference venue. There will also be opportunities throughout the conference for delegates to break their sedentary behaviour and increase their physical activity levels, including a lunchtime led cycle.

Six Scottish organisations are also been recognised for their commitment in encouraging people to be more active by winning PAHA awards from NHS Health Scotland.

Physical inactivity results in around 2,500 premature deaths in Scotland each year (seven a day), and being active can help prevent and treat more than 20 chronic diseases.

The vision of the PAHA awards programme is to celebrate inspiring practice in the promotion of physical activity and to share information about these award winning organisations with people delivering physical activity across the whole of Scotland to allow them to put this shared learning into practice.

Or is there? No there are going to be pretend broken down trams in the next few days. So before you all take to social media to report that the trams have not even carried passengers yet and they are already out of commission, we thought we had better warn you.

Edinburgh Trams will run a series of simulated ‘tram recovery’ tests over the coming days as part of a comprehensive pre-service tram testing and driver training programme.

Beginning during night-time hours from Monday 28 April 2014 until Wednesday 7 May (excluding 3 and 4 May), each tram driver under training will practise towing a tram on-street.

The test will involve two trams being coupled at either York Place or Haymarket (off-street) and being towed in either direction between the hours of 23:00 and 04:00.

Tom Norris, Edinburgh Trams Director & General Manager, said: “If there is ever a problem with a tram that can’t be resolved quickly on site, the procedure will most commonly be for another tram to tow it to a suitable location, so all of our drivers need to practise this manoeuvre before passenger services start.

“How Edinburgh Trams manage any breakdown or other blockage of the system will depend on the circumstances and location. The general principle is that if a faulty tram can be removed from service without disruption, we will do this as soon as possible.

“If a tram can’t move on its own we will arrange for another tram – or in extremis, a Unimog vehicle – to tow it to a suitable location, for example sidings or potentially back to the Gogar Depot.”

Mortonhall report – George Street to be rearranged – Community Gardens in Broomhouse – Charity gig at Edinburgh College Milton Campus – Holy Corner Book Sale

The Council has confirmed that it received the report on the Mortonhall crematorium investigation prepared by Dame Eilish Angiolini earlier this month.  Chief Executive Sue Bruce who commissioned the report on behalf of the council said:- “I have now received a copy of Dame Elish Angiolini’s report. I fully appreciate that parents will be anxious to read the report and we are keen for them to receive a copy as soon as possible. We will be writing to parents in the coming days outlining the timing of publication.

“I would like to thank the families for their ongoing patience and Dame Elish and her team for their hard work on this important and sensitive investigation.”

A later statement issued by the Chief Executive stated:-“Dame Elish Angiolini’s report is lengthy and wide ranging and I needed to read it thoroughly before setting a publication date. It was also important that the Council considered issues around the protection of sensitive personal data prior to publication.

“Due to the length of the report, we expect to publish it on Wednesday 30 April with parents receiving a personal copy that morning, ahead of wider publication. I intend to write to parents personally on 23 April to advise them of this. I understand how anxious they are to receive the report and hope this timescale will reassure them.”

Dame Elish Angiolini  stated that she passed her report to Sue Bruce Chief Executive of City of Edinburgh Council on 14 April. This completes her investigation and she would like to thank all parents and witnesses for their co operation. The City of Edinburgh Council will now communicate directly with all families concerning the publication and distribution of the report.

The council decided in January 2013 to commission the report. 

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The council will make the formal approval next week which will allow the reorganisation of George Street. We know that this involves cycle lanes on one side and a one way system, but other than that we have no other details at the moment as the report is not yet available. Council reports are usually available at least 7 days prior to meetings, but for some reason this one is not yet online.

There are plans from last year when the scheme was made available for public comment however.

“Plans for a 12 month trial on George Street, which include the introduction of a two-way cycle path and additional space for pedestrians and local businesses, have been made accessible online.

The bid, which aims to make the street more attractive to shoppers, residents and tourists, was approved as part of a wider city centre vision at October’s Transport and Environment Committeeand follows the success of a similar trial held during the Festival in 2013.”

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This week’s photo comes from Mark Brown, who took a trip to Cramond.

The Stockbridge Photography Club is a non profit community club. We don’t have any joining fees, and provide aspiring photographers with education and experiences to help them get the best from their camera.

We’re about to announce a calendar of events for the next few months. More information can be found on Facebook or our website, where you can sign up to receive email alerts when we add new events.

Submitted by Stockbridge Photo Club

Hibs are teaming up with Supporters Branches to offer free travel to the club’s Scottish Premiership match at Ross County on Tuesday 6 May, kick off 7.45pm.

The Club has been in dialogue with those Branches that have declared they will be running buses to Dingwall for the match and spaces can be reserved by those wishing to travel by contacting the Bus Conveners’ listed below

Carlton Branch

Departing: HIBS CLUB (Sunnyside/Easter Road) 12.30pm

HARP & CASTLE (Leith Walk) 12.35pm

CENTURION (Corstorphine) 3.00pm

Four in Hand Branch

Departing: GILMERTON 2.00pm

FOUR in HAND (Easter Road) 2.20pm

SILVER WING (Calder Road) 2.45pm

FABIOS (Corstorphine) 2.55pm

This is the latest initiative announced by the club following the reduced admission prices (Adults: £15, Concessions: £5) for the penultimate home match of the 13/14 season against Partick Thistle (Saturday 3 May, kick off 3pm).

James McPake made an eventful return to action last night scoring at both ends at Hibs’ Under 20s drew 3-3 with Dunfermline at East End Park.

Lewis Allan opened the scoring early on before a McPake own goal levelled the score. Tom Gardiner restored Hibs lead but after the break goals from Ryan Williamson and Shaun Byrne put the Fife club ahead, before McPake equalised with nine minutes remaining.

Danny Handling and Euan Smith both went close in the last few minutes.

After the game Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh told Hibernian TV: “First and foremost you have got to give the boys credit for the effort that they put into the game, it was a first-class effort, I think there was a lot of energy and they gave it everything.

“I think we’re now seeing the effects of a long and hard season, it is easy to say that we’re disappointed because we wanted to win the league, but really I am pleased with them to be honest.”

“We’re at the stage where it has been a long, hard season and we’ve squeezed every drop of effort, energy and commitment out of the players and that bit extra.

“I think if you had spoken to me at the start of the season I would have never have thought we would have come this far, I think the players have exceeded my expectations and I have to give them enormous credit for that.

“In football you do what is instinctively natural to you and Danny (Handling) takes a shot first-time on his left foot on the swivel and hits it over the bar, when in hindsight he might have taken a touch.

“Euan (Smith) attacks the box and heads it wide; again in hindsight a thicker contact on the ball and he might have scored. It’s easy to criticise the misses, but there has been a lot of good points in the game from every player and a lot of effort across the season.

“We’re maybe getting to the stage of the season where we are running out of legs a little bit – but we’ll try to keep going.”

Hibernian under-20s: Paul Grant, Andrew Black, Ryan Baptie (Jordan Sinclair, 57), Euan Smith, Tom Gardiner, James McPake, Paul Cairney, Callum Crane, Lewis Allan, Danny Handling (Gareth McCaffrey, 86), Abdellah Zoubir (Max Todd, 63). Unused substitutes: Kleton Perntreou, Aaron Dunsmore, Bob Wilson, Neil Martyniuk.

Photo by J.C Mackintosh

Eight orphaned ducklings who wandered into a conservatory in South Queensferry are recovering in the Scottish SPCA’s care.

A resident of Standing Stane Road in Dalmeny contacted Scotland’s animal welfare charity after the birds walked in through a door which had been left open on 14 April.

The ducklings are now recovering at the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “The woman who found them had left her conservatory door open and, to her surprise, the ducklings just wandered in.

“She was able to contain them inside her conservatory until one of our animal rescue officers arrived to collect them.

“They were only a few days old when they were discovered and too young to be without their mother.

“We think it’s possible she flew off after becoming spooked as there was no sign of her.

“All the ducklings are doing really well and we’ll continue care for them until their waterproof feathers have come through and they’re able to fend for themselves.

“We’re hopeful we’ll soon be able to release them back into the wild where they belong.”

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999

Photos by Scottish SPCA

FLYBE ANNOUNCE NEW EDINBURGH – LONDON CITY AIRPORT ROUTE

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has announced this morning that it has signed a five-year agreement with London City Airport which will see the introduction of a brand new affordable and competitively priced route from Edinburgh to the heart of London.

From Monday 27th October 2014, Flybe will offer four times daily services between the two cities, which includes business friendly flights arriving in London before 9am.

Flybe expects the new route will appeal particularly to those travelling for business to and from the City of London and Canary Wharf whose travel plans are time-critical and who will appreciate the reduced transfer times compared to flying to/from West Sussex or Bedfordshire. London City airport is conveniently located in the heart of the financial capital with connections offered every ten minutes by Docklands Light Railway, meaning that passengers can be in Canary Wharf in 12 minutes – and, via the London Underground, in Westminster in just 24.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27_4kmyauM4?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Saad Hammad, Flybe’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We’re delighted to announce this brand new affordable and competitively priced service between Edinburgh and London City airport.  Today’s news is a significant landmark in the re-birth of Flybe.  The decision to re-enter the London market at its most convenient airport follows a rigorous profitability analysis utilising our strict ‘Route Assessment Model’.

“We have taken into consideration how appealing London City is for business travellers looking to be in central London in time for morning meetings, as well as getting home in time to put the kids to bed.”

“Flybe is today already connecting over 7 million passengers a year throughout the UK and Europe.  With this new major London connection from Inverness, we are not only cementing our position as Europe’s largest regional airline but also upholding our customer promise to be significantly faster than rail or road – ‘The Fastest Way from A to Flybe’.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Airport, said:

“Air travel remains the best way for Scots to access London and we’re delighted to see Flybe announce this new service to London City Airport.

“We will grow as an airport by providing our passengers with choice.  It is fantastic to be continuing to do that with a strong Flybe brand.

“We look forward to working with the new team to provide even more choice for our passengers.”

Colin Keir MSP, Edinburgh Western Constituency, said:

“I’m delighted to see that Flybe will be offering another alternative service to London. This shows confidence in Edinburgh and I wish them great success.”

Flybe will now operate 10 direct services from Edinburgh.  The airline has also announced services from London City to Inverness, Dublin, Belfast City and Exeter.

One way fares to and from Edinburgh to London City including taxes and charges start from £49.99 and are on sale now at www.flybe.com

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra  – Whistler at the Museum – Sunshine on Leith – Portobello Time Bank – Dead by Dawn

At the Usher Hall this Sunday Donald Runnicles will conduct the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra playing Mahler’s 9th Symphony beginning at 4pm. There is no interval in this concert and latecomers may not be admitted.

“The very first bars of Mahler’s Ninth seem to falter. The stricken composer put the rhythm of his failing heart into the orchestra – and began his Ninth Symphony with a sigh of ‘farewell’. But that’s the beginning, not the end, and over 80 minutes of music Mahler wrings every last drop of sweetness, terror and love from a life of total emotional commitment. Every performance of Mahler’s Ninth is a unique occasion, and given Donald Runnicles’ special relationship with late Romanticism, this will prove to be unforgettable. Peace, meanwhile, comes dropping slow in Arvo Pärt’s minimalist elegy for Britten; a perfectly-chosen upbeat to Mahler’s overwhelming symphonic swan song.”

Ticket details here. 

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National Museums Scotland have acquired a rare cabinet painted by Whistler which will be on display from 2016 in Chambers Street.

The magnificent maple cabinet was designed by Edward William Godwin and painted by the renowned artist, James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

The museum says that the object is hugely important in the history of nineteenth century art and applied arts. In the style of the Anglo-Japanese aesthetic movement, it is the result of an artistic collaboration between Edward William Godwin, an influential designer of the aesthetic movement and James Abbot McNeill Whistler, the most controversial and celebrated painter of the aesthetic movement. The cabinet was manufactured by William Watt Art Furniture.

The cabinet will be displayed in one of ten new galleries of Art and Design and Science and Technology scheduled for opening in 2016 at the National Museum of Scotland.

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A charity screening of “Sunshine on Leith” is taking place at the Dominion Cinema, Edinburgh on 6 May 2014. Tickets are priced at £10 which includes a glass of bubbly!

The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Braids and CHAS will be one of the charities benefitting from the fundraiser.

For further information and to book tickets please contact Caroline on 07885027582 or caroline.kehoe@blueyonder.co.uk

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Portobello Timebank has received applications from almost 30 members of the community, and they say they would love to see each and every member ‘swapping’ by the end of April. The group are really excited that to have already matched members with swaps including cake baking, dog walking, repairing clothes and IT lessons – with many more requests and offers to pair up. Contact Kirsty Carver portobello@edinburghtimebank.org.uk for a membership form and more details.

If you don’t know what a time bank is then have a look here!

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Dead by Dawn is on this weekend. For over 18s only the all night horror takes place at The Filmhouse. The Edinburgh Reporter is too scared to go but maybe you will like it.

There are tickets for the whole weekend or tickets for individual films. All details here.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a road collision at West Pilton Gardens around 5.40pm tonight when two males who were riding on a motorbike, collided with a car.

The men have been taken by ambulance to ERI but the nature of their injuries is not known as yet.

Officers have appealed to any members of the public who saw a red motorcycle in the area at this time to contact the police on 101.

Robert Pearson Chair of TRIM published these photos of the scene earlier this evening

Serious rta West Pilton Gdns Edinburgh @edinburghpaper @STVEdinburgh @BBCScotlandNews @NorthEdinbNews @STVNews pic.twitter.com/iQH8CfPHuo

— Robert Pearson (@Rpearson081) April 22, 2014

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