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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A selection of remarks and comments and pointers to articles about the Scottish Independence Referendum.

People living in Scotland are invited to vote in the referendum on independence from the United Kingdom on 18 September 2014. The referendum question is “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

Whether you intend voting Yes or No to that question, your views, and those of others,  have a place here. We invite comments and we also invite you to write about what you think by using our Submit your Story feature here.

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Yes Pentlands, the organisation which campaigns in the Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency for Scottish independence, is holding a public meeting in the Wester Hailes Education Centre at 7.15 pm this Friday, 25th April 2014.

Speakers will include actress Elaine C Smith, MP Jim Sillars and local SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald. The meeting will be chaired by local Councillor Catherine Fullerton.
Yes Pentlands’ organiser Sheena Jardine said:- “Our campaign has real momentum now. This is Alistair Darling’s constituency which was formerly held by Malcolm Rifkind.  Our canvassing is showing Yes outperforming No by over 20%. There has been great demand for public meetings and we have distributed 10,000 leaflets in the last few days advertising this event. This is just another part of our strategy to address voters face to face regarding their hopes and fears about independence. We are growing in strength and will keep the momentum up until 10 pm on the 18th of September.”

A short piece on the Super Saturday event can be viewed here

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt7b6z_9ib8]

Contact Yes Pentlands at yespentlands@gmail.com. Event Deputy Organiser Jon Drummond can be contacted on 07938 815929 and atjondrummond@talktalk.net.

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Better Together are holding an event for women only in Central Edinburgh on 26 April 2014.

Women Together is the grassroots network of women who are campaigning to keep Scotland part of the UK. We want the best of both worlds for Scotland a successful Scottish Parliament delivering in areas like health and education, and the security of being part of a bigger UK.

This Women Together Campaign Workshop is part of our latest series of events across Scotland, providing an opportunity for women to come together and ensure that our voices are central to the discussion on Scotlands future.

Sign up today and help shape our positive campaign and to plan local campaign activity to engage more women in the debate.

This is a special event for women activists only. More details here.

East Coast FM is celebrating its first birthday this week. The station was officially opened by East Lothian Lord Provost Ludovic Broun-Lindsay last year on 27 April. The first anniversary is being marked with a disco which will take place on Saturday 2 May  2014 at Haddington Bowling Club.

Some of the significant successes achieved by ECFM this year include securing donations from Community Windpower and Awards for All. This means that later this year the station will upgrade the current studio, and build a second studio  to allow for even more opportunities for training and volunteering at East Coast FM.

Ian Robertson, Station Manager at East Coast FM said: “What a year the first year of our FM broadcasting has been. The station is going from strength to strength and the next year promises to be even more exciting. I would like to thank everyone involved in the day to day running of the station but particularly the committee whose tireless work means we can keep growing and reaching into all parts of our communities.

“Thanks too go to all the businesses near and far that have supported us and helped sustain our existence, without their support it would be impossible. And special thanks also to all the charity and community organisations for including us in all they do. We are really excited about the next year at ECFM and the changes that will be possible.”

Listeners and members of the public are invited to join in the celebrations, tickets for the disco are available from the station priced £5 per person which will cover some light refreshments, under 18s are also welcome.

A 20-year-old Edinburgh man has been sentenced to 4 years and 4 months in prison after pleading guilty to assault to danger of life at  the High Court in Aberdeen today.

James Mullen, from Edinburgh, assaulted his partner and her ten-year-old daughter on the evening of 6th July 2013, at a property in Kirk Street, after he had been drinking all day.

Detective Inspector Morag Bruce from Police Scotland said: “James Mullen launched a sustained and violent assault on his partner, who was pregnant at the time.

“After attempting to strangle her, he then attacked her ten year old daughter, who tried to intervene. He also threatened neighbours when they came to assist.

We welcome this sentence as it sends out a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated by Police Scotland. We will rigorously investigate those perpetrators, and victims can also have confidence that their cases will be handled sensitively.”

Officers from Police Scotland are appealing for information after a man died in a one-car road traffic collision in Edinburgh today.

Police were called to Gillespie Road in the west of the capital at around 11.40am after a car appeared to leave the road, roll down an embankment and crash into a greenhouse in the grounds of Downes Nursery.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent appliances to help stabilise the car and used cutting equipment to release the casualty. Paramedics and the Medic One fast response medical team were also in attendance but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Enquiries are at a very early stage and no further details are available at this time.

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

Eight days of outstanding performances from the world’s best magicians

The fifth Edinburgh International Magic Festival will once again bring the most innovative and talented performers from all over the world to Edinburgh from 27 June – 4 July 2014.

This year magic collides with theatre, science, comedy, history, sideshow, technology and psychology as performers from the widest fields of interest come together in Edinburgh to give festival goers the most magical experience possible.

In the Year of Homecoming Scotland, local magicians feature prominently in the main programme. Glasgow magician Michael Neto, who represented Scotland at FISM World Championships of Magic in 2012, brings his new theatre and magic production, in collaboration with Sonic Boom Theatre Company, to MagicFest. Harthill’s Colin Cloud is a master of deduction; he explores the snap judgements we all make about other people and life’s scenarios in his new show Forensic Mind Reader. Actor and magician Scott Smith from Edinburgh makes his MagicFest debut in the main programme. After a sell show at the Fringe last year, Scott performs at new venue MagicFest venue Adam House Theatre. London Magic Circle Competition finalist Billy Reid from Glasgow is one of the UK’s most devilishly brilliant close-up magicians and an expert sleight of hand artist.
Kevin McMahon, Edinburgh International Magic Festival Director, said: “Five years ago we waded into the busy Edinburgh festival market aiming to get live magic in front of public and to find acts that didn’t just amaze but also excited and inspired. Now over 5000 people come to MagicFest each summer. In the last few years there’s been a groundswell in the Scottish magic community of performers willing and able to create innovative shows and I’m delighted to programme so many quality Scottish acts this year.”

Each year a wide array of international artists also feature in the programme. This year the award winning line-up includes Lukas from South Korea who brings a sense of poetic artistry and visual manipulation techniques to Scotland for the first time, USA’s Rob Zabrecky a Magic Castle illusionist and character actor who has been twice voted ‘Stage Magician of the Year’ by the Academy of Magical Arts and Xavier Tapias from Spain, whose amazing animatronics act evokes the story of Pinocchio as he magically builds a boy from household rubbish.

Magician and psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman makes his MagicFest debut. An international bestselling author, Richard’s YouTube channel has over 1 million subscribers and 200 million views. Join him as he takes you backstage to discover the secret science of sorcery. MagicFest are delighted to welcome German artist Johan Lorbeer to Edinburgh for the first time. He is famous for his public “Still-Life” performances, which feature Lorbeer in an apparently impossible position, standing in mid-air ‘leaning’ against a wall with one hand.

In addition to bringing magic acts from around the world to Edinburgh, MagicFest produce unique events and develop new show concepts. Last year’s sell show The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle is back with three of Scotland’s finest magicians who animate the castle’s intriguing past with stories, performances and illusions. Magic Dinner at The Royal Scots Club also returns with an evening of fine dining and immersive magical entertainment. Magic School wizardry workshops offer 7-10 year olds the choice of either a 2.5 hour workshop or 5-day course with fun show for parents. Street Magic Masterclass gives 11-15 year olds the chance to learn some mind-blowing techniques and the secrets behind sleight-of-hand. Brand new show Tower of Illusion at Camera Obscura takes you on a magical journey where you must work together to defy illusion, solve riddles, challenge mystery and confront the unknown in a unique treasure hunt.

Since conception in 2010, MagicFest now produces one of the UK’s largest magic events, has consulted for the National Theatre of Scotland, broken a Guinness World Record and put together a series of shows and workshops as part of the celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday at the Globe Theatre in London. The Edinburgh International Magic Festival is leading the charge in the newly developing market of Magic Festivals appearing around the world, and aims to be the world leader in programming and producing innovative, cutting edge magic.

MagicFest works with various organisations that have supported the festival development and collaborated on some exciting projects and events. Among them are Point Hotel Edinburgh (now Double Tree by Hilton), IDEAS, MagicDirecet.com, Lothian Buses, Jenners and Tree of Knowledge.

Kevin added: “In addition to our longstanding principal sponsors, we’re very excited to announce a new partnership with Krispy Kreme this year. I think it’s a wonderful match up and I’m looking forward to a very sweet relationship. Watch out for some in store magic at Hermiston Gait this summer!”

Open up to magic at the fifth Edinburgh International Magic Festival from the 27 June till the 4 July.

Photos by Colin Hattersley Photography

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A launch event for a new book by Andrew Whitley is being held in Edinburgh on 7 May 2014.

Breadmaking is an ancient art and one of the oldest and tastiest breads is sourdough. Requiring only flour, water, salt and a sprinkling of time, the creation of a sourdough loaf is like a fine act of magic. In Do Sourdough, Andrew Whitley – a baker for over 30 years and someone who has ‘changed the way we think about bread’ – shares his simple method for making this exceptional and flavoursome bread at home.

Andrew and his wife Veronica live on an organic agro-forestry smallholding in the Scottish Borders where they run Bread Matters breadmaking courses. Andrew appreciates that we don’t all have the time and patience to bake our own bread and so decided to write Do Sourdough to demonstrate that it is possible to create brilliant bread at home and still have a life. Everyone can use his time-saving tips to make bread at home with no compromise on taste and texture.

He commented: “We all lead such hectic lives now that many of us would place breadmaking far down our list of priorities. However it really can be fitted into a busy day by following a few simple tips. And the results are well worth the effort. There’s even a meditative quality to breadmaking that is wonderfully relaxing. Do Sourdough contains everything you need to get started.”

In Do Sourdough you’ll discover:

• The basic tools and ingredients you’ll need

• How to make your own sourdough starter

• Simple methods for producing wonderful loaves time and again

• Ideas and recipe suggestions for fresh and days-old bread

Original Sourdough Starter

To help get future bakers off to a good beginning, Bread Matters sell their original sourdough starter for £4.95. The dried sourdough is easily refreshed with warm water and rye flour and comes in a compostable cellophane bag with instructions and a recipe printed inside the packet – so no waste. To purchase, visit the Bread Matters online shop.

Do Sourdough Launch Event in Edinburgh

Andrew is hosting a launch event at Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery on Wednesday 7 May at 6.30pm. This ticketed event is open to members of the public, details can be found here.

DO SOURDOUGH, Slow bread for busy lives by Andrew Whitley

Second book helping from the UK’s leading sourdough expert

Buy online from : http://breadmatters.com

A launch event is being held at the King’s Theatre in May to show off the photographic display of how the new dome was created.

Over the course of 35 days in the summer of 2013, the King’s Theatre was closed to the public for a very special make-over. The 42 metre height of the King’s auditorium was filled with a free-standing scaffold to allow access to the walls and the ceiling without damaging the delicate, listed interior for a major restoration of the decorative plasterwork. The icing on the cake was the installation of a new centrepiece for the theatre, the King’s Dome Commission – an original mural designed by acclaimed painter and playwright, John Byrne.

Photographer Ron O’Donnell documented the entire project from the drawing board to the final unveiling of the artwork titled ‘All the World’s a Stage’.

This display presents a selection of Ron’s photographs to give a sense of the process of transferring the original square metre design onto an 85m² curved plaster dome, working at a height of over 42 metres above the ground.

Following scenic artist and project manager, Kevin Leary and his team of six, Ron’s photographs capture the realisation of a major contemporary commission.

The King’s Theatre will host a special launch event for the display on Thursday 8 May, featuring photographer Ron O’Donnell and the artists who contributed to the King’s dome. John Byrne will be in discussion with director Michael Emans before the performance of Uncle Varick, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets available from the edtheatres box office. 

Ron O’Donnell is one of Scotland’s finest contemporary art-photographers, renowned for his work in constructed and narrative large format. He has exhibited nationally and internationally and is collected by eminent institutions.  Born in Stirling in 1952, he lives and works in Edinburgh, and is a Lecturer at Napier University.

John Byrne was born in 1940 in Paisley and attended Glasgow School of Art. He is celebrated for his diverse talents as a fine artist, a designer of theatre sets and album covers, and one of the most notable playwrights of his generation. In 2014, John’s work is celebrated in a major retrospective at the National Portrait Gallery and his reimaginings of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya (as Uncle Varick) and The Three Sisters in 1960s settings will be staged at the King’s.

The King’s Dome Commission

Photographs by Ron O’Donnell

Launch event: Thursday 8 May at 6pm

King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, EH3 9LQ

Exhibition view followed by an audience with John Byrne and the director of Uncle Varick, Michael Emans

Tickets: £7.50 (includes a glass of wine).

Buy tickets on 0131 529 6000 / www.edtheatres.com/news/dome-exhibition.

Photo Rob McDougall

A 61 year old male has been arrested and charged under the Explosive Substances Act following an examination of a property at Fidra Court, Edinburgh, on Friday 18th April.

He is due to appear in court today.

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan from Police Scotland said: “Keeping people safe is of paramount importance to Police Scotland. We are still in the early stages of our enquiry and I’d like to thank the public for their patience, particularly those who were evacuated at Fidra Court, while we worked to establish the circumstances of this incident.”

Football Works – Singing with the Newhaven Fishing Folk Choir – Dr Jane Goodall talk – Grove Community Garden birthday party – Royal Blind pupil in Commonwealth Baton Relay

The next Football Works programme will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 3.30pm at Portobello Powerleague from 6 May until 26 June 2014.

The eight week course helps to increase fitness, confidence, motivation, health and social skills.  It enables students to gain skills to get them ready for work or further education.  They will complete an SQA in Communications and Working with Others.  During the course each participant will be given full employability and personal development support which will continue on completion.

It is open to anyone 16 years and over who is unemployed and living in Edinburgh or the surrounding area.

It’s free and won’t affect your benefits, plus we’ll provide the kit, travel expenses and lunch so all you have to do is register and turn up!

Any individuals that are interested in taking part in Football Works are invited to attend as many of our free drop in sessions as possible:-

Mondays at Meadowbank Stadium, 2pm until 4pm

Wednesdays at Portobello Powerleague, 1pm until 3pm

Thursdays at Leith Community Centre (above Kirkgate Shopping Centre), 11am until 12:30pm (OVER 30’S ONLY)

Thursdays at Portobello Powerleague, 1pm until 3pm (WOMEN ONLY)

Fridays at Portobello Powerleague, 12pm until 2pm

***

Dr Jane Goodall DBE is coming to Edinburgh to give a talk at the Assembly Hall about conservation. And you already know her.

Yes, she is the pioneering scientist who worked with the Gombe chimpanzees, and her face will be familiar to many of you.

Book your place for her only appearance in Scotland this year and read more here.

***

And a lovely story to bring to your attention this morning. Harrison Lovett who is 15 attends the Royal Blind School and he is to take part in the Commonwealth Baton Relay when it comes to Edinburgh on 14 June 2014.

Read more here. 

 

 

Malmaison Edinburgh is having a Cheese & Wine Evening on Thursday the 8th of May and  invite you to go along for a special price of £20 per person.

The evening includes 4 glasses of wine and 4 cheeses from around the globe hosted by our master sommelier.

If you are interested in attending, please e-mail events.edinburgh@malmaison.com by 1 May 2014.

Submitted by Jarrien Philip

One of the joys of the Edinburgh International Science Festival is its ability to bring the arts and science together in the most engaging way. Writer and broadcaster Simon Singh joins the festival to point out what we in Edinburgh have always known – that clever people have the best sense of humour. Fans of comedians from the inimitable Stephen Fry to polymath Robin Ince know that comedy is not the stuff of fools; it’s a clever man’s (and woman’s) game. But did we know that the Americans are in on this too? Apparently they are, as Simon Singh takes pains to point out in his event ‘The Mathematics of the Simpsons’.

For years we have laughed at Homer’s antics as the head of his dysfunctional family, the mindless violence of Itchy and Scratchy, and the satirical take on America’s environmental policies. But how many of us have noticed the high level mathematics liberally sprinkled among the silliness like choc chips on a Krispy Kreme donut? I know I haven’t.  It turns out that the clever, funny writers of the Simpsons realise that their audience are not daft. From Maggie deriving Einstein’s equations with her building blocks, to Lisa’s books on complex mathematics as she tries to run her baseball team, the scripts are littered with mathematical gags that the writers refer to as ‘increasing the comedic nerdic density.’

Did any of us notice the cinema called Googolplex Theatres? The mathematicians and fans of funny musical geek Helen Arney among us will recognize that a googolplex is a mind-bogglingly enormous number. In a conversational and accessible style, Singh shows us this and other mathematical oddities such as ‘narcissistic numbers and ‘perfect numbers’ that pop up all over the place if you know where to look. It turns out that even humble Apu, proprietor of the Kwikemart is a mathematician, who, in the episode ‘Marge in Chains’ offers to recite pi to 40,000 decimal places. Once Singh points out these clever jokes, it seems incredible that we have missed them for so long. So how did what is superficially such a simple cartoon come to have advanced theories of infinity such as Hilbert’s Hotel tucked away among the punchlines?

The answer is surprising but simple: among the writers of the Simpsons are mathematicians from the top universities in the country, including some with PhD’s and, incredibly, a former Professor from Yale. These smart cookies are encouraged to spread their love of mathematics and add another layer of comic complexity to this outstandingly successful TV show. They specialise in the ‘freezeframe gag’ which is only on screen for second, and is easily missed.

In an episode called ‘the Wizard of Evergreen terrace’ Homer decides he wants to be an inventor. Singh allows us to look closely at the equations he scribbles on his blackboard, and incredibly these include equations which predict the mass of the Higgs Boson, fourteen years before its discovery at CERN.

My favourite moment was realising that a ‘taxicab number’, was, you’ve guessed it, displayed on a taxicab. Thanks to Simon Singh I’ll never look at a cartoon in the same way again.

Cuckoo’s Bakery in Dundas Street have been running their own poll by offering referendum cupcakes in red, white or blue icing to reflect a Yes, No or Don’t Know vote.

The bakery have announced results at the end of week 6 which show a swing of 4.8% to the YES Campaign who appear to be gaining ground by swaying the UNDECIDED vote.

YES – 36.1% (+ 4.8%)

NO – 46.4% (No Change)

UNDECIDED – 17.5% (-4.8%)

The Cuckoo’s Bakery Opinion Poll has created widespread interest from both media and customers alike with their bakers working through the night to meet demand.

Owner Graham Savage said:- “One lady came in and bought a large number of cakes but of course we cannot say which cakes she bought!

“Cuckoo’s display the results in the window and we see people reading them and leave, amused with a smile on their face!”

Results will continue to be released on a fortnightly basis however on the day results will also be available on request. Cuckoo’s hope to achieve sales of 10,000 cupcakes between now and the independence referendum on 18 September 2014,  and think this will give a very good indication of public opinion. We are not sure that it is entirely scientific – but it is certainly a bit of fun!

A referendum cupcake is raspberry and white chocolate flavour and is priced at £2.50 to take away and £3.00 to sit in. Cuckoo’s will also deliver from their website which you will find here.

Today, on John Muir Day, the First Minister declared the route which goes from west coast to east coast formally open. Muir was born on 21 April 1838, and there is already a John Muir Trail in the US to recognise his work as a naturalist and as the founder of the national park movement there. 

The Scottish route crosses through Edinburgh from South Queensferry and then out the other side to Prestonpans. The 134 mile trail is a reversal of the journey which John Muir himself made when he left his home in Dunbar to go to America from Scotland’s western seaboard.

The idea for it originated with the Central Scotland Green Network who have devised the John Muir Way to incorporate sites to see along the way like castles and historic towns. The organisation’s whole ethos is to change the landscape of Central Scotland by delivering greenspace links and a network of active travel routes. You can either cycle or walk along it and it is designed to be accessible for everyone, so no doubt someone with a mobility scooter will be up for the challenge soon!

If you are using your bike then the CSGN recommend that you use at least a hybrid bike for some of the bumpier sections. It is a route which may take you about four days, so we recommend a comfortable saddle!  Here is the video which CSGN made to promote the route. Do send us photos if you walk or cycle it!

You can download a guidebook here and there is an online guide here.

[vimeo 92020918 w=500 h=281]

John Muir Way – Promo Video from CSGN on Vimeo.

Queen Margaret University (QMU) has become the only university in Scotland to have been shortlisted for the 2014 Times Higher Education Leadership & Management award in the Outstanding Finance Team category.

A total of  six universities from throughout the UK have been nominated for this award.

Known as the THELMAS, these prestigious awards celebrate the higher education sector’s leadership, management, financial and business skills.

The other three Edinburgh universities are all nominated in separate sections.

University of Edinburgh is nominated for the Outstanding International Strategy award and for the Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team.

Edinburgh Napier University is nominated for the Outstanding Estates Team.

Heriot-Watt University is nominated in the Outstanding Human Resources Team section.

With categories covering everything from International Strategy to Student Services, from Fundraising to HR, and from Estates to Admissions, the awards showcase the extraordinary innovation, teamwork and commercial acumen of UK higher education institutions.

Through participation in a national pilot on financial sustainability reporting, transformation of working practices and adoption of a business-partnering model, QMU’s finance team has achieved significant success in supporting the development of the University’s financial strategy in recent years.

With a continued overriding focus on sustainability, QMU was the first Scottish university to submit a positive annual sustainability assurance report to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) in 2012/13, for which it was highly commended by the SFC for its proactive approach.

QMU is now able to address the future with confidence, and is currently defining its vision for 2025, the University’s 150th anniversary. This project, called QM150, will provide new challenges for QMU’s finance team, to transform the way it operates to provide additional support for the longer-term strategic priorities associated with QM150.

Commenting on the shortlist announcement, Malcolm Cutt, Director of Operations & Finance at QMU, said: “This is excellent news for QMU and reflects the significant progress that our Finance team has made over the last couple of years. It is also fitting recognition for the excellent contribution made by all the members of the Finance team”.

“We’ve now got our fingers firmly crossed for scooping the top accolade at the awards ceremony in London on June 17th.”

The overall award winners will be announced at a special ceremony in London on June 17th.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) invites you to an evening with renowned researcher and trail-blazing conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger for Peace, on Thursday 1 May 2014 from 7pm at Edinburgh’s Assembly Hall.

‘Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope’ is Jane’s only public event in Scotland this year to celebrate her 80^th birthday, and is a partnership between RZSS, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and the University of Edinburgh. All proceeds will go to benefit the Jane Goodall Institute UK’s conservation programmes in Africa, and to support more than a million active UK members of her Roots & Shoots initiative, the global humanitarian and environmental programme inspiring young people of all ages to help make the world a better place.

The event is the public launch of RZSS’s Tribal Elders: Words of Wisdom series, an ongoing series of events featuring some of the world’s most inspiring and innovative people on the planet. The series aims to rekindle the ancient tradition of oral storytelling between elders and younger generations, and will offer a unique platform to distil the wisdom of a lifetime. As the inaugural tribal elder, Jane will pass on the baton on to broadcaster and zoologist Aubrey Manning, OBE, who will be the second Tribal Elder featured in the series, on Thursday 23 October 2014.

As one of the most legendary conservationists of our time, Jane will share her most candid thoughts on the future of conservation, guidance on navigating the current threats the world faces, and above all, heartfelt reasons to maintain hope despite growing and often overwhelming odds.

The evening will also provide an opportunity to listen to Jane as she speaks about her lifetime of work with the Gombe chimpanzees, including highlights from some of her most unique experiences from the field. She will also discuss the future of chimpanzees in the wild and the threats they face from devastating habitat loss, as well as the battle against illegal wildlife trade in ivory and rhino horn.

Chris West, CEO for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said:

“It is a great honour to work in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute and the University of Edinburgh to bring to Scotland a true conservation pioneer. Listening to Jane speak about her experiences and the future is truly a unique experience and she has great wisdom she can share with the audience. While Jane will talk about her work with chimpanzees in the field, the evening will predominantly focus on the need for optimism as well as action in today’s current climate. As we will be donating all proceeds from the evening to the Jane Goodall Institute UK, by attending people are directly contributing to its vital conservation work.”

Jane, who celebrated her 80^th birthday on 3 April, is known for her revolutionary studies on the Gombe chimpanzees in Tanzania. In accepting this RZSS invitation Jane said:

“I feel very privileged to be invited to be the inaugural Tribal Elder in this fascinating new RZSS series which will honour the oral tradition connecting generations. RZSS also happens to be amongst the leading research organisations in the field of primates, and chimpanzees in particular, with a strong conservation field station in Budongo, Uganda.”

Jane’s work with the Gombe chimpanzees during the 1960s brought ground-breaking knowledge of the species and the close evolutionary and behavioural bonds shared between chimpanzees and humans. Her observations of watching chimpanzees use sticks to eat termites dispelled the belief that only humans create tools. She went on to found the Jane Goodall Institute UK in 1988 with the aim of working to conserve wild chimpanzees in the face of extensive habitat destruction.

Today, Jane continues her tireless work by spreading the message of the threats faced by chimpanzees as well as other environmental crises, urging her audiences to understand the importance of personal responsibility and how each individual can help make a difference.

Event Details: ‘Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope’, Thursday 1 May 2014 7pm to 9pm at the University of Edinburgh New College, Assembly Hall, Edinburgh EH1 2LU. Tickets for the event are £15, £12 concession for RZSS Members, Edinburgh University Students and Roots & Shoots Members (prices inclusive of booking fee). Advance booking is strongly recommended. To book tickets please click here.

NHS Lothian has today launched the public consultation into its groundbreaking vision for the future of healthcare.

The health board is asking for feedback on its major new proposals, called “Our Health, Our Care, Our Future” which have been designed to transform the current system.

Patients, staff and public from all backgrounds are being urged to have their say on the future of healthcare in Lothian and the chance to influence the services that matter most to them.

The proposals have been drafted to ensure the health board can meet the challenges ahead and continue to deliver safe, person-centred, effective and sustainable care for years to come.

Tim Davison, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “This is without doubt one of the most important projects that we will undertake and we need the opinions and feedback from the people we serve to help shape these services.

“This is an exciting time because it has given us the chance to really look at the services we provide and then make them better.

“The changes are intended to span the next decade and it is crucial that people who already use services or those who might, should all get involved in this consultation process.”

Primary care, community services and home care will be developed and a greater emphasis will be placed on early intervention and self-care under the plans.

The replacement for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children will be built, and the re-development of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital will commence, while community mental health services will be restructured. Dedicated care villages are also proposed, alongside a new community hospital for East Lothian and changes to the way Midlothian Hospital is used to provide care for older people to help prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital.

The document is due to be finalised in the autumn, but only after the views and comments from the extensive consultation process have been channelled back into the plans.

The proposals also show how extra capacity will be delivered to meet increasing demand and boost access to services, while preparing NHS Lothian for Health and Social Care integration in 2015.

And it also details the outcomes if no action was taken over the next 10 years and maps out the impact on services, beds, patient waiting times and finances.

Mr Davison said the health board must evolve in line with patients’ need and demands if it is to keep pace with a soaring population, increasing rates of multiple health problems and harsher economic climates as well as grasping the opportunities around integration of health and social care.

He added: “We are proposing some bold steps to transform the way services are currently delivered to ensure they can keep up with modern-day demands and provide safe and effective care.

“There is an increasing risk that unless we fundamentally change the way we currently work that the quality of patient care will deteriorate and we will fall short of meeting the needs and expectations of the population that we are here to serve.”

A summary of the main document is being distributed to interested groups and will be available across Lothian, while the full unabridged version can be accessed  on the NHS Lothian website.