Saturday 17 May – The Festival of Museums

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information and photos here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more here.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Alexandra Ashton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Christopher Burke, © The Easton Foundation

BLACKWELL’S EDINBURGH PRESENTS

ANGUS KONSTAM: Bannockburn

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

Bannockburn: Scotland’s Great Battle for Independence

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

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

This event is ticketed, but tickets are FREE.

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

Submitted by Krishan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Competition ends Friday 23 May at 5pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who can the Tartan Army support at the World Cup?  

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

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

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

Greece

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

Honduras

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

Uruguay

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

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EDINBURGH REVEALS THE GLASGOW 2014 QUEEN’S BATON RELAY ROUTE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday 16 May 2014  – Penguins in George Square….

‘If Not Us, Who?’ – a feature film by Andres Veiel, looking at the Red Army Factor from a different viewpoint.  Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, 7.30-9.50pm.   18+ only. Free tickets from WeGotTickets.

Craigmillar Community Arts: Creative Writing Workshop.  A new group for anyone interested in starting or developing their creative writing skills.  A mix of writing tips, some formal instruction, discussion of techniques and topics, writing, sharing, and tea and biscuits!  1-3pm, £1.  Call 0131 669 8432 for details, or see Craigmillar’s website.

Craigmillar Community Arts Karaoke Club: experience some real live entertainment whilst boosting your confidence and developing your vocal chords!  7-10pm, £1.  Contact details as above.

Science and Swing: the 1940s were an exciting and revolutionary time for many fields of science – find out why!  Experts in Geology, Natural History and Genetics will talk about the revolutions in these fields and illustrate these innovations with items from the University of Edinburgh Museum Collections.  11.30am-2.30pm, University of Edinburgh Main Library, George Square. Free but booking essential via eventbrite.  Part of the Festival of Museums.

Penguin Popularity: come along to hear about the explosion in popular printing during the 1940s and to see some rare examples from that time. The creation of Penguin Books revolutionised the way we consume literature.  A brief history of the development of popular and mainstream printing in the 1940s and why it was so important to daily life.  11.30am-12.30pm, 5th Floor Seminar Room, University of Edinburgh Main Library, George Square.  Free but booking essential via eventbrite. Part of the Festival of Museums.

CREATE – arts & crafts sessions for 8-14 year olds.  This term includes mosaic, paint sculpture, textiles and trips to exhibitions.  WHALE  2.15-4pm, free. Call 0131 458 3267or see WHALE’S website for details.

Community Garden at Hermitage of Braid – Fundraising Concert at Greyfriars – Vintage Fair – Golfing Glory for Ratho Park – Edinburgh Trams

WIN A THREE NIGHT STAY IN EDINBURGH WITH TUNE HOTELS 

To celebrate homecoming Scotland, a Visit Scotland initiative for 2014, Tune Hotels is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a three night stay at their Edinburgh hotel –  Tune Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh.

The hotel brand is inviting people to upload their ‘Scotland-themed’ photos to their Facebook page to be in with the chance of winning the prize.

Once photos have been uploaded to the Facebook page, people need to get their friends to vote for them. The top 20 photos will be shortlisted and one winner and one runner up will be chosen on the merit of the photography.

Teaming up with Visit Scotland, Edinburgh Marketing and Sticky9, the competition will run through to 27^th May 2014 and the winner will be announced on 31^st May 2014.

The winning prize includes:

• A three night stay for two at Tune Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh

• £150 towards travel expenses

• £75 worth of Sticky9 goodies

The runner up will receive:

• A two night stay for two at Tune Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh

• 3 x magnet packs courtesy of Sticky9

Terms and conditions apply and prize must be taken before December 27^th 2014 excluding August.

For real-time updates and promotion alerts, guests can stay connected with Tune Hotels via Facebook at www.facebook.com/tunehotelsUK and on Twitter via www.twitter.com/tunehotelsUK.

For booking and further information, visit www.tunehotels.com.

Three men have admitted murdering 25-year-old Mohamad Abdi in the Willowbrae area of Edinburgh last May.

Mr Abdi was shot dead during a confrontation with a number of other men at 1am on Sunday May 26 at Willowbrae Road in the Duddingston area of the capital.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gary Flannigan, of the Specialist Crime Division, said the investigation which took place into the murder had used telephone records, CCTV footage, forensic science and eye-witness testimony to trace those suspected of the crime.

He said: “The investigation was large-scale and complex – this was a fatal shooting on the streets of the capital city, something which is thankfully a very rare event but which resulted in one man being murdered.

“Those involved set out with the intention of causing serious harm and engaged in a course of conduct, which put members of the public at risk through the discharge of a high-powered weapon, their violent behaviour and a vehicle pursuit which showed recklessness in the extreme.

“The span of our investigation crossed UK – from Willowbrae to London – and abroad in terms of our search for those responsible and significant witnesses and involved a number of other agencies including the National Crime Agency.

“Using a combination of highly technical methods, surveillance and eye witness accounts, the investigation established the identities of those involved, their movements and their intentions.”

The murder took place against a backdrop of a dispute between rival factions of a London-based organised crime group which was operating in Scotland. The victim and associates had been pursued through Edinburgh by men in two vehicles. One of the vehicles which had been involved in the chase crashed at Abercorn Avenue. Mr Abdi was shot in the street during the confrontation after a MAC-10 machine gun was fired from within a VW Sharan vehicle.

Officers on a passing patrol arrived at the scene, along with members of the public, initially believing they were dealing with the aftermath of a road crash. However it became apparent immediately that a number of men had been involved in a violent incident involving firearms.

Mr Abdi was pronounced dead at the scene and efforts took place to trace a number of others who had fled.

The complex investigation which then followed traced the journey of the gang responsible for his murder from London to Glasgow and then on to Edinburgh where the shooting took place.

The journey was pieced together using technology which allowed officers to track mobile phones and link them to individuals. The route of the two cars which the gang used was tracked in parallel to the mobile phone data using a network of CCTV cameras.

Forensic analysis of the interior of the VW Sharan identified certain individuals as having been in the car at the time of the incident. Members of the public also told officers about the confrontation, hearing “firecracker” sounds which were the reports of the gun being discharged and seeing a number of black males running off.

Det Chief Supt Flannigan said: “The murder of Mohamad Abdi took place within weeks of the formation of Police Scotland and the establishment of Major Investigation Teams throughout the country as part of the Specialist Crime Division. A significant number of investigative resources were used to progress the inquiry in order to bring those suspected of such a violent crime to justice.

“I’d like to thank members of the community in Edinburgh for their patience and understanding as their streets were cordoned off for significant periods to protect the crime scene.”

Edinburgh Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, said: “We welcome today’s verdict, which comes at the end of a long and very professional enquiry into what was an incredibly serious but rare incident.

“Throughout the police response, the local community has rallied together and provided a huge level of support both to Police Scotland and to each other.

“Without this considerable support we could not have reached this point today, and I would like to reiterate that my officers continue to work with and listen to local residents right across the city because their support is invaluable to us in fighting crime and keeping people safe.

“Police Scotland will not tolerate organised criminals blighting local communities and putting residents in danger, and we will continue to target our efforts at tackling such groups and bringing them to justice.”

Jeep is celebrating the launch of the eagerly anticipated Cherokee by giving 4×4 enthusiasts in Edinburgh the unique chance to attend an exclusive preview.

The new Cherokee, which was unveiled to international audiences at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year will be on display at a special experiential event at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Saturday 17th May between 10am and 4pm ahead of the UK launch.

An urban gallery will be set up at The Corn Exchange where guests will be able to get a sneak peak of the design features of the 4×4 whilst getting up close and personal to the vehicle.

Damien Dally, head of brand for Jeep, comments: “We’re really excited about the launch of the new Cherokee and want to give Jeep fans the chance to get ahead of the game and see the vehicle for the first time.

“Our special event on Saturday 17th provides people with the opportunity to find out about the design ethos of the vehicle and sign up for a test drive before it goes on sale next month. I would urge anyone with a passion for 4x4s to sign up for a place on the day as there are limited spaces available.”

To register for one of the few remaining spaces call 08433 935337. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

The new Cherokee delivers superior performance, exceptional fuel economy, craftsmanship and user-friendly connectivity unique to the model. Customers can find out more by visiting http://www.jeep.co.uk

Submitted by Stephanie Doherty

A street near Easter Road will be renamed Lawrie Reilly Place after councillors today approved plans at a meeting of the planning committee.

Council officials had previously recommended that this contravened planning rules that individuals could not be considered for street names until 10 years after their death, however councillors overwhelmingly voted to support the move.

Hibernian’s most capped player with 38 appearances for Scotland, Lawrie Reilly was the spearhead of the Famous Five forward line with 234 goals in 333 games. ‘Gie the baw tae Reilly’ was the shout from the stand as Lawrie made a specialty of scoring last minute goals, hence his nickname ‘Last Minute Reilly’

Only the Edinburgh Conservatives voted in favour of officials’ recommendations to name the new development after printer William Thyne.

Councillor Alex Lunn, a long term supporter of this proposal told the Edinburgh Reporter: “I’m absolutely delighted my fellow Councillors agreed with the people of Edinburgh to name this street after one of our favourite sons and one of Hibs and Scotland’s greatest players.

“Sadly the Tories showed how out of touch they are by voting against naming the street after Lawrie. It is no real surprise though that they would oppose honouring a part of the city’s working class heritage.”

Police in Livingston are linking an indecent assault at a property in Orchard Place, Livingston on Wednesday 7th May with another assault that occurred approximately four weeks before at a nearby property in Scott Brae, Livingston.

Around 5.20am on 8th April, a woman was in the rear garden of a house in Scott Brae when she was subjected to an indecent assault. When the victim screamed out, the suspect made off to the rear of the property and into a wooded area.

This incident was brought to light following an analysis of potentially linked incidents that are similar in nature to the indecent assault at Orchard Place at 3.30am on 7th May.

Police are now appealing to anyone who noticed any suspicious behaviour in the Scott Brae and Orchard Place areas of Livingston over the last five weeks.

Police are particularly keen to trace an unidentified male who was seen near Orchard Place in the early hours of 7th May.

He is described as white, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in in height, short dark hair, pointed features and wearing a grey coloured hoodie.

Detective Superintendent Pat Campbell from Police Scotland said:  “Following new information, we are now in a position where we can link these two indecent assaults that occurred in Livingston over the course of a month.

“We are fully committed to catching this perpetrator, but I would advise women to take care when walking alone at night in Livingston, and to report any suspicious behaviour they may have noticed.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Singers Chris Elliott and Emma Moorhead (correct) as a World War One officer and field nurse perform a preview of a World War One inspired performance entitled “Ghosts In A Gallery”, which will be shown at the Scottish National Gallery this weekend.

The one-day only event on Sunday 18 May is part of the three-day long Festival of Museums (coordinated by Museums Galleries Scotland) showing this weekend from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 May 2014.

“Ghosts In A Gallery” is a special collaboration with Edinburgh International Festival, and part of the EIF’s art inspired by conflict theme for 2014.

More information on events over the weekend here. 

Colin Hattersley Photography

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

07974 957 388
colinhattersley@btinternet.com
www.colinhattersley.com

CENTRAL LIBRARY OPENS DOORS ON BRAND NEW CHILDREN AND MUSIC LIBRARIES

The City of Edinburgh Council has today opened new spaces to house the children’s and music collections at the refurbished Central Library.

To mark the launch, Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener for the city, was joined by P3 children from Royal Mile Primary school at the library, when he announced an open day to celebrate the new look collections on Saturday 7 June.

The new facilities have been specially designed to be accessible to all, and for the first time in 40 years will allow all of the central library facilities to be housed in the same building.

The new children’s collection features a special ‘under 5s’ area with artwork by renowned children’s illustrator Catherine Rayner. The building also has a dedicated arts, crafts and IT area and parent friendly access including nappy changing facilities.

The dedicated music collection has launched as a hub for musicians, students and fans alike, with a dedicated space for engaging with music and with others. A soundproof acoustic pod for musicians to practice in will be available to book, and visitors will for the first time be able to try a CD before borrowing. A new streaming service, from Naxos, has also been launched which will provide access to a back catalogue of over one million classical and jazz tracks, with latest releases added every week.

Councillor Richard Lewis said: “The new children’s and music collections have transformed the Central Library and will offer visitors a unique space for relaxing, reading, and so much more.

“The refurbishment allows the Council to house all of the Central Library facilities under one roof for the first time in 40 years and I am sure the City will enjoy all that the building has to offer.

“Edinburgh has such a rich musical heritage and I have been fortunate to use the city’s music library from a very young age. As someone who studied music and has worked as a musician and conductor, I am especially excited to see Central Library offering such great facilities for everyone to access and explore music in their own way.”

The Council will be hosting an open day on Saturday 7 June to celebrate the launch of the new libraries, as well as the refurbishment of the Edinburgh and Scottish Library. For a full programme of events, you should click here

The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival has announced its programme of events for 2014. Tickets are now on sale for all 140 events at 13 venues over 10 days.

The biggest Festival of its kind in Britain presents a super-charged line-up designed to delight Festival regulars and first-timers alike. For 10 groove-packed days from Friday 18th to Sunday 27th July, venues across the capital will play host to the finest jazz and blues talent from all corners of the globe. From bop to boogie-woogie to blues-rock, from samba to swing to soul: there’s something in our programme to suit every mood and musical taste.

There are plenty of opportunities for Festival-goers to get involved with this Festival – listening, jamming, dancing, uploading photos, and more.

Look out for jazz legends, blues greats, red carpet nights, show-stopping vocalists and swingin’ vintage fun. There’s a showcase of never-before-seen acts in the city under the EDINBURGH FIRSTS strand, cutting edge sounds with the return of CROSS THE TRACKS, and an exciting presentation of 2014 EXCLUSIVES, including the Mandela Day Concert on opening night, and Kaiser Bill Invented Jazz, a special production to mark the centenary of The Great War, in which the link between European turmoil and the birth of Jazz is explored. The concert is part of a programme of SCOTTISH JAZZ EXPO projects, where the Festival supports top Scottish musicians and features a host of collaborations between Scottish and international performers.

Brian Fallon, Chair, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, said:

“This is the most ambitious programme to date for the Festival, building on our record sales and attendances last year. We are able to move forward again, thanks primarily to the continued commitment from the Scottish Government, through their Expo programme, and the continued support of the City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland. The Commonwealth Jazz Orchestra is supported by Culture 2014 and we thank our business sponsors, too. Most of all, we are able to present such an exciting programme because of the commitment of our audiences to come out and listen to great music. Thanks to them, and we look forward to a successful year.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“Edinburgh’s Jazz & Blues Festival is the UK’s longest running jazz festival and continues to go from strength to strength. Once again the festival brings together talent from all over the world to celebrate the history of jazz, as well as new music coming from Scotland. This year’s programme is especially timely, celebrating as it does both the enduring links of the Commonwealth and the wider cultural impact of World War 1.

“I am pleased that once again the Scottish Government Edinburgh Festivals Expo funding will highlight the enormous talent of our musicians and performers. The varied festival programme will appeal to established fans and newcomers alike, and the increased exposure that our artists will gain through the Expo fund will, I am sure, do much for the profile of Scotland’s Jazz and Blues scene both at home and abroad.”

Ian Smith, Portfolio Manager for Music at Creative Scotland, said:

“The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival occupies a critical place on Scotland’s global events calendar. Creative Scotland is happy to support this musical feast with leading artists including the iconic Maggie Bell, world-renowned guitarist Martin Taylor and the wonderful tribute band to Jelly Roll Morton directed by Ken Mathieson, so long a revered writer, arranger and MD on the Scottish scene, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the band.  Bill Kyle’s Jazz Bar will again feature as one of the key venues for the event. Brian Kellock, Dave Batchelor and the Average White Band underline the eclectic mix that make this event so special. We wish them all well.”

The range of venues provide great settings to complement the acts. The sumptuous surroundings and wonderful acoustics of the Festival Theatre; the unconventional Grade-A listed backdrop of the Queen’s Hall; the special listening environment of the Festival Theatre Studio: spine-tingling sessions at 3 Bristo Place: feel-good Festival favourites at the Royal Overseas League and Heriots; and foot-stomping parties in the Mash House. The Jazz Bar, in its atmospheric basement setting, hosts both gigs and our famous JAM SESSIONS, and back in George Square especially for the Jazz & Blues Festival, visitors can party under the magic mirrors of the Palazzo Spiegeltent.

The 17^th century church-turned hip jazz club, the Tron Kirk in the heart of the Old Town will once again be the setting for our popular FESTIVAL CLUB, featuring six performances throughout the day for the duration of the Festival. And the Napier University Jazz Summer School is again open to participants of all ages and playing ability. A week-long course will culminate in a performance during the Festival, where audiences can hear these jazz stars in the making.

The annual FREE EVENTS are also back to launch Edinburgh’s Festival season with a storm of colour. The Mardi Gras on Saturday 19^th July from 1-4pm, brings non-stop entertainment and a party atmosphere to the Grassmarket, with support from the Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District. The line-up includes Hamish McGregor Quintet, Jensen Interceptors, Lyndon Anderson, Freddie King, Gramophone Jass Band and Mardi Gras stalwarts the Criterion Brass Band.

And in its third year, the Edinburgh Festival Carnival on Sunday 20 July from 2-4.30pm is back to fill Princes Street and the Gardens with costumes, music and dance – with plenty new tricks up its sequined and feathered sleeves! The Carnival is supported by Edinburgh City Council, and details of the full programme will be released at the end of June. There are several opportunities for members of the public to be a part of the Carnival, either taking part in the parade or volunteering with the team – please see the website for details.

A fresh website at www.edinburghjazzfestival.com welcomes visitors with an eye-catching design, the latest news and an easy-to-use ‘MyFestival’ function, which allows users to customize their programme. Festival-goers are encouraged to join in with the latest conversations through Twitter  by using the hashtag #edjazzfest) or on Facebook.

Ticket information

Tickets are available:

• Online at www.edinburghjazzfestival.com
• By phone on 0131 473 2000. Tickets also available for relevant concerts from The Queen’s Hall (0131 668 2019) and Festival Theatre (0131 529 6000).
• In person from The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE.

During the Festival, on-the-day tickets are sold until 4pm, then are available from 30 minutes before the performance time at the relevant venue.

Details of booking fees are available at the website here.

Four concerts went on sale early on 15^th April and tickets are selling fast: king of boogie-woogie, swing and r’n’b Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra (featuring special guest star Melanie C), legendary singer-songwriter Van Morrison, rock ‘n’ roll icon Bill Wyman with the fabulous Rhythm Kings, and the Mandela Day Concert featuring three popular South African acts. We can announce that Maggie Bell, Scotland’s Queen of the Blues, will open the show for Bill Wyman at the Festival Theatre with her four-piece band – an evening not to be missed!

The SCOTTISH JAZZ EXPO features several exciting collaborations this year. They include the Commonwealth Jazz Orchestra, which is part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme and is directed by James Morrison, paying homage to Oscar Peterson, the Canadian jazz pianist described by Duke Ellington as the ‘Maharaja of the keyboard’ with We Love Oscar! On this special night, two former members of Oscar’s Trio will also take to the stage with Edinburgh’s Brian Kellock. A special concert, marking the 10th anniversary of the great Scottish jazz institution, the Ken Mathieson Classic Jazz Orchestra play Jelly Roll Morton, with Evan Christopher, Duke Heitger and Don Vappie. Mathieson presents rarely heard, unpublished Big Band scores, made available from the archives of The Historic New Orleans Collection at the University of New Orleans. And Martin Taylor Great Guitars with Christian Escoude and Ulf Wakenius brings these jazz guitar giants together for solo, duo and trio mind-blowing performances.

Our EDINBURGH FIRSTS strand offers Festival audiences first time opportunities to hear some great jazz and blues names. Fusion jazz fans will be jostling for tickets to see the Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band, featuring Dennis Chambers and Tom Kennedy. Stern (guitar) and Evans (sax) played together in the Miles Davis 1980s band, and the passion and dynamism that were the hallmarks of that group will be there for all to see in the Queen’s Hall. Bringing rockabilly and rocking soul to the Spiegeltent, Nikki Hill makes her Festival debut. A charismatic performer of American roots music, her gritty and raw voice with Stax soul dynamics ranges from smooth and dreamy to floor-buckling intensity. Another captivating singer, MOBO-nominated Zara McFarlane is making waves across Europe with a soulful jazz sound akin to Nina Simone and Roberta Flack.

‘Face of the Festival’ appearing on the cover of our brochures and posters this year, Christian Scott performs with his Quintet. Hip, focused and charismatic, Scott is every bit the iconic jazz trumpeter. And Blues guitarist, Otis Taylor, brings his unique electric version of Delta-inspired country-blues to enthrall the Queen’s Hall.

After a successful year last year, our CROSS THE TRACKS strand is back, presenting edgy, contemporary acts that highlight the heritage of jazz and blues on the underground music scene. With influences from hip-hop and electronica to soul and funk, expect raw musicality without boundaries!

New Orleans heavy duty Hot 8 Brass Band made a lasting impression at their sell-out gig last year. Mixing the traditional brass band sound with soul, jazz and funk, their shows are about good vibes and pulsing dancefloors! Fat Suit, a 15-piece instrumental collective, delivers a mighty fusion of jazz, rock and folk. Often compared to American fusion group Snarky Puppy, the line up features guitars, violins, keyboards horns, bass, drums and percussion. Playing a mix of original material and interpretations of tracks by the likes of Kanye West, Canadian hip hop/jazz trio Badbadnotgood unleash their murky bass lines, pounding exuberant drums and chilling cymbals on the city; and legendary Edinburgh club, Four Corners play a club get-down of deep funk to afro beats.

For jazz traditionalists, we have a special performance from Batchelors of Jazz. Dave Batchelor brings together New Orleans trumpeter, Duke Heitger, and a collection of Scotland’s finest musicians to play classic dixieland jazz with real verve and rhythmic punch. An international dream team of classic jazz superstars, the International Hot Jazz Quartet play jazz from the 1920s and 30s, with a verve that transports you to feel the excitement of the time. Europe’s finest exponent of swing jazz on the clarinet, Engelbert Wrobel plays Benny Goodman in a fitting salute to the ‘King of Swing’. And the most celebrated gypsy guitarist of the last 30 years, Fapy Lafertin brings a Trio to ignite the Spiegeltent with his distinctive gypsy swing sound.

Audiences can sit back and soak up a session of the highest quality with Australian star – exceptional trumpeter, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, and the frontman of Australian Top Gear! – James Morrison and his Quartet. One of the world’s greatest jazz pianists, Enrico Pieranunzi plays Bach, Handel, Schumann, Debussy with his trademark passion and sensitivity as he merges classical music with jazz improvisation. And master trio, The Bad Plus, bring their defining sound – quirky and offbeat, yet fully absorbed in the jazz tradition – back for a much-anticipated performance at the Festival.

A whole host of swinging acts are coming to get the party started! Inspired by Parisian jazz of the 1930s and 40s and Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club de Paris, Havana Swing combine lightning solos and subtle harmonies. Rob Heron and The Tea Pad Orchestra bring an eclectic and upbeat mix of Western swing, gypsy jazz, blues, cajun, and country. Favourites at Festivals and clubs over Europe, Hannah Williams & the Tastemakers present deep soul with a raw edge in an undoubtedly blistering live show. If you want to feel like you’re walking in to a 1920s or 1930s dance hall, check out the authentic swing of Pasadena Roof Orchestra, and the Bratislava Hot Serenaders, a 19-piece band in period costume with vintage instruments that play hot jazz and sweet dance music with pinpoint precision and pizzazz.

For something a little different, audiences can enjoy Dinner Jazz at Le Monde, a wonderful evening of dinner and entertainment at Dirty Martini, with music by three of the original members of the Average White Band. The Saturday and Sunday Blues Afternoons are also back at the Spiegeltent, offering a rich list of blues performances set against a chilled-out backdrop.

PHOTOS Simon Williams

Tickets for Hibs’ play off second leg at Easter Road on Sunday 25^th May kick off 3.30pm go on sale today.

The Club has also confirmed that all supporters with a current 13/14 Season Ticket Membership can attend the home fixture free of charge as part of their existing membership.

For those without a 13/14 Season Ticket Membership the admission prices are £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions in all sections of Easter Road Stadium.

To avoid the queues the club have advised fans to purchase tickets online and print at home. This service is available 24hrs a day and there are no additional booking fees for online purchases.

The First Leg will take place away from home at either Falkirk F.C or Hamilton Academical F.C on Wednesday 21 May, kick off 7.45pm.

Full ticket information for this fixture will be confirmed on the official website as soon as the winner of the SPFL Premiership Play-off Semi-final is determined on Sunday 18 May.

The sale of tickets for the first leg of the SPFL Premiership Play-off Final will commence to Season Ticket Members only at 10am on Monday 19 May. Season Ticket Members can purchase one ticket per membership.

Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh praised his team after Hibs’ EOS completed a memorable treble on Saturday when the squad lifted the Central Taxis East of Scotland League Cup with a 4-1 win over Craigroyston at Marine Drive.

After the game a delighted McDonaugh told Hibernian TV: “We played our best football for weeks; our quality of passing and moving was first class.

“But also our patience and game management was very mature for a young team. We scored some exceptional team goals which included quality individual play.

“It’s been an outstanding season for the players, it all started with a Foyle Cup win and ended with a League Cup win with of course two brilliant league campaigns in between.

“It’s been a 75 game season with over 200 goals, my players have been a credit to themselves and the club and I congratulate them for their work and achievements.”

Saturday’s victory meant the squad ended up with three trophies over the course of a long and productive season including  the team’s Foyle Cup win and Central Taxis First Division triumph,

Hibernian under-20s also finished in a creditable third place in the SPFL U20 League with the Academy players continuing to learn and progress in the process.

Hibernian EOS: Kleton Perntreou, Aaron Dunsmore, Bob Wilson, Neil Martyniuk, Callum Crane, Andrew Black, Jordan Sinclair, Dean Horribine, Euan Smith, Jamie Beaton, Lewis Allan.

Subs: Gareth McCaffrey for Allan, Taylor Hendry for Sinclair, Max Todd for Beaton, Dougie Horne, Tom Gardiner.

Thursday 15 May 2014 – STREET ART IN WESTER HAILES

Ruth Thomas: The Home Corner.  Edinburgh-based author Ruth introduces her new novel, ‘a funny, tender novel about feeling adrift in the real world for the first time.’ Morningside Library, Morningside Road 6.30-7.30.  Free but please contact the library to book a place: 0131 529 5654 or email morningside.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Alternatively contact The Edinburgh Bookshop who will also book a place for you: 0131 447 1917.

Award winning Polish journalist Witold Szablowski launches ‘The Assassin from Apricot City‘, an insight into the lives of ordinary people in Turkey today.  Word Power Books, 43-45 West Nicolson Street.  Free and unticketed.  More details on 0131 662 9112.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Jane Mackenzie: Daughter of Catalonia.  Jane Mackenzie’s first novel tells the story of a woman returning to her former home in a Catalan village ro uncover the truth about her father’s death in the French Resistance.  6.30-7.30pm.  Free tickets available from Blackwell’s front desk, or call 0131 622 8216 to reserve your place.

Craigmillar Community Arts: Open Studio.  A chance to drop in, do your own art work or discuss ideas for creative projects with others. 12.30-2.30pm, £1.  Call 0131 669 8432 for details or see Craigmillar’s website.

St Giles’ Cathedral: Lunchtime Concert with pianist Anna Rea.  12.15pm.

Drama @ WHALE! – Bring out your dramatic side in WHALE’S drama group ‘Whale’s Without a Cause.’  This term the group is exploring a brand new piece of theatre about life in Wester Hailes for performance in August.  New members welcome, no experience necessary, free.  WHALE  7-9pm, call 0131 458 3267 or see WHALE’S website for details.

Street Art – out on the streets every Thursday night!  Music, craft, art, street dance, poetry, Beatbox – for ages 8-16.  Locations around Wester Hailes,  times vary (between 6.30 & 8.30pm) – see Street Art’s Facebook page or WHALE’S website, or call 0131 458 3267. A unique outreach project funded by Children In Need.

Adult Learners Week at Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street: Family History Drop-In Day, 10.30am to 4.30pm.  Refreshments provided.  Limited places: contact the library on 0131 529 5616

Filmmaking on a shoestring – Planning Committee meets today  – Cycling mixed with theatre – Afternoon tea – The Causey Trust AGM

Peter Murray from the Media Trust is running  a free “film-making on a shoestring” workshop at the Mansfield Traquair on Monday 19 May 2014 .

The workshop is a one-day, hands-on session and is similar to the Digital Commonwealth sessions which have been run recently. The workshops are free. The Media Trust is focusing on groups which have received support from the Big Lottery Fund, but other groups/organisations are welcome too. The application specifies that organisations should have their own camera kit, but this has previously put people off attending. You don’t need to have your own equipment – increasingly voluntary/community organisations want to learn how to get the best from budget kit and smartphones, so that’s what the workshop’s geared towards.

The workshop is being held at the SCVO Mansfield Traquair building, just off Broughton St. EH3 6BB.

If you are interested please contact Peter directly (PeterM@mediatrust.org).

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The council’s planning committee has a bit of thorny issue to decide today. The proposal on the table is to name a street south of Albion Road and Albion Gardens. The council officers have suggested Thyne Place. There is a strategy for naming streets and this complies with that plan. However the three ward councillors have suggested that the street should be named after the late Hibs player, Lawrie Reilly.

The compromise would be that the street is named Thyne Place as per the naming strategy and the names of three Hibs players, Reilly, Turnbull and Ormond are then put into the name bank for use in future, which has to be at least ten years after the person has died. The difficulty is that this street is perfectly situated, as it is quite near the Hibs ground. The council point out that there is another street in the area called Laurie Street and this could lead to confusion.

When will another opportunity like this come along? Well clearly not till 2023.

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Get on your bike for a theatrical cycling experience as part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme.
There’s a tour happening in your local park, but it’s not your usual tour, the things you will learn are, well, interesting . . .

Touring to 11 parks across Scotland, The Spokesmen is an outdoor theatre performance with a difference; the audience and cast are all on bikes!

Read more here

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Combining two great British institutions – Gin and Afternoon Tea – One Square has introduced a gin-based Afternoon Tea concept for summer.

The Bloom Gin Afternoon Tea is presented with a perfect summer serve which features Bloom gin poured over ice, finished with summer fruits and paired with Fentimans tonic water. This refreshing cocktail, served in a special balloon cocktail glass, pays homage to One Square’s collection of 52 gins.

The botanicals in the Bloom gin perfectly complement the tantalising selection of sandwiches, freshly-made scones and indulgent cakes on offer. Highlights include sandwiches served with heather honey glazed ham with Bloom gin jelly, fruit scones with golden sultanas soaked in Bloom gin which are served with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade pomelo marmalade, while the selection of cream cakes and pastries feature strawberry macaroons infused with Bloom gin.

This quirky Afternoon Tea concept is an exciting variation on what is an Edinburgh institution. The Bloom gin experience is set to appeal to gin connoisseurs, as well as those looking for a unique way to gather with family or friends in stylish surroundings.

The Bloom Gin Afternoon Tea is served in One Square, which features picture-postcard views of Edinburgh Castle. It is available, daily, throughout the summer from 1^st June to 31^st August 2014, between 2.30pm and 5.30pm, and costs £23 per person. To book, please call 0131 221 6422 or visit www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk for more details.

One Square, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR

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The Causey Development Trust are holding their Annual General Meeting at 7pm on Monday 26 May 2014 at Southside Community Centre. This group have been working for 7 years to transform the public space at West Crosscauseway into a beautiful place for arts and community events to take place. Their pièce de résistance was the Southsiders event held in September last year which involved portraits, a newspaper and a website where you could listen to the interviews with local people. They invite everyone to their informal AGM.

Photo: Mike Smith

Rangers U20s 2 Hearts U20s 2 aet (Rangers win 8-7 on pens)

Scottish Youth Cup Final, Tuesday 13 May 2014 – New St. Mirren Park

Hearts season ended in heartbreak as their Under 20 team lost the final of the Scottish Youth Cup to Rangers at a sun-kissed St. Mirren Park in Paisley on Tuesday evening.

Coach Robbie Neilson – who has now been promoted to first team Head Coach by Hearts new Director of Football, Craig Levein, – was hoping his youngsters would round off the season with silverware but a combination of poor defending and missed chances meant the Youth Cup would not be returning to Gorgie for the first time in 14 years.

Hearts, with several players having extensive first team experience, dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead after half an hour. Great work from Calum Paterson down the right wing saw the utility man’s deep cross find the head of Sam Nicholson. The speedy winger’s header was saved by Rangers keeper Kelly but Nicholson prodded home the rebound and danced away to celebrate, much to the delight of the large travelling support from Edinburgh. 1-0 to Hearts at half-time.

Hearts began the second half in similar fashion to the way they dominated the first half and spurned a great chance to double their lead moments after the restart. Gary Oliver had an open goal from three yards out but contrived to hit the side netting. It was a missed opportunity which Hearts came to regret. After 52 minutes Rangers Pascazio’s shot from distance was deflected past Hearts keeper Jordan Millar for the equaliser and Hearts young heads were momentarily down. Not for long, though, as Billy King put Hearts ahead again just after the hour mark after a goalmouth scramble.

Despite Rangers pressure Hearts looked like holding on for a famous win. However, with just a couple of minutes left the wee Gers launched another long ball forward. It should have been dealt with by Jordan Millar but the Hearts keeper needlessly came out his goal which enabled Halkett to nod the ball home for the equaliser. There was no further scoring in the subsequent 30 minutes of extra-time which meant the dreaded penalty shoot-out to decide the destination of the trophy.

Both teams matched each other until the penalty shoot-out score reached 7-7. Then, the unfortunate Jordan Millar saw his effort saved by his Rangers counterpart and the trophy was on its short journey to Ibrox.

Rangers: Kelly, Pascazio, Sinnamon, Halkett, Gasparotto, Telfer, Stoney, Murdoch, Gallagher, Dykes, Ramsay.

Hearts: Millar, Smith, Paterson, Gordon, McGhee, Beith, King, Scott, Carrick, Oliver, Nicholson.

Referee: William Wilson

Top man: Sam Nicholson

Tomorrow marks the 40^th Anniversary of Fire Safety Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, the first and largest academic fire safety engineering department in the world. Recognised internationally for four decades of pioneering work in the field of fire safety engineering, researchers from Edinburgh have delivered some of the most significant pieces of fire analysis the industry has seen, including involvement in investigations of the Kings Cross underground fire (1987), the fire in the Mont Blanc vehicle tunnel (1999), the World Trade Center towers collapse (2001) and the Buncefield explosion in Hemel Hempstead (2005).

In particular, the seminal engineering analysis following the World Trade Center collapses in 2001 led to the view that fire should be considered a core design load for buildings, which was not previously the case – a landmark achievement in itself. The department’s Professor Dougal Drysdale also authored An Introduction to Fire Dynamics – now in its 3^rd edition and seen by many as the definitive reference text in the field.

In celebration of the anniversary, a two day symposium is taking place this Thursday and Friday (May 15^th and 16^th) at Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh, reuniting four decades of graduates to take stock of the profession and to help chart a course for its future. A host of leading authorities in fire safety engineering will speak at the event, including;

–        Professor Emeritus Dougal Drysdale, Former Chairman of the International Association of Fire Safety Science and author of An Introduction to Fire Dynamics

–        Professor Barbara Lane, Visiting Professor at Edinburgh, Arup Fellow and Fire Engineering Practice Leader

–        Professor Luke Bisby, Arup Chair of Fire and Structures at the University of Edinburgh

“The profession has come a long way over the past 40 years, driven by the use of scientific understanding to inform fire safety. The work at Edinburgh has been key within this, as its graduates continue to push the use of science within an industry that’s typically looked back towards historical evidence when solving problems. This symposium provides the opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come but also assess how we can continue to make the best use of science and physics to ensure that across the industry, within both built and natural environments, we’re creating more innovative, safe and sustainable engineering solutions.”

– Professor Luke Bisby, Arup Chair of Fire and Structures at the University of Edinburgh

“The work done at Edinburgh University during the past four decades has been invaluable in raising awareness and enhancing our understanding of fire management and risk prevention within the built environment. Research informs every aspect of what we, as fire engineers, do and how we approach buildings today – from predicting the behavioural traits of the building’s inhabitants to the most technical of design considerations. It’s absolutely right that we celebrate the progress made to date but also look forward to the future priorities, such as ensuring that fire safety receives the attention it deserves, at the earliest possible stage, within all modern building design.”

– Professor Barbara Lane, Visiting Professor at Edinburgh, Arup Fellow and Fire Engineering Practice Leader