Four Edinburgh based youngsters have been called up for the Scotland under-21 squad for the friendly match against Hungary at Tannadice on Wednesday 5 March, kick off 7.30pm.

Hibs’ on form midfielder Sammy Stanton and striker Danny Handling (pictured)who was an unused substitute for Scotland under-21s last time around join Hearts teenage defender Jordan McGhee and striker Callum Paterson in Billy Stark’s squad.

Scotland Under-21 squad

Goalkeepers

Jordan Archer (Tottenham Hotspur)

Jonathan Henly (Reading) *

Christopher Kettings (Blackpool)

Defenders

Joseph Chalmers (Celtic) **

Stuart Findlay (Celtic) ***

Marcus Fraser (Celtic)

Jack Grimmer (Fulham) ****

Sean Kelly (St Mirren)

Jordan McGhee (Heart of Midlothian)

John Souttar (Dundee United

Midfielders

Stuart Armstrong (Dundee United)

Ryan Gauld (Dundee United)

John McGinn (St Mirren)

Callum McGregor (Celtic) *****

Kenny McLean (St Mirren)

Craig Slater (Kilmarnock)

Sam Stanton (Hibernian)

Forwards

Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)

Daniel Handling (Hibernian)

Stevie May (St Johnstone)

Callum Paterson (Heart of Midlothian)

* on loan to Oxford United

** on loan to Falkirk

*** on loan to Greenock Morton

**** on loan to Port Vale

***** on loan to Notts County

Photo by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of a couple who were found within their house at Echline Gardens at around 5pm yesterday.

The enquiry, which is being conducted by officers from the Major Investigation Team, is at an early stage and the deaths are being treated as unexplained.

Door-to-door inquiries in the area are ongoing and uniformed officers are still at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham who is leading the investigation said: “An investigation team has been formed and we are currently at a very early stage, with officers carrying out door-to-door inquiries with neighbours and talking to the immediate family.

“At this time the deaths of the two people are being treated as unexplained and more information will be released as soon as it is available.

The SPFL have announced a number of changes to the times and dates of Hibs and Hearts’ matches.

Hibs will now play Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership at Easter Road on Saturday 8 March, kick off 3pm.

The Motherwell home game was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday 26 March, but has moved to an earlier date after both clubs were left with a free weekend in the fixture calendar.

The Edinburgh derby, pencilled in for Saturday 29th March, has been put back 24 hours to Sunday 30th March, kick-off 12.45pm. BT Sport will also broadcast this match live.

Hibs’ rearranged away match at Inverness (originally scheduled for 1 February) will now take place on Wednesday 12 March, kick off 7.45pm.

The club’s final home match before the split – against Aberdeen – will now take place on Monday 07 April, kick off 7.45pm.

Hearts’ trip to Rugby Park, originally scheduled for Wednesday 26th March, has been brought forward to Saturday 8th March with a 3pm kick-off.

The Jambos’ home game against Dundee United on Saturday 22nd March has been brought forward to Friday 21st March, kick-off 7.45pm. This match will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

Finally, the visit of Aberdeen on Tuesday 1st April has been pushed back 24 hours as well to Wednesday 2nd April. Kick-off will be 7.45pm

Hibs’ manager Terry Butcher has made an impassioned plea to the fans to turn up on numbers and buy a season ticket for the next campaign to help him bring the glory days back to the club.

Two cup finals in the last two years have helped keep the season ticket numbers at a respectable level however average attendances have been falling particularly during the Colin Calderwood era. Unfortunately Hibs like many other clubs in the SPFL have discovered that once the fans stop going to games it’s a difficult task to entice them back.

Changing kick off times for televised games make  buying a season ticket a less attractive proposition as often fans are unable to attend games that they have paid for and ironically the new East Stand which increased the capacity to over 20,000 means that supporters are unlikely to be able to get a ticket at the last minute.

In a statement on the club’s website, Butcher said: “Even before I joined this fantastic Football Club, I often thought that Hibernian needed someone, or something, to make it great again. Now, as your Manager, I can see that everything is in place with a sensational Stadium and Training Centre that is a match for anything.

“In the past 15 – 20 years, this Club has spent around £25million on creating a solid and hugely impressive infrastructure whilst balancing that expenditure with the need to stay competitive. Other Clubs have yet to take their first steps down that road, but we have done it. Now, it is time for us to really kick on. We ask for three things;

1. Time – building a strong, solid structure is a patient process.

2. Determination – there will be many obstacles and hurdles along the way, but we should continue to draw inspiration from the Leith motto, Persevere.

3. Support – with your passionate backing, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

“The Edinburgh Derby on 2 January was the perfect example of how you, and the Club, came together to form a force that was unstoppable. If we can harness that power and emotion on a regular basis, the energy generated for each match will take everyone onto another level.

“I sense a wind of change blowing through this Football Club, but some of the old principles still remain true;

· Playing a fast, dynamic style of football that entertains, but also wins games.

· Bringing through talented and skilful youngsters from our superb Academy and Training Centre.

· Making Easter Road Stadium a fortress that other sides hate visiting.

“Season Ticket Memberships will be announced soon and you will have the opportunity to be a part of a new future at Hibernian FC. So, choose to be that someone that can make a difference to our Football Club.

Many thanks and best wishes; Terry Butcher

Photo by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

The Edinburgh Reporter’s Weekly Sports Round up – Forth Bridges Festival 2014 – South Central Neighbourhood Partnership – Whisky tasting – Hidden Door Festival 

Every week our dedicated team of sports journalists write a combined article about all of the various sports they can find around the city.

You’ll find the weekly article and all our other sports news here. If you have a sport which we have not covered then let us know!

***

The Forth Bridges Festival 2014 which takes place later this year is organising an information evening.

For those of you not able to attend the drop-in event during working hours the Festival Team are now hosting an evening event on Wednesday 26 February 2014 at the Local Chamber Office in South Queensferry.

The Forth Bridges Festival 2014 will celebrate the 50th Birthday of the Forth Road Bridge later this year giving the communities around the Bridge a unique opportunity to participate in an exciting programme of events. To ensure that you can learn more about these events the event will run from 5pm – 7pm and members of the Festival Team will be offering 10 minute appointments where members of the public and local community groups can book a time slot to come down and chat to the team and have their questions answered.

This is the event for you if you want to:

* Find out how you can be involved in the programme of events
* Find out how your community group can be involved in the programme of events
* Tell us what you would like to see as part of your Festival
* Hear more about the benefits of volunteering at the Festival and how to apply for one of the voluntary roles
* Have any of your Festival questions answered
* Take home your copy of the most up-to-date event programme

If you are a member of the public or run a local community group and would like to book 10 minute appointments to chat to the Festival team and have your questions answered contact vicky@indigops.com or call 0131 331 3511 and ask for Vicky.

More information on the Festival’s Facebook page.

***

The South Central Neighourhood Partnership would like locals to offer their views on the proposed priorities for 2014-17’s Local Community Plan.

The proposed priorities and the residents’ survey can be found at this link and the deadline for comments is Friday 28th February 2014.

***

Tonight if you are at a loose end you might like to head over to the Whiski Room for a premium whisky tasting.

Looking for tastings further into the future? Have a look at their Eventbrite page.

***

Rugby by John Preece

Italy U20 v Scotland U20

The young Scots were beaten, once again, by an impressive performance from their U20 opponents – this time Italy – to go down 32-13. On the scoreboard first with a Ben Chalmers’ penalty, Scotland had no answer to Italy’s three, converted first half tries. Supplemented by a single penalty, the Italians lead 24-3 at half time. The Scots did have some good passages of play, but couldn’t take great advantage of any possession. Near the end of the half, things got a little fighty, so the referee had to call the captains in for a quiet word once things had calmed down.

The second half went better for Scotland, with a try after a few minutes to take the score up to 24-8. In spite of losing a player to the bin, Scotland held the score and went over for another, unconverted try, when back to 15. However, they gave the opposition another penalty chance with less than ten minutes to go, which was scored and they then followed this up, with four minutes of play left, with their fourth try to bring the final tally up to 32-13

Italy v Scotland

Rome’s Stadio Olimpico was the venue for Scotland’s third match in this year’s RBS 6 Nations and they were going there on the back off two inglorious defeats so far. The first half was dominated by the referee continually penalising Moray Low at the scrum and he was eventually replaced just before the break. An early penalty exchange saw the sides level at 3-3, before Tommy Allan took the lead for Italy in the 30th minute. With the clock running down to half time, Italy won turnover ball in the Scots’ 22, and Allan managed to find a gap to cross the line near the posts. Converting his own try, the half time score was 13-3 to Italy.

Scotland followed up an early second half penalty with a fine try from Alex Dunbar, following a passing phase which left Dunbar with a 30 metre sprint to the line, running over Allan in the process. Greig Laidlaw missed the kick, so the score was 13-11 to Italy.

With Laidlaw replaced by Chris Cusiter, the 63rd minute had Scotland on the scoreboard again with another Dunbar try, this time from much further out than 30 metres. Duncan Weir converted to give Scotland at 18-13 lead. Italy however, came back inside 10 minutes with a try from Josh Furno, the huge lock brushing Hogg aside on his way through. With Urquera’s conversion, the home side lead 20-18 with just minutes left. The match wasn’t over, though, and the Scots fought and hammered their way into Italian territory and in the 80th minute, a fine Cusiter pass found Weir in the pocket for the Glasgow man to send over a superbly struck drop kick to snatch victory in the dying seconds, 21-20 to Scotland.

Italy Women v Scotland Women

At the time of ‘going to press’ the match report was not yet available, but a bit of Twitter reporting noted that Italy scored 45 unanswered points before Scotland came up with a try of their own to finish off the match 45-5.

Llanelli Scarlets v Edinburgh Rugby

With 12 minutes on the clock, Edinburgh had opened up a 10-0 lead on the home side courtesy of a Nick De Luca try and a conversion and penalty from Carl Bezuidenhout. The Scarlets then came back with two penalties from Aled Thomas and a try from Jordan Williams to draw level, before another try from Williams gave the home side an 18-13 lead at half time. Tom Brown scored an early try for Edinburgh to draw them level, but a third Llanelli try just before halfway, saw them into a 25-18 lead. Unfortunately, in spite of a much improved performance of late, Edinburgh had to settle for the bonus point via a penalty on 70 minutes from Jack Cuthbert which took the final score to 25-21 to Scarlets.

RBS Cup.

As reported elsewhere, Edinburgh Accies were defeated 13-8 by a superb performance from Aberdeen Grammar at the very windy Murrayfield 3G pitch, Raeburn place being deemed ‘possibly’ unplayable. Should they have risked it? If the match hadn’t been played, then a draw of the cards – yes, really! – would have determined the result!

Football

Gordon Strachan’s Scotland will face Germany, The Republic of Ireland, Poland Georgia and Gibraltar in their bid to qualify for the 2016 European Championships.

Strachan was present at the draw which was made in Euro 2016 host nation France on Sunday.

This will be Gibraltar’s first foray into international football, in fact last summer they lost 3-1 in a friendly against Hibs.

Scotland will be aiming to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup, which was also held in France.

SPFL

In the SPFL, Hearts lost 2-0 to Celtic despite a brave performance from the youngsters. After a goalless first half, the hoops took the lead when former Hibs’ striker Leigh Griffiths latched onto an Anthony Stokes pass before beating Danny Wilson on the edge of the box and firing in an unstoppable shot past Jamie MacDonald.

With Hearts’ pressing for an equaliser, Celtic added a second in the dying minute following a mistake by Jamie Hamill on the touchline when he was dispossessed by Amido Balde who then calmly passed to the unmarked Teemu Pukki who slotted the ball home.

With results elsewhere going against the Tynecastle side, Hearts are now 18 points behind St Mirren at the foot of the table.

Hibs travelled to Rugby Park and Terry Butcher retained the same staring XI who triumphed over Ross County last week, leaving captain Liam Craig on the bench.

Kilmarnock opened the scoring against the run of play in the 18^thminute when Kris Boyd found Rory McKenzie with a 50 yard pass and the midfielder angled drive beat Ben Williams.

Hibs fought back and grabbed a deserved equaliser 10 minutes after the break when Sam Stanton’s inch perfect cross was headed home by on loan striker Danny Haynes.

Hibs had the better of the second half, but were unable to capitalise on their dominance.

Hibs are now level on points with sixth place St Johnstone on 32 points with the Perth side ahead on goal difference.

After the game Terry Butcher said: “I’m disappointed that we didn’t win the game, particularly after the way we dominated the second half. Unfortunately, there was a lack of real goalscoring opportunities due to our final ball so there will be plenty of crossing and shooting for the boys next week.

Scottish Youth Cup

Hearts made it through to the semi-final of the tournament with a 3-0 win over Queens Park at Tynecastle on Sunday with the goals coming from Dale Carrick, Gary Oliver and Nathan Flannigan.

Image Printers Cup

Spartans beat Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 2-1 at Ainslie Park to secure a place in the final of the Image Printers Cup.

Spartans took the lead in the 13th minute when Jack Beesley wrong foot Lothian keeper Kevin Swain, before placing his shot into the bottom corner.

Lothian equalised six minutes later when Alan Brown was judged to fouled Lloyd Dignan inside the area and referee Lorraine Clark pointed to the spot. John Williams dispatched the ball into the bottom right corner, just beyond the reach of Scott Bennett.

Spartans regained the lead in the 36^th minute with a fine goal from Willie Bremner after some good work by Beesley.

Both teams had chances in the second half but the north Edinburgh side held on to take the honours.

Manager Dougie Samuel told the club website after the game: “It’s great to reach another final. Today’s game was stop start and a scrappy affair at times. Lothian were positive ad committed players forward throughout. Both of our goals were fantastic, especially the 2nd. A great pass by Beezer to create it and a fine finish from Willie.”

In the other semi-final Leith Athletic went down 3-4 to Whitehill Welfare

Elsewhere

Threave Rovers P Abbey Vale

University of Stirling P Selkirk

Vale of Leithen P Gala Fairydean Rovers

The South Challenge Cup, Third Round North-&-East Zone

Preston Athletic 5-1 Heriot-Watt University

Southern Counties Cup, First Round

Dalbeattie Star 7-0 St Cuthbert Wanderers

Central Taxis First Division

Berwick Rangers Reserves 4-2 Hawick Royal Albert

Ormiston P-P Hibernian EOS

King Cup, First Round

Burntisland Shipyard 1-2 Coldstream

Easthouses Lily MW 6-0 Eyemouth United

Edinburgh City (LL) 3-0 Civil Service Strollers

Gretna 2008 (LL) 2-2 Tynecastle (Gretna won 4-2 on Penalties)

Kelso United 0-5 Edinburgh University

Ice Hockey by John Preece

Again as reported elsewhere, Edinburgh Capitals came back from a two-goal deficit, on Saturday, to draw level with Fife Flyers, before the Flyers scored a third goal in the 14th minute of the third period to take the win 3-2.

Edinburgh’s Sunday night game was away at Coventry Blaze, who lie in seventh place in the league, three places above the Capitals. And it was to prove a truly miserable trip, with the Blaze putting eight goals past Edinburgh’s ‘keeper, with only a loss of two, Hartmann and Leinweber scoring for the Capitals.

Speedway

Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs are now entering a critical period as they make the final push to raise the necessary funds to have their airfence in position for the start of the new season now just five weeks away.

The Monarchs are very hopeful that the Brief History of Speedway Racing in Edinburgh at Meggetland on 14th March will add significantly to the fund and although tickets have been selling very well for this event they still have a number available for what promises to be an evening full of interest and nostalgia.

One or two other ideas are still in the pipeline and the Monarchs hope to bring details of these within the next seven days.

One of their early fundraisers was the Scotwaste Monarchs 2014 calendar. With just 16% of the year gone the price of the calendar has been reduced by a massive 50%. The remaining calendars can be purchased through the Club Shop for £3 plus postage.

The Air Fence Fund has continued to increase since the beginning of this month and now stands at £14,097.90.

Basketball

Dunfermline Reign SM   60-94   City of Edinburgh Kings SM

Troon Tornadoes SM   62-71   Clark Eriksson Fury SM

Boroughmuir Blaze SM   92-93   St Mirren West College Scotland SM

Glasgow Storm   57-75   Glasgow University SM

City of Edinburgh Kool Kats SW   87-55   Tayside Musketeers SW

St Mirren West College Scotland SW   41-50   Polonia Phoenix SW

Hockey

Scotland Senior Women finished their warm weather training camp and international series with a 4-1 loss to South Africa in Pretoria on Wednesday, losing the series 5-0. Scotland’s goal came from Edinburgh University forward Sam Judge.

Afterwards Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “We were much improved today and the standard of performance was much better. We competed against South Africa, a side who are right at their peak after their summer programme.

“We did make mistakes at crucial times [during the series] and we were heavily punished by a pacey, clinical and well drilled team now on way to Argentina for a Test Series. However, the experience has been a great start to a Commonwealth Games year and the players have benefitted massively from being here as a squad

Photos by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

Another indication that the long-term future is bright for Hearts came at Tynecastle this afternoon as the Hearts Under 20s team defeated Queens Park to reach the semi-final of the Scottish Youth Cup.

It’s a reflection of the current situation in Gorgie that half of Robbie Neilson’s team have first team experience and one of the goalscorers. Dale Carrick, came on as a substitute against Celtic in the SPFL Premiership just 24 hours earlier.

Hearts other scorers were Gary Oliver and Nathan Flanagan to send home happy the 300 fans who lent their support to the youngsters.

Rangers won the day’s other quarter final while the two other quarter finals – Kilmarnock v Morton and St. Johnstone v St. Mirren – take place next weekend.

Hearts: Hamilton; Smith, Gordon, McGhee, Ford; Flanagan, Scott, Beith, King; Carrick, Oliver.

Queen’s Park: Lochhead, Gebbie, Biggart, Grier, Murray, Mitchell, Davison, McVey, Collins, Wilson, Ramsay.

Referee: Duncan Smith

Att: 300

Top man: Gary Oliver

LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TO BENEFIT FROM BORDERS RAILWAY FUND

• Third round of applications now open!

Local charities and community organisations in Edinburgh can now apply for a share of a £2,500 community fund being offered once again by the Borders Railway project and the Scottish Community Safety Network (SCSN).

This is the third time that the grants have been made available to organisations located in communities alongside the new railway line; 22 local projects benefited from the fund last year.

Those applying can benefit from up to £250 for projects which encourage railway, site or road safety, discourage theft and vandalism or engage with the local community.

Previous beneficiaries include Stow Primary School, which plans to build a temporary educational building in the form of a traditional yurt and the Y2K Bike Project in Midlothian which has delivered bike safety workshops.  Funds have also contributed towards the Scottish Border Council’s Inspire Awards which acknowledge the achievements and successes of young people aged 12-25 years living in the region.

Craig Bowman, Senior Communications Manager for the Borders Railway project, said:-“The Borders Railway will have positive benefits for many communities along the route but we’re also aware that there will be some people about potential safety risks. By funding these projects, we’re going some way towards spreading railway safety messages and leaving a positive legacy from project construction.

“We have been really impressed by the diversity of the projects which have benefited previously and we are looking forward to helping support even more local projects throughout this year.”

The aim of the grant scheme is to engage with communities which are located near the new railway and to increase awareness of rail safety.

Mrs Marshall, head teacher of Newtongrange Primary School, which benefited from the community fund last year, said: “The community fund helped supplement existing funding to allow us to improve road and cycle safety around the school. We are all looking forward to using the railway once completed and the fund has been a great way to teach our pupils about railway safety. We encourage others to apply!”

Jacqui Doig, Scottish Community Safety Network Manager, said: “It has been very enjoyable to witness the progress of last year’s projects. They have provided lots of opportunities for the community to come together and learn more about the Borders Railway. We wish applicants the very best of luck.”

Projects can apply for up to £250.00. Applications must be submitted before Friday 14^th March 2014. For more information on the grant please contact info@scsn.org.uk

EDINBURGH’S GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY CONNECTION

Edinburgh, The Burnbake Trust and The Highland Tolbooth Church are all mentioned in two new books called ’101 Interesting Facts on Ronnie Biggs And The Great Train Robbery’ And ’The Great Train Robbery Quiz Book’ by True crime author Mike Gray , in what most people now refer to as the Crime Of The Century.  it is now just over 50 years since the   1963 crime.

In August 1978 The Prison Artists Festival Exhibition was held in Edinburgh, organised by the Burnbake Trust, a charity for prisoners, from August to September 1978, at the Highland Tolbooth Church, and one of the Great Train Robbers  exhibited numerous items.

Roy James was sentenced to 30 years for his part in the 1963 Train Robbery as the gang’s getaway driver. He was a silversmith by trade prior to the train robbery, and picked up the nickname of The Weasel for his quick and fast getaways, Many of his silver items were on sale at the exhibition for £200 or less.

He was released from prison in 1975 and attended the Exhibition in Edinburgh, but was arrested shortly afterwards for assaulting his father-in-law and was sentenced to another two years, James passed away in prison after heart problems.

 Mike Gray

Mikegray1957@hotmail.co.uk
Author- The Great Train Robbery Quiz Book
Author- The Ronnie Biggs Quiz Book
Author- 101 Interesting Facts on Ronnie Biggs And The Great Train Robbery
Author- Ronnie Biggs- The Inside Story
http://www.Apexpublishing.co.uk

Submitted by MIKE GRAY

Flyers upset Capitals’ hopes for two wins on the bounce.

Fife Flyers were the visitors to Murrayfield for a rare Saturday night game at Edinburgh’s home rink and they went home with a 3-2 win in what was a thrillingly close match for the spectators to enjoy.

It took the Flyers just under two minutes to find the back of the Capitals’ net with a close range effort from No 8, Ned Lukacevic (assist – 44) which he poked home from a scramble in front of goal. With the Capitals now on the back foot, the Flyers scored again after a further three minutes of play.

This time the scorer was No 22, Matt Reber (assists – 64, 8) who scored another close range goal which found its way past Tomas Hiadlovsky in the Edinburgh net. The remainder of the period was fairly evenly matched with both sides pulling out fine saves from the corresponding goal minders – Hiadlovsky diving all over his area to clear one errant puck – and it ended – penalty free! – with Fife 2-0 ahead.

The second period was, again, a fairly evenly matched affair with, again, both ‘keepers being called on to save their sides on more than a few occasions. But it was Edinburgh who broke the stalemate. On a Powerplay in the eighteenth minute, No 13, Peter Holecko (assists – 24, 29) pounced on a loose puck just outside the goal crease and flicked it over the outstretched pad of Fife’s keeper to take the score to 2-1 to the Flyers.

The third, and final, period proved to be a much more frantic affair, with both sides demonstrating fine skating and stick handling skills. But it was Edinburgh who broke the deadlock with an eleventh minute goal from No 91, Michal Dobron (assists – 43, 17). The puck was lifted past the flailing arm of the Fife keeper during another Powerplay and into the back of the net, to draw the sides level at 2-2. With just over five minutes of the match remaining, Fife scored, what was to be, the winner from Reber (assist – 8) who scored his second of the night with a fine strike from distance to take the lead 3-2. In spite of pulling their ‘keeper for the final couple of minutes, Edinburgh couldn’t manage to score and take the match into overtime, so the game ended with Fife the 3-2 winners in, proved to be, a very closely fought encounter.

This leaves the Edinburgh team even further adrift at the foot of the table, and with Scott Neil’s ‘Fan’s Forum’ not taking place until March, it’s not really clear where things can be improved for next season.

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

Aberdeen take RBS Cup quarter final with a fine display at Murrayfield

With the pitch at Raeburn place potentially unplayable, the RBS Cup quarter final match between Edinburgh Accies and Aberdeen Grammar was moved to the 3G artificial pitch at Murrayfield.

With a fairly stiff wind blowing, Aberdeen took full advantage of playing with the wind in the first half and kept Accies pinned back in their own half for the most part. They opened the scoring early on with a successful penalty from No. 10, Ro Aloe to lead 3-0. The wind wasn’t always, however, helpful as a couple of Aloe’s kicks were rendered inaccurate which gave Accies the chance to get upfield. With their pack on the up, the Aberdeen attack forced Accies back to their line and a quick recycle saw Aberdeen’s No. 1, Matt Schosser over the line for the first try of the match. Aloe missed the kick, but Grammar were now 8-0 ahead. Late on in the half a particularly penetrating attack from the Accies back line almost broke through to score but a bit of inspired defending – allied to a penalty and yellow carding – left them with a simple kick for No. 9, Alex Black to slot home from in front of the posts to bring the score to 8-3 at the end of the half.

Playing with the wind in the second half, Accies should have had the same advantages that Aberdeen benefitted from in the first. But, the visiting side just seemed to want it more and following up an early period of pressure, No. 15, Stevie Aitken juggled the ball around the back of his head, but held on to break through the defending tackle to score Aberdeen’s second try (top photo). Aloe lined the kick up, but the wind took it away from the posts in the last few metres, but Grammar were 15-3 ahead and looking good for the win. However as the match progressed, Accies took more of a grip on the game and around the 20 minute mark, barrelled over for their opening try. Accies had advanced the ball up to the Aberdeen line, but were just stopped short with a bit of foul play. Referee, Peter Allan, then selected the offending Grammar player and sent him to the sidelines for a 10 minute break, giving Accies the one man advantage. From the penalty line-out, the Accies forwards mauled their way up to, and over, the line for their try. Black missed the kick in the swirling wind, so the score now stood at 13-8 to Aberdeen.

13-8 was to be the final score. In spite of increased pressure on the Aberdeen line, their defence held out for the final 15 or so minutes with some desperate tackling, and a couple of turn-overs, to take their, well deserved, place in the RBS Cup semi-finals where they will meet one of Heriots, Gala or Glasgow Hawks.

Images of the match will appear here over the next couple of days

Award winning Edinburgh folk singer Ewan McLennan is returning to the capital on 19 March to play the Edinburgh Folk Club at the Pleasance, and he has kindly taken time out from his busy schedule to tell the Edinburgh Reporter what the audience can expect from the show although he wouldn’t be drawn on his favourite song.

Ewan said: “For those who haven’t seen me before, basically I’m a folk singer, songwriter and guitar player. On the night I’ll be singing a whole load of different songs but with a strong emphasis on Scottish traditional song. But whether my own self-penned songs, traditional ballads or the odd arrangement of a Bob Dylan song I always tend towards songs that tell a story, songs that pull the listener in and weave a tale. There is a strong influence of the guitar in my music and the other thing that’s worth mentioning is a heavy strand of political songs in my music.

“Ah I’m afraid to disappoint and cop-out but choosing a favourite song is far too hard to say! I guess it changes all the time, from month to month, year to year. I would say the traditional Irish ballad Craigie Hill is up there as is the song Victor Jara about the Chilean balladeer and revolutionary.

Ewan first emerged onto the UK folk scene with the release of his debut album ‘Rags & Robes’. The recording gained much critical praise, described by Maverick as ‘a collection of truly captivating songs’, and featured in MOJO’s top ten folk albums of 2010. After an appearance on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show and a televised performance for the Celtic Connections Festival at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, his debut was capped by winning the BBC Folk Award’s Horizon award in 2011.

Ewan’s music was immediately noted for its depth of feeling and sincerity, something which comes from his respect and passion for the music he plays. Whether singing haunting traditional Scottish ballads or weaving the powerful stories that make-up his own songs, Ewan’s unique, moving and earthy voice is always compelling. Having performed with and been taught by a number of world-renowned guitarists, from Martin Simpson to Robin Hill and Gerry Douglas, his own guitar playing is recognised as outstanding and forms an essential part of his music.

Now living south of the border, Ewan is looking forward to appearing at the Folk Club, a venue that he knows well, and returning to his home town.  He continued: “I have played here once before in what was a great gig, memorable….for me at least!  So hoping for more of the same this time around. It’s a really nice venue, a warm crowd and it’s run by a great bunch of people.

“I grew up in Edinburgh and have spent most of my life there so for me the sights have all been done and dusted and I know the city well. But I must say that not living in Edinburgh anymore I’m always taken aback at what a beautiful city it is when I return.”

His much-awaited second album, ‘The Last Bird to Sing’, was also greeted with glowing reviews and confirmed his prominence amongst the new generation of folk musicians. As well as continuing to plough the furrow of traditional song Ewan’s self-penned songs on his second album were once again met with critical acclaim. His track ‘Joe Glenton’ was awarded a prestigious national award for political song-writing, reinforcing his reputation as a singer who does not shy away from stinging social commentary. The release of ‘The Last Bird to Sing’ gained Ewan several further awards, including the Spiral Earth Award for Best Male Singer of 2013.

During these years Ewan has been touring constantly around the UK and overseas and has gained a reputation for intimate and moving performances.

The BBC TV broadcast Autumn (2013) of the new series of world-renowned Transatlantic Sessions saw Ewan performing together with the finest folk musicians from around the world.

The series had him collaborating with artists such as Aly Bain, Tim O’Brien, Cara Dillon and Mike McGoldrick and showcases both Ewan’s unique interpretation of traditional song and his own self-penned songs.

Ewan continues to tour widely and is currently working on the new material for his third studio album. He continued: “Aside from the regular gigging, the project that is taking up most of my time at the moment is working on the material I’ve drawn together for my new album. This will be my third album and I’ll be going into the studio to begin its recording in late April. That should take a couple of months and then it’ll be released early in the autumn with a bit of luck. At this point I’ve written all the songs for it and collected all the traditional material I’ll record on it and it’s just a case of getting my head down and practicing it all till I’m completely happy with it – a difficult place to get to. But I’m really looking forward to getting all the songs down, hearing them develop and working with a number of brilliant musicians who’ll be recording with me – it’s an exciting few months ahead.

“Well this particular tour takes me from Carlisle up to Aberdeen, stopping off at Campbeltown and Aviemore on the way and then of course Edinburgh before Liverpool and Isle of Man bring the wee tour to an end. So I think I’ll be getting my feet up after all that for a day or two. But the next few months bring lots more gigging and of course starting to record for the new album.”

Ewan’s 2014 Tour Dates

31/01/14 Bodmin Folk Club, Cornwall  www.bodminfolk.co.uk

10/02/14 Chesham Folk Club. http://www.tudorfolkclub.org.uk/

11/02/14 St Neots Folk Club. http://www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk/

21/02/14 The David Hall, South Petherton, Somerset. http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/

23/02/14 Folk on the Moor, Ivybridge, Devon. http://www.moorfolk.co.uk/

07/03/14 Kings Place, London. http://www.kingsplace.co.uk/

14/03/14 Folk and Blues Club, Carlisle. http://www.carlislefolkandbluesclub.com/

15/03/14 Ceol, Campbeltown. http://www.ceolcampbeltown.com/

16/03/14 The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore. http://www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk/

17/03/14 The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen. http://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/venues/the-lemon-tree

19/03/14 Edinburgh Folk Club, The Pleasance.

21/03/14 Unity Theatre, Liverpool. http://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/

22/03/14 TBC

23/03/14 Jabberwocky, Isle of Man. http://www.jonnopromotions.com/

Hibs’ boss Terry Butcher admitted he was disappointed not to take all three points from Rugby Park on Saturday after watching his side dominate possession throughout the 90 minutes.

The result leaves Hibs level on points with St Johnstone in the race for the top six spot although the Perth side have the better goal difference and have a game in hand.

Speaking to Hibernian TV after the game Butcher said: “I asked the players after the game what their thoughts were and they were frustrated and disappointed and feel as if it’s two points dropped. We had good possession and chances to get in behind their back four and midfield as well but it was just that final ball and final pass and encouraging that bravery

“We are disappointed because we had a lot of possession and they have not had any real chances in the game or not many after the goal and we have had opportunities. We’ve got into some great positions and not killed them off so and from all that possession we have only got one goal to show for it and I am disappointed about that.

“It was all Hibs in the second half and they were hanging on at the end with the corners and we were piling men forward but in the first half I thought we did really well. They scored against the run of play. I thought we had good possession of the ball but we just couldn’t get any decent crosses or balls into the box. More belief has to be the key.

“What’s been happening is that if we have lost a goal the players’ heads have gone down and they have resorted to a long ball but we didn’t do that today. I thought we kept our heads well and kept the shape well. Our two midfield players Sam Stanton and Tom Taiwo were excellent today and were able to get control of the middle of the park but we need more from our wider players and more movement and possession in the final third

“They came in a half time and the boys were saying that they had done everything right and I was happy with the way we played apart from conceding that goal and not putting the ball into the back of the net. It was much more positive in the second half and we came out of the traps brightly and were crisp and closed them down well forced mistakes and tried to capitalise on that and when we got the equaliser I thought that there is only one winner here but unfortunately for one reason or another we haven’t put the ball into the back of the net for the second goal so we are disappointed because it would have gained ground on the teams above us.

“It’s another point toward the top six and we are on a two match unbeaten run as Ben Williams just told me so it’s not all bad but at this stage of the season it’s disappointing as we need the three points.”

Photo by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

Edinburgh Short Film Festival – Deirdre Kinloch Anderson talk – Muirhouse Photography Group – Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2014 – Glasgow Film Festival 2014

Edinburgh Short Film Festival does not take place until June but they are already looking for entries which must be in by 28 April.  Entries have a chance of being screened in Shanhai and if you subscribe to their newsletter you have a chance of winning two tickets for the opening night!

More information here.

Highlights from the 2013 Festival will also form part of the Hidden Door Festival which starts on 28 March 2014.

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Kinloch Anderson – Scottish style ambassador to the world – Talk by Deirdre Kinloch Anderson at QMU

The famous kiltmaker, Deirdre Kinloch Anderson OBE, will be talking to QMU students, staff and the local community, about her career, family business and new book ‘A Scottish Tradition’.

For six generations Deirdre’s family business, based in Leith, has promoted the culture of Scotland to the world.

The Kinloch Anderson family is a renowned expert in kilts, tartans and all aspects of highland dress. The Edinburgh family business provides a distinctive choice of luxury Scottish clothing and gifts and has over 400 shops mainly in Asia majoring on the Kinloch Anderson Scotland lifestyle brand.

Join them to hear Deirdre’s fascinating story at 9.15am on Thursday 27^th February 2014 in the Halle Lecture Theatre, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian.

Copies of Deirdre’s book will be available for purchase and she will be happy to sign them for you.

The talk is free of charge but please RSVP to  esweeney@qmu.ac.uk to book your place.

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Muirhouse Photography Group will be meeting next Saturday 1 March 2014. More details on their Facebook page.

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A few more weeks of training before the Edinburgh Marathon Festival takes place on 24/25 May 2014. This Thursday the organisers are running a Facebook Q and A all about training and what you should eat between now and the big day.

Their Facebook page is here.

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We do hope you have enjoyed all of the reviews so far from the Glasgow Film Festival which our reporter Douglas Greenwood has been sending back down the wires. This morning he reviewed 20 Feet From Stardom, which is a film about the backing singers.

On loan signing Danny Haynes opened his Hibs’ goal-scoring account yesterday to secure a share of the points against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in a game that the Easter Road side dominated throughout.

Terry Butcher stuck with the same starting XI that beat Ross County last Saturday even though Liam Craig was available for selection after a one match suspension and the skipper had to settle for a place on the bench.

On loan winger Duncan Watmore failed a late fitness test joined Scott Robertson, Kevin Thomson, James McPake and Owain Tudur Jones on the injury list.

Hibs started brightly and Tom Taiwo, Alex Harris and Paul Hanlon had opportunities before Kilmarnock took an undeserved lead when Kris Boyd sent a terrific through ball to Rory McKenzie who hammered a fine right foot shot past Ben Williams into the far corner of the net.

Danny Handling tested goalkeeper Craig Samson with a well struck shot as Hibs looked for an equaliser before the break.

Hibs again started the second half brightly with striker Haynes then Taiwo both going close before Haynes opened his account with a well taken header from a excellent Sam Stanton cross.

Stanton then went close with a 20 yard free-kick which shaved the post then Taiwo brought a fine save from Samson.

Hibs looked the more likely to break the deadlock and Haynes almost secured the points only for Manuel Pascali to block his close range shot although Williams did well to save at the feet of McKenzie.

In time added on, Hibs won a series of corner kicks and Jordon Forster went close but his shot was blocked by Boyd as Killie held on to claim a point.

After the game Terry Butcher said: “I’m disappointed that we didn’t win the game, particularly after the way we dominated the second half. Unfortunately, there was a lack of real goalscoring opportunities due to our final ball so there will be plenty of crossing and shooting for the boys next week.

“We lost a goal against the run of play in the first half and Hibs, in the past, would have wobbled and resorted to a long-ball game after that. However, we passed it well and the central midfielders, Sam Stanton and Tom Taiwo, were excellent. They gave us the platform to launch attack after attack but we weren’t getting quality balls into the box.

“We didn’t test Craig Samson in their goal. He hardly had a thing to do, when you look at it. We weren’t ruthless enough in the final third and this was a chance which went begging for us. I think we should have won this and gone above St Johnstone. But we’ve played worse than this and won and if we keep showing that passion and determination we’ll be fine.”

With St Johnstone losing to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hibs are now level on points with the Perth side in the rave for the top six spot.

Kilmarnock: Samson, O’Hara, Ashcroft, Pascali, Tesselaar, Slater, Clingan, McKenzie, Eremenko (Gardyne 65′), Muirhead (Kiltie 46′), Boyd. Substitutes not used: Maksimenko, Irvine, Nicholson, Johnston, Reguero.

Hibernian: Williams, Forster, Nelson, Hanlon, McGivern, Harris, Taiwo, Stanton, Stevenson (Cairney 76′), Handling (Craig 69′), Haynes (Collins 86′).Substitutes not used: Murdoch, Boateng, Maybury, Heffernan.

Referee: Craig Thomson.

Attendance: 4,036.

Photo by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

Rarely does a documentary let you be both in awe of and feel pity for its protagonists. In 20 Feet from Stardom, director Morgan Neville does just that. While at some points these men and women make you want to stand on your cinema seat and sing to the heavens, he has a great ability to truly make you realise what life has been like for them.

They stand ever so slightly to the back of the stage, their voices filling records and auditoriums but never truly being the one with all the attention. They are the backing singers of today and of history, brought stunningly to the forefront in this rather rambunctious documentary.

Regardless, 20 Feet from Stardom is a glitzy, powerful affair in giving an in-depth look into the world of backup singers. Focusing on the most famous women and men over the years from Darlene Love to The Waters, it backs up the voice with some fond memories of the past, featuring interviews with Stevie Wonder and Mick Jagger to name a few.

It does something that a lot of documentaries fail to do: inform. Incorporating stock footage from the past that will be nostalgic to many, it also delves into the current lives of some of music’s most forgotten voices.

20 Feet from Stardom is a rushing, sass-filled affair that is impossible not to love. Get on top of your seats, ladies and gentleman: you’re in for a real treat here!

20 Feet from Stardom has its UK release on March 28th

I woke up this morning still to find myself in the confined space of Starred Up. Isolating, dangerous and cut-throat, it’s a realistic outing into the prison genre after years of being near destroyed by hyperbolic stories and substandard acting efforts (we’re not pointing fingers, Mr. Dyer).

Surpassing the young offenders’ institutions, Eric winds up a high risk inmate at a British prison. His 19 year-old mind still racing from the outside world, he struggles to understand how this incarcerated world works. As he meets his fellow inmate father for the first time in years, tensions heighten to an unbearable levels as he forms a rivalry rather than embracing the only recognisable figure.

Credit is most due here to the sublime Jack O’Connell, whose lead performance as Eric is absolutely astounding. His work here embodies a vindictive, violent figure who veers on the edge of being so infamous he becomes vulnerable. O’Connell’s undeniable skill almost effortlessly melds into this role, as if he’s been waiting to play Eric his whole life.

What makes Starred Up so different from its prison depicting predecessors is the fact that its solid script veers into the shocking but never overdoes it. The characters feel familiar, yet not clichéd. This is Jonathan Asser’s work. His first feature outing as a screenwriter is due almost entirely to his work as a prison therapist before he wrote the film. The very little that seems predictable is perhaps a true depiction of what prison life is really like, and we as an audience have been the ignorant ones after all.

Starred Up is a vindictive, stark piece of British cinema that refuses to let go days after you’ve seen it. Cold and haunting, you will never look at prison dramas in the same way again.

Starred Up has its UK release on March 21st

Night Moves is an example of a film that works so tremendously well using very little. Set in an isolated American town, it uses a sparse landscape and accomplished cast in presenting a film that slowly burns its wick, choosing to avoid sparking up dynamite.

Three friends band together in the hopes of bringing down a local dam in an act of eco-terrorism. On the surface, it would seem all had been thought through, but there’s one thing they did not even begin to consider.

It feels all very real and not at all contrived. As these three characters converse, their words seldom steer towards a clichéd use of condemning words for the goverment. That dialogue is there, but it is used sparingly, surrounded instead by something that feels familiar; as if these activists are just normal rather than preachy.

Dakota Fanning subtly shines alongside Jesse Eisenberg, whose quiet, irregular voice differs from the usual rambling character he usually depicts. Both give wonderful performances, especially Fanning, who must be on her way to getting some Academy recognition at some point. It all feels and looks very natural, and that intrinsic feeling is down to two things: its performances and its cinematography.

The subtlety doesn’t last much past the first half of the film, after a torrid realisation hits the group. It suddenly steers away from being tense and gorgeous to something strangely psychotic and overly dragged out. It’s a real shame, considering the first half is so striking.

Night Moves is undoubtedly worth seeing due to its subtlety and enchanting cinematography in the first half, but as soon as the surprise hits, it’s a little bit more self indulgent.

For the most part, we’ve left mainstream comedy films to the Yanks. Veering towards grandiose affairs of humourless slapstick, or a smartly written, well acted features, they rarely meet anywhere in the middle. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared is an example of a film doing just that.

On his one hundredth birthday, Allan climbs out of his window in a care home he reluctantly lives in. Intent on escaping to somewhere new and alone, he takes the bus to a small, almost non existent town, meeting people along the way. As the police start to track down his whereabouts, he leads a life of inadvertent crime, innately telling stories of his past on the way.

Although it lends a lot to the likes of Forrest Gump, The 100-Year-Old Man is simply a warm, well intended film to watch. It doesn’t try to involve needless backstories (apart from his past, obviously, which isn’t necessary but a beautiful anecdote that runs through it), but sets forward on this story that shows comedy holds no language.

It may stretch out a little, at nearly two hours long, but The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is a joyously comic film that has its heart in exactly the right place.

Hearts mini-revival in the SPFL Premiership – Gary Locke’s side were on an unbeaten run of four games – came to an end at Tynecastle on Saturday when league champions Celtic extended their lead at the top of the league to an astonishing 24 points with a 2-0 victory.

Given Hearts’ miserable season and the result the last time Neil Lennon’s team visited Gorgie – a 7-0 thrashing in the Scottish Cup in December – few of the home support expected their side to take anything from a team still to taste defeat in the league this season. However, this was a much-improved showing from the young Maroons and allowed a smidgeon of optimism to return to the Gorgie faithful.

Locke made two changes from the team that won a hard-earned point in Inverness last Saturday with Callum Paterson and Kevin McHattie restored to the side.

Hearts looked determined to ensure they wouldn’t be on the receiving end of another seven goal hiding and gave Celtic as good as they got in the first half. As expected, the Hoops created the better openings in front of goal and Mulgrew’s cross created a chance for Stokes but the former Hibs player couldn’t connect with the ball. Another former Hibby – Leigh Griffiths, a target for the baying home support – then set off on a run down the right but failed to provide a finish. Van Dijk then saw his free-kick go wide, before Hearts skipper Danny Wilson blocked another effort from Griffiths.

It wasn’t all one-sided though and Callum Paterson set up striker Paul McCallum only to see the on-loan West Ham player make something of a hash of the opportunity and end up conceding a foul. Paterson then made a loud but rather optimistic plea for a penalty kick when he fell inside the Celtic penalty area but if any contact was made it appeared it was from another player wearing maroon. Nonetheless, Hearts fans could enjoy their half-time pie with the game goalless. At this stage during Celtic’s last visit, the Hoops were five goals ahead…

Celtic began the second half the way they began the first by swarming around Hearts goal. It seemed only a matter of time before they scored and, indeed, they did after an hour’s play. Griffiths turned Danny Wilson before drilling in a left foot shot past Jamie MacDonald to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Hearts substitute Dale Carrick looked lively when he replaced the ineffectual McCallum and the youngster fired in a powerful effort from 20 yards which was blocked by Biton as Hearts went looking for the equaliser. However, it was the visitors who looked the more likely to score again and Commons drove a shot wide before Boerrigter produced a fine save from Jamie MacDonald.

Hearts then threatened to spoil Celtic’s long run without conceding a goal – after 31 minutes Celtic keeper Forster broke former Aberdeen keeper’s league record of 1,115 minutes without losing a goal – but the Hoops defended well before finishing the game in the third minute of injury time when Pukki scored a second goal.
The gamed therefore ended with a 2-0 win for Celtic but it was a gallant effort from this young Hearts team who at least restored credibility with a battling performance, something Hearts manager Gary Locke alluded to after the game.

“I think we’ve got to look at the positives,” said the Hearts gaffer. “The last time Celtic played here it was no contest. You can see how far some of our young players have come. For long spells we matched the best team in the country. We’ve told the players to go and express themselves. In the middle of the season, they took a dip in form, some of them at the same time. But you can see that, having worked with them for five or six months, they’re taking on board what we’re saying. They’re not making as many mistakes and they’ve grown from boys to men.”

Hearts: MacDonald, McGowan, McKay, Wilson, McHattie, Paterson, Stevenson, Hamill, Robinson, Nicholson, McCallum.

Celtic: Forster, Matthews, van Dijk, Ambrose, Mulgrew, Brown, Biton, Johansen, Commons, Griffiths, Stokes.

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Att: 15,801

Top man: Jamie MacDonald

Lars von Trier is an undeniable master of character study. In Nymphomaniac, when all the provocative material is stripped away, both promotionally and cinematically, what is left is the undeniably profound study of a woman torn between holding onto her problems and embracing them wholeheartedly.

On a snowy night, an old literary enthusiast named Seligman finds a woman badly beaten on the street. Her name is Joe, and as he takes her in for the night, they sit down and discuss with visceral honesty, the women’s lustful and torrid sexual past.

What von Trier has created was mercilessly split into two separate parts (his words, not mine) for its cinematic release. It does in fact, work really well. The two films, while both admirable in their own respects, do feel almost like polar opposites; as if the story has been suddenly turned on its head.

VOLUME I

It takes a lot of tenacity to make a film about obsession with sex. In a way, it could be construed by many as indulgent, but von Trier, with his thoughtful script and his wonderful cast has succeeded in making something that feels entirely natural and soft, rather that exploitative and anatomical.

What initially strikes you in the first volume of this story, is that it feels relaxingly unpretentious. Although von Trier is visionary in his methods, his work is often dismissed as too symbolic for his own good. He smartly tackled that by dissecting his symbols and metaphors on screen. Not only does it make the film much easier to follow, it lays all its cards on the table; never seeming to be shady.

The highlights of the film most definitely come down to its performers. As Seligman and Joe converse through the night, their performances by Stellan Skarsgård and Charlotte Gainsbourg feel primal, despite the dialogue feeling scripted. It’s a technique that works in the film’s favour, as this woman’s infatuated past feels almost fable like, as if read from the pages of a book. Stacy Martin is most impressive in her first film role as Joe’s younger self. She glows a rather youthful beauty, and gives potentially the best lead performance in the film; deserving praise for her inhibition-free attitude. She’s clearly delved into this film just as deep as the protégés lower down the credits. Surprisingly, Shia LaBoeuf, being the new-found pretentious performance artist that he is, is not overtly annoying here. If you get past his questionable accent (he’s channelling his Australian/Irish/East London roots, evidently), he gives a fine performance as the only man to be remembered through her years of sexual exploration.

Of course, the sex must be addressed. Much to everyone’s surprise, sexual gratuitousness is not what inhabits Nymphomaniac. What there is is entirely justified and tasteful, never straying into the exploitative. The most explosive scene comes within the third chapter, ‘Mrs H’. Both comical and heartbreaking, it’s a fantastic testimony to the screenwriting and Uma Thurman, who gives one of the best performances of her career.

What feels so great about the first volume is this unexpected humour that is laced through von Trier’s beautiful script. It’s indulgent in the right areas, surprisingly unpretentious and both lustful and desperately sullen. If the film was to carry on on a different but not too dissimilar tangent, it may have been a masterpiece as a whole body of work. That leads us on to…

VOLUME II

It’s an exceptionally long film, and at some point, desires to veer into something other than this woman’s sexual addiction. It does so, but in a way that after a few effective comical stabs, feels a little bit contrived, something most definitely not associated with von Trier’s work.

It’s hard to discuss this point in the film without spoiling it, so I will try my hardest not to give anything away. Whilst the first half is much of what you already know about Nymphomaniac, the second half is fairly unknown. It should be understood that, despite appearances from Jamie Bell (whose sadomasochistic performance is as impressive as it is disturbing) and Willem Defoe, Volume II is where the ideas may slightly run thin for von Trier.

Saying that, it is an enjoyable thing to watch, still oddly funny but overrun with something that’s ultimately bleak. It’s a hard thing to watch as it develops, as the sexual liberation that makes the first half so enticing to watch disappears into something realistic and consequential.

It needed direction, and the direction that von Trier took it in was sometimes eery; sometimes unexpected, but that doesn’t make it any less beguiling and strangely magical to sit through.

Nymphomaniac appetizer – Chapter 8: The Gun from Zentropa on Vimeo.

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witness to a homophobic attack which took place in the city centre in the early hours of this morning.

The assault took place around 3.10am when two men were walking on Johnston Terrace, heading towards the Lawnmarket. They were approached and verbally abused by three other men, one of whom punched the victim to the ground before he and one of his companions then kicked him about the face. After the attack, the three men ran off and were chased by two passers-by into Castle Terrace, where they lost sight of them.

PC Neil McIntyre, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a brutal, unprovoked and homophobic attack on an innocent member of the public and I am very keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly the two men who came to the victim’s aid before giving chase to the three suspects.

“We have descriptions of two of the men who carried out this vicious assault, and both are described as being white British men in their mid-20s, with one being 5 foot 6 inches in height and the other being 6 foot tall. The first man had short, dirty blonde hair, was clean shaven and was wearing a black cardigan or jumper, while his taller companion had olive skin and black hair and was wearing a white top with long sleeves.

“Anyone who witnessed this assault, came to the aid of the victim or gave chase to the suspects, is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or they can provide the information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police in Edinburgh are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a man who went missing from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh around 7.30pm last night, and are appealing for help from the public in tracing him.

Rafal Robert Jarzebowski, aged 38, is 5 foot 9 inches tall and of slim build with short black hair and his last known address was in Magdalene Drive, Edinburgh.

When last seen he was wearing a dark blue jacket, grey hooded top, black T-shirt, blue jeans, white boots, with a black rucksack, a silver linked chain around the neck.

Anyone who has any information about his whereabouts is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or may provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police in Edinburgh are searching for a man who robbed a Post Office in the city while wearing bright purple gloves.

The man, described as White, between 30 and 40 years of age and 6’0” in height with a slim build. He was wearing a dark coloured woollen Tammy hat, dark coloured scarf, dark coloured bomber style jacket, blue jeans and dark coloured trainers, when he robbed the Post Office in Dalry Road, Gorgie, around 4.45pm last night (Friday, February 21, 2014).

After struggling with and assaulting the two members of staff, he managed to get away with a three figure sum of money, and ran into Dalry Road where he turned left into Orwell Place as he was followed by a member of the public. He was last seen turning right into Caledonian Crescent, when he was lost to sight.

Detective Sergeant Neil Spowart, who is leading the enquiry, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the staff, and although they were not physically hurt, it is imperative we catch this man as soon as possible.

“The area was busy at the time and I am appealing for any member of the public who saw the man, either in West Park Place before the robbery, or as he made his escape. We believe that he may have gone round the back of the nearby Lidl store, and anyone who was in the area at the time is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

As the sun sets over the water in Stranger by the Lake, you are reminded how cinema can greatly embody multiple genres. Presenting itself as an erotic story of lust and danger, the film simultaneously ventures in to something voyeuristic and uncomfortably mysterious.

During a hot summer, gay men swarm to a secluded lake that they use as a cruising spot. Surrounded by woodland and with the water stretching far across the lake, Franck, a young, seemingly impressionable man who is fresh out of work, spends his summer meeting men with whom he simply talks, and to others, bares his sexual being. When he meets Michel, an attractive, golden skinned strong swimmer, he falls desperately in love with him. But when he witnesses him from the forest drowning a former lover in the lake, Franck is forced to choose between his twisting mind and his throbbing heart.

The film never leaves the boundaries of the lake and the forest, enclosing you and capturing you for its entirety. What by day feels like a glorious, sunny beach turns torrid and unsettling as the moon rises, captured beautifully by the film’s great cinematographer, Claire Mathon. The script, whilst simple, is achingly effective. The characters, each valuable and stunningly realised by their respective actors are what carries this sometimes sinister love story. Franck, played by Pierre de Ladonchamps, teeters cautiously on the edge of lust and infatuation, engulfed almost entirely by Michel (Christophe Paou), whose caustic, stark performance makes you realise exactly what Franck is falling for.

Credit is due to Stranger by the Lake’s brilliant director, whose alluring use of symbolism and minimalism has created a story that, while at times sexually gratuitous, has become an exemplary piece of daring French cinema.

It may be uncomfortable territory for many, but for those who can let go of tabooed thoughts for just a short while will be washed over and drowned by Stranger by the Lake.

Celtic visit the capital today and their goalkeeper Fraser Forster is determined to keep a clean sheet for the 13^th consecutive league game and in doing so beat a 43 year old record.

If the 25-year-old England international can keep a young Gorgie side at bay for the opening 31 minutes, he will have surpassed Bobby Clark’s landmark of 1,155 minutes without conceding a goal back in the 1970-71 season for Aberdeen.

Clark’s achievement was briefly a world record, until bettered four months later by Bulgaria’s Stoyan Yordanov (1,202 minutes), however it remained a British high until Edwin van der Sar managed 1,311 minutes for Manchester United in 2009.

Today the Edinburgh Reporter looks back at the famous game that ended the run.

The game in question took place at Easter Road on Saturday 16 January 1971 when Eddie Turnbull’s Aberdeen side arrived in sparkling form. The Dons had gone fifteen games unbeaten and were locked in a battle with Celtic at the top of the table, whilst Hibs under manager Dave Ewing had not won in their last nine games.

At the time Aberdeen  were Scottish Cup holders having beaten Celtic 3-1 in the final a few months previously and Turnbull had moulded his side into a fine team with quality players such as captain Martin Buchan, Tommy McMillan, Henning Boel, Jim Hermiston, Stevie Murray and Joe Harper.

On the run up to the game, few gave Hibs much chance however the pessimism around Easter Road vanished when Hibs announced the signing of a certain Joe Baker from Sunderland for only £12,000.

Baker had earned legendry status during his previous spell at the club during which time he scored an incredible 141 goals in only 160 games before being sold to Italian giants Torino.Since then he had starred for Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland and almost made the England international squad for the 1966 World Cup.

On that cold afternoon, an astonishing 23,402 fans crammed into the stadium to watch the homecoming of the prodigal son who took the field to a standing ovation. To add to the glamour of the occasion, Joe wore distinctive white boots which in those days was unheard of in Scotland and was made captain for the day.

To mark the occasion, the fans even invented a new song to welcome him back. Changing the words of the tune of the hit musical of the time Jesus Christ Superstar, the old ‘Cowshed’ behind the goals echoed to the song ‘Joe Baker – Superstar – How many goals have you scored so far?’

As usual, Hibs started the game playing up the slope towards the Dunbar end, and every Baker touch was greeted with a roar of approval from the terracing.

After a goalless first half Hibs finally broke the deadlock  in 64 minutes although it was another legend who wrote his name into the history books when captain Pat Stanton finally beat Clark with a stunning 18-yard drive which flew into the top left hand corner of the net leaving the Dons’ keeper helpless.

Easter Road erupted in a sea of green and white then four minutes later Baker celebrated his return to Hibs after a 10-year absence by scoring the second with a sensational diving header.

Baker looked to have added a third a short time later but the ‘goal’ was wrongly ruled out for being offside, before  Dave Robb scored for Aberdeen with six minutes left, but it was too little too late although Harper who would later join Hibs, went close in the dying minute.

Joe later recalled the day saying: “It was an incredibly emotional reunion. The reception I got when I ran onto the pitch made me realise just what I had been missing all these years.”

Pat Stanton also has fond memories of that day: “When Joe ran onto the pitch he was wearing white boots which I couldn’t remember any players in Scotland wearing at the time but he showed that he could still play. A lot of players rely on speed and when it goes they’ve not got the technique. Everybody gets old and Joe had been away from Easter Road for a while but he was still quick and allied to his experience, he knew when to use that pace.”

Jimmy O’Rourke said: “I had gone from watching Joe in the stands to playing alongside him. I was trying to think who I could compare him to, but I couldn’t think of anyone except maybe Roy of the Rovers.”

Joe played another 33 times for Hibs during his second spell scoring 17 times before moving to Raith Rovers where he scored an incredible 43 times in 66 games.

Dons’ fans of a certain age still insist that the title would have ended up at Pittodrie that season but for a fire which destroyed part of the stadium leaving a gap which allowed the strong northern wind to blow through which disrupted their style of play.

Whatever the reason, it was their home form that let them down in the run up and Celtic took the title by only two points.

The Hibs’ team that ended Aberdeen’s run was Roy Baines, John Brownlie, Mervyn Jones, John Blackley, Jim Black, Pat Stanton, Arthur Duncan, Jimmy O’Rourke, Joe Baker, Johnny Hamilton and Kenny Davidson.

Hibs’ midfielder Tom Taiwo is delighted to be back in Terry Butcher’s plans after a spell on the side-lines and the former Chelsea star is determined to retain his place for the remainder of the season and possibly beyond.

Speaking ahead of today’s game against Kilmarnock, Taiwo said: “It’s really good to be back playing. It’s always disappointing when you are not involved when a Saturday comes around and you’re either in the stand or on the bench, so it’s nice to be our training feeling there is something to look forward to at the end of the week. I haven’t really had to dig deep, injuries and suspensions have given me my chance, but what I am pleased about is that I seem to have shown the manager what I can do and he seems happy with the role I have played so far.

“I was in the stand so when that happens it is never nice and you have to think about your future but the future for me at the moment is Kilmarnock and the game after that and trying to stay in the team and not only win but perform well enough to keep some of the top players we have out of the side. It’s about pride.”

It was widely reporter that Taiwo was one of a number of players who be leaving the club during the January transfer window, however he kept on training to the maximum so that he would be ready to return to the first team if required.

He continued: “The boys we have that haven’t been involved are all good professionals, even the ones who have left. They train hard every day. We don’t benefit by not training hard. If you do that you lose fitness and if we were to go somewhere else we wouldn’t be in top physical condition and able to take our chance there, so we have all worked hard and the reason is more personal pride than anything else.

“The manager just spoke to me and told me the role he saw me playing – which didn’t look like a very prominent one at the time, but obviously things have changed quite quickly. I just spoke to my pals here, there is a big group who all get on really well if you are playing or not playing. It doesn’t change the fact we are all good friends and they’re the people you rely on.

“For example Scott Robertson was injured at the weekend but he still texted the boys to wish them good luck even though he wasn’t in the squad. That shows you the team spirit and that we turn to each other when things aren’t going well. It’s not nice sitting in the stand.

Last week Taiwo scored what turned out to be the winning goal against Ross County and whilst he is keen to add to his goalscoring tally, he is more concerned about helping the team to climb into the top six.

“I’ve always tried to score goals – it’s just that I haven’t been very good at it! Goals are important and I feel I am energetic and I have a good side to my game defensively, and if I can offer more going forward then maybe I will get even more chances. I know what I am good at, I know what my strengths are, but all good players want to improve and aspire to something better.

“For me the next step would be to try and get five goals a season and then maybe ten. You set yourself these targets. At the moment it is just trying to get into the box, that’s how the chance came on Saturday, and getting into those positions familiarises yourself with the kind of composure you need when you are in there.

“It’s nice, I think it shows you how much playing games gives you confidence. It kind of takes you out of your comfort zone in that you do things that you wouldn’t normally do. Maybe six months ago I might not have been bursting into the box in that kind of position, but the manager has always said he wants one midfielder supporting the attackers, and in that instance it was my turn and Sammy held the fort. That comes with confidence and going forward it something I can do and contribute to the team.”

As well as scoring, Taiwo made a last minute block to prevent Graham Carey from equalising which was just as important to him and his teammates as he explained: “I’m not sure if you saw my reaction but I was more elated with that than when I scored my goal! Players know what they’re about, what they’re good at and what their strengths are. Doing the so-called bread and butter is the most pleasing thing, and anything on top of that like goals or assists is an added bonus.”

Taiwo’s contract is up at the end of the season and like most of his teammates he is playing for his future at the club. “The manager has been the same with me; nothing has changed in terms of my role at the club. I have to keep working hard to keep my place in the team; however he has shown that if you play well and the results are coming he won’t necessarily change things.

“That’s how it should be especially with players like young Sammy. There are more experienced players in the squad but he has shown that he can handle it and he’s been outstanding, hasn’t he.

“It’s nice when you come in as a young lad and know your efforts are going to be rewarded with more game time. So my aim is to keep the wins coming and the good performances. It was just about playing football for me, really.

“When I wasn’t getting games I was looking at opportunities to try and get playing football because that’s all any of us want to do. But as the manager has said I have applied myself to my maximum throughout the training sessions and always given everything to the cause and that’s why I think he has given me my chance and a chance to the others who haven’t been in the squad and on the periphery.”

Photo by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

There was some good news on the playing front for Gary Locke this week when influential midfielder Jason Holt came through an under 20s game unscathed and is now available for selection for today’s fixture against Celtic at Tynecastle.

Although he was on the bench last week, Holt was merely making up the numbers, but with 90 minutes under his belt, the youngster is raring to go.

Speaking at the club’s training centre Holt said: “I was surprisingly ok after Wednesday and it’s just good to get my first 90 minutes under my belt. That was my first full game in three months so it’s good to be back. It’s been frustrating most of the time. I think when you’re injured that’s always the case and there are times when you think ‘am I ever going to get back?’ but that’s nearly two weeks training under my belt and one full game so things are going well again.

“It was especially frustrating because I was out at a time when the manager desperately needed bodies and I felt a bit helpless. There’s not much you can do but concentrate on your recovery and getting yourself ready again to get back on the park. Now I’m back and feel strong I’m just happy to be back in about things.”

“Well it’s frustrating to be out because as a player you want to be involved in every game, whether it’s a defeat, draw or a win. The game was just one to forget and we’ll be looking to try to put it right today.”

The last time the champions visited Gorgie was in the Scottish Cup in December which ended in a seven goal win which Holt watched from the stand.

He continued: “It was hard to watch and I think that’s a game probably for the boys to forget. Watching from the sides it is frustrating because you just want to be out there helping the boys. It was a poor game for us but at the same time I also think that Celtic played exceptionally well.

“This time we need to match them in all areas because I think we let them off the hook a wee bit by not getting in their faces. You can’t allow them time on the ball because they have the quality players to get the goals if you give them space.

“Three weeks later when we played them again in the league we gave a better account of ourselves at Celtic Park. We did very well up until the goal and that is a performance to build on come Saturday.

“Our recent form has been great too. Obviously the league Cup semi-final was a massive disappointment for us and the fans as well. But the league form has been good and we’re looking to continue that on Saturday.”

Holt was quick to refute the suggestion that losing heavily to Celtic could hamper the careers of the young players at Tynecastle.

He said: “I don’t buy into that, I think if anything these experiences will make you stronger. You learn from your mistakes, take the negatives from the game and look to turn them into positives in the next game, so I don’t think this season is harming us. I think it will make us stronger, if anything.”

If Hearts don’t score in the first 31 minutes, Fraser Forster will beat Bobby Clark’s 43 year old record having gone 12 consecutive games without conceding a goal, but Holt is not concerned about that, and in fact he is one of the few players to score against the England international this season.

“Stopping Celtic’s records wouldn’t mean anything to us. I think for us it’s just about getting something out of the game. It’s great for Fraser Forster going for his record but we are only interested in ourselves and getting something out of the game.

“Forster is a top goalkeeper and the record he is building speaks for itself, so I don’t think anyone could argue about his qualities.

“In that game I think we did reasonably well on the whole, even though we got beaten. My goal was just a shot from the edge of the box and thankfully it went in but if we can go out there and match them in all areas then hopefully we can get something out of the game.”

‘This is Edinburgh’ to put spotlight back on capital’s city centre

Real Edinburgh people (L-R Rianne White(22), Majella Flower (51), Jackson Ramsay (11), Benjie Bateman (38) spell out what a new marketing campaign for the city means.  The four  appear in the TV advert for the new ‘This is Edinburgh’ campaign which airs next week.

The new £1m campaign aimed at bringing families and shoppers back to the heart of the city has been launched today to try and attract additional spending in the city centre.

Targeted at residents of Edinburgh and people who live within a two-hour drive time of Scotland’s capital, ‘This is Edinburgh’ aims to increase footfall to the centre by two per cent above the national average. Running for the next two years, it is projected that the campaign will stimulate an additional £50 million spend within the city centre over that time.

Promising a ‘contemporary and cosmopolitan’ approach that avoids cliché and reflects the city as it really is, the campaign has been developed by Marketing Edinburgh, Essential Edinburgh business improvement district and City of Edinburgh Council, who are working together to boost the economic development of the capital.

TV, outdoor and online advertising will appear from Monday, focusing on the diverse and unique range of family attractions, shops, restaurants, nightlife and hidden gems that Edinburgh has to offer people of all ages.

Organisers will be extending the campaign to social media to encourage residents of Edinburgh to get involved and share their favourite places to see and visit. New city centre fashion and food events and exclusive discounts for local people on a range of shopping, days out and dining experiences will also be key to the campaign.

Celebrities including cyclist Chris Hoy, actor Freya Mavor, singer Nina Nesbit and chef Martin Wishart are also involved, sharing their own Edinburgh insider tips on the dedicated website. You can also follow the campaign on Facebook.

City of Edinburgh Council leader Andrew Burns said:-“Edinburgh is such a wonderful place to visit and this campaign quite rightly lets the city speak for itself, reminding people of the many fantastic and diverse reasons to spend time in the city-centre. The timing is ideal and it will act as great boost to the local economy.”

A survey undertaken last year revealed that whilst the quality of Edinburgh’s shops, restaurants and pubs were rated highly, 92% of residents questioned felt that the tram works had affected their enjoyment of the city centre. 28% said they had chosen to shop there less than a couple of years ago – but, in a recent questionnaire, 87% said that they were now open to coming back into the city centre more often.

“There’s no doubt that the disruption Edinburgh’s experienced over the last few years has had an effect on its city centre,” said Andy Neal, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh. “But that’s all in the past now. Edinburgh’s back to looking its best and this campaign emphasises the many reasons why people should come and enjoy what’s on offer here.

“We think that those who live and work here will instantly recognise ‘This is Edinburgh’ as a real representation of the city centre; diverse, original and a unique experience.”

New events and activity are planned, including a fashion map of the city to be released in March, plus ‘dress-up stores’ where shoppers will be professionally styled and photographed. There will also be new film and fashion events over the coming months.

John Donnelly, Chief Executive of Marketing Edinburgh added:-“When we set out to create the campaign, we spoke with lots of different groups, listening to their opinions on Edinburgh. Overwhelmingly our research found that residents had become very resistant and unresponsive to what they see as adverts of Edinburgh for the tourists. What did excite them however was the idea of rediscovering their city, finding its hidden gems and engaging in that conversation through social media.

‘This Is Edinburgh’ advertising was created by Edinburgh-based agency, The Lane. The first TV advert will air on Monday 24 February 2014 at 7.45 on STV during Coronation Street.