It is almost 2 years to the day since I last saw Junebug perform live, so last night’s performance (coincidentally located at Sneaky Pete’s, the same venue as last time) was an enjoyable insight into just how far the band has progressed.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-DZ07tSzjE]

Since we interviewed them in 2012, Owen Rataj, Matthew MacDonald and Harry Smith have welcomed new singer Heather Laughland and new guitarist Aonghas Maxwell. Their latest single ‘You & I’ proves the band mean business and a performance of their recent song ‘Hoops’ was a particular highlight of the night. Their cover of Katy B’s ‘On a Mission’ was better than the original and the crowd’s reaction throughout the set emphasised the public’s craving for this raw Scottish talent.

We spoke to Heather, Aonghas and Owen about their current tour, the new line-up and what 2014 holds for the band.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/131244235" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5kLIHgH4mk]

Also playing on the night was Edinburgh band Kung Fu Academy. Junebug’s co-headline Scottish tour (with Made As Mannequins) continues tonight in Glasgow and concludes in Aberdeen on Sunday 26  January. More information about Junebug can be found on their Soundcloud, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Photo credit: Ian Melvin.

A selection of handwritten poems and letters by Robert Burns has gone on display to the public at the National Library of Scotland (NLS) in Edinburgh.

The writings, which are known as the Glenriddell Manuscripts, feature 27 letters and 50 poems – including well -known works such as Holy Willie’s Prayer.

Burns wrote these for his friend and neighbour Captain Robert Riddell of Glenriddell between 1791 and 1793.

Robert Betteridge, the NLS curator who organised the display, said: “This is the single largest collection of Burns’ manuscripts in existence and one of the library’s greatest treasures. Their journey from Dumfriesshire where Burns wrote out the poems and letters, to Liverpool and then the United States is a fascinating one.”

The collection ended up in the possession of the Liverpool Athenaeum, a gentleman’s club in the city, which put them up for auction in 1913 for £5000.  Despite objections from Burns societies, the sale went ahead, with the manuscripts bought by  John Gribbel, a Burns enthusiast from Philadelphia.

The display is on at the NLS until March 30 and entry is free.

A number of balloons will be released from Cramond Beach and Ravenscraig Beach in Fife tonight in memory of to Mikaeel Kular.

A large crowd is expected to attend the event on both sides of the Forth however safety fears have limited the number to be released in Edinburgh, as Cramond lies below the flightpath for planes landing at Edinburgh Airport.

Whilst there are no concern about the number of balloons released from Ravenscraig Beach, advice from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said balloons could cause a safety risk if released from the Edinburgh site, and negotiations between organisers and the regulator set the limit at 100.

Mikaeel’s body was discovered in Kirkcaldy last Friday, the day after he was reported missing from his home in Drylaw.

Mikaeel’s mother Rosdeep Adekoya, 33, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday charged with his murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

She made no plea or declaration, was remanded in custody and committed for further examination.

She is expected to make a second appearance at the court on Tuesday

An Edinburgh pensioner has been sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy.

Mohammed Asghar (68) was arrested in September 2010 after writing letters to a lawyer and politician claiming to be a prophet, according to Reuters.

He appeared at a court in Rawalpini on Thursday where he was sentenced to death.

Mr Asghar has a history of mental illness and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2010 at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Edinburgh where he was kept under observation for four weeks. Following his discharge, he moved to Pakistan.

His legal team produced an affidavit from Dr Jane McLennan at the Royal Victoria confirming his mental and physical ill health, along with his NHS records.

In the affidavit, Dr McLennan said: “I understand that Mr Asghar has been arrested for an offence of or related to blasphemy in Pakistan. I have read the document relating to the allegations against him.

“Unfortunately for him it is entirely consistent with a relapse of his schizophrenia that he would make utterances and act in a manner which would attract criminal charged in Pakistan. It is my professional opinion that such statements and behaviour would be very consistent with his mental illness and his symptoms of grandiosity and behavioural disinhibition would be very consistent with the alleged criminal behaviour.

“During his time in hospital, he often referred to himself as being a very holy man in ways that were grandiose and clearly a reflection of his mental illness. If his condition worsened, as it seems to have done, he may have described himself in more exaggerated terms while not meaning to commit blasphemy.”

Maya Foa, director of Reprieve’s death penalty team, said: “One only needs to check Mohammed Asghar’s extensive UK medical records to see that he is a seriously mentally ill man, in dire need of medical care.

“The evidence is clear that he is unable to defend himself in court. Worse still, he is currently being held in utterly unsuitable conditions in prison, and we are very concerned about his health. The British government must immediately take all necessary steps to secure Mr Asghar’s safety.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed they are aware of Mr Asghar’s sentence and will continue to make representations to the Pakistan government.

A spokesman said: “We are aware that a British national, Mohammed Asghar, is facing the death penalty in Pakistan. We strongly object to the use of the death penalty and will continue to provide consular assistance to him and his family during this difficult time

“We have continuously made representations to the Pakistan government on behalf of Mr Asghar and we will continue to do so. We are opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances and we are dedicated to doing all we can to prevent the execution of any British national.”

Hibs have announced a six-figure sponsorship deal with global sports drink company, iPro Sport, who become the club’s Official Hydration Partner.

In a three-year partnership, iPro Sport will fuel the Hibs’ players with a range of sports drinks and receive branding within Easter Road Stadium, online activity and also community activation.

iPro Sport is the new name in global sports brands and is the result of seven years’ development in the world of sport, leisure, health and fitness and designed for sports of all levels and active people of all ages and abilities. IPro Sport is an exciting, fresh, vibrant brand with iPro Sport Isotonic, which will be used by the Hibernian players.

Rather than relying on sugar to give a temporary energy boost, iPro Sport opts for a combination of complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, alongside a balance of hydration and energy. With the exclusion of artificial colours or flavours, iPro Sport is the healthy evolution of what the body needs from a sports drink.

iPro Sport recently became English Championship club Derby County’s first-ever stadium naming rights partner and have now secured a partnership with Hibernian.

Manager Terry Butcher welcomed the partnership and believes iPro Sport are an ideal addition to the club.

Butcher said: “This is really good news and I would like to welcome iPro Sport to the Hibernian Family.

“This is a win-win for Hibs; not only are we introducing a new and exciting partnership, but it also provides our players with a first-class sports drink – helping us to perform both on and off the pitch. We’re the first club in Scotland to work with iPro Sport and we look forward to forming a successful partnership.”

Cliff Bogle, Managing Director of iPro Sport Group, said: “We at iPro are delighted to announce our Official Hydration Partnership with Hibernian Football Club, and to be able to support the club’s playing and management staff through Terry Butcher’s exciting plans for the future.

“Understanding the club’s heritage, community and development plans was also a key factor, enabling us to extend our ethos of working closely through innovative and creative initiatives that benefit the club’s wider family.

“It is also very important for us to expand our UK partnership arm to the sportspeople and supporters of Scotland. Our discussions with Hibernian FC highlighted to us the passion and dedication of Scottish sport, and we look forward to working with the club to develop Edinburgh as a benchmark for an exciting sporting era.”

Police in West Lothian are appealing for information following a fatal road collision in Livingston.

The incident happened around 3.10pm yesterday in Golf Course Road.

A Toyota Corolla was reversing out of a drive in the street when it was involved with a collision with an 85-year-old woman, who was passing on foot.

The woman, who has been named as Elizabeth Hossack from Livingston, sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Road Policing Officers closed the road for around five hours while they carried out their investigation. They are now keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and witnessed the collision.

Sergeant Neil Inglis said: “We are currently trying to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision, which tragically resulted in an elderly woman’s death.

“Anyone with information that can assist us with our enquiries is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

A new community sport hub was officially launched this morning at Heriot-Watt University by the Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHta7IoewbU]

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to the Minister, the principal of Heriot-Watt University Professor Steve Chapman, Stewart Harris CEO of sportscotland and local councillor Cathy Fullerton. The sports centre was buzzing with activity during the ministerial visit. Around 150 local primary schoolchildren were engaging in sports of all kinds taking part in a school sport festival. The community sports hub is a key part of the Commonwealth Games legacy and is designed to help local sports clubs develop and cooperate by giving them a home as well as information and support.

The South West Community Sport Hub is used by nine local sports clubs:-Balerno Bowling Club, Currie Football Club, Currie Rugby Football Club, Currie Star Football Club, Dunedin Netball Club, Edinburgh Spirals Trampolining, Edinburgh Weightlifting Club, Edinburgh Wrestling Club, and Kingsknowe Golf Club.

A competition was run to generate a logo for the new hub and the winner was Marije Zwart of Dean Park Primary School.

Five other Community Sport Hubs have been developed in Edinburgh. These are Broughton High School Community Sport Hub, Colinton Community Sport Hub, Forrester High School & St Augustines RC High School Community Sport Hub, Inch Park Community Sports Club, and Royal High School Community Sport Hub.

The South West Community Sport Hub has its own website here.

This week’s photo is of an icy Scottish Parliament building by Col Walder!

The Stockbridge Photography Club is a non-profit photography club that aims to operate in a different way from the traditional photography club mould. They have informal monthly meetings where they discuss their photos over a cup of coffee and learn about the month’s theme.

Outside of this, they arrange photowalks and trips to various locations and landmarks in and around Edinburgh, providing their members with something interesting to photograph, whilst always having someone on hand to answer any questions.

Their exhibition is ongoing, and Rosie McKenzie has kindly extended the running time. Why not pop into her gallery on St Stephen Street? Everybody is welcome, and all proceeds go to charity.

Our brand new website launched last week, and over the coming months we plan to add new features! Visit their website (stockbridgephotographyclub.co.uk) for more information.

More of Col’s work can be found at https://www.facebook.com/colwalderphoto

Submitted by Stockbridge Photography Club

National Museums Scotland presents Mammoths of the Ice Age, a major exhibition exploring the mysteries of the Ice Age and revealing what life was like for the iconic mammals of this era; the mammoth and the mastodon.

The Edinburgh Reporter was at the press view yesterday to find out more:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_A7hczP5_I]

Unlike dinosaurs and other prehistoric mammals, mammoths and mastodons lived side by side with humans for thousands of years. In Mammoths of the Ice Age visitors can again come nose-to-trunk with these intriguing animals.

The exhibition travels to the National Museum of Scotland from The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. An extensive collection of significant objects from the Ice Age will be brought together for the first time in Europe, from some of the oldest human art in existence to woolly mammoth hair, which could grow up to a metre long, preserved Columbian mammoth dung and giant tusks and teeth.

Visitors will be able to see and touch the biggest and smallest mammoths that ever lived.  An imposing full-scale replica of a Columbian mammoth, which would have stood around 4 metres tall, will dwarf its much smaller cousin which lived on the remote Wrangel Island in the Arctic Sea, where the last mammoths survived on Earth only 4,000 years ago.

Also on display is an exact replica of Lyuba, the 40,000-year old baby mammoth who was found in 2007 by a Siberian reindeer herder and two of his sons. She is the best-preserved mammoth ever discovered, with most of her features intact, providing great insights into how mammoths lived.

Mammoths at the Museum – Edinburgh Zoo’s wallabies celebrate Australia Day – Photos – The Edinburgh Alphabet – South Queensferry Rotary club

We went to see the Mammoths yesterday. If you visit from today then the exhibition is free to enter only if you are a member of the museum, but there is a charge for others. The huge beasts have been brought over from The Field Museum on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. And we have to say some of them are massive.

We had a chat with Jaap Hoogstraten the Director of Exhibitions at The Field Museum in Chicago to find out a bit more. He explained that the exhibition has just been shipped from San Diego, although it was opened in 2010 in Chicago where it had been a huge draw for the museum.  Our video will be available soon. You will see mammoths, elephants and mastodons and find out how the family tree of all three can be traced back through 55 million years to their origins in Africa.

The prices are £9 for adults, £7.50 concessions, £6 for children 5-15 and there are special family tickets available of £19 for a family of three and £25 for a family of four.

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Strewth – it may not be summer but Edinburgh Zoo’s wallabies are getting ready to celebrate Australia Day! But as it’s not quite barbie weather yet, the wallabies will be treated to bread and other nibbles instead from their keepers.

Donald Gow, Senior Keeper for Hoofstock, Primates and Marsupials for Edinburgh Zoo, says:

“In true Aussie fashion, the wallabies will be spending most of their day relaxing. Although Australia is known for its hot weather, swamp wallabies are native to the more temperate eastern ranges of Australia and so are well-adapted to handle the cooler Scottish climate. We wanted to give them a fair dinkum day, so we will be putting up an Australian flag in the enclosure and we might play them some Kylie hits a little later on – just kidding!

“The wallabies are the only other species of marsupial, besides from koalas, here at Edinburgh Zoo and they are a big hit with visitors. Smaller than their kangaroo cousins, they still move in a similar hopping way that visitors find fascinating to watch.”

Edinburgh Zoo is home to 15 swamp wallabies and has achieved regular breeding success since they first arrived eight years ago. They have a mixed diet and enjoy grazing on grasses, eucalyptus, shrubs and tree saplings. Swamp wallabies are much smaller than kangaroos, with longer fur and a generally docile nature. Despite their name, they live in forests, scrublands and woodlands with thick undergrowth.

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Today our main photo is of a decorative mosaic on the outside of Moredun Library. We have information about the library here. If you would like to know about the other libraries in the city then we have a clickable list and map here. (We like making maps – for example we have another which shows off the best fish and chip shops here.) But we really like taking photos…..and reading books (though not necessarily at the same time!)

We would like you to share with us a photo of what you are reading at the moment. There is a storyboard just waiting for you over here on EdinburghReportage. We look forward to your suggestions and comments on the books too!

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The Edinburgh Alphabet is being compiled  here and they need your suggestions for icons to represent the missing letters. What has been completed so far is just lovely! We wonder if they might pick R for Reporter…..

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In late 2012, people from across the UK volunteered to be transformed into the men and women who found themselves swept up in the events at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Today, the six chosen folk came face-to-face with their state-of-the-art digital characters for the first time at the brand new Visitor Centre.

The six selected volunteers had their faces laser scanned by expert 3D modellers at the Centre for Digital Documentation and Visualisation (CDDV), the partnership between The Glasgow School of Art’s Digital Design Studio (DDS) and Historic Scotland, developing 3D visualisations for the Project.

Using motion capture technology, a range of facial expressions were captured and the 3D modelling process then added more detailed facial features. Later, actors recorded voiceovers for the dialogue, also recorded using motion capture to add in more complex movements. The resulting characters are gritty and real, displaying psychological effects of war and the full gamut of human emotions.

Philip Wilson, 35 from Edinburgh is Sir James Douglas, a Scottish Knight with a personal vendetta against Edward I for killing his father, and one of Robert the Bruce’s trusted lieutenants. Voiceover by David Hayman.

There was a mixture of shock and awe as the volunteers met their characters for the first time. Philip Wilson found it surreal to see himself with battle scars, he said: “It was amazing to hear actor David Hayman’s voice, especially as he becomes more menacing, capturing the famously dark persona of the ‘Black Douglas’. It was chilling, I felt like I was afraid of myself.”

Opening on 1 March 2014, the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, developed in partnership by the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland, is bringing a ground-breaking new experience to the site of the historic battle in time for its 700th anniversary.

The new centre is the only place in the UK where cutting-edge 3D technology and medieval armies meet, and the first heritage attraction in the world to use motion capture technology featuring live, authentic fight choreography to immerse visitors in a realistic medieval battle.

David McAllister, Battle of Bannockburn Project Director, National Trust for Scotland said: “Using this amazing new technology, we are able to give visitors an unrivalled opportunity to interact with and understand the variety of people who found themselves swept up in the historic events of 1314. The National Trust for Scotland takes pride in ensuring this important point in history is represented authentically, and the input of leading experts from the project’s initial stages has ensured that the story that we are telling is as accurate as it is breath-taking.”

Interpretation designers Bright White Ltd worked closely with an Academic Advisory Panel featuring some of the UK’s top historians to develop concepts, scripts and storyboards for the new centre, including real and fictional people connected with the events that shaped the 2-day-long battle to form its ‘Character Stations’.

The Character Stations are the first phase of the new visitor experience to be revealed to the public. Ten characters from both Robert the Bruce and Edward II’s armies feature using digital technology in real-life dimensions, with gesture recognition technology to interact with visitors.

They help visitors to learn more about the weaponry, tactics and techniques involved in the battle, as well as the people taking part, their skills, motivations, allegiances and personal stories.

With realism and authenticity key to the concept, Bright White initiated a public call to find people from the UK regions that made up the different units which formed the armies to volunteer to have their faces scanned and developed into 14th century folk.

Chris Walker, Director at Bright White Ltd said: “Standing face-to-face with full height characters from the battlefield as they tell you their story is a powerful and natural way to learn about aspects of the battle, but we had to be very careful about the choice of people; we sought a very wide range of characters to represent the equally wide range of reasons why people got swept up in the fight. I think the choice of characters will be a pleasant surprise as it includes a truly fearsome local alewife, and an alluring female spy. The academic panel’s input has been incredibly valuable. Once the scripts had been written, and the characters defined, the 3D modelling and animation team did a breath-taking job of realising these characters.”

The story told at the centre shows the diversity of people involved in the historic events of the battle, challenging the perception that Bannockburn was simply Scotland versus England. In reality, a range of nationalities were involved – Scots fought on the English side, while Welsh archers and Irish foot soldiers were important to the English.

Paul Chapman, Battle of Bannockburn Project Manager at the CDDV said: “Creating a believable, exciting and personal experience where visitors can interact and engage with individual characters from the historic battle presented the team with a really interesting technical challenge. By employing state-of-the art techniques including face scanning, photorealistic computer graphics, 3D motion capture, gesture recognition and combining these with professional voice-over performance we have simulated a series of conversations linking present day to 1314. This allows the visitor to emotionally connect to the battle and hear first-hand testimonies from those who were there. The technology sits invisibly in the background and brings a lifelike feel to the whole experience.”

The Character Stations feature in the Centre’s ‘Prepare for Battle’ room, where visitors are transported back to 1314, the night before the battle. There is the opportunity to wander between both camps interacting with the real people preparing for battle, while witnessing some of the physical preparations including battle training, surrounded by 270 degree, massive 3D screens, for a truly immersive experience.

The Battle of Bannockburn project is funded by generous support from the Scottish Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Sports Minister Shona Robison will perform opening ceremony at Heriot-Watt University to launch the community sport hub.

She will be joined by Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, to perform the official unveiling of the plaque to mark the occasion.

Also in attendance will be Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University, and Councillor Cathy Fullerton.

Nine sports clubs are currently part of the Hub – Balerno Bowling Club, Currie Football Club, Currie Rugby Football Club, Currie Star Football Club, Dunedin Netball Club, Edinburgh Spirals Trampolining, Edinburgh Weightlifting Club, Edinburgh Wrestling Club, and Kingsknowe Golf Club.

The Community Sport Hub initiative is a key component of sportscotland’s contribution to the Scottish Government’s 2014 legacy plan, and provides an exciting and innovative approach to the development of sport in local clubs. A total of 117 Hubs are already operational throughout the country.

Based in local places such as club pavilions, sports centres, community centres, the natural environment, and with at least 50 per cent in schools, the hubs bring local people together and provide a home for the local clubs and sports organisations. They also provide information, support, and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities.

South-West Edinburgh Community Sport Hub, which covers Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Wester Hailes, Sighthill, and Ratho, is the first hub to be based at a Tertiary Education institution.

As part of the launch event on Friday a school sport festival is being held, with almost 150 primary five pupils from local schools taking part.

To help organise and run the Hub a Youth Sport Panel has been set up, which is made up of young people from local high schools and further and higher education institutions.

The panel has already made a significant contribution to the formation of the Hub and the success of the Launch Week, while also selecting the winning design for the Hub’s logo. A competition was held in local schools and the winner, who will take home prizes for both them and their school, will be announced at Friday’s launch event.

Shona Robison, Minister for Sport and Commonwealth Games, said:-“It’s heartening to see such a diverse range of sporting groups working together for the benefit of their local community.

“With only six months until the Commonwealth Games, we have already delivered 117 Community Sport Hubs across the country.

“Today’s launch sees the sixth hub in Edinburgh and I am particularly pleased with the involvement of young people in the future of the Hub.

“Initiatives like this sporting hub are key to encouraging more Scots to get more active, which will help deliver a lasting legacy of the Games of which we can all be proud.”

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: -“sportscotland is investing £1.5 million of Lottery funding each year into developing at least 150 hubs across all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities by 2016.

“The initiative is already providing more opportunities for communities to engage in an active, healthy lifestyle, and for people in Scotland to enjoy sport in excellent facilities.

“It is terrific to see South-West Edinburgh Community Sport Hub up-and-running, and all those involved will undoubtedly see the benefits of being involved in this hub.

“Each hub works on the same basic principles but each has the flexibility to identify the needs of their community. This focus on local needs ensures that all partners get behind the approach and the work they do has the biggest impact.”

Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University, said: “The Community Sport Hub is another area in which Heriot-Watt University is supporting the development of Scottish sport.

“The Hub will be of great benefit to the local community, including our staff and students. The university is committed to supporting the development of sport at all levels through projects such as the Hub and the National Performance Centre for Sport.

“Although separate projects, the two dovetail neatly with the Hub helping to develop opportunities for participation, sustainability and growth for clubs, and the development of people; all of which combines to provide a solid platform and basis for performance sport.”

Five other Community Sport Hubs have been developed in Edinburgh. These are Broughton High School Community Sport Hub, Colinton Community Sport Hub, Forrester High School & St Augustines RC High School Community Sport Hub, Inch Park Community Sports Club, and Royal High School Community Sport Hub.

For more information about South-West Edinburgh Community Sport Hub, you can visit  www.csh.hw.ac.uk. (although when we checked the website was not yet live)

At twenty five Michael Mair is looking forward to leading his own congregation in Edinburgh when he becomes the youngest ordained minister with the Church of Scotland tonight (January 23).

A special service will take place at St David’s Church in Broomhouse, Edinburgh, at 7 o’clock for the graduate of New College, Edinburgh University. The service will be conducted by Reverend John Cowie. The Reverend Ian Gilmour, Moderator of the Presbytery of Edinburgh will ordain Michael Mair, making him the new minister of the church.

The Reverend Doctor George Whyte, Presbytery Clerk of Edinburgh will also take part in the service.

After graduating, Michael, spent time as a trainee minister at Wardie Parish Church and as a member of the chaplaincy team at the city’s Western General Hospital helped provide pastoral support for patients. He was a probationary minster at Dalmeny linked with Edinburgh Queensferry Church. He also acquired ministry experience in Culloden, the Shetland Islands and in the Church of Scotland’s Presbytery of Europe.

The new minister said he hoped his ordination would encourage other young people to consider taking up the calling to ministry.

He said: “The General Assembly last year heard about the dearth of young people becoming ministers. My ordination means I will become one of a handful of minsters under the age of thirty. I hope my ordination can inspire other young people to think about the ministry or even for elders just to become more involved in the lives of their church.”

The Very Reverend Albert Bogle addressed the need for new blood into the ministry during his year as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He told the assembly there is perhaps a need to establish a bursary support scheme to encourage congregation members and others to come forward for ministry. –

Morningside reaches record numbers for Specsavers charity campaign

Big-hearted Morningside residents have helped a local optician to stockpile its largest ever collection of old and unwanted glasses to help people in developing countries. Specsavers Morningside has amassed more than 3,500 pairs of specs, thanks to kind donations from the public.

The huge haul will be handed over to eyecare charity Vision Aid Overseas (VAO) which recycles the specs and uses the funds generated to provide eyecare to those who need it in the developing world.

Among those involved in creating a mountain of unwanted specs were pupils from nearby Firrhill High School, Colinton Parish Church, Oxgangs Primary School, Braidburn School, and First Ranger Guides.

Also helping out with the community charity effort were the Craiglockhart Brownies, 134 Craiglockhart Guides, Fairmilehead Beavers and the South Morningside Explorer Scout Unit.

Michael O’Kane, store director of Specsavers Morningside, says: ‘I am overwhelmed by the huge support from the local community who have contributed to our VAO appeal to help those in need.

‘In particular I’d like to thank the children and young adults from all of our generous local schools and groups for going out of their way to organise collections and donations, helping us to collect our largest pile of VAO specs to-date.

‘Specsavers has been a supporter of VAO for nearly a decade. It’s a fantastic charity giving the gift of sight to people with vision problems across the developing world.  Many people overseas do not have access to the most basic of eyecare so receiving a pair of prescription glasses can mark a massive change in their lives.

‘I would encourage everyone in Morningside to bring in their old specs to see if we can make our next pile even bigger.’

The VAO donation is just one of many sight-improvement initiatives supported by the store. Specsavers Morningside recently funded flight costs for an optometrist to take a trip to India, providing vital eyecare services for those suffering from sight problems and blindness.

Specsavers is a long-standing supporter of Vision Aid Overseas, donating more than 250,000 pairs of glasses and raising enough funds to build a school of optometry in Zambia, with eyecare outreach clinics in much of the country.

Set up in 1985, VAO is dedicated to helping 300 million people in the developing world who suffer from poor eyesight because they need glasses.

I was slightly nervous! About to meet up with Gennaro Contaldo, one half of “The Two Greedy Italians”.  Having spent my honeymoon back in the nineties in Sorrento and my 10^th wedding Anniversary in Poisitano, I am a big fan of Italy.

On this evening, I was in the heart of my home city where Jamie’s Restaurant dovetails with the recently refurbished Assembly Rooms.  The architecture is like no other restaurant in the chain.

I had no need to worry; Gennaro is an absolute gentleman.  Jamie Oliver’s right hand man asked if I would like to join him in the kitchen and I didn’t need asking twice!  On giving me my apron and telling me to get my shirt sleeves pulled up he asked me what my favourite Italian dish was.  A difficult question but i mentioned that I had a penchant for fish.

Quick as a flash he suggested “Trotta all’ Acqua Pazza” or Trout in Crazy Water. Who was I to argue? Standing in the professional  kitchen, I couldn’t quite believe the heat.  Genarro got to work.  After sprinkling a generous helping of Italian salt on a sizeable piece of Scottish trout, he put this into a pan with some bubbling olive oil.  To this he added garlic, cherry tomatoes, capers, parsley and some white wine.  The pan was covered to allow the fish to steam in the “crazy” juices.  With a minute to go, some local mussels were added.  Wild rocket with some lemon juice and his favourite Italian salt provided the garnish and some colour to the plate.  Once the lid was removed and the master convinced that the fish was cooked, the plate was complete.  Accompanied by a chilled glass of Italian white wine, the dish was delightful, with all the flavours infusing beautifully.

I was then shown round the deli/bar area where diners can enjoy the freshly cut Italian meat and cheese specialities such as salami with fennel seeds, well matured prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and pecorino with some amazing chilli jam.  This set up is unique to the Edinburgh premises.

Jamies is a well oiled machine, and already Gennaro and Jamie are working on their spring menu, looking for inspiration from his Italian roots.  Chefs are encouraged to get involved by creating “local specials”, and each day “early sittings” are held by the team in order to gather feedback.

My visit concluded with a chilled Lemoncello from the Amalfi coast and a strong black Italian coffee.

This evening was certainly a true taste of Italy.

Jamie’s Italian

The Assembly Rooms 54 George Street EH2 2LR

T 0131 202 5452

Hibs’  Under 20s returned to action last night with a 2-1 win over St Mirren which Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh dedicated to teenager David Paul who sadly passed away in December.

The number four jersey normally worn by David has been ‘retired’ for the remainder of the season as a mark of respect, and Tom Taiwo lined up wearing number 14 in his place.

Taiwo and Rowan Vine who have both been told that they are free to leave the club were in the starting line alongside Danny Handling who was side-lined with a foot injury last weekend.

After dominating the early part of the game, Hibs took the lead in the 24-minutes when Handling scored with a header from a Gareth McCaffrey cross.

McCaffrey then went close with powerful drive from 30 yards before Ryan Baptie also tested the Saints’ keeper with a free kick from 20 yards.

Hibs added a second six minutes before the break as Gardiner connected with a header from a Baptie corner.

Scullion pulled one back for St Mirren near the end, but the Hibs’ youngsters held on for the victory which sends them back to the top of the league on goal difference and sets up a thrilling match against Rangers at the Energy Assets Arena, Livingston next Tuesday (28 January, kick off 6pm).

After the game, Head of Academy coaching James McDonaugh dedicated the win to David Paul whose funeral took place this morning.

McDonaugh told Hibernian TV: “You can’t underestimate or put into words how hard a time the boys have had over the last month. The loss of David Paul has been massive.

“I wasn’t sure that we would win another game between now and the end of the season. I just didn’t know how it was going to go. So to just win that one and with David’s funeral tomorrow we can dedicate the win to him. I know it doesn’t mean much, but we can do that.”

“We’ve removed the number four strip until the end of the season as a mark of respect to David and his family; we’re not planning on wearing that again between now and the end of the season.

“We’ll wear 14, 12 or 20 or whatever comes to hand and that is why Tom (Taiwo) was wearing the number 14 shirt tonight.”

“It was a game of two halves, on reflection we were the better side in the first-half, although St Mirren had a spell and in the second half St Mirren were the better side and we had a spell.

“Overall we certainly didn’t get to the levels and the standards that we’ve set, but we did do well to get the three points and win the football match – those are the positives that we can take out of it.”

Hibernian under-20s: Sean Murdoch, Andrew Black, Ryan Baptie, Tom Taiwo, Bob Wilson (Neil Martyniuk, 81), Tom Gardiner, Gareth McCaffrey, Dean Horribine, Rowan Vine, Danny Handling (Taylor Hendry, 61), Max Todd (Jamie Beaton, 66). Unused substitutes: Dougie Horne, Aaron Dunsmore, Scott Martin, Jay Doyle.

Photo of Danny Handling by John Preece

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

MSP fights for Tollcross Fire Control Room – Thinking about Fostering? – Hidden Door Festival  – Manipulate Festival – Judy Garland comes to Wester Hailes 

Edinburgh MSP Jim Eadie wrote to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) yesterday in a bid to save the Fire Control Room in Tollcross. Eadie had already joined forces with fellow Edinburgh MSPs to fight closure of the Edinburgh control room.

The future of the Edinburgh control room in Tollcross is currently under threat following the decision by the SFRS to reduce the amount of control rooms in Scotland from eight to three. Eadie is concerned about the effect the closure of the fire control room would have on the safety of his constituents and those in other parts of South East Scotland.

In a statement Mr Eadie said: “Over the past 5 years, three in ten incidents in Scotland were dealt with by the control rooms in Edinburgh, Maddiston and Thornton. With the loss of two already confirmed, closure of the Edinburgh fire control room would leave South East Scotland without its own facility to deal with these calls. We cannot afford to compromise the safety of people in Edinburgh and the Lothians for the purpose of cost savings.”

In 2012/13 according to a draft report being submitted to the council’s Police and Fire Scrutiny Committee tomorrow, the Fire Service attended 701 house fires, 594 of which were accidental.

On 5 November last year Edinburgh Operations Control were called out to 108 bonfires of which 43 were considered to be adequately supervised, but in total the number of emergency calls which the Control staff dealt with totalled 365.

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If you are thinking about fostering then go and have a chat with the council’s foster care team and local carers at one of their Waverley Court events. They are held from 5-7pm at the City of Edinburgh Council HQ, 4 East Market Street EH8 8BG (view on a map)

• Thursday 23 January 2014
• Thursday 13 March
• Thursday 3 April
• Thursday 15 May
• Thursday 19 June

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Hidden Door is an arts festival that sets out to temporarily transform the 24 disused vaults of Market Street, Edinburgh at the end of March. (the dates have changed from what they were originally…)

The festival will be a dynamic platform for the best new breakthrough creative talent based in Scotland – featuring over 40 live music acts, 70 visual artists, a full programme of performing arts, a cinema space showing the work of new film makers and animators, and a programme of readings by a number of writers and poets throughout Scotland. There will also be seminars, talks and discussions.

The Hidden Door website shows off what the site may look like….click here.

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Manipulate Festival runs from 31 January to 8 February 2014 at The Traverse. The festival is billed as innovative international theatre and film, but also includes elements of puppetry and animation. You will find details of all that is on offer here and the video below might give you a flavour of what you can see.

[vimeo 79104380 w=500 h=281]

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At WHALE Arts tomorrow evening the songs made famous by Judy Garland will be part of the production ‘Beyond the Rainbow’ by TRAM Direct Theatre Company exploring the star’s story and her eventual downfall. There is a five star review here.

More details here.

Campaigners working to rescue Edinburgh’s only rape crisis centre from funding cuts have raised over £4,000 as part of efforts to save the cash-strapped organisation.

Edinburgh Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (EWRASAC) has provided free and confidential support to survivors of rape and sexual violence for over 35 years, but now faces huge funding cuts that threaten many of its essential services.

EWRASAC’s manager Caroline Burrell said:-“Last year the centre supported 416 people. We provided 2,616 support and counselling sessions, and 1,066 hours of helpline support responding to 2,802 calls. We currently have a 12-month waiting list for long-term services to 55 survivors.”

When the centre’s funding sources dry up on May 31, 75% of the frontline support and counselling services will be at risk.

The Save EWRASAC campaign has been working to raise awareness of the funding cuts that the centre faces, as well as promoting fundraising efforts to help keep the centre running. Since the group began campaigning last February, they have managed to raise close to £40,000 for the centre.

Speaking to The Edinburgh Reporter, campaigner Lorna said :- “Edinburgh Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre helped me through the worst time of my life and helped me get my self-respect back.”

Laura Mulcahy, who started the Save EWRASAC campaign, told us:- “Save EWRASAC started off last February after I found out about how dire the funding situation was, and felt something needed to be done. To my complete shock it took off and people really care about it. As a Facebook fundraising group we organise events to spread awareness and raise money for the centre by making a variety of different events which will attract different crowds. We have raised by ourselves over £4,000 but have helped to encourage the public to donate £40,000.

“They are always welcoming, and they make uncomfortable conversations easier. The free specialised support they offer is invaluable and is the only way some women can get the care needed when they can’t afford it privately.”

She said, “During this past year we have done everything from spoken word nights, open mic nights, pub quizzes, bake sales, clothes swaps, gigs, comedy gigs – anything and everything.”

“They help bring people back to life and we are trying to give a little back.”

The EWRASA website is here and you can contribute to the fundraising appeal here.

A hidden Rembrandt etching has been uncovered and brought to light after being found in the print room of the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.

The print was originally thought to have been a copy of a work by Rembrandt, but new research has established that not only is the painting original, it is also one-of-a-kind.

The portrait, which depicts Amsterdam preacher Jan Cornelis Sylvius, is the only known version to have been printed in red ink. Dr Tico Seifert, the Gallery’s Senior Curator for Northern European Art, realised during his research that the etching was not merely a copy, but the work of the Dutch artist himself.

“I became suspicious once I found that all the known copies of this print are in reverse – which this one obviously wasn’t,” he said. “With mounting excitement I made further comparisons and it became increasingly clear that I was not dealing with the work of a copyist but looking at an etching by Rembrandt himself.

“I then contacted colleagues in Amsterdam to find out about impressions in red ink, which are generally very rare. To my great surprise and delight they told me it is a unique print.”

Rembrandt lived in the 17th century and is considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers in the history of art. The Portrait of Jan Cornelis Silvius will  be on display to the public from today, Wednesday 22 January. The rediscovered version will be shown alongside an impression of the same image in black ink, which shows further reworking and was probably printed later in the eighteenth century.

Terry Butcher says there is keenness rather than urgency to get new players in during the January transfer window.

Hibs face undefeated Celtic at Easter Road on Sunday with a depleted squad due to injury and suspension, and fans are hoping to see some movement this week, but the manager insists that he won’t be making signings unless he is convinced that the player will improve the squad.

Speaking to Hibernian TV, Butcher said: “You’re working to a final point when January ends. So you know that after that you can’t get players in and players can’t go out.

“There is a finite point where that does happen. We’re still looking at players and making phonecalls.

“Steve (Marsella) is watching players down south as we speak. So there is keenness rather than urgency from our perspective to get things done as soon as possible to get them bedded in with the squad.

“If we can do that before Sunday then all well and good; if not, then we’ll get them in next week and bed them in for the Raith Rovers game.

“There’s still plenty of work to be done with players coming in. But sometimes a player coming in before a big game can have a positive impact too.

“We think it would freshen up the squad and fans would be talking about them – it would create added excitement.

“We know what it’s like because we’ve done it before, but we need to make sure they’re the right player too.”

Photo by John Preece

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

The site manager of an Edinburgh housing development has fought off the competition to pick up a prestigious UK building industry award.

Scott Brown, who has nearly 25 years’ experience in the building industry, was awarded the National House-Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Supreme ‘multi-storey builder’ award in recognition of his professionalism, creativity and expertise.

Scott, who oversees the Miller Homes’ Varcity South development in Fettes, won the Scottish regional ‘multi-storey builder’ title in October and was put forward for the Supreme Award. After being shortlisted from over 15,000 original award entries, he came out on top against the other seven regional winners in the category.

“To win an NHBC Supreme Award, the UK’s top award for the house-building industry, is every site managers’ dream,” he said.

“Varcity South is a unique development and as a team we take great pride in making this development a popular place to live.”

Established in 1934, Miller Homes has built more than 100,000 houses, across the UK. Stewart Lynes, managing director of Miller Homes Scotland, congratulated Scott on his achievement:

“We are delighted at Scott’s success and he should be very proud of what he has achieved,” he said.

“As a company, we pride ourselves on being able to deliver the best possible standards for our customers, and Scott’s achievement is testament to our commitment of achieving that goal.”

Mike Quinton, NHBC Chief Executive, said: “Pride in the Job is something we at NHBC are incredibly proud of. Site managers are pivotal to the success of any project, and rewarding them through Pride in the Job is one of the most important things we do each year.

“The Awards has driven up standards in new home construction right across the UK for over three decades, and the benchmark for success rises year on year as entrants battle to be the best. The field of competition is huge, so winning is a definitive mark of success.”

Scott, pictured above with comedian Al Murray (left) and Mike Quinton, celebrated his success at the Supreme Awards Gala Dinner which took place on 17th January in the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.

Free Customer Service Training

A joint venture by “The Edinburgh Partnership” – “Joined up for Jobs” and “Connected” will deliver free Service Training for the retail sector here at Muirhouse Millennium (Community) Centre in February ( exact date to be advised)

If you have an interest, phone Peter Airlie at the centre(0131-467-3578) to book a place.

Submitted by Jim McGinty

One of the largest colleges in Scotland is delivering expert training in sustainable and green tourism practices to the next generation of Egyptian tourism workers.

Edinburgh College was chosen by the Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF) and the British Council as the training provider to deliver courses to Egyptian industry leaders, who are then rolling out the training in Egypt.

The ETF is taking on the training – part of the British Council’s Skills for Employability project – to make the Egyptian tourism industry more sustainable and customer friendly. Eight members of the ETF recently travelled to Scotland to complete the programme at Edinburgh College. They undertook training in two courses – Introduction to Green Hotels and Customer Care Training – and are now training other industry professionals in Egypt to deliver the courses across the country. College staff will also visit Egypt to provide more professionals with the training.

The training is aimed at a grassroots level by targeting frontline hotel staff and focusing on those who can make a considerable difference to the industry. Staff in Egypt will receive training in waste management practices in administration areas, reception, housekeeping, kitchen and catering departments, as well as focusing on issues such as energy efficiency and water conservation. The Customer Care Training Course covers the basic principles and standards of customer care needed by employees when dealing with tourism customers in Egypt.

Edinburgh College was chosen following its successful similar training programme at the Mingachevir Tourism College in Azerbaijan, which was extended to a two-year contract because of its positive uptake by the students, staff and local hoteliers. As well as being impressed with the college’s Azerbaijan courses, the ETF was also inspired by Scotland’s preservation of natural heritage sites.

Lorraine Farquharson, lecturer at Edinburgh College’s Centre of Tourism and Hospitality, which developed the training, said: “It has been a pleasure to share our experiences and expertise with the Egyptian Tourism Federation to help them establish a greener tourism industry at home. Green tourism is a relatively new concept and we’re proud that Edinburgh College is leading the way in this field.”

Lorraine added: “The new partnership is a great example of the college’s role in delivering high-quality vocational training that can be applied in a practical way, at home and abroad. The issue of green tourism and sustainability is a relevant and topical issue not only for Scotland but for the modern tourism industry across the world. Our training reflects this and is up-to-the-minute within the sector, which is why the college has been chosen to deliver the sustainable training programme to meet the needs of local and global industry. We look forward to seeing the benefits the training will have on the Egyptian industry as a whole.”

Tourism is one of Egypt’s largest industries, employing 2.83 million people and generating an average of 11.3 per cent (£5.4billion) of GDP. In 2011, 9.5 million tourists came to Egypt, largely from its three main tourism markets led by Western Europe and followed by Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Due to the huge influence of tourism, the training the ETF will receive at Edinburgh College is vital to develop green industry schemes.

During the ETF’s visit to Scotland, the delegates met with The Minister for External Affairs and International Development, MSP Humza Yousaf, to discuss how Scotland can support and develop a stronger relationship with Egypt.

Mr Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government welcomes opportunities to build relations between Scotland and Egypt. Scotland has exemplar schemes and operational expertise to offer to the world and we were happy to look at ways in which we could advise the delegates on issues of green tourism.

“Tourism and education are two key economic sectors we’re very proud of and initiatives such as this show Scottish institutions like Edinburgh College winning contracts and helping to share their expertise across the world and in turn delivering for the Scottish economy.”

As part of its ongoing international work – which involves engaging with hundreds of new international students and professionals from around the world each year – Edinburgh College is also in discussions with institutions in Central America and North Africa about delivering travel and tourism training.

Submitted by =

War Horse the epic, award winning stage play opens tonight to a total sell-out run at the Festival Theatre. This is part of a UK wide tour that will run until September. Since its World Premier at the National Theatre in London, it has been seen by over 3 million people world-wide in its stage-form and many more as featured in the Movie version.

War Horse is the powerful story of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the British in World War I. Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in No Man’s Land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home.  A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, War Horse features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage.

The Puppetry in the show is extremely complicated and is nothing like anything else on stage in the UK. It takes 8 weeks to train an actor to be part of the team of 3 that is needed to animate each horse. The finished horse puppets weigh approximately 43kg for the body including the puppeteers’ backpacks and another 7.7kg for the head. They are made of cane, leather and Tyvec, a material used in book binding (for manes and tails). 14 craftsmen and women need 8 months to create the 23 puppets required for the show.

(Photography: www.thomashaywood.com )

After the show, the Reporter was able to have a short chat with Katie Henry (associate director) and David Fleeshman ( who plays Arthur Narracott)

Police officers will be in the city centre this afternoon revisiting the area around a pawnshop that was subject to an armed robbery last week.

The Duncanson and Edwards store on Queen Street was entered by two men, one of whom was in possession of an axe, on Wednesday 15th.

The pair then smashed up a number of display cabinets before making off with 11 high-value watches and various rings.

Officers will be out on foot around the shop between 4pm and 6pm to speak with members of the public who may have been in the area at the same time the previous week and witnessed anything suspicious.

Anyone who believes they have information in relation to this robbery is asked to make contact with the police on patrol, or by dialling 101.

The man in possession of the axe is described as about 6ft tall, was wearing a dark-sleeved top underneath the hooded top and a baseball cap with a light blue peak.

The other man is described as white and had distinctive black and white footwear.

Both were wearing identical light grey hooded tops with a black chequered pattern and black sleeves.

The pair made off from the shop on pushbikes.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “We are continuing with our enquiries to identify those responsible for this incident and are keen to hear from members of the public who are regularly within the Queen Street area in the late afternoon or early evening.

“If you believe you were in this location at around 5pm last Wednesday and saw anything suspicious then please contact police immediately.

“In addition, if your recognise the description of the suspects and can assist in locating them, then I would also urge you to come forward.”

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

Rembrandt discovered in Gallery – Hippo Birthday – Marie Curie needs you! – War Horse opens tonight – Events in Edinburgh’s parks

The Scottish National Gallery has discovered a wee gem in its collection. Something that it thought was only a copy has turned out to be the real McCoy!

A unique Rembrandt etching has been rediscovered in the Print Room of the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh. The print, a portrait of the Amsterdam preacher Jan Cornelis Sylvius (1564-1638), was previously catalogued as a copy of a work by Rembrandt.  However, recent research by Dr Tico Seifert, the Gallery’s Senior Curator for Northern European Art, has established that the etching is the work of the Dutch master himself.  Dr Seifert’s research has also confirmed that this is the only known version of the image to have been printed in red ink.  Portrait of Jan Cornelis Sylviuswill be on display to the public from today.

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Ellen the pygmy hippo is turning nine years old and to mark the special occasion keepers will be presenting her with a special birthday treat today! Three-month old daughter Adana is growing fast and will be by her mum’s side to help her enjoy her edible presents.

Lorna Hughes, Team Leader for Hoofstock and Primates, said:-“Ellen may be small, but she has made a big impression on many visitors and staff since her birth at Edinburgh Zoo in 2005. She has been a fantastic mum, so to be able to celebrate her 9^th birthday with her daughter is very special; I am sure she will really enjoy her tasty birthday surprise with her family.”

Edinburgh Zoo is part of an international conservation programme which aims to safeguard the pygmy hippo from extinction and has had much success in breeding this endangered species. Ellen is the third generation of pygmy hippos to be born at Edinburgh Zoo and since the arrival of male Otto in 2008, the pair have proved themselves to be great parents after raising three daughters Lieshan, Eve and Adana.

Half the size of their relative the common hippopotamus, and a quarter of the weight, pygmy hippos love to spend most of their time in the water, and Ellen can often be spotted splashing about in her heated pool. Their natural environment is the dense forests and lowlands of West Africa but this but it is being threatened by deforestation.

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Marie Curie Cancer Care is appealing for people in Edinburgh and Lothians to donate an hour of their time this March to collect for the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal.

The appeal is Marie Curie’s biggest fundraiser needs volunteers to encourage people in the local community to give a donation and war a daffodil pin in March.

The money raised will help Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to local people with terminal illnesses both in their own homes and in the Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh.

Fiona Beaton, Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Edinburgh and Lothians said: “We need over 500 people from Edinburgh and Lothians to help with our collections this February and March. Donating just one or two hours of your time to the appeal will allow Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to terminally ill people and their families at the time when they most need support, both through care in their own homes and in the Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh.”

Di Shakspeare, Volunteer Collector from East Lothian said:  “I was previously a Marie Curie Registered Nurse for twenty nine years so I know the difference that Marie Curie can make to local families, allowing them to rest knowing that their loved ones are in safe hands. On my retirement, I decided I wanted to help with the charity as a volunteer. In my experience, being a collector is a lot of fun and a great way to meet new folk, some with their stories to tell, while also raising funds and awareness for this wonderful cause.”

As well as local volunteer collectors, Marie Curie will be supported by the Lions Clubs of the British Isles and Ireland in March, with hundreds of collections being held by Lions Club members across the country on behalf of the charity.

To volunteer to collect for Marie Curie Cancer Care and support the Great Daffodil Appeal call 0131 470 2291 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.

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War Horse opens at the Festival Theatre tonight – but it is sadly sold out and we were unable to get any press tickets either!

The National Theatre’s award-winning production of WAR HORSE  is being staged in Edinburgh as part of its first major tour of the UK & Ireland.   

The record-breaking tour of War Horse began in Plymouth in September 2013 and has since played to sell-out houses in Birmingham and Salford.  The company is very much looking forward to bringing  the show to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre for its Scottish premiere.

War Horse is the powerful story of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the British in World War I. Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in No Man’s Land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home.  A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, War Horse features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage.

The War Horse company is comprised of:   James Alper (Stewart/Heine/Ludwig), Lee Armstrong (Albert Narracott), Peter Ash (Billy Narracott/Klebb/Heine), Emily Aston (Paulette), Nisa Cole (Emilie), Joe Darke (Topthorn Heart), David Fleeshman (Arthur Narracott), Adam Foster (Bone/Fine), Bob Fox (Song Man), Jason Furnival (Carter/Strauss), Tom Gilbey (Joey Head), Oliver Grant (Topthorn Head), Finn Hanlon (Captain Nicholls/Schweyk), Karl Haynes (Greig/Vet Martin), Karen Henthorn (Rose Narracott), Steven Hillman (Ted Narracott), Michael Humphreys (Joey Heart), Linford Johnson (Topthorn Hind), Andrew Keay (Joey Hind), Rebecca Killick (Baby Joey/Annie Gilbert), Tom Larkin (Double Hind),John Leader (Double Heart), Helen Macfarlane (Baby Joey/Matron Callagher), Sean McKenzie (Priest/Thunder), Alex Moran (Baby Joey/David), Suzanne Nixon (Double Hind), Tom Norman (Double Heart), Joseph Richardson(Goose/Bugle/Schnabel), Paul Simpson (Klausen), Gavin Swift (Geordie), Simeon Truby (Allan/Manfred), Peter Twose(Double Head), Richard Vorster (Double Head) and Martin Wenner (Friedrich).

Based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse is adapted by Nick Stafford and presented in association with Handspring Puppet Company.  Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, it is designed by Rae Smith, lighting is by Paule Constableand movement and horse choreography by Toby Sedgwick. The puppetry directors are Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler, with video design by 59 Productions Ltd, song-making by John Tams, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Christopher Shutt.   Alex Sims directs the tour with Katie Henry as associate director.

War Horse has been seen by over 4 million people worldwide since its premiere at the National Theatre in 2007 and continues its hugely successful run at the New London Theatre in the West End. A major tour of North America continues through 2013/14, and a new German language production entitled Gefährten opened in Berlin in October 2013.

War Horse is produced by the National Theatre – www.warhorseonstage.com

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The council want to get your views on what they allow to happen in the city’s parks. The Moon Walk is one of these events which took place in Leith Links last year as Inverleith Park was still waterlogged – more or less from the time of the previous year’s event!

Clearly there is a balancing act between using the parks to generate some income for the city and the views of locals who use them all year round.

So you have the chance to tell the council what you think.

Find out more and complete our survey

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/eventsinparks

0131 529 7955

parks@edinburgh.gov.uk

Alan Baird, Chief Social Work Adviser to the Scottish Government, has today given the Scottish Government’s response to the recommendations of the fostering review, at a Children in Scotland conference in Edinburgh.

In response, director of the Fostering Network Scotland Sara Lurie said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised the important role of foster care in providing homes for Scotland’s children in care, and has supported the recommendations of the fostering review.

“In particular, we are delighted that placement limits will be introduced, meaning that foster carers will only be required to look after a maximum of three unrelated fostered children, except in exceptional circumstances. The Government has listened, and understood, that exceeding this number adversely affects all children in the home and makes it difficult for foster carers to do their jobs properly. This is an issue that the Fostering Network has been campaigning on for years, and we are extremely pleased that the Government has acted.

“We also believe that the Government has recognised the importance of a core fostering allowance for each fostered child, and that research is currently being undertaken to explore this. Currently across Scotland the allowances given to foster carers vary hugely, leaving some out of pocket as a result of fostering. It’s crucial that a minimum allowance is introduced across Scotland to ensure this is not the case. The research is due to conclude in the spring, and we shall be keeping a close eye on the results and next steps.

“Alan Baird also mentioned learning and development and delegated authority, both key issues of interest for the Fostering Network. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to take work forward in both these areas, to help ensure that Scotland really is the best place for all children to grow up.”

“Today’s announcements come hot on the heels of the recent decision to allow young people to stay with their foster carers until the age of 21. Unfortunately these proposals will only come into force for 16-year-olds in April 2015 – and so we are strongly urging the Government to ensure this happens now for all young people, not just those aged 16 and below, to ensure that all young people currently in care can be sure of a stable and secure home as they become young adults.”

On February 2 the Tri-Centre of South Clerk Street will host the John Muir Winter Carnival at Dunbar’s Foxlake Adventures. The event marks the 100th anniversary of the Scottish-American naturalist who is well known as the founder of the highly influential American conservation group the Sierra Club, and has a number of walks, buildings and areas across the world named in his honour.

The Carnival opens from 8am and there is an exstensive programme of events on offer ranging from sport in the form of a cyclocross race and trail run, to farm stalls from local traders and a giant bonfire.

Stuart McInnes of the Tri-Centre assured The Edinburgh Reporter:- “The winter festival will be a cracking day!”

Scottish driver Paul di Resta has secured his immediate future in racing by making a return to DTM, the German Touring Car series where he made his name in 2010.

Despite recording an impressive 12th place finish in the 2013 F1 Drivers’ Championship, di Resta was not kept on at Force India, the team preferring to go for a completely new line-up in Nico Hülkenberg and Sergio Perez. The 27-year-old found himself without a place in Formula 1 and rumours began to circulate about a return to DTM.

Today, Mercedes and di Resta confirmed a partnership which will allow the Bathgate-born driver the opportunity to compete in the 2014 season alongside 2005 champion Gary Paffett.

Speaking to AUTOSPORT, di Resta said that he was pleased to make his return to the series:- “I’m happy to be coming back to the DTM – things have moved on here since 2010.

“I loved my time here before and I have great respect for it, and hopefully I will only grow fonder of it.

“Racing is my job, but I’ve got to enjoy my racing, and coming back here is where I am going to enjoy it most.”

Di Resta is determined to push for wins and mount a championship challenge, hoping to find the kind of form which saw him win the title in 2010 and which earned him a place in Formula 1.

“I’m coming in with the goal of winning the first race. I don’t really want to give myself time to settle in,” he said. “Maybe it will take time, but certainly when I signed the contract I signed it to go out and win the championship.

“I was the last person to win a championship here for Mercedes and bringing the title back is one of the key reasons Mercedes has brought me here.”

The partnership with Mercedes could also mean that di Resta stays involved with Formula 1, with suggestions that he could combine his DTM role with that of reserve driver for Merecedes AMG Petronas F1 team. Although di Resta refused to confirm any such agreement was in place, he did concede that he could do both with a view to one day returning to Formula 1;- “Racing in the DTM makes sense, and it lets me combine something with F1 and keep my foot in the door should something come up.”

The DTM season begins at Hockenheim on 4 May.

Hibs today announced that highly rated youngster Alex Harris has agreed a new contract with that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2017.

The Scotland under-19 winger has already recorded 19 appearances at first team level and scored during the club’s Scottish Cup semi-final win against Falkirk last season.

Now after a five-month absence with an ankle injury Harris, 19, says he wants to build on that early progress by helping Hibernian climb up the Scottish Premiership table.

Harris said: “I’m delighted to have agreed a new contract – Hibs is my home and I’m really pleased that the deal has been agreed.

“My long term goals are to establish myself in the first team, build on my performances from last season and help to push the team up the league.

“The new manager has already shown a lot of faith in me which is really encouraging and I just want to kick on from here.”

Harris’ new deal makes the teenager Terry Butcher’s first signing and the manager says he is thrilled with the news.

Butcher said: “I’m really excited that Alex has put pen to paper and that he will be a Hibernian player for a long while.

“We’re delighted to have him back from injury and part of our long-term plans. Alex came off the bench on Saturday and did well – his performance improved as the game went on and that augurs well for the future.”

Photo by John Preece

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