Police officers in the south side of Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses to two assaults which took place in the same area in the early hours of Saturday morning (December 21, 2013).

The first incident took place in the Grange Road area, between 3am and 5am, when a man walking from Causewayside towards Kilgraston Road after a Christmas night out was knocked to the ground and his wallet and mobile phone stolen. He had to be taken to hospital with facial injuries.

Around 4.45am another man, this time walking alone southwards on the west footway at Causewayside, was grabbed from behind by a man and dragged into a vennel between Tesco and the BP Garage. He was pinned down by the man and had his mobile phone and wallet stolen by another man who also went through his pockets. Both then made off towards the Causewayside direction.

Detective Constable Emma Wilkinson, from Craigmillar CID is leading the investigation. She said: “I believe both assaults may have been committed by the same men, who are described as being white, and wearing dark clothing. One of the men had a local accent, was about 6’2” in height and was of skinny build, wearing a dark hooded top with hood up. The only description of the second man was that he was also wearing dark clothing.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information which would help us bring these thieves to justice to call Police Scotland on 101 or supply the information  anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Sporting success paled into insignificance this weekend with the news that 13 year old Jamie Skinner died whilst playing for Tynecastle FC Under 14s at Saughton Park and Hibs Under 20s star David Paul passed away in his Edinburgh home.

A statement from Tynecastle FC read: “A tragic event happened at Saughton Astro on Sunday 22nd December 2013, a young boy playing for the Under 14s, Jamie Skinner, playing the game he loved, lost his life on the pitch.

“In an innocuous event during the game Jamie collapsed and despite the valiant attempts of everyone at the game, and the ambulance service, attempts to revive him were sadly in vain.

“Although Jamie was new to our Tynecastle family, he had up until recently been playing for Hearts, he was a prospect that undoubtly would have had a bright future in the game. No words can fully express our grief and dismay at seeing this happen, we can only pass on all our thoughts and prayers to friends and family and hope they will get some strength from the out pouring of love and support from everyone.

“Everyone at Tynecastle is in total shock at what has happened, and we are sure the youth football community will join with us in also thinking of all the players, coaches and supporters at the game who witnessed this sad event, and the club also thanks everyone who tried to assist.

“As a mark of respect all Tynecastle teams will hold a minutes silence before their next game.

A statement from Hibs read: “It is with great sorrow that Hibernian FC today confirms the sad death of youth player David Paul (18).

“David, who could play in midfield or in attack, passed away in the early hours of today at his home in Edinburgh. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding David’s untimely death.

“David’s father, Gordon, said the family were devastated. He thanked those who have contacted the family to express their condolences and offer support, and asked that his family be allowed privacy to come to terms with their loss.

“Chairman Rod Petrie said: “Everyone at the Club is deeply affected by this. David was a talented and promising young footballer, and a fine young man. Our thoughts – and the thoughts of the entire Hibernian community – are with his family at this dreadful and difficult time for them.

“Whilst we understand that people will wish to offer their support, we hope that the wishes of the family for privacy will be respected.”

The thoughts of everyone at the Edinburgh Reporter are with Jamie’s and David’s families at this difficult time.

Rugby by John Preece

As reported elsewhere, Edinburgh beat current champions, Leinster, at a windy and very wet Murrayfield on Friday night. The hosts had the majority of possession and territory, but the conditions were not conducive to open rugby. Both teams tried to make the best of it, though, with a fair bit of running but a lot of kicking and a few handling errors made it a bit of a stop-start affair. Edinburgh did eventually run out winners, beating Leinster 11-6 to go up to sixth in the RaboDirect PRO12 table.

(And yes, that’s rain in the photo. Sometimes, that’s what the team have to endure to bring you the sport. And sometimes it’s warm and sunny…)

The clubs returned to league action – for a whole weekend – and all three Edinburgh teams saw some game time.

Melrose beat Edinburgh Accies 28-5 down at The Greenyards, while Heriots and Currie played out a 17-17 draw at Goldenacre.

These results mean that Heriots and Accies are in 3rd and 5th in the Premiership table with 48 and 30 point respectively, but Currie climb off the bottom of the table into 9th place with 21 points.

In the National League, all three Edinburgh clubs were playing away and were back to winning ways. Boroughmuir beat Kelso 38-14, for a bonus point win. Watsonians beat Dundee 32-18; also for a bonus point and Stewarts-Melville beat Biggar 19-7.

The table remains unchanged with Boroughmuir, Watsonians and Stewarts-Melville now on 60, 52 and 50 points respectively.

The leagues pick up again on the 25th January, but Edinburgh Accies will be in action again in the British and Irish Cup, this time against London Scottish, on the 11th January. Fingers crossed for better weather….

Football

Hibs had to settle for a point against 10 man St Johnstone at Easter Road as neither team were able to score. Saints substitute Paddy Cregg was sent off seconds after taking the field for a bad tackle on Paul Cairney, but TERRY Butcher’s men were unable to take advantage of the extra man. The talking point amongst supporters leaving the ground was the performance of referee Alan Muir who denied James Collins a penalty in injury time.

Earlier in the day, Hearts produced a brave performance against Celtic, but lost to goals from Kris Commons and James Forrest.

Hibs remain in seventh place four points behind St Johnstone, while Hearts remain bottom on minus three points, 14 behind Ross County.

Lowlands League

Spartans lost 4-3 to Stirling University at Ainslie Park in their League Cup qualifying round clash.

Stirling took the lead in the  22nd minute through Paul Jon Sludden’s  then Spartans equalised two minutes later thanks to an own goal by Williams-Mitchell.

Sludden added his second from the penalty spot in the 52^nd minute then Williams Mitchell made up for his own goal by adding a third with a tap on from two yards.

The prolific Keith McLeod made it 3-2 with a 25 yard piledriver but with Spartans searching for an equaliser, it was the students who struck next thanks to Miller.

O’Donnell then pulled one back for Spartans but Stirling held on for the win.

Full Time: Spartans 3-4 Stirling University.

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Mark Whatley

Elsewhere Edinburgh City 1-0 Whitehill Welfare

Scottish Lowland Football League Cup Section C

East Kilbride 6-0 Threave Rovers

Postponed

Preston Athletic v Selkirk

Gretna 2008 v Dalbeattie Star

Vale of Leithen v Gala Fairydean Rovers

Central Taxis East of Scotland League

East of Scotland Qualifying League, Section A

Lothian Thistle HV P Civil Service Strollers

Tynecastle P Eyemouth United

East of Scotland Qualifying League, Section B 

Ormiston 0-4 Edinburgh University

Hawick Royal Albert P Duns

East of Scotland Qualifying League, Section C

Burntisland Shipyard 2-4 Leith Athletic

Craigroyston 3-0 Heriot-Watt University

East of Scotland Qualifying League, Section D

Coldstream P Berwick Rangers EOS

Easthouses Lily 5-1 Peebles Rovers

Basketball

Cup Semi Final Glasgow Rocks SM   48-65   Clark Eriksson Fury SM

Cup Semi Final St Mirren West College Scotland SM   77-66   City of Edinburgh Kings SM

Cup Semi Final Clark Eriksson Fury SW   48-65   Lady Rocks SW

Cyclocross

‘Dig in at the Dock’ will be run in the Bo’ness Dock area on the 5th January 2014 for the third year by the same organising team of Dave Hamill and John McComisky. The event’s popularity has rocketed in its short history, with this year’s event selling out the first 100 entries in 23 minutes!

And the team have put together a highly entertaining video to publicise the event –

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZvs31E1p6I?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-GB&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=696&h=392]

The Race

•             Race starts at 1pm and runs for 55 mins plus one lap of a flat fast cyclocross course.

•             Event open to male and female riders 16 yrs and over.

•             Sign-on opens at 11am and closes at noon.

•             You will have at least one hour to practise on the course before the race

The people running sign on will also be racing and they need time to warm up just like you do. So get there early.

Speedway

Edinburgh Monarchs’  Air fence Fund now stands at £11286.33.

The Cookie Year book and 2014 calendar continue to sell well and add significantly to the fund each week but the big contributor in the last week has been the number of donors that have come forward to sponsor the air bags themselves.

Of the thirty three air bags that will form the safety fence in 2014 the Monarchs now have commitments for 29.

The 2014 season will open with an Air Fence Challenge against the new look Glasgow Tigers. It is a two legged affair with Armadale playing host first on 28th March with the return at Ashfield on Sunday 30th.

Something Christmassy to do today – Happy Holidays in Portobello – Where are you going to be on Hogmanay? – Edinburgh singer songwriter Daniel Scott – East Coast during the Festive Season

This afternoon at 2:00pm take some time out to go and see It’s a Wonderful Life at the Cameo.

Booking details here, but here is a flavour of what you will be missing if you don’t manage to get along!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJfZaT8ncYk]

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In Regent Street in Portobello there is a  light display on show there this Christmas.

Here is a little taster:-

[vimeo 82155127 w=500 h=281]

jr tattoo from pixelmechanic on Vimeo.

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Only a week or so till Hogmanay. Here is one suggestion if you have no plans made as yet…..

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If you haven’t already heard of Edinburgh’s singer songwriter Daniel Scott then you’re in for a treat! Here is his latest YouTube video which is a cover of a Paul McCartney number.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlwUMsu7rbE?list=UUZ7tvmcbyzN2SjY-_Cg6Tjg]

***

East Coast are running trains up and down to London during the festive period except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day when their staff get some time off. They have a very comprehensive information page with all the details about ticketing and luggage here.

Remember that if you are travelling to London you don’t have to struggle all the way with your suitcases. East Coast have a luggage check-in service which allows you to put your case in the luggage van and collect it again at King’s Cross.

Eighteen year old Hibs’ youth player David Paul has died at his home in Edinburgh.

The youngster was a regular player for the club’s successful Under 20s team who are currently top of the league.

The club issued the following statement on their website: “It is with great sorrow that Hibernian FC today confirms the sad death of youth player David Paul (18).

“David, who could play in midfield or in attack, passed away in the early hours of today at his home in Edinburgh. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding David’s untimely death.

“David’s father, Gordon, said the family were devastated. He thanked those who have contacted the family to express their condolences and offer support, and asked that his family be allowed privacy to come to terms with their loss.

“Chairman Rod Petrie said: “Everyone at the *Club is deeply affected by this. David was a talented and promising young footballer, and a fine young man. Our thoughts – and the thoughts of the entire Hibernian community – are with his family at this dreadful and difficult time for them.

“Whilst we understand that people will wish to offer their support, we hope that the wishes of the family for privacy will be respected.”

Tributes poured in for David from friends and teammates.

Hibs’ captain Liam Craig tweeted: “Shocked and devastated to hear the news of young David Paul. Thoughts are with his family, a young man who won’t be forgotten.

Tim Clancy tweeted: “Life can be cruel indeed. A gentleman and very talented young man gone far too soon. Thoughts are with his family. RIP David xx

Paul Cairney tweeted: “RIP David Paul, one of the nicest guys you could meet. What a great talent. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Former teammate Alex Harris tweeted: “Known him for many years and I can truly say I have never met a more humble and down to earth guy than David. He had the world at his feet and it’s been sadly taken away from him. Thoughts are with his family and will be forever in my thoughts. RIP David Paul.”

Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh tweeted: “I take great pride in my players and how they grow into footballers or other careers. Today David was taken away far too early.

A young footballer has died during a game at Saughton playing fields earlier today.

The 13 year old  has been named on social media sites and locally as Jamie Skinner.

He was playing for Tynecastle FC Under 14s this morning when he collapsed.

It is understood parents tried to revive him with CPR before paramedics arrived, but he later died in hospital.

The cause of death is not known at this stage.

The official twitter account of Tynecastle FC wrote: “As a mark of respect, the Under 16s late kick off game at Meggetland against Currie Star today has been called off.

“Having now spoke to family members we have released a short statement about the death of Jamie Skinner today

“No words can express the grief and dosmay we feel following the sudden death of Under 14s player Jamie Skinner, we thank all your support.”

A few minutes ago, the club issued the following statement:“A tragic event happened at Saughton Astro on Sunday 22nd December 2013, a young boy playing for the Under 14s, Jamie Skinner, playing the game he loved, lost his life on the pitch.

“In an innocuous event during the game Jamie collapsed and despite the valiant attempts of everyone at the game, and the ambulance service, attempts to revive him were sadly in vain.

“Although Jamie was new to our Tynecastle family, he had up until recently been playing for Hearts, he was a prospect that undoubtly would have had a bright future in the game. No words can fully express our grief and dismay at seeing this happen, we can only pass on all our thoughts and prayers to friends and family and hope they will get some strength from the out pouring of love and support from everyone.

“Everyone at Tynecastle is in total shock at what has happened, and we are sure the youth football community will join with us in also thinking of all the players, coaches and supporters at the game who witnessed this sad event, and the club also thanks everyone who tried to assist.

“As a mark of respect all Tynecastle teams will hold a minutes silence before their next game.

Tributes on social media sites have poured in, including a tweet from Stoke City and Scotland international Charlie Adam  who wrote: “Thoughts go out to the family of Jamie Skinner who sadly died playing football today @ the age of 14. He was playing for Hearts v Dundee.RIP”

The Edinburgh Reporter sends our condolences to Jamie’s family.

150 tickets to be given away every day for the Ice Rink, the Big Wheel and the Star Flyer, 450 a day.

5,400 tickets in all over 12 Days.

To celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas, Edinburgh’s Christmas have spiced things up and are giving away 150 tickets per day for each of the Ice Rink, Big Wheel and the Star Flyer, 450 tickets a day, 5,400 tickets in all. All people have to do is meet one of the following festive criteria for each of the alternative 12 days of Christmas … and they’ll get a free ride or skate between 10am and 5pm on the relevant day (subject to availability).

Day 1 – 24^th December

Christmas Eve Dress-up

All you have to do is come dressed as a Santa, an Elf or even an Angel.

Day 2 – 26^th December

Ginger -Heid day

To celebrate the national hair colour of Scotland, we welcome all those with natural or dyed red or ginger hair – no costume wigs or see-you-Jimmy hats accepted!.

Day 3 – 27^th December

Mary and Joseph Day

We are putting a call out for all Mary’s, Marie’s, Joseph’s and Joe’s to come and enjoy Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Day 4 – 28^th December

Wear a Kilt Day

Very simply get your kilt on and you get a ticket (mind it might get chilly at the top of the Star Flyer!)

Day 5 – 29^th December

Twin, triplet, quadruplet, quintuplet, sextuplet day…

Keeping it in the family today, come with a twin or another sibling born on the same day and all matching siblings will receive a ticket.

Day 6 – 30^th December

Christmas Baby Day

Were you a Christmas baby? If you were born between 25 December and 5 January, then this is the day for you. Come and celebrate with us at Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Day 7 – 31^st December

Love Is In The Air Day

Are you on honeymoon (bring a date stamped wedding photo or marriage certificate) or if you want to make a marriage or civil partnership proposal? Successful proposers get a bottle of Prosecco. (Please contact boxoffice@edinburghschristmas.com if your proposal is in confidence and we will arrange winning tickets for you to collect).

Day 8 – 1^st January

First Foot Day

Bring a lump of coal to the box office or another suitable first foot gift, (which will be later donated to a local charity).

Day 9 – 2^nd January

Services Day

If you work for one of the Services (Armed forces, NHS, Police Scotland or the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service), then today is your day to enjoy all that Edinburgh’s Christmas has to offer.

Day 10 – 3^rd January

The Silver Fox Day

If you’re 75 or over but certainly not over it, well then today is the day to prove it! Get your skates on or take to the sky. So far, the oldest person on the Star Flyer was 84. Can you beat that?

Day 11 – 4^th January

Eleven Pipers Piping

You win if you come with your bagpipes or drums and are prepared to play on or before or after the ride. You can come by yourself or as a group.

Day 12 – 5^th January

Gift Recycle Day

You win if you donate any new but unwanted gifts which we will donate to charity or the Royal Hospital for Sick Children

Charlie Wood, director of Underbelly and producer of Edinburgh’s Christmas said:- “Edinburgh’s Christmas is a magical place. Since we opened on 22^nd November, over 1.8 million people have past through our two sites and enjoyed the atmosphere, markets, shows and attractions that Edinburgh’s Christmas has to offer. In a recent report from CNN, Edinburgh and its Christmas celebrations were highlighted as one of the top ten winter destinations around the world. Edinburgh’s Christmas is first and foremost a festival for the people of Edinburgh, and to celebrate a record breaking Edinburgh’s Christmas, we are delighted to offer 5,400 free tickets to the people of Edinburgh to thank them for helping make Edinburgh’s Christmas the success it has been.”

Police in Edinburgh are investigating an assault and robbery in the city on Friday night

The incident took place on Ferry Road near to the junction with Ferry Road Drive, about 11.25pm.

Detective Constable Sam Gillies, from Edinburgh CID, said: “A 39-year-old man got off a number 37 bus at Ferry Road and crossed towards Ferry Road Drive, where two men were loitering.

“As he approached to pass them one of them demanded his wallet before punching him on the face knocking him to the ground. They both then kicked and punched him on the head and body before stealing money from his pocket.

“The man was left very shaken by the assault but fortunately was not seriously hurt.

“The two suspects are described as white men with Scottish accents aged in their late twenties. One of them was of large build with short hair and the other was of skinny build wearing a grey woollen hat.”

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or who saw anyone matching these descriptions loitering there earlier in the night.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Virgin Atlantic’s domestic service – Little Red – is doubling its complimentary baggage allowance from Boxing Day to 2^nd February. Passengers travelling between Aberdeen or Edinburgh and London Heathrow can check in two 23kg bags each plus additional sports luggage free of charge.

Little Red will also be providing sale fares during this period, offering return flights from Edinburgh from £88 and return flights to Aberdeen from £99. 

Virgin Atlantic Little Red will be providing bargain-hunting shoppers with a little helping hand post-Christmas as the airline announces it will be doubling its complimentary baggage allowance on all Little Red routes, ensuring you can shop until you drop in London and transport your bounty home for free, without worrying about cramming into train luggage racks or battling terrible traffic jams.

Those visiting family and friends over Christmas will also benefit from the additional baggage allowance, enabling them to travel home with their piles of presents at no extra cost.

The baggage promotion will run from Boxing Day (26^th December) to 2^nd February on flights between Aberdeen or Edinburgh and London Heathrow. In addition, Little Red flights to and from Aberdeen will be available from a sale fare of £99 for the same period**, further reducing the cost of Christmas. Edinburgh return flights to Heathrow can be booked from just  £88.

Virgin Atlantic is also making sure to get those last minute travellers home for Christmas, with Little Red being the only public transport option for getting between London and Edinburgh on Christmas Day with all other air and train services cancelled.

For details on Virgin Atlantic flights go to: www.virginatlantic.com

The death of a man whose body was found near to the beach in Portobello is being treated as unexplained.

The discovery was made by two members of the public at Portobello in Edinburgh at about 06:30 this morning

Police Scotland said: “Police can confirm that the body of a man was found in the area of Portobello Promenade.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained.

“Inquiries are at a very early stage and more information will be released when available.”

A fire was reported last night about 7:00pm and required assistance from about 30 firefighters at the height of the blaze.

The first photo came from Live Edinburgh News

Fire rips through Granary Pub in Leith http://t.co/2MKyerypFq

— Live Edinburgh News (@TheEdinburgNews) December 21, 2013

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

No casualties reported, still on scene. “@chrism_scotland: Fire at the Granary #Leith hope everyone’s Ok! #Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/NOwsGJNtbz”

— Scottish Fire – East (@scotfire_east) December 21, 2013

Fire appliances from McDonald Road, Crewe Toll, Marionville (including two height appliances) and a Command Support Unit from Dunfermline went to the restaurant and discovered a fire in the kitchen had spread to the roof space which was well alight.

Eight firefighters in breathing apparatus used high pressure hose reels to tackle the fire which was also fought from above using height platforms to reach the roof area which had caught fire.

No casualties were reported although crews had to work in challenging weather conditions for around two hours.

Roads closures were put in place by police to allow the fire services to deal with the fire.

The Granary reports on Twitter this morning that the restaurant is fine.

The Granary would like to thank everyone for there kindness tonight! We are all safe and well a massive THANKYOU 🙂

— The Granary (@GranaryLeith) December 21, 2013

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@scotfire_east Thankyou so much for all of your amazing work tonight and ongoing through tonight! From ALL of us at the @GranaryLeith

— The Granary (@GranaryLeith) December 22, 2013

Fire service still at The Granary in #Leith this morning. pic.twitter.com/uJlQYwsVLw

— Richard Dixon (@Richard_Dixon) December 22, 2013

SPFL, Saturday 21 December 2013 – Celtic Park

One has to admire those Hearts supporters who travelled through to the east end of Glasgow on Saturday. Their team is cut adrift at the foot of the SPFL, 14 points behind Ross County; injuries meant Hearts manager Gary Locke was struggling to find enough players for a starting eleven; the game came three weeks after Celtic spanked Hearts 7-0 at Tynecastle in the William Hill Scottish Cup; Saturday was a dark and dreich December day four days before Christmas when last minute gifts may have been on many people’s minds. Yet, the ever-faithful Hearts support headed to Celtic Park in their numbers once more, admittedly more in vain hope than any expectation – but that says even more about their loyalty to their club.

Some bookmakers were offering pre-match odds of 25/1 for Hearts to record a victory, putting the Maroon’s chances of grabbing all three points on a par with the chance of not hearing Slade’s never-ending rendition of Merry Christmas Everybody between now and December 25th…

And so it proved as one of the youngest Hearts teams ever to start a first team fixture suffered their inevitable fate at the home of the league champions. However, this was a marked improvement on the Scottish Cup capitulation of three weeks ago and a degree of pride was restored to the maroon cause.

Hearts made three changes from last week’s defeat from Inverness Caledonian Thistle with Sam Nicholson, Gary Oliver and Scott Robinson making way for Brad McKay, David Smith and Adam King, who was starting a first team game for the first time.

Hearts goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald was the hero of a backs-to-the-wall first half with the stopper making early saves from Commons and Stokes, whose effort he pushed on to the crossbar. While Hearts were content to soak up the pressure, they did venture forward on occasion through Callum Tapping and debutant Adam King. That said, it looked like Celtic were about to go in front ten minutes before half time when Ledley’s powerful header from just six yards looked set to break the deadlock. However, MacDonald produced a quite stunning save from the Celtic player, a save which almost defied belief. Half-time arrived with the game goalless, a scenario few would have predicted before the game given the events in Gorgie at the beginning of this month.

The second half assumed the same pattern as the first half with Celtic swarming players forward and Jamie MacDonald keeping them at bay. On the hour mark, the Hearts goalie produced yet another brilliant save to deny Commons. However, Hearts luck deserted them three minutes later when Celtic went ahead in somewhat controversial circumstances. Dylan McGowan believed he had won a throw in when the ball went out of play off Pukki; however, referee Euan Norris gave the throw in to the home side and Commons duly took advantage of such good fortune when he accepted Brown’s pass before burying the ball behind MacDonald.

Having been on the back foot for most of the game, Hearts, incredibly, almost equalised with a couple of minutes to go. The unfortunate McGowan met a corner from David Smith and the Australian’s header looked goal bound until it was cleared off the goal line, ironically by Commons who had been thwarted by Hearts so many times that afternoon.

To demonstrate this wasn’t to be Hearts day, Celtic secured all three points when Forrest scored their second goal deep into stoppage time.

While there can be no denying Celtic deserved their victory, Hearts were much-improved from the last time they faced Neil Lennon’s side. If hard work and spirit are anything to go by, Hearts may not be buried yet.

Celtic: Forster; Fisher, Ambrose, Van Dijk, Izaguirre; Commons, Brown, Biton, Ledley; Stokes, Pukki.

Hearts: MacDonald; Hamill, McKay, Wilson, McHattie; McGowan; Walker, A. King, Tapping, Smith; Paterson.

Referee: Euan Norris

Att: 46,058

Top man: Only one contender – the quite magnificent Jamie MacDonald

Canine tweets – Something Christmassy to do today – Young Consumers of the Year – Thanks from Barnardo’s – Tonight at the Queen’s Hall

MR Q, THE ONLY PARLIAMENTARY TWEETING DOG IN THE WORLD, SHARES HIS HIGHLIGHTS OF HISTORIC YEAR

When it comes to sniffing out a good news story there are few reporters like him. Meet Mr Q – the Scottish Parliament’s amazing tweeting dog.

The four-legged microblogger and guide dog for Dennis Robertson MSP needs no introduction to his 800 followers.

Despite the difficulties of tweeting with paws, Mr Q’s unique take on the news was another huge hit in 2013.

The pooch has racked up a legion of followers and now – as a special festive treat – gives us his take on the year that was. From news about Scottish independence to his run-ins with Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde.

Mr Robertson, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, praised his pal and said:- “Mr Q’s memoirs from this year give a unique insight not only into the work of a guide dog but also into the work of an MSP.

“He’s the best guide dog I’ve worked with and his popularity in and around the Parliament is second to none. He’s loved by everyone and loves to give his take on the day’s news.

“As these extracts from his memoirs show, Mr Q has a unique insight on life in the Parliament.”

Here, the canine has listed a few of his best tweets and said: “It’s been an exciting year for the most handsome dog working at Holyrood. Hopefully my memoirs will give an insight into the busy life I lead, guiding my best friend Dennis.”

You can read the parliamentary pooch’s memoirs here.

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We suggest you might get this kind of view if you take up our suggestion to go on the Big Wheel today. Of course the leaves on the trees have gone by now, but you might be able to see up and down Princes Street from a vantage point which does not entail the same effort as going up the Scott Monument!

Booking details here for one of the 36 enclosed weatherproof pods which are also heated to make the ride more comfortable.

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Pupils at Edinburgh’s Boroughmuir High School have won the Edinburgh leg of the Young Consumer of the Year competition 2013/14.

The school will now go forward to the Scottish Final which will be held in Spring 2014 at Holyrood. They were runners up last year too!

Read more here on the council blog.

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As the festive season gets into full swing and the big day fast approaches, I wanted to take the opportunity to say a big ‘thank you’ to your readers and our supporters for helping make this Christmas a huge success for Barnardo’s Scotland stores across Edinburgh.

Thanks to the generosity of members of the public donating to our shops in Edinburgh Barnardo’s retail recorded a massive seven per cent increase in donations. As a result, our stores are packed full of great quality recycled clothes, toys and gifts for our customers to choose from.

We’d also like to thank our customers for their support, without which, we wouldn’t be able to support local services in the area.  By shopping in one of Barnardo’s stores your readers have helped our local services as the profits from retail go directly to support the charity’s work with some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged children and young people.

So a big Christmas ‘thank you’ to your readers for helping us and we look forward to their continued support in 2014.

Merry Christmas all!

Yours sincerely,

Deriel Loftus

Area Business Manager Barnardo’s Scotland

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Tonight at the Queen’s Hall a night that is just a little different. The Christmas Songwriters’ Club is an excuse for you to put on your Christmas sweater and raise funds for charity at the same time.

The first rule of Christmas Songwriters’ Club is… no covers, all originals.

Well established as a local celebration of the Christmas spirit, Christmas Songwriters’ Club return to The Queen’s Hall for a very special evening of original festive songs and music. Featuring a variety of musicians and performers all creating a little bit of Yuletide joy (and winter melancholy too).

More details and tickets here.

Mr Q is guide dog for Dennis Robertson MSP. He is a beautiful German Shepherd who has a busy life and a Twitter account.

January

Snow in Aberdeen looks lovely, now on way to Parliament with @DRobertsonSNP for another days work!

Indy Scotland will have written constitiution! Woof! Will it have an amendment on dogs @AlexSalmond?http://www.snp.org/blog/post/2013/jan/salmond-scotland-have-written-constitution

It’s pretty cold out there. Has anyone got a @YesScotland scarf I can borrow. I’m not putting my Aberdeen one on after that score today!

Dennis told @bbcgms why better enforcement of blue badges is needed. You can respond to the consultation too, http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_MembersBills/Consultation_Disabled_Persons_Parking_Badges.pdf

February

Hoping that I’ve prayed enough for Scotland to win at the Rugby, #6Nations #Scotland

Congrats to the girl from Alford, Aberdeenshire – @emelisande on winning the Best British Female Solo Artist at #BritAwards2013

March

Starting the Blue Badge Bill Roadshow tomorrow with Dennis, @nathansparkling and @scotgov officials! Aberdeen, Glasgow & Edinburgh!

Enjoyed meeting Clyde, the Glasgow 2014 mascot in Parliament last week. #commonwealth #games #2014 pic.twitter.com/7C1OypEjJF

On an aeroplane down to London for a tour of Westminster and to see Princess Anne in Buckingham Palace with the Woodland Trust.

En route to Buckingham Palace and I hope the Princess Royal recognises me, although I am the most handsomest. #QonTour

April

At the Abolition 2000 event and there is some good entertainment tonight! http://twitpic.com/ck95hz

Can I speak on behalf of the animal kingdom? I don’t want to be nuked either! @humzayousaf #abolition2000 #NoNukesNoWar

May

I loved to hear that the highlight of Annabel Goldie’s week is getting to stroke me in the lift!

With the new MSP for the North East Scotland this afternoon, ahead of his swearing in tomorrow http://twitpic.com/cqj3uj

I’m judging the best tail wagging competition, along with many others at Belwade Family Fun Day on Sat! Check it out!http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Event/Belwade-Extravaganza

June

Off to join @LGBTScotland outside the Scottish Parliament today to be in Scotland’s #equalmarriage video: http://www.equality-network.org/event/equal-marriage-video-shoot/

Don’t forget to vote today for @markmcdsnp if you live in Donside! I’m at Cummings park to welcome the voters pic.twitter.com/5Oe0k5aZbK

Got my @StonewallScot ‘Woof For Equality’ bandana that I’ll be wearing all day today! #equalmarriage  http://twitpic.com/czffoe

July

Great to see @MorayMP supporting @GuideDogs new campaign on safety devices for quiet hybrid and electric cars!

It’s @RoyalMail & @CWUNews Dog Awareness Week! Don’t attack the posties, my dog friends!

At the Glasgow 2014 and BP reception! Shame there is no Clyde the mascot! pic.twitter.com/gQDajRVkSN

August

@ShopmobilityAbd 21st anniversary celebrations! Congrats to you guys!

September

Just been to visit the @MacmillanScot for a picture with the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning team pic.twitter.com/DNGHLjDaH5

I’m wearing it pink for @ChristinaSNP and @wearitpink campaign! pic.twitter.com/RyRDZ2dQQQ

October

Busy time at #SNPconf13 – posing for so many photos! Dennis in photo? …Optional!

Dennis has got me a special treat for my birthday. VIP grooming before we head off to Edin, Check out my silky coat if you see me in Parli

November

Check out @DRobertsonSNP’s #Movember moustache and help us fight the good fight for #menshealth. http://mobro.co/dennisrobertson

Great news for animal welfare in Scotland’s Future! Download at http://www.scotreferendum.com or get your own copy by phoning 0300 012 1809!

December

Delighted to help launch Dennis’s Member’s Bill to help protect Blue Badge holders

Not for the first time this season did the Hibs’ players leave the field with boos ringing in their ears, but this time the abuse was directed toward referee Alan Muir following an inept performance which brought criticism from both sets of supporters at Easter Road today.

Manager Terry Butcher who had to watch from the Director’s box following a touchline ban, made just one change to the side following last weekend’s narrow defeat to champions  Celtic with prolific youngster Jason Cummings taking over from Danny Handling who dropped to the bench.

Hibs started brightly and right back Jordon Forster headed narrowly over from Liam Craig’s corner kick before a well struck effort from Paul Cairney was beaten away by Mannus.

After 25 minutes, Hibs were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal after Cummings was brought down, but as Craig waited for the St Johnstone wall to retreat, referee Alan Muir instructed him to take the kick.

Scott Robertson paced out the distance and reached the wall after only six steps, but instead of moving the wall back, Muir furiously flashed a yellow card to the former Dundee United star, before again demanding that Craig take the free kick to the fury of the Hibs supporters.

The Hibs skipper then moved the ball back a yard, but the wall just moved forward and eventually Craig struck the ball which cannoned off the St Johnstone players and was cleared.

This led to constant booing of the referee from the home end, but five minutes later it was the Saints’ fans who felt aggrieved.

Murray Davidson limped off and was replaced by former Hibs’ midfielder Patrick Cregg, but just seconds after coming he on lunged into tackle on Cairney and was shown a straight red card.

Hibs continued to dominate possession, but with half-time approaching Wotherspoon skipped past McGivern and Hanlon before finding May with his cut back. The striker’s first effort was blocked by Ben Williams then the rebound was kept out by Robertson.

After the break Hibs almost took the lead after Forster found Robertson with an inch perfect through ball and his low cross was deflected by McDonald bringing out an instinctive acrobatic save from Mannus.

McGivern then went close from a Craig free-kick but his first-time effort was deflected just over by Wotherspoon.

Seconds later a cross from Craig was almost turned in by Collins and then a powerful strike from Craig was held by Mannus.

Substitute Kevin Thomson went close with a powerful strike as Hibs pressed for a winner, then in time added on Collins got on the end of a fine cross from Forster only for Mannus to deny him with a superb save.

In the closing seconds Collins was brought down by Saints’ sub Easton as he shaped to shoot however, but to the fury of the Hibs’ fans, referee Muir waved away his appeal then wrongly awarded a goal kick after Collins shot was deflected past the post.

The final whistle brought a crescendo of boos directed exclusively at the referee.

After the game Terry Butcher said: “As soon as the red card came out it was St Johnstone’s best spell in the game.  We sat off and you could see the lads thinking ‘we’re expected to win this’ – it’s a fear.”

“We dominated the game but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net. It wasn’t for the lack of trying”

“We dominated the game but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net. It wasn’t for the lack of trying.”

“The boys worked hard and got into some good positions, it’s just the confidence to take the ball into the box or to take shots – you can see it’s just not there.

“Not having had many wins at Easter Road this year or scored many goals, it’s the same old story. You can’t repair what’s been going on for quite some time here in four or five games. If I did that, it would be miraculous.

“We need that bit of quality around the box. We didn’t work them enough, so I’m disappointed with just the point.

“When the fans see a team go down to 10 men they expect a cricket score but that seldom happens because the 10 men defend like mad and St Johnstone, to their credit, defended heroically.

“And when we did get through there was Alan Mannus throwing himself around left, right and centre. But we didn’t test him enough and that’s something we need to work on. We’ll just crack on. We have three or four matches before we can do anything in the window.

“What we are looking at is taking steps forward and trying to increase confidence through a good run of games.”

“I’ve looked at it a couple of times and I’m not so sure. It probably could be given but [referee] Alan Muir had a good view of it.”

Hibs: Williams, McGivern, Hanlon, Nelson, Robertson (Thomson 62′), Craig, Cairney, Collins, Stevenson (Zoubir 75′), Forster, Cummings. Substitutes not used: Murdoch, Maybury, Handling, Stanton, Caldwell.

St Johnstone: Mannus, Mackay, Scobbie, Wright, Millar (Miller 36′), McDonald, Wotherspoon, Edwards (Easton 85′), May, Davidson (Cregg 29′), Jahic.Substitutes not used: Banks, Hasselbank, Croft, Kane.

Referee: Alan Muir.

Attendance 8776

A very wet and windy Murrayfield played host to the Round 10 match in the 2013-14 RaboDirect PRO12 season between Edinburgh and Leinster. The current champions were clear favourites to win, but with Edinburgh’s defeat of Worcester the previous week, the home side was brimming with confidence.

With the wind and rain swirling around the stadium, Edinburgh started the better of the two, forcing Leinster into a couple of clearing kicks before a drive up the middle into the visitors’ 22 came to a halt when the ball was spilt by Denton. This gave Leinster a bit of a breather and they gradually worked their way up the pitch and their hard work was rewarded with a penalty in the Edinburgh half. Ian Madigan slotted the kick home to put the visitors 3-0 ahead.

After the restart, Edinburgh were straight back on the attack and, although Leinster gained a bit of possession, the home side were not under too much pressure. The breakthrough came around the half hour mark, when Ollie Atkins wrenched himself free of a tackle and carried the play up to the visitors’ 22. A quick recycle had Leinster on the back foot and a series of pick-and-drives from the pack took them to within a few metres of the line. A pass out from the foot of a ruck from Laidlaw missed out Jack Cuthbert and landed with the winger, Dougie Fife. With blood leaking from a head injury, Fife then had a short, clear run to the line to slide in for the opening try of the match, to put the hosts 5-3 in the lead. Greg Laidlaw missed the kick in the blustery conditions so the home side retained the narrow, two point, lead.

With Fife off to have his head sewn back together, Edinburgh were on the offensive again and, following a line out from a sliced Leinster clearance, formed a rolling maul which came up short of the line. Another set of pick-and-drives close in lead to a penalty, which Laidlaw kicked to take the home side five points clear. The half finished a few minutes later with a knock on, while Edinburgh were, again, within a couple of metres of the Leinster line.

An early penalty from Madigan in the second half brought Leinster another three points, which took the Irishmen to within a try score of the home side. The next 30 minutes or so of the match were fairly even, and, although the weather had improved somewhat, neither side could make much headway. Until, with around 12 minutes to go, a kick over the defence from Laidlaw had Cornell du Preez running through to gather. Unfortunately, Jimmy Gopperth was first to the ball, but was forced to carry the ball out and over the side line. With a line out on the five metre line, it looked like a good position for Edinburgh, but the drive eventually ground to a halt with an infringement giving Leinster a penalty and a chance to clear their lines. However, a penalty award to Edinburgh on the 73 minute mark, gave Laidlaw a chance to restore the half time gap, which he did, to take the score to 11-6.

The last few minutes of the match were to prove a nail biting affair for the home support as Leinster hammered away at the Edinburgh line, constantly changing the angle of attack. But, a knock on with around a minute left, gave the hosts a chance to run the time down and take a very hard fought, and well deserved, win which lifted them up to sixth in the table, nine points behind Glasgow.

A good win for Edinburgh over one of the top European teams – and off the back of their Heineken Cup away win at Gloucester – bodes well for the near future, but it’s certain that, with a coach as experienced as Alan Solomons, feet will be nailed firmly to the ground with the Boxing Day Glasgow match on the near horizon.

A mention should be made to the ground staff at Murrayfield who have worked tirelessly, sometimes six days a week, for a few months to overcome the problems with the pitch, which, although still a bit ‘loose’, is gradually coming up to scratch. Hats off to them.

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

by Dr Tony Westbury

In another year of incredible sporting feats – from Andy Murray winning Wimbledon to the Lions triumphing in Australia – it was a story about an under-10s team that grabbed me.

For those who missed it, a coach called Justin Byrne was sacked from Chalfont St Peter’s Football Club after sending an email to parents that said he was “only interested in winning”.

The media picked it up and radio phonelines were opened. Sadly, the debate, as it has in the past, was clouded in polarised and uninformed opinion.

I have some sympathy with Byrne. British sport, particularly football, but most other sports as well, runs on a small army of volunteer coaches. Most are not trained, and yet the coach is the most important element in influencing whether the child comes back week after week, season after season.

However, children play because they enjoy the social interaction with their peers – the activity is incidental. Its adults, like the unrepentant Byrne, that determine if they remain motivated.

The successful head of a recruitment consultancy, he said that “people should be trained to win” and that “teaching children that the world is non-competitive would not do them any favours”.

First, it’s worth taking a look at that word competitive. It comes from a Latin root ‘competere’, meaning ‘to strive together’. What Byrne is really talking about is a form of competition which is called zero-sum. In other words, for us to win, some-one has to lose. But the world isn’t really like this. Yes, there are some specific contexts where the theory applies, but often winning or losing is not so clear cut.

Secondly, he was clearly interested in testing children in such a way that the ‘cream rises’. But what about those who are not the cream? It is like arguing that teachers should not teach those who can’t read, or don’t pick up long division as quickly as others.

In reality, the best players at under-10 level are the early bloomers. They are usually the physically largest and have more playing time to develop skills. It’s the mistake which football academies have been making for decades.

The statistics are clear on this – football academies are packed with players whose birthdays fall in the first part of the age groups eligibility year. Later developers are usually ignored. Has this led to a consistently high performing national teams? We all know the painful answer.

If coaches are really interested in winning they should look at the case studies of performers who have delivered the goods at the highest level. Dame Kelly Holmes, for example. There is no doubting her ability to win, but was she the best at 14? No, she was nationally ranked but over both 800 and 1500 there were 10 girls ahead of her. What happened to them? Or look at multiple gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy – at 14 he was riding his BMX.

What both these athletes had was a deep enjoyment of their sport which led to a willingness to work hard and keep winning and losing in perspective. For either of these performers the wrong motivational climate could have spelt disaster. And it’s especially important as young athletes go from the top of one age group to the bottom of the next. If they are motivated only by winning – what happens when they don’t?

It also takes a long time for a sports performer to become an overnight sensation.  Some research suggests 10,000 hours – roughly 10 years. So the motivational climate engendered by the coach is critical. Unfortunately, there are too many coaches who have no sense of how what they do and say impacts on those they coach.

In a way, Mr Byrne should be thanked for lifting the lid off Pandora’s box. If only the psychology of sport was as simple as he suggested.

Dr Tony Westbury is a chartered sport and exercise psychologist. He runs the MSc in Sport Performance Enhancement at Edinburgh Napier University.

LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BUYS AT ALDI

People looking for quality Christmas products at everyday low prices better get along to Aldi this December. Aldi has reduced some of its award-winning Christmas lines across all of its Scottish stores.

The award-winning supermarket’s competitively priced Christmas classics, which are now available to purchase as Special Buys, include:

• Specially Selected Luxury Panettone, 1kg, Was £5.99, Now £4.99
• Specially Selected Orange Topped Christmas Pudding, 907g, Was £7.99, Now £6.99
• Specially Selected Pandoro, 1 kg, Was £3.99, Now £3.49
• Holly Lane Rich Fruit Cake, 800g, Was £2.99, Now £2.79
• Holly Lane Yule Log, 284g, Was £1.59, Now £1.49

Richard Holloway, managing director for Aldi in Scotland, said: “We’re excited this festive season to be able to offer shoppers a wide range of low priced, but quality products, ensuring Christmas will be special for all.”

Something Christmassy to do today – Rocket Man comes to Edinburgh – Scottish Provident building – Be cabwise! – St Ninian’s Church 

Our Christmas suggestion for you today is to get tickets for Limbo in St Andrew Square. The show is heart stopping and fast, with only a handful of multi-talented performers who manage tofill the Spiegeltent with an action-packed energetic show.

There are no cheap seats left for the show tonight, but there are other tickets available on the website here.

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Commander Chris Hadfield was in Edinburgh earlier in the week, and part of his visit included a visit to Liberton High School where he seemed to be shadowed by the First Minister.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rtv5V8-BJE]

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The planners at the City Chambers have decided to allow demolition of the former Scottish Provident building in St Andrew Square which, although only built in the 1960s,  is B-listed. Part of the £35m development will allow reconstruction of the existing facade and the rearrangement of the interior to make the whole scheme a more attractive proposition to possible tenants.

The status of the property on the Buildings at Risk register has now been increased to Critical.

The Cockburn Association said:-“This week we were disappointed that the decision has been taken to demolish the B-listed Scottish Provident building on St Andrew Square. The building is not loved by everyone but it has been listed for a reason and we question the value of listing buildings if it is going to be so easy to demolish them.”

The full details of what will be done to the building during the proposed redevelopment are in the report below. Part of the plan is to introduce 75,000 square feet of retail space at ground floor level which the planners suggest will offer more retail opportunity and will link the shops at Princes Street to those around St James Shopping Centre.

The site has been empty now for 10 years, and this permission will allow for more first class office space which the city have already determined is in short supply. The matter will now be referred to the Scottish Ministers for final approval.

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Item_9-1.2_3_8_St_Andrew_Square_1303955lbc.pdf

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An SNP MSP has urged Christmas revellers – particularly women – to be ‘cabwise’ this Christmas and has encouraged all licensed taxis and pre-booked private hires to adopt a single woman policy. Some companies in Edinburgh have a policy where they will prioritise a pick up for a woman if she is on her own.
Colin Keir, the Edinburgh Western MSP who previously sat on Edinburgh Council’s Regulatory Committee – which deals with taxi and private hire licensing – said:-“At this time of year there is always an increase in the number of people using taxis at the end of an evening out. This is certainly the season to be jolly but we shouldn’t let that extra Christmas spirit mean taking ill-advised decisions about getting home.

“Many people are unaware that private hire cars are not taxis and so all bookings should be made to reputable companies, so that the details of the call can be logged for auditing and safety reasons.

“It is excellent to hear that some of Edinburgh’s taxi companies operate a single woman policy and I would urge for all firms across Scotland to adopt the same strategy.

“Private hires should always be booked in advance and never picked up off the street. When the taxi arrives, check the driver knows the name of the booking and is not an illegal driver trying their luck.

“Getting into an unlicensed vehicle is essentially the same as taking a lift from a stranger, so I am urging people to have fun but stay safe.”

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St Ninian’s Church in Corstorphine is throwing open its doors today for anyone who wants a quiet place to reflect, pray or meditate between 10:00 and 15:00. One way to escape from the Christmas crowds!

More details here.

Generous Hibs’ fans have donated boots, trainers and football strips to help disadvantaged children and young people in conjunction with the capital’s Multi-Cultural Family Base. http://www.mcfb.org.uk/

The idea came from Hibs fan Susan Linn who asked fellow supporters to help out after discovering the youngsters’ plight through her work with Leith Links ‘Kick for Kids’ project.

Within a few hours of Susan’s request on the Hibs-Net fans’ forum, she was inundated with offers as she explains: “Due to Leith Links involvement with the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB), it came to my attention that some of the Black Minority Ethnic (BME) children who they help integrate into society through football do not have even basic clothing or footwear. In fact, one child actually plays in his wellies! In order that they are not singled out even further, I thought I’d see if anyone in the Hibs family could assist or donate any children’s gear that is no longer needed. It doesn’t have to be a certain label/condition as it can’t be any worse than what some of the kids have already…. Some of them actually only have the clothes they are wearing along to the sessions (which are provided free of charge. As is their return transport and a healthy snack) so any items would be gratefully received

“Between Hibs.net and Leith Links, they have received 8 Kicks for Kids season tickets, which are very welcome indeed and I recently had a meeting with the Project Leader and Leith Links’ sponsor and he has very generously offered to pay for ALL of the children who attend the football classes to join the Hibs Kids This will ensure that they get to go to at least 4 games every season, receive a birthday/Christmas card, can participate in the various activities that Hibs run and generally just become part of our diverse family.

“So far we have: 2 pairs of boots, 17 football shirts, 11 pairs of shorts, and the offer to buy the wee boy who wears the wellies some boots/trainers and the idea of a football tournament made up of Hibs.net posters to raise funds for the group.

“The Multi-Cultural Family Base will be fundraising outside Easter Road this afternoon ahead of Hibs’ game against St Johnstone so please give generously.

MCFB is a voluntary organisation based in Coburg Street which aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and their families directly and through the education and training of students in caring professions.

Check here for details of how to contribute

http://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?275781-Does-Anyone-Have-Access-To-Old-Football-Kit-Equipment&s=7495980b91db6f43fafbe2c1688d72e3

Police in Edinburgh are targeting known housebreakers across the city and warning them against committing any offences.

Over 100 individuals who have previous convictions for acquisitive crime will be visited by uniformed officers and presented with a Police Scotland Christmas card reminding them of the Force’s ongoing campaign to tackle housebreaking.

The card highlights to offenders that any crimes they commit over the festive period will result in arrest and spending the holiday season away from family and friends.

Each card will be hand-delivered by local officers from the area as part of Operation RAC and anyone else found to be involved in housebreaking or associated offences can expect to be dealt with by police.

Detective Inspector John Kavanagh said: “Officers in Edinburgh continue to carry out enforcement activity across the city and each day more and more housebreakers are being identified and brought to justice.

“Delivering these Christmas cards is a proactive approach to ensuring offences are not committed in the first instance and allows us to send a clear message to known housebreakers that we know who they are, and we are watching them very closely.

“Christmas and New Year is a time to spend with family and friends. However, rest assured that should you commit a housebreaking, then we will find you and you’re festive period will be spent in police custody.”

Hibs defender Paul Hanlon is enjoying life under the new management team of Terry Butcher and Maurice Malpas and believes that their experience of having played at the highest level can only help him to progress in the game.

Hanlon is fast approaching 200 games for the club he supported as a youngster, a remarkable achievement given that he is still a month shy of his 24^th birthday, but so far he has played under five different managers.

Speaking at the weekly press conference ahead of today’s game against St Johnstone at Easter Road, the former Scotland Under 21 captain said: “I’m enjoying it.  The manager’s brought in a few different things, but everyone’s buying in to what he’s trying to do.

“First and foremost, he’s working us really hard in training. He wants us to get the ball forward a bit quicker and create more chances, and basically put the other team’s defence under a lot of pressure. Since he’s been in we’ve done that in games. He’s a big personality, but at times he’s quiet, and will watch training, not say too much. But if you cross him he’ll be right on your case.

“He’s helping defenders out all the time. Maurice (Malpas) as well.  He had a great career as a defender and myself and the other defenders try to learn as much as we can.”

“When it’s time to work it’s time to work, but he enjoys a good laugh with the boys. When it’s going well, as long as you do your best you can enjoy it at the same time.

“Before the Celtic game he was telling us the whole story of David and Goliath. Eventually he brings it back to football and it all falls into place.

“It gets you thinking. Last week it got us believing we would go there and get a good result. He’s good for things like that.

“Lawrence of Arabia and George Washington came up as well. The main theme was the smaller person overcoming the giant: that’s what he wanted us to do last week.

“It just gets you thinking. It’s something completely different from football, then slowly but surely it comes back and you realise where it’s going.”

Hanlon is looking forward to seeing his friend and former team-mate David Wotherspoon who will be returning to Easter Road for the first time since his summer move to his boyhood heroes, but warns that he will be desperate to prove to the Hibs’ fans that the club were wrong to let him go.

He continued: ““I’m looking 
forward to it, I’m sure he’ll be coming back with a point to prove,”

“He’ll be desperate to put in a good performance. He’s one of their main threats so we’ll have to keep an eye on him.

“St Johnstone are the club he supported as a boy, so he was delighted with his move. They offered a bit more security than he was being offered here. He’s had a kid now as well, so he’s settled and enjoying his football.”

Photograph by John Preece

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

Generous Hibs’ defender James McPake is offering free tickets to five games over the next month as well as the chance to meet the players and win signed memorabilia as part of a fundraising twitter raffle.

All money raised will go to help people and families affected by the Glasgow helicopter tragedy which took place in Glasgow last month when the Police Scotland helicopter crashed into the Clutha Vaults bar.

McPake, who is currently recovering from a back operation will provide tickets for the following games; Kilmarnock (H) 29th December,  Hearts (H) 2nd January,  Aberdeen (A) 10th January,  St Mirren (H) 18th January  and  Celtic (H) 26th January.

The lucky winner will also be invited to a behind the scenes tour to meet the players at the St Mirren match, plus a signed James McPake match worn top and signed Ben Williams gloves.

In addition, a special secret prize, only clue is it’s to do with Hibs’ Captain and the New Year Derby! (Best prize of the lot).

For a chance to win, donate £10 to – https://www.justgiving.com/local/project/cluthavictims

Donate £10, leave twitter name and Remember to put #Hibsprize next 2 your name as there are other prizes up for grabs.

An Edinburgh College student has fought her way to the top of the British Judo Championships, after winning gold in the U70kg category.

Sally Conway, who studies Instructors Course in Fitness and Exercise at Edinburgh College, is a full-time judo athlete and competes for Great Britain. The young athlete recently tore ligaments in her shoulder whilst competing at the London 2012 Olympics but returned to full health to win gold at the British Championships in Sheffield.

This sporting success follows a European Cup gold in Malaga and three weeks of Grand Prix and Grand Slam competitions in Tokyo, South Korea and Abu Dhabi, where she won a bronze medal and $1500 in prize money. Sally now has her sights set on competing in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Sally said: “It was important to finish the year on a high with a medal. The plan now is to taper down a bit before heading out to a training camp in the New Year. Over the Christmas period I will still be keeping active, nothing too serious, probably down to one session a day.

“I want to be ready for the Paris Grand Slam in February so I can achieve my main goal of 2014 – to compete and hopefully medal at the Commonwealth Games. To be selected as early as possible would be ideal as then the pressure of qualifying is off and I can focus on the competition.

“I’m so looking forward to competing at a Commonwealth Games, especially in my home country. I am sure it will be really fun. Already there’s such anticipation and everyone is asking me if I will be going to the Games.”

Sally is one of eight judoka to be nominated by Judo Scotland for scholarship support from Winning Students, the national programme that provides funding and assistance to talented athletes studying in colleges and universities across Scotland.

Sally, who is 26-years-old, added: “By the end of June, I will be qualified as a gym instructor and in delivering circuit training and exercise to music classes. I am also doing Lifeguarding and First Aid courses and there is the option of further study afterwards.

“I am loving being back in education. I left school at seventeen and went into full-time training until this year. After London, I said I want to get back into education again, both to break up the training, but also to let me have a different focus. It’s something which will give me more options for the future.

“I can’t see myself sitting in an office working at a computer; it was always going to be something around fitness and physical activity.”

Edinburgh College is brimming with sporting talent, with fellow judo champ Jodie Mullen, football players Lizzie Arnot, Lucy Graham and Sarah Laverty, and curling champion Jennifer Dodds all awarded Winning student scholarships to compete in international competitions, such as the Commonwealth Games, Olympics and Paralympics.

Photograph Rob Eyton Jones

The Edinburgh Reporter was granted an all areas pass to the Oaklands School and Pilrig School production of White Christmas. There was a lot of getting ready and then the performance itself attended by parents. friends and some of the businesses in Edinburgh who do work to support the award-winning school.

We had a great time and the Christmas muffins afterwards were divine.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIe8q_YDJfc]

In an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related offences, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) are launching a new initiative to keep people safe while enjoying a night out.

‘Think Twice’ is a Scottish Government-supported partnership approach to deterring a variety of offences, which are regularly reported within the city centre during evenings and weekends.

Previously, any individual responsible for criminal activity in or around the Capital’s licensed premises faced a number of exclusions or prohibitions if found guilty in court.

However, discussions between police and COPFS concluded that more robust measures were required to address re-offending by those awaiting trial and to prevent crime occurring in the first instance.

The initiative aims to encourage drinkers within the city’s pubs and clubs to make the correct choices during a night out and not let alcohol lead to a decision, which results in a criminal record.

For less serious offences, the police will impose conditions on all those accused of a variety of crimes that take place in city centre pubs and clubs, barring them from all city centre drinking venues during the evening and night time until they appear in court.

For all cases, once the accused appears in court, the Procurator Fiscal will request the same conditions be imposed by the Sheriff until the case concludes, or, in the most serious cases, oppose bail altogether.

Ultimately, however, bail conditions are a matter for the Sheriff.

A formal launch of the campaign takes place today at the CAV nightclub in Tollcross. Police Scotland, COPFS and the Scottish Government will outline the terms of the new bail conditions and reiterate their partnership commitment to tackling alcohol-related violence.

The relevant offences all have an element of risk to public safety and include:

* Violent Crime
* Sexual Offences
* Serious Disorder
* Carrying of Knives or Offensive Weapons
* Hate Crime
* Culpable and Reckless Conduct
* Drugs Supply

The special bail conditions will not be used for minor offences such as breach of the peace or on occasions where a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued for antisocial behaviour.

However, in incidents where the individual has previously been convicted of crimes of violence, or where there is a clear intention to cause serious harm or injury during a fight or act of reckless conduct, the bail condition can be applied or requested.

Superintendent Matt Richards said: “Edinburgh has a vibrant night time economy and we want everyone to enjoy their night out without becoming involved in, or falling victim to, alcohol-related crime.

“The Think Twice initiative aims to keep people safe by excluding those charged with a relevant offence from city centre night time drinking venues until court proceedings are concluded.

“We also anticipate that public awareness of Think Twice will act as a deterrent. These incidents are often spontaneous in nature and it is hoped that awareness of the potential consequences of bad choices, will encourage drinkers to ‘think twice’, reflect on their behaviour and avoid confrontation.

“A night time ban on entering the city centre’s drinking venues will have a significant impact on a person’s social life and anyone who finds themselves in a situation that could lead to police involvement is encouraged to make the correct decision.”

Andrew Richardson, Procurator Fiscal for summary cases in the East of Scotland, said: “Police and prosecutors are always looking to find ways to tackle the issues that most concern people.

“Residents of Edinburgh, as well as our many visitors, should be free to enjoy the rich and varied nightlife that Edinburgh has to offer without fear of the inconsiderate minority. Anyone who thinks that drunkenness is an excuse for crime will find themselves very much mistaken.

“In all cases involving alcohol-related offences, as soon as the case calls in court prosecutors will either oppose bail or seek to have these bail conditions imposed. A breach of these conditions is a criminal offence it itself, and will be taken very seriously.”

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “We all want to have good time during the festive period and catch up with family and friends but it is important to do so sensibly and safely.

“This initiative shows that our police and prosecutors will take robust action against the small minority who seek to cause harm and disorder, as well as being a powerful deterrent for would-be criminals.

“Crime in Scotland is at a 39-year low, backed by a thousand extra officers, and these close working partnerships play a crucial part in keeping our streets free from crime. I am grateful to everyone who is involved in keeping people safe this festive period.”

Photos by Thomas Brown

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called out to a road traffic collision in Murrayfield this morning just before 8.30.  The incident involved a car and a lorry at the junction of Kinellan Road and Murrayfield Road.

Crews from Tollcross and Crewe Toll fire stations were mobilised to the scene and on arrival found a 34 year-old man trapped in his car.

Firefighters immediately got to work to stabilise the vehicle before using hydraulic cutting gear to remove the roof.

Working with colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service, they safely released the casualty using a rescue board.

Once released, the casualty was then taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary suffering from suspected neck and back injuries.

Hibs’ assistant manager Maurice Malpas admits that he was pleasantly surprised by the fitness levels of the players he inherited at Easter Road following his move from Inverness Caledonian Thistle five weeks ago.  After watching his Caley side easily beat his new charges at Easter Road, he could have been forgiven for thinking that the Easter Road players were lacking fitness compared to the highlanders, but that turned out to be wrong.

Speaking at the weekly press conference, Malpas insisted: “There is no problem with fitness. The Hibs lads are fit but the way they were asked to play made it look as though they weren’t.”

The former Scotland international full back also claimed that observers who suggest that Hibs have become a team who punt the ball forward at every opportunity are mistaken. He continued: “We’re looking to get the ball forward quicker and a lot of people are saying we’re back to front. I’ve never played in, or been involved in, a back-to-front team. I have never asked a team to play back to front. We want to get the ball forward quicker and get in the last third and see what happens. That’s where you earn your corn, in the last third of the pitch.

“There’s nothing more frustrating for a striker if the ball doesn’t come into the box. We’re trying to drum that into them. It’s maybe different to what Pat did, but that’s our philosophy. We want to get the ball into the box. If you do that you score goals. If you score goals, you win games.”

Malpas will take charge of the team against St Johnstone on Saturday as Terry Butcher is banned from the dugout and tunnel area for an hour before that game, but he is adamant that the players’ preparation will not be affected.

“It will make no difference at all. That last time I was in the other dugout, I was by myself as well. It’s a common occurrence. Terry sometimes sits in the stand anyway, and it’s not the first time he’s been banned. We just get on with it. We know what we want to happen on the pitch. We work together closely, so it’s not the case that I’ll be worrying that I have to change anything.

“I’m sure we’ll have communication between us. One time we tried phones and someone’s mum phoned. The last time we tried walkie-talkies and I couldn’t hear him because he was shouting.

“The best thing we did in the past was we had a young kid at Inverness who ran up and down the stairs and he said that was harder than a day’s pre-season. I tend to do all right when I’m on my own.”

This will be the pair’s fourth game in charge, having drawn with St Mirren and Partick Thistle and beaten Ross County before last week’s narrow defeat to high flying Celtic at Parkhead and Malpas is happy with the progress to date: “We’re pleased with how things are going. We have improved in every game. Last Saturday against Celtic, when everybody thought we were going to get smashed because that was what they did the two previous games, if we had had a bit of belief or our shooting boots had been on, we may have got a goal or two. We have to keep battling away, getting the ball in the box. Against Partick we had a few chances: we had loads of balls in the box but it didn’t fall to us. We’ll keep on encouraging the players to do that, and goals will come, that’s a certainty.”

Photo by John Preece

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

Council budget – Afternoon Tea – Payday Loans – Whisky sale – Films at the National Gallery

Today is the last day for you to have your say on what the council do with the budget proposed for next year.

All details here

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If you have a moment in between wrapping presents and Christmas madness then you could stop for afternoon tea at The Scotsman Hotel’s North Bridge Brasserie.

Festive Afternoon Tea is being served there throughout December from 1^st-31^st (excluding Christmas Day) from 12.00pm-4.30pm everyday for £25 per person.

Join them for a classic taste of Christmas. To book, please contact them on 0131 556 5565 or atscotsman-events@thescotsmanhotel.co.uk

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Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat MP and member of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee, Mike Crockart, has welcomed the Select Committee’s report on Payday Loans.

The regulation of payday loan companies will pass to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in April 2014. The FCA has made clear that when this happens, the payday loan sector will be given particular attention and they are already consulting on a new regulatory framework for the sector.

The report recommended that the industry carry out more stringent affordability checks; deliver real time data sharing by July 2014 and to limit the number of times a debt can be rolled over to one.

The report also looked at the increasing number of nuisance calls and spam text messages which are being generated from the industry. The Committee recommended that the FCA and the Information Commissioner’s Office work together and make better use of the information generated by the ‘7726’ short code for spam text messages.

Commenting, Mr Crockart said:-“Following the Committee’s evidence session, I was intrigued about the referral and marketing processes of this industry. I followed the link which was included in a spam text I had received and was directed to a website offering payday loans. I applied for a £200 loan over a month and was offered a £400 loan over 3 months with a total cost of £754 to repay. I did not proceed any further with the loan process and was shocked when I immediately received 6 emails, one text and a phone call urging me to complete the process.

“Whilst that experience was shocking enough, I also made a fictitious application with a fake name and address. The loan was approved the day after the application was made and again I received a number of text messages. I find it absolutely appalling that the appropriate security checks were not carried out and a loan was offered to someone who simply did not exist.

“I was also shocked at the amount of pressure which was put on me to complete the loan process. It is no wonder that people get into unmanageable amounts of debt when companies are basically throwing money at them, and even at people who do not exist!

“We have an industry which is out of control and it needs to be dealt with urgently. Consumers are under siege from aggressive companies who are driven solely by profit. I hope the FCA takes the recommendations we have made and implements them as soon as possible to protect consumers.

“I urge anyone who receives an unsolicited text message to avoid replying and report the message via the ICO website. Over 200,000 responses have been sent in since the online reporting service was setup early last year and the information provided is being used to help identify those companies responsible. You can also report spam texts to your network operator by forwarding them to ‘7726’.”

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A former pupil of Boroughmuir High School was one of two prizewinners announced earlier today by First Minister Alex Salmond. Eighteen year old Lucy Willets-White and seventeen year old Peter Rhodes met First Minister in the Scottish Parliament after attending First Minister’s Questions.

The Higgs Prize was established in recognition of the impact Nobel Physics Prize winner Professor Higgs’ theoretical work has had on modern day particle physics. Its purpose is to reward and inspire Scotland’s best young school physicists.

The award winners will visit the internationally renowned CERN research facility in Switzerland to take part in its summer school and a specially designed programme of events.

The inaugural Higgs Prize winners are:

• Lucy Willets-White, formerly of Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh, now studying Physics at Imperial College, London. At the moment she intends to stay in physics, either in industry or research.

• Peter Rhodes from Crail, formerly of Madras College in St Andrews, is applying for further study starting September 2014. At the moment he is interested in a possible career in neurology and psychiatry.

The First Minister has also confirmed that £4 million funding will be provided to support Professor Higgs’ legacy. This will include a £2 million contribution to the Higgs Centre at the University of Edinburgh, alongside an additional £2 million to support a new generation of young researchers in physics and mathematics at universities across Scotland, through the Scottish Funding Council.

Announcing the Higgs Prize winners, the First Minister said:-“Professor Higgs’ achievements are hugely inspiring for our young people and his commitment to encouraging our next generation of scientists is well-known. It’s very fitting that we mark his globally recognised work through the Higgs Prize.

“For any young scholar, let alone a budding physicist, a trip to CERN is a once in a lifetime experience. As Higgs Prize winners, Lucy and Peter, who I met today, will have the fantastic opportunity to take part in internationally acclaimed CERN seminars and lectures.

“Meeting the Scottish university researchers at CERN will demonstrate exactly what someone can achieve with a career in physics. Science, engineering and technology will be central to Scotland’s future success and economic wellbeing. That is why I am delighted announced £4 million funding for the sector as a suitable tribute to Professor Higgs’ legacy.

“Scottish science in all its forms is going from strength to strength, building on our proud history of scientific discovery – the achievements of Lister, Kelvin, Logie Baird, Higgs and many, many others whom every Scot knows of and is proud of.

“We also want to help the university in their drive to build on the achievements of Professor Higgs. That is why, through the Scottish Funding Council, we will provide £2 million to support the Higgs Centre at the University of Edinburgh, which will further enhance the university’s reputation for research in Scotland and around the globe. An additional £2 million for post-graduate opportunities in physics and mathematics will help give more young people the opportunity to take their study to the next level at Scottish universities.

“I’m delighted that, above all, Professor Higgs’ achievements will continue to inspire future generations of Scots.”

Professor Higgs said:-“At my old school in Bristol, I was inspired by seeing the name of Paul Dirac on the Honours board. Dirac received the 1933 Nobel Prize in Physics for predicting anti-matter and, in particular, the positron. I know very well how exciting and amazing visits to CERN can be and I’m delighted to have my name associated with this prize. I hope it inspires young students today just as I was inspired by Dirac.”

CERN Director General Rolf Heuer said:

“CERN has a long tradition of organising visits and programmes for students and we are always very pleased to welcome brilliant young talents. We are particularly proud to welcome soon the two very first recipients of the Higgs Prize, Lucy and Peter, and look forward to their visit.”

The First Minister has interviewed Professor Higgs and you can watch that here:-

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

Photo courtesy of Scottish Government’s Flickr stream which you will find here.