After losing 11 goals in their last two games and seeing the gap at the bottom of the SPFL increase following their 4-1 defeat to Dundee United last weekend, Hearts were dealt another blow with the news that midfielder come striker Ryan Stevenson has suffered a hamstring injury and could be out for six weeks.

Stevenson has struggled in recent weeks with this injury but he had to succumb to the inevitable after only 15 minutes at Tannadice on Saturday – and the Hearts officials immediately feared the worst. The former Ayr United and Ipswich Town player is one of the more experienced Hearts players and his absence is the last thing manager Gary Locke wanted.

“It’s a massive blow for us and for Ryan,” Locke told the Hearts official website. “He pulled up during against United so we decided to send him for a scan to get to the bottom of it. We had a niggling feeling that it was something serious and that was confirmed when the results came back.

“There’s a tear on his hamstring so he’ll miss the next four to six weeks, which is less than ideal. It’s a shame for Ryan as he’s not long returned from a long spell out. One good thing though is that the lad is a quick healer, so hopefully he gets a bit of rest and then we can manage his return.”

Hearts are already without another midfielder, Jason Holt, because of injury. He isn’t expected back until February.

Hearts face Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the SPFL at Tynecastle this Saturday, kick-off 3.00pm.

Edinburgh pop-rock band Until We’re Winning are celebrating the release of their debut album with a launch party this weekend.

The band – made up of Carrie (lead singer), David (guitar), Chris (bass) and Josh (drums), have played several gigs in Edinburgh and Glasgow over the last couple of years, but in the past nine months they have been in the studio working on their debut album, titled ‘Making the Best of a Bad Situation.’ Their sound is an uplifting blend of pop and rock, with high-energy guitar riffs combined with punchy vocals. The band were recently featured on Jim Gellatly’s New Music podcast, which features local unsigned bands from the Scottish music scene. Gellatly played new album track ‘This Was Supposed To Be Our Day,’ describing it as ‘wonderful’ and noting that the band ‘sound like they are going places.’

Until We’re Winning on Jim Gellatly’s New Music podcast

The launch party is taking place at 8pm this Friday 13 December 2013 at The Banshee Labyrinth on Niddrie Street. Fans will have the chance to listen to the album from start to finish as well as purchasing a copy. The band might even pick up their instruments for an exclusive acoustic performance to celebrate the launch.

Guitarist David Miller told the Edinburgh Reporter:- “We’re really looking forward to letting people hear the album. We’ve been working really hard on it this year and we can’t wait to hear what people think.

“It was amazing to be featured on Jim Gellatly’s podcast and hear the positive things he said about us. We know there’s a lot of really talented bands out there all competing for the same thing, so our goal is to bring our music to as many people as possible.”

For more information, head to The Banshee Labyrinth on Friday night or check out Until We’re Winning on their official channels below.

Until We’re Winning on Facebook

@UntilWe’reWinning

http://www.untilwerewinning.com/

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop today invited people from across the world to join a 24-hour Commonwealth Ceilidh which aims to span the globe next summer as part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS), which has been commissioned by Get Scotland Dancing to create the Commonwealth Ceilidh, will work with dance centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen to create new ‘fusion’ dances which will be performed along with existing dances in a worldwide event on Saturday 21 June 2014.

The Commonwealth Ceilidh will begin with events in New Zealand at 7.30pm local time; the next events will begin two hours later in Australia, then in Japan and onwards, with the dancing beginning at 7.30pm in Scotland, 12 hours after the Ceilidh started.

Along with Commonwealth Ceilidhs in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh it is hoped that Commonwealth Ceilidhs will take place in hundreds of locations across Scotland and the UK.

The Commonwealth Ceilidh then continues over to the Americas and organisers are aiming for the final event to take place in Hawaii 24 hours after the first ceilidh call was made.

Each Commonwealth Ceilidh will be unique to its location, with an interval in every event giving the chance for groups to showcase their national or local dance style.

Anyone can join in with the Commonwealth Ceilidh, whether they are new to dance or a life-long dancer.

Organisers are especially interested at present in hearing from people who would like to organise a Ceilidh in their own community.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Glasgow 2014 Cultural programme offers a wealth of opportunities for everyone to get involved in a number of inspiring cultural activities, connecting people and communities, to leave a lasting and positive Games legacy for Scotland.

“The Commonwealth Ceilidh is set to be the biggest celebration of Scottish Country Dancing the world has ever seen – It will be a fantastic way to celebrate, share and showcase our culture during 2014.

“As well as being celebrated throughout the Commonwealth, participants in Scotland will get the opportunity to go to a taster class in their community in the weeks following the Ceilidh. The fact is – Scottish Country Dancing is fun, social and good for our health. I expect that from John O’Groats to Jedburgh – Achiltibuie to Auchmithie – many participants across Scotland will keep dancing through the rest of 2014 and into the years beyond.”

Elizabeth Foster, RSCDS Executive Officer said: “The RSCDS is delighted to be collaborating with Get Scotland Dancing on this exciting project. We are working in partnership with other dance groups to create an innovative dancing programme, blending tradition with the contemporary. We want to see as many people as possible participating in the mass ceilidh on 21st June and are providing on-line guidance from March 2014 on all you need to know to organise and run a Commonwealth Ceilidh wherever you may be, whatever your experience.”

Eileen Gallagher, Independent Director on the Glasgow 2014 Board and Chair of the Ceremonies, Culture and Queen’s Baton Relay Committee, said: “The Commonwealth Ceilidh will be a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture which everyone can get involved in no matter where they are across the world. The chance to learn the three specially created new dances as part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme will make the Commonwealth Ceilidh a unique and exciting opportunity for so many people who love Scottish country dancing.”

RSCDS is working in partnership with Citymoves in Aberdeen, Dance Base in Edinburgh and Dance House in Glasgow to create the three new dances. These will fuse Scottish country dancing with different dance and musical influences under themes inspired by the Commonwealth Games – Commonwealth Connections,  Speed and Endurance, and Agility.

Citymoves is working with local hip-hop dancers and a young RSCDS choreographer to create the high energy and youthful Speed and Endurance themed dance. Dance Base is working with Indian classical dance company Dance Ihayami to create a fusion of dance and musical styles that represents a Commonwealth Connections theme. Dance House is working with older adults from their centre along with disabled dancers from Indepen-dance and blind and partially sighted dancers from Confidance to create the accessible Agility themed dance.

A major exhibition of stunning American Impressionist paintings, an ambitious survey of 25 years of contemporary art in Scotland and a fascinating look at the sport of golf in art are among the highlights of the National Galleries of Scotland’s exhibition programme for 2014, which is announced today.  Other key moments in the calendar include the opening of a landmark exhibition of watercolours and drawings by the great nineteenth-century critic and artist John Ruskin; the first exhibition to be devoted to two forgotten stars of mid-twentieth century British painting, the ‘Two Roberts’; and the hanging of Titian’s great mythological paintings Diana and Actaeon and Diana and Callisto in a display which unites them with a third masterpiece from the same series, The Death of Actaeon, on loan from the National Gallery in London.

Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting, which opens at the Scottish National Gallery in March will draw on the Gallery’s exceptionally rich collection of sixteenth-century Venetian paintings, drawings and prints to showcase and place in context these three world-renowned canvases.

Also opening in March, the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2013 will be shown at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery for the first time.  The exhibition brings together the cream of recent portrait photography from around the world, highlighting 60 outstanding entries selected from the 5,000 images submitted to the judges of the prestigious £12,000 prize last year.

American Impressionism, which opens at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art on 19 July, will explore the impact of French Impressionism on American artists working in France and in the US in the period between 1880 and 1900, bringing together some 80 paintings by major international artists such as James McNeill Whistler, John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt.  A collaboration between the musée des impressionnismes in Giverny, the Terra Foundation for American Art, the National Galleries of Scotland and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, the exhibition runs until 19 October, and will have its only UK showing in Edinburgh.

The National Galleries’ contribution to GENERATION, the nationwide celebration of contemporary art in Scotland which will take in more than 60 venues in 2014, will be shown at both the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound, from June until October.  More than 30 artists will be represented in this hugely ambitious exhibition – the first to be shown across the two sites – and works made at key moments in the last quarter-century will be shown in parallel with new commissions by both established and promising younger artists. Further details of the GENERATION programme will be announced next year.

This major project will have a high profile during international events like the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup and fittingly The Art of Golf, an exploration of the depiction of golf in art from the seventeenth century to the present day, will be on show at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in summer 2014.  At its heart will be the most celebrated golfing painting in the world, Charles Lees’s nineteenth-century masterpiece The Golfers, but it will also feature around 60 other works which beautifully illustrate the emergence of the sport, particularly in Scotland.

The little-known artworks of John Ruskin, the famous aesthete, art critic and champion of Turner will also be on show at the Portrait Gallery next summer.  Ruskin’s watercolours and drawings express his sense of exhilaration as he observed landscape and nature, buildings and artifacts, and his extraordinary skill as a draughtsman, so long overlooked, will be revealed in this landmark exhibition.  A collaboration with the National Gallery in Ottowa, the exhibition’s only showing outside Canada will be at the SNPG.

To mark the centenary of the beginning of World War I, the SNPG will also be showing Remembering the Great War, from August 2014 to July 2015.  The display will focus on individuals – including Dr Elsie Inglis, who took a team of Scottish nurses to Serbia and Harry Lauder, who entertained troops at the Front – and how they were affected by the war.

The year will end at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art with the first exhibition to trace the twin careers of Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun, otherwise known as the The Two Roberts, who burned brightly in the post-war London art-world, enjoyed a string of successful exhibitions and whose work was bought by the Museum of Modern Art in New York.  Following their subsequent lapse into obscurity and early deaths in the 1960s, this exhibition will be a long-overdue re-examination of their work.

Sir John Leighton, Director-General, National Galleries of Scotland said: “In recent years, NGS has offered a dynamic and varied exhibition programme which has attracted national and international acclaim. Next year, as the attention of the world turns to Scotland there are many opportunities to showcase the best of our art and culture. This is why we have conceived what I believe to be a truly exceptional programme, ranging from a survey of contemporary art in Scotland to surprising thematic shows such as the Art of Golf. It is an amazing offer and one which we hope will attract wide audiences at home and from abroad.”

For full details of the exhibition programme at the National Galleries of Scotland, please click the following link. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yaezhfa2m87pq8s/aUTkB5d7fZ

Edinburgh Rugby players Grayson Hart, Ben Atiga and Lewis Niven visited Rachel House Children’s Hospice in Kinross run by Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) recently to help decorate the hospice for the festive season.

The players decorated the lounge area and Christmas trees, bringing Christmas cheer to the families staying for respite breaks including siblings Cody (age 4) and McKayla (age 5) from South Queensferry and five year old Isla from Pool of Muckhart.

Edinburgh Rugby centre, Ben Atiga, said: “I visited the Hospice with the same group of players in August and we were all keen to return when the opportunity arose.

“It’s a real eye opener and is an inspirational place to visit. Everyone is doing everything they can to have fun and put a smile on the kids’ faces. It was great to be part of that and do our bit for a charity that means so much to us and the club as a whole.

“It’s a privilege to play even a small part of such a worthy cause.”

Amy Telford, CHAS Fundraiser said: “The families loved meeting the rugby players who got stuck in to the challenge of making the hospice as festive as possible. Seeing them hanging Christmas decorations is a far cry from their day job, and it was lovely that they got to play games with the children that they’re helping to support.”

If you would like to support CHAS please contact 0131 444 1900 or go to www.chas.org.uk

COUNCIL COMMITS MAJOR FUNDING INVESTMENT FOR NEW BOROUGHMUIR HIGH SCHOOL

Funding of £35m to build a new Boroughmuir High School at Fountainbridge has been approved today.

The City of Edinburgh Council approved a capital budget of £35m for the school to be built on a site 500m away from the current Viewforth building.

The project is being part funded through the Scottish Government ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future’ Programme which is managed by the Scottish Futures Trust.

Work is expected to start on the new school in autumn 2014, with completion scheduled for summer 2016 – subject to planning consent; a planning application is due to be submitted shortly.

Education Convener Cllr Paul Godzik said: “I’m delighted that funding has been agreed for the new Boroughmuir High School as pupils, parents and teachers have been waiting a long time for this to happen and this brings the reality of a new school a step closer.

“Boroughmuir has a first-class academic track record, and the focus is now firmly on delivering a new school that provides an equally impressive learning environment.

“Today’s agreement reinforces the Capital Coalition’s commitment to invest in our school estate and marks a great month for developments regarding Edinburgh schools.

“Last week, planning permission renewal was granted for a new Portobello High School on Portobello Park and in the Scottish Parliament, the City of Edinburgh Council (Portobello Park) Bill Committee has recommended to Parliament that the general principles of the bill be agreed.

“Earlier this week the final financial agreement on the new James Gillespie’s High School was reached, allowing construction work on the new James Gillespie’s High School to start. The demolition work required to allow the first phase of the project, the new Teaching Block, to be progressed is now nearly complete.

“As well as this, the Education, Children & Families Committee agreed a £30 Asset Management Programme, which will see significant upgrading works taken forward in schools across the city.

“All these developments are great news for parents and pupils in Edinburgh.”

The plans for the canal-side site for the new Boroughmuir High School, drawn up by Allan Murray Architects, include:

• teaching areas arranged around a multi-functional ‘heart’, or atrium,
• traditional classrooms offering easy access to collaborative break out areas,
• enhanced facilities for physical activity and external learning, including a unique roof-top multi-use external games area,
• a new public park, along the canal’s north bank, next to the site of the new school which will create a vibrant public space next to the waterway and towpath.

The proposed site for the new school is marked by the Union Canal to the south, Dundee Street to the north, and Viewforth to the east. The student residencies being built off Gibson Terrace for Napier University mark the western edge of the site.

To find out more about the new plans for Boroughmuir High, and to have your say, visit theproject website.

Two Capital engineering students are celebrating after winning bronze at a national skills event.

Edinburgh Napier mechatronics undergrads Ruth Needle and Stephan McColl recently competed in the UK World Skills Show on the invite of Siemens Automation. The three-day technical challenge saw them take on a range of mechanical and software-related tasks.

The Skills Show is the UK’s biggest skills and careers event, and aims to inspire the fashion designers, web developers and engineers of tomorrow.

Lecturer James McWhinnie said: “It was a real honour to be invited to the event as we were the only university in Scotland to compete. It was a great experience for the students and has helped equip them with real employability skills.”

CAPTION: Ruth and Stephan are pictured with Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University.

Former Hearts, Hibs and Manchester United player  Michael Stewart joined primary six and seven pupils at East Craigs Primary School this week to see NSPCC Scotland’s ground breaking ChildLine Schools Service in action.

The former pupil, turned local hero, took a trip down memory lane as he went back to school for the day, to see first-hand how the Schools Service helps to protect children from abuse. Delivered by specially trained local volunteers, in partnership with schools, the pioneering service is designed to arm pupils with the knowledge to protect themselves from abuse and neglect.

Michael sat in on the special assembly to see how ‘Buddy’, the cuddly ChildLine mascot, helps pupils to think about what might be in the ‘bag of worries’ some children carry around. After speaking about the types of abuse, the children were then told how to stay safe and where they could go if they ever need help.

He saw how the interactive assemblies, which are followed by interactive classroom-based workshops, ensure messages are reinforced and retained.

The assemblies and workshops equip children with the ability to recognise signs of abuse or neglect, the confidence to speak out and the knowledge to know who to turn to. By going into every primary school in Scotland to speak to children face-to-face, the ChildLine Schools Service can help us to protect a generation and give vulnerable children a brighter future.

Launched last year, the ChildLine Schools Service will visit every primary school across Scotland by 2016. The Service has already visited over 33,000 children in 650 primary schools across Scotland and has proved incredibly popular with parents, teachers and children.

By sending specially trained volunteers to every primary school, in every community, to talk to children face-to-face, the schools service will help to protect a generation from abuse. They are helping children to understand abuse, giving them the confidence to talk and showing them who is ready to listen.

Primary 7 teacher, Sharon Dime, said: “The ChildLine Schools Service is fantastic. The assemblies and workshops offer an age-appropriate way to teach children about abuse and neglect. By teaching children how to spot the signs of abuse and giving them the confidence to speak out, the service supports our efforts to ensure pupils know who to turn to if they ever need help.”

To support the campaign, visit www.nowiknow.org.uk/scotland

To find out more about the ChildLine Schools Service and the volunteering opportunities available visit www.nspcc.org.uk/schoolsservice

Children and young people can contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk

Edinburgh East MP and Work and Pensions Select Committee member Sheila Gilmore today welcomed the publication of an independent review of the test for the main sickness and disability benefit, but called on the Government to do more to address its failings.

The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is used to determine whether people can get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Since this replaced the old-fashioned Incapacity Benefit in 2008, many claimants have been incorrectly assessed as fit for work and refused the benefit.

The legislation that enacted ESA required the Government to conduct five annual independent reviews of the WCA, and the fourth review – written by Dr Paul Litchfield – was published earlier today. You can read it here.

Sheila Gilmore said:‘While I believe that if people can work then they should work, I also believe that where people simply cannot work due to illness or disability, they should receive an adequate level of support. Unfortunately in too many instances, this is not happening just now.’

‘Since the introduction of the Work Capability Assessment, 4 in 10 people found fit for work have appealed their decision – costing the taxpayer £50 million per year – and four in ten of those appeals have been successful.’

‘I welcome the publication of Paul Litchfield’s review, but I believe the Government must go further to fix the flaws in the Work Capability Assessment. For a start they should improve the training of assessors, drop targets that require a certain proportion of applicants to be found fit for work, and ensure medical evidence from doctors is taken into account.’

Police in Edinburgh are urging people to stay safe during festive nights out within the Capital.

Officers have been engaging with the public to offer a range of crime prevention advice and additional resources are supporting local policing teams to provide a high-visibility presence throughout the city during the holiday season.

Many members of our communities are due to attend Christmas nights out within Edinburgh in the coming weeks, meaning a busier city-centre with restaurants, pubs and clubs will all seeing increased business.

With this in mind, police are keen to make sure everyone remains safe while out and about.

Police Scotland’s Good Nights Out, Get Home Safely campaign is once again being launched to provide the public with all the necessary advice and guidance to ensure an enjoyable, but safe time in the Capital.

The campaign has run for a number of years within Edinburgh whenever the city experiences increased footfall.

A special leaflet containing all relevant safety information will be available for download on the Force’s website from today and will also be tweeted from a number of Police Scotland’s Twitter accounts.

Chief Inspector Bob Paris said: “We all enjoy celebrating with our friends and family over the holiday season and many of us will be heading into Edinburgh’s city centre for office parties, Christmas dinners and the New Year festivities.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe throughout the festive period and by following a few simple precautions the public can safeguard themselves against crime and ensure their evenings out are memorable for all the right reasons.

“Before heading into town, plan your night in advance and know where you’re going and just as important, how you’re getting home.

“If moving from one place to another, travel with friends or people you trust and go via well-lit and populated areas. If you need to travel alone then consider using public transport or calling a taxi.

“Most importantly though, we want you to enjoy your evening and the wonderful atmosphere Edinburgh offers over Christmas and New Year. However, please drink responsibly and don’t let your night be ruined by excessive alcohol consumption.

“Our Good Nights Out, Get Home Safely campaign is being promoted online and via social media to ensure those who need the information can have easy access to it – either by visiting our website www.scotland.police.uk, or by following our Twitter accounts @EdinburghPolice, @EdinCityPolice and using #OpAstrodome.”

On Saturday, Lewis Stevenson became the first player this century to play 200 games for Hibs in a single spell.

The last player to do so left the club over 16 years ago (answer at the bottom of the page) although Derek Riordan, Ian Murray and Garry O’Connor also made the 200 club but needed two spells to do so.

The versatile Fifer looked to have the world at his feet when he was awarded the man of the match award as Hibs won the League Cup in 2007, but since then the fortunes of the club have deteriorated to the extent that he even considered quitting the game.

He said: “On the most part I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been a lot of hard work and it’s been up and down, but it’s nice to get to 200 games. I’ve been told I’m the first in a long time to reach that milestone, so it’s a good achievement. I don’t look into things like this too much, but it was nice and people were coming up to me and saying ‘well done’, which makes a change.

“I’ve had a few niggling injuries and a loss of form where I felt I couldn’t do anything right. I was fed up with the game – not just at Hibs. I was beginning to think about things after football. But I kept my head down and dug in and it’s worked out so far. Hopefully there’s plenty more games to come.

“After a loss of form and a few defeats, you hate going to the shops. People look at you as if to say you’re p***. It is hard but it probably gave me that kick up the backside to try and prove them wrong. There have been a few of those moments. Mostly after cup finals and when we’ve gone on bad runs of form. It’s one of those things that you have to grind through.”

Stevenson was handed his debut by Tony Mowbray and since then played under six other managers without ever getting an extended run, but after playing right back then left back under Pat Fenlon earlier this season, the arrival of the new manager saw him return to his favoured left midfield position.

“I would probably say we have underachieved though. It is one of the biggest clubs. it’s got a good fan base and everything’s in place now. But we’ve not done it on the pitch, which is the most important thing.

“We’ve got a great chance now. We’ve got a great squad; we’re going in the right direction. The manager has started off well and everyone’s behind him, so hopefully there’s some good times to come. He’s not come in with any pre-conceived ideas about anyone. He’s given everyone a chance and I’ve been one of the lucky ones that got to start the first game, and I’ve been keeping my place.”

(The last Hibs player to play 200 games for the club in a single spell was Darren Jackson)

Full council meets today – Budget consultation – Santa visits Royal Commonwealth Pool – Christmas Tree Festival – Ballet

The full council meets today for the last time in 2013. You can watch the meeting live on the council webcast.

Today the non-executive directors of Transport for Edinburgh will be approved. The names put forward are Ann Faulds (who will also be the future chair of Lothian Buses), Anthony Depledge and Dr Steve Cassidy. Three other non-executive directors will be on the board till July 2015. They are Donald MacLeod, John Martin and Marjory Rodger. It was agreed in August that some of the new members of the board would require transport experience.

Mr Depledge is also a non-executive director of Translink Group, operating Ulsterbus, Metro and Northern Ireland Railways. Dr Cassidy appears to have experience in the ticketing sphere. He is also a director of Edinburgh-based company MMM, and according to their website:-“Dr Cassidy has a particular expertise in applying technology to support transport, urban policy and eGovernment objectives. He has completed many high profile projects in ticketing and smart card related media, as well as in the design and evaluation of travel information technologies and policies.”

Ann Faulds is a partner with capital law firm Dundas & Wilson and specialises in Government and Public Sector, Planning and Transport.

These appointments mean that the board of TFE which will run the trams and buses in Edinburgh will be complete.

A non-executive director is usually someone who is not otherwise employed by the company and who sits on the board to scrutinise the performance of the board and the senior management. We noticed recently that the CEO of Johnston Press (which owns The Scotsman and Edinburgh Evening News newspapers) Ashley Highfield, is a non-executive director on the board of William Hill and the British Film Institute.

***

The City of Edinburgh Council would like to hear your views on how to save and spend money in 2014/15 and for the next 3 years.

See the links below for an overview of priorities and services and a link to the consultation which ends on 20 December.

1. A link to the video which people are encouraged to watch before taking part in the budget conversation:http://www.budget.edinburgh.gov.uk/

1. A link to the consultation itself www.edinburgh.gov.uk/budget

Next week Santa will be at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Rock around the Christmas Tree with Santa at Clambers Christmas Disco on Thursday 19th December 2013. More details here.

***

The enchanting Edinburgh Christmas Tree Festival, hosted at St Andrew’s and St George’s Church, is returning for its fourth year in support of chosen charities: The Sunflower Garden, Edinburgh Clothing Store and Cash4Kids.

Entry is free for all, however donations of any amount are welcomed. A great day out for all the family filled with beautiful trees and Christmas music. Visitors welcome Mon-Sat, 11:00-16:00 until 28 December.

More details here.

***

Tonight at Cineworld you can watch Covent Garden ballet – live!

Peter Wright’s dazzling production of Tchaikovsky’s magical festive ballet returns to Covent Garden, and you can watch it live at Cineworld.

Tchaikovsky’s enduringly popular Christmas ballet unfolds in two fabulous acts. Act one opens on Christmas Eve. Mysterious magician Herr Drosselmeyer gives young Clara a nutcracker doll. This sets in motion a train of events that leads to a midnight battle between an army of toy soldiers and the evil Mouse King, backed by his rodent hordes.

It ends with a magnificent pas de deux in which Clara and Herr Drosselmeyer’s nephew Hans-Peter celebrate the nutcracker’s victory before being enveloped in a magical snowstorm. In Act two, the duo are whisked off to the Land of the Sweets. Here they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince, who entertain them with a series of wonderful dances. First staged at Covent Garden back in 1984, Peter Wright’s sumptuous and colourful version returns to the original 1892 Royal Ballet production for its inspiration. This performance is being streamed live to many cinemas across the country, including Cineworld at Fountainpark.

Booking details here.

All the paperwork is now in place which allows the building work at the new multi-million pound school to begin.

Construction has started on the new James Gillespie’s High School in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today, after the project reached financial close.

Financial close occurs when all the project and financing agreements have been signed and all the required conditions contained in them have been met.

The £34 million school, which is being built for the City of Edinburgh Council, will be part funded by the Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future’ programme and will house 104 staff and 1,150 pupils.

The project involves the demolition of the existing school buildings, the construction of a new teaching block and brand new sports and performance buildings on the campus. All of the plans and related papers can be viewed on the council’s planning website here.

The Grade A-listed Bruntsfield House at the centre of the campus will also undergo a major refurbishment.

The school, which is due to be completed by summer 2016, is expected to support up to 250 jobs during construction, six modern apprenticeships and a host of work experience opportunities.

Ms Sturgeon said:“In Scotland we are building many new schools, and refurbishing still more to provide an excellent learning environment for staff and pupils.

“Investment in infrastructure projects such as the new James Gillespie’s High School, not only supports jobs and apprenticeships locally,but it also helps the wider Scottish economy.

“This project is part of the Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future’ programme which will see the construction of 67 new schools and the movement of 46,000 pupils into top quality accommodation.”

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

“This is a really unique project as it benefits children right from nursery age through to their high school years.

“I was really impressed with the high quality facilities at the primary school which I opened last month and those buildings have definitely set the standard for the high school.

“We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government on this important project.”

Paul McGirk, Chief Executive of Hub South East Scotland, the City of Edinburgh’s development partner, said:

“We are excited that, after the successful delivery of a new nursery and gym for James Gillespie’s Primary School, we have begun construction of the High School.

“A great deal of work has gone into this project in the background, so reaching financial close is a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the campus.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose facility which will benefit both children and staff.”

Speaking on behalf of contractors Morrison Construction, Galliford Try Chief Executive Greg Fitzgerald said:

“Our relationship with Hub South East Scotland Limited is an important element of our Morrison business in Scotland and we are pleased to be selected for this significant education project for Edinburgh.

“We will continue to work with our public and private sector colleagues in Scotland to find innovative ways of delivering these projects that are so beneficial for local communities.”

Gemma Gordon, Schools Programme Director with Scottish Futures Trust, said:

“SFT’s work in managing the Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme has meant an additional 12 schools will be built from within the existing £1.25 billion budget.

“James Gillespie’s High School is the first revenue-financed project to be delivered by the South East Hub.

“Reaching financial close means construction is underway now rather than waiting many years for capital funding to become available.”

A Christmas Coffee Morning taking place on the 17th December at 11am at Elizabeth Mc Guiness Court is being organised by the Housing Support Team and Service Users in order to raise funds.There will be cake stalls, crafts,music, Santa and a raffle.

Entry is £1.50 including coffee and cake. The funds raised will be used for service users to participate in group activities.

Members of the public are most welcome and the group have also invited Councillor Cameron Day to attend.

Submitted by SHONA ERDOGAN

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT RATES MOVES WILL SAVE BUSINESSES MILLIONS BUT CASE FOR FUNDAMENTAL REVIEW GROWS STRONGER

Scottish Chambers of Commerce has welcomed the confirmation from the Scottish Government that next year’s increase in Business Rates in Scotland, like those in England, will be capped at 2%.  The move follows the announcement on rates bills south of the border contained in last week’s Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.  The Scottish Government has also increased the threshold for the Small Business Bonus Scheme for businesses with multiple properties.

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:“The Scottish Government has honoured an important manifesto commitment in matching the UK Government’s 2% cap on next year’s Business Rates increase and in doing so it will save Scottish businesses millions of pounds next year.  This is a welcome mitigation of the original plan to raise Business Rates by 3.2% next year.  Equally welcome is the extension of the threshold of the Small Business Bonus Scheme for businesses with multiple properties, which will assist an additional 4,000 businesses across Scotland.

“Nevertheless, the Scottish Government has already seen its annual revenue from Business Rates increase by over £360 million – almost 18% – since the last revaluation in 2010 during a period when Scotland’s economic recovery has been fragile.  Business Rates is a cost burden for businesses that has increased year on year and which takes little account of economic circumstances.  Indeed, current rateable values are based on notional rents on 1 April 2008 – the peak of the market prior to the recession.

“Many businesses are concerned that there is a deep lack of fairness and transparency at the heart of the system of business rates, not just in Scotland but throughout the UK.  The Scottish Government consulted on the rating system earlier this year and some positives have come out of that review but more fundamental reform may now be required to ensure that Business Rates are fair and seen to be so by businesses.

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following two bogus caller incidents in Edinburgh this week.

An 84-year-old woman was within her home on Belleview Road on Monday (9th December) at around 10am when two men called at the door offering to carry out maintenance on the property.

After agreeing a fee with the occupants, one of the men left to get equipment while the other man followed the lady into her back garden to retrieve an item.

On going back into the house the victim stopped to lock the backdoor while the man went out into the front. She realised at that time that her purse had been stolen and both men had disappeared.

Both men are described as white, Scottish, with a local accent, around 50 years old, with an average build and 6ft tall. One of the men had a full beard.

In the second incident, an 85-year-old woman was at her home in Davidson Mains yesterday (10th December) at around 3.30pm when a man arrived at her door asking if she needed any gardening done. When she refused, the suspect asked if he could come in while waiting for someone. She agreed and whilst in the kitchen area the suspect is believed to have taken her handbag and gone back outside.

The suspect is described as having a tanned complexion, aged late 20’s to early 30’s, possibly sporting a moustache or facial stubble and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a dark winter hat, dark jacket and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness from Police Scotland said: “The elderly occupants have been left very upset after having their belongings stolen from within their house. Anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the Belleview or Davidson Mains area of the city is asked to contact police immediately.

“Bogus workmen normally prey on the most vulnerable members of the community, particular the elderly and our communities are asked to be vigilant for people calling at the doors of neighbours, friends and loved ones.

“Similarly, all members of the public are advised to check the identification of anyone attending at their address seeking to carry out work. If they are not happy with the callers they should refuse them entry and phone the police”.

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland 101, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Police officers in Pitlochry have renewed their appeal for any information that could help to trace the whereabouts of 81-year-old Pitlochry man William Elder.

Mr Elder has not been seen at his home address in James Place since 10.45am on Tuesday (Dec 10). His disappearance is considered to be out of character and, given his age, there is considerable concern for his welfare.

William is five feet tall, slim, and has brown, greying hair.

When last seen he was wearing a green wax jacket, black loose fitting trousers and brown boots. William has difficulty walking. He has a very distinctive limp and normally uses a walking stick.

Anyone who has seen William or has any information as to where he is now should contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to any officer.

Experts at Lyon & Turnbull were stunned when they came across a 200 year old Chinese Imperial Robe in a wardrobe in a house in the Highlands of Scotland. The Imperial Kesi Ground Formal Robe, valued at £2,500, sold in their sale of Fine Asian Works of Art on the 11th December for £15,000; it dates from the Qing Dynasty of the 19th century.

The owner form the Highlands of Scotland said “We are delighted with the outcome of the sale and were watching the auction on line; we couldn’t believe that it went so far over the estimate, especially as I was just about to send it off to the charity shop. With Christmas coming I am sure that I will be able to spend it on presents for the family.”

Lee Young Asian Specialist at Lyon & Turnbull and presenter on TV’s Antiques Roadshow said “This is a great result and exactly what makes my job so exciting; you just never know what you might find. I was on a general valuation at a house in the Highlands when I found the robe. “

The robe depicts a gold dragon; court robes included the dragon motif together with a decorative representation of the Chinese conception of the cosmos. The dragon symbolised the emperor, known as the Son of Heaven, and permission to wear the robe was given by him. Those who passed the civil service examinations and attained the status of a government official were also granted the privilege of wearing court robes. Rank was further distinguished by a hierarchy of colour and ornamentation.

It is unclear how the robe came into the family’s possession, but Scotland has a history of travel to the Far East including Scottish seafarers, soldiers, colonial administrators and merchant bankers. Many large international corporations with headquarters in the Far East were set up by entrepreneurial Scots.

Banks like Jardine, Matheson & Co founded in Canton in 1832 by Scots William Jardine and James Matheson created extensive and early Asian connections for the Jardines of Dumfriesshire and other Scottish dynasties.

The boom in the Chinese market has been driven by its surging economy and the new wealthy, urged by the Beijing government to do their “patriotic duty” and bring Chinese artefacts home.

Nearly 600 food packs have been distributed to Edinburgh families and individuals following the launch of a new service to ensure previously homeless households can enjoy a hot, home cooked meal when they move into their new home.

Fresh Start, Edinburgh’s homeless resettlement charity, launched the Food Station in September this year. Part of its remit is to deliver the new Food Packs. Since then 580 packs have been distributed.

The new Food Station service aims to tackle health inequalities amongst people who have been homeless by giving access to refurbished cookers, cooking classes, food packs and budgeting advice.

The decision to deliver the new services around food comes after people who had been homeless said they struggled to provide home cooked food for themselves and their families when they moved into a new home, due to the costs involved in setting up a house.

The charity also said the current economic climate played a big part in people facing difficulties feeding themselves and their families.

The new services have today received praise for its innovation from the Edinburgh’s Lord Provost.

Keith Robertson, Managing Director of Fresh Start, said: “I am delighted we can build on the services we already have at Fresh Start and develop them under one roof. Thanks to funding from a variety of sources, we can now reach out to even more people who are going through the transition from being homeless to getting a new home.”

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Rt Hon Donald Wilson said: “Fresh Start has long been a part of the homelessness services in Edinburgh since it was set up in 1999, delivering a handful of packs to people who were homeless in the city.

“Since then it has become significant part of the solution for homeless people looking to settle into a new house, delivering around 2,000 Starter Packs each year and providing a range of services. This new Food Station and Food Pack service is an innovative development and will help people who have been homeless have a home cooked meal from the off, as well as teach them a range of new skills.”

The Food Station is one of a number of developments taking place at the Edinburgh charity.

A new Development Worker has been taken on to deliver the services at the Food Station. He is one of a number of new staff starting at the charity in recent weeks. A new Business Manager began recently to oversee the development and growth of the charity.

The Food Station has been made possible thanks to a real Edinburgh-wide community effort, with support from funders, Edinburgh businesses, community groups and individuals.

The service will be run from new premises at Harrison Place, Edinburgh, which is owned by the Phoenix Club, a small charity supporting people with disabilities.

The Food Station will house:

·         A new Electrical Workshop to test donated cookers, which will then be passed on to clients.

·         A new Food Packs service which will give individuals and families the basics to make a hot, cooked meal in the first days of moving into a new house. This service is an extension of the current Starter Packs service operated by Fresh Start.

·         The charity will also deliver cookery classes to help people learn to cook meals on a small budget.

·         An allotment has also been created in the garden, which will provide food for the cookery classes.

Fresh Start’s new Development Worker, Angus Maclean, will oversee the project at Harrison Gardens. He comes from a homelessness and care services background.

Mr Robertson added: “The transition between being homeless and moving into a new home can often bring challenges such as financial burdens so we want to give people the best possible start in their new lives by providing them with the essentials as well as offering them support with cooking, food budgeting and training opportunities. The support from our funders and other local community projects has been a key to enabling the Food Station to open its doors.”

Fresh Start hopes to help over 60 people a year learn new cooking skills. The charity also aims to give around 150 people a cooker so they can cook for themselves.

The charity has received funding from the National Lottery Grant, NHS Lothian, Zero Waste Scotland, Rotary Club of Edinburgh and Hibbert Family Foundation. They have received help from Lloyds Banking Group, Bield Housing Association, John Redpath Electrical Contractors, G A Helmore Electricians, and CitySprint.

Fresh Start will work closely with Bethany Christian Trust and City of Edinburgh Council to ensure cookers and food reach the people that need them most. The cookery classes will be delivered and developed in partnership with Edinburgh Cyrenians Good Food Project.

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses in connection with a serious assault that took place in the Leith area of the Capital.

The incident happened outside Storries Bakery on Leith Walk, just before 2am on Saturday morning (7th December).  The 23-year-old victim suffered serious injuries when he was assaulted by two men in an unprovoked attack.

The suspects’ are only described as aged in their early 20’s.

Following the incident the victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a serious head injury.

Detective Constable Richard Johnston said: “The victim has suffered a serious head injury in this unprovoked attack, and we are keen for any information that can help us trace the two suspects.

“In particular we would like to speak to a taxi driver who alerted the police to the incident.

“Anyone who witnessed the assault, or who recognises the description of the suspects, should contact police immediately.

“Anyone else with any information that can assist our inquiries should also get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hibs  moved to the top of the SPFL Under 20s league with a superb 5-0 win against Ross County at the Energy Assets Arena in Livingston last night.

Head of Academy Coaching, James McDonaugh selected an experienced side with first team squad players Michael ‘ The Phantom’ Nelson, Tom Taiwo, Ross Caldwell, Jason Cummings and Sam Stanton starting the game.

Stanton opened the scoring in the 10^th minute, then six minutes later former Spurs defender Tom Gardiner added a second.

Gardiner added a third before the break with a fine strike the Cummings continued his prolific form to make it 4-0 on 56 minutes.

Stanton rounded off the scoring with ten minutes remaining.

After the game McDonaugh told Hibernian TV: “I thought Tom Gardiner was good in the first-half. For his first goal, he attacked the ball well and his second goal was a very good goal and he showed great feet to score. In the second-half he was maybe a bit untidy with one or two things and he’ll look at those and want to improve that, but overall I was pleased and his last couple of games for the under-20s have been really good.”

The coach also expressed his delight with the way in which the players have responded since their 5-1 defeat to Rangers in the Youth Cup at Ibrox.

He said: “I’ve been delighted with the players and that should be the biggest headline. People are always full of criticism, but the experts and the fans need to realise that this is development football and developing footballers is the main aim.

“But they have been critical and have criticised what I said to the players after the Rangers game, at the end of the day our job is to develop footballers but you have to remind them what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.

“I’ll credit the players and I’ll pat them on the back and put the arm around their shoulder, but I’ll also criticise them if they need criticising.”

Since the Rangers’ defeat, McDonaugh’s side have won 4-0 at Hamilton, recorded back-to-back 7-1 victories, battled to a draw against Burntisland Shipyard at the weekend before scoring another five goals against Ross County.

McDonaugh continued: “Off the pitch, I’ll coach them and I’ll talk to them and try to develop them as people and footballers and that is what we’ve done. But massive credit has to go to the players – the players have been brilliant. They got beat off Rangers and it was a confidence destroyer.

“24 goals in five games is fantastic, and the players, not just the ones that played tonight, but the experienced ones that have helped and the ones that have played East of Scotland as well because there is a big group of players there and I think they have all been different class.”

The performances of Todd and Caldwell who was booked near the end, also drew praise from McDonaugh who watched on as both recorded assists.

McDonaugh said: “Max Todd was really exciting to watch in the first-half by putting crosses into the box and players scoring off his crosses again.

“Ross gets frustrated because he is a perfectionist and that’s it. I’ve known him for a long time and that is why he gets frustrated, I don’t think it was an off-night for him.

“I thought he worked really hard and himself and Jason were a handful, they worked together and played off each other. Ross didn’t get his name on the score sheet but he set up a goal and I’d have hated to be playing against him tonight, I thought he played well.”

Hibernian under-20s: Sean Murdoch, Andrew Black, Ryan Baptie, Tom Taiwo, Tom Gardiner, Michael Nelson, Euan Smith (Taylor Hendry, 82), Sammy Stanton, Jason Cummings, Ross Caldwell, Max Todd (Jamie Beaton, 82). Unused substitutes: Kleton Perntreou, Aaron Dunsmore, Bob Wilson, Neil Martyniuk, Jordan Sinclair.

Police officers in Edinburgh city centre are have re-issued their appeal for taxi drivers and members of the public who may have witnessed an assault in the early hours of last Thursday morning (December 5, 2013) to contact them.

The assault happened at a taxi rank outside the Radisson Blu Hotel on the High Street, when a 21-year-old man was punched to the face, knocking him to the ground, as he queued for a taxi.

Detective Constable Andy Macmillan, who is leading the investigation, said: “A group of men jumped the queue in front of the man and got into the taxi. He was punched once to the face and knocked to the ground by one of these men, who is described as being in his early 20’s and was wearing a long sleeve blue shirt and burgundy trousers.

“This man then ran off in the direction of North Bridge, and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw the incident. Any taxi driver or member of the public who witnessed this vicious and unprovoked attack is asked to call Police Scotland directly on 101 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

The council has today published the papers for next week’s Culture & Sport Committee meeting which outline the proposals for the future of the 1970 stadium.

Meadowbank Sports Centre and Stadium could be “a leading edge public sports facility fitting for the 21^st century and for the capital of Scotland” said City of Edinburgh Council Culture & Sport Convener, Cllr Richard Lewis, as he today  announced the results of a preliminary study into the options for the centre.

Three separate concepts are being put forward in a report to the Culture & Sport Committee next week which represent three different proposals for facilities and levels of investment.

They have been drawn up by a multi-disciplinary project team appointed by the Council, including Deloitte, Edinburgh-based architects Reiach & Hall and The Sports Consultancy along with key partners, sportscotland and Edinburgh Leisure. National governing bodies of sport and the clubs using Meadowbank were consulted as part of the stakeholder engagement.

Councillor Richard Lewis said: “Meadowbank plays a very important role in the lives of many people across the city and beyond. With over half a million visits a year, it is significant not only because it provides sport and health facilities to the local community and wider Edinburgh population but also because it serves many people in the east of Scotland.

“Meadowbank is a much-loved and well-used facility but it is now nearing its fiftieth birthday and those facilities that were once considered state-of-the-art, are now no longer fit for purpose. Edinburgh is keen to build on the legacy for community sport that Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will bring to Scotland, but to do this we need to provide facilities that can encourage and nurture the development of sport.

“Our vision is for a leading edge public sports facility fitting for the 21^st century and for the capital of Scotland – a Meadowbank that can inspire future generations of athletes to get involved in sport and physical activity.

“It was originally built as a venue for the 1970 Commonwealth Games and so it seems only right that we look at the facility now, as we approach 2014 and the return of the Games to Scotland.

“We are, of course, only at an early stage and there is much discussion to be had with the local community, the users of the facilities and sports clubs and groups across the city and Scotland – providing the report is agreed next week. We also need to look at ways in which we can source the funding for a project of this scale and in these financially difficult times, that is no mean feat.

“But I strongly believe that this city desperately needs new facilities at Meadowbank and that we should focus on a more compact, regional standard training facility that is tailored to the current and future sporting needs of both the community and the national governing bodies. I’m keen for this Council to further explore this through extensive consultation with the people of Edinburgh.”

The report notes that a further, detailed feasibility study on the options would be required, along with wider consultation with the local community and individual users of Meadowbank.

It details the list of potential facilities that could be included in any future plans for Meadowbank and these have been divided into core facilities and optional facilities.

Core facilities include a ten-court sports hall with seating for 2,500, a five-court sports hall with bleacher seating for 650, a full-sized 3G training pitch for football and rugby, an outdoor athletics track with a central grass pitch and seating for 500. Also identified as core facilities for Meadowbank are a gymnastics and trampolining hall, four studio spaces and a combat studio for dojo/boxing.

The study also identified a list of facilities that were considered optional but not essential. These include a 10,000 capacity community stadium, four indoor tennis courts, an indoor 200m velodrome, an indoor five-a-side football pitch among others.

The three options being considered are as follows:

Option 1 – This would provide the core facilities identified. It would be effectively the minimum level of provision required. This option is estimated to cost £35.1m.

Option 2 – This is an extension of Option 1 and has an increased focus on meeting the needs of pitch sports, particularly football and rugby. This option would include full size 3G pitch (rather than a grass pitch) inside the athletics track and would also included an expanded indoor 3G pitch which would be capable of accommodating three five-a-side pitches. This option is estimated to cost £41m.

Option 3 – This is the maximum option and is significantly larger than Options 1 and 2, containing a range of higher level sports facilities. The main difference between this and the other options is the addition of a 10,000 capacity community stadium (including a 3G pitch) for football and rugby, a larger indoor athletics training facility, a four court indoor tennis centre and a 200m indoor velodrome. This option is estimated to cost £85.2m. The report notes that it would be difficult to secure this level of funding in the current economic climate.

In their report, the project team concluded that refurbishment of the existing stadium or like-for-like replacement should not be considered as a possible option. This is due to the outdated nature of the current facility mix and the fact that although Meadowbank was built for the Commonwealth Games, it is now more used as community sports facility by the wider Edinburgh population.

It was also noted that the disposal of excess land around Meadowbank was crucial to the funding and success of the project, however this would be considered at a later date by the Council following consultation with the local community.

The report, Meadowbank Sports Centre and Stadium: options appraisal and stakeholder engagement, will be considered by the Culture & Sport Committee on Tuesday 17 December 2013 and you can read it in full below.

Sarah Boyack MSP delivers Christmas cheer and encouragement to Royal Mail Posties at Edinburgh City Delivery Office

Sarah Boyack MSP has visited Royal Mail’s Edinburgh City delivery office to pass on Christmas wishes and encouragement to the postmen and women at their busiest time of year.

Ms Boyack was shown round the office by local Delivery Office Manager, Brian Murray, and was introduced to the postmen and women who are working hard sorting and delivering all cards and parcels in the Edinburgh area in the run-up to Christmas.

Sarah Boyack MSP said: “It was great to meet the dedicated, hard-working Royal Mail posties at Edinburgh City delivery office and to see first-hand just how much effort they put into delivering for people at this time of year.

“Postmen and women do such an important job at this time of year. I like to thank them for their efforts and wish them all the best over the busy festive period.  It was great to see behind the scenes and hear about the training that posties undergo.   I was also impressed to hear about the charity work that the local staff are supporting in the run up to Christmas.”

Brian Murray, Royal Mail Delivery Office Manager at Edinburgh City, said: “Christmas is the busiest time of year for Royal Mail. Our people pull out all the stops throughout the year to ensure mail is delivered quickly, but even more so over the busy festive period. We are grateful that Sarah Boyack MSP came along to see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”

“Our people do a fantastic job at this time of year to ensure that friends and families stay in touch through their Christmas greetings and gifts.  We’d like to remind our customers to post early so that friends and family have longer to enjoy their Christmas greetings!”

The recommended last posting dates for mail are:

• Friday 20 December for 1^st Class items
• Wednesday 18 December for 2^nd Class items
• Monday 23 December for Special Delivery items

The remaining recommended International posting dates for 2013 are:

• Friday 13 December for airmail to USA

• Saturday 14 December for airmail items to Western Europe (excluding France, Greece, Poland)

Customers can also help Royal Mail ensure that all their letters, cards and parcels are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible by taking a few easy steps:

• Use a 1^st Class stamp! – Post 1^st Class for just 60p and have your Christmas card delivered the next day – anywhere in the UK.
• Post early! – Avoid disappointment by posting your cards and parcels early. The last posting dates this Christmas are: December 18 for 2^nd Class mail; December 20 for 1^st Class mail; December 23 for Special Delivery.
• Use a postcode! – A clearly addressed card or parcel, with a postcode, and return address on the back of the envelope, will ensure quick and efficient delivery.
• Use Special Delivery!– For valuable packages and parcels guarantee delivery with Royal Mail’s Special Delivery, which means your gift is tracked, traced and insured against loss.
• For more information about Christmas with Royal Mail visit: www.royalmail.com or call 08457 740 740.

A new figurehead has been appointed at  conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland.

Professor Ian Percy has been named as its new Deputy Chairman.

Professor Percy has served on the conservation charity’s Board since February 2011. He has taken on the role of Deputy Chairman after Julian Birchall’s term ended on the Board in September 2013.

Trust Chairman Sir Kenneth Calman said:-“I am pleased that Ian has agreed to take on this important role on the Board. Over the last few years, we have all benefited greatly from his wise counsel, financial expertise and strategic thinking. The Trust is on a journey of change and it needs leadership of this quality and vision to continue in our mission to conserve and promote our heritage.”

Professor Percy has wide experience in governance in the public and private sectors having held a number of chairmanships including Companies House, the Accounts Commission for Scotland, Audit Scotland, Kiln plc, Cala plc and Queen Margaret University and was Deputy Chairman of the Weir Group plc, Ricardo plc and Scottish Provident.

He became a Trustee of the National Trust for Scotland having been a member of the Steering Committee overseeing the independent review of the Trust conducted in 2009/10. Professor Percy is married with two daughters, has five grandchildren and enjoys playing golf and fishing.

He is a Freeman of the City of London, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Companion of the Institute of Management, Honorary Professor of Accounting and Doctor of Law at Aberdeen University and was awarded a CBE for service to the accountancy profession and local government in 1996. He lives in Edinburgh and Badachro near Gairloch in Wester Ross.

Professor Percy is taking a keen interest in the progress of the Signature Project at Inverewe Garden and Estate. These are projects which will be seen as exemplars for the entire organisation, showing how to look at the potential of properties and plan for their successful future in a whole new way.

Professor Peter Higgs Nobel Prize Laureate – Sauna licensing consultation – Lunchtime concert – Edinburgh Reads : Rugby Internationalists lost in WWI – It’s a Wonderful Life…in Balerno and elsewhere…

Yesterday was a big day that mattered…..

Professor Peter Higgs of University of Edinburgh was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physics along with Professor Francois Englert of the Free University of Brussels.

Here is the Professor being interviewed after the ceremony.

The University is taking every means possible to recognise Professor Higgs’ achievement and to build on the reputation of the university as a place to study all aspects of physics as is evident from its website:-

“It has welcomed the recent award of £10.7 million from the UK Treasury to create a Higgs Centre for Innovation.

The Centre will be based at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s UK Astronomy Technology Centre, at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.

Also, a dedicated home for the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics is to be established at the University’s King’s Buildings campus.

The Centre was created in 2012, following confirmation of the existence of the Higgs boson particle.”

***

The council need your views if you have any on the licensing of saunas and health and fitness parlours before 15 December 2013.

The Council currently defines Health and Fitness establishments, including premises providing saunas and massages, as places of public entertainment. The Council has historically licensed these premises as a risk reduction approach to minimise harm, however recent police reports have indicated that this approach is no longer proving to be effective.

It is therefore proposed that:

A) Saunas and massage parlours be removed from public entertainment licensing;
B) Health and fitness parlours be removed from public entertainment licensing; and
C) Gymnasia would be kept.

The impact of this proposal would be that premises in A and B would continue to operate and would be subject to general enforcement activity through Trading Standards and Public Health powers. Any criminal or illegal activity would be a matter for Police Scotland to address.

It is further proposed that work be taken forward with NHS, Police and other partner agencies to provide support and assistance to anyone working within these establishments.

Please fill in our online survey to give us your views on the proposed changes. You will also be given the opportunity to provide your contact details, to allow us to keep you informed on the outcome of this consultation. The survey will run until 15 December 2013.

More information on the consultation here.

***

Today at 12.15pm there is a Lunchtime Concert at St Giles.

Very Wednesday Music
Will Pickvance (piano) and Balazs Hermann (double bass) with their popular Wednesday lunchtime concert of music and banter.
Improvised around topical music motifs, audience requests and special guests, performances are enjoyed by locals and tourists of all ages.

***

None of the other Rugby playing countries fighting in WW1 lost as many internationalists as Scotland. Their courage, teamwork and leadership were transferred from the field of play to the field of battle. Talk by Alistair McEwen at the George Washington Browne Room, Edinburgh Central Library George IV Bridge EH1 1EG

Tonight from 18:30 to 19:30

***

It’s a Wonderful Life is showing in Balerno on the Village Screen on 21 December 2013. Ticket details here.

It is also showing at the Cameo on 22, 23 and 24 December….. Ticket details here. And it is on at the Filmhouse between 13 & 24 December. Ticket details here.

Unmissable Christmassy, gooey, feel good festive fare….

After Pat Fenlon’s Hibs side played Celtic at Easter Road earlier this season, a raging Neil Lennon described Hibs tackling as ‘shocking’ and one in particular by Rowan Vine as ‘rugby-esque’, before suggesting reprisals when the teams met again.

As he spoke, Hibs’ defender Michael Nelson was heading to hospital with a fractured cheekbone which still requires him to wear a protective mask and Vine was composing his response on twitter resulting in a censure from the SFA.

The pair are due to meet again on Saturday at Parkhead, but Terry Butcher insists that the past is in the past and the ill feeling has been forgotten by both teams:

He said: “We have moved on from that. I certainly think Neil has and I know we have as well – although, whether Michael Nelson has, I am not too sure. No, that is history. It happened before my time. We watched the game and we saw what happened as well as the aftermath of that but I think you have got to be competitive against Celtic and you have got to be strong.

“I think the game itself was a very competitive one, especially when Hibs were 1-0 up. They had a lead to protect and Celtic threw everything at them and eventually got the equaliser. “When you are fighting for a victory then, yes, you are going to give that bit extra to protect that goal lead.

“I can see how it happened. I don’t think it was over the top. It was just the players trying to protect that lead and make sure that Celtic didn’t score.

“I would have loved to have played in that game myself. It is one I would have relished and I am sure Neil [Lennon] would have liked that as well. Sometimes it is Scottish football and British football at its best when there is no quarter asked and none given between two sides.”

Celtic are of course on top form having thrashed Hearts 7-0 at Tynecastle then scoring five without reply against Motherwell at Fir Park, so Butcher knows that his players will have to be at their best of they are to take anything from the game.

He continued: “We have to fight our corner and we have been stronger, physically as well as mentally, since we have been here. We want to improve and we have to be that way physically and mentally on Saturday anyway. As long as we can compete fairly in challenges then I will be happy.”

“We are going into the lion’s den, into the cauldron. I have been there with Caley Thistle this season and that was 2-2. We want to be prepared for any challenge that Celtic throw at us, combat that and then see how we go.

“It would be very brave to really have a go at Celtic and the team we have is the lowest scoring in the Premiership so, from that point of view. Against Celtic, you have to be a little bit tight.

“It can hurt your morale and it isn’t nice if it affects your goal difference as well. Ours is not particularly good at the moment but, if we can get a nice, solid performance against them, then it would be good coming back from Parkhead knowing the boys did the best they could. And, who knows…What the boys have shown me is resilience and a spirit – there is more steel about the team. That has to come to the fore on Saturday and I am confident that it will.

“Since I have been here, they have shown tremendous resilience and toughness. They know what to expect. I asked those who had won at Parkhead to put their hands up and quite a few did, me and Maurice included.

“They have good memories and victories and good performances and as a footballer, you tend to hang onto those.

Edinburgh’s leading resettlement charity is calling on City residents to dig deep this Christmas to ensure previously homeless families can have a ‘HO-t, HO-t, HO-t’ meal.

Fresh Start ignited its annual Cookers for Christmas appeal yesterday and this year is calling on 2,400 Capital residents to donate just £5 to help the charity provide cookers for 150 families and individuals.

The charity needs less than 1% of Edinburgh residents to donate just £5 to its annual Cookers for Christmas Appeal to ensure it meets last year’s total.

Keith Robertson, Managing Director at Fresh Start, said: “Help make someone’s Christmas.  If one if every 200 people in Edinburgh donated just £5 to our appeal, we’d be able to provide cookers for 150 families.

“This year, thanks to our new cookers re-use project, we’ll be able to help more people than ever before – but we’re only able to do this with your help.”

He added: “Dickensian as it may sound there will be families and individuals in Edinburgh this Christmas who sit down to a cold Christmas dinner. For families who have recently been housed, a cooker is often too expensive. But with your help we can ensure some of those households don’t have to sit down to a cold meal again.”

The charity’s new innovative Cooker re-use service means it will be able to help many more people than in previous years. Historically the Cookers for Christmas donations have used to buy new cookers but Fresh Start have opened a new service – The Food Station.

The Food Station hosts a new Electrical Workshop where the charity can now test donated cookers which will be passed onto clients, meaning it can increase the number of people it can help.

The Food Station is a wider project aimed at addressing health inequalities, with new Food Packs being prepared there, cooking and budgeting classes, and an allotment to provide food for the cooking classes.

Mr Robertson added: “Help make someone’s Christmas by donating on our Fresh Start Cookers for Christmas Just Giving Page, and spread the word through social media using #cookersforchristmas”

To donate visit Fresh Start’s Just Giving Page – http://www.justgiving.com/Fresh-Start-Cookers-for-Christmas-2013

The Edinburgh Reporter is very pleased to be bringing you a live event on 16 December when we will run a live Q & A with Edinburgh’s Police Commander Mark Williams.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams joined Lothian and Borders Police in 1993.

In 1996, he was promoted to Sergeant at Wester Hailes and then in 1999, he moved to Penicuik as Inspector before moving on to force headquarters where he undertook a number of departmental roles.

Mark was promoted to Chief Inspector and served as staff officer to the Chief Constable before being posted to Corstorphine as the officer in charge of West Edinburgh.

As a Superintendent he held roles in the Force Communications Centre and was the City Centre Commander.

In February 2010 he was promoted to Chief Superintendent with responsibility for East and Mid-Lothian.

Mark is now Local Police Commander of the Edinburgh City Division within Police Scotland.

You can join in by emailing us questions now theedinburghreporter@gmail.com or ask your questions live by Twitter @Edinreporter using the hashtag #askthecommander or sending in your comments on our liveblog below. You will find this liveblog ready to roll from about 5.30pm on 16 December 2013 when Chief Superintendent Williams will be at his keyboard ready to answer any concerns or questions you may have about policing in the city.

Please remember this is not a way to report crime and we also cannot comment on active proceedings where someone has already been charged or arrested, but Chief Superintendent Williams will be happy to answer questions on any other matter involving Police Scotland in your area of the city.

Edinburgh Dungeon does Dickens this Christmas…..with ghosts!

Reviving a Christmas classic, the Edinburgh Dungeon is rewinding the clock to 1843 to bring one of the most iconic Festive tales to life with their own inimitable take on storytelling in the new Christmas show.

The Ghost of Christmas: A Dungeon Christmas Carol is set to take visitors back in time to a murky Dickensian street, home to one Ebenezer Scrooge. Leaving the season of goodwill behind, visitors will be drawn in to an altogether spookier tale packed with history and hilarity.

Hosted by a Christmas Spirit the show will introduce the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and the role they played in the old miser Scrooge’s night of revelations, leaving visitors with very important lesson from the spirits.

Johnny Campbell, General Manager at the Edinburgh Dungeon said: “Christmas is full of tradition and Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a well-loved classic. Of course, it wouldn’t be the Edinburgh Dungeon without a twist in the tale so visitors can expect a few frights and thrills along the way.”

This year the Dungeon is breaking from the norm to embrace all things Festive; the usually dingy corridors will have a merry makeover with presents scattered around, Christmas carol parodies will ring throughout and a quirky Christmas tree complete with festive Dungeon baubles will stand resplendent in the Shop of Horrors – the perfect pit-stop for picking up stocking fillers! The Dungeon is also one of 100 local business and attractions taking part on the Decorate Edinburgh Christmas tree trail.

The ‘The Ghost of Christmas: A Dungeon Christmas Carol’ show is all part of the unforgettable journey delivered at Scotland’s top attraction for scary fun. A host of rogues and rascals lead visitors through 1000 years of the country’s darker history, with non-stop action and hilarity delivered by 11 live-actor shows, state of the art special effects, 360º theatrical sets and two heart stopping rides during the 80 minute tour.

The new show has just launched and tours will be running from 11am till 4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-5pm at weekends. Please see the website for special opening hours during the holidays. The Dungeon is only closed on Christmas Day! For more information and tickets visit the website.