This week’s photo is from Col Walder, who visited the Nomad’s tent recently to see the weaving exhibiton pioneered by Adil Iqbal.

Exhibition runs from 23rd November – 23rd December 2013 at The Nomad’s Tent.

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

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

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

Our brand new website launched yesterday, and over the coming months we plan to add new features! Visit http://www.stockbridgephotograhyclub.co.uk for more information

Submitted by Stockbridge Photography Club

Paths for All – the charity that promotes everyday walking in Scotland – is aiming to inspire people across the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) area to take part in ‘active travel’ by sharing examples of excellence from across the region and beyond.

Active travel is about walking and cycling for everyday short journeys. It helps improve quality of life and quality of place, bringing multiple benefits to people and the environment.

The Scottish Gas workplace cycling improvement programme focused on improving facilities, lockers, changing rooms, cycle security, showers and hairdryers to make it easier and more appealing for employees to cycle to work.  The initiative also hosted alternative travel to work days and offered advice on routes, safety and Dr Bike sessions to get people back on the road.

The project achieved Scotland’s best ‘Cycle Friendly Employer’ award in 2011 and resulted in significantly more cyclists at the company, improving employee health and wellbeing.

On average only 1% of all trips in Scotland are currently made by bike and 23% are made on foot.  Scotland’s roads are dominated by cars with 64% of all trips being made by vehicles.  Over 50% of all driven journeys in Scotland are less than 5km, and 26% are less than 2km, underlining a significant opportunity for walking and cycling to become the most sustainable forms of transport.

Sixteen organisations across Scotland, from community based projects to workplaces, including Scottish Gas, have already invested in active travel programmes and are experiencing the benefits.

Paths for All wants to encourage communities and employers across the CSGN area to follow in the footsteps of these organisations and has developed case studies highlighting this best practice. The case studies have been produced with financial support from Scottish Natural Heritage.

By opting for everyday walking and cycling, people can increase their physical activity, leading to improved health and well-being and helping to tackle the obesity epidemic facing Scotland today.  Active travel also helps to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Ian Findlay, Chief Officer of Paths for All, said:  “Our vision is for walking and cycling to be the natural choice for short journeys, creating a healthy, socially inclusive, economically vibrant, environmentally friendly Scotland.

“We’ve put together a range of examples showcasing public sector organisations, groups and businesses which are leading the way in creating unique ideas to promote active travel. Interventions include street maintenance and design, path improvements, signage, marketing campaigns, bike loans, safety improvements and cycle training. There’s a great variety of things people can do to get involved.”

Keith Geddes, Chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Partnership Board, added: “Local community groups and employers across the central belt are in a powerful position to initiate active travel schemes to improve the well-being and quality of life of local residents and employees, enabling them to profit economically in the face of rising fuel prices, whilst benefiting the environment at the same time through a reduction in carbon emissions.

“Scottish Gas in Edinburgh is an excellent example of a workplace initiative using an innovative approach to inspire people to change their travel habits.”

For further information and to view the full range of active travel case studies, please visit

Staff and members at Leith Victoria Swimming Centre have pedalled their way to raising almost £1K for a cancer charity, after completing a three hour RPMathon.

Fans of the hugely popular cycling workout RPM were keen to support the fundraiser for MacMillan Cancer Research.

The team at Leith Victoria decided to hold the RPMathon following the success of a previous event, which was held in memory of a popular member who was helped by the charity.

Mari Asher, Membership Advisor at Leith Victoria, said the team felt they wanted to do something to support MacMillan Cancer Research after learning about the important work they do and in honour of a member who had loved the RPM classes.

After advertising the event in the venue, members flocked to support the challenge.

Mari said: “I have been blown away by the enthusiasm of members. It was a great day and everybody just went for it.

“Three hours of RPM was hard work but huge fun and the atmosphere was brilliant. We are thrilled to have been able to do something to support a very worthwhile charity like MacMillan Cancer Research.”

Leith Victoria Swimming Centre, which is run by not-for-profit company Edinburgh Leisure, holds a multitude of popular RPM classes in its dedicated 20-bike studio.

Mari said the workout aids weight loss and improves stamina, and has proven a hit with Edinburgh Leisure members.

Three staff members and 18 members completed the RPMathon on Saturday, raising £950 to date.

Donations are continuing to come in and anyone who would like to show support is invited to donate at www.justgiving.com/LeithVictoria

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

The St Patrick’s branch of the Hibernian Supporters’ Club have invited all Hibs’ fans to attend a ceremony to unveil a gravestone in honour of former manager Dan McMichael, ahead of Saturday’s game against Partick Thistle.

The ceremony will take place at 11.30am in the Eastern Cemetery behind the Famous Five Stand, and Hibs’ legend Pat Stanton will do the honours.

New manager Terry Butcher has confirmed that he will be attending the event along with members of the board and the McMichael family.

Dan McMichael played a special role in the history of Hibernian Football Club, and many fans were saddened when it was discovered that he had been buried in an unmarked grave in the cemetery.

A spokesman for the St Pat’s said: “We are pleased to be able to announce that we have taken delivery of a magnificent headstone for the legendary Dan McMichael, who held office as Manager, Secretary and Treasurer of our great club. Dan was the last Hibernian Manager to lift the Scottish Cup in 1902 and Scottish League title 1902/3 season and although buried in the Eastern Cemetery, a stone’s throw away from The Holy Ground, it is a sad fact that Dan’s resting place has until now been unmarked, with no gravestone or inscription to him or his unique service to the Club. St. Patrick’s Branch of the Hibernian Supporters Association working hard with Hibernian supporters from near and far will now rectify this. It is only through the generosity of Hibernian fans that this has been made possible.

“St Pat’s wish to invite all Hibernian Supporters to join us, along with members of the Hibernian F.C. Board, the Hibernian Supporters Association and the McMichael Family, to this event. St. Patrick’s Branch Patron and modern day legend Patrick Gordon Stanton will unveil this stone in honour of Dan. The ceremony will take place in the Eastern Cemetery, Easter Rd, on Saturday 7th December at 11.30 am, prior to the home game against Patrick Thistle. Please look out for more details on here, the Hibernian F.C and St. Pat’s websites and make this a real Hibernian family celebratory occasion.”

Born in Ireland in 1865, Dan was a ship’s carpenter to trade. He moved to Edinburgh in the mid-1890s where lived with his brother-in-law, James ‘Judge’ Murphy. Although he had never played professional football, Dan had been a renowned sprinter in his younger day.

Described as a ‘tall, serious-looking man with a bushy moustache who was never known to speak harshly or ungenerously to anyone, Dan joined Hibs a few years later and filled every role from secretary to treasurer, manager to physio, with the highlight being that 1-0 win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final which Dan sportingly agreed would be played at Parkhead following a disaster at Ibrox which claimed the lives of 18 supporters at a Scotland v England game a few weeks previously.

Dan’s Hibs then won the Glasgow Charity Cup beating Celtic 6-2 which meant that the Easter Road Trophy Room held four pieces of silverware, including the Rosebery Cup and the East of Scotland Cup. The following season Hibs won the League Title for the first time, finishing six points ahead of nearest rivals Dundee.

Dan became club secretary for a short spell, but returned to lead the club for a further 15 years, after his replacement Phil Kelso left to join Arsenal.

As well as being manager, Dan turned his hand to anything and did odd jobs around the ground when his office commitments finished. One day an English journalist visited Easter Road in search of material for an article, and he spotted what he assumed to be the groundsman painting the goalposts. When he asked where he could find Dan McMichael, the reporter was astounded when the ‘groundsman’ replied that he was talking to him.

Whilst he kept the club in a prominent position, especially during the war, Celtic had overtaken Hibs as the preferred club of the Irish community in Scotland.

The two rivals met again in the 1914 Scottish Cup Final, but on this occasion it was Celtic who emerged triumphant, winning 4-1 after a replay, although accounts of the first game suggested that Hibs had been on top and deserved to win.

By the end of the war, Hibs finances were in a sorry state, and the Glasgow based media took great delight in making fun of the faded and worn Hibs jerseys which looked more yellow than green.  Their performances were such that an Easter Road chip shop owner, Jock Ward, had taken to offering fans free fish suppers if the team won at home. His profits were safe as the campaign saw just three win in 19 matches.

Dan’s story ended tragically in 1919 when he was one of 100 million victims worldwide of Spanish flu possibly having picked up the infection working in the docks at Leith. He collapsed on his way home from Brockville on February 1, 1919, after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

Taken home to be with his wife, Jane at their house at 187 Easter Road,  he was confined to bed, where he died peacefully five days later. His funeral was well attended and Hibs directors paid for a wreath in the shape of a broken harp, reflecting the Irish heritage of the manager and the club.

Dan’s football philosophy would go down well at Easter Road today, as he was once quoted as saying “I don’t need money to bring stars to Easter Road. Hibs bring out their own stars.”

The Edinburgh Reporter will also be at the ceremony and an update on proceedings will appear next week.

Fatou will be joined by fellow graduate Katie Moore in presenting to health professionals at the event which aims to create understanding about the issue. The seminar has been organised by Dignity Alert & Research Forum (DARF) in partnership with QMU and will include a panel discussion from FGM experts including Oonagh O’Brien, Lecturer in International Health at Queen Margaret University,  Mukami McCrum, ex-Policy Officer for Gender & LGBT Equality & Violence against Women, and DARF founder Dr Monica Mhoja.

FGM involves the full or partial removal of young girls’ genitals. Outlawed in the UK since 1985 this hidden crime is a child protection issue in Scotland where2403 girls were born to mothers from FGM practising countries between 1997 and 2011, according to the BBC report “The Investigation: Cutting Love” aired on BBC Radio Scotland on 17 November 2013.

Commenting on the seminar, Fatou Baldeh, who now works for DARF, said; “Health professionals need to flag up the issue to the authorities if Scotland is serious about tackling this issue. We hope to raise awareness of FGM and the fact that young girls are suffering terribly as a result of the practice right here in Scotland. The legislation is in place but we need to do more to put a stop to the pain and distress these children endure.”

FGM in Scotland: why professionals need to understand the issue is a free event on 5th December 2013 from 6 PM to 9 PM at Thomson’s Land, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ. To register email dignityalert@Hotmail.co.uk.  For information on the work of QMU’s International Health MSc programme contact www.qmu.ac.uk/iihd or e mail iihd@qmu.ac.uk

It was once described as mother’s ruin, but gin is back and turning into the country’s most sophisticated spirit. How fitting, therefore, that husband and wife team Steve and Viv Muir have fulfilled a long-held ambition by setting up a gin micro-distillery (NB Distillery Ltd) in their home town of North Berwick and launching their very own brand of handcrafted premium gin.

NB Gin has been made with carefully sourced ingredients and using the best techniques to create a premium quality product. It’s made from pure British grain spirit and a combination of eight botanicals, all of which have been meticulously selected to produce a deep and balanced flavour. The gin is stilled, blended, bottled and labelled by hand in North Berwick in very small batches, to ensure that every bottle is of the highest quality. The still itself was custom built in London and installed in North Berwick by the oldest makers in the world, John Dore & Co, their first gin still being made in the early 1800s.

Since its launch in October at Lockett Bros in North Berwick, there has been overwhelming demand for NB Gin from both on-trade and off-trade outlets. In Edinburgh alone it’s been snapped up by Vino Wines, Royal Mile Whiskies, Drinkmonger, The Cork and Cask and The Fine Wine Company, and it’s being trialled at a number of bars across the capital, including Juniper, a new bar on Edinburgh’s Princes Street, and One Square in the city’s Festival Square. It’s also being sold, served or trialled at a number of other shops, bars, hotels and restaurants across the country.

More than 1000 bottles of NB Gin have already been sold and it boasts more than 40 trade customers spanning Scotland, northern England and London. NB Gin is performing well in gin tastings, coming ahead of all the major brands in feedback from customers. And the company has been approached by an exporter who is interested in distributing the new spirit overseas.

Steve Muir says: “Gin is making a comeback, but it’s very different this time round. Consumers are drinking less but are more discerning about quality and fortunately, that’s what our product is all about. NB Gin is unashamedly traditional, but provides a balanced flavour and strength which is not overly complicated.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our new gin, and our initial sales targets have been more than surpassed. We’re being actively contacted by customers who have heard about NB Gin and want to try it or to stock it. We honestly couldn’t have hoped for a better response.”

Industry figures show just how much sales at the quality end of the market are growing. According to data from Nielsen, the consumer analysts, gin production in Britain has grown by 23 per cent in a decade, and at the premium end, sales increased by 18 per cent between 2007 and 2012.

And according to recent media reports, many super-premium offerings are reporting annual sales increases of up to 48 per cent.

As part of their product development process, Steve and Viv engaged the expert services of Charles Maxwell at Thames Distillers in London, whose family has been distilling gin for more than 300 years. Together with his head of quality control, Gema Zaragoza, they agreed to be part of the official tasting committee for NB Gin and concluded that it was “a fine gin that was extremely likeable”. High praise indeed from the industry experts, and a fantastic endorsement from a company which produces more than 40 gins for 30 brands.

Viv Muir adds: “NB Gin has been a long time in the making, and thankfully it’s a very good time for us to be entering the market. But the most exciting part is that we have launched it in our home town. The support has been fantastic and there’s been a bit of a buzz about our gin being produced locally, which people really like. We hope that this is just the start. There are no boundaries to our geographical reach, so we look forward to what the future holds for us. It’s been a labour of love to ensure that we never compromise on quality, but a fantastic one.”

Hundreds are expected to turn out tonight to witness a piece of history when the first tram for more than 57 years will travel along the city’s famous Princes Street, however anyone hoping for a lift could be in for a long wait.

At 11pm, one of the new trams will start at Haymarket then travel at walking speed, along West Maitland Street then Shandwick Place before reaching Princes Street as part of a testing process ahead of the go-live date next May.

The trams will be accompanied by engineers and will undergo a number of checks as they travel the 1.7 mile route.

The testing will end around 4am and motorists have been advised to expect delays in the area.

As testing progresses over the coming weeks the frequency and speed of trams will increase, though prior to the New Year there are likely to be very few runs.

Former Hibs fan, player, captain and manager John ‘Yogi’ Hughes has beaten off competition from former team-mate Paul Hartley and ex Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels to land the manager’s job at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Hughes was unveiled at a press conference at 11am today where he said: “I’ve got big shoes to fill in Terry Butcher’s. I’ve met the players and told them that it’s business as usual. Terry and Maurice did a wonderful job at this club. The position that they are in might have scared one or two people, but it excites me and I feel that I have the experience and personality to bring success to the club.

“I’m delighted to get back (into football) and the spirit in this dressing room that Terry has built up is fantastic. They are proud of always having the underdog tag and that creates a siege mentality and if I can match the lofty heights that Terry Butcher did at this club then I am doing a right good job.

“I’ve been a manager for 11 years and have great experience of Scottish football and have a knowledge of the English game and bringing up one or two players, exactly what Terry has done.

“I like to see the game played as total football and this team play good football in the right areas and I’ve said that to the players, it’s business as usual. In two weeks time if someone says to the chairman, ‘How’s it going?’ and you wouldn’t think there has been a change then I will have done my job.

“In football you’re only as good as your last result so we have to keep our feet on the ground, but Terry has built the foundations for me to come in here and have success and hopefully I can carry that on.”

Hughes will take on a side currently second in the league and still competing in both cup competitions having won five consecutive matches. Inverness face Hearts in the League Cup semi-finals at Easter Road on 2 February before facing Clyde or Stranraer in the Scottish Cup the following week. His first game in charge will be at St Mirren Park on Saturday.

Former Inverness manager and current Hibs boss Terry Butcher sent his best wishes saying: “It is a great club for him. He is a big guy and should fit my chair well. There is a big chair waiting for him. He is a lovely guy and, if it is Yogi, then I wish him well. It is a smashing club to take charge of there, there are no problems, no pressure and it will tick along nicely because the dressing room is really tight.”

Hibs skipper Liam Craig also congratulated his former boss: “ A lot of people thought we had a fall out after I left Falkirk, but I’ve said on many occasions that I’m not silly enough to fall out with Yogi. He was great for my career, obviously he gave me my first professional contract and whenever I see him now, I get on great with him and if he is back in the game then great.”

Born and brought up in Leith, Hibs fan Hughes started his playing career in junior football with Newtongrange Star before moving to Berwick Rangers under Jim Jeffries.  After a spell up front, he caught the eye of Swansea City where he played for a year before returning to Scotland with Falkirk. After over 100 games at Brockville, he signed for Celtic then moved to his beloved Hibs.

His ‘never say die’ attitude made him a favourite with the Hibs fans however he was unable to prevent the ream being relegated in 1998. He bounced back the following season and captained the side to the First Division title then helped Hibs to a top six finish.

His Easter Road career came to an end when he was released by Alex McLeish, but the Hibs fans hadn’t seen the last of the big defender as he led Ayr United to the League Cup Final, beating the Easter Road side in the semi-final at Hampden en route.

His managing career started with Falkirk whom he kept in the SPL as well as reaching the Scottish Cup Final before he returned to Easter Road, where he guided Hibs to fourth place and a European spot, bringing in quality players such as Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller.

Injuries and forced transfers hampered his time at Easter Road however and a poor start to the following season saw him replaced by Colin Calderwood.

His next move was to Hartlepool he earned a Manger of the Month award after three straight wins, but despite this the club were eventually relegated and he was sacked.

Police in Edinburgh are urging the public to ensure they keep their belongings and goods safe while out within the city centre during the festive period.

As part of Operation Astrodome, officers will continue to provide a high-visibility police presence in busy areas of Edinburgh to detect and deter criminal activity.

Officers will also engage with the public to offer crime prevention advice, particularly around safeguarding valuables while out shopping, or enjoying the Christmas and New Year celebrations in town.

Today, police will speak with shoppers and retailers within the city centre at over 100 premises and locations.

Leaflets will be handed out advising people to ‘Hold on to Your Stuff’ and make sure items such as handbags, purses, wallets and any purchased goods are not easily accessible to other people or left unattended.

The materials are translated into a range of languages and are aimed at ensuring anyone visiting the Capital’s many stores, pubs, clubs and restaurants over the holiday season does not become a victim of acquisitive crime.

Posters highlighting the “Hold Onto Your Stuff” message are being displayed throughout popular retail destinations as of today. However, anyone wishing further information on keeping their possessions safe can contact Police Scotland through a variety of channels.

These posters are already on display within all stalls at the Edinburgh’s Christmas markets on Princes Street and St Andrews Square and local policing teams are supporting stewarding and security staff with uniformed and plain-clothes officers.

Inspector Alun Williams said: “With only three weeks left until Christmas, the city centre continues to get busier and busier, with thousands of people coming out to shop and enjoy Edinburgh’s festive celebrations.

“Officers will be out on foot and bicycle patrols during the Festival to speak with the public and distribute crime prevention leaflets, which provide guidance on how to protect their belongings.

“These leaflets are translated into a number of different languages and will be distributed across a number of popular destinations in Edinburgh to maximise awareness of this issue.

“We are also engaging with the business community who will display our ‘Hold Onto Your Stuff’ posters, which assists us in providing the city centre community with vital crime prevention advice.

“Those wishing more information on safeguarding their property over Christmas and New Year can also speak with their local policing team or by following our Twitter accounts @EdinburghPolice, @EdinCityPolice and by using #OpAstrodome.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended a report of smoke coming from the basement of the Bar Napoli in the city centre yesterday, and one of our readers was on hand to photograph the incident.

Thankfully the cause of the smoke was quickly identified and no-one was injured.

A spokesperson for the service told the Edinburgh Reporter: We received a call at 11.51am to the Bar Napoli in Hanover Street regarding smoke in the basement.

“Crews from Macdonald Road, Tollcross and Marionville attended and used a Thermal imaging camera to detect the source of the smoke which was a faulty light in the ladies toilet.

“An electrician was then called out.”

Two women have been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act after police in Edinburgh recovered Class A drugs from an address in the west of the city.

Officers carried out a search of a property in Hailesland Gardens on Tuesday morning and seized £2,100 worth of heroin.

The pair aged 32 and 37 are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Wednesday 4th December).

Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness said: “Drugs can have a devastating impact on our communities and as a result of police enquiries, we were able to recover this heroin before it could be distributed on our streets.

“We have listened to our communities and will continue to target serious organised crime in Edinburgh.

“The public play a vital role in helping us take drugs off our streets by coming forward and providing us with information.

“I would urge anyone wishing to report drug crime, or associated offences in their local area to contact us immediately.”

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

Police officers investigating a series of fires in the Portobello area have arrested and charged a 16 year old male.

The fires occurred between Sunday 1 December and Monday 2 December in Bath Street, Kings Place and Ramsay Place,

A number of flats were evacuated although no-one was injured.

He is scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Thursday).

Hibs boss Terry Butcher has confirmed that the touchline altercation with has been ‘put to bed’ after the youngster apologised for his behaviour at the end of the game against Ross County on Saturday. With seconds remaining, Butcher substituted Caldwell who had only been on the pitch for 13 minutes, much to the annoyance of the striker who refused to listen to his explanation.

Speaking at the club’s training centre, Butcher said: “I spoke to Ross, we had a good chat today, and he apologised and knew he had done wrong and we’re moving forward together. He is a good kid and he has a good future at Hibernian. I read how I was going to read him the riot act and I was going to do this and that. It was a simple case of having a chat and putting it to bed. I have two sofas in my office and I sat on one couch and he sat on the other and we had a good chat. If anything, that has brought us even closer together.

“Sometimes you cannot get your second wind on a pitch and there are times when you have to make decisions like that and it is not a nice decision to make. You do not like to substitute the sub and it is history now and we will learn from it. Ross accepted my explanation as he is a clever boy and he is just so desperate and keen to play for Hibs.”

Hibs will take on Raith Rovers in the next round of the competition, and Butcher insisted that the Championship team will be no pushovers, having played against them in a pre-season friendly with Inverness. He continued: “We will be a different team when we play them; it’ll be after the transfer window so we’ll see how many we get in. I don’t know if we will get any, but we will be different because we will have had a lot of games under our belts. With the progress we’ve been making we’d hope to be a better team all round.

“We played them at Inverness in pre-season and they murdered us for an hour in a 2-2 draw. It’s another one of my clubs. Jimmy Nicholl got me back in and I loved the club, it’s great.”

Butcher also revealed that former captain James McPake will undergo surgery on his long standing back injury, and praised the big defenders attitude. He said: “He needs this operation. He is 29 now and has a young baby and is looking to get his career back on track. He has had quite a few injections this season and it has come back to the scenario where an operation is hopefully going to sort things out and he can get back to action next year and we are looking forward to that very much.

“He has been a very good captain for Hibernian Football Club. Now he is not the captain and Liam Craig is, he has helped Liam out enormously with tasks and what to do. He has been fantastic.”

Christmas light switch on in Corstorphine tonight – Calling all blood donors – Gone with the Wind – Tonight at Drummond CHS – Hot Dub Time Machine

Corstorphine Christmas Tree Switch On at 6.30pm.
“Come and join us on the village green beside Corstorphine Old Parish Church, Kirk Loan to welcome in the festive season with the lighting of the Corstorphine community Christmas tree and a visit from a special guest on his sleigh.”

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Today you can give blood at Northfield Community Centre,  Northfield Road, EH8 7PP

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The Cameo is screening Gone with the Wind on 9 December 2013.  How fabulous to see this iconic movie on the big screen!

More details and get your tickets here.

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The Winter Warmer Concert will take place on Wednesday 4th December at 5.45pm, to start at 6pm. Tickets are on sale from the school office

— Drummond CHS (@Drummond_CHS) November 21, 2013

 

 

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Tonight at Summerhall there is the first of a series of Hot Dub Time Machine, all part of Edinburgh’s Christmas festivities.  Booking details here on Edinburgh’s Christmas website but it seems that most Saturday events may already have been sold out – get on to the website or the Facebook page to find out more!

“All aboard Hot Dub Time Machine at Summerhall! DJ Tom Loud presents the
world’s first time-travelling dance party! Travel back in time to 1954,
then boogie back to 2013, with a song for each year powered by YOUR
dancing.

An international festival hit, Hot Dub Time Machine returns to Edinburgh
after a huge sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”

Hibs’ new coach/scout Steve Marsella, the man credited for discovering many of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle players who took the Highland club to the top of the league earlier this season, insists that he has not been given any specific instructions to identify new targets for the January transfer window, as Terry Butcher continues to asses his current squad.

Having said that, the Englishman continues to take in lower league matches in England, driving over 1000 miles per week, so if and when the manager decides that he wants to strengthen a certain position, he will have someone in mind,

Marsella has been a coach for over 20 years with Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, Notts County and Crewe Alexandra as well as working with the SFA and in Iceland. He first worked with Terry Butcher at Brentford before the pair linked up again together – alongside assistant boss Maurice Malpas – at Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2009.

Marsella told the club website: “To be honest, the games you watch down south would be Conference, Conference North, Conference South, League Two, League One and I would see a lot of under 21 games and sometimes you would get bounce games which are played behind closed doors. I’ve not really been looking at the Premier League because of the money the boys are on.

“I’ve travelled between 50-60 thousand miles a year at Inverness but at least now I’ll be missing out the A9 because that could be daunting at this time of year. From here you can get down to the central belt in England in four hours no problem.

“The first thing I look at in a player is ‘Can Hibs afford him?’ There’s no point in looking at players we can’t afford although sometimes you do look at players outwith your price range to see of you can get him on loan.

“At the moment we are not really looking at anyone because everyone is still playing here. The manager’s not told me that he wants this position or that position so I’m just looking at players.

Marsella certainly has an eye for talent and his list of ‘discoveries’ is impressive as he modestly confirmed: “At Crewe we brought John Ruddy in whose doing really well right now at Norwich and Gylfi Sigurdsson who is doing really well at Tottenham.

“At Inverness, Gary Warren came in from Newport County and Marley Watkins from Hereford and both have done a great job up there.

“Billy McKay was League 2 with Northampton and we all know about him, whilst Dean Brill has been absolutely outstanding. He was third choice at Luton Town and now he’s fighting for the first team spot. “I could go on and on, Aaron Doran came from Blackburn Rovers reserves and he’s done really well as well.

“Once they sign the papers, Maurice and Terry make them players, but they have to have something in the first place.

“When you watch the Conference you see boys that are hungry and you think of they come to Inverness they could make it and we’ve been lucky. Sometimes you bring in players that no-one has heard of and they gel.”

Hibs’ defender James McPake will undergo surgery on a recurring back injury.

The former Livingston and Coventry player last played for Hibs in Pat Fenlon’s final game in charge against Hearts in the League Cup, and was sent off near the end.

He was due to start Terry Butcher’s debut match against St Mirren but was forced to withdraw with a back problem.

Butcher told the club website: “James trained two weeks ago and his back flared up again. He was going to have an operation at the end of last season but it was felt perhaps rest over the summer would be good. It hasn’t been the case.”

“He has had quite a few injections this season and it has come back to the scenario where an operation is hopefully going to sort things out and he can get back to action next year.”

“He has been a very good captain for Hibernian Football Club. Now he is not the captain and Liam Craig is, he has helped Liam out enormously with tasks and what to do. He has been fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Thomson is expected to return to training on Thursday after missing the Scottish Cup win at Ross County while fellow midfielder Scott Robertson should be fit for Saturday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Partick Thistle after coming off with a tight hamstring in Dingwall.

Long term injury victim Tim Clancy continued his comeback for the under 20s in the 7-1 win over Dunfermline at the Energy Assets Arena in Livingston.

At the High Court in Glasgow today (Tuesday) 35-year-old James Doran and 49-year-old David Neil were both sentenced to five years and three months in prison after Police Scotland recovered cocaine and amphetamine from an address in Linlithgow last year.

Officers carried out a search of the property in Acredales on the 12th December 2012 and recovered high purity cocaine and amphetamine, which had the potential to realise eight and a half kilos of amphetamine and over three kilos of cocaine from inside.

Equipment used for the cutting of drugs was also found within and taken as part of the police investigation.

The total value for the drugs recovered in around £220,000.

Both men were identified as part of an operation to target serious and organised crime within West Lothian and bring those involved in drug crime to justice.

The pair previously pled guilty to drug offences at the High Court in Edinburgh

Detective Superintendent David Gordon from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit said: “The high purity of the substances seized from the property in Linlithgow indicate that both Doran and Neil were heavily involved in drug supply within the region.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and ensuring drug dealers and organised criminals have no place to hide.

“The search we carried out came as a result of significant investigations and vital intelligence received from the local community.

“Their sentences are testament to the joint commitment from police and the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service in removing serious and organised criminals from our streets and safeguarding our communities from harm.

“The success of our operations are dependent on the support of the public and I would ask that anyone with information relating to ongoing criminal activity in their area contacts Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

 

7 Spey Terrace

Edinburgh

EH7 4PX

Telephone: 0131-550 0895

E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com

3 December 2013

Dear Sir/Madam,

HAYMARKET MISERY

It seems that scaremongering by the pedal cycling minority is now to further inconvenience Edinburghers and in particular those who are mobility challenged.

The closure of the taxi rank at Haymarket will impact those who have difficulty in walking to “nearby” cab ranks.

But if it saves one cyclist…

John Eoin Douglas

As retailers gear up for the busiest shopping weekend of the year, Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, is encouraging people to do what they can to support local firms.

Alison, a member of Holyrood’s economy committee, is backing the Small Business Saturday campaign which is urging the public to shop local on 7 December.

Alison said: “High streets and small businesses across the Lothians are under sustained pressure from the big chains, so it’s important we do what we can to level the playing field. As people gear up for Christmas I’d urge them to consider how their spending decisions affect local firms and their local communities.

“And for those going online I’d encourage seeking out local alternatives. Longer-term I will continue to campaign for greater support for small and micro businesses in Lothian region, both in terms of revitalising our local high streets and improving access to public procurement.”

Police Scotland is appealing for witnesses following a number of deliberate fires within stairwells in Portobello.

Between Sunday 1st December and Monday 2nd December, six incidents were reported to police.

Local officers and the fire service responded to four fires at flat blocks in Bath Street, which all occurred between 4.55pm and 6.50pm on Sunday.

Around 40 minutes later a similar report was made at an address in Kings Place resulting in emergency service attendance.

The following day a further fire was reported within a common stair in Ramsay Place at around 3pm.

On each occasion, the flats had to be evacuated and some were treated for smoke inhalation. However, no one was injured.

Police are now conducting high-visibility patrols throughout Portobello and are urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

Inspector Roddy Hardy said: “Miraculously no residents in any of the addresses affected suffered any injury. However, the consequences could have been far more serious if the fires had prevented people from escaping, or if they had spread further.

“Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in or around these streets on Sunday or Monday is asked to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone who can help us identify those responsible is also asked to get in touch.”

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

Police Scotland have now confirmed the identity of a man who died following a road collision on the City Bypass as Brian Bulloch from Edinburgh.

The 47-year-old was walking on the eastbound carriageway when he was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Insignia at the Straiton Junction on Thursday 28th November.

Mr Bulloch sustained serious injuries and passed away while en route to hospital.

Enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and anyone with information that can assist police with their investigation is asked to come forward immediately.

Scotland’s Paul di Resta might be forced to look elsewhere in order to continue with his motorsport career, as the F1 driver market begins to heat up.

Pastor Maldonado, along with his significant financial backing from Venezuelan oil-company PDVSA, has signed for Lotus, meaning that it is looking increasingly likely that Nico Hülkenberg will make the switch from Sauber to Force India. Hülkenberg, who beat di Resta by 3 points in the World Drivers’ Championship this season, was widely-tipped to make the move to Lotus. However because of the financial difficulties that the Enstone team face, they have opted to sign Maldonado instead, which leaves Hülkenberg free to rejoin his old team Force India.

If this move goes ahead, the second seat alongside the German will be sought after not only by di Resta, but also his 2013 team mate Adrian Sutil and Sergio Perez, who was dropped by McLaren. Di Resta faces a tough challenge, despite outscoring Sutil and being pipped by one point from Perez in the final race of the season. The 27-year-old Scot doesn’t bring a significant sponsorship deal to the table, unlike Perez with Telmex or Sutil with Medion and Capri Sun. In a sport where even the big teams need big money, more and more of the midfield outfits are opting for so-called ‘pay drivers,’ even when there might be a more talented driver available.

If a future in F1 is no longer an option, then di Resta may look at other forms of motorsport to continue his career. His career in DTM (German touring cars) saw him win the 2010 championship, and a return to the series might give the Bathgate-born driver a chance to reinvigorate his career with a view to returning to F1 in the future. IndyCar is also an option, and there have been many rumours surrounding the possibility of di Resta taking the vacant seat at Gnassi Racing after the retirement of his cousin Dario Franchitti.

With Force India owner Vijay Mallya set to wait until the Christmas party to confirm his drivers for the 2014 season, di Resta’s future could be confirmed in the next few weeks. It may be time for the Scot to bid goodbye to F1, at least for the time being, but if he leaves, another series will have picked up a talented and capable driver.

Cristina is  a fully qualified reflexologist who works at Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre.

She is making our readers a Special Christmas Offer – £25 for a 20 minute Neck Back & Shoulder, 20 minute Indian Head Massage or a Reflexology session.

Book Your Christmas voucher today- Valid until end Feb 2014
Cristina’s Reflexology Room @ Muirhouse Millennium (Community Centre)

Phone Cristina on 07564 717023

Submitted by jJim mcGinty

Three men have been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act after police in Edinburgh recovered Class A and B drugs from an address in the west of the city.

Officers carried out a search of a property in Broomhouse Grove on Friday evening and seized £17,500 worth of cocaine along with over £700 of diamorphine and a small quantity of cannabis.

Two of the men, aged 27, and 22 appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday and were remanded in custody, while a 48-year-old appeared in court and was released on bail.

Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness said: “Police Scotland continues to target serious organised crime in Edinburgh and officers have again seized harmful drugs before they could impact upon our communities.

“The public play a vital role in helping us take drugs off our streets by coming forward and providing us with information.

“I would urge anyone wishing to report drug crime, or associated offences in their local area to contact us immediately.”

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

Eileen Murray from Linlithgow, West Lothian, has been crowned a winner in Central Scotland Forest Trust’s (CSFT) Greatest Greenspace Competition 2013.

The retired nursing sister battled it out with her rakes and spades to win the Green Garden category of the eco-contest.  As well as achieving the accolade, Eileen won £100 gardening vouchers to help maintain the green space all year round.

The competition provided aspiring horticulturists across the Central Scotland Forest area with the opportunity to enhance their green credentials and increase the biodiversity of the local area by planting wildflowers in their gardens or allotments.

Eileen has been working on the public gardens at Wateryett in Linlithgow for almost ten years to help create a wonderful greenspace resource and gardening site for local residents.

As well as planting perennial wild flower seeds with local Beavers and Cubs groups to create a diverse array of flowers and provide a wildlife haven, Eileen has been involved in the creation of land art and willow structures to make the garden an attractive focal point for the local community to enjoy.

Eileen Murray said: “I’m thrilled to have been selected as the winner in the Green Garden category of Central Scotland Forest Trust’s competition.  I have been working on the garden for over nine years and it’s nice to be recognised for something that I enjoy and feel passionate about.

“I’ve received fantastic support from West Lothian Council and the local community, and with their help, I plan to continue to develop the garden for the benefit of the environment.”

Simon Rennie, Chief Executive at CSFT, said:  “We’d like to congratulate Eileen Murray for her fantastic entry to our Greatest Greenspace Competition which aimed to engage locals in protecting the environment.

“We received a number of impressive entries to the contest and it is pleasing to see so many people keen to take part and better their local environment.  Eileen Murray’s passion and enthusiasm for gardening and creating a community space is fantastic.”

The other winner in the Greatest Greenspace Competition is Falkirk based Avonbridge Primary School which won the Educational Environment category.

Planning meeting to be webcast tomorrow – Community Workshops with The Fruitmarket Gallery –  After Independence – Speakeasy – Newhailes goes Christmassy

The Development Management Committee will meet in the City Chambers tomorrow and this will be the first time that the proceedings at this committee have been webcast. You can join in here. The Development Management committee has a role in the planning process to approve or refuse certain decisions. Recommendations may be made by the council officials but councillors can refer a particular application to a hearing as they did in the case of the recent application to convert a church in Rose Street to a mega pub. The papers for the last meeting of this committee are here.

***

Free workshops for community groups at the Fruitmarket Gallery.

An idea for your group to be entertained by art.

Two-hour sessions, in your setting and the Gallery. Max 12 places.
Take part in artist-led workshops in your community setting and on a visit to The Fruitmarket Gallery. Based around our latest exhibition, two-hour sessions include making, looking at and talking about art. Visits to your setting introduce themes and activities and help inform the content of the Gallery workshop. Sessions are fun and informal and planned to meet the needs of your group.

Workshops are available for community groups of all ages from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Participants don’t need any prior experience.

For booking enquiries call 0131 226 8186 or email caitlin@fruitmarket.co.uk

***

An event being held in Blackwells this evening hopes to inform you about the independence referendum.

At the height of the Scottish Independence debate, After Independence offers an in-depth and varied exploration of the possibilities for Scotland, from both pro and anti-independence standpoints.

Drawing together over two dozen leading minds on the subject, After Independence offers a comprehensive and balanced analysis of Scotland’s current and prospective political, economic, social and cultural situation.

More details about the event which starts at 6.30pm here. 

***

Edinburgh-based comedienne, Jo Caulfield will convene the Speakeasy at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 10 December 2013.

“A cross section of artists present dramatic and often hilarious storytelling insights into their varied worlds. Featuring Janey Godley, Professor Richard Wiseman, Juliette Burton and many more.”

Booking details here.

***

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in the National Trust for Scotland property at Newhailes near Musselburgh, which is staging several events to celebrate the season.

One of the most popular events is back for a fourth year – the Nature Nippers is especially for the under fives and their parents. On 5 December, those taking part explore the wonderful grounds and enjoy the natural world it offers. Then there’s a chance to make some decorations that can be used to celebrate one of the many lovely trees.

On 7 December, for older children and adults there’s a session making Christmas wreaths – a really seasonal event accompanied by hot a drink and mince pie. A chance to let your imagination run free, and all the tools you need will be provided.

Meanwhile the Newhailes Nature Detectives Club will be active again later in the month – on 14 December they’re holding a seasonal quiz and craft session. If your child is into wildlife, the outdoors or environment then this club is for them with meetings every third Saturday. New members are always welcome. On this occasion as well as the fun knowledge testing there’ll be the creation of some natural festive decorations. Run by the Lothian Ranger Service the club explores the natural world locally and further afield and is a great way to introduce youngsters to the world around them.

Newhailes is a lovely place to visit at this time of year, with its atmospheric grounds; an 18^thCentury designed landscape, which provide wonderful walks. Take one of the paths through acres of shady woodlands and grasslands, and see if you can find the remains of the 18^th century teahouse, and the enchanting and mysterious shell grotto.

Dates and Tickets:

Nature Nippers – 05 December 2013 1000-1100

£3 per child (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Booking essential For more information please call: 0844 493 2124

Or email lothianranger@nts.org.uk

Christmas Wreath Making – 07 December 2013 1000-1200 and 1400-1600

Making £20 Adults and Children (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

For more information please call: 0844 493 2125

Or book online at www.nts.org.uk

Newhailes Nature Detectives Club, Festive Decorations and Christmas Quiz –

14 December 2013 1000-1130.

Annual subscription £15 per child. Booking is essential

For more information please call: 0844 493 2124

On average, we will consume around 6,000 calories (kcal) on Christmas day alone (versus the recommended daily amount of 2,000 kcal for women and 2,500 kcal for men)¹!

Not only that but, over the festive period, which seems to kick off earlier and earlier every year, the average person could consume an extra 500 kcals per day, equating to a weight gain of around 5lb by the time we reach the beginning of the New Year².

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is on hand to highlight some handy tips to ensure the only thing that gets really stuffed this Christmas is the turkey!

The BDA, founded in 1936, is the professional association for registered dieticians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with over 7,000 members.

Forward Plan:  If you’re going to eat out, eat smaller meals in the run up and the next day and cut out any other treats beforehand.  Only open one box of chocolates at a time rather than having five on the go and put unopened boxes away.  Out of sight, out of mind.

Buffet Surfing:  Don’t stalk the buffet table.  If you do indulge, visit only once using a smaller dessert sized plate, avoiding the high saturated fat offerings like sausage rolls and quiche, in favour of fruit, skinless chicken and vegetable crudités.

Office Overload:  Don’t get tempted to hoover up your colleagues Christmas chocolates and other tempting offerings.  Avoid the office communal chocolate/mince pies fest.  Take festive fruit like satsumas into work.

Smart Supermarket:  When going to the supermarket, make a list and stick to it (good advice anytime of the year).  Only buy what you need.  Avoid those aisles of temptation, you know exactly where they are.  If you want some festive snacks, try plain popcorn, pretzels, and vegetable crudités with a yummy low fat dip.

Skin Deep:  Turkey is a great source of protein and a low fat meat.  Most of the fat that is present in a cooked turkey will be found in the skin.  Why not take the skin off before you tuck in?

No Portion Distortion:  At least a third of your dinner plate should be a variety of vegetables, such as unbuttered Brussels sprouts, peas and carrots.  Cook for the shortest length of time possible in the smallest amount of water necessary, steam or microwave to keep all the nutrients in.  Use the veg water for gravy and any leftover veg for a delicious soup.  These make a great contribution to your 5-a-day and they also help fill you up to stop the urge to snack between meals.

Healthy Options.  If you want to go that extra step, try dry roasting potatoes on a non-stick baking sheet or use an oil spray or brush instead of smothering them in goose fat.  You can also make your gravy using vegetable stock instead of meat juices, accompanied by a fruit-based stuffing with bread sauce made with low fat milk.  If using meat stock for gravy, let the fat rise to the top then skim off.

Bottoms Down.  Those who like to indulge in a drink or two, tend to drink more over the Christmas period.  Alcohol is very energy dense (7kcal/g versus 4kcal/g for protein or carbs and 9kcal/g for fat).  Avoid sweet cocktails and creamy liquers.  Try alternating your drink with a glass of water or other calorie-free drinks and if you do enjoy a short with a mixer, stock up on low-calorie mixers and unsweetened fruit juices and beware the home measures and large glasses!

Pie-Eyed.  The average mice pie contains about 250 calories and that’s before it’s covered in cream or brandy butter.  Remove the lid to cut calories.  Christmas is also the time of year when most houses have boxes and boxes of chocolates and biscuits to hand.   While we all like to enjoy the odd treat now and then, balance this with some healthy options, such as satsumas pilled high in a bowl, dried fruit, figs and nuts.  Again, out of sight is out of mind, so put away the biscuits and chocolates.

Speaking about these tips, Sian Porter, consultant dietitian and spokesperson for the BDA, said: “We’re not being killjoys and saying everybody should follow all of these tips, what we are saying is, if you are thinking about your calorie intake over Christmas, these tips may be worth considering.

“Christmas is a time when we all consume a little more than we usually do and that is absolutely fine.  It’s all about the bigger picture and if you are eating a balanced diet in the run-up to Christmas and perhaps in the New Year, you will be fine.  Make sure you have lots of healthy options to eat too, as often treats lose their allure when we’re eating them daily and we can get bored of all the rich food on offer and crave some basic foods like beans on toast or a refreshing fruit salad.

“The British Dietetic Association wishes you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!”

 Super-fast broadband has arrived in Davidson’s Mains, BT announced.

Upgrade hailed by Colin Keir MSP as more than 5,500 local homes and businesses set to benefit from BT’s £2.5 billion roll-out

Around 500 homes and businesses in the Edinburgh community now have access to the high-speed technology – and this figure will increase to more than 5,500 as engineers complete the local upgrade in the weeks ahead.

The BT investment was welcomed by Colin Keir, MSP for Edinburgh Western, who described it as great news for the area.

Mr Keir said: “Better, faster communications boost businesses, helping them grow, and create more jobs. What’s more, local residents can enjoy quicker browsing and downloading at home. This is great news for Davidson’s Mains, and I look forward to fibre being rolled out in other parts of North West Edinburgh.”

 Fibre broadband is now available to around 95,000 city homes and businesses and by the end of Spring 2014 more than 178,000 premises will be able to benefit from BT’s £2.5 billion fibre programme.

Brendan Dick, BT Scotland director, said:- “Our roll-out of fibre broadband continues to spread across Edinburgh, with Davidson’s Mains the latest place to benefit. More than two million homes and businesses across the UK are already using our new fibre network. Davidson’s Mains residents now have the opportunity to join them and find out for themselves why there’s such a buzz about fibre broadband.

“Whatever you’re doing online, you can do it better and faster with fibre. Whether it’s shopping, downloading music and video, watching TV, social networking, studying or researching homework, once you’ve switched to fibre you’ll never look back. Outside the home, it also has huge potential for public services and city businesses.

“Businesses working better with fibre tell us it’s helping them in a wealth of ways, from day to day activities like downloading software, collaborating with clients and moving large data files around to big business decisions like expanding the workforce or introducing better quality IT services at less cost.

 “BT is not just building a national communications network fit for 21st century Britain; we’re doing it at speed, making fibre broadband available to around 80,000 more premises a week.”

He added: “We’ve always said we’d like to work with the public sector to expand the fibre footprint beyond the commercial boundaries. In Scotland we are excited to be doing exactly that through multi-million pound partnerships with the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Broadband Delivery UK, local authorities and others.

“Alongside commercial upgrades, these ambitious projects will see 85 per cent of premises passed by fibre broadband by the end of 2015 and around 95 per cent by the end of 2017.”

BT’s fibre footprint currently passes more than 17 million UK homes and businesses. It’s due to pass two-thirds of UK premises – around 19 million premises – by the end of Spring 2014, at least 18 months ahead of the original timetable.

Openreach, BT’s local network business, is primarily deploying fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) technology, where the fibre runs from the exchange to a local roadside cabinet. In addition to download speeds of up to 80Mbps, FTTC also delivers upload speeds of up to 20Mbps^{2 —} and could deliver even faster speeds in the future.

Openreach has also started to make fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology, where the fibre runs all the way to the home or business, commercially available on demand³ in certain areas where fibre broadband has been deployed, and plans to expand access in due course. FTTP-on-demand offers the top current download speed of 330Mbps.

According to the regulator Ofcom, the current average UK residential broadband download speed is 14.7Mbps.

Fibre broadband at home means everyone in the family can do their own thing online, all at the same time, whether it’s downloading music in minutes or watching catch-up TV; streaming HD or 3D movies in the few minutes it takes to make popcorn; or posting photos and videos to social networking sites in seconds. Fibre improves the quality of online experiences and supports exciting new developments in internet services.

The benefits are also considerable for businesses, which can do much more in far less time. Firms can speed up file and data transfers, collaborate with colleagues and customers on conference or video calls or swap their hardware and expensive software licenses for files, processing power and software from cloud computing. Staff can work as effectively from home as they would in the office.

Unlike other companies, Openreach offers fibre broadband access to all service providers on an open, wholesale basis, underpinning a competitive market. For further information on Openreach’s fibre broadband programme visit www.superfast-openreach.co.uk

Hearts’ goalkeeper Jamie Macdonald has apologised to supporters following the seven goal defeat to Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday. The result was Hearts’ worst home defeat for over 40 years, and Macdonald made a statement on the club website.

He said: “That was as difficult a game as I’ve ever been involved in. I’d just like to apologise to the fans for what happened. It was an embarrassment. We are disappointed for ourselves and for the fans.

“It was a bad day at the office for us and this is probably the most difficult time I’ve had in football. We didn’t do ourselves any favours at the first couple of goals.

“Losing an early goal is the cardinal sin against Celtic. You try to get to 15 minutes and contain them. To be honest, you have to give Celtic a lot of credit. They were phenomenal. If they played like that against anyone they’d have given them a doing.

“We need to bounce back now. That’s the most important thing and we even said that at half-time. We knew we were out of the Scottish Cup but the big thing was to see what the boys were made of and how they would all react.

“You learn a lot about players in these games and we did improve in the second half. We kept our shape better. But it was still one-way traffic and Celtic were fantastic on the day. But the boys have to remember how they feel after this game and make sure they never feel like it again.

“It was a harsh lesson for all the players and especially the young ones but that’s going to happen. It’s character building and it’s now about how we bounce back from this defeat as a team. We’ve had a few losses this season already but today’s result was a different kettle of fish.

“The boys need to take it on board, learn from the mistakes we made and look at how Celtic played – and maybe take something from that. Hopefully we are much improved in the next game.”