Edinburgh Zoo, the largest wildlife attraction in Scotland, and its catering partner Levy Restaurants has been awarded the highly regarded Food for Life Catering Mark, becoming the first zoo in the UK to achieve this accolade.

The Catering Mark, awarded by the Soil Association Scotland, recognises the steps food providers take to ensure they serve the highest-standard of food, using fresh ingredients which are free from undesirable additives, and better for animal welfare.

Edinburgh Zoo was awarded a bronze Catering Mark for the breakfast, lunch and snack menus in the Grasslands, Penguin Coffee Shop, Jungle Food Court Coffee Shop and the staff restaurant. These outlets have met the standards set by the Soil Association, which includes; ensuring at least 75% of the food is freshly prepared onsite, a range of seasonal menus are provided with in-season produce highlighted, and the catering team is supported with skills training in fresh food preparation and the requirements of the Catering Mark.

Levy Restaurants, the sports, leisure and hospitality division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been the official catering provider at Edinburgh Zoo for three years. During this time they have developed a range of catering concepts to ensure the food and drink available provides a point of difference for the popular attraction and supports the team’s focus on achieving the Food for Life Catering Mark. This has included providing Farm Assured meat, working with local suppliers such asMackies ‘s of Scotland, McGhees’s Bakery and Campbells Meat, to source a range of fresh produce, and introducing gluten-free, wholemeal and freshly baked quiche and breads.

Anne Greenlay, general manager for Compass Group at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Achieving the Catering Mark is something that I am really passionate about. This has been a fantastic process for the team and one which reflects the ethos of Edinburgh Zoo and the importance it places on animal welfare. We are continuing to adapt the menus and introduce new products aligned with the Catering Mark criteria, enabling us to really focus on maintaining the award and work towards the next level within the accreditation.”

Laura Stewart, director of Soil Association Scotland said: “We are delighted that Levy Restaurants at Edinburgh Zoo has achieved the bronze Food for Life Catering Mark for some for their food outlets, and we congratulate them on being the first Zoo in the UK to do so. Being one of only a handful of visitor attractions in the UK to hold the Catering Mark, means Levy Restaurants is leading the way in ensuring their food offer is fresh, healthy, seasonal and traceable, free from trans fats and additives, and better for animal welfare.

“I’d like to congratulate Levy Restaurants and Edinburgh Zoo for all of their hard work and dedication in achieving the award, and we look forward to working with the team to extend their award to all dining outlets at the Zoo, and to support in their progression to Silver and Gold Catering Marks in the future.”

Levy Restaurants is an official catering and hospitality provider for prestigious clients from The O2 Arena, Chelsea Football Club, Somerset House and Twickenham Stadium to Liberty in London and the SECC in Glasgow; all of whom have different demographics and business needs. Levy Restaurants creates individually tailored concepts, focusing not only on the food and drink, but the local suppliers used, customer service and the design of the venues.

Edinburgh City Council wins Scotland’s first Public Sector Employer of the Year category.

The Council’s determination to provide positive outcomes for the capital’s young people has resulted in the Edinburgh Guarantee, a city-wide initiative, which offers the opportunity of a positive workplace destination to the city’s school leavers and young people.

The Modern Apprenticeship model allows the Council and partners to recruit school leavers and offers strong vocational training with industry recognised qualifications.

The Council’s apprenticeship programme is also about developing a workforce for the future to ensure the citizens of Edinburgh receive the services they need. A further benefit is that Modern Apprentices bring with them energy and new ways of thinking.

Council apprentices work in business administration, construction, customer services, horticulture, engineering, arboriculture, creative industries and youth work.

In a separate award, the Chief Executive Sue Bruce also won the HR Network Chief Executive of the Year award.

Sue Bruce, Chief Executive, The City of Edinburgh Council, said:- “I am delighted to have been named Chief Executive of the Year at the Hr NETWORK National Awards. Whilst this is a personal recognition, the achievement reflects the talent and hard-work of staff throughout the Council in continually improving services to the people of Edinburgh.

Every member of staff contributes to the culture and performance of the organisation and has played a part in this success.”

Edinburgh man’s epic world record attempt to raise money for Emilie’s Charities

Ultra runner Michael Nowicki may be used to running long distances but he faces his greatest challenge yet when he takes on the Camino de Santiago in May 2014.

Michael hopes to raise funds for Emilie’s Charities through his extreme efforts. Emilie’s Charities supports projects involving under-privileged children and young adults in developing countries.
The Camino de Santiago is a 480 mile mountainous pilgrim route in the North of Spain. Pilgrims usually spend 20 to 30 days covering the scenic route but Michael aims to cover the distance in just eight days. The current record for completing the route is nine days and five hours.

To achieve his goal Michael has to put in hours of intensive distance training, including competing in a series of Scottish ultramarathons, to get his fitness to the point of running around 50 miles per day over eight consecutive days. As part of his gruelling training regime Michael, and some of his running friends, will be running both the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way from 27 March to 30 March – that’s 174 miles over four days.

Ultrarunners are a sociable lot and Michael is extending a warm welcome to any runners that would like to join him for sections of his training runs or even to keep him company at any point along the way during his world record attempt. Anyone who’s interested should get in touch via Facebook  or twitter @caminorun

Michael is particularly keen to raise funds for Emilie’s Charities, he said “As a parent, I love that Emilie’s Charities supports kids who just don’t have all the advantages my own son can take for granted here in Edinburgh; and they spread their support across such a variety of worthwhile projects some of which are quite small so just might not catch the attention of bigger charities.”
To sponsor Michael and help fund projects through Emilie’s Charities, go to his website here.

Founder of Emilie’s Charities,Martin Harris, said:- “‘We are extremely grateful to Michael for choosing Emilie’s Charities as beneficiary of the sponsorship from his epic run and wish him all the best with his world record attempt’
Ends

Emilie’s Charities was set up in memory of Emilie Harris who was tragically killed in a cycling accident in Oxford in 2004. Emilie had recently been elected as Charities Representative for her college, St. Catherine’s, and had previously worked in an orphanage in South America and visited Africa. She was very moved by her experiences where she saw first hand the issues of poor and orphaned children.

Submitted by Angela Barron

Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) and its Venue 150 stage have put Edinburgh Fringe 2014 tickets for top stand-ups Daniel Sloss and Jimeoin on sale in time for Christmas.

News that two of next year’s Fringe comedy hot tickets can be in this year’s Christmas stockings is broken in The Official Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Programme that is freely available throughout the city.

The box office at venue150.com opens on Saturday 16 November 2013 and a discount code in The Official Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Programme is valid through 31 December 2013.

Submitted by John Gerrie

TRIM are the best!  – Professor Higgs to get the Freedom of Edinburgh – Christmas tree goes up today on The Mound – Get ready for the Mini Makers’ Faire in 2014 – Last weekend for Mary Queen of Scots exhibition

News came through late last night that Tenants and Residents in Muirhouse known as TRIM had won a prestigious award at a ceremony held in St Andrews.

Tenant Participation Advisory Service Scotland (TPAS Scotland) had put out a call for nominations in its  tenant or resident group of the year category for a group which has improved community relations. And TRIM which has done so much in setting up its community shop is a worthy winner.

Robert Pearson said:-“As the chairman of TRIM I speak for all involved when saying we are absolutely delighted.  We were up against many fantastic groups,  but to be chosen as overall winner is amazing.

“Starting little over 12 months ago,  we are still a relatively new group compared to others.

“TRIM is young fresh and very active,  we will continue to do what is best for our community,  We will continue to be the voice for our community and we will continue to work with other groups and organisations to better our community.”

Next event on TRIM’s busy agenda is to host Luminous Muirhouse, 22 November, 4-6 pm across from St. Andrew’s Parish Church.

Here is a wee video we made about the group earlier this year

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Professor Peter Higgs is set to be honoured with the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh.

Subject to councillors’ approval at a meeting next Thursday, the acclaimed scientist and Nobel Prize winner will be recognised for his lifetime’s work and contribution to theoretical physics.

Bathgate’s Dario Franchitti has confirmed his retirement from motorsport on medical grounds. The four-time IndyCar champion suffered two fractured vertebrae, a broken ankle and a concussion in a high-speed accident at the Houston Grand Prix last month, and can no longer safely compete in the dangerous world of motorsport.

In a statement on his website, Franchitti said:- “One month removed from the crash and based upon the expert advice of the doctors who have treated and assessed my head and spinal injuries post accident, it is their best medical opinion that I must stop racing. They have made it very clear that the risks involved in further racing are too great and could be detrimental to my long term well-being. Based on this medical advice, I have no choice but to stop.

“I’ll forever look back on my time racing in CART and the IndyCar Series with fond memories and the relationships I’ve forged in the sport will last a lifetime.

“Hopefully in time, I’ll be able to continue in some off-track capacity with the IndyCar Series. I love open-wheel racing and I want to see it succeed. I’ll be working with Chip to see how I can stay involved with the team, and with all the amazing friends I’ve made over the years at Target.”

Franchitti, 40, has had an impressive career in motorsport. As well as his four IndyCar titles, he won the Indianapolis 500 three times, most recently in 2012. He retires with 31 victories in American open-wheel racing.

Formula 1 driver Paul di Resta, who is Franchitti’s cousin, spoke to Press Association Sport ahead of the United States Grand Prix this weekend about the star:- “I can’t speak highly enough of his achievements. Tremendously proud, successful, a legend. What else is there to say? More so being part of the family.

“That’s the thing that will keep Dario going, the fact he can come racing with the likes of me and Marino (Franchitti’s younger brother). Being part of all that will drive him on.

“And he has a lot to offer to a racing team as an ambassador. I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t stay in the sport, as a consultant, a mentor. He will be a credit to somebody’s team.”

Independent cinema is comfortably placed in two categories: films that are quite something, and films that try hard to be something that they’re not. Thankfully, Destin Cretton’s Short Term 12 is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be – and achieves its goal blissfully.

The film follows Grace, a supervisor of a foster care home that looks after youths with troubled families and mental issues. As a new resident arrives in the home, she is forced to face her troubled past head on, accompanied by her co-worker and secret boyfriend, Mason.

On paper, Short Term 12 admittedly sounds like a film that has either been done before, or sounds too clichéd to work convincingly. Perhaps that’s the source of the film’s magic – its simplicity. For an hour and a half, you are presented with a group of human beings, not caricatures. It doesn’t feel like a film, it feels like an insightful vision into the children and surprisingly, adults that society alienates.

The acting, especially on Brie Larson’s part in the lead role, is sublime. Nothing feels overtly contrived or pretentious, it’s a performance that is impressive in its natural approach. Her performance is already receiving a slight murmur of Oscar buzz, alongside Cretton’s shining script. Masterfully crafted (by a relative beginner) to tell an innately chaotic story that is serene and beautiful on the surface. Although it may falter temporarily before the film’s final moments, it picks itself back up with grace and poise.

Come Oscar season, Short Term 12 will be the little film that could. We can only hope that it gets its fine, deserved moment amongst its much more expected contenders.

Short Term 12 is showing at Filmhouse, Lothian Road from Fri 15th -Thu 21st November

Police in Edinburgh have released images of a man they wish to trace in connection with a serious assault in the city centre.

A 27-year-old man sustained a double fracture to his jaw and was treated in hospital following the attack, which happened at the junction of East Fountainbridge and Lothian Road around 3.15am on Saturday, September 14th.

Detectives are keen to trace the man in the brightly coloured shirt pictured in the CCTV images.

Anyone who recognises the man in the images is asked to contact police immediately.

Detective Constable Mark Seymour said: “The victim suffered a fractured jaw, which required surgery.

“We wish to speak to the man pictured in the images in connection with our inquiries, and anyone who can assist in identifying him is asked to come forward.

“Similarly we would ask the man to get in touch with police and help with our investigation.”

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

The Rotary Club of Braids has reacted to the disaster in the Philippines at their weekly lunch meeting by collecting an impressive £370 from members.

In addition, members are currently carrying out  a street collection outside The Eric Liddell Centre in Morningside.

Money raised will be used to supply materials and equipment that provide shelter, warmth and comfort to those displaced by natural or other disasters

A Shelterbox, which is a tough plastic box containing a 10-person tent and ancillary equipment (sleeping bags, water purifying materials, cooking pots, rope, tools etc.) designed to enable a family of up to 10 people to survive for at least six months will be on display.

The Rotary Club of Braids delivers the aims and objectives of Rotary International – the biggest humanitarian organisation in the world -with over 1.2 million members sharing a common philosophy of “Service above Self”.

The group meet weekly and enjoy a comprehensive and engaging programme of speakers and projects. They engage the local community in presenting challenges to help with the development of young people and raise funds to help those less advantaged at both at home and abroad.

Police in Edinburgh have released images of a man they wish to trace in connection with a serious assault in the Leith area of the Capital earlier this year.

A 47-year-old man suffered a fractured wrist after being struck to the back of the head and falling to the ground in the Windsor Buffet Public House, Elm Row, Edinburgh, on Thursday, July 25th.

PC Andy Gamble, from Police Scotland, said: “We wish to speak to the man pictured in the images in connection with our inquiries, and anyone who can assist us in tracing him is asked to come forward. He was wearing a distinctive green and white retro Hibs Football Shirt, with a number 5 printed on the back.

“Similarly, we would ask the man himself to get in touch and help with our investigation.”

Those with information can contact the Police Service of Scotland on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Police in Edinburgh are issuing a warning to the public to keep belongings safe following a spate of mobile phone thefts at city-centre licensed premises last week.

Between Wednesday 30th and Sunday 3rd November 40 phones were stolen from a number of pubs and clubs within the Capital.

In each instance, the victim reported having their belongings removed from their handbag or coat. While a number of these thefts occurred when the items were left unattended, the majority took place while the victims were carrying their bags.

Officers are now urging people to safeguard their possessions from would-be thieves while out within the city.

Sergeant Kevin Rafferty said: “Edinburgh remains a safe place to enjoy the night time economy. However, criminals continue to operate throughout the Capital and it is important that the public take all the necessary steps to ensure they are not targeted.

“Handbags and coats should never be left unattended while within a pub, club or restaurant. Where possible keep them within your possession or check them into a cloakroom where they will be supervised.

“When walking to and from pubs and clubs and when on your way home always be aware of your surroundings and report anyone acting suspiciously around you to police.

“Anyone wishing more advice on crime prevention and keeping their belongings safe can contact their local policing team.”

Terry Butcher received a warm welcome from Hibs’ fans when he made a surprise appearance at the ‘Erich Schaedler’ book launch at Easter Road last night, and if the new manager didn’t realise what was expected from him before, he certainly does now.

On his arrival, one fan shook his hand and said “Thank god you are here” and although the modest former England captain pointed out that he hadn’t actually played a game yet, it didn’t matter to anyone who was there as talk moved to winning the Scottish Cup, and more importantly building a team that the fans could be proud of.

Ironically, the event was to celebrate the life of one of the most dedicated, hard-working players ever to wear the famous green and white jersey, at a time when many Hibs supporters have been bemoaning the application of some of the current squad, something that Butcher and his assistant Maurice Malpas are expected to resolve quickly.

Erich’s former team-mates Pat Stanton and Paul Kane also welcomed Butcher to the club as did author Colin Leslie and compere for the evening Simon Pia, but the biggest round of applause was reserved for the Schaedler family in what was an emotional evening.

Erich was the son of a German prisoner of war who grew up in Peebles. Hi joined Hibs in 1969 from Stirling Albion and quickly won the respect of the Hibs supporters with his no-nonsense style in the left back position.

During his first spell with the club, he helped Hibs to win the League Cup and two Drybrough Cups and played in many European nights as well as a certain game at Tynecastle on new-year’s day 1973.

His performances were rewarded when he was selected to play for Scotland against West Germany and was part of the World Cup squad in 1974.

Erich left Easter Road and moved to Dundee where he helped the Dens Park side to a League Cup final before returning to his beloved Hibs in the early eighties.

Erich sadly took his own life on Christmas Eve 1985 but his memory lives on amongst those fortunate enough to have seen him play football.

Paul Kane said: “When Erich came to the Hibs for the second time I was just a young kid on the YTS and he was different class. Sometimes young guys can get bullied by older players but there was one thing for sure that if you were in Erich’s company you never got bullied by an older player because he would stick up for you. I remember when Hibs put in the undersoil heating and we drew one all with Manchester United. Erich was hard player but he was not a dirty player. He came across Bryan Robson who was also a hard player, but there was only one winner that day and Bryan Robson ended up with a broken collar bone.

“You talk about over achievement, well Erich pushed every young kid as hard as they could and I think Terry will be doing the same with the first team players now as they have the same nature.”

Renowned sports journalist Simon Pia said: “I think another thing about Erich that we should recognise is that on the other side of the pitch we had John Brownlie who was a fantastic full back and some people say that he was even better than Danny McGrain. In fact even some Celtic fans have admitted that to me, but the fact that Erich could still hold his own in that team and be respected by people says an awful lot about him.”

Hibs legend Pat Stanton said: “When I first saw Erich playing, if someone had said to me that Erich would be capped for Scotland I wouldn’t have believed them, but just through sheer enthusiasm, his willingness to listen and to work hard and overcome any sort of problems that he had, he was absolutely first class.

“Some of the players nowadays should look at Erich and see what he achieved by applying themselves.

“I remember my first game with Erich was against Gornik, the Polish team, and we were talking about tackling earlier on, well Erich tackled Peter Cormack who was in our team, and Peter got carried off and I can remember the Poles looking at each other and thinking ‘If that’s what he does to his own players…….’

“I spoke to him not long after he got capped fro Scotland against West Germany. He didn’t used to express his feelings and was quite low key, but when I asked him how he enjoyed it he said it was ‘Tremendous’ particularly with his background of his father being a prisoner of war. In fact how his father never escaped, I don’t know.  Erich would have tunnelled under the fence.

“He appreciated what he had. He was given an opportunity here at Easter Road and he took it and it’s an example to any young kid of what can be achieved by just applying yourself and listening to what people told you and Erich was good at that. He went on to have a great career.

Shades: The short life and tragic death of Erich Schaedler by Colin Leslie is available from all good book shops.

Paul di Resta is still very much focused on ending the 2013 Formula 1 season on a high despite concerns over his future in the sport. The Scot is currently 10th in the Drivers’ Championship, 19 points ahead of team mate Adrian Sutil, but Force India are yet to confirm either of their drivers for the 2014 season.

Speaking at the Drivers’ Press Conference ahead of the United States Grand Prix this weekend, di Resta said he was focused on taking the positives from recent races in order to finish the current season strongly:- “I think the result in Abu Dhabi was massive and I think very crucial for us to try and do what we did. It’s such a crucial point of the year for our championship position over the likes of Sauber. We showed that we didn’t have the speed over one lap but we had the speed over a race and we definitely scored big. Hopefully that’s going to be enough and we can come into the last two races trying to secure the Constructors’ position but equally trying to score points because the vibe in the team is very good.  I think it’s more about team effort and everybody’s lifted their game and the results show that.”

When pressed on his position for next year, di Resta admitted that time was running short but said he was still focused on doing his best until the end of the season:- “I think it’s very late, given where it all is at the moment – but what can you do? You need to accept where the team principals and equally the shareholders, where they are. But I suppose in probably less than ten days’ time is when the focus is going to change away from this year and more importantly onto next year’s car. The big task for us as a race team at the moment is to get out there and score points in these two and not take the focus away. That’s what I’ll do this weekend but we need to continue to keep doing that and hopefully it’s enough.”

Success for Council boss – Statutory notices – Don’t Miss Out on Previously! Scotland’s History Festival – Ice hockey live webcast tomorrow – Tonight at the Queen’s Hall 

The Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council has won the Chief Executive of the Year award at the HR Network Awards held in Glasgow last night.

#hrna13 – The Chief Executive of the Year is City of Edinburgh Council CEO Sue Bruce – congratulations!

— Hr NETWORK (@HrNETWORKNews) November 14, 2013

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The full council meets next Thursday and when the papers are released later this morning they will include recommendations on the way that outstanding bills for statutory repairs are cleared up.

This administration began with a total of £30m  of repairs not yet billed to the property owners involved, although the work had been completed. That total has now been reduced to £22m, and in accordance with advice from Deloittes, the firm employed by the council to investigate the matter, the council is now about to start the billing process for the remainder. The council leader is adamant however that this will be done in as sensitive a way as possible, and no bill.

They will start soon with a pilot which includes 17 statutory notices, ie 17 tenements of around 10 properties each, so around 170 property owners. These are thought to be the least contentious of the statutory notices.

These notices were issued before the old system was disbanded, and all of the property owners have previously been made aware of the sums involved so there should be no real surprise to owners. The bills in the pilot are probably much the same as the previous estimate, something which was not always the case, as some property owners were advised of massive increases in their bills in an abuse of the system.

The council says it will not adopt a heavy-handed approach and is only sending out information this side of Christmas, and the bills will follow in January. These are cases where the final total could be between £100 and £20,000 for each property owner and the property owners will be invoiced only for work covered by the initial statutory notice.

They are spread across more than one area of the city and all councillors involved have been briefed in case they are called upon by residents to assist.

The council’s statutory notice system, where the council could step in to ensure that common repairs required to make a building safe were actually carried out and all owners billed for the work, fell apart as a result of alleged fraud on the part of several council officials.

The unbilled work involves around 3,500 property owners and the council cannot estimate how long it will take to clear the backlog of bills up, but this pilot is seen as  a positive step in that direction.

The council leader, Andrew Burns, said that he is very much in favour of having a statutory notice procedure, something which is unique in Scotland, but the new repairs system is not yet costed or agreed upon.

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With over 34 events, an all-day community history conference, a local art exhibition, family history surgeries, pop up café and bookshop we look forward to meeting you in our History Hub at Adam House, Chamber Street, Edinburgh from Monday 18th till Saturday 23rd November. All details online at www.historyfest.co.uk.

Adam House will be open on:

• Monday 18 at 5pm
• Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th at 12pm
• Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd at 11am
• Saturday 23 at 9am

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CAPITALS WEBCAST AGAINST BELFAST GIANTS THIS WEEKEND Edinburgh Capitals are delighted to be able to announce that the next webcast will be against the Belfast Giants on Saturday 16th November. The game starts at 18:00, the webcast will be active from 17:15 so that users can ensure that all necessary plugins are working. The Capitals v Giants webcast will cost £8 and can be ordered using the following link: http://www.edinburgh-capitals.com/webcast/ Please try and place your orders at least 30 minutes before face off to allow for your payment to be processed and the necessary emails generated and sent out. Please note you will need a Windows Media Player plugin to watch the webcast. This webcast is for private home use only.

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Tonight at The Queen’s Hall new music from a big name!

“Brooklyn originals They Might Be Giants come to Edinburgh with their new album Nanobots. Their boundless creativity and spontaneous performances, combined with their vast repertoire of memorable songs, has made their live shows the thing of legend. With the brand new album, DVD and iPhone app, there is much for They Might Be Giants’ fans to celebrate.”

Booking details here.

Kids’ Club at Galvin Brasserie de Luxe

Family-friendly Galvin Brasserie de Luxe are launching their Kids’ Club on Sunday 8 December 2013.  Kids can get busy making festive gingerbread houses whilst grown-ups relax in the Brasserie with a drink before all sitting down to enjoy a family lunch. And as an extra treat, under-10s eat free from the children’s menu that has been carefully created by chefs (and fathers) Craig Sandle and Fraser Allan. The selections include a simple vine tomato soup and, the more adventurous, pork rillete with pickles and toast.

Festive Gingerbread Houses, Sunday 8 December, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Reservations essential. Call 0131 222 8988 to book. www.galvinbrasseriedeluxe.com

TWELVE Scottish charities were today recipients of donations from the Royal Caledonian Ball, an annual social event which takes place in May at Grosvenor House in London.

At an informal lunch party held at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, the recently appointed Ball Chairman, Mrs Houston Morris, daughter-in-law of the late Edinburgh-based architect James Morris, handed over cheques to Borderline, which assists homeless and inscurely housed Scots; the Fet-Lor Youth project, providing key youth projects in the Greater Pilton area; Queen Victoria School, Dunblane, for children of Scottish members of the UK Armed Forces; St Catherine’s Convent Homeless Project, supporting the disadvantaged; Dumfries & Galloway Befriending Project which supports vulnerable young people; Maggies Centre, Dundee, for cancer sufferers; BacOut There, which rehabilitates army veterans; Bobath, improving the lives of those living with cerebral palsy; Borders Children’s Charity, providing financial assistance to distressed children; the Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) Bellrock Close Appeal, Glasgow, which supports armed forces veterans; Gardening Leave, which facilitates horticultural therapy to army veterans faced with civilian life, and Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers.

The Royal Caledonian Ball began 165 years ago as a private social gathering for Scots in London and is today considered to be one of the highlights of the London Social season, Having consistently maintained an underlying purpose to raise money for small Scottish charities, it is estimated that over £3million has been given to Scottish causes since it began.

Star of the presentation ceremony today was Millie Jamieson, aged 2 1/2, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and who attended with her parents Janine and Craig Jamieson.

The Earl of Kinnoull, President of the Trust, commented:- “I am only sorry our resources are so limited. We have many applications and a very heart-rending grant process. Each of these very Scottish causes needs more help and I hope others will assist.”

Submitted by Roddy Martine

Students from an Edinburgh high school have been representing their country for the past few days at the World Finals of F1 in Schools in Austin, Texas. Pupils from Craigroyston Community High School, whose hard work and effort has gone into their team, STG Racing, won their place at the World Finals after being the best placed Scottish team at the F1 in Schools UK National Finals earlier this year.

The team comprises of Ciaran Harrison (13), Joe Dudgeon (16), Stephen Ramsay (16), Tommy Paget (17), Gavin Singleton (18) and is supported by staff members Carrie Anderson and George Thomson. Their dedication and ability to work together has reaped them the fantastic reward of representing Edinburgh and Scotland on the world stage, as well as the exciting experience of travelling to Austin to compete. The students will also have the incredible opportunity to attend the United States Grand Prix this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, where they will experience first-hand the thrill of Formula One up close.

Head Teacher, Mr Stephen Ross stated:- “This is a fantastic achievement for our pupils, as they not only had to design and build a winning vehicle, they had to produce a business plan, fund raise the money to build the racing cars and organise transport to the USA and accommodation while in Texas.  Joe Dudgeon, the business manager for the team, was instrumental in spearheading the efforts to raise the money needed by obtaining sponsorship from local businesses, Edinburgh Council and the school.  The boys have learnt and developed so many skills that will stand them in good stead in the future.”

F1 in Schools is an international competition for school children (aged 9–19), in which groups of 3 – 6 students have to design and manufacture a miniature car made from balsa wood which is powered by CO2 cartridges. The competition encourages team work and innovation, and is active in 36 countries across the world where 9 million students competed to win a place at the finals. After two and a half days of intense competition, where the contestants faced different trials and challenges, the awards ceremony was held last night, where Australian team A1 Racing were crowned 2013 world champions.

More information about the event can be found on the website.

There was a buzz in the air at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, as the School celebrated the birth of HRH Prince George of Cambridge. A special ceremony took place, which included the blessing of a bench placed in the school grounds.  The bench has been engraved with the inscription, “HRH Prince George of Cambridge 2013”.  Boys and staff who have the name George in their own names were invited to assist with the ceremony, including the School’s receptionist, Georgina!

The School also marked the royal birth with two blue spruces planted in the School’s tradition.  The School was led in a blessing for the bench and for the young prince by Alex Anderson, from the School’s Chaplaincy Team.  Vice Captain of School, George, delivered an excerpt from Shakespeare’s Henry V on the theme of Kingship.  Pupil, Benjamin, closed the ceremony by playing the pipes.  Younger pupils then enjoyed refreshments in their Boarding Houses while staff and Sixth Form pupils enjoyed refreshments in the Dining Hall.

Headmaster, Andrew Hunter, did not mind briefly interrupting the usual timetable for an event such as this and commented:- “I think it is really important to mark major events which are important in the life of our country and its future.  Our pupils may well see the day when Prince George becomes King George!  I hope that the Merchiston community will enjoy using the bench as they go about daily life in the School.”

Merchiston’s Tradition of Tree Planting

Merchiston’s campus is close to 100 acres and there is an active tree planting programme within the grounds.  The School has one of the largest tree collections in Scotland, after The Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh.

In the 16^th Century, Mary Queen of Scots planted a pear tree at Merchiston Castle, home of John Napier.  The School has preserved a fragment of this pear tree and it is displayed in the School’s Old Library.

When the School celebrated its centenary in 1933 the Duke and Duchess of York visited, the latter known so fondly later as The Queen Mother, and they planted a sycamore.  This tree, with its brass plaque, stands on the high ground between Castle Gates and the main school building.  Fifty years later, the School was enormously privileged when the Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip visited. She also planted a tree, on this occasion a copper beech.  Merchiston marked the Royal Wedding in 2011 by planting a sessile oak.

Wave energy company Aquamarine Power has launched a recruitment drive to support the next phase of developing their Oyster wave energy technology.

The Edinburgh firm, which is currently testing its Oyster 800 full-scale wave machine at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, is seeking eight experienced engineers to join their core engineering, design and project team, together with an operations technician based in Orkney and a research fellow to work at the company’s academic base in Queen’s University Belfast.

“These are exciting times for our company,” says company Chief Executive Officer Martin McAdam. “This summer we went through an extensive refit of our Oyster 800 machine which has yielded very positive results and we are now looking to further improve the machine’s reliability and durability, and begin the design of our next-generation Oyster 801.

“To do this we need skilled, experienced engineers to join what is already a tremendously enthusiastic and talented team. We have made no secret of the challenges involved in making machines that can harness the enormous power in ocean waves, and what we need now are technically strong individuals who can bring experience from other fields to help us in our quest.

“Each job offers a genuine opportunity to make a difference and change forever the way our future energy is made,” McAdam concludes.

In addition to their test site at EMEC in Orkney, the Edinburgh firm has gained all consents to develop a 40MW wave farm off the Isles of Lewis, which would require up to 50 Oyster wave energy machines.

All jobs are permanent positions and come with a package of benefits including company pension and healthcare.

Aquamarine Power’s backers include electricity utility SSE and ABB, one of the world’s largest power and automation companies.

For full details of the positions advertised, please visit: http://www.aquamarinepower.com/work-with-us/

Following a phenomenal response to ‘Sleigh The UK 2012’, The Wonder Stuff have announced that they will once again join their two old sparring partners, Pop Will Eat Itself and Jesus Jones, for another run of UK shows in December 2013, calling at The Picture House in Edinburgh and O2 Academy venues in Sheffield, Bristol, Birmingham and O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.

The Wonder Stuff’s front man, Miles Hunt, says, “… so I guess my dream of doing a summer tour of the UK has been scuppered once again. Yet another run of December shows with snotty noses and freezing cold feet… Only joking! I’m thrilled to know that The Wonder Stuff will be joining PWEI and Jesus Jones for another run of O2 Academy shows next year. I think it’s a dream bill for a lot of people, and I include myself in that. Can’t wait!”

Pop Will Eat Itself’s Graham Crabb adds, “We look forward to getting together again with old friends in December 2013 to sleigh the UK yet again. It will be great to get to a few new cities too, BRING IT ON!!”

“When we were first asked to do the Sleigh the UK gigs – we said yes immediately. It’s been the dream line-up of bands for so many people, and it was great to be able to be a part of it, and help make it happen. We’re absolutely delighted it’s going to be happening again, 2013 is going to be bigger, better, and even more fun. See you all down the front!” Mike Edwards, Jesus Jones.

They are playing: Edinburgh Picture House on Tuesday 17 December  7pm  Tickets £22.50 + fees  Tel 0131 221 2280

www.seetickets.com/event/sleigh-the-uk/the-picture-house/709336/

Photograph by George Taylor.

Places can now be booked for the National Museums Scotland’s Annual Open Evening, which will take place at the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh on Thursday 21 November.

National Museums Scotland’s Annual Open Evening offers visitors the opportunity to get behind-the-scenes insight into the Museums’ work. They can hear about future plans for ten new galleries of science technology and art and design at the National Museum of Scotland, plans to redevelop two Second World War hangars at the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune and details of further international exhibitions at the National Museum.

The event will be hosted by National Museums Scotland Chairman, Bruce Minto, and an overview of National Museums’ future plans will be given by the Director, Dr Gordon Rintoul.

This is a free event but advance booking is essential. To book tickets please email events@nms.ac.uk. Tea and coffee will be available on arrival.

National Museums Scotland’s Annual Open Evening

Thursday 21 November 2013, 6pm to 8pm

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

ADMISSION FREE

Two men have been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act after Police Scotland recovered cannabis and heroin in the Leith area yesterday.

Local officers carried out searches at four addresses in the Hamilton Wynd area and seized dealer quantities of both drugs from within.

A four-figure sum of cash was also recovered along with items of stolen property including a high-value bike and computer gaming equipment.

Officers are now following a positive line of enquiry in relation to the stolen goods and the men aged 55 and 46 will appear in court at a later date.

Inspector Kevin McLean said: “As part of our commitment to community engagement, local officers in Leith listened to residents in Hamilton Wynd, who told us their concerns surrounding drug crime and associated offences.

“To address these concerns, Police Scotland carried out yesterday’s searches and two men have been charged as a result.

“We will continue to act on the information we receive from the public and anyone wishing to report crime in their area can contact us on 101 or alternatively call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

At Tuesday’s press conference at Easter Road, whilst Terry Butcher was charming the media and spelling out his vision for the future, and Rod Petrie was insisting that he was head and shoulders above any other candidate; Maurice Malpas sat quietly at the table looking as if he would rather be elsewhere. The reason was that he would rather have been elsewhere.

The former Dundee United defender who spent the majority of his career under Jim McLean is a football man through and through, and whilst he is comfortable speaking to the press, he much prefers being on the training ground, doing what he does best; coaching players.

Having spent the morning at East Mains, Malpas was like a kid at Christmas who has had to leave his toys and visit relatives, but when Butcher and Petrie left to speak to the TV cameras, he took over and spoke passionately about his reasons for turning down the chance to become the Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager and what he expected or rather demanded from his new team.

He said: “I’m a football guy who likes being on the training field and the facilities here are unbelievable. And it’s not anything to do with money. It’s about the things here that Caley couldn’t give me. That’s why, as soon as Terry asked me, I said yes.

Since winning promotion, Inverness has never finished below Hibs, a statistic that Malpas is desperate to change he insists that the lessons learned at Tannadice during his playing career will stand him in good stead.

“I hear people saying you’ve got to play the Hibs way. For me it’s about playing to win. Jim McLean was the first person to drum into us about doing this or that but you had to be a winner. You had to win the game; otherwise everything else was a waste of time. Why play well but get beat?

“That’s the mentality we’ve got to get into the fans, the players – it’s all about winning. There will be days when we’re flying and it’s great to watch. And there will be days when it’s absolute drivel but we still expect to win. That’s the mind-set.”

“If I hear any player say they can’t do it, then they’ll get a size eight boot up the backside.”

Malpas got a bird’s eye view of his new charges from the Easter Road dugout last Saturday as his Inverness team easily disposed of Hibs, but at that time his future was unclear.

He continued: “The uncertainty of last week was difficult for me. I didn’t know what was happening. Terry was in discussions from Wednesday but I didn’t know if I was going or not, whether I would get a chance to go, or whether I would get a chance to be manager if I didn’t.

“It was a sleepless week for me, an uncomfortable week, and, when they still hadn’t agreed the compensation, Kenny Cameron came to my house and asked me (to become the ICT manager). We had a fantastic discussion about it but, when I came to the club with Terry, we always said we would leave together, whether that was getting kicked out together or moving together. As soon as he said it was done and dusted, it was an easy decision for me.

“I want to be at a club that’s got a chance to win trophies. Caley Thistle have got a great chance this season, but I just felt the potential here is far greater.

“I had five great years there and I thoroughly enjoyed them. The chairman and the board have been fantastic and helped us every time we asked for something. It’s like a family there.

“The chairman asked straight out if I wanted to be manager and virtually straight away I said ‘no’. I had been thinking about it, but I just felt that was the right decision. It was my gut feeling.

“The opportunity to come here was far greater than my desire to be a No 1 again. The potential here appeals to me. The facilities excite me too. Some mornings up at Fort George you’re lifting goals and your hands would stick to the goalposts. I walked out my office this morning on to a training ground and I hadn’t done that in 20 years of coaching. That might seem simple and trivial, but it’s a massive thing to me.”

So what can the supporters and players expect from Terry Butcher?

“He’s passionate – a lunatic at times but that’s just the passion. He demands from players what he demands from himself – give it your lot.

“He can accept people losing if they’re giving everything. You can’t demand a player plays well every week, but we can demand they work hard. He’s got a great drive and desire. Sometimes you come in in the morning and he just drives you on. He’s a breath of fresh air.

“We work well together and enjoy that. He’s good at what he’s good at, I’m good at what I’m good at and the two of us seem to gel. We have a ball. Everyone wants to enjoy their work and we certainly do that.”

 Free tickets for St Andrew’s Day – Edinburgh College winning awards – Art Exhibition – Bryan Ferry – Appeal for gardening tools

Thousands of tickets to Scotland’s top attractions up for grabs to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day! Free tickets available for historic sites in Edinburgh and the Lothians

Some of Scotland’s best-loved heritage attractions will be giving away thousands of free tickets to people who pre-register online as part of this year’s St. Andrew’s Day celebrations.

Blackness Castle, Craigmillar Castle, Dirleton Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Linlithgow Palace and Tantallon Castle are among the 35 participating Historic Scotland properties which will be offering the opportunity to apply for tickets to gain entry for up to two adults and three children through a pre-registration process.

A special website is now live, offering people the chance to apply for tickets to some of Scotland’s most iconic heritage sites. It will remain open until 5pm on Friday, 29th November.

People can apply for tickets for either Saturday 30th November or Sunday 1st December. In order to ensure a quality experience for visitors, the number of pre-registered tickets will be capped at each site. This includes 7,000 per day at Edinburgh Castle and 3,500 per day at Stirling Castle.

There is no limit to how many sites can be applied for, although visitors are being urged to be quick to register so they don’t miss out on the chance to visit a great historic property for free.

Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Scotland said:-“The Ticket Giveaway is a fantastic way to celebrate the St. Andrew’s Day weekend.

“There is a huge array of different sites to visit and with visitors able to pre-register for tickets for up to two adults and three children in a single transaction, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy many of Scotland’s historic properties for free.”

“The tickets won’t be around for long though, so we’d encourage people to be quick to register so they don’t miss out on the chance to visit their favourite property of choice.”

The Ticket Giveaway is part of the Scottish Government’s Winter Festivals programme, which celebrates three of the country’s most distinctive festivals; St. Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said:-“Scotland has some of the most diverse heritage in the world – from global icons, such as Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction, Edinburgh Castle, through to island abbeys such as Iona.

“Each site has a fascinating story to tell, from Stirling Castle which was home to many of the most famous Stewart Kings and Queens through to Skara Brae in Orkney, one of the best preserved prehistoric villages in Europe. Meanwhile, our countryside – from the Blackhouse in the Western Isles to the magnificent Borders abbeys – is dotted with reminders of Scotland’s past.

“The Ticket Giveaway is a great opportunity for people to enjoy the heritage on their doorstep, or venture further afield, as part of the wider St. Andrew’s Day celebrations.”

***

Edinburgh College has won two prestigious prizes at a national education awards ceremony, recognising its strong links with industry and outstanding achievements in innovation.

At the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Star Awards, the East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy – a partnership between Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University and East Lothian Council – won a Highly Commended Award in the Partnership category. The college also won a Highly Commended Award in the Innovation category for a scheme providing industry mentors for students.

The annual SQA Star Awards honour inspirational achievements and commitment from colleges, schools and training organisations across the country.

The East Lothian Hospitality & Tourism Academy caught the judges’ attention because of its close links with industry partners and the benefits these relationships can bring to young people. The academy has benefited from vital support from large hotel groups such as Marriott, Jurys Inn, Novotel, Mercure and Macdonald hotels and resorts, as well as Edinburgh’s own luxury hotel Prestonfield and the Royal Mile’s Fraser Suites.

The initiative, which is now in its second year, exposes young people to the wealth of jobs in hospitality and tourism industries by giving 16-18 year olds the chance to train at college, university and in industry. The success of its first year attracted government funding of £4.6m, which has seen the initiative expand  to many more schools across Edinburgh and East and Midlothian, and the Scottish Borders and include other areas such as health and social care and creative industries. Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College are partners in all the new academies.

Ray McCowan, vice principal at Edinburgh College, said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised by the SQA Star Awards. The academy is a pioneering project and has been a great success.

“The academy represents partnership working at its very best. It brings together the vision of two educational organisations and a local council, as well as harnessing industry expertise. The college realises the vital importance of strong links with industry and it’s partnerships like these that give our students the vital experience and skills to succeed in a highly competitive industry.”

In its first year, 30 out of 34 students successfully completed the academy. Of the 30 successful students, 18 continued to study the HNC in sixth year, four moved to Edinburgh College to study the SVQ2 in Professional Cookery and eight took up employment in the industry. There are now 163 students across all of the academies in Edinburgh and the Lothians in the fields of creative industries, health and social care, cookery and food science and nutrition, with a new academy planned for engineering.

The college has a number of successful graduates within the field of hospitality and tourism, including James Thomson OBE, owner of Prestonfield.

Celebrating Edinburgh College’s other honour, Visual Communication lecturer Helena Good said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Highly Commended Award at the SQA Star Awards. Our mentoring programme was established to develop a strong working relationship between our students and industry and it’s brilliant that it has been recognised in this way.

“Before the mentoring programme was introduced, the first contact that students had with industry wasn’t until their end-of-year exhibitions. Now we are introducing our students to the key players in leading design agencies from an early stage. This gives them an invaluable experience in working with professionals throughout their course and an insight into how the industry works.”

Helena added: “Since the mentoring programme began, we have won more than a dozen national and international awards including the Scottish Marketing Student of the Year for a second year in a row and four D&AD (Design and Art Direction) nominations, the creative industry’s flagship awards. One of our student’s work was also commissioned by the music brand Goji and is now being sold on high streets across the UK.

“As the initiative gains success, it has attracted more interest from industry. Our work placement programme has become much easier to manage because so many of our recent graduates have secured good agency positions and are a testament to the employability of the students we produce.”

SQA chief executive, Dr Janet Brown, said: “Once again I have been overwhelmed by the quality our finalists’ achievements. Some have overcome challenging personal circumstances and defied expectations while others have shown incredible initiative and commitment to succeed in their chosen disciplines.

“More than ever, qualifications are an essential component of an individual’s successful progress from education and training into further study and employment. Our Star Awards ceremony is an opportunity to congratulate learners on their achievements but also acknowledge the fantastic work of our centres – schools, colleges, training providers and employers who deliver our qualifications – and the people who give learners the guidance and encouragement they need to realise their potential.”

***

There is an art exhibition at Adam House which is a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK. The majority of paintings come from Edinburgh and Lothians but artwork also comes from Yorkshire, the Borders and the West of Scotland, and from abroad.

This year’s art exhibition will take place from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th November and will be open from 10:30am to 5:30pm (4.00pm on the Saturday).

***

Succinct review of Bryan Ferry at The Usher Hall yesterday evening? Ferry is the epitome of coolness, and continues to reinvent himself. Now appearing alongside the Bryan Ferry Orchestra (who provided the music for the film The Great Gatsby earlier in the year) he can still play his mouth organ with a supreme air of  sophistication.

The second half contained more recognisable numbers than the first which had the Usher Hall crowd on their feet and storming the stage (knocking the odd walking stick out of the way…)   He left them calling for more, but just had time for one encore.

***

The charity Fresh Start has issued an appeal for gardening tools on their website. They have an allotment but nothing to dig it up with. Can you help?

HELP! We’re due to start work on the new Fresh Start allotment – but we’ve got no tools!

The allotment at the Food Station at Harrison Place will help to provide us with food for our new cooking classes.

But we need to get it ship shape first and with the cold snap still to come we’re keen to get going.

We desperately need: digging spades and forks; shovels and rakes; shears; hand tools (forks/trowels/divers); wheelbarrows; lawn mower; and a water hose.

We’re also keen for anyone’s donations of  old boots and wellies of different sizes, gardening gloves and large umbrellas!

 

SCOTLAND RUGBY STAR SIGNS THE CLEAN UP EDINBURGH PLEDGE

Scotland Rubgy squad member Ross Rennie took time out from training for this weekend’s Autumn Test match against South Africa to pledge his support for the Clean Up Edinburgh campaign.

He signed the pledge not to drop litter on behalf of his team-mates and the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) next to Murrayfield stadium in Roseburn Park.

The Council’s most significant anti-litter campaign for several years is supported by Keep Scotland Beautiful and is a call to action to residents, businesses and community groups to play their part in changing behaviour and attitudes about litter. One of the main aims will be to get as many signatures as possible on the pledge to either bin or recycle litter, which can be signed here or at #CleanUpEdinburgh.

Clean Up Edinburgh organisers want to encourage as many people as possible to join the campaign’s first event, a host of mass community clean-ups taking place across the city, on November 29th. Find out where you can join in at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/litter, or get advice and support such as litter picking equipment for organising further clean-ups on the same day.

Passengers at Edinburgh Airport yesterday were treated to a royal welcome with the arrival of Mary Queen of Scots in the international arrivals area.  The famous Scottish monarch visited the airport to provide entertainment to people arriving into Edinburgh and provide information about her exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.  The event runs until Sunday 17 November so there’s still time to find out something about Mary.

Mary, Queen of Scots events

Spotlight on: Ballad of the Five Marys

This event is now fully booked.

Date: Thurs 14 November

Time: 14:00 (1 hr), doors open 13:45

Venue: Seminar Room, Level 4, Learning Centre

Cost: Free.

Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, presents his contemporary fiction exploring the central issues of Mary’s reign as seen through the eyes of others.

Saturday Showcase: Iconic Queens

Date: Sat 16 November

Time: 13:30 (2.5 hrs), doors open 13:15

Venue: Auditorium, Level 1

Cost: £10/£8 Concessions and Members. Tea and coffee included.

Book online or call 0300 123 6789

From 16th century portraits to modern reconstructions, visual representations of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth have taken many forms. Discover more with the expert panel

Chair: Maureen Barrie, National Museums of Scotland, co-curator of Mary, Queen of Scots

Alison Rosie (archivist, National Records of Scotland), Dressing for success? Mary Queen of Scots’ wardrobe

Tarnya Cooper (chief curator, National Portrait Gallery, London), Image making and Queenship: Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots

Caroline Wilkinson (Professor of Craniofacial Identification, Dundee University) and Janice Aitken (animator, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design), Reconstructing the past: creating a 3D virtual portrait of Mary during her personal reign in Scotland

Jackie Lee (director, Artemis Scotland), Bringing history to life through costumed interpretation.

Mary, Queen of Scots lectures for groups

Cost: £5 per head (45 mins). Please note this does not include entry to the exhibition.

Enhance your group visit to our Mary Queen of Scots exhibition with an illuminating introductory talk by a museum expert. Available for adult groups (minimum 20, maximum 60) on specified weekdays only. Information and booking on 0131 247 4041 or  tours@nms.ac.uk.

Booking tickets

Booking tickets for paid events online or by telephone will incur a £2.25 booking fee per transaction. Booking tickets for free events online will incur a £2.25 booking fee, but telephone bookings are free. If you book tickets for any event in person at any of our museum sites, you will not be charged a booking fee.

This week’s photo is a classic view of the Castle and the Ross fountain by Loron Black!

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.

More info about the club is on their website.

Submitted by Stockbridge Photography Club

Friendly, Wednesday 13 November 2013 – Tynecastle Stadium

Hearts took a break from the battle of trying to avoid relegation from the SPFL with a friendly game against German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg at Tynecastle on Wednesday evening.

Billed as a fund-raiser to help the club hopefully come out of administration, the German visitors were top class opposition for a team that has struggled for much of the season. Yet, Hearts youngsters were far from overawed.

The best chance of the first half came when Wolfsburg’s Caligiuri missed a penalty five minutes from half time.

Hearts Jamie Walker, as he did at Aberdeen on Saturday, proved a tricky customer with his darting runs on the wing while goalkeeper Mark Ridgers proved more than an able deputy for Jamie MacDonald.

The best chance of the game came 12 minutes from the end when Evseev had time and space in the penalty box but contrived to drag his shot wide.

Hearts themselves had chances, particularly Brad McKay whose header went wide towards the end of the game.

Hearts brought on Adam Beith, Billy King and Sam Nicholson in the second half as manager Gary Locke sought to give more of the even younger Hearts squad a run out. A special mention for young goalkeeper Jack Hamilton who made his first team debut, coming on for Mark Ridgers, and who made a fine save moments after coming on.

All in all, a useful exercise for Hearts who matched quality opposition all the way. And a big thanks to the crowd of 5,535 who contributed to Hearts financial cause on cold, windy Wednesday November evening.

Hearts: Ridgers; McKay, McGowan, Wilson, Hamill; Smith, A. King, Tapping, Walker; Robinson; Stevenson.

Wolfsburg: Grun, Ochs, Schafer, Klose, Caligiuri, Dost, Lopes, Polak, Kutschke, Evseev, Seguin..

Referee: Brian Colvin

Top men and women: The Hearts supporters who made a big commitment to their team six weeks before Christmas.

Hundreds of Edinburgh’s homeless households have been helped settle into their new homes thanks to generosity of local schoolchildren – who were recently honoured for their community spirit.

St George’s Lower School for Girls received a Community Volunteer Award from Edinburgh’s homelessness resettlement charity Fresh Start for its support in helping previously homeless families make a house a home.

Children from the school have collected items to go in Fresh Start’s Starter Packs for the last few years, providing invaluable support for the charity, which survives on donations to be able to make up the packs.

Every year, Fresh Start makes up and distributes around 9,000 packs, which provide the basics for new households to survive.

Keith Robertson, Managing Director, said: “The support of St George’s Lower School has meant hundreds of new households in Edinburgh have been able to make a house a home. These packs provide basics like bedding to keep warm at night, curtains to close the world out, crockery to eat dinner on.

“Without the kind of community spirit show by St George’s Lower School, we would struggle to continue to be able to provide the support we do.”

Head of Lower School Marjorie Hall said: “It’s been an honour to help provide goods for the packs – all the school children who have taken part have learnt a lot. They make houses to provide the goods in, which helps them to make the connection between being homeless and getting a house. It’s an important life lesson for them – that homelessness can happen to anyone.”

The school’s award was one of a number of awards, given out at the charity’s annual Volunteer Awards on Friday (November 8).

Every year Fresh Start volunteers, staff and directors nominate volunteers to get an award – Starter Pack Volunteer, Hit Squad Volunteer, Church Representative Volunteer, Community Volunteer and Corporate Volunteer.

Other award winners were:

Evelyn Scott from Colinton, who received an award for being an outstanding Starter Pack volunteer.

Tony Shephard from Abbeyhill, who received an award for being an outstanding Hit Squad volunteer. These volunteers help to decorate homes of Fresh Start clients.

Jack Simpson from Craiglockhart, who received an award for his work as a Church Representative.

The award for Corporate Volunteers went to Lloyds Banking Group.

Mr Robertson added: “At Fresh Start we depend on the support of our volunteers and the donations that come in, which is why we take a moment each year to honour those who help us so much.”

PHOTO: Two representatives from St George’s Lower School for Girls pick up the school’s Community Volunteer Award from Fresh Start Convener Russell Barr

The capital is on its way to becoming a dementia-friendly city after a plan was approved to help improve the lives of people with the condition throughout Edinburgh earlier this week.

There are currently around 7,142 people with dementia in the city and it is expected that this number will increase by 62% over the next 20 years. With this in mind, improving services for people with dementia is a key priority for the City of Edinburgh Council, as it looks at ways to meet the needs of an aging population.

The report, which was considered by the Council’s Health, Social Care and Housing Committee, outlines the need to increase awareness of the issues that affect people with dementia and to challenge some of the stigmas attached to the condition.

In order to become a dementia-friendly city, the Council will reach out to retailers, public transport providers and partners in the health and voluntary sectors to provide advice about how to help people and service users with dementia. They will be given advice and information about how to help customers that may need extra assistance if they become confused or agitated.

For example, some people with dementia may find it difficult to explain what they need or to recognise bank notes, so they may need extra help and patience. It can also be helpful to move to a quieter area of the shop or office as background noise can be problematic. By ensuring that people throughout Edinburgh are more aware of the small things they can do to help, it is hoped that the city will provide an understanding and welcoming environment for all people living with dementia.

A series of leaflets and promotional materials will be produced to provide advice to residents and organisations throughout Edinburgh.

Convener of Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Ricky Henderson, said: “With the number of people with dementia continuing to increase, we must ensure that the complex needs of people with the condition are met.

“In order to achieve this and business continuity, on a city-wide basis,  it is vital that we work closely with the private and voluntary sector to make sure that Edinburgh is a friendly and welcoming place for people living with dementia, whether they are accessing support services or going about their daily activities such as shopping and taking the bus.

“I hope that as we work towards becoming a dementia-friendly city, we can challenge some of the stigma and misconceptions about dementia by raising awareness about some of the small things people can do to help make life easier for people living with condition.”

Another important aspect of the plan is to make sure that people are well informed of the support services available if they or a family member is diagnosed with the condition. Early diagnosis is vital to ensure that people access the support they need to be able to manage living with dementia and live as independently as possible.

The Council’s is currently addressing this through a Dementia Implementation Plan, which aims to enhance post-diagnostic support and recruit ‘Link Workers’ to assist people with the condition and their carers. It is hoped that by publicising these services as part of the dementia-friendly city campaign, more people will come forward to access the support available to them.

A programme of enhanced training will also be developed for staff across the Council to improve the quality of care for people with dementia and create tailored services to meet their needs.

Helen Hay, Regional Manager for South East and Central, Alzheimer Scotland, said: -“Alzheimer Scotland are delighted to be involved in this far-reaching initiative to make Edinburgh a dementia-friendly city.

“The dedication and enthusiasm shown by those involved bodes extremely well for the project. Local need, local knowledge and local commitment are at the heart of every successful dementia-friendly community.”