The ‘mini’ Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibs Under 20s will take place at Newtongrange’s New Victoria Park tonight (kick off 7pm, admission: £3/£1).

Hibs’ Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh, who is expected to field some first team players in tonight’s fixture, says he is excited ahead of kick-off and urged Hibernian supporters to head through to Midlothian to watch the game.

McDonaugh told the club website:  “I’m looking forward to it – there’s a big crowd expected. Last time we played Hearts at Newtongrange there were about 800 there, so it will be good to see a good Hibs support there to cheer the young boys on.

“This is one step away from a first-team Edinburgh Derby and it’s valuable in terms of the group’s overall development; how they handle the game and deal with the in-game situations.

“The tempo is always quicker and the tackles are always harder in derby matches. It’s an important part of every players’ development as we prepare them for life in Hibernian’s first team. We are aiming to record a win and to produce a decent all-round performance.”

Hibs under-20s head into the fixture in third spot in the table while Hearts under-20s are currently third from bottom, although they have only played three games.

Former Hearts Academy player Jason Cummings is currently Hibs’ leading marksman with 12 goals for the season so far with Max Todd, grandson of Bobby Kinloch, not far behind with 10 goals and Cody Mulhall on nine.

Darren Murray is determined that his youngsters emulate last season’s performances in this fixture in which they went unbeaten, and the scene is set for a tough encounter.

If you are in the vicinity of Edinburgh Airport tomorrow then don’t worry is the message from the airport owners.

BIRTHDAY OF SCOTLAND’S GREATEST 18TH CENTURY ARTIST TO BE CELEBRATED IN NEW DISPLAY

Allan Ramsay at 300
19 October 2013 – 4 February 2014
Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
Telephone: 0131 624 6200 | Admission free

Celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Allan Ramsay, one of Scotland’s most important artists, this exhibition of around 30 beautiful drawings from the Scottish National Gallery’s unrivalled holdings will include some of his earliest known works. The son of the distinguished poet of the same name, Allan Ramsay (1713 – 1784) became internationally renowned for his outstanding portraits of royalty and Enlightenment figures, several of which hang prominently in both the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Born in Edinburgh, Ramsay received his first artistic training at the city’s Academy of St Luke. His father then raised funds to send him to Rome, where he studied at the French Academy and drew alongside emergent artists such as Pompeo Batoni. On his return to the UK, Ramsay based himself in London but kept a studio in Edinburgh. Through the influence of John Stewart, 3rd Earl of Bute, Ramsay was introduced to the Prince of Wales and on the latter’s accession to the throne as King George III, became the king’s painter – the highest honour to which a British artist could aspire.

Ramsay produced hundreds of drawings across his career, working largely in red or black chalks, heightened with white, on differing shades and colours of paper. Whether highly finished works in their own right, sketches made in training or preparatory studies for larger compositions, they demonstrate the incredible drawing and modeling skills which underpin the artist’s painted portraits and offer a glimpse of personal aspects of his life. The National Galleries of Scotland’s collection of drawings by Ramsay represents the largest holding of the artist’s graphic oeuvre worldwide.

Commenting on the exhibition, Director of the Scottish National Gallery, Michael Clarke, said ‘Ramsay was one of the most cultured and able of all Scotland’s great artists, as this selection of his drawings and watercolours reveals. Because he was primarily known as a portrait painter, he is sometimes not given the recognition he richly deserves. His refined style drew on British and Continental traditions (particularly those of France and Italy) and he was an artist of European stature.’

One exhibition highlight will be a series of drawings which relate to Ramsay’s painting Queen Charlotte with her two Eldest Sons (c. 1764-9), now in the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace. An idealised study of the head and shoulders of Prince George, dating from 1764-65, in black chalk heightened with white on blue paper, is presented alongside two impressive compositional studies. Perhaps more than the resulting painting, the drawings combine the grand trappings of late Baroque Court portraiture with the tender portrayal of an intimate family group. Another royal subject, which shows Ramsay’s extraordinary use of line and precision, is a detailed study for the crown that appears resting on the table in Ramsay’s portrait King George III in Coronation Robes (1763), a version of which can be seen at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Several drawings going on display were made during visits Ramsay made to Italy from 1736 – 38, 1754 – 57 and 1775 – 77. It was during the second visit that the artist developed the elegant drawing-style which characterizes the preparatory chalk studies he made following his return to London. While in Italy Ramsay also made drawings of the countryside around Rome; a number of studies of the Colosseum; practiced drawing from life, and made many studies after the Old Masters.

A sketchbook dating from c. 1730 – 1731 is one of the earliest surviving examples of the artist’s work. It contains drawings from his early studies at the Academy of St Luke. Other very early works on display include a self-portrait and a portrait of his father, both made when Ramsay was only twenty years old. These will be complemented by a simple, intimate study of the artist’s daughter Amelia Ramsay (later Lady Campbell) made in 1776 when she was twenty-one. Created three years after an accident in which Ramsay permanently damaged his painting arm, this drawing was composed on the Isle of Ischia off the coast of Naples, which Ramsay visited so that he could treat his arm in the famous curative baths.

Also on display will be a beautiful red chalk drawing of a lady’s hand holding a Rose, made as a study for what is possibly Ramsay’s most famous painting, a portrait of his second wife, Margaret Lindsay (currently displayed at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery) which shows the exceptional delicacy of Ramsay’s mature style.

Trams will be seen on the city centre streets from December and passengers will be able to use the service  from May 2014 at the latest,  two months sooner than the original summer target,  it was announced today.

Councillors also set out plans for the handover of a section of the route between the Gogar depot and the Edinburgh Park Station for testing in early October and for full route testing to take place during December.

The city centre will be clear of tram civil engineering works by next month, with Haymarket now set to reopen for traffic around 12 October and Shandwick Place crescents a week later. This follows the recent reopening of York Place, St Andrew’s Square in April and Princes Street at the end of last year.

Transport convenor Councillor Lesley Hinds said that she still hoped the launch date might be brought forward from May following the testing period.

She said: “Within weeks the city centre will be clear of tram works for the first time in six years – the end of the tram project and the beginning of a tram service are clearly in sight. I’m pleased that the end date for the project has been brought forward but I’m very keen for it to be finished even earlier if possible.

“I’ve asked that all of these timeframes are reassessed at the beginning of next year so that any further gains in progress can be factored into our plans. Our target launch is now May 2014 but we’ll bring this forward if we can and we’ll announce a start date for the tram service when we’re 100 per cent sure.

“There is major testing work to be done on tram stops work, a major testing, commissioning and driver training programme and, of course, a Scottish winter to get through.

“As we near the completion of the project, we are approaching a time of real opportunity for our city.

“There has been major investment in infrastructure and now we want to see transport options fully integrated as part of a system that will benefit residents and visitors while ensuring that Edinburgh is well positioned in the eyes of potential investors who can bring new jobs to the city.”

After the meeting, when asked what her message to the people of Edinburgh was today, Councillor Hinds told the Edinburgh Reporter of her ambition that the go live date could be brought even further forward and her hopes that the people of Edinburgh would grow to love the trams. The interview can he heard here.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “Today’s announcement further underlines this Government’s commitment to modernising transport systems across Scotland. Alongside the £500m the Government has committed to the trams, our massive investment programme at Haymarket, Waverley, the new Gateway Station, and the Borders and in electrification will revolutionise the rail network and public transport in central Scotland.

“The announcement that the infrastructure works will be completed and handed over to the council by next March will ensure they are in a position to have trams running ahead of the revised July 2014 delivery date.

“We will continue to work with the council and the contractor to look at opportunities to bring the programme forward even further where at all possible.

“This is good news for people and business in Edinburgh and we are all looking forward to a city centre free of road works and major disruption ahead of the busy Christmas period.”

He added: “It puts an end to the misleading speculation over recent weeks about when the tram project would be finished and provides much needed clarity to businesses to plan ahead with confidence.

The testing phase between the Gogar depot and Edinburgh Park Station and subsequent full route testing will see in excess of 150 tram test journeys per day (five day week) travel along the line. The tram route to Edinburgh park crosses South Gyle Broadway and Lochside Avenue and the Council will be working with Edinburgh Trams to ensure that businesses, residents and commuters know what to expect.

Ahead of December a city-wide safety and awareness campaign will be launched as trams will be running through the city centre.

The completion of the track and road works between Haymarket and Shandwick Place will mean that that the vast majority of tram infrastructure is now in place in the city centre.  However, localised planned works may occasionally impact on traffic flows until the beginning of the tram’s testing and commissioning phase.

The project remains in line with the revised budget (£776m) approved by the Council in September 2011, with work either ahead of schedule or in line with the revised timescale reported in December 2011.

Last month the Council set out plans to create a new organisation, Transport for Edinburgh, to integrate transport services in the Capital.  Transport for Edinburgh will be set up initially to integrate the tram and bus services, with Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams confirmed as the operators.

The latest update was contained in a report to Council that will be considered on Thursday 26th September.  A further progress report will be made to Council in January 2014 providing the completion target date for the Infraco and CAF contract and reporting on the Edinburgh Trams target for the start of revenue service.

Following today’s news, John Donnelly, chief executive of Marketing Edinburgh said: “We welcome the good news that the city centre will be clear of tram disruption ahead of the busy festive period and launch of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival celebrations in November.  The trams will open up a lot of exciting benefits to Edinburgh in 2014, not only easing visitor journeys from Edinburgh Airport but for commuters and businesses operating at Edinburgh Park, which has already seen a dramatic increase in office space taken this year from high profile organisations such as Sainsbury’s Bank ahead of the tram completion.”

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after two men were seriously assaulted in the city centre over the weekend. The incident happened 12.20am on Saturday 14th September in Picardy Place.

A 26-year-old had just left the Planet Out venue and passed the Tesco store when he turned and saw that his 27-year-old friend, who he had been drinking with that evening, was lying on the ground.

After going to his aid, the victim was struck to the face by a male, who made a homophobic remark before carrying out the assault.

The male then left the area in the company of a female and both headed towards Leith Walk

Officers are treating this as a hate crime and are keen to speak with anyone who can assist with their enquiries.

The suspect is described as white, 20-25-years-old, 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build and long ear-length blond hair. He was wearing a dark blue top, light jeans and possibly spoke with a Fife accent.

Detective Sergeant Andy MacMillan said: “This has been a random and unprovoked attack, which left one of the victims with a painful injury to his eye that required medical attention.

“Given the comments heard by the other victim, we are treating this as a homophobic assault and would urge anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in Picardy Place in the early hours of Saturday morning to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any other information relevant to this investigation, is also asked to come forward.”

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

LeithLate’s Morvern Cunningham was interviewed yesterday on BBC Radio Scotland by Janice Forsyth during the Culture Studio. If you missed it then you can listen again here at 43.45 mins into the programme.

LeithLate is a multi arts event which takes place each year on one night only. This year in June, Leith Late 13 took place for a mere three hours one evening in a variety of venues and with one big after party at Pilrig Church. The exhibitions form into one big art showcase, and are a celebration of the artists who live in the area.

On their website the organisers explain:-“Now in its third year, and after winning the Creative Edinburgh award for Outstanding Creative Contribution by a Creative Organisation, LeithLate continues to go from strength to strength, and has firmly established itself as a hotly-anticipated event on the Leith calendar.”

At other points during the year the project team do other things too. The Shutter Project is making Leith Walk a prettier place to visit at night when you can admire the art on the closed shutters.

The full list of artists and shutters in The Shutter Project are as follows:

This summer they have also arranged for a mural to be painted on one of the buildings in Halmyre Street in the Mural Project funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, Leith Neighbourhood Partnership, Port of Leith Housing Association and Scotmid.

This video will give you a flavour of what it looks like, and the people involved:-

We were down Leith Walk last week when Guido Van Helten signed off his large scale mural on 234 Leith Walk and you can see that interview here:-

Book your ‘tickets’ now for the new Andy Warhol: Pop, Power and Politics exhibition which will run at the Scottish Parliament from 5 October 2013- 3 November 2013.

The exhibition contains significant pieces of Andy Warhol’s work including iconic portraits such as Lenin, Mao, Queen Elizabeth II and Andrew Carnegie. The exhibition runs daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm (until 8 pm on Thursdays). Booking is recommended as tickets will be administered by a specific start time to the viewing, details at the end of this release.

The Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP said:-“This is the first politically curated exhibition of Andy Warhol’s work and the first time his works have ever been shown in a legislature and so represents a real coup for the Scottish Parliament.

“The Scottish Parliament is not just a place for politicians. Our building is home to many events and exhibitions that get people talking and thinking about issues that matter to them.

“This unique exhibition will offer people the chance to explore the role of power and politics within the home of debate in Scotland and I am grateful to the Carnegie UK Trust and The Andy Warhol Museum for making it possible.”

The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the Scottish Parliament, Carnegie UK Trust and The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. The exhibition has been timed to coincide with Andrew Carnegie’s International Legacy: Shaping the Future festival, which celebrates the centenary of the formation of the Carnegie UK Trust with a series of activities.

Angus Hogg, Chair, Carnegie UK Trust, said: “What many don’t realise is that Andy Warhol received his first formal training in art through free classes offered by the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh.

“His artwork is now celebrated across the globe and so it is very special that we are able to honour such a great artist as part of the Andrew Carnegie’s International Legacy festival, which will include the celebration of opportunity and culture, with this exhibition.”

Eric Shiner, Director, The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, PA said:-“The Warhol is thrilled to share many truly exceptional works from our collection with Scotland and Carnegie UK Trust. The items we’ve selected represent the full scope of Andy Warhol’s life and art. This exhibition features Warhol paintings, sculptures, prints and archival documents from our permanent collection and allows visitors to the stunning Parliament building to have the opportunity to see many top rate original Warhols. In addition, we’re pleased to once again unite Pittsburgh and Scotland through the very rare display of Warhol’s Andrew Carnegie portrait.”

Ticket information

Booking is recommended as tickets will be administered by a specific start time to the viewing (unrestricted end time) and can be done via:
• the online form via the Parliament website http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/warhol
• a dedicated telephone line on 0131 348 5454 – the telephone number references the famous New York nightclub, Studio 54, which Warhol frequented regularly during the 70s and 80s
• emailing warhol@scottish.parliament.uk

Submitted by Kerry Teakle

Newbattle Abbey is preparing to open its doors to couples planning to get married for its first ever wedding fair on Sunday, 22 September 2013 from 1-5pm. Entry to the event, which is being organised to showcase the elegant venue, will be free and everyone who attends will receive a complimentary glass of champagne.

During the day, brides and grooms to-be will be given an opportunity to view the beautiful rooms used for weddings at Newbattle Abbey, and enjoying one-to-one consultations with wedding specialists, including Newbattle Abbey’s own wedding planner. There will also be live music and catwalk fashion shows throughout the day to help brides start thinking about their search for the perfect wedding dress.

Lucy Caldwell, who is Events Marketing Officer at Newbattle Abbey, said:-“We are so excited to be holding our first wedding fair and inviting the public to come and have a look inside Newbattle Abbey. The venue is breath-taking and is a unique choice as many people still don’t know it exists, despite the fact we have been hosting weddings here for many years. It really is a hidden gem in Scotland.”

The stunning Victorian venue, which was founded in 1140, is set in 125 acres of beautiful parkland and is drenched in history. As it is located just 7 miles from Edinburgh city centre, it offers couples both a convenient and tranquil place to hold their special day.

Vendors set to be at the event include Virgin Holidays, Debenhams Wedding Lists, Simple Celebrations Candy Buffet, Pan Pan Bridal, Marc Millar Photography, Heavenly Tiers and Jeffrey Gardner Designs.

The Newbattle Abbey wedding fair will take place at Newbattle Abbey, Newbattle Road, Dalkeith on Sunday, 22 August between 1pm and 5pm. Complimentary parking will be available onsite and the first 50 brides through the door will receive a fantastic goody bag to take home.

Image: © Derek Christie

Submitted by Writer

•FREE events part of a week-long celebration of the Andrew Carnegie Legacy

•Tickets released for six seminars covering education, environment, peace, ethics, knowledge and philanthropy

Tickets have been released to the public for a series of free seminars debating some of the most challenging issues of our time.

Led by global experts, the events will be held at the Scottish Parliament in October and form part of a festival exploring the legacy of Scots-born philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Some of the eminent speakers, debating topics from education to peace and from ethics to the environment, include:
Professor Iain Stewart, the geoscientist, author and TV presenter behind programmes such as Earth: The Power of the Planet and The Climate Years, Lord Stewart Sutherland, former Chief Inspector of Schools for England and Wales and Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Professor Louise Richardson, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, awarded the Sumner Prize for work towards the prevention of war and the establishment of universal peace, Professor Martyn Wade, Chief Executive and National Librarian at the National Library of Scotland and David Rodin, co-director of the Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict at the University of Oxford

Angus Hogg, chair of the Carnegie UK Trust, said:-“Encouraging debate on key issues lies at the heart of our Trust’s mission. Importantly, they are also topics which drove Andrew Carnegie on his quest to improve the wellbeing of society a century ago.

“We are very excited to welcome such an interesting and informed group of speakers to the festival. Their presence and the nature of the discussions, ensures that these challenging issues continue to be debated.”

The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP, added:-“The Scottish Parliament is the home of debate in Scotland and we are delighted to be hosting this series of public seminars which will provoke thought and inspire discussion.

The seminars will also complement the exhibition on Andrew Carnegie’s legacy and together these events will provide a unique opportunity for people to find out more about the life and work one of Scotland’s most famous and influential sons.”

The seminars are brought to Scotland by the Carnegie Trusts of the UK, in partnership with the Scottish Parliament. They are part of a festival of events forming Andrew Carnegie’s International Legacy: Shaping the Future festival taking place at Holyrood from October 2013 to January 2014.

Seminar availability and tickets

Free tickets are available via http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/free-carnegie-seminars. You will be re-directed to an external website for requesting tickets, which are available now.

Submitted by Kerry Teakle

Trams by May 2014  – MSPs claim less expenses – Edinburgh MSP secures debate about Edinburgh University – Whisky pioneer up for two awards – Vote for Edinburgh Castle 

It has been announced this morning that the trams will be running in Edinburgh by May 2014. The Council has set out plans for the handover of a section of the route between the Gogar depot and Edinburgh Park Station for testing in early October and for full route testing to take place during December. The Council’s project team has forecast that the service will be up and running for passengers by May 2014, two months sooner than the original summer 2014 target. More news soon….

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The figures for amounts claimed in expenses by MSPs for the fourth quarter in the financial year 2012/13 have been published today. The end of year total of £12,261,819 represents a 4.35% decrease on the previous year’s figure.

A Scottish Parliament spokesman said:-“The decrease in expenses of more than half a million pounds is a reflection of one-off election costs in the previous year, but also that 2012/13 represented year two of a two year pay and expenses freeze for MSPs.”

You can read all about amounts claimed in expenses here.

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Jim Eadie, MSP for Edinburgh Southern, has secured a members’ debate in the Scottish Parliament after tabling a motion at Holyrood to highlight the University of Edinburgh’s rise to 17^th in the latest edition of the QS World University rankings.

Mr Eadie highlighted that the University successfully attracted record levels of competitive research grants in 2012-13, bringing international prestige and academic talent to Edinburgh from all over the world. Mr Eadie additionally commended the hard work and dedication of the University’s staff and students.

In a statement, Jim Eadie said:-

“The University of Edinburgh’s rise to 17^th in the QS rankings is truly a fantastic achievement, and is testament to their pioneering work in research and development.

“Not only is the University attracting top students and staff globally, but their research and innovation arm, by spinning out companies, is helping to bolster Scotland’s economy, having generated £140 million and supporting over 2,400 jobs.

“Together with ranking rises for the Universities of Glasgow and Saint Andrews, our universities have again demonstrated the success of Scotland’s higher education sector.”

The full motion is:-“That the Parliament congratulates the University of Edinburgh on rising to 17th place in the 2013-14 QS World University Rankings; applauds the university on, it understands, receiving a record £300 million in competitive research grants in 2012-13, a 20% rise on the previous year; welcomes what it sees as the benefits of it being ranked among the world’s best universities; believes that it brings international prestige to Scotland and attracts the most talented students and staff from across the world, particularly in what it sees as essential research and development areas such as life sciences, which is conducted at the Edinburgh BioQuarter, and renewable energy, which is carried out at King’s Buildings; understands that the commercialisation activities of the university’s research and innovation arm has generated over £140 million in gross value added for Scotland and supports over 2,400 jobs; believes that the University of Edinburgh is a credit to Scotland’s education system, and commends what it sees as the quality, hard work and dedication of the staff and students.”

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Scientist Professor Martin Tangney has been nominated for two prestigious awards for his pioneering work converting whisky waste into biofuel.

The President of Celtic Renewables is shortlisted for the Scottish Resources Outstanding Contribution award. The accolade is a “people’s award” decided by members of the public in an online vote. If you would like to vote then you simply have to click here.

The Scottish Biofuel Programme, of which Professor Tangney is founding director, has also been nominated as Best Green Public Service or Public Sector Provision at the Scottish Green Awards.

Professor Tangney recently returned from Hong Kong where he was guest speaker at the TED series of events for inspirational speakers.

TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a non-profit making organisation devoted to spreading new influential ideas. Previous speakers include Bill Gates, Al Gore, Billy Graham and Bono.

Last year Professor Tangney was named Innovator of the Year by the Institute of Chemical Engineering for the breakthrough which could herald the launch of a £60million-a-year industry.

Edinburgh-based Celtic Renewables signed a memorandum of understanding with Tullibardine Distillery in Perthshire, which became the first whisky distillery in the world to have its by-products converted into advanced biofuel, capable of directly powering vehicles which run on petrol and diesel.

The company is currently undertaking commercial trials on the process, in partnership with Tullibardine, at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Redcar, in Teesside, with funding from Zero Waste Scotland.

Here is Professor Tangney delivering his TED talk.

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Last chance to vote for Edinburgh Castle to win Top UK Heritage Award!

The countdown is on for people to vote for Edinburgh Castle to win the Top UK Heritage Attraction award in the prestigious British Travel Awards.

The competition closes on 30th September 2013.

The castle, which won the accolade in 2011 and 2012, is the only Scottish heritage attraction on the shortlist and is facing competition from the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall and the Titanic Belfast.

Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle said:- “It was a huge honour for Edinburgh Castle to be voted the top UK heritage attraction in 2011 and 2012. We are hoping that people will support us again as it would be fantastic to bring the trophy back to Scotland for the third year running.

“We hope as many people as possible will vote for us by visiting the Historic Scotland website on www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk by pressing the ‘Vote Now’ button.

“This has been a record-breaking summer for Edinburgh Castle. August was our busiest month ever recorded, with 229,940 visitors. There was also a 26 % increase in visitors from June to August in comparison with the same period last year.

“The castle is Scotland’s number one paid-for visitor attraction and we welcome more than 1.2 million visitors a year from around the world. Nothing can beat the spectacular setting of the castle for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the summer concerts and the fireworks to mark the end of the Edinburgh International Festival.

“Edinburgh Castle has a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy from the Scottish Crown Jewels, which are amongst the oldest regalia in Europe, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, as well as our costumed performers who bring history to life, making it Scotland’s must-see historic attraction.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has pledged its support for Gas Safety Week;(16-22 September).

The campaign warns that dangerous gas work can kill. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.  In the last year, 333 people were injured and four people died in the United Kingdom as a result of gas related incidents.  Data compiled by Gas Safe Register, which has inspected just under 3,000 homes in Scotland in the last three years, found that one in five (20%) homes had an unsafe gas appliance. Appliances in one in 20 Scottish homes (5%) were immediately dangerous and if left unchecked were at risk of causing a gas fire, explosion, leak or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director of Prevention and Protection, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said:  “To reduce the chances of suffering the potentially devastating effect of a gas explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning I would urge users of gas appliances and gas heating to ensure that these are regularly serviced and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer.”

Russell Kramer, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “Every year, far too many people suffer from preventable gas related accidents, such as gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s great therefore, that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has pledged its support and is raising awareness of gas safety issues, helping to let the 21 million gas consumers in the UK know about the simple checks they can make to stay safe.”

Follow these simple checks to stay gas safe:

Check your gas appliances every year. Gas appliances should be safety checked once a year and serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Tenants – make sure your landlord arranges this.

Check your engineer is Gas Safe registered. You can find and check an engineer at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

Check your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card. Make sure they are qualified for the work you need doing. You can find this information on the back of the card.

Check for warning signs your appliances aren’t working correctly, such as lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.

Check you know the six signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Check you have an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.

For more information or to find a Gas Safe registered engineer visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500

TOP MARKS FOR CASTLEVIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL

One of the council’s primary schools has been classed as one of the leading schools in the country.

Castleview Primary School in Craigmillar has been praised by Education Scotland inspectors in a report published today.

The school and nursery class were awarded two ‘Excellent’ grades and six ‘Very Good’ grades during the inspection – making it one of only a handful of primary schools in Scotland to achieve an ‘excellent’ for its curriculum.

The report highlights a number of key strengths:

• Outstanding leadership for learning and staff teamwork
• Children’s motivation and engagement in learning
• Care and support for children
• Partnerships with other agencies to meet children’s needs
• The quality of the curriculum and the opportunities that it gives children to achieve

It goes on to say that:-‘Staff provide outstanding levels of care and support for children’, ‘the quality of the curriculum is excellent’ and ‘children are involved in leading exciting, dynamic school shows which are popular with parents and the community’.

The report also highlights the work of acting headteacher Greg Dimeck who had been in post for five months at the time of the inspection. It says: ‘In a short space of time he has established very positive, supportive working relationships with staff, children, families and partner agencies’.

Lindsey Watt, Headteacher for Castleview Primary School, said:- “To be given an ‘excellent’ grading for curriculum and meeting learners needs is like winning a school Oscar! This report confirms the outstanding teamwork, leadership of learning and staff commitment to providing sector leading educational opportunities for Craigmillar’s children.

“Although I’m currently on secondment I’m continuing to keep my links with Craigmillar as it has a very special place in my heart. I’m on the Castlebrae Working Group and am continuing to work closely with the high school and their headteacher Derek Curran to ensure that we can provide a strong curriculum for all the children in the area.”

Dr Bill Maxwell, Chief Executive of Education Scotland said:- “I would like to congratulate all the pupils, staff and parents at Castleview Primary.  This is clearly a school which has fully embraced the opportunities which the new Scottish curriculum now offers.

“I know our Inspectors were impressed with the quality of leadership from the headteacher, Ms Watt and a skilled and committed set of class teachers were also singled out for their efforts in meeting the needs of the children exceptionally well. Well done to the whole school and keep up the good work.”

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener, said: “I’m delighted that the inspectors found such a high standard of education at the school and praise must go to all the staff for all their hard work in achieving this. This reinforces the Capital Coalition’s commitment to ensure every child in Edinburgh has the best start in life.”

Castleview is next door to Castlebrae High School which was recently given a reprieve by the council who decided against closure.

Oh there is such a wide range of things to do during the week of Stockfest. What to choose? Well we hope that we are helping you by offering these five must dos here. Send us photos of yourselves during Stockfest by using Twitter.

The Stockfest Ceilidh will take place on Saturday 21st September 2013 at the LifeCare Centre, Cheyne Street.

Doors Open at 7pm with Dancing from ‘Hud Yer Wheesht’ & a delicious Buffet from Herbie of Edinburgh from 7:30 – 11:30pm.

Tickets Available Here :  Adult @ £12  *  Child/Concession @ £8

Of course we have to mention our lovely friends at the Stockbridge Photography Club who provide us with photos from around the city each week.

Vintage Flea Market + UpCycled Arts & Crafts

Sunday 22nd September

The Stockfest Flea Market will take place on Sunday 22nd September 2013 from 11am – 4pm @ the Dean Bowling Club, Comely Bank Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 5AB.

The event is FREE to the General Public with a Refreshments Cafe & Licensed Bar available onsite too.

Then there will be the closing party. This is being held at The Last Word Saloon on St Stephen Street.. Tickets Only £10 Including Welcome Cocktail – Selling out FAST! Details of how to buy tickets here.

And then if you need more inspiration you can have a look at the full range of things to do by clicking here. 

FORMER LOTHIANS MSP SELECTED AS SNP DUNFERMLINE CANDIDATE

The SNP Dunfermline Constituency Association has tonight selected Shirley-Anne Somerville as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming by-election on Thursday 24th of October.

Ms Somerville, 39, was selected from a shortleet of two, the other potential candidate was Fife councillor Karen Marjoram.

Ms Somerville, who was an SNP MSP for Lothians between 2007-2011, was brought up and schooled in Kirkcaldy, and lives with her husband and young family in North Queensferry, Fife. She contested the Edinburgh Northern and Leith Constituency in 2011 but lost by 595 votes to Malcolm Chisholm MSP. She campaigned for Babies on Buses which resulted in Lothian Buses redesigning their vehicles. Recently Shirley-Anne has worked as Director for Communities at Yes Scotland.

Speaking after the selection meeting in Dunfermline, Ms Somerville said:-“I am honoured to be chosen as the SNP candidate for Dunfermline, and if elected pledge to be a strong local voice in the Scottish Parliament.

“Should I become be the new MSP for Dunfermline, I will vote to protect the people’s policies – the Council Tax freeze, free personal care for older citizens, no tuition fees for young Scots, free bus travel for the over-60s, and no bridge tolls across the Forth.

“Labour, Tory and Lib Dems all voted against the Budget which delivers these vital services that people in Dunfermline need and value – therefore, only a vote for the SNP in the by-election guarantees the people’s policies.

“The weekend Panelbase poll in the Sunday Times – which showed there is all to play for in the independence referendum – also put SNP support at the same exceptionally high level of 45 per cent as in our 2011 election landslide – and Labour at the same low level they slumped to.  I plan to speak to as many people in Dunfermline as possible over the next five weeks, and the SNP will be working extremely hard to win.”

To recognise our fabulous August visitor numbers we asked some of our contacts to offer our readers something as an Edinburgh Reporter Reward.

Our unique users in August were over 100,000 which is an amazing number of people – and two and a half times the number of people reading our website in January 2013.

Today the Edinburgh Reporter Reward which we have on offer is tickets for James and the Giant Peach at the King’s this week.

What you have to do is send us an email to theedinburghreporter@gmail.com with Edinburgh Reporter Rewards in the subject line giving us the answer Giant Peach.

The winning entry will be selected from all winning entries received by Tuesday 17 September 2013 at 5:00pm.

The Birmingham Stage Company is proud to present a brand new production of JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH by Roald Dahl adapted by David Wood.

It’s Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy and a giant peach that takes him and his insect friends on the adventure of a lifetime!

James is a lonely young boy who lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, the most revolting Aunts in England. They make him work and slave and never let him play with other children. Then one day he meets a mystical old man who gives him a bag that contains the strongest magic the world has ever known. When James accidentally spills the bag near an old peach tree, the most incredible things start to happen – and James’s adventure has just begun!

Imaginative sets, foot-tapping songs, fantastic choreography and brilliant puppets.

Edinburgh Kings Theatre

17 – 21 September 2013

Perhaps it’s an age thing. Perhaps it’s my status as a grandfather of three. Perhaps both these factors have combined to festoon grumpy old man status upon me. But I suspect I’m not the only person to mourn the passing of etiquette on the streets of our wonderful capital city. Rudeness, ignorance and a self-centred approach seems all too common in an age where people simply must rush to get to their destination.

Preferring to sit in the passenger seat of life, I use public transport to make my way to the drudgery of work during the week, the joy of family commitments at the weekend and the not always joyful commitment of watching Heart of Midlothian FC attempt to claw their way back from a negative points total. Lothian Buses, it has to be said, do a splendid job in providing a comprehensive bus service in Edinburgh. Not everyone may share my view, of course, but in my experience their buses are reliable and efficient. My problem is waiting for a bus and an art that seems to have died on the streets of Edinburgh (and very likely the streets of every other city and town in the land) – queuing.

My daily routine is to leave the house bleary-eyed at 8.00am every morning and head for a bus in Leith to take me reluctantly to the office. It’s very much Reginald Perrinesque – same routine, same time, same place. At the bus shelter there are the familiar faces who also go through the same routine as yours truly and there is the occasional flicker of a smile or nod of the head to acknowledge ‘yep, here we go again’. We wait patiently glancing at the bus tracker which indicates the number 14 bus is ‘due’. The bus tracker is a fairly recent invention which can have sinister tendencies. It lulls you into a false sense of anticipation when it flashes on its green screen that your bus is ‘due’; more seasoned bus travellers now assume that ‘due’ can mean the bus will arrive as much as three, four or five minutes later, depending on traffic.

Inevitably, just as the much-yearned for bus approaches the bus stop, there will be someone rushing along the pavement who shows a total disregard for those of us who have waited for what seems an eternity and plonks themself in front of the bus stop at the street kerb. When said bus duly arrives, this ignoramus is first on the bus which can be quite infuriating if he/she takes the last remaining seat.

This is something that seems to be happening more and more. I’ve sadly accepted that me offering my seat to someone on a bus may invoke an outburst of ‘Do you think I’m too weak to stand?’ in much the same way as holding a door open for a member of the opposite sex can be unfairly labelled as sexist. However, the etiquette of recognising people who have stood at a bus stop far longer than you and have the right to get on the bus before you seems to have disappeared.

I used to think it was mainly tourists who didn’t bother queuing and simply jostled their way past long-suffering city dwellers who have just spent ten minutes or so willing the numbers to come down on a large metal pole adjacent to the bus stop. However, it isn’t just visitors to our city who behave this way. My Monday morning blues deepen when a callow youth will appear from nowhere blissfully unaware of the half dozen or so folk standing in frustration at a bus stop and simply stride on a bus whilst checking their Facebook newsfeeds on their mobile phone.

Princes Street, as you might expect, is quite bad for this as are the Bridges but I’ve also experienced this outside St. James Centre and at various points in Leith – particularly Great Junction Street and the foot of Leith Walk.

Now this may seem like the rant of a grumpy old man but I suspect it’s not just people of my age group (early 50s if you must know) who are sick to the back teeth of such ignorant behaviour.

It happens all too frequently and a restrained reaction from those of us standing open-mouthed at the arrogance of it all more often than not doesn’t make a blind bit of difference – nor, in my experience, does ‘Jist hud oan there, fella – there’s a bloody queue’ All you get is a vacant look accompanied by a shrug of the shoulders with a ‘so what?’ attitude.

I haven’t yet been refused entry on a bus because some lout dived on before me and the rest of the queue and took the last available space, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time.

To paraphrase a well-known BBC television programme hosted by Stephen Fry, the next time someone pushes in front of me to get on a bus, I will likely respond by dragging back the offender with the words ‘Queue? Aye!! Now get to the back of it!’

Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating its centenary this year and of course there would be no better way to celebrate than a little panda cub. Some media are already reporting Tian Tian’s pregnancy as a fact, but we have been told by the Zoo’s media team that it is still just a possible pregnancy, and nothing more. And the possibility of a pregnancy has not left the male panda, Yang Guang untouched. The zoo’s website reports:-

“We still think Yang Guang is reacting to Tian Tian’s hormones and chemical cues, and is a bit unwell and tired at the moment. Our veterinary team are keeping an eye on him and we’re continuing to give him the choice to be off show, an option we give all of our animals when they show signs of being off colour. We realise he’s not appeared on his panda cam too much as he has chosen to remain most of the time in his off-show area, so to give our loyal viewers something to watch in the meantime, we’re showing pre-recorded footage of both Tian Tian and Yang Guang.”

Their latest update below is exactly the same as it was two weeks ago…. and until then we have to make do with our library photos and the Zoo’s library video footage.

“In terms of Tian Tian’s possible pregnancy, we’re not out of the game yet although she’s keeping us on our toes.

“Her hormones are following an atypical pattern, with lots of rises and dips, which make timings much harder to predict. We are continually analysing hormone and protein samples and, based on the latest results, our external experts now believe Tian Tian may have experienced her secondary progesterone spike two weeks later than the results previously available suggested.

“Predicting pregnancy in giant pandas isn’t straight forward and we’re all rapidly learning that Tian Tian is a panda whose behaviour and physiology appears to be more complicated than most! We are continuing to review results with international colleagues.”

The famous ‘Spartan Army’ will travel to Coatbridge to face Scottish League Two side Albion Rovers in the second round of the Scottish Cup.

The trip to Cliftonhill will be the first time that Spartans have  ever faced the ‘Wee Rovers’ and is scheduled to take place on Saturday 5th October.

Dougie Samuel’s men earned their place in the 2nd Round draw with a 2-0 win against Edinburgh University at Peffermill on Saturday, thanks to two goals from on form striker Donal Henretty.

Meanwhile Edinburgh City will host Fraserburgh at Meadowbank, Whitehill Welfare will travel to Forthbank to face Stirling Albion, and Preston Athletic will face Queens Park in Glasgow.

The draw was made earlier today by former Celtic defender Lee Naylor.

Scottish Cup 2nd round draw in full

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Clyde

Turriff United v Wick Academy

Albion Rovers v Spartans

Queen’s Park v Preston Athletic

Brora Rangers v Cove Rangers

Dalbeattie Star v Montrose

Edinburgh City v Fraserburgh

Berwick Rangers v Peterhead

Keith v Elgin City

East Stirlingshire v Threave Rovers

Stirling Albion v Whitehill Welfare

Auchinleck Talbot v St. Cuthbert Wanderers

Formartine United v Inverurie Loco Works

Fort William or Newton Stewart v Lossiemouth or Culter

Buckie Thistle v Annan Athletic

Deveronvale v Linlithgow Rose

The Edinburgh Reporter is a big fan of the Pommery Bar which opens in the Signet Library each Festival, and so we are glad to see the space being used by Heritage Portfolio on a more permanent basis.

Bringing a flavour of the continent to Edinburgh’s Parliament Square, Gran Caffè at the Signet Library is open from today, 16 September 2013. The new café will be committed to quality produce, offering the very best in Italian inspired coffee and pastries delicious lunches, afternoon tea and more.  Choices include pancetta and roasted vine ripened tomato focaccia, daily changing bruschetta with toppings – such as fig, dolcelatte and honey and chargrilled courgette with red onion, mint & feta.  Homemade biscotti accompany expertly brewed illy coffee, while home baking and baci d’angelo, or angel’s kisses, add an Italian twist to the classic afternoon tea.

The Signet Library was first opened in 1822 and is home to the WS Society, one of Scotland’s oldest institutions. It has always been a focal point for Edinburgh’s lawyers, and will continue to be an even bigger draw now with a cafe next door to Scotland’s highest courts.

Speaking about the plans, the WS Society’s Chief Executive, Robert Pirrie said:-“If you think about it, what would you normally expect on one of the most famous streets in the world, in the central square of a European capital, beside the cathedral and halfway between a castle and a palace?

“Our new Gran Caffè will bring a classic, continental feel to one of the Edinburgh’s most impressive squares and we are pleased to have found a way to let others enjoy this beautiful building.”

Gran Caffè is open from 10am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, and will be operated at the Signet Library by award winning caterer, Heritage Portfolio, under licence from the WS Society.

Hibs’ medical staff will assess the latest injury to right back Tim Clancy who was forced to leave the field after only 33 minutes against Duns in Saturday’s East of Scotland League fixture at the club’s training ground at East Mains.

The Irishman has been out for five months with a persistent groin problem which required an operation had previously managed 65 minutes in a closed-doors match against Rangers, and Pat Fenlon was keen to see the former Motherwell defender gain some much needed match practice before his return to the first team.

Generally considered to be manager Fenlon’s first choice right back, the 28 year old has been troubled by injuries since his arrival last summer, and has only managed 21 games in that time.

It is unclear whether the injury suffered on Saturday is a recurrence of the previous problem or fresh damage, but in any case, the news comes as a blow to the manager, especially since Lewis Stevenson limped off following a bad tackle by former team-mate Patrick Clegg at the weekend whilst Ryan McGivern is also side-lined.

Former Hearts’ youngster Fraser Mullen could be brought back into contention for the St Mirren game, although veteran defender Alan Maybury started at Perth and is likely to retain his place in the meantime, with Paul Hanlon taking over the left back slot, leaving James McPake and Michael Nelson in the centre of the defence.

Marine charity urges beach lovers in Scotland to join national coastal clean up

Marine Conservation Society seeks more supporters to sign up to annual beach clean to help keep Scottish beaches litter free

From syringes to ceramics, plasters to panty lines, fishing line to fridges and plastics to pushbikes – it’s all been found on Scottish beaches at one time or another and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the UK’s leading marine charity, says it needs beach lovers in the country to help pick up even more rubbish.

This year’s MCS Beachwatch Big Weekend takes place on the 21st – 23rd September, and will involve thousands of volunteers taking to the beaches all around the UK coast as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

During the event, volunteer litter pickers will clean up and record the rubbish they find, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup which takes place in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. The data collected will help MCS shape its beach litter campaigns and keep up pressure on Governments to act to reduce the amount of rubbish that blights our beaches.

Last year fewer volunteer took part in the event in Scotland and the charity is keen to ensure that this year more people get involved across the country both as beach organisers and volunteer cleaners.

In 2012 499 volunteers cleaned 35 Scottish beaches and picked up 20,951bits of litter. Overall, Scotland had more pieces of litter per kilometre cleaned – 2,041 compared to the UK average of 2,007, which was a 20% rise on the previous year.

“As a charity we rely heavily on volunteer support either at events or financially,” said MCS Scotland Programme Manager, Calum Duncan. “Beachwatch is a great way for our supporters to get hands on and really make a difference. Last year we saw a drop of almost 100 in our volunteer numbers, so this year we would we like to see more people out on beaches this year and more beaches cleaned. We need people to organise beach cleans as well as volunteers to clean them up – there’s loads of support both online and on the day.”

To get involved in Beachwatch Big Weekend 2013 in Scotland and be part of the most influential fight against marine litter in the UK visit the website here www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch or telephone 01989 566017.

If you can’t make it to a beach at the end of September, but would still like to help then text Beach5 to 70300 to make a donation to MCS or join the charity at www.mcsuk.org or help with our year round events.

Monday holiday – Government funding for Edinburgh wave companies – Port Edgar to be leased off by the council – Talk about Warhol Exhibition – The House at 42 this week

Lothian Buses are running a Saturday service today, which suggests to us this is a Monday holiday, except that it is not a completely universal holiday…

Please remember, we will be running a Saturday Service tomorrow, Monday 16 September. http://t.co/y3TCtnlNw9

— Lothian Buses (@on_lothianbuses) September 15, 2013

Schools are shut today but council offices are open. Are you working today? Let us know what you’re up to – send us a photo by Twitter!

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Two Edinburgh companies involved in the development of wave energy devices, Pelamis Wave and Aquamarine Power have received some grant funding from The Scottish Government which is announced today at the Scottish Renewables Marine Conference in Inverness. See our article here.

Reacting to the news of new investment for wave power and planning permission for the world’s largest tidal array, Dr Richard Dixon, Director of Friends of the Earth Scotland said:

“This is great news for renewable energy in Scotland.  Harnessing the huge energy in the tides of the Pentland Firth is a major engineering challenge but this scheme will prove technologies and techniques which will be important in future tidal energy schemes around the world

“Tidal and wave power are particularly important for Scotland but they will also be a major plank of the fight against climate change around the world.  As a global leader Scotland can create green electricity, reduce climate emissions and generate new jobs.”

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The council is to lease the site at Port Edgar to a new company who will invest in the marina there. It was decided last year that Edinburgh Leisure would slowly back out of the site as the financial implications of running the marina, a sailing school which had dropping attendance numbers and the possibility of large investment needed to maintain the marina’s infrastructure such as the pontoons, had all  become too great.

The council will lease the premises to Port Edgar Holdings Limited (PHL) for 30 years. Initially this will be at a reduced rent  for the first three years, after which the rent will rise to a fixed rent which can then be raised by reference to the Retail Price Index every five years.

This move will reduce the council’s liability in relation to the marina, and the council retains ownership of the adjacent land which might be developed for housing at a later date.

This will be ratified at tomorrow’s Economy Committee.

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Eric Shiner, one of the world’s leading experts on Warhol and Director of the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh will be discussing the artist’s career in the Scottish Parliament.

Eric Shiner will be speaking on Tuesday, 15 October 2013 at 4.30pm – 6.00pm.   This is one of seven free seminars open to the public as part of a series of events forming ‘Andrew Carnegie’s International Legacy: – Shaping the Future’ taking place at Holyrood from October 2013 to January 2014.  The philanthropist made his money in Pittsburgh and the Andy Warhol Museum is just one example of his philanthropic legacy.

The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP, explained:

“Given the Scottish Parliament is the home of debate in Scotland, ‘Andy Warhol: Pop, Power and Politics’ will focus on works with a political subject because of their relevance to Holyrood.  Both the Carnegie UK Trust, whose generous support has made this exhibition possible, and the Scottish Parliament are organisations that want to contribute towards political debate and thinking.

“I had the pleasure of a private tour of the Warhol Museum with Mr Shiner when I visited Pittsburgh last year to secure the exhibition for the Scottish Parliament. I know we will all be enlightened by Eric’s knowledge on Warhol’s fascination for depicting people and symbols of power, which will really bring this exhibition to life.”
Angus Hogg, chair of the Carnegie UK Trust, said:

“Encouraging debate on key issues lies at the heart of our Trust’s mission. Importantly, they are also topics which drove Andrew Carnegie on his quest to improve the wellbeing of society a century ago.

“We are very excited to welcome such an interesting and informed group of speakers. Their presence and the nature of the discussions, ensures that these challenging issues continue to be debated.”

Tickets, which are free, are available to book for the Eric Shiner seminar by going to:
www.scottish.parliament.uk/free-shiner-seminar

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The House at 42 appears to be back in business after successfully opposing the council who wanted them to close. This week there are two concerts:- Three Cane Whale on Friday 20 September who are billed as a trio of multi-instrumentalists and on Wednesday of this week, Edwina Hayes who claims to have Michael Parkinson and Nanci Griffith among her fans.

Remember you have to be on the guest list to get in so you have to email Douglas or Jane-Ann ahead of the concerts.

Email: 42music42@musician.org

Government announcement today of grant funding for Edinburgh based wave businesses Pelamis and Aquamarine Power, and the first tidal project in Pentland Firth given go ahead.

Commenting on the announcement of new wave energy funds by Fergus Ewing MSP, Aquamarine Power Chief Executive Officer Martin McAdam said:-“Aquamarine Power has proved that our wave energy device, Oyster, works and can generate power in our ocean’s most powerful storms.

Oyster has now been operating in nine metre waves which few other technology developers have achieved. Our major challenge is to continue to secure the investment required to further improve the reliability of our current Oyster 800 machine and begin the design of our next-generation Oyster 801.

The industry continues to suffer from significant under-investment and this type of grant support is essential. I hope that this grant funding will encourage major Scottish and UK firms to see the potential of this industry and take an interest in its success through investment and partnership.

“We are very grateful for the continued support  and confidence of the Scottish Government in our technology.

“I hope that this award will help us to attract the major investment we require to develop a commercially competitive wave energy technology. ”

In our photos you can see the Pelamis wave energy device being towed off site with Aquamarine’s Oyster in the foreground.

Firstly a big ‘Well Done’ to Andy and Judy Murray for helping raise considerable funds for the Prince’s Trust at a charity lunch at the Prestonfield Hotel on Friday.  Also many happy returns to Hibs legend Pat Stanton who turned 69 on Friday. Pat played 399 times for his boyhood heroes before moving to Celtic in a swap deal with Jackie MacNamara, winning a League and Cup double. He captained Hibs to a famous 2-1 League Cup win against Celtic in 1972, and remains a popular figure around the club. On the field there were mixed fortunes for the capital clubs this weekend, but congratulations go to Spartans for reaching the second round of the Scottish Cup. In bowls, well done to Brunstane for lifting the Triples title in the ABT Machine Tools-sponsored finals at Hillside, and Boroughmuir Basketball team for an impressive start to the season.

Tennis

Andy Murray’s Olympic Gold bag and kit, including a signed ball used in the July final, which were donated to The Prince’s Trust Scotland by the double grand-slam winner’s mother Judy were auctioned at the Prestonfield Hotel’s ‘Lunch with an old bag’ event on Friday. In addition, an opportunity to join Murray at the opening of next year’s Wimbledon championships was also auctioned and opening bids began at £15,000 climbed to a final bid of £40,000, although  Judy kindly agreed to offer exactly the same prize to a rival bidder if they matched that total, which they did.

Rugby Round-up by John Preece

Round Four of the RBS Premiership saw the first Derby match of the season as all three Edinburgh teams were involved in close encounters – of the scoring kind… That Derby match was between Currie and Edinburgh Accies, a match in which Accies took the narrow win, 22-20 at Malleny Park. The third Edinburgh side, Heriots, also squeaked a win against last year’s Champions, Ayr, beating the West coast side 20-19 at Goldenacre.

This leaves the teams in the same places in the league table as last week, Accies and Heriots third and fourth, with 13 and 12 points respectively, and Currie at the foot of the table with just two bonus points and no win points.

In the RBS National League all three teams were playing away from home. Both Boroughmuir and Watsonians maintained their unbeaten record, ‘Muir winning 39-21 at Peebles and ‘Sonians 27-26 at Hillhead/Jordanhill. Stewarts-Melville, however, continued their slide to the bottom, going down 45-20 to Selkirk.

Their table has Watsonians at the top with 19 points, the same tally as Boroughmuir, but ‘Sonians are ahead on points difference. Stew-Mel drop one place to seventh with six points from their four matches, five of which came in their first match of the season.

Photo at www.photoboxgallery.com

Rugby by Jonny Davis

Edinburgh Rugby got their RaboDirect PRO12 campaign at Murrayfield off to a winning start on Friday with the narrowest of victories against Newport Gwent Dragons , thanks to a last minute penalty from young stand-off Harry Leonard.

The capital side stretched to a 13-3 lead shortly after the half time break through a try from returning winger Tim Visser, yet were frustrated at being unable to push on and close out the game from there.

The Dragons soon pegged the home side back to 13-10 through a converted try from ex Gunner Richie Rees, who darted over for a touchdown from the back of a ruck just a yard from the try line.

The final 20 minutes were, for the most part, uncomfortable for Edinburgh fans who watched  Dragons’ replacement kicker, Kris Brown level the scores at 13-13 with just 5 minutes to go.

Yet as Harry Leonard lined up in front of the posts and slotted the match-winning kick on 80 minutes, those nervy winces turned to relieved smiles as Edinburgh’s first home game of the season ended with an all important victory.

Speaking after the game, man of the match David Denton hailed the power of the Edinburgh scrum for its part in the victory. “We do have a really strong pack. We have got a great front row, two heavy second rows, and we showed tonight how they can win you games.

“If we can cut the errors out and improve our exits, I think we are going to be a team to be reckoned with.”

SPFL Football

There were mixed fortunes for the Edinburgh clubs this weekend, with a young Hearts’ side losing 3-1 to champions Celtic at Tynecastle despite a brave performance, whilst Hibs came from behind to grab the three points against St Johnstone in Perth.

Chris Commons gave Celtic a controversial lead with a well taken penalty after Jamie Hamill was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

A deflected shot by Jason Holt gave the Gorgie faithful some home, but they could only hold onto the lead for seven minutes before former Hibs striker Anthony Stokes regained Celtic’s advantage. Neil Lennon’s men wrapped the game up with a late goal from new signing Teemu Pukki after good work from Stokes.

Stevie May gave St Johnstone an early lead with a well taken goal, but Hibs fought back and drew level before the break with a Paul Heffernan goal from close range after good work from James Collins and Scott Robertson.

Collins then scored his first goal for Hibs since signing from Swindon Town in the summer, to secure a valuable win.

Hearts remain bottom of the table on minus eight points whilst Hibs move up to sixth with eight points.

Next week, Hibs could do their neighbours some good by beating relegation candidates St Mirren at Easter Road, whilst Hearts make the long trip to face Ross County in Dingwall.

Scottish Cup

Spartans secured their place in the William Hill Scottish Cup 2nd Round draw with a 2-0 win against Edinburgh University at Peffermill on Saturday.

Spartans took the lead in the 35^th minute when a Beesley in-swinging corner was met by Donal Henretty at the near post and his header flew past Valentine into the back of the net.

Just before the break, Spartans doubled their lead with another for header from Henretty, following a superb MacKinnon cross.

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Donal Henretty

The draw for the second round will take place on Monday.

East of Scotland League

In the Premier Division, Tynecastle beat Spartans 2-1 at Ainslie Park whilst Heriot Watt went down 2-1 away to Stirling University.

Civil Service Strollers remain top with seven points from four games with Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale second with six points from two games. Heriot Watt remain bottom with no points from two games.

Lothian Thistle beat Easthouses Lily 2-1 after extra time at Saughton Enclosure and Leith Athletic beat Peebles Rovers 3-1 at Telford College in the Alex Jack Cup.

Hibs continued their 100%  start to the Central Taxis First Division season, beating Duns 6-0 thanks to goals from Max Todd (two), Ryan Baptie (penalty), Jamie Beaton, Scott Martin and an own goal.

First team squad players Tim Clancy, Dean Horribine and Fraser Mullen started the match, but unfortunately Clancy had to leave the field with an injury after 33 minutes.

Afterwards Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh told the club website; “I thought we played well today, but, at times, we need to be tidier on the ball.

“I felt we lacked that smoothness today and never really got to our best. It’s a huge credit to the boys to be winning 6-0; even though it was maybe only a seven out of ten team performance.

“It’s always nice to keep a clean sheet and score a few goals. I have to be happy once again with my players.”

Hibernian EOS: Kleton Perntreou, Tim Clancy, Tom Gardiner, Bob Wilson, Ryan Baptie, Fraser Mullen, Dean Horribine, Scott Martin, Max Todd, Jamie Beaton, Gareth McCaffrey. Subs (used): Aaron Dunsmore, Euan Smith, Jason Cummings

The mini Edinburgh Derby between Hibs and Hearts under-20s will take place at Newtongrange’s New Victoria Park on Tuesday evening (17 September, kick off 7pm). Admission is £3/£1.

Women’s Football

Hibs travelled north to the Granite City where they won a hard fought encounter 3-2 thanks to three long range efforts from Lizzie Arnott (2) and Kirsty Smith, whilst Spartans drew 1-1 with Celtic thanks to a second half equaliser from Lana Clelland at Ainslie Park. Elsewhere Hutchison Vale lost 4-2 to Forfar Farmington at Saughton Enclosure.

The results leave Hibs in second place with 38 points from 17 games, 11 points behind Glasgow City. Spartans sit third with 29 points from 17 games. Hutchison Vale lie ninth with 16 points.

Speedway

The Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs went down 51-44, just missing a point, at Ipswich on Thursday night despite Craig Cook scoring a maximum 18 points, and race wins for Theo Pijper, Max Fricke and Jozsef Tabaka .

Afterwards John Campbell told the official website “Craig was absolutely magnificent, there was never any doubt he was going to win his heats.

“Jozsef had his best away match for a long time but it was just impossible to come off gate 4 in the last heat. I could have put Craig there but by that stage it would have been very hard even for him.

“Max unfortunately wasn’t fit enough when the track was deep early on. As well as his recent injury he’s been suffering from ‘flu as well.

“I thought we might have got an advantage in heat 14 but it wasn’t to be.”

On Saturday captain Derek Sneddon received a successful Testimonial at Armadale, a Four team event won by Newcastle (29), from the Rest of the World (28), Glasgow (23) and Edinburgh (23).

The turnout of riders included former Monarchs Les Collins, Frede Schott, Kenny McKinna, Peter Carr and Ryan Fisher.

On Sunday, the Monarchs travelled to Newcastle where they lost 49-41.

Ice Hockey

The Capitals lost 10-3 to Sheffield Steelers at Murrayfield Ice Rink on Saturday night.

The Steelers opened the scoring with a strike from Stephen Myer at 2.59. but within a minute the Capitals were back on level terms with a goal from player/coach Richard Hartmann at 3.42. The visitors regained the advantage through Maxime Lacroix at 6.16, then netted his second of the game at 10.48 to increase the visitors lead to 3-1. The Caps pulled it back 27 seconds later as Curtis Leinweber netted at 11.15 however the visitors struck twice through Jeff Legue at 17.15 and Tim Spencer at 17.42 gave them a three goal lead.

The second period was all one way as Steelers added a further two goals. Lacroix completed his hat trick at 28.41m then Rylan Galiardi gave the Steelers a five goal lead at 31.16.

Steelers’ Jason Hewitt netted at 41.46. then two further goals from the visitors from Robert Dowd at 48.11 and League with his second at 49.55 ended the scoring for the visitors. Leinweber then scored his second of the game at 51.57 to give the hosts a late consolation goal.

On Sunday the Caps lost 4-2 at home to Nottingham Panthers. Francis gave the visitors the lead at 3.19 then Lachowicz added a second at 11.30. Tomas Horna pulled one back for the Edinburgh side at 17.06 before Clarke made it three at 29.36 then Boxill scored a fourth at 35.16. Richard Hartmann pulled one back on 38.00, to end a disappointing weekend.

Basketball

Playoff and Scottish Cup Champions Edinburgh Kings beat reigning champions Stirling Knights 83-46 in the opening game of the 2013/14 season in front of a crowd of over three hundred at The Peak, and then Boroughmuir Blaze SM started the season with a 98-72 win over Dunfermline Reign in Fife.

On Saturday, Blaze continued their impressive form by hammering Stirling Knights 121-68.

Polonia Phoenix and Edinburgh University’s Claire Paxton, has joined Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, near Denver. CCU is a NCAA division II side and Paxton will play for them as from start next month. The 19 year old is the daughter of Scotland and British Lions star Iain.

Bowls

Edinburgh Bowling League Division 5 Brunstane caused a major upset when their trio of Ron Semray, Bruce Young and Tom Gallagher landed the Triples title in the ABT Machine Tools-sponsored finals played at Hillside, beating Division 1 champions Craigentinny represented by top players Craig McCall, George Johnstone and David Brown 17-4.

Boxing

Edinburgh takes on Glasgow at the Usher Hall on Friday, with eight youth and novice fights then eight elite amateur boxing bouts.  Tickets £10 Upper Circle, £15 stalls, £20 Grand Circle and £30 Ringside. Info 07525477330

Scottish Hockey held their first in a series of National League ‘Big Weekend’ events at Peffermill this weekend, and The Edinburgh Reporter was there to cover Day 1. The schedule had been reduced to three matches from four, but that still guaranteed a day of top class Scottish club hockey.

First match on the field was Inverleith v AAM Gordonians and it was to be Gordonians who opened the scoring through their No. 9, Babicky. Their No 5, Stewart was green carded for a minor offence with less than 10 minutes on the clock. Gordonians were then to loose Stewart to a yellow card – a second green, before Inverleith pulled one back five minutes before the break, but Gordonians Hamilton scored their second just before the break to make it 2-1 at half time. Gordonians went further ahead just after the break with a second goal from Babicky, Inverleith came close as a deflected shot went over the bar, but with scored with a penalty corner from Adam MacKenzie. Just two minutes were to elapse before Gordonians restored their two goal lead with a spectacular diving effort from Coffey. Gordonians had another player green carded for taking too long at a penalty corner, but the delay didn’t faze MacKenzie (pictured) who fired his drag flick into the back of the net for Inverleith’s third. Another Gordonians player saw yellow, which gave Inverleith the advantage, but a chance when presented with an open goal went a-begging, before MacKenzie drew the sides level with a penalty flick awarded for a goal line infringement by Gordonians. And that was how it finished, 4-4. Gordonians probably had the edge overall and saw several balls flash across the Inverleith goal, but too many cards gave the Edinburgh side the opportunity to pull the draw out of the bag.

Second match on, and the first of the two women’s matches was CALA Edinburgh v Western Wildcats. Wildcats were fielding Scotland’s Kareena Marshall, but even her class couldn’t prevent CALA from dominating most of the 70 minutes and going on to take the win. And they were soon on the scoreboard with an early goal from Emma Watson. CALA continued to press the opposition – dodging a bullet with a goal line clearance on the way – before going two up with a short range effort from Eilidh Thomson. Just before the break, Kerri Smyth added a third to take the half time score to 3-0 in favour of a fairly dominant CALA side. Interestingly, it was Marshall who lead the half time team talk, using her experience to coach and advise how to play CALA in the second half. And it seemed to work, as Western had much more of the game in the second half, and had CALA on the back foot on a number of occasions. However, CALA still retained the upper hand and got close early on but Western were saved by their keeper taking the ball off the defender’s stick when she was put through with a defence splitting pass, but a sliding attempt from Emma MacGregor (pictured) a few minutes later found the net. With less than 10 minutes o the clock, Wildcats pulled one back through a Marshall penalty corner, but in spite of both teams having chances, and Western’s keeper having a couple of tremendous saves, the final score was to remain 4-1 to CALA

Two down and one to go as Watsonians faced Grange for the final match of the day. This was to prove a much more evenly balanced match with neither team looking like they were going to run away with the game. Grange were first to score through Lee McNamara after 15 minutes of play. Watsonians scored the next two gaols from Nikki Stobie and Kirsty Hill to take the lead over the visitors, but Emily Renshaw drew the sides level with a goal before half time. Grange drew two gaols ahead in the second half with a goal after seven minutes with their third from Beth Dodds, followed quickly by their fourth from Lorna Cruikshank. 4-2 ahead with most of the half remaining, Grange looked like they were gaining the upper hand over their cross-Edinburgh rivals, but Stobie netted her second of the match with 22 minutes still left on the clock. The remainder of the match was fairly even – although the Grange keeper was able to stand spectating on the edge of her area at times – with both side having chances they were not able to convert. It was looking like a win for Grange, when Watsonians broke upfield, and with two seconds to go, Stobie received a cross ball behind the defence and slammed it past the keeper for her third and Watsonians fourth to give the ‘home’ side a well deserved draw. Obviously disappointed after the match, the Grange team then had to sit through the coaches post-match dissection, which, the ER reporter having heard a few in the past, was reassuringly positive and didn’t dwell on loss of that final goal. well done that man….

With Day 2 looking, unfortunately, like a ‘no-show’ for the Edinburgh Reporter, it will be reported in next weeks Sports Round-up.

So, does it look as if Scottish Hockey’s ‘September Spectacular’ National League Big Weekend will go on to spawn a major upsurge in the interest in hockey as a sport?

Probably not, given the obsession this country has with football.

However, with top club sides playing at a single venue over a single weekend, with similar off-field back-up as the International side got in the summer, hopefully the SHU can attract some new blood – be that players, officials, admin staff or sponsors – that this tremendous sport deserves to enable it to grow and increase our current position in World Hockey. Besides, how many other sports are going to deliver three matches of non-stop action and 21 goals in an afternoon?

(Can anyone else guess who the erstwhile hockey player is here folks? Ed.)

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

To recognise our fabulous August visitor numbers we asked some of our contacts to offer our readers something as an Edinburgh Reporter Reward.

Our unique users in August were over 100,000 which is an amazing number of people – and two and a half times the number of people reading our site in January 2013!

Today the Edinburgh Reporter Reward we have on offer is two hours free tuition from driving School Compass ProDrive – for two winners not just one!

What you have to do is send us an email to theedinburghreporter@gmail.com with Edinburgh Reporter Rewards in the subject line giving us the answer Compass ProDrive.

This will tell us that you have read this article and you would like to win today’s reward. The winner will be drawn from the entries received by Saturday 21 September 2013 at 5:00pm.

At Compass ProDrive they like to do things a little differently and now they have a new car to do it in. Steve Jackson of Compass told us about the sparkly new car:-

“It’s a 1.2 litre Vauxhall Corsa and we chose it as it’s basically an easy car to drive and an ideal first time car for new drivers. It”s cheap, safe,  economical, easy to insure and from a functional perspective very straight forward to get to grips with. Its also spacious for both parties to fit comfortably, and as a result when it comes to technical aspects of driving the visibility is a big plus point.

“I will be driving this particular car, but a second car will be liveried up soon and it will be exactly the same. From a business perspective we both can drive the cars as a fail safe in case one car is out of commission and a test is looming then we will always be able to fulfil our commitments to our pupils.

“The special thing about this car is that it is easy to drive and from a teaching perspective its visibility and space inside was a huge plus factor plus Vauxhall gave us the best deal!

Our philosophy is to teach and develop new skills for drivers that will allow you to become a safer and responsible contributor to our roads in a friendly and patient environment.

Our fully trained ADI and IAM professional instructors will provide you with a personalised and individual approach to your driving career that will encourage you to become a safe, considerate and more confident driver for life.

At Compass we will provide you with a personalised lesson and progress plan that will allow you to keep track of your practical and personal development during your course. This will allow us to highlight strengths and weaknesses in your progression so as to allow us to improve and strengthen all areas that you will be taught in. By applying this method it will enable us to make changes to your lesson plans to maximise your chances of passing your driving test.

Horrid History at Roseburn Park today – Rush to the Cameo today – Last chance to see Jupiter Artland this year – Tea and chocolate tasting at Eteaket – Arthunter App

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On a weekend when there is no Formula 1 to entertain you enthusiasts the only answer is to go and see Rush at the Cameo. A biopic about the rivalry between Lauda and Hunt, directed by Ron Howard, it has all the makings of a great Sunday afternoon!

Booking details for all four showings at the Cameo here.

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SPFL Saturday 14 September 2013 – Tynecastle Stadium

Hearts had won both their previous SPFL fixtures at Tynecastle this season but the acid test of this young Maroons team was always going to be when League Champions Celtic came to Gorgie. So it proved when Neil Lennon’s side were too good for an enthusiastic and hard-working Hearts side who nevertheless gave as good as they got in an eventful afternoon at Tynecastle.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon recognised how tough this fixture has traditionally been for his side, and, despite the Hoops opening Champions League fixture in Milan next Tuesday, sent out a strong starting eleven. As expected, it was Celtic who had the bulk of the possession in the early stages of the game and Kris Commons had the first real chance but volleyed over from 12 yards when he really should have opened the scoring.

This is not to say Hearts were sitting back and Gary Locke’s side looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The impressive Kevin McHattie, restored to the Hearts team following his suspension from the team that lost in Inverness before the international break, almost caught out Celtic keeper Forster with a close range effort. However, the opening goal came at the other end and in somewhat controversial circumstances.

Hearts Jamie Hamill must have felt an overpowering sense of déjà vu when, for the second game running, he was deemed guilty of handball in the penalty area thereby conceding a penalty kick. In Inverness a fortnight ago, Hamill seemed powerless to prevent the ball cannoning off his head – which not only resulted in a penalty kick for Caledonian Thistle but also a red card – ultimately rescinded – for the Hearts man. This time round Stokes’ effort cannoned off the unfortunate Hamill’s arm. Penalty decreed referee Willie Collum although thankfully common sense prevailed and Hamill remained on the pitch. Commons despatched the penalty and the jeers and catcalls that whistled around Tynecastle from a disbelieving home support told its own story. Afterwards, Celtic manager Neil Lennon remarked he had been as surprised as anyone by the decision to award a penalty kick.

Hearts were seen more as an attacking force in the second half and equalised just before the hour mark when Jason Holt struck a low shot from the edge of the penalty area which evaded Forster to level the score. Tynecastle erupted and having defeated both Hibernian and Aberdeen with huge encouragement from a vociferous home support, one sensed Gary Locke’s youngsters could perhaps do it again. However, parity lasted just six minutes when Stokes raced through the Hearts defence to restore the visitors’ lead.

Hearts had appeals for a penalty turned down by referee Collum moments later in an incident that didn’t look dissimilar to the one which gave Celtic their first half lead. The home side’s frustration turned to despair when Celtic wrapped up the three points with four minutes left when new signing Pukki headed home their third goal.

Thus, Hearts unbeaten home record ended but there were many plus points for Gary Locke. The Maroons gave as good as they got for much of the game and although there can be no denying Celtic deserved to win the game, Hearts youngsters can take much encouragement despite having to chase the game after that controversial opening goal.

Hearts: Macdonald; McHattie; Wilson; McGowan; McKay; Hamill; Robinson; Walker; Holt; Paterson; B. King.

Celtic: Forster; Izaguirre; Ambrose; van Dijk; Lustwig; Matthews; Brown; Boerrigter; Ledley; Stokes; Commons.

Referee: Willie Collum

Att: 15,928

Top man: The impressive Kevin McHattie is a player who seems to be much improved this season.

Goals from new striking partners Paul Heffernan and James Collins secured the three points for Hibs against St Johnstone in Perth yesterday, but for the second away game in succession, Pat Fenlon’s men had to come from behind for the victory.

Hibs made four changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Ross County last week, with Kevin Thomson returning from suspension, and Paul Heffernan making his first start.  Player coach Alan Maybury took the right back spot from Lewis Stevenson who moved to his natural position on the left, replacing the injured Ryan McGivern.

Danny Handling and Owain Tudur Jones were also missing whilst new recruit Abdellah Zoubir was listed amongst the substitutes alongside former St Johnstone striker Rowan Vine.

Former Hibs midfielders David Wotherspoon and Patrick Cregg started for the Saints.

Wotherspoon created an early chance but his left-foot effort went just over the bar from 20 yards then Michael Nelson received a yellow card after pulling back the on-form Saints youngster Stevie May.

Seven minutes later, May displayed the skills which have brought him to the attention of clubs south of the border when he picked the ball up 25 yards out with his back to goal but spun his marker before sending a sensational strike into the bottom corner past Ben Williams.

Hibs responded immediately and keeper Alan Mannus produced am acrobatic save to deny former team-mate Liam Craig, after his free-kick rebounded off thewall.

Ten minutes before the break, Heffernan grabbed his first goal for his new club after Collins’ shot was blocked then Scott Robertson struck the rebound off the post before the Irishman tapped in from close range.

Robertson almost gave Hibs the lead in time added on at the end of the first half, but he just missed Craig’s free kick at the back post.

The Saints started the second half brightly and Murray Davidson fired over after a dangerous cross from Wotherspoon, then another dangerous  run by May who showed superb strength to hold off Paul Hanlon before finding Cregg but his first-time effort was blocked by Nelson on the six-yard line.

A few minutes later, the Easter Road side took a deserved when Craig lifted the ball over the home defence for Collins, who volleyed into the net from a tight angle for his first goal for the club since arriving from Swindon in the transfer window, to the delight of the 1200 travelling supporters behind the goal.

Hibs continued to dominate and Heffernan forced another good save from Mannus, before Fenlon was forced to reshuffle his defence after Stevenson limped off following a bad tackle from Cregg who received a yellow card.

Paul Hanlon was moved to left-back to allow substitute James McPake to partner Michael Nelson in the centre of the defence.

New signing Abdellah Zoubir replaced Collins for the final ten minutes and impressed the Hibs faithful with his trickery, and twice in quick succession caused the Saints defence problems. His cut-back to Craig almost brought about a third goal but the midfielders strike was blocked, but in any case, Hibs held on to take all three points which moved them up the table to sixth.

Afterwards Pat Fenlon said: “I’m delighted. It was a big tree points for us. The second hald performance os the best we have played this season, and we probably deserved to win the game. The first half, there wasn’t a lot in it, but the second half I thought we played tremendously well. I’m delighted for the players but we have to keep it going next week with a home win. It wasn’t James’ (Collins) best game but he worked tremendously hard and he’s got a break with the goal and Heffernan’s a natural finisher, he’s calm in front of goal.”

Hibs take on St Mirren at Easter Road next Saturday.

St Johnstone: Mannus, Mackay, Scobbie, Cregg, Wright (Miller 55′), Anderson, MacLean (Fallon 66′), Wotherspoon, Hasselbaink (Edwards 66′), May, Davidson. Substitutes not used: Banks, Millar, McDonald, Easton.

Hibernian: Williams, Hanlon, Nelson, Robertson, Craig (Stanton 90′), Collins (Zoubir 79′), Stevenson (McPake 68′), Taiwo, Maybury, Heffernan, Thomson. Substitutes not used: Murdoch, Vine, Forster, Caldwell.

Referee: Bobby Madden.

We all know about the importance of first impressions, but have you considered that the colours you wear can influence how people perceive you?

As we don’t always know what colours suit us best, or what they may be communicating about us, this can affect the success of relationships, both at work and in our personal lives.

Colour also influences buying decisions. A company’s choice of marketing and branding colours can either attract you or send you somewhere else.

The same goes for those of us who have a business. The colours we choose to sell our products and services can also make all the difference to the bottom line.

It is vital to choose the right colours for your home, too, to maximise comfort, style, property value or any other interiors objectives.

Most of us are aware of the basics of colour theory: for instance, that blues and greens generally communicate peace and calm and red tends to announce energy and vitality.

But for the most effective outcomes, all colours must be adjusted to the tone and shade that best suits the needs of each individual person, business and home.

To sum up, the right colours can draw people to you, enhancing work and personal relationships. They can also create positive perceptions about your business, which could introduce more new customers. And they can of course enhance your interiors, too, enabling you to create a home that is more comfortable, covetable, or valuable.

Jane Chrumka, interior designer and colour consultant, is director of Harmony Ridge Designs. Further information about Harmony Ridge Designs is at www.harmonyridgedesigns.co.uk, on Twitter @harmonyridge1 and on Facebook.com/Harmony Ridge Designs

Contact Jane on 0131 556 7171 to book a consultation or a place on her autumn workshops.