Ed O’Meara : ”A Complete and Comprehensive History of the Roman Empire in Under an Hour. With Jokes.”

Bannerman’s Bar: 13:45pm daily

Multiple-time festival visitor, Ed O’Meara, serves up a potted Roman history lesson splattered with quips, funny observations and a range of ironic connections to today’s society, some of which are unerringly accurate.

After a slightly nervy start (it was the first gig of this festival season), Ed quickly got into his historical stride with a reminder of Romulus, Remus, fratricide and touch of bestiality thrown-in for good humoured measure.

References to Rome’s early open door policy, intermingled with ‘ancient sexism’ and Sabine women, leave the door wide open for a swathe of up date satirical and witty observations, (Ed’s early show edginess is now disappearing!). Being himself a ‘bearded wonder’ Ed soon manages to comically offend most of the non-bearded audience but with a cheeky grin and ‘crystal blue eyes’ that the ladies yearn to look into (a comment from the row behind), Ed soon has the audience back on his side, if not of the Romans themselves.

A whirlwind drive through centuries of Roman culture, mayhem, murder, political structure and career suicides leave all with a decent timeline of major events as well as noting a number of spectacular personality flaws and foibles from those ‘Emperors’ in charge of it all.

Ed manages to include entertaining references to Alexander the Great, Carthage, Etruscans (and their pottery exploits), plus a host of notable battles and match them a number of modern day equivalents in a welcome laconic and ironic manner. Certainly this Reviewer did not know the Pretorian Guard had such an interesting business model.

If you like the idea of ancient history blended with entertaining jokes and idioms, this one’s for you. 3.5 out of 5

Submitted by James Stevenson

Local Businessman Blaikie has big plans for new venture

Graham Blaikie the thirty-something owner of Edinburgh’s award-winning Mercat Bar & Restaurant has bought the newly named ‘Mercat Grill’ in Whitecraig, East Lothian for a six figure sum, sourced via private investors.  The new owner has big plans to rejuvenate this once thriving, village pub and eatery in a new venture which will create up to 15 new jobs.

Over the next five years, Blaikie aims to invest a further six figure sum, into his new, independent venture, which will be run by him and his family with the support of a strong, local team of staff.   A percentage of the capital will be sourced through private investment and over time, the remaining income will come from reinvesting profits as the business grows.

The establishment will be completely transformed over the next three years, with a complete refurbishment of the building’s exterior, surrounding grounds, the restaurant and lounge bar.  Up to seven bedrooms will also be created to accommodate tourists looking for quality, traditional, countryside ‘inn’ style rooms.  The first phase of the refurbishment is due for completion by this September, which will see the restaurant and lounge bar refurbished, as well as the building’s exterior and part of the ground’s landscaping.

Further down the line, a roof top terrace bar will be created where customers can drink and dine with views over the surrounding countryside.  This will complement the existing, outside seating area at the Mercat Grill.  And finally, the dining area in the conservatory will be expanded to cater for 90, as opposed to the current capacity of 50.

The new owner, Graham Blaikie said: “I’ve got a great opportunity to make this place into a really popular, countryside pub, where we’ll be focusing on providing really good quality, homemade food – from locally sourced, fresh produce – with a selection of special grilled dishes.  We’ll have a great selection of wines, bespoke Scottish beers though to speciality teas, coffees and soft drinks.  We want to create a destination venue which appeals to everyone from families, couples, business people to tourists who are looking for a friendly, stylish yet homely place to relax, dine, drink and sleep.

“I’ve been in the industry for nearly two decades now.  When I took over my first pub eight years ago in Edinburgh’s Haymarket area, The Mercat Bar & Restaurant – it was one of the least desirable establishments in the area.  However, with a great deal of hard work and determination, my team and I turned it into the award-winning gastropub it is today, which attracts a good mix of clientele from locals to tourists.  That’s what I aim to achieve with my new venture, with quality food, great service and comfortable stylish rooms whilst also creating new, local jobs.”

The Mercat Grill is open now and is also taking bookings for Christmas Day.  The venue also offers free mini bus transfers for groups of six up to 16 diners.  Further details are available from the staff.

The Mercat Bar & Grill

10 Whitecraig Road

Whitecraig

East Lothian

EH21 8PG

Tel 0800 124 4112

www.mercatgrill.com

C venue 34, Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Dates 31 Jul-10 Aug Time 17:05 (0hr50) Ticket prices £8.50-£10.50 / concessions £6.50-£8.50 / children £4.50-£6.50

Dancing Souls & Theatre SOMA (Hong Kong & UK)

In Two Minds by Shan Chan and Suzi Cunningham. Psychotherapy practice and collaborative choreography combine in this duet about the mind.

Inspired by the expression, ‘in two minds’, two choreographers – one from Hong Kong and one from the UK – reflect on our internal lives.

The world premiere of In Two Minds is the product of extensive personal experience in the fields of dance psychotherapy, and aims to show the healing synergy of dance by bringing together east and west.

The idea for the show comes from a desire to use dance to say what words can sometimes fall short of describing: to use dance to explore decision-making and the complex emotions that go with it.

Dancer and choreographer Shan Chan unveils her dynamic dance movement psychotherapy techniques to describe schizophrenia, with its confusion of delusion and reality. She is joined by British guest choreographer

Suzi Cunningham, whose interest in the addictions that nurture creativity and humour in a dark world brings a different dimension to the piece.

By bringing together scientific, psychological, clinical and personal perspectives, Chan and Cunningham use creative movement to render in physical terms the workings of abstract thought. This dance duet reveals how a struggle between two extremes can be resolved through movement rather than mind.

Dancing Souls/Theatre SOMA was founded by Shan Chan in 2012 and aims to promote the therapeutic value of movement to the society. Its affiliated companies include Dance Unique and Woody Stage.

Shan Chan, a choreographer and dancer with over 15 years of experience in Hong Kong is now broadening her career as a Dance Movement Psychotherapist by completing her MSc in Dance Movement Psychotherapy in Scotland.

Chan’s past work as a choreographer and dancer includes concerts, theatre and corporate events with world-renowned brands such as BMW and Chanel. She also engages in community work, especially with adolescents and the elderly.

Reduce Reuse Recycle & Repair Roadshow – Take a bus out of town to Jupiter Artland- Madhatters Tea Party – King Creosote – Edinburgh Fringe Festival Pick of the Day

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If the madness of the Fringe is too much for you then you can jump on a bus this morning and head for Jupiter Artland.

A free shuttlebus to Jupiter Artland is available from the city centre during the Edinburgh Art Festival, leaving from and returning to the EAF Kiosk on the corner of George Street and Frederick Street at 10.30am coming back abut 3.30pm. Tickets for the Shuttlebus also allow free entry to Jupiter Artland. Free but booking essential on the Art Festival website.

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Join Alice and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes near Musselburgh on Sunday, 11 August and experience a delightful outdoor theatre production of her adventures down the famous rabbit hole.

Favourite characters line up to delight in Heartbreak Productions’ adaptation of both Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. Mix the scurrying White Rabbit with his pocket watch, the Mad Hatter and the sleepy dormouse – fond of napping in the teapot – and the crazy, croquet-loving Queen, with a VERY short temper and you’ll come up with a hugely entertaining, fast-paced confection of comedy in the lovely setting of Newhailes’ grounds.

Heartbreak Productions have been touring award-winning theatre shows for 20 years. They have also been highly praised for their school drama workshops. “Alice – An Extraordinary Adventure” is their brand-new production, packed with interactive entertainment, music and lots of laughter. Suitable for all ages, you are invited to come along and bring a picnic and a rug, or low seating – and to dress warmly for this outdoor, evening event.

Comedy capers commence at 6pm and continue for two hours, including an interval of 15 – 20 minutes. Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, children £7, families £36 and concessions £10. For tickets and further information, please tel: 0844 4932125 or visit the National Trust for Scotland website www.nts.org.uk.

Newhailes is a fine late 17^th century house with impressive 18^th century additions and interiors, set in a fascinating 18^th century designed landscape. Bought in the early 1700s by Sir David Dalrymple of the Scots legal and political dynasty, the most remarkable addition was the library which played host to many famous figures of the Scottish Enlightenment. Dr Johnson described the library as “the most learned room in Europe”.

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King Creosote are appearing at The Queen’s Hall tonight at 8:00pm. Following their triumphant Fringe show last year, Mercury Prize nominee Kenny Anderson and full band return to The Queen’s Hall. The show will begin with a short acoustic set followed by a full band set. Book tickets here.

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The Boadicea of Britannia Street
Calendar Girls meets Dead Poets Society. Fran Lamb is a journalist close to retirement on the local paper; eccentric, recently bereaved, she starts a creative writing group – trying to do something challenging for a change. Joining the group are Annie, a put-upon housewife, Penny a PE teacher and Janet the local librarian. They decide, perhaps disastrously, to devise a performance about Queen Boadicea. A touching, hilarious and feisty look at life, death and love through the eyes of the four women.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4eDjTZUmrU]

Saturday  3 August to Sunday 29 September 2013, 10:00 – 17:45,

John Hope Gateway Decking, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (free)

An outdoor exhibition of stunning images that explores Scotland’s lost gardens and the personalities and tastes of the individuals who created them

A new exhibition charting the history and cultural significance of the ‘lost gardens’ of Scotland, opens today.

Gardens and designed landscapes are an important part of Scotland’s history, providing a fascinating insight into the social, political and economic environment of the times in which they were created.

While many of the gardens featured in the exhibition have long gone – vulnerable to changing tastes and needs, or derelict through lack of maintenance – their cultural significance remains.

Sitting within a wider British and European context, gardens respond to ideas embedded in religion, science, art and literature, while incorporating distinctive elements of Scottish history, climate and natural landscape.

Many of the lost gardens featured in the exhibition mounted by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) were discovered and documented through the organisation’s aerial survey programme.

The exhibition explores the ‘lost gardens’ of Scotland over some 1,500 years, and includes:

• The earliest known gardens related to the monastic settlements from the sixth and seventh Centuries, in remote locations where a garden would have helped provide a basic diet

• Royal gardens and the gardens of the Scottish nobility, used for the production of food but also places for pleasure and recreation
• French and Italianate style gardens of the late Medieval period, showing the influence of formal European design
• Eighteenth century ‘jardins anglais’ designed to present an idyll of a pastoral landscape, including wandering livestock and classical ruins, as popularised by the designers ‘Capability’ Brown and William Kent
• Conservatories and winter gardens which became popular in the nineteenth century, following the repeal of the Glass Tax in 1845 and facilitated by improvements in steel and glass manufacture
• The horticultural fashions of the Victorians including ‘ferneries’, rockeries, swimming ponds and grottos
• Public parks, city gardens and allotments and open spaces including the roof garden on Princes Street in Edinburgh

Speaking about the exhibition, curator and RCAHMS architectural historian Clare Sorensen said, “Gardens are one of the most important elements in the cultural history of Scotland. Like any art form, they provide an insight into social, political and economic fashions, they intimately reflect the personalities and ideals of the individuals who created them and they capture the changing fortunes of successive generations of monarchs and noblemen.

Yet they remain fragile features of the landscape, easily changed, abandoned or destroyed, leaving little or no trace.”

Ian Edwards, Head of Exhibitions and Events at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said, ‘Historic gardens are a great draw for visitors to Scotland and I am sure that there will be a lot of interest in the exhibition from tourists who will be visiting the Garden over the next few months, as well as from our resident audience who have a real appetite for anything to do with our unique Scottish garden heritage.’

This exhibition draws on a book published in September 2012 by RCAHMS, written by Marilyn Brown, an archaeological investigator who specialised in the study of historic gardens across Scotland through aerial and ground survey over the last thirty years.

The material featured in both the book and the exhibition is drawn from the extensive collections of RCAHMS, which has been creating a record of Scotland’s historic environment for over one hundred years.

Councillor Steve Cardownie probably has the best job at this time of the year. He is Festivals Champion and we spoke to him about the summer Festivals and how the council supports these.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZLjjiss2tA]

One of Scotland’s leading catering companies, GH Event Catering has created a special offer for those dedicated people who work tirelessly, organising fantastic charitable events.  The East Lothian-based business is offering its stunning Eskmills venue on a complimentary basis, from September 2013 through to March 2014!  This fantastic event space is set within a beautifully restored historic mill on the scenic banks of the River Esk in Musselburgh, East Lothian.

And it gets better – for any big charity lunches or dinners – GH Event Catering has also put together a special package (based on 100 guests) of;

• canapés on arrival
• a three-course meal with tea and coffee for only £29.95pp

or

• a buffet from £7.20pp

GH Event Catering will also help charities, by donating an auction prize, especially for their event.  This could be anything from a bottle of bubbly through to a superb prize of a private dinner for six, catered by GH Event Catering’s professional team in the prize winner’s home.

Eskmills seats up to 350 guests (with dance floor), is available until 1am and summer dates may be available upon request (for an additional but discounted fee).  These offers are subject to availability.

GH Event Catering’s managing director, Brian Galbraith said: “We are committed to being able to support charitable organisations who work extremely hard for vital causes and all of our team like to give something back into the local communities and for good causes.  At a time when many charities are finding it difficult to raise important funds and keep costs to a minimum – we believe offering complimentary venue hire and a discounted hospitality package, will give support and encourage charities to continue to hold events and raise vital funds.

“We’ve hosted many big charity dinners at our Eskmills venue and they’ve been a huge success for the charities and the guests attending.  We look forward to supporting your charity soon!”

A spokesperson from a local, East Lothian charity commented: “What can I say – except – a big thank you to your company, you and all your staff for making our event special. Nothing was too much trouble for any of your staff. All our guests loved it and we can’t wait to come back next year.”

For further information please contact GH Event Catering on 0131 273 5243 or email sales@gheventcatering.com.

Circosis, one of the world’s most remote Circus companies, have travelled all the way from the Red Centre of Australia to present their European premiere of “A Circus Affair” at ZOO this August. It is a funny, endearing show that will touch your heart.  This small but exuberant circus and physical theatre company will dust off the red sand from the desert in exchange for hundreds of shiny hoops, bright lights and big dreams at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“A Circus Affair” tells the story of Sarita and Mr. Kiko and their love affair with circus.  When the pair collides a comedy of romance ensues.  With a combination of wit, old school charm and Chaplinesque comedy, Circosis perform impressive circus skills; juggling, hula hoops, slack rope, acrobatics, walking globe and strong woman feats, appealing to young children and adults alike.

The Company spend most of their time on remote aboriginal homelands in Australia running programs which use circus and physical theatre to empower marginalised youth. Hundreds of kilometres into the desert, it is not uncommon for their shows to be upstaged by attention seeking camels, having audiences run away half way through the show to deal with a rogue snake or spider or having traditional elders screaming with laughter as they watch their grandchildren’s antics on stage.

And they sure do breed them tough in the outback: in this show you will see Sarah Mason performing feats of strength as she effortlessly tosses her aficionado around.

Circus with a delightful story; it will reel you in and leave you feeling warm inside (just like the desert of Australia.)

A Circus Affair – Circosis
ZOO
4-10 August 2013 (2-3 August preview shows for “bedding-in”)
www.zoofestival.co.uk Box Office: 0131 6626892

Edinburgh Bus Tours has unveiled its new mobile-compatible website that provides customers with everything they need to know about the bus tours and how to make the most of their sightseeing.

The new website, designed by Edinburgh consultancy Whitespace, coincides with a brand refresh for the five star rated visitor attraction. The new branding is designed to build on the growing popularity of the tours amongst Edinburgh’s visitors.

The website contains a detailed information page for each of Edinburgh Bus Tour’s six tours. Users can view a route map where attractions are highlighted alongside tour transfer points. Tour leaflets are also available for download and customers are able to purchase their tickets online.

An Edinburgh Bus Tour app, available for both IOS and Android devices, allows visitors to make the most of their time in Edinburgh through a host of features including live bus times, a journey planner and route maps. The app has been developed in-house digital designer John McEvoy.

Edinburgh Bus Tours is the third most popular paid for attraction in Scotland after Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo. Last year over 500,000 visitors hopped on the tour buses, with more expected to take advantage of the six available tours this year.

Tim Armour, General Manager at Edinburgh Bus Tours, said: “With an increasing number of visitors to Edinburgh finding their way around the city using their mobile phones, it is crucial that we are able to make our tours as accessible as possible. The new website does just that, offering clear, concise and interesting information in a mobile-friendly format. With festival season just kicking off, I’m sure we’ll see a considerable increase in web traffic, which we hope will be converted into ticket sales.”

www.edinburghtour.com

Twelve unemployed young people from Edinburgh have completed Scotland’s first Prince’s Trust Get into Hotels programme run by Marriott Hotels.

The new programme, designed to help unemployed young people with a passion for hospitality break into Edinburgh’s thriving hotel scene, has already meant that eight of the group secured jobs with some of the biggest names in the business.

Renowned hotelier, James Thomson, presented the group with certificates for REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene, Responsible Service of Alcohol and Health and Safety at a recent stylish celebration ceremony complete with afternoon tea.

After three weeks’ training, mentoring and hands-on experience, as part of the course, the young people had a chance to try their hands working at top hotels including The Marriott, Sheraton Grande, Balmoral, Thistle King James Hotel, Carlton, Radisson Blu, the Rutland, the Roxburghe and Prestonfield House.

Among the graduates was Torren Wilson, 24, who despite having worked in various sectors since the age of 15 had struggled to find a job after becoming unemployed five months ago.

Being out of work left Torren feeling depressed. He said: “I was feeling low and I had given up on myself. The course has given me a bit of belief in myself and I couldn’t ask for anything better. Before I went on the course, I was actually unaware of the opportunities on offer in hospitality.  I’ve now seen that there are a million doors that could open once you get into the industry.”

The Marriott was so impressed with Torren that they have offered him a permanent position.

Stephen Williamson, 21, has also secured work as a concierge at Prestonfield House, after two months of looking for a job. He said: “I found it quite difficult to get another job because I didn’t have the experience and I couldn’t get that experience without a job. “

Tricia Rainey, Cluster Director of Human Resources at Marriott Hotels Scotland, said: “Young people can find themselves in a vicious circle, struggling to get a job without experience and unable to get that experience without first getting a job.  Get into Hotels has given them the experience and skills that were missing from their CVs and seen them grow in confidence.”

Finlay Laverty of the Prince’s Trust, added: “We are delighted by the success of the first ever Get into Hotels programme in partnership with Marriott. By working in partnership with world-class brands like Marriott, our Get into programmes give young people a winning combination of training and experience. Partnerships like this not only allow young people to realise their ambitions and aspirations but also demonstrate to employers just how much they have to offer.

“Following the success of our first ever Get into Hotels programme we will continue to work with Marriott Hotels to help more young people take their first steps to a sustainable and rewarding career.”

The Prince’s Trust will support all participants who completed the course, helping them into work, education or training.

Get into Hotels was funded by the Wood Family Trust, Edinburgh Capital City Partnership, the Scottish Government and the European Social Fund.

A New ‘Mercat’ Commemorative Beer On-board

The award-winning Mercat Bar & Restaurant in Edinburgh’s Haymarket area has launched a special, own branded beer in conjunction with Alechemy Brewing, the microbrewery based in West Lothian – planned to commemorate the end of the tram works.

Graham Blaikie, the Mercat Bar & Restaurant’s owner said:- “We thought it would be a great idea to have our own branded beer as a quirky way to celebrate the end of the tram works, which have affected our business over the last few years.  Originally, our plan was to have this specially bottled IPA to commemorate and celebrate the tram works in Haymarket being complete by 1^st August!

“But unfortunately, their deadline has been missed yet again with further delays reported and these works still on our doorstep!  So we’ve decided to push ahead, launch our new, branded beer and we’d like to encourage all fellow beer lovers, to come into the Mercat and give it a try!

“It’s a lovely and refreshing ‘Cairnpapple IPA’, so great in this warm weather!  The head brewer, James Davies, named this IPA after one of the most well-known hills in West Lothian, a revered and ancient ritual site, dating back to 3500BC.  A location held in the same regard as the more famous standing stones of Stenness in Orkney.”

A 550ml bottle is priced at £3.50.

The Mercat Bar & Restaurant

28 West Maitland Street

Edinburgh

EH12 5DX

t 0131 225 8716

Check out their new website www.mercatbar.com

All across the city centre you can see flags flying high above our iconic buildings proclaiming one single word:-HELLO

This is an art installation by Peter Liversidge who always starts his artistic proposals on his typewriter. So however it has been first proposed (spelling mistakes and all) is how it ends up… Hence the single word sharing his idea. The Edinburgh Art Festival are excited about this ‘installation’:-

The artist’s proposal for the Edinburgh Art Festival will, we hope, be realised. The artist has invited anyone in the city with a flag pole to fly a white flag which bears the text: HELLO. According to its dictionary definition, ‘Hello’ is ‘used to express a greeting, answer a telephone, or attract attention an exclamation of surprise, wonder, elation, etc…’. The project stems from a desire to remind us that in its simplest sense, the flag too is a form of hello, “a greeting, an indication of intent be that benevolent or with malice”.

In a city which doubles in size in August, Liversidge’s proposal invites Edinburgh, visitors and residents alike, to join in a collective and universal greeting. In the artist’s own words, “a simple welcome across the rooftops. A buoyant, floating ‘hello’”.

How many flags have you spotted? Send us your photos! Either send them on Twitter to @EdinReporter or by email theedinburghreporter@gmail.com

Contributed article

Craft Scotland is hosting an exciting new Summer Show which opens to the public today. The Show will bring together 36 fantastic craft makers and showcase some of the best talent currently working in Scotland. The Summer Show runs through until the 26th of August and will be presented across the second floor of White Stuff emporium on George Street, Edinburgh.

A wide variety of high quality contemporary craft will be on display and available to buy including jewellery, textiles, ceramics and furniture. The craft makers exhibiting include established and acclaimed makers such as milliner Sally-Ann Provan; ceramist Julia Smith, jewellers Grainne Morton and Jane Gowans and designer Judy R Clark. They will be joined by a selection of exciting emerging talent who have recently graduated including furniture makers Joanne Black and Susan Harper and jeweller Jenny Laidlaw.
There will be a selection of ’Meet the Makers’ events taking place during the show for this and more information on opening times and a full list of participants, go to http://www.craftscotland.org

Stay up to date with the Craft Scotland Summer Show on twitter at #cssummershow
Connect with the Craft Scotland team for updates @craftscotland

Submitted by Jude Henderson

FRIGHTFUL FUN GUARANTEED AS CRIMES AGAINST COMEDY LAUNCHES AT THE EDINBURGH DUNGEON

Throughout August, the Black Jester is up to his old tricks again as he takes up residency at the Edinburgh Dungeon, promising jokes and japes aplenty with the return of Crimes Against Comedy.

Launching today, the show involves the Black Jester causing havoc with the renowned Judge Mental in a special run of performances between 6pm and 7pm every evening.

On the hunt for the Fringe’s worst joke, and on trial for his horrific humour, the Black Jester will be joined in the dock by visitors who have been up to no good. He’ll be asking the jury to pass judgement on the gags nominated for the Worst Joke Award and facing sentence for his Crimes Against Comedy.

Throughout the day the Black Jester will be lurking around the Edinburgh Dungeon and hitting the streets of the capital to collect nominations; spot the jester and pop your jokes in the ballot box to be in with the chance of winning a unique trophy for your efforts.

If you think your joke has what it takes to make the crowds cringe, nominations can also be made at www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh, on the Edinburgh Dungeon Facebook page and on Twitter @EdinDungeon using #cacjokes.

Johnny Campbell, General Manager of the Edinburgh Dungeon commented: “Whilst the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is renowned for first class comedy we all know there are a few stinkers out there. So the Black Jester is joining us to celebrate those wisecracks that make you snigger and cringe; in fact, jokes that are so bad they’re good!”

“Throughout, Judge Mental will try to restore order though the jester is well known for his ability to create chaos so visitors will end up rolling in the aisles regardless!”

Crimes Against Comedy is a special addition to the Edinburgh Dungeon tour; 80 minutes of non-stop action and hilarity delivered by 11 live-actor shows, state of the art special effects, 360º theatrical sets and two heart stopping rides. Gripping storytelling by hero characters delivers an unforgettable interactive journey through 1000 years of Scotland’s gruesome history.

Tours will be running from 10am till 6pm every day, with the Crimes Against Comedy tours starting at 6pm and running till close at 7pm. For more information and tickets visit www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh. Tickets are also available from the Fringe box office.

The council is to designate Pilrig as a conservation area based on findings from its recent consultation.

This means that any planning applications in the area will be subject to stricter control and may take more time and manpower to process, but the end result should be that the historic elements of the area should be preserved, all to the benefit of those who live there.

The consultation process included a couple of open evenings at McDonald Road Library in May this year and a total of 82 responses were submitted online.

Previously the council had considered the area to be of limited historical or architectural interest with the exception of Pilrig House, so it was important to carry out a consultation to find out what people really thought. Of the small number of responses an overwhelming 90% answered that they wanted the area to be designated as a conservation area.

Our photos of Pilrig House are courtesy of RCAHMS and show Pilrig House built around 1638 which is part of the original Balfour Estate, and where Robert Louis Stevenson’s grandfather was born.

Notable comment came in the form of endorsements from the local MP Mark Lazarowicz who supported the proposal saying that “Pilrig has many of the features of a distinct ‘urban village’ with a number of attractive architectural features and historic buildings.” The local MSP Malcolm Chisholm also gave it the thumbs up noting the strong local support. Other support came from local councillors Maggie Chapman and Nick Gardner, as well as The Cockburn Association who drew attention to “the architectural interest and distinctive character of Rosslyn Crescent/Street, Cambridge Gardens/Avenue, Balfour Street and the Pilrig Cottages.” The Leith Business Association considered it would be beneficial and the Leith Central Community Council thought it would help the loss of character by individual changes to buildings in the area.

The council’s report concludes that:-“Pilrig has more limited architectural qualities than some existing conservation areas in Edinburgh. However, it has elements which meet a number of the criteria specified in the Scottish Historic Environment Policy for designation of a conservation area in terms of building groupings, street pattern, distinct character, value as a good example of a local style within the wider context of city, present condition and the scope for improvement and enhancement.”

The council have also been recommended to extend the boundary to include the buildings at the Leith Walk end of Pilrig Street and part of the northern side of Leith Walk, which more closely follows the lines of the original Balfour Estate where Pilrig developed.

Designation as a conservation area results in a number of additional requirements:

planning permission will now be required for any improvement or alteration to the external appearance of a flatted dwelling

conservation area consent is required for demolition;

replacement windows may require planning permission and will be assessed in line with Council guidance;

special attention must also be paid to the character and appearance of the conservation area when planning controls are being exercised. Most applications for planning permission for alterations are, therefore, advertised for public comment and any views expressed must be taken into account when making a decision on the application; and

notice is required to fell or severely lop trees within the conservation area.

All of the planning papers for next week’s meeting are now online.

Final plans to trial some action in the Royal Mile are being recommended to the council’s planning committee next week, addressing issues relating to tourists and residents alike.

The council really want residents and visitors to enjoy a better experience in a safer and cleaner environment, making it a better place to live and shop. The council want the shops to voluntarily tidy up the fronts of their shops, and if necessary will introduce a by-law to improve the appearance of all shops on the historic street. Music from shops is also to be limited in an effort to improve the standard of retail offering on Edinburgh’s iconic street. Councillor Ian Perry admitted that the shops which were not owned by the council are more difficult to control, but he is adamant that there will be an improvement.

In January 2012 the council ran a charrette  (a workshop with interested parties) to find out what was needed to improve the historic thoroughfare. One of the results of this discussion was the annual Royal Mile Spring Clean when council employees as well as local residents devote some time to getting rid of graffiti and generally tidying the area up.

In April 2012 a Royal Mile Manager was appointed to help establish a Royal Mile Business Association to allow all of the businesses in the street to collaborate on future plans with the council.

One of the council’s stated aims is to drive tourists to the Royal Mile, and in order to do that workshops, exhibitions and community engagement days have been conducted, involving around 250 people in total.

The Edinburgh Reporter asked the planning convenor if that was representative enough, and he conceded that it does not seem many but that the council is working towards better engagement on these issues using social media and the council website.

Some of the measures which have been suggested involve traffic calming and limiting at Lawnmarket and Canongate, with reviews of the main junctions on the street notably at Castlehill and St Mary’s Street. Some areas of the street will be temporarily restricted to some forms of traffic, in the same way as the area outside the City Chambers has been made into a shared space where pedestrians and motorised traffic effectively mingle.

This will be trialled for a year from a date to be confirmed in the New Year. Traffic will be modelled and monitored closely to check that all of this works, but it is clear that in the long term the council want more people to use public transport.

The disposal of trade waste is to be more strictly controlled and more discussion will take place on this before the end of the year to establish how this will work.

A plan is being hatched to bring tourists to the street in the wintertime too, to cover all of the street and not just specific areas, and the Hidden Gems project is aimed at encouraging people to go into the closes behind the High Street with advertising boards directing them there.

All planning papers are now online here

Police launch festival campaign – Fireworks on Friday – Flamenco flashmob – New app for the Festival – Edinburgh Festival Fringe pick of the day

Police in Edinburgh launched their campaign to raise awareness of the 101 number for reporting non urgent crime. Watch our video report here:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMgjQ8g_i7M?list=UUpyjaNvEF_ryiKTJ6QxCkIA]

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Later today the Edinburgh International Festival, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and event sponsor Virgin Money host the second Fireworks Friday, the weekly celebration leading up to the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert, the spectacular annual event which brings Edinburgh’s summer festival season to a close.

They will be joining forces with their Virgin Money Fireworks Concert broadcast partner Forth Radio, giving a few lucky winners the chance to snap up tickets to the event. Breakfast show presenters Boogie and Arlene will be at the Ross Band Stand in Princes Street Gardens from 1pm, handing out ‘Virgin Money’ red balloons to members of the public. Five balloons will enclose a voucher for a family ticket to the Fireworks Concert.

The giveaway will also be an opportunity for media to photograph Boogie and Arlene from 1 – 1.30pm.

Boogie and Arlene were recently announced as presenters of this year’s Virgin Money Fireworks Concert broadcast on Forth Radio. They join fellow Forth One colleague Grant Stott on the Concert team, with Grant returning as announcer for this year’s event.

A competition will also run on the Festival Facebook and Twitter profiles where the first people to send in photos capturing the ticket giveaway in the Gardens will win tickets to the event. Entrants should post their photos on the Festival Facebook page or use the hashtag #VMFireworksFriday on Twitter.

There’s just one more ‘Fireworks Friday’ to go, on 9 August – the opening day of Festival 2013 – with further activity around the city and online competitions. Details of these will be available via social media.

On Sunday 1 September at 9.00pm the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert brings Festival 2013 to an end in epic style. More than 400,000 fireworks, choreographed to live orchestral music, will light up the sky against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, in what is the largest annual fireworks concert in the world. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Garry Walker, will perform Musorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, accompanied by an awe-inspiring display created by international firework artists Pyrovision.

Last year around 250,000 people gathered in Princes Street and at vantage points around Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians, to share in the spectacle.

Virgin Money Fireworks Concert

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Garry Walker Conductor

Musorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Ravel)

Sunday 1 September 9.00pm

Sponsored by Virgin Money
eif.co.uk/virginmoneyfireworks

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More than 50 dancers age 18-75 surprised passers-by with a flamenco flashmob yesterday evening as part of the opening events of just festival.

The flashmob featured solo performances by professional dancers as well as a powerful choreographed routine performed by the whole group, set to live flamenco music. There was also a rumba finale, a real party piece.

The dancers came from all over the city following a call out from event partners Hispanic Arts Scotland and Just Festival to residents of Wester Hailes and Craigmillar to take part in a series of free classes ahead of the event, as well as classes hosted by the national dance agency Dance Base.

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Suggest My Fest app helps everyone discover their perfect Edinburgh International Festival.

Are you feeling epic? If so you may want to catch Beijing People’s Art Theatre’s Coriolanus, or perhaps you are looking to have your brain stretched in which case one of the Festival’s series of Interfaces with leading debaters and talkers on topics around digital and data in our contemporary world might be the suggestion for you, or you may just want a light, fun, big hearted night out… you should book tickets for Don Quichotte du Trocadero.

The Edinburgh International Festival has launched its new Facebook recommendation app which helps audiences select the perfect Festival events whatever their mood or desire may be.

Suggest My Fest is a fun app simple to use and possibly quite addictive.

It is available on the Festival website now at eif.co.uk/suggest. Alongside four suggested shows for each search, an additional wild card will encourage people to try something a little different. With information on the wide range of Festival discounts and special ticket offers available sitting alongside the app, an adventure could not be more accessible.

Jackie Westbrook, the Festival’s Marketing and Communications Director, said: ‘The Festival is constantly looking to add extra value around the audience experience. With Suggest My Fest we hope to engage with our existing audience and bring new audiences to our rich and varied programme. By embedding it on third party websites we also hope to extend the Festival’s reach and actively encourage more tourists and visitors to enjoy the world’s Festival city.’

Yaniv Mazor, Head of Digital at Edinburgh International Festival, said ’We are excited to use online technologies to contribute to the Festival experience. There is still untapped potential in bringing together social and open graph information with the Festival’s open data source (API). With a fantastic choice of over 230 events in our programme, Suggest My Fest is a helpful and entertaining tool to find the perfect events for each user.’

The Edinburgh International Festival commissioned and creatively developed the app with Storm Ideas, Suggest My Fest was also developed in collaboration with Festivals Edinburgh Innovation Lab, with support from Scottish Enterprise, allowing other festivals in the city to use it following its creation for the Edinburgh International Festival.

Suggest My Fest is available on the Festival website now: eif.co.uk/suggest

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We are off to see Lockerbie – Lost Voices tonight at The Netherbow Theatre. Co written by Leither Alex Wilson it features conversations from six hypothetical passengers before and after Lockerbie. Tickets for shows from today till 26 August are available here.

Chris Dugdale – Magic and Mischief!, Assembly George Square 7:30pm, until 26 Aug, £12/11 (£11/10 concessions)

From the moment Chris Dugdale walked onto stage with his professional and relaxed demeanour, there was a reassurance that the audience were in good hands and in for a treat. This enthusiastic magician has created a show for all age groups, with those at his second preview show of this year’s Fringe thoroughly engaged with his well-practiced and well-paced material.

Implementing audience participation into a show of any nature is  a daunting prospect for a performer, but Dugdale looked at home on the stage, conversing with his chosen assistants and the audience as a whole, as if he had known them for years, making it look so easy!

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

He certainly does not lack confidence, presumably as a result of ‘living for his profession’, and this confidence only grew during the show.

There may not have been an absolutely astounding ‘wow’ moment which larger budgets and venues can generally accommodate (a search for Dugdale’s performance on ITV’s ‘Penn and Teller: Fool Us’ demonstrates what is meant by this) but ‘Magic and Mischief’ provides exactly what it promises – tricks that truly makes you wonder how they are achieved, enveloped in a solid, satisfying show.

July was a very busy month for Edinburgh eco packaging firm Vegware as they were officially presented with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh on Tuesday 30^th July. The Polwarth firm won the Queen’s Award for developing zero waste food packaging, promoting sustainability and contributing to economic growth. The event at the City Chambers came just a week after two Vegware representatives met the Queen at a Buckingham Palace reception, and a day before an official visit to its Polwarth HQ by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore MP.

Joe Frankel, founder and MD of the award-winning packaging firm said, “The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious accolade we have won so far and we are delighted to have our achievements honoured by the Queen. Vegware is making a positive contribution to the economy whilst boosting sustainability with our zero waste catering disposables.”

This Royal recognition adds to Vegware’s collection of over 30 accolades.

Vegware makes certified compostable catering disposables such as coffee cups, takeaway boxes and tableware, made from recycled and sustainably-sourced eco materials. The firm’s packaging is designed for food waste recycling after use, allowing caterers to recycle food-contaminated coffee cups and takeaway boxes which often otherwise go to landfill.

Police in Edinburgh have said this morning that the emergency service operation at the Scotsman Hotel which began yesterday is now over.

The bodies of a man and woman were found within a hotel room at around 12.15pm yesterday afternoon and an investigation was launched.

Early enquiries indicate that this is a chemical-related incident. However, both bodies will now undergo forensic analysis.

Scotland Fire and Rescue carried out what is described as ‘a robust examination’ of the hotel room and are satisfied the deaths were isolated to the room only.

There was, and is, no risk to hotel guests, staff or members of the public in the area surrounding the premises.

All chemical material of interest to this investigation has now been removed from the hotel with zero traces remaining inside the building.

A number of rooms were vacated while police, fire and ambulance service conducted their enquiries and the police wish to thank those affected by this activity.

The deaths continue to be treated as unexplained, pending a post mortem.
No details of either individual will be released until next of kin have been informed.

It’s a long journey for many visitors to Edinburgh this time of the year but this is not new.

Edinburgh has always been an international city with connections along old drovers’ roads, and one in particular  reaches Italy named by renowned artist Richard Demarco as ‘The Road to Meikle Seggie’: a journey across land and time arriving at a community and hamlet in Kinross-shire.  Demarco is the veteran of Edinburgh Festivals, having attended every single one. This year he has an public exhibition on sale at The Scotsman Hotel from the 2 August – 27 September, and includes intimate drawings of the hinterlands just off the Royal Mile and atmospheric landscapes from elsewhere .

For visitors to Edinburgh at this time of year it is easy to see rich medieval history, the sophistication of the Enlightenment and the à la mode of the Festival.  But recent history is equally fascinating, from the post-war invention of the Edinburgh Festival, the Traverse Theatre and the role culture played in bringing down the Iron Curtain. One man, Richard Demarco, has played a big part in these events with work that spans for more than sixty years and  his archive boasts over 2,000 pieces.   To keep the collection alive for the public this exhibition hopes to raise funds through limited edition prints.

As an ideal introduction to Edinburgh there are drawings of the cobbled and character rich wynds and closes along the Royal Mile, but also key views from Craigmillar Castle and Carlton Hill.  Light and colour play a key role with “Edinburgh at Night” lending a haunting and ethereal image of the city in dark and translucent colours, while the same view provides a second work with bright whites and creams familiar to a snowy day.

This year is important for Richard as he celebrates the fifty year launch of the Traverse Theatre, as co-founder,  but also his honour as first Briton to receive European Citizen of the Year.  Europe is a subject close to Richard’s heart as he said:-  “When I wake up I don’t say ‘Thank God I live in Scotland’ I say ‘Thank God I live in Europe.” This is not a surprise given his Italian roots and the part he played during the  Cold War crossing the Iron Curtain ninety-seven times.

But Richard Demarco’s reach goes further with an emphasis on the international language of culture harking back to the birth of the Edinburgh International Festival in 1947 as he said:- “Its reason for coming into existence was to use the language of art to heal the horrific wounds of a world war.”  Demarco wants to keep this idea alive  reflected in the international guests at the opening exhibition which includes artists and poets from China.

“The Road  to Meikle Seggie” would now reach a forgotten place, replaced by a farm and missing from modern maps, but  Richard Demarco has captured Edinburgh’s spirit  for  future generations.

Police Scotlandlaunched its operation to keep people safe during the Edinburgh Festival earlier today.

During Operation Assure officers within the Capital will work alongside various partner agencies over the coming month in an effort to engage with the public and offer advice and guidance on crime prevention and personal safety. High-visibility police patrols will also be deployed throughout the city centre during the Festival to offer reassurance and address any issues or concerns people may have.

A special ad-trailer highlighting the Force’s new 101 non-emergency number will be on display and those who need to speak with police for incidents that don’t require a 999 response will be advised to utilise the new three-digit code.

The Edinburgh Reporter met with Chief Superintendent Mark Williams who heads up the policing operation in Edinburgh to find out more:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMgjQ8g_i7M]

This is the first Festival policing operation under Police Scotland. However, Edinburgh’s officers have a wealth of experience in welcoming the diverse range of tourists and attractions that come to the city each year. As part of Police Scotland’s commitment to continued engagement with communities, this Festival will be the most interactive yet, with police utilising Twitter to deliver updates and information on policing information relevant to the Festival.

Members of the public are invited to follow the Capital’s policing account on Twitter – @EdinburghPolice and join in the discussions by using #FestivalPolicing.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “The Festival is an exciting time for the city, with so much fantastic entertainment, sights to see and events to participate in.

“It’s also a busy period for police, as tens of thousands of tourists arrive and local residents take advantage of all that is going on across the City.

“With that in mind, it is essential that Police Scotland provides a visible presence throughout Edinburgh as part of our commitment to keeping people safe.

“Officers will be out and about on foot and bike patrols, and we will be delivering key messages to the public via social media.We are determined to ensure the Festival is enjoyed by everyone and remembered for all the right reasons.

“I would urge the public to take advantage of the different methods for communicating with police during this time and get in touch if they have any policing issues they wish to discuss.”

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world renowned and create a wonderful atmosphere that attract tens of thousands of people every year.

“Edinburgh is a safe city and we will be working closely with Police Scotland to make sure that this continues to be the case, by encouraging people to enjoy this special time of year safely and responsibly.

“I would encourage anyone with any concerns to contact the Police and help us make this year’s Festival a safe and pleasant experience for all residents and visitors.”

Incident at Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Emergency services are in attendance at the Scotsman Hotel on North Bridge where the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered in a room around 12.15 today.

Inquiries are at an early stage and the deaths are being treated as unexplained at this time.”

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a newsagent’s in the Joppa area of the city yesterday.

The incident happened at around 2.45pm when a man armed with a knife entered the newsagent’s on Joppa Road and threatened staff before making off with a three figure sum of cash and goods from the shop.

The suspect is described as male, white, aged between 40-50, and was wearing a black beanie style hat with white writing or logo on the front, a black 3/4 length jacket and black trousers.

Detective Constable Simon Berwick said: “This was a frightening experiencing for the shop worker involved who was left understandably shaken as a result of this incident.

“I would ask anyone who recognises the description of the suspect or who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time of the robbery to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Andrew Lawrence – There Is No Escape, Pleasance Courtyard 8:50pm, until 25 Aug, £13.50 (£12 concessions)

After a tedious twenty minute delay due to a technical hitch with the previous performance at the Pleasance One, Andrew Lawrence shuffled cautiously onto the stage to greet his first audience of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013.

Despite not being a household name, you may well have seen him on the BBC’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Live at the Apollo, where the self-deprecating comedian has been known to ridicule his appearance and demeanour, in good spirits.

The comedian confirmed early on in the show that he had no sympathy for people who did not like his material, commenting that in this age of technology it is easy to watch at least some portions of comedian’s sets online before deciding on what to see live – it’s not his fault, particularly if you are ‘lazy’ and don’t do your ‘research’!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMaivHvJ030?rel=0]

He also remarked that there are billions of people in the world, and that it didn’t matter too much if anyone returned or not as there would be other, new people in the crowd at the following show. Staying with this thought, he smiled with a hint of sadness that, despite there being billions of people on Earth, there were still some empty seats in the auditorium.

Lawrence, a usually confident performer who controls his anecdotes with superior word choice and tone, displayed such traits throughout the show, but perhaps with a bit more caution than was expected. The momentum was dashed at times, although he reacted well to the one or two audience departures, and his interaction with the members of the audience sitting in the front row  was well executed.

Going to ‘There Is No Escape’ could be compared to running into the sea – you initially think it might not be the best thing to do, but once you are in it’s fine, although Lawrence seemed slightly ‘out at sea’ himself at times. This may be due to first-night nerves, the fact that it was a preview show or a slight lack of confidence in developing the direction of his latest material.

Essentially, a substantial amount of his punchlines, which were reached via crafty, comedic timing, caused laugh-out-loud moments and the 46 minutes that he was on stage were enjoyable.

After commenting on the heavy rain on the roof, and suggesting the show had possibly been bad as a result of being able to hear it, Lawrence’s eyes confirmed that he could have done better, and he certainly can, as proven on several TV appearances and in ten years of comedy performances.

Perhaps he feels there is ‘no escape’ from comedy, and hopefully he won’t escape from it just yet. This show earns 3 and a half stars for the content of the performance combined with the audience interaction, with his confidence sure to increase over the duration of the festival.

Beware the jellyfish – Edinburgh People’s Festival – Jitterball at Mansfield Traquair – Dazzle at Dovecot – Today at North Edinburgh Arts Centre

According to latest media reports, the UK may experience a jellyfish invasion this summer apparently due to climate change and pollution. After a slow start this year, jellyfish numbers started increasing in June and July as our coastal waters warmed up. Our water is set to be flooded with marine life and we have been warned to expect ‘jellyfish soup’ off our beaches.

NHS 24 Medical Director, Professor George Crooks, OBE is urging anyone brave enough to venture into the sea off Scotland’s beautiful coastline to be prepared and seek advice on dealing with marine life stings from the Health Library at www.nhsinform.co.uk

Dr Crooks said “Jellyfish tentacles are covered with small poisonous sacs called nematocysts which, if touched, produce a nasty sting. If you are unfortunate enough to be stung, the most important thing to remember is not to rinse the wound in fresh water and not to rub it or apply ice – even if the area feels hot. You should try to soak the affected are in vinegar for 15-30 minutes and if vinegar is not available, use alcohol or sea water.”

Remove any tentacles with tweezers, or a clean stick (wear gloves if they are available).

Apply shaving cream to the affected area and use a razor blade, or a credit card, to remove any nematocysts (small poisonous sacs) that are stuck to the skin.

If the eyes are affected, they should be rinsed with a saline (salt) solution, such as artificial tears, and dabbed with a towel that has been soaked in vinegar. Do not apply vinegar directly to the eyes.

Stings to the mouth should be treated with a watery vinegar solution. Mix a quarter of a cup of vinegar with three quarters of a cup of water, and gargle with the solution before spitting it out. Do not swallow the solution.

Pain and swelling can be treated with painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Children under 16 years of age should not take aspirin.

Professor Crooks added “If you are walking along the beach, be careful not to touch jellyfish that have been washed onto the shore. They can still be poisonous so try to keep curious kids and dogs away from them.”

For further information on stings from marine creatures go to the Health Library at www.nhsinform.co.uk

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The Edinburgh People’s Festival’s annual Hamish Henderson Memorial Lecture will this year celebrate the Scottish poet, songwriter and intellectual’s lifelong friendship with Nelson Mandela. 

Delivered jointly by EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan and Eberhardt Bort, of ‘The Carrying Stream’, the lecture takes place on Wednesday 7 August 2013 at 7pm in Word Power Bookshop, West Nicholson Street. Stuart McHardy will provide a musical accompaniment.

People’s Festival spokesman Colin Fox believes it important all Scots are aware of Henderson’s anti-apartheid activism and his lifelong friendship with the now ailing African National Congress leader:-‘At a time when Mandela has again been at the forefront of the worlds attention’ Mr Fox said ‘the Edinburgh People’s Festival thought it important to highlight the inspiration and sustenance Hamish Henderson provided the young ANC leader when he was imprisoned by the South African Government.

‘Hamish dedicated the song ‘Men of Rivonia’ to Mandela in 1963 and sent it to him in prison. Mandela was so moved by the song that the ANC adopted it as one of their anthems. When Nelson Mandela was released and eventually came to Glasgow in 1993 to receive the Freedom of the City it was Hamish he insisted on leading the civic reception. The two men enjoyed a 40 year friendship that lasted until Hamish’s death in 2002.’

The Hamish Henderson Memorial lecture starts at 7pm on Wed 7^th August in Word Power bookshop, West Nicholson St. Tickets are available from the bookshop or from the Edinburgh People’s Festival website.

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Jelly & Gin tell us about their event on 17 & 18 August 2013. This is what they said:-“A toe-tapping, tea-sipping, cocktail quaffing, afternoon vintage tea party like no other. Once one’s reserves have been topped up by an afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones, savoury tarts, dessert and cake, welcome in cocktail hour with the tremendous tunes of the grandmaster of the gramophone DJ Henry Swank. Watch the Blond Ambition swing dancers cut a rug on the dancing floor, and do feel free to partake if the mood takes one.

Should one find oneself looking a tad dishevelled, allow Miss Dixiebelle’s Vintage Hair and Beauty Parlour to touch up those lips and smooth out those flicks.* Purveyor of fine chap-hop, Mr B. The Gentleman Rhymer will be perusing the dance hall and awarding a magnum of champagne to the most dapper chap, so extra firm moustache wax will be the order of the day gents. Never one to forget the ladies, he’ll have a magnum of champagne for the most swellegant gal. Capture your memories of this most delightful of days in our vintage photobooth.

Ticket price includes afternoon tea and a welcome cocktail. Should one find oneself in need of additional lubrication there will be cash bar serving craft beer and classic cocktails.

Dressing up is not a requirement, but it is a jolly fun thing to do.

*Not included in ticket price- £5.”

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Dazzle returns for a second consecutive year to Dovecot featuring work from over 60 contemporary jewellery designers’ and silversmiths from tomorrow till 26 August 2013. For the first time in EdinburghDazzle@Dovecot will also be presenting work by Japanese printmaker Emiko Aida

This year, especially for Dovecot, Dazzle has worked with its selected designers to create an exclusive Dovecot ‘Follow the Thread’ range of work, which champions the use of textiles, yarns and fabric in contemporary jewellery practice.

To find out more information about Dazzle and the exhibitors who will be exhibiting at this year’s show please click here www.dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk  Dovecot 10 Infirmary Street EH1 1LT is open Monday to Saturday, from 10.30am.

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Musselburgh’s Ladies Day Moves to Super Saturday Slot

Musselburgh Racecourse has announced it is moving its annual Ladies Day meeting to a Saturday slot and it will be combined with the £100,000 Scottish Sprint Cup.

The 2014 Stobo Castle Ladies Day, which celebrates its 10^th birthday, will take place on Saturday, 14 June 2014, and tickets go on sale today.

The prestigious Edinburgh Cup meeting will continue to be held on Derby Day, 7 June 2014, and prize money is expected to increase from this year’s £130,000 total.

The East Lothian course said it wanted to create two Super Summer Saturday meetings which would be the focal point of its Flat season and which attract the top horses, trainers and capacity crowds.

Musselburgh’s Ladies Day has been a sell-out event since it was first launched in 2004 and combining it with Scotland’s richest five furlong sprint feature would boost the fixture’s must-attend status even further.

The course said it had the ability to increase the capacity towards the 10,000 mark which would be a modern day attendance record for Musselburgh.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “The Edinburgh Cup is always run on Derby Day but with that moving back a week to 7 June, it would mean next year we would have been staging three big meetings in only eight days, and that could be a big strain on resources.

“To maintain the quality and appeal of our premier Flat fixtures we’ve decided to combine Ladies Day with the Scottish Sprint Cup and settled on a Saturday date for what will be a hugely popular meeting.

“This means we will have two consecutive Super Summer Saturday meetings which will be the biggest racedays ever staged at Musselburgh. Larger crowds, improved facilities, increased prize money and a better quality of racing will give us two massive events which will be the centre-piece of our 2014 season.

“It is a case of playing to our strengths and these changes enable us to improve the quality of horse racing and the visitor experience. We have to constantly innovate to make our meetings stand out from the crowd and offer something different and by doing this we are making sure Musselburgh maintains its reputation as one of the UK’s leading racecourses.”

• Tickets for 2014 Edinburgh Cup Raceday and Stobo Castle Ladies Day will be available online from today. For full details and to book visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk