A group of young people from Drylaw have been taking part in an Art project over the past two months, transforming a tunnel on the cycle path in Granton from a dull dark place to a nice bright one, with lots of amazing images that they created along with Leith based artist Chris Young.

The project was organised by the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust project manager, Charlie Cummings, who said:- “We’re delighted with the transformation of the tunnel, thanks to the artist, Chris Young, and the Fet Lor Youth Group. We hope that everyone using the tunnel will enjoy the artwork depicting scenes from the North Edinburgh cycleways and be inspired to explore the Innertubemap routes.”

Chris Young has been working with the group for the past four months and is delighted with the project. He said:- “This has been a great project. It was really interesting researching the history of the area so that some of the images could reflect the historical aspect. The young people have enjoyed taking part in the project and I would like to work with them in the future on more community art projects.”

A youth worker from the North of the city will paddle fifty-seven miles in less than twenty four hours as part of a fundraising campaign for a new building. Mark Foster who is the manager at Fet Lor Youth Centre on Crewe Road South, decided he wanted to help raise money for the proposed new Centre.

Fet Lor Youth Centre is one of the oldest youth projects in Edinburgh and has been based in its current venue for over fifty years. Two years ago the board of Directors started looking at ways to improve the Centre and enlisted the services of an Architect to work with the club members to ensure that the new building would become reality.

Now that that the young people have been engaged in the planning of the new building, the directors are now aiming to secure the required levels of funding to make the dream a reality.

Mark intends to paddle the Great Glen in just twenty-four hours, normally this is paddled over three days, and he has so far raised over £500 for doing so. Mark said:- “Part of my fundraising effort this year is to complete the Great Glen Paddle.

This is an organised event which takes place on 27 April and goes from Fort William to Inverness – 57 miles in total. Canal and river sections are included as well as the opportunity to do battle with Nessie along the length of Loch Ness.

It can be done in 2 ways. Either as a non-stop paddle or as a 3 day trip, but where’s the fun in that? Non-stop it is!

I have previously done this trip as a bike / canoe combination but this will be the first time entirely on the water. It’s going to be a challenge, but worth it for a great cause.”

This won’t be the first time Mark has taken part in such sponsored events. Two years ago Mark cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for an After School Club.

If you would like to sponsor Mark please click here.

The City of Edinburgh Council decided last week to take a stance on council tenants who are in arrears of rent. Their stance is one of cooperation and avoidance rather than legal enforcement, where the tenants cooperate with the council in trying to address any debts due. At the Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee meeting there was a lengthy discussion by elected members, following deputations by UNITE and Edinburgh Tenants Federation, which were listened to intently.

A total of £1.3m has been set aside by the council to deal with those cases where tenants might encounter difficulties and hardship, and a further £360,000 has been reserved for advice services such as CHAI and Citizens Advice Bureaux.

The council decided that they will not evict any tenants who are in arrears as a result of the introduction of new welfare reforms by the UK Government, otherwise known as the bedroom tax.  Councillor Ricky Henderson, Convener of Health, Social Care and Housing, reminded the committee that the report being considered was generated by a previous Green Group motion. “We decided to adopt the no eviction rule, and that is the reason for the report. Tenants could find themselves in difficulties with arrears as a result of the bedroom tax. We could not countenance as a council pursuing tenants whose only offence was that the UK Government had moved the goalposts. But this is not without consequences. It has implications on jobs and income in our rental sector.

“There are a lot of other mitigating measures and we feel that external partners might make some practical suggestions. We have a lot of challenges ahead and the welfare reforms implemented throughout the UK will have a significant impact on the city.

“It is essential that people make every effort to pay their rent as this funds housing services and investment. However, this decision will protect our tenants from losing their home due to the impact of the ‘bedroom tax’. We will do all that we can to support the people most affected by these changes and our ‘no eviction’ policy is an important step towards this.”

The council is also seeking an early meeting with the UK Government to put forward the implications of the welfare reforms in Edinburgh.

Cameron Rose, Conservative Group Leader, who opposed the motion, said:-“I would like to offer my thanks to the deputations for all of the information. Allow me to take a moment or two to paint the big picture. The fact of the matter is that the welfare bill has a trajectory which is stratospheric. We have increased the overall bill, but the new measures taken do not reduce the welfare bill at all. What is happening is that there is a reduction in the increase of welfare spending. This year the absolute amount will reduce slightly, but over the next few years the increase will be reduced. That is all.”

“There are a number of tenants who welcome the reforms and who look at the current unfairness. There are those who are in overcrowded accommodation but are unable to move because there are a number of people who are being subsidised for rooms which they are not occupying.

“There are a lot of people who cannot get on the list due to under-occupation. This is an issue of fairness. We have had an average of 500 one bedroom houses becoming available which of course is just not enough. Some will be in financial difficulty and some will be able to pay the extra. Let us not be under any illusion about this. There will be difficult cases but money has been allocated to the problem.  I hope that addresses some of the principles.Part of the motion by Councillor Henderson is a proposal to have a monitoring group, but we already have that in place. It seems to me that this will be a political monitoring group.  I am not sure that the creation of another monitoring group will help those in great financial need or in need of other support.

“The 500 places needed will increase as time goes on, but people have told me that they are already planning to move, so there is more housing stock going to become available.

Councillor Joanna Mowat, the Conservative Councillor for the City Centre ward said:- ” I second this amendment. We are trying to rein in the welfare budget because we see how much it has grown over the last ten years. I agree that it is better to be involved with people before they get into trouble with rent, but we agree that there is moral good in the new regime. The council has put a lot of money into getting people into work so that they have a positive destination when they leave education. This is another strand to that. We recognise what the council is trying to do, but we believe that you have to retain the ability to evict tenants. You send out mixed messages if not, and I feel that we are locking tenants into a cycle of debt.

Green Councillor Steve Burgess, who supported the Capital Coalition motion which was eventually passed, said:-“It is absurd and immoral to try and evict people when there is nowhere for them to go. The key to protecting people from arrears is the direct engagement with tenants who fall into arrears.”

Councillor Lesley Hinds accused the Tories of trying to divide people. The myths being rehearsed by the UK government are staggering. If you look at the facts, then the majority of people claiming housing benefit are in work.  Is it then a result of low wages? To keep on saying that those on benefits are scroungers is the wrong philosophy. The only one bedroom houses in my ward in Drylaw are sheltered houses. So do they have to move to other areas? That is the reality on the ground Councillor Rose! They have to claim benefits as they simply do not have enough money coming into their household.

“This scheme is divisive and cruel. What we have to do is pick up the pieces of  the legislation. We care about what happens to people in Edinburgh unlike the Conservatives.”

Councillor Paul Godzik said:-“The deputations outlined a few genuine concerns about the effect of this policy. It is about ensuring that families have adequate and appropriate support. I do think there is a need for welfare reform, but this is not sensible reform. It is an attack on the poorest by a Chancellor who wants to make a political point. I think that is disgraceful.”

Councillor Richard Lewis:-” This is reformed at the same time as giving millionaires tax cuts, and there is a funeral for a Prime Minister costing millions in London. This is philosophy first and financial prudence second.”

The ‘no eviction’ policy has been adopted elsewhere in Scotland including Dundee, Clackmannanshire and West Dunbartonshire.

In East Lothian however the situation is quite different. Labour and Tory councillors in East Lothian have combined to vote down an SNP motion that would have guaranteed no evictions because of the bedroom tax.

SNP Group Leader, Councillor Stuart Currie, said:-“It is frankly a disgrace that both Labour and the Tories have become as one on the issue of the bedroom tax. Their council deputy leader even told the meeting that he supported the welfare changes and that Iain Duncan Smith had been welcomed to East Lothian recently. Today they could have voted for a motion which not only would guarantee no evictions but also agreed to support campaign groups who want the Bedroom Tax scrapped.
“Today was a sad day for East Lothian but also a sad day for the Labour Party in this East Lothian. It would seem that they are so reliant on the support of the Tories on the council that they will not raise a finger to support a motion that would have given support to the many people affected who we represent. Today Labour let down the people.”

NSPCC Scotland is challenging people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to test their nerve next month with a charity abseil from the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.

The 165 ft abseil will take place on Sunday May 19, and gives participants the unique challenge of descending from the famous bridge onto the beach below.  A team of highly skilled instructors will be on hand at all times to ensure the experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Last year a team of twelve from the First Scotrail Training Academy in Glasgow took up the challenge, together raising over £2,500 for NSPCC Scotland.

First Scotrail’s Jamie Proudfoot said:- “I was so proud of everyone in our team for the enthusiasm and bravery they demonstrated. The abseil itself was such an incredible thrill. I was terrified when it came to taking my first step off the bridge, but by the time my feet were back on the ground I was ready to do it all over again! The staff on-hand throughout the day were fantastic, and really made us feel at ease.”

Nadia Whitmore, NSPCC Scotland community fundraising manager, said:-“This is set to be an adrenaline-fuelled event for all those who are up for the challenge. We also hope it will raise much-needed funds to help support our services in Scotland, which bring help, advice and treatment to families of children at risk or to children who have been abused.”

To take part, you are asked to pay £20 and raise a minimum sponsorship of £150. This event is open to anyone aged 16 and over, though parental consent will be required for anyone under-18 who wishes to take part.  No previous experience is necessary.

To sign up for the abseil challenge visit http://bit.ly/UtpqDl, email scotlandevents@nspcc.org.uk or phone 0844 892 0212.

You can make a £4 donation to support the NSPCC’s work in Scotland by texting CARE to 70744.

Technophonia by Oliver Searle shortlisted for Royal Philharmonic Society Award

The City of Edinburgh Music School in conjunction with Drake Music Scotland has been shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award for their performance at the Cultural Olympics in London, in the Learning and Participation category.

The Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards are the highest recognition for live classical music-making in the United Kingdom. These independent awards were set up in 1989 to celebrate the outstanding musical achievements of both young and established, British and international, musicians. In 2003, BBC Radio 3 became the RPS media partners, devoting a full- length programme to the RPS Music Awards.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omCWAX9najY]

The RPS Music Awards are governed by the Society’s guiding principles of Excellence, Creativity and Understanding. Nominations are invited annually from leading members of the profession and organisations throughout the country. Each Award is decided by an eminent, independent jury. The list of winners since 1989 reads as a roll call of the finest living musicians.

Oliver Searle, one of Scotland’s most exciting composing talents, and currently Lecturer in Creative and Contextual Studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, was commissioned by Drake Music Scotland to write Technophonia to explore the creative potential of the innovative technology they use to make music accessible to participants with severely restricted movement. These specialised instruments enabled the disabled musicians to perform alongside The City of Edinburgh Music School students on more conventional strings, piano and rock instruments.

The three official shortlisted nominations in each award category were announced on 11 April 2013 and the final deliberations of the juries are revealed in May at a dinner at the Dorchester Hotel, London.

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

New Tenant Information Packs (TIP), which come into force on 1 May 2013, are a step in the right direction, according to legal, financial and property company Pagan Osborne.

The packs, which will legally require private landlords in Scotland to provide tenants with key information on the property, the tenancy and their rights, are the latest piece of legislation  introduced to a growing rentals sector.

Linda Black is Property Sales Manager & Head of Property Lettings at Pagan Osborne.  She welcomes the new legislation, but raises questions over its enforcement.

She said:- “The bulk of the information required in the Tenant Information Pack is something that most reputable letting agents will already be providing as standard.  Gas safety certificates, council tax details, what to do if repairs are needed and energy performance certificates are all part of the new TIP and it means that the onus is on the landlord or letting agent to inform the tenant.

“The good thing about it is that there is avoidance of doubt.  It makes everything transparent and will automatically become part of the letting process. The fact that this has now become legislation goes some way to stopping less scrupulous landlords who can give the whole industry a bad name.  I think that this is definitely a step in the right direction and also hope that the Scottish Government will pursue landlords who fail to comply.”

Azhar Ghafoor who owns Dunedin Property Management in Davidsons Mains said:- “Agents who are following best practice won’t have an issue. We always provide our tenants with a wide variety of information to ensure they know their rights and vital information about the houses they are moving in to.”

Tenant Information Packs will be required on all new leases signed after 1 May 2013.  Existing leases are not affected until renewal.

Eleanor Cunningham of The Edinburgh Larder tells you what’s good to eat at this time of year, and has a suggestion for you…

Scotland has an abundance of delicious local produce and there are many ingredients we all enjoy on a regular basis.  But there are many others, that you might not have tried yet, which are well worth seeking out.

One of our favourites is sweet cicely, which comes into season around early May.  Its leaves provide a lovely fresh and aromatic aniseed flavour, which is perfect for enhancing fruit-based desserts.

Sweet cicely works well with berries, but it is also a perfect addition to rhubarb.  The spiciness of the herb and the refreshing tanginess of the fruit, create together a unique summer flavour, which we like to combine with the sweet creaminess of vanilla pannacotta.

Rhubarb is usually easy to find, but you are unlikely to be able to buy sweet cicely in the supermarket.  So, how can you track it down?

You may find it growing in your garden, but if you don’t have your own supply, you might like to try foraging.  This can be a fun and productive way to stock up your larder with local, seasonal ingredients.

Make sure, though, to be well-informed first about what you are picking – if in any doubt about what you have foraged, it is best not to risk it.

And if you would like to learn more,  why not join us on our foraging course on 12 May?  Further information and tickets will be available to buy on our website at www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/shop, by email info@edinburghlarder.co.uk or you can phone us on 0131 556 6922.

For the vanilla panna cotta

• 400ml/14fl oz double cream
• 60g/2¼oz caster sugar
• 3 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for five minutes

• 1 vanilla pod, seeds only

rhubarb, diced, plus an extra two sticks to garnish

1 orange, zest only

65g/2¼oz sugar, plus extra for garnish

½ vanilla pod, seeds only

50ml/2fl oz water

2tsp finely chopped sweet cicely

• For the rhubarb syrup, in a pan combine all the ingredients except the sweet cicely. Poach on a low heat for 15 minutes, or until soft.  Cool the syrup and add the finely chopped sweet cicely.
• For the panna cotta, simmer the cream and sugar in a pan on a low heat, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, squeeze the water out of the gelatine leaves and add them to the cream mixture. Stir the gelatine in until combined, then transfer to the fridge to cool.
• When the panna cotta mixture has thickened slightly, stir in the vanilla seeds and pour into the dariole moulds. Return to the fridge for two hours, or until set.
• For the garnish, chop the rhubarb sticks into eight pieces, sprinkle with caster sugar and transfer to a hot pan with a little water. Cook until tender then set aside.

1. To serve, turn out the panna cotta onto plates (dip the moulds into warm water if they don’t come out easily). Drizzle rhubarb syrup around the panna cotta and place the diced poached rhubarb around the edge of the dish.

A former taxi driver who murdered his victim in an Edinburgh park has been jailed.

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Stephen Nolan was given a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years in prison for killing 41-year-old Ebrahim Aryaei Nekoo last year.

The two men met at a petrol station in Westfield Road on Saturday 24th March 2012 before meeting again within Saughton Park.

During this time, Nolan, 48, struck Mr Nekoo with his taxi before driving off.

Detectives in the Capital launched a major investigation and Nolan was detained a short time later at Wester Hailes Police Station, where he was then charged with murder.

Detective Inspector Stuart Houston, who led the investigation said:- “While nothing can undo the pain and suffering Mr Nekoo’s family have endured, it is my sincere hope that they have now gained some closure and can begin to move forward from this ordeal.

“Officers carried out extensive enquiries into this incident and built a significant case against Nolan, which was vindicated with last month’s conviction.”

A unique but unsettling glimpse into what the lives of blind people were like in Victorian and Edwardian Edinburgh is to be made public.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (Edinburgh and Lothians) has formally transferred its surviving archive material to Lothian Health Services Archive (LHSA) at the University of Edinburgh Library.

The collection paints an often grim picture of the harsh lives adults and children with sight loss endured, usually dependent on subsistence work or welfare relief that was conditional on religious conformity.

The charity began as The Edinburgh Society for Promoting Reading Amongst the Blind on Moon’s System in November 1857 (‘Moon’ is a system similar to braille).  Those on its register were born as far apart as Shetland, Portsmouth and County Tyrone.  Causes of blindness include from birth, accident and a range of illnesses. Some could read raised type.  Many could not but were learning.  Most were dependent on support to survive such as an allowance under the Poor Law.

Bodies such as the Edinburgh Society assisted those not resident in institutions who mainly relied upon poor relief, charitable aid, and supplementary earnings from such activities as hawking, knitting, teaching or playing music, selling tea or keeping house.

In the nineteenth century, the Society’s focus was on teaching blind people to read using Moon – primarily so that they could access religious texts.  “Society was deeply religious during this period, especially the comfortable classes,” explained historian Dr Iain Hutchison, who reviewed the archive materials. “These were the recipients of the Society’s reports and the reports were intended to motivate their continued support and donations.

“But the minute books of the Edinburgh Blind Asylum, also part of the archive, show that its clients sometimes had a tendency to rebel against the imposition of religious practice, causing its superintendent, George MacCulloch, to express his despair at blind people being ‘not religiously inclined’.

“However, during the first decade of the twentieth century, the Society reports show a social role gradually evolving – provision of coal, negotiating travel concessions, and pensions being granted from funds endowed by benefactors.  During this period, the Liberal Government introduced initial welfare reforms, but these were selective and often permissive rather than compulsory.   The Poor Law continued to play a role until the creation of the National Health Service in 1948.”

In the early twentieth century, the Society changed its name to The Society for the Welfare and Teaching of the Blind (Edinburgh and South-East Scotland) and in 1995 to ‘Visual Impairment Services South East Scotland’.  It assumed its present name after a merger with the national charity RNIB Scotland in 2002.

The archive consists of the Society’s annual reports from 1858 to 1986, conference reports of the Scottish Outdoor Blind Teachers’ Union 1882-1917, and reports from other outdoor blind associations that formed a network across Scotland at the close of the nineteenth century.

With the collection now transferred to LHSA at the University of Edinburgh Library’s Centre for Research Collections, the aim is to make it available to researchers.  Archivist Laura Gould said:  “LHSA is delighted to add the RNIB archive to our collection.  It offers another perspective on the history of healthcare in the Lothian region, and complements existing collections surrounding provision of medical and related services to Edinburgh’s citizens.”

Ken Reid, chair of RNIB Scotland, said: “Charities and voluntary organisations that began decades ago can shed a fascinating and invaluable light in how society’s attitudes to the poor and excluded have progressed.  That’s why it’s very important they preserve materials that document this change and give a voice to those who experienced it.

“I am glad that many things have improved for blind and partially sighted people since.  But blind and partially sighted people are still excluded from much that is taken for granted, with 70 per cent of working age unable to secure employment and many dependent on the benefit system to maintain a modest standard of living.”

* More information about LHSA and accessing its collection can be found on their website: http://www.lhsa.lib.ed.ac.uk/.

It will not surprise you to know that the libraries are where it is all happening this evening to celebrate World Book Night. WBN is a celebration of books and reading when books are handed out free by volunteers to encourage those who don’t read to start!

World Book Night events:

Tuesday 23 April, 10am-8pm
Leith Library
World Book Night – Online Pirates of Leith Treasure Hunt
Solve all the clues about Leith using our fabulous Our Town Stories website (http://www.ourtownstories.co.uk/). Then come and claim your booty from some real live pirates! Successful adventurers will take home copies of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic ‘Treasure Island’.  Yarrrr!

Keep an eye on the Leith Library blog at http://leithlibrary.wordpress.com/ and @LeithLibrary Twitter for more details! First clues due around 2pm.

Tuesday 23 April, 6-7pm
Muirhouse Library
World Book Night with Allan Guthrie
Prize winning Edinburgh based crime writer, author of many gripping stories including ‘Slammer’ and ‘Bye Bye Baby’, will read from and talk about his books. His books have been described as having the power to ‘make you writhe in agony’ while dealing ‘heart stopping suspense’.

To book a place call 0131 529 5528 or email muirhouse.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Tuesday 23 April, 6.30- 7.30pm
Blackhall Library
World Book Night with Andrew Greig
Listen to this Scottish novelist, poet and writer, read and discuss prose from ‘At the Loch of the Green Corrie’ and ‘Found At Sea’, a book-length sequence of narrative poems. The event will be chaired by Ryan Van Winkle, Edinburgh City Libraries’ writer in residence.

To book a place call 0131 529 5595 or email blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Tuesday 23 April, 6.30-8pm
Portobello Library
World Book Night with Caroline Dunford
Hear about the ‘Euphemia Martins’ mysteries and Caroline Dunford’s other careers.  She has published 30 short stories, mostly fantasy and horror, won a few awards, written the best selling non-fiction narrative ‘How to Survive the Terrible Twos; diary of a mother under siege’ and had several plays produced.
To book a place call 0131 529 5558 or email portobello.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Tuesday 23 April, 6-8pm
Corstorphine Library
Book Swap Evening
Bring along one (or more!) of your favourite books to swap for someone else’s ‘must-read’ and spend the evening chatting with book lovers over drinks and nibbles.  Don’t have a book to swop? Come along anyway and enjoy the company!

For more information call 0131 529 5506 or email corstorphine.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Tues 23 April, 6.45-7.45pm
Oxgangs Library
World Book Night – the Brainbuster Book Quiz
Celebrate World Book Night with Oxgangs library’s ‘Brainbuster Book Quiz.  Hosted by our very own quizmaster, ‘The Great Raymondo’.

All welcome. Guaranteed Fun. Refreshments too.

To book a place, call 0131 529 5549 or email oxgangs.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Tues 23 April, 7-8.30pm
Central Library/Reference Library
World Book Night celebration
No.1 Ladies Detective Agency author Alexander McCall Smith will be in conversation with Peggy Hughes (the City of Literature), with readings from BAFTA-nominated novelist and playwright Lesley Glaister and other local authors. World Book Night promises to be a fun evening with fizz and nibbles.  Local World Book Night givers welcome!

DATE CONFIRMED FOR LIBERTON AND GILMERTON BY-ELECTION

A by-election will be held in the Liberton and Gilmerton ward on Thursday 20 June 2013 following the death of Councillor Tom Buchanan.

The counting of votes will be carried out manually on the following day in the Council Chamber.

To register to vote or apply for a postal vote people should contact the Electoral Registration Office or phone 0131 344 2500 by Wednesday 5 June.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Details of where these are will be announced by the council shortly.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can give a rank to as many or as few candidates as they like.

There are three other councillors in the Ward who were elected in May 2012. They are Councillor Norma Austin Hart (LAB), Councillor Bill Cook (LAB) and Councillor Nick Cook (CONS).

Councillor Buchanan died earlier this month following a year-long illness. He was Economic Development Convener and was largely recognised as the councillor behind the new Strategy for Jobs initiative.

Hibs legend Pat Stanton officially unveiled almost 1000 personalised dark green granite stones placed at the entrance of the Easter Road East Stand before the SPL match against Aberdeen.

The development had been designed to echo the irregular charm of the old ‘East Terrace’ and each stone was carefully sited within a loose grid to create an impressive and organic show of support for Hibernian Football Club.

The stones were designed to enable supporters to literally become part of the stadium, and fans’ messages sit alongside members of the Hibernian Hall of Fame which will now become part of the fabric of Easter Road Stadium forever.

Around 1500 supporters turned out to witness the ceremony, and Chairman Rod Petrie addressed the crowd saying: “I am reminded of the words of Eddie Turnbull who said ‘There’s Class, First Class and  Hibs Class’ and I hope that this evening we have emulated his words and it’s truly Hibs class.”

He then handed over to the man who needed no introduction to the Easter Road faithful, Pat Stanton who said: -“I can remember coming down here with my dad and we stood just along at the old scoreboard there, and watched some of the magical nights against Barcelona and Roma, and for me to be asked to do this is a delight and I’m sure my dad would have been delighted as well.”

The former club captain then formally cut the ribbon, allowing the fans to enter the concourse and Hibs director Bruce Langham was on hand with a clipboard to direct fans to where their stone was located

Among the supporters present were father and daughter Jimmy Henderson and Angie Thomson, who both purchased the stones at Christmas. Jimmy’s read ‘Hibs, Hibs, Hibs for the Cup, Jim Henderson’ whilst Angie’s read ‘Hibs Memories with Rebecca, Angie Thomson.’

Jimmy who is originally from Morrison Street told The Edinburgh Reporter: “My dad brought me here to Easter Road when I was 12, just after the war finished in 1945. Kerr was the goalie, and Govan and Shaw were the full backs. I’m not sure of the half backs, but the centre forward was Alex Linwood. My all-time favourite player, Gordon Smith also played. I’ve seen some great players over the years, there was no-one like the great Lawrie Reilly as a centre forward, apart from Joe Baker, although Willie Bauld was a great player as well and a credit to Hearts.”

Angie was delighted with the quality of the stones and said:- “They look very smart and it’s great to think that they will be there forever. I think it’s a good idea to have then next to the legends from the Hall of Fame.”

Pat Stanton agreed with Angie, and took time out from having his photograph taken with dozens of supporters to tell the Edinburgh Reporter: “The stones look terrific, and this is now part of the history of this club. It shows what it means to fans, and not just those from Leith. The last time I was round this side of the ground was when I was a laddie climbing over the wall to get in.”

Having won the League Cup and two Drybrough Cups with Hibs and a League and Cup double with Celtic, Pat was ideally placed to give his views on the forthcoming Scottish Cup Final, but clearly didn’t want to tempt fate by forecasting a Hibs victory. When asked whether he thought that Hibs could finally end the 111 year hoodoo he tactfully replied: “Who knows, but if they stand back and look they will get beat, but if they get stuck in like Falkirk did last weekend then they will have a chance, particularly with Leigh Griffiths up front who is a goal-scorer.”

Health Wellbeing and Housing Committee –  Oxgangs Library – Magic Festival is launched –  City centre consultation – Assembly Rooms shortlisted for awards

The council’s Health, Wellbeing and Housing Committee meets this morning and will hear two deputations, one from Laichfield Sheltered Housing Community Association regarding the consultation on removing a requirement to have residential wardens in sheltered housing developments, and another regarding party flats from West End Community Council. The West End Community Council have logged the ongoing problem with some flats in their area which have been served with Anti Social Behaviour Notices but there continue to be breaches of the conditions.

There is also a report on the Carer’s Champion, Councillor Norman Work, who we interviewed some time back.

The meeting begins at 10:00am and the papers are on the council website. 

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Tonight at Oxgangs Library there is a book quiz to celebrate World Book Night.

Celebrate World Book Night with Oxgangs library’s Brainbuster Book Quiz. Hosted by our very own quizmaster, ‘The Great Raymondo’. All welcome. Guaranteed Fun. Refreshments too. To book a place, call 0131 529 5549 or email oxgangs.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Begins at 6.45pm

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The programme for the Magic Festival has been launched. There is more in our article but the programme is here for you to decide what shows you are going to book.

Magic Fest Brochure (4)

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There is still time to put forward your views on the changes which will be made to the city centre. The council’s consultation is here. 

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In just under a year since re-opening, Assembly Rooms Edinburgh has been short listed for nine top awards for both architecture and as an outstanding events venue.

Nominations include the prestigious RIAS Awards, Scottish architecture’s national awards, with the judges saying:  “The historic elegance of this important suite of performance and reception spaces has been wholly respected through restoration and adaptation, giving them a whole new lease of life and an economically positive future.”

Following a £9 million restoration project completed last year, both Assembly Rooms and LDN Architects have received accolades in the RICS Awards with three short listings in the Building Conservation, Community Benefit and Commercial categories. They have also been recognised for Regeneration and Conservation by the Edinburgh Architectural Association.

In the Scottish Design Awards, which celebrate the best creative work from Scottish-based firms, Edinburgh-based LDN is named as a finalist in the Best Use of a Listed Building for its work on transforming the venue.

Earlier this year Assembly Rooms Edinburgh was up against stiff London competition in the Cool Venue Awards, making it to the finals, and has just been announced as a finalist in two categories – the Best New or Refurbished Conference Venue and the Best Awards Venue – in the national Conference Venue and Supplier Awards in London.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture & Sport Convener, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We are honoured to have received so many nominations for what is undoubtedly one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings.   The refurbishment breathed much-needed new life into the venue, combining sensitive and significant repairs and renovation with fully modernised events facilities fit for the 21st century. Virtually everyone who has seen the results has been blown away and interest has been overwhelming.”

This year’s Magic Fest was launched yesterday at Lauriston Castle by Magic Fest director and magician Kevin McMahon. The theme for 2013 is Wonderland

From 28 June – 5 July 2013, audiences are invited to immerse themselves in the surreal magical world between fact and fiction.

Breath-taking illusions and awe inspiring magic from performers across Europe and as far afield as Australia will once again take you to the fun fringes of reality. Classic meets close-up, mindreading defies illusion, cabaret clashes with comedy and levitation renders the impossible possible.

The Magic and Variety Gala Show transforms the beautiful Royal Lyceum Theatre into world of unreality. Compered by THE COLOUR HAM, the finest award winning magicians from around the world are joined by a dragon, a dule of doves and the world’s first magic performing Chihuahua! The Great Lafayette Award makes its third appearance; this year’s recipient is anyone’s guess in what bodes to be a superb evening of contemporary, cutting edge magic.

Speaking ahead of the launch MagicFest Artistic Director, Kevin McMahon said: “The Gala Opening is one of the highlights of MagicFest and I’m really looking forward to welcoming the best, progressive home-grown and international performers here to Edinburgh. Most of the acts are making their Scottish debut.”

Portuguese duo, TA NA MANGA, open the Gala with their multi-awarding winning act; integrating theatre and magic, music and comedy. Frenchman JEROME HELFENSTEIN’s shadow act is filled with subdued, refined, poetic beauty; an emotive journey to new destinations. Spain’s stylish showman and master manipulator, CHARLIE MAG presents his award winning act with live doves making them appear as if from thin air. Imagine Jack Dee in a dragon suit, performing jaw dropping magic, with a cute sidekick and you have PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON and Mr Piffles the Chihuahua! International street performer and winner of last year’s ‘War of the Wizards’, Aussie TONY ROBERTS, makes his MagicFest debut performing his straight jacket escape. Last, but by no means least, are dashing duo of deception and plucky Victorian prestidigitators MORGAN & WEST who travel through time to complete the bill. Once again you can enjoy the Gala afternoon preview show for just £10.

No MagicFest would be complete without its annual intake of budding wizards and wizardesses. MAGIC SCHOOL (aged 7-10) wizardry workshops have attracted pupils from as far afield as Norway, France and across the UK, all keen to learn, create and perform their own magic. Enrol now for the brand new 2.5 hour workshops or 5-day course with fun show for parents. STREET MAGIC MASTERCLASS offers 11-14 years olds the chance to learn some mind-blowing techniques and the secrets behind sleight-of-hand from magic masters FRITZ ALKEMADE from the Netherlands and LUKE EATON from the UK.

MagicFest are delighted to bring one of the most polished and intriguing mind readers to Capital; LUKE JERMAY. Having spent the last 3 years headlining the Las Vegas Strip, Luke was the creative consultant to Derren Brown and the man credited with inspiring CBS’ multi-awarding winning show ‘The Mentalist’.

An adventurous evening out, a delicious three course meal and an immersive magical show are on the MAGIC DINNER menu, once again at the lavish Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh. Wonderland characters bring everyday objects to life, help to find your muchness and promise at least six impossible things before dessert!

Enter the THE SECRET ROOM at Lauriston Castle and travel back in time to a world of clandestine laboratories and hidden passages. The finest Scottish magicians animate the castle’s mysterious past with stories, performances and illusions related to the history of Lauriston and her intriguing owners.

Are you ready to be conned? The master of scams, PAUL WILSON, is back with one of the most immersive, engaging and personal ways to experience magic. Enter the set of BBC’s Real Hustle and prepare to blown away by one of the world’s most respected performers of close-up, sleight-of-hand magic.

Returning to Edinburgh after 3 years absence, pioneer of the alternative magic scene, ALI COOK, brings the WOW factor with his big illusions and beautiful girls. Star of Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Dirty Tricks, Monkey Magic, Psychic Secrets Revealed with Derren Brown and Jerry Sadowitz’s Jerry@Trick sketch show, Ali’s hugely impressive show is a spectacle to behold.

Kevin added: “For our fourth year we’re really happy to increase access to MagicFest with a series of free events in the line-up. We’ve also launched a Patron’s Programme this year allowing magic lovers to get even closer to the festival without revealing all the secrets!”

Immerse yourself in the surreal magical world between fact and fiction and have fun at the fourth Edinburgh International Magic Festival from the 28 June – 5 July.

Photos by Colin Hattersley Photography

Public Relations  –  Press  –  Corporate  –  Charities  –  Arts & Entertainment

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The latest update from the zoo is much more upbeat than previous releases over the last week or so. It is reproduced for you below. First however here is a little video footage from the panda enclosures on Monday.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn5eEBSkNMw]

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the conservation charity that owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo, is proud to announce that it carried out the first artificial insemination procedure on a giant panda in the UK on Sunday morning.

Following advice from Chinese panda mating expert, Professor Wang from the China Conservation and Research Centre (CCRCGP); a team of world experts in artificial insemination and reproduction management joined RZSS’s vets, scientific and animal staff to carry out the procedure as part of the overall global panda conservation effort.

Tian Tian, our female panda, had ovulated on Saturday. Her 36 hour breeding window showed she wanted to mate, but her behaviour suggested she would not be responsive to our male panda, Yang Guang. Putting them together potentially posed risk of injury. In the wild this would not be a problem as she would find and mate with multiple partners during this short time. In the Zoo however, this means we used artificial insemination, the method recommended by the Chinese.

The procedures started in the early hours of Sunday morning. A combination of frozen and fresh semen was used, as for medical reasons thawed semen must be used first to prevent anaphylactic shock as it is delivered straight to the panda’s uterus. As there was not enough frozen semen belonging to Yang Guang, semen was augmented with that from another extremely genetically important panda called Bao Bao, who lived at Berlin Zoo but prior to that was the last panda on British soil at London Zoo. Using multiple samples allies with the panda’s natural mating strategy to maximise the chance of successful breeding.

Iain Valentine, Director of Giant Pandas, commented:-“We were honoured to have gathered so many of the world leading experts on artificial insemination and reproduction management in animals at Edinburgh Zoo in the early hours of Sunday morning to help our own extraordinary team of talented veterinarians and animal keepers. This was ground-breaking science taking place for the first time in the UK. It would have been amazing if the pandas had mated naturally, however artificial insemination is the next best thing for the overall global conservation effort and the individual biology of Tian Tian our female. With every year that goes by where she does not become pregnant, it becomes harder for her to get pregnant naturally. Like IVF, artificial insemination is essentially an opportunity for science to give nature a helping hand. In the wild, female pandas will mate with several males within her 36 hour breeding window, giving her the best chance of successful conception, in the zoo this is not possible’.

“During the procedure, both Yang Guang and Tian Tian were sedated. Tian Tian was examined to confirm scientifically if she had definitely ovulated, which she had. Then based on the recommendation of Professor Wang, RZSS staff and world leading experts from the Leibnitz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) in Berlin: Professor Dr Thomas Hildebrandt, Dr Frank Göritz and Dr Joseph Saragusty; we worked together to carry out the procedure.

“Both pandas are doing very well and the procedures went very much to plan. After his procedure Yang Guang was up and moving within thirty minutes and back to normal within two hours; Tian Tian just taking slightly longer. Sunday morning saw Yang Guang back to his favourite things – eating and relaxing in his outdoor enclosure and Tian Tian ventured out this morning.

“The team of RZSS staff and international colleagues did a tremendous job over a protracted period and should be commended.”

Experts will not be able to confirm if Tian Tian is pregnant until late July or early August, as pandas practice delayed implantation where the fertilised egg will not necessarily implant into the uterus until sometime after conception. It is also common for them to have pseudo pregnancies. This means that while RZSS will continue to monitor hormone levels in Tian Tian’s urine, they will not be able to confirm a pregnancy until an ultrasound scan is performed.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has announced the appointment of the new Chair to Lothian NHS Board – Mr Brian Houston. Mr Houston, a qualified accountant, brings to the board experience from both the private and public sectors.

He spent the early part of his career in financial and management accounting roles before later running two medium-sized companies as General Manager.  He has worked as a management consultant specialising in strategy development, planning and implementation of major change programmes for clients in all industries and geographies.  He has also worked as a consultant focussing on board level advice and support in strategy and change management.

In addition, Mr Houston has served as a Non-Executive Chairman and Director of several private companies and spent eight years on the board of Visit Scotland

NHS Lothian is responsible for the health needs of the second largest residential population in Scotland – around 800,000 people living in and around Edinburgh.

The board employs approximately 24,000 staff and provides a comprehensive range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services for the populations of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian.  Several of its renowned specialties serve people across south-east Scotland and nationally.

This appointment will be for four years and will run from April 15, 2013 to April 14, 2017, and is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £39,936 for a time commitment of three days per week.

Care Provider Launches New Complaints Procedure

Scotland’s leading provider of housing, care and community services for older people has introduced a new complaints procedure. Designed to be more easily understandable and more accessible to the public, Bield reformed its complaints procedure as it strives to continue improving customer satisfaction.

Reflecting the model Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP) developed by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman the procedure also gives the option for customers to make a complaint to other bodies such as the Care Inspectorate.

Under the changes the complaints handling procedure has been reduced to two stages instead of the previous three, but will continue to follow specific time-scales for responding to complaints.

Bield currently has 16 housing developments in Edinburgh including sheltered housing, very sheltered housing, amenity housing, private retirement whilst day care services are also provided.

Brian Logan, Chief Executive at Bield, said: “While we have introduced a new procedure, our commitment to providing a first class service still remains firmly in place.

“The procedure reflects our commitment to valuing complaints. We know that on occasion we get things wrong and when this happens we want to put it right. We want to learn from our mistakes so we can do things better.

“Issues that arise can be about something we’ve done, or not done, or it could be about the standard of service provided by us, or on our behalf.

“Complaints give us valuable information that we can use to improve customer satisfaction. They provide a first-hand account of our customer’s views and experience, and can highlight problems we may otherwise miss.The new procedure will help us do our job better, improve relationships with our customers. It will help us keep the customer at the heart of the process, while enabling us to better understand how to improve our services by learning from complaints.”

As well as the new procedures, Bield has introduced a new recording system for staff which promotes a more efficient method of monitoring complaints and will provide better reports that will help identify the cause of any raised incidents.

Brian added: “For staff, complaints provide a first-hand account of our customer’s views and experience, and can highlight problems we may otherwise miss. All of these changes have been designed solely with our customers in mind and implemented to improve the services they receive. We are continuously evolving and exploring ways we can meet and go beyond their expectations.

“We hope that this procedure will enable us to address a customer’s dissatisfaction and try ‘get it right first time’ and even help to prevent the same problems that led to the complaint from happening again.”

All Registered Social Landlords will use the same procedure making it clearer and easier for everyone to understand. With more than 40 years experience, Bield, a registered charity, offers quality housing and services for older people. From humble beginnings in Bo’ness it now provides a wide range of housing and services for around 15,000 people across 22 local authority area.

Local MSP backs campaign against older isolation at Age Scotland Nicolson Street shop 

Alison Johnstone, Lothian Green MSP, visited Age Scotland’s shop on Edinburgh’s Nicolson Street at lunchtime today to give her backing to the Charity’s Still Waiting campaign to tackle isolation among older people.  She signed the Still Waiting petition which calls on the Scottish Government to extend the free bus pass scheme to include community transport services that help older people who find it difficult or impossible to use mainstream bus services, and encouraged local residents to do the same. Petitions can be signed in Age Scotland’s Nicolson Street, Stockbridge and Morningside shops, and online.

Alison Johnstone said:- “Isolation is one of the largest problems facing our older population and it’s clear that extending the free bus pass to include community transport would be a very positive step. All the evidence shows that increasing the independence of older people leads to better physical and mental health and fewer demands on our health system. I urge people to show their support the Still Waiting campaign by signing their petition”

Local Age Scotland Development Officer Laura Dunkel said: “Being unable to use mainstream transport can leave you isolated and lonely; a health risk comparable to life-long smoking.  If successful, our campaign will benefit older people in Edinburgh who can’t use ordinary bus services, by allowing them to travel free on Community Transport.

“It will also help secure the future of local Community Transport providers, such as Pilton Equalities Project, that are vulnerable in the current economic downturn.  And everyone stands to gain, as older people who are supported to maintain their independence and quality of life are less likely to need hospital or residential care, which is costly to the public purse.”

Leith resident Agnes, who is age 66 and suffers from a number of health conditions, said: “I couldn’t tell you the last time I would be able to get a bus.  I do sometimes feel very isolated.  Some days I cry, but you’ve just got to be strong and put it in the back of your mind – but it’s horrible when you can’t get out.

“I really think that if we could use our bus passes on community transport, it would make a great difference, not just to me, but to all older people.”

Siu Pang, Age Scotland Nicolson Street shop manager, said:- “If you pop into one of our friendly Edinburgh shops between now and the end of September, you’ll find that signing our campaign petition couldn’t be easier.  And you’ll find some great bargains to take away with you too.”

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to confirm the return of the Student Critics Jury. Now in its second year, the initiative supports the future of film criticism and this year will bring to Edinburgh a jury of seven aspiring film critics.

The Student Critics Jury programme, inaugurated at EIFF 2012, affirms EIFF’s support for the future of film criticism by giving the next generation of film critics an opportunity to gain practical experience in their craft under the guidance of established professional critics. Members of the jury are selected from applications received from Scotland’s colleges and universities. In addition to giving an award, the jury members will write short essays about the films and the festival. Selected pieces will be published on the EIFF web site. The jurors will also determine the winner of the Student Critics Jury Award, presented at the EIFF Awards Ceremony.

Chris Fujiwara, Artistic Director of EIFF, said: “This is a time of huge changes in the profession and the practice of film criticism, and it’s more vital than ever that upcoming critics be given the encouragement and the opportunities they need to advance in their field. I’m very happy that again this year, thanks to the generous support of James and Morag Anderson, our festival will confirm our commitment to this mission in a concrete and practical manner. I look forward to meeting this year’s Student Critics in Edinburgh.”

The students will be chosen on the basis of a 500 word essay submitted by 13 May which can be written on any recent or classic film, demonstrating the applicant’s writing skills as well as passion for and knowledge of cinema. Once selected, the seven chosen students will be brought to Edinburgh for six days of the festival (EIFF runs 19-30 June), during which they will be mentored by leading international critics.

Last year’s Student Critics Jury members were Genevieve Bicknell from Edinburgh College of Art, Jonathan Glen from Glasgow University, and Liam Nolan from Napier University, who awarded the prize to ‘Sleepless Night’ directed by Jang Kun-jae for “his simple yet compelling story of modern romance in which the unremarkable becomes remarkable.”

For applications and enquiries about bursaries contact: education@cmi-scotland.co.uk and for further information visit:http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/learning

Following the announcement last year that the current director, Jonathan Mills, would retire from his position after the 2013 Festival, the search was underway to find his replacement.

Today the Festival Council announced the appointment of Fergus Linehan as the Director Designate of the Edinburgh International Festival. The post begins on a part time basis on 1 May 2013 to allow time to plan for his first Festival in 2015. Fergus Linehan will become Festival Director and Chief Executive of the Festival full time from 1 October 2014.

As a Festival Director, Fergus Linehan has already led the growth and development of two major international festivals in Australia (Sydney Festival) and his native Ireland (Dublin Theatre Festival).  Fergus began his career in the theatre in Dublin, producing many shows and going on to direct the city’s major arts event, the Dublin Theatre Festival.  During that time he commissioned work by artists including Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel and Roddy Doyle as well as a new generation of Irish writers and choreographers.

From 2004 to 2009, Fergus was Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Sydney Festival. Under his leadership the Festival’s annual turnover grew from aus$12 million to in excess of aus$20 million, achieved through significant growth in ticket sales, commercial sponsorship and government funding.

From 2010 to 2012, Fergus was Head of Music at Sydney Opera House where he refreshed the year-round music programme spanning jazz, world music, pop, rock, electronic music, and visiting classical artists and orchestras.

He currently works with a number of international arts companies and Government agencies including the Sydney Opera House where he is reviewing theatre and dance programming and Dublin City Council.  In addition he is Festival Director of Vivid LIVE, an annual event, which celebrates ambition and innovation in popular music and digital art. He currently divides his time between Europe and Australia.

Fergus has served on boards, committees and adjudicating panels all over the world.

Fergus Linehan, Director Designate of the Edinburgh International Festival said ‘I am delighted and deeply honoured to have been appointed as the next Director of the Edinburgh International Festival. I look forward to safeguarding the founding principles of the festival in ways which are engaging and relevant to all. In particular I look forward to moving to Edinburgh to serve the devoted festival-goers and artists from Scotland and around the world, who have grown to love this wonderful institution over the past seven decades. Successful festivals respond to both place and provenance to create a unique identity and this is particularly true of Edinburgh, the preeminent Festival city.  It is with this in mind that I will begin the exciting work of developing my plans and ideas for the 2015 and future Festivals.’

Donald Wilson, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Chair of the Edinburgh International Festival Society said, ‘Fergus brings new skills, intellectual rigour and a highly successful track record to the Festival and the City. Having previously lived in Edinburgh and worked with companies visiting the city he is familiar with what the city  can offer its residents as well as visitors and artists from around the world. I look forward to welcoming him back to Edinburgh and Scotland’s creative and vibrant cultural life.’

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, said ‘The Edinburgh International Festival has a worldwide reputation for excellence and innovation. In bringing together exceptionally talented artists from nations across the globe, it helps to celebrate and promote Scotland’s rich culture and heritage on the world stage and strengthen our links with other countries. I welcome Fergus Linehan’s appointment as Director and wish him every success in the role.’

Fergus Linehan will start now to plan and programme the 2015 Edinburgh International Festival, taking up the role of Festival Director full-time on 1 October 2014. Fergus will move to Edinburgh to take up the post, the initial period of which covers five Festivals from 2015 to 2019.

Please can we have a Bike Hire Scheme in Edinburgh? – Sounds of Edinburgh – Panda pregnant? – Talk this evening at the Royal Society of Edinburgh – World Book Night

News that Glasgow is to get a bike hire scheme like London, Paris and Dublin is great news for anyone who knows that getting around on two wheels in a city centre is both good for you and the environment. Sadly, Edinburgh appears to be lagging behind in getting a bike hire scheme. It was proposed as a possible way of getting a hard core of cyclists using the city streets under the last administration, but is it still a possibility?

The council’s Active Travel Action Plan says:-“Bike share schemes have had an important role in changing the perception of cycling in cities where they have been implemented.

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As part of the Edinburgh International Festival there is a project which aims to get recordings of sound from all over the city as part of the composition of a new orchestral work. Here is the composer telling you what it entails and how you can join in:-

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dum_bxop8sY]

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The pandas are not on public show today following yesterday’s procedure to artifically inseminate the female panda, Tian Tian. Today’s photo is of Tian Tian which we took on Saturday morning when she was a bit shy of the cameras.  This was the update we received from the zoo late yesterday afternoon:-

“Edinburgh Zoo’s specialist team and experts from around the world performed artificial insemination on female giant panda Tian Tian in the early hours of this morning. Natural mating was not attempted. Yang Guang had been interested and shown consistently encouraging behaviour, however based on his many years’ experience, our Chinese colleague Professor Wang felt that although Tian Tian had displayed all of the correct behaviours, she had also displayed signs that told him she would not be conducive to mating.

Both pandas and humans are sleeping today after an intensive week and there is unfortunately no one available for further comment. The procedures went very much to plan and giant pandas are both well, but will be off show until Tuesday.”

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Tonight at 6pm, at The Royal Society of Edinburgh

The award-winning author of ten books, Ken McGoogan.

Born in Orkney in 1813, John Rae grew up hunting and fishing. He trained in Edinburgh as a doctor, sailed with the Hudson’s Bay Company, and became an outstanding Arctic traveller. In 1854, Rae was mapping the Arctic coastline, slogging overland through snow and ice, when he discovered a strait that proved to be the final link in the Northwest Passage. Returning to camp, he encountered Inuit hunters who informed him that the long-lost, two-ship expedition of Sir John Franklin had ended in disaster and cannibalism. Rae acquired relics. He brought the tragic news to London, where his report scandalized Victorian England and prompted Charles Dickens to join Lady Franklin in a ferocious campaign to discredit him. Rae fought back, but historians and map-makers ignored his achievements, and he remained the only major explorer never to receive a knighthood.

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Tomorrow is the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and is marked by World Book Night. North Edinburgh News report the news that a crime writer will be speaking in Muirhouse Library at 6:00pm.

For the second week running, rugby has been knocked off the top spot in the Weekly Roundup, but we couldn’t ignore the retirement of possibly the greatest ever Edinburgh sportsman, Sir Chris Hoy MBE.

Elsewhere, Hibs announce their Cup Final Ticket Distribution plans, whilst Hearts did their talking on the pitch. Well done to the Edinburgh Monarchs for a fine performance against Berwick Bandits and boxer John Thain for recording his tenth straight win. As expected Tom Daley came out top at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Sir Chris Hoy MBE

The Edinburgh Reporter sends our best wishes to Sir Chris Hoy MBE who announced his retirement from top class cycling at a press conference on Thursday.

Sir Chris is an eleven-time world champion, six-time Olympic champion and a winner of a total of seven Olympic Games medals, six gold and one silver, and is the most successful Olympic cyclist of all time.

He had been expected to compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but felt “to go on for another year would be one too far”.

He said: “I wanted to get a medal for Scotland. I didn’t think I could so wanted someone else to take my place. It is a hard time; it is one moment at the end of your career when you say ‘enough is enough’.

“It’s a decision that I didn’t take lightly and I thought about it very hard. In sport at the highest level you are dealing in the smallest margins and you can tell when you are good but not good enough. Nothing would give me more pleasure than going to Glasgow, but I don’t want to be there for the numbers. Now it’s time for younger riders to experience what it is like to compete in front of a home crowd. I will be there to open it and soak up the experience.”

Sir Chris grew up in Corstorphine and was educated at George Watson’s College, followed by the University of St Andrews in 1996. He subsequently transferred to the University of Edinburgh, from which he graduated B.Sc. (Hons.) in Applied Sports Science in 1999.

Rugby by John Preece

A bit of success on the Scotland front to start with. Scotland’s women are currently in Madrid – someone has to do it – playing in three 2014 WRWC Qualifying matches.

Their first match was against The Netherlands, whom they beat 33-0 last season, and they went on to score five tries to the opposition’s one to record a 29-7 victory. The ladies will now go on to play Italy on Tuesday and their final match against Sweden on Saturday.

A bit of bad news for Scotland in the shape of Duncan Weir’s serious looking ankle injury sustained in Glasgow’s Friday night win over the Ospreys. The stand-off had his ankle twisted back through more than ninety degrees in a tackle – it looked as if it smarted a bit even on the telly! – and the subsequent damage will put him out of the game until early next season. As a result he will miss Scotland’s summer tour to South Africa where the team will be up against South Africa, Italy and Samoa in a round-robin tournament.

Edinburgh, on the other hand, suffered a 30-10 defeat against Treviso in Italy on Friday. In spite of quickly establishing a 10 nil lead, the Edinburgh side had 30 unanswered points scored against them. Using a combination of a superior scrum and Edinburgh indiscipline, the Italian side were always on the front foot and, after weathering a ‘nearly’ try early in the second half, took their second league victory over the visitors this season.

The club rugby scene had a slight hiatus this weekend as Murrayfield hosted the RBS Cup, Shield and Bowl finals. Unfortunately, no Edinburgh teams were involved this season and the trophies went to Ayr, Grangemouth and Marr respectively.

There are now just a few matches left of the regular season to tidy up the final lower league positions, the upper two tiers having completed their seasons.

Football

HEARTS have told Darren Barr and Gordon Smith their Tynecastle careers are over. However, the club will make an attempt to keep Andy Webster for next season on reduced terms.

Marius Zaliukas, Dylan McGowan, Arvydas Novikovas and Fraser Mullen are also out of contract this summer and are awaiting news on their futures.

On the field, Hearts started their bottom six fixtures with a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park thanks to an early goal from striker John Sutton. Hearts could have doubled their lead in the second half, but Ryan Stevenson’s penalty was well saved by Cammy Bell.

Hibs’ players had a well-deserved few days off after their 4-3 win over Falkirk in the Scottish Cup semi-final, as they prepare for their home fixture against Aberdeen on Monday night.

Before the game, club legend Pat Stanton will officially unveil the new East Stand stones which contain personalised messages from the fans.

The club also announced details of the allocation of cup final tickets, with current season ticket holders being allowed to purchase one, and those who renew next year will get a second. All fans who purchase tickets for the remaining home games against Aberdeen, St Mirren and Dundee will be entered in a ballot, with 100 from each game being allowed to but two.

East of Scotland Football

In midweek, Edinburgh City moved into third position in the Central Taxis Premier Division with a 4-0 win against Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.

City took the lead after 15 minutes through Robbie Ross before McDiarmid was sent off for the visitors. Ross added a second then Dougie Gair scored a double to secure the points.

Tynecastle did their chances of avoiding relegation some good with a 3-1 victory over Vale of Leithen saw them climb off the bottom, ahead of Edinburgh University on goal difference.

Tynecastle they fought back from a goal down to claim the points after Vale took the lead after six minutes through Jim Young, but Jamie Butler brought Tynecastle level with an overhead kick. With 20 minutes left Jamie Devlin’s free kick was headed in by John Williams, and Butler sealed the win from close range

In the first division, Leith Athletic beat Ormiston 2-1, thanks to a Craig Hume penalty and a Kenny Hall left foot shot, and Craigroyston came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Easthouses Lily thanks to a Jason Young equaliser in the 89th minute.

On Saturday, Edinburgh University beat Gretna 1-0, whilst fellow students Heriot Watt went down 1-0 to Stirling University. Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale drew 1-1 with Preston Athletic at Saughton Enclosure, Tynecastle lost 4-2 to Civil Service Strollers and Edinburgh City beat Vale of Leithen 3-0 in the Borders.

In the first division, Craigroyston beat Duns 7-1 away from home, but Leith Athletic lost 3-1 at home to Coldstream.

Spartans friendly with Newtongrange Star, scheduled for Saturday was postponed.

Tynecastle FC are celebrating their 85th year on Saturday, June 1, in the Gorgie Suite at Tynecastle Stadium with a 7.30pm start. Former players Graeme Souness, Ian Black and Craig Gordon are expected to attend. For more information on purchasing tickets, please call club chairman Douglas Dalgleish on 0793 114 0724.

Women’s Football

Hibs’ Ladies progressed to the semi-final of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup thanks to a 3-2 win over Hamilton at Albyn Park Broxburn, thanks to two goals from Susan Fairlie and one from Caroline Weir

Jenna Fife made her debut in goals and marked a fine performance with a penalty save. Jenna replaced Shannon Lynn who has moved to Chelsea.

Spartans join Hibs in the semi-finals after a 2-1 win over Buchan. The Ainslie Park outfit went 2-0 up thanks to an own goal, and a goal from Katie Reilly, but Silcocks pulled one back for Buchan in the 38^th minute. No further goals ensured that Spartans progressed.

Hutchison Vale Ladies failed to make it three Edinburgh team in the semis however, losing 3-0 to Forfar Farmington thanks to goals from Heron, Napier and Scott.

Speedway

Birmingham’s Danny King came out top at the British Semi-Final at Armadale by the narrowest of margins over Monarchs’ star Cook, who tied with King on 14 points. The rule to split ties starts with numbers of wins and second places, then moves on to ‘who beat who’ and at that point, King took it due to his heat 11 victory over Craig.

Fellow Monarchs’ Derek Sneddon, Kyle Howarth and Ricky Ashworth narrowly sailed to qualify.

The British Final qualifiers are:

Danny King 14, Craig Cook 14, Eddie Kennett 12, Chris Harris 11, Richie Worrall 11, Stuart Robson 9, James Wright 8. Reserve will be James Grieves 7.

The other scorers: Derek Sneddon 6, Kyle Howarth 6, Charles Wright 6, Ricky Ashworth 6, Chris Mills 4, Richard Lawson 3, Ashley Morris 2, Steve Worrall 1.

On Saturday night, the Monarchs travelled south to Berwick where superb performances from Craig Cook and Claus Vissing who scored 5-1s in heats 13 and 15 and both were just one point short of a maximum saw the Armadale side start their League Cup campaign with a 48-42 win over the Bandits.

The Bandits will look for revenge at Armadale on Friday and are expected to use a guest.

Boxing

Congratulations to Edinburgh light middleweight John Thain who beat Middlesex southpaw Ryan Toms at Frank Warren’s Rule Britannia undercard at Wembley Arena on Saturday night. The result means that John retains his unbeaten record with 10 straight victories.

The 51st edition of the Belgrade Winner Tournament opened on 18 April in Belgrade, with 72 boxers coming from four continents to compete in nine weight categories from 52kg to the 91+kg.

Clovenstone boxer Ryan McCutcheon and Lochend pair Lewis Benson and Aston Brown represented Scotland.

Diving

Great Britain’s Olympic bronze medallist Tom Daley made his first international appearance of the season on the final day of the FINA/Midea Diving World Series Edinburgh leg, winning the Men’s 10m platform preliminaries.

Tom enters this World Series season with a new order to his list, and after closing his prelim with a top score of 90.75 for his reverse 3 ½ somersault, the 18-year old finished with 518.80.

Afterwards Tom said: “It was a little nerve-wracking opening with an armstand but it was good to be in front of the crowd again and get my motivation back.”

Mexico’s Ivan Garcia finished second with 493.75, Russia’s Victor Minibaev scored 489.80 to finish third and Ukraine’s Anton Zakahorov finished fourth with a score of 428.15

The Royal Commonwealth Pool was recently refurbished at a cost of £37 million, and boasts the only Olympic-height 10 metre diving board in Scotland.

Earlier GB Team-mates Becky Gallantree and Alicia Blagg’s won silver in the women’s springboard synchro and Chris Mears and Nick Robinson-Baker won bronze in the men’s event.

The Out of the Blue Drill Hall’s quarterly Arts Market took place over the weekend. The Dalmeny  Street venue’s Arts Market hosted over 50 artists who were on hand to sell their work to the public. Showcasing local talent and artists from further afield, works for sale ranged from photography and illustration to textiles and jewellery.  Many stalls were run by the artists themselves, offering buyers a unique opportunity to meet the people behind their purchases.

With the cost of entry set at only 80p, and with the Drill Hall’s own cafe serving up homemade soup, snacks and cakes, there really is something to suit all tastes.

Kirsten Welsh, pictured above, is an Edinburgh-based artist who regularly hosts a stall at the Arts Market. Graduating in 1999 and inspired by land and seascapes, her abstract works use a variety of mediums. She can be contacted through her website, which also contains a gallery of her work.
www.kirstenwelsh.co.uk

Freelance illustrator Kim Cruickshank (top) was also tending to her own stall. Her whimsical illustrations feature animals, people and in some cases scenes from the Olympics, and are available as bags, mirrors, cards and prints.
www.kimcruickshank.com

Polish illustrator and Edinburgh College of Art graduate Zuzanna Dominiak was also selling her work. Bags and brooches, cards and prints were all available and featuring quirky illustrations inspired by the natural world. These can be viewed and bought in a variety of different formats from her website, and through her Etsy shop.
http://www.zyzanna.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zyzanna

Homewares and furnishings were offered for sale by many different artists, including these cushions featuring the work of photographer Liz Tainsh.
http://lizt.redbubble.com/

Handmade jewellery featured on several stalls. These handmade medals by Derring-Do are created by recycled vintage materials and are one-of-a-kind, to be bought for anyone who deserves it!
www.derring-do-medals.com

To keep up to date with what’s on at the Drill Hall, including details of the next Arts Market, click here:  http://2outoftheblue.org.uk/page19.htm

And if you are interested in becoming a stallholder, there is an online Stallholder Mailing List Form which can be accessed through the link on this page:  http://2outoftheblue.org.uk/page36.htm

Beekeeping with a purpose – Helping the National Trust for Scotland – At the Portrait Gallery today – Stockbridge Market – Council get award for office development

Today’s Scotland on Sunday reports that Edinburgh restaurant owner, Victor Contini, wants to keep bees on the roof of the National Galleries. He would be in good company as Her Majesty the Queen keeps bees in Regent Street in London where the hives are on the rooftops too.

It was in 2009 that The Crown Estates installed the beehives.  As part of a pilot scheme to encourage biodiversity there is a hive housing 7,000 honey bees, so while shoppers below visit Regent Street the bees go about their daily business of producing honey.

David Shaw, Head of Regent Street Portfolio at The Crown Estate said at the time:- “Regent Street is pleased to offer the bees space in London’s premier international destination – all we ask in return is some jars of quality Regent Street honey.”

“The honey bees have settled in well on the roof above Regent Street. They are being fed with sugar-syrup solution to build up the strength of the worker bees.

“The colony is quite small by bee standards. The brood box where the queen lives is helping the colony to build up numbers so that in a few weeks time a super (another box over the top of the brood box) can be added. The colony of bees have multiplied and have started producing honey.

“The bees are enthusiastically collecting pollen from the small garden near the hive which has a mixture of lavender, origanum, nepeta, thyme, sedums, salvia uliginosa and verbena bonariensis which adds flavour to the honey.”

In these days of declining bee populations across the world,  this has to be a great plan to try and redress the balance, and give us our very own Edinburgh honey.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust has been calling on both the UK and Scottish Governments to ban the neurotoxic chemicals since Autumn 2012, and so far it is only the UK Government who have taken steps in that direction.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Simon Milne said:

“The UK Government must now wake up to the fact that the only responsible course of action is to follow the advice of its Environmental Audit Committee and place an immediate moratorium on the use of these chemicals. There is sufficient and compelling evidence to apply the precautionary principle; we believe that waiting for the results of yet more field trials is pure obfuscation by Defra.

“Up to now the Scottish Government has sided with Westminster’s ill informed view, even though a growing amount of scientific evidence shows that these insecticides affect bees’ foraging behaviour, damage bee brain function and can persist for years in soils. Perhaps even more alarmingly we have yet to assess their impact on the rest of the food chain, so we call on the Scottish Government to do the right thing for our bees, our countryside, and our farmers who rely on natural pollination – impose a ban now.”

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You can do your bit to help the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) by donating your old walking boots.

Do you have an old pair of walking boots that are destined for the bin?

Send them to NTS via FREEPOST to give them a new lease of life and you’ll be helping to support the Trust’s mountain conservation work.

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Today at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery you can see a collection of Annie Lennox outfits, including a dress specially made for her when she was 7 months pregnant.

The House of Annie Lennox, curated in partnership with The V&A, London, brings together an array of stunning photographs, iconic videos, and a dazzling selection of costumes, which chart Annie’s unique career from its early beginnings, through her time in The Tourists and Eurythmics, as well as her hugely successful solo career, to the present. The show also includes two photographic portraits of the artist from the Gallery’s permanent collection.

The range of work on show illustrates just how significant Annie Lennox is to the history of popular music and culture. The costumes in particular demonstrate the diversity of her style and her distinct command over identity and performance – from the androgynous two-piece leather suit worn during the Eurythmics 1980s Revenge tour, to the cabaret chic costume featured in the video for Little Bird, which was taken from the chart-topping 1992 solo album Diva. Another highlight is the striking outfit she donned for her show-stopping performance of the song Under Pressure with David Bowie at the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert of the same year.

The House of Annie Lennox continues a theme in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery’s recent exhibition programme, focused on impressive, strong and socially or politically engaged women. As a musical artist Annie Lennox has brought joy and inspiration to millions of people, and as humanitarian campaigner she has championed socio-political issues, such as the plight of women and children affected by AIDS.

Commenting on exhibition, Annie Lennox, said:- ‘It’s an incredible honour and privilege to have been given an opportunity to share and display aspects of my life’s work at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It has given me a tremendous sense of validation, and in doing so, brings a certain personal cycle to a place of arrival and completion. I hope that people will enjoy the exhibition, and garner a sense of whatever it is that’s driven and inspired me.’

Director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Christopher Baker, said:- ‘We are so thrilled to be showcasing the career of such a distinguished Scottish song writer, performer and humanitarian campaigner. The exhibition is in essence a remarkable self-portrait, which allows us to see glimpses of Annie Lennox’s richly varied and enduring creativity: it will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of 2013 at the Portrait Gallery.’

Director of The Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Martin Roth, said:- ‘We are delighted to be showing the V&A’s House of Annie Lennox exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery as part of our programme of touring exhibitions around the UK. Annie Lennox is one of the world’s most renowned female performers whose creativity informs her unique sense of image and style. It is particularly exciting to be showing the work of this Scottish performer in Scotland at this time as we work with our partners in Dundee to create V&A at Dundee, a new design museum for Scotland.’

The House of Annie Lennox
23 MARCH 2013 – 30 JUNE 2013
SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD
Admission free

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An outdoors suggestion for you today is to get down to Stockbridge and support the Farmers’ Market there between 10::00am and 5:00pm. Don’t be misled by our photo which shows the old market arch in St Stephen Street. The market is in the area on the corner of Saunders Street. You really cannot miss it!  Click here for the list of stallholders who will be selling their wares today.

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Atria, the council’s landmark Grade A office development, marks the completion of The Exchange business district in Edinburgh and is split between two buildings (Atria One and Two), comprising nearly 200,000 sq ft of accommodation. Atria One provides 186,008 sq ft of highly efficient, flexible floorplates (up to 32,000 sq ft) over seven floors and the smaller Atria Two provides 12,922 sq ft split over two office levels.

The Council was named Property Company of the Year by the Estates Gazette editorial team based on a combination of development and investment activity, securing key lettings and planning permission, at an event in The Dome, last week.

Damian Wild, editor of Estates Gazette, commented on why the Council was chosen:- “The City of Edinburgh Council was our choice for Estates Gazette’s Scotland Property Company of the Year. Developing Atria speculatively was such a brave call in the dark days of the recession. It was a bold move that has been rewarded with lettings ahead of its official launch.”

Councillor Frank Ross, who is chair of the Economy Committee for the City of Edinburgh Council, commented: “The Council is absolutely thrilled to be recognised for its work on Atria through this highly regarded award. It is a nod to the massive efforts of the project team throughout the past three years who have worked extremely hard to deliver the development, and to be given it by a publication like Estates Gazette is a huge accolade.
“With great projects happening all over the city, such as the SoCo and Advocates Close developments on site and Haymarket and Caltongate in the pipeline, Edinburgh is a very exciting place to be.”

The commercial office development has been undertaken alongside an extensive expansion of the adjacent Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

Atria Edinburgh is due to be launched officially later this month, and plans to welcome its first tenants in June.

Atria Edinburgh is being marketed for let by joint agents Jones Lang LaSalle and Montagu Evans.

 Pandas – Taoist Tai Chi Centre – Fireworks Display – Suspicious death – Tonight at the Queen’s Hall

The Edinburgh Reporter went out to see what the pandas were up to this morning. Yang Guang was pretty active and eager to be allowed into Tian Tian’s enclosure where he performed a handstand for us. But it is pretty difficult to get decent shots of the pandas, owing to the reflection in the glass of both enclosures.  The latest update from the Zoo last night was this:-“Late this afternoon we once again introduced Yang Guang into Tian Tian’s indoor enclosure through the interconnecting tunnel, where he sat eagerly on her bed before entering the off show area to interact with her through a grate. Tian Tian’s response was very encouraging, with much more chirruping in her calls, but there was still a touch of barking as well. We are still waiting for the barking to soften out of her calling completely, which is her indication that she has hit peak and is ready.

Her hormones also continue to climb, which reinforces what we are seeing in her behaviour and once her oestrogen levels peak and drop away dramatically she will be in season. Professor Wang our Chinese colleague confirms that it is probably the unusually cold start to spring this year that has slowed down Tian Tian’s hormones, meaning she is taking a little longer to peak, but she will get there very soon – especially with the sunny weather we are now seeing. Onto tomorrow, where we will perform another early morning enclosure swap and continue to monitor her behaviour.”

It appears that the reserve where the pandas lived in China before coming to Scotland has been hit by the earthquake which happened there earlier today. Here are our photos from early this morning when Tian Tian made a very brief appearance with a bamboo twig in her mouth and Yang Guang was allowed into her enclosure to do some scent marking…

http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=124984

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The pandas got a mention in Justice Minister, Kenny MacAskill’s speech at the opening of the Taoist Tai Chi Centre yesterday on Marionville Road. There was a dragon and a lion and over 600 people in attendance from all over the world. If you are thinking of trying Tai Chi for its health benefits then there is an open day today.

Read more here.

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In celebration of 60 years since Britannia’s launch, a magnificent fireworks display will light up the sky across the harbour tonight. The display will take place at 9pm and can be viewed from the Ocean Kitchen & Bar Terrace in Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Please note, Britannia will not be open in the evening for this event which will only last about 10 minutes so make sure you are in place!

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Police are investigating the suspicious death of a man whose body was found at a cottage on the outskirts of Haddington last month.  Brian Bathgate (45), was found dead within his home address at Barney Mains Farm on Friday, March 15.

His death was initially treated as unexplained, however subsequent enquiries have suggested that the circumstances are suspicious.Enquiries have revealed that Brian had last returned home in the early hours of Wednesday, March 13th, and it is believed that he died a short time thereafter.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, from Police Scotland, said: “Enquiries that have taken place over the past month, including forensic analysis, have led us to believe that Brian’s death is suspicious.  We are carrying out local enquiries in the Haddington area as part of efforts to gather more information that can help us determine the full circumstances of his death, and we are appealing to people who knew Brian or who can provide any information in relation to his death to come forward.”

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

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Tonight at the Queen’s Hall one of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival stalwarts, Jimeoin is performing. More details and tickets here on the Queen’s Hall website.

There was an impressive opening ceremony at the new Tai Chi centre on Marionville Road yesterday. Formerly used as a car garage, the premises are now refurbished and cleaned  with a lot of elbow grease to provide a base for the organisation in Scotland.

There were about 600 or so Tai Chi enthusiasts in the building along with several councillors, including the Deputy Lord Provost, Deidre Brock. Councillor Ron Cairns performed his Superman impersonation by removing his shirt to reveal a Tai Chi T-shirt underneath to much applause.

Justice Minister and local MSP, Kenny MacAskill said :-“As a local resident I know this place very well. I would like to thank you on behalf of the Scottish Government for what you have done to this building. I will be taking the news back to the First Minister that today I have fed the lion!” The VIP guests had to feed lettuce to the lion to awaken him after his long sleep… There was also a dragon which danced around the forecourt and inside the building providing a very colourful display.

Councillor Steve Burgess said:-“I greatly appreciated the warmth of the reception at the opening of the new centre. It was fascinating to learn more about Tai Chi and it’s benefits for health and well being. The centre is apparently the largest in Europe and will be a real asset to the City and our residents.”

Councillor Cameron Rose said:-“It was an impressive gathering of over 600 people from all over the UK and beyond.  I was particularly interested in the emphasis on the health benefits of Tai Chi.  The Taoist Tai Chi Society who have chosen to expand in Edinburgh and I welcome them and their many international guests to the city.”

Now even more big names are confirmed for the largest tennis tournament to be played in Edinburgh for a long time. Brodies LLP have confirmed the sponsorship of the event which will have stars like John McEnroe playing the game he so loved.

Former British No 1, Greg Rusedski and 2003 Wimbledon Champion Mark Philippoussis are the latest players to confirm that they will compete in the Brodies Champions of Tennis event in Edinburgh.  The pair will join John McEnroe, Tim Henman and Goran Ivanisevic at the first ever ATP Champions Tour event to be held in Scotland, which is to take place at the home of the Edinburgh Academicals from June 20th to 23rd.’

Rusedski has been Champion on the ATP Champions Tour twice, and enjoyed an exciting rivalry with fellow Brit Henman during their time on the ATP Tour. The 39 year-old is delighted to be playing in Edinburgh this June.

‘I’m really excited to be heading to Scotland for the Brodies Champions of Tennis,’ he said. ‘Edinburgh is a beautiful city and it’s great that there is going to be an ATP Champions Tour event there. Scottish tennis is on such a high at the moment with Andy Murray doing so well so I’m sure it will be a fantastic event with great crowds. I can’t wait.’

Mark Philippoussis was known by many in tennis as ‘The Scud’ due to his booming serve and bullet-like groundstrokes. The Australian, who is enjoying a renaissance on the ATP Champions Tour after having to retire from the main Tour prematurely due to injury, is very much looking forward to competing in the Scottish capital.

‘It will be my first time playing in Edinburgh, I’m very excited,’ he said. ‘The UK has always been a special place for me, the crowd are very passionate and knowledgeable about their sport and it feels like a home away from home, I can’t wait!’

Other players who have already confirmed they will play in Edinburgh include Tim Henman and Goran Ivanesivic.

Viki Mendelssohn, Tournament Director of Brodies Champions of Tennis is pleased to be adding two such popular players to the already star-studded line-up in Edinburgh.

“We are delighted that these two renowned players have confirmed their participation in the event,’ she said.  ‘Their presence, together with those already announced, adds to the stature of our inaugural tournament.

‘Tournament preparations are coming together really well, and whilst tickets are still available, I would urge people to purchase soon as some sessions are close to selling out.  The stage is set for some exciting, high quality tennis for players and spectators alike.’

Bill Drummond, Managing Partner at Brodies LLP added:- ‘Once again we are pleased to announce the involvement of two more world-class tennis legends in what is sure to be the highlight of Scotland’s sporting calendar in 2013.  Brodies is proud to support this event and we are looking forward to announcing more tennis stars soon.’

Tickets are now on sale at www.championsoftennis.com.

To celebrate the bicentenary of the great Italian Opera composer, Guiseppe Verdi, Scotland’s oldest  company Edinburgh Grand Opera  will be performing the love story La Traviata  (The Fallen Woman).    The production has been made possible by a grant of £20,000 from Creative Scotland.

Trystan Davies spoke to  Edinburgh Grand Opera and conductor Councillor Richard Lewis.

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La Traviata will be performed at King’s Theater from the 8th – 11th May 2013

.  Tickets online from the King’s Theatre box office or tel. 0131 529 6000,  Mon-Sat 11am – 6pm.

We met with Andrew Symon recently whose first book comes out tomorrow, Saturday 20 April 2013. Symon already has the other two books in the Shian Quest Trilogy written however, so clear is the story in his head.

Although the author lives in Perth the story is set below Edinburgh Castle and centres around Jack a twelve year old who is part human, part Shian. The secret to the Shian powers lies in the Destiny Stone, and their power strengthens when the stone is returned to Scotland.

“When Jack Shian was twelve, he was just growing into his magycks.

The Shian had always had magycks. Some had a little, some a little more. Charms,hexes,healing – all sorts. The magycks became much stronger when the Destiny Stone came home – it even opened up the Shian square under Edinburgh castle once more. Little wonder that the Shian celebrated; the Stone had been gone for hundreds of years, you see. That’s hundreds of years in human time and Shian time. They’re not always the same……”

The book is published by Black & White Publishing in paperback original and the formal launch is tomorrow in Perth.