Edinburgh MP Mike Crockart launches e-surgeries – Calders Residents Association meeting – Consultation on Grassmarket Nursery School – Portobello Community Council – Museum of Fire

Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrat MP, Mike Crockart, has announced that he will be holding e-surgeries.

The first e-surgery is scheduled for 28^th March from 5pm to 6pm. Anyone wanting to schedule an appointment will need to download Skype, the free software package, and is encouraged to contact Mike’s constituency office to schedule a time for their e-surgery.

Commenting, Mr Crockart said:

“I know that people are busy and that often they can’t make it along to my surgeries. I want to be as accessible as possible for people who wish to let me now their views and for people who need my help.

“For busy parents, business owners and those who live in the more rural parts of my constituency the e-surgeries offer a quick and convenient way to get in touch with me. At the moment those in some rural parts may struggle to secure the broadband speed required for the software, but I am confident that my campaign for better broadband will change that.

“If you would like any more information on the e-surgery or would like an appointment please call the office on 0131 339 0339.”

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Do you live in the Calders? Get along to the Calders Residents Association’s meeting on Wednesday night, 6:30pm at the Sheltered Housing Community Room. You are invited by the South West Neighbourhood Team. 

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The council have a consultation running until next week on their proposal to move the Grassmarket Nursery School to Tollcross later this year. This is what the council say:-“The City of Edinburgh Council has agreed to consult on proposals to relocate Grassmarket Nursery School to Tollcross Primary School from August 2013.  If the proposals were to go ahead those children currently attending Grassmarket Nursery would be offered a place in the relocated nursery at Tollcross Primary School.”

You can access the consultation document and make your own comment on the council website. The public meeting has already been held but the consultation is open till 28 February 2013.

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A date for your diary if you live in Portobello. The Community Council meet on 25 February 2013 at 7:30 pm in Portobello Baptist Church Hall, 185 Portobello High Street. You can read the draft minutes of last month’s meeting here but next week’s meeting, which is the 300th,  will include representations from  Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal regarding the proposed planning application for another 5,000 square feet of shops to be built at Fort Kinnaird. It seems that due to an oversight the community council had failed to respond, but presumably will respond when the planning application itself is lodged.

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If you have not discovered the wonderful Tales of One City blog yet then we recommend it to you. It contains news about the city’s libraries and today they have added a new article about the Great Fire in Edinburgh in 1824 and a talk to be given tonight on the history of fire fighting. More information here on the Tales of One City blog.

There is a meeting this Thursday about the future of Easter Craiglockhart Hill. Our photo shows the view from the top of Craighouse Campus which is part of the area which extends across the city to the rear of Craiglockhart Sports Centre.

The proposal is that some of the land in this area might be transferred to council ownership. 30 acres, owned by the company who wish to develop the site at Craighouse, could possibly be gifted to the council who would then assume responsibility for some or all of it.

The various options to be considered are as follows:-

• Option 1 – Take no action. The consequence would be that a new residents association (of the potential new housing development) would become the owners and managers of the Craighouse Partnership owned section of the local nature reserve as well as the lawn area known as The Orchard.
• Option 2 – The Council could take ownership of the entire reserve from Craighouse Partnership and manage it on behalf of the city, community and the residents.
• Option 3 – Joint ownership with the community taking ownership of and management responsibility for the Craighouse Partnership owned land and the Council retaining the part of Local Nature Reserve it already owns.
• Option 4 – Community ownership and management of all areas
• Option 4a – Transition period of joint ownership and management between the Council and the community moving towards full community ownership and management over a period of time (5 years was suggested as an example) and as the community was able to raise funds and show their ability to manage the land, ownership would be transferred.

The event is being held on Thursday 21 February 2013 from 7.30 – 9.30pm at Meggetland Sports Complex, Function Suite, 60J Colinton Road , Edinburgh , EH14 1AS . There will be maps on display and council staff available to discuss your queries. A short presentation is scheduled for 7.45pm.

Here is a map showing the area and the ownership breakdown. You may remember that The Craighouse Partnership is the current owner of the former Edinburgh Napier University campus, Craighouse, and you will see that they own most of the land to be discussed.

Are you going to attend the meeting? What do you think the council should do? If you have any views then please tell us otherwise you may be interested to know there is an online survey until the end of March.

The council say:-“If you are able to attend but still wish to provide comments please complete our online survey. Please note this survey will close on Sunday the 31st of March 2013.”

Easter Craiglockhart Hill Consultation by

Energy savings – Lothian Sound celebrates its 25th birthday today – Nurseries making a splash – Stiglitz to give evidence to Holyrood Economy Committee – Edinburgh Lectures

Scots Together will officially launch today. Representatives from Changeworks will be on hand at the Princes Mall Shopping Centre rooftop from 11am this morning to show people how they can take part and save money on their energy bills. The official launch will take place from 1.30pm.

The organisers explain that the more people that take part, the better the deal will become and there’s no obligation to switch.  People who join up at the start will still be able to benefit from the price achieved by the total number of people switching at the end.

The Scots Together team wants people coming to the launch event to bring along a recent energy bill so they can see how Scots Together works. Those interested can also visit the website at www.Scotstogether.com and join. It’s free, it’s easy and there’s no obligation.

Forty nurseries and early years centres in Edinburgh are benefiting from an investment into garden water features to give young children the opportunity to experience natural, active play outdoors.£68,000 has been set aside to support improvements to nursery grounds for water play over the next few months as part of the Outdoor Play and Active Learning programme that over the last two years has made significant enhancements to the outdoor play experience for children.

Twenty nurseries and early years centres will work with a children’s play consultant in order to develop their ideas and implement their plans. Another eighteen establishments will be given funding to design their own imaginative water play environments and support will be provided by the Council’s outdoor play and learning staff.Garden water features have already been installed in the grounds of both Spinney Lane Nursery School and Gilmerton Child & Family Centre in recent months as part of the project.

Councillor Paul Godzik, the city’s Education Convener, said: “We firmly believe that young children should have the best available play environments and we want more children to experience outdoor, natural play during their time with us. The investment will benefit young children for many years to come and put this Council at the forefront of delivering high quality nursery provision for the city’s children.”

Spinney Lane Nursery School was the first nursery to have a water feature installed as part of the project and it has proved an instant success with the children. The design features a dry river bed and hand pump that allows pupils to interact with the installation. Gilmerton Child & Family Centre have also benefited from a new outdoor water play space for the children that was installed earlier this month.

Depute Manager, Nick Reynolds, said: “The children have loved the opportunity to experience outdoor water play. The feature has opened up a whole range of new opportunities for the nursery garden – a place to find materials for bridges and dams or a simple fishing rod. It’s been fantastic to watch them invent so many different ways to use it.”

The Council is committed to enhancing the outdoor play environments of children as part of the Early Years Strategy launched two years go. Officials visited Berlin last year as part of a study trip with the Grounds for Learning scheme to examine the different approaches taken to enhancing outdoor space in kindergartens.

The programme has helped make small grants available to the council’s nurseries and early years centres, as well as helped train teachers in how to bring more natural and outdoors play into the learning environment.

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Professor Stiglitz to inform the work of the Economy Committee

Nobel prize winning economist Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz will give evidence to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee to inform them on the adequacy of current measures of economic performance.

Professor Stiglitz, who has advised both the French and American Governments, will give evidence to the Committee via video link at its meeting on the 27 February.

The Committee will be asking Professor Stiglitz for his views on alternatives to gross domestic product (GDP) as a measure of economic activity and of the wellbeing of society more generally. This will be a one-off session which will help the Committee further their understanding of what work can be done in this area.

Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Murdo Fraser MSP said:

“Professor Stiglitz is a world renowned academic who has advised the French and American Governments as well as the World Bank and the United Nations. So his expertise in alternative measures of economic growth is unparalleled and our committee is delighted that he will inform our understanding of this subject.”

Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz said:

“I am delighted to advise, for the first time, a committee of the Scottish Parliament. My work with the international Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress has underlined the concerns over the adequacy of gross domestic product as a measure of well-being, and I hope that my knowledge and expertise in this area will convince the Committee to consider this issue in more detail.”

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The council has just launched news of the forthcoming Edinburgh Lectures series which begins this month. More information here.

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted and robbed in Edinburgh, and CCTV images have been released.

The incident happened around 10.15pm on Monday 19 November 2012 in the Meadows.

The victim was punched several times and property was stolen. The two men that police would like to speak to in connection with their enquiries are described as being in their 30s, one wearing waterproof/winter clothing and carrying a rucksack, the other is described as having a distinctive ‘widows peak’ hairline.

A police spokesman said: “Fortunately the victim was not seriously injured during this incident though he was robbed of his belongings.

“One of the men we would like to speak to was wearing distinctive warm weather/waterproof clothing and a rucksack.  We would ask that anyone that may have seen the incident, or who can assist in establishing his identity to contact police immediately

“The attached images of the man we would like to speak to were obtained by Police following enquiries and we are appealing for anyone with information to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Edinburgh Lectures 2013 series has been unveiled, with a line-up of speakers chosen to reflect the Scottish Government’s Year of Natural Scotland.

The programme  which you can read below centres on the rich natural heritage on Scotland’s doorstep, in what organisers hope will be a celebration of the nation’s reputation as a land of outstanding natural beauty.

Distinguished speakers range from academics such as earth scientist and broadcaster Professor Iain Stewart, through to award-winning Scottish-based artists Dalziel + Scullion.  Tickets for the programme are on sale from today, and the series runs from February to June. The lectures will be wide-ranging, celebrating everything from Scotland’s culinary landscape to its place in the history of the Earth, and informing attendees about topics as diverse as the nation’s oceans, its rocks and its wildlife.

The line-up of confirmed speakers is:

• Aubrey Manning, zoologist, broadcaster and Professor Emeritus, University of Edinburgh
• Professor Iain Stewart, Professor of Geoscience Communication at Plymouth University
• Lady Claire Macdonald, award-winning cook and food writer
• Nigel Pope, one of the UK’s leading natural history producers
• Professor J Murray Roberts, Director of the Centre for Biodiversity & Biotechnology at Heriot-Watt University
• Ken McGoogan, award-winning author
• Dr Walter M Stephen, former Chairman of the Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust
• Dalziel + Scullion, award-winning Scottish based artists
• Dr David Hetherington, founder of the Cairngorms Wildcat Project

Donald Wilson, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: “As the Edinburgh Lecture series takes place within the Year of Natural Scotland in this, its 21st year, it is fitting that the focus is on the natural beauty and heritage of Scotland itself. I look forward to the diverse and fascinating lecture series this promises to be.”

Louise Scullion, of artist studio Dalziel + Scullion, said: “We are delighted to be participating in this year’s Edinburgh Lectures series. As Scottish artists, we are very much rooted in the landscape around us – it continually shapes the work we do. And in turn, we believe that now, at a time when long held economic models are being challenged, arts and culture can play a powerful role in re-imagining possible futures.”

Previous Edinburgh Lectures have seen a wide range of high calibre speakers converge in Edinburgh to share their insights on a broad range of themes. They have included His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Stephen Hawking, Mikail Gorbachev, and First Minister Alex Salmond.

The Edinburgh Lectures are led by the City of Edinburgh Council, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University, The Open University in Scotland, National Museums Scotland, Creative Scotland, The Royal Society of Edinburgh and Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Here is the full brochure:-

2013 Edinburgh Lectures by

Tomorrow’s meeting of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee will consider the report before them requesting further review of Neighbourhood Partnerships, but far from disbanding these organisations, the council appears set to endorse their work and encourage more devolution of real power to the bodies themselves.

These are bodies originally set up in 2007, made up of council employees, local representatives of Housing Associations, the NHS, Police and Fire Services as well as representatives from the voluntary sector and community councils. There are 12 of them in Edinburgh roughly aligned with the 17 Local Government Wards, and the community council areas. The council website introduces them as bodies which “Make your area a better place to be”  and they are elsewhere described as a way of working with local people to encourage consensus based decision making.

The City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership describes itself in this way:-“The City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership is made up of Community Council members, Councillors, Lothian and Borders Police, NHS Lothian, the voluntary sector and a representative for the city’s university students. The Partnership is tasked with identifying, prioritising, and planning improvements to enhance the quality of life for people who live, work, study, or visit Edinburgh’s city centre.” Some of the things that Neighbourhood Partnerships do are initiating projects like clean-up campaigns, and the council neighbourhood teams who form part of the Neighbourhood Partnerships have offices in each area of the city.

The Council is made up of a Labour/SNP coalition, and although it was the Labour manifesto which referred to the concept of a Cooperative Capital, this is now largely embraced by the whole city council, following the council meeting of 25 October 2012, which adopted the Framework to Advance a Cooperative Capital here. The area of neighbourhood partnerships is one where cooperation among local people can actually have most impact. Neighbourhood Partnerships have finances to give small grants to local community based organisations too.

The Reporter spoke with the Communities Convenor, Councillor Maureeen Child, who explained that some areas of council spending have been devolved to the Neighbourhood Partnerships, meaning for example that some money for roads and pavements has been handed over to locals to decide what it should be spent on. In her own ward, Portobello/Craigmillar, Councillor Child pointed to two examples of local spending which had been the result of devolved responsibility for the roads budget:- “In my ward there is now a pedestrian crossing on Milton Road, and Christian Path is now a proper footpath in Joppa between Brighton Place and Windsor Place. This devolution of power has resulted in real proper action on a local level which might not have happened otherwise.”

And, according to the report to be considered tomorrow, the council seem to be set on devolving more in the way of budget responsibility and real power to the Neighbourhood Partnerships as part of the effort to realise their cooperative pledges.  It appears to be the way that the Neighbourhood Partnerships work which is to be changed rather than their actual structure. The report concludes with the recommendation that there will be sounding board events in March with a view to a set of findings and options being brought to the May meeting of the Communities and Neighbourhoods committee.

You can read more about Neighbourhood Partnerships and find out which one covers your area of the city over here on the Neighbourhood Partnership website

The report proposes that Neighbourhood Partnerships should develop their Communications and Social Media Strategy in the future. Across the city there are council led teams which manage the council run services relating to housing, community safety, environment or community engagement issues. You can find a complete list of these here. 

Most Neighbourhood Teams have Twitter accounts which allows them to engage with local people and react quite quickly to urgent matters like missed rubbish collections and litter on the streets.

You can find them here:-

North Team

South West Team

South Team

East Team

West Team

City Centre and Leith have a Facebook page which you will find here. 

Now that Valentine’s Day is out of the way Edinburgh Zoo are turning their thoughts to panda romance.

Our  pandas have another chance to breed this year, and already Tian Tian and Yang Guang have been encouraged to use each other’s enclosures and leave their scent there.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBnST0YMQig]

Experts at Edinburgh Zoo have announced they expect the giant panda breeding season may be earlier this year, as both animals have already started to show important changes in their behaviour that indicate that they will soon be ready to mate; it could be as little as four weeks away.

Male Yang Guang recently began doing handstands. The big bear has been spotted doing panda gymnastics against trees, walls and rocks, by going upside down on his front paws and scent marking as high up as possible. In the wild, males compete to show female pandas how fit and virile they are, with the ‘best’ male being the one to scent as high as possible.

Female Tian Tian has also already started calling out to Yang Guang. Normally giant pandas are pretty quiet outside of breeding time, but both the males and females bleat and call to one another during breeding season.

In 2012 female Tian Tian came into season on 2 April. Although it is impossible to tell exact timings this early on, the Zoo specialists are predicting breeding season could fall somewhere in the month of March. Experts are able to predict when both giant pandas are ready to breed by a combination of behavioural observation and hormone testing, but to date no hormonal changes have been seen in either panda.

Last year, in early April 2012, Edinburgh Zoo’s giant panda cams were turned off and Tian Tian and Yang Guang met properly for the first time in their indoor enclosures.  Amidst much excitement, from both the animals themselves and the outside world, the pair went on to meet several times over the course of three days. And, although they did not end up fully mating, the experience for the two pandas and Edinburgh Zoo was immeasurable in terms of scientific learning, process and expertise – which will all give the animals the best possible chance of success.

In 2013 Edinburgh Zoo is focusing on synchronising the breeding cycles of both pandas with a strict “lights out” policy.  From the 1^st January lighting levels inside both panda enclosures were timed to stimulate natural light levels outside – so when the sun comes up lights will go on in the panda enclosures and when the sun goes down it’ll be lights out and early to bed. This is vital as lighting levels dictate panda hormone levels.

Urine testing to monitor the all-important hormone levels also began on Tian Tian at the turn of the year, with the female’s hormones now already being tested on a daily basis in conjunction with Edinburgh University. New for 2013 is that the male’s hormone levels will be tested and Edinburgh Zoo is playing its part in vital research in panda male reproduction. His urine samples are being banked and will be tested after the breeding season.

Enclosure swapping began at the start of February, with Tian Tian exploring Yang Guang’s territory and vice versa, to which both pandas responded enthusiastically. A very important technique as chemical cues and signals play a major role in breeding, giant pandas are solitary animals and are very much dependent on scent marking as a means of communication between them. Enclosure swapping will continue and increase in frequency right up until the peak of the season.

Yang Guang also has an increased appetite for bamboo and will shortly start to enhance his body size as male pandas need to be in peak physical shape during breeding season.

This week Iain Valentine, Director of Giant Pandas and Strategic Innovations for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, returned from a Giant Panda Species Survival Programme meeting in Atlanta, Washington. Made up of the four American giant panda zoos and Toronto Zoo, who will soon welcome pandas themselves, Mr Valentine was honoured to be invited to engage and share learnings.

Iain Valentine comments:

“In 2013 we are working on synchronisation between the sexes and our approach builds on the important work we have done so far that combines behavioural observation with biological analysis.

“We’re delighted that both Tian Tian and Yang Guang have started to scent mark and call, both clear behavioural indicators of courtship and mating behaviour. Although both giant pandas are showing these changes in their behaviour, it is still early days yet and way too early to give any accurate prediction on timings, however, early indicators do suggest the breeding season will probably fall in March this year. In reality we could be as little as four weeks away, although equally the big day could still be as far off as eight weeks. We are now definitely on the flight path.

“This year we will combine both natural and assisted reproduction methods. This follows the best practice methodology adopted by other panda keeping zoos around the world and gives our giant pandas the best possible chance of success. It is also the technique that aligns most with the multiple mating strategy that giant pandas mate in the wild.

“The expert team of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), based at Edinburgh Zoo, look forward to being joined at various points over the next few weeks by specialists from around the globe to share their expertise and learnings and apply them to giant panda breeding. 2013 will also see the development of the research programmes to be undertaken in the ten year period that Tian Tian and Yang Guang are with us at Edinburgh Zoo.”

Giant pandas are the national treasure of China and many factors related primarily to an increase in human activity have caused the marked decline and geographic fragmentation of the species in habitat. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is part of a well-established ex-situ breeding and research programme for giant pandas which is acting as an important resource and insurance policy against catastrophes that might affect their wild counterparts. The ex-situ population of pandas contributes to the in-situ conservation efforts as it enhances our biological knowledge and increases public awareness.

PHOTOS –  ROB MCDOUGALL

info@robmcdougall.com

www.RobMcDougall.com
07856222103

A 22-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged attempted murder of a 49-year-old man at an address in Duff Street, Edinburgh, on Thursday,14 February 2013/

In addition, two women aged 53 and 58, and a man aged 30, have also been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

All four accused are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, February 18.

Two men who killed a man during a disturbance in East Lothian last year have been jailed.

At the High Court in Edinburgh today, Michael Sutherland and Steven Archibald were sentenced to over 11-years in prison following a fatal attack on John Auld in Tranent on Sunday March 4th 2012.

Sutherland (31) and Archibald (37) got into a dispute with the owner of a takeaway in the High Street and began assaulting the man before Mr Auld intervened.

Both men then assaulted the 59-year-old, who sustained serious injuries to his head and body, which ultimately resulted in his death.

Michael Sutherland was jailed for six years, while Steven Archibald received a prison sentence of five years and three months after both previously pled guilty to culpable homicide.

Detective Inspector Gary Boyd, who led the investigation said:- “Michael Sutherland and Steven Archibald became involved in a heated disturbance with a takeaway owner over a minor issue and immediately began to use violence.

“When Mr Auld came to the man’s aid, the pair turned their attack on him to such an extent that the injuries he sustained proved fatal.

“Both have shown themselves to be cold and callous individuals who were only too happy to resort to violence, which on this occasion had tragic consequences.

“Their guilty pleas for culpable homicide reflect the overwhelming evidence against them for this attack and it is my sincere hope that Mr Auld’s family can now draw a line under this horrific ordeal.”

Edinburgh blogs – The Edinburgh Schools Film Competition – Tonight at The Queen’s Hall – Balerno Village Screen -Top Tweeters?

There are many people in Edinburgh who find time to blog. Our Lord Provost has just started his own blog quite recently and writes this week about his new appointment as the city’s Volunteer Ambassador.  We have a list of Edinburgh bloggers here which we would love to update. Are you a blogger? Then tell us a little about yourself and get on the list! theedinburghreporter@gmail.com

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A reminder to schools, and particularly teachers who might be finding a few moments to relax during this half-term week, that the Edinburgh International Film Festival has launched a competition for short films. The deadlines for entries are in April.

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The Scottish Ensemble play tonight at The Queen’s Hall – and you are promised ear worms (that means memorable tunes you will be humming all weekend!)   Booking details here.

Geminiani: Concerto Grosso ‘La Follia’
Górecki: Harpsichord Concerto
Vaughan Williams: Violin Concerto in D ‘Concerto Accademico’
Holst: St Paul’s Suite
Górecki: Three Pieces in Old Style
Vivaldi: Concerto Grosso op.3 no. 10 RV 580 in B minor
Britten: Simple Symphony

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In March the Balerno Village Screen is showing Brave and Skyfall, but you will have to be fast if you want tickets. More information on the Village Screen website. 

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Edinburgh Evening News published their list of top Edinburgh tweeters yesterday. While we were a bit miffed not to be on it…..we wonder if you might like to suggest who you think should be on the list of people in Edinburgh who you consider to be your top tweeters…

Go for it! Give us your suggestions below!

And in other news….. We are delighted that the nice people at STV Edinburgh have made a different list of influential Edinburgh tweeters – and we made the cut!

SCOTS SECRETARY URGED TO U-TURN ON BEDROOM TAX

Edinburgh East MP and Work and Pensions Select Committee member Sheila Gilmore today urged Scottish Secretary Michael Moore to u-turn on the bedroom tax.

At Westminster yesterday Sheila Gilmore  challenged Michael Moore to urge the Chancellor to u-turn on the bedroom tax in the budget next month.  From April 2013 Council and Housing Association tenants with a spare bedroom will lose housing benefit, or be forced to try to move. Sheila told the Minister that for most there just aren’t the houses to move to:-

‘Twenty-seven one-bedroom houses were available for let in the social sector in Edinburgh last week. Bids for them ranged from 30-odd to 300. New-build affordable starts in Scotland have fallen in the past two years from 7,900 to 3,400 because of cuts by the Scottish Government. Will the Secretary of State go to his Government in advance of the Budget and argue for a U-turn? His Government saved the trees; why not save the people?’

These changes were part of the Coalition’s Welfare Reform Act passed last year. Those affected are council and housing association tenants below retirement age who get housing benefit.  Many are in jobs, and others are disabled.

Speaking afterwards Sheila said:

‘Couples who sleep in separate rooms for health reasons are affected. So are those in adapted homes. Or those who need someone to stay overnight sometimes when they are unwell. Edinburgh Council is hoping to put nearly £2 m towards helping some of these people to top up the £1.3 m coming from the Government. I welcome the Council’s plans but it means the Council is having to make up for Government cuts.

‘It’s not too late for the Lib Dem Scottish Secretary and his colleagues to tell the Chancellor to cancel this plan. This is one u-turn which would be widely welcomed.’

Frontiers Records has announced that Whitesnake’s highly anticipated live concert “Made In Japan” will be released on Deluxe 2CD/DVD Edition,Blu-ray and DVD in the UK on Monday April 22 2013. “Made In Japan” captures the multi-platinum rock band’s co-headline performance at the “Loud Park” festival, which took place in Japan’s Saitama Super Arena on 15 October 2011.

Filmed on the Japanese leg of Whitesnake’s momentous Forevermore World Tour, in support of their 2011 album of the same name, “Made In Japan” is packed full of the songs that continue to keep the band at the very forefront of rock’n’roll. The “Forevermore” songs alone are said by fans to be worth the price of admission, and that’s before factoring in the hits such as Is This Love, Still Of The Night and Here I Go Again. It’s all here. This is whatWhitesnake fans, new and old, have been clamouring for.

In addition to the concert recording from Loud Park Festival, “Made In Japan” features a bonus disc containing never-before-heard versions of tracks recorded during soundcheck at a variety of Japanese venues on the tour.  Led by front man and founding member David Coverdale, “Made In Japan”features the Whitesnake line-up of Doug Aldrich and Reb Beach on guitar, bassist Michael Devin, drummer Briian Tichy and special-guest keyboardist Brian Ruedy.

“Made In Japan” coincides with Whitesnake’s UK Arena tour alongside Journey, with special guests Thunder.

The tour starts at the Glasgow SECC on Saturday 18 May 2013 and runs nationwide.     

http://www.whitesnake.com

‘Edinburgh 200 give voice to Verdi 200’

There are certain choral works which enjoy huge popularity with both performers and audiences because any description requires the liberal use of superlatives.  One of these works is unquestionably Verdi’s Requiem which is being much celebrated this year as 2013 is the bicentenary of the birth of its composer, Guiseppe Verdi.

Edinburgh Bach Choir and Jubilo, two of Edinburgh’s finest choirs, will combine forces again to give the first performance of Verdi’s Requiem, in Edinburgh this year on 24th February, at the Usher Hall.  They are delighted to be working again, with Scottish Sinfonia orchestra, after their last successful and well received performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius in 2010, under the direction of Neil Mantle MBE.

For this performance of the Verdi Requiem there will be over 200 singers, as well as an orchestra with 100 players, as the two choirs are being strengthened by the Broughton High School Senior Chamber Choir whose members are students from the Music Department of Broughton High School and the City of Edinburgh Music School.

The two choirs were delighted to welcome the Broughton singers after being approached by their musical director, Catherine Frew, who has been teaching music at Broughton High for just over eight years.   There are few opportunities for young people to enjoy the unique experience of participating in a large scale performance at a prestigious venue and both choirs hope that ventures such as this can nurture the young singers’ love of music and performance as well as encouraging ambitions to continue singing in school and beyond.

The young musicians have been working hard over the winter juggling rehearsals with school work and preparing for exams. Performing the Requiem will be a significant achievement for each of them. Edinburgh Bach Choir and Jubilo and Scottish Sinfonia are looking forward to performing with the Broughton choir and to an exciting performance of Verdi’s amazing works which will hopefully generate more superlatives.

Usher Hall, Sunday 24^th February 2013

Verdi: Te Deum: Requiem

Edinburgh Bach Choir / Jubilo / Broughton High School Senior Chamber Choir

The Scottish Sinfonia

Chorus Master – Walter Thomson

Conductor – Neil Mantle MBE

Hi, I am one of the organisers of Edinburgh’s very own flash mob harlem shake. It was shot today and have been uploaded to youtube

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ-Mo4FvEfk&w=560&h=315]

Over 130 students took part today. It went really well and everyone had a blast!

Kind regards,
Stanley

Submitted by Stanley Liew

Freelance writer and photographer Kari Herbert will be appearing at the launch of her latest title  ‘Heart of the Hero’ this evening at Edinburgh Bookshop on Bruntsfield Place.

Herbert, the daughter of pioneering polar explorer Sir Wally Herbert and author Marie Herbert, will discuss the text which gives an insight into the relationships that became the foundation of some of our best-loved stories of polar adventure. The global journalist, speaker and presenter was recently invited to speak at the Edinburgh International Book Festival later this year.

Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes praised the book, describing it as: “An extraordinary depth of thinking… A fascinating and hugely enjoyable book which makes a valuable contribution to polar literature.”

The launch begins at The Edinburgh Bookshop (219 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DH – 0131 447 1917) at 6:30pm this Valentine’s Day. Entry is £5 and includes a glass of wine.

Edinburgh fire – two charged – Edinburgh University on film – The Royal Society talk – Wiff Waff Romance – Tonight at the Cameo – Half term suggestion

UPDATED 08:26

Lothian and Borders Police have reported that two boys, aged 15 and 13 years, have been charged with culpable and reckless conduct in relation to the fire at Stanley Place, Edinburgh on Monday .

A report will be submitted to the Children’s Reporter in relation to this.

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A series of over 400 minute long videos is being produced by lecturers at the University of Edinburgh to showcase both themselves and their work in various fields.  You can watch them here.

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Next month, on 19 March 2013,  The Royal Society of Edinburgh are hosting a talk about Dr Livingstone. Dr Michael Barrett will talk about his scientific and geographic discoveries and the impact of tropical diseases on the doctor’s travels in Africa. Tickets are free but you should book now. More details here.

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If you did not get a Valentine card today or if you could not care too much about the romantic significance of the day then maybe you should go to the Out of the Blue Drill Hall this evening for Wiff Waff Womance the Alternative Valentines night. Details on Greener Leith Social.

All the usual ping-pong shenanigans – table tennis, eclectic music and beer – come with or without a partner – you may even meet your match!

 

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And your final Valentine’s suggestion for this year….Tonight at the Cameo they are showing Breakfast at Tiffany’s at 9:00pm. More details on booking here.

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You might be a little late to book your little darlings on the holiday camps on offer, but otherwise Edinburgh Leisure offer many locations to take them along and tire them out. More details here.

(Yes before you email us we know there are six things here but we have added in the news about the London Road fire)

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra will welcome internationally acclaimed trumpet master Paolo Fresu to join them in saluting one of jazz’s most influential players, Miles Davis.  The orchestra, building on their tremendous successes of last year, start their exciting concert plans for 2013 by playing Miles Ahead and Birth of the Cool in a concert at The Queen’s Hall on 22 February 2013.

Miles Davis, one of the coolest figures in jazz, was a constant innovator and one of just a handful of musicians of whom it can be said that, had he not existed, the history of jazz would have been very different. Together with the outstanding arrangers Gil Evans and Gerry Mulligan, he created Birth of the Cool and Miles Ahead.

Conceived in 1949 and 1957 respectively, they marked the beginning and continuation of Davis’s hugely rewarding relationship with Evans and found Davis responding to the prevailing moods of aggression and high energy in jazz by adopting a much softer, more reflective approach.  Miles Ahead and Birth of the Cool became two of the greatest jazz milestones and shaped new movements in jazz at that time and influences music even today.

Sardinian trumpeter Paolo Fresu has a unique trumpet sound that is recognized as one of the most distinctive in the contemporary jazz scene.  A deeply personal communicator like Davis, Paolo together with the acclaimed SNJO, directed by artistic director Tommy Smith, will bring these two gems to the live stage with direct emotion, quiet power and vivid orchestral colour and put their own stamp on such gems as Evans’ arrangements of Delibes’ Maids of Cadiz and Blues for Pablo.

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra continues to be showered with accolades underlining their position as ambassadors for Jazz in Scotland.  As well as picking up Best Jazz ensemble titles in both the All UK Parliamentary and the British Jazz Awards 2012, their new CD Celebration was released on the ECM label, they performed in the inaugural Shetland Festival and at Jazz sous les Pommiers and their concerts with Peter Erskine, and Randy Brecker received fabulous reviews.  The year culminated with its highly successful and critically acclaimed 5* celebration of Duke Ellington and in response to demand, their new CD, In the Spirit of Duke will be released next month on the Spartacus record Label.

FRI 22 February 2013  EDINBURGH: QUEEN’S HALL 0131 668 2019 www.thequeenshall.net 

IN THE COMPANY OF BIRDS

07.02.13 – 27.02.13

Union Gallery is pleased to announce an important, group exhibition of artworks celebrating the fascinating world of ornithology.  With works made specifically for the exhibition, the show brings together exquisite drawings and paintings by some of Scotland’s leading artists including Janet Melrose RSW, Jenny Matthews,  Mark Nicholas Edward, Dylan Lisle and Joyce Gun Cairns MBE.

In the Company of Birds is an exhibition inspired by a Janet Melrose painting of the same title, and is a must see exhibition for anyone who admires birdlife or who is interested in exploring our relationship with our feathered friends.  There are paintings of exquisite quality here, each artist using their talents to the utmost effect. In addition, the exhibition includes some wonderful sculpture from London-based artist Barbara Franc, and an evocative and haunting installation by Czech multimedia artist Marcela Trsova, entitled ‘The Messengers’.   Using copper wire and real bird wings, Trsova’s work is inspired by the mythical symbolism of birds throughout history – as the artist says: “Flight has always represented freedom from the physical restrictions of earthbound life and the ascent of the soul to the goods either through mystical experience or through death. Birds share something of the same symbolic meaning, but because they come from the skies they can also assume the role of messengers from higher powers, whether for good or ill”.  This is a fascinating and inspirational piece that merits viewing and critical comment.

Of the exhibition, Union Gallery Director Alison Auldjo says: “Each of the contributing artists has produced work that is not only beautiful, but is also a heartfelt representation of what the subject matter means to them and, in some cases, this has created work that is certainly challenging as well as highly decorative”.

In keeping with Union Gallery’s ‘art for everyone’ beliefs, and in common with the 2011 exhibition ‘Plight of the Bumblebee’, there will also be a display of bird-related drawings by children of some of the contributing artists – guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, as is the visit of the Gallery’s tame crow, Heathcliffe, over the weekend of the 9^th and 10^th February.

A fine, inspirational and enlightening exhibition for a cold Edinburgh February.

Black Dingo Productions with A company called Andy presents Gagarin Way by Gregory Burke

With a performance on 14 February this black comedy could make for an interesting alternative Valentine’s night out. Gagarin Way, now a modern classic, is an acerbically comic look at the Scottish working class and the dying tradition of socialism in Scotland. It asks tough questions about morality, and political activism versus apathy.

The naturalistic direction is by David McFarlane, founder of both Black Dingo Productions and A Company Called Andy, the first of which is a not-for-profit organisation with a DIY ethic, established to help the development of grassroots theatre in Edinburgh and to keep the city’s stages thriving year-round.

All profits from new professional theatre company A Company Called Andy go to the central fund for Black Dingo Productions’ work.

Also included in the ticket price is the option to stay a little later and watch comedian Keara Murphy’s new development piece Of Mice and Men, a quirky one woman show.

The Loft at The Granary, The Shore, Leith 

 

13,14,15 February 2013 7:45pm (1.5hrs)

 

£8 (£6)

 

Recommended for ages 15+

 

Advance tickets: blackdingoproductions@gmail.com 

For more information on Black Dingo Productions, including how to invest in local theatre, visit www.blackdingoproductions.co.uk

For more information on A Company Called Andy, please visit www.acompanycalledandy.co.uk

CAST

Eddie – Brian Hill

Gary – Martin Restrick

Tom – Rob David

Frank – Derek Elsby

Two men have been arrested and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act after Lothian and Borders Police recovered a large quantity of Class A drugs in the capital.

Officers carried out searches of three properties in Loganlea Avenue, Lochend Gardens and Barronscourt Road yesterday and seized over eight ounces of diamorphine with an estimated value of £25,000.

Three litres of methadone valued at £300 were also recovered.

The men aged 44 and 37 are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Anyone with information relating to drug crime in their area can contact their local policing team or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Study to chart rise of ‘e-pundits’

Online commentators’ impact on society explored

The rise of the online pundit is to be explored by Scottish researchers at Edinburgh Napier University.

Communications experts will look at how the influence of newspaper columnists is being eroded by bloggers and other online voices – a phenomenon they have coined ‘epunditry’.

The project is part of a wider three-year study called ‘Informing the Good Society’ (InGSoc), which will examine the role played by information in society and how it can act as a positive force.

“With fewer and fewer people buying newspapers, the reach of traditional columnists is falling while blogging and other forms of online expression are experiencing phenomenal growth,” said Dr Alistair Duff, a Reader in Information and Journalism at the university’s Institute for Informatics and Digital Information.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-NiQU7OTU]

“The project will tackle this shift, and examine whether electronic modes of commentary have replaced the traditional ‘op-ed’ and what the implications might be for the social role of the pundit, and for both the press and its supposed successors.”

Dr Duff pointed to Westminster blogger Paul Staines, aka Guido Fawkes, who was recently signed up as a Sunday Sun columnist, and to Instapundit in the US as examples of increasingly influential online commentators.

He added: “While the Leveson Inquiry has returned standards of news reporting to public attention, the question of the quality of political opinion-writing is also one that is of major significance for a healthy, informed democracy. That then leads on to wider questions about where expertise lies in an information-saturated society.”

Funded by a £200,000 Arts & Humanities Research Council grant, the study will also look at how population censuses are coping with the transition to a paperless society – as well as their ethical and political ramifications.

A case in point, said Dr Duff, was the use of a British subsidiary of C.A.C.I. International – under fire for its alleged complicity in torture at Abu Ghraib prison – in the recent Scottish census.

The third thread of the study will address information issues facing modern democracies – such as freedom of information rights, internet governance and the digital divide – from a philosophical perspective.

Ian Murray, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South and Mike Crockart, MP for Edinburgh West , had pancake flipping fun this week as the MPs team were crowned winners of the annual Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race after battering the competition in one of the country’s most popular pancake showdowns.

The event, which took place in Westminster in front of a bumper crowd of spectators, saw cross-party representation on teams of MPs and Lords, who along with a team from the Parliamentary Press Gallery, competed in an exciting relay pancake race.

The race raises valuable funds and awareness of the work undertaken by Rehab which transforms the lives of people with disabilities and others who are marginalised by enabling them to become more active and independent, play a full part in their communities and maximise their potential. Its services support a wide range of people, including those with brain injuries, spinal injury, mental health difficulties, physical or learning disabilities, as well as long term unemployed young people or adults in the areas of skills training, employment and job retention. It also provides community rehabilitation, health and social care and supported living services.

The competition to be crowned the race champions was fierce, and tensions ran high amongst each team as participants ran flat out to batter the opposition. Hot on the heels of the MPs’ team was the Lords team who came in second place with the media team coming a close third.

 Joining the race for the first time as Official Starter and Race Scrutineer was Sky News presenter, Lorna Dunkley, who said:- “It was clear that each team was serious about winning and it was tough trying to ensure everyone was on their best parliamentary behaviour and even harder to stop them battering their rivals. I had been warned to expect plotting, skullduggery and chaos at this year’s Parliamentary Pancake Race. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, there was all of that and more!

“My congratulations to the winners who demonstrated Olympian levels of determination, focus and the will to win in what was an incredibly competitive and closely-fought contest. Of course, the pancakes were not so tasty at the end and were pretty battered and bruised, but it was all for a great cause in raising awareness and funds for Rehab which does great work in supporting thousands of people to achieve their dreams.”

Angela Kerins, Chief Executive of Rehab, said:- “I would like to congratulate the MPs on their win, but I would also like to thank everyone for taking the time to take part – this year was certainly the biggest turnout of participants yet and it’s fair to say that the competition has never been so intense! Certainly, we feel in hosting the race that we play a valuable part in supporting parliamentary peacekeeping efforts, with members from all political persuasions engaging in what is a unique team-building exercise. Thanks to the support of Parliament and the media, as well as our generous donors, we can continue to make a real difference to the lives of people through our range of innovative and high-quality health and social care, training, education, and employment services.”

A man who stabbed a woman to death within an Edinburgh stairwell has today been jailed.

Douglas Lawrence, (29), attacked Carolyn Ann Ellis during a disturbance at her home address in West Tollcross on 17 January 2012.

The 32-year-old died as a result of her injuries and a major police investigation was launched.

Lawrence previously pled guilty to culpable homicide with diminished responsibility and has been held in a state hospital since the incident. At the High Court in Edinburgh he was told that there is no minimum restriction to the length of time he will spend in the facility and is subject to lifetime restriction conditions.

Detective Inspector Carol Craig said: -“Douglas Lawrence subjected Carolyn Ann Ellis to an horrific and sustained attack, which was witnessed by other residents in the stairwell and police officers who responded to the address. The severity of the injuries Carolyn Ann suffered ultimately resulted in her death and left those who tried to save her deeply traumatised.

“A robust case was built against Lawrence, which led to his admission of guilt and I would like to thank all of the officers involved for their professionalism and dedication during what was a very distressing investigation.

“I also wish to pay tribute to Carolyn Ann’s family for all of their support and their courage and dignity during this ordeal. It is my hope that they have gained some closure and can now move on with their lives.”

People seem to go nuts about doughnuts, particularly when it comes to this brand who know how to hype an opening… There were bagpipes, cheerleaders from the Edinburgh Cheer and Dance Academy and the Edinburgh Wolves American Football team all in attendance. Even from a distance away you can smell the baking doughnuts in the air, but we are sure you will all save this for a treat rather than eating one every day….

Over 400 people bought something from the new Krispy Kreme store at Hermiston Gait this morning in its first hour of trading, and The Reporter was there to get a bit of the action for you. (not that we tried any of the doughnuts however….)

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

House prices – Forth Ports looking for growth – Going nuts for doughnuts – Edinburgh Rugby looking for new coach – Half term suggestion for today

ESPC have issued a report today claiming that the price of smaller houses is dropping faster than others. This is perhaps good news if you are buying at that end of the market, but not such good news for sellers. Read more in our article here…

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For the first time, Forth Ports in association with Cruise Britain, will exhibit at the Cruise Shipping Miami Conference in Florida this March, with a view to attracting new business to their main cruise terminals in Edinburgh and London.

Forth Ports enjoyed a busy 2012 cruise season across its three main terminals in London (Tilbury), Edinburgh both at Leith and Rosyth. The Cruise team is attending the cruise industry’s premier global event to further raise the profile of Forth Ports cruise offering and, in turn, they hope to increase footfall across the capital cities and surrounding areas.

The Miami conference and tradeshow takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Centre, Florida in the second week of March and will see a broad range of cruise industry players come together to network, launch new products, unveil services and attend conference seminars. It is regarded as the industry’s most authoritative professional showcase.

Forth Ports say that Edinburgh holds excellent potential as a home port, with easy access to the capital city and all the culture and activities that it offers. The London port allows straightforward access up the Thames to the attractions of the UK’s capital city centre, with close proximity to major airports.

In 2012, the Scottish ports welcomed an impressive 76 liners and 80,000 passengers.

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Krispy Kreme have opened a new shop to sell doughnuts and coffee at Hermiston Gait. The shop offers drive thru as well as over the counter, and this morning at the opening they could hardly keep up with the demand. Our full report with video is over here. 

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Edinburgh Rugby are looking for a new coaching team today after their defence coach, Billy McGinty, resigned and the club have decided not to renew the head coach’s contract.  The new management team will take them forward in the 2013/14 season. More information on the Edinburgh Rugby website.

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It is snowing as you may have noticed. So today’s suggestion is for an indoors trip to the National Museum of Scotland and become a Viking for the afternoon. The Viking exhibition runs until 12 May 2013 but this week there are all sorts of activities to engage children and adults alike and of course learn about the Vikings at the same time. Some of these are drop in events which you do not need to book. There are more details here on the Museum website.

ESPCs latest house price figures for November 2012 to January 2013, show that smaller properties are experiencing greater decreases in value, reflecting the tougher conditions for sellers at this end of the market.

In Gorgie/Dalry the home marketing company say that the average price of one bedroom flats has fallen below £90,000 for the first time since 2005, and they claim that while more houses are selling in most areas, prices in general have decreased over the last year.

The average house price in Edinburgh between November and January stood at £202,275 – down 4.6% annually. The decrease marked the sixth consecutive period during which house prices in the Capital had fallen on an annual basis.

David Marshall, business analyst with ESPC, commented:-“We’ve seen a rise in buyer activity over the last year and the number of homes selling is at its highest level since 2008. In most cases buyers are looking to negotiate lower selling prices and sellers are showing a willingness to accommodate them. As a result, particularly in smaller properties, we’re seeing more homes selling, but at lower prices.

“Roughly four out of five homes are being bought below their Home Report valuation at present, with almost one in four selling for more than 10% below valuation. Whereas you might have seen sellers a couple of years ago testing the water by setting their asking price above the valuation we’re now seeing much more realism on this front. Just 1% of properties brought to the market over the last three months had an asking price in excess of the original valuation.”

Outside Edinburgh ESPC say there were some sharp movements in average house price which was the result of lower sales volumes typically associated with the winter period causing greater volatility in figures.

David Marshall explained:-“Over the last three months, we have seen a higher number of sales than we usually have at this time of year but historically there is always a seasonal dip in activity over the winter months. When sales volumes are lower you’ll see more volatility in average house prices as it takes a relatively small number of sales to skew figures. In West Lothian, for example the 29.3% increase this year follows a 24.0% decrease a year ago so prices are simply back in line with levels seen two years ago. Similarly, the 9.2% increase in East Lothian comes on the back of a 6.1% decrease last year. In neither case are such sharp movements reflective of long run trends.”

 A much anticipated event took place this morning when Krispy Kreme opened their new outlet at Hermiston Gait. 

Doughnut fans across Scotland will be licking their lips with anticipation as the doors are thrown open this morning at Krispy Kreme. Accompanied by the skirl of the bagpipes, an American football team and cheerleaders the management cut the ribbon at 7:00am and allow the first customers through the door. The first twelve were lucky to get a goody bag and the very first will get a year’s supply of fresh doughnuts….

The new Hotlight store, located in Hermiston Gait in Edinburgh, will offer a  variety of doughnuts, made fresh daily each day from 7:00am to 11:00pm. Over 100 people queued this morning to try and be first to taste the sugary treat. One enthusiast had been camping out since yesterday morning, having travelled from London, but others had come from Glasgow, East Kilbride and Livingston.

The American-diner style Hotlight store will produce over 100,000 fresh doughnuts a week, creating around 80 new jobs for the region, and the opening of the Herminston Gate store also provides opportunity for further brand expansion in Scotland as the store is able to directly supply up to four coffee bars and thirty in-store cabinets in the surrounding area.

The Hotlight store will also feature Krispy Kreme’s famous doughnut theatre, which enables customers to watch the doughnuts being made right before their very eye.  Moreover, with the iconic “Hot Doughnuts Now” neon sign that lights up the instant fresh doughnuts are being made, lucky customers can make sure they catch that most ultimate of Krispy Kreme experiences: sampling a hot Original Glazed doughnut fresh off the line. That certainly seemed to be the ultimate in the eyes of the doughnut experts who were in line this morning.

From hand-dipping the doughnuts to sprinkling and piping the decorative finishes, Krispy Kreme’s skilled product teams will be working around the clock at the Hotlight store to ensure each doughnut is unique, expertly crafted and utterly delicious.

Krispy Kreme says it has something to offer everyone from its mouth-watering signature Original Glazed to its 15 other appetising varieties, including Strawberries and Cream and Chocolate Dreamcake. Traditionally bought by the dozen to share with friends, family and colleagues, Krispy Kreme doughnuts are presented to the world in the iconic green dotted box.

Judith Denby, Chief Marketing Officer at Krispy Kreme UK, said:- “There’s been a long standing demand for a store in Scotland on our Facebook page from our loyal Scottish fans, so we’re delighted to announce the opening of our store in Edinburgh! Hermiston Gait is a great location for our first Scottish store and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone in for doughnuts and coffee in February.”

To keep up to date on the latest launch updates and sampling activity venues and timings, follow ‘Krispy Kreme UK’ on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @krispykremeUK