Working It Out to help the MS Therapy Centre

Fourteen young people from the Working It Out project are preparing to don their overalls and redecorate The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Therapy Centre in Leith on Monday. The centre, which offers practical therapies to people who live with MS, had been appealing for volunteers to help with its first makeover in more than a decade.  When the young people from Working It Out read about this in The Edinburgh Reporter, they were only too happy to get involved.

Working It Out is a four-month programme run by Tomorrow’s People, which aims to instill confidence, motivation and offer support to unemployed 16 to 24 year-olds in Edinburgh.

Heather Law, Task Force Leader, Tomorrow’s People said:-

“Working It Out supports young people into work, training or education.  We also work on various community challenges, so we were delighted to volunteer our services to help the MS Therapy Centre.

“It’s been a real opportunity to find out about the work the centre does and it’s great to know that the young people’s hard work will be appreciated by those who use it.

“Helping out with the redecoration gives our young people a real sense of achievement as they improve something in their community.  We are all very much looking forward to it.”

Nancy Campbell, Operations Manager at the MS Therapy Centre said:

“I am delighted that Working It Out has agreed to help us.  It is a great project and I am sure that the young people will do an amazing job redecorating the centre.

“We are trying to create a more welcoming and therapeutic environment for our clients and volunteers and with the help of local tradesmen who have donated materials and the young people who are doing the painting, I am hoping to see a transformation.  “

Wow another coffee-come-restaurant-come-venue comes to Stockbridge/Canonmills. How many more can one ‘wee’ corner of Edinburgh sustain? Have we reached a point in our society when no one actually works any more, all we do is drink coffee in little tasteful eateries? A coffee shop culture out of control?

I was very sceptical when I saw yet another ‘Bistro’ take over from a vegetarian café next to a French restaurant…you get the picture! But I wanted to go because they had advertised Sunday Night music Session and one of my favourite new Edinburgh bands, The Haar, were due to play. So why not?

What a surprise. The place was buzzing, if you’re still allowed to use such a ‘70’s word, but it was. I knew The Haar would have brought a loyal following with them, but the place took on the music challenge and rose above the norm. I must admit to being very jaded when it comes to the whole coffee shop thing, but what Lucy Balloch & Stephano Agostini have created is a comfortable yet very understated restaurant on Eyre Place. Stripped backed walls with minimal art work, yes all done by the obligatory local artist, but this time not water colours of the New Town rather really cleverly bizarre portraits.

So the look is great, the atmosphere fantastic so what about the food? Well, here the surprise really starts. Yes it’s going for that home cooked local fare, but look beyond the usual brunch & coffee and there are little gems of Italian cooking. Fettuccine, Aubergines, Stewed Red Onions and Pecorino Romano, fantastic, Gnocchi with Simple Tomato Sauce, Olives, Basil and Parmigianino. Beautiful, yes simple, but so flavoursome. Our table of Haar fans had gone for a Tapas of all their dishes and I admit I let the music wash over me as I savoured my Olive Tapenade, Grilled Halloumi and Grilled Aubergines. Again really simple but prepared so well. Even the Home Made Chips were brilliant as brilliant as the tunes.

All the desserts are home made and beautiful. What about the coffee? Well I am a bit of a snob…….but it was good, very good! Oh no, I’ll be coming back in the morning to join the mums and the push chairs, but why not? It’s great. The tapas were fantastic and just kept coming as we ate and ate. Some fan tried the Roamin’ Burger with Roamin’ Sauce served with Chips Salad & Chutney and it looked and smelled wonderful, so that’s what I’m having when I go back.

Everyone was having a ball. Feet were tapping, chins were wagging and chat was being chatted. The main thing though, everyone was having fun. The music though was good, very good.

The Haar, who are they? Four young folk who play a mix of self-penned indie rockers and lovely soulful sad songs. Guitar, Piano, Drums and Violin mix together with the two beautiful girl singers. There were a couple of cleverly arranged dance classics mixed in with their own material but all played with a maturity that far outstrips their years. I was talking to a friend who  had been to see AC/DC play and who was blown away by the fact that the bands combined age were 380! Well The Haar barely make retiral age among them, but play their music with a sharpness that would make those Antipodean rockers jealous.

The songs are all wrapped up in lovely arrangements, with great rhythm changes, great licks and lovely melodies. I listened intently to my favourite song ‘Young Girl’ and was actually scared by the intensity of the lyrics. Wonderful. I really hope they can retain their intensity as they keep playing and I hope I get a chance to review them at a big concert venue soon.

So if you get a chance make sure you try out both these Edinburgh necessities. The Roamin’ Nose for its down home Italian perfection and the Haar for their scarily beautiful tunes and make sure you get along to the next Sunday Night Music Session.

You will love the surprise.

Hairdressing students face national competition finals

A group of talented hairdressing students from Edinburgh College are delighted to have made it to the final cut of the Association of Hairdressers & Therapists (AHT) UK competition.

The AHT is a highly respected national network of hairdressing professionals, which holds regional and national competitions every year for students to compete to be crowned Britain’s best student hairdresser.

This year’s regionals took place at Coatbridge College in Lanarkshire and saw the Edinburgh College students take on hairdressing teams from across the country. The team did exceptionally well, picking up two 1st and a 3rd place in various competition categories.

Each student was required to create and present themed hairstyles complimented by make-up and costumes to a panel of judges.

The team of Edinburgh College Level 2 Hairdressers includes Lisa Inverarity for the avant-garde category, Louise Slow for gent’s hairstyling and Caroline Doney for ladies evening style.

18-year-old Level 2 Hairdressing student, Lisa Inverarity, who is from Wallyford but living in Tranent, caught the judges’ attention with her hair-raising spider-inspired hairstyle in the avant-garde category.

Lisa said: “I’m so delighted to have come first-place in the regional competition. We were up against students from all over Scotland, and I’m really proud to be representing the college and competing for the British title next week.”

“I went for the avant-garde category and had so many crazy ideas. In the end, I decided to create a spider-themed creation, with a massive afro and spider’s legs, fangs and eyes. I think the judges liked it because it stood out and it was a technical hairstyle, no one did anything like that on the night and it was something different.”

Lisa added: “In the future, I would really like to pursue my interest in high-fashion hair and perhaps even style celebrities – maybe even Lady Gaga!”

Edinburgh College Hairdressing Lecturer, Jackie Steele, who has previously won the AHT competition, said: “I am so proud of the girls. They were a credit to the college at the competition and worked incredibly hard on the night.”

“I’ve competed in the AHT competition when I was training and I know the months of hard work, preparation and effort that goes into a competition like this and it is extremely rewarding for the excellent work of our students to be recognised at a national level.”

The students have now earned their place at the UK final on March 18th at the Blackpool Winter Gardens.

Edinburgh College has an excellent track record with hair and beauty students, with a recent graduate coming first place in Sterex UK Student of the Year 2012, and our hairdressing students reaching 2nd place in the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists 2012 UK final.

Photography caption: (L – R) Model Shannen Torley and Level 2 Hairdresser student Lisa Inverarity.

Castlebrae – Red Nose Day – Norovirus – Shopping in Tollcross – Kill Bill

The campaigners behind Save the Brae were celebrating last night after the unexpected council decision to keep Castlebrae Community High School open. It took a long time yesterday with much toing and froing and deputations from the community council as well as pupils. You can read the blow by blow account in our Liveblog here or in the article we published during the meeting (which has been updated with other comments)

Green Education spokesperson, Councillor Melanie Main said:

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It is Red Nose Day today. So you will either stay in your pyjamas at home or you might be out and about in the Tesco aisles wearing them with a red nose to try and raise money for charity.

What are you up to? Do tell us about it! [email protected] or you can upload your own story with your photographs here

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NHS Lothian have closed six wards at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary due to an outbreak of norovirus according to The Scotsman.

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Tomorrow at the Cameo they are showing the double bill of Kill Bill and Kill Bill 2 at 21:30.Booking details here

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Trust in the food we eat

by Councillor Chas Booth

The council agreed yesterday to Councillor Booth’s motion to examine the food being served by the council in all its establishments. The full motion is reproduced below.

Ensuring that we all have trust in the food we eat is essential. And that trust has been shaken over recent weeks with the horsemeat scandal. It is surely only right that when people expect beef to be in their meal, that is exactly what they get. Not lamb, pork or chicken. And certainly not horsemeat.

Professor Hugh Pennington, the renowned bacteriologist, has described the horsemeat scandal as one of ‘food fraud’. He’s right: something was labelled as something it was not. While there may not have been a significant risk to human health, it is right that people know what they are eating. Many have cultural or religious reasons for avoiding certain foods, and these should be respected. Unless we have accurate food labelling, this respect is missing.

But crucially, in Scotland we have a tremendous good news story to tell about our food. We are world renowned for the quality of our agricultural produce, as well as our drink. Our farmers and producers regularly win praise for the importance they attach to short supply chains, and to supply chain transparency so consumers know what they are eating, and can often tell which farm it was produced on.

Meanwhile the farmers market system and the proliferation of vegetable box schemes show that there is a real market for food which is delivered straight from farm to fork. If consumers have the chance to meet the farmer or producer who nurtured the land in order to produce the food they eat, they will have more confidence in that food.

So I’m delighted that Edinburgh Council yesterday agreed to support my motion for a limited inquiry to ensure that consumers at council-run institutions can have faith in the food they eat. I’m delighted also that the council will look into expanding the current Food for Life pilot which seeks to increase the use of fresh, local and organic food in partnership with NHS Lothian and the University of Edinburgh. By making that commitment today, I hope Edinburgh residents can have some of the trust they may have lost in their food restored.

The motion to council was as follows:-

0. “Council:
   1. 1)  notes concerns about food sourcing and transparency of the food supply chain in light of the recent horse meat scandal;
   2. 2)  agrees that locally sourced food and short supply chains can help give consumers confidence in the food they eat;
   3. 3)  agrees to receive a report setting out:
      1. a)  what steps the council is taking to ensure that food provided by the council or used in council establishments meets all the standards of food sourcing and food supply chain transparency that the public and service users would reasonably expect; and
      2. b)  what measures could be taken to accelerate and expand the current Food for Life pilot which is seeking to increase the use of fresh, local and organic food in partnership with NHS Lothian and the University of Edinburgh.”  

Councillor Chas Booth is the Green councillor for Leith and Green Party spokesperson on the environment at The City of Edinburgh Council.

The council has decided the future for Castlebrae Community High School – and it is to stay open.

Following deputations this morning from pupils, education experts, the community council and community activists, the council took a long recess over lunch to discuss what they would do and then another recess…

This is the Capital Coalition motion:-

1. Council acknowledges the strong arguments presented in favour of, and against, closing Castlebrae Community High School; and the concerns expressed by the local community and the ‘Save the Brae’ campaign.

It appeared from some of the councillor’s contributions this morning that there might be a softening of approach. SNP Group Leader, Councillor Steve Cardownie postulated a midway approach which would allow the school building to remain open. He set the hypothetical scene where the site might be used for vocational education and perhaps also some daytime classes, using the building almost as an annexe to Portobello High School who would presumably have been in control of the education of all of the pupils.

Following the recess the motion put forward will allow the school to stay open but recognises that the difficulties of falling rolls has to be addressed.

The Council has set aside funding to kick start the design stages for a new school in the Craigmillar area by 2020, when it is believed the new school will be required.

Education, Children and Families Convener, Paul Godzik, said after the meeting:- “We have gone through a thorough consultation process and we have listened and responded to the community.  We are determined to work in co-operation with the community to deliver a better education for pupils, and will now look at further options to do this. In addition, we have today, yet again, reaffirmed our commitment to the new school and we will work towards delivery as quickly as possible.”

Responding to the City of Edinburgh Council decision to save Castlebrae Community High School from closure, Sheila Gilmore MP and Kezia Dugdale MSP said:

‘Campaigners will be relieved their hard work has paid off. Save the Brae should be congratulated for their tenacity in refusing to back down. Parents and pupils kept up the pressure on the administration despite misleading claims about poor outcomes and educational performance.

‘Contrary to some suggestions that few responses were received to the consultation, the community came together to make their views known and were able to show Councillors that the school is an integral part of local community life.

‘This outcome is not ideal and some uncertainty remains. Save the Brae campaigners are right to be anxious about what happens next and the Council has a long way to go to regain their faith.

‘While a fully functioning secondary school is the best foundation for establishing a new school, campaigners will worry this is a short term reprieve.

‘We place our trust in the Capital Coalition to use this time to evaluate all options. Any investigation into all of these options must be thorough and genuine’

‘We now need to see what can be done to speed up the start on a new school and build on the welcome commitment to re-energise the regeneration of the area, tackling wider issues of poverty and inequality. A new school is at the heart of that process.  As the local Labour representatives we look forward to working with the local community to ensure that their voice is heard in this process.’

There is much community spirit in Craigmillar which has drive the Save the Brae campaign. We have filmed two reports featuring the campaigners:-

A man rescued by helicopter from Arthur’s Seat this morning….

Anyone got any other photos?

Submitted by Kim Harding

Full council meeting today – Defence Secretary in Edinburgh  – Debate – POP 2 – Police win award

There will be a deputation today by the pupils and campaigners who want the council to spare Castlebrae Community High School. There is a report being brought to the meeting this morning which recommends its closure, but the campaigners say that even if the council decide on closure today they will not give up their fight.

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The Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is due in Edinburgh today to make a speech about the future of Defence in Scotland. The SNP say that this follows last week’s ‘long awaited and the discredited basing review’ and in light of a newly released survey, they say that this shows once again a majority of Scots are totally opposed to the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system still based on the Clyde.

Commenting on the visit and speech, Angus Robertson MP SNP Westminster Leader and Defence spokesman said :- “This rare visit to Scotland by Philip Hammond will give him the perfect opportunity to apologise to the people of Scotland for the shameful breach of trust that was last week’s basing review announcement. That broken promise has been compounded by a letter from Prime Minister David Cameron in reply to the First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday.

“The brazen nature of the basing review took everyone aback, and Mr Hammond should say sorry to Scotland.

“On the 18th July 2011 Dr Liam Fox committed to a major increase in the military footprint in Scotland with up to 7,000 armed forces personnel coming from Germany. There was absolute clarity in that promise. The decision by the new Defence Secretary to renege on that has now been backed by David Cameron in his letter supporting the flawed conclusions of the basing review.

“All the way through the process the Scottish Government responded positively and constructively on the basis that the original plans, in which although there were some disappointments, appeared to be made in good faith. All the way along there were discussions on the promised developments at Kirknewton, about new training facilities, and on how to reverse the decline in Scotland’s defence footprint – the headcount declining by 36% between 2000 and 2012 in Scotland, compared with 15% in England. That is a shocking disparity.

“These broken promises were compounded by the assertions by Philip Hammond that the reduction in commitment to Scotland was in the context of further reductions to the army made since that original announcement. This is quite simply misleading, as it had already been stated that the regular army would be reduced to 82,000 before Dr Fox made his promises. Philip Hammond should start by putting the record straight on those comments alone, and apologising for his misleading comments.

“Communities in Scotland affected by these u-turns will be appalled at the level of disregard and dissembling and the cavalier way in which Mr Hammond simply brushes aside concerns about cancelled investments, and his continuing refusal to answer questions about basic baseline numbers of personnel at the MoD’s remaining locations in Scotland. For unionists from the Prime Minister down to claim that Scotland’s defence needs are in good hands is now shown to be laughable.

“Of one thing we are sure however: Westminster’s continued determination to spend billions and billions of pounds on the obscene Tory fetish that is Trident. Mr Hammond may recall that these grotesquely expensive weapons of mass destruction are just half an hour from Scotland’s main centre of population, and designed for enemies from the days of Brezhnev. All polling evidence, including the most recent this week, shows that the overwhelming majority of people in Scotland are opposed to Trident.

“On his brief trip to Edinburgh Mr Hammond will have the opportunity to put the record straight on some of his misleading comments at Westminster – and above al to apologise to Scots about the broken promises and shameful conduct of the basing review. We know that the only way to rid Scotland of Trident and get a defence policy that truly meets Scotland’s needs is to vote Yes next autumn for an independent Scotland.”

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Pedal on Parliament has announced that agreement has been reached with The City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police on a traffic-free route, with road closures including the historic Royal Mile and George IV bridge, to ensure the large gathering of cyclists, young and old, can proceed in safety. This requires a change of date from the previous announced date, and the event will now take place on Sunday 19 May 2013.

In May this year cyclists young and old will once more be converging on Holyrood to urge the Scottish Government to make Scotland a cycle-friendly nation. Pedal on Parliament, the grass-roots organisation which brought thousands of cyclists onto the streets of Edinburgh in April last year, have announced a second mass demonstration in support of their call for safer cycling conditions in Scotland. ‘POP2’ will start from the Meadows in Edinburgh at 3pm on Sunday 19 May 2013 and end at the Parliament building where politicians will be presented with an eight point manifesto that the organisers believe will help make Scotland’s towns, cities and villages fit for cyclists from eight to 80.

This will be a light-hearted ride, but with a serious purpose. The most recent road safety figures for Scotland show that the numbers of cyclists and pedestrians killed and seriously injured has actually risen. Experts have warned that the numbers of pedestrians and cyclists killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads are set to exceed those in cars within a few years.

The Olympics and the success of Scottish cyclists Sir Chris Hoy and Paralympians Aileen McGlynn, Karen Darke and Neil Fachie have created a huge interest in cycling this year, with thousands more Scots taking to two wheels – but they will quickly give up if the conditions they encounter on the roads aren’t safe and inviting, and that will require real investment. The Scottish Government has a target of 10% of all journeys to be taken by bike by 2020, yet despite some high profile announcements of investment in cycling in the wake of the last Pedal on Parliament, it still spends barely 1% of the transport budget on cycling. The organisers comment that you will have seen the step change announcement from the Mayor of London last week, to bring investment in cycling infrastructure in London in line with Dutch and German levels, and target a doubling of journeys by bike by 2023.

Pedal on Parliament urges anyone who cycles in Scotland, or who would like to cycle in Scotland but doesn’t feel safe to join them for POP2 and maintain the pressure on The Scottish Government to put cycling at the heart of its transport policy.

“Together we can make Scotland a cycle-friendly nation.”

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A Lothian and Borders Police operation to tackle serious and organised crime groups in Edinburgh has won a top award at the Scottish Policing Awards, which were held at the beginning of the week.

Operation Advance, which targeted drug dealers operating in the Capital, won the Making Justice Work award at a ceremony held at Tulliallan Castle.

The operation led to the arrests of 56 people, and to date, a total of 47 convictions have been made and 50 years of custodial sentences passed down. Approximately £48,000 worth of drugs and cash was recovered as part of the operation.

Officers from Operation Advance attended the ceremony to collect their award from the Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill.

He said: “Congratulations to Lothian and Borders Police and the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, which has rightly received recognition for the excellent results of Operation Advance, which has seen 47 convictions and 50 years of custodial sentences issued so far for drug dealing, violent crime and firearms offences.

“Hard work and dedication are not in short supply across the police service in Scotland and there are countless ways police officers and staff serve our communities every single day.

“So much of what they do remains under the radar but the Policing Awards offers a chance to celebrate and recognise some of the fantastic work, such as Operation Advance, which regularly takes place across Scottish policing.”

David Strang, Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “I am delighted that all those involved in Operation Advance have been recognised for their hard work and professionalism, and I congratulate them on their success.

“The use of intelligence, coupled with effective liaison with partner agencies, helped to ensure that criminals who were seeking to establish themselves in Edinburgh were brought to justice, and our communities have been made safer as a result.

“Operation Advance struck a major blow against serious and organised criminality in the Capital, and this award is a fitting tribute to the efforts of all those involved.”

Today the council meet to discuss some items which have caused controversy in the city. On the agenda today there are several matters concerning schools:-  the Portobello Park Private Bill which might allow a new school to be built in Portobello Park,  the report which recommends the closure of Castlebrae Community High School in Craigmillar, the proposal to move Pilrig Child and Family Centre to Craigentinny Primary School and almost as an aside, the matter of a completely new service to deal with the Statutory Notice system. In addition there are new vice conveners to be appointed to Education, Children and Families and the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee.

Join us here from 10:00 am when we hope to provide some insight into the proceedings at the City Chambers. You will find all the relevant papers here on the council website.

A group of young storytellers from Niddrie and Penicuik will be taking over the Scottish Storytelling Centre today. The event is part of a programme of involving young people in storytelling, and encouraging them to become storytellers.

Storyteller Tim Porteus has been running workshop storytelling sessions in schools and hopes to encourage young people to take part in the Telling Tales competition on 5 May 2013, which is part of the TradFest and will take place at the Storytelling Centre.

Tim hopes the workshops and competition will involve young people who otherwise may never have been introduced to the tradition of oral storytelling.He sees it as a way to promote and improve literacy, and build confidence and self esteem.

Submitted by Tim Porteus

The Big Sleepout means exactly that, sleeping out under the stars for a night, It is  organised by Bethany Christian Trust, a homelessness charity. It aims to raise the profile of homelessness, as well as raise funds, through the sponsorship of participants’ friends and family.

The event will be taking place on The Royal Mile, inside the walls of Edinburgh City Chambers. Hannah Biddulph, organiser at the trust explained that around 175 participants are expected in Edinburgh. The event has been running in Edinburgh for the past 12 years, beginning at a small churchyard, and has since increased in size many times. In addition to the Edinburgh venue, 50 participants are expected at the other venues in Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife, which have been added this year.

Biddulph said:- “The Sleepout is an important event because having a real experience of sleeping outside is an eye-opener.” She added “We do have a great night, but there is a serious element in that the fundraiser can go home, but the homeless person would be having a hard day trying to keep warm and find shelter from the elements. For that person there is no such thing as sleep…you’re too cold and vulnerable.” This event, then, aims to show people how it can be the most horrendous of experiences.

Jenni Willis, a surveyor who has taken part four times, explained what it felt like:-“You knew you were going to get home, and were with friends. There are stewards and security and we were sheltered from the real world of homelessness,  but it does give an indication of what it must be like. There was a sense of vulnerability, and one side of me was numb when I woke up. This makes you think about how it is for them.”

People from all sections of society have taken part on previous occasions. Biddulph said:-“We have had people in their 70s, youth groups, Scouts, and everyone in between.” She added that 20 staff and volunteers will be participating to ensure everything goes smoothly. The event complies with health and safety, with security, and is supported by the council and  by Lothian and Borders Police.

The issue of homelessness is very relevant to today’s society as Biddulph explained that over 45,000 people in Scotland alone registered as homeless last year. She expects this situation to worsen, due to the new bedroom tax legislation,  “Bethany helps all sorts of people who find themselves in that situation, such as young people, men and women, families with young children and the elderly.  Lots of our service users suffer from problems in their lives.”

Jenni also spoke of how the issue is relevant today:-“It could happen to anyone, but some people think it couldn’t happen to them.” She cited family breakdowns, the economy and the loss of jobs as the reasons. Jenni herself has known friends who have experienced homelessness and she takes part for them.

Bethany makes an immense contribution to the lives of the homeless, each year giving aid to a staggering around 4000 homeless and vulnerable people, according to Biddulph. She estimates they have 3000 volunteers, and 200 members of staff.

To those taking part, Jenni’s advice is to wrap up warm, and make sure you’ve got food and something comfortable to lie on. She is full if praise for Bethany, ‘I think the support that they give is unique’.

To register and download a sponsorship form, go to  the webpage here.

This will also give you some information in case you are thinking about joining in:-

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Saddle Up for Saturday Race Night to support CLIC Sargent with the sport of Kings.

No jokes about top tips from the kitchen, but trot down to the Mercat Grill in Musselburgh on Saturday, 23 March 2013, to order the starters and get under orders for a Children’s Charity Race Night. It’s all in aid of CLIC Sargent – the caring for children with cancer charity.

Clerk of the course is Edinburgh’s serial publican, Graham Blaikie, who recently took up the ownership reins at the former coaching inn, on the outskirts of Musselburgh.

There’s a £5.00 admission, which includes a generous buffet and welcome drink, provided by the new proprietor. After that, it’s hardly a king’s ransom to gets you a drink and food! Another £5 gets you a horse or a race to sponsor in aid of the charity partners.

”It’s a spot of race action that’s immune to the weather”, says Graham Blaikie. Get your ticket for a tote-ally brilliant evening.” Contact [email protected] (0131 665 3354). Hopefully the racing will be better than Graham’s puns.

The Mercat Bar and Grill, 10 Whitecraig Road, Whitecraig, Musselburgh EH21 8PG

Submitted by Simon Walton

Youngsters Shine at First Ever Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships

The first ever Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships has proved a roaring success after over 400 students descended on Edinburgh to take part in the competition this weekend.

45 pipe bands from 39 schools flocked to Edinburgh’s Broughton High School on Sunday  10 March 2010 to compete in the much anticipated event where many  youngsters had their first taste of performing in public.

Bands from Edinburgh, Fife and the Outer Hebrides all took home awards on the day, with judges and organisers praising the young pipers and drummers, some aged just nine years old on the level of talent and professionalism they displayed in their performances.

David Johnston, Chairman of the committee behind the competition, which has the motto Every school needs a pipe band, said: “It was just fantastic to see so much talent from all across Scotland under one roof. The students displayed some impressive skills and technique which made it extremely difficult for the judges to pick the winners.

“It was just brilliant to see so many keen youngsters showing their passion for the Scottish tradition of bag piping which will hopefully inspire other schools and students to get involved next year and keep the heritage growing.

“This competition has really helped highlight how piping has grown in schools over the past ten years and how much effort has been put in by all involved. I am delighted with the day and can’t wait to see what next year’s talented youngsters have to bring to the competition.”

Schools competed in five categories on the day, each designed to offer a chance for bands at all abilities and skill levels to take home a trophy. The winners in each category were as follows:

1. Quartet – Beath High School, Fife
2. Debut  – Sgiol Lionaleit, Benbecula
3. Junior – Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh
4. Novice Juvenile – George Watsons College
5. Juvenile – George Watsons College

Winners collected their prizes from Mike Russell, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.

Mr Russell, said: “I am delighted that the first ever Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships has gone so well and that so many young pipers have come from across the country to perform.

“The music of the pipes and drums is so entwined in our culture, our history and how others see us. It is wonderful that championships like these are encouraging more and more young people to take it up and showcase the immense musical talent we have.”

Students travelled from all corners of the country, from the Outer Hebrides to the Scottish Borders, to compete against their peers in this first of its kind event.

Hours of practice and concentration was put into preparations for the big day which lead it to be such a success.

David Johnston added: “Despite some schools taking home prizes, every school deserves a huge thanks for all the commitment and dedication they displayed on Sunday.

“Playing in a pipe band requires a huge amount of discipline and plenty of practice which was evident this weekend. For some of the students this was the first time they have every performed in public so the experience they have gained is invaluable.

“Each and every student should be extremely proud of themselves as well as the instructors who have helped share their passion with the future pipers and drummers of Scotland.”

Entries are already being invited for next year’s competition and more details can be found at www.scottishschoolspipebandchampionships.com

Photos Claire Watson Photography

Leading Scottish business minds came together today to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit among Scotland’s students. But as well as recognising the talent in those at university, Scottish Institute for Enterprise also recognised those who have gone forward to set up their own businesses.

The winners of the New Ventures and New Ideas competitions were announced this afternoon. The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to three of the  successful Edinburgh based entrepreneurs, Rosalind Romer of University of Edinburgh, founder of comedy event company Punchline, Mark Hughes of University of Edinburgh who has created pre<optimise, a pre-surgery tool for surgeons and Helen Fisher from Edinburgh College of Art who has developed innovative cleaning products.

Lothian and Borders Police can now confirm the identity of a boy, who died following a road collision in Midlothian yesterday.

He was 7-year-old Ruaridh McKay from Penicuik.

Emergency services were called to Dick Terrace around 4pm, after the child was involved in a collision with a vehicle in the street.

Officers continue to investigate the full circumstances of this incident and the driver of the vehicle involved is assisting with these enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police immediately, on 101.

Last year the council agreed to fund a pilot scheme to get rid of gulls’ nests in the Merchiston area of the city where the community council had reported a particular problem.

The pilot study was carried out, and has had a measure of success, but the cost of running such a scheme for a further 4 to 5 years is estimated to be around £36,000 and the council have decided that they cannot afford to keep paying for this service. Instead they will be suggesting to residents that they pay for the service themselves. The cost is estimated at £70 per household.

The pilot project removed 107 gulls’ nests and 165 eggs were destroyed. During the pilot project no residents made any complaints about any nuisance from the birds.

The original quote to the council for running such a pilot was £25,000 but it actually only cost £9,000 as some of the roofs proved to be accessible even without the need for machinery such as cherry pickers. Even though the cost is reduced the council state that they do not have any money set aside for continuing to run the scheme, although they can offer it to the residents of Merchiston (and presumably other areas of the city) on a commercial basis. As well as this there will be more containerisation of rubbish in certain areas soon and gull proof bags are being introduced across the city where possible.

Dr Mairianna Clyde Chair of Merchiston Community Council said:-“We are disappointed by the report’s findings but will continue to press for a gull task force in Edinburgh as has been undertaken by other local authorities with lesser resources than the capital.

Residents here have had considerable experience of de-nesting as a voluntary project was undertaken in areas of Merchiston and Bruntsfield between 2000 and 2005. We challenge the Council’s view that four to five seasons are necessary, as our experience is that if an area is targeted intensively, it is 70-90% effective in only one season, and a second season is only necessary in order to mop up the residual problems and to consolidate the results of the first.

Thus we are seeking the support of the committee and of local councillors and the Neighbourhood Partnerships to continue the pilot for one further year so that its knowledge and expertise can become available to other areas of the city. The Council’s own findings were that the gull problem in the pilot area intensively targeted in 2012 was substantially reduced so we are perplexed by this report. The costs of £9,000 would also be less £2,250 costed for a roof survey, meaning the total cost to the city in 2013 would be only £6,750. For this small investment, we think our fellow citizens deserve a better deal.”

The main reason for destroying nests rather than simply culling birds is that it is a more effective way of decreasing the numbers of gulls in the area. If the eggs are simply removed but the nests are left in place then the seagulls will apparently keep on laying new ones. So one visit to remove the nest is more efficient.  During the 2011 and 2012 gull nesting seasons a total of 79 complaints were received in each year. The council concludes from this that significant numbers of gulls have not simply moved on to neighbouring areas, which was one of the fears.

The pilot project was carried out in Bruntsfield Place, Dundee Terrace, Bryson Road, Watson Crescent, Fowler Terrace, Yeaman Place and Temple Park Crescent and followed from a project in Dumfries & Galloway where the council there had tried the same method of curbing the numbers of gulls.

The council has produced a leaflet to assist those who are still affected by gulls which is available on the council website.

The council’s Transport Committee will meet next week and one of the reports on their agenda will ask them to turn their attention to building a vision for the city centre

Councillors are to be asked to approve the start of a public consultation exploring a proposed scheme aimed at making Edinburgh’s City Centre more accessible and attractive, particularly for pedestrians.
The need to enhance pedestrian space in the City Centre  was a particular finding of a report commissioned by the the Council in 2010 by Gehl Architects,  entitled “Edinburgh Revisited: Public Space, Public Life”.

Now, with the tram project progressing well in line with its revised schedule and revised budget, the Council is seeking to maximise the opportunities this creates to improve the pedestrian environment and space in the City Centre so that it can be made more attractive as a place in which to live, work, shop and socialise.

Trams are due to begin passenger services by summer 2014 at the latest. The Council has identified a number of benefits to the movement of traffic which this change could realise, including:

– improved quality of pedestrian experience in the core City Centre area
– improved access to the City Centre;
– increased space for pedestrian and other uses;
– opportunity for dedicated cycle provision in the area; and
– reduced detrimental impact of vehicles on the City Centre environment.

A proposed scheme has been developed for public consultation, aimed at achieving the Gehl Architects report’s call for the City Centre to become “a place more accessible for all”.

The scheme focus on managing traffic movements differently and creating more space for pedestrians and cyclists.

The proposed scheme:

– splitting bus services so they run eastbound on George Street and westbound on Princes Street;
– buses, cycles and taxis on Princes Street in a westbound direction only, on the south carriageway;
– general traffic, including taxis, on George Street in an eastbound direction only;
– creating dedicated two-way cycle lanes on George Street, the National Cycle Route;

A report on the proposed scheme will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Tuesday 19 March 2013.

If approved, a public consultation will be conducted over a six week period and the outcome will be reported back to the above Committee with recommendations on the further development and implementation of a preferred scheme and the preferred scheme would then be implemented on a trial basis.

The proposed scheme has been shaped by a working group chaired by Planning Convener Councillor Ian Perry.

Councillor Perry said : “We want to encourage more people to come into the City Centre, whether it’s to shop, relax, work or socialise. It’s about making sure the City Centre continues to thrive both as a leisure, business and tourism destination and as an attractive place for people to live in. One of the key things I’m interested in is creating a more ‘mixed use’ Princes Street, with more residential properties and a variety of restaurant, cafe and bar spaces at ground level, so that the street is bustling at night as well as by day.

“The proposed scheme is just a starter for ten – we’ll make the final plans for the trial once the consultation feedback has been reviewed.”

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport and Environment Convener, said:- “Edinburgh has a real ‘living city centre’, with people living cheek by jowl with a mixture of retail, bars, restaurants and so on. The challenge is to make sure we cater to everyone’s needs and encourage people to come into the heart of the city by enabling them to choose a variety of ways of travelling there, whether it’s on foot, by bike, in their car or by using public transport like trams, taxis and buses. We’re doing this consultation now so that any changes can be brought in in a joined up way so that they’re in place ready for the start of tram passenger services.”

Andy Neal, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh, said: “Working together, the public and private sectors can create a much more vibrant and exciting future for our city centre. We will be working hard with all interested parties in ensuring that our levy-payers – around 600 businesses in the city centre – have a strong voice in shaping that future, in this case through improving access and the pedestrian spaces and enhancing the experience of walking around our city centre. Everything that is being discussed, in particular around mixed use on Princes Street as opposed to its present state of being hugely focused on retail, and bringing the street to life at night and in the evenings, is very much in line with our Vision document.”

David Birrell, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said:- “The city is on the cusp of a new era. Change in the city centre is inevitable. Trams are, in effect, a catalyst for that change. There is a clear opportunity to enhance how Edinburgh City Centre works for all those who use it – businesses, residents, shoppers and visitors. We’d urge our members to have their say in a consultation. Let’s make the most of this opportunity.”

Key Points

• Tram project completion represents a unique opportunity to improve traffic movement and enhance accessibility in Edinburgh’s City Centre
• Focus on making the City Centre “a place accessible for all”
• Proposals for consultation include reconfiguring traffic movements, eg have buses running eastbound only on George Street and westbound only on Princes Street; and the development of George Steet as preferred location for the primary cycle route

I must admit to slight sense of apprehension as I walked down the dark corridor towards the small dark and rather mean little door that led to our dining room. “Your table is ready if you would like to come this way….,” said the elegant and very friendly Maitre D. Okay dokay, says I and off we go on an amazing journey.

Now Alice Through the Looking Glass would have toiled to better this transition. One minute we were seated in a very comfortable if not a bit bland lounge, on a very comfortable and elegantly upholstered seat, drinking a very nice glass of house white. It was all very nice and next……..Boom! We were transported into the coolest space I have been to in a long, long time. I must have looked like the proverbial, open mouthed, just arrived from the country, never been to anything like this before, provincial boy. All dressed up and a bit shocked by the ‘goings on & what not’.

But no, my hosts, fellow guests and fellow diners just seemed to make me fit in to this revamped gentleman’s club. Amazed I took up my seat. The dining space is vast only emphasised by the small entrance and the very clever use of rope-suspended down lighters and subtle wall dividers. It took me a while to realise that I wasn’t looking at mirrors but that the back wall was indeed that far away. The colour choice, the layout, the lighting all helped make me feel as I though I was meant to be there.

Steak took over this Victorian private club, (now stop tittering), in 2012 and have converted the snooker & gaming hall into one of the coolest and on the mark spaces in Edinburgh. To convert such an enormous cavern into small intimate dining areas has been achieved brilliantly and in my view the designers should try their hand at some more public spaces.

I had been invited to attend Steak’s first birthday party and so far things were directing us towards a fantastic night. Our table manager, (I know that sounds a bit high-faluting but that’s exactly what she did), was attentive, knowledgeable, caring and always there to answer questions and give advice. I gave up on the massive wine list and went with her choice.

Starters came from a very stylised menu and I opted for my guide’s recommendation of Potted Shin with Red Onion Marmalade. Around the table there were; Lobsters, Salads & more Potted concoctions, but I must admit I ignored these and concentrated on wonderful explosions of taste that came from my own choice. Somehow the chef, Jason Wright formerly of Ondine, had manage to add just enough seasoning and vegetables to wow my taste buds with what must surely be the meanest of meats, all beautifully presented and served with light and perfectly baked bread.

I took some time now between sipping on the birthday Champagne Cocktail to look at my surrounding guests. I was amazed by what I saw. Not since I went to my last Partick Thistle game have I seen such a wide and varied group of people. Lovely old romantics enjoying there own company and the great food, young professionals out on a pre-party stomach lining session before hitting the latest and choicest club that Edinburgh has to offer. There were young teens dressed to the nines teetering on huge heels, families with young children having a weekend treat. There was even a stag do with the groom kitted out as the Yellow Power Ranger. It all fitted, it all gelled and nothing was out of place, nothing was sneered at and everyone looked to be in the right place at the right time. Even when ‘Trini’, (that’s the Yellow Power Ranger by the way) jumped on the table to sing, it was OK.

I really felt happy to be here, just about as happy as you could at a football match but this time the mighty Jags were winning. We were presented with a choice of cuts and how best they should be cooked and once again my table manager guided my sauce and accompaniment choice. I opted for a quick run down the left wing and a beautiful cross into the centre that was headed home from 6 yards out. Goal!!!!!!…..

Sorry, I went for a medium to well done Aberdeen Angus Sirloin with Béarnaise Sauce, French Fries & Goats Cheese & Onion Salad. But it really did score. Juicy, light and fantastically well tenderised steak with a sauce that brought out the full flavour of the meat. The manager had made the perfect selection. I savoured, I took my time and let the atmosphere wash over me.

Originally it was to be live entertainment but they had received so many bookings for the evening that Steak had opted for a DJ. Now I know that might not be to everyone’s taste but it really worked. His sounds just complemented the whole experience. It was a great surprise! Some things just shouldn’t work, but they do. On this occasion, the music, the full back scoring and the Popcorn and Vanilla Sundae certainly did!

So by now into the second half we were cruising and when the coffee was served I knew we would win and win well. The full time whistle went and we savoured the Coffee and liquors. What a great night.

Everything just worked, the place, the mix of diners, the lively and relaxed atmosphere & most of all, the menu. Fantastic & in the word of the great man himself. The boys done good and to say any more would be as superlative as Alan Hansen reviewing a Liverpool game. So go and support your local Steak team, go mad on the huge choice and variety of the team’s selection and what ever their formation might be on the day you are guaranteed a home win.

Come on you Steak……..!

STEAK & PEPPER @ NO.14 PICARDY PLACE
14 PICARDY PLACE . EDINBURGH . EH1 3JT MIDLOTHIAN (SCOTLAND).
TEL: 0131 556 1289 . EMAIL: [email protected]
WWW.STEAKEDINBURGH.COM

Trekker encourages others to do summit charitable for SKFF

A LOCAL woman who climbed Scotland’s largest Munro to raise funds for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation is now encouraging others to do the same. Finance team leader Gina Robertson, from Bathgate, decided to take on the challenge last October after being encouraged by work colleagues.

The 37-year-old, said:- “I had taken part in similar events before but wanted to help raise the much needed funds for the kids at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, so I decided to participate along with friends from work.

“It started off a sunny day, but when we reached the summit we had tackled rain and snow so I was really proud when I finally reached the top.

“The team is brilliant and offer great advice to encourage you along the way. So if, like me, you’re not a gym junkie the trek is still a fantastic experience and the rapport in the group was really good.”

She continued: “I am so glad I took on the challenge and would definitely encourage others to take part this year to raise money for such a fantastic charity.”

This year, the trekkers will climb the Munro between 4 and 6 October from nearby Fort William to hike to the summit, measured at 1,344 metres (4,408ft) above sea level.

Rachel McKenzie, community fundraising manager for SKFF, said: “The Ben Nevis trek is organised annually to raise vital funds to provide training and research, innovative medical equipment and comforts and facilities for young patients and their families cared for at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and in the community.

“It’s a fantastic cause and a great achievement for the big-hearted fundraisers too. We are very excited to meet this year’s climbers and sign up others to share the experience”.

To take part, every participant must pay a £50 registration fee and raise a minimum sponsorship sum of £500 per person.

The amount paid includes coach transfers between Edinburgh and Fort William, two night’s dinner, bed and breakfast, a celebration party and a certificate of achievement, along with a guiding team, medical provisions, and training guide and fundraising pack.

 The event marks the third annual Sick Kids Ben Nevis Trek. Since it was launched two years ago, more than £20,000 has been raised from the organised annual trek.

To register, log on to: http://www.edinburghsickkids.org/events/challenge-events.html

Registers of Scotland is backing The Scottish Government’s drive to help young people into employment by creating a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) scheme. Fourteen MAs are getting the opportunity of paid employment combined with on the job training and the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

The MAs will work towards achieving SVQ level 3 in either Business Administration or Customer Services. Within RoS, the group will be working in different departments to gain an insight into the organisation and build up valuable employment skills.

Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, Sheenagh Adams is delighted to welcome the new starts as part of the MA scheme. She said:- “Every organisation needs fresh talent and skills to help it meet its business objectives now and in the future and, indeed, to keep itself vibrant and in touch. To this end, we are extremely happy to be creating these new Modern Apprenticeship opportunities to the mutual benefit of RoS and the 16-19 year olds taking up a place here.”

The recent economic conditions have been challenging for all sectors of the work force but securing employment has proved particularly difficult for school leavers during the downturn. That is certainly an experience 18-year old Modern Apprentice Erin Quinn from Duddingston can identify with: “A lot of people my age are really struggling to find any kind of work. Most people who are lucky enough to get a job at all are getting stop-gap work just to do something.

“I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity on the Modern Apprenticeship scheme at Registers of Scotland. I’m really looking forward to being able to work and get a qualification.”

19-year old Steven Murray from Penicuik is also among those who’ve secured a place on the RoS MA scheme. He said: “Before getting this opportunity I was just doing bits and pieces of work – really whatever I could get. I had done a bit of labouring and things but I wanted more for myself. Compared to most jobs out there, this is just such a good opportunity. To get the chance to train from the ground up is fantastic.”

Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: “The Modern Apprenticeships scheme is giving 25,000 young people each year the opportunity for an exceptional start on the career ladder. I am delighted that Erin, Steven and RoS have had such a positive experience and it is a message that I hear regularly from apprentices and employers across the country.

“It is a challenging time but the success of Modern Apprenticeships clearly demonstrates that employers benefit greatly from the additional support they receive to take on young people across a range of sectors.”

Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland, the national skills body that supports the delivery of MAs, said: “A Modern Apprenticeship offers a fantastic route into a career providing the right combination of practical and theoretical experience needed to reach the top of your profession.

“The programme not only equips employees with the skills and training they need for their role, it helps employers retain valued staff as MAs helping businesses build more capable, efficient and loyal workforces.”

There is a continual drive to find foster carers in Edinburgh, especially those willing to take on the extremely rewarding challenge of caring for children with disabilities, and tomorrow a drop in session is being held for potential new foster carers to find out more.

The ‘Foster Me Foster Us’ campaign aims to help address a shortage of foster carers in the city; more carers are needed to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families.

The City of Edinburgh Council is always looking for people determined to make a difference; whether it be giving a few hours a week respite care, or providing a home and full time care.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Children and Families Convener, said: “We are asking potential carers to come forward and provide support so families can take a break once in a while and recharge their batteries. We have some fantastic carers who have had very positive experiences caring for children with disabilities and I would encourage anyone interested to take the opportunity to hear from them.”

For those interested, a drop-in session is being held at Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, tomorrow, 14 March 2013 between 5pm-7pm. Would-be carers will get the chance to see what they could gain from the many fostering opportunities available.

Experienced foster carers, Gail and Sharon, said “We get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the kids improve and develop in so many ways. It’s nice to know that we can use our experience and time to make a difference to children and make them part of our family.

“We are very lucky to have a very good family and friends support network, many of whom are experienced in child care and additional needs, so we get lots of support from them. We also have a very good Council Family Based Care support worker who is always there when we need her”.

This drop-in session is the next in a series of events aimed at increasing the amount of carers in the city.  Foster care recruitment staff and carers will be on hand to meet potential carers and answer any questions. Further sessions are planned for 18 April and 13 June. All sessions run from 5pm to 7pm.

Xtreme Karting Race Ahead for CHAS

Xtreme Karting is holding a Team Endurance style race event at its centre in Newbridge, Edinburgh on 20 March to raise money for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS). This will be their third annual fundraising event for the charity .

Working together with Real Radio and Frankie & Benny’s,  the Team Endurance event will aim to raise money to help families across Scotland who use CHAS services.

With 12 teams already signed up for the event, Xtreme Karting says there is still room for more as they hope to beat last year’s total sum raised of £13,500.

Teams of up to six drivers can sign up for the race event with a minimum donation of £500, all proceeds going to CHAS. Teams are given an incentive to raise as much money as possible as grid position for the race is determined by the amount of sponsorship raised. After a 30 minute practice session the two hour endurance race begins, with trophies presented to the three teams clocking up the highest number of laps in that time.

They kicked things off with a visit to Robin House Children’s Hospice in Balloch on Thursday 28 February 2013.

CHAS Fundraiser Amy Telford said: “Xtreme Karting are fantastic supporters of ours and we’d like to thank them for organising this popular event. The money raised will help us improve the lives of children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions.”

Barrie Henderson, Managing Director at Xtreme Karting said: “This event is a great way for teams to pit their tactical skills against one other and have some adrenaline fuelled fun while raising money for a very worthwhile cause. We’re hoping to make this year bigger and better than ever.”

If you would like to enter a team please contact Scott on 0131 333 0304. More information about the event can be found at www.xtremekarting.co.uk

If you would like to support CHAS please contact the South East fundraising office on 0131 444 1515 or go to www.chas.org.uk

Fatal Road Collision – Edinburgh International Festival – Edinburgh International Science Festival – Today at The Filmhouse – Talk about The Briggers

Seven year-old Ruaridh Mckay, a P3 pupil at Sacred Heart Primary School, has been named locally as the child involved in a fatal collision with a car in Penicuik yesterday afternoon. Police say they are still seeking witnesses to the incident.

More here.

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The programme for the Edinburgh International Festival has been launched and you will be able to reserve your tickets soon unless you are a Friend or Patron which gives you a few days extra. Jonathan Mills spoke about the theme of this year’s Festival which is the linking of artistic techniques and how we experience the world. Surrounded by lightbulbs which are the graphics for this year’s cultural offering, the Festival Director presented the programme of what will be his second last Festival to an expectant press audience at The Hub yesterday.

David Kettle gives you his run through the programme here.

Here is the full programme for you…

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Only 10 days till the Edinburgh International Science Festival begins. The City Art Centre plays a central role in this festival aimed mainly although not exclusively at children.

The City Art Centre is transformed into a science playground packed full of workshops, shows and interactive events.

Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm (ie not 24 or 31 March)

Who is this for? – Adults, Families
Dates:23 March 2013 – 6 April 2013
Cost: Day Passes –  Adult: £7; Adult concession: £6.50; Child aged 7+: £9; Child aged 3 – 6: £6.50; Child aged under 3: FREE; Registered unemployed: £5 for each family member, maximum four. ID required. Early bird booking: book before 16 March and get £1 off all children’s Day Passes on Saturday 23 March, Saturday 30 March and Saturday 6 April.

Allow 4 – 5 hours for your visit. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-booking is advised for certain events.

A Day Pass gets you into the City Art Centre to explore as many events as you like. Pre-booking your Day Pass is strongly advised to avoid queues and disappointment.  The 2013 programme is available online here.

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Today at The Filmhouse you can catch three screenings of Side Effects which is the latest Steven Soderbergh thriller….

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The Central Library is hosting a talk by two researchers into the people who worked and died while building the Forth Bridge. More details on booking your place here. 

“I had a stranger in my spare room!”

Recession-busting strategy uses spare rooms to combat youth homelessness.

New figures from youth homeless charity Depaul UK show demand for emergency accommodation has increased by as much as 300%in some parts of the UK.

Depaul UK has launched its Spare Room Campaign in response to the dramatic rise in youth homelessness. The campaign sees Depaul UK team up with local charities across the country to call on the 7.5 million households nationwide who have a spare room to consider making it available to a young homeless person.

The charity supports a network of 37 safe emergency accommodation services across the UK, including Edinburgh and West Lothian, called Nightstops – placing homeless young people aged 16-25 in the homes of over 700 volunteer hosts approved by Depaul UK. A key objective of the campaign is to meet surging demand by doubling the number of hosting households by 2015, equalling 0.01% of UK households estimated to have a spare room.

Martin Houghton-Brown, Chief Executive of Depaul UK, said:-“The number of young people sleeping rough is accelerating year on year, forcing more and more to sleep in unsafe places, vulnerable to exploitation and harm. These are tough times with homelessness increasing for under-25s as unemployment, increasing rents and cuts to local youth services are leaving many with nowhere to turn.

“Nightstop is a safety net to vulnerable young people at times of greatest need, when they are forced to leave home, most often due to family breakdown, and have no idea where to go. Last year, our network of Nightstops helped over 5,000 vulnerable young people and kept them from sleeping rough, sofa surfing, or in unsuitable accommodation and at risk of abuse. The use of spare rooms makes a huge positive difference to young people in crisis.”

London, for example, which has an estimated 655,000* spare bedrooms (in private rented and owner occupied housing), by itself has capacity eight times over to help the estimated 80,000 young people who each year experience homelessness in the UK.

The Nightstop scheme sees volunteer hosts provide a room, evening meal and listening ear to a young homeless person for one night or for up to two weeks. Once engaged with Nightstop, staff can then work with the young person in partnership with local agencies to help them address issues that caused them to become homeless, providing family mediation and securing longer-term settled accommodation.

Kate Polson, Chief Executive of The Rock Trust, said:- “There has never been a more important time for local people to partner with us and sign up to help Edinburgh and West Lothian’s most vulnerable young people.”

Sir Trevor McDonald, President of Depaul UK, said:-“Nightstop is a community response to a problem which is all too common in our community. This unique service is made possible by the generosity of inspirational people with a spare room and a desire to make a difference in a young person’s life.”

Submitted by Katriona Harding

After selling out their debut album launch night in their hometown, Edinburgh quartet, The OK Social Club, picked up “Best Live Act” at the Scottish Alternative Music awards.

Hosted by Billy Kirkwood the SAMA’S were held in Glasgow’s Garage where it showcased the cream of Scotland’s new music. The Scottish acts are shortlisted by industry experts and then put to the public vote.

Nominees for best live act were:-
VIGO THEIVES, UNITED FRUIT, MEURSAULT, ROADWAY & THE OK SOCIAL CLUB

The awards were presented by Scotland’s top DJ’s Ally McCrae, Jim Gellatly and Vic Galloway. The last category of the evening to be announced was Best Live Act, which Jim Gellatly presented to The OK Social Club.

The night ended with the “Best Live Act” THE OK SOCIAL CLUB playing to a sell out crowd.

“We were delighted to be nominated and felt that was an achievement in itself. There were some great bands in our category so to win was a great surprise. We see ourselves as a live band first and foremost; it’s great to know that’s the hard work we are putting in is being recognised. The event itself was cool, really cool, it was run well there weren’t any problems on the night but there was still that anarchic smell in the air. It was a real sort of Rock and Roll awards night. Credit has to go to founder Richy Muirhead, he is a real gentleman and puts a great deal of work into these shows each year.

We would also like to thank our fans who played a huge part in us winning this award. Some didn’t only vote but shared our music online and encouraged their friends and family to vote too, for this we are extremely grateful”
Raff, Chris, Gordy & Jordan

Submitted by Mia Farrell

Scotland Internationals attended the launch of the inaugural Edinburgh 7s Festival. Stuart Hogg, Tim Visser and Greig Laidlaw were welcome additions at the official launch party of the Edinburgh 7s Festival at Opal Lounge in Edinburgh.

E7F is taking place at Meggetland Sports Complex, Colinton Road from 7-9 June 2013. This brand new, unique, multi-sport festival includes all the ingredients for an entertaining sporting extravaganza. The three-day event combines extremely popular and engaging sports with a music festival feel. From rugby 7s and beach volleyball, through to fancy-dress dodgeball, there really is something for everyone.

E7F will host the British Invitational Masters Beach Volleyball tournament on a tailor-made arena with 500 seats. Confirmed attendees include GB 2012 Olympian Shauna Mullin and a host of other British beach stars.

Also at an elite level, E7F are hosting the Scotland leg of the GB7s on the Saturday. A brand new series for specialist sevens teams consisting of one-day tournaments played at venues across Britain on four consecutive Saturdays. Teams include Appache, Barracudas, Maurauders, Samurai, Wailers, Pups and teams representing the home nation’s governing bodies.

In addition to these invitational elite sporting tournaments, E7F has created competition formats in netball, hockey, football, volleyball, touch, rugby and dodgeball.These competitions are aimed at the public and businesses across Scotland and the aim is to get as many people involved in the event as possible.

The weekend starts with a schools festival on the Friday morning and local children will be invited to take part in every sport on offer and get coaching advice from International athletes and Olympians.

Gordon Hood, Festival Director, commented:-

“We are very excited about this new event. There is so much going on at the festival with top quality elite sport, live music, fancy dress dodgeball and a beach volleyball arena.

We want everyone to be involved and have a host of entertainment on offer through the weekend including live music, DJs and some fun competitions. With children under 12 being admitted free and a Kidzone in place, there is something for everyone.”

Colin Gregor, Scotland 7s Captain, said:-:
“I am delighted that we are bringing this level of competition to Edinburgh. 7s is such great fun and the more new audiences that can experience it alongside other sports can only help it develop and grow. We invented the game after all!”

Shauna Mullin, London 2012 Olympian, said:

“I am really pleased to be included in such a great event! Linking beach volleyball and rugby 7s is a great idea because both sports are fast, tactical, require great athletes and they both provide an amazing atmosphere for spectators. It is support and events like this that will help beach volleyball continue to ride the wave that the Olympics create. I can’t wait to come up to Edinburgh again this summer!”

The live, onsite entertainment at the festival will keep the crowds busy from 9am until late. Festival attractions include:

• Beach Volleyball Arena
• Fancy dress all weekend
• Red Bull Players Lounge
• Pitch side Jacuzzi
• Live bands & DJs
• Beer Tent
• Kids Zone – Under 12s Go Free
• International rugby stars
• Lions Breakfast – TV showing the Lions v Queensland Reds

Team entry and Tickets are available from the website
For further information and a launch photo please contact Gordon Hood on 07789 000 456

Submitted by Chrissy

Are you concerned about Bedroom Tax?

North Edinburgh intends to be united and host a public meeting, with speakers from Granton Information Centre, Govan Law Centre as well as other ocal groups.

Everyone is invited to come to this public meeting, whether you want to listen to the speakers or ask a question you’re welcome to come along.

From 7:00pm on 19 March 2013
Craigroyston Community High School
Pennywell Road
Edinburgh

Ample parking is on site and is accessible to all.

Submitted by Robert Pearson

Rugby-mad proprietor and former club rugby prop Graham Blaikie has been trying his best to cover the Six Nations at his Mercat Bar and Restaurant in Edinburgh’s Haymarket. ”We’ve shown all the matches live, rucked every maul, kicked every ball,” he proudly claims. Now he’s getting ready to scrum down for the climax – Super Saturday 16 March 2013.

”We’re planning a big fan finale all-day blow out for the finale,” he says. ”All the rugby, food and fine ale you could want.” On offer are all three matches, three courses of dining – one course per match – and two pints of cask ale – all for £20.

Graham intends that fans sit down to their starters with Italy-Ireland in the afternoon, have their second course with Wales-England in the evening and finalise the fayre with France against Scotland at night to round it all out. Graham invites you to join him at the Mercat Bar for a day of ales, great food, and rugby.

Booking is necessary on 0131 225 8716, or email [email protected].

Submitted by Simon Walton

Once again Muirhouse St Andrew’s Parish Church is offer all youngsters from P1 to P7 a place at their Easter Holiday club.

Lots of fun will be had, children will be able to take part in Craft activities, play games, enjoy a story or try solve puzzles. A snack will also be provided.

Running from 1-5 April 2013

From 10:00 to 12:00 noon.

You must register your child. Forms are available from the church and Craigroyston Primary.

You can also download it from here

* A registration form must be completed for every child who is going*

Submitted by Robert Pearson

This summer, join us for a big, beautiful sponsored walk to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Take part in Miles for Macmillan on 1 September 2013 in Holyrood Park. Marvel at the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat, watch the swans coast on 3 beautiful lochs, and loop round the historic village of Duddingston.

Bring the kids, brothers, sisters, the girls at work – gather all of the people who warm your life for a lovely day out in the fresh air.

Come together with hundreds of other people to make sure no one has to face cancer alone. Miles for Macmillan is our national fundraising walking event which is supported by our partner Boots UK.

You can find more information about Miles for Macmillan visiting http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Walkingevents/Sponsoredwalks/Scotland/Scotland.aspx

Submitted by Macmillan Cancer Support