An exhibition of Man Ray portraits, an Annie Lennox retrospective, and an exhibition of new works by Ken Currie are among the highlights of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery’s 2013 programme.

The Gallery is delighted to announce that Annie Lennox, one of the nation’s most internationally acclaimed singer-songwriters, will present her exhibition, The House of Annie Lennox early next year. Curated in partnership with the V&A and the artist herself, it will be given pride of place on the ground floor from the 23rd of March 2013. The exhibition focuses on the artist’s work over three decades, as an iconic performer, singer-songwriter, recording artist and political activist. Tracing her unique career from its early beginnings, the exhibition includes The Tourists, Eurythmics, and her solo work through to the present day, with an array of stunning photographs, iconic videos, and a dazzling selection of costumes taken from her personal archive.

The Robert Mapplethorpe Photography Gallery on the Portrait Gallery’s first floor showcases the Gallery’s outstanding holdings of Scottish and international photography, newly commissioned work and innovative displays and exhibitions. In 2013 the space will be the venue for two major exhibitions of mid-twentieth century photography. Man Ray Portraits, presented in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery in London and supported by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers, is the first major museum retrospective of the highly influential artist’s photographic portraits and features over 100 works from his career in America and Paris, dating from 1916 to 1968. Drawn from collections, such as those of the Pompidou Centre, the J. Paul Getty Museum and New York’s The Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art, the exhibition will demonstrate Man Ray’s central position among the leading artists of the Dada and Surrealist movements. It will feature portraits of lovers, friends and contemporaries, ranging from two of his most significant muses, Lee Miller and Kiki de Montparnasse, to fellow artists, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, and American author, Ernest Hemingway. Running from 22 June 2013 to 8 September 2013, the exhibition will be a key highlight of the Gallery’s summer season. The show then travels to The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow.

Impressive photography of a different nature will be explored in Edith Tudor-Hart: In the Shadow of Tyranny. The Viennese-born photographer left Austria for Britain after being arrested for her political activities in 1933. Notoriously, she worked as an agent for the Soviets in both Austria and Britain (where she was involved in the recruitment of Anthony Blunt) and was pursued by the security services until her death in 1973. This exhibition, which runs from 2 March to 26 May 2013, will include remarkable black and white photographs that reflect the politically-charged atmosphere of interwar Vienna and Britain, along with Tudor-Hart’s later psychologically penetrating imagery of children, some of which were created in Scotland. The exhibition will transfer to Vienna.

Another highlight of the Gallery’s summer season will be an exhibition dedicated to the work of distinguished Glasgow-based contemporary artist, Ken Currie. One of the outstanding figurative painters of his generation, Currie is widely admired for his intensely powerful and provocative work, which includes his haunting, luminous painting Three Oncologists (2002) and the searing self-portrait Unfamiliar Reflection (2006) in the Gallery’s collection.  Currie has always been fascinated by the work of artists such as Velázquez, Goya and David, and his own painting has often obliquely engaged with the traditions and concerns of old master portraiture.

On a lighter note, from February 2013 to May 2014 modern Scotland’s special contribution to the world of comedy will be celebrated in Tickling Jock: Comedy Greats from Sir Harry Lauder to Billy Connolly, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The exhibition will bring together images of 50 stars including Lex McLean, John Laurie, Molly Weir, Rikki Fulton, Jack Milroy, Stanley Baxter, Johnny Beattie, Una Maclean and Ronnie Corbett. Works from the Galleries’ twentieth-century collection will be supported by loans from the Scottish Theatre Archive (University of Glasgow), the Citizens Theatre and the King’s Theatre, Glasgow.

Dress and fashion will be at the heart of the Gallery’s events programme in 2013, though the fun starts early in December 2012 with Dressed to Thrill, a dynamic Friday night event in celebration of Scotland’s sartorial past. The splendour of the Gallery’s interior will provide a portal to the 16^th and 17^th centuries as the building is filled with live period music for a historical catwalk show with commentary from one of Britain’s greatest costume designers, Jenny Tiramani. Also on the bill is a talk on the clothes Mary Queen of Scots chose to wear on the day of her execution, by historical dress expert Professor Maria Hayward. Tickets for the 7^th December event are on sale now.

The Director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Christopher Baker, said:  “Building on the great success of the re-developed Portrait Gallery we have created a rich programme of exhibitions and events which will draw many visitors to explore the Gallery’s incredible collection and the wonderful building which houses it. The exhibitions offer a wide range of inspiration – from the finest photography from around the world to the most brilliant contemporary Scottish painting and performance. ”

Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD
Telephone: 0131 624 6200
nationalgalleries.org 

Portobello Market – Tonight at the Usher Hall – Tonight at The Queen’s Hall – Local MP raises cycling matters at Westminster – Debate at Holyrood on Monday

Today there will be another Portobello Market Day in Brighton Park.  The market organisers say:-

“It’s the market before Christmas and we have a few fun things happening. There will be a bauble hunt for the kids with a selection stocking as the prize, face painting and Phil the wicker man. We’re also hoping for a local school to provide carol singers on the day as well. Pea Green Boat are returning this month, together with Portobello Witch so we’ll have 24 traders at this months market.

All our usual traders will be there for your shopping needs, from award winning oils, locally produced fresh meats, great fresh bread, artisan cheeses, hand-made soaps, cards & gifts, seasonal veggies, planted window boxes, chutneys and relishes, garden furniture and a first class BBQ for all you hungry mouths, plus our regular provider of latte, cappuccino etc. A full list of stallholders is available here.” In Brighton Park, Brighton Place, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1LJ, 9.30am – 1.30pm. Please note that there will be no market in January. The next market after that will be on Saturday 2 February 2013.”

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The Origin 15th anniversary Christmas concert takes place tonight at the Usher Hall. You are promised a fabulous Christmas celebration. More details here.

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Dance Base is the centre for learning about dance in Edinburgh situated in a lovely building in the Grassmarket. This weekend you can see the fruits of their learning at their shows staged at The Queen’s Hall where you can book your tickets:-

Dance Base’s legendary Christmas Shows are an annual chance for dancers from the community and outreach programmes to get on stage and show the audience their moves. Each show is different; Saturday 1 December features dancers from:

Ballet Fusion
Ballet Improvers
Belly Dance Beginners
Belly Dance Improvers
Bollywood
Burlesque Improvers
Classical Ballet Absolute Beginners, Beginners, Improvers and Intermediate
Contemporary Intermediate
Hairspray Performance Group
Highland Dance Beginners & Improvers/Intermediate
Jazz Beginners
Jazz Intermediate
Musical Madness
Stage Jazz Advanced/Professional
Tap Intermediate
Tap Advanced

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Mark Lazarowicz is the MP for Edinburgh North and Leith and in Westminster this week he raised the question of enforcement of Advanced Stop Lines. These are the red boxes with a cycle in them for cyclists to be positioned ahead of other traffic at traffic junctions, usually where there are traffic lights. Norman Baker the Under-Secretary for Local Transport responded that he would ensure it gets some consideration.

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Young debating talent will take over at Holyrood this Monday!

The sixth annual St Andrew’s Day Debate will take place in the Scottish Parliament on Monday 3 December.

Held in partnership with The Scottish Government and the English Speaking Union, this unique event brings together students from schools and universities across Scotland. The student teams pair up to compete in heats in the hope of making it through to the final to be held in the Parliament’s Debating Chamber.

Deputy Presiding Officer Elaine Smith MSP who will be chairing the event said:

“Hosting the St Andrew’s Day Debate is an apt way for the Scottish Parliament to mark St Andrew’s Day.  It is therefore fitting that the Debating Chamber will host these budding debators of the future as they take part in the final.

“I would also encourage members of the public to come along, as previous years have shown that the calibre of debate from these young people deserves to have as wide an audience as possible.”

The finals will take place in the Parliament’s Debating Chamber from 16.30 on Monday 3 December 2012. Members of the public are welcome to attend and winners will be announced at completion of events. There will be five prizes awarded for:

• Best University Speaker of the Day
• Best School Speaker of the Day
• Best Contribution from the Floor
• Runner-up St Andrew’s Day Debating Championship
• Winner of St Andrew’s Day Debating Championship

Local Edinburgh MP Ian Murray joined UK international and student activists from the Stop AIDS Campaign, at an event to mark World AIDS Day today.

Ian spoke with activists about how far we have come in the HIV epidemic, with 8 million people now accessing HIV treatment, and AIDS-related deaths declining, from a peak of 2.2 million in the mid-2000s, to 1.8 million in 2010.

But he also heard how far we still have to go, with 7.6 million still going without the life-saving medication they need, and joined with the UK activists in asking the government, for HIV and AIDS, Why Stop Now?

Lotti Rutter, of the Stop AIDS Campaign said ‘We were delighted to talk to Ian Murray today, about how the UK can’t stop now in its commitment to HIV and AIDS. We have come so far, and we also have a unique opportunity now to see the epidemic sent into decline by the end of the decade.’

‘That’s why we need a UK blueprint for the AIDS response. The UK needs to demonstrate its commitment, and map out exactly how it will scale up the right investment and ensure all people living with HIV, including the 100,000 people living with HIV here in the UK, are reached with the services they need’, she added.

Ian Murray said:-‘I support the Why Stop Now campaign this World AIDS Day. It is critical that investment in HIV and AIDS is sustained so we can save millions of lives’

The Stop AIDS Campaign is a coalition of 80 UK NGOs, faith-based and academic agencies, working at the heart of the global response to HIV and AIDS for 25 years. www.whystopnow.org www.stopaidscampaign.org.uk

FACE (Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh) will host their annual Christmas Fair at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital today 1 December 2012.

There will be an abundance  of stalls, including delicious home baking as well as Christmas crafts that friends have been working on throughout the year. As always, there will be a visit from Lothian and Borders Police motor cycle unit plus this year the famous Edinburgh Pandas will make an appearance to celebrate their first anniversary of arriving at the Zoo.

Crime writer Ian Rankin, who is a great supporter of the charity, won’t make the event due to other commitments, but he has kindly agreed to sign personal Christmas messages for friends on his brand new Inspector Rebus book,  ‘Standing in Another Man’s Grave’ which can be collected at a later date. The book follows the newly retired Detective Inspector John Rebus join Lothian and Borders Police Cold Case Unit.

FACE was founded in 1990 and originally stood for Fighting Against Cancer in Edinburgh but has now come to represent the activities of a group of people working throughout the South East of Scotland.

The charity is based in the Western General Hospital and raises money to improve the facilities for the benefit of patients there and the peripheral clinics in Fife, Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Borders and Dumfries. It differs from other cancer charities such as Cancer Research UK,   which provides money for major enhancements in cancer care in the form of new Buildings and Research.

Throughout the year FACE undertakes many projects at both the Western and also at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, where they continue to provide Aromatherapy sessions for patients within the wards of the hospitals.

Last month, The Edinburgh Reporter featured Shona Pryde, a 29 year old health care professional from Murrayfield who spent her holidays climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money, specifically to help fund the annual trip to Lapland.

Shona’s efforts were very much appreciated by FACE, and on Sunday 16 December 2012 a party of 44 will travel to Kittila in Lapland to see Santa Claus in his Arctic home. The party includes children who have been receiving treatment at the ‘Sick Kids’ and others who sadly have lost very close members of their family.

Actually this will be the second time that the volunteers have seen Santa this year as took time out from his busy schedule to make a special appearance at the FACE Ball earlier this month at the Balmoral Hotel where an incredible £7,000 was raised, and a great time was had by one and all.

The fair runs from11.00am till 3.00pm.

Photographs are from last year’s Lapland trip, (except the one of Shona who was in warmer climes!).

Lothian Buses is bringing some extra festive cheer to the Capital with the launch of its Christmas Grotto Bus. To thank passengers and the local community for its support during 2012, the mobile Winter Wonderland, complete with Santa Claus, will pop-up in the City during December.

On Sunday 2, 9 and 16 December, between 12 and 4pm, the bus will be stationed on Castle Street, as part of the Ethical Christmas Fair and the Real Scottish Christmas Fair, where children young and old will have the opportunity to visit Edinburgh’s latest Grotto. For a charitable donation, families can meet Santa and receive a token gift (subject to availability). All proceeds will go to the Lothian Buses Charity of the Year, Lothian Autistic Society.

Ian Craig, managing director of Lothian Buses, says:

“Christmas should be a merry time and we’re delighted to be able to bring some extra festive cheer to Edinburgh, and raise money for Lothian Autistic Society with our Grotto Bus.”

“It is fantastic to team up with this year’s Castle Street markets to give something back to our passengers. Our engineering team have transformed one of our open top buses into an eye catching Santa’s Grotto.

 Tania Pramschufer, hands up media said:-“Hands Up Media are delighted to welcome Santa’s Grotto golden bus being provided by Lothian Buses. Further festive cheer to this years Real Scottish & Ethical Christmas Fairs will add even more magic and that the Lothian Autistic Society will benefit as well children of all ages who come to visit Santa on the bus.”

Alterations are being made to traffic arrangements at the East end of Edinburgh city centre from tomorrow, Saturday 1 December 2012.

There will be a series of overnight works to upgrade an existing manhole in Broughton Street located outside St Paul’s and St George’s Church, at the junction of Broughton Street and York Place, in order to accommodate a new drainage connection.

The works include the installation of temporary traffic signals and a temporary bridge structure over the excavation area. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

York Place will have two lanes open for buses using the Edinburgh Bus Station during the festive period. The council says it hopes that this additional bus lane will relieve the bus traffic that was previously using Little King St and St James Place, improving general traffic access to the NCP and John Lewis car parks and delivery access to the retailers.

Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds welcomed the opening of an additional bus lane on York Place and said:- “The tram work is progressing well in line with the revised schedule and this means that we can adopt a more flexible approach over the festive season, where possible, to improve access. We recognise that this is a very busy time of year for the bus station and the opening of an additional lane will help avoid congestion and help traffic to run smoothly.

“In terms of the manhole upgrading on Broughton Street, the work has been programmed in order to minimise traffic disruption as far as possible by only carrying out overnight works on weekdays. The initial phase of work to excavate the road surface will unfortunately create noise, so we would like to apologise in advance to local residents and businesses and to assure them that every effort will be taken to minimise disruption.”

For the Broughton Street works, the contractor has been granted dispensation to work on Saturdays from 6:00am until 10:00pm and on Sundays from 10:00am until 8:00pm. During the weekdays only overnight working will take place between the hours of 8:00pm until 6:00am.

During daytime hours, the excavation will be covered by the temporary bridge structure and traffic will be managed by the existing traffic signal system.

The bridge structure will be removed in the evening to carry out the works and traffic will be managed through the use of the temporary traffic signals.

The works initially will involve excavating the road surface and will create noise; thereafter, there will be noise no greater than current traffic levels.

After the festive period, York Place will return to one lane for buses accessing the Bus Station. An update will be provided nearer the time.

More information on these works and the Edinburgh Tram Project is available on the Council’s website or by contacting 0800 328 3934 or trams@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Find us on twitter @edinburghtrams

Edinburgh singer/songwriter James Campbell is releasing a CD inspired by his life  in Muirhouse.

James and I grew up in the same area and went to the same high school. I bumped into James around a fortnight ago which was the first time we had seen each other since around 1984.

James explained he wanted to do an album covering the changes in Muirhouse over the years, and the re-generation that is happening now in the area. Indeed, one of the blocks of flats where James was brought up was recently demolished. The building was in the process of being torn down while James recorded his album in the area’s North Edinburgh Arts Centre.

Here James and I chat about his album, the reasons behind it and details of its upcoming release event.

The CD is being given away free tonight from 6pm at the North Edinburgh Arts Centre.

Last year, Edinburgh Bus Tours achieved the highest accolade from VisitScotland attaining five stars for excellence in recognition of its exceptionally high standard of facilities and services for visitors. This prestigious award, only achieved by a small percentage of visitor attractions, puts Edinburgh Bus Tours alongside other five star attractions in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia.

This St Andrews Day, Lothian Buses are launching their Gaelic tour with the help of Tollcross Primary School, Edinburgh’s only Gaelic speaking primary school.

Ian Craig, Managing Director, Lothian Buses said:

Our new Gaelic tour has been supported by the Scottish Government. There is no other company in Scotland providing a Gaelic spoken tour and with a growing number of Gaelic speakers in Central Scotland and an increased number of Scottish people holidaying at home the decision for us to launch this tour was simple.

Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages Alasdair Allan said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the number of people learning, speaking and using Gaelic across Scotland. For the language to survive and thrive it requires ongoing support for communities and networks of speakers and for initiatives which expand and strengthen its position in modern Scottish society.

“That’s why I welcome the launch of this unique Gaelic tour by Lothian Buses. As the language continues to flourish in Edinburgh this presents another opportunity to further raise its profile among speakers and non speakers alike. I wish Lothian Buses every success with this innovative project.”

The tour was translated by Facal, specialists in transcription and translation based in the Scottish Highlands.

Alasdair MacLeoid, Facal said:

We are delighted to have been involved in this interesting and innovative new project embedding Scottish Gaelic as an audio option on the Majestic Tour of Edinburgh, and wish Lothian Buses every success with this venture.

We are confident that Gaels visiting Edinburgh as well as local Gaelic-speakers and learners, young and old, will make use of this facility; and hope to see such a service extend to other tours, towns and cities across the country.”

The Majestic tour, which is part of Edinburgh Bus Tours, leaves from Waverley Bridge, taking in the sights of Edinburgh Castle, Royal Botanic Garden, Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Alice Brown, Head Teacher, Tollcross Primary said:

We are delighted that Lothian buses are recognising the growth in the use of Gaelic in Edinburgh.  This will allow visitors to Edinburgh and local people to enjoy a tour in Gaelic. Our Gaelic Medium pupils are looking forward to their tour very much.

During the winter season, Edinburgh Bus Tours will be running their City Sightseeing, Edinburgh Tour and Majestic Tour, all featuring pre-recording commentary.

Indiviidual Tour tickets are priced Adult £12, Child (5-15) £5 Senior/Student £11 and Family £28 are valid for 24 hours.

During the Winter Season, a GRAND TICKET allows 48 hours unlimited travel instead of 24 hours on City Sightseeing Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Tour, AND the Majestic Tour.  Prices are Adult £16, Child (5-15) £6, Senior/Student £14 and Family £37.

For more information visit www.edinburghtour.com.

Solicitors from across Scotland  reaffirmed their concerns over government plans to introduce contributions in criminal legal aid, describing the proposals as ‘regressive, unworkable, unfair and a risk to our system of justice’ at a meeting held in Edinburgh last night.

The Law Society of Scotland had organised a meeting of representatives from law faculties and bar associations from across Scotland,  following a series of announcements by solicitors in favour of direct action in protest against elements of the Scottish Civil Justice and Criminal Legal Assistance Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament.

The solicitors reaffirmed their principal concerns over the legislation, namely that the proposals are:-

Regressive – The current threshold of £68 disposable income per week will mean people will be forced to pay towards the costs of their defence when they simply cannot afford to so.

Unworkable – The proposed mixed collection system which would leave solicitors collecting in summary cases is impractical and unworkable. The Scottish Legal Aid Board is the body best equipped to collect contributions in all summary and solemn cases.

Unfair – In many cases, those who plead not guilty will have to pay a far greater contribution than they would with a guilty plea – as much as double the contribution – leading to a perverse incentive for those who cannot afford to pay the higher cost.

The Law Society has now agreed to organise a meeting between the faculties and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice so these concerns can be discussed in detail. The meeting is likely to take place early next week.

President of the Law Society, Austin Lafferty said: “Solicitors want a legal aid system that protects society’s most vulnerable, not one that forces some of the poorest in our society to pay sums they cannot afford. They want a system that is fair, not one that encourages the innocent poor to plead guilty in order to pay less. They also want a system that is workable, not one that forces lawyers to become unpaid debt collectors for the government.

“Solicitors fear the Scottish Government’s proposals are regressive, unworkable, unfair and risk undermining these fundamental principles. As the people who work at the coal face of our justice system, they should be listened to.

“The justice system cannot be immune from the need to save money from the public purse, we know that. That is why solicitors have accepted a series of reforms over recent years which were designed to make our justice system more efficient and save money, including significant cuts to solicitor fees. But there comes a point when proposals go too far or go in the wrong direction.

“There is still time for Ministers to think again before the Scottish Parliament gives final consideration to the Bill. We plan to use that time to press our case for a legal aid system that is fair and protects the most vulnerable in our society.”

The Justice Minister sent a letter to the Law Society of Scotland on 21 November 2012 following an initial meeting to discuss the changes to the Legal Aid system which you can read here.

Our free Photojournalism training evening – Picardy Place roundabout – Get your sandbags here – Santa Cruises in December – St Andrew’s Day celebrations

We are running a free photojournalism session next Wednesday 5 December 2012 from 6-9pm. If you have already sent an email to us to book your place then do not send us another one but if you would like to book a place now there are a few left. So please email theedinburghreporter@gmail.com

The event will be held at the ESPC showroom at 85 George Street and you may arrive anytime from 5.30 onwards. We look forward to meeting you!

More details of this event can be read here.

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The revamped Picardy Place Roundabout has been described as a ‘cyclist blender’ by an urban planner at Heriot-Watt according to cycling website road cc There is an opportunity on Monday to drop into Macdonald Road Library to have a look at the plans. Here is the email from The City of Edinburgh Council which gives you all the information you might need:-

On 31 July 2012, the Council’s Finance and Resource Committee agreed a budget of £5.5 million to upgrade roads and pavements and carry out a range of environmental improvements along Constitution Street, Leith Walk and Picardy Place.

 

Preliminary design ready for consultation

 

Based on stakeholder feedback from a range of previous consultations (carried out by the Council and by community organisations), a preliminary design for these streets has now been developed for consultation.

 

The preliminary design and a survey on the proposals will be available online from Saturday 24 November 2012, at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/leithimprovements . Hard copies will also be available for viewing at McDonald Road and Leith Libraries.

 

Key elements of the preliminary design

 

An integral element of the works will be to resurface roads and tidy up and even out pavements. There are also a number of additional elements that are proposed which will be central to the consultation survey. These include:

 

Improvements for pedestrians – proposals to make junctions at Kirkgate, Annandale and Baltic Street easier and safer to cross, proposals for a number of new islands in the centre of Leith Walk, and resurfacing the raised road areas at the side streets.

Improvements for cyclists – proposals for a combination of cycle lanes and segregated cycle ways at Picardy Place and London Road roundabouts, reducing the number of traffic lanes on the roundabout approaches and addition of advanced stop lines at signalled junctions.

Improving the appearance of the streets by replacing Leith Walk pavements with new grey slabs, relocating large domestic waste bins into road lay-bys and removing unnecessary signage; we will also seek people’s views on additional planting.

Consultation – your chance to have your say

 

Survey: We would like as many people as possible to take part in the survey which will be available online from Saturday 24 November 2012 to Sunday 13 January 2013, from www.edinburgh.gov.uk/leithimprovements ; or in hard copy at McDonald Road and Leith Libraries or by phoning 0131 529 7061.

Drop in Event: Officers will be in attendance at a drop in event to discuss the preliminary designs and gather people’s views at McDonald Road Library on Monday 3 December, from 10am to 8pm.

 

Your feedback will help us develop a final design that will balance the range of needs of those who use these streets. The final design will be reported to the Transport and Environment Committee on 19 March 2013.

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A new initiative is being launched today to help Edinburgh residents protect their homes from flood damage.

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Today is St Andrew’s Day. Some government buildings may be closed today, although the rest of us are carrying on as normal. There are many things going on in the city to mark our patron saint’s day.

You may like to read the article about St Andrew’s Day in The Scotsman and why it is worth celebrating by Lady Susan Rice the managing director of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland. Full of comparisons to her native USA where they celebrate Thanksgiving in November with a vengeance. (The Reporter enjoyed  a full turkey dinner last Thursday in Boston which is regarded as the home of Thanksgiving.)

Later this afternoon Edinburgh Castle Esplanade will burst into life for a spectacular celebration of St Andrew’s Day, with ‘Carnival at the Castle’, produced in association with Scotland’s Winter Festivals.  The spectacle will tell the show of how St. Andrew came to be the patron saint of Scotland and will include an array of theatre, dance, music, projections and illuminations, followed by a short firework display.

We have a list of other things to do to help you celebrate St Andrew’s Day over here.

Today in Scotland we celebrate St Andrew’s Day which for some seems to be a holiday. Is it a holiday where you are? It is a Bank Holiday but other employers can choose whether or not to offer the holiday. Here are some of the things we have found to help you celebrate.

There is of course an app to help you with your own version of St Andrew’s Day and will test you on your knowledge of our patron saint and allows you to download a playlist for the day. You will find the app here.

There is a Google Doodle……

Free tickets are still available for more than 40 of Scotland’s top heritage attractions to people who pre-register online as part of this year’s St. Andrew’s celebrations.

The ticket giveaway, which is being run by Historic Scotland, includes attractions such as Stirling Castle, recently voted the UK’s best loved heritage attraction by members of Which ? magazine and Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness.

Edinburgh Castle’s 10,000 free tickets have now all been allocated for the weekend of 1st and 2nd December however there are still lots of great sites across Scotland to explore.

Visitors need to register in advance at a special website, www.ticketgiveaway.co.uk

in order to download a free ticket for each person for the attraction they would like to visit over this weekend.

The Ticket Giveaway is part of the Scottish Government’s Winter Festivals programme – which celebrates three of the country’s most distinctive festivals – St. Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night.

Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Scotland said:-

“This is a great way to enjoy some of Scotland’s best loved heritage attractions and uncover some hidden gems along the way.There is no limit on the number of sites that people can sign up for however there are some restrictions on the number of tickets available at certain sites to maintain a quality visitor experience.

“Visitors need to register in advance to gain free access so we’d advise people to sign up as soon as possible so that they don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit a great heritage attraction for free.”

Apparently the Saltire is being flown from 10 Downing Street today (alongside the Union Jack). Any other places where it is being hoisted?

The First Minister has posted a St Andrew’s Day message…

First Minister Alex Salmond has used his St Andrew’s Day message to highlight Scotland’s proud history of invention and discovery as he extended a warm invite for overseas visitors to join in the country’s Winter Festival celebrations.

During the message the First Minister is seen watching the school’s country dance practice and leading discussion on St Andrew before sending his warmest wishes to Scots and Scots at heart on the occasion of the national day.

Mr Salmond uses the film to extend an invite to the world to visit Scotland and join in our Winter Festival Celebrations, which run from St Andrew’s Day through Christmas and Hogmanay, then right through to Burns Night at the end of January.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=517ZEug5zCQ]

The Castle Esplanade will burst into life for a spectacular celebration of St Andrew’s Day, with ‘Carnival at the Castle’, produced in association with Scotland’s Winter Festivals.  The spectacle will tell the show of how St. Andrew came to be the patron saint of Scotland and will include an array of theatre, dance, music, projections and illuminations, followed by a short firework display.

Some restaurants and cafés are offering special deals across the weekend which you might like to take advantage of.

The Edinburgh Larder 15 Blackfriars Street EH1 1NB, United Kingdom 0131 556 6922 is offering a set St Andrew’s Day lunch menu and dinner menu for £25. 

Stac Polly   are offering a set dinner menu on St Andrew’s Day for £36 per person.

Candy cupcakes – Will have a limited edition Tunnock’s teacake cupcake – A take on the traditional Scottish cake, the cupcake will have a biscuit base, vanilla sponge topped with marshmallow and dipped in chocolate

Mimi’s Bakehouse – Offering a menu of Scottish classics including Scottish Lamb Hotpot/Macsween Haggis Stovies and Cranican Cheesecake. They will also have limited edition Scottish Tablet cupcakes on offer

Cuckoo’s Bakery – Offering a limited edition Millionaire’s Shortbread cupcake

RUSKO ‘ UK Tour’ featuring RUSKO @ The Liquid Rooms

This is one of  7 dates on his UK Tour and is an Exclusive with his only Scottish Date!

Xplicit is proud to present RUSKO on his UK TOUR

Leeds-born, LA-based dubstep pioneer Rusko is hitting the UK for a 7 day UK Tour to coincide with his new KAPOW EP which is available online now.

The tour will round-off a hectic and productive year for Rusko, which has already seen the producer and DJ release his second album, Songs, unveil a collaborative project with West Coast hip-hop heroes Cypress Hill, perform a month-long Las Vegas residency and maintain a seemingly-never-ending touring schedule.

This will also see Rusko play his first weekend date in Scotland since 2009 and a first in the capital!

The Prime Minister, David Cameron has posted the following message to all Scots:-

“For centuries, Scotland’s greatest asset and greatest export has been its people.

“Scotland’s people are international in their outlook and have taken their flair, inventiveness and determination to succeed to the four corners of the globe. Scots are aspirational for themselves and their country.

“Scots have helped bring peace and security to nations, made some of the world’s greatest inventions, and been at the forefront of international trade in every continent.

“Scottish companies and Scottish people are a critical part of the UK’s efforts to compete in the global race.

“A small country with a big heart and a big voice. Scots and Scotland have done so much to shape our modern world. So this is a day for everyone to celebrate our shared history and look forward to our future prosperity together.

“A happy St Andrew’s Day to all Scots – wherever you are.”

Lothian and Borders Police are sending Christmas card reminders to members of the public who are the subject of an outstanding warrant.

Officers in the North of Edinburgh have been targeting any individuals who are required to either pay their court-ordered fines or who have had an arrest warrant issued .

Those who are known to live in the North of the city will receive this reminder over the next month and are urged to settle any warrants as soon as possible or they may face further police action over the festive period.

The Christmas card reminder has previously been used within the city to good effect. Last year around 600 cards were sent to petty criminals who had failed to turn up in court, ignored fixed penalties or defaulted on fine payments. The pilot scheme ran in 2010 and the results have so far proved positive.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Officers from Leith and Drylaw Police Stations will be actively looking people subject of a warrant, so they are advising them to take responsibility in order to ensure that their festive plans do not involve the police.

With the courts not operating over the public holidays, anyone arrested risks the possibility of spending Christmas Day and Boxing Day in the cells at St Leonards, where the chances of some festive cheer are non-existent.

Inspector Kevin McLean said: “The festive period is a busy time for our communities as they get ready for the Christmas and New Year Celebrations.

“However, while we appreciate that the public have many things to deal with at this time, it is essential that those who currently have an outstanding warrant against their name come forward and settle these.

“Failure to do so may result in your arrest and the possibility of spending time in police custody as opposed to time with friends and family.”

So they lit the tree on The Mound tonight and let off a few bangers…..and this is our capital city where we claim that people should come for the ultimate in Christmas and New Year entertainment.

Now it has to be said that the tree is a very welcome present from the people of Hordaland in Norway and the fireworks were very lovely indeed thanks to the professionalism of 21st Century Fireworks. But the rest?

Well, sorry if it sounds a bit bah humbug, but we feel that this year’s Light Night was just a wee bit of a letdown.

A large Santa Claus ‘walked’ up The Mound with the help of his elves. Then a girl and her teddy bear on a bed were transported up The Mound, while fighting each other with pillows. This was billed as a “bespoke show called the Christmas Dream Machine.  The performance will include illuminations, aerial performances, flying Christmas presents and pyrotechnics, culminating with the traditional lighting of Edinburgh’s Christmas Tree and a short burst of fireworks from the Castle Esplanade.”

Our Lord Provost said a few words of welcome to the estimated 15,000 people in the city centre in his usual eloquent fashion.

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Finally the ‘girl’ was magically whisked into the air and somehow she managed to light the tree. You will be able to see our video here soon.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NppI4QCJVkw]

Our Christmas celebrations are organised by events company She’s Gott It! and are also supported by Essential Edinburgh and Marketing Edinburgh. The company have been on contract to the council for some years now and in 2010/11 the budget for Edinburgh’s Christmas was almost £200,000 with another £112,000 of public and private sponsorship contributed to the public purse.

Nickie Gott, managing director of She’s Gott It!, Edinburgh’s Christmas producers, enthused at the launch of the event:- “There is no better place than Edinburgh during the festive period.  With the remarkable Light Night starting things off in style, the city centre will be buzzing with activity and excitement.  The capital is so magical at this time of year and we hope that our programme will amaze and delight the entire family.”

The crowd who afterwards tried to make their way down The Mound and who converged on the German Market in an attempt to make their way to Princes Street and finally to St Andrew Square appeared to be quite bad-tempered.

Now whether that was as a result of the show or the cold we simply cannot say. But as for us? We felt a bit short-changed.

Musselburgh will hold a precautionary inspection at ahead of tomorrow’s Saltire 2012 Race Day.

Clerk of the Course, Harriet Graham, is confident that if the forecast of -2 degrees overnight and up to +4 degrees is correct, racing will go ahead. Frost covers will be put on any vulnerable areas overnight and Musselburgh say they are erring on the side of caution.

The outcome of the 8am inspection will be posted on the racecourse’s website www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk and on its Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Feature race at the East Lothian course is the £12,000 Weatherbys Printing Handicap Chase (2.20) which sees last year’s multiple course winner, Red Tanber, make his second appearance of the winter season but Bruce Mactaggart’s chaser was pulled up at Musselburgh last time out and will be hard pressed to beat the recent hurdles winner Nine Stories, and the Nicky Richard trained Houston Dynimo, a winner on the flat at Musselburgh last summer in the hands of Paul Mulrennan.

Houston Dynimo scored on his chasing debut at Worcester and was a creditable second behind the progressive Stormy Weather at Wetherby in mid-November. He jumps well and will be suited by the drying ground at Musselburgh.

Nicky Richards can initiate a lucrative double by winning the £8,000 Weatherbys Printing Services Novices’ Handicap Chase (1.10) with Tutchec, still a maiden over fences but a respectable second to Secret Desert at Ayr on his latest outing. Tutchec made a number of mistakes on the heavy ground but was still in front approaching the last fence and was only headed on the run-in.

The CEEJ Ltd Juvenile Hurdle (12.40) could develop into a head-to-head between the recent Wetherby winner Asteroid Belt, and the impressive Market Rasen scorer Kashmir Peak, now in the care of John Quinn.

Formerly trained in Ireland by Ger Lyons for whom he showed useful form on the flat, Kashmir Peak has pleased his new trainer ever since he arrived at his Malton stable at the end of September and he proved a decisive nine length winner from Don’t Take Me Alive when a well backed favourite on his hurdling debut at Market Rasen.

It could be a great day for Greystoke trainer Nicky Richards whose Parc Des Princes has a sound chance of taking the 2 mile hurdle at 2.55. Parc Des Princes, a course winner at Musselburgh, was still travelling well when unseating his rider down the back straight at the last Musselburgh meeting. Given a clear round he will be hard to beat.

Gates open at 10.30am and first race is off at 12.10pm. For more details visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Dr Elaine Halley of Cherrybank Dental Spa has been recognised as the Best Employer in Scotland.

Cherrybank also received ‘Best Marketing at the Dentistry Scotland Awards 2012 which was held at Gleneagles Hotel at the beginning of November and was a finalist in seven other categories.

This is the second year the awards have been run. They were set up by Dentistry Scotland Magazine to recognise outstanding achievement in Scottish dentistry.

Dr Halley is widely regarded as the first dentist in Scotland to really push the boundaries of Cosmetic Dentistry, and she is the only one to have achieved accreditation by the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentists (BACD). She set up Cherrybank Dental Spa in Perth in 1995, and more recently started a second practice in Edinburgh in 2009.

The practices offer a complete dental service, from hygiene and general dentistry right up to Smile Design and Fixed Teeth In A Day. With a focus on 5 Star service they discreetly attract people whose health is a priority, those who are nervous or just people who enjoy a bit of luxury, including many high profile clients.

Last year, Dr Halley was awarded Outstanding Individual of the Year, and Cherrybank Edinburgh was recognized as the Best New Private Practice in Scotland.

Dr Halley said, “We’re so proud to be awarded the Best Employer and Best Marketing awards. It has not been easy to expand in the current economic climate, and our success is absolutely down to our great team. We’re passionate about delivering every single patient the best that modern dentistry can offer, and to do that you need great people. We focus on attracting the best people, but also offering all our team members unrivalled training and personal development.”

Steve Philip, Business Development Director at Cherrybank said “We’re delighted to win Best Marketing. Our marketing strategy is concerned with helping people who are not happy with their current dental situation to find us. There are more and more dentists now recognizing that great dentistry is about clinical excellence, and outstanding customer care. Not only do we offer more treatment options, but people can see that a trip to the dentist can be an enjoyable experience.We also work hard to educate our patients and our practice’s communities about the benefits of improved oral health, how to keep your teeth for life, and how to improve your confidence by improving your smile.”

The two practices now employ a team of over 35 dental professionals, as well as a number of visiting experts.

For more information, see http://www.cherrbankdentalspa.com or call Cherrybank Dental Spa On 0845 1309445.

Submitted by Steve Philip

This morning on Lothian Road at the offices of oil company, Cairn Energy, activists dressed as cowboys highlighted the company’s potential role in the destruction of the Arctic. Their oil exploration plans include effectively lassoing icebergs which threaten their offshore drills. The cowboys were attempting to show how this might be done.

Cairn Energy, a Scottish-based oil and gas company, announced earlier this year that they will continue drilling for Arctic oil in 2014.

FOE Scotland say that Cairn’s earlier activity in the Arctic was heavily criticised by the environmental sector and Arctic experts alike and that much criticism was focussed on the inadequacies within their oil spill response plan.

Paul Daly, Corporate Accountability Campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:-“Cairn’s oil spill response plan was literally laughable. They had some daft ideas that demonstrated quite how little regard they have for the environment and the Arctic.

“Cairn needs to have a serious re-think about their Arctic commitments. We urgently need to transition to a low carbon economy, not take advantage of the effects of climate change to find oil in newly exposed areas.”

Professor Wadhams of Cambridge University, who recently appeared on the BBC’s acclaimed ‘Life and Death of an Iceberg’, gave evidence to the UK government’s ‘Protecting the Arctic’ enquiry stating that Cairn Energy is a ‘cowboy operation’.  Professor Wadhams highlighted that Cairn’s work is slapdash and dangerous – particularly given the sensitive, unique and unforgiving Arctic territory.

The enquiry concluded that there should be no Arctic drilling until there are much more stringent safety measures in place.  Chair of the Committee, Joan Walley MP, said: “The infrastructure to mount a big clean-up operation is simply not in place and conventional oil spill response techniques have not been proven to work in such severe conditions.”

Alexander McCall Smith to lead Reading Hour at National Museum of Scotland for Book Week Scotland

Celebrated authors Alexander McCall Smith and Lari Don will lead a read-in at the National Museum of Scotland this Friday to markThe Reading Hour, a time when thousands of people across Scotland are being encouraged to stop what they are doing and enjoy reading.

The Reading Hour, from 11am on 30 November 2012, will celebrate a love of books and the sheer pleasure of reading. The Hour is part of Book Week Scotland, the first national celebration of books and reading, initiated by the Scottish Government and delivered on behalf of Creative Scotland by Scottish Book Trust.

People can visit the National Museum of Scotland to take part in one of the events below or simply bring along a book, find a quiet corner and read. Anyone without a book can pick up a free copy of My Favourite Place or visit the Museum’s Library or Info Zone for inspiration.

My Favourite Place, produced by Scottish Book Trust, features over 30 stories and poems written by the public and well-known writers such as Michael Palin and Liz Lochhead.

Craig Fletcher, Learning Manager, National Museums Scotland, said:

‘We’re delighted to be taking part in this national celebration of reading. As well as the events we’re hoping that the galleries will be filled with people finding their own inspirational space to read!’

Marc Lambert, CEO, Scottish Book Trust, said:

‘The Reading Hour is an opportunity for people across Scotland to take part, collectively, in a national moment of reading, and to reflect on all the benefits reading brings to individuals and communities. Ultimately the message is a simple one: a well-read populace creates a happier, more productive, more articulate and better informed nation.’

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, will attend Friday’s event. She said:

“Book Week Scotland is capturing the collective imagination of our creative nation, encouraging everyone in Scotland, of all ages and with all interests, to embrace reading’s unique capacity for personal enrichment, education, solace, pleasure and growth.

“The Scottish Government is firmly committed to increasing learning through the arts and culture, and to promoting the value of taking part in cultural activity. Through Book Week Scotland – and The Reading Hour – we’re engaging the whole of Scotland in these important aims.”

Events at the Museum

Meet Alexander McCall Smith

11:00-11:30am, Fri 30 November, Grand Gallery, Level 1

Alexander McCall Smith is one of the world’s most prolific and most popular authors, having written his highly successful No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and the Scotland Street novels. Join him at the start of reading hour for a unique chance to enjoy some public readings of his work.

 

Storytelling with Lari Don

11:15-11:45am, Fri 30 November, Living Lands Gallery, Level 1

Storytelling for pre-schoolers. Join children’s author Lari Don for a traditional storytelling ride on the museum’s Magic Carpet! Free, places limited, sign up on the day at the Information Desk, Entrance Hall, Level 1 (Meet at Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery).

 

Bookbug

11:50am -12:30pm, Fri 30 November, Animal World, Level 1

Join us for an animal inspired song and rhymes session on the Magic Carpet.

Free, places limited, sign up on the day at the Information Desk, Entrance Hall, Level 1, for ages 0-4 years. (Meet at Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery)

Seven arrested at Hearts match – Edinburgh’s Christmas – South Bridge Creative Christmas Fair – EACC Executive Meeting – Leveson Enquiry

Lothian and Borders Police confirm that seven men were arrested during the Hearts v Celtic fixture at Tynecastle last night.
A number of the men, whose ages range from 20 to 44 years, are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Match Commander Superintendent David Carradice said:- “Our priority is everybody’s safety and we will take action against the small number whose disruptive behaviour spoils the match for the decent fans. It is important to remember there was CCTV  and video recording equipment within the ground. Working with our colleagues in the FOCUS unit, this will enable police to take action in the coming days to trace those responsible for unacceptable behaviour. ”

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Edinburgh’s Christmas will be completely full on from this morning when the German markets open.

Later from about 5 pm there will be more to see at The Mound and down to the Scott Monument. A five metre high giant Santa Claus will lead an assortment of characters up from Princes Street to Mound Place, where the central event – a bespoke show called the Christmas Dream Machine – will take place.  The performance will include illuminations, aerial performances, flying Christmas presents and pyrotechnics, culminating with the traditional lighting of Edinburgh’s Christmas Tree and a short burst of fireworks from the Castle Esplanade.

Afterwards, a Christmas Brazilian Samba band will make its way along Princes Street at 6 pm, as action moves to St Andrew Square Garden for an after show, featuring acts including finalists of Edinburgh’s Got Talent, the cast of Dirty Dancing, the drums of Clanadonia and a fire spectacular from Flame Oz.

5 pm                       Giant Santa and procession through the crowds on The Mound, followed by Civic Ceremony

5.30 pm                 Performance on The Mound starts

5.55 pm approx   Tree lighting and fireworks from the Castle

6.15 pm                 St Andrew Square Stage Show

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We know it is not yet 1 December but we have already broken the house rule of not mentioning Christmas till then, so here is another Christmas thing you can go to – today!

The South Bridge Creative Christmas Fair at South Bridge Resource Centre, on Thursday 29 November 2012 between 11am and 3pm.

SBRC is holding its annual Christmas Fair to celebrate the work of all the creative groups that use the centre. There will be ceramics, textiles, cards, books, jewellery and more for sale, plus baking.
Come and meet some Remaders and find out what we’ve been doing this year, and our exciting plans for 2013.

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The next EACC Executive Meeting will be held this evening at 7.00 pm in the City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh.

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The Leveson Enquiry report will be out at lunchtime today in all its glory. What does this have to do with Edinburgh? Well even though this was a UK government report there are signs that Holyrood might be prepared to take steps to tighten its rules for the Scottish press, which might affect us and every Scottish-based newspaper and press outlet. All Media Scotland has said that First Minister Alex Salmond is ready to amend the rules for press regulation which is a matter devolved to Holyrood. (Broadcasting is a matter reserved to Westminster.)

You can order a copy of the full report should you wish to read it from The Stationery Office, but it will set you back a fairly hefty £250, so we imagine it might be just a bit too much for most, so they are also offering the executive summary as well.

The Guardian has been running a good coverage of the enquiry in the first place, and we imagine they will live blog the day’s events as Prime Minister, David Cameron decides what to do with the Leveson Enquiry report. You can access Andrew Sparrow’s rolling politics blog here.

Eight people have been charged as part of a joint initiative to tackle the fraudulent use of disabled parking badges in Edinburgh.

Lothian and Borders Police and The City of Edinburgh Council Fraud Prevention Officers ran Operation Bevel within the Capital between Monday and Tuesday of this week to identify anyone wrongly using the distinctive blue passes.

As a result of the two-day enforcement activity, a number of individuals were charged with various alleged fraud offences. These include displaying a badge when not being registered disabled and using and displaying a badge that did not belong to them.

A blue disabled parking badge entitles the owner to park in marked disabled spaces, in areas where parking is not normally permitted and parking without payment in pay and display spaces

However, both police and council officers have been gathering intelligence on individuals who are not permitted to possess these passes.

Five men aged 33, 37, 48, 53 and 54 and three women aged between 39, 49 and 63 have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal and will appear in court at a later date.

Sergeant Kevin Rafferty said: “The use of as blue disabled parking badge is exclusively for those with a registered disability. However, we have observed a number of people utilising these passes for their own personal purposes.

“Working alongside our partners at the City of Edinburgh Council Fraud Prevention Unit, we carried out a two-day enforcement phase in the city and were able to identify eight people, alleged to be using the badge fraudulently.

“We have also gathered further intelligence, which will be followed up by our colleagues at the council and may result in further charges in the near future.

“Displaying a stolen badge or utilising one if you are not registered disabled is a crime and we will continue to work alongside our partners to bring anyone responsible to account for their actions.”

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh
Council, said: “The charging of these eight individuals is a very satisfying conclusion to many months of painstaking investigation and intelligence gathering by the Council’s dedicated Fraud Prevention Officer.

“Most blue badges are used correctly but sadly there is still a small minority of individuals who seem to believe that the law doesn’t apply to them.

“This close joint working between the Council and Lothian and Borders Police should send a strong message to anyone still flouting the law that we will not hesitate to bring them to justice.”

Tighter controls on taxi licensing to crack down on rogue firms and support responsible businesses are being consulted on.

The Scottish Government today launched a consultation on the plans in response to concerns about the influence of criminality within the trade and the working of the current licensing regime.

The proposals offer a range of changes to the current regime which aim to tighten up the licensing process for taxi and private hire car drivers, vehicles and booking offices.

Proposals include:

• Allowing local authorities to restrict the number of private hire cars and to require testing of private hire car drivers, for example in knowledge of the area
• Convening a working group to consider the creation of updated licensing conditions for taxi and private hire car drivers, vehicles and booking offices
• Extending the licensing scheme to cover businesses with fewer than four cars and without offices, and to ensure vehicles and drivers used on contract are included within the licensing regime
• Requiring applicant for any level of licence – driver, vehicle, booking office –  to prove they are “fit and proper”
• Exploring options to enhance enforcement, including potentially a statutory basis for licensing enforcement officers.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “These proposals should make a significant step towards addressing concerns raised about the need to make improvements to the current licensing regime. While the vast majority of taxi firms operate within the law, this will also address the influence of criminal groups and individuals within the taxi and private hire trades.

“The taxi and private hire sectors are very important to the Scottish economy and it is essential that they are regulated to the appropriate standards, so that the public is protected from harm while using the service and the industry is protected from infiltration by organised crime.

“Our views are not fixed and we are committed to an open and productive discussion on these proposals.

“Ultimately we want to bring all drivers and firms up to the correct standards to benefit people and businesses who make use of and rely on these services.”

Bill McIntosh of the Scottish Taxi Federation said: “The Scottish Taxi Federation has long been calling for changes to the licensing regime so we welcome this consultation. Passengers will want to know that they are being served by responsible businesses, and taxi firms and drivers also need more protection from rogue elements, and assurance that the licensing regime is consistent in its aims across Scotland.”

Approximately 575 patients, family, friends, carers, doctors and nurses came to Murrayfield recently to celebrate 20 years of the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit in Edinburgh. Lots of them had travelled long distances to enjoy a celebratory lunch and to listen to speeches from the medical staff and a former patient. Many also said that they would not be here today if it were not for the unit for which they were very grateful.

In the past 20 years, 1089 transplants have been undertaken by the unit with one surgeon forecasting that this rate may double in years to come.

Despite the fact that it has been working away recruiting staff and finding a space in the council’s Waverley Court building, the UK Green Investment Bank (UKGIB) is only officially being launched at the Heriot-Watt conference centre this morning.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has now declared the bank officially open for business and announced two new investments.

The ground breaking institution has been funded with £3 billion of Government money and will mobilise additional private capital to make a significant contribution to the development of a green economy.

Speaking in Edinburgh Dr Cable revealed that UK GIB had made its first investment since becoming operational, committing an initial £8 million to a project in the North East of England that will generate energy from waste. This will attract a further £8 million of matching private sector funding.

The construction of an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant at Teesside is the first of six planned over the next five years, making it the largest single AD project in the UK.  The investment, made through fund manager Greensphere Capital, is part of a £80 million investment programme by UK GIB in small waste projects.

Vince Cable said:

“The Green Investment Bank – a key coalition pledge – is now a reality. It will place the green economy at the heart of our recovery and position the UK in the forefront of the drive to develop clean energy.

“Three billion pounds of government money will leverage private sector capital to fund projects in priority sectors from offshore wind to waste and non domestic energy efficiency, helping to deliver our commitment to create jobs and growth right across the UK.  Having the headquarters in Edinburgh is a powerful vote of confidence in the Union, and a testimony to our commitment to helping Scotland lead the green revolution.”

The Business Secretary also announced that UK GIB will invest £5 million to retrofit Kingspan’s UK industrial facilities with systems and services that will reduce its energy consumption by as much as 15 per cent.  This investment, through Sustainable Development Capital, is UK GIB’s first project supported in its £100 million non-domestic energy efficiency investment programme.

Dr Cable made the investment announcements with the Bank’s Chair Lord Smith of Kelvin and Chief Executive Shaun Kingsbury at a stakeholder event in Edinburgh to officially launch UK GIB. They were joined by Energy Secretary Edward Davey, Scotland Secretary Michael Moore and Energy Minister Greg Barker.

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey said:

“The Green Investment Bank will help attract the capital required to allow the green economy to blossom, encouraging investors to market and kick-starting low-carbon and energy efficiency projects.  In combination with our electricity market reforms, there will be lasting economic benefit as a result, with new expertise and jobs created, that will give the UK a competitive edge.”

The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said:

“The UK Green Investment Bank is now ready to have a real and positive impact on investment in our green and renewables sectors that will take them into new areas and opportunities. We have the best of both worlds: a headquarters in Edinburgh, at the centre of Scotland’s thriving businesses and asset management, coupled with a team based in London, the world’s leading financial centre.

“The next step is to put that expertise into action and mobilise the additional investment we need to take the UK towards a greener economy. This is the first bank of its kind in the world and this government has delivered it for Scotland and the rest of the UK.”

UK Green Investment Bank Chair Lord Smith said:

“The Green Investment Bank has the potential to be a game-changing component of the UK’s low carbon economy, and a profitable centre of excellence in specialist and renewable investment.

“Over the coming months and years, I am confident that our excellent team will put its many years of expertise to work on building the foundations of that sustainable economy, and facilitating the important investments that will ensure its long-term good health.”

But the Scottish Greens are urging caution in light of today’s launch.

Patrick Harvie, MSP for Glasgow and enterprise spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:

“It’s hard to see how this bank will live up to the hype. Investing in sustainable, clean forms of energy is obvious but this bank isn’t being allowed to borrow from the markets so its full potential is being restricted.

“It was also disappointing to hear Vince Cable on his visit to Scotland today refusing to rule out using the bank to support nuclear projects. And of course we know the Chancellor is openly hostile to a green route out of recession.

“You really have to question whether this bank will help us shift to a low carbon economy, when both the UK and Scottish governments continue to support fossil fuel extraction and aviation growth.”

Earlier this year the Bank was established as a public company, UK Green Investment Bank plc. Following state aid approval from the European Commission last month it is now operational as an independent bank and open for business.

In the period before state aid approval for UK GIB, investments have been made on commercial terms by BIS’s UK Green Investments team (UKGI). To date, UKGI has committed £180 million to specialist fund managers to co-invest equity in smaller waste infrastructure, energy from waste, and non domestic energy efficiency projects.  Assets built up by UKGI have transferred to the UK GIB.

IT ALL ADDS UP AT 123 ACCOUNTANCY AS FIRM ENTERS EDINBURGH MARKET WITH A NEW PROPOSITION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Small and medium sized businesses; sole traders and the self employed in the Capital are in line for more affordable accountancy services from a Fife based firm which is opening a new no frills office in Edinburgh.

123 Accountancy, run by Angela Young and her team of accountants, who together have more than thirty five years experience in accountancy services for SME and sole traders, are about to open a new office at Barnton House, Whitehouse Road, Barnton and have taken on more staff to cope with demand.

“We want to challenge traditional accountancy practices which in our opinion charge way too much, “said Angela, who launched the firm in Fife in 2009. “We launched in the teeth of a recession – a time when many small businesses regularly struggled with their bills and at the end of the year they were faced with another large one from their own accountants – it was in many cases too much. The economy is still fragile and we have continued to see a need for more flexible accountancy services. “

As well as fees which are around 50% cheaper than many other competitors in some cases, 123 Accountancy has added a number of free, additional extras into its services. When a company’s annual return is prepared for example, 123 will prepare and file the Director’s tax and annual returns at no extra cost. The billing structure is also completely clear with payments for sole traders starting from £10 per month and £20 per month for Limited Companies (excludes VAT). Payments can also be easily spread throughout the year.

Said Michael Campbell from East of Scotland Business Doctors:

“123 Accountancy have worked hard to keep their own costs low as a firm so they can pass cost savings onto their customers. It is badly needed in the industry. I work with many small businesses and they often don’t bother asking their accountants for help with day to day issues for fear of making their bills even larger.”

“There is lots of scope for 123 in this new Edinburgh market and I am sure they will have a strong appeal as the economy continues to recover.”

For further details on 123 Accountancy check out www.123-accountancy.co.uk Call the new Edinburgh office on 08081008123.

This December  a concert will be held in Edinburgh to raise funds for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation SKFF. The concert is being organised by leukaemia patient, Jakub Bogaczewicz, and all the proceeds will be donated to SKFF to enable them to keep some of the children at the Sick Kids entertained with books and toys. The concert is at HMV Picturehouse on 12 December 2012 and the main act will be Anita Lipnicka & John Porter playing with their 8 piece band. Booking information here.

The Foundation was set up in 1992 to support the work of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. It gives assistance in five primary areas, namely the provision of a wide variety of extra comforts, which make time in hospital better for children, extra child and family-friendly facilities, the purchase of extra medical equipment over and above NHS provision, the provision of extra support for sick children who are cared for in the Community and funding for extra training and research.

Each year the Foundation raises around £1.5 million to help children and families at the hospital. All their work is funded through donations from the public, companies, Trusts and Foundations and organisations who wish to help make the Sick Kids even better.

One such donation came from Balerno man Andrew Dickson who cycled from Perth to Brisbane in Australia earlier this year. The sixty year old travelled unaided across the country, and sponsored his trip from his own pocket, ensuring that every penny raised went to charity. His many adventures were highlighted in The Edinburgh Reporter.

Another initiative was the bi-annual Postcard Exhibition which was held at Lyon and Turnbull Auctioneers earlier this month. Many leading and up and coming artists from across the UK contributed works of art on postcard sized boards which were then exhibited anonymously, allowing the foundation to purchase state of the art medical equipment, provide extra support for families,  and a huge range of comforts and treats for the children.

The iconic Royal Hospital for Sick Children was built on its present site in Sciennes Road, Edinburgh in 1895 and opened by Princess Beatrice, granddaughter of Queen Victoria. It was the first children’s hospital in Scotland, and receives over 100,000 children through its doors each year from all over the East of Scotland.

The Paediatric Intensive Care unit shares the operation of the Retrieval service for the whole of Scotland along with Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow, bringing seriously ill children to the hospital from children’s wards for Intensive Care. The hospital is also home to the Scoliosis service for the whole of Scotland.

The present hospital, although a lovely building, does not provide the best environment for 21st century healthcare for children, and NHS Lothian is currently working on plans for the replacement hospital for Children and Young People which will open at Little France in 2017.

Free copies of a book featuring the work of Scots contributors will be available from seven Specsavers stores across the Edinburgh area this week, to celebrate the first Book Week Scotland.

The opticians have teamed up with Scottish Book Trust to distribute My Favourite Place – a collection of heartfelt and inspiring stories, poems and songs. Amongst the participating Specsavers stores are North Bridge, Cameron Toll, Gyle, Jewel, Morningside, Shandwick Place and Leith.

More than 150,000 free copies of the book will be gifted to people across the country through more than 60 Specsavers stores, as well as bookshops, public libraries, National Trust and Historic Scotland properties, workplaces, CalMac ferries and train stations.

Jennifer Ballantyne, store director, Specsavers North Bridge, says: “Specsavers has supported lifelong learning and literacy in Scotland for more than 20 years, and we’re proud to continue that tradition by supporting　My Favourite Place　and distributing the books through our Edinburgh stores during Book Week Scotland.

“They will be available throughout the week and, if we have any remaining afterwards, we will continue to give them out for as long as stocks last.”

My Favourite Place features the winning entries of a creative writing competition held in partnership with BBC Radio Scotland, as well as original commissioned contributions from famous authors including Michael Palin, Alexander McCall Smith and Liz Lochhead.

There is also contemporary art from Kate Davis, Louise Hopkins, Helen Douglas, Donald Urquhart, Alasdair Gray and David Faithfull, and Scots and Gaelic contributions from James Robertson and Aonghas Padraig Caimbeul.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, says: “The people of Edinburgh are sure to love My Favourite Place and we are delighted Specsavers has teamed up with us to help distribute it as widely as possible to mark Book Week Scotland.

“The truly personal and diverse nature of the contributions to　the book　– by celebrities, writers and the public – evoke a strong and wonderful sense of this country. It is a fitting tribute to the beauty of Scotland and what it means in the lives of the people who live here.”

To find out more about Book Week Scotland visit http://www.bookweekscotland.com or http://www.scottishbooktrust.com where you can find even more stories and details of the 450 events taking place throughout the week.

Green Investment Bank launches today – Calling all photojournalists! – Community Council celebration – Book event – Light Night

The Green Investment Bank (GIB) launches in Edinburgh today under the management of Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Kingsbury and Chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin and deputy chair, Sir Adrian Montague.

The fact that the bank will be locating in Edinburgh is testament to Scotland’s commitment and embracing of its vast renewable resources, Mike MacKenzie MSP has said.

Mr Mackenzie – a member of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee – said the industry’s progress is being propelled by the Scottish Government’s commitment to the renewable energy sector.

He said:-“The Green Investment Bank launching in Edinburgh today is a mark of Scotland’s renewable energy calibre.  Given Scotland’s natural wave and wind resources and the financial services based in our capital city and elsewhere, Edinburgh is the best location for the Green Investment Bank HQ.

“The renewables industry now meets 35 per cent of Scotland’s annual demand for electricity and directly employs more than 11,000 people across the country. We are well on the way to meeting the Scottish Government’s ambitious target of 100% domestic electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020.

“This stands in stark contrast to the UK government changeable opinion on the value of renewables.

“I will be pressing UK Energy minister Ed Davey on the fact that that future energy policy of the UK must be renewable focussed – which will allow the developing green industry in Scotland to continue to blossom.”

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The Edinburgh Reporter is pleased to be offering a free photojournalism course in Edinburgh next week. The evening will be run for us by The Media Trust from 6-9 pm on Wednesday 5 December 2012 at the ESPC showroom at 85 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3ES.

We still have a couple of places available so please join us! More information here in our earlier article. To book a place on the course all you have to do is email us here theedinburghreporter@gmail.com. Bring an iPhone or a camera and also bring a laptop with you if possible.

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There is an event this evening to celebrate the work of community councils from 7pm – 9 pm in the City Chambers. Refreshments will be available from 6.30 pm.

The Centre for the Moving Image, the parent company of the Filmhouse Cinema and the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), today announced the appointment of Bob Last (Producer of Terence Davies’ HOUSE OF MIRTH and Sylvain Chomet’s Oscar nominated THE ILLUSIONIST) as its new Chair.

Mr Last has an extensive track record in film production, digital animation and the music industry.  THE ILLUSIONIST opened the 2010 edition of the EIFF at The Festival Theatre.

Commenting on his new role, the producer said:- “I am excited and honoured to take on this role. The EIFF and Filmhouse have seeded and sustained a lifelong delight in film ever since my teenage outings in the 1970s.  The Centre for the Moving Image and the festival in particular have had a challenging few years and I am grateful to the outgoing Chair, Leslie Hills, for navigating the organisation back on track, under the artistic direction of Chris Fujiwara (EIFF) and Rod White (Filmhouse).  I look forward to doing everything I can to help the whole CMI team in their quest to see Filmhouse build its role in the life of our city and the EIFF build its international significance, continuing to facilitate discovery of cinema’s rich culture and inspire the next generation of film makers and audiences.”

Chair of the Appointment Panel, Vice Chair of the CMI, Brandon Malone said: “We are delighted that Bob has agreed to be the new Chair of the CMI.  He brings with him a hugely impressive track record in film and creative production, as well as a clear passion in seeing the EIFF and Filmhouse thrive in the future.”

Edinburgh University’s departments for  Celtic and Scottish Studies and The School of Scottish Studies Archives are at the heart of activities which they say help ensure a lively future for Scotland’s musical heritage.

They are staging a concert on Friday evening at St Cecilia’s Hall featuring some of their students and other staff. They have explained to The Edinburgh Reporter what will be on offer for you by way of entertainment.

“This year’s St. Andrew’s Day celebration marks the 10th anniversary of the publication of the final volume of The Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection at the University of Edinburgh (vols 1-8, 1981-2002).  It also marks the centenary of the virtual completion of the collection in Aberdeenshire by Gavin Greig and the Reverend James Bruce Duncan.  We are delighted that our special guest this evening is the broadcaster and singer, Frieda Morrison, our current Traditional Artist in Residence at Celtic and Scottish Studies. 

Our other featured performers are staff, former Traditional Artists in Residence, students, graduates or associates of Celtic and Scottish Studies and the School of Scottish Studies Archives in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.  All contribute to the “carrying stream” of our culture through activities including performance, research, the creation of new compositions, and teaching both formal and informal.

Allan MacDonald of Glenuig comes from a long line of tradition-bearers and is a piper and composer of renown, with a great capacity for innovation.  He has won a host of coveted piping awards and is an expert on the relationships between the bagpipe and Gaelic vocal music.

Margaret Callan originates from North Uist and has an intimate knowledge of the secular and sacred songs of Gaeldom.  She was the recipient of the 2011 Donald Meek Award at the Edinburgh International Book Festival for Air Bilean an t-Sluaigh, a study of the continuation of the oral tradition in North Uist.

Student Musicians from the Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin Archive Project

Alastair Mackie – guitar; Pàdruig Morrison – accordion and keyboard; Kirsty Law – voice; Charlie Stewart – fiddle and double-bass

The Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin Archive Project is funded by Creative Scotland.  This innovative project gives young people (including schoolchildren) with an interest in music and song first-hand experience of using the School of Scottish Studies Archives, and allows them to engage creatively with the material.

Scott Gardiner is a past president and long-standing member of the University’s Folk Society. During their 50th year in 2008 he tracked down and brought together former members from across the Society’s history, to sing and play at a special anniversary concert.  Scott has been performing at concerts and festivals across the country since his schooldays. Brought up on a farm near Forfar, he is best known for singing the bothy ballads and songs of the North East.

Gary West, Senior Lecturer at Celtic and Scottish Studies, is from Perthshire and as well as being highly regarded internationally for his ethnographical research and publications is a leading exponent of the small and great bagpipe and hosts the weekly BBC Radio Scotland programme “Pipeline”.

Frieda Morrison

Frieda is the “Scots Language and Song” artist in residence at Celtic and Scottish Studies, with a special focus on The Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection.  The Residency is funded by the College of Humanities and Social Science and by the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Frieda is one of Scotland’s best known broadcasters, renowned for her insight into the working world of the countryside, its people, culture and environment.  She produced and presented BBC Radio Scotland’s outdoor/environment programme “Out of Doors” for ten years and the gardening programme for fourteen years.  Frieda comes from a long line of traditional musicians and singers and is a native speaker of North-East Scots.

Sarah Beattie comes from Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, and performs both traditional fiddle and classical violin music.  She graduated with a BA (Hons) Musical Studies and with a Postgraduate Diploma of Music (Performance) from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow.  She has played regularly with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and is a member of a New Zealand-based ensemble, Pacific Curls, who appeared at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.”

The format of the evening (which we hope includes some singing!)  is as follows:-

7.30 p.m. – Welcome by Senior Vice-Principal Professor Mary Bownes

7.35 p.m. – Opening remarks by Dr Margaret A Mackay, Honorary Fellow, Celtic and Scottish Studies

8.55 p.m. – Vote of thanks by Senior Vice-Principal Professor Mary Bownes

Photo of St Cecilia’s Hall courtesy of Ronnie Leask [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

What is your suggestion for the name to be given to the new bridge over the River Forth? Latest suggestions are as follows:- The Deep Red Sky Bridge, The Firth of Forth Bridge, The Highland Highway, The Fifth Forth Bridge, The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, The Saltire Link, The Adam Smith Bridge, Scotia Gateway and The Independence Bridge.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BWE_fWh8bw]

The search is on to find the name for Scotland’s newest iconic landmark – and you can have your say.

Keith Brown, Minister for Transport and Veterans, today launched a new campaign to find the future, permanent name for the Forth Replacement Crossing – Scotland’s biggest infrastructure project in a generation.

Members of the public can play their part by submitting their own suggestions before the end of January, 2013. An independent panel will then create a shortlist which will be open to a final public vote before the name is announced in the Summer of 2013.

Speaking at the introductory meeting of the new panel in Rosyth today, Mr Brown said:

“The Forth Replacement Crossing, as it is currently known, is an exciting, iconic and economically vital project that we want the people of Scotland to take pride in.

“We fully recognise that finding an appropriate name for the new bridge is a matter of considerable interest both locally and nationally.

“It is absolutely right then that the people of Scotland have the final say on the identity of this historic project.

“Along with members of the independent panel, we look forward to seeing the many creative and inspiring names the Scottish people submit.”

An advisory panel of independent civic, business and community representatives from across Scotland will consider all submissions. The panel, which meets today for the first time, will then shortlist names for a public vote in 2013 to decide the permanent name given to the bridge when it opens in 2016.

Hamira Khan, chief executive of the Scottish Youth Parliament, is one of the panel members. She said:

“The Scottish Youth Parliament are delighted to be part of the new Forth Bridge Advisory Panel.  It’s only right for the next generation of young Scots to provide their input as they’ll be the ones travelling across the bridge for years to come.

“We look forward to ensuring the views of young people are taken into account during this process so the new name truly reflects the wishes of the people of Scotland.”

Her colleague on the panel, Jan Short from North Queensferry Community Council, added:

“The building of this bridge is an historic event in the life of a village which is already steeped in history. The new bridge is very significant to the village of North Queensferry in many ways and it is important that we are represented on the Bridge naming Advisory Panel.”

Alan Simpson, chief executive of the Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland and also a panel member, said:

“The ICE welcomes the opportunity to be involved in the selection of a name for such an important new bridge that sits alongside two internationally famous bridges. All of them will demonstrate to the world the skills and expertise of Scottish engineers.

“I hope that the excitement generated during the construction of the new Forth Crossing will inspire the next generation to become engineers in the same way as the construction of the Forth Road Bridge inspired me.”

Edinburgh West MP, Mike Crockart, and Thomas Docherty MP for Dunfermline and West Fife have also welcomed the news that the public will get to name the new bridge.

The MPs who represent the residents most affected by construction on both sides of the Forth have written to Scotland’s Transport Minister, Keith Brown, to make the case for local representation on the panel.

Commenting on the news, Mike Crockart whose Edinburgh West constituency includes South Queensferry said:

“I am very pleased that the public will get to name the latest bridge to span the Forth.

“This is a historic project for Scotland, but for locals and their families it is an opportunity to celebrate South Queensferry’s link with the Forth and the previous generations who gave so much to build the iconic rail bridge.

 “The construction impact on residents of local communities should not be underestimated or forgotten. Many of them have already fought hard to see improvements to the scheme’s design, and it would be an insult if they did not now get to put their ideas for a name forward.

“It is crucial that these local views are represented on the panel and given full and proper consideration.”

Thomas Docherty MP for Dunfermline and West Fife added:

“This is Scotland’s largest infrastructure project in a generation so I understand the need for national buy-in on the name. But it is those families and businesses living very close to the construction who are facing short term disruption.

“Knowing how much this project is affecting locals on both sides of the Forth, I am determined to ensure that their views on the name of the crossing are heard loud and clear by the Minister.

“Mike and I have previously made the case for naming the crossing “The Queensferry Bridge” in recognition of the communities on both the north and south sides, but I am sure that local residents will have their own ideas about what will make a fitting tribute.”

The public can register their suggestions online at ‘www.namethebridge.co.uk‘ or by calling 0845 259 1113, or by writing to: Forth Replacement Crossing Contact & Education Centre, Forth Road Bridge, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9SF.

Website users can also see if their preferred name has already been contributed, as well as viewing a selection of recent name suggestions.

Eco-minded community groups in Edinburgh are being urged to get their skates on if they want to access grants of up to £2,500.