Contractors are starting to demolish three blocks of flats in the North Sighthill area of Edinburgh from today.

The demolition of the flats, at Sighthill Wynd and Sighthill Green, is the latest phase of a major regeneration plan in this part of the city which will lead to 320 new homes for sale and rent, half of which will be affordable. The council said that Edinburgh has an acute shortage of affordable homes and the city needs 16,000 more over the next ten years.

The work is due to take four months to complete and contractors will start soft stripping (taking away windows, doors, internal fittings) over the coming weeks before demolition of the blocks begins.

It follows on from the demolition of the three multi-storey blocks which took place in September 2011.

Councillor Cammy Day, the city’s Housing Leader, said: -“This is another major step forward in the regeneration of North Sighthill which will bring much-needed affordable homes to the area.

“Affordable housing is a huge priority for this Council which is why our ‘contract with the capital’ includes several pledges on housing. These include making sure the city’s people are well-housed and encouraging developers to build residential communities.

“There is a constant strain on housing in Edinburgh and we will ensure we continue to look at new and innovative ways of securing investment for more affordable homes.”

Or at least someone in her entourage does! Candy Cupcakes got an order to send some round to the pop star before her performance at Murrayfield on Saturday night and here is what they despatched to the songstress.

Elaine at Candy Cupcakes had this to say:-

“At Candy Cupcake we were very excited when we received a phone call from Madonna’s personal chef asking us to provide the fabulous Madonna with cupcakes for her to give to a friend for her Birthday at her concert at Murrayfield. We made her a selection box of Chocolate Cupcakes with fresh Scottish berries on top, Vanilla Cupcakes with pink flowers and Red Velvet decorated with pink flowers.They were tied up with a bunch of assorted balloons.Fabulous :)”

Well we know that the Material Girl did not exactly go down a storm last night at Murrayfield but from the photo we think the cupcakes looked delicious. Were you at the concert? What did you think?

Pat Fenlon’s Hibs went down 1-0 to Belgian club Oud-Herverlee Leuven last night in their second match of their pre-season tour.

There was a new face in the squad with the arrival of Scotland under 21 Leigh Griffiths who is on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers until at least January. Griffiths scored 11 goals for his boyhood idols last season to become a favourite amongst the Hibs faithful, and the news that he has  returned has been welcomed on the various fan’s forums.

Griffiths’ last game in the green and white was the cup final and afterwards he left saying that his immediate future would be in the Midlands, however Wolves new Norwegian manager Stalle Solbakken has told him that he won’t feature in the first team, leaving the field open for Pat Fenlon to swoop.

Griffiths started on the bench as Hibs lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with youngster Ross Caldwell on his own up front. There was no sign of captain James McPake, and Paul Hanlon partnered David Stephens in the centre of the defence. Republic of Ireland full back Alan Maybury who is still on trial, started in central midfield, with youngster Calum Booth regaining his left back spot.

OH Leuven started brightly and former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Williams pulled off a good save after 15 minutes to keep the scores level.

Both David Wotherspoon and Alan Maybury had shots saved as the first half ended without any goals.

Ivan Sproule, who had been booked, had a powerful shot saved by Logan Bailly in the OH Leuven goal after some good build up work by Caldwell.

After 60 minutes, Griffiths replaced Sproule to a warm reception from the travelling Hibs supporters who were enjoying themselves in the town where Stella Artois is brewed.

The Scotland under 21 international had an immediate impact with some fine play, setting up Wotherspoon whose full bloodied volley was well saved by Bailly.

Jorge Claros replaced Maybury with twenty minutes remaining as both sides looked for a winner. Two minutes later, the Jupiler League side took the lead through a decisive strike from their Gambian striker Ibou.

Paul Cairney replaced Caldwell and Danny Handling came on for Lewis Stevenson as Hibs chased an equaliser, and despite some decent chances late on, the game ended with no further scoring.

After the game Pat Fenlon said: “I don’t think there is any problem with Leigh’s temperament — it’s the stupidity we need to work on.

“But he is a young boy and you don’t want choirboys, you want a bit of devilment. We just have to channel it in the right way.”

The players will have no time to rest as they play a Zeeland select today with a 14.30 kick off, and a match report will appear in The Edinburgh Reporter after the final whistle.

A little girl who is recovering from cancer is taking part in Emily’s Big Walk to raise vital funds for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF).

Victoria Stewart, aged five, will be taking part in the walk alongside her mum, Vera, to raise awareness of childhood cancer and help collect money to donate to future research and improving medical equipment.

When she was two and a half, Victoria, from Haddington was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) – which is a form of leukaemia, or cancer of the white blood cells characterised by excess lymphoblasts. After 27 months of intensive chemotherapy treatment, blood transfusions and numerous courses of steroids, the five-year old is now in remission.

Charity worker Vera, 33, said:- “Watching Victoria go through cancer and come out the other side is an experience that has made me want to campaign to raise funds for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation. We are looking forward to taking part in the walk together and joining the group on the day.”

The walk is named after Emily Bailes, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of five lost her battle with the disease in March 2008, aged nine.

The Emily’s Big Walk initiative is taking place throughout the UK with legs in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Vera continued:- “We can’t encourage people enough to take part in such a worthwhile fundraising event in the memory of a brave little girl who unfortunately lost her battle with cancer at such a young age.”

Emily’s family set up the Emily Bailes Fund to raise money for The Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) on July 4, 2008 – which would have been Emily’s 10th birthday.

Funds collected from the Edinburgh walk will be split between SKFF and CCLG and will go towards supporting children with cancer at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

Vera added: “When Victoria was receiving treatment at the hospital, we were often faced with a sizable wait between appointments. We found the Sick Kids Friends Foundation Drop In Centre to be an invaluable resource. The adults could go in, have a sit down with a cup of tea and a chat and the kids were entertained with arts and crafts.”

The Drop-In Centre, which is the only one of its kind in the UK, opened six years ago and provides a facility for sick children and their families to go outwith the hospital. With four members of staff and 11 volunteers, the centre is able to provide visitors with support and advice as well as offering a wide range of activities for the children including arts and crafts, a Wii, computers, board games and films.

The Centre is funded entirely by SKFF, which donates £150,000 a year to run it.

Maureen Harrison, Chief Executive of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “I am delighted to announce Emily’s Big Walk will be taking place at the Meadows to raise money and awareness for children’s cancer.

“I would encourage people to attend this event to help us remember Emily, a truly inspiring little girl with a big heart – and help us improve services in our children’s hospital for other children like Victoria who have been  going through this terrible illness. Our plan is to use the funds raised by the walk to improve the treatment room where children receive chemotherapy and other treatments. We want to make it a better environment for them and also to provide some distraction equipment – hopefully a 3D television. All this will help to make treatment more bearable for these children who have to endure many many appointments during their illness. Join us and help make Sick Kids better.’

Emily’s Big Walk will take place at the Meadows in Edinburgh on Tuesday 4 September 2012 at 6pm. Anyone wishing to take part should visit www.emilysbigwalk.org.uk or contact Vicki Watson at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation on 0131 668 4949.

Twelve days ago, The Edinburgh Reporter reported that five friends were raising money for  the Marie Curie Hospice by cycling unsupported from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Despite the atrocious weather conditions, the group, painter and decorator Gordon Smith from Wester Drylaw, Roy Munro from Leith, Linlithgow couple Scott and Louisa Cockburn and Liisa Chadburn from Lincolnshire arrived on Wednesday evening, eleven days after leaving Land’s End.

So far, they have raised in the region of   £10,000 which will be spent locally, mostly on nursing hours for patients in the hospice, and also those who need treatment at home.

A tired Gordon told The Edinburgh Reporter. “We arrived about 6.15pm on Wednesday night after a hard day facing a strong wind and heavy rain, but we kept plugging away and we all arrived with smiles on our faces.

“I don’t think there was one day when we didn’t get wet. Dartmouth was the worst with torrential rain, and on the night we reached the Borders, one of the girls had a blow out and we couldn’t fix it. We managed to get to Innerleithen for a replacement and on the way back, a bat got inside Roy’s helmet!

“It was a great trip and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The thing that pleased everyone was the fact that we did it unsupported and when you consider we had to pull trailers weighing 20kg that adds another twist so we are all pretty chuffed.”

Arlene Main, community fundraiser from Marie Curie Cancer Centre paid tribute to the group’s efforts. She said:- “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gordon, Roy, Lisa, Louisa and Scott for taking on the Land’s End to John O’Groats Cycle and raising over £10,000 for the charity.  Marie Curie Cancer Care provides free local nursing care to terminally ill patients and while around 45% of our funding come from the NHS the remainder comes from supporter donations, so you can see why challenges like this are so very valuable to us and greatly appreciated.  Why not take on your own challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care and sign up to our next event: Trek Peru in May 2014.  For information on our next hospice trek or any other challenges please visit the website: www.mariecurie.org.uk/trekforedinburgh”

Anyone wishing to donate money to this worthwhile cause can do so at http://www.justgiving.com/thecycle

Gordon was intending to have a couple of well earned pints and an early night, but already he is thinking about his next trip which you will be able to follow in The Edinburgh Reporter.

Hibs Chairman Rod Petrie has made a passionate plea to supporters to back the team by buying season tickets.

In a statement issued on the club’s website, Petrie has set a target of an additional 3000 season ticket sales before the campaign kicks off on 5 August. So far the club have sold in the region of 7000 tickets which is approximately the same as last year, but with the  financial implications surrounding a newco Rangers being admitted into the third division, he is determined to raise sufficient funds for Pat Fenlon to improve the squad.

The gates at Easter Road have been falling for some time, but last year’s number dropped by 2000 following the disappointing results and performances under previous manager Colin Calderwood. Hopes that the lapsed fans would return this year have failed to materialise with many still angry about the allocation of cup final tickets which saw existing season ticket holders limited to one unless they renewed.

The statement reads: “The new dawn of Scottish football is upon us. Decisions have been made. A 12-team SPL will kick off this season with Dundee FC filling the vacancy created by Rangers FC moving into Division 3 of the SFL. This is what  supporters wanted. This is what the overwhelming majority of 42 clubs voted to make a reality. Clubs have been enriched by making decisions backed by their supporters.

“The decisions were based on a desire to protect our league, but they come at a substantial financial cost. The full extent of the shortfall will only be revealed in the coming weeks and months – but every club, including Hibernian, is likely to see a significant reduction in revenues. Scottish football and its funding partners are working together to assess whether and to what extent they can support the new landscape of league football.

“Decisions have been made about Rangers FC. Now it’s time to make decisions about Hibernian FC.

“The dynamics of football have changed. Clubs must rely more on what can be generated by supporters. In the new era, the level of success enjoyed by each club will be defined by the contribution that its supporters can make to help. Some clubs will struggle to cope with the transition. A change in the funding structure of football two weeks before the start of the season is not what anyone had planned.

“Hibernian is no different from every other club in the SPL. We are not insulated from the issues that affect every other club. We have the potential to be better off than some because of the historic levels of support for the club. In some ways we are worse off. We are starting from a lower base. Two years of poor sporting results have hit attendances. The Cup Final result hit hard and deep. We need to put these disappointments behind us. We have a major job on our hands to build a competitive squad for next season.

“Two years of losses have eaten into our reserves. We need to live within our means and balance the books. If our income is down then we need to cut our costs or find replacement income. The squad that Pat Fenlon assembles for next Season will now be defined by the financial contribution that Hibernian supporters are able and willing to make to replace lost central revenues.

“The difficult financial economy means that not everyone can do this year and next year what they did last year and the year before. There are many reasons not to buy a Season Ticket. For those who are able, there is one compelling reason to buy one – your Club needs you.

“Let’s work together. Let’s march forward into the new era of Scottish football as one of the dominant forces in the game. To do that we need to sell at least another 3,000 season tickets. That is our target. It sounds a lot – but we know that there are over 2,000 supporters who have not renewed season tickets from last season and that there were lapsed season ticket holders in the season before that.Together we can do it.

“Our priority is the next few weeks. The start of the Season is two weeks away. The transfer window closes in six weeks. The prospects for sporting success within our league have improved, but we need a squad that is competitive within the league. We need to help the Manager all that we can. Around the country, supporters are rallying to help their clubs. Now is the time to show how much Hibernian means to us. We cannot sit back and wait.

“To those who have contributed already, thank you for supporting your team To those who have the ability to help but are unsure, speak to other supporters, contact the Club. Can you find it within yourself to rally to the cause and contribute to the success of Hibernian FC?

“If we can get through the short term difficulties of the weeks ahead then we can get involved in the debate about the structure of our league going forward. Supporters have long expressed a wish to see a bigger league. Some of the barriers to that have gone. We will continue to consult with supporters as we move forward. A seismic shift has occurred in our game. Change brings opportunity. Let’s work together to make sure we seize that opportunity for our Club.”

Meanwhile, Hibs under 20 team have reached the final of the Foyle Cup in Derry. Two goals by striker David Paul and another from Jay Doyle was enough to ensure victory over Finn Harps, and the youngsters will now meet Ballymena in the final tomorrow.

Lynne McNicoll runs her own charity called It’s Good 2 Give. If you have not heard of Lynne before then you must have been living under a tree, because she is everywhere in Edinburgh, raising money for the charity which aims to make cancer treatment more bearable for children and young people who have the disease. Her energy is almost without limit, and it appears to us that she works tirelessly for the cause, although we know she does not really consider it work.

We asked Lynne to give The Edinburgh Reporter an update as to what she has planned over the coming months so that you can perhaps get involved….and we got her to stop long enough to write it all down for us…

It’s Good 2 Give is a local charity supporting children and young people with cancer and their families.

Our next event is on Saturday, 11 August from  6.30-9pm

It’s a family event at Craigie’s Farm Shop and Café, Dalmeny

BBQ and games.

Games outside if it’s nice and inside if it’s wet!

£10 for adults and £5 for children (under 16) – includes food and games.

And on 9  September

Join our team of cyclists called ‘Pedal for Paul’ in the Pedal For Scotland bike ride between Glasgow and Edinburgh  – register for £30 pp and raise whatever you can.  Our team has 51 cyclists – help us get to 75!

23 September 2-4pm

We’ve organised a great event on Sunday 23 September.  Author Sara Sheridan talks about her work and her latest book, Brighton Belle.  Sara is also a Patron of It’s Good 2 Give.  Tickets are £25pp which includes full afternoon tea and a glass of sparkling wine

All these and more – full event information on our website www.itsgood2give.co.uk  or email lynne@itsgood2give.co.uk

Or call her on 07901 555 352

Tickets and reservations for all events (except Craigie’s event which is online ticket sales via Brown paper tickets)  via Lynne – you can also pay by credit card in person or by phone.

It’s Good 2 Give is a registered charity number SC041416

A glimpse of medieval life at Caerlaverock Castle over four days next week promises visitors a thrilling insight into sword fighting, archery and crossbow skills.

“Medieval Mayhem” is the perfect entertainment for Caerlaverock, an imposing stronghold near Dumfries with a turbulent history. Presented annually by Historic Scotland, the event offers attractions for all the family, young and old.

With its moat, twin-towered gatehouse and battlements, Caerlaverock will set the scene for costumed performers regaling visitors with tales of legendary outlaws, thrilling battles and heroic quests.

Events Manager at Historic Scotland, Gillian Urquhart said: “Medieval Mayhem is the ideal event to help keep the children entertained during the summer holidays. Why not come along to Caerlaverock, and enjoy junior jousting, archery, sword play and crossbow shooting.”

The Castle also offers a siege warfare exhibition, children’s adventure park and trail, plus a nature walk leading to an earlier castle in the woods.

“Medieval Mayhem” runs from Thursday, 26-29 July 2012, between noon and 4pm each day.

The cost of the event is £7 for adults, £6 for concessions and £4.50 for children. Admission is free for Historic Scotland members. Family tickets are available at £20 for two adults and two children.

The centuries-old pastimes that once entertained royal families in Holyrood Park will be on display for all to see this Sunday in capital’s former hunting ground.

Historic Scotland’s Ranger Service is inviting visitors to step back in time at the July 22nd event, and enjoy a free fun-filled day showcasing ancient sports and royal pursuits. Interpretation Ranger Matt McCabe said:- “We wanted to give visitors an opportunity to learn about fascinating traditional outdoor activities which are less common today.

“They’ll have an opportunity to try their hand at archery, a favoured sport of kings and commoners through the ages. Falconry was another great pastime, and we’ll have a variety of magnificent birds of prey here for people to see up close.”

If ground conditions permit, the event will also be hosting artificial lure coursing with whippets. This sport was formalised by Queen Elizabeth I, and has since become known at “The Sport of Queens”.

Matt added:- “Our Royal Pursuits event runs from 11am until 3pm, and is a perfect opportunity for visitors to learn more about the long heritage of these activities and their links to the rich past of Holyrood Park, together with its importance as a royal hunting ground.

“This is the fourth year we’ve been running this event which is always a popular and entertaining day out. If people haven’t come to Holyrood Park before, why not come along on Sunday – it’s a great way of being introduced to the Park and try something different.”

For more information people should contact the Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150, or by email, at hs.rangers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Miller Homes has released a new apartment campus at their Varcity North development in Edinburgh.  Belford Campus is the second of five apartment blocks being built on the site of the former Telford College, with its name reflecting that heritage.

Belford Campus is a four storey, L-shaped building, which will offer a range of one and two bedroomed apartments with allocated parking.  Prices start from £123,000 for one bedroom and £167,000 for the two bedroomed apartments.  Reservations are being taken now.

The flexible accommodation offers an exciting prospect for investors buying to let, downsizers, newly singles and couples looking to move closer into the city centre.  With open plan living/dining combined with contemporary kitchen areas, the layout lends itself to living and entertaining in stylish, high quality apartments. Lift access to all upper floors, allocated parking and secure entry systems ensures that Varcity North is at the forefront of apartment living.

Situated between the city centre and the waterfront and with excellent transport links to all areas of Edinburgh and beyond, Varcity North combines stylish city living with spacious, practical and affordable homes, .

Anne Marie Britton, Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, said:

“We’re delighted to bring the Belford Campus to market to complement the existing properties at Varcity North.  Space, quality and price are the differentiators and this development is becoming the place to live for househunters seeking all three.

“Starting at just £123,000, our competitive prices make owning a contemporary city apartment a reality, enjoying easy access to all that Edinburgh has to offer.  From parks to art galleries, the beach to stunning views across the Firth of Forth and restaurants, bars and bistros second to none, you won’t be short of ideas on what to do from your new capital apartment.”

For more information, go to www.millerhomes.co.uk or call 0800 840 8416. The sales centre is open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 6pm. Househunters can also logon via the Miller Homes’ website to book an appointment with an adviser at the development.

Alex Wilson is a local historian who has worked hard over the last two years to restore the Leith flag to the city,  and he was excited to attend the formal event this morning when the letters patent were officially handed over to the Leith Neighbourhood Partnership.

After years of gathering the evidence required by the Lord Lyon, the Letters Patent which are required to issue the flag have been formally released to the Neighbourhood Partnership.

The historian had very much hoped that the flag would be released in time for the Leith Pageant in June, but unfortunately that was just not possible. It seems that things move slowly in the world of heraldry and every box must of course be ticked to ensure the provenance of any claim.

Part of the work to obtain the rights to the coat of arms was directed by former Deputy Lord Provost Rob Munn who was also present at the ceremony today. Following the bestowal by Mrs Elizabeth Rhodes from the Court of the Lord Lyon, the Sea Cadets helped fold the flag properly and it was then taken to roof of Leith Library where it is now flying. Mackenzie & Millar transported Mrs Rhodes with the Letters Patent to the Leith Library this morning in a very fancy chauffeur driven car as their contribution to this big Leith Community event.

The history of the flag is a very old one.

Alex explained:-“For more than 770 years, this flag flew proudly over the town of Leith. It was such an iconic image that it was selected to become the Coat of Arms of Leith in 1833 when Leith achieved Burgh status.It was at this time that the legend ‘Persevere’ first appeared to be added to the cartouche along with the Latin inscription Sigillum Oppidi de Leith, the Emblem of the Port of Leith.

“As the rights to the flag/Coat of Arms could only be awarded by the office of the Lord Lyon to a Leith-wide organisation it was the decision by the Deputy Lord Provost, Rob Munn, who was very helpful in moving the flag forward while in office,  that it should be the Neighborhood Partnership that should receive this, once granted.”

Alex is hopeful that the principal idea to have the flag flying from as many buildings in Leith as possible will now be fulfilled

We spoke to him and some of the others attending the ceremony today to find out more about how the process unfolded and what it means in the future:-

And we took some photos of the event too:-

Fire in Hanover Street – Leith Library is 80! – School files stolen – Guilty pleas for Meadows robbers – Just not cricket

Around 60 firefighters attended a large fire at premises on Hanover Street in the centre of Edinburgh yesterday afternoon. The traffic was diverted and the road closed for some time. Even at midnight last night there was still an appliance on standby in Rose Street part of which was also closed off.

LBFRS reported:-“The call came in just after 3pm, and it is unknown at this time the exact location of where the fire started in the four storey building, or what started it.

Eleven fire appliances and 60 firefighters, plus support vehicles, were on scene at the height of the fire. Crews worked hard to control the blaze, and prevent fire spread into nearby buildings. At 6pm there were six fire engines in attendance.

The fire spread into an extension to the rear of the building and there was suspected firespread through hidden voids to offices and residential properties two storeys above.

No persons are reported to be involved or injured in the incident. The adjacent buildings were evacuated.

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire.”

***

On 20 July 1932, the Leith Library and New Town Hall was officially opened, fulfilling a promise made by the City Council when the burgh of Leith was amalgamated into the Capital.

In July 2012, the City of Edinburgh Council is celebrating 80 years of Leith Library by showcasing the wide range of services which are now provided in the one location and celebrating the strength of community and shared history.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Leisure Convener, said: “Leith Library has evolved a lot over its 80-year lifetime and this is a great opportunity to celebrate the wide range of different services on offer there. With a busy programme of events offering something to interest and engage residents of all ages, we’re looking forward to making this an anniversary to remember.

“Broadening the range of services provided by our libraries is a key Capital Coalition commitment and Leith Library is a good example of this ‘one stop shop’ approach. If you haven’t already explored what’s on offer at Leith Library, pop along to one of the anniversary events and find out!”

There have been many changes to the Leith Library site over the years. As well as including the Thomas Morton Hall and a refurbished library, it now incorporates a Registrar’s Office, a City Centre/Leith Neighbourhood Office for Council enquiries and a Civil Ceremony/Wedding Suite.

Looking to the future, the Leith Theatre Trust is finalising plans for a five-year licence to develop the theatre building (previously the New Town Hall) as a cultural hub and breathe new life into the facility.

1pm Leith Time Bank – come together and share your skills in this new initiative.

From 1pm Big Birthday celebrations!
Transporting the library back to the 1930s, with music and reminiscence from readers who remember the grand opening. Craft event for children making our birthday cards. Photographs for Leith Library through the ages particularly 1930s to 1950s. Display of library artefacts and documents.

As it happens we are going to Leith Library this morning when the Coat of Arms will be bestowed on the Leith Neighbourhood Partnership. More later.

***

Confidential files have been stolen from a teacher’s house apparently relating to pupils at Broughton High School, Forthview Primary School and Granton Primary Schools, The Edinburgh Evening News reports.

***

A man and woman who used an imitation gun to rob members of the public in Edinburgh pled guilty yesterday.

At Edinburgh High Court , Steven McGregor (25), and Megan Preston (24), pled guilty to numerous robberies that took place in the Meadows area of the Capital in the early hours of Thursday, 29 March 2012.

The pair used an imitation gun to threaten groups of people walking through the Meadows, before robbing them. A number of people were assaulted in the various incidents that took place.

Both individuals were eventually foiled by a member of the public who grabbed the imitation weapon, and the pair fled. They were detained by police a short time later, in nearby Buccleuch Street.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham, from Lothian and Borders Police, said:

“This was a terrifying ordeal for many of the individuals affected, who were innocently going about their business only to be confronted by the pair, and in some cases assaulted as well as robbed.

“It was thanks to the brave actions of a member of the public that the pair were disarmed, and officers were able to make a swift arrest.

“Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare in Edinburgh, and in recent months Operation Arable, an initiative aimed at tackling acquisitive crime and muggings in the Capital, has achieved success in identifying and arresting offenders involved in such criminality.

“We will continue to focus on preventing such crimes through a range of activity, including pro-active patrolling and the targeting of known offenders.”

***

The one day international between Scotland and England due to be played in August has already been cancelled due to the weather and the condition of the pitch. So is there now a case for Cricket Scotland to have a new facility at the site of the old Moray House campus at Cramond? Interesting thoughts in the article in The Scotsman.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE TO VISIT THE BONHAM

The Bonham, at the city’s west end, is to host a visit by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) later this month.  SNBTS will spend the day at the luxury boutique hotel on Monday 23 July 2012 offering local residents and staff in local businesses a perfect opportunity to give blood, that is conveniently located right on their doorstep.

Johanne Falconer, General Manager of The Bonham, said:- ‘We recently introduced a new bar at the hotel.  When considering the name for it the team here looked back at building’s heritage.  It turns out that our address – 35 Drumsheugh Gardens – was once a private clinic established by surgeons, Captain Henry Wade of the Scottish Horse Mounted Brigade and Professor David Wilkie of Edinburgh University.

As result we named our bar The Consulting Room which has become popular with guests and with our neighbours.  Hosting this visit by SNBTS means that we’re able to acknowledge our past, while supporting this worthy cause, and making it easy for those nearby to donate blood at a key time in the year for the Service.”

After making their donation, donors will enjoy an iconic ‘Bonham Brownie’ with their tea in The Consulting Room.

Vincent Mooney, Donor Services Manager, SNBTS said, “We are delighted to come along to The Bonham and provide this local opportunity for blood donors to come and give blood.  During the summer, donations can fall by as much as 20% due to Euro 2012, Wimbledon, the Olympics and blood donors taking a well-earned summer holiday.  This year our message to everyone, whether travelling abroad on holiday or enjoying the celebrations here at home, is Give Before You Go. There are eight different blood groups, and we want people to think – am I the ‘type’ to save a life?“

To register as a blood donor or to find out where your nearest donation session is, call 0845 90 90 999, text ‘blood’ to 61611, or visit www.scotblood.co.uk   www.facebook.com/givebloodforscotland          Twitter:  @givebloodscot

For further details or to book an appointment at The Bonham, call Alice Beeby on 0131-274 7404

We are willing to bet you that you will come out of the cinema after watching this film and head straight for the nearest music store, or download the music immediately from iTunes. The film, Searching for Sugar Man, is a documentary, but having already won the Special Jury Prize and the World Cinema Audience Award for Documentary at this year’s Sundance Festival, and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize, as well as winning second place at the Tribeca Festival, you know that it has to be special. And it is.

The story is true of course, but it is one which is barely believable, even when the film draws to a close. (And you will not want it to end anyway). Sixto Rodriguez, a singer songwriter of Mexican descent, lived in Detroit and sang in less than fabulous bars there, including one called The Sewer. Two record producers, Dennis Coffey and Mike Theodore, signed him to make his first album called Cold Fact in 1970 and a second album Coming from Reality followed which was produced by famed music producer, Steve Rowland. But neither of these amazing offerings became a hit in the US, despite the fact that all three of the record producers worked with many huge stars, both before and after working with Rodriguez. It fell to the South African market to buy his records, and he became a musical legend there. His songs, in the words of one person interviewed in the film, were ‘the soundtrack of our youth.’ This was the South Africa of apartheid, of oppression. His songs appeared to speak directly to the people at the heart of that struggle, and they simply loved him.

The music is sort of Bob Dylan but better. It is quite mellow, but with enough lyrical twists and turns to engage you. And in our view his music is better than Dylan in many respects, principally that you can understand what he is singing.

In the opening sequence of the film you might think that you are on the Pacific Highway in California, but this is not possible as the car is driving on the left hand side. It is only when you are told that it is Cape Town that you realise the film is starting on a different continent with staggeringly beautiful scenery. This proves to be a world away from the streets of Detroit.

There are some unanswered questions, including the destination of money earned from the sale of the records, but we think it is just as well that those areas were left unexplored, at least for the time being. The intrigue and mystery might easily have been compromised, and a great film spoiled. But the  team behind it knew what they were doing.

It is the work of Director, Malik Bendjelloul. Based in Stockholm, Malik Bendjelloul has been directing documentaries for twelve years, primarily based on musicians. In 2001, Bendjelloul directed the first ever documentary about German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk. He has also made a documentary series about the history of heavy metal as well as some single documentaries, collaborating with such iconic artists as Björk, Sting, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Mariah Carey, U2 and Kylie Minogue. Last autumn Bendjelloul directed a filmed concert with Prince.

Bendjelloul has also worked as director and creative producer for Swedish Television’s international cultural weekly show Kobra, where he made short documentaries covering a wide range of stories. Among the subjects were the First Earth Battalion – the American army division who tried to teach their soldiers to walk through walls; and a profile on Alfred Merhan, a man who has been living in Charles de Gaulle airport for 18 years and who became the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s THE TERMINAL. Other subjects have included the controversial story of British pop band The KLF burning a million pounds, and a film exploring the rumours surrounding Paul McCartney’s death.

He had worked on Sugar Man for a long time before meeting up with the Producers Simon Chinn and John Battsek who helped complete the film. Bendejelloul said:- “In 2006, after five years making TV documentaries in Sweden, I spent six months travelling around Africa and South America looking for good stories. In Cape Town I met Stephen “Sugar” Segerman, who told me about Rodriguez. I was completely speechless – I hadn’t heard a better story in my life. This was five years ago and I have been working on this film more or less every day since then.”

The producer Simon Chinn has already won Oscars and other plaudits and you will possibly know him for his most recent films Project Nim and Man on Wire (the latter did win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance). It became Rotten Tomatoes best-reviewed film of all time.

In 2005, Chinn established his production company, Red Box Films, to produce MAN ON WIRE (taking inspiration from Philippe Petit, who kept his ideas for future projects, including his high wire walk between the Twin Towers, in a red box under his bed) and it currently has a slate of projects – including feature documentaries, feature films and television dramas – at various stages of production and development.

We loved it, and we are struggling to tell you about it in too much detail since we really do not want to spoil it for you. It is the story of Rodriguez, an American singer, his music and his life. Maybe that is all you ought to know before you storm the doors of your nearest cinema from 27 July 2012 when it is available on general release. Then sit back and prepare to be amazed by the story of a singer songwriter who was bigger than Elvis in South Africa.

Searching for Sugar Man opens in the UK on 27 July 2012 including The Cameo where we had the privilege of seeing it.

Photo © StudioCanal

Hibs started their pre-season tour with a 1-1 draw against Jupiler League side Lierse SK at Herentals last night.

Pat Fenlon made one change to the line-up which started against East Fife, with teenage striker Ross Caldwell replacing Eoin Doyle up front. The manager’s faith in the youngster was rewarded when he marked his full debut with a stunning goal after 35 minutes to give his team a deserved lead.

Captain James McPake’s pass was deflected into his path and the 18 year old Caldwell took one touch before lifting the ball over the Lierse goalkeeper to the delight of the small band of travelling supporters.

Caldwell continued to impress, hoping to convince the manager that he is worth his place for the forthcoming season. He has been a prolific scorer at Under-19 level, leading to comparisons to a young Garry O’Connor, and last night he led the line well demonstrating his strength and ability to play with his back to goal.

In the second half, Hibs continued to dominate and could have doubled their lead when substitute Eoin Doyle burst through, but his shot was saved by Matz Sels. Immediately afterwards Lierse snatched an equaliser against the run of play when, Kostadin Halurov struck his shot past Ben Williams from the edge of the box to score.

Lierse started to take command, and Ben Williams was forced to make a couple of good saves before Hibs fought back and ended the game on top.

Pat Fenlon surprised the fans with the inclusion of trialist Alan Maybury, on the substitute’s bench, The former Republic of Ireland full back had not travelled with the squad, however with Isaiah Osbourne in talks with Blackpool, he answered Fenlon’s call and arrived at the training ground on Tuesday evening.

Fenlon confirmed that Osbourne is looking to continue his career down south so it would appear unlikely that he will be appearing for the club again. Media reports suggest that a transfer fee of £250,000 has been agreed between the teams which could free up funds to allow Maybury to sign and also leave sufficient for another striker.

Meanwhile former Manchester United winger Danny Galbraith has been ruled out of the first game of the season against Dundee United due to injury.

Hibs: Williams, Clancy, McPake (Maybury 58), Stephens (Kujabi 46), Hanlon, Sproule (Booth 64), Claros (Doyle 46), Stevenson, Cairney (Stanton), Wotherspoon, Caldwell (Handling 82). Substitutes not used: Antell, O’Hanlon.

Jupiter Artland may be offering a ray of sunshine to families this weekend.

Jupiter Artland has had a consistent flux of rain during our opening season but when a hint of blue sky came out last Friday, Beechgrove Garden was there to film. Jupiter can be beautiful in all weathers but as the Beechgrove Gardens director Stuart Miller said:- “ We were told Life Mounds by Jencks is called ‘the jawdropper’, but so many other pieces were too. And lunch at the café was brilliant.”

So to celebrate us being on Beechgrove Garden broadcast of BBC 2 at 7.30pm 26 July 2012, and the weather perking up, as Sir Ranulph Fiennes once said “there is no such thing as bad weather – only inappropriate clothing,” we are offering free entry for 2 children with each adult who visits Jupiter this Saturday and Sunday.

Nicky Wilson of Jupiter Artland said:- ‘ It was an honour to have such a TV institution such as the Beechgrove Garden visit Jupiter Artland. It has been a tough summer for outdoor attractions such as ourselves, so this gave us all a real boost.  We hope by adding a bit of an extra incentive to visit Jupiter this weekend, it will give that little bit of extra incentive to come along rain or shine. Come and see how beautiful Jupiter Artland looks – the sparkling obsidian and amethyst in “The Lights shines Out of Me”, raindrops glistening in the web “Over Here” and the sweet smell of the woods after a rain shower.  If we are stuck with this miserable weather we might as well try to find a silver lining.’

To book online visit  www.jupiterartland.org

A junior football team in Tranent will kick off the summer season in style after striking a sponsorship deal with Jewel & Esk College.

The Tranent Colts Football Club received a £600 boost from the college to buy brand new hooded jackets, football tops, football banners and additional kit for the club’s under 9s team.

Andy Gillies, Team Coach and former student at Jewel & Esk College, said: “Tranent Colts would like to thank Jewel & Esk for their generosity and support in sponsoring the team. The financial input from the college has enabled the team to supply the kids with full training kit and kit bags. It has doubled morale within the squad and the kids are wearing it with pride.”

Now fully kitted out, the under 9s team are planning a number of upcoming footie events. The young lads, who play in the East Lothian Soccer Sevens League, have plans to step up their sports efforts and training to face football teams from all over Europe in May next year.

Mandy Exley, Jewel & Esk College Principal and Chief Executive, said:- “We are proud to be supporting the Tranent Colts under 9s team and think the players look fantastic in their new kit. We wish them every success for the summer season ahead and their upcoming football trips!”

Hadrian’s Brasserie – Wine & Beer Dinner

Experience a four course dinner paired with a fine selection of artisan beers and wines at The Balmoral’s chic and buzzy brasserie – Hadrian’s. Wine Importers will take you through a relaxed tasting session while you enjoy the perfectly paired meal their Head Chef, Simon Lannon, has created for the occasion.

Menu

(Each course paired with Beer & Wine)

Chilled Tomato Soup, Serrano Ham, Charentais Melon

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Grilled Ghia Halibut, Peas a la Francaise

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Roast Breast of Poussin, Braised Leg, Piperade

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Peach Melba

Where: Hadrian’s Brasserie at The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ

When: Wednesday 25th July 2012

Time: 7.30pm

Price: £39

How to Book: Call Hadrian’s Brasserie on 0131 557 5000 or email hadrians.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com

One of the hottest tickets in town tonight is to get into the Meet the Designers event at Covet Designer Accessories in Thistle Street. The event runs from 7-9pm but there is already a waiting list. This is your chance to meet some of Scotland’s best designers face to face and witness their new couture collections first hand whilst enjoying a glass of fizz or two in an intimate and luxurious shopping environment at Covet on Thistle Street.

There will also be the chance to win a designer handbag tonight as well as a goody bag to take away.

Tickets are available in store at Covet, 20 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EN. Phone: 0131 220 0026.  Or by joining the event on the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/events/351978824869345/

Designers taking part:

Bebaroque – Chloe Patience and Mhairi McNicol, twice Scottish Fashion Awards winners, will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2012 Tsarina Collection inspired by the Russian Empire and exuding opulence with bursts of colour and decadent vibrancy.

Euan McWhirter –   2011 Scottish Fashion Awards Nominee will be launching his long awaited Autumn/Winter Empire Collection, inspired by Mother India – bright colourful, bold statement jewellery with sparkling crystal, semi precious stones and yellow gold accents, that will brighten up any winter wardrobe.

William Chambers – 2010 & 2012 Scottish Fashion Awards winner, will bring his millinery to an Edinburgh audience for the first time and will be showing his Autumn/Winter 2012 and Spring/Summer 2013 collections.

For more information, please contact Anna Somerville or Blaise Donald on 0131 220 0026. COVET Designer Accessories, 20 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN or email info@thoushaltcovet.com

Just a month after the Olympic Torch passed through the capital, The Edinburgh Reporter talked exclusively to one torchbearer who is determined to ensure that as many people as possible get to share his experience.

Sixty seven year-old charity worker Ken Logan from Liberton was nominated for his tireless efforts to help others, and since his big day, he has been showing off the torch to young and old alike.

Ken is semi-retired, having worked for thirty years with Imperial Tobacco, and now spends much of his spare time on charity ventures. He helps with the administration of the Edinburgh Direct charity, and has been involved in fundraising by collecting donations in Scotland and the North of England for Bosnia. He has driven trucks to the region on six occasions, including once when the war was still in progress.

He has also been involved in youth work, refereeing rugby matches as well as teaching swimming and life-saving at an east end school in Glasgow. He has taught children to ski in both the UK and the Alps and is an elder in the church.

Ken is also a keep fit fanatic and has raised over £10,000 running fourteen marathons and swimming long distances.

The Edinburgh Reporter caught up with Ken during his hectic schedule at Green’s Gym in Chesser where he is a member. Staff  had managed to persuade him to bring in the torch which attracted considerable attention from everyone who spotted it.

He said:- “I stay in Liberton, but I was given a route in Loanhead, which is only three miles from my house. We all had to meet at the Brunton Halls in Musselburgh at 5am for a last minute security check There was a tremendous bonding between everyone there within the first hour and a half. There were three Americans, three Russians and someone from Kenya on our bus. There were seventeen of us in all and the whole thing was nicely done. The crowds in Musselburgh were unbelievable and as the bus travelled along Milton Road we were all getting into a high. We all knew where we would be running and I was dropped off at the 50mph sign as you enter Loanhead. I had plenty of supporters there to see me, people from the gym, rotary club and the church, and I was very proud to have been given the opportunity.”

Modest Ken played down the dangers of delivering donations to Bosnia, and even took his two sons with him on one occasion.  “It was mainly at the end of the war, although once I went whilst the fighting was ongoing and almost went into the Serb territory, but there was no real danger although I had to be aware of the minefields. Latterly they were well signposted but not initially so.”

Since carrying the torch, Ken has been amazed at the number of people who want to see it. He continued:- “I could have kept the torch in the house, but I would much rather show it off. The interest in it is phenomenal. I’ve taken it into twelve schools and nurseries, and also a care home for the blind. It was an ideal place, as the residents were able to hold it and feel it.”

Ken is now an expert on the design and history of the torch, but for those less knowledgeable, the Olympic Flame is a symbol of the Olympic Games, commemorating the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus. The torch has 8,000 holes – created with lasers – which give the design a more transparent appearance, and also prevent heat from being conducted down the handle. The holes represent the number of people who will take part in the Relay.

The reason that the torch is triangular is that the designers noticed that there were a number of trinities in the history of the relay, this is the third time that the Games have been held in London – 1908, 1948, 2012; the Olympic motto is ‘faster, higher, stronger’; and the vision of this year’s Games is to unite ‘sport, education and culture’.

The material used for the inner and outer skin is aluminium alloy, originally created for the aerospace and automotive industry. It is modern, corrosion and heat resistant, and, most importantly, light. Despite its height the torch was designed to be easy to carry for the younger bearers, the whole thing weighing only 800 grams.

The Assembly Rooms opened its doors again today following an eighteen month long renovation project which has restored the beauty and grandeur of the entertainment space, and has brought it into the 21st Century (and there is a wee video outtake for you below…for fun!)

The grand old dame of George Street, The Assembly Rooms, was unveiled to her waiting press this morning in all her newly renovated beauty.

The work has cost the council £9.3m,  took 18 months and yes, Edinburgh has missed this venue. What we will be able to do now is not only go and see shows there during the Festival, or go dancing there on the odd occasion. Now we will be able to eat in the old Supper Rooms which have been transformed into a Jamie’s Italian, and we will be able to shop in the two retail outlets to the front of the building. Kiehl’s is already open for business but the Scottish jeweller Rox will not open till later this year.

The Assembly Rooms will no longer be a dead space for most of the year. The idea behind the renovations is very much to bring people into the building all year round, and one of the principal changes is to Rose Street where an empty space has been filled which is intended to revive the back street and link it effectively to the main thoroughfare.

The building has a completely different air to it, and although there was much oohing and ah-ing over the newly painted rooms today, one of the most spectacular additions is that there is now wifi throughout the building and modern cabling has been installed to allow those hiring the space to plug in their iPods and play their own music.

A passenger lift has been installed and the access from Rose Street is now at street level. The floor level in that area used to be 3 feet above the level of Rose Street, but the area was excavated to form the new restaurant space. And the toilets have been renewed…. Anyone who visited the conveniences before the closure in 2010 will appreciate that this will be a great improvement!

Built in 1783 at a cost of £6,300 the building has been used through the centuries by many eminent Edinburgh residents including Sir Walter Scott who announced his involvement in the Waverley novels which was the mystery of its day. The building came into the ownership of the former Edinburgh Corporation at the end of World War II in 1945 and is the only building of its kind in public ownership.

The Music Room resonated this morning to the sound of Irish dancing with young dancers from the Haughey McAuley Academy of Irish Dance from Penicuik in all their finery and makeup.

Aodhan Sheridan was the only boy dancing this morning. He has been learning Irish Dancing since he was three years old. The school’s team achieved third place in the World Championships and Aodhan himself achieved a fabulous 12th place. Their sheer skill and enthusiasm was a magnificent way to reintroduce the Music Rooms to the public. We caught a little on video for you.

The Reporter spoke to the architect Mark Hopton who is rightly very proud of his company’s involvement in the project. He explained the building was much smaller when it was originally built and that part of the idea behind the rearrangement of the building is to bring people in from different routes both front and back. The foyer area is now modern and minimalist with a beautiful stone floor.

Councillor Richard Lewis is the Convenor of Culture and Leisure, and is himself a freelance musician and conductor, so fully realises the importance of the building to the audiences in Edinburgh. But as a newly elected councillor he told The Reporter he is arriving at this party a little late to take all of the credit!

Some figures for you:-

Half a million crystals in the 25 chandeliers.

The Music Hall curtains weigh 50kg each and there are 12 of them.

250,000 man hours went into the project

At its peak there were 150 workers on the site.

95% of the companies used to do the work were Scottish and 70% of those live within 25 miles of the Assembly Rooms.

400 working days on the site with no reportable accidents.

50 tons of structural steel was used half of which is in the new floor in the Music Hall which is an acoustic floor. It also provides a fireproof barrier to the restaurant below.

10 layers of soundproofing in the Music Hall floor.

1000 gallons of paint was used inside the building

20 tons of plaster was used to restore the interior

15,000 replacement slates were placed on the roof

The cabling in  the building extends to 150km

Legionnaires over – Rain – Gorgie City Farm – St Nicholas Court fundraiser – Scottish Storytelling Centre today

The Legionnaire’s outbreak in Edinburgh which has claimed three lives has been declared at a formal end. Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

“It is good news that the outbreak has been declared over, and as we have already seen, the number of new cases has been dropping off over recent weeks.

“We have worked closely with NHS Lothian to ensure the outbreak was well managed, and I would like to pay tribute to NHS staff who have coped extremely well with this situation.

“However, we have to remember that there are some patients who remain extremely ill, and NHS staff are maintaining high quality care for those patients.

“The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the source of the outbreak.”

***

There was so much rain in the city yesterday that we thought we might be washed away. So we are proposing to pursue positive thoughts to try and change the weather pattern which seems to be attracting all this low pressure over the capital. Could  we ask you to join in?

Just in case though we checked the forecast for today on the Met Office website. Here it is:-“Early mist lifting then a much better day. bright with sunny spells, though a scattering of showers developing for a time, dying out during the evening. Maximum temperature 17 °C.”

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Gorgie City Farm has been nominated the best family day out in the UK by Qype. We have long loved the breakfasts at the Farm but it seems that there is more to it than that!

The attraction was praised for its impressive variety of animals, the friendliness of its staff and its excellent facilities for children.

Gorgie City Farm Association General Manager Andrew Tweedy commented that the news was particularly welcome given the recent drop in visitors due to poor weather adding, “We’ve always know that people enjoy visiting Gorgie City Farm but we are delighted to be voted the UK’s favourite family day out. We are very proud.”

***

St Nicholas Court Sheltered Housing Complex raised £1700 at its annual summer fayre. The complex, on Leith’s Ferry Road, had a number of attractions including face painting, home bakes stall, barbeque, tombola and clothing, books and bric-a-brac sales.

Maureen Tait manages the Port of Leith Housing Association sheltered housing development. She said:-“It was an absolutely fantastic day. We got about the only two hours of sunshine there was the entire fortnight it seemed and people flocked along. We were busy the entire time with people enjoying the sunshine, food and company of the day. This is a great sum for us and we are very grateful to everyone who came along and helped us raise this superb total.”

The funds will be used to fund social outings for the complex’s 35 residents. Last year, the money they raised helped pay for trips to Dynamic Earth, exercise classes, social evenings and buying a 50” TV and a Wii console.

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Today you might be looking for more things to do indoors… The Scottish Storytelling Centre has a programme of events for you. Today at 11am there is the Storytelling Kist : Inclusive Storytelling which costs either £3 or £5 and will last for an hour. Telephone 0131 556 9579 for tickets. Here is what they say about it:-

“We’re off to the enchanted forest where we’ll meet Little Red Riding Hood, a wolf, a fox, some birds and a bug! Come and enjoy some magical, multi-sensory stories and games for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. Lots of fun for everyone with storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane!”

The Forest Pitch football matches, due to take place this Saturday, have been postponed after weeks of exceptional rainfall – like many other well established and special events in this very wet summer.

The two matches, which are the centrepiece of an arts and football project on a specially-created pitch in the heart of a Selkirk woodland, will be rescheduled for 25 August 2012. This will ensure that players and spectators can look forward to the best possible experience. Officials were concerned that the playing surface is too wet to safely allow two good-quality matches in a single afternoon.

Craig Coulthard, the Edinburgh-based artist behind Forest Pitch, said: “Postponement due to bad weather is always a hazard for Scottish football – and unfortunately this summer has seen incredible amounts of rainfall. Fortunately this is not an event that has to take place at a particular date or time. After three years of preparation we would much prefer to hold back for a few more weeks to ensure that the pitch and access routes are in top condition so the spectators and teams can have a really great day.”

Football Association (FA) Referee, Frank Campbell said: ‘I love the concept of Forest Pitch, but we have been extremely unlucky with the weather. It’s best that the matches don’t go ahead this week, but I look forward to them going ahead soon.’

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland added:- “Obviously it will be disappointing for the players, their families and spectators that the matches have been postponed, but we support Craig’s decision to hold the match at a later date and look forward to seeing everyone on 25 August.”

The Forest Pitch organisers have been closely monitoring the pitch, which has been designed and built to a high standard, and have been liaising with FA-qualified officials. Following a final site meeting today it was decided that the likely weather conditions for the next few days would not allow the pitch to dry out sufficiently to meet FA safety regulations.

The organisers opted for a mid-week decision to allow plenty of time to contact ticket holders and players.

HOPETOUN 2012 HORSE TRIALS WITH PLENTY OF OLYMPIC SPIRIT

The Gillespie Macandrew Horse Trials will make a welcome return to Hopetoun House this summer for an exhilarating display of equestrian excellence in the grounds of Scotland’s finest stately home.

Covering a variety of disciplines including show jumping, dressage, and cross-country, the event will showcase some of the UK’s most renowned riding talent.  The event will also provide an exquisite balance of the finest shopping, locally sourced food and drink, country pursuits and entertainment with plenty to engage the younger audience.

With the course designed by Scottish Olympian, Ian Stark, the Horse Trials will naturally become a focus for the 2012 games with giant screens broadcasting live action from London. Al fresco dining will be a civilised occasion in the Hopetoun marquee.  Musical accompaniment will provide the backdrop food from the 5-star Hopetoun Farm Shop, champagne by Canard-Duchene, real ale and luxury picnic hampers available to pre-order.

Younger visitors will get the chance to ride a pony courtesy of the event’s charity partners, Riding for the Disabled, as well as a host of other attractions.

From the West End to the West Lawn, exclusive retailers will present their latest collections within the shopping arena alongside international brands such as Barbour, AGA and Hunter.

Stuart Buntine, organiser of The Gillespie Macandrew Horse Trials said: “This is a once a year chance to experience the thrill of this magnificent sport combined with some of life’s pleasures namely food, entertainment and shopping.  Set against the backdrop of Hopetoun House, The Horse Trials offer a unique day out which everyone will enjoy.”

Tom Murray, Partner from sponsors Gillespie Macandrew, added: “The Gillespie Macandrew Hopetoun Horse Trials offer a tremendous day out for everyone, whether they are a casual spectator seeking an entertaining family trip or the enthusiast who enjoys equestrian sports of international calibre.

“As a law firm actively involved in Scotland’s rural sector, Gillespie Macandrew is very pleased to be part of this top quality equestrian event.”

Tickets available at www.hopetoun.co.uk/horse-trials.html  or from the Hopetoun Farm Shop.  Telephone 0131 331 1546 for more information.

Advance adult tickets cost £10 each per day,  £15 on the gate

Children under the age of 14 go free

£5 charge for car parking that is payable per day. Car parking passes can be bought in advance for £3.

 

But we have five pairs of tickets to give away! The question is this….

Name the famous Olympian involved in re-designing the Hopetoun Horse Trials course.

Send your entry by email to theedinburghreporter@gmail.com to arrive by Monday 23 July 2012 at 5 pm. Please put Hopetoun Horse Trials Competition in the subject line.

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for assistance from the public to trace some medication that was lost earlier today in Edinburgh.

The drugs, including methadone and valium, were discovered missing at around 1pm this afternoon. The female informant told police she may have misplaced the medication on a number 30 bus sometime between 9.50am and 10.15am.

Officers are conducting local enquiries and are urging members of the public to come forward if they find them as a matter of urgency.

A police spokesman said:- “This medication should only be taken by the person it is prescribed to and could have significant health implications if taken by anyone else. Anyone who comes across these drugs should contact police immediately or hand them into the nearest police station.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

This August Art’s Complex, a former office building housing over 300 artists, is to show a selection of works in an inaugural Summer Show.

Now in its fourth year, this ‘hidden gem’ of enormous proportions runs an excellent year-round programme of exhibitions but is still little known to visitors and indeed to some of the city’s residents.

The group exhibition, from 3-19 August, will showcase some of the most exciting works, selected from the huge volume of artistic activity taking place within the distinctive red brick walls of St Margaret’s House, London Road. The Summer Show, occupying all three of the building’s exhibition spaces, will be an annual, artist-curated event, this year curated by resident artists Sophia Lindsay Burns and Trina Bohan Tyrie. Encompassing painting, installation, video, sculpture and photography by 20 established and emerging artists from home and abroad, the show aims to reflect the quality and diversity of work being created within  Art’s Complex.

The opening night, from  6-9pm on 3 August will also include an element of live performance. Opening hours are then 10am-6pm daily. www.artscomplex.org Follow them on Facebook!

So the rain is here to stay and we have decided to look for things that you can do indoors. Tonight for example there is a tweet up at Voodoo Rooms.  There is information on the Facebook page.

The Edinburgh Summer Social is being held there to raise funds for Raleigh International. This is what they say:-

“Get ready for an evening of live music, social media, prizes, partying and most importantly fundraising for Raleigh International, the UK’s leading youth development and international community development charity.
The lineup includes Walter Douglas + Ed Ritchie (Dog on a Swing) + Michael McNelly (The Litigators) + DJ Fynn Callum.

For more details please see http://www.raleighinternational.org/ and share the evening via the hashtag #EdSummerSoc

From 7pm in The Speakeasy. Advance tickets £5. Over 18 only”

 

The Voodoo Rooms 19a West Register Street Edinburgh EH2 2AA  T 0131 556 7060

The Stooges Brass Band from New Orleans blew the first notes of the  Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival today at Le Monde on George Street.

Dressed in kilts by Howie Nicolsby of 21st Century Kilts the award-winning New Orleans band, The Stooges, played the first notes of the 2012 Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival in what the organisers hope will be its biggest year yet!  There will be over 70 international and local acts performing at venues across the city from tomorrow until 29 July 2012.  The band are a lot of fun as we hope you can see from our photos.

Headline acts this year include Curtis Stigers, one of the great star jazz singers of our time, who performs in an intimate cabaret club setting at Le Monde; Dr John, the veteran New Orleans musical ambassador, fresh with a new album produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys; and the Kyle Eastwood Band, led by extraordinary bassist and son of Hollywood actor/director, Clint.

The Stooges debut at the Festival on opening night, showcasing their unique and high-energy mix of jazz, funk, hip-hop and RnB. In the classic tradition, they have mastered the sombre sounds of funerals and parade marches, but once they’re on stage it’s definitely time for a ‘Stooge Party’!

The Stooges will also participate in the first ever Edinburgh Festival Carnival on Sunday 22^nd July in Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens when we hope the rain might have stopped.

Brian Fallon, Chair, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival: “Musicians from every continent are coming to play, across all the jazz styles. Our aim is to appeal to everyone, from jazz and blues aficionados to first timers, young and not so young, in formal and informal concert settings. And look at the value – high quality music at very reasonable prices. Come along and have a ball!”

For the first time, The Scotch Whisky Experience has joined the line-up of the Edinburgh Fringe, hosting a one-off series of events that offer festival-goers the opportunity to broaden their horizons in a more unusual field.

Running every Sunday throughout August, the half-day Enthusiasm for Scotch experience offers an afternoon immersed in the world of Scotch Whisky, testing the powers of taste with some of the nation’s favourite malts and discovering the history and craft behind Scotland’s national drink.

Costing £50 per person, each event lasts almost four hours beginning with a guided tour through the Scotch Whisky Experience and a private viewing of the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky.  Visitors are then invited to a sampling of delicious Scottish Tapas created by David Neave, executive chef of the venue’s award-winning Amber Restaurant. Noses and palates are put to the test with a sensory perception challenge, which involves an aroma quiz and blind tasting.  The afternoon culminates in an exclusive tutored tasting of four single malt Scotch Whiskies.

For those with less time to spare, Whisky with the Distillers sees some of Scotland’s most skilled distillers share their knowledge and passion. From Friday 03 August, the Scotch Whisky Experience will be hosting special one-hour tasting events with individual distillers from across Scotland. Each distiller will be bringing along some of their most famous bottlings for visitors to taste, as well as some of the more limited releases from each of their ranges. The series starts with ‘An afternoon of Aberfeldy’ from John Dewar & Sons (3 August 2012, 2pm-3pm), with samplings of Aberfeldy 11 year old Cask Strength, Aberfeldy 18 year old Cask Strength – available only from the distillery itself –and the Aberfeldy 21 year old.

Each one-hour session costs £15 per person, with three drams included in the cost price. For more information about either package, or to book, visitwww.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk or call 0131 220 0441.