MSP welcomes progress on Princes Mall

Edinburgh Central MSP Marco Biagi has today welcomed the news that the Scottish Government is considering changes to the Waverley Market site in the Long Leases Bill, which would currently resolved in its transfer from public ownership to private hands for a trivial sum estimated at 40p. The site is owned by The City of Edinburgh Council and leased to Sir David Murray’s property company for a peppercorn rent. We wrote about the council’s own involvement in this in January.

Commenting on the Scottish Government announcement, Mr Biagi said,

“I am glad that after speaking to the government in person on two occasions, and raising concerns formally in writing with the Minister,the Government now intends to re-examine the question of the Princes Mall. Improvements to bills like this as anomalies emerge, are a natural part of the parliamentary process.

“The Long Leases Bill is intended to abolish the last remnants of feudalism on large estates, not give away public assets because of deals signed in the 1980s.

“The bill has also thrown up the issue of how accurate each local authority’s register of common good land is. I hope this is an issue we can return to in Holyrood.”

FEAST 2012 unveils the  line-up of Scottish drinks and producers at this weekend’s event.

Alongside the impressive line-up of talented chefs who will grace the stage at this Saturday’s FEAST 2012, the student-led food festival will see the inclusion of a Booze Boutique as well as a select range of local food producers.

FEAST 2012, the student-led food festival run by Jewel & Esk College (JEC) and Queen Margaret University (QMU), will provide food festival goers with the chance to taste-test a delightful range of quality wines, whiskies, gins, ciders and beers at its Booze Boutique.

Experts from Inverarity Vaults will provide tutor-led tastings of its specialist wines and whiskies while Spencerfield, the producers of Edinburgh Gin, will have tastings of its speciality drink, Raspberry Gin. The award winning Cairngorm Brewery will bring samples of its bottled and cask beers, while East Lothian producer Belhaven will offer a thirst quenching selection of Thistly Cross ciders, as well as its recently developed fruit ice, which due to its surprising nutritional properties, can be counted as one of your ‘five a day’!

The event, which will take place on Saturday 28 April 2012, is supported by some of Scotland’s finest chefs including Tony Borthwick from the Plumed Horse and Neil Forbes from Café St Honoré, who will conduct live cooking demonstrations throughout the day. In addition, the presence of this year’s Booze Boutique is sure to be a winner, with visitors having the opportunity to sample a selection of some of Scotland’s finest drinks.

Ron McGilp, Curriculum Development Manager at Jewel & Esk College, said: “FEAST 2012 is a celebration of Scottish regional food. It offers an exciting mix of chef demonstrations, regional tasting menus, tutor-led drinks tasting sessions and the opportunity to meet local food producers and sample their products. We have everything from Peelham Farm’s rare breed pork and lamb to Findlay’s haggis, and from Supernature rape seed oil to cupcakes and sushi. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity and quality of producers in Scotland and to experience their produce first hand.”

Ron concluded: “At just £12 per adult ticket (£5 for students) FEAST 2012 provides excellent value for money. The price of the ticket provides access to chef demonstrations and the producer tasting sessions, as well as the chance to sample more than 20 regional dishes which will be prepared and presented by our chef and student teams throughout the day.”

The event will take place from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 28th April 2012 at Jewel & Esk College, 24 Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2PP. Tickets are priced at £12 (all adults) / £5 (concession available for students and children under 16 years of age only) / children under 5 years go free.

Tickets are available to purchase from the Club and eh15 restaurant at Jewel & Esk College, 24 Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH12 8RG E: theclub@jec.ac.uk or 0131 344 7373 or 344 7344, or from The Finance Department, Queen Margaret University, Queen Margaret University Drive, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU or on-line. Tickets can also be bought on the day at the event.

A major refurbishment of a disused pub has completely transformed it from an eyesore blighting part of Scotland’s premier shopping thoroughfare into a fast-food restaurant boasting designer flair.

The overhaul of the former Burns Bothy on South St Andrew Street, Edinburgh, just off world-famous Princes Street, involved a near-total strip-out and reinvention of the premises as KFC’s flagship outlet in the city at a cost of £250,000.

The project was carried out by Pacific Building, who managed to deliver the completed works in just seven weeks and on budget, despite having to cope with numerous logistical obstacles.

Aside from Edinburgh’s ongoing tram works, the site of the city’s fifth KFC was extremely tight and in a busy location, all of which posed problems to Pacific, who have an enviable reputation as a company who can deliver complex projects in “live” public areas to tight deadlines and with minimal disruption to neighbouring trade.

Pacific, who employ 32 people at their head office in Hillington, on the outskirts of Glasgow, also had to roll out KFC’s UK Framework design concept, under which high-end fixtures, fittings and mood lighting are utilised in a way that may not normally be associated with fast-food outlets.

This presents a more upmarket image for customers and, KFC believe, allows them to compete better with the plethora of other food and drink retailers on the high street.

The contract was the last and most important one of four – with a total value of £430,000 – that KFC entrusted to Pacific, who recently announced a 30 per cent increase in annual turnover to £9.7million, and who are well on their way to a fifth successive year of growth.

The other three restaurants upgraded, at a cost of £60,000 each, are in the Irish Republic – in Athlone, Kilkenny and Cork.

Pacific managing director Brian Gallacher said: “South St Andrew Street was a tough challenge but, as with our other contracts, we came through with flying colours – on time, on budget and with minimal disruption to nearby trade.

“Originally, the building was in a dreadful state – it was a bomb site. The fit-out we carried out was as close as you can get to a rebuild without it actually being one.

“Now, it looks absolutely superb. The result is striking because of the ‘designer’ feel to the restaurant and because of the extremely high quality of the fittings. I am proud of our achievement, not least because the general location, close as it is to the iconic Princes Street, has been improved as a result of our endeavours.”

Pacific are continuing to work their way through a bulging order book of contracts with big-name clients for 2012 that will add to the successes they enjoyed in 2011 through a raft of major projects for McDonald’s, Greggs, Gleneagles Hotel, BAA and Bupa.

Hype is a beautiful thing. It’s that magical quality that can transform you from pulling pints to downing champagne in a matter of mere months. With the stroke of a few pens bands are made or broken.

And Edinburgh’s very own Nina Nesbitt has spades of it. Catapulted from a Youtube treasure to supporting Ed Sheeran and Example at massive UK shows at the end of last year, she has definitely caught the attention of many a commentator. The part-time model has received widespread press coverage with rumours that she and a certain Mr Sheeran are now dating.

This perfect storm of publicity culminated in The Apple Tree EP charting in iTunes Top 20 on pre-orders alone (at time of writing she was up to 7th, Adele – yes, Adele – was 14th). So, is this all smoke and mirrors, or is there really substance behind the 17 year-old’s undoubted style ?

I’d like to think there is. The EP’s eponymous opener sounds like the best of KT Tunstall with added edge. Its simple acoustics and backing make way for an ethereal and catchy chorus that proves almost impossible to not tap along with. ‘Seesaw’ follows a similar path of light and shade, with Nina’a voice sounding as at home in these recordings as it did on her early Youtube videos.

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

‘Hold On’ changes the pace, with the piano-driven number coming to life in perfect time with a forlorn and heartfelt chorus. The song contains a sincerity that is all to lacking in ‘pop’ music today (apologies for sounding like I want National Service reinstated), singing of a love from a distance that really strikes a chord.

Penultimate track ‘Only Love’ fares less well, though once it hits it stride it still has its redeeming features. Wouldn’t be out of place on a Saturday afternoon at T In The Park.

And 14 short minutes after the first janglings, you find yourself at closer ‘Make Me Fall’. Again led by diminutive piano, Nina’s glorious voice is given the perfect showcase as she pleads for someone to ignite her love. Ultimately the song departs on a note of hope as she declares “So I’ll keep running into the rain/Heart first, head second/I’m away”.

The Apple Tree leaves an endearing feeling even for a natural cynic like myself. Bright and breezy, it’s what popular music should sound like. It seems preposterous to think that a 17 year-old could conjure up these heartfelt songs whilst also possessing a voice with the splendour to do them justice. It is a shame that some may deride her efforts as that of ‘Miss Sheeran’ without giving it worthy consideration. But they do so at their own peril. Her genuine excitement on Twitter to the EP’s success helps prove she is not playing at popstar, with an army of ‘Nesbians’ already flocking to her cause. This strong EP is great – following it up with an accomplished debut album will launch her into Marling and Goulding territory.

Nina Nesbitt plays Electric Circus on Saturday 28 April 2012. Limited tickets still available.

Follow her on Facebook

@ninanesbitt

More news about the ways that cycling is being highlighted and discussed in Edinburgh.

Lib Dem candidate, John Knox, standing for election in the Liberton/Gilmerton Ward, is highlighting the fact that the Liberal Democrats want to make Edinburgh the green transport capital of the UK, and that they plan to improve on the 25% increase in cycling which he claims there has been in the city over the last two years.

John will attempt to cycle along every street in what he hopes will become his ward between sunrise and sunset on Friday 27 April 2012.  There are 367 streets in the Liberton/Gilmerton ward in south Edinburgh, making his Common Riding between 50 and 60 miles long.  He will measure the exact distance on a cycle computer as he goes along, and hopefully his election poster-ed bicycle will be seen by as many voters as possible.

The increase in spending will help to develop a ‘Family Network’ of safe, signed, cycle routes across the city along with other improvements for cyclists.

The Lib Dem led council has also passed a leasing scheme, endorsed by cycling campaigners SPOKES, that offers the public the chance to use cycling as a mode of transport, without having to buy a bike. Up to 200 new and refurbished cycles are now available for hire.

John said:-“Hopefully, my journey round the ward will also highlight the usefulness of cycling in the city.  It comes a day before the big cycling rally at the Scottish Parliament, Pedal on Parliament, which will call for cycling to be made as much a normal part of life, as it is in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands.  The Liberal Democrats in Edinburgh have pledged to earmark 5 per cent of the Council’s transport budget for cycling, cycle lanes, routes and such like.

“I’ve lived in this ward for the last nine years and have canvassed in over 90 streets,” says John. “ But I want to visit every street and with just a few days to go till the election, I thought the best way of making sure I know every nook and cranny of this ward, was to cycle it mile for mile.

“Edinburgh has become a more cycle-friendly city since 2007 and we must ensure that we do not relent on our ambition to make this city greener and safer”.

“Finally, the Common Riding is designed to engage people in this local election campaign.  Councils, after all, actually deliver most public services, schools, care for the elderly, fire, police, dustbin collection, roads, parks, libraries and sports facilities.  In my view local Councils should have more powers and responsibilities. Too much is being centralised, which is perhaps why people have become disengaged from local politics.”

Cycling has featured high on the council agenda this year. In the recently issued Leader’s Report, Councillor Jenny Dawe said:-

“Research shows that 7.3 per cent of adults in Edinburgh cycle to work – by far the highest in Scotland, and the Council is working to further increase this. Edinburgh is one of six European “Cycling Hero” cities in the Cycling Heroes Advancing sustainable Mobility Practice (CHAMP) project. The project has brought £70,000 to help Edinburgh promote cycling further.

Recently work has begun on two major cycling projects. The Quality Bike Corridor will provide enhanced cycling infrastructure between the University of Edinburgh’s King’s Buildings and George IV Bridge and the Leith to Portobello project will transform travel by bike between the two places.

Cycling in Edinburgh has become safer, with the risk of an accident per journey reduced by around 75 per cent since 1991. However, sadly, there have been two fatalities this year; and the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure convened a meeting recently to discuss how to improve safety for cyclists in Scotland. This was attended by the Head of Transport, Marshall Poulton, and policy makers and campaign groups discussed measures such as 20mph areas and on and off road provision for cyclists.”

The council decided to fund a cycle leasing scheme to help promote cycling in the capital at their recent meeting on 15 March 2012. The motion proposed by Transport Convenor, Gordon Mackenzie, was passed by majority of 52 votes to 3, proving perhaps that the matter is universally promoted by all councillors no matter what their political persuasion.

The wording of the motion was as follows:-

Holyrood appearance for Trump – Award for the council – Personal Training – Webinar – The Scotsman

Trump has appeared at Holyrood this morning to tell The Scottish Government that wind farms will badly affect Scottish tourism. (Update – You can now follow the minute by minute account of what he said on the BBC.)

An alliance of pro-wind and anti-Trump activists called ‘Wind Is Good Scotland’ (or WIGS for short) are planning to take action around his visit to the Scottish Parliament this morning. The theme of their action will be ‘wind power not windbags’.

The non-violent activists will aim to get their message across to Donald Trump in an amusing, noisy and media-friendly fashion when he emerges from his evidence session to address the Trump-funded demonstrators from Communities Against Turbines Scotland (CATS) outside the Scottish Parliament.

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Link Group Ltd and The City of Edinburgh Council have been shortlisted for the ‘Partnership of the Year Award’ at the UK Housing Awards 2012 for their work on the Edinburgh Private Sector Leasing (PSL) scheme.

The Edinburgh PSL scheme offers long term contracts to private landlords whose properties are then let by the Council to people who are homeless and in housing need. In the 17 months Link and the Council have been working together, the partnership has provided access to private rented accommodation for 800 homeless people.

June Brown, Link Private Sector Leasing Manager, said: “I am delighted with the successful partnership working between Link and City of Edinburgh Council – together we have made a difference to people’s lives by providing safe, warm and secure homes.”

Graham Kitching, Assessment, Homelessness and Support Manager for the council confirmed “this working partnership has prioritised access to housing and delivers a high standard of service designed to meet the specific needs of our customers”.

Launched in 1997, the UK Housing Awards reward excellence and innovation in the delivery of housing services to organisation across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday 27 June 2012 at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London.

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There has been a great deal of discussion about cycling in the capital over recent months, particularly since the current council administration allocated 5% of their transport budget to improving the lot of the two-wheeled brigade.  Cycling is now on the political agenda at local and national level, and a January protest at St Andrew’s House brought the matter of a need for investment in cycling and active travel to the attention of Keith Brown, the Transport Minister.

A group of committed cyclists have now organised a ride to Holyrood which is taking place this Saturday. Called Pedal on Parliament it promises to be a big event to highlight the lot of the humble cyclist on the streets around Scotland and particularly in Edinburgh.

POP say:-“Pedal on Parliament will be gathering cyclists from across the nation to cycle on Holyrood to tell our politicians that cycling matters, to show our need for safer cycling and cities fit for people. Please join us and help make a Scotland fit for cycling!”

POP will gather cyclists from all over Scotland to highlight to all politicians that there is a need for safer cycling across the country. In anticipation of the ride (and the picnic!) they have produced an eight-point manifesto which sets out their demands:-

1. Proper funding for cycling.
2. Design cycling into Scotland’s roads.
3. Slower speeds where people live, work and play
4. Integrate cycling into local transport strategies
5. Improved road traffic law and enforcement
6. Reduce the risk of HGVs to cyclists and pedestrians
7. A strategic and joined-up programme of road user training
8. Improved statistics supporting decision-making and policy

There is a petition which you can sign to support the call for Scotland to become a cycle-friendly nation. If you live outside the city there are some feeder rides from Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Harrison Park and Gilmerton at the last count, with more being planned all the time.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost has written to the Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to invite her to visit Scotland’s Capital city as part of her stay in Britain this June.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh (in absentia) in June 2005. In his letter, Lord Provost George Grubb, expresses the hope that this hugely important accolade could soon be presented to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in person.

The text of the Lord Provost’s letter follows:

Dear Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

The City of Edinburgh Council congratulates you on your election to the Burmese Parliament and is delighted to hear that you are considering a visit Norway and Britain in June this year.

On behalf of the Council, I wish to extend a very warm invitation to you to visit Edinburgh as part of your visit.

On 18 June 2005, The City of Edinburgh Council conferred on you, in absentia, the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh, in recognition of your personal courage and relentless pursuit of democratic justice through non-violent means.  The Council has supported the struggle for liberty in Burma and the campaign for your release and the many political prisoners who remain in detention.

To honour your 60th birthday the Council planted a magnolia tree in Princes Street Gardens as a symbol of hope for peace and growth, and a new beginning.  The following year, the Council commissioned a portrait of your image for Edinburgh’s permanent art collection.  Created by artist David Mach, the picture is a collage made from thousands of picture post cards of Burmese political prisoners.  It is currently displayed in the Council Headquarters as a reminder of the courage and great personal sacrifice of so many in the pursuit of human rights, and the ongoing struggle for democracy.

We have hoped for a very long time that one day Edinburgh will have the pleasure of welcoming you to Scotland’s capital city, and that you will share with us your continuing aspirations for the future of Burma and its people.  Despite relentless house arrest, deprived of freedom of speech and democratic representation, your voice has continued to strike a chord with people and countries all over the world and we hope now to confer on you, in person, our gift of the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh.

Yours sincerely,

The Rt. Hon. George Grubb, Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh.

Provost Fundraising for Charity – Bus Lanes – Culture & Leisure Committee – Community council meeting – Council candidates and child poverty

The Lord Provost, George Grubb, will be handing over cheques amounting to £13,392 this afternoon at The City Chambers to Mr David Tolley, President of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and to Mr Geoff Leask, Director of The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust. The money was raised at the Lord Provost’s Charity Banquet held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre  last month which was attended by 340 guests, including HRH The Princess Royal who was the guest of honour.

The Banquet managed to raise a total of £28,514 for two nominated charities, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s Hamlin Fistula Appeal and The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust. A £1,730 share of this sum has already been sent directly to the charities by donors.

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We all know it is wrong to drive in the bus lanes at certain times of the day, unless of course you are driving a bus, but now it will be even more important to comply with the rules of the road as fines of £60 will be imposed by the council. There are now cameras installed on 10 bus routes in the city and anyone who infringes the bus lane restrictions will be notified by post. You have been warned.

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, Transport Convener, said:- “Bus lanes allow public transport to flow more easily around the city and get to their destination as quickly as possible, but this only happens if they are kept clear of other vehicles.

“Fining drivers who use these lanes in order to beat traffic queues, unless there is an ongoing emergency, will send out a clear message that these rules are there for good reasons, to cut congestion and pollution.”

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A report will be laid before the council’s Culture and Leisure Committee when they meet this morning, which will tell the council that the renovation works at the Assembly Rooms are on budget and will be delivered on time this summer. The council-owned facility will feature a Jamie’s Italian restaurant among its new eateries.

But the other part of the business before the committee this morning is to discuss arrangements for the Olympic & Paralympic Torch relay when it passes through the capital in June. We already knew that the stands are being put up at the Castle earlier than usual this summer to allow for an evening event to mark the occasion, but here are the full details to be approved by the committee:-

Item No 11 – Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays

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Sighthill, Broomhouse & Parkhead CC meet tonight at 6.45pm at Murrayburn Primary School.

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Ahead of next week’s local elections in Edinburgh, Save the Children is urging all candidates to make the issue a priority, revealing that 19% of the city’s children live in poverty.

The charity has launched its own manifesto, ‘No Child Born without a Chance’ calling for local government to give every child in poverty in Edinburgh a chance to fulfil their potential, whatever their circumstances.

There are three council wards in Edinburgh where more than 30% of children are growing up in poverty.

Save the Children is calling for all candidates to put tackling child poverty at the heart of their campaigns by doing whatever they can to maximise incomes for the poorest families and improve children’s life chances. The charity has outlined four key calls and is encouraging all local governments to:

• Pay the Scottish living wage of £7.20 per hour, a rate which allows working families to live above the breadline. Currently, 14.7% of workers in Edinburgh earn less than £7 per hour.
• Make life easier for parents who work by providing out-of-school care for five to fourteen year olds for children in low income households.
• Provide parents in deprived areas with programmes to involve them in their children’s education – a key factor to a child’s success at school.
• Deliver 15 hours per week of free pre-school education for three and four year olds and 15 hours of free early learning for the poorest two year olds.

Ahead of opening Edinburgh’s first social-dining restaurant this summer, chefs Dale Mailley and Edward Murray (Ed is on the left in the photo!) are bringing their innovative concept to the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market.  The pair plan to shake up the Edinburgh food scene by introducing a new way of dining – the chefs decide on a set menu, the diners enjoy a fluent combination of the very best seasonal ingredients in an inclusive, open setting.

In the run up to the launch of The Gardener’s Cottage, Dale and Edward are hosting a series of pop-ups at the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market on Castle Terrace – the first of its kind at the market.  Serving brunch and lunch at an open-air communal table, all food served on the day comes from the markets’ stallholders.   On Fridays, Dale and Edward are visiting producers to source ingredients for the next day’s menu and writing about the experience on their website.

Edward commented:  “The stallholders at the farmers’ market are growing, farming and making world-class produce right on our doorstep.  This is a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know the suppliers and to understand and explore the huge variety of local, seasonal produce available.”

A RESTAURANT WITHOUT A HOME

Until the doors to The Gardener’s Cottage open, Dale and Edward are taking full advantage of their homeless status by making their concept mobile.  On Saturday 19 May 2012, the chefs will be cooking at the fourth sell-out Burgher Burger event in the capital.

THE FOOD

The Gardener’s Cottage will be committed to creating and serving the best seasonal, local produce while nurturing sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with the local community and local producers.  Each sitting will consist of a set menu devised to showcase the best produce available on the day with diners being seated at one of three communal dining tables seating ten.

Dale commented:- “We hope The Gardener’s Cottage will have a strong sense of place, with unfussy seasonal food connecting chef, diner, producer and landscape”

The chefs also plan to make the most of the restaurant’s surrounding garden by growing as much fruit, vegetables and herbs there as possible.  In better weather, outside dining and picnic baskets will be available.

THE RESTAURANT

The site is an unusual one which we wrote about last year when it was up for rent and is best shown on these photos from the council’s Flickr page.
http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649

The restaurant will be housed in an historic building located in Royal Terrace Gardens at the foot of Calton Hill in the heart of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.  Originally the cottage for the gardener, the B-listed building was designed by William Playfair and constructed in 1836.  The gardens, planned by Playfair, were originally laid out to include a path for the exiled King of France Charles X to walk along on his way from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to church.

The building, which has been empty for several years, is currently undergoing major refurbishment.  Combining his experience as an architect with his love of eating with friends Edward has developed a design which brings together diners and chefs, making the most of the limited space while remaining sensitive to the buildings historical and cultural importance.  Three communal dining tables are being hand-crafted from reclaimed teak decking from Glasgow-built SS Olympia, and will be dressed with antique silverware and vintage crockery.

Silver IMP launches to the market changing the way instant mobile promotions will be received.

An Edinburgh businesswoman has chosen her home city as the ideal location in which to launch a completely new concept in immediate mobile phone messaging.

Her firm Silver IMP (short for Innovative Marketing Products) has developed exclusive software to bring a new app, aptly called called an IMP – an Instant Media Promotion – to the marketplace.

Silver IMP will partner shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and other businesses keen to attract passing trade who will be able to pass on their own personalised audio and visual messages regarding promotional items and information.

Unlike email or text messages, which can be perceived as nuisance and have to be deleted off the recipients phone, the IMP, which will be free to download from the website with a special QR code, leaves no trace or residue on the phone once it has passed on its message. Working through signal detection, the passive app is awakened when it comes into range of a WIFI unit positioned within the partner business. Silver IMP will programme the unit to pass on the special offers to potential customers passing by – and will then disappear from their phone when they pass out of range. It is completely confidential and will not pass on any phone numbers , either back to the partner business or to a third party.

With several businesses already signed up to trial out the new IMP software over the summer, the developer, Bonnie Lawson Brown, is confident that both retailers and consumers will quickly want to get a piece of the action.

“Today’s consumers are very money conscious,” said Bonnie, who has studied Retail Communications through the Open University, leading her to fully research the technology needed to bring this product to market. “Likewise shops, cafes, restaurants and so on are keen to reach potential new customers in a very direct way – or reward loyal customers with new deals. As mobile phones have become the way to keep in touch; to shop; to browse; to gather all sorts of information what better way than targeting them directly through their phones when they are close by the premises of our partner businesses – it’s a real call to action to actually go in, so much more direct and effective than emailing or texting customers who may not even read the messages?”

Bonnie, who is also a military wife with a strong track record in retailing, has always been fascinated with the potential for passing on consumer led information to the general public. Her recent studies, supplemented with a “eureka” moment in Edinburgh’s George Street, when her attention was caught by a bus stop billboard, gave her the idea for the “imp”.

“I suddenly thought how many more messages consumers could be receiving when they walk down a busy shopping street,” she said. “But unlike ads and billboards which are static and may have been there for a few weeks, my IMP messages are fresh, instant and up to date.”

“There is so much potential with this product,” added Bonnie.”At the moment it’s a purely visual IMP but I have plans for an audio version; versions could be specifically developed for the Edinburgh Tourist market for example; for students, even a Treasure Hunt type approach for parents with children.”

Bonnie has used another Edinburgh based firm – xdesign365 – to develop the software, which has now been patented.

“The guys there – Euan Andrews and Martin Alderson – have been great, making my idea and research into a reality. We will continue to work together to develop new versions.”

Bonnie has also networked through the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, raising awareness of the product and carrying out further research as to firms in the Capital who might want to be involved.

David Chisholm, a High Growth Business Advisor with the Chamber said:-

“I have worked with Bonnie on this exciting application for the last few months and it is a prime example of the buoyant Scottish innovation sector. I believe that entrepreneurship, and specifically high-tech entrepreneurship and innovation, will drive the next stage of economic growth across Europe and this type of development is not only innovative but can encourage growth in our sluggish retail market.”

“Furthermore, I believe that Silver Imp has the potential to bring in a new age of retail promotion and gives the customer what they want from who they want, which is much more attractive to both the retailer and the consumer.”

The screen shot below which shows a map of Glasgow is only a mock-up, and the app will be live in Edinburgh first in a few weeks’ time. If you are interested in finding out more please call Bonnie on 07788253158

Edinburgh schoolgirl, Catherine Thomson, has taken the judging panel of the UK’s biggest original music competition by storm, and is now just one good performance away from playing at London’s O2 in the Grand Final of Live and Unsigned which is part of Live Fest, London’s biggest indoor festival. She was voted by judges as one of the best in the Regional Final Showcase and now Catherine will be competing against the most talented bands and artists in the country in the North East and Scotland Final on Saturday 12th May. At the heat in Glasgow she sang one of her own songs “Fortunate Tonight” followed by a cover of The Doors song “Strange”.

Catherine battled against the best talent in the region, to secure a coveted spot in the Area Finals and now has the opportunity to prove that she is the hottest unsigned act in the UK. Acts taking part in the live Area Final Showcase in front of hundreds of spectators will also get to perform to a professional judging panel, including judges from Radio One, Kerrang and Choice FM.

More than 10,000 acts entered nationally and the few still left in the competition are in with a chance of making their way to the Grand Final at London’s O2, winning the £10,000 main cash prize and the Live and Unsigned festival tour. There’ll also be a £10,000 publicity investment in the winners.

The winning act of Live and Unsigned 2012 will embark on a remarkable festival tour this summer spanning 15 top festivals across the UK including; Relentless Energy Drink Boardmasters, Norfolk Spectacular, Strawberry Fields Festival, Cloud 9 Festival, Glass Butter Beach, Brownstock, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and seven other summer festivals.

Catherine Thomson, is now just one good performance away from making The O2 and competing in the Grand Final, after making it through the auditions from over 10,000 acts and now the Regional Finals. Catherine is now preparing for the Area Final Showcase on Saturday 12th May 2012 in Newcastle for the opportunity to progress to the National Grand Final at The O2 in London.

Here she is singing in Glasgow:-

http://www.muzu.tv/player/getPlayer/a/ZKP9kRfWkc/vidId=1340710&la=n
Catherine Thompson – Live & Unsigned | Glasgow Regional Final on MUZU.TV.

That number is hopefully set to expand over the next couple of weeks, and it will also include an additional international festival with a partner in Sweden, Italy or Latvia. The lucky winner of the Peace & Love slot in Sweden will play alongside Rihanna, Bloc Party, Skrillex, Enter Shikari and many more! Aside from the winners tour there are more than 100 festival slots being given away throughout as the competition makes the journey towards the Grand Final at The O2.

Event Director of Live and Unsigned Chris Grayston says getting this far is a real achievement; “When you consider the amount of entries we had this year it’s a big deal to have got to this stage, and be just one performance away from fulfilling the dream of performing at The O2, one of the best music venues in the world”.

This year’s competition also offers acts an extra chance of exposure as it is being filmed for broadcasting on Sky TV in an exclusive fly-on-the-wall documentary, Live and Unsigned: Uncut. All the acts in the competition are battling it out for the chance to play at Live Fest at The O2 in London. The Grand Final is incorporated into London’s biggest indoor festival on the 14th July.

Live and Unsigned is the biggest original music competition in the UK for unsigned bands and artists. Attracting over 40,000 musicians to enter this year, it has set itself apart from its predecessors by promoting originality. It’s established as the definitive music competition for original acts and it’s open to all genres of music from Heavy Rock to Rap.

The winners will be awarded the title of the UK’s best unsigned act in front of a capacity crowd on the main stage of the festival. A&R and celebrity judges involved in previous finals include former Slade front man Noddy Holder, R’n’B star Shola Ama, Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale, Tom Deacon, Daniel P Carter, Ras Kwame and Kerrang! unsigned specialist Alex Baker, who can’t wait to be on the panel again; “It’s a really interesting competition to be involved with as it’s nice to actually see what bands have got in the flesh. There aren’t many competitions out there with the credibility of Live and Unsigned.”

For more information and tickets go to the website. Come down and support your local talent!

Wind turbines – Films – Books- Police attack Cyber-bullying – Crafts

Donald Trump arrived in Scotland yesterday according to the BBC, as he  is due to appear at Holyrood this week. He recently announced that he has allocated around £10m to fend off the development of the wind energy industry in Scotland.

Rob Edwards, Environment Editor of The Herald, has uncovered a letter which the Trump Organization sent to the First Minister some time ago supporting and endorsing The Scottish Government’s efforts to encourage more energy production from renewable sources, in particular wind. So it promises to be an interesting week at Holyrood.

Friends of the Earth Scotland has today released the results of a YouGov poll showing that Scots overwhelmingly support the transition to renewable energy, and want to see Scotland move away from the use of gas and coal to produce household electricity.

Releasing the poll results in the run up to  Trump’s appearance at the Scottish Parliamentary inquiry into Scotland’s renewables targets, the organisation states that Donald Trump’s well-publicised anti-renewables stance is ‘completely out of step with Scottish public opinion’.

Stan Blackley, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:-“Scotland is uniquely placed to lead the transition to a renewables-based energy future and it is clear that this move has enormous public support. This poll shows that the carbon
dinosaurs who want to build new thermal power stations, and ill-informed doom-mongers such as Donald Trump, are completely out of step with Scottish public opinion.”

The poll reveals that almost nine out of ten Scots (88 percent of those polled) support reducing Britain’s reliance on imported gas and coal for the production of household electricity, and instead want to see an increase in the amount of electricity produced from domestic renewable sources, such as wave and tidal, wind and solar.

When they were asked which three specific sources they would most like to see providing their household electricity in ten years time, the most popular choice amongst those polled was wave and tidal (chosen by 71% overall, with 32 percent of first choices), the second most popular choice was wind (chosen by 65% overall, with 18 percent of first choices) and the third most popular choice was solar (chosen by 57% overall, with 15 percent of first choices). Coal and gas received only 2 percent of first choices respectively.

The poll also shows that the majority of Scots (73 percent of those polled) believe that their household electricity is already produced in Scotland, and 82% think that it should be produced in Scotland in the future. 46 percent of those polled opposed increasing the number of any new gas-fired power stations across Britain.

Stan Blackley, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, added:-“This poll shows that the vast majority of Scots want to move away from dirty gas and coal-powered electricity generation that relies on expensive, imported fuel and have their household electricity produced in Scotland through clean, safe and renewable methods in the future, especially wave and tidal, wind and solar power.

“Recent figures released by the Scottish Government show that 35 percent of Scotland’s electricity demand in 2011 was met from renewable sources, and this figure is set to increase in the coming years as more renewables devices come on-stream. We are convinced that Scotland will achieve its target for 100 percent of electricity demand to be supplied from renewable sources by 2020 and this poll makes it clear that the overwhelming majority of Scots want this and will welcome this when it happens.”

There are currently 7 Gigawatts of renewable projects operational, under construction or consented in Scotland, and it is estimated that Scotland has enough capacity operational and in the planning system to meet up to three quarters of its electricity demand. Furthermore, there is a pipeline of 17 Gigawatts of renewable electricity projects – nearly three times peak Scottish demand.

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A story of a fabulously wealthy sheikh trying to introduce salmon to the rivers of an Arabian country is a rather fantastic tale, but the result is a very entertaining film. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen stars Scottish actor, Ewan McGregor along with Emily Blunt, and The Edinburgh Reporter went to see it yesterday. The Highland scenery contrasts well with the Yemen (actually it is Morocco) and the idea becomes somehow more credible minute by minute. It is not all about the power of money though, this particular sheikh had more of an ideological reason for his scheme.

It is The Edinburgh Reporter recommendation of the week, and here is where you can see it  today…..

Here is the trailer

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

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Tonight is World Book Night. The brainwave of Edinburgh publisher, Jamie Byng, this is the second year that a defined list of bookswill simply be given away. This is how they explain the event:-“25 titles are specially chosen and printed in their thousands in World Book Night editions. Givers apply to give away a particular book (you get a first, second and third choice) which they must commit to give away to those who don’t regularly read, to share and spread their love of reading. Each Giver receives 24 copies which they pick up from their local bookshops and libraries – the very heart of our reading communities – in the week before April 23.

The greatest reading journeys start when you put a book in to someone’s hand and say ‘this one’s amazing, you have to read it’ and World Book Night will give that experience to a million new readers on April 23.” Are you a giver? Please tell us if you are! Or do tell us if you receive a book.

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Lothian and Borders Police are launching an internet safety campaign today in Leith to tackle cyber-bullying.

Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team will visit all primary schools in the area to promote the “Online Bullying – Don’t Play The Game” event, which targets pupils in Primary 6 and 7. The youngsters will receive a presentation using materials from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Unit (CEOP) that highlights the potential risks of using the internet and promotes safe online practices.

Parents will also have the chance to attend these seminars and ask any questions they may have in relation to internet safety for their children. As part of the campaign, which runs from today until Friday 4th May, school pupils will be asked to design a poster on the issue of cyber-bullying.

The winning poster will then be exhibited in many public buildings throughout Leith, including police stations, libraries and community centres.

Sergeant Colin Johnston said:- “Social networking and online communication has become increasingly popular with the younger members of our communities and it is essential that children are provided with all the necessary advice and information for staying safe while online.

“This campaign is focussed on education so that iinternet users can identify the types of behaviour that constitutes cyber-bullying and avoid committing these offences. We also hope that, as a result of our engagement with schools, anyone who observes cyber-bullying or believes they are currently victim to it will come forward and report the matter to police.”

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Remember Granny Green’s meet tonight at The Red Squirrel. Here is what they say on their website:–

Granny Green’s Big Night Out is a weekly gathering of crafters and creatives based in Edinburgh. Open to all, we are a mixture of skilled and beginners, old and young, professionals and hobbyists, male and female, there’s room for everyone. We meet every Monday night from 6-8pm at the Red Squirrel pub on Lothian Road. Drop in at any point for a warm welcome.

We have regular craft drop-ins where you can bring whatever you’re working on and occasionally host more structured workshops with the opportunity to learn new crafts and skills.

Our book group meets bi-monthly and copies of the latest book are available to borrow courtesy of Edinburgh City Libraries. Sometimes we even put the knitting aside and venture out and about in Edinburgh.

This is a Big Night Out worth being a part of!

We’re based at the Red Squirrel, 21 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ.

With the Captain of Queensferry Ladies Bowling Club Cathy Seery, Judy Gillon delivers the first jack watched by members and guests.

Photo by Hamish Campbell

Talented athlete Lynsey Sharp has shared the ultimate motivational secret that helps her pursue a punishing international sporting career and a gruelling law degree – being cruelly written off while injured.

The 21-year-old is one of the UK’s top 800m runners and hopes to clinch a place in the 2012 Olympic Squad, as well as aiming for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and is now getting back close to her best after injury forced her out of competition for a year. Just hours after returning to Scotland from a training camp in Portugal, the Edinburgh-based track athlete has given insight into how she maintains her focus and discipline.

During a special coaching session for a group of trainee solicitors at legal firm Balfour+Manson, Lynsey said:- “For an athlete, being injured is the worst thing that can happen. When I was out for almost a year it was made even worse because I also lost my UK Athletics funding. I was already down about that, when I was told by someone highly influential in the athletics world that I was a ‘lost cause’. I was hurt and angry, but I tried to turn it into a positive. I’m now more determined than ever. Standing on the podium at the 2014 Commonwealth Games would be the ideal way for me to show how far I have come since then.”

The elite runner’s dedication involves a strict diet, a seven day training regime, 8am starts and a ban on alcohol and late nights. Now in her final year of a law degree at Napier University, Lynsey told the trainee solicitors how the will to win helps overcome the temptations of student life.

She also insisted the backing of sponsors, including Balfour+Manson which has supported her since she was 11-years-old, was crucial to helping her achieve the right mindset.

The Scottish Athletics’ Athlete of the Year in 2011, added:- “When I see friends out partying I have to stay focused. That’s when I remind myself that I’ll have my whole life to party, but I’ve only got a few short years to achieve my sporting dream. I’ve already put in a decade of training and effort into my goal of winning international gold. That is usually motivation enough. At other times the support of my friends, family and sponsors like Balfour+Manson reminds me why I am doing this.”

Lynsey, whose parents, Cameron Sharp and Carol Lightfoot, both competed for Scotland in the Commonwealth Games, agreed to give the motivational talk as a thank you for the support she has received from Balfour+Manson.

The long established firm, which celebrates its 125th anniversary, next year, runs a sought-after traineeship. As part of a two-year training programme, young solicitors undertake a wide range of events aimed at helping them develop both personally and professionally.

Pamela Lawson, one of the trainees, said:-“Having completed my law degree a few years ago I remember the pressures and volume of the work involved. The fact Lynsey combines that with an international track career is amazing. It was really inspirational to hear her talking about her training and a reminder of what is possible when you set yourself goals and find the discipline to keep pushing for them. In Lynsey’s case she has shown that having the determination and making certain sacrifices can be well worth it.”

Balfour+Manson partner Andrew Gibb, has known the Sharp family for many years and originally arranged for the firm to become the young athlete’s first sponsor.

He added: “I have known Lynsey since she was a little girl and even then it was apparent she was an exceptional character. I’m delighted Balfour+Manson has been able to support her to the point where she is now one of the finest young athletes in the country. We’re very grateful she spoke with our trainees because they clearly found it highly motivating, as did a number of our more senior staff! We are all willing her to further success.”

Another partner, David Flint, who takes a lead role in mentoring the firm’s trainees, added: “This was a most worthwhile session and there is no doubt our trainees benefitted greatly from meeting Lynsey and gaining an insight to the pressures she experiences in her daily life.

“Lynsey shows so many of the best qualities that any business would want to see in the young people joining its ranks. She is a very impressive and personable. We are very proud that our company has played a significant part in helping her fly the flag for Scotland in international competition.”

Lynsey, who won bronze in the 800m at the European Under-23 Championships in 2011, is training seven days a week in an effort to shave just three quarters of a second from her best time and so qualify for the 800m at the London Olympics.

Founded in 1888, Balfour+Manson now have a 130-strong staff led by 18 partners and 12 associates. With offices in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen, the firm is renowned for its excellence in litigation, private client work and commercial law.

St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament, 29 April 2012

St Andrews University Polo Club are holding their Charity Polo Tournament at Strathtyrum Estate, just outside St. Andrews on the 29th April. The Tournament is being held to support Help for Heroes, the service personnel charity and is supported by EFG Bank and many local businesses.
Edinburgh University are playing in a Varsity Match, the second of three matches on the day, against St Andrews, sandwiched by a novice match and an exhibition match involving some of Scotland’s best Polo players. It’s for a very worthwhile cause and if the weather’s fine, then it’s a enjoyable day out for, young and old.
The event is detailed on a dedicated Facebook page and here’s what they have to say –

Allan Martin is back with his new podcast about New Edinburgh Music… What do you think? Do you like the music? Add your comments below!

Portobello High School – Council Elections – Earth Day – Big Hoodies – Films

Portobello High School is on the agenda for the final full council meeting of this administration which takes place this Thursday at the City Chambers.

A report has been issued to Councillors calling for the construction of the new Portobello High School to begin as soon as the current appeal by PPAG (Portobello Park Action Group) is either withdrawn or concluded in the Council’s favour.

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In two weeks’ time we will have a new council. We have a couple of independent candidates on the list but nothing quite as bizarre as the candidate who has been put up for election in Aberdeen……And a woman, presumably the ‘election agent’ has been arrested according to the BBC.  The full list of all Edinburgh candidates is on our Council Election page with links to profiles of the individuals where we have been able to get details.

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Today Anthropologie are going to entertain your children for you! They have big plans for Earth Day in their Edinburgh store.

This morning from 11am-1pm the visual team employed at the George Street shop are hosting a kids craft event for Earth Day.  They are inviting children from ages 3-10 to come and create sea creatures that would live in their coral reef windows. A spokeswoman said:-“It will be a great interactive morning and the kids get to take everything they make home.”

They will also be collecting donations on the day for the Marine Conservation Society in Edinburgh (http://www.mcsuk.org).

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We told you on Wednesday about the third Joe Caslin art installation which had appeared at Robertson’s Close. Have you found any more? Do tell us where!

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Today would be a great day to spend some time at The Cameo. The Edinburgh Reporter would happily go and see three of their films today. Marley has just opened, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and The Woman in Black starring Scarlett Johanssen. Hold us back! Here is a taster…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvNlAZ3xqwI]

Enterprising sports students aim to shoot and score today at the Corn Exchange starting just before midday. (Our photo shows the team just before the event began.)

A group of enterprising sports students from Telford College have organised a five a side tournament to raise cash for disadvantaged children.

Set the challenge by their course tutor, the 15 students, led by Euan Higgins, have not only set up the tournament, organised and promoted it but have recruited a full complement of 12 teams.

Not satisfied with that, they are using the tournament to raise much needed funds for Aberlour, one of Scotland’s oldest children’s charities.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s tournament, main organiser Euan Higgins said: – “We weren’t sure we’d be able to rise to the challenge of organising a successful sport event.  But we were determined to succeed.  And raise money for a good cause in the process.

“We had no budget so everything has been done on a shoestring.  We’ve used word of mouth and social media to promote the 5 a side tournament.  And we are delighted to have a full 12 teams competing.  There’s an entry fee to cover costs and a cash prize.  With over 80 people participating, we’ve surpassed our expectations and can’t wait for the tournament on Sunday.  It’s bound to be a great afternoon for everyone involved.

“We’ve also been running a raffle with some great prizes and look set to raise a tidy sum for Aberlour.  We can’t think of a better cause, helping a Scottish charity that works with disadvantaged children.

“Too often, young people today are berated for not having enough get up and go.  We hope our efforts have shown what can be achieved when a group of enterprising students are given a challenge and responsibility.  We’re totally focussed on reaching our fundraising goal.  And hope to score a few on Sunday as well!”

Scottish Chef of the Year 2011, Neil Forbes, is hosting a masterclass with Slow Food Edinburgh on Saturday 5 May 2012.

He’ll be demonstrating some traditional methods of curing, pickling and preserving using the very best local and seasonal meat, fish and veg for a well-stocked larder.  The masterclass will include: curing pork and beef to make delicious bacon, bresaola and salt beef; smoking fish; top tips on pickling veg; and how to make perfect chutneys and jams.

Arrive 11 am for coffee and shortbread

£25 including a 2-course lunch

Lunch menu:

(including a glass of wine, Innis & Gunn beer or Cuddybridge apple juice)

Home-made sourdough bread

Cafe St Honoré hot-smoked Isle of Harris salmon

Hugh Grierson organic home-made salt-cured beef, home-made pickles, pink fir apple potatoes and parsley

Artisan Roast coffee and home-made tablet

Cafe St Honoré, North West Thistle Street Lane, Edinburgh

To book call 0131 2662211 or email eat@cafesthonore.com

Birdman of Malleny rewarded

Bob McHardy has been surveying birds at Malleny Garden in Balerno for almost eight years, and now his valuable work has been recognized by the property owners, The National Trust for Scotland.

The annual study has involved volunteer Bob in numerous early mornings, so he can hear the dawn chorus, and hours of detailed logging. As a result a comprehensive record of bird breeding habits in the gardens in Balerno has been compiled, which helps the Trust to manage the property and study the effects of climate change.

The Trust’s Nature Conservation Adviser, Lindsay Mackinlay, presented Bob with a Birdmike, a device that records and helps identify species, and praised his efforts.

“Bob has worked with us for a number of years and the annual survey is invaluable as a way to check on our property management. We can’t thank him enough for all his good work in all weathers! Volunteers are essential in the conservation work carried out by the Trust.”

Malleny Garden is renowned for their peace and tranquility, while the surrounding woodlands are ideal habitats for many species of birds. Situated off the Lanark Road (A70) in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh the walled gardens are a hidden gem. Home to productive vegetable and herb gardens they can also boast splendid four hundred year old clipped yew trees.

It is open daily, all year round from 10.00 until 17.00, or dusk if earlier.

Happy Birthday Ma’am! – Derren Brown – The Wrigleys – Storytelling Event – The Filmhouse

There will be a gun salute today from Edinburgh Castle at 12 noon to mark the anniversary of HM Majesty the Queen’s birthday along with three cheers!

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If you can still get tickets then illusionist, Derren Brown, is appearing tonight at The Pleasance Main Hall. 

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The House @42 is hosting an evening with The Wrigley sisters tonight. Douglas said:-“We can’t wait to meet Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley on Saturday. They are a pretty big deal in their native Orkney not just because of their virtuoso playing (Jennifer on fiddle and Hazel on guitar and piano) but because they founded a highly successful music school, venue, café and exhibition space. (Perhaps they could give us a few tips.) So if you come down to the house on Saturday night what can you expect? Heart-felt Orkadian music, Scandanavian influences, traditional jigs and reels, and the kind of “in sync” playing you only get with twins. We say, catch them now before they get too big for small, intimate venues. See you on Saturday.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lltO52TBvSw]

Get to the house for 8pm to see The Wrigleys (doors open at 7.30pm). Tickets are £10 each, with every penny going direct to the band. Email info@douglasinscotland.co.uk to book.

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2012PK_eventPR

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Meanwhile at The Filmhouse….

Cutty Sark presents………free panels at Edinburgh Filmhouse

As a supporter of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and Filmhouse, Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky, in partnership with Arts & Business Scotland, are staging the following free panels. Come along and see what you can learn from our invited team of experts. No experience necessary.

Saturday 21 April, 11- 12.30pm

‘What to do with your short film idea?’

Do you have a burning desire to shoot a short film but no idea of where to start? Join our panel of experts to offer advice on how to progress your filmmaking talent, whatever your level.

Chaired by Matt Lloyd -Director of Glasgow Short Film Festival

Panelists include:
Paul Maguire – Low Def Film and Video Night in Leith
Findlay Pretsell – Scottish Documentary Institute
Felipe Busto Sierra – Debaser Filums
Stephanie Oswald – Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle upon Tyne

Event will include a compilation screening of the Low Def Film and Video Night in Leith

Next Saturday 28 April 2012 you could join in the flash cycle when Pedal on Parliament cycle from The Meadows to Holyrood.

This is billed as a non-confrontational cycle to try and persuade the politicians to take steps to make cycling safer for all. More information on the POP Scotland site.

POP Poster 2 Mother

Juniper Green CC are organising a Birdsong and History Walk on Saturday 5 May 2012

On Saturday 5th May, as part of their celebrations of 100 years of Bloomiehall Park, there will be a Birdsong Recognition and History Walk along the Water of Leith Walkway, from Mutter’s Bridge (on the road to Blinkbonny) to Slateford. The group will then assemble at Ruth’s Kitchen in Juniper Green at 9.30 am for tea/coffee and a briefing, and stop for lunch at the Spylaw Tavern in Colinton. The walk leaders will be local birder, Richard Watt, and local historian, Liz Beevers.

“Walking will be leisurely as we stop frequently to listen to bird songs and calls and learn to identify them, and to learn about the industrial history of our river. There are some flights of steps between Colinton and Slateford, but most of the going is easy.

We expect to arrive in Slateford about 3.00pm.

Walkers will need enough money to pay for refreshments and lunch: £15.00 should cover the cost with something to spare. Because we are walking partly to commemorate a walk along this stretch of the river on 1st May 1839 by the great American bird painter, John James Audubon and his friend, the father of Scottish ornithology, William MacGillivray, who used the opportunity to make convivial visits to public houses in Currie and Colinton, we want to make this a similar social occasion by starting in a tea room and lunching in a pub. For more information about our illustrious 19th century predecessors, please visit our website, www.junipergreencc.org.uk and look at the History section.”

Places are limited to 16, so early booking is essential. To secure a place, please phone Richard Watt on 0131 538 0352

New Appointments Boost Ambitious Law Firm

Commercial dispute specialist Alistair Dean has expanded his niche legal practice, with the ambitious appointment of two senior lawyers. Just three years after founding ADLP, the solicitor-advocate is delighted with the expansion, which sees court practitioner Michael Wells join as a partner, and renewable energy expert, Mignonne Khazaka, appointed as a consultant.

Alistair, who is renowned for his expertise in handling contractual disputes and negligence claims, often within the construction sector, said:- “ADLP remains a niche, specialist law practice, with a commitment to family values, fair and transparent pricing, and strong client relationships.

“Mike and Mignonne’s arrival perfectly fits the future direction of the firm. They each have a positive outlook on life, an impressive track record and excellent credentials. I feel very lucky to have both of them on board. The construction industry remains important to the firm, but we want to develop into other areas.  We can now deal with a broader range of dispute resolution work, whilst also gaining an all-important foothold in the renewable energy sector.”

Michael Wells, 44, is a seasoned court practitioner who has handled a wide and varied caseload during a 20 year legal career in Edinburgh, including spells at Blacklock Thorley and Morton Fraser. The Edinburgh University graduate has considerable experience in white collar crime, guardianship, adults with incapacity, personal injury, judicial review and Court of Session agency work.

Mignonne Khazaka, also an Edinburgh University graduate, has built up 10 years experience specialising in drafting construction and renewable energy contracts, with stints at Tods Murray and Morton Fraser.

Her client base ranges from developers, consultants, manufacturers and funders, and she is the founder of Green Investment Capital Limited, a company focused on raising finance for renewable energy projects.

Alistair believes both newcomers will quickly help enhance ADLP’s excellent reputation, as a family firm based in the heart of Edinburgh – Alistair’s wife and sister also work for the practice and even the family dog makes an appearance three days a week. The firm is regularly referred a wide variety of work, from debt recovery to complex court of session work.

He added:- “We’ve become very well connected in the construction industry with clients including major contractors, architects, engineers and quantity surveyors, and enjoyed success in this niche. However, I know the construction sector remains vulnerable in this economic climate, so I believe it is prudent to widen our scope and ours skills. We’ve certainly done that with these appointments and I’m confident both Michael and Mignonne will each play an important role in our ongoing success.”

ADLP was by Alistair Dean in 2009 and specialises in dispute resolution using adjudication, mediation, litigation and arbitration.  Alistair can be contacted on 0131 220 2755.

Royal Infirmary suffers power cut – Big things on the beach manifesto – CHAS want your Tesco vouchers – QMU get cycling award – Insulation Conference

We believe that Portobello Promenade should be the pride of Edinburgh:

The Edinburgh fundraising office of Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) are calling on all Tesco shoppers to donate their Tesco ‘schools and clubs’ vouchers to the charity.

Last year CHAS supporters collected a staggering 44,000 Tesco vouchers which were used to provide a range of creative toys and musical instruments for the CHAS at Home service, helping families in their own home and the charity’s two children’s hospices Robin House and Rachel House. This year the charity hopes to receive 50,000 vouchers. One Tesco voucher is issued for every £10 spent in store.

Fundraising Manager Pippa Johnston said: “The musical instruments funded by the vouchers last year provide fun activities and sessions for the children on home visits, at social events and when we use our mini bus as a travelling sensory studio.

“This year we’d like to provide even more equipment for the children and families to enjoy and hope that our supporters will help us reach our target by Sunday 20 May.”

The vouchers can be handed in to the fundraising office at Canal Court, 42 Craiglockhart Avenue or posted to Debbie Mooney, Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, 2^nd Floor, Buchanan Tower, Cumbernauld Road, Stepps G33 6HZ.

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Queen Margaret University’s push on pedal power has paid off with the recent award of Cycle Friendly Employer from Cycling Scotland.

Known for its sustainability credentials, Queen Margaret University is delighted to have yet another award which helps to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

The opening of Queen Margaret University’s new campus in Musselburgh in 2007 presented the opportunity for the University to develop a green transport policy. As part of the campus move, the institution has encouraged staff, students and even visitors to consider more sustainable travel alternatives to the car. This has allowed the University to promote the use of pedal power and by providing a full range of incentives including bike sheds, showers, cycle workshops, group cycling events, bike user group and the ‘bike to work’ scheme, the University is now seeing more staff and students than ever before travelling to the campus by push bike. Cycle users have also been able to maximise the use of the National Cycle Route 1 which runs through the campus.

Matt Sanders, a keen cyclist and Green Travel Champion at Queen Margaret University, said: “We are delighted to receive this award from the largest cycling charity in Scotland. We are continuously promoting the benefits of cycling to work and it’s wonderful to know that our efforts in this area are resulting in an increased level of people travelling by bike. We are also pleased that our drive to support cycle users by providing a range of good facilities, useful information and advice, as well as group activities is being recognised in this way.”

Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly Employer Award is a nationally recognised award for organisations located in Scotland who are committed to increasing staff trips by bike. Developed with support from the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, the aim of the award is to give employers the incentive and tools to promote cycling in the workplace, resulting in benefits for employers and staff alike. The award also provides best practice guidance in relation to cycle commuting and can be used as a practical tool to implement cycle measures as part of a sustainable travel plan.

Isla Campbell, Active Living Assistant from Cycling Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Queen Margaret University has achieved the Cycle Friendly Employer Award. It highlights a real commitment by the University to encourage staff and students to travel more sustainably. Cycling is also a great way to keep fit and healthy and we congratulate the University on all the hard work they have done to improve facilities for cyclists.”

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Social enterprise Changeworks has taken the bull by the horns and is hosting a ground-breaking conference on solid wall insulation – a hot topic in the energy and housing sectors as Scotland moves towards a low-carbon society.

The conference, being held today in Edinburgh, will bring together experts and industry representatives to explore the opportunities, barriers, solutions and myths surrounding insulating solid wall buildings.

With schemes like the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) on the horizon it’s more important than ever to air debates and opinions around the topic of solid wall insulation; a measure that will become much more prominent as funding for traditional cavity wall and loft insulation dwindles, and hard-to-treat properties become the focus of the Government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Changeworks is ideally placed to host such an event, due to its respected position in the environmental sector and its reputation for innovative research and expert consultancy. The sell-out conference counts architects, planners, surveyors, insulation installers, local authorities, housing association representatives, community groups, energy consultants, academics and individual householders among its delegates. With an experienced panel of speakers and the opportunity to handle products from leading exhibitors, the conference looks set to provide a forum for new dialogue and a wealth of information around the topic of solid wall insulation – a subject often avoided because of the associated difficulties it poses.

Ian Smith, Head of Consultancy at Changeworks and conference Chair, said: “For a long time government initiatives have tended to focus on the low hanging fruit, namely easy-to-treat homes that can take cavity wall insulation – but in Scotland that leaves us with a significant shortfall as so many of our homes are built from solid stone or brick.”

“With this in mind it’s key to the future of Scotland’s environmental targets that we create an open forum for debate and discussion around the next step – tackling those harder-to-treat buildings where, after all, many householders are in or at risk of fuel poverty, another of the government’s key priorities.”

The conference will offer a chance to hear independent views from a range of key perspectives and will provide the latest insight and debate on the topic. It will address barriers to installation including cost, technical complexities and disruption to occupants. This controversial area is likely to generate lively Q&A sessions and plenty of delegate interaction. The conference outcomes will form a critical report on solid wall insulation funded by the Scottish Government.

The conference has sold out but to access further information and see the final report, sign up to Changeworks’ e-news.

The Solid Wall Insulation Conference is a Changeworks event supported by Historic Scotland and The Scottish Government.

More Needs Done on Haymarket Access Plan

Edinburgh Central MSP Marco Biagi has urged Network Rail to reconsider its plans for pedestrian and cycle access to the new Haymarket Station at a meeting of community representatives this week. Concerns were also raised by Sustrans, Transform Scotland and Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign.

Following the meeting Network Rail have announced new consultation groups to look at important issues around mobility, access to the station and cycling provision. Edinburgh Central MSP Marco Biagi has also raised the access issues with the Scottish Government, lodging parliamentary question S4W-06772, and making his concerns known in person with Transport Minister Keith Brown.

The parliamentary question reads:-

S4W-06772 Marco Biagi: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the proposed Network Rail design for Haymarket railway station as part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Project will provide adequate access for (a) pedestrians coming from Dalry Road, (b) people with impaired mobility and (c) cyclists.

Welcoming the response from Network Rail, Marco Biagi MSP said:-

“I’m pleased that there is real progress and commitment by Network Rail to look at the issues that have been raised around access to the new Haymarket. The refurbishment project is a one-off opportunity to improve all the facilities. It is not good enough to leave key features to some unspecified future time. If the long-running problems of pedestrian access, mobility and cycle provision are not dealt with in this project the train will have left the station.

“It’s important that local residents have their say in the way they want access to be improved to Haymarket, especially for those approaching the station from Dalry Road end who currently need to take a long walk round to the front entrance. An alternative entrance on Dalry Road or on Distillery Lane is an option that has been suggested and would be widely welcomed.

“There are other well founded concerns on the access for cyclists who commute daily by bike and train. The recently installed bike storage at Haymarket is reported to be consistently full, showing that the demand is there. More people will be happy walk and cycle to work rather than take their car if – and only if – the right infrastructure is there.”

LABOUR MPS UNITE TO CALL FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL IN SCOTLAND

Lothians MPs Sheila Gilmore, Mark Lazarowicz and Graeme Morrice have come together to call for the proposed High Speed Rail network to be extended to Scotland.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate on Wednesday the MPs highlighted that the extra capacity and shorter journey times would stimulate economic growth and reduce carbon emissions by encouraging people to switch from plane to train.

Under the Government’s current plans an initial line from London to the West Midlands will be up and running by 2026. This will be extended to Leeds and Manchester by 2033/34. Trains will travel at speeds of up to 225mph.

Speaking after the debate Sheila Gilmore said:-‘I welcome the Coalition’s decision to press ahead with the previous Labour government’s plans for high speed rail. Passengers in Scotland will benefit immediately as the high speed network will be linked to existing lines, meaning trains will continue up to Edinburgh and Glasgow at conventional speeds. Once the second phase is complete, the Edinburgh to London journey will be cut by an hour to 3 hours 30 minutes.’

Mark Lazarowicz called on the Government to extend the planned lines to Leeds and Manchester to Edinburgh and Glasgow:-‘To realise the full benefits of high speed rail, the second phase should not end at Leeds and Manchester, but continue on to Edinburgh and Glasgow. This would cut the journey to London to between two and three hours, allowing Scotland to take advantage of the economic strength of the South East. High speed rail would also realise environmental benefits. If you account for travelling to and from airports and checking in, flying between Scotland and London takes 3 hours 40 minutes. If journeys were brought down to 3 hours or less people would switch from planes to trains. Given that aviation produces high rates of carbon emissions per passenger mile, high speed rail could play an important role in tackling climate change.’

Graeme Morrice expressed concern over whether the project would be built if Scotland were to separate from the rest of the UK:-‘As a United Kingdom, we have the critical mass to deliver this project and ensure it reaches into Scotland to Edinburgh and Glasgow. However I fear that if Scotland separated from the rest of the UK, the new line wouldn’t make it past the north of England. While a future Scottish Government could build lines from Edinburgh and Glasgow to the border, the Westminster Government would have no incentive to shell out for the lines north of Leeds and Manchester. Only by remaining a United Kingdom and working together can we guarantee that Scotland will benefit from high speed rail.’

Environmentalists and residents from Dundee, Falkirk, Grangemouth and Edinburgh today gathered outside The Scottish Parliament to call on the Scottish Government to stop subsidising big biomass as ‘green’ energy.

Shortly before the demo, Fergus Ewing, Energy Minister, agreed to meet with representatives from the three Biofuelwatch, No Leith Biomass Campaign and Friends of the Earth Scotland, and 13 MSPs from all the parties exited the Parliament to meet the crowd.

Biofuelwatch Campaigner Emilia Hanna said:-“We are encouraged to have the Minister’s attention, but there’s still a long way to go. The government needs to remove subsidies for all large scale biomass if community renewables are to be given a chance, and if we are to avoid further deforestation. The biomass industry is being artificially inflated by heavy subsidies, which are driving up demand for wood and pushing up prices.

“We were pleased to see so many MSPs come out to hear our concerns. The issue of biomass subsidies now needs to be fully debated in Parliament.”

http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615

Davina Shiell, Head of Campaigns and Communications, Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:-“Industrial-scale electricity generation from biomass has been proven to cause deforestation, increase carbon emissions, cause harmful air pollution locally, and be as inefficient as burning coal. Scotland has plenty of potential for genuine renewable energy technologies including wind, tidal, and solar.”

Forth Energy pulled the plug on its plans for a large biomass power station in Leith in February. However, it remains committed to building its three other projects at Grangemouth, Dundee, and Rosyth, and its plans for biomass at Grangemouth are now the subject of a Public Inquiry due to the levels of controversy over the plant.

Sally Millar, Campaigner at No Leith Biomass Campaign, said:-“The Leith community is happy that Forth Energy have withdrawn in our area for now, but other areas of Scotland are threatened with massive, inefficient and unsustainable biomass burning plants. The only way to stop the expansion of big biomass is to stop subsidising it, and that’s what we are asking Scottish Government to do.”

Speaking at the protest, Green MSP Alison Johnstone said:

“Chopping down swathes of foreign forest to burn for electricity in Scotland would be monumentally daft and the Scottish Government must make sure that this is not supported with taxpaper money. Burning trees for electricity on a large-scale is totally inefficient and a waste of money in a country with a world-leading renewables industry that needs investment.

“I want to see greater focus from developers on community-scale renewables, rather than oversized and unsustainable proposals like the Leith project that was defeated in February. I continue to urge Forth Energy to reconsider its plans for other large biomass plants around the Forth.”

The celebration of all things vinyl returns to the capital this Saturday 21 April 2012 with many events taking place in the capital throughout the day.

Started in the UK and US in 2007 as a means of aiding independent music stores, the event has gone from strength to strength in recent years and has heralded a gradual resurgence in physical record sales.

You now have a chance to turn out and offer support to the smattering of shops that still serve Edinburgh vinyl lovers, and get your hands on some rare and special releases. Arctic Monkeys, David Bowie and Kasabian are all putting out exclusive tracks, alongside Scottish stalwarts Admiral Fallow and King Creosote.

Where to get involved ?

Avalanche Records 5 Grassmarket EH1 2RY

Throwing their doors open  to the hordes at 9.30a.m., the store has lined up Edinburgh’s very own Withered Hand for a 2p.m. instore performance followed by Ballboy an hour later. There will also be demonstrations on how to make your own record sleeve.

Avalanche have also lined up their very own post-RSD party at Electric Circus headlined by Aberfeldy’s Star Wheel Press.

Underground Solu’shn 9 Cockburn Street EH1 1BP

Not to be outdone, Underground have laid on a vast buffet of  dance and electronic sets from some of the city’s finest DJs. Stephen Brown, Craig Smith, Lord Of The Isles and many more will all be popping in to lend their hand to these vinyl-only sets.

VoxBox Music 21 St Stephen Street EH3 5AN

Spinning begins at 10.30a.m. when the youngest of Edinburgh’s music stores will be offering some of RSD’s exclusive releases alongside their own extensive catalogue. They’ve also managed to secure performances from Neil Pennycook and, the soon to be massive, PAWS to add a bit spice into Sunday afternoon.

For full information on all Record Store Day events and releases go to the website. 

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