Old Edinburgh Club AGM

The Old Edinburgh Club is holding its 116th AGM at the City Chambers on 20 September 2023 at 7pm. The Lord Provost will greet members and Henry Sullivan from the City Archives will deliver a talk which will include details of proposals for the celebration, ‘900 Years of the City of Edinburgh’ in 2024.

The winners of the Jean Guild grant awards will be announced and it is open to all – whether current or new members.

More details here

Bikefest

Edinburgh Tool Library will be hosting four mini workshops at Bikefest on Bath Street Portobello on 16 September. Want to know how to change a tyre or swap an inner tube? Places are bookable online with Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inner-tube-swapping-12pm-tickets-711046127107

Scottish Folk Day

Musicians and community groups in Scotland will take part in the first ever Scottish Folk Day on Saturday 23 September, helping to promote and celebrate the country’s vibrant and varied folk scene and traditions.

The new project has called for musicians of all backgrounds and abilities to stage live performances and workshops throughout the day, in what will be a country-wide celebration of folk music and culture.

Organised by Scotland’s Traditional Music Forum (TMF), Scottish Folk Day is running in tandem with European Folk Day, which has been conceived and coordinated by the European Folk Network. 

The initiative aims to offer a networking platform for musicians and artists at all levels to showcase their talents, while giving folk fans across Scotland and Europe the opportunity to connect with a wider, like-minded community.

Read more here

Indian Arts

On Sunday 17 September Indian Arts Connection will hold a concert featuring Debasmita Bhattacharya on the Sarod at St Mary’s Cathedral on Palmerston Place.

Tickets can be booked here.

Our September issue

Our September newspaper is freshly published and on the streets of the capital today.

Our cover story is about the Lord Provost and Council Leader who are taking riding lessons to allow them to take part in the Riding of the Marches while inside we take up the story of Larah Bross and her chain of bagel shops which employ around 70 people in the city – some of which are now temporarily closed.

The National Robotarium which opened in Edinburgh in September 2022 has inspired more than 10,000 young people to consider a career in robotics.

There have been more than 50 in person and virtual events held at the centre since it opened some in collaboration with other industry and educational partners such as the Glasgow Science Centre and social enterprise group Datakirk. The £22.4 million centre is the most advanced in the UK acting as an innovation hub for the application of robotics and autonomous systems. One of the most important parts of its work is to engage with disadvantaged learners so tackling digital exclusion.

Marking five years since the Edinburgh and South East City Region Deal was signed this centre is a significant part of the £1.3 billion 15 year investment programme funded jointly by the UK and Scottish Governments and local authorities including The City of Edinburgh Council.

Sabaht Bashir is industry and schools engagement co-lead at the National Robotarium. She said: “Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal which is helping to accelerate knowledge and cutting-edge technologies into Scotland and the UK’s economy.

“At the National Robotarium, we’re showcasing ways robots can help humans do things better, for the benefit of industry and society, and inspiring the next generation of roboticists and AI pioneers.

“The research our world-leading experts are conducting today to make our lives safer, healthier, and more productive will be the world that our young learners inherit tomorrow. It’s an incredible milestone to have engaged with so many young people from a range of diverse backgrounds since opening our doors last year. We look forward to continuing to work with schools and educators from all around the world to bring careers in robotics to life.”

Lauren Stalker, Curricular Leader of Computing Science & Digital Literacy at St Thomas of Aquin’s R.C High School in Edinburgh, said: “I would highly recommend this trip for all students as seeing the robots in real life is a fantastic experience. The information shared inspired pupils to want to get into robotics and see possible career opportunities. All the students thoroughly enjoyed the virtual reality experience and getting to see a programming language they learn in school being used in that way.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Malcolm Offord, said: “The National Robotarium is a prime example of how the City Region Deal is creating exciting opportunities, driving economic growth, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“The UK Government is investing £21 million in the National Robotarium and more than £380m in levelling up across South East Scotland.” 

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary, Neil Gray, said: “I congratulate the National Robotarium on its successful first year inspiring technological innovation and sharing those advances with young people to help seed the next generation of entrepreneurs. In 2021 the Scottish Government committed to supporting the development of ethical artificial intelligence as part of Scotland’s AI Strategy, which will be complemented by actions in the recently published National Innovation Strategy.

 “Through the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal we are delivering a fair and sustainable wellbeing economy which aims to create even more good quality jobs.”

Jarmo Eskelinen, Executive Director of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative and South-East Scotland City Region Deal, said: “The National Robotarium is one of six hubs at the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University offering a world-leading platform for data-driven innovation across ten industry sectors. As the DDI initiative marks its fifth anniversary, it’s fantastic to see the hubs developing as individual institutes and centres and very exciting to be working with them to explore joint opportunities in tackling societal and industry challenges.”

Women, men and young people wearing brightly decorated bras or colourful “bra t-shirts” set off from Holyrood Park in balmy, late summer temperatures at 11 o’clock on Saturday night, to walk a half or full marathon through the capital. 

Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, the first MoonWalk Scotland was staged in 2006. Since then, walkers have raised almost £22 million, which is granted across Scotland to help support those living with cancer. 

Walk the Walk recently awarded £50,000 to the charity Cancer Support Scotland, to help reduce the waiting list for Scottish cancer patients and their families, who are in desperate need of emotional and wellbeing support.

Many buildings and landmarks across Edinburgh lit up pink throughout the night in honour of Walk the Walk’s amazing walkers and volunteers. These included Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura, Lloyds on the Mound, Royal Society Edinburgh Victoria Quay, Leith, Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Andrew’s House, Prestonfield House Hotel; Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Entries are already open for The MoonWalk Scotland on Saturday 7th September 2024.

Sign up now www.walkthewalk.org

Red-hot netminder Shane Owen claimed a shutout as Fife Flyers won 4-0 at Dundee Stars in a pre-season friendly.

That earned revenge for the 3-2 overtime defeat in a fiesty game at The Fife Ice Arena by the Tayside combine on Saturday before a 2,000 crowd.

Johan Eriksson opened Flyers’ account after 17 minutes and Anthon Eriksson added a second three minutes into the middle session.

Two minutes after that it was 3-0 when Ben Hawerchuk found the rigging and Fynn Page added a fourth with less than a minute left. 

Fife entertain Continental opposition this weekend in Tilburg Trappers from The Netherlands on Saturday (19.15) and CSM Brasov from Romania on Sunday (18.00).

PICTURE: Shane Owen in action

Berwick Bandits avoided bottom spot in the Cab Direct Championship with an emphatic 52-38 victory over patched-up Plymouth Gladiators, writes George Dodds.

Plymouth bosses had been forced to burn to midnight oil to even field a team, the withdrawal of Kyle Howarth after an accident at Edinburgh the previous night being the biggest body blow. In the end, they used four guests, rider-replacement and only two of their own riders.

The riders who accepted the booking came prepared to earn their money the hard way with the back straight fence under constant threat.

Simon Lambert skippered Scunthorpe to victory over the Bandits 24-hours earlier and he lined up for the coin toss wearing the metaphorical armband for Plymouth.

And he seemed to quickly mould a team very much in his own ultra-competitive image as he dominated the night’s scorechart with 15 plus one bonus from his seven rides.

Along with Redcar’s Jason Edwards, Edinburgh’s Kye Thomsen and James Pearson, he gave the home riders a real headache.

After fairly routine race wins from Rory Schlein and Jacob Hook, the recently free-scoring Leon Flint/Jye Etheridge pairing opened up a six-point lead with a heat three 5-1.

This was immediately trimmed when guest Luke Killeen’s engine seized at the start and Lambert roared around Hans Andersen, Pearson just having enough power to freewheel over the line for a 4-2.

Flint (pictured) and Etheridge repeated their early maximum in five but, despite another comfortable win from Schlein, Plymouth shared the points in six.

Hook showed plenty of speed at the back of that race but went too near the fence once too often and came very close to a high-speed wipeout on the second bend of lap three.

Plymouth upset the applecart as Lambert was given a tactical substitute ride in seven, Thomsen following him home for a comfortable 5-1 which trimmed the lead to four points.

Etheridge continued his unbeaten start to the night in eight, Edwards squeezing past the fast-starting Hook to limit the damage.

Three successive shared heats were not without incident. Lambert and Schlein both had to be aggressive round the boards in the early stages of their race and then Hook had a tremendous battle with first Edwards and then Pearson to work his way into second place behind Andersen only to slide off on the first bend of the last lap of 11.

The young Aussie picked himself up and after another couple of hairy back straight battles with countryman Pearson found himself leading with Etheridge, warned for rolling in the first running of the race, tucked in behind.

Schlein’s hopes of a first 2023 maximum were dashed when Edwards finally found his way out of the gate in 13, the Bandits’ man suffering engine problems as Plymouth recorded another heat advantage.

Flint completed his now customary heat 14 romp to the flag, but all the action was behind him with Hook and Thomson defying the knowledge that they are big friends off-track during a wild four laps which ended with another 5-1 from the home side.

There was just time for Schlein and Lambert to round off a hugely-entertaining evening by passing and re-passing before Schlein brought the curtain down on the Championship campaign in thrilling style.

Kevin Little, Berwick’s team manager, said: “First of all full credit to Plymouth whose guests really got stuck in and gave us plenty of headaches on the night, especially Simon Lambert.

“After a tough season it was good to see six of our riders get a race win and there was some really entertaining racing. I’m especially pleased for Jacob who had a tricky start to the night but bounced back and deservedly won the most entertaining rider award from our match sponsors.”

He added: “It has been a difficult and disappointing season but, at least, we go out with a win.”

Bandits: Rory Schlein 12, Jye Etheridge 11+3, Leon Flint 11+1, Hans Andersen 8, Jacob Hook 9+1, Luke Killeen 1

Gladiators: Jason Edwards 10, Matt Marson 1+1, Kye Thomson 6+1, Simon Lambert 15+1, James Pearson 6+2, Ben Trigger 0

It was another frustrating day for Stellar Monarchs Academy as they went down 48-41 at Kent, but the Armadale men did grab an aggregate bonus point.

Manager Scott Wilson said: “Ultimately, it’s a disappointing day as the target in the camp was to win the match. We made things difficult for ourselves again with some falls and a retirement when in scoring positions and, ultimately, it was too much to overcome.

“Hopefully, we can be as close to our full team as possible for the final home match in a couple of weeks and give those fans that have supported us this season a win to round off the year.”

Wilson’s men started brightly and with Max Clegg and Jacob Hook (pictured) always among the points the Academy had a four-point lead after five races with Clegg and Hook already with 11 to their name.

Heat six would be the start of the downfall as both Dayle Wood and Jason Garrad hit the deck and were excluded meaning a 5-0 for the hosts and they had a lead they would then never surrender.

The dropping of points continued as the home men took advantage and stretched their lead, Garrad’s bike would give up while in second in heat 9 with Hook coming down while in the same position a race later.

Clegg was always in the thick of it and he was involved in the two race-of-the-day contenders. In heat 13, despite a poor gate, he went in search of home pairing Nathan Ablitt and Ben Morley, passing and re-passing Morley before just missing out on snatching the win away on the line.

Clegg would save his best till last as he came out on top of another excellent battle with Morley in the last race.

For the home men there were double-digit returns for Morley, Ablitt, Tom Woolley and perhaps most impressively Ashton Vale at reserve who recorded his first ever race wins at this level.

So, two matches remaining now for the Monarchs Academy with a home match on September 22 against Mildenhall rounding off the year.

Kent Royals (48): Ben Morley 12+0, Jack Kingston 0+0, James Laker 1+1, Tom Woolley 11+0, Nathan Ablitt 10+0, Ashton Vale 10+1, Connor King 4+1

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy (41): Max Clegg 16+0, Jason Garrad 3+2, Jacob Hook 10+0, Dayle Wood 5+0, Adam Roynon 0+0, Mark Parker 0+0, Mickie Simpson 7+1

In the Cab Direct Championshgip, Glasgow Tigers edged Redcar Bears 39-33 with Tom Brennan top scoring for the visitors with ten and Danny King also scoring ten for Bears. The meeting was abandoned after heat 12 but the result stands and Glasgow win the aggregate bonus point.

Abbie Ferguson slotted the game-winner as Hibs edged Capital rivals Hearts in the Scottish Women’s Premier League at rain-soaked Tynecastle.

Her all-important strike came in the final minute of the first-half of the clash which saw the rain pour down minutes after the start of the key game.

The sides prevailed in the conditions and Kathleen McGovern fired home for Hearts from a Ciara Grant corner but officials blew for a foul in the build-up.

Hibs goalkeeper Katie Fraine then had to save well from Georgia Timms who broke down the right and the home side put more pressure on the visitors following a three women move which ended disappointingly when Emma Brownlie fired over.

Hibs punished Hearts for their missed chances, scoring in the dying seconds of the first half following a corner on the left which found Ferguson lurking and she scored following a deflection from a Jambos defender.

Hearts failing in the final third also proved costly in the second-half, substitute Sade Adamolekun and former Hibs player Katie Lockwood coming close, but the Easter Road side kept the Women in Maroon out to record a big win.

PICTURE: Partick v Motherwell. Pictures from Tynecastle not yet available. Picture by Colin Poultney courtesy of the Scottish Women’s Premier League

The usually annual event celebrates the modern-day re-enactment of the ancient custom of riding the boundaries, or Marches of Scotland’s capital, a symbolic tradition of inspecting the Common Land of Edinburgh which dates back to at least 1579.

The inspection of the Common Land in Edinburgh was carried out until the practice died out in 1718. It was revived in 1946 for a special ‘Riding of the Marches’ to celebrate peace and the end of the war when 70 riders took part and were met by crowds said to reach Royal dimensions upon their return to the Royal Mile. On Sunday the crowds were considerable but nowhere near Royal dimensions. It was a year ago this weekend when the Royal Proclamation attracted crowds several people deep all the way up the Royal Mile.

Sadly just after the ceremony at the Mercat Cross the heavens opened….

Two principal representatives are selected every year to take on the roles of ‘Captain and Lass’.  The requirement is that they are residents of Edinburgh and have a passion for their city’s history, heritage and future. 

The applicants do not need to know how to ride a horse (but it helps!) as they can be put through careful and rigorous training by one of Scotland’s oldest riding schools, Edinburgh-based Tower Farm Riding Stables. 

In 2020 Jay Sturgeon – then a 23 year old Executive Assistant at The City of Edinburgh Council and 21 year old Abbie McDowell, a Riding Instructor at Tower Farm Riding Stables, were chosen to represent Edinburgh in these coveted roles.  However, as the Covid-19 virus took its hold on the world, this young pair – who are also best friends – quickly realised that their year in office would be uncertain. 

Three years on, Jay, now a Project Manager in Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Abbie, who gave birth to her first child at the beginning of August, will finally get to complete their journey.  On Sunday they lead nearly 300 horses and riders on the epic 26-mile route of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, ending with a grand cavalcade up the Royal Mile to the Mercat Cross. 

Joining the procession of horses will be riders from the 29 Riding Towns of Scotland, wearing their traditional coloured sashes, who all celebrate their own Common Riding Festivals and Events every year as well as riders from across the globe. The Lord Provost, the Provost Consort and the Leader of the Council – as well as Norma Melville Executive Assistant to the Lord Provost and Clerk to the Lieutenancy – all joined the ride for the first time on horseback.

Hearts have confirmed that tickets are now on sale for their Viaplay Cup quarter-final at Kilmarnock on Tuesday, September 26 (19.45) and Jambo fans will be given seats in the Chadwick Stand.

Tickets can be bought online or at the Hearts Ticket Office and the adult price is £20 with an over-65 getting in for £15, the same price as a student. A family ticket is £40.

Meanwhile, tickets for the cinch Premiership match at St Mirren on Saturday, September 23 are also on sale for supporters with 85-plus loyalty points.

Hearts fans will be in the North Stand at the SMiSA Stadium and that is behind one of the goals. Tickets here are £26 for adults and £16 for over-65s and students.

The Tynecastle club will host school holiday tours at Gorgie from Monday, October 16 to Friday, October 20 and they are free if the young person comes with a full paying adult. Tickets for adults at £12.

A behind the scenes view will take fans into the dressing-room, walk down the tunnel, a chance to sit in the dugout and the meeting point is the Hearts Museum. Early booking is recommended.

It appears that Hibs will unveil their new manager early this week with Nick Montgomery favoured to get the nod according to a large selection of the Scottish media.

The former Sheffield United midfielder is currently coaching in Australia with Central Coast Marriners who play in the A-League and Montgomery as been at the club for two years and they won the league title earlier this year.

It was understood that Hibs will have to pay compensation for Montgomery and the 41-year-old will replace Lee Johnson who was sacked last month after a poor start to the season.

Meanwhile, David Gray has been granted a testimonial match in October and Manchester United Legends will travel north for a clash with Hibs Legends at Easter Road.

Sunday, October 15 (2pm) is the date for your diary and Gray will face some of his old teammates in Darren Fletcher, Darron Gibson and West Brown in the game. 

More players will be confirmed soon and Hibs say Gray’s team will include the man himself alongside some of his Scottish Cup winning colleagues.

Scott Brown and Steven Whittaker are already penned in and they came through Hibs Academy and were part of the club’s League Cup winning side. Tickets are £10.

PICTURE: Recent action featuring Hibs

Paris less than one year out from the Olympics followed by the Paralympic Games, is currently in-Seine-ly gripped by Rugby World Cup fever, fired by France’s sensational opening night victory over the mighty All Blacks.

French fans crave their fist Rugby World Cup win but, while the oval ball circus continues, construction is going ahead at pace for Paris 2024, and the worlds media are being invited to tour installations, including the badminton and power lifting arena, the only new building being constructed inside the city for the Olympics. It is around 5k from main tourist attractions.

Test events are due at the end of this year at the impressive stadium and concerts featuring world stars are also on the agenda to bed the building in.

The Rugby World Cup takes centre stage currently. The impressive fans village in the Place de la Concorde, the largest public space on the French Capital, and it was packed with thousands of beer-swilling fans but, if you are coming over for games, bring a big wallet.

Small glasses of beer are 8.50E and, for those with more discerning tastes, a champagne bottle is around 70E and food is not cheap. Bread and cheese or a meat platter is 17E, for example, but if you head for The Bullion stand, a gazpacho soup is 5E and well worth the investment. Tasty and ideal in the heatwave which is currently engulfing the city.

Steak with potatoes and a bearnaise sauce was good value at 17E but beware, the area is boisterous and noisy and if you want a quiet meal then perhaps go elsewhere.

There are hot dog and other take away options in the area which is dedicated to rugby and the space also highlights an extensive entertainment package. A super-charged Maoris group showcased their culture then invited the audience to take part in a haka. Good fun.

Popular music is also on the menu and the fans loved it even in the temperatures which topped 35c at 7pm. Beer was popular. Surprise, surprise.

Elsewhere in the city, Rugby World Cup posters and flags can’t be missed, and there are pop up merchandise shops dotted around the city. 

Getting around is possible in taxis but they get snarled up in the jams. It’s like dodgems and heaven knows how drivers put up with traffic light jumping which is prevalent at many major junctions.

It’s like a maze at some and how accidents don’t happen is a miracle. You can hire bikes, if you are brave, and there are specific bike routes away from the traffic, but you do come across copious quantities of metal at a number of locations and why some locals ride their bikes minus helmets is beyond me.

Segway scooter tours and electric scooters are also available, but the same rules apply, watch your step.

If you want to escape then heat and traffic head for the River Seine which, we were told, will host the opening ceremony for the Olympics, an occasion normally hosted in a stadium. This brings the public to the heart of the event we were told.

The Olympic triathlon is said to be taking place in and around the famous river and engineers are working to clean up the water. It is complicated, we understand, but the word is they are making headway. Word of warning, the clock is ticking chaps.

Shopping is a major attraction for many visitors and there are very few vacant sites unlike city centre locations closer to home in Scotland.

There are well-known brand names around, Etam, for example, and Foot Locker, along with chic international brands. Shopping is not my bag but air conditioning is and a quick jaunt into a shop on the pretext of a quick browse, was a merciful relief.

Eating out is easy. Cafes and restaurants are open everywhere and for long hours. Service is usually slick and food we tasted was good. Le Jaja, tucked away discretely in a small but busy side street in the Saint-Gervais district, was exceptional.

It was up a close and you could miss it. Not sure I would want to be a neighbour, but it was quality. My seared tuna was memorable- sidestep this if you like it well-cooked. My knife sliced through with ease.

The Mediterranean vegetable accompaniment was tasty, but the green beans with a hint of pesto remained on the plate. Not to my liking but one of my colleagues enjoyed them. The steak and cabbage with potatoes was superb and the shared T-bone was enjoyed.

A mark of the quality of this superb restiurant was the waitress who came to table with a side dish of cabbage. She felt it was unsatisfactory and immediately replaced it.

Lunch at the Hotel de Ville, the Town Hall, was an event. Pave of salmon with a twist, a creole sauce, was served with luscious mash potatoes and haricots verts.

The fresh fruit salad was packed with finely-chopped goodness and the grilled courgette salad with parmesan was interesting. The Chateau Fayau Bordeaux 2019 red was spectacular. Yes, I know red does not normally go with fish, but this did due to the crusty skin and the creole twist.

There, the supremo for major sports events in Paris, former French rugby star, Pierre Rabadan, who played for Stade Francaise and who only a few hours later unlocked the gleaming Rugby World Cup trophy from a special box in front of a world-wide TV audience of millions, outlined why the city have hosting the event and the Olympics. They co-hosted the Rugby World Cup with Ireland and the UK in 2007, for the record.

He stressed legacy, he stressed giving young people role models as legends, and he also stressed the importance of getting more young people into sports and France, he added, had a young population which, potentially, has a large pool of future talent to tap into.

Sadly, we were told, it is not taught in schools, leaving rugby clubs to harness any raw talent which emerges and victory in the Rugby World Cup in late October could be a catalyst for change, perhaps.

The city Mayor, Socialist politician, Anne Hidalgo, the first women to hold the lofty office and she has been in power since 2014, popped in to underline the importance of sport to the community of Paris and the nation.

She attended the opening night in the fans village and it was a privilege to be there and drink in the atmosphere. No hassle, no obscenities just good-natured banter, language allowing, between fans of many countries. I even heard Scottish accents.

The 984-feet Eiffel Tour, built in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, oversees everything in this intoxicating city. The sun scorched down, reflecting off the concrete on the Place du Trocadero, one of the best vantage points, even at 9.30am.

Souvenir sellers mingled but were polite and moved away after a firm “no” as we took souvenir pix. That is in contrast with the taximen at Gare du Nord Station. They are aggressive and don’t fall into the trap of engaging with them. Locals say they charge well, I stress well, over the odds. Walk past and follow the arrows to the taxi rank, but the queue can be lengthy so get off the Eurostar quickly.

Check in at St Pancras was easy and quick. I had a small, amount of liquid in a water bottle and forgot to remove my plastic bag from by holdall, but I got through. Same in Paris which I checked with the security people. 

Piece of advice, on arriving at Gare du Nord, enter the station by the front door, turn right and go up the escalator. Beware there are not many seats there if you arrive early and if you want to change your ticket to another train be prepared to fork out £50.

Eurostar is convenient, city centre to city centre and clean. The only hitch I had was on the return journey when there was no water in the toilet. Seats are snug, but it is a great way to cross the Channel.

I was fortunate, sitting next to an absolutely delightful British Airways, long-haul hostess, and the journey flew by. Merci for that.

The outward leg was totally different. I wanted to close my eyes after a 4am alarm to catch the 7.01am and I did although I woke up to see the parched landscape then the outskirts of this vast city with blocks of concrete flats predominating. Graffiti, some of it not particularly artistic, was on walls and the side of buildings and the side of the rail track. A modern and unsightly problem.

Overall, a 36-hour, whirlwind trip packed with interest, but that heat, it was oppressive. I stayed at the really comfortable Mercure Prelude Opera Hotel in the bustling Opera district, and it really clean.

Breakfast offers a selection of meat and cheese plus cereal, yoghurt and fruit plus fresh, crusty bread and croissants. Beware, I picked up an egg and thought it was hard-boiled. Wrong, it was raw.

Beds are comfortable, the bathroom small but perfect for single occupancy and the wardrobe space more than adequate.

TV does not have SkySports that I could find but they do show Champions League and Premiership games. I watched Rangers at PSV and Liverpool hosting Aston Villa replays for example.

Overall, it has been over 40 years since I last visited Paris. The return journey was memorable but spoiled because of the heat, the ferocity of which has even surprised locals.

The Metro also provided much-needed coolness, but you need a guide. Rebecca did a great job piloting us around to tourist traps including the Quai d’Orsey, Les Invalides, Point Alexandre III, the Grand Palais where some Olympic sports will be held, and to hosting much-needed drinks at the Petit Palais.

I have no problems negotiating London, in fact I don’t even take a map, but I was baffled by the Metro system. Tickets are accessed from machines and the instructions are in English if you select the Union Jack flag of course.

You can buy a block of tickets or single tickets but they have a time limit on them and you must complete your journey inside that limit. There are also trams.

So, do visit and we look forward to the future to see if the massive investment in three major sports events does actually produce sporting legends. 

PICTURE: The world-ramous Seine in the sparkling summer sunshine captured by Nigel Duncan

The 10th edition of the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival takes place from 5 to 20 October 2023 and the full programme will be announced on Monday.

The festival features 17 films including seven debut features from Spain and Latin America with something for all ages.

The festival devotes a special place to commemorating the country’s journey to democracy from 1975 to 1982 with the 1976 film by the late Carlos Saura – Raise Ravens. One of the best examples of  cinema made during this historic period it will serve as a posthumous tribute to the legacy of the Spanish director who died earlier this year.

Audiences will have a second chance to catch three of the most recent Spanish commercial and critical hits: Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s powerful rural thriller The Beasts (2022), Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s debut film, the poignant family drama Lullaby (2022), and Fernando León de Aranoa’s sharp corporate satire The Good Boss (2021). Parents and their children will also be able to enjoy the latest Spanish family hit The Kids Are Alright 2 (2022) directed by Inés de León.  

Other versions of the festival will take place in Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness during the month.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Professor Nuria Capdevilla (director) will present three new shorts from her ongoing project CartasVivas which showcases the memories of twentieth-century Spanish women whose lives and work have remained largely unrecognized. On this occasion the shorts revolve around three Spanish women who were ardent defenders of women’s education and who had to flee  Spain at the start of the Spanish Civil War.

A creative writing masterclass by Ignacio Martínez de Pisón, one of the most prolific writers on the Spanish transition is included in the programme. The subject of writing stories embedded in historical contexts. This will be followed by a screening of Backroads (1997), adapted from Pisón’s homonymous novel by the author himself and directed by Spanish auteur Emilio Martínez Lázaro. 

In collaboration with the Cervantes Chair, an extension of the Cervantes Institute in Manchester at the University of Edinburgh, there will be a Wine Tasting event featuring a selection of six wines from prestigious Galician company Bodegas Martín Códax. 

• Screening and Event Locations:
• Edinburgh: Institut Français Écosse / French Institute of Scotland (W Parliament Square), Odeon (118 Lothian Rd), Central Library (George IV Bridge)
• Tickets:
• Films: full price (£10), concession (£6)
• Wine Tasting: full price (£35), concession (£28)

All aboard for a journey across India from East to West. Prasad the owner of Dhoom restaurant in Dunfermline has continued on his culinary journey around India moving from Kolkata to the Bollywood city of Mumbai. 

The menu changes every six months when Prasad takes a team of chefs to spend five to six weeks on the streets of a new region of India tasting the local flavours and delicacies. The new menu features dishes from the region around Mumbai. 

We sampled the 10-course taster menu which in our view is great value at £27.95. There are many memorable flavours but there are three we would single out for special attention:

Mulberry Chicken Tikka – This is a sweet and tangy dish with an unusual mulberry sauce creating a new twist on an old favourite.

Sweetcorn Bhel – The hot spicy sweetcorn in an ice cream cone is destined to become a signature flavour.

King Prawn Moilee – This dish is actually an interloper from further down the West coast in Goa. King prawns in a rich coconut sauce.

And one of the best parts is that all three are gluten, dairy and nut free. In fact most of the menu caters for special dietary requirements including vegetarians. The focus is on producing food that tastes great but is also healthy.

The surroundings in Dhoom are quite traditional but quirky, and you can find yourself eating while sitting on a swing or even in a Tuktuk. 

This restaurant is well worth a visit with easy access by public transport from Edinburgh, and only a short 5 minute walk from both Dunfermline City train station and the local bus station.

Dhoom restaurant, New Row Dunfermline

Womenswear brand ME+EM has opened its biggest store to date and its first Scottish location in Edinburgh this weekend.

The Edinburgh store at 43 George Street houses the brand’s range of womenswear, footwear, and accessories, and is the first in Scotland and eighth standalone store in the UK. 

Spread over 3000 square feet inside a Victorian building, ME+EM has made the most of the existing architectural heritage skylights and cornices. The interiors of the George Street store have been carefully designed to respect the building’s design and heritage, with geometric tiled flooring providing both a nod to the building’s Victorian architecture and a contrast to the soft palate and natural texture of wood and boucle.

Starting from September 2023, the Edinburgh store will stock 14 annual drops, two of which will be in October and April, as well as the brand’s largest footwear collection to date. In-store personal styling by ME+EM’s in-house style consultants, as well as free online returns, will be available. 

Clare Hornby, founder and CEO of ME+EM, said: “I’m incredibly excited for the launch of our very first standalone store outside of London. The architecture of the building alone is exceptional and has allowed us to curate a space – the largest of all our stores to date – that speaks to the timeless yet contemporary aesthetic of our collections.” 

https://www.meandem.com

Action-packed racing weekend promises to be a perfect end to the summer

A MASSIVE weekend of celebrations to mark the end of summer is set to take place at one of Scotland’s most premier racecourses.

Racegoers are being urged to get tickets to ensure they don’t miss out on a weekend full of adrenaline pumping racing, toe tapping music with the top food and drink trucks Scotland has to offer.

Musselburgh Racecourse is set to host its Summer Finale Party on September 16^th and 17^th, featuring two days of stellar competitive racing.

Saturday will feature The Summer Finale Raceday, while Sunday will show the Musselburgh Gold Cup Race Day with a huge range of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We’ve had a fantastic couple of months of racing and what better way to cap off the summer than with a full weekend of celebrations.

“Across the weekend people can expect top competitive racing on offer, whether you’re a seasoned racer or a newcomer there will be something for everyone.

“To kick off the weekend, those attending can come see the Summer Finale Raceday and enjoy the delicious range of festival street food then a chance to pull on their dancing shoes as we’ll have some great bands taking us through the decades.”

A diverse array of hospitality packages will be on offer, ranging from street food options to exclusive dining experiences in the Queen’s Stand Restaurant, inaugurated by Princess Anne and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Also featuring this year will be The Racecourse Ownership Day series on the Saturday, providing an array of exciting opportunities to explore the world of shared ownership which offers the chance to enjoy the thrill of owning a racehorse at the fraction of the cost.

Attendees can anticipate a day packed with thrilling action and invaluable insights into the ownership journey of equine stars.

Aisling added: “On Sunday we will have the Musselburgh Gold Cup Raceday which will have a huge range of activities for everyone to enjoy.

“We have lots on offer, with our well-loved Clip Clop enclosure which will feature free kids rides and free superhero shows that will provide great entertainment for those looking to bring their children to this year’s celebrations.

“Prizes for your little ones will also be available for kids dressed up as their favourite superhero or character, as well as the ever-popular face painting which will all be included in the ticket price.”

The Summer Finale Raceday will open its doors at 1.00pm and has tickets available from £30, while the Musselburgh Gold Cup will start from 12.00pm and have tickets from £25.00.

Kids aged 17 and under can enter Musselburgh Racecourse at no cost when accompanied by a paying adult.

Concession tickets can be purchased either online or on the day, at the gate for £25 on Saturday and £20 on Sunday, provided you have valid concession identification.

Situated a mere six miles from the city centre, convenient public transportation connections are easily accessible.

Additionally, tickets for a shuttle service from Waterloo Place to Musselburgh Racecourse 12:45pm can be purchased in advance with a complimentary shuttle bus running from New Craighall and Wallyford train stations.

For further information and to book tickets now for The Summer Finale, visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/tickets/summer-finale-16-09-23

For further information and to book tickets now for The Musselburgh Gold Cup visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/tickets/summer-finale-16-09-23

With the flat racing season coming to an end, Musselburgh Racecourse will now be hosting a wide range of Jump Meets starting with the Prince Phillip Challenge Trophy.

To find out more about the Jump Meeting calendar, please visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/fixtures

The spell of September sunshine continued on Friday with temperatures soaring to 24°. Alan Simpson photographer was out in the Meadows capturing the scene.

Schools which are affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight construction material that was used in the construction of some public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s.

It was mostly used mostly in flat roofing. Despite its name, it is very different to traditional concrete.

It is aerated, or ‘bubbly’, and is therefore less durable than traditional concrete.

RAAC can be susceptible to failure when exposed to moisture. As a result the UK Government has issued guidance to organisations in the UK to carry out check buildings where RAAC may have been used.

Since April 2023, The City of Edinburgh Council has been inspecting schools to check for RAAC. The work is being carried out in line with UK Government advice. We have contracted independent structural engineers to do the surveys.

No schools have had to close as a result of RAAC. 

These are the schools affected in Edinburgh and the mitigations that are in place as at 8 September 2023.

• Colinton Primary School – no impact on the school
• Cramond Primary School – one classroom block is closed – temporary classroom units on site
• Currie Community High School – access still available to dining hall, old gym block, assembly hall and an art classroom are closed and newer gym block still in use, some gym classes taking place outdoors
• Fox Covert/St Andrew’s RC Primary School – gym hall/dining hall closed but likely to re-open after remedial works, kitchen closed for longer term
• Lorne Primary School – top floor currently closed while assessment takes place, classes relocated within the school.
• Pentland Primary School – four classrooms, kitchen and supporting areas not in use, numbers restricted in dining hall
• Trinity Academy swimming pool – no impact as building has been closed since 2014
• Trinity Primary School – a classroom area and kitchen not in use and temporary classrooms on site

Developers S Harrison Developments Ltd and Sight Scotland are holding a public consultation event on 13 September.

The collaboration has been formed to submit planning proposals to The City of Edinburgh Council for the redevelopment of land at 50 Gillespie Crescent, Edinburgh.

In advance of lodging the planning application for the redevelopment of the site for purpose built student accommodation, and associated Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of the existing building, S Harrison Developments Ltd and Sight Scotland are sharing details of their plans at a consultation event..

The event will take place at 50 Gillespie Crescent, Edinburgh, EH10 4JB on Wednesday 13 September 2023 – 3pm to 7pm.

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Art Walk Porty ends on Sunday and before it does there are still many things to see and do as well as all the Art Houses and Art in Shops.

SATURDAY

11am – 12pm

DELUGE: Land-shapes Artist Talk with Linde Ex, Netherlands
Art Walk Hub, 189 Portobello High Street

This is an opportunity to hear about Linde Ex’s research processes as part of the Deluge project, sharing her experiences about visiting the three coastal salt marsh locations (East Lothian, Barrow-in-Furness, The Waddensea), collecting and drawing ‘land-shapes’.

4pm – 5.30pm

DELUGE: Artist Talk with Anna-Rosja Haveman (Netherlands) and Maddi Nicholson (Art Gene, Barrow-in-Furness)
Art Walk Hub, 189 Portobello High Street
A rare chance to hear from these two visiting artists/curators on their practice and ways of working within climate arts, both of whom have been partnering with Art Walk Projects on the Deluge project. The discussion will involve researcher and curator, Anna-Rosja Haveman; director of Art Gene, Maddi Nicholson; and artists Linde Ex, Dana Olărescu, and Oscar van Heek.

8.30pm – 10.00pm
Afloat Film Night – Outdoor screening at Portobello Promenade
By Oscar’s on the Prom, near Pipe Street
Curated by Rosy Naylor, Afloat features a series of artist short films that explore local/global connections around environments, perceptions of change, beauty and livelihoods.

Join in with fish ‘n’ chips from Oscar’s while watching the programme. There is a suggested donation of £2-£4 per person, which includes loan of headphones.

SUNDAY

10.30am – 12pm
Art Walk Hub
189 Portobello High Street

An embroidery mapping workshop with Claudia Zeiske as part of Slow Coast 500. Go along and meet Claudia and learn about how her 500+ mile walk from Dunnet Head.

12pm – 2pm

Buoyancy in Unprecedented Times
Coracle launch with Jenny Pope, Portobello Beach by Morton Street

Join in a celebratory watery event with song and swimming that launches Jenny’s coracle form into the sea (weather permitting), created from locally collected recycled clothing.

2.30pm – 3.30pm

Jamu-making workshop with Vira Putri at Art Walk Hub

Artist Vira Putri shows participants how to make kunyit asem, a general tonic comprised of turmeric, tamarind, and palm sugar used to ease inflammation and increase overall immunity.

4pm – 5pm

The School of Pedestrian Culture walk with Lucas Priest from Art Walk Hub

Artist Lucas Priest leads a collective walking engagement with a series of written scores to inform ways of moving through Portobello.

6pm – 8pm
Vessel Beach Cooking event
Portobello Beach, by Morton Street

The closing event features exquisite wild food from forager Judith Lamb, inspired by vessel ingredients. Sponsored by Bellfield Brewery

Last chance to see:

Wing Cradle, by Henna Asikainen

11am-4pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Portobello Kiln, Bridge Street

Henna’s iconic installation inside one of Portobello’s two remaining kilns, features soundtrack by Erland Cooper, and testimonies from Zainah Adnan.

Also featured as part of Scottish Archaeology Month

The Porty Art Walk Festival Hub is now open with a curated programme exhibition at 189 Portobello High Street Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm.

Priestfield held their annual tennis club  tournament on the Kirkhill Road courts when Jack Hogg and Hermione Macmillan took the men’s and ladies singles titles.

Jack, pictured left, beat Iain McHale in straight sets while Hermione, pictured left, had to go to three sets to see off the challenge of Lindsey Rowlands.

Hermione was back on court partnering her sister Naivasha Corsar to victory over Maki Stott and Judith Pate. Left to right – Naivasha, Hermione, Maki and Judith.

In the men’s doubles, left to right,  Michael Saunders and David Robertson defeated Alan McDougall and Rik Smith while the mixed doubles went to Maki Stott and Michael Robinson who beat Lindsey Rowlands and Alan McDougall. Left to right – Michael, Maki, Lindsey, Alan.

Housebuilder David Wilson Homes has opened the doors of its newest show home on the outskirts of the village of Rosewell.

Rosewell Meadow offers a range of four-bed, high-quality family homes in one of Midlothian’s prettiest locations.

The new Glenbervie show home has been designed to showcase the property’s modern features, highlighting space while creating warmth with a palette of neutral and rich tones. Opulent gold lights, mirrors and accessories give the house a light and bright feel.

The homes are suitable for a range of buyers but have been designed with families in mind, making it the ideal choice for those with children. The four-bed Glenbervie has a separate dining room, a unique music room and an open plan family kitchen – all perfect for spending time with loved ones or entertaining guests.

Abbie Lockett, Design Sales Manager at Designer Contracts, said: “The Glenbervie show home has lots of beautiful features that make it an upmarket experience when visitors take a tour. The colour throughout is warm and neutral with contrasting richer tones in features such as the kitchen cabinetry and bedroom panelling.

“The lounge has feature metallic textured wallpaper and layers of soft velvets. Eye-catching gold lighting complements the elegant sideboard, and the bespoke upholstery allows for plenty of people to relax and enjoy the space.

“Upstairs, the main feature in bedroom one is the three-quarter height panelling which spans across the bed wall. Sat in front is a bespoke upholstered king size winged headboard in a velvet cream fabric; with a large glass chandelier ceiling light hovering over the bed. A stylish console table and a six-drawer chest are dressed with statement ornaments to add to the luxury hotel feel.”

With homes starting at £422,995, David Wilson Homes is currently offering buyers 5% towards their deposit or mortgage; or a guaranteed buyer with their Part Exchange service. All homes currently for sale include a host of extras and flooring.

The former mining village of Rosewell is just seven miles from Edinburgh’s city centre, with Edinburgh City Bypass close by for commuters and those looking to take advantage of the capital’s shops, restaurants and historic sites.

Closer to home, the development is near a number of well-regarded schools and has a range of family-friendly activities on its doorstep, including Roslin Glen Country Park, Rosslyn Chapel, the National Mining Museum in Newtongrange and Fort Douglas within Dalkeith Country Park.

Anne Ross, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “We’re pleased to finally be able to welcome buyers to our new show home in tranquil Rosewell, and allow them to experience the quality of these David Wilson Homes.

“This part of the county is known for its slower pace of life, which is ideal for families and those looking to escape the hubbub of the city centre. However, excellent transport links allow easy access into Edinburgh for commuters and day trippers.

“We look forward to welcoming buyers into the area and for them to find their dream home in the Midlothian countryside.”

www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/scotland/edinburgh/

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is transforming into the ultimate wellness retreat, bringing good vibes only for an exclusive wellbeing event on Sunday 10 September with yoga, sound healing and delicious brunch treats in Eve – the hotel’s all day dining destination.

Designed to let Edinburgh locals relax and recuperate after a busy Fringe season, the Good Vibes Sunday event will begin at 1.30pm with a wellness session, followed by the ultimate afternoon brunch and cocktails in Eve.

Featuring sound healing, gentle movement, and meditation, the 90-minute session is open to all, from absolute beginners to yogi fanatics. The accessible wellness session will be guided by expert meditation teacher, Frazer McGlinchey of happysense, and Yoga instructor, Mika Benjamin.

Mika will be leading the session in collaboration with Frazer and local mindfulness meditation organisation, happysense, creating the ultimate urban retreat in the heart of Edinburgh, using the holistic healing technique of sound therapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing.

After the restorative session, yogis can enjoy a delicious brunch offering in Eve from 3pm-4pm, all included in the ticket price. With brunch classics that will satisfy every craving, guests can enjoy everything from wholesome granola bowls to pancakes and more, all paired with delicious cocktails and mocktails, expertly crafted using Chandon Garden Spritz and distilled alcohol-free spirit, Feragaia.

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said, “The Fringe has been a busy but fun month and we want to help everyone recuperate and reset by offering up the ultimate Fringe blues cure. In partnership with experts in all things yoga and meditation, we’ll be transforming Virgin Hotels Edinburgh into the ultimate zen space for a one-off relaxation session. 

“We’ll also be treating everyone to the best brunch in Cowgate with delicious treats from Eve and specially curated drinks. You won’t want to miss it!” 

Spaces are limited so guests are advised to book tickets in advance, available here. For £30, guests can expect yoga, meditation and relaxation, and the ultimate brunch selection in Eve.

Good Vibes Sunday is just one of many events hosted at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

It’s nearly six months since Humza Yousaf became Scotland’s First Minister and this week’s launch of his Programme for Government gave us a chance to see what he’s made of, chalk or cheese.  He used his chalk to draw a route map on the blackboard but will it all melt away like soft cheese?

I suppose we must admire anyone who steps up to be a political leader when we face such huge problems: a fifth of the population living in poverty, the NHS, social care and council services in crisis, tough climate change choices, pay disputes, faulty concrete in public buildings, chronic under-investment in ferries, divisions in his own party…the list goes on.  

When Mr Yousaf took over from Nicola Sturgeon he was seen as the continuity candidate. But in fact, he has backed away from the radicalism of the Sturgeon years. He has paused the bottle recycling scheme, the marine protected areas and the outright opposition to all new oil developments.  He has announced a New Deal for business, in which he is trying to involve companies in a “welfare economy” of green jobs.

It was surprising therefore that he was so radical in his Programme for Government. Tackling poverty was the big idea. There was an extra £400 million for the Scottish Child Payment. He stuck to the SNP manifesto pledge to extend free child care to all 2 year olds and free school meals for all primary school children.  He said that was the way to get more women into the workforce and thus boost the economy.  So too would increasing the pay of the many women (and men) working in nursery and social care, from £11 an hour to £12.  

But in the short term, these are going to be expensive policies and difficult to fulfil in practice.  He hinted that income tax would have to be increased in December’s Budget to pay for it all.

That however was the only large-scale item in the Programme for Government.  There were the odd million-pound announcements on such things as help for parents who struggle to afford fresh food and those who have lost babies through miscarriages. And he’s to consider a ban on single-use vaping devices.  Otherwise, the 14 bills he listed for the parliament to work on over the next year were all previously announced reforms in areas ranging from agriculture to rented housing and the court service. 

What was endearing was how he tied many of his policies to his personal experience of growing up in an immigrant family in Glasgow and as a Muslim in Scotland.  He is deadly serious about his social agenda of creating a more equal and tolerant society.  He himself is a mild man, dealing reasonably with the details of government, rather than the dream of independence.

At a large “Believe in Scotland” rally outside the Scottish Parliament last weekend, he spoke more in sorrow than in anger about the disadvantage of remaining in the United Kingdom. Brexit, he said, “was a national tragedy.”      

All in all, I’m not sure Humza Yousaf is enough of a firebrand to break the stalemate on independence.  It seems stuck on 47 per cent in favour 52 per cent against and 5 per cent undecided.  Mind you, neither the Conservatives or Labour have been able to break the stalemate either, yet both put the issue  at the heart of their election campaigns, at the same time as accusing the SNP of being obsessed by it. 

If everyone is obsessed by independence, then it might explain why we have been so late in realising the danger posed by the use of so-called RAAC concrete in our public buildings back in the 60s, 70s and 80s. It emerged this week that experts have been worried for years that this form of light-weight concrete used in floors and roofs was susceptible, over time, to dampness and corrosion around the metal reinforcements.

 Over 100 schools in England are affected. In Scotland 40 schools and nine universities and at least four NHS buildings have been identified as having a problem and parts of the buildings have been taken out of use.  It looks like the beginning of a huge and expensive problem.

It raises the question of how many long-term problems we are failing to act upon.  Take climate change, for instance, hardly mentioned in the Programme for Government.  Yet this week we have had a reminder of it, in an unusual spell of warm, sunny weather – temperatures reaching 25C and the last patch of snow in the UK disappearing off Braeriach in the Cairngorm for only the tenth time in 300 years and most of them in the last six years.    

It’s all too easy to come to the conclusion that our civilisation is doomed. Maybe in a few thousand years, archaeologists will be scraping away the top soil to study our energy systems and RAAC infested buildings, trying to work out how we lived and where we went wrong.  

Just like the archaeologists from Glasgow University have been doing on the island of Arran over the summer.  A Neolithic “cursus” has been discovered on a hillside overlooking Machrie Moor. It’s been described an enormous structure of parallel stones and earth banks, half a mile long, the largest ever found in the UK. No one quite knows it’s purpose.  

I wonder what those ancient Britons, had as their Programme for Government.     

Another bite of the bagel

The Edinburgh Reporter continues to unravel the story of the Bross Bagels business collapse with the next instalment detailing what the liquidators of Bross Bagels Limited will do now. We understand will scrutinise a transaction under which assets have been transferred to a new business just days before Blair Nimmo and Alistair McAlinden were appointed Interim Liquidators on 29 August 2023.

The new business, Hot Mama Bagels Ltd, is currently recruiting for part-time, full-time and permanent Team Members.

A spokesperson for the interim liquidator, Interpath Advisory, stressed that they had no involvement with Hot Mama Bagels Ltd and so were unable to comment upon that company or its current activities.

Earlier, Interim liquidator Alistair McAlinden, head of Interpath Advisory in Scotland, told The Edinburgh Reporter:  “Following our appointment, we are taking steps to assess the financial position of the Company, ingather information on its assets and liabilities, and effect an orderly wind-down of the Company. We will shortly make contact with the Company’s creditors to advise them on the liquidation process.”

Read more here

Film afternoon at The Hippodrome

A film afternoon when the film The Freedom Machine will be screened takes place at 2.30pm on 16 September 2023 at the Hippodrome on Hope Street Bo’ness.

Kirsty Lewin from Infrasisters and Spokes Porty will give a short talk and the film’s director Jo Reid will be in attendance for a post film Q&A. The Spokes West Lothian Map will be on sale at just £4.

The Hippodrome event will celebrate the bicycle and its role in liberating women.

The bicycle “has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world”!  So said Susan B Anthony – the 19^th century American social reformer and women’s rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement.  The Freedom Machine – a new film edited by Scottish film curator Jo Reid – interrogates what freedom looks like for women cyclists over the last 100 years.  From opening a shiny new bike on Christmas morning to the grind of a daily commute, bicycles hold a multitude of meanings and opportunities for women across the world.  Using archival footage from across the UK’s film archives,  this entertaining compilation shows the ways women have used the bicycle to find freedom and independence on the road, the race-track and beyond.

Book tickets here.

Doors Open Days 2023

Our recommendation today is to go and have a look at the Royal Observatory. It will be open on Saturday 23 September.

This is a chance to see behind the scenes at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh and find out about the people who work here.

This year the observatory celebrates its 25th anniversary. J

Activities during the weekend include:

• Speaking with Astronomers
• Talking to Engineers
• Astronomy crafts
• Hearing from exciting start-up companies
• Handling meteorites
• Telescope dome tours

10am to 5pm with last entry to the site at 4pm. Some areas, including tours, will close earlier than this.

Free tickets

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/doors-open-days-at-royal-observatory-edinburgh-saturday-23rd-sept-2023-tickets-690814403477?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Cake and Jam Stall

On 10 September there will be a Cake and Jam Stall at Hailes Orchard raising money for local charities including Hailes Orchard & Woodland

Our September issue

Our September newspaper is freshly published and on the streets of the capital today.

Our cover story is about the Lord Provost and Council Leader who are taking riding lessons to allow them to take part in the Riding of the Marches – and of course that takes place on Sunday when you can see 300+ horses cantering up the Royal Mile.

Full details here.

Brazen bagels boss Larah Bross is continuing to trade in the former premises of the business she crashed after running up an estimated £1.27 million in debt, including £626,000 due in taxes.

And The Edinburgh Reporter can reveal that the Bross Bagels owner transferred the assets of the debt-heavy business to her new company just days before an interim liquidator was appointed.

The directors of Bross Bagels Ltd lodged a petition at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 3 August to wind up the company and to appoint an interim liquidator. Three weeks earlier, on 14 July, Larah Bross registered the entity Hot Mama Bagels Ltd at Companies House and was listed as the sole director.

The controversial move to transfer assets to Hot Mama Bagels will come under scrutiny by interim liquidators, Interpath Advisory, who were appointed on 29 August and are charged with winding down Bross Bagels Limited while securing the optimum return for creditors.

Directors of a stricken company can sell or dispose of assets prior to liquidation, however under The Insolvency Act 1986, there are strict regulations surrounding such transactions and if the liquidator sees potential wrongdoing or possible fraud, they have the power to investigate the selling of those assets.

The Act also gives liquidators the ability to apply to the courts to overturn or reverse a transaction if they feel that the assets have been sold or transferred at an undervalue – known as gratuitous alienation – and consequently to the disadvantage of creditors.

The Edinburgh Reporter understands the actions of the Bross Bagel directors Larah Bross and Marc Millar – prior to the appointment of Interpath as interim liquidators – is under review and will include assessing a “transaction” which transferred the business to Hot Mama Bagels.

Meanwhile, the new entity Hot Mama Bagels has started trading in three of Bross Bagels’ units in Portobello, Bruntsfield and St James Quarter, with the Stockbridge unit listed as “closed”. Each shop continues to make use of the Bross Bagels identity and branding and the Bross Bagels social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram are updated with quirky videos and messaging as if it is business as normal.

The start-up company is currently recruiting for part-time, full-time and permanent “Team Members” who will be paid between up to £11.42 per hour to promote “the culture of Hot Mama Bagels and acts as a brand ambassador” for an “ever growing company”.

When The Edinburgh Reporter paid a visit to the Bruntsfield outlet on Monday it was claimed the till was not working and a receipt could not be provided, but an emailed receipt was branded as “Bross Bagel” and was sent from Larah Bross’s Bross Bagels email address.

Similarly, when The Edinburgh Reporter made a purchase at the Portobello branch, the sales receipt was headed “Bross Bagels Portobello” and included the Bross Bagels website domain and Ms Bross’s email details.

Under The Insolvency Act, 1986, using the name or a similar name of a company which has entered insolvent liquidation is “prohibited” and former directors who fall foul of the rules could face serious repercussions, including a fine, imprisonment or personal liability for the debts of the new company.

Prohibited names include the liquidated company’s registered name, trading name, trademark, brand, acronym, or any other name which is so similar that it suggests to an impartial observer an association with the liquidated company and the measure, which applies for five years from the date of liquidation, is aimed at deterring “phoenixing” – where the debt-laden entity is closed down but business carries on under a new identity without the debt.

A spokesperson for the interim liquidator, Interpath Advisory, stressed that they had no involvement with Hot Mama Bagels Ltd and so were unable to comment upon that company or its current activities.

Earlier, Interim liquidator Alistair McAlinden, head of Interpath Advisory in Scotland, told The Edinburgh Reporter:  “Following our appointment, we are taking steps to assess the financial position of the Company, ingather information on its assets and liabilities, and effect an orderly wind-down of the Company. We will shortly make contact with the Company’s creditors to advise them on the liquidation process.”

Larah Bross was approached for comment.

A joint investigation by The Edinburgh Reporter/The Edinburgh Guardian previously revealed Bross Bagels were due His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) debts of £228,00 in National Insurance, £225,000 in PAYE and outstanding VAT payments of £173,000.

Other creditors included suppliers who are due an estimated £145,000, staff wages of £39,000 and we also revealed that more than £3,100 in Student Loan Deductions – collected from the salaries of staff who have student loans – remained outstanding to HMRC. The company was also due £62,000 by Larah Bross and Marc Millar for sums which had been withdrawn from the business as “directors’ loans”.

The list of creditors shows that more than £166,000 is attributed to Crowd Funding – from two rounds of a “Share Holing” initiative in which supporters donated £1,000 with the promise that their monies would be returned after four years. However, those debts will be treated as “unsecured obligations” of the company and it seems unlikely those crowd funding supporters will be able to recoup their investment from the liquidation proceeds.

Creditors can find more information, including details on how to submit a claim on the dedicated Interpath portal here.

• Were you a supplier of Bross Bagels or a recent or current member of staff? Get in touch here.

Former international rugby referee Jim Fleming. MBE, will be among four recipients of distinguished former pupil awards when Boroughmuir High School hold their annual open evening on 21 September.

Others are Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry Richard Henderson, Professor Alice Brown who was on the consultative steering group that advised on procedural aspects when the new Scottish Parliament was being set up and the current headmaster, David Dempster.

News of Jim Fleming’s nomination comes at an appropriate time in the rugby calendar as tonight France will face New Zealand in a world cup match that will evoke memories of a previous meeting in 1999.

This was a semi-final tie, refereed by Fleming, in which France came back from 10-24 at half-time to run out 43-31 winners.
It is widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever played with much credit going to Fleming for helping the game to flow and develop into a spectacle for the ages.
“Of the 42 international matches I refereed (he was also a touch judge on 75 occasions) that is definitely the one that stands out for me partly due to the French comeback although refereeing France 33, Wales 34 and a 26-26 draw between England and New Zealand are special memories too.”
All this after Jim was invalided out of playing in a training accident during his final year at school.
“It’s an honour to receive this award and I have such a lot to thank Boroughmuir HS for” said Jim, adding “It has pretty much been the foundation of my life.
“I met my wife Linda there – we have just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary – and it gave me a pretty good education and, of course, instilled a love of rugby. Not bad to be going on with especially as I keep in touch with old rugby pals like Billy McNicoll, George Watson, Tommy Karas and Alex Thomson to this day.”
Jim, now 72, only entered Boroughmuir after spending the first three years of secondary education at Darroch School and by sixth year he was head boy. A year later Linda became head girl.
As well as the rugby club he is a familiar figure at his old alma mater to the extent of being guest speaker at last year’s annual prize giving and served the rugby club as Director of Rugby on the way to joining the Scottish Rugby board of directors and the European Cup board amongst other appointments.
Meanwhile the open evening, which runs from 6-9pm, offers opportunities to reminisce, browse memorabilia, sample contemporary school meals, enjoy a tour of the new building and, of course, catch up with the traditional pupils v FP’s football match (photo from last year’s encounter attached).

Anyone with a Boroughmuir HS connection interested in attending can find further details of the event, organised by the former pupils association on Eventbrite. (Alternatively, call Stephen Brown on 07761 293317)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grand-open-evening-boroughmuir-high-school-tickets-675269578487

The newest government consultation seeks views on a range of measures aimed at accelerating the pace and scale of efforts to tackle the biodiversity crisis,

The government wants to expand protected areas, improve condition and connectivity, support nature-friendly farming, fishing and forestry; and recover and protect vulnerable and important species. Read the consultation document here. It is open until 14 December 2023.

This includes the first 5-year Biodiversity Delivery Plan which contains a large number of wide-reaching actions with draft frameworks setting out the Vision and Principles that will underpin delivery of the commitment to protect 30% of Scotland’s land for nature by 2030, and to create nature networks across Scotland.  The Biodiversity Strategy was published in draft in December 2022 setting out the goals of halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and reversing any declines by 2045.

The consultation also has proposals to develop a framework for statutory nature targets and sets out proposed changes to national parks legislation to strengthen the leadership role of National Parks in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises whilst continuing to focus on welcoming visitors and supporting local communities and businesses. And it appears that National Parks do not always have to be in the countryside.

The government says the consultation will ensure people from across different interest groups have the opportunity to ask questions, provide their ideas and help develop the framework to deliver a nature-positive, net zero Scotland.

Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “We are at a tipping point for nature – it is in decline across the globe with around 1 million species already facing extinction. In Scotland alone, we have seen a 24% decline in abundance of wildlife since 1990; if we don’t take urgent action, nature in Scotland will continue to decline and important species will be lost forever.

“This week we have published our Programme for Government which recognises that the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are global challenges of unprecedented proportions. Restoring nature will reduce carbon emissions, and tackling the climate crisis is essential if we are to prevent extinctions.  We must be both Net Zero and Nature Positive.

“A nature-positive Scotland creates great opportunities that will benefit people and communities throughout the country and particularly in rural areas. We want to work with everyone – with local government, local communities, organisations and environmental experts – to protect our precious natural environment for future generations.”

“We are especially keen to hear the views of the stewards of our land and seas – farmers, gamekeepers and fishers who have the knowledge and skills to drive the transformation that is needed.”

NatureScot Chair, Colin Galbraith said: “Nature is in crisis, and we need to take urgent action now. This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in tackling the crisis in our natural world. We want to hear from the land managers, farmers and crofters already working to support and enrich wildlife, as well as from people in rural and urban communities who seek a fair and just transition to a nature-rich future for all. Now is the time to speak up for nature; to tell us what your priorities are for the future – we are listening.”

Saughton Park

Saughton Park is described by the council as “one of Edinburgh’s hidden jewels.” The 34 acre park underwent an extensive restoration project from 2014 to 2018 with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Government, Sustrans and other sources. Large areas of the park were redesigned and are now maintained with nature in mind. The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, a very active Friends group and other community volunteers have created biodiverse-friendly sites including a wildflower meadow, orchard area, pond and community garden.

Edinburgh Nature Network

Since 2019, The City of Edinburgh Council together with the Scottish Wildlife Trust have undertaken work to develop the Edinburgh Nature Network. Saughton Park is an important part of the Edinburgh Nature Network, sitting on the Water of Leith greenspace corridor and offering opportunities to enhance biodiversity through connecting nearby greenspaces either directly, or through a ‘stepping stone’ approach.

Edinburgh Nature Network is the first Nature Network to be developed in Scotland. It is a long-term strategic approach to manage, restore and enhance the urban landscape of Edinburgh. It highlights opportunities to take action across the city, using natural solutions to address the threats of biodiversity loss and climate change. Its development was led by the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of the Thriving Green Spaces project.

There were no reported sightings of the mystical monster but spending 24 hours by the shores of Loch Ness was still an experience Michelle Young, from Penicuik, will never forget.

For the NHS systems analyst not only completed the gruelling Loch Ness 24 hour endurance race with minimal stoppages but her 23 x 7k laps meant being third placed female finisher and top runner in the category from Edinburgh and the Lothians. A total of 80 females took part in the solo – as opposed to team – event.

“Getting a podium position was purely a bonus” reflected Michelle who was persuaded to try ultra distance running by a neighbour at a party marking her husband Ian’s 50th birthday in 2017.

“I had started running 10 years ago and in 2015 completed an Edinburgh Marathon; ultras seemed the next step.

“Loch Ness was a tough shift but I didn’t go out to race against other people.

“The aim was to complete 100 miles; I didn’t know if it was doable.

“To fulfil that target I didn’t let myself stop or sit down for any more than 10-15 minutes and I was fortunate to have a couple of friends throwing food at me after every lap. They saw me through the night.

“All the time I was thinking ‘do I have enough in me to do 23 laps?’”

How did Michelle keep her mind occupied throughout never mind ensuring she had sufficient stamina?

“I tried listening to music at one stage but that didn’t help. To be honest my running time is when I do my mental filing.

“A lot of it is trying to do the maths, working out how many miles are behind me and how many I can complete.

“I also ask myself ‘how are you going to feel if you don’t do this?’”

And once the race is over?

“My two friends and I had hired a motor home which had to be returned so there was no time to hang about even if the camp site hadn’t been wet and muddy.”

And far from thinking ‘never again’ which might been a natural post race reaction Michelle was quickly planning future events.

“I’ve usually got races booked well in advance – my favourite is the West Highland Way – and the ultra distance scene in Scotland is exploding so there is no need to be thinking of competing abroad.

“For a few days after Loch Ness I wasn’t able to run and I was like a bear with a sore head as I couldn’t go out on the Pentland Hills.

“It is addictive but I love it – especially trying out different views” said this determined Penicuik Harrier who estimates she will usually clock up 50-70 k a week on the roads or more testing terrain.

A plan to demolish an Edinburgh village’s leisure centre so that a new school can be built to cope with the hundreds of new homes built there is “not ideal” but there is no credible alternative, councillors have said.

A failure to “get this done” and progress proposals to replace Kirkliston Leisure Centre with a secondary school for 600 pupils could leave the council being unable to tell parents “where their children are likely to go,” one warned.

Extending Queensferry High, which pupils from from Kirkliston currently attend, was overwhelmingly rejected by both communities in a previous consultation to establish views.

Most who replied supported the move to instead build a standalone facility in the village but “just not on the leisure centre site”.

Key concerns about the plan were that it would add to congestion, impact on local residents, reduce greenspace and sports provision, and that the overall site would be too small. This was disputed in a report which said studies showed there was enough space for a high school, which could be extended to have 1,200 pupils in future if needed, along with replacement “publicly accessible leisure facilities”.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Education Committee approved a statutory consultation on the establishment of a new secondary school at the Kirklands Park Street site on Tuesday.

Initial considerations about where it could be built in 2018 suggested that youngsters could attend a new school being built in Winchburch in West Lothian but this idea was scrapped due to concerns about the “complexities” of crossing into a different local authority area, local councillor Kevin Lang said.

“A whole host of options have been reviewed,” he told councillors.

“People in Kirkliston have been clear, they believe the village needs and deserves a local school.”

“Put simply, I don’t think there is an easy answer to this.

“I’ve got concerns about the leisure centre site, I think there are lots of issues that do still need to be worked through including parking for staff and ensuring leisure facilities continue to be provided to the community of Kirkliston.”

He added: “I keep asking myself the question ‘if not this site, then where?’

“So far, I’ve not been given a credible, feasible or deliverable alternative option.

“The serious risk now is that without decisions being taken, and with hundreds of new houses being built and occupied right now, and with Queensferry High to reach soon its absolute maximum, I do not want to get to a point where there is simply no place for pupils to be educated.”

Cllr Euan Davidson said it “isn’t an ideal site” but added the council could “build support” by working with the community.

Lewis Younie, local councillor for the Almond ward, said: “We’re on a tight timeline here as an education authority, even if we pick the leisure centre site, unless we revisit extending Queenserry High School – an option overwhelmingly rejected consultation by consultation of both communities – I seriously doubt meeting those statutory obligations.

“Any other site will simply not allow us to meet the timeline.

“This isn’t theoretical – we won’t be able to tell parents where their children are likely to go if we don’t get this done.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Is it a tiny car? Or maybe a golf cart? These are some of the questions that were being asked as a fleet of compact Citroën Amis explored Edinburgh’s busy streets on Monday.

The Ami is not classed as a car, but instead a quadricycle, and it is Citroën’s accessible zero-emissions mobility solution. It measures 2.41m in length and 1.39m in width, making nipping through Edinburgh’s city centre an easy task while allowing you to park in the smallest of parking bays.

To showcase the Ami to the public, give insight into its versatility and prove just how well it fits into a particular city’s environment, Citroën set up a seven-city tour which set off from London in August. The fleet then progressed to Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle before facing the final challenge — Edinburgh’s cobblestones.

Its striking blue matte body and compact form proved popular with the public as we drove the Ami to Edinburgh’s tourist spots, camera phones capturing almost every move. Of course, the star of the tour was the shiny gold-wrapped Ami. 

Inside, you won’t find many creature comforts, but you do get a windshield with a demist option, doors, opening windows, lights, indicators, a small storage area, and although there is no radio, there is the option to purchase an AMI Bluetooth speaker which sits neatly in the dashboard cup holder.

The Ami is designed to be used as a second mode of transport, having a city-friendly 28mph top speed. Power comes from an 8bhp electric motor energised by a 5.5kWh battery that recharges from empty to full in just four hours and gives a range of 46 miles. The Ami handled regular Edinburgh streets with ease – although it was rough over cobbled streets due to its firm suspension. 

Buyers can choose from six packs: Standard, Blue, Orange, Grey, Pop and the range-topping Tonic. For businesses that operate in a city environment, a Cargo option is available which removes the passenger seat and adds a multi-layer storage compartment, increasing the loading volume to 400 litres and taking loads of up to 1.2m in length and 140kg in weight.

Those seeking adventure can have the limited-edition Ami Buggy which is equipped with chunky tyres and off-road lighting. On-the-road prices for the base Ami start from £7,695 although Citroën offers a PCP contract which means a monthly payment of £97.89 with a deposit of £1,627. 

As part of the UK tour, Citroën is giving away seven Amis, each wrapped in a bespoke cityscape design to celebrate landmarks. Competition details and further information can be found on the Citroën website.

All photos © Matthew Macconnell