One of the world’s most luxurious and unique cruising yachts called in at Ocean Terminal this week on its first ever cruise from Scotland.

The Scenic Eclipse II set off from Leith for its eight day Scottish Isles, Historic Trails and Wilderness Voyage, calling at Aberdeen on Friday and other locations will include Stromness in Orkney, St Kilda and Skye.

The “six star ultra luxury” discovery yacht, which only came into operation this year, has been hailed as “a new benchmark in luxury yacht cruising”.

It measures 168 metres, has a gross tonnage of 17,085 and a top speed of 17 knots.

It carries a maximum of just 228 guests – each spacious “ultra luxury” balcony suite with its own “personal butler service” – and nearly 200 crew on cruises around the world from the Mediterranean to Antarctica and the Arctic.

It features 114 suites, ten luxury restaurants and a stunning whisky bar, theatre, infinity style pools, sky deck plunge pool and a 550 square metre Senses spa and wellness centre described as “the most luxurious spa at sea”.

It is also equipped with two helicopters, submarines, zodiac boats, kayaks, sea bobs and paddle boards to explore locations on excursions.

Top suites have everything from a living and dining area with eight seat private dining and fully stocked bar, to walk-in wardrobe and a spa bathroom with infrared sauna seats and steam room, as well as a vast wrap-around private balcony with private hot tub and plunge pool and sun loungers.

The yacht is built with GPS dynamic positioning and an azipod system meaning the yacht does not need to drop anchor – and disturb the seabed – and it can manoeuvre into smaller, otherwise inaccessible, ports.

Captain Erwan Le Rouzic said of the Scenic Eclipse II and its sister Scenic Eclipse: “These yachts are absolutely unique. It’s an incredible balance of ultra luxury and fantastic technology.

“We have some of the best technology ever, all on the same yacht, but also exceptional service.

“We have 182 crew members and for the guests we are here to make sure they have an incredible time on board with us – stories for life.”

Jonathan Davies, National Key Accounts Manager, Scenic Group, said: “To see Scenic Eclipse II arrive in Edinburgh really was an emotional experience. We are creating something unique.”

The Scenic Eclipse II cruises the world’s oceans from warm waters like the Caribbean to icy Antarctica, where it is equipped to break ice and pontoons allow passengers to venture directly onto the ice to interact with penguins.

The Scottish Isles, Historic Trails and Wilderness Voyage will stop at Aberdeen, St Kilda, Stromness and Fort William.

Police Scotland are appealing for information after a 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries following an assault in Edinburgh.

The incident happened shortly after 12am on Friday 15 September at Brougham Street in Tollcross.

The man was approached by a group of three male youths and then assaulted.

He required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to injuries sustained in the incident.

One of the youths is described as about 16-years-old, clean shaven, tall with brown hair and a fringe. He was of stocky build and wearing a black jacket, grey bottoms and black shoes.

The second was also about 16-years-old, white, clean shaven and wearing a grey hooded top with grey jogging bottoms. He was riding a dark coloured bike with white writing on it.

The third was a younger male, white, small and of thin build with blonde hair. He was wearing a black hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may have information which could help to get in touch.

“Enquiries so far have established the three youths had been in the city centre on Lothian Road and the Meadows prior to and after the assault.

“If you believe you have may have seen them or have any other information relating to the assault please come forward. We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.

“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0226 of 15 September, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The owner of a holiday let flat in a popular beach town has claimed objectors who complained about rubbish created by visitors were ‘blame-shifting’.

An application by Lisa Hall-Baillie to turn her ground floor flat in  North Berwick’s Balfour Street into a short term holiday let was among the first to be considered by East Lothian licensing chiefs after changes to the law this week.

But while the council received eight objections from local residents who pointed to antisocial behaviour, noise and dumped barbecues caused by holidaymakers, Ms Hall-Baillie hit back, claiming the allegations were made with “ill will”.

Speaking to the council’s licensing sub-committee, she argued that people who used short term lets did not generate a lot of waste because they  “eat out a lot”.

And she said: “With regard to a lot of mess and disregarded barbecues in the street, I believe that is blame shifting and misplacing to create ill will towards visitors who stay in holiday lets.

“I have never seen that at all on that street, is it not possible misplaced rubbish is blown in given we are adjacent to East Beach.”

Ms Hall-Baillie argued claims there were too many holiday lets on the street were not true because many had shared access and stairwells and at least two were no longer operating.

Changes to the law mean Scottish owners of properties used as short term holiday lets now require to apply for planning permission for a change of use as well as a license to operate it.

Recent months have seen East Lothian planners refuse to grant permission for holiday lets which share communal areas with residential homes because they say it damages the amenity of those who live there permanently.

Ms Hall-Baillie said her ground floor flat with its own entrance was a welcome addition to holiday letting in the popular beach town as it gave people with mobility issues the chance to visit.

She said: “I have heard people say why is it not offered as a long term let as it is on the ground floor but it is for that very reason we want to offer it as a holiday let, for people who have mobility issues who want to have a seaside retreat holiday, that want to have accommodation on one level and use the bathroom which is a wet room.”

The meeting heard from several objectors, including Steven Colvin who lives on Balfour Street.

He told the committee that it was not just issues with noise and rubbish, insisting discarded barbecues were often found left on neighbours’ walls.

He said: “It is the loss of community spirit. I have lived here for two years and this street has been amazing. Everyone on it has been so welcoming, we meet up regularly, do Christmas carols and have get togethers.

“That is the kind of street we want but we feel it is being lost. It feels like less than 50 per cent now are permanent residents and it feels it is being degraded.”

Alison Clark from North Berwick Environment and Heritage Trust told the meeting it received numerous contacts from residents concerned about the high number of short term holiday lets in the town.

And she said residents living in Balfour Street and connecting Melbourne Road, which shared garden space with the property involved were ‘overwhelmed by the negative impact’ another holiday let would have.

The trust recently called on East Lothian Council to hold an independent review of all holiday lets across the county to establish the density of them and real impact on the communities they are in.

She said the trust was objecting to the licence on behalf of those affected.

And Balfour Street resident Natalie Pereira also urged the committee to reject the application adding: “Short term lets do benefit the economy of the town, but it is the long term residents who invest in the town.”

The committee heard the objections but unanimously agreed to grant the licence with no comments from councillors on it.

by Marie Sharp, Local Democracy Reporter

This is the most up to date list of roadworks and events leading to road closures in Edinburgh for the next week or so.

All of the newest advice is highlighted in blue for convenience.

Some of the highlights:

• A new pedestrian crossing is being installed on Canongate at New Street to Horse Wynd between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Hawthornvale will be closed for resurfacing from Tuesday
• Eyre Terrace will remain closed for the demolition of a building there.
• On Saturday there will be rolling road closures from the Mound, Hanovver Street, George Street, South St David Street, Princes Street, Waverley Bridge (which is in any event pedestrianised), Market Street, New Street, Canongate, Horse Wind. The climate march starts at 11.30am.

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There is also a lot of resurfacing work carrying on. If you see anything which is not on the list then let @EdinTravel know.

If you see anything on the roads which is not on the list then let the travel team know on Twitter @EdinTravel

Updated versions of the listings are posted to the website most weekday afternoons, these can be found by going to https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel

Dementia care specialists host Open Day event on Friday.

One of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes will open its doors to the public this week with an exclusive tour around its facilities.

Located in north Edinburgh, Cramond Residence is offering people the chance to view its high-end care home on Friday 15 September from 3pm.

Fronted by a guided tour, guests will able be able to enjoy home baking and a ‘cuppa’ as they learn more about the benefits of the home; from its care package offerings to its bespoke digital care systems – ensuring that all residents have their individual needs met.

Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “This Open Day offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to explore the top-notch care and facilities offered by the residence.

“If you or a loved one are considering residential, respite, or recuperative care, the Cramond Residence Open Day is a must-attend event.

“Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the residence, enjoying a cup of tea and sampling delightful home baking, while also having the chance to ask any questions they might have.

“This event also provides a chance to meet the dedicated team as well as engage in conversations with our current residents.”

Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among residents.

With private dining and living rooms in each home, socialising and forming lasting connections are a natural part of life at Cramond Residence.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the main communal areas, including a spacious dining rooms, a well-stocked library, a private ‘fine dining’ room, a cinema, a physiotherapy area, and a hairdressing salon.

Additionally, Cramond Residence offers cutting-edge facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.

The stunning gardens and summer house also invite attendees to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Cramond Residence is proud of its commitment to providing a high quality of life to its residents and invites the community to witness it firsthand. There is no need to book in advance; simply come along on the day.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co is pleased to report the Gordon Arms Hotel in West Linton has been sold to national pub company, Trust Inns.

Prominently positioned on Dolphinton Road on the A702, ten miles south of Edinburgh, the Gordon Arms is an ideal destination for both commuters and the area’s many visitors. The four-bedroom hotel is also highly popular with the local community for its newly refurbished restaurant and pub.

Trust Inns have secured Craig McLaughlin, as the new tenant to run the business.

They comment on the sale, “We are delighted to add the Gordon Arms to our estate and look forward to working with Craig McLaughlin and his team to continue the great work undertaken by the previous owners, Fiona and Steve. We would also like to thank the Christie & Co team for their help in making this happen.”

The previous owners, Stephen Harper and Fiona Ingrim decided to sell the business in order to retire. They commented: “Thank you to all our staff, customers and friends for all their support over the last 25 years. It has been an incredible journey. Good luck to Craig and his team, we hope you all have as much fun as we did.”

Simon Watson, Business Agent at Christie & Co who handled the sale, said: “I’m delighted to have brokered the sale of this fantastic business on behalf of Fiona and Stephen, to Trust Inns Ltd. This transaction re-affirms the current investor appetite for the Scottish hospitality sector. We are seeing ongoing demand from all types of buyers despite the economic backdrop, demonstrating investors’ confidence in the market.”

WEST LODGE ESTATE NEAR CRIEFF – FIVE STAR DOWNSIZING PARK CONTINUES TO TAKE SHAPE

• £5,000 CASHBACK OFFER ANNOUNCED

The owners of the West Lodge Estate say that top quality craftsmanship is evident in all of the bungalow style properties on their five star residential downsizing estate just outside Crieff.

A low maintenance home designed for the over 50s market, is a fully furnished and decorated property priced from £99,000 is sited on a spacious, fully landscaped plot with its own private monobloc driveway, decked terrace, and artificial lawn area.

There are only 35 lodges for private sale in total with landscaping, and all building work carried out in house by West Lodge Estate’s team of specialised stone masons, joiners, gardeners, and tilers.

With a full residential licence, the park is geared up to cater for the needs and desires of its over 50s clientèle.

With a gated entrance, West Lodge Estate is just a short distance from the popular market town of Crieff. It offers buyers a stunning rural setting which is still within easy reach of Scotland’s major road network.

Along with the offer to perspective buyers to part exchange their existing properties to enjoy this fantastic new lifestyle in the Perthshire countryside, the park is also offering a £5,000 cashback to every buyer who secures a home before the end of September.

Additionally, two years of site fees will be covered by the park when buyers reserve a property, and moving and relocation costs.

Partnering the best luxury lodge manufacturers in the country, many of the homes at West Lodge Estate are unique models found nowhere else in Scotland, such as the beautiful Loch Awe lodge.

Comprising an extremely spacious open plan living/dining/kitchen area with luxury integrated appliances, together with a master bedroom with its own bathroom, twin bedrooms with ensuite, and stunning porch area, this impressive lodge is spacious enough to additionally include a hallway. It also has a balcony that runs the full length of the rear of the lodge, off the bedrooms.

Specification in all of these properties is incredible, including luxury integrated kitchen appliances, widescreen TV’s, and many other extras.

Retiring to West Lodge Estate can offer over 50’s top lifestyle opportunities, with numerous quality golf courses nearby, coupled with fantastic walking routes, fishing, luxury shopping and gourmet dining. Leading visitor attractions nearby include the Glenturret Distillery.

To arrange a bespoke tour of the park, and find out more about the stunning properties available for entry now, please call the Sales Hotline on 07977 010534, or general enquiries on 01764 670354.

www.westlodgesestate.com

Jesse Phitidis and Claire Colver were first time winners of the singles titles when Craigmillar Park tennis club held their annual tournament.

Jesse only joined the club this season and his victory was against another newcomer, Arsenii Opryshko, who, aged 15, is believed to be the youngest men’s singles finalist in the club’s history.

Claire defeated Roberto Bergero for her title.

After several final appearances Ali Colver finally won the men’s doubles when he and Matt Hamill teamed up to overcome Jesse Phitidis and Danny McLaren.

The ladies doubles was a triumph for Heather Hooker and Susan Rhind at the expense of Claire and Kate Colver while the mixed was won by mother-and-son team Margaret and Sean Parr who saw off Claire and Ali Colver in the longest final of the day – 6-7, 7-5, 10-6.

Paintings by a celebrated Scottish artist, collected by legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the final months of his life, have fetched over £220,000 at auction.

Mercury started collecting works by the Edinburgh-born watercolourist Sir William Russell Flint in June 1991, just five months before he died.

He bought his fifth and final painting, a glamorous nude titled “Gabrielle”, at an auction just 17 days before his death on November 24 at the age of just 45.

Flint’s watercolours are said to have been “one of Freddie Mercury’s last passions”. He hung them overlooking the staircase in his home in Kensington, South London, where he could enjoy them in his final days.

The five paintings went under the hammer in two sales dedicated to Mercury at Sotheby’s in London, where they were sold for up to five times their estimates.

Simon Toll, Sotheby’s senior director and specialist in British Art post-1850, said: “Freddie wasn’t an avid collector of art but he bought things that he liked to decorate his house.

“Freddie bought these just before he died, which I think shows a real resilience of spirit. Even though he knew that he was dying, he still wanted to be surrounded by beautiful things.”

He added: “All of the watercolours by Flint exceeded their high estimates… ‘Gabrielle’ almost tripled its estimate to sell for just shy of £89,000.

“This exquisite work was the final piece Freddie ever acquired, purchasing it just a few weeks before his untimely death. Two further works by Flint sold for more than five times their estimates.”

Mercury bought three Flint paintings, the watercolours “Gossip in a Park”, “Disputation at the Well” and “Cecilia posing as the poet Robert Herrick’s Julia”, at auction on 6 June 1991.

The following day, he returned to Sotheby’s to purchase “Silver Shade, Languedoc”.

“Gossip in a Park” fetched £35,560; “Disputation at the Well” £22,860; “Cecilia posing as the poet Robert Herrick’s Julia” £40,640; and “Silver Shade, Languedoc” made £33,020.

“Cecilia” was Cecilia Green, the beautiful former ballerina who appears in many of Flint’s greatest pictures. These included the painting of “Gabrielle”- a name chosen by Flint to suggest continental glamour and exoticism – which Mercury bought at auction in London on 7 November 1991.

The nude painting was expected to fetch £30,000 in Sotheby’s series of auctions paying tribute to the late performer’s “inimitable life, work and art”, but eventually sold for £88,900.

Mr Toll said: “Gabrielle was an exotic persona that Flint invented for this nude. I think it’s the same with Freddie. When he took to the stage in his fabulous costumes he was playing a role and I think he saw in Flint this flamboyance and confidence on display.”

Mercury, the world famous lead singer with rock group Queen, was renowned for his incredible voice and flamboyant stage persona.

He was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987 but continued to record into 1991, around the time he bought the first of his paintings by Flint.

Flint (1880-1969) was born and educated in Edinburgh. One of the greatest watercolourists of the last century, his prints adorned the walls of millions. His former studio in Camden Hill was only a ten minute walk from Mercury’s home.

Eileen Gillespie won the ladies singles title at Murrayfield tennis club for a remarkable 18th time when she beat Naomi Kerr in the final.

The men’s singles title went to Jack Tregallis who saw off the challenge of Dylan Egelstaff.

It was a clean sweep for Jack who partnered Niall Hall to men’s doubles success as well as teaming up with Naomi to win the mixed doubles.

Pictured, left to right, are the singles finalists – Eileen, D|ylan, Naomi and Jack.

Judy Murray will be in Edinburgh on Thursday 21 September to discuss her debut novel “The Wild Card” as well as other issues affecting the women’s tennis.

The former Scottish national coach and mother of grand slam champions Jamie and Andy,  is due to appear at St George’s School at an event partnered by Waterstone’s booksellers.

Described as a tennis tale of triumph over adversity and warmly endorsed by her one time “Strictly Come Dancing” partner Anton du Beke, Judy says of her book and the visit: “The Wild Card gave me an opportunity to share lots of behind the scenes details from my many years in the tennis circuit.

“It also allowed me to raise awareness of some of the issues and challenges that still exist for women and girls in the sporting world through the story of Abigail Patterson, one of Britain’s brightest prospects who has to quit the game at 17. She makes a surprise comeback 20 years later as a wild card into Wimbledon and finds herself fulfilling her childhood dream of playing on centre court.

“But her success catapults her into the public eye and the media interest threatens to expose the secret she has been keeping. It’s a tale of triumph over adversity and a reminder that family and friends are more important than fame and fortune.”

The event gets underway with a reception at 6pm and further details are available

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-conversation-with-judy-murray-tickets-712857304387?aff=oddtdtcreator

The humble town of Falkirk is celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the famous Kelpies. These creatures from Celtic mythology are rising from its industrial past to take it to a new future as a commuter town, service centre and tourist attraction.  The Falkirk Wheel, linking the old canals, gives a similar signal from the other side of the district.

Since the Kelpies emerged on the landscape, over 800,000 people a year have come to visit them. The local council has worked out that those visitors have spent £137 million each year, boosting the economy in the town and its surrounds. The 30 metre high structures are set in a new parkland where the Forth-Clyde canal joins the Firth of Forth.  The sculptor, Andy Scott from Glasgow, was inspired by the canal horses and pit ponies of industrial times and linked them to the mythical horse maidens who haunted the rivers and lochs of ancient Scotland….and maybe still do.

Until the Kelpies and the Wheel were built, Falkirk was a forgotten town, lying in the rust belt of Central Scotland between the oil refineries of Grangemouth and Stirling Castle.  Yet it was once the beating heart of the country, the home of the Industrial Revolution, its Carron Iron Works making everything from cannons, to pillar boxes and ovens. Now the only large manufacturing business is the bus maker Alexander Dennis, employing just 800 people.  By far the largest employers are the health board and the district council.  

But post-industrial Falkirk has not lost population, it remains at around 32,000, in fact it’s increasing slightly, proving that you don’t have to make things to prosper. And we found out this week that the same is true for Scotland as a whole. The latest population figures, from the 2022 census, put the number at 5.43m, the highest it’s ever been.  But the growth, at 2.7 per cent since 2011, is less than in England and Wales (6 per cent) and the figure would have decreased by 48,800 if it had not been for immigration. 

We are also an aging population. The number of people over 65 has risen by 22 per cent over the last decade and now stands at over one million, compared to the 832,000 children under the age of 15. How are we to pay for the care all these old people will need?

Here is another issue where we have been given a decade’s warning and still we have done almost nothing about.  Like climate change.  How many more climate marches, like the one due to take place in Edinburgh on Saturday will there have to be before governments, businesses and we the people cut our carbon emissions?   

Scotland is about to embark on two interesting social experiments.  The first involves cutting high peak-time fares on our newly nationalised ScotRail trains. It’s for a six month trial, starting on 2 October, to see if more people can be persuaded to leave their cars at home and take the train. 

The second is to open “safe consumption rooms” for drug addicts.  It’s hoped to persuade them to take their drugs in a clean, organised manner, with experts on hand to help addicts control their habit and find a route out of it.  The idea has been the subject of a raging debate between those who think it is condoning illegal drug taking and those who say something drastic needs to be done to reduce Scotland’s shocking rate of drug deaths, a 100 every month, the worse rate in Europe.  

It’s only been made possible by a tweak in the law in Scotland, despite the power over drugs policy being reserved to Westminster.  The subtle change came this week when the chief law officer in Scotland, the Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, declared it would not be in the public interest to prosecute anyone using a safe consumption room.  Everyone acknowledges the rooms are not the complete solution to drug addiction but at least something new is being tried.

The happiest story of the week concerns Yampil the Bear.  The large Asiatic black bear is to be given a new home at the Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian after he was rescued from the war zone in Ukraine. He was found starving and close to death in a zoo which had been destroyed in the fighting and where most of the other animals were killed. He’s currently recuperating at a wildlife sanctuary in Belgium but will soon be arriving in Scotland to spend the rest of his life as our latest refugee.

And the saddest story of the week concerns a game of football.  Scotland lost to England at Hampden 3-1.  It was supposed to be a “friendly” match to mark the 150^th anniversary of the oldest international football fixture in the world. It wasn’t so much the score that saddened me – it’s widely agreed England played better on the night – but the booing by the crowd of the English national anthem.  We may not like England hijacking the UK national anthem, God Save the King, but we need to rise, like the Falkirk Kelpies, from our sulky and mythical past.  

Edinburgh Accies and West Edinburgh netball clubs have completed a merger ahead of the new season in which the latter will compete as Accies Juniors.

Gemma Sole, Accies club president and interim head coach, says of her Oriam-based club’s plans: “The merger will see us fielding teams on three levels – performance, academy and youths.

 “Accies will be competing in the National League, a performance league for the top eight teams in Scotland, and Edinburgh leagues.

“At junior level we will have new teams at under-12, under-14 and under-16 while our under-17s will play in a division of the adult league.”

It promises to be a big season in Scottish netball with Gemma explaining: “This summer’s world championships (featuring Scotland) were very positive for the sport. It’s always encouraging when you have friends and family saying how much they enjoyed an international tournament on television.”

League matches get underway at the beginning of next month and Accies as well as welcoming back 2014 Scotland Commonwealth Games star Jo Pettit from a season out with a ruptured achilles tendon have recruited well.

Newcomers include Lexy Gillies (mid court) who was part of West Edinburgh’s Scottish Youth Cup winning team and she has arrived along with her colleague from the Scottish Youth Commonwealth Games team, Heidi Dawson, a shooter from North Berwick Rocketeers.

A non-travelling reserve from the Youth Games, Ruby McLean (defender) will also be in the squad having arrived from Peebles.

Accies performance squad for ’23-24 with asterisks denoting new signings: Beth Weir (captain), Clare Tuohy, Clare White*, Eadaoin McCormack, Hannah Gaunt, Heather Marshall, Heidi Dawson*, Jo Pettitt, Katie Renton, Katy Matthews*, Lauren Pollock,

Lexy Gillies*, Meg Norman*, Phoebe Crane*, Rachel Forsyth*, Rebecca Innes, Rebecca Morrison, Ruby Maclean*, Sam Drummond*, Siobhan Sole

Adds Gemma: “We also have six players competing in the Netball Scotland Super Cup competition – a short, four-team competition made up of Scotland’s top netball athletes, running from September 23 and during October across Scotland. They are Clare Tuohy, Jo Pettitt, Siobhan Sole, Heidi Dawson, Ruby Maclean and Lexy Gillies.”

Adding further lustre to Accies hopes is the retention of sponsors RBC Brewin Dolphin as well as property firm Coulters and Proteus, who specialise in project management softwear.

Photographs show Lexy Gillies (blue dress) competing in this year Commonwealth Youth Games in the Caribbean, Jo Pettit (purple dress( playing for Team Scotland in the 201 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Heidi Dawson (pink dress) competing for Scotland under-17s against the UAE.

Banff Mountain Film Festival

The film festival will bring a night of films to the Festival Theatre tomorrow evening 16 September.

This is a collection of short films from the world’s top adventurers and filmmakers with skiing, climbing and mountain biking all featured.

More details here. www.banff-uk.com

Portobello Rotary Club – looking for new members

Portobello Rotary Club runs monthly car boot sales at Newcraighall Station Park and Ride. The next event takes place on 24 September 2023 and begins at 7.30am.

The club which will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year is now looking for new members to join.

If that is you then head over to their Facebook page to find out more.

Doors Open Days 2023

DAR AL-ARQAM MOSQUE – Lauriston Church was designed by Archibald Scott in Gothic style and completed in 1859. It was originally used by the United Presbyterian Church. It later became disused and was purchased by the Muslim community in1980. It was used primarily as a social club and was damaged by fire but later opened as a Mosque 2012. It is named Dar al-Arqam, after the first building used by the early community of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca as a place of teaching. Visitors can observe how the church has been converted into a mosque while maintaining the original beauty of the building.    

Find out more here.

Soundhouse at the Traverse

Hidden Waves Quartet appear at The Traverse on Monday.

The music explores a new level of composition and interaction, trying to take things in a different direction to previous recordings by writing with different concepts, intentions and influences and bringing together four extremely creative and interactive musicians. The original concept for the music was that things can happen to us or around us in cycles and waves as opposed to the way maybe prescribed to us by our diaries, time and other factors.

David wrote the music for this group whilst in lockdown in the north of Spain. “The fact that I only had an old nylon string for three months really helped me come up with some music which sounded different to what I had written for groups previously” he remembers. There are Spanish influences in some of the music from David’s time spent studying in Barcelona and the guest artist Urpi Barco from Columbia who sings on one track.

Hidden Waves Quartet is comprised Paul Harrison on keys (SNJO, Tommy Smith, Blue Rose Code, Chris Potter, Ulf Wakenius), James Lindsay on bass (Braebach, 2014 Martyn Bennet Prize, Ross Ainsley, Hamish Napier), Doug Hough on drums (Jim Mullen, Donny McCaslin, Evan Parker, Julian Arguelles), and David Series on guitar.

The music is influenced by a complete mix of things including Flamenco, Debussy, Julian Arguelles and Jim Hall with a focus on improvisation and musical interaction.

Tickets here.

Our September issue

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

Our cover story is about the Lord Provost and Council Leader who took riding lessons to allow them to take part in the Riding of the Marches which took place on 11 September. Our photos are in an article posted here earlier in the week and on Facebook.

Carlo Finucci urged Fife Flyers fans to turn out in big numbers for this weekend’s double-header with two European teams.

The former fans favourite believes they will be two great matches against Tilburg Trappers from The Netherlands on Saturday (19.15) and CSM Brasov from Romania on Sunday (18.00).

The now retired 5ft 9in winger from Burnaby, British Columbia, actually played for CSM Brasov and his son was born there and the 36-year-old said: “I’m heading for the golf course but you guys need to be heading to the rink for two great matches. Corona Brasov is a top club in the Ersta Liga and both Fife and Brasov hold a special place in my heart.

“My son was born there and I won a championship in Brasov but nothing compares to my time in Fife and the great friendships and memories I have there.”

He played four seasons at Kirkcaldy, making over 200 appearances, scoring 80 goals and recording 112 assists, and he added: “Get down to the Auld Barn and enjoy the two matches. It will be a great test to the Flyers in their pre-season and I look forward to seeing the highlights.”

Remember, you can skate with the Flyers after Saturday’s game with Tilburg and this is a free event for those attending the game. Skate hire is available free of charge.

Kilmarnock provide the opposition as Nick Montgomery begins the new era at Easter Road and the men from Rugby Park are ninth in the cinch Premiership with Hibs one place below them.

The newcomer will look to his experienced men to guide the side in what us expected to be a tough fixture but striker Martin Boyle is on form having claimed a goal and an assist on international duty with Australia against Mexico in Dallas, Texas, and he also won the Player of the Match Award.

It was his first appearance for the Socceroos since suffering a knee injury last year.

Montgomery will be looking for his rated striker to produce against Kilmarnock and defender Rocky Bushiri (pictured) made his international debut for DR Congo who slipped to a 1-0 defeat in their friendly against South Africa in Johannesburg.

This will be a tough clash as Derek McInnes’ side have beaten Rangers 1-0 and drew 0-0 at Tynecastle against Hearts before knocking Celtic out of the Viaplay Cup thanks to Marley Watkins’ goal.

However, the Ayrshire side have since lost 2-1 to Motherwell and were edged 1-0 at home by Ross County.

Hibs have won four of the last five matches between the clubs and Lewis Miller said the squad are all happy to have Montgomery in the managerial hot seat.

English-born Montgomery gave Miller his first team debut in Australia and said: “He is a great bloke. He has very high standards, which is what I like about him.

“He will respect each player individually and their ability but if you put one foot out of place then he will let you know.”

Montgomery started work on Monday and Miller said: “It has been a good week for us all. The new gaffer has come in and everyone has begun to gel.”

Miller told Hibs’ official website that the energy in the squad is high after training this week and on his own form he said: “Everyone is beginning to see the real Lewis Miller now. I am getting more game time and I am starting to perform.”

The proof for Miller and the rest of the squad will come on Saturday at 3pm.

What a difference a few months make. Hearts and Aberdeen were jostling for third spot in the cinch Premiership last season and now they are in the bottom half of the table.

They meet at Tynecastle on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) both urgently needing a win with Hearts in eighth position in the 12-strong league and The Dons in second-bottom spot.

The Jambos have four points having won one game, drawn another and lost two while Aberdeen are on two points from two draws and two defeats.

The Edinburgh side have scored two goals and let in the same number whole Aberdeen have scored three and shipped seven, a worrying statistic for manager Barry Robson.

Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, said they would use the international break to reflect on the 1-0 defeat by Motherwell at Tynecastle when he said post =match that tthey did not possess the cutting edge in the final third.

He stressed that the club wants to be successful playing attacking, exciting football.

He said: “Everybody needs to get back to where we were against Rosenborg at home and St Johnstone away. We were playing with a bravery and focus on causing other teams’s problems rather than us making a mistake.”

The Edinburgh side have won three of their last five meetings with Aberdeen who have two wins and The Dons are winless in their last nine league visitors to Hearts, drawing three and losing six.

Meanwhile, South Korean midfield player Yeeun Park has joined Hearts Women for the rest of the season.

Park already has 15 international caps and joins from Brighton and Hove Albion where she made seven appearance last season.

Realise Energy Services, one of the UK’s leading technical engineering specialists which maintains a large fleet of onshore wind turbines across the country, has announced a partnership with Rockpool Investments, a private equity firm based in London who have invested a multi-million pound sum in the company.

Supporting its turbines portfolio through the provision of remote monitoring, scheduled and unscheduled operation and maintenance services, along with other elements of asset management, Scottish firm Realise brings strong expertise in turbine repowering and installations to the table. Looking at the UK market, and the need to provide robust levels of customer and turbine support, Rockpool and Realise have agreed that investment will result in a stronger proposition for turbine owners in the UK.

Following the announcement, Realise Energy Services’ CEO, Sheridan Jenkins, said: “We at Realise Energy Services pride ourselves on the quality of both our engineering and customer support teams and the service offering we provide for our clients. The investment from Rockpool marks another stage in our ambitious growth plans. We look forward to partnering with more turbine owners, and are now actively seeking further acquisition opportunities, aided by this investment.”

Mr Jenkins added: “We continue to increase our multi-brand fleet on a regular basis with clients who see our local presence, solid technical and operational capability, strong supply chain and direct links with wind turbine manufacturers as the ideal solution for their wind turbine service and maintenance requirements.”

Since its inception in 2016 Realise which has a base in Perth has enjoyed a great deal of growth, including the acquisitions of Wind Technik Nord UK and Optinergy NI. This new investment will help Realise to keep growing whilst taking advantage of expansion opportunities within the UK onshore wind market, and maintaining its reputation for best-in-class service quality.

Rockpool’s investment was led by Simon Collins and Toby Hurdle. Stuart Black will join the board as Non-Executive Chairman, bringing expertise from senior leadership roles with high-growth, tech-enabled business services companies.

Simon Collins of Rockpool Investments said: “We are excited by the opportunity to partner with the excellent Realise team. There is a huge opportunity in the market as owners look towards partnering with trusted specialists in inspection, monitoring and repowering. Realise is well positioned to capitalise on this.”

Realise was advised by HNH (Corporate Finance), MacRoberts LLP (Legal), and Morris and Young Accountants (Financial).

Paul Gleghorne from HNH, the Corporate Finance advisor to management, added: “I am delighted for the Realise team, in securing investment to assist them in their continued evolution. The investment from Rockpool is another example of the value in companies facilitating the use of renewable energy.”

Alan Kelly from MacRoberts LLP, was also quick to add his congratulations to the Realise team. He said: “The Realise Energy team is one of the strongest and most committed offerings in the current marketplace. It was my pleasure to assist them in this significant deal, which leaves them well placed for the future as renewable energy and its management, maintenance and full optimisation becomes ever more important.”

The MSP for Edinburgh Western, Alex Cole-Hamilton has written to the First Minister on Thursday asking that he refers himself to the Independent Adviser on the Scottish Ministerial Code.

Cole Hamilton’s call comes after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that The Scottish Government were “discussing options for explaining false claims” made by the First Minister on 22 June 2023 which “potentially undermine” a letter the First Minister sent to Parliament on 29 August 2023 seeking to explain the error.

On 22 June at First Minister’s Questions Mr Yousaf answered the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar who had mentioned the Labour Party’s proposal for a publicly owned energy company just announced. Mr Yousaf replied: “Of course a GB energy company would be based in Scotland, because we have the majority of the renewables and natural resources here.”

Mr Yousaf then corrected himself in a letter to Scottish Conservative MSP Liam Kerr sent last month, but redacted material released under the FOI legislation suggests that it would have not been possible for the First Minister to know the per capita figure at the time, as the government had not yet published the figures.

Mr Kerr had said after FMQs in June that Scotland had 21% of total UK renewables installed capacity and 26% of renewable energy generated.

Sam Taylor who made the FOI request has outlined the position on Twitter where he explains that Mr Yousaf sought to correct the position in the letter to Mr Kerr but redacted email correspondence between civil servants shows that they “were “”spent weeks concocting a plan with the sole purpose of allowing the First Minister to save face”.

Earlier on Thursday Liam Kerr MSP raised the matter again with the First Minister at FMQs asking if the civil service is “increasingly politicised”. The First Minister said he will not take lectures about truth and honesty from the party which “gave us Boris Johnson”.

Mr Cole-Hamilton’s letter reads as follows:

Dear First Minister,

I am writing to ask whether you will refer yourself to the Independent Adviser on the Scottish Ministerial Code in relation to your handling of the correction of the record in parliamentary proceedings, and separately order that redactions are removed from documents connected to this.

Information acquired under freedom of information by Sam Taylor has uncovered the discussion that occurred within the Scottish Government following your false claim in the Chamber at FMQs on 22 June 2023 where you stated Scotland has the majority of the UK’s renewables and natural resources.

From the heavily redacted documents released under FOI, it appears that a fact may have subsequently been manufactured after 22 June in order to minimise the impact of your need to correct the parliamentary record. If so, that would make it impossible for you to have had the “intention” of quoting this apparent fact at the time, as you later told Parliament.

The extent to which you were party to or aware of the discussions that occurred within the Scottish Government between 22 June and 21 July is unknown at this time. Similarly, it is important to establish whether this apparent “per capita” fact was known to you or had ever been calculated prior. I would therefore urge you to order the removal of redactions from this FOI response in order to shed more light on these points and the wider handling process that existed within your government around your need to correct the record.

You formally informed Parliament of both your correction and the basis for it on 29 August. The letter was addressed to the Presiding Officer, business managers, Anas Sarwar, Liam Kerr, myself and a copy placed into the parliamentary library SPICe.

I am concerned that these new documents raise the possibility that you knew it was not true to tell Parliament that, in your words, “I had intended to say ‘per capita’” at FMQs on 22 June, if indeed this apparent fact was only reverse engineered afterwards in the course of your Scottish Government deliberating how it could correct the record and save embarrassment.

I am concerned that in the course of correcting the record in relation to the exchange on 22 June that you may have knowingly misled Parliament in your letter of 29 August. I therefore urge you to refer yourself to the Independent Adviser on the Scottish Ministerial Code in relation to your handling of the correction of the record in parliamentary proceedings.

As you know, section 1.3(c) of your ministerial code states that it is “of paramount importance” that accurate and truthful information is given to the Parliament and explains that ministers who knowingly mislead the Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Alex Cole-Hamilton

Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats

The University of Edinburgh’s AI for good accelerator programme will help 13 companies based in Scotland and all over the world which are focused on using AI (artificial intelligence) in a beneficial way.

This year the companies chosen include Kenya-based Agritech Analytics founded by Maryanne Gichanga which uses technology to tackle annual crop losses in Africa caused by pests, diseases and climate change. Another in the programme is Edinburgh based Black Goblin which creates an all-inclusive collaboration platform enabling independent content creators to design sound. Happitech is a Netherlands based company using smartphone technology to provide a transformative solution in addressing heart disease.

The companies chosen must use AI for “wider societal benefit to deliver solutions in core areas such as health and wellbeing, social care, and environmental sustainability”. The programme offers a package of support such as building connections and leadership mentoring.

Professor Ruth King, Director of the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre, said: “We warmly congratulate the 13 companies which have been selected for this year’s AI Accelerator programme through a highly competitive process. The cohort includes a diverse group of companies that are using AI innovation to drive progress in addressing societal challenges in key areas including healthcare and climate change.

“This programme has a clear focus in helping AI-driven businesses further commercialise their proposition to make them world-leading companies. As we have seen from the progress of many of its former participants, the programme has a proud record in helping AI innovators scale up and attract investment to help maximise their full potential.”

John Brodie, who was appointed last year as the AI Accelerator programme’s Entrepreneur in Residence, said: “As an entrepreneur who is passionate about driving actionable data science projects and enabling early-stage businesses to scale, I am incredibly excited to be once again working with the companies involved in this year’s AI Accelerator. The engagement of world-leading, innovative businesses from Scotland, the UK and across the globe underline the impact of this highly-regarded programme in developing AI-for-good solutions.”

Scottish Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead MSP said: “Most experts agree that the impact of artificial intelligence on our lives will be huge, and that if we do it right, AI can do a lot of good, from designing new drugs to tackling the climate emergency. Artificial intelligence has, however, triggered heated worldwide debate.

“We are working to make Scotland a world leader in the development and use of artificial intelligence in a way which is trustworthy, ethical and inclusive. To do so we must rise to the challenges and opportunities, which will be felt across our economy and society.

“The Scottish Government’s new Programme for Government recognises big data and artificial intelligence as a key growth sector, and programmes such as the University of Edinburgh’s AI Accelerator are already demonstrating the significant role Scotland is playing in this important exciting industry. The Accelerator’s themes – climate, health and AI for good – chime with our objective that Scotland maximises both the potential economic and social benefits of AI.”

AIA is delivered by the Bayes Centre on behalf of the Data-Driven Innovation hubs, which help organisations tackle challenges of industry and society. Support is also provided by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service.

Danni Findlay and Carly Girasoli fired Hearts into a 2-0 lead against Celtic at the Excelsior Stadium in only eight minutes, but the Jambos could not hold on as the West of Scotland club roared back to claim three unanswered goals and take the points.

The result means Celtic stay a point behind leaders Rangers in the Scottish Women’s Premier League after the Ibrox side won 4-1 at home to Motherwell.

Glasgow City, who are the reigning champions, beat Hamilton Academical 5-0 and elsewhere Hibs beat Aberdeen 5-0 and Spartans edged Partick Thistle 1-0.

Montrose gained their first points in the top league when they beat Dundee United 3-1 and the points mean Montrose move off the bottom of the table.

PICTURE: Hearts celebrate by Colin Poultney and courtesy of the Scottish Women’s Premier League

Cab Direct Championship: play-off Group B: Oxford 50, Glasgow 40.

Glasgow Tigers’ manager Cami Brown admitted their play-off hopes are on a “knife-edge” after an opening defeat at Oxford Cheetahs. 

The Allied Vehicles Tigers lost 50-40 at Cowley after a tense encounter in their first Cab Direct Championship Group B clash. 

Chris Harris, Ben Basso and Vadim Tarasenko all rode well for Tigers but Brown said: “It was disappointing to let it slip towards the end of the meeting. We trailed by just a couple of points after Heat 11, so we’re a bit frustrated by that.

“It’s very much on a knife-edge really. The aggregate bonus point will be crucial and we are capable of overturning that deficit at Ashfield, but it’s going to be very hard.”

He added: “Oxford will also fancy their chances. It’s always going to be tight and tense. This is such a tough group. Our top three were really excellent and managed to restrict their lead and we beat Oxford at Ashfield 51-39 a few days ago, so it just shows how close it will be.”

Brown believes Tigers will get stronger as the play-offs unfold and Brown said: “We’ve got to beat Redcar at home to keep the destiny of the group in our own hands before the return meeting with Oxford.”

Tigers tracked at Oxford minus Claus Vissing and Ace Pijper, both missing through injury and Brown revealed: “We are still waiting for updates after further tests. Hopefully, we can get them both back and we should know the situation within the next 48 hours.”

Oxford 50: Sam Masters 12+1, Scott Nicholls 10+1, Lewis Kerr 9, Cameron Heeps 6+1, Jordan Jenkins 6, Ashton Boughen 4+1, Henry Atkins 3+1.

Glasgow 40: Chris Harris 14, Ben Basso 10, Vadim Tarasenko 9, Tom Brennan 3, Lee Complin 3, Jack Smith 1+1.

Stellar Monarchs host Scunthorpe Scorpions at Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7pm) in the Cab Direct Championship play-off and they are in a three-team group which also features reigning champions the Poole Pirates. The group winners qualify for the final.

Justin Sedgmen is the guest replacement for Craig Cook at No 1 and Bastian Borke is fit after withdrawing from last Friday’s double-header with an arm injury.

Scunthorpe make a great start to their campaign by drawing at Poole – going down in the subsequent Superheat but gaining a priceless away point) – with Ryan Douglas scoring 17 points.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ team manager, said: “Let’s take them on and do something. Our guest, Justin Sedgmen, knows all about this club and, if he can give Josh the back-up, and our three and four partnership comes good, then we will not be far away.”

STELLAR MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen (guest), Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Josh Pickering (captain), Dayle Wood, Bastian Borke.

ATTIS INSURANCE SCORPIONS: Ryan Douglas, Connor Mountain, Simon Lambert, Jake Allen, Michael Palm Toft, Nathan Ablitt, Drew Kemp.

The match will be follow ed by a Northern Junior League match Armadale Angels v Ashfield Giants

Filmhouse fundraiser begins today

The new fundraiser to save the Filmhouse and open the doors begins today. A new charity has been set up by a group of people including some who worked there before it closed last October.

Read more here about their plans to revitalise and reopen the much-loved independent cinema.

Transport and Environment Committee meets

The monthly Transport and Environment Committee meeting takes place at the City Chambers today. Members of the public are allowed to go to the meeting as observers, while deputations have applied for the right to address the meeting.

Pesticide Free Balerno, a group which has been working with alternatives including hand weeding in their local area rather than applying any chemical weedkillers, will address the meeting in a deputation this morning and will say that: “After numerous reports of residents and pets becoming  ill after exposure, support given to council whilst they trial safe methods, four years of volunteer weeding – we would really expect to see, at the very least -recognition of this by safe alternatives being introduced into the so called ‘integrated approach’ package.”

The group also point out that “pesticide applications still continue right outside peoples homes, streets , pavements, hard standing areas and around schools, around trees.

They also say that the council have been ‘discussing’ the need to stop using glyphosate since 2016 so a ban from 2024 to only in greens spaces is “just embarrassing”.

Today the committee will be talking about:

• Phasing out the use of the weedkiller glyphosate by the council
• Workplace parking levy
• The progress being made on the Roseburn to Union Canal
• Flooding in Kirkliston – and the council can do nothing about it
• The possibility of a new bike hire scheme
• The renewal of the contract for the City Car Club
• Better coordination of roadworks in a bid to ease congestion in the city

The papers for this meeting are here.

Community Wellbeing Collective

All activities at the Community Wellbeing Collective in Wester Hailes are free and drop in.

Doors Open Days 2023

The Institut Français d’Écosse opens its doors on 23 September and will host many free and family friendly activities. There will be a self-guided tour with exhibitions and videos, and bilingual reading for children.

Whilst the Consulate General provides support to French citizens living in Scotland, the French Institute, as part of a worldwide network, promotes French Culture and encourages cultural exchanges with Scotland. It offers a wide range of activities and shows throughout the year, in French and in English: French courses, talks and conferences, activities for kids, live music events, theatre performances, wine tastings, cinema screenings, exhibitions. It has a library with an important book and media collection in French and it is even an official venue at the Fringe.

More information here.

Our September issue

Our September newspaper is freshly published and is on the streets.

Our cover story is about the Lord Provost and Council Leader who took riding lessons to allow them to take part in the Riding of the Marches. You can see our many photos here and on Facebook, 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 closed.

Rail fares in Scotland will become cheaper from 2 October in a six month long pilot scheme removing peak fares.

Instead all rail tickets will be available at cheaper off peak prices all day.

Examples of the reduced fares include:

• Edinburgh to Glasgow return will reduce from £28.90 to £14.90
• Edinburgh to Inverkeithing single will reduce from £11.10 to £6.50.

Other schemes such as the Scotrail Kids for a Quid offer which runs year round will remain in place.

Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop told The Scottish Parliament that the Programme for Government clarified the government’s aim to help people in Scotland move towards sustainable transport. She said:”We know that there is much to be done in encouraging people back to rail if we are to achieve our net zero targets.

“This peak fare removal pilot is aimed at achieving this by making ticketing simpler with off-peak fares valid all day. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to encourage more people to choose a safe, reliable, and greener form of public transport.”

The plan was announced by Humza Yousaf in his first speech to The Scottish Parliament on 18 April 2023. He said then: “We will also make our public transport system more accessible, we’ll make it more available, we’ll make it more affordable. As an important part of that, I can confirm today that the 6-month pilot to remove peak-time fares from Scotrail services will start in October of this year. The evidence from this pilot – and our wider Fair Fares review – will allow us to bring forward further targeted measures, from next year onwards, to ensure that the costs of transport are more fairly shared.”

Alex Hynes, Scotland’s Railway Managing Director, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for Scotland’s Railway to encourage more people across the country to choose rail travel instead of using the car.

“Everyone at ScotRail is working hard to make sure that this six-month trial will be a success, and we will be monitoring our services and stations daily to see where we have any significant increases in customer journeys.

“We know that cost and simplicity is a critical factor for people when they choose how to travel, and we are looking forward to delivering this fantastic fare reduction for our customers.”

The impact of the pilot will be assessed before committing to any reinstatement of the scheme after 29 March 2024.

Around 100 young people met up at Tynecastle Stadium this week at the first of the 2023 Young Ambassador conferences, part of a sportscotland programme.

The Young Ambassadors project is funded by the National Lottery and has been set up to equip participants as future leaders in sport.

Rhona McLeod, former athlete and broadcaster, hosted the day sharing her views on the relationship between sport and developing key leadership skills. The conference was opened and closed by young ambassador Caitlin McFall, a pupil at Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes, who shared her experiences of the programme in a Q&A session with Rhona.

Caitlin said: ‘’It was really great to be given the chance to host this Young Ambassador conference. Getting to bring some new experiences and being able to pass on my own knowledge onto them and maybe one day become part of the delivery team. I also was able to develop my own knowledge and skills that I hope to use in the future.”

One highlight of the Young Ambassadors conferences is the involvement of well-known Scottish athletes from across different sports. The Young Ambassadors at Tynecastle were joined by Birmingham 2022 Gold medal winning Judo athlete, Sarah Adlington, who shared a bit about her journey as an athlete as well as some inspiring stories to the group of Young Ambassadors and helped them prepare for their time as role models within their schools.

Sarah said, ‘It has been fantastic to see all of the enthusiasm from all of these young people and I think it is so good that this is now two fold, that these guys here have the experience and then they will go back and open up more opportunities for people in their schools to try a new sport or activity that they love. ’’

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine will call on the UK Government on Thursday to develop a new protocol for informing children of bereavement support available to them. 

Ms Jardine, whose family saw the loss of her father when she was 20 and her sisters were just 13 and 8 years old, believes that too many children are missing out on help at this difficult time, as there is no formal mechanism to inform them of what is available.

At any one, time public sector bodies and charities simply do not know how many children need their support, where they are, and how to adjust services to meet demand. 

The Liberal Democrat has previously signed a petition from leading charity, Winston’s Wish, to introduce a register of bereaved children to automatically recognise young people who may need their help. 

Ms Jardine will now use a debate in Parliament to call on the government to introduce new guidelines to ensure every child who is bereaved knows what is available to them through public services, such as counselling, as well as charity networks offering tailored support. 

Speaking ahead of the debate, Ms Jardine said: “This issue is one that means a great deal to me personally, and it is a privilege to lead this vital debate to ensure vulnerable young people get the right support. 

“Schools, social services and fantastic charities do a wonderful job of helping youngsters every day—but only the children they know about.  

“They have no way of knowing exactly how many young people need or would benefit from their help, meaning they cannot reach out and offer support. 

“This change would mean every child who loses a family member or close friend and is struggling with loss knows what support is out there to help them through an incredibly difficult time. 

“I have not met anyone in Parliament who does not want to address this problem and does not recognise its significance. I truly believe this is not a partisan or political issue. 

“All I am asking from the Government is the time and attention to find a way to make this small change, which will transform the lives of thousands of grieving children right across the country. 

“That is the least they deserve.”

A fundraiser to ensure that Filmhouse on Lothian Road reopens in 2024 will begin accepting donations from today. The crowd funder aims to raise around £250,000 but it could take around £1.25 million to raise standards inside the building to suit today’s audiences.

A group of people who have all been involved with the organisation at some point in the past – but not with the Centre for the Moving Image, the parent charity which ran Filmhouse and which went bust last year – are moving towards running an independent cinema in the building once again.

Directors Ginnie Atkinson, James Rice, Rod White and Mike Davidson formed a company Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Limited in late 2022 which became a charity earlier in the summer.

The building had in the meantime been bought by developers Caledonian Heritable Limited a company which owns many licensed premises in the city, including the Dome. The new owners are carrying out a programme of works to repair the fabric of the building and make it wind and watertight before winter. Caledonian have recently agreed to gift all projection equipment to the new Filmhouse including the customised analogue 35mm and 70mm projectors.

While Caledonian Heritable paid £2.65 million for the building it is still in need of some repair and renovation.

Ginnie explained that their view is the cinema needs essential refurbishment. She said: “We feel we’ve got to be competitive with the experience that people have when they go to other cinemas and the seats in Cinema 1 for instance, and Cinema 2 have not been changed for I can’t even remember how long.”

• Fundraising contributions can be made here https://crowdfunder.co.uk/filmhouse-open-the-doors
• The campaign hashtag for social media is #filmhouseopenthedoors

Once Filmhouse has raised the required funds they can then enter into a 21-year lease with Caledonian Heritable and operate the building as an independent cinema.

It is planned to run Filmhouse in much the same way as before with the profits from an in-house café supporting the charity. The previous café was a much loved feature of going to the Filmhouse – even when you were not there to see a film. What would be different this time round is that the Filmhouse Edinburgh will be run as a standalone company and not as part of a bigger entity.

Director Rod White said: “The Filmhouse was prior to October 2022, part of a larger organisation, many of the staff worked across the various elements of the organisation. So the fundamental difference here will be that everyone who’s employed, we’ll be working for the direct benefit of the cinema.”

From its reopening the venue will work on attracting new audiences in Edinburgh, to support a wide range of local and national film festivals, and to bring cultural cinema back into the capital.

Former programme manager Jim Rice said: “There is so much on here which can’t really be seen elsewhere. We have had discussion events, practitioner appearances, guest appearances, live musical accompaniment all sorts of activity which doesn’t happen in other cinemas. That’s because it doesn’t work in their particular commercial setting and they’re not equipped to do it. So it really is a kind of unique resource in Edinburgh, allowing a much more densely intricate kind of programming.”

Filmhouse used to screen 80 film titles each month in their three screens, but it is more than just the number of films it was the kind of films and the cultural breadth which will be important in the future.

Ginnie said: “Oppenheimer for instance, the film that with Barbie has proved that cinema is not dead. We would have screened that in 70mm because we have a 70 mm projector and, and that was one of the formats that director Christopher Nolan wanted the film released in. So that’s a really good example of what Filmhouse can do that’s special.”

Screen Scotland, The City of Edinburgh Council and The Scottish Government have been working to secure a future for cultural cinema in the city across the months since the CMI’s collapse. Since Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd. secured an exclusive agreement with Caledonian Heritable all three bodies have been working with the charity to support its ambitions and return Filmhouse to operation. Following the news that Filmhouse (Edinburgh) had secured an interim agreement with Caledonian Heritable, Screen Scotland confirmed it had awarded Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Limited £60,000 to support its planning and development work in the near-term. 

Ginnie Atkinson said: “This is a significant step on the journey towards restoring cultural cinema provision for the city. Filmhouse is more than just a cinema – it’s a home for cinema lovers and for film festivals and is proud of its track record in the area of film education, which would continue. We are delighted to be able to launch the fundraising campaign with the goal of opening the doors to a newly refurbished cinema building in 2024. 

James Rice said: “The building is in an ideal city centre location and is well configured, but currently in run down condition. We want to improve and modernise the whole experience of visiting Filmhouse so it can survive and thrive into the future and we need the support of everyone who wants the same thing.”

A Caledonian Heritable spokesperson said, “Caledonian Heritable have a long-standing appreciation of the vital importance of culture and the arts to the city of Edinburgh. We are pleased to be working with Filmhouse, Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council in anticipation of a new era at this key cultural venue.”

David Smith, Director of Screen Scotland said: “Ginnie, James, David and Rod have worked incredibly hard over the last few months to secure this opportunity for the city and Scotland. I know that everyone round the table shares the same ambition – one also held by those many campaigners who raised their voices in support of the Filmhouse across recent months – to see the Filmhouse projectors kick back into life and the seats full of cinema lovers for decades to come. That’s an ambition Screen Scotland is very happy to support.”

Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener said: “We are clear in our commitment to maintaining 88 Lothian Road as a world-class hub for independent, cultural cinema. We have been working closely with our partners at Creative Scotland/Screen Scotland, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise on forging a sustainable path forward for this Edinburgh institution, and spiritual home of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. 

“We will continue to support our partners, the building owners, and Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd. in our common goal to return 88 Lothian Road to its rightful place in Edinburgh’s cultural landscape.”

The office bearers of Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd are:

• James Rice is the former programme manager and now a cinema strategist at specialist consultancy Mustard Studio
• Rod White was former Head of Programming
• David Boyd was former Head of Technical
• Ginnie Atkinson was former CEO of Filmhouse and Edinburgh International Film Festival until 2010. 
• Mike Davidson CA, a strategic financial consultant, has recently joined the board bringing his extensive charity experience to the new body.

Grange men’s hockey coach Sevie Grubb is pleased with his side’s preparation as they eye Saturday’s Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee Wanderers.

The Fettes-based combine, who won the league last season, have played Premiership rivals Erskine Stewart’s Melville and Watsonians in challenge games this week and Grubb said they emerged with “good wins”.

He added: “The style of hockey we want to play this year is taking shape and our new and existing players are developing the on-field interactions that will be crucial if we are to keep our hands on the league title.”

Grubb added: “We are looking forward to getting our league campaign started this weekend.”

Grange host Dundee Wanderers while last season’s runners-up, Western Wildcats, visit Inverleith. Clydesdale host Uddingston while Erskine Stewart’s Melville face Watsonians at Inverleith. Grove Menzieshill host Kelburne.

PICTURE: Flashback to last season with Grange in against Inverleith by Nigel Duncan

Stockbridge in Edinburgh has a reputation as a ‘posh’ residential area and an attractive destination – especially at the weekends. Visitors’ itineraries often combine a trip to this little ‘village’ with places along the Water of Leith Walkway such as Dean Village.

According to the 2023 Skinny Guide to Edinburgh, Stockbridge’s ‘scenic streets are a manna for influencers’ and full of ‘bougie shops’, brunch spots, as well as an ‘astounding number of charity shops’.

This might be seen as a superficial view of Stockbridge and one which leaves out its long reputation, from Sir Henry Raeburn onwards, as an area for artists. One of the few remnants of artistic Stockbridge is Patriothall Studios & Gallery, a ‘stalwart’ of the Wasps network of art studios – found across Scotland. Founded in 1984 and refurbished in 2004, I suspect that thousands pass by Patriothall every week without knowing it’s there – it’s easy to miss.

Stockbridge at the weekends tends to be busy, with the narrow pavements overloaded. The market draws hundreds every Sunday. Luckily, Stockbridge is full of quiet spots, such as the nooks around St Bernard’s Well. Patriothall Studios is another, tucked away in a courtyard between Hamilton Place and the boutique-laden St. Stephen Street. Entrance is via a wide but unprepossessing pend.

Even as you reach the courtyard you are uncertain where you are heading; your eyes caught by the U-shaped housing development of deck tenement with their neat balconies, supported by ornamental metal brackets. You have to turn the further corner to find your goal, a tall red bricked building tucked away in a corner. Your way into the building is through a vivid orange door. This former factory is a reminder that this area was once industrial, as well as artistic.

For example, the area around Glanville Place and Bakers Place off Kerr Street was the site of the large Stockbridge Mills. These aspects of Stockbridge are often overlooked in contemporary accounts which focus on its leafy elegance and ‘villagey’ feel.

The gallery area itself is functional and spacious, but not pristine or clinical. Its roughness gives it character as do the white tiles that cover much of the interior. At the back, large panes of glass on a door allow you to see through into a sitting out area. There’s a feeling of nature trying to get in, with branches snuggling up against the glass.

Patriothall Studios is typical of the way that such industrial spaces have been creatively repurposed, with the arts leading the way in this. The cavernous rooms provide an odd feel. On this quiet Sunday afternoon, even whispers echoed through the rooms, while a bike being clattered by another visitor sounded menacingly loud. Even the ceiling is of interest. In one corner, there is a circular design which draws the eye; did an artist paint this or is it a legacy of industrial activity. You leave none the wiser.

Currently on show is an exhibition entitled Wanderings which explores contemporary imagined space, featuring the work of three artists; Lynsey MacKenzie, Rowan Paton and Julie-Ann Simpson. The work has distinct styles but they are complementary. Visually arresting with vibrant colours, they contrast markedly with the very quiet and simple setting. Julie-Ann Simpson’s Lost Hours seems almost childlike at first viewing but pays closer inspection which reveal layers of intricacy and subtlety. It looks like a depiction of a wintry dream world, with the thoughts of the character at the centre transmitted by smoke through the ether.

Lynsey MacKenzie’s series of abstract landscapes is effective in transmitting the unsettled feelings that you often get while wandering along a stream, or in a woodland. A sense of uncertainty and being geographically psychologically lost. The theme of Wanderings was well reflected in her oil paintings. Paton’s main contribution is a series of eye-catching small acrylic and collage prints. Striking, meticulous and playful, with a cake obsession running through them.

Paton was on hand to welcome visitors. She related that the studios were used by our wide variety of artists, some of whom are well-known names. While she currently uses her own studio at home, she sees great value in a place such as Patriothall. With the artists based there using a variety of art forms and techniques, there was great scope for collaboration and the exchange of advice. It is, she says, “a space for artistic dialogue”.- something that those who work on their own miss out on.

Another attraction for her of Patriothall was the gallery space itself. The large windows allow light to cascade in, providing an ideal environment to look at art – as well as create it. Patriothall is currently home to over fifty artists, and has an annual programme of exhibitions. However, the hidden character of Patriothall means its exhibitions probably need more promotion, including in the local area. Stockbridge’s artistic tradition needs to be re-emphasised. At present its status as an ‘Insta’ hotspot threatens to drown this out.

Wanderings is at
Patriothall Gallery – Wasps, EH3 5AY
Until 23rd September 2023
Open 10am–4pm Monday to Friday – Saturday/Sunday 11-4pm.