Small food and drink businesses and start ups are popping up at Bonnie & Wild in a series of collaborations with the Food Hall.

This weekend the Sri Lankan street food kitchen team Kochchi will become Okanda. The new Okanda kitchen concept is the creation of Suki Jayaratne and Shehan Fernando who have won awards for the food they dream up. The pair won top place at both the Scottish and British Street Food Awards. Their move into a permanent space in Bonnie & Wild followed a first step cooking in a street truck.

The curated menu of Thai Noodles, Vietnamese Rolls and Nepalese Momos will demonstrate the South East Asian flavours and take guests on “an exquisite culinary journey”.

Mr Jayaratne said: “We’re so excited about launching out latest kitchen at Bonnie & Wild and giving food lovers the opportunity to get a flavour of our latest restaurant, Okanda.”

Described as “South East Asian street food redefined with a fine dining twist”, Okanda’s menu boasts Thai Noodles, Vietnamese Rolls and Nepalese Momos that take diners “on an extraordinary culinary journey that celebrates South East Asian flavours sustainably, responsibly and respectfully”.

Mr Jayaratne said: “Okanda is the culmination of our lifelong love affair with the rich tapestry of flavours found throughout South East Asia. Shehan and I have travelled, lived and breathed these flavours, and can’t wait to show off these authentic dishes to guests at Bonnie & Wild as we look to expand the business.”

He added: “It’s incredible that Bonnie & Wild provides this platform for chef-led businesses and other entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures, with little risk. It’s a brilliant catalyst for start-ups, and a superb opportunity.” 

Bonnie & Wild’s Managing Director Ryan Barrie said: “Since Day One, we’ve wanted to use Bonnie & Wild as a platform to champion Scotland’s amazing food and drink businesses. Running regular pop-ups with small food and drink businesses is just the latest example of the positive and collaborative philosophy we hold dear at Bonnie & Wild.

“Our events space is a beautiful, premium location to host brand launches and pop-ups. We hosted the global launch of Edrington’s Naked Malt, as well as Bowmore’s ultra-premium Aston Martin editions. And we’ve done similar with some of our regular suppliers, including the venerable fishmonger Bernard Corrigan and well-respected JB Food Services.

“Giving our events space over to talented and driven chefs and entrepreneurs is just the next step, and I’d welcome enquiries from ambitious businesses looking for opportunities at Bonnie & Wild.” 

Since opening in 2021, Bonnie & Wild has provided permanent locations for the likes of Joelato and Kochchi, while providing a home for start-ups including fried chicken bar Chooks, Jimmy Lee’s Leith Woks and new Scottish deli Soup & Caboodle.

Mr Barrie added: “Bonnie & Wild is all about collaboration and friendship. We love working with brands that share our vision, such as the kilt-maker ScotlandShop, who we partner with for our monthly White Heather Club ceilidh dances. And we’re also looking forward to giving our guests the full Scottish experience as we work with another partner to launch an incredible new breakfast offer in the next few weeks. Watch this space!” 

Sarah Burns (15) from Edinburgh is visiting New Zealand as part of a group of 13 young people who are part of the Police Scotland Youth Volunteer programme.

The whole group will take part in an International Leadership and Development Course run by Blue Light New Zealand from 28 July to 12 August 2023.

Inspector Norman Towler said: “The visit to New Zealand by Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the amazing work done by all our PSYV groups in their communities. The 13 volunteers represent their groups and communities, and are drawn from all of our Local Policing Divisions nationally. This will provide them the opportunity to engage with other young people from New Zealand, Australia, and the USA on an international level as they work to make our communities safer.

“The dedication of these young people, who represent all of our volunteers, to work with each other and Police Scotland is inspiring. They are committed to developing new ideas on improving community wellbeing, and they are already leaders in their local PSYV groups.

“Throughout their two weeks there, the volunteers will participate in an International Leadership and Development course run by Blue Light New Zealand. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for them to learn, grow, and continue to be role models to others.”

Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said: “The Police Scotland Youth Volunteers initiative provides Scotland’s young people the opportunity to contribute to their communities while developing as individuals.

“It gives them an insight into policing in Scotland while engaging in volunteering experiences that positively impacts their communities.

“The PSYV works closely with partners to ensure a rounded approach is taken to community work and strengthen the positive influence of volunteers.

“If you want to become a Police Scotland Youth Volunteer, you can find out more and apply on the Police Scotland website.”

Hibernian Women have signed Ellis Notley on a new two-year deal.

Ellis joined the club when she was 13 and has since worked her way up through the youth ranks before making her debut for the first team in 2016.

Since then, Ellis has become a regular and has now made more than 150 appearances for the side.

A versatile player capable of playing in both the midfield and defence, Ellis has played in a variety of roles across her career at Hibs Women at a high level. Her excellent work rate and commitment have ensured that she is available and can be relied on week in and week out.

In recent seasons Ellis has taken on more responsibility at the club and has captained the side on several occasions.

Ellis said: “I’m delighted to be here and sign a new contract and can’t wait to get the new season started. 

“Every player wants to play consistently and that’s no different for me. I want to make sure I’m in that starting eleven and progress myself physically along with helping the younger players within the squad.”

Grant Scott also commented on the new deal, saying: “Ellis is a terrific player, and I am delighted she has extended her contract at the club.

“She is an extremely versatile player who not only brings a great deal of quality to the side but is also very reliable.

“In recent years she has also shown her leadership qualities by captaining the side on countless occasions.”

A new Ageing Well Bike Course will begin next month.

For those older people looking to get back on their bikes, Ageing Well, will be starting a new 11-week cycling course on Monday, 10 July, when participants can develop those dormant skills in a relaxed and social atmosphere with like-minded companions.

The level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material, will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, on the 400m track at Saughton Sports Centre, a traffic free environment on which to learn to cycle. The course will begin on Monday, 10 July at 10am-12noon and run until 18 September 2023.

This is NOT a beginners’ course teaching people to cycle but is aimed at older adults who have not cycled for some years and who want to gain confidence and start cycling again. They will learn skills such as stopping safely, indicating correctly, and mastering the gears.   Bikes and helmets will be supplied but participants can also bring their own. The cost is £3 per week.

Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults explained: “Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile and enjoy the outdoors and countryside on the amazing network of dedicated cycle paths in the Edinburgh area.

“Perhaps you’d like to join grandchildren on family rides or just to meet some new people?  And don’t worry if you haven’t been on a bike for ages or don’t currently own one, we even provide bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, so all you need to bring is yourself! The courses are led by experienced, fully trained volunteers who are passionate about cycling and supporting those who would like to get back in the saddle.”

A level 2 Course will commence directly after Level 1 on Monday 25 September 2023 with 4 weeks from Ainslie Park and 4 weeks from Meggetland. This course will further explore the cycle paths of Edinburgh using the skills participants have learnt from Level 1.

For more information and to book a place on the cycle course, contact a member of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team on: Tel: 0131 458 2260 / Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

The Ageing Well project promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults (typically 50+) in Edinburgh. The project is a partnership with NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure and Pilmeny Development Project and is part of the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the expectation of good health in later life. 

Developers say a new student housing development at Jock’s Lodge could help deliver ‘transformational’ change in walking, cycling and wheeling in the local area.  

Alumno have recently approached The City of Edinburgh Council to offer their support for plans to convert the former Piershill to Powderhall freight line into an active travel route.

Councillors on the Transport and Environment Committee recently urged more action on the plans, highlighting that the route would improve links between East Edinburgh and the existing active travel network with potentially ‘transformational’ results. 

An initial feasibility study has been completed by the Council and in a letter to Transport and Environment Convenor, Cllr Scott Arthur, Alumno offer to provide additional support to facilitate design workshops to help assist the Council take the idea forward.

David Campbell, Alumno Chief Executive and founder said: “We are very conscious of the need to support cycling and active travel, as a ‘car free’ development it is a critical part of our plans.  Our proposed development at Jock’s Lodge includes extensive cycle parking and e-bike charging points. We will also offer residents free access to foldable cycles.” 

“However, we are keen to work with the Council to do more.  We had initially investigated the potential for a suitable contribution to the local cycle hire scheme.  However, as this is not possible, we were very interested to hear about the re-purposing of the former Powderhall freight line towards active travel. This could be of great benefit to the local area, and given the closeness of the route to our proposed development it would seem natural for us to offer our support to the Council to help move this plan forward.”

The planning application at Jock’s Lodge, which will be considered by City of Edinburgh Council later this week, is for a purpose built development with 191 student rooms, and ground floor commercial space which is earmarked to replace an existing public house with a new food and drink venue.  The scheme is fully compliant with Edinburgh Design Guidance with regards to cycle parking. In addition, it also includes e-bike charging points and a free bike hire scheme which will be managed by the building operator.

David added: “Opening up such an active travel route would benefit not just the new residents in our Jock’s Lodge site, but the whole community.  We fully recognise that it is a community that is changing considerably, and we hope to be in a position to support this positive change once Councillors have decided on our proposal later this week.”

The decision on the planning application will be made by the Development Management Sub-Committee on Wednesday. The application is recommended for approval by council officers.

With 55 exhibitions and events all over Edinburgh this will be one of the largest festivals yet under new director Kim McAleese.

There is a new format this year with a call to action to explore the capital through visual art, galleries and museums.

Running from 11 to 27 August the festival will introduce collaborations including weekend talks and performances.

“From queer histories in brutalist tower blocks; to tracing peace lines and borders through sound, moving image and music; and the festival’s continuing commitment to support structures, the 2023 festival-led programme features artists, thinkers, writer and performers who move through this world deeply connected to feminist and queer practice. This may take various forms: an opera; a poem; the sound of a ricochet along a peace wall; a newspaper excerpt; a bodily gesture; a warming meal.”

Kim McAleese, Festival Director, said: “I am delighted to share this programme, my first for Edinburgh Art Festival. It’s a programme that asks how we can connect with and find mutual support internationally, platforming artists, individuals and communities who can find alternative ways to resist. I believe in the generative process of collaboration and want to embrace it by connecting, amplifying, promoting and sharing individuals, organisations, and projects that have an intimacy with these values. By punctuating the festival with a series of special weekend events, we can open up the festival to new audiences, and in dialogue with other art forms and other festivals across the city in a spirit of collaboration. This year’s programme guides you through our core galleries across the city, to parliament buildings for live performances, to Leith for public artworks, and Sculpture Gardens outside of Edinburgh for queer parties.”

There are new commissions and there will be an opening world performance premiere of History of the Present on 11 August at Queen’s Hall. This work involves Northern Irish writer, Maria Fusco combining her talents and experiences with Scottish artist film-maker Margaret Salmon and composer Annea Lockwood. The performance is a hybrid opera on stage and screen that will be performed live. It is a new experimental opera-film forefronting working-class women’s voices to ask: who has the right to speak and in what way? The film was shot on 35mm and SD video on the streets of Belfast, the Royal Opera House and the Ulster Museum. Fusco lived beside the peace line in Belfast during The Troubles and this work celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement.

There are many many more parts to the Edinburgh Art Festival all over the city and the announcement has only just been made of the exhibitions and events. We will produce a top ten list but this seems unmissable: on the Southside of the city, a showcase of work by graduating students takes place at the Edinburgh College of Art. The show combines new work from the schools of Art, Design and Architecture & Landscape Architecture. Also at ECA The Sounds of Deep Fake, curated by the Institute for Design Informatics, brings together exciting experimental artists including Martin Disley and Theodore Koterwas who are working with sound and emerging technologies to explore deep fake audio. Dovecot Studios presents their major exhibition Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perception with The Fleming Collection, with works by over 45 pioneering women artists including Rachel Maclean, Sekai Machache, Joan Eardley and Alberta Whittle.

Head of Visual Arts at Creative Scotland, Amanda Catto, said: “We’re delighted to be a supporter of the Edinburgh Art Festival, the UK’s largest annual festival of visual art. The spirit of collaboration at the heart of the festival creates exciting opportunities for artist

s and for audiences. If you’re living in or visiting Edinburgh in August the Art Festival is the place to find some of the best exhibitions, events and performances this summer. Taking place in established and less well-known spaces in the city, and with work from world leading artists as well as those at much earlier stages in their career, there’s so much to look forward to. Congratulations to the Festival, its partners and all the artists involved.”

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The Edinburgh Art Festival is a great opportunity to showcase the work of Scottish-based artists, especially previously under-represented artists who we’re proud to support with £130,000 through the Scottish Government’s Expo Fund. In partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council we also support new artists and curators at the wellbeing arts space at Wester Hailes and Platform with £215,000 through our PLACE Fund to support community engagement.”

Friday and Saturday tickets for The Royal Highland Show have now sold out following huge demand for the event which begins later this week at Ingliston (22-25 June).

This follows organisers the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) increasing capacity by 5,000 tickets per day, bringing the total daily capacity to 55,000.

This year more than 200,000 visitors are expected to visit the Show.

The remaining tickets for Sunday and Thursday can be bought on The Royal Highland Show website: royalhighlandshow.org.

Visitors with tickets already purchased for the Friday and Saturday can still purchase Royal Highland Hoolie tickets and also parking for the Friday and Saturday. But public transport with special Lothian buses and Edinburgh Trams with services every seven minutes and a hopper bus from the tram stop to the east gate are also recommended.

The creators of the show Slash have launched a crowdfunder to bring Slash to the Edinburgh Fringe this year.

Times are tough everywhere and the New York based playwrights and performers Emily Allan and Leah Hennessey have decided this is the only way to ensure they can come to Edinburgh.

The pair say they have had a the positive response to their co-directed comedy John Early: Now More Than Ever which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last Thursday last week and is now running on HBO.

Slash is a two-woman comedy written, adapted, directed, and performed by NYC based playwrights and performers Emily Allan and Leah Hennessey running at Summerhall in August. 

The pair have launched their campaign to raise the final chunk of funding to bring Slash to Edinburgh this summer.

The Blond (Emily Allan) and The Dark Haired One (Leah Hennessey) attempt to transcend the banality of identity and the terror of consciousness through cosplay, Anglophilia, critical theory and song.  

Incorporating fan fictional pairings of iconic duos such as Lennon/McCartney, Byron/Shelley and Betty/Veronica, as well as meta commentary by camp portrayals of infamous second wave feminists Camile Paglia, Andrea Dworkin and Joanna Russ, Slash is a “pop feminist tour de force” (Office Magazine) about the erotic’s of collaboration and friendship.  

Show creators and performers Emily Allan and Leah Hennessey said: “Slash began as a re-enactment of homoerotic Sherlock fanfiction from the depths of Tumblr, and has evolved into a love story that asks the question, “is it better to stay on the desperate heights of unconsummated passion, or risk annihilation in a kiss?”  

Slash was workshopped in pieces at MoMA, MoMA PS1, and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. It premiered at MX Gallery in NYC, where it ran for four critically acclaimed months. A new version of the play was performed at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and further workshopped with director John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) at Ars Nova.  

This is the crowdfunder link

Slash 

Dates: Aug 2nd – 27th (not 21)  

Venue: Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall 

Time: 22:15 (1hr) 

Tickets: £15/£13 Click here.

There is an outstanding range of photographs on display in a free exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery which runs until 10 September 2023.

There were more than 4,000 entries for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize which were whittled down by the judges to the 51 portraits which are hung in the Portrait’s Robert Mapplethorpe Photography Gallery.

The competition is primarily a platform for contemporary photographers to bring a version of the world to audiences. Edinburgh’s Portrait Gallery is the only touring venue this year, although the photographs have already been shown in London.

This free exhibition, which has been generously supported thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, will also form a key part of the Edinburgh Art Festival; the UK’s largest festival dedicated to the visual arts.

We were lucky to walk around with Louise Pearson, Curator of Photography with National Galleries Scotland who told us about some of the photos. This is an exhibition which deserves a couple of visits to appreciate the detail in the work.

Interim Co-Director Collection & Research, National Galleries of Scotland, Anne Lyden said: “This is the first time since 2016 that the Portrait has hosted the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize. It forms a central part of our summer exhibition programme, showcasing world class photography and documenting impactful moments and individuals. The prize provides a crucial platform to celebrate, question, and highlight cultural identity in many forms. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s finalists, we are delighted to bring their work to the people of Scotland.”

Shane Gleghorn, Managing Partner at Taylor Wessing said: “Works and artists featured in the 2022 Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize were exceptional. We are delighted to see the prize returning to the National Galleries of Scotland, enabling this impressive collection of photographs to be viewed by the people of Scotland and its visitors. The prize has enabled artists across the world to use their talent and creativity to raise awareness in respect of a number of key issues and that makes for a powerful exhibition.” 

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting the National Galleries of Scotland as they celebrate the finest examples of contemporary photography. Players across Britain have raised over £1.1 billion for thousands of charities and local good causes, and are one of the biggest supporters of arts, culture, and heritage initiatives. We hope visitors make new discoveries and find this experience inspiring.” 

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 at the Portrait  

Until 10 September 2023 

Supported by Taylor Wessing 

Sponsored by the People’s Postcode Lottery 

Awarded funds from the Postcode Culture Trust 

Open daily, 10am-5pm 

Admission free  

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 | National Galleries of Scotland 

Royal Highland Show

For visitors heading to the Royal Highland Show later this week with a youngster in tow then the Rotary Club of Corstorphine will be on hand to help keep them safe. The members will be manning a stand at the entrances to the show ready to put a wristband on your child which a parent or grandparent can then write a phone number for use if the youngster wanders off.

Details of buying tickets for the event – best to do so ahead of getting to the show ground – are here.

The Edinburgh Arrow

The Edinburgh Arrow is an archery shoot by kind invitation of the Rt Hon Lord Provost. The event at the Meadows field bounded by Boys Brigade Walk, Middle Meadow Walk and Melville Drive will begin at 3pm and will run until 6pm on 22 June 2023.

The Lord Provost is expected to attend with at least six councillors near the end of the event when the archers will process back to the Royal Company of Archers with a piper and drummer. Some of the area will be closed to the public.

Drylaw & Telford Community Council AGM

Click on the poster below to learn more about the community council and the work it is doing to try and improve the area.

Get ready for Porty Pride next month

There is really far too much on over the two or three days of the Porty Pride weekend to tell you about. Look at their website and you will see that on 8 and 9 July there will be saunas, cycling, music workshops, a beach clean, Support the Makers market, Civierino’s Slice Volleyball Tournament, swimming, and th every first Pride Ball in the newly reopened Portobello Town Hall. More details here.

Please support The Edinburgh Reporter

Could you help us achieve our goal of signing up 500 new subscribers this year? Find out more by taking a look here on our Ko-Fi shop. 

We will be working on our July issue soon so if you are part of something which is happening in July then do get in touch with the details. editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

There will be four outdoor performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Saughton Park beginning on Wednesday performed by Edinburgh locals.

Four performances at Edinburgh’s Saughton Park will start on 21 June, marking the summer solstice and end with a final performance on 24 June to mark midsummer. 

The new community theatre group The Forth Act which is based in West Edinburgh has tried to make theatre accessible to as many people as possible working with local people, groups and businesses.

Forth Act is supported by a range of locals and community groups in Edinburgh who have helped with production and volunteering to design and produce sets and costumes, including the edinburgh Spiders who have made camouflage nets for Ukraine. Some of these will be used on stage before being transported to the warzone. In addition there has been a great deal of fundraising.

Helen Schofield of The Forth Act, said: “Shakespeare himself once said that the course of true love never did run smooth, but in this case, at least, the love and commitment from our cast and local people in creating this spectacular performance, has been incredible. What has been achieved, and what audiences can expect to see on stage, is a testament to the hard work of not only our actors, but every group, business and person who has supported us.  

“We set up the Forth Act to bring drama into communities using spaces that are familiar to people in new and surprising ways. This is our first outdoor performance and will undoubtedly do that, opening the magical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to new audiences from across the city. 

“Edinburgh is one of the world’s top culture capitals and we’re ready to showcase the talent we have…all that’s left is to pray for good weather.” 

Rehearsals for the performance began in October, with 18 actors taking on well-known characters, including Bottom, Puck, Titania and Oberon. 

The performances are due to take place in Saughton Park, Edinburgh, Balgreen Road, EH11 3BQ from 21-24 June 2023. Tickets are available to purchase at each performance or online. 

Performed in the Italian sunken garden of Saughton Park, this modern take on one of Shakespeare’s best-known plays will transform the popular community space into the Athens of the North.  

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-midsummer-nights-dream-tickets-611281378057

Edinburgh’s Holy Trinity Church Foodbank is celebrating after receiving £1,000 to continue supporting the local community of Wester Hailes.

Urban logistics property developer and asset manager Chancerygate made the donation. The company is currently working to deliver the 132,000 sq ft Capital Park development on Bankhead Avenue in Sighthill, Edinburgh.

The money will enable Holy Trinity Church Foodbank to continue providing crisis support for those in immediate need of help and support around 70-75 households on average a week.

Holy Trinity Church Foodbank is located just one mile from the Capital Park development at Hailesland Place.

Commenting on the donation, Holy Trinity Church, ordained local minister, Rita Welsh, said: “We were thrilled when we were offered this great donation. It will help us continue to provide crisis support to the community of Wester Hailes.”

Holy Trinity Church not only runs a foodbank but also provide counselling sessions, a debt centre, a job club and a café offering free soup and fruit, three days a week.

The foodbank is also supported by voluntary organisation Currie Balerno Rotary, which provides Holy Trinity Church with both funding and volunteering.

Chancerygate development director, Mike Walker, said: “Holy Trinity Church Foodbank is a brilliant local organisation which is invested in helping adults and children of Wester Hailes in the current cost of living crisis. It is a pleasure to support the charity and local community.”

Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. Chancerygate has offices in London, Warrington, Birmingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes.

For more information visit www.chancerygate.com

There’s cocktail bars and then there’s Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons which transcend the ordinary and where you’re guaranteed the best of Scottish hospitality.

Opened in 2013 by award-winning bartender Iain McPherson, aka the Cocktail Panda or the Willy Wonka of the drinks industry, this bar sits in the top 100 of the world’s Top 500 Bars at number 57. It’s not hard to see why.

Gaining a degree from the Gelato University in Bologna and also completing the “Science of ice cream course” at The University of Reading in 2016, McPherson found a passion for exploring the world of sub-zero temperatures and applying them to the world of drinks and cocktails in a never-before-seen approach for the industry.

McPherson purchased a freeze dryer and set up their creative space, the aptly named ‘The Brain Melting Society’ in the basement of sister bar, Nauticus. Alongside Nicky Craig, Panda & Sons bar manager, they experiment with freezing techniques with the aim to increase the flavour spectrum that is currently available to the bar industry.

It’s taken five years of development but these aren’t cocktails that your average customer will be able to replicate at home. Instead think of the experience as a theatre in cocktail making. And despite currently being a unique offering at Panda & Sons, which McPherson could patent for exclusivity, The Cocktail Panda believes in the opposite, explaining, “I want to keep our industry progressive, so knowledge sharing is paramount to achieve this and to encourage others to do the same”. You have to love his generosity.

Disguised as an old barber shop, Panda & Sons is accessed down a set of stair, through a mock bookcase and you’ll find yourself in one of the city’s best secret bars. It’s full of quirky retro paraphernalia and plenty of panda references, including the friendly staff who wear panda-adorned aprons.

This bar has innovation at the heart of every drink they serve. Their focus is on exploring and pioneering the largely unknown world of sub-zero flavour techniques, invented in-house.

Sitting at the bar, our bartender, the knowledgeable and entertaining Sam, who’s youthful good-looks deceive the years of experience he has, mixes us an array of innovative cocktails to showcase the range on offer.

We marvel at his ability to skilfully multi-task, whilst maintaining banter with his curious audience of two, as he explains the techniques and elements that have gone into making these incredible concoctions. I just wish I’d paid more attention in chemistry lessons as the techniques were highly technical and I got lost along the way – but that might have been the number of cocktails consumed, all in the spirit of discovery, I hasten to add.

Their new menu, ‘Transcend’ uses four core techniques; Switching, Sous Pression, Freeze Drying and Cryo-Concentration to create elevated flavour, texture and sustainable solutions for the 16 new cocktails.

Their now renowned, Coconut Daiquiri, uses the ‘switching’ technique. The team freeze and extract the water content in Bacardi Blanca White rum and replace it with roasted coconut milk which is then clarified. The end result offers a delicious smooth and creamy finish unlike any daiquiri you’ve had before! It’s served with a white chocolate and coconut wafer. It can only be described as ‘sublime’.

‘Sous Pression’ uses the extreme force of freezing by containing the process in a 2l stainless steel keg, freezing fruit in this way leeches flavour for a highly concentrated result.

‘Freeze Drying’ extracts 99% of the water from an ingredient to create a dried product that maintains the cell structure and maximises its fresh flavour. Unlike the more common dehydrator, freeze drying is reversible and allows the team to break the barriers of seasonal products and expand their flavour routes all year round. It also allows them to do a pure flavour infusion without any dilution, which is showcased in their Seville Negroni. Sam let us try the mandarin crisp, which is used in the drink – it oozed intensity.

Finally, ‘Cryo Concentration’ is a technique which mimics the process of ripening of fruit by freezing and extracting the water content from the juice. This gives a consistent level of ripeness and can be repeated to make flavourful cordials. Cryo Concentration reduces the dilution of juice and spirits, in turn lowering the freezing point which allows drinks to be made colder and fresh flavours (normally lost in the cooking process) to be maintained.

I finished the evening with their famous Birdcage cocktail. A theatrical serve, it’s a whisky based drink, with a rhubarb and lemongrass shrub, Aperol and Angostura bitters, served smoked with a cinnamon and clove mix – which surprisingly scents the air but not the drink. It plays with your senses.

You might not be able to get a haircut here but you’ll have one of the best bar experiences ever. Book to avoid queuing but once inside you’re guaranteed incredible cocktails, a fantastic vibe, friendly staff and generally a good time.

Transcend is available in Panda & Sons at 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF – 0131 220 0443

People supported by Carr Gomm in Edinburgh travelled to RBS Gogarburn to celebrate 25 years of Carr Gomm supporting people in their homes and communities.

Clients and staff of the charity came together with others from across Scotland for the event hosted by former Britain’s Got Talent star, Edward Reid. They were joined by friends, family and the charity’s supporters, enjoying live performances, silent disco, therapets, carnival games, food trucks and more.

Guests had the chance to sing their favourite pop hits from Elvis to Amy Winehouse, as well as give their own poetry readings at Carr Gomm’s Got Talent session.

The event was fully accessible for all, with quiet spaces, food for all diets and a Revoloo vehicle for wheelchair users so that there were no barriers to people enjoying their day.

Chief Executive of Carr Gomm, Lucy Wren, said: “The festival has been an amazing opportunity to celebrate together the last 25 years of Carr Gomm. Every day our amazing staff support people who have a wide range of reasons for needing some help, to have safe and fulfilled lives. I am incredibly proud of the work we do changing people’s lives, and the Festival has been an amazing way to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment to changing lives.”

The charity is celebrating 25 years since it first started supporting people in East Lothian in 1998. Carr Gomm is now the largest mental health provider of services in the city and has expanded across the country, supporting 3000 people each week. The charity’s headquarters are based in Craigmillar in the south-east of Edinburgh where they have several community projects including Craigmillar Community Grows, Men in Sheds and Community Link Workers based in GP practices.

The goal to provide places and opportunities where people can connect with others in their community and feel supported, is the driving force behind their Big Carr Gomm Challenge fundraiser. The charity is over quarter of the way to its £25,000 target to fund activities like music workshops, games groups, days out, and community gardens.

Learn to Swim marks Drowning Prevention Week

More than 75,000 children in Scotland are being offered water safety lessons as part of Drowning Prevention Week.

Learn to Swim is continuing its major water safety push to coincide with this year’s Drowning Prevention Week as National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) figures show 45 people in Scotland tragically lost their lives to accidental drowning in 2022.

The initiative is made possible through a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, a National Framework delivered by 37 leisure trusts and aquatic providers across more than 160 pools.

It aims to deliver a lasting, positive legacy for Scotland by creating “Generation Swim” – children who are happier, healthier and safer, as well as being confident and competent in and around water.

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Scotland has more coastline, lochs, rivers, reservoirs and bodies of water than the rest of the UK, so it is crucial that children are being taught water safety.

“As summer rolls around we are aware that many youngsters will be keen to get into pools, so our mission is to provide them with the skills to swim safely and confidently.

“The lessons delivered during Drowning Prevention Week will be specifically tailored to integrate crucial water safety skills, from the implementation of the Water Safety Code to basic floating techniques which can make a massive difference when someone feels in danger in the water.”

Lessons span from Orkney to the Borders and will be underpinned by Learn to Swim’s dedication to instil children with confidence and knowledge to ensure they are safer in and around water.

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said “We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round but particularly as we approach summer and children are likely to be around water more frequently.

“Drowning prevention is the main objective for the Learn to Swim National Framework. We want to make sure that children feel safe in the water and their parents feel confident and comfortable in their swimming abilities.

“Drowning Prevention Week offers us a great opportunity to reconsolidate that message and continue to raise awareness of the importance of learning this vital life skill.”

Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), stands as one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland, specifically targeting the summer season. Its primary goal is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding water safety, particularly during the summer months.

The Learn to Swim Framework is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim, as well as improve their water safety and swimming techniques, regardless of their age, ability, or skill level.

The programme is centred around progress and enjoyment, and aims to build a legacy of ‘Generation Swim’ in Scotland whereby children achieve their potential in the pool and out. For more information on the programme CLICK HERE.

https://learntoswim.scot/

Leonardo Royal Hotel on Jeffrey Street has been rebranded from Jurys Inn Edinburgh, and in a major £22.2 million refurbishment the hotel has a stylish new look.

One of the premium brand of Leonardo Hotels, all guest rooms and public spaces have been refurbished with upgraded windows and the introduction of air conditioning.

There will be 100 more bedrooms added to the existing 186 rooms and these will be open by next year.

There is a new up to the minute gym and a guest concierge desk. Leo’s bar and restaurant is new and the lobby has a modern welcoming look. White Company toiletries are offered as standard, there are fully stocked fridges, Chromecast-enabled TVs and DREAM beds exclusive to Leonardo Hotels.

The city centre location allows guests to walk to most of the city landmarks like the Castle and Holyrood Park. The promise is that the Edinburgh hotel will also offer a truly warm welcome to all guests along with the facilities of its large events spaces and exceptional service.

Claire Livingston, General Manager of Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh, comments: “We’re incredibly excited to have rebranded from Jurys Inn to a Leonardo Royal. Becoming a Leonardo Royal Hotel allows us to provide an unparalleled guest experience, combining contemporary design, state-of-the-art amenities and impeccable customer service. Whether travelling for business or leisure, guests can expect an exceptional stay at this fantastic Edinburgh destination.”

www.leonardohotels.co.uk/hotels/edinburgh

Edinburgh Trams have a range of tickets to help you get to the show at Ingliston from Thursday, and booking a tram ticket with the event is one way to save.

Taking a tram will also save you the bother of queuing to get into the car park and of course getting out again.

There are trams every seven minutes from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, and there is a wee shuttle bus service from the tram stop to transport anyone who does not want or is unable to make the short walk to the ground.

Show visitors can pay for tram travel at the same time as buying their tickets for the show, and further details can be found here.

Edinburgh Trams Managing Director Lea Harrison commented: “We’re thrilled to be able to work with organisers once again to ensure everyone can travel to and from the showground with as little fuss as possible, while saving a few pounds to spend on the exceptional food and drinks at the event.

“Groups travelling together on show days can also take advantage of our popular ‘Day Tripper’ ticket, which allows unlimited tram travel between Ingliston Park & Ride and the city centre for up to adults and three children for just £8! This ticket and other money-saving deals can be purchased from edinburghticket.com and downloaded onto a smart device or printed out to show our friendly staff.”

Ahead of the event, which takes place between June 22 and 25, an eye-catching tram wrap has been celebrating the return of the Royal Highland Show, and details about its packed programme of attractions can be found here.

The big top on Leith Links was the place to be on Saturday to hear Craig and Charlie with that great opening line – “Hello Leith!” followed by a brief but joyous mention of the eleven men in Norway who had just pulled off something very special in Oslo. (Two winning goals in the 80 somethingth minutes proved too much for the Norwegians in case you haven’t heard.)

The feeling inside and outside the tent was of a massive act coming home to play for their local crowd, and the audience were up for it, if the singing – even ahead of the band taking to the stage – was anything to go by.

Sunshine on Leith was of course the pinnacle of the almost two hour long show with everyone joining in. The emotion was a palpable pent up desire to see and hear live acts, most probably born from the last few years, but it was more than that. The proximity to the stage was unlike the big show at Edinburgh Castle a few years ago where the band was elevated and a bit distant.

The big top really worked – well done Regular Music. This was a safe place to be and easy to get to. There seemed to be many, many security staff with someone helping out at the beginning of the bar queue with a handy menu – making sure you knew what you were going to buy (no time to waste).

Admiral Fallow and Hamish Hawk had already played some of their own fabulous music for the crowd standing in the huge tent which not only made you feel close to the action, but provided back up for those who needed it with two big screens either side of the stage. There was plenty of space – and we really should not complain in Scotland about it being a bit warm should we?

Songs from the Dentures Out album may be less well known, but with their usual repertoire of at least half a dozen songs (Letter from America, I’m on my Way, Sunshine on Leith and 500 miles the most prominent among them) there was plenty of opportunity for the singers and the would be singers in the audience. The band were not taking requests as the list “would have been as long as Boris Johnson’s Honours List”, but nobody can have gone home on Saturday night (or on Sunday at their second show) disappointed.

We have to hope that this is the first of many events at Leith Links – where people sat outside the big tent basking in the Sunshine and the sounds from within. It was a big event with a genuinely local touch – maybe just what is needed to foster that spirit of community we hear so much about.

Regular Music have several other concerts this year including Rod Stewart, The Who, The Lumineers, Dermot Kennedy and Jerry Sadowitz.

COMMUNITY

Leith Links Community Council and other local groups had stalls around the enclosure making sure that everyone had the chance to meet them and talk about the hot potatoes such as short term lets.

New commission for National Museums Scotland

Climate change and fashion are combined in the latest exciting commission by the National Museum of Scotland which incorporates horsehair and nettles from Highgrove, the private residence of the King and Queen.

The designers are also climate activists and the exact amount of energy is calculated in the production of their garments, down to the number of calories burned.

Read more here.

At the Voodoo Rooms

Edinburgh has so much on at the moment it is difficult to choose where to go and what to see. Tonight at the Voodoo Rooms Texan Jarrod Dickenson will display his renewed steely resolve after Covid complications left him with a lifelong medical condition and some business difficulties.

The honey-voiced southerner has become a brawler. His album BIG TALK released earlier this year is described as direct and uncompromising – and you get all of this for £14 in the city centre. Over 18s Book at Tickets Scotland.

The Proclaimers Leith Links

The big top on Leith Links was the place to be on Saturday to hear Craig and Charlie with that great opening line – “Hello Leith!” followed by a brief mention of the eleven men in Norway who had just pulled off something very special in Oslo. (Two winning goals in the 80 somethingth minutes proved too much for the Norwegians.)

The feeling was of a massive act coming home to play for their local crowd, and the crowd were really up for it if the singing even ahead of the band taking to the stage was anything to go by.

Sunshine on Leith was of course the pinnacle of the almost two hour long show with everyone joining in. The emotion was a palpable pent up desire to see and hear live acts most probably born from the last few years, but this was more than that. The proximity to the act was unlike the big show at Edinburgh Castle a few years ago where the band is elevated and distant. The big top really worked – well done Regular Music. This was a safe place to be and easy to get to. There seemed to be many, many security staff and even someone helping out at the beginning of the line for the bar with a handy menu – making sure you knew what you were going to buy. (no time to waste)

Admiral Fallow and Hamish Hawk had already played great music for the crowd standing in the huge tent which not only made you feel close to the action, but provided back up with two big screens either side of the stage.

Songs from the Dentures Out album may be less well known, but with their usual repertoire of at least half a dozen songs (Letter from America, I’m on my Way, Sunshine on Leith and 500 miles the most prominent among them) there was plenty of opportunity for the singers and the would be singers in the audience.

We have to hope that this is the first of many events at Leith Links – where people sat outside the big tent basking in the Sunshine and the sounds from within. This was a big event with a genuinely local touch – maybe just what is needed to foster that spirit of community we hear about.

Regular Music have several other concerts this year including Rod Stewart, The Who, The Lumineers, Dermot Kennedy and Jerry Sadowitz.

Support the Makers

This is lovely wee shop on Easter Road which is open until mid August. Their aim is to create a supportive environment for discussion, networking, guidance, advice and top tips by industry experts. When the shop closes the programme will change to #makersmeets beginning on 7 September when the topic of the day will be social media reels.

Marti from a Wee Bit Social will join the meeting to offer expertise, experience and top tips on creating fun and engaging content.

More information here.

How to subscribe to The Edinburgh Reporter

All of our content is free to access but if you would like to support us and also get your own copy of our monthly paper delivered to you each month then you can subscribe here. The paper is always on the streets on the 1st of each month and the June issue is just out now..

Or click on the front page below. And if you have any stories then do get in touch.

Sam Davies won the Kingdom Fly Fishing Championship for the first time and took home a £400 cash prize thanks to a cracking bag of ten fish.

It is the first major competition the Fife-born, 60-year-old has entered in 25 years and only the second time the Ballo member has fished Stenhouse Fishery in the last five years.

His boat partner, Andrew Weir, co-owner of Stenhouse, was third with seven fish and missed out on second place by only 14oz, and, as a consolation he took home £150 plus other prizes.

He tried to match Sam’s tactics which majored on a really fast figure-of-eight retrieve and Andrew, like Sam, only qualified in the last heat at Ballo near Glenrothes.

Weir could have been the champion but he lost two at the net and was snapped on three occasions as the trout savagely attacked his pattern. 

The runner-up was Greg Davies, no relation to the winner, who was the defending champion, and pocketed £250 plus other prizes after netting eight fish.

A total of 28 anglers contested the final and Andy Robb tempted the biggest trout, a rainbow of 6lb 13oz, which helped him claim sixth spot, despite only netting four fish.

Fourth was Darren McPherson, fifth David Stark with Steven Livingstone seventh and Robbie Birrell in eighth position. 

On to rivers and Cramond Angling Club remind members that water levels are low and anglers should ensure that fish are fully revived before being released. Anglers are also requested to keep their fish in the water at every opportunity when unhooking.

On to sea fishing and William Stafford from Edinburgh won the fourth round of the Bass Rock Shore Angling League’s summer series with eight fish for 161 cm leaving the rest in his slipstream.

He used mackerel strips and was into two fish on his first cast but weed troubled anglers all night with the sea calm and showing only a 1ft swell.

The fish were close in to the shoreline but a cold easterly wind forced anglers to don waterproofs to keep warm.

Norrie Anderson (North Berwick) was second with five fish for 81cms and Shaun Gardner, also North Berwick, third with three fish for 66cm.

Scottish international Chris Empson was fourth also with three fish for 65cm and Haddington-based James Ogilvie, one of the organisers, was fifth with two fish for 39cm and James McHale (Gifford) sixth with one fish measuring 17cm.

Empson from Dunbar landed the biggest fish at 25cm and the venue was Thorntonloch Beach near Torness.

Coarse angling now and Maisie the sturgeon has been caught again at Drumtassie and she weighed over 37lb. Two big carp were tempted, one of 18lb and another of 14lb.

Elsewhere, Martin Pearson fishing worm won matchday six of the summer series organised by Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club at Orchill with 52lb 3oz with Bruce Lawrie, who was four pegs away, second with 48lb 12oz and Stewart Ritchie third on 35lb 8oz.

Pearson now leads the chase for silverware with Tommy Lauriston a point behind and Geoff Lowe, the club chairman, third a handful of points down after being fourth.

Scotland’s summer weather is expected to boost the attendance at Musselburgh’s popular Friday night meeting on 23 June.

The Construction & Property Recruitment Friday 90’s Race Night kickstarts the weekend for many racegoers who flock to the East Lothian track.

And with its 90’s theme and post racing After Party hosted by Forth One’s leading presenter Boogie in the Morning, it’s a big draw for racing fans keen to let their hair down and make the most of the summer sun.

The 5-star racing venue is making it easier for guests to get to and from Edinburgh city centre with ticketed bus services, while those taking the train can make use of a courtesy bus service from Wallyford and Newcraighall stations.

To further whet the appetite, some of Scotland’s leading street food vendors are on-site, including Slum Dog, Dog n Bon and Bonnie Burrito, while the racecourse’s own Pinkies Deli offers dishes which appeal to all.

Musselburgh Racecourse commercial manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “With seven thrilling Flat races, followed by an exciting 90’s After Party, where else is better to make the most of these fantastic summer evenings we’ve been enjoying.

“Dressing up is not essential but we hope many will throw on their favourite 90’s outfit and if race goers are too young to have experienced the 90’s first time around, now is their chance to see what all the fuss was about.”

Racegoers who book tickets before 22 June will save £2 per person on the £25 admission fee.

Gates open at 4pm on 23 June, the first race is off at 5.30pm and the last race is scheduled for 9pm, with the After Party lasting approximately one hour after the final race.

As with all Musselburgh race meetings, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information and to book tickets please visit here.

A new exhibition which opens at the National Museum of Scotland in July – Beyond the Little Black Dress – will include a new commission for the National Collection.

The commission is a dress by designers and climate activists VIN + OMI which includes horsehair and nettles from Highgrove, the private residence of Their Majesties The King and Queen, and it will go on display on 1 July.

The bold design was created for VIN + OMI’s Autumn Winter 2020 collection. Emblazoned with the word ‘RESIST’, the streetwear-inspired look defies the expectations of the classic ‘little black dress’ whilst its materials and construction set a gold standard for sustainable production. The design team calculate the exact energy used in the production of their garments, down to the number of calories burned. 

Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator of Modern and Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland said:“We are delighted to have commissioned this striking piece for the National Collection, and we look forward to revealing it to visitors in Beyond the Little Black Dress. Fashion is one of the most energy-consuming, polluting, and wasteful of modern industries. In response, contemporary designers are seeking more sustainable solutions, like this nature-led approach from VIN + OMI. Their ‘LBD’ challenges us to resist the mainstream and place the environment at the forefront of our fashion choices.”

The commission by VIN + OMI is one of the garments on display in an area of the exhibition exploring design responses to the climate crisis, and how new technologies can assist in reducing the fashion industry’s impact on the environment. 

VIN + OMI are award-winning fashion and multimedia designers with studios throughout the UK. They began their collaboration with The King in 2019 as part of a project to creatively explore the waste output of the Highgrove Estate.   

At The King’s suggestion, they initially collected waste nettles from the grounds of the estate to see how they might be utilised. They then developed a new-to-market nettle textile produced via innovative methods of fibre bonding and plant preparation. They went on to develop unique textiles and materials from Highgrove’s willow cuttings, cow parsley, plastic plant pots, horsehair and other organic materials.  

VIN + OMI said: “For the last 20 years we have purposely set out to avoid being part of the fashion machine that contributes to the demise of the planet.

“We do not retail our clothing and are much more excited about experimentation, teaching and challenging. Our dress for National Museums Scotland shows what can happen with the waste from UK estates. These estates produce a large amount of plant and other waste.

“We have collaborated with King Charles for four years and his open-minded, eco, approach to running his estates makes a collaboration like this possible. National Museums Scotland is the perfect final home for this work – the alternatives to fast fashion must be constantly explored.

“Housing our work here helps future generations learn ways of naturally producing garments that do minimal damage to our planet.”

Beyond the Little Black Dress is curated by Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland, Dr Sequoia Barnes, Guest Curator and Carys Wilkins, Assistant Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland. It will be accompanied by a programme of events. 

The accompanying book Little Black Dress: A Radical Fashion edited by Georgina Ripley, £30.00, is published by NMS Enterprises Ltd – Publishing. 

Beyond the Little Black Dress is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 11–27 August 2023.  

edinburghartfestival.com/eaf-2023/  

Labour say they have a world leading plan to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030, and the plan will be “made in Scotland”. But the Scottish Conservatives have said that the Labour plans on energy are ruinous for the oil and gas industry.

Keir Starmer is in Scotland this morning pledging the green future as he announces that GB Energy, Labour’s publicly-owned energy company, will be headquartered in Scotland.  

If the Labour is returned to power at Westminster then a Labour government would create Great British Energy (GBE), a new, publicly-owned clean energy generation company to harness the power of the sun, wind, and waves to cut energy bills and deliver energy security for the UK.

Starmer will explain Labour’s mission to deliver cheaper zero carbon power by 2030, including plans to attract investment in the UK’s industrial heartlands –  and will directly benefit Scotland particularly communities linked historically to the oil and gas industry.  

The Labour Party has commissioned research which they say proves that under its Green Prosperity Plan investing in British clean energy, the number of jobs generated in Scotland in the clean power sector alone would more than double compared to numbers under the SNP.  

The party states that its commitment to rapidly create jobs in the renewables industry would benefit Scotland given its renewable energy assets and it “stands in stark contrast to the abysmal records of both Conservative and SNP governments, which have resoundingly failed to deliver on promises made to workers in the offshore wind industry”. 

The SNP’s promise for a Scottish publicly-owned energy company was scrapped, and their promise to create 130,000 green jobs by 2020 was abandoned, with just 20,500 green jobs being delivered by that point. 

Speaking alongside Anas Sarwar, Keir Starmer will outline the ways Labour will succeed where the SNP and Conservatives have failed and spell out three key benefits for Scotland of Labour’s Green Prosperity Plan:  

• setting up the public energy company that the SNP failed to deliver in 2017. GB Energy will be headquartered in Scotland, building on Scotland’s proud energy and industrial history. It will serve all four nations of the United Kingdom. 
• doubling the number of jobs in low carbon sectors in Scotland, with 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in Scotland in the clean power sector alone.
• driving forward with creating a clean power system by 2030 saving Scottish households £8.4bn over the rest of this decade, which, combined with Labour’s Warm Homes plan, will mean up to £1,400 off bills for every family in Scotland every year.

Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said:  “The route to making Britain a clean energy superpower, slashing energy bills and creating tens of thousands of quality jobs runs through Scotland.  

“That is why GB Energy, our publicly owned energy company, will be headquartered in Scotland, the heart of the British energy industry. 

“I mean it when I say that our energy plans will be made in Scotland- cutting energy bills for Scottish families and delivering the jobs and investment in Scottish communities that for far too long have been let down by the SNP and Conservatives.  

“When it comes to capitalising on Scotland’s energy resources, for fifteen years the SNP Government has chased the headlines but not done the work. Labour will deliver- lower bills, good jobs, and energy security for Scotland and the whole UK, as Britain leads the world in the fight against climate change.”

Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of Scottish Labour, said:  “I am determined to leave our children and future generations a better planet than we have now. 

“But to do this, we need to sweep out both of our bad governments and deliver urgent action, because we are running out of time.

“What we are announcing today is the boldest energy plan Scotland and the whole UK has seen in generations – delivering a clean energy revolution by 2030. 

“It will deliver 50,000 clean power jobs for Scotland and lower bills for working people. 

“I’m delighted to announce it will also mean a publicly-owned Great British energy company – headquartered here in Scotland. 

“GB energy – backed by the strength of the UK treasury – will make strategic investments to maximise our opportunities and bring jobs and prosperity to Scotland. 

“A Labour government will unleash Scotland’s massive energy potential by making those strategic investments – that’s the change Scotland needs.”

Conservatives

The Scottish Conservatives have, in response, called for Ed Miliband to be sacked as the climate change and net zero spokesman over his “ignorant” oil and gas policy.

The Scottish Conservatives shadow net zero, energy and transport secretary Liam Kerr MSP, has warned that Labour’s ideological opposition to new oil and gas would “betray” highly skilled workers in the North East of Scotland.

He said: “Ed Miliband’s influence over Keir Starmer has led to a ruinous policy being drawn up for our oil and gas industry, as Labour have joined the SNP and Greens in turning their back on North Sea oil and gas.

“Ed Miliband’s reckless position – which would throw up to 90,000 highly skilled workers in the North East under a bus pretty much overnight – has no place in government.

“Yet incredibly, his misguided views are alive and well in Scottish Labour, too. Only last year more than a third of their MSPs – including one who is supposed to represent the North East – backed calls to block future oil and gas developments.

“This naïve approach displays breath-taking ignorance of the climate emergency, the need for energy security, and plays fast and loose with tens of thousands of UK jobs.

“That is the definition of economic and environmental illiteracy. We all want a just transition to net zero, but we don’t yet have the capacity from renewables to meet our energy needs. Halting domestic oil and gas production now would force us to import fossil fuels from overseas at huge cost, increasing our carbon footprint in the process and betraying highly-skilled UK workers.

“Keir Starmer should show some leadership by ditching these ignorant plans and sacking the man who apparently devised them. Ed Miliband should pay for this ignorant and economically illiterate policy with his job.”

The Scottish Government is launching a prospectus paper “Building a New Scotland” this week.

This is the fourth in a series of proposals for a new constitution to be developed by the people of Scotland and its elected parliament in an independent country. The drafting of a new constitution is regarded as pivotal with rights to healthcare, strikes and an adequate standard of living paramount.

The Scottish Government favours a constitution which would include:

• recognition of the NHS in Scotland, giving the right to access a system of health care, available free at the point of need
• stronger protections for human rights and equality, including upholding and fulfilling the right to an adequate standard of living as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• the right for workers to take industrial action
• a constitutional ban on nuclear weapons being based in Scotland

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Our proposals would provide an opportunity for people in Scotland to shape the newly independent country and create a permanent, modern, written constitution to describe the type of country Scotland would be and how it would be governed. Successive UK Governments have taken Scotland in the wrong direction and with independence we would radically shift where power lies and put it back in the hands of the people who live in Scotland.

“The constitution would set out how democracy, rights and equality would be at the heart of everything we do as an independent nation. It will see the introduction of a constitutional right to heath care available at the point of need, a right to an adequate standard of living as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and protection for workers to take industrial action. And, what we will not see under these proposals, are nuclear weapons on the Clyde. This proposed constitution would ban nuclear weapons from an Independent Scotland.

“With rights in Scotland under threat as never before, because of the actions of the UK Government, and the Scottish Parliament being undermined, independence has never been more urgent or essential.” 

NEW OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR THE OLD MANOR HOTEL

Samantha Slight joins the Front of House team as the hotel refurbishment is brought to a close

As it continues with a major refurbishment of many of its key public areas, the Old Manor Hotel at Lundin Links has announced that it has appointed a new Operations Manager.

With thirty years’ experience in the hospitality sector, Samantha Slight, who is from Dunfermline, joins the hotel from Airth Castle, where she had been Operations Manager for the last ten years.

Her career has also seen her fulfil an Operations Manager role at the Balbirnie Hotel at Markinch, Food & Beverage Service Manager at The Scotsman Hotel, and Hotel Manager at the Ferrybridge Hotel in North Queensferry.

With new wedding packages currently been compiled at the Old Manor, along with plans for baby showers and Christmas 2024, Samantha is very much enjoying her new role.

“The Old Manor is a lovely hotel in a truly stunning location,” she said. “It’s being lovingly refurbished to offer our UK wide guests a contemporary and updated experience.”

“I’m delighted to be on board here. The opportunity to join came just at the right time with Airth Castle sadly closing its doors. We have completed lots of work here already guests can now see, such as beautiful new carpeting, fresh new bedroom décor, updated bathrooms, and a new look to the bar and lounge. Next on the list is new furniture for the Seaview Restaurant situated in our beautiful conservatory dining room. As the name suggests it has the most amazing views of the golf course and sea – what a setting it is!”

“I’m looking forward to being successful in the daily hotel operations and to guarantee that guests enjoy an outstanding experience.”

When not working, Samantha is busy looking after her seven month puppy, Lady, a Belgian Malinois.

Tommy Wallace, one of the trio of Owner/Directors at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park, which purchased the Old Manor Hotel in late 2021, commented on Samantha’s appointment saying it was “absolutely fantastic to have someone of Samantha’s considerable experience on board.”

“It’s all systems go here as we look to complete our new look at the Hotel,” he continued. “There’s been lots going on behind the scenes that guests may not have been aware of, such as installing new boilers to make the hotel more energy efficient, but now we’re onto the exciting stuff, such as the new decor which is already getting very positive feedback.”

“We can’t wait to see what Samantha and her team come up with in terms of events because we have the perfect space here. We really want to put Hotel back on the map for both amazing functions and top class dining out!”

www.oldmanorhotel.co.uk

Bill Gray who is the immediate past Chair of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr Gray is a farm and estate manager at Preston Hall, and has been honoured “for outstanding service to agriculture, charity and the community in Scotland”. He served as chair of the agricultural charity for three years during the pandemic.

He paid tribute to the ‘incredible people’ he has worked with and who have supported him throughout his career. 

He said: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this accolade.

“My three years as Chairman of the Society were marked by the onset and the duration of the Covid pandemic – one of the most challenging times in the Society’s 239-year history. 

“With the support of the dedicated RHASS team and directors we returned as a stronger, more resilient charity, and I am immensely proud to have held the position of Chair during this challenging time. 

“Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work for those who had the foresight to recognise the benefit of having a manager with additional networks outside the farm. This has allowed me to support other organisations in the agricultural sector which has been hugely rewarding. 

“Finally, I must pay tribute to my family for their love and support for my past endeavours and for whatever I decide to turn to next! This award is shared with all of you.” 

Bill was born and brought up in Belfast. He was educated at Campbell College, Belfast and at West of Scotland Agricultural College, Ayr.    

Bill is married to Janie, has one daughter and three grandchildren.

Shish is a new, upmarket Turkish-style restaurant, within spitting distance of the university and the nearby mosque opened on Potterrow.

Born out of a desire to create a hub as the heart of the home, centred around the hearth where cooking and families come together and share in the occasion, the spacious restaurant lends itself to large gatherings, smaller group parties and more intimate dining occasions, and there is a private hire option

This was noticeable on the evening we visited with families of all ages dining and a group, with a toddler, celebrating a birthday in their own dining space, illuminated with a bright neon sign. They’ve already attracted some distinguished VIPs including First Minister Humza Yousaf and his political rival, Anas Sarwar.

Drawing on heritage and tradition, Shish is breaking with the tradition and is a ‘dry’ restaurant, born out of cultural beliefs, rather than not having a licence. There’s no option to BYOB, but fear not, (which I had initially), forget misconceptions that you can’t have a good night unless alcohol is involved. You won’t miss alcohol as the restaurant has plenty of alcohol-free (AF) mocktails, non-alcoholic wines, beers and drinks on offer, which are as theatrical, visually stunning and tasty as any alcoholic ones, but without the hangover.

My drink, a mocktail of a bottle of alcohol-free berry cider inverted into a fishbowl glass, with plenty of ice, was the drink that kept on giving. AZ, one of Shish’s founders and our host, helpfully instructed me ‘not to remove the bottle’ as the drink would overflow, but instead to sip from the glass, as the drink would deplete as I sipped! It took me 1.5 hours to drain its contents.

Shish’s interior is slick and has the air of Dubai style, ambient lighting and plush velvet seating and their restrooms are destined to be one of the most Instragrammable loos you’ll find in Edinburgh.

Their passionate team of internationally-experienced chefs, were keen for us to try a selection of dishes to showcase their menu. The mixed cold meze platter (£16.45), comprising of smooth, creamy hummus; Palican Sorgurme – a chargrilled eggplant with capsicums, onion, garlic, olive oil and paprika power; Kuru Cacik, similar to raita; Yaprak Sarma, a stuffed vine leave with rice, onion, cinnamon and raisins, were a good example of traditional Turkish dishes and flavours. These were enjoyed with their famous balloon bread, and a Sebzeli Pide, a flat pitta type bread topped with mushrooms, fresh spinach and cherry tomato – and they left out the kashkaval cheese, as my dining partner wasn’t a fan.

Be brave and do try the Ciger Tava (£8.45), from the Hot Mezze. It’s tender slices of pan-fried lamb’ liver, cayenne pepper and black pepper, which went surprisingly well with the Pancarli Roka (£7.45), a salad of rocket leaves, beetroot and pomegranate seeds, which cut through the richness of the liver.

For main courses, we shared the lamb Urfa Kebab (£19.45), and Izgara Tavuk Kanat (£18.45), chargilled chicken wings served in a wrap, both served with rice and salad.

Despite both being satiated, desserts were non-negotiable and despite asking for a small portion, we received a large slice of Baklava (£10.45), served with vanilla gelato. Unlike those I’ve tried before, surprisingly it wasn’t overly sweet, and was beautifully balanced with a good ratio of filo to pistachio nuts and honey.

Open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week, from noon until 11pm, make sure you put Shish on your culinary map now and discover warm, Turkish hospitality and food to match.

The staff are so welcoming and a special shout-out must go to Mumza, our delightful waitress, who exudes charm and personality. I can’t wait for an excuse to visit – and I guarantee it’s going to attract quite the crowd during the Fringe as it’ll be the perfect place to take a break away from the general hustle and bustle of the festival.

Shish Edinburgh – 32-34 Potterrow, Edinburgh, EH8 9BT – 0131 285 1678

The cost of living crisis continues to have an impact on the affordability of healthier diets for so many of us.

Healthy Eating Week is organised by the British Nutrition Foundation, focused on providing free, evidence-based advice and support for everyone who wants to find their way to eating a healthier diet regardless of these barriers.

There are more ideas on the Healthy Eating Week website with some inspiration and tips on how to:
Save money on food
Focus on fibre
Get at least 5 a day
Vary your protein
Stay hydrated
Reduce your food waste

Five ways to save money on your packed lunch

With potential savings of more than £1,000 a year, making packed lunches makes a lot of sense. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that buying a meal deal from the likes of Tesco or Sainsbury’s, is not cost-effective, setting you back from £3.00 to £3.50 each time, nor is treating yourself to a daily takeaway coffee at £1.65. Even with the staff discount, it soon adds up.

Homemade lunches needn’t be boring or repetitive. Liven things up with some creative recipes, that are also easy on the wallet. From super noodles to nutritious salads, belly-filling sarnies, or snack-time treats, there’s a recipe for every situation. If you’re looking for inspiration, try James Ramsden’s Love Your Lunchbox: 101 do-ahead recipes to liven up a lunchtime or The Workweek Lunch Cookbook from Talia Koren.

Other ways to save include:
1. Plan ahead – Take a look at what is the cupboard, fridge, or freezer before doing the food shop to make sure you’re not doubling up.
2. Batch cook – Batch cooking is a great way to save on money and time in the long run. Pasta and rice dishes are easy to make in bulk, along with stews with beans, soups, or muffins. You could just make a little extra for your evening meal and use the leftovers the day after for your lunchbox.

I’m a huge fan of the Batch Lady – Her method will show you how to make fast, simple, homemade, portion-controlled meals, that can be prepared in advance and then frozen for whenever you need them. So, you cook when you want to not when you have to. If you want to save time and money and get healthy, organised, and in control of your weekly meals, then this is the method for you.

3. Presentation is everything – you can make your own Japanese-inspired, compartmentalised bento box to use up leftover items in the fridge or cupboard.

The British Nutrition Foundation suggests putting a small handful of mixed dried fruits or nuts into reusable food bags or sealed containers to store in the cupboard to make your own easy snack.

And if you have some spare time, growing your own cress for your egg sandwiches could also be a fun project for the family, as well as cheaper than buying it from the supermarket.

4. Get inspired – Even if you’re not the most adventurous or competent cook, you can still make your lunchtime exciting.

If you’re looking for cooking made simple, Simply Cook is a good starting place. Try for £3 – choose 4 recipes for your first box – no commitment and you can cancel anytime. Three extraordinary pots of flavour, mixed with store cupboard ingredients and the cheapest of meat cuts, deliver delicious, affordable home cooking to your dinner table.

Top tip – I choose the recipes for 4 people, bulk up the ingredients, and save leftovers for my lunches. Lots of the recipes can be frozen.

5. Too Good To Go – I find delicious food in your area ready to be saved. Too Good to Go is an app looking to stop food waste by reducing the amount of food being put in the bin.

Cafés, restaurants, and bars offer up any food that would otherwise be thrown away which then gets sold as a heavily discounted ‘magic bag’. The customer doesn’t know what they are going to get but all food in it will be good to eat that day. These bags have a minimum £12 value and are sold via the app for £4. EL.

Join the fight against food waste and download the app here.

Chris Harris took a superb victory in the second round of the FIM Long Track World Championship at Ostrow.

The Leicester and Glasgow star (pictured) dived inside Martin Smolinski to lead the decisive race and then held off constant pressure from the German to take his first-ever Grand Final win at the tenth attempt.

Harris had had to do things the hard way as a mechanical problem in his final qualifying race sent him into the Last Chance heat, but he made it through and then took the Final at the Polish venue ahead of Smolinski and Kenneth Hansen, with fellow GB racer Zach Wajtknecht finishing fifth.

With two of the six rounds completed, the top four are covered by just one point with Harris in fourth place overall, behind a three-way tie between Wajtknecht, Smolinski and Josef Franc.

The former Principal Clerk of the Church of Scotland has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday honours.

Rev Dr George Whyte, who is also a parish minister, and who retired last year after 41 years serving the Church of Scotland was given the honour in recognition of his “service to faith communities”.

In January of this year he received a papal knighthood from Pope Francis for work in improving relationships between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church.

Dr Whyte said: “As Principal Clerk I had the privilege of working with a team of people supporting the life of our Church and building relationships with other people of faith in challenging times.

“This honour reflects our collaborative work.”

Originally from Barrhead in East Renfrewshire, Dr Whyte was ordained as minister of Kilchrenan and Dalvich with Muckairn in Argyll in 1981.

He then went to Langside Parish Church in Glasgow before moving to Colinton Parish Church in Edinburgh and later taking on the role of Clerk of the Presbytery of Edinburgh in 2008.

Dr Whyte served as the Depute Clerk to the General Assembly between 2010-2017 and was convener of the Board of Ministry between 1996 and 2000.

He became the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly in 2017 and retired in 2022 having supported the Church of Scotland through the challenges of a global pandemic whilst facilitating presbytery reform.

Rev Dr John McPake, the Church of Scotland’s ecumenical officer, said: “The award of an OBE is a fitting recognition of the contribution that George has made to the life of the Church of Scotland and to the wider life of the church.

“In particular, the leadership that he offered during the Covid-19 pandemic better enabled the church in Scotland, and faith groups in general, to respond to the most difficult challenge that we have faced as a society in living memory.

“The award follows on from the recent conferring of a Papal knighthood by Pope Francis earlier in the year in recognition of his ecumenical contribution as reflected in the Saint Margaret Declaration agreed by the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in 2022.”

Very Rev Prof David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to learn of the award from the King to Rev Dr George Whyte. This is well-deserved recognition of his years of service to church and society. In particular, George’s leading role in interpreting government pandemic guidelines to faith communities across Scotland was widely appreciated.”