Edinburgh music fans have one last chance to hear arguably the greatest song ever written performed live on stage, when the legendry Don McLean visits the city next week.

The concert is part of his tour to celebrate 50-years since he released American Pie as a double-A single which quickly went to number one in the U.S. and sent him to international stardom.

Now, 50 years later, American Pie is one of fewer than 500 songs in the Library of Congress National  Recording Registry, and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) a top 5 song of the 20th Century.

In 2015, the manuscript of the lyrics were auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million.

Don has performed the iconic song for numerous dignities including President Clinton at the Lincoln Memorial Gala in Washington D.C.

And on Tuesday September 27 he will perform it to his fans at the Usher Hall.

And there are still some tickets available.

The native New Yorker who is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history will also be preforming his other mega-hits such as Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), Castles in the Air, and many more.

It’s been a busy time for the American Troubadour who was recently awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which can be found in front of The Pie Hole Bakery, between Hollywood and Vine.

But he kindly took time from his hectic schedule to speak to The Edinburgh Reporter.

He said: “I’ve been coming to Edinburgh since the seventies, so I know the town well. I love Scotland. My father was from the Isle of Iona which I think is in the Hebrides although I’ve never been there but I still have relatives there including a cousin Jock who is the same age as me.

“The tour is to mark the 50^th anniversary of American Pie and I have had some wonderful memories during that time.

“We don’t have a particular set so it’s a different show every night although the old favourites will be included. This is a strange time with the death of the Queen, the pandemic and the horrible situation in Ukraine so our goal is to make people happy when they hear us sing.

“And I never get tired of singing these songs. Ask Mick Jagger if he ever gets tired of singing Satisfaction. It’s what we do.

“The fans pay their hard-earned money and they want to hear their favourite songs.

“Money is becoming more expensive these days and we can’t do enough for them.

“But this is it. Anyone who wants to hear American Pie will have to come along to the Usher Hall on Tuesday. I’m 76 and soon to turn 77 so there will be no more big tours although I’d like to visit Scotland for a week or so just to look around.

“It’s been a busy time with the release of a number of children’s books based on my songs which were written by Judy Prosser.

“And Paramount Plus have also just  a film called ‘The Day the Music Died, the story of Don Mclean’s American Pie’ which I would recommend.”

Don McLean’s 50^th Anniversary of American Pie with support from Elles Bailey at the Usher Hall Edinburgh 7pm Tuesday September 27 2022

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will open its latest concept Eve on 7 October 2022. 

Eve is an all-day dining space that will provide a wide selection of food, beverages and entertainment.

The vibrant social space will officially open to the public on 7 October and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website.

To celebrate the launch, Eve will be offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7^th-29^th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month.

Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve will hold up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture.

From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.  

The interior walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.

Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours. From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21^st Century.

Eve is situated within the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle. The hotel features 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets including Eve and Commons Club, all with their own unique space and distinct design. The hotel site is home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.

Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer. This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels. All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members. Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.  

The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels. 

www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh. 

There is still time for any cyclists to sign up for the Sportive this weekend. Already Lothian tandem riders are gearing up for Poppyscotland’s popular event, proving visual impairment is no barrier to cycling.

Edinburgh-based Vie Velo cycling club pairs sighted “pilots” with blind and visually-impaired riders for regular social bike rides.

Now 30 group members have challenged themselves to complete the Sportive on Sunday cycling up to 68 miles on routes through East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

They will join around 1000 cyclists at the event, which is Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Now in its seventh year, it has already raised more than £250,000 to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

This year’s Sportive aims to be the most inclusive ever, opening up the route to tandems and e-bike users.

Ken Reid, 63, from North Berwick, chair of Vie Velo, took up tandem riding in 1990 when he found his eyesight deteriorating due to retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive condition. He helped set up the club in 2019 with the support of Cycling UK and grants from RS MacDonald Charitable Trust and Transport Scotland.

They now have almost 90 members, with around one third affected by visual impairment, and meet at Saughton Park for bike rides at least twice a month.

Ken said: “We were looking for a challenge for our group and were keen to support Poppyscotland. We felt there was a close connection since many veterans in Scotland are affected by sight loss.

“I kept cycling solo as long as I could when I realised I was losing my sight. But then I decided to buy a tandem and found a group of mates who would take turns to go out with me.

“We were delighted to be able to set up the club to get more blind and partially-sighted people engaged in cycling. We’d like more people to know about us and be aware they have the option of getting back on a bike again.

“The most important thing in tandem riding is trust. You have to place all your trust in the pilot, and that can be a big change if you’re used to having control. But it’s also great fun and very sociable – we’re not racers and all our weekend rides include stops for coffee and cake!”

The Sportive, sponsored by Fred.Olson Renewables, will start and finish at Prestonpans Community Centre. Entrants can choose between three routes of different lengths, taking in stunning coastal and country roads. The most challenging 102-mile route covers the Lammermuirs, before dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome the riders from Vie Velo, and very grateful for their support. They are truly inspirational and really do show that cycling can be for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

“We’re excited that the Sportive is returning to East Lothian and the Borders after a two-year break. This year’s event aims to be the most inclusive ever, and we’re encouraging riders of all abilities to take part, whether on a traditional bike, an e-bike or a tandem.

“The Sportive is always very popular, but there’s still time to join in, get fit, and raise funds for a great cause Participants can choose between three routes, taking in stunning coastal views and country roads, with a timed hill climb to challenge the most experienced cyclists.

“We’d like to thank Fred. Olson Renewables for continuing to sponsor us this year. This means 100 per cent of the sign-up fee and any sponsorship raised will go towards providing vital welfare support to veterans, servicemen and women and their families across Scotland.”

The Sportive is an “open road” cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed in order to minimise disruption to the public. Riders can have a free place if they are supporting a cyclist with a disability.

Cyclists can register at Prestonpans Community Centre on Saturday 24th September between 2pm and 6pm, or on Sunday 25th from 6:30am to 8:30am. For more information, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive

The Hebridean Baker has announced he will be in Edinburgh on 3 October to celebrate his new book, My Scottish Island Kitchen.

Coinneach MacLeod is available for interview to discuss his new book and tour. He will be visiting Waterstones West End, Princes Street, on 3 October, for an in-store book signing at 1pm.

Scotland’s best-selling cookbook author of 2021 returns to serve up the best of the Hebrides. My Scottish Island Kitchen includes a fresh selection of wholesome, rustic recipes, charming stories and breath-taking photography.

Inspired by family recipes, traditional bakes and Scottish flavours, MacLeod uses local produce to showcase Scotland’s extensive larder and brings us flavourful dishes with a story to tell. From Island Scones to Caledonian Cream, Posh Mince & Tatties to a Flying Scotsman, First Footers Martini to Empire Biscuits. Treats to make every Scot and lover of Scotland flock to their kitchens.

The Hebridean Baker: My Scottish Island Kitchen ISBN: 9781785304101 Publication date: 6 October 2022

This week waiting times in Scotland’s accident and emergency departments reached a new and painful record. 

According to the latest official figures for the second week in September, only 63 per cent of patients were treated within the target of four hours.  Nearly 10,000 had to wait more than four hours and 1,200 waited for more than 12 hours.

In one shocking example, given at FMQs on Thursday, the Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross mentioned a patient in Ayrshire who had waited 84 hours to be seen. Nicola Sturgeon said she would look into the case. It was unacceptable, she said, but at least waiting times, generally, in Scotland were not as bad as they were in England or Wales. 

The NHS is not the only public service creaking towards collapse. Wage costs and energy costs and recruitment difficulties are afflicting care services,  schools and colleges, council waste collections and railways. Workers is all these services have either been on strike or are balloting on strike action.

As we have emerged from the period of mourning for the Queen, we’ve had to face up to inflation at 10 per cent, interest rates starting at 2.25 per cent and energy costs doubling overnight. The new Truss government at Westminster has been forced to borrow £100 billion to soften the hammer blow of high energy prices for households and businesses. But it looks like austerity is to continue for the public services, with the Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s “mini-budget” promising big tax cuts.   

It’s true the health service has been given a token increase from time to time.  But it only addresses the immediate crisis and there has to be a limit on how much can be spent on the NHS.  At £18 billion a year, it already accounts for half of The Scottish Government’s budget. Any long-term fix is too frightening for the politicians to even mention.   

For example, it seems that a major cause of the long waiting times in hospitals is that there are 540,000 bed days per year taken up by patients who could be discharged if there was a care system to handle them, either in their own home or in nursing homes.

A National Care Service has been promised, over and over again, by governments of various sorts. Indeed there is legislation going through the Scottish parliament at the moment which attempts to fulfil that promise. But none of them have faced up to the cost.  Theresa May quickly withdrew her suggestion of people paying for their care from the value of their home after death. Labour’s Andy Burnham suggested a 10 per cent tax on each citizen’s wealth at the time of retirement. But none of these schemes have survived the popular press’ scorn and the politicians’ lack of courage.

And the same story of poor leadership can be told of many of the other challenges facing us: climate change, poverty, the cost of living crisis and the housing crisis. Politicians don’t talk about big solutions, like taxing air travel, or banning plastic packaging, or redistributing some income, wealth and welfare benefits from the majority to the 20 percent of households who really need it.

It could be that one of the reasons for the mass turnout at the Queen’s lying in state and the funeral on Monday is that people are yearning for some sort of long-term leadership. I’d like to see King Charles continue his campaigning on these major issues, persuading politicians and the voters to take them seriously, rather fall back into our usual short-term self-interest.  He doesn’t need to prescribe solutions, just encourage us to get on with solving the problems.

King Charles has already been busy preserving the Union. As required he quickly organised a tour of the nations, travelling nearly 2,000 miles in the week after his mother’s death to meet crowds in Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff as well as London. The Queen, while appearing to be above politics, provided leadership over issues such as the Commonwealth, care for the less fortunate in society and the Covid pandemic.

Such leadership has to be a gentle balancing act between reminding people of the challenges and persuading them to respond. No one wants to return to the days of absolute monarchs, emperors, sheiks, caliphs, kaisers, fuhrers, tsars or other strongmen. We’ve seen what a mess they make of things, from the Stewart kings to Putin.  

The Queen’s death and the arrival of a new King should give us pause for thought about the future. There should be dreams of a new world, of doing things differently. But as happened after pandemic, the new world began to look very like the old one. The arrival of Liz Truss as prime minister has set us on course for another round of right-wing economics – a dash for growth in which the rich get richer and the poor wait for some of the wealth to trickle down to them. It won’t happen, of course. And even if it did, it wouldn’t be good for the planet.

But even the attempt will further appall the Scots, just as Brexit and the shocking behaviour of the Johnson government did.  The Union is heading for the emergency department but we don’t know how long we will have to wait.

Chris Lawrence admitted to being nervous when he stepped back on the ice in a competitive game in Britain earlier this month after suffering a broken ankle playing for the Kirkcaldy club last February.

The 35-year-old worked with the strength coach at Melbourne Mustangs in Australia, where he was coach, with mobility the key area and he prepared his body “pretty well” for the testing time he knew was around the corner when he put pen to paper for a second spell with Fife Flyers.

The former Dundee Stars captain – he played 16 games for them in the 2017-18 season – was pitched right in – Fife’s associate coach, Jeff Hutchins said he manned-up – and Lawrence said: “This is a pretty physical game and this is a situation where I was called upon and I responded.

“There is a great club here with a great future and some really good players and it made it easier for me to make my comeback.”

Toronto-born Lawrence has had time to assess the current squad and said: “I like our squad this year and we are more talented than last year. We have brought in dynamic, strong players and our defence is a lot better.

“Of course, Shane Owen, our goaltender, continues to be outstanding and, overall, I like the make-up of our club as we have a lot of older guys plus some younger guys.”

Manchester Storm visit on Saturday (19.15) and Fife then face a long trip to in-form Coventry on Sunday (17.30) as the Kingdom club open their Elite League campaign. 

Lawrence (picture courtesy of Fife Flyers) knows the British game well having also played for Nottingham Panthers, Coventry Blaze and Sheffield Steelers, said: “Manchester always play hard and they are gritty. The Storm Shelter (in Manchester) is always difficult so we have to take care of business here. 

“When you go into places like Manchester, which are a little smaller, play is quicker with bodies flying around. It is pretty physical, but I believe we have a group which can adapt to any situation.”

Last weekend, for example, against Belfast Giants, a club tipped for honours again this season, Fife had guys, who usually play 20 minutes, stepping up to 25, some guys 30 minutes, to cover for missing players who are sidelined with injuries.

Experienced Lawrence said: “When you play those type of minutes fatigue setts in but you could see the character, the guys would not give up and there is no quit in that dressing-room. 

“It is a fun thing to be a part of because as you are giving your all the the guy next to you is doing the same. Fife Flyers is a good place to be right now.”

Coventry, he said, have had a great start to the season. That is underlined by their Elite League results, a 6-1 road win at Nottingham Panthers backed by a 2-1 success against the same team at The Skydome plus a 5-4 win at Manchester after overtime.

They also won 4-1 against Cardiff Devils in the Challenge Cup at home last Sunday and posted a 4-2 success over Sheffield pre-season.

The Canadian-born forward acknowledged that Blaze are on fire, but he said: “We are a confident squad.

“We are looking forward to having all the fans in the arena on Saturday to give us big time energy (against Manchester). We are grateful that we have them.

“We are all aware that the fans have not seen us win at home (so far this season), but it has been tough as we’ve been short-benched.

“The guys have given it their all and that’s all you can ask for in a situation like that.”

He added: “We did really well going into a hostile atmosphere in Belfast and I felt it could have gone in our favour but things happen. We got a point out of the game.

“We are looking forward to adding bodies to the squad this weekend, players that are injured right now, and, once all the pieces are in place, I think we will be formidable.”

A ‘hopper fare’ could be introduced on Edinburgh’s bus services to encourage more people to use public transport – as the council was warned operators face their “biggest challenge for decades”.

Under the ticketing scheme, which is already in place in cities including London, passengers can board multiple services within one hour for the price of a single fare.

Scott Arthur, the council’s Transport Convener, agreed to meet with bus chiefs to discuss rolling out the scheme in the capital but warned timed ticketing would “mean a loss of revenue for bus operators”.

He added this would “result in overall ticket prices going up”.

Bus passenger numbers in Edinburgh have still not fully recovered since the pandemic and council bosses said recently the yearly £6m dividend that used to come from Lothian Buses is unlikely to return in the next five years due to financial pressures.

In addition, a number of services have been reduced or cut altogether as operators struggle to recruit and retain bus drivers, whilst several city centre routes have been severely impacted by the Trams to Newhaven project and repairs to the North Bridge.

This month the 20 and 63 – council-subsidised services run by First Bus in west Edinburgh – began running on significantly reduced timetables, with residents in Ratho calling for a service that “at least get us into Edinburgh”.

The proposal to initiate talks on bringing in a hopper fare was tabled at a full Edinburgh Council meeting on Thursday by Lib Dem Ed Thornley.

Cllr Thornley said the scheme would “ensure that those now having to get two buses rather than one are not detrimentally affected by the ever-shifting nature of a bus service under strain”.

He added: “Passenger numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, Government support is gone that was there in the pandemic, driver recruitment is hard, retention is even harder. Lothian is not immune to these changes.

“My own ward, Drum Brae/Gyle, seems to be taking hit after hit when it comes to service changes of late; the withdrawal of the 300, moving of the 41, the reduction and now moving of the 12.”

The idea has been backed by the Edinburgh Bus Users Group (EBUG), which represents the views of bus users in the city and campaigns for improved services.

EBUG member Chris Day told councillors Lothian Buses, which the council is the majority shareholder of, has been “taken for granted for a number of years”.

He added: “We now have a situation where Edinburgh’s buses face their biggest challenge for decades.”

The main challenges, he said, are a shortage of drivers and mechanics, and withdrawal of financial support by the Government.

Mr Day added: “Passengers want direct services, they do not want to have to change to another bus service, any new ticketing initiative should not be seen as an excuse to make them do so.”

“There is scope to considerably extend the reach of the network by allowing for interchange”.

by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter 

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

Officers are appealing for information after jewellery and war medals were stolen in a housebreaking in Edinburgh. 

Between 10pm and midnight on Saturday, 17 September, 2022, three people, dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas, forced entry to a house in Napier Road, Edinburgh. They stole various items, including a safe which contained jewellery and war medals. Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are reviewing any relevant CCTV from the surrounding area for any additional information on the suspects. 

Enquiries carried out so far have established the suspects broke into the rear of the property and left by the front door, getting into a dark coloured car, which drove off towards Colinton Road.

Detective Constable Scott Lynas said: “The medals and jewellery are of great sentimental value and family members are shocked and upset that the items have been stolen. I am appealing to anyone who has any information to get in touch. I would also ask people to contact us if they become aware of anyone trying to sell or pass on items of jewellery or medals. No matter how insignificant your information may seem to you, please do pass it on, your information could be the link that helps us identify the suspects and enable us to return the items to their rightful owners.

”Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1226 of 18 September, 2022.  Alternatively, please pass your information confidentially to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Cash-strapped Edinburgh businesses experiencing dwindling footfall due to the construction of a new cycling route could be offered compensation by the city council, as some warned they could be soon forced to shut up shop for good.

Traders on Roseburn Terrace made a fresh plea to councillors this week after calls for a financial support package were rejected in March, when it was reported income had fallen by up to 70 per cent since roadworks commenced in February.

Now they said things are ‘worse than the pandemic’.

One small business owner revealed he has had to borrow money as a result of a drop in passing trade, whilst a local café which has been open for 30 years added it could face closure if compensation is not made available.

The City Centre to West East Link (CCWEL) project is creating a new cycle corridor from Roseburn to Leith Walk via the city centre.

As well as customer numbers being impacted by the loss of parking and loading bays, and roadworks restricting access to shops, the work has faced multiple delays following the discovery of asbestos in the pavement and other structural concerns.

Traders also took aim at contractors for “poor management” of the project.

They addressed councillors on Thursday as a motion to consider a compensation scheme for impacted businesses was debated in the chamber.

The motion read:

“Council:

1)         Notes that the Council Leader recently met with the owners and operators of businesses on Roseburn Terrace and heard about the negative impact that the ongoing CCWEL works had on their operations;

2)         Further notes that many businesses have seen a sharp decrease in their takings throughout the programme of works and recognises the legitimate concerns that the resumption of construction activity will damage takings even further in the run up to the vital festive period;

3)         Believes that these businesses represent the heart of the Roseburn community, and that the council should do everything within its powers to makes sure they are able to survive the disruption caused by these works;

4)         Recognises that infrastructure projects that take a significant period of time to complete often have a more acute impact on business than roadworks generally;

5)         Understands that measures undertaken to help these businesses so far have proven to be insufficient and that more needs to be done to support them;

6)         As such agrees to look into the possibility of setting up a compensation scheme for those businesses who have been adversely affected by the works to ensure they continue to operate over the coming months that the roadworks are in place.”

Niall Menzies, owner of Roseburn Shoe Repairs, said: “When people don’t shop, we struggle – and we’ve been struggling since spring.

“One of the shopkeepers said this was worse than lockdown. One month in and work stopped over possible asbestos at the Roseburn Bar. It took four weeks to get someone in to say the amount was so small work shouldn’t have stopped in the first place.”

Mr Menzies, who said he has had to borrow money “to keep us going”, described the work as ‘ill-timed and non-essential’.

“I don’t want to borrow more,” he added. “We need help.”

“Work stopped for July and August and we started to see an increase. The day the barriers went up two Mondays ago we took in £26, that was our worst week since lockdown.

“With work on the south side we lost £4,000. I fear now the barriers are up on our side I’ll lose more.

“These are not roadworks, roadworks are a nuisance and they need to be done, they last a few weeks and then things are back to normal. This is taking a whole year for improvement which ironically could see a street of empty shops.”

Eva Papadaki who runs Roseburn Café said: “The constant difficulties we have to deal with seem to have no end and we have no more resources to keep us alive.”

She accused contractors Balfour Beatty of “poor management” of the project, which she said “could drive us out of business”.

“It is how they’ve handled it, it is negligence,” she said.

“Who is with our side? You have to acknowledge that this is not our fault. Edinburgh Council is supposed to support local businesses. This coffee shop is functioning over 30 years successfully.”

George Rendall from the Art Et Facts gallery added: “At every turn there’s been an obstacle with huge impacts for traders.

“We have had to endure many delays over concerns over structural soundness, asbestos, lack of workmen during the first part of the project.

“Work has recently commenced on the north side of Roseburn Terrace and already businesses have had inconvenience caused by flooding to the basements.

“For so many businesses to be in trouble after such a small part of the project has been implemented, it has to be accepted that your project hasn’t been managed effectively.”

Cllr Euan Davidson, the Liberal Democrat representative for the area tabled the motion calling on officials to “look into the possibility of setting up a compensation scheme”.

It was agreed by councillors that funding for any such scheme “is made clear and that no other projects should lose funding as a result”.

“If funding is being reallocated from existing budgets, affected work streams and projects should be explicitly identified,” an addendum from the SNP group read.

Cllr Davidson said: “Takings are substantially down as so many of these businesses rely on passing traffic to the extent that we’re facing the loss of successful businesses that survived the pandemic.

“These businesses are the lifeblood of Roseburn. All we’re asking for is support to carry our community through this tricky transition while the project is completed.

“There’s clearly a different impact when we’re talking about these large scale infrastructure projects that last for months and even years.”

Councillors agreed to the motion to look into the possibility of setting up a compensation scheme for businesses adversely affected by the work.

This is not the first time that a possible compensation scheme for these traders has been raised. The council decided against it when they discussed it in March.

by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter 

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

The Oak and Vernacular Furniture, Folk Art and Naïve Paintings sale will take place at Bonhams 22 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 1JX on Tuesday 27 September starting at 10.00.

The sale offers everything from an eccentric late 17th century North Country large ash and elm Turner’s armchair to a rare late 18th century view of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich and a fantastic collection of 150 Welsh love spoons put together over many years.

A fine and large ash and elm Turner’s armchair
Late 17th century and later, North Country, possibly Lake District
All parts formed on a lathe apart from the seat, the back spindles and rails supported from a single rear leg, the latter forming a three-post base with a panelled seat and with the bold well-turned front supports, 82cm wide x 65cm deep x 141cm high, (32in wide x 25 1/2in deep x 55 1/2in high)

An early 20th century half block model of a salmon
With original hand painted colours, and carved as swimming from left to right, 84cm long x 24.5cm high (33in long x 9 1/2in high)

A late 19th century love spoon, together with another
The broad handle carved and pierced with a heart and flower head, together with a second example with broad pierced handle, the largest: 26cm (10in) long

View the catalogue: Bonhams: Oak Furniture, Folk and Naïve Art

Police in Edinburgh investigating the disappearance of 36-year-old Stuart Campbell have issued a renewed appeal for information six months on from when he was last seen.

Stuart has not been seen since Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 when he left the Co-op store on Bridge Road in the Collinton area of the city at around 6.45pm.

Stuart’s mother Jane said : “I know everything that could have been done has been done, but I am not giving up on finding him. I would urge anyone with information about his disappearance to come forward to assist the police investigation.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton, Area Commander for South West Edinburgh said : “We are continuing to appeal for information six months on from Stuart’s disappearance as it is extremely frustrating for us all not knowing what has happened to him.

 “Our investigations continue and we have carried out extensive searches led by the information we have had available to us. I want to reassure Stuart’s family and friends that a missing person enquiry is never closed and pleased be assured we will act of any new information that comes to light regarding his disappearance.

“Stuart is described as being 5ft 10 inches tall, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured jacket, green hooded top with white ties and grey jogging bottoms.

“Anyone who knows where Stuart is or who has information that could assist in tracing him should call 101 quoting 1205 of 28 March, 2022 or speak to any police officer.”

A SHOWCASE IN EXCELLENCE – FIFE RENEWABLES INNOVATION CENTRE PUTS BUSINESS SUPPORT & NETWORKING BACK ON THE AGENDA

Hailed as a showcase in excellence for its sector, the Fife Renewables Innovation Centre in Levenmouth continues to play a significant role in generating and sustaining enterprise in Fife. 

Currently operating at over 80% occupancy, twenty small businesses are located in the business centre, owned and operated by Fife Council Economic Development, with approximately sixty people, in sectors ranging from recruitment, renewables and professional services, to training, community, and mental health & wellbeing, located there. Many have been in situ since the business centre first opened nine years ago. 

Located at Ajax Way, Leven, FRIC offers approximately 2,000sq metres of space over two floors, including high quality conference facilities. Numerous Networking events, seminars, conferences, product launches and photo shoots regularly take place, with the business centre becoming the meeting place of choice for both the Local Area Committee, and the Levenmouth Rail Group. Additionally, this “BREEAM” Excellent rated business centre offers a virtual office service too.  

Accountant and Recruitment consultant, Stewart Kirkwood, is a long term tenant who moved his business to FRIC just two weeks after it was opened. Commenting on his experience of being based at FRIC, he said: “Prior to coming to FRIC, I was operating from a cabin in my garden.  I have found that basing both my businesses here has been a terrific asset for me. Having a friendly, professional reception service, plus the use of meeting rooms, benefits me greatly. The icing on the cake is that as a serviced office I am not exposed to increased energy bills, as all heat and light is included in my lease.”  

A FRIC tenant for the past five years, Marianne Lynch, who runs a bookkeeping & payroll business, first established her business at FRIC, operating as a sole trader. She’s now grown her business into a limited company, employing four staff. She commented on the “business community” feeling within the premises, whereby tenants are introduced to one another through events and networking.

“This has had a huge impact on the growth of my business,” said Marianne. “Over the years I have gained long term clients through these introductions, but also strong connections with other businesses within my sector with whom I regularly gain and pass referrals between.”

Newer tenants, who have made the move to FRIC recently, include Mary Walker of Ferguson Walker, Solicitors, who explained that following the pandemic, she continued to work from home.

“As a sole practitioner I realised I no longer required my larger office premises, but chanced upon an advert for FRIC and enquired about the space. Business Centre Manager, Ann-Marie Balcombe, showed me the space available, providing a wealth of background knowledge about the premises during my visits. I was immediately attracted by the quality of the accommodation, the economics of what the lease provides, including the whole atmosphere at FRIC.  I have been welcomed by all the other tenants and am already being sought out where there is a potential business opportunity. Without exception clients have commented positively about my new office space. I only wish I had found FRIC sooner!”

“It’s fantastic to be hailed as a showcase for our sector. Moving somewhere collaborative where businesses can access high quality office space and network at the same time is really beneficial to them, especially in post covid business recovery,” said Ann Marie Balcombe, FRIC Business Centre Manager.  “As our tenant Stewart pointed out, all heating and light is included in the lease arrangements. As the building has an underground heat source pump and solar panels, it is extremely energy efficient, which is helping keep energy costs down at the moment.”

Ann Marie finished by saying: “We maintain everything in the building to a very high standard with the very latest equipment. We’ll let tenants personalise their offices and workspaces to their requirements too.”

Pamela Stevenson, Service Manager for Fife Council Economic Development said: “We want to make Fife the very best place in which to do business. Fife Renewables Innovation Centre epitomises this ethos, offering a supportive and highly collaborative environment with flexible operating terms. Our satisfied clients demonstrate that they have found a place which works for them.”

“As it approaches its tenth anniversary next April, there is no doubt that FRIC has played a significant role in generating and sustaining enterprise, particularly within the SME sector.”

For details of existing units for let in FRIC, please contact the InvestFife’s Business Property team which falls under the remit of Fife Council Economic Development.

CAMPAIGNERS CALL FOR ACTION ON TRAFFIC ON CAR FREE DAY

Environmental campaigners say that all councils in Scotland should be working to reduce the numbers of cars on the road, as people across the country celebrate Car Free Day.

Today is Car Free Day – an annual event to highlight how neighbourhoods and communities could be improved with fewer vehicles on the road. Today and over the weekend, there will be events across Scotland as grassroots groups and councils try to raise awareness of the alternatives to car use.

Fewer cars can create stronger economies and communities by boosting small businesses and local high streets, and improving public health. Air pollution primarily from traffic is responsible for 2,500 premature deaths in Scotland every year.

To coincide with Car Free Day The City of Edinburgh Council will “close” Waverley Bridge to hold events on it but not until Sunday 2 October (although the road is already restricted to taxis, cycles and some other vehicles, and not generally open to all traffic)

Kidical Mass is also being held in Edinburgh this Saturday with feeder rides.

Friends of the Earth say that new research launched by the Clean Cities Campaign found that 62% of people support the idea of one car-free day a week, to open the streets to walking and cycling and improve air quality. If this was implemented in major European cities, it could save between 541,000- 945,000 barrels of oil per year.

The Scottish Government has pledged to reduce total car km travelled by 20% by 2030. A final plan will be published on how to achieve this before the end of the year.

Gavin Thomson, transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Transport is Scotland’s biggest source of climate emissions, it’s creating dangerous levels of air pollution and it’s costing people far too much money. It needs to change.

“This Car Free Day, there’ll be street parties and bike rides and community-building activities that aren’t possible if our towns and cities are filled with cars. When we remove cars, like on streets that become pedestrianised, we open up public space for communities and businesses.

“The Scottish Government has committed to reducing car travel by 20%, but we’ve yet to see any detail on how they will deliver this. It’s clear that our cities should be limiting cars, opening up space for communities. A regular car free day in cities would be a great idea.”

FIXTURES: Premiership: Saturday: men: Edinburgh University v Kelburne (Peffermill), Erskine Stewart’s Melville v Western Wildcats (Inverleith), FMGM Monarchs v Clydesdale (Dalnacraig, 13.30), Hillhead v Dunfermline Carnegie (Upper Windyedge), Inverleith v Grange (The Mary Erskine School), Uddingston v Watsonians (Uddingston).

Sunday: Watsonians v Erskine Stewart’s Melville (Peffermill), Western Wildcats v Hillhead (Auchenhowie); Kelburne v Inverleith (Glasgow National Hockey Centre), Clydesdale v Edinburgh University (Titwood), Grange v Uddingston (no venue given)

Premiership: Saturday: women: Dundee Wanderers v Hillhead (Dalnacraig, 15.30), Edinburgh University v Gordonians (Peffermill), GHK v Uddingston (Old Anniesland), Glasgow University v Clydesdale Western (Glasgow National Hockey Centre), Inverleith v Western Wildcats (The Mary Erskine School), Watsonians v Grange Edinburgh Ladies (Peffermill).

Sunday: Uddingston v Edinburgh University (Uddingston), Western Wildcats v Watsonians (Auchenhowie, 15.30), Grange Edinburgh Ladies v GHK (Edinburgh Academy), Clydesdale v Dundee Wanderers (Titwood), Gordonians v Glasgow University (Countesswells).

Western Wildcats romped to a 7-1 victory over Uddingston in their opening game of their defence of the men’s Premiership title, and they go in against newly-promoted Erskine Stewart’s Melville in Edinburgh on Saturday.

The newcomers lost 6-2 at Dunfermline Carnegie last weekend and will need to lift their game considerably to compete with the men from Auchenhowie.

Grange, runners-up last season, travel to face Inverleith looking to keep pace with Western following their 5-0 victory over city rivals Watsonians last week.

Inverleith lost 3-0 at Edinburgh University and could find it tough against a Grange outfit desperate to re-gain the title.

Edinburgh University host Kelburne and the men from the West of Scotland opened their campaign with an encouraging 5-1 victory over Premiership newcomers, FMGM Monarchs, at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

Champions Watsonians, fresh from their 11-goal demolition of Uddingston in Lanarkshire (picture by Nigel Duncan), host Grange and coach Keith Smith confirmed that Nikki Stobie and Sarah Mackay are injured and Mairi Drummond and Nicola Skrastin are unavailable.

He said: “We played Grange recently in a pre-season game and they proved that night that they’ll be tough opposition this season. They’re well-organised and have recruited well so we can’t afford to be complacent.”

Watsonians are also on duty on Sunday at Western Wildcats and Smith said: “Games against Wildcats are always difficult so our mentality and how we approach that tie, especially given it will be our second match of the weekend, will be an important factor.”

Clydesdale Western, who are expected to challenge for the tile, are at newcomers Glasgow University looking to add to their points tally after a 1-0 win at Hillhead last Saturday.

The What The Fork Monarchs have shown themselves adept at exceeding people’s expectations this season and Edinburgh line-up in the SGB Championship play-off semi-final, first-leg Leicester Lions, who topped the SGB Championship table at the end of the regular season, determined to cause an upset.

Monarchs go into the clash boosted by victory over Redcar Bears in their quarter-final tie, but the squad are well aware that Leicester won 50-39 when they visited Armadale in mid-May.

However, there was only a five-point gap (Leicester 47, Monarchs 42) when Monarchs lost at Leicester in the SGB Championship in mid-July, but that is history. The semi-final is now and Monarchs are determined to do all they can to earn significant silverware this term, their last at Armadale.

The aggregate winners qualify to meet the winners of the Poole Pirates v Glasgow Tigers semi-final which starts on Sunday (6pm) in the West of Scotland.

Edinburgh and Leicester should be at full-strength on Friday and Lions have a complement of former Monarch riders with Armadale experience in their ranks. They are Richie Worrall, Kyle Howarth and Max Clegg.

Monarchs’ skipper Sam Masters (pictured by Nigel Duncan), the divisional riders’ champion, said: “Whatever happened in the league doesn’t mean anything now, I wasn’t at Leicester and Leicester were at Armadale early when a lot of our boys hadn’t had many laps here yet. It will be a different story now and I think we pushed them pretty hard at their place.”

The British Speedway Network will make their fifth visit of the season (almost a third of the fixtures!) as they are streaming all the Championship play-off matches.

Streaming Details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk or via the BSN section of the SGB website.

WTF MONARCHS: Sam Masters (captain), Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Josh Pickering, James Sarjeant, Jacob Hook.

WATLING JCB LIONS: Nick Morris, Connor Mountain, Richie Worrall, Dan Thompson, Kyle Howarth (captain), Joe Thompson, Max Clegg.

La Favorita Delivered owners are giving the authentic Italian pizza brand a new look.

Looking to connect with younger customers La Favorita Delivered has changed its logo and store design.

The pizza delivery brand, which will reopen on 26 September will offer a future design and a more affordable menu as part of their ongoing research and development for Edinburgh-based Vittoria Group.

In 2008, Tony Colla, the founder of La Favorita Delivered, brought an original wood-fired oven to Leith Walk, offering delicious thin-crust pizzas to Edinburgh for the very first time. It quickly established itself as a fixture on Edinburgh’s Italian food scene, mirroring the group’s eclectic restaurant environment and seeking creative influence through food and drink trends. 

The two takeaway locations will be redesigned internally with a contemporary look to match the new branding, with more to follow later this financial year.

Vittoria Group Director, Leandro Crolla said: “We really wanted to focus on this redesign in how our guests primarily use the brand, and what our point of differentiation is. We are a pizza delivery brand and our streamlined design puts grab-and-go options, Italian favourites and our authentic wood fired pizza right up front and centre of the takeaway and delivery menu again.”

The new menu will feature authentic pizza as well as a modern twist on classic Italian dishes. La Favorita delivered will operate 7 days a week in Edinburgh Central and Edinburgh East. 

Both locations – EDINBURGH EAST – PORTOBELLO, 7 Brighton Place, Edinburgh, EH15 1LH and EDINBURGH CENTRAL – LEITH, 321-325 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8SA, offer a collection service. 

View the new look menu here – La Favorita Delivered will re-launch from Monday 26 September 2022. 

Fife Flyers are pulling out all the stops to sign an unnamed centreman ahead of their home Elite League clash with Manchester Storm on Saturday (face-off 7.15pm).

Jeff Hutchins (pictured), the club’s Edinburgh-based associate coach, said that talks were at an advance stage and the player was based in Europe making travel to Kirkcaldy easy if the deal is done.

The experience forward would arrive on a one-month trial giving Flyers and the player a chance to assess the move on both sides.

Hutchins stressed that the club need to do the business now to allow the player time to train at least once with the team.

And the playcaller stressed the need for extra bodies to help the squad, but he revealed that the four players on the club’s injury list skated in training in midweek.

Big defenceman Jonas Emmerdahl could make his comeback after suffering an upper body injury earlier this month.

The 30-year-old Swedish-born star played 51 games for the Kirkcaldy club last term and is seen as pivotal to the defence unit this season.

Fife have not won at home this term and Hutchins is determined to break their duck to repay the fans for their early-season support.

The former Great Britain international declared: “The fans have been great for us so far, coming to games despite us being short of bodies, and we would love to reward them with a win in our opening league game.” 

Meanwhile, Glasgow Clan host an in-form Sheffield Steelers side on Thursday 7.30pm) looking for their first win of the season.
The Yorkshire combine thrashed Dundee Stars 7-1 on Tayside on Sunday in the Elite League, and the Tayside combine have beaten Clan 4-3 in Dundee and 3-1 at Braehead this season, both games in the Challenge Cup.
And the men from The House of Steel come north looking for a fourth straight win.
Coach Malcolm Cameron was heartened by Clan’s display at Guildford Flames in the Elite League on Sunday, despite losing 2-1 to a last-minute goal.
He added: “The work ethic is there and the defensive play has improved, but we have to find consistency in putting the puck in the net.”

Royal Observatory Edinburgh opens to the public for first time since 2019

After holding several virtual events during the pandemic, the Royal Observatory is back for their first in-person Doors Open Days since 2019 on 24 and 25 September. An opportunity to see behind the scenes and find out more about the amazing astronomy and scientific innovations taking place on Blackford Hill.

The Royal Observatory in Edinburgh is a working site where cutting-edge science takes place every day. At Doors Open Days visitors will be able to meet scientists and engineers who work at The UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh University’s Institute for Astronomy and the Higgs Centre for Innovation.

Activities across the weekend include tours of the Victorian building and telescope dome, astronomy crafts, demonstrations from ground-breaking telescope projects and space and tech start-ups. There will also be a chance to talk to and hear from scientists, astronomers, engineers and technicians who work on exciting international projects such as the James Webb Space Telescope; the Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest radio telescope; the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile and more.

Conrad Graham, UK ATC Head of Strategic Development, said: “We can’t wait to welcome people back to the Royal Observatory again. We’re looking forward to giving everyone an insight into the some of the amazing work and research taking place on site with an exciting mix of science activities and fun for all ages across the weekend.”

Royal Observatory Doors Open Days

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September 10am-5pm (last entry to site at 4.15pm)

Royal Observatory Edinburgh Blackford Hill EH9 3HJ

Advanced booking is now full but there will be limited spaces on the door. 

Proposals to create new student flats on the site of a former Edinburgh high school have been refused as councillors called on developers to draw up plans for residential housing instead.

The surprise verdict was reached on Wednesday despite officers recommending that the planning sub-committee give them the go-ahead, with members raising concerns about industrial noise and odours from a neighbouring whisky distillery.

A local councillor said it was the “right decision for the community” after residents in Gorgie and Dalry objected over a lack of affordable housing and fears about an excessive concentration of students in the area.

A separate application for a community garden run by LOVE Gorgie Farm, however, was approved and is expected to be incorporated into revised plans.

The Edinburgh-based S1 Developments first lodged plans last year to partially demolish and redevelop the old Tynecastle High building and build new flats at Mcleod Street site to accommodate 468 students.

As well as the 233 objections from the public, the council’s environmental protection team said plans should be refused, arguing that industrial noise from the North British Distillery which lies next to the site would significantly impact on living conditions. In addition, councillors said odours coming from the distillery would lead to a poor level of amenity.

Developers said it is always their “first choice” to build permanent housing rather than purpose built student accommodation (PBSA), but added the “requisite level of amenity” couldn’t be met for residential homes at the former school site as gardens or balconies couldn’t be provided.

They argued this loss of amenity would be “offset” by communal spaces including large breakout spaces facing onto a central landscaped
area.

However, the report from environmental protection said there is “no difference between the amenity standards required for residential and student residential developments”.

Despite this, planning officers backed the application and said in a report: “On balance the retention of a listed building on a constrained site through the proposed student scheme is considered to be a pragmatic approach.”

Green councillor Chas Booth said:”On the one hand environmental health has said there’s no distinction in terms of the noise between whether it’s student housing or mainstream housing and yet the conclusion we have reached in terms of planning is that there is a distinction.”

Luke McClelland from S1 Developments said: “It’s not the case that we’re trying to relax the requirements for students, it’s more that the communal way of living is better suited to this site  because we can concentrate the amenity and all the shared amenity at the centre where it’s sheltered.”

Alex McKendrick from Gorgie and Dalry Community Council urged the committee to refuse permission.

He said: “The student population in Gorgie and Dalry in 2011 stood at around 20 per cent. We have no idea what the current numbers are because it’s been so many years and it’s guess work.

“1,138 new beds have been built since 2011 in our community council area. If you include areas just outside of our boundary such as Fountainbridge, that’s around 3,737. This is a rise in student numbers locally of about 100 per cent.

“The applicant says that students are not likely to stick around, even throughout the year. This will form a transient community hollowed out twice a year during holiday breaks with a guaranteed yearly rotating population.

“There’s no proof that providing these beds will remove students from local flats and HMOs – rather we expect that even larger numbers of first year students who will then wish to find their own flat.”

Local campaigner Aditi Jehangir from Living Rent Gorgie Dalry said: “The environmental report states that this site is not suitable for any accommodation, residential or otherwise.

“Over the past decade planning permission has been obtained for over 1,000 student units in Gorgie Dalry, during that same period the local population has doubled but only around 100 affordable homes have been built.

“There’s anger and frustration around this pattern of construction. People are rightly angry at the failure to provide affordable housing in the area.”

She told councillors is was “time to start listening to our community,” adding: “If this site is unsafe for housing then it’s unsafe for student housing. If it’s safe for housing then the development should include residential housing.”

Cllr Booth admitted there was “a lot of merit” in the application and urged the applicants to come forward with proposals that deliver housing on the site. He suggested this would receive a “much more favourable outcome”.

Members refused planning permission for the student flats but approved the community garden.

Ward councillor for Sighthill/Gorgie Ross McKenzie said following the meeting: “The committee came to right decision – the right decision for the community. I hope that the developer will return with an application that genuinely seeks to make a contribution to addressing Edinburgh’s housing crisis.”

Ms Jehangir added: “Living Rent Gorgie Dalry branch are extremely pleased with the decision. We have been campaigning against this development for years and it is clear that the community does not support more PBSA in our area. We believe that PBSA is bad for students and bad for local residents.

“We look forward to a proposal being brought forward that will make appropriate use of the site and will address rather than exacerbate the inequalities in Edinburgh’s housing provision.”

by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter 

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

At Thursday’s Full Council meeting Euan Hyslop, councillor for Drumbrae/Gyle ward has lodged a motion calling for vehicle entrances to Edinburgh’s parks and greenspaces to be secured to prevent cars and vans entering.

Cllr Hyslop says that it is common to see vehicles entering the city’s parks. He believes that the presence of vehicles in greenspaces poses a risk to park users, especially young children, and that it happens too regularly.

He is calling on measures like padlocks and bollards to be used, and is also seeking that the largest council vehicles – over 1.3 tonnes – to be banned from parks altogether.

Cllr Hyslop commented:“I run a café in St Margaret’s Park in Corstorphine and cycle through The Gyle Park every day for work or when taking my son to nursery. In both of these parks there are safety issues at the interface between vehicles and park users. 

“It’s particularly bad in Gyle Park where there are ongoing issues with motorists parking along the road and pavement to David Lloyd Gym, parking on the grass, and even driving across the park green to park next to other park facilities. The risk that this poses to park users is self-evident, and measures need to be taken before there’s a serious incident. 

“Parks should be safe places for all, but the presence of vehicles to the extent that we see in some parks (like the Gyle Park) puts park users – especially young children – at risk.”

The council meeting begins at 10am. The papers are here.

Cramond Residence showcase facilities at their Open Day.

A care home in the north of the capital is hosting an open day for members of the public to visit for the first time in three years.

Visitors will be welcomed to Cramond Residence on 29 October between 9 am and 1 pm for a unique viewing of the five-star ensuite bedrooms and to find out more about the care services and range of activities on offer.

As well as showcasing the home itself, the open day will provide the opportunity to meet the home’s dedicated team of care and lifestyle staff while also indulging in homemade nibbles.

Client Liaison Manager, Christian Daraio, said: “The open day will allow visitors to see first-hand what makes Cramond Residence different to other care homes in and around the city.

“These events are great as there is first-hand information available and visitors have the opportunity to ask questions and gain reassurance as well as visit a show room, so that they know exactly what they will be getting.

“If you’re interested in downsizing or finding suitable care needs for your loved one, come along and check out the facilities we have to offer – they really need to be seen to be fully appreciated.”

Cramond Residence is a purpose-built care home created at a cost of £8 million and opened in October 2018. It combines luxury, five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards – with places available with capacity for up to 74 residents.

Spread across three floors, Cramond Residence adopts a small-group living philosophy. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together. This is believed to have played a major role in infection control during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The home also provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support and relief.

cramondresidence.co.uk/

One of Scotland’s leading housing specialists is looking to the future as it returns to an in-person AGM after a two-year break due to the pandemic.

Sustainability and the cost-of-living crisis will both sit top of the agenda at Bield’s AGM – which is due to take place on Thursday – with over 100 employees and members in attendance.

The AGM will be held on 22 September at Edinburgh’s Apex Grassmarket Hotel, with a mixture of staff, members and Board members in attendance to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Long-service awards will also be presented to celebrate loyal staff and recognise their outstanding contributions.

There will also be a new addition to the AGM in the form of a staff conference. The conference will be held on the same day to bring together staff who will be overseeing and implementing changes to policy and practice over the coming years.

Dr. Lynne Douglas, Chief Executive at Bield Housing and Care said: “This year we have been working on setting the direction for the next five years, listening to people’s views and pulling them all together into a coherent plan that we are excited to launch in 2023.

“The industry has weathered tough storms over the past few years and we are delighted to look forward and celebrate and acknowledge the hard work of our staff in person. Both our tenants and staff continually drive us forward to achieve the best we can, and that is what helps us through periods of uncertainty.

“We’re delighted to be back hosting our AGM in person and look forward to catching up with members to hear about their experiences over the last year.

“It’s also really exciting to be adding an extra element this year in the form of our staff conference. This event will play a vital role in contributing to our next strategy and shaping the Bield of the future, while providing an opportunity for staff to network and create connections”.

One key element to be discussed at the AGM is the need to focus on sustainability. Bield recently announced the launch of its Energy and Environmental Policy which commits to reducing its carbon footprint by 90% and reaching net zero by 2045 at the latest.

In addition, Bield has also created new sustainability-focused roles in the form of a Net Carbon Manager and an Energy and Sustainability Manager.

Dr. Lynne Douglas added: “There are positive changes and policies being implemented across the organisation which present a real opportunity for tenants and staff to shape the services Bield provide.

“We’re all very much looking to the future with optimism and these events provide a vital platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Bield is a registered charity dedicated to providing flexible and high quality housing solutions and support for older people.  Bield Housing and Care has around 180 developments across Scotland, providing independent living for those over 50 years old.

https://www.bield.co.uk/housing-and-other-services

An Edinburgh tech business hungry for growth is prepared for worldwide success as it presents an all-in-one hospitality solution to India later this month.

Following positive reactions from beta testing in India, Edinburgh-based ePOS Hybrid is planning to invest £2 million over the next three years into its overseas venture with bosses at the firm anticipating 1000 new clients within the first year of operating

ePOS Hybrid’s single, multi-use platform will be rolled out across India by the end of September. It brings together a range of plug & play products including ePOS, payments, digital ordering and operations management to create a centralised management hub for food and drink businesses.

Bhas Kalangi, Founder of ePOS Hybrid said: “It’s another milestone for the team at ePOS Hybrid – we’re really proud of the work that has been carried out to get us to this point.

“India is a country known for its brilliant cuisine and food plays a strong part in its wider culture but tech adoption within the sector is still within its infancy. With little established competition and a growing industry demand, the Indian market represents a great opportunity for ePOS Hybrid.

“With an ever-expanding team and product range, now was the ideal time to expand our locations too and we already know the Indian market extremely well. I have first-hand experience of living and growing up in India and having operated a support office in Hyderabad for the last four years, it was always number one on our list.

It is the latest chapter of rapid growth for the tech disrupter after raising almost £750,000 in its latest crowdfunding push, which included £100,000 of angel investment.

Andrew Gibbon, Head of Growth at ePOS Hybrid said: “Following the recent fundraising, now is a great time for ePOS Hybrid to continue pushing growth by expanding abroad. We want Indian hospitality firms across the country to take more control and we believe our product is primed to help businesses with that.

“The hospitality tech market in India is largely untapped and we believe there is real potential for exponential growth, making it the perfect place to start the ePOS Hybrid global journey. It’s the latest step in what is an exciting and expansive growth plan for ePOS Hybrid.”

Alongside its major Indian launch, ePOS Hybrid has a range of new products in development with big expansion plans in other areas of the business.

By empowering customers to create new sales channels, increase efficiency and reduce third party commission costs, the Edinburgh-based firm has helped food and drink businesses save more than £2 million on third party commissions alone, such as food delivery services, in the past two years.

In just two years, ePOS Hybrid products have gone from operating in 221 locations to almost 1100 and now more than 10 million consumers have used the firm’s tech to purchase a bite to eat or a drink.

https://www.eposhybrid.com/

On Friday the Boroughmuir Former Pupils’ Association are holding a free Open Evening in the new Boroughmuir High School from 6-9pm.

All former pupils and former staff together with those who have a close family connection with the school are very welcome.

Admission on 23 September 2022 is by ticket only. Tickets here.

Today (Wed. 21st Sept) the Edinburgh International Book Festival announced the launch of the third edition of Outriders, an exciting project that will see four Scottish writers join four European writers for four unique and extraordinary journeys across Europe, before coming together at the Book Festival in 2023 to discuss their experiences.

Exploring the idea that in turbulent and shifting times writers can significantly enhance our understanding of the world, Outriders is supported through the PlaCE Programme (funded by the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, and the Edinburgh Festivals, and supported and administered by Creative Scotland) and, as in previous years, it is hoped the project will help reveal hidden histories and offer new perspectives on contemporary events.

^{Ciarán Hodgers & Victoria McNulty}

In 2017 Edinburgh International Book Festival supported ten writers to travel on journeys across the Americas, and in early 2020, Outriders again saw ten writers explore a region of the world – this time in Africa. In this latest iteration of the project, Victoria McNulty, Dean Atta, Mara Menzies, and Cal Flyn will travel along a predetermined route across countries including Poland, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Norway, Finland, and Romania, each accompanied by a European writer – Ciarán Hodgers, Kostya Tsolakis, Rawdna Carita Eira and Helene Bukowski respectively.

All eight writers will create a new work in response to their journey and appear at the Book Festival in August 2023 to discuss the experiences and insights generated by their experience.

Glasgow-based performance poet and writer Victoria McNulty will commence the Outriders project today, Wednesday 21 September, alongside Drogheda-born Irish spoken word poet Ciarán Hodgers, on a journey through Poland and Ireland, exploring the significance of borders in all respects and examining cultures and local communities which have – both historically and in the contemporary – experienced the mass movement of people both in and out of their national boundaries.

^{Dean Atta (credit Thomas Sammut) & Kostya Tsolakis}

In January 2023, award-winning author of novel in verse The Black Flamingo, Dean Atta, will embark on a journey with Athens-born Greek poet Kostya Tsolakis through Greece and Cyprus, investigating aspects of their own Cypriot heritage and familial history, as well as connecting with LGBTQ+ communities and exploring the impact of race and queerness on national identity and belonging today.

In April, Orkney-based nonfiction writer Cal Flyn will travel with German novelist of climate-change dystopia Milk Teeth, Helene Bukowski, on an adventure through the Transylvanian wilderness and regional areas bordering with Romania, discovering landscapes that have inspired mythical tales of werewolves and faeries and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.

^{Helene Bukowski & Cal Flyn}

The last two Outriders journeys will take place in Spring 2023. In March, Scottish Kenyan storyteller and writer Mara Menzies will travel with Norwegian and Sámi playwright Rawdna Carita Eira through the Northern regions of Norway and Finland, exploring a wild and remote landscape and the indigenous traditions of story and song that flourish there.

Nick Barley, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival said: “The Scottish Government’s PlaCE fund has given the Book Festival extraordinary opportunities to try out new ways of working with writers. Outriders is one of our most ambitious PlaCE initiatives, offering Scotland’s writers unparalleled experiences and material for their writing. At the same time Outriders promises to offer new perspectives on Europe for Scottish audiences at a time of great political and social change across the continent.

“This is the third iteration of Outriders, with previous projects having sent writers first to the American continent, and then across Africa. Those previous projects confirm that Outriders Europe will also generate long-term partnerships between the writers as well as opportunities to present their work across the continent.”

^{Rawdna Carita Eira & Mara Menzies}

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Outriders is a great opportunity for Scottish-based writers to explore pertinent and thought-provoking themes on their various journeys across Europe. The insights and experiences they gain from the local writers accompanying them will be invaluable.

“Edinburgh International Book Festival is supported through the Scottish Government’s PlaCE fund with £46,000 of this funding going towards the Outrider programme. We look forward to hearing more about these incredible journeys in a series of talks and events at next year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival.”

Victoria McNulty, participating author, said: “I’ve had a creative interest in borders, identity, and place for a long time. Being part of a project that has offered the support and creative freedom to work with another writer who I admire, share viewpoints, build connections, and explore at an honest and personal level has been a gift.”

FORTH ROAD BRIDGE OPEN DAY TOURS FULLY BOOKED

• Overwhelming response to Doors Open Day tours
• Visitors have chance to enter charity raffle for bridge tower trip

Guided tours of the Forth Road Bridge being offered by BEAR Scotland as part of Doors Open Days are fully booked following an overwhelming response from the public.

Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating heritage and the built environment.  It offers free access to over a thousand venues across the country each September. 

BEAR Scotland received over 1,000 applications within a few hours of its free guided tours being announced on the Forth Bridges Facebook page.

With only a few hundred spaces available, places were allocated on a first come first served basis, with the lucky applicants contacted recently.

The one-hour minibus tours will stop at points of interest along the deck before visiting one of the anchorage chambers on the north side of the bridge, where the main cables are anchored into the rock. Commentary will be provided by experienced members of staff from BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s operating company for the Forth Road Bridge.

The Forth Bridges exhibition at Transport Scotland’s Contact and Education Centre will also be open to the public from 9am until 5pm on Saturday 24 September, featuring special exhibits and educational activities for young people. Advance booking is not necessary for the exhibition, or to take a walk across the bridge.

Everyone who attends on 24 September will have the chance to enter a charity prize draw for a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to the top of the Forth Road Bridge’s main towers, with tickets priced at £10 each and all money raised going to BEAR Scotland’s national charity partner the Scottish SPCA.

Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s Operating Company Representative for South East Scotland, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to our plans to offer guided tours of the Forth Road Bridge on Doors Open Day.

“The tours are now fully booked, however no booking is required to visit the exhibition in the Forth Bridges Contact and Education Centre and enter our charity raffle for a trip to the top of the Forth Road Bridge’s main towers.

“BEAR Scotland staff are looking forward to welcoming the public and sharing our passion for maintaining this iconic structure.”

The Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, along with Council Leader Cammy Day, joined Lord Lieutenants from across the United Kingdom to attend the funeral of HM The Queen at Westminster Abbey.

It is back to business as usual when The City of Edinburgh council convenes on Thursday for a full council meeting.

The public may attend almost all council meetings in person or watch online. If you do it is advisable to read the council papers for any matter that particularly interests you. The papers are here.

The council leader, Cammy Day, writes a Leader’s Report each month which he is then questioned on by leaders of opposition groups and other councillors.

This is the content of this month’s Leader’s Report:

Her Majesty at rest: Edinburgh’s fitting final farewell

Seven decades ago, stepping through crowds of well-wishers to climb to the top of the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh’s then Lord Provost James Miller took part in a momentous occasion: the Proclamation to the people of Scotland that Princess Elizabeth had become our Queen.

Who there that day could have foreseen the length of her devoted service and single-minded dedication to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth? Seventy years on and it was a poignant moment when our present Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge joined the Lord Lyon to remember the Queen and herald our new King.

The Lord Provost has represented our city during this incredibly historic and moving week with tremendous dignity, joining me in undertaking countless interviews for the world’s media to discuss Edinburgh’s role and provide guidance to viewers during this very special time. I don’t think there was a single morning we turned on our televisions or scrolled through our phones and the city didn’t fill our screens.

I have no doubt that Westminster Abbey will provide a magnificent setting for the state funeral on Monday – and I’m delighted to announce we’re broadcasting it on a giant screen in Holyrood Park – but scenes from Edinburgh’s commemorations will also rightly be remembered forever.

The city truly shone as well over 100,000 people welcomed The Queen’s cortège to Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon, with The King and members of the Royal Family following on Monday to participate in the Ceremony of the Keys. They then joined an historic procession up the Royal Mile and a service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where the Queen lay at rest until her final departure for London on Tuesday.

And who can forget the pictures of 33,000 people queueing peacefully into the small hours to pay their respects at St Giles’ Cathedral? And the scores of volunteers who supported them through the night.

All in, this was a hugely significant operation, involving an unparalleled level of planning to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone in the huge crowds. An astonishing achievement and display of hard work in honour of a remarkable Queen, a monarch who openly cherished her Scottish Capital and its people and continued to work until the end.

I’d like to thank the people of Edinburgh for turning out in their thousands to pay their respects. And I also want to thank the many Council colleagues, partners and volunteers, who each played their part in delivering – gracefully and flawlessly – this unique series of events at a scale and pace many cities would find unimaginable. You have done Edinburgh, Scotland and Her Majesty proud.

Fair pay for a fair day’s work

As these momentous events unfolded and eyes of the world looked on, our Capital City truly was looking its beautiful best. This was due in no small part to the hard work of our waste and cleansing teams, further emphasising their immense value to our city – all year round.

Clearly then, it was welcome news that the recent strike action was suspended– and I’m cautiously optimistic that members will accept the improved pay offer on the table. I’ve already expressed my disappointment that this dispute has dragged on for so long and the Scottish Government and COSLA leadership would do well to reflect on this.

There’s no doubt the strike action resulted in a challenging few weeks for our Capital city and for our residents and businesses.  I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding – but I hope, like me, they’ll agree it’s been worth it to hopefully secure a fair deal for our hard-working colleagues.

Tackling the cost of living crisis

With Autumn almost upon us, the true scale and difficulty of the cost of living crisis is becoming ever clearer. We’re expecting significant numbers of people in Edinburgh to struggle with bills under spiraling inflation and energy costs and there is a real concern that more people will experience poverty as a result.

Clearly, the size of the challenge is so big that we need real action at a national level, by the UK and Scottish Governments. They must use the powers and resources only they have – through market regulation, social security systems, and taxation. But there is a lot that local government and partners are doing that we think will make a difference for people in Edinburgh.

I’ve spoken before about the extra £7.5 million earmarked in the Council’s February budget which will provide crisis support and additional use of the Scottish Welfare Fund crisis grant. And in August we outlined an additional £1.2 million for families on low incomes – money which is arriving in bank accounts this Autumn.

We’ll be providing funding for energy crisis help through Home Energy Scotland, money for emergency food projects and extra support for third sector providers. Our money advice and income maximisation services are in place and a public awareness campaign will launch shortly.

Do please keep an eye on our dedicated webpages, which will continue to feature the latest advice on reducing bills, heating and health.

A visitor levy to keep our city sustainable and beautiful

I have no doubt that the stunning images of our city, which have been beamed around the world over the last few days, will translate into additional interest in Edinburgh as a place to visit. This is, of course, welcome – particularly for our businesses following the hardship of the pandemic. But we must acknowledge that spikes in visitor numbers are not without their challenges. We remain a small city on the global stage and we need to sustainably manage how this affects our people and impacts our streets.

That’s precisely why we’ve worked so hard to convince the Scottish Government to give us the necessary powers to introduce a tourist levy. We’ve led the way in Scotland – and the UK – and I’m pleased, at long last, that the City’s hard work has finally paid off. We estimate that a levy could raise in the region of £15 million per year here in Edinburgh. And, when we consulted with residents and businesses – including accommodation providers – 85% had strong support for its introduction.

I’ll be pushing The Scottish Government hard to ensure that any income generated is in addition to our block grant funding – not instead of it. And I’ll be making sure that the city – not government – decides how best to spend the additional money this generates. We’re fully committed to working together with hospitality and wider tourism industry partners to co-produce a scheme that works best for the whole of our Capital City.

After decades of centralisation, we need to see more powers like these devolved to local government. Our campaigning won’t end here. I’ll continue to make the case for powers to be transferred to our city to better manage local issues and provide the very best outcomes for our people.

Hibs came from behind to secure a well-deserved 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Easter Road on Saturday.

Manager Lee Johnson was back in the technical area and made one change to hi starting XI with Mykola Kuharevich making his debut for the club.

The minute’s applause was generally well observed apart from a few fans who felt the need to disrupt proceedings.

Aberdeen scored with their first attack when Luís ‘Duk’ Lopes,  flicked a header over David Marshall in the fourth minute.

Hibs created a number of chances but were unable to breach the ‘Dons defence.

But just before the break Ryan Porteous was hauled down in the box by Liam Scales who was correctly shown a second yellow card. When the corner was taken Scales never even looked at the ball, instead concentrated on fouling Porteous and the referees decision was correct.

Martin Boyle made no mistake from 12-yards, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Josh Campbell had a couple of chances after the restart and the keeper did well to save from Joe Newell at point black range.

The breakthrough came in the 62^nd minute when Chris Cadden found Campbell into the box, and this time the midfielder fired the ball into the net.

Then eight minutes later he scored his second tapping in from Mykola Kuharevich’s header.

Aberdeen had a golden chance to grab a goal back but Bojan Miovski scuffed effort from 3-yards.

Campbell and  Kuharevich received standing ovations as they were replaced by Ewan Henderson and Momodou Bojang and Hibs held on to secure the win.

Hibs: Marshall, Cabraja, Hanlon, Porteous, Cadden; Kenneh (Doyle-Hayes, 60’), Newell, Campbell (Henderson, 85’); Youan (Tavares, 72’) Kuharevich (Bojang, 85’), Boyle.Substitutes not used: Schofield, Miller, Stevenson, McGregor, Fish

Aberdeen: Roos; McCrorie, Scales, Stewart, Richardson (Watkins 78’); Ramadani, Coulson (MacKenzie, 55’); Hayes, Duk Lopes (Polvara, 45’), Besuijen (Morris, 78’), Miovski Substitutes not used: Lewis, Duncan, Milne, Kennedy, Ramirez

Referee: David Dickinson Attendance: 17,292

Out and about in the city there are some ongoing exhibitions at all the main galleries.

At the Scottish National Portrait Gallery the portrait of HM The Queen has been reinstated in the main hall downstairs.

Titled Queen of Scots, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle and Chief of the Chiefs (1926-2022), the photograph shows Queen Elizabeth II wearing the robes of the Order identified in the title and insignia bearing the emblem of the thistle, the national flower of Scotland, and the cross of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of the nation. 

Exhibitions

A Taste for Impressionism: Modern French Art from Millet to Matisse

30 July to 13 November 2022

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Tickets: £15 – £12, concessions available

Scottish National Gallery (located at the Royal Scottish Academy)

A Taste for Impressionism | Modern French Art from Millet to Matisse | National Galleries of Scotland

The remarkable story of how Scotland became home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art will be explored in our big summer exhibition. The exhibition also includes the incredible discovery of a lost Vincent van Gogh self-portrait.

This exhibition will share fascinating stories about how visionary Scottish collectors invested in, what were then, innovative and radical artworks and reveals how they found their way into Scotland’s national collection.

World famous paintings by a stellar cast including Degas and Gauguin will feature throughout, offering visitors a rare chance to delve into this little-known aspect of Scotland’s cultural history. Other highlights will include seven works by Claude Monet from across his career and, for the first time, the full set of Matisse’s vibrant Jazz prints. The exhibition also includes the incredible discovery of a lost Van Gogh portrait.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Two)

Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life

Until 2 October 2022

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Tickets: £13/11 Mon-Fri, £14/12 Sat-Sun and £15/13 August

Barbara Hepworth | Art & Life | National Galleries of Scotland

Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life is a major retrospective. It spans the artist’s entire career charting the development of her practice, her engagement with political and societal change, and the events in her personal life which shaped her work. It features more than 120 works, lent from public and private collections, including renowned sculptures as well as rarely seen drawings and paintings.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Counted: Scotland’s Census 2022

Until 25 Sept 2022

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Admission free

Counted | Scotland’s Census 2022 | National Galleries of Scotland

This exhibition is about celebrating who we are. What do we have in common, and what makes us unique?

In the year of Scotland’s Census we are exploring who lives in Scotland today, who came before us and who will come after us.

Inspired by the questions asked in the census, Counted: Scotland’s Census 2022 considers the complex notion of identity. How is this shaped by our religion, occupation, health, ethnicity?

New acquisitions by photographers working in Scotland today including Kieran Dodds, Arpita Shah and Danny North are presented alongside nineteenth century photographs by Thomas Annan and Hill & Adamson – offering comparisons between past and present generations of Scots.

You Are Here

On now until 8 January 2023

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Admission free

You are Here 2022 | National Galleries of Scotland

 This display, running throughout 2022, celebrates and shares recent and ongoing collaborative projects between the National Galleries of Scotland and partner organisations across the country. They include place-based initiatives with groups of young people in former mining towns, and life-affirming public art schemes in North Ayrshire.

The project looks at the various ways that people can engage with art to bring benefits to their health and wellbeing, and explore their sense of identity and belonging. Co-produced artworks and other forms of content are displayed alongside works from the Galleries’ permanent collection to amplify new voices and offer fresh views on contemporary Scotland.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)

New Arrivals: From Salvador Dalí to Jenny Saville

On now until 12 February 2023

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Admission free

New Arrivals | From Salvador Dalí to Jenny Saville | National Galleries of Scotland

This exhibition presents the latest and greatest modern and contemporary art additions to Scotland’s national collection. With more than 100 works on display, New Arrivals: from Salvador Dalí to Jenny Saville offers a stunning range of modern and contemporary work including painting, sculptures, films and more.

Events

Sunday Afternoon Impressionism Tours (in person only)
Scottish National Gallery (Royal Scottish Academy)

Sundays: 2 October, 6 November, 2-2.30pm

Free with an exhibition ticket required.

Laid back afternoon tours of the Taste for Impressionism exhibition focusing on key themes.

• 2-2.30pm Sun 4 Sep, Artist Damian Callan on Impressionist Materials and Techniques (pastel and oil paint)
• 2-2.30pm Sun 2 Oct, Artist/Art Historian Emily Learmont on Impressionist Colour
• 2-2.30pm Sun 6 Nov, Artist Katharine Aarrestad on the Barbizon School.

No booking required but you will need to purchase an exhibition ticket on the day and be in the gallery at the time the tours begin at 2pm. 

‘Spinsters’ and Influencers | Women Collectors of Impressionism (in-person and online)

Scottish National Gallery, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre

Tuesday 6 September, 12.45-1.30pm

Free, booking essential: ‘Spinsters’ and Influencers | Women Collectors of Impressionism (in person) | National Galleries of Scotland

To meet demand we are also offering an online live stream of the event. Space is very limited, please do not come to the event without a pre-booked ticket.

Frances Fowle discusses the pioneering role played by women collectors in the early reception of Impressionism, from Bertha Palmer in Chicago to the Davies sisters in Wales and the Scottish yachtswoman Elizabeth Workman. The talk will take into consideration the role of women as agents, tastemakers and patrons, as well as the way in which their role has often been overshadowed by that of their husbands or male advisers. 

Philosophy and art for teachers (session one)

Wednesday 7 September 4.15–5.45pm, online

Free, booking essential: Philosophy and art for teachers (session one) | National Galleries of Scotland

Gain practical skills to support children to think and explore art together. This session encourages the use of philosophical questioning techniques to develop deep, curious and creative thinking. Using tried and tested activities, we will demonstrate what it’s like to participate in a philosophical inquiry. There will be an optional follow-on session on 28 September for those who wish to further develop their skills.

All welcome, particularly those working with 9-12 year olds. Delivered in partnership with The Wisdom Collective.

Art Stomps for Under 5s

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)

Saturday 10 September, 11am–12noon

Free, booking essential: Art Stomps for Under 5s | National Galleries of Scotland

Outdoor sculpture-hunting and feel-good art-making for under 5s and their grown-ups. Art Stomps is perfect for ages 2-5 years old but wee-er and older siblings will always be welcome. Meet us at the front door of Modern One just before 11am. 

Special concert | Martin Kershaw Trio Sault Matisse’s Jazz Suite

Scottish National Gallery (Royal Scottish Academy)

Thursday 15 September, 6-6.45pm

£5, booking essential: Special concert | Martin Kershaw Trio Sault Matisse’s Jazz Suite | National Galleries of Scotland

Martin Kershaw (saxophone) Graeme Stephen (guitar) and Ed Kelly (bass) play jazz classics evoking the 1940s and post-war Paris.

Your Art World | Live on Zoom

Online via Zoom

Monday 19 September, 4.30–5.30pm

Free, booking essential: Your Art World | Live on Zoom | National Galleries of Scotland

Parents! Not sure where to start with art? This online after-school art club will help you, and your family, get creative and grow your own ideas. Expect fun, supportive, open-ended creative play for your whole family to enjoy, together.