With the subtle arrival of autumn, The Unthanks delivered a mesmerising appearance at the Edinburgh International Festival not to be forgotten in a hurry.

The nine-piece based folk collective led by Northumbrian sisters, Rachel and Becky Unthanks performed What Can a Song Do to You? from a collection of poems and songs by Nick Drake’s mother (Molly) which are every bit as captivating as her son’s best work.

A haunting rendition of Magpie from 2015’s excellent long-player Mount the Air is an arresting experience.

Performed sparsely, the potency of the vocals is one of the most memorable moments of my three weeks covering the festival. What a joy to be in the presence of live music again of this calibre as the sodium lights of Edinburgh shine from the darkness.

We are spirited away by The Testimony Of Patience Kershaw written by Frank Higgins which tells of a teenage girl working in the mines based on her words from 1862. A brutal life is shared through the most wondrous expression available.

From coal miners to shipbuilders we are treated to a spellbinding version of A Great Northern River from Songs From The Shipyards (2012). In the best way, it has all the intimacy of a family gathering where something sacred is passed on through the power of song with some clog dancing thrown in for good measure.

Even a few words are forgotten but it all adds to the unpretentious and unforced atmosphere, a rare thing in these times. The King of Rome tells the true story of a racing pigeon that won a long-distance race from Rome to England in 1913.

The Unthanks poignantly bring everyday lives and forgotten souls to the forefront through the beauty of song, melody and three-part harmonies. 

Thanks to the unwavering support of its audiences, the Pleasance Theatre Trust returned to its Edinburgh home this summer, presenting a defiant programme of exciting newcomers, thought-provoking artists and much-loved Fringe stalwarts.

With 662 performances of 82 shows in four live venues and online, the programme was enjoyed by just over 36,000 ticket holders. This is in comparison to 5,534 performances of 277 productions in 2019 when Pleasance welcomed over 560,000 festival goers through its doors.

Whilst 2021’s festival has included sell- out runs and acclaimed socially distanced performances, the total box office for this year’s festival will represent just 6.5% of the Pleasance’s 2019 tickets and revenue.

Notwithstanding a smaller festival, the Pleasance’s commitment to supporting innovative emerging artists through their development schemes is paramount. £20,000 was invested in Screen 9, recipient of Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Theatre Reserve, and ‘Patricia Gets Ready (for a date with the man that used to hit her)’ – the inaugural recipient of the Charlie Hartill Development Fund for Artists of Colour.

Although the Pleasance was unable to host its family-friendly hub the Kidzone, the venue still funded experiences for young festival-goers with over £4,500 of support provided to children’s shows ‘Roald Dahl’s The Twits’, ‘Meet Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking’ and ‘Community Clay Time’.

Partnerships are always key to the Pleasance’s presence in Edinburgh, but particularly in this challenging year. The iconic Pleasance Courtyard was able to reopen with the support of the Edinburgh University Students’ Association, whilst vital funding from the Scottish Government enabled its new outdoor performance space to come to life.

Work also continued with the Edinburgh International Conference Centre which saw one of the city’s largest performance hubs run side-by-side with its biggest vaccination centre.

The Pleasance’s online programme was supported through the launch of the Pleasance Player with online platform LIVR and an exciting new collaboration with the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts (AMATA) at Falmouth University, saw nine new shows broadcast live online from Cornwall as part of The Edinburgh Fringe Digital Showcase.

And that wasn’t all – ‘Eugene’ was supported by John Ellerman Foundation, along with four other productions in the London and online season which also played online. The William Syson Foundation supported new Scottish artists, including ‘LANDING’ and ‘Look, No Hands’.

Anthony Alderson, Director of the Pleasance, said, “We couldn’t have mounted any festival this year without the hundreds of people who supported our Crowdfunder in 2020 – we are forever grateful to them. Only eight weeks before the festival was due to start did we get the go ahead from the Scottish Government and some extremely welcome support from Event Scotland, which enabled us to create a distanced, safe and covered outdoor space at the Pleasance Courtyard.

“In many ways it has felt a little like festivals of old, with a small number of venues and a special programme of handpicked shows. With a desire to present as much of a festival as we could, we also took our Fringe programme on tour with a full line-up of shows at the Pleasance in London and a sizable number online, including nine live streamed productions in partnership with Falmouth University. The programme may be smaller than ever, but its heart and soul is as gigantic as ever.”

The Pleasance continued to work in partnership with HIV and Hepatitis C charity Waverley Care for the 29th year to raise awareness and funds for their vital services, which have been severely affected during the pandemic. Approximately £3,000 has been raised for this important charity, with the Pleasance donating 100% of its share of ticket revenue from its online programme alongside proceeds from the one-off spectacular Tartan Ribbon Comedy Benefit and text donations.

With festival donations having topped £65,000 at the 2019 Fringe, the Pleasance continue to encourage audiences to show their support beyond August.

The Pleasance’s operation was only made possible through the efforts of its dedicated festival team, which was scaled back from some 220 people in 2019 to just 28. Normally the Pleasance would complete a Fringe with a dazzling trophy cabinet but with few of those taking place this year, the Pleasance still celebrates the achievements of artists and venues at the 2021 festival.

The Pleasance continues to rebuild from the devastating effects of the pandemic and work towards the return of a sustainable Fringe in 2022.

ACCOMMODATION SERVICES ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GREEN HOTEL KINROSS 

• Specialist hospitality business running reservation services for Kinross hotel, as it concludes a major £100,000 refurbishment and market re-positioning under guidance of Amity Hospitality

In a significant new contract gain, The Accommodation Services Trading Company, a specialist business which provides “one stop shop” services for hospitality owners and investors designed to maximise their revenue streams, has announced that it is now running reservation services for The Green Hotel in Kinross.

Originating within the Fusion Group of Companies, which operates its own hospitality portfolio, together with running a Meetings and Events company, Accommodation Services lists Corporate Restructuring as another support service, together with covering the more practical tasks of property maintenance & landscaping, property protection & security, and utilities and hospitality procurement. 

The 46 bedroom Green Hotel, which has been managed by Amity Hospitality since 2019, has already had an extra £30,000 of bookings secured in the past month, as a result of bringing Accommodation Services on board.

New General Manager at The Green Hotel, Garry Wood, who recently joined Amity Hospitality following nine years at Crieff Hydro, outlined the many advantages the Hotel was currently experiencing, and gave details on the £50,000 refurbishment that has been ongoing since the last lockdown, with further work still to be completed: “We’re delighted with the results from Accommodation Services. We’re capturing more business, calls are being directly answered by Accommodation Services experienced team, and, as a result of freeing up this time, we’ve been able to redeploy a number of staff into other tasks within the business.”

“Additionally, we’re supplied with a call log so we can examine where enquiries – and bookings – are coming from,” said Garry, who remarked that even although he had only been with the team a short time, he could already see what a difference the new service was making, “not just financially, but in terms of efficiency.”

“The guest experience is now professional from the very first point of contact, with my front of house team able to concentrate on raising the guest experience during their stay,” he said. “We’ve been recruiting, including the appointment of a new Head Housekeeper, and have realistic plans to go from three star to four. Everything is playing its part in achieving this goal.”

Over lockdown, the hotel, which sees the vast majority of its guests coming from Edinburgh and Glasgow, was busy freshening many of its public areas, and began decorating a number of its bedrooms, a task which is still on-going.

“The Hotel is one of the best known in the area,” said Garry, who also spent time in management at Rusacks in St Andrews. “We’re unique in that we are able to package up 36 holes of golf at time of booking. If you stay with us for two nights you get three rounds in. It’s a fantastic USP, and as a result, the hotel owners want to invest at this time to improve the hotel in this top staycation year. £20,000 has been spent in the lounge, a further £15,000 in the bar, and £8,000 on the reception area. It’s all looking really good, with excellent customer feedback from our local market who use the hotel for dining and socialising. Another £50k is still to be spent on re-carpeting throughout the hotel, plus completing the bedroom refurbishments.”

“Now that the English schools are on holiday, we are welcoming guests from down south too,” finished Garry.

Nick Kourie, Operations Director at Amity Hospitality, cited the importance of the food & drink market at this time:  “As soon as further covid19 restrictions ease, we want to introduce fine dining and tasting events to the Hotel, raising the standard of food and drink we serve, and linking in with the many excellent local suppliers we have in the area – this is still a huge driver in hospitality at the moment. We keep in touch with our local golf club captains as to what type of events and new features they would like to see introduced at The Green. The Hotel is a real centre of the local community and we want to keep it that way.”

“Overall, it’s still a challenging time for the hospitality sector, but we are looking to the future with the right team of people in place, including Accommodation Services, to lead us forward. We’d happily recommend them to other Hotels, as their expertise at this time has been invaluable. They bedded into our systems in no time at all, and will continue to deliver for us in the coming months,” said Nick.

Commenting on the relationship with Amity Hospitality at the Green Hotel, Alex McKie, Group Managing Director of the Fusion Group said: “We are delighted to have won this significant contract with one of the most iconic hotels in Kinross, and that it has borne fruit so quickly. Accommodation Services was created from our direct experience of running several hospitality businesses, and knowing what is needed to boost revenue. We can report to a management company, such as Amity, or deal directly with owners who also may wish to free up time and concentrate on other issues. The aim is always the same – to deliver measurable results.”

www.Acts.business

www.amityhospitality.co.uk

www.tfgoc.com

www.green-hotel.com

Edinburgh Police need help from the public in tracing a 76-year-old woman who has been reported missing in Edinburgh.

Janet Willetts was last seen in the Davidson’s Gardens area of Edinburgh around 9.15pm on 29th August 2021 and there are concerns for her welfare.

She is described as 5″6, slim build with tanned complexion, and bobbed grey hair. She was wearing white jeans, red shoes, green top, blue jacket and has a black crossover bag.

Anyone who may have seen Janet since this time, or who has any information on her whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0195 of 30/08/2021.

Detectives in Edinburgh have asked the public for information after an incident on Restalrig Avenue when a man was struck by a car which then failed to stop.

The incident happened on Restalrig Avenue near the junction with Craigentinny Avenue around 4.30pm on Friday, 27 August 2021.

A 34-year-old man was struck by the driver of a black Vauxhall Corsa car which mounted the pavement before being driven off.

The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh later that evening for treatment. His injuries are non-life threatening.

Detective Inspector Jonny Wright of Gayfield CID said: “Our enquiries so far suggest the car was deliberately driven at the man and we are seeking further information in relation to the matter.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area around 4.30pm on Friday afternoon and may have witnessed the incident or hold any information in relation to the incident to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who may have seen a black Vauxhall Corsa car with collision damage since then to get in touch.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 4357 of 27 August, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

At The Festival Theatre people are all aquiff, excited with the announcement of the first new production in 25 years of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE – which comes to the Festival Theatre next month in the first big musical to grace the theatre’s stages since the first lockdown.

GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run, at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere.

Peter Andre takes-on the roles of Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine on certain performances – check the website for specific dates.

The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time and celebrated its 40^th anniversary this year. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.

GREASE – featuring special performances from Peter Andre Monday 27 SEPTEMBER TO SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2021 Evenings 7.30pm, Matinees Thursdays and Saturdays 2.30pm

www.capitaltheatres.com

Scotland’s senior women, with a number of Lothians players involved, began their build-up for the World Cup qualifiers with an encouraging 2-0 win over Great Britain Elite Development Programme in a challenge match at Peffermill on Sunday night.

The home side looked comfortable throughout with Sarah Jamieson (pictured) scoring a fine, solo second goal to confirm the win and Scotland’s interim coaching team of Edinburgh-based Chris Duncan and Vikki Bunce from Tayside have named a 20 player squad for the two match series which continues tonight (Monday) at 7.30pm at the same venue.

Duncan, who is head of hockey at Edinburgh Academy, said: “The girls have trained hard over the last few weeks and taken on board all of the ideas we have presented.

“We have been looking forward to seeing them implement these ideas in a live game situation.”

Duncan thanked the GB EDP squad for travelling to support the preparation for such an important competition.

He added: “On a personal level, it is exciting to have our first games together as a brand new coaching team and playing group.”

For the record, the World Cup qualifiers are in Italy in late October when one team from the eight involved will qualify for the FIH Women’s World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands in June 2022.

SQUAD: Becky Ward, Bex Condie, Bronwyn Shields, Charlotte Watson, Ellie Wilson, Emily Dark, Fiona Semple, Jen Eadie, Jess Ross, Kate Holmes, Katie Robertson, Kerry-Anne Hastings, Laura Swanson, Louise Campbell, Lucy Camlin (GK), McKenzie Bell, Millie Steiger, Rachel Strachan (GK), Robyn Collins, Sarah Jamieson

The work of more than twenty art graduates will be displayed at the Hidden Door Festival’s visual art exhibition from 15 to 19 September. The festival will take place in the shadow of the Granton Gasometer and the art will be displayed in a disused warehouse across the street.

But the festival’s crowdfunder must reach its goal of £10,000 before the end of this week so that the artists can be compensated for their work. Read more about how you can help here.

The visual artists lined up to take part in the Hidden Door Graduate Exhibition are:

Adela Kaluzinska, Alliyah Enyo, Becky Brewis, Cara Kennedy, Csian Jemecel Canave, Eilidh Nicoll, Elvey Stedman, Jack Waygood, Josie KO, Katelyn Grant, Keziah Macneill, Kirsten Millar, Leah Moodie, Madeleine Kaye, Martha Stefani-Bose, Martin Crawford, Mclaughlin + Williamson, Miriam Levi, Molly Kent, Paria Goodarzi, Rhona Sword, Sam M Harley, Scott Hunter and Verity Church.

They all graduated from the Edinburgh College of Art, Glasgow School of Art, Grays School of Art, University of Dundee, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and Edinburgh Napier University in 2020 or 2021.

The artists were chosen from Hidden Door’s Graduate Support Network, launched earlier this year to support recent graduates. These artists will be paid for their work through the proceeds raised from this year’s crowdfunder, and for many of them, it will be their first paid creative opportunity.

To support the plans, organisers launched a crowdfunder to raise £10,000, with supporters able to pick from a wide range of rewards including an immersive treasure hunt experience through the festival grounds, exclusive hand-printed T-shirts from Acorn Print Studio, VIP passes for the festival and limited edition prints by Hidden Door artists.

Jill Martin Boulalaxia, Visual Art Curator, said: “Hidden Door is committed to supporting emerging creative talent, providing a platform for showcasing work and collaborative projects.

“The graduate exhibition at this year’s festival is the first of many exciting opportunities being made available through our Graduate Support Network. We really hope people will get on board with our vision and help us transform this incredible space.”

Opening daily from Wednesday 15 – Sunday 19 September, the Granton Gasworks site will feature two stages for live music and other performances, with dynamic lighting on the giant gasholder to be programmed in time with the music to create a stunning visual experience for festival-goers. The neighbouring warehouse will be home to the art exhibition and a number of performances.

Hidden Door are working with Edinburgh College, who have provided access to the West Short Road site for this year’s festival. The event will also provide a platform for students to get involved, gaining inspiration and experience to boost their future careers.

Edinburgh brewer Innis & Gunn is sponsoring this year’s festival and will be pouring a selection of their premium beers at pop-up bars across the Granton site. 

Hidden Door is an arts organisation which aims to open up urban spaces as a platform for new and emerging artists, musicians, theatre makers, performers, film makers and poets. Through organising temporary events Hidden Door works to showcase new work and create engaging environments for the public to experience, explore and discover.

Spartans welcomed Caledonian Braves to a sun drenched Ainslie Park for yesterday’s Scottish Lowland Football League match. 

Dougie Samuels men went into the game with stalwart Blair Carswell after the keeper was injured in last week’s game.

Spartans almost took the lead in the opening minutes when Lennon Walker broke into the box but his shot was saved by Chris Henry in the Braves goal. 

Spartans were dominant in long spells and played some great passing football but struggled to find a breakthrough.

The visitors broke the deadlock with only their second chance on goal just before the interval when Calum Breadner got on the end of a low cross and flicked the ball beyond the advancing keeper and into the net to give Ricky Waddell’s side the lead. 

Into the second half and Braves extended their lead when Breadner picked up the ball in the Spartans half and his strike from a full 30yards out nestled low in the bottom corner of the net. 

Spartans pulled one back after Walker was fouled in the Braves box and Aaron Murrell stepped up and converted the spot kick, sending the keeper the wrong way with his thundering strike. 

Braves almost got another after a terrific passing move saw the ball played to Ryan Armstrong in the Spartans box, the youngster showed great composure as he turned the defender and his delicately placed shot beat the keeper but hit the woodwork before the danger was cleared. 

Sam Newman almost levelled the game with a stunning strike on the volley from the edge of the box but the strike went just wide of the target. 

Despite dominating the game Spartans couldn’t find a leveller and the visitors took all three points. 

Elsewhere Civil Service Strollers had a share of the spoils at Alloa as they faced Broomhill. 

Gary Jardine’s side found themselves a goal behind at the interval before a Kosakov double put them in front but with five minutes to go Broomhill levelled to ensure a share of the spoils.

Berwick FTS Bandits went to Teesside on Sunday to face second-placed Redcar Bears, and they pushed them to the final bend despite the home side being boosted by signing former Eastbourne Eagles rider, Lewis Kerr, after his club’s closure, writes Lawrence Heppell.

Berwick, in their final away league clash of the year, were looking for some power coming from their upper end having been frequently “reserve led” in 2021.

Heat One was won by Charles Wright having passed Leon Flint (pictured) on the fourth bend as Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen took James Sarjeant on the second lap for a shared 3-3.

Kasper Andersen, as many would have expected roared away to win Heat Two with ease, but for almost a lap his Berwick partner, Greg Blair was in second place until Jordan Jenkins passed him on bend four, but it was a Bandits’ 2-4 putting the visitors into a 5-7 lead.

New Bear Kerr went through the tapes at the start of the third race and was replaced by Jenkins, but it was Dany Gappmaier who confounded the experts by taking the lead to the end for three points, and again initially with his partner, Jye Etheridge in second, but Jake Allen passed the Berwick skipper at the start of the third lap and pressed Gappmaier for the last lap. However, the second Berwick 2-4 put the Bandits 7-11 up.

Andersen was first out of the traps in Heat Four but was overhauled by Michael Palm Toft at the end of the opening lap for a shared 3-3, while Busk Jakobsen fell at the start of Heat Five, but all four were called back for the re-run which saw Flint in flight out front for three points ahead of Kerr while Busk Jakobsen and Allen swapped places, the Bear taking the point in another shared 3-3, and the score was now 13-17.

Heat Six was an amazing race with Blair battling with Sarjeant and taking the third point as Summers and Wright locked horns in tremendous four laps, the Bandit taking the spoils to hit another Berwick 2-4 into the kitty, followed by a Heat Seven 3-3, Palm Toft beating Gappmaier and Etheridge taking the score to 18-24.

Berwick then extended their lead to eight points after Heat Eight which gave Flint an easy win, again early on along with Blair who was passed by Jenkins at the end of the third lap for a 2-4, with the running total now 20-28.

Redcar looked to be on for a home maximum in the ninth until Andersen passed Kerr at the end of lap three, but with Allen out in front it was a Bears’ 4-2 pulling themselves a little closer to the Bandits, 24-30, and after a Heat 10 3-3, Wright was brought into the 11th as a tactical substitute for the Bears’ Ryan Kinsley, but it was Palm Toft from the gate to flag as Wright and Busk Jakobsen battled for second with the Bandit taking the two points in a 4-2, as the Bears crept ever closer, 31-35.

The Bandits were, however, in the battle zone, with Andersen and Etheridge blasting from the Heat 12 gate to take a rock-solid 1-5 over Allen and Jenkins with the Berwick reserve running a long way in front pushing the visitors’ lead to 32-40.

Palm Toft and Wright weren’t deterred and hammered home a Redcar 5-1 in Heat 13 over Summers and Busk Jakobsen narrowing their deficit to 37-41 with two races to go, and replaced Kinsley with Jenkins in the 14th as Blair was replaced by Andersen for Berwick, and it was Andersen who passed Kerr off the fourth bend of the opening lap, btu Berwick lost a point a lap later when Jenkins passed Gappmaier, and with one race to go, Berwick still led by 40-44.

The Bandits needed anything but allow a Redcar 5-1 in the final heat to seal victory in Heat 15, and the job was laid in the hands of Flint and Andersen against the Bears’ pair of Wright and Palm Toft.

The last race looked as if it would be a 4-2, and enough for a Bandits’ win, unfortunately Flint (in second) went too wide on the last bend and clipped the fence and went down allowing Palm Toft and Andersen through, but that presented Redcar with a lucky 5-1 which took the win away from Berwick and tied the match 45-45 instead.

Team manager Gary Flint said: “We deserved the win as it was a real effort to hold the second in the league side, at their own track.

“Leon is furious and frustrated with that last bend fall however that’s how speedway rolls at times. At least we didn’t lose.”

Redcar Bears 45: Charles Wright 3,2,3,1,2*,3 = 14+1; James Sarjeant 0,0, E,0 = 0; Jake Allen 2,1*,3,1 = 7+1; Lewis Kerr E,2.1.2 = 5; Michael Palm Toft 3,3,3,3,2* = 14+1; Ryan Kinsley (r) 0,0,0,N =0; Jordan Jenkins (r) 2,0,0,2,0,1* = 5+1

Berwick FTS Bandits 45: Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 1*,0,2,0 = 3+1; Leon Flint 2,3,3,0,F = 8; Jye Etheridge 1,1*,2,2* = 6+2; Dany Gappmaier 3,2,1*,0 = 6+1; Aaron Summers 1*,3,0,1 = 5+1; Kasper Andersen (r) 3,2,2,3,3,1 = 14; Greg Blair (guest) (r) 1,1,1,N = 3

On a glorious afternoon, an important EOS Premier fixture at pristine Foresters Park saw Tranent take on Newtongrange Star with the home side looking to get back to equal top spot alongside unbeaten Penicuik whilst for rock bottom Star, it was more simple, start getting points on the board, and quickly.

The visitors started fairly brightly so it was disappointing for them to fall behind in what was Tranent’s first real attack of the game as Shaun Rutherford’s inswinging corner evaded the jump of both Star keeper Liam McCathie and Tranent striker Sean Wringe, and went in at the far post, with the final touch perhaps coming off Star captain Ryan Porteous who could do nothing to get out of the way. 

Star continued to look hungry but despite getting into numerous good positions, an inability to test Tranent keeper Kevin Swain meant an equaliser eluded them. They finally brought the home keeper into action after 37 minutes when a lovely 12 yard shot on the turn from Porteous saw Swain dive full length to turn the ball away low at his post. 

At the other end, Star keeper McCathie was certainly busier and just before half time, he pulled off an magnificent double save, parrying a drive from Oban Anderson, before somehow blocking Wringe’s follow up effort from close range. 

The second half was played in much the same vein, plenty of Star possession but Tranent more dangerous in the final third, with Jamie Docherty striking McCathie’s post from 14 yards after 55 minutes. 

20 minutes from time, referee Mark Harris awarded a penalty to Tranent after a foul on Adam Watson but after consulting his assistant, a free kick was given right on the edge of the box, much to the ire of Tranent manager Calum Elliot, whose protests earned him a yellow card. 

Star continued to press right to the end without managing to make the breakthrough and even when the home side were reduced to ten men with five minutes remaining as Bradley Donaldson received a second yellow for fouling Porteous, it wasn’t to be their day.

Without hitting any great heights, Tranent are back equal top of the pile, albeit with a game more played than Penicuik, who were on Scottish Cup duty, whilst Star remain four points adrift at the bottom and every game which passes without some reward makes life a bit more difficult for the men from New Victoria Park.

Bob Dylan writes terrific songs but they’re always far better when someone else is singing them. Now I’m not suggesting Ed Sheeran or Robbie Williams should have a go but ol’ Bob’s singing of Blowin’ In The Wind is a dirge compared to Peter, Paul and Mary’s pure and elevated version.

Step forward Chrissie Hynde who spent lockdown with her guitarist James Walbourne recording nine Bob Dylan songs as a tribute to his 80th birthday, resulting in their Standing In The Doorway album, which puts the bunch of chrysanthemums I sent him via Moonpig.com into shabby perspective.

Warm up also comes from Walbourne and his partner Kami Thompson, aka The Rails, an interesting and folky act thar sets the scene for the evening. Both great voices but best in harmony when Thompson takes the lead, as in their cover of Castles In The Sun. We already know we ain’t getting rocker Chrissie but the more laid back version tonight.

And that’s just grand. Entering with her musicians, Walbourne on acoustic guitar, Danny Williams on Upright Bass and Carwyn Ellis on Keyboard; she introduces all of them before a note has been sung. Generous, classy, grey-haired and sassy. The audience are in no doubt this will be something to look forward to.

The songs are played in the same order as the album and from the opening lyrics of In The Summertime I finally feel my shoulders relaxing. There’s always a danger in going to see an older act in that their voices might be anything from mildly diminished to a national embarrassment (looking at you Macca!), we have no qualms this evening. Hynde’s voice not only conveys her unique sexy yet sweet quality but hasn’t changed a jot. Every song brings a fresh perspective and her backing musicians add seasoned expertise, richness of tone and more than a touch of class.

Hynde’s good friend Morrissey (but we shan’t hold that against her) once remarked: “Chrissie is the funniest person in the world, yet she has absolutely no sense of humour.”

Indeed she doesn’t go too much for ‘the banter’ but does remark after You’re A Big Girl Now: “I believe Bob wrote that for me, a rumour I started – and he didn’t deny it!” An oldie but a goodie…

You could imagine she might be right. “Come over here for all of that,” who else could sing a lyric so charmingly seedy? Although Hynde ends with a few of her own numbers we were also treated to two Ray Davies songs, Stop Your Sobbing and I Go To Sleep, possibly the loveliest lyrics about pure passion and utter obsession. Only a voice of agonising longing and lusty experience can convey it and Hynde has both is spades – it’s her “thing”. 

The highlight of the latter part of the set was Stop Your Sobbing: “It is time for you to laugh – instead of crying…”

Right on Ma’am, what could be more pertinent to possibly the first live music gig any of the audience has seen in over a year and a half.

Whatever realm Chrissie Hynde chooses to occupy, she reigns supreme.

Public Health Scotland has just published the latest data on Covid-19 in Scotland which includes some results which were not processed more than 48 hours ago.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the number of positive cases is are still rising towards 500,000 since the pandemic began, and that there are more people in ICU and in hospital.

If you wish to see the figures up to 3 August for each day (with some highs and lows from the past few months) then please read this article here, but for the sake of brevity this article now has August information only.

Scotland has now moved beyond Level 0 but the legal requirement for wearing masks in indoor settings is to be retained largely as it has been.

Deaths involving Covid-19 for Week 33: 16 – 22 August 2021

As at 22 August, 10,505 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

In the week 16 – 22 August, 41 deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, the same number as last week.

12 deaths were of people aged under 65, six were people aged 65-74 and there were 23 deaths of people aged 75 or over. 28 deaths were male, 13 were female.

City of Edinburgh, Fife, Scottish Borders and South Lanarkshire had the highest numbers of deaths at council level last week with four each. In total, 20 council areas had at least one death last week.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 1,163 – 171, or 17%, more than the five year average.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “The latest figures show that last week there were 41 deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This represents no change from the previous week.”

“Deaths from all causes were 17% higher than the five year average – the 13^th week in a row where we have seen a higher than average number of deaths.”

Beyond Level 0

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings has been removed from Monday 9 August when all venues across Scotland are able to re-open.

Some protective measures will stay in place such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. Capacity limits of 2000 people indoors and 5000 people outdoors will also remain in place although some exceptions may be possible on a case by case basis. These will be reviewed on a three weekly basis to ensure they remain proportionate.

Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will also no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days from 9 August. Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test. The same conditions will also apply to anyone aged between five and 17 years old, even if they have not been vaccinated. The requirement to take a PCR test will not apply to children under the age of five.

Test and Protect will also implement revised guidance for under 18s. This means that the blanket isolation of whole classes in schools will no longer happen and a targeted approach, that only identifies children and young people who are higher risk close contacts, will be adopted. Fewer young people will have to self-isolate, and most will be asked to self-isolate for a much shorter period of time. To allow time to monitor the impacts of these changes, the majority of the mitigations that were in place in schools in the previous term will be retained for up to six weeks. This will help support a safe and sustainable return to education after the summer break.

While the gateway condition on vaccination has been met, with 92% of those over the age of 40 protected by two doses of the vaccine, there are still many more people who have not had the vaccine, cannot have it, or are not yet eligible for it. Invitations for vaccines are now going out to 12 to 17 year olds with specific health conditions that make them more vulnerable to Covid. This follows the recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The government expects to have offered first doses to this group by the end of August.

The JCVI has now recommended vaccination to young people aged 16 and 17.

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary with a return to live performance at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh on Friday 24 September.

LIVE at 25 will feature music from across the orchestra’s lifespan and highlights the continuing emergence of jazz talent in Scotland. The award-winning young trombonists Anoushka Nanguy and Liam Shortall take their places as soloists and section players in a programme drawn from almost 100 years of jazz history as well as the classical and Scottish music traditions.

Nanguy, from Newton Mearns, won the Rising Star title at the Scottish Jazz Awards 2020 and Dumfries-born Shortall won the Best Band and Best Album prizes, with his group corto.alto, at the same awards. He also won the 2021 New Music Scotland Innovation in Jazz Award with the group. Both products of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s acclaimed jazz course, Nanguy and Shortall typify the zest and enthusiasm of the youthful Glasgow jazz scene that has attracted international interest.

“There are talented young jazz musicians materializing all over Scotland,” says SNJO founder-director, saxophonist Tommy Smith. “When the orchestra began, we wanted to showcase the high quality of Scottish jazz and having established a reputation as one of the world’s leading large-scale ensembles over the past twenty-five years, we want to reward ability and hard work among those young players by giving them a platform. It’s great to have their creativity and imagination, as well as their diligence, onstage with us.”

The LIVE at 25 concert programme includes music by leading jazz composers Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams and Neal Hefti and classical composer Leonard Bernstein. It also encompasses pieces by groups including Weather Report, Steps Ahead and Yellowjackets. Scottish elements, including an arrangement of Robert Burns’ My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose and an extract from Culloden Moor Suite, which the orchestra recorded with its composer, the late Glasgow-born saxophonist Bobby Wellins, also feature.

“We can’t wait to play together with an audience in the same room,” says Smith. “It’s been eighteen months since our previous live concert and although we’ve played online and recorded videos to keep in touch with everyone in the interim, nothing beats the physical thrill of performing with – and listening to – a big band in person.”

The Museum of Edinburgh which is housed in Huntly House, one of the most historic buildings on the Royal Mile reopens on 30 August 2021.

There are centuries of Edinburgh’s history among the various exhibits from both the Old and New Towns.

Highlights include:

• the National Covenant of 1638, which led to civil war.
• the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye terrier whose dogged devotion to his dead master touched the hearts of many and inspired numerous books and film adaptations.
• New Town designer James Craig’s iconic plans.
• First World War commander Earl Haig’s extensive collections are also on display.

The Museum also houses collections of decorative art which reveal a rich history of Scottish craftsmanship, from cut and engraved glass and intricately made silver from Edinburgh and Canongate, costume, longcase clocks, along with Scottish pottery and Scottish porcelain dating from the 1760s.

Cllr Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We’re so happy to be able to open the doors of our wonderful museum once again, the building itself is an experience with quirky rooms and turrets to explore.

“During the pandemic our Museum & Galleries service explored ways to engage with audiences virtually, creating online versions of exhibitions, digital lectures, podcasts and coming up with educational programmes that parents and teachers could use at home. However, the moment that our museum could once again welcome visitors physically has long been on our minds.”

Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener said: “Visitors are invited to discover Edinburgh’s fascinating history through the Museum of Edinburgh’s wide and varied collections of iconic items, beautiful objects as well as to learn fascinating facts and hear gruesome tales. The Museum is truly unique.

“The safety of our visitors and team is our main priority, and we’re following the latest government guidance to ensure the museum is Covid-secure.”

Entry to exhibitions is free. To help welcome all visitors back, staff will be on hand to explain the changes that have been put in place and to answer any questions. Visitors will be asked to observe social distancing, wear a face covering (unless exempt), use the hand-sanitiser and to check in via the NHS Test and Trace app. There is a one-way system to follow throughout.

With the loss of the Eastbourne Eagles from the SGB Championship, Berwick Speedway were left with a blank date to fill, so staged an exhibition challenge at Shielfield between a Berwick FTS Bandits select side against a Berwick Bullets select, writes Lawrence Heppell. Bandits won 50-40. Picture of Summers and Jakobsen by TazMcD Photography.

The tactical heats were set for four, six, seven, nine, 11, and 13, with a conventional opening in Heats one to three, with the sides tied at 9-9, however with Jye Etheridge and Danny Phillips nominated for the first tactical rides in Heat Four, and it was Etheridge for the Bandits who won well from the gate ahead of Phillips with Kieran Douglas of the Bandits holding Bullet Ryan Macdonald at the back in a 4-2 taking the score to 13-11.

Greg Blair put up an excellent chase for the Bandits behind the Bullets’ Dany Gappmaier who took third as Kasper Andersen (Bandit) took the win over Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen in a shared 3-3, the score now 16-14, and with Leon Flint nominated for the Bullets in the sixth, his win over Aaron Summers of the Bandits shared the race, 3-3 while Blair was nominated in Heat Seven for the Bandits and rode a blinder of a race chasing hard behind Flint all the way in a thrilling race, but it was a Bullets’ 2-4, the score now 21-21.

Buck Jakobsen was the Bullets’ nominee in Heat Nine alongside Macdonald, and it was a great race, led and won by Andersen, and Blair behind for most of the race until Busk Jakobsen took him on the run to the finish line in a great move, takin the result to a Bandits’ 4-2, and the score to 29-25.

Flint took his third win of the night in Heat 10 well over Summers and Etheridge of the Bandits in another shared 3-3, the score now Bandits 32, Bullets 28 while Bandit Summers, in Heat 11 as a nominee took a big early lead to win well as Busk Jakobsen (Bullets) had his bike grind to a halt in the Bandits’ 4-2, extending the lead to 36-30.

Ben Rathbone made a brilliant gate in Heat 12 to take a massive win over Watson as part of a Bandits’ 4-2 to put eight points between the side, 40-38, but a big win for Bullets’ Gappmaier from his nominated ride ahead of Summers and Flint, in a Bullets’ 2-4, narrowing the gap to Bandits 42 Bullets 36 with two races to go, but a Bandits’ 4-2 from the on-fire Andersen over Flint and Blair which took the score to 46-38 and handed the win to the Bandits with one to go.

Scott Courtney, club owner/promoter and one-off team manager for the Bullets, said: “It was a good night. Entertaining, and different.

“The exhibition has proven this format with six heats featuring nominated riders, decided by the team managers, works well and adds another dimension to the tactics of the match. We’re all happy with this experiment.”

Berwick FTS Bandits 50: Aaron Summers 2,2,2,3,2 = 11; Jye Etheridge 0,3,1*,3,1* = 8+2; Kasper Andersen 3,3,3,0,3 = 12; Greg Blair R,0,2,1,1,3 = 7; Ben Rathbone (captain) 3,0,1,3,1 = 8; Kieran Douglas 1,1,1,1 = 4

Berwick Bullets 40: Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 1,2,2,R,Ts = 5; Dany Gappmaier 3,1*,2,2,3 = 11; Leon Flint 2,3,3,3,1,2 = 14; Danny Phillips 1*,2*,1,0,0,2 = 6+1; Mason Watson (captain) 2,0,0,2,F = 4; Ryan Macdonald 0,0,N,0,0 = 0

Fife Flyers, sponsored by the UNISON Fife Health Branch, have confirmed the signing of experienced forward Greg Chase.

The 26-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada is a former seventh round draft pick for National Hockey League side Edmonton Oilers and he has iced in the Canadian WHL and the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League.

Chase started off his professional career in 2010/11 at WHL side the Calgary Hitmen until he moved to the Victoria Royals. In the Western Hockey League, the right-handed forward iced 265 times and scored 221 points.

He then moved to the United States where he played for Bakersfield Condors and the Norfolk Admirals.

Springfield Thunderbirds, Hartford Wolf Pack, Allen Americans, Maine Mariners and Wichita Thunder are some of his other clubs.

Todd Dutiaume (pictured), Fife Flyers’ head coach. said: “Greg’s resume speaks for itself. He instantly improves our line-up with proven offensive punch.

“He is familiar with a number of former Flyers’ players who helped get this signing over the line. This latest signing complements our young, talented, hungry bunch and we feel our forward line-up is shaping up nicely.”

What the Fork Monarchs have cut Perthshire-based William Lawson from the side and replaced him with teenager Anders Rowe (pictured) following his release by Redcar Bears.

Anders rode in this year’s British Final and started the season in superb form in the Premiership with several double-figure scores for Ipswich.

He then suffered knee ligament damage at King’s Lynn and missed much of July but has gradually been regaining his form since then.

The newcomer has raced Armadale twice, and on the second occasion he led skipper Sam Masters until the last bend.

Rowe admitted: “I hadn’t really expected to lose my place (at Redcar). I was just getting back on my feet after my injury and getting back to how I was. I was feeling comfortable on the bike again.”

The 19-year-old has ridden in Poland and believes that is something everyone should aim for.

Meanwhile, an in-form Kasper Andersen powered to 12 points as they defeated a Berwick Bullets Select 50-40 in a challenge match despite 14 points from rising star Leon Flint.

Hibs retained their place at the top of the league table with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Livingston at Easter Road this afternoon.

Hibs Head Coach Jack Ross made one change to the starting XI that drew with Dundee last weekend with Kevin Nisbet returning in place of Alex Gogic, James Scott made his home debut.

Photos by Ian Jacobs

Ahead of the game David Martindale bolstered his Livingston squad signing Belgian midfielder Stephane Omeonga, who had a spell with Hibs on loan from Genoa on a two-year deal following his exit from Pescara after their relegation to Italy’s third tier. He was illegible for today’s game.

In the first game with unlimited access the fans serenaded the players with a rendition of Sunshine on Leith and a giant roar from the singing section who have returned to the East Stand/

The first-half mainly consisted of Martin Boyle causing problems down the right wing but his crosses were all dealt with by the Livingston defence.

Neither side created any clear cut chances then just before the break Jamie Murphy took a knock and was replaced by fans favourite Scott Allan.

Photos by Ian Jacobs

Hibs took the lead five minutes after the restart when Nisbet controlled a long ball from Paul McGinn, turned his marker and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Moments later Nisbet was clattered by Obilleye but the referee waved play on to the fury of the home fans.

Boyle then had the fans on their feet with a mazy run only to be brought down on the edge of the area. Ryan Porteous took the resulting free-kick which hit the wall and was cleared.

Nisbet took a knock in the 68^th minute and was replaced by Drey Wright leaving Scott as the only lone striker.

In the dying minutes Boyle ran on to a pass from substitute Scott Allan and lifted the ball over the keeper from a tight angle inside the six-yard box to secure the three points.

After the final whistle Ross told BBC Scotland “It was a hard-fought win. We showed patience to get our couple of goals. We are still looking to strengthen the group before the end of the transfer window.

“You can see that the group is able to show patience. We do things the way we work on them.”

Livingston manager David Martindale added “There were seven of eight boys who gave me everything and a few were struggling with injury. I am delighted to have the international break, to be honest.

“It will give us a break to get boys back to fitness.”

Hibs: Macey; McGinn, Porteous, McGregor, Doig; Magennis, Doyle-Hayes, Boyle, Murphy; Nisbet, Scott. Substitutes: Dabrowski, Stevenson, Mackay, Gogic, Allan, Wright, Campbell.

Livingston: Stryjek; Devlin, Obileye, Fitzwater, Penrice; Holt, Shinnie, Williamson; Bailey, Forrest, Anderson. Substitutes – Barden, Kelly, Longridge, Jacobs, Sibbald, Panayiotou, Hamilton.

Referee:Steven McLean

Attendance:13,431

Edinburgh South West MP, Joanna Cherry, has called on The Scottish Government to hold a citizens’ assembly as a way of de-escalating increasing acrimony over government plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act (GRA). 

Ms Cherry has written to Shona Robison Cabinet Secretary Social Justice, Housing and Local Government welcoming the commitment to “doing politics better” in the SNP/Green co-operation agreement and shared policy programme. In recognition of the values espoused in the agreement, she has called on The Scottish Government to hold a citizens’ assembly to properly consider the highly contentious issue of Gender Recognition Act reform.

She has also called on the government to publish the long-awaited responses to the public consultation on GRA reform and the independent analysis commissioned by The Scottish Government which it received last May.

Ms Cherry said: “I welcome the commitment in the SNP/Green Co-operation agreement to doing politics better with mutual trust, respect, transparency and candour. Like many people, I support reform of the GRA to make it less traumatic for trans people to get a gender recognition certificate. This reflects the SNP manifesto commitment. What I and many others, do not support is self-identification of sex for anyone, which would negate the importance of sex in the legal protections afforded by the Equality Act, in the Criminal Justice system, in medical research and in many other important areas of public policy.

“The Shared Policy Programme commits to reform of the GRA with a bill to be introduced in this parliamentary session. Yet in relation to this most totemic and controversial legislation, the approach of the partners to the co-operation agreement has not, so far, lived up to the values they have now so clearly espoused. A reset of the debate is now badly needed, and I believe that it is not too late to do that… We need to find a way to facilitate a debate where the voices of all those affected by these reforms can be heard respectfully in line with the values-set out in the co-operation agreement and a full Citizens’ Assembly should be convened to do that. In Ireland, such assemblies dealt successfully with what were fraught debates on equal marriage and abortion rights and I believe in Scotland a Citizens Assembly could do the same for the debate on reform of the GRA.”

Public Health Scotland has just published the latest data on Covid-19 in Scotland. The number of new cases reported today is 5,858 and in Lothian the number of cases is 866.

If you wish to see the figures up to 3 August for each day (with some highs and lows from the past few months) then please read this article here, but for the sake of brevity this article now has August information only.

Scotland has now moved beyond Level 0 but the legal requirement for wearing masks in indoor settings is to be retained largely as it has been.

Deaths involving Covid-19 for Week 33: 16 – 22 August 2021

As at 22 August, 10,505 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

In the week 16 – 22 August, 41 deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, the same number as last week.

12 deaths were of people aged under 65, six were people aged 65-74 and there were 23 deaths of people aged 75 or over. 28 deaths were male, 13 were female.

City of Edinburgh, Fife, Scottish Borders and South Lanarkshire had the highest numbers of deaths at council level last week with four each. In total, 20 council areas had at least one death last week.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 1,163 – 171, or 17%, more than the five year average.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “The latest figures show that last week there were 41 deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This represents no change from the previous week.”

“Deaths from all causes were 17% higher than the five year average – the 13^th week in a row where we have seen a higher than average number of deaths.”

Beyond Level 0

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings has been removed from Monday 9 August when all venues across Scotland are able to re-open.

Some protective measures will stay in place such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. Capacity limits of 2000 people indoors and 5000 people outdoors will also remain in place although some exceptions may be possible on a case by case basis. These will be reviewed on a three weekly basis to ensure they remain proportionate.

Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will also no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days from 9 August. Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test. The same conditions will also apply to anyone aged between five and 17 years old, even if they have not been vaccinated. The requirement to take a PCR test will not apply to children under the age of five.

Test and Protect will also implement revised guidance for under 18s. This means that the blanket isolation of whole classes in schools will no longer happen and a targeted approach, that only identifies children and young people who are higher risk close contacts, will be adopted. Fewer young people will have to self-isolate, and most will be asked to self-isolate for a much shorter period of time. To allow time to monitor the impacts of these changes, the majority of the mitigations that were in place in schools in the previous term will be retained for up to six weeks. This will help support a safe and sustainable return to education after the summer break.

While the gateway condition on vaccination has been met, with 92% of those over the age of 40 protected by two doses of the vaccine, there are still many more people who have not had the vaccine, cannot have it, or are not yet eligible for it. Invitations for vaccines are now going out to 12 to 17 year olds with specific health conditions that make them more vulnerable to Covid. This follows the recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The government expects to have offered first doses to this group by the end of August.

The JCVI has now recommended vaccination to young people aged 16 and 17.

As we slowly get back to the return of the live show, this afternoon gig, one of two shows by Albarn at the EIF was wonderfully atmospheric.

The idea of a matinee gig was perhaps antiquated before lockdown but now seems to make sense. The Blur, Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad & The Queen frontman’s career has perhaps the most depth of his peers.

A list of collaborations is endless and the 53-year-old is now a well respected solo artist in his own right with 2018’s Mercury-nominated Everyday Robots and his forthcoming long-player The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows winning him much acclaim.

The Damon who first fronted Blur is still recognisable, there are moments of real showmanship with the audience in the palm of his hand, on tracks such as Lonely Press Play and Polaris later in the set.

Yes, the East-End of London born singer has lost none of his original charm when previewing this new work inspired by isolation and time spent in Iceland. The effortless beauty of Royal Morning Blue and The Tower of Montevideo provide some magical moments of melancholic wonder.

Former Verve guitarist Simon Jones brings an understated wizardry of own providing ambient, rich tones and echoes while sitting down throughout. Albarn pays tribute to drummer and Afrobeat legend, the late Tony Allen with a selection from The Good, The Bad & The Queen including a theatrical Nineteen Seventeen. The set ends with Blur’s This Is A Low, rather than shoehorning in songs by one of his old bands it’s a good fit for the set. The 1994 track still sounds strangely fresh and strangely current, abetted by a string quartet. Much like Bowie in the mid-90s, the set is carefully curated with older tracks called upon at the right moment.

Like his fellow Londoner, Albarn is moving forward with purpose and integrity providing some of the best work of his career long after a commercial peak. 

Members of the Scottish Green Party and members of the SNP have voted their approval of a deal which will lead to Scottish Green MSPs becoming Ministers in The Scottish Government.

Co-leaders of The Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, will become the first UK Green ministers in an agreement, not a full coalition of the two parties when deciding matters at Holyrood.

The draft agreement can be read in full here.

Mr Harvie said earlier in the week that the agreement will transform Scotland’s transport network with the budget for walking and cycling trebled to over £300 million, £5 billion for maintaining, improving and decarbonising the railways, ensuring that public transport is an affordable choice for all.

While the A9 dualling project will be completed, and safety improvement to the A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road will proceed, there will be a review of the possibility of dualling the A96 and the environmental impact that might have.

Patrick Harvie MSP said: “I am delighted that our party members have given their support to this historic cooperation agreement that will see Greens enter government for the first time in Scotland, or indeed anywhere in the UK. With Greens in government we will be able to deliver positive change for the people of Scotland.”

Lorna Slater MSP said: “Scottish Green Party members are thoughtful and considerate, and I am pleased that having discussed and debated this agreement in great detail they have decided to take this historic step into government. The time has come for Scotland to step up efforts to decarbonise our economy and invest in a fairer, greener future. There’s no time to waste and I’m looking forward to start work on our transformative agenda in the coming days.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am delighted that members of both the Scottish Green Party and the SNP have agreed that we should work together in the Scottish Government to build a greener, fairer, independent Scotland.

“This historic agreement will provide a strong platform for the transformative programme we want to deliver. We will work collaboratively to support a fair recovery from Covid, address with urgency the impacts of the climate emergency, and give the people of Scotland a vote on independence.

“The agreement recognises that co-operation and consensus are essential to finding the practical solutions to the big challenges we face, and it echoes the founding principles of our Parliament.

“While our parties do not agree on everything, we have much common ground. We also have a determination – and indeed a responsibility – to look beyond our differences to build a better country.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the Scottish Greens in government, and with all parties in parliament, to achieve this.”

Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar said:”This coalition of cuts is formalising a long-standing agreement where Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP hammer our public services and the Greens nod along.“This deal is all about the parties’ constitutional obsession and nothing to do with the climate emergency we should be focused on.“The SNP is desperate to avoid scrutiny and this coalition with their Green branch office is simply designed to make it harder for parliament to hold the First Minister to account.“Scottish Labour will focus on providing a real alternative that addresses our national recovery, protects the NHS and tackles the climate crisis.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “The Greens have gone into government in exchange for thin gruel. The SNP have hardly budged.

“Our planet is on the brink of being irreparably damaged. This is no moment for distraction. People will be scratching their heads about why they want to completely consume the precious little time left by returning to the divisive constitutional arguments of the past.

“If you want a party that will fight the climate emergency with ferocity but without the baggage of nationalism, come with the Scottish Liberal Democrats.”

Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “This coalition is all about prioritising division over what really matters to people – Covid recovery and climate recovery.
“It would be grossly irresponsible if the two parties seek to hold another divisive referendum against the wishes of the majority of people in Scotland and at a time when the focus should be on recovery.
“As part of the UK we can bring communities together and pool and share resources to build a successful recovery with nobody left behind.”

Police are appealing for information following a robbery in Edinburgh on Friday.

Around 7.45pm a man entered a store on Summer Place and threatened the staff member with a knife before making off with a three figure sum of cash.

The staff member was uninjured but left shaken as a result of the incident.

The male suspect is described as being around 5ft 10in in height and thought to be in his early 20s. He was wearing a black beanie hat, a face mask with a pattern, a two toned grey hooded zipper and black joggers.

He was riding a full suspension mountain bike.

Detective Constable Zaira Marker of Corstorphine CID said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the Summer Place area around that time who witnessed anything to please come forward.

“We would also appeal to any drivers who were in the area at the tie and who may have dash cam to review the footage and get in touch if you believe it may be able to assist us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 3607 of 27 August. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

When Ben Woodburn burst on to the scene with that 25-yard winner in Wales’ World Cup Qualifier against Austria, nobody would have expected the Liverpool youngster to be pulling on a Hearts’ jersey less than four years later. 

Loan spells at Oxford United, Blackpool and Sheffield United did not go as well as expected. The 21-year-old fancied a different type of challenge in Scotland, and is already impressed with his surroundings.

“Oriam is amazing. It’s probably one of the best training facilities I’ve ever been at. That’s obviously going to help with everything going on. It’s a massive club and I’m just excited about getting going.

“I think it’s just a different challenge for me. I felt like it would be a good way of showing what I can do. Hopefully I can repay Hearts in performances.

“Probably all the loans I’ve been on haven’t gone to plan for various reasons. But look, I’ve come back now and feel I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. I feel it’s the right time to show everyone what I can do. You could say that it’s a fresh start.”

The transfer appeared to be a done deal, but then Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp decided he wanted to keep Woodburn in and around the first team for a bit longer.

“I was on the bench against Norwich, so I was happy about that,” Woodburn admitted.

“Then I had a conversation with the gaffer, and he said he wanted me to stay for a few days and see what went on. Then a few lads came back from injury a bit quicker than everyone expected.  After that, they gave me the green light to go, and the gaffer helped me with coming here and he was massive for that.

“I just feel at the age I’m at now I need to play games week in, week out. With the players Liverpool have got, it’s going to be tough to do that. Obviously Hearts have some great players here, but I just feel I have better chance of doing that here.”

Woodburn played under Rangers’ manager Steven Gerrard in Liverpool’s youth academy and revealed he also spoke to the Reds full back Andy Robertson, who has previous experience of Scottish football. 

“I spoke to Robbo pretty briefly. He said he knew a few of the boys and that I’d enjoy it because they’re great lads, so I took that on board.”

Woodburn will link up with Beni Baningime at Hearts, a player he said he knows all about.  

“I played against Beni a good few times back in the day. We had some good battles. I’ve spoken to him now we get on well. I’m excited to play with him as he’s a great player.”

Woodburn’s Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season and having spoken with manager Jurgen Klopp, he explained his only focus is on football.

“He [Klopp] just wants to see me progress and hopefully show the people at Liverpool that I can maybe compete with all the players there. I’m really just focusing on the football. I feel that if I perform well here then everything else will fall into place.”

Having come up through the ranks at Anfield, talent was all around Woodburn, but the one player who’s style he wanted to implement most was Liverpool’s Brazilian winger, Philippe Coutinho. 

“The one I looked up to was Coutinho. He was ridiculous, the things he’d do were mind-blowing. 

“The last few years now, it’s been Mane and Salah, they’re different level, physically, mentally, the way they play, the way they score goals and it’s only helped me.”

Hearts travel to Tannadice on Saturday and Woodburn will be eligible to make his debut, the forward admitted he is already loving working with his new boss Robbie Neilson on the training pitch. 

“I really enjoy working with him. I think he’s got a good style of play and he’s good to work with, so hopefully we have a good connection.” 

We join sisters Dora and Maddy described as “chalk and chips” in their Midlothian allotment arguing and fighting as children, teenagers and adults.

One sister is over-protective of the other leaving Maddy played by Nicola Jo Cullen to feel restricted and always at odds with her elder sibling. Gowan Calder as Dora performs a memorable version of Blondie’s Tide Is High summing how pop music in the late 70s and early 80s was about more than just a chart hit.

Old buried artefacts in the allotment such as an old teddy bear and doll represent a buried past and there are several unanswered questions and no tidy ending to the story.

As the seasons change the allotment provides an ever-reliable crop of potatoes, one of the few perks, as Dora suggests for “a ridiculous amount of effort”. But of course, that’s not the point of time spent in this space.

It’s close to a sold-out event on a hot August afternoon as butterflies and bird-song add an extra dynamic to the general ambience. On a day like this the area and venue lack amenities, with nowhere to buy a cuppa or use the facilities this feels like a missed opportunity.

But that aside this is a well-written and excellently acted play that draws you in gently and leaves you ruminating on long after the event. 

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/allotment

TWO PERFORMANCES ON SATURDAY WILL FINISH THE RUN – CATCH IT WHILE YOU CAN

Berwick made one change, Greg Blair coming in for Kyle Bickley, for their visit to title-chasing Glasgow Tigers who drafted Richard Lawson and Tom Brennan in as guests, writes Lawrence Heppell. The Borders club lost 54-36 despite Kasper Andersen (pictured by TaxMcd) scoring 16 points.

Lawsen was in Heat One for the absent Craig Cook but it was emerging star, Leon Flint who gated fastest, holding off Lawson on bends one and two before pulling away to take an great win, but at the back Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen ground to a halt with machine trouble in a shared 3-3.

Heat Two put two points between the sides, a win for Justin Sedgmen from the gate followed by Kasper Andersen who had to work hard to keep Connor Bailey in third, while Blair also had a retirement while at the back with the score at 7-5, while skipper Jye Etheridge gated well in the third only for Sam Jensen and Tom Brennan to pass him on the back straight, however Brennan fell and remounted, to finish last in the 3-3, as Glasgow led 10-8.

Aaron Summers became Berwick’s second heat winner in Heat Four having passed Bailey on bend two, while Blair took another fall on the second lap in a third shared race, with the Bandits’ deficit still only two points, however Heat Five was looking good for Berwick with Flint away in front until Busk Jakobsen and Jensen were battling inches apart for third, when Jensen went down and the referee excluded the Berwick man as the cause calling for a re-run without him after a significant delay to fix the fence. The re-run Flint did it again having passed Brennen off bend two in a 3-3, moving the scores onto 16-14.

Heat Seven looked like another 3-3, with led by Ricky Wells ahead of Etheridge and Gappmaier, but Sedgmen then powered up and passed both Bandits off bend two in a home maximum 5-1, extending their lead to 24-18, while the 3-3s were back in Heat Eight, won by Andersen after he passed Bailey on the second bend, but out of character, Flint was stuck at the back with the score at 27-21.

Heat Nine was again shared, before Flint was brought into the 10th as a tactical substitute for Gappmaier, but it was Broc Nicol who led from the gate to win with Flint in second until Lawson turned the screws and powered up behind the Bandits, going under him off bend two of the second lap for a second home 5-1, but now Berwick trailed by 10, 35-25, but Berwick’s hard work throughout had kept them still within striking distance with five races to go.

Unfortunately, Glasgow had taken a liking to maximums as Wells and Sedgmen taking the five, although Flint in third made Sedgmen work to the flag for his points, but with the score now 40-26, things were looking bleak for the Bandits, and despite a great win for Andersen in Heat 12, after passing Bailey, the third place for Brennan over Etheridge took another 3-3, and with the scores now 43-29, and mathematically Glasgow had won with three heats remaining.

Team manager Gary Flint said: “Poor Nikolaj had a complete mare. We know he’s a class act,. We know he’ll come good again.

“Kasper was excellent again at Reserve and got us important points all through the match, while Leon started like a train, but found things harder later on.

“All-in-all, at the home of a club battling for the league title, this wasn’t half a bad Berwick performance. Pride to be had I think, just a shame we lost ground in the closing stages.”

Glasgow Tigers 54: Richard Lawson (guest) 2,3,2*,3,2 = 12+1; Broc Nicol 1*,0,1*,3 = 5+2; Tom Brennan (guest) 0,2,0,1* = 3+1; Sam Jensen 3,1*,3,3 = 10+1; Ricky Wells (c) 2,3,3,1 = 9; Justin Sedgmen (r) 3,2*,2*,2*,X = 9+3; Connor Bailey (r) 1,1*,2,2,0 = 6+1

Berwick FTS Bandits 36: Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen R,X,0,N = 0; Leon Flint 3,3,0,1,1 = 8; Jye Etheridge (c) 2,1,0,0 = 3; Dany Gappmaier 1*,0,1,N = 2+1; Aaron Summers 3,1*,2,0,1 = 7+1; Kasper Andersen (r) 2,2,1*,3,3,2,3 = 16+1; Greg Blair (guest) (r) R,F,0,N = 0

Opening a café during a pandemic is a brave move but the owners of Hata on Rodney Street in Canonmills say it has been a promising start. Opened at the end of 2020, this little coffee shop sits at a busy junction in this increasingly lively area. 

The name Hata derives from the Polish word chata which has connotations of homeliness. Run by Andrew Rennie and Agata Rudzka, the café was inspired by a 10 month trip they took together in 2019. They had for some time wanted to run their own business and took inspiration from the food and drink they discovered on their trip. As Andrew and Agata said: “We just wanted to take on a challenge and to see it through”. They see the café as a continuation of their trip – “developing our idea and to see where it takes us – hopefully enough people will like what we are doing to enjoy the journey with us”.  

After some time trying to find the right location, they both had a gut feeling that this was the right spot. The couple said: “We both knew as soon as we saw this one, that it was the one. We spoke to other businesses in the area and got a really good feeling for it and what was on offer already. We felt that we wanted to be part of that. With places such as the Bearded Baker, Marshmallow Lady and One Canonmills nearby, it’s clearly a rapidly developing area for food and coffee.“

They use coffee beans by Kinross based Unorthodox Roasters. They chose Unorthodox after a blind tasting of beans from eight different roasteries – mainly local ones. They have since built up a good relationship with Unorthodox.

They said: “It all came down to taste really and we really liked the two owners of Unorthodox who run it and have become great friends. The main coffee that we use in their espresso is the Wee Stoater (from Fazenda Cachoeira in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil), which has chocolate, caramel and hazelnut notes. Hata also sell a range of beans and ground coffee by Unorthodox. In addition, we’ve recently started to stock ceramics from the Dutch brand HK Living.“

Other popular drinks served at Hata include their beetroot hot chocolate, chai lattes (both by Unorthodox) and dirty chais (chai latte mixed with espresso). They also serve a selection of green, black and fruit teas.  

Their simple food offering includes porridge with a range of accompaniments – honey, banana or home-made berry compote or their ‘goawesome’ porridge; specials with  more extravagant home-made toppings, home-made granola with yogurt and berry compote, home-made soups and weekly special sandwiches, with one hot and two deli sandwich specials available every week. Bakery includes home-made cakes, brownies and biscuits – including gluten free and vegan options.  

Hata’s close proximity to King George V Park and walking routes such as the Water of Leith Walkway have helped it become a popular takeaway. When the basement area is fully renovated, Hata will have seating capacity for 16. 

Andrew and Agata managed to remain busy throughout the lockdown period, which they had prepared for. They said: “It ‘was always part of the business plan that we would possibly have to close or reduce to takeaway only.”

The regular, long weekend queues suggest that they are already a hit with Canonmills residents.  

Hata 5 Rodney St, Edinburgh EH7 4EA  

What the Fork Monarchs were beaten 50-40 by SGB Championship leaders Poole Pirates despite skipper Sam Masters (pictured) collecting his highest single meeting points score of 19.

Now, Monarchs will need to improve in their remaining fixtures if they want to clinch a place in the end-of-season play-offs.

The writing was on the wall as the home side went six points behind by Heat 4. They shared the next two heats,

Monarchs then fought back to level, taking 5-1s in Heats 7 and 9. However Poole regained the initiative and were comfortable winners.

With injured Richie Worrall still missing and the proposed guest Nick Morris ruled out after crashing the night before. the sterling efforts of the home top three (Masters, Josh Pickering and Kye Thomson) were never going to be enough without a notable contribution from the lower part of the team.

That sadly was not forthcoming and Masters admitted “They (Poole) are not only the form team in the league, but they are really good here at Armadale.

“Also we didn’t have Richie who is one of the best riders on this track. If we’re using rider replacement and some riders aren’t on, it’s tough. We all tried hard but it wasn’t enough.”

Edinburgh Monarchs (40): Sam Masters 19+0, William Lawson 2+0, Kye Thomson 9+2, Josh Pickering 8+2, Richie Worrall 0+0, Drew Kemp 0+0, Nathan Greaves 2+0

Poole Pirates (50): Rory Schlein 9+1, Benjamin Basso 5+1, Stevie Worrall 11+1, Stefan Nielsen 2+1, Danny King 7+1, Ben Cook 5+1, Danyon Hume 11+0

One of the problems encountered on the new Queensferry Crossing in the four years since it opened has been the ice falling from the cables. Now the cables on the north tower will be cleaned as part of a trial to mitigate the impact of soiling on the formation of ice.

Teams of rope access technicians will abseil from the top of the 207-metre high concrete tower and give the cables a wash and brush up with soap and water. This will clean the polyethylene sheaths which encase the steel strands of the cables.

The work will begin on Monday 30 August and will take around six weeks. There are 96 cables to be cleaned ranging from 94 metres to 420 metres long. The total distance to be cleaned is 24 kilometres. There will be a 40 mph speed limit in place during the works from Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s Unit Bridges Manager for South East Scotland, explains: “Since the Queensferry Crossing opened to traffic, dust and dirt has accumulated on the cables. These tiny particles may be helping ice to accrete as crystals form around them.

“The first cables were installed in 2015 and there are no records of any ice forming on them until 2019.

“By cleaning the cables on one tower we will be able to measure the impact this has. As part of the project, thermal cameras are being installed at the top of each tower to monitor and measure any formation of ice.

“On this occasion the cleaning will be carried out by rope access technicians, however work is also progressing on the design of a machine to carry out this task in future, should the trial prove successful.

“We appreciate that some drivers may find the reduced speed limit during the works frustrating, however this is an essential safety measure and will only be implemented when necessary.”

The Queensferry Crossing has had to close to traffic in adverse weather three times since it opened in 2017, due to a risk of ice falling from the cables and towers. Since then, a team of engineers led by Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland has been investigating potential measures to mitigate or prevent the problem.

The team identified soiling of the cables as a potential catalyst for the formation of ice and is now to test the theory.

In parallel to the trial taking place on the bridge, tests are also scheduled in October at the Jules Verne climatic wind tunnel, a research facility at the Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB) in Nantes, France. This major research facility can replicate all kinds of weather conditions, including different atmospheric phenomena occurring simultaneously. This will allow the BEAR Scotland team to test the impact of cleaning and of specialised coatings and deicing compounds on a full-size section of Queensferry Crossing cable.

Chris Tracey said: “We’ve already installed a range of sensors to measure the conditions in which ice forms, and these trials will further improve our understanding of the process. The ultimate aim is to design measures to mitigate or prevent the problem.”