The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has announced cinch, the UK’s fastest-growing online used car marketplace, as its new title sponsor in a five-year deal that will run until the 2025/26 season.

The long-term agreement, which will span all four divisions, represents the largest title sponsorship deal in the SPFL’s history.

With immediate effect, Scotland’s professional football leagues will be known as the cinch Premiership, cinch Championship, cinch League 1 and cinch League 2. cinch will also become the League’s Official Car Partner, with the company’s logo incorporated into the League’s composite logo which appears on every player’s sleeve.

This significant investment in the SPFL by cinch builds on an impressive roster of high-profile sponsorship deals with some of the country’s best-loved sports brands, including the ECB, as Principal Partner of England Cricket; Tottenham Hotspur, the LTA for the cinch Championships; the Northampton Saints and The British Motor Show.

cinch also recently announced its headline sponsorship deal of five Live Nation music festivals, including Latitude, Creamfields, TRNSMT, Isle of Wight Festival and Edinburgh Summer Sessions.

SPFL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, said: “This is an enormously significant partnership for our member clubs, and for Scottish football as a whole. Our discussions with cinch have been extremely positive and the duration of the sponsorship agreement demonstrates their long-term commitment to Scottish football.

“Despite the economic situation and the challenging nature of the global sponsorship industry generally, this is the largest-ever sponsorship in the SPFL era. It’s a ringing endorsement of the enduring popularity of Scottish football, not only north of the border but right around the world.

“It’s an exciting time for the Scottish game and I look forward to building on this new partnership as we continue to showcase Scottish football and maximise its exposure to a global audience.”

Robert Bridge, cinch Chief Customer Officer, said: “We are delighted to support the SPFL and welcome them to our high-profile family of sports sponsorships. It’s another great win for cinch that will play such an important role in putting us and our customers at the centre of some fantastic sporting moments.

“Scottish football has a UK audience of over 20 million but more importantly, it is the heartbeat of the Scottish community. As football fans make a return to stadiums for the new season cinch looks forward to being there alongside them for all those celebratory moments we’ve missed so much as we continue to make buying a car as faff-free as possible across Scotland and the UK.”

A 65-year-old man who was convicted of possession of indecent images and videos of children, along with indecent behaviour of a sexual nature towards children was sentenced to 30-month imprisonment at Livingston Sheriff Court today

Detective Inspector Adrian Ure, National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Police Scotland commented on the behaviour of Cyril Jenkins and encouraged anyone with concerns about children who are at risk of abuse to get in touch.

He said: “Jenkin’s behaviour was deplorable and showed complete and utter disregard for the young victims depicted both in the images he was viewing and the offences he was committing. 

“He believed that the internet would provide anonymity and allow him to undertake the online aspect of his offending undetected. This was not the case, and as a result of our investigation he will now rightly face the consequences of his actions.

“Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence and is a priority for Police Scotland.”

“We would encourage anyone with concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact Police Scotland immediately.”

Council officers have made their recommendations to the members of the Transport Committee who meet next Thursday, regarding what will happen to the Spaces for People measures put in on the city’s streets over this last year.

The temporary schemes have come under fire on several counts: for example the lack of consultation required to introduce the measures and the criticism of the appearance of the temporary cones and wands which have not lasted well in some places.

Now the council will remove some of the road closures and retain others. The headlines are that streets such as Victoria Street and Cockburn Street, Silverknowes Road and Braid Road will remain closed as they are at present. The temporary crossing at Maybury Road will be retained, but all of these traffic schemes will be different in a highly technical sense. The devil is in the detail and a list of proposed measures will be included in the Transport Committee papers and some are set out at the foot of this article.

The £5.25 million Covid-19 Spaces for People programme was introduced in 2020 to give pedestrians, cyclists and those wheeling a pram or in a wheelchair more space on the roads and pavements in the city. It was funded by The Scottish Government and as at January 2021 had provided 39 km of segregated cycle lanes, 11 widened footpaths, three city centre pedestrian zones, seven areas for safe access to Spaces for Exercise, 10 road closures around schools and 54 measures at schools to reduce the risk of infection.

Moving forward there will be no Spaces for People measures as introduced under Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs), but some will remain in place as experimental projects within the council’s overarching transport policy. You can read about the future experimental projects below.

It is worth stating again the processes under which the schemes were introduced. The measures which are to be retained will be covered by an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). Until now the temporary schemes introduced under Covid emergency legislation were introduced under TTROs where there was thought to be a specific risk to the public and public health.

The difference between TTROs and ETROs is a clear one. ETROs are available to the council to experiment with traffic arrangements and learn from any experiment, and for that learning to feed into potential future transport schemes. The council agreed in January 2021 that they would use the ETRO process for future road traffic layouts after the pandemic.

The best example of an ETRO being used in this way is George Street. The council experimented with road traffic measures there, both during the festival season and outside it, for about eighteen months (which is the longest time that an ETRO can be put in place for). The learning from that has been fed into the new George Street scheme which is now going through the statutory processes. The ETRO process involves public advertisement in newspapers and on lampposts, and consultation, with formal objection stages throughout the period if the scheme is then to be moved on to a permanent one.

Post-pandemic plans

TTROs were used to introduce measures to protect the public, but are no longer appropriate in the days when, although recently cases of Covid-19 in Edinburgh have been on the rise, it is hoped the situation can be truly described as post-pandemic.

The council will use ETROs in most cases to specifically try out measures to meet transport and mobility policies set out in the City Mobility Plan approved by council in February 2021. The new or retained measures have different purposes entirely from the Spaces for People arrangements.

The new ETRO-based measures will allow the council to look at the city’s transport network over the next year or so with enhanced active travel options actually in place with real-time traffic. Changes can be made to the measures and reports will be regularly considered by the Transport Committee during the 18 month period.

The City Mobility Plan includes the results of three years of discussion, and sets out the council policy for reducing emissions from transport which is the single biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The headline in the plan is that Edinburgh needs mobility systems in the next decade which are “carbon emission free, efficient, accessible and affordable”. It is within that policy, as well as the council’s plans to become net zero carbon by 2030 that all new active travel measures are now introduced.

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Transport and Environment Convener Cllr Lesley Macinnes said: “Over the last year we’ve responded to an emergency situation, making great strides to provide families with protected spaces to exercise, to help people cycle safely to work and to give the public room to physically distance while spending time in local shopping streets. We know people have benefited from the changes and we want to see if we can keep as many as possible of the project benefits as we hopefully move out of the COVID pandemic.

“As we look toward the end of the pandemic, we want to make a sustainable, successful recovery. By helping people to walk, cycle and wheel, many of the changes we’ve made to streets will support this, as well as our broader ambitions to achieve carbon neutrality, reduce air pollution and to improve the quality of life for all those who live in and visit Edinburgh.

“Projects have been controversial, and some groups, notably those representing people with mobility and visual impairments, have raised concerns about their impacts, especially on parking. Other concerns include ‘floating’ car parking and impacts on traffic levels on some roads. I’m committed to making sure we listen to feedback and make improvements as we move into a new stage of trialling projects. I want the measures we keep in the longer term to get the balance right, working for everyone.”

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Cllr Karen Doran said: “When we agreed to explore retaining some of these changes longer term, we recognised how beneficial they could be to encouraging active travel, improving road safety and reducing air pollution, amongst other positive impacts.

“We’re committed to delivering these benefits, but we want to bring the public with us. By extending the life of any of these measures on a trial basis, we’ll be able to continue monitoring schemes and working with communities to shape and enhance them while they’re in place.”

FUTURE ACTIVE TRAVEL MEASURES

On an experimental basis, with real traffic returning to our city streets, the council proposes that several of the Spaces for People schemes are retained for up to 18 months, although as explained above they are technically different schemes.

These include:

• Victoria Street pedestrian priority and closure to through traffic
• Cockburn Street pedestrian priority and closure to through traffic
• Waverley Bridge to remain closed to traffic with a taxi rank in place at the top of the Waverley Ramp
• South Queensferry High Street
• Protected cycle lanes in places such as Ferry Road, Duddingston Road, Comiston Road, the A1 and the A90.
• Leisure connections will be mostly retained – Cammo Walk, Maybury Road, Silverknowes Road, West Shore Road, Starbank Road, King’s Place, Seafield Street, Braid Road (one way southbound), and Arboretum Place.
• full road closure at Sciennes Primary School and James Gillespie’s Primary School and the associated Meadows to Greenbank Quiet Connection.

The measures introduced to Forrest Road and George IV Bridge will be removed as there are already legal orders in place for that area – so there is no legal requirement for experimentation. The permanent traffic arrangements will be introduced here under the Meadows to George Street project. (We encourage you to click this link to the main information page about this project which the council hope to begin building in 2021/22. There are plans with detailed visualisations of what will be put in on the ground as a permanent structure.) This area has been popular with those using the segregated cycle lanes and the council officers hope to be able to put new permanent layouts in place as quickly as they can.

The shopping street measures in Stockbridge, Morningside, Portobello and Broughton Street (although the measures at the roundabout will stay in place) will be removed, except for some specific “pinch points”. Redesigns are planned for shopping streets in the future but will not be covered by experimental orders at present. This work is included in the 20 minute neighbourhood plans which the council has just approved. We asked specifically the question about paying for all removals and were advised that the removal costs are included and budgeted for in the Spaces for People funding.

Where cycle lanes are retained the council has confirmed it will examine any improvements that can be made to adjusting any floating parking bays for example to minimise conflict.

Links Gardens at Leith Links will be reopened during the remainder of the tramworks, but may be included in the new Low Traffic Neighbourhood planned for Leith.

The council aims to keep all measures around schools in place and will discuss possibilities of developing measures at schools which at present only have part time measures. They will talk to headteachers, parents and parents organisations about the comprehensive designs which are considered to be needed.

Plans will be drawn up for an active travel link between Portobello and Musselburgh as promoted by Spokes Porty during a deputation to council earlier in the year, and the council officers hope thise will be introduced under experimental orders as well as a cycle lane on Orchard Brae which also appears to have public support.

Council decision

The council conducted a public consultation and market research alongside it. Council transport officers have also carried out a technical review of road traffic arrangements with a view to using the ETRO process, and any new schemes have to sit within the strategic transport policies already agreed by the council.

The Transport and Environment Committee will discuss all of this report at their 17 June 2021 meeting and move forward in accordance with the committee’s decision. It should be noted however that any Spaces for People measures may not be removed immediately – they will be removed when public health permits.

The council is planning to introduce a Low Emission Zone in the city centre. It has been talking about it since 2018 and now a plan has been drawn up for approval by the Transport Committee at its next meeting. But the structure for the new city centre LEZ will not happen overnight.

If the committee gives it the go ahead next week, then there will be 12 weeks of public consultation and then the council will begin the statutory process, hoping to introduce the scheme next year.

When it is in place all vehicles will have to meet certain emissions standards before entering the zone. Those which do not will be charged with £60 penalty tickets (halving if paid in 30 days in the same way as a parking ticket).

But the council will introduce a two year grace period meaning that penalties will actually only be enforced from Spring 2024.

A public consultation was already conducted in 2019 when responses showed mixed views on the proposal as far as boundaries were concerned, although most were concerned about clean air.

Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As we approach Clean Air Day, which aims to tackle air pollution and its harmful effects on our health and wellbeing, it’s fitting that we’re progressing our own plans to significantly improve air quality in the city.

“A great deal of analysis and monitoring has gone into the latest proposals for a Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh. This takes into account the urgent need to lower emissions for the good of our health, while remaining aware of the impact on local businesses, residents and on traffic patterns.

“We know from our consultation in 2019 that lowering air pollution matters to everyone, so I look forward to hearing from the public on the preferred option, if approved by committee.”

Cllr Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “We have committed to introducing a Low Emission Zone, both under the national drive to implement LEZs across the country but also through the City Mobility Plan, as part of our plans to deliver a more sustainable, environmentally friendly transport future in Edinburgh.

“We will continue to work closely with residents, businesses and stakeholders as we move a step closer to its introduction, ensuring everyone is well prepared for the changes.”

The various options open to Edinburgh were developed using a framework set up by SEPA and this has led to the city centre being the only area being proposed for LEZ restrictions rather than the wider city.

A spammer set up a bot to submit more than 18,000 fake responses all strongly opposed to the Spaces for People consultation.

This was identified and removed by council officers and the council has confirmed that it will have no effect on the outcome of the consultation.

The council will consider the outcome of the consultation amid recommendations by officers to retain some of the Spaces for People measures set up in the last year, while dismantling others. We are reporting the outcome separately under Council news.

Read the report on the Council website and watch the discussion live via webcastfrom 10am on Thursday, 17 June.

The matter has been reported to Police Scotland. The council has also taken further action to prevent future fraudulent activity of this kind in consultations.

Hibs’ striker Ryan Shanley is ‘buzzing’ to have joined Edinburgh City on a season long loan deal.

The highly rated youngster made his Hibs first team debut in 2020 and has had several loan spells with Finn Harps, Forfar Athletic, Civil Service Strollers and Kelty Hearts.

Manager Gary Naysmith told ECFC TV: “I can confirm that we have secured the signing of Ryan Shanley on a season long loan from Hibernian. Ryan is an Edinburgh boy and we are delighted that he has decided to join the club for the season ahead.

“Ryan, 20, has came through the ranks at Hibernian and has already made a few first team appearances. Although primarily a striker, he can also play in several other positions at the top end of the pitch and he will undoubtably boost out attacking options for the season ahead.

“I must thank everyone at Hibernian for helping us finalise this deal, especially Jack Ross & Graeme Mathie”.

Shanley told ECFC TV: “I am buzzing to have signed on loan for Edinburgh City and I can’t wait to get started. I am looking forward to the season ahead and hope that once again we will be fighting for promotion. I have worked with Grant Murray in the past and so I know the kind of standards to expect and looking forward to working with the manager who has brought me into the Club.”

Shanley is the latest new recruit, following Callum Tapping, James Hilton and Lewis Kidd as Gary Naysmith continues to put his stamp on the squad.

Hearts fans have once again put their hands in their pockets to support the club racking up nearly 4,000 season tickets in the full price renewal window. 

The number is expected to get even bigger when the renewal window opens on Friday afternoon for supporters utilising their leftover credits from the previous season. 

The season ticket news caps off a fantastic week off the pitch for the Jambos with the news breaking yesterday that after just a single day of sales, the new third kit has become the fastest selling non-home kit ever. 

Supporters were calling for a strip that resembled the popular 93/94 away strip with an Inter Milan black and blue stripes style and the club have delivered it on a plate for the fans to snap up.

Earlier in the week Hearts also struck a new sponsorship deal with MND Scotland, meaning that for every Hearts home strip sold, the club will make a contribution to MND Scotland and MND Association. 

Stockbridge based charity, LifeCare Edinburgh, is inviting local people to sign up to take part in its varied calendar of virtual community events.  

Funded in partnership with Inverleith Neighbourhood Network, Foundation Scotland and The TOR Foundation locals can take part for free. Events include history talks, quizzes, conversation groups discussing current affairs and special events such as the recent private virtual visit to Edinburgh Zoo.   

The local charity offers registered care, outreach activities and help at home services for older people living across the North of the city. Established in 1941, the organisation supports over 800 elderly clients a year including those suffering with dementia, mobility issues, those experiencing isolation and loneliness, food poverty, mental health problems and support for carers.  The charity usually delivers its calendar of community events in-person at the LifeCare Centre on Cheyne Street, however organisers set up the sessions through Zoom in response to the pandemic.   

LifeCare understands that some people need a little encouragement and support to get started using Zoom.  Organisers therefore offer free, safely delivered one-to-one support for individuals to get started with the IT platform ensuring they have the skills and confidence to use technology to be part of their community. 

Aleks Pacula, LifeCare’s Community Engagement Facilitator said “We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to continue our successful calendar of events across the last year – we have more people signed up than ever before. Shifting the delivery from in-person to Zoom had a few challenges at first but everyone is very much enjoying it now and it’s allowing more people to take part. We all look forward to the sessions – it gives us a chance to catch up with each other safely, see a friendly face, have some fun together and learn new things about where we live. 

“We’ve received a lot of feedback telling us that the talks bring back fond memories and give people the opportunity to share life-experiences with others. Our free tutorials helping people to use Zoom for the first time have been very popular.  I know our regulars found the help really useful at the start and they are unstoppable now!  We regularly update our calendar of events online so visit the LifeCare website to find out more and get involved.” 

The charity has already announced a few highlights to look forward to across the summer. In addition to their usual weekly schedule of events they will be hosting “Lothian castles on film” by Anne Daly on Tuesday 29th June at 3pm, “The visit of George IV to Scotland in 1822” by Eric Melvin on Tuesday 27th July at 3pm and “Greek inscriptions in Edinburgh” by Ian McHaffie on Tuesday 24th August at 3pm. 

 Gavin Barrie, Chair of Inverleith Neighbourhood Network said “We are extremely pleased to hear about the success of LifeCare’s Community Engagement Project. The important project reaches out to some who may be suffering isolation in our community.  The programme demonstrates all that is good when various arms of our community pull together to assist those in need of support. We were delighted to help LifeCare achieve its aims of engaging with local members of our community.” 

Beverley Francis, Chair of LifeCare said “A huge thanks to our generous funders for enabling LifeCare to continue to deliver and grow our important calendar of community engagement activities.  These events deliver huge benefits to those in our communities in normal times, but they are even more important through the current time. Activities are designed to keep people connected, give something to look forward to and to provide something stimulating for health and wellbeing needs.  We are encouraging anyone that is interested to get in touch to find out more.” 

LifeCare Edinburgh is a registered charity and relies on the support of its funders.  Key relationships include Barclays, The TOR Foundation, Foundation Scotland, Tesco Bank and all the many local people who take part in community fundraising events.  

https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/lifecare-space/whats-on/ 

Firefighters are currently dealing with a blaze at a property in Craigentinny Road.

Emergency services  were called to the scene at around 12.50pm this afternoon and four people have received treatment from ambulance staff.

The road between Craigentinny Avenue and Restalrig Drive are closed due to this incident.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 12.49pm on Friday, June 11 to reports of a fire at a flat on Craigentinny Road, Edinburgh.

“Operations Control mobilised four appliances and one aerial rescue pump to the scene.

“Four casualties are in the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“Crews are currently still in attendance.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.50pm on Friday, 11 June, we received a report of a fire at a property on Craigentinny Road in Edinburgh.

“Emergency services are in attendance and the road is currently closed from Craigentinny Avenue to Restalrig Drive.”

SCOTLAND’S largest dental group is celebrating its 50^th acquisition with an online competition, with 50 prizes to be won.

Glasgow-based Clyde Munro Dental Group hit the milestone figure six years after Founder and CEO, Jim Hall acquired the first seven practices in 2015.

To celebrate, Clyde Munro will be hosting a competition on its Facebook page for two weeks with 50 prizes on offer, winners will be announced on 15 June.

The top prize, worth more than £600, will be a ‘Gold Hamper’ including a gold Apple iPad Mini, a Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean electric toothbrush, a Philips Sonicare AirFloss, toothpaste, and a gold water bottle.

There are also 49 runner-up prizes available which include a Philips Sonicare Daily clean electric toothbrush and whitening toothpaste.

Alexandra MacNicol, Head of Marketing with Clyde Munro, said: “It is a tremendous achievement to hit this milestone so we wanted to do something special to celebrate. This giveaway will be our biggest to date.

“It is our ambition to become Scotland’s local dentist, with each of our devoted practices providing the best dental care, while reflecting the needs and character of its community.”

The competition is open to people who live in Scotland. To enter the giveaway, entrants must like and comment on the competition post stating where in Scotland they are most looking forward to visiting when Government guidelines allow.

The winner of the ‘Gold Hamper’ and the 49 runner-up prizes will be announced on Clyde Munro’s Facebook page shortly after the competition closes.

Full terms and conditions for the competition can be found on Clyde Munro’s website here

Clyde Munro is an entirely Scottish-based and Scottish-focused dental group, founded by Jim Hall in 2015. Practices which join the group benefit from support with business functions including HR, accounts, marketing, compliance and facilities management.

Clyde Munro now comprises of 51 practices across Scotland, with more than 400,000 patients.

The number of cases of Covid-19 in Scotland were announced by Public Health Scotland today and are reported below.

Public Health Scotland say that today’s national figure is affected by slower processing at the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab. Yesterday’s figure is estimated to be about 150 to 200 cases lower than it really was – so today’s figure is by consequence inflated.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, explained in an address to parliament on Tuesday afternoon that there will be no immediate changes to the Covid levels of protection which currently apply to different parts of Scotland. Ms Sturgeon said: “It is exactly six months since the first Covid vaccine was administered in Scotland and progress since then has been remarkable.

“As of 7.30 this morning, 3,403,866 people in Scotland have received their first dose of the vaccine.

“That is an increase of 17,545 since yesterday, and means that almost exactly three quarters of the adult population in Scotland has now received a first dose of vaccine.

“In addition, 30,944 people received their second dose yesterday, which brings the total number of second doses to 2,282,203 – that means more than half of the adult population is now fully vaccinated with two doses.

“These are significant and really heartening milestones, and as ever, I want to thank everyone involved in delivering the programme.

Tuesday’s announcement means that Edinburgh remains in Level 2 for now in view of rising case numbers over recent weeks.

As at 6 June, 10,130 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on Wednesday.

In the week 31 May – 6 June, eight deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, the same number of deaths as the previous week. 

There were three deaths in South Ayrshire and two in both Glasgow City and North Lanarkshire. The Scottish Borders recorded one death.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 1,051, 3% more than the five year average. 

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:“The latest figures show that last week there were eight deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

“One death was aged under 65, two were aged 65-74, and five were over 75.

“Seven deaths occurred in hospitals, and one occurred in a care home.”

The Scotland players have decided to ‘take the knee’ ahead of their group stage match against England at Wembley next Friday night.

Initially the team had decided to ‘take a stand’ against racism prior to the kick offs in their matches however a ‘collective’ decision has now been made to act in solidarity with their English opponents who have been booed by their own fans at Wembley.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson said: “Our position was – and remains – that the focus must be on meaningful change to fight discrimination in football and wider society.

“In Scotland, the football family has stood against racism all season. It was our collective view that the national team would do the same.

“Our stance is that everyone, players, fans, teams, clubs, federations, governing bodies and governments must do more. Meaningful action is needed if meaningful change is to occur.

“But it is also clear, given the events around the England national team, taking the knee in this tournament matters as a symbol of solidarity.

“For this reason, we have collectively decided to again take the knee as a team for the fixture against England at Wembley Stadium.

“The Scotland team stands against racism but we will kneel against ignorance and in solidarity on June 18th.”

Head Coach Steve Clarke also hit out at criticism from individuals and groups who ‘sought to politicise or misrepresent’ the initial decision to stand rather than kneel.

He added: “I am aware that some individuals and groups have sought to politicise or misrepresent the Scotland National Team position on taking a stand against racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour in our UEFA EURO 2020 matches and, in particular, for our visit to Wembley.

“It is incumbent on me as the Head Coach to reiterate that we have done so from our first FIFA World Cup qualifiers and that it has been done in conjunction with clubs across Scottish football including Rangers and Celtic.

“I explained in March the rationale behind the squad decision: not only is it consistent with the collective approach from Scottish football above but the purpose of taking the knee, to raise awareness and help eradicate racism in football and society, has been diluted and undermined by the continuation of abuse towards players.

“For the avoidance of doubt: me, my coaching staff, my players and my backroom team take a stand against racism and all forms of unacceptable and discriminatory behaviour across society. We do so to raise awareness of the ongoing problem but also as a reminder to those who have the ultimate power and responsibility to implement meaningful change.

“In light of divisive and inaccurate comments being perpetuated by individuals and groups, whose views we denounce in the strongest terms, we have reflected today as a group. We remain committed to our principles of taking a stand but we must also be unequivocal in condemning the opportunistic false narrative being presented by some.

“We have therefore agreed that we will show solidarity with our counterparts in England, many of whom are team-mates of our own players, and who have found themselves on the receiving end of abuse from fans in recent international matches.

“We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden Park. For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance.”

Scotland face England in a decisive clash in Amsterdam on Saturday (BST 17.45 on BT Sport) in their bid to remain among the elite of European hockey.

The Tartan team set up the decider with a 3-1 success over while England came from 1-0 down to beat Ireland 5-1 at the same venue.

Newcomer Bronwyn Shields (Clydesdale Western), former Edinburgh University star Sarah Robertson (pictured) and McKenzie Bell (Uddingston) netted for Scotland who led 3-0 until late in the game

Two years ago, Scotland edged Italy 2-1 in the EuroHockey Championship II Final in Glasgow when both teams were promoted to the top division.

And it was Italy who turned up the heat in the opening quarter with German-based goaltender Amy Gibson producing three quality stops to deny the blue shirted opposition.

The second quarter saw a different complexion on the game and Shields struck her first goal for Scotland finishing at the near post and make it 1-0 following a penalty corner.

Great Britain player Robertson then showed her class following great work by Bell down the left . She fed Fiona Burnet who set up Robertson who clinically drilled the ball low into the net.

Then Sarah Jamieson (Watsonians) made powerful run into the D and picked out Fiona Semple at the far post but she sent the ball inches wide

Robertson rattled the upright with a great shot before the third goal arrived early in the final quarter when Bell spun and sent a thunderous shot into the bottom right corner.

Italy pulled one back from a penalty corner rebound when Sofia Laurito popped the ball into the roof of the net and they removed their goalkeeper for the final five minutes to have 11 outfield players.

Scotland game managed despite losing Robertson to the sideline on a card and Jamieson said, “We’ve put in a huge shift in this tournament with relatively little prep time, so it’s really great to get the win.

“We’ve been improving every game, being aggressive and retaining the ball – today we kept the ball better and it helped us make chances.

“Next we play England. The fifth game in the tournament is always hard on the body, but we’ll need to find the same energy again and take our chances when they come.”

Jen Wilson, Scotland’s head coach, praised Gibson for her saves in the first quarter which, she claimed, steadied the squad.

She added: “We got stronger and stronger as the game went on and we could have had more goals,”

She added: “We’ll look forward to the England game now. We’re up for the game and the challenge to ourselves is to make sure we keep progressing.”

Speculation is mounting in the Scottish Borders that Hollywood icon Harrison Ford may be filming scenes for the latest Indiana Jones movie near Melrose over the next few days.

Earlier this week filming took place near Bamburgh Castle for the fifth instalment of the Indiana Jones franchise after a gap of 13-years but now locals in the Borders have taken to social media to share photos of vehicles which appear to belong to a film company on the roads around the Leaderfoot viaduct which has been closed to traffic.

The layby, just off the A68, has been closed between 7am this morning until 6pm on Saturday evening and yellow advisory signs warn any unauthorised vehicles parked in the area during this time will be removed.

The B6361 road, between Leaderfoot and the NHS Borders building in Newstead, along with the footpath over the neighbouring Drygrange Bridge, will also be closed to traffic.

Along with 78-year-old  Ford, other cast members include Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Boyd Holbrook, Shaunette Renée Wilson, and Thomas Kretschmann.

Hibs’ star Leah Eddie made her debut for the Scotland Women’s National Team as a late substitute in the victory over Northern Ireland last night.

A goal from former Hibs’ player Caroline Weir from the penalty spot was enough for Scotland to take the victory at Seaview Stadium which will give Scotland a boost ahead of their game against Wales next week.

The goal came in the 77th minute when Christie Murray was brought down inside the area and Weir fired the resultant spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Moments later Eddie replaced Rangers’ Brianna Westrup in defence and the Scots held on to secure the victory.

The team will now travel to Swansea to face Wales for their final game before the World Cup qualifiers in September.

The game will take place on Tuesday 15 June 2021 at Parc y Scarlets Stadium, kicking-off at 7:15pm.

You can watch the game on BBC Wales and iPlayer.

Northern Ireland: Burns, McKenna, Nelson, Rafferty (Wilson, 81), Holloway, McFadden, Callaghan (c) (Watling  81), Caldwel (Finnegan, 46), McCarron (Beattie, 81), Wade (McDaniel, 60), McGuinness (Kelly, 60)

Unused subs: Flaherty, Wilson, Haughey, Howe, Andrews, Morgan

Scotland: Alexander (c, GK), McLauchlan, Westrup (Eddie, 79), Howard, Doherty, Arthur, Murray (Graham, 83), Robertson (Weir, 63), Clelland (Brown, 46), Hanson (Arnot, 79), Emslie (Grimshaw, 90)

Unused subs: Smith, Corsie, Little, Cumings, Fife, Cuthbert,

SECURE A FINAL LUXURY PENTHOUSE AT NO.1 OLD BELLSDYKE ROAD LARBERT

• Final properties available at successful development are guaranteed to impress   

Two luxurious duplex penthouses -the Vorlich at £350,000, and the Lomond at £395,000 – are the only properties left for sale at Ochilview Developments No1 Old Bellsdyke Road development in Larbert.

The impressive development sold quickly, all from plan, with the mix of apartments and penthouses proving on the money for homehunters.

Set over two levels, the stunning Vorlich penthouse is complete with two large glass balconies, one on each floor. The spacious open plan living space has doors from the large kitchen/diner/sitting area leading off to one of the balconies, from which the surrounding views can be savoured. Three double bedrooms are to be found on the lower level of this highly desirable property, two of which have fitted wardrobes. The master bedroom is complete with an en-suite shower room, along with another large glass balcony. 

Enjoying a unique corner position, the Lomond penthouse is noteworthy for its large terrace, plus juliet balcony on its upper floor, together with a glass balcony on the lower floor. With three bedrooms, two of them en-suite, this outstanding home offers an open plan lounge/kitchen/dining room with high quality integrated Siemens appliances as standard. Large floor to ceiling windows provide an abundance of natural light which floods in to the entire home.

A top class specification can be found in both penthouses, with the luxury kitchens and bathrooms supplied by leading manufacturer, Porcelanosa. Kitchen appliances are by Siemens, a brand known for reliability, as well as stylish looks. Purchasers can choose their own flooring in the properties, with a number of optional upgrades available to add to the homes, subject to the ongoing build schedule.

Each property also comes with two allocated car parking spaces for the ultimate convenience. The development has an electric gated entry system for complete peace of mind, and there is a lift to all floors.

Chris Morris, Joint Managing Director of Ochilview Developments, said: “We’re down to the final two properties here at No1 Old Bellsdyke Road, which has proved to be a very popular and sought after development for us. These final two stunning penthouses are truly impressive properties, with wow factor interiors, amazing layouts, outside space and a superior specification from some of the industry’s very best suppliers. A case of saving the best till last for sure.”

Ochilview Developments is a growing, independent house building business creating unique new build homes with a clean, contemporary, Scandinavian influenced look. These are delivered in partnership with its award winning architects, Arka. 

The fifth development from Ochilview Developments, No1 Old Bellsdyke Road, is estimated for completion by Spring 2022. 

The development enjoys a convenient location close to Larbert Railway Station, Forth Valley Hospital, and the M9/M876 motorways.

Sales at No 1 Old Bellsdyke Road are being handled by Selling Agents, Atrium Estate Agents, available on 01324 460162.

All properties are covered by a highly regarded Warranty Certificate. A reservation fee of £5,000 secures each penthouse. 

www.atriumuk.com

www.no1oldbellsdykeroad.co.uk 

www.ovdev.co.uk

St James Quarter has released episode two of its ‘Behind the Quarter’ series, giving everyone a behind-the-scenes look at the newest shopping centre.

You can watch it on Vimeo here.

This episode showcases never-before-seen footage of a selection of the brands due to open soon, and it also includes an interview with the head of John Lewis in Edinburgh where the store has a completely new look.  

Gill Moore, Retail, F&B and Hospitality Director at St James Quarter sits down with the General Manager of Bonnie & Wild, Kate Russell, Founder of Bross Bagels, Larah Bross and Head of Branch at John Lewis Edinburgh, Barry Blamire to find out more about what guests can expect from the new residents of The Quarter and why they are excited to be part of one of the UK’s biggest city centre transformations.

The phase one opening line-up is one of the most significant any city in Scotland has ever seen with several brands making their Scottish debuts, including; Scottish food market Bonnie & Wild, & Other Stories, PULL&BEAR, Bershka and Stradivarius.

International students are to be included in the national Covid-19 vaccination programme.  

Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, has confirmed this will take place in line with guidelines from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the coming academic year (2021-22).

The move will both protect incoming students during their studies and prevent possible further transmission.

Mr Yousaf said: “There is a huge amount of work going on to ensure that everyone is able to get vaccinated. This is crucial to the success of the programme and our efforts to bring the virus under control.  

“Based on the latest data, we estimate there could be around 65,000 international students studying in Scotland in the next academic year. I am pleased to confirm they will be included in our national vaccination programme.

“Of course many will be from countries where there is a mature vaccination system and they will already be fully or partially vaccinated. However, some may not yet have been vaccinated or may still require a second dose and we are currently working with the Universities and Colleges Scotland as well as local health boards to firm up plans for these students.

“We continue to urge everyone to take up their appointment for a vaccine when it is offered and remember the second dose offers greater and longer protection against the virus.”  

Universities Scotland Director Alastair Sim said: “International students are an integral part of Scotland’s university community. As a part of that community, it’s absolutely vital that they have the same entitlement to a COVID-19 vaccination as other students and we welcome the clarity for international students that the Scottish Government has provided.

“Vaccination is the best route back to normality. For international students arriving in Scotland over the coming months, it is crucial that they know that they will receive all the help they require to stay safe during these uncertain times. Being eligible for a vaccine is an important part of that sense of security and wellbeing.”

Colleges Scotland Chief Executive Shona Struthers said: “We’re pleased to see the expansion of the vaccination programme to international students.

“Colleges welcome international students from around the world every year – we want them to feel safe and protected while they live and study in Scotland, and the community around them to be confident that students have had the opportunity to be vaccinated while they are in Scotland.”

There is a new look at the Leven Street Scotmid and to celebrate the store has made a donation of £500 to the King’s Theatre “name a step” campaign. This is part of the work which will be needed to make the theatre accessible to all.

The company is looking for any other local good causes or charities which would benefit from Scotmid’s support. If that is you then contact Kirsty Connell at kirstyconnell@scotmid.co.uk.

Lucille Bluefield, Interim Head of Development, Capital Theatres. said: “We’re thrilled that Scotmid has chosen to support the capital redevelopment of the King’s Theatre by ‘naming a step’. Their donation will help transform the King’s for generations to come by making the building fully accessible and improving facilities for audiences and performers. As our near neighbours, we’re delighted that Scotmid is relaunching its food to go offer and Capital Theatres staff, audiences and visiting performers will no doubt be keen to sample ‘The Kitchen’. We look forward to developing our relationship with Scotmid further.”

Kirsty Connell, Scotmid Communities Manager, said: “As a co-operative based in the heart of the communities we serve, we are looking to continue our efforts to support local good causes and charities and would be delighted to hear from organisations who need some help in making a valuable difference.” 

The store at Leven Street was Scotland’s first supermarket in 1959 – the centenary of the St Cuthbert’s Cooperative Society being established just round the corner. Those with long memories remember the Coop stables on Grove Street. Now the newly renovated shop has introduced new food and drink concepts with produce from local suppliers such as the Kilted Donut from Leith and Artisan Cheesecake who are based in Livingston.

We received some examples of these tasty products earlier in the week from Scotmid, with gorgeous donuts and cheesecake to try along with a tasty focaccia sandwich – and a new reusable shopping bag.

There is a refill counter for dried goods and a walk-in chilled wine and beer cellar.

The Kitchen Island has ready-made hot and cold food for you to choose from with a range that will change during the day with breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

Scott Graham, Store Manager at Leven Street said: “The official opening of our new look store marks the end of a journey that began before the first lockdown. We are thrilled to bring an extended offering and brand new products to our customers. The feedback we’ve had has been overwhelmingly positive!”

Hibs’ striker Kevin Nisbet has welcomed the decision that the Scotland players will continue to ‘stand against racism’ rather than take the knee prior to kick-off during Euro 2020 matches.

The Scottish FA previously issued the news in a statement from skipper Andy Robertson who said: “Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March, we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”

Group opponents England will continue to ‘take the knee’ despite having been booed by their own supporters in rep-tournament friendlies.

Speaking at the squad training camp at Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, adjacent to Middlesbrough’s training facilities, Nisbet said:  “I think the camp came out today and said we are going to take a stand. I do it at club level at Hibs and I think it’s just about everyone coming together in our community about stamping out racism.”

Nisbet also praised the actions of Robertson for providing each player with a welcome pack of a big box including Irn Bru, electrical goods, video games and shortbread.

He continued: “He’s a great guy, a great captain and the one to take us forward. That’s credit to Robbo. I think it was a great touch from him. Everyone was very appreciative.

“He has obviously gone out his own way to do that. When you have got a skipper that does that then 100% you back them.

“Coming to facilities like this and the skipper giving us gifts makes you realise that you are in a major tournament and we’re all really excited.

Scotland begin their group stage campaign against the Czech Republic at Hampden Park on Monday, before facing England at Wembley next Friday then Croatia back at the national stadium.

Lothian’s only drive-through vaccination centre will close for the final time this weekend when the team transfers to the local community hospital.

The drive-through centre at Queen Margaret University (QMU) will close following the last appointment of the day on Sunday.

Over the last five months, since the drive-through opened on 8 February, the vaccination team at the Musselburgh drive-through have administered 47,039 doses of the vaccine.

Now they will transfer across to the East Lothian Community Hospital Vaccination Centre (ELCHVC) where they will continue their work.

The centre is closing to allow a six-week decommissioning period to begin before major roadworks begin in the area.

A number of alternative venues have been explored with partners in recent months, however no suitable venue could be found. 

The team and the appointments will shift across to the vaccination centre in the hospital in Haddington.

The ELCHVC, which has proved extremely popular, will also host the weekend drop-in clinics on June 12 and 13.

The centre will increase its capacity and opening hours in a bid to administer more doses of the vaccine every day as part of the general programme acceleration to provide more people with protection. 

Modelling shows that once staffing and opening hours are extended that there will be enough capacity to accommodate the majority of future second doses required in the area and provide capacity to support future groups.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director of Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “The drive-through has played a crucial role in the vaccination programme so far and we are really thankful to our team who made it work so well.

“Appointments and staff will move over to the ELCHVC from Monday onwards and everyone is really excited to expand the centre as part of the race to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible.

“This weekend, we will also throw open the doors to drop-in clinics for the over 40s who need a first or second dose of AstraZeneca, which will help reach more people.”

Thrill seekers slide this way

Edinburgh Leisure is launching a new extreme element to AquaDash, its inflatable playground on water at the Royal Commonwealth Pool when it reopens on Saturday, 26 June 2021.  Bookings are now live.

Two inflatable slides will be attached to the 3m and 5m diving platforms and will be available during some of the Saturday AquaDash sessions.

Two different types of sessions will be offered: AquaDash (normal offering) and AquaDash Extreme (which includes the slides). Customers who attend AquaDash Extreme will be able to move between the AquaDash assault course and the slides during their 45-minute sessions. 

Launched by Edinburgh Leisure in February 2018, it was the very first in Scotland. AquaDash is suitable for all fitness levels, and is the ideal activity for the whole family to enjoy. Participants slide, climb, and bounce their way through thrilling challenges, beating each one and racing friends and family to victory over the bonkers bridge, doen the slippery slide, using the wacky wiggle discs or the adventurous action tower.

Customers from 6 years old can access AquaDash. There is no specific swim requirement, although the activity is more enjoyable if participants have water confidence and some swimming ability.

Claire Rusack, Leisure Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “After the year everyone has had, AquaDash Extreme is sure to inject some excitement into life.  AquaDash is fun but without the sun. Whilst we might not be blessed with wonderful continental weather, AquaDash promises all the excitement of an amusement water park but indoors in a safe environment that can be enjoyed by all family.  And it promises a good workout at the same time.”

To ensure everyone remains safe, there have been some changes to the way AquaDash operates.

• The maximum number has been reduced from 45 to 25 to ensure appropriate distancing between adults.
• The safety briefing has been reviewed to include rules of play to ensure appropriate distancing is adhered to
• There will be a break of 15 minutes between sessions to enable sanitising of the course.
  • Session times have been reduced from 50 minutes to 45 minutes to enable these changes.

The basic AquaDash sessions will cost £10.00 for an adult and £8.50 for a junior. AquaDash Extreme will cost £12.00 for adults and £10.50 for juniors and last 45-minutes. 

All sessions will need to be pre-booked and paid online. Customers will be able to book 28 days in advance (rolling booking date). Book on the Edinburgh Leisure app or website.

There’s a gentle air of midsummer rustling through the café awnings.  People sit discussing the warm weather or Scotland’s prospects in our first European football finals for 23 years or the rollout of the Covid vaccine.

They might even be contemplating going to an outside concert or planning a staycation.  It’s summer time and the living is easy.

Yet the struggle with the pandemic is not over. As I write there’s still wild debate about the “fan zone” set up on Glasgow Green. Three thousand people will be allowed to sit drinking at tables, in the open air, watching the big screens as 24 nations in the European football finals battle it out in stadiums around the continent, including Hampden across the river. Scotland’s first match, against the Czech Republic, is on Monday at Hampden when 12,000 fans will be allowed to attend. At neither venue is there to be mandatory Covid testing.

It’s prompted a good deal of “whit-a-boot-ery” when this special treatment for football is compared with restrictions elsewhere. Children’s soft play centres remain closed. Cruise ships are forbidden from landing. Bars and restaurants have to stop serving alcohol at 10.30pm. Schools are requiring pupils to take a Covid test and wear masks in class. Residents in nursing homes have to wear masks in all communal areas.

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the recovery from Covid is still at a “fragile” stage and she won’t be announcing any further easing of level 2 restrictions until at least 21 June when Boris Johnson hopes to end all restrictions in England. Case numbers are still rising in Scotland as the move out of lockdown continues (700-900 cases a day). There’s new concern over the spread of the Delta strain among school children.  But hospital cases remain stable at about 120 and deaths are running at one a day, taking the total last Sunday to 10,130.  

With the end of term looming, school teachers are sitting with ice packs on their heads, agonising over what “assessment” to give their senior pupils, an A or B to Calum, a B or C to Hamish.  There are no exams this year and no one wants a repeat of last year’s disaster in which a clumsy algorithm was used to moderate teachers’ assessments to bring them into line with the school’s past performance.  

There’s still some confusion over the use of classroom tests (are they exams by another name?) and over whether a school’s past performance is to be taken into account. But the new Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has made it plain that the teacher’s judgement will be the final decider.  

She’s also announced a review of the whole exam system and the structure and role of the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland, the government agency charged with improving the education system. It comes ahead of what’s expected to be a poor report on Scottish education from the international research body, the OECD.  

The Covid pandemic is exposing many a weakness in our society. The increasing gap between rich and poor is another example. On Tuesday the Social Justice Secretary, Shona Robison, announced a new national mission “to  eradicate poverty in Scotland.”  She called for cross-party support for this noble effort but it immediately led to a row over independence. 

The SNP blames Westminster for holding back the fight on poverty by issuing Scotland with austerity budgets, cuts in welfare and a miserly minimum wage. The Conservatives and Labour say the SNP government is not using the powers it already has to tackle poverty. Certainly the SNP have been reluctant to raise taxes and have even imposed a freeze on council tax.  

Was it austerity or was it carelessness that caused the engines to fail on the vital ferry boat, MV Loch Seaforth, which plies between Ullapool and Stornoway? It’s only just returned to service after two months in the repair yard, causing havoc to ferry services across the Western Isles. It should have had its piston screws replaced three years ago as part of its regular maintenance but for reasons we still don’t know, this was not done. We need to wake up. Perhaps we’re having too much summer sun.

Finally, Scotland’s farmers are waking up to the consequences of Brexit with fears this week over a new deal with Australia which would mean cheap imports of lamb and beef put Scotland’s farmers out of business.  Not only would it mean many more carbon miles, but food and animal welfare standards are lower in Australia than in Scotland.

No doubt it will be one of the talking points at next week’s Royal Highland Agricultural Show at Ingliston near Edinburgh.  But the talking will take place only over the internet, since there will be no 190,000 crowd as normal. At least the show hasn’t been cancelled, like last year, but the public will only be able to view the prize cattle and sheep, watch the horse-jumping and attend the cookery sessions by video.  It’s the story of the past year and this strange midsummer.    

FIFE BASED BALLOONING FIRM FINALLY SET TO TAKE TO THE SKIES AGAIN  

With hopes dashed of any flying in the Spring of 2021, Kinross based Webster Adventures has finally been given the go ahead from the Scottish Government to resume its hot air balloon flights over Kinross, Fife and Perthshire.

Daniel Webster has been running the business, which is now the premier supplier in Scotland of hot air balloon flights, since 2014. The business holds two world records for its ballooning prowess. Daniel revealed that Webster Adventures last flight was at the end of 2019.

“There’s a season for hot air ballooning in Scotland which obviously does not cover the winter,” said Daniel. “So our last flight was actually at the end of 2019.  Due to Covid-19, we have been unable to fly since. It’s been a very hard eighteen months for the business as we did not qualify for any grants or support funding from The Scottish Government. This support was apparently for “land and sea” activities only, so please make of that what you will. Like many businesses, we’ve battled through it and managed to keep going, including retaining all of our staff.” 

“We had a non commercial flight a few weeks ago on a Saturday evening over Kinross, just to get us back into the swing of things,” said Daniel. “It felt fantastic to see the balloon flying once again, although we were keen to start taking our passengers again.”

Webster Adventures will resume commercial flying on 14 June, when it will release its flying calendar for the season, with passengers able to book in dates to fly through the website.

Pilot Pete Forster, who has chalked up an impressive tally of more than 15,000 balloon passengers over his twenty eight years of flying, has been the Webster Adventures pilot since 2018.

He explained that, with the typical flying season for balloons falling between mid March and October, he tends to be regularly looking at multiple sources of weather forecasts for up to three or more days ahead.

“This is to spot possible flying conditions,” said Pete. “Daniel likes to crew the balloon when he can, so I like to give him a heads-up. We also have to get customers booked in, or on standby for those possibilities.” 

During the season, Pete explained that Webster Adventures usually flies early morning, or around dusk if the weather and wind conditions allow. 

“During the day, the air becomes thermic and gusty which is dangerous for balloons,” said Pete, “as we would get turbulence and loss of vertical control. So mid-summer, we might be meeting at around 6am and 7pm onsite. As the daylight hours shorten, the morning meet time becomes later and the evening time earlier. I typically collect the balloon from its storage yard. If it’s another crew and not Daniel himself, we tend to meet them onsite where the passengers also meet us.” 

“We can’t wait to get back up in the air!”

www.websteradventures.com

Earlier this week, Scottish Rugby confirmed the resumption of a national competitive league structure for the upcoming 2021/22 season following a consultation with clubs and schools across the country.

The Rugby Development department, supported by the Scottish Rugby Board, Council and Championship Committee, contacted clubs in the spring to gather feedback on two season structure proposals to restart competitive rugby once Government lockdown restrictions had eased; Option A, a national league structure with promotion and relegation and Option B, a regional league structure with no promotion or relegation.

252 responses were returned, with 63% of clubs and schools opting for Option A as their preference of structure to resume competitive rugby.

Following a presentation of survey results from the Rugby Development department, the Council made the recommendation to the Scottish Rugby Board for the Tennent’s Leagues (Men’s and Women’s) along with the Youth and School Conferences to recommence in September 2021.

Further details agreed by the Board and Council following consultation with the Championship Committee included fixture rescheduling as a consequence of any future restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Therefore providing at least 65% of all league fixtures have been fulfilled, promotion and relegation within the leagues will be applied. In the event that the total number of all completed league fixtures is less than 65% the season will be concluded and there will be no promotion or relegation.

Delivery of the Tennent’s Leagues, which are unchanged for the new season under Option A, will become the priority for Scottish Rugby in the upcoming season. As such, Cup Competition details and fixtures will not be confirmed until later into the season when Scottish Rugby can be confident that the 65% target can be reached.

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development, Sheila Begbie said: “We are extremely grateful to the clubs who responded to our survey as it has been fundamental in informing the decision-making process.

“Further to the announcement made today, we anticipate that a number of clubs will wish to review their position and may request to step down into a lower league following changes to their squads or player numbers. As a result, we anticipate publishing fixtures week beginning 21 June having received and considered any and all requests.

“It has been really encouraging to see clubs and schools return to rugby activity over the last few months, and especially recent weeks as all ages can now resume contact training. I am really pleased we can provide our clubs and schools with clarity on how we can return to competitive rugby in the months ahead. I wish everyone well in their preparations for the new season.”

Scottish Rugby President, Ian Barr said: “On behalf of the Council I’d like to thank everyone from across the game who shared their views and insight to enable us to have a clear competition structure at every level, across the whole country, for rugby to resume fully when safe to do so.”

All images prior to 2020

Trams to Newhaven is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the city in years, linking the end of the existing tramline at York Place to Newhaven where the tram will end at present.

This means the first line from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven will be complete, and the first passengers will be jumping on a tram in 2023 if the project timetable is adhered to.

The team engaged a film production company to film some drone footage of their progress which is shown below

Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, has written to The Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, asking what can be done to speed up the supply of the Pfizer vaccine in the coming weeks.

Writing to Mr Hancock ahead of a four nation meeting of Health Ministers today, Thursday 10 June 2021, Mr Yousaf stressed the need to bring forward the supply of the Pfizer vaccine.

He stated that the vaccination programme in Scotland could maintain or increase its pace if there were greater supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, which is due to reduce in supply in the coming weeks before picking up again in July.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

8 June 2021

I am sure you will join me in welcoming the outstanding progress all nations are delivering on the vaccination programme. I am delighted that in the last week, we reached the important milestones of vaccinating over 75 per cent of those aged 18 and older with first doses, with over 50 per cent now fully vaccinated.

The tireless work of all those involved in the vaccination programme means we can continue to stay ahead in the race against the virus. I commend the work of the UK Vaccines Taskforce in securing vaccine supply to support this effort and I value the strong working relationships that our officials have developed over the course of the last year on this.

In Scotland, similar to our four nations counterparts, we are working hard towards the end of July target for offering first does to all those aged 18 and over. This has become even more important as we implement the adjustments to dose schedule set out by JCVI and deploying additional accessible routes to reach communities given the increase in prevalence of the Delta variant. I am very clear that this is a race and we must therefore do absolutely everything in our power to accelerate our efforts to vaccinate as many people as possible.

I appreciate we are all doing what we can in this regard, but I am conscious that the recent changes by JCVI on the role of AstraZeneca, have placed increased pressure on our supply of Pfizer in particular. The latest forecast on supply would indicate that Pfizer will be particularly tight over the next few weeks and as a consequence the programme won’t be able to accelerate as much as I would wish.

I know that the Vaccines Taskforce and colleagues in BEIS are working incredibly hard to maximise volumes of all supply including Pfizer. Notwithstanding this, I would be grateful to discuss what more could be done to further increase the available supply in the coming weeks to support efforts to deliver the programme at pace. I would of course be happy to discuss this at our next four nations Ministerial call if that would be useful.

HUMZA YOUSAF

While everywhere has been closed, the Fruitmarket had planned a closure from September 2019 to allow for a complete £4.3 million renovation and extension project.

The gallery on Market Street has expanded into the building next door which was once home to Buster Brown’s nightclub.

The transformed building will reopen on 7 July 2021 to the public with an exhibition by Scottish artist, Karla Black who was given free rein in the pristine new space.

Black’s work will span all the galleries in an exhibition which combines a selection of work made over the last two decades with new large scale site-specific work made especially for Fruitmarket.

Audiences will have the chance to enjoy the colours, forms and materials of Black’s art. There are sculptures made from plaster powder, power paint, glass, cellophane, gold leaf and metallic thread with others made from earth, Vaseline, cosmetics, over the counter medicines and pastes and gels. Black was last involved with the gallery in 2011 for the Scotland+Venice when the artist was nominated for the Turner Prize.

Reiach and Hall Architects, based in Edinburgh, designed the new space prioritising reuse of the commercial space and sustainability. On the upper floor the natural light flooding the space has been retained, but Exhibition Galleries have been simplified and material finishes and facilities upgraded. With a new Learning Studio, a bigger Information Room, Café and Bookshop this is going to be a space for everyone. The new main staircase will offer one access with other means of accessibility built in.

The new space is a steel-framed and brick lined former fruit warehouse, retained as original as possible while opening it out by removing an upper floor and reusing joists and floorboards.The new Warehouse retains its historic link to the Fruitmarket and will be a juxtaposition to the revamped space next door.

Cllr Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener, City of Edinburgh Council said: “It’s fantastic news that the Fruitmarket will soon be reopening its doors and unveiling its expansion. It shows the ambition of our cultural institutions is undimmed by the last 18 months, and keeps Edinburgh at the forefront of the contemporary visual arts.  

“Culture is at the heart of Edinburgh’s ongoing success and I believe that investment in culture is investment in the future health and well-being of our citizens. We are very much looking forward to the opening next month.”

Fiona Bradley, Director of the Fruitmarket, said: “We’re proud to have turned the Fruitmarket’s well-loved but well-worn building into a bold, collaborative cultural space. Karla Black’s work looks incredible, and proves the building’s potential to inspire artists now and into the future. All that’s missing is the audience that will bring the building back to life. We can’t wait to welcome people back.”

Neil Gillespie, Director, Reiach & Hall Architects, said: “We were aware of the formidable cultural significance of the Fruitmarket both as an agency for excellence and as a piece of architecture. The organisation’s  two contrasting but complementary ambitions – renovation and extension – are literally contained within their two contrasting and complementary archetypal spaces. We sought to combine the two very different worlds of the existing Fruitmarket building and the newly excavated warehouse next door to create an ensemble of spaces that is innovative and courageous, offering incredible opportunities for interpretation and use.”

Karla Black
Sculptures (2001–2021)
details for a retrospective
7 July – 24 October 2021
Open 7 Days

Gallery spaces

11am–6pm 

Bookshop and Café

10am–6pm
www.fruitmarket.co.uk

Capital Theatres have confirmed today that they can invite audiences back to theatres for the first time in 15 months.

The performances over this summer will be socially distanced and enhanced Covid safety measures are in place, all working towards a full programme of events from autumn 2021.

Fiona Gibson, CEO of Capital Theatres said: “After closing our doors on 16 March 2020 and ‘going dark’ for longer than any of us would ever have imagined; we’re delighted to be able to welcome our audiences back into our theatres. We’ve worked closely with The Scottish Government and the wider theatre industry to ensure that audiences can feel safe, comfortable and secure as they return to the joy of live performance. Our summer programme, using socially distanced seating plans, will build the confidence of audience, staff and artists alike as we look forward to a full programme of events this autumn, bringing you all the thrilling variety and entertainment which Capital Theatres is famous for.”

FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS:

SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHOWS THIS SUMMER
The Donmar Warehouse’s Production of Blindness
Festival Theatre
Tue 29 June to Sat 3 July, 1pm, 3.15pm, 6.15pm, 8.30pm
A socially distanced sound installation.

Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens has adapted Nobel Prize-winner José Saramago’s dystopian novel Blindness as a sound installation, directed by Walter Meierjohann with immersive binaural sound design by Ben and Max Ringham. Juliet Stevenson voices the Storyteller/Doctor’s wife in this gripping story of the rise and, ultimately, profoundly hopeful end of an unimaginable global pandemic.

SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHOWS THIS SUMMER
Zog
Festival Theatre
Fri 9 July to Mon 12 July, Fri 4.30pm, Sat 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm, Sun 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm, Mon 11am & 2pmThe smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Tabby McTat) is back in 2021 and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before! With brand new songs from Joe Stilgoe (The Jungle Book, The Midnight Gang) and directed by Emma Kilbey, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages.

SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHOWS THIS SUMMER
A Splinter of Ice
King’s Theatre
Tue 13 Jul to Sat 17 Jul Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Moscow 1987, as the cold war begins to thaw and Britain’s greatest living novelist Graham Greene meets with his old MI6 boss, Kim Philby, Britain’s greatest spy… and traitor.
From the writer and director of the award-winning West End hit play Three Days in May which inspired the Oscar Winning film Darkest Hour. Ben Brown’s coruscating new political drama explores an unlikely friendship. Yet a friendship woven of deceit as well as loyalty.

SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHOWS THIS SUMMER
Caitlin Moran: More Than a Woman LIVE!
Festival Theatre
Tue 13 Jul 7.30pm
Caitlin Moran is back on the road, and coming to Edinburgh and this time she’s celebrating getting older!
Caitlin will be discussing her new book More Than A Woman, a hymn to the women in their 30s and 40s and their supernatural ability to deal with the stuff you never thought would happen to you: grey hair; hangovers that last for days; ageing parents; having sex with the same person for years and years and still saying ‘thank you’ afterwards – the list goes on.

SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHOWS THIS SUMMER
Silent Cinema: A Night of Laurel and Hardy
Festival Theatre
Sat 17 Jul 7.30pm
Maestro Will Pickvance accompanies live on piano four of his favourite short films from those masters of comedy Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.
Duck Soup is the first ever film where Stan & Ollie used their now familiar characters. In Putting Pants on Philip, Ollie does just that, as Stan plays an amorous Scotsman in a kilt! Flying Elephants takes the team back to the Stone Age, and in Should Married Men Go Home? the answer is a resounding Yes.

SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHOWS THIS SUMMER
Rosie Kay: Absolute Solo II
Festival Theatre
Sat 24 Jul 7.30pm
A triple bill of solos looking backwards and forwards at award-winning Birmingham choreographer Rosie Kay’s personal experience as a female in dance.
21 years on from her first ever solo show ‘Absolute Solo’ which she performed in the 1999 Edinburgh Festival, and six years since last appearing on stage herself, Kay returns to performing with a triple bill of solos.

SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHOWS THIS SUMMER
Scottish Opera’s Falstaff
Festival Theatre
Sun 8 Aug to Sat 14 Aug Sun, Tue, Thu, Sat 7.15pm
Scottish Opera returns to the Edinburgh International Festival with a new production by Glasgow-born director Sir David McVicar, specially adapted from the outdoor presentation. His new staging gets to the bones of Giuseppe Verdi’s Falstaff, balancing the laugh-out-loud moments with a poignant tale of a childlike man who has outlived his own time – full of experience and regret, but ultimately a glorious celebration of life itself. Conducted by Stuart Stratford.

SCREENING
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Festival Theatre
Wed 1 & Thu 2 Sep 7:30pmEmbark on a thrilling night of adventure with a brand-new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival.The Banff Mountain Film Festival joins the world’s best adventure film-makers and explorers as they push themselves to the limits in the most remote and stunning corners of the globe. Witness epic human-powered feats, life-affirming challenges and mind-blowing cinematography – all on the big screen!

SCREENING
Banff Ocean Film Festival
Festival Theatre
Fri 3 Sep 7:30pm
Dive into a night of mesmerising ocean adventure! The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back with a brand-new collection of the world’s most incredible ocean films!Brought to you by the team behind the Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland Tour, this carefully curated selection of short films combines epic human endeavour and astounding marine life in a spectacular cinematic celebration of our oceans.

MUSICAL
Tell Me On A Sunday
King’s Theatre
Tue 14 to Sat 18 Sep Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Returning to the stage following her acclaimed performances in the National Theatre’s production of A Taste of Honey, Oliver!, One Man Two Governors, Annie, Abigail’s Party and Calamity Jane, Jodie Prenger stars as ‘Emma’, in the 2021 UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical, Tell Me On a Sunday reprising a role Jodie first brought to life in 2016.

MUSICAL
Grease
Festival Theatre
Mon 27 to Sat 2 Oct Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
The world’s best-loved musical is back! Grittier and more glamorous than ever before.
After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more? Directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster and starring very special guest artist – Peter Andre as Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine – reignite your passion and get ready for an explosion of summer loving.

MUSICAL
Dirty Dancing
Festival Theatre
Mon 8 to Sat 13 Nov Mon to Thu 7.30pm | Fri 5pm & 8pm | Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage is back, exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.
Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

MUSICAL
Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Festival Theatre
Wed 19 to Sun 23 Jan 2022 Wed – Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm | Matinee Thu & Sat 2.30pm, Sun 1pm
Enter a world of magic and fantasy as Disney’s classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks makes its world premiere as an exciting new musical. With the original songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), including Portobello Road, The Age Of Not Believing, The Beautiful Briny and new music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill; Bedknobs and Broomsticks will be brought to life by award-winning theatre-makers Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison.

MUSICAL
The Addams Family
Festival Theatre
Tue 25 to Sat 29 Jan 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Everyone’s favourite kooky and spooky family are back in this spectacular and hilarious musical comedy from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Tony Award nominated Andrew Lippa, starring Samantha Womack as Morticia and Cameron Blakely as Gomez.
In this heart-warming story of love, family and friendship, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret – she’s fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family!

MUSICAL
Bring It On
Festival Theatre
Tue 15 to Sat 19 Feb 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Amber Davies and Louis Smith are ready to Bring It On as the smash hit Broadway Musical back flips into the UK. Inspired by the film of the same name, Bring It On The Musical takes you on a high-flying, energy fuelled journey which tackles friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness – wrapped up in explosive choreography and tricks.

MUSICAL
The Rocky Horror Show
King’s Theatre
Mon 21 to Sat 26 Feb 2022 Mon to Thu 7.30pm, Fri & Sat 6pm & 9pm
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the UK in 2021 as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having been seen by over 30 million theatregoers.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe and featuring timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting Time Warp.

MUSICAL
Fat Friends: The Musical
Festival Theatre
Mon 7 to Sat 12 Mar 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Following the massive success of its first outing, Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends – The Musical, comes to the Festival Theatre next Spring, starring West End and TV favourite, Lee Mead. This hugely entertaining musical is based on the hit TV show Fat Friends, created and directed by the brilliant award-winning Kay Mellor, with original music and songs by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends – The Musical reunites our favourite foodie friends as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local slimming club, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams.  

MUSICAL
SIX
Festival Theatre
Tue 15 to Sat 26 Mar 2022 Tue – Thu 8pm, Fri 6pm & 8.30pm; Sat 4pm & 8pm, Sun 2pm
DIVORCED ★ BEHEADED ★ LIVE!
The international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to the Festival Theatre! Multi award-winning, with a spectacularly successful sound-track storming charts across the globe, this sell-out Tudor take-off has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message. Boundary-pushing, genre-redefining’ (The Australian) and is ‘pure entertainment’ (The New York Times).

MUSICAL
The Bohemians present Shrek the Musical
King’s Theatre
Wed 16 to Sat 19 Mar 2022 Evenings 7:30pm, Saturday Matinee 2:30pm
A big, green, terrifying ogre living alone on a swamp doesn’t sound like a fairy tale hero, but then, this is no ordinary fairy tale! When your travelling companion is a wisecracking Donkey, the feisty princess Fiona needs rescuing from a fire-breathing dragon, you’re surround by fairy tale misfits and the bad guy is the vertically-challenged, short tempered ruler of Duloc, that calls for a real hero…and his name is Shrek!

MUSICAL
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Festival Theatre
Tue 29 Mar to Sat 2 Apr 2022 Evenings 7:30pm | Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Funny, fabulous and feelgood, this is the musical sensation for all the family and not to be missed!Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.With an original score of catchy pop tunes by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), this brand-new musical will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.

MUSICAL
Orphans
King’s Theatre
Tue 12 Apr to Sat 16 Apr 2022 Evenings 7:30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Glasgow, 1998, one hell of a storm is ripping through the city. The Flynn siblings just need to survive the night and make it to their mother’s funeral in the morning. 
Orphans is a darkly comic musical about family, grief and forgiveness. Don’t miss this stage adaption of the multi award-winning cult film by Peter Mullan (Westworld, Ozark, NEDS, The Magdalene Sisters, My Name is Joe), directed by Scottish theatre legend Cora Bissett (Adam, Glasgow Girls, What Girls Are Made Of) and ingeniously adapted by Douglas Maxwell (Yer Granny, The Whip Hand, Decky Does a Bronco). With raucous and heartfelt songs and music by Scottish composing team Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly (Anna And The Apocalypse, Steven Spielberg’s Animaniacs, Our Ladies)

MUSICAL
Singin’ In The Rain
Festival Theatre
Tue 26 to Sat 30 Apr 2022 Evenings 7:30pm | Matinees Wed, Fri & Sat 2.30pm
A smash-hit at Chichester Festival Theatre and in the West End, Jonathan Church’s critically acclaimed production of Singin’ in the Rain is back to make a splash in 2022.Journey back to the glamour of Hollywood during the roaring 20’s. Silent movie star Don Lockwood has it all, a string of hit films and a studio-engineered romance with the most beautiful actress in town. What Don doesn’t know is that the silver screen is about to find its voice, and a chance meeting with a talented young chorus girl set to steal his heart promises to change both Don, and Hollywood, forever.

MUSICAL
Sister Act
Festival Theatre
Tue 6 to Sat 17 Sep 2022 Evenings Tue – Sat 7:30pm | Matinees Thu, Sat & Sun 2.30pm
Brace yourselves Sisters! The Broadway and UK smash-hit musical Sister Act is coming to Edinburgh immediately following its record-breaking London run, reimagined for the 21st century.Now set in the present day, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent!  Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. 

MUSICAL
The Osmonds: A New Musical
Festival Theatre
Tue 20 to Sat 24 Sep 2022 Evenings 7:30pm | Matinees Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
You loved them for a reason – now, for the first time, you can see this sensational new musical and relive one of the world’s biggest ever boybands. The Osmonds: A New Musical tells the official story from Jay Osmond about the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on to create smash hits decade after decade.From their star residency on The Andy Williams Show, to the arrival of Donny and Marie, The Osmonds lived a remarkable life recording chart topping albums, selling out vast arena concerts and making record breaking TV shows – until one bad decision cost them everything.

MUSICAL
The Cher Show
Festival Theatre
Tue 11 to Sat 15 Oct 2022 Evenings 7:30pm | Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Six decades of stardom, over a hundred million records sold. Legend, icon, Queen. She is Cher and this is her show.Goddess warrior of pop turned Hollywood royalty, the Grammy®, Oscar®, Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning Queen of re-invention has conquered it all. It’s now time to turn back time with this fiercely fabulous kick-ass new musical, directed by Arlene Phillips and choreographed by Oti Mabuse, to honour the original Queen of sass – the inimitable Cher. From a young kid with big dreams, to the dizzying heights of global stardom, The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn.

DRAMA
Groan Ups
King’s Theatre
Tue 28 Sep to Sat 2 Oct Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Something a little different from the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong… Following their phenomenal rise to global success, multi award-winning Mischief Theatre return to Edinburgh with their brand-new comedy all about growing up. Do we choose who we become? Is the story of our lives already written? Do we ever really grow up?
Follow an unruly classroom of six year-olds on their journey through anarchic high school teenagers to the challenges of adulthood.

DRAMA
Looking Good Dead
King’s Theatre
Tue 5 to Sat 9 Oct Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
The thrilling Roy Grace series from multi-million No.1 best-selling author Peter James returns to Edinburgh with the world premiere stage production of Looking Good Dead, starring award-winning actor and EastEnders icon, Adam Woodyatt and star of stage and screen Gaynor Faye (Emmerdale, Coronation Street, The Syndicate).

DRAMA
The Woman In Black
King’s Theatre
Tue 12 to Sat 16 Oct Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story…
Millions of theatre goers worldwide have experienced “the most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter” (Daily Telegraph).

DRAMA
The Enemy
King’s Theatre
Wed 20 to Sat 23 Oct Evenings 7.30pm | Matinee Sat 2.30pm
A radical re-imagining of the classic Henrik Ibsen play about truth, power and deception from Kieran Hurley, award-winning playwright and screenwriter of the critically acclaimed Scottish indie film Beats. 
In a once great Scottish town, a massive redevelopment project promises to bring money, jobs and new prospects to its forgotten population. However, when Dr Kirsten Stockmann discovers a dangerous secret, she knows she must bring the truth to light – no matter the cost. 
A provocative and timely drama about corruption, politics and the media featuring a brooding original soundtrack and live video, The Enemy is a uniquely Scottish take on Henrik Ibsen’s timeless work.

DRAMA
And Then There Were None
King’s Theatre
Tue 26 to Sat 30 Oct Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Ten strangers are lured to a solitary mansion off the coast of Devon. When a storm cuts them off from the mainland, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear, “We are all being hunted” 
Directed by Lucy Bailey (Witness for the Prosecution, Love from a Stranger), this brand-new production of the bestselling crime novel of all time will keep you on the edge of your seat… 

DRAMA
The Play That Goes Wrong
King’s Theatre
Tue 2 to Sun 7 Oct Evenings Tue – Sat 7.30pm | Matinees Wed, Sat & Sun 2.30pm
Mischief’s multi award-winning international smash hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong is returning to Edinburgh, following its previous sell-out successes!
The Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! As the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue!

DRAMA
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
King’s Theatre
Mon 8 to Sat 13 Nov Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Sleepy Hollow is an ancient place with a bloody history. A town full of deadly secrets. A town that will stop at nothing to keep itself safe.
When Ichabod Crane becomes the teacher in Sleepy Hollow, he arrives with a sense of wonderment. Catching the eye of wealthy heiress Katrina Von Tassel he decides she’s the woman he’s going to marry come what may. What he doesn’t realise is that he is about to unleash the very devil himself – the Headless Horseman, a creature doomed for eternity to seek a terrifying revenge.

DRAMA
Fatal Attraction
King’s Theatre
Tue 1 to Sat 5 Feb 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Based on the classic Paramount Pictures Corporation motion picture, James Dearden’s intoxicating new stage play of Fatal Attraction brings the definitive movie thriller to the UK stage. When happily married New York attorney Dan Gallagher, meets charming editor Alex Forrest on a night out in the city, they both commit to a night of passion they can’t take back. Dan returns home to his family and tries to forget the mistake he has made, but Alex has different ideas. Dan’s about to discover that love is a dangerous game, and Alex has only one rule; you play fair with her, and she’ll play fair with you.

DRAMA
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Festival Theatre
Tue 22 to Sat 26 Feb 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
The National Theatre’s Olivier and Tony Award® -winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time returns to Edinburgh.

 Director Marianne Elliott’s smash hit production brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage. 
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world. 

DRAMA
The Da Vinci Code
King’s Theatre
Tue 5 to Sat 9 Apr 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Based on the best-selling novel of this century, with over 100 million copies sold, unlock the secrets of The Da Vinci Code in the world premiere stage adaptation of the international phenomenon. Translated into over 50 different languages, with author Dan Brown named as one of Time’s 100 most influential people and adapted into a smash-hit movie that grossed over $750 million, The Da Vinci Code surprises at every twist. Now you can experience the sensational story live on stage, as Langdon and Neveu follow the trail of clues and race to uncover the truth in the greatest thriller of the past 2000 years.

DRAMA
A Murder is Announced
King’s Theatre
Tue 3 to Sat 7 May 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd is delighted to present their acclaimed production of a classic Miss Marple mystery.
The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are astonished to read an advert in the local newspaper that a murder will take place this coming Friday at Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock. Unable to resist, the group gather at the house at the appointed time, when the lights go out and a gun is fired. Enter Miss Marple, who must unravel a complex series of relationships and events to solve the mystery of the killer…

DRAMA
Keepers of the Light
The Studio
Fri 6 & Sat 7 May 2022 Evenings 8pm
December, 1900. Three keepers disappear from their post on the Flannan Isles lighthouse, 20 miles west of the Outer Hebrides. What happened to the men has never been answered, and becomes the talking point for three technicians who find themselves stranded on the remote station.
Join Davie, Alec and Mac as they delve into the mystery and step into the shoes of the missing keepers. Follow them as they navigate the choppy seas of speculation, myth and folklore, and as they ponder the unfathomable question; “what could cause three men to vanish into the night?”. Some stones, of course, are best left unturned…

DRAMA
Cluedo
King’s Theatre
Tue 10 to Sat 14 May 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Was it Miss Scarlet, with the revolver in the dining room, or was it Professor Plum, with the lead pipe in the library…?
Based on the classic detective board game loved by generations and the hit 1985 film CLUE, the brand new stage play of CLUEDO is coming to the King’s Theatre next Spring. This UK premier production is directed by Mark Bell, director of the award winning The Play That Goes Wrong and A Comedy About A Bank Robbery and just like the game, it promises audiences of all ages a nostalgic, fun and thrilling evening of entertainment.

DRAMA
Wuthering Heights
King’s Theatre
Tue 24 to Sat 28 May 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
The Yorkshire moors tell an epic story of love, revenge and redemption.
Rescued from the Liverpool docks as a child, Heathcliff is adopted by the Earnshaws and taken to live at Wuthering Heights. He finds a kindred spirit in Catherine Earnshaw and a fierce love ignites. When forced apart, a brutal chain of events is unleashed that will haunt generations to come.
Shot through with music, dance, passion and hope, Emma Rice (Romantics Anonymous, Wise Children, Brief Encounter) transforms Emily Brontë’s masterpiece into a powerful and uniquely theatrical experience.

DANCE
AJ & Curtis’ Big Night Out
Festival Theatre
Sat 18 Sep 7:30pm
Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard and his brother, Love Island and Greatest Dancer favourite Curtis Pritchard are bringing you a brand-new action-packed variety show in 2021.
AJ and Curtis’ Big Night Out is a live entertainment spectacular, featuring explosive choreography and dance routines, roof-raising live musical performances with some incredibly special guest singers, live interactive games, and comedy with exciting prizes to be won.

DANCE
Innovations Dance Platform A
The Studio
Fri 15 Oct 7:30pm
Dance Horizons proudly presents Innovations Dance Platform’s SpringEdition. Returning to The Studio with an international programme of four contemporary dance works.
Dance Horizons launched Innovations in 2014 and to date independently produced over 7 editions of the platform. Presenting works by more than 17 choreographers from across the UK and overseas. Innovations continues to advocate the creation and performance of new work by contemporary dance artists at all stages of their professional career.

DANCE
Innovations Dance Platform B
The Studio
Sat 16 Oct 2pm & 7pm
Dance Horizons proudly presents Innovations Dance Platform’s Autumn Edition. Returning to The Studio with an international programme of energising contemporary dance.
Dance Horizons launched Innovations in 2014 and to date independently produced over 8 editions of the platform. Presenting works by more than 17 choreographers from across the UK and overseas. Innovations continues to advocate the creation and performance of new work by contemporary dance artists at all stages of their professional career.

DANCE
Ballet Black
Festival Theatre
Thu 18 Nov 7:30pm
Dance so thrilling, imaginative and rich that it packed our auditorium for their first visit to us in June 2019 – the hugely popular Ballet Black is back with a mixed bill full of lyrical contrasts and beautiful movement. For her latest programme, Artistic Director Cassa Pancho, MBE brings us new and original works. Royal Ballet’s Olivier Award-winning choreographer Will Tuckett blends classical ballet, poetry and music to explore ideas of home and belonging while Mthuthuzeli November contemplates the purpose of life in The Waiting Game. Expect sensational solos, seductive duos and fiercely dynamic pieces performed seamlessly by the group.

DANCE
Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Festival Theatre
Wed 1 to Fri 31 Dec Evenings 7.30pm, Matinees on selected dates
Costumes plucked from the most gorgeous chocolate box; Tchaikovsky’s score to transport you to a land of dreams; and a story lifted straight from the pages of a classic fairy tale.
We follow Clara on a journey through the worlds of her imagination, as she drifts off to sleep on Christmas Eve. She meets the dashing Nutcracker Prince, takes on the larger-than-life Rat King, and is whisked into the luscious land of sweets by the Sugar Plum Fairy!
This winter, banish the dark skies and enjoy a visual feast as we take you and your family on a fantastical adventure. With choreography by Scottish Ballet founder Peter Darrell, and live music played by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, this ever-popular ballet is the perfect Christmas treat.

DANCE
Burn the Floor
Festival Theatre
Sun 9 Jan 2022 7:30pm
Kevin Clifton and the sensational worldwide Ballroom dance company Burn The Floor return with a bang in 2022!
This fiery, energetic and revolutionary Ballroom production will, once again, set stages alight and show audiences why it is still the world’s leading Ballroom show after more than two decades. A mix of eclectic live music, jaw-dropping choreography and ground-breaking moves, this show has an abundance of infectious, rebellious energy and passion.

DANCE
Motionhouse presents Nobody
King’s Theatre
Fri 28 Jan 2022 7:30pm
Fast-moving and highly physical, Nobody explores the tension between our inner lives and how we make sense of the world around us.
Motionhouse’s renowned dance-circus style combines with mesmerising choreography to tell this emotional and ultimately uplifting story, full of twists and turns. Packed with visual magic, the world on stage is transformed before our eyes. Digital projections and the shape-shifting set create a constantly changing environment where nothing is quite what it seems…

DANCE
Remembering the Oscars
Festival Theatre
Sun 27 Mar 2022 7:30pm
Aljaz and Janette will be returning with their brand new show Remembering The Oscars. Get ready to celebrate the Oscar-winning songs in this exhilarating new dance spectacular with Strictly’s favourite couple. Whether you are Wishing On A Star, Swinging On A Star or merely dancing in the City of Stars, this incredible production will take you from Disney family favourites, through to the Golden Ages of Hollywood and Bollywood, with songs from Lady Gaga, Adele, Prince, Queen, Eminem, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand, as well as classics from legendary songwriters such as Burt Bacharach, John Barry, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin and many more.

DANCE
Johannes Radebe: Freedom
King’s Theatre
Sun 17 Apr 2022 7:30pm
TV dancing sensation and international champion Johannes Radebe is thrilled to be presenting his first UK Tour, Johannes Radebe: Freedom.
The show is a celebration of music and dance, from African fusion to fiery Latin, classic dance arrangements and huge party anthems, with a company of exciting dancers.
Johannes will take the audience on his personal journey, from growing up in South Africa, to travelling the world, winning titles and starring in Strictly Come Dancing.

DANCE
Oti Mabuse: I Am Here
Festival Theatre
Sun 8 May 2022 7:30pm
Strictly Come Dancing and The Greatest Dancer reigning champion OTI MABUSE is creating a show like no other in 2022. Prepare for a night of electrifying choreography as Oti is joined by some of the world’s greatest dancers and the West End’s finest singers and musicians.
Oti Mabuse – I Am Here is a whirlwind celebration of the influences and inspirations that took her on a journey from growing up in South Africa to following her dream. From mesmerising Jives and pumping Sambas to South Africa’s exhilarating Kwaito, this is an explosive night of dance and music that will set your heart racing.

DANCE
Scottish Ballet’s The Scandal at Mayerling
Festival Theatre
Thu 26 to Sat 28 May 2022 Evening 7:30pm | Matinee Sat 2:30pm
A true story of desire and destruction
The year is 1889 and, in the woods outside Vienna, the Empire must hide a terrible secret. At the royal Mayerling hunting lodge, Crown Prince Rudolf is found shot dead alongside his teenage mistress.
Reimagined and redesigned by Scottish Ballet, this dramatic world premiere will be the first time Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s iconic ballet is produced in the UK outside of London.

DANCE
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals
Festival Theatre
Sun 29 May 2022 Matinee 2:30pm | Evening 7:30pm
Directed by Strictly’s Creative Director of Choreography Jason Gilkison, the show will feature a stunning line-up of pro dancers ready to race back to the dancefloor: Australian Open Champion and 2018 finalist Dianne Buswell; Professional World Mambo Champion and 2021 Strictly finalist Karen Hauer; 2017 Strictly Champion Katya Jones; undefeated four-time British National Champion Neil Jones; 2021 Strictly finalist Gorka Marquez; four-time Italian Dance Championship winner Luba Mushtuk, two-time Strictly Come Dancing South Africa finalist Johannes Radebe and Dancing With The Stars Ireland professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

DANCE
Anton and Giovanni: Him & Me
Festival Theatre
Fri 1 Jul 2022 Evening 7:30pm
Strictly Come Dancing professionals ANTON DU BEKE and GIOVANNI PERNICE join forces in 2021 for their first ever tour together – HIM & ME!
The Ballroom King and the two-time Guinness World Record holder will be joined by a world class cast of dancers and singers. This show promises to be THE best night out in the Summer of 2022 for all ages… A true dance extravaganza!

PANTO
Sleeping Beauty
King’s Theatre
Sat 27 Nov 2021 to Sun 16 Jan 2022 Matinees and Evenings available 
Rise and shine! It’s the pantomime of your dreams!
With over 90,000 people attending the King’s Panto each festive season it’s never too early to book for next year!

FAMILY
In the Night Garden
Festival Theatre
Fri 24 & Sat 25 Sep 10am, 12noon, 2pm & 4pm
Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all!

You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.

FAMILY
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
King’s Theatre
Tue 8 to Sat 12 Feb 2022 Evenings 7pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2pm
Direct from London, the acclaimed production of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe is coming to Edinburgh. Step through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch. The nation’s favourite novel, now on the stage.

FAMILY
Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever
King’s Theatre
Sat 23 & Sun 24 Apr 2022 10am, 1pm & 4pm
Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – it’s going to be her best day ever!
Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more!
Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans!

FAMILY
Funbox present Jungle Party
King’s Theatre
Sun 5 Jul 2022 Matinee 2pm
It’s time to stop ‘lion’ around, pack up your ‘trunks’, be a ‘snappy dresser’ and get up to some ‘monkey business’ because FUNBOX are having a JUNGLE PARTY – and you’re all invited!

Join Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo (formerly of The Singing Kettle) as they swing into their latest musical adventure and follow the sound of the drums in search of the ultimate jungle boogie. There are songs to sing, keys to find and new friends to discover along the way.

COMEDY
Paul Smith: Changed
Festival Theatre
Sat 4 Sep 8pm
A lot has changed for Paul in recent years. Join him for his 3rd and largest ever tour of the UK and Ireland as he once again mixes sharp, hilarious stories from his life with his trademark off the cuff wit.

COMEDY
Philly Philly Wang Wang
King’s Theatre
Sun 26 Sep 7:30pm
Following a sell-out 2018 tour and a 2019 Edinburgh Fringe run that sold out in advance, Phil ‘Philly Philly Wang Wang’ Wang is back on tour with his newest show.
Phil has made a name for himself (that name being Phil Wang) exploring sex, romance, politics, and his mixed British-Malaysian heritage with shows that delight in his unique Wang brand of smart and silly. This one is about morality and the modern sense of self. Swell! 

COMEDY
Gary Meikle: Surreal
King’s Theatre
Sun 24 Oct 8pm
After his meteoric rise through the ranks, Scottish Comedy Award winner and viral sensation Gary Meikle is back with his second tour show, Surreal! A word that perfectly describes Gary’s last twelve months. He started the year performing in comedy clubs, and ended it selling out big theatres in the UK as well as tours in America, Canada and Europe!

COMEDY
An Evening of Eric & Ern
Festival Theatre
Mon 15 Nov 7:30pm
For all the family from 8 to 108, Eric and Ern is a brilliant homage to Morecambe and Wise crammed full of those famous comedy sketches, from Grieg’s Piano concerto, Mr Memory…’Arsenal’, to the paper bag trick! From the Olivier Award nominated duo Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, this nostalgic show evokes memories of a time when whole families would huddle around the telly on Sunday evenings.

COMEDY
Janey Godley’s Soup Pot Tour
Festival Theatre
Fri 19 Nov 7:30pm
Hot from her recent appearance’s on BBC’s ‘Have I Got News for You’ and BBC Scotland’s ‘Breaking the News’, Fringe Festival sell out and with over 20 years of performing award winning comedy around the world from Newcastle to New Zealand. Janey is excited to bring you her hilarious new show for 2021.

COMEDY
Ross Noble’s Humournoid
Festival Theatre
Sat 15 Jan 2022 7:30pm
What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up?
Nobody knows because that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a show. You can come and see it. This is it. 

COMEDY
Round the Horne
Festival Theatre
Sat 22 Jan 2022 7:30pm
From the producers of the UK tours of The Goon Show and Hancock’s Half Hour comes another radio comedy classic live on stage.
From 1965 to 1968 there wasn’t a bigger radio programme in Britain than the ground-breaking Round the Horne.  For half-an-hour every Sunday afternoon, audiences of up to 15 million people would gather around the wireless to listen to Kenneth Horne and his merry crew get up to all sorts of mischief.

COMEDY
Ed Gamble: Electric
King’s Theatre
Sun 20 Feb 2022 7:30pm
After a sell-out tour of his house in 2020 (extended into 2021 due to popular demand), Ol’ Broken Pancreas is charged up and ready to flick the switch on another night of attention seeking. Co-host of the award-winning mega-hit podcast Off Menu with James Acaster, Taskmaster champion, and has his own special Blood Sugar available worldwide on Amazon Prime.

COMEDY
Hannah Gadsby: Body of Work
Festival Theatre
Sun 13 Mar 2022 7:30pm
Hannah Gadsby, world class, award winning funny person, has a brand new live show – Body of Work – and it’s arriving in the UK in March 2022!
In 2018 the global sensation and ground-breaking Netflix special Nanette really changed things for Hannah. She won an Emmy and a Peabody. After that a lot of people (heaps, actually) started paying attention to what she had to say. Opportunities came a knocking, but Hannah decided to stick with what she loves and couldn’t quit: stand-up comedy. 

COMEDY
Iain Stirling: Failing Upwards
King’s Theatre
Sun 10 Apr 2022 5pm & 7:30pm
Iain Stirling (Love Island and Taskmaster) is taking his ‘extremely funny’ (Telegraph) comedy back on the road for his biggest ever nationwide tour, following his 2018 sell-out smash U OK HUN? x. Do you ever wonder how people manage to be normal? Iain does. So much so he’s written a brand new stand-up show about it. Join the ‘star of comedy’ (The i) as he explores his inability to function in the most basic of public settings, social media’s constant pressure to “live your best life” and that one time a man stole his shoes. 

COMEDY
Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny
Festival Theatre
Sun 24 Apr 2022 8pm
Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo. Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket. 

COMEDY
Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado
Festival Theatre
Sun 19 Jun 2022 7:30pm
Double-bill of two new 60-minute sets, back to back nightly from “the world’s greatest living stand-up” (Times). Including new material for 2022.
The first half, Snowflake, will be heavily rewritten in the light of the two years the show has been laid off, looking at how the Covid-Brexit era has impacted on the culture war between lovely snowflakes and horrible people. The second half, Tornado, questions Stewart’s position in the comedy marketplace after Netflix mistakenly listed his show as “reports of sharks falling from the skies are on the rise again. Nobody on the Eastern Seaboard is safe.”

COMEDY
Sandi Toksvig LIVE: Next Slide Please
Festival Theatre
Mon 27 Jun 2022 7:30pm
Following the sell-out 2019 tour of National Trevor, the comedian, broadcaster, writer, campaigner and all-round good egg, returns with her brand-new show, Next Slide Please… 
In an evening of warmth, love and laughter, Sandi will explore reasons to be cheerful after many long months of coronacoaster gloom. Expect fascinatingly funny facts, silly jokes, a quick-fire Q&A and possibly a game of Covid Lingo Bingo. (Don’t expect handstands, ministerial behaviour or impressions of Chris Whitty) 

COMEDY
Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler
Festival Theatre
Sat 2 & Sun 3 Jul 2022 8pm
The hilarious Sarah Millican is back on tour with a Bobby Dazzler of a new stand-up show. 
In this, her sixth international tour, you’ll learn about what happens when your mouth seals shut, how to throw poo over a wall, trying to lose weight but only losing the tip of your finger, a surprisingly funny smear test, and how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be. 
Sarah has spent the last year writing jokes and growing her backside. She can’t wait to get back on the road and make you laugh.

VARIETY
Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show
King’s Theatre
Tue 29 Mar – Sat 2 Apr 2022 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Ok, what do we need? We need to laugh. And I do as well. I’ve decided after I received hundreds… dozens…Well, one old lady from Morningside stopped me in the street to say, “please bring the Big Big Variety Show back to the Kings!”So I’ve decided to bring it back to the Kings one more time before it closes for the refurb it so badly needs. It will be full of sketches, music and surprises. Personally, I can’t wait to see you all again.  – Allan Stewart

SPOKEN WORD
Yotam Ottolenghi: A Life in Flavour
Festival Theatre
Fri 17 Sep 7:30pm
An exclusive opportunity to hear directly from Ottolenghi himself about his life in flavour, and find inspiration for your own cooking.
Is flavour at the heart of your cooking? Do you dream of taking your food to the next level? Then don’t miss this chance to hear from chef and cookery writer Yotam Ottolenghi as he discusses the tastes, ingredients, and flavours that excite him, and how he has created a career from cooking.

SPOKEN WORD
Levison Wood: The Art of Exploration
King’s Theatre
Thu 23 Sep 7:30pm
Join critically acclaimed author and explorer Levison Wood as he takes to the stage for his third UK tour, The Art of Exploration.
In this entertaining two-hour one-man show, Levison shares his experiences and learnings from a lifetime of travel, from his army career and the front-lines of Afghanistan to his photo-journalism assignments in the Congo and Nepal, as well as world-renowned expeditions through some of the most testing environments on earth, including the Nile, Himalayas and the Arabian peninsula.

SPOKEN WORD
An Evening with Nick Butter
The Studio
Sat 6 Nov 7:30pm
In November 2019, Nick Butter was crowned the first person to run a marathon in every country in the world. Along with this, he sets a number of world records and has a wild, eclectic story to tell. Tales of muggings, war zones, dog attacks, extreme exhaustion, and the sheer scale and diversity of our planet. His talk is accompanied with stunning photography and videography from around the world.

SPOKEN WORD
Dick & Angel: Dare to Do It ‘So Much More to Say’
Festival Theatre
Mon 7 & Tue 8 Feb 2022 7:30pm
Dick & Angel Strawbridge, the stars of Channel 4 hit ‘Escape to the Chateau’ are on the road again on their ‘Dare to do it’ Tour with so much more to say. During this highly entertaining evening, the duo explains who they are, where they have come from, how they met and why they dared to do it!

SPOKEN WORD
Nick Knowles & Neil Oliver: Does History Repeat Itself?
King’s Theatre
Sun 3 Apr 2022 7:30pm
For the first time, two of the most recognisable faces of British broadcasting will try and answer one of the most emotive and topical questions of our time, ‘who are the British, and how did we get to where we are now’?
What has gone before keeps happening, and the real price is always paid, in blood, sweat and tears, by the same people. It is overlooked and forgotten souls who have always done the heavy lifting and bear the burden of history.

SPOKEN WORD
Trixie Mattel
Festival Theatre
Sun 1 May 2022 8pm
Trixie Mattel is not only a major pop culture figure but a stand up comedian and musician with talents that defy classification. Trixie’s coming to Edinburgh on tour with an exciting electro-folk reinvention. Expect to feel that you’ve landed in a PeeWee Herman video, with some surf rock and a love for 60’s country music. She’s listening to a lot of Fountains Of Wayne and Apples In Stereo, collecting mod Barbie dolls and watching Brady Brunch reruns!

SPOKEN WORD
in Conversation with The Sopranos
Festival Theatre
Tue 21 Jun 2022 7:45pm
Get the real story behind what Vanity Fair called “the greatest pop-culture masterpiece of its day” when three of The Sopranos’ most iconic cast members sit down for a chat.
For the first time in the United Kingdom, Steven Schirripa (Bobby ‘Bacala’), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti), and Vincent Pastore (‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero) will take us behind the scenes of the legendary show – the stories, the dramas, the laughs – not to mention the countless theories about the show’s controversial finale. A family on-set and off, they’ll take a deep dive into the relationships formed during the show’s eight – year run, and the impact that their on-screen capo, James Gandolfini, had on their careers and lives.

MUSIC
Lost In Music
Festival Theatre
Sat 20 Nov 7:30pm
Get ready to recreate the Magical 70’s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco! Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from Artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.
This show boasts a sensational live band, incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals So, come dressed to impress as we celebrate the golden age of Disco! With songs such as Never Can Say Goodbye, On The Radio, Hot Stuff, Car Wash, Boogie Wonderland and many, many more!

MUSIC
Simon & Garfunkel: Through the Years
Festival Theatre
Fri 7 Jan 2022 7:30pm
Critically-acclaimed as one of the greatest tribute shows in the world, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years has toured the globe extensively, receiving standing ovations and selling out theatres night after night.
Fronted by Dan Haynes and Pete Richards collectively known as Bookends, the show is a “masterpiece” (BBC Radio) in musicianship; exquisitely recreating the unmistakable sound of Simon & Garfunkel.

MUSIC
Paul Carrack: GOOD and READY Tour
Festival Theatre
Sun 6 Feb 2022 7:30pm
Paul Carrack, one of the most revered voices in music and a figurehead of soulful pop for decades, will return to the delight his legions of admirers, performing 24 dates across the UK on the GOOD and READY tour 2022.
Nicknamed ‘The Man with the GOLDEN VOICE’ in a BBC documentary about his phenomenal 50-year career Paul, whose vocals have graced million selling songs such as ‘How Long’ by ACE, ‘Tempted’ by Squeeze and the Grammy Award nominated ‘Living Years’ by Mike and the Mechanics is now firmly established as one of the hardest working, independent musicians on the scene.

MUSIC
RUSH: A Joyous Jamaican Journey
King’s Theatre
Thu 21 Apr 2022 7:30pm
Join us as we tell the story of Reggae music and the Windrush Generation and hear how their music took the world by storm.
Narrated by comedian John Simmit and featuring ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae played live by the JA Reggae Band.
Get ready to dance to the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Lord Kitchener, Millie Small and many more.

MUSIC
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival: Jools Holland
Festival Theatre
Fri 15 Jul 2022 7:30pm
Jools’ Jazz & Blues Festival party is not to be missed.
Back by popular demand, the 20-piece band love playing Edinburgh and always deliver an exhilarating live show featuring Ruby Turner’s breath-taking gospel and R&B vocals, Louise Marshall’s soul tones, and the powerhouse Gilson Lavis on drums. This year, their special guest is the renowned Scottish singer, Eddi Reader.

MUSIC
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival: Curtis Stigers
Festival Theatre
Sat 16 Jul 2022 7:30pm
Singer and saxophonist, Curtis Stigers epitomises musical class; suave sophistication, style and presence. His shows have been outstanding highlights of the Festival’s last decade and we’re delighted to welcome him back with his own top class US band.

A wonderfully luxurious voice, superb phrasing and natural musicality is everything the best jazz vocalists need to move audiences emotionally, and Stigers has them all. With a set-list spanning his entire career, from massive chart hits to his super sophisticated 2020 album, “Gentleman”, he embraces everything from classic swing to the great American songbook to contemporary songs, and makes it all his own.

The number of cases of Covid-19 in Scotland were announced by Public Health Scotland today and are reported below. Today the number of cases in Lothian is the highest it has been since January.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, explained in an address to parliament on Tuesday afternoon that there will be no immediate changes to the Covid levels of protection which currently apply to different parts of Scotland. Ms Sturgeon said: “It is exactly six months since the first Covid vaccine was administered in Scotland and progress since then has been remarkable.

“As of 7.30 this morning, 3,403,866 people in Scotland have received their first dose of the vaccine.

“That is an increase of 17,545 since yesterday, and means that almost exactly three quarters of the adult population in Scotland has now received a first dose of vaccine.

“In addition, 30,944 people received their second dose yesterday, which brings the total number of second doses to 2,282,203 – that means more than half of the adult population is now fully vaccinated with two doses.

“These are significant and really heartening milestones, and as ever, I want to thank everyone involved in delivering the programme.

Tuesday’s announcement means that Edinburgh remains in Level 2 for now in view of rising case numbers over recent weeks.

As at 6 June, 10,130 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on Wednesday.

In the week 31 May – 6 June, eight deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, the same number of deaths as the previous week. 

There were three deaths in South Ayrshire and two in both Glasgow City and North Lanarkshire. The Scottish Borders recorded one death.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 1,051, 3% more than the five year average. 

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:“The latest figures show that last week there were eight deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

“One death was aged under 65, two were aged 65-74, and five were over 75.

“Seven deaths occurred in hospitals, and one occurred in a care home.”