Thousands of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) members will be raising a pint to celebrate the nation’s favourite drink for Beer Day Britain which culminates with a national Cheers To Beer at 7pm on Friday, June 14.

The day is organised by beer writer and sommelier Jane Peyton, who came up with the concept in 2015. Since then thousands of beer-lovers, breweries and pubs have got involved with Beer Day Britain, and the collective #CheersToBeer now annually trends on Twitter that day.

CAMRA members have supported the initiative since the launch by encouraging local pubs and breweries to host celebratory events to mark the occasion. This year, CAMRA is helping to promote Beer Day Britain under its Summer of Pub campaign which aims to encourage pub-going throughout the summer months.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s chief executive, said: “Beer Day Britain has been a staple in the CAMRA calendar for many years now and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to extend our support this year with the Summer of Pub campaign.

“Both Beer Day Britain and Summer of Pub have the same main objective – to get the people of Britain down to the pub to celebrate their favourite pint. We’d like to encourage everyone to get involved this summer and check out events taking part near you to celebrate the Great British Pub.”

CAMRA is helping to promote Beer Day Britain events alongside other pub events throughout the summer months on its Summer of Pub platform. Here you can also find an exclusive interview with Beer Day Britain founder Jane Peyton.

Jane Peyton adds: “As CAMRA members already know, beer tastes better when it is consumed with friends down the pub. CAMRA members have been the most enthusiastic supporters of Beer Day Britain since it started in 2015 and I have no doubt that they will do the country proud again this year and be at their local for the National Cheers To Beer at 7pm. #CheersToBeer!”

To find out more, visit www.camra.org.uk/summerofpub

Photo courtesy of Ugli Fruit Media

I was surprised to come across so many Pictish stones on a recent cycling tour around the Cromarty Firth.  But apparently there are some 350 such memorials of our Iron Age ancestors strewn along the east side of Scotland.

Viewed from the Oil Age they seem mystical, child-like, other worldly. And yet they are the remnants of a civilisation that lasted for centuries, building brocks and crannogs, hunting and harvesting, forging fine metalwork, winning battles, like Dun Nechtain in 685 and Athelstaneford in 832 where the Saltire flag was first flown.

This week the Cromarty Firth was the scene of a modern battle, between the  Oil Age and the Age of Green Energy.  Environmental campaigners climbed onto an oil rig, preventing it being towed out into the North Sea.  

The would-be saboteurs, from Greenpeace, have been pointing out that while parliament has declared a climate change emergency, companies like BP are continuing to drill for oil.  

We learned from official figures on Tuesday that Scotland has missed its emissions reduction target for the second year in row. The government maintains that carbon emissions are falling, by 3 per cent a year, but it’s just not enough to meet the target.

As we struggle to move on
from the Oil Age, I guess the Picts had an equally bumpy ride from their Iron
Age into the Roman Age.  Times change. But
they are changing ever more quickly, even on big issues like climate,
migration, and world trade. 

How small, in the face of all this, is what passes as the main news of this week, the Conservative leadership race.  I wonder what a Pictish newspaper, if there was one, would make of this.  Nicola Sturgeon has called it “a horror show” in which all ten candidates are striving to take Scotland out of the European Union against its will.  The First Minister went to Brussels mid-week to reassure EU officials that all this Brexit nonsense is Westminster’s doing not Scotland’s.    

Take immigration for instance.  Without migrants coming to Scotland, our population would be in decline.  The National Records Office published figures this week which showed that the number of babies born in the first three months of this year, 12,642, was the second lowest since records began in 1855.

Employment is at a record high, unemployment is low at 3.3 per cent, so without the 223,000 EU citizens living in Scotland we wouldn’t be able to take in the harvest, or staff our hospitals, care homes, restaurants or hotels.  Yet, according to a study by Robert Gordon University, talk of Brexit is making an increasing number of them feel unwelcome.

When MSPs at Holyrood were not watching the “horror show”, they were debating two important issues this week.  They passed a bill which, hopefully, will make organ transplants a little easier.  They have followed Wales and England in introducing “presumed consent” to the system for organ donation.  Instead of opting-in to donate your organs after death, you will have to opt out, although the wishes of relatives will still be taken into account. 

MSPs did not however agree to a Green Party proposal to make 20mph the maximum speed limit on minor roads in towns and cities. It’s still up to local councils to designate 20 mph zones in every street they feel should have slower traffic. 

Last Sunday afternoon, many of us were watching, with pride, our national women’s football team competing in the World Cup in France. We were drawn against the mighty England, as chance would have it.  We went down 2 – 1 but England was lucky to win a penalty and, overall, it was a good match with two well taken goals and a lot of entertaining football. 

Another woman going into the
history books this week is Jenny Graham from Inverness.  She’s just beaten the women’s record for
cycling round the world by 20 days.  She
did the 18,000 mile trip, unsupported, in 124 days, averaging 156 miles a day.

Alas tragedy overtook another women adventurer.  Isobel Bytautas from Selkirk was killed by lightning as she was climbing a mountain south of Fort William. Her party of seven were caught in a thunderstorm near the summit of Na Gruagaichean (the maidens) last Saturday afternoon. Another woman had to be treated in hospital.  We don’t get a lot of lightning in Scotland.  The chances of being hit are put at 10 million to one, though a 12 year old boy was badly burnt by lightning on Schiehallion in 2017.  

Finally, from tragedy to farce, though it could be dangerous. A fish war has broken out between Irish and Scottish trawlers over the disputed waters around a rock in the Atlantic called, appropriately, Rockall.  It sounds like a plot from Gilbert & Sullivan but both countries claim sovereignty over this tiny uninhabitable rock 240 miles out in the Atlantic.  Both governments are trying to pour oil on the troubled waters, saying a diplomatic solution will be found. 

The solution is, of course, the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy. But we daren’t mention that. I wonder what the Conservative leadership contenders would think about a Rockall “backstop”.

In the distance, over the centuries, I can hear the Picts laughing at us.

Property developers Artisan Real Estate formally handed over the keys of the building to Scottish Secretary David Mundell today.

The new Hub, located near Waverley Station in the heart of Edinburgh, is a seven storey, 190,000 square feet, ultra-modern office space.  It will bring together nearly 3,000 UK Government civil servants from a range of UK Government departments.   

The new office will open in Spring 2020 and will improve the work of the UK Government in Scotland, helping them deliver better services for Scottish people.  It will enable closer collaboration between departments, smarter working, and use of the latest technology. 

The Hub will incorporate a Cabinet Room, allowing the UK Government Cabinet to meet in a purpose built room, the first time such a facility has been available in Scotland. 

Mr Mundell said:“I am delighted to receive the keys to the new UK Government Hub in Edinburgh.  The formal handover of the building’s keys is an important milestone, demonstrating we are making real progress towards opening the flagship building in the heart of Edinburgh next year.

“The building will bring together some 3,000 UK Government civil servants, helping them deliver high quality services for people across Scotland. I very much look forward to inviting the Cabinet to meet in the building once it is open for business.

“The Edinburgh Hub is a great example of the UK Government’s extensive support for the capital’s economy – which we are also driving through the ambitious Edinburgh and South East Scotland Growth Deal.”

JUNE OFFER IS SIZZLIN’ AT SILVER GLEN! 

• Take advantage of Land & Building Transaction Tax paid on selected home this June, plus kitchen upgrade

Throughout June, Allanwater Homes is offering Land & Building Transaction Tax paid on selected plots at its new Silver Glen development in Alva, alongside a fantastic kitchen upgrade.

Three to five bedroom homes are available at the development, with prices from £187,995.

This includes the newly launched Sidlaw, a three bedroom detached housetype at £214,995, complete with three double bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes, including master bedroom en-suite. 

There’s also the five bedroom detached Galloway villa, with single garage, priced at £329,995, another debut housetype sure to impress. Featuring a spacious lounge with bay window, coupled with an attractive dining room with double doors, the Galloway also has a fully fitted kitchen complete with a utility room. Upstairs there are five bedrooms, including master en-suite, and a well sized family bathroom.

Silver Glen also has the three bedroom semi-detached Arrochar villa at £178,995, alongside several choices of four bedroom villas, the Lomond at £228,995, the Ochil at £223,995, the Cuillin at £259,995, and the Cairngorm at £289,995. These are tried and tested designs already very popular with Allanwater Homes buyers across Scotland.

“Make sure you don’t miss out on our amazing offer to save money and enjoy a kitchen upgrade. This offer is only available for the rest of this month,” said Allanwater Homes Sales & Marketing Manager, Sharron McCarthy, “We therefore urge interested parties to act quickly to secure themselves a fantastic value new home with a beautiful kitchen at its heart.”

All new properties at Silver Glen are low maintenance, fully double glazed and well insulated properties, offering buyers reduced running costs. They are well designed, spacious homes for family living. 

Features such as en-suite master bedrooms, spacious, well fitted kitchens with a selection of built in appliances, utility rooms and downstairs cloakrooms are to be found in the homes at Silver Glen. 

They are also complete with a full 10 year Premier Guarantee structural warranty, along with central heating.

To call Sales Advisor, Lynn McNair in the Sales Office at Silver Glen, dial 07845 014638, between 11am and 5pm, Thursday to Monday.

Further details at www.allanwater.co.uk.

It’s a love story – the American actress met her prince and he was charming – so charming that, reader, she married him. It is the stuff of romantic daydreaming, and it happened right in front of our eyes.

The whole wedding day was televised minute by minute, just as the wedding of the groom’s own mother and father many years before. The difference was that then the day was officially declared a holiday, but both weddings were held on days which dawned bright and perfectly sunny.

Now you can catch a little taste of royalty and the romance that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared with us all last year. Their wedding outfits are being displayed in Edinburgh at the Palace of Holyroodhouse this summer in a small three room exhibition curated by Caroline de Guitaut.

One of the first visits the royal couple made after they became engaged was to Edinburgh when they held a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Their Royal Highnesses were very keen to show off the outfits here in Edinburgh. This is the only place other than London that the display is being mounted.

You may recall that it was on 13 February 2018 that the royal couple first visited Edinburgh and was greeted by the Lord Provost on the Castle Esplanade.

The intention behind the exhibition is to explain and demonstrate what it takes to put together a couture ensemble like this – not something too many people experience.

The deceptively simple dress, worn by the then Ms Meghan Markle, was designed by British designer Claire Waight Keller who is Artistic Director at the fashion house Givenchy. It was clear that the bride had a strong sense of what she wanted, and we can see the simplicity in the first sketch which the designer provided for her and which is on show at the start of the exhibition. The wedding took place in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle which has dramatic architecture as the backdrop.

The Duchess appears to have favoured a timeless style of dress but one which had a modern feel to it. The Duchess told Ms de Guitaut during the planning for this exhibition that after she met with Claire Waight Keller she immediately knew that she wanted the designer to make her wedding dress. She went back to see Prince Harry and told him who the designer was going to be.

The dress is quite sculptural and actually quite complicated to make, although the end result is a look of simplicity. There are only six well-placed seams in the creation.

The designer sketched something first of all for approval and then the dress was made in toile at the Givenchy atelier in Paris, where the team work with cotton to begin with. There are many of these made during the making of a couture outfit and they gradually become the shape which the real dress will eventually be made from.

The fabric for the dress was decided upon only after the first fitting and Clare decided to have a completely bespoke fabric made. The exclusive double-bonded silk cady was made in Como in Italy. This is woven on both sides of the loom which produces a very finely woven fabric and it has a real luminosity in it. The actual dress began to come together after several fittings, and at one point 50 people were working on it.

The floating hemline is a key part of the dress and a signature of the Givenchy style. At the front of the dress the hemline is lifted just above the shoes making it look as though it floats. There are three-quarter length sleeves which apparently involved some very scientific measuring to ensure that they ended in correct place!

The boat neckline was a real feature of the finished article, although it is clear from the sketch that it had a V-neckline in the first draft. The seams extend towards the back of the dress, from where the train flows in soft round folds, cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. 

Caroline explained : “As visitors come through the exhibition there are some visuals here explaining the process of design and some of the practicality of what goes into making such a garment. There is a multimedia guide and visitors will listen to Their Royal Highnesses describing what went into the planning of their wedding, all aspects of their wedding not just the dress.”

So expect to hear first hand the royal couple describing the thought process behind the wedding plans and how they wanted to make the wedding feel – very intimate and personal to them. In a recording made for visitors to the exhibition, The Duke and Duchess (known as the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton in Scotland) discuss their plans for the wedding, including the choice of outfits, music and flowers.  The Duchess says, “A great level of detail went into the planning of our wedding day. We knew how large the scale of the event would be, so in making choices that were really personal and meaningful, it could make the whole experience feel intimate.”

There is also an interview with Clare Waight Keller to listen to when walking round the exhibition.

Clearly it was well known that this would be a global event, but they wanted to include as many people as possible in the day, particularly the people of the Commonwealth – and this is shown best in the bridal veil. Prince Harry was appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and this is a key part of his role in the Royal Family. The Duchess was keen to include reference to what will be a role she shares in the veil, and did so with some of the flowers embroidered on it.

There is a massive glass display case in the second room to accommodate the beautiful bridal veil which is five metres long. It is made from silk tulle and embroidered with flowers of 53 countries including the Scottish thistle, the Californian poppy to remind us that this is where the Duchess was born and wintersweet which grows in the grounds of Kensington Palace. Ears of wheat positioned at the front of the veil are also included as these symbolise love and charity. The embroiderers had to wash their hands every 20 minutes to keep the tulle and the thread pristine, and this alone represents hundreds of hours of work.

The impression that the veil gave on the day, particularly when viewed from behind, was of a flower meadow billowing behind the bride. It is very airy, delicate and natural and the dramatic look was shown off when the bride ascended the steps to the chapel. The technical drawings for the veil are included in the exhibition, although the detail can really only be enjoyed by getting a close up look.

The bride’s veil was held in place by a diamond and platinum bandeau tiara, lent to Her Royal Highness by Her Majesty The Queen.  On public display for the first time, the tiara is formed as a flexible band of eleven sections, pavé set with large and small brilliant diamonds in a geometric design.  At the centre is a detachable brooch of ten brilliant diamonds.  Both the bandeau and brooch were bequeathed to Her Majesty by her grandmother Queen Mary in 1953. There is a portrait of Queen Mary in the same room at Holyrood where she is looking down on the two mannequins wearing the wedding outfits.

Clare Waight Keller also designed the outfits worn by the bridesmaids which are high-waisted ivory silk with short puff sleeves and a double silk ribbon at the waist tied in a bow. The dress on display is the one worn by Princess Charlotte one of the bridesmaids. Her shoes are also shown here. They were made by Aquazurra and embroidered with her initials and the date of the wedding.

The male wedding outfits are no stranger to drama and detail. The Duke of Sussex wore the frockcoat uniform of the Household Cavalry (the Blues and Royals) specially commissioned for the occasion and made by tailors at Dege and Skinner on Savile Row. The epaulettes with their large gold embroidered crowns depict the rank of Major. In the recording for visitors, The Duke says, ‘I chose the frock coat as a uniform, with permission from my Grandmother, because I think it’s one of the smartest Household Cavalry uniforms. It’s one of my favourites, and I was very fortunate to be able to wear that on the day.’

HRH the Duke of Cambridge had a matching outfit and Prince George also wore a miniature version on display here too. His initials GC are embroidered on the shoulder straps.

A replica of The Duchess of Sussex’s bridal bouquet made from artificial flowers has been created for the exhibition. The bouquet was designed by florist Philippa Craddock and included sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, astrantia, sprigs of myrtle and forget-me-nots, the favourite flower of Diana, Princess of Wales. The myrtle sprigs came from a shrub at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, grown from a cutting brought from Germany by Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria. Sprigs from the bush have been included in the bouquets of all royal brides since the 1850s.

This exhibition is part of a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse from 14 June to 6 October 2019.

To book tickets or for visitor information, please visit www.rct.uk or telephone +44 (0)303 123 7306. 

Pupils from Victoria Primary School, musicians from Fischy Music and patients at St Columba’s Hospice enjoyed singing their own songs this afternoon at a concert at the hospice.

The songs are the result of work they have done together, discussing the difficult topics of death and dying. The children have been meeting with patients in the hospice to talk about the impact of life-limiting conditions, exploring thoughts and feelings through the arts and writing songs.

There was a lot of happiness and laughter in the room where the concert took place today, and they performed the songs for an invited audience.

Head Teacher, Laura Thomson at Victoria Primary, Newhaven Edinburgh, said: “Many still consider death a taboo subject for children but it is vital that we talk to children about death. Most children will be affected by the death of someone in their family or family friends and they need to know what this means practically and how to deal with this emotionally too. We look forward to performing our songs and developing resources for all schools to share.”

Scotland men’s captain Chris Grassick makes his long-awaited comeback after injury in a key Great Britain clash with The Netherlands in the FIH ProLeague at lee Valley in London on Friday (7.30pm and live on BT Sport).

He joins his international and club team-mate Alan Forsyth, who also plays for top English side Surbiton, in the men’s squad, while former Edinburgh University striker Sarah Robertson (Hamstead and Westminster) has been named in the women’s squad against The Netherlands at Lee Valley on Saturday in a sold-out clash.

Edinburgh-raised Grassick (pictured with the trophy) last played for Great Britain’s men more than 18 months ago and men’s head coach Danny Kerry said: “It’s been a long road back and it’s been good to see him (Chris) looking sharp in training despite months of rehab.

“On a personal note, it’s always good to support our athletes through these long phases and it’s a credit to Chris in terms of his perseverance in testing circumstances.

Paul Starke of Glasgow Tigers has been confirmed as a starter for the star-studded Harrisons Scottish Open at Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

And former Glasgow and Edinburgh Monarchs racer Dan Bewley (pictured in action) also goes for glory in the prestige event.

Organisers are confident that the worst of the rain will be gone by Friday morning.

And John Campbell, Edinburgh Monarchs’ co-promoter, said: “At this time of year, with temperatures into double figures, it doesn’t take long for the track to dry out and heavy rain before a match usually make for a great race track.”

Jordan Stewart will miss the event and Nico Covatti is back in Italy with Monarchs racer Joel Andersson in a Swedish Championship semi-final.

Belle Vue’s rising star Bewley and Starke, a track expert at Armadale, aim to push four-time winner Rory Schlein all the way for the silverware.

Scotland’s first professional African Symphonic Orchestra is playing three concerts this week as part of a major conference on African Studies hosted by the University of Edinburgh.

The 15-strong The Ha Orchestra is playing three dates at St Cecilia’s Hall for the European Conference on African Studies (ECAS).

Based in Scotland, the orchestra has musicians from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Belgium, Scotland, England, Denmark, and France. They play traditional instruments from cultures across Africa.

The orchestra is performing four new pieces commissioned for the conference as well as existing material.

The Ha Orchestra was set up by Dr Gameli Tordzro of the University of Glasgow. His aim is to bring together musicians from different cultural heritages together to create music that sounds different from the western classical music played in Africa and the African diaspora.

The conference has brought 1,500 experts on Africa from across the world to Edinburgh. As well as academic events, there is a programme of cultural and arts events for delegates, including concerts, author readings, film screenings and exhibitions.

The concerts are at 7.00pm this evening Thursday and 6.00pm tomorrow Friday at St Cecilia’s Hall 50 Niddry Street

Rod Petrie has been confirmed as new President of the Scottish FA after his candidacy was endorsed by the membership of the Scottish FA at its Annual Meeting at Hampden Park today.

The Hibs’ chairman has served as an office bearer for the last eight years and brings a wealth of experience of football administration at all levels of the game.

Rod replaces the outgoing Alan McRae, who has served as President for two terms of office. He was joined by fellow board member Mike Mulraney, the Alloa Athletic chairman, who was appointed Vice-President.

Rod becomes the 53rd President of the Scottish FA and paid tribute to one of his Hibernian forebearers who made a similar ascent to the boardroom at Hampden Park.

“It goes without saying that today is a proud day and I grateful to the membership for endorsing my presidency,” he said.

“It is an honour to become President and follow in the footsteps of Harry Swan, the respected former Hibernian chairman of 30 years standing, who became President in 1952 until 1956. Harry was a pioneer: he was a visionary President of the Scottish FA whose influence and forward-thinking persuaded the game to look beyond its domestic horizons and embrace the possibilities that lay in European football.

“It is always appropriate to respect and honour the past. My appointment is not a reward for what I have done, rather a recognition of the contribution I can make during my term of office as President.   I take the responsibility seriously and will continue to work hard in the best interests of Scottish football.  

“We are a members organisation with responsibility for all of the game. We need to harness our strengths and engage in a constructive way with all of our stakeholders to make the Scottish FA and the national game the best it can be at all levels.”

Mike Mulraney: “I am delighted to have been appointed Vice-President of the Scottish FA and will leave no stone unturned in helping to take the game forward with a clear direction and in a collaborative way. During my time as a Scottish FA board member I have seen progress in working closer with the membership and as Vice-President my commitment is to continue to advocate working more efficiently and effectively with and for our member clubs, so that the pursuit of higher standards is achieved in an integrated fashion.”

‘Final chance to back 20 and save lives.’

Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell has issued a final call for the Scottish Parliament to back his Safer Streets Bill which will increase active travel, tackle pollution and save lives.

The Bill would reduce the speed limit on restricted roads from 30mph to 20 mph.

SNP, Tory and Lib Dem members of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural and Connectivity committee’s rejected the Bill’s general principles despite acknowledging that a 20mph speed limit improves health, liveability and active travel rates.

Lower speeds are proven to reduce accidents, with Bristol council estimating their rollout of 20mph saved four lives a year[1]. Even a small reduction of average speeds by 1mph results in a 6% decrease in accidents[2].

The Active Nation Commissioner for Scotland, Lee Craigie, is an advocate of the Bill. She explained: “I’m in support of this bill because it sends the message that what our society values is people and shared, safe spaces for everyone. Such spaces encourage more people to walk, cycle, scoot or wheel and so positively impact on the social connectivity in communities while supporting the mental and physical health of everyone in that community.”

Mr Ruskell said: “Colleagues voting against this Bill cannot ignore the simple fact that it will save lives. This truth has been acknowledged by the Welsh Government, who are pursuing a course of action almost identical to that proposed in my Bill and the Scottish Government’s refusal to get on board is baffling.

“The current system, where councils create their own 20 zones is both slow and expensive. The Bill has the backing of local authorities, children’s charities and environmental organisations but the Scottish Government seem to consider them secondary to the motoring lobby. The SNP have declared a climate emergency and claim to be a party of progress but if they team up with the Tories to block this Bill it will be hard to take those statements seriously.”

Our bus company Lothian has announced that it will pay its owner, The City of Edinburgh Council, an increased dividend this year of £7.7 million up from £6.8 million last year.

2018 performance against the group’s key indicators includes:
• Patronage: 119.2m
• Revenue £160.6m: an increase of £7.7m
• Profit before tax: £2.3m
• Dividend £7.7m: an increase of £0.9m

The annual report is published today showing the company’s turnover increased by 5.1%. Turnover in 2018 was £152.9 million and rose to £160.6 million in 2019.

Earnings before tax, depreciation and amortisation also rose to £20.0 million from £19.4 million in the previous year.

The company has invested £11.4 million in new buses, increasing its fleet by around 10% with 91 new passenger vehicles.

In the last decade the company has generated income of over £1.3 billion from its 1.1 billion passengers, and paid £46.4 million to the council which is the majority shareholder.

Jim McFarlane, Chair of Lothian, said:“Lothian continues to contribute to the local and wider economy, creating new job opportunities and investing heavily in the newest technology and vehicles for the benefit of our customers.

“I’m really pleased that our annual accounts released today demonstrate that we are continuing to grow our revenues, whilst also investing in the development and expansion of our business.

“Our performance during 2018 and effective management of increasing cost pressures also mean that we can return a £7.7m dividend to our shareholders.”

Richard Hall, Managing Director of Lothian, added: “We have continued to adapt and develop our business by reviewing new opportunities and how we evolve both our current and future public transport offerings.

“Our results for the year are in line with our forecasted expectations and significantly show an overall revenue increase of 5.1% over the previous year driven by the exploitation of growth opportunities, delivering a profit before tax of £2.3m.

“Lothian has faced significant operating and cost pressures driven by economic change and inflation. We anticipate that these cost pressures will not only remain but also increase in the future and we continue to work proactively to address and mitigate the impact of these in order to maintain our required investment and returns.

“2018 also saw us review and implement significant changes to our bus depreciation policy driven by rapidly changing emission regulations driving fleet renewals. As a result our bus depreciation term was decreased from 15 years to 12 years.”

At Edinburgh Airport Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have introduced a new service allowing you to check your bags in the day before your flight.

This move could make your journey a bit easier on the day of travel itself, allowing you just to walk through the security area to the departure lounge. (It only applies to flights leaving in the morning before 12 noon.)

The company has already introduced the service at other English airports where it has been deemed a great success.

First you check in online at least 24 hours before your flight and then visit the Twilight check-in at the airport where you can drop your bags at the Jet2 check in desk anytime between 3.00pm and 8.00pm the day before your flight.

The company says this service is most suited to those who are staying over in a hotel the night before or who live locally.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “As we approach the peak summer season, this is yet another example of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays investing in a VIP experience for our customers.

“Our free Twilight Check-In service is a smart and secure service that really adds to the overall holiday experience for our customers. The popularity of this service means we are delighted to be launching it from Edinburgh Airport, meaning customers can start their holiday with us luggage-free and breeze through the airport to catch their flight.”

Visit www.Jet2.com/twilight for more information.

This week we’re visiting Edinburgh Waverley Station’s Station on my journey Exploring Edinburgh using the city hire bikes. It’s a bit meta.

To keep us on track and to save me typing ‘Station Station’ throughout this post I’ll be using Waverley to mean Edinburgh Waverley Station, and Station to mean the Just Eat Hire Station at Edinburgh Waverley. Still with me? Great! Let’s get this bike train rolling.

Waverley is Edinburgh’s central train station. It has a large forecourt next to platform 2 and the steps leading to the Calton Road exit – FYI this exit dodges the crowds and car-favouring signals of Princes Street if you’re heading to Leith – that has on occasion hosted a market.

Most of the time it’s an empty expanse of smooth flooring that you must under no circumstances cycle on no matter how inviting a surface it looks. It’s here, in the ‘no bike games’ square, that you can find the Just Eat Cycles Station within Waverley.

On the wall above the Station is a mural that depicts pages of books and abstract images related to travel. On one of the pages, an incorrect quote from J.R.R. Tolkien’s poem All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter reads ‘Not all those who wonder are lost’. While it should read ‘wander’, it’s still a fitting group of words to display within a transport hub like Waverley, and as a writer who has been known to wander, it resonates deeply with me, too.

Waverley is big, and it’s busy.

In 2017/18 nearly 24 million people travelled through it. The main square where the shops and train schedule boards are situated is always teeming with people.

Commuters heading to work or school, football fans starting early in the bar, tourists travelling with heavy suitcases, someone running late for a train, charity groups raising awareness for good causes, Waverley staff doing all sorts of work. People just keep appearing all with the common goal of getting somewhere.

I like it here. There’s plenty of space to stand and take in everything that’s going on, and if you’re into people watching, Waverley ticks a lot of boxes.

The sound of Waverley is brilliant, too. As a result of the high glass ceiling, there is an echo to all of it as it reverberates around. It’s a symphony of voices, whistles, footsteps, wheelie suitcases, train engines, and grainy tannoy announcements. It’s the music of travel. When in a rush it can be overwhelming, but if you take the time to pause and listen, it’s quite lovely. It’s the urban equivalent to being deep in a forest, but the birdsong is that of people on the move.

You can read more about my active travel journey on my blog by clicking here.

Andy Wightman MSP is defending a defamation action raised against him by Wildcat Haven Enterprises CIC.

The organisation claims that he defamed them in two blogs which he wrote. If he loses the £750,000 action then he could be made bankrupt and would as a result lose his Holyrood seat.

As at this afternoon 2,762 supporters have committed £103,715 to his defence fund. When I spoke to the MSP yesterday he was confident that he could make up the difference if the crowdfunder totalled anywhere near the target of £120,000. But there is still time to donate if you wish!

The allegations against Mr Wightman are not in the public domain as he has had to withdraw the two blogs. He cannot publish any of the details until they are entered into the court proceedings.

The hearing is laid down for 8 days at the Court of Session commencing 29 October 2019.

9 hours to go and we've just made the £100,000 mark. Immensely grateful for all your sharing & donations. https://t.co/bPxPf8Jrzw

— Andy Wightman MSP (@andywightman) June 12, 2019

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FANTASTIC NEW SPEC REVEALED, PLUS LBTT AVAILABLE ON SELECTED PLOTS AT THREE ALLANWATER HOMES DEVELOPMENTS

Allanwater Homes is offering a fabulous, new “as standard specification”, plus Land and Building Transaction Tax paid on selected homes, at its developments in Alva, Dunfermline, and Alloa.

All three developments are suitable for families, and feature homes built with the latest energy efficient materials, fully double glazed, and offering lower running costs.

The new spec offers a choice of designer kitchens, complete with Induction Hob and synchronised structured worktops. Solar Panels are now standard in every Allanwater home at these developments, and all bathrooms will feature luxury Roca Sanitaryware.

Silver Glen in Alva has stylish three bedroom semi-detached Arrochar villas from £178,995, alongside several choices of four bedroom villas, the Lomond at £228,995, the Ochil at £223,995, the Cuillin at £259,995, and the Cairngorm at £289,995.

Also making a strong impression is the Sidlaw, a three bedroom detached housetype at £214,995, which has recently been added to the Allanwater Homes portfolio. It has three double bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes, including master bedroom en-suite.

Those looking for a five bedroom home will be spoilt for choice with the Galloway villa, with single garage, priced at £329,995.

Rumblingwell, Dunfermline has only a handful of properties left in its current phase, including Kintail three bedroom terraced villas at £158,995.

Oaktree Gardens, Alloa, is now selling from its eighth phase. A wide range of four and five bedroom villas are on offer, from £225,995 for the Lomond.

“This fantastic LBTT and new specification offer is only available for a limited time,” said Allanwater Homes Sales & Marketing Manager, Sharron McCarthy, “We therefore urge interested parties to act quickly to secure themselves a fantastic value new home at the development of this choice.”

Many Allanwater Homes also feature en-suite master bedrooms, utility rooms and downstairs cloakrooms. They are complete with a full 10 year Premier Structural Guarantee, along with central heating.

Further details at www.allanwater.co.uk

There is a concert this Friday night at the Eric Liddell Centre in Morningside that you may wish to put in your diary now.

The Walnuts, who have played concerts across the UK and Europe to raise money for dementia will perform at Morningside United Church on the 14^th June to raise funds for the Eric Liddell Centre, as part of their Lighthouse Tour of Scotland.

I went to the Northern Lighthouse Board at lunchtime to hear the folk supergroup who are appearing at the Centre on Friday to help raise funds for dementia care charity Eric Liddell.

Davie McGirr, lead singer in the group, explained why they were playing in the George Street office : “Every year for the last couple of years we have done a tour and there has been a certain theme to it. The first year we went to Oslo and back – that was all about seeing how far we could go in a motorhome in a week. Last year we went to Barcelona to play in as many places as possible. That worked too. We do a lot of fundraising events for charity, so once we realised we could actually do this – just turn up and play some tunes we decided to get a bit more organised.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk-NZr7pnz8&w=560&h=515]

“One of our band members, Matt, did some work with the Northern Lighthouse Board last year and asked if we could go and play some of the lighthouses.”

So that is what they have been doing. Davie said : “It is almost impossible to get to six lighthouses in a week, and also people don’t tend to hang out at lighthouses at night time, so they are all lunchtime gigs.

“We have played the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, and we are off to Ardnamurchan on Saturday but before that we are playing for the Eric Liddell Centre on Friday night in Morningside.”

The band is made up of Fergus Muirhead, Donald Stewart, Matt Allwright and Davie McGirr. You will know Matt better from presenting BBC shows such as Rogue Trader and Watchdog.

Davie used to play in a band with John McMillan the CEO of the Eric Liddell Centre when they were teenagers and that is the musical connection between the two, but there is another reason why Davie wants to raise funds for dementia charities.

Davey explained that he first became aware of dementia because his mother-in-law had early onset dementia.

He and his wife built an extension on their house so that she and his father-in-law could come and stay with them. He explained : “One of the things I realised was that my wife and father-in-law became full-time carers, and there is little support round about. You are pretty much left on your own. I think unless you are in the dementia community you have no idea how much it affects the family.

“I couldn’t do the caring, so I started playing concerts in people’s living rooms to raise funds to help. I really enjoyed gigging in people’s front rooms! Then I got invited onto Matt’s radio show when I was really very nervous. As soon as I walked in he had a guitar in his hand and asked to play along with me.

“We realised that we like the same sort of music, and he is a near neighbour at home in England, so he began to come to do the concerts with me, and then eventually Fergus and Donald came to join us.

“But we don’t get to play together very often, so this week is great and by the end of the week we will be rocking!” Don’t miss the concert this Friday when you should expect folk with a bit of Americana flung in.

You can buy tickets on the door or on Eventbrite. Or contact the centre by email frontdesk@ericliddell.org or by phoning 0131 447 4520

At the Fine Art Society until 22 June you can read Robert Crawford’s translated poetry set to Norman McBeath’s photos in their latest exhibition, Holy Rood.

McBeath has photographed trees branches, wood and carvings to set alongside the untitled Old English poem, which Crawford has translated and calls The Dream of the Rood. The poem is ‘spoken’ by the tree used to make the crucifixion cross. The oldest version of the poem is in carved runic inscriptions on an eighth century stone cross in Dumfriesshire.

There are 25 copies of Holy Rood published by Easel Press for sale as well as limited edition proofs of the black and white photographs.

Editions of Holy Rood have already been acquired by the British Library, National Library for Scotland, Yale Centre for British Art, Edinburgh and St. Andrew’s universities.

McBeath’s new project Noiseless Noise is also on display. This shows quite ordinary plants in great detail, again in black and white.

You can also see the exhibition online here.

Fine Art Society 6 Dundas Street Edinburgh EH3 6HZ t 0131 557 4050 art@fasedinburgh.commailto:art@fasedinburgh.com

Monday to Friday 10.001m to 6.00pm Saturday 11.00am to 2.00pm

There seems to be something of a 1980s revival these days
which, given some of the music and fashion from the decade that style forgot is
something of a surprise. But if you still hanker after the days of legwarmers,
white tee-shirts adorned with huge slogans and mobile phones the size of a
large brick then Club Tropicana the Musical is for you.

It’s a show that’s been described as the Love Island of the
1980s (don’t ask, that’s lost on me too) and it bounced into Edinburgh on
Tuesday evening for the first of a run of shows that end on Saturday. Innuendo
abounds; camp is all around; and there’s love stories with rather predictable
endings. But for all that, I loved it!

The main character is Garry, played with such energetic
style by former X-Factor winner Joe McElderry. The story is set in Club
Tropicana, a hotel for which the name chaos could have been invented. McElderry
hams the action delightfully and has developed a comedic persona which comes to
the fore in this entertaining romp through the 1980s.

Alongside McElderry is the brilliant Kate Robbins who plays
the hotel maid Consuela. Robbins, of course, made her name as an impressionist
of some ability, having contributed to one of the top sketch shows of the
1980s, the puppet satire that was ITV’s Spitting Image. Robbins has not lost
her mimicry skills and she revels in ‘doing’ stars such as Tina Turner, Shirley
Bassey and Liverpool’s singer turned prime-time 80s telly presenter Cilla Black.
Robbins, for me, is the star of the show and she had the Playhouse audience in
hoots of laughter.

The role of Serena, the hotel manager, is played by Amelle
Berrabah, once of The Sugababes (who, I’m reliably informed, were an all-girl
pop band) and while she isn’t as prominent as McElderry and Robbins, still
provides one of the highlights of the evening with a spine-tingling version of
the Yahoo classic Only You (Berrabah overcame a small technical issue at the
start of the song quite brilliantly) Serena has her eyes on Rob, who was due to
be played by Neil McDermott, a former EastEnders actor, but, on Tuesday’s
performance was played by understudy Nye Rees.

During these troubled times, Club Tropicana will take you
back to more innocent days and it’s clear the cast love performing and stomping
out the instantly recognisable numbers from three decades ago. Like all good
shows this is reflected in the feel-good factor that envelopes the show and
there’s every chance you’ll leave the theatre with at least one of those 1980s
hits buzzing around in your head for the rest of the evening.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun, She Drives Me Crazy, The Look
of Love, Don’t Go, Jump, Making Your Mind up (with a wee twist on the legendary
Bucks Fizz tearing the skirts away routine) and many others will have you
looking out your old Sony Walkman when you get home.

Club Tropicana is literally a blast from the past. It’s on at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 15^th June 2019. Tickets here.

Edinburgh Reporter rating: ****

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding
a man’s fall from a tenement building in Duke Street around 5pm on Sunday
afternoon.

The 55-year-old is being treated at the Edinburgh Royal
Infirmary for serious injuries.

A 64-year-old woman who was struck by the man’s fall has now
been released from hospital

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in
Edinburgh were called to Duke Street at around 17:10 on Sunday 9 June following
a report that a man had fallen from a building.

“The 55-year-old man, and a woman aged 64, who was
injured during the incident, were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by
the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“The man remains in hospital with serious injuries and
the woman was released following treatment.”

The Hibernian Historical Trust will be holding its eighth
annual Open Day at Easter Road Stadium this Sunday as part of the Leith
Festival.

Supporters and visitors to Leith will have a unique chance
to see behind the scenes of the stadium.

The tours, which are self-guided, offer visitors the chance
to explore many areas of the stadium including the Boardroom with its
collection of artefacts, the Directors Seating area in the upper tier of the
West Stand, Players’ lounge, the Gallery and its unique collection of memorabilia,
as well as a visit to the home and away dressing rooms and pitchside where
there will be many photo opportunities.

Behind the East Stand visitors can see many poignant
memorial stones,and the visit will finally conclude in the concourse of the
Famous Five Stand In the Concourse.

As part of the tour Hibs have created a Kids Zone with
various activities.

The SWPL Cup and Scottish Cup trophies won by Hibernian
Ladies will also be on display.

Visitors will exit the stadium via the Clubstore.

Doors will be open from 1pm, with the self-guided tours
starting from Stair 2 in the West Stand.

Admission is free.

There is no need to book, just turn up on the day.

For more information on the Hibernian Historical Trust
please visit their website: www.hibshistoricaltrust.org

Bandits star Aaron Summers believes there is a positive mentality ahead of the club’s SGB Championship Shield semi-final double-header.

The Borders club face SGB Championship pace-setters Leicester Lions but the second-leg is at Berwick.

Skipper Kevin Doolan and the squad travel to Leicester for the first-leg on Sunday, June 16 (5.30pm) and host the return at Shielfield Park on Saturday, June 22 (7pm).

Aussie ace Summers said: “Everyone at the club is so pleased to have made it this far, but it would be even sweeter to make the Final.”

The Museum of Edinburgh is showing a collection of shoes from the past 100 years. The display is on from now until 20th December 2019 and admission is free.

Go along and see shoes worn by babies, brewers and service people in the eighteen century to the present along with film footage, background stories and photographs that bring their stories alive.

See dresses and shoes worn by women at dinner dances at the Balmoral Hotel, formerly known as the North British Hotel and contrast that with shoes worn by women in the Army in World War II.

For those who want to see a touch of elegance, there is a pair of gold leather evening shoes sold in Darlings department store in Edinburgh back in the 1930s.

Moviegoers are catered for too as there are shoes on display by designers Anello and Davide of London who designed shoes for Marilyn Monroe and The Beatles, which set trends in High Street shoe shops.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council said : “Museums & Galleries Edinburgh hold thousands of historic treasures on behalf of the City and its visitors. This charming and free exhibition is another glimpse into the history of the people of Edinburgh from all walks of life and it’s great that we are able to show them in the Museum of Edinburgh. 

“Exhibitions
like this add to the diversity of experiences people can enjoy in our
venues. Whether you’re a fine art fan, interested in history or just
want to see something out of the ordinary, we have something for
everyone to enjoy”.

Curator Vicky Garrington said: “We’ve chosen shoes as the subject of our new exhibition as they’re something everyone can relate to, whether or not they’re interested in fashion. The baby shoes in their bunny box may spark childhood memories, while everyone can appreciate the craftsmanship that’s gone into making the stunning pair of glazed leather slippers from the 1870s”.

Venue Details:

Address:                     Museum of Edinburgh, 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD

Telephone:                 0131 529 4143

Website:                     edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Twitter:                       @EdinCulture

Facebook:                   facebook.com/museumofedinburgh

Instagram:                 instagram.com/museumsgalleriesedinburgh

Opening hours:          Monday to Sunday 10am – 5pm

The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, has paid tribute to Skyrora as one of the leading lights of the city’s business world during a visit to space firm’s offices.

He visited the company’s Princes Street offices to meet its team and learn more about its future launch plans.

The rocket firm Skyrora has grown to over 120 staff in less than two years and has recently opened an engine testing workshop in Loanhead, Midlothian.

It has production and research and design facilities across four countries and is aligned with UK government and UK Space Agency plans to provide satellite companies with access to space from a new spaceport in Scotland.

Mr Ross said: “Skyrora is a hugely ambitious firm and a fantastic example of the game changing start-ups who choose to call Edinburgh home. 

“Our city is fast becoming a real magnet for innovation in business and it was inspiring to hear about Skyrora’s plans to launch a satellite from the UK.

“Pioneering firms like these play a vital role in Edinburgh and Scotland’s economy and I was impressed by the drive of everyone involved.”

It’s not the first high-profile visitor Skyrora has welcomed through its doors, with a host of politicians keen to learn more about the space firm on their door step.

Bill Bowman MSP, Colin Beattie MSP, Maurice Corry MSP, Paul Sweeney MP and Michelle Ballantyne MSP have all visited Head Office or the workshops to see first-hand the great work the firm is carrying out.

Labour MPs, Gerard Killen and Danielle Rowley, as well as SNP MP, Dr Philippa Whitford, have also both arranged visits over the coming weeks.

Daniel Smith, Director at Skyrora, said:  “We’re always honoured to welcome visitors to our HQ, whether its students looking for advice or high-profile individuals with connections and ideas to share with us.

“The interest in Skyrora has certainly increased this year and it’s great to be growing awareness locally, as well as at events outside of the country, where we’ve recently been fortunate enough to ‘talk space’ with the likes of Scottish Astronaut Dave McKay, UK Space Minister Chris Skidmore and even the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, a strong advocate for European space initiatives.

“We’re passionate about space in Scotland and excited about our upcoming launch missions and engine testing, as well as continuing to inspire the next generation of talent from within the country. “

Skyrora recently won the “Best Business in Edinburgh” award at the Scottish SME Business Awards, designed to commend businesses and entrepreneurs across the country for pushing the boundaries of innovation and imagination. 

The company’s upcoming engine firings and test launch missions will allow their team to gain more valuable experience, with two of their next three rockets capable of reaching the edge of space, a feat never accomplished by a private company launching from the UK before.

Skyrora draws on Britain’s previous launch heritage through the Black Arrow and Skylark programmes and aims to develop a local supply chain while creating new employment opportunities to inspire the next generation of talent. Earlier this year it unveiled the first stage of Black Arrow – the only British launch vehicle to reach orbit in 1971 – which it brought back to the UK from its landing spot in the Australian outback for educational outreach purposes.

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of 15-year-old Mhari O’Neill on Calton Hill on 8th December 2018.

The 18-year-old is scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Detective Inspector Susan Balfour, who led the investigation, said: “Our sympathies remain with Mhari’s family at this time.

“We will now begin the work to prepare this case for court and I would like to thank all members of the public who came forward with information to assist the investigation.”

The 73rd Edinburgh Taxi Trade Children’s Outing is on today so watch out if you are on the pavement anywhere near them – they are armed with water pistols!

This is an outing organised and funded by taxi drivers and gives a day out for children with special needs, life-limiting conditions and terminal illnesses. 

The taxis are all decorated with balloons or as floats and assembled at the car park at Edinburgh Zoo (behind the Holiday Inn) for judging and presentation of prizes for best float taxi, best balloon taxi, best fancy dressed driver and best fancy dressed child. 

They left Edinburgh Zoo Car Park at 10.00am heading under Police escort (complete with balloons!) through the city and along the coast to Archerfield Walled Garden  (between Gullane and Dirleton, East Lothian) for a fun-filled afternoon before heading home about 4.00pm.

We met them on the High Street

Edinburgh Leisure’s Drumbrae Leisure Centre won the prestigious Regional Club/Centre of the Year Scotland award at this year’s ukactive Awards.

Held just last week in Manchester, the awards included entries from over 50 different organisations from both inside and outside the leisure industry.

Drumbrae Leisure Centre was competing in a tough field, with other entrants from Sport Aberdeen and North Lanarkshire Ltd bidding for the top spot. Even making the final shortlist was a highly competitive process, involving a nomination form, a customer survey and a mystery visit.

Lynne Bauba, Manager at Drumbrae Leisure Centre said: “It goes without saying that all the staff at Drumbrae are overjoyed at having their efforts recognised on a national scale. The awards recognise great centres that customers love going to and staff love working at – great centres like Drumbrae. It just goes to show that you don’t need the biggest facility or the widest offer, so long as the venue meets the needs of the customers, local community and staff.”

The award ceremony was held as part of the Active Uprising event at Manchester Central and saw over 800 guests attend. There were 23 different awards categories in what turned out to be the largest ever ukactive Awards to date.

For more information: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

As part of the ongoing Edinburgh Festival of Cycling the 2019 Spokes Bike Breakfast was held in the quad at the City Chambers this morning.

The assembled cyclists heard speeches from Dave du Feu from Spokes, Councillor Lesley Macinnes the Transport Convener and Green MSP Andy Wightman.

Free breakfasts were served to around 350 people who cycled in on their way to work. There were several stalls on cycle–related topics, including a Spokes stall selling the popular Edinburgh and Lothians maps at discounted prices, a full bike check and chain lube service from Edinburgh Cycle Cooperative.

Police were there for security marking, and SPOKES launched its annual Summer Competition. 

Spokes the Lothian cycle campaign group are holding their public meeting on Friday 14 June 2019 at Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge EH1 1EL at 7.30pm All are welcome and speakers include Daisy Narayanan Leader of City Centre Transformation, Cllr Chas Booth Green Party Transport Spokesperson, Chris Paton of Spokes Planning Group and Dr Caroline Brown of the Urban Institute at Heriot-Watt University and EDFOC director.

In October Edinburgh Cocktail Week returns with a new cocktail forest, rooftop domes and an expanded cocktail village.

The event takes place from 14 to 20 October with a fun-filled week of cocktail festivities in around 70 of the capital’s cocktail bars.

On the rooftop of the Glasshouse Hotel Cocktail Domes will be installed making a new second pop up site for festival goers.

This is a first for Edinburgh and you will be able to see the view from inside the transparent domes so get your camera or your phone out and take photos of the skyline. Each dome can accommodate 8-10 people and will have sofas and comfy seats with blankets and rugs and fairy lights to relax in. There will be a reservation system for the domes.

The Cocktail Village will be in Festival Square bigger than before and with a new forest theme.

The Cocktail Forest will have a wigwam and fire pit with pop up bars and giant toadstools. You will be invited to go camping with cocktails.

The Cocktail Village will be the centre with 19 pop up bars and masterclasses. There will also be music an entertainment and the flowers will be provided by Dobbies Garden Centres. This will be like an outside event but you will be in the cosy warm inside.

Entry to both the Cocktail Village and Forest is free with an ECW wristband (£6 weekday / £8 weekend) and all cocktails inside are £4 each.

Pop-up bars this year include Edinburgh Gin with Brewhemia, Belvedere Vodka, Patron Tequila with 4042, Johnnie Walker, Highland Park, Eden Mill with The Raging Bull, Lindores Abbey, the Herringbone Horsebox and a special ‘Temple of Rum’ bar from The Pop Up Geeks and Don Q rum, with more to be announced over the coming months. In addition to cocktails, there will also be a beer and soft drinks offering as well as a new outdoor street food area covered by a stretch tent, creating a hangout space to enjoy some tasty eats.

Organiser, Gary Anderson said : “We’re excited to be expanding Edinburgh Cocktail Week across the city this year and further develop the experience for wristband-holders with the introduction of new features and pop-up spaces. The forest and street food areas are both exciting additions to the Cocktail Village and we’re delighted to be the first festival to bring cocktail domes to Edinburgh. The rooftop garden at The Glasshouse Hotel is the perfect setting for these and we’re working with fantastic partners to make the pods a really special space to enjoy cocktails and time with friends.”
The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian Hotel will also be joining in the festivities by serving a special cocktail themed Afternoon Tea throughout the week for £29.50 per person (normally £57) in their stunning Peacock Alley.

Afternoon tea includes two cocktails each and a selection of savoury finger sandwiches, homemade scones, decadent treats and over thirty fine loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions to choose from, with vegan and gluten-free options also available. Bookings can be made via the ECW website.
Throughout the week there will also be a programme of events and parties across the capital as brands and bars collaborate to host bartender takeovers, educational masterclasses and tastings, parties and cocktail-making competitions.

The full programme of events and experiences will be published in September, with those who have pre-booked wristbands online being given priority access to tickets.

With cocktail-enthusiasts travelling from as far as Australia and São Paulo to experience Edinburgh Cocktail Week, the festival has partnered with Apex Hotels in Edinburgh to offer 10% off stays at any of their four city centre hotels (two are located at the Grassmarket, one at Waterloo Place and one at Haymarket). Festivalgoers can take advantage of this offer by using promo code ECW2019 when booking online at www.apexhotels.co.uk/ecw. See the website for full T&Cs.

Apex Waterloo Place and Apex Grassmarket Hotels will be serving a £4 signature cocktail to wristband-holders. What’s more, 2019 is a special year for Apex Hotels, as they mark the 200th anniversary of Apex Waterloo Place Hotel – Edinburgh’s first ever large-scale hotel.

The team at the hotel have collaborated with Eden Mill to craft a bespoke gin, aptly named ‘The 1819’.

Wristbands are on sale now at www.edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk priced at £6 for a weekday wristband (valid Monday – Friday), £8 for a weekend wristband (valid Saturday & Sunday) and £13.50 for a week-long wristband.

Reigning champion Rory Schlein is set to defend the Harrisons Scottish Open Championship at Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

The rider nicknamed The Roo Boy will be seeking a record fifth title and the Aussie is having another great year at Wolverhampton and Somerset.

He has already scored a maximum at Armadale this season on Wolves’ pre-season visit.

Jordan Stewart is making his debut in the event and Victor Palovaara returns to Armadale along with former captain Theo Pijper who has concentrated on grass and long-track bookings this summer.

Cameron Heeps has quickly established himself as an exciting and popular member of the team and he also goes to tapes in the meeting postponed from last week.

Popular Kevin Doolan is an outstanding captain of Berwick Bandits has bags of experience around the tight Armadale track but former Monarchs skipper Sam Masters has been blocked from riding because of a visa restriction.