Council funding, tourist taxes and marketing budgets remain in the spotlight today with a call for some thought on the way the proposed tourist tax in Edinburgh is paid.

Three quarters of the cities represented at the Spring Meeting of European Cities Marketing which is being held in Edinburgh this week are funded by tourist taxes paid direct to them. It does not pass through the hands of any council or other governmental organisation. This is what we were told by the Chief Executive of Edinburgh’s embattled marketing organisation, Marketing Edinburgh.

Donnelly set the 200 delegates at the conference off by showing the T2 (Trainspotting) trailer explaining to them that most of the film was shot here in the capital, something made possible by Film Edinburgh, an integral part of the marketing organisation.

We wanted to speak with Donnelly who heads the body currently under threat of massive funding cuts in the council’s draft budget plans, to find out his current state of thinking. Councillors will vote on the budget proposals at a full council meeting next Thursday.

Mr Donnelly explained that it was Marketing Edinburgh who brought this relatively small but influential conference to the city.

He explained: “We bring around £75 million of economic impact into the city through Convention Edinburgh which is part of Marketing Edinburgh. I think it’s worth saying that conference organisers buy cities not venues. They expect you to have a conference centre, an airport. Those are just tickets to the game.

“What you are actually bidding for is a city not a venue or an airport.”

I suggested to Mr Donnelly that Edinburgh has a lot to offer.

He replied : “Yes, but so do all other cities. There are 80 other cities in the room next door who would all argue that they’ve got a lot to offer and do you know what? They do. It’s a very competitive world out there.

“If Edinburgh rests on its laurels and becomes complacent, then it will suffer.”

I then asked the marketing boss about the funding cuts, and where that placed the body within its peers represented at the conference. Mr Donnelly said : “Before the cut (which will lead to our demise), out of 54 among the 106 cities which are members of this organisation, Edinburgh has the seventh smallest budget for marketing. If the cut happens we will have the smallest budget in Europe. We can’t exist.

“Edinburgh would have no marketing arm, no destination management, no-one selling conferences, no-one managing film, no-one looking after your brand and no-one looking after tourism.

“But if that is the ambition of Edinburgh, so be it.”

I asked if there might be a counter-proposal in finding some funding for the marketing organisation elsewhere.

Mr Donnelly agreed, and said that they have already lodged such an idea with the council. He continued : “We went back to the council with a counter-proposal. Part of that is Marketing Edinburgh seeking its own funding. But remember that of the 80 cities here today three quarters of them have a tourist tax. That tax is paid via organisations like us, and doesn’t go to the council. They have a different governance, and that’s what we would argue. Fund us in the same way that other comparative cities are funded in Europe.

“All of the cities that get a tourist tax have two sources of funding : the council and a tourist tax. So that’s what we would recommend. Edinburgh reckons it’s an enlightened city. It must be very enlightened if they don’t think that’s the right way to do it when everybody else does.”

The papers for the council budget meeting on 21 February are not online until tomorrow so we cannot tell you as yet whether there are any changes to the draft budget which was brought to the Finance and Resources Committee on 1 February.

A consultation ran until last week for all residents and businesses to have their say on the terms of the draft proposals. There should be at least some feedback on that consultation published tomorrow (Friday), but we are told to expect further motions, amendments and addenda in the early part of next week.

One of the world’s newest and most exciting orchestras will appear at Edinburgh’s iconic Usher Hall in February.

Founded in 2006, the Symphony Orchestra of India brings together exceptional players from across the Subcontinent – a region with its own vibrant traditions of classical music – together with superb international musicians. Based in Mumbai, it is India’s very first professional symphony orchestra, and has already worked extensively with some of the world’s most renowned soloists and conductors, touring to the best concert halls across the globe.

To begin, the Orchestra will take audiences into the fairy realm with the magical orchestral evocations of Weber’s Oberon Overture. The composer’s final opera, it depicts the tale of Oberon, who quarrels with his wife Titania over whether men or women are faithful to their lovers. The pair can only be reconciled when a couple constant through misfortune can be found. The Overture is a musical standout of the work, with supernatural horns and strings transporting the listener into another realm.

The Orchestra’s co-founder and Music Director, Kazakh-born violinist Marat Bisengaliev, joins the players for one of the true wonders of the violin repertoire. Bruch’s soulful First Violin Concerto blends dazzling virtuosity with heartrending melody – it’s not hard to hear why it’s considered the world’s most adored violin concerto. The iconic piece had drawn-out origins, with Bruch being consistently dissatisfied and modifying it “at least half a dozen times” over four years. It finally had its premiere in Bremen in 1968 with the great Joseph Joachim as the soloist, after Bruch sought his comments on the piece during the writing process.

Incisive British conductor Martyn Brabbins – Music Director of English National Opera – brings the concert to an electrifying climax with an exhilarating journey through the Arabian Nights – with tales of Sinbad’s adventures, swashbuckling heroes, tender young love and a cataclysmic shipwreck, all related in Rimsky-Korsakov’s sensuous Scheherazade. The composer’s early life as a sailor surely played a role in the composition, with his own exploration of the Seven Seas and trips bound to the far east, where the tale of Scheherazade is set, giving Rimsky-Korsakov his own experiences to draw upon.

Get along to the Usher Hall for an afternoon of musical adventure and exploration with one of the world’s most exciting young orchestras!

Symphony Orchestra of India with Marat Bisengaliev

Sunday Classics at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh

3:00pm, Sunday 24 February 2019

Martyn Brabbins – Conductor

Marat Bisengaliev – Violin

Symphony Orchestra of India

Weber – Oberon Overture

Bruch – Violin Concerto No. 1

Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade

Tickets available at www.usherhall.co.uk

Prices

£35 | £29 | £24 | £18 | £13.50

Full time students are entitled to tickets for £10 which can be booked in advance

Under 16s are entitled to free tickets when booked with a paying adult

Concessions available

**Please note a £1.50 transaction fee applies on the overall booking when purchasing online or over the phone (non-refundable)**

Police have released an e-fit of a man they are looking to trace as part of their investigation into a serious assault which took place at a flat in Millhill Wynd Musselburgh shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday 9th February.

The man shown in the e-fit is described as white, aged around 25 years old, with grey hair and is believed to have a tattoo on his forearm.

Detective Sergeant Susan Taylor of the Public Protection Unit said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and we’ve been conducting thorough enquiries in the area since this was reported to us. I want to reassure the local community that this is being treated as a priority.

“We are working to identify the man in the e-fit and would urge anyone who may recognise him, or who may have seen suspicious behaviour by anyone in the Millhill Wynd area on Saturday evening, to call either us or Crimestoppers anonymously as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4259 of 9th February, or report this anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hibs have appointed Paul Heckingbottom as Head Coach on a three-and-a-half year with former Scotland international Robbie Stockdale as his assistant.

The Yorkshireman told Hibernian Media “It’s an honour to be named Head Coach of Hibernian Football Club – a club with a rich history and commitment to playing attacking football.

“There is so much potential here and the club has everything going for it.

“I’m looking forward to getting to work and meeting the players and staff on Thursday, before stepping up preparations for Saturday’s game against Hamilton.

“I will give everything I have to be a success here. Supporters can be assured of that.”

Rod Petrie, Chairman, said: “We are pleased to have secured the services of Paul and Robbie and look forward to seeing what they have to bring to the Hibernian Training Centre and Easter Road Stadium. “Paul excelled throughout the interview process. He is bright, driven and hungry to help drive the club forward. As a board we will do all that we can to assist him in his endeavours.”

Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive, added: “Paul made a really positive impression on us from our first meeting with him.

“His work at Barnsley speaks for itself, where he was able to combine the kind of dynamic, attacking football our own fans appreciate with the development of some talented young players.

“With the structure we already have in place, Paul is the right person to embrace that support and take it to a new level.

“On behalf of everyone at Hibernian, we would like to extend a warm welcome to both Paul and Robbie.”

Long-standing bingo player, member of Buzz Bingo and local resident, Isabella McCreadie, was afforded the honour of cutting the ribbon at Westside Plaza to officially declare the new club open.

All customers playing at the newly branded Buzz Bingo on Saturday evening were in with a chance of winning a £500 mega prize draw. The new name has come about after Gala Leisure rebranded over the last year.

Isabella who has been a member of the Wester Hailes club for 16 years, said : “I love the community feel at the Bingo club – all the staff are friendly and really helpful – and I feel very honoured to be the one to cut the ribbon at the launch party.

“I visit the club five days a week and I normally bring my family with me. Everyone’s really excited to see me be the VIP. I’ve won large amounts before but winning is a bonus for me.” The mother of six often takes her daughter and granddaughter with her to play a game.

Local Marketing Business Partner, Ian Fitzpatrick said: “The club could’ve chosen a celebrity or footballer for their opening, but instead they wanted somebody who meant something to the club. That person is Isabella who represents all of Buzz Bingo’s Edinburgh customers past and present. Ian, the General Manager recognised this and decided that Isabella is the ultimate VIP! It’s a truly fantastic gesture from a club built from its community roots.”

Buzz Bingo is the UK’s largest chain of Bingo clubs with over 100,000 players winning nearly £3 million each week. The company believes recent research which found that bingo players are happier than most.

Chris Matthews, CEO at Buzz Bingo said: “Bingo appeals to people of all ages, from all walks of life. It’s a fun, safe, judgement-free night out with games, dinner and drinks, all for less than £20. We designed Buzz Bingo clubs to make socialising and being part of a local community easy, and research shows that Bingo players are more likely to have a positive outlook on life than others. Our colleagues are friendly, fun and supportive, and always delighted to help you have a great night out with friends and family.”

Police are appealing for help to trace missing man James Cornforth, 36, who was last seen leaving the cinema at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre in Leith, Edinburgh, shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, February 5.

Mr Cornforth is believed to have gone to an address in the Waterfront Avenue area then Tesco Express store on Queensferry Road at around 5.40pm on the day of his disappearance.

Mr Cornforth has a tribal sleeve tattoo on his right arm from his shoulder to elbow.

He also has a coloured thistle tattoo on his right ankle and when last seen was wearing a grey hooded top, blue cotton jogging bottoms, trainers and a black waist-length jacket. He has links to the Granton area of the city and may be seeking to travel to the Isle of Skye or Glencoe areas, police said. Inspector David Hughes said: “As time passes we are becoming increasingly concerned for James’s welfare and this is out of character for him not to be in contact with anyone for this length of time.

“We believe James may be using public transport or travelling on foot, and would ask anyone who may have seen, or spoken to him, since Tuesday, January 5, to contact us as soon as possible.

“Anyone who may have any information that can help our inquiries and trace James is asked to get in touch immediately.”

Edinburgh Zoo is encouraging local authorities, businesses and organisations to get involved in The Big Declutter.

This is part of Zero Waste Scotland’s Pass It on Week between 9 – 17 March 2019 which hopes to show that decluttering is more than just a clear out it is a way of passing your unwanted items on to someone who might love them.

It is a great opportunity to pass on things which might seem useless to you to someone who could do with them – and not simply adding to the rubbish mountain. This way of getting rid of what you consider to be rubbish will support sustainability.

To launch the campaign, Edinburgh Zoo’s Green Team welcomed a large donation with many items being passed on the Highland Wildlife Park.

Organisations can find out how to support the campaign by using Zero Waste Scotland’s online partner guide, which provides ready to use downloadable material.

Gemma Mudie, head of sustainability at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “As a wildlife conservation charity, our goal is to connect people with nature and protect species from extinction and we know this is only possible when we’re also working to protect the environment.

“Sustainability is very important to us and, as well as welcoming donations of items we can use to make enrichment for our animals, we also work with a number of other charities and partners to ensure that nothing in good condition goes to waste.”

Catherine Bozec, Consumer Campaigns Manager at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Passing an item on after a declutter can help good causes, as well as reducing the number of items ending up as waste. Having a good clear out reminds us what we really need instead of buying more and this helps to preserve natural resources. Edinburgh Zoo is the perfect example of an organisation that benefits from many of the things that businesses and individuals would likely throw away.”

To download the toolkit or sign up as a partner for ‘The Big Declutter’, visit www.passitonweek.com and register your plans at http://www.recycleforscotland.com/submit-an-event.

Share your Pass it on Week story on social media using the #PassItOnWeek #TheBigDeclutter hashtags.

Zero Waste Scotland is behind Pass It On Week. It forms part of their £73 million programme invested in the circular economy and resource efficiency projects. This was made possible by support from the European Regional Development Fund.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival have launched a new annual Winter Blues festival. Fans will now be able to enjoy events dedicated to the best of the Scottish Blues scene this month across multiple events.

Organisers plan to ask a leading blues musician to select a programme each year. This year, the task was given to Scottish champion of classic blues, Richard O’Donnell.

He’s chosen “the very best current and new generations of Scottish blues musicians in more traditional and authentic styles of blues music”.

The festival will also two of the very best international blues artists in the classic style: Øyvind Stølefjell and Big Jon Atkinson.

International guests will help kick off the weekend at a launch event at St Bride’s Community Centre on Friday 22 February 2019 at 7.30pm. The event will feature EJBF’s famous three band line-ups with The Blue Hyenas, Jed Potts Hillman Hunters ft. Øyvind Stølefjell, Al Brown & The Bluelighters ft. Big Jon Atkinson.

Tickets available here.

The Saturday night (23) will feature a celebration of the best of the genre. A triple bill once again, music fans will be able to enjoy music by The Jensen Interceptors, Tim Elliot & Sandy Tweeddale, Allan Jones.

This event will have something for everyone, including early blues authenticity from Allan Jones, and more contemporary electric blues in the form of The Jenson Interceptors. The event begins at 20.30 at Teviot Row House.

Tickets available here.

On Sunday 24 February 2019, fans more partial to piano-based blues will be able to enjoy performances by four brilliant blues pianists: Øyvind Stølefjell, Richard O’Donnell, Grant McTavish and Thomas Lucas.

The musicians will showcase how brilliant the genre can be on the humble piano, evoking memories of some of the greats such as Otis Spann and Sunnyland Slim. At St Bride’s Centre from 3.00pm.

Tickets available here. 

The debut winter festival will conclude with a concert with The Big Jon Aitkinson Band, a young musician highly esteemed across the American Blues scene. Fans will be treated to everything from in the pocket Memphis/Sun covers to wild interpretations of raw post war Chicago gems.

The performance will take place at St Brides from 7.30pm.

Tickets available here.

The prestigious Edinburgh Medal is awarded to Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of the UN framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC)

Ms Figueres was instrumental in the successful conclusion of the Paris talks.

At the summit all the world’s nations agreed for the first time to a binding commitment to avoid dangerous levels of global warming.

Figueres also served as the UN’s climate chief from 2010 until 2016.

She will deliver The Edinburgh Medal Address entitled Climate Change Where are We? at The Signet Library on Friday 5 April 2019 at 7.00pm. The lecture is aimed at 14+ and will last for an hour.

The special event will allow Ms Figueres to discuss the international picture in respect of action to halt climate change. The international cooperation which led to the historic 2015 Paris Agreement has not continued interrupted.

The Edinburgh Medal was instituted by the City of Edinburgh Council in 1988. Each year this prestigious award is given to men and women of science and technology whose professional achievements are judged to have made a significant contribution to the understanding and well-being of humanity. Previous recipients include Prof Jane Goodall, Prof Peter Higgs and Sir David Attenborough. This year’s Edinburgh Medal address is supported by Artemis.

There is a subtle tweak in the name, but the ethos behind the festival remains the same – to get you interested in science no matter what your age.

This year the theme is Frontiers. There is huge emphasis on the fiftieth anniversary of the first moon landing and taking the theme of breaking through new frontiers, with the science festival programme is based around that.

This is the 31st festival programme presenting 270 events at 31 venues across Edinburgh from 6-21 April 2019. With the main sponsor EDF Energy the festival will push the limits of our knowledge about ourselves, the world and universe around us.

The new festival hub will be at Pleasance where you can see Experimentarium, admire the outdoor exhibition, Moments in Time, and go to see science shows, events, debates, discussions and workshops.

Dr Gordon Rintoul : “This marks a really important point in the evolution of the festival with a rebranding and refocusing.

“It is also of course fifty years since the moon landing, and some of us are old enough to have watched those scratchy images on a black and white television set. There is a little connection in this museum to the moon landing that some of you may be aware of. If you go into the Discoveries gallery you will find the prototype of one of the cameras developed for the Apollo moon landings.

“Why is it in Scotland? Well, of course, there is a Scottish connection because we get everywhere. It used the same colour television technology developed by John Logie Baird. It was not a commercially successful technology but it was used on the moon.”

Dr Rintoul was quick to point out that there is a full programme in the National Museum of Scotland, where they are also staging the ROBOTS exhibition up on level 3 giving you a flavour of the world leading research being conducted here in Edinburgh.

Darrell Williams Chief Operating Officer said : “After our 30th birthday last year we looked forward to what we could do. It was part of that that we became Edinburgh Science which better reflects the ever diversifying nature of our programme across all strands of our business – Scotland, UK, Europe and internationally There are three main elements : Edinburgh Science Festival, Edinburgh Science Learning and Edinburgh Science Worldwide. The Festival is one of the biggest and most famous in the world holding its position in an increasingly competitive environment by continuing to innovate and grow.

“Our Generation Science school programme includes 58,000 school pupils from all of Scotland’s 32 local authorities with a focus on areas which are in the top percentage of the Scottish index of multiple deprivation. We have a proactive community engagement strategy across Edinburgh too.”

If you are a school anywhere in Scotland you can book a visit from Generation Science and get more information here.

The festival is a charity working all year round, not just in April and not just in Edinburgh. To emphasise this, Simon Gage Director and CEO of Edinburgh Science showed a photo from Abu Dhabi where Edinburgh Science also stage a festival each year.

Amanda Tyndall Creative Director of Edinburgh Science Festival showed us the moon landing on the big screen in the museum auditorium which is still a breathtaking moment even half a century later. She said : “With new venues and partners and a programme packed full of events and ideas our Frontiers theme sees us explore the research horizons of everything from the depths of the oceans to the furthest reaches of space and the intricate pathways of the human brain.  We celebrate the spirit of adventure and enquiry that drives science and the ideas and individuals that are expanding the Frontiers of our collective knowledge and have aplenty of fun on our journey.

“At the heart of all science lies an unquenchable curiosity; a deep urge to explore and explain the unknown and to push the Frontiers of our knowledge about ourselves, the world around us and our place in the wider Universe. We know more and more each day, yet the unknown still outweighs the known. It is the desire to redress this balance that sits at the heart of science. And of our 2019 programme.”

Edinburgh Science Festival is also supported by Principal Funding Partners: The City of Edinburgh Council, Scottish Government, Edina Trust and Baillie Gifford.

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Edinburgh’s Disgrace: City’s global promotion in jeopardy as Europe’s top destination marketeers descend on the Capital

Leaders from one of Europe’s most prestigious gatherings of Destination Marketing Management Organisations (DMMOs) which is meeting in Edinburgh this week have had their say on proposed council budget cuts.

The City of Edinburgh Council propose to axe the funding to Marketing Edinburgh, a body which they set up, by 89% in two years.

The not for profit marketing body European Cities Marketing (ECM are holding their spring meeting in the capital from today. They have voiced their disbelief at the ‘short-sighted’ and ‘embarrassing’ consequences for Edinburgh, if proposed council budget cuts go ahead next week, which would most probably mean that Marketing Edinburgh would have to close its doors.

More than 200 leading international experts and event owners from over 80 European cities have come to the three day meeting in the capital today at The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. This is taking place against the possibility of host city Edinburgh becoming the only city in the developed world without a DMMO.

Marketing Edinburgh won the bid to bring the high-profile event to the capital back in June 2018. And yet despite this and other marketing coups, more than £560,000 of Marketing Edinburgh’s 2019/20 budget hangs in the balance as councillors prepare to vote on the proposed cuts next week.

An international leading association for tourism organisations, ECM aims to improve the competitiveness and performance of leading European cities. Senior destination leaders from across the continent have gathered in the city to foster critical thinking and debate on topical tourism issues relevant to Edinburgh, such as destination management and future travel trends.

Dieter Hardt-Stremayr, President of European Cities Marketing and Managing Director of Graz Tourist Office said: “I am shocked that leaders of any city would dismiss and undervalue the role of a DMMO in contributing to its ongoing and future success. Such a drastic cut is unheard of in our circles.

“At a time of Brexit uncertainty, I find it incredibly short-sighted. Through its work with ECM, Marketing Edinburgh plays an integral part in strengthening ties with other European cities, sharing good practice and promoting innovation.  This is a time when Edinburgh should be investing in its destination marketing, not abolishing it.” 

John Donnelly, Chief Executive at Marketing Edinburgh, said: “While we are honoured to welcome ECM and all the delegates of its Spring Meeting to Edinburgh, the timing could not be worse.  Destination marketing leaders from across the continent have travelled to the Scottish Capital to hear insights and inspiration from our industry experts. It is frankly embarrassing to be in this position.

“Should the cuts be approved, Edinburgh will be the only major city in the developed world without a DMMO. We remain hopeful that councillors will challenge the proposed budget on 21 February and work with us to find an alternative funding model.”

Edinburgh was announced as the host of the coveted conference in June last year, following the successful bid proposal by Marketing Edinburgh which showcased its World Heritage and Festival City status. ECM recognised Edinburgh’s dedication to make cultural, sporting and business events a principal tactic in the city’s efforts to connect and communicate with the world.

Supported by Festivals Edinburgh, the programme on ‘Eventful Cities! Featuring Festival of Failures’ will address both the successes and failures of some urban events’ organisation.

The European Cities Marketing Spring Meeting 2019 starts today at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh and runs until Friday 15 February 2019.

Edinburgh Collected is a place to share, explore and discuss your memories of Edinburgh.

Join Edinburgh Collected and you’ll be contributing to an online community archive managed by Edinburgh Libraries.

By adding pictures to Edinburgh Collected you will be helping to expand the city’s digital heritage collections and so enabling the Central Library to continue to preserve history for the future. 

Joining this site is a great way for local and community groups to make their projects available online. You can create scrapbooks to bring groups of memories together. And if you don’t have a picture, you can still share your story in a written memory.

Edinburgh Collected is free and easy to use on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. 

Step 1
Go to www.edinburghcollected.org 

Step 2
Click on the ‘Get started’ button and sign up for an account with an email address and password.

Step 3
Add a memory! Choose either a picture or written memory then enter the details of the memory you’d like to share. Click to save it.

Step 4
Your memory will be checked by library staff and made live on the website within a couple of days. 

Step 5
Add another memory! 

If you’d like to find out more about Edinburgh Collected or need help getting started, please contact informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk

Edinburgh students, Sarah Cameron and Jenny McCormick, have been selected for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Boat Race 2019.

After months of intense preparation, the final crews were announced today for the 24th annual race, which takes place on Saturday 23 March 2019.

Sarah, representing Robert Gordon University, and Jenny, representing the University of Aberdeen, will be rowing against each other on the day, as they compete for the coveted trophy.

The 18 crew members were chosen by president of Robert Gordon University Boat Club, Erin Wyness and Anne-Sophie Tirre, president of the Aberdeen University Boat Club after careful consideration and assessment of each rower’s performance and technical ability in races held in the last five months.

Erin and Anna-Sophie have formed the strongest crews, selecting highly experienced rowers and handpicking the best talent – both local and international. The crews will clash oars over a 3.5km course on the River Dee this March, in the race sponsored by Aberdeen Standard Investments.

Representing Robert Gordon University are:

Lauren Amner (19) from Glasgow; Sophie Telfer (19) from Kinross; Elizabeth Buchan (19) and Sarah Cameron (19) both from Edinburgh; Gregor Pittendreigh (21) and Gary Wilson (26) both from Aberdeen; Ingus Lismanis (21) from Riga, Latvia; Ethan Rebert (20) from Val D’Isère, France. The cox is Rosie Payne (18) from Hamilton.

Rowing for the University of Aberdeen are:

Jenny McCormick (22) from Edinburgh; Christy Cook (19) from Inverness; Cameron Grant (23) from Glasgow; Katie Sugden (19) from Aboyne; Ruth Grant (22) from Stonehaven; Lachlan Cowie (23) from North Kessock; Andrew Dunse (19) from Dumfries; Alex Zabala (20) La Coruña, Spain. The cox is Alliott Irvine (18) from Wallingford.

Martin Gilbert, Co-CEO of Aberdeen Standard Investments, said : “The Aberdeen Boat Race has earned its place as one of the city’s annual highlights. Whether in rain or snow, day or night, the crews have endured intense training in preparation for the challenging race. Aberdeen Standard Investments remains a proud sponsor of this event that supports both domestic and international talent. Ahead of the race, we would like to congratulate both crews for their unshakeable determination and effort to be part of this event.”

In last year’s race, RGU’s mixed crew of eight lifted the trophy, as they emerged triumphant by 6.1 seconds against their rivals. The University of Aberdeen crew last won the race in 2017, breaking RGU’s five-year winning streak.

Professor John Harper, Principal of RGU, said: “Every year is an opportunity for both university crews to showcase their talent and remarkable team effort. The two crews undoubtedly put their heart and soul into this competition, which never fails to excite the north east public. I look forward to witnessing another exciting race whilst, of course, also wishing RGU make it to the finishing line first.”

Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: “AUBC has been training very hard and the crew members are all geared up for this year’s race.  I encourage our students to line the banks of the River Dee in support of our crew’s determination to win.  I’m sure both crews will give their best performance in this race but I do hope the University of Aberdeen can reclaim the trophy.”

For all the latest updates on the crews and their training, follow the Aberdeen Boat Race on Twitter @2019boatrace, Instagram @abdnboatrace and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/abdnboatrace

Monday 4th March 2019 at St Andrew’s and St George’s Church George Street.

Presented by LIZ DAVIDSON – Glasgow School of Art: Restoration

Liz Davidson, senior project manager of the Mackintosh Building Restoration, speaks to The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland Forth & Borders Group about the process of restoration at the Glasgow School of Art.

She will outline the challenges and setbacks faced by the team on site, from the fire in 2014 that prompted this tumultuous task to the devastating effects of the second fire in June 2018.

St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, EH2 2PA Admission: £5.00 (free for students). Non-members welcome.

The UK’s largest family owned removal firm, Bishop’s Move, which has a branch in Edinburgh, and McCarthy & Stone which is the leading developer of retirement communities for the over 60s, have combined in a partnership which ensures their clients get a much better customer service.

They are used to high profile clients like the Prime Minister but now they are directing their attention to those over 60 moving into retirement communities.

Bishop’s Move not only move their customers into their new retirement community, they also ensure they settle in by providing essential support with the Bishop’s Move Concierge service. There are options such as decluttering, packing and unpacking, change of address support and a pre-home visit to set up an individual plan. Then they move the customer’s belongings to their new retirement property.

The decluttering service allows the removal firm to help charities at the same time, with £44,000 of unwanted items already given to national charity, Sense.

“This was one of many things which attracted us to Bishop’s Move,” commented David Bridges, McCarthy & Stone’s Group Marketing & Customer Experience Director. “Not only does the company deploy a very strong CSR policy, it also puts the customer first which is something we have been doing for over four decades now. In fact, we found that many of our own philosophies are also reflected within Bishop’s Move which bodes well for a promising and successful partnership.  We are confident that our customers will benefit vastly from the high levels of service Bishop’s Move can deliver.”

Alistair Bingle, Bishop’s Move Managing Director, comments: “It is quite easy to work out why the partnership between ourselves and McCarthy & Stone works so well; we are both cut from the same cloth when it comes to looking after our customers and the longevity of our nationwide services. We are extremely confident that this partnership will continue to flourish, as it has done, and we will continue to provide McCarthy & Stone customers with first rate removal and storage services.”

McCarthy & Stone have built and sold over 56,000 retirement properties. There are 11.8 million people over 65 at present which is expected to rise to 17.3 million by 2037.

Bishop’s Move in Edinburgh, across the UK, Spain and Gibraltar.

Scottish sea angling bosses yesterday launched a recruiting drive.

They are looking for fresh faces to build a strong pool for matches later this summer.

Kirkcaldy-based Mike Horn, president of the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers, said they have coaches and equipment in place.

And they would be pleased to hear from experienced anglers and also beginners who want to learn a new sport at to take it to the highest level.

The home internationals against Wales, England and Ireland are later this summer in Ireland and Horn said that beginners would be developed at a steady pace.

The national coach is Kevin Lewis from Dundee who is currently in South Africa fishing for Scotland in the world championships against 18 other countries.

Horn said “We are recruiting for the Scotland ladies team and we have a few in the squad from Glasgow, the West of Scotland, two from Edinburgh and several from Kirkcudbright and even a lady from Cumbria who qualifies as a Scot.
“However, need to build a stronger pool to allow for team members that can’t travel for any reason.
“We have a couple of top senior internationalists who have taken over the team so coaching will be of the highest order. 
“The aim is to get a team in Ireland for the Home internationals this summer.”

He added “Experience is not important, it is enthusiasm and the willingness to learn that is.
“The fishing this year in Ireland will be mainly flounders so fishing will be only 30 to 40 yards out.
“We can teach that cast really quickly then its all about the rigs and bait techniques.”

Anybody interested should contact Ian Napier, the secretary/administrator of the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers, 22 Pitreavie Place, Kirkcaldy, KY2 6JX or call 01592 591882 or 07905 501283.

Image courtesy of Federation of Sea Anglers

In yet another data driven piece of research, Edinburgh retains its place in the top 20 UK cities for those who have left Europe for UK shores, with Aberdeen at number 21.

Scottish cities lead the way in the evaluation by ECA International based on health services, housing and utilities, isolation, access to a social network and leisure facilities, infrastructure, climate, personal safety, potitical tensions and air quality.

London is in the top 50 with Glasgow behind it at 57.

Neil Ashman, Senior Location Ratings Analyst at ECA International, global mobility experts said : “Edinburgh and Aberdeen lead the way for UK cities in terms of liveability due to a range of factors including lower air pollution and a greater level of personal security.

“However, what really makes these two cities outshine others in the UK is the existing expat community. This is an important factor in the liveability analysis as a solid network of expatriates will help newcomers feel less isolated and reduces the anticipated culture shock for workers that relocate from overseas.”

Dublin is in the top ten and Toronto is the most liveable non-European destination.

Top 20 most liveable locations for European expatriates

Wave device could deliver clean energy to thousands of homes

A wave energy technology is being developed that could help generate low-cost electricity for thousands of houses.

The device costs less than conventional designs, has fewer moving parts, and is made of durable materials. It is designed to be incorporated into existing ocean energy systems and can convert wave power into electricity.

Small scale experiments in an ocean simulator show that one full-size device could generate the equivalent of 500kW, enough electricity for about 100 homes. Engineers say that their design could be used in fleets of low-cost, easily maintained structures at sea within decades, to take advantage of powerful waves in Scottish waters.

Engineers from the University of Edinburgh and from Italy developed their device – known as a Dielectric Elastomer Generator (DEG) – using flexible rubber membranes. It is designed to fit on top of a vertical tube which, when placed in the sea, partially fills with water that rises and falls with wave motion.

As waves pass the tube, the water inside pushes trapped air above to inflate and deflate the generator on top of the device. As the membrane inflates, a voltage is generated. This increases as the membrane deflates, and electricity is produced. In a commercial device, this electricity would be transported to shore via underwater cables.
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A scaled-down version of the system was tested in the FloWave facility at the University of Edinburgh, a 25m diameter circular tank that can reproduce any combination of ocean waves and currents.

The system could replace conventional designs, involving complex air turbines and expensive moving parts.

The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society, was carried out in collaboration with the Universities of Trento, Bologna and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Pisa in Italy. It was supported by the European Union Horizon 2020 programme and Wave Energy Scotland.

Professor David Ingram, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, who took part in the study, said: “Wave energy is a potentially valuable resource around Scotland’s coastline, and developing systems that harness this could play a valuable role in producing clean energy for future generations.”

The ever-popular musical Jersey Boys – the remarkable story of one of the top bands in the world, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – is heading to the Edinburgh Playhouse next week.

From their beginnings in New Jersey, USA to world-wide fame,
Jersey Boys tells the story of one of the most successful bands in pop history
who would go on to sell 100 million records worldwide and be inducted into the rock
and roll hall of fame.

The show is packed with their hits,
including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December
1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t
Cry and many others.

The Edinburgh cast features Michael Watson as Frankie Valli (We Will Rock You and Sister Act, West End) Simon Bailey
as Tommy De Vito (Phantom of the Opera,
West End), Declan Egan as Bob
Gaudio (who played the same role in his native Australia) and Lewis Griffiths as Nick Massi (Legally Blonde – The Musical UK Tour).

Jersey Boys is on at the Edinburgh Playhouse from Tuesday 19 February – Saturday 2 March 2019. Tickets here

The politician second in command for the capital’s economy strategy has distanced herself from proposed £3m of cuts which she claims will “set this city back enormously”.

Labour Housing and Economy Vice-Convener, Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron, has pointed the finger at the unelected officers and her SNP coalition partners. She blames them for proposals to cut £1.5m from economic development for each of the next two years – despite all proposals to cut £41m from the council’s budget for next year being signed off by the Labour and SNP groups before they were published.

A council source said: “She has raised no concern about this proposal beforehand.”

The economic development sector could be set for one of the largest reductions of funding in next year’s council budget if it is agreed at the budget meeting next week. If agreed, the council’s “capacity to deliver economic development activities will reduce”.

Cllr Cameron said: “I worry that these came in the form of proposals for councillors to consider. It does not reflect the political views of me and my experience in stewarding economic development in this city.

“I do deeply worry that the proposed cuts that are coming are really going to set this city back enormously. We have fought hard as a city to become world class in the reasons that people come here to visit, live, study and invest.”

Labour group leader Cllr Cammy Day confirmed that all proposals were signed off by both coalition groups.

He added: “All these proposals are out for consultation and all of the Labour councillors speak on behalf of the Labour group.”

Last month, Cllr Cameron took to social media to vent her displeasure at the proposed cuts to local government funding and blamed her SNP coalition colleagues.

She said: “I cannot begin to describe how furious, frustrated, and let down I feel by the ineptitude of the SNP Edinburgh council leadership in relation to standing up for Edinburgh.”

In response to the comments, Cllr Day said he did not share the views of his party colleague.

SNP housing and economy convener, Cllr Kate Campbell said that if approved by the council , the proposed cuts will be “very challenging” but that the “core elements of the economic strategy will not be jeopardised”.

She added: “Our priority is to protect frontline services, and particularly services that impact on our most vulnerable citizens.

“Our economy strategy sets out a vision for a fairer and more equal city where everyone has the opportunity to develop skills and find secure, well paid employment. To support this we need a strong, diverse economy which supports job creation.”

She added: “Our economy strategy is underpinned by the principle of collaboration. We’re also focused on delivering the infrastructure our city needs, supporting skills development, using procurement and our own investment programmes to support local jobs and businesses, and delivering quality services which support our economy.

“We haven’t yet agreed our final budget, we’ve still to analyse the feedback from the consultation which closed yesterday (Monday). That said, it is likely to be challenging for the economic development budget. However, we believe we can adapt and still deliver the services the city needs to keep our economy thriving.”

Diageo has big plans for the building at the end of Princes Street that you will know as Frasers or Binns depending on your maturity. And one of those is to restore the famous Binns clock on the corner which was always such a popular place to meet.

With the promise of 160 to 180 new jobs and an expectation of around £135 million tourism spend as a result of the new attraction, this is a big development in the city centre where shops are failing.

The whisky company and the building’s owner Parabola have set out some very fancy plans indeed for the seven storeys which they will turn into a £150 million global visitor experience. It is all about the experience in much the same way as The Guinness Storehouse has become a major visitor attraction in Dublin.

The plans include:

• A multi-sensory, immersive visitor experience across three floors, guiding people through the 200 year history of the brand, the art and science of whisky-making, and taking them on a journey through the flavours of Scotland.
• A flexible events space for staging music, theatre, arts and community events, making the venue part of the thriving cultural life of the city.
• A bar academy that will be a home for Diageo’s award-winning Learning for Life programme, which creates training and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry for unemployed people, and works to improve hospitality standards and promotes the responsible serving and consumption of alcohol.
• Roof-top bars with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and across the city skyline to east, west and north, with the intention of making it one of the world’s most extraordinary iconic hospitality destinations.
• At street level the plans include a significant retail space, bringing a contemporary shopping experience and interior design inspired by the Johnnie Walker retail flagship store in Madrid, which opened in November.

On the day that The Scottish Government has announced a growth of 7.8% in exports of Scotch whisky, there could hardly be a better time to be in the trade. Diageo have many years of experience in producing whisky at their distilleries all over Scotland and four of those will be linked directly to the planned Johnnie Walker venue. This will create a tour unlike any other with whisky representing the four corners of the country with our own local at Glenkinchie , Cardhu, Caol Ila and Clynelish all represented.

It is hoped that visitors to the attraction will be encouraged to travel elsewhere to far flung places in Scotland once they have seen what the whisky industry involves.

David Cutter, Chairman of Diageo in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly excited to be able to submit our plans for the Johnnie Walker visitor experience in Edinburgh.

“The location is one of Edinburgh’s most exceptional landmark buildings and we plan to restore it to its former glory as a cornerstone of the city and a thriving part of its cultural and social life. 

“We have the most passionate and skilled whisky-makers in the world here in Scotland and we want to celebrate their craft and everything that is great about Scotland and whisky.”

Cristina Diezhandino, Diageo Global Scotch Whisky Director, said: “Johnnie Walker is the leading international whisky brand, with truly global reach and we believe our plans will create a flagship attraction that will bring people to Scotland from the four corners of the world.

“Our ambition is to create a visitor experience that will rank not only as one of the greatest whisky attractions of the world, but one of the greatest brand attractions in any industry, putting Scotland at the forefront of the global boom in experiential travel.”

Tony Hordon, Managing Director of Parabola, said: “At Parabola we feel like the custodians of a beautiful piece of Edinburgh real estate and we have taken great care to consider its future. 146 Princes Street represents an opportunity to deliver our core values: place, quality and destination.

“With Diageo and their vision, we believe we have a use which will not only protect the building for many years to come, but it also celebrates the building, its history, and its heritage. We are particularly excited to be working with the Diageo team given our shared values and our sheer ambition to celebrate one of Edinburgh’s great buildings.”

As well as the Edinburgh location Diageo is investing in the transformation of its other 12 distilleries and is spending £35 million in Port Ellen and Brora to reopen the distilleries there.

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to try something different? Have you achieved it yet?

Then look no further than Leith Depot on Friday 15 February 2019 – for the bargain entry fee of just £4.00 you will get four of the finest surf rock bands that Britain has to offer. 

In their first trip north to our glorious capital, surf rock band The Milk Lizards will descend to wash away your winter woes with rip roarin’ surf tunes. 

They will be supported by:

BIKINI BOTTOMS – Trashbilly Nutjob Duo

MARIACHI DEATH SQUAD – Reverd Crashin’, Point Breakin’ Power Surf

SECRET ADMIRER – Spooky Twang Surf

Want to know a bit more about surf rock before you dip your toe in the water? Read on…

Surf music is a genre of music that was very popular in southern California in the early 1960s. 

There are two main types – one is instrumental surf, distinguished by reverb-drenched electric guitars played to emulate the sound of crashing waves. The second is vocal surf, which took elements of the original surf sound and added vocals, a movement popularised by bands like The Beach Boys.

We caught up with some of the bands and asked them why they prefer surf rock above all other music, and to recommend their favourite surf rock tunes:

Favourite Surf Rock song of all time:

Secret Admirer: Everybody Up by Fender IV

Bikini Bottoms: Surf Beat by Dick Dale 

Mariachi Death Squad: Squad Car by Eddie Bertrand 

What does surf music mean to you?

Secret Admirer: It’s a ticket to paradise 

Bikini Bottoms: It’s twangy and wild, the sound of 60s California

Mariachi Death Squad: It’s primal and beautiful

So, there you have it – surf rock in a conch shell – now get yourself down to Leith Depot on Friday at 7pm and find out more for yourself! 

LAKE DISTRICT HOLIDAY PARK SEEKS MORE PARK OPPORTUNITIES AS BUYING FOR INVESTMENT TREND CONTINUES APACE

As the trend for holiday home ownership as an investment opportunity continues, a privately owned Lake District park is predicting its best ever year, and is actively seeking to buy more parks all over the North West.

Jimmy Stewart has owned and run Brigham Holiday Park at Cockermouth, on the edge of the National Park, for the past five years, assisted by his wife Esther, and daughter, Rebecca. In that time, he has built the park up to a five star standard, become a member of the BH&HPA (a top industry body promoting excellence in the UK park industry), Cumbria Tourism, and spent an estimated £1.5 million on new landscaping, infrastructure and stock at the park.

Owners at Brigham, which is just thirteen miles from Keswick, are easily able to charge up to £600 per week in rental peak season, providing them with a valuable second income.

Jimmy said : “We’ve seen a massive explosion in the holiday home as investment trend certainly since we took ownership of this park in 2014, but it’s really been since 2016 that it has taken off to a new level, with savings being worth very little in the bank, and a couple of really good domestic summers and autumns boosting the staycation sector.”

“We offer a year round season at Brigham, as many holiday parks now do –  the time of being closed during the winter is well and truly over for many parks. We also now offer turnkey properties that are of a much higher standard than ever before, fully furnished and equipped.”

He added : “We put our faith into three main industry leading manufacturers, ABI, Willerby, and Carnaby, as we believe their product to be the best for our market.

“And because of our location – which is just outside the main Lake District area, but you are talking about a short drive of around twenty minutes, we can charge a good bit less for the same models that buyers would find at parks actually in the Lake District – up to 50% less, which is quite considerable if you are perhaps considering buying more than one, as some of our owners have now done.”

Rebecca Stewart believes that price has never been more important in this sector:  “As ever, it can be a question of how much investors want to pay, and our prices are from a very affordable £39,999 – in my opinion, a pretty much unbeatable price point.  This year we have more models on the park than ever before, and are embarking on a new PR and marketing campaign to promote the investment side. We’ve beefed up our website to fully explain the concept and what second income it can amount to. We keep it nice and simple with all rentals, changeover, and maintenance handled by our in house team on the park, which has a full time warden too, along with gated entry.”

“We certainly don’t want to be complacent,” she added, “you could argue that Brexit uncertainty has done us a favour with older people nearing retirement wanting to put their money into something tangible that gives a return. This is indeed true but even if things change in the next few years, a holiday home is a fantastic lifestyle choice and our owners have a fully contracted lease of fifteen years here, which can easily be extended. This is longer than the industry regular. Our rates on the park are very affordable too.”

Brigham Holiday Park has recently become a sponsor of Keswick Golf Course, and is able to give every new buyer of a holiday home in 2019 fifteen rounds of golf for two over their first year of ownership.

“It’s a stunning scenic course,” said Jimmy Stewart, “we wanted to look at some local sponsorship, highlighting the many leisure opportunities here in the area. Golf as ever is a big draw, and we now have a fantastic relationship with Keswick Golf Course – it’s just an extra incentive and thank you to those who buy with us this year.”

Summarising the current opportunities and challenges for park owners in this sector, Jimmy Stewart finished by saying: “Competition in the sector has become rife, with park owners clamouring to acquire new parks as they come onto the market. It’s very much a seller’s market at the moment, and I would welcome anyone getting in touch who has a park to sell.

“We do want to acquire more parks in the right locations, as we have investment ready to make in them, to quickly bring them up to a higher standard. Many owners prefer to buy at a family run park rather than the big chains. We take great pride in the park, and are bringing many years of experience to bear.”

For further details on Brigham Holiday Park at Cockermouth, North Cumbria please call Jimmy Stewart on 01900 827 884, or check out the website at www.brighamholidaypark.co.uk.

BrewDog have a special two-pack of their flagship Punk IPA and a bottle of Subwoofer IPA on offer as a gift pack this Valentine’s Day for you and your puppy.

Released in November last year, Subwoofer IPA is an alcohol-free, hop-free, non-carbonated beer, containing canine-friendly B vitamins and probiotics beneficial for dogs. Packed with citrus overtones and a familiar malt backbone, the brew is perfect for all four-legged friends.

The Subwoofer IPA concept was originally developed by the kitchen team at BrewDog’s bar in Liverpool who launched a prototype beer for pups and saw huge demand from the city’s dog-loving community, who flocked in droves and tripled the bar’s Sunday traffic.

The Just the Two of Us pack is available on the Edinburgh based brewer’s online shop shipping worldwide from 13 February onwards.

BrewDog co-founder James Watt said : “Dogs are our most loving and loyal companions so it’s a shame they are often left out on the one day we all celebrate our nearest and dearest. Just the Two of Us is putting an end to this unfairness. Now, punks and pups can sit side by side and raise a glass to their special bond.”

Also Brewdog wants to invite single people looking for love to go to their nearest Brewdog bar to meet and share beer with fellow beer fans and their canine friends.

Every dog who visits a Brewdog bar on 14 February will get a free bottle of Subwoofer IPA when their owner buys a pint of Punk IPA.

Dogs have always been integral to the BrewDog story. The brewery’s name was inspired by the founders’ chocolate Labrador, Bracken, the original ‘Brew Dog’.

The fifteen journalists who will be the face of the new national and international news programme on BBC Scotland have been revealed.

Led by Rebecca Curran and Martin Geissler along with Chief News Correspondent James Cook who returns from North America the new programme is known as the Nine and will begin on Sunday 24 February 2019.

It aims to have a global view while maintaining a distinct Scottish voice and will include a hand-picked team of reporters covering all kinds of subjects from social affairs to sport and entertainment. A team of four will report from Holyrood, Westminster and Brussels.

Hayley Valentine, Editor of The Nine, said: “I’m delighted with the team of presenters and reporters we’ve put together. It has a great mix of experienced correspondents and new talent, all of whom are working on a raft of original stories for The Nine. Our viewers will get some of the best analysis of Scottish, UK and international news from this team. And I’m confident viewers will enjoy a very different approach to news presenting and storytelling.”

We already knew a couple of the names, but now the full team has been announced for the Monday to Friday programme from 9.00 to 10.00pm. (And among others they include the lovely David Farrell who used to present STV’s Fountainbridge show.)

Rebecca and Martin will co-present Monday-Thursday while Laura Miller and John Beattie will present the news hour each Friday.

There will also be weekend bulletins with a 15 minute bulletin at 7.00pm on Saturday followed by a review programme presented by Fiona Stalker and Nick Sheridan. On Sundays a similar programme will be presented by Lucy Whyte. The programme will have its separate social media presence.

An Edinburgh-based geologist has developed an innovative cloud platform.

Jamie Birse-Steward says it will replace what he called “outdated IT systems” used by companies in the oil and gas industries.

His platform is designed to cut costs and increase productivity.
And the 33-year-old founder of Aeon Geoscience Systems has been working on his software for more than two years.

The Aberdeen University, Bachelor of Science (BSc), graduate, has received support from Business Gateway Edinburgh who helped him to secure an Innovation Support Grant.

His platform collates and links multiple different data types automatically, integrating everything from drilling data and maps to images and documents.

This previously required a range of different software and significant time to source and review.

Jamie said: “Our software package is designed to make it easier for industry personnel to find data in one place resulting in a reduction of cost for companies in the oil and gas sector who currently use outdated systems and time is wasted sourcing information in various different places. 

“The feedback we’ve had has been absolutely incredible.”

Susan Harkins, head of Business Gateway Edinburgh, said: “Jamie is a great example of someone with incredible talent, vision and determination to develop a much-needed solution for companies to be more efficient and profitable using cutting-edge technology.”

Musselburgh Racecourse marks the resumption of UK racing after the outbreak of equine flu with free entry for all racegoers at tomorrow’s 13 February meeting.

The East Lothian course, along with Plumpton, Kempton and Southwell, got the green light to race from the British Horseracing Authority who lifted a six day ban on all racing following the outbreak.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “Due to weather related issues and the flu situation we have not raced for more than a month, so we are glad to get back to business. Free entry for all will be a welcome incentive to our regular racegoers and we appreciate their support and that of the owners and trainers over this period.”

Racing gets underway at 2.20pm with the Betway Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, the first of six races and gates open at noon.

Free courtesy coaches in association with Lothian Coaches will take racegoers from Newcraighall and Wallyford rail stations to the racecourse and return.

For further information please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

2019 is the 40^th anniversary of The Queen’s Hall and the 20^th anniversary of Martyn Bennett’s final, and some would say best, piece. 

Mackay’s Memoirs, a composition for pipes, clarsach and orchestra, was written for the students of The City of Edinburgh Music School in honour of the late Dr Kenneth A Mackay of Badenoch.

A beautiful piece that was first performed in 1999 at the opening of the Scottish Parliament, it was then recorded the morning after Martyn’s death in 2005 by students from the music school who were unaware that Martyn had passed away until the recording was completed.

This unique and very special concert brings together four alumni who performed the original piece – Maeve Gilchrist (clarsach), Pipe Major Ben Duncan (pipes), Dave Lloyd (beats and loops) and Lissa Robertson (vocals and keys) – along with The City of Edinburgh Music School Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Susan Emslie, who collaborated closely with Martyn on the composition twenty years ago.

Tudor Morris, Director of the City of Edinburgh Music School said :  “I am truly delighted to be welcoming back former students who are making musical waves across the globe to share this special occasion with us, and to remember and honour Martyn Bennett – who has inspired us all. It will be an emotional evening for everyone – and a proud one!

”The concert will include new arrangements of Beatles songs, solo performances from current school students, including the world premiere of a jazz piano composition, a clarsach quartet written for the occasion and a new version of Imogen Heap’s Hide & Seek. The culmination will be a full performance of Mackay’s Memoirs (13 minutes) accompanied by Neil Kempsell’s award-winning animation, especially created as a companion piece for Martyn’s work and performed to live music for the first time tonight.

Writing at the time, Martyn said of Mackay’s Memoirs:  “I hope that most of all this is an apt celebration of youth that will see our heritage firmly united for generations to come.” 

Perhaps he would be in agreement that with these students, Scotland’s musical heritage is in very safe hands.

This performance is part of The Queen’s Hall’s Creative Learning and Community Programme, offering students the opportunity of performing in a professional concert hall.

Supported by The Tay Trust.

Tickets for Homecoming 2: The Return of Mackay’s Memoirs, on Mon 4 March, 7.30pm are available now from The Queen’s Hall: www.queenshall.net / 0131 668 2019, £6-£14.

Highland Safaris offers truly romantic Valentine’s Day experiences!  

Dash off with a loved one on the day or this weekend to have your own Unique Journey of Discovery at Highland Safaris near Aberfeldy – winner of the ‘Best Visitor Experience’ in Scotland.

Highland Safaris combines the Red Deer Centre, where you can get up close and personal, feeding the deer together, whist learning all about these amazing creatures, the UK’s largest land mammal.

Or take an award winning and exhilarating Land Rover Safari deep into the hills with one of our Kilted Rangers as your guide, visiting a cosy bothy with inspiring views – the perfect location for a proposal maybe?

And make sure you “coorie in” at the delicious Highland Safaris Café on your return, with our warming peat burning stove and a steaming Hot Chocolate or locally ground Glen Lyon coffee waiting to greet you.

It’s the perfect way to spend the day with a loved one. Book online today or purchase a gift voucher for any Highland Safaris experience –https://www.highlandsafaris.net/vouchers/

There is a new luxury addition at Edinburgh airport. Now you can order a new chauffeur service to pick you up from the tarmac and take you to your destination.

Working with Edinburgh Executive Carriages, the airport’s preferred chauffeur service, domestic passengers can be met by their driver at the foot of the plane steps, taken to their waiting vehicle and to their destination.

EEC cater for business trips, golf outings, executive travel and private tours.

Gail Taylor, Director of Retail and Property at Edinburgh Airport said: “We are always looking to improve our passenger experience and make changes or introduce things that make travelling that little bit easier and more comfortable for people, and the introduction of this chauffeur service brings that extra element.

“We are delighted to be working with EEC to bring this to our passengers.”

Paul Scott, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Executive Carriages said:“We’re delighted to be able to offer our tailored service to passengers at Scotland’s busiest airport and get them to their destinations in a seamless and comfortable fashion, something which we pride ourselves on.

 new chauffeur service which will pick up passengers from the tarmac and take them to their destination has been introduced at Edinburgh Airport.

Working with Edinburgh Executive Carriages, the airport’s preferred chauffeur service, domestic passengers can be met by their driver at the foot of the plane steps, taken to their waiting vehicle and to their destination.

EEC cater for business trips, golf outings, executive travel and private tours.

Gail Taylor, Director of Retail and Property at Edinburgh Airport said:

“We are always looking to improve our passenger experience and make changes or introduce things that make travelling that little bit easier and more comfortable for people, and the introduction of this chauffeur service brings that extra element.

“We are delighted to be working with EEC to bring this to our passengers.”

Paul Scott, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Executive Carriages said:

“We’re delighted to be able to offer our tailored service to passengers at Scotland’s busiest airport and get them to their destinations in a seamless and comfortable fashion, something which we pride ourselves on.

“It’s an exciting development for EEC and we look forward to welcoming passengers and showing them the very best of what Edinburgh and Scotland has to offer.”

said:“We’re delighted to be able to offer our tailored service to passengers at Scotland’s busiest airport and get them to their destinations in a seamless and comfortable fashion, something which we pride ourselves on.

“It’s an exciting development for EEC and we look forward to welcoming passengers and showing them the very best of what Edinburgh and Scotland has to offer.”