POWERFUL ABSTRACTS, REVOLUTIONARY PHOTOGRAPHY, DAZZLING COLLAGE AND RADICAL POLITICS

NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND ANNOUNCES THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ITS 2019 EXHIBITION PROGRAMME

The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) has announced a dynamic line-up of exhibitions for 2019.

From the dazzling abstraction of Bridget Riley to the political art of Paula Rego; from world-renowned photographers Francesca Woodman, Diane Arbus and Robert Mapplethorpe to the wide-ranging creativity of Cut and Paste: 400 Years of Collage, the galleries hope their 2019 Programme will energise, inspire and encourage all of us to look at the world a little differently.

The major Festival exhibition in summer 2019 celebrates the work of one of the greatest British painters of our time. Bridget Riley is the first major survey of the artist’s work to be held in the UK for 16 years, and the first of its scale to be staged in Scotland.

Over the course of a remarkable career, which has spanned seven decades, Bridget Riley (b.1931) has developed a unique visual language, creating compelling abstract paintings which explore the fundamental nature of perception.  Through her observations of the natural world, her experience of looking at the work of other artists, and through her own experimentation, Riley has made a deep, personal investigation into the act of painting, and of how we see.

At its heart, her work explores the ways in which we learn through looking, using a purely abstract language of simple shapes, forms and colour to create sensations of light, space, volume, rhythm and movement.

Organised by the NGS in close collaboration with the artist, and presented in partnership with Hayward Gallery, London, the exhibition will be shown first in Edinburgh, before travelling to Hayward Gallery, where it will be shown from 23 October 2019 until 26 January 2020.

Highlights include early paintings inspired by the work of Georges Seurat, such as Pink Landscape (1960); Riley’s first abstract paintings, Kiss and Movement in Squares (both 1961); and other iconic works, including Current (1964), from the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Paean (1973) from Tokyo’s Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition also includes Late Morning (1967-8) and Rise 1 (1968), key, large-scale colour paintings first shown at the 1968 Venice Biennale, where Riley became the first British contemporary painter and the first woman artist to be awarded the International Prize for painting. The exhibition will trace developments throughout Riley’s career, right up to her latest works, including a selection from her recent series of disc paintings, entitled Measure for Measure (2016-18).

Occupying the whole of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Two) during the summer, Cut and Paste: 400 Years of Collage is, remarkably, the first survey exhibition of collage ever to take place anywhere in the world. Collage is often described as a twentieth-century invention, but this show spans a period of more than 400 years and includes more than 250 works.

A huge range of styles, techniques and approaches is on show, from sixteenth-century anatomical ‘flap prints’, to computer-based images; work by amateur, professional and unknown artists; collages by children and revolutionary cubist masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and Juan Gris; from nineteenth century do-it-yourself collage kits to collage films of the 1960s. Highlights include a three-metre-long folding collage screen, purportedly made in part by Charles Dickens; a major group of Dada and Surrealist collages, by artists such as Kurt Schwitters, Joan Miró, Hannah Höch and Max Ernst; and major postwar works by Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Nevelson, Andy Warhol and Peter Blake, including source material for the cover of the Beatles’ album Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The importance of collage as a form of protest in the 1960s and ’70s will be shown in the work of feminist artists such as Carollee Schneemann, Linder and Hannah Wilke; Punk artists, such as Jamie Reid, whose original collages for the Sex Pistols album and posters will feature; and the famously subversive collages of Monty Python founder Terry Gilliam.

The exhibition also features the legendary library book covers which the playwright Joe Orton and his lover Kenneth Halliwell doctored with collages, and put back on Islington Library’s shelves – a move which landed them in prison for six months. In addition, the exhibition also demonstrates how collage remains important for the practice of many artists working today. Owing to the fragility of much of the work, the exhibition will not tour: it can only be seen at the SNGMA in Edinburgh.

Highlighting the richness of the ARTIST ROOMS photography collection, which is jointly owned by NGS and Tate, ARTIST ROOMS: Woodman, Arbus and Mapplethorpe celebrates the work of three of the twentieth century’s most influential photographers. Taking place at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery over the summer, the exhibition includes around 40 works. With a particular focus on self-portraiture and representation, the show explores the connections and similarities between these three Americans, each of whom produced bodies of work that were revolutionary, ground-breaking and at times controversial.

Francesca Woodman began exploring self-identity through photography at thirteen years old and continued to experiment and develop her practice in the following decade, until her tragically early death in 1981. Her photographs speak to her agency in being both the subject and creator of the work.

Drawing from the significant holding of Diane Arbus within ARTIST ROOMS, the exhibition will include the limited-edition portfolio, A Box of Ten Photographs (1969-1971), which was selected by Arbus herself and as such, can be seen as representing her creative expression and how she wished to be seen as a photographer. Finally a series of portraits of Robert Mapplethorpe explores the photographer’s varying personas, as expressed for the camera, and poignantly document his declining health as a result of having contracted AIDS. The exhibition will occur during the thirty-year anniversary of his death.

From 2019 to early 2020 the Scottish National Portrait Gallery shows off highlights from an unparalleled collection of Scottish photography recently acquired jointly by the NGS and the National Library of Scotland.

Amassed by collector Murray MacKinnon, The MacKinnon Collection documents Scottish life and identity from the 1840s through to the 1940s and includes photographs by William Henry Fox Talbot, David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, Julia Margaret Cameron, Thomas Annan, Roger Fenton, George Washington Wilson, and others. The MacKinnon Collection is distinguished by the work of photographers who captured unprecedented images that brilliantly transport us back to a century of changing rural communities, growing cities and enduring historic sites, but also illuminate the faces and places that continue to affect our lives today.

Paula Rego is an ambitious retrospective of the Portuguese artist’s work that brings politics to the fore. Spanning Rego’s career from the 1950s through to 2012, the works in this exhibition address António de Oliveira Salazar’s fascist regime, the 1997 referendum on legalising abortion in Portugal, the invasion of Iraq in 2003 by the United States and its allies and, from 2009, female genital mutilation – all of which resonate strongly with contemporary feminist and political issues. Highlights of the exhibition include Dog Woman (1952), Snow White and her Stepmother (1995), The First Mass in Brazil (1993) and Joseph’s Dream (1990).  Curated by independent curator Catherine Lampert and organised by MK Gallery (Milton Keynes), and the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin, the exhibition includes over 60 loans.

NOW is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art’s dynamic three-year series of contemporary art exhibitions. The fifth instalment in the series will be centred on a major survey of work by Anya Gallaccio. The Paisley-born artist, who was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2003 and was a prominent figure in the Young British Artists generation, is renowned for her spectacular installations and sculptures. Using all kinds of organic materials, including trees, flowers, candles, sand and ice, she creates temporary works that change over time as they are subjected to natural processes of transformation and decay. Gallaccio also makes more permanent artworks in bronze, ceramics, stainless steel and stone that attempt to capture or arrest these processes. Exploring themes of change, growth and decay, some of the other artists appearing in NOW are Turner Prize nominee Roger Hiorns, the French artist Aurélien Froment and Scottish artist Charles Avery.

Currently the the fourth instalment of the SNGMA’s NOW programme trains a spotlight on the playful, thought-provoking work of Monster Chetwynd (b.1973), Henry Coombs (b. 1977), Moyna Flannigan (b. 1963), Betye Saar (b.1926) and Wael Shawky (b.1971). This exhibition runs till 28 April 2019 at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland Sir John Leighton says he is excited to welcome visitors to this dynamic, daring programme of exhibitions.

He said : “For 2019, we’ve put together a programme of exhibitions that encourages us all think more deeply about the world around us. From Bridget Riley’s work which makes us examine the very way our eyes process images, to Paula Rego who challenges us to look more closely at issues and situations we might rather turn away from.

“Works from Francesca Woodman, Diane Arbus and Robert Mapplethorpe, as well as the stunning MacKinnon collection show us the extraordinary capacity of photographs to capture life and convey meaning. The final two installments of NOW will allow us to continue to explore the outstanding work being made by both Scottish and international artists today and Cut and Paste: 400 Years of Collage will give us an insight into collage as both hobby and high art. I look forward to welcoming you all to the National Galleries of Scotland in 2019.”

Murrayfield Racers are reaching out to season ticket holders of Hibs, Hearts and Edinburgh City.

Racers take on title rivals Paisley Pirates in the Scottish National League on Sunday (face-off 6pm).

And season ticket holders of the three clubs can watch the game for £5 and kids go free.

In addition, a family of four (two adults and two children) can watch this weekend’s clash for £10.

The offer comes as the Premiership is in its winter break.

Tickets at this special price must be purchased in advance via www.mracers.com/tickets and at least one season ticket must be produced on entry.

Willie Dunn, Racers’ spokesman, said: “Come on Edinburgh football fans and get down to Murrayfield Ice Rink with the family this Sunday for a great night out.

“Cheer on the Racers as they try to boost their chances of winning the league.”

The number of attacks suffered by staff at the hands of pupils at one special school in the Capital has almost doubled in the space of a year.

A total of 11 teachers walked out of Kaimes School in October 2018 after being subjected to a string of violent attacks.

The members of the NASUWT union refused to teach eight specific pupils at the school in the Liberton area of the city – but following talks with council bosses, an agreement was reached and the staff returned to the front line after 17 days.

Figures obtained in a Freedom of Information request have revealed that the number of attacks of staff at the school has rocketed over the last three years.

In 2016, staff were injured 30 times – with one pupil excluded for two and a half days over one incident. Last year, staff faced 53 violent incidents – with three workers requiring hospital treatment. Police were called out once and one pupil again received two and a half days of exclusion for one incident.

The statistics show that until 3 December 2018 staff were injured 97 times at Kaimes School by pupils. Four of the incidents required hospital treatment and police were called out on seven occasions to deal with incidents. Pupils were temporarily excluded for nine incidents totalling 35 and a half days – including eight and a half days for an incident on January 9.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “Teachers are entitled to a safe workplace  and pupils are entitled to learn in an environment free from violence and disruption. These figures are a stark illustration of why our members took the stand they did.

“As a result of the action taken by our members, positive progress is now being made to seek to ensure processes and practices are put in  place to protect the health, safety and welfare of staff and pupils, making clear that violence against staff will not be  tolerated.”

Last month, officals from the EIS union said that special school workers in Edinburgh are facing “more violence than wardens in a category A prison”. The union’s staff survey revealed that around half of nursery nurses and pupil support assistants (PSAs) said they witnessed violence on a daily basis and had directly experienced violence at least once a week.

Conservative education spokesman, Cllr Callum Laidlaw, has called on the council to take fears raised by teaching unions seriously.
He said: “Teaching staff and classroom assistants in our special schools have one of the most challenging roles in the city and clearly there is something wrong if these staff do not feel that they have the support and structure to feel safe at work and are forced to take industrial action.

“I would hope the council will listen to the EIS and thoroughly review arrangements for protecting our employees particularly in our special schools.”

The council said that special school pupils have different different criteria for exclusion, compared to mainstream schools.

A spokesman from the council said: “We have a zero tolerance approach to any incident involving violence against staff which is paramount to ensuring their safety at all times.

“A range of actions have been agreed and are in place at Kaimes which are enhancing both working conditions for teachers and the learning environment for pupils. The well-being of staff and learners has been at the heart of the discussions held with the unions over recent months.”

A SIMPLE product switch is set to dramatically cut plastic waste at a top Edinburgh hotel.

By swapping individual L’Occitane bottles of shampoo, shower gel, conditioner and body lotion in favour of topped up large bottles, Nira Caledonia will save 400 cubic metres of plastic waste each year – enough to fill the load-space of 62 standard-size Ford Transits.

It comes after the 28-bedroom boutique hotel in Edinburgh’s New Town switched its Nespresso coffee pods (in every room) in favour of Cru Kafe – a brand that creates easily recyclable pods.

Chris Lynch is the General Manager of thehotel and believes the small details can make a huge difference – and that all hotels must confront their environmental responsibilities.

He said: “We have to look at all aspects of running the hotel and see where we can make changes to improve our environmental impact.

“Guests can still enjoy the exact same L’Occitane product, only now it is via a wall-mounted large bottle.

“And as our guests tend to be experienced travellers who appreciate the highly individualised service and attention to detail that comes from an independent hotel, there should be no inconvenience at all.

“I’d encourage all hotels to look at what they can do better to meet their responsibilities over plastic waste and the environment in general.”

Over the last 12 months, the luxury hotel had ordered 7440 35ml miniatures from the renowned French beauty and fragrance firm before switching to the larger 300ml pump dispensers.

It is also the only hotel in Scotland to supply L’Occitane produce in every bedroom, rather than a select few, and stocks the Aromachologie range, one of the first formulations developed back in 1976.

Its public toilets use the Verveine hand soap and lotions – with all toiletries chosen after being extensively ‘road-tested’ by Nira’s own team and emerging as the clear favourites.

Nira Caledonia reopened its doors to the public just in time for summer 2018 following a £1.4 million intensive project to restore half of the hotel devastated by a fire in 2017.

Its location in Gloucester Place makes it ideal for city getaways, being just a short walk from Edinburgh’s main shopping district as well as a host of attractions and historical landmarks.

The hotel’s on site restaurant, Blackwood’s Bar and Grill, features a menu perfect for sharing – with a speciality chateaubriand for two or a Scottish seafood platter, sourced locally for the highest quality.

Nira Caledonia is part of Shanti Hospitality, a hotel and leisure company with a focus on building and developing exceptional assets and brands. There are two other properties in the Nira portfolio; Nira Alpina in St Moritz and Shanti Maurice in Mauritius.

Rooms at Nira Caledonia start at £159.

For further information visit niracaledonia.com or call 0131 225 2720.

The council will consider next week how they can best support those residents and businesses using electric vehicles by involving the Regulatory Committee. The Transport and Environment Committee already commissioned a report by Energy Savings Trust (EST) on the need for charging points in the capital, and they considered the business case in October. It was decided then to refer the matter on to the Regulatory Committee who meet on 7 January for their input.

EST reckoned that we will need 211 charging points in Edinburgh by 2023 which will cost £3.3 million to install. They also estimate that the running costs will be less than the revenue earned, and they recommend a mix of fast charging sites and charging facilities at park and ride sites, and at taxi ranks since there may be 623 electric taxis on our streets by then. The business case worked up has estimated charging around 20p per kWh to everyone, whether they are residents, businesses or taxi drivers.

Around 70 sites have been identified across Edinburgh which would offer a network of strategic charging points. If these were all used then the savings in carbon and nitrogen dioxide would be quite considerable.

In December 2017 the council approved their Electric Vehicle Action Plan anticipating a rise in the number of electric vehicles in the city. Meantime the council will apply to Transport Scotland for the sum of £2 million needed for capital works until 2020.

The Scottish Government is supportive of encouraging electric vehicles as part of its own climate change and transport policies and has stated that it wants to phase out fossil fuel engines by 2032.

A six week public consultation is planned to gain support for the introduction of the necessary infrastructure.

Aldi spread the festive cheer in Edinburgh and the Lothians as the supermarket donated 15,840 meals to 10 charities on Christmas Eve.

Aldi has many stores in the area and paired 10 of them with local charities and food banks to make the most of quality unsold fresh food after stores closed on Christmas Eve.

Around 798,744 meals were donated across the country, including 95,040 from Aldi’s stores in Scotland. More than 500 UK charities benefitted from the initiative.

Fritz Walleczek, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi, said: “By donating fresh food such as bread, fruit and vegetables and meat we’ve been able to support charities in providing warm and healthy festive meals this Christmas season. 

“The feedback has been overwhelming and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to go above and beyond with our donations this year, and reach so many people in and across Edinburgh and the Lothians.”

This initiative is an extension of Aldi’s existing food donations partnerships.

The supermarket works directly with FareShare and Company Shop throughout the year and has also pledged to reduce operational food waste by 50% by 2030 as part of the Friends of Champions 12.3 network.

This year Underbelly for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Edinburgh International Book Festival are realising the vision of six writers across six sites – Leith Library, Bongo Club in the Cowgate, The National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill, Tech Cube at Summerhall, Leith Custom House on the Shore and Tron Kirk in Hunter Square.

Working with Suzy Glass, each writer is collaborating with visual artists, projection artists and composers – a total of 16 creatives – to bring their letters to life and writ them large on the walls of Edinburgh.

Each writer has written a love letter to Europe marking Scotland’s shared historic, social and cultural connections with this family of nations in a creative response to the context of our times.

The 6 buildings and artistic collaborations are:

Kapka Kassabova – Bright Side Studios – Pippa Murphy – The Scottish Monument, Calton Hill

Bulgarian born, Highland based writer of narrative non-fiction Kapka writes about the origins of Europa, touching on deep time, mythology and legend. She explores how Europe is more permanent and enduring than detailed political ideas that dominate our everyday world.

Founded by Susanna Murphy and Cristina Spiteri, Bright Side Studios is creating images from Kapka’s writing which come into focus before dissolving into nothing. Pippa Murphy brings together a soundtrack which fuses her music with found audio inspired by ancient Greek, Mesopotamian and Gaelic female chanting.

Chitra Ramaswamy – Emma Pollock – Daniel Warren – Custom House, Leith

Guardian columnist and author, Chitra writes a comment piece about her childhood in London, holidaying in Spain, moving to Edinburgh as an adult, discussing her identity as a second-generation immigrant in the UK and in Europe.

Daniel Warren will work with archive and live action footage to tell Chitra’s story; the film will have an accompanying track composed and performed by Emma Pollock. 

Louise Welsh – Emlyn Firth – Tech Cube, Summerhall

Glasgow-based author of short stories and psychological thrillers, Louise has developed a poetic statement about our shared origins and culture, accompanied by a series of words translated between Scots and European mainland languages which demonstrate that though our dialects are different we can still be understood.

Emlyn Firth will use a typographic approach to illustrate Louise’s work, playing with themes of language and communication.

Stef Smith – MJ McCarthy – Eleanor Meredith – Bongo Club, Cowgate

Stef is one of Scotland’s most exciting young playwrighting talents, here she writes a poetic letter that charts the decline of a relationship, an emotion-laden narrative where celebration and excess collide.

MJ McCarthy’s sweeping ambient score and Eleanor Meredith’s saturated watercolours come together to bring Stef’s letter to life.

William Dalrymple – RJ McConnell – Double Take Projections – Tron Kirk

One of the world’s leading historical writers, William considers the Scots’ historical relationship with mainland Europe, highlighting significant archeological discoveries both at home and further afield to demonstrate the deep and long bonds that connect us.

Composer RJ McConnell is creating a jigsaw of musical voices reflecting the different places and eras Dalrymple covers in his writing, while Double Take Projections is bringing William’s story to life through animation.

William Letford – James Houston – Leith Library

Scottish poet Billy writes a lyrical letter full of nostalgia and humour to a past love with whom he explored Italy as a younger man.

Billy’s piece will be brought to life by James Houston, who is developing a typographical approach that responds to the rhythm and pace of Billy’s writing.

It’s
that time of the year. Christmas has come and gone. The recovery period from
New Year is under way. Across the country there are familiar statements being
made.

• I need to lose weight.
• I’m going to give up the fags.
• That’s me off the booze now.
• I’m going to be more positive about life.

I’m
definitely going to change this year. Definitely.

But
come the end of January many of those good intentions have faded away after a
promising start.

Life
is difficult. We all have problems – life is a succession of hurdles to
overcome and difficult choices to consider. Sometimes we need help to overcome
issues such as an unwanted habit, fear, phobia or wanting to change a part of
your life which you feel is holding you back.

Imagine
you could not only maintain those good intentions, but they become a permanent
feature of your life, changing your life for the better – for good? Now imagine
if you didn’t need fancy diet plans or ‘dry January’ campaigns, ideas which are
well-intentioned but are only a temporary measure. And all you had to do was to
sit in a chair for an hour a week and listen to someone help you relax and
suggest ways of improving your life…

Hypnotherapy
can help – and it really does work as many of my clients will tell you. Don’t
be confused by stage hypnosis. The clue about what hypnotherapy can do for you
is in the title. You are not ‘put to sleep’, made to do anything you don’t want
to do or made to give away any secrets!

What
you will be, thanks to a bespoke script tailored for you, is in a heightened
state of relaxation. Imagine having an hour just for you, to imagine yourself
doing whatever you want to do. In today’s ever-demanding world how good does
that sound?  In your relaxed state, your subconscious mind is more
receptive to suggestions on how you can overcome your unwanted habit, fear or
phobia. This is where the hypnotherapist does their work – by talking to your
subconscious and replacing unwanted unhealthy habits with suggestions which will
change your life for the better.

Mind
Generating Success can help you get rid of unwanted habits such as snacking or
smoking, fears or phobias. Interested? Why not contact me to arrange an initial
consultation? At this consultation you can ask any questions you may have about
hypnotherapy and I will explain its life-changing benefits. The consultation
just £10 and you’re under no obligation to proceed – but if you decide to take
the next step to improving your life the £10 is deducted from the cost of your
first session.

Not
only that but there is 10% off every
session as a special offer to readers of The Edinburgh Reporter – just quote
ER2019 when making an enquiry.

Mind
Generating Success is based in the west of Edinburgh and is easily accessible
by public transport. Evening appointments are available as are home visits
providing this is an area free from distraction.

Contact
Mike Smith today on 07521 353 787 (answering service) or email mike.smith@mgs-hypnotherapy-services.co.uk

Visit Mind Generating Success’s website and take that first step to changing you life today!

The captain of Hearts Scottish Cup winning team of 1956,
Freddie Glidden, has died. He was 91.

Born in Lanarkshire in 1927, Glidden’s childhood years were
spent in Stoneyburn in West Lothian and he played for local side Murrayfield
Rovers before signing on provisional terms for Hearts in 1945.

Glidden was a strapping centre-half and he made his debut for
Hearts in 1951. He would go on to become a mainstay of the most successful
Hearts team in history, making 270 appearances.

He was part of the Hearts team that won the League Cup in
1954 and again in 1958 as well as playing his part in the team’s record-breaking
league title triumph in season 1957/58. However, Glidden will arguably be best
remembered for captaining Hearts to their famous 3-1 Scottish Cup final win
over Celtic at Hampden in 1956.

He left Hearts in 1959 and joined Dumbarton before retiring
from the game in 1962.

The Edinburgh Reporter sends its condolences to the family of Freddie Glidden – a Hearts legend whose name is etched in the Tynecastle history books.

Hibs winger Martin Boyle will be out of action for an ‘indefinite period’ after suffering a knee injury playing for Australia in their 5-0 Asian cup win over Oman on Sunday.

He will miss the remainder of the tournament and is returning to Hibs for treatment.

Boyle and his team mates Mark Milligan and Jamie MacLaren missed the Edinburgh derby after being selected for the squad.

Socceroos boss Graham Arnold said: “We sent Martin [Boyle] for a scan yesterday and the outcome of that assessment is that he will be out of action for an indefinite period.

“Martin was desperate to stay with us but we’ve decided that the best thing for his long-term career for both his club and country is for him to return to Scotland where he can receive great care at Hibernian FC.

A 25-year-old man was taken to hospital after being attacked by a gang around 10.55pm on Hogmanay in Delta Drive, Musselburgh. 

The victim was taken from the scene in a car but later traced.

He was then conveyed to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious head and facial injuries.

Chief inspector Paul Batten said: “This was a large scale attack which has left a man in hospital with serious head and facial injuries. “Anyone who heard or witnessed the incident is asked to get in touch so we can identify those responsible for this assault.”

An investigation is underway after a 30-year-old man was seriously injured during a street fight in West Lothian.

The attack happened on Hillside Drive in Blackridge  at 11pm on Hogmanay.

The man was taken to Wishaw General Hospital with serious injuries after he was knifed in the stomach.

His injuries aren’t thought to be life-threatening.

Chief inspector Paul Batten said: “This was a serious attack which has left the victim needing hospital treatment and we are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have heard a disturbance to get in touch.”

The Christmas exhibition at the club with members’ work on show continues until 5 January 2019. All the art is for sale.

5 January 2019 Ballads, Songs and Snatches
Five solooists from the Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society accompanied by their Musical Director David Lyle.

12 January 2019 Burns – A Mortal Memory
The Burns aficionado David Purdie who is also co-editor fo the Burns Encyclopedia will explain Burns’ death and the crusade to restore his reputation as a man and a poet.

15 January 2019 Transatlantic Happiness Project
Jazz and folk music with Susanna Macdonald a Scottish songwirter and Canadian guitarist Kevin Barrett.

26 January 2019 TALK by Barclay Price – the artists of Albany Street
There were many artists musicians writers and architects living in Albany Street. Barclay Price has become a house historian and will tell the stories of the houses and their occupants.

All events at The Scottish Arts Club 24 Rutland Square Edinburgh EH1 2BW

M

The RSNO will appear at the Usher Hall on several dates this spring playing music from some of the best Hollywood films as well as a live screening of the family 80s classic The Goonies.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has three concerts in the first quarter of this year celebrating some of finest music for film ever made.

On 25 January, conductor Anthony Weeden and presenter Tom Redmond captain the orchestra on a fantastic journey through the most thrilling film music inspired by science fiction. From 2001: A Space Odyssey to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Avatar to Alien and of course Star Wars and Star Trek, it’s an adventure beyond time and space. So get aboard, as they boldly go where no concert has gone before!

On Friday 15 March, Usher Hall becomes Platform 9¾, and the RSNO is the Hogwarts Express – so climb aboard, because with a wave of the wand from maestro Richard Kaufman, we’re off to the wondrous world of Harry Potter! Hear your favourite music from the films – from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone right through to The Deathly Hallows – brought thrillingly to life by the musical wizardry of the RSNO. Muggles are welcome too!

No one writes a movie theme like John Williams; no wonder he’s the world’s most popular film composer. And no cinema in the world comes close to how good this music sounds when it’s played live in concert by the full RSNO. Join Hollywood maestro Richard Kaufman and cellist Johannes Moser on 26 April for hit after hit after hit, from Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park and E.T. to Raiders of the Lost Ark and Memoirs of a Geisha – all in glorious 3D sound!

Immerse yourself in an atmospheric Indian soundscape as sarod star Soumik Datta and City of London Sinfonia perform a double bill of music for Indian film. Oscar-winning director Satyajit Ray’s cult and offbeat film Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne will be projected on a large screen with a reimagined live cinematic score ‘King of Ghosts’ that features the haunting sounds of Soumik’s sarod, Cormac Byrne’s Irish folk rhythms and City of London Sinfonia. The film, which follows the magical journey of Goopy and Bagha who are granted three wishes by the benevolent yet terrifying King of Ghosts, will take you on a breath-taking and magical journey across rural India – a vintage superhero film at its best. 

The second film is Around India with a Movie Camera, which presents some of the earliest surviving film from India, as well as enchanting travelogues, intimate home movies and newsreels from British, French and Indian filmmakers, drawn exclusively from the BFI National Archive’s early film collection. 

One of the most celebrated family films ever, The Goonies, will be screened at the Usher Hall on 27 April with its classic score being performed live to picture by the Senbla orchestra. A fond part of childhood for several generations, The Goonies was released in 1985 to both critical and commercial success, ranking in the top 10 at the US Box Office that year and still remaining to this day a cult classic.

Directed by Richard Donner, the film focuses on a group of kids from ‘Goon Docks’, a neighbourhood in Oregon, who upon attempting to save their homes from demolition uncover a centuries old treasure map, leading them through a perilous chase with a criminal family who are also seeking the treasure. Composed by Dave Grusin, an Academy Award and ten-time GRAMMY Award winner, the score to The Goonies is as daring as its young protagonists, introducing electronic elements as well as orchestral, and heightens the drama right from the memorable opening scene’s wonderfully bouncy ‘Fratelli Chase’.

Tickets available at:

www.usherhall.co.uk

0131 228 1155

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

Concessions and offers may vary between concerts. For more information please contact the box office or check the Usher Hall website.

Box office: Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA

Message from the Skies returned to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today with a selection of love letters written for Europe. The words of six internationally celebrated writers will illuminate and animate buildings around the city nightly until 10pm and until Friday 25 January.  

You can download the Message from the Skies app from the App Store or Google Play to read or listen to the stories.

The 6 buildings and artistic collaborations are:

Chitra Ramaswamy – Emma Pollock – Daniel Warren – Custom House, Leith

Guardian columnist and author, Chitra writes a comment piece about her childhood in London, holidaying in Spain, moving to Edinburgh as an adult, discussing her identity as a second-generation immigrant in the UK and in Europe.

Daniel Warren will work with archive and live action footage to tell Chitra’s story; the film will have an accompanying track composed and performed by Emma Pollock. 

Kapka Kassabova – Bright Side Studios – Pippa Murphy – The Scottish Monument, Calton Hill

Bulgarian born, Highland based writer of narrative non-fiction Kapka writes about the origins of Europa, touching on deep time, mythology and legend. She explores how Europe is more permanent and enduring than detailed political ideas that dominate our everyday world.

Founded by Susanna Murphy and Cristina Spiteri, Bright Side Studios is creating images from Kapka’s writing which come into focus before dissolving into nothing. Pippa Murphy brings together a soundtrack which fuses her music with found audio inspired by ancient Greek, Mesopotamian and Gaelic female chanting.

Louise Welsh – Emlyn Firth – Tech Cube, Summerhall

Glasgow-based author of short stories and psychological thrillers, Louise has developed a poetic statement about our shared origins and culture, accompanied by a series of words translated between Scots and European mainland languages which demonstrate that though our dialects are different we can still be understood.

Emlyn Firth will use a typographic approach to illustrate Louise’s work, playing with themes of language and communication.

Stef Smith – MJ McCarthy – Eleanor Meredith – Bongo Club, Cowgate

Stef is one of Scotland’s most exciting young playwrighting talents, here she writes a poetic letter that charts the decline of a relationship, an emotion-laden narrative where celebration and excess collide.

MJ McCarthy’s sweeping ambient score and Eleanor Meredith’s saturated watercolours come together to bring Stef’s letter to life.

William Dalrymple – RJ McConnell – Double Take Projections – Tron Kirk

One of the world’s leading historical writers, William considers the Scots’ historical relationship with mainland Europe, highlighting significant archeological discoveries both at home and further afield to demonstrate the deep and long bonds that connect us.

Composer RJ McConnell is creating a jigsaw of musical voices reflecting the different places and eras Dalrymple covers in his writing, while Double Take Projections is bringing William’s story to life through animation.

William Letford – James Houston – Leith Library

Scottish poet Billy writes a lyrical letter full of nostalgia and humour to a past love with whom he explored Italy as a younger man.

Billy’s piece will be brought to life by James Houston, who is developing a typographical approach that responds to the rhythm and pace of Billy’s writing.

And what a picture some of them were. The participants processed to the sea and then jumped in the River Forth. Yes it is madness, but with a good reason behind it. They are all in fancy dress braving the chill for charity. £1 from every ticket goes to the RNLI the charity which saves lives at sea.

It was not as cold as past years, but still takes a bit of heart nonetheless!

Works by five ground-breaking contemporary artists feature at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (SNGMA) this spring as part of NOW, a dynamic three-year series of contemporary art exhibitions.

This is the fourth instalment of the SNGMA’s NOW programme and it highlights the playful, thought-provoking work of Monster Chetwynd (b.1973), Henry Coombs (b. 1977), Moyna Flannigan (b. 1963), Betye Saar (b.1926) and Wael Shawky (b.1971). 

The work of the five artists varies in medium, style and approach, but is connected by a shared desire to challenge convention and invite audiences to think differently about the world around them. 

At the heart of the exhibition, a major survey of work by Turner Prize nominee Monster Chetwynd defies expectations about the ways in which art is presented and experienced in gallery spaces.  

Chetwynd, a British artist, based in Glasgow, is best known for her re-workings of iconic moments from cultural history in spontaneous performances that feature handmade costumes and props. The sources that influence Chetwynd’s work run from Karl Marx and Charles Dickens, to Star Wars and the Addams Family to puppet-based plays riffing on Milton’s Paradise Lost.

Chetwynd – formerly known as Spartacus Chetwynd and before that Marvin Gaye Chetwynd – is renowned for her exuberant, improvised performances, which feed into her wider work, embracing sculpture, painting, installation and film. 

For NOW Chetwynd has produced new paintings and specially commissioned wallpaper, both utilizing imagery drawn from the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) collection, which will be shown alongside existing work exhibited here for the first time in Scotland. Also on show will be works from her long-running series of Bat Opera paintings.

To complement the presentation of props and imagery related to her performances, the largest room in the exhibition will be devoted to a display of films documenting some of her key performances.

Based in Glasgow, Henry Coombs makes work that is deeply concerned with hierarchy, both within families and in wider society. His work includes painting, collage, drawing and sculpture, but he is best known for his short films – character portraits for which he creates intricate sets that allow him to explore historical themes. 

TheBedfords (2009) is a brooding re-imagining of the relationship between celebrated Victorian painter Edwin Landseer (1802–1873) and the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. The film will be shown within a specially conceived room lined with images from the story boards and preparatory paintings and drawings, upon which the artist has made further additions. 

Edinburgh-based Moyna Flannigan’s series of new collages and paintings, shown here for the first time, marks a significant transition in her approach to making art. The series, called Tear, continues to develop the artist’s interest in the history of art and painting, as well as the recurring power of the figure. In Tear, Flannigan breaks down each work’s elements to make a new order out of the subsequent components – interrogating accepted ideas about seriality, repetition and beauty. 

An iconic figure of the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s, the African-American artist Betye Saar creates complex assemblage sculptures that address issues of race, memory and mysticism. 

NOW brings the first major presentation in Scotland of work by Saar, whose career has spanned almost seven decades and whose work confronts the oppressive systems that face African-American people, and particularly African-American women, in the United States today.

In the 1987 installation Mojotech, created whilst on a residency at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Saar reveals her interest in spirituality and mysticism in the age of technology. Created using found objects, Mojotechfeatures elements with voodoo characteristics, such as amulets and charms, in addition to printed circuit boards, electronic apparatus and other technological parts. Visitors will be invited to leave offerings at Mojotech – a communal and accumulative process that relates to a tradition in African art, in which certain materials are imbued with power by the community, whilst others are considered purely decorative. 

Egyptian artist Wael Shawky’s epic film trilogy The Cabaret Crusades explores notions of national, religious and artistic identity and challenges western European narratives about the Crusades, by examining them from an Arab perspective.

Drawing on the Lebanese-born French writer Amin Maalouf’s book, The Crusades through Arab Eyes (1983), Shawky uses marionettes to enact the era from Pope Urban II’s call to conquer the Holy Land (1095) to the fall of Constantinople (1453). Skillfully juxtaposing the historical narrative with the childish world of puppetry – seriousness with naivety, fear with humour, horror with entertainment – these films focus on events crucial to the development of an Arab identity.

NOW is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art’s dynamic three-year series of contemporary art exhibitions.

Previous exhibitions have included major presentations by Jenny Saville (b.1970), Susan Philipsz (b. 1965) and Nathan Coley (b.1967). NOW shines a light on the extraordinary quality and range of work being made by artists working in Scotland today, from those at the beginning of their career to established talents with an international standing. 

NOW also features the work of artists from across the globe, placing art created in Scotland in an international context, and demonstrating the crucial exchange between artistic communities around the world.

Simon Groom, Director of Modern and Contemporary Art at the NGS, said: “NOW IV builds on the extraordinary success of the previous NOWshows, which have seen audience numbers at the Gallery grow substantially. NOW IV offers a highly immersive exhibition that is playful, anarchic, thought-provoking, and beautiful.  The NOW shows offer new ways of seeing and thinking for everyone curious about the world around them. NOW is an exhibition about now, for people interested in what is happening now, by some of the most interesting artists living and making work now.”

The NOW programme is being made possible thanks to the support of the NGS Foundation, Kent and Vicki Logan, Walter Scott and Partners Limited, Robert and Nicky Wilson, The Ampersand Foundation, and other donors who wish to remain anonymous.

The Turner in January exhibition opens at the Scottish National Gallery today,so go now as the paintings will only be on show till the end of the month.

The exhibition of radiant watercolours produced by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) will be led by the Bell Rock Lighthouse. This was painted by Turner from a description by Robert Stevenson the creator along with his engineering drawings. Turner did not actually visit the lighthouse at all.

Every January the tradition is that the 38 Turner paintings bequeathed by Henry Vaughan are shown for one month only. He was conscious that if they only went on display for a short period then the colours would be better preserved. Henry Vaughan inherited his fortune from his father who had a hat making business.

We spoke to Senior Curator Charlotte Topsfield about the exhibition before it opened.

This show is supported by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Emerson Hyndman has returned to parent club Bournemouth following the conclusion of his six-month loan deal.

The 22-year-old US international midfielder featured 17 times for the club this season and scored his only goal in the 6-0 win over Hamilton back in October.

He recently indicated that he would have liked to finish the season at Easter Road however that was not to be.

The player who came on as a substitute in Saturday’s Edinburgh derby leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Hibernian.

Be an early bird and book by 31 January 2019 to receive a 10% discount on weekly Holiday Club places at Edinburgh Leisure for the February 2019 half term.

Enrol your kids in the biggest club in town for reliable and fun holiday activities.    Edinburgh Leisure’s Holiday Clubs run Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm during the main school holidays – with early drop off from 8am and late pick up until 6pm – perfect for working parents.

Kids in P1 to P7 can look forward to games, the opportunity to try different sports, arts, crafts, drama, challenges and educational activities such as learning about healthy food.

Holiday Clubs cost £151 a week per child but for those who book early, will cost just £135.90.  Daily bookings are also available at £36.50 per day but the discount does not apply.

Holiday Clubs can be booked directly with each centre or by telephoning the individual venue and take place at Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre and the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

We have created a useful map of some of the many locations you can collect a print copy of The Edinburgh Reporter.

The print edition is available here anytime from the 1st of the month.

So that was how Edinburgh welcomed in the New Year, 2019. There was music, fireworks, music, singing and dancing. From the gates opening at 7.30pm to those with tickets, the party got going and did not stop even after the final firework. 

Happy New Year to you all!

Franz Ferdinand blew it out the park with a set including Take Me Out, Dark of the Matinee and an emotional rendition of Auld Lang Syne. 

Metronomy ramped up the energy in the audience with The Look and The Bay, and hair flicking, bare footed Free Love kicked off the action on the main stage. 

Headlining the Waverley Stage, Gerry Cinnamon’s fans chanted ‘til he took to the stage.

Opening the Waverley Stage Stephanie Cheape boosted the bass with her dark pop opener. Edinburgh band Vistas ramped up the party and hands were in the air as Snap!delighted kicked our off 2019 with Rhythm is a Dancer.

Superstar DJ Judge Jules made his Edinburgh’s Hogmanay debut, taking the audiences up to the Midnight Moment with a rocking set on the stage over Castle Street.

Edinburgh born, The Mac Twins kept the party goers perky throughout the night as the official hosts of this year’s Street Party and turned up the party with a DJ set after midnight to keep them dancing through to 1am.

Taking to the St Andrew Square Stage Elephant Sessions’ high energy folk and rock fusion kicked off proceedings. Acclaimed Edinburgh band Miracle Glass Company brought its vibrant, psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll. And Scotland discovered Hamburg based Meute who blew everyone away with their live drum and brass arrangements of well-known techno and house numbers. 

All around the arena entertainment came from every angle and from Scotland and nations across Europe in a celebration of our relationship with those countries. Hugely popular were the spectacular illuminated horses of Compagnie des Quidams which danced and popped up in unexpected places. 

Stunning crazy opera divas on giant balls rolled through Princes Street as France’s Compagnie Transe Express wowed the Street Party.

Stunning colourful puppets giant dancers from Spanish-based El Carromato and massive opera singers rolling along Princes Street kept the party goers entertained.  And the Dutch company Close Act’s colourful stilt walkers added a touch of magic along the reach of Princes Street. 

Louise Marshall returned with her all female Divas and District Pipes and Drums, Got Soul Choir returned to get everyone singing, PyroCeltica were spectacular on the podium stage, and Prizon Break Rockerz, Belgium’s most talented breakdancing troupe impressed many with their energy and moves.

We know there are some who think that the fireworks in Edinburgh are a waste of money or something which is frightening for domestic pets. All of these are valid points of view. But forgive us if we say that as a visual spectacle the Hogmanay fireworks puts Edinburgh on the map. And it is a great photography opportunity.

Here are some shots from the Midnight Moment taken from the Gothic Rocket itself – the Scott Monument. Come the hour there was a bit of wind and a lot of smoke from the display. But we think the effort to get up there was worth it!

Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, directors of Underbelly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council said: “We Love You. Tonight Scotland celebrated with the world its cultural and social connections with Europe. Our artists gave the crowd the most amazing and passionate performances and there was a tremendous atmosphere across the arena. Thank you to all who made this possible and we look forward to seeing you again next year.”

Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, Event Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “We have been delighted with the behaviour and attitude of the vast majority of revellers in Edinburgh this Hogmanay.

“No arrests were made by our officers and we would like to thank the public for listening to safety messages and ensuring that Edinburgh welcomed in the New Year in an entertaining, but safe environment.”

Cllr Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has long been the envy of cities across the globe. With one of the best ever artist line-ups ever, tonight has been a truly fantastic event, bringing together 75,000 revellers from all over the world to bring in the bells in the heart of Scotland’s Capital with a fantastic fireworks finale. The events provide a massive injection into the city and the country’s economy and showcase Scottish culture to people all over the world.”

David Cutter, President of Global Supply and Procurement, Diageo said: “As hosts of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party this year, it’s been a fantastic event for Johnnie Walker to be part of. 

“Welcoming visitors and locals of Edinburgh to one of the world’s biggest New Year celebrations, has been a brilliant way to close 2018 as we look to an exciting year ahead. 

“We hope all those that attended the event enjoyed their dram of Johnnie Walker at the festivities and have a happy new year for 2019.”

Tonight’s Street Party hosted by Johnnie Walker came hot on the heels of the Torchlight Procession on 30 December and ahead of The Loony Dook and Message from the Skies on New Year’s Day, which runs through to Burns Night in a unique cross artform collaboration with ten of Scotland’s best artists, designers and musicians, six Scottish or Scotland based writers will pen a love letter to Europe which will be projected on to buildings across the city.    

For those attending the Loony Dook the procession starts just after 12noon and we expect the dippers to be dooking by 12.30pm in South Queensferry. Further information is available here https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/whats-on/loony-dook

On 1 January there will also be two concerts from spectacular folk talents Carlos Nunez and Capercaillie at the stunning McEwan Hall. Carlos has been described as the Jimmy Hendrix of folk music and is set on giving the audience a fantastic, fast paced night of music making. Capercaillie is one of Scotland’s most popular folk outfits with a global following. Both concerts will feature a line-up of special guests.

There is a particular hush in the air in the National Records Office which is housed in the grand building opposite The Balmoral when journalists were invited in last Friday to read the newly released Scottish Cabinet papers.

The rules are fairly strict. You are only allowed either a computer or a pencil and paper, and bags are left in lockers downstairs.

But all of the journalists there were being given special access to the newly released 125 files comprising 20,000 pages of official cabinet papers from 2003. The papers will be available to the general public from 3 January 2019 in the Historical Search Room. 

At the time Jack McConnell was First Minister and Jim Wallace was Deputy First Minister in what was only the second Scottish Government since devolution. Nicol Stephen was Minister for Transport as this was a coalition government between Labour and the LibDems. There was a 48% turnout for the Scottish Parliamentary election on 1 May and Robin Harper along with six other Green MSPs were elected.

In Downing Street Tony Blair reigned supreme and George W Bush was US President. The only name on the list of world leaders which remains the same is Vladimir Putin. John Swinney led the SNP and David McLetchie who was newly elected Edinburgh Pentlands MSP led the Scottish Tories. Nicola Sturgeon was Shadow Secretary for Health and then Justice.

David Davis was Shadow Home Secretary and called for the return of the death penalty for those convicted of the worst murders. 

This was the year that Johnny Cash the country singer died and the MTV awards were held in Edinburgh. Oh, and England won the Rugby World Cup – who can forget Jonny Wilkinson’s last minute kick?

In March that year Livingston MP and former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook resigned over the Iraq War which began with a joint invasion of the country by the UK and the US. 

It was in 2003 when Andrew Gilligan reported on BBC Radio 4 that the government knew that their information about weapons of mass destruction was false. His source David Kelly gave evidence to a House of Commons Select Committee in July that year and was found dead near his hime a couple of days later. A public enquiry followed.

The beatification of Mother Teresa began – part of the process to have her declared a saint which eventually happened in 2016. Concorde flew commercially for the last time, before coming to rest at the National Museum of Flight at East Fortune (or at least one of them did!).

This is a general release of cabinet papers after fifteen years in terms of Freedom of Information legislation which makes everything seem like very recent history. And of course it is – although it appears that some of the discussions were similar to those being held at Holyrood right now.

Holyrood itself was still in the process of being built, giving rise to much discussion over the escalation of the costs. 

We spoke with Bruno Longmore and Neil Miller from National Records of Scotland about some of the important papers now on general release.

Alistair Darling MP ( now Lord Roulanish) represented the Edinburgh South West constituency and in 2003 was also the newly appointed Secretary of State for Scotland in succession to Helen Liddell.

Former MP and MSP Malcolm Chisholm was Minister for Health and Community Care and Jeane Freeman was a Senior Special Adviser in attendance. Ms Freeman is now Health Secretary and Mr Chisholm has retired from politics.

On 17 December one of the cabinet meetings minuted that Ross Finnie was in Brussels for the fishing talks. Plus ça change….

Alistair Darling MP for Edinburgh South West and erstwhile UK Chancellor and leader of the Better Together campaign photographed in 2014 during the Scottish Independence referendum

Alistair Darling had just held a meeting with the First Minister Jack McConnell to discuss some particularly Scottish business.

Here is what was recorded at the following Cabinet meeting :

10. Cabinet formally recorded its appreciation of Mrs Helen Liddell’s contribution as Secretary of State for Scotland, congratulated Mr Alastair Darling on his appointment as Secretary of State for Scotland, and welcomed the reappointment of Mrs Anne McGuire as Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Scotland Office.

The first minister said that he had had a useful meeting with Mr Darling and Lord Falconer on 16 June. Mr Darling had said that the Secretary of State for Scotland and Scotland Office titles remained. His focus, however, would be on Transport, which he regarded as his primary job. He had made it clear that he did not intend to do anything which could be done by the Executive and as a first step, invited the Executive to lake over the Friends of Scotland initiative with immediate effect. Mr Darling was considering other activities that might be stopped or transferred to the Executive. including the chair of the euro preparation committee. Mr Darling saw his role not as intervening in issues which could be resolved bilaterally by the Executive with other UK Government Departments but rather as stepping in when asked by the Executive to do so.

He wanted to be helpful and raised the issue of Hepatitis C as an example of ‘where he could ensure Scotland’s interests were represented at, the UK Cabinet, The Scotland Office would concentrate on helping the Executive at the highest level (particularly with the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor) and would provide the Executive with information about Whitehall developments. The First Minister said that it was important that Ministers built upon the helpful tone set by Mr Darling and developed strong bilateral relationships with counterparts in Whitehall.

If difficulties were encountered, then Mr Darling and Mrs McGuire should be briefed to assist.

Even as far back as 2003 The Scottish Government (then still called the Executive, a term dropped while Alex Salmond was First Minister) were keen to promote Scotland as a film production venue. Frank McAveety had attended the Dressed to Kilt event in LA and said he had made good contacts there. It was only this year that Nicola Sturgeon announced film production facilities will be set up in Leith.

The Cabinet at one of its regular Bute House meetings was exercised by the likely need for reform of family law which ‘had significant implications for several Ministerial portfolios’. Marriage accounted for 43% of households and was the ‘dominant family form’. However it was recognised that there were ‘gaps in legal protection for family formations other than marriage’.

The euro and the UK’s imminent entry into that currency was on everyone’s minds too.

The First Minister said that the Chancellor was due to make his announcement on entry into the euro on Monday. 9 June. He said that this could present media handling difficulties, given that the respective parties in the coalition might take different positlons in the UK Parliament on the issue. A discussion should take place before the end of the week on how the Executive ‘s response to the announcement might be handled.

In January 2003 a Mr John Elvidge was in attendance at Cabinet as the Head of Finance and Central Services. (A former civil servant, he is now Chair of Edinburgh Airport.)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The October 2003 meeting of the Local Government Sub-Committee was held against the backdrop of an inquiry into local government finance which was ongoing. Today there are still calls for reform of local government finance.

The Deputy FM introduced a paper seeking the sub-committee’s views on how to develop a relationship with COSLA.

LEAKS

There are always leaks in any government and this year was no different with the leak of video footage of Abdel Baset Al-Megrahi’s prison accommodation. Cabinet discussed this and what might be said about it at the upcoming sentencing hearing on 24 November.

SLOPPING OUT STOPPED

The Napier case (and the likelihood of the decision ‘going against the executive’) was discussed by cabinet in relation to the significant financial costs which would be incurred in taking remedial action to address the problem. This was the case of a prisoner who took the government to court over the archaic practice of ‘slopping out’ in prison cells and led to the introduction of more modern sanitary facilities.

From other papers it appears that Scottish Opera was reportedly on the brink of financial collapse. Planning and the possibility of widening the right of appeal to third parties was being actively discussed. That possibility has only just been discussed this year during the introduction of the Planning Bill.

CONGESTION CHARGE IN EDINBURGH

And the old chestnut of the congestion charge in Edinburgh was discussed at Cabinet level.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said in Cabinet that road user charging in Edinburgh, and the fact that only City of Edinburgh residents living outside the outer cordon would be exempt from charges, was likely to become an issue of concern in the media that week. The City of Edinburgh Council planned to launch their consultation on the order to give effect to road charging in the city on 3 October. The cabinet agreed that Mr Stephen should report back to Cabinet on whether there was scope for any Parliamentary involvement in the arrangements relating to the order. In the fullness of time the residents of Edinburgh voted against introducing any such charge.

Welcoming the latest releases, Paul Lowe, Chief Executive of NRS and Keeper of the Records of Scotland, said:

“These records are important for our understanding of our recent history as well as the fabric of our society. Preserving our records and making them available to the wider public is one of the most important aspects of our work here at the National Records of Scotland.

“It’s fascinating to see the range of important issues covered in 2003 ranging from discussions on civil partnerships to child protection and cultural policy in Scotland.”

Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans Graeme Dey said: “The vast resource of information that’s been made available for members of the public to view at the NRS, as well as the wealth of documents which have been published on our website, shows the Scottish Government’s commitment to openness and transparency.

 “I am sure that these newly opened files will make for fascinating reading.” 

With a new year always comes new year resolutions.  So this 2019, start the year right and a positive attitude.

Exercise is a great way to boost your mental and physical health. To help you start strong in January and continue as you mean to go on, Edinburgh Leisure is hosting a free fitness and pool taster event at the Royal Commonwealth Pool on Saturday, 5 January 2019 to promote some of its new and established fitness classes.

From Aquadash to Bodycombat to swim technique to Zumba, most of the classes will have you working up a sweat and challenging your body in a good way.

There will also be a series of Groupfit gym classes, which offer high intensity, interval training, lasting 15 – 30 minutes, giving you a quick, effective workout, in a short time.

The event is open to both members and non-members.

Classes are bookable now, by calling 0131 667 7211, by calling into the reception at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road, EH16 5BB or booking direct on the Edinburgh Leisure website.

Happy New Year to everyone in Edinburgh tonight where the Street Party is giving out a clear message to our European friends. We Love You.

There were many sights and sounds from the evening so far – here are just a selection. Look at our Facebook page for some more….

Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to trace in connection with a theft from the Hindu Mandir Cultural Centre in Leith.

The incident took place shortly before 2pm on Monday 26th November when the premises in St Andrew Place were broken into.

A significant sum of cash was then taken from the donations box inside.

Detectives have been conducting extensive enquiries since this time and have released images of a man that they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

He is described as white, aged 40 to 50-years old, of medium to heavy build, and is pictured wearing a red jacket, a green/grey baseball cap, blue jeans and dark trainers. Detective Sergeant Kevin Tait of Edinburgh’s Community Investigation Unit said, “Anyone who may recognise this man, or who has information relevant to the theft, is urged to contact us as soon as possible.

“Those who may be able to help can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 4243 of 26th November, or make an anonymous call to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Dave Farries began his career as a firefighter when the Vietnam War was still being fought, Britain had just introduced decimal currency, and Harold Wilson was first elected as Prime Minister.

It was 1968 when the teenager swapped his home in the Scottish Borders to begin a new life as a junior firefighter with the South Eastern Fire Brigade in Edinburgh.

He is now widely regarded as a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service institution half a century later.  The 66-year-old is one of the longest serving members of any fire and rescue service in the United Kingdom.

Dave’s half-century of public service has included lengthy spells as a firefighter, instructor and investigator, and today he holds the position of a trusted oracle, tasked with cataloguing and preserving the rich heritage of firefighting in Scotland.

“I’ve still got it up here, you see,” laughs the granddad of three, wryly pointing to his head.

“Aye, I can’t pretend that I wouldn’t struggle to run up several flights of stairs with a line of hose in my hand and a cylinder on my back today in the same way I used to. But believe me, I’ve got plenty to give yet.

“And anyway, there’s work to do. Who needs retirement when you’ve got the greatest job in the world?

“Listen, I might not get paid a footballer’s wage, but I wouldn’t swap this for anything. The camaraderie, the lasting friendships, the opportunity to provide for my family doing something that I love. You can’t buy that.”

Originally from Hawick, Dave has served his entire career in and around Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, and has worked in all but one of the capital’s fire stations.

“I’d no idea what I wanted to do when I left school in 1968,” remembers Dave, who works between the Service’s East headquarters in Newbridge and a resource storage facility near Falkirk.

“I wanted to be outdoors, and had planned to go into the Forestry Commission, but I didn’t want to go college. So I moved up to Edinburgh, went into fire brigade digs four days a week, and here I am. Still here.”

Recalling his early days in the capital, he says: “Edinburgh was a very different place then. I was a 16-year-old boy from the Borders, and it was a real eye-opener for me.

“When I first went on the run, we had Niddrie, Greendykes, and to a lesser extent Portobello on our patch. They were rough places. The poverty was just unbelievable.”

For all his years on the frontline, Dave laughs off the physical strain of the job. “Aye, my body’s certainly took a wee bit of a pounding over the years,” he says.

“I’ve still got a few marks and scars, mainly from the old breathing apparatus sets that we used to use. They were fitted with these metal bits that would heat up and scar your face, would you believe? But that was long ago, and dare I say it… I’ve been lucky.

“I ended up in hospital quite a few times, but nothing major. The first time, when a metal hatch nearly took off my finger, then when I got car battery acid in my eye, and once with heat stress after fighting a fire at an old underground bunker in Corstorphine. But I can’t complain. I’ve had worse injuries playing rugby.”

Today, Dave lives at home in Currie, a suburb to the south west of Edinburgh, with wife Michelle, 64 and daughter, Linzi.

December has been an especially busy month. When he’s not on granddad duty, raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity, or busy collating and cataloguing a wealth of fire service artefacts, Dave volunteers his services in a very festive way.

“I’ve been Santa for more than 30 years at the nursery my two boys went to,” he reveals. “It’s great, it really is. I do the odd Christmas fayre and party too.

“Back at the start, I actually used to arrive at the nursery in a fire engine. I thought, if the kids grow up thinking firefighters helped Santa, then they’d see us as the good guys.”

His family – marital and blood – is steeped in firefighting history. Dave’s father-in-law William Connor was a former Deputy Firemaster with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, while son, also David, has followed the same lineage and is a high ranking SFRS officer.

“My dad’s clearly left his mark on so many people,” says David, 42, who is currently the Deputy Assistant Chief Officer responsible for the North of Scotland.

“He’s always been a quiet and reserved guy, but all throughout my career – I’ve had people telling me how he’s helped them, or how much they’ve enjoyed working alongside him.

“It’s also thanks to people like my dad and his colleagues – veterans of our legacy services, who have led us through periods of great change – that we have such a strong national fire and rescue service in Scotland today. 

“To this day, more than 20 years in the job, I’m still ‘Young Dave Farries’ to some. And I’m incredibly proud of that.”

In 2014, Dave was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal at Holyrood Palace for his ‘conspicuous devotion to duty’ – but he still insists his tenure pales in comparison to beloved wife Michelle.

“People talk about my service career, and sticking around so long – but Michelle’s technically been in the fire brigade longer than me,” he says, without a hint of irony.

“Michelle’s dad, Willie, joined in 1954 and they lived in a brigade house at Lauriston from when Michelle was very young. Believe me, she’s as steeped in the fire service as anyone.”

Dave adds: “Then there’s being married to a firefighter for 45 years. That takes someone special.

“It’s a different way of life, you see. You can be away overnight, or for two or three days. Like any other firefighter, I’ve missed my fair share of Christmases and New Years, and other family occasions. That can be difficult.

“And it’s not just the hours. Michelle would know when I’d attended an incident involving a fatality, or something had happened. You didn’t want to take it home. I used to be quiet – Michelle knew that was my way of dealing with and processing things.”

The couple met, perhaps serendipitously, following an injury Dave sustained while playing rugby.

“After a few injuries on the field, I had to produce my sick line to Michelle’s dad, who was the gaffer at the time back home at Hawick station,” Dave recalls.

“It’s funny when I think about it. Apparently he’d ask Michelle, ‘Do you know this bloody Farries boy? He’s always injured’. We met a little while after that, and it went from there. Forty-eight years later, here we are.”

Tragically, Dave and Michelle lost their son Keith in 2002. The heating engineer and talented rugby player died aged 22 from Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy – a rare heart condition – while playing football near Edinburgh.

“The grief is still with us,” Dave explains. “It never leaves, and it never will. You don’t expect to lose your kids, you expect your kids to lose you. And our Keith was quite a loss.

“A friend, who also lost his wee laddie, once told me that it’s like a big sharp stone, right in here,” Dave adds, holding his two hands rounded to his chest.

“The stone never goes away, but in time it gets smaller and the sharp edges wear down. It’s always there, but it’s never as big, never as heavy and the pain starts to ease. For me, that’s very true.

“This is something I’ve held on to, and have been able to pass on to colleagues who have lost family members.

“I’d never want anyone to go through what we did, but all you can do is hope you can help other people if you’re ever needed.”

For all his years on the frontline, the lasting friendships formed, and the vast knowledge and wisdom passed on across his half century, Dave points to a chance opportunity on a rugby field more than 20 years ago as his most cherished point of his career.

Always heavily involved in the fire and rescue service rugby team, both locally in Lothian and Borders and nationally, Dave was struggling to get enough players for the international match in Wales.

“We always toiled for players when we travelled away, and on this occasion I asked David and Keith if they could come and play,” Dave remembers, fondly.

“I don’t remember much about the game itself, but I played in the back row, and my two boys were in the front row. We were a rugby family, and this was the one and only competitive game I got to play with both of my laddies.

“Now, that might not seem much, but it means the world to me. I might not have that memory if it wasn’t for the fire service. This job has given me a memory like no other… something I’ll hold on to forever.”

Musselburgh Racecourse expects to start 2019 on the right foot with a capacity 5500 crowd at the Betway New Year’s Day meeting.

Advance ticket sales point towards a sell-out crowd but there will be tickets available at the turnstiles on the day. A promising weather forecast, two £30,000 races on the six card fixture, the 150^th running of the New Year Sprint athletics race, along with street food vendors and live music, have combined to whet the appetite for those looking to start the year in style.

Previous winner Aristo De Plessis is among a field of ten runners in the line-up for the £30,000 Betway Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (2.15). Trained by James Ewart, the Langholm raider was sent off favourite prior to his all-the-way success in the 2016 renewal of the two mile event.

Jim Goldie, the winning trainer last year with Sir Chauvelin, this time relies on Get Out The Gate, a course and distance scorer in maiden company in early December.

Irish interest comes in the shape of James Nash-trained Scheu Time who boasts winning form at Ayr and Thurles in 2018.

Edinburgh owner Gerry McGladery is aiming to be leading owner at his local track and his colours are carried by Normal Norman trained in Newmarket by John Ryan, while Carluke trainer Keith Dalgleish, who enjoys plenty of success at Musselburgh on the Flat, saddles Chica Buena who has won his last four races.

In the £30,000 Betway “Auld Reekie” Handicap Chase, Warwickshire trainer Olly Murphy will be hoping for a repeat performance from last year’s winner Knockgraffon, who is partnered by Aidan Coleman and is appearing for the first time in 228 days following wind surgery to improve his breathing.

The field also includes Charlie Longsdon’s Forth Bridge, owned and bred by the Queen. The Royal runner is no stranger to Musselburgh racegoers as his three previous visits have resulted in two wins and a second with one of the victories coming in the 2017 Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial Juvenile Hurdle.

Kajaki is one of the most interesting horses on parade all day as he put his unbeaten jumps record on the line in the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap Hurdle. Trained by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Brian Hughes, he has won both starts over hurdles at Wetherby and Sedgefield. Two-time course winner Nendrum, representing the in-form combination of Sandy Thomson and Rachael McDonald, rates as the main threat as he was well clear when falling at the final flight over course and distance last time.

Racegoers who book tickets online before midnight (31 December) can enjoy a £5 discount on the £35 admission price. Children aged 17 and under are admitted free. For further information visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Lovers of all ages are being invited to check-in to what has been called Edinburgh’s most romantic hotel room – at a boutique city centre hotel which was newly refurbished  in 2018 after a devastating fire.

Nira Caledonia reopened its doors to the public just in time for summer following a £1.4 million intensive project to restore half of the hotel devastated by a fire in 2017.

The Stockbridge hotel called on the city’s most renowned design team, Jeffreys Interiors, to help redesign 14 bedrooms and the hotel restaurant, Blackwood’s Bar and Grill – with one room picked out by the lead designer, Georgina Fraser, for being especially romantic.

The lavish suite has two full height windows, looking out onto the Georgian terrace and flooding the room with natural light.

Among its many romantic accoutrements, the suite also features a 2000-pocket sprung bed, as well as a stylish en-suite and deluxe L’Occitane toiletries road-tested by the hotel’s team.

Georgina said: “This isn’t a chain hotel with a generic templated design. It is bespoke – and the painstaking attention to detail is what makes it a true romantic haven here in Edinburgh, which itself tops many polls for romantic city getaways.

“This room boasts really special features to create the setting for a perfect couples’ getaway – an ornate wallpaper inspired by a woven silk damask from the mid-19th century, a stylized artichoke flower with scrolling acanthus leaves, flowers and quine fruit.

“Printed with a soft watercolour effect, elevated with a hint of metallic, the smoked pearl colour palette provides a contemporary edge to a traditional design.”

The room is a careful blend of traditional and contemporary design which can be seen through decorative finials, goblet headed curtains and barley twist legs on the ottoman – contrasting with modern metallic finishes, sleek fabrics and sophisticated tones.

Georgina added: “Every room needs a statement piece, and this one was the chandelier. The natural light of the room picks up the glass details and the open metalwork allowed us to play bigger with the scale.

“Layers of detail are also important – the little surprises for you to discover. My personal favourite is the golden trim bordering on the curtains, inspired by the beautiful hand embroidered Japanese obi, a sash worn traditionally with kimonos.”

Each of the 14 brand new bedrooms features a unique design by Jeffreys, with combinations of classic textures and patterns.

Nira Caledonia’s location makes it ideal for city getaways, being just a short walk from Edinburgh’s main shopping district, Princes Street, as well as a host of attractions and historical landmarks.

The hotel’s onsite restaurant, Blackwood’s Bar and Grill, features a menu perfect for sharing – with a speciality chateaubriand for two or a Scottish seafood platter, sourced locally for the highest quality.

Chris Lynch, General Manager at Nira Caledonia, said: “We have suites with jacuzzis and private gardens – but even then – it is great to hear Georgina speak about this suite in particular (6:10) as the ultimate romantic hotel room.

“It is difficult to define what makes something especially romantic – but to us a feeling of luxury and unique personality, with a perfect bed, comforts and toiletries culminates in something a bit special.

“The building is blessed with original architectural features, intricate cornice work and wonderfully high ceilings typical of Georgian new town.

“We can’t fault the work of Jeffreys either – the design really is special and it allows that character of the building through in spades.”

Nira Caledonia is part of Shanti Hospitality, a hotel and leisure company with a focus on building and developing exceptional assets and brands. There are two other properties in the Nira portfolio; Nira Alpina in St Moritz and Shanti Maurice in Mauritius.

Rooms at Nira Caledonia start at £159.

For further information visit niracaledonia.com or call 0131 225 2720.