The Edinburgh Reporter published 28 February 2018

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The Edinburgh Reporter March 2018 "For example we have invested £2 million extra in homelessness to make sure fewer people have to rely on Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

Council sets new budget The council met just as we were going to press to discuss and set its revenue budget for the next 12 months.

The coalition put forward a budget which raises council tax by 3% in the financial year 2018/19 and this was given approval. Anyone in the Band D area for example will pay £1240.19 per annum from April 2018.

Speaking with the Council Leader ater the meeting ended following around six hours or so of debate and deputations, Councillor McVey was upbeat.

He said : "I am most pleased that we had more money to spend at the end of the day thanks to the decision in the Scottish Parliament when passing their budget.

"That was always helpful and gave us £27.1 million to invest in our priorities. I think we have invested that prudently and I think we have invested that ethically and socially.

"This is one of our key pledges to abolish B&B for those in need of temporary accommodation. There is £4 million extra for social care.

The exciting thing about that is that the NHS will also put in £4 million making real inroads in the number of people who are waiting for care assessments and care packages."

Other political parties put forward their own proposals and the Council Leader was keen to stress that some of these will be included.

One of the budget inclusions which received most applause was the rebuilding of the Burnshot Bridge on the A90 which local councillor Norman Work is very pleased about.

The culture budget was the best for a decade according to Culture Convener Donald Wilson.

Funding has been found for the Leith Theatre, the concert hall in St Andrew Square (formalising the money required in terms of the City Deal) and money is to be made available to the King's Theatre refurbishment fund.

The city owned museums and galleries will now all open seven days again from 10-5 which the convener

Lord Provost Frank Ross lays a wreath at the Scottish National War Memorial to commemorate the French and Scottish rugby captains who died during WWI. Story on P4 hopes will lead to increased footfall.

Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: "When forming the coalition, we pledged to deliver improved services for residents and communities over the next five years. We have taken opportunities in this, our first budget, to do things differently and invest in key areas, delivering on our 52 Coalition commitments.

"We are committed to protecting frontline services and maintaining

investment in areas which will provide more support for our most vulnerable residents and despite an uncertain financial climate we have set a balanced budget for Edinburgh, as well as securing funds for improvements throughout the city."

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Published 28 February 2018

LOCAL NEWS ''Jane and Paul from PUNK have been so helpful, patient and welcoming. I am so grateful to them for all of their support and for this unique opportunity which has been invaluable.''

Council consultations

Lottie added: ''We learnt that there's power in simplicity and we pared our idea right down to its essence - which was the small thought that gained such traction over the past few days. I loved seeing the campaign grow out in the wild and I hope it's raised the awareness Worldwide Cancer Research so deserves.''

There are always consultations of one kind or another open on the council website for you to have your say.

Worldwide Cancer Research funded 107 cancer research projects in 17 different countries last year, and has committed £4 million towards funding a further 20 projects in 2018. Their aim is to prevent cancer from cutting lives short.

World Cancer Day campaign began in Edinburgh Photo of Grant Stott by Gareth Easton

by Isla McFarlane Two Edinburgh Napier students are celebrating the global success of an awareness campaign based on a concept they developed.

Gemma McTaggart and Lottie Grant, both 24, developed the idea while on a placement with awardwinning creative agency, PUNK.

Gemma said : ''We wanted an idea that was inclusive, that everyone could easily get behind and would encourage others to join in. The results have been amazing. I am so proud to be part of making a difference for Worldwide Cancer Research.''

by Phyllis Stephen

One of the latest concerns the City Centre West to East Cycle Link (CCWEL). Work on the detailed design for Section 2, between Haymarket Station and Charlotte Square, has now started with the design team working steadily through this section from west to east

Laura McLachlan, Director of Marketing and Communications at Worldwide Cancer Research, said: "As a charity, Worldwide Cancer Research likes to do things differently - which is why the Lives Turned Upside Down concept instantly struck a chord with us. We want our campaigns to ask questions, make people think and understand the importance of, not only the research we fund, but the way we fund - supporting projects all over the world. '' "The support has been phenomenal, not just in Scotland, but also further afield, and for that we are truly grateful to PUNK, Gemma and Lottie - their talent is exceptional and we're really looking forward to seeing where their careers take them!"

This section of the CCWEL project (Section 2 from Haymarket to Charlotte Square) will be progressing through a statutory consultation later this year as part of the Traffic Regulation Order which will be required to deliver the project.

Gemma and Lottie's innovative upside down thinking has significantly increased support for the charity and the pioneering work it funds and develops.

At this time the public will be able to comment or object on aspects of the overall CCWEL project throughout the West End. Gemma McTaggart and Lottie Grant

Help IKEA to help local community projects By using the Big Clean Switch to change utility suppliers you might save over £300 a year. This company is partnered with IKEA and you will not only use renewable electricity and get an exclusive tariff, but the company will pay commission to IKEA. These monies will then be put back into community projects here in Edinburgh.

As part of this changes will be made to the design of Randolph Place at the West End.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: "We're really keen to hear from as many people as possible as we shape the detailed designs for this pioneering CCWEL project.

Once completed, I hope it will prompt a real step change in how people travel to and through the city centre, with bike journeys increasing significantly."

Broadcaster Grant Stott joined the host of people showing support. He said: "I know only too well how devastating cancer can be. In the last year alone I lost my sister in law to it and have two very close friends who have been diagnosed and told there is no cure. Cancer research is so vital. We need to know as much as we can about the disease to develop treatments that help people beat it."

Scan the QR code on the let to access the council's consultation hub

Innes Ritchie, IKEA Edinburgh STORE MANAGER, added, "We are encouraging residents in Edinburgh and Lothians to make the switch, as the amount of money each store receives will be dependent on which ones generate the most switches.

There are three options for the redesign and there is now an online consultation so that you can take part in the process.

The campaign for Scottish charity W o r l d w i d e C a n ce r R e s ea r c h marked World Cancer Day when members of the public flipped their selfies and social media pages upside down (literally).

For more information or to sign up to the CCWEL mailing list please co n ta c t R u r i g d h M c M e d d e s : Rurigdh.mcmeddes@edinburgh.gov.uk

The money is to be used specifically for local community initiatives within the IKEA Edinburgh's store's area."

The Big Clean Switch is a 'profit with purpose' company which helps people to switch to renewable electricity providers by making the process simple and easy. The company only list tariffs where the supplier can guarantee that 100% of the electricity sold is matched by electricity from renewables such as sun, wind and water.

Hege Sæbjørnsen, Sustainability Manager at IKEA UK, said, "At IKEA, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond minimising the impact of our own operations to having a positive impact on the world around us. We want to provide our customers with innovative solutions that will help them live a more sustainable life at home and save money in the short and long-term."

Published 28 February 2018

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LOCAL NEWS £6bn from tourism Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology brings visitors to Edinburgh From recent figures it appears that Scottish tourist attractions had more visitors than ever before in 2017 - with over 30 million visitors passing through their doors throughout the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

The latest figures from the Association of Scottish Visitors Attractions show that 77% of visitor sites enjoyed an increase in the number of visits - helping support the local tourist economy across Edinburgh.

An increase in tourism has also helped create a booming accommodation market with a 13% increase of visitors staying in serviced accommodation and a 17% increase in self-catering in Edinburgh since last year.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald said: "These latest figures are great to see - and show that Edinburgh and Scotland remain favourite destinations for tourists, with our world leading attractions seeing over 30 million visitors during the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

"The £4.6bn being spent on tourist day trips annually is a brilliant contribution to the Scottish economy that we should continue to encourage - while the increase in people staying overnight in our local hotels and guest houses boosts our local economy in Edinburgh.

"Tourists boost our restaurants, pubs and cafes by spending around £995 million on food and drink annually while visiting Scotland - and the whole tourist industry is worth over £6 billion to Scotland, supporting jobs and livelihoods across the town.

"It's no surprise that visitor numbers continue to rise across Edinburgh and Scotland - attractions such as the Castle and our architecture and museums will always bring people from far and wide to this corner of the country, and these figures are something for all of us to celebrate."

Not enough cash for walking The City of Edinburgh Council is accused of paying 'lip service' to the importance of walking in its transport policies by walking campaign group, Living Streets Edinburgh.

The group says it is 'shocked' that out of 44 Active Travel projects being developed by the Council in 2017-18, only seven are for walking, but there are 37 for cycling. In a letter to the Transport spokespersons for each political group on the Council, Living Streets wrote : "We have also seen over recent months other evidence of the low priority given to walking in practice, despite the lip service oten given to it by the Council.

"During the recent icy weather, a common sight all across the city was pedestrians walking in the road because un-gritted pavements were too dangerous to walk on. We also see dozens of cycle parking racks being installed on city pavements despite the Council's commitment in its own business plan to reduce pavement clutter' The Group's Convener, David Spaven, commented: "Walking is universal - pretty much everyone is a pedestrian across all ages, areas and backgrounds. In contrast, only a minority of the population cycle and yet the overwhelming effort on Active Travel is clearly being directed to cycling.

"We would not want these remarks to be interpreted as a lack of support for the Council's efforts to increase cycling - we strongly support measures to make cycling more attractive, especially where this will reduce motor traffic, and so long as they do not have adverse effects on walking.

"However, it is becoming increasingly clear to us that the Council's priorities within Active Travel are seriously imbalanced. The Council is making significant progress in making Edinburgh more cyclefriendly, while it is doing very little to make it more walking-friendly."

Seabird Centre and the SQA team up The Seabird Centre at North Berwick has begun a collaboration with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to develop new Environmental Science coursework together.

This coursework is linked to the Curriculum for Excellent and is suitable for Nat 5 candidates in Environmental science as well as Biology and Geography teachers.

The course focuses on assessing species distribution which is called 'zonation' down a rocky shoreline.

Andrew Grieveson (pictured above), the centre's education officer is responsible for developing the idea and the course. He is a former sec-

ondary school teacher, and also has a Zoology degree so he knows what he is doing!

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Published 28 February 2018

LOCAL NEWS Remembering the Auld Alliance

by Phyllis Stephen From Front Page The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of the Scottish National War Memorial took part in a memorial service for the captains of the Scottish and French rugby teams who died during World War One. He was there at the invitation of the Governor of Edinburgh Castle Major-General Michael Lawrence Riddell-Webster, and was joined by some descendants of both players.

This was only the beginning of what would be an historic day for Scottish and French rugby. The Auld Alliance Trophy which will be awarded annually when Scotland and France play in the Six Nations was also unveiled at BT Murrayfield.

Eric Milroy was captain of the Scottish team in the early 20th century and once played against the French captain Marcel Burgun. The two families met for the first time just before the memorial service.

Lt-Col Colin McGrory welcomed the small party on the first part of the Milroy tour during the weekend of the Scotland v France rugby international.

The Lord Provost said : "Welcome to the capital city. We gather today to remember all those rugby players who lost their lives during WWI. They are remembered through this commemoration of the 1914 French and Scottish international captains Marcel Burgun and Eric Milroy. One the daring French pilot, and the other the unassuming Scottish accountant. The Auld Alliance between the Kingdoms of Scotland and France originally dates back to 1295, originally a military and diplomatic alliance but has developed into much more.

"In 1910 the two international rugby teams first played against each other in Edinburgh. They have now met on 91 occasions, and although France holds the upper hand at this moment in time there is always hope. Burgun and Milroy played against each other once in 1913 and when the two teams met again in 1920 the two players and many other rugby players had died."

Sir Eric Milroy is a great nephew of the former Scottish captain. He said : "It is fitting that we start this weekend in this place. The original idea was to honour the internationalists who died during the First World War and the Scottish regi-

ments who played such a role in France around Amiens and in the Somme. We are very conscious that we commemorate them today with family pride, but we are also conscious that they are representatives of a much larger body of people.

They represent their own two teams and all the thousands of club players and schoolboy players who exchanged the fields where they played rugby for the fields of war in France."

Many were involved in both the memorial and the creation of the Auld Alliance cup, and this included Joanna Cherry QC MP who laid down an Early Day Motion at Westminster : That this House celebrates the historic and continuing ties between Scotland and France; welcomes the creation of the Auld Alliance Trophy to be awarded annually when Scotland and France meet during the Six Nations; commemorates the memories of the 31 Scottish and 22 French international rugby players killed during the First World War; further celebrates the lives of the Scottish international captain Eric Milroy, the Prince of scrum-halves, who learned his skills at George Watson's College in Edinburgh South West constituency and the French international captain Marcel Burgun, a remarkable pilot of rare intrepidity and recipient of the Croix de Guerre and Palm who both gave their life in the Great War and in whose names, along with all their fellow rugby players, the trophy is dedicated; and notes the passion and dedication of Patrick Caublot of Amiens Rugby Club for originating the idea, the work of David Anderson QC, Eric Milroy's great-greatnephew, the Scottish Ruby Union and the Federation Française de Rugby in creating the trophy.

Scan for the video which accompanies this article

Volunteer for Marie Curie The Marie Curie Hospice in Edinburgh is appealing for volunteers to give two hours of their time to hand out the charity's daffodil pins in Edinburgh.

The terminal illness charity hopes to get more people than ever wearing the pin during its annual fundraiser; the Great Daffodil Appeal this March.

Marie Curie says that the appeal is urgently needed as one in four people currently don't receive the care and support they need at the end of their life, and with the population getting older, demand on the charity's services is set to increase.

The money raised will help the Marie Curie Hospice in Edinburgh be there for more people living with a terminal illness, providing them and their loved ones with vital nursing care and support.

To sign up please go to www.mariecurie.org.uk/collections or call 0131 470 2290.

And we all have a role to play.

Thoughts around International Women's Day

"There are more women in elected office than ever before but it's nowhere near 50:50 and the women who do put themselves forward often find themselves challenged by a whole range of sexism - from the everyday comments that far too many think are normal to sexual harassment and abuse.

International Women's Day 8 March The day is intended to make progress towards equality between genders whether in business, sport or any other forum.

We asked some local politicians if we are 'there yet' with regard to gender equality or matters such as equality of pay.

Tommy Sheppard MP for Edinburgh East writes : "100 years on since (some) women got the right to vote and many are now asking - are we there? Have we reached gender equality?

"The simple answer is no. I could stop there. Ater all, does it really help for a white, middle aged male politician - oten the epitome of privilege - to wade into the debate?

Maybe not but ultimately obtaining equality should matter to all of us.

"And I'm get increasingly fed up with people trying to say that it's all so confusing to distinguish between what is acceptable and what is unacceptable behaviour - any man in a position of power or influence should be able to tell the difference and if they can't they shouldn't be in the job.

"Political parties are putting in a variety of measures to support women into politics - from all women and gender balanced shortlists to specific training, mentoring and support systems. And it's all having an impact. But it's not enough when the political culture remains the same.

"So what can we do? Call it out.

Each and every time.

"Men must start challenging their own peers and colleagues. Every time I hear an off the cuff comment or 'joke'. Every time I attend an event that seems to think only men can have a voice on the panel.

Every time an assumption is made

More than 50 older people enjoyed a tea party at Musselburgh Racecourse organised by volunteer group Contact The Elderly. The youngest guest was aged 75 and the oldest was a 96-year-old woman who had last visited the East Lothian racecourse 72 years ago in 1946 with her new husband and family. Contact The Elderly (CTE) was set up in London 53 years ago by Trevor Lyttleton, MBE, as a means of providing tea and companionship to lonely older people. There are now 800 groups in the UK with 10,500 volunteers providing tea parties for older people.

Published 28 February 2018

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Politics based on someone's gender. We need to speak out every time.

"We've come a long way but let's not take another century to finish the journey."

Councillor Marion Donaldson said : "The question implies a destination. Political and cultural events globally demonstrate that women are gaining confidence, individually and collectively, in challenging existing power structures.

"But there is still a long way to go before we achieve equality of status, opportunity, pay and recognition. For too many women progress is too slow - and too lonely."

Conservative MSP Jeremy Balfour said : " I am surrounded by strong women every day.

"Whether it's my funny, clever, inspiring wife or the support I receive from my all-female team in the Scottish Parliament, I am very aware of the contribution made by women; it equals any man.

"When I think about what the future holds for my twin girls, at times my thoughts are tinged with anger because I fear, through no fault of their own, they may experience prejudice and inequality simply because they are female.

"But I also feel hope and believe if we can harness the momentum created by the Time's Up campaign, by the time my daughters are embarking on their careers, stories of wage gaps, discrimination in evaluation and promotions and a lack of women in senior roles, will be old

news.

"I believe part of the solution has to involve working with men and boys in order to lit the restrictions and attitudes which prevent women from enjoying true equality, and open discussion between employees and companies will help gender diversity. I want to play my part in that process and will continue to stand up for women's rights. There is still room for improvement but I do believe we are on the right tracks."

Christine Jardine LibDem MP for Edinburgh West commented : "Are we overcoming problems of gender pay gaps, inequality in the workplace and simply the way we approach a woman's role in the home?

"Until a few weeks ago I would have said yes. I would have pointed to shared paternity leave, the fact that it's illegal to pay men and women different rates for the same job and the apparent changing attitudes amongst men.

"Now I'm not so sure, especially about the gender pay gap.

"Suddenly we had confirmation that one of our biggest and high profile employers, , a publicly company with global reach doesn't always pay women the same as men.The revelation that the BBC's female China editor was not paid th same as men doing the equivalent job was, for many, confirmation of what they had suspected.

"Certainly the publication of the salaries of 'on-air' talent had raised questions. Male talent seemed regularly to be valued more highly than female.

"But this, to me at least, seemed

worse, this was a woman doing the same job as men and getting less. In Parliament I was one of many who questioned the culture secretary on what steps the government is going to take to ensure this cannot happen again?

How was this allowed to happen in the first place?

"If the BBC is able, whether by accident or design, to allow a gap to emerge between employees performing the same role in different places have we really managed to crack the problem? I doubt it."

Deidre Brock MP for Edinburgh North and Leith relates to the #metoo campaign. She writes : "In the year of Weinstein and the #metoo fightback we have to say that our report card still reads "could do better".

"I applaud the work now being done by Glasgow Council to address the historic inequality in women's pay ater years of fighting the women through the courts (and I will note that the change in attitude happened right ater political control of the council changed from Labour to the SNP) and I note that Scotland's other councils have already made provision to right some of the wrongs of the past. We're not there yet, though, there are still large gender pay gaps, there are still too few women being promoted to positions of authority and responsibility.

"I was surprised at how Nicola Sturgeon's gender-balanced cabinet took people unawares and was deemed notable for that reason, with the usual accusations that the women are not there on merit.

"Ironic ater so many decades of so many cabinets full of men who noone remembers - some of whom were real plodders and some who

couldn't even get a plod on. I remain surprised at how seldom women appear as the voice of business, how seldom women are the academics or the specialists interviewed for TV, radio or newspapers and I'm still surprised, in spite of long experience, by how oten panels at public events or debates remain men-only areas. Things are changing a little but they're changing very slowly and I think we need a bit of rocket fuel added."

"The thing that gives me hope is that we have inspirational women in many spheres now, impressive women carving their way through prejudice, misogyny and belittlement to record a list of successes and achievements that will give the next generation of women hope that they can go even further, can set their sights higher.

"Women in politics are subjected to a tirade of abuse, particularly on social media, a huge amount of it sexist, some of it threatening and intimidating and, much as we try to ignore it, it has a negative effect on our ability to do our jobs. I see from some coverage of the Winter Olympics that a similar thing seems to be happening to women in the world of sport and I'm going to guess that it also happens to women in other walks of life.

There's a long way to go, a very long way."

Cllr Joanna Mowat represents the City Centre. She writes : "While we have equality enshrined in the law, for many women that is not borne out in reality. Each generation of women seems to have fight the battle in a new way - at the beginning of the last century women fought for the vote, the right to matriculate at university to join the professions to storm the bastions of male privilege.

And still we fight on.

"I thought that the experience I had when I was 30 and looking for a job ater being made redundant when I was quietly advised to take off my wedding ring as employers might be reluctant because of my age - prime childbearing -were over. Yet in the papers this week we see that some employers still regard pregnancy as a problem. This is despite many employers knowing that a family friendly working environment is a great way of keeping good employees.

"I am alway frustrated that childca re i s ote n t rea te d a s a "woman's issue" - family friendly should not be code for maternity issues but should be offered to fathers and sons and daughters who may have caring responsibilities for their parents. Until we think about families we will not be able to achieve equality of opportunity for all."

The Edinburgh Reporter is published on the last day of each month and is available from all libraries in the city as well as Candersons Sweet Shop 102 Leith Walk EH6 5DT, selected coffee shops and city centre hotels.

If you wish to become a stockist please do get in touch! editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk Editor Phyllis M Stephen t 07791 406 498 Photos John Preece and Martin McAdam

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Published 28 February 2018

BUSINESS NEWS of deadlines to ensure that we are the very first garage group to achieve this in the UK. It's always fantastic to be first, as the technology is moving at a very fast pace."

As he explained, the app's development was brought about by changes in marketing trends, as well as new legislation brought about by the DVLA and DVSA. "Apps are becoming more and more popular with busy consumers, and are in many ways revolutionising how we are selecting and booking products and services we need," he said. "Several other significant developments in the motoring sector, such as the removal of tax discs from windscreens, and MOT certificates and information on a vehicle's history being stored electronically, made us think that an easy to use, vehicle management tool, controlled through your phone, could help our customers."

Dr Andrew Muir CEO of Farrpoint Photo by Alex Hewitt Photography

Farrpoint branch into Manchester Farrpoint the IT and infrastructure company founded in Edinburgh over 10 years ago has opened a new office in Manchester.

With this new outlet they predict that the firm's turnover will grow by 50% by the end of March 2018, so they have added 15 new employees to their staff in the last year. They have also appointed two new consultants to represent Farrpoint in the North of England.

Dr Andrew Muir, co-founder and Director of FarrPoint said: "Our new office in Manchester. will be our base in the North of England as we continue to grow and work on new projects in this area. The region is a hot bed for technology startups and SMEs, with hubs in both Manchester and Newcastle growing at a speed that rivals those based in Edinburgh and London. With our experience of working in tech hubs such as Edinburgh, our skill set and expertise will benefit growing businesses in the North of England.

There is also a great deal of opportunity for FarrPoint in the public sector space in the area, with the ongoing city deals and LFFN (Local Full Fibre Networks) programme."

Muir continued: "Following on from opening our office in London last year, and thanks to our recent growth, we have created two new roles and have plans to take on further staff as we continue to pick up business and projects south of the border. We have already successful-

ly completed a diverse range of projects in the North of England, working with both local authorities and private companies. Our physical presence in Manchester will help us to build on this. As villages, towns and cities across the UK become smarter and technology continues its reach into every business, there becomes a growing demand for our independent advice on tech investment, procurement and deployment, for which we have a proven track record."

Vehicle Manage ment App D&G Autocare, Scotland's leading independent garage group, with fifteen locations across Fife, Tayside, the Lothians and the Central Belt, including a garage at Stevenson Road, Murrayfield, has claimed a UK industry first with the launch of an innovative vehicle management app.

The new app, which took around two months to plan, develop, test

and bring to market, was created in house by D&G Autocare's online and mobile marketing team, based at its Headquarters in Kirkcaldy. It represents a technological investment of £10,000 for D&G, which was voted "Best Scottish Group" in 2016-17 by customers of www.whocanfixmycar.com, one of the country's leading autocare search websites.

"It's a hugely positive development that anyone can now check a car online to see whether or not it is taxed, has an MOT and is insured," said Pete Wood. "This will save motorists money when they come to buy a used car, as well as ensure less unsafe cars are on the roads."

Mr Wood added, that in D&G 's experience, many of their customers had told them that they had unwittingly allowed their car tax to

become increasingly problematic for busy motorists," he said, "and our simple but effective app takes the uncertainty away, acting as a handy reminder that the tax is due.

Using it to log when MOT's and servicing is due cuts down on paper reminders in the post, along with unwanted texts and emails. It's a one point of contact tool."

The D&G Autocare App is free to download from the company's website at www.dandgautocare.co.uk, plus through Google play and iTunes. Once a customer has the app they will get automatic reminders a week before their tax, MOT or car insurance is due to expire.

Multi award winning D&G Autocare is continuing to look at further expansion across the central belt. In 2014 it launched a garage in East Kilbride, it's furthest west to date, but also established itself in Tayside with a garage at Taygate Trading Centre in Dundee in 2017 and added their newest garage, to date, at Etna Trade Centre in Falkirk, the same year. It's first Dunfermline garage, at Rumblingwell, has recently relocated to larger premises just down the road at Balridgeburn.

D&G continues to operate an apprenticeship scheme for both trainee mechanics and administration staff, with eight young apprentices across the group.

D&G Autocare is an independent garage group with 15 garages across Central Scotland, from East Kilbride in the West across Stirling, Perth and Dundee to Fife and the Lothians. The company, employing a total of 105 people, covers all servicing requirements from MOTS, tyres, exhausts and brakes, to suspension & clutches, and can replace all car parts. It can also supply tyres and wheels and has DVSA Authorised Testing Facilities (up to Class 7 Light C o m m e r c i a l Ve h i c l e s ) i n i t s branches. Company cars, fleet and lease vehicles are all welcome.

Those downloading the easy to use app, which is completely free, and covers both android and i phones, can now take advantage of a host of motorist benefits, including receiving timely reminders for their vehicle's MOT and servicing. They can use the app to book their cars into a D&G garage of their choice, also being given the directions to the garage through the app. And they can check the service and insurance history of any car before deciding whether or not to purchase it.

Commenting on the launch of the new app, Pete Wood, D&G's Director of Operations said: "We are excited to launch this new innovation to the Autocare Industry, having worked extremely hard to a number

expire, with no paper tax disc reminder on their windscreens.

"The issue of car tax renewal has

www.dandgautocare.co.uk

Published 28 February 2018

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BUSINESS NEWS In conversation with Craig Banks

by Phyllis Stephen Craig Banks has just opened a gorgeous new shop on Thistle Street where he sells menswear. Not just any old menswear, but made to measure cashmere coats, tweed suits, dinner suits, formal wear and anything that the stylish man may wish.

He told us about his shop : "I love what I do. I am now married and have a family on the way, I want a better life and I want to promote myself and personal service.

"I love my trade. I have been working in it for nearly 19 years and it was time for me to do this for myself. If I can show how much I love it, how passionate I am then it should work."

I suggested that Craig is his own best advertisement anyway. He was wearing one of his own bespoke tweed suits, an impeccable white shirt and silk tie with handkerchief peeking out of his top pocket.

"Well you've got to look the part to be the part of course! I design all my own clothes, the looks, everything. I am trying to be different without being too modern. " An English manufacturing company, Lambtons, make the clothes for Craig to his design. But how do you make tailoring into something quite different for men?

Craig explained : "Well most people imagine a suit as a single breasted jacket with trousers these days. I am trying to be a bit different, so I have designed the jackets to have a one button cuff and one button jacket. This is very rare indeed even outside of Savile Row. "Perhaps not everyone will take my style but it will give them a different look and approach. Most people see a two or three button suit and that is how they imagine their suit will be. You can of course have it any way you wish, but I am playing with an old-fashioned tailoring take which is very formal .

Craig Banks "All evening wear should have peaked lapels, so I am trying to promote that into daywear but also make it a bit sharper. It is a nicer silhouette with wider lapels and a sharper body look. My suits have slanted pockets which elevate the body.I think everyone looks better in a one button slanted pocket jacket."

Craig is married to Lesley and they have a baby on the way in May. He also moved house and started a business this year already, so this is a big year for him. He claims to have been dreaming about starting a business for about 10 years, but admits it was only when he and Lesley got married that he was able to fulfil that dream. She is apparently the boss according to Craig. "I had this dream but without Lesley this wouldn't work. She is my business partner and life partner. We work hard at this, especially now that our baby is on the way.

make fashionable clothes, these are classic clothes that will stand the test of time.

"I make clothes for all kinds of people but there are loads of young students in this city who have cash to spend on looking better. Perhaps they have always bought a label but they have realised that they don't always fit. Most off the peg clothes don't fit! Then we have professionals right up to director level.

These are people who appreciate clothes, they wear suits every day and who need longevity out of them. Otherwise of course there are people who only ever buy one made to measure suit in their lifetime and that is usually for their wedding. It is the biggest day of your life so it matters. You get a lot

"I started off in retail and sales, so pinning up clothes was something I learned on the job. I am pretty young in this game but I have already had a long career so I have a lot of experience. I now want to take this to a different level. I don't

"I think we are probably one of the few who make formal wear like tailcoats which people can wear to weddings and of course Royal Ascot!"

So even if Royal Ascot is not in your calendar this year, you may wish to go and have a coffee and a chat with Craig in his stylish new shop on Thistle Street.

"I love Thistle Street, it is the best shopping street in Edinburgh and I came across this shop just at the right time when I was ready to start up on my own."

Customers will be able to have any made to measure clothing they wish and Craig is adamant he can help them look better. Even walking along the street he oten wishes he had a pack of pins to pin somebody's jacket to make it fit better.

He continues : "I hate ill-fitting jackets!

peg in Craig's shop. These include smoking jackets, pyjamas and dressing gowns from Derek Rose, Deakin and Francis cufflinks. Craig is emphatic about the choice of goods which people can readily buy in his shop. He stated : "These are the best pyjamas in Britain, and the accessories are the best in the world in my view. I make everything else under my own label from shirts to tartan trews, formal wear, business suits, trousers, cashmere overcoats and knitwear. We can do anything and everything.

Craig's brand new website is now live and there is a Facebook page here. t 0131 226 7775 craigbanks@craigbankstailoring.com more choice, a lot more freedom, quality and a better fit."

So are there men out there who buy a made to measure suit and then simply cannot go back to off the peg?

"Well I hope so. I hope that they realise they will be hard pushed to have that level of service from other retailers with clothes in standard sizes."

Although a made to measure suit may take six weeks before you take delivery of it, there are some clothes which can be bought off the

45 Thistle Street EH2 1DY

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Published 28 February 2018

WHAT'S ON Our pick of HippFest which takes place in Bo'ness 21-25 March 2018 The Hippodrome CInema | 10 Hope Street | Bo'ness| West Lothian | EH51 0AA | t 01324 506850 HippFest Opening Night Premiere: The Last of the Mohicans (1920) Wednesday 21 March, 7.30pm Rare screening of the original and most faithful film adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper's classic novel. Two British sisters caught up in the war for colonial control of North America, find protection under the care of white scout Hawkeye, the last chief of the Mohican tribe, and his hunky yet majestic son Uncas.A magnificent drama in which good and bad characters are dispersed amongst Native Americans, British and French alike, whilst the narrative takes in devastating action scenes and swoon-inducing romance. This thrilling adventure is accompanied live by a new score for keyboards, percussion, bass, ukulele and acoustic guitar composed and performed live by guitarist and multi-instrumentalist David Allison.

Jeely Jar: Saving Sister Susie (1921) The Kid Reporter (1924), Saturday 24 March, 10:30am A rare find produced by the Christie Film Company who launched the careers of dozens of comedy greats including Harold Lloyd and Fatty Arbuckle. In this short Dorothy Devore is reluctantly forced to pose as a child to leave the field clear for her older sister who is trying to catch a fiancé. Cue a comedy of errors as little sis refuses to play the game and confounds everyone in her path, including children looking for a play-mate. Next, lovable child superstar Baby Peggy plays the secretary in a busy newsroom who steps up to crack the case of a stolen pearl necklace. Performing live: Neil Brand (piano) HippFest Commission: The Treasure (Der Schatz) (1923) Saturday 24 March, 4.30pm German musician Alois Kott performs the world premiere of his new score for this powerful morality play. An expressionistic and deeply symbolic tale about the corrupting

power of greed and the first film by one of Germany's greatest directors - G.W. Pabst. A bell-founder lives with his wife and daughter in a solitary house with Svetelenz - a grotesque figure portrayed by Werner Krauss (famed for his role three years earlier as Dr Caligari). The trio are joined by young Arno and the two men soon become rivals… for the heart of Beate and for the unearthing of treasure supposedly buried for a hundred years. Stylish cinematography and production design in this darkly poetic fantasy.

Performing live: Alois Kott Supported by the Goethe-Institut Glasgow Platform Reels: The Great K&A Train Robbery (1926) Saturday 24 March, 7pm screening, 6.30pm food served Venue: Bo'ness Station, Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, Union Street, Bo'ness EH51 9AQ A thrilling western in the company of "the king of cowboys": Tom Mix. Tom has been hired by the Railroad President to put a stop to a series of train robberies. With his trusty steed Tony the Wonder Horse, our hero goes undercover to bring the criminal gang to justice and unmask the dastardly double-crossing company secretary. Along the way he performs some death-defying, train-top stunts and captures the heart of the beautiful gal Madge!

This is a thrill-a-minute cowboy pic starring one of the silent era's biggest box office draws who made a staggering 291 movies of which only a fraction survive today. Performing Live: John Sweeney (piano) Seven Footprints to Satan (1929) Saturday 24 March, 10.15pm A little-known, long-lost scare flick.

Debonair man of leisure James Kirkham is keen to travel the world before settling down with his fiancée Eve. On the eve of his departure the couple are kidnapped from a society ball and taken to a mansion populated by strange freaks and monsters, held prisoner by the mysterious master of the house… none other than Satan himself! This riotous - and on occasion salacious - movie is bags of fun. Think Carry On Devil Worship crossed with The Rocky Horror Picture Show and you get the general idea. The film's subject matter was clearly a favourite of the director Benjamin Christensen who was already a veteran of the genre having achieved great success and notoriety with Haxan (1922), an unsettling and unique history of witchcrat and demonology. Performing live: Jane Gardner (piano) and Roddy Long (violin)

Alison Strauss Director Hippfest and Dr Trevor Griffiths who will deliver a talk about Scottish silent movie star Billy Ritchie Laurel & Hardy (1927 | 1929 | 1928), Sunday 25 March, 1.30pm A glorious aternoon in the company of the world's best-loved comedy team. We begin with Flying Elephants in which the bachelor Boys are transplanted to pre-historic times and their bowler hats are substituted for Hollywood-issue caveman outfits. Next up is their final silent Unaccustomed as We Are (re-made as their first talkie). Ollie brings Stan home for dinner, much to the disgust of Mrs. Hardy who storms out leaving the coast clear for the pair to try their charms on beautiful neighbour Mrs. Kennedy (Thelma Todd). Finally, we are delighted to present one of Laurel and Hardy's best-loved shorts: Big Business which sees the duo gain-lessly occupied as door-to-door Christmas tree salesmen falling foul of short-tempered James Finlayson (Larbert-born local celebrity) with predictably but oh-so-satisfyingly destructive results. Performing live: Jane Gardner (piano) and Hazel Morrison (percussion).

Shiraz (1928) Sunday 25 March, 4.30pm 'A Romance of India' is fittingly the subtitle of this beautiful 17th century epic, based on the story of Shah Jahan, his queen and the building of the world's most beautiful monument to love: the Taj Mahal. Himansu Rai (the film's producer) plays the humble Shiraz, who is brought up as brother to Selima, a girl of unknown but royal lineage, rescued from an ambush in childhood. Shiraz falls in love with Selima and when she is kidnapped by slavers and sold to the royal palace, Shiraz

follows her, risking everything for his unrequited love. HippFest presents the immaculate new BFI digital restoration of this remarkable British-Indian-German co-production, shot entirely on location in India with an Indian cast. The story's flamboyant romanticism is matched by ravishing settings and costumes, beautiful lighting and expressive performances. Performing live: John Sweeney (piano) Closing Night Gala: Underground (1928) Sunday 25 March, 8pm The lives and loves of four young working people in 1920s London.

Kind-hearted Bill and brash Bert both meet and fall in love with the same woman, on the same day in the underground. The object of their affections is shop-girl Nell who reciprocates Bill's attentions, much to the annoyance of Bert. Proving himself to be a thoroughly loathsome piece of work Bert takes advantage of his abandoned sweetheart, using her in his deplorable plans for revenge. This pacey film moves switly from jolly romance to dark drama, showcasing the director's confident facility for conjuring up the bustling parks, pubs and shops of London, as well as the dramatic emotional states of his characters. This impressive late silent is seen here to its best advantage thanks to the BFI National Archive's fine restoration. Celebrated, awardwinning silent film accompanist and composer Stephen Horne is joined by supremely talented percussionist Frank Bockius for this thrilling conclusion to HippFest 2018.

Billie Ritchie: The Man Who Made

the World Laugh Friday 23 March, 2pm with Trevor Griffiths Before Ewan McGregor and Sean Connery there was silent comedian Billie Ritchie! Born in Glasgow, Billie entered the movies in late 1914, making some 70 films in Hollywood, and was, for a time during WW1, recognised as a star with international box-office appeal, appearing on the front page of 'Variety' and billed as "The Man Who Makes the World Laugh". Using a range of illustrative materials, Trevor Griffiths traces the littleknown story of this world-wide Scottish star. Trevor Griffiths has published widely on aspects of Scottish cinema history and was coinvestigator on the recently completed AHRC-funded project on 'Early Cinema in Scotland', the book of which is out shortly Performing Live: Forrester Pyke

Scan here for our audio interview with Alison Strauss

Published 28 February 2018

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WHAT'S ON SHAZIA MIRZA COMING TO EDINBURGH Ater her 2016, 103 date sell-out international run of The Kardashians Made Me Do It, and fresh from being ravaged by hunger and sandflies on Channel 4's Celebrity Island, Shazia Mirza returns to the road with her brand new show, With Love From St Tropez. And she is headed for Edinburgh.

BINGO! | 19:30 | 6-17 March | Assembly Hall Main Hall

Edinburgh University Chamber Choir

Grid Iron and Stellar Quines

The Edinburgh University Chamber Choir are celebrating European choral music in March at their concert in Canongate Kirk.

Book and lyrics by Anita Vettesse & Johnny McKnight, Music by Alan Penman Directed by Jemima Levick "Have you ever done a bad thing, like really bad?"

"Yeah. I started Breaking Bad when our Davy was on the night-shit" Every week more than 2 million women pour into local Bingo halls across the UK, each one hoping that all elusive HOUSE will change their fortunes forever. Daniella's one of those women. Except she isn't just hopeful.

The music will include Palestrina's 8 part setting of the Stabat Mater, Mary's lament at the foot of the cross and Arnold Bax's setting of the old English carol Mater ora filium.

Tickets are ÂŁ10/ÂŁ5 on the door.

Musica Europa | 9 March 2018 | Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh | 8.00pm.

She's desperate. She needs Lady Luck to smile down on her tonight.

She's done a bad thing. No, a really bad thing, and if her card doesn't have those winning numbers, she's going to have to resort to desperate measures to take home that prize money.

Tell us about your event.

Email editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Shazia Mirza With Love from St Tropez

Featuring cracking original numbers, a lot of banter and cheeky humour, multi-award winning Scottish theatre companies Grid Iron and Stellar Quines invite you to join them for an unforgettable night at Bingo!

Supported by Creative Scotland and The Foyle Foundation

Dates for your Diary

Magic Fest 11-19 May 2018 | Lauriston Castle | The Writers' Museum and other venues.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week 15 - 21 October 2018 | various bars in the city centre

Edinburgh Foodies Festival | 3-5 August 2018 | Inverleith Park | Arboretum Road | EH3 5NZ

Author Joan Rowe will be talking about her book Living with Shadows : Making the Pieces Fit The talk will take place at Blackhall Library 26 March 2018 at 6.30pm Shazia Mirza

The show is about lies and truth, nudity and the periodic table, as these things hold the key to the future according to Shazia.

This brand new show is about lies, lies and more lies. The truth is so 1980's.

In 2008 Shazia was listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy, won 'Columnist of the Year' at the prestigious PPA Awards for her fortnightly column in The New Statesman and won The GG2 Young Achiever of the Year Award.

She has performed internationally all over the world and is a regular contributor to The Financial Times and writes her weekly column 'Dairy of a Disappointing Daughter' for The Guardian.

The Edinburgh show is at Monkey Barrel on Sunday 15 April 2018. t 0845 5001056

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Published 28 February 2018

BOOKS New Book Awakening by David Munro AWAKENING BY DAVID MUNRO This is the final book in a trilogy by Edinburgh author David Munro. It will be launched at Blackwells North Bridge on 5 April 2018 at 6.30pm.

James Carsell-Brown is a time-traveller. He finds himself in the future, where he encounters an attractive young lady.

Unknown to James, she is the ghost of the woman who took her own life. He is thrown back to 1916; before the gruesome act occurs. He investigates what caused her to end her life. But can he prevent her suicide? Is time on his side or his enemy?

James makes a startling discovery when he returns to the future which changes his life forever. To investigate further, he visits Edinburgh, where yet another shock awaits him. Is the death of the young woman related?

The book centres on Ardrishaig and Edinburgh. The author told us about his links with the locations :

"My grandfather came from Ardrishaig and moved to Edinburgh, hence the connection. The scenes in Edinburgh are mainly in the Royal Mile. I bought my first property there - opposite John Knox's House.

"One of the characters is a ghost associated with the Mile. I am from Leith, and there are scenes around Granton and Newhaven and also at Haymarket.

David Munro was born in Edinburgh and lived there until the age of 27.

He was employed by a major brewery within the capital and relocated to Aberdeen, then Glasgow.

David attended university and college to attain chartered status in an arts discipline. As an arts professional and with experience of different cultures, this lends itself to creative literature.

David's love of history allows him the opportunity to delve into past cultures and pinnacle events. His book, Awakening, has a First World War theme, telling the story of romance and heartache.

Book events Celebrate World Book Day 2018

At the National Library of Scotland

Date: Saturday 3rd March March Time: 11am to 4pm Celebrate World Book Day at Edinburgh's oldest bookshop!

Colin McIlroy, Muriel Spark project curator, National Library of Scotland said: "Muriel Spark was a selfconfessed hoarder. She kept everything from school magazines to shopping receipts, photographs, desk diaries and letters from some of the biggest names in 20th century literature. This is what makes her archive so fascinating. The exhibition will allow us to showcase items never before seen by the public and, in the process, shed new light on an incredible life. It will illuminate her literary style, her love of fashion and the significance of the many places around the world in which she lived."

Visit the Children's Department at Blackwells and swap your World Book Day token for one of the 2018 books, specially written for World Book Day. Brand new stories from Pamela Butchart, Tom Fletcher, Julian Clary, Clare Balding and many more!

D r e s s u p a s y o u r fa v o u r i t e character, go on the Treasure Hunt or see behind the scenes of the bookshop with an exclusive tour!

Free unticketed.

Blackwell's Book Quiz Date: Monday 5th March Time: 6pm

THE INTERNATIONAL STYLE OF MURIEL SPARK

Do you know your Meyer from your Heyer, your Waugh from your Piece? Then join Blackwells for their monthly book quiz on the first Monday of every month in Caffè Nero.

They will quiz you on anything from classics to current bestsellers, Booker Prize winners to celebrity biographies.

Until 13 May 2018

by Isla McFarlane

National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge EH1 1EW, www.nls.uk/exhibitions

Chrysalis by Edinburgh author Jeremy Welch is an engaging debut novel with a relatively simplistic premise, but complex undertones.

Watch out for the Hilary Mantel question!

It's FREE to come along and the maximum in a team is 5, but space is limited, so get along early to secure a seat.

Murder and Mayhem Meet Scottish crime writers and deadly new characters. Take part in a murder mystery solving a crime.

Chat about writing, being published and all things crime fiction.

Saturday 17 March 2018 at 15.00 at All above events at Blackwell's 53-62 South Bridge EH1 1YS

A major new exhibition revealing unique insights into Muriel Spark's extraordinary life and work. Featuring personal artefacts never before seen by the public TheInternational Style of Muriel Spark will showcase the National Library of Scotland's Muriel Spark Archive which is one of the most comprehensive personal records of a writer's life ever assembled.

The writer's boxed archive covers the period from the 1940s until her death in 2006, taking up some 46 metres of shelving - just short of the height of Edinburgh's famous Scott monument.

The early records of wartime poverty that chart the struggles of an unknown author are joined by scores of diaries, fascinating letters including those with literary giants, world leaders and film stars, diaries, photographs, newspaper cuttings and school magazines all of which illuminate the inspirations behind Spark's literary style, her love of fashion, and the significance of the places where she lived.

When Sebastian, a self-pitying finance agent is fired from his prestigious job in London, he is forced by his former girlfriend to confront the apparent emptiness of his existence.

Vowing to rediscover his passion for writing, he travels to Amsterdam, encountering a circus and drawn to the red light districts. His life becomes rapidly more difficult when he witnesses the corruption hidden underneath the cheerfully bohemian exterior of the city.

The novel packs a great deal into its 327 pages. While at surface level it is a kind of contemporary bildungsroman, Welch's exploration of the crime in Amsterdam and exploitation of foreign prostitutes takes it to greater depths.

Chrysalis is published by Troubador ISBN: 9781788039369 Price: £9.99

Published 28 February 2018

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MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Art of the Future

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 19 Jan-29 Apr 2018 | Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 | Adult £8, Concession £6, Child (under 16s) free, National Museums Scotland Members free Taking over the largest exhibition gallery for the first time, this immersive and atmospheric display of 100 awe-inspiring images presents the incredible diversity and fragility of life on Earth in a new and spectacular way.

THE ART OF THE FUTURE Until 29 April 2018 | Scottish National Gallery | The Mound | EH2 2EL t 0131 624 6200 | Admission FREE nationalgalleries.org | #artothefutureworld

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind. For more than 50 years it has showcased the very best in nature photography and presented the beauty and drama of the natural world, from fascinating animal behaviours to breath-taking wild landscapes.

This learning project to schoolchildren posed the question 'What is the art of the future?'

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

53rd Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition until 29 April 2018 Photo Neil Hanna

Wildlife Photographer of Year at the National Museum of Scotland is supported by Players of People's Postcode Lottery

day 10:30-10:50, 11:30-11:50 | Free (pre-book 10:30 session from day before or sign up for 11:30 session on the day in the Entrance Hall)

Down to Earth

Meet at the green fountain, Grand Gallery, Level 1

10 Nov 2017-1 Apr 2018 |Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1, Grand Gallery |Free Celebrating the centenary of the Strathmore Meteorite,Down to Earth reunites the four fragments of the meteorite for the first time since it fell to Earth on 3 December 1917, alongside pieces of the three other meteorites found on Scottish soil.

Suitable for ages 0-2 (plus accompanying adult)

Modernist Jewellery

Take a trip on the Magic Carpet to explore the fantastic things in the National Museum of Scotland.

Magic Carpet Mini sessions are especially for really young children and their carers. Come along for songs, stories, rhymes and objects in the unique museum setting.

1 Dec 2017-29 Apr 2018 |Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1, Grand Gallery |Free

Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery

Discover a generation of designers and makers who embraced innovative and diverse influences, from the natural environment to non-precious materials. This small display will highlight pieces from British and Nordic designers, that would go on to influence a new wave of jewellery production.

For adults

Careers Hive Open Day Sat 3 Mar 2018 |10:00-16:30 |Grand Gallery and Auditorium |Free Join Edinburgh International Science Festival to explore this unique interactive experience designed to highlight the exciting options available to young people aged 11+ if they get involved with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) throughout their education and beyond.

Museum Socials 19 Jan-16 Mar 2018 | 10:30-12:00 | Free, including refreshments (call 0300 123 6789 or visit nms.ac.uk/ museumsocials to book your place) Series of monthly relaxed and informal sessions offering anyone living with dementia, along with their relatives, friends and supporters, an opportunity to explore a different part of the museum each month with our learning staff. Sessions are free and include a cup of tea.

David Olusoga: Civilisations

Magic Carpet Minis

Thu 8 Mar 2018 | 18:30-20:00 (doors open 18:00) | Auditorium, Level 1.

Entry via Lothian Street | £6, £5 Members and Conc. Booking essential, book online or call 0300 123 6789 | Age 14+

22 Feb-29 Mar 2018 | Every Thurs-

Kenneth Clark's 1970s landmark TV

series Civilisation changed lives. It brought new audiences to museums and made culture and history accessible to millions. The BBC has remade that landmark series under the title Civilisations - a new global exploration of art and history for a new generation. David Olusoga, one of the three presenters of the new BBC Civilisations series, asks 'can TV still do that magical thing of bringing people to a place where they believe history and art is for them?'

Join fashion designer Rhys McKenna for the first of our monthly creative sessions as he guides you through a range of drawing activities. All abilities welcome and materials included.

Daily tours Join one of our free daily tours and spend an hour exploring some of the highlights of the National Museum of Scotland.

Discover the National Museum

Wild Night with Neu! Reekie!

Fri 9 Mar 2018 | 19:30-23:00 | £12, £10 Members and Conc. Entry to Wildlife Photographer of the Year is included in all tickets. Over 18s only Explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition ater hours, enjoy a drink and a dance in the Grand G a l l e r y a n d j o i n S co t l a n d 's favourite avant-garde noisemakers Neu! Reekie! for an eclectic mix of music, poetry, film and animation.

FameLab Scottish Regional Final 2018 Sat 10 Mar 2018 | 14:00-16:00 | Auditorium | Free Armed only with their wits, contestants from across Scotland battle for a place in the FameLab UK final.

Join us for an unpredictable, enlightening and exciting aternoon and discover the latest research in science and technology.

The Sunday Sketch Sun 25 Mar, Sun 22 Apr and Sun 20 May 2018 | 14:00-15:30 | Meet at the Entrance Hall Information Desk on Level 0 | £6, £5 Members & Conc, booking essential

Daily at 11:00 (1 hr) | Venue: Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0 | Free From stunning Victorian architecture to the Lewis Chessmen, this tour will give you a flavour of all the National Museum of Scotland has to offer.

Scottish Galleries Highlights Tour Daily at 13:00 (1 hr) | Venue: Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0 | Free Follow the story of Scotland through fascinating objects on this highlights tour.

Themed Tours Daily at 15:00 (1 hr) | Venue: Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0 | Free Free guided themed tours at the National Museum of Scotland explore everything from Scotland's history to the supernatural.

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789/ nms.ac.uk

The result is a new display showing the imaginative responses of 16 groups of young people from communities around the country - from Selkirk to Inverness, Alexandria to Edinburgh - who took part in the 'mail art project'. They received random materials in the post and were asked simply to make art.

The Art of the Future exhibition will reveal how the groups taking part reworked the contents of the boxes they received to create insightful drawings, sculptures and performances, which have been captured on video and are presented on screen.

Some of these will make visitors laugh; others will ask the viewer to see things differently. All have come from the participants themselves, and provide a powerful sense of the issues that affect young people in Scotland today, including fears about our divided society, global conflicts, technological dependence, and the invasive pressure of social media. The participants have been spontaneous and candid, 'telling it like it is' from their own point of view; the works on show are sometimes challenging, but always heartfelt.

In total, over 100 young people from across Scotland took part in the Art of the Future, which was devised and facilitated by the NGS Learning team. The project targeted areas lacking in cultural provision, particularly in relation to contemporary art, and a combination of rural and urban groups were engaged to create a national reach.

It also sought to raise participants' confidence by giving them the means to articulate their hopes and fears for the future through art, and by establishing a network of peers with whom they could share their concerns and their responses.

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Published 28 February 2018

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Participating groups exchanged their boxed artworks with each other at a sharing event at the SNGMA in December 2017. The groups were are intrigued to see what the others had created and were encouraged to find that similar concerns were being explored.

All the boxes created on the project are now on display in the Art of the Future exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery.

Speaking about the project, Robin Baillie, Senior Outreach Officer at NGS, said:"The boxes were designed to stimulate creativity and imagination and the young people have proved that contemporary art can be a great vehicle to help them make sense of the world around them.

"We believe this project has stimulated a genuine dialogue among teenagers in Scotland, about what matters to them. Better still, they have been spontaneous and honest in showing us how they see their lives in challenging times."

The Galashiels' 'care bear' for example, demonstrates how these young artists have created an affecting work of art that speaks to us all, addressing a challenging topic that directly affects young people's life chances in Scotland today."

Clara Glovier, Head of Charities, People's Postcode Lottery, said: "We are delighted that the support of players of People's Postcode Lottery has enabled the National Galleries of Scotland's Art of the Future project. To be involved in a creative project which uses art to encourage courageous conversations between young people is very special."

We spoke with Sophia Somerville,

Neva Houston and Momina Younis all from Drummond Community High School about their art.

TALBOT RICE GALLERY

Neva told us : "It has lots of different things about religion, the media, mental health and lots of other things that we think are important"

SOUTH BRIDGE, EH8 9YL

Momina commented on her input.

She said: "It is about feminism. We wanted young people to discuss it and its importance. I think women should be equal."

Sophia then explained : "I was concentrating on feminism. I concentrated on including some objects that women will use on a daily basis to show that these are not something we should shy away from.

Some people can't talk about things like the Pill and we wanted to make them to represent something we should not shy away from."

Scan below to read more about this project online where you can also watch our video.

THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

The University of Edinburgh is to host the UK premiere of Scotland's presentation at last year's Venice Biennale, the world's most prestigious art show.

Visitors will take their places in the transformed Talbot Rice Gallery as they watch Spite Your Face, Rachel Maclean's celebrated video work.

Navy carpet, gold fabric and luxurious cushions will transform the University's Talbot Rice Gallery as it hosts the UK premiere of Scotland's presentation at last year's Venice Biennale, the world's most prestigious art show.

Visitors will be invited to sit or lie amidst the excessive opulence as they watch Spite Your Face, Rachel Maclean's acclaimed video work.

The film will be displayed on a monolithic portrait-format screen, suspended at one end of the Georgian Gallery.

The free show runs 24 February to 5 May 2018.

Commissioned by the Scotland + Venice partnership, Spite Your Face was curated by Alchemy Film and Arts in partnership with Talbot Rice Gallery and the University of Edinburgh.

Maclean - who graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2009 - was selected to create a work to represent Scotland at the 2017 Venice Biennale.

Her work hung in the city's decon-

At Talbot Rice Gallery this month secrated Chiesa di Santa Caterina from May to November last year.

Playing on a 37-minute continuous loop with no discernible beginning or end, the film follows the rise and fall of Pic, a young boy whose journey to maturity is accompanied by moral corruption and a rise to celebrity and power.

Spite Your Face is set in two worlds: one a bright, glittery upper world obsessed with image and consumerism; the other a warped, dirty and impoverished lower world.

Written in the wake of the UK's decision to leave the European Union, and during Donald Trump's presidential campaign, Maclean says it is intended to comment on recent political upheavals.

Since 2003, Scotland has selected artists to represent its vibrant contemporary art scene at the Biennale through the Scotland + Venice partnership, run by Creative Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the British Council Scotland.

Pupils from Drummond Community High School pose outside the Scottish National Gallery

'COLLECTED IN MOTION' Louise Mudie | Daniela Krug | Rebecca Mains | Theodor Asoltanei 23-29 March 2018 at Union Gallery Drumsheugh Place EH3 7PT t : 0131 225 8779 'Kaleidoscope' is a photography collective consisting of four individual photographers.

This March, Union Gallery is hosting an exhibition exploring the theme "Collected in Motion".

The idea is to explore motion and movement through the medium of photography may this be visually or metaphorically. The process includes a variety of camera techniques, such as slow shutter speeds to show movement or fast shutter speed to capture it.

The final outcomes of each individual's work come together as a collaboration to present an exhibition where each of their creative vision links together and conveys a similar message.

Published 28 February 2018

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MUSIC & FILM Christine Bovill |The Queen's Hall | 31 May 2018 One of the highlights of the Edinburgh Fringe - including a "must see" recommendation from The Edinburgh Reporter - Christine Bovill's Paris will be at The Queen's Hall on Thursday 31 May 2018.

The award winning chanteuse beckons you back to the Golden Age of French Song; a demi-monde of heroes and outcasts, cynics and bruised romantics. No gimmicks.

No pretence. Nothing but a voice smoky, evocative and emotive singing of life's triumphs and tragedies. With drama, pathos and pizzazz, the show casts a sepiatinged spotlight on the songs and stories of Brel, Piaf, Barbara, Juliet Greco, Charles Aznavour and many more.

Christine Bovill has built a formidable reputation as a songwriting jazz chanteuse. Born into a Glasgow family where folk music was the flavour of the age, Christine characteristically explored her own inclinations, finding a delight in jazz and cabaret, which she has been developing ever since.

A 5 star hit in 2016 and 2017 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including winning Spirit of the Fringe Award 2017, PARIS has also wowed international audiences including in London, Ireland and Berlin. Come and be transported into a Parisian scented twilight world of song.

An award-winning songwriter in her own right, Bovill has toured throughout Europe and the Far East with her self-penned homage to the Little Sparrow, appearing on BBC Newsnight and on the BBC Radio 4's series, Soul Music. Charles Dumont, Piaf's great friend and composer of Non, Je ne Regrette Rien, made the journey from Paris to join Christine on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe. Validation for Christine's performance doesn't come any higher than this.

At the Usher Hall - 22 April 2018 In April the Czech National Symphony Orchestra will perform during an aternoon session of the Sunday Classics series.

Pavel Kolesnikov will join them in an aternoon of classical music including Franz Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, Beethoven's F o u r t h P i a n o C o n ce r t o a n d Dvořák's 7th symphony.

The orchestra has its 25th birthday this year and is renowned for its wide ranging musical output from classical to jazz.

Kolesnikov who is regarded as a real rising star is from Siberia and first made the headlines with a five star review of his Wigmore Hall debut.

Usher Hall, Lothian Road | 22 April 2018 | Door time: 2:00pm| Start time: 3:00pm Schubert Symphony No.8 'Unfinished' Beethoven Piano Concerto No.4 Dvorak Symphony No.7

Rising star Pavel Kolesnikov will play piano with The Czech National Symphony Orchestra

Petr Altrichter Conductor Pavel Kolesnikov Piano Tickets available at: www.usherhall.co.uk/sunday-classics Prices Tickets £34, £28, £23, £17 and £12.50

UK Asian Film Festival Shalom Bollywood : The Untold Story of Indian Cinema The Filmhouse 25 March 2018 British-born, Jewish documentary filmmaker, Danny Ben-Moshe, brings to screen a previously unknown tale of how Indian Jews played a formative role in shaping the world's largest film industry.

When Indian cinema began 100 years ago, it was frowned upon for Hindu and Muslim women to perform on screen, so Indian Jewish women took on female lead roles and dominated this space for decades. The documentary reintroduces audiences to some of India's greatest Jewish actors, like Sulochana, Pramila, the unforgettable Nadira and Bollywood's favourite uncle, David.

This is part of the UK Asian Film Festival which takes place across four cities from 14-25 March 2018.

On 23 March Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz will be screened. This is a tale of loneliness and longing in the modern world. It captures millennial

Shalom Bollywood angst in everything from finding meaning to the need to seek companionship in a world built on swiping let, right and centre.

The festival marks a century since the UK awarded some women the right to vote with female-oriented films, artists and auteurs. This is the 20th festival which is the highlight of a year round programme of films and arts related events presented

by Tongues on Fire Ltd.

Full Festival Progamme details featured on the website: www.ukasianfilmfestival.com.

Dr. Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE, Festival Founding Director says, "In our 20thanniversary, Tongues on Fire - UK Asian Film Festival are proudly going back to our roots of a female driven festival with a "F rated" perspective to our films and events. While curating films this year I was aware that there was a lack of

female directors in the industry.

Through this festival, we endeavour to proactively reach out to, support and inspire new filmmakers, giving them a chance to showcase their work. We are excited to extend to Leicester, Manchester and Edinburgh while strengthening our London edition, made possible by a generous contribution from the BFI Lottery Fund."

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Published 28 February 2018

PEOPLE & PLACES A sparkling chat with Lost Cinemas Nathalie Rodwell Illustration by Andy Arthur

The illustration below shows a neoclassical cinema on the corner of Canning and Torphichen streets with seating for 2,187. It was known for an elaborate painted proscenium around the screen that depicted atmospheric woodland scenes.

It was opened in 1930 by Gaumont British Theatres as the "Rutland Picture House", the architect being Edinburgh-based cinema specialist Thomas Bowhill Gibson.

In 1950 it was closed and re-opened

by The Rank Organisation as simply "The Gaumont" and in 1958 the organ was removed.

A devastating fire in 1963 meant that the cinema was closed and then demolished in 1966.

The "Exchange" office tower was lat-

by Phyllis Stephen Nathalie Rodwell has been at Bonhams Queen Street only since last year, but she already had five years experience in a jewellery department with another major auction house in London.

She was headhunted for her position but confessed that a big part of deciding to move was so that she and her fiancé, Adam, can pursue some of their outdoor hobbies more easily.

Nathalie's own engagement ring is, a s y o u m i g h t ex p e c t , q u i te fabulous, and she and Adam will tie the knot later this year.

I asked if perhaps Adam was under a bit of pressure where the ring was concerned. Nathalie laughed : "Our friends always asked how would ever be able to choose a ring for me, but he picked the exact ring I showed him three years previously when we had only been dating a few months. He then hid it from me until the right moment. Edinburgh is just so lovely and we are getting married here later in the year."

As to the most expensive item that she has ever handled Nathalie was almost nonchalant saying : "Oh yes there was one which was worth about £64 million....a fancy pink desert diamond. This was formed into a huge ring. I used to work the

Geneva sales and being an Instagrammer I had a ring on each finger and I calculated that I had about £200 million on one hand."

With the newly engaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in town recently we asked Nathalie what she thinks of Ms Markle's engagement ring. She said : "It's wonderful to see Harry selecting a cushionshaped diamond as the central stone. This is a more traditional cut of diamond to a round brilliant-cut and in my opinion, this cut of diamond displays a great deal of personality.

"Estimated to weigh between three to four carats, it's very hard to guess how much this ring made by Cleave and Company, the Court Jewellers and Medallists to Her Majesty The Queen, would be worth - its provenance of course adds an extra layer of value."

At Bonhams The Whisky Sale 7 March The Scottish Sale 25 and 26 April The Jewelry Sale 23 May

The longer version of this interview is on our website www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk

er built on the site. Nothing of the cinema remains.

Andy explained a little about himself : "I'm a self-taught digital illustrator who has learned the long and hard way by plugging away at it for the last 15 or so years, on and off.

I confess that I have never studied art or design and am thoroughly useless with pencil and paper.

"I started out doing technical illustration at university to try and make up for my lack of written effort in essays by embellishing them with elaborate diagrams of earwigs or whatever! With no real training or knowledge of how to go about things, I spent a long time simply finding things I liked and trying to see if I could replicate them.

"This provides some technical skill, but it's taken a much longer time for

me to find a style of my own that I am happy with. I found my feet and style through a love of old cycling posters and bright and quirky midcentury illustration.I do most of my image composition work in my head and go straight to the screen if I have an idea I like.

"I've always had a liking for 20th century architecture and also for Edinburgh local history and this series of illustrations is where all three of these interests have collided on a page.

"From concept to getting most of the work done probably took about only 1 week and I have been sitting on it since then totally unconvinced with the finer details, digging it out once and a while for an adjustment.

"Now I hope I have something that is worth sharing with the insatiable market for Edinburgh nostalgia."

Follow Andy on Twitter @cocteautriplets

Published 28 February 2018

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Readers Competition Win a set of nosing glasses and cheeseboard

Places to eat Fazenda 102 George Street EH2 3DF We give you fair warning. Do not go to Fazenda unless you are really hungry!

This is a welcome addition to the Edinburgh restaurant scene but it is one that will require some dedication to food. From the salad bar to the vegetarian options everything is very tasty and visually appealing.

And it makes you want to try just a little of everything. The fixed price structure makes this very easy to do.

Five things you need to know The first Scottish Business Expo will be held on 4-5 May 2018 at the Queensferry Lodge Hotel in North Queensferry. The event promises 'More than just networking' and will include presentations by eight speakers. Hosted

by Lodestone Lounge, a company founded by Dr Wendy Sneddon, a leadership coach, tickets are available now. www.businessexposcotland.co.uk *** Joan Osborne sings the Songs of Bob Dylan at The Queen's Hall 24 March 2018 7.30pm.

Newhaven Fishmarket - not yet open but it is already creating a stir!

Win!

people back into full-time employment.

An Ardgowan Distillery cheeseboard and glasses set.

To enter, simply answer the question and fill in your name, address and email on the form below, then pop it into the post.

Enter below.

Enter this month's competition exclusively here in The Edinburgh Reporter and you will have a chance to win a lovely set of six Glencairn whisky glasses along with a solid oak cheeseboard, branded with the Ardgowan Distillery logo.

Edinburgh-based Ardgowan Dis-

tillery are offering a prize of glasses, known as 'nosing glasses', specially designed to help you savour your favourite dram and a cheeseboard.

The cheeseboard has been handmade and laser-etched by social enterprise the Inverclyde Community Development Trust which helps

Entries must be received by 12 noon on 31 March 2018 and the winner will be notified by Ardgowan Distillery. No cash alternative.

Chef patron Roy Brett of Ondine is partnering with Gary Welch to create a new fish restaurant at the Fishmarket on Pier Place.

They are currently recruiting for staff and need to have people who share their passion for seafood.

Promising oysters and chips for all the foodies out there, you will just have to keep an eye on social media to find out when the refurbishment is complete.

Her performance is honed by the time she spent polishing them during Joan Osborne Sings The Songs Of Bob Dylan - two critically acclaimed two-week residencies she performed at New York City's Café Carlyle in March 2016 and 2017. The singer winds her supple, soulful voice around Dylan's poetic, evocative lyrics, etching gleaming new facets in them along the way. *** The Edinburgh Reporter copy and advertising deadline is 22nd of each month. Get in touch now to organise your advertising campaign. ***

Good luck!

Six by Nico Hanover Street opening in April With such a vibrant restaurant scene, it is a tough act to break into, but chef Nico Simeone has a bunch of experience under his belt.

Six by Nico, a 70 cover restaurant with wine and cocktail bar, will open on Hanover Street in April.

This will be his third restaurant following the success of his two venues in Glasgow 111 by Nico and Six by Nico.

Using the concept in his Finnieston restaurant with carefully chosen and evolving menus, every six weeks the chef proprietor starts again with a completely new menu.

Each one features a six course tasting menu themed on a new place, memory or idea. He draws inspiration from home and abroad, the docklands of Leith to the vineyards of South America. Each new theme will be kept secret until being published only two weeks ahead.

Edinburgh World Heritage, the charity responsible for the conservation and promotion of the Old and New Town World Heritage Site, is to take over the running of the Tron Kirk on Edinburgh's Royal Mile following a vote by the Council's Finance and Resources Committee.

Short term, the space will be used to showcase Edinburgh as well as the other World Heritage Sites across Scotland. Longer term, the charity plans a complete refurbishment of the building which will include facilities for the local community as well as for teachers and school children.

*** Sustrans is encouraging people to travel more actively to work during March, by inviting them to join its Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge.

To register for the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge or to get your workplace involved please visit the Challenge website at Scotland.getmeactive.org.uk.

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Published 28 February 2018

BUSINESS STARS

Speaking with Councillor Cammy Day

by Phyllis Stephen Cammy Day is councillor for Forth Ward in the north of the city and leader of the Edinburgh Labour Group. He was born and raised in what he describes as "Scotland's fine capital city" and is a proud Edinburgh citizen.

A front bench councillor in the last administration run by Labour, he now he has a prominent role in the current coalition.

We spoke with him about his political career and that wee bit of his life that he gets away from politics.

He said : "I was really proud to be elected in the by-election in Forth Ward in 2008. This was a change in my career and has allowed me the opportunity to lead on housing, community safety, Education and now as Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council along with SNP Council Leader Adam McVey. "I spend my spare time cycling, running, going to the gym (way less than I should), meeting my friends and having my family come and dine with me each week!

"I don't think I've yet mastered a work life balance. The role I have is an exciting and challenging one and can be demanding. But I make sure I have a day a week away from work!"

So what does he like best about the place he has lived all his life?

Councillor Day continued : "Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the world, with an old town, many hills surrounding us and a sea side to enjoy. It's a hugely popular, vibrant city with something to oer everyone There are great bars, restaurants, theatres, sports, the best schools and universities, and something for all ages.

"I really like Princes Street Gardens.

In summer it's a Shangri-La away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a great place to relax and have some 'chill time'. My other favourite is Cramond and the River Almond to walk, run or cycle. It's a beautiful part of the city and very relaxing."

Anderson Strathern provides a complete range of specialist legal services, driven by the needs of clients and delivered by highly skilled professionals. Their varied client base includes private individuals, commercial businesses, social enterprises, charities and the public sector.

As a councillor, Cammy Day has been quite successful, rising through the ranks to become the group leader and Deputy Council Leader in this administration.

In his own career he was until recently studying community education and social policy at the University of Edinburgh. All that had to stop however when he became too busy as leader of the Labour Group.

He said : "I really enjoyed the social policy side of it. I didn't finish the degree but if I ever find a gap I will go back! I worked in the north and north west of the city doing community development work, youth work, working with young people. I worked with tenants groups trying to get them more involved in what happens in their community. My job was really to upskill local people and help them understand policy documents from the government or the council.

"So eectively I started on the other side of the fence by helping people to challenge what goes on. I really miss that because I feel there is a lot we can do for young people with interventions early on in life to improve things. I am no longer directly providing that help and I do miss it.

I try to keep my eye on this area from here at the council as I know it can transform lives."

Read the longer version of this interview online.

As a parent of a child with autism and user of The Yard, Celine joined their board before being appointed chief executive in 2006. Since then, she has spearheaded an enormous transformation to create the sustainable model of whole family support that is The Yard now. Celine has greatly increased the long-term sustainability of The Yard by implementing an ambitious, well planned and resourced growth strategy.

Hundreds of Edinburgh's business leaders acclaimed 16 organisations for their outstanding achievements during the past year at a glittering ceremony recently.

Finalists of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2018were announced with 69 businesses in the running to be crowned the winners across the 16 categories. Winners were announced on the night, with Edinburgh Airport picking up two awards - Best Performing Business (51+) and International Trade. The Airport was joined by Projeckt42 which was awarded Best New Start Up, Games without Frontiers who collected the Innovation in Business award and The Kitchin with Citadel Youth Centre, which was judged Inspiring Partnership of the Year.

Guests heard from speakers including Sophie Dekkers, UK Country Director at easyJet, Colin Temple,

Managing Director at schuh and Graeme Smith, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, who joined the event host, television presenter David Tanner, on stage.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce chief executive Liz McAreavey said: "Our Business Awards have grown significantly over the past seven years to become a key date in the Edinburgh business calendar.

"This year was our biggest and best yet, showcasing the vibrant, enterprising and quite frankly fabulous business community we have in Edinburgh.

"What is particularly heartening this year is the number of submissions for our new award Inspiring Partnership, which recognises businesses engaged in sustainable and valuable partnerships with the third sector.

"This was by far the most entered category, highlighting the appetite from the business community to address the inequalities in our city.

"I would like to extend huge congratulations to all winners and finalists, all of whom are truly inspirational and well deserving of the recognition. Sincere thanks also to all our sponsors whose support has enabled this event to go from strength to strength."

Published 28 February 2018

17

LOCAL POLITICIANS

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Published 28 February 2018

SPORT Former Hibs player Liam Miller dies team football he moved two years later to Sunderland for whom he played 57 times in three years before a two-year stint at Hibernian under John Hughes.

by John Hislop Hibs' fans held a minute's applause in memory of former player Liam Miller who sadly died in February aged 36 from pancreatic cancer.

The player was remembered ahead of Hibs game against Aberdeen, during which Hibernian players all work black armbands as a mark of respect.

Liam actually played more games for Hibs than any other club.

He later played in Australia for Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City before returning to Ireland to play for his hometown club Cork City in 2015.

He also played 21 times for the Republic of Ireland, scoring once.

Miller, who played for Celtic, Manchester United, Sunderland and Hibernian during a senior career spanning 16 years from 2000, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2017.

Scottish football legend Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I am very sad to hear that Liam has died."He was a good professional, who served our club in an excellent manner. He was a quiet, unassuming young man and was popular with everyone at Carrington.

Both sides of the Edinburgh divide paid tribute to the Republic of Ireland international on social media with threads on both Hibs.Net and Jambo Kickback.

Tributes poured in from football fans of all persuations along with numerous former team mates including his friend Tam McManus who tweeted: "I'm afraid it is true that Liam Miller has sadly passed away today. Thoughts are with all his family and friends at this horrendous time. So sad."

He described Miller as "a wonderfully talented player but more importantly a lovely, humble person who never changed despite the wealth and success".

Liam grew up in Ovens, a village in County Cork where he played Gaelic football but his real passion was soccer.

He began his career at Celtic and made 26 appearances for Martin O'Neill's side before joining Manchester United in 2004.

Ater struggling for regular first-

"On behalf of all my sta who worked with Liam at the time, we send our deepest sympathy to his family" Liam's funeral took place at the Church of John the Baptist in Ovens on Monday 12 February and was attended by many former team mates and managers including Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane.

Easter Saturday Raceday In March there is only one meeting at Musselburgh Racecourse on Easter Saturday 31 March 2018. The gates open at 11.30 and the first race is at 13.50.

Tickets from ÂŁ20 T 0131 665 2859

Sponsorship deal for work experience students at Musselburgh Edinburgh Napier University student Maiti Stirling applied for a work placement with Musselburgh Racecourse, but her request was initially turned down. The racecourse, in common with other businesses, gets many such requests and cannot fulfil them all.

But Ms Stirling's father Colin owns Foulrice Park Racing in Yorkshire.

He came up with a three year sponsorship deal to help, not only his daughter, but also other undergrads so that all can benefit from work experience at Musselburgh.

Now third year events management student Rebecca Morrison has just completed a six month placement during which she was involved in the day to day operations. Catriona Kendall will begin her stint very soon.

Musselburgh Racecourse senior operations and commercial manager, Sarah Montgomery, said she hoped other businesses would support similar sponsorships to enable student to take up placements.

She said: "We get approached all the time from university students desperately looking for opportunities but for most businesses it is unrealistic to expect them to fund 6-12 month placements. Colin Stirling's initiative was most welcome and allowed us to take on Maiti and then Rebecca, and both have been invaluable in helping with the day-today running of the racecourse.

"It would be excellent if other businesses followed Foulrice Park Racing's lead, not just in the racing industry but across all sectors, and this would help undergraduates complete this important part of their degree course."

Edinburgh Napier University manages the application process and each appointment is made based on interviews and suitability. The racecourse is flexible about the type of roles each student fulfils and tries to match a workflow which suits individual interests, strengthen their CVs and assist with applying for jobs on graduation.

Sarah Montgomery added: "Both Maiti and Rebecca made a huge impact and we are grateful for their contribution. They worked with us through our really busy planning period in the lead up to our most successful race days, the Edinburgh Gin Edinburgh Cup and our sell-out Stobo Castle Ladies Day. "We are now delighted that Maiti has joined us in a full-time permanent role and to welcome on board Catriona as our third Napier University placement. We hope with continued support from Foulrice Park or other businesses that this will be a programme we can support for many years to come."

Colin Stirling of Foulrice Park Racing, said: "From both my observations as an employer and the direct experience with both my children, I am a huge advocate of the benefits

of meaningful work placements as part of a student's education. It helps both the personal development of the individual and significantly improves their attractiveness to employers when they graduate.

"It is evident that universities which oer placements as part of their courses oten struggle to gain the involvement of employers to deliver the programmes. We were therefore delighted to work together with the team at Musselburgh Racecourse to come up with a plan to jointly fund the 3-year scheme to support Edinburgh Napier's Business School.

"The two placements completed so far have greatly benefitted both Rebecca and Maiti and the racecourse and I hope this success will inspire other employers to consider similar support to Napier or other universities in their locality."

Lynn Waterston, the lecturer at Edinburgh Napier's Business School with responsibility for marketing, hospitality and events undergraduate placements, said: "Degree courses with a work placement element require a lot of commitment from employers, so it is fantastic to see a sponsorship initiative like this succeed not only in giving students valuable experience, but also in terms of the benefits that our placement students can bring to our partner organisations."

Published 28 February 2018

19

SPORT Anyone Scots off for to Oz tennis?

by John Preece

Edinburgh Leisure is offering new adult tennis courses at the Meadows from 19.00-20.00 hours, every Tuesday evening, starting from 6 March 2018, running weekly until 27 March. Each session costs £7.60 or £5.70 with a Discount Card or £4.50 for concessions.

Two different levels are available: Intermediates - a session for those who have played before and enjoy tactical drills and match play and Improvers - for those who can rally and serve and are looking to improve their technique and tactical play There is also a beginners' Wednesday night four-week course for those who are new to tennis and would like to take up the game, which also takes place from 19.00-20.00 hours. Rackets are provided if required.

This course starts Wednesday, 7 March to 28 March and costs £30.40 /£22.80 with an Edinburgh Leisure Discount card and £18.00 for concessions.

Bookings can be made in advance via Craiglockhart Tennis Centre on 0131 443 0101.

Team Scotland and Scottish Hockey announced the men's and women's hockey squads for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in February.

Scotland men Last year was a very good one for the men's national team. Known as The Blue Sticks, they will be looking to continue with their run of form when the team won EuroHockey Championship II and qualified for the World League semi-final.

Curling rink gets a brush up

Ahead of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Scotland men have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. In the Men's Pool B India, England, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Wales are drawn together.

Murrayfield Curling Ltd will replace the rink's concrete cooling floor, now at the end of its life, with a modern energy efficient and environmentally friendly surface.

There will be both men's and women's squads taking part at Gold Coast 2018 meaning a total of 36 athletes who will travel down under to represent Scotland.

Scotland Women

More than 1600 curlers from eight-

Scottish Hockey CEO David Sweetman said : "We're incredibly proud to announce such exciting hockey squads for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, and I'd like to offer my congratulations to all the athletes selected. This announcement is a great testament to all the hard work and dedication shown by each athlete in the squads.

England, India, South Africa, Malaysia, and Wales are in Women's Pool A.

Both squads congregated at Kelvingrove Art Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow for the big reveal.

"Our players and staff are fantastic ambassadors for hockey and we look forward to cheering them on as they compete in Australia; and we wish the whole of Team Scotland the very best of luck for April's Games."

"It is through the commitment and generosity of members of Edinburgh Curling Club and the valued support of SportScotland and the World Curling Federation that we are able to undertake such an ambitious project. It will not only make curling in Edinburgh a far more pleasurable experience but the energy efficiencies we are introducing

The women's team are in Pool B in Australia drawn against Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ghana.

The team includes Sarah Robertson, who recently reached 100 joint-caps for Scotland and GB while playing for GB in Argentina, her fellow GB athletes Amy Costello and Nicola Cochrane. Lucy Lanigan is also in the squad following the warm-weather camp in Gran Canaria. Scotland women won four out of five against Wales in a test series there.

year-olds to octogenarians play curling for around 70 clubs at the rink, which is situated in the shadow of the national rugby stadium in west Edinburgh.

Contractors Star Refrigeration will remove the existing surface in the first phase of the £1million upgrade at Murrayfield. This dates back to 1981 and it will be replaced with a £750K state-of-the-art concrete floor. This includes an underfloor heater mat with better insulation.

The environmentally-friendly solution will cut the amount of water required to be frozen to produce a surface for curling, from an estimated 125,000 litres down to less than 25,000 litres, and energy consumption is expected to be cut by up to 20% per year.

Along with existing reserves, Edinburgh Curling Club members have donated more than £400,000 to support the refurbishment, while SportScotland have awarded a £200,000 grant and the World Curling Federation have agreed to provide a $100,000 interest free loan.

Some of the Scottish Hockey Men's Squad limber up Photo John Preece

the curling experience for thousands of club members. He said: "The current playing surface has served the curling community well but a more modern surface is long overdue. This refurbishment programme will ensure existing and new curlers will be able to enjoy our sport by playing on one of the best ice surfaces in the country.

Norman Watt, chairman of Murrayfield Curling Ltd, said the improvement work would greatly enhance

will reduce our annual overheads.

"We have engaged Star Refrigeration, a Scottish specialist in this field, to deliver the works during the summer 2018 off-season which means there will be no impact on the 2018/2019 season commencing in September."

SportScotland chief executive, Stewart Harris, said: "We are delighted to be investing in the curling rink at Murrayfield. The new surface will support the curling community around Edinburgh and beyond for years to come.

"Curling is in a great place at the moment in Scotland with our curlers in the hunt for medal at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and, back at home, Scottish Curling continues to do great work to encourage more people to take up the sport.

"Ater the opening of Scotland's first dedicated Curling Academy in Stirling in August, the country now has a facility to rival any in the world and I have no doubt we will see more success on the world stage in years to come."

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Published 28 February 2018