A new plan may save Custom House for years to come
Broughton celebrate 100 years of rucks and scrums
Page 20
By GEORGE MAIR
THE FESTIVALS are just finished for this year, but it may be timely to remind you of the 2023 Funniest Joke of the Fringe. This was written by Lorna Rose Treen: “I started dating a zookeeper but it turned out he was a cheetah.”
Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo can now easily spot a real live cheetah for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century – after the new star attraction was recently introduced to the Edinburgh public.
Cleo, a five-year-old Northeast African cheetah, has arrived at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) from Fota Wildlife Park near Cork in Ireland.
The majestic big cat – the first of her kind at the zoo since 2000 –spent time getting used to her new surroundings before finally going on show to visitors.
Plans are already being made to add a male later this year, with hopes of the first cubs next year.
Donald Gow, Living Collections Operations Manager at RZSS, said: “We are delighted to finally be able to introduce visitors to our new cheetah, Cleo.
“This spectacular and elegant big cat just arrived in Edinburgh and has spent a good few days just settling into her new surroundings.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from our members and visitors already.
“We know she will be a very popular addition to our collection of fascinating, beautiful and iconic animals.”
EDINBURGH has recently been saturated in culture, but with government cuts to funding, some artists say they will find it difficult to sustain themselves at the early stages of their careers. Creative Scotland (CS) has closed its Open Fund for individuals, saying The Scottish Government cannot confirm that they will release £6.6 million in Grant-in-Aid budget in the current financial year. In addition the government has also cut £2.25 million of funding halfway through the year. CS say they have to be a viable organisation. A petition has been set up by Campaign for the Arts (CfA) demanding that the Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, reinstates the funding, saying the Scottish cultural landscape is at risk of collapse due to continued inaction and backtracking by the government. CfA have a handy checker on their website allowing you to see if local organisations are at risk from the removal of CS funding. The arts funder supports 119 regularly funded organisations supporting 5,000 workers and 25,000 individual artists.
On page 5 the Edinburgh Bus User’s Group (EBUG) has penned an open letter to the new Transport Convener. Although the group did not know who it would be we reveal the identity of the new Convener who will have to answer EBUG demands - e.g. to make all bus lanes and bus gates operational seven days a week from 7am to 7pm - as already agreed by the council in July 2022 (but which has never been implemented).
On Page 7 former councillor and now Chair of North Edinburgh Arts, Lesley Hinds, writes about the exciting new development in Muirhouse which is almost complete. Our news coverage is brought to you free, in print and online coverage. Some readers support us by subscribing to have their copy delivered by Royal Mail to their home or business address. If you can, then please buy a subscription at Ko-fi.com/ theedinburghreporter/shop or use the Donate QR code on the right here to support our work. Thank you for reading.
Phyllis Stephen, Editor
Planning and property news
Plans have been lodged to turn the Ford Transit Centre at Peoples Ford in Sighthill into a showroom for a Chinese car manufacturer. Chery will use the site to showcase their brands, Omoda and Jaecoo.
GRAHAM Group are constructing a Build to Rent development of 464 homes on Bonnington Road which they say is “progressing well”. They have aerial footage on their X account.
A Japanese restaurant, Nishiki, will open on Morrison Street on the site of the former McKirdy’s.
Blank Street Coffee will open on Victoria Street in one of the empty retail units which forms part of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. This will be a first for the US brand - and could reportedly be the first of several in Scotland.
The Cockburn Association are organising an event on 30 October at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL to discuss Responsible Tourism. All welcome but ticketed on Eventbrite. The meeting will be streamed online.
Doors Open Days are on 28 and 29 September. The event is organised by Scottish Civic Trust, and literally opens doors to buildings not normally accessible by the public. These are our top four choices of where to visit:
The 1940s Police Box at the junction of Northfield Broadway and Mountcastle Drive North EH8 7SA.
Adam Smith’s Panmure House 4 Lochend Close EH8 8BL is a building only open to
people attending events there. It is a fascinating space where Adam Smith lived.
The Chapel of St Albert The Great which is accessed by George Square Lane EH8 9LD was commissioned in 2011. It lies in the back garden of 23-24 George Square
The Church of the Good Shepherd is at 13a Murrayfield Avenue, EH12 6AU. There will be a Harvest Festival service, open choir practice and organ music and demonstration during the weekend. doorsopendays.org.uk
Digital future for Custom House
New use for historic listed building in Leith making it sustainable and accessible to all
By STAFF REPORTER
SCOTLAND’S FIRST FULLY DIGITAL
MUSEUM will be created in Leith by Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT). Draft plans are on view in Custom House until 6 September for the public to comment upon.
Richard Murphy Architects have suggested creating “a town square for the twenty-first century” in the Grade A listed Georgian building. SHBT say this will make the building a fully accessible and sustainable culture and heritage destination in Leith.
The ground floor will be rented out to artists and makers with conference space also for hire.
There will be retail and commercial opportunities which will ensure the future of Custom House. Custom Lane, which lies behind the building, will become a new place to eat and drink linking Dock Place along to The Scottish Office at Victoria Quay.
to the Open House: Leith Custom House Festival which is a part of the city’s Edinburgh 900 celebrations.
SHBT Director, Dr Samuel Gallacher, said:
“Leith Custom House has an important role to play in preserving Leith’s proud civic traditions and is the largest project ever to be undertaken by Scottish Historic Buildings Trust in our forty-year history. We have worked with the community to develop the vision for the future of the building and are delighted to share our next steps for the project publicly through a programme of events aimed at widening participation.
THIS MONTH’S PHOTO pictures
and was taken around 1920.
streets. If you would like us to include your local area then please suggest it to us ter.ooo/subscribe
The digital museum will be housed upstairs using eight rooms equipped with video walls and listening booths to display the digital content. The exhibits will include historic documents and photographs along with film and animations and digital contemporary art.
In September Custom House will be home
A 104-YEAR-OLD Edinburgh woman enjoyed a spectacular birthday party to mark reaching her special birthday.
Lena “Alice” Lamont, who lives at Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, marked her 104th birthday in style recently when the team who look after her organised a day which was fit for a queen.
Alice, who has lived in Edinburgh her whole life, is an avid fan of its beautiful scenery and historic architecture.
Among her favourite spots to visit is the North Queensferry Hilton Hotel, which offers stunning views across the Firth of Forth, the Crieff Hydro Hotel, and the famous Kelpies.
In her younger years, Alice spent a lot of her time in Corstorphine, working in her brother-in-law’s fish and chip shop, where she enjoyed serving
“The digital museum fuses the principles of a civic museum with the innovation of a contemporary digital art gallery. This concept promises a world-leading approach to providing a venue suitable for telling the stories of long ago, empowering people to tell their own stories today, as well as showcasing Leith and Scotland’s outstanding digital creative sector.”
The council appointed SHBT in 2015 to carry out a study to explore the options for the building. Since then artists and tenants using the building have developed a “vibrant creative buzz” there which will now be developed with the newly released proposals.
and talking to the customers. She lived in her own home until the age of 98, before moving to Murrayside, where she continues to enjoy days out and spending time with her family.
Alice has one niece, one great niece, one great nephew and an incredible ten great-great nieces and nephews – who regard her as having “legendary status” for keeping up to date on the latest celebrity news in Hello! magazine.
On the big day, the talented chefs at Murrayside prepared Alice an impressive birthday lunch, which she enjoyed over a glass of wine with her friends and fellow residents.
She also enjoyed a trip to the local cake shop, Mimis, where Alice got a special birthday cake and balloon.
Alice said: “I’ve truly been spoilt today, I’ve never had so much cake!”
fishy...
Sam Gallacher of SHBT (left) and Richard Murphy architect
Alison Moodie photographed inside Custom House where she used to work Tom Duffin
Susan gets the best seat on the bus
New Chair for board of Lothian Buses
By STAFF REPORTER
BUS OPERATOR Lothian has appointed former Minister, Susan Deacon, CBE, as Chair for an initial period of two years. She succeeds the outgoing Chair Jim McFarlane who, unusually, is remaining on the board as a non-executive director along with senior independent director Steve Cassidy until new board members are hired. A recruitment process is underway to find more people for those roles.
The new board will then lead the bus company into the next phase when it joins up with Edinburgh Trams in one integrated public transport company.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I am delighted that Susan Deacon is taking on the role of Lothian Chair.
“She is deeply committed to the success of Lothian and has a long and successful track record of contribution to the city.
“I’m also confident that the wider changes to the Board will ensure the company continues to grow and develop, while playing a full and active part in our plans to integrate bus and tram operations for the benefit of Edinburgh’s travelling public.
“Finally, I want also to pay tribute to outgoing Chair, Jim McFarlane, for his immense
contribution to Lothian and to the city over
“I’ll be recognising this formally as a congratulatory motion at a future meeting of the Council. I’d also like to thank Steve Cassidy who will be standing down as a NonExecutive Director later this year.”
Susan Deacon said: “It is a real privilege to take on the role of Chair of Lothian.
The company has a rich history going back more than 100 years and has delivered unparalleled excellence in the provision of high-quality public transport to the people
of Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“I am deeply indebted to my predecessor, Jim McFarlane, for his successful stewardship of Lothian over many years - he leaves a very strong foundation on which to build.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across bus and tram to ensure the delivery of an inclusive, sustainable and fully integrated public transport network for Scotland’s capital and the surrounding region in the years to come.”
Ms Deacon was formerly MSP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, and was also Chair of the Scottish Police Authority until 2019.
An open letter to Edinburgh’s next Transport Convener
THE POSITION of Transport & Environment Convener was officially approved just as we went to press, but The Edinburgh Bus Users’ Group (EBUG) had already penned a letter to the new Convener, (whoever it might be), and the letter is reproduced here with their permission:
Dear Councillor, Congratulations on your new appointment as Transport Convener. We are sure you will be aware that this can be a challenging role, and we thought that some of our observations may prove helpful.
At Full Council in September 2022, our deputation acknowledged how Edinburgh’s bus network is successful, but often taken for granted.
In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a successful partnership between the Council and bus operators. At that time, Lothian Buses operated a successful service, grew passenger numbers and returned a dividend to its share-owning Councils.
In parallel, The City of Edinburgh Council used its extensive powers as highway authority to assist and where appropriate prioritise bus operations.
Latterly, Edinburgh Council lost sight of this but while Cllr Arthur was Transport Convener, a lot of ground was regained. We hope you will progress with his legacy.
real-time information displays.
• Reduce walking distances at interchanges.
• Recognise that cutting stops and increasing the distance between them discriminates against older and less mobile bus users.
• Resolve the bus station situation at pace.
• Improve travel times and reliability by creating more bus-friendly highway infrastructure.
• Extend bus lane and bus gate operating hours to 7am-7pm, 7 days a week, as agreed unanimously by Full Council in July 2022.
• Monitor the need for bus lanes and ensure those in use are properly enforced.
• Protect the needs of people with visual, mobility or other impairments.
• Retain bus services through the city centre.
Current Floating Bus Stop designs do not meet the needs of bus users and should not continue to be rolled out (worryingly, it appears that these are being introduced by default in new projects).
The Scottish Government “paused” the Bus Partnership Fund.
No u-turn at the W Hotel
THE AREA OUTSIDE the W Hotel will be retained for pedestrians, and there will be a ban on taxis and coaches which have been using the area to drop off hotel guests.
The area which lies just at the top of Elder Street is marked off by rising bollards which the owner of St James Quarter operates.
The W Edinburgh is the anchor point for the St James Quarter with its flourish on top sparking discussion and conversation in every black cab. But now black cabs, executive coaches and private hire cars will not be allowed to arrive and leave from the front door.
It is likely that this move, which went against the recommendations from council officers, will result in Nuveen owners of St James Quarter reviving a sisted court action.
IN MY FIRST COLUMN
if you are being attacked due to these characteristics, will work with the community to defend you. We are all equal in my constituency. Indeed, just like other Labour Governments did, my hope is that over the term of this parliament we will make the country a fairer one to live in and do business.
This will happen despite the mess we inherited.
An early step we have taken is to give an estimated 200,000 Scots a pay rise with changes we are making to the Living Wage. We have asked that setting the Living Wage takes into account the cost of living crisis, and that we end the nonsense
Free conference on social care crisis
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
We feel it is vital to:
• Maintain a partnership between Edinburgh Council and bus operators which recognises that each should focus on what it can do, and what it does best
• Enhance the capacity of the Edinburgh Council bus team with a clear focus on delivering tangible improvements for bus users.
• Renew, improve and maintain bus stops.
• Review bus shelter provision, prioritising bus user needs.Complete the renewal of
As a matter of urgency, the Council must work to progress the 8 (or 9) bus priority corridors which were to be covered by that Fund.
Last year, passengers made 110 million trips on Lothian Buses alone.
That is more than the entire Scotrail network. As Convener, you will encounter proposals from all quarters presented as ways to solve various transport problems.
In addition, there is already a plethora of policies and plans. We believe the remainder of this Council term should focus on delivery rather than rexamining principles. We look forward to productively working with you and your team.
At the time Martin Perry, then Managing Director of Nuveen, said that councillors had not been made aware of the facts or had misunderstood the information that was presented to them.
He said: “This proposal has passed all safety audits by road management experts, including those appointed by The City of Edinburgh Council, for either two taxis or one executive coach dropping off at any one time at a controlled speed of 5mph or less.
“The experimental traffic regulation order is in place to trial the planning consent, ensuring that there are no conflicts with the very limited pedestrian and cycle movements in the area.”
A Traffic Regulation Order is required for vehicular access and councillors voted against beginning the statutory process to obtaining that. Meantime nothing has changed on the ground. There is a makeshift area cordoned off with planters and a rising barrier manned by W Hotel staff who continue to allow access for vehicles. Councillors took the same decision last October when safety concerns were raised over introducing vehicles to an area which had always been envisaged as a pedestrian zone.
Stephen to become driving force
CRAMOND AND BARNTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL (CBCC) are holding a Special Meeting at Cramond Kirk Hall on Thursday 12 September at 7pm to discuss AMA’s Brighouse Campus development.
John Loudon, Chair of CBCC said: “The main issue for discussion on 12 September concerns the developing plans for the remaining site on the Brighouse Campus.
The CBCC has yet to submit its formal response to the PAN 1 exhibition which took place at the end of May and which was the subject of discussion at a CBCC meeting held on 22 June.
“The September meeting will discuss the terms of that proposed response which CBCC is empowered to submit as a statutory consultee in the planning process.
“The response for discussion will re-affirm - and support - the significant numbers of residents of the community who have already signalled their overwhelming backing for what is proposed by AMA.
“But it will also offer what it believes to be some suggestions for adjustments which it believes will further improve the amenity for the benefit of the community and without detriment to the viability of the development.”
Susan Deacon (left) will be in charge of the buses
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
Scott Arthur
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson takes up new role
W Edinburgh
Bagels
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
A SECOND BUSINESS run by “bagel queen” Larah Bross, has collapsed and been put into liquidation in the space of 12 months - but she has already launched a new enterprise. Hot Mama Bagels Ltd filed for insolvency on 5 August -
Ms Bross, who said she was stepping away from her latest business because of “a significant toll on my mental health” has already formed a new enterprise and is listed at Companies House as a director and majority shareholder of World Wide Hole Limited.
Also listed as directors of the new business are chef and food industry consultant Jeff Kipp, and Declan Penfold, another food and hospitality consultant who is claimed to work with “global businesses, brands and influencers with taste”.
The official liquidators of Bross Bagels Ltd, Interpath Advisory, are still to lodge the findings of their official report into the company’s collapse, which left behind debts of around £635,000 due to HM Revenue & Customs in unpaid taxes, National Insurance and VAT. Student loan deductions taken from staff wages also remained unpaid.
An estimated £280,000 is believed to be due to unsecured creditors and small suppliers, while crowdfunders who stumped up more than £150,000 in two rounds of fundraising will receive nothing in return, despite Ms Bross’s assurances to the “Shareholers”.
A finance expert told The Edinburgh Reporter: “Phoenix companies don’t have a great success rate when the purchasers are the original owners unfortunately, as they fail to make the required changes and run up debts again.The Insolvency Service may well be interested in the circumstances, especially if there are fiscal debts involved again.”
The Edinburgh Reporter approached Ms Bross for comment but she did not respond.
Freshwater pearl record price in “whiteglove sale”
EDINBURGH AUCTIONEERS
Lyon & Turnbull sold a Scottish freshwater pearl, the largest known in recent times, for £93,951, a world record for this type of pearl. It was estimated it would fetch between £40,000 - £60,000 and it exceeded all expectations. A Scottish buyer was successful in acquiring the piece which formed the highlight of The Cairncross Collection auction. Every single item was bought, an occurrence known in the industry as a “white glove sale”. Weighing
43.6 grains, the size and quality of the Abernethy Pearl is remarkable. Bill Abernethy, who died in 2021 aged 96, never disclosed exactly where in Scotland he made the rare find. The collection featured pieces from renowned Scottish jewellers, Cairncross of Perth, which was established in 1869 by brothers Alexander and George Cairncross and finally closed its doors 154 years later in 2023. An impressive Scottish freshwater pearl necklace featured in the auction and sold for £17,640.
Army houses will come to attention
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
THE FIRST IMAGES showing what the 78 former army homes on the outskirts of Edinburgh will look like along with the public spaces at Craigiehall Meadows have been released. The homes will be developed by Edinburgh-based Miller Developments and the William Pears Group.
This area was created for a community of military families serving the British Army’s Scottish Headquarters at Craigiehall. Each of the 78 homes will now be completely refurbished. Each home is on a large, mature plot and there is an abundance of greenery on the tree-lined site.
There are listed buildings on the site including the Category A listed Craigiehall House with its stable block and walled garden, and a Category B listed former Anti-Aircraft Operations Room.
Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency with Ralph Sayer, which is managing the sales and marketing for the site has revealed very high early interest in the development.
She said: “My first impression on seeing the CGIs was - wow. These are going to become exceptional homes with large front and back gardens, which is rare across Edinburgh –especially compared to new build
developments on the market.
“This will be a perfect base for those who want the outdoors life but within easy reach of the city and it’s great to show those interested, whether buyers or people with a connection to the location, what is coming down the line.
“Interest has been high, including from people who used to live here while it served families from the
armed forces. This is an amazing location, and a lot of people have a connection with it.”
Craigiehall Meadows is set in an expansive, tree-lined location linking the River Almond with the 800-acre Dalmeny Estate next to Barnton, Cramond and Cammo.The homes on offer will include a mix of detached, and semi-detached properties all with modern finishes and amenities.
An exciting journey to MacMillan Square
By LESLEY HINDS, CHAIR, NEA BOARD
IT HAS BEEN QUITE THE JOURNEY - more than five years in the making with a global pandemic to navigate along the way.
But I am, finally, eagerly anticipating the re-opening of the expanded North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) venue. Sited in the new MacMillan Hub, in North Edinburgh’s new MacMillan Square, the Hub is the bricks and mortar manifestation of a long-term and positive partnership between our community owned venue (NEA). The City of Edinburgh Council’s Library and Early Years services and Capital City Partnership’s Skills Hub are also a part of it.
We believe this new building is the first of its kind in Scotland co-locating a community owned venue, third sector services, and council provision, all working together for the benefit of local residents. NEA, and the MacMillan Hub will provide first class creative, learning, enterprise and meeting spaces. These will
accommodate a wide ranging programme of events and activities, a social enterprise café, community garden, public library, dedicated skills hub, early learning and childcare centre for 185 children and social housing.
As NEA enters into this new, community owned, chapter we are extremely grateful to the very many supporters of our ambitious capital project. Three quarters of our capital costs are in place, with plans for the remainder in train. This is no mean feat for a local organisation who faced closure 15 years ago! Our plans to be fit for purpose for the next generation of North Edinburgh residents have been realised.
When open the “new” NEA will house a 96 seat theatre, a 72 seat café, six artist studios, five multi-use studios, a music studio, two wood workshops, four offices, a hot desk mezzanine, third floor greenhouse, and our half acre community garden.
NEA will be, once again, the place for local residents to meet, relax, learn, get creative, and
support one another. Our third of this amazing building is in the ownership of the people that use it, for the long term.
NEA is a Charity run by a dedicated team working with freelance artists, valued volunteers, and partner organisations. The body is overseen and supported by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom, like myself, live locally.
We look forward to seeing you at NEA in the autumn.
For further information, become a member, or sign up to the newsletter, go to www.northedinburgharts.co.uk
a great introduction to the joys of gardening, an opportunity to connect with nature and get inspired for the seasons ahead no matter your experience.”
MacMillan Hub
Former NEA building
Gardening lessons
Larah Bross
Craigiehall from above
NO JOINING FEE
Carol appointed Deacon of the Hammermen
Leading electronics engineer is in charge of the 600 year old civic organisation
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
DR CAROL MARSH OBE, has been appointed Deacon of the Hammermen of Edinburgh. She is the first woman to take up the post since the guild was incorporated in 1483.
Dr Marsh is an electronic engineer with Celestia, a satellite communications company, and an alumnus of no fewer than five Scottish universities - Edinburgh Napier, Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde, Glasgow and Edinburgh. She was also admitted to the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame last year and is described as a true pioneer in her field. She was awarded the OBE for her work in “Diversity and Inclusion in Electronic Engineering”.
It may sound like a pop group but the Incorporation of Hammermen of Edinburgh is a trade body with a long history, and Dr Marsh told us the Edinburgh organisation is now
Let me tell you a story
COMIC ART AND WRITING CLASSES will begin on 12 September at Southside Community Centre Nicolson Street. Barray Lumsden from Iron Dynasty Comics will host the classes every Thursday evening from 6pm to 8pm. He will teach how to write and illustrate comics and assist
looking for new members. She herself found the Hammermen when seeking a way of enhancing her own career.
She said: “The requirement is to have a degree or relevant qualifications in your field and have been working in that for five years. And importantly you need to have a passion for Edinburgh. There are Hammermen all over Scotland but you have to have a love for our city.
I became a member of the Deacon’s Committee though didn’t realise that meant I would eventually become Deacon. I looked up the records and found that I would be the first female Deacon which is pretty extraordinary.
“Ten per cent of engineers are women and very few get to high positions because they end up leaving. One of the thing I want to do is increase the number of members. There are 5,000 engineers in Edinburgh and we only have 56 members, so we are trying to promote membership.”
In 2024 there are now four Lady Deacons representing five trades - the Hammermen, the Baxters, the Bonnetmakers and Dyers and the Candlemakers.
The Hammermen was historically a trade guild for any Edinburgh artisan who worked with a hammer and with hand. This included blacksmiths, saddlers and clockmakers - and any prospective member must present a masterpiece to prove their skill. Now the body also has a charitable arm
The website explains: “The Incorporation embraced all those who worked on metal with a hammer. They included blacksmiths, farriers, saddlers, lorimers, armourers, cutlers, swordslippers, girdle-makers, locksmiths, tinsmiths,
with character design, writing a story with impact and drawing the art work.
Barry said: “Iron Dynasty Comics is one of Scotland’s top independent comic publishers. have exhibited at conventions in London and the US. The classes are competitively priced at £5 per session and I look forward to seeing as many people there as possible. Tell all your friends!”
www.irondynastycomics.com
whiteiron-men, brass-founders, coppersmiths and pewterers.
Altogether there were about 20 different disciplines. Later, clock and watchmakers were added to the Incorporation. The goldsmiths and silversmiths were originally members until about 1490-92, when they formed their own separate incorporation.”
Deacons are to the fore in Edinburgh when a procession of those wearing gowns, both trades and academia is required. This includes the Riding of the Marches which passes through Holyrood Park and ends on the Royal Mile at the Mercat Cross each September. This year the Hammermen will be wearing the still relatively new blue robes only obtained last year, and which was on Carol’s to do list on taking office. She said that also includes obtaining a chain of office, which she is currently investigating. (With members who are jewellers she believes this one will be an easy fix.) Another task is to obtain an updated coat of arms and write down a succession plan. She has also made the first two awards of tool tokens to students of Edinburgh College under their revived apprenticeship award scheme. The Hammermen used to own and use the Magdalen Chapel in Cowgate as their convening hall and headquarters from 1547 until 1858.The Deacon’s Chair is on display in the chapel which is a fascinating place to visit. Tel 07857 472 394. hammermen.org
Dr Carol Marsh
Deacon’s chair is on display at Magdalen Chapel Cowgate
New face at the galleries
Making a move from academic world to the capital
By STAFF REPORTER
NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND (NGS) has announced a new Director of Collection and Research on their leadership team.
Venda Louise Pollock will take up the position from the beginning of November, moving from Newcastle University where she was Dean of Culture and Creative Arts and Professor of Art and Place. She stewarded the university’s cultural venues and led key partnerships.
Ms Pollock has held leadership and culturefocused roles and also served on the The Arts and Humanities Research Council for 14 years. She sits on the
panel for the Philip Leverhulme Prize for Visual and Performing Arts.
She holds an MA (Hons) and PhD in the History of Art from the University of St Andrews.
She has published on the relationships between art and place over the years.
The role of Director of Collection and Research leads on all aspects of the National Galleries of Scotland’s curatorial and research activity.
This role reports to the Director-General and sits on the Leadership Team. Anne Lyden, DirectorGeneral at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “We have embarked on a
detailed process in our search for our next Director of Collection and Research and we are thrilled to appoint Venda Louise Pollock.
“With such a strong leadership background and varied experience, we look forward to her contribution to our purpose, ‘we make art work for everyone.’
Venda Louise Pollock said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the National Galleries of Scotland and building on the fantastic work colleagues are already doing to showcase and celebrate our national collection.” The appointment is to work in all three Edinburgh galleries - the National, Modern and the Portrait.
Looking back in history at some significant dates in September
2ND
In 1561, Mary, Queen of Scots, made her formal entry into Edinburgh after her return to Scotland 2 weeks before. And in 1724, Maggie Dickson was hanged for the crime of concealment of a pregnancy; however, she did not actually die and revived on her way to burial; she survived and became known as ‘Half Hangit’ Maggie. http://www.the-grassmarket.com/ history/maggie-dickson.html And in 1887, The Scotsman reported that the broken and stormy weather affected Edinburgh since the downpour was so sharp and sudden as to cause flooding more or less serious in many parts of the city; the houses in Greenside experienced the most serious effects of the storm; a number of small houses lie there at the foot of two steep hills—Greenside on the south and the Calton Hill on the east—and at this spot, owing to the converging of the two streams of rain, and to the surface drains becoming choked and ultimately covered to the depth of a few inches by the large quantity of earth washed down from the Calton Hill, the rain rapidly accumulated, and at length rushed down the stairs leading to the underground houses; in half an hour, even after the rainfall had ceased, the floors were deluged to a depth of from six inches to nearly two feet; altogether the houses of eight families were flooded; all the people affected were poor and could ill afford to sustain the damage caused to their belongings.
4TH
In 1611, the council ordered the burgh treasurer to plan the construction of a school for Mr Patrik Henrysoun, master of the song school. And in 1808, Edinburgh-based John Home, Scottish playwright, historian and
kirk minister, died; among his most famous works is Douglas, a verse tragedy which enjoyed such a successful run in his native Edinburgh that it was transferred south to Covent Garden. Also in 1964, the Forth Road Bridge was opened by the Queen (pictured above). At 6,156 feet long and a centre span of 3300 feet, it was the longest in Europe at that time.
7TH
In 1736, John Porteous was lynched by a mob in Edinburgh; people protesting the execution of smuggler Andrew Wilson the previous April were fired upon by troops commanded by Captain of the City Guard, John Porteous; he was sentenced to death but was reprieved following an appeal; a furious crowd stormed the jail where Porteous was held and dragged him to the Grassmarket, where he was hanged. And in 1782, Susan Edmonstone Ferrier, Scottish novelist (Scotland’s “Jane Austen”), was born in Edinburgh. Also in 1842, Queen Victoria visited Edinburgh for the first time.
8TH
In 1519, the Lords of Council sent letters under the Royal Seal to the provost and baillies directing that all four-pence coins (called placks) should be accepted by the general public regardless of the metal of which they were made; further, searchers were to be appointed to find and destroy all false placks. And in 1675, the council granted a salary of £20 sterling to Mr James Sunderland who was to conduct instruction in the history of plants as part of the University’s Natural Philosophy course.
9TH
In 1758, painter Alexander Naysmyth was born in Edinburgh.
10TH
In 1547, the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh (see picture below) was fought between Scottish and English forces; the battle, which was fought close to Musselburgh, was fought as part of the ‘rough wooing’ in which England’s King Henry VIII tried to demand a marriage between his son Edward and the young Mary Queen of Scots.
13TH
In 1753, the foundation stone of the Royal Exchange (now the City Chambers) was laid by George
Euan MacDonald 1974 - 2024
THE CO-FOUNDER OF EUAN’S GUIDE Euan MacDonald, MBE, has sadly died, aged 50. Euan was first diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) at the age of 29, and fought for disabled access. He and his sister Kiki set up the Guide to gather reviews of access to places people might want to visit. People simply needed to have more information about how good or otherwise the access was and the Guide offers the answers.
Drummond, Grand Master of the Freemasons; a triumphal arch was constructed along with viewing stands for the magistrates and officers of the Lodge as well as for other spectators.
14TH
In 1128, on the Feast of the Holy Cross (Hali Rude), against the wishes of his chaplain and the tradition of his family, King David rode out to go hunting where a huge stag unhorsed him; his survival inspired him to invite the Augustinian canons to Scotland and provide them with a monastery of the Holy Rood as well as extensive lands. And in 1507, Edinburgh merchants were granted the exclusive privilege of running a printing press.
17TH
In 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) occupied Edinburgh and took up residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. (Photo above shows The 1860 Volunteer Review, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/City Art Centre/Capital Collections.)
22ND
In 1497, the King (James IV) proclaimed measures to prevent imminent danger of infection of the community by syphilis (known as grandgore); this involved removing all those infected to Incholm Island in the Forth. And in 1896, Czar Nikolai Aleksandrovich of Russia and Czarina Alexandra of Hesse disembarked at Leith en route to Balmoral to visit her grandmother, Queen Victoria.
24TH
In 1959, the top coat of tanny grit was put over the wires of the Mound electric blanket (photo top right).
26TH In 1357, a Council held in Edinburgh confirmed the obligation of the three estates to provide a ransom for King David II. And in 1506, the provost and council ruled that no pigs should be kept within the burgh under pain of slaughter and confiscation. Also in 1857, the extensive cabinet and upholstery works of Mr R. Sandeman, situated at Greenside, were entirely destroyed by fire; the premises, consisting of four flats, and a wood yard, were situated at the northwest corner of the Calton Hill, and behind Blenheim Place; in addition to Sandeman’s property at Nos 8–9 Greenside St, 13 other tenements were destroyed and 60 families displaced – it was the worst fire in Edinburgh since 1824.
27TH
In 1509, Thomas Johnston and John Brown were contracted to clean the High Street from Castlehill on both sides to the top of Leith Wynd on the north and St Mary’s Wynd on the south. And in 1940, a bomb fell near Holyroodhouse.
30TH
In 2017, the Queensferry crossing opened.
Compiled by Jerry Ozaniec, Membership Secretary of the Old Edinburgh Club, membership@ oldedinburghclub.org.uk The full list of is published on theedinburghreporter.co.uk
The disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide said: “The Euan’s Guide team are heartbroken that our co-founder, friend and inspiration has finally lost his long, long fight against Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
“But we are determined to continue to build his vision even though he has gone. Euan achieved many great things during his life, despite the many challenges that he faced. We can think of no better legacy for or tribute to him than continuing to grow Euan’s Guide in
Euan said: “The aim of Euan’s Guide is to empower disabled people by providing information that will give confidence and choices for getting out and about.”
order to help improve the lives of disabled people and their friends, families and carers everywhere.”
Initially the idea for the guide came from his own frustration at not being able to get into places with his powered wheelchair. Hotels, visitor attractions, accessible loos have all been reviewed and assessed in an effort to help others.
He also founded the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research at the University of Edinburgh along with his father Donald MacDonald, CBE. Both men were law graduates of the
university, and MacDonald senior had founded the City Inn chain of hotels. It was reported in 2007 that they had donated a seven figure sum to set up the facility. The Centre is a not for profit network of hundreds of scientists and professionals looking for a cure. The centre now runs a trial with
Venda Louise Pollock
Putting Ukrainian art and culture in the frame
Two women in Edinburgh are working to ensure that heritage is not lost despite the brutal Russian invasion and destruction of their homeland 2,000 miles away
IIn a war zone cultural works can be among the first to become lost. Two Ukrainian women living in Edinburgh have become determined to set up an online museum to keep the heritage of their country alive. They are concerned that there is “news fatigue” about Ukraine and its struggle to repel the latest Russian invasion. They hope that the new Museum of Ukrainian Craft and Culture Scotland (MUCCS) will be one way to keep Ukraine in the frame.
Ukrainians Juliette Lichman (top left) and Zhenya Dove (bottom left) have collaborated on setting up the online museum where Ukrainian culture can be celebrated. They are both members of The Scottish Parliamentary Cross Party Group for promoting Ukrainian Culture in Scotland.
After caring for her grandmother in Scotland for a year, Juliette felt a “great absence” in her life, which is when the idea of a museum emerged.
She said: “I work as a cultural heritage photographer so there is an element of being around collections and museum objects and telling their story. There’s a lot of cultural heritage destruction in Ukraine, and there are attacks on Ukrainian identity. So it is not just that all the paintings have been ruined or looted, but more that it is being erased and destroyed for the sake of it. I thought there
must be a way of supporting it and bringing it to a UK audience. I noticed that a lot of people in Ukraine were desperately selling off so many things which knew would then go into private collections and never be seen again. I worried that they might be cut up and made into cushions or whatever rather than being
preserved. I began identifying items and cross-referencing them with objects in Ukrainian museums. While I am not an expert I can see the value in these things.”
Juliette and Zhenya have run a Crowdfunder and although the initial fundraising target has been met, more donations would be welcomed for their ongoing work. Zhenya said: “It is such an honour to be part of this project, when sharing our culture feels more important than ever.”
The new website shows artwork by famous Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko who was born on 12 January 1909 into a peasant family in the Kyiv region. As a child, the outstanding artist contracted polio and remained disabled for the rest of her life. Despite this, she amazed art and beauty connoisseurs with her ingenious originality in creating new and new images. The museum is now online www.muccs.org
Grandmother flees to safety
WHEN RUSSIA LAUNCHED its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Juliette’s 80 year-old maternal grandmother was living in Odessa on her own. Juliette’s parents had moved to Australia some time before, when she was about six years old, leaving Ukraine to emigrate to Oz. She has been living in Edinburgh for about ten years now.
Juliette said: “Basically my grandmother didn’t really have much support. We eventually managed through Instagram and Telegram to find a way to get her out. She got a bus from Odessa towards Moldova. But it let her off about
ten miles from the border. This was at the time when there were lots of cars queuing up - you would see it on TV. It was just absolutely manic, and everyone was trying to get out.
“My grandmother still had to walk to the border. She’s fit - in her youth she was quite athletic - but she was still an 80 year-old woman on her own. It was late February with snow and rain. My mother had made sure that she got the bus driver’s phone number, just to make sure that she was on her way. We also made sure that my grandmother had everyone’s phone numbers so that she could give those to anyone to get in touch with us at any point.
There was a period of about fifteen hours between getting off the bus and crossing the border when we didn’t hear from her.
“My mother then said: “You need to go and get her because we just don’t know what is going on.” So my mother was then sending her own daughter into a war zone - where her mother was already kind of lost.”
At this stage Odessa had not yet been heavily hit, and with many phone calls and texts
Juliette met up with her grandmother in Moldova. She had been picked up by a church group who took her to a refugee centre.
Juliette said: “I stayed with her there and was waiting for the UK visa to open up. The issue was that the authorities had considered a
family scheme to mean children and parents but not grandparents. Thankfully, that was changed and my father told me to get to the visa centre as soon as they opened. Already at that time of the morning there were tons of people queuing up with everyone wanting a visa.”
This was the beginning of a six week wait for a visa, caught between an old paper-based system and a newer online process. Juliette then took her grandmother on a 12-hour bus journey to wait in a Romanian airport hotel for the visa to be emailed. Nothing happened for about two weeks, but thankfully a friend came up with a flat in Bucharest for them to live in for a while. Finally the visa arrived in Moldova but still had to be sent on to Romania for them. Juliette had left Edinburgh in early March and it took several weeks before she was able to return with her grandmother to the capital where the pair lived together for a year. The photographer continued to work full-time and also care for her grandmother during that year, but finally they travelled to Australia together where Juliette left her grandmother in her mother’s care in Sydney.
(We do not name Juliette’s grandmother as requested to maintain her privacy.)
The museum is now online www.muccs.org
Above and belowJuliette’s granny enjoyed living in Edinburgh.
Lansdowne House sale to fund school development
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
SAVILLS are marketing Lansdowne House in Murrayfield as a site for a private housing development.
The 2.2 acre site was originally built as a private home, and the property for sale includes the main house along with a range of other school buildings and a lodge house.
Lansdowne House is the distinctive building in Murrayfield with the turret, and was formerly a school in its own right. It was bought by St George’s School for Girls in 1976, and is now to be sold. The sale proceeds will fund a new building on the Ravelston campus at the private school and will take all facilities back onto one footprint.
Danielle Corker of Savills said: “This must be one of the most attractive residential development opportunities on the market in Scotland, with the Water of Leith, Murrayfield Stadium and the National Galleries on the doorstep, along with all of the sough-after aspects of a capital city including leading schools and universities.
“While we anticipate Lansdowne will be hotly contested, we will prioritise finding the right buyer who will respect the history and legacy of the site and the wider local community. Savills Planning has submitted a pre-application enquiry to Edinburgh City Council but necessary permissions will be required to be met in respect of listed status, design, amenity, open space and parking.”
Drone deliveries
By BUSINESS REPORTER
FOR THE FIRST TIME NHS laboratory specimens have been delivered by drone from Edinburgh Bioquarter to the Borders General Hospital in Melrose during a pilot project.
While this is still part of a trial it would mean saving hours on deliveries as NHS Lothian say that sending lab samples by road can take up to five hours.
Project CAELUS led by AGS Airports in collaboration with NHS Scotland say the delivery from Edinburgh to the Borders took 35 minutes. This is hoped to be the first of a national drone network transporting medicines, bloods and supplies all over Scotland.
Fiona Smith, Project Director for Project CAELUS said: “Our consortium has been working extremely hard to get to this stage and we are delighted we
Oktoberfest and Superheroes
Musselburgh Racecourse aids Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity
AN EAST LOTHIAN RACECOURSE is bringing a touch of Munich to Musselburgh in hosting its first Oktoberfest Raceday.
Bavarian beer steins will clink to the tunes of one of the UK’s top oompah bands at the raceday on Saturday 14 September, which also features seven top Flat races, including the Musselburgh Gold Cup.
Taking its lead from the famous Munich Oktoberfest, now in its 189th year and which runs from September into October, a Bavarian marquee will be the focal point for the East Lothian track’s festivities.
By STAFF REPORTER
THE EDINBURGH BUTTER COMPANY is running Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers in Scotland.
From home-based micro bakers to professional pâtissiers - the competition seeks people who will put their skills to the test as they compete for the title of Scotland’s best croissant.
The competition will take place in Edinburgh and is open to all bakeries with a passion for croissants. The sole requirement is that each croissant must be crafted using the Edinburgh Butter Company’s sheet butter, which has been specially formulated for pastry lamination, the technique used to make croissants.
Judging will take place on Monday, 28 October in the Esk Suite at The Balmoral Hotel.
Stein holding and keg rolling competitions are planned and Oktoberfest themed street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.
The Jager Maestros - a German Oompah Band - features seven of the country’s finest brass players and will get the afternoon underway with a mesmerising journey through Oktoberfest songs and games. A past sell-out act at the Edinburgh Fringe, they are in demand at Oktoberfests throughout Europe and have been a hit with audiences across the UK.
And the next day, Sunday 15 September, a host of Superheroes including Batman, Spiderman, Captain America and Bumblebee, will descend on Musselburgh in support of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC).
The family favourites will welcome children to Musselburgh’s Clip Clop kids zone and there will be prizes for the best dressed superhero or character, as well as free kids funfair rides, face painting and a disco. There will be bucket collection at the entrances and exits on behalf of ECHC and the racecourse will donate £1 for every child that dresses up as superhero, and oncourse promotions celebrating the work done by the charity. A group of children from the Sick
Kids will also be given special access to the race day and enjoy a one-on-one meeting with the Superheroes.
All children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult and once inside the course all entertainments are free. A saving of £5 on admission tickets is available for a limited period.
www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
have been able to test this important use case for the NHS.
“Transporting laboratory specimens by drone could speed up the clinical decision making allowing for same day diagnosis and treatment.
“It is also one of the first times in the UK that there has been a demonstration of beyond the visual line of sight medical drone operations transiting between controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
“This is an important milestone for our project and we now look forward to testing more potential use cases by drone across Scotland in the coming months.”
Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director and Executive Lead for Innovation, NHS Lothian said:
“Across NHS Lothian, we are continually exploring ways to innovate and enhance our patient experience.
“Lothian and the surrounding areas are very diverse, from city to country and coastal living. Drones could play an important role in helping to transport samples for testing or speed up the delivery of critical medical supplies.
“These exciting trial flights have been a collaborative effort between our clinical leads,
South East Innovation Hub and partner organisations and look forward to seeing further developments with this project.”
The project team has designed drone landing stations at NHS sites in Scotland and developed a virtual model. The Scottish Ambulance Service is also working on a plan to deliver defibrillators with drones.
Entrants must present six plain croissants to the panel of judges which includes leading pastry chefs, Executive Pastry Chef at The Balmoral Hotel, Ross Sneddon, owner of Lannan Bakery, Darcie Maher, Head Pastry Chef at two Michelin starred restaurant, The Glenturret, Kayleigh Turner, owner of Ruff Puff & previous winner of The Great British Bake Off, John Whaite, food and travel writer, Milly Kenny-Ryder and Director of Edinburgh Butter Company, Chloe Black. The judging criteria will focus on the shape, colour, pastry development, texture, and taste, ensuring that the best croissant wins.
Chloe Black, director at The Edinburgh Butter Company said: “At the Edinburgh Butter Company we feel our cultured butter has long been the secret ingredient behind Scotland’s finest viennoiserie. After hearing from our talented network of bakers, we realised there was a strong desire for a competition that truly celebrates the craftsmanship of croissant-making. We saw an opportunity to create an event that focuses on the quality of individual creations, ensuring that every bakery in Scotland has a fair chance to shine. This competition is our way of honouring their passion and dedication.”
THE ART WALK PORTY 2024 FESTIVAL
“UnderCurrent” offers visitors a chance to experience the creative community of Portobello and Joppa. It will be a chance to chat with artists, adding to an understanding and appreciation of their work, as well as to seeing inside the spaces where they live and work.This year the festival will be focused on the weekends of 7-8 and 14-15 September. Art Houses is a curated programme that shows a range of work and disciplines in artists houses, studios and gardens. The Art Houses venues have been gathered around four walking routes – North, South, East and West – giving visitors the option of choosing one or more locations within Portobello, and divide their Art Walk Porty experience into more than one visit should they wish. This year’s theme, UnderCurrent, is framed around marine health and the natural heritage of Edinburgh’s coast.
Strange Town stage HER next month
By STAFF REPORTER
LEITH-BASED CHARITY Strange Town uses theatre and the arts as a way of giving children and young people the chance to develop their creative talent.
The organisation was founded by local Directors, Steve Small and Ruth Hollyman, who set it up to increase access to experience of the arts for everyone. They put on accessible activities, offer a range of bursaries and funding help for young actors at an early stage in their careers, but who find it difficult financially.
The organisation has expanded in the last 15 years, now reaching more than 2,000 local young people every year. Activities include youth theatre classes, holiday programmes, a touring company and agency support for young actors.
Strange Town says it “creates work of the highest quality that is both daring and entertaining, tackling subjects of importance to young people’s lives, such as consent, climate change anxiety and knife crime, vitally involving and commissioning emerging writers”.
The charity will mark their 15th year with a special three-night run of their acclaimed play “HER”, written by award-winning playwright Jennifer Adam.
Initially touring secondary schools across the city, HER is an important play about the damaging effects of gender inequality, the truth about consent and asks: “How can you be the change you want to see in the world when you feel like the world is fighting against you?”
Steve Small said: “We are so proud of the activities and support we have delivered across the last fifteen years. Edinburgh is well-known as an epicentre for creative talent and opportunity. We have just had one of the busiest ever Fringe festivals where our city comes alive with performance and celebration of the arts, yet for many young people living here all year round these opportunities just do not exist.
“Arts organisations are struggling to sustain their support. We are seriously under-funded in this country and without programmes like ours, young people, especially those from socio-economically
deprived backgrounds would be unable to benefit from the lifeenriching experiences of participating in youth theatre.
When young people join Strange Town, they are given the opportunity to connect with others in-person, to have fun, build key life skills, grow in confidence and feel a sense of belonging.
“Many would never contemplate a career in the arts without our support.
“Our touring company productions are carefully created to engage to spark discussion and debate around difficult subject matter. We are delighted that we’ve been given the opportunity to revive ‘HER’ this October and encourage all local people, theatre-goers and those keen to learn more about us, to come to a show and help support our work across the next 15 years.”
HER at the Tech Cube in Summerhall for three-nights only 8-10 October. All proceeds go towards the charity’s vital work with young people living in Edinburgh.
Lansdowne House in Murrayfield built as a private home HER
Work by Paul McPhail
CROSSWORD
Leith’s Little Havana
A RELATIVE NEWCOMER to the city’s coffee scene, Little Havana in Leith is an outstanding example of warm and engaging customer service - and excellent coffee.
This compact takeaway and coffee supplier near the foot of the walk is an offshoot of the tobacco store next door, The Pipe Shop, established in 1957.
For proprietor Steven MacKenzie, it was the deep knowledge of the area that meant the business was wellplaced to diversify. While he concedes that rum and whisky might seem the natural path, Steven feels that coffee fits the zeitgeist much better. Frankly he admits, dealing with drunk punters was not something he wanted. Coffee has a different vibe. So far he’s enjoyed “good feedback and footfall” and feels the business is evolving nicely. It’s a family business with Steven’s wife Ruth and his daughter also working in the shop. They have a good number of regulars, but Little Havana is equally welcoming to new customers. While I was there, they had visitors from Germany and Cumbria, as well as a pair involved in the Foodies Festival. With them all,
Steven went beyond the typical small talk and made genuine connections.
Little Havana has built up mutually supportive relationships with other businesses in the area. In particular, he points people in the direction of Kvasa Bakery across the street (“the guys there really deserve to do well - they work very long hours”) and Remedy up the road (“best breakfasts in town”).
He feels that there is “a gap in the market” for places such as Little Havana offering something a bit different from the chains and from the specialty places, such as Artisan Roast, just a few metres aong the street. He sees Little Havana as primarily a coffee supplier, offering an extensive range of beans. They presently have about 30 coffees but he hopes to expand that to 50, extending the range of countries represented: “Our place isn’t a homage to any particular type of bean or region”. For espresso-based drinks they usually offer a fairly dark roasted Brazilian blend.
This is a bit different to the lighter roasts prioritised by the speciality places. A darker style is something more familiar to those from southern
Europe. Not a bad idea given the number of Spanish and Italian people in Leith, even post-Brexit.
For Steven, it’s all a learning experience, with the business evolving organically as he meets new customers and engages with new suppliers. He’s also planning to extend the range of teas available. “I feel that with the amount of good cafes around here and places like Pekoe Tea, this area can become a tea and coffee centre”.
A joiner by trade, Steven has done the interior himself, aiming to produce something “basic and clean”. The large front windows allow the sun to stream in, giving the place an airy uncluttered, almost minimalist feel. On a bench outside you can watch the trams trundle past and cyclists zig-zagging down the Walk. On a July morning, it was warm enough even for iced coffee, creating a bit of a “continental feel”.
For Steven, the trams coming to Leith have been a boost to business, including his: “It’s helping to bring people to Leith”. The area is noticeably changing, such as the pub next door - from a spit and sawdust place to one with a noticeably “hipster clientele”.
Yet, Steven believes, Leith retains its distinct character - he’s also proud to stock local magazines. (delivery of The Edinburgh Reporter imminent!)
One aspect of coffee he’s focusing on is decaf, aware that too much caffeine isn’t ideal: “Working here I enjoy drinking coffee a bit too much.”
The samples of decaf I tried were very flavoursome, not the bland beans I’ve often tried.
Another aspect Little Havana tries to emphasise is sustainability, trying to reduce the amount of plastic used and giving discounts to those who bring along containers for their beans and their own coffee cups.
Above all, the place manifests a passion for coffee and a desire to constantly expand their knowledge of beans and brewing methods. The next stage of the business will be to recruit an experienced barista. Steven said: “I’d like to give them a lot of autonomy about the beans and blends we use.”
Already, Little Havana has shown great promise and is an example of the way in which the very best places serve great coffee but also act as vibrant communal hubs.
LEITH, with its burgeoning food scene, has long been a go-to for discerning diners, but few places encapsulate the essence of fine dining like ASKR. Tucked away on Constitution Street but easily accessible on the tram line, this intimate 26-seat restaurant offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Helmed by the talented Chef Dan Ashmore, ASKR stands out, not only for its coal-fired cooking, but also for its commitment to using local produce and inventive techniques that transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
Dan Ashmore’s career
Dan Ashmore’s culinary journey is nothing short of impressive. Beginning his career at just 15, Dan has honed his skills in some of the UK’s most prestigious kitchens. From his early days at the Michelin-starred Fischers at Baslow Hall to his time at the acclaimed The Square in London, and later at Edinburgh’s Number One and The Pompadour by Galvin, Dan’s experience is extensive. His leadership at these establishments earned him accolades, including 3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Plate. After a stint as Executive Chef for Scotland at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, Dan returned to Edinburgh, joining the Dean Banks Group, where he continues to push culinary boundaries at ASKR.
A cosy and stylish escape
Walking into ASKR, you’re immediately struck by its charm. The compact space is tastefully decorated with an impressive artwork in the bar area. Despite arriving at ASKR drenched from a sudden downpour, the warmth of the
welcome from Rich, the front-of-house manager, quickly brightened my spirits. Rich previously ran the much-loved Field before the pandemic, and he brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch that makes you feel instantly at home.
ASKR’s philosophy revolves around sustainability and zero waste, evident in their creative use of fermentation. The bar is filled up with Kilner jars filled with house-made concoctions like rose syrups and strawberry top syrups, which are used in both cocktails and dishes. It is this attention to detail and commitment to reducing waste that sets this restaurant apart.
A journey through flavour
ASKR’s menu is thoughtfully divided into four sections: bar snacks and sharing plates, traditional starters, main courses, and desserts. We began our evening with a couple of cocktails that perfectly showcased the restaurant’s ingenuity. The Sunshine on Leith is a refreshing take on a negroni, infused with Limoncello, while the Discarded Pineapple sour uses pineapple trimmings to create a tangy, waste-not-want-not drink. These were accompanied by flatbreads cooked over coals, served with a smoky aubergine baba ganoush that was so delicious, we found ourselves wishing for more bread to soak up every last little bit.
The oysters were a revelation—one poached in its own juices over coals and served with a vibrant English wasabi butter, while the other was served natural with a zesty lime and jalapeño granita. The presentation alone was enough to impress, and judging by my dining
companion’s reaction, the taste matched the aesthetics.
For starter, opted for the Beetroot with Katy Rodgers Crème Fraîche. This dish is a work of art, with beetroot cooked overnight over coals, then dehydrated to intensify its flavours, served with ribbons of beetroot, blackened apple purée, and crème fraîche. A dramatic pour of Granny Smith consommé over the dish added a touch of theatre, making it as visually stunning as it was delicious. My companion chose the Beef Tartare with Soy Egg - a dish that balances textures and flavours beautifully, proving that raw beef can be both delicate and rich.
A symphony of flavours
The main courses continued the theme of excellence. I selected the Guinea Fowl with Plum Sauce, which was perfectly cooked and served with barbecued spring cabbage and broccoli purée. My companion’s Day-Boat Caught Fish—a robust cod paired with Parmesan gnocchi, Shetland mussels, globe
artichoke, olives, and beurre blanc—was equally satisfying. Each dish was served on crockery that was as much a work of art as the food itself.
Desserts were a fitting finale. I had the Tonka Crème Brûlée with a quenelle of cinnamon ice cream - an indulgent, yet balanced dessert that wasn’t too sweet. My companion’s Chocolate Crémeux with almond praline and orange was a decadent treat that perfectly rounded off the meal. Instead of selecting one bottle of wine, we trusted Rich to pair each dish with individual wines. ASKR works exclusively with Liberty Wines
A must visit destination
ASKR offers one of the best value-tasting menus in town, with a six-course midweek menu available Tuesday to Thursday for £45. Quote “tasting45” when booking to take advantage of this offer. It’s open five days a week, serving both lunch and dinner.
If oysters are your thing, you can even drop into ASKR and indulge in a handful of oysters sitting at the bar while you enjoy any of their delectable wines, served by the glass or bottle. ASKR is more than just a restaurant - it’s a destination which should be at the top of your dining list this autumn www.askr.co.uk
Communal hub with Cuban flair which walks the Walk
Culinary capers in the capital with Kerry Teakle
As the Fringe fades, Come From Away and Blood Brothers wait in the wings...with Mrs Doubtfire
AS EDINBURGH packs away another Fringe and Festival there’s just enough time to reflect on the ever changing landscape of the Capital in August. There can be few not to have noticed the Old and New Towns were significantly quieter this year. Indeed my contacts at the venues tell me only the weekends lived up to expectations, while some PR friends have found it almost impossible to get reviewers into their shows, so few of them are there on the ground.
The Fringe especially is going through a reshaping process at the moment, still trying to recover from the decimation of the pandemic years. The fear is it now has a business model more aligned to making money on the alfresco venue bars than the shows that lie at the heart of the event.
Simply put, unless productions are centre stage, what is the point of the Fringe? And as long as the costs of performing here prohibit many of the companies that were once regular participants returning, then the boast of being an “open access” event is meaningless.
relied on my venue insiders keeping me up to date on the first couple of weeks of Fringe 2024 as was in London, rehearsing and opening a show to bring to Edinburgh for the final week of August. It was cheaper for me to do that than to rehearse and open the show in my hometown, where am based. If anything points at the Fringe being broken, it’s that. Thankfully, change can only be a good thing.
The Fringe has always evolved and will, I’m sure, continue to do so, although I reckon it will look quite different a few years from now.
In the past, the month after the Festivals would mean a dearth of theatre in the city, but that too is changing. This September brings three exciting productions to town, one at the Festival Theatre and two at The Playhouse.
The first is Sir Ian Rankin’s second Rebus play, A Game Called Malice (10-14 September), starring Gray O’Brien as the eponymous capital detective.
The setting of the piece is a splendid dinner party in an Edinburgh mansion, where the evening concludes with a murder mystery
game created by the hostess.
A murder needs to be solved. But the guests have secrets of their own, threatened by the very game they are playing. And among them is Inspector John Rebus. True crime is his calling. Is he playing an alternative game, one to which only he knows the rules?
There are suspects, clues and danger with every twist and turn - and a shocking discovery will send this game called “Malice” hurtling towards a gasp-inducing conclusion. Will you work it out first?
Starring alongside O’Brien will be Abigail Thaw as Stephanie Jeffries and one time Emmerdale favourite Billy Hartman reprising the role of Jack Fleming, which he originated in an earlier version of the play at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch.
saw that production, and very good it was too. Can’t wait to see the new extended version when it premieres at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre.
Running time to be confirmed. Tickets £25-£43 from https://www.capitaltheatres.com/ whats-on/all-shows/rebus-a-game-calledmalice/2339
On the other side of town, the Playhouse has one new title and an old favourite lined up to tempt theatre-goers back to the venue after the excesses of the largest arts festival in the world.
First up is Come From Away (17-21 September), the remarkable story of 7,000 stranded passengers and one small town. Winner of four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical on London’s West End and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway in New York, this smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who found themselves grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and of the small
Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.
Book now and get ready to meet the first female American Airlines captain, a quickthinking town mayor, the mother of a New York firefighter and an eager local news reporter - characters that are all based on real people caught up a moment that changed the course of history and the world, and whose stories became a true celebration of hope, humanity and unity. Note, there is no interval in this one.
Duration 1 hour 40 minutes with no interval.
Tickets £26-£75.50 from https://www. atgtickets.com/shows/come-from-away/ edinburgh-playhouse/
A week later, the always popular and evergreen musical Blood Brothers (24-28
September) returns to the Greenside Place venue for another week-long run. I’ve lost track of the number of times Willy Russell’s tale of the Johnstone twins, brothers separated at birth, has now played Edinburgh. This time it brings Scot Vivienne Carlyle back to the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, the star having previously enjoyed nightly standing ovations for her powerful and poignant performance on London’s West End.
The story: When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again this time with twins. In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax.
Carlyle is joined in the cast by Sean Jones and Joe Sleight as twins, Mickey and Eddie, with Gemma Brodrick reprising the role of Linda.
Considered by many to be “one of the best musicals ever written”, Bill Kenwright’s production played more than 10,000 performances on London’s West End to become one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. Expect to hear musical theatre favourites such as Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged show-stopper, Tell Me It’s Not True.
2 hours 50 minutes including interval. Tickets from £13-£73.50 https://www.atgtickets.com/ shows/blood-brothers/edinburghplayhouse/
Nipping down the M1 or the East Coast Line for a London theatre break this month? Then have the most joyous musical I’ve seen there since Moulin Rouge to recommend, Mrs Doubtfire: The Hit Comedy Musical is indeed Must See Theatre. A five star delight that will have you laughing, crying but always smiling.
The astonishing Gabriel Vick, in the famous wig, mask and bodysuit, effortlessly adopts Mrs Doubfire’s familiar Scottish lilt to make the much loved character his own, while still channeling the essence of Robin Williams’ chaotic energy. His is a brilliant, breathtaking and simply mesmerising performance that brings a whole new understanding to the term “all-rounder”.
If you’re not familiar with the story, it’s a sad tale. When Daniel’s long-suffering wife, Miranda, files for divorce, the judge gives her full custody of their three children, Lydia, Christopher and Natalie. Heartbroken, Daniel has but three months to find a job and provide a fitting home for his kids if he is to have any chance of winning back shared custody… enter Mrs Doubtfire.
Fit for all the family, Mrs Doubtfire is undoubtedly the most uplifting and masterfully staged production on in London right now, so, as the star of the show herself might say, “Go on dears, brace yourself… for the funnest two hours you will spend on the West End.”
You can read my full five star review at mustseetheatre.com
Until next time, happy theatre-going, Liam
Blood Brothers is back
THE VOICE OF SPORT
Broughton’s centenary fling
DURING THE NEW CLUB rugby season north Edinburgh’s Broughton club will stage a number of events to mark its centenary.
First up will be a “President’s Day” lunch scheduled for 12 October – almost exactly 100 years to the day when Broughton kicked off against the long defunct United Colleges.
President this year is Kevin Mcarthur although among Broughton’s claims to fame is that they are believed to be in a rare breed who have had TWO women serve as overall club president.
These are the pioneering Rebecca Glendenning (née Long) and more recently, Steph Fleming.
Mark Brown, who is producing a book on the club’s history, said: “In 2003 Rebecca became our first female president in 89 years and the club takes pride in the way we have embraced the women’s game. It signals inclusivity and the women bring a lot to what is now essentially a player run club.
“Things have changed to the point where we find rugby teams are much more transient; players tend to come along because their friends have told them it is a good place to be involved rather than through any structured pathway.”
Many who have played at Broughton’s home ground of Wardie will be familiar with a notorious sloping pitch.
Mark explains: “Our slope is to do with drainage issues from when Nissan huts occupied the ground commandeered by the Royal Navy during the second world war.”
If that remains a talking point then older members recall with pride, too, a Broughton team of talents including Eric Donaldson, Neil
Padethon serves up boost for charity
BELIEVED TO BE the UK’s first non-stop padel extravaganza, at Hatton Club Kirknewton, (the annual Hatton Padethon) raised more than £10,000 for charity Marie Curie. This was a gesture of support for the hospice which has assisted members of the club.
Highlights included a visit by ex world veterans champion, Fermin Novillo, who provided an exhibition while an East of Scotland team captained by Ross Murdoch defeated West counterparts.
The exercise, a repeat of last year’s successful venture, was again organised by Craig McBride. Donations are still being accepted. Look for padethon2024 on Just Giving.
Fisher, David McIntosh, Dougie Gallagher, Jimmy Calder and Gordon Hockaday, among others, who enjoyed a halcyon period largely before league rugby was introduced in 1973.
Latterly, Broughton have been particularly well served by Duncan Nicolson, a prop forward who many felt could have gained much more exalted status.
One promotion came in 2004-05 when Division Five (East) was won 24 hours before a fixture against the touring Swedish national side!
Broughton has welcomed many international stars thanks to their ‘hottest ticket in town’ pre-international lunch towards the end of the amateur era with speakers such as British Lions John Taylor and Gerald Davies from Wales happy to give their services for free along with
Ireland’s Des O’Brien. Irishman Syd Millar, a British Lions player, coach and manager, once spoke at the annual Broughton club dinner.
All these events could not have happened without a stalwart backroom team and Mark Brown pays tribute to the likes of Sandy Scott who ran the clubhouse bar for over 30 years, Tom Richardson, Hwyl Williams, Gordon McMillan, club secretary for 34 years and Olive Lyall, an SRU “Volunteer of the Month” award winner.
Mark said: “What today’s players are unlikely to understand is that these officials would often run up to five teams each weekend using only a pay phone and postcards notifying selection unlike the internet world of today.”
Grange are champions
Championship win for Grange
GRANGE CRICKET CLUB are the 2024
Cricket Scotland T20 champions after a successful finals day hosted by the Stirling County club.
In the final Grange’s total of 134-5 featuring 43 from Chris Greaves and supported by Finlay McCreath (35) proved too much for Falkland. The Fife team was restricted to 116-6 with Robbie McGlasham and Jasper Davidson taking two wickets apiece.
Earlier Grange had overcome Forfarshire at the penultimate stage.
After finishing on 112 the capital side got home with nine runs to spare.
Grange CC used the same eleven players in both ties.
The squad included: Angus Brown, captain, Liam Smith, Chris Greaves, Finlay McCreath, Jasper Davidson, Ben Davidson, Callum Swanson, Campbell Swanson, Charlie Peet, Robbie McGlasham and Louis Bennet.
Mayfield Bowling Club 150 years not out
LOCAL MEMBER GAVIN THOMSON
scooped the £400 prize for winning Mayfield Bowling Club’s 150th anniversary tournament and is pictured receiving the trophy from past president, Ian Miller.
A further £600 was distributed between competitors in women’s and junior events.
The Mayfield club, in Cobden Road in Edinburgh’s Southside, was founded in 1874 by residents of the newly built surrounding houses.
The first work on the green started on 25 August 1874 hence the club held a celebratory “Birthday Bash” in August with a toast at midnight.
Other festivities included a home and away match against the Bainfield club who are celebrating their 100th birthday this year.
Over the years the club have produced Scottish internationalists in R Ogilvie (1932), Alexander McEwan (1938 and ’39), and Walter Cossar (1962) as well as Scottish singles
champion Andrew Binnie (1972) and Lorraine Ross (East of Scotland ladies champion, 1993).
The club’s ladies section was formed in 1957 and a highlight of the subsequent period was providing training facilities for the Fijian bowls squad who contested the 1986 Commonwealth Games.
President Scott Kearsley said: “Currently we have over 90 bowling members ranging from 13-90+ years of age. In addition we have a Social membership of around 40 who attend events such as live acts, quizzes, bingo, pool and darts.
“Local residents association called “The Waverley Feuars” hold their AGM at the bowling club as well as social events such as quizzes and ceilidhs.”
A more recent innovation has been a link up with Edinburgh Thistle Football Club. T he bowling club sponsor the jerseys of the footballers who, in return, use bar facilities p
ost match.
Mr Kearsley said an emphasis had been placed on youth recruitment including from the 28th Blackford Scout Troop who use the green occasionally. He said: “We look forward to a bright future. Following recruitment
Harry keeps it together with award
CORSTORPHINE ATHLETIC
CLUB’S Together Officer Harry Baird has been named as one of the first ten recipients of the 2024 Eric Liddell Recognition Awards.
who won his legendary Olympic 400m gold in Paris a century ago, and whose story was immortalised in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
under-17 Championships at Grangemouth.
WITH JUST A FEW WEEKS until their competitive season gets underway with a home fixture against Leinster on 20 September Edinburgh Rugby (ER) were put through their paces by the Army.
Arthur’s Seat was the backdrop as soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s 2nd Battalion (2 SCOTS) pushed the players to their physical limits.
A gruelling session under Sgt John Fleming included carrying heavy logs, dummies and jerry cans across tricky terrain.
Ben Vellacott, Edinburgh scrum half, said: “We’re used to hard training and know we need to be at the top of our game,
particularly when approaching a new season. Training with the SCOTS was the definition of intense and really pushed us to our limits mentally and physically.
It was a great way to train differently, and I know we all benefited from it.”
Sgt Fleming said: “Our training is tough and acts as a reality check for even the fittest of people, but it provides invaluable insights into the discipline and resilience required at the highest level of physical training. It was a pleasure to deliver the session and they handled the pressure very well. We SCOTS wish them the best of luck in the new season.”
Mark Robertson ER Head of Strength and Conditioning said:
“It was refreshing to see the players outside of their usual
training comfort zones, being pushed to their physical limits by the SCOTS. These players are tough and resilient, but it’s always good to keep them on their toes.”
The awards recognise the passion, compassion and integrity of outstanding individuals who contribute to Scottish athletics.
The purpose of Harry’s position has been described as “contributing to a thriving development structure, focusing on recruiting and developing coaches and fostering athlete pathways, to ensure a vibrant athletics club sits at the centre of sustainable athletics development within the community”.
scottishathletics, the governing body, will select 20 winners this year as part of the Eric Liddell 100 programme of events and activities to celebrate the athlete,
Harry, who also acts as Club Together Officer at Forth Valley Flyers, Falkirk Victoria Harriers and Lasswade AC, was chosen for his commitment to the role and becoming a Level 4 official.
In its announcement, scottishathletics said: “Harry’s passion is further highlighted by his collaboration with local authorities and Active Schools teams to support pathways and athletics development, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the sport and its community.”
Harry received a unique pin badge and signed Scotland Joma vest from Liddell’s niece, Sue Caton, at the Eric Liddell Senior/
Harry said: “Although I was aware of the programme, I had no idea had been nominated until got a message informing me that had won one.
“The nomination came from Forth Valley Flyers, whom have supported through a very turbulent 18 months.
“As the nominations come from our peers, it is satisfying even to be nominated.
“But it’s very humbling that it was rubber-stamped by scottishathletics among so many other worthy nominations.
“Having been raised in the church, was aware of Eric’s story even before the film brought him wider exposure.
“It is utterly surreal to have my name mentioned in the same sentence as such an icon.”
campaigns we have attracted 39 new members in the last 18 months. We have reduced our entry age to eight years old from March 2025 we hope to complete the fund raising to install a defibrillator on the outside wall of the club for the entire community.”
Stewart’s Melville women are T20 champs
STEWART’S MELVILLE won the Beyond Boundaries Scottish Women’s Cricket T20 competition for the first time when they defeated the holders West of Scotland in the final held at the home of Stirling County CC.
An unbeaten partnership of 86 from Emma Walsingham (45) and Lucy Pillinger (26) led Stewart’s Melville home with nine overs to spare after West had been restricted to 85 runs.
Earlier, in an all-Edinburgh semi-final, Stewart’s Melville notched 96-5 to edge past Carlton’s 95-6 with seven balls remaining. The winning line-up from Stew-Mel includes Emma Walshingham, Lucy Pillinger, Lucy Forrester-Smith, Emily Duguid, Lois Wilkinson, Faatima Gardee, Iris Conlin, Izzy Armstrong, Mariam Akram, Diya Shukla and Megan Hay.
Lorem ipsum
Edinburgh City
Edinburgh Rugby being put through their paces
Gavin Thomson gets his trophy from Ian Miller
Corstorphine Athletic
Stew Mel women
Mark Brown
Hearts signing
Smooth transition for newest player
By
BLAIR SPITTAL was buzzing when he put pen to paper for ambitious Hearts on a three-year deal, and he continues to bed into the side with competition for places now on a real high.
Making sure he is on the team sheet regularly is top of his personal agenda and, to do that, he believes he must be on his game, contributing in every training session, so he catches the eye of the coaching team.
That, he feels, is the key to being successful with Hearts, but the 28-year-old, Erskine-born midfielder was under no illusions when he moved across country to Gorgie from Motherwell after 73 appearances and 15 goals.
You must, he said, be ready to grasp the chance when it comes as expectations are high for the Men in Maroon and he is acutely aware that Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, is determined to build on last year’s achievements, two cup semi-finals and third place by a distance in the league.
You need to deal with those expectations, according to Spittal, but becoming a regular starter is what the former Queen’s Park, Dundee United, Partick Thistle and Ross County player is focused on and he is also determined to play his part in helping his new employers go the distance in major competitions at home and abroad.
quality of the squad and could result in a turnover in players, opening the door for some, but that comes with the territory of aiming high in domestic and European competitions.
The player said: “It has been really good (being here). It has taken some time to get used to, but I am enjoying it so far. Now, I’m looking for the right opportunity to get some minutes (on the pitch.”
Hearts were a winning team last season and Spittal admitted: “I’ve had to be a wee bit patient and, at the same time, take each day to learn what I can about my new team-mates.
have been versatile (in the past), but it is about learning a certain style of football (here).”
He firmly believes that he will complete the style transition and make his mark, but Spittal admitted: “You can see the quality they have in the squad.”
The talented player arrived in mid-June after a productive season at Fir Park, 13 goals in all competitions and second in assists in the Premiership with 11, and he said: “In the position I play in you are judged by numbers.
Climbing coach happy on the sidelines
By BILL LOTHIAN
Edinburgh-born climbing coach Rachel Carr had a ringside seat as Team GB’s Toby Roberts struck gold at the Paris Olympics
Even though Rachel (28) is young enough to have taken part herself she wouldn’t have had it any other way in providing active support to Roberts, Hamish McArthur, Erin McNeice and Molly Thompson-Smith in the Le Bourget Climbing Arena. She has previously represented Great Britain and won a variety of titles, and was one of four GB coaches in Paris.
Rachel is currently head of a major performance centre in Sheffield.
The former Royal High School pupil said: “I think am much better suited to coaching.
“So, no regrets. To see what these athletes do in nine hour days would have struggled, Also, they have so much natural talent.
Speedy Pickering
Aussie is outstanding member of the
Monarchs’ squad
By NIGEL DUNCAN
JOSH PICKERING claimed a sensational 20 points in a recent Cab Direct Championship defeat suffered by the Stellar Monarchs speedway team at Glasgow Allied Vehicles Tigers.
The 27-year-old Aussie received shale-loads of praise from his own bosses and even from the opposition for his outstanding performance, winning six of his seven rides and only being beaten in his final outing by opposition No 1, experienced Chris Harris, a former Grand Prix racer and a three-time British champion.
Indeed, Glasgow Tigers’ team manager, Cami Brown, feels the man from Heddon Greta, New South Wales, has been the best visitor to Tigers’ Ashfield Stadium this summer.
Brown added: “There’s little doubt that Josh Pickering was different class. He has been the best visitor to Ashfield this season by some
margin.”
Praise indeed, for a fierce rival.
Sadly, with Justin Sedgmen missing through injury, Picking’s eye-catching haul failed to earn Monarchs valuable points on the night as the visitors did not have sufficient back-up.
Glasgow’s squad all contributed, which was key in that match and crucial to overall success for all teams who crave success in the Cab Direct Championship.
Josh Pickering
Pickering, who started his British career with Edinburgh in 2017, currently averages over nine points a match with Sedgmen second best
Seeking championship points
By NIGEL DUNCAN
with nearly eight and captain Paco Castagna next best with Kye Thomson also over seven.
Lasse Fredriksen averages over five with Connor Coles three and Max James one so it is not hard to see where improvement needs to be made. The club have already been counted out of the end-of-season play-offs and the ambition now is to lift the club off the bottom and finish as high up the table as they can before the end of the season. It has not been pleasant for diehard fans to look at the table in print or on social media in recent months to see the
“I have played a number of positions and I
Last season was a really good one for myself and I am looking to carry that on. Coming here, it is a massive club and it has been a
“As a coach brought a realisation of the things I couldn’t quite do, grips etc, and use those experiences to work out ways I can help others.”
Dhanda will be “on the ball”
By NIGEL DUNCAN
YAN DHANDA moved from Ross County to Hearts in the summer and is delighted to join a club which is, what he called, a possession-based team.
That’s how he wants to play and the former England under-17 international declared: “I want to be on the ball and making things happen.”
That will be music to the ears of Jambos fans.
They are desperate to see their men build on the success of last season when the club claimed a berth in two cup semi-finals and finished a clear third in the league. Progress was made. and head coach Steven Naismith and his coaching staff have added to the
squad since then, with Dhanda one of the key men recruited.
Tipton-born Dhanda admitted that Naismith’s attack-minded attitude was important to his decision to come to Tynecastle.
The player believes he can take his game to another level with the help of the head coach and his staff.
The 25-year-old is also determined to bring success to the Men in Maroon.
Since arriving, he has had time to gel with his team mates and he enjoys in particular playing with Jorge Grant
Dahanda said: “He finds me spaces that I pick up and he knows what side to play me in and how like to play. I know that when he’s on the ball his next
pass is probably going to be to me.”
The stylish player has also played for Swansea City and was a youth player with West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool in the past. He added “The most important thing is to believe how good we are as players and as a team.
“We know we can get a result at home, with the crowd behind us.”
At Tynecastle, he said, it feels like the crowd is on top of the players due to the close proximity of the of the stands to the pitch.
The new midfielder said: “That’s perfect for the fans to get behind us. That is an advantage to us. “They can really give us that extra ten per cent to push us on.”
THE EDINBURGH AND LOTHIANS COARSE
ANGLING CLUB’S championship series is nearing completion with Geoff Lowe, the former president, sitting at the top of the table with 30 points.
New president, Darrin Ferguson, is second with 29.5 points with Jimmy Jones and Bruce Lawrie joint third on 29 points.
Based on current standings, it is now a four-horse race for the title.
Ferguson is also in the semi-final of the Knockout Cup and he is in against Lawrie while Rosalind Cassidy faces Shug Smith in the other.
The summer series in the Bass Rock Shore Angling League is also nearing completion and Dunbar angler Chris Empson won round eight with six fish for 6lb 9oz.
Jamie McHale from Gifford was second with three fish for 6lb 5oz and he also hooked the biggest fish in the Dunbar Rover, at 2lb 1oz.
Graham Meadows from St Boswells was third with two fish for 1lb 7oz.
The club are also planning a winter series which will run every two weeks from the autumn. Dates to be confirmed later.
Elsewhere, Mike Kyle from Easthouses in Midlothian won the members shore championship run by the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers at the Cree Estuary in Dumfries and Galloway with 15 fish.
David Neil from Ayr also had 15 fish with David Cooper from Edinburgh third
with 14 fish and Brian Maxwell (Ayr) fourth on 11 fish.
Ian Campbell (Falkirk), retail manager of the Edinburgh Angling Centre, was fifth with ten fish and Bruce McLean, a Scotland international, landed the biggest fish, a 72cm thornback.
Loganlea in The Pentland Hills above Flotterstone hosted an introduction to fishing for youngsters and nearly 20 attended for free tuition and the organisers said that a number of them showed real potential.
Monarchs propping up the rest.
At least, the club still have silverware ambitions and have something to aim for as a disappointing season comes to a close. They square-up to Scunthorpe Scorpions in the BSN Series, semi-final, with the first-leg at Armadale in late August followed by the return at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday 6 September at 7.30pm.
Pickering’s contribution will be key. The former League Championship winner with Sheffield in 2023 he will undoubtedly look for his team-mates to step-up when it matters.
NIGEL DUNCAN
Monarchs on the go
Geoff weighs in
Yan Dhanda
Pickering
more, pay less with the et app! Buy your 3, 5 and 10 Day Tram City Zone Ticket bundles on the et app and save.
