The Edinburgh Reporter April 2020

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April 2020

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#savelocaljournalism #ThereWithYou The whole of the UK is now on lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The streets are empty and some businesses have taken the extra precaution of boarding up windows.

The Edinburgh Reporter is

committed to bring you the latest news on our website where a live news feed with news from primary sources runs 24 hours a day.

It is key that news is sifted for truth and that notwithstanding the crisis, that governments, national and local, are held to account.

That is where local journalism

comes in. It is where it matters and can have the biggest impact.

The Independent Community News Network (ICNN) of which we are a member is lobbying government for support. In an open letter ICNN explained: " The majority of these news publishers rely on local businesses

advertising.

"That advertising has almost disappeared overnight as businesses are forced to stop trading. Most advertisers have already cancelled, the rest will soon follow.

"According to our figures, if ICNN

was considered a co-operative media organisation, we would be the fourth largest news organisation in the UK. In addition – we are over a third bigger than the fifth (Archant) and sixth (Tindle), combined."

We hope to weather this storm, and we hope you do too.

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ABOUT US This month’s paper should be full of life and colour. It is a little difficult to find that when everyone is confined to barracks. It is trite to say that even a month ago we could not have envisaged what has happened in the world due to the coronavirus pandemic. We know now.

Staying at home is easier for some than others, and our NHS workers and all caring staff have little option but to be there on the frontline.

Journalists and photographers are in the key workers category and I have been to some of the media briefings at St Andrew's House. Whatever your politics, the assurance with which the First Minister, the Chief Medical Officer and the Health Secretary deliver the key message of the day is impressive. The message has of course changed each day, but the delivery has not. In contrast with other governments elsewhere, The Scottish Government has communicated well.

In case you have not heard his name please listen to any messages from the National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch.

His explanations of 'flattening the curve' and 'social distancing' are clear and concise.

Follow @jasonleitch on Twitter.

We are running a live news feed on the front page of our website and will continue to do so for as long as we are able to.

Many of you have sent us extra donations - we are truly grateful to you when many jobs are on the line and some people have little or no resources.

We have some ideas for you to while away the hours at home where our What's On pages usually are. As you are well aware everything is on hold. There are many good resources for adults and children, so as long as the internet holds up there are many things to see and do to take your mind off the daily news bulletins.

There are many who have volunteered in different ways and we take our hats off to them.

Our newspaper can be delivered to your front door if you wish. If you would like to be included in our deliveries then please email us.

Meantime stay safe, wash your hands and be kind to your social distance partners.

Phyllis Stephen Editor editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

From the Lord Provost Edinburgh our capital city a bustling metropolis, a world heritage city and the world’s Festival City.

A city which attracts millions of visitors from around the world, and which on any given day you will hear dozens of different languages in our cafés, bars, restaurants and shops.

Two weeks ago this would have been a description of Edinburgh which most people would have recognised. That was before Covid-19. Today it is a city in lockdown, deserted streets, businesses closed, schools closed and the majority of citizens following the best medical advice and staying at home.

These are not normal times and while we face an uncertain few weeks there is also an opportunity to consider what kind of city and society we want when we come out of the current crisis as we surely will.

One immediate change will be how we value specific jobs and careers. Doctors, nurses and other health workers will be at the pinnacle of societal appreciation.

Shop workers and shelf stackers will be seen in a new, and hopefully more appreciative, light. Public sector staff who will ensure that our city continues to operate during this crisis might be recognised for the jobs they do.

Normally, as we look to improve our city we have to fight against the “dead weight” of the status quo. This is true of all our major strategic initiatives from Low Emission Zones, City Centre Transformation, Tourism management and the pressures from ever increasing commuting.

In an attempt to overcome this,

status quo, we normally focus on mid to long term planning to implement incremental change, the most recent of these initiatives being the 2050 Vision project which engaged with 50,000 citizens and identified the guiding principles of sustainability, thriving, connected and fair.

However difficult the current Covid-19 crisis is it may have a silver lining in that the status quo has been blown apart. We have a unique opportunity to implement some of our mid to long term goals today.

There is no need to automatically revert to how things were immediately before the current crisis, indeed there is a need not to do so. People’s lives and their routines have been turned on their heads.

Businesses will be considering if working from home is the new normal, possibly dramatically reducing commuting. Tourism will not automatically rebound with the result that there will be reduced demand for short term lets, retail will need to reinvent itself and our festivals may need to reshape how they deliver their programmes.

Obviously our immediate priority has to be the safety of our citizens and we must follow the best medical advice if we are to minimise the impact on our citizens and our city.

However we should use this time to be bold and make the changes we know will improve the quality of life for all citizens for generations going forward.

In many instances we will be starting with a blank canvas. Let’s ensure that the picture we paint is a forward-looking one.

WhatsApp is running the country

by Christine Jardine MP It’s been astonishing watching how well people have been getting to grips with life in this strange and restricted time.

Coronavirus has created a different way of life and, even though there has been some panic buying and some have found social distancing more difficult than others, we are largely adapting.

Politicians too are dealing with a very different set of problems from those constituents were coming to us with as recently as two weeks ago.

Among them are constituents trapped half-way across the world, and their families at home who need the one word which is becoming the most important in the politicians’ lexicon.

Reassurance.

I am normally no fan of either of our Government’s – UK or Scottish – but that does not matter in this.

All of us have a duty to work together to make sure that the public has the information and that word reassurance that they need.

While there are some steps that the UK Government is that I would normally want more time to question, in these circumstances I am willing to offer a measure of trust, but make it clear that trust must not be abused.

I will continue to scrutinise and ask for changes but co-operation and mutual support for the public must come first.

Last week that co-operation was evident at Westminster in a way that has not always been the case.

MPs’ WhatsApp has never been busier with cross-party conversation.

And that is as vital to the people we serve as it is to all of us as individuals in tackling this.

Because if we trust each other we can build a positive way ahead.

Get in touch today!

For editorial and advertising enquiries please email editor@ theedinburghreporter. co.uk @EdinReporter

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The Orchard Project Greyfriars Kirk are taking part in a new ecumenical project to create an orchard in the churchyard.

The Orchard Project believes that community orchards can transform lives, build resilient communties and improve wellbeing by helping nature to thrive. In the last 10 years more than 420 community orchards have been planted.

Five heritage fruit trees which were celebrated in the 17th century were planted as part of Church and Community Orchards Twinning programme and to mark the 400th anniversary of Greyfriars.

Visiting minister Rev. Anne Ross described the new project: “If I knew that tomorrow was the end of the world, I would plant an apple tree today. Martin Luther is often quoted as saying apple trees are a sign of hope.

"They are an investment in the future. In our case an investment in the future of the Greyfriars’ congregation, the Grassmarket Community Project and the future of the Kirkyard. We want to make this green spot in the middle of the Old Town even greener. We want to observe the seasons through the apple and pear trees. We want to look at them as signs of God’s generosity and life in fullness that he wants for us to experience.

People from the Grassmarket

Community Project and the congregation want to care for the trees jointly and will be trained in doing so. Being aware of the long history of the church and the kirkyard, the selected varieties will include heritage apples from the 17th century.”

The project in Scotland has been inspired by a similar initiative in Hungary, where the Reformed Church planted more than 6,000 native Hungarian fruit trees in 165 church gardens.

Rev Dr Richard Frazer, minister of Greyfriars Kirk, was very keen to take part in the initiative. He said: “The Orchard Project forms part of our vision at Greyfriars to tend and care for our immediate environment, to engage members of the Greyfriars congregation, members of the Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) and local people to work together to beautify our famous and historic Kirkyard.

“Greyfriars is celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2020 with a range of exciting events running throughout the year, but the story of Greyfriars goes further back, as far as the 1400s, when a group of Franciscan Friars established an apothecary garden in what is now the Greyfriars Kirkyard.

“They grew medicinal herbs to treat the sick and tended to the needs of the poor.

James Houldsworth planting the first of five fruit trees in Greyfriars churchyard with Chris the gardener, Rev Anne Ross who is visiting from Germany, Rev Urzula Glienecke, the Greyfriars Kirk probationer minister,Jenny Payton-Williams and Paul Williams who is leading the Church and Community Orchards project for The Church of Scotland. 15 March 2020 Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com "In 2010, we began to grow herbs again in the Kirkyard as one of the many therapeutic projects we undertake in the GCP. “In the past, fruit trees were cultivated here, and there are still a couple of very ancient crab apple trees that produce fruit every year.

“Just as we make use of the herbs we grow, so also, in time, we

will be making jams and chutneys with our apple harvest.

“For many years, one of our aims has been to work in partnership with others to enhance the biodiversity of the Kirkyard and to improve the experience of the hundreds of thousands of visitors who find their way to this green oasis in the heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh.

“We are delighted to be working with Eco-Congregation Scotland and overseas partners in this international project to care for our environment.”

St Ninian's Scottish Episcopal Church in Comely Bank is also taking part in the scheme which is assisted by £17,000 of funding from European Christian Environmental Network.

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Civic pride makes it easy to clock

by Stephen Rafferty We’ve been springing forward since 1916, when the Summer Time Act was passed at the height of the First World War. Moving our watches and clocks forward by one hour officially marks the start of British Summer Time (BST) – we have more light in evening but less in the mornings – and it followed a campaign started in 1907 by William Willett to stop people wasting valuable hours of light in the summer.

Almost everyone of a certain generation relies on their phone or mobile device to provide accurate time but for traditionalists there is no shortage of “civic clocks” in and around Edinburgh from which they can take the time of day.

In fact, according to Edinburgh City Council, there are 38 civic clocks or timepieces under their care and which are maintained by the famous Edinburgh clockmakers James Ritchie & Son. Here are a few of The Edinburgh Reporter’s favourites –

Bank Clock, Stockbridge Housed in the building of the former Edinburgh Savings Bank, then Trustee Savings Bank, and now part of Pizza Express, it has guarded the main thoroughfare in Stockbridge beside the Water of Leith since 1900.

Morningside Clock This originally stood in the middle of the road and was the clock for Morningside Station which operated from 1884 until

it closed to passengers in 1962.

The clock was designed by James Ritchie & Son and was cast at the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow and installed in 1910. It was gifted to the city by Councillors Inches, Inman and Torrance, representatives for the Morningside ward at a time when you could travel by train from Morningside to Waverley via Haymarket in just 13 minutes.

Bell's Tower Clock, Lothian Road Once the bane of Usher Hall audiences because its chimes could be heard during concerts, the clock was gifted to the city in 1962 by distillers Arthur Bell & Sons.

Designed by T W Alexander of West Linton and built by Stuart McLashen & Co of Canonmills, in 2010 the clock was lifted by a 300 tonne crane and relocated to its present location in Festival Square.

Tollcross Pillar Clock Gifted to the city in 1901 by Lord Provost James Steel and city treasurer Robert Cranston, the Tollcross Clock is one of four similar Edinburgh clocks made by James Ritchie & Son. Originally a weight-driven pendulum clock, it was altered to a spring-driven mechanism in 1926 and was one of the largest street clocks in Britain to be driven by this

St Paul's Church Pilrig All photos Martin McAdam

Bank Clock, Stockbridge

Tollcross Clock

St Stephen's Church has the longest clock pendulum in Europe

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on for summertime in Edinburgh type of mechanism. In 1969 it was converted to an electric mechanism located between the dials. Junction improvements in 1974 led to the clock's removal, causing public consternation, as a result of which it was returned to a spot close to its original position.

St Stephen's Church Housed in a 160ft tower, the clock of the William Henry Playfair designed church in Stockbridge boasts the longest clock pendulum in Europe. The church was completed in 1828 at a cost of ÂŁ18,975 and was designed for a congregation of 1,600 God fearing souls, which at one point included the parents of Robert Louis Stevenson. The church and clock tower now has claim to being one of the most photographed in Scotland by dint of nearby picturesque Circus Lane, which has become a favourite spot for

Instagrammers who descend daily on the cobbled street to take photographs.

War Memorial - Hearts Clock Located at Haymarket is the war memorial in the form of a clock tower, principally for former players of Heart of Midlothian FC who gave their lives in the two World Wars but also for players from other Scottish clubs who made the ultimate sacrifice, including Hibs, Raith Rovers, Dunfermline, East Fife and St Bernard's. Unveiled in 1922, the memorial was designed by the sculptor Henry Snell Gamley and the clock itself by James Ritchie & Son. Floral Clock, West Princes Street Gardens.

Arguably Edinburgh’s most famous clock, alongside the Balmoral Hotel clock which has chased travellers toward departing

trains at Waverley Station.

The first of its kind in the world, the Floral Click was installed in 1903 and initially operated with just an hour hand, with a minute hand added in 1904.

For the next seven decades the clock mechanism had to be wound daily until it was mechanised in 1972.

The cuckoo, which every child of Edinburgh must have stopped to watch at some point in their young lives, did not come home to roost until 1952 and it now appears every hour. It takes three gardeners six weeks to plant more than 35,000 plants used in the design, which each year follows a topical theme, and the clock flowers from July until October.

Not that we want to remind you, but the clocks go back one hour on Sunday 25 October to mark the official start of winter.

The famous Floral Clock in Princes Street Gardens

Bell's Tower Clock

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War Memorial, Hearts Clock

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NEWS

Just Eat Cycles news The city's cycle hire company put out a recent message: "We want to thank our customers for their cooperation and understanding as we navigate through this period of uncertainty.

We will focus our efforts on cycle hire points that are used by key workers, including the city’s largest hospitals.

These stations have been expanded (virtually) to allow for increased number of users. As a result, we will operate a reduced service across the rest of the scheme.

We will have fewer bikes and a reduced customer service support function (contact will now be exclusively via the Just Eat Cycles App) – that will service demand.

This situation remains dynamic and we encourage our customers to monitor our social channels for future updates.

Again, we want to wish all of our customers well and thank them for their patience throughout these challenging times."

The Just Eat Cycles team had just welcomed the arrival of 168 new e-bikes earlier in the month.

The bikes were provided with help from an investment by Energy Saving Trust who have provided TfE with funding for 68 e-bikes.

They run a grant scheme which TfE accessed, but which is also available to anyone wanting to buy an e-bike or an electric cargo bike.

The new e-bikes have a maximum speed of 15 mph making Edinburgh’s hills easier to tackle. · 168 e-bikes have been phased into the current scheme and use the same Just Eat Cycles app. · They are available to hire and drop off at the existing 90 hire points which are already home to over 500 pedal bikes. · Made in Britain by Pashley, the e-bikes are similar to the existing pedal models but have a slightly different frame and a new colour scheme. · The rentable e-bikes will be unlockable for £1.50 - the same price as a single journey on the existing pedal bikes - but will come with an additional per minute charge of 10p.

Users with an Annual, Uni or 24 hour subscription can unlock e-bikes for no charge other than the 10p per minute tariff.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said at the launch of the ebikes: “I’m delighted to be launching the brand new e-bikes

King’s on hold for now

by Nigel Duncan Bosses of Edinburgh’s popular King’s Theatre have confirmed that the redevelopment project scheduled to start in September 2021 will be temporarily paused.

Capital Theatres, the charitable trust which runs the theatre, as well as others in the capital will now explore the potential of starting the project 12 months later, in September 2022.

The King’s, which was opened in 1906, is an important venue for touring drama, musicals and

children’s shows.

It is also home to Scotland’s biggest pantomime production and each year plays a pivotal role in hosting the Edinburgh International Festival.

Dame Joan Stringer, chair, said: “We are responding to unprecedented circumstances.

“Our project board and main B=board met this week during which we considered the impact of the coronavirus on our plans for the King’s redevelopment.

E-bikes are now part of the Just Eat Cycles fleet. Photo Martin P McAdam for Edinburgh, which I know will open up the bike hire scheme to so many more people.

“What is absolutely clear is that we all remain committed to delivering on our plans to redevelop the King’s into a modern venue, celebrating its rich heritage whilst sustaining it for future generations of enjoyment.

“We are, however, realistic and recognise that the current situation will affect our ability to deliver the project in our current timescales.”

She added: “We are now moving into discussions with principal funders the City of Edinburgh Council and the National Heritage Lottery Fund alongside our design team to pause the project.”

Learning to live with the virus

by John Knox A few short weeks ago, coronavirus was something affecting a far off city in China which few of us had ever heard of.

Then suddenly it was in not-sofar-away Italy.

The wave seemed to get bigger and more threatening as it approached us. Now it has overwhelmed the whole world, killing thousands and causing economic and social meltdown.

Who would have thought those few short weeks ago that our schools would be closed, pubs and restaurants shut down by government order, all public events cancelled, all non-urgent operations postponed to free up 3,000 hospital beds and all of us told to work from home if possible and observe “social

distancing” and “self-isolation.”

And who would have imagined a Conservative government ditching “austerity” and announcing a public spending programme the like of which we’ve not seen since the Second World War. Then the unimaginable - the lockdown that we have seen in these other countries arrived on our doorsteps.

The SNP Scottish government has abandoned its plan to hold a second independence referendum this year.

And there’s even talk of putting Brexit on hold for an indefinite period.

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, wasted no time in taking the lead, closing schools, cancelling exams, calling for football matches and other large gatherings to be

abandoned, always a day or two ahead of the UK government.

And people, by and large, have accepted her judgement.

I notice in my local supermarket some panic buying, but not much.

People are standing correctly at a distance from each other.

The parks around me and the Pentland Hills were peppered with individuals and family groups out walking at the weekend, but all now are closed.

Charities are organising food deliveries to the elderly. Everyone is being exceptionally polite and helpful.

But there are troublesome questions in the air. How long can this last ? What will the brave new world look like when the pandemic is over?

"We’re working hard to make cycling a safer, more attractive and accessible transport option for all those who live in and visit the city.

"his addition will make a real difference."

Call for free transport for NHS worker The Scottish Government has announced that it will provide bus operators with additional financial assistance to maintain essential services.

Environmental campaigners are calling for people working for the NHS and other essential services to be exempted from fares through this period.

Friends of the Earth Scotland Air Pollution Campaigner Gavin Thomson commented:“Reliable public transport is key to managing this crisis and reducing our climate emissions.

Government intervention will be central to achieving both these goals.

“This increased Scottish Government support recognises

the key role that bus services play for critical workers, such as NHS staff. Government and industry should also be exploring whether those critical staff could be exempted from fares during this crisis.”

“Under the conditions of the lockdown, very few of us will be taking public transport at the moment and services are already being reduced. We echo the deserved praise for those public transport workers who are continuing to provide these vital public services throughout this period. Any government support for the bus industry during this crisis, or in future, should ensure these vital workers are prioritised and protected.”

A message from Cramond Volunteers An example of an offer of help in one corner of Edinburgh.

Hello – This card comes from your neighbours in Cramond & Barnton!

If you are self-isolating or ill, and need any shopping or errands run, mail posted, prescriptions collected – or simply want a wee chat over the phone – contact us and we’ll put one of your

neighbours in touch. You can e-mail us at CramondVolunteers@ gmail.com or call Cramond Kirk on 0131 336 2036. Should no-one pick up, leave your name and telephone number and one of our volunteers will be in touch asap.

If you’d like to support those in need within our community, join CramondVolunteers:facebook. com

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The Venchie ‘starved of council funding’

By Phyllis Stephen Although The City of Edinburgh Council has still to decide on the allocation of grants from September onwards, they have said they will continue payments to existing grant holders until 31 August 2020.

The email which the council sent out to all applicants was not entirely clear however, and some of those whose fate will be decided in May misunderstood the message, thinking they had been overlooked.

At the March meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee, the committee room was full of applicants whose requests for money had been rejected.

The council has clarified that new awards to be made under the 2020-23 Communities and Families Grant Programme will start on 1 September 2020, and no decision has yet been made on who will receive funds. This round of funding will be decided at a committee meeting planned for May, although it could fall to be decided by council leaders owing to the interim arrangements during Covid-19.

During the government lockdown there is all the more need for those community projects doing good work to keep it up.

One of those groups is The Venchie Children and Young People's Project in Craigmillar.

Their request for a Third Party Grant of £100,000 was rejected

earlier this month, although it could of course be under review.

During school term The Venchie runs a very successful breakfast club. This sometimes involves going to the homes of the young people they are assisting, bringing them to their base on Niddrie Mains Terrace, and then helping them on their way to school with a good breakfast inside them.

Now it is all different, except to a degree it is much the same.

There are people in need and The Venchie is there to help. As a result of the council's Third Party Grants funding being in limbo, they are continuing to do this without any council funding.

The group receives help in the form of food from Cyrenians charity, Greggs and Lid for

Rotary’s Community Chest Members of the Currie Balerno Rotary Club met with representatives of organisations which had received grants from the Rotary’s Community Chest.

The Club allocated £3,000 to modest projects providing local benefit. Then Balerno Village Trust joined in and the two organisations now look after the fund between them, giving out grants twice a year.

Funding of £6000 per year is contributed equally by the Rotary Club, Balerno Village Trust and CALA Homes.

The guests seen in the photo represent the Balerno Tennis Club, Riding for Disabled, Balerno Community High School, Handicabs, Ratho Community Council Environment Group, Nether Currie Primary

School, Kirknewton Community Development Trust, Balerno Village Trust, Youth Vision and Currie Football.

The evening started with an introduction by Rotarian, Roy

Editor: Phyllis Stephen editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk 07791 406 498

redistribution.

Susan Heron, Manager at The Venchie explained what they are doing each day.

She said: "We come in daily and are preparing meals. One day we might prepare chicken curry and rice and that will be kept in the fridge all night, and then handed out cold next day with instructions on how to reheat it.

"We've also been working with Social Bite giving out around 200 of their packed lunches. We have sanitary products on the bus, fruit and veg and oatcakes. We also have extra food, soup and pastas, and we're making maybe 60 of them daily.

"We give the food to children and families in the Craigmillar area, some we know and some who are Stirrat, and, after an enjoyable buffet supper, Sarah Beauregard gave a presentation showing a group of young people from Youth Vision sinking a water bore hole and constructing a wooden operations hut.

Club President Lindsay Craig closed the meeting.

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new to us.

"The other day we parked up at Greendykes, and one of the workers from the care home came to get some sandwiches for the pensioners living there."

The staff from The Venchie and their volunteers all take care and wear masks and aprons while distributing the food round the local area.

Susan continued: "We applied to the council and didn't get anywhere with it. We've been put out of the mix on these third party grants. We get food from Cyrenians and for a long time now we have had some extra.

As we knew we were not getting any funding from the council, we 'stockpiled' food. Luckily we have four freezers full of fresh produce and chicken and mince so that we can still help right now.

"There's two members of staff covering the base here, and two members of staff going out in the minibus. So we are covering four bases in the area each day.

"We understand that people might not want to come out of their homes now. But if they see us and want to flag us down then we will stop and we will go and put some food at their door.

"We have been handing out flowers as well because we get the excess food from Lidl. So we've been inundated with flowers. We went to a pensioners' block just across the road from us and left flowers and a packed lunch on their doorsteps, calling out to them to tell them what we'd left."

Susan was emphatic about the message she wants to send to the council. She said: "The council is not funding us, but we are still here. We are needed in this community.

"There are three projects in this community who work with under twelves. Due to the fiasco with third party grants, not one of these projects has been funded. So that means that there is no council provision in this area for under twelves now."

Mike Bridgman is a director of The Venchie and a former city councillor. He said: "This is essential work we are doing. We applied again this year but sadly this council appears to have no social conscience. They are funding larger organisations and not grass roots organisations like this which should be supported.

The council is starving our project of funding, but people are using the service which is vital to the community. We need help."

The Venchie are on the streets of Craigmillar and area from 11am to 1pm and at the base from 8.30am to 3pm.

Difficult to be a Rotarian

This is a difficult time to be a Rotarian, as neither Fellowship nor Service to Others are particularly easy to practise in these days of enforced “social distancing” and/ or “self-isolation”.

So, does that mean that Rotary is suspended for the foreseeable future?

Certainly not! Rotarians are nothing if not resilient and able to adapt to circumstances.

There are ways to continue fellowship without face-to-face meetings.

Clubs are forming WhatsApp groups and using both phone conferencing and video conferencing to hold meetings.

Sometimes all Club Members, sometimes members of Club Committees join in, so that both fellowship and planning for the

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future can continue.

Similarly, our national governing body, Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, has circulated guidance on how Rotarians can work with local groups supporting the vulnerable and isolated, including practical tasks such as delivering food parcels and emergency supplies to older people.

So, you may not see Rotarians, identifiable as such, out on the streets collecting money for our “End Polio Now” campaign or running Charity Golf Tournaments, as many would be doing in a normal spring and summer, but rest assured that they are still meeting, planning and performing “Service above Self”.

These are the things that Rotarians do best!

For more information on this and any other aspect of Rotary contact secretary@rotary1020.org.

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Biggest challenge of a lifetime Thank you to everyone on the

by Gordon Lindhurst MSP the guidelines, the sooner our lives Covid-19 frontline should return to normal.

We are facing the biggest health challenge of our lifetimes with the coronavirus outbreak and we must all do our bit by following the Government guidance by staying at home to help protect lives.

Our NHS services across Edinburgh are under incredible pressure and I want to pay tribute to each and every single health worker currently on the frontline fighting the crisis. I am delighted that charges for parking for NHS staff at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh have been scrapped for three months. Anything we can do to support our wonderful NHS staff during this is welcome and that is just the start.

In order to try and beat this devastating virus as soon as we possibly can, we need to follow the government advice we have been given on social distancing.

Hopefully, the sooner we all apply

Of course we need to maintain social contact through other than face to face means. Whether by telephone, email or online, we can keep in touch and look after each other.

Of course, as always, social media and other forms of contact are no answer to everything! Don’t let them take over your life – maybe read a book you’ve not had time to, organise your home, clear out quality things you don’t need by putting them aside to donate to charity once this is all over.

Everyone will have ideas of their own.

It is not an easy adjustment for anyone and that is why it is vital we all look out for each other. By showing kindness and supporting our communities, we can come through this together.

Parking charges cut for nurses

by Miles Briggs MSP We all owe those working hard in our Scottish NHS a huge debt of gratitude as they work to save lives and help patients during the coronavirus outbreak.

The fact that NHS staff have to pay £7.20 each day to park at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary has been an unacceptable situation for too long with hospital staff being charged up to £1,500 a year to park at their work.

Since I was elected three years ago, I have been campaigning for SNP Ministers to act and for charges for hospital staff parking at all hospitals to be removed.

Last week I again raised the issue with Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions and called for action especially during the coronavirus public health

emergency. I am pleased that an agreement has now been reached to suspend parking charges at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, as well as hospitals in Dundee and Glasgow, for the next three months. Edinburgh City Council is also suspending restrictions on parking bays round the hospital.

Our amazing NHS staff shouldn’t have to pay to park at work at the best of times and they deserve no less as they put themselves on the front line of the public health crisis. Scottish Conservatives will continue to campaign to have the parking charges scrapped completely after the three month suspension period ends.

There will be a lot we will all need to do to support our NHS staff in the coming days and weeks.

This must be just the start.

For editorial and advertising enquiries please email editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

by Ian Murray MP This is a deeply worrying time for families across the capital.

We have never witnessed anything like the coronavirus outbreak, and it will be some time before life returns to normal.

First and foremost, my thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones to this invisible disease.

Thank you to everyone working on the frontline in NHS Lothian, and to all the council workers, Lothian bus drivers, pharmacists, refuse workers and other key workers who have been keeping us safe.

It is important that we protect the NHS and its workforce by all following the official government

advice, which is constantly being updated.

Amid the outbreak, I have been working hard on behalf of local businesses in Edinburgh South to ensure they survive, and demanding greater support for workers in the city, particularly the self-employed.

The correspondence coming into my office is unprecedented in volume, and my team are working from home.

For the first time since I was elected back in 2010, I must prioritise what is most important, focusing mainly on coronavirus issues affecting constituents.

Thank you for your understanding at this time and please stay safe.

Standing together

by Ben Macpherson MSP The coronavirus has posed a test to every community across the world and there is no doubt that Scotland will be a very different place for the foreseeable future.

However, I have seen rays of hope that continue to remind me of how proud I am to serve as the MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith. I have seen members of the community in West Pilton coming together to provide services for vulnerable groups. In Leith, I have

seen sing-alongs of “Sunshine on Leith” to lift spirits of those self-isolating. Businesses and organisations have been in touch with my office, offering their services in this time of crisis. All of this gives me hope that as a community we will pull together, stronger than ever before. If you want to offer your services to help others, Volunteer Edinburgh would be very grateful to hear from you on 0131 225 0630 or on via www. volunteeredinburgh.org.uk

Securing income in a crisis

by Tommy Sheppard MP Like everyone else I and my staff are doing our best. Our offices are closed but we are all working from home and trying to deal with increased concerns from anxious people.

We will get through this. The UK and Scottish governments have already committed major funds to individuals and businesses affected by the emergency. And more will follow.

What is already clear to me is that there is much we can learn from dealing with this crisis.

And things will need to change afterwards.

Ten years of austerity has pummelled the health service and left it in a weakened position

to cope. The heroic women and men of the NHS will deliver for us – but they must never be so compromised again. That means in the UK, and in Scotland too, we need to revisit the share of wealth that stays in private rather than public hands.

Poverty and inequality are the things that most weaken our resilience as a society.

Intellectually the Tory government has now accepted the need for everyone to have an income during this crisis even if they cannot work because of it. When the crisis ends we need a new system of work and reward which ensures every citizen has a basic income whether employed, self-employed, volunteering or unable to work.

Do help out

by Gordon Macdonald MSP We are in unprecedented times and all of us have a role to play in meeting this challenge.

The help being offered by individuals and organisations in Edinburgh is quite spectacular and I would like to thank everyone for all that they are doing. There are many local community support groups popping up in my own constituency of Edinburgh Pentlands and right across Scotland, and it is inspiring to see everyone pulling together in such a way. If you are on social media, you can search on Facebook and find your local community support group.

There are also many businesses and employers who have taken the correct decision to shut down for the time being, for the protection of their staff and the public.mTo them, I say “thank you”.

To those who have not, the advice from the First Minister and Scottish Government has been clear, employers should only be open if they are essential to the fight against coronavirus—for example, by making medical supplies or manufacturing essential items—or to the wellbeing of the nation, such as food supplies. If your businesses does not fall into these categories, the advice is to close. By choosing to remain open you put yourself, your staff, the public and our NHS at risk.

Understandably, this is an anxious time for everyone.

We are worried about parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours - and it’s now clear that things won’t return to normal for some time. We all have to take simple, sensible steps to limit the spread of this virus and make sure our NHS has the capacity to treat those who need support.

The only permissible reasons for people leaving their homes are to shop for necessities, to take part in one form of exercise a day, for medical/care needs, to provide help or support to a vulnerable person, or to travel to and from work but only if it is a necessity.

Lives really do depend on us all sticking to this guidance.

Call 0131 443 0595 or email Gordon.MacDonald.MSP@ parliament.scot if you need help.

@EdinReporter

Politics suspended in a pandemic

by Sarah Boyack MSP The last few weeks have been extraordinary as we witnessed coronavirus take hold. It has had a frightening impact as the global death toll surpasses 19,000, but the effects have been felt in all aspects of our lives.

All of us have had to adapt in the way we communicate: social distancing, utilising technology and social media in new and unusual ways, and hopefully demonstrating a better side to ourselves as we reach out and help those who need us most.

Scottish Parliamentarians, too, must find new ways to work with each other and support our constituents as we attempt to answer their questions and hold The Scottish Government to account, and I've been sharing advice and updates from the Government as it seeks to steer the Scottish people through this pandemic. It is not a time for petty point-scoring. For me the key issues are supporting our NHS staff and ensuring that everything we do helps people and businesses to survive in these challenging times. We need to support each other through the coming weeks and months.

Keep in touch with friends and neighbours and support local initiatives so that we build a long-lasting, better society when we finally emerge at the other side of this pandemic.

/EdinReporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

POLITICS

Clear advice Keep calm and Love your Tune in, tune - stay home drink some neighbour and up and stay and save lives tea yourselves home

by Joanna Cherry QC MP We now have clear instructions: stay at home to save lives.

It is absolutely crucial that we all follow these instructions – lives really do depend on it.

The Scottish Government has set out the very limited circumstances in which we may leave our homes for at least the next few weeks.

These limitations are: attending to medical or care needs. travelling for essential work. shopping for basic necessities. taking exercise once a day.

Despite this, I have been so impressed to see how quickly local communities in my constituency have rallied around older and vulnerable people.

I have been working with Community Councils, local councillors and volunteer groups to organise practical support for people in need.

Although my constituency office is currently closed to the public, please be assured that I am still available to help you.

Contact me by telephone on 0131 600 0155 or email me with any concerns you may have at joanna.cherry.mp@parliament.uk Please feel free to make a telephone surgery appointment and I will do my best to help you in that way.

Miles Briggs MSP 0131 348 5946 Miles.Briggs.msp@parliament.scot Milesbriggsedinburgh MilesBriggsMSP www.milesbriggs.scot M2.15, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP

edinburghreporter

by Deidre Brock MP I’m taking a couple of minutes to have a wee cup of tea and a time out from the chaos that is my email inbox at the moment.

I’ve got dozens of constituents stranded in various places around the world and more stuck on cruise ships and I’m getting emails from them and from family and friends. I assume all MPs are getting the same.

We’re getting hundreds of emails about support for businesses and individuals during the coronavirus pandemic and we’re getting hundreds more about people having difficulty with the movement restrictions. There are people being told by their employers that they have to turn up (even in non-essential jobs) and there are people worried about getting their medicines and access to their doctors. I’ve answered thousands of queries about coronavirus, too, on top of the normal work my office has.

One thing that keeps me going is the collective spirit of the people finding a way through this.

I know we’ll survive this together and come out at the other end to start rebuilding our communities.

I can think of no better people to be stuck in a pandemic with and I’m looking forward to the day when we can all meet again to celebrate.

Chin up friends, we’ll get there.

by Jeremy Balfour MSP During this pandemic, as people begin to work from home, shops shut and schools close, it is easy to become inward looking, worrying only for our own wellbeing. We need only look at the empty shelves in supermarkets to see that, in this time of crisis, polite British culture has quickly turned into an every-man-forhimself mentality.Now more than ever, it is incredibly important we are taking practical steps to care for those in our social circles and community. Here are three ways to be a good neighbour during the spread of COVID-19.

Do not stockpile. What this is doing is preventing those that really need these items from getting them. When you are next at the supermarket, think of others.

Secondly, follow government guidance on handwashing and staying at home. You may not be in the high-risk category, but you would probably be surprised at how many of the people that you come across in your day-to-day life are.

Be courteous and play your part in preventing the spread of the virus. Lastly, pick up your phone and regularly check in on friends, family and neighbours. Offer to do their shopping and leave it on their doorstep – you might be their only way of getting food.These are worrying times but as individuals we can take steps to make it easier for everyone.

9

by Daniel Johnson MSP These are extremely challenging times. Many will find themselves fearful and anxious.

What is paramount is that the expert advice is heeded.

Employ social distancing and stay at home. For most people unlucky enough to get infected by COVID-19 it will be a mild illness, however we should not downplay the risk.What makes it dangerous is its contagiousness. It is far more contagious than flu and it is this risk of passing on that infection that makes the stay at home rules so important.

We all have a responsibility to follow the medical guidance.

These next months are going to be difficult. These measures will cause great strain, especially on mental health but these measures are necessary. We will eventually get through this outbreak through the combination of kindness for those most vulnerable and calm resolve we are known for in this city.

I have just subscribed to Disney + and the girls are looking forard to Mary Poppins and Star Wars for me! I have also got all the Bond movies on DVD - very reassuring at a time of national emergency to know that James Bond is certain to save the world. Finally, Fender Play - an app that teaches you to play guitar has been made free for the next three months - use the lockdown to learn an instrument!

The Edinburgh Reporter

10 POLITICS

Robertson can be Central to Edinburgh Angus Robertson is seeking the SNP nomination so that he can become the SNP candidate in Edinburgh Central for the Scottish Parliament elections in May 2021.

The formal process for choosing the party's candidate is due to begin in mid-April. Whether or not that process will proceed according to the anticipated timescale is a matter for debate, but The Edinburgh Reporter interviewed him before the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

On the basis that something will have to happen about electing new members of The Scottish Parliament which is supposed to take place every five years, there will probably have to be an election of sorts by May 2021.

Both he and Joanna Cherry, QC, MP, have announced that they will seek the party's nomination for the same seat. Cherry is at present the MP for Edinburgh South West which was formerly a Labour stronghold under former Chancellor Alistair Darling.

It is now three years since Robertson held elected office as MP for Moray. He rose to become Deputy Leader of the SNP at Westminster, holding parliamentary office between 2001 and 2017 until he lost the Moray seat to Tory, Douglas Ross.

Meantime he established a think tank on independence called Progress Scotland and is now writing a book about Austria.

He spent some years living and working in Vienna for the BBC World Service as a journalist and writing seems a natural path for him.

I began with the easy question of whether his hopes for election to Holyrood might just be a shot at becoming party leader in succession to Nicola Sturgeon?

He immediately refuted the suggestion. He is a veteran politician with many an election campaign fought and won behind him, so it was not unexpected that he is also mindful of the way the process works. He ran for election at Holyrood unsuccessfully once before in 1999, long before being unseated in 2017.He said: "My ambition is to become the SNP nominee, and to then run and then hopefully to win because,

well, there's two things about this.

First - one should never take for granted the notion that one would ever be elected in the first place, you actually have to ask the voters whether they would wish you to be their representative. And secondly, there's a wider point in this. I have never been elected to Holyrood before. And there are very talented people in the Scottish Parliament in the SNP and in other parties too."

Robertson explained that when

that he would be a 'full-time' MSP, clearly a reference to the accusations against current MSP, Ruth Davidson, that she has not paid enough attention to her city centre constituents.

Davidson won the seat last time with a margin of 610 votes for the Conservative Party, succeeding SNP's Marco Biagi and Labour's Sarah Boyack before that.

He explained his plans for being an MSP: "The first thing I want to do is be a good MSP for people

commitment to constituents in Edinburgh Central, whether they're SNP voters of not. An MSP should be there to work for everybody whether they vote for your party, another party, or don't vote at all.

And I would want to make that my absolute number one priority to be a good constituency MSP. " The constituency straddles the whole of the city centre, unlike the Westminster constituencies which all have a piece of the city centre within them, rather like the

Angus Robertson aiming for a new political career PHOTO Š2020 The Edinburgh Reporter he first joined the SNP the party was in fourth place at Westminster and that the position of the party today is a world apart from where they were three decades ago.

In 2001 he got the chance to stand in Moray where he had family connections. But he really knows Edinburgh having been brought up in Stockbridge, attending both school and university in the capital. He explained: "Not only do I have a personal connection in that I do come from Edinburgh Central, but I think that what the SNP is trying to do, is the best prospectus for people living here. And I think that's the best combination that one one can have."

He makes much of the fact

living in Edinburgh Central. And I think unfortunately, that is not an experience that people here have had for a number of years.

"That's because the current incumbent I don't think ever expected to be elected as the MSP for Edinburgh Central, and has been pretty absent. She has been absent from community issues and organisations that matter to people, has not been holding open public surgeries. She may have been doing them in private, but I think in this day and age, we still need to find ways in which the public can literally walk into their local library, meet their public representative and ask for their help.

"I want to reinstate that level of

spokes on a bicycle wheel. We had discussed this at the beginning of the interview.

Robertson said: "There are other wider issues for Edinburgh Central and for Edinburgh as a capital city, which I think need a strong voice.

"Edinburgh Central is only represented as a contiguous constituency in The Scottish Parliament.

"It isn't at Westminster, and I think there's a need to try and grasp the nettle of a number of issues that are facing Edinburgh Central but Edinburgh more widely, which I think matter to people.

"There are very publicly discussed and debated issues about the kind of city that we

are, the kind of city that we are becoming. I think there are some very strategic developments which are going ahead which I welcome.

"For example, in relation to the transportation changes that need to happen in the city as we deal with the climate crisis that we're in, and also in relation to the economy of the city.

"We're facing a very big challenge because of Brexit, which of course Edinburgh voted overwhelmingly against, but we are currently represented by somebody whose party is in favour of that. That's another reason why we need somebody new in Edinburgh Central who will actually speak up for the views of people who live here."

Principally, Angus Robertson is all about independence for Scotland as you would expect.

"If Scotland becomes independent, which I believe it will, and Edinburgh is its capital as it is, then Edinburgh Central and Edinburgh itself will be the capital city of a sovereign state.

"And what that will mean for Edinburgh to my thinking will be hugely beneficial. It will bring jobs, it will bring people from other countries. We will actually have a full diplomatic presence in the city. It will improve our transport connections, it will be transformational, I think, for Edinburgh. And I don't think that that's something that we've had much discussion of in Edinburgh, and I would like to be a part of that."

I reminded Mr Robertson that one of the headers that the independence question fell down on last time round was the economic one. As you may have anticipated, he has an answer for that.He said: "If one looks at how our neighbouring countries have dealt with the challenges that we faced in the 2008 financial crisis, smaller countries like Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Ireland, I think we need to acknowledge that every single one of these other countries is more economically successful than Scotland is as a part of the UK. "One of the upsides of being in a smaller country is the accessibility, the understanding of who the decision makers are, influencing the decision making process."

@EdinReporter

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edinburghreporter

POLITICS 11

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Musings of a millennial dad

by Cllr Nick Cook Recently a clutch of announcements from MSPs have shared a similar theme – being a politician is difficult to juggle with a young or growing family.

It is proving a key driver in MSPs opting not to seek re-election in 2021.

Edinburgh Central’s Ruth Davidson (disclaimer: my boss), Clydesdale’s Aileen Campbell and Caithness, Sutherland and Ross’s Gail Ross have all spoken of the toll their Holyrood political careers have taken on family life.

In standing down, each are opting to make a different choice.

They are placing family first – entirely the right choice, in my opinion.

Holyrood has no formal maternity or paternity policy for elected members – almost suggesting it was once considered improper for politicians to procreate.

Renewed calls for Holyrood proxy voting and technological solutions continue to be swiftly rebuffed with flimsy statements around issues of practicality.

You can almost hear Edinburgh’s

big financial services companies laugh out loud, given how they actively encourage employees junior and senior alike - to work from home and video call into meetings throughout the day.

Why I am I writing about this issue, you ask?

After all, I am a councillor rather than a parliamentarian, and a male one to boot.

Because as a father to a young daughter and a local politician, I feel strongly that the issue isn’t a gendered one, or applicable only to one level of government.

It affects both mothers and fathers, particularly millennial dads, upon who there are modern societal expectations, something that simply wasn’t the case for our fathers, or their fathers before.

In my experience, parenting alongside that of the dozens of new Edinburgh dads that now make up my primary social circle - is a 50/50 endeavour in almost every household.

The growing popularity of local charities like ‘Dads Rock’ bears this out.

However, often dad is still expected to continue to work full

time and provide with their salary, where mums often make careful considerations about how many hours they can afford to cut from their own jobs, at least during the earliest years of parenthood.

As is the case for MSPs, there is no formal provision for councillors around maternity, paternity or adoption leave. A situation both myself and Edinburgh Council leader, Adam McVey have had to grapple with in the last two years.

It will prove an unpopular statement amongst those serving in Holyrood, but it is widely accepted by many that the evening and weekend engagements of a local councillor can often far outstrip those of a middling regional list MSP. Whilst it is true that, returning home to your own home at 10pm is better than an evening in an Edinburgh hotel miles from your family, serving on a local authority attracts a fraction of the remuneration of a member of parliament. Childcare fees are expensive.

Families come in many shapes and sizes. For example, while someone may work close to home, they might not have relatives

Does Covid-19 mean dilution of local democracy?

by Cllr Gavin Barrie Readers may be unaware that The City of Edinburgh Council has instigated special decisionmaking powers to assist in getting business done during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently all Committee business has been suspended and, in its place, a select group of elected members known as the Leadership Advisory Panel has been constituted. This is in line with current terms of reference for Committees. The panel consists of the Council Leader (SNP) Deputy Leader (Labour) and a representative from the Greens, LibDems and Conservatives.

Gone is the previous accepted normality of each Party being given seats on a committee in relation to the numbers of elected members they have, or in the case of the 63 elected members of Council, every individual member being able to debate and vote on agenda items. This panel of five elected members, will in fact be acting and taking decisions instead of Full Council, or any committee of the Council.

The first meeting of the Panel will see in excess of 20 items on the agenda including some that may be classified as ‘B Agenda Items,’ not available for public viewing for various reasons such as containing personal or financially sensitive information.

In addition to this, elected members have accepted that in

the fast-moving world of a global pandemic the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Council Leader and his Deputy, can make urgent decisions relating to Council issues and COVID-19.

Hence various decisions being made like closing schools, suspending parking charges, sending staff to work from home and many more, and all of these done without discussion by a committee of elected members as would be the norm.

All fair enough you might say; special measures for special circumstances?

From my point of view, perhaps but not quite. For many months now the Independent Councillors, who for various reasons are no longer members of main stream political groups, have been trying to get their voices and views, and those of the residents they represent, heard at a committee level in the Council. This had met with resistance form the SNP Labour Administration and the Green Party. So great is this resistance that they voted, unprecedently, to completely ignore a report by the Council Chief Executive that, acknowledging Electoral Commission advice on what constitutes a Party, and using the same formula that awards them seats on committees, to deny Independent Members seats on committees.

Why does this matter even more

now?

As described above, the Leadership Advisory Panel only consists of members of the main-steam political parties, and this Panel may be in place for many months ahead. They will be acting on behalf of Council where all elected members have rights. That means that whilst Independent Members can put a formal motion to the Panel for consideration, they can take no part in any discussion, question officers, or vote on any matter up for decision. This is a failure of democracy that can easily be remedied. An early decision of the Leadership Panel could be to include a member to speak on behalf of the Independent Members. I am already aware that this would be supported by the LibDem and the Conservatives Groups.

I’ll leave it the reader to surmise why the SNP, Labour and Greens Groups would deny full democratic representation at this time of crisis.

The Independent Councillors want to do what they can to assist in the running of the city at this extraordinary time.

Personally, I believe it is time petty Party Politics aside for the good of the city and its citizens.

Cllr Gavin Barrie acts as Secretariat to the Edinburgh Party of Independent Councillors (EPIC)

Photo of Nick Cook by Thomas Brown nearby to help with childcare.

Similarly, someone required to travel four hours into work might have both sets of grandparents on hand to help out.

This reflects the diversity of modern family and that of our society. It is only a strength.

At all levels, our political institutions - assuming they do wish to continue to make strides to better resemble the public they seek to represent – must urgently make it into the 21st century and better harness readily available technology to ensure politicians can exercise their democratic functions.

This must include those instances where family commitments inevitably throw a spanner or two into the works.

Failing to catch up and become more flexible will only result in an over-abundance of ‘central-belt singles’ making the decisions that affect the length and breadth of a country our political chambers fail to properly resemble.

Nick Cook is the Conservative Councillor for Morningside Nick and his wife have an 18-month old daughter

Lockdown inspirations

by Ash Denham MSP At the time of writing the country is one day into an effective lockdown as the Scottish and UK governments work together to do what can be done to slow the spread of the coronavirus across the country.

At this time of unprecedented challenge, I take so much heart from the inspirational actions taken by the local community to look out for one another.

Community organisations such as the Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre and the Venchie Children & Young People's Project are delivering meals to families in need across the constituency.

At the same time volunteers at local foodbanks are working harder than ever to support those who are struggling financially but need to feed themselves and their families.

I made a donation of needed supplies this week to the Trussell Trust, who are low on items such as UHT milk, diluting juice, tinned meats and biscuits.

If you are able to donate in some way to their cause you can do so by visiting www.trusselltrust.org/ get-involved/ways-to-give/ Last week a £350m fund was

announced by The Scottish Government to help communities in need.

Important helplines for elderly people and businesses affected by coronavirus have also been supported with vital government funding.

Age Scotland have expanded their helpline service and are available on 0800 12 44 222, while Scottish businesses can contact 0300 303 0660.

Information on the coronavirus can be found on their website noted below where the most up to date medical will be found.

Constituents who would like my support or advice can contact me at ash.denham.msp@parliament. scot or by calling 0131 659 4707.

My office in Craigmillar is closed at this time but other than that it is business as usual for my staff and I as we work from home to support constituents through a number of issues, coronavirus-related or otherwise.

Please continue to look after yourself and those around you by complying with the Scottish Government's medical advice to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential. www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

For editorial and advertising enquiries please email editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

The Edinburgh Reporter

12 BUSINESS

Vert offers free compressor hire An Edinburgh company is offering to loan its own leadingedge compressors to any businesses in Scotland who are struggling in the downturn due to coronavirus.

Vert Rotors was inspired by a gin maker which switched to producing hand sanitiser. It could offer the free loan of a compressor to any small bottling plants, gin distillers or any other companies who switch to making hand gel for vulnerable groups or are helping the effort in other ways.

The company's quiet A100 compressor is powered by its own Conical Rotary technology which offers 100lpm flow and 10 bar pressure. The compact unit fits neatly under a worktop or bench, so it can be sited close to the point of use.

The low levels of vibration ensure minimal impact on surrounding equipment and people.

Vert’s chief executive, Dr Phil Harris, said: “Whilst our expertise isn’t in virology, we may be able to offer some small and medium

sized Scottish businesses a bit of help to get through the next few months whilst cash-flow is under immense pressure. For manufacturing companies that have a reduced staff presence but need air for one or two production machines – we have a small stock of compressors we can offer for short term use free of charge so that pressuring a whole factory airline is not required. Every penny helps when cashflow is s under pressure.

“We can also offer a short-term free loan of our compressors

for anyone who cannot get into their place of work but are able to continue producing their goods at home with a source of compressed air.

“Our stock of compressors might be able to assist small bottling plants, gin distillers or any other companies which switch to making hand gel for vulnerable groups or are helping the effort in other ways.

“We don’t have huge resources to pull on, so unfortunately can only offer these to Scottish companies. And it will be first come first served, but please get in touch.” www.vertrotors.com

Vert chief executive Phil Harris

Harris Gin shows spirit by handing over sanitiser ingredients

The Isle of Harris Distillery, or the Social Distillery as it is often referred to, has provided high-strength alcohol from the spirit-making process to a number of local businesses to act as a key ingredient in the production of hand sanitiser. Those benefitting from the donation of the raw spirit for this vital product include Amanda Saurin of A.S. Apothecary, who lives in the village of Northton in South Harris and Essence of Harris in Tarbert.

Drawing on her apothecary roots, Amanda has produced 25ml bottles of hand sanitiser spray with essential oils including rosemary and mint, with microbial properties added. Lavender oil is also included to help calm stressful minds. Both A.S. Apothecary and Essence of Harris’

sanitisers are being distributed for free to local care homes, vulnerable people, community shops, NHS workers and other vital services in Harris.

Although the sanitisers are intended for local community use, a version of the A.S. Apothecary sanitiser is available to buy online at £5.25 from www.asapoth. com with proceeds used to cover manufacturing costs.

Amanda Saurin, Founder of A.S. Apothecary said: "As a maker of skincare products, we have years of experience of making gentle, effective preparations. We approached the hand sanitiser in the same way thinking about which plants would enhance its action and do the minimal damage to the skin. The alcohol

from the Isle of Harris Distillery is particularly good because it is excellent quality which really helps. We are using the alcohol at 70% ABV which our microbiologist suggests to be the optimal level.”

Simon Erlanger, Managing Director of Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd, added: “The Harris Distillery team is very pleased to support these two important local initiatives which require a high-strength alcohol as a key ingredient. It is vital we all keep working together to protect our community at this critical time, and we hope this donation of our spirit will play a small part in keeping our key workers and wider island family safe while we face the challenges which lie ahead." www.harrisdistillery.com

Letter to the Editor: Royal Bank of Scotland Covid-19 support Dear Madam, Scotland is experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its history. As a bank where many of our colleagues are neighbours, friends and even family to your readers and our customers, we want to make sure that we are doing all we can to help our communities and make banking as straightforward and as supportive as possible during these difficult times.

We are monitoring the impact of coronavirus across Edinburgh to ensure we can support everyone appropriately through this period of disruption. Whether young or old, a personal or a business customer, we are working with local authorities, governments, regulators and other banks to ensure we are doing everything that we can to support our communities and the local economy.

To help the public cope with these challenges, Royal Bank of Scotland customers over 70 and those in isolation can now access a new dedicated support line. This has been set up so we can help

those most in need and is open from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week. Those who need it can call us on 0800 051 4177.

The current situation has made everyone fully appreciate the impact and pressure our NHS staff are experiencing. To help them help the most vulnerable in our society at this time, we have introduced an emergency customer care line for NHS and critical workers to help with emergency banking support such as lending assistance and lost and stolen cards. This line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be contacted on 0800 0466734.

We understand the challenges and the circumstances those affected by coronavirus might face and we want to be there to make sure they don’t fall into financial difficulty as a result. As such we want any customers who are affected to get in contact to allow us to understand their individual situation and to see what we can do to help them.

We want to help. Every single one of us is here to support you.

We’re doing everything we can to keep our services running for customers. Our branch network

remains open but following relevant public health guidance, we have reviewed our opening hours and we’re prioritising core opening hours from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm.

Our colleagues in branches are working incredibly hard in difficult circumstances and we’re encouraging customers not to visit their branch unless it's critical and if they do, to practice safe social distancing.

This same guidance has forced us to make the difficult decision to pause our mobile fleet with immediate effect. But customers can continue to access their banking services through our other channels including digital, mobile, ATMs, video banker, telephony and Post Office – and we are proactively keeping customers aware of any changes that affect their local service through our website.

Local businesses lie at the heart of our community and many readers face the responsibility of looking after their company as well as their colleagues. To assist we have set aside a support fund of a £500 million of working capital support. We’re able to offer emergency fee-free loans

RBS Chair Scotland Board Malcolm Buchanan and overdrafts to relieve some of the pressure and through our consultants and relationship managers help offer advice and facilitate the support channels being offered by the Government and the Bank of England.

This is a fast-changing situation and could potentially change quickly. Our colleagues across the bank are working together throughout this challenging period to offer the public a service which makes banking as straightforward as possible during a difficult period.

I want to reassure you that the bank is doing all it can to help

customers, your readers and communities across Scotland.

We will constantly review all the actions we are taking to make sure they are having the right impact.

We will also look for new ways of supporting our customers and will continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments and local authorities, to find solutions to the problems we are all facing and to plan for a positive and proactive future.

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland

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BUSINESS 13

LOVE Care - begin recruitment campaign to find professional carers during Covid-19 crisis

Leading Scottish care provider LOVE Care, part of the LOVE Group, has launched a campaign to boost recruitment into the care sector amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

Although the Government’s announcement to help workers and businesses fight through this

crisis has been welcomed by most, LOVE Care forecasts that many individuals will still struggle to pay their bills or, especially in the case of those self-employed, might not eligible for the grants.

However, in the midst of what could lead to an economic recession, the coronavirus

pandemic has also led to a surge in jobs from a variety of sectors, including social care.

LOVE Care has said it is looking to attract those that are self-employed or that might have been laid off in order to fill the high demand of care services that this health crisis has caused, in

GTS Solutions reinforces board with two appointments GTS Solutions CIC, one of Scotland's most successful social enterprises, has strengthened its management team with a brace of senior appointments.

Roger Horam, a director with the European Development Innovation Network, has joined the Edinburgh-based company as a non-executive director with a focus on funding applications and tenders. He also has extensive experience as a project manager, from small start-ups to multimillion-pound operations.

Also joining as a non-executive director is Brian Cameron, formerly head of business development and marketing at Grant Thornton.

GTS Solutions CEO, Chris Thewlis, said: "I am delighted to have Roger and Brian on board.

They bring a wealth of experience from different fields which I am confident will help GTS as we continue the company's growth plan.

"Our focus is on the creation of a fully integrated security service so that we can become the one-stop provider.

"As technology advances, it

is more important than ever to create a joined up reactive and coherent safety and security service which also delivers a triple bottom line and strong insight from our analytics SaaS products, which assist with productivity and customer experience.

"These appointments will help us achieve that target."

Brian, who was a regional director and UK board member at global talent solutions group Hudson prior to joining Grant Thornton, said: “The ethos and social aims and objectives of GTS align very well with my own principles. I look forward to supporting Chris and the board in what promises to be a very exciting time for the company.

"I have been very impressed at the innovation and strategic direction of the business. As a Community Interest Company, there can be a misperception that organisations within the social enterprise sector are not able to compete with more established private sector companies.

"As private organisations continue to come under pressure to utilise more ethical supply

No need for lawyers...

There is a new policy in place in our criminal courts which allows an advocate to appear without an instructing solicitor by his or her

side.

This has already been the practice in civil courts, but has been temporarily extended to

chains, there is definitely an opportunity for GTS to fill this demand."

Roger Horam said: "I’m delighted to be joining the board of GTS Solutions CIC. Having worked with and supported the organisation for a number of years, I love the CIC model of GTS Solutions and the social economic development approaches that Chris searches out and promotes.

"After 20 years in the hospitality and catering sector and another 20 years in economic development, I bring a strong background of project management and experience and a practical approach to turning ideas into reality.

"I look forward to using my fundraising and investment experience to further develop both GTS and the sector through diligence, insight and my own networks to ensure projects not only receive funding, but that they are structured correctly from the outset to deliver the desired outcomes for the stakeholders, funding entities and commercial participants." www.gtssolutionscic.com criminal cases.

Dean of Faculty, Gordon Jackson QC, stated in a Dean's Ruling: "Until further notice, counsel may appear without an instructing agent, if the circumstances require, for all criminal work other

a sector that already has clear recruiting problems per se.

Based in Hamilton but active across Scotland, LOVE Care offers a wide range of professional care services, tailored to individual service user needs and undertaken by highly trained carers.

Its campaign seeks to highlight the various roles and opportunities available in the sector with a specific focus on attracting those from a non-care background who might be looking for a temporary solution or a change of career during the current health crisis we are living through.

LOVE Care will put those who successfully pass the selection process through intensive training for two weeks and will facilitate PVGs so they can begin to work as soon as possible. The care provider does also pay all its employees above the real living wage and offers qualified training and promotion opportunities.

Lynn Bell, CEO of the LOVE Group, said: “This recruitment campaign comes against one of the greatest public health challenges in recent history which

has led to a higher demand than normal for care workers.

“During normal circumstances we already operate in a sector where there are clear recruiting problems, and this crisis will make the disparity between the demand for services and the number of care providers even bigger.

“We are calling for all of those who this outbreak might affect their jobs and sources of income to consider the care sector as an opportunity, even if it is just as a temporary solution until we go back to normality.

“The career pathway we provide through intensive training will support individuals to be ready to work in a matter of weeks.

Later on, those who wish to remain in the care sector will also be supported to gain the qualifications to move through the ranks of the industry and help them establish this as a career of their choice.”

Those interested in applying for these roles should contact – recruitment@l-o-v-e.org.uk www.l-o-v-e.org.uk

Call for minimum price on cigarettes Researchers at the University of Edinburgh say that introducing minimum pricing for tobacco products would improve the health of people living in economically disadvantaged areas.

They want The Scottish Government to increase the price of the cheapest cigarettes to help reduce smoking related disease.

The average purchase price was 50p less for a pack of 20 and 34p less for loose tobacco in areas with the lowest average household income than in other more affluent areas. Researchers say that the likelihood of smoking is related to cost, so increasing cost could be key to some people stopping smoking.

A team of researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and East Anglia investigated how tobacco price varied in Scottish convenience stores.

They compared retail price with

No fly zone National Museums Scotland had a sad announcement: “We are sorry to announce that Scotland’s National Airshow, which was due than trials.

This includes preliminary hearings, appeals and bail appeals.

"Plainly if there is an available instructing agent then the usual way of proceeding – with the

neighbourhood income deprivation and whether the shop was in a rural or urban setting.

Researchers analysed more than 120,000 purchases in some 270 stores during one week in April 2018.

The study was funded by NHS Health Scotland and is published in the journal, Tobacco Control.

Professor Niamh Shortt, of the Centre for Research on Society, Environment and Health at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Cheap tobacco products are clearly very important in maintaining high levels of smoking particularly in the most deprived areas, which in turn entrench health inequalities.

This study should add to policy discussions around tobacco retail interventions including the potential of a Minimum Unit Price on tobacco products.” to take place on Saturday 25 July at the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian, has been cancelled.

"Currently all of our museums are closed until further notice." agent in attendance – should be adhered to. But if not then counsel may appear without an instructing agent."

He added that the ruling was passed with the blessing of the Lord President.

Future Edinburgh Choices for City Plan 2030 || City Mobility Plan

Give us your views on how our city develops

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/FutureEdinburgh

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Film Studio for Leith Screen Scotland have announced that First Stage Studios have been appointed to run the new film studio in the Port of Leith.

The large industrial building has already hosted major productions with parts of Marvel’s Avengers:Infinity War created there.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said: “This announcement represents a great step forward in Scotland’s ambition to drive growth across all aspects of the film and TV sector.

“Having a studio of this scale will provide a home in Scotland for film and high-end TV productions, generate significant revenue for Scotland’s wider economy and support sustainable careers across the film and TV industry from writers, producers and directors to those working in craft and technical areas.”

Screen Scotland’s Executive

Director, Isabel Davis, said: “The studio is key in expanding film and TV production in Scotland.

We’re delighted to be working with First Stage Studios to bring it to life. Bob and Jason bring a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge that is invaluable to the development of the studio.

“Scotland is internationally renowned for its world-class talent, crews, facilities and breath-taking locations. This facility means we can raise the visibility of Scotland on screen, anchor more film and high-end television productions in Scotland and capitalise on the global boom in the industry.”

Bob Last of First Stage Studios added: "We look forward to building on the strong interest already expressed by international and UK customers. We are grateful to Screen Scotland for their commitment to an ambitious film and television sector and look forward to contributing to its development."

edinburghreporter

Jason Connery of First Stage Studios said: “There is no question Scotland needs a film studio, I could not be more excited to be involved in bringing it to fruition.”

Welcoming the announcement Leith MP Deidre Brock said: “This is great news for Leith and for Edinburgh. I’ve spoken to Bob Last and Jason Connery about their plans and I’m delighted with some of the ideas they’ve got.

“I like the way that they’re talking about opening up opportunities for local young folk to get a foot in the door and I like the way they’re talking about Edinburgh being ready-made for the industry and the chance to hire local crew quickly.

“We have two recognised names in the film industry which will help to bring production here and get the ball rolling. With the support of the Scottish Government and Edinburgh City Council we should see things start to happen.”

The Bath Road site will include five sound stages and 27,000 sq ft of flexible production office space.

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15

Declaration of Arbroath 1320 It is the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath a letter which was signed in 1320.

The declaration was written in Latin and sealed by eight earls and at least 40 barons. It was sent to Pope John XXII seeking to confirm Scotland’s status as and independent nation.

The Pope listened to the arguments and encouraged Edward II to make peace with the Scots. Eight years after the Declaration on 1 March 1328 the new English King signed a peace treaty between Scotland and England.

This passage from it is widely quoted

“... for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.”

It is thought to be the document on which the American Constitution is based and it is read out ahead of the New York City Tartan Day Parade each year which takes place around Tartan Day. This day was decreed by a US Presidential Decree to be observed each year, as it already was in Canada.

This year's Tartan Day Parade was to be led by actor Brian Cox CBE but has of course been cancelled. The organising committee is adamant that there will be a marking of the day however.

President Kyle Dawson has called for everyone to hold a virtual Tartan Day. He said: "On 6 April we want you to flood our social media accounts withh videos and photos showing you in all your Scottish splendour.

Post to our Facebook page and tag uus @nyctartanweek on Instagram and Twitter.

"Gather your pipes and play your wee hearts out, record us a Celtic tune or recite your best Burns quote! Covid-19 You may take our parade this year, but you'll NEVER TAKE OUR PRIDE!"

Edinburgh Leisure #ThereWithYou It has been challenging days for Edinburgh Leisure who have closed all facilities, including golf courses.

Edinburgh Leisure CEO, June Peebles, said: “It certainly is strange and unsettling times for everyone just now, no matter what industry you work in.

“Following our news regarding the full closure of Edinburgh Leisure venues and with the Government’s announcement which introduced stricter measures, we have now also included the closure of our golf courses and our tennis courts.

"We’d like to say a big thank you to our loyal customers. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support on social media and in direct emails to me, all voicing their commitment and pledging for us to get through this together.

“So many really value the

important services that Edinburgh Leisure delivers – we value their support too and together we will get through this. Many people do not appreciate that Edinburgh Leisure is a charity. Every penny we receive from memberships, coaching, lets, events and funding is reinvested back into our venues and funds the services we provide – therefore shutting our venues and freezing customers’ memberships has huge consequences for us and also the health of Edinburgh.

“Many customers have expressed that they would like to continue to pay their monthly direct debit. We appreciate that not everyone will be in a position to do this but over 1,100 customers have signed up to continue paying.

"This support is greatly appreciated and will help us to ensure we are in the best

position possible to welcome our customers back when the situation improves.

"We want to continue keeping Edinburgh a healthy and active city, just like we have done for over 22 years.

“For now, our venues might be shut but you can still keep active and moving with Edinburgh Leisure, even when in ‘lockdown’.

"In partnership with our fitness class partner, Les Mills, we are providing free digital workouts for our customers to use at home.

"There are over 100 workout options, with eight categories to choose from. Head over to Edinburgh Leisure’s website to find out more.

"We’ll be updating it regularly and sharing lots of useful tips and advice. In the meantime, keep safe and keep active. " www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Art exhibition to proceed The Scottish Arts Club in Rutland Square are going to hold their members’ exhibition as normal except of course it will be a virtual exhibition.

The club is embracing technology and has invited all its

members who want to draw paint or make something to do so, take a high res photo of it and then send it in to the club.

They will then show all the art online and are even planning an online preview evening when they can chat with a glass of prosecco from their own homes.

The Edinburgh Reporter

16

New Town's old slavery shame

By Phyllis Stephen Walking to his office in Forth Street, Sir Geoffrey Palmer, often casts an eye over the two handsome Georgian properties which stand at number 12 and 24, both distinct from other buildings in the street and each sharing a notorious link to the past.

Born in Jamaica, Sir Geoffrey moved to London aged 15 to join his Windrush generation mother. A specialist in grain science, he rose to the top in brewing chemistry and was Scotland’s first black professor. The first European to receive the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award (the Nobel Prize of brewing) Sir Geoffrey was made Professor Emeritus at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Life Sciences on his retirement A well-respected human rights activist he is Honorary President of Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) which has its office on Forth Street and it's through his work in holding a light to the horrors of the slave trade that no 12 and 24 Forth Street hove in to view. Both addresses are mentioned in the records of the Slave Compensation Commission, published by University College London, which is effectively a census of slave ownership in the British Empire in the 1830s and which was set up to manage the distribution of a £20 million compensation to slave owners.

Sir Geoffrey said: "I looked at the compensation list from 1833/34, and I saw 24 Forth Street and 12 Forth Street on it. I know them very well because I pass them on my way to the ELREC office.

“I thought, these can't be on the compensation list. These are addresses which I know. I know the Gallery of Modern Art and Bathgate Academy was built by

slave owners, and I know about Dollar Academy, but what are slave owners doing on Forth Street?

"So I immediately went down to 24 and stood in front of it. And it was quite worrying, but also awe inspiring, because there was a house which somebody owned, who received money for their slaves, and where I pass quite frequently."

Number 24 is marked out from the rest of Forth Street with decorative Juliette balconies and neo-classical windows on the top floor. In 1821 an Archibald Crawfuird resided here and letters were posted to this address regarding the shipment of sugar and rum from the Three Mile River plantation in Jamaica to London, Hull and Glasgow.

At 12 Forth Street two large entrance doors sit side by side, which Sir Geoffrey believes may have provided the owners with a separate entrance from their servants. The UCL records list Adam Wilson, Depute Clerk of Session in Edinburgh, as being awarded compensation as the trustee and executor of the estate of William Wilson who had links to Tobago.

He added: "What I think is significant here, is that slavery made that big difference in terms of the construction of houses.

It was a statement of wealth. It was a statement of being part of a big business. It wasn't an embarrassment.

"This is the thing about slavery, when we talk about it today, a lot of people say to me - 'these are Scottish people, how could this happen?' They feel that Scots could not have been involved with something like that. And I think this is the fascination of people with it, but there's also a sense of a bit of

24 Forth Street has slave trade connections

embarrassment."

But Forth Street is far from unique and a stroll around many New Town streets will throw up similar shady links to the slave trade and Scotland’s strong connection, as Sir Geoffrey points out.

He said: “57 Albany Street is on the list. 24 Broughton Place is on that list. York Place, India Street are on the list and Rodney Street is one of the most significant streets in Edinburgh as it is named after Rodney, the British admiral sent to Jamaica in 1782 with the Royal Navy to defend Jamaica against the French.”

Not surprisingly the Port of Leith produced one of the largest (and wealthiest) slave owners in John Gladstone, father of Prime Minister William Gladstone, who held 2,508 slaves for which he received today’s equivalent of £83 million in compensation.

Scotland’s involvement in the slave trade is often downplayed, believes Sir Geoffrey, conveniently overlooking that at one point Scottish owners controlled 30% of Jamaican slave plantations.

Even today, Scotland’s tarnished links to slavery casts a shadow with historians, campaigners and Viscount Melville in dispute over the wording of a new plaque for the Melville Monument in St Andrew’s Square. Sir Geoffrey sits on a panel which is looking at the controversial matter of how best to acknowledge Henry Dundas’s (1st Viscount Melville) role in prolonging slavery by fighting for a “gradual” abolition, which delayed emancipation for 630,000 slaves.

A solution would be an ideal gift for Sir Geoffrey's 80th birthday this month, but the only breath he is holding is reserved for candles.

57 Albany Street

Human rights campaigner Sir Geoffrey Palmer

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17

Murky slavery past is in plain sight for anyone looking carefully A walk through Edinburgh's historic city centre is a joy regardless of season or weather.

Yet scrape below the surface of the majestic New Town and it's not difficult to find evidence that pre-Enlightment the Athens of the North benefited handsomely from the horrors of the slave trade.

By 1817, thirty two percent of Jamaican plantations were owned

by Scots.

When slavery was abolished in 1833 the British government paid 3,000 slaveholders £20 million in compensation, today’s equivalent of £2.4 billion.

The Slave Compensation Commission listed 320 addresses in Edinburgh belonging to 148 individuals.

Peter McClagan of Great

• • • •

King Street was paid £21,480 in respect of 407 slaves he held at a plantation in British Guiana, about £2.6 million in today’s terms.

William Alexander, Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1753, owned four ships which often returned from colonies with rum, muscovado sugar, rice and mahogany and Leith was a major port for receiving tobacco from American slave plantations.

James Gillespie’s School was founded with money left by the eponymous shop owner who made a fortune selling Virginian tobacco and snuff from his premises at 231 High Street.

The Countess of Stair was reported to have the first black servant in Edinburgh, a man named Oronoce, who lived in her home in 1740 at what is now the

•

•

•

12 Forth Street linked to slave trade in Tobago

India Street in the New Town

The Melville Monument in St Andrew's Square

Writers' Museum.

Bute House in Charlotte Square, the official residence of Scotland’s First Minister, was home to John Innes Crawford in the 1790s. Crawford inherited his father’s Jamaican estates including the Bellfield sugar plantation and several hundred enslaved people. Annual revenues from the estate was £3000 (£363,000).

A stone in St John’s Church in Lothian Road is believed to mark the only known Edinburgh grave of an enslaved person. Malvina Wells was born in Grenada in 1804 and spent most of her life working as a servant to the well-connected McCrae family at 33 Great King Street. Malvina died aged 82 at 14 Gloucester Place on 22 April 1887.

•

•

The Edinburgh Reporter

18

Lockdown listening Keeping the mind occupied and boredom at bay will be a challenge for all households as the lockdown bites.

The Edinburgh Reporter has picked out a few BBC podcasts which will help while away a few hours. All are available on BBC Sounds or on the BBC website.

The Coronavirus Newscast is a daily offering featuring well esablished BBC journalists Adam Fleming, Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg, Fergus Walsh and Chris Mason - the same group who brought us Brexitcast throughout last year with its every twist and turn of the Brexit drama.

A charge that has been levelled at some of the Covid-19 coverage in newspapers and online is that we should leave coverage of the coronavirus pandemic to health and science correspondents who can bring their expertise to bear on answer-shy politicians.

Coronavirus Newscast does feature political journalists but based on the success of Brexitcast it is worth a listen.

13 Minutes to the Moon is especially interesting. The programme is in two series on BBC News World Service and there is also a six episode podcast about the doomed Apollo 13 space mission. There is one episode featuring German composer Hans Zimmer explaining how he created the theme music. There is video content for you to enjoy too.

“Houston we’ve had a problem.”

The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel may be the end of the Thomas Cromwell series but it could be a good way of introducing yourself to her weighty tomes if you haven’t already ventured there. Anton Lesser reads the finale to her Booker-winning trilogy which includes Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies. Abridged

by Katrin Williams.

The all-time favourite for many has to be Desert Island Discs.

Here is the well-established pattern of suggesting to someone who is otherwise quite sane that you are going to cast them away to a desert island. With them they can only take music and a never ending supply of something they cannot live without. At the present time a desert island sounds like the perfect retreat from reality.

There are endless episodes here (well 2,251) dating from the days when Roy Plomley first hosted the programme in the 1940s. The

Grayson Perry portrait © Katie Hyams

Guardian has a spreadsheet with data listing every DID guest and what they chose as their luxury and the name of the book which accompanied them. The late Labour Party leader, the Rt Hon John Smith, chose an Anthology of Poems and a case of champagne.

His favourite track was Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro - Final Aria, which is well worth a delve into from time to time.

The Reith Lectures is a series which has run from 1948. Far from the high brow reputation of old, the series hopes to give some time and space to discussing topics in detail with ‘brilliant and entertaining’ people. They are a little bit longer than a TED talk followed by a Q & A. The four recommended lectures are those by artist Grayson Perry, (pictured left) author Hilary Mantel (yes her again!), former doctor and surgeon Atul Gawande and conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim.

Grayson Perry was the subject of an exhibition at the Dovecot last year during the Edinburgh Art Festival. His groundbreaking work was the focus of a solo exhibition: Julie Cope's Grand Tour: The Story of Life by Grayson Perry. It was the first solo exhibition in Scotland of the celebrated Turner Prize winner and self-titled 'unapologetic fetishist'.

Speaking of TED Talks, there is a daily podcast with every subject under the sun covered. You can task Alexa to find it for you. “Alexa, ask TED Talks for the latest talk.”

The Quaich Project Armchair culture for all tastes podcast now online The Edinburgh Reporter recently sat down with David Ellis, the Managing Director of The Ross Development Trust, and Cliff Hague Chair of the Cockburn Association.

The vexed question of what kind of development is appropriate for West Princes Street Gardens will have to wait until the city recovers from the many challenges of coronavirus.

But now that we have a captive audience, we are releasing our podcast on anchor.fm (see P2) about the proposals. The Quaich Project is a public private partnership between The Ross Development Trust, a charity, and The City of Edinburgh Council to design, fund and build improvements in West Princes Street Gardens. It surprised us that there were not daggers drawn over the need for the project. It is of course in the execution that opposing parties have different views. And the devil is in the detail.

Cliff Hague said: "The difficulties for us are really two or three concerns and they're all interrelated. One is the the scale of the new performance area arena. My understanding is that it will more or less double the capacity of the existing Ross Bandstand.

"Linked to that is the intervention

beneath Princes Street to create what's been called the Welcome Centre. So together, we think there's pretty major interventions, and they're intrinsically disruptive.

They're going to take quite a long time to construct when there will be a mess. They're high end items that will require a lot of money and a lot of risk. Our concern is that this then leads you into an overly commercialised solution, when what we think is that a pragmatic set of relatively small scale interventions could actually deliver an outcome that more or less everybody in the city would be supportive of."

David Ellis countered: "When this project started. When Norman Springford and I first sat down and looked at how we were going to go about this and what we were trying to provide as a replacement for the Ross Bandstand, there were only two large events a year - one was the Festival fireworks and one was Hogmanay. So when this project first started, these are the calendar of events that are causing all the controversy at the moment.

They weren't even in the gardens.

Now, the bandstand that we're providing is focused on being a space for small community, mainly unamplified performances. That's what it's always been about."

Listen on anchor.fm

OPERA New York's Met Opera is internationally recognised as one of the world's best performing arts centres.

It is temporarily closed but it is offering free streaming of its past performances featuring famous divas and tenors who have graced the Met stage.To view the schedule of performances, just head to their website. www. metopera.org The Opéra National de Paris also has some opera and ballet on video which can be watchd for free. www.operadeparis.fr COMEDY The Stand Edinburgh streamed some live comedy (without an audience) on their YouTube channel, although it is not clear whether that can continue. Keep an eye on their website for any information www.thestand.co.uk MUSIC TO YOUR EARS The Rotterdam Philharmonic has recorded Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (Ode to Joy) and broadcast it on their YouTube channel. It looks as though they used Zoom - which is everyone’s new favourite app - and it is just brilliant. Well worth a listen. We do hope that the RSNO rise to the challenge. www.youtube/3eXT60rbBVk

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES There are 2,500 museums which you can visit without leaving home. The virtual tours will no doubt be a welcome alternative to flipping through the TV channels (although we have some ideas on that too). artsandculture.google.com is the web address you need to access these delights across the world.

We have three suggestions for you: The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fé is one of my absolute favourites. She is one of the most important 20th century artists with the dramatic flowers and New Mexico landscapes featuring alongside images of bones and skulls against the desert sky.

O’Keeffe married her art dealer, Alfred Stieglitz, who was also a renowned photographer. They left the skyscrapers of New York behind (which she also painted) to live in New Mexico where she died aged 98 in 1986.

National Palace Museum Taipei allows you to ‘walk’ through their vast collection. Find the Jadeite Cabbage which is one of their most important exhibits as well as the meat-shaped stone (yes honestly it looks like a piece of meat!)

“At first glance, the meat-shaped piece of stone looks like a

luscious, mouth-watering piece of Dongpo pork. Made from banded jasper, it is a naturally occurring stone that accumulates in layers over many years.” Also do explore the Ju Ware - ceramic bowls and cups which date from the Northern Song dynasty in the late 11th century.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is also online for you to enjoy. There is a wonderful photograph of skating on Duddingston Loch by John Patrick dating from 1900. And of course there are several photographs by pioneers David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson from 1845.

Funnily enough little has changed at The Scott Monument since then.

The National Museum of Scotland At NMS they have a selection of online games to entertain children and a playlist from their YouTube channel which features stories from their collection. They suggest taking a look at their blog where the curators (who really do know everything) and collection services teams write about the exhibitions and objects on display in Chambers Street. nms.ac.uk We can only imagine that by this time the Tyrannosaurs are actually ruling the roost at the museum . . .

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FUNDING PARTNERs Edinburgh Science Festival, scheduled for 4–19 April 2020, was cancelled due to the global spread of COVID-19. Although the event won’t go ahead as planned we will be launching a digital #EdSciFest in April. Keep your eyes peeled for online entertainment, curated articles, and downloadable resources covering all your Science Festival favourites.

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We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors for their continued support during this challenging time.

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The Edinburgh Reporter

20

Funeral arrangements Wide Days postponed till later in the year Scotland’s largest independent funeral directors, William Purves, has announced new measures for funerals in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest government and industry guidelines.

Their ten offices across Edinburgh now have temporary restricted access to the public with all funeral arrangements being handled remotely by video call or telephone.

To adhere to government guidelines, attendance at funeral services will be restricted to close family members with live video links or recordings provided as an alternative.

Social distancing will be in effect at all times and home visits are not being offered, however the team will be communicating with families and providing every support possible. To stop the spread of the virus, the use of company limousines is not provided, instead family have the option of the hearse going home and family following, or alternatively meeting the hearse at the crematorium or cemetery.

Embalming and viewings are still permitted with viewings taking place in-branch and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Chairman Tim Purves said: “While we are having to change how we would normally support families throughout the loss of a loved one, we are nonetheless fully committed to providing a first-class service within the confines of current legislation.

“Our role is to ensure that loved ones get the send-off they deserve and their families get to share in a celebration of their life. It may not be what we envisaged a month or even last week, but it is the new reality and we are ensuring we carry our families’ wishes respectfully in line with government guidelines.

“We know saying goodbye to a loved one is hard at the best of times and we fully realise the impact these restrictions will have on families. Crucially, we are here 24/7 for anyone who needs us, and our staff are working round the clock so that we can continue to carry out our services safely.”

RNIB advice Blind and partially sighted, the majority of whom are older and may have other health conditions, can still access services from sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, whose main office is based in Edinburgh.

"In the current period of uncertainty and confusion it is more important than ever that those who are among the most vulnerable in society still have confidence that they have help and support," said the charity's director James Adams.

Currently, around 170,000 people are living in Scotland with significant sight loss.

Although most are over the age of 60, around 3,500 children and young people also have a visual impairment.

"First, and most importantly, our

helpline is still open on 0303 123 9999," said Mr Adams. "This can give advice and information and refer people on to other services.

"Information on issues of concern to people with sight loss will also continue to be broadcast, as well as entertainment programmes, by our Connect Radio station, available on Freeview 730 or online. RNIB's Talking Book library can still post or download the thousands of titles we have available in audio and other formats."

The social work service that the charity offers in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian can be contacted on 0131 652 3140 on Mondays to Fridays, between 9am until 12 noon. However, staff will not be undertaking any home-visits unless these are clearly identified as an emergency.

A Message from the organisers of Wide Days Following WHO and UK government advice in relation to coronavirus, we have taken the decision to postpone Wide Days until 23-25 July.

While some areas of the programme might need to be adapted, our priority is to deliver the showcases and the conference as planned, with additional panel content focusing on the many issues arising from the current situation. We are also exploring a range of streaming options for speakers and delegates who are

unable to attend in person.

The decision has been made in consultation with our partners, performers and speakers and we would like to thank them and everyone who has continued to support Wide Days. We hope that by choosing postponement over cancellation, we can continue to host an important forum for the music community, while also providing our freelance event team with some income in the difficult months ahead. During the coming weeks we expect everyone to be focused on coping with the immediate impact of the pandemic, so we won’t be making any further programme announcements until May.

However, we plan to post previous panels from our archive and are happy to share news of crowdfunders, artist streams and any other initiative which can help our friends in the music community. We hope to see you in July. xx Michael, Olaf & the Wide Team Wide Days was launched in 2010 and is hosted every April in Edinburgh by Wide Events CIC It attracts key music industry players from the UK, Europe and North America and in 2019 drew 360 registered delegates with a further 800 registrations for the evening showcases snapped up by members of the public.

Radhuni currying favour with the NHS NHS and emergency services staff in Midlothian are being served a boost by Scotland’s top curry restaurant.

The Radhuni in Loanhead, voted the country’s Best Curry Restaurant last November, has announced it is cutting prices of its takeaway food by 20 percent for essential service workers and extending the discount to carers.

“There have been examples of health service employees, police and other emergency service staff going to shops after lengthy exhausting shifts and finding it difficult to get certain foods,” said the restaurant’s Managing Partner, Habibur Khan. “We’re determined to make sure they eat well to give them the strength they need to carry on with their magnificent work.”

“The pandemic is also causing enormous hardship and stress for our elderly citizens so we’re also making our contribution to the fight against the coronavirus by reducing prices for everyone caring for others at home or in

Rajesh Karki Front of House Manager care homes.”

Mr Khan, widely known as “Scotland’s Curry King,” added:

“Restaurant businesses like ours have taken a huge financial hit but we’ve always been a staunch supporter of our local community and there has never been a more crucial time to step up efforts.”

The Radhuni is enforcing tough hygiene measures at its Clerk Street premises, with a maximum of two people allowed in at any one time and use of hand sanitiser compulsory before and after collecting meals.

The restaurant is open from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm daily. Discounts are valid from Sunday through Thursday. theradhuni.co.uk

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21

Statues - David Hume - of Hume and Bondage We have a new feature for you this month. We will take a different statue around the city and show it to you with the story behind it. This month the statue is the one of philosopher David Hume which sits outside the High Court. For some reason people have begun to rub his toe as they think it brings good luck.

The Hume Mausoleum

Alicia Roux and family Words and Photos by Martin McAdam

superstition and would be surprised as tourists on The Royal Mile rub his big toe for good luck .

David Hume (1711 to 1776) outstanding philosopher and atheist looms large over Edinburgh.

The statue outside the High Court in Edinburgh depicts Hume as an ancient Greek philosopher.

He rejected religion and

Photographed above, French student Alicia Roux who is attending Heriot-Watt University as an intern and her family give the toe a good rub as she says she needs a lot of luck to get the best results in her studies.

Hume’s image features on the

frieze in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and his statue also appears outside it on the north west corner of the building.

The site of his former house on 8 South St David Street is now occupied by The Ivy and TK Maxx.

A stone carving on the building that previously occupied the site has disappeared, too.

His tomb in the Old Calton Burial

Ground became a Hume family mausoleum. His desire for a simple inscription is now replaced with tributes to his nephew’s (also called David Hume) wife Jane Adler.

The original latin 'Natus' and 'Obiit' strangely chiseled out and replaced with ‘Born’ and ‘Died’.

Another capital mystery.

Plaque is the new black as Edinburgh takes top spot Edinburgh is Scotland’s leading city when it comes to celebrating the achievements of women with commemorative plaques.

It also holds top spot for plaques

marking inanimate objects, usually buildings.

Research by Holiday Cottages found that Edinburgh had 59 female-dedicated plaques, far

outstripping Dumfries in second place with just five and Glasgow in third place with a paltry four.

The capital obviously has a fondness for throwing up a plaque

in general, as it was in top spot for the number of object-dedicated plaques with 65, Glasgow lagged way behind with just 25, while Stirling and Falkirk was placed third with eight.

The Open Plaque research found: “The city of Edinburgh has more commemorative plaques dedicated to significant objects than to female figures. Sixty five out of their 156 plaques celebrate objects of note, meaning that almost a quarter of their total plaques are dedicated to objects.

“However, Edinburgh does have the most plaques dedicated to women out of any other county in Scotland, with 59 plaques honouring inspirational female figures. We also found that more than 50% of Edinburgh's plaques are dedicated to men, showing a significant disparity when it comes to the gender divide of the plaques.

“Although significant objects are commemorated more in Edinburgh, they still have more plaques honouring women than any other Scottish county.

Generally, the number of plaques dedicated to female figures is remarkably low in Scotland, with a large number of counties only have one plaque that honours and inspirational woman.”

Some interesting objectdedicated plaques which featured in the survey included: Empire Palace Theatre, the first moving picture screening in Scotland in 1896; Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, 1809 (which is on The Dome); Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 1729; The Vaults, Leith's oldest warehouse, built in 1682; The Hall of the Royal Medical Society 1852; Portobello Town Hall 1878; Church of Scotland's General Assembly Hall used to house Scottish Parliament 1999; The Flodden Wall 1513.

Hart Street Studios, formerly Pan Audio owned by The Corries 1974. holidaycottages.co.uk

The Edinburgh Reporter

22

No dough? Pay what you can afford at Granton bakery

By Phyllis Stephen Charlie Hanks has already been in the Granton Garden Bakery for a couple of hours when I arrive.

There are loaves ready to go in the oven and by the time I leave, I have bought one to take with me.

The smell of freshly baked bread is just too tempting.

But this is not just any bread.

It is made by hand with heritage flour produced by Scotland the Bread. This is bread which is more naturally produced and so more digestible according to the master baker himself. Community Food and Health Scotland provided some of the funding for the bakery and there has been a bit of other investment too.

Charlie’s mission is to produce tasty, healthy, affordable bread for North Edinburgh - natural food, produced locally. Most of his bread is wholemeal, made with heritage flour, but he explains that he also now uses white flour made from modern wheat so that he can provide white loaves for those who want them. It is clear that this is something he has done with great reluctance, but he understands the need to meet customer demand.

Charlie explains his journey from studying French to making French baguettes: "I got into baking more as a food activist than as a baker, through working with food waste.

I saw that as a symbol of what is broken in our food system. It all felt very negative, but when I got into bread I thought that was an equally powerful symbol of how our food system works and how it doesn't.

"There are more positive ways of creating alternatives. Ninety eight per cent of the bread we

Charlie Hanks carrying on baking in Granton eat in this country is made from flour produced from grain which is destroying our soils and then in turn destroying our digestive systems. This is one reason why there is so much gluten intolerance.

“The other reason for that is the way the bread is processed once the flour has been made.

Production times have been reduced and the process relies on chemical additives and enzymes to such an extent that we really don't know what we're eating any more.

"But we do know that since a lot of these enzymes have recently been banned that they are not doing us any favours. It really is possible to make delicious bread, which is not making us sick, and is available to everybody.

"In all the bread I make there are three ingredients, flour, salt and water. That is all you need to make bread."

Charlie is now employed baking two days a week. He started his baking career at Breadshare in Portobello and says that since last June when he set up the Granton Garden Bakery he has learned so much about baking bread - and that he uses the best ingredients that he can get.

Granton Garden Bakery is part of Granton Community Gardeners, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation based in North Edinburgh, where there are now six part-time employees. The community gardeners have also planted and harvested their own wheat on street corners, but of course there is not enough to keep

Charlie supplied in flour all year round. When he is not working in Granton, Charlie has been working on a Climate Challenge Fund project growing wheat in Perthshire.

Charlie explains he was inspired by the Small Food Bakery in Nottingham who have been at the forefront of a revival in artisanal baking. He explained they work “with integrity”, focusing on where the food supply comes from, working with local farmers, and as a team in the bakery.

He continued: "If it's made properly it will have more flavour than you could possibly imagine bread could ever have. It will be much better for your gut, keep you going much longer and will not leave you feeling bloated, like industrial bread tends to.

You could have one slice of this for breakfast and it will keep you going all day.”

In the run up to Christmas Charlie was baking at capacity for three days but now everything is pared back to prep day on Thursday and then baking on Friday.

From the window in the ground floor bakery on Boswall Parkway he hands out the loaves on Friday and people pay what they can afford. You can get your hands on one on a first-come-first-served basis. Although the community centre of which the bakery forms part is closed, he will continue to bake on Fridays for as long as possible.

"It is our attempt to make healthy, delicious locally produced bread available to everyone who wants it regardless of their means. We try to bake enough to fulfil everybody's demands but obviously the earlier you come along the better."

Finally, he puts out a plea for some help: "It is a community project, part of a wider community organisation which is all about people getting involved in any way they can. The way the gardeners tend to operate is that people will come to us with an idea and we will make it happen. That is really what happened to me with the bakery.

"We are at a point now where it is more or less viable in terms of producing bread for the community one day a week. But there's so much more we could be doing. We could be baking more, we could be doing more workshops, we could reach a wider public."

From the Garden Bistro - a taste of things to come Seared Seabass with crab, new potatoes and sauce vierge This recipe is brought to you by Tony Harkess, Head Chef at The Garden Bistro in Saughton Park, who were all set for a very fancy opening party which sadly had to be cancelled at the last minute.

METHOD: To make the sauce vierge briefly blanche the tomatoe’s , peel, remove seeds and dice.

In a pan mix and heat slowly to approximately 65 degrees to infuse garlic, shallot, juice of one lemon and 50ml of olive oil along INGREDIENTS: with the basil and coriander, add • 4 Sea Bass fillets diced tomatoes, season and set • 100gm white crab meat aside • 300g new potatoes Wash, peel and boil the potatoes • 12 cherry plum tomatoes in salted water until they are 90% • 12 asparagus spears ready. Drain, return to pan, cover • ½ crushed garlic clove and set aside.

• 1 finely diced banana shallot Pre-heat a non-stick pan until • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil hot, then add 25ml of vegetable • 25 ml vegetable oil oil.

• 25g butter Season sea bass skin with salt • Juice of 2 lemons and add to pan, skin side down.

• 1 tsp chopped chives Press down lightly so skin is level • 1 tsp chopped basil in the pan.

• 1 tsp chopped coriander • Salt & Pepper Season fish side with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes To garnish: until the skin is crispy. Turn fish • Washed tender pea shoots over, remove from heat, add butter • Wedge of lemon and baste with the browned butter.

• Cracked black pepper and sea salt Set aside to rest.

Can't wait for The Garden Bistro to open Return the potatoes to the heat, add 50 ml of olive oil, juice of one lemon, salt and pepper.

Crush with the back of a fork then spoon in the chives and crab meat. Keep warm.

Chargrill the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until charred. Squeeze

the juice of one lemon over them and season with salt and pepper.

On a hot plate, place the crushed potatoes into a centrally placed metal ring (or shape into a circle).

Place 3 asparagus spears neatly on top.

Place the seabass fillet on the top.

Top with a generous serving of sauce vierge and garnish with pea shoots and a wedge of lemon. www.thegardenbistro.co.uk

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23

Elements of #EdSciFest Sadly, this year’s edition of the annual Edinburgh Science Festival, scheduled for 4–19 April, was cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Although the event won’t go ahead as planned, the team behind it aren’t letting the pandemic stop them and are putting together an exciting digital version of the Festival to run across the original dates and beyond.

Called Elements of #EdSciFest,

the online Festival will draw on the ‘Elemental’ theme of the original programme that was planned for the April event.

A series of online live Q & A’s with Festival speakers, curated articles, fascinating content and downloadable science activities for kids and adults will explore the challenges and opportunities facing us as individuals, societies and a planet through the lens of earth, air, fire,

water and aether.

Edinburgh Science has a wealth of experience in creating fun, engaging Science experiments that can be done with equipment you might find around the house.

This is set to be a fantastic resource for families confined to their homes with many parents trying their hand at home-schooling at the moment.

Instead of the Dinosaur Weekend that was planned for children at

SCAN HERE!

Watch TV - you are not alone....

by Juliet Lawrence Wilson If your own binge watching habits give you a self-inflicted guilt trip, that’s nothing to the annoyance of having to watch endless episodes of your child’s favourite tv programmes.

Parents of novice TV watchers take comfort, the minute you reach for the brick to sling at the telly is the moment your darling offspring immediately loses interest and moves onto the next stage of their screen watching career.

So how to survive screen time on

lockdown?

The key is to find programmes the whole family enjoys.

Blue Planet and any David Attenborough programmes are always reliable and kids get an education at the same time. For some animal comedy, CBBC's The Zoo is a favourite in our house, with camp alpha gorilla, Jurgen being possibly one of the best anti-heroes on the small screen.

A quick parent WhatsApp survey reveals that Celebrity Bake Off and

Race Across The World are regular adult and child watching features.

Our favourite is C4's The Great Pottery Throw Down, particularly the episode where they make their own toilets.

Children need to know what’s going on in the world but understandably the news can make then nervous and fearful.

Newsround, now presented by a bunch of kids rather than John Craven, handles current affairs in a child friendly but straightforward and intelligent manner.

the Pleasance, the Festival has designed a series of dinosaur crafts that kids can download and make at home. Plus, two events that were planned for the Festival’s flagship family venue, the City Art Centre, will now take place in digital form as part of an Edinburgh Science takeover of the popular Earth Live Lessons YouTube series. On 10 and 11 April, viewers can livestream talks focused on our amazing oceans and Scottish wildlife.

The Festival’s outdoor photography exhibition, Into the Blue, is now being brought indoors and on to our screens for everyone to enjoy from home. Every day the Festival is uploading a new picture from the exhibition on to their Instagram, taking users on a fascinating journey around some of Scotland's most remarkable coastlines with stunning photography from local artists.

The full digital programme will be announced soon on the EdSciFest website and you can keep up to date with what the Festival has in store on their Facebook, Twitter

and Instagram pages.

Facebook: @ EdinburghScienceFestival Twitter: @EdSciFest Instagram: @edscifest #EdSciFest sciencefestival.co.uk Earth Live Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eJHyX13nNw4

Food finds its match

by John HIslop Hibs distributed fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products and perishables which were intended for the postponed game against St Johnstone to local charities and community groups.

Hibs fans were joined by supporters of other clubs on social media with the vast majority praising the actions of the club with several quoting former Famous Five legend Eddie Turnbull who famously said: “There’s class, there’s first class and there is Hibs class.”The match was postponed at short notice due to

the coronavirus pandemic as work was ongoing to prepare lunches for hundreds of supporters who had purchased the matchday hospitality packages in the various suites inside the West Stand.

The Hibernian Community Foundation, the charitable arm of the Football Club, has close links to local charities and community groups who were delighted to receive the food. Regular foodbanks donations are normally accepted at the stadium The Foundation are raising money to deliver 5000 hot meals to children across Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Reporter

24 FOOD

Cooking with Barry Spelt Loaf A quick and easy dense soft loaf, from grains to plate in under two hours.

This loaf is similar to a rye loaf so expect a rich darker flavor with a slightly healthy (gulp) feel but the extra water in this recipe keeps it fairly airy, it’s fantastic to cut thin and eat with pate or smoked salmon but if you are going to use this for a sandwich then my top tip would be salt beef, pickles and mustard mayo ( and slice it thin)

hands rub it all together Sprinkle in the dried herbs and run through Add honey to the warm water and mix together Add honey/water to your dry mix and bring together adding the olive oil as you go On a clean work surface knead dough for 5 minutes (it will feel a tad sticky which is good but will leave no residue on your hands as you knead, also good) Shape your kneaded dough into a INGREDIENTS: baton or a boule • 500g spelt flour/ or strong Place your shaped dough white/wholemeal breadflour mix 40/60 carefully into a deep tin or bowl and cover with cling film ( don’t let • Pinch of salt the cling film touch the dough, use • 7g of fast acting yeast ( 1 x tsp) something higher then it to create • Sprinkle of dried herbs ( I used a tent effect) Thyme) • 400ml hot but not boiling water Place somewhere warm for 45 • 20ml of honey minutes and allow to rise/prove • 20ml of olive oil After 45 minutes take a sharp knife and score a little into the top of the loaf Method: Heat the oven to 180 degrees fan Add flour, yeast and salt to a assisted bowl and with meticulously clean

Bake loaf for 40 minutes Remove from oven and give the bottom a wee tap, it will feel crispy on the base and tap a bit and it will

sound a bit hollow Cool for 15 minutes Then slice

Chef B

arry B

ryson

I Spry with my little eye

by Juliet Lawrence Wilson Matt Jackson and his fiancée, Marzena Brodziak, are quite a couple. Owners of Spry Wines on Haddington Place they work in harmony together, Matt being an expert in Natural wines and Marzena putting tasty small plates together in the kitchen.

I recently enjoyed some unctuous duck rilletes and her zingy and super sharp home made pickles. Visiting on a Tuesday night last month, everything seemed dandy. The minimalist but cosy space was well filled and for a new venture, business was pretty good.

Marzena Brodziak and Matt Jackon of of So what is a Natural wine?

Matt tells me there's no agreed definition but it is generally made from organic grapes with as little human and chemical intervention as possible. Matt's key points for choosing the wine he buys are that they are farmed organically using only naturally occurring yeasts, no fining agents and little to no filtering, yet most importantly that they taste good.

Matt and Marzena may not have open doors any longer but they do have a lot of fabulous stock, deli products and pickles all to be delivered on their bikes.

Follow @spry_wines on Instagram for menus and delivery options. So what might be a good self isolating wine to indulge in?

Matt recommends Le Puy, Emilien, 2016, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux. Le Puy are one of the only growers that can be sure their vines are 100% chemical free.

Most of the vineyards in Bordeaux

use lots and lots of chemicals, and even those who are certified organic are affected by the run-off of rainwater combined with these chemicals. Le Puy, on the other hand, have vines that are isolated on a plateau, which means they are not affected in anyway by the fertilisers and pesticides of the other growers.

Another shout out for a start-up business has to go to @sprEHd.

See what they did there? An Edinburgh based company bringing you a perfectly tailored charcuterie and cheese board with all the oatcake, cracker, pickle, olive and pate trimmings of your dreams. And in a compostable box! The standard but beautifully packaged box is £25 for two people. Order by DM on Instagram or email sprehd@outlook.com

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Juliet's Food Diary

by Juliet Lawrence Wilson Here we are in the worst of times, where your favourite eatery has transformed into a take away joint or pulled the shutters down, not before stripping out the stock in fear of looting.

No doubt you’ll have seen the various memes doing the rounds.

They tend to go something like this: “And the people went home, and they read, and they meditated, they did yoga and made their own hummus . . .” usually there's an “and they breathed“ thrown in for good measure.

I’ve never managed to reach the end of one of these insufferable musings but one must hope they end with everyone choking on their falafel or whatever these smug, stretchy breathing people eat.

All very well if you’re still employed or on the 80% wage but patronising in the extreme if you’ve closed your business. Independent business owners are the last to be paid when open and the last to be thought of by the government now.

Some restaurants will reopen and survive this but others won’t, particularly small independent and newer businesses, and that’s

when, if you’re lucky enough to be employed through this, you’ll have to decide how much you want your favourite restaurants and bars to exist. Perhaps forgoing a holiday to spend the money eating out instead? Those are the kind of decisions that will have to be made.

In the meantime, breathe . . .

Enough of the doom and gloom.

The kiddywinks are home and the shops still have stocks of spirits.

These two things must surely be related.

And yes it’s a chance to teach them some ‘life skills’, or drudgery, if you prefer. My daughter’s already put a wash on, done the Hoovering and cleaned a chimney and its only 11am on the first Monday off.

The best part is, she thinks these chores are fun.

Let’s see how long that lasts.

Certainly we could all use this opportunity to teach our children how to cook.

So let's begin with something safe and fun. At the time of going to print all the ingredients for this recipe were to be found in my local supermarket as it doesn’t use any eggs or flour.

Seriously, where have all the artisan bakers come from? The other plus to this sweet treat is you can use any sort of biscuit or sweets in it.

We like marshmallows but Maltesers and Smarties are also lovely.

edinburghreporter Juliet’s Chocolate Tiffin Ingredients: • 100g milk chocolate • 100g dark chocolate • 100g butter • 3tbs golden syrup • 130g biscuits (digestive or rich tea work best) • A handful of marshmallows or combination of sweets of your choice.

• Raisins, if you’re a killjoy.

• 200g chocolate of your choice for the topping and decoration.

Method: Melt the butter, syrup and chocolate in a small pan over a low heat, stirring all the time, or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. In a large bowl, bash up the biscuits. We use the end of a wooden spoon and you want some chunks and powdery bits.

Mix the biscuits with the chocolate mixture and any marshmallows or sweets you want to put in.

Pour into a lined 20cm baking tray and press down. Pop in the fridge until set then melt the topping chocolate and pour over, dotting the top with any sweets or decorations of your choice. Leave to set in the fridge then chop up, eat and worry about the calories tomorrow.

FOOD 25

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Reward for cleaning the chimney

Food for thought as city chefs step up to the plate The city’s restaurant trade has arguably been hit hardest by the Covid-19 outbreak with hundreds of outlets faced with no choice but to call last orders for the foreseeable future.

A sizable number of restaurants initially offered slimmed down versions of their menus for delivery and takeaway but with increased awareness of self-isolation and travel restrictions it became difficult to maintain.

However a number of determined chefs have pledged to keep serving and are offering limited delivery options. Here is a selection: Roots, William Street Are offering Roots Veg Boxes with zero contact delivery and collection options. Ten per cent discount for pre-paid orders of four weeks or more. For vulnerable or financially desperate people Roots will attempt to supply free of charge.

Visit www.facebook.com/ RootsEdin/ for latest info.

Merienda, Raeburn Place Michelin award-winning

Merienda are offering a Social Distancing menu for delivery in and around Edinburgh. With sister catering company Exec Chef Cuisine they will deliver food to help stock fridges and freezers and they are also licenced to deliver wines from their well-stocked cellar. eat-merienda.com Fhior, Broughton Street are working with small local suppliers to delivery quality produce to customers’ doors. They said: “Our amazing team at Fhior are currently volunteering to get this service up and running. We would like to reassure we have them working from home as much as possible on this project with the exception of our small fulfilment and delivery team.” instagram.com/fhiorrestaurant/ Cheesemonger I J Mellis is doing a home delivery service Monday to Friday to homes in the EH1 to EH17 postcodes which can also include eggs, bread and milk.

Orders by 10am for same day delivery. mellischeese.net/buy/ Edinburgh Reporter featured chef

Barry Bryson of Cater Edinburgh is providing a contemporary fine dining home delivery service throughout the city centre.

A choice of classic dishes includes cottage pie, salmon and hake fish pie, braised beef burgundy, pork, bacon and fennel polpetti with tomato sauce, spiced lamb tagine, lamb shoulder bhuna, beef chipotle chilli ragu, vegan tagine and vegetarian rendang. All orders will come complete with a serving of rice, potato, couscous or pasta, as well as a fresh vegetable box. Cater Edinburgh is offering a choice of large serve dishes that can easily be divided into 30 to 50 portions from one order. This practical format means that meals can be easily portioned and chilled in the fridge for a number of days or stored in the freezer for up to six months.

All pre-paid online orders will be carefully prepared by Barry at his commercial kitchen in Leith and delivered to central Edinburgh locations in Cater Edinburgh’s dedicated refrigerated van. Barry can leave orders safely at front doors keeping a safe distance and respecting hygiene and social distancing etiquette, so there will

be no hand-to-hand contact.

To place an order, email barry@ cateredinburgh.com, call 07961 573658 www.cateredinburgh.com Twelve Triangles shops in Duke Street and Brunswick Street, Leith, and in Portobello High Street remain open for take away only and also offer a delivery service. www.twelvetriangles.com Radicibus in Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge are offering a takeaway menu and delivery service to the local area.

The collection option is available Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm-8pm with last orders at 7pm. Deliveries on the same days can be arranged from 8.30pm to 9.30pm (with the last order in at 7.30pm).www.radicibus.co.uk Smith & Gertrude in Hamilton Place are offering a delivery service Thursday to Sunday for their cheese, charcuterier and wine selections. Wine can be ordered by the bottle and case and mixed boards and bread is available. S&G Home will be adding additional products in the coming days in collobaration with long term suppliers.www.smithandgertrude. com

East Coast Cured in Restalrig Road are operating reduced hours to protect staff and customers, Monday to Saturday noon to 4pm.

They are also taking orders by phone and online for collection and local delivery. Charcuterie, cheese, ferments, oatcakes, eggs, milk and bread are just some of the choices.

To place an order call 0131 553 9043 or email hello@ eastcoastcured.com Aurora in Great Junction Street are offering a Take Away Menu, available Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm for delivery and collection.Starters include butternut squash soup, ham hock terrine and Moroccan spiced koftas. Mains include coq au vin, salmon fishcakes, vegetable moussaka and Calabrian stuffed aubergine. Deliveries can be made to EH1 to EH8 postcodes but if you live outwith those areas give them a call and they may be able to arrange a delivery. Aurora can also offer a small wine and beer selection. Delivery teams will wear personal protective equipment.

0131 554 5537 www.auroraedinburgh.co.uk

The Edinburgh Reporter

26 FEATURE

Paging all book lovers Lighthouse Bookshop have launched the Lighthouse Life Raft to help keep afloat those booklovers who can no longer visit the shop in West Nicolson Street.

It is essentially a collection of author interviews, bookseller recommends and readings, blog pieces and special spotlights on debut books and new releases.

The Lighthouse online shop is accepting all book orders. Email the titles and the shop will send a payment link and arrange dispatch.lighthousebookshop.com Golden Hare Books in Stockbridge are working hard during the Covid-19 outbreak to add as many books as they can to their online bookshop.

"We are keeping the stock curated to our very best books so people who are self-isolating can still order." They are also offering

free delivery to all EH postcodes and a flat rate of £2.50 for the rest of the UK. Orders by phone 0131 225 7755 or email mail@ goldenharebooks.com goldenharebooks.com The Portobello Book Shop offers an online service. They say: “Thank you so much for your support in the past few weeks, and we’ll need it in the coming months as well. Indie bookshops rely on customers like ours to keep us going and we look forward to seeing you all in the shop again someday in the future.” theportobellobookshop.com Topping & Company in Blenheim Place are adding to their online offering. You can also call 0131 546 4202 or email edinburgh@ toppingbooks.co.uk to place an order. Delivery is free on orders over £50, otherwise £2 charge.

April Crossword

6

2

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Welcoming spring, people enjoying an early spring day, 2016. Remember when we could go out?

Contributor: John Amoore "The joy of a sunny blue sky spring day brings people out to enjoy Princes Street Gardens with its splendid carpet of colourful crocus flowers in bloom. Sitting and chatting on the lawn, gently walking along and stopping to admire. Behind an open top tour bus ready for passengers to show them around Edinburgh. The Balmoral clock tower reads just after 2pm - but is it actually a few minutes fast to encourage passengers for Waverley train station to speed up to catch their train?"

Edinburgh Collected is an online community photo archive managed by Edinburgh Libraries. You can add your own memories to help preserve the city’s history for the future. It is also a good way for organisations to preserve their archives in online scrapbooks www.edinburghcollected.org

STR8TS

Crossword by David Albury Answers on page 28 4

Edinburgh Collected

Medium

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4 1

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SUDOKU

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3 4

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How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 Each compartment must form a straight 6 4 5 a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be 4 5 in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells 4 3 6 2 remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight.

3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.

Very Hard

4

2 7 6 5 1 2 6 4 2 4 1 4 7 4 3 3 5 5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

6 8 3 1 5 6 5 7 1

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

1

Down 2. In the spa, use a short break (5) 3. Turn sad soon, over this despicable person (2-3-2) 4. Adjudicator turns free e'er long (7) 5. Mail sent by air or via a porn channel (3,5) 6. Compensate for printing

method (6) 7. Severe reprimand for sending sword away (8-4) 8. Bodily protection provided by our ram (6) 11. Horse devours unusual

appetizer (4,8) 16. Wave blown and broken with pace of wind (8) 17. He rams into female living quarters (6) 18. Rolling Stones I describe as being most inquisitive (7) 19. Do tie in new version of book (7) 21. Gloomy ? Sadly more so ! (6) 24. Fourth letter dealt out (5)

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

Across 1. Work, stirring soup (4) 4. Ready to be plucked from pier (4) 9. Scientific notation or description of mural (7) 10. Turf her out to a greater distance (7) 12. Hold-up involving a stocking ? (9) 13. Some covers open to the left- hand page (5) 14. In Malta I like to follow

somebody (4) 15. Postal payment in USA made via one more dry run (5-5) 17. Overbearing attitude of one waving arms in the air ? (4-6) 20. Tame sort of group of players (4) 22. Perch made from roots (5) 23. Drinks I've mixed for underwater swimmer (9) 25. Cool men sporting single eye- glass (7) 26. Silliness is not responsible for disease (7) 27. Observe a tricky situation (4) 28. Close-by in one arrangement (4)

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts.

If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

@EdinReporter

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THE BEST OF... 27

The Edinburgh Reporter Best Of...

Lighthouse Bookshop's Life Raft This will keep you and the bookshop afloat while the shop is closed. The Lighthouse online shop is accepting all book orders.

Email the titles and the shop will send a payment link and arrange dispatch.

More details on lighthousebookshop.com

Ardgowan Distillery Enjoy the recently released Clydebuilt Coppersmith - a limited edition blend of malts matured in first fill Oloroso sherry casks.

FREE shipping with free James of Arran chocolates in the box. £49.99 shop.ardgowandistillery.com

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home Rescue, reunite, rehome.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home accepts any dog or cat that reaches their door in need, and works tirelessly to secure happy and loving forever homes.

26 Seafield Road East, EH15 1EH 0131 669 5331 info@edch.org.uk

Queen’s Hall Did you know this independent charity needs £100K each year to look after the building and run outreach projects? Send a donation - much needed now.

85-89 Clerk Street, EH8 9JG 0131 668 2019 www.thequeenshall.net

Art & Craft Collective A unique gallery and gift shop experience in Edinburgh's Southside - literally a cornuucopia of all media. Join their mailing list and buy art online.

0131 639 9123 93 Causewayside EH9 1DG artcraftcollective.co.uk

21st Century Kilts Designer boutique for quirky, off the peg and bespoke kilts made from tartan and contemporary textiles. Howie Nicholsby redefined the kilt that you will need when this is all over.

07774757222 48 Thistle Street EH2 1EN 21stcenturykilts.com

Fhior Restaurant Working with small local suppliers to delivery quality produce to customers’ doors. “Our amazing team at Fhior are currently volunteering to get this service up and running."

36 Broughton Street EH1 3SB www.instagram.com/ fhiorrestaurant/

Spry Wines Spry Wines is now delivery only for the time being.

See their lists for delivery on Facebook! Order before 4pm to receive your supplies the same day.

07885 475874 facebook.com/sprywines

Candersons Sweet Shop Debbie Anderson will be there to invite you back to your childhood with all the traditional sweets in the jars at her shop.

0131 554 1401 102 Leith Walk EH6 5DT candersons-sweetshop. com

Bon Papillon Stuart and Ingrid will welcome you back sometime to their café.

Ingrid's paintings and art sit alongside Stuart's latest scones.

You can buy paintings meantime from the website.

0131 538 2505 bonpapillon15@gmail.com bonpapillon.com

The Haven Dreaming about getting back to Natalie's cosy café for breakfast lunch and coffee. Free wifi.

Fabulous cakes and happy friendly staff enjoying a break for now.

0131 467 7513 9 Anchorfield, EH6 4JG Facebook @TheHavenCafe

New Edinburgh Orchestra Friendly amateur 80 player orchestra conducted by Tim Paxton.

Weekly rehearsals cancelled for now but follow their Twitter feed for links to music from all over the world! newedinburghorchestra.org.uk

Golden Hare Books Staff are working hard during the Covid-19 outbreak to add as many books as they can to their online bookshop. They are also offering free delivery to all EH postcodes 0131 225 7755 mail@goldenharebooks.com goldenharebooks.com brougtonbar.com

Craig Banks Tailoring Specialising in bespoke tailoring for men. Craig's focus is on making the highest quality personally tailored attire that others will aspire to. He can make you look so good!

0131 226 7775 45 Thistle Street EH2 1DY craigbankstailoring.com

Merienda Michelin award-winning Merienda are offering a Social Distancing menu for delivery in and around Edinburgh. With sister catering company Exec Chef Cuisine they will deliver food to help stock fridges and freezers. www.eat-merienda.com

Portobello Bookshop The shop is offering online sales saying on their website "We'll need your support in the coming months. Indie bookshops rely on customers like ours.

0131 629 6756 46 Portobello High St EH15 1DA theportobellobookshop.com

Serap Couture Serap makes individually designed, made to measure wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride outfits. ask about the shoes!

51 William Street EH3 7LW T 07582 601818 Facebook Serapcouture/

Roots They are offering veg boxes with zero contact delivery and collection options. Free delivery in certain cases. Support local business!

18 William Street EH3 7NH 0131 225 6376 munch@rootsedinburgh.co.uk

Meet Gilbert at Stewart Christie One of the best ideas in town in 2019. Gilbert is the phone box outside 63 Queen Street named after Sir Giles Gilbert Scott the designer of the red phone box.Pop into Stewart Christie get the key for the box and take your selfies.

All for a donation of £3 which will go to the charity Save the Children.

Leith Walk Police Box pop up space Although closed for now, the box offers short term flexible let from 4 hours up. They welcome budding entrepreneurs, charities and community groups.

Croall Place EH7 4LT 07842 482382 leithwalkpolicebox. com

28 PHOTO OF THE MONTH

The Edinburgh Reporter

This month’s photo comes from Anthony Robson.

He said: “There was just something very Scottish about the scene that caught my eye - sitting on the beach, but it’s a grey old day, with people huddled up under umbrellas, wrapped in a tartan blanket. Enjoying the beach, and the company, no matter the weather. This was in September 2019 (taken with a Nikon D500 if it’s important, but probably not!).

You can follow Anthony on Twitter @Anth_Ink

Want your photo featured here?

Email your photo to editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

The Edinburgh Sketcher Commission your very own personal drawing from The Edinburgh Sketcher like The Haven building left.

Either on location or from photographs Mark will create an

original painting of your favourite scene, or montage of locations.

Prices from £75. Various sizes and artwork can be mounted or framed. Email contact@ edinburghsketcher.com for more information.

Crossword Answers 1

6 9

7

O F

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L N 15

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27

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O R 21

M O

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11

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28

O

8

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I N

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13

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T C

10

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23

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16

4

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@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

That Oscars moment

Persevering for the homeless

During the John Byrne Award ceremony at Central Hall there was a bit of an Oscars moment as the Award for Critical Thinking was first given to the wrong person.

First of all Harmony Bury was called to the stage to lift a trophy (they are all in the shape of John Byrne's head) for her project Scottish Forestry:Has Profit Trumped Biodiversity? Bury's installation is a representation of a Sitka plantation where there are no flowers as no light penetrates to the forest floor.

It was left to MC Vic Galloway and CEO Nialll Dolan to save the day by producing the second gong for a joint prize, hastily announced.

Jenny Lindsay, Perry Jonsson,

You can now buy Ramrock Records The Republic of Persevere EP which is available online to raise funds for Streetwork.

Joseph Malik and the Out of the Ordinary Crew are giving all proceeds from the digital sales to the charity which helps homeless people in Edinburgh.

You get one track immediately and then you can either buy it for your self or gift it to someone else.

It costs £5 (or you can give more).

Joseph Malik said: “Included on the EP is the original version from 'Stranger Things Have Happened' and the instrumental version.

"Plus, there's a completely new version but the message of the lyrics about my love for the Proclaimers and Mary Moriarty still stands the same.”

A Streetwork spokesman said: "Every day we help make positive things happen for people in Edinburgh facing extremely difficult circumstances."

This has never been more appropriate than right now. ramrock.bandcamp.com

Biff Smith and Kevin McLean were called back to lift the prize in the same category for their project At What Cost Do We Demand That Women Artists and Writers Perform Their Trauma? This is a collaboration of film with original music and invites conversation on the issue rather than supplying an answer.

We still don't know who really won!

Abriele Skaite and Thanos Kyratzis won The John Byrne Award 2020 and the cash prize of £7,500 for their illustrated book Borders.

The free online competition is open to applications every day of the year.

29

Tam Dean Burn: "As ever, Joseph Malik is first to recognise what needs to be done and pulls the community together to do it fast - nae messing about”

MC Vic Galloway

Peat Perfection Peat embers gently burn. Subtle oak, toffee apple & citrus provide warmth. Vanilla & sweet spices dance & spark. Wisps of peat smoke envelop tropical fruits in a soft embrace.

#PeatedEdition Discover more at

www.theglenturret.com PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY • drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

30 SPORT

The Edinburgh Reporter

Off the beat

Jamie's international call up on hold for the moment

by Nigel Duncan West Lothian Angling Association (WLAA) and Cramond Angling Club (CAC) bosses have urged permit-holding anglers to stay at home.

Bruce Hope, chairman of West Lothian Angling Association, said in a statement: "Whilst we are in the midst of what the Prime Minister calls a national emergency, and the World Health Organisation has classed as a worldwide pandemic, I urge all of our valued members to adhere to the strict government orders.

“There are arguments for fishing as it is a sport and that by it's very nature practices social distancing and it could be classed as your one period of exercise a day.

“It is the club's position that we advise you to stay indoors.

“Our concern is that you may inadvertently be putting undue stress on the NHS if you become injured whilst wading, slip on the bank, or hook yourself.

“I fully appreciate it's a long winter with no fishing, but three more weeks won't make much of a difference to you but it will allow the river to switch on.”

WLAA look after a stretch from Newbridge to Kirkton in Livingston and Hope added: “Please stay home, stick to the Government orders, stay healthy and our beautiful trout will be waiting for you when this blows over and we bounce back."

Cramond Angling Club look after the stretch from Newbridge to the foreshore at Cramond and their secretary Joe Arndt said: “Right now the Government’s advice is that we all should stay at home and if it is not essential don’t do it.”

Harlaw and part of Threipmuir Reservoirs in the Pentland Hills

will not see fishermen casting a line for some weeks after Malleny Angling suspended activity days before the scheduled opening of the season on April 1.

The announcement came only hours after cars parks in The Pentland Hills were closed and the moves are in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Jim McComb, chairman of Malleny Angling who administer Harlaw and a part of Threipmuir, said: “We all have a commitment to play our part, no matter how difficult or inconvenient that may be. “ McComb added: “Malleny Angling recognises how devastating this action will be on our ability to fish at Harlaw and Threipmuir Reservoirs.

“The action by the Government is necessary and Malleny Angling fully supports any action, no matter how difficult that may be, to facilitate, to control and eliminate the spread of this disease.

“The sooner coronavirus is brought under control the faster we will get back to the sport we love.”

Harlaw and the section of bank at Threipmuir is closed for fishing and day permits are no longer available until the Government lifts the current restricts.

He added: “The official policy of Malleny Angling is to stay at home and protect yourself and those around you.

“When this medical emergency is over, Malleny Angling will re-open, commence stocking and attempt to get back to normal as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, all car parks in the Pentland Hills Regional Park are now closed.

by John HIslop In sporting terms, Hibs’ striker Jamie Gullan has been hit harder than most due to the suspension of football due to the coronavirus pandemic after his first international appearance was cancelled just as his career was taking off.

Gullan started in Hearts’ youth system but was released before being snapped up by Hibs.

He was initially loaned to Lowland League side Gala Fairydean Rovers then Queens Park but continued to play for the Development side and scored one of the goals as Hibs won the 2017 -18 Scottish Youth Cup final against Aberdeen.

He made his first team debut for Hibernian in July 2018, in a 2018 - 19 UEFA Europa League qualifier against Faroese club NSI Runavik.

Neil Lennon recognised his potential and loaned him to Raith Rovers where he quickly became a fans’ favourite. This season he scored nine goals and helped the club to the top of the table before returning to his parent club in January.

He scored his first goal in Hibs’ Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle and made his first league start at Pittodrie against Aberdeen.

His performances caught the eye of Scotland Under-21 manager Scott Gemmill and he was selected for the squad that were due to face Croatia and Greece in a 2019-21 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification double which would have been the 20-year-old’s first international involvement at any age level.

Gullan was delighted to gain international recognition and told the club website: “It's the first call-up I’ve had for Scotland at any age level, so it came as a real shock It’s a new feeling and in the last few weeks I’ve had my first start and my first goal to tick off.

“I’ve had three loan spells and played a lot of football for the Development Squad. It’s come together in the last few weeks, but a lot’s gone into that along the way.

“Being told I was going to start against Aberdeen was such a buzz because I thought ‘this is my chance to kick on’. The Scotland

news felt like another landmark moment. Since I came back from my loan at Raith Rovers it’s been unreal.

“I know this is where I need to get the head down and work even harder. I won’t get carried away.

It’s been brilliant and I’m really happy, obviously, but my priority is making sure there are a few more firsts to enjoy.

“The Scotland Under-21 call-up is one that I didn’t expect so it’s given me a wee confidence boost.

All I look to do is work hard, try to improve and see where it takes me.”

Hibs’ Head Coach Jack Ross added: “What he’s done this season to date has been really good.

“I want him to push to be part of our first team between now and the end of the season.

“He’s ticked every box, hence the reason why he’s put himself so much into our thoughts.

“There are no guarantees in football but he’s probably in a good frame of mind that he believes he can play and score in first team football.”

No hurrying back to the track

by Nigel Duncan British Speedway is unlikely to be back on track before mid-June.

That was the bleak forecast for fans from the board members of British Speedway Promoters Ltd. Members are continuing to monitor the coronavirus situation.

A spokesman said: “With the

latest information from the Government stating high risk groups of people should stay at home for 12 weeks, it is unlikely that that there will be any British Speedway events taking place before June 15 at least.

“The board have to consider the public, their members, riders and officials, some of which will be included in the high risk group.

“It is the wish of the Board that every effort is made to start the new season at the first available opportunity.

"We have members of the association continuing to provide alternative fixture dates as the situation evolves.” speedwaygb.co.uk

Foundation of Hearts discuss fan ownership plans

by Darren Johnstone Foundation of Hearts chairman Stuart Wallace has announced that the coronavirus pandemic has delayed plans for the handover of current Hearts owner Ann Budge’s shareholding.

The 7,500-strong supporters group, who have now transferred in excess of £10 million to the club, had been set to take the Tynecastle outfit into fan ownership before the end of the season after paying back Budge her £2.4 million loan.

However, with Budge recently introducing drastic cost-cutting measures, including asking all full-time staff to take a 50 per cent wage cut, the official transfer of her 75.1 per stake has been postponed.

Wallace said: “Given the troubled situation, the board of the Foundation of Hearts has taken the decision that this is not the time to be adding any further

potential disruption by pushing forward with the handover of the majority shareholding.

“All parties remain totally committed to fan ownership and this handover will, of course, still happen, but such an historic event must be conducted at

a more settled time – a time when the handover enables the club to proceed seamlessly with its business and a time when we can properly celebrate the achievement of the fans in reaching this milestone.

“Sadly, this is not a time when any of us, we believe, has the

Foundation of Hearts chairman Stuart Wallace

inclination for a celebration, however well merited.”

Wallace, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the club’s fans for continuing to play their part in safeguarding the future of Hearts as total contributions since the club’s descent into administration in 2013 passed the £10 million

barrier.

In an update to members, he added: “On a related front, I am delighted to let you know that despite the current public health crisis and the impact that is having on all our lives, we have had almost 100 new or upgraded pledges over the past week alone.

“This is absolutely astonishing and demonstrates, if that were needed, just how passionate and committed Hearts fans are to our club.

“This email comes, too, on the day that the total pledges broke through the £10 million figure, which is quite incredible.

“The footballing world is experiencing huge changes right now and how things will move forward remains uncertain. One thing is clear, however. Hearts fans will be there for our club and will continue to provide the financial support – through the pledges – which is absolutely crucial to Hearts’ economic wellbeing.”

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

The Famous Five remembered

by John HIslop It is 70 years since 100,000 fans crammed into Ibrox Stadium to watch the Hibs’ Famous Five forward line take on the Rangers Iron Curtain defence in a match to decide to Scottish League title.

The pair shared the title in the seven years after the after the war and were generally considered to be the top two clubs in the country.

Hibs were admired by fans of all the other clubs due to their attacking style of play and their formidable forward line of Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull and Willie Ormond attracted massive crowds wherever they played.

Rangers were less attractive to watch but had a particularly strong defence consisting of goalkeeper Bobby Brown, full backs George Young and Jock Shaw, centre half Willie Woodburn and wing halves Ian McColl and Sammy Cox that was known as the Iron Curtain.

Hibs led the 1949/50 table until the beginning of March when a 1-0 home defeat by Third Lanark severely dented their aspirations while allowing Rangers to overtake them at the top of the table.

Facing Hibs that afternoon was former player Johnny Cuthbertson who had joined Third Lanark only at the beginning of the season and goalkeeper Lewis Goram, father of the future Hibs and Scotland

goalkeeper Andy Goram. At that time Goram was still a registered Hibs player but after a spell on loan at Leith Athletic he had been farmed out to the Cathkin side. It would turn out to be Goram’s only first team appearance at Easter Road before his transfer to Bury at the end of the season.

A convincing 4-2 home win against Dundee a few weeks later now left the championship a two-horse race between Hibs and Rangers, and it would possibly now all depend on the game between the pair at Ibrox.

The previous week Rangers had won the Scottish Cup and would be confident of victory, but if Hibs could take both points it would guarantee the Easter Road side the title.

Unfortunately it was not to be.

With the gates closed well before the start in front of over 100,000 supporters, including a large number that had made their way from Edinburgh, an unimpressive 0-0 draw left one newspaper headline the following day to proclaim, "No goals, no thrills and for Hibs no flag". Hibs’ player Jimmy Cairns had played the last 30 minutes of the game with a broken leg and Willie Ormond’s shot shaved the post in the dying minute.

Both sides were now level on points. Rangers however still had a game in hand. In the final

match of the season against Third Lanark at Cathkin the Ibrox side now needed just a draw to win the championship.

With Goram keeping his place in the Third’s side, just 15 minutes were remaining when the former Hibs player Cuthbertson missed the penalty that would have given his former side the title but the 2-2 draw allowed Rangers to become the first ever team to win the treble.

Whilst Rangers were winning the title, the Hibs players were beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at White Hart Lane thanks to an own goal

by Alf Ramsay in a friendly match ahead of a post season European tour.

Eddie Turnbull later recalled: “Perhaps it was the nervousness of both sides but the match petered out into a poor goalless draw. The amazing thing was that Hibs had scored 86 goals while Rangers could only manage 58.

The secret of their success was undoubtedly the Iron Curtain defence and though we envied them their title we preferred to play our brand of attacking football.

Our philosophy was set in stone: no matter how many you score against us , we will score more."

Hibs only had to wait a short time to enjoy League success and were crowned champios the following two seasons.

ELIBURN HAS NEW PRICES FOR FUTURE FISHING EXCURSIONS

by Nigel Duncan Eliburn Reservoir, fed by the Nell Burn, is surrounded by woodland and is a popular dog walking area, tucked between private housing estates in Livingston.

The coronavirus pandemic has forces the closure of the three acre fishery meantime but club members are looking ahead.

The water, around 2.5km from the town centre, is also extremely popular with coarse anglers.

However, it is not the easiest place to find, even with a sat nav, but Eliburn Reservoir, formally known as Deans, is a three-acre water where water is up to 13 ft deep.

Eliburn Reservoir is open throughout the year for members and day ticket anglers and it is located just off Houston Road between Howden, Ladywell and Deans.

The water is home to a range of coarse fish including big carp – fish of over 20lbs have been hooked - tench, bream, roach, perch, ide, pike, barbel and rudd.

Members of West Lothian Coarse Anglers run the water and they had been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the normally busy spring and summer season.

But that groundwork has not been wasted and a new price structure will operate when the fishery near Livingston Community Football Club – not to be confused with Livingston FC who play in Scotland’s top football league re-opens.

From March 30, it will cost anglers over 16 £7 to fish the water for a day. Last year it was £5.

Junior anglers will pay £2 but they can fish free with a paying adult.

Jason Biggin, one of the club’s officials, explained that they need

the additional income to keep up with the requirements it takes to run and maintain the fishery.

The extra cash will also be used towards controlling weed and it will aid the redevelopment of an inlet. West Lothian Council are assisting here.

Fishing times, once the water re-opens, will vary but anglers can make their first cast at 8am.

Closing times from the beginning of April vary as well but they are between 7pm in early summer and 9pm at the height of summer.

It will be a case of tight lines when anglers get the chance to return to the water.

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

SPORT 31

Mental Health matters

by Alan Temple HIGH PERFORMANCE coach Don MacNaughton believes a new-found appreciation for mental health will ensure Scotland’s footballers are able to navigate an unprecedented period of isolation.

The enforced shut-down of the domestic game due to the coronavirus outbreak has left a swathe of elite athletes without the structure of daily training and adrenaline rush of competitive fixtures to complete their week.

Allied with the ongoing uncertainty regarding when this time of flux will end, it has left players facing an onerous emotional challenge.

MacNaughton, pictured, is confident players will be able to cope with a spell without football MacNaughton is one of the nation’s most respected experts in sports psychology and personal development, having worked with a host of top-flight clubs, and the Scottish and Irish football associations. He has also published several books which address the topic. And that experience tells him that modern athletes are capable of looking after their emotional and physical well-being.

“Players now are more aware of how important it is to stay mentally and emotionally healthy, as well as physically, and how

connected those things are,” explained MacNaughton.

“Clubs know this too and will have staff in place to focus on the psychological well-being of their players and staff during this period without football.

“There will be advice and guidance available and I would expect a strong focus to be placed on setting targets, giving them a purpose – trying to mitigate the feeling of uncertainty which, if not addressed, can be difficult.

“Modern footballers have a very high level of emotional literacy, they know their strengths and weaknesses better than anyone.

They are increasingly thoughtful and consider the game very carefully, thinking about their own well-being an awful lot more than in the past.

“It is a test of self-discipline but, more and more, players now have that in abundance.”

Nevertheless, MacNaughton is loath to underestimate the difficulty of being cooped up in their homes for athletes whose careers are defined by high-level competition and remaining fit and active.

‘Controlling the controllables’, setting achievable goals and watching old footage to encourage positive thinking are among his top tips." Oh and coaching by Skype!

Stendel stands by his Hearts players

by Alan Temple Hearts head coach Daniel Stendel is adamant there will be no hard feelings if some Hearts players decide to walk away from the cash-strapped Jambos.

Tynecastle stars have been issued with an unenviable ultimatum by Ann Budge, with the owner telling all full-time staff to either accept a 50 per cent pay cut or request the termination of their contracts.

The drastic measures were made after Budge revealed that the coronavirus shut-down has already cost the Edinburgh club £1 million in gate receipts for upcoming matches, with the situation only set to worsen in the coming months with no income streams to call upon.

Stendel has admirably agreed to forego his salary during the hiatus, while captain Steven Naismith has agreed to have his wages halves.

However, defender Clevid Dikamona has already exercised his right to walk away – albeit he only had two months left to run on his deal – and several others are understood to be considering his options.

And Stendel would not grudge any player deciding to walk away.

He said “We have a similar

discussion in Germany and a lot of people are asking me why am doing this. But it is my decision only – and not everybody needs to do it.

“Everybody has different situations with family and money.

“Every player must decide alone what is best for him. Nobody can decide for other people or judge ‘this is good’ and ‘this is not good’.

“I can only speak for myself and say, at this moment and with my experiences with Ann Budge and Hearts, I wanted to help.”

Stendel, speaking to talkSPORT from his home in Germany, believes the painful calls being made by Budge will ultimately ensure Hearts survive.

And it is his faith in the Jambos supremo, allied with his passion for the club he joined last December, that fuelled his desire to aid the finances.

He continued: “I have big trust in Ann that she will keep the club safe. It is important that we still have a club to work and play.

“I asked ‘what can I do?’ and I spoke with my family and we decided that we wanted to help Hearts.

“It was my first idea in this situation and the best chance to save money for the club."

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