The Edinburgh Reporter September 2020

September 2020

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Bear necessities of starting school

Children and young people returned to school in the middle of August in line with government guidance.

The P1 pupils at Buckstone Primary School each had a hand-made teddy to welcome them. The knitting group at Fairmilehead Parish Church (The Flock) needled down to make them for the children. Although they were all from the same

pattern, Deputy Sessin Clerk, Helen Grant, said: "Each one is individual, just like the children they are going to."

Minister, Reverend Cheryl McKellar-Young, had the idea back in May and the knitters crafted 65 unique teddies. She said: "I wanted to make it extra special for the nursery children who did not have any transition into big school."

New start Primary 1 pupils at Buckstone Primary are bearing up with special welcome teddies.

ORDER ONLINE

OR CALL 0131 557 5098 WWW. S HE Z A N E D I N B U R G H.C O M

OPE N F O R DE L I V E RY & TAKEAWAY 15 % D ISCOUNT WHEN YOU ORDER ONLI NE

2

The Edinburgh Reporter

NEWS

Edinburgh planning news

ABOUT US We are all rejoicing this month in the fact that lockdown continues to be relaxed, meaning that gym bunnies and swimmers are allowed back indoors, and more restaurants and bars are opening.

We are also very grateful that our industry body, Independent Community News Network, has secured some advertising from The Scottish Government for us which you can read on our middle pages. This helps us a great deal in continuing to publish a monthly newspaper.

You can help too by subscribing to our newspaper delivery service which you will find on our website.

That way you can have your own copy of The Edinburgh Reporter delivered to your home or office.

If you have any questions about that then please do get in touch.

Contact details are at the foot of the page.

The government is still cautious, particularly in light of some local clusters of Covid-19, meaning a return to lockdown for some areas of the country.

Our feature on pages 14 and 15 is all about the West End of the city where there is a real variety of shops, and we highlight how they bouncing back from Covid-19.

As we go to print there is still uncertainty on when sports events with a live audience will get the green light. But we have certainly tried to bring you a flavour of what is going on both off and on the pitches on Page 23.

Our food columnist, Juliet, is anxious to get out and about again. Usually each month comes with around half a dozen invitations to eat out at one or other of the city's eateries.

She puts her robust take on the hospitaltiy sector on Page 17.

You may have patronised some city restaurants, particularly those running the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Some are continuing their own discounts this month - and if you don't want to go to a restaurant or café there is always take-away or delivery.

September may bring with it more concrete moves towards reopening offices.

I usually work on my own, but I do know some people who are missing their workplaces and colleagues, and feel that no Zoom call ever makes up for the kind of office banter to keep us all laughing.

Phyllis Stephen Editor

Hiroshima 75 years later

The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, joined Dominic Fry, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Takaoka Nozomu, the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh, at a tree planting ceremony. Three gingko bilbao trees were planted to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. These have a special history, as seeds from one of the trees from Hiroshima were gifted to RGBE in 2015 by the international Mayors for Peace project. The three trees were grown from those seeds.

The Consul General said: "On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I would like to thank Mr Fry and the representatives of the Royal Botanic Garden for taking very good care of the precious seeds from a Japanese gingko tree, which survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima exactly 75 years ago. Thanks to your dedication and nurturement, as well as the incredible power of life which resided in its seeds, today, we can plant them in the hope that trees will grow with a beautiful golden foliage for many years to come in this world famous garden."

Newhaven's beating heart Rodney Matthews, Chair and Vision Facilitator, of The Heart of Newhaven Community SCIO, has welcomed the City of Edinburgh Council's approval for the purchase of Victoria Primary School under the Community Asset Transfer Process of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

He said: "We now have to raise the required funding to meet the capital cost of £700,000 plus the ongoing demands of adapting the buildings on the site to develop our three themes of Culture and Heritage, Learning and Enterprise, and the health issues of personal Well-being.

"All are affected by the changed circumstances we are facing through the unprecedented challenge of a global pandemic.

"Much has happened since our new organisation began less than two years ago, especially over the past six months.

"Yet we would not be able to claim this site as our beating pulse of energy to engage everyone if we were not equal to every demand and ahead of the curve with our plans.

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

"Many voluntary and commercial partners have recently re-affirmed their commitment.

"New enterprises are joining, offering even greater commitment.

We have made energetic contact with individual families by recently delivering postcards to over 7,000 households.

"Interest grows as we now apply to the Scottish Land Fund to help meet capital costs and look to charitable funders and a spectrum of others to cover repair and renewal costs and ensure ongoing viability. We are adapting with the art of the possible.

"The Council has acknowledged that what we are doing is of considerable benefit to those most in need and the sustainability of the environment for the future.

"The faint-hearted would have given up by now.

"We are just getting the second wind of confidence as we move on to the next challenge. The Heart of Newhaven Community is beating steadily."

CHRISTMAS Planning permission will be required for the installation of the Star Flyer and the Big Wheel in Princes Street Gardens. This is a key part of the trail of stalls and rides planned by the council for the end of the year. The Scottish Government has confirmed it will make £200,000 available for the winter festivals. But all of this is also subject to public health guidance, and the Council Leader, Adam McVey, said: "Public Health guidance has to be the first and last consideration here."

BOOKER Plans for a new housing estate on the former Booker Cash & Carry site on Inglis Green Road may include a new bridge.

Green councillor for the Chesser area, Gavin Corbett said: “There has been strong support for a footbridge over this part of the river for years and having litter-picked this area loads of times I can see what benefit it would bring. It would make a great walking connection for residents in Hutchison-Chesser and Longstone and, for cyclists it would cut out the frankly scary stretch of road from the top of Chesser Avenue to Inglis Green Road. The developers on the site would strike a really popular note with the local community if they commit to building a bridge here as part of their plans. So I hope they heed public views.”

THOR'S TIPI BAR A planning application for a pop-up on the rooftop at Waverley Mall, will, if granted, be in place for an event 'that will bring people back into the city centre' from 21 September. After last year's success, Waverley Mall owner Moorgarth asked Thor's to repeat the pop up food and drink area with 60 local staff (30 last year) and locally sourced food on the menu with no single-use plastic, a glasshouse specially designed for the site, and tipis made from 100 year-old Scandinavian poles and natural materials. The tents would be sited on a lower level than last year, meaning they will 'sit better on the skyline'. The applicants also say that the build is 'now in line with the Act of Parliament 1991 for the height restrictions on the roof'. 20/03336/FUL

Figure this In August the number of visitors to our website broke all previous records for one day and for the month 61,000+ followers on Twitter and growing... @EdinReporter

/EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Donate

anchor.fm

YouTube

News in the right hands The Edinburgh Reporter is usually distributed through a network of cafés and businesses.

Some of those are open again, but not all allow customers inside.

If you have had your car in any Farmer Autocare branch then you may have received a free copy of our latest paper while visting.

We write about news relating to Edinburgh and the immediate area.

We welcome contributions to our website and newspaper.

Other places where we usually leave a supply remain closed, including libraries and many businesses in the city. Some volunteers help us by taking a small supply for themselves and delivery to their neighbours. If you can help us distribute our papers, then please do get in touch.

@EdinReporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk

/EdinReporter edinburghreporter

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Last orders for Dalriada in £2m home plan EXCLUSIVE

By Stephen Rafferty An Edinburgh entrepreneur is understood to be closing in on a deal to purchase the Dalriada Hotel on Portobello Promenade with the intention of converting the building into a luxury home.

The prominent hotel and bar had been marketed by Rettie & Co for sale at offers of over £950,000. The popular venue will be transformed into a single private residence and with a likely investment of £500,000 required to upgrade the property, 77 Promenade could become Portobello’s first £2 million home.

The beachside Victorian villa attracted huge interest when it went on the market, with several serious bidders from the hospitality industry looking to develop the site, and a number of private individuals seeking a unique residence.

Billy Lowe, the successful bar and hotel operator who owns the Black Ivy, was said to be interested and planned to replicate the strategy which had turned his Brunstfield Links venue in to one of Edinburgh’s most popular venues.

However, talks stalled and Mr Lowe pulled out of negotiations before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

For the last 16 years the Dalriada has been owned and run by Terry

and Alison Magill and has been a popular venue for live folk music, jam sessions, comedy evenings and a firm favourite with families, locals and visitors enjoying the beach.

Rettie & Co's sales literature said that should a buyer want to restore the ground floor public areas and upper apartment in to one home it would create an “impressive and substantial family abode”.

A source told The Edinburgh Reporter: “The Dalriada was the setting for many local family celebrations and a really popular music venue, but it appears it has

served its last pint and held its last jam session. An Edinburgh businessman has snapped it up, and it is said he will spend a signficant sum to convert it in to one very impressive family home.”

The Dalriada is a B-listed Rogue Baronial villa dating from 1869 and was designed by Edinburgh architect James Campbell Walker for William Griffiths Esq. Campbell’s architectural career focussed mostly on schools, churches and poorhouses and his grander projects included Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Hawick Town Hall.

In the 1880s the home, known as Beachborough Villa, was owned by prominent Portobello businessman Robert Cooper, proprietor of Forth & Rosebank Bottleworks at Baileyfield, which in 1898 employed 180 men, 50 boys, and produced annually six million bottles.

In 1970 the villa was converted in to a hotel, trading as The Temple Hall Hotel, a possible reference to a belief that the original home was used as a place of worship, before changing its name to The Dalriada.

Dalriada could become Portobello's first £2m home

NEWS

Bike storage is en route Park your bike in one of Edinburgh’s new cycle storage sheds for £6 a month. The capital is to provide 1,080 Bikehangar ® spaces in the city.

Some of the sheds have been installed already in Portobello and also next to The Meadows.

Edinburgh will have the largest network of the sheds in the UK outside London.

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Cllr Karen Doran said: “We’re delighted to be introducing secure bike parking, which will be particularly beneficial for Edinburgh’s tenement areas. It addresses the significant problem of limited space for bikes as more people choose cycling as their preferred way to get around the city. Overcrowded stairwells are not only inconvenient for residents, it makes them key targets for bike theft.”

Bikehangars are designed, installed and managed by bicycle infrastructure experts Cyclehoop, the leading providers of on-street cycle sheds in the UK. Each Bikehangar provides six cycle parking spaces in half the space of a parked car, relieving pressure on roads and public transport networks and freeing up pavement space for physical distancing. www.cyclehoop.rentals

Asset transfer secured for NEA

North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) in Muirhouse has been granted full community ownership in a community asset transfer from the City of Edinburgh Council. With the additional transfer of a plot of land to the north of the organisation’s venue, NEA is now in a position to lead on the development of an extended creative and community hub for the area, working in partnership with the council.

Established in 1998, NEA say bringing the organisation into community ownership and working to extend the facilities will make sure this dynamic community venue is fit for purpose for the next two decades. NEA

carried out extensive consultation to gauge support for the project with 96% of respondents in favour.

The organisation offers local residents a place to relax, explore, learn, meet, share, volunteer and have fun in.

Last year more than 40,000 visits were made to the venue which is based in the heart of Muirhouse and their current venue incorporates two studios, a 96-seat theatre, recording studio, gallery, offices and the pop-in community café with children’s play area leading onto a large garden.

The venue is also home to

NEA community asset transfer gets the green light

3

Muirhouse Link Up, Firstport Social Enterprise, North Edinburgh Drug and Alcohol Centre, and the Tinderbox Orchestra, all working to serve the most disadvantaged children, families and individuals in the North Edinburgh area.

Chair of NEA, Lesley Hinds, said: “NEA has won five national awards in the last six years for place making and creative projects.

This new capital project will allow the organisation to flourish and bring a first class facility to Macmillan Square. The granting of the Community Asset Transfer is the first step on our next exciting journey.”

4

The Edinburgh Reporter

POLITICS

Misguided Covid-19 measures City needs to get street wise Littering has "I have long supported initiatives The Edinburgh Southern benefit who exactly? increased at to change the balance from MSP, Daniel Johnson, says it is immediate challenges of Covid-19. cars to pedestrians and cyclists, Jeremy Balfour, Conservative important to ensure we can all beauty spots and I could support plans for MSP for Lothians, asks who are move around safely, respecting "The SNP have made this the people who are benefitting from Covid-19 measures?

"Over recent weeks the SNP-Labour administration of The CIty of Edinburgh Council have introduced concerning changes to Edinburgh's roads.

"Under the Spaces for People initiative, the council have been widening pavements and putting parking bans on certain roads without conducting a consultation.

"Some of the changes being made would have possibly been more welcome during Phase 1 of lockdown.

"However, at this stage, time pressure can no longer be used as a legitimate excuse for the council administration’s decision not to conduct a consultation.

"This is a blatant abuse of the emergency powers given to local authorities to deal with the

decision with no thought for the local economy or business owners who have already had to face financial difficulty over lockdown.

"They may also experience a decline in footfall thanks to parking bans and public transport diversions.

"Further, while the council claims that these changes will benefit wheelchair users, there are already disabled people speaking out about the adverse effect that these changes will have on their ability to travel, particularly during winter months.

"The council’s administration must stop taking advantage of the powers given to them and focus on listening to the needs of local people and businesses."

social distancing.

"On this basis the Places for People scheme being undertaken by the Council, to create additional space for pedestrians by suspending parking, has an important objective. But we must also look at whether it is meeting this objective and what the wider consequences are.

"The alteration of road layout, removal of car park spaces, the widening of pavements and installation of cones have left local businesses and residents struggling to understand the measures. My personal observation is that the road space that is freed up is not being used by pedestrians. I have also heard concerns such as the lack of space for cyclists and most noticeably the floating bus stops.

I think we must take the time to reflect and adjust these measures.

widening pavements or creating segregated cycle lanes. But it is not clear that these temporary measures help this longer-term aim, indeed the growing concerns may make gaining support for future permanent upgrades harder to achieve. What is becoming clear is the real difficulties these measures present for the diverse independent cafes and shops we have in Morningside and Bruntsfield. Recovering from lockdown is challenging and the clear view from these businesses is that these measures are making that more difficult.

"We must take steps to ensure we control the coronavirus and we must take steps to help our local economies recover. This will require us to learn and improve as we move forward in making transport in the capital fit for the 21st century."

SNP 'must fight' for jobs in arts and creative industries Edinburgh and Lothians could face a long-term arts and entertainment unemployment crisis if SNP ministers do not step up the fight for jobs, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said.

Boyack spoke out as Edinburgh and Scotland continues to be hit hard by the cancellation of the Edinburgh festivals and other major cultural events. She warned that if the furlough scheme ends before a quality jobs guarantee

scheme is in place, thousands of workers in creative industries could be laid off.

Scottish Labour has calculated that the arts and entertainment sector employs at least 121,000 people across Scotland, including 19,000 in Edinburgh, with around 30,000 in the hospitality sector.

According to a submission to Holyrood's culture committee from Festivals Edinburgh: "The wider economy now stands to lose at

least £360 million and 7,000 jobs from the collapse of the 2020 [festival] season".

The Edinburgh International Festival alone employs over 350 people including core, freelance and seasonal staff according to its own submission, as well as supporting up to 2,000 creative roles.

EIF says the "loss of income for those individuals could be the difference between being able to sustain their businesses

for another year or risking redundancy."

Boyack added: “I am asking the First Minister what support the Scottish Government plans to provide for the arts sector in light of these worrying figures.

“Reassurances and funding guarantees will be crucial to helping our valued arts scenes overcome the ongoing impact of coronavirus, and help keep jobs for good.”

A motion at the Scottish Parliament by Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, in support of the Don’t Trash our Future campaign, has received cross party support.

Since lockdown restrictions have lifted there has been a huge increase of littering across Edinburgh with rubbish being left at various beauty spots including beaches and reservoirs.

Increased littering has been a particular concern at the Meadows with significant increases in the levels of littering since lockdown restrictions have lifted. Meadows residents and council workers are left to pick up the litter after people have been out enjoying the green space, but not taken their litter home with them.

The motion was supported from fellow Lothian MSPs Neil Findlay (Labour) and Alex Cole-Hamilton (Lib-Dem).

Mr Briggs said: “I am pleased that my motion at the Scottish Parliament has received cross party support, reinforcing that all parties are committed to cracking down on littering.

“If people are using these outdoor areas it is their responsibility to ensure that they clear up and bin or take home their own litter.

“It is unacceptable to expect someone else to clear up your rubbish. Laws against people littering must be enforced if people aren’t going to follow them.”

@EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

/EdinReporter

Tommy Sheppard focusing on his flock

By Phyllis Stephen A chat with Tommy Sheppard MP is always a good thing to do. His view of the world may be focused through an SNP lens, but his answers are always disarmingly frank for a politician.

His prime responsibility in the last few months has been to his family and his constituents.

He has been in Edinburgh since March, taking part in virtual sessions at Westminster where MPs can scrutinise but not take part in debates. These have been a little frustrating for him, as he has had only two minutes to speak and pose a question for the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg.

He has widely criticised Mr Rees-Mogg for simply not answering his questions directly.

His constituency caseload has increased since the beginning of the lockdown, and like everyone else his office has been closed.

He explained that his constituency casework was up by 50% on last year, mostly to do with coronavirus, or people falling through the gaps in the various government schemes.

I asked if Tommy thinks it is still worth turning up at Westminster in whatever form since the General Election last year? He replied: "Well, things changed dramatically in December 2019. Up until then, the SNP group at Westminster was very much punching above its weight, because things were so volatile and there was there was not really a government majority, so we were able to defeat it on quite a lot of things, particularly to

do with the Brexit timetable.

“And then we went from that to us doing really well in the election and our group going up from 35 to 48. But paradoxically, having much less power and influence in the parliamentary arithmetic after that election, because Boris Johnson got back with a pretty decent majority.

“I see less reason to be diligent and go over the top in terms of our parliamentary interventions in the chamber, because that process doesn't offer us as much anymore.

We can do a lot more in terms of advocating in our constituencies by campaigning and trying to use other platforms, particularly the media, to raise matters of public concern, whether they be the big stuff about the future of Scotland or the little stuff that affects many, many individuals.”

Mr Rees-Mogg regularly quotes the figure of £4.6 billion at him in any answer. This is the amount that Scotland has had under the Barnett Consequentials (a way of providing the same level of financial support to Scotland as in England for certain things).

Tommy said: “Well, you know, we are still part of the United Kingdom. So it would be odd, wouldn't it, if we didn't get the same sort of support as other parts of the United Kingdom, whilst we're there?

"Our concern is actually we're doing proportionally worse, than other parts of the United Kingdom.

And I keep trying to explain to Jacob Rees-Mogg and to others that we're not so much arguing

about the total quantum of money, but about the financial powers available to the government to use that money and to make other decisions that can make it work.

“For example if you look at the big arts rescue package which was announced just before the start of the summer recess. They said it was £1.8 billion and that Scotland would get £97 million.

"Now you don’t have to be a mathematical genius to work out that this is not a proportionate share. It is about 5% whereas our population is about 9%. In England the money can be used to repurpose expenditure, allowing capital sums to be transferred to revenue operations. That is the sort of thing we just don’t have the authority to do in Scotland, certainly not on the same scale.”

And so what of the future?

Tommy said: “Usually Parliament would come back in the second week of September. Just for a few weeks and then there'll be another break for the conference season, as they call it, where everyone went off to the seaside to discuss politics. So that's all changed.

We're coming back right at the beginning of September this time and there's no further breaks of any kind. The intention is to press right through to Christmas with a legislative session, which is going to be quite heavy, we think, in terms of what the government wants to get done."

No doubt he will continue to use his two minutes as forcefully as he can from his Edinburgh living room.

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

Christine Jardine MP

Telephone Surgeries

In line with Government guidance and to keep people safe, I’m now holding telephone surgeries.

Please call the team on 0131 285 5972 to make an appointment

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

POLITICS

Marco Biagi throws his hat in the Edinburgh Central ring

Marco Biagi was MSP for Edinburgh Central, elected in 2011 with a majority of 237 votes, becoming a minister in the Scottish Cabinet.

He took the seat from Labour's Sarah Boyack who then left Holyrood for a time, and only recently returned.

Now, after a spell in the US both studying comparative politics and teaching at Yale University, Biagi thinks this could be the right time for a return to politics. He is of course not yet the candidate, as he has to be selected by the local constituency.

Others who have declared their hands are Angus Robertson, the former leader of the SNP at Westminster, and Lee-Anne Menzies who works for Ash Denham MSP. Joanna Cherry, QC, MP, has ruled herself out, as has Cllr Alison Dickie who stood here last time round.

Nominations are open until 14 September and there is a chance of more candidates being nominated by then.

By 23 September each candidate has to have the backing of at least 50 members of the party so that they can go forward for selection.

It seemed pertinent to ask why Marco thinks it is a good idea to return to the maelstrom of political life now, having tasted freedom in the academic world.

He pointed out that when he stepped down, he "never said never”. He believes that members need a choice and that one default choice is "just not the SNP way".

5

He said: “It is strange that it is 10 years since I was up for selection the first time. The party branch membership is five or six times what it was then - the party had won one election at that point or two elections if you count Europeans. Now, it's had an unbeaten run for a decade, but of course it’s a strange different time.”

He knows Angus Robertson well and explained: “Angus and I have had our differences in the past, and we do have different politics within the currents of the SNP. I enjoyed being an MSP and I look back really fondly on those times. I think I could do a really good job in Edinburgh Central.

“There's a lot of constituency level issues that Ruth Davidson left neglected. AirBnB has magnified the old ‘party flats’ problem with the power of the internet. A good SNP MSP would have made a difference to this problem though.”

And independence and Brexit?

He concluded: “The only way we get back into the Eureopan Union is as an independent country, and Scotland will become independent when the UK is not in the EU, so the process on re-entering will be different and will have to be set out clearly in any referendum.

"I think freedom of movement would be one of the first things to try out.”

Quiet confidence from someone who has yet to earn the nomination for the seat.

ai159845101637_200826__Edinburgh Reporter_8 pound offer_September_FULL PAGE PRINT.pdf

1

26/08/2020

15:10

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

NEWS

7

Downtown ranking taxes patience of city black cab trade Spaces for People measures have included changes to the area right outside The Balmoral hotel which was first lined with cones, then wands, widening the pavement there.

Wands are a more permanent measure, though still prone to being bashed about. For all the Covid-19 emergency measures, the council has put in cones first as an advisory, followed by more robust segregation. These measures are being paid for by £5 million of funding awarded to the council by The Scottish Government.

The 'layby' area outside The Balmoral is now unavailable to taxi drivers to use as a rank. It is still being used as a rank by some drivers, but it is not actually an official rank. Edinburgh Police have tweeted that they have engaged with drivers, reinforcing the terms of their licence. A spokesperson for the UNITE union's Edinburgh Cab Branch

Coned off

said: “We have repeatedly asked our members not to rank outside The Balmoral as it really does our trade no favours and just adds to the general traffic problems in the East End. “As we gain more members, we are getting the message over to more and more drivers but unfortunately there are some taxi drivers who are only concerned about themselves and not the long term effect on the trade.

This is one of the reasons why we have asked The City of Edinburgh Council to provide a dedicated enforcement team to police both black taxis and private hire.

“Having enforcement officers targeting problematic hot-spots such as The Balmoral would definitely help to reduce the problem areas. One of the reasons why taxi drivers form these unofficial ranks is due to the fact that the trade has lost around 50 available rank spaces over the last few years.

“And also, whilst we agree with some of the new Active Streets measures brought in due to the need to socially distance because of Covid-19, some of these measures now make it impossible for a taxi to pull into the side of the road to either pick up or off load passengers - particularly when the passenger is in a wheelchair, with

Morningside Road being a great example of this.

“We presented councillors with a traffic rank report that Unite put together and this was discussed at the council’s Licensing Meeting.

We look forward to working with the council and are happy to offer them our input on how we can improve the traffic flow for all road users and pedestrians.

“We believe that we can

a diverse range of venues and bringing venues and services back to life in a new Covid-19 environment, after being closed since late March, is a big and complex task.

We’re delighted at the prospect of welcoming our customers back and all our efforts are focused on making our venues as safe as possible. The Edinburgh Leisure experience will of course be different but customers will be guaranteed the same, warm welcome as before lockdown.

We want to reopen our venues and services as quickly as possible but this will happen on an incremental basis, following the coronavirus guidance produced by the Scottish Government and sportscotland. The reopening of venues and services will also require support from the Scottish Government.

Welcome back to the gym

The union has also pointed out to the council that most ranks need repainted and signage added. Double yellow lines need to be added in most cases too, so that anyone parking there can be penalised.

The council did defer taxi licence fees for a period of three months, leading to a loss of income of £740,000 to the council, but this has now come to an end, despite appeals from the taxi trade.

Changes to the roadway at The Balmoral

Edinburgh Leisure gets back in the swim and gym

by June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure, which operates the city's swimming pools, fitness and leisure centres.

We’ve missed all our customers, coaches, volunteers and employees over the last five and a half months. We know that many of you have found ingenious ways to continue to keep active and moving during lockdown.

Public leisure services, many charities and businesses throughout the country are faced with significant financial challenges due to lost income and the prospect of operating at reduced capacity to comply with physical distancing measures, and it’s the same for Edinburgh Leisure.

However, the Edinburgh Leisure Team have never shied away from a challenge - we are committed to supporting and enabling the citizens of Edinburgh to live active and healthy lives.

Perhaps more than ever before there is recognition of the importance and value of good health and we’re continuing to work with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver on our shared goals of an active and healthy city.

While the First Minister advised that the opening for indoors gyms and swimming pools and indoor sports courts had been brought forward to 31 August, we will not be opening the doors of our indoor venues until Monday, 14 September.

Edinburgh Leisure has such

offer them an insight into the city’s traffic problems from the perspective of the city's taxi drivers who are the eyes and ears and ambassadors of the city.”

The union's report makes interesting reading, showing that since the last council report in 2012, 48 taxi rank spaces have been lost, reducing spaces for the 1316 licensed taxis in Edinburgh to 247.

The venues reopening on Monday, 14 September are: Ainslie Park Leisure Centre Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre Drumbrae Leisure Centre The Royal Commonwealth Pool We will initially reopen our gyms, fitness classes, tennis and badminton courts and lane swimming in these centres.

The latest information on activities available and what to expect when you visit can be found on the Edinburgh Leisure website and social media channels. You can also find out more about how to stay active at home and information on the outdoor activities available including Edinburgh Leisure’s six golf courses and tennis courts. www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Spaces for People proves problematic The council will keep its Spaces for People measures to increase space for walking, wheeling and cycling in place for at least another two months.

Not all of these schemes have met with universal approval.

Braid Road was one of the first to close, partly to allow access into The Hermitage. Conservative councillors continue to voice their opinions about this on Twitter.

Cllr Nick Cook was until recently the Conservative Group Transport spokesman. He finds it hard to let go of that brief, but is also the local Morningside councillor. He has demanded that Braid Road is reopened immediately, as its closure is diverting traffic and causing queues outside South Morningside Primary School.

The council is progressing with measures on Comiston Road.

The Morningside Road scheme, where pavements have been widened, has attracted some opposition too.

Shopkeepers there have put signs in their windows asking locals to email their councillors and MSPs to tell them of their objections.

The closure of Silverknowes Road has been problematic for some local businesses, but it has now been altered to allow the number 29 bus to access this route once more.

The East Craigs planned Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) attracted over 1300 objections in the form of a petition.

The Craigmount - East Craigs North Gyle - Drumbrae Residents group presented a written deputation to the council saying that the introduction of the scheme was a "shocking abuse of power by the elected officials of this city and must be stopped".

The proposal to stop up some streets, ending rat-running, would force traffic onto main roads.

The intention of such schemes is that motor traffic in residential neighbourhoods is reduced, creating people-friendly spaces and encouraging physical activity on designated streets.

The council said that feedback to the consultation on the West Edinburgh Link project demonstrated strong support for proposals to improve areas for active travel and enhance public spaces.

SPOKES, the cycling campaign group, says it strongly welcomes the Spaces for People programme.

They are in favour of segregated cycle lanes, and want to see one installed on the A8. But they also say that some of the arrangements on the High Streets do not pay enough attention to cycle safety.

They also support the "try then modify" approach taken by the council to the introduction of LTNs. They believe this is a better way to consult than any paper-based solution. They say: "It allows people to comment on real experience rather than speculation."

8

The Edinburgh Reporter

NEWS

Off sales not on for Iona Bar

The Iona Bar on Easter Road has lost its off sales licence as a result of complaints about anti-social behaviour outside. The Licensing Board varied the licence and removed the ability to sell alcohol to take away. The pub has retained its licence to serve food and drink inside the premises.

Cllr Norman Work is the Licensing Convener and we asked him whether there would be any further repercussions following other reports of crowding outside pubs. While he declined to talk about particular cases, he

confirmed that he would be taking a firm line where pubs do not comply with restrictions.

Cllr Work said: "You know the important thing to remember is that bars and licensed premises are only allowed to operate if they agree to abide by the emergency measures against Covid-19.

I've been very supportive of our licensed premises, and was disappointed they didn't open earlier. I am very keen that any outside spaces are used, as I believe this reduces the risk. Most of our licensed premises have put

The off-sales licence for Iona Bar was revoked PHOTO Martin P McAdam

in place a number of restrictions to tackle the issue.

"Of course what's happened in Aberdeen is quite a wake up call. You know this could happen anywhere else - it could happen in Edinburgh. If there's a spike, all because of people not social distancing in our pubs, then it is a worry.

"We are unique in Edinburgh as drinking outside is not illegal.

The reason that off-sales was introduced however, was for people to take home, say a bottle of wine that they liked. But what happened was that some people were congregating outside bars, and there was a lack of social distancing. Instead of taking drinks home, they were outside blocking pavements, and so we were getting complaints from members of the public. A lot of that happened during spells of good weekend weather."

The Convener conceded that a complaint to the Licensing Board is really the ultimate sanction, and that most of the time matters of noise or lack of social distancing are dealt with by police or licensing standards officers on the ground.

Rescuing Dalry Community Park Gorgie Dalry Community Councillor and Treasurer, Alex McKendrick, reflects on the history of community efforts to save Dalry Community Park, and what the Roseburn to Union Canal Active Travel Route scheme means for this valued local greenspace.

"The City of Edinburgh Council approved proposals to progress the improvement scheme.

According to the council they are redesigning the park: renewing the existing playpark with equipment for all ages, resurfacing the sports pitch, installing lighting seating and wayfinding, improving landscaping and creating shareduse paths and better access

points. This builds on consultation with the local community in 2015/16, and in 2019 when 95% of respondents expressed support changes inclued the development of a tree protection strategy, better access points and increasing path widths to 4metres, so more space for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Looking at the park now, it is hard to believe that it used to be a train station. Dalry Road railway station carried passengers into Edinburgh from 1900 until it closed in 1962 due to low profitability. Remnants of the original line can still be seen, such as the railway platform which now hosts birch and willow trees

instead of passengers.

"It remained disused land until 1972 when the first play area was created for local children, replaced with a BMX track in 1984.

By 1993 the track was replaced with a sandpit play area and a 5-a-side football pitch, and a multi sports pitch in 1999. In 1998 the park came under threat when a developer proposed to destroy most of the land in order to build a superstore car park.

"Gorgie Dalry Community Council (GDCC) argued against this development at the public inquiry, showing the importance of the open space and large amounts of biodiversity. In 2000 a survey found 140 wild plant species and 360 waiting to be identified.

24 species of moss grow in the park with an incredibly rare plant called Weissia rutilans playing an important role in safeguarding the park. The park is also home to many animals from many bird species, squirrels, foxes, a large diversity of insects such as butterflies, bees and beetles. Over 80 species of beetles were found with two only previously being found in Southern England.

"The proposed improvements to the park as part of the active travel route scheme are just another in a long history of changes. We hope that this opens the park up to the local community by making it a more welcoming place to visit, travel through and play in. We hope that the planned improvements won’t come in the way of the park being a great home to wildlife, trees and plants."

Capital designs short-listed Four city developments are shortlisted for the Scottish Design Awards 2020, headlined by the development plan for Granton Waterfront.

Affordable housing and streets promoting active travel will all combine in the new coastal quarter. Others include the Greendykes housing development where modern, energy efficient homes are planned, the Edinburgh Printmakers which transformed the North British Rubber Company into an arts space and café, and Calton Hill Observatory.

Winners will be announced on 10 September.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: "Our city is growing and adapting and the new homes and communities being built are meeting the demands of our rising population and meeting our environmental responsibilities.

"These homes are not only low carbon but are prioritising the wellbeing of current and future residents by ensuring sustainable communities and delivering high quality design."

Gorgie flats get go ahead The council has approved a planning application to build 28 flats along with 140 student flats and 77 student studios on Gorgie Road. The scheme also includes three commercial units and some affordable homes too.

But the final approval is with Scottish Ministers as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency have objected to the development which is sited within a flood plain.

There will be 264 cycle parking spaces but only 33 car parking spaces. Some of the public realm will be improved between the building and the Water of Leith Walkway, with upgrades also planned to the public footpath.

A spokesperson for Kiltane Developments, said: “I’m delighted with the decision taken today by councillors. As an Edinburghbased company, we are thrilled to see this exciting project given the green light and look forward to bringing this mixed-use site forward.

“The delivery of housing, including much-needed affordable housing, student accommodation and commercial units will assist in preserving the viability of the nearby local centre.

"We are also providing an attractive frontage on the Water of Leith and significantly enhancing the public realm, including upgrades to the public footpath.

“We look forward to getting these proposals underway and will continue to work with council officials and the local community to deliver them.”

News from around the city in brief

QUEENSFERRY The new Queensferry High School is now open to pupils but everyone can get a flavour of what it is like from a virtual tour round the new building. This was set up online to give new pupils a bit of orientation before the term started, but it will be of equal interest to parents and carers of pupils who will not be allowed access to the new school for some time yet.

Kenny Manson, Deputy Head of Queensferry High School said: “The model will provide a really important asset to our school community. We are excited to showcase our fantastic new facility within this digital environment and support our young people and staff in the short and long term.”

The project was led by Scottish Futures Trust. The interactive model is available on their website. scottishfuturestrust.org.uk GRANTON Edinburgh’s plans to regenerate Granton Waterfront have been shortlisted for the Scottish Design awards. The scheme includes affordable housing, streets which promote active travel and a response to the climate emergency.

Three other projects in the city which the council and other partners are putting in place are also shortlisted: Greendykes with modern energy efficient council homes, Edinburgh Printmakers which overhauled the North British Rubber Factory and the new arrangements at Calton Hill Observatory. Both of these were part funded by the council.

CRAIGMILLAR The development at Harewood Road was the opportunity to announce the first new affordable homes to be completed since lockdown. These 194 homes, some for social rent and others for mid-market rent, are part of the council’s plans to build 20,000 affordable new homes during its five year term.

The homes are highly energyefficient and have an innovative urban drainage system which collects surface water. There is also a large communal green space and footpaths and cycle paths connecting the homes to Craigmillar Park.

POLICE Edinburgh’s police officers have taken a greater number of knives off the streets during the first quarter of 2020/21.Police Scotland issued figures for AprilJune 2020 and during this time the division increased their detection rate for offensive and bladed weapons by almost 14 per cent.

This coincides with an additional 22 weapon offences being recorded.

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

LeithLate lightens up autumn with launch of virtual mural tour around historic port

Arts charity LeithLate has launched a virtual tour map which showcases eye-catching murals it has commissioned throughout the port area, art studios and local artists and creators.

This interactive digital map has been created in collaboration with the Culture & Community Mapping Project, with funding from Data Driven Innovation and Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh.

The Chalk/Grimes mural Users can click and explore the map, revealing entertaining and informative audio histories of the sites from Cameron Foster and many of the original artists, plus video tours of studios from the artists who currently collaborate with LeithLate.

LeithLate Virtual Tours will continue to grow as more murals, studios and voices are added into this virtual tapestry mapping Murals and Studios in Leith.

Other events are planned from 25 September to 4 October under the banner of Leith 100: Light Up Leith History Mural.

The Tim Chalk and Paul Grimes mural was created in 1986 on the corner of Ferry Road and North Junction Street and charts Leith’s rich and varied social history.

The mural will be given a new lease of life by Double-Take Projections who have artistically re-imagined the mural through light projections using the artists' original artworks, adding beautiful animations and a bespoke soundscape. The free outdoor event runs 8-10pm each night but time slots must be booked.

The event has been made in collaboration with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Curating Conversations across the Arts research project, with funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

LeithLate is also teaming up with Empty Kitchens Full Hearts (EKFH), who provide meals on a daily basis to over 500 individuals facing food insecurity.

Each night of this event, (7.309pm) EKFH are opening up their kitchen to the public, serving their high-quality meals next door in the outdoor collonade at Leith Theatre. Funds raised with help continue their vital work in the community.

On 27 September and 4 October, Cameron Foster, who started Leith Mural Tours, will conduct possibly his final in-person tour of the murals, with the tour priced on a pay-what-you-can scale.

The closing event on 4 October

Photos from previous LeithLate by Chris Scott is a discussion evening on the theme of “Into the Future with a Strong Community”, dinner and celebration. Tickets will be released in September.

LeithLate have able to support 18 creatives during this difficult time by commissioning videos and audio from mural artists inclduding Tim Chalk, Kirsty Whiten, Rabiya Choudhry, Richie Cumming and Fraser Gray.

Studio artists who have been supported include Louise Smurthwaite and Jessica Kirkpatrick, Khadea Kuchenmeister, Megan Chapman and Mairi Brown, Juli BolañosDurman, Jacqueline Bell and James Donald, Sharon Quigley and Bridgid Collins, Helen Miles and Judy Clark.

Morvern Cunningham, LeithLate founder and trustee, said: “We

Helen's home hike up Kilimanjaro

Helen Wass O’Donnell is not faint-hearted. She has taken on an endurance test walking 3.663 miles every day - the distance in miles which equals the height of Mount Kilimanjaro The 60-year-old has health challenges which in anyone with less courage would mean she would be sitting at home. The purpose of her challenge is to raise funds for the MS Therapy Centre Lothian by ‘climbing’ Kilimanjaro without leaving Edinburgh. Until autumn last year she was training with a band of eight equally mad friends before a planned trip to Kilimanjaro this year.

Sadly, due to a seroius fall, as well as travel restrictions because of Covid-19, Helen could not complete her challenge. So she has got herself a special bike called a race runner. This is a kind of assisted walking trike which makes her daily walk or run a bit easier to manage.

The intrepid Helen is walking every day, usually down at Cramond where we met up with her, and hopes to achieve her goal by the first week in September.

By then she will have completed

about 120 miles or so.

As well as her recent fall, Helen has Multiple Sclerosis and Brainstem Encephalitis, both conditions which affect her ability

to walk. Helen has used the therapy centre and explained what it is like.

She said: "The MS centre is a brilliant place where a wide range

Helen is out daily with her roadrunner to complete the challenge PHOTO ©2020 The Edinburgh Reporter

are thrilled to be able to return this autumn with further events both online and in person in this unprecedented year for both ourselves and our communities.

"We were particularly delighted to be able to support 18 artists during lockdown thanks to the Virtual Tours, at a time when grassroots support of creatives is needed more than ever."

Light-Up Leith History Mural (Free) - North Junction Street, Friday 25 Sept - Sunday 4 Oct 8pm-10pm.

Mural Tours (Pay what you can, £0-£4) Sunday 27 Sept & Sunday 4 Oct. Into the Future with Food (Ticketed TBC), The Pitt, Sunday 4 Oct. LeithLate Virtual Tours www. leithlate.co.uk/virtualtours

of people gather for group and individual therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physiotherapy, massage, Reiki, hypnotherapy, pilates, yoga, and a great cup of tea and a natter.

"Their support for me over the last ten plus years has been brilliant.

"They are an amazing bunch of dedicated professionals and volunteers and the centre needs as much support as possible, especially during the coronavirus crisis.”

Helen is also a champion and has taken part in some races with her race runner.

She said: “I can’t walk unaided, I need a stick so this is quite a challenge for me. But I first got the trike after trying one out in a park in Tranent.

"I have competed a couple of times – in fact I’m the Scottish champion over 50 metres or something like that.

"There were only about seven or eight people in the race mind you.

They are thinking of making this an Olympic sport so I might be an Olympic champion yet!”

Support Helen here: www. justgiving.com/kilimanjaro31

NEWS

9

Rotary lending a caring hand since 2011 Since 2011 the Currie Balerno Rotary Club, with the help of local contributors, has been making small loans to budding entrepreneurs in developing countries, making 468 loans totalling £19,864 from an outlay of £4,019.

Here’s how it works. The scheme is run under the auspices of Care International (lendwithcare.org) and is designed to help recipients of loans to find their own route out of poverty.

The Currie Balerno Club was the first Rotary Club to join the scheme with an initial donation from the club of £500.

Over time, further contributions have been made from club funds together with personal contributions from club members and from members of the public.

Applications are received from individuals or small groups, who present business plans and repayment schedules.

Since 2011 the Club has made 468 loans in 14 countries involving 485 people – 311 women and 174 men. Loans have ranged from £15 to £205, averaging £42.45.

The great advantage of this scheme is that, unlike other charitable donations, the money comes back and can be re-invested in the scheme.

Contact Rodger Thom on 0131 443 2639 for information.

Covid bites

Losses of £650,000 has forced the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home to make 15 staff redundant, following on from the closure of its charity shops in Stockbridge and Portobello.

The charity has been part of the fabric of Edinburgh and the Lothians since 1883 carrying out its mission to rescue, reunite and rehome stray, lost and abandoned dogs and cats.

In recent years the Home has been under new leadership and has expanded its work in the community, including the launch of an educational outreach programme and a pet food bank for owners experiencing financial hardship.

The charity, which receives no regular government funding, has been unable to raise funds in its usual way during lockdown, having to cease all commercial operations and cancel all face-toface, community and event fundraising activity. The Home was also ineligible to access various Covid-19 emergency funds for charities from both government funds and charitable trusts. edch.org.uk/rehome

The Edinburgh Reporter

10 BUSINESS

Staging a comeback to Edinburgh - Tartan Silk's Megan Williams

Account executive Megan Williams has just joined the venerable Martin Hunt at Tartan Silk Public Relations. We sat down with her to find out what brought her back to Edinburgh.

"I was born in Edinburgh, and then started life in Perth, and my family returned to Edinburgh when I was in secondary school. I did work experience with Tartan Silk when I was at Trinity Academy.

"After school I attended Rose Bruford College in Sidcup, the international drama school of theatre and performance, where I studied Scenic Arts. I learned about 2D drawing programmes, construction with wood and metal as well as scenic painting and prop making. It was a fantastic foundation to build a career on, and the work ethic and commitment of those who work in theatre ensures that you come into the real world ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.

"After that I worked for a wonderful company who built stages for The Brit Awards, exhibition stands for McLaren, catwalks for Mulberry and window displays for John Lewis. The pace was fierce, but I worked hard to gain the respect of these incredible people who had such spectacular projects under

their belt. I cut my teeth in set construction, then moved city and joined a creative agency in Manchester.

"There, every idea matters whether you work in accounts or design. The people I worked with inspired me to be more creative, strategic and diplomatic.

Working for organisations like big pharma, meant trying to please a lot of people with very different opinions. These are creative minds with business sense.

"At Tartan Silk we want to grow awareness for our current clients, and deliver exciting campaigns for an expanded selection of new clients. We love to work with brands that we are passionate

about."

Best career advice you've had?

"Never make assumptions. In my first year at work I almost chartered an unnecessarily large cargo plane to deliver a small window display to Hong Kong. My assumption, as I had measured up twice, was that the dimensions I had given to the shipping company were correct. I checked one last time - a crisis (and astronomical bill!) was averted."

Your hidden Edinburgh tip?

"East Coast Cured, a wonderful specialist food shop tucked away on Restalrig Road. Try the Nduja sausage, it’s brilliant on homemade pizza." www.tartansilk.co.uk

Megan Williams has joined Tartan Silk PR PHOTO ©2020 The Edinburgh Reporter

The future's Bright Red

New Town North hotel dropped

The Bright Red Triangle is Edinburgh Napier University's hub for innovation and enterprise.

This year it has supported more businesses than ever before, recording an increase of 30% in those accessing its services during lockdown.

The university hub provides a range of support for students and alumni to help them with their start-up business ideas. Seveny one news new businesses were registered with the service in 2019/20.

Nick Fannin, head of Bright Red Triangle believes that more and more people will be looking to start their own business as a result of an increasingly difficult economic climate.

He said: “With the economy contracting and competition for graduate jobs increasing, it is more important to enable our graduates to make opportunities for themselves and to be prepared to build their own portfolio careers from a mix of employed, freelance and self-employed work.

“Employability skills, particularly enterprise skills, are going to be incredibly important as we look forward and Bright Red Triangle has a big role to play at Edinburgh Napier in helping our students and alumni to prepare for life living in the post Covid-19 economy."

A new Proposal of Application (PAN) has been lodged by Ediston and Orion Capital Managers changing part of their New Town North development from a hotel to housing. This could create up to 79 additional home on the site without changing any of the external height or dimensions.

Ross McNulty, Development Director at Ediston, said: “We have already carried out one of the most extensive consultations on a development in Edinburgh, and we would like to thank all the residents and groups that have provided feedback.

"These proposals will provide a major economic boost to the local area and to the city centre, including more affordable housing. The Council have recently reaffirmed its desire to prioritise brownfield development and we look forward to discussing the new application with local residents and the Council.

"Our review has shown our proposals to be robust despite the impact on the Covid-19 crisis, but it has also highlighted the need to consider an alternative use to the hotel. Edinburgh’s economy is one of the strongest and most resilient in the UK and we are encouraged that New Town Quarter remains on track.” newtownnorth.co.uk

Studio has something to shout about It's a wrap for virtual film academy students

By Stephen Rafferty The hit football review show, A View From The Terrace, has proved a cup winner for the creative agency behind the irreverent BBC programme.

Leith-based Studio Something produced the popular football magazine, which is hosted by Craig Telfer and was described

by Observer journalist Kevin McKenna as “the best football show on UK television by far”.

Buoyed by this success, Studio Something have restructured their business and created a new leadership team as it looks to expand services after a period of sustained growth.

The agency will split its offering in to three strands – Creative, Entertainment and Venture – with founders founders Ian Greenhill and Jordan Laird move to Chief Executive Officer and Executive Creative Director roles respectively to oversee the Studio Something group.

Tracey Paxman has been promoted to Head of Agency and will work closely with Greenhill to ensure continued growth on Creative, and Andy Maas (series producer for A View from The Terrace) has assumed a new role as Head of Production and will be tasked with maintaining the growing success of their Entertainment arm with Laird.

Over the last year Studio Something have worked with BBC, Standard Life, Innis & Gunn, Coca Cola Company, The Botanist, Cycling Scotland, Johnnie Walker, See Me and the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

The company’s first venture, Welbot, is used by more than 250 companies including UNICEF, Hymans Robertson and Seiko Epson, and has been developed in collaboration with four worldleading universities.

CEO Ian Greenhill said: "I'm delighted to welcome Tracey and Andy to the leadership team in what is an exciting time for the Studio Something business. When Jordan and I started the company in an old worn-down tapas restaurant we dreamed that we'd one day make ads, TV shows and

Leith studio are really something

businesses all at the same time and it's great to see how far we've come and to have achieved that.

"We feel very lucky and grateful to have a crew and clients who have not allowed the pandemic to affect the business. It's truly a testament to the team and the culture that we have at Studio Something, which means we are in a position to continue to grow and achieve new goals."

ECD Jordan Laird added: “We took a bit of a risk in taking the chance to make a TV show and now Entertainment has grown and become a dedicated side of the company that has a strong future for growth.

"It also means Ian and I now have fancy grown-up titles too which means our parents might finally be proud."

Parents of students aged 9 to 18 enrolled at The Film Academy Edinburgh were invited to pay what they could during Covid-19 lockdown.

This innovative touch from owner, Graham Kitchener from Portobello, meant that he and three of the freelance staff could launch a live nine week Virtual Film Academy.

The two hour sessions were held twice a week on Zoom. They had 100% attendance, and the young students shot more than 300 film clips on different themes each week.

These were then edited into several lockdown montages which you can see on the Film Academy's Vimeo account.

As well as actual filming they wrote four short film scripts and everything then culminated in a virtual showcase which was live streamed to all the students.

During the summer months they would normally have run two five-day schools, but with no access to premises they had a problem. Running virtual lessons over whole days is a bit different to classes of two hours. After advertising the 60 places for just 36 hours, all places were filled.

During the full-time school the students made four live action/

animation films. The students only met on Zoom and not face to face.

They used hired tablets and shot footage from all over Scotland, not just Edinburgh.

One of the highlights was inviting Tim Allen, the animator behind Fantastic Mr Fox, to speak to and inspire the students - and not just once, but twice.

Graham was delighted by the many testimonials they received: If you had told me a few weeks ago that Film Academy would be as good virtually as it is face to face I would have laughed, and how wrong would I have been. The whole process from start to finish is so professional, motivational and most important fun for the students. I am blown away with your student’s imagination and hard work they put into the virtual academy filming, scripting etc.

Karen Just a quick note to say well done and a sincere thank you for all your efforts in pulling together the Virtual Film Academy. The positive impact of giving our young people a purpose and something to look forward to each week cannot be underestimated.

James Film Academy Edinburgh is looking for new premises. Contact via filmacademyedinburgh.com

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

THE BEST OF... 11

The Edinburgh Reporter Best Of . . .

Passorn WIth a Michelin Bib Gourmand under their belt this Tollcross Thai restaurant is a real winner. The Banquet Box gives home diners a tasty option with Angel Curry Sirloin steak and Miang crispy seabass salad delivered to your door.

0131 229 1537 passornthai.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 a branded Glencairn nosing glass.

The Hideout Café A cosy hideout in Edinburgh serving speciality coffee, tea, treats and brunch. Iced lattes and other goodies to sort you out.

Open daily.

0131 552 5289 40-42 Queen Charlotte St EH6 6AT www.thehideoutcafe.co.uk

Edinburgh School of Food & Wine Ian and his team put the teaching kitchen to good use helping Food for Good by sending out over 13,500 meals to those in need.

Now they are back and you can buy vouchers for classes again.

Schop This is an easy, convenient and eco-friendly alternative to a supermarket shop.

Working in partnership with independent retailers, Tim at Schop offers to deliver a huge range of great quality food and drink straight to your door. schop.co

Broughton Place Hair and Beauty Friendly boutique city salon.

Owner and stylist Juliet is always happy to discuss your needs and deliver a highly professional service. They specialise in long hair and tape in hair extensions.

0131 556 4478 2a Broughton Place EH1 3RX www.broughtonplacehair.com

Good Brothers Wine Bar Neighbourhood wine bar in Stockbridge, specialising in natural and organic wine and local, artisan produce. Also enjoy at home, as part of a Good Brothers To Go delivery.

4-6 Dean Street EH4 1LW 0131 315 3311 goodbrothers.co.uk/ @goodbrotherswinebar

The Wee Coffee Bar Sharon owns and runs the Morrison Street café and she serves delicious, aromatic Illy coffee.

Coffee/tea & Breakfast roll deal £3.50 or scone/traybake £3.00 Homemade soup. Sandwiches made to order. Takeaway or eat in 7.15am - 2.30pm weecoffeeebar.co.uk

Jewellery by Liam Ross Make an appointment with Liam to design a bespoke engagement ring for the one you love. Using traditional goldsmith techniques blended with new technology he and his staff hand craft jewellery in their West End workshop.

0131 225 6599 www.jewellerybyliamross.com

Edinburgh Photography Workshop Learn how to use your camera in Edinburgh’s Old Town with awardwinning photographer Rich Dyson.

In just four hours you’ll gain the skills and confidence to take better pictures. Book now to enjoy a fun experience. edinburghphotographyworkshop. com

Denzil Skinner & Partners Denzil and Amanda are both very experienced and will help with commissioning new pieces of jewellery or redesigning old ones.

They specialise in hand seal engraved signet rings in 9 and 18 carat gold for men and women.

0131 538 4224 denzil-skinner.co.uk

Gallery TEN Do you need something new for your walls? Pop in and browse the extensive collection of original prints. Plus, amazing glass from international artists. Or purchase online.

5 William Street EH3 7NG infogalleryten@gmail.com www.galleryten.co.uk

Something Fishy Independent fishmonger providing quality fresh and cured fish. At the beginning of lockdown there was some question over availability but this wee shop has kept going.

Use Schop to have your fish delivered.

16a Broughton Street EH1 3RH 0131 556 7614

Rose Theatre Café Sinead and Mary continue to offer to make customers King or Queen for the Day. Leave it to them to send you all your food for one whole day from breakfast onwards. Then tuck into that box set you have been saving up, or just sit back and have a day off.

Facebook /rosetheatre-cafe

Rogue Flowers Beautiful inspiring flowers from a charming, creative and chaotic shop in the West End. They are happy to help whether it is a single stem, a delicate posy, or flamboyant bouquet.

5a William Street EH3 7NG 0131 226 4999 rogueflowers.co.uk

Paper Tiger The shop has traded in the West End since 1981. They stock an amazing diverse range of cards, stationery, gifts and locally made souvenirs. Everything in the shop is also available online or click and collect.

0131 226 2390 www.papertiger.co.uk

The Glenturret Shop Four individually hand crafted Glenturret glass baubles filled with different single malts.

It is the perfect gift to send to any whisky lover, and of course you can do this, or order a bottle or two for yourself online. theglenturret.com

Roots Vegan deli and salad bar where the food does not cost the earth.

Specials announced each week.

Fruit, veg, basic grocery and motivational books too. Dog friendly.

Order Wednesday for the weekend.

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

Maid of the Forth Award-winning 90-min or 3 hour sightseeing cruises from South Queensferry, with landing trips on Inchcolm Island.

Ideal for families, couples and groups alike.

Daily sailings throughout August. www.maidoftheforth.co.uk

Charlie Miller Since 1965 the family-run hairdresser has encompassed the essence and heart of their brand: YOU! They listen, interpret, and respond with modern looks that fit you and your lifestyle.

Salon: 13 Stafford Street, EH3 7BR 0131 226 5550 www.charliemiller.com

shop.ardgowandistillery.com

0131 331 5001 www.esfw.com

Move your body, improve your mood.

If you’re feeling a bit worried or stressed, try fitting a short cycle into your lunch break. Or walking and talking in the fresh air with a pal.

For more tips on staying active to look after your mental health visit clearyourhead.scot

The Edinburgh Reporter

14 FEATURE

West End Girls and boys - here toda Resilient, reflective and ready to serve - Edinburgh's independent shopping streets pull together during challenging times

A sign of the past and future

By Phyllis Stephen Tucked just off the West End’s busiest thoroughfare lies William Street and Stafford Street, two of Edinburgh’s best kept shopping secrets. The buildings are classic New Town, the cobbled streets echoes of a past when horse drawn carriages and delivery drays trundled back and forth.

But delve deeper and these two engaging streets reveal a mix of modern surprises behind their front doors - an area chock-full of small independent businesses, which all had each other’s backs at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Naturally, business owners in the West End are missing office footfall, an important component which breathes life in to this unique part of the city, and if that has diminished over these last months, the camaraderie of providing each other with company and support has grown.

Paper Tiger in Stafford Street is one of the longest established businesses in the West End, beginning life as Studio One and founded almost 40 years ago by John Johnson. It is now in the hands of Michael Apter who has owned the business since 2017, including the Lothian Road outlet.

This is a wondrous shop to visit, but like many others they have embraced the online world, and now you can buy anything in the shop at the click of a keystroke, and for those who can’t wait for delivery there is a click and collect service.

Happily, much of the groundwork had already been put in pre-Covid to build an online platform, and it has proved its worth.The core business is cards and stationery and they also have their own range of chocolate bars and candles. For Michael it is all about the quality of the images and the illustration which sets their products apart.

He stocks Edinburgh souvenirs and Scottish products with a

A Liam Ross design PHOTOS Martin P McAdam range of things made or sourced locally which are several grades above the standard tourist fare.

Michael said: “The West End has been the commercial heart of the city for decades, centuries even.

William Street is in fact the city’s first purpose built shopping street.

Our neighbours here are personal friends as well as business colleagues. We all have each other's best interests at heart and try and work together whenever we can to make sure that when one of us is doing well, the others are also following in the slipstream.”

Liam Ross is a goldsmith, an ancient trade, but one which makes the most of 21st century technology, with bespoke jewellery designed using 3D printers instead of the wax models of yesteryear.

Liam’s team of four jewellers take a customer through the design process and make the jewellery on the premises. He said: “When I started as a jeweller, we used to sketch a picture for a customer, and then I learned how to hand carve a wax model. I don’t do that anymore as technology has advanced with CAD and customers can actually try a 3D model on with the stones in place to see exactly how it will look.”

Engagement rings are a big part

of the business and fortunately love did not stop during lockdown.

Liam said: “I realised people were still shopping, and some were buying online for the first time. I was contacted by people who had proposed to each other during lockdown and wanted to buy a piece of jewellery.”

Liam has also created a range of jewellery called Native Flora which uses Fairtrade gold, but he can also source recycled gold - gold which is already in the UK system but has been melted down to be sold on and used again.

Alice Shaw, owner of Rogue Flowers, worked and trained in the flower shop which she took over 10 years ago. There is a big creative talent at number 5a William Street, and you only have to look at the beautiful array of flowers and plants spilling out under the green awning to appreciate there is something special going on.

She said: "It's hard to categorise our flowers, but we like to think we sell something different. I buy everything from Dutch auction websites, sometimes twice a week depending on what our orders determine. There are also a couple of big Dutch trucks which come to our shop and I buy more

West End business owners lining up to serve their customers that way as I prefer to see what I am choosing. We opened here again on 1 July and our website custom has increased by about 200%. Online customers can buy ready-made and priced bouquets or plants, but we have a good few customers who like to pop in and actually see what we have and choose from there."

The flowers for sale on the website are delightfully named – some after areas of the city like New Town or The Meadows, but you can also have a Wee Rogue or a Rogue Hydrangea (Alice's favourite).

Paul Musgrove at Gallery TEN has been in business in William Street for eight years. Originally a furniture maker and glass maker, he arrived in Edinburgh to set up a 'hot shop' - not a repository for stolen goods, but somewhere with a furnace where you blow glass, and he has been here ever since.

The gallery's name originates from around the corner at 10 Stafford Street where his own Spektrum Collective featured Paul’s work alongside 15 other printmakers. Paul explained the apparently eclectic range of beautiful things in the gallery: "I try to buy local goods if I can, but I found that to maintain a

certain level I could not get the range and breadth that I wanted just doing that. I buy some things in - I bought some Venetian glass during lockdown from Carlo Moretti, made in Murano. I saw it last year when I was there visiting the factory, and here it is now in the gallery."

Most of the art on show is on gallery consignment, but there are big names in amongst some newer artists. He has a Henry Moore print sitting alongside a black and white by Elizabeth Blackadder, "Strelitzia" woodblock print from 1989, and there is a Barbara Rae in the window. Paul loves the juxtaposition of selling some well-known artists alongside the work of someone who hasn't yet left college.

Jason Miller is an artist too, and much sought after in the world of hairdressing. He is an award-winning stylist at Charlie Miller, a business started half a century ago by his father Charlie and mother Janet, and where he and his wife India, along with his brother Josh, all now work.

It is just over a year since the Stafford Street HQ was completely renovated. He said: "We moved into this building in 1982 and before that mum and dad had a

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

ay - built to last

edinburghreporter

organised the collection and donation of essential items for the homeless community. Their work with local charities, churches and welfare organisations is a strong ethos in the business. At the start of the pandemic, Roots was also quick off the mark in adapting their business model to offer collection and local deliveries, and with uncertainty over when office workers will return en masse to the city centre, this is a service Roots have continued to provide.

Denzil Skinner and Amanda Egerton-King have over 40 years in jewellery between them. The business will make bespoke pieces and Amanda offers a redesign service. Denzil is particularly keen that anyone considering jewellery using diamonds knows about old cut diamonds. He explained: “The modern cut stones use the latest technology and lasers in the cutting process. But there was a time when the cutting and polishing was all done by hand and eye combined with a great deal of experience.

“Old cut diamonds are not only a wonder of nature but also both individual and demonstrate a brilliance all of their own. The 'marquise' cut originated from King Louis XV of France wanting a diamond like his mistress’s lips!"

FEATURE 15

William Street - fitting West End through the bill since the 1820s walk history

William Street was built in 1824-5 and much of it is attributed to Robert Brown, the Unsung Hero of Georgian Edinburgh.

The street of shops and artisan flats above, described as a "plain classical commercial terrace" is probably modelled on Rose Street in the first New Town. The shop fronts are mostly painted with a cornice above, and on the first and second floors the windows are 12-pane timber sash and case.

It is "an important planned grouping of late Georgian shops and tenements" according to Historic Environment Scotland, and the earlier 19th century shop front configuration is more or less intact.

The wonderful language of architecture tells us that the entrance platts "oversail" the basement areas, and reminds us that the cast iron railings have fleur de lys finials on top.

There are lanes behind the street although not at the Stafford Street end where the buildings have been linked to the corner pavilions.

William Street was built on land owned by Patrick Walker, a gift from his father William. This then explains both the name given to Walker Street which dissects the east and west parts of William Street, and William Street itself.

salon in a basement just down the road from here. For us, because we've been on the street such a long time, this refurbishment actually really did feel like a renewal, especially for me because I've worked my whole life in the street. What is brilliant is that the street and the area around here keeps rejuvenating itself. There's a lot going on here.”

Charlie Miller has also begun producing their own hair products with beautiful packaging, and the latest in the range is the volume mousse which was just about to arrive when I spoke with Jason.

Part of the Charlie Miller ethos has always been to give back and during the coronavirus pandemic, the company donated 500 haircuts to NHS workers and Jason is enjoying delivering them. He said: "We're lucky. We can support people and give something back.”

Roots vegan friendly deli and salad bar at 18 William Street boasts that their food doesn’t cost the earth – but many would share the view that owners Catriona and Mark Spence-Ishaq are the the salt of the earth, given their unwavering support to charities, and particularly people living on the streets.

Early on in lockdown, Roots

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

It was his spinster daughters, Mary and Barbara Walker, who sold off portions for development in the latter part of the 19th century.

They were devout episcopalians and gifted their own garden as it was then as the site for an Episcopalian Cathedral to be a centrepiece for the West End. This is now St Mary's Cathedral which only had one spire paid for by the Misses Walker. The second and third were added in 1917.

The plan for the Walker Estate was drawn up in 1813 by Robert Brown, and it is thought to be one of the best examples of his work.

Brown had already laid out streets in Portobello in the period between 1810 and 1830, as well as areas of Newington and St Leonard's Church which is now The Queen's Hall.

He was also quite efficient and accomplished at finishing off corners in the city. He designed the corner pavilions and the shops below on North West Circus Place.

There, the shop fronts such as The Pantry and Jeffreys Interiors, are also painted.

The shops and buildings here are B listed, which is a protection against certain changes which would affect the historical nature of them. The northern half of the West End also lies in the World Heritage Site.

Dearbhla Gallagher

Jason Mller

Alice Shaw

Liam Ross

Michael Apter

Denzil Skinner and Amanda Egerton-King

Paul Musgrove

A new series of walking tours focusing on the stories of people who lived in the New Town and West End has been launched in collaboration with Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH).

The West End Stories Walking Tour runs until 13 September.

Blue Badge Tourist Guide Jane Roy created the tour designed to encourage more people to explore the area's historic streets.

“Our tours will include some of the areas covered by the trail but it goes beyond it and we have uncovered even more fascinating stories,” she said.

“I think the West End tends to be overlooked and there is a wealth of history and heritage. The people who lived here were quite amazing and they include Queen Victoria’s surgeon, Joseph Bell, the real-life inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes; antiseptic surgery pioneer Joseph Lister; innovative 19th century doctor and suffragist Elsie Inglis; Scottish Colourist painter Francis Cadell; women’s higher education campaigner Christian Wright Guthrie; and children’s literature writer Catherine Sinclair.”

Nick Hotham of EWH said: “The streets and buildings of the New Town and West End of Edinburgh are not only among the most beautiful and elegant urban environments in Britain, but also hold many fascinating stories of the great men and women that made their homes here during more than 200 years of history.

“We’re delighted to see these new tours now being offered to the public, and we hope that many residents of the city will take part.”

For every ticket sold £1 will be donated to EWH to help in conserving Edinburgh’s historic buildings and developing improvements to the public realm.

Jane said the quiet, wide streets in the area were ideal for guiding in times where social distancing is essential. The maximum group size is eight people. Participants are invited to wear face coverings.

Most Scottish Tour Guides Association (STGA) guides are usually away on extended tours of Scotland during summer. Winter tours run by the branch - Georgian Shadows and 101 Objects - which ran in 2017 and 2018 respectively were a success.

“The Georgian Shadows and 101 Objects tours attracted many local people and we are hoping West End Stories will do the same,” said Jane.

The walking tours, which cost £12.45 per person, will begin in Charlotte Square and last 90 minutes. However, all people taking part must book in advance.

Tickets on Eventbrite.

The Edinburgh Reporter

16 FEATURE

Linking city art lovers While online cultural content has blossomed, many of the people AAA work with don’t have internet access.

Working with the Scottish Storytelling Centre this summer, AAA arranged socially distanced storytelling events. Storytellers were matched to people based on their interests and experiences, and they travelled to Sweden and Kenya while dodging the drizzle in their Edinburgh gardens. Being together, and having this face to face contact was so cheering and positive, that they are planning to offer more of these sessions during the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in October.

Volunteers have been staying in touch with clients with regular phone calls, maintaining relationships which have been nurtured over the years. The group want to try to harness this resource of goodwill and communication, and plan to gather stories about past outings, and what Arts Access means to people. It is hoped that collating these stories will highlight the importance and longevity of the project, and help people to feel optimistic about what the future will bring. artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

Across 1. Baronet's huts destroyed in

conflagration (5, 2, 5) 8. I tear around, feeling angry (5) 9. I get lean, preparing jelly-like substance (8) 11. Adorn with ornaments made of stone (7) 12. Part played in Rep about hunter (7) 13. Cruel form of open sore (5) 15. A discount for the guard ? (9) 17. Use pram to kill small rodents ... (9) 20. ... or feline church uses to seize one ... (5) 21. ...or part art played in killing a large rodent (3-4) 23. Eve sore about arrangement to superintend (7) 25. Do I stare at this heavenly body ? (8) 26. Broth causes one to palpitate (5) 27. Warning colour about darned forger (3, 3, 6)

Down 1. Short abstract about my busier farm ... (5, 7) 2. ... involving lots of paper about mares (5) 3. " Our best ", he claimed about French Exchange (3, 6) 4. Concerned with carbon mixed in cargo (7) 5. Gives recognition to last use (7) 6. Bit-player in the next Rank production (5) 7. Put lions into natural surroundings (8) 10. Does such a person go out on a limb to join section of an organisation ? (6, 6) 14. Cute sons of member of nobility (8) 16. Her actors form a large musical group (9) 18. Censure behaviour of poor ref (7) 19. One who goes on steadily might prod Del into action (7) 22. High official in the line of fire, eventually (5) 24. Grips loose branch (5)

Edinburgh Collected Hilde Orens who added this photo to the online archive said: "When I first took my daughter to her new high school, we decided to walk through this little passage just past Sighthill Park. The sun was shining through the trees and it was simply beautiful."

Edinburgh Collected is an online community photo archive managed by Edinburgh Libraries. Add your own memories to help preserve the city’s history, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Edinburgh Collected will add your contributions to the ‘Edinburgh 2020 – coronavirus pandemic' scrapbook. www.edinburghcollected.org

STR8TS

SUDOKU

Tough

3 6 6

Easy

1 2

5

3 2 6

3 1 5

7 5 1 9 6 4 1 3 6 2 3 6 5 7 6 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.

5 1 3 1 5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

4 9 7 8

4

6

6 3 2

9 5 4 7 5

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

Crossword by David Albury Answers on page 20

© 2020 Syndicated Puzzles

Artlink’s Arts Access service has been running for over 35 years, helping people who need support to go out to arts events with a volunteer driver/companion.

The great thing about Artlink’s Arts Access (AAA) service is its variety and flexibility. Its 200 clients range in age from their early 20s to over 100.

People live in many different situations, some with families, some alone, others in supported accommodation, care homes, and hospitals. Over 100 volunteers come from all walks of life, from artists and archaeologists to physiotherapists, doctors and IT specialists. What unites them all is a love of going out together, and enjoying all kinds of arts events, including live performances, cultural talks, musicals, exhibitions, concerts and films.

Covid-19 has been difficult for Arts Access. Theatres and venues have been closed, and performances have been cancelled and rescheduled far into 2021.

Many clients are shielding, or have health conditions which make them particularly vulnerable, and others require physical support - perhaps an arm for guiding or balance - which social distancing guidelines prohibits.

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

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

FOOD 17

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Juliet's Food Diary - banging her head off a brick wall

by Juliet Lawrence Wilson I didn’t take advantage of the Eat Out To Help out scheme for various reasons. Firstly, I like to go out at the weekends, being a Saturday night kind of gal. Also there's the rub that it’s not really a government funded scheme but a taxpayer one.

At the time of writing £180 million has so far been spent on feeding the masses. The usual money-down-the-drain comparison would be how many nurses would such a pile of dosh pay for?

My well researched answer is lots.

To be fair, many restaurants and eateries are very grateful for the cash boost. My waiter chum tells me he’s seen tips go up because of the customer savings. Faith in humanity has been temporarily restored.

Yet other establishments complain about rude diners. A discount scheme sometimes attracts entitled types who will never be back to pay full price, and for some businesses a busy midweek makes for a quieter weekend. Will a fruitful August result in a bleak September? We shall soon know.

I recently overheard someone bleating about restaurants not passing on their discounted VAT savings onto customers.

I might have interrupted and explained how the low profit margins of the food trade, combined with massively reduced capacity and an upcoming recession might be a reason for "greedy" restaurant owners to use their paltry savings to keep employing their staff and stay in business. Instead I did the more decent thing - located the nearest brick wall and banged my head against it.

On a more positive note, a chum of mine is retraining to become a Home Economics teacher and she has the drive and sunny disposition to make a great success of it too.

Apparently there is such a demand for Home Ec teachers that some schools can’t currently offer it as a subject. If you ever ponder the question as to why there's an obesity crisis and reliance on fast and nutritionless food, there’s your answer.

So I send my best wishes to all those embarking on such a wonderful new career. You will change many people’s lives for the better.

If you’d like to put your offspring off sugar then may I point you in the direction of M&S's newly launched Colin the Caterpillar sweets. They look like the sort of creature one might have nightmares about axing you to death in the middle of the night.

Congratulations to Bross Bagels on their new outlet at Waverley

Sam Campbell, Jamie Crothall and Georgia Noble remind you that Montpeliers Eat Out to Help Out continues throughout September Mall, Brossties and Frickles, which translates as bagel toasties and fried pickles, in case you were wondering.

Located at the top of the mall next to the Waverley Station steps, I can guarantee their offerings are a tasty treat.

I’ve recently made a foray into chutney making, so if you’d like something tangy to go with ham or a strong cheese, here’s my latest recipe.

Rhubarb, nectarine and ginger chutney 1.5 kg rhubarb 500g nectarines 500g onions 3 heaped tbps finely chopped fresh ginger root 1 litre vinegar 2tbs mixed spice 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg 20g salt

1kg sugar Chop the rhubarb, nectarine and onions and place in a pan with the fresh ginger and half the vinegar.

Cook over a low heat until tender.

Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until all are combined and the sugar dissolved. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally to stop any chutney sticking to the bottom of the pan. Pour into sterilised jars, seal and store for a few weeks before enjoying.

Drive thru cakeaway The Scottish hospitality industry has undoubtedly been in turmoil over the summer lock-down months.

For many businesses it was sensible to remain closed and wait out the storm but for The Stair Arms Hotel in Pathhead, this wasn’t an option – they missed their customers too much.

They reimagined their business model and innovated new ways to ensure they could keep their ‘doors open’ while abiding by Covid-19 regulations.

So, the hotel opened a Drive Thru service as a way to keep serving amidst the pandemic. It has been so successful, however, that they’ve now made it a permanent feature.

They teased this secret project over social media, posting images of a shipping container.

After many weird and wonderful guesses, such as a pop-up registry office, they revealed that they are transforming an old shipping crate into a permanent Drive Thru point.

At their Drive Thru, they offer ‘takeaway teas’ where customers can order an Afternoon Tea over

the phone and simply Drive Thru to collect it.

With the future of the hospitality industry so uncertain and so many people not yet ready to sit in a restaurant, the hotel decided it would be a unique opportunity for customers to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea from the safety of their own homes.

The menu offers a selection of delicious home-made cakes, sandwiches, hot drinks and even the option to add a bottle of Prosecco.

Unlike traditional afternoon teas, however, you can collect your order and enjoy anywhere – on a picnic or surprise a friend. It’s an easy way to enjoy a classic treat.

Hotel owner, Amanda Ramsay, added: "If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s that we are capable of adapting – we went from no experience of takeaway to having an amazing takeaway service operating six days week.

"We knew our customers missed a traditional afternoon tea so we thought why not offer it as a drive thru option? It’s a twist on the original but it means customers

Sweet and savoury

A slice of cake heaven at The Stair Arms Hotel

Shipping crate cakes can enjoy a classic treat from the comfort of their own home."

The ‘takeaway tea’ is the perfect treat to celebrate a unique twist on a classic to brighten up your day!

The Stair Arms Hotel is an original coaching inn,

Takeaway treats commissioned in 1831 by Lord and Lady Stair of the Oxenfoord Estate.

For the last quarter of a century it has been run by the Ramsay family.

The Stair Arms Hotel A68

Pathhead EH37 5TX Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm Telephone 01875 320277 Afternoon tea prices from £13.50 to £17.50

The Edinburgh Reporter

18 WHAT'S ON

International Festival on Radio 3

Every year, the Usher Hall Series brings together magnificent symphonic concerts and operatic concert performances from worldleading orchestras and soloists.

These performances will be broadcast at 11am from 15–19 September on BBC Radio 3.

Tuesday 15 September: Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia gave a celebrated performance at the 2016 International Festival.

Sir Antonio Pappano conducts Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet before Boris Berezovsky performs as soloist in Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Wednesday 16 September: Over 120 players of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are conducted by Ilan Volkov in Messiaen’s final work, Éclairs sur l’Au-Delà. They close this 2008 concert with Thomas Adès' Tevot, at that time just a year old.

Thursday 17 September: The Cleveland Orchestra’s 2010 concert showcases the magnificence of the Usher Hall’s organ as Joela Jones performs two of Ives’s best-loved works for the instrument. To follow, Franz Welser-Möst conducts Bruckner’s grand Eighth Symphony.

Friday 18 September: The 2013 International Festival’s Usher Hall Series was brought to an epic conclusion with Verdi’s powerful Requiem, performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, conducted by Donald Runnicles.

Saturday 19 September: The Scottish Chamber Orchestra's remarkable 2004 concert performance of Weber's Der Freischutz stars Jonas Kaufmann, Hillevi Martinpelto and Alish Tynan, conducted by the late Sir Charles Mackerras. eif.co.uk

The Usher Hall was lit up for The Edinburgh Internatioal Festival's opening event My Light Shines On PHOTO Martin P McAdam

Hello Dolly and other museum faves The National Museum of Scotland is open again, with new arrangements for booking a timed ticket, physical distancing and wearing of masks.

There are enhanced cleaning procedures and sneeze screens as well as specific one-way routes.

Dr Chris Breward, Director of National Museums Scotland said: “We are really pleased to be able to welcome visitors back to the National Museum of Scotland.

It’s such a treasured public space, and I know that many people will be just like me – excited to become reacquainted with objects almost as though they were old friends, including the Lewis chess pieces, T.rex, Dolly the Sheep or the amazing Paco Rabanne metal tunic.

“The safety of our staff and visitors is paramount, which is why we are taking a phased approach to reopening among a host of other measures designed to make sure everyone can feel confident that their visit will be both safe and enjoyable.”

The Museum has reopened with two new displays for visitors to enjoy.

Marking the Year of Coasts and Waters, Scotland’s Precious Sea is a small exhibition which highlights the unique beauty and significance of Scotland’s marine life, reflected in the diversity of NMS’s research collections.

Find out about the scientific research measuring the impact of human activity on the marine

Unveiling Dolly the Sheep PHOTO Neil Hanna

environment and how global climate change is affecting the wildlife in our waters.

Scotland's coast runs for 18.762 km and the sea covers more than six times its land area.

There are more than 46,500 species in the sea which can be up to two kilometres deep.

It is there in the deepest darkest parts of the ocean that seamounts dwarf our country's highest mountains, and there is a wide range of life. More are discovered all the time.

The NMS collection has over four million marine invertebrates and 120,000 vertebrates which lived in the sea. Specimens include basket star, deep sea barnacle, bamboo coral and rabbit ratfish.

Opera tunes up Park yourself for film festival Scottish Opera have announced The Edinburgh International Film Festival and Unique Events have combined to bring you drive-in movies at Edinburgh Airport.

There are movies in the mornings for children, family favourites in the afternoon, and evening blockbusters and late-night screenings of cult classics for adults.

Edinburgh DJ Stewart Calverto will be the master of ceremonies, with entertainment ahead of the main feature. There will be quizzes and car discos with food and drink stalls on site. Seafood specialists Alanda's and Cold Town Beer lead the offering.

The organisers are keeping the films under wraps until the last moment but you can sign up to be first to know when the news becomes public.

Last month the list included blockbusters like La La Land, Dirty Dancing, Mary Poppins Returns, Grease, Sunshine on Leith, Up, The Princess Bride, Clueless and Con Air. edinburghdrivein.co.uk

Owens pens new single Let The Day In is a new collaboration between Scotland’s award winning troubadour Dean Owens and exciting new young talent from Denmark, Oscar Mukherjee.

In January the pair headed to The House of Songs in Northwest Arkansas for a 10 day residency.

There they created a new single, now released online through Eel Pie Records.

The song was recorded by the House of Songs team, remixed in Denmark with additional instrumentation by two Danish musicians.

Oscar Mukherjee was born to a Danish/Indian family, spent his first dozen years living in Northern California, and has already been nominated for a Danish Music Award. He has three EPs under his belt, and has toured Denmark as a guest artist with acclaimed veteran singer/songwriter Poul Krebs.

Owens, winner of several awards, is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest singer/ songwriters, with fans including BBC’s Whispering Bob Harris and Trainspotting author, Irvine Welsh.

A Best of . . . album (The Man From Leith) was released (on Eel Pie Records) to rave reviews in March 2020.

The 10 days at The House of Songs was followed by official showcases at Folk Alliance International in New Orleans, and a quick hop back to showcase at UK AmericanaFest in London. Then the pandemic struck. Let the day in. Whatever it may bring.

seated outdoor performances, including a special production of Puccini’s La Bohème and Pop-up Opera performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers and a new work, The Song of the Clyde, by Scottish composer Karen MacIver, all to take place around Scotland in September.

In Edinburgh the opera will take place at Edinburgh Zoo and in East Lothian at the Museum of Flight.

Tickets are free and now available to reserve.

Alex Reedijk, General Director, said: "After over five months of lockdown, I am delighted that Scottish Opera can now begin to bring live singing and playing back to our audiences in Scotland.

"Many of them have shared with us what an exceptionally difficult time this has been, so we are delighted that we can begin to offer live performances again, even if only in reduced scale and appropriately socially distanced at present. As we know, the shared, live experience of entertainment brings so much pleasure to audience and performers, and, of course, it is great for everyone at Scottish Opera to be making work again."

La Bohème Set in the modern day and sung in English, this production brings to life the heart-wrenching tale of costume maker Mimì, played by Elizabeth Llewellyn, with Rhian Lois as Musetta, both making their Scottish Opera debuts.

They are joined by Samuel Sakker (Kátya Kabanová 2019) as Rodolfo, Roland Wood (Tosca 2019) as Marcello, David Ireland as Colline, The Robertson Trust Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Arthur Bruce (The Narcissistic Fish 2020) as Schaunard, and Francis Church (Breaking the Waves 2019) as Alcindoro.

Scottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford conducts The Orchestra of Scottish Opera in Jonathan Dove’s arrangement of Puccini’s score in performances that last around 1 hour 35 minutes with no interval.

Pop-up Opera A Little Bit of Don Giovanni and A Little Bit of The Gondoliers are cleverly re-written 25-minute versions of the full operas, while The Song of The Clyde has been created specifically for families.

The shows are performed in a specially adapted trailer to create a portable stage to adhere with social distancing guidelines.

While past productions of Pop-up Operas have accommodated both the audience and performers inside the mobile Theatre Royal trailer, this year performances are al fresco with a covered stage and audiences out front in the open air, seated in social/household bubbles. www.scottishopera.org.uk

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

Birch Tree Gallery go with andante

Andante for Hands and Water with watercolours by Susan Macintosh and ceramics by Emily Hughes is at Birch Tree Gallery, Dundas Street until 12 September.

Susan Macintosh lives in the Cairngorm National Park. She graduated from the University of the Highlands and Islands, with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art as a mature student and her work was greatly influenced by the cultural philosopher Jean Gebser.

This exhibition includes two large and a few smaller paintings in her instantly recognisable colour

scheme of transparent reds and heavy black textured pigments.

Yet, the exhibition is dominated by the new blue body of work that emerged spontaneously during lockdown.

Susan said: "Since the pandemic and its gravity I've left deep, dark, philosophically inspired work and have been compelled to work with a blue palette. The paintings are remembered feelings of places and weathers from different seasons and parts of Scotland. I find myself with something similar in sense to déjà vu, triggered

perhaps through similar seasonal light or weather conditions to experiencing being somewhere else, very vividly for a moment."

Emily Hughes is a recent graduate from North Wales School of Art and Design, where she was awarded BA (Hons) in Applied Art. Emily continued to develop handbuilt slab vessels in stoneware and porcelain and focuses on expressive mark-making by applying slips, glazes and indented lines.

She said: "My work represents my life growing up in a village between a quarry and the sea. I represent through my mark making and form the textures and lines found on the mountain side and the contrast between the landscape in which I live.

"It is portrayed in this collection by the smooth areas contrasting the ripped edges that are exaggerated naturally by the clay.

I have always been interested in the contrast between nature and man-made, this has been the focus of my work throughout my making."

Birch Tree Gallery 23a Dundas Street EH3 6QQ 0131 556 4000 art@birchtreegallery.co.uk

Scottish 1920s art cast in new light Edinburgh’s City Art Centre marks its official public re-opening on 12 September with a new exhibition exploring the work of Scottish artists during the 1920s – an evocative period of social, political and economic change.

Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s is timed to mark 100 years since the dawn of the ‘Roaring Twenties’. The exhibition showcases over 35 artworks selected from the City Art Centre’s own collection of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolours, drawings, etchings and sculptures.

Featured artists include D.Y. Cameron, Stanley Cursiter, Dorothy Johnstone, William McCance, Eric Robertson and William Wilson, as

well as the Scottish Colourists S.J. Peploe and J.D. Fergusson.

For many, the 1920s is an era that conjures up images of Art Deco design, jazz music and flapper dresses. Yet this is only one side of the story. It was a decade of contrasts: high spirits interwoven with sombre contemplation, and grand aspirations tempered by hard realities. Some people reflected on the recent losses of the First World War, while others looked forward to an age of new possibilities and opportunities. Scottish artists experienced these contrasts firsthand, and responded to them in a variety of ways.

One of the highlights of the

George Henry - The Chalk Pit 1922 (CAC)

show is the painting Cecile Walton at Crianlarich (1920) by Eric Robertson. This striking portrait of the artist Cecile Walton is a brand-new addition to the City Art Centre’s collection. It arrived in late 2019 as a long-term loan from a private collector, and goes on public display for the first time as part of Bright Shadows.

The exhibition will also feature A Garment of War (c.1926) by D.Y Cameron, which is being shown for the first time since recent conservation work to restore the painting to its original splendour.

Bright Shadows shines a light on this fascinating period, exploring the styles, ideas and events that shaped artistic practice in Scotland. The exhibition brings together work by a range of artists, from mature figures like George Henry and S.J. Peploe who were already well-recognised and celebrated, to younger talents like William Johnstone and James McIntosh Patrick who were just beginning to forge their own creative paths.

Curator Dr Helen Scott said: ‘People often think they know the 1920s, as a golden age of jazz music, Art Deco fashion and Bright Young Things. But it wasn’t all hedonism and decadent excess. It was a complex period of great social, political and economic change – all of which had a significant bearing on art and artists in Scotland. I’m really looking forward to sharing these wonderful artworks with our visitors, as museums and galleries begin to reopen after lockdown."

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Scottish Short Film Festival The Scottish Short Film Festival is yet another which has moved itself online.

This is the eighth year of the annual event which is usually based in Glasgow but its new online format means everyone, wherever they are, can watch the awards ceremony which will be live streamed on 12 September.

The line up includes The Last Mermaid starring the wonderul Janey Godley. There is a Gaelicspeaking film made in Nova Scotia and documentarties focusing on life in Scotland past and present.

Gina Vereker, Festival Director said: "Changing the viewing process to an online experience has upped our technical skills a few levels, but we have enjoyed having the option to showcase these wonderful short films.”

The festival supports filmmakers, helping to build an audience for those starting out, and offering feedback on developing skills, whether or not their films are deemed a success. scottishshortfilmfestival.com

Ancient Deities at Arusha

Curators Rhiannon Rebecca Salisbury and Agnieszka Prendota, Creative Director of Arusha Gallery, have called upon eighteen artists to invoke and create an ancient deity. The chosen deity from each artist as reflected in new artworks (painting, sculpture, sound and installation) will be presented in a new group exhibition at the Dundas Street gallery from 10 September to 18 October.

Presented physically in the gallery, and online via a curated viewing room, Ancient Deities seeks to reawaken a host of awe inspiring and mystical entities, bringing them back to the forefront of people’s consciousness. The show explores what happens when we bring together a melting pot of artistic responses, assisting in this unpredicted time to help channel a reimagining of a world, reawakening the past, responding to the present, and reconceptualising the future.

Rhiannon Rebecca Salisbury said: “I wanted to invite a group of artists whose work excites and inspires me to come together and invoke a whole world of otherness, apart from the seen reality around us. Calling upon or selecting an Ancient Deity to make an artwork from is an entirely subjective process. Whether your belief in the Deity is literal, or you resonate with the ideas they form has come to symbolise, each artist’s choice and research reveals something about their current position and standing in today’s world.” www.arushagallery.com

WHAT'S ON 19

Art Walk Porty gets in the swim

Art Walk Porty, the annual artfest by the sea, was officially cancelled earlier in the year, but now it has been decided to stage 'All at Sea', which will be held over three weekends.

There are ten outdoor socially distanced artists' projects on 5 and 6 September, 26 and 27 September, and 17 and 18 October.

Booking is required. All events focus on the collaborative spirit which Covid-19 has brought out.

Art Walk Porty say they have "felt it important to keep going, to adapt and change during this uncertain period, enabling artists to continue their residencies and projects". The small outdoor programme has been devised around Portobello Beach and the Promenade, and the works include beach installations, live art, conversation and projection.

The subject matter ranges from freedom of movement to food value, personal protection, a sense of ownership of public space, and the pairing of place and shared neighbourhoods, near and far.

Jenny Pope, has created a series of masked forms relating to the precautions Portobello kiln workers took to protect themselves from the heat. She will talk about her making processes using sand and found or recycled materials.

Geri Loup Nolan collected 2,020 fragments during her lockdown walks, beginning with one small triangular piece of ceramic, and will install these on the sand near where she lives.

Bristow+Wilson will create a virtual pot luck dinner on Zoom.

Some of the works are specific to the three weekends, but these two run for the whole of September and October: TWO PLACES BY THE SEA (On the Row Porty fence near Bath Street) Pairing places between Portobello, Edinburgh and Akureyri, Iceland, ‘Two Places

By The Sea’ involves two groups of photographers, one from each location, who have worked together in pairs to produce images in response to a range of themes. Some examine the landscape and setting while others are more personal and intimate.

The work is also simultaneously being shown in Akureyri, on their seaside promenade.

FIRED EARTH (Porty Light Box, Bellfield Street) Durable enough to last many lifetimes, cheap enough to be available to all. The brick is a lesson in simplicity and efficiency.

An installation in Porty Light Box of photographed bricks, collected

by Jenny Martin and Stephen Long, records the working history specific to Portobello and beyond. www.artwalkporty.co.uk

The Edinburgh Reporter

20 FEATURE

Albert Prince of Books Words and photos by Martin P McAdam For the last three weeks in August each year Charlotte Square becomes the site of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

It began back in 1983 as a “Meet the Author” event and is now a key part of the August Festival

season. Originally a biennial event, it transitioned to a yearly festival in 1997. It now attracts over 200,000 visitors every year.

Unfortunately you can't visit the Book Festival this year. Instead the 2020 Edinburgh International Book Festival has gone online.

Charlotte Square (originally

St. George’s Square, the name change to avoid confusion with George Square on the south side) was designed as a single unified scheme by Robert Adam. The concept was to create individual houses with a unified facade to give the look of a palace-front.

However, Adam died in 1792 and

Albert is the centre piece of Charlotte Square

Flypast and emergency landing

his completed designs had to be realised by others. The north side of the square was built first and is reasonably faithful to his original concept. The north side of the square consists of a row of eleven houses with No.6, Bute House, now the official residence of the First Minister, as the centre piece.

The centre gardens, originally circular, were converted to the current octagonal design in 1873.

Outside of the festival, Charlotte Square Gardens are closed to the public, only accessible to the owners of the nearby properties.

It is strange then that the magnificent memorial of Albert, Prince Consort, is located at the centre of this private space.

At the age of 20, Albert married his cousin Queen Victoria and together they had nine children.

Like many partners of royalty he is said to have struggled with finding a purpose and a meaningful role.

However he played an important role in the development of the Great Exhibition of 1851.

He became prominent in the development of educational reform and in the abolition of slavery.

From a position of extreme privilege he was aware of the plight of the working classes. The Times of 19 May 1848 reports on his speech as President of the Society for the Improvement of

The Edinburgh Sketcher Mark, the Edinburgh Sketcher has a number of printed items including mugs, tea towels and gift cards, which feature his ink and watercolour sketches of the city.

They are available together with

Flypast over Edinburgh Castle PHOTO Martin P McAdam

by Phyllis Stephen We had been promised the fabulous sight of the Red Arrows over Edinburgh on 7 August when they were expected to fly from the Palace of Holyroodhouse up The Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. This was part of a UK-wide flight.

Sadly the weather did not cooperate. The RAF aerobatic team need the cloud base to be at 1000 ft and it was lower - at 800 ft.

The day was rainy and grey.

Then on a Monday morning in late August, the murmuring

started about a possible flypast that evening. The real aviation geeks have ways of knowing what is going on.

The Castle Esplanade had been closed off by three buses, and it turned out the flypast was apparently not just for us, but part

of filming for the Tattoo.

Red 6 and 9 then headed for Edinburgh Airport after a bird strike. Two pilots were seen taking off from there later in the evening in one aircraft, leaving the other for repair and collection the following day.

Crossword Answers by David Albury Across: 1.Burnt to ashes, 8. Irate, 9. Gelatine, 11. Festoon, 12. Trapper, 13. Ulcer, 15. Custodian, 17. Mousetrap, 20. Catch, 21. Rat-trap, 23. Oversee, 25. Asteroid, 26. Throb, 27. Red for danger.

Down: 1.Brief summary, 2. Reams, 3. The bourse, 4. Organic, 5. Salutes, 6. Extra, 7. Unspoilt, 10. Branch member, 14. Countess, 16. Orchestra, 18. Reproof, 19. Plodder, 22. Reeve, 24. Sprig.

the Condition of the Labouring Classes. It was, he said the "duty of those who, under the blessings of Divine Providence, enjoy station, wealth, and education" to assist those less fortunate.

In December 1861, following a diagnosis of typhoid fever, at the age of just 42, Albert died at Windsor Castle in the presence of Queen Victoria and five of their nine children. A modern analysis of his symptoms indicate that he may have died from a more chronic disease such as Crohn's disease, kidney failure or cancer.

Victoria was devastated, she withdrew from public appearances and remained in mourning, dressed in black until her death on the Isle of Wight in 1901.

The main statue of the memorial, reaching to a height of over nine metres, features an equestrian statue of Albert in his field marshal's uniform, dwarfing the four figures around the base. It was unveiled by Queen Victoria herself in 1876. The main sculpture was executed by Sir John Steel. The stone plinth, in Peterhead granite, was designed by the architect David Bryce.

At each corner of the plinth are additional figures by David Watson Stevenson (Science and Learning) and at a different corner (Labour), George Clark Stanton (Army and Navy) and William Brodie (Nobility).

Sketcher on a mug

mounted prints and originals in a few independent shops around Edinburgh and also his own Etsy shop online. Check his website at edinburghsketcher.com for a full list of stockists and browse his online shop there too.

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

FEATURE 21

Edinburgh genomics professor wins Mandela Award

Professor Appolinaire Djikeng is the Director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) at the University of Edinburgh. He recently gave an online presentation during a summer camp run by The UNESCO Center for Peace.

In recognition of all the work he does to ‘make a difference in the lives of others’, the centre presented him with a Nelson Mandela Justice Award citation signed by US Senator, Chris Van Hollen.

At Roslin Institute, the work that Professor Djikeng does is all about researching and developing programmes which focus on agricultural development and human health.

Since coming to Edinburgh in 2017 he has concentrated on genomics and working out ways for tropical livestock to adapt and become both more productive for the farmers who own them – and more resilient. He sees this as a major contributor to ensuring that some countries in the tropics develop in a sustainable way. From 2009 to 2017 he was Director of Biosciences at Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Professor Djikeng explained what this most recent award means to him. He said: “The UNESCO Centre for Peace is the federation of all US UNESCO clubs and

associations. It’s an organisation which is probably now 16 years old. When I was in the US, I volunteered with them for a short while.

“They have summer camps every year in Washington DC and also in New York.This year, because of Covid-19 they couldn’t meet face to face but they did a week long summer programme online. As I’ve been advising them all this time they gave me a slot during the summer programme, and my talk happened while they were also celebrating Mandela Day celebration.

“I think we all know you can use Mandela for all kinds of purposes.

The UNESCO Centre for Peace is really about building communities where people appreciate each other, support each other, people care about each other, and people look after each other.

“My inclination is always towards improving the quality or the livelihoods of people who believe it difficult, who are exposed to so many externalities. Smallholder farmers only have that as their source of income, they have no safety net, if you understand what I mean by quite vulnerable.

Peacebuilders are also those who give hope to people through their own work to agriculture, to good health, liveable communities, so that is the reason for my award.

“If people are thoughtful,

you know, they care about the environment, they have jobs, they have expectations and if things are happening, if they have good lives, they’re less likely to fight than otherwise.

“I talked about the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. You know these young people in 2030 will be around 30 years old and may be young professionals. I wanted to give them the opportunity to know about the challenges we face now, linking that to agricultural development. I think it is important that they take responsibility and can assess how much progress we have made by then.”

Professor Djikeng explained that there are simply not enough young farmers in the world at the moment, even in Scotland. In an industry which provides us with food, we will need about 50% more food by 2050 according to the data. He also said this is an industry which is still the prime employer across the world, with around three quarters of global employment still related to agriculture.

He concluded: “Agriculture has to be much better, it has to be very efficient. It has to really be a good industry in order to meet that need, because people are always going to need food. It’s a requirement, it’s not a temporal thing."

WELCOME BAC K

Professor Appolinaire Djikeng

Although different, we’re delighted to be back doing what we love.

Our venues are starting to reopen from the 14th September.

Video calls with loved ones, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or having a stretch in an exercise class are just some of the things residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, at Cairdean House, Murrayside and Lauder Lodge care homes. Add to that delicious home cooked food from our in-house chefs, tailored care delivered by our fully trained and experienced teams, and amazing activities, and you can see why we’re the ideal choice.

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, we’re here for you.

To arrange a virtual tour or one-to-one chat, please call 0131 516 8338

WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS Cairdean House care home Colinton careuk.com/cairdean-house

Murrayside care home Murrayfield careuk.com/murrayside

Lauder Lodge care home Portobello careuk.com/lauder-lodge

@EdinReporter

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

Josh Doig is on a roll - in training with Callum Yeats

Doig making his mark at Hibs after crossing the great divide

By John Hislop Josh Doig has joined a small band of players who have crossed the great divide from Tynecastle to Easter Road without playing a first team game and gone on to make a name for themselves at Hibs.

First up was Eric Stevenson who left Hearts following contract irregularities which meant the Gorgie side were fined by the authorities. Then Peter Cormack decided enough was enough after a series of mundane ground staff duties ended with him crashing a tractor whilst mowing the Tynecastle pitch.

More recently Jason Cummings arrived at Hibs via Hutchison Vale after being freed by Hearts, and took revenge with a series of derby goals before subsequently winning international recognition.

The fans already believe the club has unearthed another gem in teenage full-back Doig, whose performances already have him compared with Liverpool and Scotland star Andy Robertson.

In the January transfer window he joined Queen's Park on loan, making seven appearances in League Two before the coronavirus shutdown, and in that time Spiders boss Ray McKinnon

was hugely impressed by the teenager's performances and said comparisons with Scotland captain Robertson were there for all to see.

He said: "The kid was phenomenal.

He's quick, aggressive, athletic, with a great delivery and we were over the moon with him.

"We thought he was fantastic. He was absolutely unbelievable for us last season. He was outstanding and must have got man of the match in three or four games.

"He's 6ft, athletic, and has a brilliant, calm demeanour about him. I think he's got a huge future, I really do.

"Hibs might see him as centrehalf but everyone at Queen's was talking about the Andy Robertson comparison because he really has some engine, and was getting up and down, putting crosses in and playing one-two's. He's an excellent young player with a great future ahead of him, and has all the attributes.”

Fellow defender Ryan Porteous, who spent time at Edinburgh City on loan, knows the value of playing first team football at an early age.

He said: “Loan spells are vital for players at that age. You need to get battered about, learn when and

when not to tackle, and when to stand up.

"At Queen’s Park, Josh was playing in some brilliant games, but there were times at Edinburgh City where we got battered up and down by 35-year-old guys who wanted to try and hurt you. It's about learning his trade, and he's done that so far.

"His performances on the park have been brilliant. He's a young, confident lad with a lot of energy driving forward and to be playing over Lewis Stevenson, a player who has been consistently playing for the club for many years, is really impressive. I hope he can keep putting in the performances and we can back it up as well."

Josh Doig

theedinburghreporter.co.uk Team mate Daryl Horgan added: “When you are a young player coming through, you don't know everything. You know the game but maybe not the nuances of professional football.

"Josh is a brilliant kid, his attitude is spot-on, he's been unbelievable the last couple of games and he takes in information like a sponge straight away and doesn't make the same mistakes again. He's got a right good chance, he's a brilliant young player.”

Head Coach, Jack Ross, agreed with Ray McKinnon’s assessment and demonstrated his faith in the youngster, giving him an extended contract to 2023 and starting him in the opening games of the season in the place of long term defender, Lewis Stevenson.

Ross said: “He’s growing in each game. He is finding his game-legs at this level because he is still very young and it's different playing in the intensity of these fixtures.

Josh is getting there and the fact he lasted the full game against Dundee United is brilliant because he’ll grow that belief.

“By his own admission, Lewy (Stevenson) was a bit up and down in pre-season but he’s still a big part of what we're doing here.

He’ll play a big part this season and he’ll be a massive help for Josh as well. He’s a brilliant help for me off the pitch with Josh.”

The teenager was quick to praise the contribution of Stevenson and another CIS Cup winning full-back in his progression to the first team.

Josh said: ”It’s been brilliant. I’ve enjoyed it ever since I came in. I’ve come on leaps and bounds. The coaching staff and everyone has kicked me on and it’s paid off in the end.

"I’ve improved as a player and a person as well. It’s a great experience playing with the first team with the players talking to you and helping you.

“Lewis Stevenson has been a great help with my game, telling me to do extra and Steven Whittaker as well. He’s taken the 18s squad with me and he was always giving me pointers to help me. They both tell me to always work my hardest and put maximum effort into everything and what Lewis does in the gym, if you watch him, he always puts 100% into everything he does.”

SPORT 23

Oklahoma lures Portobello hoopsters In different suburbs of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, live two of the finest female basketball players who have ever pulled on a Scottish international shirt, writes Sandy Sutherland.

One of them, Rose Anderson, could rightly claim to be the greatest ever, having been the only Scot to play in the 2012 London Olympics when Great Britain so nearly beat the eventual silver medallists, France.

A decade before that, Nicky Emblem, a former Scottish javelin champion who came close to winning a medal for Scotland in the Commonwealth Games, was also knocking on the door of becoming the first Scots basketball player to reach the Women's NBA professional league in the USA. Both girls went to Portobello High School, the nursery for so many young players and both had gone on to play for the City of Edinburgh Kool Kats all-conquering club team.

Both won scholarships to colleges in Oklahoma and Emblem later returned there to take up coaching posts in both basketball and football. Enter Celina Eisenhardt, a name which does not sound particularly Edinburgh or Scottish but which, if she progresses as she has done in the last five years, may well emulate her more famous alumnae.

She was awarded a basketball scholarship to Murray State Junior College in Oklahoma. How appropriate is it therefore that Celina is a big fan of Rose.

She said: "Rose is my hero.

I remember her playing for Great Britain against Canada at Meadowbank in a warm-up game for the 2012 Olympics when I was just starting to come to the Kats training."

Celina has spent the last two years studying and developing her basketball at Myerscough College near Lancaster. This follows impressive performances for the Kats junior team - who won successive Scottish Cup Finals at Oriam - and the Scottish under-18 National Team.

ai159551103923_The Reporter Back Page Final Jul 2020.pdf

1

23/07/2020

14:30

GLIDE TO THE AIRPORT

#StaySafe and buy your tickets online before you travel at edinburghticket.com

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

F A M I LY

£22.50

U P T O 2 A D U LT S & 3 C H I L D R E N