The Edinburgh Reporter May 2025

Porty Festival Building bridges Theatre thrills

Seaside shenanigans over two days

4

Ukraine convoy

Politicians drive five ambulances

6

Lego exhibition to the Forth

9

Liam Rudden’s stage round-up

18-19

Bowie brilliance

Hibs starlet’s Euro focus

22

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

THE CLOWN AND THE WOLFMAN are revved up and raring to get on the road next month.

Restless Natives: The Musical is in Edinburgh from 7 to 22 June in the first production at Leith Theatre since 2018. It begins a three month

Paterson and Wild Yak Productions will be curating along with the Leith Theatre Trust.

The musical is based on the 1985 film and the motorbike above is a replica of the bike used then in locations from The Mound to Wester Hailes and on stake-outs in the Highlands.

Olivier-nominated Kirsty MacLaren will play

adaptation produced and directed by the same team behind the film along with Perth Theatre.

Writers Ninian Dunnett, Michael Hoffman and Andy Paterson along with composer Tim Sutton are behind the “not to be missed” production inspired by the songs of Big Country.

Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith

venue and to work in partnership to deliver this

Editorial

I MENTIONED IN PASSING a couple of issues ago that I had been invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace. (My friends are now tired of hearing about it, but I can at last regale you with a potted version of the evening.) It was lovely and the gold and chandeliers truly opulent, but what really made the evening was the staff. They were all so courteous and also very happy to be working there. I got talking to one man who has worked (and lived) at Buckingham Palace for a few years. I suggested it was a job for someone like him - a younger person with no strings - but he explained one of his colleagues had just retired after 39 years. Even if you are not a royal fan a record like that shows that this must be a reasonably decent place to work. The footman explained they move with the King and Queen for events such as the reception all over the country - and he and his colleagues will be in Holyrood for the garden parties this summer. I was invited into the quad in the afternoon to do any filming I wantedand I recorded a message for readers which I put up on social media on 26 March. You can read more about the King’s message to regional media on Page 10.

Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP used part of his Easter holidays to drive to Ukraine along with five others - three of whom are LibDem and Labour politicians. One of his companions said the experience changed him but it gave them all a feeling that they were actually doing something to help. Read about the ambulances they delivered on Page 6.

Our features include one with former Chief Constable Tom Wood on Page 7 as his book is published this month, and another with former police officer Lee Cochrane who was in charge of events in Edinburgh after the death of HM The Queen. I would ask you to think of subscribing to ensure you get your own copy of the paper each month. It would be a big support to all of us at The Edinburgh Reporter.

Phyllis Stephen, Editor

Planning news

The council planning department has been on holiday during Easter recess with few new applications noted.

One of the important moves in the city has been to install temporary toilets. In particular there are now 26 in Portobello. This is a meanwhile development as there are plans for permanent facilities at Pipe Lane.

There have been loud complaints from residents in recent times about the lack of basic facilities during warm weather.

The council also plans to introduce new toilets in The Meadows, Leith Links and Inverleith Park. The first of three units is now in place in The Meadows located at the intersection of South Middle Meadow Walk and Melville Drive, and work is progressing in Inverleith Park where a concrete base had to be formed.

Each modular toilet unit is designed to be accessible and private. The new facilities will include:

3 family accessible cubicles

• 1 accessible toilet

• 1 Changing Places toilet

• Outdoor water fountain

• Eco-friendly sedum roof to support biodiversity

• Live CCTV camera & LED lighting for

Ahoy there!

This month’s image is a studio portrait of two young boys, presumably brothers, standing on a mast. The Living Memory Association who submitted it to Edinburgh Collected believe it was taken around 1908. Edinburgh Collected is a searchable online community archive of Edinburgh memories. Anyone is invited to submit their family photographs or other documents. Explore the city’s rich history through images, documents and objects.

www.edinburghcollected. org

If you would like to submit

security and safety

• Anti-vandal roof and water-efficient management system, designed for durability, sustainability, and reduced water usage.

DREGHORN BARRACKS

Ten new buildings including a medical centre, transport building, offices, storage, garage / workshops and accommodation. Refurbishing the existing Category C listed

Barracks building for office and storage use, the new buildings would be a mixture of single and two storey. The proposal forms part of a wider relocation of army facilities due to the scheduled closure of Redford Barracks at Redford Road. The scheme is part of the relocation of Ministry of Defence facilities and the scheduled closure of Redford Barracks. Detailed plans are kept secret due to security reasons. 25/01681/PPP

in the region of around 20,000 people. You will find copies at all branches of Farmer Autocare, at Summerhall, the EICC, LifeCare on Cheyne Street, Coffee Angels, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Western General Hospital and several public libraries. If you can, then please subscribe to have your copy delivered to you each month. It helps us to cover the overheads of bringing the news to you in print and online and to maintain it as free to access. We can also deliver door to door on some selected streets. If you would like us to include your local area then please suggest it to us ter.ooo/subscribe

Editor: Phyllis Stephen Designer: Tammy Kerr

Photos: Martin P McAdam

Location of Dreghorn Barracks

Bloomin’ lovely

THE MEADOWS is a bright spot all year round but even more when the pink cherry blossoms come to life in April and May.

The blooms are called Sakura in

Japanese and when they bloom they have a cloud-like effect. But the trees are not in full bloom for very long - so catch them while you can.

University centre officially open

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

EDINBURGH FUTURES

INSTITUTE created in the former Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh building has been officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.  Academics, students and industry partners from the Edinburgh Futures Institute met The Princess Royal, the University of Edinburgh Chancellor, at an event along with some of the specialist tradespeople who renovated the former hospital.

The Institute was supported by £55 million from the UK Government and £2 million from The Scottish Government as part

of The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal’s Data Driven Innovation programme. Now an innovation hub driving interdisciplinary research, teaching and entrepreneurship, the historic building will bring together students, researchers, partners and the public to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. (And there is a café!)

During the opening, Her Royal

Highness was welcomed by Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, (above) and toured the building’s flexible spaces designed to encourage collaboration. The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth MSP and Melanie Ward MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy were also in attendance.

Alan Simpson All photos

Neil Hanna

The Chancellor pulls back the curtain

Seaside festival

By ARCHIE HUNTER

THE PORTY FESTIVAL will be staged over four locations and feature up to 30 traders and small businesses.

Centred on the Town Hall, other venues over the weekend of 10 and 11 May include Portobello Beach, Unity Hair Studio and Joppa homeware and gift shop Dook.

Attractions include food traders who will showcase gelato, coffee and freshly made pasta and pizza, while festival goers can enjoy creative workshops, talks, a disco, circus, DJ, a magician, yoga and a judo demonstration.

Unity Hair Studio on Portobello High Street will transform into a working hair salon with a vintage clothing pop-up, while Dook is hosting a silver jewellery pop-up and bath salts workshop. A wild swimming workshop will take place on the beach and the first Porty Dog Show is sure to be a huge hit with canine fans.

A massive list of demonstrations and activities over both days includes face painting, braids, a kid’s disco, book binding and painting, physiotherapy, story telling, paper cutting, embroidery, and on the Sunday a Makers’ Market takes place from 10am to 4pm.

Street food and drink vendors include Seb’s Urban Jungle providing coffees, cocktails and cakes from the Doghouse with burgers and hot dogs, Neapolitan pizza by Portobello’s own Pronto, Basement Gelato, Lind & Lime gin bar,

and Guisados Mexican kitchen.

Edinburgh “Party Guy” and family magician, Magic Gareth, is bringing his BIG Magic Show to the festival and will perform at the Town Hall on 10 May at 10am. Gareth has more than 10 million views on TikTok and this show is a high-energy, balloon-filled, magical show designed for families with kids aged 3–10.

Gareth said: “It’s a sneak peek at what’s to come in my upcoming Balloonatic Scottish

Bellfield building big

By STAFF REPORTER

A COMMUNITY SHARE OFFER

launched to fund an ambitious £1.2 million improvement programme at a former Portobello church is expected to hit its £100,000 target.

The share issue is part of Bellfield’s Big Build campaign and will underpin the transformation of the former Old Parish Church in the town’s Bellfield Street which was acquired in 2017 by charity Action Porty under the Community Right to Buy scheme.

An estimated 30,000 people and 26 community groups use Bellfield each year, taking part in life events, weddings, memorials, workshops, classes and a wide range of activities, including playgroups, yoga sessions, baby sensory classes, art classes, youth theatre and choir groups, but the centre has to turn away half of the potential bookings because of insufficient and inappropriate space.

The community share issue will crucially unlock up to £450,0000 in grants from the Community

Ownership Fund to support the £776,000 cost of the first phase of redevelopment. A second phase of improvements over 2026/2027 is estimated to cost a further £474,000.

Discussions are underway with potential funders.

The planned redevelopment will transform the under-utilised Celebration Hall into a dynamic space, including a new upper floor with a unique performance area, flexible meeting room spaces on the ground floor, and vastly improved accessibility, including a lift.

Action Porty Secretary, Ian Cooke, said: “These improvements to the Celebration Hall will greatly increase the range and types of space we have available, enabling us to better meet community need and local demand for community spaces while also enhancing our financial sustainability through increased rental income.

“The improvements will also enable Action Porty to provide a home for Portobello Heritage Trust by creating office, storage and exhibition space. This will create a

tour which kicks off in July and takes in 16 venues from St Andrews to Ullapool. I will also be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe in August with a free show at CC Blooms.”

On the Saturday evening, Fusion Sessions at the Town Hall will be a high-energy experience where live music meets dancefloor energy, blending blues, jazz, alt-rock, dream pop, folk-rock, and global dance beats into one unforgettable event.

Festival co-founder, Carmen Chalmers, said: “Portobello is a community passionate about supporting local and this is an opportunity for local people to be involved in hosting the events and for small businesses, charities and community groups to be community sponsors, all coming together to support everything that makes Portobello what we love.” portyfestival.co.uk/

step-change in heritage activity in Portobello and strengthen the interface with the public.”

Bellfield’s business plan states: “Overall, the letting accommodation at Bellfield has performed very well but the Celebration Hall has proved challenging on account of its size and layout.

“Plans have been prepared in consultation with the community, for a two-stage development of the Celebration Hall to achieve a space which can better serve the local

population and Bellfield as a community enterprise.

“The first stage will see removal of the pews, organ, dais and pulpit to make good the ground floor and create much needed toilets and a new kitchen.

“A new upper floor will be added with removal of one section of the balcony pews on the first floor and some repairs to the stained-glass windows. A lift to provide access to the first floor will be installed together with new heating and

ventilation systems and upgraded electrics.”

Shauna Macdonald, Artistic Director of the Edinburgh Youth Theatre, one of Bellfield’s regular user groups, said: “We are excited about the new performance and rehearsal space once the Celebration Hall work is done. Having bespoke space will enable us to increase our performances and activities which will be welcomed by our members and the wider community.”

The plans for Bellfield

Wider pavements will be fit for The King’s

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

AN ADDITIONAL 100 SQUARE METRES of pavement will be created outside The King’s Theatre for pedestrians to enjoy as well as theatre goers.

As part of the redevelopment of The King’s Theatre the council also support the theatre’s intention to create step free access through its main entrance. Council officers are working on ensuring that the new public realm next to the theatre is future-proofed for active travel as part of the Meadows to Union Canal scheme. This will include the westbound cycle lane on Valleyfield Street which will become permanent.

The King’s Theatre say that the increased pavement area outside the 1906 building will have a similar feel to the front of the Festival Theatre, with steps graduated across the front of the building to create level access. This will mean that Stage Door Lane, which is the name of the the new street-level café, and the main front doors, will all be fully accessible for the first time.

There are several access improvements being made including: The pavement in front of the King’s is to be redeveloped to allow level access through the front doors from the street to seat,

On either side of the entrance foyer, two new lifts will provide access to every public area, including all 3 bars. One of the lifts has controlled access to the remaining floors, including the basement and technical areas.

An increased number of wheelchair seating locations, including two new permanent locations in the centre of the dress circle (served by the two new lifts)

In the stalls, 40 brand new transfer-arm seats on the aisles, allowing patrons to easily transfer from a wheelchair into a standard seat in the body of the auditorium.

On every public level front of house, there is an accessible toilet direct opposite the lift on the auditorium right side.

On level 4 – directly outside the lift, there is a changing places toilet, intended to be open as a community asset and not just for use by theatre patrons.

Backstage – level access from street to stage door, from stage door - level access to stage, from stage door –platform lift to fully accessible dressing room, with toilet and shower.

During the council debate Cllr Euan Hyslop mentioned Tarvit Street which has been closed during the works at the King’s Theatre. He said this closure was welcomed by residents who are now used to that traffic arrangement.

He asked for measures part of the Meadows to Union Canal project to ensure that the street would be closed on a permanent basis rather than it being opened and then closed again with a permanent Traffic Regulation Order. The Transport Convener said he was happy to accept that suggestion.

A spokesperson for the Edinburgh Bus Users’ Group said: “We welcome the King’s Theatre plans, but were surprised to learn via the project that two bus stops will be closed permanently further up Leven Street. This highlights the importance of bus stops near major travel generators like the King’s.”

Cllr Val Walker 1949 - 2025

CLLR VAL WALKER, the Labour councillor for Fountainbridge/ Craiglockhart, has died suddenly at home in Edinburgh.

As a new councillor in 2022

Cllr Walker became Culture Convener. She had the benefit of a long experience of working for the council in the libraries and

community services. Flags at the City Chambers were flown at half-mast as a mark of respect, and Council leader Jane Meagher said: “It was a privilege to get to know Val, both as a friend and colleague. She is a great loss to the council, to her colleagues and to the city. We will miss her immensely.”

Edinburgh Sheriff Court round up

By ALEXANDER LAWRIE

A FORMER Miss Scotland bit a security guard and branded him “a ni**er” in shocking racist attack at a rugby tournament in Edinburgh.

Disgraced beauty queen Lucy Thomson sank her teeth into the hand of Andrew Okpaje and made the racist slur while she was being thrown out of the Edinburgh City 7s competition.

Thomson, 26, also bit a second security officer and shouted “do you know who I am?” and “I’ve got so much money in my account” during the drunken rant in June 2023.

Thomson - who was the reigning Miss Scotland at the time - was arrested after Mr Okpaje called in the police to report her using racist language towards him. Thomson denied the charges but her version of events was described by a sheriff as “utterly implausible” and she was found guilty following a two day trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

A FORMER Scotland rugby star has appeared in court accused of alleged domestic abuse.

Tim Visser, 37, appeared in the dock during a private petition hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Visser, whose address was only given as Midlothian, faced a single allegation under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 Section 1.

The section of the act states a person commits an offence if they engage in a course of behaviour which is abusive of a partner or ex-partner and the behaviour is likely to cause a person to suffer physical or psychological harm.

He made no plea and was released on bail and the case was committed for further examination. No date has been set down for his next court appearance. Visser is currently working as a property developer in Edinburgh.

A MAN who was caught hiding in woods after going on the run when he had been caught in an undercover police sting has finally appeared in the dock.

Coen Bust, 47, disappeared from his Edinburgh home hours before he was due to be sentenced for sending sexual messages to someone he believed was a 14-year-old schoolgirl.

Police Scotland launched a manhunt with two appeals to the public along with images showing the Dutch national getting off a

train at Dunkeld train station in Perthshire on 13 March.

THE OWNER of a livery yard in Edinburgh was convicted of sexually assaulting three women by pulling their clothes off and striking them with a horse whip.

Campbell Taylor carried out attacks on the victims and made sick comments to a fourth woman while she was horse riding.

Taylor, 49, denied any wrongdoing claiming the incidents took place amid a culture of “practical jokes” and “horseplay” among employees at the farms he owned and worked at. The business owner, from Balerno, was found guilty of seven sexual offences by a sheriff following a four day trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

A MOTORIST who caused a van to crash into a mother and baby on an Edinburgh city centre street has escaped a jail sentence.

James Morrison, 55, drove a vehicle into a black Vauxhall van while attempting to overtake a tourist bus.

He shunted the black van onto the pavement forcing several workmen to jump to safety before Sayin Torum, who was pushing her baby in a pram, was struck by a falling metal pole. The woman, who was on holiday in the capital celebrating her wedding anniversary, was rushed to the city’s Royal Infirmary where she received treatment to cuts to her head.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court was told the young baby miraculously survived suffering no injuries during the incident at West Port in Edinburgh around 11.10am on 23 October 2023.

Prosecutor Matthew Miller told the court Morrison drove away from the scene in his badly damaged Transit van following the near fatal crash but was tracked down to his home around 60 minutes later. Police officers breathalysed the driver who registered a reading of 86mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - almost four times the legal limit of 22mg. Morrison, of Dumbiedykes, Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and returned to the dock for sentencing where a written narration into the events was read out.

Mr Miller also played footage of the smash to the court that had been captured by a camera on the tourist bus.

Cllr Walker at Gasholder Park Alan Simpson

Ukraine road trip success

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

THE MSP FOR EDINBURGH WESTERN, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has just returned from Lviv in Ukraine after a gruelling drive along with fellow Liberal Democrat politicians from Holyrood and Westminster, one Labour MP and Edinburgh businessman, Robert Kilgour.

The purpose of their trip was to help deliver five repurposed ambulances to Ukrainian troops on the frontline as part of the work which charity, Mighty Convoy, have been doing for almost three years.

The body was set up by Simon Brake who has led a dozen convoys to Ukraine in that time, delivering 43 ambulances and more than 150 trucks. In the first place Mr Brake asked for volunteers to drive the vehicles to Poland, but this latest group took the vehicles right into the west of the country.

The visit was sparked by Angus MacDonald MP meeting the International Christian Medical and Dental Association at the House of Commons. He was so impressed by what he saw that he persuaded fellow Liberal Democrat MP Danny Chambers, to volunteer. After a call with the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader they also included him and Mr Kilgour in their group of six volunteers along with Mr MacDonald’s wife, Michie.

While in Ukraine the team visited a rehabilitation centre where virtually everyone was in a wheelchair, had lost an eye or a limbor in the case of one person, all four limbs. They were shown around a drone factory which produces an unbelievable 10,000 drones each

month and they also met with the city’s Mayor. On their return they are anxious to keep a focus on Ukraine and the people there who they said were most grateful for the continued support from the UK.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “In our case we actually took one of the ambulances directly to a brigade commander at an army base deep in the forest. By now they will already be in use on the front line. While these vehicles are not 4X4s they are used to evacuate casualties from clearing stations or field hospitals. It was very humbling to hear from the commander that these vehicles will save lives. As you would understand in a battlefield situation, time is absolutely your worst enemy and if you can’t get somebody to surgery within 20 or 25 minutes they will die or lose a limb.”

Robert Kilgour said: “I have always been an armchair supporter of Ukraine, but Alex reached out to me to help financially and I obviously said yes. But then I was asked if I would be up for co-driving with Danny Chambers. It was the right thing to do to get off my backside and actually do something practical to make a real - be it a smalldifference. (Clearly I was also there for political balance!)

“I think all of us have been changed by what was only a few days but which seems much more significant. It gives you a reality check about what is important and what is not.”

Mr Cole-Hamiton explained it was a 35 hour road trip with a few laughs, but the mood changed when they reached Ukraine. He said: “You know, it’s not a country where rationing is

a thing. There’s no scarcity. It desperately wants to have business as usual, and they’re very good at kind of seducing you into that feeling of normalcy. And then suddenly they’ll give you

Parents cycling for Simpsons

By STAFF REPORTER

PARENTS PAUL AND MEGHAN

GODSMAN are to join the charity cycle challenge, bp Coast to Coast, to raise funds for the charity which helped them after their baby’s early arrival. Blake Godsman was born in May 2024 nine weeks early and was admitted to the Simpson Neonatal Unit at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He was looked after for nine weeks until he was allowed to go home. During his stay Paul and Meghan could sleep over allowing them to be close to Blake while he was quite ill. This made a huge difference to them. Paul said: “As much as the neonatal unit is there to care for the babies, there is a huge support need for parents who are navigating this terrifying experience. We were so grateful to stay in one of two parent rooms on the neonatal ward for the first four weeks of Blake’s life when we really needed it. It meant we

could wake up and walk along the corridor to be beside him. If we’d been driving home to Linlithgow every night, we’d have been an hour away from the hospital should anything happen. That would have put an even bigger strain on us. Our goal is to raise money to help the unit improve its support for parents, refurbish family rooms and facilities and buy specialist equipment. I was also extremely grateful to my employer bp, which allowed me to have extended leave so I could be with my wife and son while he was being cared for in hospital.”

The Neonatal Unit is supported by Simpsons Special Care Babies (SSCB), a charity that exists to enhance the support and advice provided by the NHS to families of babies admitted to the unit from across the country.

Meghan said: “When I first went into labour, Paul was with two members of the bp Coast 2 Coast

committee cycling in Inverness so it seems fitting that we will now cycle together with Paul’s colleagues to help raise funds for the charity that saved Blake’s life. We were naive to the reality of what it felt like to have a baby in the neonatal unit and we were shocked to learn how common this is for families. Before Blake was born, we hadn’t realised there are only three centres of excellence in Scotland for babies requiring complex specialist care and people from across the country must travel to come to the centre in Edinburgh. Now that Blake is out of hospital and doing well, we want to support the charity that gave him life and make sure other parents who find themselves in a similar position can receive the same support we did and go on to experience parenthood like we are now.”

Emma Coffey, trustee at Simpsons Special Care Babies, (SSCB) said: “We

an air raid briefing. And you realise this isn’t a normal country, and they said there’s a high likelihood this siren will go off, and this is what you do if that happens.”

can’t thank Paul and Meghan and the Coast 2 Coast team enough for selecting SSCB as one of the charities to benefit from this year’s fundraising. It’s thanks to supporters like them that our specialised staff can continue to provide care for the 750 families who attend the neonatal unit each year.

“Voluntary donations and fundraising are crucial for SSCB and

this donation will help us purchase new specialist equipment such as the latest video laryngoscopes, which allow our staff to better visualise the airways of extremely small babies when inserting breathing tubes. This improves time, comfort and safety and ultimately helps save lives..”

The cycling challenge is 234 miles over three days from 6 June.

Lib Dems Danny Chambers MP, Angus MacDonald MP, Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP and Labour’s Paul Sweeney MP

Danny Chambers MP with co-driver Robert Kilgour

Paul and Meghan with baby Blake

Bombing book launch

By STEPHEN RAFFERTY

A CAPTIVATING ACCOUNT of the almostforgotten bombing raids on Edinburgh and Leith during World War 2 will hit bookshelves from 1 May.

Featuring high-quality recently discovered police archive photographs and fascinating official reports, the book combines tragedy and farce to meticulously document the experience of the victims and survivors of up to 15 bombing raids which took place from 1939 to 1942.

Former police chief turned author, Tom Wood, (photographed right) combed a unique archive which had been passed to Edinburgh Lothian and Borders Police Historical Society (ELBPHS), and has produced a comprehensive account of Edinburgh during wartime to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict.

The book, The Bombing of Edinburgh & Leith 1939-1942, is published by Ringwood Publishing and contains details of the 19 lives lost and photographs of bomb sites in Drylaw, Leith, Restalrig and Portobello - where three unexploded bombs lie 30ft underground to this day.

One of the most poignant accounts is of the deaths of sister and brother seven-year-old Morag and five-year-old Ronald McArthur, who died in a raid on Crewe Place, Drylaw, in September 1940. Documents in the archive suggest they may have survived if air raid alerts had been sounded earlier, giving them a chance to make it to the “Anderson” bomb shelter, and following a public outcry the alert procedure was changed.

Tom Wood said: “The archive is an important and fascinating history of this extremely dangerous time, which was at the peak of the Battle of Britain and when German invasion was thought to be imminent.  To this day, few people know about the extent of bombing over Edinburgh and sadly there is no memorial to the 19 people who lost their lives.”

The archive and photographs will fbe exhibited at Central Library on George IV Bridge from 1 May to 30 September and will be supported by a number of public lectures at the same venue on 11 June, 16 July and 13 August which are free and can be booked on the library website.

The official launch of the book is at The Royal Scots Club on Abercromby Place on 24

May which will be an immersive experience and feature a rationing-era lunch from the 1940s. Guests are encouraged to wear WW2 attire and 1940s clothing.

Net proceeds from the book will be donated to

ELBPHS and it can be ordered direct from Ringwood Publishing or on Amazon. https:// royalscotsclub.com/event/ ww2-bombing-luncheon/

Nominations sought for prestigious award

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN for members of the public to suggest people who might be worthy of winning The Edinburgh Award. This is a prestigious honour given to people who have achieved outstanding success in their lives, some as a charity hero, a renowned artist or athlete.

The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the

City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “Edinburgh’s global influence over the last two centuries is thanks to the exceptional character, achievements, and excellence of our citizens.

“The Edinburgh Award gives us a chance to honour the individual whose work continues to make Edinburgh the extraordinary city we all know and love. I am continually

inspired by the way Edinburgh’s people support one another, and this award reflects that community spirit.

“We are now in the 19th edition of The Edinburgh Award, and I invite everyone to nominate someone who has truly made a difference to our city..”

You can nominate someone for the Edinburgh Award if they were born in Edinburgh,

Edinburgh’s historic streetscape

By CHARLIE ELLIS AND PHYLLIS STEPHEN

THE DETERIORATING CONDITION of Edinburgh’s historic streets was the focus of a recent public discussion organised by the Cockburn Association, revealing their concerns about the city centre’s visual identity - and some suggestions about tackling it.

Spokespeople from Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH), the Cockburn Association, Spokes, and Living Streets Edinburgh gathered to address what many consider a streetscape falling short of expectations for the World Heritage sites in the Old and New Towns.

Edinburgh University students on secondment to EWH presented their research showing Edinburgh’s “lack of visual coherence” compared to similar historic cities like Copenhagen, Prague, and Bath, which have implemented more consistent streetscape designs and pedestrianisation efforts. This included similar design lighting - and a city-wide competition to decide on “the look”.

David Hunter from Living Streets Edinburgh argued that while Edinburgh is walkable, this is “in spite of its infrastructure.” He cited the Cowgate as a “dreadful” example where roads were resurfaced while pavements remained untouched, despite heavy foot traffic during festivals.

Alex Robb of Spokes explained that Edinburgh’s cycling numbers are rising, but could be even higher if streets weren’t so congested. He praised projects like the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) while expressing concern that other initiatives face lengthy delays due to “a mere handful of objectors”. A recent UK Cycling study has confirmed the growth in cycling on the CCWEL since it opened last year - dispelling the myth promoted by one in the audience who said he had never seen a cyclist use it.

have lived in the city for the past 12 months, or have a substantial association with Edinburgh, have not previously been awarded The Freedom of the City, are not a previous winner of The Edinburgh Award and they are not a serving politician.

The winner of the award will be chosen by the Civic Awards Committee when nominations close at noon on 16 May.

The meeting heard that funding remains a key challenge. Some suggested the tourist tax could and will help, while others emphasised that many urgent issues are “bread and butter” matters requiring maintenance rather than major projects. The funding regime is geared to applications for specific projects and not just a pot of money for the council to draw upon.

City Councillor Jo Mowat, one of three councillors in the audience, noted the council is recruiting a new City Centre manager to address the “lack of integrated management”.

The Cockburn Association plans four further public events to examine these issues in more detail.

www.cockburnassociation.org.uk/

Scene of Crewe Place bombing in which two young children died

Tom Wood

Don’t touch!

LEGO

models will be the biggest ever

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

A GIANT LEGO FORTH BRIDGE will be the centrepiece at Meadowbank Stadium on 10 and 11 May when EdinBrick 2025 takes place.

The eight metre long model with working trains has been built by a dedicated team of LEGO builders who focus on trains.

This is believed to be the biggest LEGO Forth Bridge ever constructed and it is made from approximately 100,000 bricks.

Lead organiser Doug Adamson was delighted to be able to secure the “most iconic of Scottish bridges” to come to the show. He said: “When we heard that LUKR were looking to return to Edinbrick after last year we knew we would need more space for displays. When they confirmed they would be bringing the Forth Bridge we knew that moving to Meadowbank was the right choice as we will have space to give it the spotlight it deserves. What could be more fitting than seeing the biggest LEGO Forth Bridge ever build in the City that you can see the real bridge from?

“Of course we won’t just have the Bridge we have the best LEGO builders in Scotland and

beyond coming to display their models covering everything from trains and bridges, to castles, space stations, superheroes, LEGO cities, Harry Potter and even a LEGO themed wedding dress. We have more displayers than ever before, we have bigger displays than ever before, but we still have the brick pit, a handful of traders, the everyone’s a winner Tombola, Raffle and more. And of course we remain an all volunteer run

charity event with all the money raised going to the Fairy Bricks Charity which has benefited children in hospitals all over the UK including here in Scotland as well.” The profits from the event will go to the Fairy Bricks charity.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinbrick Free for under fives. Ages 5 to 99 - £6.50.

Looking back in time with the Old Edinburgh Club

8TH

In 1366, at Holyrood Abbey, a Council was held in which discussion over a peace with England took place; it was agreed that the assessment to raise money for the King’s ransom should be voluntary; the Scottish Mint was also ordered to strike new coins for this purpose. And in 1826, Sir Henry Duncan Littlejohn, surgeon, forensic scientist, and public health official, (above) was born in Edinburgh.

9TH

In 1911, the famous illusionist The Great Lafayette died in a devastating fire at the Empire Palace Theatre in Edinburgh on Nicolson Street (now

the site of the Festival Theatre). https://movingimage.nls.uk/ film/1620 And in 1957, a massive fire at Bell’s Brae in the Dean Village destroyed the premises of the largest theatrical costumiers outside London.

16TH

In 1402, at a Council-General held in Edinburgh, King Robert III (whose Christian name was John) officially pardoned the Duke of Albany (Robert, the king’s next younger brother) and the Earl of Douglas for the death of David Stuart, Duke of Rothesay (the king’s son and heir apparent); N.B. Since the troubled reign of King John Balliol, the name John was considered unlucky for a King of Scots.

17TH

In 1532, King James V established paid judges to sit as the Court of Session, the highest civil court in Scotland. In 1590, Anne of Denmark was crowned Queen of Scotland in the Abbey Church at Holyrood. In 1617, King James VI returned to Edinburgh for the first time since 5 April 1603. And in 1870, pioneering photographer David Octavius Hill (below left) died. He is buried in Dean Cemetery beneath a sculpture of him created by his wife Amelia Paton.

18TH

In 1843, after intense debate, 121 ministers and 73 elders led by Dr David Welsh, the retiring Moderator, quit the Church of Scotland General Assembly at Edinburgh’s Church of St Andrew in George Street, to form the Free Church of Scotland.

22ND

In 1691, the council granted permission to Mr Mathias Fase, a Dutchman, to exhibit 3 Turkish people (a man, a woman, and a little

The Meerkat Crosses of Scotland

A YEAR AGO well - known historian Henry Steuart Fothringham created a photographic record of Scotland’s surviving 237 Mercat Crosses. He lent them a humorous appeal by making use of the vernacular Scots pronunciation of “Mercat” and the Dutch word “Meerkat”, meaning “a gathering place”, to illustrate them. Mercat Crosses are the practical ornaments of a bygone age when they served as the focal points for communities to get together for matters of concern. Co-opting authors Charles Kinder Bradbury and Roddy Martine, The Meerkat Crosses of Scotland combines local histories with photographic illustrations of visitor interest and cartoon illustrations by Polish artist Marcin Strzembosz to accompany the lavish colour photographs. The front cover is the Mercat Cross in Parliament Square when the Lord Lyon King of Arms and two heralds proclaimed Charles III as monarch. This is an alternative guide book to Scotland with a quirky appeal for every generation.

The Meerkat Crosses of Scotland by Charles Kinder Bradbury and Roddy Martine (£14.99 + £4 p&p UK) is available from Braykc Publishing www.braykc publishing.com

boy) at any location in the Canongate. And in 1859, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes stories, was born in Edinburgh at 11 Picardy Place.

24TH

In 1853, the Adelphi Theatre in Broughton Street was completely destroyed by fire.

25TH

In 1726, the first circulating library opened in Edinburgh. And in 1859, the last performance at the Theatre Royal in Shakespeare Square was staged. Also in 1896, the Foundation Stone of the New North Bridge was laid.

27TH

In 1661, Archibald Campbell, 8th Earl and 1st Marquis of Argyll, was beheaded on the Maiden at the Mercat Cross; his head replaced that of Montrose, his royalist enemy, on the Tolbooth. And in 1928, Thea Musgrave, composer of opera and classical music, was born in Barnton.

30TH

In 1936, Portobello Open Air Pool was opened at a cost of £90,000.

31ST

In 1878, Eugene Chantrelle, a Frenchman, was executed by hanging within Calton Jail for poisoning his wife, Elizabeth. And in 1962, the Gaumont cinema (above) in Edinburgh was destroyed by fire. Also in 2014, trams formally returned to Edinburgh streets.

Compiled by Jerry Ozaniec, Membership Secretary of the Old Edinburgh Club, membership@ oldedinburghclub.org.uk

Attention to detail

100,000 bricks in the Forth Bridge

Local news gets right royal boost Colourful work on the bridge

By STAFF REPORTER

THE EDINBURGH REPORTER was among the representatives of regional media invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace recently. Afterwards His Majesty The King shared a message about his view of the importance of the industry.

He said: “I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times. As I said in a speech to mark the tercentenary of Britain’s first daily national newspaper, back in 2002, the Press, alongside other long-standing institutions, is at the forefront of ‘defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation’.

“Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground-up, at local level, in your hands.

“Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing. Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.

“You won’t always get it right. A free media is one that will and does make mistakes. But at its best, it is a cornerstone of our democracy.

“I know how commercial pressures and changing technologies have had a significant impact on your industry. But as the media landscape has changed, so too many of you have adapted and innovated, finding ways of sharing your journalism and engaging audiences in new and creative ways.

“It is in everyone’s interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer. Thank you.”

(ICNN) which has 127 members from the Isle of Wight to Shetland.

She said: “Their Majesties had invited a cross-section of the media large and small from all over the UK. We enjoyed canapés and a selection of drinks in the Ballroom at the Palace.

“There was a frisson of excitement among us – queuing outside, ascending the stairs from the courtyard where we have seen photos and footage of members of the Royal Family getting into royal carriages, and standing on the steps at the side of the ballroom (where there are rows of elevated seats) looking across the room filled with colleagues from all over the UK including a good number of people from Scotland. It was a thrill to be invited, but an even bigger thrill to be there – and the acknowledgment from His Majesty is very welcome news indeed for all of us working hard to keep local news independent and local.”

Taking up the baton, the MP for Edinburgh South West, Scott Arthur asked the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, a couple of apposite questions the following day. He asked what the Minister was doing to support local independent journalism, and also whether she plans to make any changes to the rules on public notices for small online news publishers.

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

THE CONTRACTOR Balfour Beatty, continues work on North Bridge. The original works began in 2018 under a £22.290 million contract. By 2022 the budget had crept up to £62.182 million and the completion date was said to be June 2025 (although on the council website that has lapsed to “winter 2025”.

Major work on the bridge built by Sir William Arrol, who created Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge, has not been done since 1933. Every aspect of the bridge has been refurbished in some

HOSTED BY GAIL PORTER

way. It was one of the first projects which the Transport Convener visited when he took up his position in September last year. Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: “The refurbishment of the cast iron façade is one of the key elements of the North Bridge project. These images show the hand finished coating of the façade and give a glimpse into the level of skill and complexity required for this type of work. We’re now in the final

World Fair TradE day Gathering AND Saturday 13 May USHER HALL

phase of the project and, while I acknowledge that it’s taken longer than we first anticipated, we’re preserving this majestic and hugely complex structure for future generations, and we owe it to them to make sure the job is completed to a high standard.”

The decorative facings are the latest parts which have been receiving attention from Balfour Beatty who provided the photos of the work.

The editor of The Edinburgh Reporter, Phyllis Stephen, attended the event in her role as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Independent Community News Network

Phyllis said: “Our problem is that the legislation does not allow independent news providers like us to publish statutory notices - which is estimated to earn large publishers around £70 million each year. A fraction of that sum would be beneficial for local independent news outlets such as The Edinburgh Reporter. The answers from the Culture Secretary have been published and are a wee bit predictable, but I am grateful to Dr Arthur for highlighting what will be an ongoing campaign. Some notices are published in papers which do not have a high distribution or reach. Many of our members have thriving websites and newspapers and advertising with them would be better value for money.”

TICKETS

Intricate restoration work underway

Members of ICNN at the Palace

Joe McCann

Balfour Beatty

The world was watching New museum

By LIAM RUDDEN

FORMER POLICE OFFICER turned crime writer, Lee Cockburn, has revealed the proudest moment of her 24-year career with Police Scotland and before that Lothian and Borders Police. She was the officer appointed to take operational command of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s lying at rest at St Giles’ Cathedral in September 2022.

The 56-year-old, whose fourth novel, Sylph or Satan, has been released by Clink Street Publications, was on leave when details of Her Majesty’s final visit to the Scottish capital were revealed.

One unexpected phone call later she found herself charged with overseeing the safety of, not just the 33,000 people who queued for hours to file past the late monarchs’ coffin, but also members of the Royal Family, including the Queen’s children, King Charles,The Princess Royal, Prince Edward who is now The Duke of Edinburgh and

Prince Andrew, as they observed a private vigil for their mother during the 24 hour period.

The mother of two, recalled: “After the sad news of her Majesty the Queen’s passing, I was rota’d for a weekend off and was a little disappointed I wasn’t needed for duties in relation to The Queen’s movements and service. Then, as I was walking the dog on Cramond beach with my mum, I received a call asking if I was available to cover Inspector duties at St Giles’ for the full duration of The Queen’s presence there.”

Working from noon to midnight for four-days, Acting Inspector Cockburn would also be responsible for ensuring no harm came to visiting dignitaries and politicians, and found herself on the frontline with her team securing the cathedral and the city’s Royal Mile.

She said: “I was so honoured, I would have done it for nothing. I admit I was a little nervous at being given such a responsibility but jumped at the opportunity to play my part in such an historic event, which also allowed me to show my own respect for Her Majesty.”

Cockburn quickly found herself briefing her team, reminding them that “the world was watching Scotland’s police officers”. She said they should, “ensure they offered the best of ourselves” by presenting a wellturned-out professional example.

The thriller writer who was given special dispensation to write her first three crime novels - Devil’s Demise, Porcelain Flesh of Innocents and Demon’s Fire - while still a serving police officer, said: “On that first day, when I looked up the Royal Mile towards Edinburgh Castle as we awaited the funeral procession, the hairs on my neck stood on end as the sheer enormity of the occasion hit me. I was standing to attention in full uniform, with marksmen in position of the roofs above me and my officers lining the route.”

She continued: “As the Queen’s funeral cortège passed by St Giles, the crowd fell into complete silence, with my officers facing the oncoming procession all standing to attention. It was a spectacle to see and very emotional. I felt tears come to my eyes and struggled to remain composed. There was such sadness in the air.”

Once the cortège had passed the thousands that had gathered began to move off. Later, when the Queen’s coffin was brought from Holyrood Palace to St Giles’, thousands again queued for hours for an opportunity to pay their final respects to the Monarch. Once more, Cockburn was there, her 6ft 1in frame easily spotted in TV footage as the Royals arrived and left the cathedral.

“I watched over them and made sure my team were ready for any eventuality and that everyone was respectful, calm and safe at all times. It was a very solemn day. I recognised many people in the queue and even shared a hug with my old history teacher. I also tried to keep the spirits up of those that had waited in the cold for hours and made many new acquaintances, the cathedral staff, TV news readers, Lords and Ladies, all gathered in mutual grief.”

By FRANCES ANDERSON

THE FIRST MUSEUM dedicated to contemporary Palestinian art in Europe is in Edinburgh. The new museum, in the New Town will occupy a roughly 1,100-square-foot space in an 1810 building on Dundas Street, formerly the Arusha Gallery. It will be part of the Palestine Museum US, founded by Palestinian American businessman Faisal Saleh. Located in Woodbridge, Connecticut, the museum opened its doors in 2018, becoming the first in the Americas devoted to Palestinian art.

Saleh was born in El-Bireh (Ramallah), to a refugee family from the pre-1948 Palestinian village of Salameh (Jaffa). Arriving in the United States in 1969 at age 17, he earned a BA in Economics and an MBA in Business Management.

Saleh said: “We chose Scotland as the first European location for our museum expansion because of the strong support provided by the Palestine solidarity movement. Many Scottish volunteers have stepped forward to welcome our new presence and offer to help manage and promote our programming. We are grateful for this support and look forward to collaborating with Scottish artists and cultural organisations.

“Palestinian artists have long faced challenges in exhibiting their works in the Western world. We are determined to tell the Palestinian story to a global audience. If that means creating our own museums to do so, then so be it”.

Saleh hopes the museum will challenge dominant narratives and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Palestine, and he believes the museum is “crucial in the face of Western media’s persistent negative coverage of Palestine and the alarming cancellations of Palestinian events”.

The first show will feature Palestinian art of the past decade in a variety of media by artists from different generations. This includes 81-year-old Nabil Anani, who is regarded as a key founder of the contemporary Palestinian art movement, Sana Farah Bishara, a Nazareth-born sculptor based in Haifa, and Samia Halaby, who won a special mention at last year’s Venice Biennale. Recent works by Gaza-based artists, among them Mohammed Alhaj and Maisara Baroud will also be shown.

She added: “As I sat on the police bus that took us back to base after those four back-shifts, I reflected with pride and sadness of being a part of such a momentous chapter in Scottish history and felt so privileged to have been given the opportunity to do so.”

Saleh said: “It is heart warming to experience the Scottish hospitality. Edinburgh, with its rich cultural heritage and international art scene, is the perfect location for our expansion. The city’s August festivals provide a unique opportunity to showcase Palestinian arts and culture to a global audience. We believe that our presence in Edinburgh will not only promote Palestinian arts and culture but also contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Palestinian narrative. We look forward to working with our Scottish partners and friends to make this vision a reality.”

Fundraising event on 1 May at 7pm - Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge Palestine Museum Scotland opens 17 May at 13a Dundas Street

Her late Majesty’s coffin arriving at St Giles’ Cathedral

Tom Duffin

Faisal Saleh on Dundas Street France’s Anderson

TEDx debut for Andrew in Mexico

Taking Edinburgh to the world, Andrew Crummy talks to Phyllis Stephen

An Edinburgh artist who was invited to speak at a TEDx event in Mexico told them all about his mum. But then his mum was a special woman.

Andrew Crummy is an artist who needs little introduction in Scotland, and Edinburgh in particular.

He was born and brought up in Craigmillar, and his family story is famously told. His mother, Helen, who was the driving force behind The Craigmillar Festival, persuaded the headmaster at the local primary school to offer music lessons to the pupils. This included Andrew’s brother who wanted to play violin and was achieved by organising community arts events along with the local mother’s group.

Helen Crummy received an MBE for her work as the organising secretary, and her son Andrew was later honoured with an MBE for his creative work. There is a statue of Mrs Crummy outside Craigmillar Library - one of the few statues of named women in the capital.

In his introduction to the talk he delivered at TedX in Ajijic, Mexico, Andrew related his family’s story and he held the audience in the palm of his hand. He also told them of his own work in producing tapestries - the biggest of which is the Great Tapestry of Scotland which now has its own purpose-built home in Galashiels. He explained that when he worked as a muralist and illustrator he had lived in Mexico for a time, and used his art skills when he returned to Scotland to create the panels about his homeland.

He explained that his role is only to design the tapestries, and confessed that he continues to marvel at the creativity of the stitchers who are mainly women. He said: “I cannot emphasise enough the creativity of these women. They bring such love and attention to detail. The way they work together is truly extraordinary. When you see a large scale artwork hand stitched by thousands upon thousands of stitches and all containing personal stories it is really moving.”

But the most poignant and personal tapestry he has designed is the Cancer Tapestry, which he began during his diagnosis and treatment for throat cancer in 2017. From this work, and with all the community arts knowledge which he has accumulated during his lifetime, firstly at his mother’s side as she directed a festival - which by 1969 involved around 18,000 people in Craigmillar - he has encouraged the artwork to grow in other communities around the world.

The Cancer Tapestry project will tell the human story behind cancer treatment. There

Top - Andrew with the Mexican stitchers

Left - Andrew speaking at TEDx in Mexico

Opposite top - The Mexican panel was brought back to Scotland

Opposite bottom - Helen Crummy statue in Craigmillar

are other panels - not just the work designed by Andrew. There are more than a dozen panels from Scotland, England and Wales - and now Mexico. The aim is to create a Cancer Tapestry that will show 1,000 stories of cancer - the human side of treatment and the compassion and care of medical teams, family and friends. Interest has come from Greece, New Zealand and South Africa.

The Cancer Tapestry is based around cellsthe units making up the human body. Andrew said: “Each cell contains a story of what it means to have cancer. Each cell is telling a

unique and moving story. The aim of the tapestry is to share these stories of cancer. What does it mean to have cancer? To tell the impact cancer can have on individuals, families and communities.”

Andrew agreed with his consultant, Rod Mountain, that he would tell the story of his own cancer treatment by bringing people together to create something even bigger than the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Seven panels have now been created sharing the moving stories behind them, of the people who have designed and stitched them. Some of the

stitchers have themselves had cancer, and some have since died.

Andrew said: “The TEDx was an amazing experience. The warmth of those involved was exceptional. The stitchers created a beautiful panel which I have now brought to Scotland. They are all so keen now to visit Scotland, and share their  cancer stories.

“The Tedx talk itself was in Ajijic, Mexico which is a rather beautiful town, and I also went to another venue at Cultural Centro Breton in the Centre of Guadalajara.

“The talk itself was a sellout audience of about 300. There were eight speakers including a fellow Scot, Fraser McLean, who is originally from Edinburgh, and is an animator/teacher who now lives in Guadalajara. It was he who recommended me for the talk.”

Visit to Mexico

Fraser McLean explained: “The documentary involves some of the stitchers of Red Apoyo Rosa, Onco & Vita, at Centro Cultural Breton, in Guadalajara. This is the seventh completed panel for The Cancer Tapestry. This amazing panel shows that sharing stories of cancer can bring people together and tell the human side of treatment. This panel is now in Scotland, helping to share these stories. The Mexican stitchers are Maria Yolanda Pardo Daniel, Martha Leticia Zapata Jimenez, Patricia Araceli Cano, Maria Guadalupe (Lupita) Martinez, Isabel Valencia Chavez, Sara Alicia Casillas Villegas.

Andrew told the Mexican women he would

take the panel back to Scotland and share it with the other stitchers who have been involved in the Scottish panels.

He told the Mexican creators: “I have found the whole experience of coming here and seeing what you have produced very overpowering. It is very powerful seeing what you have produced.

“This is the seventh panel of the cancer tapestry and this is an amazing new panel which I will take back to Scotland - and I will share it with all the other stitchers who have gone through cancer treatment. They have their own stories of cancer and wanted also to produce a beautiful artwork to tell the stories of what cancer means, the human side of the story.

“I think what is so interesting is how, as a group, you work in a similar way to the groups in Scotland and the other tapestries I am involved with. It works the same way. It is all about friendship, coming together, caring for each other and sharing. I think it is an experience for me as a man who had to learn how this all works. Out of it comes this very powerful artwork with many layers.”

There is also a panel for Macmillan Cancer Support which aims to tell 100 stories. An exhibition will be announced when 10 panels have been completed.

Filmmaker Jon Gill made a film A Good Thing to Do: Andrew Crummy’s Cancer Tapestry which was premiered in Edinburgh. The film was supported by Macmillan Cancer Support and won a Mobile Motion Award in 2024.

Alan Simpson

Prize money up and record attendances at Musselburgh

By ARCHIE HUNTER

INCREASED PRIZE MONEY, record attendances at its New Year’s Day and Edinburgh Cup meetings, and a boost in hospitality guests underlined a successful 2024 for Musselburgh Racecourse.

An annual report on the East Lothian track’s performance showed prize money at the East Lothian course totalled £2,429,600 - up by 6.3% on the previous year - and an 14.6% increase on prize money in 2022.

Musselburgh also attracted more hospitality guests - 3,938 last year compared to 3,587 in 2023 - and Annual Membership grew by 16% from 263 in 2023 to 306 in 2024.

The racecourse would have recorded an increase in total attendance for the year if it had not been forced to abandon its hugely popular Easter Saturday fixture due to weather and which usually attracts a 5,000 strong crowd.  With two fewer meetings held in 2024 (25) compared to 2023 (27), total attendance was a healthy 58,744, down from 60,294 in 2023, but average attendance at meetings run was up from 2,319 to 2,448.

On its premium race days, Musselburgh enjoyed significant crowd increases with a 11.5% jump and an extra 653 racegoers on New Year’s Day (6,289 compared to 5,636 in 2023) and almost a 20% boost at the Edinburgh Cup fixture (5,966 compared to 5,048 in 2023).

Musselburgh’s annual Friday Night at the Races fixture in early August enjoyed its largest crowd to date of 4,375, while Ladies Day was an 8,000 capacity sell-out - an increase of almost 600 on the previous year - and the 20th year in succession that Ladies Day has sold out.

A new Oktoberfest themed race day in September was a huge hit with racegoers and compared to the 2023 meeting held on the same date there as a 1,600 bump in attendance.

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The figures show a strong

performance with significant increases in attendance at our key meetings and it could have been even better if we had not lost our Easter Saturday meeting, which was very disappointing.

“Our ground staff worked exceptionally hard in 2024, often in adverse conditions, to keep the track and facilities in tip-top condition. The commercial team achieved outstanding results

by increasing like-for-like attendances, which bucked the national trend. With family budgets under pressure and lots of competing sporting and entertainment options, we are constantly upping our game ensuring that Musselburgh Racecourse remains a compelling offering for those looking for an exciting and enjoyable, day afternoon or evening out.”

RHASS have a new boss

By STAFF REPORTER

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND & AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND (RHASS) has appointed a new Chief Executive to follow Alan Laidlaw who stepped down last October. Alex Paterson will become the body’s new CEO, moving across from a similar position at Historic Environment Scotland (HES) between 2016 and 2024. Mr Paterson is credited with building HES into a “highperforming organisation”. Previously he was CEO of Highlands and Islands Enterprise for six years.

He will come into his new role to drive growth at the Royal Highland Centre, as well as overseeing the charity’s operations, finances and programme development. Streamlining processes has been the goal of the executive team in the last year working with an external adviser.

Mr Paterson said: “Joining the RHASS Group at such an important time is incredibly exciting.

“The organisation’s commitment to innovation and supporting those from within rural Scotland is something I greatly admire.

“I’m eager to help shape the future strategic direction of the RHASS Group to ensure a lasting legacy for the agriculture and event sector and for those that live and work in it.”

In house awards scheme commends hospitality staff

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

THE HOSPITALITY COMPANY, Buzzworks, held an awards ceremony for their staff recently entertaining them with a theatrical dining experience, entertainment and fireworks. Buzzworks founders Colin, Kenny and Alison Blair and the company’s Head of People, Nicola Watt welcomed their team on the red carpet, and gave each member a personalised gift with a handwritten message.

Nearly 40 members of staff were commended with ten or more years service and a special nod to the three people who have worked

with the company for more than 20 years - Danny Poli a Second Head Chef, John Winton, Sous Chef and Debi Bradford a member of the Customer Services Team.

Nicola Watt added: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, so we’re incredibly proud to celebrate the dedication and passion of our long-serving team members.“

The evening was truly emotional and filled with so much pride as we came together to celebrate those who have helped make Buzzworks the success it is today. “

To have so many individuals who have been with us for five, ten, or

even twenty years is a remarkable achievement for any employer, but to achieve this in hospitality is truly exceptional. “

A special mention must go to those who have been with us for over a decade – and especially Danny, Debi and John who have been with Buzzworks since its inception in 2002 – they have helped our company grow to where it is today and have contributed hugely to its success thus far.

“We love to recognise our great team and this event, which will be held annually, is a perfect opportunity to appreciate our long serving members.”

L-R John Winton, Colin Blair, Alison Blair, Debi Bradford, Danny Poli, Nicola Watt & Kenny Blair

Ladies Day in August has sold out 20 years in succession

Alex Paterson

Musselburgh put up £2.4 million in prize money last year

Bellany the master of the self-portrait

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

A NEW EXHIBITION John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture will run from 31 May to 28 September at the City Art Centre. Bellany, born in Port Seton, the son and grandson of fishermen, is one of the most significant painters of modern times. His art regularly features fish and seaside themes. The assembled works on display will include paintings, drawings, prints and sketchbooks from the 1960s to 2013 when he died. He was a prolific artist, and in particular he drew many self-portraits almost to the point of obsession. His work helped him to explore personal and universal themes and he often depicted himself as a mythical figure or fantastical character. Some of the exhibition

includes art which has never been on public display before, and which is on loan from collections both public and private, as well as some from the artist’s estate. The works will span his whole career and there is a book to accompany the exhibition. This will include a foreword by John Bellany’s widow, Helen, and essays by Sandy Moffat and Bill Hare who have curated the exhibition.

Pat’s picture perfect show

A NORTH BERWICK pensioner is proving that there is life after retirement, with a whole new career at the age of 76.

The Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick will host an exhibition by local amateur photographer, Pat Christie, from 30 April until 13 May.

North Berwick Sunrise to Sunset with Pat Christie, is the first exhibition for the artist, whose interest in photography was inspired by her move to the town in 2010.

Growing up in Edinburgh, Pat spent her early years training as a competitive swimmer, and she represented Scotland internationally when she was in

her late teens.

After leaving school Pat joined the Civil Service, working in local government, then brought up her three daughters in Portobello along with her husband John, a professional musician.

Starting out by taking snaps of the local coast and scenery as personal mementos after moving to her new home in North Berwick 15 years ago, Pat thought some of her images were ‘quite nice’ and eventually started sharing some photos on Facebook.

The feedback and positive comments indicated that other people thought so too, encouraging Pat to her concentrate more on her

newfound hobby.

Armed with her mobile phone, Pat can be found out and about before dawn most mornings waiting for the sun to peep over the horizon, with the coast, harbour and Bass Rock all favourite subjects.

As she has become more experienced, Pat’s photographs have regularly appeared in various local newspapers, and have been featured on the BBC.

Her first calendar was published in August last year, and was a global success with copies being sent all over the world,  including Japan, Latin America, Australia, America and Canada as well as the UK and Europe.

“ It’s so exciting” said Pat, “I’m still pinching myself. Who would have guessed that this would be happening at 76? “

- 5pm.

Bellany’s work was influenced by fishing and fishermen

Pat Christie’s photo of The Bass Rock

The exhibition at the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick Harbour is free and will be open daily 10am

By Charlie Ellis

Toasting Artisan Roast CROSSWORD

Pub-like shabby chic but it all fits together at city roastery

ARTISAN ROAST was one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Edinburgh.

Opening in 2007, they now have four shops across the city (plus a kiosk on Little King Street), and a well respected roastery in Peffermill. Their first café, on Broughton Street, remains popular to this day and deservedly so.

One thing that is distinct about this café is its aesthetic, which is markedly different from most specialty coffee places in the city. Many of them have a fairly similar character these days, with Scandiminimalism to the fore. Places have become sleeker with more of a sense of intentional design. This has driven a certain uniformity, with some of the chains joining in, typified by the 'indy chain' Blank Street, which recently arrived in the city (Victoria Street and Princes Street). The sort of cluttered quirkiness found at Artisan Roast on Broughton Street is now rare.

INTERIOR DESIGN

In Edinburgh, Leith - based SPLINTR commercial interior design has led the design trends. With their 'uncomplicated, thoughtful and contemporary design' they have been involved in a number of contemporary cafes and eateries. Though their designs are bespoke, there are common features such as the wood used and table design.

Origin Coffee at Old College has the distinction of being 'twiceSPLINTR'ed'. SPLINTR did the interior for its predecessor Brew Lab, as well as the recent revamp.The two interiors manifest different specialty coffee eras. Brew Lab had a darker, more industrial vibe, while Origin is sleeker and softer, with greater mainstream appeal.

In this context, Artisan Roast on Broughton feels like a survivor from a previous era. No cool minimalism here. It's more like a slightly scruffy old-fashioned pub. The open plan

aspect encourages conversation between the baristas and the punters. Interactions often take place between customers; which is rare in most places. On a recent visit, an exchange about the best Western Isles to visit broke out across four tables (Arran was the unanimous verdict).

The tables are a little bit wobbly, and nothing quite fits. Yet, this may make it a more democratic type of place. This is evident in the clientele. When entering some of the more stylish and trendy specialty coffee places, I'm struck by the social narrowness, with a pronounced bias to the younger generations. It sometimes feels as if an invisible forcefield keeps out the over-45s. This is not evident at Artisan Roast.

We might see a café like Artisan Roast as more of a pub, in contrast to the trendier places which have a similarity to a city centre wine bar. I recently found myself there just before the heavens opened. Sitting near the window, sipping a well-crafted cortado, I felt snug as I watched the torrents start to stream down the emptying street.

A great port in a storm. The place is a slight step back in time. The music pulsing through the stereo is generally classic 60s and

early 70s rock; Stones, Doors, Led Zep, Cream etc. Some of the customers may have been around during the era they were originally released! More broadly, the place has a slightly bohemian feel. On two of my last three visits, I have seen Robert McDowell, Director of Summerhall sipping his Americano, conversing on all manner of topics. That’s the sort of cultured vibe the place has. Among the customers there seems to be less of a focus on screens. I've seen several people reading physical newspapers. Again, a sense of a step back from the modern world, away from digital overload.

SHABBY CHIC

The furniture might be described as shabby chic, all of it has seen plenty of wear and tear. It evidently wasn't designed with a café in mind. However, highlighted by the pew in the front section, there is lots of creditable repurposing going on in the place. This is inline with the original speciality coffee vibe, which had a primary focus on the contents of the cups, not providing a comfortable, immaculate setting. Artisan Roast has four locations around the city. The differences

between them suggest a significant amount of managerial autonomy.

WHAT ABOUT THE COFFEE?

I've detected some variety in quality across the branches, though I feel there has been more consistency in recent months. I would pick out the Bruntsfield branch as serving the very best among the four, though the Broughton Street branch also seems consistent. The baristas here show the proficiency and focus needed to extract the crema laden goodness from the beans. The beans

By Aldhelm

(4)

themselves are highly rated, with many customers who brew at home.

A range of their freshly roasted beans (including their popular Janszoon and Cobblestone blends) are available in shop, with a range of coffee making equipment.

In addition to good coffee, they offer something different in terms of atmosphere. They add something different to the scene; a break from uniformity, and the ubiquitous.

Artisan Roast, 57 Broughton Street, EH1 3RJ

Lorem

Spicing it up at Tollcross

Ethiopian restaurant packs a real punch

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you discovered a new cuisine that completely surprised your taste buds? For me, it was my recent adventure at Muna's, a vibrant Ethiopian restaurant in Tollcross that's rapidly becoming the talk of Edinburgh's food scene. But before I tell you about my experience there, I need to share my long-standing love affair with a particular spice company.

I've been smitten with Seasoned Pioneers, a Wirral-based spice company, ever since they sent me some recipe box spices nearly seven years ago under the guise of the Spice Pioneer. Though these particular kits are no longer available, the company itself has become a trusted brand among leading food writers and chefs - Delia Smith and Nick Nairn count themselves as fans, and I'm certainly in that club too.

The company was founded by Mark Steene, whose worldwide travels sparked a fascination with international seasonings. Today, the small team at Seasoned Pioneers offers an impressive range of over 300 authentic spices, chillies, herbs, seasonings, and spice blends, including organic options.

Each blend in their renowned collection is handmade to traditional recipes, crafted in small batches using up to fifteen carefully selected ingredients. The spices are dry-roasted, ground, and blended, resulting in convenient packages of authentic flavour that capture cuisines from across the globe.

As Delia wisely points out, there are two enemies of spice flavour: light and air. Many spices sold in glass jars sit under harsh store

lighting, and once opened, they're increasingly exposed to air.

Seasoned Pioneers cleverly packages their seasonings in resealable foil packs that shield them from light and eliminate air exposure when properly closed. Their compact size means they don't monopolise precious cupboard space - unless, like me, you've been generously gifted their 'World Spice Blends, The Definitive Selection' Collection of 40 packets! Recently, I reached out to Seasoned Pioneers hoping they might send me their African Berbere Spice Blend (a complex mix of red chillies, fenugreek seeds, ginger, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cardamom, and ajowran). To my delight, they responded with overwhelming generosity, sending four boxes containing 10 packets each of their worldwide seasonings - an array of masalas, curry powders, and spices. With each pouch containing enough for about 20 servings, I'll be eating curries for months to come!

My interest in berbere spice was sparked after spotting Muna's restaurant in Tollcross. Having never experienced Ethiopian cuisine before, some girlfriends and I decided to venture there for dinner.

Before our visit, I did a bit of homework and learned that Ethiopian food is typically shared communally, with dishes served on large platters of injera (a spongy sourdough flatbread), where diners tear off pieces to scoop up the food. The cuisine is known for its fragrant and often spicy flavours, with berbere spice being the cornerstone ingredient in many of the dishes.

Muna's is a lively 40-seater restaurant run by its namesake, who commands her establishment with warm authority. Word has clearly spread about the generous portions and fair prices, as most tables were booked even for our early 6pm Friday dinner.

The interior is cheerfully decorated, giving it more of a casual café vibe than a formal dining establishment. The food arrives on huge dishes presented atop beautiful woven rattan baskets - though if you're a group of four sharing combo plates, you might find your table a wee

bit overwhelmed!

The meat and vegetable combo that I shared certainly packed a punch with explosive flavours and spicy heat – and won’t be for the faint-hearted! I personally preferred the boiled rice accompaniment to the traditional injera bread, which wasn't quite to my taste. The homemade honey wine also wasn't my cup of tea, served in a long-necked vase-like carafe, which you’ve to swig out of, but a night off the usual libations didn't hurt.

Muna's offers a fun and different dining experience, with the vivacious Muna herself ensuring you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, it's definitely worth a visit - though perhaps best suited to smaller groups of two or four who enjoy sharing their food.

As for making my own berbere-spiced Wot (stew) at home? You'll have to wait while I perfect my version. It's unlikely to rival Muna's authentic creation, but I'm going to have great fun experimenting with this and the 39 other spice blends I've been gifted. In fact, I'm heading to the kitchen right now to get creative!

Culinary capers in the capital with Kerry Teakle

Deliciousness in Tollcross

Ease into Ethiopian cuisine

On the menu at Muna's

From Narnia to Paris, a former mining town to a hotel in Memphis, journey far and wide courtesy of Edinburgh’s stages this month, where fantasy, politics, private lives and an explosive can-can await

EIGHT WEEKS, IT’S A LONG OLD SEASON for any show coming to Edinburgh these days, but if anything can put bums on seats for that length of time it’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical. It reminds me of the good old days when the first UK tour of Les Miserables opened at The Playhouse in 1993 - and stayed for the best part of five months. It was followed two years later by The Phantom of the Opera, which ran for a record-breaking nine months - 23 September to 19 February, 1994. I have great memories of hosting a weekly late night Pub Quiz for the cast and crew of Phantom. Starting just before midnight and finishing around 2am, they were wild nights with a fun company. Both productions involved major get-ins and remodelling of the theatre, based on what has been done to London’s Piccadilly Theatre, home of the West End production, it’s sure to be a spectacular transformation. Think

windmills and elephants. Moulin Rouge! (until 14 June) continues its run at The Playhouse all of this month.

Running time 2 hours 45 minutes including interval. Tickets £15-£145 https://www. atgtickets.com/shows/moulin-rouge-themusical/edinburgh-playhouse/

Another spectacular production coming to the city this month is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (13-17 May), which stops off at the Festival Theatre for a week. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production invites you to step through the wardrobe and into the magical kingdom of Narnia, where a world of wonder awaits. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and

Edinburgh’s Mr Entertainment picks his Hot Tickets to see in the Capital and beyond

Step out of this world into Narnia at Festival Theatre

The Mountaintop at the Lyceum

the power of love. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of CS Lewis’ classic novel, this acclaimed production, which became the highest grossing one week touring play in the history of the Liverpool Empire recently, is only at the Nicolson Street theatre for eight performances, so book now.

Running Time 2 hours 15 minutes including interval. Tickets £25-£48, https://www. capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/ the-lion-the-witch-and-thewardrobe/2335#

From Narnia to a former mining town, National Theatre of Scotland’s Keli (13-17 May) marks 40 years since the miners’ strikes. Keli is the story of a fiery, sharp-witted teenager in what was once a mining town. Coal means little to Keli, but the mines left music in the blood of this place and its people. As the best player her brass band has ever had, music is easy for her - everything else is a fight. Feeling trapped by small-town life, the pressure mounts and when the chance arises to change everything, can Keli keep a lid on it all?A gripping show about community, creativity, and music, Keli is set to a live brass score by Ivor Novello winner, Martin Green, with each performance including an appearance from a full brass band… march on either Whitburn Band or Kingdom Brass. Who will you see?

Running time 2 hours including 20 minute interval. Tickets here £15-£35 https://lyceum. org.uk/events/keli

Just sneaking into May’s Must See Theatre picks by the skin of its teeth is another Lyceum production, The Mountaintop (31 May-21 June). It’s April 3, 1968 and in room 306 of the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, it is Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s last night on Earth. Exhausted from a life on the road, hoarse from testifying day

form of Camae, a motel maid with the face of an angel who smokes, drinks, and curses like a sailor while giving King a run for his money. Re-imaging the man behind the legend on the eve of his assassination and pulling away the mask of his public façade to reveal his private turmoil, discover the conflict in the life of a family man and martyr, desperate to finish what he started. Set during the height of America’s Civil Rights Movement, Katori Hall’s Olivier award-winning play confronts life, death and the idea of legacy and stars Caleb Roberts as Dr Martin Luther King Jr, with Shannon Hayes as Camae.

Running time TBC. Tickets £16-£35 https:// lyceum.org.uk/events/the-mountaintop

Finally, this month, over at The Traverse and other venues around the city, The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (24 May-1 June) celebrates its 35th year with an exciting lineup of performances. Presenting some of the world’s best theatre and dance for young people and their families, this year’s festival has 13 productions from seven countries featuring circus, dance, puppetry and theatre. With many of the productions chosen to appeal to both children and adults, family pleasers this year include Grown Ups and Double You, featuring adults behaving badly with hilarious consequences. The Festival opens with Family Day on 24 May, a day packed with free pop-up performances, artist installations and activities for all in The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street.

Find the full programme of shows, venue list and tickets at https://www.imaginate.org. uk/festival/

An exciting month then, and remember, you can keep up with all my theatre reviews, news and views on mustseetheatre.com, give it a

Liberty Black as Keli

Frances goes pro

CRAIGMILLAR BOXER FRANCES HEATH is counting down the days until she kick-starts a professional ring career.

The pupil support assistant at James Gillespie’s HS has signed up with the pro management team of Sam Kynoch and Robbie Flynn and will make a debut against a Hungarian opponent at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on May 17.

Frances, 21, who started out at the Leith Victoria club but will now be trained by Kenny McCartney at the Craigmillar gym, says: “It is my ambition to go all the way to world champion having been inspired by the likes of Katie Taylor and Nicola Adams.

“I was a footballer at Edina Hibs but my dad (Frankie) got me more interested in boxing.

“In my 15 amateur contests I have been ranked No 2 in Great Britain and competed for Scotland in the Tri Nations competition in Cardiff picking up a silver medal.

“I’ve also attended a training camp at the English Institute of Sport, travelling because of the lack of opposition here.

“Not many people will realise just how hard it is to compete in a male dominated sport and

most of my contests have been exhibitions due to a shortage of opponents at light flyweight.

“Hopefully the switch to the pro’s will create more opportunities and I’ll be giving it my all in training and sparring with the likes of Stephanie Kernachan from Falkirk.”

Stephanie is the first elite woman to win a GB title in the Scotland vest, and she was the first senior female boxer to compete at a World

Championship for Scotland.

Frances adds: “I’m really pleased with the amount of support I’ve had and hopefully a lot of these people will come to Glasgow to see my debut.”

Frances is determined to balance sport with studies, though, and will be taking up a place in Dundee Open University with a view to becoming a PE teacher.

Brunstane Bowling Club celebrate centenary

AFTER THE GREAT WAR a band of bowls - playing railwaymen decided to form their own club and, renting a plot of ground on the fringes of the extensive Portobello marshalling yards, laid out their green, converted an old carriage into a clubhouse and launched their venture under the banner of Portobello and District LNER club.

This year, now bearing the more family friendly title of Brunstane Bowling Club , their enterprise celebrates 100 years of bowling during which it has developed into prominent members of the Edinburgh bowling community, competing in a wide range of events.

Among the achievements of the past century, pride of place goes to Brunstane’s pioneering work in women’s bowling. Within the first 10 years the railwaymen had welcomed women’s participation, with

their own President and full rights on the green – a position not matched in many clubs even by the turn of this century. Brunstane were founder members of the Scottish Women’s Bowling Association, the East of Scotland WBA and the Edinburgh Association.

A decisive turning point in the club’s journey came when the club bought their green and clubhouse from British Rail, LNER’s successors, in 1988, a transaction – piloted by East Edinburgh MP Dr Gavin Strang - which allowed the club to develop, building a fine new clubhouse with extensive facilities and improving the

green from “challenging “ to one of the best in the area, fit to host major competitions.

Over a week in the season, Brunstane fields teams in the Edinburgh BA League, the Edinburgh Retired Men’s BA and the South Edinburgh SBA, while the ladies compete in the EBA Monday League, the SEBC Tuesday Leaguer and the Forth League on a Friday, as well as several inter-club encounters. There is also a wide range of internal club competitions.

The centrepiece of Brunstane’s centenary celebrations will be in the month of June when, over four

Saturdays, the club entertain guest rinks drawn from the Portobello area, the wider Edinburgh bowling community, local associations, and even farther afield, in friendly competition and post-match hospitality.

Club Ladies President Linda Middleton said: “This is a momentous time for Brunstane as we celebrate our 100th birthday. We can look back to humble beginnings and thank the generations of bowlers, men and women, whose hard work and enterprise has raised us to our present comfortable position.

“For now, it is time to party and we invite all our friends and neighbours in the bowling world to join us in the celebrations. The emphasis will be on friendly and we intend to prove ourselves good hosts and hostesses.”

Boroughmuir on fire at finals play-off

BOROUGHMUIR BLAZE under-16 and under-18 girls were successful at the annual basketball scotland play-off finals in East Kilbride.

Altogether five teams from the Crags Leisure Centre-based club took part on the day and there were good performances also from the senior men and women as well as the under-16 boys.

The boys’ under-14’s also featured, playing a showcase game against St Mirren and winning 78-73.

The under-16 girls defeated St Mirren, 76-43 while the under-18 girls overcame host club Gladiators, 82-45 to complete a season’s triple trophy success, including a Scottish Cup, for the first time in the history of the women’s Blaze sides.

Coached by Bart Sengers and assisted by Eden Simpson the winning under-18 girls squad comprised:  Emma Harbisher, Abi Dalton, Eva Holburn-White, Libby Harrison, Fleur Gamal, Roma Miller, Clara Dick, Caoimhe Stupart, Noura Saleh, Amy Cosgrove (captain), Abby Harbisher. Louisa Buchan, Isla Turner, Emily McLennan, Amie Gaye.

Most Valuable Player Fleur Gamal, a GB under-16 internationalist, top scored with 24 points from two assists and 17 rebounds  Erynn Legge is the under-16 girls head coach again assisted by Eden Simpson. The winning squad - Caoimhe Stupart, Clara Dick, Emilie LeMay, Emily McLennan, Eva Holburn-White, Amie Gaye, Isla Turner, Olivia Inglis, Aoibheann  Russell, Hamayel Chowdhury, Emma Harbisher (captain), Louisa Buchan, Brisa Ramedhan, Ella Harrison, Maria Spadavecchia and Eilidh Polter-Watt.

Louisa Buchan was named MVP for the under-16 girls after contributing 17 points from two assists and 11 rebounds.

Winning in Cumbernauld

Frances Heath is about to turn pro

Capital visit for Coulthard

SCOTTISH MOTORSPORT STAR DAVID

COULTHARD will be at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on 25 September re-living his illustrious career in the company of former McLaren colleague Mika Hakkinen.

Discussion topics will include racing in the same era as legends Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

Initially rivals competing for Team Lotus and Williams, the pair became team-mates to power McLaren to the 1998 FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship - the last time the Woking-based squad would win the title until last year.

They will dissect the defining moments from their careers, from the 32 Grands Prix victories they brought McLaren, the sometimescontroversial team orders and even those moments when on-track clashes added to the tension of competing at the pinnacle of world motorsport. They will also share their thoughts on the 2025 season.

Now an F1 commentator, Coulthard’s time at McLaren saw him finish in the top three in the Formula 1 World Championship on five occasions, scoring 12 Grands Prix victories.

In 2005, Coulthard moved to Red Bull Racing, playing a pivotal role in the team’s development and scoring its first podium finish.  By the time he brought his F1 career to a close at the end of 2008 ‘DC’ had become the highest-scoring British driver of all time with 535 World Championship points.

www.fane.co.uk/mika-david

Curlers deliver after six years

SOME 24 TEAMS took to the ice at Curl Edinburgh to contest the Edinburgh International Curlers Gathering

The competition returned after a gap of six years and the demand for places from international teams was high, with eight teams from North America, nine from Europe and seven from Scotland.

After the initial phase of 3x6 end games teams were ranked 1 to 24 and redrawn into six new divisions, for three more six-end games.

Martial arts charity combats illness

A MARTIAL ARTS CHARITY has been formed in Edinburgh and is assisting youngsters and adults alike come to terms with physical and mental health difficulties.

The Edinburgh Combat Project, which has a major fund raising gala dinner arranged for the Capital next month, actually has its roots in a small Polish town where Pawel Zakrzewski grew up struggling to cope with the tragic death of his father before moving to Scotland with his family.

Aged just five and too young to understand grief Pawel’s pain turned to anger. He lashed out, got into fights and struggled to contain his emotions.

Then Pawel discovered martial arts and the lessons it provided are being channelled into helping others with similar experiences.

Now 33-year-old Pawel has gone from angry teen to mentor, coach and founder of a charity launched in collaborated with Daniel, his brother.

So far they have impacted the

lives of over 50 young people and adults and this is only the beginning for a charity operating out of shared car wash premises in Slateford.

Pawel hopes to broaden out into satellite stations around the country with the help of the dinner set for the Balmoral Hotel on Friday, 30 May.

The sad fact is, he says, that there is no shortage of potential recruits.

Some 168 hours of free training are currently provided each week.

Pawel says:

“In a class of 25 only about three participants are not receiving complimentary membership but I don’t want anybody to be suffering stigma.”

“I know how bad it made me feel taking all the benefits (of martial arts training) especially in the small town of Waltz (pop. 24,000) where everybody seemed to know everybody.

“Among the disciplines we offer are boxing, Thai boxing and Brazilian ju-jitsu and it is a seven

day-a-week operation.

“Depending on the success of the dinner we would hope to provide more for the participants.

“Already 145 tickets have been sold which means there are 65 left.”

For more information go to https://theecpcharity.com or to register your interest in the Gala dinner email pawel@theecpcharity.com

On the concluding day each division was undecided until all games were played.

Each of the six division winners were presented with crystal glasses, etched with the competition name and year as a momento plus extra prizes.

The tradition of presenting a friendship quaich to one team was continued in memory of Penicuik CC member Ronnie Hope who passed away on 2022, and was a great supporter of the Gathering and a friend to many of the competing teams.

The Czechia team Curling Brno Legia were presented with the quaich.

Team Denver from USA was the overall winner, topping Division One. They were presented with the new Gathering Quaich, which will be engraved with their team name.

They received engraved mini curling stones, engraved glasses, plus a selection of Moonwake Beer from the sponsors.

The Edinburgh team, Game of Stones, finished in second place and also received Moonwake Beer.

The event also proved a major social occasion with a dinner and ceilidh held in the Watsonian pavilion at Myreside during which auction lots included a jacket and broom from Bruce Mouat donated before flying out to Canada where and his rink excelled by winning the world championship.

All told £700 was raised and will go to hosting future gatherings along with a further £1043 from various sources.

David Coulthard in his hey day

Formula 1 ace David Coulthard in action

Martial arts mentoring

The new Gathering Quaich went home with winners Team Denver from the US

Team Game of Stones were runners-up

Hibs take a Bowie

Kieron leads charge for European spot

By JOHN HISLOP

BOWIE is hoping that some coaching tips from teammate Dwight Gayle will help him catch Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s eye.

Ironically, Gayle arrival at Easter Road was due to Bowie picking up a hamstring injury sustained on Scotland Under-21 duty last September, forcing him to miss four months of the season.

Many fans questioned whether the former Newcastle United striker who once cost £10m would still have the hunger to contribute but their fears proved unwarranted and his winning goal at Tynecastle on Boxing Day made him a huge fans favourite.

Speaking after scoring a double against Dundee in the final fixture before the split, Bowie said:  “Gayley, being a striker as well, gives little pointers now and then.

“He’s not constantly trying to coach but he’s giving me, Rudi (Molotnikov) and the younger lads pointers of what we should do and what we can do in certain situations.

“For now, Just watching him in training, you can see he has a lot of quality.

“You can tell what he’s done in his career and take bits off his game and add it to yours.”

Hibs paid £600,000 to bring Bowie back to Scotland last summer and he is now desperate

to help repay some of that fee by helping Hibs secure a European spot which would culminate an amazing turn round in fortunes for David Gray’s men who were stranded at the foot of the table in December.

He added: “Playing in Europe is an ambition. At the start of the season no one was thinking about that.

“Everyone was talking about us getting relegated so to have an opportunity of even being involved is brilliant.”

When asked about his international chances,

Bowie added: “Yes definitely. There’s a wee chance there eventually but I’m just trying to get back to full fitness.

“I’m still not there yet and it’ll probably be next season before I’m fully myself – but I’m trying to do as best as I can. I’ve shown glimpses of what I can do but to actually do that I need to build full fitness – I’ll get there.

“It’s like playing catch-up, isn’t it? Everyone else has had a pre-season and I’ve not had that then I’m coming back, doing runs and stuff like that.”

Sports stars saddle up 4 Doddie

By JOHN HISLOP

SCOTTISH RUGBY LEGEND Kenny

Logan is preparing to lead a 555-mile cycling challenge around Ireland in memory of his friend and former teammate, Doddie Weir OBE.

The event aims to raise more than £500,000 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Logan will be joined by Doddie’s son, Hamish Weir, and more than 50 fundraisers, celebrities and former players on Doddie’s Lions Challenge – a week-long endurance ride inspired by the camaraderie and iconic spirit of a British & Irish Lions tour.  Among the famous names

saddling up are Scottish football legend Ally McCoist, broadcaster Gabby Logan, and Battlestar Galactica actor Jamie Bamber.

The team will cycle approximately 100 miles a day across some of Ireland’s most scenic and historic rugby heartlands.

Stops will include origin clubs of famous Irish Lions players, with the challenge concluding at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, where the team will deliver the match ball ahead of Ireland’s summer international against Argentina on Friday, June 20 for the 1888 Cup.

Logan, who lost close friend Weir to motor neurone disease (MND) in 2022, said: “We’re not walking this time – I hated that part! We’re doing it to raise money, yes – but

more than that, we’re doing it to give hope to people living with MND. Hope that we’re getting closer to a cure.

“Since Doddie died, awareness has grown massively, but fundraising remains pivotal to maintain momentum. The Foundation has now committed nearly £20 million to MND research – which is fantastic, but it’s only the beginning. Doddie would be proud – but he’d also be telling us to go further, faster. Until there’s a cure, we keep going. That’s what he would want, and it’s what we owe him.”

Paul Thompson, Director of Fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We’re immensely proud to have committed almost £20 million to

Tête à tête

By BILL LOTHIAN

JUST EIGHT MONTHS after being founded Dalkeith Petanque Club have realised a dream to visit a heartland of the sport in South West France and consolidate links with the Midlothian town’s Jarnac “twin”.

A group from the club, who operate adjacent to Dalkeith Bowling Club, will travel to the Burgundy region on 31 May and take part in matches and competitions with the Jarnac club which has an astonishing 70 pistes and 240 players as well as Angouleme. While the Dalkeith club is much smaller by comparison they have moved quickly to become established thanks largely to chair-person, Sandy Howden.

When Sandy got the bug for pétanque, also known as French boule, he successfully petitioned local councillors to release funding from a local Environment Fund with the help of an eight page brochure he compiled as a first step towards creating a £14,000 piste. It was a dream of club members to visit Jarnac but things have happened quickly.

Sandy said: “Out-of-the-blue a formal invitation to visit arrived which was too good to turn down even at short notice.

“We are also hoping to return in August when the formal twinning arrangement involving Dalkeith and Jarnac is celebrated.”

research, but there’s still a long way to go. The only way we can invest in more research is through fundraising.

“Kenny’s drive and his ability to bring people together – from all corners of the MND community and beyond – is incredible. The

money raised by this challenge will make a real difference in our pursuit of effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for MND. We’d love everybody to get behind it.”   uk.emma-live.com/ doddie5lionscycle/

HIBS ON-FORM STRIKER KIERON

Ian Jacobs

Off to France

L-R Archie Curzon, Kenny Logan and Jamie Bamber launch the challenge

Photo credit Logan Sports Marketing

Lower tackling law is success

By BILL LOTHIAN

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH researchers have concurred that lowering the tackle height in men’s community (club) rugby has successfully reduced the rate of head-on-head contact among players by 45 per cent.

Head-on-head contact is one of the primary causes of sports related concussion. Experts say in the British Medical Journal that players were 22 per cent more likely to tackle bent at the waist, the recommended technique to reduce player head proximity and contact. This has contributed the 45 per cent reduction.

The study of men’s community rugby in Scotland and commissioned by the Murrayfield authorities is the first peer-reviewed study to evaluate the lowered tackle height law introduced by World Rugby in the 2023-24 season.The trial was adopted by Scottish Rugby and made compulsory across all amateur playing levels.

This proactive work in the community game comes at an important time for both professional codes as a landmark class action involving – initially – 386 Rugby Union players and 177 from Rugby League – all of whom allegedly are suffering neurological injuries of varying kinds linked to rugby moves closer to

trial, possibly in two years.

Rugby authorities moving swiftly to promote greater safety also comes against a background of anecdotal evidence that any reduction in youth numbers might be linked to parental concerns.Part of the response also includes mouthguards fitted with sensors which can indicate to pitch-side medics if a high level of acceleration into contact could lead to head injury.

In the Scottish trials researchers used video analysis to study 18,702 tackles from 60 men’s community matches to compare the 2022-23 (pre-trial) and 2023-24 (trial) seasons.

The analysis used footage from Scottish Rugby which recorded players’ activity including tackle type, body position, contact point and head contact. This data was then coded according to guidelines developed by World Rugby.

Lowering the tackle height was associated with a 29 per cent reduction in head-toshoulder contact for the tackler and ballcarrier.

During the trial season tacklers were significantly more likely to enter contact in a bent at waist position.

Sanctions related to high tackles tripled in the 2023-2024 season (but) there was no

Neil feeling heat

By NIGEL DUNCAN

NEIL CRITCHLEY emerged from the administration area at Tynecastle and strolled along the pitchside track behind the goal at the Gorgie end towards the media waiting near the tunnel at Tynecastle.

He looked dapper in a dark suit and confidently fielded questions in the busy media room. The 46-yearold former Liverpool under-23 and Blackpool manager as the man to take the club forward after a dismal start to the current campaign under Steven Naismith.

Some questioned his appointment, but Andrew McKinlay, Hearts’ chief executive, said he had full belief in the recruitment process which had pin-pointed the former Crewe Alexandra player and felt that the club would finish in the top half of the table after the split.

He and Critchley are now under pressure after the poor performance at Motherwell and the failure to convert chances at Tynecastle against Dundee United the previous Saturday. Two bites at the top six cherry and two failures.

The club also failed in UEFA

Europa Conference League against FC Petrocub Hincesti, a 2-2 scoreline on December 19 against the club from the Moldova Super Liga, and a club Hearts were expected to beat.

The fans desperately wanted to see their club in Europe after Christmas and the failure cost the club.

It also deprived the fans of trips abroad next term, something the supporters have come to enjoy.

Another factor in the negative column is this sobering statistic. In the 11 games against the Old Firm, Aberdeen and Hibs, the Jambos have only won one game, drawn two and lost eight. More damning is that they have let in 18 goals and scored seven.

Pundits feel those statistics underlined the need to recruit a striker in the January transfer window, and they claim that recruitment has been poor. They have also questioned the decision to have Lawrence Shankland on the bench against Dundee United at Tynecastle and, particularly, in the final game before the split at Motherwell.

Many, including ex-professional players, argued that Shankland was the player defences least liked

significant change to the rate of all other illegal play. They also found no significant increase in tacklers’ heads coming into contact with the ball-carriers’ hips or knees, which is associated with an increased risk of head injury assessments and concussion diagnosis. Evaluations are underway assessing the impact of the tackle height law change on Scottish women’s community rugby and youth community rugby.

Hamish Gornall, of Moray House School of Education and Sport, said: “Our findings show lowering the maximum legal height of the

effective in altering tackling behaviour in line with the aim of the recommendations.

“Collecting prospective injury data, as well as continued monitoring of player behaviour across subsequent seasons would be beneficial to further investigate the implications of the change.”

Dr Debbie Palmer, of the Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, said: “As a collision sport head injuries in rugby are a reality, and in an effort to protect players this is one of the biggest law changes the

playing against, despite his poor goals return this season.

The pressure to score fell to teenager James Wilson, who recently made his debut for Scotland. He had a chance against United, failed to find the target and was then sent off for a rash challenge.

Musa Drammeh – 21 matches, three goals and one assist at the time of writing - was drafted in to fill the void at Fir Park. Critchley argued that the 23-year-old could get behind defences and that the Spanish-born player had performed well in a practice match in midweek.

Jambos fans will naturally look at the achievements of Paisley boss, Stephen Robinson. They see three straight top six finishes on a limited budget and small fan base. Take a bow Mr Robinson.

Hearts have a large fan base, have financial resources, a strong business plan, but the most important aspect of any football club is results on the pitch. The Men in Maroon are now in the bottom six and the club’s record against other teams in that area has allowed them to move up the table into their current position, and they need to maintain that form in the

remaining fixtures in the William Hill Premiership.

Meanwhile, arch capital rivals, Hibs, stride on. They will compete in the top six after a strong campaign in which they have risen up the table from the basement area with a strong run under David Gray, and they have dominated the Jambos this term.

Fans gave vent to their feelings at the final whistle at Motherwell.Critchley, post-match, admitted to being frustrated. Now, a high finish in the bottom six is the first target and then the focus turns to recruitment. The pressure is really on.

A clash during Edinburgh v Castres match in 2022