The Edinburgh Reporter November 2020

November 2020
@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk
No, no
and once
again no!
The former Royal High School,
an A-listed building at the foot of
Calton Hill, has been empty for
over half a century, and will remain
so for a little while longer.
Scottish Ministers rejected
the appeal by Duddingston
House Properties and Urbanist
Hotels who wanted to develop
the Thomas Hamilton designed
building into a luxury hotel.
Rosewood, the luxury hotel brand,
was standing ready to take the
building over once redeveloped.
The developers presented two
different applications between
2015 and 2017, making changes
that they though would allow the
proposal to proceed, but it was not
to be.
The glass extensions to the sides
appeared to be one step too far
for The City of Edinburgh Council's
planning department and also
for Scottish Ministers to allow
on appeal. They are described as
'overbearing and out of context'.
The main reasons for refusal
are the adverse impact on the
building, the conservation area,
the World Heritage Site and the
townscape.
The Cockburn Association,
the city’s civic trust, rejoiced
on Twitter at the news of the
decision.
At present it is the hotel
developers who hold a lease from
the owners, The City of Edinburgh
Council, until 2022. The planning
department already approved an
application by St Mary's Music
School – but they have no legal
right to the building, although
plenty of investment to carry out
the plans.
Their main backer is the Dunard
Fund, which has deep pockets and
was also behind the proposed new
concert hall.
The Cockburn believes that the
hotel developers must now step
back from their legal agreement
with the council and allow the
music school to move forward
with their plans already given
approval in 2016.
William Gray Muir, Chairman
of the Royal High School
Preservation Trust, said: “Scottish
Ministers should be congratulated
on this considered and sensible
decision.
"Their recognition of the
importance of the building
reinforces our belief that it is
the perfect place for Scotland’s
national music school.
"Doing so will bring together two
of Scotland’s national treasures.
We hope that the City Council
will now be in a position discuss
how we can jointly make this
happen. With their agreement
we would be able to start work
immediately, with the necessary
planning consents and funding
already in place.”
ORDER ONLINE
OR CALL 0131 557 5098
WWW.SHEZANEDINBURGH.COM
Night Light would traditionally open Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations in November. This year we are
relying on nature showing off her best colours in Princes Street Gardens. PHOTO Martin P McAdam
OPEN FOR DELIVERY & TAKEAWAY 15% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU ORDER ONLINE

2
NEWS
The Edinburgh Reporter
ABOUT US
One of the joys of the lockdown
has been the ability to cover the
news from the cosy comfort of an
office. One of the drawbacks of the
lockdown has been the inability to
get out and about to cover stories,
take photographs, film video and
enjoy the camaraderie of our
colleagues in the news gathering
industry.
I know that this has affected
all of you too, so it appeared
useful to devote some of this
issue to health and wellbeing. It
is important for all of us to look
after ourselves and of course each
other. I hope you might get some
ideas of ways to do just that.
Turn to Page 12 for our wellbeing
feature.
Although the pandemic may
make us feel that we are standing
still, the city is still progressing
and will make changes. Our front
page story about the former Royal
High School is an important one
for the city. It has taken several
years to get to this point, and it
will affect the skyline and the
city's economy too. If the 80
pupil music school is allowed
to progress its plans, then they
promise "to extend our outreach
programmes, masterclasses and
workshops to reach children from
communities all over the country.
The plans include a small concert
hall (capacity 280), recital rooms
and teaching facilities which will
enable the school to offer concerts
and music education to a much
wider audience." And of course
their current building at the West
End will become vacant for some
other development to take place
there.
One of the most important
sectors during the current
lockdown, whatever Level we
find ourselves at, has been the
charities who have prepared and
delivered meals and food packs to
those in need in the city.
Do give them a hand if you can,
in whatever way.
Morrisons is only one of the
supermarkets which has helped
charities, but they have done so in
the most visible way by donating
thousands of paper bags which
have been used to distribute the
food and meals.
The government has now
introduced a new strategic
framework with different levels
from the least intrusive at 0 to the
highest at 4 using local authority
areas and not health board
areas in future. Whatever the
restrictions, do stay safe.
Phyllis Stephen, Editor
Art for art's sake
Our photo shows one of the murals painted on utility boxes in Leith Walk
and funded by the Trams to Newhaven project as part of its £2.4 million
Support for Business Scheme. Community arts organisation Vue Art
have arranged for local artists to paint them. Transport and Environment
Vice Convener Councillor, Karen Doran, said: “These fantastic murals
showcase the creativity synonymous with Leith, something which we
really want to protect and help to flourish over the coming years. Thanks
to Vue Art Ltd and this group of talented community artists, a splash
of colour has been added to these otherwise everyday utility boxes,
treating visitors to Leith Walk, Constitution Street and the many shops,
cafés and attractions here.”
Lotte, from Vue Art Ltd, said: “Vue Art Ltd are rooted in the Leith
community. We were established to provide services to clients who have
an interest in commissioning, owning and exhibiting street art, and to
meet the needs of aspiring and established graffiti and street artists.
“We are pleased to be working with Trams to Newhaven on bringing
more art to Leith Walk and Constitution Street.”
Letter to the Editor
Dear Madam,
Every year, Carers Scotland
organises the Carers Parliament.
This brings together unpaid
carers and young carers from
all over Scotland to discuss the
issues that affect them, and speak
directly to policy and decision
makers.
As the numbers of carers grow
because of the pandemic, reaching
over one million, this year it is even
more important that carers have
their voices heard.
For the first time, the Carers
Parliament will be an online event
and will take places across three
days 16, 17 and 25 November.
On Days 1 and 2, carers will
have the opportunity to take part
in discussions ranging from the
social care review to financial
inequality and from human rights
to mental health and wellbeing.
Also on Day 2, the event will
feature a webinar from Professor
Jason Leitch, Clinical Director for
the Scottish Government talking
about “Managing risk and decision
making in a Covid world”.
On Day Three, the main event will
take place with interviews from
carers, a presentation by young
carers and a keynote address from
Joe Fitzpatrick, Minister for Public
Health, Sport and Wellbeing.
This will be followed by a
panel discussion with questions
from carers to a panel including
Ministers responsible for carers
and for mental health.
Carers will also have the chance
to visit virtual information rooms,
chat together and take part in
wellbeing activities.
Best wishes
Fiona Collie
Policy & Public Affairs Manager
Carers Scotland
Find out more about all that
is happening later this month
and how to book on the Carers
Scotland website
bit.ly/3liuhbd
info@carerscotland.org
Planning notes
We told you last month about
the plans for a building at the
foot of Dundas Street. This is
Centrum House and BUPA House
across the street from the former
RBS building. Although a public
consultation has already been held
you can still make comments on
the planning application until 13
November through the website
108-116dundasstreet.co.uk or by
phoning 0131 226 7225.
An interesting application has
been uncovered in the weekly
planning lists for redevelopment
of the former laundry on Pittville
Street Lane in Portobello replacing
the existing water tower and
creating a single dwelling above
office/studio space.
Whenever the journalists who
fill the columns of The Scotsman
and the Edinburgh Evening
News returm to their office on
Queensferry Road, they may find
the surrounding areas altered.
Owners Palm Capital have asked
for permission to develop the
car parks to the east and west
of Orchard Brae House for a new
residential development. The
public consultation has taken
place but is open for comments
until 6 November hello@
orchardbrae.scot or 0131 202
3259 for details.
An application to demolish a
garage and replace it with a two
storey house would not normally
attract much attention. There is a
real need for more housing in the
city, and a need to avoid using the
greenbelt.
But those living and working near
Spey Street Lane in Leith have
begun a Save the Lane campaign
to oppose the new home, partly
on the grounds that it does not
fit within the Local Development
Plan. They say: "The men and
women working on the lane are
vulnerable because their livelihood
depends on their workshops which
are at risk if a change of use from
business to residential is granted
- vulnerable places need to be
safeguarded, especially when
they meet the needs of the local
residents by providing essential
services and job opportunities to
the community.
"The proposal would not
contribute towards a sense of
place. It would be damaging to the
small scale industrial character of
the lane."
savethelane.co.uk
The Edinburgh Reporter is
usually distributed through a
network of cafés and Edinburgh
businesses.
If you have had your car in any
Farmer Autocare branch then you
may have received a free copy of
our latest paper during your visIt.
Some of the places where we
Figure this
38,485 articles
published
61,488 follow
us on Twitter
The highest
number of online
visitors ever in
October 2020
@EdinReporter
/EdinReporter
edinburghreporter
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
Donate
anchor.fm
YouTube
News in the right hands
usually distribute a supply remain
closed, including most libraries
and many businesses in the city
including cafés.
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.
Editor: Phyllis Stephen
editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk
07791 406 498
We write about news relating to Edinburgh and the immediate area.
We welcome contributions to our website and newspaper.
@EdinReporter
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
/EdinReporter
edinburghreporter

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk NEWS 3
Grand plans for Portobello's Dalriada Hotel
By Stephen Rafferty
An entrepreneur who made his
fortune in the gaming industry
is the new owner of the Dalriada
Hotel on Portobello Promenade.
Leslie Benzies is the creative
genius who developed the Grand
Theft Auto series into one of the
world’s biggest selling and most
successful video game franchises.
The popular hotel and bar had
been marketed by Rettie & Co for
sale at offers of over £950,000
and missives were concluded
in September. Property industry
experts estimate it will take at
least an additional £500,000 to
upgrade the B-listed building in to
a luxury family home.
The Dalriada was purchased
from hoteliers Terry and Alison
Magill on 16 September by Mariah
Venture Limited, a recently formed
private company of which Mr
Benzies is the sole shareholder.
Philip Johnston, a spokesman
for Mr Benzies, confirmed to
The Edinburgh Reporter that,
contrary to earlier speculation, the
building would not be converted
into individual flats but would
be developed as a single family
home.
Mr Johnston said: “I can confirm
77 Promenade will not continue as
a licensed premises and that plans
will be submitted in due course
to convert the property back in to
Relaxing bike sheds rules
The cycling campaign group
SPOKES reminded us that
The Scottish Government is
considering relaxation of the rules
relating to planning permission for
bike storage sheds.
This can cost as much as
£200 as well as the difficulties
associated with applying for
planning permission.
But SPOKES also tell us that
these proposals will also need
some 'tweaking'.
They say: "The government is
consulting on whether to grant
Permitted Development Rights
(PDR) for bike sheds or containers
in front gardens, provided they are
under a certain size (and perhaps
meet some other criteria such as
colour).
"At present, planning permission
is required for any such 'ancillary
building' in a front garden – indeed
it is arguable that a small dog
kennel or even a hedgehog house
needs planning permission!"
It is the dimensions which
trouble SPOKES most. The
permiitted development exception
would only cover sheds up to a
maximum of 1.2m height, 2.0m
width, 1.0m depth in conservation
areas (1.5m depth elsewhere).
SPOKES say these dimensions
would be more reasonable: 1.5m
height, 2.5m width, 1.2m depth,
or possibly greater depth in
non-conservation areas.
This would not make a big
private use. Other than that, Mr
Benzies regards this transaction
as a private matter.”
Leslie Benzies. 49, made his
reputation as the lead developer
of the global gaming success
story Grand Theft Auto series and
later was appointed president
of Rockstar North, a subsidiary
of games company Rockstar
Games. The Grand Theft Auto
series is estimated to have sold
one quarter of a billion copies and
grossed more than $6 billion –
exceeding the most successful
film franchises.
In September, The Telegraph
Popular hotel to become a private home
difference visually but would
make all the difference in practical
terms. And this is in line with the
dimensions which The City of
Edinburgh Council has used for
years.
Cllr Claire Miller, transport
spokesperson for the Greens, said:
“After many years of red tape,
it’s a relief to finally get the rules
changed and I’m very pleased that
it’ll be easy and free of charge to
put a bike store in your garden.
"SPOKES members have kept
up the pressure and it has paid
off with this change to the
regulations. It has to be easy,
cheap and convenient for people
to travel by bike, and this change
means many more people will be
able to securely park their bikes at
home.”
SPOKES concluded: "We do
appreciate that these dimensions
are unfortunately insufficient to
fully cater for some cargo bikes,
adapted bikes, trailers etc, all of
which are rapidly increasing in
use.
"Nonetheless for front gardens
there will inevitably be a
compromise with conservation
requirements.
"Of course, even assuming that
PDR is, hopefully, granted for
front garden sheds of the size
we recommend, this does not
preclude householders seeking
planning permission for larger
sizes."
reported that Mr Benzies had
raised £32 million from investors
to develop his new science fiction
game Everywhere, which is being
created by his company Build a
Rocket Boy, which has studios in
Leith, Budapest and Los Angeles.
Born in Aberdeen, he first took an
interest in computer games aged
just 11 when his father bought him
a Dragon 32 computer. Benzies
taught himself how to programme
and he wrote his first game.
In 2005 he and Rockstar Games
president Sam Houser, were
awarded a BAFTA Special Award,
followed in 2015 by a BAFTA
Can you spot a stolen hire bike?
The number of trips made by
bikes hired from Edinburgh Cycle
Hire Scheme (ECHS) has risen in
the year to September 2020 by
119%.
This means that around 221,000
rides were made during the year,
breaking all records for cycle hire
schemes across the UK.
There are 75 new cycle hire
stations in the city, including
the Scottish National Gallery of
Modern Art, Craigleith Road, West
Crosscauseway and several new
bike stations in South Queensferry.
More than 34,000 new users
registered, bringing the total
number of patrons to 57,000.
One of the issues facing the
cycle hire scheme has been
vandalism. We are probably all
aware of the bikes wrenched off
their stands.
If you see a bike which has red
and blue flashing lights it means
it is stolen, and you can call the
police on 101 or contact ECHS
on social media. A partnership
has been created with Police
Scotland to support efforts to
recover stolen bikes and prosecute
those who choose to damage the
scheme’s infrastructure.
Chief Inspector Neil Wilson,
Police Scotland, said: “Police
Scotland, Edinburgh City
Division has been working in
close partnership with ECHS to
address theft of their fleet and
vandalism to their infrastructure.
We have undertaken crime
Fellowship, which celebrates
outstanding artistic achievements
in movies, television and video
games.
Mr Benzies departed Rockstar
in 2016 and launched a legal case
in which he claimed he was due
$150 million in unpaid royalties.
The dispute was settled last year
although the terms have never
been made public.
The Dalriada attracted strong
interest from established
hospitality sector operators but
the hotel has now called last
orders.
prevention surveys of hire
stations throughout the city
and we will support ECHS in the
implementation of enhanced
security measures.
"Our officers have been briefed
on how to spot a stolen bike and
regularly undertake targeted
patrolling, which has resulted in
City bike hires are at record levels
Pubs consider
legal action
There is a possibility of legal
action being taken against The
Scottish Government by the
hospitality industry in Scotland.
Five industry bodies, The
Scottish Beer & Pub Association,
The Scottish Licensed Trade
Association, UKHospitality
(Scotland), the Scottish Hospitality
Group and the Night Time
Industries Association Scotland,
have all combined forces to try
and save their industry which they
say is now under threat.
If the government does not
respond to a pre-action letter then
the bodies say they will petition for
a Judicial Review. They have been
advised by Aidan O'Neill, QC, and it
is his opinion that such a step will
be warranted.
The industry is not convinced
that there is evidence behind the
decisions to close restaurants and
pubs. The group’s spokesperson,
Paul Waterson said: “Evidence
just published in Northern Ireland
clearly states that the closure of
hospitality only has an '0.1-0.2
impact on the R number' and
that the lockdown there has
been brought about to ensure
behavioural and policy compliance
in other areas. Effectively
confirming that the hospitality
industry has been held up as the
sacrificial lamb."
numerous apprehensions and
prosecutions.
"We will continue to develop our
approach in partnership with ECHS
and would encourage the public
to remain vigilant and report any
suspicious activity involving the
cycle hire network to police."

4
POLITICS
The Edinburgh Reporter
Standing up for the self-employed
by Deidre Brock MP
I’ve been asking the Chancellor
about his new spending scheme to
try to offset some of the problems
created by Covid-19.
He’s delivering some of what’s
needed (and I think we should
recognise that) but more needs to
be done and I remain concerned
that some people are still falling
through the cracks - especially
self-employed folk - so I’m going
The Chair of Leith Links
Community Council was awarded
the MBE in the recent Birthday
Honours for services to the
community of Leith.
Jim Scanlon, MBE, said: “On
my birthday in June I received an
email to tell me that I had been
awarded an MBE but had to
remain silent about the award until
the night the embargo ended.
to keep badgering him to do
more. One of the areas I’d like to
see addressed is the Kickstart
scheme which will see the UK
government paying the wages of
new employees for six months.
The supermarkets seem delighted
and have been signing up but
they’ve hardly been hardest hit
by the crisis, have they? They can
well afford to pay their own wage
bill without the taxpayer having to
pick up the tab.
“I feel very humbled and proud
to receive the MBE and will
continue to work hard for the Leith
community."
Secretary of Leith Links
Community Council, Sally Millar,
said: “The members of Leith Links
Community Council are absolutely
delighted to hear that our Chair
Jim Scanlon has been awarded
an MBE. Jim is a thoroughly great
Instead of that why can’t
we see better support for
small businesses and the
self-employed? What about giving
them a chance? The folk who
really need government support
and help at the moment are the
small businesses, small shops,
self-employed people, folk who
don’t have much in the way of
cash, people who have fallen on
hard times. Supermarkets don’t
really fit that description.
Leith Community Council Chair awarded MBE
bloke, has led the Community
Council steadily for many years,
and is an unassuming but tireless
champion of the local community
and the wonderful area we live in."
This award follows on from Jim
and his wife Annie being jointly
awarded The Elizabeth Wardlaw
Leith Citizenship Award 2019 as
part of Leith Festival 2019.
Masking over discrimination
by Jeremy Balfour MSP
It’s time to end mask-based
discrimination. As I walked
through my local supermarket
a few days ago, a friendly voice
came over the tannoy system,
reminding shoppers of two things.
Firstly, their obligation to wear a
face covering while in store.
Secondly, to be aware that
for some people with hidden
disabilities that this is not
possible.
I was encouraged by this
because I believe it is incredibly
important for awareness to be
raised of hidden disabilities. Over
the period of the coronavirus
outbreak in Scotland, I have
been all too aware of the general
public’s lack of understanding
towards people with visible or
invisible disabilities. Very recently I
received some abusive comments
on social media for not wearing
a mask. I have a disability that
is very visible, yet it did not stop
one particular internet troll from
passing judgement.
When it was pointed out that I
have a disability and am therefore
exempt, it was suggested that I
stay at home. While I can brush
these comments off, it does
cause me great concern over
the discrimination that others,
particularly those with invisible
disabilities, are facing.
It is comments like this that
villainise those who, for legitimate
reasons, go shopping without a
facemask and these comments
must stop. The reality that we face
is that face coverings are going to
be the norm for many months to
come and we absolutely cannot
expect those unable to wear a
mask to avoid public spaces for
that long. Therefore, as a society
we need to get better at educating
ourselves on disability, at being
less quick to judge, and at creating
greater inclusion for those who
may already be finding this time
incredibly isolating.

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk POLITICS 5
Former deputy FM takes top church role
A former Deputy First Minister
of Scotland has been chosen
to be the next Moderator of the
General Assembly of the Church of
Scotland.
The Rt Hon Lord Wallace of
Tankerness QC (Jim Wallace) will
become the Kirk’s ambassador at
home and abroad next May.
The 66-year-old life peer from
Orkney is the second elder in
modern times to take up the
12-month role which will see him
speaking out on issues important
to the Church and its mission to
follow and proclaim the example
of Jesus Christ.
The Moderator Designate, a
member of St Magnus Cathedral
in Kirkwall, said: “I am delighted
to have been asked to take up
the role and feel humbled and
honoured that people have put
their trust in me.
“I am both excited and daunted
about the challenge of the task
that lies ahead and to be honest I
have had to pinch myself that this
is actually happening.”
Lord Wallace grew up in a
Christian family - a so-called
“cradle Presbyterian” - and his
late father John was an elder at
Annan Old Parish Church in Annan,
Dumfries and Galloway for 64
years.
In his youth, the Moderator
Designate was a member of
the Boys Brigade, involved
with Scripture Union and was
confirmed in the faith while a law
student at Cambridge University
in 1973.
Ordained as an elder in what
was St Bernard's Church in
Stockbridge, Edinburgh in 1981, he
has been a member of the Session
of St Magnus Cathedral since
1990.
Lord Wallace, a former leader of
the Scottish Liberal Democrats,
said he hoped to use the position
of Moderator to inspire and
encourage people.
Married to Rosie with whom
he has two grown-up daughters,
Helen and Clare, the trained
Advocate and past deputy leader
of the House of Lords said his
faith is one of the things that
“drove” him into politics.
“I went into politics to make a
positive difference to society and
my motivation is grounded in my
Christian faith,” he added.
“It is a core belief that if people
are to live life in all its fullness
as promised by Jesus, this has
implications for the kind of society
Miles Briggs MSP
we want to have.
“People have to have good
health, a sound education,
rewarding employment and a
healthy environment.
“I hope that my years of
experience in public life as an MP
for Orkney and Shetland, then as
MSP for Orkney, will stand me
in good stead as I carry out the
duties of the Moderator of the
General Assembly.”
At present a working peer,
Lord Wallace will move to the
non-affiliated benches in the
House of Lords during his time as
Moderator.
This means he will not belong to
any parliamentary group and will
cease to take the Liberal Democrat
whip.
Lord Wallace will not be taking
part in the Scottish Parliament
election campaign next year.
The Moderator Designate The Rt Hon Lord Wallace of Tankerness
Low Traffic Neighbourhood is
not going anywhere for now
Since the council first agreed on
14 May to introduce some active
travel schemes (including the East
Craigs Low Traffic Neighbourhood
or LTN) there has been much
discussion, and many words, both
angry and considered, exchanged
both at council meetings and
in print over some of these
proposals.
In East Craigs, the group which
opposes the LTN is Get Edinburgh
Moving (GEM). Their principal,
David Hunter, quoted extensively
from the legal opinion which he
or the group paid for in written
deputations made to various
council meetings in recent
months. The advocate who
penned the opinion is unnamed,
and the opinion has not been
published in full, but what has
been issued appears enough to
stop the council in its tracks. The
Transport Convener proposed a
delay of a month to consider legal
advice to the council.
The question turns on whether
the LTN is an answer to a public
danger (Covid-19) to make ways of
getting about safer for residents
as envisaged by the government
funding. It is clearly a project that
the council had on its clipboard
before the pandemic began, and it
is the view of the lawyer engaged
by GEM that it oversteps the
mark. The Edinburgh Reporter
understands that the legal advice
obtained by the council accords
with that view.
When the Transport Committee
meet on 12 November it is likely
that rather than throw the baby
out with the bath water, there will
be some compromise solution.
One of those might be to introduce
some elements of the complete
scheme under individual TTROs -
such as the bus gate on Maybury
Road. This area is poorly served
by public transport most of
which skirts around it rather than
through it, with only the number 31
feeding into Bughtlin to the north
of the area. The secondary school
on Craigs Road is not directly
served by any bus service, and
to the south of the school there
are steps making it inaccessible
to those in wheelchairs, or with
buggies.
There is a proposal that rather
than resort to Traffic Regulation
Orders - some of which take
years to implement - there could
be some alternative form of
Emergency Traffic Orders.
This is a community lying between
Maybury Road, Glasgow Road and
Drum Brae. It is largely an area
of houses with driveways, and
it is a community quite heavily
dependent on the car.
It is worth remembering where
this began. The purpose of the
Covid-19 emergency funding
provided by The Scottish
Government (and Edinburgh
was awarded £5 million of
the initial £10 million) was to
increase opportunities for active
travel. Transport Secretary
Michael Matheson said: "The
fund is specifically for creation
of temporary cycleways and
walkways for members of the
public, including cyclists, in order
to support physical distancing in a
safe way."
0131 348 5946
Miles.Briggs.msp@parliament.scot
Milesbriggsedinburgh
MilesBriggsMSP
www.milesbriggs.scot
M2.15,
The Scottish
Parliament, Edinburgh,
EH99 1SP
Christine
Jardine MP
Telephone Surgeries
In line with Government
guidance and to keep people safe,
I’m now holding telephone surgeries.
Please call the team on 0131 285 5972 to
make an appointment

6
NEWS
Hair stylists Charlie Miller
welcomed a very special client
into its South St Andrew Street
salon for a very well-deserved
pampering.
Oona Dooks was born with
cerebral palsy, a complex
neurological condition which
affects movement and
coordination. Her condition went
unnoticed until she was born with
severe deformities in both of her
feet, with dislocated hips, and
no movement in her legs or her
jaw. She spent ten weeks in the
neonatal unit and her family were
told not to expect her to walk, talk,
eat or "form thoughts".
Now six, she is an unstoppable
force. Last year, parts of Oona's
feet and hamstrings became
active for the first time, although
doctors had thought they would be
permanently paralysed.
Oona is at mainstream school
in Portobello and she is signed to
Zebedee Model Management. She
has modelled for Marks & Spencer,
and was a supporting actress in a
BBC children’s drama.
The Edinburgh Reporter
Oona has oodles of curls
Stylist Sophie Frame with Oona who loves her new hairstyle
Her dad Chris said: “I think the
fact that she is sassy helps her.
From when she was a baby, she
was determined to move against
all odds. This year in particular,
especially throughout lockdown,
she has made a huge amount
of progress. We were able to
purchase an inflatable spa for
her, which she now uses every
day, and we are already noticing
huge differences in her movement
just from spending time in the
water. She sees it as fun and not
strenuous exercise the way that
other physio can be for her.”
Oona was delighted with her new
look from Salon Stylist, Sophie
Frame: “I really, really loved my
hair going curly. The hairdryer
wasn’t too loud, and Sophie was
really nice. I feel so beautiful.”
Despite remarkable progress, her
condition still affects almost every
aspect of her daily life. Her family
have set up Little Red Wheelchair
to raise awareness and help
others affected by the condition.
Fundraising through Tree of Hope,
will help support Oona’s ongoing
treatment and development. Their
biggest goal is to buy a "second
skin" suit to help her reach her
ambition to walk unaided.
www.treeofhope.org.uk/
one-small-step-oona/
Taxi drivers may stage protest
There are 38,000 taxi and private
hire drivers in Scotland. As we
went to press, the Unite union
members were planning a protest
later this month at Holyrood to
demand extra financial help from
The Scottish Government.
The union’s Edinburgh Cab
Branch have repeatedly appealed
to The City of Edinburgh Council
for assistance, but thought they
were getting nowhere. They have
been urging their members to
lobby their MSPs and they may yet
join the protest.
But the council may have been
listening to at least some of the
pleas as they meet to discuss
possibilities for only the second
time since March. The council
says that the Licensing Service
will continue "to work closely
with the licensed trade to ensure
understanding of the challenges
faced".
It is important to realise that all
the council’s licensing functions,
including those for taxis, have
to be self-funding. Earlier in the
year, the council's Leadership
Advisory Panel deferred taking
payments for licence applications,
although these have since been
reintroduced. It cost £740,000 in
lost income to defer the payments
for three months, so the council
has begun recovery of the licence
fees to help the service stay afloat.
There is currently a £1.1 million
reserve ring-fenced for use in
connection with the taxi trade.
Half of that was set aside to
pay the capital costs of a new
licensing centre at Murrayburn
which has been now been shelved
and "alternatives are being
examined".
The Edinburgh Cab Branch
suggested that the council could
continue deferral of licence fees
and absorb that within the reserve
fund.
However, the council says
they recognise the difficult
circumstances for business, but
must balance this against the cost
of delivering the Licensing Service.
Online tutoring - a company set
up during the pandemic
Two Edinburgh teachers have set
up an online tutoring company to
help Scottish pupils impacted by
the pandemic.
Brothers-in-law Iain Thomson
and Craig Downie have established
EH5 Learning to support learners
regardless of where they are on
their educational journey.
It became clear during lockdown
that youngsters were falling
behind in their lessons through no
fault of their own, so the project
began.There are professionals
with expertise at all levels of the
school curriculum.
“These continue to be uncertain
and worrying times for everybody
but particularly for those at
school,” said Iain, who has been a
teacher for 16 years, most recently
at Queensferry High School.
"We have set up the company
with the aim of supporting
these young people as much as
possible, to give them the best
chance of achieving their full
academic potential.”
A substantial investment has
been made in the online platform
to help create a safe, secure and
engaging learning environment
where the young person can thrive
no matter what age or stage they
are at within their learning journey.
The platform has a range of
tools that allows a variety of
Butter shop sign melts away
Behind the now removed
haberdashery sign on a Portobello
shop a historic sign for the Danish
Buttery Company has been
uncovered.
Locals had hope the sign could
somehow be preserved but it is
apparently rotting in places.
The new owner, who is opening a
podiatrist treatment centre, thinks
it may be possible to salvage
it and that the sign could be
mounted it and hung on a wall of a
treatment room inside.
This is a B listed building in a
Conservation Area.
The Danish Butter Company first
appears in the Edinburgh & Leith
PO Directory of 1897-98. The shop
at 244 Portobello High Street does
not appear in the Portobello &
Joppa directory until 1901-02.
One local said: "This is part of
the history of Portobello High
subjects to be catered for and EH5
Learning works at primary level
right through to advanced higher
at secondary school. A range of
topics is covered from traditional
maths and English through to
science and physical education.
With tutors based all over the
country including Aberdeen,
Galashiels, Dunfermline, Glasgow
and Edinburgh, a key element
of the platform is that it can be
accessed anywhere in Scotland
from the comfort of the learner’s
own home.
While expansion across the
whole of the UK is the ultimate
goal, the initial focus is on
the Scottish curriculum and
supporting the young people
of Scotland, particularly with it
looking more and more likely that
continuous assessment will be a
core element of education in years
to come.
“EH5 Learning looks to support
the excellent work the teachers do
within the classroom setting and
works alongside schools, families
and young people to ensure the
support the learner is receiving is
tailored to the specific individual
needs,” added Iain. “We are very
excited at having the opportunity
to make a difference to the
education of our young people in
Scotland.”
www.eh5learning.com
Street and if possible it should be
preserved.”
As we related last month, there
are these so-called "ghost signs"
everywhere in Edinburgh.
Some of the best known are on
the building which sits just behind
the National Museum of Scotland
on Bristo Place.
Often ghost signs are only visible
for fleeting moments during
building renovations, like the one
spotted on a hairdresser shop
at the corner of Prospect Bank
Road and Restalrig Road. By the
time this was shared to Edinburgh
Ghost Signs on Facebook, the sign
had already been covered over.
We have begun a new collection
of Ghost Signs using the new app
Beams - which describes itself as
'lists made to share'. It is an easy
way of listing recommendations or
stories such as this.
Taxi drivers say they spend more time queuing than driving
Sign at 244 Portobello High Street PHOTO: Arch White

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk NEWS 7
Craigentinny/Duddingston - November by election
The by election in Ward 14 was
caused by former SNP councillor,
Ian Campbell resigning earlier this
year due to ill health.
It will be held on 12 November
when people living in the Ward
who are over 16 and registered
to vote in the ward can cast their
ballot. It will be possible to vote in
person and the polling stations all
be open from 7am to 10pm.
The polling stations are
situated at Meadowbank Church
of Scotland, Willowbrae Parish
Church, Northfield/Willowbrae
Community Centre, Duddingston
Kirk Halls, Restalrig Lochend
Community Hub and Norton Park
Conference Centre.
If, after 5pm on Wednesday
4 November, you are unable to
Ethan Young - SNP candidate
Ethan who works for Inclusion
Scotland said: "Fundamentally, I
want to be a voice for the people
in our community. We’ve not had
an SNP councillor since our last
Ben Parker - Scottish Green
Party candidate
Ben works for a housing
charity. He said: “I think it’s more
important than ever, that we get
Green voices elected to the City
Margaret Graham - Scottish
Labour Party candidate
As an early years childcare
professional that is clearly where
her interests lie, and she explained
to The Edinburgh Reporter that
she is a problem solver who works
Tam Laird - Scottish Libertarian
Party candidate
vote in person because you are
following Scottish Government
advice or the advice of a registered
medical practitioner in relation
to coronavirus you can apply
to vote by proxy. Completed
applications must reach the
Electoral Registration Officer by
5pm on Thursday 12 November.
To find out more call the Electoral
Registration Office on 0131 344
2500
There will be safety measures in
place when you go to vote:
There will be physical distancing
and may be a limit on how many
people are allowed inside the
polling place.
When you go inside the polling
place, you will be expected to wear
a face covering like you do when
councillor had to step down due to
ill health. I very much want to be
able to take people’s issues into
the council and address them as
their councillor but also, I want
to be able to tell people about
what’s going on in Council, why
tough decisions are being made,
to ensure that they know that I’m
getting the issues across.
"I think there has been a lot
of great work during this time. I
would quite like to harness that
– not that I believe people should
Chambers. I think Greens have
got a really strong track record in
Edinburgh standing up for issues
to do with the climate, standing up
for issues to do with poverty and
making sure that we support all of
the people that live in Edinburgh.
" You know, we’ve already shown
ourselves to be a real credible
alternative to the status quo. The
council has been run by the SNP
and Labour since 2012.
"In that time, we’ve seen our
Green councillors make a huge
well with people,
Margaret began by telling us
about herself. She said: “I have
lived in Edinburgh all my life. I’m
the Scottish Labour candidate,
and I’m a very active member of
the local Labour Party, I chair the
Edinburgh campaign forum, and
I’m active in my local constituency
branch, Edinburgh Southern.
My professional background is
that I’m a childcare manager – I
manage a childcare project in the
south side of Edinburgh which
is a parent led organisation that
provides out of school care for
children from several primary
The party ‘stands with the people
of Scotland in favour of individual
liberty, a free and sound economy,
foreign neutrality and political
independence’. Mr Laird is a
former member of the SNP but
left when he felt the party strayed
from its main message.
He has a single aim in standing
for election as he told us. He
said: " My single issue that I’ll be
campaigning on is simply end all
you go into shops or on public
transport. You should sanitise your
hands when you go into the polling
place and when you leave. Hand
sanitiser will be made available on
entry and exit.
The polling place staff will be
behind protective screens, like
staff in shops and pubs, but you
may ask them for help if you
need it. Polling place staff will be
cleaning regularly, so you might
need to wait for a booth to be
cleaned before you can use it.
You may take your own pencil or
pen with you if you’d like to. Fresh
clean pencils will be available for
each voter.Where possible polling
places will have a one-way system
so be prepared to followed the
signage and any instructions.
be relying on food banks or relying
on help in that way all the time –
but what we’ve seen is what can
happen when people have more
time to focus on their neighbours
and their community.
"People do rally round and
people do want community, they
want to support each other. They
want to make sure that people
aren’t alone and isolated, and
needing medicines or food. And I
think that’s really key we need to
harness that."
amount of difference on all kinds
of issues sort of pushing them to
be stronger and bolder.
"And you’re exactly right, that
we’ve already elected a Green
councillor in Craigentinny/
Duddingston. So we know that
there’s enough Green votes in the
ward to win this. So if people like
what Green councillors have been
doing already, then they absolutely
can put their confidence in the
Green Party this election too,
and hopefully, increase our
representation again."
schools, after school and during
holidays." A central issue is the
new early years centre being built
at Craigentinny Primary School.
Building has stopped recently and
Margaret has found out why.
She explained: “I found out
that the builder has gone out
of business, unfortunately. So
I’m trying to find out what the
council’s plans are to move
that forward so that it can
be completed. As a childcare
manager in early years it’s an
area that I know a lot about and it
would be useful to have the centre
finished.”
lockdown restrictions now, not
next week, not tomorrow, no, no,
no, it’s gotta go. We’re done with
this. This has been going on for
half a year, and it’s not getting
better, it seems to be getting
worse.
"I understand I would have
limited, or even maybe no power
at council level, to do anything
about that but I think it would send
a signal if people voted on that
This is a four member ward and
there are already three councillors
representing it.
They are Cllrs John McLellan
(Conservative), Alex Staniforth
(Scottish Greens) and Joan
Griffiths (Scottish Labour). Cllr
Griffiths is the longest serving
of the three, and is both the
Vice-Convener of Finance and
Resources and the Depute Lord
Provost.
At the last election in 2017 there
were 22,793 voters registered in
the Ward, with only 10,892 votes
cast. The SNP and Conservatives
both got just over 23% of the
vote each, but this is a Single
Transferable Voting system not
'first past the post' like the General
Election. In addition the SNP
secured the largest share of First
Eleanor Price - Conservative and
Unionist candidate.
Born in Edinburgh, she moved to
London for a spell but continues to
work in asset management here.
“On the local side I think a lot of
people are pretty fed up with the
traffic situation, the roadworks
the focus very much on the tram,
which has taken a lot of cash away
from Lothian region transport.
"I know that there’s been a lot of
upset with the suspension of the
Elaine Ford - Liberal Democrat
Party candidate
Elaine works in a city school
in pastoral care. She said: "The
top issue that’s coming back
is the withdrawal of the 69 bus
service. That is the thing that
has really been top of the list of
concerns that people have. It runs
right round Willowbrae down to
Duddingston Village across to
Northfield goes way up Parsons
Green. And it was a little bus
issue. It would send a signal to the
people in charge that people are
getting sick and tired of this.
"People talk to me about the
science. The science suggests
very much the opposite to what
the government advisers are
Preference votes in 2017 with
36.86% to the 36.19% attracted by
Scottish Labour.
This by election is important
due to the numbers in each party
elected to the council. At present
there are 62 elected members
(until the 63rd is elected this
month). Of these, the parties are
split in this way:
Scottish Conservatives - 17
SNP - 15
Scottish Labour Party - 11
Scottish Green Party - 8
Liberal Democrats - 6
Edinburgh Party of Independent
Councillors - 3
Independent - 2
Listen to our interviews with
candidates on anchor.fm
number 69 bus. A lot of the elderly
people in the ward really rely on
that to get transport down up and
down the hill, etc.
"That is certainly something I
would look to try and pressure
the council to do so because I
think it’s a very needed service
in this area. And it is very much
the sort of local things, states of
pavements states of roads that I
will concentrate on.
“I think there’s a quite a lot of
dissatisfaction in Edinburgh with
the council, and the way it’s run
and the very sort of hard left
stance, it takes on certain things.
"And I think a lot of people feel
that they’re not being listened to
on certain items.
"I know that there’s been a
lot of traffic changes over the
summer, and our councillors have
been absolutely inundated with
complaints by people saying, well,
we haven’t been consulted."
service that the elderly people
in the ward, and those less able
really depended on to get down
the hill, to their lunch club, and
across perhaps to the shops at
Northfield.
“And the council withdrew the
service claiming that it wasn’t well
patronised. So they cut the service
just as we locked down.
"The local community had tried
to persuade the council to stop
the cuts, but they felt they weren’t
listened to. And this is the one
thing that has come up again
and again, they felt they weren’t
listened to and they weren’t
consulted.
"The state of the roads is another
thing – potholes, pavements,
traffic in Marionville, that’s another
thing that hasn’t gone away.
Before lockdown, I managed to get
some police checks there."
telling them. All the evidence out
of Sweden seems to be they're
doing it the right way. The Scottish
and UK Governments sent people
out of hospitals, and into care
homes where they died. Those
were the vulnerable."

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk NEWS 9
Social Bite will send you a little Box of Joy
Social Bite have had to more
or less close their city centre
cafés, in Edinburgh, Glasgow and
Aberdeen, limiting how much
they can make from the sale of
sandwiches and coffees.
Looking for an alternative, they
are now starting to sell "Boxes of
Joy" by mail order.
They hope this new product -
which is a selection of brownies
in a box - will help them grow
their social enterprise and help
the people they employ as well
as those they try to assist, all
of whom have been affected by
homelessness. Around one third
of their Livingston-based kitchen
will be involved in producing and
packing the brownies.
A full 100% of the proceeds go
to Social Bite and with corporate
customers like Microsoft and
Deloittes on board, it will not be
long before they exceed their
target of 200 boxes a day. Since
everyone is working from home,
some big companies are showing
the love by sending a Box of Joy to
their employees.
A box of four brownies retails for
£12 and a box of nine for £17.99.
Gluten free and vegan options are
available
Social Bite founder Josh
Littlejohn says the brownies are
great, and he is not even a mad
chocolate fan. He told us: "Social
Bite have been affected by the
pandemic. We have more or less
closed to the public in the cities
and our big corporate catering
service has had to stop too.
"We have come up with this
absolutely beautiful chocolate
Buy a bed
Homelessness charity, Bethany
Christian Trust would like you to
think of helping them to help the
homeless this Christmas.
They ask that people consider
buying a voucher for their new
Welcome Centre set up at
Haymarket over the winter. Gift
vouchers are £21 each and will
be available to buy online until 15
January. A voucher will provide
a safe, warm place to sleep for
someone who would otherwise
sleep rough on the streets. They
brownie product which is made
in our central kitchen and posted
out to people who order them
for themselves or as a gift.
Businesses can order them for
their employees. Normally I am not
too much of a chocolate person
but these are absolutely delicious.
My job is to sell them, but they
really are the nicest tasting
chocolate brownies I have ever
had.
"One of the really special things
about the product is that they are
made in Livingston where we have
a big kitchen. This is the hub of
our activity. Like most businesses
we have been trying to minimise
redundancies. It is even more
important for us as about a third
of our workforce have struggled
with homelessness themselves.
That kitchen is the beating heart of
that social enterprise activity, and
where a lot of these guys get their
first opportunity at employment.
The brownies have been lovingly
made by our Head Chef and his
team. By buying the brownies you
not only get a delicious treat but
you also help these guys remain
on a better path, particularly at
this difficult time for the world.
"When the pandemic hit all of our
cafés closed and our traditional
business ceased to trade. What we
decided to do was repurpose our
five cafes and kitchen to provide
free food for vulnerable people.
There was a real sense that food
poverty was going to be one of
the biggest issues facing society
and that people would be tipped
over the poverty line. We have
been producing food packs, which
are basically packed lunches
would have en-suite facilities and
three meals a day, safe from the
winter weather.
The room is not the only service
provided as there is 24 hour
professional support to help
those experiencing homelessness
to move on. Bethany also offer
multi-disciplinary help. Since
1996 Bethany has provided a Care
Shelter each winter. They operated
a Care Shelter in a hotel on Princes
Street during the lockdown, which
has now been transformed into
the new Rapid Re-Accommodation
Welcome Centre which will be in
place until May 2021. The charity
Haymarket Hub to become Bethany’s Welcome Centre this winter
Josh Littejohn thinks the brownies are the best he's ever tasted
with sandwiches, crisps, juice
and snacks. We teamed up with
lots of small grassroots charities
in Scotland to get these into the
hands of the people who needed
them. This ramped up quickly and
now we have distributed over half
a million food packs. That has
been our focus and we are still
doing that every day but we want
to introduce some trading too so
that's why we are releasing the
brownies."
Social Bite was funded by
The Scottish Government and
members of the public who have
contributed on their JustGiving
page, and Josh says these food
packs have literally been a life
saver for many families.
Whether given as a gift or bought
as a treat, customers will be doing
good with every purchase of Social
Bite’s “Boxes of Joy” brownies as
100% of the proceeds will be going
will use their experience and
knowledge gained in the past few
months to create a Covid-safe
space in the Haymarket Hub Hotel.
The City of Edinburgh Council will
also help to staff the centre.
The costs will be met by national
governemnt and local authorities,
and Bethany will provide the
professional team behind it.
There is also a body of around
800 volunteers from churches
in Edinburgh and the Lothians
who provide the catering. Social
enpterprise Social Bite make up
lunches, but there is also a hot
evening meal provided.
Alasdair Bennett, Chief Executive
at Bethany Christian Trust, said:
towards the organisation’s efforts
to end homelessness in Scotland
As a social enterprise business,
Social Bite exists to achieve
social objectives and is driven by
a cause, rather than profit. It is
hoped that the new food delivery
service will help to sustain its
enterprise model and support
more people into jobs to help
break the cycle of homelessness
One in three members of Social
Bite staff have experienced
homelessness as an extreme
barrier to employment
Social Bite was launched by Josh
Littlejohn and Alice Thompson
and runs a chain of five social
enterprise cafes in Glasgow,
Edinburgh and Aberdeen, a Social
Bite Delivery business which
employs and supports people
affected by homelessness, as
well as Vesta Bar & Kitchen in
Edinburgh.
“As we approach the season of
giving, we may again think about
giving a gift that will truly make
a difference. Giving someone the
opportunity to escape the cold into
safe accommodation and receive
a hot meal, with love and support
can make all the difference.
"Your donation will provide our
team with the means to help
those most in need find a warm
and loving place to stay in an
emergency this Christmas, and
support to move on to further
accommodation. When thinking
of how you can make a difference
this year, please think of Bethany.”
www.bethanychristiantrust.com
Dedicate a
light on Rotary
Tree of Life
Every year the Currie Balerno
Rotary Club organises the Rotary
“Tree of Life” and this year is no
exception despite the coronavirus
restrictions.
They are supported by Balerno
Parish Church.
The tree stands in front of the
Balerno church and its Christmas
lights will be switched on at
the same time as the Balerno
community lights.
Local people are invited to
dedicate lights on the tree to
loved ones, to celebrate special
occasions or to give thanks for
help and support provided at this
challenging time.
In previous years the switching
on of the lights has followed a
family Advent Sunday service,
and has been followed by tea and
cakes in the church’s Mill Café.
Sadly Covid-19 restrictions make
this impossible this year.
Rotary ask for a donation of £5
for each dedicated light on the
Tree of Life and the dedications
will be recorded in the Celebration
Book, which will be displayed in
the Mill Café, and on the Rotary
Club’s website at www.cbrotary.
org
Funds raised by the Tree of
Life will go primarily to local but
also to national and international
charities. In past years the Tree of
Life has raised in excess of £1000.
They hope that this year will be
just as successful.
Keep moving
Age Scotland will use their
Youtube channel to get older
people moving in their own homes
over the winter months.
Around The House in 80 Days -
ATH80 - is a series of accessible
enjoyable exercises to be done
daily in every room in the house.
So expect to do the Bedroom
Boogie or the Bathroom Banter.
The serious edge to the project
is that people who stay at home
more can become 'deconditioned'.
To avoid a decline in physical
fitness the programme will get
people moving and help with
balance, strength and flexibility.
Age Scotland CEO, Brian Sloan,
said: “For many older people,
lockdown brought about an
abrupt end to the exercise
classes, walking sports and
outdoor activities which kept them
physically active and were also an
important opportunity to socialise.
We know that spending long
periods sitting on the couch in
front of the TV, has an adverse
impact on the physical health
of older people including loss of
mobility, stiffening of joints and
an increased risk of falls due
to stiffness and inactivity. Staying
active will not only help physical
health but also benefit overall
mental wellbeing."

10
FEATURE
The Edinburgh Reporter
Eric Liddell Centre celebrates four decades of service
HRH The Prince of Wales during
a visit to the Eric Liddell Centre
By Phyllis Stephen
One of Edinburgh’s best known
and loved care charities and
community hubs - The Eric Liddell
Centre (ELC) is celebrating its 40th
anniversary on 26 November.
The occasion will be marked by
an online event highlighting the
life of Eric Liddell, the renowned
Chariots of Fire Olympic runner,
together with the centre’s
ever-expanding role in providing
services for the people of
Edinburgh.
Viewing via Zoom, the event
will feature music, poetry and
discussion from Alexander McCall
Smith, Sir James MacMillan,
Sally Magnusson, David Puttnam
(producer of the world-famous film
Chariots of Fire) and Eric Liddell’s
daughter Patricia, who will join as
a guest panellist from her home in
Canada.
The history of the ELC goes
back to 31 October 1978 when
four local churches, Christ Church
Morningside, Morningside United
Church, North Morningside Parish
Church and Morningside Baptist
Church, agreed to come together
to set up a centre in order to bring
people from the local community
together.
It was agreed that the purpose
of the centre would be "to further
provision of community services
to all members of the community
of whatever age and whatever
circumstances, irrespective of
their denominational life".
As plans got underway to
refurbish the former church
building, the then minister of
Morningside United Church, Rev J.
Stewart Miller, suggested linking
the Holy Corner Church Centre
name to honour the memory of
the "Flying Scotsman" and British
Olympic hero and missionary, Eric
Liddell, who, as a young man, had
lived and taught at Morningside
United Church.
Over the last 40 years the
ELC has gone from strength to
strength, focussing on its vision to
"Bring Edinburgh’s Communities
Together", and to respond to
isolation, loneliness, and in
particular services for those living
with dementia and their carers.
The ELC works incredibly hard
to change perceptions of people
living with dementia, disabilities,
and mental health issues, and
aims to show that living a full life
can be achieved with the correct
support. Over the years they
have established many valuable
services across the city, including
a specialist Dementia Day Care
Service, Carers Programme,
Befriending Service and Caring
Soles (foot care) Service.
There is no doubt that the
recent Covid-19 pandemic has
affected every sector of society,
but the hardest hit have been the
elderly, many of whom the ELC
supports. However, despite these
uncertain times, the dedicated
Staff Team at the ELC continue to
work for vulnerable people in their
community and have responded
with an alternative method of
support, including the delivery of
5,458 lunches between April and
July.
The Eric Liddell Centre Team
would like to extend a heartfelt
thank you to everyone in their
community who has supported
the care charity over the last 40
years. They remain positive for
their future and look forward to
welcoming the local community
back to the ELC when safety
guidelines permit, and it is safe for
them to do so.
Tickets for the 40th Anniversary
Celebration can be purchased on
Eventbrite.
Alexander McCall Smith, Patricia Liddell Russel and John MacMillan
WINTER
GOLF
MEMBERSHIP
It pays to play with us.
• With only one round a month, the membership pays for itself
• Up to 6 courses to play, with minimal winter greens and no mats
• Priority booking for members
Only
£22.50
per month
Join online today.
edinburghleisure.co.uk
Terms and conditions apply. Registered Scottish Charity No: SC027450

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk THE BEST OF... 11
The Edinburgh Reporter Best Of . . .
Craig Banks Tailoring
Specialising in bespoke tailoring
for men with Craig's personal
attention. The focus is on making
the highest quality personally tailored
attire that others will aspire
to using the best quaity fabrics.
0131 226 7775
45 Thistle Street EH2 1DY
www.craigbankstailoring.com
Ardgowan Distillery
Enjoy the recently released
Clydebuilt Coppersmith - a limited
edition blend of malts matured in
first fill Oloroso sherry casks.
FREE shipping with a branded
Glencairn nosing glass.
shop.ardgowandistillery.com
The Bay Tree Company
Situated in Bruntsfield .An independent,
specialist card & gift
store with unique & exclusive
card ranges. Supporting independent
artists. Online or Click & Collect.
Christmas shopping evenings
can be booked by email.
www.thebaytreecompany.com
Instagram /thebaytreecompany
Home & Co Property Letting
Property management with
integrity.
At Home and Co they look after
your property just as if it were their
own. They help you create homes
for great tenants in Edinburgh.
Contact Solii Brodie
07753604807
Home_and_Co@outlook.com
Charlie Miller
Since 1965 the family-run
hairdresser has encompassed the
essence and heart of their brand:
YOU! They listen, interpret, and
respond with modern looks that fit
you and your lifestyle.
Salon: 13 Stafford Street, EH3
7BR 0131 226 5550
www.charliemiller.com
Gallery and gift shop
The Hideout Café
A cosy hideout in Edinburgh
serving speciality coffee, tea,
treats and brunch. Iced lattes and
other goodies to sort you out.
Open daily.
0131 552 5289
40-42 Queen Charlotte St EH6 6AT
www.thehideoutcafe.co.uk
Leith Market
Every Saturday next to Custom
House in Leith. There is much to
love including family butchers,
seafood, pastries, vegan, organic
and some brilliant crafts and
perfumes.Food includes mac and
cheese pies and hot Kenyan street
food. Coffee from Bearded Barista.
Facebook /LeithMarketDockPlace
Art & Craft Collective
A unique gallery and gift shop experience
in Edinburgh’s Southside
- literally Open Monday a cornucopia – Saturday • of 10am all forms – 5pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
of art.uy handmade art and craft
from Fifty independent artists one gorgeous artists online. space:
art, jewellery, fashion, homewares,
Lindsay says: "If we don’t have it,
gifts, candles, cards...
we can probably find it for you."
0131 93 Causewayside 639 9123 Edinburgh EH9 1QG
0131 629 9123
artcraftcollective.co.uk
www.artcraftcollective.co.uk
Something Fishy
Independent fishmonger providing
quality fresh and cured fish. At the
beginning of lockdown there was
some question over availability -
but this wee shop has kept going.
Use Schop to have your fish
delivered.
16a Broughton Street EH1 3RH
0131 556 7614
Gallery TEN
Do you need something new for
your walls? Pop in and browse the
extensive collection of original
prints. Plus, amazing glass from
international artists. Or purchase
online.
5 William Street EH3 7NG
infogalleryten@gmail.com
www.galleryten.co.uk
Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home
Rescue, reunite, rehome. Edinburgh
Dog and Cat Home has
a £650,000 shortfall in funding
to help animals find a forever
home. New emergency fundraiser
launched to help meet annual
costs of £2 million.
0131 669 5331
edch.org.uk/HelpOurHome
Schop
This is an easy, convenient and
eco-friendly alternative to a supermarket
shop.
Working in partnership with independent
retailers, Tim at Schop
offers to deliver a huge range
of great quality food and drink
straight to your door.
schop.co
Rose Theatre Café
Sinead and Mary continue to offer
to make customers King or Queen
for the Day. Leave it to them to
send you all your food for one
whole day from breakfast onwards.
Then tuck into that box set
you have been saving up, or just
sit back and have a day off.
Facebook /rosetheatre-cafe
Bellissimo Vino Edinburgh
Family run independent wine
wholesaler. Award-winning fine
wines, fizz, craft beer and olive oil
direct from Italian artisan wineries,
exclusive selection of luxury gifts.
'We only source what we love.' UK
wide shipping and same day local
delivery.
www.bellissimovino.co.uk
Paper Tiger
The shop has traded in the West
End since 1981. They stock an
amazing diverse range of cards,
stationery, gifts and locally made
souvenirs. Everything in the shop
is also available online or click and
collect.
0131 226 2390
www.papertiger.co.uk
Broughton Place Hair and Beauty
Friendly boutique city salon.
Owner and stylist Juliet is always
happy to discuss your needs
and deliver a highly professional
service. They specialise in long
hair and tape in hair extensions.
0131 556 4478
2a Broughton Place EH1 3RX
www.broughtonplacehair.com
Di Giorgio's
Di Giorgio’s have lots of cakes and
slices, coffee with a smile and
pasta and lasagne to go. Morning
rolls and ciabattas, but this is
brownie heaven. (And they stock
our papers.)
Open 7 days 10-4pm
1 Brandon Terrace EH3 5EA
Facebook /digiorgiocaffe/
Velvet Easel Gallery
Social distancing and sanitiser in
place at the gallery, but appointments
also offered outside usual
hours for individual viewing.
Open Thursday to Saturday 10-
5pm and Sunday 12-5pm
art@velveteasel.co.uk
07835 813 689
velveteasel.co.uk
Candersons
Debbie Anderson invites you
to take yourself back to your
childhood with all the traditional
jars of sweets in her shop. And
pick up a copy of The Edinburgh
Reporter
0131 554 1401
102 Leith Walk EH6 5DT
candersons-sweetshop.com
Independent Wine
A specialist importer of boutique
fine wines from Italy. Carefully
hand-picked award-winning wines
of premium quality sourced
direct from the winemakers. Oleg
and Elvira visit every vineyard
personally. Arrange deliveries
online.
independent.wine

12
FEATURE
The Edinburgh Reporter
Take the plunge and dive into a health
Wild swimming, park exercises or just grabbing the kitchen chair
- we can all find new ways to improve our health and wellbeing
Stretch yourself with exercice classes in city parks
By Phyllis Stephen and Stephen
Rafferty
be adhered to and there is some
cautionary advice for newbies.
As we properly enter the winter
months there is a huge temptation
to hunker down and close the
door to a confusing landscape
of Covid-19 restrictions which
appear to change by the week if
not the day.
With limited entertainment and
hospitality choices, pulling down
the blinds and settling with a
good book or serial binging on the
latest critically acclaimed Netflix
blockbuster will be a tempting
option for many.
However, academic studies and
health experts tell us that during
these stressful times we need to
nourish our minds and bodies with
a blend of activities which can
ward off anxiety and help us to
better survive the shorter days and
changed environment which the
coronavirus pandemic has foisted
upon us.
One activity which is in
vogue and which has gathered
thousands of new advocates over
recent months is wild swimming
– or as older wags put it –
swimming in the sea.
Edinburgh is blessed with a
shallow beach which is accessible
and hasn’t got any particular
currents, and where each day
scores of people pull on their
dookers - or wetsuits for the not
so brave - and dive in to the Firth
of Forth.
The Wild Ones Facebook page,
started some years ago by a group
of wild swimming enthusiasts
in Portobello, has seen its
membership grow from a few
dozen to more than 4,000 and up
and down the coast similar groups
are discovering the health benefits
of swimming in the sea.
While the Wild Ones are delighted
to welcome new enthusiasts,
they are at pains to point out that
Scottish Government guidelines
on mixed households needs to
Oonagh O’Brien, who has been
swimming in the ocean and wild
waters since she was a young
girl, said: “For a long time our
Facebook page was just a handful
of like-minded people but three or
four years ago it just seemed to go
crazy and it has grown beyond all
expectations.”
One reason for the increased
popularity could be down to
accessibility to better equipment,
according to Oonagh. Now,
swimmers can more easily afford
wetsuits to ward off the North Sea
chill, and a major factor has been
the introduction of weatherproof
and windproof changing robes,
which are not an uncommon site
on Portobello beach.
“Certainly, the kit has improved,
it is a lot more affordable,
and the dry robes have been
transformative because as soon
as you get out the water you pull it
on and it cuts out the wind and the
cold,” said Oonagh.
“We are also in the middle of
a capital city and we have this
wonderful, shallow beach, which
is a good place to try out wild
swimming for the first time. In
normal times we like to hold
people’s hands a bit and introduce
them to swimming in small
groups, but sadly we can’t do that
in the current climate. However,
it’s really important for anyone
starting out that they are aware
of the safety issues and that they
don’t literally plunge in.”
Families of all ages, groups of
teenagers and students, visitors
and local residents alike have
taken like ducks to the Edinburgh
coastal waters and in particular
“older” women appear to find open
water swimming stimulating and
very sociable.
But Oonagh and the Wild Ones
are keen to point out that getting
into cold water, especially in the
winter months, can be dangerous.
Personal Trainer Bryan Temple
She said: “The warmest months
for swimming in Scotland are late
August and September while the
coldest is February. It is better
to start in the Spring and for
anyone venturing into the water
at this time of year they have to
remember hypothermia take hold
very quickly.
“While Covid-19 has probably
encouraged people to try new
things such as wild swimming,
we are a bit nervous about people
swimming in the cold and not
preparing properly for that. They
have to be careful and if they are
in the water and they start to think
‘this feels great’, that is the time
they should be getting out.
“The main danger is when getting
out of the water. You may feel fine
but after a few minutes you can
experience a really deep, cold chill.
Our advice is not to stand around
in wet clothes but get dressed
really quickly, and avoid the
temptation of taking a hot shower
right away, but wait until your body
has readjusted as the hot water
on a cold body can cause fainting
turns.”
For those keen to keep active
but to have their two feet firmly
planted on terra firm, Fit & Happy
run women-only classes up to a
Wild swimmers take the plunge at Portobello PHOTO www.annadeaconphotography.c
maximum of 12 people in local
parks in Edinburgh.
The outdoor exercise classes
may have a boot camp feel to
them but Julia McCabe, who
founded the company, explained:
“There is no shouting, it is not
military style, but exercise in small
groups, and it is about getting
together in the fresh air and
exercising.
“It is quite social and a lot of the
women come for the social aspect,
the feel good factor and having a
laugh. It is not too serious and it is
for all ages and fitness levels. We
do not compete on an individual
basis, it is very relaxed. Everyone
works hard, but they do that at
their own level.”
There are classes in The
Meadows, Victoria Park, Spylaw
Park, Ravelston Park and Inverleith
Park. There are also LIFE classes
(Low Impact Fun Exercise) classes
in Colinton and Holyrood aimed
at those who don’t really want to
jump and run. These classes are
for people who like being outdoors
but just don’t like exercising in a
gym for whatever reason.
Personal trainer Julia began
working with women outdoors on
a 1-1 basis. She says there are
many additional benefits of being
outdoors, mainly for mental health
and wellbeing. She added: “For
me it is all about being in nature.
But in running 1-1 classes I could
only reach so many women, so
about three years ago I started
group sessions in The Meadows.
The demand was there, so now we
have more coaches and classes
available.”
Wild swimming and park exercise
classes aside, for those who may
not be able to venture far there
is no end of possibilities in being
more active in your own home, the
garden or even your street.
Bryan Temple is a Personal
Trainer at one of Edinburgh’s
leading gyms and has been
training and coaching at all levels,
from beginners to elite athletes,
for close to 30 years.
He said: “There is no so much
information out there, much of it
now science based, in literature,
podcasts and online, that it is lot
easier for people to understand
what they have to do to reach a
specific goal.
“My job as a Personal Trainer is
to help them along that pathway,
whether it be elite athletes aiming
to be the best they can possibly
be, or at the very basic level
someone who just is looking to

o.uk
@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk FEATURE 13
y new world
move about a little more than they
were doing before, and finding
what kind of movement they are
capable of.
“There is a whole range of things
people can do, and they don’t even
have to leave the house. It can
be as simple as taking a kitchen
chair and sitting and standing for
a count of 10. This is basically
a squat and it will improve their
quadriceps, lower body, possibly
the lower back, and depending
on the individual it might create a
heart rate response.
“They could then combine this
with some upper body exercises
such as a press-up. But a press-up
does not have to be Army style,
it can be using the back of the
settee as a prop or against a
wall in a semi standing position,
and based on the individual’s
capabilities.”
For those who can get outside,
they can use the built environment
around them, suggests Bryan,
such as the street where they
live or a nearby park. He added:
“If your street has trees along it
for example, or in the park, start
walking briskly for two trees then
slow down for the next two trees
and repeat. For those who are
fitter they could do the same but
jogging or if at a higher level by
sprinting.
“My best advice is if at all
possible get out of the house, the
benefits of being in the open air,
both mentally and physically are
considerable. They will feel real
benefits from visual stimulation,
especially if they have experienced
a longer lockdown situation
and simple things like people
watching, fresh air and whatever
sun there is at this time of the
year, can be refreshing and much
more stimulating than sitting in
front of the tv.”
Age is no barrier to taking some
form of exercise and improving
your well-being believes Bryan.
“We all slow down as we get older
but you just have to do what works
for you. The challenge is to move
more than you did the day before.
If that means starting by walking
to the shops fine, and when that
becomes comfortable push
yourself by walking to the shops
and then add on an extra block. By
pushing yourself a bit further each
day you will soon feel the benefits
and it will leave you feeling much
better in mind and body.”
Find The Wild Ones Edinburgh
on Facebook and Julia’s exercise
classes at www.fitandhappy.co.uk
Fragrance profiling
not to be sniffed at
By Juliet Lawrence Wilson
Smell ought to be the sense we
elevate to the highest honour.
Sure, sunsets and symphonies
may consistently bag the
cinematic and soundtrack gongs,
but it’s aroma that walks away
with the Lifetime Achievement
Award.
Smells evoke memories and call
the other senses to the forefront.
Walking past Edinburgh’s Fisher’s
Restaurant at The Shore, the
aroma takes me back to my first
taste of fantastic seafood on a
Mediterranean holiday, while a wet
golden retriever reminds me of the
happiest family Christmas,.
The bouquet of your introduction
to a decent glass of wine, the
hedonism of youthful sweaty
discos or the pheromones of your
first kiss, smell shapes your life
and doesn’t allow you to forget.
I’ve always aimed for fairly
high-end fragrances. Smelling
good simply makes me feel
special but it's time for variety and
I want inspiration. A fragrance
profiling session might be just the
ticket.
Stepping into Penhaligon’s on
Edinburgh’s George Street is
George Street perfume emporium
Penhaligon’s - a jewellery box of wonder
like entering a jewellery box of
wonder. The presentation is simply
stunning, a sophisticated blend
of modern and heritage style
with a dash of whimsy thrown in.
Penhaligon’s is a perfume house
that doesn’t feel ‘branded’ giving
the products individual personality
and character.
Before a scent has been sprayed
I immediately know this will feel
like a bespoke experience. Shop
manager Michaela gave me a
warm welcome and although we
had to wear face masks (Michaela
laments that in non-Covid times
they’re able to offer canapés
and fizz) I can see her warm and
enthusiastic nature shine through
her eyes. I’m set for a luxurious
experience, and I’m also very
relaxed. Michaela is ready to take
me on a fun adventure, there will
be no stuffiness here.
She began by asking me what
sort of smells I’m attracted to and
whether I’d like something that can
be detected from a distance or a
more close up experience for the
lucky person whose nostrils will
have the future privilege.
In times like these I’m perfectly
happy to have my perfume
detected at exactly a two metre
distance.
And how would I like my new
fragrance to make me feel? Well, I
think the innocent ship has sailed
so let’s go for sophisticated and
seductive.
Whether the aim is to find a
signature fragrance or something
for a special occasion, the most
important thing to Michaela is that
we find something I fall in love
with. Can a perfume deliver what
Tinder has failed to? My right hand
thumb is poised and I’m quietly
confident.
My favourite, and the one I
leave with, is The Tragedy of Lord
George. Infused with the scent of
shaving soap and warm rum this is
said to be a ‘traditional upstanding
fragrance with hidden secrets’.
This is definitely an aroma that
would appeal to men but when
I smell it on my skin I’m in love
with the serious, heady scent and
feel rather alluring in it. Reader, I
swiped right.
To book your fragrance profiling
session: Penhaligon’s, 33 George
Street, EH2 2HN. Tel 0131 220
3210.
Penhaligons.com
Pandemic is
not all doom
and gloom
Jim Campbell has learned to be
more mindful of wellbeing.
By Jim Campbell
For many of us, the Covid-19
pandemic and subsequent
lockdowns has pushed us to our
limits. We have been thrust into a
world of uncertainty, change, fear
and little control. Yet, it doesn’t
have to be all doom and gloom,
we can use it as an opportunity
to learn to be more mindful of our
wellbeing.
Like most things in life, learning
to live well is a practice and what
better time to start practicing than
now? I am no different, struggling
with stress, social distancing and
fear of my mortality. So here are
my tips on how I have risen to
the challenge of living well in a
pandemic.
Routine brings us control and
structure to our day. Despite losing
all my regular routines, I have
methodically adopted new ones.
Exercise gives us energy and lifts
our mood. I have found exercise
grounds me, moves me out of my
head and the constant thoughts.
Getting outside helps us connect
with the world. Especially in winter,
I have a tendency of not wanting
to go outside, but always feel
better afterwards.
Connecting with others allows
us to connect to ourselves. I
am a regular in a local café,
telling the owner how my day
has been, sharing my worries, it
brings a sense of belonging and
connection.
Starting a new project gives you
purpose in life. I have started a few
new projects, Zoom QiGong and
writing a daily blog about living in
lockdown.
Since lockdown began, I have
offered daily morning QiGong
for beginners on Zoom. It brings
routine, exercise, grounding,
relaxation, can be calming, moves
us out of our heads and connects
us with ourselves and others.
QiGong (pronounced Chi Gong)
is a movement meditation. It
is similar to Tai Chi, but with a
simpler form. The focus is on the
breath, movement and quietening
the mind. With daily practice, it
can benefit your general health,
posture, wellbeing and the flow of
energy. It is a way of balancing life
energy.
To find out more email:
jim@beyondbeliefmagic.co.uk

14
BUSINESS
A household legal name in the
Edinburgh property market has
become part of the ambitious
Aberdeins professional services
firm.
Simpson & Marwick will go out
on its own following an amicable
de-merger from global law firm
Clyde & Co.
The residential property
specialist’s 26-strong team will
move into dedicated new offices
and will continue to focus on
the buoyant property markets in
Edinburgh and East Lothian.
The firm has one of the best
recognised and most highly
trusted names in the Scottish
capital’s residential property
market and traces its roots back
to 1886.
The residential property division
was a niche area of the legal
practice when Simpson & Marwick
as a whole merged with and
changed its name to Clyde & Co in
2015.
Simpson & Marwick Partner,
Richard Loudon, who steps up
to Chairman after 41 years with
the firm, said: “We move with
the full support of Clyde & Co
as the services we offer are not
part of their global core areas of
expertise. The time is right, for
both Clyde & Co and ourselves, to
de-merge our residential property
The Edinburgh Reporter
Simpson & Marwick gear up for
residential property sector growth
Coronavirus has changed the
priority of home buyers, according
to the Edinburgh Solicitors
Property Centre (ESPC).
During the lockdown period in
spring, people spent a lot more
time in their home than they would
usually. Anecdotal evidence from
many ESPC agents suggested that
this led people to re-evaluate what
they need from a property.
Since restrictions on the property
market were relaxed at the end
of June, there has been a surge
in homes coming to market and
buyer demand, indicating a strong
desire to move home.
An ESPC spokesman said:
"According to many of our agents,
lockdown emphasised how
important an outdoor space is and
now many people are looking for a
property with a garden. Our ESPC
Lettings team have also reported
an increase in tenants asking
about gardens when looking into
division. I am delighted that we
can continue to protect the legacy
of the Simpson & Marwick brand
established in 1886. We will take
it forward into a new era, unlike
so many well established and
respected Edinburgh law firms that
have disappeared in recent years.”
Simpson & Marwick will become
part of the Aberdeins group,
the professional services firm
launched last month, with its
founder Rob Aberdein joining
Simpson & Marwick as Managing
Partner.
The existing Simpson & Marwick
team of Solicitor Director Bobby
Fife and Property Directors, Louisa
Simpson & Marwick chairman Richard Loudon (left)
and managing partner Rob Aberdein with their staff
More home time makes for change
rental properties.
"With more people working from
home, a study or home office is
also high on the wish list. For
many people, more space in the
home in order to accommodate
home working has been a priority
when searching for a new
property."
The steep rise in home working
also means that the commute
to the office is no longer as big a
Everyone has spent more time at home this year
Raistrick, Katie Macdonald and
Di Jennings, will continue to offer
decades of combined legal and
estate agency experience.
Bobby Fife added: “This is an
exciting move for our entire team.
The new firm will be traditional
in terms of a relentless focus on
client service, while also making
use of cutting-edge technology.”
Clyde & Co’s commercial real
estate team in Scotland is
unaffected by the move. Simpson
& Marwick’s Edinburgh team will
be moving to a new office in the
city’s West End while its East
Lothian office will remain at 88
High Street, North Berwick.
concern for lots of people.
Agents based in areas outside
of the city, like East Lothian and
the Borders, have reported an
increase in interest from people
in Edinburgh looking to move to
the country or the coast, although
homes in Edinburgh are also in
high demand, indicating that,
for many, the allure of city life
remains.
espc.com/find-an-agent
Be Bright Be Seen campaign
The City of Edinburgh Council
has begun a winter campaign to
remind all road users to take extra
care and look out for one another
as winter approaches.
Be Bright Be Seen urges everyone
to be particularly careful during
the darker months.Throughout
autumn and winter, they will be
sharing tips for travelling safely in
the dark mornings and evenings
online, on social media and in
advertising around the city.
Transport and Environment
Convener, Cllr Lesley Macinnes,
said: “Over recent months we’ve
seen the way people move around
the city change and a significant
rise in the number of trips by foot
or bike. We want to support people
to continue making these healthy,
active travel choices as the
weather turns colder and daylight
hours shorten.
“It’s essential that all road
users look out for one another
if everyone is to enjoy safe,
convenient journeys around
the city. Our Be Bright Be Seen
Campaign highlights the need
for all drivers to take extra care
of more vulnerable road users
while encouraging cyclists and
pedestrians to wear bright or
reflective clothes. Please keep
your vehicle speed down, paying
extra attention when weather
conditions are difficult and
remember Operation Close Pass,
which states that you must only
Discover the Royal Mile
Traders on the Royal Mile are
ready to welcome visitors in the
run up to Christmas.
Let us remind you of some of
the names of the local businesses
which offer unusual experiences,
gifts and things to treat yourself
to.
Camera Obscura World Of
Illusion - with timed bookings and
more space to enjoy the fabulous
illusions there has never been
a better time to visit. And don't
forget Mary King's Close where
you can discover the "town" below
the High Street.
Mimi's Little Bakehouse - just
one of the places the family run
business has in town where you
can enjoy a coffee and a cake in
peace - or take away and enjoy at
home.
Nic from Ragamuffin says they
have been buoyed by the support
of their customers. They have
beautiful clothes and knits from
Scotland and beyond to keep
overtake cyclists when it is safe to
do so and that you must give them
at least 1.5m space.
"Tips for road users include:
Drivers
"Take extra care in the dark and
keep an eye out for cyclists
and pedestrians, particularly at
junctions, who are not always
visible. Allow cyclists plenty of
room – at least as much room
as you would for another vehicle
(Operation Close Pass – Police
Scotland) Pay close attention to
vehicle speeds, particularly in poor
weather.
Cyclists and pedestrians
"Take extra care in the dark. Make
yourself as visible as you can -
wear bright clothes or reflective
accessories. Cyclists’ bikes must
have a front and rear light, which
must be lit.
"Pedestrians should look properly
before crossing and avoid
distractions such as mobile
phones.
"Since May the council has
implemented changes across
the city as part of the Spaces
for People programme to help
people walk, cycle and wheel while
maintaining physical distance.
"Measures include temporary
cycle lanes, widened footways and
road closures.
"The positive effect of these can
be helped by all road users looking
out for each other."
you cosy. Barnetts Shoes is an
Edinburgh institution selling good
quality footwear, and if you don't
know the name your feet have
been missing out.
Whiskibar is a multi award
winning whisky bar and Scottish
restaurant on the Royal Mile, full
of character and with a brilliant
atmosphere. And Jeffrey Street
Whisky was opened in 2014 by
four like-minded individuals, with a
passion for whisky and all things
tobacco. "We bring with us a
breath of fresh air to the industry
and an efficiency not yet rivalled".
Calzeat is one of Scotland's
premier manufacturers of high
quality jacquard textile products
with an emphasis on design, value
and customer service.
Cranachan & Crowdie offer the
best food and drink from around
Scotland. You can send hampers
of goodies or buy them for
yourself. Watch out for our Royal
Mile feature next month.

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk BUSINESS 15
Farr Out are way ahead
Looking for good news stories
during lockdown we kept bumping
into Farr Out Deliveries, the bicycle
courier service, whether in the
street or online.
Farr Out is worker-owned and
run, and they will deliver almost
anything for you on their cargo
bikes. The business started with
three friends, Alex Fitzhowle,
25, David Squire, 30, and Frazer
Martin, 31, all looking for
something useful to do during the
pandemic that would also bring in
a wage.
We spoke to Alex who was
looking quite energetic even
though it was at the end of a long
day. He said: "It's good to be busy.
Before this I was working in food
events and was planning a food
festival. Suddenly, I had to let
everybody know it wasn't taking
place and so running this business
has been a really rewarding way
of staying in touch with people in
that business, but being useful
too."
Each rider probably covers
between 30 to 60 miles a day,
although clearly some of their
The St James Quarter will add
fashion brands Kurt Geiger and
Carvela to its line up when it opens
in spring 2021. The pair have
signed up on a combined 3,394 sq
ft space.
The fashion footwear brands,
which have taken 1,991 sq ft, and
1,403 sq ft respectively, will be
situated on level three of St James
Quarter, together with Tommy
Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Russell &
Bromley, Peloton, Zara and H&M.
The fashion line up at St James
Quarter includes: & Other Stories,
Mango, Bershka, Pull & Bear,
Stradivarius, Next, H&M, JD Sports,
days are longer than others.
(Frazer apparently claims to be
in the best physical shape he has
ever been in.)
Farr Out have spoken to other
cargo bike related businesses in
the UK and were given some really
useful advice by those already
in the know. These businesses
are based in cities such as York,
Oxford, Bristol, Bath and London.
What they all have in common is
that they are based in historical
cities with small footprints, and
Edinburgh St James - home of new retail
Dune, as well as the concessions
in John Lewis.
Kurt Geiger opened on Bond
Street in 1963. Since then it has
created a sister brand, Carvela,
and offers stylish footwear and
accessories to all ages. With
more than 70 shops worldwide,
Kurt Geiger has imposed itself as
the number one footwear retailer.
Since 2007, the brands have been
expanding into the Middle East,
Europe as well as North America
and East Asia.
Chris Pyne, head of leasing for St
James Quarter, said: “Kurt Geiger
and Carvela are outstanding
condensed city centres, not all
of which are easily adapted to
vehicular traffic. Of course in
Edinburgh the big difference is
that we have hills, but bikes have
power assist.
Alex explained the business
model. He said: "For us the
biggest thing is that we are not
selling something as such - but
we suggest to everyone that they
use the small independents who
employ us.
"We will also have a directory on
our new website showcasing all
the businesses who support us
by employing us to deliver their
goods. We work with breweries,
bakers, bookshops, coffee
roasters, picklers, gift shops
and clothing shops. It is a nice
list of independent Edinburgh
businesses.
"As well as our business
customers however, members
of the public are now in touch
more and more often to get single
items delivered. Two things we
are most often asked: "Can we
beat Deliveroo? Are we hiring? The
answer to both of those is no - not
at the moment."
It may not be long till they are
however.
farroutdeliveries@gmail.com
Alex Fitzhowle and David Squire of Farr Out Deliveries
brands, complementing our now
unrivalled line-up at St James
Quarter. We’re very excited to
add two more leading names in
fashion to the mix at St James
Quarter.”
Kurt Geiger Retail Director,
Ross Warden, said: “We’re excited
to be joining this incredible
development to Edinburgh’s retail
scene as we continue to expand
our retail offering throughout the
UK. We look forward to opening
both our Kurt Geiger and exciting
new Carvela stores at St James
Quarter.”
AccelerateHER gets up to
speed with sixth awards
Jackie Waring, CEO of award organisers Investing Women
Female entrepreneurs are revving
up for the AccelerateHER Awards.
Businesswomen who have
founded a company are invited to
enter the sixth year of the awards
which has many benefits for the
winners. Deadline for entries is
Friday 4 December.
There is a mentoring package
delivered by Investing Women
Angels on offer, and potentially
a place on a trade mission to
Europe, North America or the
Middle East, depending on travel
restrictions.
There are four categories:
Medtech and Science, FinTech
and Cyber Security, CleanTech and
Climate or Disruptive Innovation.
Jackie Waring, CEO and founder
of AccelerateHER, said: “While
Covid-19 has had a profound
impact on the global economy, it
has not stopped female founders
Tech Army enlist for food banks
Food banks across Scotland
are set to receive a digital boost
from the Scottish Tech Army
(STA). The volunteer tech experts
are supporting the roll-out of a
volunteer management system at
food banks across the country.
The new system will help these
essential services to effectively
manage shift patterns, rotas and
communications, helping food
banks manage a rise in use due to
the impact of Covid-19.
STA is collaborating with the
Trussell Trust, which supports 137
food banks across Scotland, to
implement the roll out of volunteer
management system Assemble,
to aid interactions between food
banks and its volunteers.
Laura Ferguson, operations
manager for Scotland at the
Trussell Trust, said: “In the shortterm
tools such as Assemble will
help food banks in our network
with administrative systems,
allowing time to be freed up so
teams can focus on helping people
from continuing to excel across
the business community. We
are therefore determined this
important event will proceed and,
after our success in staging last
year’s finals as a virtual event, we
are confident we can deliver the
full 2021 programme on a virtual
basis.
“Our awards support Scotlandfocused
businesswomen by giving
them an ideal platform to promote
their companies and attract initial
or additional investment to help
them grow their business on a
global scale. I would urge any
ambitious female founder who
wants to raise her company’s
profile on an international stage
to enter the awards. This includes
those whose businesses are only
at concept stage who could secure
recognition through the Rising
Star category.”
who need support the most.”
Assemble works as a centralised
database that accommodates
volunteer sign-up, data collection
and communication and will be
launched initially in Edinburgh,
Cupar, Aberdeenshire and
Shetland, with plans to roll-out
the software nationwide later this
year.
Since its launch in April, STA
has seen its ranks swell to more
than 1,000 volunteers who are
helping to deliver and support
over 150 projects across Scotland,
many of which benefit charitable
organisations.
Alistair Forbes, Founding Director
of the Scottish Tech Army, said:
“Food banks provide an essential
service to thousands of families
and we are proud to be supporting
the Trussell Trust in the roll out
of its software. We hope to create
a long-term partnership that will
see STA volunteers work closely
with this vital charity, supporting
communities across Scotland."
Use lights at night
Make sure you'’’re visible in the dark

16
FEATURE
The Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh Collected
A photo of a children’s party in Granton taken in 1948.
The children include Kay and Rosalind Rattray. Edinburgh Collected is an online community photo archive managed by Edinburgh Libraries.
Add your own memories to help preserve the city’s history particularly during the coronavirus pandemic for the future. Edinburgh Collected will also add your
contributions to the ‘Edinburgh 2020 – coronavirus pandemic’ scrapbook if you send them appropriate shots with a bit of narrative to to with them.
www.edinburghcollected.org
Crossword by David Albury Answers on page 20
Across
1. An auld form of carriage (6)
5. A meal tapers away (6)
8. Deface nut, in order to impregnate it (9)
9. Part of step I define as being lukewarm (5)
11. In the re-run it appears as a single element (4)
12. Man coined a new expression for these
Balkan people (10)
13. One tempo suitable for this piece of
programme music (4, 4)
15. Wild dance from Burma (5)
17. I might begin unusual experiment
initially in order to tinge something (5)
19. Cut up fir and mix into this nonalcoholic
drink (5, 3)
22. Parties use new method to sterilise milk (10)
23. A roc ? No, a genus of killer-whale (4)
25. One is disturbed by sound (5)
26. Ban a tribe from joining a body of
religious leaders (9)
27. Knelt a bit awkwardly, revealing
ornamental chain (6)
28. Wren in first position ? (6)
Down
2. Caution about bidding here ? (7)
3. Make a hollow in the surface of a hidden
trunk (4)
4. New auras appear unexpectedly (8)
5. Severe problem with these high officials (6)
6. Rip up root to use with mixed petals and
spices (3, 6) (3, 6)
7. So, his MP is confused by false
argument (7)
8. Fit neat fin upon this writing
implement (8, 3)
10. Talented pal might use one to
straighten his teeth (6, 5)
14. Wild mice peel a fruit bit by bit (9)
16. Rob's cows injured by this weapon (8)
18. Obtains new fortified tower (7)
20. Can gear change cause slaughter ? (7)
21. Rod, try to prevent timber decay (3-3)
24. Put one's name to order for
replacement gins (4)
Wondrous Woods caught by photographer John Preece
Wondrous Woods at Hopetoun
Designed and produced by 21CC
Group and set in the grounds of
Hopetoun House, you can now
enjoy Scotland’s first lighting trail.
Billed as a "sound, lighting and
effects extravaganza", it starts
and finishes at the House. A 2 km
woodland trail begins through the
enchanting wrought iron gates
to the north, leading visitors to
unique and unseen areas of the
grounds of Hopetoun, until 15
November.
wondrouswoods.com

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk FOOD 17
Juliet's Food Diary - cutie tootsie clooties
By Juliet Lawrence Wilson
There’s plenty of doom and
gloom to consider at the moment
and despite the FM's reassurance
that Santa is indeed a Key Worker
I’m not much looking forward
to sipping – who am I kidding –
glugging mulled wine on my tod.
As the nights draw in one thing
depressing me about the pub and
restaurant closures isn’t just the
lack of atmosphere in town but the
absence of reassuring lights, open
doors and people. I’m sure I’m not
alone in the gratitude the nightime
industries do for us all socially
but they also offer us safety. Even
during the early evening the feeling
in town is rather sinister and as
usual rarely a police car to be
seen.
Crowdfunding has become a
welcome way of helping smaller
businesses expand and Bross
Bagels are inviting the many and
loyal lovers of their Montreal-style
bagels to help them create their
own bakery. You can become a
Bross Poss, where £100 gets you
£120 of bagel vouchers or a Share
Holer where £1000 gives you four
years of a £100 bagel voucher with
your £1k investment back in full at
Oleg Dmitriev from Independent
Wines - a business which only
started up this year - offers some
advice on choosing wines for the
festive season.
Christmas is all about eating,
drinking and being merry. It's the
time of year where we splash
a little extra cash to make our
friends, family and colleagues feel
loved.
If you're planning on giving wine
as a gift, now is the time to put
your old favourites down and step
things up a notch.
After the year we've had,
everyone needs something extra
special. That's where the Wines of
Christmas come in. Each one has
its own 'X Factor' – these aren't
your everyday wines. From big
blockbusting reds to high altitude
whites, this is our pick of the best
Christmas gifts for wine lovers.
1. ForteMasso Barolo Castelletto
2015
Presented in a black wooden
gift box, this blockbusting Barolo
makes quite an impressive red
wine gift. It comes from the
excellent 2015 vintage – possibly
the best vintage for Barolo this
decade. This deep ruby wine spent
30 months in oak and was then
Clootie dumplings, the perfect Christmas gift
the end. Both include some party
invites and social media thank
yous. You’ll notice the latter option
is a loan with bagel interest rather
than an investment.
Apparently using "Holer", rather
than "holder" was "too good a pun
to miss", and goodness knows
they’ve milked that one more than
the asps for Cleopatra’s bath. We
must be thankful that Mama Bross
was inspired by the savoury treats
of her home town Montreal, rather
than hailing from Aberdeenshire.
Brossbagels.com
Desperate for a half term
Festive fine wines worth splashing out on
aged in bottle to allow its powerful
flavours and aromas to mellow
and mingle. Expect flavours of
black cherry, raisins, Christmas
spice and a savoury touch of
leather.
This award-winning wine will
happily age for another 20 years,
making it an excellent present for
any wine collectors in your life.
2. Castello di Radda Vigna Il
Corno Gran Selezione 2014
This exceptional wine is a Gran
Selezione – a type of wine that's
only made in the very best years.
Each grape used to produce this
Chianti Classico was grown in one
vineyard - in an area of Tuscany
known as Il Corno (the horn). Five
months of lees aging, followed
by 20 months in barrel, gives this
wine an exceptionally well-rounded
taste. Red berry fruit, spice and
vanilla are the main flavours and it
has incredibly velvety tannins.
One for real Chianti
connoisseurs.
3. Francone Barbaresco Fausoni
2016
Deep, rich and complex - this
wine is a true masterpiece. It
comes from a vineyard in one
of the best cru regions of Neive,
which is itself one of the most
activity, I followed up a friend’s
recommendation try the
Chocolatarium on Cranston
Street, just off the Royal Mile. I
mean who doesn’t like chocolate?
Weirdos, that’s who. My well
balanced daughter is reassuringly
mad for the stuff so learning
about chocolate production and
history was an added bonus to an
afternoon of indulgent tasting. The
experience of the afternoon was
made really special by our guide
Ava who’s knowledge was equally
matched by her enthusiasm
and sense of fun. My daughter's
favourite part was making her
important areas in the Barbaresco
DOCG. Grapes grow on a southwest
slope and gently ripen in the
afternoon sunlight before being
hand-picked in October. The wine
has a truly powerful flavour, thanks
own chocolate bar with unlimited
sprinkles available. I particularly
liked the huge range of chocolate
we got to taste and the end, many
made by local artisan producers.
Chocolatarium.co.uk
Even more cheerful than Ava, if
it’s possible, was the charming
lady at the Clootie McToots
dumpling shop in Abernethy.
Should you know people who
dress up cats or dogs in cosplay
costumes, please visit this shop
and view the madness, or genius,
if you will, on an entirely different
level of eccentricity. Browsing
to the two years it spends aging in
French oak barrels.
Flavours include dried
blackberries, tobacco, leather and
nutmeg with a supremely long
finish.
round the small shop, it’s initially
innocent enough - jams, chutneys,
artisan chocolate, nothing to be
concerned about. However, we had
gone in to buy a clootie dumpling,
as this company are well known
for their excellence in dumpling
slapping production. My mother
says you have to slap a dumpling
or it doesn’t taste right - they
don’t call her 50 Shades of Clootie
for nothing. We’re invited to try
some samples, all hygienically
wrapped, and they are utterly
delicious. Tasting aside, her other
mission is to draw our attention
to the clootie dumpling packaged
characters - Harry Potter, Mary
Queen of Scots, The Big Yin, aka
Billy Connolly, and many other
dressed up dumplings as well as a
bride and groom version. However
our hostess's proudest product is
an Obi-Wan Kenobi clootie with its
own glowing lightsabre.
Have I ever seen anything so
delightfully bonkers in my entire
life? I think not.
These fascinating figurines also
come with a weighted bag so
their hand made costumes can
live on as doorstops long after
their yummy contents have been
scoffed. They also have a range
wrapped in Doddie Weir tartan
with a proceed of profits going to
his foundation, a delicious and
thoughtful Christmas gift, should
you decide to start your shopping
early.
If pudding isn’t your thing, a slice
of fried clootie with black pudding
and a poached egg stacked on top
makes an epic winter breakfast.
Clootiemctootsdumplings.com
All these delightful wines are
available for next day delivery from
Independent Wine – an Edinburghbased
wine merchant from their
website.
www.independent.wine

18
WHAT'S ON
The Edinburgh Reporter
No hiding place for Hidden Door Festival
If you haven't heard of Hidden
Door then we need to know where
you have been hiding.
This is the arts festival which
has opened up urban spaces as
a platform for new and emerging
artists, musicians, theatre makers,
performers, filmmakers and poets.
The first festival was staged in
the Market Street vaults in 2014.
Since then Hidden Door rekindled
the idea of Leith Theatre's
rebirth. In person events this
year have been cancelled but the
organisation will bring you some
culture, even in the dark days of
November and December.
The fortnightly online shows to
their creatives will explore issues
raised by the pandemic and the
effect that has had on the creative
industries, mental health and our
society.
David Martin, Creative Director
of Hidden Door, said: “Hidden Door
has always been about trying
to generate opportunities for
emerging artists, using whatever
resources that are around us as
creatively as possible.
"While in the past this may have
been about using buildings that
have been lying empty, this time
it is about using online space in a
Three day opening for Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait
Gallery will reopen on 8 November
with a new exhibition, You Are
Here 2020: Stories, Portraits,
Visions.
This will feature contributions
from the public and well-known
figures such as the portrait of
Emeli Sandé, painted by Samira
Addo who won Sky Arts Portrait
Artist of the Year 2018.
The gallery will open for three
days a week from early November
to 10 January 2021 when the
arrangement will be reviewed.
Initially visitors will be welcomed
from Sunday to Tuesday inclusive.
When the Portrait Gallery
reopens, visitors will be able to
Emeli Sandé by Samira Addo will be on show
new and imaginative way.
“Artists and creatives have been
hugely hit by the restrictions
brought about by the pandemic.
They need support more than ever
before, so we are delighted to be
able to invite a range of visionary
artists to use Hidden Door's online
resources as creatively as they
dare; to share their ideas, give
our audience a glimpse into the
magical alchemy of how they
make their work, and orchestrate
a series of online projects and
live stream shows that will stand
out from all the rest, and bring
us all a little bit closer to genuine
creativity in this difficult and
challenging time.”
28 October – 10 November:
The fortnightly show will be live streamed until May 2021 on facebook.com/hiddendoor
enjoy the artwork on the ground
floor, including the magnificent
Great Hall, the ambulatory on the
first floor and the galleries on the
second floor.
There were 120 submissions for
inclusion in the new exhibition,
and a rotating selection of these
will be shown along with five
striking examples of portraiture
from the national collection.
These include two bronze busts
of influential women Scots Makar
Jackie Kay and the pioneering
Dr Elsie Inglis; a photograph and
display of work prints by Iain
Stewart from his series Tender, for
which he shadowed two Edinburgh
GPs; Man Up, a video work
featuring Mercury Prize-winning
Edinburgh band Young Fathers;
and the Emeli Sandé portrait.
Sir John Leighton, Director
General of the National Galleries of
Scotland said: “We are delighted to
be opening the Scottish National
Portrait Gallery again with an
exhibition featuring people’s
experiences of 2020. We have
received many queries from the
public asking when they can visit
again, so I’m really pleased that
we have found a way to manage
this demand within the constraints
that Covid-19 has placed on us.
This will mean that all four of the
Gallery sites will once again be
open and that once again we will
be able to share the full breadth of
our collection.
“I am very grateful to all the
colleagues at the National
Galleries who have worked very
hard to create a safe and engaging
experience for our audiences
and I am also grateful to our
visitors for their loyal support. The
Portrait Gallery has always been
a place that helps us to recognise
individuals, experiences and spark
conversations, so we hope that
the public will once again enjoy
the beautiful surroundings and
artwork.”
Modern One will open on 5
November for three days each
week - Thursday to Saturday
inclusive. Modern Two is open
seven days and the first exhibition
is the exquisite Ray Harryhausen:
Titan of Cinema. Not to be missed.
nationalgalleries.org/visit
Florence Richardson artist
11 – 24 November: Tess Letham
dancer
2 -15 December: MALKA (Tamara
Schlesinger) musician
2 – 12 January: Miriam Mallelieu
artist
Series 1 of the live shows:
hiddendoorblog.org/live/
Craft Week
Scotland
The first ever Craft Week
Scotland will take place this
month from 9-15 November.
It has been developed by
Craft Scotland as a nationwide
initiative to raise awareness of
the vibrant craft sector. They
also hope to boost sales for
makers and craft destinations.
The event will showcase the
work of internationally renowned
and emerging makers working
in everything from furniture and
jewellery to ceramics, textiles,
glass and more.
Some craft destinations will
welcome visitors subject to
government guidelines, and there
are online talks to enjoy too.
From Orkney to Dumfries and
Galloway, Scotland is home to
over 3000 makers and businesses
working in contemporary craft.
Scotland’s vibrant craft scene
sees makers from around the
world move to Scotland and
joining home grown makers and
emerging talent.
Craft Scotland Director, Irene
Kernan, said: “As the national
development agency for
craft, one of Craft Scotland's
key aims is to promote high
quality contemporary craft
practice locally, nationally and
internationally. Feedback from
our recent Covid-19 Impact
Surveys demonstrated the serious
economic impact of the pandemic
on Scotland’s craft sector and
participants highlighted that both
makers and craft destinations
need increased support in
reaching audiences."
Kellock in the
thick of it
Edinburgh pianist Brian Kellock
heads up the UK launch of New
Zealand-based Thick Records, a
jazz label run by Scottish drummer
John Rae from Wellington, New
Zealand where he now lives.
The initial release includes
Think About It! – the first album
by Kellock’s trio, BK3, since their
BBC Jazz Award-winning Live at
Henry’s, recorded in Henry’s Cellar
Bar in 2001. Kellock also appears
with Rae’s trio on Where the Wild
Clematis and the third album to be
released as part of the launch is
Uncouth and Without Form.
Rae explained why he chose
Kellock's album. He said: “I first
met Brian when I was seventeen.
I’d just returned to Scotland
from the Soviet Union, where I’d
been working as a drummer on
a Soviet cruise liner, and Brian
was studying classical music at
Edinburgh University. We’ve been
playing in each other’s groups
ever since. That’s almost 37
years and what makes Brian so
special to work with, apart from
his outrageous virtuosity and
fantastic knowledge of the jazz
repertoire, is that I always know
he’ll be committed to the concept,
regardless of the consequences."
The three albums are being
released in digital form only.
“We thought about the ‘to CD or
not to CD’ question for some time,”
says Rae. “Personally, I have no
CD slot in my computer, or in my
car, TV or home. I have piles of old
CD’s sitting inboxes in my garage
and at some point I have either
downloaded the music or listened
to them online through a variety of
sources. I think a lot of people are
in the same situation and it boils
down to the music being what’s
important.”
Rae appreciates that there are
still people who want to have
music stored physically in some
kind of artefact. So his solution,
at least in New Zealand, has
been to make Thick Records
releases available on what he
calls a ‘Weasel.’ A personalised
2GB USB stick that holds audio
files, recording information,
hyperlinks to the artist’s webpage,
photos and, occasionally, music
scores of the songs, the Weasel
has the advantage of being
environmentally friendly.
“Not only does it avoid the
excess packaging, printing
and plastic associated with CD
manufacture, but any previously
purchased Weasel can also be
recycled and uploaded with the
artist’s current release instantly at
gigs - along with the added benefit
of extra content and bonus tracks.
"We can’t roll this out in the UK
at the moment, due to there being
very few gigs happening. It’s
something for the not too distant
future but right now, people can
download and enjoy the music
that way.”
thickrecords.co.nz

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk WHAT'S ON 19
Raise a glass to Fizz Fridays
Wine expert Diana Thompson is
hoping to chase away the winter
blues with an online winter wine
festival.
Although there are mid week
events we think the best idea is to
rev up towards the weekend with
one of her Five Fizz Fridays each
one featuring a different kind of
fizz.
Diana said: "Even though we
can't have Fizz Feast this year, it's
not going to stop us enjoying a
bonanza of bubbles this autumn.
We're going to be popping plenty
of corks together across Zoom
Andrea Wirsching of the Hans Wirsching Winery,
left, and Diana Thompson. PHOTO: Shannon Tofts
Largest Harryhausen exhibition on now
By Phyllis Stephen
The largest and most
comprehensive exhibition of
Harryhausen paraphernalia ever
shown is now on. The movie
maker and producer who inspired
others like Stephen Spielberg and
George Lucas was a one man band
who nowadays would be replaced
by the thousands of animators and
artists creating CGI films.
The National Galleries of
Scotland are devoting the
entire gallery to a thrilling and
immersive exhibition all about the
unparalleled work of the late Ray
Harryhausen (1920-2012), who
would have celebrated his 100th
birthday this summer.
It was his work and his movies
Ray with camera and Krakan (Clash of the Titans)
during five very special Fizz
Fridays. It is a chance to get
together safely, learn something
new and enjoy ourselves. What
could be more fun than trying
out fabulous fizz and starting
your weekend off with a touch of
sparkle?
"These online tastings are a great
way to join with friends, family and
like-minded wine lovers to find out
more about your favourite fizz, or
try something new. I switched my
regular tastings to Zoom during
lockdown and they all sold out, so
I know people enjoyed them. The
which shaped the face of modern
cinema. The exhibition is the
largest and most comprehensive
exhibition of the art of the
Harryhausen to date. He elevated
stop-motion to an art-form
between the 1950s-1980s, with
films such as Clash of the Titans,
Jason and the Argonauts with the
iconic skeleton warriors, and The
7th Voyage of Sinbad.
I joined an online talk about the
exhibition hosted by the Director
of the Scottish National Galleries
of Modern Art, Simon Groom,
speaking with Ray Harryhausen’s
daughter, Vanessa Harryhausen,
and filmmaker, John Walsh, both of
whom are trustees of The Ray and
Diana Harryhausen Foundation.
tastings are giving people a reason
to get together online – as much
fun as a quiz can be, it’s quite nice
to have other options too. I’ve
designed all of these tastings to
be unique, so different sparkling
wine styles feature in each one,
and I’ve kept costs as low as
possible."
Each live tasting is hosted by
Diana and lasts an hour. Three
sparkling wines are tasted during
each session, with information
about the wine itself, where it is
from, the history behind it, as well
as what to drink it with.
Teaming up with independent
wine producers and merchants
Diana offers wines including
French Crémant, made using the
same technique as Champagne,
but is from outside the
Champagne region, sparkling rosé,
Méthode Cap Classique wine from
South Africa, also made by the
same bottle-fermented method
as champagne, and a Taittinger
Champagne tasting.
"Best of the Bubbles’" will
highlight special offers on
sparkling wines available in
supermarkets that are particularly
good value."
wineeventsscotland.co.uk
They discussed Ray's life and
work. For Vanessa, the memories
of coming home from boarding
school and running upstairs to see
her father were all associated with
him drawing and making models in
a little annexe off his attic studio.
She commented that it might have
been a bit of a lonely existence for
him, working alone, and that he
was a very hard worker. She said:
"He had so many talents, and he
never turned me away. He was
very kind and patient and always
welcomed me in. He put a lot of
thought into his characters and
wanted people to enjoy the magic
of the films. It is astonishing that it
is now 40 years since Clash of the
Titans and 80 since his work on
film began. This exhibition takes
up a whole gallery and he would
have been so thrilled to see it."
Her fellow trustee, John
Walsh, was fortunate to meet
Harryhausen in his home studio
several times, the first when he
was making a documentary about
his work narrated by Tom Baker.
The Foundation was set up
to gather and maintain all the
artefacts of the artist's life and
work, of which there are around
50,000.
Needless to say they are not
all on display in Edinburgh, but
you should expect something
remarkable when you book your
visit to Modern Two.
Ray Harryhausen | Titan of
Cinema runs at Scottish National
Gallery of Modern Art (Modern
Two) until 5 September 2021.
www.nationalgalleries.org/
Rosie's new
single release
Edinburgh singer songwiter
Rosie Nimmo is releasing a single
'Choices' from her forthcoming
album Where TIme Suspends
this month. The album will
be published in the new year,
although it is available online now.
Rosie says about the new song:
"Is it just me who finds decision
making really hard? I don't think
so.... I had just learned to play the
guitar part for My Funny Valentine,
a song I sing in the jazz duo I'm
in and really loved some of the
descending chords, so I wrote
my own song using some of
these chords to try to incorporate
some more skilled playing in my
repertoire."
Author Ian Rankin has already
tweeted about the album. He said
it is one of four albums which were
making up his soundtrack of the
week. He also called it 'beautiful'
which is high praise indeed.
Rosie has been singing jazz and
blues for several years, including
performances at the Edinburgh
Jazz Festival and the Book
Festival.
www.rosienimmo.com
Book Week
Scotland 2020
Scottish Book Trust has
launched Book Week Scotland’s
2020 programme, which focuses
on the theme of Future.
The national charity changing
lives through reading and writing,
will stage this week online - and
you can join in.
Book Week Scotland is the
country’s biggest celebration of
reading and writing and it returns
for its ninth year from Monday
16 November to Sunday 22
November. Although there will be
no face-to-face events this year,
the Digital Festival has a stellar
line-up including award-winning
author Denise Mina; actress and
comedian Ruby Wax; bestselling
crime writer Louise Welsh and
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
To begin the programme, writer
Luke Winter joins Book Week
Scotland for Dial a Story, a live
writing service that will take
place in Edinburgh on Monday
16 November. Stationed at the
Scottish Book Trust phonebox,
Luke will be available to write
personalised stories on his
typewriter, which will be mailed to
the participant. Members of the
public can call Luke on 07818 173
266 between 11am and 2pm.
There will also be the opportunity
for the public to take part in
an online treasure hunt on
Scottish Book Trust’s social
media channels to win a Zoom
appointment with Luke Winter.
During the session, he will write
a unique story for the winner: a
perfect Christmas present for a
loved one or friend.
Fallas blossoms
at Southside
art gallery
Southside gallery, Art & Craft
Collective, presents an exhibition
of Deborah Fallas’ still life original
acrylic paintings of flowers and
fruit until 19 December.
This is the first in a new series of
‘featured artist’ exhibitions which
will each run for an eight week
period.
Deborah explained the
background to her art. Her
favourite subject is flowers, as
it reflects her love of colour and
nature.
She said: “I also only paint what
I myself would like to have on
my wall at home. If I wouldn’t be
happy looking at it every day, I
won’t paint it.
“I particularly love big full blooms
as I feel they are a celebration
of colour and life. I feel happy
creating my work and I would love
to think my paintings make other
people happy too.”
Deborah’s work is bright
and joyful with strong colour
combinations. Energetic and
impactful with loose, bold
brushstrokes.
Originally from Aberdeen, she
has lived in the Scottish Borders
for more than 30 years after
moving there to study.
After graduating she worked in
the clothing industry, and then
started to work for herself in the
late nineties. In the past few years,
looking for an additional outlet for
creative ideas, she has returned to
painting, which she always loved.
She paints exclusively in acrylics
as she loves the bright colours she
can achieve with them and their
versatility.
She has taken part in the Borders
Art Fair, Art at Ancrum and a
number of local exhibitions in the
Scottish Borders, an area which
will always be a huge source of
inspiration.
Opening hours: Tuesday to
Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Art & Craft Collective 93
Causewayside, EH9 1QG. 0131 629
9123 / 0780 1581674.
www.artcraftcollective.co.uk

20
FEATURE
The Edinburgh Reporter
Gothic spire speaks volumes for Scott
Words and photos by Martin P
McAdam
Sir John Robert Steell (18
September 1804 – 15 September
1891) is one of Edinburgh’s most
prolific sculptors.
His works include the statue
of Sir Walter Scott (1771- 1832)
sitting with his faithful deerhound,
Steell's statue of Sir Walter Scott
By Stephen Rafferty
Setting up a jewellery business
during the lockdown was not so
much a lightbulb moment as a
necessity for Erin Budden.
The technical sales executive
at the EICC was one of a number
of staff furloughed at the events
venue and she had to find
something to occupy her time.
So pulling on her childhood
days when playing around with
jewellery with her mum, and
inspiration from a stay in Australia,
Erin launched Chandelier & Skittles
and is now shipping custom-made
earrings around the world.
Erin, 27, said: “During lockdown,
I knew I would have to do
something creative, otherwise
I would go insane, so I had to
find something to keep me busy.
When I was younger, mum and me
would muck about with jewellery
as you do, so I guess that was an
influence, and then when I went
to Australia a couple of years
ago, I came across lots and lots
of earrings styled like I had never
seen before.”
She ordered materials and
started experimenting by creating
different styles of earrings and
brooches for friends and family,
and to her surprise she found they
were a hit, with requests coming in
to make more as gifts.
"I started off just doing it for
myself, I made a couple of nice
brooches for my mum, she
showed them to a few of her
friends and I sent a few pics to
some friends across the country
who said they would like some for
Maida, under the Scott Monument
on Princes Street. One cannot
visit Edinburgh without seeing
the impressive gothic monument
to one of the country’s greatest
poets and novelists, sitting in East
Princes Street Gardens. The spire
rises to a height of 61 metres and
is constructed from sandstone
from the Binny Quarry located near
Erin's earrings hit the sweet spot
birthday gifts.Before lockdown I
always believed I was not creative
- I can’t draw, I can’t play an
instrument, but it is funny how you
can find different things you can
do. The more materials I ordered
online the more I found I had to
watch tutorials, videos and read
blogs, and I really got into it.”
Erin describes her range as
“bold, unique, statement pieces”
and they can be ordered in a
multitude of colours with a choice
of different backings to cater
for customers with particular
allergens. Prices range from
approximately £6 to £15 and
Erin Budden @chandelier_and_skittles and on Etsy
Broxburn in West Lothian. The
base of the monument is formed
from arched diagonal buttresses
creating a square vault above the
statue of Scott.
The architect was shepherd's son
George Michael Kemp, a carpenter
and self taught architect.
Following Scott’s death in 1832,
the architect William Burn and
Erin offers free UK postage. She
has also received orders from
Amsterdam, Hawaii and Texas.
She is working on a range of
clip-on earrings for younger girls
and has designed a range of
bookmarks for the Christmas
market.
Crossword Answers by David Albury
The name Chandelier & Skittles
came from an automatic business
name generator. Erin added:
“Chandelier is supposed to sound
like earrings but I thought it was
so daft I wouldn’t even think about
it, but it just stuck. Now with each
order, I include a small packet of
Skittles sweets as an extra.”
Across: 1. Landau, 5. Repast, 8. Fecundate, 9. Tepid, 11. Unit,
12. Macedonian, 13. Tone poem, 15. Rumba, 17. Imbue, 19. Fruit cup,
22. Pasteurise, 23. Orca, 25. Noise, 26. Rabbinate, 27. Anklet, 28. Winner.
Down: 2. Auction, 3. Dent, 4. Unawares, 5. Reeves, 6. Pot pourri,
7. Sophism, 8. Fountain pen, 10. Dental plate, 14. Piecemeal,
16. Crossbow, 18. Bastion, 20. Carnage, 21. Dry-rot, 24 Sign.
The Duke of Buccleuch formed
a committee and launched a
competition to create a monument
to Scott. Kemp was shortlisted
in third place from 55 entrants.
He had entered the competition
under the name John Morvo,
the medieval master mason of
Melrose Abbey.
The committee could not agree
a final design and asked the final
three entrants to submit more
designs and drawings. Kemp had
worked in the office of William
Burn where perhaps he had
perfected some architectural
skill and he somehow won the
competition.
The foundation stone was laid
on 15 August 1840 on solid rock
at a depth of 16 metres below the
level of the street. Construction
began in 1841 with permission
under Parliament's Monument to
Sir Walter Scott Act and ran for
nearly four years. The builder was
David Lind, great nephew of Lord
Provost George Lind. Works were
completed in 1844, and Kemp's
son placed the finial at the top
as his father had drowned the
previous March after falling into
the Union Canal on his way home
after a contractors' meeting.
The Scott Monument has
been referred to as “the largest
monument in the world dedicated
to a writer”, but unfortunately
this is not true. The José Martí
Memorial in Havana, Cuba,
The Edinburgh Sketcher
Mark, The Edinburgh Sketcher
runs sketching workshops.
These are usually organised
at various sites around the city
including the city centre, the New
Town and Leith.
Mark will teach you his tips and
techniques for sketching quickly
on the go in a relaxed way. No
experience is necessary as he will
give you a step-by -tep guide. Book
on his website and you could soon
be capturing the world around you
in ink and watercolours.
As the lockdown has meant no in
person workshops can go ahead
Mark has teamed up with artist
Art skills will blossom with Mark
takes that title, reaching 109
metres, 48 metres higher than
the Scott Monument. The Cuban
memorial has a lift taking visitors
to an observation deck above
Havana. Those wishing to see
a panorama of Edinburgh will
brave an increasingly narrow
spiral staircase - but the view is
spectacular.
The statue of Scott was sculpted
by Steell from a single 30 tonne
block of Italian Carrara marble.
Apparently on first being loaded
on an Italian ship, either the ship
sank or the marble fell into the
harbour. The statue shows Scott
seated, holding presumably one
of his works in his hands with
his faithful his dog Maida by his
side and named after the battle
which took place near the town of
Maida in Calabria, southern Italy,
on the 4 July 1806. Maida was a
gift from Alexander Macdonell, a
friend of Scott, and whose brother
apparently led the victorious 78th
Highlanders into the battle for the
British against the French during
the Napoleonic Wars.
The Binny quarry was reopened
for the restoration works carried
out by The City of Edinburgh
Council in 1998. Unfortunately the
marble statue has been vandalised
and on closer inspection a range
of graffiti can be seen both on
Scott’s head and on the book that
he is holding.
and teacher Cassandra Harrison
to provide a fortnightly 75 minute
Zoom workshop looking at various
artists work, their processes and
art mediums. Each session they
will talk you through creating a
piece of art which you can do in
your own social bubble at home.
All abilities are welcome as this
is more about providing a creative
community who can meet online
and share the process of making
art. The 75 minute workshop costs
£10 or £7.50 for concessions.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/
edinburgh-sketcher-11071406115

Video calls with loved ones, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or having a stretch in an exercise
class are just some of the things residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, at Cairdean
House, Murrayside and Lauder Lodge care homes. Add to that delicious home cooked food
from our in-house chefs, tailored care delivered by our fully trained and experienced teams,
and amazing activities, and you can see why we’re the ideal choice.
If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, we’re here for you.
To arrange a virtual tour or one-to-one chat, please call 0131 516 8338
WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS
Cairdean House care home
Colinton
careuk.com/cairdean-house
Murrayside care home
Murrayfield
careuk.com/murrayside
Lauder Lodge care home
Portobello
careuk.com/lauder-lodge

22
SPORT
The Edinburgh Reporter
Hearts star's spot kick makes him NI hero
By Alan Temple
Liam Boyce needed just one
touch to make himself a Northern
Ireland hero when he was thrown
on for the final minute of extra
time against Bosnia.
Northern Ireland boss Ian
Baraclough saw him as a certainty
to net from 12 yards in the
European Championship playoff
final last month.
He didn’t even get a kick of the
ball before the full-time whistle
blew, yet he stepped up and
dispatched the decisive penalty
like he was a veteran of countless
shootouts.
But the Hearts star is adamant
taking a penalty for Belfast boys’
club Immaculata FC was more
nerve-wracking than his steely
spot-kick in Sarajevo.
Boyce smiled: “It was only the
second penalty shootout I’ve ever
been in – and the other one was in
Chris Bolton left it late to retain
his title in the second running of
the Rod and Reel Cup organised
by Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse
Angling Club on the Inner Snake at
Orchill near Auchterarder.
Weather wise, it was a terrific
autumnal day, no overnight frost,
overcast and next to no wind - a
perfect day for fishing. The fish
had other thoughts.
Heather Lauriston hooked into
a carp of over four pounds in the
first ten minutes but, apart from
one small perch, that was her day
done.Stewart Ritchie bagged a
few silver fish on the waggler, then
chucked a feeder to his right and
caught a 4lb carp and that was his
day over. Those silvers made the
difference as he beat Heather by
one ounce at the weigh in. Chris'
big carp came in the final hour
of the all-day event and it tipped
the scales at 7lb 8oz which was
enough to give him victory for the
second year running,
Chris Bolton 7lb 8oz; 2.Stewart
Ritchie 4lb 9oz; 3. Heather
Lauriston 4lb 8oz. Geoff Lowe,
Mark Milne, Wayne Henley, Roz
Cassidy and Andy Paterson did not
weigh in.
The Union Canal has been "on
fire" this year according to the
founder of a new Facebook page
devoted to the water.
Colin Smith fishes regularly with
friends and they target different
parts of the water. They also cover
a lot of ground trying to locate
fish and, when they do, they then
under-age football, for Immaculata
FC in an Irish Cup semi-final. I was
more nervous for that one than I
was in the Northern Ireland game!"
Boyce’s composed spot-kick
Liam Boyce PHOTO: Ian Jacobs
Nigel Duncan's fishing round up
spend time getting to know the
area.
The normal attack is via lures
and Colin said they catch plenty
of jack pike and perch. On the odd
occasion, he added, they dust
the deadbait rods down or target
roach on the float.
He added: "This year the fishing
has been on fire for us. I managed
17 pike in February alone on lures
and that was a great start for me."
Small rubber shads fished on
three to five gram jig heads seem
to work best in the Union and he
finds the best tactic is to keep
the lures running at mid depth
in the shallow water with a slow
retrieve. Little jerks on the rod
seem to excite the fish going all
year and small mepps should not
be overlooked.
Colin said: "They work great for
pike on bright sunny days. For
anyone fishing on the Union Canal,
it is important to always use a wire
trace as you can be easily bitten
off by pike.
"Some unhooking tools, like long
nose pliers and wire cutters when
fishing with lures, are essential as
pike can hammer the lure and take
it deep in their mouth."
His advice for those tempted to
have a cast is to target areas with
weed cover. This offers places for
fish to hide but he added: "If I'm
being honest, the fish are spread
far and wide. Usually, when you
find one there are a few not far
away."
has teed up a one-off clash with
Slovakia at Windsor Park on
November 12, with the winners
taking their place at next
summer’s Euros.
My pal - boxing legend Ken Buchanan
by John Hislop
A tale of two pals who like a pint
and enjoy each other’s company
seems an unlikely premise for a
book.
But, when one of the pals is
arguably the finest boxer ever to
leave the British Isles to box and
win abroad, and the other is a
remarkable man who has spent his
life raising money for numerous
worthwhile charities, then it turns
into a ‘must read.’
Written by Jock Mcinnes, MBE,
the book, "My Pal the Boxing
Legend Ken Buchanan’" is a series
of ‘rounds’ or chapters containing
his memories of days and nights
in the company of the former
undisputed world lightweight
champion, long after his boxing
career finished.
Originally from Methil in Fife,
Jock served in the Black Watch,
Royal Highland Regiment (RHR) as
an advanced Adventure & Physical
Training instructor for 22 years
and was an army individual boxing
champion, the Midland District
Dundee/Fife boxing champion
twice, and represented Scotland
on a few occasions.
He was awarded an MBE
for years of organising and
administrating several charity
challenges including, Tandem
Skydiving, Mount Kinabalu,
The Sahara Desert, Mount
Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, The
Gobi Desert, Mount Toubkal,
Nepal experience, Mont Etna and
a fire walk, Moldoveanu, raising
Murrayfield petition pledge
The Covid-19 pandemic has
brought around many challenges.
Kyle Stewart is a figure skater. He
has skated for the last 12 or 13
years. He competed in the British
National Championships and also
went onto become a coach.
Kyle said: “Murrayfield Ice Rink is
the local ice rink, and also the ice
rink that I have called home for my
entire skating life. It is my home
away from home and I have not
only made so many dear friends
from the rink but I also met those
that I would consider my extended
family. It offered me my first job,
a boost in confidence and also
has kept me fit and healthy whilst
building great drive and ambition.
“The ice rink released a
statement where they stated that
they would be remaining closed
'for the foreseeable futur'. This is
a massive upset for so many of us.
“This ice rink has an immense
well over £2 million for local and
national charities, and despite
his advancing years he is far
from finished trekking and raising
money.
The pair first met 35 years
ago and became great friends
and enjoyed many "adventures’"
amount of history having been
built in the 1930s and used
throughout the war for storage
before finally being opened to the
public in the 1950s. Generations
of skaters whether that be
competitive or recreational have
flooded through its doors. It has
been a large influence on many of
Britain's most successful skaters
such as John and Sinead Kerr.
“I have started raising awareness
about the troubles our beloved
rink is facing as I would be utterly
devastated if it were to succumb
to financial difficulties brought
about by Covid-19. It is the only
rink in Edinburgh - not to mention
the largest ice rink in Scotland.
“I have begun a petition online
at Change.org which in the first
three days gathered over 6,400
signatures. Please sign it if you
can.”
which are highlighted in the book,
currently available on Amazon and
through Jock's website. Funds
raised from the sale of the book
will be used for another great
charitable adventure - sometime.
jockmcinnes.co.uk
Jock Mcinnes, MBE, with pal Ken Buchanan MBE.
Look out for bikes
Cyclists can be hard to see in the dark

@EdinReporter /EdinReporter edinburghreporter theedinburghreporter.co.uk SPORT 23
Club stalwart Lewis Stevenson in derby action at Tynecastle PHOTO: Ian Jacobs
Stevenson lunges towards 500
appearances for Easter Road club
By John Hislop
Hibs’ long-serving defender Lewis
Stevenson has overtaken the
legendary Eddie Turnbull on the
list of the club's all-time record
appearance holders and is now
fast approaching 500 appearances
for the Easter Road side.
The unassuming Fifer is a hugely
popular figure amongst everyone
connected with Hibs, including
the supporters, team mates and
staff at the club’s training centre
due to his modesty, generosity and
attitude.
The Kirkcaldy-born left-back joined
the Hibs’ youth academy aged 14
and made his competitive debut
in a Scottish League Cup tie at
Ayr United in September 2005,
although much of the 90 minutes
passed him by.
He recalled: “The only thing I
can remember about the game
was the warm up. I always wore
moulded boots but it was wet and
greasy and I couldn’t wear them
so I had to go back inside and put
on studs. I had the most nervous
warm-up ever with the ball going
under my foot, and Stephen Glass
at the time put his arm around me
and said: 'Just relax, you’ve been
doing brilliant in training. You are a
good player, so just enjoy it'."
Stevenson became a first-team
regular under the management of
John Collins, hitting the headlines
as a teenager when he was named
man of the match after Hibernian's
2007 CIS Cup triumph at Hampden
Park during the 5-1 demolition of
Kilmarnock. In hindsight, however,
his performance on that glorious
day possibly held him back.
He said: “To be honest it probably
came too early. I was probably a
bit blasé about it and thought this
football lark is easy. In my first full
season I had won a cup but there
was a bit of a barren spell between
that and the next cup.
“It was good but it almost hindered
me to be known as the young guy
that got the man of the match
in the cup final. People probably
thought I was going to go on and
be a better player than what I have
been, but for me just to win that
cup with a great group of guys
was amazing.”
He remained a regular in the first
team under Mixu Paatelainen,
John Hughes, Colin Calderwood -
under whom he won fans’ Player
of the Year award as a result of his
dedication and consistency - Pat
Fenlon, Terry Butcher and Alan
Stubbs.
On 21 May 2016, Stevenson made
history when he lifted the Scottish
Cup at Hampden Park after that
never to be forgotten 3-2 victory
over Rangers, becoming the
first player to win both Scottish
national cup competitions with the
club. As the ‘exuberant’ supporters
invaded the pitch, Stevenson
admitted that he had a different
emotion when the final whistle
blew.
He said: “It was something I never
thought was going to happen.
From my first tour of Ireland,
people have been saying ‘Is this
going to be the year?’ I didn’t know
what they were talking about and
had to ask the older players what
it was all about.
“The pressure built up every
year and there was a weight on
our shoulders. I still say that it
was more about relief when we
won it rather than exuberance or
happiness, it was just phew, we
have finally done it.
“We’ve put so much into Hibs over
the years, it was just the icing on
the cake.”
That summer Neil Lennon
took the reins and Stevenson's
performances were key in Hibs’
strong defensive showing which
again saw him lifting another
trophy in the famous green and
white jersey, the Ladbrokes
Championship, and with it
promotion to Scotland's top flight
league.
On Sunday 9 July 2017, almost
10,000 fans turned out at
Easter Road for his testimonial
match against Sunderland and
generously he donated much of
the proceeds to two charities,
including CRY (Cardiac Risk in
the Young) in memory of Hibs
Academy player David Paul who
in 2014 sadly passed away aged
only 18, having suffered from
ischaemic heart disease. He also
made donations to various other
charities in the Edinburgh area,
while a further sum was given to
the Bradley Lowery Foundation,
set up in memory of the six-yearold
Sunderland fan who died from
a rare cancer.
Stevenson enjoyed an outstanding
campaign during that season
which saw Hibs finish fourth
in their return to the top
flight of Scottish football. His
performances didn't go unnoticed,
and Scotland manager Alex
McLeish included him in the
24-man squad for a Scotland
international challenge trip to
South America, where along with
team-mate Dylan McGeouch,
he made an accomplished
international Scotland debut
during a 2-0 defeat by Peru in
Lima.
This season under Jack Ross,
Stevenson has started the
campaign on the bench due to the
form of up-and-coming youngster
Josh Doig. But far from being
bitter, he has nothing but praise
for his rival and has done much to
help his progress.
He continued: “I know what it’s like
for young boys coming through,
especially the pressure via social
media. Everything builds up and
it’s hard for them. If I can help in
football terms and with their life
perspective I will do so.
“Josh has came in and been
fantastic. He has so many
attributes to make him a top player
for Hibs and hopefully for him
to move on to bigger and better
things. It’s helped me that he is
such a great guy and if I can help
him, that is the next step in my
career."
Stevenson remains a favourite
amongst the Hibs’ fans for his
outstanding contribution over the
years and will hopefully continue
to grace the Easter Road turf for
many years to come. Looking back
he is delighted with his career
although he accepts that he was
probably a better player than he
gave himself credit for.
He adde: “Even when I made my
debut I never thought that I’d have
a long term career as I thought
I was lucky to be involved in
football. I was pinching myself
when I got my debut and maybe
sometimes I’m a bit down on
myself. I was a lot better player
than I sometimes give myself
credit for and maybe that’s been
detrimental for me.
“Looking back, whatever happens
from now, I’m delighted with what
I have done in football but I feel I
can give a bit more.”
Hibs’ Head Coach Jack Ross
remains full of praise and
admiration for the veteran
defender.
He said: "To achieve what he has
done in terms of tangible success
is brilliant. He's still a big part of
what we're doing here, he'll play a
big part this season and he'll be a
big help for Josh as well."
Lottery numbers
come up for
Lismore RFC
Lismore RFC has had a very
welcome cash boost from National
Lottery Awards for All Scotland of
£7,095.
The club will use the funds to
provide a rugby hub for young
people living in South East
Edinburgh where they can take
part in midweek and weekend
games led by the qualified
Community Coach.
This is from the National Lottery
Community Fund in partnership
with sportscotland which is
a quick access grant scheme
with sums of between £300 and
£10,000 on offer. National Lottery
players raise £30 million each
week for good caused in the UK.
Lismore Rugby Club
Development Officer, Eric Jones,
said: “We are delighted to receive
financial support for our youth
section, allowing us to grow and
make everyone feel included in the
exciting new project that we have
coming up.
"Without the funding this would
not have been possible, especially
in such a difficult time. It is vital
funding, which we know will help
take our youth programme to the
next level for all young people in
the South East of Edinburgh.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland,
Stewart Harris, said: “This funding
from The National Lottery will
make a huge difference to clubs
and communities the length
and breadth of the country. The
grants will help improve sporting
opportunities as part of Scotland’s
world-class sporting system for
all.
“A huge thanks must go National
Lottery players – without their
contribution today’s investment on
sports clubs and physical activity
organisations would not have
been possible. That contribution is
playing a critical role in supporting
people, projects and communities
during these challenging times.”
A National Lottery Awards for
All spokesperson said: “These
awards, made possible by National
Lottery players, are helping to
make amazing contribution to the
nationwide response to combat
the impact of Covid-19 on local
communities across Scotland.
"I would like to congratulate all
the groups receiving funding today
they are all important projects
which will support people now,
and in the future, when they can
physically come back together to
make great things happen in their
community.”
National Lottery Awards
for All Scotland is now more
straightforward to apply to and
faster to get funding from.
Applications are received on a
rolling basis and can be received
at any time.
Visit www.tnlcommunityfund.
org.uk or phone 0141 846 0447

#StaySafe
when using the tram
Our colleagues will check your ticket or
smartcard without contact
C
M
Y
M
Y
Y
MY
K