The Edinburgh Reporter October 2022

Rescue reunion

Courtney’s training saves

hillwalker’s life

Riding tandem Leith on fire At the Hart of it

Vie Velo saddle up

for blind riders

1916 Zeppelin raid

caused mayhem

Bike specialist pedals

to new home

Under pressure

Jambos’ big autumn

fixtures pile up

Page 6 Page 6 Page 12 Page 14

Page 23

October 2022

EDINBURGH’S FREE LOCAL NEWSPAPER...A CAPITAL READ FROM START TO FINISH

Storytelling

festival passes

on the torch of

oral traditions

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

John L Preece

Keep

it

THE SCOTTISH International

Storytelling Festival (SISF) invites

everyone to join them round the

hearth this autumn with this year’s

festival theme - Keep It Lit. This is a

symbolic fire where memories are

shared and the torch of oral

storytelling is passed on.

From 14 to 31 October, more than

240 events will take place mainly at

the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

The Opening Concert: Speak Out

the Other is a blend of voice and

music navigating the belonging,

becoming, and ‘otherness’ of queer

identities which permeate Scottish

myth. It is performed by the Young

Edinburgh Storytellers with members

vying for their freedom from the

fictional Fey court, where the fair folk

in the audience decide their fate.

SISF Director, Donald Smith,

(photographed far left along with

storyteller Shona Cowie, musician Neil

Sutcliffe, Events Manager Daniel

Abercrombie and Marketing Manager

Annemarie Froemke) said: “This is the

biggest Storytelling Festival since it

began in 1989. It is our widest reach

marking Scotland’s Year of Stories.

Responding to the cost of living

crisis we have 145 free events,

reduced ticket prices, and a uniquely

generous Festival Pass and we have a

specially commissioned digital

programme to provide worldwide

reach for those who cannot or

choose not to travel. Everyone

is welcome at our hearthside.”

2 NEWS

Letters to the editor

Editorial

SINCE I LAST wrote this column we

have both a new Prime Minister and a

new King. These are rare events at the

best of times, but rarer still to have both

in one week.

The fact that Her Majesty The Queen

died in Scotland meant that the first

parts of the regal farewell took place in

the capital. Edinburgh took centre stage

with the Accession Proclamation by the

Lord Lyon King of Arms at the Mercat

Cross, and a procession from The Palace

of Holyroodhouse. Her Majesty lay at

rest in St Giles’ Cathedral for a day.

Some 30,000 people are believed to

have filed past the coffin in Edinburgh

before Her late Majesty was taken to

Edinburgh Airport and flown south to

London. Some queued through the

night for the opportunity to say a

private farewell and pay their respects.

The scenes on Edinburgh’s streets

showed that the monarch herself was

held in high esteem. Whether or not the

monarchy itself is remains to be seen in

the next few years, but there were some

protesters on the Royal Mile who hold a

strong view that the Royal Family

should be consigned to history.

A 22 year-old woman was arrested at

the proclamation ceremony and two

men were arrested during the

procession from Holyrood to the

cathedral for breach of the peace.

Civil liberties groups have criticised

the police for an aggressive response,

and have said it is an abuse of the

right of free speech. The woman was

part of a group which booed during

the ceremony to proclaim Charles as

King, but she stood silently holding

a placard demanding the abolition of

the monarchy.

These may be looked back upon as

turbulent years with a pandemic and a

likely recession following it.

In Edinburgh and in London the

Queen’s children processed behind her

coffin to the funeral services held there.

This was a very public demonstration of

both grief and mourning for a queen

who had been on the throne for longer

than many of us have lived - the end of

Above: HM Queen’s coffin going to St Giles, Prince Charles

pictured last year at Holyrood. Below: Accession Proclamation

an era, and a time for taking stock and

considering doing things differently.

The new Prime Minister and her

newly appointed Chancellor, Kwasi

Karteng, are also doing things

differently. Ms Truss was one of the last

people, if not the last, to have an

audience with the Queen at Balmoral.

Edinburgh photographer, Jane Barlow,

took the now famous photo of Her

Majesty waiting by the fire at Balmoral

for the Prime Minister to arrive to ask

her to form a government.

Following the Chancellor’s first

mini-budget the pound tumbled to an

historic low and the Bank of England

intervened in the bond markets.

Another statement from the Chancellor

GET IN

TOUCH

TODAY!

is expected on 23 November but experts

think he may have to speak up before

then to allow people who want to

borrow money to buy homes to proceed

with any kind of certainty. In the

meantime without waiting buyers there

could be a fall in the housing market.

With the cost of living crisis already

having an effect, there will undoubtedly

be more people who need help from

food banks, and who will live in

fuel poverty.

2022 may yet be our own Annus

Horribilis as Queen Elizabeth said in a

much quoted speech in 1992 at

Guildhall to mark the 40th anniversary

of her own accession.

Phyllis Stephen, Editor

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please email:

editor@the

edinburgh

reporter.co.uk Donate anchor.fm YouTube

Dear Editor

As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, we welcome any action to

prevent the very real possibility of more people ending up

homeless on our streets.

Since the start of the pandemic, charities have seen a rise

in the number of homeless Armed Forces veterans seeking

their help – some report an increase of 50%. We are also

seeing people with more severe and complex needs.

When someone has served their country, the least we can

do is support them when they make the move back to civilian

life. Yet every year thousands of veterans end up sleeping

rough, sofa surfing or living in unsuitable hostels because

they’re unable to access housing and slip through the net.

The cost-of-living crisis will only make the situation worse.

The Armed Forces Covenant states that anyone who has

served should face no disadvantage and that veterans who

are especially vulnerable should be prioritised for support.

It’s vital that when someone needs help with housing, they

are asked whether they’ve served in the Forces. If they have,

this should be recorded. Once identified, they can be directed

towards support that’s available.

We are concerned that without action, things will get

much worse. A more coordinated approach between local

authorities, housing providers, homelessness charities and

veterans’ organisations is needed.

No one wants to see more veterans on our streets this

winter. Those that have served, often through the most trying

of times, deserve better.

Richard Gammage, No Homeless Veterans Campaign

www.nohomelessveterans.org.uk

THERE ARE 6,000 copies of the Edinburgh Reporter distributed

through a network of city businesses and public buildings.

The paper is also distributed at Stockbridge Market on the first

weekend of the month. You will find copies at Farmer Autocare,

Summerhall, Art & Craft Collective, EICC, LifeCare on Cheyne

Street, Coffee Angels, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and

Western General Hospital, and some city supermarkets. There are

also outlets at Birthlink on Lower Gilmore Place, the Watershed on

the canal and Bothy Coffee on Heriot Row.

If you can, please subscribe to have your copy delivered to you.

It helps us to cover the overheads of bringing the news to you in

print and online. We distribute door to door in selected streets. If

you would like us to include your street then please contact us.

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About us...

We write about news relating to the Edinburgh area. If you

have any news, or if you would like to submit an article or

photograph for publication then please get in touch.

Editor: Phyllis Stephen

Designer: Felipe Perez

Photos: Martin P McAdam

/EdinReporter

edinburghreporter

@EdinReporter

theedinburghreporter.co.uk

07791 406 498

editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

3

Peter Stubbs / www.edinphoto.org.uk

Tramcar built in

1885 at Shrubhill

and restored in

2012 to working

condition

Flood fears at

Queen’s Court

Vulnerable north Edinburgh resident

dreads a repeat flooding at her home

Plaque on the rails

A PLAQUE HAS been put up on the old

railway bridge at Roseburn recalling the

days when Coltbridge was a Horse-Tram

terminus. Trams hauled by real horse

power began running in 1873 to be

replaced by cable cars in 1899.

To allow an extension to Wester Corner

the original arched railway bridge was

replaced by the present one (sadly now

covered in graffiti).

The route was converted to electric

trams in 1922 and if you are in Fife you

will be able to see horsetram number 23

which is preserved in the Scottish Vintage

Bus Museum at Lathalmond.

The tramcar was used by the Edinburgh

District Tramways Company until 1900

when it was sold and taken to Newton St

Boswells where it was used as a summer

house and possibly for religious meetings

of the local Wee Free congregation. In

2005 the owners investigated the origins

of their garden shed and realised it had

some historical importance. It was

transported to Edinburgh where it was

restored and the vehicle is now in

working order and is housed in Fife.

The Murrayfield Community Council is

responsible for the plaque and a series of

commemorations. These include the

Coltbridge Canter, the A8 Mileposts 1 and 2,

artists Samuel People and Charles H Mackie

and the sculptors of Ravelston Elms.

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

A WOMAN WHO LIVES in a ground floor flat

in Blackhall fears it could be flooded again. Two

years ago during severe floods Jenni Paling

(pictured above) had to move out of her Queen’s

Court home for six months while her home was

repaired. She lost many sentimental items, much

of it due to sewage contamination. With any

forecast of heavy rain the danger of flooding fills

her with dread.

Mrs Paling is now undergoing treatment for

cancer and the situation has become more

important. As a chemotherapy patient she has to

avoid infection of any kind.

Her daughter, Emma, told The Edinburgh

Reporter: “She is not fit enough to relocate

should her flat become flooded again. On top of

everything else she is going through, it is

something else she really could do without

having to worry about. Residents of Queen’s

Court have complained repeatedly to Scottish

Water and to the council yet they are still to act.

My mum has sandbags to put outside her door,

which due to her current health situation, the

neighbours are doing for her.”

Cllr Hal Osler said: “The situation at Queen’s

Court has been going on for a number of years

and has been truly horrendous for the poor

residents. They have been flooded out twice, the

second time shortly after the residents had only

just been able to return.

“It’s not a blocked gully issue, it’s far worse.

Queen’s Court sits at the bottom of a gradient

and it has a mains sewer running down the side

of the property meeting another pipe that it

connects to. When there are heavy rains the

sewer build up becomes overwhelmed and

floods the garden and lower flats.

“I have been working with residents, Alex

Cole-Hamilton MSP, officers and Scottish Water

to make improvements to this situation which

you can imagine is not a quick fix. Small

immediate things have happened. The gullies in

the area are on the council “sensitive” list and

Scottish Water have fitted non return values.

There have been meetings with Scottish Water

and I have been included in an email exchange

with Scottish Water about fitting flood defences.

The issue I am afraid is always the same which is

money. To be honest I dread the weather

forecast when heavy rain is predicted .”

Mrs Paliing said:”The drains for surface water

are now cleaned regularly after the big flood -

but the drain which is being flooded goes under

the wall. We’ve reported it every time it

happens- it’s a rain drain primarily but sewerage

is coming into it. Honestly, no one cares.”

A Scottish Water spokesperson said:

“Scottish Water have been working on

developing a solution to reduce the risk of

flooding at Queens Court in Blackhall.

We are now progressing detailed planning of

the proposed mitigations that will reduce the

impact of future flooding incidents.”

When asked about immediate action Scottish

Water replied: “Mitigations to reduce the impact

of flooding take time to plan and deliver,

however, until they are in place, Scottish Water

will always look to attend to properties and areas

affected by flooding as quickly as possible.”

A spokesperson for FirstPort Limited who

manage the development said: “We understand

the distress and anxiety that flooding has caused

for our residents at Queens Court and we

worked with insurers to repair the damage and

get residents back into their homes as quickly

and safely as possible. We are working with

Scottish Water to install mitigation measures,

including flood doors and barriers, to better

protect the building when adverse weather

puts it at risk.”

4 NEWS

The Edinburgh Reporter has invited all

of 2022’s elected councillors to tell

us a little about themselves...

PROFILE: Cllr Ross McKenzie (Scottish Labour)

CLLR ROSS MCKENZIE was first elected as a

member of the Labour minority administration

in May. He has had a career in healthcare

before becoming a councillor.

Cllr McKenzie said: “I started working

as a carer after leaving school 22 years ago

and have been a registered nurse since 2011.

Two decades working in care homes and

medicine of the elderly wards took their toll on

my back and I’m now working in the

community as a Specialist Community Public

Health Nurse in schools. I’ve always enjoyed

working together with people who need a

hand. I think that the skills learned along the

way transfer quite neatly to those required

from a ward councillor.”

Weekends are meant for relaxing and Ross

says that he begins his Sundays by dipping into

the BBC’s politics shows only to immediately

regret it. He explained: “Whether it’s Marr,

Kuenssberg or Geissler, breakfast gets ruined

and the TV gets turned off prematurely.

I really should just stick to Steve Wright’s

Sunday Love Songs. I try to take a thorough

cycle round the ward at least once a week and

this often takes place on a Sunday. Sighthill/

Gorgie is comprised of a vast area – from

Haymarket to Hermiston Gait – and many of

the areas within it don’t get the attention from

the council that they should be getting so I

need to make an extra effort to engage with

every nook and cranny.”

MUSICAL JOURNEY

His taste in music includes Oasis “which set me

on a path with the release of Definitely Maybe

in 1994 – a path back through The Beatles to

60s pop, folk and psychedelia, through the 70s

with Dylan, Bowie and Young, and back to the

90s via Orange Juice, Primal Scream and The

Stone Roses. Noel Gallagher (pictured below) is

an odious little man, but I am eternally grateful

to him for sending me on that journey”.

He takes issue with the name of the area he

represents, explaining: “Sighthill/Gorgie doesn’t

mean anything to most people. People identify

with smaller geographic units which is why I

say I’m the councillor for Dalry, Gorgie,

Whitson, Stenhouse, Saughton Mains,

Broomhouse, Sighthill, Parkhead,

Longstone, Redhall and a wee bit of

Kingsknowe.

“The issues differ according to the

area – the housing stock in Gorgie/

Dalry is dominated by private

landlords. Many renters are being

treated horrendously, through

unaffordable rent rises and a failure to

repair and maintain properties and

communal areas. Gorgie/

Dalry also has issues

with waste and street

cleanliness.

Stenhouse and Whitson are the best looking

areas in my ward - when you look at some of

the excellent housing that the council built

there you realise what is possible when the state

decides to prioritise the welfare of its residents.

“In Sighthill, Parkhead and Broomhouse

there is a lack of amenities and some badly

neglected public space. We are failing people

here in a way that wouldn’t happen in other

parts of the city. In Longstone/Redhall there is

a very specific issue in that it is cut off from the

rest of the city and the council isn’t doing

enough to connect it for pedestrians and

cyclists. So there’s plenty to be getting on with.”

Referring to his abstention from the first vote

to put Labour in power (resulting in him losing

the whip for eight weeks) Ross said: “I am

not a member of any committees at

the time of writing. That’s a story for

another time, but in the coming

years, I hope to be able to influence

council policy towards insourcing

of jobs and direct provision of

services, particularly in relation to

housing and care. Edinburgh is an

extraordinarily wealthy city and we

don’t do enough to harness that wealth

for the benefit of residents.”

He explained why he got

into politics: “Politics

opened up to likes of

me during the past

decade. The consequences of the 2008 financial

crash and the movements that followed it took

a few years to feed into the political system but

the effects are still being felt. Indyref, Corbyn

and Brexit weren’t random, unrelated events,

but symptoms of an economic system that was

struggling to convince the majority of the

population that it is able to serve their needs.

“I’m 40, I don’t own property and I only

recently enrolled in a pension scheme. There’s a

whole generation of people coming behind me

who are in the same boat. We won’t be voting

for the status quo any time soon because the

system isn’t delivering for us – it’s just steadily

eating away at our living standards.

I joined the Labour Party and Momentum at

a time when the Party leadership inspired hope

for real change. Labour doesn’t seem to be

offering that anymore, but the economic

conditions that led 40% of the UK population

to vote for a radical socialist government in

2017 have not gone away. Those of us who

became politically active in 2010s haven’t gone

away either. Whether we came through the

labour movement, the yes movement, or the

climate movement, a new generation of

politicians and activists is here and ready to

build a fairer society. Anyone who got into

politics for a career or for status needs to get

out of the way. There’s a lot of serious work

to be done.”

Cllr.Ross.Mckenzie@edinburgh.gov.uk

PROFILE:

Cllr Kayleigh O’Neill

(Scottish Greens)

MY DAY JOB IS managing Lorna Slater

MSP’s office. Before this I was solely

working on her casework and all the

correspondence. I love having a public

facing role whilst also being around policy

and systems that inspire me to ask for and

make change.

The weekends are my total reset

days. No Twitter, no news, no e-mails

from either job. I’m (usually) very strict

with that!

• My favourite music is HAIM, Megan Thee

Stallion and Peach PRC.

• My favourite poetry – Seamus Heaney

and Jackie Kay.

• My favourite book – The House with

the Green Shutters by George

Douglas Brown.

I love representing Forth Ward because

it is so diverse and there is a true sense of

community. I would like to improve the

accessibility of the ward and see the

development of more affordable and

sustainable housing.

I am on Education, Children & Families

and the Planning Committees. I advocate

for accessibility and sustainability.

I got into politics because, as a disabled

person, I don’t have a choice to disengage

from politics and political choice. Every

part of my identity and wellbeing is

dependent on progressive and inclusive

decision making.

My worst fault comes from my previous

point actually.

I am extremely eager to advocate and

push for the rights of others to the point

that I often overlook or ignore my own

health and wellbeing. Finding an

appropriate balance has been a challenge.

I’m looking forward to showing The City

of Edinburgh Council, and the city as a

whole, that the lived experience of

disabled people is critical for the

development and management of a

greener and fairer future.

Cllr.Kayleigh.ONeill@edinburgh.gov.uk

5

PROFILE: Cllr Stuart Dobbin (Scottish National Party)

I WORK PART-TIME for Circularity First – a

UK company specialising in helping companies

address the carbon footprint of their IT estates

and build sustainability.

Prior to coming back to the UK on January

1st 2019, I worked in Asia for 26 years, living

and working in Macau, The Philippines,

Indonesia and Hong Kong. This was a

wonderful experience and gave me many

insights into how other societies address and

manage the challenges that they face. I hope to

be able to bring a different perspective into

looking at the many challenges we face in

North Edinburgh.

How do you usually spend your Sundays?

Before getting elected in May, Sunday mornings

would kick off with a two-hour tennis session

with the teams at David Lloyd in Newhaven,

followed by relaxing with my wife Rosanna.

Since the election, Sundays increasingly mean

working on constituents’ issues or other

ward matters.

Tell us about your taste in music,

poetry, film or books

I don’t really have a favourite musical genre,

I guess anything that draws on blues and

rock roots. One of my favourite authors is

Thomas Kenneally, an Australian whose

collected works cover a wide range of

subjects, all with deep sensitivity and insight.

My absolute favourite movie is The Seven

Samurai by Akira Kurosawa.

Tell us about the ward you represent

Forth Ward has such an important history and

role in the development of Edinburgh.

From the Great Michael, the largest ship in the

known world at its launch as the flagship of

King James IV in 1511 and remembered with

the Great Michael Rise street name in

Newhaven) and then considering Newhaven

itself which is a longstanding fishing

community along the waterfront which was so

important in industrial Edinburgh. Then there

is Granton where the Maldevic Car Factory still

stands – the first car factory in the UK and the

builder of the first ever electric car in 1898.

There is a magnificent plan to invest

around £1.3 billion in the Granton Waterfront

Development.

But alongside that investment, it is

imperative that investment also flows into

West Pilton, Granton, Royston, Wardieburn

to ensure that these longstanding communities

also benefit.

Which council committees are you a

member of and what would you like to

achieve in that sphere?

I am on the Housing, Homelessness and Fair

Work Committee. The challenges are significant

in Edinburgh.

The main issues I see are to do with mixed

tenure, in that so many former council flats

were sold off and are now in the hands of

private landlords, that it is very difficult to

manage the old council blocks and ensure a

good quality of home and environment for

residents in these areas.

The increase in people living in poverty and

increased mental health issues after so many

years of austerity have resulted in broken

communities.

I am keen to see how we can build up our

communities again, engender local resident

activism and encourage local communities to

agitate for change. I see myself as an advocate to

support local communities.

I am engaged in encouraging participation

in our Community Councils and where

I can, supporting local residents to form

residents associations.

In my opinion, too many residents in our left

behind communities feel disenfranchised and

with no control over their living environment.

I want to help people challenge that.

What is your primary reason for

getting into politics?

Coming back to Edinburgh to live after so many

years overseas, seeing the rampant

homelessness, the widespread use of foodbanks

and the lack of security in zero hours contracts

in what purports to be the fifth largest economy

in the world is to me an absolute outrage and a

fundamental failure of the political system.

I also believe that England is politically as

well as culturally on a very different track from

Scotland – hence my joining the SNP.

Initially my thought was to work at Branch

level towards Independence but when the

opportunity arose to get involved as a

Councillor to impact positively on peoples lives

now, I jumped at it.

What is your worst fault… or if you have

none then your best quality!

Obviously I am not going to tell you my worst

fault! However, I would offer that I have dogged

determination. I take being told that something

cannot be done merely as a challenge to be

proved wrong.

After my years in Asia, the main thing that

I miss is the fantastic food that I was privileged

to experience.

So to relax, one of my hobbies is to try to

replicate as authentically as possible many of

my favourite dishes from India, Indonesia,

Thailand CPU and of many of the regional

Chinese cuisines. In fact, one of my favourite

little restaurants in Edinburgh it the Macau

Kitchen (in St Leonard’s St) which offers

tantalising taste memories of four wonderful

years in Macau.

Cllr.Stuart.Dobbin@edinburgh.gov.uk

Live Edinburgh News

PROFILE: Cllr Euan Hyslop

(Scottish National Party)

AFTER LEAVING school Cllr Hyslop

worked in sales and fundraising all over

Scotland for national charities and

eventually opening his own direct

marketing firm. He left it behind to

go travelling in 2015 and studied for

an OU degree in Politics, Economics

and Philosophy.

He said: “On returning to Scotland I

worked at Forthview Primary School and

Ferryhill Primary School as a Pupil Support

Assistant before starting work as a Support

Worker at Dean and Cauvin Young People’s

Trust supporting care-experienced young

people in Edinburgh.

“I opened a café in November 2021 with

my partner. Running a small business in

the community complements my work as a

local Councillor. I’ve always loved working

with people, and having a customer facing

role allows me to build relationships with

individuals and groups in the community.

Not least the Corstorphine Trust with

whom we share a building and work

closely with. For example, this winter in

the midst of the cost of living crisis, we

are collaborating to open a warm space

for the community.”

He explained why living in West

Edinburgh suits him. He said: “I live in Drum

Brae/Gyle Ward with my partner and our

two-year-old son. It’s very much my home. I

love being at the western and northern

gateway to Edinburgh. Quick access north

or west to our national parks is a big bonus

for me as I like climbing, hiking and

camping. On top of that you’re also close to

the City Centre (it’s just a 30 minute cycle to

the City Chambers) and we have some of

the best, most picturesque bus routes

anywhere in the city.

Cllr Hyslop is on the Planning Committee

and Finance & Resources Committee. He

said: “I’m passionate about protecting

green space and tackling the housing crisis

in Edinburgh. Planning policy is the best

place to meet these issues head on.

“Finance and Resources gives you a

broader picture of what’s going on in

different committees across the Council. It’s

also where decisions are made that can

help alleviate some of the financial

struggles that residents are going to face

with rising inflation and a looming cost of

living crisis. We need to make sure we as a

Council are using all possible avenues to

alleviate these pressures on residents of

Edinburgh where we can.”

Asked why he got into politics in the first

place the answer was very simple: “Scottish

Independence”.

Cllr.Euan.Hyslop@edinburgh.gov.uk

6 NEWS

Pedalling in pink

Blind and partially sighted people cycle with VIE Velo bicycle club

New bookshop

needs you

By STAFF REPORTER

By KIRSTY LEWIN

VIE VELO tandem riders are stoking up

interest as they hit the Edinburgh streets in

their bright pink club kit. The organisation is a

cycling club for blind and partially sighted

people, with a sighted person riding in the pilot

position at the front of the tandem.

Tandem riding is all about trust. Trust is

crucial when you’re visually impaired, riding as

a stoker on the back of the tandem, especially if

you have not met the pilot before. The stoker

relies on the riding and communication skills

of the sighted pilot. That is why new pilots at

the club try out the stoker role at their training

sessions. They need to experience it for

themselves to get a sense of how it feels.

Of course, tandem riding with VIE Velo

involves far more than trust. On their regular

thirty-mile trips, riders enjoy companionship,

conversation, fresh air, bird song, a physical

work-out, and freedom. Shona Black, one of

the club founders, talks about her massive grin

when she’s out as a stoker, especially going up

steep hills. This love of riding uphill is,

Warm Space scheme is a broad church

By STEPHEN RAFFERTY

PORTOBELLO CHURCHES are

throwing open their doors to offer

a “warm space” for local residents

worried about the cost of living

crisis and massive rises in

energy prices.

The initiative will run from

4 October with churches and a

community centre partnering to

offer people a place to meet amid

real concerns over impending rises

in gas and electricity tariffs.

Glenn Innes, Pastor of Portobello

Baptist Church, started the project

and has enlisted church colleagues

apparently, not shared by everyone.

Ken Reid, Chair of VIE Velo and a founding

member, says he particularly enjoys getting out

into West Lothian to discover new territory. He

also enjoys feeling the airiness riding across the

Forth Road Bridge without vehicular traffic,

the sound of the gulls, and the long downhill

runs. The cake and coffee stops, beloved by all

cycle clubs, provide a great opportunity to chat

to the rest of the group.

The club encourages riders to vary their

partnerships so that stokers do not ride

regularly with the same pilots. Imogen

Williams, a pilot in the club, stresses the

need for good communication between

the two cyclists.

Pilots ask their stokers how they like to cycle

to ensure they have a great experience. The

stoker might want a running commentary of

sites and colours on the route, or they may

prefer essential communication only, for

example stopping and starting, turning left or

right, warnings about rough surfaces, and

changes in gradient.

Club rides depart from Saughton Park in

in the seaside town to open

doors throughout each week.

Those taking part include

Portobello Joppa Parish Church,

St Mark’s Church, and Bellfield

community hub.

Pastor Innes said: “While on the

face of it Porty has become a very

wealthy community we know that

is not true for a lot of people, and

the reality of massively increasing

costs of living means some have a

genuine fear of how they are

going to pay their bills.

“We have space in our church

which is right on the High Street

and is easily accessible for people,

and we thought it would be

nothing for us to use some of our

resource to open up two days a

week to create a warm space.

“Our space will be warm in

terms of keeping physically warm,

but even before the pandemic

loneliness was an issue for a lot of

people, so if folk can come in and

sit down and there are other

people there, there might be

some other benefits that come

from this.”

The Warm Space scheme is open

to anybody – including those who

work from home who may want to

break out of their normal routine.

Edinburgh on the first Saturday and third

Sunday of every month. There are also

fortnightly evening rides on Wednesdays in the

summer. Riders enjoy trips in Edinburgh and

the Lothians as well as Fife. There are excellent

routes, but The City of Edinburgh Council

could make the rides even more comfortable

by removing chicanes and improving many

road surfaces.

VIE Velo was set up in 2018 with the support

of Cycling UK. Funding has been provided by

the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust and

Transport Scotland. The club currently has

thirteen tandems. If you are over sixteen, and

would like to try out a pilot role, or a stoker

role if you’re blind or partially sighted, do get

in touch with VIE Velo. They’re a friendly

welcoming group. The club would also

appreciate financial donations, as it has to buy,

maintain and insure its fleet while keeping the

cost affordable for its members .

Contact vieveloridecoordinator@gmail.com or

visit www.facebook.com/VieVelo.edinburgh

to find out more.

Pastor Innes added: “I am very

conscious there are probably folk

in Porty who are now working

from home and who don’t get paid

an arm and a leg. They may be able

to afford to live in Porty but if it’s

going to cost them a fortune to

put the heating on every day, they

might welcome the opportunity to

pop out somewhere to work in a

warm environment.”

• Portobello Baptist Church, Tues

and Thurs 2-4pm, Wed 10-noon

• St Mark’s, Wednesdays

• Portobello Joppa, Mondays

• Bellfield, Fri 10-12.30pm

EDINBURGH COMMUNITY Bookshop,

due to open in October, is a new project

in Leith selling donated second-hand

books to raise funds for local charities.

The bookshop is being set up by local

businessman, Alasdair Corbett, also the

owner of Easter Greens, a vegan grocery

store on Easter Road. The shop will be

run mostly by volunteers, supported by a

paid shop manager, and will rely on

donations of books from the public. Each

month the shop will support a different

local charity by donating most of its

profits directly to them.

Over the last few months Alasdair has

been raising money through a

GoFundMe campaign and has now

secured premises on Great Junction

Street to set up the shop. It has already

been fitted out, with volunteers helping

to build and install the 36 bookcases.

Tables and chairs have been set up too as

the bookshop will also be serving teas,

coffee and vegan pastries from local

supplier Breadwinner Bakery.

POSITIVE REACTION

Announcing the new location for the

bookshop on Twitter there was a lot of

excitement with the tweet receiving over

300 likes and users commenting things

like “Ooh yay!” and “Great news.” Another

user commented that “a community

bookshop is something that Leith

really needs”.

Now that the refurb is more or less

complete, the next stage is to get enough

books to fill the shop after it opens.

Alasdair is asking people in Edinburgh

to donate their books to the shop during

September so that when they open they

can raise as much money as possible for

their first charity of the month. And they

have chosen Edinburgh Children’s

Hospital Charity as the initial beneficiary.

You can donate your books by dropping

them off at the shop most days between

10am-4pm. Call them first on 0131 378

5589 to make sure someone is there.

Address: 179-181 Great Junction Street,

Edinburgh EH6 5LQ

www.edinburghcommunitybookshop.org

7

Record the changes for Edinburgh Collected

ONE OF THE MAIN purposes

of the online archive,

Edinburgh Collected, is not

only to help build the city’s

digital collections, but to give

everyone the opportunity to

add their own images and

memories to the site.

People post photos of their

ancestors, school and

childhood photos, others put

up images of the everchanging

surroundings of their

own neighbourhood.

One of the members of staff

has taken some photos of the

demolition of the former Royal

Bank of Scotland building on

Dundas Street (pictured above)

in a new scrapbook.

This building built in the

Brutalist architectural style in

1968, had been unoccupied

since 2018 and it is now in the

process of demolition as part

of the New Town Quarter

development. Edinburgh is a

constantly changing city and at

any given time there are what

seems like dozens of building

projects going on.

Can you help to update the

archive and record the changes

in your area on Edinburgh

Collected?

Have a look at any changing

shops, buildings and street

scenes and help capture

the views.

edinburghcollected.org

City Libraries

launch kids writing

competition

GREEN PENCIL 2022 has been launched

by the City Libraries. The environmentally

themed creative writing competition, is

open to all P4 to P7 aged children and

young people in S1 to S3 in Edinburgh.

The deadline for entries is 21 October.

The ‘Year of Scotland’s Stories’ is also

the theme. Are you a budding story

writer? Could you write a story/ poem/

prose with an environmental theme? It

could be about yourself, your pet, a

special place or your favourite animal

that relates to your life in Scotland.

You could include Scotland’s

landscapes, lochs, towns and villages.

A story or poem that captures the

reader’s imagination, piques interest and

brings your writing to life.

Entries can be poetry, prose or story,

all that is required is that the writing is

the author’s own work and is no longer

than one side of A4 paper.

An awards ceremony will be held on 24

November at Central Library.

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/libraries/

green-pencil-award-2019

BID team cleans up

By RODDY SMITH

Chief Executive, Essential Edinburgh

THE VITAL support provided by Essential

Edinburgh’s Clean Team in August offered a

graphic demonstration of the value of private

sector businesses paying to supplement the

services provided by local authorities.

While other parts of the city centre were,

literally, littered by ever-mounting piles of

uncollected garbage as the city bin strike hit

hard, the Business Improvement District

bounded by Princes Street and George Street

was noticeably cleaner.

Our team members filled over 1400 sacks of

over-spilled rubbish during the strikes, an

amazing quantity and testament to their hard

work on behalf of our levy paying businesses,

and tangible evidence of the value of the private

sector investing in its city centre.

It was disappointing that the bin strike had

such an adverse impact on the face we were able

to present to the world as our famous summer

festivals returned post Covid-19 pandemic. I

have no comment to make on the rights or

wrongs of the strike but there is no doubt that at

our busiest time of the year, when the world was

watching, the city looked so bad.

However, while the numbers may have

tracked a little below the record-breaking pre

pandemic levels of 2019, it was very

encouraging to see the city so vibrant and busy.

It was pleasing to see lots of international

visitors – particularly from the USA – in the

city. Numbers for the Far East were still low,

and also the Middle East, so proactive

marketing to these key markets should be

a priority moving forward.

In terms of how the city centre performed,

footfall and retail sales are still reporting a very

mixed bag. With footfall still tracking circa 10%

below 2019 levels we need to work hard to bring

residents and tourists back in. A key part of the

city centre community still not returning is our

office-based workers. Understandably as we

recover many businesses are maintaining a

hybrid work system or indeed allowing their

staff to work from home full time. This includes

a number of large employers including both the

local and national government. It is hoped that

numbers return in the medium term and

although it is anticipated that home working

will continue indefinitely a greater proportion

of working time in the office will greatly aid city

centre recovery, and it would be very helpful to

the myriad businesses who depend on this

demographic to see our governments

encouraging more staff to return more often.

8 NEWS

Mountain rescue hero

NHS Lothian physio used her medical training to save fellow hillwalker’s life on Ben Nevis

By OLIVIA THOMAS

A HILLWALKER who almost died on Britain’s

highest mountain has revisited Ben Nevis with

the woman who saved his life.

Like many others during the pandemic,

Courtney Ferguson, 27, who works at

Bonnyrigg Health Centre, climbed Munros

in her spare time.

On a hot sunny day in August 2020,

Courtney and her sister Brogan set off on their

biggest challenge yet, to climb Ben Nevis, the

highest mountain in the UK at 4,413 feet.

Trevor Botwood (63) was also walking up

Ben Nevis for the first time with his sister,

Irene, in memory of his nephew. Trevor was

scaling the heights to place his nephew’s photo

at the top so that he could be “one step closer to

heaven.” Unfortunately, on this occasion, it

wasn’t to be.

Courtney described the scene: “The mountain

was busy with tourists, everyone was

encouraging one another to keep on going.

I saw a man around the halfway point leaning

into his walking poles, I stopped to offer some

encouragement when he tumbled forwards

hitting his head off the rocks.”

She was unable to find a pulse on Trevor and

knew urgent treatment was required.Trevor

had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Courtney said: “All my previous training just

kicked in and I went into autopilot. I managed

to get another passer-by to help hold Trevor’s

head to aid his airway, while I started doing

chest compressions. My sister, Brogan called

999 and alerted Trevor’s sister who was further

down the mountain.”

Brogan downloaded the what3words app

which gives a unique three-word combination

for every three-metre square on Earth. This

helps emergency services to locate your exact

position. The swift reactions and expertise

shown by Courtney were critical in keeping

Trevor alive.

She said: “When Trevor finally regained

consciousness, I was able to use what I had

learned during my time in ICU throughout the

pandemic, and knelt behind him holding him

Courtney and Trevor

are reunited

until the helicopter got there as he was quite

distressed. It felt like it had only been around

ten minutes, but actually I carried out chest

compressions for nearly 20 minutes.”

Trevor was flown to the Queen Elizabeth

Hospital in Glasgow for treatment and later

was transferred to a hospital in his hometown

of Leeds where he made a full recovery

Since the incident, Trevor and Courtney

have kept in touch and become good friends.

Trevor said: “I owe my life to Courtney, she’s

a beautiful person inside and out. I was

nervous about seeing her again for the first

time after the accident. My wife and I travelled

to Edinburgh to meet Courtney and Brogan

and we just instantly hit it off. She is now part

of our extended family.”

In August the pair climbed Ben Nevis with

friends and family to raise money for the

Mountain Rescue service.

Trevor said: “I decided that in order to move

on and put the incident to bed I had to try and

climb Ben Nevis again. Heading back up Ben

Nevis with Courtney two years after she saved

my life felt really special. If it wasn’t for her and

her swift actions, I wouldn’t be here today. It

was brilliant to finally reach the top, it was like

a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders”.

9

Car Free Holyrood

Turning apples

into brandy

By STAFF REPORTER

Could Holyrood Park

look like this every day?

Sticking to the path

Survey results show clear support for a car free Holyrood Park

By CAR FREE HOLYROOD

EXCUSES ARE running out for Historic

Environment Scotland (HES) which continues to

allow private motor vehicle traffic through the

historic site and Site of Special Scientific Interest

(SSSI) Holyrood Park, as their own survey shows

widespread support for current and further

restrictions on car usage in the park.

Newly released findings from last year’s Traffic

Management Survey conducted by HES include

62% of respondents saying they “would like to

see further road closures for vehicles in Holyrood

Park”, while 73% agreed that “closing the road on

both Saturdays and Sundays has made the park a

more pleasant place to spend time”.

Drilling down into the results, it’s clear that

many of the nearly 4,000 respondents to the

survey live locally, with 70% saying they visited

the park at least weekly. The aspects of the park

most enjoyed by its users are those most

negatively impacted by the continued presence of

traffic through the park.

For example, 82% of respondents use the park

for “leisurely walking”, 71% for “[getting] some

fresh air and for mental wellbeing” and 47% for

“hiking, jogging or running’”.

All of these activities are negatively impacted

by the noise, pollution and danger posed by

motor vehicles.

Comments from people visiting the park with

children said they were particularly grateful for

traffic-free roads, one respondent saying that

roads being closed to vehicles “totally transforms

the experience of visiting the park for me and my

two children. It creates a safe and peaceful

environment where I don’t have to worry about

the danger of speeding cars”.

Many who replied highlighted the need to

make changes during the ongoing climate

emergency. One respondent said: “The climate

crisis demands we move away from private

vehicles rapidly. Any opportunity should be

taken especially where it creates a high-quality

active travel route with little to no investment.”

Regardless of their opinion about road

closures in the park, all respondents wanted the

park to be accessible for all. Some raised

concerns about how access could be achieved if

cars could not be used as mobility aids within the

park, however others suggested a number of

ways to open up accessibility, including for the

many visitors who don’t have access to a private

motor vehicle or family who could drive them

around the park.

Car Free Holyrood strongly believe that it’s

time for Historic Environment Scotland to act

upon these results by closing the park-roads to

through traffic and enabling access for those with

mobility needs through an Inclusive Access Hub.

Such a hub could provide access for all, including

those who don’t have a car, by providing mobility

scooters, wheelchair attachments, and other

mobility aids suitable for use in the park. We are

currently trying to work with HES to start a

Cycling Without Age Scotland chapter and

encourage them to overcome bureaucratic

hurdles so the community can start this trial and

open up a new way to experience the park on

trishaws piloted by volunteers.

Follow on Twitter: @carfreeholyrood

Fifty years of Women’s Aid Edinburgh

By STAFF REPORTER

EDINBURGH Women’s Aid,

which opened its first refuge in

1973 has unveiled plans for a

series of year-long events next

year to mark 50 years of

providing support for tens of

thousands of women and their

children who have experienced

domestic abuse. The events will

include a competition to design

a commemorative artwork and

that will be unveiled at an

exhibition in January.

Events planned throughout

the entire year will highlight and

pay tribute to those who have

provided support for women

and their families over the past

five decades. This has meant

giving women a safe place to

stay in a refuge, specialist

housing support, legal advice

and help securing employment.

The aim of the

commemorative artwork will

be to showcase how the

charity has evolved over the

years, the ongoing support

available to help keep victims

of domestic abuse safe and

forthcoming plans.

In addition to being launched

at the 50th anniversary

exhibition, the artwork will also

feature on the cover of the

charity’s printed and digital

Impact Report and various other

marketing materials, including

pull-up banners, leaflets, website

and social media. The winning

artist will also receive a prize

of £500.

Entries can be created in any

medium and should be

submitted with the entry form

available on EWA’s website,

www.edinwomensaid.co.uk by

1 November 2022.

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY researchers

are tackling a core problem in Edinburgh,

and appeal for surplus apples for their

sustainable brandy project. Surplus apples

- usually destined to simply rot - are being

turned into one of Britain’s favourite

traditional tipples thanks to a unique

partnership between researchers at

Heriot-Watt University and the Inchcolm

Distilling Company. The University’s

International Centre for Brewing and

Distilling (ICBD) teamed up with the

company’s owner to turn the unwanted

fruit into premium brandy.

It’s hoped the project will help to cut

food waste in the capital and preserve

the city’s apple trees. Traditional orchards

bring biodiversity benefits, acting as

gorging grounds for insects and creating

habitats for birds and other species,

encouraging and enhancing the

ecosystem in Edinburgh.

GREENHOUSE GASES

Additionally, rotting apples generate

methane, one of the more potent

greenhouse gases contributing to global

warming. It’s estimated several tonnes

of apples from trees in Edinburgh’s

private gardens and small orchards go

to waste each year.

The researchers worked closely with the

distillers to identify the best strains of yeast

to mix with the different types of apples to

produce the brandy which will be called

Pochle, an old Scots’ word meaning “to take

a small amount of something without

exactly having permission”.

Jamie Wade, Researcher from ICBD said:

“In the distilling industry it is up to us to

explore ways to create industry-wide

practices focused on sustainability.

“For the Inchcolm Distilling Company,

we carried out rigorous tests to develop

the best blend. We tried a combination

of different yeasts to identify the best

production method possible so all

surplus apples can be used in the

distilling process.”

Chris Miles of Inchcolm Distilling

Company, said: “I started picking apples as

a kid when I’d nip into somebody’s garden

and pinch a wee pochle of them. Some

people see their apple trees as a problem

but I see them as a great opportunity -

waste not, want not.”

“Repurposing waste from nature’s

garden is a key challenge for the drinks

industry. It’s great to develop a product

from apples that would otherwise be

wasted. And there’ll be plenty of variety as

the taste depends on the types of apples

donated. No two batches will be the same.”

10

CANDERSONS SWEET SHOP

HERIOT GALLERY

LEITH WALK POLICE BOX

LOVE YOUR BUSINESS

BIRTHLINK THRIFT SHOP

Debbie Anderson invites you to take

yourself back to your childhood with

all the traditional jars of sweets in her

shop. Chewits and fudge will take you

back a decade or two. Open from

10am except Mondays.

102 Leith Walk EH16 5DT

0131 554 1401

Newly established gallery in the New

Town art district which will feature

curated group shows and solo shows.

The owners promise it will be

”challenging and compelling art”.

Innovative new works and a collection

of art books to buy.

www.heriotgallery.com

Very reasonable rates allow start-ups

to use this small pop-up space as the

first rung on the ladder. From food to

political parties and all manner of

organisations in between. Have a look

at their pop-up garden when you visit.

Croall Place EH7 4LT

hello@leithwalkpolicebox.com

Love Your Business networking club is

relaxed, informal and good fun, and is

continuing online on the last Thursday

of the month with a host of inspiring

speakers sharing their entrepreneurial

journeys and invaluable business tips.

www.lybnetworking.com

Facebook/howtolyb

Donate unwanted items to this shop

on Gilmore Place knowing that they

will find a loving new home. Very little

ever goes to landfill. Visit the shop to

pick up a copy of our latest paper and

also to admire their innovative and

ever-changing window displays.

birthlink.org.uk

NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION

DI GIORGIO’S CAFFE & BAR

EDINBURGH DOG & CAT HOME

CRAIG BANKS TAILORING

SALENTO

Subscribe today and have your own

copy of The Edinburgh Reporter

delivered to your front door from

next month. - in a compostable

envelope. A small monthly payment

will help to support our free and local

independent news coverage.

ter.ooo.subscribe

Di Giorgio’s have a variety of cakes and

slices, coffee with a smile and pasta

and lasagne to go. Morning rolls and

ciabattas are also available, but this is

brownie heaven. Do ask about their

very special birthday cakes.

Open 7 days 10-4pm

1 Brandon Terrace EH3 5EA

The charity rescues reunites and

rehomes any animal in need, and

works tirelessly to secure happy and

loving forever homes from their base

at Seafield where they regularly walk

dogs on the beach.

0131 669 5331

edch.org.uk

Bespoke tailoring for men. Craig’s

focus is on making the highest quality

personally tailored attire that others

will aspire to. His pyjamas and dressing

gowns will make your video calls or

working from home very stylish.

0131 226 7775 • 45 Thistle Street

EH2 1DY • craigbankstailoring.com

Go along to this beautiful wee shop

filled with Italian handmade goods

and see how much they’ve taken off in

their end of Summer Sale.

Bag a bargain in store at 44 Dundas

Street or online - all will be parcelled

up with turquoise ribbon and tissue.

www.salentoshop.co.uk

THE COBBLED ROASTERY

INDEPENDENT WINE COMPANY

BIRCH TREE GALLERY

ART & CRAFT COLLECTIVE

ERIC LIDDELL COMMUNITY

Vlad has a unique style at 48 Thistle

Street with great coffee and above

average chat and he may play chess

with you. The city centre micro

roastery is increasingly a place to go.

Coffee also available to order online if

you are working from home.

cobbledroasters.co.uk

A specialist importer of boutique fine

wines from Italy. Carefully hand-picked

award-winning wines of premium

quality sourced from winemakers

direct. Oleg and Elvira visit every

vineyard. Free UK delivery - same day

delivery to Edinburgh available.

independent.wine

The gallery focuses on original

paintings, prints and fine crafts

inspired by nature. Wide price range to

accommodate various budgets.

Jurgita warmly welcomes you to

Dundas Street. Open Tuesday to

Saturday 11am-4pm.

birchtreegallery.co.uk

A unique gallery and gift shop in

Edinburgh’s Southside - a cornucopia

of all forms of art. Buy handmade art

and craft from independent artists.

Linsay says: “If we don’t have it, we can

probably find it for you.”

artcraftcollective.co.uk

0131 629 9123

Same location. Same facilities.

Great new name. The Eric Liddell

Community welcomes you.

Rooms for hire and office space for

registered charities.

0131 447 4520

15 Morningside Road EH10 4DP

frontdesk@ericliddell.org

ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY

BROUGHTON PLACE HAIR

THE WATERSHED

STOCKBRIDGE MARKET

TORRANCE GALLERY

Ardgowan Sailmaker - described by

master whiskymaker Max McFarlane

as “Clydebuilt’s best yet”

incorporating Lowland, Speyside and

Highland single malts for depth and

richness. Next day delivery standard.

Free shipping for orders over £100.

shop.ardgowandistillerycom

Luxurious, elegant salon with a very

happy and friendly atmosphere where

the aim is to make your experience

relaxing, enjoyable and glamorous.

Appointments essential.

Tel 0131 556 4478

2a Broughton Place EH1 3RX

www.broughtonplacehair.com

The floating café with outdoor seating

is owned and run by Lindsay and sits

just next to the Leamington Lift Bridge

on the canal. With their range of

smoothies and coffees accompanied

by macarons and a host of other treats,

it is not to be missed.

EH3 9PD

You may know about Leith (Saturdays)

and Stockbridge (Sundays) Markets

but did you know that you can order

online and pick up all of your shopping

at once? Using the NeighbourFood

site you simply choose what you want,

pay and then collect your shopping.

www.neighbourfood.co.uk/markets

The Torrance Gallery on Dundas Street

is featuring artists Arie Vardi and

Sandra Moffat this month. Winners of

2021 Prestige Awards Best

Independent Art Gallery. Join the

gallery’s mailing list to be kept up to

date with details of each show.

torrancegallery.co.uk

11

Dumbiedykes

gala returns

Celebration matters for local residents

DUMBIEDYKES MATTERS held their first event in

September, bringing back the popular gala day to the area.

Organisers say it was a huge success, and was very well

attended by local families. All of the volunteers worked hard

alongside city centre councillors, Jo Mowat and Finlay

McFarlane, who judged the children's fancy dress and

handed out raffle prizes, all donated by businesses.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service brought an appliance

along which was a big hit of course, and community police

officers were roped into helping with face painting. Other

attractions included the bouncy castle, a resident DJ, a craft

table, instruction from the Crags centre basketball coach

and the excellent Dick Vet’s dog show. A spokesperson said:

“All in all it was a fantastic day out. We must give special

thanks to Edinburgh University community department

and The Charteris Centre for supporting the gala and really

making it possible to go ahead.”

Fun was had by young

and old at the newly

reinstated Gala Day

Christian Aid

pics and books

Wifi on board

EDINBURGH TRAMS has teamed up with

Edinburgh Napier University providing

seamless digital connectivity for their

students, researchers, and staff.

There is already free WiFi on the tram but

they will now carry the International service

eduroam on board so that students will be

able to use even faster wireless broadband as

they return to campus this month.

Eduroam is used by universities and colleges

worldwide as a secure, standard WiFi network

at institutions throughout the UK – meaning

that those from other universities and colleges

will also benefit.

The pilot scheme enables anyone with

eduroam to connect to the internet while

travelling by tram, by logging into a single wifi

profile using their educational ID.

Doug Curry, Edinburgh Trams IT Manager,

commented: “We’re delighted to be one of the

first public transport organisations to extend

the reach of eduroam in Edinburgh.

“The system has fantastic potential as it

allows students and academic staff who may

struggle with high data costs to get online and

work wherever and whenever they need to.”

THE ANNUAL Christian Aid Sale of Pictures and

Scottish Books takes place from 18-22 October

at St Andrew’s and St George's West Church in

George Street.

Now in its 50th year, the October sale will

focus on artworks and Scottish books and is

looking to add to the £1 million plus raised over

the last 10 years which supports Christian Aid’s

work to improve the lives of those most in need

around the world.

The sale includes works by eminent artists

from across Scotland and the UK, past and

present. Of particular note are pictures by

Douglas Davies, Richard Demarco, Carola

Gordon, Sir John Leighton, Brent Millar,

and Ann Oram.

The wide range of artworks at the sale - from

oils and acrylics to etchings, drawing and prints

- are sold at prices to suit everyone, from the

seasoned collector to the first-time buyer.

The Scottish Books section offers more than

3,000 volumes from the wealth of Scottish

literature, with signed first editions donated by

leading contemporary Scots writers, collectable

out-of-print titles and some particularly fine

art books.

Proceeds from the sale of pictures will

go to this year’s Christian Aid Harvest Appeal

which supports the East Africa Hunger

Crisis Appeal.

Opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday to Friday

and until 7pm Thursday. Saturday 10am-3pm

with a coffee morning and jewellery and gifts

until noon.

12 FEATURE 1916 ZEPPELIN RAID

Edinburgh local Andy Arthur

recalls two explosive nights in

Edinburgh’s war history

It was fittingly dark and late when I started to write

this, the story of the Zeppelin air raid on Edinburgh

and Leith of 2-3 April 1916. It is a longish story

which I’ll break down into three parts. Hopefully,

I can clarify a few points and add some extra

details to complement other tellings of it.

Part 1: Prelude

The frightening and fascinating new technology of

Zeppelins burst quite literally into the British public

consciousness on 19-20 January 1915 when an attack

on Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Sheringham left

four dead and fifteen injured. Follow up raids are a

failure, until bigger and more capable Zeppelins arrive

and in April and May 1915 towns across the southeast

of England from Ipswich to Dover are targeted and hit.

Three are killed and there is public outrage.

Public and newspaper ire is directed as much at the

authorities for failing to protect the populace and smite

the aerial menace as much as at the German military. In

September, a Zeppelin humiliatingly appears with

impunity over London. By the end of 1915, 203 people

have been killed and a further 711 injured in monthly

raids over (mainly) the Eastern and South Eastern

counties of England.

The authorities have been largely impotent in

response, but try to mobilise the public outrage as a

recruiting tool.The Daily Mail is amongst popular

newspapers which offer its loyal readers a compensation

13

Police spot a zeppelin,

flying as high as

10,000ft. The looming

airship is heading

southwest, straight

towards the very

heart of Leith

scheme should they or their family be killed or injured

by a Zeppelin air raid.There are public awareness

campaigns, warning people what to look out for when

scouring the skies for aerial attackers.

In early 1916, during a winter lull in the bombing

campaign, George Currie MP for the Leith Burgh asked

the Scottish Secretary what was to be done by local

authorities to guard against the aerial threat. A week

later, the Secretary for Scotland, the Rt. Hon Thomas

Mackinnon Wood, issues the “Lighting Order”, which

obliges local authorities to implement a basic blackout

and put in place warning measures of air raids, but

leaves the details to local discretion.

A debate rages in Edinburgh Town Council about the

best way to enact the order. The Chief Constable wants

a complete night-time blackout but is felt to be

over-reacting and over-stepping his authority. An

audible warning is felt to be unnecessary and might just

draw people out onto the street anyway. It is eventually

settled that in the event of an air raid, the Corporation

Electrical Department will dim the lighting supply as a

warning before cutting it entirely as a blackout.

However the gas lighting supply (the predominant

domestic lighting) will not be dimmed or cut, over fears

that it will lead to leaks from unlit lights when the

supply is restarted. This means that there is no warning

system in place for people who use gas lighting – the

majority – and the blackout will not be effective.

However this is accepted. After all, Edinburgh is very

far away from it all and probably feels its isolation is

protection enough. The burgh of Leith follows suit and

issues similar orders, however these do not apply to the

shipping sitting in Leith Docks and they continue to

burn lights at night.

The air raids begin again at the end of January 1916

with the full moon when 57 are killed and 117 injured.

There is respite as a result of the weather at the end of

February but the Zeppelins return at the end of March.

On the night of the 31st, 43 are killed and 66 wounded.

But a Zeppelin is shot down during that raid, to public

jubilation. On the next night (1-2 April), it is the North

East of England that is hit, 16 people are killed and 100

are injured. The bombs are creeping northwards, but are

still more than 100 miles from Edinburgh

Part 2: The Raid

On the bright spring morning of April 2nd 1916, the

residents of Edinburgh open their morning newspapers

to read headlines and horrifying details of the latest

series of raids. Unknown to them, something sinister is

stirring 500 miles to the east.

At the Nordholz naval air base north of Bremerhaven,

the Imperial German Navy readies four of the latest

P-class Zeppelins for a raid on Rosyth on the Firth of

Forth, the base of the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet – the

most powerful fighting force on the high seas. In the

early afternoon, Zeppelins L13, L14, L16 and L22 take

off and begin their long voyage west. These 163m long,

4-engined craft have a crew of 19, cruise at 39mph, can

reach an altitude of 11,600 feet and carry up to 2,000kg

of bombs which are highly explosive and incendiary.

L13 soon develops engine troubles and turns for

home. L14, L16 and L22 press on west, but are troubled

by a northerly wind that blows them well off course.

L16 makes for the secondary objective of Tyneside but

drops her bombs 11 miles off target. L22 gets a bit lost

and mistakes the river Tweed for the Tyne, bombing

fields around Chirnside. She will later claim to have

destroyed one of the bridges over the Tyne.

L14 – under the capable command of Lt.

Commander Alois Bocker – is however on course and

schedule. She passes the Scottish coast near St. Abb’s

Head, being spotted here and possibly engaged by Royal

Navy destroyers. Nevertheless, the alarm is now raised

and the Admiralty dispatches the 2nd Light Cruiser

Squadron from Rosyth on a search of the Forth to look

for the raider. At East Fortune naval air base, Sub Lt.

GA Cox is scrambled in an Avro 504C fighter on an

ultimately fruitless interception mission. Cox will be

injured later trying to land his rickety aircraft in the

dark. And in Edinburgh and Leith, the warning

message is received by the authorities that an air raid

may be imminent, and the electric lights are dimmed

and the tramway is stopped. The fire brigade, hospitals

and Red Cross are put on alert.

Bocker turns L14 turn back out to sea after passing

St. Abbs, using the Isle of May in the outer reaches of

the Forth to get their bearings, then flying directly

down the middle of the Firth. They appear over

Inchkeith around 11.15pm. Over Inchkeith they do

what Zeppelin attackers often do; they stop to take their

bearings, floating high over the island. The night is clear

but there is a low haze and they cannot make out their

target from the glazed cabin high above the sea. Instead,

the welcoming lights of the ships in Leith Docks point

Bocker towards the docks and L14 sets off again with

a new target in mind. Bocker is familiar with the port

having visited it as a sailor in peacetime and he knows

if he follows its river it will lead him to the city centre

of Edinburgh.

The Leith Police spot L14 around 11:25, approaching

from Inchkeith. She is flying high, perhaps as high as

10,000ft. The Zeppelin is heading southwest, straight

towards the heart of Leith. The first three bombs are

unleashed here. Bomb 1, a 50kg high explosive (HE),

lands in the Edinburgh dock, sinks two rowing boats

and destroys the skylight windows of a Danish sailing

vessel...

This gripping tale will continue next month and will be

published in full online theedinburghreporter.co.uk

This stone is situated in Grassmarket near the White Hart

Martin P McAdam

14 BUSINESS

It was the right

Antony Zein showing

off his award

time to buy!

A business opened in lockdown wins award

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

ANTONY ZEIN set up his hair salon on St

John's Road about two and a half years ago

when he bravely bought the business during

the first part of the lockdown in 2020.

But he joked: "When is the right time to buy

a business?"

The Syrian barber now employs three

members of staff who work alongside him

in the refreshed surroundings. He did not

train, but learned to cut hair alongside his

“big cousin” in Syria and worked in Dubai

and many other countries before settling

in Scotland.

Recently his hard work has paid off with an

accolade from Scotlands Business Awards for

Best New Barbers. The nomination to the

awards was made anonymously but Antony

decided to enter the business allowing his

customers to vote using a QR code supplied.

Just a week before the ceremony the Director

of the awards body visited the premises and

explained they had had a mystery shopper. He

outlined details of the awards ceremony but

Antony has a three month old baby and was

unable to attend the event in Glasgow.

The award was sent through in the mail and

Antony says he is really pleased with it. He said:

"This is another chapter in the story. I was in

Carrick Knowe for eight years or so and left to

go to the Gulf to start an adventure. Two days

after I arrived in Qatar the whole country was

in lockdown and I was stuck in a hotel room

for 72 days. I eventually made it back to

Edinburgh in one piece and then this business

came up for sale.

"I had to get through and studied many

online courses to keep my mind going.

Everybody said to me that it was not the time

to buy a business but I went ahead and then of

course there was another lockdown in

December 2020. Being a new business I was

entitled to zero support, but I took that time

to refurbish the whole place inside and out,

making the barber shop an interesting

place to be."

Antony found old photos of the car

showroom which used to be on the site and he

has put these up on the wall along with other

photos of its previous existence as a branch of

the Union Bank of Scotland.

He tries hard to make it a bit different from

the usual barber shop offering free coffee tea or

even a single malt. He said: "I like to treat

people in the way that I like to be treated, and

we go the extra mile here."

Antony Zein offers all the usual services for

men's hair and beards. And now ladies

hairdressing is offered by Ina, a fully trained

Ukrainian hairdresser who arrived in

Edinburgh about three months ago and who is

building up her clientele.

Antony Zein Hair Salon is located at:

102 St John's Rd, Corstorphine EH12 8AT

To set up an appointment, call 0131 334 7726

www.antonyzeinhairsalon.co.uk

Graeme shows one of the many

uses of an e-assist cargo bike

You can bank on our bike business

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

A WELL-KNOWN name in the cycle

trade has moved to 70 St John's Road to

a retail unit which used to be a branch

Bank of Scotland but was most recently

occupied by Specsavers.

The business moved to temporary

premises in the former Woolworths

across the street but had to move out as

that building is now due for demolition

and redevelopment.

The new premises allow more room

for displaying all the kinds of bikes

which Graeme and his staff of four have

for sale - and they also now have a "dirty

area" round the back where they can

wash bikes down before servicing them.

Storage and workshop space is also vital

to the business where Danny Stewart

who is photographed left with Graeme

is described as the bike magician and

stunt man.

Graeme first moved into Corstorphine

believing it was the area which had

most other types of retail outlets but

was obviously lacking a bike shop. He

felt it was almost an essential for the

centre of population to have this service.

And the rest is history, as they say. Now

Graeme and Harts Cyclery occupy their

biggest shop unit yet. Graeme said :

"With all the development that is going

on it is going to be more and more

necessary. Corstorphine is going to

be an urban centre for more and

more people."

The business now offers a full range of

all kinds of bikes from children's bikes by

Puky to racing bikes and e-bikes which is

all part of a growing business, and is the

longest standing dealer in Gazelle bikes.

Graeme explained his business has its

own way of operating. He said: "We

know all our regular customers by name.

We are a proper independent bike shop

offering service, good products, and

expertise. If something goes wrong our

customers can always find someone to

speak to for assistance.”

The new shop may well allow for more

staff in future so if you are a keen bike

mechanic then do feel free to send your

CV to Graeme.

Harts biggest seller in terms of value is

of course e-bikes simply as the unit cost

is higher. Graeme said: "This is an area of

massive growth for the trade, but we

can service these as well. There are some

businesses which sell e-bikes which are

not great at caring for them. We have a

full service workshop and can fix

anything, pretty much."

Harts Cyclery is located at:

70 St John's Road Corstorphine EH12 8AT

Tel 0131 334 1441

Visit the website at

www.harts-cyclery.co.uk

16 FOOD AND DRINK

Café review: Format

By Charlie Ellis

CROSSWORD

Compiled by David Albury

The right Format

Snug and cosy wee café - and the coffee is pretty special too

FORMAT AT 124 Buccleuch Street, has

steadily built a reputation as a leading

place for specialty coffee in the city.

In this busy studenty area, Format

faces a lot of competition, especially

from Cult Espresso two doors along,

one of Edinburgh’s most revered coffee

spots. More recently the Greek

influenced The Lady and the Bear

has opened nearby. For Format’s

proprietor Andrew, this is a challenge

but also an opportunity as more

people are now being drawn to the

area in search of coffee, pastries and

savoury bites.

In contrast to Cult Espresso and

The Lady and the Bear, with their

spacious interiors (teeming with

lap-topping students at busy times),

Format is a snug little place with tables

for about ten inside - as well as some

seating outside. An improved interior

features a roughened concrete surface

offset by plants that soften the look.

The highly stylish custom made

machine produces consistently

flavoursome and memorable coffees.

The machine allows the barista

to make very subtle adjustments

to pressure, enabling them to get the

very best out of the beans. Format uses

beans from a range of roasters, giving

customers a variety of flavours over the

months. Roasters used include local

roasters Williams & Johnson, based in

Leith, and Elsewhere Coffee from

south London. Recently they have

used beans from another local roaster,

Obadiah Coffee. Obadiah’s Brazilian

beans provide an ‘elegant soft stone

fruit acidity’. Its stark richness means

they are best used with drinks (such as

a cortado or flat white) which allow

the milk to take the edge off the acidity.

As well as coffee, Format serves tea

(by the Brew Tea Company), hot

chocolate and a range of pastries (just

don’t try and eat the ones in the

window as they have been varnished!).

For a more substantial snack, Format

do some excellent filled bagels with the

smoked salmon version being

particularly tasty.

Andrew is enjoying a ‘calm and

steady’ start to autumn after a ‘crazy’

Festival period. Because of their

proximity to George Square,

Summerhall, and other venues, they

had a great deal of custom. He also had

to deal with delays with a makeover of

the interior which was completed just

three days before the Festival began.

Then their coffee machine broke down

due simply to the high volume of

coffees being pulled. Luckily a back-up

machine and his colleagues helped

them get through (“it was stressful but

we got through”).

Andrew is evangelical about

speciality coffee and always keen to

chat about it. One thing that he stresses

is that specialty coffee is a labour

intensive product at all stages. Skill and

meticulous attention is required at

every one. This, combined with rising

transport costs, inevitably leads to

fairly high prices. Andrew emphasised

that many cafes in Edinburgh use

cheaper ‘industrial coffee’, often

charging the same prices as those

which use premium specialty coffee.

Cafés such as Format focus on

demonstrating the superior flavours

you get with carefully sourced,

well-made specialty coffee.

Format

124 Buccleuch Street EH8 9NQ

ACROSS

5 Three-hundredth

anniversary (12)

8 Expedition in Africa (6)

9 Become less severe (6)

10 Ring a bell slowly (4)

12 Special offer on goods (7)

14 Cots for small babies (7)

15 Adult male deer (4)

17 Repeatedly annoy (6)

18 Eradicate (6)

20 One who works on rented

land (6, 6)

DOWN

1 Raw minced beef mixed with

onion and raw egg (5, 7)

2 Measurement using square

units (4)

3 Ever-lasting (7)

4 Meal, for example, provided

during trip on aeroplane (2, 6)

6 Title of Muslim ruler (4)

7 Strip of wood along the side

of a car for standing on (7, 5)

11 Astral body used as a guide

by sailors (8)

13 Lower down (7)

16 Fish with varieties called

bluefin, yellowfin etc (4)

19 Male sheep (4)

ANSWERS

Across: 5 Tercentenary, 8 Safari, 9 Relent, 10 Toll, 12 Bargain, 14 Cradles, 15 Stag,

17 Hassle, 18 Uproot, 20 Tenant farmer.

Down: 1 Steak tartare, 2 Area, 3 Eternal, 4 In flight, 6 Emir, 7 Running board,

11 Lodestar, 13 Beneath, 16 Tuna, 19 Rams.

S’wheat up for award

THE FOUNDER of Edinburgh

firm S’Wheat has been named as

one of the finalists for the

Scottish Women’s Awards in the

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

section. Amee Ritchie, who

founded the business along with

Jake Elliot-Hook four years ago

when they were both university

students, will only find out if she

has won on 27 October at a gala

event in Glasgow.

She said: “I’m so excited to be

shortlisted as a finalist for Young

Entrepreneur of the Year. I was

inspired by so many women in

business when I was younger

and this is what really

encouraged me to start S’wheat,

so to be a finalist for the Scottish

Women’s Awards feels really

rewarding.”

The business makes the

world’s first reusable water

bottle made from plants.

Their range of products was

recently expanded and the

firm plants a tree for every

bottle sold. As well as this

the company has a policy of

investing a percentage of its

profits in eco charities.

17

Culinary delights in the capital with Juliet Lawrence Wilson

Award winning pastry

chef and chocolatier

Sebastian Kobelt

Best beans

on toast

Chris Watt

Chocolatier

extraordinaire

Sebastian Kobelt’s sweet sensations are a delicious delight

IF THE WRITER OF the next Bond movie is in

the market for a super villain name, Sebastian

Kobelt would make a suitable moniker.

Sebastian, as far as I know, has no interest in

nuclear submarines or causing permanent

damage to Daniel Craig’s private parts, however

he does have a mission to take over our taste

buds one sensational chocolate at a time.

German born Sebastian, began by making

delicacies for the most prestigious hotels in the

Middle East and has now lived and worked in

Scotland for the last 17 years, most notably as

the head pastry chef for Michelin starred The

Kitchin and Castle Terrace restaurants.

“I really wanted to invest in myself and my

own business,” he tells me. Learning his

patisserie skills at a young age influenced by his

grandfather’s bakery in Berlin, Sebastian

describes himself as a pastry chef first and

foremost but chocolates were an easy business

to establish for him. All I needed was a table,

a chocolate machine and a fridge! Also

chocolates still allow me to work with the

seasons and many interesting flavours.”

The awards have rolled in: not only has he

been a finalist in the World Chocolate Masters

but has taken the Chocolatier of the Year crown

at the Scottish Food Awards and has recently

been awarded a much coveted Great Taste 2022

award for his Cranachan Truffles.

These delicate treats are the epitomé of the

classic dessert. “The secret ingredient in the

chocolate and oatmeal crust is beetroot powder,

adding another level and bringing out the peat

in the whisky.”

I was also lucky enough to try his signature

collection. Orbs of wondrous beauty greet you

upon opening the box with all the delicious but

complex flavours entertaining you. Sebastian

said: “Inspiration can come from anywhere. My

caramelised white chocolate bar with Dukkha

happened when my wife brought back a pack of

Dukkha seasoning from one of her own

culinary trips.”

Every year Sebastian comes up with a design

and flavours for his annual Advent Calendar.

This year, working with illustrator David

Williams of Truffled Pig Art, he will launch his

Scottish Santa calendar. Costing £30.50

including shipping, it will be filled with two

each of twelve stunning flavour combinations

including Butterscotch, Christmas Pudding and

two that reflect Sebastian’s German heritage,

Marzipan and Sea Buckthorn and

Dominostein, his version of the traditional

German confection: gingerbread layered with

marzipan and a red berry jelly encased in

chocolate.

“There’s also my Douglas Fir Chocolate,

my homage to the smell of a freshly cut

Christmas tree.”

Sebastian has ambitions tto create more

flavours and also to open up another patisserie.

He said: “I love watching couples come in and

argue about what they want to buy and leaving

with two cakes each. The experience of looking

at and smelling the cakes is wonderful and

reminds me of being in my grandfather’s

bakery as a 5-year-old. The little cakes looked

huge and magical.”

A father to two young children who have an

interest in baking, Sebastian tells me that at his

oldest child’s nursery when asked about his

father’s trade his son simply replied “chocolate!”

Sebastiankobelt.com

IN THE MIDST of a cost of living crisis,

I like my recipes the same as my dates –

cheap and tasty. Beans on toast, a British

staple has long been associated with

austerity, but here’s a version that cooks

in minutes, freezes well and elevates a

poverty supper or lunch into something

rather special. With grilled cheese, or a

poached egg on top it still comes in at

under £1 a portion. I bought my beans

and tinned cherry tomatoes from Lidl

and am also a fan of their Malted

Bloomer loaf. You can up the ante by

adding some pancetta or chopped

chorizo at the beginning before adding

the onion to the pan.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon tomato puree

• Splash of Red Wine (optional)

• 1 can chopped tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoon Italian Herb Mix or oregano

• 2 cans cannelini, mixed or butter beans

• Salt and pepper to season

• 8 thin slices of cheese

• Four slices of chunky toast

METHOD

Heat a slug of olive oil in a pan and add

the onions. Gently fry until soft and add

the garlic, stirring for a minute. Add the

tomato puree and fry off for a few

seconds before stirring in. Add the wine,

if using, and allow to simmer off for a

few seconds before adding the

tomatoes, paprika and herbs. Cook over

a low heat for a couple of minutes then

add the drained beans and heat

through. Season to taste. Serve of toast

as it is or top with a couple of slices of

cheese per portion and place under a

grill until the cheese is bubbling and

gorgeously golden.

18 WHAT’S ON

CULTURE • LITERATURE • EVENTS • MUSIC • MUSEUMS...

Edinburgh

Cocktail Week

Friday 7 - Sunday 16 October

At the movies...

Diane Hare, chats about her award winning Toatie Tablet and her fave flick

DIANE’S MUM taught her how to make her

traditional tablet when she was 10 or 11. By the

time she was 18 she was making tablet for all her

friends on a fairly regular basis. So, 9 years ago

she made it a business and set up her Toatie

Tablet Facebook page while remaining in her

part-time job in a local school.

She makes bars and bags of bite-size tablet

shapes, wedding favours and seasonal ranges

(tablet Advent Calendar anyone?) as well as

supplying a restaurant in North Berwick and a

gift shop in Musselburgh and taking stalls at

craft fairs in the run up to Christmas.

Diane said: “I love the personal relationships I

have with my customers who send me pictures

of the weddings I have made favours for and

things like that.”

Most of her business comes by word of mouth

and she has many repeat customers.

She is carefully considering making the big leap

into full time tablet making.

Choosing her favourite film wasn’t easy for

Diane but she plumped for what is perhaps a

favourite for many people: The Shawshank

Redemption, based on a Stephen King novella

about a man sentenced (spoiler alert) unjustly

for the murder of his wife and her lover. The film

documents his survival strategies and ultimate

revenge on the system as well as his friendship

with what we might call an institutionalised

inmate serving life for murder.

Although she is a big fan of romance movies,

she picked The Shawshank Redemption because

of it’s ultimately uplifting story and the message

of the importance of having a vision and hope in

what might seem a hopeless situation.

Tim Robbins with Morgan Freeman

in the Shawshank redemption

Diane said: “Obviously there are many dark

moments in the film but I loved that everything

works out for Andy, thanks to his own

determination and planning. That’s a good

lesson for life, not just self employment,”

She is very proud that she has made a

successful business from a simple recipe, handed

down to her from her mum who is sadly now in

the early stages of dementia and increasingly

rings Diane to ask her for the tablet recipe, but at

the same time Diane is happy that she honours

her Mum in the making of Toatie Tablet.

Fascinating film fact: the actor originally in

the frame for Andy Dufresne, the part played by

Tim Robbins, was Tom Cruise and Red (Morgan

Freeman) was to be portrayed by Harrison Ford.

What a very different film that would have been.

Linsay Given Black

EDINBURGH Cocktail Weekwill be

bigger and better than ever, running

for 10 days. It is packed full of

exciting experiences, delicious

cocktails, and stellar entertainment

for wristband holders.

More than 120 of Edinburgh’s best bars

will take part, each serving a £5

Signature Cocktail that you can enjoy

with a wristband. There is also a huge

Cocktail Village at Festival Square with 21

pop-up bars, live music and

masterclasses, and an exciting new

rooftop experience. Wristband holders

can navigate the city tasting the delicious

Signature Cocktails on offer and benefit

from free entry to the Cocktail Village,

open 12-11pm daily.

Jam-packed with unique experiences,

Edinburgh Cocktail Week will once again

bring the wow factor. The line-up of

music acts who will take to the stage

in the Cocktail tent, include Scottish

Tik Tok sea-shanty sensation, Nathan

Evans, who will kick off the celebrations

on 7 October, followed by Edinburghborn

Callum Beattie, Calum Bowie, and

Lily Ahlberg.

The festival also brings unique

experiences to the city such as

‘Dramming in the Dark’, a sensory whisky

experience, makes its Scottish debut,

while the ‘Mirror Mirror Bar’ will appear

on the rooftop at The Glasshouse Hotel

serving cocktails through the looking

glass. Other ticketed experiences include

Cocktails & Comedy, on 8 and 9 October

at The Stand Comedy Club, promising an

evening full of laughter and cocktails, as

well as Ball Pit Play & Cocktails at Ballie

Ballerson where ticket holders are

treated like the ultimate VIPs with

two-hour ball pit access, and exclusive

cocktails served to their table.

To buy wristbands and browse all the

cocktails and event programme visit www.

edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk

A new home

for The Great

Tapestry of

Scotland

THE GREAT Tapestry of Scotland new home

was to be opened last month by HRH The

Duchess of Cornwall, but due to the Queen’s

death the event was postponed. You can still

visit however.

The Magic of Masks and Puppets exhibit,

which is on loan from the Scottish Mask and

Puppet Centre (Scotland's primary venue and

resource centre for the art forms of puppetry,

mask and physical theatre) will be displayed at

The Great Tapestry of Scotland until the end of

the year.

The touring exhibit has been specially

tailored for the Tapestry’s visitor centre,

featuring puppets from every era and culture. In

keeping with the Tapestry’s telling of Scottish

history, heritage and culture, Scottish puppets

will be on display, including Morag the Highland

Cow (formerly co-presenter of the BBC's Fully

Booked) and the crawling baby animatronic

puppet from the cult film Trainspotting. It also

features shadow puppets from Greece, Turkey

and Indonesia, Javanese Wayang Golek rod

puppets, Rajasthani marionettes, giant Russian

doll figures from the Rostov State Puppet

Theatre and of course Punch & Judy.

Tickets for entry to the Magic of Masks and

Puppet exhibit cost £5 adults, £4 concession,

£2.50 child

19

Vibrant works of art

First UK solo show for artist Hannah Lim staged in the capital

By OLIVIA THOMAS

EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS opens the first

solo exhibition in Scotland by emerging

Singaporean-British artist Hannah Lim,

whose vibrant artworks have captured the

attention of audiences worldwide, ahead of

further shows in New York and Milan later

this year. The London based artist is working

in printmaking for the first time as she

continues her exploration of East and South

East Asian culture and its appropriation for

Western audiences.

Speaking on her work artist Hannah Lim

said: “As a person of mixed Singaporean and

British heritage both my research and practice

has come to engage with the colonial

connotations of the relationship between the

East and the West. These connotations are most

evident in themes such as Orientalism and its

relationship to Chinoiserie, an 18th century

aesthetic trend in which elements of Chinese

design were recreated in relation to European

aesthetics and tastes.

“I attempt to re-imagine and reclaim ideas

and designs associated with Chinoiserie, which

have in the past had problematic colonial

undertones. Cultural designs are shared as

opposed to appropriated, it is no longer about

one culture being moulded to the demands

of another.

I’m intrigued by the crossover of ideas,

creatures and anthropomorphism that exists in

these Chinese and Medieval bestiaries. There’s

something intriguing about this shared desire

to understand and give meaning to these real

and imagined ‘beasts’.

This whole avenue of research ultimately

evolved from exploring my Chinese-

Singaporean family’s relationship with

Christianity and how that has impacted my

understanding and exposure to certain aspects

of Chinese culture, overtime it has evolved into

something more playful and peculiar.”

Hannah Lim Ornamental Mythologies at

Edinburgh Printmakers, Castle Mills,

1 Dundee Street EH3 9FP

Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm

edinburghprintmakers.co.uk

Singaporean-British

artist Hannah Lim

Neil Hanna

Take a grand

tour with the

Scottish Art Club

CELEBRATING EDINBURGH

6 - 29 OCTOBER

Scottish Art Club

24 Rutland Square EH1 2BW

THIS EXHIBITION presents work

by Laura Gressani, John Heywood,

Cat Outram & Kelly Stewart inspired

by Edinburgh. The four artists are

printmakers and have consistently

found inspiration in the City’s

architecture and landscapes.

The exhibition offers a tour of the

City as much as a tour of the various

printmaking techniques they use,

including: etching, screenprinting,

lithography and monoprinting.

The exhibition also includes some

original drawings.

Kelly Stewart was attracted to

Edinburgh by its architecture and she

delights in depicting the different

“villages” of Edinburgh with their

particular styles. She presents

screenprints and original drawings.

Cat Outram has lived in Edinburgh

most of her life and has made the

City her main source of inspiration.

Her etchings sometimes present the

City as it sits in the surrounding

landscape, other times drilling down

to the domestic view from her window.

John Heywood has been a

printmaker for over 40 years,

specialising in etching. He believes that

etching helps him to capture the mood

and texture of the City.

Laura Gressani likes the contrast

between the formal architecture of the

New Town and the pockets of nature

within it, using monoprinting and

etching to capture it.

The exhibition is open to the public

Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am to 4.30pm.

www.scottishartsclub.com

Tribute to

the works

of Dorothy

Hogg MBE

A TRIBUTE TO the achievements of

the internationally renowned designer

Dorothy Hogg, MBE, is included in

Elements, the exhibition of gold, silver

and jewellery from 28-30 October at

Lyon & Turnbull.

The exhibition includes Goldsmiths’

Craft and Design Council (GC&DC)

award-winning work from across

the years.

The magnificent Fair Game vases, by

Fred Rich, who was described by the

judges of the 2021 Jacques Cartier

Memorial Award as the world’s greatest

ever art-enameller, will also be displayed.

The vases show plant life of the British

Isles with a particular reference to

Scotland as well as 41 birds of 25 types.

They stand 51cm high, took thousands

of hours to create and use over 100

metres of 22ct gold cloisonné wire.

It’s the first time the vases, and an

exhibition of GC&DC winners, have been

exhibited in Scotland.

Elements, Scotland’s annual festival of

jewellery, silver and gold runs from 28-30

October is organised by The Scottish

Goldsmiths Trust in partnership with Lyon

& Turnbull fine art auctioneers.

WHAT’S ON AT THE QUEEN’S HALL...

1 Oct: Calum Scott

6 Oct: Joby Burgess -

A Percussionist's

Songbook

8 Oct: Newton Faulkner

10 Oct: Last Podcast on

the Left

13 Oct: GZA - 25 Years of

Liquid Swords

14 Oct: Al Stewart

Greatest Hits Live

15 Oct: Leo Sayer -

The Show Must Go On

19 Oct: Samantha Fish

20 Oct: An Evening With

Adam Frost

22 Oct: Clearwater

Creedence Revival

23 Oct: John Cale

28 Oct: Wishbone Ash

29 Oct: Howard Jones

20

NEWS

Dogs for the deaf

National charity is actively seeking new volunteers in Edinburgh

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

NATIONAL CHARITY, Hearing

Dogs for Deaf People, is looking

for volunteers in Edinburgh to

raise and train puppies for deaf

people, as demand for its services

increase by 30%. The Charity is in

its fortieth year of existence and

needs dog lovers in the area to look

after its hearing dogs in training so

they can help more people with

hearing loss.

The deaf charity trains Cocker

Spaniels, Labradors, Cockapoos

and Miniature Poodles to become

life-changing hearing dogs for deaf

people. The dogs alert deaf people

to important and life-saving

sounds such as the doorbell, alarm

clock, smoke alarm and even baby

monitors. They provide constant

emotional support and

companionship – helping deaf

people to leave loneliness behind.

The role of a Volunteer Puppy

Trainer is to provide an excellent

level of care and training for one of

the Charity’s cute puppies.

Volunteers slowly introduce their

puppy to new experiences and

environments like supermarkets,

restaurants, shops, and public

transport, so the pup has the

confidence to accompany a deaf

person everywhere they go as an

accredited assistance dog.

Volunteer puppy trainers attend

weekly classes and learn the

necessary skills to ensure their

puppy becomes a well-behaved

dog before the next stage of their

training where they learn how to

alert deaf people to sounds.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

75 years of Indian independence celebrated in Edinburgh

Children’s classic

in Scots set to be

a festive favourite

THE INDIAN community in Edinburgh

held a celebration of the country’s

independence with a colourful evening at

Usher Hall. The building was decorated

inside and out with green, orange and

white – the tricolour of the Indian flag.

The event was staged by the Consulate

General of India in Edinburgh along with

the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

as part of the 75-week-long celebrations.

Shri Bijay Selvaraj, Consul General of

India, Edinburgh quoted the words of

India’s Prime Minister who hopes that in

the next 25 years India will become a fully

developed country.

Each and every group of performers

who took to the stage depicting the

journey of the last 75 years was colourful

in their own right. A reenactment of

hockey and cricket victories were

greeted with much cheering and clapping

from the audience who filled the hall.

Families gathered dressed in their best

with young and old watching the

entertainment set out in seven chapters

reflecting the seven and a half decades

of independence.

Martin P McAdam

Stick Mannie bides in the family tree.

Wi his Stick Wifie Love and their stick

bairnies three.

This children’s classic, translated into Scots

for the first time by James Robertson, is sure to

delight families this festive season. From the

best-loved creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man is

the popular story of family and fearlessness –

having sold over two million copies worldwide

and adapted into a short, animated film and

successful stage play.

Available in Scots for the very first time, this

translation by James Robertson is the tale of

Stick Man's epic journey navigating the perilous

seasons to reunite with his family. It's not easy

being a stick man, but with a bit of bravery, a

touch of luck and a little help from a festive

friend, he might just succeed.

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler, Stick Mannie is a

modern Christmas classic sure to entertain the

whole family and bring the Scots language to

readers through this much-loved story.

21

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TOUCH

TODAY!

For advertising

and editorial

enquiries please

email us on:

editor@the

edinburgh

reporter.co.uk

22 SPORT

Staking

Ryan Porteous with

John McGinn

a claim

J.L. Preece

Hibs star Porteous ‘buzzing’

after solid display for Scotland

By JOHN HISLOP

HIBS’ INFLUENTIAL defender Ryan Porteous

is ‘buzzing’ to be selected for Scotland manager

Steve Clarke’s squad for the international triple

header against Ukraine (twice) and against the

Republic of Ireland.

This is the fourth time Porto has been called

up to his nation’s senior squad. The first was

back in November 2019 for Euro 2020 qualifiers

against Cyprus and Kazakhstan.

He said: “I’m buzzing with. It is something

I haven’t achieved for a year now. But every time

I have been in the squad, I have really enjoyed it.

“You are only away for a week or 10 days, but

I do believe I become a better player being

Climbing the walls for success

By JOHN PREECE

THE CLIMBING World Cup was

last held at Edinburgh’s

EICA:Ratho climbing centre in

2017, and the 189 male and

female athletes who featured this

year put on a superb display in

front of a full house.

The event coincided with the

surrounded by these world-class players, so I’m

looking forward to it and hoping I can grasp my

opportunity.

“I have to play to a good level throughout the

season. If Hibs are playing well and I’m playing

well then he has always called me up and he has

always had that little bit of faith in me so

hopefully I can make the most of this

opportunity and stake a claim to stay there.”

“We know that there are always

opportunities, Steve Clarke has shown that, and

I know it would be a special feeling if I could get

that chance but I’ll just go in there and give the

best representation of myself, show what I can

do again and learn from that camp. I feel I

always take a lot away from them.”

announcement of the death of

HM Queen Elizabeth, so the event

only went ahead - with a social

media blackout - following some

high level consultation.

The first medals to be decided

were for the speed climbers who

ascend a 15-metre wall, with a 5

degree ‘overhang’ in well under 10

seconds and this genre witnessed

two ‘firsts’.

The first ‘first’ was in the men’s

event, where USA’s Samuel

Watson won the first Speed Gold

for his country, with China’s Long

Jinbao and Spain’s Erik Noya

Cardano taking Silver and Bronze

In the women’s final the second

‘first’ happened when the podium

was occupied by Polish twins,

Hibs boss Lee Johnson added: “We’re

delighted for him. We knew it would be the case

because he’s been in the eyeline for a number of

squads before.

“The next stage for him is to get minutes on

the pitch and to make sure he receives that cap.

I think he’s ready to do that.

“Off the pitch he’s maturing, as are his on

the pitch performances, and that goes hand

in hand.

“He’s got such a will to win and is such a

talented player that maintaining that focus and

direction becomes the key.

“As players start to mature, and go through

experiences, they become better on and off the

pitch, and we’re certainly seeing that with Ryan.”

Aleksandra and Natalia Kalucka,

who won Gold and Silver,

respectively, with USA’s Emma

Hunt taking Bronze (see photo).

The lead competi ion was

played out on EICA: Ratho’s big

wall and was another nail-biting

watch for the capacity crowd.

The qualifying and semi-finals

took up all day Saturday and

Sunday morning, and the

climbers were whittled down to

eight men and eight women for

the finals and both competitions

went down to the last seconds of

the six minutes available.

With everyone’s eyes on Janja

Garnbret of Slovenia, Japan’s Mori

Ai quietly came up on the ropes

and snatched Gold by a few

seconds, both climbers having

topped out. Bronze in the final

went to South Korea’s Seo

Chaehyun, who was last on the

wall, but couldn’t quite match

her rivals.

The men’s event also went

down to the wire with USA’s

Jesse Grupper leaving it to,

virtually, the last second to top

out. Silver and Bronze in this

event went to Slovenian, Luka

Potocar , with GB’s Toby Roberts

picking up his first, senior, World

Cup medal.

Golf Croquet

international

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

AN INTERNATIONAL match was played

in Edinburgh last month in Balgreen. The

fixture came about because Irish captain

Jane Morrison (pictured above right) -

who lives in Edinburgh - invited an Irish

team (of which she was captain) to come

and play a Scottish team. This fixture

between the Scottish Croquet

Association and the Croquet Association

of Ireland was a calculated move on Ms

Morrison’s part - she would very much

like more women to become involved in

golf croquet both in Edinburgh and in

Scotland.

She herself has a world ranking and

will play in New Zealand next January.

There are eight players in each team

and the plan was to play four doubles

matches and four singles on each of the

two days. Croquet is one of the very first

sports which was allowed after the

pandemic as it is played outside and

offers each player a lot of space on the

croquet lawn. At Balgreen Croquet and

Bowling Club they have four separate

lawns allowing several matches to be

played at once.

WORTHY WINNERS

By the end of the weekend Ireland was

declared the winner with 57 games to

Scotland’s 19, although the Scottish

Women’s Team had some good victories

among the results.

Kathy Brown (above left) was the

newly appointed captain and she said

she is looking forward to the return

match at Rushbrooke in Co Cork in 2023.

Sadly the Irish team was just too too

strong for the inexperienced Scottish

squad but they all had a very enjoyable

weekend and are looking forward to

next year. The intention is that following

a successful inaugural event, the fixture

will now be played each year.

A trophy was presented to the Croquet

Association of Ireland Team by Roger

Binks, Chairman of the Scottish Croquet

Association.Balgreen is only one of three

croquet clubs in Edinburgh with others

at The Meadows and Lauriston Castle.

23

Feeling the

pressure!

It’s make or break for Jambos with

a jam-packed autumn schedule

By JAMIE MCINTOSH

HEARTS GOT TWO much-needed

victories prior to the international

break to keep them on track on

both domestic and European fronts.

The Jambos headed to the Latvian

capital, Riga, having lost six of their

last seven matches. Manager, Robbie

Neilson, also would have known

deep down that it was imperative,

Hearts took at least a point from the

match at the Skonto Stadium.

In the end, Hearts took all three

points thanks to goals from

Lawrence Shankland and Alan

Forrest. Istanbul Basaksehir

defeated Fiorentina in Turkey,

which meant Hearts moved up to

second in the group after two

matches.

Less than 72 hours later and

Hearts took to the field again,

looking for their first away league

win of the season and again goals

from Shankland and Forrest saw

them pick up all three points.

Prior to that match in Latvia,

Hearts had struggled to keep clean

sheets, despite having Scotland’s

number one, Craig Gordon,

between the sticks. However, much

like Edinburgh buses, Hearts waited

so long for a clean sheet and then

two came along in quick succession.

Victory in Lanarkshire saw

Hearts move up to third in the cinch

Premiership table, despite their

hectic schedule and unfortunate

injury problems.

Those two results were important

for a number of reasons, most

notably because they brought an

end to a bad run of results and

instilled greater confidence in

the squad.

But perhaps a quick glance at

Hearts’ fixture list for October,

highlights just how important that

win at Fir Park was.

Due to the farcical decision to

hold a World Cup in November,

clubs have been forced to agree to

severe fixture congestion in October

and early November, prior to the

tournament commencing.

Therefore, Hearts will have to

play 12 matches between 1 October

and 12 November. Neilson has

spoken on numerous occasions

about preparing his squad to

perform on a weekend matchday as

well as during the week.

The reality is, if Hearts are still

third in the league at 4:45 on 12

November then it will be a minor

miracle with the schedule and

injuries they currently have to key

players.

However, if Hearts can stay in

touch with teams around them over

the next 5 weeks, then they will

fancy their chances to come on

strong in the second half of the

season once their new signings have

bedded in and they have more time

in-between fixtures to recover.

I hope the Hearts players who

were not on international duty at

the end of September enjoyed their

well-earned break, because things

are going to get a lot tougher for

them between now and the start of

the World Cup.

Coastal rowing

Porty open days

THE EASTERN Amateur Coastal Rowing

Club (the Eastern) are holding two open

days in Portobello for anyone interested in

trying the sport.

Coastal rowing has exploded in recent

years with dozens of clubs springing up

around Scottish coastal towns.

The Eastern is one of the most successful

coastal rowing clubs and was the top

ranked Scottish club at three successive

world championships.

The open days are on Saturday 1 and 8

October from 10am to 2pm, meeting on

the shore in front of Portobello Baths

where prospective rowers will be taken

out in 15 minute slots.

For more information contact

eacrcmembership@gmail.com

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enquiries please email us on:

editor@theedinburgh

reporter.co.uk

New cup is just capital

By STAFF REPORTER

HIBS WOMEN and Hearts Women

have launched the Women’s Capital

Cup all backed by Edinburgh fund

managers, Baillie Gifford.

This new trophy for women to

play for begins with the first fixture

at Easter Road on 27 Nov and a

return fixture on 26 Feb next year.

The trophy will be lifted by the

winner of each game. Supporters

are invited along free of charge.

Both clubs will work with

community groups to ensure that

the broadest cross section of fans

get involved, fostering greater

inclusion and diversity in the

national game. Supporters can

also back the two charitable

foundations Hibernian Community

Foundation and Big Hearts.

Hibernian FC Chief Executive Ben

Kensell said: “We are delighted to

launch the Capital Cup alongside

Hearts as we look to enhance and

grow women’s football in Scotland.

“It was a really proud moment

for everyone at Hibernian FC last

season to see 5,512 supporters at

Easter Road for the Edinburgh

Derby – a record crowd for a

domestic women’s fixture in

Scotland – and it was great to

see so many supporters at

Tynecastle too. Thanks to the

support of Bailie Gifford, we hope

to not only see more supporters in

attendance at these games, but to

inspire the next generation of

female footballers.”

Andrew McKinlay, Chief

Executive at Heart of Midlothian,

said: “Hearts is delighted to unveil

the Capital Cup alongside

Hibernian and with thanks to the

support of Baillie Gifford. The

fixtures between the two teams

have been well attended by both

sets of supporters.

“These games have already

shone a light on the huge appetite

for Women’s Football in the Capital

and we are excited to see how far

we can grow attendances and

support the wider growth of the

game in Scotland.”

The Edinburgh Reporter October 2022

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