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A tall order Hidden Doors Tip off No mis-steak Midfield move
Giraffe artwork hits
the high spots
Page 6
Taking a sneak peek at
Granton festival
Page 9
Snapper Tom Duffin
in the frame
Page 12
Food writer Juliet on
Hawksmoor at Home
Page 17
McAlonie swaps
Spartans for Hibs
Page 23
July 2021
EDINBURGH’S FREE LOCAL NEWSPAPER...A CAPITAL READ FROM START TO FINISH
Greg Macvean
Such a
perfect
Saxophonist,
Matt Carmichael
and pianist,
Fergus McCreadie
Tickets
on sale for
Edinburgh
Jazz & Blues
Festival
day
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
THE EDINBURGH Jazz & Blues Festival
will take place live as well as online from
16 to 25 July.
Fergus McCreadie, and saxophonist,
Matt Carmichael in our cover shot will be
taking centre stage this month. The photo
was taken during a video shoot for a piece
which McCreadie had written and was
releasing as a single. It was a huge effort to
get the piano up to its position inside the
Collective Gallery on Calton Hill.
Photographer, Greg Macvean,
explained: “It was the perfect day.
Fergus and Matt had to keep doing run
throughs, actually playing while being
filmed, although the music had already
been laid on a separate track. People
outside the gallery could hear it and lots
of visitors thought it was a concert and
kept trying to come in. At one stage
two legs were removed from the piano
to move it.”
A festival spokesperson said the
piano was brought up by road before
being carefully pushed the last 100 yards
into position. A piano technician
accompanied the piano and supervised the
move and the tuning.
Matt Carmichael will perform with his
quartet (which includes Fergus) at 2pm on
20 July.
Fergus will appear online only on
20 July at 6pm along with Tim Garland.
edinburghjazzfestival.com
2 NEWS
Coronavirus: The
vaccination story
Editorial
THIS MONTH there is a great deal to look
forward to with the advent of some festival
activity, beginning with the Edinburgh Jazz
& Blues Festival. But it is a difficult time for
both organisers and performers, some of
whom cannot travel to Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh International Festival has
already cancelled the three opening night
shows at the beginning of August as the
creative team behind the fire and light
promenading event cannot travel from
France. There was a travel exemption from
quarantine for artists previously available,
but it appears that the rules have changed.
The French creative team, Carabosse, were
unable to do the preparation work required
about seven weeks before the event.
One person who is extremely creative all
year round is Edinburgh-based
photographer, Tom Duffin, who regularly
stays up all night to capture the wonderful
shots he takes of the capital, often featuring
the sun and the moon. We have some of
his photos on our centre pages for you
to enjoy.
The Edinburgh Art Festival begins right at
the end of the month, offering a glimmer of
hope that life might have a little more in
the way of entertainment to offer us.
The past year has made us change our
ways, with some of us out enjoying a walk
in our neighbourhoods perhaps for the first
time. The council, with funding they won
from The Scottish Government, installed
extra pedestrian spaces on shopping
streets and also 39 km of dedicated cycle
lanes. Moving forward, once the public
health message changes, some of that
infrastructure will be removed, but in line
with the City Mobility Plan and there are
proposals to make Edinburgh net carbon
zero by 2030, and to create a City Centre
Low Emission Zone. A consultation is now
in place for you to contribute your own
views as to whether this is ambitious
enough for the capital city.
I very much hope that you and your
families are well and that you enjoy our
monthly look at the news in Edinburgh.
Phyllis Stephen, Editor
Planning matters
COUNCILLORS on the planning committee agreed by a slim
majority to refer the decision on a planning application for a large
1980s building in the New Town to a hearing.
The building at the foot of Dundas Street is called Centrum
House and BUPA House and is something of an anomaly. It sits 9.5
metres back from the pavement edge and has street trees in front
with a basement car park. The owners propose demolishing it and
replacing it with around 50 flats, including 25 affordable homes,
with 118 cycle parking spaces and reduced car parking.
The plans show a more uniform design for windows
facing Dundas Street which reflects the vertical lines of other
tenements further down the street towards Henderson Row
with sandstone façades.
City centre councillor, Joanna Mowat, said: "This site sits right on
the edge of the New Town and needs particular care and attention
on our part." Cllr Hal Osler supported the move to refer the matter
to a hearing and said: "This is an important site, and there was a
hearing for the site on the other side of the road."
The planning committee heard that Historic Environment
Scotland (HES) do not object to the demolition of the building
which with its mansard roof and horizontal lines make little
contribution to the "built environment". The building lies between
a new development at 120 Dundas Street which sits on the
pavement edge with commercial units below and homes above.
This building is an "uncharacteristic gap in terms of the historic
plan intended for the area". The historic map which was shown
during discussions, shows Canonmills Meadows and the Second
New Town where the intention was to have terraced homes on
Dundas Street with back greens.
In 1893 the building was a carpet cleaning works but was
replaced by Victorian tenements built at the turn of the century.
The site immediately opposite is New Town Quarter which will
use the site of the former RBS building. The council is "minded to
grant" permission for the £250 million development of 350 new
homes with offices.
A date for the hearing will be set in due course.
GET IN
TOUCH
TODAY!
THE SCOTTISH Government has
advised that everyone over 18
now has a scheduled vaccination
appointment. For anyone who has
not received their blue envelope
there is a new appointment
checker page on the NHS Inform
website where anyone can view
the date and time of their own
appointment. This means that
appointments for all over 18s
have been arranged five weeks
ahead of the target which The
Scottish Government had set for
itself. Second doses are also being
scheduled for eight weeks after
the first jag, rather than 12, to
speed up protection against the
Delta variant.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf
said: “I am delighted that we are
on the brink of reaching the major
milestone of having scheduled
first doses for all adults, five weeks
ahead of schedule.
“I want to say a huge thank you
to everyone involved in the
vaccination programme and all
those wo have taken up their offer
of a vaccine for their part in this
remarkable achievement which
For advertising and
editorial enquiries
please email:
editor@the
edinburgh
reporter.co.uk Donate anchor.fm YouTube
has been accomplished in
just over six months since the
roll-out began.
“Anyone who hasn’t received a
letter can visit the appointment
checker at NHS Inform. The
system lets you rebook if the
timing or location is not suitable,
which will be a useful tool for
students and anyone who has
recently moved house.
“Additional capacity has been
secured by NHS Boards to bring
forward all second doses from 12
to 8 weeks, which is important
given the emergence of the Delta
strain as we know greater
protection is provided after the
second dose.
“Again, I want to stress how
important it is that everyone takes
up their offer of a vaccine when
they get it. The emergence of the
Delta variant shows we cannot be
complacent, and the vaccination
programme – along with
restrictions and testing – offers
protection to you, your loved ones
and your community.”
www.nhsinform.scot/
covid19vaccineinvitations
BRINGING THE NEWS TO YOU
THE EDINBURGH Reporter
is distributed through a
network of city outlets
including supermarkets and
the EICC centre which is being
used as a mass vaccination
centre for now. The paper is
also distributed at Leith and
Stockbridge Markets.
If you have had your car in
any branch of Farmer Autocare
then you may have picked up
a free copy of our latest paper
during your visit.
If you can, then please
subscribe to have your copy
delivered to you each month.
It helps us to cover the
overheads of bringing the news
to you in print and online. And if
you have any suggestions as to
places where it could be
distributed from then please let
us know.
ter.ooo/subscribe
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 contact us
Editor: Phyllis Stephen
Designer: Felipe Perez
Photos: Martin P McAdam
/EdinReporter
edinburghreporter
@EdinReporter
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
07791 406 498
editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk
3
And all that jazz
Global musicians tune
up for Edinburgh
festival
Clockwise from left to right:
Jed Potts, Davina Lozier,
Ali Affleck and Laura MacDonald
AFTER MOVING online for 2020, Edinburgh Jazz &
Blues Festival (EJBF) is back for 2021 with an exciting
programme showcasing the fabulous music coming
out of Scotland, whilst welcoming audiences online
and in person. EJBF is Scotland’s flagship jazz and
blues event and we are delighted to be able to reengage
with our audiences and feature concerts
livestreamed in front of a small, live audience at
Assembly Roxy in addition to pre-recorded concerts
and online workshops. Additionally, with our digital
content we aim to reach new audiences around the
world. There has been a tremendous amount of work
put in over the last year by the EJBF team to present
high-quality online gigs and notwithstanding the
challenging times in which we operate, the variety of
programming for this year’s EJBF is top class.
We have international artists, Davina & The
Vagabonds playing a concert dreaming of being in
Edinburgh and other friends from across the globe like
Porty’s getting far two deer
PORTOBELLO resident Sandra
Cargill got a pleasant surprise when
she opened the blinds early one
morning to find two deer strolling
near the High Street.
The young animals rooted about
for 10 minutes opposite the police
station and appeared to have
wandered from nearby Rosefield
Park.
Sandra said: “It was about 6.30am
and on opening the blinds as I do
every morning I got a huge shock to
see two deer outside my garden.
Stacy Mitchhart, who love and miss performing in
Edinburgh so much that they were desperate to record
a concert and be part of EJBF 2021. The programme
also celebrates Scottish jazz and blues talent, looking to
the future with brand new commission, in addition to
delving into the past and the early days of jazz with the
Scottish Jazz Archive. Amazing young Scottish
musicians like Fergus McCreadie and Graham Costello
will be among those performing. And, the blues scene
ranges from driving Chicago blues to country delta
blues and all points in between.
Our Festivals are part of Edinburgh and at EJBF we
are excited to be back with performances for you to
enjoy. Concerts will be sold individually, but audiences
can buy a Festival Pass that gives access to all online
content as well as a few exclusives. And, with “Jazz for
Kids” there truly is something for everyone!
Jason Rust, Chair of Edinburgh
Jazz and Blues Festival
Sandra Cargill
Some 20 festival shows will take
place at Edinburgh Roxy in front of
a small audience. All are available
online along with 20 further
concerts which are online only.
Here are the 20 shows that are
available both online and in front of
small audience at Assembly Roxy:
16/07/2021
• 2pm Sandy Tweeddale Band
Unplugged feat. Lyndon Anderson
• 8pm Jacqui Dankworth &
Charlie Wood
17/07/2021
• 2pm Brass Gumbo Play The Beatles
• 8pm Playtime feat. Soweto Kinch
18/07/2021
• 2pm Hamish McGregor Band
play Chris Barber
• 8pm Soweto Kinch Trio
19/07/2021
• 2pm David Milligan solo
19/07/2021
• 8pm Safehouse play
The Allman Brothers
20/07/2021
• 2pm Matt Carmichael Quartet feat.
Charlie Stewart
• 8pm Martin Taylor/Alison Burns duo
• 2pm Brian Kellock's Marty Party
• 8pm Trio HLK
22/07/2021
• 2pm Charlotte Marshall Mama Roux
• 8pm Approx 60 mins Rose Room
feat. Konrad Wiszniewski
23/07/2021
• 2pm Katie Whittaker Sings
Bessie Smith
• 8pm Colin Steele Sextet: Miles Davis
24/07/2021
• 2pm Louise Dodds Quartet
• 8pm Jed Potts & The Hillman
Hunters
25/07/2021
• 2pm Jensen Interceptors
• 8pm Aki Remally
edinburghjazzfestival.com
“They walked around for about 10
minutes, an although they were very
cautious, they did get a fright when
a car drove along the High Street.
Eventually they started walking up
towards Rosefield Park, which I think
is where they came from, and after a
few minutes I lost sight of them.
“I was over the moon that I got to
see them so close up.”
Let there
be LED light
SINCE 2018 Amey’s Edinburgh Street
Lighting team have worked with the
council to upgrade over 64,000 LED
streetlights. The savings over 20 years
will be in excess of £54 million.
Fifty five thousand street lights have
been replaced so far and 1,600 lamp
posts have been replaced.
A dynamic street lighting control
management system has been
installed which allows the lighting to
be managed centrally.
And the maintenance and repair
works have reduced the city’s
emissions.
But the Amey team is also making a
difference in the community to give
back to local people. Social value is
measured on the contract with a points
based system which is achieved by
becoming involved with local events
and community projects. Amey
committed to achieving 720
community benefit points during the
three year contract which comes to an
end this year. So far the company has
achieved 1,764 points. Some of the
team has attended careers fairs,
Christmas gift collections and food
bank collections. Others have
upgraded a play area for children with
both physical and mental disabilities,
and helped by painting a homeless
shelter and upgrading the lighting
at a neighbourhood centre and at a
Scout hall.
Royal Highland
Showcase
THE ROYAL Highland Showcase –
seven days of livestreamed livestock
judging, forestry, equestrian, sheep
shearing, industry talks and Scottish
produce championships – drew to
a close with organisers heralding
the innovative hybrid event a
resounding success.
Judging of over 3,000 cattle, goats,
sheep and horses took place at the
competitor-only event at the Royal
Highland Centre, which was designed
to bridge the gap between a no-Royal
Highland show year in 2020 and the
180th Show taking place in June 2022
and early-bird tickets are now on sale.
4 NEWS
Spaces for
People
The Edinburgh Reporter
Powderhall
path delay
Protests planned as council
offers to rip up cycle lanes
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
SPACES FOR PEOPLE (SFP)has become a bit
of a political hot potato. While Paris forges
ahead with bold plans to pedestrianise the
Champs-Élysées, councillors in Edinburgh
appear entrenched in political toing and froing,
seeking agreement among the parties.
The Transport Convener, Cllr Lesley
Macinnes, seemed to change direction between
speaking to The Edinburgh Reporter on our
podcast and a day or two later on the eve of the
June Transport and Environment Committee
meeting. The about turn was not inconsiderable.
Until then Cllr Macinnes had appeared to
wholeheartedly support retaining all the
segregated cycling lanes in place in future, but it
appears that political pressure in the face of so
much public comment may have led to a change
of mind.
In the last year the council won £5.2 million
of Scottish Government funding to put new
active travel space on the city’s streets. The
funding was to provide extra space for social
The area shown red
might be demolished
distancing in town centres, and also to make
active travel safer by providing measures such
as segregated cycle lanes.
Council officers who had pored over every
detail of the schemes, the results of the public
consultation and the market research conducted
to find a way forward for the measures,
recommended retaining some of them, even
when the public health message changes.
Largely, this included all of the 39km of
segregated cycle lanes which have just been
installed, including the lanes at Lanark Road.
Twenty or so deputations made
representations to the Transport Committee,
and it is clear there is a breadth of views.
As we were going to press the council had
provisionally agreed - following the
administration’s suggestion - to remove the
cycle lanes on Lanark Road, but campaigners
were planning a mass cycle protest at
Gillespie Crossroads.
Campaign group Better Edinburgh for
Sustainable Transport (BEST) said: “Our
members, and many people we have spoken
Lanark Road cycle lanes
may be removed
with, are deeply disappointed about the
proposal to remove segregated cycle lanes on
Lanark Road.
“Protected cycle lanes on Lanark Road are an
essential part of this sustainable, inclusive
future. We need bold leaps forward now. We
should not be pulling up a scheme on what is in
essence an urban dual carriageway. Relegating
cyclists to the isolated Water of Leith path
would be a retrograde and grossly unfair step.
Many people, particularly women, will not
want to take a chance on that path in the dark.
They will be forced to choose another form
of transport.”
Professor Derryck Reid of Keep Edinburgh
Moving suggested that the council had erred in
dismissing the outcomes of the public
consultation. He set up a petition to oppose the
plans for the Longstone and Lanark Road areas
which attracted over 1500 signatures.
The debate will rumble on, but with Covid
cases rising recently in Edinburgh the public
health message has not yet changed and the
cycle lanes will remain in the interim.
New wave for Ocean Terminal
THE OWNERS of Ocean Terminal,
Ambassador Group, lodged a
proposal suggesting they intend
to demolish a significant part of
the building largely used for car
parking. There is no suggestion
of how the site will be developed.
The first step is to have an
Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Screening
required in terms of the planning
legislation. This applies only to a
particular type of development,
and given the importance of the
Ocean Terminal area with a new
tram stop, residential
developments and new distillery
already underway, this
development could be key.
The shopping centre lies on
the dockside and the screening
process will determine whether
any development has a
significant effect on the
environment, all ahead of the
owners then applying for
permission to develop the site
in whatever way they are
proposing. There are no further
details of any proposals at
this time.
A spokesperson for
Ambassador Group said: “A letter
requesting discussions with
planning officers has been
submitted. This is the very start
of a long process, but these are
exciting times for Leith and
Ocean Terminal.”
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
LOTHIAN MSP Miles Briggs says he is
disappointed that the project to transform
the Powderhall Railway path into a green
corridor has been delayed apparently due
to the Spaces for People initiative.
In a letter to Mr Briggs from The City of
Edinburgh Council’s Active Travel
Department it was said that : “Progress on
this has been delayed by the need to
re-allocate staff resources to develop and
deliver temporary Spaces for People (SfP)
schemes”.
The feasibility study to change the
disused railway line into a green corridor is
due this summer, and Network Rail (NR)
appear amenable to “repurposing of the
Powderhall spur line into high-quality
urban green corridor for people to walk,
cycle and wheel on”.
NR say the railway line is still classed as
operational, because the track that leads
there remains connected to the wider
rail network.
ONGOING TALKS
Miles Briggs, said: “I am pleased that talks
with Network Rail are going well and they
are open to transforming the Powderhall
spur line into a high quality green corridor.
“It is disappointing that the project team
looking at the Green Corridor
transformation has been delayed due to
working on Spaces for People schemes.
“This is a great opportunity to create a
safe green space to connect Powerhall to
Meadowbank and beyond.
“The new Powderhall Green Corridor will
be excellent for people to walk, cycle and
wheel on, as well as fitting in with
Edinburgh’s Active Travel strategy.”
The Edinburgh Reporter asked
Transport Convener, Cllr Lesley Macinnes
for comment.
She said: “We’re still at the early stages of
exploring the possibility of delivering an
active travel corridor here, including
engaging with Network Rail about land
acquisition and undertaking a feasibility
study for the project.
“Like many schemes around the city,
Covid has impacted progress here.
“Over the last year we’ve had to respond
to an emergency situation and transport
teams have been required to support the
introduction of measures to provide
much-needed space for physical distancing
on our streets – something both the
Scottish and UK Governments have
encouraged local authorities to do.”
5
2
Full and fair
funding plea
Xyyyyyy caption
for in here please
1. Nikki Petrova’s project celebrates neighbourhood parks.
2. Nikita Vora celebrates the beauty of South-Asian people.
3. Sarah Ogilvie’s works combine seventeenth century Dutch
aesthetic with contemporary imagery.
4. Harvey Everson’s project, Memento Mori, is a futuristic exhibit
exploring people’s digital memories.
5. Eilidh Nicoll takes on society’s preoccupation with ageing.
6. Muriel McIntyre’s project uses spaces in her parents’ home
town in France to display her work.
Gordon Munro
Labour Councillor
1
6
3
4
7. Ellen Blair’s portfolio Spectrum, explores the theme of families
within the LGBTQ+ community.
8. Jamie O’Donnell’s stop motion animation explores mental health
and the trans experience.
8
5
EDINBURGH IS being short changed. For three
years in a row it has had the lowest per capita
settlement of Scotland’s major cities. For two
years in a row the flooring mechanism
guarantee of 85% has not been met. The Capital
Coalition in its “Contract with the Capital’”made
a commitment that it “ will always put
Edinburgh First” and to “campaign against
austerity in all its forms” and lobby both
Westminster and Holyrood. In the case of
Holyrood it has failed to fulfil this part of the
contract. If it had then the hard facts above
would be different.
My persistent questions to the Council Leader
over the course of this administration have been
met with obfuscation, avoidance and evasion.
The results of this lack of commitment are felt
not in the City Chambers but in parts of the city
such as my ward of Leith with poverty among
children, those in work and pensioners making
life tough.
Student show-offs
Art students go virtual with online graduate celebration
By OLIVIA THOMAS
ARTWORKS from more than 400 graduating
Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) students are
to be shared with a global audience by means
of a virtual graduate show. The online
experience celebrates the fresh creative talent
of this year’s ECA graduates, showing their
ingenuity and imagination while overcoming
the challenge of the restrictions of the
Covid-19 pandemic.
The student portfolios will appear on
the digital platform and draw on a range
of influences and themes, including climate
change, the digital world, identity and
belonging.
Pandemic restrictions meant that many of
7
the students sought inspiration and value from
everyday objects and their homes and adapted
their practice by experimenting with different
materials and ideas.
The platform builds on the success of last
year’s online show which attracted more than
100,000 views from more than 100 countries.
The Graduate Show website has more than
4,000 pieces of media from 35 degree
programmes from 28 subjects, including
paintings and drawings, architectural plans
and models, animations and digital
visualisations, musical compositions and
performances, film, photography, textiles,
jewellery and interior design.
ECA Principal Professor, Juan Cruz, said:
“The class of 2021 has shown remarkable
tenacity and ingenuity to navigate the extreme
challenges and difficulties of the past year. It is
really extraordinary to see what they have
achieved and how they have responded to
these circumstances, and I know the shows
will enable us all to reflect on our own
experiences of these times. The virtual show
builds on the success of last year’s online event
opening up new possibilities for our graduates
and future degree shows, with the smaller on
campus show providing us with a welcome
opportunity to start carefully to inhabit our
buildings again.”
The online graduate show runs
until 27 August.
eca.ed.ac.uk/graduateshow
MOST DEPRIVED
Last year the Scottish Index of Multiple
Deprivation showed that the Great Junction
Street area was the most deprived part of the
city and the 12th most deprived in Scotland.
This fact combined with the lack of commitment
to its Contract along with the cuts each year
meant that I could not support the Budgets for
2020-21 and 2021-22. I have been disciplined for
two years in a row by the Labour Group part of
the SNP led Coalition for this. This year I have
been suspended from the Group for three
months and removed from Council Committees.
This discipline does not hide the fact that
Edinburgh is still being short changed by the
Scottish Government but also by the Capital
Coalition not fulfilling its contract. Holyrood has
the money but not the political will to fully and
fairly fund Edinburgh. It has money for Revenue
and Capital (it had a record underspend of both
of £778m in 2018/19) and it has nearly £1bn of
unspent Covid monies from Westminster. The
Edinburgh Poverty Commission reported that
77,600 people in this city live in poverty
including 1 in 5 of all children.
Edinburgh needs to be fully and fairly funded
to tackle poverty. to tackle the most acute
housing problems in Scotland, to deliver
services to best effect rather than cuts to health
and social care, education, our libraries and
roads. I will continue to press the case and press
the coalition to keep to keep to its
commitments. If that means getting into trouble
with the Labour Group then so be it.
Gordon Munro
Labour Councillor, Leith
6 NEWS
High art
A colourful tower of giraffes is
heading for the capital
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
MORE THAN 40 giraffe sculptures will take
to the streets in the capital when Edinburgh
Zoo’s Giraffe About Town trail is staged
next summer.
In partnership with Wild in Art, who
were behind the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail,
the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
(RZSS) will display a tower of eight-foot-tall
giraffe models, helping to raise much-needed
funds for wildlife conservation. Each sculpture
will be designed and decorated by artists and
communities celebrating Edinburgh’s heritage
and cultural diversity.
David Field, RZSS chief executive, said:
“Following a wonderful welcome for our real-life
giraffes in their new home at Edinburgh Zoo, we
now want to share these majestic giants with the
city of Edinburgh and visitors with a stunning,
family-friendly art trail.
Colourful giraffes
will be dotted
about the city
“After the immense challenges we have all
faced over the last year, Giraffe About Town will
help local people and tourists fall in love with
Edinburgh all over again by encouraging them to
get out about town and explore these beautiful
sculptures, while supporting the recovery of our
wildlife conservation charity.”
The 40 sculptures will be auctioned to raise
funds for RZSS. Field said: “Raising funds to
continue our work is incredibly important and
we have been touched by the support we have
received from animal lovers who are passionate
about protecting wildlife.
“Giraffe About Town is one way we can say
Artist Carolina
Haraki and
Flock Creative
painted giraffe
thank you and bring a feelgood factor back to
Edinburgh with something truly special. It is
also a really exciting opportunity for businesses,
organisations, artists, schools and whole
communities to get involved.”
Charlie Langhorne of Wild in Art said, “We
are delighted to be working with the Royal
Zoological Society of Scotland to create this art
trail for Edinburgh. Our events are designed to
bring the enjoyment of public art to everyone
and we hope that businesses will recognise the
cultural benefits of getting involved and
sponsoring a giraffe as well as the positives for
the local community.”
More join car
sharing clubs
THOUSANDS OF private cars have beeen
taken off the road thanks to more people
signing up to car clubs in Scotland.
A new report has found that the number
of people who joined car-sharing schemes
rose by one fifth in 2020.
The research by shared transport charity
Collaborative Mobility (CoMoUK)
concluded that resulted in 5,177 fewer
cars on Scotland’s roads.
It said: “Our research consistently finds
that car clubs lead to a reduction in private
car ownership and use. For each car club
vehicle in Scotland, around ten private cars
are taken off the road. That’s 5,177 vehicles
taken off the road thanks to Scotland’s 515
car club cars.
“This is based on the number of cars
sold or disposed of since joining the car
club, and those who deferred buying a car
because of joining.”
Lorna Finlayson, Scotland director for
CoMoUK, said: “This research shows
explicitly that car-sharing plays a
significant role in cutting carbon emissions
and reducing the demand for private cars.
“Tens of thousands of people in
Scotland are now signed up to car clubs,
and that is something to be celebrated and
improved upon. We know that for every
car club vehicle on the road, a further ten
private cars are taken off the road.
“This success will assist the Scottish
Government in making real progress
in hitting its ambitious climate
change targets.
“But our report found shared transport
can have a real impact beyond simply
reducing emissions. Those involved in car
clubs are more likely to walk and cycle,
something that is known to improve
physical and mental health.
“And by giving up ownership of a
private car to join a car club, there are
significant financial savings to be
made too.”
More than half of car club members
are aged 25 to 44.
Support for NHS Lothian staff and patients
THE STOCK SHOP, a clothing store
based at the Royal Infirmary
Edinburgh, opened their doors to the
public at the end of April when
restrictions eased. Upon returning to
the store, and in recognition of the
hard work and commitment of NHS
workers, they have launched a
fundraising partnership with
the official charity partner of NHS
Lothian – Edinburgh and Lothians
Health Foundation.
The partnership will result in
in-store fundraisers and their staff take
part in activities to raise money to
benefit NHS Lothian staff and patients.
Louise Wells from The Stock Shop
said: “The Edinburgh Stock Shop team
is delighted to be working with
Edinburgh and Lothians Health
Foundation as they support the
hospital where our store is based.
We are looking forward to
supporting them throughout the
coming year with fundraising
initiatives so that we can help to make
a difference to the wider community
The Stock Shop is
now open again
through the work that they do.”
Tu Edwards, Community and Events
Fundraiser at Edinburgh and Lothians
Health Foundation, said: “We are
heartened that, despite a difficult year
for retail, the team at The Stock Shop
has made a commitment to support
us in this way. The money the team at
The Stock Shop raise will make such
a positive difference to improving the
lives of patients across Edinburgh
and Lothians.”
Reach for
the stars
Monumental change for city site
Sculpture setting
the scene at
Edinburgh Park
Yvonne’s had a
trolley good 40
7
REACH FOR the Stars, the
final and most monumental
work by British sculptor
Kenneth Armitage, has been
craned into its new home at
Edinburgh Park. It is the first of
a collection of notable
artworks that will turn the area
into a new cultural destination
for Scotland’s capital. Several
more sculptures will be
delivered in the coming
months as part of developer
Parabola’s arts strategy for the
area. Edinburgh Park will also
host one of the outdoor arenas
for major performances at this
year’s Edinburgh Festival.
Yorkshire-born Kenneth
Armitage (1916 – 2002) is
recognised as a pioneer of
modern sculpture and is
Volunteers are
invited to join
the dig
THIS SUMMER Scotland Digs 2021 will
shine a spotlight on the world-class
archaeology which is conducted all over the
country. In East Lothian it is hoped that
more fieldwork will uncover Scotland’s first
railway at Cockenzie.
The 1722 Waggonway Heritage Group
hope to complete the final phase of salt pan
excavations in Cockenzie, telling a fuller
story of the region’s 17th-century salt
making industry. Their work was interrupted
by the pandemic last year.
The team will also pick up the search for
Scotland’s first railway where they left off in
2019, opening up a longer stretch of the
Waggonway track with the hope of
establishing exactly how it was constructed,
while adding to the understanding of the
United Kingdom’s early railways. Visitors
and volunteers will be welcome at both
events with no experience required
to participate.
Dr Jeff Sanders, Project Manager at the
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s Dig It!
known for his large semiabstract
works characterised
by movement. He was
awarded with a CBE in 1969
and elected Senior RA in 1994.
In 1952 he followed fellow
Yorkshire artist Henry Moore
by earning an international
reputation at the Venice
Biennale, exhibiting in 1952
alongside other young
sculptors representing Britain.
In 1958 he won the Biennale
prize for a sculptor under 45.
Reach for the Stars (2001)
portrays a hand shaped like a
star supported on an arm that
is both human and
architectural.
Parabola’s innovative new
Edinburgh Park Southern
Phase masterplan is one of the
UK’s biggest zero carbon
mixed-use property
developments. The sculpture
by Armitage is one of a series
of cultural initiatives intended
to create a new arts quarter
out of the £500 million
development which includes
Mach1, a new arts and
exhibition centre designed by
Scottish sculptor and
installation artist David Mach,
RA, as well as offices for 10,000
workers in addition to the
some 12,000 already on
the park.
As well as commercial
buildings, there will be 1,800
private residential, Build-to-
Rent and affordable homes.
Digging is on
right track
Archaelogical sites open again to public
project, said: “A summer of discovery is an
exciting prospect and we’re thrilled that
many of these sites are able to open up to the
public again. Whether they’re community or
development led, each one will help add a
new chapter to a bigger story. And as
Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy outlines,
uncovering new stories helps create a
connection to past peoples, gives a sense of
perspective on what it means to be human,
and helps us imagine how the future can
be different.”
Amy Eastwood, Head of Grants at
Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We
are delighted to support Scotland Digs 2021.
This is a fantastic
incentive to get
people of all ages
in Scotland
involved in
archaeology and a
great opportunity
for volunteers to
get hands on fun
with excavations and explore the fascinating
stories of Scotland’s past.”
Ed Bethune, Chairman at the 1722
Waggonway Heritage Group, said: “We’re
excited to finally have the chance to expose
more of the Waggonway and get a full
understanding of how it was constructed,
and hopefully finding some evidence of the
people who operated it. We’ll also be getting
stuck back into a 17th century salt pan
house in Cockenzie where we hope to find
more evidence of the internal structures,
including the furnace. As part of East
Lothian Council Archaeology Fortnight
later in September, we’ll also be running a
public test pit exercise alongside our
main site, where we hope to test
the level of preservation of the
Waggonway track at intervals along
the route.”
The campaign will bring together
live updates and events until 22
September. DigItScotland.com
ASDA EDINBURGH staff member Yvonne
Somerville has just celebrated her 40th year
working in the Jewel store.
Yvonne joined Asda in 1981 as a Counter
Assistant when she was just 17 years old and has
worked in the store ever since.
Yvonne said: “When I started as a counter
assistant all those years ago, I didn’t think I would
still be here 40 years later. The time has gone by so
quickly, it’s crazy. I have worked in a number of
departments across the store, including fresh and
fruit and veg, and I’m now back working on the
counters again.
“I get on well with both the customers and
colleagues and I’ve made a lot of friends during
my time here. I always have time for a chat with
the customers and I really enjoy what I do. I have
got to know and love our regular customers really
well and I always look forward to chatting away
to everyone.”
Fresh Manager of the Asda Edinburgh store,
Donna McFadden, said: “Yvonne’s achievement is
outstanding and the whole store is really proud of
her big work milestone. She is a valued member of
our team, and she always has a smile on her face.
She has a great positive attitude which shines
through in her approach to customer service.
We’d like to thank Yvonne for all her hard work
and dedication.”
Edinburgh Leisure
A PASSPORT to summer fun is on offer this year
from Edinburgh Leisure.
While Covid-19 travel restrictions mean that
many of us will be staying at home this year,
Edinburgh Leisure has their own passport for a
summer of fun for your children and the family.
With the summer holidays approaching, the
city’s biggest sports and leisure provider,
Edinburgh Leisure, is bringing back the
summer fun safely to their centres.
Whether you are looking for a one-off activity
for the family to enjoy, or some fast-track lessons
to help make up for lost time, Edinburgh Leisure
has it covered.
There are many day and week long courses on
offer with gymnastics, swimming, diving and
climbing camps for children of all ages.
edinburghleisure.co.uk
8 FEATURE HIDDEN DOOR AT GRANTON
Spotlight on
Granton
Fabio Scalici
Phyllis Stephen chats with Depute Council Leader, Cammy Day about
his invitation to Hidden Door Festival to come to Granton
9
This year's Hidden Door Festival
remains true to its ethos of bringing
a disused place to public attention,
but the only building on the site
will actually be out of bounds to
the public, and probably also
the performers.
The festival, which takes place
between 15 and 19 September, will be a major happening
in Granton right next to the gasometer. It is an ideal
location - out of doors with plenty of space to allow for
social distancing - while bringing somewhere that is
underused to public attention, which is always part of the
Hidden Door aim.
It was Depute Council Leader and local councillor,
Cllr Cammy Day, who first proposed the idea to festival
organisers, responding to their search on Instagram
earlier this year and saying that he would love the festival
to come to Granton.
Cllr Day told The Edinburgh Reporter: "The festival
that's going to happen at West Granton will be just the
start of it. I've also had recent discussions with the Fly
Festival, which some people might know brings 3,000 to
4,000 young people into the city centre every year. That
event has been a huge success, and organisers may also
be keen to come here. We've had some formal
discussions with the Festival Fringe about whether this
could become a venue of the future for some events that
they host. So yes, it's an absolute up and coming place.
I want to put out a call to the
development world to come to us
with ideas for the tower
Repurposing
Gasometers can
change the
landscape
Martin P McAdam
OPPORTUNITIES
"Some say that we have turned our backs on the
waterfront for many years. It's now time to face up to
that, and do something exciting. Granton is a place for
people to live and work. There is a site for 4,000 homes
here, and we also want to have jobs so that people can live
and work in a 20 Minute Neighbourhood.
"It's the best part of the city for me. It has so much
opportunity to create amazing houses for people, and
jobs, as well as already having Edinburgh College and
major employers like Scottish Gas. I want to encourage
more big employers and I want to put out a call to the
development world in the future to come to us with ideas
for the gas tower. You know there's a park built into a gas
tower in King's Place in London or it could be like
another tower in Dublin which has homes inside. Across
the world there are gas towers which have been
transformed into something amazing and I am confident
the same will happen here.
"Hidden Door Festival is an extremely creative group
of people. They have a track record of opening up sites
like this and making them usable by the public and I am
really looking forward to seeing what they will do."
The festival’s Creative Director, David Martin, says
that the thought of an outdoor festival on this disused
site is exciting, and certainly the initial images from a
photo shoot show what will be a beautiful backdrop.
This site ticks the boxes in more ways than one being
outdoors, and it is a site which needs to be brought
to public attention.
Cllr Cammy Day,
on a visit to the
site, (above)
Granton Gasometer
was lit up with
fireworks (left)
The Gasometer -
equally impressive
during the day
(below)
Hidden Door highs
SOME OF Hidden Door’s highlights: The opening
night will feature Pictish Trail, supported by
Hamish Hawk, as well as MALKA and a reconfiguration
of Esther Swift's The Call. This was a
project inspired by lockdown, bringing musicians
who had been isolated and prevented from
working with one another together on a beach in
Seafield. The festival will start with a reconfiguring
of that project, with a whole range of
musicians gathering together on the site as a
symbolic gesture of musicians and artists getting
together again, with Esther Swift the harpist and
composer, conducting the whole event with large
handmade flags.
This was not the only location that the festival
organisers had in their sights, but they had to cancel
"quite a well-formed plan" at a venue which they may be
able to use in the future, but which David admitted would
certainly not be suitable for 2021.
He said: "There is a fence between us, but the gas tower
looms up at the back of the site in a kind of exciting way.
It's difficult to find an outdoor site that is dominated by a
157 foot high Victorian landmark, so it's a brilliant thing
to have that nobody else is doing.
"It's just a big empty yard, so we have to work quite
hard to kind of turn the site into something which will be
really fun and exciting to be in. I suppose part of the fun
and the pleasure of organising the event is that we can
design it with a really blank canvas. Normally, we have a
building to work with, which dictates the shape of the
event for us. We will make sure this time that if there are
even Level one or Level two social distancing restrictions
in force, Hidden Door will still be able to take place.
“The idea of exploring and finding is very much what
we're really all about.”
Learn more about Hidden Door at: hiddendoorblog.org
New Pennywell
Hub below
A new outlook
for Granton
DEPUTE COUNCIL LEADER Cllr Cammy Day is a
local councillor for the Forth Ward and believes
that Granton could become Edinburgh’s new
cultural quarter.
He said: “Granton is where Scottish Gas built
their HQ - they came here because this was
planned as a place where thousands of people
would want to live and work.
“The tramline should eventually come here,
we've got a brand new Morrison’s supermarket
and a new college located here because of
access to active travel and a possible tram route.
We will build around 4,000 homes for people,
but we also want jobs to link into the council’s
plans for 20 Minute Neighbourhoods. Big
employers like Scottish Gas and all the local
businesses you see setting up around here are
absolutely important to make this the next New
Town for Edinburgh - but even better.”
Cllr Day explained that there are plans not
only for new build homes but also for the
redevelopment of the Granton Station building
at Caroline Park where government funding
from the Levelling Up Fund might be used.
On that site the plans include a new civic square
to create a venue for people to come together,
and the building itself will become a hub for
start up businesses.
These plans, combined with the important
community-based development at Pennywell
Hub as well as the new National Galleries
Collection will, in Cllr Day’s view, make this the
go-to area of the city in years to come.
Listen to the episode of our anchor.fm podcast
recorded during a cycle at Granton with Cllr Day
visiting the festival site.
10 OPINION
Roddy Smith, CEO Essential Edinburgh
Edinburgh evolution
Changing the city fabric is vital in attracting new opportunities
WHEN WE WITNESSED the wrecking balls,
diggers and giant claws attack the out-of-date St
James Centre five years ago, little did we know
that when it reopened in 2021 it would be at
such a time of change, and it wouldn’t
necessarily be the biggest factor in our city
transforming to meet the needs of its residents
and visitors. Much was predictable as trends
change, but no one had a global pandemic on
their radar, or the seismic shock this sent
through city centres across the world.
As the magnificent St James Quarter opens
its doors, it will add immeasurably to the
evolution of our city centre. The fast forward
button has been pressed, more so than any
revolutionary town planner or visionary
developer could have imagined. At a time when
most city centres retail offering is reducing,
Edinburgh’s will emerge larger and more
diverse than before. Of course we’ve lost some
notable and iconic Edinburgh names, but the St
James Quarter has attracted many new brands
to the city. As a retail destination our standing
will increase, hopefully followed by more
residents and visitors frequenting our city
centre shops.
OPPORTUNITY
The loss of retail from some prominent city
centre buildings affords opportunity for further
change, such as The Johnnie Walker Experience
and new mixed-use developments at
Debenhams, BHS and Jenners. Yes, this has and
will change the fabric of our city and disappoint
people who loved these old stores and names,
but it’s vital for the city to manage this
opportunity.
We live in one of the greatest, most attractive
city centres in the world, but to thrive in the
future it must adapt. I firmly believe we have the
collective will of property owners, city council
and developers to make this happen. This is
borne out by many recent announcements and
examples as to how to bring historic buildings
back to life and provide new uses for buildings
as we prepare for the next phase of Edinburgh’s
city centre history.
Our World Heritage status is a fantastic
honour, and we must continue to do a superb
job of protecting this heritage whilst developing
our infrastructure for the years ahead. It’s been
a very welcome feature of the recent past that so
St James Quarter will
strengthen Edinburgh’s
retail offering
many historic buildings have been redeveloped
for modern use whilst retaining the features
that make Edinburgh stand out. The city
planners, Councillors, developers and heritage
bodies deserve praise for this, but we cannot
rest on our laurels.
The St James Quarter is a game changer, but
we cannot be complacent and think Edinburgh’s
recovery will just happen. The rise of online
shopping, the changing work patterns for
office-based businesses, changes to how we all
want to spend our leisure time and the need for
a more “experiential” time when visiting
our city centres – we need to embrace
these changes.
Our cultural offering, festivals, events and
heritage add to our attractiveness. To thrive we
need to welcome investment, and imaginative
and innovative partnerships to foster change,
encourage residents, visitors and tourists to
return, showcase our cultural events, and
promote our city to the world.
Edinburgh’s recovery and future will
depend on it.
Never too old
to get active
THE AWARD-WINNING project Ageing
Well, run by Edinburgh Leisure in
partnership with NHS Lothian, will be
starting two new activities in July to
support people to become and remain
active in later life.
Starting on Thursday, 8 July, there will
be a regular Walk around Saughton Walled
Garden with a volunteer walk leader. The
walk is suitable for people who have not
walked much before, and are looking to be
more active, or are returning from injury or
illness. The walk will take up to 30 minutes
on flat ground or gentle slopes with firm
surfaces and generally no steps. Register
your interest with active@
edinburghleisure.co.uk. Participants
should meet at the Garden Bistro, at
10.50am for an 11am start. A contribution
of £1 is welcomed towards the activity.
There will also be an 11 week long Cycle
Skills Course, starting on Monday, 12 July,
which will meet at Saughton Sports Centre
initially, with a further four weeks on the
cycle paths leaving from Ainslie Park
Leisure Centre and a further four weeks
leaving from Meggetland. Good quality
bikes and helmets are supplied to trainees
so there is no need to have your own.
This course is suitable for those who
wish to take up cycling again after a
lengthy absence but lack confidence. The
course will give participants an
opportunity to improve confidence on a
bike, increase bike-handling skills, put into
practice the skills they are learning, and be
introduced to cycle paths, on the last two
weeks of the course.
The course is very relaxed, sociable and
fun and is based on the Cycling Scotland
Bikeability material adapted for adults. A
contribution of £2 per week is asked from
trainees to help towards the running costs
of the programme.
Pre-booking a slot on the course is essential.
active@edinburghleisure.co.uk
11
EDINBURGH DOG AND CAT HOME
NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION
LEITH WALK POLICE BOX
LOVE YOUR BUSINESS
MAID OF THE FORTH
Rescue, reunite, rehome. Edinburgh
Dog and Cat Home accepts any
animal which reaches its door in
need, and works tirelessly to secure
happy and loving forever homes.
They need donations.
26 Seafield Road East EH15 1EH
0131 669 5331
Subscribe today and have your own
copy of The Edinburgh Reporter
delivered in a compostable envelope
to your front door from next month.
Pay just £2.50 a month or £30 a year
and help to support local
independent news.
ter.ooo.subscribe
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
now 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
Award-winning 90-minute or 3 hour
long sightseeing cruises from the
Hawes Pier at South Queensferry with
landing trips on Inchcolm Island.
Ideal for families, couples and groups
alike.
Daily sailings throughout the summer.
www.maidoftheforth.co.uk
PAPER TIGER
DI GIORGIO’S CAFFE & BAR
SCHOP
CRAIG BANKS TAILORING
FRANK BOYLE ART
This year the shop celebrates their
40th birthday with an amazing diverse
range of cards, stationery gifts
supporting local makers,
manufacturers and illustrators Now
open and all stock is also available
online or for local bike delivery!
www.papertiger.co.uk
Di Giorgio’s have lots 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
and do ask about their birthday cakes.
Open 7 days 10-4pm
1 Brandon Terrace EH3 5EA
This is an easy, convenient and
eco-friendly alternative to a supermarket
shop. Working in partnership
with independent retailers, Tim at
Schop offers to deliver a huge range of
great quality food and drink straight to
your door - saving you a journey.
schop.co
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
so stylish!
0131 226 7775 • 45 Thistle Street
EH2 1DY • craigbankstailoring.com
From the award-winning cartoonist, a
gift for fans of either capital team.
A print of the first recorded Edinburgh
Derby football match on Christmas
Day 1875. Available in two sizes A3
and A2.
boylecartoon@gmail.com
frankboyleart.bigcartel.com
NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION
INDEPENDENT WINE COMPANY
SOMETHING FISHY
ART & CRAFT COLLECTIVE
ERIC LIDDELL CENTRE
Subscribe today and have your very
own copy of The Edinburgh Reporter
delivered by Royal Mail in a
compostable envelope to your front
door from next month.
Pay just £2.50 a month to support
local independent news.
ter.ooo.subscribe
A specialist importer of boutique fine
wines from Italy. Carefully hand-picked
award-winning wines of premium
quality sourced direct from the
winemakers. Oleg and Elvira visit every
vineyard personally. Free UK delivery
- same day delivery to Edinburgh
available. www.independent.wine
Independent fishmonger , Daniel,
provides quality fresh and cured fish.
At the beginning of lockdown there
was some question over availability -
but this wee shop has kept going. Use
Schop to have your fish delivered.
16a Broughton Street EH1 3RH
0131 556 7614
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
The care charity and community hub
look forward to welcoming all regular
and new customers back . All safety
measures outlined by the Government
are being followed. For the latest
information on room booking, classes
and events, visit their website.
ericliddell.org
ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY
BROUGHTON PLACE HAIR
THE WATERSHED
STOCKBRIDGE MARKET
MANDALA FLOW
Ardgowan Distillery has launched
Shipwright, its second whisky in the
Clydebuilt series. Whiskymaker, Max
McFarlane: “It is a truly sumptuous
dram, made to ignite your
imagination of far-off lands.” Free
shipping and branded nosing glass.
shop.ardgowandistillery.com
A luxurious, elegant salon with a very
happy and friendly atmosphere where
the aim is to make your experience
relaxing, enjoyable and glamorous.
Appointment essential.
0131 556 4478
2a Broughton Place EH1 3RX
www.broughtonplacehair.com
The floating café 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. They have tables and
chairs now. 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.
www.neighbourfood.co.uk/markets
Voted Best Therapy Practice 2021. The
practice has worked hard over six
years to create client focused sessions
of Reflexology, Energy Medicine,
Reikie, EFT and Talk Energy Sessions.
£55 for one session or £200 for four.
Call Heidi Grillo on 07786 542 315
info@mandalaflow.co.uk
12 FEATURE TOM DUFFIN
in
the
Tom
Duffin
lthough he was born and brought up a Fifer, Tom
Duffin now considers himself from Edinburgh,
possibly born from his love of the cityscape, which
is evident in his beautiful photos.
It is Tom who is responsible for the beautiful
photo of Edinburgh Castle which paints it as a
castle in the clouds that most people will have
seen somewhere. He spends a lot of time creating the
images, and it is little surprise then that he keeps the
locations he uses close to his chest.
Self-employed since the age of about 25, he has been
involved in several businesses including a paragliding
school which he ran for about 12 years. This, more than
anything, has helped him develop the kind of photos he
has become known for.
Tom explained: "I think the paragliding helps me a lot.
When you are on a glider, one of the real skills you have
to develop is perspective, and knowing whether you are
going to reach a certain point in the distance. So you
develop a skill of knowing whether you will make
it on your glide angle. That has given me a pretty
unique skill that I use in photography a fair bit.
For a lot of the photos I take, I get really far
away, looking for a perspective where I have
something on the horizon and maybe
something else just below it, waiting for the
sun to appear behind. I think it is
almost a natural instinct now,
and an example of how
several things come
together in your life to
The Tip Off taken on
top of Salisbury Crags
When you are on a
glider one of the real
skills you have to
develop is perspective
help with whatever you're currently doing."
He then had a spell building a land yacht which folds
into a suitcase and fits in the boot of a car, and which
assembles without the need for any tools. If you need any
land yacht spares, then he may have some - somewhere.
Self taught and with no formal photography training,
he reckons that the best way to learn is just to do it and
keep trying until you get it right.
Now he spends his nights in various lofty locations in
Phyllis Stephen t
paraglider Tom D
puts into his bea
the res
the city - sometimes up on Arthur's Seat in the middle of
the night, waiting for sunrise, to get the shots for which
he has become best known. It does not always work of
course, as his work is totally weather-dependent, and the
cloud cover does not always oblige.
At one point he would get perhaps 20 or 30 people
coming along on his shoots to help create the images, but
it got too complicated and he has now stopped that. For
his famous Salisbury Crags image (above) he did use
models and Tom was situated about 300 metres or so
away from them. The photograph actually involved three
young men, but one of them is lying down, as they were
taking it in turns to reenact a basketbal Tip Off.
The one who is out of shot is radio presenter and
panto villain Grant Stott’s son, Sam, who was one of
about six players who trained at the Crags Sports Centre
and who played for the Scottish national team.
Tom said: “These guys were the Scottish champions in
this year, and it was a bit of a coming of age. They were
all about 18 and would move on to the adult category
afterwards. They had played together for about seven
years and were a particularly tight knit bunch.
“There’s a bit that I call the Royal Box on the Crags
which sticks out. So in this particular case, these guys
13
So I would say 3-2-1
jump. They must have
jumped, I don’t know,
about 200 times
on the Water of Leith and showed her how to work with
a tripod and take a shot. We also went through the
Colinton Tunnel which is fabulous. Otherwise I usually
teach people up on Calton Hill or somewhere down at
the East End of the city. That is a great place to learn how
to take photos of light trails.”
Over the last year he has also spent a bit of time
innovating, firstly teaching himself how to take 360
degree photos with his Nikon DSLR camera and a fisheye
lens and a special tripod mount.
Tom said: “I take about 25 photos in five different
positions and stitch them together with a piece of
software to make high resolution sharp images. I also
have a little camera, but quickly realised it was not going
to work for photos. However it does take really good
video, and you can walk or cycle along with it on a long
pole - and the software then hides the pole. It takes a 360
video seeing everything all around, but you can edit just
the shot that you want. Oh, and then there’s the drone
that I bought at the start of lockdown - I need to do the
training for that sometime...”
You can see the results of Tom’’s sleepless nights on his
Facebook page and website. tomduffin.com
Café Culture
taking hold in
Portobello
Coastal coffee
adds some buzz
alks to photographer and
uffin about the effort he
utiful photos - shot while
t of the city is fast asleep
were taking it in turns to do the jumping. I had this shot
in mind for a couple of years. At the start of a basketball
match the ref throws the ball up, and the players go for it.
When the guys won the Scottish Championships it was
literally the last game they would ever play together.
“I was along at the sports centre and spoke to them,
asking if they would come up the Crags with me that
night for a photo. We took a couple of burst basketballs
and cut a slit wide enough so that they could actually put
a hand inside the ball.
“When they jumped, the ball would come off into the
air. To communicate I had to have my mobile hanging
from my tripod on speaker, and the guy lying down also
had his phone on speaker. So I would say 3-2-1 jump,.
They would jump and I would take a series of shots. They
must have jumped - I don’t know - maybe 200 times.”
As well as taking photographs all over the city, Tom
also teaches others how to do it. He had been teaching
groups before lockdown, but now prefers to teach on a
one-to-one basis. He said: “In a group it is the person
who speaks loudest who gets the most attention, so I
prefer to organise individual tutorials. We go where they
want to go. Recently I took a wee girl and her dad out
and she was really into waterfalls. I took her to a waterfall
Sunset over ice
The Forth Bridge with
blue sky beyond
Edinburgh Castle and
Crags in the air
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
CAFÉ CULTURE is spreading in
Portobello with the opening of a
number of new outlets, others in the
pipeline and established outlets
prospering as Covid-19 hospitality
restrictions are eased.
Tanifiki is the latest addition to the
town’s coffeescape following the
transition of a former industrial
clothing shop at 44 High Street, and
brings together the expertise of Ben
Murenzi of Rafiki Coffee and
Jonathan Quinton of Tani Modi
brunch house in Hanover Street.
Located next to Portobello
Bookshop, Tanifiki roasts their own
coffee and can call on the experience
of former Napier University student
Ben who has been sourcing green
coffee beans from Rwanda
since 2019.
A few doors along, Greek Artisan
Pastries which opened three years
ago, has fulfilled an ambition to have
a seated area by adding a dog
friendly, disabled access area where
customers can enjoy their authentic
Greek sweet and savoury pastries.
Work is underway at the former
florist shop at 209a Portobello High
Street to convert the premises into
Affogato, believed to be the same
company which operated the coffee/
gelato shop which formerly traded
in Queensferry Road in the city’s
West End.
And likewise, work is ongoing to
transform a long-closed shop unit at
46 Bath Street into Miro’s to Go,
which will serve up gourmet
sandwiches, salads, waffles and
crêpes, desserts and coffees and
is located just around the corner
from its big sister outlet, Miro’s on
the Prom.
Other recent additions to
Portobello’s eating and drinking
scene include Passey’s Coffee
Company and bistro at the east end
of the High Street. The LGBTQ+
friendly bistro is open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner, and their signature
Sunday roasts have proved very
popular with tables hard to come by.
While the bistro is now licensed,
customers are allowed to BYOB until
Covid restrictions are lifted and the
restaurant will then make a decision
on when it will begin selling alcohol.
Specialist pasta maker Aemilia at
44 High Street have also installed a
small “espresso bar” at the rear of the
shop, and while space is limited,
owners Kip and Giada are hoping that
once Covid restrictions are relaxed
that customers will take advantage of
the limited seating or will stand
Italian-style at the bar while enjoying
a morning coffee.
Down on the Promenade, the
Beach House is making the most of
the summer season with increased
outside seating capacity proving
popular with regulars and visitors.
A well-organised queuing system
ensures a decent turnaround for
those waiting for beachside tables or
inside tables in the extensive bistro.
14 BUSINESS
Jon and Esther
Kungu Cooper
of PekoeTea
Bar job for Freddie
Freddie Main
A perfect blend
Two Edinburgh companies form a partnership trading £20,000 of tea
HERITAGE brand Edinburgh Tea & Coffee
Company which dates from 1812, is to sell
specialist tea blender, PekoeTea’s pyramid tea
bags in a new £20,000 deal offering a range of
flavours to their hospitality clients.
Kevin Moore, Managing Director of
Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Company, said: “We
are delighted to be collaborating with our
long-time friends at PekoeTea. We are super
excited to be bringing our customers a range
of high quality teas in pyramid bag format for
the first time.
“The knowledge and experience the
PekoeTea team possesses gives us real
confidence that our customers will see the
benefits of local companies working together
in this way.”
With such a long history Edinburgh Tea &
Coffee Company is one of Scotland’s largest
commercial tea blenders and artisan coffee
roasters. The company is based in Portobello.
Esther Kungu Cooper, co-owner of
PekoeTea, said: “As hospitality has started to
reopen, we’ve seen a resurgence of interest and
strong sales for our premium teas. While
lockdown saw a spike in sales from consumers
looking for really good tea to drink at home,
we’re now seeing interest from a greater range
of hospitality businesses than ever before. This
partnership with Edinburgh Tea & Coffee
Company compounds this and combines
their heritage brand with our uniquely
blended teas.”
PekoeTea began in business in 2010 and
works with tea growers in Sri Lanka, Kenya
and China to source the finest single-estate
teas from which to create hand-crafted blends.
Owners Jon and Esther Kungu Cooper
produce a range of teas from black, white and
green teas, to oolong, fruit and herbal blends.
A selection of five whisky teas have also been
specially blended by hand and flavoured with
real Scotch single malt whisky.
PekoeTea is already stocked in places such
as The Royal Yacht Britannia and the Waldorf
Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian.
Recently the firm moved to a tea studio on
Leith Walk which is due to open to the public
this summer.
www.pekoetea.co.uk
FREDDIE MAIN was a Design and Technology
teacher for 20 years, but has made a career
switch during the last year, launching his own
company, Oak & Black. He now specialises in
making bespoke mini bars from old whisky
barrels and counts Outlander's Sam Heughan
and the former Scotland ruby captain Greig
Laidlaw among his customers.
The bar has a smart lighting system, a
magnetic bottle opener and a hand-stamped
personalised metal tag, along with a unique
barrel number tracing its origins.
The career change from Assistant
Headteacher at Merchiston Castle School
resulted from a bout of ill health which led to
Freddie having Post Viral Fatigue. He contracted
an illness while playing for the Scotland Touch
Senior Mixed World Cup team in Malaysia in
2019, and continues to manage his health.
During lockdown his energy improved after
being off work since the beginning of 2020, and
he created a mini bar for one of his friends. It
was such a hit that he left teaching behind for a
new career, and the business now employs a
member of staff under the government's
Kickstart Scheme which helps young people get
into work.
Freddie said: “Creating barrel bars for clients
is a dream come true for me – it is something
I’ve wanted to do for years but didn’t have the
time or energy.
“Lockdown gave me that time to make my
first one and really assess whether it was a
viable business model or not, and I’m delighted
that it’s definitely going in the right direction,
especially securing orders for people like Sam
Heughan, Jim Hamilton and Cask88, and taking
on my first member of staff, which has given me
a real boost."
oakandblack.com
Gold award for Macsween’s gluten free haggis
MACSWEEN of Edinburgh
won the top award at the
National FreeFrom Awards for
its gluten free haggis.
The firm impressed the
judges and won the gold
award for the product which
the panel said had a “good,
well balanced, peppery kick”.
The Coeliac UK-certified
product has proved a
firm favourite since 2017
when it was introduced to
Macsween of Edinburgh’s
core product range.
James Macsween,
Managing Director of
Macsween of Edinburgh, said:
“Achieving Gold and Silver
Medal status in this year’s
FreeFrom Food Awards is an
excellent win for our
dedicated team at Macsween
of Edinburgh. The awards
showcase the highest
standard of foods from a
range of top quality brands, so
we are incredibly proud to be
recognised for our dedication
to producing the best haggis
in the UK.
“Everyone should be able to
enjoy and experiment with
haggis at any time of the year
regardless of their dietary
requirements, so it’s fantastic
to be recognised by the stellar
panel of industry experts.”
The FreeFrom Food Awards,
which celebrate the very best
of British freefrom foods,
are recognised as benchmarks
in the UK food production
industry.
James Macsween,
Managing Director
at Macsween of
Edinburgh
15
City lights
Phase One now open as St James Quarter lights up the east end in spectacular fashion
FOR ST JAMES QUARTER’S debut
photoshoot more than 500 light
fixtures were placed around the
ribbon W Hotel building with
accompanying projections. A
soundtrack featured the work of local
sound designer, Keith Fortune. Senior
Drum Major, Mick Hay from The
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, took
centre stage 55m metres from the
ground, conducting the soundtrack
with the unmistakable sounds of the
drums, as lasers of light travelled
across the city in all directions.
Rochelle Weir, Brand and
Marketing Director at St James
Quarter, said: “We wanted to bring
this feeling to life, connecting with
other landmarks, businesses, and
partners across the city to mark our
opening and cement our place on
the iconic Edinburgh skyline.
“Our phase one opening is a
significant moment in Edinburgh’s
history, and we’re incredibly excited
for the people of Edinburgh and
beyond to see what lies behind the
Quarter. The light display was just
the beginning.”
The final crane came down only a
month or so before the opening after
five years as part of our city skyline.
There were at one stage 13 cranes
working on the project and the red
lights from the cranes created their
own lightshow before the
development was completed. It took
17,378 tonnes of steel and an
estimated 2.835 million working
hours to create the new destination.
St James Quarter is Edinburgh’s
largest development in a generation.
A new 1.7 million sq ft masterplan in
urban placemaking, it comprises
850,000 square feet of retail space.
The development is designed to
complement the luxury shopping at
Harvey Nichols, on Multrees Walk.
Completing the city centre’s
retail circuit, it will also be home to
John Lewis, Everyman Cinema,
a mix of new restaurants, cafés and
bars, Scotland’s first W Hotel –
W Edinburgh. The hotel has 244
stylish guestrooms, a destination bar,
outdoor terrace, signature restaurant,
chef’s table, and an AWAY® Spa,
luxury aparthotel brand Roomzzz,
with 75 rooms.
New Eidyn residences will
provide 152 premium apartments
with “exceptional amenities”,
by developers Native Land, nine
new public squares and 1,600 car
parking spaces.
Ian Georgeson
16 FOOD
It’s a taste
of Bologna...
In Porty
A window into the world of pasta making
CROSSWORD
Compiled by David Albury
Pasta specialist
Kip Preidys
Stephen Rafferty
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
PORTOBELLO HAS added to its
growing foodie reputation with the
opening of pasta specialist Aemilia.
Top chef Kip Preidys and Giada
Betti have added a traditional
“pastificio” to the town’s High Street
and in the first week sold out all their
hand-made pastas which they make
daily on the premises.
Pastificie shops are common in
Italian towns where families will often
purchase hand crafted pasta for
cooking at home. Kip and Giada can
be seen most mornings in the
window of the shop at 186 High
Street rolling out and shaping pasta
which are sold with a variety of high
quality sauces and butters.
Future plans include introducing
Giada Betti packing
pasta at Aemilia
freshly baked focaccia bread and
sandwiches, offering artisanal olive
oils, balsamic vinegars and other
traditional Italian goods, and when
Covid restrictions are relaxed coffee
will be served from a small “espresso”
bar at the rear of the shop.
Kip is originally from Lithuania
ACROSS
1 Peruse ox, suffering from
extreme cold (8)
5 Place hams on this cab (6)
9 Its reels twist and turn in endless
manner (8)
10 Co-heir turns out to be very brave (6)
11 Our set, I’m afraid, has been
damaged by dampness (8)
12 Peg I am attaching to this bird (6)
14 From Ohio, emblem identifies this
trailer (6, 4)
18 Watching developments in
motoring? (10)
22 Carve stem to resemble images of
natural objects (6)
23 Rob’s cars damage part of
the goal (8)
24 In the Metro, picture of a parallel
line (6)
25 Made rare concoction with this
sugar (8)
26 Severe problem with these high
officials (6)
27 Link pots using sliding noose (4-4)
DOWN
1 Bury some silent ombudsmen (6)
2 Trip me up over written
permission (6)
3 Show respect as lute is displayed (6)
4 Rivers rose to fill these large,
artificial lakes (10)
6 Scores from Vegas are grouped
around middle ranges (8)
7 No crop is spoilt by this creature (8)
8 Cram leek into this fish (8)
13 From Berlin lend aid in calling
to meals (6, 4)
15 Being a copyist I omit art from
my work (8)
16 Then look through this aperture (8)
17 A pimento, badly cooked causes
food poisoning (8)
19 Peels back a covering whilst
dormant (6)
20 Get hold of boat in trouble (6)
21 Wandering in her rantings (6)
ANSWERS
Across: 1 Exposure, 5 Hansom, 9 Tireless,10 Heroic, 11 Moisture, 12 Magpie, 14 Mobile Home,
18 Monitoring, 22 Totems, 23 Crossbar, 24 Tropic, 25 Demerara, 26 Reeves, 27 Slip -Knot
Down: 1 Entomb, 2 Permit, 3 Salute, 4 Reservoirs, 6 Averages, 7 Scorpion, 8 Mackerel, 13
Dinner Bell, 15 Imitator, 16 Knothole, 17 Ptomaine, 19 Asleep, 20 Obtain, 21 Errant.
and spent time working as a chef in
some of Scotland’s leading
restaurants, while Giada is from
Imola near Bologna, which is revered
as Italy’s food capital.
Aemilia’s biggest seller is the flat
ribbon pasta tagliatelle. Kip said: “We
use local produce as much as we can,
the eggs used in the pasta are from
East Lothian and the beef used in our
shin beef ragu is all local, coming
from MacDuff Beef.
“The most popular pasta is
tagliatelle, probably because it’s the
most affordable and the simplest and
it is so traditional. Bologna and
Emilia Romagna is famous for its
tagliatelle ragu and you can’t really go
wrong with it.”
Giada added: “We wanted to create
something very simple, affordable for
everyone, and to bring to Edinburgh
a part of Italy that you can’t really find
anywhere in the city. When we first
opened many people stopped by to
wish us good luck and groups of
school children and people of all ages
stop in the street to watch us at work.
We feel very welcome and are very
happy to open the shop in Portobello.”
Open Wednesday to Sunday – check
their Instagram @viaaemilia for
opening times. www.aemilia.online
17
Juliet’s food diary
Clockwise: Eddie’s Seafood Platter
perfect for parties. Innis & Gunn
perfect staff. Hawksmoor
perfect for At Home.
ELDERFLOWER
CORDIAL
Daddy of all steaks
Hawksmoor At Home proves to be anything but dire
ONE MEAL that certainly cannot be beaten in
my book is steak and chips, so for Father’s Day
I was delighted to be able to share a
Hawksmoor At Home box with my darling
daddy. And what a feast it was.
We started with Belly Ribs and Pickled Slaw
that were unctuous in their sweet fattiness. The
main event involved a dry aged Porterhouse
steak, garlic mushrooms, creamed spinach and
peppercorn sauce. If the steak was the star of
the show, “Matt Browns Ultimate Oven Chips”
definitely won the best supporting actor gong.
Cooked in beef dripping, I consider them the
tastiest and crispiest chips I’ve ever munched,
and if I’d created them I’d probably name them
after myself too. With a couple of Johnnie
Walker cocktails and a sticky toffee pud to
finish, it was a meal to remember. Although
I value the restaurant experience, our At Home
box meant Dad could listen to as much
Dire Straits as he pleased. It’s only once a
year, after all.
When I heard that Campbell Mickel and his
lovely wife, Giselle, had taken over Eddie’s
Seafood Market in Bruntsfield I was excited to
see what they would do with the business.
Their latest offering is such a damn good idea
it’s a wonder nobody has thought of it before.
Eddies is now offering beautifully presented
seafood platters and lobster cocktail. These
creations look delicious and are perfect for
both intimate dining and parties. It’s
heartwarming to see a couple bring such talent
and initiative to their business.
I’ve been trying to think up a suitable
punishment for people who make bar and
restaurant bookings and don’t turn up. The
Guillotine, the gallows or the chair? None seem
harsh enough. Every day Edinburgh restaurants
are bemoaning the frankly ridiculous amount
of no-shows. These sort of people no doubt
share their special corner of hell with the types
that justify their existence writing their heinous
reviews on Trip Advisor. These amateur
restaurant critics rarely know anything about
food or service and couldn’t organise an orgy
in a brothel never mind run any sort of
hospitality business. Will someone please start
customeradvisor.com? Seriously, why shouldn’t
members of the public have a rating? It might
encourage better behaviour.
Would you like to hear a nice story? I
thought you might. I was recently told about a
Tinder date gone wrong. One minute the
young lady of our tale is sitting in the Innis &
Gunn Brewery Taproom on Lothian Road,
when her date tells her it’s “not happening” for
him and high tails it out. Charming. Sensing
her shock, two of the staff take it upon
themselves to cheer the poor girl up, seat her in
a more private booth and bring her a cocktail
and dessert. Buoyed up by their kindness, the
young woman replies to a message from
another potential suitor who gallantly whisks
her off for a pleasant evening and they are still
dating weeks later. Whoever you are, lovely
Innis & Gunn staff, consider yourselves
Employees of the Month.
Juliet Lawrence Wilson
I really enjoy seasonal cooking when
ingredients have a short shelf life.
Like marmalade oranges and wild
garlic, elderflowers definitely have a
blink-and-you’ll-miss-it window of
opportunity. Like most of the things
I make in big batches, I tend to give
most of it away and although I
might freeze a bottle of Elderflower
Cordial, I’ll more often just enjoy
it at this time of year. Occasionally
I might tip some of it with a glass
of prosecco into my ice cream
maker, which results in a crisp and
boozy sorbet, but more often than
not I’ll simply enjoy it with gin, soda
water and a sprig of mint. It’s best
to pick your elderflowers in the
morning when their fragrance is
at its sweetest.
• 2 kg white sugar
• 3 unwaxed lemons
• 25 fresh elderflower heads
• 80g citric acid
Dissolve the sugar with two
litres of water over a low heat.
Once dissolved bring to the boil
and remove from the heat. With a
potato peeler, peel the skins from
the lemons and roughly chop the
remainder of the fruit. Add to the
liquid with the elderflower heads
and citric acid. Cover and allow
to steep for 24 hours, strain
through a muslin cloth and bottle.
The cordial keeps in the fridge for
up to six weeks.
18 WHAT’S ON
CULTURE • LITERATURE • EVENTS • MUSIC • MUSEUMS • ONLINE LEARNING...
Derek Clark
Tommy
Smith at
St Giles’
Famed saxophonist will realise a long-held
ambition when he plays a solo concert
in the Old Town cathedral
I’m looking forward
to hearing the
notes linger in the
air, particularly
in St Giles’
Martin P McAdam
By ROB ADAMS
Growing up in Wester
Hailes Tommy Smith
was aware of St Giles’
imposing stature from
an early age and after
taking up the saxophone
at eleven the idea of playing in the
cathedral’s acoustics began to take hold.
“I’m not sure when I first stepped
inside the cathedral but it made a big
impression,” said Smith, now 54, who has
toured the world with leading musicians
including vibes virtuoso Gary Burton and
Norwegian bass master Arild Andersen,
as well as his own groups, since his teens.
His desire to play solo in the cathedral
was enhanced when the Scottish National
Jazz Orchestra filmed its Where Rivers
Meet series of streamed performances
there, with no audience, at the end
of April.
“I had the chance to play a few phrases
on my own then and got a real sense of
the wonderful quality of sound these old
stones could help to create,” he says. “I
wanted to share that sound with people
as soon as it became possible to have
public performances again.”
During the pandemic, Smith has kept
busy with the jazz course he founded at
Right: St Giles’
Cathedral on the Royal
Mile Far right: the
tierceron ceiling in
the cathedral
the Royal Conservatoire of
Scotland in Glasgow in 2009. As
the founder and director of the
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra
he was also acutely aware that the
orchestra needed to keep in touch
with its audience. He has
overseen the editing and release
of a set of videos that have
been posted online at regular
Martin P McAdam
intervals. Where Rivers Meet, which saw
the orchestra collaborate with Russianborn,
Edinburgh-based artist Maria Rud,
is the latest of these and remains available
to view on the orchestra’s website until
15 August.
For his solo concert in St Giles’ Smith
plans to play tunes from the jazz, folk and
praise song traditions, letting the music
breathe and develop in the naturally
bright ambience. It’s one of a trio of
concerts he’s giving during July in
venerable places of worship the others
being St Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen
and Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire.
“I see these concerts as a celebration
of melody,” he said.
“They might also be seen as a chance
for contemplation as people think about
what we’ve been through over the past
fifteen months and enjoy the possibility
of being able to share live music events
again after the enforced silence. I’m really
looking forward to playing and hearing
the notes linger in the air, particularly in
St Giles’, which has such a special
atmosphere.”
The concert will take place on Saturday 17
July. For more details, please visit: www.
stgilescathedral.org.uk/events
Artist Alison Watt at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A SIGNIFICANT new body
of work by artist Alison
Watt, (pictured left) who is
widely regarded as one of
the leading painters
working in the UK today, is
to be exhibited for the first
time at the Scottish National
Portrait Gallery (SNPG).
Watt, best known for her
beautiful and intricate
large-scale paintings of
drapery and folds, will
exhibit a series of new
paintings made in response
to the practice of the 18th
century portrait painter
Allan Ramsay (1713-84) in
Alison Watt: A Portrait
without Likeness.
The exhibiton will explore
Watt’s continuing
fascination with Ramsay’s
portraits, and is the fruit of a
long period of study into
paintings, and his drawings
and sketchbooks. Watt has
long been an admirer of
Ramsay’s portraits of
women, in particular the
intensely personal images
of his first and second wives,
Anne Bayne and Margaret
Lindsay of Evelick. Both
portraits will be shown
alongside Watt’s new work.
Watt said: “Looking into
an artist’s archive is to view
the struggle that takes place
to make a work of art. A
painting is a visual record of
the inside of the artist’s
mind. A painting is
something that takes place
over time; it is not static. To
look at a work of art is to
engage with an idea, and
that is not a one sided
activity. It’s more of a
conversation.”
19
Galloway
Hoard
Karla Black was given free
rein at the revamped
Fruitmarket
Ripe & ready
Fruitmarket Gallery blossoms after £4.3m refurb
WHILE EVERYWHERE has been closed, the
Fruitmarket had planned a closure from
September 2019 to allow for a complete £4.3
million renovation and extension project.
The gallery on Market Street has expanded
into the building next door which was once
home to Buster Brown's nightclub.
The transformed building will reopen on 7
July to the public with an exhibition by Scottish
artist, Karla Black, who was given free rein in
the pristine new space.
EXCLUSIVE WORK
Black's work will span all the galleries in an
exhibition which combines a selection of work
made over the last two decades, with new large
scale site-specific work made especially for
Fruitmarket.
Audiences will have the chance to enjoy the
colours, forms and materials of Black's art.
There are sculptures made from plaster powder,
power paint, glass, cellophane, gold leaf and
metallic thread with others made from earth,
Vaseline, cosmetics, over the counter medicines
and pastes and gels. Black was last involved
with the gallery in 2011 for the
Scotland+Venice when the artist was
nominated for the Turner Prize.
Reiach and Hall Architects, based in
Edinburgh, designed the new space prioritising
reuse of the commercial space and
sustainability. On the upper floor the natural
light flooding the space has been retained, but
Exhibition Galleries have been simplified and
material finishes and facilities upgraded. With a
new Learning Studio, a bigger Information
Room, Café and Bookshop, this is going to be a
space for everyone. The new main staircase will
offer an access with other means of accessibility
built in.
The new space is a steel-framed and brick
lined former fruit warehouse, retained as
original as possible while opening it out by
removing an upper floor and reusing joists and
floorboards.The new Warehouse retains its
historic link to the Fruitmarket and will be a
juxtaposition to the revamped space next door.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr
Donald Wilson, said: "It’s fantastic news that
the Fruitmarket will soon be reopening its
doors and unveiling its expansion. It shows the
ambition of our cultural institutions is
undimmed by the last 18 months, and keeps
Edinburgh at the forefront of the contemporary
visual arts.
"Culture is at the heart of Edinburgh’s
ongoing success and I believe that investment
in culture is investment in the future health and
well-being of our citizens.
“We are very much looking forward to
the opening."
Fiona Bradley, Director of the Fruitmarket,
said: "We’re proud to have turned the
Fruitmarket’s well-loved, but well-worn,
building into a bold, collaborative cultural
space. Karla Black’s work looks incredible, and
proves the building’s potential to inspire artists
now and into the future. All that’s missing is the
audience that will bring the building back to
life. We can’t wait to welcome people back."
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Neil Gillespie, Director, Reiach & Hall
Architects, said: "We were aware of the
formidable cultural significance of the
Fruitmarket both as an agency for excellence
and as a piece of architecture. The organisation’s
two contrasting but complementary ambitions
– renovation and extension – are literally
contained within their two contrasting and
complementary archetypal spaces. We sought
to combine the two very different worlds of the
existing Fruitmarket building and the newly
excavated warehouse next door to create an
ensemble of spaces that is innovative and
courageous, offering incredible opportunities
for interpretation and use.”
Karla Black, Sculptures (2001–2021) details for a
retrospective • 7 July – 24 October 2021 • Open
seven days
Gallery spaces • 11am–6pm • Bookshop and
Café • 10am–6pm • www.fruitmarket.co.uk
Lidded vessel from the Galloway Hoard
©Historic Environment Scotland
Four arm rings and gold objects from
The Galloway Hoard ©NGS
Digging into mystery of Viking treasure
THE GALLOWAY Hoard, Scotland’s earliest
Viking-age hoard, was buried around 900
AD and rediscovered in 2014 on Church of
Scotland land at Balmaghie in
Kirkcudbrightshire by a metal detectorist.
Now the story of the hoard, its contents
and its significance are just beginning to
be told with the opening of a new
exhibition at the National Museum of
Scotland (NMS). The exhibition of the
fascinating find will run until 12
September. A lidded vessel is
perhaps the single biggest
item but others of note
include the cluster of ribbon
arm rings almost
interwoven together. The
thought is that the hoard
is a deliberate deposit
from possibly four owners,
not all of whom were of
equal status, but it was done
with a lot of thought.
Dr Chris Breward, NMS Director said:
“The Galloway Hoard rightly drew
international attention both on its
discovery and its acquisition by NMS
following a successful major fundraising
campaign. I’m sure people will be
fascinated to have this opportunity to see
it now far more clearly, to understand
its importance and to gain an insight
into the amazingly detailed work
that we have done and are
continuing to do with it.”
Sat 29 May to Sun 12 Sept 2021
National Museum of Scotland,
Chambers Street, Edinburgh
(and touring thereafter)
Admission: Free
(pre-booking required to
visit the Museum)
nms.ac.uk/gallowayhoard
20 BEAUTY
Wow factor
Mark wants the salon to
function like a hair salon and
feel like an opulent, comforting
and relaxing space
Pull on a kimono and indulge yourself in a five
star hair treatment at city salon MarkDavid
I
LOVE GOING to the hairdresser and was
delighted to have the opportunity to visit
MarkDavid. As I walked along Henderson
Row I knew instantly where I was going by
the wonderful floral welcoming arch over
the door at No 83.
Abiding by the Covid-19 guidelines, I waited at
the entrance until invited in. The welcome inside
was every bit as lovely - and the stunning interior
design definitely creates a “wow” factor. There is
no doubt that considerable thought has gone into
creating a unique client experience, from the fresh
colour scheme and House of Hackney wallpaper,
Japanese kimono (for female clients) and head
massage, to the luxury products, mini-cupcakes
and the display of fresh flowers.
As part of my hair wash, while lying on the relaxing
massage chair, I was treated to a head massage by
assistant Marina who discussed any special hair
concerns I may have.
Then it was over to salon owner Mark for my
blow dry who selected just the right products for
my style telling me about his thought process
behind his unique salon. MarkDavid was opened
at the end of 2019 and he used the lockdown to
bring his own creative vision to life, blending his
passion for hairdressing with that of interior
design. He explained that he wanted the salon to
function like a hair salon and feel like an opulent,
comforting and relaxing space. Something he has
definitely achieved.
The extensive hair treatment menu includes
luxury treatments to spoil yourself, such as Hair
Treatment Comfort (£55) and Hair Treatment
Purity (£65) and there is a beauty treatment menu
from Holly Rox Beauty. Holly shares the same
ethos of customer care and quality treatments.
Most recently she has added the medical grade
Elim pedicure (£50) which is described as a “facial
for the feet” which clients enjoy while lying on the
relaxing massage chair.
As I left the salon with my fresh blow dry (£35),
and feeling very glam, heading to drinks with a
friend in town, I reflected on a lovely experience
and one that I’ll definitely try again.
Elaine Darling
For further information or book please visit
www.markdavidsalon.com or call 0131 285 0991
21
22 SPORT
Alan Simpson
Busy Hibees
A bustling summer ahead for Hibs boss Jack Ross
Ryan Porteous has been
linked with big money moves.
Hibs coach Jack Ross (inset)
By JOHN HISLOP
AFTER LAST SEASON’S third place finish, Hibs’ fans
are hoping for more of the same although Jack Ross’s
squad is likely to be somewhat different when the
cinch league campaign begins on Sunday 1 August.
Goalkeeper, Ofir Marciano, has already departed
and been replaced by Matt Macey and with Kevin
Dabrowski and teenager Murray Johnson also on the
books it is unclear whether Ross will look to add
another keeper to the squad.
In defence, Ryan Porteous has been linked with a big
money move to Turkish giants Galatasaray whilst
English Championship side Millwall has already had a
bid rejected, whilst Josh Doig continues to attract the
attention of a number of English clubs including
Arsenal, Manchester City, Leeds United and Watford.
Should Porteous leave, Ross will need to find a
replacement with St Johnstone centre-half and Hibs’
fan Jason Kerr thought to be on the Head Coach’s
radar but the left back position could be filled by
veteran Lewis Stevenson or Sean Mackie.
In midfield fans are looking forward to seeing
winger Daniel Mackay in action whilst fans’
favourite Scott Allan will hopefully return to action
after his health scare, and a good pre-season should
get the best from highly-rated Kyle Magennis and
Chris Cadden.
Joe Newell signed a two-year deal so should be
available but question marks remain over Socceroos
Jackson Irvine who is weighing up an offer whilst on
international duty, and team mate Martin Boyle who
has a £500,000 release clause in his contract.
An expected bid for long-term target Allan
Campbell from Motherwell failed when the box-tobox
midfielder signed for Luton Town.
Forgotten duo Fraser Murray and Stevie Mallan,
who both spent the majority of last season on loan to
Dunfermline and Yeni Malatyaspor respectively, may
or may not return, but Melker Hallberg is likely to
leave due to a lack of first-team football.
Up front, Kevin Nisbet will undoubtedly attract
offers after his inclusion in Steve Clarke’s EURO 2020
squad but on-loan strikers Jamie Gullan and Josh
Campbell will return to the club to partner Christian
Doidge with Ryan Shanley heading to Edinburgh City
for the season.
Ross also has high hopes for youngsters Steven
Bradley who was on the fringes of the first team last
season along with highly rated teenagers Ethan
Laidlaw and Josh O’Connor.
Hibs first competitive game will be against either
Mons Calpe or FC Santa Coloma at Easter Road on
22 July in the UEFA Europa Conference League
2nd qualifying round.
Ian Jacobs
Rolling with
the punches
Ken Buchanan, 75 and going strong
THE SCOTTISH boxing legend was just a face in the crowd while out and
about in his home city of Edinburgh.
Yet, around 50 years ago, he was the headline attraction at the iconic
New York arena of Madison Square Garden with celebrated Muhammad
Ali – “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” - on the undercard.
Buchanan won 61 of his 69 professional fights, 27 by knockout, after
launching his paid career on 20 September 1965 in London, knocking out
Brian Tonks in the second round after a glittering amateur career topped
by winning the ABA title at featherweight.
The rest is history. At the peak of his career, Ken Buchanan, MBE, was
the former undisputed world lightweight title holder. Now he lives in a
nursing home in Leith.
Nigel Duncan
23
Moving on up
Live Edinburgh News
Midfield maestro Michaela joins Hibs
Hibernian Women FC
By JOHN HISLOP
SPARTANS’ TALENTED young
midfielder Michaela McAlonie has
joined Hibs Women to “further develop
her career” as a footballer.
The 19-year-old is one of the
brightest young players in Scotland and
has played for her country at both
under-17 and under-19 level, captaining
the latter and made her first appearance
for Spartans as a 15-year-old.
A predominantly right-footed player,
Michaela will add an attacking
dimension to Hibs midfield, being
well-renowned for her energy and
aggressive forward play.
Michaela said: “After three great years
at Spartans, I felt now was the time for
me to take on a new challenge. Every
year I’ve had opportunities, but never
quite felt the time was right - until now.
“After a lot of thought, I chose
Hibernian because I felt I needed a new
challenge, and I feel that Hibs can
Michaela
McAlonie
progress and direct me towards the
right path to further develop my career
as a player. This is a squad with a lot of
talented players, and I know a good few
of them already through the youth
national teams - I’m excited to now play
with them weekly.”
Head Coach, Dean Gibson, said:
“Michaela is a player I have admired for
a long time, and one Hibs have always
been keen to try and bring to the club.
She’s developed really well into a player
that’s regarded as one of the top
prospects in this country.
“At only 19, we are excited to see
where her career takes her, and we are
delighted to be able to play the next part
in her journey. Adding Michaela to the
current group of players we have here is
only going to make us go from strength
to strength. We are excited to see what
she will bring.”
Michaela is the fourth new addition,
joining other signings, Emma Heikkila,
Gabby English and Toni Malone.
Friday night footie
Edinburgh City to play weekend home fixtures
By JOHN HISLOP
AMBITIOUS Edinburgh City aim
to attract Hibs and Hearts fans
after receiving the green light
from the SPFL to play their home
fixtures on Friday nights.
Unfortunately the club’s return
to Meadowbank has been
unavoidably delayed due to the
impact of Covid, however it is
anticipated the ground will be
ready for handover in October.
In the interim they will continue
playing home matches at
Ainslie Park.
City just lost out on promotion
last term finishing in second
place after losing a League Two
play-off final to Dumbarton.
Callum Crane, Ouzy See,
Robbie McIntyre, Liam Brown,
Danny Jardine and Danny
Handling will continue their
careers at City whilst Calum
Antell, Craig Thomson, Kelby
Mason, Marc Laird, Andy Black,
Alex Harris, Dean Beveridge Liam
Henderson and Sam Newman
have all departed. Loan signings
Raffaele De Vita, Jamie
Dishington, Darren Smith, Jordan
Tapping, Sam Denham and Josh
Campbell have all returned to
their parent clubs and Conrad
Balatoni has been made available
for transfer by mutual
agreement.
Manager Gary Naysmith has
so far captured highly rated Ryan
Evening matches
for the Citizens
Shanley on a loan from Hibs,
midfielder Callum Tapping from
Stenhousemuir, versatile Lewis
Kidd from East Kilbride, James
“Jinky” Hilton from Stranraer,
defender Stephen Bronsky
from Elgin City and Livingston
goalkeeper Brian Schwake on
a season-long loan deal.
The Citizens kick off the
campaign on Saturday 31 July at
home to Albion Rovers, and head
north to face Forfar Athletic a
week later. The first Friday night
home fixture is on 13 August
with Stenhousemuir the visitors
for this historic match, then
travelling to newly-promoted
Kelty Hearts on 21 August, before
meeting Elgin City on 28 August.
Hearts and MND strip tribute to Tynie legend Žaliūkas
By JAMIE MCINTOSH
MND SCOTLAND will be shown on the
front of the new Hearts home shirt for the
2021/22 season following a two-year
agreement with Dell Technologies (DT).
The new sponsorship deal is structured
in a similar way, with DT donating on
behalf of MND Scotland and Hearts
donating a percentage of each shirt sold
to the charity.
The deal is seen as a tribute to the
legendary Hearts captain Marius Žaliūkas,
who lost his fight to the disease last
October. Žaliūkas played more than 150
times for Hearts across six seasons, but he
will be most fondly remembered for lifting
the Scottish Cup in 2012, after beating
their Edinburgh rivals Hibs.
A Hearts spokesperson said: “This
landmark sponsorship deal will help to
raise awareness of the work undertaken
by MND charities throughout the UK and
support those living with MND in
Scotland. Funds raised will also enable
pioneering research into MND, such as the
projects taking place at the Euan
MacDonald Centre for MND Research at
University of Edinburgh. Once again, the
club has sought out an innovative way of
securing sponsorship funding whilst
providing a platform for a cause that is
dear to supporters’ hearts.”
Dell Technologies will work with Hearts
over the next two years on a programme
to transform the club’s “digital estate”. Dell
funded the front of the home shirt for
MND Scotland. Hearts will make a
contribution to the charity for every home
shirt sold in the season ahead.
Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s Interim
Chief Executive, said: “We are very excited
to be partnering with Heart of Midlothian
FC this season. This opportunity will
honour the memory of former captain
Marius Žaliūkas who passed away last year
after a brave struggle against motor
neurone disease.
“DT has supported our sister charity,
MND Association of England, Wales and
Northern Ireland, for two years, and we are
thrilled to now be working with them to
raise funds and awareness here in
Scotland. We hope this boost will enable
us to speak to more people about our
cause, and that the funds donated
through sales will help us reach our
ultimate goal of finding a cure. Until that
day we will continue supporting families
affected by MND in Scotland, so they do
not have to go through the devastation
alone.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing
the new strips out on the pitch very soon.”