Month: July 2012

Hurry – be part of Speed of Light!

Want to get involved in something a bit out of the ordinary next month? Arts charity NVA’s Speed of Light project (part of  Edinburgh International Festival and London 2012 Festival) takes place from Thursday 9 August – Saturday 1 September, and there are still a number of free places available for schools or community groups to be part of this huge event on Arthurs Seat!e members.

You could be a runner or a walking member, or groups can also take up a range of volunteer posts to experience the dynamic, behind-the-scenes environment..

What is Speed of Light?

 Cast yourself in this year’s most extraordinary performance!

 This August Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat is the stage for a remarkable fusion of public art and sporting endeavour. The iconic volcano is brought to life in a mass choreographed act of walking and endurance running, as part of Edinburgh International Festival and London 2012 Festival.

 As a member of the walking audience you become part of the work, carrying portable light sources set against the dark features of the hill. A mesmerising visual display unfolds each night on your ascent to the summit as hundreds of runners wearing specially designed light suits take to the intricate path networks below.

 Each individual performance is created by collective action, landscape and weather, offering a rare perspective on the cityscape, night skies and the sea and hills beyond.  NVA’s Speed of Light is one of only four national projects, commissioned as part of Legacy Trust UK’s Community Celebrations programme, which aims to build a lasting legacy from the UK’s hosting of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The wider programme extends across eight of Edinburgh’s festivals throughout 2012 with a series of blogs, lectures, events and discussions investigating environmental art, human endurance and the interior experience of running.

 How can you get involved?

 There are a variety of ways in which your group can get involved with Speed of Light. A number of free places are available for schools and community groups to take part as runners or as walking audience members. Your group could also take up volunteer posts to experience the dynamic behind-the-scenes environment of this large-scale event.
This is an excellent chance for everyone to participate in an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Arthur’s Seat illuminated at night, and to be part of Scotland’s official artistic contribution to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games celebrations.
Details of all the opportunities as well as registration forms – to be completed and returned to us – are available to download below on the Speed of Life website at www.speedoflight2012.org.uk If you would like to discuss your requirements, please just get in touch with the Speed of Light team.

Dates available for groups to run and walk:

 • Wed 22 August 2012
• Thu 23 August 2012
• Wed 29 August 2012
• Thu 30 August 2012

 Dates for volunteers:

Volunteers will be required to commit to several dates in August depending on the role undertaken. For full details subscribe to the Speed of Light mailing list and visit the Volunteer page.

 Audience tickets are now on sale at www.eif.co.uk.

Home draws for local clubs in Scottish Cup

North Edinburgh’s two representatives both received home ties in yesterday’s Scottish Cup First Round Draw at Edinburgh Castle, with Spartans drawn at home to Wick Academy and Civil Service Strollers hosting Newton Stewart.

Wick, who finished eighth in the Press & Journal Highland League last term, will travel to Spartans’ Ainslie Park at the end of next month and clock up some 600 miles on the day.  The Strollers’ opponents Newton Stewart finished a respectable sixth in the South of Scotland League last season, and The Creesiders make the journey to Silverknowes from Dumfries and Galloway.

Both East of Scotland League clubs have home advantage and will be relatively pleased with the draws they were given.

Douglas Samuel’s Spartans will want to finish the job at Ainslie as a draw would mean a replay at Wick’s Harmsworth Park, with the extremely long journey to get there. The ground is the most northerly professional football stadium in the United Kingdom. The embarrassment of being thrown out last year after fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 second round win at Culter (and thus missing out on hosting Partick Thistle) will more than likely inspire the side this year to go on another famous run.

Civil Service will hope the travelling affects Newton Stewart too as they welcome the South of Scotland club to Edinburgh. Strollers will be hoping to do better in the national cup than they did last year – Fraserburgh defeating them 4-3 in the first round.  That defeat denied the Strollers’ a home tie against Third Division Elgin City, so recently appointed manager Chick McAleavey will hope his side can progress into the next phase of the tournament.

Last season’s victorious Heart of Midlothian captain, Marius Zaliuskas, joined Scottish FA Commercial Director Kenny MacLeod, and David Russell, William Hill Group HR Director, to conduct the draw. Here is the full draw:

1. Threave Rovers v Vale of Leithen
2. Bonnyrigg Rose v Girvan
3. Huntly v Wigtown & Bladnoch
4. Shotts Bon Accord v Edinburgh City
5. Irvine Meadow v Gala Fairydean
6. Edinburgh University v Keith or St Cuthbert Wanderers
7. Formartine United v Brora Rangers
8. Civil Service Strollers v Newton Stewart
9. Spartans v Wick Academy
10. Glasgow University v Selkirk
11. Clachnacuddin v Lossiemouth
12. Hawick Royal Albert v Golspie Sutherland
13. Fraserburgh v Coldstream
14. Whitehill Welfare v Inverurie Loco Works
15. Buckie Thistle v Rothes
16. Hermes v Deveronvale
17. Fort William or Preston Athletic v Nairn County
18. Turriff United v Burntisland Shipyard

Ties are due to be played on Saturday, 25th August 2012.

Missing Comely Bank man found 'safe and well'

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of a man who is missing from his home in Edinburgh. Sixty-one year old John Wilken suffers from dementia and has not been seen since he left his home in Comely Bank Place around 6.15am this morning.

Police are concerned he may not be aware of his surroundings as he is a keen walker and is capable of covering large distances on foot.

John is 5ft 5ins tall, slim build with short grey receding hair, and walks with a limp. He was wearing a dark green coloured jacket with a hood, waterproof trousers and trainers when he was last seen.

Constable Christopher Greer said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Mr Wilken’s safety as we know his dementia may mean he has walked somewhere and then lost track of where he is. We would appeal for anyone who may have passed him this morning to contact us on 0131 311 3131 urgently.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE: Mr Wilken was found ‘safe and well’ in East Lothian this afternoon

Missing Comely Bank man found ‘safe and well’

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of a man who is missing from his home in Edinburgh. Sixty-one year old John Wilken suffers from dementia and has not been seen since he left his home in Comely Bank Place around 6.15am this morning.

Police are concerned he may not be aware of his surroundings as he is a keen walker and is capable of covering large distances on foot.

John is 5ft 5ins tall, slim build with short grey receding hair, and walks with a limp. He was wearing a dark green coloured jacket with a hood, waterproof trousers and trainers when he was last seen.

Constable Christopher Greer said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Mr Wilken’s safety as we know his dementia may mean he has walked somewhere and then lost track of where he is. We would appeal for anyone who may have passed him this morning to contact us on 0131 311 3131 urgently.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE: Mr Wilken was found ‘safe and well’ in East Lothian this afternoon

Flying the flag: Edinburgh's greenest of them all!

Edinburgh’s parks have scooped a record number of Green Flag Awards for the best green spaces in Scotland. Of 44 flags awarded in Scotland this year, the capital scooped no less than 24 awards – more than half of all flags presented across the country!

Ravelston Park and Woods is one of four new city parks to receive Green Flag recognition for the first time this year, and they join twenty who retained their awards from last year.

Parks are judged against eight criteria, including community involvement and sustainability. The Green Flag Awards criteria:

  • A welcoming place
  • Healthy, safe and secure
  • Clean and well maintained
  • Sustainability
  • Conservation and heritage
  • Community involvement
  • Marketing
  • Management

Welcoming the announcement, city environment leader Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “We’re delighted that, once again, Edinburgh is leading the way is providing high quality parks and gardens for our residents. The awards positively reflect on the hard work carried out by local communities and staff to ensure Edinburgh’s renowned parks are preserved.”

Flag raising ceremonies will take place in the four newly awarded parks next week.

The Green Flag Awards were established by Keep Britain Tidy in 1996. Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “An award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy”.

Edinburgh’s green roll of honour

The parks and green spaces in Edinburgh to be given a Green Flag Award this year are:

  • Prestonfield Park (New award)
  • Ravelston Woods Local Nature Reserve and Park      (New award)
  • Ferry Glen and Back Braes (New award)
  • Lochend Park (New award)
  • Braidburn Valley Park
  • Pentland Hills Regional Park
  • Harrison Park
  • Easter Craiglockhart Hill LNR
  • Hopetoun Crescent Garden
  • Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park
  • Inverleith Park
  • Figgate Park
  • Station Road Park
  • London Road Gardens
  • Corstorphine Hill
  • Craigmillar Castle Park
  • Portobello Community Garden
  • Morningside Park
  • Muir Wood Park
  • Hailes Quarry Park
  • Victoria Park
  • Hermitage and Blackford Hill Local Nature      Reserve
  • St Margaret’s Park
  • Princes Street Gardens

For more information on the Green Flag Award scheme, visit ww.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag.

Flying the flag: Edinburgh’s greenest of them all!

Edinburgh’s parks have scooped a record number of Green Flag Awards for the best green spaces in Scotland. Of 44 flags awarded in Scotland this year, the capital scooped no less than 24 awards – more than half of all flags presented across the country!

Ravelston Park and Woods is one of four new city parks to receive Green Flag recognition for the first time this year, and they join twenty who retained their awards from last year.

Parks are judged against eight criteria, including community involvement and sustainability. The Green Flag Awards criteria:

  • A welcoming place
  • Healthy, safe and secure
  • Clean and well maintained
  • Sustainability
  • Conservation and heritage
  • Community involvement
  • Marketing
  • Management

Welcoming the announcement, city environment leader Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “We’re delighted that, once again, Edinburgh is leading the way is providing high quality parks and gardens for our residents. The awards positively reflect on the hard work carried out by local communities and staff to ensure Edinburgh’s renowned parks are preserved.”

Flag raising ceremonies will take place in the four newly awarded parks next week.

The Green Flag Awards were established by Keep Britain Tidy in 1996. Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “An award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy”.

Edinburgh’s green roll of honour

The parks and green spaces in Edinburgh to be given a Green Flag Award this year are:

  • Prestonfield Park (New award)
  • Ravelston Woods Local Nature Reserve and Park      (New award)
  • Ferry Glen and Back Braes (New award)
  • Lochend Park (New award)
  • Braidburn Valley Park
  • Pentland Hills Regional Park
  • Harrison Park
  • Easter Craiglockhart Hill LNR
  • Hopetoun Crescent Garden
  • Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park
  • Inverleith Park
  • Figgate Park
  • Station Road Park
  • London Road Gardens
  • Corstorphine Hill
  • Craigmillar Castle Park
  • Portobello Community Garden
  • Morningside Park
  • Muir Wood Park
  • Hailes Quarry Park
  • Victoria Park
  • Hermitage and Blackford Hill Local Nature      Reserve
  • St Margaret’s Park
  • Princes Street Gardens

For more information on the Green Flag Award scheme, visit ww.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag.

Police renew appeal following Pilrig attack

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was seriously assaulted during the early hours of Sunday morning. The woman was found by members of the public in Pilrig Park.

The 23-year-old had been out with friends in the city centre and left the Picturehouse nightclub around 3am on Sunday 22 July 2012 to return home. CCTV enquires have shown that she made her way onto the West End of Princes Street before walking east.

Members of the public then found the woman within a play area of Pilrig Park at around 6am and contacted the emergency services. The victim suffered serious facial injuries and was taken to hospital, where she continues to be treated. Officers believe the attack was sexually motivated and have urged anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

Detective Inspector Scott Cunningham, who is leading the investigation said: “This has been a brutal and unprovoked attack on a lone woman as she made her way home. Her injuries could only have been caused through significant and violent force and a major investigation has now been launched.

“Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in or around the Pilrig Park area in the early ours of Sunday morning is also asked to contact police immediately. We are particularly keen to trace any rickshaw drivers, who may have been on Pilrig Street at around 3.30am. They are urged to get in touch as soon as possible to assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

You need friends: LEAP launches fundraising charity

Malta House
Saturday proved to be an especially happy birthday for a groundbreaking local project when a new charity aimed at raising funds for LEAP, the Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme, was launched as part of LEAP’s fifth anniversary celebrations. Founders of the Friends of LEAP charity joined graduates, patients and staff at their annual ‘reunion’ event to celebrate the continued success of the innovative service based at Malta House in Stockbridge. 

Set up by a group of dedicated and skilled volunteers, Friends of LEAP will help to raise additional funds for the programme along with managing the donations they receive.

Dr David McCartney, Clinical Lead, LEAP, NHS Lothian, said: “LEAP continues to grow from strength to strength with more and more people successfully completing the programme and going on to live alcohol and drug free lives. We are delighted to see that the Friends of LEAP charity has been established. We welcome their support and I am sure their work will make a significant contribution to the service. All donations we receive are gratefully received and will go directly into catering for the needs of our patients.”

Trustee Alison Hume is one of four volunteers involved in setting up the charity. “Having volunteered at LEAP over the last few years we are delighted to set up Friends of LEAP. We have witnessed the dedication of staff, the high success in patients completing the programme and the impact that this has had not only on their lives but also that of their families and friends and we are delighted to be involved in this way.”

The LEAP programme operates seven days a week for people dependent on substances who want to achieve drug and alcohol-free recovery. There are six elements to LEAP’s three-month treatment and rehabilitation programme. These are:

  • Medical
  • Therapeutic
  • Mutual aid/recovery communities
  • Housing
  • Education, training and employability
  • Aftercare

“More than 500 patients have been admitted to the programme,” added Dr David McCartney. “It’s important we celebrate our achievements and look ahead with positivity in continuing to assist people in the future.”

Launched in September 2007 LEAP is the first programme of its kind in Scotland, and is an innovative partnership between NHS Lothian, the City of Edinburgh Council, Transition (Access to Industry) and the Serenity Café and the Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in Lothian.

You can find out more about LEAP here LEAP webpage

Spartans fall short against Annan

A Michael Daly double was enough for Scottish Third Division side Annan Athletic to defeat hosts Spartans 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Ainslie Park yesterday.

Keith McLeod trys to get a shot away. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

The Galabankies made the long journey north from Dumfries and Galloway but didn’t seem affected by the travelling as they controlled the fixture for large spells and always looked comfortable.  A first-half brace from striker Daly was enough in the end, even though a late surge from Spartans – including a delightful chipped goal from John Grant – threatened the Annan lead.

It was Spartans’ second preparation game in their schedule and after last weekend’s credible 0-0 draw with a Falkirk XI at home, manager Douglas Samuel was hoping to get another positive result from a Scottish Football League side.  The result didn’t go their way, but the performance showed promise and the late second-half attempts to get a draw will have pleased Samuel –  especially with seven first-team regulars missing.

Chris Anderson tries to hold of the defender. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Annan took the lead after 17 minutes when Steven Sloan saw his shot parried by Spartans’ goalkeeper Chris Flockhart onto the post, only for number nine Daly to slam into the back of the net. It was an early blow for Spartans but it didn’t dampen their spirits.

Jordan Finnie came close to equalising for the home side as he saw his header from six yards go just by the ‘keeper’s left-hand post and out for the goal-kick.  Shortly after Finnie’s chance it was striker Keith McLeod’s turn to attempt to level the scoreline. He received the ball on the edge of the area before turning the Annan defender quickly and powering a shot just wide.

Annan thought they had doubled their lead after 36 minutes, but the tap-in was ruled offside.  Graeme Ramage tried his level best to double it for real but his shot from just inside the box was always rising and the ball went over the bar.  They did manage a second goal just before half-time when a good cross came in from the left and the 27-year-old Daly rose well to angle a header past the goalkeeper and into the net. Their half-time lead of two goals was very much deserved.

New signing Alistair Woodburn almost put Spartans in front in the opening minutes. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Annan’s left-back Gary Thorburn was proving to be a good weapon for Harry Cairney’s side and it was his delivery three minutes into the second half that gave Daly a chance for a hat-trick, but he put his header just over.  Sean Wringe then wasted a great opportunity to pull his side back in the game when he blasted well over after cutting in from the left just inside the danger area.

With ten minutes left Steve Swinglehurst went close with a powerful header from a superb right-hand side delivery from Ramage, and the Annan number four could have paid for the miss as Spartans got one back minutes later. After finding some room on the right-side of the box, John Grant expertly lobbed Craig Summersgil, much to the delight of the home support. With six minutes left Spartans pressed for an equaliser but ultimately fell short as the game ended 2-1 to the visitors.

SPARTANS: Chris Flockhart, Robbie Manson, Gary Cennerrazzo, McCuish, O’Donnell, Mark Whatley, Alastair Woodburn, John Grant, Jordan Finnie, Keith McLeod, Sean Wringe.  Subs: Chris Anderson, Sean Palizcka, Neil Irvine, Ian McTurk.

ANNAN ATHLETIC: Craig Summersgil, John Blake, Gary Thorburn, Steve Swinglehurst, Michael McGowan, Scott chaplain, Steven Sloan, Tordyn McKechnie, Michael Daly, Graeme Ramage, David Murray.  Subs:  Alexander Mitchell, John Watson, Jack Steele, Ally Love, Graeme Bell, Kieran McGachie, Andrew Donnelly. 

Police appeal for witnesses after woman injured

Police are tonight appealing for witnesses after a 23 year old woman was discovered in Pilrig Park at 6.00am this morning with serious facial injuries.

Police enquiry is ongoing following incident in Pilrig Park.

A Police Spokesperson said “A woman aged 23 was found this morning in Pilrig Park with serious facial injuries. She was taken to the ERI for further treatment and our enquiries are ongoing. We would ask anyone who was in the ae at the time or has any information to contact us on 0131 311 3131 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”