Anton du Beke, one of the country’s best-loved and most accomplished entertainers, has announced a special, limited run at the Underbelly’s McEwan Hall at the Edinburgh Fringe from 23rd – 28th August.
The one-hour show, An Afternoon with Anton du Beke, will see Anton joined by singer, Lance Ellington, as well as a live band and a company of dancers to create an afternoon filled with song, dance and a lot of laughter.
Anton will share some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from across his career, including some memorable moments from the last twenty series of Strictly Come Dancing which saw him become a household name.
With his inimitable quick wit, he’ll respond to questions from the audience, as well as performing some of his favourite songs and enthrall audiences with the glittering dancing that he has become synonymous with.
Anton said: “Performing at The Edinburgh Fringe has long been an ambition of mine and I am absolutely thrilled to be there this year – it’s a dream come true and it’s going to be really special.
“We’ve been warming up for you with our countrywide tour earlier this year and together with Lance, our amazing musicians and dancers, we are going to create a truly unforgettable experience for Edinburgh.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration full of laughter, music and dance – it’s the perfect way to spend an hour in the afternoon – come and have some fun!”
The nation’s favourite TV judge, NTA winner Anton Du Beke, best known for his charismatic performances on the hit BBC show, will be joined by Lance Ellington, an acclaimed vocalist known for his soulful voice and dynamic stage presence.
Lance has been a regular featured vocalist on Strictly Come Dancing for over a decade, and his powerful performances have captivated audiences worldwide. He has worked with many of the world’s top recording artists, including Sting, Michael Jackson and Tina Turner, as well as performing at London’s famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club many times.
Together, Anton and Lance are set to create a spellbinding experience for audiences, with their combined talents and electrifying stage presence.
AN AFTERNOON WITH ANTON DU BEKE at the Edinburgh Fringe will also feature a live band whose credits range from working on West End shows, to performing with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, to recording and performing with international artists such as Dame Shirley Bassey, Andrea Bocelli, Queen and more!
Underbelly’s Head of Programming, Marina Dixon, said, “We are beyond delighted to have Anton and his team join us for six special shows this August.
“The show, featuring comedy, dancing, incredible live music, all told through the eyes of Strictly Come Dancing legend, Anton Du Beke, promises to be an afternoon out to remember. We hope you can join us.”
As well as the special Edinburgh Fringe performances, the tour also visit several cities across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff, among others.
LISTINGS
AN AFTERNOON WITH ANTON DU BEKE & FRIENDS
Underbelly, Bristo Square (McEwan Hall) 13:30 (65 mins) Aug 23-28 (£24.00 / £22.00 concession) Genre: Cabaret and Variety, Dance, Comedy
Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, takes to the stage with his with his live band, a guest singer and his dancers; expect a fab-u-lous afternoon of song, dance and laughter.
Performing some of his favourite songs and dances that have inspired his career throughout his life, expect behind the scenes stories from his time on Strictly that will have you laughing out loud.
Don’t miss this special opportunity to get up close and personal with the King of the ballroom!
With Child Safety Week just around the corner, NICEIC – the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses – is reminding parents about the importance of having sufficient measures in place to ensure electrical safety in the home for the whole family.
Child Safety Week takes place from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 June 2023, with this year’s theme being, ‘Safety Made Simple’. ‘Safety Made Simple’ provides parents with the simple changes they can make to stop the scariest of accidents happening within the home. Offering easy solutions that can fit into busy routines, the theme acknowledges the dangers that youngsters face both inside and outside of the home.
In support, NICEIC says that there will be a proportion of the nation’s families who are unaware of the electrical dangers that can exist around the home; whilst for others, they may be aware but too busy to keep up with simple maintenance and vital periodic checks.
Ahead of Child Safety Week, Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, has provided some simple advice for families to stay safe within the home.
Paul says: “It’s no secret that electrical devices such as tablets and video games are becoming the chosen choice of entertainment for many children. As a result, many tech-savvy kids are unknowingly leaving themselves open to serious electrical dangers.
“Should devices such as these be handled incorrectly, especially by children, the consequences are frightening. That’s why we want to encourage parents to take on some simple checks and measures in order to safeguard their family in and around the home.
“All of these devices need to be plugged in at some point in the home and parents should not overlook the potential risks surrounding these. It’s vital that the socket-outlet is not overloaded, as this can increase the risk of a fire in the home.
“Other simple precautions that parents can take include keeping electrical cords out of reach, checking cables for damage, keeping appliances off when not in use and never leaving younger children unattended when using a device still connected to the mains.
“The charity Electrical Safety First has also done some fantastic work around highlighting the sale of dangerous goods via online marketplaces. We support in their message and urge parents to shop safely online and only buy goods from reputable retailers.”
With summer just around the corner, parents must not overlook the potential hazards playing in the garden may bring. The garden poses particular electrical safety risks due to the added potential for water and electricity to mix – especially with children dipping in and out of paddling pools.
Paul continues: “When using electrical equipment outside, it’s important to make sure all electrical appliances are using a residual current device (RCD). An RCD is a safety device that automatically turns off electricity if a fault has been discovered.
“Another important tip that may be surprising to parents is to not rely on plastic plug in socket covers. Regular sockets, that comply with British safety standards, have a built-in protection mechanism already and socket covers will not prevent electric shock if the installation is not safe.”
Crucially, NICEIC recommends that any electrical work in the home should be conducted by a certified business, such as those listed with the NICEIC, as even the seemingly simplest of jobs can be incredibly dangerous if not installed properly.
Discussing the importance of child safety at home, Rory Carroll from the UK’s leading charity Electrical Safety First comments: “In the UK, online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Wish are not obliged to obey by the same laws as traditional retailers. So large numbers of dangerous electrical products are being sold to unknowing customers.
“As these possibly contain sub-standard or non-compliant parts, they can pose a serious risk of fire or electric shock. We want to ensure everyone stays safe within the home and urge you to only purchase from reputable retailers.
“If you are unsure about any areas of electrical safety inside or outside, we have various resources available on our Safety Around the Home hub and more information is available at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk.”
For further information or to search for your nearest NICEIC Certified business visit www.niceic.com.
Police are appealing for information following the death of a 30-year-old man in Edinburgh last night.
Around 7.45pm on Friday, 2 June, 2023, officers were called to a report of a disturbance on Leith Street near to the junction with Greenside Row.
Emergency services attended and the victim was taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later.
His death is being treated as unexplained and a post mortem examination will take place in due course.
His relatives are aware and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Extensive enquiries carried out have revealed a number of people were involved in the disturbance and a 41-year-old man was also taken to hospital for treatment.
A 46-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a minor assault.
Detective Chief Inspector John Morrison said: “Our thoughts are very much with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and officers will be in the area working on this investigation.
“The area would have been busy at the time of the incident and we are encouraging anyone who may have seen or heard a disturbance to get in touch.
“I am also keen to speak to anyone with any CCTV, dashcam or any other footage that they think would assist the enquiry.
“We will have a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 4094 of 2 June, 2023.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given completely anonymously.
UPDATE: POLICE SET UP ONLINE PORTAL
Officers investigating the death of a 30-year-old man in Edinburgh have set up an online portal for members of the public to submit information.
Extensive enquiries are continuing and we have set up a link to our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to officers.
Victims and Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown has welcomed a new strategy to help prevent violent crime and reduce the harm it causes.
The Violence Prevention Framework is the first co-ordinated strategy for Scotland to tackle the issue.
Ms Brown said: “We have made significant strides in reducing violence, and this new framework can take us further, ensuring that everyone plays their part in preventing violence wherever it persists.”
Scottish bathing water season starts 1st June with more bathing waters rated excellent than ever before
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan, designates Wardie Bay and Fisherrow Sands as Scottish bathing waters
Designation brings the total number of Bathing Waters in Scotland to 89 Improvements in water quality show long-term success but there is more to do
Water quality samples will be taken by SEPA across the season and results posted online to keep visitors informed
Locals and visitors encouraged to play their part in protecting and improving the quality of bathing waters
Scotland’s summers are known for both sunshine and showers – but whatever the weather the country’s environment regulator will be collecting and analysing water samples, predicting water quality and keeping beach users informed over the next three and a half months.
The Scottish bathing water season begins on 1st June and runs until 15th September, with 1,500 water samples taken by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) staff at bathing waters around the country. In 2023 locals and visitors have more options than ever to choose from – with one brand new beach joining the list, and the nation’s first re-designation following decisions by Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, Màiri McAllan.
Edinburgh’sWardie Bay is the latest bathing water to join the list of 89 in total, following an application by a local community group.
It joins alongside Fisherrow Sands in East Lothian, which has been re-designated following improvement works to improve water quality. Both beaches will have their water quality formally monitored and reported and will receive an official classification for the 2024 season.
2023 not only sees the highest number of bathing waters ever in Scotland, but the highest number rated excellent for water quality – and a total of 98% of locations achieving a classification of sufficient or better.
Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, said: “As a result of our investment in protecting and improving bathing waters across Scotland we now have the highest number of designated Bathing Water sites ever, with 98% passing bathing water quality standards and more rated as ‘excellent’ than ever before.
“However, we are not complacent. We continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality on our designated beaches and in our designated lochs, to ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy them throughout this summer and beyond.”
Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s Principal Scientist for bathing waters, said: “Scotland is renowned for its water environment and it starts the 2023 season with record-breaking number of bathing waters rated as ‘excellent’.
“The number of bathing waters that are now meeting the standard is a testament to the work of SEPA and partners over the years, driving investment and improvement in both rural and urban areas.
“Time at the beach can be active or restful, and for many it’s a budget-friendly day out – especially when it’s near to their home. Many living in coastal communities use them regularly for walking or quiet reflection, as well as wild swimming, paddling and water-based recreation. Visitors often plan a whole day around time near the water, including visits to local shops and cafes.
“This season our staff will take around 1,500 samples around the country, analyse them in our accredited laboratories, and post the results online. We also have a network of 30 electronic signs at bathing waters that can be affected by rain fall, where we post the predicted water quality by 10am every day so people can make informed decisions about whether to bathe or enjoy shore-based activities.
“We can also make people aware of any pollution events that may impact the water quality. This information is also available on our website and by calling our contact centre.
“The results of our annual sampling also show us where further improvements need to be made – allowing us to continue to deliver real progress in the coming years for the future of our water environment.”
Professor Simon Parsons, Scottish Water’s Strategic Customer Service Planning Director, said: “Scottish Water is committed to continuing to support the protection and improvement of Scotland’s rivers, coastal waters and beaches and we are pleased to hear from SEPA that there are more bathing waters than ever before and a record number rated excellent.
“We look forward to playing our part in ensuring bathing waters become destinations for people to enjoy Scotland’s fantastic coastal waters.
“Scottish Water has invested £2.7 billion in improving and maintaining the country’s public drainage system and infrastructure over the past decade to help improve our waters. Our Improving Urban Waters Routemap, which supports the national River Basin Management Plan objectives (92% good water quality by 2027), commits us to additional investment of up to £500m to further improve water quality.”
Coastal community spaces
Local blue and green spaces are integral to our physical and mental health. Managing them well can improve well-being and other social and cultural benefits for local communities and visitors alike.
Wardie Bay
Wardie Bay in Edinburgh is the latest location to be designated as a bathing water following an application from Wardie Bay Beachwatch and The Wild Ones who demonstrated that a large number of bathers use the water and there was community support for designation. Edinburgh Council supported the designation, accepting required duties around signage and beach cleaning.
During 2022, SEPA sampled and reported water quality at Wardie Bay due to high community usage of the beach and an active application for bathing water designation. Our evidence indicates that Wardie Bay is expected to meet bathing water standards. Now designated by the Cabinet Secretary, the beach will be formally monitored and receive an official classification for 2024.
Karen Bates, Wardie Bay Beachwatch, said: “It has taken much time and effort to achieve this result for the #wardiebay4bathingwater campaign. We can finally be delighted that Wardie Bay is to be a protected bathing water.
“We are grateful to Cabinet Secretary Mairi McAllan for her progressive decision and for support from Council members who surmounted the obstacles to designation at this complex site.
“We are grateful too that SEPA published the essential information for Wardie swimmers in 2022. Thanks particularly to all those who help protect Wardie Bay, who signed the petition, took part in the campaign film and contributed to the applications.”
Fisherrow Sands
Fisherrow Sands in East Lothian has been re-designated following a project to improve water quality. The location was de-designated in 2020 following five consecutive poor results.
Pressures included overflows from the drainage network and misconnections from homes and businesses to surface waters.
SEPA has worked closely with the Scottish Government, Scottish Water, East Lothian Council and wider stakeholders to drive improvements and ensure these issues are addressed.
Over £3 million has been spent on works to improve water quality. This includes upgrades to waste water pumping stations, resolving multiple mis-connections and improvements to the sewer network to reduce spills. Sampling evidence from 2021 and 2022 indicates that, following this work, Fisherrow Sands can meet bathing water quality.
Increasing interest in improving water quality
With growing public interest in the quality of Scotland’s water environment, the improvement in bathing waters is a testament to the work that has already happened – and the reality of the resources required.
In 2016, the first year of water quality classifications under the new Bathing Water Directive, 80% of locations were classified as sufficient or better, with 17 rated excellent and 17 rated poor. In 2023, that figure has improved dramatically, 98% of bathing waters are rated sufficient or better, with 38 excellent and two poor.
Our Scottish climate impacts on water quality – due to heavy rain washing contaminants off both rural and urban land and overflows from sewage systems. As a result, it is recommended that users do not bathe for up to two days after heavy rain – and beaches with SEPA electronic signs will warn against bathing when poor water is predicted.
SEPA has focussed on improvement plans at all poor beaches to identify the causes and work with partners to realise real change.
SEPA has ensured Scottish Water investment has been targeted at areas where it will have the greatest impact, with major improvements in water quality at locations that had long-term issues such as Irvine and Ayr, following projects to upgrade sewage systems, install new treatment and investigate mis-connections. Scottish Water has invested £24.5m on bathing water improvements since 2015, including £10m at Ayr.
In addition, Scottish Water has committed to installing monitors and publishing near real-time data on every CSO discharging to a Bathing or Shellfish Water by the end of 2024. SEPA will ensure this commitment is delivered.
SEPA officers have walked river catchments and worked with farmers, who have started using new practices and spent significant sums of money on additional slurry storage facilities and installing alternative means of livestock watering to reach compliance.
Some have gone even further than is legally required, by planting riparian zones which move their farming activities further away from the water’s edge. Past improvements have led to more than 90% of farms being compliant – an increase of 50% in ten years.
The two bathing waters classified as poor for 2023, Lower Largo (designated in 2022) and Kinghorn (Harbour) both in Fife, have improvement plans in place.
SEPA is carrying out investigations at Kinghorn to identify the cause of this recent deterioration and further monitoring is planned. At Lower Largo, Scottish Water have been carrying out work to help assess bathing water impacts from the local drainage network. This work includes camera surveys, sampling and testing for misconnections from properties, which will help inform future improvement options.
SEPA will continue to monitor and report water quality and determine how best to drive water quality improvements over the next few years.
My Beach Your Beach project shows improvements in litter and dog fouling
My Beach, Your Beach launched in 2018, and over the last five years has supported bathing water quality improvements at seven Scottish beaches, in partnership with local community groups and beach managers.
You can find out more, watch the campaign film and read the report at My Beach, Your Beach (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)
Thousands of people each year experience severe financial difficulties. If you have ever been in that situation, a Scottish Parliament committee wants to hear from you to find out how the process could be improved.
The Bankruptcy and Diligence Bill will, among other provisions, create a “mental health moratorium”, meaning enforcement action against someone with serious mental health problems can be stopped.
The Bill will also make changes to the process for recovering money for creditors, including a requirement for creditors to provide a debtor with information about debt advice before enforcement.
Now the Economy and Fair Work Committee wants to hear your views on this Bill – especially if you have lived experience of the issues it covers.
Committee Convener Claire Baker MSP said: “The stress and worry of severe financial difficulties is something that all too many people are facing. The Bill aims to make changes to the bankruptcy process, but we want to know what impact these changes will have on those people affected.
“By sharing their insights, people from across Scotland can help shape a fairer and more compassionate system that addresses the challenges faced by individuals in financial distress.
“We particularly want to hear from people who have been in this situation and experienced significant mental health challenges on the difference the proposed moratorium would have made.”
Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has branded Humza Yousaf’s time as Health Secretary “catastrophic” as new figures reveal NHS waiting lists in Lothian soaring on his watch.
At the end of March, as Humza Yousaf departed as Health Secretary, there were 123,481 people in Lothian on an NHS waiting list.
This is a shocking 25 per cent increase since the same point in 2021, shortly after Humza Yousaf took over the role.
Across Scotland waiting lists are at a record high, with around 1 in every 7 Scots currently on an NHS waiting list.
Scottish Labour branded this a “national emergency” and called for the Scottish Government to support NHS Lothian and implement a real NHS catch-up plan.
Commenting, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said “People in Lothian have been badly let down by this incompetent SNP government and their disastrous stewardship of our NHS.
“It should worry us all that First Minister Humza Yousaf left behind such a catastrophic legacy as Health Secretary.
“Despite the tireless efforts of NHS staff, record numbers of Scots are stuck languishing on NHS waiting list, including more than 120,000 people in Lothian.
“Blame for this national emergency lies squarely with Humza Yousaf and his failed NHS recovery plan, which saw waiting lists in NHS Lothian spiral by 25% after the pandemic.
“The SNP government must support NHS Lothian and deliver a real catch-up plan to help it recover from the damage inflicted by both the pandemic and by this disastrous government.”
Supporting information from third sector organisations to be given equal consideration
Third sector organisations are to be paid a fee for helping provide supporting information for people applying for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment. The £33.50 fee will be paid when they are asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form.
People who are applying for disability benefits who find it difficult or face barriers gathering supporting information themselves will be able to name organisations to provide this for them.
These can include third sector organisations that are helping them in their day-to-day lives, such as those offering social care or support during an illness. Collecting supporting information on behalf of people is a key difference in how people are encouraged and supported to apply for Scottish Government disability benefits.
Supporting information request forms are completed to help understand how a person’s health condition or disability affects their lives and what support they need. As well as information from health and social care professions, information could also come from charities and third sector organisations who support disabled people.
The process of requesting and giving equal consideration to supporting information from third sector organisations is not offered by the Department for Work and Pensions in England and Wales and is an example of how Social Security Scotland is doing things differently to better support people applying for benefits.
If disabled people need additional help to apply for Scottish Government benefits the free and independent Advocacy Service, provided by VoiceAbility, helps people throughout the whole of the process, from the point of application, through to any request for redetermination and appeal.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said:“We know that third sector organisations supporting disabled people are often best placed to provide information on their conditions and needs which is why we are introducing this payment.
We recognise the value of the information that organisations supporting disabled people can supply and we want to put it on an equal footing with the information from other professionals, such as social care staff or GPs
“People who are applying for disability benefits often have extra support from charities and third sector organisations. This new system will give people more choice in who can help them provide Social Security Scotland with the information that is needed as part of their application, which will help them apply for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment.
“We are committed to making sure everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to and we actively work to encourage take-up of Scottish Government social security benefits by promoting our 13 benefits, collaborating with various organisations and removing barriers to access.”
Social Security Scotland pay a fee for the supporting information form when they have requested the completion of a form in writing from an organisation.
Independent GPs, and those employed by independent GP practices, also get a fee when they are asked to provide information.
Clients can approach third sector organisations to provide supporting information on their behalf. Organisations will not be paid a fee unless Social Security Scotland directly request the information.
Third sector organisations who have already been asked to provide supporting information for clients receiving Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment before the fee payments process was in place will be able to have their payments backdated.
Guidance will be provided to any third sector organisation who is asked by to provide supporting information, with information also available on Social Security Scotland’s website.
If someone applying for disability benefits has supporting information available, they are encouraged provide it with their application, Examples of supporting information are medical reports, a social care assessment, a prescription list or test results.
The Declaration of Arbroath has gone on display at the National Museum of Scotland for the first time in 18 years.
The display has been organised in partnership between National Museums Scotland and National Records of Scotland, who are custodians of the Declaration. The famous document will be on show from 3 June to 2 July 2023.
The Declaration of Arbroath was last displayed 18 years ago at the Scottish Parliament. The iconic and fragile 700-year-old document, which is cared for and preserved for future generations by National Records of Scotland, can only be displayed occasionally in order to ensure its long-term preservation.
The Declaration was due to be displayed in April 2020 to coincide with its 700th anniversary, but this was postponed due to the pandemic. The new summer date has been chosen to give as many people as possible the rare chance to see one of Scotland’s most important historical documents.
The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320, written by the barons and freeholders of Scotland, on behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland, to Pope John XXII asking him to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king.
The letter also asks the Pontiff to persuade King Edward II of England to end hostilities against the Scots, so that their energy may be better used to secure the frontiers of Christendom.
The Declaration was probably drafted at a meeting of the King and his council at Newbattle, then written up in the scriptorium of Arbroath Abbey. Written in Latin, it was sealed by eight earls and about 40 barons. It was authenticated by seals, as documents at that time were not signed. Only 19 seals now remain.
Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland said, “It is great to be able to display the Declaration of Arbroath here at the National Museum of Scotland, the home of our nation’s material history and the country’s most visited attraction.
“We look forward to welcoming many visitors to enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing this hugely significant document in person.”
Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is of great historic and cultural interest to people living in Scotland as well as the sizeable Scottish diaspora around the world.
“I hope people from across the country, and further afield, will take this rare opportunity to visit our wonderful national museum to view this iconic document which has played such an important part in the history of our country.”
Dr Alan Borthwick, Head of Medieval and Early Modern Records, National Records of Scotland, said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is one of the most significant documents we have in our collections.
“At National Records of Scotland we are hugely proud of the role we play in conserving it to ensure it is still here for future generations to see and study.
“We hope people from Scotland and beyond will take this rare opportunity to see it for themselves.”
The Declaration was written during the long Wars of Independence with England when, despite the Scots’ success at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert I had not been recognised as king by either Edward II or by the Pope, and had been excommunicated by the latter.
At this time, the Pope desired peace between England and Scotland, so both could help in a crusade to the Holy Land. The Declaration sought to influence him by offering the possibility of support from the Scots for his long-desired crusade if they no longer had to fear English invasion.
After receiving the Declaration, the Pope urged reconciliation between the warring sides and a truce was agreed in 1323. A peace treaty was signed between England and Scotland in March 1328 and the following year the Pope issued a papal bull permitting the anointing and crowning of a King of Scots.
The peace was short-lived, however, as the Second War of Independence broke out in 1332 and went on for 25 years.
Shortening the distance of the £40,000 Edinburgh Cup at Musselburgh today (Sat 3 June) seems to have appealed to Middleham trainer Charlie Johnston who is triple-handed in the nine furlong handicap.
Musselburgh Racecourse general manager Bill Farnsworth revealed earlier that trimming the race from 12 furlongs (1 ½ miles) to just 1⅛ mile was done to attract a larger quality field of three year olds.
Farnsworth said: “At this time of year the pool of three year old horses who can run 12 furlongs is quite small so by reducing The Edinburgh Cup to nine furlongs, that little drop in distance could lead to a bigger quality field.
“By changing the distance the race now provides the ideal steppingstone to the Britannia Handicap for 3 year olds over 8f (1 mile) or the Golden Gates Handicap for 3 year olds over 10f (1 ¼m) at Royal Ascot in mid-June.”
Johnston, now operating with his sole name on the license, will be represented by Venetian, Lion Of War and Gareeb, who is partnered by stable jockey Joe Fanning.
Top-weight, under 9st 9lb, is Coco Jack from the Newmarket stable of George Scott, who has only had one previous runner – without success – at Musselburgh, while Ian Williams-trained Dancing In Paris arrives in great heart having already won at Haydock and finished a close second at Sandown this spring.
Lightly-raced Old Smoke, from the Richard Fahey camp, wasn’t beaten far in the London Gold Cup at Newbury recently while Keith Dalgleish’s Iato’s Angel was only just pipped over course and distance in a fillies’ handicap in April.
The second £40,000 race, The Queen of Scots Fillies’ Stakes, is Musselburgh’s only Class 1 Listed Flat race of the season and the Musselburgh boss reckons this is probably the best race in Scotland for fillies and mares.
Heredia is the likely market-leader and trained in Wiltshire by Richard Hannon, she beat 27 rivals in last year’s Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
White Moonlight, representing Saeed bin Suroor, was a close runner-up in Group 2 company during the winter in Dubai, and Basil Martini, just the third runner at the track for Irish handler Joseph O’Brien, won a Group 3 contest at the Curragh last autumn.
The Edinburgh Cup Raceday, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, is also Derby Day and Musselburgh’s first race has been brought forward to the slightly earlier 1.15pm slot in support of the main Epsom classic, which is off at 1.30pm and will be shown throughout the East Lothian track.
“Derby Day is a huge day for racing and it adds an extra dimension to our own fixture, with an extra buzz around the place and everyone gathered in front of our big screens,” added Farnsworth.
“For those unable to be at Epsom itself, Musselburgh offers a great experience to soak up the unique atmosphere that turf racing creates and we expect a big crowd today.”
Gates open at 11.30am, the first race is at 1.15pm and the last race at 4.50pm. Tickets will cost £40 on the day for adults, while children aged 17 and under go for free. Concession tickets will cost £25 on the day for those who are eligible.
For more information and to book tickets please visit:
