Category: North Edinburgh News

Not just Comedy at New Town Theatre!

120 shows make up The Stand’s 2022 programme across Stand 1 (5 York Place), Stand 2 (16 N St Andrew St) & The Stand’s New Town Theatre (96 George St)

We may be world-famous for our stand-up, but that doesn’t mean The Stand is a one-trick pony. Several spoken-word mainstays such as ‘The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas’ and ‘In Conversation With’ are back thanks to our partnership with Fair Pley, but there’s also brand new shows from comrades Jeremy Corbyn & Len McCluskey, legendary actor David Hayman, former Makar Liz Lochhead and much more …

Here are some shows you may have overlooked:

SPOKEN WORD

NOON 6 – 28 AUG IN CONVERSATION WITH… 

An ongoing series of intimate conversations with some of the country’s biggest names, including Jeremy Corbyn MP, Ian Rankin, Darren McGarvey, David Hayman, Val McDermid, and now – a last minute addition – our First Minister Nicola Sturgeon! £12.50 – £15 

13.30 & 17.45, 5 – 28 AUG THE CABARET OF DANGEROUS IDEAS

Are you brave enough to challenge your own preconceptions and opinions on hot-button issues? Susan Morrison introduces a different academic speaker every day. £11

14.50 20-21, 27-28 AUG WORD UP

Are you brave enough to challenge your own preconceptions and opinions on hot-button issues? Susan Morrison introduces a different academic speaker every day. £11 

15.40 16 – 21 AUG DARREN MCGARVEY: THE SOCIAL DISTANCE BETWEEN US 

New live show from Orwell Prize-winning author, based on his book of the same name. £15 (£10 for members)

16.20 9 AUG, POLITICS & POETRY WITH CORBYN & MCCLUSKEY

Jeremy Corbyn is joined by his friend and comrade Len McCluskey for a unique event. No strangers to controversy; their love of poetry is the softer counterpoint to their firm political beliefs. One night only. £12

22.00 4 – 14 AUG KEVIN P. GILDAY: SPAM VALLEY

What does it really mean to be working class? A blend of theatre, stand-up and spoken word from critically acclaimed writer and performer Kevin P Gilday. £12

MUSIC

21.00 18 & 19 AUG LIZ LOCHHEAD W/ STEVE KETTLEY ON SAX: BACK IN THE SADDLE

Former Makar shares old faves and brand new stuff accompanied by sax licks. £15

21.15 8 – 11 AUG FUN LOVIN’ CRIME WRITERS

Mark Billingham, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Luca Veste, Doug Johnstone and Stuart Neville switch out pens for guitars. Murder on the dancefloor is guaranteed …

THEATRE

16.20 5 – 28 AUG (NOT TUES/WEDS) PIP UTTON AS ‘BACON’

Pip Utton takes on the life of Francis Bacon, Dir. Geoff Bullen.

21.00 15, 21 – 22 AUG PIP UTTON IS ADOLF 

One of the most successful Fringe solo shows ever! 

17.20 21 – 28 AUG TIME’S PLAGUE – DAVID HAYMAN

Legendary Scottish actor returns as everyman Bob Cunninghame. Written by Chris Dolan

19.10 3 – 28 AUG SH!T-FACED SHOWTIME: A PISSEDMAS CAROL

The professional pissheads perform their Covid-delayed festive boozical!

14.55 4 – 28 AUG (NOT 15th) ADA CAMPE: TOO LITTLE, TOO SOON

Join the award-winning variety artiste! ‘Genius.- Sandi Toksvig.

22.35 16 – 28 AUG FLAT AND THE CURVES

Hilarity and vulgarity from award-winning comedy writers.

14.50 15 – 26 AUG (NOT 20-21ST) THE ECHO SALON

Susan Morrison & cultural figures discuss contentious ideas.

The Daily Mile launches global vision for the next 10 years

● The Daily Mile has set out its ambition to reach 10 million children by 2032 at an event today at Scotland House in Birmingham during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

● The event was to celebrate the 10th Birthday of the children’s health initiative, which started from a single school in Stirling in 2012 and now reaches over 3 million children around the world. 

● Double Commonwealth Champion Colin Jackson CBE, Scottish Government Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport Maree Todd, Founder of The Daily Mile Elaine Wyllie MBE, and professors from Edinburgh & Stirling Universities spoke on the panel.

 ● The Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, is a transformative initiative where children run, jog, wheel or walk for fifteen minutes every day, improving the health, happiness and wellbeing of millions of children

The Daily Mile has laid out its ambition for the next 10 years at an event with the Scottish Government at Scotland House, University College Birmingham during the 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

While celebrating the tremendous growth The Daily Mile has experienced since its inception 10 years ago, the event set out the goal to improve the wellbeing of 10 million children around the world by 2032. 

Daily Mile Ambassador, Double Commonwealth Champion, World Champion and Olympian, Colin Jackson CBE chaired the event at Scotland House, University College Birmingham.

VIPs in attendance were Scottish Government Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport Maree Todd MSP, Founder of The Daily Mile Elaine Wyllie MBE, CBiol MRSB Associate Professor Epigenetics, Genetics and Physical Activity, Deputy Associate Dean for Research University of Stirling Dr Colin N Moran, and Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology The University of Edinburgh Dr Josie Booth. 

Guests heard directly from the Scottish Government about Scotland’s ongoing commitment to growing The Daily Mile initiative. There was discussion about the positive impact The Daily Mile has on wellbeing and the most recent research and first-hand accounts from local teachers and pupils as well as the ambition to have more children take part across the UK and around the world. 

Starting from just a single school in Stirling, there are now 3 million children in more than 14,000 schools taking part thanks to teachers and partners in 87 countries around the world. 

More than 2,351,000 children in 9,700+ schools in the UK are signed up to The Daily Mile as more and more schools are joining every day. 

The Daily Mile improves academic performance, physical and mental health, and ironically, even kids who have never exercised before love taking part, become fitter and more engaged with sport and P.E.

Elaine Wyllie MBE, Founder of The Daily Mile, says: “It is amazing to come together today with a successful group of former athletes, leaders and health professionals to lay out our ambition to see every child enjoy the benefits of The Daily Mile.

“Multiple scientific studies have shown that The Daily Mile improves fitness, allows teachers to develop trusted relationships with students, children achieve more at school and report feeling calmer and happier with better focus and mental wellbeing. We want to get 10 million children around the world doing The Daily Mile by 2032 and together we will make this happen.” 

Colin Jackson CBE, Double Commonwealth Champion, World Champion and Olympian, says: “I am delighted to be here in Birmingham supporting The Daily Mile and celebrating its 10 years.

“The Daily Mile has made a significant impact on children’s wellbeing around the world. I am very proud to be associated with the programme and I am sure it will continue to inspire young people to maintain a healthy lifestyle in and out of school.”

Transforming heating in new homes

Proposals for all new buildings to be fitted with climate-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel heating systems have been published.

The New Building Heat Standard (Part II) consultation sets out plans that would mean direct emissions heating systems (DEH), such as those run on fossil fuel, would no longer be installed in any homes and non-domestic buildings warranted from April 2024. They would be replaced by alternatives such as heat pumps, solar and electric energy.

To launch the consultation, Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie visited Saughton Park and Gardens in Edinburgh, where two ground source heat pumps provide the buildings’ heat.

Mr Harvie said: “Scotland’s homes and buildings account for approximately a fifth of all our emissions, and we know that we need to take bold, ambitious steps to ensure we meet our climate obligations.

“New buildings will lead the way in cutting emissions, and earlier this year we published new energy standards that will cut emissions of all new-build homes by nearly a third.

“The proposed regulations are another major change to achieve our climate targets and make our homes and buildings warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

“We have been working with industry to inform the development of the proposed new regulations and I would urge individuals and organisations to share their views to help shape and inform their delivery.”

The New Build Heat Standard Part II consultation runs for 12 weeks until 20 October 2022.

SESH Hairdressing’s Simon Hill finalises for prestigious Scottish Hairdresser of the Year title

Simon Hill, Owner of SESH Hairdressing in Edinburgh has been shortlisted for the prestigious Scottish Hairdresser of the Year title at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2022.

Now in their 38th year, the awards are an annual celebration of hairdressing excellence, recognising the remarkable achievements of stylists from across the United Kingdom.

Regional categories honour the finest hairdressing talent from across Britain with a separate category for International Collection of the Year, while seven specialist categories reward specific areas of hair expertise including Afro, Men’s, Avant Garde and Colour.

Judged anonymously by over 100 leading hairdressers (including celebrity stylists, session stylists, salon owners, previous winners and Hairdressers Journal British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame members), all winners will be announced at a Black-Tie event to be held on Monday 28th November at Grosvenor House, a J W Marriott Hotel on London’s Park Lane.

Simon Hill was named as one of only six finalists in his region after submitting four photographic images demonstrating the breadth of his hairdressing expertise, showcasing evidence of both technical skill and creative ability. He will now submit a further four images for the final round of judging, which takes place in September. Both stages of judging are strictly and independently audited and verified.

‘This is such a proud moment for me’ says Simon. ‘These awards always bring together such exceptional talent and to see my name alongside those shortlisted is mind-blowing.

“I’d love to bring the trophy back to Edinburgh and hope the judges will recognise the love and hard work that has gone into my collection.’

Jayne Lewis-Orr, Executive Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards said: ‘Every year, HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards serve as a reminder of the passion, artistry and expertise that this incredible industry has to offer, and it is a privilege to celebrate the talent and brilliance of creative individuals from across the country.

“In reaching the finals, Simon has demonstrated excellence in all areas of their craft, and an ability to bring together the magical elements that make a photographic collection stand out from the competition.’

Simon recently welcomed Viktoriia Vradii, an internationally renowned hairdresser with her own salon in the heart of Ukraine, Le Salon VRV, to the salon to set up a base and a career for herself in Edinburgh.

Viktoriia also received news from the British Hairdressing Awards that she has finalised for the International Collection of the Year category.

Commenting on the news, Viktoriia said, ‘It’s a huge honour to be a finalist for the British Hairdressing Awards for the second year in a row. I am proud to represent Ukraine on the International stage at such a difficult time for my country.’

For further information on Simon Hill and SESH Hairdressing, please email Rebekah@ajc93.com.

Police appeal following attempted murder in West Pilton

Detectives are appealing for information following an attempted murder in West Pilton.

A 24-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being deliberately knocked off his motorbike by a car on Ferry Road Drive around 1.45pm yesterday (Thursday 28 July).

The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his condition is described by medical staff as stable.

The occupants of the vehicle made off and enquiries are ongoing. The car, a black Fiat Panda, had previously been reported stolen from the local area.

Officers believe this was a targeted attack and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam footage of what happened, to contact police.

Superintendent Mark Rennie said: “Violence of this nature won’t be tolerated in any part of the city. This is a prime example of a small number of young people creating fear and concern in a local community.

“Our investigation is progressing well and we will have an enhanced policing presence in the area to reassure local residents and prevent any further disorder. Every single person involved in recent incidents in the area will be pursued and arrested and we will ensure that identified offenders are quickly put before the courts.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1820 of Thursday, 28 July, 2022. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

SEPA warns water scarcity risk set to reach ‘Significant’ level

  • Businesses asked to reduce water use as nearly all of east and south Scotland sees impacts of water scarcity.
  • SEPA may have to impose restrictions on abstractions.
  • Mid and north Fife are expected to reach Significant Scarcity in the next week.
  • The Tweed catchment in the Borders is at Moderate Scarcity.

Businesses in Scotland could soon be required to stop abstracting water, with 2022 seeing the driest January in the east since 1940. Groundwater and river levels are also severely impacted by a lack of rainfall in the east and other parts of the country are being warned to brace for similar conditions.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for managing Scotland’s natural water resources and issues licenses to businesses abstracting large amounts for agriculture and other industrial uses.

The latest water scarcity report, published by SEPA on Thursday 28 July, reveals areas in mid and north Fife are likely to reach Significant Scarcity within the next week, meaning SEPA has the power to suspend abstraction licences.

Businesses affected are already being contacted to discuss what this will mean for them and to offer support. There is also reassurance that, if suspension is required, it would only be for the minimum length of time necessary.

Elsewhere the Borders saw less rainfall than most of the country last week with the Tweed catchment at Moderate Scarcity, the second highest level. Areas around River Ythan, Dee, Don, Almond, Tyne as well as the Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay also remain at Moderate Scarcity.

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said: “Water resources are critical in the east, with groundwater levels the lowest they have been since records began in 2009 and conditions not expected to improve in the short term.

“Even in parts where there has been some rainfall and an immediate increase in river flows, the areas still remain vulnerable due to longer term rainfall deficits and very dry ground conditions.

“That is why it is important for businesses that abstract water to take action and reduce their current usage, minimising the effects on the environment. SEPA is here to offer support and guidance, and each week we set out the key measures abstractors should be taking to conserve water.

“Climate change means water scarcity will become even more frequent. We want to work with businesses to plan their water usage long-term, so that we can preserve this vital resource as effectively as possible. Not only will that protect Scotland’s rivers and lochs, but it will minimise business risks as well.”

Water is a resource that underpins key sectors across Scotland including hydropower, golf, whisky production and farming. SEPA works with a number of industry bodies to help businesses manage the range of conditions they may face throughout the year.

NFU Scotland’s Environmental Resources Policy Manager Sarah Cowie said: “Water is a vital resource for the agriculture sector as we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply.

“With significant areas of Scotland experiencing a prolonged dry spell, it’s important farmers take steps to ensure the continued supply of water and avoid disruption.

“Farmers are encouraged to irrigate when, and only as much as, absolutely necessary. When irrigating land, they should check equipment isn’t leaking, don’t over spray, and use trickle irrigation where appropriate.

“We also encourage irrigators to stagger abstractions with other operators in their catchment area, reduce the volume used, and irrigate at night where possible. They should consider whether they could switch to using groundwater rather than river water in times of water scarcity. Looking at longer term resilience, if a new borehole is needed to do this, then contact SEPA.”

Water abstractors concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk.

For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Edinburgh Healthcare Clinic offers free face-to-face appointments

Edinburgh Homeopathy – which offers free homeopathic care to people who would otherwise be unable to access it – is returning to face-to-face consultations after Covid forced the clinic to move online.  

Edinburgh Homeopathy is open to patients in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas two Fridays per month 10am-1pm and one Friday a month 1.30-4.30pm at Mulberry House, 21 Manor Place,  Edinburgh EH3 7DX. Appointments and first prescriptions are free of charge.  

The clinic is headed up by experienced NHS nurse and homeopath Karen Hooten RSCN BSc (Hons)  FFHom (Nurse). Karen qualified as a children’s nurse in 1989 and in 2002 became one of the first national midwifery council registered nurses to qualify as a Specialist Nurse practitioner in homeopathy. 

Karen says: “People seem to be increasingly disillusioned with modern medicine and homeopathy offers a real alternative. I have been using it in my clinical practice for more than twenty years and it’s proved to be effective for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.” 

Homeopathy is a natural form of complementary medicine which looks at the whole person rather  than just symptoms. It can be used alone or in conjunction with conventional medicine.  

Edinburgh Homeopathy – which is funded by charity Homeopathy UK – is part of a network of nine charitable clinics across the UK, including a further three in Scotland. The other clinics are in Coatbridge, Dumfries & Galloway, Scottish Borders, Winchester, Liverpool, Kent, Norwich and a new Virtual Clinic. To make a booking, visit www.homeopathy-uk.org.

Scottish Storytelling Centre celebrates Scotland’s Year of Stories in 2022 Fringe programme

Alan Bissett, Jo Clifford, and Niall Moorjani feature in this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, which will celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories. 

The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s 2022 Fringe programme sees some of Scotland’s finest storytellers and performers creating new conversations around live issues, or reflecting on past events that resonate fully in the present. 

To mark Scotland’s Year of Stories, the venue will also be hosting daily storytelling sessions featuring the wonderful, and sometimes wild, traditional tales that have shaped the myths and legends of this country in Traditional Tales of Scotland.

Across the month, the Scottish Storytelling Centre will also be offering a range of accessible performances – including relaxed, signed, audio described and BSL-interpreted performances – as well as touch tours and at least one socially distanced performance per production.

Among a wide variety of music, theatre, family and storytelling shows, the Scottish Storytelling Centre will host three productions from this year’s Made in Scotland showcase.

Acclaimed playwright Jo Clifford and Maria MacDonell retell the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale and explore the joys and pains of a life well-lived in a brand new work The Not So Ugly Duckling: A Play for Grownups. Sagas and Seascapes is a concert of three original compositions inspired by Norse tales, performed by ensemble Nordic Viola with accompanying visuals from Craig Sinclair and Orla Stevens; and The Village and the Road is a storytelling performance from Tom Pow that investigates rural depopulation, refugee crises and the great thinning of the natural world, with musical accompaniment from folk group The Galloway Agreement.

Celebrated author Alan Bissett returns with the third in his Moira Monologues series – Moira in Lockdown sees Falkirk’s Hardest Woman facing her toughest challenge: surviving a pandemic with only vodka, fags and BFF Babs on Zoom. Take that, Bear Grylls! Elsewhere in the programme, non-binary, Scots-Indian storyteller Niall Moorjani marks the 75th anniversary of the Indian Partition with Mohan: A Partition Story which retells their grampa’s experience during the upheaval as a refugee.

Hugely acclaimed on its release in album form, Heal and Harrow pays a humanising tribute to the victims of the Scottish Witch Trials, and Shona Cowie’s With the Devil’s Assistance reflects on Scotland’s diminishing high street through the tale of Scottish witch Maggie Osborne, who was burnt at the stake for building a flourishing business overnight. And The Green Knight sees Debbie Cannon take the famous 14th century arthurian poem, and recast it with a woman at the heart of the action.

The Scottish Storytelling Centre will also host some returning favourite productions – including Maria MacDonell’s masterful storytelling performance Miss Lindsay’s Secret, Andy Cannon’s one-man, five-star retelling of The Scottish Play Is This A Dagger?, David Colvin’s highly acclaimed tale of legendary piper Gordon Duncan Thunderstruck, Puppet State Theatre’s multi award-winning adaptation of Jean Giono’s classic environmental tale The Man Who Planted Trees, and the Loud Poets returning with their late night staple Best of Fringe, which brings together the highlights of the Festival’s poetry acts in a raucous night of spoken word!

There are plenty of family-friendly shows for the school holidays. Janis Mackay transports us to the northern seascapes in Wee Seals and Selkies, weaving maritime tales with live fiddle music, Shona Cowie uses excellent traditional tales and songs, clowning and masterful improvisation to protect us from wee critters in Beware the Beasts, and the Suitcase Storytelling Company follow our hero Toral on the adventure of a lifetime as she braves many adventures, all to fight a great and terrible dragon in The Girl and the Dragon.

For two dates only, Edinburgh’s prestigious Poosie Nansie Burns Club celebrate Scotland’s Bard in Robert Burns: A Life in Songs and Poetry, while Edinburgh-based Morna Burdon reads a selection of her own poetry packed with observations on life, womanhood, war, class and seagulls in Fire is Not the Only Element. 

Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Programme Manager, Daniel Abercrombie says:  “If you’ve never experienced the wonder of live storytelling, Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 is the perfect opportunity!

“We have curated a high-quality programme for all ages which reflects the energy and variety in our year-round offer, as some of Scotland’s best storytellers and performers create new conversations around live issues, or reflect on past events which may still resonate fully in the present.

“We value the warmth of our welcome and aim to make your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible!”

World’s best photojournalism to go on display at the Scottish Parliament

An exhibition showcasing some of the most thought-provoking photographs produced over the last year will go on display at the Scottish Parliament.

The World Press Photo exhibition will feature over 120 images illustrating some of the major issues facing the world today. From the effects of the climate crisis to civil rights movements, access to education and preserving indigenous practices and identities.

The free exhibition will be displayed in the Scottish Parliament’s Main Hall from Thursday 28 July until Saturday 27 August. 

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, said: “This exhibition connects people to the stories that matter.  

“Year after year, World Press Photo highlights the significant contribution of photojournalism to our understanding of the stories and people that make the headlines.  

“The Scottish Parliament is the only venue in the UK to host this global exhibition. I hope many of you get the opportunity to come to the Parliament to see this striking display.” 

This year the winners were chosen out of 64,823 photographs and open format entries, by 4,066 photographers from 130 countries.

Some of the other images featured in the exhibition include: 

  • World Press Photo of the year by Amber Bracken for the New York Times. Red dresses hung on crosses along a roadside commemorate children who died at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, an institution created to assimilate Indigenous children, following the detection of as many as 215 unmarked graves, Kamloops, British Columbia;  
  • Antonella poses for her photograph in the kitchen at home, while in strict lockdown in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the day she made her promise not to cut her hair till she could resume person-to-person classes, taken by Irina Werning, Pulitzer Center; 
  • Police agents arrest a man while his wife and family resist, during evictions of people from the San Isidro settlement, in Puerto Caldas, Risaralda, Colombia, taken by Vladimir Encina; 
  • A protestor throws back a tear-gas canister that had been fired by security forces, during a march demanding an end to military rule in Khartoum, Sudan, taken by Faiz Abubakr Mohamed.