Free Fringe stretches into Morningside for first time

Host of acts take to the stage as suburb enjoys Free Fringe for the first time

A BUSTLING Edinburgh suburb will see a host of acts and entertainers descend on the area as it becomes part of the Free Fringe for the first time, thanks to the Merlin pub

The team at the popular Morningside venue is delighted to have landed the major coup – which will see a packed programme of shows daily throughout the annual arts festival.

At least 15 separate acts will be involved in the Free Fringe at the Merlin and among the performances daily from noon until late night, will be theatre, cabaret, stand up, improv, reggae music, magic, poetry, storytelling and even incredible feats of memory.

Justin Cranley, general manager of the venue, said: “There’s always a huge amount going on in Morningside, but we are thrilled to be bringing the Free Fringe here for the first time ever.

“It’s a brilliant programme that has been pulled together meaning there will be something for everyone, from child-friendly shows early in the day to the best comedy for those who prefer late night entertainment.

“In previous years it has felt like Morningside has missed out on the Fringe, but that won’t be the case in 2022. In fact, it will be possible to spend the entire day right here in the Merlin watching a feast of entertainment through to the wee small hours.”

Now the pub, which has been a renowned fixture on Morningside Road for decades, will be listed as Venue 604 for the duration of the Fringe, which runs from August 5-29.

The team at the Merlin, part of Greene King’s 51-strong Local Pubs Division in Scotland, will transform its upstairs function room into a 100-seater venue during the world-renowned arts jamboree.

Justin added: “It’s a fantastic space and we hope the local community really gets behind this initiative and that we’ll see it packed out most days.

“Certainly, we are going to see just how flexible a space the function room is, because there are an incredibly diverse range of acts who will be appearing.

“While the Merlin has bounced back tremendously well after the pandemic, functions have not recovered fully. This is a great way for us to get local people back in to see what a superb space we have for the other 11 months of the year for weddings, birthdays or any kinds of events.”

The programme includes a feast of reggae music in a show called How Music From A Small Island Changed The World. It will see musician Duane Forrest showcase acoustic versions of classic from legends like Bob Marley.

Late night comedy will come in the shape of Law & Disorder, a stand-up special from lawyer Sam Benedict and “professional free spirit” Joe Riley, a pair who have graced various BBC shows and reached the Student Chortle semi-finals.

Popular magician James Phelan will also be performing daily with his highly-anticipated show, James Phelan Blows Your F#@king Mind!, which follows multiple TV appearances and a successful residency in Las Vegas.

The full line-up and timetable can be found here – https://freefringe.org.uk/ and audience members simply need to turn up. While the performances are free, those attending are encouraged to make a donation at the end of the show.

The Free Fringe was started in 1996 by Peter Buckley Hill – known as PBH – who brought his comedy show to the city, but was disheartened by the cost of booking venues and the pricey tickets for the public. The PBH Free Fringe now puts on hundreds of shows every year.

He pioneered the model of persuading venues to offer space for free in return for acts bringing in additional customers. If audience members enjoy a show, they are encouraged to make a voluntary donation at the end.

Luke Meredith, an actor and performer who is also the CEO of The Free Fringe in Edinburgh, said he was delighted that free shows would be available in Morningside for the first time.

He added: “Everyone knows Morningside and what an important part of Edinburgh’s heritage it is, so it’s remarkable that the Free Fringe has never had a toehold here – until now. It’s brilliant that it’s finally arrived in this part of the city.”

Voices: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo kicks off with spectacular showcase for 2022

  • More than 900 performers graced Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade to celebrate expression and share their creative voice 

Performers from across the globe are sure to wow audiences with sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo makes its highly anticipated return tonight with this year’s Show, Voices. 

Running until 27 August, the year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voice. Voices draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, music, and dance – languages common to all. 

Tonight’s performance will mark the inaugural Show from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite who alongside new creative production partners are introducing a brand-new approach to pre-show with street style drummers welcoming audiences onto the Esplanade. For the very first time there will be staging on the Esplanade and soundscapes tying each spectacular performance together, with the Show being opened with original composition and vocals from The Highland Divas.    

Audiences will experience stunning musical and cultural showcases from performers from Mexico, The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside homegrown talent from the UK at the centre of it all.  

Musicians from the Army are reinforced by the UK’s finest military musicians, the legendary musicianship of the Massed Pipes and Drums echoing across the Esplanade and the dazzling talent of the Tattoo Dancers and Tattoo Fiddlers.

The Tattoo performers also gave an exhilarating performance of ‘Shake that Bagpipe’ with never-before-seen at the Show, Electro Pipes, taking centre stage with a DJ and a high energy, colourful dance act.  

Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Seeing the Castle Esplanade come alive with the colour, music, word-class talent and of course, for our audiences to once again join us, is exactly the come-back we wanted. 

“We set out to ensure that the 2022 Tattoo was a welcome return and a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring people together time after time on the Esplanade of Edinburgh’s 3,000-year-old fortress. After last night’s preview performance, the first Show from our new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, I’m sure everyone will agree we have done just that. 

“I’ve been blown away by the talents on display during rehearsals and I’m confident the audience will be able to feel the electric atmosphere on the Esplanade tonight! There’s still time to grab tickets throughout August, and I would encourage anyone looking for a great night out to come and experience the magic of the Tattoo.” 

International performers this year include Tattoo favourites the New Zealand Army Band with this year’s dynamic performance marking their seventh appearance on the Castle Esplanade.

Banda Monumental will storm the stage with over 100 performers bringing stunningly dramatic costume and the bright carnival atmosphere of Mexico to their show stopping performance.

Swiss drumming sensation, The Top Secret Drum Corps are set to captivate audiences with their energetic precision drumming which has received global recognition since their first performance with the Tattoo in 2003.  

While The United States Air Force Honor Guard, the official ceremonial unit of the Air Force, will make their return to the Tattoo this year with its lively display of precision drill. 

Playing a vital role in this year’s show were Tattoo newcomers and world-renowned performers The Highland Divas whose vocals were used throughout the show in soundscapes. Audiences were treated to a unique musical journey that showcased the best of the Divas awe inspiring voices.

The United States Army Field Band will make theirTattoo debutbringing military mash-ups of traditional and contemporary hits to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the very first time.   

The full line up for 2022 also includes: The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Colchester, British Army Band Sandhurst, The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums, The Crossed Swords Pipes and Drums, Brisbane Boys College Pipes and Drums, Paris Port Dover Pipes and Drums, The Pipes and Drums of Christchurch City, and Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools Choir. 

The Show will run until 27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. 

Witness appeal following Sheriffhall accident

Road policing officers are appealing for witnesses after a crash involving a car and a pedestrian in Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 9am yesterday (Thursday, 4 August, 2022) on Millerhill Road, near the Sheriffhall Roundabout.

The pedestrian, a 37-year-old man, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with life threatening injuries. The driver of the car was not injured.

The road was closed for around four hours while investigations were carried out.

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw what happened or anyone with dashcam footage of the area at the time to contact police. You can call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0775 of Thursday, 4 August, 2022.

The Proclaimers set walking challenge for Edinburgh resident

You don’t have to walk 500 miles to raise funds for Mary’s Meals this summer

The Proclaimers famously sang about walking 500 miles – and now the musical brothers are asking people in Edinburgh to take on their own walking challenge to help Mary’s Meals feed hungry children. 

The Scottish duo is calling for residents to take part in the charity’s Move for Meals campaign, which encourages people to raise sponsorship while getting active.  

Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of a good meal attracts hungry children to the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a brighter future.   

The Proclaimers – Craig and Charlie Reid – have supported Mary’s Meals for several years.  

Craig says: “Summer is here, and there’s never been a better time to get your walking shoes on and raise money for this great charity. 

“It costs just £15.90 to feed a hungry child with Mary’s Meals for an entire school year – so a little sponsorship can make a big difference.” 

Charlie adds: “We’re not asking you to walk 500 miles, or 500 more… With Mary’s Meals, just a small number of steps can help to feed hungry children across the world.” 

Mary’s Meals reaches 2,279,941 children every school day in 20 countries, including Ethiopia, Syria and Haiti.   

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “We serve Mary’s Meals in the world’s poorest, and often most difficult, locations because we know that’s where children need us the most.  

“Today, we face some of our greatest challenges yet in a world devastated by conflict, food insecurity and the cost of living crisis. It is easy to feel hopeless when faced with so much suffering.

“But every single thing that people do for our mission makes an enormous difference to the children who eat Mary’s Meals.” 

To find out more, please visit marysmeals.org.uk/move-for-meals 

Princess Royal attends Redford Barracks rehearsals on eve of Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal today attended one of the final rehearsals of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ahead of its official opening night tomorrow (Friday 5 August).

All performers from this year’s Show, Voices, took part in the rehearsal at the Redford Barracks, giving Her Royal Highness an exclusive preview of their stunning musical and cultural showcases and military precision.  

Over 900 performers from across the globe are taking part in this year’s Tattoo. Voices, is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voices through spoken word, song, music and dance. 

Crowds will gather at Edinburgh Castle this summer, from 5 August – 27 August, for the cultural spectacular, which returns for the first time since 2019.  

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.  

Over 50s to be hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis and the financial impact of the Covid pandemic

A report by leading UK data scientists has revealed that the over-50s are being hit hardest by the current financial crisis and could face a lifetime of financial insecurity.  

That’s according to new research from the University of Edinburgh’s Smart Data Foundry, supported and funded by abrdn Financial Fairness Trust. 

According to the report, economic inactivity rates have risen a third amongst the over 50s since 2019, and people aged 50-54 face double the financial vulnerability risk than those aged 70-74.  

Findings reveal that people in their 50s and 60s are facing the ‘perfect storm’ of circumstances including redundancy, ill health or caring commitments combined with a lack of savings and pension provisions.   

To offset this loss of income, many people are being forced to withdraw lump sums from their pension pots to deal with pre-retirement income shocks.  

And with the majority of pension pots worth under £30,000, this is causing knock-on issues with income tax and entitlement to benefits.  Worryingly, the research also identified that those people who do cash in their pension pots early are 1.75 times more at risk of financial vulnerability in the future.   

To tackle this, Smart Data Foundry is calling on the Department of Work and Pensions to act now to reduce the risk of pension assets being spent before retirement. It recommends an increase to the current capital limit of £16,000 for means tested benefits and, for those on Universal Credit, the reform of the Support for Mortgage Relief (SMI) loan facility by removing the zero earnings rule. 

Chair of Smart Data Foundry, Dame Julia Unwin, explains: “We are seeing a pattern of people in their early to mid-fifties going from being in positions of comfortable, middle-aged breadwinners eyeing their future retirement over the horizon, to a generation suddenly finding themselves facing long-term financial hardship.  

“A combination of being unable to secure viable work, confused messaging over pensions, little by way of state aid, and the savage cost-of-living rises resulting in many making decisions that could have long-term negative consequences.  

“With this report and our key recommendations, we are calling for UK Government to intervene to protect and support the most vulnerable before it is too late. If they don’t act now, we will undoubtedly see even bigger problems in the years ahead. Data doesn’t lie; the evidence is there – older workers are at very real risk of financial vulnerability, but it is not yet too late to act.” 

The research study also uncovered a widespread lack of understanding about the benefits system, confusion about claims processes, and hardship arising from payment frequency.  To improve the transition to retirement, the report calls for increased government investment in the Pension Wise guidance service and expansion to include the state pension. 

According to the findings, older workers are encountering barriers to returning to work, including lack of digital skills, unavailability of flexible working, lack of specific government initiatives, ageism, psychological barriers, and retraining needs.  

The longer the unemployed worker remains out of work, the harder it is for them to find a suitable position and the greater their risk of falling into forced retirement.

The report calls for a government-funded employment programme targeted at those who need support in changing careers, starting from the first day of unemployment for the over 55s. 

Lead researcher Dr Lynne Robertson-Rose from the University of Edinburgh added: “We set out to understand the financial vulnerability amongst those in their 50s and 60s and have been surprised by the bleak picture that the data paints.

“Any disruption in earning capability in the decade before the state pension is forcing older workers to draw down on savings earmarked for retirement with little ability to top up the pot, leading to the risk of financial vulnerability becoming lifelong. 

“We have access to rich data supplied to Smart Data Foundry by UK financial institutions and these insights have furnished us with the information that enabled us to make policy recommendations.  It also flags  opportunities for the financial services and fintech sector to innovate in order to help individuals better manage their finances.” 

Karen Barker, Head of Policy and Research at abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, added: “Making decisions about your pension is tricky to navigate, and for those on lower incomes, advice is too expensive.

“The Government needs to improve access to advice on pensions planning for those on lower incomes to avoid a living standards catastrophe.”  

ABRDN-OWLL-SDF-FullDownload

Images of four men released after assault in St Andrew Square

Police Scotland has released images of four males they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to an ongoing investigation into an assault which occurred in St Andrew Square at around 11.50pm on 12 November 2021.

All four men are described as being white, in their early 20s.

The first male is described as blonde and was wearing a black top, jeans and white trainers.

The second male is described as having dark hair and was wearing a grey Stone Island jumper, black body warmer, grey joggers and white trainers.

The third male is described as having dark hair and was wearing a grey hooded top with black trousers.

The fourth male is described as having dark hair, shaved at the sides, and was wearing a grey hooded top, shorts and black trainers.

Detective Sergeant Ashley Rea of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the males, or anyone who has information relating to these males, to make contact with the Police.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact with Police at Gayfield CID, Edinburgh via 101 quoting reference number 4198 of 12/11/21.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed on anonymously.”

Deacon Blue star opens new community café and pavilion in Grassmarket

Offering everything from woodwork classes to meals for those who are homeless, the Grassmarket Community Project aims to create a community and provide sanctuary for those in the city who are often excluded.  

The registered charity runs the fully accessible community hub and café on Candlemakers Row where people can pop in for their caffeine fix and something fresh to eat knowing that all proceeds support social good in the area. 

However, with demand for their services growing year on year, and with the café rapidly running out of space, the registered charity secured funding from Foundation Scotland.

An investment of over £375,000 has enabled the organisation to extend its existing facilities and create a brand-new pavilion space hosting Coffee Saints, a larger, bright and friendly café and improved spaces for activities.   

Ricky Ross is a long-term supporter of the Grassmarket Community Project’s work and was there on the night to officially open the space and meet staff, volunteers, supporters and local people.   

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, offers social investment funding to social enterprises, community organisations and charities. Up to 50% of the funding is through a non-repayable grant, with the remainder through a loan. Foundation Scotland’s social investment team prides itself on its relationship-based support and helps successful applicants to raise further funds.  

Chris Holloway, Head of Social Investment at Foundation Scotland, said: “Grassmarket Community Project secured over £375,000 from Foundation Scotland and we have worked closely together across the last few years to get to this exciting stage.  

“Jonny and the team have worked so hard to get to where we are today.  It’s great to finally have the doors open and get to see inside the spaces which will mean so much to so many. 

“The funding landscape has changed monumentally post-covid.  There are far less available opportunities for capital costs, and building costs are rising significantly.  Yet we know groups urgently need this support to get started or grow. We’ve invested over £12.5 million in 72 organisations across the last ten years.

“This funding, combined with our dedicated and experienced support, has delivered transformational change. We enable socially conscious groups to become more sustainable, grow, and become less reliant on grant funding. It’s a win-win all round, and our impact reporting shows that this funding model works.

“We are encouraging all interested groups to visit our website or contact our team directly to discuss your eligibility”.   

Jonny Kinross, CEO of Grassmarket Community Project, said: “The support we’ve received from the team at Foundation Scotland has been instrumental in enabling us to plan, develop and now finally officially open our fantastic new café and pavilion in the centre of the city.  

“We’re extremely grateful to have received such a significant sum across the combination of loan and grant funding but above this, the team have offered a real partnership approach to the finance, which has been so refreshing and supportive.  

They have taken the time to understand our business, the challenges and the opportunities presented.  

“Like everyone else, our project was inevitably held up through the crisis, but the team have been with us every step of the way.  We are so excited that our doors are now open, and we can’t wait to meet old and new friends for a coffee in the new café.”  

Foundation Scotland’s ‘Investing in Enterprise Fund’ offers up to a quarter of a million pounds in blended finance to eligible social enterprises, community organisations and charities operating in 18 local authority areas.  

For more information, including details on how to apply for the Investing in Enterprise Fund visit: 

foundationscotland.org.uk/social-investment 

OFFICIAL: Conifox Adventure Park breaks record for the World’s Longest Inflatable Assault Course  

The Tartan Titan has now launched at Scotland’s Award-Winning Adventure Park  

Conifox Adventure Park has today confirmed that they have officially broken a world record for the longest inflatable assault course which sits at a mammoth 568 metres, almost 73m longer than the current world record course, and longer than 5 premiership football pitches. 

During an exclusive launch, attended by Alex Cole Hamilton MSP; Christine Jardine MP; Jamie Ritchie, Scotland Rugby; Craig Gordon, Scotland Football and Susie Oliphant, Scotland Ladies Lacrosse amongst many others key figures, Glenn Pollard, Official Adjudicator for Guinness World Records® confirmed the record, and The Tartan Titan made history. 

Alex Cole Hamilton MSP comments, “This is like nothing I’ve never seen before and it’s great to have a world record breaking installation like the Tartan Titan in the heart of Edinburgh. Coming as it does on the eve of the festival, it really puts the heart of the city on the map. I am so proud of James and all of the team here at Conifox who have really done the best they can to bounce back quite literally from the pandemic.” 

The Tartan Titan is an immersive interactive adventure that transports participants into their favourite game shows, from Ninja Warrior to Total Wipeout and Gladiators and crammed with challenges for all ages, the attraction is a real crowd pleaser.  

Glenn Pollard, Official Adjudicator for Guinness World Records®, said: “Guinness World Records® titles are not easy to achieve by definition. It gives credibility to Conifox Adventure Park as well as anyone else who wants to come along and try and break it.

“Given the previous record has stood for 4 ½ years they would have a very tough job ahead of them.” 

The unique attraction is only available for limited dates this month (August) with dedicated time slots for adults and younger children, it’s an escapade the whole family can enjoy as they climb, crawl, jump and bounce their way through the course. 

Open to everyone taller than 1.2 metres, The Tartan Titan features 50 sections of obstacles including the Corkscrew, Wipe Out, Ninja Run, Ladder Challenge, Tidal Wave and Everest Slide.

There are also special Challenge Days when visitors can attempt to set a record time on the course with a prize for the winner of the #TITANCHALLENGE. 

The spectacular course is the latest addition to Conifox’s award-winning adventure park, at Kirkliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, which recently invested £ 2 million in a new Activity Centre. 

James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “The Tartan Titan has been fantastically well received and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to announce that it has been officially adjudicated as the world’s longest, by the Guinness World Records®.  

“Dates to take on the challenge are running out and we’re keen that as many people as possible get the chance to experience this amazing attraction. It is only available from 6th- 16th August, so there is no time to lose.”  

Thrill seekers looking for their next big challenge need to sign up soon or miss the chance to tackle Scotland’s Tartan Titan. 

To make a booking for the Tartan Titan or Conifox Adventure Park visit https://www.conifox.co.uk/ 

90ft sculpture of the bacteria E.coli goes on show at the National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland E.Coli by Luke Jerram 5 million times bigger than the real bacteria, Bristol-based Luke Jerram’s inflatable E. coli sculpture will be suspended from the ceiling of the Grand Gallery. Neil Hanna Photography www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

A 90ft long inflatable sculpture by Bristol-based Luke Jerram has been suspended from the ceiling of the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery. The E.coli, which is 5 million times bigger than the real bacteria, is on display in Scotland for the first time.  

Bacteria were the earliest form of life on our planet, and so this artwork could be considered as a curious portrait of our distant ancestors. If there is life on other planets (or moons) in our solar system, it may well look like this.

This artwork was also made to reflect upon the importance of bacteria in our lives. Although some forms of Escherichia coli (or E. coli) bacteria can cause illness and even death in humans, the use of the bacteria is vital in medical research.   

Luke Jerram’s E.coli is part of the 18th edition of Edinburgh Art Festival which runs from 28 July – 28 August 2022 at venues across the city, as are the exhibitions Anatomy: A Matter of Life and Death and Japanese Contemporary Design, both of which are also on at the National Museum of Scotland during the Festival. 

Luke Jerram said: “Making visible the microscopic world around us, the artwork was made as an experimental object to contemplate. 

“When standing next to it, does the bacteria alter our personal sense of scale? Does it look scary, beautiful, comical or alien? Will audiences be attracted or repelled by it?” 

Alison Cromarty, Head of Exhibitions and Design at National Museums Scotland said: “We’re delighted to be bringing this spectacular creation to Scotland for the first time.

“It’s great to have it on display during the festival period and particularly as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival.” 

This giant inflatable E.coli sculpture was made for the KREBS Fest, presented at University of Sheffield.

The artwork was first displayed for a month in the Winter Gardens in and then in Firth Hall, Sheffield. The artwork has since been presented in other venues around the UK including the Eden Project.

It has been brought to Edinburgh with the support of the University of Sheffield and the and UKRI strategic priority fund “Building collaboration at the physics of life interface”.