television – Page 8 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

STV Edinburgh will launch with live magazine show

New local channel on air in January

STV Edinburgh will launch in early January 2015 with a magazine show broadcast live from the capital each weekday evening. The Fountainbridge Show will be presented nightly from the studio by former Heart and Real Radio breakfast show host Ewen Cameron and broadcaster and presenter Hayley Matthews.

Ewen and Hayley will be joined on the live programme by roving reporters Zara Janjua and George Ward. The Fountainbridge News will air from 1830 – 1900 each evening, followed by The Fountainbridge Show from 1900 – 2030.

The Fountainbridge Show will reflect what’s happening in the city each day with a combination of local news, community features and live entertainment.

STV Edinburgh will be on air midday to midnight each day with an entertaining mix of news and features, live and interactive formats, and quality acquired and archive programming, including Take the High Road and Days of Honour.

Paul Hughes, channel editor for STV Edinburgh said: “The launch of STV Edinburgh offers a brand new platform for local community groups in the capital city to share their stories. The Fountainbridge Show is part of an entertaining schedule with locally relevant content for this unique city.

“STV Glasgow has delivered a strong performance since launch nearly six months ago and we anticipate a positive response from the people of Edinburgh when we begin broadcasting in early January.”

The launch of STV Edinburgh follows the launch of STV Glasgow in June 2014. STV Glasgow reaches a monthly audience of 600,000 in Glasgow and the west, with 64% of the transmission area tuning in since launch.

Ofcom announced the award of licences to STV for Glasgow and Edinburgh in January 2013. STV Edinburgh will be delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, offering students the opportunity to work in a live television environment. STV has also submitted applications to Ofcom to deliver local TV in Aberdeen, Ayr and Dundee.

STV Edinburgh will broadcast on Freeview channel 23, Sky channel 117 and Virgin channel 159 and will be available to watch live on the STV Player. Ahead of the channel’s launch, viewers will be asked to retune their televisions to pick up the Freeview signal for channel 23.

The new channel will complement STV’s current portfolio of locally focused services on air, online and on mobile.

STV Appeal raises over £2.6m for children in poverty

This year’s STV Appeal has raised an incredible £2,610,427 for children living in poverty in Scotland. Popular presenter Lorraine Kelly revealed the fantastic total live on STV tonight.

The big finale of this year’s STV Appeal, STV Appeal 2014 – The Big Live, brought together celebrities and fundraisers who have made the STV Appeal 2014 an overwhelming success.

Hosted by Lorraine Kelly from STV’s Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow, the programme was packed with live entertainment including music from Nicholas McDonald, celebrity appearances by Des Clarke and Team Scotland, and inspiring fundraising stories from across the country.

Co-presenter Michelle McManus and Fred MacAuley joined Lorraine in Glasgow, with Sean Batty from RBS Gogarburn in Edinburgh, links to Andrea Brymer at Codonas in Aberdeen, and Nicola McAlley in Inverness.

Lorraine also made a surprise appearance on stage at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow during Still Gamewhere Jack and Victor got the audience on their feet to text the STV Appeal, raising over £10,000.

Cheques from a range of fantastic STV Appeal fundraising challenges, including freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, Lorraine Kelly’s Shimmy across Scotland and Sean Batty’s Highland Fling, were presented across the country with Lorraine bringing the evening to a close by revealing the total sum raised for this year’s STV Appeal.

The STV Appeal raises money for children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland.

Lorraine Kelly, presenter and STV Appeal trustee, said: “It has been a fantastic evening here at STV and the perfect way to celebrate the fundraising efforts of this year’s STV Appeal. The incredible amount of money raised tonight and throughout the campaign will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland. A huge thanks to everyone who has given generously to this hugely important cause. There is still time to donate for the STV Appeal, so please keep giving!”

Sir Tom Hunter, STV Appeal trustee, said: “Central to the referendum debate was the issue of social justice and poverty. Once again Scots have backed the STV Appeal brilliantly in the full knowledge that every penny raised up to the first one million pounds is doubled by the Scottish Government and then channelled to support young people challenged by poverty and social justice. Not one penny goes to administration; every last penny goes to helping those most in need. Congratulations to everyone who supported the STV Appeal it’s a fantastic effort from all across Scotland and makes me hugely proud to have co-founded the Appeal.”

Garreth Wood, Trustee of The Wood Foundation, said: “The hard work, commitment and generosity from individuals, communities and businesses means that this fantastic total will go a long way towards helping tackle the poverty crisis facing too many of Scotland’s children. To think that one in five children in Scotland today are living in poverty, families struggling to meet their basic needs, is a particularly difficult statistic to accept and one that, together, we can work to change.

“Over the last year, since The Wood Foundation first became involved with the STV Appeal, it has been a privilege to be involved in events and cheque presentations across Scotland. To witness first-hand the difference these donations are making is overwhelming and to meet some of the inspirational young people who have been affected by child poverty really highlights the key role that local charities play in supporting young people and their families. The Wood Foundation hopes that our continued involvement and contribution to the STV Appeal will make a clear difference to the lives of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.”

Rob Woodward, chief executive of STV, said: “2014 has been an incredible year for the STV Appeal and we have seen some fantastic support from fundraisers all over the country, with everything from charity concerts and quiz nights to bag packing and bake sales taking place to raise money and awareness for children affected by poverty in Scotland.

“The STV Appeal is committed to investing in projects that will make a real difference in their lives and the amazing total of £2,610,427 will go a long way to achieving this. We could not have done this without the support of local communities, corporate fundraisers and STV viewers and we would like to thank everyone who has donated so generously to this year’s STV Appeal.”

We’ll discover Scotland’s Real Heroes a week tonight

Can local youth club Fet-Lor win Community Project of the Year? Come to that, can Sid the horse win Hero Animal of the Year? All will be revealed a week tonight …

RBS-Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes: The Awards will air on STV at 8pm next Tuesday (14 October). The star studded event is hosted by Carol Smillie (pictured above)and will recognise local champions from across Scotland.

The hour long programme will see a total of 11 awards handed out by famous faces, including Nicholas McDonald of The X Factor, actor Bill Paterson, actor Clare Grogan and Taggart star Alex Norton, to Scots who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in their local area.

The Scottish public were asked to nominate friends, neighbours or groups who they thought deserved to be recognised earlier this year and the judging panel revealed a shortlist of nominees after an overwhelming response. Each week six nominees in ten categories were showcased for the RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes series in which the viewers were invited to vote for the candidate they believed most deserved to collect an award.

A winner from each category will be revealed in STV’s programme on Friday 14^th October then one extraordinary hero, selected from the final category winners, will collect the RBS Scotland’s Real Hero of the Year Award.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “To stand out from thousands of entries, our nominees are all doing something pretty remarkable. But their commitment, energy and inspiration are typical of the truly inspiring Scots who go the extra mile for their community. This awards ceremony on STV is a great way to celebrate and reward their achievement.”

Chris Wilson, Royal Bank of Scotland’s Managing Director of Branch and Private Banking in Scotland, said:“We’re really pleased at how successful this year’s series of RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes has been and the way the Scottish public has got behind all of the finalists. It’s important to celebrate the extraordinary lengths people in communities all around Scotland go to make a difference to the lives of those around them. We’re really looking forward to finding out who the Scottish public has voted as their Real Heroes and giving them the recognition they deserve at the awards ceremony.”

The following individuals, groups and organisations have been shortlisted for an RBS Real Hero award:

COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Jim McConkey – Govan, Glasgow

Vicki McCarthy (REACH for Autism) – Greenock, Inverclyde

Ross Cowie (Lucky2BHere) – Portree, Isle of Skye

SPORTING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Elaine McKenna (Special Olympics Lothian) – Blackburn, West Lothian

Pat Bannan (Bannan Fitness Club) –Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

Andrew Campbell (Camran Taekwando) – Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

HERO NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR

Ann Graham – Riverside, Stirling

Mo and Roxy Razzaq – Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

Margaret (Garry) Robertson – Wick, Caithness.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

Bathgate Street Pastors – Bathgate, West Lothian

Jackie McIntosh (MS Therapy Centre Inverness) – Inverness, Highlands

Margaret Gibb (West of Scotland Play Scheme) – Bellshill, South Lanarkshire.

RBS COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Fet Lor – Crewe Toll, Edinburgh

The Driving Force – Bonnybridge, Falkirk

The Serenity Cafe – Edinburgh.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Saltburn Woodland Walk – Invergordon, Highlands

Yooz Reuse & Recycling – Bellshill, North Lanarkshire

Killie Can Cycle – Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.

SCOTLAND’S REAL HEROES COURAGE AWARD

Dean Reilly (Dean Reilly V’s MS) – Portobello, Edinburgh

Amanda McTaggart (Wigbank Glasgow) – Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire

Jenny Cook (Wee Jenny Cook) – East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire.

CARER OF THE YEAR

Nell Graham (Portobello Monday Centre) – Portobello, Edinburgh

Maw’s Mafia (The EK Hangout) – East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire

Anne Swartz (Scottish Kinship Care Alliance) – Dumbarton, W. Dunbartonshire.

YOUNG REAL HERO OF THE YEAR

Danii McArthur (Young Carer) – Barrhead, Glasgow

Mitchell Kinnen(Bright Lights Theatre Group) – Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

The Volunteers of the Glasgow 77^th (Disabled) Scout Group – Glasgow.

HERO ANIMAL OF THE YEAR

Barra the Dog (K9 Search and Recovery Scotland) –Luss, Argyll & Bute

Sid the Horse (Aberdeen RDA) – Milltimber, Aberdeen

Ben the Dog (Therapet) – Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire.

For more information, visit www.stv.tv/realheroes

or get involved on Twitter #scotlandsrealheroes

or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scotrealheroes

STV’s Real Heroes – Fet-Lor features this Friday

Crewe Road South’s Fet-lor Youth Club and Serenity Cafe from Dumbiedykes will feature on STV’s Real Heroes this Friday

STV’s brand new series of RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes kicked off again on Friday. Presented by Carol Smillie and sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the STV series celebrates people whose tireless effort, resourcefulness, and kindness has improved local communities across Scotland.

The nominees were selected by a special jury and will feature in a series of programmes every Friday evening. Across the five episodes, ‘star reporters’ visit each of the nominees to interview them about their work in the community and their thoughts on the nomination for a Real Hero award.

The star reporters this year include The X Factor runner-up Nicholas McDonald, actress Clare Grogan, Taggart star Alex Norton and actor Bill Paterson.

The year’s shortlist includes deserving Scots from Wick to West Lothian, and Skye to South Lanarkshire, recognising the amazing work local people are undertaking in their communities across the country. The categories include Carer of the Year, Young Real Hero of the Year, and a new award for Hero Animal of the Year.

At the end of each programme viewers are invited to vote for the nominees they believe most deserve to win a Scotland’s Real Heroes Award, with the overall winners being celebrated at a glittering televised awards ceremony later in the year.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “The time has come to highlight the outstanding work modestly carried out by the finalists of the series RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes. We look forward to celebrating the enormous achievement of all of the nominees. Each story tells of a remarkable accomplishment and is very moving – all the finalists are considered to be most deserving however it is the STV viewers that decide who will pick up an award.”

Chris Wilson, Royal Bank of Scotland’s Managing Director of Branch and Private Banking in Scotland, said: “Everyone at Royal Bank of Scotland is looking forward to finding out more about this year’s incredible finalists. We think it’s important to celebrate those people who go that extra mile for their community. Each one of the finalists is deserving of recognition and we are all looking forward to seeing who the public choose.”

For more information, visit www.stv.tv/realheroes or get involved on Twitter #scotlandsrealheroes or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scotrealheroes

RBS FINDING SCOTLAND’S REAL HEROES 2014

THE FINALISTS

CARER OF THE YEAR

Nell Graham (Portobello Monday Centre) Portobello, Edinburgh

Clare Grogan visits Nell who runs the Portobello Monday Centre, for people who have dementia. The club offers a break for their carers whilst also providing fun filled activities and a homemade lunch for the members.

Maw’s Mafia (The EK Hangout) East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire

Carol Smillie meets this group of four mums who set up The EK Hangout, a club for young adults with learning disabilities, which allows them to set up strong friendships with people their own age and have some fun. All the ‘Maws’ have sons who attend the club and they care for at home.

Anne Swartz (Scottish Kinship Care Alliance) Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire

Ron Donachie visits Anne who is a full time kinship carer for her three grandchildren and is the chairperson of the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance. Anne works tirelessly to improve the provision for children in Kinship care.

COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Jim McConkey Govan, Glasgow

Sanjeev Kohli meets Jim who invents safety gadgets in his garden shed for the pensioners in his community.

Vicki McCarthy (REACH for Autism) Greenock, Inverclyde

Paul Brannigan meets Vicki – the mother of an autistic daughter who set up specialist centre and social enterprise cafe for autistic people and their families.

Ross Cowie (Lucky2BHere) Portree, Isle of Skye

Jayd Johnson travels to Skye to meet Ross Cowie who set up ‘Lucky2BHere’ which provides training and defibrillators to public places across Skye and now Scotland. Ross set up the enterprise after he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2007.

RBS – COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Fet-Lor Pilton, Edinburgh

Paul Brannigan visits the oldest youth club in Scotland (pictured top), which provides constructive after school activities in a safe environment to young people in an under-privileged area of Edinburgh. The group also puts members through the Duke of Edinburgh Award so they have something positive to put on their CVs when leaving school.

The Driving Force Bonnybridge, Falkirk

Alex Norton spends the day with the volunteers of ‘The Driving Force’ who provide free hospital transport to cancer patients and people with other long-term illnesses. This service gives people with cancer the opportunity to regain a sense of purpose by hiring them as volunteer drivers.

The Serenity Cafe Holyrood, Edinburgh

Carol Smillie visits this special cafe (pictured below) which is run by people in recovery from addiction. It is used by people in recovery and open to public customers too. This safe-haven also provides volunteer opportunities for those in recovery. The cafe is a focal point for various activity groups such as a running club, guitar group and sewing group.

SPORTING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Elaine McKenna (Special Olympics Lothian) Blackburn, West Lothian

Des Clarke meets Elaine who coaches a multi sport group and football team for people with learning disabilities. From carpet bowls, to new age kurling and boccia – some of her students have gone on to represent team GB at the Special Olympics.

Pat Bannan (Bannan Fitness Club) Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

Stephen Purdon meets Pat – a 66 year old who is passionate about keeping everyone in his community fit and healthy. From tots to pensioners, everyone is welcome at the Bannan Fitness Club.

Andrew Campbell (Camran Taekwondo) Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire

Jayd Johnson meets this taekwondo instructor who provides low cost and sometimes free lessons for kids in his area, teaching them the ethos of this popular martial art. Andrew has even coached a few medal winners over the years!

HERO ANIMAL OF THE YEAR

Barra the dog (K9 Search and Recovery Scotland) Luss, Argyll & Bute

Alex Norton meets Barra the dog – a trained search and recovery dog whose specialist skill is submerged victim recovery. Barra is trained to find the scent of missing people underwater and has helped bring closure to many families across Scotland.

Sid the horse (Aberdeen RDA) Milltimber, Aberdeen

STV’s Andrea Brymer visits Sid the Horse – a much loved member of the team at ‘Riding for the Disabled Aberdeen’. Sid’s great temperament means he is the ideal horse for the riders who all have learning and physical disabilities.

Ben the dog (Therapet) Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire

Ron Donachie meets Ben, a ‘therapet’ who regularly visits the acute stroke ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where patients can sit with him, pet him and talk to him. Offering comfort in stressful times, Ben is loved by the patients and the ward staff.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

Bathgate Street Pastors Bathgate, West Lothian

Jennifer Reoch spends a busy Saturday night with this group who help keep the people of Bathgate safe on nights out. Their Saturday night involves handing out flip-flops to girls struggling in heels, providing a listening service to those who’ve had a bit too much to drink, handing out alarms to young women as well as keeping them safe in taxis. This is all voluntarily.

Jackie McIntosh(MS Therapy Centre) Inverness, Highlands

Kelly Cates meets this wonder woman who single-handedly raises £140,000 a year to keep the MS Therapy Centre running. It’s down to Jackie that this vital service is kept running and was saved from closure.

Margaret Gibb (West of Scotland Play Scheme) Bellshill, South Lanarkshire

Clare Grogan meets Margaret who has given over 30 years of her life to the young people of Bellshill with her playgroups and play-schemes. This group have been used as a model for the 300 plus play-schemes now running across the west of Scotland.

HERO NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR

Ann Graham Riverside, Stirling

Anita Manning meets this hero neighbour who not only organises local flood defences, neighbourhood clean-ups and a beautiful orchard, she also delivers handmade cakes and Sunday lunches to her doting neighbours.

Mo and Roxy Razzaq Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

Carol Smillie visits the owners of the neighbourhood shop who provide deliveries to the elderly and disabled, a ‘losers lotto’ to regular customers. Mo and Roxy run the local football team, give milk and groceries to the primary school, as well as giving two pence charge for carrier bags to local charities.

Margaret (Garry) Robertson Wick, Caithness

Kelly Cates visits ‘Garry’ who lives in sheltered housing. Garry arranges activities and days out for others in the home whilst volunteering at the local scouts, running a chess class at the primary school and helping as treasurer at a bell ringing group. On top of all this Garry assists the local archives, and mentors people with mental health issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Saltburn Woodland Walk Invergordon, Highlands

Ron Donachie visits Bob and Sandy. They are a pair of retired friends who have dedicated years to regenerating an area of Invergordon. What was formally an aluminium smelter has been transformed into a lovely woodland walk. All the work was carried out with their bare hands and a small tractor.

Yooz Reuse & Recycling Bellshill, North Lanarkshire

John Amabile visits this social enterprise which provides products from recycled building materials for people to buy at a reduced rate. All profits go to the Scottish sporting centre of excellence for disabled people.

Killie Can Cycle Kilmarnock, East Ayshire

Bill Paterson meets the children’s charity that recycles aluminium cans for money. This allows them to buy parts for fixing up bikes that in turn are sold back to the local community at a very low cost.

SCOTLAND’S YOUNG REAL HERO OF THE YEAR

Danii McArthur (Young Carer) Barrhead, Glasgow

Sharon Rooney meets Danii (18) who cares for her ill mother and two younger sisters whilst also having diabetes herself. On top of this she highlights the plight of young carers by giving talks and putting on workshops. Danii is also working towards her dream of becoming a primary teacher by volunteering at her old school.

Mitchell Kinnen (Bright Lights Theatre Group) Blantyre, South Lanarkshire

Jayd Johnson meets trainee primary teacher Mitchell (18) who set up and runs the theatre group for people of all ages in his area, only charging £1 for the class. Anyone of any age is welcome at Bright Lights no matter what their level of ability.

The Volunteers of the Glasgow 77^th (Disabled) Scout Group Glasgow

Stephen Purdon meets the volunteers at this very special Scout Group for boys aged 8-25 with physical disabilities and life limiting conditions. All the volunteers are in their teens or early twenties and pair up one-on-one with a member of the group.

SCOTLAND’S REAL HEROES COURAGE AWARD

Dean Reilly (Dean Reilly vs MS) Portobello, Edinburgh

Mark Beaumont meets Dean who has multiple sclerosis, but won’t let it limit his life. He fundraises for the MS Therapy Centre in Leith through a range of tough challenges. Dean is currently in training for a boxing match with ‘The Celtic Warrior.’

Amanda MacTaggart (Wig Bank Glasgow) Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire

Jennifer Reoch visits Amanda who has overcome breast cancer and set up the ‘Wig Bank’ in Clydebank to provide a relaxed and comfortable service for female chemotherapy patients who have lost their hair.

Jenny Cook (Wee Jenny Cook) East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire

Nicholas McDonald surprises Jenny with a visit to her car boot fundraiser. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at four years old, she has since raised over £30,000 for Yorkhill Children’s Charity and the Catherine McEwan foundation. Jenny is also a Yorkhill buddy, providing support for other sick children.

Mary Erskine’s to represent city in referendum debate

Mary Erskine School will fly the flag for Edinburgh in the final of a TV schools debate on Saturday.

Eight secondary schools from across Scotland will battle it out on STV in the final of a national debating competition next Saturday (12 April at 1740).

The half hour programme, Referendum: The Next Generation, sees four pupils from each school take part in knock out rounds before the winner of the final debate picks up the trophy.

The other schools to compete are the Nicolson Institute (Western Isles), Douglas Academy (East Dunbartonshire), Montrose Academy (Angus), Lockerbie Academy (Dumfries & Galloway), St Andrews Academy (Renfrewshire), Grove Academy (Dundee) and St Josephs Academy (East Ayrshire).

STV teamed up with Debating Matters in 2013 to give secondary school pupils from all 32 local authority areas, many of who will be eligible to vote in the referendum on independence, the opportunity to research and discuss issues which will affect the future of Scotland.

The Scotland wide competition was open to secondary five and six pupils who had a chance to compete with other schools in their local authority area last summer before taking part in eight regional heats in November 2013. The final of the competition was held at The University of Glasgow and the programme is hosted by STV’s Gordon Chree.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “This programme is the culmination of a series of lively debates between secondary schools throughout the country. We are committed to providing a platform for debate on all the big issues and it is fantastic that secondary school pupils have the opportunity to research and discuss issues that matter to them. We hope people tune in to see which school picks up the winner’s trophy.”

Claire Fox, Director of the Institute of Ideas, said: “Debating Matters is delighted to have worked in partnership with STV to provide an intellectually demanding and rigorous platform for students across Scotland to engage in serious discussion of the big philosophical, cultural and political questions relating to Scotland’s future direction society, and to debate the key issues around the Scottish Independence referendum. The Institute of Ideas values substance over style and emphasises the complexities beyond the headline and beyond sound-bites, so important when young people are considering something as important as the future of Scotland constitutionally. Based on the debates we saw in the autumn and this spring, those young Scots we met rose to that challenge more than admirably.”

Good luck, Mary Erskine!

Ancient artefacts will ‘transform life in Drylaw’

Archaeological dig unearths ‘treasures’ at heart of housing estate

World Heritage Site status following Drylaw discovery?

The ring of Brodgar, the standing stones of Callanish, Stonehenge – these world famous ancient sites have aroused wonder and speculation for centuries. Why were they built? Were they religious temples, astronomical navigation sites, burial grounds or even fantastic art creations by intelligent creatures from another world?

Channel Four’s ‘Time Team’ believe they may have unearthed some answers following an archaeological dig in North Edinburgh.

Late last year, scientists were alerted to some unusual ground activity following a prolonged period of torrential rain in the Drylaw housing estate in North Edinburgh.

Historic Scotland’s Barnaby Welton-Trowell explained: “The heavy rain had washed away layers of topsoil on a small roundabout, revealing a primitive stone circle which we believe may be thousands of years old. It’s a remarkable find, and it appears that the stone structure was built as a repository for important relics that span the ages. Drylaw’s standing stones will undoubtedly become as well known as any of the world’s most famous sites”.

A preliminary examination unearthed some fascinating artefacts.

Mr Welton-Trowell continued: “We first came upon ancient plans for a tram network, which we believe could date back to Roman times. Etched on a stone tablet, they were drafted by a man called David the Begg – we are currently researching him and believe he may have been one of a group of wise seers who once lived in the Lothians. The Begg’s blueprint even included a cost – five magic beans, which must be around £25 billion in today’s money – so you can see that transport and infrastructure schemes were just as expensive way back in antiquity. However the stone tablet was only the beginning – you can imagine our excitement as we had literally only really scratched the surface. What other treasures could we find?”

The stone tablet – an early forerunner of today’s hi-tech iPad – was sent for carbon dating, but Channel Four’s Time Team got wind of the discovery and rushed to Edinburgh. Now working with Historic Scotland and the local city council, the TV archaeologists have already made some startling discoveries on the Drylaw dig – and expect many more.

Tony ‘Baldrick’ Robinson (pictured above) said: “We are always amazed at the things our investigations can throw up and our Edinburgh visit has been particularly rewarding. Among the artefacts unearthed so far are an antiquated scrap of parchment which we believe may be Saxon or even earlier – clearly it is very difficult to decipher the hieroglyphics on the ancient manuscript, but one of our experts believes it may refer to the victory of ancient Hibernians in a battle in the West, where they won a momentous victory at something called the Scottish Cup. It is clearly very old and may well be very significant – it was always believed that this was the stuff of legend, a fairy tale, but it may actually have really happened after all”.

A tray of modern-day bridies

Also discovered was a fossilised piece of foodstuff. Tony Baldrick continued: “We had always imagined our forefathers were farmers, living on a fairly basic diet of grain and vegetables. However we have dug up what we believe may be an early Pictish bridie. If it really is – and we are very hopeful, as it was placed in a Gregg’s bag, perhaps as part of a religious ceremony as an offering to the gods – we may have to rethink the diets of our ancestors. Perhaps the pie, bridie and sausage roll were just as popular with the Stone Age Scot as they remain today. Carbon dating will reveal all – it will certainly give the scientists something to get their teeth into!”

VisitScotland senior marketing executive Ruaridh Culloden said the find offers a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ for the area. He said: “After a series of top level brainstorm and focus group sessions our team has come up with some wonderful ideas to really put the site on the tourist map.

RING of Brodgar: 'No Drylaw' — RING of Brodgar: ‘No Drylaw’

“We’ve yet to visit the site, but we would envisage a Visitor Centre – probably on the site of one of the local pubs, either the Dew Pot or the Furry Boat, and a gift shop on the site of the current Drylaw church. We’d also like to flatten Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre and use the space to develop a fun theme park there.

Mr Culloden added: “It’s also very important that the Standing Stones are easily accessible so we would like to establish a big coach and car park where Ferryhill School is currently located, perhaps with any overspill directed to Easter Drylaw Park, where was also plan to build a hotel. So as you can see, we’re certainly not short of great ideas on how we can build on Drylaw’s heritage – quite literally”.

A spokesperson for Drylaw Telford Community Council said: “The interest generated has been amazing – we’ve had communications and inquiries from as far away as Trinity and Cramond. The roundabout was really just a bit of an eyesore, to be honest, so the events of recent weeks have taken us all completely by surprise. The stones have certainly put Drylaw on the map and it seems that our neighbourhood is going to be transformed. It’s simply unbelievable.”

callanish — CALLANISH: ‘Drylaw’s stanes are better’

Game show to replace Referendum Special?

‘Referendum makes for tedious television’

There has been a furious reaction to the BBC’s decision to replace ‘serious’ coverage of the Scottish referendum debate with a referendum game show. First Minister Alex Salmond says it is a slap in the face for democracy but BBC chiefs claim they are simply giving viewers what they want.

BBC chiefs had originally planned a series of factual programmes and documentaries in the run-up to the September referendum, supplemented by three set piece debates on the week of the big vote itself. A through the night Referendum Special, jointly hosted by ‘dream team’ David Dimbleby and Jackie Bird, was also scheduled.

However BBC bosses have decided instead to scrap the lot and will now air ‘The Yes No Show’, a light-hearted game show in which will give viewers an ‘alternative opportunity’ to cast their vote on Scotland’s future.

A BBC spokesman said: “I’ve only ever been to Scotland for the Edinburgh Festival but chums tell me the natives up there are getting decidedly restless – lots of anger, claim and counter-claim and the level of debate has been decidedly dire. Wasn’t it P.G.Wodehouse who said: ‘’It has never been hard to tell the difference between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine’?

“Well, after careful consideration we thought it might be helpful to diffuse some of the heat by screening a game show that the whole family can enjoy – and not only the Jocks, either! Plans are at an advanced stage and we are really excited about the new show – we reckon it’s a real winner and we believe the public will really take to the format of the show”.

All-round entertainer Dale Winton (pictured above) has been approached to front the referendum show. “I feel sorry for the Scotch, I really do – I mean, really – ‘yes’, ‘no’, sometimes there’s just too much choice! Their heads must be buzzing, it’s no wonder they get so angry and aggressive! I’m sworn to secrecy about the details of The Yes No Show, it’s all very cloak and dagger but very exciting. I’d really love to spill the beans but I’ve been warned that if I say anything at all I’ll be trussed up by the Trossachs, so for the moment at least I’m keeping mum!”

It’s understood that famous Scots entertainers like The Krankies, John Barrrowman, Susan Boyle and Sir Sean Connery were ruled out at an early stage as they are seen as ‘too Scotch’, but as a sop to nationalists ‘Go Compare’ tenor Wynne Evans, who was born in Carmarthen near Glasgow, has been pencilled in for a guest slot.

Another big name to miss out is showbiz legend Sir Bruce Forsyth (pictured above). The self-styled superstar of light entertainment was said to be devastated at missing out on the referendum special. “Bitter? Me? Never. It’s their loss – I’m probably the only all-round entertainer and variety superstar who was alive at the Treaty of the Union. I remember the Glasgow Empire – if they like you they let you live! – and the Jocks loved me, they just couldn’t get enough. Up there, they show their appreciation by throwing missiles onto the stage and goodness, was I bombarded that night? The more gags I cracked, the more the bottles rained down. Wonderful, wonderful memories as I remember saying to the ambulance driver”.

Forsyth went on (and on): “They had a few good comics of their own, like Harry Lauder, Will Fyfe and Little David Steel, but none in my league and I ask you – where are they now? And did any of them come up with a memorable catchphrase like ‘Nice to see you, to see you nice’? I don’t think so. Bitter? Keep dancing, that’s what I say”.

The highlight of the show is expected to be a surprise guest appearance by two former Prime Ministers. An entertainment insider said: “Double acts have always been very popular – Laurel and Hardy, Abbot and Costello and Cannon and Ball, for example – and we think we’ve unearthed two more comedy greats in Tony and Gordon. We’ve dubbed them the Prime Ministers of Mirth and we think viewers will be blown away. Tony is a natural who can turn his hand to anything, but it’s Gordon who really steals the show. In one sketch Gordon has to hit Tony over the head with a large plank of wood – and we had to redo this take twelve times because everyone was laughing so much, particularly Gordon! Well, maybe not everyone – Tony was a bit miffed but he soon cheered up when we confirmed the details of his fee! He told us he’s going to speak to Ken Dodd for some tax advice and asked to be paid in used notes – what a guy!”

The sketch – ‘Mr Brown’s Boys’ – is also expected to feature Douglas Alexander, Jim Murphy and Lord Foulkes as Granddad, and the ladies aren’t forgotten – Margaret Curran and Johann Lamont have confirmed that they will be taking part.

However while some politicians see the show as just a bit of fun some Holyrood politicians are furious that referendum coverage is to be scaled back and are particularly scathing about the game show phone vote plans.

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond said: “This decision is almost beyond belief and it shows the depths to which the Londoncentric BBC has plummeted – it takes ‘dumbing down’ to a whole new level. Perhaps the BBC is punishing Scotland for River City and our Hogmanay Specials, but this is a step too far. I have nothing against Dale Winton, or any other orange people – indeed I remain a huge fan of Supermarket Sweep – but the future of our nation cannot be decided by a phone-in during a game show, no matter how entertaining that game show may be. Scotland deserves better”.

A spokesperson for the Electoral Reform Society was less dismissive, however. “Lots of people just can’t be bothered voting, and as we believe that as many people as possible should take part in the democratic process we welcome this bold initiative. Eyebrows have been raised about the cost of phoning in to register your vote, but everything costs money these days and let’s be blunt: poor people don’t normally vote anyway, and if they can’t afford to phone in but still want to vote they can troop down to their local polling station if they want to. More affluent viewers will have the opportunity of voting as often as they can afford without having to leave the comfort of their own armchair.

“As we see it, you’ll get more people voting, which is great for democracy, and the premium rate phone numbers will boost the much-loved BBC’s income. It’s a win, win situation but we would remind voters – particularly younger callers – to get the bill payer’s permission before phoning in”.

He went on: “The BBC is clearly thinking outside the box – the box, geddit? – and we hope that this new form of engagement will encourage more people to participate. We think it deserves to be a success, and if it works in Scotland in September I’m sure it will be rolled out across the rest of the UK – I believe that’s happened before. This could be a bold new dawn, both for democracy and for public service broadcasting.”

It’s understood that STV are now also rethinking their referendum coverage. While refusing to comment on programme plan details, a senior executive confirmed: “What the BBC broadcasts is up to them. Our own plans are a closely-guarded secret and will remain so until nearer the time – October or November perhaps. Yes, we have been speaking to both Johnny Beattie and Ronnie Corbett but we talk to top showbiz celebrities all the time – some mischievous media people are clearly speculating, putting two and two together and coming up with four.”

Arise, Sir Baldrick!

At last, a ‘cunning plan’ has come together – and in British honours system hierarchy Baldrick now outranks his master Blackadder! Blackadder actor Tony Robinson has been knighted while his co-star Rowan Atkinson receives a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Among the other well-known names to receive honours are Adele, Rob Brydon, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, Clare Balding, golfer Paul Lawrie and former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell, but the majority of recipients are unsung heroes – of the 1,180 people who appear on the Birthday Honours list, almost three-quarters are people who are actively engaged in charitable or voluntary work within their local communities.

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Broughton pupils on Question TIme

Two senior Broughton High School pupils are to appear on BBC’s Question Time tomorrow evening. Daniel McIvor and Tom Bagshaw were inspired by the recent ‘Question Time’ style event run by the school, are they were selected for the BBC programme for questions they submitted about the Scottish independence referendum.

The show – which tomorrow comes from Edinburgh and features an audience of 16 and 17 year olds – screens on BBC1 at 10.35 p.m.

TV students set for big screen debut

Edinburgh College Granton Campus TV students will be showcasing their talents at a screening at Edinburgh Filmhouse on Wednesday at 6pm. Telford’s Film and TV course has produced some fine creative talent over the years – take the opportunity to view the next generation!

For further information contact Television Lecturer Fergus Robb at Edinburgh College by email at fergus.robb@edinburghcollege.ac.uk