By Megan Berkley
Last night, the famous Christmas tree on the Mound was lit.
For the past 24 years Edinburgh has received the gift of the tree, given to the City by the people of Hordaland, Norway.
The launch of Capital Christmas saw for the first time ever, the hugely popular Edinburgh Wheel, Winter Wonderland and the Traditional German Christmas Market which all hit off from 5.30pm in a sensational start to Edinburgh’s winter festivals.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost George Grubb, believes that from switching on the Christmas tree, we have made Edinburgh sparkle.
The event made the city come alive last night, with a good turn out. Although it has been no different than any other year, George feels the event has been a great success and the atmosphere of the city has been magical, and a great start to Edinburgh’s festivities.
Here is what the people of Edinburgh thought of last nights event:
Pyjama parties with a twist have been held in Edinburgh to raise money for children.
Oxgangs Primary School has been one of many to take part in fundraising for Children in Need.
On Friday both school children and teachers came dressed in their pyjamas for lessons.
Their donations raised a grand total of £159 between three infant classes.
As well as seeing their favourite teachers don their pyjamas the children learnt about disadvantaged youngsters their own age.
This week also saw the launch of New Pyjamas campaign, hosted by Jack McConnell and George Foulkes in the new Sick Kids hospital.
The money raising drive has a target of £15m for the hospital and has already pledged funds for a drop-in centre, helping to make it a centre of excellence in Scotland.
The money raised by the pyjama fund will go towards the building of the new hospital and the purchase of the best equipment.
Elaine McGonigle, director of the charity said: “It’s about doing something a bit different, and getting senior politicians wearing their pyjamas helps get more people in. Everyone quite enjoys it.”
The Charity organiser recognised the success of the event however hopes for even more support.
Ms McGonigle added: “We need everyone to get behind this, and if everyone in Scotland gave as little at £3, we would reach our target in no time.”
It’s hoped the new building should be completed around 2013.
Scottish charities face a bleak future since The Lloyd’s TSB Foundation closed its doors to new funding applications, said Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation Martin Sime.
The foundation provided more than £6 million to Scottish charities in 2008, across large established charities and smaller community based projects.
Nearly 1000 charities will lose a major source of income as a result of the foundation’s action.
Funding for the foundation comes from Lloyd’s TSB in the form of 1% of its pre-tax profits. However, the recent financial crisis has reduced the available funds to practically nothing.
“The independence of the Foundation’s Board is very important. Their sensitive work has helped thousands of charities through supporting innovation, small acts of kindness and solidarity which are the hallmark of a civilised country” he said.
Mary Craig, Chief Executive of the foundation said “We remain uncertain as to when we will next receive sufficient money under the terms of our agreement to enable us to continue our grant making activities”
Funding for the foundation comes from Lloyd’s TSB in the form of 1% of its pre-tax profits. However, the recent financial crisis has reduced the available funds to practically nothing.
Lucy McTernan, Deputy Chief of the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations said; “This is terrible news which comes at a time when the voluntary sector and charities in Scotland are already experiencing huge funding squeezes such as the loss of cash to the London Olympics and reduced access to European Structural Fund money. Many organisations are struggling to meet the demand for their services which is growing due to the impact of the recession.”
One charity that has suffered because of the losses is the Leith based Edinburgh Community Food Initiative, which works to promote healthier eating. It currently receives a grant from the Lloyd’s TSB foundation.
A representative of the charity said; “we have a funding agreement with Lloy’ds TSB which lasts for three years. We are currently in our first year and Lloyd’s TSB have confirmed that current grant agreements will be honoured.”
“We’re not immediately affected by it, but in the long term it’s a big issue. We have to look for longer term funding all the time and begin transitioning into social enterprising.” he continued.
Although the foundation has stopped taking on new applicants it has not yet closed down for good. Foundation head Mary Craig, said “Lloyds Banking Group has put money on the table to get the Foundation through the next few years until the Group returns to profit.”
A Labour MSP has condemned the SNP minimum alcohol pricing bill as ‘unworkable.’
Labour MSP John Park said: “The proposal brought to us by the SNP was unworkable and unfortunately while labour did suggest the idea of a commission, this was rejected by the SNP, so unfortunately we are in the position we are today.
“We intend to work closely with the SNP combat Scotland’s binge drinking culture. ”
The SNP set out proposals yesterday, backed by health campaigners, police and publicans, claiming the measure would saves lives.
The bill, which the Tories and Lib Dems have previously rejected, aims to tackle the binge drinking culture in Scotland.
The plan proposes to introduce a minimum price of 40p per 10 millilitre unit of alcohol for drink sold in supermarkets and off-sales.
It is estimated that minimum pricing would lead to a bottle of own-label supermarket vodka rising from the £7 to around £10.50 and an average bottle of wine would cost at least £3.60.
Christina McKenzie from the charity Alcohol Focus Scotland said: “We are disappointed at the position Labour has taken in advance of evidence to the Health Committee. This flies in the face of all the advice and evidence from Public Health and other experts who have to deal with alcohol related harm.
“We strongly believe that establishing a minimum price for alcohol is the most important element of the range of proposals by the Government in the Alcohol Bill, and its rejection by Labour is a major blow which could set back attempts to make a positive change to Scotland’s drinking culture.”
Scotland has the eighth-highest level of alcohol consumption in the world and alcohol misuse is thought to cost the country £2.25billion a year in services and lost production. Scotland also has one of the fastest growing chronic liver disease and cirrhoses rates in the world
An autism charity has condemned the Home Secretary’s decision to extradite Gary McKinnon to the US to face computer hacking charges.
Glasgow-born McKinnon, who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome,is alleged to have caused $700,000 of damage to Pentagon military computers. McKinnon maintains he was simply searching for evidence on UFO sightings.
The Home Secretary Alan Johnson rejected an appeal to block the extradition, saying he saw no reason to believe McKinnon’s human rights would be violated.
But the National Austistic Society has warned the extradition proceedings could excarbate McKinnon’s health problems.
Asperger Syndrome, which is an Austistic Specturm Disorder, is a condition that can affect sufferers’ social and communication skills.
It can also be seen in some sufferers in their restricted and repetitive patterns and interests.
NAS Chief Executive Mark Lever expressed his concerns, saying: “We are bitterly disappointed by the Home Secretary’s decision and feel hugely sympathetic towards Gary and his family who have been living under extreme stress for a prolonged period of time.”
He added: “People with Asperger syndrome are often much more vulnerable than appearances would suggest and can be highly susceptible to additional mental health problems.”
Hygiene standards at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary are to be independently reviewed in January, the NHS trust has revealved.
But subsequent inspections will only be conducted every three years – news, which has been condemned by the UK’s main patients pressure group.
It seems although there is an abundance of investigations showing a decline in patient care, MRSA and CDiff outbreaks, the NHS is still failing to meet basic needs.
A recent report into the hygiene and standards of a hospital in Essex sparks off concern for NHS’s reputation, where investigators found awful circumstances, such as blood spattered curtains, trays and stained mattresses.
A spokesperson for NHS Lothian trust told edinburghnapiernews about the regulation of our hospitals, she said:
“The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary isn’t scheduled until January and then after that once every three years.”
Hospitals are subject to regular spot-check visits from the NHS trust.
The Patients Association, which is an independent charity that highlights the concerns and needs of patients, is critical of the proposed inspection schedule for ERI.
A spokesman said: “It doesn’t seem likely that visits every 3 years will be enough to ensure standards are being met.
“We believe hospitals should be inspected as often as possible, ideally once a year. What we’ve heard both today and in recent months about infection control across the NHS is that there is a long way to go in many places. We hear stories from patients that are very worrying.
“Lack of help with toiletting care is a common feature and that obviously is important for infection control. We would always encourage patients and relatives who have witnessed poor care to get in touch with the Patients Association.”
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) which is a public body set up to regulate healthcare, claims that the spot-checks of the NHS trust are “good” but inspectors found a number of problems in Essex shortly after the positive rating was uploaded onto their website.
Barbara Young, who chairs the CQC said on BBC radio this morning, “The old system is being steadily renewed,” She commented, “I do hope that we are not going to be diverted into blaming the regulator rather than focussing on hospital management that needs to get a grip on its quality.”
The three major concerts that make up the event , staged at Glasgow’s SECC , have already been scaled down. Acts such as Deacon Blue, Hue and Cry and Midge Ure have been moved from the venue’s hall number 4, to the smaller Clyde Auditorium.
A spokeswoman from Homecoming Live was unavailable to comment on the reasons behind changes.
Promoter Geoff Ellis, head of organisers DF Concerts has previously said he would be making a “significant loss” on the shows. The T in the Park Supremo also felt that the event’s association with the Government was harming sales.
He told The Herald: “We’ve suffered because there is a perception that Homecoming is a political vehicle, it is a damaging perception. Every time people attack Homecoming, with our event being called Homecoming Live, people are being put off by the perception that it is a political event.”
This news comes on the back of a reported £600,000 loss made on the Homecoming gathering in Edinburgh.
Moved: Deacon Blue
It seems the lack of interest has actually made it difficult for gig-goers to get their hands on tickets, which have been on sale since Spetember 11th.
Stacey Drew, 22, of Leith said: “I went up to ripping to get a ticket but was told they weren’t selling them anymore because no one was buying them. I ended up having to use seeticket which cost me an extra tenner in booking fees and postage.”
A spokesperson for Ripping Records in Edinburgh said that all tickets had been sent back to Glasgow as standard, and that there were “plenty” left on sale.
Fountain Park is ‘thriving’ after opening ten years ago due to offering credit crunch suffering Edinburgers’ an alternate to costly nights out, according to a business guru.
The leisure park has become one of Edinburgh’s most popular hotspots with an average daily attendance figure of 10,000 people.
Fountain Park being constructed in 1998
Napier business guru Robert Wilkinson said, “While it is always great to see businesses doing well during the recession, we are talking about large organisations here. There are still many small companies going out of business every day in Britain. Fountain Park has the luxury of providing people with a cheap alternate to going on a big night out and that is why it continues to thrive in these hard times.”
While the majority of the businesses are now settled and successfully beating the recession, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing as long-serving cinema employee Alan Stevens, 28, remembers.
Fountain Park as it looks today (Picture courtesy of www.fountainparkcentre.co.uk)
He said, “I have been here since the cinema was owned by Virgin and have seen many businesses come and go in that time. There used to be a huge nightclub on the corner we’d all go to and an Italian restaurant that closed after a few months. As much as I miss that club, it’s cool that Circus opened a casino and Nandos have a restaurant now.”
The retail complex currently boasts a 13 screen cinema, bowling, casino, gym, bingo, pubs and restaurants.
Cineworld Cinemas Operations Manager, Mark Smith said, “The cinema has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years and we have achieved an excellent financial profit in our review of this year. In fact this is Cineworld Edinburgh’s first year ever that we have managed over a million admits.”
The popularity of Fountain Park and in particular the Cineworld cinema has led to hosting the prestigious Edinburgh International Film Festival which attracts people from all over the world into the capital. The crowning glory of Fountain Park’s history came two years ago when film stars Keira Knightly and Sienna Miller walked down the red carpet for the world premier of ‘The Edge of Love’
Tickets for rock legends Kiss’ upcoming Glasgow show sold out within ten minutes of going on sale today.
The standing tickets were priced at £40 and were limited to four per customer.
A spokesman for the SECC this morning confirmed: “Standing tickets have all sold out and the seating tickets are definitely on course to sell out within the next few days.”
The May 2010 concert at the SECC is the first time the American outfit have played in Scotland for 18 years, but it appears their popularity has not waned.
Kiss diehard fan Kenny Simpson, 22 of Polwarth, secured tickets this morning, and is eagerly anticipating the gig, saying: “I’ve seen Kiss before but never in an arena, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
The rock lords’ European arena and stadium tour, dubbed the ‘Sonic Boom Over Europe: From The Beginning To The Boom’ tour, was announced on Monday 23rd of this month by promoters Live Nation.
On the same day Kiss themselves made this announcement to fans via their website, kissonline.com;
The 27 date tour lasts for two months and takes the band from Ireland to Belgium, with Italian, German and Slovakian dates, amongst others, in-between.
Rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley is promising a performance of the band’s back catalogue, telling kissonline.com; “We’re covering the whole musical history of the band on a stage that takes KISS one giant step further in our eight inch heels. We’re stoked. You wanted the best? You GOT the best!”
Bassist and icon Gene Simmons is keen to promote the group’s latest album ‘Sonic Boom’, which hit number two in the American Billboard Top 200, and reached number 24 in the UK Album Chart.
Simmons told kissonline.com; “Now. More than ever. KISS is a four wheel drive monster truck. Our mission? To rock Planet Earth. To spread the gospel of Sonic Boom.”
While Kiss last played a Scottish date in 1992, incidentally at the SECC in Glasgow, they have indeed rocked Edinburgh before.
The rock heroes’ brought their Crazy Nights Tour to the capital’s Playhouse Theatre for two nights back in November 1988.
Kiss have cemented their place at the top table of Rock n’ Roll by selling over 80 million albums worldwide, and on 23rd September of this year were nominated for a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Glasgow concert takes place on 9th May 2010 at the SECC, with remaining seating tickets priced at £40 plus standard booking fee.
Universities across Scotland are to teach students how to circumvent the world’s most secure computer systems.
Abertay University in Dundee has already launched its Ethical Hacking and Computer Security course and Edinburgh Napier is set to follow suit with a course called Advanced Security and Digital Forensics. Tutors on the course aim to teach students how to outsmart malicious hackers in a bid to protect businesses and the Government from cyber attacks.
The move comes as Gary McKinnon’s appeal against extradition to the US was blocked by the home secretary. The Glasgow-born 43-year-old, who suffers Asperger’s Syndrome, is accused of breaking into military computer systems but claims he was looking for evidence of UFOs. If convicted, he faces up to 60 years in an American prison.
Professor William Buchanan of Edinburgh Napier University will be leading the new course, which begins in January of next year.
He said: “Our course is slightly different. We never use the term hacker in any of our teaching because we think the term hacker already implies guilt – we tend to call someone like that an intruder”.
He is keen to stress the distinction between what the course entails and malicious hacking.
He added: “Half of the course involves security, which is all about defending against the loss of data and abuse. The other half of it is to do with digital forensics, which is the science of trying to analyse digital data”.
For example, often criminal cases involve digital evidence such as mobile phone tracking and recovering information from computer hard drives. Experts in digital forensics often work with the police to solve criminal cases.
It is hoped that the course, which looks at the seedy world of internet crime, will save the economy billions of pounds every year and help improve security within computer networks.
Professor Buchanan also expressed sympathy for Mr McKinnon when Edinburgh Napier News spoke to him earlier today.
Edinburgh officially welcomed the festive period with the switching on of the City Christmas tree and the street lights. on Thursday evening.
As the nights roll in faster and the weather resembles a scene from a Hollywood ‘end-of-the-world’ film, the people of Edinburgh are looking for some winter entertainment. So grab a coat and brave the cold, because theres fun to be had all over the city.
Top 5 Ways to enjoy Edinburgh at Christmas:
Courtesy of: www.edinburghchristmas.com
1. ‘Fun in the Gardens’: Doesn’t really take much explaining, but we’ll do it anyway because we’re good like that. Christmas time inPrinces Street Gardens means the ferris wheel, ice skating, helter skelter and the merry-go-round. For the young, the old and everything in between this is an Edinburgh Christmas Classic. Wrap up, grab some friends or family and talk everyone into ice skating, as long as you fall down the least, you’re laughing.
Courtesy of: www.edinburghchristmas.com
2. German Market: Another gem courtesy of Princes Street Gardens you can join in the festivities at Edinburgh’s traditionalGermanmarket where you will find stalls full of seasonal surprises. Whether you fancy treating yourself to acheeky glass of German beer or a sly bratwurst sausage, there really is something for everyone. Handmade crafts make nice Christmas gifts and you can wander round eating chocolate shaped like reindeer at the same time. Is there a better way to spend an afternoon? No really, get in touch if you think of anything.
3. Santa’s Gardens: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen are hitting the city. Minus Rudolph you can see Santa’s helpers at work from 12th-23rd December in West Princes Street Gardens. This will certainly set alight the christmas spark in everyone’s heart, or at the very least you’ve just seen some reindeer and thats a bit cool.
Courtesy of: www.edinburghchristmas.com
4. Carol Singing: Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that Christmas has produced some tunes. Held in St Andrew Square Gardens on 29th November, this concert by the Exile Gospel Choir and St Peters Primary School is sure to get you in
the Christmas spirit, whether you want to join in and sing some carols or just soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Then you can go home and sing ‘Good King Wenceslas’ to your flatmates even if they don’t want to listen. They’ll love it, it’s just unlikely they’ll admit it.
5. Have a wander: Okay, so it’s not an “official” activity but it’s fun all the same. The most crucial part of this one is Starbucks coffee in a red cup, a true sign it’s Christmas. Explore Edinburgh at your leisure with your friends, there’s plenty to do and see. Make sure you wrap up warm though, incase you haven’t already noticed, it’s pretty cold out there.
If you’re quick! Activities going on this weekend (27-29th November) include:
Courtesy of: www.edinburghchristmas.com
- The ‘Edinburgh Sparkles’ Fountains: Fountains on Princes Street! They light up in colour! And are coordinated to music! Just amazing. Only from 26th-28th of November.
- Enchanted Snow Globe – Tumbellina: Ballerinas doing ballet in a big snow globe. Only on Friday 27th November with performances at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm, definitely something to see.
There really is plenty of stuff to do out there, but if the weather’s really too terrible, it’s all about the Christmas movies. Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, whatever your choice have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Scotland are aiming to complete a clean sweep in Autum tests if they overcome argentina on Saturday.
having beaten Fiji and then grinding out a historic win against the Aussies. The Argentinians come into the game on the back of two straignt defeats after losing to England and then Wales.
However Argentina have not been beaten at Murrayfield in 19 years. They can also boost an impressive record against the Scots having beaten them seven times in nine meetings.
Scotland's Grove, Vernon and MacDonald
But the Scots will be full of confidence after their magnificent defensive display against the Aussies. The Scots last ditch defending coupled with the visitors inability to convert lead to a 9-8 win for the Scots.
the Argentinians will make six changes to the team that lost to England last week. Leicester prop Marcos Ayerza and London Irish scrum-half Alfredo Lalanne gain starts in place of Rodrigo Roncero and Agustin Figuerloa respectively.
Hooker Alberto Vernet Basualdo comes in for Mario Ledesma and Manuel Carizza replaces lock Mariano Sambucetti.
Tomas Leonardi loses his place at flanker to Alejandro Campos and wing Federico Martin Aramburu starts ahead of
Leicester prop Marcos Ayerza and London Irish scrum-half Alfredo Lalanne gain starts in place of Rodrigo Roncero and Agustin Figuerloa respectively.
Scotland will give thier first call-up to flanker Alan McDonald as they change three players for the visit of the Pumas.
Their is aslo a first call up for Worcestor’s Alex Grove and Glasgow Warriors’ Ritchie Vernon.
Rugby in Scotland has been given a welcome if unexpected lift after the teams powerful display against the Aussies.
The gutsy performance last Saturday means the Scottish can take a clean sweep of tests if they defeat Argentina tomorrow. The Argentinians come into the game on the back of two straight defeats following losses to Wales and England.
The Scots will no doubt be confident, but is this benefical or can it add unneccesary pressure? Dominic Clarke a sports phycologist and a consultant for the University of Edinburgh said, “the team will approach the game the same way, they will have a pre-performance routine that will not change from game to game.
The team will also focus on past performances and analyse the pros and cons of the performance to aid future performances.”
Dr. Andy Barton, a leading sports scientist, said ” Form is very important, it will affect the whether an athlete has a positive or negative approach to the game. Athletes who are mentally devoid of confidence will commit more errors and lead to a lowering of performance levels.”
Having witnessed two wins on the bounce the Scottish fans will be upbeat but this could add unneccesary pressure.
Dr. Barton says, “The win last Saturday will bring added confidence but this could adversely accentuate doubt. Stress and doubt may creep in as the supporters become more expectant.”
Clarke agrees but he assesses it is how the players deal with this will be the overriding factor. He says, It depends on how the players are prepared and whether they embrace it as a challenge or a threat. This is where the coaching staff become important.”
Scotland of course have had the tag ‘chokers’ in the past but with a new a man at the helm in the frame of Englishman Andy Robinson the team seem to have a new lease of life. Something that the Scottish fans hope will last into the six nations next year.
