Edinburgh Christmas Market is getting ready
by Silvia Montes
From last Wednesday 9th November, East Princes Street Gardens are being prepared for the Christmas time.
Works will last until next Thursday when the Edinburgh Christmas market will open its doors at 10am.
Recognised as one of the best cities in the UK to spend Christmas, Edinburgh comes to life in the winter with six weeks of festive celebration. From the stunning Big Wheel to the traditional German market, Edinburgh streets will come alive with an incredible and bustling atmosphere.
As David Goodwill, the site manager confirmed “this year it will be 15 stalls on the German market and 16 on the Highland one. Moreover, once again it will have the usual attractions: the funfair, including the big-wheel next to the Scott Monument, bubblepoods, bungy snowdome and the ice rink”.
Likewise every year Edinburgh Christmas market will be selling many different things: from food and drinks to woollen clothes and typical Christmas objects.
The site manager also explained “the stalls are not allowed to serve alcohol unless they get a licence from the Edinburgh Council”. We assume that German stalls would have got it once again and we will be able to enjoy their warm and delicious mulled wine. Furthermore, there will also be Scottish whisky around the Highland market.
Every stall has a five-year contract with the Edinburgh Council, which it will finish at the end of this Christmas market. However, David Goodwill predicts “the essence will be the same during the following years. Although some stalls will not extend this contract the organisation will not probably change”.
The Christmas market will last until the 4th of January. Nevertheless, the German market will just be opened until the 24th of December.
People love Edinburgh Christmas market and it is almost here. Next week everyone will be able to enjoy it!
Action Threatened After More Old Firm Shame
By Mark McKinlay
The Scottish Government has issued fresh warnings that bigots who flaunt the new anti-sectarian legislation will be named and shamed.
With sectarian singing prevalent throughout the recent Old Firm game, Roseanna Cunningham MSP warned that offenders would be unable to hide the nature of their crimes. The Community Safety minister made clear that the family and employers of those prosecuted would be informed of their sectarian charges.
However uncertainty has surrounded the government’s drive to rid Scottish football of religious bigotry from the beginning, with no definition of what classifies illegal behaviour being established.
Fans have reacted angrily to threats of unspecified guidelines being used to charge them. Dave Watson, a member of the Rangers Supporters Trust, said, “Surely no other crime could be punished in this way. The ones in charge of this, the ones that were at Ibrox have said they wouldn’t know any sectarian songs even if they heard them. Total joke.”
Celtic fans have also denounced the proposals, with Jim McNally adding, “Politicians should be focusing on more important things than a game of football.”
The trouble associated with Old Firm matches again hit the headlines following a 212% increase in domestic violence on Sunday.
Edinburgh Council’s ‘painful’ vote goes ahead despite court action
Portobello Park, the site of the new school.
By Tom Freeman
In the face of legal action, Edinburgh City Council is today voting to approve preparatory works on building on one of Edinburgh’s community parks. Portobello Park, between the ancient Portobello 9-hole golf course and the Milton Road section of the A1, is the preferred site for the new Portobello High School. The Portobello Park Action Group have condemned the decision to build on the park, citing this as another example of shrinking public green space in Edinburgh and have now raised a legal action in the Court of Session to review the decision, an action which the Council have vowed to ‘vigorously defend’.
“Green space is an asset” Ros Sutherland, chair of PPAG said yesterday, “Step outside the bounds of Portobello, and look at Edinburgh as whole, there’s a history of building on public space”
Local SNP councillor Michael Bridgeman was quick to distance the current administration from the previous Labour-led council “The SNP pledge to leave the golf course and its 150 year history alone” he told Napier News. “We have published a clear Open Space Strategy.” He conceded, however, that there were no plans to create new green space in Edinburgh.
“I fully acknowledge that for those living nearby this choice is totally unacceptable and very painful.” Labour councillor Maureen Child said yesterday.
The PPAG is holding a 5k fun run in the park tonight from 7pm, followed by tea and home baking in St Martin’s church hall. They hope this will raise awareness and funds for their appeal.
Scottish Scientists Make Cancer Breakthrough
By Gabriel Neil
It was announced last week that scientists from the University of Dundee have made a discovery which could lead to a deeper understanding of how cancer occurs. The research team, led by Dr Joost Zomerdijk discovered a “previously hidden link” within the ways in which human cells make the structures they need to function, a process called “transcription” – specifically the way in which genes regulate ribosomes which produce proteins vital for growth. Understanding transcription is important in cancer research as when the genes controlling it fail, cells can grow out of control, creating cancers.
Dr Joost Zomerdijk led the study.
This breakthrough was hailed by Dr Zomerdijk, claiming that it “advances our understanding of how normal transcription is maintained in human cells” adding that this may help to discover how to reverse the damaging “deregulation” of transcription.
Dr David Wright a biologist from the University, who was not involved in the research, cautioned that this finding is “a tiny crucial cog in a complicated machine… it is not particularly important on its own” but it “ties the information that we already have about the ways in which cancer cells go wrong to our understanding of how normal cells do their jobs” which could possibly lead to new kinds of cancer therapies.
Dundee University’s College of Life Sciencesreceives over £40million of research funding annually is renowned for research into cell Biology, having recently been ranked 1st in the UK for Biological Sciences.
Homophobia in schools: the last taboo
“I’ve been stabbed because of my sexuality.”
This pupil is one of thousands of victims of homophobic bullying in schools across the UK. Almost two thirds of young people, in the gay community, experience bullying in secondary schools. The charitable organisation Stonewall, which lends support to the gay community, found that homophobic bullying, after taunting because of weight, is the most frequent form of abuse in secondary schools. It is three times more prevalent than bullying due to religion or ethnicity. Unfortunately, a culture of homophobia exists in many school environments and this creates problems for young people trying to come to terms with their sexuality.
Previous poster campaign by Stonewall. Image courtesy of Stonewall.org.uk
3pm Today’s Edinburgh Napier News Bulletin
For a round-up of today’s news, watch the Edinburgh Napier News bulletin.
Today’s headlines:
- The SNP is under fire over a freedom of information request that took 9 months to respond to.
- A 20-year-old man is in court today charged with the murder of a retired Edinburgh lecturer.
- Morningside Library will close for eight months for refurbishment.
- How will yesterday’s budget affect Scotland’s video-gaming industry?
- Exclusive at Leith Docks – Michael McKeand looks at the latest addition to the port.
UpDate: A Gran Turismo Romance
Gran Turismo 5 was one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the 21st Century. On its release, however, it did not meet gamers’ expectations. Since then it has improved, slowly working its way into the hearts of gamers and turning into a rather good game after all.
But why when it was released was it so bad, and how has it turned itself around? Why is it now judged to be a game worth buying as opposed to other games such as Killzone 2?
The answer lies in system updates. This feature was added to the PS3 to enhance games, and this is one of the reasons gamers paid so much for the console. The enhancement meant games could be updated and new copies did not have to be bought every year to gain the latest gaming experience.
[Read more...]
First leaders debate aims to gain young votes
Party leaders were held accountable by Scottish Youth Parliament members on Saturday 12th of March, at Inverclyde Academy in Greenock.
Political journalist David Torrance hosted the first leaders debate of the Scottish election. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) quizzed the politicians on behalf of Scottish young people. First Minister Alex Salmond and Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott pulled out of the event at short notice, leaving Angela Constance MSP and Ross Finnie MSP to debate in their place amongst Labours Iain Gray MSP, The Conservatives Annabel Goldie MSP and Greens Patrick Harvie MSP.
Prior to the event Hamira Khan, Chief Officer of the Scottish Youth Parliament said: “This debate is an opportunity for senior politicians from all Scotland’s parties to engage with the views of Scotland’s youth.
“These young people are worried about debt, and oppose the introduction of University tuition fees. They are concerned Government cuts will impact unfairly on young people. Most of all, they are the generation who will have to deal with the consequences of the choices politicians make now – and this debate will provide a chance for MSYPs from across Scotland to engage with MSPs on these vital issues.”
The aim of the debate was not only to inform young people about party aims, but also to encourage young people to vote. Before the debate there was a presentation on voting by the Electoral Commission’s Sarah Mackie, she said: “I think there is a responsibility on organisations like the Electoral Commission, local councils and other groups working with young people to make sure they have the information they need to be able to participate in democracy.
“However, once they have that information it is for parties and candidates to inspire people to actually vote through their election campaigns. One of the reasons young people give for not voting is that they don’t know enough about party policies so hopefully this may have helped to plug that gap.”
The debate brought not only politicians, but also publicity to Greenock in Inverclyde. Leader of Inverclyde Council Councillor Iain McKenzie said: “Inverclyde is proud to welcome the Scottish Youth Parliament… These are challenging times for us all – politically, economically and socially. It is vital the younger generation have a platform to express their views and concerns and for the politicians who make the decisions to listen.”
The debate was part of the youth parliaments sitting, and manifesto launch. It was a highlight for the parliament and the climax of their manifesto process. Chair of Scottish Youth Parliament Derek Couper said: “in the run up to both the Scottish Parliament election and the SYP elections, members felt it would be desirable to have an event to discuss and debate issues with Scottish political leaders. Also, with the launch of our manifesto we thought it would be good to start working with political leaders.
“I think the youth parliament is already full of inspired young people so I think what the debate achieved was to allow members to think about issues party’s stand for rather than the person they want to vote for. The debate was successful but I think the members had the classic reaction of feeling that the answers weren’t properly answered.”
First Minister, Alex Salmond did not turn up to the debate, letting the Youth Parliament know at the last minute. Derek commented on this: “It was disappointing that he did not turn up, and not only that, but he only sent as his replacement Angela Constace, the newly appointed Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning. I hope that that isn’t reflective of the SNPs attitude towards young people.”
Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament comment on the leaders debate:
Laura Gorman (19): “I did not think they were very convincing, they didn’t make me want to vote for one of them. The answers were far too long. They used too much jargon. t was good to hear from Patrick Harvie as you don’t really hear much about the Greens normally”
Jodi McCoy (18): “They weren’t that good. They didn’t seem to give honest answers, they tried to divert the question and tried to confuse us.”
Liam Beattie (20): “I felt the most convincing leader was Patrick Harvie. I believe he was the only leader that was willing to speak out and tell voters that there is a real alternative this election. Overall it was a good debate and I’m pleased they came and spoke to us.”
Connor Mcneil (18): “Some of them did make an effort to answer from a youths perspective. I will be voting, they didn’t really make me change my mind though”
Gina Clark (24): “I thought they were good but not good enough to help me make my mind up for who to vote for.”
Rae Cahill (19): “I was really convinced by Iain Gray and Patrick Harvie. Both really engaged with the questions asked and didn’t falter under scrutiny. I particularly liked the living wage campaign that Iain Gray was supporting, as I think the young people who are lucky enough to have jobs would benefit greatly from a rise in minimum wage.”
Bus price increase announced
By James Horton
Lothian Buses, Edinburgh’s largest bus provider, have announced yesterday that they will be raising the prices of their adult fares from £1.20 to £1.30 as of 3rd April. This is the first change in adult fares since January 2009, which was also a 10p increase.
While student and child prices will be unaffected the revision also includes Adult Day tickets (£3.00 to £3.20) and Ridacards (£42 to £45 per month). The reason given for the increase is to maintain quality and accommodate rising costs, in the official announcement from Lothian Buses they state that “Since the current Adult fares were set in January 2009, the Retail Prices Index has risen by more than 9 percent and the price of fuel has risen by more than 40 percent.”
Ian Craig, the Managing Director of Lothian Buses, also released a statement noting that: “People only have to recall their own personal experience at the supermarket checkout or the petrol station to appreciate how prices have risen.” Nevertheless, the change is likely to be unpopular amongst regular public transport users.
The announcement also includes plans for 75 new buses this year, including 15 “state-of-the-art diesel-electric hybrid vehicles.”
Who wants to be a MacMillionaire?
Henderland Road. One of the city's most affulent areas. Photo by Emily Glass.
by Anne Mackie and Emily Glass
A recent report by Barclays Banking suggests the number of millionaires in Scotland has increased by almost 20 per cent in the past two years.
Do Libyans really support the revolution?
As the standoff with Colonel Gadaffi continues to escalate, Napier News has heard how Libyan students at an English school in Edinburgh have reacted to the rebellion.
Eileen Macintyre said one of her students was determined to go to fight against Gadaffi’s forces.
Finally she and her husband managed to persuade him to stay.
Macintyre, who has extensive connections to Libya, went on to cast doubt over the level of popular support for the rebels.
Listen here to an extended clip of the interview.
Putin offers a more in-depth quote on UN Resolution
by Kirsty Tobin
14.43 Vladimir Putin has gone into more depth on his earlier comment, in which he likened the resolution to “medieval calls for crusades.” He has since gone on to elaborate, saying that: “The resolution is defective and flawed. It allows everything. It resembles mediaeval calls for crusades.”
14.14 David Cameron has announced that “his government and the attorney general are satisfied that the resolution gives a responsibility to respond to Gaddafi and to use all measures to enforce the no fly zone.” This may lead to a deployment of ground troops. The UN resolution effectively freezes the assets of Gaddafi and his family. Ed Miliband responds by welcoming the action in Libya. He wants reassurance that “the action will happen in a timely fashion” and he also wants to know what the “long-term future” will be in the wake of the Libyan action.
14.10 UN officials reiterate the importance of coalition forces being in complete agreement on strategy for dealing with the Libya situation.
13.20 Cuban and Venezuelan officials have come out against the coalition’s strikes on Libya, citing the risk of civilian casualties as the reason for their opposition of the operation.
12.27 UK officials scramble to retract comments made by defence secretary Liam Fox stating that Gaddafi is a legitimate target. Speaking on the BBC, chief of the defence staff, General Sir David Richards, said: “Absolutely not. It is not allowed under the UN resolution and it is not something I want to discuss any further.”
New York Times reports that four of their journalists being held in Libya have been released. One, Stephen Farrell, has dual Irish and British citizenship.
For live updates, follow us on twitter: Edinburgh Napier News
To follow our account of today’s events as they unfolded, [Read more...]
Royals support Scottish Venture
by Orla Ni Sheaghdha
Venture Trust helps young people in difficult situations.
Edinburgh based charity Venture Trust is to benefit from the Prince William and Kate Middleton Wedding Gift Fund. The couple are encouraging guests to donate money to charity in lieu of giving them wedding gifts. Venture Trust is one of 26 organisations which are featured on the list. Chief Executive, Greg Barton is delighted about the news. “It’s a wonderful honour to be recognised by Prince William and Miss Middleton for our work with complicated young people across the UK- we’re immensely grateful for their support.”
The charity was founded in 1982 to provide support for young people in difficult situations, particularly young offenders. Venture Trust run three programmes to help disadvantaged and vulnerable people make positive changes in their lives. Inspiring Young Futures supports youths who are in care or who are young carers themselves. Transitions to Independent Living looks after those who may be homeless or have unstable living situations. The Criminal Justice programme provides alternative options for young offenders.
These intensive personal development programmes take place in wilderness settings in order to provide participants with the opportunity to escape pressures they face in their everyday lives. Taking part in physical activities also seems to have a positive effect on the emotional and social wellbeing of those involved in the programme. The Royal Wedding Gift Fund will help to ensure the continued support of these development programmes for young people in the UK and other global projects which are being run by Venture Trust.
Threat removed at Edinburgh Airport
by Orla Ni Sheaghdha
The terminal at Edinburgh Airport has been reopened. The airport was evacuated when a suspicious package was left in the terminal building, which has since been dealt with by authorities. Edinburgh Napier News spoke exclusively to the airport media office. “The threat’s been stood down. There was a suspect package that’s been made safe and we are now reopen.” There has been no knock-on effect on flights.
Tune in to the radio bulletin for more information.
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Suspicious package cleared at Edinburgh Airport. Image: Flickr.com
Suplex The Kid
Forming on shared desires of atmospheric post-rock, Glasgow 4-piece Suplex The Kid combine subtle melancholic lead with tremorous accelerating rhythms and as the soundscapes explore the quiet/loud dynamic, listeners are struck by a force evolving from ambiance to awe.
Since the inception of crucial debut single ‘All Beneath An Iron Sky’, Suplex have unleashed two full length albums on Monograph Records, constantly encouraged to continue making their music from press and fans alike. Catching the attention of a Daily Mail reviewer as well the veteran underground blog of the Siren Sound, the quartet’s soundtrack has overtaken many ears, and not just in the UK. Sharing their music for free with the online community has allowed a once small Scottish fan base to flourish into an international following and their spunds have graced radio waves from Austria to America.
To single out a chapter in their discography, fan favourite tune ‘Rebuild the Machines’ is a percussive time bomb lined with abyss-deep bass lines and tension filled guitar unity. Intensity will rise and fall as moments of clarity appear in the form of gentle lead flutters, only to feed a rising crescendo which morphs into a morale-boosting final’e.
Even the impatient will appreciate the experimental sounds and emotions of Suplex with distinct sections, defined riffs and subtle breakdowns which will have you star-gazing at the ceiling.
Interested? Check them out and download/stream music for free at -
Home Page: http://suplexthekid.co.uk/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/suplexthekid
Last FM: http://www.last.fm/music/Suplex+The+Kid/Suplex+The+Kid
Discover more underground bands at The Unsigned Agency: The Unsigned Agency: http://www.theunsignedagency.co.uk/
Two Ed’s are better than one in budget demands
by David Walsh
Opposition leader Ed Miliband and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls have made demands this afternoon to remove fuel VAT duty and introduce a further bank bonus tax in the next week’s budget.
Both made the case for Labour’s measures to ensure economic growth at today’s press conference ahead of the unveiling of the Coalition government’s budget.
The tax levied on bankers’ bonuses last year raised £3.5bn, something Labour argue will kick-start the economy if mirrored this year. The Conservatives have criticised the Opposition of having made £12bn of unsustainable spending commitments. [Read more...]
Edinburgh Dog wins Crufts Crown.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
By Anne Mackie
A flatcoated retriever from Edinburgh has scooped two Crufts awards at the annual dog show.
Nine and a half year old Jet took the Best Gundog title, before going on to win Best in Show, beating off opposition from 21,000 other dogs at Birmingham’s NEC as Crufts celebrated its 120th anniversary.
Breeder Jim Irvine, from Queensferry, said: “In the dog world this is the ultimate prize, this is what everyone aspires to and normally I find it’s always someone else who wins this. To have a good dog and to get this far is just unbelievable.”
Jet’s owner, Iain Ross, said: “I am over the moon, I can’t believe it. It’s a lifetime achievement, it’s wonderful.”
Private sector boost for Scottish economy
By Tom Barry
The private sector in Scotland has recorded its strongest rise in activity since June 2007. 
[Read more...]
The New Town Campaign
Edinburgh's infamous George Street (photo credit: Callum Davidson)
By David Walsh and Anne Mackie
It’s billed “the Athens of the North” but new plans are being put in place to boost and revive the profile of Edinburghs New Town. New evidence suggests the city is failing to make the most of its neo-classical architecture, streetscapes and it’s role in shaping the Scottish Enlightenment. It is thought many of the city’s highlights are missed out by visitors who are more inclined to visit various attractions no further than the Royal Mile.
Japan Update
By Emily Glass
A second blast at Fukushima Daichii’s nuclear power plant has rocked Japan just three days after the first reactor exploded.
This latest explosion is said to be caused by a hydrogen build-up in reactor 3 and has left 11 people injured, one seriously.
Nuclear cooling tower
New Town set for revamp
By Tom Barry
Coates Crescent, in Edinburgh's New Town
The first campaign in 30 years to promote Edinburgh’s New Town has been announced by the city’s heritage watchdogs. The move comes after experts admitted that the area of the city is failing to make the most of its well-planned streetscapes, neo-classical architecture and its role in shaping the Scottish Enlightenment.
While Edinburgh is no stranger to the tourism trade, experts believe that most tourists find it difficult to make it past the Old Town and Royal Mile areas of the city. The belief is based on a study carried out by digital cartographer Eric Fischer who constructed maps showing where visitors and locals had taken pictures around the city which were subsequently uploaded to the photo-sharing website Flickr.
William Hague just spoken to Japan’s Foreign Minister
William Hague has just tweeted that he spoken to the Foreign Minister of Japan to express his sadness at the earthquake and offer help from the UK.
Irish coalition government is agreed
by Patrick McPartlin
Fine Gael and Labour have agreed a coalition to form the next Irish government. The two parties, who won 76 seats and 37 seats respectively in elections on February 25th, have not been in power since 1997. The coalition government have pinpointed making a reduction to the budget deficit as well as creating more jobs and renegotiating the EU-led bailout of €85bn.
In November of last year, the government proposed an increase in taxes and a reduction in spending in order to reduce the deficit by €6bn. Labour are said to prefer tax increases to trim the shortfall, while Fine Gael are planning on speeding up proposed budget cuts. However, both parties are keen to lower the interest rate on the EU and International Monetary Fund loan.
The general election saw the heaviest defeat for Fianna Fail, who have been in power for the past 14 years and, since 1932, have ruled Ireland for three out of every four years. Winning a mere 20 seats, Fianna Fail will be the main opposition party in the Dublin-based Dáil, the Irish Parliament.
