Alfred Brendel set to retire in 2008

Well, there goes one idea for the re-opening season! Here's a link to the Reuters article, plus a blog writer from Lithuania who says some nice things about the Usher Hall.

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN2061381320071120

http://violainvilnius.blogspot.com/2007/11/alfred-brendel-is-retiring.html

Of course, we all wish Alfred Brendel a happy retirement and are thankful for the many superb performances he gave here. I don't know if he's at next year's festival, but you can catch him at City Halls in Glasgow next year, if there are any tickets left.

The Usher Hall Crane

'nosy_neighbours' had asked what the big white tower was for (see comment on last photo). I presume the reference was to our crane. This is (mainly) for taking out materials from the internal demolition work and it will then be used for lowering the sections of the new circular stairwell and lift into the interior of the building. I had to go up to Edinburgh Castle to get a decent view of it. I knew my Historic Scotland membership card would come in handy!

You will notice two similar sized cranes in the background. We can't use the traditional T-shaped crane in the city centre because it would overhang surrounding buildings when it swings around (and you wouldn't want that!).

I did notice from up at the castle viewing platforms that there are a lot of cranes across the Edinburgh skyline at the moment.