MEL GIBSON MEMORABILIA UP FOR GRABS

Pic: Propstore
Beverley Lyons 
MEL Gibsons’s performance as William Wallace in iconic Scots film Braveheart would not have been the same without his trusty Claymore and now those with deep pockets have the chance to own one of the movie world’s most famed weapons. 
As legendary as Luke Skywalker’s original Star Wars light sabre, and arguably as important on screen as the protagonist himself, the signature Claymore was designed by noted armorer Simon Atherton and constructed with Del Tin blades based on real-world medieval-era Scottish broadswords.
It is now going on sale in auction from March 12 with a predicted price of between $60,000 - 120,000. 
The sword’s metal handle is said to be the only ‘screen match’ to that used by Gibson in the Award winning medieval biopic which first reached our cinemas on May 24 1995.
As the real Wallace was believed by some scholars to have wielded a customised sword of his own design, Atherton's version is similarly distinguished by personalised, yet historically accurate, detailing on its pommel and grip.
The Claymore is not perfect - as you would expect from one used in the movie which was best picture winner in 1996. 
The blade has been restored but the nicks and production distressing on this sword's pommel screen-match to when Wallace thrust his sword into the ground during the Battle of Falkirk.
Images from the fan-favourite moment later inspired the film's promotional campaign.
The handle features a distinctive cruciform crossguard, a matching scalloped pommel, and a brown leather ricasso and grip. 
According to auctioneers at Propstore, at an indeterminable time, the sword's original blade was removed just below the leather-wrapped ricasso, possibly for a specific effects shot. 
The sword has been restored to its original appearance by welding a replica metal blade to the ricasso. The replica blade was created from the exact dimensions of another production-used Wallace sword. 
The sword was intentionally distressed by production with nicks in the guard and pommel and discoloration to the ricasso to appear well-used in battle. It also exhibits some tearing from use. 
Propstore COO, Brandon Alinger added: “What makes this such a great piece is that we are able to match the sword to a specific scene in the movie.  The handle and all leatherwork is original and screen matches to Willaim Wallace thrusting the sword into the ground during an epic battle scene. It was that scene that inspired the film’s entire promotional campaign – so this one prop has multiple reasons to be prized and valued.”
The Claymore is not the only prized piece from the film that is up for grabs. 
The double bladed buckler used by Scots actor David O’Hara’s as Stephen of Ireland in the film is also for sale at a lesser estimate of $2,000 - 4,000.
Stephen wielded his signature buckler against the English as he battled alongside William Wallace. 
Constructed from metal and wood wrapped in red leatherette with solid metal blades extending from either side to create the double-bladed effect, the leatherette is studded with metal and a piece of tape across the front is hand-marked "Stephen." 
The weapon is intentionally distressed by production to give it a battle-worn appearance with nicks and grime applied to the metal. The buckler exhibits some discolouration from age and the blade was dulled by production.
Stewart's (Donal Gibson) bloodied stunt Battle of Stirling Bridge dagger which was used to slit the throats of English soldiers while fighting alongside William Wallace l in the Battle of Stirling Bridge is also for sale. 
The rubber stunt dagger is hand-painted silver and brown to resemble metal and wood, blood-stained, and erroneously labeled "MacGregor Stirling" on a piece of tape wrapped around the handle. It exhibits flaking paint and exposed rubber from production use and age and is estimated to sell for between $1,000 - 2,000. 

Those who also want to spend more on something less aggressive can get a vital piece from the historic wedding scene between William Wallace and Murron MacClannough (Catherine McCormack).

Pic: Propstore

William and Murron wrapped a wedding tartan around their hands when the priest (Robert Paterson) wed them in secret.
The red, black, and green wool tartan features a sewn straw "W and "M" for William and Murron alongside a flower-patterned arabesque design sewn with straw. 
The tartan exhibits intentionally frayed edges and loose thread from production use and is expected to sell for between $12,000 - 24,000.
Widely considered one of the greatest war epics of all time, Braveheart received 10 Academy Award nominations and won five, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson. 
The film also generated a great deal of tourism for Scotland and piqued interest in Scottish history, including into the real lives of Wallace and MacClannough.

TRAVIS’ FRAN HEALY RUSHED TO HOSPITAL AFTER BLOODY INJURY

TRAVIS singer Fran Healy was rushed to hospital after he sliced through his hand and had to use a panty pad to soak up the blood. 
The Why Does It Always Rain on Me charttopper hit the headlines in 2021 after a sausage dog mauled him and left a gnarly wound on his hand whilst he was in the Hollywood Hills. 
It left him in agony and stopped him from using his left hand for several months and he had to undergo surgery in December that year to repair his wounded hand. 
This time round Fran was left bloodied and in severe pain as managed to slice though his right hand as he carried a metal cornering strip from the DIY store into his car. 
Showing off his bloodied hand as he awaited treatment at the hospital in the US, Fran said: “Deary me!”
He explained: “I’m adding an extra wall in my studio and picked up some cornering (very thin 10 foot long metal strip) and was putting it in the car and it slid very gently down the crack between thumb and forefinger like a sushi knife. Right hand this time. Will take couple of weeks to heal.”

Revealing the state of his hand following treatment he added: “Seven stitches.”
Fran then revealed he had bend helped out by a Good Samaritan who came to his rescue.
He said: “There was a whole lotta blood. A wee Mexican man in the Home Depot carpark saw it happen and ran to his car returning with a panty pad... I was very grateful.”
After someone questioned ‘a panty pad?’ Fran replied: “Yes. Ultra absorbent.”
He also revealed that he was screaming during his treatment. 
He said: “The doctor told me, as he was preparing to inject the affected area with lidocaine, that this particular area of the body (possibly the universe) has the highest concentration of nerve endings. I videoed the injections. Lots of screaming from me.”
“I get my stitches out next Friday.”

Fran received well wishes from fellow pop star Carol Decker, who said: “What you do????  BTW why does it always rain  playing in Tesco today got me dancing in the booze isle.”
Fran reassured her: “Hey carol... hands on art student drywall accident. its all better now. big hugs to you xxx”
After actor Dan Ryan said: “Dude! Ow. Not the strummer!!!!?!?!. Fran added: “You can strum with a stump it's fine...”
Someone else wrote: ”Hope you Healy soon.”

JOHNNY DEPP SPEAKS ABOUT BEING IN SCOTLAND AFTER WINNING LIBEL CASE

Video copyright - theshowbizlion.com

Exclusive 

JOHNNY Depp talked about how he was feeling in  Scotland after he was asked how it felt to be a free man here. 

Footage has emerged from the Hollywood star’s trip to Glasgow to perform on stage with his musician friend Jeff Beck and the star looked thrilled as he spoke exclusively to theshowbizlion.com . 

Johnny had greeted fans after exiting through the back door of the Dakota hotel in Glasgow and spent time autographing pictures and waving to the awaiting crowd. 

The 58-year-old who was in the hotel’s car park had arrived the previous morning around 3am by tour bus with his Scots bodyguard Malcolm before heading inside the hotel. 

At the time he was unable to stop after the tiring journey from down south but he promised to speak the next day.

Johnny mania hit Glasgow as fans tried to get a glimpse of the Pirates of The Caribbean star ahead of Jeff’s sold out gig at the Royal concert hall. 

Photo copyright - theshowbizlion.com 

Bev asked Johnny: “Johnny Depp, how does it feel to be a free man in Scotland?”

A smiling Johnny responded: “Oh it feels good to be in Scotland, it feels good.”

Photo copyright - theshowbizlion.com 

He didn’t say if he was planning to party but later that night had a small gathering with friends including Shane MacGowan’s wife Victoria Mary Clarke backstage at the Royal Concert hall. 

Johnny arrived in Glasgow just days after he won his libel case against his ex-wife Amber Heard this month.

Johnny was awarded compensatory damages of $10million (£8 million) and a further $5 million (£4 million) in punitive damages by a jury.

Photo - copyright theshowbizlion.com 

The actor sued the Aquaman star Amber over an article  titled: “I spoke up against sexual violence - and face our culture’s wrath. That has to change.” 

His victory has divided opinion but raised conversations about the role of social media, women’s rights, men’s rights and the power of PR. 

From Scotland with love - theshowbizlion.com 

HOLLYWOOD STAR SENDS SCOTS BAND THE RONAINS AN EMOTIONAL MESSAGE

SCOTS band The Ronains received a touching message of encouragement from Hollywood star Peaky Blinders and Guardians of The Galaxy actor Tommy Flanagan during mental health awareness week. 

Tommy who also played an alcoholic with mental health issues in hit crime drama Sons of Anarchy, has been following the Clydebank band for the past year and has championed their work. 

The Braveheart actor sent bass player Jim, singer Debbie, drummer Linzi and guitarist LP a message of support after they let him hear their brand new single, a powerful cover of Flower of Scotland which they are releasing on Friday May 21.

The track is available for 79p on preorder now from iTunes and Amazon and the band are hopeful it will chart. 

Tommy,  who has been filming the new series of Peaky Blinders in Chicago, as well as new series of Tower sent the band a message after bass player Jim told him he was finding the music business difficult during lockdown.

Tommy wrote: “Life’s highs will be overshadowed by the sometimes overwhelming lows. But the clock keeps ticking. 

“Time will reveal the why the who the wtf. If what you’re doing brings you love and joy end of, you win!

“Do not give up! Adjust and reset when required. ‘Hard work and heartache’ life of an artist. Enjoy the highs when they come.

“Few people want to see you succeed, no matter what they say.
Beware of that s***e!
You guys got tons of talent. Keep doing the work. You’re going to get to wherever ‘there’ is.
Best TF.”

Bass player Jim Reid said: “Tommy is one of my favourite actors and I've watched him in everything from Braveheart and Guardians of The Galaxy to Sons of Anarchy and Peaky Blinders.  I’m a huge fan. It’s a deep message he sent us. I’d told Tommy that I was finding lockdown hard as a musician and he wrote this incredible letter of encouragement."

The band have been playing their version of Flower of Scotland at live gigs for a while but decided to record and release it to reflect the recent achievement in Scottish sport.

Jim said: “We recorded a powerful rocky verson of Flower of Scotland because we wanted to celebrate the success of the national football team and reaching the World Cup qualifiers for the first time in 26 years. 

“The Scottish rugby team have done well and boxer Josh Taylor is fighting in Las Vegas for our country too.

We are proud of our Scottish roots and this song means everything to us.”

Singer Debbie, whose soaring vocals feature in the song, added: 'It's quite terrifying taking on such a huge, Iconic song, but if you don't reach for the sky you'll never be amongst the stars.”

The song is available for Pre-order now on Amazon and iTunes by clicking on the 2 links below.

AMAZON ➡️ https://amzn.to/3un9po9 - 79p

ITUNES ➡️ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/flower-of-scotland-single/1564971257?ls=1&app=itunes 69p

GERARD BUTLER HAS NUTS ENCOUNTER WITH SQUIRREL

GERARD Butler grinned away and called himself ‘the animal whisperer’  as a curious squirrel went looking for nuts on his body as he lay in bed. 

The Scottish born 300 hunk, who is newly single, showed off his petite lady friend in a bizarre video on Instagram as he lay in bed wearing a blue tshirt and shorts. 

In the video, Gerard smiles as the squirrel climbs down from his hair to nibble his neck then beard before crawling over his mouth. 

It then disappears out of shot for a moment then returns to his head while Gerard says: “Oh, Oh, oh, yeah. Nibbling everything. It nibbles your face, your fingers, your toes, your heels, and then all your clothes. There she is she’s going to nibble my ear, thank god they are more like nibbles, chewing on my hair. Oh, oh, oh, oh“

The grey squirrel then moves from his beard again to go down to his lower body. 

As she remains out of camera shot, With just her tail on show Gerard tells fans: “Oh tasty, eh? That’s a tasty tshirt. No it’s the string of my shorts. She loves string.”

A male voice in the background says: “The plastic tabs. Yesterday she was going after my shoes.”

The squirrel then decides to go further down Gerards shorts at which point he says: “Don’t go too much lower. Oh you did.”

Fans were thrilled at his nature loving side with one saying: “Who is cuter? Gerry or the baby squirrel?”

Another added: “In my next life I want ot be the squirrel.”

Another warned: “Watch your kibbles and bits.”

While another joked: “Trying to find where you stash your nuts. Very cute lol.”

KIRK DOUGLAS SANG I BELONG TO GLASGOW ON SCOTS TRIP

Exclusive 
Beverley Lyons HOLLYWOOD star Kirk Douglas waved his $75,000 plus fee after agreeing to speak in Glasgow for a charity dinner - and he told of his love of Scotland as he sang I Belong to Glasgow.
Theshowbizlion.com can reveal that the Hollywood A-lister insisted upon talking for no money and no expenses after deciding it was a cause close to his heart.
Kirk, who came to Scotland as a guest of the Jewish National Fund in 1995, made a personal phone call to the then chairman of the charity Stanley Lovatt after hearing that funds from the night were going to help a project in Jerusalem.
Stanley explained: “I approached Kirk’s agent in New York and he advised me his fee would be 75,000 plus expenses which was very expensive. I told him we couldn’t afford it. 
“It was funny. The agent asked me a few weeks later what the proceeds were going to and I told him it was for a project in Jerusalem.”
He asked if I had the details so I couriered a video and brochure of the project in Jerusalem to the agent in New York who passed it onto Kirk Douglas  in LA.“
Stanley couldn’t believe it when he got a personal call from the star a few weeks later.
He said: ”I was out shopping with my wife Carol and one of the boys from the committee said a guy claiming to be Kirk Douglas called and will phone you later. 
“He phoned me later that day and was the real deal. He was very charming on the telephone and said I will endeavour to come because I know what the project is and I made a movie there called  Cast A Giant Shadow. He insisted there was no question of a fee and that he wanted to pay all his own expenses.” 
Kirk arrived into London and Stanley had organised a private jet through the BBC’s Pebble Mill to bring him to Glasgow while he was being  interviewed by Gloria Huneford.  
He said: “He was absolutely charming. I went down to London to meet him and he was an absolutely incredible individual, charming, polite and very friendly. He told a story about visiting Edinburgh before and even sang I Belong To Glasgow.”
On the night Kirk indeed referenced his birth name Issur Dabiekovitch which he said he would have kept if he was going to be a ballet dancer, he added: “I’m glad to be here in Glasgow with a name like Kirk Douglas. “You know with my new name I went to New York City to attend a dramatic school and I rented a little room in an attic, and across the hall lived Bill Henderson. A short stocky fella from Glasgow. Now he was delighted to meet me, A fellow Scotsman. He asked ‘Now what part of Scotland are you from?’ Well I said that I might be somewhere east and south of Scotland like Russia.” 
Well he said ‘With a name like Kirk Douglas I’ll buy the first round.’ On Saturday nights we’d have a few beers when we had enough money and he taught me a Scottish drinking song. No as we see in movies cut, fade and dissolve into 40 years later. I was in Edinburgh Scotland for a big charity benefit for the Queen of Britain. Everybody was rushing round just before the curtain went up when I heard over the loudspeaker ‘ladies and gentlemen Mr Kirk Douglas’. I said ‘What do you want me to do?’ And they said ‘just do something’. The curtain went up and I thought of Bill Henderson. The Queen of England was in the audience and I had no musical accompaniment and I was in Edinburgh. Did I have guts?  This is what I sang. I belong to Glasgae. I tell you that song got a better reception here than it did in Edinburgh.”

EWAN MCGREGOR DAUGHTER CLARA TALKS ABOUT BEING CALLED A TRANNIE

EWAN McGregor’s daughter Clara claims she is flattered when she gets called a trannie by online bullies.
The model and actress revealed on her Instagram that she has been called a tranny, faggot and a ‘freaking abomination’ by trolls on social media.
Clara shared some images of the intended insults, including one which read: “Of course you would have to be a proud devil to pretend to be a woman you’re not. Freaking abomination. I’m glad you can’t reproduce. But then again I’m sure you haven’t castrated yourself. You’re not a Clara you’re a Clarence.”

Clara copied one of her friends in with the reply: “HAHA. He knows my nickname. You’ve been calling me Clarence since day one!!!”

Another troll called her: “Tranny” with vomiting emojis before adding: “Shut up faggot”

Clara replied: “What’s with the emojis. That’s a huge compliment Thankyou. Those ladies know what they are doing.

She added: “Bi and proud!! Another compliment.”

Clara then said in a post: “Honestly I never respond to trolls like that. It’s usually a bad idea and I don’t want them to think for a second that I even give a small f about their rhetoric, bit this felt like a good example to share. While trying to bring me down with sexism and homophobia, he showed me that his insults could be re appropriated and seen through a positive lens. Being compared to Trans women is nothing short of a huge compliment. It doesn’t excuse what he said, but I will never take that comparison or the fact that I’m Bi as an insult.”

Clara announced she was bisexual alongside her sister Esther earlier this year after locking horns with the founder of Coachella over his alleged anti LGBT beliefs. 

Esther said at the time read: '#notokaycoachella. I'll take the time now to say – I'm bisexual.' Following the message, Clara replied: 'Love you boo. I'll hop on the train and say I'm bisexual too. Carry on!'

HUGH JACKMAN SPENDS THOUSANDS ON PRE-PARTY IN GLASGOW

Beverley Lyons 
Hollywood star Hugh Jackman spent tens of thousands on a pre tour party before ending up  in a Glasgow chippy yesterday .
The Aussie film star treated his 70-strong entourage to the bash, ahead of the tour on May 7, which began with a party at a 5-star hotel on Saturday night and included a private boat tour along the Clyde the following day.
The Wolverine star who was being driven around in a chauffeur driven Audi popped into the suburbs of Clydebank with his party posse who were on a coach to local chippy Bennies Fast Food for some deep fried Mars Bars and Deep Fried Pizza after spending thousands of pounds chartering his own boat on the water with his entourage just days ahead of the first night of his opening solo tour. 


Hugh, had spent the day sailing with his party on the waters of Loch Lomond with Sweeney’s Cruise crew aboard flagship vessel the Silver Dolphin. 
The vessel which claims to be the most luxurious passenger boat operating in Scotland boasts warm teak panelling, thick-pile carpeting, and nautical brass fittings akin to a bespoke private members club. The dining area on the lower deck offers panoramic views of the Loch and flexible seating while the upper deck with has its own teak dance floor, retractable sun roof, bar and entrance to the forward viewing deck. 
Described as ‘the perfect party venue’ prices start around £2,000 for hire of the boat which used to sail on the Thames. 
Hugh, who arrived in Glasgow on Saturday wanted to treat his cast and crew of the show after an intensive six weeks of rehearsals and also held a lavish party costing tens of thousands of pounds at his Scots hotel the night before to welcome them to the first leg of the tour. 
Hugh, who had been rehearsing in New York and London ahead of the show, is due to appear at Glasgow’s Hydro on May 7,8 and 9. 
Around seven pm on Saturday night staff at Glasgow’s prestigious Blythswood hotel opened the doors of their new Bo and Birdy restaurant venue for the first time. 
The lavish bar and brasserie restaurant which has just had a million pound makeover is due to open to the public later this week after an official party but Hugh and his fifty plus entourage got exclusive use of the facilities before anyone. 


Hugh who is believed to have been staying in the £2,500 penthouse of the hotel since he arrived on Saturday morning treated each of his crew to free drink and canapés all night as well as  gifting them each with a hoodie from Hugh himself. The black and white hoodie promoted his own ethical coffee brand Laughing Man.  
One of the guests commented: “Hugh has been really generous and put on a free bar for everyone all night. Preparations have been intense over the last six weeks so this is a chance for everyone to get a bit of chill before the tour begins.
Guests who were merry after knocking back the booze and partying till midnight were treated to songs from musicals as well as the latest charts while Hugh did a tour of the room. 
At midday on Sunday, a relaxed looking Hugh treated around twenty of his more senior entourage to a private boat trip round the Loch. 
He took in the surrounding islands on the route to Balloch. 


He was met by fans including Ailie, 17, and Lewis Carroll, 9, along the way. 
Lewis said: “Hugh signed my Greatest Showman CD and I told him I couldn’t get tickets to his show because it was sold out.  My dad asked if he could put us on the guest but he told us he couldn’t even get his own mother  on the guest list.”
Back at the hotel Hugh who says he will be featuring his own dogs Dali and Allegra in his musical extravaganza petted our very own basset hound Bertie on his way into the hotel and told a couple of fans outside that he’d absolutely ‘loved’ the boat trip. 
He said he couldn’t wait to hit the stage in Glasgow. 

We’ve been following Hugh’s every move this week- read more on theshowbizlion.com 

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in The Sun and Daily Mail online. 

From Scotland with Love

CHRIS PINE EXPLORES GLASGOW MUSEUM AND SECURITY OFFICE

CHRIS Pine skipped out of his film premiere in Edinburgh to spend time in the security office of Cineworld.
Fans of the star couldn’t believe it when they caught a glimpse of the star in the basement office of the cinema just half an hour after the film began.
One said: “We were having a nosey at the back of the building when we saw Chris Pine in the office with the security guards. He was about to come out for a smoke but when he saw us he turned round and went back in.”
Most of Edinburgh and beyond we’re thrilled when Chris walked the red carpet at the Edinburgh
Some fans had been out earlier in the day searching for him but Chris was too busy being interviewed in Borthwick Castle before heading to Edinburgh Castle afterwards for a reception.
The star has a huge love of history and spends a lot of his time exploring museums near where he is shooting.
I can now reveal that when he was in Glasgow shooting earlier this year he headed out to the transport museum where he almost went incognito.
Unfortunately for him he was spotted by own young fan as he  got a quick bite to eat in the museum cafe by the Riverside.
Chris is followed by fans wherever he goes and the collective name for them has always been Pine Nuts but since the film which features s full frontal of the star the term has er, coined a new meaning.  

MARVEL INFINITY WAR DIRECTORS VISIT SCOTTISH CITY CHAMBERS

ROBERT Downey Junior, Benedict Cumberbatch and the cast of new Marvel film Avengers: Infinity War could be heading to Edinburgh's City Chambers.
The actors along with Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L Jackson, Chris Hemsworth, Karen Gillan, and a host of other A Lister's are prepping to film the massive movie in Scotland and London in March and May.
Although a veil of secrecy is currently surrounding the exact locations that will be used, Captain America Directors The Russo Brothers who are working on the new film had posted up a picture of themselves 'scouting' for locations on a grand stairway on social media - and fans had been left wondering where it was located.


Now an eagle eyed Reddit user Brian Grodzki has put two and two together and revealed it as the City Chambers in Scotlands capital.
Although it's currently unknown what the building may be used for it is thought it may have something to do with Doctor Strange's lair Sanctum Sanctorum.
It is thought the circular window is similar to the actual marvel illustration of the building where Doctor Strange burns incense.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

LEO DICAPRIO STAYS IN FORMER MONASTERY IN EDINBURGH

Beverley Lyons
HOLLYWOOD hunk Leo Dicaprio jetted into Edinburgh a day ahead of his Scottish sandwich chain visit to stay at the site of a former monastery.
Despite his reputed love of the ladies and hard partying, Leo chose to get some chill out time at the opulent Prestonfield House hotel which was built on the site of a wealthy monastery, founded in 1150 by Henry, Earl of Northumbria.


The hotel at the bottom of Arthur's Seat was formerly called Priestfield House and since it was converted in the 60s has played host to Sandie Shaw, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Sean Connery. Elton John, Catherine Zeta Jones and Oliver Reed.
Great Gatsby actor Leo was keen to get some downtime with his posse and checked into the stunning historical venue which boasts tapestries and antiques in every room to enjoy some traditional Scots hospitality.


He and his posse of around twelve asked to look round the hotel with its eighteen bedrooms and five suites and it's grounds including its specialised Whisky Room with its velvet wallpaper, antler chairs and drinks cabinet boasting hugely expensive malts.


They also visited the Tapestry room with its curios from around the world and Leather room which features leather wallpaper.
Leo was surrounded by a team of security as he sat down to dinner in one of the swish oval shaped rooms of the Rhubarb Restaurant.


As eager staff members kept a watchful eye on his table the tension was palpable.
Leo who was sporting a hat and dressed casually for the occasion appeared to be in a jovial mood while his security team scanned the room.
The restaurant offers an array of fine foods including celery soup with summer truffle foam, Perthshire rabbit, cured Shetland salmon, Roast roe deer loin, Angus beef and Peterhead hake.
After dinner Leo and his team were asking hotel staff about where to go in Edinburgh as his chauffeur driven fleet of cars awaited instruction outside.
As his team waited in the cold to see if


Leo was in the mood to party, it appears that the rain put him off and he decided to have an early night to prepare for his big day today. The star visited Home restaurant before appearing at the Scottish Business Awards tonight.
Home is the new venture from Josh Littlejohn and Dean Gassabi, who own the Maison Bleue restaurants, and is a part of Social Bite.
Located on Queensferry Street in the west end of Edinburgh, Home not only offers suspended food and drinks, but it also provides training and employment for members of the Social Bite Academy, a four-year paid course for homeless people.
The Scottish Business Awards take place tonight at the EICC and costs £1000 for a table of ten.

Segments of this article have now appeared in the Scottish Sun


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

WIN LUNCH WITH LEO DICAPRIO IN EDINBURGH

LEO DiCaprio has agreed to have a lunch date with one very special person in Scotland - and it could be you!
For a £5 donation that will go to feed the homeless at Edinburgh’s Home, a new restaurant from the teams behind Social Bite and Maison Bleue – , you will have a chance to attend a VIP lunch with Sir Tom Hunter, Chairman of the Scottish Business Awards, and this year’s keynote speaker Leonardo DiCaprio.
Last year, one very lucky gal got the chance to cosy up to George Clooney over grub in Edinburgh after over £400,000 was donated through website Itison to Social Bite, allowing them to feed the homeless for an entire year throughout Scotland.
This year all you need to do to enter is head to Itison.com, donate a fiver and you could be in for a chance of lunch with Leo.
The cause makes a big difference in the lives of so many people, and will allow homeless people to dine with dignity in the amazing new restaurant - Home. So dig deep and donate multiple times.
Your donation will buy a meal for a homeless person at Home in Edinburgh, a brand new restaurant pairing incredible cuisine with a charitable heart.
Home is a partnership with Social Bite and Edinburgh Restaurant group Maison Bleue, with renowned chef Martin Wishart dreaming up monthly specials, and even donning the Home apron and cooking several times each year.
As well as serving great food to the public, the restaurant provides those in need with free meals, as well as giving homeless people jobs and the training they need to get back on their feet and really break the cycle.
For more info on Home visit: www.home-restaurant.co.uk or phone 0131 220 0773 to book.
The winner will be selected and informed on Friday 11 November and will also receive:
An overnight stay for two with dinner at The George Hotel (only you will attend the lunch)
1st class travel within Scotland to Edinburgh with ScotRail (where available)
A £1,000 Champagne and shopping experience at ROX, George Street



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

LUMINEERS GO DISNEY FOR PETE'S DRAGON

GRAMMY nominated band The Lumineers have helped breathe some extra fire into new Disney film Pete's Dragon.
The US folk group who released their song Scotland in 2013 and have had hits with songs like Ho Hey and Ophelia were chosen by Disney Records alongside artists including Lindsey Stirling and Andrew McMahon and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy for the original soundtrack.
The album features The Lumineers singing Nobody Knows with extra tracks Something Wild and The Dragon Song by their peers.
The original score was composed by multi instrumentalist Daniel Hart (“Tumbledown,” “Comet”) who has worked on everything from The Polyphonic Spree to St. Vincent to his own projects. His upcoming scores also include upcoming FOX TV series The Exorcist.
The movie, directed by David Lowery, tells the story of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. The film which comes out tomorrow stars Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World), Wes Bentley (The Hunger Games), Karl Urban (Star Trek), Oona Laurence (Southpaw) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (Captain America: The Winter Soldier).

The Pete’s Dragon track list in full:

1. “The Dragon Song” Performed by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy

2. “Something Wild” Performed by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

3. “Nobody Knows” Performed by The Lumineers

4. “Something On Your Mind” Performed by St. Vincent

5. “So Long, Marianne” Performed by Leonard Cohen

6. “Gina Anne” Performed by Bosque Brown

7. “An Adventure”

8. “Are You Gonna Eat Me?”

9. “Brown Bunny”

10. “Reverie”

11. “Tree Fort”

12. “North Star”

13. “Bedtime Compass”

14. “Timber”

15. “Breathe”

16. “Gavin Knows What He’s Doing”

17. “You Are Not Alone”

18. “Elliot Gets Lost”

19. “Takedown”

20. “It’ll Be Just Like It Used To Be”

21. “Follow That Dragon”

22. “Elliot at the Bridge”

23. “Abyss”

24. “Go North”

25. “Saying Goodbye”

26. “The Bravest Boy I’ve Ever Met”

27. “The Dragon Song Revisited” Performed by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy

28. "Candle On the Water" Performed by Okkervil River

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

GLASGOW GETS LUCKY WITH PHARRELL GIG

US superstar Pharrell Williams is coming to Glasgow's SSE Hydro on Tuesday July 19.
We've been told by one of our wild contacts that the Get Lucky and Happy hitmaker Pharrell will be in the UK supporting Stevie Wonder at the British Summertime show at Hyde Park in London on July 10 as well as playing dates in Switzerland, Rotterdam and Copenhagen and will head north to Glasgow for the Hydro gig.
Pharrell who was one half of The Neptunes and also had a hit with Blurred Lines previously played Glasgow for Radio 1's Big Weekend.
The Showbiz Lion also managed to have a dance with him when he played in Edinburgh for the MTV Awards.
Tickets will go on public sale this Friday (June 3) at 9am.
- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

HIGHLANDER: A HOMECOMING FOR CHRISTOPHER LAMBERT, SEAN CONNERY AND CLANCY BROWN?

COULD Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery be returning to Scotland along with the rest of the cast of Highlander?
The Edinburgh International Film Festival has just announce that a special 30th anniversary screening of the newly 4K restored HIghlander, with special guests in attendance, will take place on Saturday June 18 2016, as part of the celebrations marking EIFF’s milestone 70th edition.
The cult favourite and one of the great action-fantasy romps of the 1980s, is packed with quotable lines, stylish sword-fighting moments and a memorable soundtrack from Queen.
The story has its dramatic origins in the 16th century Scottish Highlands where Connor MacLeod (Christophe Lambert) first discovers he is not like other men. After doing battle with a rival clan he is stabbed by a strange mercenary fighter called the Kurgan (Clancy Brown), but finds that he cannot die.
Befriended and trained by the charismatic Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez (Sean Connery), he finds out he is part of a group of immortals who must do battle until there is only one left alive.
Clancy Brown is acclaimed as a cult icon thanks to his mesmeric and maniacal performance as the Kurgan whilst Christophe Lambert is soulful and heroic as Connor, and Sean Connery quite sublime as the foppish yet skilful Ramirez.
Clancy Brown commented: “It’s taken a while, but I swore to myself that I would return again to Scotland after filming Highlander 30 years ago where I first learned of Robert the Bruce, James Macpherson, The Fortingall Yew and, most blissfully, single-malt scotch whisky."
Mark Adams, EIFF Artistic Director said: “We are truly delighted to be screening this cult classic on its 30th anniversary. It is a vibrant, fun and thrilling film and just as entertaining as it was all of those years ago. Plus it features some magnificent Scottish locations. This will be a great celebratory event for the 70th edition of EIFF.”
Clancy and other special guests will be in attendance at the screening on Saturday June 18 at Cineworld, Fountain Park.
Tickets priced £8/£6 will be on sale at 12noon on Monday 9th May and can be purchased here: bit.ly/1WjSfEm
The film will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on 11th July complete with brand new bonus material.


- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

X FILES STAR DAVID DUCHOVNY GOES WALKABOUT IN GLASGOW

Exclusive
Beverley Lyons
DAVID Duchovny got juiced up before his gig at Glasgow's O2 ABC tonight - with a trip to a local health food restaurant.
The X Files and Twin Peaks star only has a couple of dates in the UK and was keen to enjoy some of the delights of the city ahead of his concert.
And proving he's nothing like his alcoholic Californication character Hank Moody, he headed to the KCal Kitchen in West Regent Street for an energising green smoothie as he strolled around town.
David, whose mum is from Whitehills near Aberdeen says he loves coming back to Scotland.
He said: "Whenever I'm in Glasgow I'll jump at the chance to wear a kilt whenever I can. My mother is Scottish and I've not been here for twelve or thirteen years."
David who is a fan of the Average White Bend also revealed he's still figuring out his sound as a singer.
He added: "I started playing my guitar five or six years ago to amuse myself. I'm figuring out my sound as a singer. I have a good friend who is a virtuoso guitarist who says maybe one day he'll get back to playing like he was sixteen. I want to get back to that initial passion and curiosity you have as a beginner. As an actor I've done some sure things that turn out to be terrible failures and some terrible things turned into huge successes."


- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

MICHAEL BOLTON GOES DOWN A BOMB IN GLASGOW

MICHAEL Bolton arrived in Glasgow and proved he was dynamite with his personalised plate.
The singer is due to play The Glasgow Clyde Auditorium tonight and made sure he arrived extra early to take in the city before his big date.
Michael arrived at the Blytheswood hotel in style - in what appeared to be his own German plated chauffeur driven Mercedes car with the private plate BoMB.


He stopped to say hello to The Showbiz Lion saying he was thrilled to be back in Glasgow and later paid tribute to Prince saying: "The true Visionary. Honored to have known him. The world will hold him in highest esteem next to anyone in the history of Music."
Grammy award winner Michael has been getting rave reviews for his tour which will see him sing hits like How Am I Supposed To Live Without You as well as covers including Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life and Otis Redding’s classic Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay.


- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

ASHTON KUTCHER AND MILA KUNIS SWAPPED EASTER EGGS FOR RAISINS

ASHTON Kutcher and Mila Kunis gave their daughter raisins and breakfast cereal instead of chocolate eggs for Easter.
The Hollywood actor who is married to Mila Kunis didn't want his 18-month-old daughter to have too much sugar.
He said: "We didn't want to put candy in because she's one and a half and she's not quite ready. We're not quite ready for her to be ready for candy, so we did Cheerios and raisins. She loved the raisins. She was going ape for the raisins."
Ashton and Mila got their knickers in a twist over how to explain the Easter Bunny to their baby.
He explained to Jimmy Kimmel: "We actually were debating whether or not we were going to explain that a bunny was laying eggs. So, we had a legitimate conversation as to whether or not we're going to go down that path. Like, we think we're going Santa Claus, but we don't know about the bunny. It's tough because it's like, 'Why is a bunny laying eggs? Mommy, does a bunny lay eggs?' ... 'No, but the Easter Bunny does.' And then it becomes a whole thing. And what does that have to do with Jesus coming back from the dead?"

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

JUSTIN BIEBER CANCELS PURPOSE VIP EXPERIENCE

JUSTIN Bieber won't be having private meetings with his fans when he comes to Scotland.
The Baby and What Do You Mean? star who comes to Glasgow's SSE Hydro on October 27 has decided to cut his intimate backstage experience from The Purpose Tour.
Justin claims the experience which cost some fans £1300 was making him 'drained and unhappy.'
On his Instagram account he wrote: "I'm going to be canceling my meet and greets. I enjoy meeting such incredible people but I end up feeling so drained and filled with so much of other people's spiritual energy that I end up so drained and unhappy..
"Want to make people smile and happy but not at my expense and I always leave feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted to the point of depression ..
"The pressure of meeting people's expectations of what I'm supposed to be is so much for me to handle and a lot on my shoulders. Never want to disappoint but I feel I would rather give you guys the show and my albums as promised.
"Can't tell you how sorry I am, and wish it wasn't so hard on me.. And I want to stay in the healthy mindset I'm in to give you the best show you have ever seen."
Justin reportedly had a security scare at his gig at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday (21.03.16) when a fan got within 10 feet of him.
A source told TMZ: "This was the last straw in an increasing problem Justin's team has had in managing the number of people who wanted special access to the singer before and after the concert. Up to now, around 20 people purchased one-on-one packages, and up to 200 others paid to meet Justin in groups. He's had his hair pulled, clothes ripped and one fan even gave him the flu. Justin never complained, but Monday night's scare was a wake up call for security."


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

WHAT WILL MARIAH CAREY ASK FOR ON TOUR?

THE countdown to Mariah Carey's latest UK tour is on and before she comes to Scotland for the first night we thought we'd have a look at her previous tour requests.
The Game of War spokesmodel who is said to sing across seven octaves will kick off her 25-date Sweet Sweet Fantasy Tour on March 15 at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
Her visit comes thirteen years since she last appeared on stage at the neighbouring SECC for her Charmbracelet tour in 2003.
At that point she had a reputation for demanding everything from puppies and kittens to play with backstage as well as an alleged request to 'not do stairs' at the venue.
Her entourage reportedly consisted of make-up artist, hair stylist, dresser, masseuse, bodyguard and chef as well as a TV consultant to ensure there were no unflattering angles during shooting.
In 2009 it was claimed she wanted 20 white kittens and 100 white doves to be released while she turned on Christmas lights at Westfield London Shopping Centre. A Rolls-Royce, a pink carpet, pink podium, confetti shaped as butterflies, 80 security guards and 15-person entourage were apparently also requested.
Publicly shown tour riders in the past asked for plenty of Cristal champagne with bendy straws, but in 2010, according to a document released by The Smoking Gun, Mariah's tastes appeared to have matured slightly.
A $200 bottle of cabernet sauvignon was requested in her dressing room alongside a Jo Malone vanilla aromatherapy candle and two dozen white roses.
Mariah appeared to want things homely and not too fussy as her rider requested
"no busy patterns; black, dark grey, cream, dark pink are all fine."
The room temperature was specified at "about 75 degrees," and a "lamp or clip light" was to be provided so that "harsh lighting may be turned off" in her backstage bathroom.
This time round it's still unknown what Mariah has asked for at the SSE Hydro but we can just about bet it won't be an order for two pints of Tennent's, a steak bake, some Irn Bru and a packet of fags.