Catch college performers before they Take Flight
Edinburgh College’s performing arts students are ready to mesmerise the crowd tomorrow at a one-night dance festival at the city’s Festival Theatre. Continue reading Edinburgh College stars set to shine at DanceFest
Great British Bake Off star Flora Shedden brought a buzz of excitement to the Scottish Parliament this week as she joined the Presiding Officer to unveil a specially commissioned bake made with honey from the Scottish Parliament’s beehives. Continue reading Buzz of excitement as Flora serves up Holyrood honey
A special party was thrown yesterday to celebrate the much-loved life of Edinburgh’s most famous little dog. Pupils laid flowers to the skirl of bagpipes at the grave of loyal terrier Greyfriars Bobby, who died 144 years ago on 14 January 1872.
Bobby is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard and his death is commemorated with a special ceremony every year on the anniversary of his death.
Amongst the participants was a Greyfriars Bobby look-alike, Bobby the Cairn terrier, sporting a specially-designed coat and badge in honour of her double.
As the one o’clock gun sounded, the time at which Bobby is said to have left his master’s grave each day for a free meal at a nearby café, pupils from George Heriot School laid flowers on the grave. This was followed by ‘Tribute to Greyfriars Bobby’, played on bagpipes by Jennifer Hutcheon.
Abbeyhill Primary School pupils were also in Central Library for a historical story time session about Greyfriars Bobby, joined by Moira and her Skye Terrier Hannah from the Skye Terriers club.
Donald Wilson, Lord Provost, who attended the event, said: “Today’s service was a very fitting tribute to one of Edinburgh’s most famous figures. Greyfriars Bobby truly is a world-famous pet, and his statue and grave are well established parts of the tourist trail.
“Everyone knows and loves the story of his loyalty, and it’s so nice to be part of this special commemoration. Anyone interested in finding out more about Bobby can browse the memorabilia on display just now at the Museum of Edinburgh.”
After the death of Bobby’s owner John Gray, the then Lord Provost, Sir William Chambers, ensured the dog’s freedom by purchasing a license and dog collar, allowing him to roam the graveyard.
Capturing the hearts of passers-by every day, Bobby’s statue was erected a year after his death in 1872 by the Ladies Committee of the RSPCA, and has since become a landmark for the capital, visited by millions of people.
Yesterday’s event was supported by local charity The Grassmarket Community Project.
Members of the Power to the People group are calling on local groups and individuals from North Edinburgh to join them at a lobby of the full council meeting on Thursday 21 January to protest against what Unison describe as the “worst cuts in living memory”. Continue reading SOS – Save Our Services!
Some Street Party tickets still available
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers Unique Events are advising revellers to buy and pick up their Street Party tickets soon, rather than the day itself.
While tickets for Concert in the Gardens, Candlelit Concert and the Old Town Ceilidh are already sold out, tickets for the world famous Street Party are still available. The Street Party event sold out last year, however, so if you want to be there – get your ticket NOW!
Streetwise students get ‘real life lessons’
Edinburgh College’s young hairdressers are swapping salons for the streets this winter for a charity project to provide haircuts to homeless people. Continue reading Haircuts for the Homeless
Banks urged to insist their contractors pay a living wage
GMB Scotland is to hold a protest demonstration outside Royal Bank of Scotland HQ in St Andrew Square on Tuesday to step up the campaign for them to pay a living wage to members employed by G4S and ISS to provide security and cleaning at RBS buildings across Britain. Continue reading High noon: Union plans Tuesday protest at RBS
Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood has created the ultimate advent calendar for big kids – a digital door a day back in time to childhood winters! Continue reading Museum of Childhood to launch digital advent calendar
Johnstone questions Marketing chief’s ‘patronising’ comments
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has questioned comments by John Donnelly, chief executive of Marketing Edinburgh, in which he supported plans to turn the Royal High School into a luxury hotel and the controversial redevelopment of the St James Centre. Continue reading Out of character, out of touch
