THE Union Flags are about to be unfurled, the bunting hung and the long tables set. Excitement is building steadily ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee knees-up as citizens across the Capital prepare to celebrate her six decades of service to the nation.

HE lounges about in bed all day or sits glued to the Xbox, emerging from another Call of Duty kill session only to grunt the word “pizza” before retreating back to zombie mode.

ARTHUR’S Seat sits proudly against the blue of the May sky. Edinburgh Castle’s flags are a slight fluttering in the distance. To the right there’s Blackford Hill, a gorse-covered mount rising above the tree tops.

A leading animal health expert is set to take up a seat in the House of Lords.

KIT-bags packed, all the essentials required by a modern soldier are tucked inside. There are food rations – some kind of chicken pasta “thing” – binoculars for the recce exercise, clean socks, lip gloss and, of course, hair extensions brush.

A RED Dot Radio volunteer who has spent more than 40 years broadcasting to hospital patients has been honoured for his service.

VICTORIAN Edinburgh – the New Town was in its infancy, the age of Scottish Enlightenment had set a spark in the city which still blazed with intellectual thought and brilliant ideas, and the city’s well-heeled society mingled at lavish dinner parties and grand events.

The high street has caught tropical fever. It’s all about hyper prints on slinky shift dresses, tailored shorts and pyjama pants. Blazers are soft and romantic in fit while heels are high with a hint of toe cleavage.

A team of Edinburgh volunteers at the MS Therapy Centre Lothian have been shortlisted for the prestigious Inspiring Volunteering Award recognising their support to those with multiple sclerosis (MS).

STANDING shivering on the jetty overlooking a derelict Fountainbridge it was pretty hard to believe we’re currently mid-May.

Jenny Finlay is looking for some help with research.

Reader Frank Mooney is hoping to find out some details about an old painting he purchased.

Dr Ian Connor is a counselling psychologist and the Edinburgh centre director for First Psychology Scotland, www.edinburghtherapy.co.uk

Three teachers who started college together on the same day in the 1970s are now set to retire on the same day.

THERE is no missing it. It’s the visual equivalent of having a loud hailer thrust in your face into which the bloke who won Town Crier of the Year is yelling: “Hear ye, hear ye, big yellow building directly ahead.”

A church minister has said her emotional goodbyes to her congregation after eight-and-a-half years.

WITH her towering church spires that pierce the grey sky, the ancient blackened rock which hoists probably the most famous castle in the world into prime position guarding the city below and the prim New Town facades, Edinburgh, for most of us, presents a very familiar face.

The life of Betty Brocklehurst has been fraught with great tragedy, but as her 80th birthday approaches this weekend, it is her “award-winning smile” and strength that are being celebrated.

LIKE most blokes, Paul Lambert is looking forward to getting his hands on his latest hi-tech gadget.

Home to the best contemporary independent retailers, the West End is a must-visit for any style-conscious fashionista who wants to the best one-off pieces to rock this summer’s hottest trends.