9am Briefing: Dog saves man from flat blaze

Published on Wednesday 24 June 2009 10:22

A MAN was alerted to a fire in his flat in the early hours of this morning by his dog's continuous barking.

The blaze started in a kitchen in a flat in Dumbiedykes at around 1.30am.

The sole occupant didn't realise his home was in flames until his dog alerted him.

Lothian and Borders Fire Service attended soon after the blaze had taken hold and were able to put the fire out quickly.

The man suffered from smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene.

Salmond wades into library flag row

ALEX Salmond has stepped into the row over the National Library of Scotland's Saltire ban to ensure staff can keep the flag on their desks.

The First Minister summoned library chief executive Martin Wade to a meeting after it was revealed an employee who personalised his desk with Saltires had been ordered to remove them because it was "inappropriate" and could be intimidating to non-Scottish workers.

A spokesman for Mr Salmond said: "The First Minister was given an absolute assurance a memo would be circulated to all staff making it clear they are permitted to display the Saltire at their work station in an appropriate way."

Foodies to hit Fringe

A FOOD event which has grown year on year will take place at Holyrood Park as part of the Fringe.

The three-day Foodies at the Festival event, which runs from 21 August, will host stalls from more than 100 food and drink producers and will also feature a range of top-name chefs, including The Balmoral's Jeff Bland.

Organisers say a second event will also take place later in the year in George Street's Assembly Rooms, as part of the city's Winter Festival.

Strang among Labour rebels

EDINBURGH East MP Gavin Strang was among 19 Labour rebels who voted against the Government over its arrangements for an inquiry into the Iraq war.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown provoked widespread anger when he originally announced the inquiry would take place in private and inquiry chairman Sir John Chilcot has since indicated he wants most of it to be in public.

A Tory motion demanding a re-think and a vote for MPs on the terms of reference was defeated in the Commons last night, but the Government's majority was nearly halved to 39 by the backbench rebellion.

Dr Strang said: "It is absolutely vital as much as possible of the inquiry is heard in public."