9am Briefing: Prisoner who murdered beggar to be let out to help homeless

Published on Thursday 23 October 2008 10:01

A WOMAN who murdered a beggar at the age of 15 is being let out of prison to volunteer for a homelessness charity, it is reported today.

Pamela Reid was jailed for at least eight years after she and a friend killed John Brankin, 39, in Edinburgh.

She is now being released from Cornton Vale prison on a regular basis to volunteer at the Shelter shop in Stirling, it is reported. Managing director of the charity's retail operations Ed Jordan said the organisation supported the rehabilitation of offenders.

Grassmarket revamp to mark gallows spot

THE Grassmarket revamp will include historic panels, engraved poems and cobbles to mark the spot where the City's gallows once stood.

The walls that surround the current Covenanters' Memorial will be removed and the area will be enhanced by a new garden. Information will focus not only on the Covenanters, but will also mention more of the area's grisly history, including the execution of those accused of murder, witchcraft, smuggling and child abuse.

The Grassmarket is also to benefit from the extension of pavement cafes and the creation of an events zone.

Glasvegas to top Homgmanay bill

GLASVEGAS are to top the bill at Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations. The Glasgow band, who NME this year called "the best new band in Britain" will perform on the Waverley Stage, just off Princes Street.

Paolo Nutini is to play at the night's Concert in the Gardens before heading off to Glasgow for his second performance of the night. Other acts for the night have yet to be announced.

Fringe boss hunt on hold

ATTEMPTS to find a new boss for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe have been put on hold, it is reported today.

The recruitment campaign for a new director is said to have been put to one side until the organisation completes investigations into the failure of this year's Fringe box office and decides who should run its ticketing operation next year. Both inquiries are said to be behind schedule.

The Fringe is currently being run by board member Tim Hawkins, who stepped into the role midway through this year's festival.