From the Chalkface

Published on Tuesday 6 January 2009 19:00

PEOPLE

THE new principal of St Andrews University began work on Monday, on the eve of the institution's 600th anniversary.

Dr Louise Richardson, formerly the executive dean of the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University, was born in Ireland and is an academic specialist on international security, which she taught at Harvard.

She is the author and editor of several books and the recipient of numerous awards, including a teaching prize from the American Political Science Association.

NEWS

THE employment of two development officers to encourage schools across Scotland to adopt micro-renewable energy was among a series of green measures announced by the Scottish Government this week.

The new employees will work with local authorities to obtain funding from public and private sources to build microgeneration installations.

The measures also include enlisting the Carbon Trust to advise local authorities on school design and the creation of a website to offer advice and guidance on the development of a low-carbon school estate.

&#149 SEVENTY-ONE school building projects were completed in Scotland during 2008, according to figures released by the Scottish Government.

Of that figure, most were new-build developments and 42 were completed using the PPP model of funding.

&#149 THE life and works of Robert Louis Stevenson will be the subject of a website to be launched by three Scottish universities.

Aimed at academics and enthusiasts, the site will contain the input of Stevenson scholars, reading packs, a biography and publication timeline.

Developed by Edinburgh, Napier and Stirling universities, and funded via a 34,500 grant from the Carnegie Trust, the site is expected to be operational next year.

EVENTS

THE world of publishing will be under examination at a literary salon being run by Dundee University and Dundee Contemporary Arts on 5 February.

Dan Franklin, formerly of the publishing house Canongate, will speak at the event, the first of a series being staged in the city.

On 5 March, author Zoe Wicomb will read from her latest novel. She will be followed by novelist Ali Smith, who will appear on 26 March to read from and talk about her work. Visit www.literarydundee.co.uk for further information.