Napier expert gets key Olympic role

A NAPIER University events expert has been given a key role in helping to ensure the smooth running of the London 2012 Olympics.

Dr Eleni Theodoraki, director of the Edinburgh Institute for Festival and Event Management at Edinburgh Napier University's Business School, has been appointed as "core commissioner for a sustainable London 2012".

She says: "Hosting the Olympic Games presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue significant urban, social and sport development challenges in Britain.

"With the volume of investment estimated at 9 billion, it is fundamental that sustainability objectives are taken account of within all the planning and development.

"This includes procurement contracts, jobs creation, waste management and environmental protection as well as ensuring venue plans seek to provide maximum use after 2012 and minimum financial burden."

While Theodoraki will be cooking up a storm in London, Lorna Padden is practising her trade a little closer to home after being appointed as the Scottish Youth Hostels Association's (SYHA) first food and beverages manager.

Padden – who previously worked with RBS Hospitality, Howies Restaurants and Beanscene – is charged with bringing greater "choice, quality and consistency" to the catering offered at the 47 hostels run by SYHA Hostelling Scotland.

SYHA says the emphasis will be on "simple, satisfying meals" such as mince and tatties, smoked salmon, soups and pies. More hostels will become licensed, offering whiskies and ales to visitors.

A group that could be in need of some rest and relaxation after this weekend is the team of lawyers from Shepherd & Wedderburn, who are running in tomorrow's Edinburgh marathon. Eight lawyers have volunteered to form two teams – "Feel the (Wedder) Burn" and "Shepherd's Pies".

The teams are raising money for the Koru Foundation, which helps to bring green energy to Africa.