9am Briefing: Biomass plant in doubt as SNP call for it to be scrapped

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a massive biomass power plant in the heart of Edinburgh's waterfront regeneration area have been thrown into doubt after SNP politicians demanded it be scrapped.

MSPs Shirley-Anne Somerville and Kenny MacAskill have voiced concern over the size, location and environmental impact of the proposed plant, earmarked for a site in Leith Docks just 400 metres from existing homes.

Animated tale of the Capital comes to film festival

THE Oscar-nominated animator who chose the Capital to inspire his new film will see it take pride of place as the opener of Edinburgh's annual film festival in June.

The Illusionist – mostly set in 1950s Scotland – will be the first film to get the red-carpet treatment at the flagship new venue for galas, the Festival Theatre.

Scotland's biggest-ever movie production was masterminded by Frenchman Sylvain Chomet.

Tories plan national service for youngsters

TORY leader David Cameron today announced plans for youngsters to take part in a civilian "national service".

He said the programme, involving two-month summer social action activities such as looking after the elderly, would be voluntary, but the ambition was that every 16-year-old would take part.

He said: "I want to see a programme which engages young people and gives them a sense of purpose, optimism and belonging. Something like National Service. Not military, not compulsory but universal and in the same spirit."