9am news briefing

More than 100 students took part in the peaceful sit-in at Edinburgh University, which followed a march that brought city centre traffic to a halt.

Protesters remained in the building this morning and they have vowed to stay there "indefinitely" until they see a positive response to their protest.

The university did not object to the demonstration, and students were even able to get bedding into the building, though all access was closed off at 7pm last night .

• THE Lothians has experienced its first flakes of snow this winter, with weather forecasters predicting temperatures to drop below freezing tonight.

There were reports of snowfall in various parts of East Lothian yesterday, with sleet and snow showers also predicted for Edinburgh over the next couple of days.

However, most of the snow is expected to hit East Lothian, where a weather warning has been issued for today.

• THE city's Chamber of Commerce has given its approval to the appointment of its chief executive, Ron Hewitt, as the interim chair of Lothian Buses.

Concerns had been raised over a potential conflict of interests if Mr Hewitt, a well-known supporter of the tram project, took on a second role for the six-month period, however, chamber president Robert Carr said his appointment would have "no influence on our policy position in respect of transport or any other matter".

Mr Hewitt will be responsible for implementing current plans for the "integration" of bus and tram services from Lothian Buses, despite fears that the majority council-owned firm would subsidise the tram project.

• LETTINGS agency Braemore Property has been sold to Lomond Capital in the first of what is expected to be a string of deals aimed at consolidation within the industry.

Lomond Capital, chaired by former JJB Sports chairman Roger Lane-Smith, has 25 million available to build up its new Lomond Lettings venture.