Around town: Film student proves he's the write stuff

A FILM and media student from Queen Margaret University has been awarded a prize for his dissertation.

Greg McCraw, 22, from Haymarket, was announced as the prize winner at the university's graduation ceremony.

He became the first recipient of the Bruce Thomson Production Dissertation Prize, in memory of Mr Thomson, a lecturer who was tragically killed at an unstaffed level crossing in 2001.

Club to go Mad for relaunch

Fire-Hit club the Liquid Room is set to have a Madchester night to celebrate its reopening.

The event will feature a DJ set by Charlatans singer Tim Burgess, left, on July 31. The official relaunch party five days later is set to be hosted by Forth 1 DJ Grant Stott.

Standing up for HIV charity

TOP comedians will be giving up their time to host a charity gig in aid of HIV charity Waverley Care.

The Tartan Ribbon Comedy Benefit will take place at the Pleasance Grand on August 17 at 8pm.

Previous years' acts have included Stephen K Amos, Jason Byrne and Rhod Gilbert.

Fundraising family fun day

A FAMILY fun day is to be held at the Prentice Centre in Granton.

The event, on July 24, runs from 10am to 1pm, and will feature a nearly new sale, face-painting for children and a tombola.

The event is being held to raise money for the centre, which has seen a cut in its funding.

Art talk full of eastern promise

A FREE talk on an exhibition of Russian abstract art is to be held at the National Gallery of Scotland.

The talk, by Professor Christina Lodder, honorary fellow at the University of Edinburgh, will be held on Monday, July 26, at 12.45pm.

Statues inspire walk in aid of kid's cause

A 12-MILE charity walk has been organised in aid of Cash For Kids.

Inspired by the sculptures by Antony Gormley in the Water of Leith, Radio Forth has organised the event, called Cash For Kids River Ramble, on September 12.

The walk starts at Balerno and follows the Water of Leith to the port of Leith.

Event organisers are looking for up to 100 people to take part.

MSP praises extra funding for youth projects

Ian MCKEE MSP has welcomed further cash for Edinburgh's youth groups.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill announced 2.5 million of funding for youth groups, 177,962 of which will be allocated to City of Edinburgh Council.

Local youth groups have been invited to apply for funding, and Lothians MSP Dr McKee said: "Increasing sports facilities and amenities reduces antisocial behaviour. That's why we need to provide more activities and encourage young people to get involved."