Around town: Funds boost for young people's club

The 3Ms Youth Partnership provides clubs and holiday programmes for young people in secondary schools that live in Marchmont, Morningside or Merchiston and have low self-confidence, have been bullied or have difficulty sustaining friendships.

It is earmarked for a 2935 grant from the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership.

Premiere for film made by local actors

A FILM made in Pilton by aspiring actors from the local area has had its premiere.

The Pilton Video group last night showed a sold-out screening of Mum's Birthday, which was made last summer. It follows the life of a newly single father who is looking to save his relationship with his son. It is based on the real-life experiences of its director, Graham Fitzpatrick. Actors include River City bad guy Tam Dean Burn.

Open days at allotments

The Caley Allotment is tomorrow set to hold its Annual Open Day.

The fundraising event, at Bridgend, south of Cameron Toll, includes a fruit-pruning workshop. It runs from 2pm to 4pm.

West Mains Allotments is also having its first open day, at the same time on West Mains Road.

Talk gives picture of public art

There will be a discussion about the state of public art at the Portobello Public Art House in King's Road tomorrow. The event begins at 6pm with guest speaker, artist Kenny Hunter. It is free but with limited places. Contact [email protected]

Darling reflects on Downing St

FORMER chancellor Alistair Darling will give this year's Donald Dewar Memorial Lecture on August 17.

The event, which is part of the International Book Festival, takes place in Charlotte Square Gardens at 6.30pm. Darling will reflect on his time in Downing Street.

City business leaders attack unfair rate rises

BUSINESS leaders in the Capital have pledged their support for a nationwide campaign against unfair rises in business rates, saying "enough's enough".

Ron Hewitt, chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said it was time for a "righteous deluge" of the appeals process.

He said: "With businesses facing increases of 100 per cent, we now have public sector protests with NHS Lothian concerned that their non-domestic rates increases may cause 100 job losses."

New head of sales at hotel

ONE of the Capital's most popular hotels has appointed a new director of sales.

Sarah Finlay has taken up the position at the Caledonian Hilton on Princes Street, where she will head up the hotel's team of sales professionals.

Miss Finlay previously worked at the Royal Terrace Hotel.