Around town: IT students win patient privacy grant

COMPUTING students from Napier University have won a £2 million grant to improve patient privacy.

The IT security experts will use the funding in partnership with Microsoft to create secure healthcare systems.

If implemented, it should mean less risk of future breaches of patient confidentiality.

Prof Bill Buchanan said: "For the future of patient care, everyone involved must be given access to information that enhances decision making."

Sea World staff in trek to aquarium

A TEAM of dedicated aquarists have been walking up to three miles through the snow to look after thousands of fish at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry.

The keepers have been working in shifts to ensure the continued wellbeing of everything from tropical seahorses to three-metre long sharks during the freezing weather.

Access has been by foot only for the last week, with staff leaving home at 5am.

International stars ensure concert is all that jazz

A FREE jazz concert is to be held at the National Gallery of Scotland.

International harpist Alina Bzhezhinska will be joined by jazz stars Martin Kershaw, on saxophone, and Mario Caribe, on double bass, in what is a new trio.

The programme includes a selection of jazz standards, Brazilian music and Christmas favourites.

The free, unticketed concert is being held on Thursday, December 9, at the National Gallery Complex on the Mound, and starts at 6pm.

Ramblers on the small screen

DISABLED ramblers from the Lothians have starred in a BBC TV programme.

Members of the Forth and Tay Disabled Ramblers Association featured in the recent Landward broadcast.

The group has around 80 members in the area.

Santa makes Ratho swoop

SANTA'S sleigh will swoop on Ratho this Sunday, parading through the village and dispensing sweets to youngsters in a whirl of festive fun.

The Christmas procession will begin at 4pm at Ratho Byres and is expected to be completed by 7.15pm. Stewards will be on hand to ensure there are no traffic problems.

Pupil posts card design

THE Christmas card being sent out by Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray this year has been designed by a pupil from St John Vianney's Primary in the Inch.

The 2010 Westminster Christmas Card Competition winner for south Edinburgh schools was James Patrick O'Donnell.