Around town: School blazes a trail with Food For Life award

THE Rudolf Steiner School in Edinburgh has become the first independent school in Scotland to receive a Gold Food for Life Catering Mark from the Soil Association.

The school had to provide evidence of its use of local and seasonal produce as well as demonstrating that it is a hub for a good food culture in the local community. To do this, the school actively involved parents and community groups in the growing and cooking of the meals

Teacher Alistair Pugh said: "We would encourage other schools to pursue a Food for Life award."

THE abundant wildlife thriving at Blackford Pond can be enjoyed during a countryside ranger "health walk".

Half-hour tours of the landmark, which has been revitalised in recent months by volunteers and Friends of Hermitage of Braid, will run from September 27-30.

JESUIT priest and author Father Gerard Hughes will preach at Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church in Newington at 10.45am tomorrow as part of the congregation's Festival of Prayer and Meditation.

A former Roman Catholic chaplain at Glasgow University, he has worked all over the world.

The festival will draw to a close with a service of silence, prayer, Scripture, meditation and music at 7pm.

TWO pupils from Broughton High have won a top debating title.

Isla Ratcliff and Mason Stade, both S3 pupils, lifted the CBCC Interschool Debating Trophy for 2010.

The pair, who have been debating for only a year, faced opposition from pupils at Mary Erskine's, Stewart's Melville and Royal High.

Students in Edinburgh are to get the opportunity to pick up priceless tips from some of the world's most distinguished event planners next month.

Industry professionals - including the former casting manager from Walt Disney World as well as senior officials from Microsoft, the Commonwealth Games and Events Scotland - will be attending a two-day conference.

The event, which is being organised by Queen Margaret University, is due to take place on October 28 and 29.

An initiative to provide up to 600 affordable homes in Edinburgh has moved a step closer.

The city council is taking part in the National Housing Trust scheme, in which local authorities will buy houses from developers using loans underwritten by the Scottish Government.