Business talks on building up economy

Business leaders and politicians will gather at the Scottish Parliament in November to discuss how to rebuild the economy and avoid another recession.

The sixth annual Business in the Parliament conference on November 12 will focus on how the public and private sector can work together to lead the economy out of the doldrums.

The conference, jointly organised by the parliament and the Scottish Government, will bring together MSPs and senior business figures.

UK midwives deliver new report launch

MORE than 200 experts from across the UK gathered at Dynamic Earth for the launch of the Midwifery 2020 programme.

The UK-wide report focused on how midwifery can make contributions to the health and wellbeing of women and babies.

Chair Rosemary Kennedy, CBE, said: "Midwives are of the utmost importance to society. Midwives are key in ensuring women have a safe pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period."

Check out speed chess contest at Playhouse

A "SPEED chess" competition is being held by the Edinburgh Playhouse to help raise money for the fight against cancer.

The event, ahead of Chess The Musical hitting the boards at the theatre, will raise money for Marie Curie.

Entrants will need to pay 20 to take part, but the winner will pick up a cheque for 100 and a family ticket for the closing night of the musical.

Chess The Musical runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse from September 21-25.

The North Edinburgh Community Festival will take place at the Forthquarter Park at Granton on September 25.

The event, from 12pm until 4pm, will feature a mini carnival and bouncy castle. There will also be stalls offering advice on education, employment and health.

Cardinal given Mass surprise

THE choir of St Mary's RC Cathedral gave Cardinal Keith O'Brien a surprise when they sang a newly-composed Metropolitan Mass to mark his 25 years as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh.

The Mass was composed by choir member Michael Ferguson.

Elderly info day planned

A COMMUNITY day designed to inform the elderly about local services and activities in Cramond is being held next month.

Run by Almond Neighbourhood Partnership, the event will focus on health and wellbeing and takes place on October 19 from 10.30am to 3pm at Cramond Kirk. Contact 0131-469 5479.