Community News: Peatbogs up for discussion at city probe

A GROUP of experts and professionals have gathered in Edinburgh to discuss preserving peatbogs.

The inquiry is aiming to address the problem of peatbogs being washed away and restore some of them to their original function.

Clifton Bain, director of the IUNC UK peatbog programme, said: "Peatlands have been damaged by drainage, fires and grazing, with large areas eroding into rivers and reservoirs. This then costs water companies millions of pounds."

Buyer finds Hibs legend work Devine

A PAINTING of Hibernian legend Pat Stanton by the renowned portrait artist Aine Devine has been snapped up at an exclusive preview of the Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 2010.

Stephen Dunn, former Hibernian Football Club director, bought the painting and is donating it to the Hibernian Historical Trust.

The portrait of Pat is part of the show running until Saturday in the Dovecot Studios.

Asda staff get baking with cook contest winner

Youngsters in Edinburgh are to be shown the art of baking in a bid to raise money for this year's BBC Children in Need appeal.

Staff from Asda Edinburgh have joined forces with Lea Harris, a contestant from the BBC Two cookery competition The Great British Bake Off, to host a Bake the Bear workshop on Wednesday, November 10.

Children are invited to come into the store at The Jewel to join in the cookery fun. Treats, which include biscuits in the shape of Pudsey Bear, will be sold off to raise money.

Take a surrealist look at war

The response of surrealist artists to the First World War is to be discussed at an event in Edinburgh

The free lecture, Surrealism: Anger and Revolt, will be held in the Hawthornden Lecture Theatre of the National Gallery Complex, on Monday at 12.45pm.

More keen to get building

THE number of new planning applications lodged has increased for the 11th month running.

In the three-month period to the end of September there were 1115 planning applications lodged and 1157 building warrants.

The number of applications was 13 per cent ahead of last year.

Talks held on school future

A PUBLIC meeting on the future of an old primary school site will be held on November 8.

The event will give people the chance to express their views on the proposals for a new supermarket on the site of the former Curriehill Primary.

The public meeting starts at 7.30pm in the Gibson-Craig Hall.