Community News: Pressure's on to get free blood checks

CRAIGMILLAR residents are being urged to take a free blood pressure check.

The Thistle Foundation is encouraging people to take part in Know your Numbers! Week from September 13 to 19. The Thistle Gym on Niddrie Mains Road is among around 1,400 official "pressure stations" taking part in the nation's biggest blood pressure testing event, run by UK charity the Blood Pressure Association.

The checks will be on offer on September 16 from 10am-4pm.

Funding boost to services for city's elderly

A NEW part-time development worker is to work in the Northfield area following a funding boost.

The grant of 5905 follows research by the Craigentinny and Duddingston Neighbourhood Partnership in June that looked at services for older people in Northfield.

The funding was approved by the neighbourhood partnership, who judged that it links closely with the criteria of reducing inequalities.

Coffee maker causes a stir

A BUDDING coffee maker has been shortlisted in a nationwide competition to find the country's best barista.

Liam Reid, who works at Costa Coffee in Fort Kinnaird, reached the regional finals of Costa's Barista of the Year contest, which will take place in Edinburgh on September 8.

Hotel makes room for farmers

A LUXURY boutique hotel in the Capital is to hold a farmers' market.

The Hotel du Vin, on Bristo Place, will showcase the produce of local firms.

Among those taking part on October 3 are IJ Mellis Cheesemonger, Innis & Gunn beer and Peelhams Farm.

Garden's art tour sure to make an impression

A SPECIAL tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is to be taken by art historians tomorrow, as part of an ongoing exhibition in the Capital.

The free Impressionist Gardens Tour will start at 2pm at the East Gate on Inverleith Row.

A National Galleries art historian and a Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh garden guide will be exploring the Impressionists' love of gardens, plants and flowers.

The event is being held as part of the Impressionist Gardens exhibition, at the National Gallery of Scotland.

Bobby contest to be big draw

SCOTLAND'S favourite dog is being immortalised in a children's art competition.

Greyfriars Bobby is the subject of the contest run by The One O'Clock Gun and Time Ball Association. Artists are invited to submit pictures depicting the dog's loyalty before September 11. All entries must be on an A4 page with contact details.