Community News: Small firms 'have bigger needs now'

BUSINESS leaders in the Capital have called for more support for small firms.

Michael Dixon, chairman of the Edinburgh branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said there was currently a gap in support for small companies.

He said a reorganisation in 2007 had left many small firms ineligible for funds that could help them grow.

Festival of prayer is on

THE Festival of Prayer and Meditation at Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church in Newington continues on Wednesday with a service for older people at 2.30pm, followed by afternoon tea and prayers at 7.30pm with friends from St Columba's Roman Catholic Church, followed by coffee and cake.

Nurse wins bug award

A NURSE from the city has been awarded for her commitment to fighting superbugs.

Infection control nurse Lindsay Guthrie was the Scottish section of a Europe-wide awards scheme.

She was recognised for her work in developing a toolkit to deal with C.diff which has been rolled out across the area.

Cheyne wins Great Scot prize

A CITY hairdressing and property entrepreneur Jennifer Cheyne has won the Great Scot 2010 business award.

The chair of Cheynes Management, who has featured on Channel 4 show The Secret Millionaire, said: "I'm delighted and very surprised." ""I'm also humbled as there were so many people at the event who have achieved wonderful things and deserved to be honoured so much for their achievements or the good work they have done for their community."

Get to grips with grapes at wine tasting event

Virgin Wines is hosting its first wine tasting event in Scotland at The Hub.

The online retailer is heading to the Castlehill venue on September 25, where it is inviting wine enthusiasts to come along for an afternoon of wine tasting.

The event is set to attract more than 350 customers to try from a range of over 120 wines from around the world and talk to personal wine advisors and winebuyers, who will be on hand to talk about the wine and help them with wine recommendations.

Step up for some dance classes

A NEW dance for Edinburgh is set to be launched at the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society's autumn dance classes.

Edinburgh Dances Forth was devised for the classes, launched to coincide with a week of beginners lessons at The Cluny Centre from 8pm until Friday.

Peace centre to mark its 30th birthday

THE Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre celebrates its 30th birthday today, which is also International Peace Day.

Choir Protest in Harmony will provide music to celebrate the occasion and there will also be an exhibition offering a flavour of the centre's history and activities.The centre in St John's Church, Princes Street, will host the Scotland's for Peace launch at 3.30pm.

Celebrations will get under way at the Peace and Justice Centre in St John's Church on Princes Street, at 12.15pm.