Debating teams go head-to-head

MORE than 80 pupils from secondary schools across Scotland took part in the final of the annual Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament at the Scottish Parliament last night.

Established in 1999, Scotland's largest annual schools debating tournament is open to all Scottish secondary schools. This year, 128 teams competed in a series of heats, culminating in last night's final. Stewart's Melville College in Edinburgh took on teams from Falkirk, Perth and Kirkcudbright.

Community sale at centre

There will be an open day and nearly new sale at the Pregnancy and Parents Centre in Lower Gilmore Place on July 9.

Visitors can find out about the work of the centre and buy low-cost, quality maternity and baby clothes, real nappies and accessories between 12pm and 4pm.

Masked ball for business

There will be a midsummer masquerade at The Voodoo Rooms on July 9 to raise money for the Saltire Foundation, which provides fellowships for future business leaders. The event will include face painting and glitter tattoos. For more information see twitter.com/SaltireSirens.

Kidney association fundraiser

The South East Scotland Kidney Patients Association will hold its summer buffet dance on July 9 at London Road Foundry Bowling Club in Farrer Terrace. The event will feature fundraising events. Tickets are 7 each. Contact Bill McDonald on [phone].

Voluntary staff given top honour

STAFF at the Edinburgh-based Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations are celebrating after being named winners of the "Committed to Excellence" category at the Scottish Awards for Business Excellence.

They were given the award at a gala lunch at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

The annual awards scheme is organised by charitable group Quality Scotland.

Bio-quarter launches push for new tenants

NEW advertising boards are set to go up at the site of the Edinburgh Bio-quarter.

In the latest move to attract companies to the development at Little France, the hoardings will be erected to promote the space at Nine as the building there approaches completion.

Office suites and laboratory spaces are available up to nearly 50,000 square feet.

It is hoped the Bio-quarter, which has close ties to NHS Lothian and Edinburgh University, will attract world class scientists and drug firms to Edinburgh.