Edinburgh news in brief: MacAskill in visit to unit for homeless

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill was today visiting Bethany Christian Centre to see first-hand the work of charities supporting homeless and vulnerable people.

He was due to meet residents and staff at the Residential Addictions Unit for Men, which helps vulnerable men resettle into a stable environment.

Bethany is one of four charities which will benefit from the sale of the image featured on the First Minister's Christmas card, Let's Twist Again by Jack Vettriano.

College set to hold open day

Stevenson College will be holding an open day in January for prospective students.

Lecturers will be on hand to help people decide which course suits them best.

The open day will take place at the college's main Sighthill campus on January 17 and will run from 1.30pm to 6.00pm.

Environmental charity boss quits

THE chief executive of Edinburgh-based Friends of the Earth Scotland is to quit after eight years in the job.

Duncan McLaren, who joined the environmental charity in 2001, is to move to Sweden with his partner Pernilla Rinsell and their two children.

New topping ideas invited for pizza menu

PIZZA lovers are being invited to invent an innovative topping to celebrate the 25th anniversary of a Grassmarket restaurant.

Mamma's Pizza and Panzerotti will cook the three winning entries on Saturday, January 29, in a pizza cook-off before a panel of expert judges decide on their favourite topping. The chosen topping will be used on a pizza named after its creator and featuring on Mamma's menu.

Primary children go potty to help Marie Curie

Local primary children have joined forces with pottery painting business Potter Around on a Christmas Enterprise Challenge to raise money for charity Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Youngsters from Nether Currie Primary School were challenged to paint and sell 100 ceramic snowmen created by the company and the children even made extra cash by offering personalised snowman designs.

A cheque for 304.50 was presented to the charity recently.

Challenge for fundraisers

GROUPS of fundraisers have been invited to a gruelling challenge taking place in some of the country's most scenic spots.

The Rob Roy Challenge, which involves a 55-mile journey on foot and bicycle, takes place in the northern central belt in June.

For information visit www.robroych allenge.com.