Local news: Youngsters set out to aid orchard grow

Youngsters from Blackhall Mosque have helped to lay the foundations for a community orchard at a National Trust property.

The mosque's Nasim Azad said: "We have taken out a group membership of the National Trust for Scotland and as well as enjoying many days out at Trust properties, have also been looking about how we can offer practical help."

The teenagers burnt vegetation at The Pineapple in Falkirk to prepare the land for planting.

LGBT centre to hold party

The LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing in Howe Street will host a Hallowe'en party from 7pm to 10pm on Saturday. The centre, which provides help and advice for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, will offer the chance to take part in games including dook for apples and dress the mummy.

Reformation talk planned

THE legacy of the Scottish Reformation is to be marked by the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church of Scotland with a day conference and an evening service at St Giles Cathedral.

Reformation - Marking the Legacy, Imagining the Future is at the Storytelling Centre on November 3. The service is at 6pm.

Reading group helps on award

A READING group based in the Capital has helped to judge the Guardian First Book Award 2010.

The reading group from Waterstones West End branch read ten books in just eight weeks to help whittle down the longlist to the final shortlist of five.

Pupils go wild for zoo's classroom conference

Pupils from across Scotland have visited Edinburgh Zoo's Education Centre to take part in the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) annual global classroom conference.

The event saw more than 100 pupils learn about the importance of biological diversity.

Students also debated international issues surrounding the subject of biodiversity, including the value placed on natural resources such as rainforests and how they can be protected.

Songstress checks in for Capital gig

UP-AND-COMING songstress Kirsty Almeida is set to wow crowds with a solo performance and interview at a popular capital music store in Grassmarket next Saturday.

The Decca Records signing will take part in a radio interview from 2pm followed by a live set - a rare occasion for the singer who usually fronts a seven-piece band. Kirsty Almeida will also be at The Jazz Bar on Thursday from 9pm.