Local Round-up: Competition brewing up for ale contest

Maggie's Centre in Edinburgh is to benefit from a fundraising brew-off at The Queen's Arms in Frederick Street tomorrow night.

Stewart Brewing has challenged Alloa-based Williams Brothers to see who can brew the best five per cent summer ale.

Participants will take part in a blind tasting.

Marion Taylor of Maggie's Edinburgh said: "This is such a fun way to raise money and hope all the guests attending enjoy choosing their favourite ale."

Try all the fun of the farm

CHILDREN across the city are being urged to join in the fun at Gorgie City Farm's annual Big Fun Day at the weekend.

The event will feature pony rides, music, games, tombola, a raffle and plenty of ice cream. Face-painting will also be on offer.

It will be held on Saturday, from 11am to 4pm.

The right tips for writers

BUDDING writers are being encouraged to attend part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Get An Audience will feature tips on how to get your work to a wider audience.

It will take place at Writers' Retreat at Charlotte Square Gardens on August 20, from 11am to noon.

Artist to have his spray on pub's walls

A CITY bar is turning gallery to exhibit the works of a rising Capital artist.

The Newsroom in Leith Street has commissioned Steven Cox, 24, to create contemporary images to display on the venue's walls using spray paint and handmade stencils.

Steven Cox commented: "My main inspiration came from various New York street artists whose work I've become familiar with after trips to the city."

Summerhall fair goes on record

THE Scottish Independent Record Fair will be held in the Dissection Room at the Royal Dick Vet School at Summerhall from 1pm to 7pm on August 7. Music will be performed in the Anatomy Lecture Room. Stalls include Chemikal Underground and De-Fence Records.

Sealed in a kist - Scots music comes to Festival

A MUSICAL celebration of Scottish heritage - lead by former Record Breakers presenter Fiona Kennedy - is coming to the Festival next month.

Entitled 'The Kist', the production features young singers, musicians and award-winning guests all under one banner at the New Town Theatre: Majestic from August 5 to 21.

The word kist, meaning chest, is synonymous with travelling Scots who would carry their wooden kists of belongings with them.