Local Round-up: Take a tour of Balerno's rare bogland

WILDLIFE enthusiasts will get the chance to explore one of the most endangered habitats in Scotland as part of a guided tour of a Balerno bogland.

To mark International Bog Day this Sunday, the Scottish Wildlife Trust will welcome the public to its Red Moss Wildlife Reserve, where rare wildlife habitats are home to many species that can only live in such environments.

Peatlands such as this are in decline due to peat extraction other areas being drained for alternative uses.

Hot date at curry house

CITY restaurant Kismot is giving residents more time to enter a competition that could see them crowned "Kurry King or Queen".

The restaurant in St Leonard's Street, thought to serve one of the world's hottest curries, will host a curry-eating competition on October 1. All funds raised will go to CHAS.

Dog lover to walk the talk

A YOUNG dog lover from Penicuik is honing her training skills at the Young Kennel Club's national training camp in Leicestershire.

Sinead Kerr-Moir, nine, will be joined by her dogs Libbi, Deja, Chaos, Mayhem and Purdi as they take part in a number of activities, such as dog obedience, agility and grooming.

Maclean tunes up for Lothian gig

Renowned Scottish musician Dougie Maclean OBE takes to the stage tomorrow.

The performer, whose songs have been covered by the likes of Paolo Nutini and Ronan Keating, is at the Howden Park Centre tomorrow at 7.30pm. Tickets cost 17 or 15 concession. Call 01506 777666.

City hotel gets gold star for green ways

A CITY hotel has been awarded a gold medal by a green tourism initiative in recognition of its efforts to be more environmentally friendly.

The George Hotel was assessed by advisors from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, who scored the hotel against a rigorous set of criteria, including energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity.

The hotel gained the highest level of recognition.

Castle gives visitors a taste of Edwardian era

THE clock will be turned back at Lauriston Castle on August 13 for visitors to get a taste of Edwardian life.

Lauriston Castle 1910, A Night at the Opera! is a special tour organised by volunteers from Living Lauriston, who help the City of Edinburgh Museum Service interpret the castle and its collections.

They will be bringing to life the tale of the castle's last private owners, Mr and Mrs Reid, and their staff, as they prepare for a visit to the theatre. To pre-book, phone [phone].