Local News: School head stands down after 4 years

THE head teacher of Queensferry High School is leaving to take up a post elsewhere.

Robert Birch told parents and pupils "transitional arrangements" should be in place at the school by the end of February.

On the school's website, he said: "I would like to thank the pupils and parents for making me so welcome and for all the support and encouragement which I have received over the past four years.

"Queensferry High will give me many happy memories."

Society tells of subject's importance

The Royal Society of Edinburgh has published a report on the teaching of history in Scottish schools as part of its contribution to the reform of education in Scotland.

Chair, Professor Christopher Whatley, vice-principal at Dundee University, said: "History has the capacity to fascinate young people and stimulate learners' imaginations.

"It also teaches key transferable skills."

Union holds annual talks

MEMBERS of the Unison trade union in Edinburgh are to hold their annual general meeting next month.

The AGM is to be held at the Queen's Hall in Clerk Street on February 16 at 6pm.

They will elect officers to key posts, set policy on a series of issues and amend branch rules.

Shining light on Bell Rock

FORMER chairman of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, Peter Mackay, will give a presentation.

The event takes place on Wednesday at Appleton Tower, Edinburgh University, at 2pm and celebrates the 200th anniversary of the completion of Bell Rock lighthouse.

Heat is on for dad's Sahara drive

THE father of a boy with an autism-like disease is driving across the Sahara desert to hand money to Edinburgh University for research.

Gus Alusi, from London, will take 29 friends on the mission and wants to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the cause.

Department store cashes in on strong start

THE Edinburgh branch of department store chain John Lewis has enjoyed a strong start to 2011.

New figures published by the partnership show that the store in the St James Centre posted a 20.9 per cent rise in sales in the week to January 8 when compared to the same week last year.

The sales boost takes total takings for the branch's financial year so far up 2.4 per cent on a year ago. Across the UK, sales were up 39 per cent, the biggest percentage rise of the financial year.