Today is all about Christmas. The Reporter attended the launch of Edinburgh’s Christmas this morning (complete with mince pies) and then we found this Christmas tree in Parliament Square. The organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas tell us:-“From a fourteen metre high Snow Queen featuring spectacular pyro effects at Light Night, to the much loved Edinburgh’s Ice Rink and traditional markets, the city will once more enjoy a programme packed full of old favourites and new additions. The Traditional German Christmas Market will be a key feature as always, Light Night on 24 November will include an awe-inspiring frost and fire show to light Edinburgh’s Norwegian Christmas Tree, a gift from the people of Hordaland, and the six week celebrations will conclude on Wednesday 4 January.”
The Scotsman reports that there may be two groups interested in bidding for Edinburgh Airport when it comes up for sale, and that Perthshire businessman, Brian Souter, may well throw his financial weight behind one of those bids.
Edinburgh Zoo tell us that they have commissioned a panda tartan:-“Working closely with renowned designers Kinloch Anderson, the tartan has been approved by the Scottish Register of Tartans and reflects the huge cultural significance of Tian Tian and Yang Guang’s future arrival on Scottish shores.
Taking in elements of the Gillespie Tartan, in a nod to Thomas Gillespie who established the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in 1909, the main colours of the tartan are black and white to represent the giant panda. Grey conveys the graduation of colour from black to white, as seen on a panda’s fur, and then green depicts the panda’s favourite food – bamboo. Red overchecks in blocks of three symbolise China, good luck and birth.
Traditional, beloved and intrinsic to Scotland, the tartan symbolically entwines the coming together of the Scottish and Chinese cultures, and is a perfect commemoration to mark the gift of two giant pandas to Scotland.”
Tonight two community councils meet in the city.
Old Town Community Council meet tonight at the City Chambers at 7p.m.
Craigmillar Community Council meet tonight at Hays Business Centre on Hay Avenue at 7p.m.
Get your tickets now for Historic Scotland’s Visit for Free Weekend on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November when more than 40 winter ticketed attractions will be admission free.
Edinburgh Castle, recently voted the UK’s top heritage attraction, the newly refurbished renaissance palace at Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness are amongst the sites on offer.
Visitors need to register in advance on www.ticketgiveaway.co.uk in advance to download their free weekend pass which gives free access for up to two adults and three children to all ticketed Historic Scotland properties on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November.
