Occupy Edinburgh have agreed to Essential Edinburgh’s Chief Executive’s request to move away from the centre of St Andrew Square to allow the Christmas decorations to be put in place. This is what they say on their blog:-
“Occupy Edinburgh consented Mr Neil’s proposal to move our tents and
camping equipment to the edges of the square to free the central area
to allow the inclusion of a stage, lights and decorations and an area
for the public to view the festivities. In addition, the chief
executive offered our camp additional storage to accommodate the space
we will lose.
Mr Neil promised that our occupation could re-convene in the center of
the square when the winter festivities end on January 4th 2012.”
Meanwhile they also report that the Green group on the council have lodged a motion for next week’s council meeting asking that the council confirm their support of Occupy Edinburgh.
Today is Robert Louis Stevenson Day. Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature is asking you to wear velvet in honour of the Edinburgh author, and you may even find some free copies of Kidnapped and Jekyll & Hyde around the city. The day culminates in an evening with Ian Rankin and Nigel Planer at The City Art Centre where they will celebrate their admiration of his work. You should follow Edinburgh City of Literature on Twitter or the hashtag which is #RLSday. More information on The City of Literature website.
The Edinburgh Evening News reports some foul play in the capital with four hens having to be rescued by the Scottish SPCA in recent days. No-one seems to know where they have come from. Unless you know? Do tell us if you do!
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is re-opening soon. During the renovation in the last two years the nice folks at the gallery have been highlighting a different portrait each month. This month it is the turn of Queen Anne, Princess of Denmark. So you can whet your appetite for getting back into the newly done up building by having a look at the painting here.
Queen Margaret University intends to kick off its festive celebrations in the true spirit of Christmas by hosting its first Fairtrade Christmas Market.
The event, which will be held inside the academic building, is intended not only to help to confirm the University’s commitment to Fairtrade, but also its aim of involving the local community in its activities.
Queen Margaret University became a Fairtrade University in May this year and is very keen to take every opportunity to raise awareness of Fairtrade amongst its student and staff population, but also the local community.
Sandra Grieve, lecturer at QMU, who is organising the event, explained: “In our increasingly challenging global marketplace it’s important that universities, such as Queen Margaret, embrace the concept of fairness in international trading. QMU focuses on improving quality of life and it’s therefore fitting that we encourage students, staff and the community to use their purchasing power responsibly. What better time to be doing this than at Christmas when any money spent on Fairtrade products can have a positive impact on the rights and dignity of producers in developing countries.”
She continued: “We are delighted to host our first Fairtrade Christmas Market and we’d like to welcome and encourage as many local residents to come along and enjoy some of the excellent products that will be available on the day. Hopefully there will be quite a few sweet treats in store as well as lots of gift ideas.”
The Fairtrade Christmas Market will take place on Tuesday 29 th November from 11am – 3pm at Queen Margaret University at Craighall, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU.
