Five things you need to know today
Wester Hailes – RBS Museum Lates – Winter Woollies appeal – Free racing at Musselburgh! – Great Expectations
Our photo today shows you our Lord Provost accessing information from the new digital totem pole which has been raised at Wester Hailes and which will ensure that local news is firmly on the agenda. More in our story here.
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There will be a Viking invasion of the National Museum of Scotland for the next RBS Museum Lates event on Friday 22 February.
Tickets go on sale today for the latest in the series of hot-ticket events, which have attracted sold out crowds each time they have been held so far.
The next event coincides with the Museum’s next major exhibition, Vikings!, which opens in January (www.nms.ac.uk/vikings). Live music in the Grand Gallery will come from Edinburgh indie-folk band Broken Records (http://4ad.com/artists/brokenrecords) and Shetland fiddle-player Chris Stoutt (who recently played on the soundtrack to the film Brave).
As with previous Lates events, the Vikings theme will be adapted in the entertainments, decoration, catering and, it is hoped that the audience will get into the spirit as well.
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Barnardo’s Scotland is turning unwanted clothing into someone’s warm winter. The children’s charity is requesting winter woollies stock to combat the extreme weathers of December, from flooding to freezing to blasting gale winds!
The charity has experienced a surge in demand for winter clothing for two years running, ranging from winter coats to woollen scarves, jaunty jumpers to brilliant boots and thermal tops to thickened trousers. Each area has experienced different demands according to weather, and we aim to cater for community clothing needs in the way they require.
Deriel Loftus, Retail Area Business Manager said: “It’s not always affordable to buy-in new winter clothes every time something becomes worn or no longer fits, so we are delighted to offer our customers winter bargains that help with increasingly-tight budgets. Across the area I’m finding a general shortage of jackets, coats, and knits; plus our stock of cosy scarves and gloves are selling out fast in this cold snap. We’ve had in lots of trousers already, which is great news for bargain hunters! We’ll also find a good home for any unwanted boots and winter shoes.”
Winter also brings with it the party season, so any of last year’s party wear, impulse buys and items worn for a one-off occasion, that still linger in the wardrobe will be gratefully received. You can help someone find that special outfit at a fraction of the price, while helping charity.
All donations are very much appreciated and money raised in the store is used to help disadvantaged children and young people in the local area. To ensure your donations make it into the shop and are not left outside to face the weather, please hand them in to any Barnardo’s Scotland shop between 10.00am – 4.00pm. To find your local shop, go to www.barnardos.org.uk/scotland and click on shops.
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Christmas has come early for race goers heading to Musselburgh on Sunday (Dec 16) with news that entry will be free. The East Lothian course took the decision to waive admission charges as a festive thank you to racing fans. Anyone who has already bought tickets online can apply for a refund by contacting the course.
Race goers are being advised to book online, although free turn styles will operate for on-the-day admissions. Musselburgh Racecourse commercial manager, Sarah Montgomery, said: “It was a late call in arranging this extra meeting and we hope free entry will draw a bigger crowd and generate a great atmosphere. It’s also a reward for our regular customers and shows that even race courses like to get in to the Christmas spirit.”
Gates open on Sunday at 11am and first race is off at 12.20pm.
To book tickets please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
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Tonight at 19:30 The Dominion Cinema is showing Great Expectations to get you in the Christmas spirit….. Book your tickets here