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Finance Committee meeting this morning – Lord Provost to host fundraising dinner – Pop up opera – It’s Hallowe’en! – Ian Rankin book signing at Waterstone’s

The Council’s finance committee meets this morning to check that the council is being run in terms of the budget agreed upon earlier in the year. All papers are here.

One of the decisions which they will have to make is to change the way that ICT service is provided to the council in future. In the past (and until 2016) the council is bound to a contract with BT and they get the majority of their technology from that one company. It is now being proposed that the council gets their technology from a variety of sources following a competitive process.

This part of the budget will cost the council £26m in 2012-13, and an update on what the council might do in the future will be made to the Finance Committee in February next year.

 

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A dinner to be hosted by the Lord and Lady Provost this evening is expected to raise thousands of pounds for local homeless charities.

Shelter Scotland and Four Square will each receive cheques following the fundraising event to be held at Steak Edinburgh restaurant tonight.

Ninety guests will hear from the Lord Provost and both of the charities about the ways the charities will benefit from the fundraising event. There is expected to be a lively auction and entertainment courtesy of 2007 X-Factor winner Leon Jackson.

Auction items included a night with Ian Rankin at Inspector Rebus’ favourite haunt, the Oxford Bar, fishing for one rod on the Queen’s Water at Balmoral and artwork by renowned Edinburgh artist Richard Demarco.

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A Little Bit of Don Giovanni is completely free, and no booking is required

Brought to life by a storyteller, a singer, two musicians and a series of colourful illustrations, A Little Bit of Don Giovanni follows Mozart’s famous cassanova from one conquest to the next.  But when his seduction of Donna Anna results in the death of her father, has he finally taken things too far? Touring Scotland this Autumn, alongside Scottish Opera’s full-scale production of Don Giovanni, this 20 minute bite-sized version of Mozart’s masterpiece is a perfect introduction for anyone new to opera.

Thursday 7 November at The Scottish Parliament and Friday 8 November at 3:00pm at The Italian Cultural Institute

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Hallowe’en today – if you’re going out guising then take care! Police Scotland have issued some safety guidance for a safe and Happy Hallowe’en.

Here is some simple guidance from Police Scotland for young people to ensure that Halloween passes safely and that anti-social or irresponsible behaviour is avoided.

Halloween has passed quietly in the last few years but there are still residents who are affected by the minority who behave anti-socially and ruin what should be a fun and family orientated time of the year.

Parents and young people are asked to consider the following advice:

  • Stay in well-lit areas and consider carrying a torch.
  • Don’t frighten elderly people or younger children.
  • Don’t enter a house unless you know the person. Young children should always be with an adult. Older children should ensure they are with friends.
  • If a sign says ‘No trick or treat’, respect that person’s wishes and move on.
  • Be visible, it will be dark and it’s important that passing traffic can see you.
  • If you have a mobile phone make sure you look after it so that parents/guardian can keep in touch.
  • Tell your parents or guardian where you are going and what time you will be back.
  • If you are given money keep it hidden away in a wallet or clothing.
  • Remember that it might be raining so wear appropriate clothing that keeps you dry but still lets you show off your costume.

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WATERSTONE’S EDINBURGH WEST END on Thursday, 7 November 2013, 12:30PM

Be the first to have a signed copy of the new Rebus! Ian Rankin will be at Waterstones Edinburgh West End signing copies of ‘Saints of the Shadow Bible‘. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Further details contact the shop on 0131 226 2666