The Smith Commission reports today
Scottish Schools Rugby Finals tonight at Murrayfield
FANFARE CONCERT 2014
Royal Visit
Daily Business
The Smith Commission was set up by the UK Government on 19 September 2014 and has a duty to report by the end of this month on ways of devolving more powers to Holyrood. This followed from the leaders of the three main political parties at Westminster making promises ahead of the Independence Referendum to
The specific terms of its remit are: “To convene cross-party talks and facilitate an inclusive engagement process across Scotland to produce, by 30 November 2014, Heads of Agreement with recommendations for further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament. This process will be informed by a Command Paper, to be published by 31 October and will result in the publication of draft clauses by 25 January. The recommendations will deliver more financial, welfare and taxation powers, strengthening the Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom.”
Today it is due to issue a report.
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The Fanfare Concert takes place on Friday 28th November 2014 at Central Halls, 2 West Tollcross, EH3 9BP
The concert starts at 7.30pm, with doors open from 7.00pm.
The Arts and Creative Learning, Instrumental Music Service is delighted to hold the annual Fanfare Concert.
This concert features some of our central bands, orchestras and ensembles. These talented pupils who will be performing are from various Primary and Secondary schools across Edinburgh.
Tickets are priced £12 for adults and £6 for under 16’s and concessions. They are now available from The Queen’s Hall Box Office, 85-89 Clerk Street, EH8 9JG, 0131 668 2019.
There will be no tickets available on the door and you should book tickets as soon as possible so not to be disappointed.
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HRH The Duke of Gloucester will make his first visit to Queen Margaret University later today.
The Duke, who is 23rd in the line of succession to the British throne, is the son of the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, who was the University’s patron from 1940 to 2004.
During a busy day of engagements across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Duke’s visit to the University will focus on QMU’s highly acclaimed academies project. The academies, a partnership project led by Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College, presents 15–18 year old pupils from secondary schools across south east Scotland, with a wealth of skills development and career opportunities. The academies aim to smooth the transition between school, college, university and employment, and support the development of Scotland’s key growth industries.
In just two years, the academies project has grown from 34 young people from three East Lothian schools, to 450 pupils from over 40 schools in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Four pioneering academies exist for senior school pupils but the Duke’s visit will centre around the Creative Industries Academy.
Whilst still at school, students on the Creative Industries Academy will study for two years on the academy programme, a commitment that they make over and above their school curriculum. This sees the students take classes at Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College or Borders College, as well as gain experience within the creative industries. Successful completion of the two year academy programme will result in the students leaving school with a Higher National Certificate (HNC). This allows them to secure a place on an HND course at Edinburgh College or skip first year and go directly into the 2nd year of a relevant degree programme at Queen Margaret University. Having had an excellent insight into the creative industries, successful academy graduates may choose to go directly into employment within the industry, rather than progress in education. Importantly, the academies provide students with valuable insight into the creative industries, skills development opportunities and excellent career and education options.
Students on the Creative Industries Academy are currently working on Movement and Production units as part of their HNC course. The Duke will see the students practising their creative movement work and performing monologues from their end of year production ‘Porcelain Dolls’.
The Duke will also spend some time talking with the students and learning about their experiences on the academy programme and their future education and career aspirations.
Professor Alan Gilloran, Deputy Principal at Queen Margaret University, said: “We are extremely honoured to host this visit with the Duke, and delighted that he is taking an interest in this pioneering initiative. We are immensely proud of our academies project which is delivering outstanding educational and skills development opportunities for Scotland’s young people. We know that our students are also excited about having the opportunity to showcase their talents to the Duke.”
HRH The Duke of Gloucester will arrive at Queen Margaret University this afternoon. He will be greeted by Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, Michael Williams MBE and Provost of East Lothian, Cllr Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, before being introduced to Professor Alan Gilloran, Deputy Principal of Queen Margaret University, who will lead the tour.
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Terry Murden, former Business Editor of The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and The Sunday Times Scotland, has today launched DAILY BUSINESS, an exciting online media venture focusing on business, consumer and money news, information and advice.
Based in Edinburgh, DAILY BUSINESS says it will draw on a team of top writers and commentators and will be the go-to site for businesses, investors, savers, advisers and anyone with an interest or stake in the economy.
It will deal with a broader business agenda than traditional media, encompassing sport, politics, consumer affairs and lifestyle issues.
The new editor said: “DAILY BUSINESS is a ground-breaking development in the Scottish media which is timed to coincide with greater powers coming to Holyrood. Among those powers will be the ability to vary taxes and assist economic growth like never before. DAILY BUSINESS will ask the questions and provide the answers.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
