Five things you need to know today

A new, free source of news about Edinburgh has been launched by a long-established Scottish website that helps organisations to connect with the media.

The twitter feed, www.twitter.com/allEdinburghPR, comprises media releases about the capital that have been posted on the website, www.allmediascotland.com.

It is one of several dedicated twitter feeds – including food, theatre, music – that are operated by allmediascotland, which provides a media release mailing service, high search engine ranking for releases appearing on its site, plus training, especially for those a bit nervous about how to write a release.

Says managing director, Mike Wilson: “We know that many organisations that are unable to retain a PR agency or employ their own PR officer still want to promote themselves, enhance their reputation. So, our service is not just about delivery, but providing lots of support.

“For instance, we have set up a Q&A answer session in Edinburgh on May 1 – with the editor of Third Force News, published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations –  to provide an insight into what a newspaper editor is looking for, when it comes to stories.”

He continued: “We charge for releases, but, at potentially as low as £5 per posting, it is a fraction of the time and energy spent on compiling a release. And we guarantee an appearance other than one’s own website.”

For more information, email info@allmediascotland.com.

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Leading children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland has teamed up again with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association (SLGA) for its annual fundraising golf tournament, now in its 16^th year.

The charity is appealing to lady golfers in Edinburgh and the Lothians to register for the event and tee-off in support of the charity.

A series of competitions are being organised throughout the summer months by local golf clubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The top scorers from the play-offs will go through to the final, which will be held at Arbroath Golf Course on Friday 28 August.

Last year the competition raised over £2,000 for Barnardo’s Scotland and this year the SLGA and the charity is hoping for an even better response.

Golfers interested in taking part in Barnardo’s Scotland and SLGA’s annual golf competition should contact their local golf club, the SLGA on 0131 339 3987 or Clare McTaggart from Barnardo’s Scotland on 0131 446 7097 or by emailclare.mctaggart@barnardos.org.uk.

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The number of people registered to vote in elections in Scotland continues to rise, according to figures published by National Records of Scotland.

The registered electorates for local councils, the Scottish Parliament, the UK Parliament and the European Parliament have all seen increases. With the exception of 2009, Scottish electorates have risen year on year since 2003, with an additional peak of nearly 4.29 million for the Independence Referendum, which also included 16 and 17 year old voters.

On 2nd March, 2015:

• 4.13 million people were registered to vote in the local government and Scottish Parliament elections – an increase of 11,432 (0.3 per cent) compared to March 10, 2014, and is at the highest level ever recorded.
• 4.04 million people were registered to vote in UK Parliament elections – an increase of 8,207 (0.2 per cent)
• The number of EU citizens registered to vote in local government and Scottish Parliament elections dropped by 5,434 to 88,688 (5.8% per cent). This is likely to underestimate the total number of EU citizens resident in Scotland, since some may not register to vote.

The deadline for registrations to vote in the UK General Election is 20th April 2015. You can register to vote on the Edinburgh Council website by clicking here

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They have raised a flag at the City Chambers to mark World Heritage Day which is today.

The pale blue and white flag would not play nice with us as there was no wind,  but we hope you get the idea!

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