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CLENCHED FIST AND WAGGY FINGER

Submitted by Editor on

This ghoulish figure has appeared high on a wall leading to the residents-only parking area off Gayfield Square.

By an unknown artist, it may perhaps be a response – either of endorsement or ridicule – to the blood-curdling sanctions  promised for anyone leaving their vehicle here without proper permission. Any information on other works by this talented individual would be gratefully received.

NO TO BIOMASS PLANT – OBJECTION LETTERS

Submitted by Editor on

Leith Central Community Council – like its Broughton and New Town equivalent – has now formally objected to Forth Energy's proposed biomass plant in Leith.

The text of Secretary Roland Reid's letter appears unedited below.

Today's Guardian local quotes the finding of Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP, that 1,200 people have so far objected to the plans. Her letter of objection can be found in the pdf file at the foot of this page.

SIC TRANSIT FLOOR AREA

Submitted by Editor on

When the National Portrait Gallery reopens its doors on 30 November, it will admit members of the public to an enormously improved and enlarged exhibition space within. The Queen Street pavement outside will also be expanded, stretching to roughly twice its current width on the Gallery's northern elevation.

This prioritisation of pedestrians is very welcome, although it will entail the loss of a minor, peripheral-vision landmark which has long intrigued and comforted passers-by: the small brass letters spelling 'STUART'S GRANOLITHIC'.

EAST CLAREMONT STREET CLOSURE

Submitted by Editor on

East Claremont Street will remain blocked at Broughton Point from today until 15 March as work continues on road-layout improvements.

Traffic to and from Broughton Road is diverting via McDonald Rd and West Annandale Street.

Drivers using Bellevue Road should take particular care around the entrance to Broughton Primary School's playground.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION – WHERE ARE WE?

Submitted by Editor on

Broughton residents are well-accustomed to the vagaries of political boundaries. Our own have long cut across numerous ties of shared obligation and belonging with all the sensitivity of those international divisions imposed by imperialists in the 19th and early-20th centuries.

What locals think of as Broughton now includes 2 Scottish Parliamentary constituencies, 1 Westminster constituency, 4 Council wards and 3 Community Councils in little more than a square kilometre.

LOCAL BAND WILL SNOG US WITH SPIRIT

Submitted by Editor on

Broughton-based Whisky Kiss are an untraditional Scottish band riding the wave of international interest in folk-tunes cut with DJ culture.

Over the last few years they've been steadily building a reputation at events like Edinburgh's Hogmanay, T in the Park, and tours of the Middle East. Now they're set to wow America next month with three appearances in the Big Apple: Dressed to Kilt, Whisky Live, and the Tartan Day Parade down New York's equivalent of Leith Walk – 5th Avenue.

LOCAL TORY CANDIDATE HEADS NORTH INSTEAD

Submitted by Editor on

Local Scottish Conservatives' plans for the Scottish Parliamentary election on 5 May appear to be in some disarray following the surprise withdrawal on 3 March of their candidate in the Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency.

Jamie Halcro-Johnston, 36, will instead contest a seat in Orkney, where Spurtle understands the Tories had struggled to field a candidate. Mr Halcro-Johnston's family keep sheep and a dairy in the area, and his father was a Council Convener.