Breaking news

DAVID STERRATT, CHAIR OF DRUMMOND CHS PARENT COUNCIL, INVESTIGATES

Thankfully, Drummond S4–S6s returned at 9.30am today and an announcement about arrangements for S1s–S3s will follow soon. 

Clearly, the school closure has disrupted pupils – especially those with exams in 3 weeks – but I appreciate the hard work of the school’s headteacher, management, Council staff, Edinburgh Schools Partnership and Amey in getting the school open again, not to mention the help offered by other schools and the University. 

The planning permission granted to Underbelly Ltd in 2014 (Ref. 14/03914/FUL) had as a condition that the company should restore St Andrew Square Garden within three months of the removal of temporary structures associated with its Christmas and New Year events.

Our understanding is that the deadline passed yesterday. This was the scene this afternoon.

The Garden has not been fully restored. 

All candidates invited to our hustings next week have also been invited to provide a short written introduction to themselves. 

The latest to respond is Martin Veart (Liberal Democrat), whose words we reprint in full below. 

All candidates invited to our hustings next week have also been invited to provide a short written introduction to themselves. 

Next to respond is Jack Caldwell (Independent), whose words we reprint in full below. 

All candidates invited to our hustings next week have also been invited to provide a short written introduction to themselves. 

EXAMINEES TO RETURN ON WEDNESDAY 

Drummond pupils in years S4–S6 will return to school on Wednesday. 

Contingency arrangements for those in years S1–S3 have not been finalised. 

That was the news from City of Edinburgh Council this evening. It said a programme of structural surveys in schools would continue across the capital this week. 

Drummond, it seems, is able to partially reopen because it was only partially refurbished as part of the PPP1 project. This will come as partial comfort to pupils and parents. 

Police are seeking witnesses after an elderly local woman had her purse stolen over the weekend. 

Around 4.30pm on Sunday, the 84-year-old victim was walking along Brunswick Street towards Montgomery Street when she was approached by a woman who offered to carry her bags. 

The ‘good Samaritan’ stole the distracted victim’s purse shortly afterwards. 

Description of suspect

The suspect is described as white, aged around 30 to 40, with shoulder-length, straight, black hair. She spoke with a local accent.

All candidates invited to our hustings next week have also been invited to provide a short written introduction to themselves. 

Third to respond is Ben Macpherson (SNP), whose words we reprint in full below. 

LOCAL MAN'S LAST HOURS RECALLED 

A long wander about Rosebank Cemetery yesterday, and an unexpected glimpse of tempest and terror on the far side of the world. 

Able Seaman John Paterson was one of 27 crew who sailed from Lamlash on Arran on 3 May 1894. Under the command of Captain William Leggat, the three-masted steel barque Cambus Wallace was on her maiden voyage, bound for Brisbane with a cargo of whisky, beer, pig iron, salt, fancy goods and explosives. 

All candidates invited to our hustings next week have also been invited to provide a short written introduction to themselves. 

Second to respond is Alan Melville (UKIP), whose words we reprint in full below.