Breaking news

A brief wander about the streets of Edinburgh this morning afforded the perfect antidote to an otherwise delightful summer’s day in the capital.

First to Calton Hill, and the slow trudge to the summit, ankle-deep in the detritus of last night’s lovemaking, booze, narcotics and clumsily spilt sausage suppers. And, inexplicably, an abundance of Cheesy Wotsits.

In a bricked-up doorway separating the private Regent Terrace Gardens on the other side from the heaving hoi polloi on this, we encountered ‘PIPSQUEAK WAS HERE!!!’

On display at McNaughtan’s Bookshop & Gallery from Tuesday next week will be work by the Edinburgh-based illustrator Camillia Seddon. 

Seddon studied art at Manchester and history of art in Edinburgh before working as a textiles and interiors buyer/designer.

Now back in the capital, she has a studio in Summerhall where she works on subjects ranging from food and architecture, to wildlife and historic costume.

An as yet undisclosed number of young people who had hoped to vote in next month’s Ward 12 (Leith Walk) by-election will not be able to do so.

The news emerged today in a letter posted from the Electoral Registration Officer to all those affected.

Ms Joan H. Hewton FRCS explained that poll cards/postal letters had been mistakenly issued to some under-18-year olds in Ward 12.

Kingsford Developments Ltd’s plans to build a new electricity substation and ‘summer house’ outside 154 McDonald Road have been withdrawn today (Ref. 15/03183LBC).

The proposal, first reported here on 14 July, immediately drew opposition from those who thought it would ruin the Category B-listed building’s north elevation facing Broughton Road.

With a new story simmering on the back burner at Spurtle HQ, and a Ward 12 by-election hustings to prepare for this evening, we have no time to bring you today's news today. 

Instead, here is some local information which is ever so past its sell-by date. It first appeared in the Caledonian Mercury on 16 January 1765, and its first sentence is 199 words long. Unusual by today's journalistic standards.

Below is the advice issued to Leith Walk (Ward 12) by-election candidates this evening in advance of tomorrow's hustings event from 7.15–9.15pm in Broughton St Mary's Parish Church, Bellevue Crescent. 

If you have a burning question but are unable to attend, e-mail it to us in advance and we'll try to fit it in.

Dear Candidates

We're really looking forward to hearing from you at tomorrow evening's event. 

In a remarkable turn of events, City of Edinburgh Council’s Development Management Subcommittee today refused permission for the demolition of the low-rise building at 1–6 Canonmills Bridge. 

Councillors unanimously turned down the application, despite the advice of officials, and despite planning consent for a replacement structure having been given in 2009 (see Breaking news, 29.7.15). 

David Sterratt and Ella Taylor-Smith got to three of the Festival Fanfare concerts on Sunday, which took place at 12 locations along the Water of Leith.

3pm, St Mark’s Park

David Sterratt writes: I can vouch for the perfection of listening to the rich, sonorous timbres of Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass on a warm summer's afternoon in St Mark's Park.

RHYS FULLERTON REVIEWS ILONA SZALAY'S WITNESS  

Currently provoking strong reactions on Dundas Street are Ilona Szalay’s bold glass paintings.

This is Szalay’s first Scottish solo exhibition, and you can see why the gallery is keen to show off her talents.

Chief Inspector Bob Paris has defended Police Scotland’s performance in the city centre, and advised Broughton locals to get a sense of proportion when it comes to anti-social behaviour.

Addressing the latest meeting of the New Town and Broughton Community Council, Paris (area commander for central Edinburgh) claimed the new unified Force has done well, particularly given Holyrood’s requirement that it should make very substantial savings.