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A sign that the recession is biting deeply can be found in the fact that there were only three planning applications made in the City Centre (Ward 11) last week.

As mistakes go, it is not on a par with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, nor has it brought hordes of infuriated Broughtonians onto the streets brandishing dictionaries and black marker pens.

Many people haven't noticed it, and even those who have generally pass with a half-supressed tut rather than a ten-minute diatribe on the postwar collapse of Scottish education.

A free exhibition opening today will feature 'blue-sky' transformations of Leith Walk.

The work on display is by around 15 MSc students at Edinburgh University's School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture working on the Advanced Sustainable Design programme there.

Their aim has been to come up with 'sustainable, environmentally responsive buildings and neighbourhoods', using community consultation to reach solutions for the many opportunities and challenges in the area.

Calton Hill was the place to be this afternoon, with all the clear skies, cool airs, wide horizons and – er – perplexing sitdownupons one could wish for.

It is reputed that prim Bostonians of the 19th century would routinely cover their pianos' legs in order not to embarrass visitors during a recital. It is also supposed that young ladies would refer to parts of their lower anatomy as benders rather than employ the dreaded 'kn***' word.

When Spurtle posted pictures of Pilrig St Paul's Church on Facebook last Sunday, including the one shown right, we were surprised at the quick response and keen eyesight of reader Scott Fergusson.

Scott had worked for the architects who restored the building about 20 years ago, and noticed at the time that the dial facing north along Pilrig Street had a major flaw. In roman numerals, 9 appeared twice thanks to the proof-reading skills of someone who – at close range at least – could not tell their IXs from their XIs (see below-right). The date of the mistake being made is unclear.

Listed building consent is sought by our old friends the Cameron Guest House (CGH) for the reorganisation of lower-basement-level flats at Category A-listed 34–6 York Place, changes to their roofs, and creation of an external seating area behind No. 34 – far from the possible thrum, shussh and sizzle of passing trams.

Around 80 people gathered in Rosebank Cemetery this morning to comemorate the victims of the Gretna Rail Disaster nearly 100 years ago. Below is an extract from the address by the Revd. Ray Williamson.

Over 30 Edinburgh babies joined fellow infants around the world two months ago in the mass indignity of a synchronised nappy-changing event.

In total, some 8,251 variously gurgling, screeching, puking or comatose participants from the UK, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland and the US were put into cloth diapers whether they liked it or not, at exactly the same moment (17:30, BST on 21 April).

Today it was officially confirmed that they have thereby also left their mark on the Guinness Book of Records.

Locals are expressing concern about a new planning application in the heart of Broughton (Ref. 12/01156/FUL).

Edinburgh City Libraries and Information Service was recognised as Library of the Year on 14 May in the Bookseller Industry Awards.

Council Chief Executive Susan Bruce was quick to welcome this ‘tremendous honour’ and praised the ‘incredible support … passion and commitment of staff’.