Local round-up: Hallowe’en fun day won’t be waste of time

There will be mask-making, competitions and activities along with tours of the recycling centre – with the chance to see the crushing machines and trucks in action.

Environment leader Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “Halloween is a fun time of year. What better way to learn about the city’s waste than at this fascinating and informative open day?”

Capital store sees dip in recent sales

The Edinburgh branch of department store chain John Lewis has suffered a dip in sales.

In the week to October 8, sales were down 2.5 per cent compared to the same week of 2010.

Despite the decline, the St James Centre store’s sales in the first 10 weeks of its financial year are still 1.2 per cent up on the same period of last year.

Across the UK, sales were up 1.2 per cent for the week.

Shop first for Musselburgh

A NEW unisex fashion and homeware retailer is set to launch in Musselburgh on Friday.

Store Twenty One will open from 10am, with Councillor Barry Turner, chair of the Musselburgh Area Forum, in attendance. The retailer has opened more than 30 stores nationwide in the last 12 months.

Erskine gets a new chief

A CHARITY which helps city veterans has appointed a new chief executive.

Former NHS chief Steve Conway will take on the role at Erskine.

He said: “I am committed to providing the leadership and support to staff so they continue to provide the highest standards of care to the veterans.”

Portobello plays host to art

Portobello is preparing to play host to a much-loved art exhibition.

The Annual Art Exhibition by the St James’ Art Group takes place again, for its tenth year, at the Portobello Library in Rosefield Avenue. It will run from October 20 until November 3.

Workshop puts budding film-makers in frame

A THREE-DAY film workshop allowing people to make their own short film is being held at the Filmhouse.

Organised by Pilton Video, the course will allow participants to develop their own filmmaking skills.

There will be a chance to work as part of a team to storyboard, shoot and edit a short film, of the type which started the careers of directors such as Lynne Ramsay and Steven Spielberg.

The workshop starts on Monday. More details are at www.filmhousecinema.com