There is still enough snow around in the city to make it difficult to get around, and some events this week may have been cancelled or postponed so best to check that whatever you are going to is still on.

One of our readers has told us that “in Craiglockhart – near the dell it is very bad all around. Old people can’t walk on pavements never mind get a car in or out .”

Another reader tells us that “Greenbank drive to 23 terminus can’t be cleared due to cars parked!” This presumably explains why the 23 bus is running around with Diversion on the front.

This would seem to be the case in other areas of the city too. What is your experience? Tell us1

The City of Edinburgh Council have reported that most of Edinburgh’s schools are to open fully on Monday with only a few exceptions.

Home to School contract bus companies will provide transport for registered students. This is of course subject to change if the weather impacts on the service.  Lunches will be provided.

The situation is as follows:

Secondary Schools

All will be open for S1-S6 apart from Liberton High School which is only open for S4-S6.

Primary Schools

The following primary schools will be closed on Monday:

Colinton

Currie

Dean Park

Gilmerton

Nether Currie

Newcraighall

Ratho

St Cuthbert’s RC

Clovenstone Primary will closed the but its nursery will open.

The following primary schools are open, but please note the following:

Craigour Park – No Breakfast Club

Cramond – No nursery classes

Gracemount Primary – no Breakfast Club, no Active Schools Clubs

Gylemuir Primary – No nursery classes

South Morningside Primary – No nursery classes

St Catherine’s RC Primary – No nursery classes

Special Schools

The following special schools are closed on Monday:

Prospect Bank

Gorgie Mills

Kaimes

Oaklands

Woodlands

For all other Special Schools, any parents concerned about transport should telephone their transport contractor or the Corporate Transport Unit on 0131 657 0000.

All Nursery Schools and Child & Family Centres are to open.

Community Centres

The following City of Edinburgh Council community centres will be closed:

Ratho

Roseberry Hall

Inch

Jack Kane

Bingham

Castleview

Magdalene Rannoch

Kirkliston

Norwood Wing

Craigmount Wing

Juniper Green

All other Council community centres will be open.  Daytime adult education classes will run as normal,  as will evening classes running in community centres. Evening classes based in schools will not run next week.

Community events/meetings

Anyone looking to attend external events normally hosted in schools, e.g. councillor surgeries or community groups, should check if they are going ahead.

Throughout December Santa Claus will visit the National Gallery Complex to tell stories and listen to Christmas wishes.  He will appear everyday from 11 December until Christmas Eve.  He will also spend Sundays in the Cup Cake Caffe between 4pm and 5pm telling festive stories.

Vocal Fusion, a Scottish quartet will also visit the National Gallery Complex on 11 and 12 December to perform a mixture of favourite Christmas carols with modern holiday songs to add a festival ambience whilst people shop and eat.  They will be singing at 1.30pm and 3pm on both days.

As well as these festive activities the National Collection can also be explored with the help of curators who will give their own Christmas inspired tours on the 11 and 12 December.  The tours will be available each day at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

The National Galleries of Scotland will add a festive sparkle to Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations.  With heart-warming entertainment, quality shopping experiences and delectable eating opportunities available on all sites return visits are a must throughout the merry season. More details on the National Gallery website.

Christmas Concert on 8th December at St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church George Street, Edinburgh starting at 6.30pm. More details on our notice board.

THE FABER ACADEMY, WRITING A NOVEL 2011
The Stevenson House, 17 Heriot Row, Edinburgh EH3 6HP
Price: £3,500

There are 15 places available on Faber’s six month practical workshop for people who wish to write a novel from the beginning to the end.

Beginning in January 2011, students will attend weekly evening workshops designed to develop an appreciation of the best fiction as a source for writing, to hone your practical skills, and to develop your editing skills.

More information on the Faber website

The New Town and Brougton Community Council  meet on the first Monday of every month at Drummond Community High School in the library @ 7:30pm. More details of what’s on the agenda on their website.

The Gliterary Lunch takes place on 9th December at The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street. If you have not heard of the lunches before now then you should really check them out. Food and books all in the one place together with a chance to catch up with your friends. Have a look at the website here. The authors in Edinburgh are A L Kennedy and Louise Doughty.

Sunday 12th December at The Usher Hall there are musical thrills guaranteed as Owen and Olly join the RSNO to bring you a Christmas rollercoaster ride of a concert. Santa himself has promised to come to town bringing skating ballet dancers, Cinderella’s lost slipper, some figgy pudding and a partridge in a pear tree.
So here’s hoping there won’t be any spills as the entire audience has a go at downhill skiing! More details on their website.

‘St Kilda – Britain’s Loneliest Isle’, capturing a voyage to St Kilda from Glasgow with scenes of island life between 1923 and 1928, will be screened to celebrate its inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Originally silent, this will be shown with a special musical soundtrack composed by David Allison. A more recent film from 1967, ‘St Kilda – The Lonely Islands’ will also be shown. The event is being held at The National Library of Scotland on Tuesday 7 December at 18.00. Booking Fee £5 (including refreshments) Book online or phone 0131 623 3918.

Saturday 11th December at Hopetoun House.

Family Craft Workshop – Get into the Christmas spirit and go Christmas crackers at Hopetoun! A day of family fun, making various Christmas decorations. Materials will be provided, most from the grounds themselves. Mince pies, refreshments and Christmas music will also be provided.

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