These are only suggestions. Edinburgh is full of things to do, clubs to join and places to go. We cannot possibly know them all, so if you have a really good suggestion, then please feel free to add to the conversation below.
Our first suggestion is to register now for the Speed of Light. You can run around on Arthur’s Seat this summer with self-powered light suits on for photographers to take lovely images of you!
“NVA’s Speed of Light is a tremendous fusion of sport and innovative culture. It is one of Scotland’s official artistic contributions to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Bringing people together from all over the UK, the programme will climax with an extraordinary mass-participation event on Arthur’s Seat, as part of Edinburgh International Festival.
For three weeks next August, Edinburgh’s iconic mountain will be brought to life through sporting endeavour and performative visual art. Runners will activate specially designed light suits at night, illuminating the hillside.”
Get along to the Edinburgh International Science Festival. It starts on 30 March 2012 and runs to 15 April. Â The programme will be available in February. There are some jobs on offer there too if you apply now.
Various events throughout the year at Hopetoun House for all members of the family, including Bluebell Walks, Wedding Fayres, Cookery demonstrations, plays, Horse Trials and a fungi walk in the autumn.
Get out cycling. There is nowhere better than Edinburgh to get out and about on a bike. The InnerTube Cycle Map shows you some of the cycle paths which criss-cross the city. The Reporter likes going through the Innocent Railway tunnel…one way is better than the other though! And if you have an old bike then you could always donate it to the Bike Station for spares, or even for refurbishment.
This year The Reporter plans to actually get to the Camera Obscura on the High Street, rather than just talking about it. Fantastic views of Edinburgh on five floors. Do you have somewhere that you have always meant to go but have not quite got there yet? Then tell us below!
If you are motivated to do so then you could run 5K. The Reporter did the first one last year so is very keen on doing more this year. The Edinburgh Marathon also has a section for those who only want to run 5K or 10K as well as the hardy 26 milers. It takes place on 26 & 27 May.
Vote in the upcoming Local Government election on 3 May 2012. The City of Edinburgh Council is currently run by a coalition of SNP and LibDems. Some councillors are standing down, and others will be continuing in their posts, but whatever your politics why not try getting to know who your local candidates are so that when the election day arrives you are ready to do your bit?
You might start blogging. There are a load of Edinburgh bloggers who cover an endless variety of subjects all writing away in their garrets. You could write articles for us. We accept all submissions on any subject as long as it relates to our capital city. If you want to get started as a blogger in your own right, but don’t know how, then do let us know, as help is at hand….. If you need to know how to start a blog, if you are teetering on the edge of learning to Tweet or need to know how to set up a Facebook page for your business, then get in touch by email on theedinburghreporter@gmail.com or phone us on 07791406498 and we will help.
In an effort to eat more healthily you could start shopping at the local Farmers’ Markets which take place around the city.
Balerno Farmers’ Market
e: info@balernovt.org.uk  w: www.balernovt.org.uk  t: 0131 449 4545
2nd Saturday of each month, 9am-1pm, Main Street.
Balerno Farmers’ Market is owned by the Balerno Village Trust, and supported by a craft fair, coffee mornings and other community events.
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
w: www.edinburghfarmersmarket.com  t: 0131 652 5940
Every Saturday of the month; 9am-2pm; Castle Terrace.
Visit the award-winning Edinburgh Farmers’ Market. This one takes place at Castle Terrace under the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Over 60 specialist producers currently attend the market.
“The majority of stallholders are primary producers, growing what they sell. A quarter offer meat products, including specialities such as venison and water buffalo. Organic beef, chicken, lamb and pork are also available. Other types of produce include fish (lobster in season), free-range eggs (including duck eggs), cheese, seasonal fruit & vegetables, honey, chillies and plants. In addition you’ll find producers who bake and prepare their own farm products. Guest producers provide specialities including organic beer, liqueurs, bread, chocolates and chutneys.”
Juniper Green Farmers’ Market
4th Saturday of the month; 9am-1pm, Kinleith Arms car park, Lanark Road, Juniper Green
“A brand new farmers’ market launches in the car park of the Kinleith Arms, Lanark Road, Juniper Green, by Edinburgh. The local Community Council have developed the plans to site a new farmers’ market in the village offering a wonderful opportunity to shoppers to take advantage of a range of superb local produce direct from the growers, bakers and producers. Stalls include goods such as hand reared pork, game, vegetables in season, cup cakes, beef, fresh pies ready to bake, soaps, poultry, sausages, quiches and breads. The Kinleith Arms is also offering refreshments for the day, and local restaurants and shops are offering ‘Market Deals’ too. There’s plenty of FREE parking adjacent, and with a choice of gifts, staple foods, treats and speciality items, all the ingredients are there for a great tasting meal.”
Stockbridge Market has a wide variety of food on offer every Sunday at Jubilee Gardens.  Any queries from potential traders or customers – contact Beth on 0131 551 5633
And as an alternative to all of the above, you might like a new job. For example, Lothian and Borders Police are recruiting from 1 February 2012 for police constables. If you are going to do this, you will have to be physically fit, so get out your gym gear straight away!
Otherwise if it is the occupation you want and not really a salary, then there are many opportunities to volunteer. This could suit you if you are at the beginning or the end of a career. All the career advisers we have spoken to say that work experience is useful on your CV if you are starting out, but volunteering can also be a great way to keep active if you have your working days behind you.
The Volunteer Centre Edinburgh shows a variety of videos on this page which may inspire you to act.
So tell us what you are going to do in Edinburgh this year!
