Book Week Scotland – Trams on the line – Tonight at The Playhouse – Cockburn Association – It’s Christmas!
Book Week Scotland begins today.
Scottish Book Trust says it is delighted that Edinburgh’s mystery book sculptor is to make a dramatic comeback during Book Week Scotland (26 November – 2 December), when members of the public will be given the opportunity to hunt down some of her new iconic creations.
Five special book sculptures, all inspired by classic Scottish stories, have been created by the anonymous artist and hidden in five secret locations throughout Scotland. From Monday 26 November to Friday 30 November, treasure hunters across the country can track down a new sculpture each day by following clues released at www.scottishbooktrust.com/booksculptures. The first clue will be released at 10.30am today.
Once discovered, the new sculptures will be displayed in their finding place for everyone to enjoy. Each of the five successful sleuths will win their own unique sculpture to take home and keep.
The mystery artist’s work was first discovered in March 2011, when she left an intricate paper ‘Poetree’ sculpture cut from the pages of a book at the Poetry Library. Following this amazing discovery, nine more of these literary gifts were found at various locations across Edinburgh. ‘GiftED – the Edinburgh Book Sculptures on Tour’ has taken all ten sculptures across Scotland, and they come home to Edinburgh to be on show at The Scottish Poetry Library from 24 November to 8 December.
Speaking about the latest chapter in this intriguing mystery, Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Book Week Scotland is an ideal time to celebrate these unique pieces of art, inspired as they are by a love of books, reading, and libraries. We are delighted that the artist has agreed to come out of retirement, if not hiding, to give booklovers across Scotland a chance to own one of these amazing homages to literature.”
Initiated by the Scottish Government and delivered on behalf of Creative Scotland by Scottish Book Trust, Book Week Scotland is the country’s first national celebration of books and reading.
“Book lovers and treasure seekers the length and breadth of Scotland will be able to uncover what could be the most unique, beautiful and intriguing prizes ever offered. We’re delighted that the setting for this quest is Scotland’s first ever Book Week” Aly Barr, Development Officer, Creative Scotland
Scottish Book Trust is working with authors, workplaces, libraries and schools across the nation to deliver more than 350 free events throughout the week, bringing Scots of all ages and from all walks of life together to celebrate books and reading. A diverse programme of book-related events will be held across the nation, including several hosted by some of Scotland’s best-loved authors.
Highlights of Book Week Scotland include:
- a pop-up book festival at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow on 1 December
- 150,000 free copies of My Favourite Place – a collection of stories and poems written by the people of Scotland
- The Reading Hour at 11am on St Andrew’s Day – a national celebration of books
- The League of Extraordinary Booklovers – a band of bookloving volunteers aged from five to 75 years old who will be answering questions on books and reading during Book Week Scotland. Tweet them @BookWeekScotor email TheLeague@scottishbooktrust.com
This Wednesday at the Fruitmarket Gallery they are staging an evening of poetry as part of their offering towards the literary event.
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Residents are being reminded that the overhead power lines between the Gogar Depot and Edinburgh Airport will go live from 26 November 2012 to allow the tram system to be tested and commissioned.
Once the commissioning of the tram system has reached a satisfactory stage, trams will be tested on the test track between the Gogar Depot and Edinburgh Airport.It is currently anticipated that the first tram will be allowed onto the test track within two to three weeks of the power lines going live. The testing and commissioning of the tram system and trams will continue through to March 2013.
Transport Convener Lesley Hinds said:
“These tests are a vital part of the development of Edinburgh’s tram system and it’s a clear indication that the project is progressing well. Trams are a safe method of transport but we realise that people will not be used to seeing them running. That’s why we’re taking this opportunity to remind residents to be aware and to read the important safety advice.
“The tram route is really starting to take shape and it’s good to see this long stretch of track almost complete. I’m looking forward to working with the contractors over a busy, productive 2013 and I’m confident that we’ll see good progress as we drive the project further towards completion.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown said:
“It is greatly encouraging to see the project evolving and sections nearing fruition, which is a clear indication of the benefits of partnership working. Following a turbulent spell, the people of Edinburgh are absolutely entitled to expect a more positive period of visible progress.
“Everyone involved is committed to delivering this project that will increase public transport options for the public and visitors alike.”
The tram runs and system tests are the final part the development of ‘Section B’ of the route. This 2.8km stretch will be handed over from contractors in March to the Council following testing and commissioning.
Residents are being reminded to take the following safety precautions:
- Trams move quietly and quickly, with a top speed of 70kmh (45mph) so be aware.
- Look both ways at tram crossing locations for passing trams and other vehicles.
- Tram crossings should be treated like any other railway level crossing and road signs and any traffic signals should be obeyed.
- Overhead power lines are live at all times at 750V dc so do not go near them
- Children should be supervised and dogs should be kept on leads around tram crossing locations
- Don’t enter into any Restricted Areas.
The tram project remains in line with the revised budget (£776m) approved by Council in September 2011, with work either ahead of schedule or in line with the revised timescale reported in December 2011.
Passenger services are expected to run by summer 2014 and it is anticipated that full route tram testing will take place from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in late Spring 2014.
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From tonight at The Playhouse Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 will be playing for the next week. You probably already know the song so time to get your tickets over here.
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Later this week the Cockburn Association tell us they are holding a meeting:-
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The Reporter does not like using the C word till at least the beginning of December, but in Edinburgh this week it will be a bit difficult to ignore that it is almost Christmas…
Edinburgh’s Christmas – billed as one of the UK’s most popular Christmas celebrations – will be launched this Thursday with a weekend full of festive fun and activities.
Everything begins at 10am on Thursday 29 November 2012, when the Christmas markets will open to customers and the rides will start spinning. This is followed in the evening by the city’s traditional Light Night celebrations, which this year will feature a journey through the Christmas Dream Machine.
The following day, there will be a series of celebrations marking St. Andrew’s Day, including an evening spectacular, Carnival at the Castle, where Edinburgh Castle will provide the backdrop to the story of how St. Andrew came to be the patron saint of Scotland. To round off the weekend, Sunday 2 December will see the city’s annual Carol Concert take place, in the beautiful surroundings of St. Andrew Square Garden.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
