Student’s artwork on display in new restaurant

By Amanda MacMillan

A TALENTED Edinburgh student’s artwork has been chosen to sit pride of place at a new restaurant.

Thyme, the new restaurant at Premier Inn Central on Lauriston Place, teamed up with George Heriot’s and St Thomas of Aquins  high schools to invite budding artists to create their own interpretations of popular Edinburgh landmarks.

The winning piece of art was created by Andy Jack, 17, a sixth year pupil at St Thomas of Aquins.

His panoramic interpretation of the Edinburgh skyline will now appear in the new restaurant and after a year on display it will be auctioned with all proceeds going to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

Andy will also receive a £150 “Love to Shop” voucher.

School children encouraged to learn new cooking skills

By Christine Lavelle

SCHOOL kids in Edinburgh are being invited to compete to be the next generation of culinary masters, with the support of a successful Scottish chef.

Steven Adair, executive head chef of The Glasshouse off the Mile, is hoping to sign up schools in the capital to a nationwide culinary programme put on by FutureChef.

The programme aims to help youngsters aged 12-16 learn to cook, and Mr Adair says he is keen to get more Scottish school pupils get involved.

He said: “I’ve been involved with the competition for over eight years assisting young budding chefs at Liberton High School and it’s great to see so many kids excited about the event.

One millionth customer to be treated to dinner and champagne

By Christine Lavelle

AN Italian restaurant in Edinburgh is gearing up to celebrate its one millionth customer – they just have to wait for them to walk through the door.

Staff at La Piazza, in the west end of the city are keeping a tally of how many customers enter the restaurant and plan to make a fuss when the one who makes the special landmark walks in.

The family-run eatery has been trading in the capital for 13 years, and owner Tony Pia said everyone is watching the countdown closely as they get closer to the target.

He said: “We’ve already started a countdown and every single member of staff is keeping track.

“When that millionth customer walks through the door, we want to mak

Susan Boyle launches duet competition

By Christine Lavelle

SCOTS superstar Susan Boyle is offering fans the chance to record a duet with her for the next album.

She says the international competition is her way of giving back to those who have made her such a massive success.

On her website, Boyle said: “I decided that I wanted to give someone the opportunity that I had, a way onto the world stage, someone who has talent and just needs a break.

“For me it was through Britain’s Got Talent – it took me years to pluck up the courage.”

Hopeful entrants should record a video of them self singing ‘Silent Night’ and upload it to the competition on Susan’s youtube channel.

Edinburgh dancing queen

By Cara Sulieman

A SCOTTISH dancing sensation has added yet another trophy to her collection after winning an international competition.

Tamara has wowed the crowds once again to win Disco Kid 2008

Tamara Robertson, ten, has clinched the crown at the Disco Kid 2008 dance-off in Blackpool.

The disco diva won a trip to Disneyland Paris after she danced circles around the 250 other competitors.

Tamara won the Association of Dance and Freestyle Professional World Championship last summer and has not looked back yet.

Disco Kid was attended by around 6000 people and included competitors from around the globe.

Tamara was not the only girl from her Quilietti School of Dancing to win a prize during the competition.

Fellow twinkle toes Blayne Leich, seven, also won a top prize and a trip to Disneyland.

The girls are now not only proud of themselves, but can also look forward to a magical trip to France.

Teacher Fiona Quilietti said: “I’m just so proud of the girls. The Disco Kid competition used to be a UK event but it’s grown into an international competition. To come out tops in the face of such competition is a great achievement.”