JK Rowling solicitors deny she forked out £300,000 to move house two weeks early

By Rory Reynolds

SOLICITORS acting for author JK ROWLING have denied reports she offered the previous owner of her new home £300,000 to move out early – so she could host a lavish Christmas bash.

The best-selling author was said to have conjured up £2.2 million to pay for an Edinburgh mansion, despite already owning one in the city’s leafy Merchiston area.

She bought the stunning 17th century home, on the west side of the city, after viewing just two of the 31 rooms.

However, respected legal firm Schillings have denied claims that the Harry Potter author phoned the owner the next day and offered to pay more if they could moved out early.

Controversial £1 Million library re-fit to go ahead

By Alexander Lawrie

A CONTROVERSIAL million pound re-fit of a popular library which forced a family out of their home has finally been given the go ahead.

The refurbishment of Morningside Library in the trendy quarter of Edinburgh populated by famous neighbours including Harry Potter creator JK Rowling, Rebus author Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith, will begin later this year.

It follows a lengthy legal wrangle which saw council tenant Graeme Middlemass and his family lose a court battle with Edinburgh Council two years ago to stay put,when a Sheriff ruled that they had to leave the flat they had called home for 13 years.

The city council won the battle for rights over what was the last remaining council flat, a £200,000 two-bedroom property situated above the library, which used to be occupied by the caretaker before it was let to the Middlemass family in July 1994.

Life comes full circle for pensioners

Bill and Sheila sharing memories

By Cara Sulieman

LIFE HAS come full circle for two OAPs who helped open a new day care centre in the capital yesterday.

Bill Hoatson, 81, and Sheila Allan, 78, were both pupils at the North Merchiston Primary School, which used to sit on the same site.

And now the pair are looking forward to enjoying a barrage of activities at the day care centre including day trips and lunches.

It has been 70 years since they both walked through the door of the Edinburgh building, and both pensioners are excited about revisiting their old haunt.