Capital News

PIONEERING HOMELESS VILLAGE TO BE OPENED AT CHRISTMAS

The Social Bite Village is set to be opened in time for Christmas. Work has already begun on the pioneering development which will consist of 10 two-bedroom homes to accommodate those struggling with homelessness in Edinburgh. The village is being established by Social Bite, a sandwich chain which supports and employs homeless people. Co-founder Josh Littlejohn says the end result will be an inclusive, compassionate community that will provide a support network to people who are ready to be helped back into society. The modular housing units have been purpose-built from sustainable materials and can be easily relocated. To learn more about the project and to donate, visit the official Just Giving page.

ROSS BANDSTAND TO BE CONVERTED INTO A ‘HOBBIT HOUSE’

A £25 million project to revitalise the west end of Princes Street Gardens will see the famous Ross Bandstand converted into a new outdoor concert arena and indoor visitor centre. The winning design, dubbed ‘The Hobbit House’, came from American firm wHY, who, over a five-month contest, beat off competition from 125 teams to secure the contract. The organisers of the contest believe the project will result in one of the most exciting performance spaces in the world – an entirely unique and undulating spectacle situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Visit The Ross Pavilion International Design Competition website for the original brief, the shortlist and more information on the winning design.

THE QUEEN OPENS THE QUEENSFERRY CROSSING

The Queen has officially opened the Queensferry Crossing, 53 years to the day since opening the adjacent Forth Road Bridge. Representing a total Scottish Government investment of £1.35 billion, the 2.7 kilometre crossing is now the main route of the cross-Forth transport corridor. It is the longest structure of its kind in the world and has been recognised as a symbol of a confident, forward-looking Scotland – as well as a vital transport connection for decades to come. Thousands have been involved in the bridge’s construction, which began in 2011. Visit the new Forth Bridges website for facts and figures, webcams and more information.