I know Christmas has really started when we do the Gorgie Dalry Christmas lights switch on. It is always a heart stopping moment when this years celebrity, Iain Waugh from Forth 1, throws the switch, hoping they will actually come on. They did. All credit to the Council's engineers. I MC'd the proceedings which, along with the traditional carol singing featured the wind section from Tynecastle High School and the Choir from St.Martins Church. The Reverend John Conway also from St Martins gave the Christmas message and Cllr Nick Elliot-Cannon presented the Best Dressed Christmas window (won by The City Florists on Gorgie Rd.) . Joining us on the stage were Cllr Eric Milligan - my fellow Labour Councillor for Sighthill Gorgie and MSP Sarah Boyack. The grand finale of course is Santa who hands out presents to all the kids. Santa's sleigh organised by the Edinburgh Lions Club. Afterwards all those involved retired into Robertsons Bar who for several years now have been kindly donating a free drink and a buffet. The whole event is organised by the Gorgie Dalry Partnership who do a fantastic job but it is typical of Gorgie Dalry to see so many local companies and groups getting involved. Multi Party, multi organization all coming together in the Christmas spirit. Great!

I never seem to get time to do this, post an entry that is . Time time time. As Christmas gets closer I get busier - happens every year. Same for everyone I know. I love Christmas though and really look forward to it. Some of the things that make me busy are a a joy as well of course like the Gorgie Dalry Christmas Lights Switch On tonight. I love the carol singing and the Christmas spirit. Its at Gorgie City Farm on Gorgie Road at 6pm if anyone wants to come along. There is a children's party beforehand in the Tynecastle Community Association centre in Mcleod Street then everyone comes along in a group for the switch on ceremony. The actual switching on of the lights this year is being done by Ian Waugh of Forth 1.

There is a cloud of course in the form of the terrible murder which occurred in the Ward last week. Terrible not just because of the nature of the crime itself but the effect it will no doubt have on residents and perceptions of the area. All I can say from personal experience is that since becoming a Councillor for the Ward in May I have met hundreds of residents in the vicinity and found them all - without exception to be genuine, good, friendly people. Not saying everyone is like that of course but I've met enough now to know there must be a good number. A terrible thing.