News in brief

A retired engineer was given exclusive access to view pioneering technology at a Scottish Water reservoir as a 90th birthday surprise – 50 years after he helped design the site.

Former civil engineer Brian Kitching, who surveyed and designed a new reservoir in Perth in the 1970s, was given a gift to remember by son Neil.

Dundee composer Catriona Mckay will take to the stage at Celtic Connections in Glasgow between January 19 and February 5, 2023.

The harpist will join more than 1,000 fellow musicians from across the world taking part in the 18-day showcase of events.

The Creative Exchange in Perth is opening its doors to the public for a twoday Winter Market on December 3 and 4, 10am to 5pm, offering an opportunity to meet potters, painters, woodworkers and watercolourists, stitchers and stainedglass makers all under one roof.

Three artists with ties to Dundee University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design now hold senior positions within the Royal Scottish Academy.

Gareth Fisher, a retired sculpture professor from the university, takes up the academy’s highest honorary position as president, lecturer Delia Baillie becomes treasurer. Edward Summerton, a senior lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone, was appointed secretary of the academy earlier this year.

Perth’s Childline Christmas Concert returns this year for the first time since Covid-19, on Thursday December 1 at 7.30pm.

This year will mark 19 years since the festive service began, with tickets costing £14.50 for adults and £7 for under-16s.