The concept of a Green Belt policy was identified post World War Two when the construction and development of buildings increased significantly. New residential developments, hospital and amenity buildings were being constructed at a quick pace. Concerns arose over the preservation of the natural landscape and expansion of major cities. It was indentified something had to be done to monitor and control the rate of growth in and around the cities and to prevent coalescence.
Sir Frank Mears a highly influential figure in Town and Country Plotting in Scotland first brought forward the thought in 1948 in the Regional Survey and Plot for Central and South-East Scotland. He identified the need to distribute development to the most appropriate locations, protect the character of the landscape and provide open space and green space in and around towns and cities. The first Scottish Green Belt policy was officially introduced in Edinburgh in 1957.
“The objectives agreed by the participating local authorities in 1956 were:

• to help in limiting further expansion of the city;
• to prevent the merging of built-up areas;
• to prevent the use of agricultural land for development;
• to preserve and enhance the landscape setting of the Capital

Since the introduction of the Edinburgh Green Belt other cities and towns throughout Scotland have followed introducing their own Green Belt policies under similar objectives.
Looking in more detail at the Edinburgh Green Belt Policy it has been constantly under review and scrutiny with modifications and adaptations introduced over the years, but the original boundaries have not been significantly changed. In a review in 1965 areas classified as green fingers were added to the policy, such areas included Corstorphine Hill, Holyrood Park and Water of Leith Valley.
In terms of Plotting Law the Green Belt Policy has played a very influential role with restriction on Plotting and Development. Local authority planners do not want the view that the policy identifies an area of land that can’t be touched or built on, but to encourage development within established areas and make sure land it place to the best possible use.
In terms of Plotting Law the green belt policy will highly influence development around cities. The policy is referred to during the formation of Local Plans for guidance on the most suitable areas for development. This statement emphasises the Green Belt Policy is not constitute development boundaries but one of the prime objectives is to control development around cities. A clear example of this is the West Edinburgh Plotting Frame (WEPF). A long term structure plot made by Edinburgh City Council, The Scottish Executive/Government and Scottish Enterprise. The west side of the city provides the principle gateway from the rest of the country. A vast area of west Edinburgh includes designated Green belt but does contain developed sites such as Edinburgh Business Park and The RBS Headquarters. These sites were granted permission by plotting authorities after the conclusion this location was the most appropriate and would not affect the character of the surrounding area as much as it might have on different parts of the Green Belt.

The policy provides a useful context to regulate development in and around cities. Without the policy it would be a lot harder to control the level of development and preserve the natural landscape.

HISTORY OF EDINBURGH’S NEW TOWN

By the mid 17th century, there were too many Edinburgh inhabitants to fit comfortably into the Ancient Town. Buildings in the Royal Mile, within the city walls, were high with poor sanitation, and the closes between them were narrow.

Under Provost Drummond, a competition was held to design a ‘New Town’. This would extend Edinburgh to the north by building on the open farmland beyond the Nor’ Loch, about half a mile to the north of the Ancient Town. The only road in this area was Lang Dykes, with its dry stone walls.

James Craig, then 22 years ancient, won this competition in 1766. His plot was revised the following year and building commenced in 1767. Craig’s plot proposed that a new street, George Street (named after George III) should be built along the ridge to the north of the Nor’ Loch.

Access to this land to the north of the Nor’ Loch had been hard, but later the loch was later drained in 1763 to make what is now Princes Street Gardens. Six years later, the North Bridge opened, and in 1779 work started on making the Earthen Mound (now the Mound) to link the Ancient and New towns of Edinburgh.

George Street was to be the grandest and widest street in the New Town, 115 ft broad, linking two new squares, St Andrew Square and St George Square. It was subsequently chose that St George Square should be named Charlotte Square after Queen Charlotte, wife of George III.

The other main streets in Craig’s Plot were Queen Street and Princes Street flanking George Street on the north and south, and Castle Street, Frederick Street and Hanover Street forming a grid.

To encourage Ancient Town residents to go to the New Town, a £20 prize was offered to the first person to build their home in the New Town. This was won by George Young who laid his foundation stone in George Street in 1867. His house can now be seen in Thistle Court, to the north of George Street.

In the late-1860s, as the building work started, George Street would have resembled a straight country road with fences on either site. It was to be another two or three decades before all the houses in George Street were built.

Statues, including one to George IV who visited Edinburgh in 1822 were later added to the George Street junctions with Castle Street, Frederick Street and Hanover Street.

The street layout around George Street today is still the same as appeared in Craig’s plot drawn up in the 1760s. More streets have been built following further plans, made between 1802 and 1822, to extend the New Town further to the west, north and east.

Initially, George Street was mainly residential. During the 19th and 20th centuries, several banks and insurance companies made new offices in the street, but in recent years most of these have found new use as bars and night clubs, and a number of new up-market shops have went into the street.

Other prominent buildings built in George Street included The George Hotel, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, St Andrew’s & St George’s Church, The Assembly Rooms and The Freemasons’ Hall.

The New town of Edinburgh is certainly one of the most sought after locations to find flats to rent in Edinburgh.

The UK may not be the largest country in the world, but it certainly has more than its honest share of top cities to choose from. From Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland, down through Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, York, Leeds and Bristol in England, there’s sure to be something to keep the most discerning of city-lovers pleased – and all that before we even reckon about the cultural, political and historical capital that is London. Indeed, every British city has its own charms and whether someone wants to get into the thick of things in a major metropolis or savour the quaintness of a small cathedral city, the UK sure has it all. But, there is one city that often seems to escape the tourist radar for no apparent reason other than, perhaps, the fact it is surrounded by so many other fantastic cities. Situated in the West Midlands county of England, Birmingham is only about 100 miles from London, Manchester and Liverpool, three cities that cast a rather large illustrious shadow. Birmingham, though, is a fantastic city with the right mix of history, culture and entertainment to make it a right contender among the other municipalities of the UK. Furthermore, with a population well in excess of a million people, Birmingham is Britain’s second largest city and, with so many people, there simply has to be enough to keep the masses amused. Although most people will probably associate it with being the home of junction 6 of the M6 motorway – otherwise known as ‘Spaghetti Junction’, Birmingham is busy, bustling and culturally diverse in its offerings. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts in the campus grounds of the University of Birmingham is home to works by Van Gogh, Monet, Rodin, Picasso and Rembrandt, making it a must-see attraction for art-lovers of all eras. Arguably one of Birmingham’s most well-known exports, Cadbury’s Chocolate first came to fruition in the 1830s thanks to the dedication of the city’s very own John Cadbury. Today, ‘Cadbury World’ brings to life the remarkable tale of one man’s vision, whilst the museum is also a fantastic place for children – and adults – to learn about the various stages of the chocolate-marking process. For those who want to sample the more sedate side of the city, Birmingham has a staggering 8,000 acres of parks and public open areas – more than any other city in the whole of Europe. From Birmingham nature centre and Fox Hollies Park, to Sheldon Country Park and Woodland Valley Country Park, there are plenty of wide opens spaces to clear the head after a hectic day in the crowds. Of course, with so much to see and do in Birmingham, visitors will need the promise of a comfortable night’s rest. There are countless budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in Birmingham, ensuring that there is something to suit all tastes and requirements.

There are few better places to delight in a taste of Scotland’s charm than in our largest city, Glasgow. With a population of 620,000 people situated in 68 square miles of west central Scotland along the banks of the River Clyde the city occupies much of the lower Clyde Valley incorporating suburbs – with an overall population of 1.4 million people – which extend into surrounding districts.
If shopping is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Glasgow’s reputation for retail shopping is well deserved – and, whatever your taste, you are sure to find something to suit. Buchanan Street, Buchanan Galleries, Argyle Street and St Enoch Centre are full of the huge high street names. Princes Square, the Italian Centre and the Merchant City have a more design-led offering. And for something a small bit different, pop into the West End. Byres Road and surrounding streets offer an eclectic mix of the new and the antique – perfect for an unusual gift or a bone idle afternoon’s browsing.
Glasgow’s cosmopolitan nature is steeped in the city’s heritage. Glasgow’s international reputation for shipping and industry brought considerable wealth to the city, as can be seen from stunning architecture – a rich tapestry of styles and influences, with Victorian sandstone rubbing shoulders with gothic spires, and classical edifices beside contemporary structures.
Unsurprisingly, a number of the city’s museums celebrate Glasgow’s architectural heritage or the cultural wealth amassed during the shipping heyday. The Museum of Transport, The Burrell Collection, Glasgow School of Art (and the city’s many other Macintosh treasures) and Kelvingrove art gallery and museum contrast nicely with the more contemporary: The Lighthouse, Gallery of Modern Art and the Science Museum.
Forget those nasty rumours – Glasgow offers a wealth of different cuisines, to suit a range of different budgets. From award-winning restaurants to noodle bars, brassieres to ancient fashioned tea rooms, the only problem you will have is deciding where to go.
If you are just popping out for a drink, choose from coffee shops, style bars, wine bars or excellent ancient fashioned pubs. Many lay on music or entertainment, especially during one of the festivals, and Oran Mor (Byres Road) even offers one-hour plays at lunchtime!
Gyms and healthclubs are scattered throughout the city, as are facilities for racquet sports, field and track, swimming, football, rugby and ice skating.
If you delight in skiing, there are dry slopes at Bearsden and Bellahouston, and the upcoming real snow slope at Xscape at Braehead. A few hours in the car will take you to ski resorts at Aviemore, Glencoe or Glenshee – amongst others.
Golf is also available throughout the city, and the world well-known courses at Troon, Loch Lomond and St Andrews are within simple reach.
Some of the country’s best sailing waters are just outside the city, with marinas at Ardrossan, Largs, Inverkip and Rhu.
Hillwalking, climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, windsurfing, clay pigeon shooting and other sports and activities can all be found in Greater Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Some of country’s most gorgeous scenery is within simple reach of Glasgow. Loch Lomond National Park and The Trossachs are within 30 minutes’ drive, whilst the West Highland Way starts at Milngavie, just outside the city’s northern limits. The Ayrshire coast or New Lanark make for excellent family days out.
Pop through to Edinburgh by car or on the train – the journey is less than an hour – to visit the castle, or travel further afield to explore the Highlands and Islands.
Whether you are interested in eating out, shopping, sports, architecture or art, Glasgow will have something for you to delight in during your visit. A warm welcome awaits all the tourists.
This is my first guide covering all the places that a tourist should visit in Glasgow. In my second article I will provide more information as well as a small bit of history. Watch this space!

The City of Aberdeen is an brilliant place for dining, drinking and shopping. The options are virtually endless, catering to varied tastes and influences.
There are hundreds of restaurants in Aberdeen, including dozens that cater to upscale folks as well as many off-beat and out-of-the-way dining places. Perhaps the city’s most well loved haunts can be found in the centre of town, including the restaurants listed here.
Established in 1922, La Lombarda on King Street is the oldest Italian restaurants in the city and one of the most well loved. Its food is brilliant and the ambience is refreshing. The same can be said for Musa Art and Music Cafe on Exchange Street, a restaurant, cafe and art gallery rolled into one, and it also offers live music on occasion. Clicking on the link above provides access to a printable map that will lead you to Musa.
Pizza Express on Union Street is a pizza lover’s delight and boasts of a modern setting and reasonable prices. Finally, Small Italy on Holborn Street may be a bit out of the way and a bit pricey as well, but the rustic decor and unique ambience make dining a pleasure.
For fantastic Indian and spicy food, Kury Restaurant on King Street is the place of choice and consistently gets rave reviews in the local media. There are two unique settings within Kury: a chic boutique with a romantic feel that offers a la carte servings and its busting gourmet buffet, which has a contemporary setting and is quite well loved for parties of any size and family get-togethers. Kury claims that it was “the first to offer the right taste of India” and they may have a point.
Aberdeen offers two exquisite choices for Chinese food. Jimmy Chung’s restaurant on Union Street, part of a 10-restaurant chain that started in Aberdeen and has stretched all over Scotland, has bought a reputation for serving the best Chinese food in town and at reasonably low prices at that. Not that there are four Jimmy Chung restaurants in Aberdeen, but the one on Union Street is probably the best. Yu restaurant on Union Street is another fine choice for Chinese delicacies and is simple to find. They have a sumptuous menu and offer special set dinners, lunch and weekday specials.
For travellers who wish to sample food from all over the world and are concerned about their budget, nothing beats The Illicit Still just off Broad Street. Meanwhile, The Basement on Windmill Brae just off Union Street is a terrific American grill that has reasonable prices.
For those who would rather drink than dine, Aberdeen also has options galore like most any other city in Scotland. There are hundreds of bars and nightclubs in the city and, owing to the city’s large student population, many of these places offer special price promotions that extend to everyone, not just the students.
One of the most clubs in town is the Liquid dance club , which is part of a chain that includes over 20 clubs all over the UK. The fantastic allure of Liquid is its signature style and quality sound as well as a breathtaking light show, retro design interiors (complete with giant lava lamps and oil wheel projectors) and brilliant customer service.
Other well loved nightspots include Moshulu underground club and the upscale Soul in the converted Langstane Kirk. The over-30 set usually converges at the upscale Albyn Bar and Club, which features live simple-listening music, opulent furnishings and fabulous, eclectic food as well as a brilliant design courtesy of Edinburgh-based interior designers Kerr Blyth Associates and architects Canale Associates.
It may look like a run-down hole in the wall, but the St. Machar Bar on High Street, Ancient Aberdeen is one of the most well loved places in the city simply because it is inexpensive, convenient and teeming with university students out looking for a excellent time.
Snafu is the lone boutique nightclub in Aberdeen and it specializes in house music. Their wide array of sophisticated electronic and live sounds is second to none. In addition, Snafu also boasts of a well-known line-up of local resident performers, including Gene Farris, Funky Transport, Unabombers, Dee J A’la Fu, Harri and Blackbeard as well as well loved guest performers such as The View, Rumble Strips and Down The Tiny Steps have all guested.
When it comes to shopping, there are four central shopping centres at the hub of Aberdeen. These are the Bon-Accord Centre (general high street shops), St. Nicholas Centre (general high street shops), The Academy (boutique shops) and the Trinity Centre (general high street shops). Like most other British urban areas, there are also a number of specialty shops to choose from as well as individual shops for major international brands.
The following is a list of some of the city’s major shops, their locations and speciality offerings:
John Lewis, Bon Accord Centre/George Street, department store.
Debenhams, Trinity Centre, department store
Marks and Spencer, St. Nicholas Square (off Union Street), department store and supermarket
Next, St. Nicholas Centre/Berryden Retail Park, clothing and homewares
Primark, Bon Accord Centre/Union Street, clothing
GAP, St. Nicholas Square, clothing
H&M, Union Street, clothing
FOPP, Belmont Street, music and movies
Waterstones, Union Street, books
HMV, Trinity Centre/Union Street; music, movies, and games.

Fort William is situated in the Highlands region of Scotland and it is best known as being the outdoor capitol of the UK.  It gained this association due to the high number of outdoor activities that are available, with mountain biking being especially well loved.  

This area offers visitors with a multitude of activities and an brilliant chance to explore Scotland’s history.  There are some brilliant hotels in Fort William with one of the top hotels in Europe just outside the town.

 

Transport

There are no air links to Fort William, the nearest airport you will find is in Inverness which is around 60 miles away.  Inverness has a few daily domestic flights available from airlines such as British Airways and Easyjet flying to Dublin, Edinburgh and London.

There is a railway station in the town centre of Fort William and from here you can get a direct train to Glasgow which takes around 3hrs 30mins.  From Glasgow you can connect to Edinburgh, Perth and other major destinations in Scotland.

The bus station is next to the train station in the town centre of Fort William and from here you can get a CityLink service direct to Inverness or other major towns in the Highlands.  There are also direct services to major Scottish cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow again with CityLink.

Attractions

Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom and it offers some breathtaking views from it peak which stands at over 4,400ft.  It is a well loved mountain for hill walkers and it is so well loved that there is really a full path all the way to the summit.  It is ideal for people who are amateur hill walkers as navigation is relatively simple. 

Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal is a total of 62 miles in length and it was designed by Thomas Telford in 1803.  The canal connects Inverness with Fort William and it runs through several lochs including Loch Ness, Loch Lochy and Loch Onich.

There are several firms which rent out small boats which offer comfort and a unique way to travel through the Highlands.

Glencoe

One of the most picturesque locations in Scotland and an area full of history, this was the setting for one of the most bloody parts of Scottish History.  The massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692 and involved 38 people from the Clan McDonald being killed for not pleading allegiance to the new King, William of Orange.

Today the valley and area offer some fantastic panoramic views and there is also a excellent selection of Munros for the keen hill walkers to climb.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Fort William ranges from the ultimate in five star luxury at Inverlochy Castle to budget backpacking accommodation.  If you have the money then Inverlochy Castle offers guests a truly unique experience and luxurious break.  It is multi award winning and was voted as one of Europe’s best hotels in 2007.

The area is a well loved backpacking destination and there is a excellent selection of hostels available of various standards.  Prices start from only £10 per night and hostels are located both in the town centre and close to Ben Nevis.

Other reasonably priced accommodation can be found at the many bed and breakfasts and hotels available with hotel rooms starting at only £50 per night at town centre locations such as Bank Street Lodge. 

From enjoying the magnificent scenery through a scenic drive or climbing to the summit of Britain’s tallest mountain Fort William offers a unique experience.  If you are looking for Fort William accommodation then try Rooms in Scotland for an brilliant selection of hostels and Fort William hotels.

LONDON

London needs small introduction. Must-sees in this multi-cultural capital include the London Eye with panoramic views of the city, the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens and the world well-known Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. There’s Ancient Masters at the National Gallery & Tate Modern, and ancient relics at the British Museum. Get some fresh air at Hyde Park or the Hampstead Heath. Don’t forget to taste London’s diverse cuisine from China Town and Soho to Brick Lane for a curry, and wash it down with a pint in a excellent ancient London pub. With over 30,000 shops and stores to choose from, as well as an increasing reputation in the fashion world, shoppers will not be disappointed.BRIGHTON

Less than an hour from London by train, the city is a well loved seaside destination with its cultural sites and the added benefit of the fresh sea air. Visit the exotic Royal Pavilion, home of King George IV, notable for its Indian architecture and Oriental interior design. Stroll along the Victorian Pier and the beachfront with its bars, restaurants, nightclubs and amusement arcades. For shopping, try the bohemian North Laine.CARDIFF

Cardiff has developed a cool reputation in the last few years as an ideal family destination. A recent extensive re-development has given the city world-class sporting and entertainment facilities. Add to this brilliant shopping, diverse restaurants and plenty of art, history and culture. Highlights include the Wales Millennium Centre, National Gallery, and Cardiff Castle. If you want to find out more about the Welsh obsession with rugby, head to the Millennium Stadium.BRISTOL

Today, Bristol is one of the UK’s best small-break destinations. The city hits a high note with everyone from clubbers to culture vultures. See art, history and nature at the City Museum & Art Gallery, or take in a show at the opulent Bristol Ancient Vic Theatre. Clifton Suspension Bridge is a well-known landmark, and the former ocean liner, the SS Fantastic Britain, which is now in dry dock in Bristol. Take a stroll at Bristol Zoo Gardens, buy some ethnic food at St Nicholas Market and delight in the nightlife along Corn Street.LIVERPOOL

The city is quick becoming one of Europe’s most well loved city break destinations. Well-known as the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool has more museums, theatres and galleries than any other UK city outside London. The city is nominated European Capital of Culture for 2008 with music, art and cultural events going during the whole year. Visit the former homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Penny Lane and the Beatles Tale. If nightlife is your thing, head to the well-known Albert Dock with its tempting selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants.YORK

York is one of the most preserved historical cities in England. Well-known for the magnificent York Minster, the city is also the location of world’s largest railway museum and a wealth of preserved medieval buildings and streets, such as the Shambles. As a city of festivals, York boasts a year-round calendar of music, antique, food & drink events. Theatre lovers can catch a show at the Theatre Royal or delight in a concert at the Grand Opera House.EDINBURGH

Owing to its rugged setting and vast collection of Medieval and Georgian architecture, Edinburgh is often considered one of the most picturesque cities in Fantastic Britain. Walk the Royal Mile, visit World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle, and above all experience the spirit of Scotland. Delight in the art at the National Gallery and volcanic eruptions at Our Dynamic Earth science centre.

Falkirk is roughly positioned half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland’s two principal cities. With the brilliant transport infrastructure, access to either of these cities is convenient where one has the choice of taking their own transport using the motorway network or the hassle-free train system where the schedules are nearly half-hourly. Falkirk, therefore, has rigorous competition.
As a “casual” and most of the time reluctant shopper, even I have noticed that both Falkirk town centre and the central Retail Park remain vibrant. Buoyant even and this is despite the current economic downturn.
Both the High Street and the Retail Park share the usual “High Street” names that adorn every shopping area in any town in the United Kingdom. Refreshingly, there is a excellent mix of local business’s that promote their various wares to the passing public.
Also, like any other town, we are “super-marketed” out with the usual fare of the Asda’s, the Morrison’s, the Tesco’s etc. all competing against each other and each promising lower basket prices than their opposition. But, there is respite from all this where, for four days a week, the Falkirk Market is held on the outskirts of the town. Here, we can buy fresh and invariably locally sourced fruit, vegetables and meat – often at a fraction of the price of the so-called super markets.
Throughout the year, there are Sunday Farmer’s markets and French traders, literally from France, come across and offer a wide selection of meats, breads cheeses and the like.
That is the “Bread on the table” over, but what of the specialists? A selection of locally owned music shops, tattoo parlours, cycle shops (my main reason going into town!) and many other shops too many too mention here!
Basic observations as a “casual” are that Falkirk is swamped by hairdressers, nail salons and the like. They all appear to be prospering yet I cannot imagine, with all of the competition on their respective doorsteps, how do they survive? Are they surviving or are they limping through this recession dependent on their overdraft facilities?
Another being that as en ex-climber I still retain a healthy interest in photography and this is something that Falkirk cannot accommodate. Are we all content with the typical offerings from the Argos’s, Comet’s etc of this world (including Falkirk!) but what of the more specialist equipment like filters, lens hoods….on and on and on! Or was it for the fact that the only camera shop in Falkirk that closed some 2 plus years ago could not compete with the internet and the mighty eBay? Regrettably so, as we all live in the digital age…therefore, we all use digital cameras and…in this digital world we do have the World Wide Web.
On a personal note, I still use 35mm film for “black and white” mountain photography and I am left to buying my film stock by mail order as it is no longer available locally. My own dSLR is an incredible bit of equipment yet the fact that a 35mm SLR camera is more robust than any dSLR, that the many local professional photographers still use analogue cameras for the high quality – one would have thought that there would still be a demand for such a store?
Will there be any shops left in Falkirk or even any other conurbation in the future when we can all “browse” what we want to buy in total Virtual Reality which satisfies all of the senses?

A market town for ages now and based in the centre of Portes du Soleil, Morzine is replete with several attractive looking chalets that are scattered across river Gorge which are punctuated by partially wooded slopes which encourages skiing even in adverse weather conditions. The terrain in its initial stage is just perfect to learn skiing, no wonder one can see quite a few people mostly kids and women perfecting their skiing skills. It is precisely for this reason that resorts here are specially singled out by families. But, seasoned and adventuress skiers can unleash their skills at more challenging spots at Avoraiz through Prodains lifts. Morzine is also a firm favourite with snowboarders which includes such impressive clientale like several European national teams and pro-riders. The nightlife of this gorgeous French town is also very happening and is hugely liked by guests. No wonder there is a huge rush to visit Morzine amongst tourists who want to soak in the natural beauty of the place as well as the skiing enthusiasts who never let go such a marvelous opportunity to indulge in their favorite past time.

There are quite a few other destinations also which make Morzine an extremely likable tourist destination. A quite place away from the pollution and hustle and bustle of busy city life, Morzine provides a wonderful option for the ruffled and over worked tourists to relax in perfect peace and recharge their discharged batteries to take on the challenges that lie ahead. The joy to visit Morzine enhances manifold if one has the pleasure of having one’s family around as well. There are plenty of activities that can be very captivating for kids for whom it would be an event that they would remember till the end of their lives.

Morzine also has, to its, credit riveting summer activities which sees such glorious activities like mountain biking, golf, etc. It is popularly believed that more people visit Morzine in summers than in winters. Morzine has also seen unfolding of such glorious events like the grand finale of the first mountain stage of 2003 Tour de France. Stage 17 of the 2006 Tour de France finished in Morzine and the town is also the starting point for Stage 18.

With so many outstanding features embedded with Visit Morzine there shouldn’t be a shred of doubt in anyone’s mind that why is there such a huge queue to visit Morzine every year.

From You To You Tube: A Filmmaking Summer Camp For Young Adults, is a workshop in New York running till August 14, with another session closely following, from August 17-28, teaches concepts of tale and structure, how to use a camera for your own shoot, the basics of film editing theory and technique, and how to compress your final product down to a size to share on the web. Chicago’s annual Lollapalooza 2009 music festival gets going again this year, August 7-9, and as part of Citi’s sponsorship of emerging artists at this year’s festival you’re invited to take part in a grassroots music-meets-art installation that allows you and your friends to take away a prized photographic memento of your time at Lollapalooza. Also, there will be chances to win VIP passes, stage passes to the PlayStation® Stage and even chances to win PS3®/PSP® system prize packs. The Florida Writers Association partners with UNF to start a three-day conference from August 7-9 in Jacksonville, with a full day of writing workshops for each day. Sunday afternoon’s schedule includes a marketing panel and a workshop featuring the UNF Writers Conference Book & Film Deal Connection, an opportunity for attendees to submit their work to agents, book editors and film producers after the conference closes. The Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video is Chicago’s annual showcase for films that tell tales, raise questions, or touch on issues that relate to the black African, African American, and African diasporic experience, and it will be hosted this year in Chicago, August 7 through September 3.A Media Leaders Meeting in Austin, a monthly “experiential mixing event” on August 11, brings together leaders in media, marketing, advertising and entertainment to discuss current events and new thoughts. The LatinVision Hispanic Business Networking Event, an exclusive gathering of U.S. Hispanic and Latin American professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners in a relaxed atmosphere that facilitates networking, holds this month’s New York meeting on August 13, with an exclusive VIP after party to follow in the far west Chelsea district. A San Jose workshop for YouTubers who already shoot their own videos and post their content online takes place August 14, focusing on how can implement a successful video marketing strategy in this relatively new and rapidly changing field. The International Odense Film Festival is a small and documentary film festival that takes place every year in August, screening international small fiction and small documentaries as well as Danish small fiction and Danish small and feature length documentaries. Games Convention Developers Conference (GCDC), GDC Europe, hosted this year in Cologne, August 17-19, encompasses learning, networking, and inspiration via the GDC’s conference content quality and access to the industry leaders driving innovation in games across the globe. GDC Europe focuses on Business, Game Design, Production, and Programming for games. In addition, this three day conference will emphasize timely content and topics in Serious Games and Mobile Games in Europe and worldwide today.bitfilm09: Hackin’ Hollywood starts with a three day event of indoor and outdoor screenings, a workshop for the creative industry, an opening reception, and a public open air screening in a park in the centre of Hamburg. National Alliance for Media Art & Culture Conference 2009 is for media and visual arts leaders, practitioners, researchers, technologists, advocates, scholars, students, funders, and policymakers to share experiences and pool  knowledge among attending conference members, and across networks within the arts, media and culture fields, at sessions running August 28-29 in Boston. MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, August 26-30 in Edinburgh, celebrates success in the TV industry and is committed to the development of new talent. The Festival carries over 60 individual sessions covering the most vital issues facing the industry, from policy to programme making, alongside plenty of fun sessions as well. Each year London International Animation Festival 2009 focuses on a specific animation technique. So in 2009 they take a close up look at sand animation. This involves an animator placing and moving coloured sand, salt and other powders on a light box and using hand brushes, air brushes and an array of other tools to make thousands of textured pictures that make up the finished film. To showcase this technique, they place together a programme, running August 28 through September 6, which mixes recently released sand animations carefully blended with a collection of classics from the last 25 years.The above events are only a sample of what is fully listed. Complete details are on the “Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events” page. Video and podcast versions of this news summary are also available at well loved video sites around the Web like MySpace, YouTube, Daily Motion, as well as on The Actor’s Checklist podcast blog. Follow the posting of the news summary on Twitter at: twitter.com/actorschecklist. This month on the video news summary you will again see a dynamic array of artists in performance of film and music. These videos are now available on the Free Home Video Showcase which now serves as an archive for all past video presentations but without the audio news narration. The Actor’s Checklist is proud announce the return of the photo gallery which you can visit to upload valuable head shots or other photos of your choice, make profiles, and use your pictures or others found on the gallery as ecards which you can email to friends and associates with messages