Edinburgh supporters were treated to a fine derby at Tynecastle where Hearts claimed a 3-2 win over neighbours Hibernian.
Paul Hartley opened the scoring for the Jambos in the second minute before Edgaras Jankauskas took advantage of an error by Hibs goalkeeper Zbigniew Malkowski to tap home the second four minutes after the interval.
New Zealand international Chris Killen then powered home a fine header to claw the Easter Road side back into the game.
And 12 minutes later, after being fouled himself by Nerijus Barasa, Hibs midfielder Dean Shiels slotted home the equaliser from the spot.
However, after scoring the penalty, Shiels raced forward to collect the ball and barged Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon to earn a red card.
Hibs were made to pay for the dismissal in the 70th minute when Lithuania international Saulius Mikoliunas hit a fine winner.
Aberdeen closed the gap on leaders Celtic to 15 points and moved into second place ahead of Rangers' trip to Inverness on Wednesday with a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock.
Dons teenage forward Chris Maguire celebrated his first competitive start with a sixth-minute opener before Barry Nicholson doubled the lead three minutes later.
Aberdeen substitute Steve Lovell wrapped up the points three minutes from time before Killie striker Steven Naismith grabbed a consolation in the 89th minute.
Dunfermline were cast seven points adrift at the foot of the table as Motherwell claimed a 2-0 win at East End Park.
Well defender Marc Fitzpatrick opened the scoring in the 26th minute against the run of play.
Then, 11 minutes from the end, Australia international Scott McDonald helped Motherwell open up a 10-point gap over the Pars with the second of the game.
Simon Lappin scored the only goal of the game as St Mirren claimed their first SPL win since the end of September at the expense of Falkirk.
The Saints midfielder curled a delightful strike beyond Bairns goalkeeper Scott Higgins in the 67th minute to move the Buddies eight points clear of Dunfermline.
