Murrays Directory Issue 11, September 2015 by Murrays Directory

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Issue 11 - September 2015

Murrays Directory

The FREE local business directory for residents of EH16 and EH17

Blessed Bride, I ask for a Blessing upon this magazine The Murrays Directory. LocalMay it thrive and flourish Showroom and be financially Kitchens, Bathrooms, rewarding and beneficial Wetrooms & Bedrooms for myself and for those Heating Installations, Servicing & Repairs who advertise and Maintenance Team & participate in its All Trades Interior creation. Specialists With Love, in your name, 20% Off Readerfrom Offer*one who is a Free Design & Project of the Light, Servant Management Karolyne Service 553404

Visit us at our showroom where we can turn your ideas into reality or call us today for a free home visit: Redpath 7 Fisherrow Ind Est Newhailes Road Musselburgh EH21 6RU

Call us on 0131 477 7710 www.redpathinteriors.com *Terms and conditions apply

murraysdirectory@gmail.com | www.murraysdirectory.com | 01313373309

LABOUR RATES UP TO 50% CHEAPER THAN MAIN DEALERS EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS LEADING AUDI, VW, SEAT AND SKODA SPECIALISTS CHECK US OUT! THIS IS WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

SERVICING, MOT AND REPAIRS Keith and Alan at AVW are delighted to announce the addition of an MOT Testing station. We have invested in the latest testing equipment so can be sure to offer you correct and consistent testing at all times. AVW are approved and regulated by VOSA to carry out testing on Class 4 vehicles. At AVW we have a wealth of knowledge in the servicing and repairs of ALL makes and models and specialise in Audi, Volkswagen, Gi Skoda and Seat. lm WE er ARE to HERE n We can offer the latest in diagnostic equipment backed up with years of technical experience all at a fraction of the cost compared to main dealers. Mo In addition to MOTs and servicing we red un Pa rk also offer a great deal on tyres and air Ga rd Gi en lm s e conditioning servicing. rto nR oa d Our services are fixed price and our labour n ce rate remains unchanged since 2010! es Cr Simply give us a call 0131 658 1549 to book in or discuss your vehicle needs. n Pa rk Ga rd FREE courtesy car & FREE collection and en s The Gilmerton delivery service. Road Project Drop us an email: avwautocentre@googlemail.com Ellen’s Glen House Hospital Or feel welcome to drop in during Erskine opening hours: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8-6pm Edinburgh Home 405 Gilmerton Road Edinburgh EH17 7QR We are right opposite ALDI. The Spinney Lane Nursery School As a small local garage we pride ourselves Call: on delivering an exceptional level of service ey nn pi eS with a personal touch and look forward to email: avwautocentre@googlemail.com e ov Gr meeting you. web: www.audiservicingedinburgh.com Keith & Alan AVW Autocentre. e rd

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Your local directory of business services and community information.

Tel: 0131 337 3309 | 0740 7382722 Email: info@murraysdirectory.co.uk

CONTENTS Gardening........................................................6 Business Spotlight - Ed. Micro Diggers............ 8 Recipe - Potato Tortilla & Marinated Olives.. 10 Travel - Tibet................................................. 12 Movie Review - Trainwreck........................... 14 Community News..................................... 20-22 Residents Recommend................................. 24 Technology - Top Tech for University............ 26 TaxAssist - Financial advice........................... 28 Quick Crossword (Solutions p34).................. 30 Around Britain - UNESCO Heritage Sites....... 30 Hot Chocolates Recipe: Chocolate Nut Cake. 33 Index of Advertisers...................................... 34

USEFUL NUMBERS

BT Faults.......................................0800 800 151 BT Nuisance calls help..................0800 661 441 Domestic Abuse Help.................0800 027 1234 Gas Emergency ............................0800 111 999 Gilmerton Library.......................0131 529 5628 Lothian Bus Info..................................555 6363 NHS 24 Helpline...........................................111 Pharmacy Liberton Brae............0131 658 1274 Pharmacy Gracemount Drive.....0131 664 2249 Pharmacy Fernie Hill Rd.............0131 664 3295 Post Office Liberton Grd.............0845 722 3344 Post Office Gracemount.............0131 658 1031 Post Office Moredun Park..........0131 664 2006 Power - Electricity Loss..............0845 272 7999 Royal Hosp for Sick Children .....0131 536 1000 Royal Infirmary ..........................0131 536 1000 Samaritans.................................0845 790 9090 Scottish Animal Helpline ...........03000 999 999 Scottish Water Faults.................0845 272 7999 Disclaimer: All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that desciprtions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Murrays Directory does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this pulicaiton. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrival system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. Murrays Directory: www.murraysdirectory.com | 07407382722.

elcome to the September issue of the Murrays Directory. Well by the time you receive this magazine, the Fringe and Festival will be finished for another year, and our streets will be a whole lot quieter. Certainly, August is great for business, and hugely entertaining, whether you take in a show or simply people-watch along any of the central streets. I admit, I haven’t seen many shows, but my cousin was up from London where she stays, and she is an actress, so I accompanied her to a couple of performances. It was quite a different experience to have technical critique from her. As I type this, I am getting excited about seeing the Soweto Spiritual Singers at the end of the week. I’ve been saying for the past couple of years that I’d like to see them, and this year I was determined to get tickets. My mum is in an acapella choir and I adore that style of singing.

This month we have a number of additional advertisers, including Dean Jones Builders, Martin Scott plastering and roofing, and Marek of MG Decor for decorating work, and Stewart introduces his micro-digging business on our Spotlight page. Don’t forget to take a look at the Community News for lots of activities and groups nearby. Edinburgh Council has information about new recycling services, and Alzheimer Scotland has a page about its Memory Walk on the 20th September. As ever, your feedback and suggestions, recommedations and comments are welcome. Meantime, have a terrific September, and here’s hoping there are a few sunny days left!

Karolyne

Kindly,

JDS

Johnson Distribution Service

No. 1 in door to door distribution !

Advertising Order Deadline for OCTOBER Issue by Fri 18th Sept

To advertise call 0131 337 3309

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Lovely Lawns

by Pippa Greenwood

lmost every garden has a lawn, and

there is a lot you can do to keep it in good condition. Don’t wait until spring but get to work now with some autumn lawn care to keep your lawn looking healthy and green. Large weeds in small lawns are best removed by hand, perhaps using a sturdy old kitchen knife – perfect for removing dandelions, small clumps of daisies and other weeds missed by the mower. You should also take a look at the level of moss in the lawn: when green and luxuriant it can look quite attractive, but once it dies out the lawn will look really awful. On the whole, moss in lawns is encouraged by compaction, poor drainage of the soil and lawn surface and by excessive shading, perhaps by nearby trees or herbaceous plants in adjacent borders. It is worth doing anything you can to alleviate these problems, and for shading you should prune back shrubs which overhang the lawn or have trees professionally crown thinned or lifted, so that more light gets through to the lawn. Herbaceous plants are easily dealt with by using bamboo canes and string to ease them up and away from the grass. Compaction is relatively easy to deal with, and in small areas where the problem is not too bad, you can use a normal garden fork. Drive this into the lawn every 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in) and ease it back and forth slightly to enlarge the holes created by the tines of the fork. This creates some drainage channels, which will also improve aeration. On very heavy sites or where compaction is bad, use a hollow tine aerator. These can be bought as attachments for some lawnmowers, or you can buy or hire a dedicated machine or

piece of equipment. A hollow tine aerator removes cylinders of turf and the soil beneath, thus producing a better effect than using a garden fork. Once aerated, brush a sandy top dressing mixture into all the holes, using a mixture of sieved garden soil and horticultural sand, perhaps mixed with a small quantity of sieved leaf mould. The top dressing ensures that the holes are kept open to allow better drainage and aeration over a longer period. Use a proprietary moss killer if moss is really out of control, applied exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions; you should make sure that the moss is killed off completely before you attempt to rake it out. Raking out can be combined with scarifying, where you use a spring tined rake to aggressively rake the surface of the lawn, so that dead moss, thatch (the accumulated bits of dead grass and other lawn debris) and any other surface debris are removed. Once done, you will find that the lawn looks a lot worse than it did when you started, as it will look thinner and more moth-eaten. However, scarifying helps to ensure that the grasses receive plenty of air and allows for better re-growth; have faith, the situation will improve. If you still have bare areas once you have improved the texture of the soil and fixed drainage problems, then re-seed or overseed using a suitable grass-seed mixture. To improve germination and speed of growth, pin a piece of horticultural fleece or Enviromesh over the newly sown area. This will help keep it warmer and prevent bird from stealing the grass seed.

To advertise call 0131 337 3309

ABSOLUTE UPHOLSTERY

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Great gardens at great prices. Call now for a free quote

07596 779 600 jdsgardenservices

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www.edinburgh.gov.uk/recycle Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts

Business Spotlight Edinburgh Micro Diggers

y name is Stewart Erskine and I started up Edinburgh Micro Diggers in 2005. My dad had his own plant hire company so it was quite natural for me to follow in his footsteps. I have operated most types of plant including all sizes of excavators, loading shovels, dozers, dump trucks, fork lifts and mobile, crawler, barges, as well as the huge cranes on ships, in the UK and in Norway, Denmark, Holland and China.

These days, I specialise in small machinery that can access the majority of back gardens in Edinburgh. Infact, my micro digger with the tracks contracted is only 740mm wide, which in theory should pass through a front door and on several occasions actually has! Recent jobs have included digging out tree

roots, hedging and levelling a garden section, similar to the work shown in the advertisement below, which involved making the entire garden one level, building a retaining wall and turfing it all. Many customers call me to dig the foundations for an extension they are building. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m amazed to hear in this day and age how many builders still hand dig foundations and use wheelbarrows to skip the soil. That is such a labour intensive, time consuming and costly alternative to micro digging, which in most cases has the job finished in one day. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve invested in the best machinery to do the work in the most effective and quickest way possible, costing you less with the best results. If you need any work done, large or small or have any questions about a job needing done, please give me a call for a chat and a free quote.

edinburgh micro diggers We specialise in foundations, groundworks, restricted access and work such as:

gardens cleared & levelled patios excavated & laid tree roots removed demolition all concrete broken up all landscaping work retaining walls built foundations dug & poured

We pride ourselves on our standard of service and are confident you will not be disappointed.

www.edinburghmicrodiggers.com Telephone: 01968 661 186 Mobile: 07812 119 208 8

To advertise call 0131 337 3309

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Potato Tortilla with Marinated Olives Ready in 45 minutes, plus marinating time

Serves 4

This Spanish baked omelette is great served warm as a speedy supper or is just as tasty served cold. Perfect for a late summer picnic served with a bowl of garlicky marinated olives.

To marinate the olives, heat the oil, chilli and garlic in a small pan until just warmed through. Stir in the parsley, lemon zest and olives and season with freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and cover and leave to marinate in a cool place for a few hours or overnight.

Ingredients: FOR THE MARINATED OLIVES

• 100ml olive oil • � red chilli pepper, deseeded and very finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped • 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley • 1 tsp lemon zest • 150g Kalamata olives • 150g large green olives

To make the tortilla, preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease a 19cm x 23cm shallow cake tin. Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until almost tender. Drain well and arrange in 2-3 layers in the cake tin. Beat together the eggs and garlic in a bowl then add the dried mixed herbs and two thirds of the grated cheese. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and pour the mixture over the layered potatoes.

FOR THE TORTILLA

• 450g potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced • 6 large eggs • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 10ml (2tsp) dried Italian mixed herbs • 50g mature Cheddar cheese, grated • Rocket leaves, to serve 10

Tip

Sprinkle over the rest of the cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool for 10 minutes then cut into wedges. Serve warm with rocket leaves and the marinated olives. If serving the tortilla cold, allow to cool completely then cut into squares and wrap in greaseproof paper. It will keep in the fridge for 24 hours.

To advertise call 0131 337 3309

A Family Run Business you can trust “Going the Extra Mile” Slating & Tiling Flat Roofing Single Ply Roofing

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Tibet On the world’s highest railway By Solange Hando View from the train window, first sign of life on the plateau

he Qinghai Express offers neither nostalgia nor five star luxury but it is the highest railway in the world, with stunning views of the Tibetan plateau. There are a number of departure points in China, including the tourist hot spot of Xian where the Express sets off for Lhasa on a 34 hour breathtaking journey. Figures are staggering: a total of 681 bridges, 1,966 culverts plus countless tunnels, most amazing Fenghuoshan, at over 4,900 metres, the highest in the world on permafrost. The Tangulla pass marks the highest point along the line, 5,072 metres. But how do you breathe at such high altitude? No problem, the train is pressurised, just like an aircraft cabin, with individual oxygen outlets if you need a little extra. That means windows don’t open and on the rare stops along the route, you are only allowed out for a few minutes. Add an onboard clinic, and you can sit back and relax.

Dawn brings a thick layer of snow across the plateau where Himalayan antelopes and black hairy yaks look as frozen as the landscape. At the Tibetan border, a guard stands to attention but there’s no welcome sign and the train does not stop. Later, the snow recedes to reveal mineral-rich slopes, red, ochre and gold glistening above frozen rivers. Wild geese fly overhead, nomad tents flap in the wind and glinting electric pylons march across the wilderness on their way to Lhasa. Sometimes a dust storm sweeps across the land while dummy policemen keep watch along a road, deserted but for a single car approaching a Buddhist gate. Here, on the Tibetan plateau, the railroad has been built on permafrost, and in the most vulnerable spots the track is carried on long curving viaducts high above the ground. At night, temperatures can drop to -30°C but inside the train, no one would know.

The journey begins through China, past Breakfast, lunch, endless cups of tea, bags of mountains and gorges looming in the mist and raisins and crisps which pop like balloons, ghost-like villages popping straight out of the munching and drinking eventually give way earth. There are tunnels and the occasional to playing cards or walking up and down the landslide, cleared in minutes, and before corridors to chat or take pictures. There are you know it, it’s time for lunch: mysterious few westerners about but plenty of locals, delicacies from the trolley or fully-blown amused, intrigued, always friendly. There’s chopstick treats from the dining car, with à la time to doze, read and gaze at the view. carte, waiter service and wine from the Great Suddenly, a flutter of excitement passes Wall of China. By late afternoon, the altitude through the train. There are willows and reads 2,961 metres, in Mandarin, Tibetan and poplars along the river, green patches of land English. The first snow-capped mountains and, at last, the majestic triple-arched bridge appear in the distance and there are salt lakes which hails the entrance to Lhasa, Tibet’s and prayer flags which begin to feel like Tibet. capital. Back in Xian, the train set off at 6.44 Later, when everyone is asleep, cocooned in on Wednesday; it is now Thursday, 16.44. On duvets, the train will pass the Kulun mountains where, hopefully, the earthquake monitors the roof of the world, the Qinghai Express is on time. have done their job. To advertise call 0131 337 3309 12

GO WIRE Local Electricians with over 20 years experience. From changing a light bulb to a rewire, we can take care of it.

Call: Jonny Orr on 07939 036 366 or Fraser Graham on 0131 467 9332 or email: jonny@go-construct.co.uk

Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts

Trainwreck

o, Judd Apatow rarely makes films about women. It’s weird, seeing as he writes and executive produces the television show Girls with Lena Dunham, and that one of his early successes was writing another small screen cult favourite Freaks and Geeks, which also had a strong female protagonist. But his big screen directorial efforts so far have focused much more on men: Steve Carell trying to turn his life around as the 40-Year-Old Virgin, Seth Rogen coming to terms with fatherhood in Knocked Up or Adam Sandler trying to not be a bad human being in Funny People. So I was intrigued when I noticed his next film was to be written by Amy Schumer, one of the top up and coming comedians, male or female, on the circuit and star of her own critically acclaimed sketch comedy show Inside Amy Schumer. She has become known, and received much praise, for the subversive feminism present in a lot of her comedy, which is completely the opposite of everything Apatow has been doing for the last ten years, and unfortunately, the authorial question marks hanging over Trainwreck are distractingly evident throughout.

Schumer plays Amy, a journalist at a men’s magazine who lives by the mantra ‘monogamy is not realistic’, instilled in her by her father during his divorce to her mother when Amy was a child. She drinks heavily, enjoys her sexual freedom and despises the thought of marriage and kids, two things her sister has just recently gone in for. This being a romantic comedy, Amy, despite her best attempts, falls for Bill Hader’s Aaron, a 14

By David Tibbs

sports doctor and feature in her next assignment for the magazine. If you’ve seen any of Schumer’s comedy before you’ll know to expect a lot of funny observations interspersed with crude remarks and witty come backs, but while the first half of the film is littered with amusing tidbits here and there, she seems to struggle to keep the humour fresh throughout. It is missing a lot of the energy that her sketch show is just full of. It might also not help that the second half of the film feels a lot more like an Apatow film, as it drags on a little too long before rushing the eventual resolution. And I’m not completely sure a lot of the supposed big name celebrity cameos that delighted US audiences will translate so well over here. Lebron James has a hilarious turn as Aaron’s ‘confidante and supportive friend, but many of the jokes rely on the audience knowing who Lebron James is and what basketball team he plays for. Wreslting fans will spot John Cena playing way outside his comfort zone as Amy’s boyfriend, but will the typical rom-com moviegoer recognise this? The side-story involving Amy’s father and his battle with multiple sclerosis is genuinely touching and infinitely more interesting than the central relationship, but there is nothing special here. It’s a shame, because a combination of Schumer and Apatow could have been wonderful if one of them had made this move their own.

To advertise call 0131 337 3309

Life

Balance

Harmony

Do you experience anxiety? Stressed? Have you lost a loved one? Trying to understand your feelings or wanting to make change? Gestalt Therapy is an holistic mindbody approach to your wellbeing, helping you to find inner balance and harmony. For an appointment or to enquire, call, text or email Helen

Helen Briton

helengestalt@gmail.com

Gestalt Psychotherapist

0787 264 4040

Hi, I'm Catriona and I foster Chloe. It's great seeing Chloe grow in confidence with love and attention. Interested? Meet carers like me at the City of Edinburgh Council, 4 East Market St, EH8 8BG. THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER, 5-7PM 0800 174 833 www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering

I do it, you can too.

Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts

Timber Window

Renovation

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• BOILER UPGRADES • • FULL SYSTEMS INSTALLED • • SERVICE AND REPAIRS CARRIED OUT • • LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • • 10 YEAR MANUFACTURERS GUARANTEE with SELECTED VAILLANT BOILERS •

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From the plumbing company you can trust

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EVERY EH POSTCODE COVERED

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Community News Burdiehouse, The Murrays, Gilmerton and Candlemaker’s. Next meeting: Monday 21st September and Monday 19th October 2015 at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, 5 Moredunvale Place. You can find out more by emailing Scott Neil at scott.neil@edinburgh.gov.uk and learn about the work of the council on the website at: www.gilmertoninchcc.org.uk

Do you belong to a community group or run a community activity? Promote it for FREE by emailing murraysdirectory@ gmail.com or phoning 337 3309.

AGEING WELL WALKING PROGRAMMES Ageing Well is a proj-

ect run by Edinburgh Leisure and funded by NHS Lothian. It’s a health initiaitive that recognises the beniefits of walking for wellbeing and social connection. Every Monday and Thursday morning you can come along to Summerhall (what used to be the ‘Dick Vet’ college beside the Meadows: meet at the front door) for a 10.30am start. Any questions, phone 0131 458 2183.

FRIENDS OF SEVEN ACRE PARK If you are interested in caring for

your local park, please come and join the Friends Group! We do events throughout the year to help improve the park (i.e. installing bird boxes, planting a wildflower meadow, litter picks etc), and we input into any changes the council want to implement. There is no charge to join us and all are welcome. For more info email Jeni (Chairperson) at friendsof7acrepark@yahoo.co.uk

GILMERTON INCH COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The Gilmerton Inch Community Council represents the areas of the Inch, Moredun, Fernieside, Ferniehill, Gracemount, Southhouse, 20

LIBERTON AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL The Coun-

cil meets at 7 pm on the last Monday of each month except July and December. The date of the next meeting is shown on our home page and the agenda is posted there a week before the meeting, which are held in the Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirk Gate, opposite Liberton Kirk. Everyone is very welcome at all meetings and we have a slot for public questions and comments; in general we would appreciate prior notice of these to our Secretary. See the website at: http://libertondcc.wordpress.com.

LIBERTON KIRK SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Liberton Kirk Senior

Citizens Club is a lively social club for residents of south east Edinburgh over the age of 65 years. The club meets for 34 weeks in the year, from the first Thursday in September to the last Thursday in May. We gather between 2pm and 4pm though most of our members come earlier to meet and chat from 12.30. Currently closed for Summer. Entrance is £2 per person and transport can be booked if needed. A SEAG bus (South of Edinburgh Amentities Group) can pick you up and take you home from the club for an extra £1.50. If you have any questions or would like to book transport for when we commence in September please call Bryan on 0798 500 1183. We hope to see you soon!

To advertise call 0131 337 3309

LITTLE BUTTONS

parent and carer toddler group at Ferniehill Evangelical Church, 19 Ferniehill Rd - every Thursday morning during term from 930-11am. Toys, games, crafts, story, singing and snacks with tea & coffee for adult donation of 50p.

POST NATAL DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP This is a safe, sup-

portive peer support group for mums and dads to meet others struggling with anxiety and depression symptoms and to explore positive ways of managing. Children are welcome. Alternate Fridays 10am-1130am, started 10th October. Valley Park Community Cenre, 37 Southhouse Rd, Edinburgh EH17 8EU. For more information and dates email edinburghpndgroup@gmail.com or call 0131 226 8152.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP The newly diagnosed man with

comes a point in this process of self-education when there is a burning need to talk to someone who has been through it all before. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would like to have support from others who have been through it, call 0131 207 3067 or email elpcsg@gmail.com or look at www.elprostatecancersupport.co.uk for information about group support activities.

PURLY QUEENS KNITTING GROUP The Purly Queens are a group of

ladies who meet twice a month, the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Gilmerton Library, Newtoft Street, Gilmerton., from 2.30 - 4.15 p.m. We knit, and crochet for Charity. New members are always welcome, no need to be experienced, we all help each other. Come along, enjoy a natter and a cuppa, and knit for local charities. For information call 0131664 8053.

prostate cancer must absorb a lot of information in a very short period of time. There

Absolute

Call today on 0131 447 1336

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To advertise call 0131 337 3309

• Kitchens & Bathrooms • Plumbing & Tiling • Property Maintenance • Plastering Work • Painting & Decorating • Scaffolding • Window Restoration • All Joinery Work • Electrical Works • Roofing • Full Renovations & Extensions • New Flooring & Floor Sanding DCM Comstruction have over 40 years of qualified Construction experience and aim to provide a personal and professional service dedicated to exceed your expectations and requirements. A flexible and reliable approach is always used to understand your day to day needs, minimise disruption and give you the end result you demand.

For a free quotation call

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Residents Recommend The page where you can recommend the services you used from the Murrays Directory. Look out for the Gold Star on the ads of businesses that have received a recommendation from you.

DCM CONSTRUCTION ‘I recently employed the services of DCM construction to tile my kitchen. I was really impressed by the professional nature of the team, both the overseer Dylan Mason and his tiler Keith. They fitted in providing a quote and performing the work to meet my busy working schedule and completed the work efficiently and within my desired time frame. I would definitely use this company again and recommend to friends and colleagues. The tiles look fantastic and I am really pleased with the finished product. Thankyou’ Resident (name withheld upon request)

G STEWART JOINERY ‘A few months ago, I was in need of a Joiner to cut worktops for my kitchen. From my first initial phone call with Gavin to him turning up, I was very impressed with his professionalism and work ethics. He did a fantastic job, cleared up and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.’ Resident (name withheld upon request)

SWANSTON TECHNICAL SERVICES ‘Re Swanston Technical Services - I called about a plumbing problem and i am happy to say that not only did he promptly attend the house but once i agreed the fair estimate , he returned with all fittings and concluded the work the same afternoon - very impressive service.’ Resident (name withheld upon request) ‘I wish to recommend Swanston Technical Services to your readers as I had a problem with the electricity supply in my house and Steve from STS arrived within an extremely short space of time and sorted out the problem within minutes, refusing to take any payment for doing so- rather unexpectedly, as he must have incurred some costs in travelling, at least. It is not the first time that this firm has been so prompt and efficient in carrying out repairs and installation works and should be congratulated on their attitude to customer service. Ross (local resident)

GO AHEAD - let us know what business gets a Gold Star from you! Email - murraysdirectory@gmail.com or phone 337 3309 Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts

DCM R O O F I N G

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• Slating and Tiling

• Built Up Flat Roofs • Guttering and Downpipes • Lead and Zinc Work • Chimney Work

Exxtensions & Attic Conversions E Kititchens & Bathrooms K

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D o o r s & W i n d o ws

• Cement Work • Harling and Rendering

DCM Roofing have over 40 years of qualified Roofing experience and aim to provide a personal and professional service dedictated to exceed your expectations

31-32 West Preston Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9PX Office: 0131 623 3311 | Mobile: 07809 232 365

www.DCMConstruction.co.uk

Storage Solutions Flooring

Trade Service All Tr www.gstewartjoinery.co.uk E: info@gstewartjoinery.co.uk

M: 0774 909 6869

Call Steve

07730410384

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Top Tech for University The tools and tech that will make your beloved’s uni life better

niversity is a time for studying,

socialising and watching cult movies, and gadgets play a crucial part in those activities. So, what technology should your teen or twenty-something be packing? A laptop or a tablet is essential, and now that Windows 10 is available there are stacks of great laptops at rock-bottom prices. Most of the market is concentrated in the sub-£300 price range, but if you can afford to spend a little bit more you’ll be rewarded with better screens, more storage and smoother processors - all of which come in handy for both work and play. Don’t forget about a printer, too, but make sure you look into the cost of cartridges: many firms use the Gillette model, where the razor is given away at a loss and the money is made on the blades. Inkjet printers are notorious for this, so a printer that costs £30 might cost twice as much to run as a printer costing just a little bit more. Your child will need software too. Microsoft Office is the standard, although some specialist courses may require specialist software such as statistical analysis software. If it’s Office, though, the Office 365 for University deal is superb value for money: It’s £59.99 for a fouryear subscription that covers 2 PCs, Macs or tablets, including iPads and Android devices. It also offers 1TB of online storage. If you don’t go for Office, it’s still worth looking at Microsoft’s free OneNote program, which is available for PCs and Macs, iPads, iPhones and Android and which is a truly superb notetaking application. Apps can be great for nonuni things too: we love Paprika for storing recipes, Readly for magazines and Spotify or Apple Music for tunes.

A few low-tech devices are smart buys too. A simple carbon monoxide detector can be a genuine life-saver, especially in rented accommodation where landlords don’t always carry out the checks and maintenance they should. A Leatherman multi-tool or one of its many imitators is great too, offering pliers, wire cutters, files, screwdrivers, bottle openers and can openers in a single device. One important issue for students is internet access. If it’s available in their flat or halls of residence, great, but if it isn’t you might be better off with mobile broadband rather than messing around with the hassle of fixed-line broadband connections with their minimum contracts. Three’s MiFi device is a little box that connects to the phone network and offers a wireless connection for phones, tablets and computers. Prices start at £10.87 per month and the devices work anywhere with 4G data coverage, which means most big towns and cities. Another wireless item to consider is a wireless speaker. The best ones use Bluetooth to connect to computers, phones or tablets, and if you avoid the very low end of the market you can get surprisingly good sound for surprisingly little money. Decent wireless speakers start at around £200, although it’s possible to spend much more. Unless you’re feeling flush and your child’s really into music, though, there’s no real need to do that. Last but not least, there’s the smartphone. In the unlikely event that your child doesn’t already have one, a decent Android phone such as the Motorola Moto G costs less than £150. It’s easy to program your own number into the speed dial and create a wallpaper that says CALL YOUR MOTHER.

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Tax Q&As Flat Rate Scheme Calculating the amount

due

I am completing my VAT return and I use the Flat Rate Scheme. Can you tell me how I calculate the VAT due to HMRC please?

Firstly, you should remind yourself what industry you opted for when you applied for the Flat Rate Scheme. The industry type dictates what rate you should apply. You can look up the rates on HMRC’s website here https://www.gov.uk/ vat-flat-rate-scheme/vat-flat-rates. In your first year as a VAT-registered business the rate is reduced by 1% until the day before your registration anniversary. You then apply this rate to your gross turnover - i.e. the amount you have invoiced your customers including the VAT. This means all of the following:

If you use the Flat Rate Scheme, you cannot normally recover any of the input VAT you incur on your expenses. The only exception to that is if you make a single purchase of capital expenditure where the value including VAT is £2,000 or more. If you would like any assistance in managing your VAT affairs, your local TaxAssist Accountant would be happy to help. Contact us if you would like to be put in touch with your local office. Disclaimer – advice shared in this column is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this column, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.

• The VAT inclusive sales and takings for standard rate, zero rate and reduced rate supplies • The value of exempt income, such as any rent or lottery commission • Supplies of capital expenditure goods where you have reclaimed input tax on them. When they are sold out of the business, you must account for output tax at the appropriate VAT rate for the sale (not at the flat rate) • The value of any despatches to other Member States of the EC if you are making intra EC supplies As exempt and zero rate supplies are included in your turnover under the Flat Rate Scheme, you may pay more VAT by being on the scheme if these supplies are a large proportion of your turnover. 28

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FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs. Family owned and operated since 1994

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk Accredited Motability Dealer

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Quick Crossword

- Solutions Page 34

Across 1. Look sulky (4) 3. Trader (8) 9. Saved (7) 10. Tacks (5) 11. Concerns numbers (12) 14. Not working (3) 16. One hundred centimetres (5) 17. Glimpse (3) 18. Recognition (12) 21. Solitary (5) 22. Alleviate (7) 23. Poured onto salad (8) 24. In addition (4) Down 1. Found in Egypt (8) 2. Distressed (5) 4. Finish (3) 5. Substantial (12) 6. E.g. dogs and cats (7) 7. Throw (4) 8. Self-service stores (12)

8 10

13 15

20 21

12. Loft (5) 13. Twists and turns (8) 15. Condemn (7)

19. Perfect (5) 20. Hairless (4) 22. Move quickly (3)

Around Britain UNESCO World Heritage Sites 1. Bath - Famous for being the site of the only naturally hot spring in Britain, Bath was granted official city status by Elizabeth I in 1590 and went on to become a popular resort in the Georgian era, the period from which many of the city’s most beautiful buildings originate. The City of Bath was appointed a World Heritage Site in 1987. 2. Durham - Situated on a bend of the river Wear, Durham Cathedral was built to accommodate the remains of St Cuthbert in the late 11th century. Perhaps the largest Norman structure still standing in Britain, together with nearby Durham Castle it was appointed a World Heritage Site in 1986. 3. The Giant’s Causeway, Co Antrim - One of the UK’s four natural World Heritage Sites, The Giant’s Causeway was officially appointed in 1986. Comprising 40,000 interlocking columns of basalt, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption millions of years ago, according to legend the causeway was built by the giant Finn McCool in an attempt to cross to Scotland. 4. Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire - One of the most famous symbols of the Industrial Revolution, Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire was made a World Heritage Site in 1986. The bridge from which the gorge takes its name was completed in 1779, and is thought to be the first iron bridge anywhere in the world. 5. Saltaire, West Yorkshire - Built by the industrialist Sir Titus Salt for his workforce in 1853, the Yorkshire village of Saltaire was appointed a World Heritage Site in 2001. An outstanding example of Victorian philanthropy, Salt built houses, schools, bathhouses and a hospital for his workers, as well as providing them with a library, a concert hall and a gymnasium.

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NON GOLF MEMBERS WELCOME

A health retreat: restoring health, energy and wellbeing

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FREE PARKING available

MASSAGE • REFLEXOLOGY • REIKI CHIROPODY • FACIAL TREATMENTS PILATES • HEALTH PROGRAMMES Please get in touch to ﬁnd out how we can support your par�cular health needs

Tel: 0131 672 2286 Text: 07921 823930 Email: oﬃce@balancedlifestyle.com

1st ﬂoor, Kingston Grange, Liberton Golf Club 297 Gilmerton Road EDINBURGH EH16 5UJ

Gi� Vouchers available

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Sharon Grimshaw 0131 4779902 07707 679494 info@hotchocolates.biz www.hotchocolates.biz

Chocolate Nut Cake Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a delicious cake to share when friends or family come over - or just because you want a treat!

How to make Sift together 7 oz self-raising flour, 8 oz sugar, 3/4 tsp salt. Rub in 4 oz marg then stir in 3 beaten eggs, 5 Tbsp evaporated milk, 5 Tbsp water, 6 oz melted Hot Chocolates 72.5% organic dark. Beat well, use a 9â&#x20AC;? cake tin and place in oven for 35 mins at Gas mark 3-4 or 170C. Icing: melt 2oz butter with 4oz organic dark chocolate and add icing sugar to taste. Pour over cake when the cake is cool. Decorate with a broken bar of Hot Chocolates Fruit and Nut. Yummy!

handyman Getting the job done whatever and wherever, however big or small. For Free Estimates contact;

07766 068 550 drubruton@icloud.com

...getting the job done 32

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L&S HEATING

 Level 3 Instructor 

 

Ferroli & Ariston Specialists Edinburgh & Lothians

Boiler Repair Boiler Service Boiler Replacement Full Central Heating Installation Gas Safety Certificates PAT - Portable Appliance Testing Boiler Service Contracts General Plumbing Services Please contact us or visit our website for further details and pricing Follow us on

Fairmilehead Parish Church Frogston Road West, Edinburgh, EH10 7AA

Monday 9.45-10.45am Wednesday 6.55-7.55pm, 8-9pm Friday 8.50-9.50am

St Peter’s RC Primary School 8 Falcon Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4AH

Monday 6.40 – 7.40pm Monday 7.45 – 8.45pm 8 week course Please contact Diane to reserve your space Tel: 07882 359741

Isheating

0131 564 0940 | info@Isheating.com www.Isheating.com

-See website for full details & other venues

www.sideys-pilates.co.uk

TIME FOR CHANGE ‘Back to School’ * Anxiety Reduction * Confidence Building * Weight Management Do your children suffer with back to school anxiety or new school nerves? Is there a student in your family that needs motivation to study? Or is it time to focus on YOU and start that weight management programme NOW? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, please call or email to arrange a free, no obligation consultation to discuss how I can help you. HYPNOTHERAPY | NLP | LIFESTYLE COACHING | WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

TIME FOR CHANGE

PERSONAL CHANGE CONSULTANCY

T: 01835 824014 M: 07842 206846

Hawthorn Holistics: 4 Nether Liberton , Edinburgh EH16 5TY Home Office: Balgownie, Newtown St Boswells TD6 0PL

E: laura@timeforchange.uk.com W: www.timeforchange.uk.com

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INDEX

Business & Services

Accountants TaxAssist 28

Pilates Sidey’s Pilates

All Trades DCM Construction

Plastering Martin Scott Plastering

Auto Centre AVW Auto Centre

2-3

Plumbing Postcode Plumbers

Bathrooms Redpath 1 Beauty Balanced Lifestyle

Bedrooms Redpath 1

Recylcing Edinburgh Council Gardens & Lawns Edinburgh Micro Diggers JDS Gardening

8 7

Handyman Dru Bruton Property Maintenance 32

Building & Construction DCM Construction 23 Dean Jones Building Services Health 31 9 Balanced Lifestyle Helen Briton Psychoherapy 15 Carpet Cleaning 33 Absolute ChemDry 21 Sidey’s Pilates Time For Change 33 College George Watson’s College 27 Heating, Gas & Plumbing L&S Heating 33 Liberton Gas 17 Computer Maintenance Swanston Technical Home Computers 15 Services 25 Weir Gas Services 13 Decorating MG Decor 5 Joiner G. Stewart Joinery 25 Digging 17 Edinburgh Micro Diggers 8 J.J. Joinery Electrician Go Wire 13 Swanston Technical Services 25 Food & Catering Hot Chocolates & Cakes 32 Real Foods 36 Fostering Foster Edinburgh 34

Kitchens Redpath 1 Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith

Mobility Services Med-Ecosse 29 MOT Services AVW Auto Centre

2-3

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Roofing DCM Roofing Fairmile Roofing Martin Scott Roofing

18-19 7 25 11 13

Therapies & Coaching Balanced Lifestyle 31 Helen Briton Psychotherapy 15 Time For Change 33 Upholstery Cleaning Absolute ChemDry

Upholstery Services Absolute Upholstery

Windows and Timber Renovations Ventrolla 16

Solution from Crossword, Pg 30

RECRUITING DO YOU OWN A BUSINESS THAT SERVICES SOUTH EDINBURGH? The Murrays Directory is now recruiting businesses that want to increase their customer base, sales and income.

IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT?

• More customers, sales, jobs - income? • More people to know about your business? • A directory that works for you? • Professional distribution? • Online representation? • Cheap rates?

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Supplying Organic Bakers for Generations Too early to start thinking about Christmas? Maybe, but it’s not too early to stock up on the high quality organic Christmas baking ingredients we’ve been providing for over 40 years now. When we first started shipping our organic dried fruit, nuts and other baking ingredients around the world, people were still putting silver sixpences in their puddings. Silver sixpences are history now but the tradition of visiting Real Foods for your Christmas baking ingredients is still going on as strong as the pound. With two Edinburgh shops and a webshop carrying a range of over 10,000 products, more than half of them organic, we’re a real Aladdin’s Cave for organic bakers across the world. For all generations and from all walks of life.

• Traditional – Some of our customers have been buying their baking ingredients from us for over 40 years and now their sons and daughters do too.

need here at Real Foods to make your prize winning cake.

• Organic – ingredients from a range of over 5,000 products. • Baking – from scratch is as popular as ever and you’ll find all you Whether you’re a Bake-off beginner or a Mrs Beeton master, we’ve got what you need to rise to the occasion.

Serving our customers worldwide for over 40 years

Shop online at www.realfoods.co.uk

FREE UK delivery for online orders £29 or over* 37 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3JU 8 Brougham Street, Tollcross Edinburgh EH3 9JH

Fresh • local • seasonal • value

*Applies to UK mainland orders only and does not include wholesale bulk items

This is our very own vintage Real Foods Christmas Pudding recipe. Perhaps you have a special family recipe of your own to follow.