Konect Balerno July 2021

JULY 2021

HEALTH:

LOCAL WALK:

FEATURE:

PLUS: MONEY MATTERS, HEALTH & BEAUTY, puzzles, and more local features inside!

THIS ISSUE

H

azel, a volunteer dog tracker from Livingston, was recently involved in finding a dog which had been loose on Craiglockhart Hill for six days. When a dog goes missing one of the toughest things, when you find them, is getting support on the ground to secure them when they’ve gone into survival mode.

Almost 24 hours a day, local volunteer trackers are out finding and securing lost dogs – using vast skill, experience, knowledge, patience and sheer physical endurance. For Hazel, it has become a full-time lifestyle. There is way more to it than I could fit in two pages of this magazine, but please look up the work they do and add a contribution if you can.

The health column from McNaughton Physiogrange this month picks up on a vital topic that is very much on the mind of anyone who watched the Denmark vs Belgium match in June – how to save a life with CPR, and the critical role of publicly accessible defibrillators; see the article on p20.

A walk along an historic drover’s route, along with all our usual columns are here.

I hope Konect entertains and informs this month, and I hope you have a fantastic July!

P20 Wine Tasting: Sensational Pairings..................7 Feature: Search, track, trap...............................8 Puzzles.................................................................. 20 Health: Save a life with CPR............................ 20 The New Normal: Vaccine, vaccine, vac-cee-ee-een.................................................. 22 Money Matters.................................................... 28 Local Environment: Cygnets........................... 34 Turning over a new leaf: Washing clothes with a clean conscience................... 40 Pesticide-Free Balerno..................................... 42 Local Walk: An historic drovers’ route.......... 44 Clubs & Classes / Puzzle Solutions.............. 46

COVER IMAGE: What not to do if your dog goes missing. See P8-9.

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 @KonectMagazines

Konect is delivered monthly to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe BALERNO | 3

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WINE TASTING

ROOT TO MARKET

I love pairing wine with food. There is so much to consider and sometimes the least obvious combination is the best.

A favourite example of this is a pairing of Argentinian Malbec with Cashel Blue, a mild blue cheese from Ireland served on an oatcake. A fairly standard pairing. However, when I add a smear of strawberry jam, the pairing goes from standard to sensational! Not only is it a surprising combination- it is incredibly delicious and guaranteed to wow my guests!

I read once that Snickers is the perfect chocolate bar; roasted peanuts for crunch and texture with a hint of salt; caramel for sweetness; nougat for creamy contrasting texture and chocolate to hold it all together. I think my wine, cheese and jam combination works in the same way as it has the five components of taste: sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami. Not only that, the texture of the crunchy oatcake, the umami yet creamy quality of the cheese and the supple tannins and warmth of alcohol from the red wine coat the palate, adding another layer of sensation.

Root To Market is a food and grocery delivery service set up by awardwinning Edinburgh restaurateurs Scott and Laura Smith that brings restaurant-quality produce from independent local suppliers direct to households across West Lothian.

The focus is on buying local and sustainability, supporting the businesses that make and grow incredible produce on our doorsteps.

Shop freshly-made sourdough loaves and baked goods from local bakeries, organic fruit and veg from Phantassie Organic, dairy from Yester Farm Dairies, meat, fish, pantry, foraged ingredients, sweets and snacks and oil and vinegar. Wine, including Fhior’s Wine Club selection, beer, soft drinks and hot drinks are also available as well as items for the home covering toiletries, flora, household items and selected art and pottery.

Delivering to West Lothian every Tuesday, orders can be made up to seven days in advance and no later than two days before delivery day. The delivery fee is £3 or free for orders over £60. www.root-to-market.co.uk

I have presented hundreds of virtual wine and cheese tastings across the UK over the past year and noticed a debate developing across the county.

The question? What order to prepare your oatcake? Oatcake, cheese and jam on top or oatcake, jam and cheese? There are, however, some tasters in Somerset who pointblank refused to add jam to their cheese.

Now to find a wine to pair with Snickers….

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed

by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her 3 children. She is a Sommelier Wine & Spirit Specialist who runs Swirl Sip Socialise, an online wine tasting business which connects friends and family across the UK. @KonectMagazines

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SEARCH, TRACK, TRAP – or, what NOT to do if your dog goes missing

Successful rescue of Wendy 8 | BALERNO

“I live out in the wild 24/7. It’s now my life choice.”

Hazel Muzzle Mutts, of Livingston, is a tracker and one of a team of dedicated volunteers who have made it their mission to find lost dogs and reunite them with their owners.

Abseiling ravines, river searches, thermal scope work, working tracker dogs, setting up and monitoring cameras, maintaining scent and bait feed stations, trekking through mud and forests – these are just some of the things the work entails.

Lost & Found Dogs West Lothian is a community run by Charlene and Hazel with a team of volunteers. They work closely with other organisations all over Scotland, and call on drone pilots, thermal scope workers and trained spotters as needed. It can take days or weeks of patiently tracking to recover a dog.

“It’s commonly misunderstood that getting lots of people out to where a dog has been lost and shouting on it is best. But it can cause more harm than good,” explains Charlene.

“A lost dog is in survival mode. They are not your pet at this point; they are an animal looking after themselves in the wild and you’re a predator - no matter how bonded you are with them.”

Mowdie’s owner is seated on the ground, head bowed, no eye contact. Mowdie zig zags slowly, approaching her. His every movement and reaction is monitored by Hazel’s thermal scope.

Mowdie had run off after a pheasant on a country road 18 hours previously and his owner feared he’d been hit by a 4x4. Hazel, with her dogs and a thermal scope, carefully tracked him through dense woodland, using scent, bait and wait tactics until they located him. “He was aware we were there, but it took a lot of patience before he was ready to come,” says Hazel.

A lost dog needs time to settle and get used @KonectMagazines

to their surroundings before they can start to think rationally, whether it’s a familiar area or not. It becomes their new safe space as they figure things out, and they’ll be suspicious of anything new in that space. Shouting and torches will spook them. Mowdie, like others in this situation, needed time.

After many hours, and with his owner’s scent in the area, Mowdie eventually became confident enough to come forward into an open space, keeping his distance, very unsure.

“This is where the trust between owner and myself comes in,” explains Hazel. “Most of the things I ask them to do is against what their heart tells them.” With your lost dog finally so close, your adrenaline’s pumping but you have to remain calm and focused so as not to react prematurely. Even at this stage a wrong movement can send the dog running again motion sensitivity is a big thing when they have been loose. “I instruct the owner depending on the body language of their dog. Mowdie’s owner couldn’t see or hear her dog in the pitch black; she was cold, wet, exhausted, and thinking he may have been injured almost 18 hours earlier.

So there is a lot of trust needed to have someone you don’t know tell you he’s to the right, to the left, 50 ft away, stay still, speak softly, don’t speak, crawl away, sit, stay...”

“The little cry that escapes from the owner lets me know they have the dog in their grasp. The slip lead is promptly but gently put in place as the owners cradle their dog. Even the most gentle dog can bite at this time. They’re secured in a safe area as they are still a flight risk until they decompress fully.”

There is no time limit in getting a loose dog to safety. Wendy is a Tunisian rescue dog who was at risk of being shot by marksmen. Hazel lived out for 8 weeks, tracking her with specialised equipment. She managed to get her eating from her hand but not trusting enough to secure her. Eventually, Wendy was safely darted (temporarily tranquillised) by Animal Capture UK & Canine Capture UK, and after weeks of rehab she is now happily in a new forever home.

“It’s an emotional roller coaster, yes,” says Hazel.

“However, our emotions cannot come before the dog’s thinking, as it can compromise their safety.

It is not your pet until after it’s back in your arms, secure and safe.”

Then you’ll get that priceless look - the look of ‘what’s all the fuss been for?!’” Hazel and the other trackers will do whatever it takes, however long it takes, for you to get that look.

EQUIPMENT The rescue

work relies on kind public donations to purchase and maintain thermal scopes, drones, humane traps, bait feed, cameras and other equipment. Hazel’s GoFundMe page is at uk.gofundme.com/f/Equipmentand-supplies-to-assist-missinglost-dogs.

“Thank you so much for your kindness and support. Each and every owner with a missing dog will be eternally grateful.”

CREATE A SCENT SAMPLE Hazel works with Search Dogs For Lost Dogs Scotland, the only National Association of Specialist Dog Users pet trailing dogs in Scotland. If ever you need them, providing a good scent sample will hugely increase the chances of a successful reunion with your dog.

This takes 5 minutes and you’ll need disposable gloves, a make-up pad and a mason jar.

1. Put on the gloves so you don’t contaminate the swab with your own scent.

2. Take a cotton pad and rub it down your dog’s back, legs, head and mouth.

3. Place in the mason jar and close it (do not re-open). Label with date and your dog’s name.

Repeat with a separate jar if you have more than one dog. (A sealed plastic bag or container will do, however mason jars are better as can hold a scent for years).

This article was contributed by Helen-Jane after speaking with Hazel and Charlene of Lost & Found Dogs West Lothian. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect.

Contacts (Search Facebook): • Lost and Found Dogs West Lothian - 1st port of call if you lose your dog • HazelMuzzlemutts Lostdog Searchtracktrap

CREDIT: All images by Joe Matten Photography | joemattenphotography@gmail.com | Instagram: @mattenmedia

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PUZZLES

HEALTH

CROSSWORD

Save a Life with

C P R ^^^ Solution in the August edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. French castle (7), 5. Competed (5), 8. Very alike (9), 9. Poem (3), 10. Consumed (5), 12. Reflects (7), 13. Friendships (13), 15. Immediate (7), 17. In front (5), 19. A pronoun (3), 20. Emergency vehicle (9), 22. Concede (5), 23. Captivate (7).

DOWN: 1. Illegal act (5), 2. Beer (3), 3. Died out (7), 4. Embarrassed (13), 5. Person in power (5), 6. Large reptile (9), 7. Frocks (7), 11. Magnifies distant objects (9), 13. Form of travel (7), 14. Bright red (7), 16. Prize (5), 18. Reside (5), 21. And not (3),

^^^ Sudoku Solution on Page 46

SUDOKU

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Football fans across Europe watching events unfold at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on the 12th June will remember that day always. Christian Eriksen, a 29 year-old Danish midfielder, was seen to collapse on the pitch.

The medical team were quick to respond and started CPR. A defibrillator was used just once and 14 minutes after his collapse, Eriksen was on his way to hospital. 35 minutes after that, fans were told that Eriksen was alive and stable in hospital.

Events like these are horrific to watch.

The fear and panic on the faces of his team-mates, the realisation that if this can happen to a fit young international athlete, it can happen to anyone anywhere. It is also a wonderful example of how first aid really can work. Taking time to learn basic skills saves lives and keeps families together. The British Heart Foundation has reported a 2000% increase in the number of visits to its website on how to do CPR in the 5 days following Eriksen’s collapse.

Eriksen had a sudden cardiac arrest.

His heart stopped because the electrical signals that keep it beating rhythmically had gone wrong. This is different to a heart attack which is caused by a clot in the arteries supplying the heart muscle. The classic symptom of a @KonectMagazines

heart attack is chest pain that can be referred to the left arm or jaw. A person having a heart attack will usually be conscious, breathless and sweaty but can go on to full cardiac arrest. Both are medical emergencies so dial 999 as soon as possible.

A First Aid course will teach you how to recognise these conditions and carry out CPR which is CardioPulmonary Resuscitation. Even if you do not fancy giving rescue breaths, chest compressions alone can help. As Eriksen demonstrated, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) really does make a difference to survival.

More and more are located around our communities – see below. Do not be afraid to try using one if needed. You cannot do any harm, the machine will speak to you to tell you exactly what to do, and you may just save a life.

In 2020 The London Ambulance Service produced figures to clearly show that the use of AEDs in the community in the previous ten years had doubled the chances of saving a life after cardiac arrest. However, this was from 5% to 10%. The chances of saving a life are getting better and will continue to get better if more of us learn CPR. Unfortunately, thanks to medical TV shows, we seem to have an unrealistic idea of how

NOTE: The visual appearance of AED devices will vary

successful CPR is. Overall, 70% of patients in medical dramas survive their cardiac arrest. This does not represent real life. You may only have a 1 in 10 chance of saving a person in cardiac arrest with CPR and a defibrillator but that is so much better than none at all. Denmark lost the football match that day but life won. Let’s learn the skills to give life the chance to win as often as possible.

The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk

Defibrillator Locations Near You • St Joseph’s Hall (Mill cafe), Balerno • Dean Park Primary School (Main Gate) • Balerno High School, Swimming Pool Entrance • Currie High School, Main Eentrance • Gibson Craig Hall, Currie (On the side of the hall) • Molly’s Deli, (Outside) Juniper Green.

• Harlaw reservoir (Side of the entrance just through the gate on the wall) • Currie Bowling Club • Balerno Bowling Club • Rugby Club at Malleny Park, Balerno

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BALERNO | 21

THE NEW NORMAL

Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vac-cee-ee-een (sung to the tune of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’)

My mother had a round scar on her upper arm: the mark left by her smallpox vaccine. I was reminded of this recently when I saw a cartoon showing a mother and her little girl.

The mother had the same mark on her arm.

Looking up at her, the child asked, “What is that mark, Mummy?” So her mum explained that it was the mark left by her smallpox vaccination. “Why don’t I have one?” asked the little girl. And her mother replied, “Because it worked.”

According to one estimate, in the 20th century about 300 million people worldwide were killed by that virus. But because of the success of the vaccine, in 1980 WHO declared smallpox eradicated. The war against the virus that caused smallpox was won! Isn’t that fantastic?

I’d love to hear the experts announce that the coronavirus has been eradicated – or at least that it is under control to the same extent as influenza. I’m so grateful to those who worked diligently to produce Covid vaccines, to those who took part in the trials, and to those who administered the jab and staffed the vaccine centres. If you are among that group, thank you! On the whole, the process seems to be a huge success. And it has been so encouraging to listen to news of dropping death rates and decreasing infection stats.

Not everyone is a fan of the Covid vaccine.

There are the anti-vaxxers and then there are those who are against this specific vaccine 22 | BALERNO

only. Some people worry that it was developed quickly, while others have concerns about what might have gone into the vaccine recipe.

One person told me she and her family are relying on their healthy immune systems to fight off the virus. And I have heard various theories about microchips being implanted via the injection by those who wish to control us.

I’m not an anti-vaxxer, and I was only too happy to get both doses of the vaccine. But I can understand that people wish to reserve their right to say what goes into their bodies.

So I’m glad I was invited, not coerced. The problem, of course, is that our refusal to be vaccinated could negatively affect our neighbour.

We will all have stories to pass on to future generations, though we won’t have a circular scar. I wouldn’t have minded one – it would make me look even more like my mama than I already do.

And besides, scars come with war.

The New Normal is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. @KonectMagazines

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MONEY MATTERS

HOW DO YOU FANCY A 40% RETURN GUARANTEED? The government wants everyone to invest in a personal pension plan because they cannot afford the state pension.

When the state pension was introduced in 1909 a man of 65 was expected to live for a further 4 years. In 2021, due to advances in medical science and standard of living, a man at 65 would be expected live a further 18 years.

Hence the government gives tax incentives to persuade you to invest in a private pension.

RESTRICTION - However, you cannot put into a personal pension an unlimited sum and still obtain the tax “top up”. The restrictions are: 1. You can only put in 100% of your relevant earned income 2. You can only put in a maximum of £40,000 in any tax year 3. It is the lower of these two restrictions

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If someone was earning £80,000 then the maximum, they could invest would be £40,000.

On the other hand, if someone was earning £20,000 the maximum (assuming they had the money) would be £20,000.

LOOPHOLE - However, anyone irrespective of what they are earning (it could be zero) can invest £3,600. Because of the tax incentive they only need to find £2,880 and the government tops it up by £720, meaning the pension is now worth £3,600. In certain circumstances you can now request the pension provider to return 25% of the pension pot i.e. £900 to you tax free.

So from your investment of £2,880 you receive back £900 meaning it has only cost you £1,780, but its worth £2,700 an increase of £720 on an investment of £1,780 i.e. a gain of 40% guaranteed.

As always before contemplating such a strategy independent financial advice should be sought.

The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Management. This month’s article is by Dr Peter M Marshall.

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BALERNO | 33

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

We make no apologies for talking about swans again but we’re sure you’ll understand why we wanted to share another image so quickly.

This pair of swans are new to the ponds in Wester Inch and within the last few weeks became the proud parents of 8 beautiful cygnets.

Whilst they’re this young (this was within about a day of them hatching) they’re not quite waterproof yet so hitch a ride on Mum’s back, and why not! It looks a great way to travel if you ask us.

At this time of year the male (cob) swan will fiercely defend his brood, and we’ve already seen some off-lead dogs at the receiving end of his protective side. No harm was caused to either animals thankfully, but it’s incredibly important to keep your dogs on a lead when around nesting birds. This could either be around our waterways or in fields, and moorland. You’d be very surprised at how many birds nest on the ground and are susceptible to disturbance by humans (and our furry companions)!

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These cygnets will stay with their mother for the first 6 months of their lives before either moving on their own to find a new territory, or being chased off by the resident male in advance of the next breeding season.

In the meantime, we can all enjoy watching the springtime babies (big and small) grow and learn how to cope with the demands of life, and appreciate the challenges they face.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian.

Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. Follow them on Facebook @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

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BALERNO | 39

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF

WASHING CLOTHES WITH A

Clean

Conscience We all know that we shouldn’t waste food. As well as being a waste of money, there are many people who do not have enough to eat. But did you know there is also an environmental cost?

Clothes made from synthetic fibres, such as acrylic, nylon and polyester, shed hundreds of thousands of tiny, plastic fibres – microfibres - which are released into our waterways when they are washed.

Some of these microfibres end up in our oceans, where they can be consumed by plankton, a crucial food source for many fish and sea creatures. These toxic fibres are then passed up the food chain, perhaps to creatures that end up on your dinner plate.

In addition, many washing detergents contain ingredients that are not easily biodegradable. They remain in our waterways for some time before decomposing. These include petroleumbased ingredients and added brighteners which can be harmful to aquatic life. They can also cause or aggravate allergies in humans.

The great news is we can easily reduce the negative impact of washing our clothes.

• Where possible, choose clothes made from natural fibres, such as cotton, bamboo or wool

• Washing clothes less will reduce the number of microfibres released into our waterways. Most clothes only need to be washed when they look dirty, (although I would still recommend washing 40 | BALERNO

underwear and socks after wearing once!). Washing clothes less uses less water, energy and detergent, as well as minimising the amount of microfibres released into our oceans. It also prevents our clothes wearing out so quickly

• Look for plant-based, biodegradable detergents (preferably in recyclable or refillable packaging). These biodegrade quickly and are kinder to the environment. They are also gentler on our clothes, helping them to last longer.

There are plenty to choose from and some are available in supermarkets

• Washing our clothes at 30, instead of 40 degrees, significantly reduces the amount of energy used, while cleaning our clothes just as effectively. Washing at a cooler temperature reduces our carbon footprint and our energy bills • Where possible, dry clothes outdoors, or on an airer indoors. Tumble dryers use a lot of energy and damage the fibres of our clothes, wearing them our more quickly than natural drying Adopting some, or all, of these ideas will allow us to do our laundry with a clean conscience.

This month, try to do less washing.

Consider whether your clothes are dirty before automatically putting them in the wash at the end of the day. This will save water, energy and detergent, create less microfibres and cut down on ironing..!

“Turning Over a New Leaf” is a new column contributed by Jo Johnson, a Balerno resident who aims to share her research and shopping choices each month for manageable steps to a greener life. (Artwork by Nikki Forrest of Memorybox Paintings) For more ideas, follow me on Facebook www.facebook/anewleaf

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HOT FOAM! SAFE ENVIRONMENTAL WEED CONTROL Foamstream is being trialled for weed control in selected areas of Balerno this year.

Foamstream technology uses plant oils with hot water to create a hot foam which is completely non-toxic to our environment. All areas treated are immediately safe for people and animals to be around. Previously these areas would have had harmful chemicals applied.

“The hot foam has been amazing and very effective at getting the weeds ....I’ve seen dogs walking through the hot foam and it’s not affecting their paws....or my sons health as he gets very unwell when weed killer is sprayed and now that I know there is no chemicals sprayed around my house I’m so relieved about this. The weeds turn brown within hours.....wither in 24 hours.”

Deanpark resident

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“I visited the team doing the Hot Foam pilot in Balerno. However, as it was raining, I was sceptical of what the results would be like. I took my wife along the next day to show her the area that had been Hot Foamed and we were delighted to see that the weeds were all brown and dead. Very impressed.”

Balerno resident “It’s been great having the hot foam trial on our streets in Balerno. It’s been effective at getting rid of the weeds plus it makes it safer for animals and kids out playing not to mention being better for the environment.”

Addison resident

With public support for this community initiative growing daily, City of Edinburgh’s Parks and Greenspaces is pushing forward with this important move prioritising health. Edinburgh could be the next city to become Pesticide Free!

While some parts of Balerno are being hot foamed the rest of Balerno will remain Pesticide Free having their weeds manually removed without chemicals by the Volunteer Weeding Group.

WAYS TO HELP

• Volunteer, even for an odd half an hour • Lend the use of your brown bin

• Let us know where you think the volunteer weeding group should next weed

Contact Pesticide-Free Balerno on:

Email: pesticidefreebalerno@gmail.com Text: 07979 717485

Share you before and after photos with us!

Follow us on Instagram @pesticidefree.balerno This article was contributed by Pesticide-Free Balerno @KonectMagazines

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FOLLOW AN ROUTE

’S

This walk follows a section of an historic cattle droving route, starting just off the Lang Whang past Kirknewton airfield.

Beginning of the walk at Selm Muir

Today’s breeds would not be able to take the long roads that these earlier, extremely hardy Highland cattle did

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the droving of cattle from the Highlands to England was a massive business requiring very hardy and skilled drovers. This route would have been trodden by tens of thousands of cattle every year, along with their handlers and would-be thieves. Today, it’s a very quiet walk that offers varied terrain and some lovely views, and can be taken in sections for shorter walks, or a long walk all the way through the Pentlands if you arrange return transport from West Linton.

Taking the A70 west out of Balerno, turn right onto Leyden Road, which is approximately 1 mile past the B7031 turn to Kirknewton.

The walk starts at the entrance to Selm Muir wood, just over a mile along Leyden Road.

There is space for a small number of cars at the entrance to the wood. Signage indicates the wood and the path to “Little Vantage and Thieves Road.”

After a short distance of flat path, a route marker on the left indicates a stile to cross into the fields. (There is often livestock in these fields, so this walk is best done without a dog or with them on a short leash). Past the farm and Hilly Cow Wigwams, the route climbs gently back towards the A70.

As you crest the hill behind the farm there are lovely views of the range of the Pentlands. The route is waymarked through the open fields here and short boardwalks are in place where it tends to get boggy.

Descending down to the A70 and over the stile next to a Scottish Water installation, cross the A70 and pick up the path signed the Cauldstane Slap and Thieves Road.

This spot is called Little Vantage. There is a car park here, and for a shorter walk you

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can begin or end here, either retracing your steps to Selm Muir or starting here and going up into the Pentlands.

PETTY THEFTS: LITTLE VANTAGE was the site of a coaching inn and farm dating from the early 18th century. It’s hard to imagine as it has such a remote feeling now, but there was also a toll house here (this was the Edinburgh - Lanark turnpike road) and at one point a school nearby with 40 pupils. Census records show that in1849 Elizabeth Wilson, a worker at Harperrig, was convicted for the crime of stealing a tumbler and two brass candle snuffers from Little Vantage Inn, and, in view of her three previous convictions for minor crime, was sentenced to 7 years transportation. In 1857 Walter Gray, a water company labourer, was found guilty of stealing a plaid and a cravat from the kitchen of Little Vantage Inn and sentenced to 20 days imprisonment.

Heading up into the Pentlands from Little Vantage it’s a fairly challenging hill walk. Follow the path along the line of the old dyke. The terrain is moorland which can be very muddy in places, and although there are some stepping stones and boards to help you, they can be quite slippery when it’s wet so take care. The route takes you over a small bridge over the water of Leith and uphill through fields of cattle and into the heather moorland. The two peaks ahead of you are East Cairn Hill and West Cairn Hill, and the gap between them is the Cauldstane Slap. At this point you can take the left path up to East Cairn Hill, or right to West Cairn Hill. From each of these vantage points you will get a great view of the Pentlands, West Lothian, Harperrig Reservoir and across to Fife. If you’re really lucky on a clear day you can see across Stirlingshire to

the Highlands beyond. You may even decide to do both peaks!

After admiring the views from the Cairns, you can either retrace your steps back down to Little Vantage, or continue on to West Linton – in which case you will need to have made arrangements for someone to pick you up, as this is realistically a one-way walk. The downhill track is not too well marked to start with but it gradually becomes wider, and passing Baddinsgill Farm it becomes a metalled road down to West Linton, where you can get refreshments while you wait for your lift to collect you! There are also buses from West Linton into Edinburgh.

Drovers would have walked around 10 miles per day, with their dogs and the cattle, sleeping near their cattle at night to protect them. But thieves and cattle reivers harassed them regularly, giving this route through the Pentlands, and others like it, the nickname “Thieves’ Road.”

VIOLENT THEFTS: Alone up in the heather you can easily imagine that centuries ago this was a lawless and dangerous place - one that merited the building of the castle stronghold at Cairns. You can glimpse the remains of Cairns Castle (in private ownership) at the far side of Harperrig reservoir as you head up into the hills from Little Vantage. Sir George Crichton of Carnys, who built the castle in around 1440, charged himself with the security of this pass through the Pentlands.

The gap in the hills here made it easy for thieves to break in and steal livestock on the Cairns and Colzium estates, and numerous raids are recorded, notably one August in 1600 when a band of thieves raided land which is now under Harperrig reservoir, taking cattle and horses and killing their keepers.

This article was contributed by Helen-Jane, editor of Konect magazines @KonectMagazines

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SOLUTIONS

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

YOGA ZOO EDINBURGH – YOGA FOR KIDS @ Oriam (Heriot Watt) - Movement and mindfulness for kids! Do you have a little yogi in your family? Did your child become a “Cosmic Kids” devotee in 2020? Are you looking for something new to entertain your little ones? Yoga Zoo kids Yoga classes start in August.

Classes for p1-3 and p4-7.

Mondays and Thursdays from 3.45pm.

Please visit: www.yogazooedinburgh.com to book. *Taster Sessions July 20th & 21st £5 PiYo - Yoga + Pilates + Nonstop Movement = Stretch + Strengthen + Sweat! All in ONE workout!! All abilities welcome.

Live! Classes - Tuesday 9am Balerno Scout Hall and Friday 9am Currie Bowling Club.

Virtual! Classes (Zoom) Monday & Wednesday 19:30.

For further details see Facebook.com/ HeidiMacdonaldFitness PARACISE - Low-intensity, gentle exercise class (45 min) with NO floor work. Suits those who find regular fitness classes too demanding, or returning to exercise. Wednesday 10:45 Balerno Scout Hall and Friday 10:15 Currie Community Centre’s Sports Hall.

For further detail see Facebook. com/HeidiMacdonaldFitness.

BALERNO ART CLUB This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online learning will focus on technique, pencil 46 | BALERNO

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

work and colour. Outdoor classes will be a visual appreciation of colour, depth and nature through pencil and other mixed media like watercolours. We encourage individuality and celebrating being your own true artist. First class is a FREE trial. Email: balernoartclub@gmail.com.

Text- 07591990020 Instagram annieandcarasonlineclasses BALERNO DANCE FITNESS - This class suits children who like to be active, whilst having fun. Online learning will focus on musicality and learning dance routines to your the children’s favourite music within the comfort of your own home.

Outdoor Dance Fitness can enjoy the benefits of having more space outdoors in nature, whilst learning Dance Fitness routines together as a group.

First class is a FREE trial.

ACROSS: 1. Chairs, 4. Popped, 9. Shorten, 10. Darts, 11. Night, 12. Earlier, 13. Wonderfully, 18. Develop, 20. Haste, 22. Proud, 23. Expires, 24. Sister, 25. Symbol.

DOWN: 1. Casino, 2. Among, 3. Rotated, 5. Older, 6. Partial, 7. Desert, 8. Interrupted, 14. Obvious, 15. Unhappy, 16. Adapts, 17. Vessel, 19. Ledge, 21. Scrub.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 20

Email: balernoartclub@gmail.com Text: 07591990020 Instagram: @annieandcarasonlineclasses To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@ konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses.

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