Konect Balerno June 2022

JUNE 2022

WIN! 6-WEEK MEMBERSHIP FOR EH FITNESS “THE CORE FOUNDATIONS”

LOCAL CHARITY: LOCAL WALK:

COMMUNITY:

CURRIE BALERNO ROTARY & PENTLANDS UKRAINIAN SUPPORT GROUP

P8 urrie Balerno Rotary are fundraising to support the Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group, who are providing fantastic support to Ukrainians relocating in the villages here. See the article on page 42 and do chip in if you can.

1 in 6 people are affected by a mental health challenge at any given time. A gloomy statistic, but the flip side is that there are wonderful people all around who are moved to do what they can to provide help and support. I interviewed one such local person for the charity article this month. Misty Hannah has taken the plunge to set up an organisation with a fresh approach to supporting people: Compassionate Accompaniment CIC is as much about prevention as support too, see the article on pages 8-9.

We’re running a Treasure Hunt in this edition!

The prize is membership of a 6-week programme with EH Fitness, ‘The Core Foundations’, worth £210! EH Fitness are local personal trainers specialising in helping women lose weight, lead a healthier lifestyle and rediscover their confidence. Find the 5 gold medallions hidden within the pages of this magazine, then head to our website konect.scot/win or scan the QR code on the cover to enter the draw. Full information and Ts & Cs are on our website.

There is a walk near Ratho to discover in this issue, and all our regular columns from our contributing experts. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

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

THIS ISSUE Charity: Compassionate Accompaniment.....8 Ask Your Pharmacist......................................... 12 Seasonal Yoga.................................................... 14 Health: Loneliness and our health................. 19 Local Environment: Protecting wildlife......... 28 I  food: Just say no........................................ 32 Wine Tasting: Wine Memories........................ 34 Money Matters: Five tips to save tax in retirement ........................................................ 40 Community: Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group.................................................... 42 Puzzles.................................................................. 43 Local Walk: Tormain Hill - “I was here”........ 44 Clubs & Classes................................................. 46

COVER IMAGE: It's Summertime ... hopefully!

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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Caring for ourselves is essential for our health and well-being and helps us to care for our communities.

This is the central principle of a new health and well-being service set up by West Lothian resident Misty Hannah: Compassionate Accompaniment CIC. Misty wanted to fill what she noticed is a gap in community support services for emotional and mental well-being.

Working with cancer patients, she was primarily moved to help people cope with the often overwhelming anxiety they experience during the cancer care process.

But her vision for the new service is much more than that. It brings together therapies and ideas from many years of experience and research in Sensory Awareness and compassionate care practices. Learning how to feel seen, heard, connected and more aware of what your body is communicating can transform the way you approach life’s challenges. Misty’s vision is for everyone to have the opportunity to access the resources within themselves for resilience and well-being. Compassionate Accompaniment offers support across the Central Belt for anyone struggling with isolation, anxiety, grief, chronic illness, exhaustion, recovery from surgery, or end-of-life.

“Compassionate Accompaniment” is about helping you to accompany yourself with compassion and kindness. Some challenges in life are with us for the long term, or are things that

CONTACT DETAILS:

For support, more information, book a place at the next Share Our Table, or to volunteer, please contact Compassionate Accompaniment CIC: 8 | BALERNO

we have to learn to live with. There are support services out there (some provided by the NHS) but finding out about them and accessing them can be difficult, or there are long wait times.

The unique principle behind Compassionate Accompaniment is that you are given the support to create self care practices that help you live with these challenges in your daily life without them becoming overwhelming.

“When things are uncomfortable or painful, many of us want to turn away from them,” says Misty.

“But turning away means we’re still carrying them, which can sometimes manifest as chronic health conditions or even illness.” More and more studies are showing that compassionate care is hugely beneficial to our well being and can help to prevent illness and alleviate chronic health conditions. “When we find ways to be with what is difficult, we may find treasures and resources within ourselves we never knew we had.”

Compassionate Accompaniment provides 1 to 1 and group sessions that are delivered both in person and online. Support sessions are rooted in meeting each person where they are as they are and are based on somatic sensory awareness – tracking body sensations to feel what is really happening in you, and find ways to support yourself. Our bodies hold onto stresses and trauma in different ways t: (Misty Hannah) 07752 680 261 w: compassionateaccompaniment.com e: connect@compassionateaccompaniment.com @compassionaccompaniment @compassionate_accompaniment @KonectMagazines

so by learning to identify where tensions are, checking in with your body’s natural rhythms with attention to breath and body sensations allows your mind and body to work together to release them.

Misty is passionate that everyone should be able to access the support they need. “We would never turn anyone away simply because they can’t afford to pay for help,” says Misty.

“Compassionate Accompaniment is a community interest company, and operates on the basis of pay-what-you-can.” Sensory Awareness is a life practice. It changes the way we see ourselves so that we can prioritise self-care and be healthier not only for ourselves but to be there for others too.

If you or someone you know needs support with self compassion/well being, grief support, caregiver support or end of life accompaniment, Compassionate Accompaniment is here to help. Misty would also love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering in administration or fund-raising event organisation roles. All contact details are at the end of this article.

YOU’RE INVITED! - Share Our Table

Gatherings: A day to celebrate life with a farm to table lunch, Compassionate Care workshop and time to be with the animals.

Yes, we are hoping we will get to hold baby goats.

You will have time to spend with wonderful farm animals! Being with animals has become a growing part of our work. More and more research is showing how animals can assist us with calming our nervous systems, relieving depression and anxiety, and bringing a sense of connection and compassion with ourselves and other beings.

All ticket sales go towards funding our free services for compassionate care, grief support for 1:1 and groups, end of life accompaniment and our future therapet visits. Please email to register your interest and for more information. The next gathering will be Saturday 24th September.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after meeting Misty Hannah, Founder & Director of Compassionate Accompaniment CIC. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines. @KonectMagazines

ABOUT MISTY

Misty has been a Tai Chi/Qi Gong practitioner for over 20 years. She is also the only Sensory Awareness Leader in the UK and delivers weekly online sessions for people all over the world, and she is an Misty Hannah, End of Life Companion MA, SME/T, with a focus on grief Founder & support. The cancer Director of care organisation Compassionate she works for locally Accompaniment brought her in to CIC. develop and deliver Qi Gong sessions for “Caring for patients, a service that ourselves helps has proved immensely us care for the beneficial with the world” number of people attending quickly reaching full capacity.

From her early years she knew the value of dance and movement as a way of healing and connection, and has a Masters degree in Dance and Somatic Well-Being. She received funding in 2019 from Firstport to set up Compassionate Accompaniment CIC - her vision for bringing all these threads together to reach as many people as possible with compassionate care services.

She has recently been awarded additional funding this year to continue bringing these services to communities.

DO YOU HAVE A FRIENDLY AND SOCIABLE DOG? - Compassionate

Accompaniment is partnering with Canine Concern to offer their new service - bringing pets to visit people who are not able to live with one themselves at home, in care homes, hospitals and universities. The health benefits of spending time with pets is well-known, and therapet visits are often transformative and an essential element of emotional support.

If you have a friendly and sociable dog, could you volunteer to accompany them on emotional support visits?

You would receive full training and always be with a Compassionate Accompaniment volunteer on a visit. Please contact Compassionate Accompaniment for more information on how you and your pet can volunteer.

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ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by Borrelia, a type of bacteria. It’s the most common TICK-borne infectious disease in the northern hemisphere.

Lyme disease is found in many parts of the UK, particularly in woodland or heath-land areas. It can be passed to humans and other animals through a bite from a disease carrying tick, these can also be found in cities and gardens. A tick is a tiny insect which will feed off any animal by burying its head into the skin, or coat of the animal.

They like to hide so can be hard to find and don’t usually cause noticeable pain.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND A TICK ON MYSELF, CHILD OR PET? The insect should be removed as soon as possible, with a tick remover or sharp tweezers aiming to ensure that its buried head is fully removed. All of the information you require can be found here at lymediseaseuk.com and we have tick removers and repellent available in the pharmacy. If you have found a tick and require assistance, you can come to the pharmacy for help.

Symptoms usually start with rash-like red circle around the site of the tick bite, not every Lyme disease patient will experience or remember a rash and it may not appear straight away. Symptoms vary including unexplained flu-like symptoms, soreness and achiness, fatigue, numbness and tingling. Left untreated, the infection can spread anywhere in the body leading to around 70 recognised symptoms.

The Ask Your Pharmacist column is contributed by Juliette Paton, Superintendent Pharmacist, Colinton Village Pharmacy. www.colintonpharmacy.co.uk 12 | BALERNO

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and quiet integration. Connection with others and connection with ourselves.

You might like to take some time to contemplate forgiveness and what that means to you. Is there any bad feeling you could let go of? Often the person we need to forgive is ourselves.

What do you need in order to open your heart?

In Seasonal Yoga we work with two additional seasons, early summer and late summer, which help us transition in and out of the peak energy of the year (summer).

Perhaps you have already felt yourself inspired to exercise more, socialise more, or build some “fire” energy by setting yourself a new challenge?

Our physical yoga practice mirrors what we are working with emotionally. We use opening and closing postures, expanding into the connective tissue of the body and then contracting inwards again. Emotionally, at this time of year we seek to cultivate an openness with others whilst maintaining time for ourselves.

Striking a balance between joyful interaction

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A HEART-OPENING PRACTICE: Inhale deeply as you open your arms out wide at shoulder height; you may like to slightly rotate the palm upwards and thumbs back. Exhale fully as you draw your arms across the body, one arm on top of the other. Place your palms on your shoulders or wherever they naturally fall, as though giving yourself a hug. Repeat this sequence for a few rounds, with nice, deep breaths, alternating which arm is on top.

This article was contributed by Linda Keys.

As a Seasonal Yoga teacher in the area, Linda tries to bring her life and classes into alignment with the rhythms of nature. See www.lindalovesyoga.co.uk

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HEALTH

Loneliness and our Health Cigarettes are bad for health. We all know this. Action has been taken to reduce smoking in that cigarettes are not on display in shops, advertising has been banned and every packet has a large health warning. Obesity is bad for health. Again, we know this. There are many diet options to help us lose weight, we are encouraged to eat our “five a day” portions of fruit and vegetables, and there are moves to ban the advertising of junk food.

What is much less well known is that there is something else that is just as bad for our health as smoking and obesity, and that is loneliness.

Human beings are social people - we thrive on contact with others. Family gatherings, a chat to friends or work colleagues, a conversation with a fellow dog walker all contribute to a sense of community and belonging. However, the recent pandemic has isolated us like never before. Age Scotland is the leading charity representing older people in Scotland. They describe loneliness as a “public health crisis” as dangerous to a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 100,000 older people in Scotland feel lonely all or most of the time and 200,000 will go for 3 or 4 days without seeing or speaking to another person. 40% of our over 65s live alone. We know that social isolation has an impact on our health. It can worsen existing conditions such as Dementia or heart disease and it will

increase the risk of falls. This is a concern to all health care professionals, and should be a concern to us all.

If your Physiotherapist or GP asks about your hobbies and what you like to do, it is not because we are nosy, but because we know loneliness contributes to ill health, both mental and physical. As Physios, we have recently seen a marked increase in people telling us of the impact of loneliness in their lives.

Help is available and takes many forms, depending on your age, likes and dislikes.

For example, Age Scotland have an excellent helpline 0800 124 4222. It is free to call and open Monday – Friday 9pm-5pm. They are a great source of information about what help is available in your area. There are other options too. For instance, in Edinburgh, we have Vintage Vibes, a local charity matching older people with volunteers with similar interests for phone calls or visits.

Local Community Centres, such as the Eric Liddle Centre at Holy Corner, have a great programme of events including concerts, lunch clubs and exercise classes for all ages.

The website www.edinburgh.org is a great resource to find out what is on in Edinburgh, suitable for all ages and interests.

Loneliness is a health crisis, but we cannot help unless we recognise the problem, talk about it and spread the word to connect people. Together, this world is a better place.

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

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

The last couple of articles I’ve written have been quite light-hearted but this one is going to be somewhat more serious.

We’re in the middle of nesting season and birds are working incredibly hard to raise this year’s brood, facing many challenges including potentially adverse weather and predators on the lookout for an easy meal.

These are things we can’t control but what we can, is our behaviour around the wildlife. Just last week I had to shout at someone to put their dog on a lead as it crashed around the local ponds, scaring away coots and moorhens. The bigger concern came from the male swan who is defending his nest from anything which comes too close, and made a beeline for the dog. This could end badly for both the swan and the dog if it came to a full attack (I’ve seen pictures of something similar in Musselburgh recently).

It doesn’t apply to just nesting birds on ponds but coastal areas, and farmland where there are animals grazing. I’m not 28 | BALERNO

trying to lecture anyone but equally, I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your dog on a lead at this time of year. Even if you think your dog can be trusted off lead, it’s still an animal with its own mind and could easily be distracted by something unexpectedly.

Wildlife has a hard enough time as it is and we should be doing as much as we possibly can to protect it.

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.

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I  FOOD

How much of your day has to do with food? Thinking about it, buying it, preparing it, fretting about the fats or carbs in it, savouring it, dealing with leftovers, daydreaming about more food … I realised a long time ago that I was fairly consumed with what I consumed! Some people eat to survive. For others, like me, thoughts of breakfast get us out of bed in the morning!

Just say no

When I watch a TV chef I’m hoping to pick up ideas about what foods taste great when combined. I don’t want to follow a recipe, but I might remember some of the things that went into a dish and how it looked when it was ready to serve.

And that will inspire me to go into my own kitchen and play with some of those ingredients and create.

I do buy cookery books – mainly because of the beautiful colour photographs. Sometimes I scan the list of Ingredients and read through the Method. But I don’t often get stuck in and actually follow instructions. I just want to see what looks good, and then prepare and cook as I see fit – maybe incorporating one or two of the ideas I gleaned from a recipe. Do you think I need a therapist?

My tendency to be a free spirit in the kitchen is not so much about lacking discipline as not wanting to be limited. If cooking is artistry, do you want to paint by numbers or experiment with colours and textures and flavours?

Many people find recipes comforting. They consider them to provide a measure of security.

I can understand this line of thought … almost.

But the stronger feeling inside me is that recipes are tyrannical and stress-producing. First you discover you don’t have everything you need.

So you have to venture out to the shop. And you don’t want to. You just want to cook.

The shop may not have something you require 32 | BALERNO

(even though the book states: “this is widely available in major supermarkets”). More stress.

When you finally arrive home, you see that you neglected to read the “prepare beforehand” bit, so there is time pressure.

And then you’re instructed to do something you don’t want to do, such as removing tomato skins. So that’s annoying. And you can’t be bothered to find your reading glasses, so you add 1¼ cups instead of ¼ cup melted butter – remember my strawberry shortcake nightmare?

And the lovely cookery book gets spattered with batter, which upsets you. And the time pressure builds. Your guests are arriving in just 10 minutes. Consequently, you catch your finger in a corkscrew – remember my coq au vin nightmare?

Our lives would be so much easier if we just forgot about cookery books. My advice is to 1) buy tasty meats and/or vegetables; 2) season and combine them; 3) cook or bake them; 4) enjoy your meal.

Stand up to the tyranny of the recipe! Just say no.

I FOOD 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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WINE TASTING

WINE Memories

GERRY AITKEN Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 • E: junigig@aol.com

Wine critics love metaphors, and I am no exception! I love translating what I smell into words and describing the texture, flavours and character of the wine.

A favourite white wine is Albarinio, made from the Albarinio grape variety grown in the Rias Baixas region of Spain. The wine pairs perfectly with shellfish and seafood, it is quite acidic on the palate and very refreshing. When I swirl the wine in the glass, the aromatic released reminds me of salty sea breezes, fresh and clean, the smell of the sea and the coast.

The link between my sense of smell and memory is very strong. When I smell an aromatic compound in a wine I am reminded of a place or experience. I then explore that memory to describe what I smell. There are times however when I smell something in nature, for example, elderflower blossom and say to myself, ‘Wow, that smells just like Sauvignon Blanc!’

This weekend I drove to Portobello, it was a foggy morning with the sun burning off the har. I parked the car and opened the door and the smell of the sea hit me; it was the smell of Albarinio!

So many times I have tasted Albarinio and said, ‘It smells like the sea’ but its really wonderful when I smell the sea and it reminds me of a wine!

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com 34 | BALERNO

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Can you help us locate the uniform and instruments previously used by the former Currie Schools Pipe Band?

A huge fund-raising effort by parents and locals took place only a few years ago to purchase equipment for the band. The group has now sadly disbanded, and we’re hoping to recover the kit.

The new Balerno and District Schools Pipe Band initiative is hoping to be able to put all this equipment into very good use again for local children. The band would also welcome any previous Currie Pipe Band members.

The kilts are Wardlaw Tartan with matching flashes, black hoes, sporrans, jackets and vests, and instruments include McCallum chanters and 20 sets of pipes.

If you have any knowledge of the whereabouts of this kit and/or would like to pass on any of the uniform or instruments we would greatly appreciate that you reach to us via our Facebook page - Balerno and District Schools Pipe Band or by email to balernoschoolspipeband@gmail.com BALERNO | 39

MONEY MATTERS

FIVE TIPS TO SAVE TAX IN RETIREMENT If you are retired you are probably receiving a state pension plus hopefully income from your personal pension plan and /or a final salary pension. It is imperative you arrange your financial affairs to reduce the income tax you pay as much as possible.

ONE: Be careful when you take a one off lump sum from your personal pension, as the Inland Revenue will assume this is a regular monthly income and tax it accordingly. You should get in touch with your inspector prior to taking the lump sum, as once the tax has been taken it is a long procedure to get it back. This does not apply to any tax free lump sums but it still may be advantageous to phase your tax free amount over several tax years.

TWO: Pensions are normally exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT) so consider drawing income from non-pension assets such as ISAs first, where the income is tax free but the asset is liable to IHT.

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THREE: On death pensions are exempt from IHT and therefore you should ensure you have completed a death nomination form to ensure your pension goes to who you wish. This can be anyone, not just family. On death before 75, they would then be able to draw income or lump sums tax free. The inherited pension can remain with pension status and be passed on again in the future.

FOUR: You can consider transferring your investments into your spouse’s name if they are a lower rate tax payer than you. They may also benefit from annual allowances, such as Capital Gains Tax.

FIVE: Finally, if you make charitable donations then make sure you fill in a gift aid form as this effectively extends your basic tax bracket.

NOTE: pension taxation is complicated and you should seek advice before making any large decisions.

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

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The Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group (previously “BBJC welcomes Ukraine”) was set up primarily to support Ukrainians arriving in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Baberton, and their hosts.

The Group is chaired by Natalia Duncan, who is herself Ukrainian, working together with Maria Laskowska and Caroline (Tiggy) Brown.

They presently are supporting 14 adults and 3 children but believe there are others locally with whom they would like to make contact. They expect a lot more to be arriving in the coming weeks.

We must all be aware of the difficulties faced by in-coming Ukrainians, who will arrive with very few possessions and face a very uncertain future. The Support Group seeks to welcome them in the community and to arrange opportunities for them to keep in touch with each other as well as to provide assistance where it is needed. They have facilitated the provision of English language classes twice a week at Gibson Craig Hall with the help of local volunteer ESOL teachers and assistants. They also run a fortnightly coffee afternoon at Currie Community Centre. They want to provide shopping vouchers and bus passes but for this and so many other costs they desperately need finance and they have sought help from Rotary in fund-raising.

Currie Balerno Rotary has already donated £2500 to the Edinburgh Ukrainian Club but is now focusing on the local initiative and is delighted to be working alongside the Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group. We have started with help towards purchasing bus passes to enable the Ukrainians to get to job interviews, to maintain contact with other Ukrainians and to get to know Edinburgh.

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We hope that local outlets will agree to display our collection boxes and we hope, too, that local people will be prepared to contribute by making monthly donations or individual contributions.

Donations to the Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group are to be made via the Rotary Charity Account. This is managed by the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno and will be ring-fenced, with distribution of funds being decided by the Support Group Committee.

We hope Konect readers will be able to help too:

If you wish to make a donation, the quickest way is by scanning the QR Code and following the steps shown. Alternatively, cheques can be sent to Doug Marr, Treasurer, Currie Balerno Rotary, 2 The Green, Balerno EH14 7LD; or to make a bank transfer or to set up a direct debit/standing order please e-mail cbrotary.ukrainian.appeal@gmail.com and we will contact you on how to proceed. All donations will be gratefully received and will make a big difference.

For information about the Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group, go to Facebook @Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group

This article was contributed by Currie Balerno Rotary Club, www.cbrotary.org Follow us on facebook.com/cbrotary1020 and twitter.com/cbrotary1020 To become a Friend of Rotary e-mail us on curriebalernorotary@gmail.com

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PUZZLES

JUNE CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Type of pudding (7), 5. Trimmed (5), 8. Large pebbles (5), 9. Brutal (7), 10. At right angles (13), 11. Without effort (6), 12. Grieves for (6), 15. A protest (13), 18. Financial system (7), 19. Beverage (5), 20. Stairs (5), 21. Hauled (7).

DOWN: 1. Sticky liquid (5), 2. Accompanies (7), 3. Assorted (13), 4. Split (6), 5. Book of facts (13), 6. Snarl (5), 7. Removes weapons (7), 11. Goes on forever (7), 13. Fence (7), 14. Remained (6), 16. Large deer (5), 17. Nude (5).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 46

JUNE SUDOKU

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Tormain Hill -“I was here” Tormain Hill on the outskirts of Ratho offers a gentle walk through attractive woodland, with splendid views of the surrounding countryside, yet also plays host to a surprising archaeological treasure dating back thousands of years.

Parking in the lay-by at the ‘Ratho’ sign marking horizon to the characteristic dome of Black Hill on the western edge of the village, I begin the my right, formed from solidified intruded magma walk uphill, stopping at intervals to enjoy the that never made it to the surface. commanding view of the Edinburgh skyline, The track soon switches to the west side of the from the gentle sweep of Corstorphine Hill to the wood and affords similarly far-reaching views. spires of the city. The Pentland panorama opens From the field below, a stiff breeze carries up up to my right, with the crags of Dalmahoy Hill the sweet scent of oilseed rape, just coming in the foreground. Just past the Scottish Water into flower and arrayed in mesmerising rows. I installation I cross the road and enter the woods can see right across West Lothian and the Forth to join the footpath which leads me through a Valley to the Ochils beyond and can even make narrow glade of beech and sycamore. It’s a out the profile of Ben Ledi and Ben Venue over cool, early spring morning and crystal-clear air 40 miles away. If the view east was all about the is blowing off the hills, infused volcanic rocks the western vantage is a tale of with the aroma of wild garlic the sedimentary, with the skyline which is in abundance on the Standing at this spot, with being dominated by the Five woodland floor, the flowers a hundred-mile expanse Sisters Bing near West Calder like quivering drops of cream. of central Scotland within and the Winchburgh Shale Bing.

There are clumps of bluebells These man-made mountains my field of vision I can see here and there, with spears of of rust-coloured spent shale flower buds emerging vertically why our ancient forebears now stand monument to the before separating to hang might have chosen this spot world’s first oil boom, founded down, delicate and demure. to congregate, contemplate upon the oil-rich shales laid Further on, there are carpets of down in tropical coastal lagoons celandine, whose starry blooms and make their mark. hundreds of millions of years of bright ochre offer early nectar ago, when what was to become West Lothian lay to eager bumblebees. A squirrel scampers up near the equator. the trunk of a tree, nut in mouth, and a chiff-chaff’s optimistic two-tone invocation of spring echoes Towards the summit of the hill, Scots pine through the wood. The liquid improvisation of a dominate the tree cover. I leave the main path, skylark, bubbling forth with all the exuberance of following a faint track to my left which leads me a mountain brook, drifts across from high above to the highest point. I swivel round to take in my the adjacent field and with it my mood lifts and my surroundings. Ringed by these native pines, the thoughts begin to take flight, carried aloft by the place takes on a slightly mystical atmosphere. It beautiful lilting tones. is here that I have found what I am looking for. On a few of the surrounding boulders of the outcrop The path skirts the eastern edge of the wood and are curious markings. One rock has several a viewpoint display helpfully depicts the features spread out before me. Reading the landscape on cup-shaped depressions each surrounded by a ring, and one of the cups has been further view tells a story of volcanoes long-extinct, their surrounded by three concentric arcs. The cup hard igneous rocks left standing proud above the surrounding land - from the ancient magmatic shape is repeated on other rocks nearby. cores of North Berwick Law (28 miles away), This is ancient rock art, thought to date back Castle Rock and Arthur’s Seat arrayed along the to Neolithic times. These characteristic cup44 | BALERNO

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and-ring markings have been found at a number of sites across the UK, but no-one is quite sure of their meaning. It is worth noting that one of the cup-marked rocks also has an arrow inscribed on it. This is not neolithic in origin but marks an ordnance survey triangulation reference point, added in the 19th century. Weathering and lichen have rendered the patterns less bold than they no doubt once were, such that they could be easily missed if you were not searching for them. However, they are best viewed in the early morning or evening when the low sun casts the patterns in contrasting light and shadow to dramatic effect.

Standing at this spot, with a hundred-mile expanse of central Scotland within my field of vision I can see why our ancient forebears might have chosen this spot to congregate, contemplate and make their mark. Gazing north through a gap in the pines I try to imagine the view as it would have been then and what might have been in their minds as they made their carvings.

A pheasant’s croak rouses me from my mental time travel and brings me back to the moment. I set off again and shortly reach the far end of the wood where, beyond the fence, sheep dotted upon rolling green pasture with the hills behind forms a picture postcard view. On the return leg of the walk the track passes through the pockmarked grounds of a rabbit warren then bears right, skirting round the edge of a wider apron of woodland on the lower east slope before re-joining the inward path.

More recent residents have recorded their presence too. ‘Sam woz ere’ announces the trunk of a large beech. By the scarring on the bark I estimate Sam passed through at least a couple of decades ago, having also selected a canvas of relative permanence, one of the largest and most imposing trees in the wood.

Thinking back to our ancient ancestors with their rock tools, then presently to my fingers on this keyboard, it occurs to me that perhaps we all strive to communicate in some way the same fundamental message - whether inscribed on rock, tree, or page….simply: “I was here”.

This article was contributed by William Weir.

William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills. @KonectMagazines

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SOLUTIONS

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

JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS - Family and kids friendly board-game group open to all.

Come join us to play all sorts of board-games. Children are free with any adult (£3/adut) Meetings every 2nd Friday 6pm to 9pm see boardjg. co.uk for details of contact eric@ boardjg.co.uk PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES AND DRUMS - Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums are looking for new members, players or learners.

We teach pipes and drums free. We meet in Balerno Community Centre every Friday 7pm - 9.30pm. You can find us on Facebook. For information call Deeanne on 07885 612583.

JUNIPER GREEN TENNIS CLUB This small friendly LTA affiliated club in the heart of Juniper Green is open to all to join. There’s an extensive junior coaching programme, as well as adult coaching and social sessions. For membership check out our website: clubspark.lta. org.uk/JuniperGreenTennisClub/ and follow us on Facebook www. facebook.com/junipergreentennis.

We look forward to welcoming you!

EH FITNESS - Range of exercise and strength classes for all fitness levels. Pre & Post Natal and strength & conditioning specialists, fat loss coaches and Qualified Nutritionists.

Face to face and online Personal Training, online group programmes that can be done from home. We aim for progress not perfection and educate every step of the way for sustainable, long lasting results.

16 classes per week, see www.ehfitness.co.uk or download our free app EH Fitness Edinburgh.

SEASONAL, PREGNANCY, AND POST-NATAL YOGA CLASSES in your area with Linda Keys - My classes are genuinely inclusive of all bodies and levels of experience.

They can support you in getting in harmony with the seasons, and help bring a sense of balance and connection. Please see my website for up-to-date class info, and use the contact form if you have any questions about beginning or returning to a yoga practice. www.lindalovesyoga.co.uk PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH & FITNESS CLASSES - AT PRIME SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY & PILATES - Large timetable of classes for all abilities, led by instructors who use their expertise and care to support well-being and challenge fitness. Classes are held upstairs in our welcoming Pilates & Yoga studio and downstairs in our gym at 46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno.

46 | BALERNO

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Please visit: www.primesportsphysio. co.uk to book classes. Email: hello@ primesportsphysio.co.uk for more info.

PiYo - Yoga + Pilates + Non-stop Movement = Stretch + Strengthen + Sweat! All in ONE workout!! All abilities welcome. Live! Classes Tuesday 9am Balerno Scout Hall.

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 those returning to exercise. Wednesday @ 10:45 in Balerno Scout Hall. For further details see Facebook.com/ HeidiMacdonaldFitness or email heidi.instructor@gmail.com BALERNO ART CLUB - This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online learning will focus on technique, pencil 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.

E: balernoartclub@gmail.com T: 07591990020 Instagram: @everychildisanartist_ 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.

E: balernoartclub@gmail.com T: 07591990020 Instagram: @everychildisanartist_ 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. See konect.scot for information.

ACROSS: 1. Oven, 3. Admitted, 9. Extract, 10. Tower, 11. Contemporary, 14. Mrs, 16. Plane, 17. See, 18. Explanations, 21. China, 22. Emotion, 23. Disaster, 24. Cell.

DOWN: 1. Overcome, 2. Eaten, 4. Dot, 5. Intersection, 6. Thwarts, 7. Dire, 8. Caterpillars, 12. Plain, 13. Personal, 15. Sixties, 19. Olive, 20. Acid, 22. Ewe.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 43

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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com

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