Konect Calders December 2020/January 2021

DEC 2020 / JAN 2021

FEATURE:

West Lothian is the BEST place to call home

LOCAL HISTORY:

THE

KIRKNEWTON DOCTOR

SPOTLIGHT:

Who Did Remote Consultations

PLUS: PROPERTY MATTERS, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

THIS ISSUE

W

rap up, settle in: locked in or not, December’s going to be very different for most of us this year, but getting cosy in your Christmas jumper is definitely on the agenda. We’re wearing ours on the cover this month! Go ahead and top dress in yours for your vid calls – on Christmas Jumper Day on 11th December at least!

With remote consultations with health professionals normalised due to the pandemic, we take a look at the story of the eminent Kirknewton-based doctor who built his private practice through remote consultations - in the 18th century. See the local history feature on pages 8-9.

A new regular column launches this month which I think will be a favourite – wine tasting recommendations from Swirl Sip Socialise. This month it’s “The Season for Sensational Sherry” see page 29.

A new care company in Livingston, Home Instead, has recently been set up with a view to supporting older people to stay at home as long as possible. Graham Stevenson, from West Calder, has set up the service in spite of, not because of, the pandemic, but this year has certainly made the case for a quality careat-home service; read his story in page 13.

I hope you enjoy all our columns this month. As ever, we focus on the upbeat and the positive, and the things to celebrate despite everything.

A special version of the regular Property Matters column from Turpie & Co celebrates West Lothian as a great place to live and work.

My Christmas wish is for all our readers to stay strong and to be able to enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday period, whatever challenges it brings.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations this year.

P23 Local History: The Kirknewton doctor who did remote consultations................................................8 Spotlight: Home Instead.......................................13 Life coaching............................................................14 Health: Time for Change......................................15 Ask Your Pharmacist.............................................15 Garden Project: Bringing joy & comfort midwinter...................................................................21 Local Environment: Welcome to the undergrowth.............................................................23 Feature: It’s official: West Lothian is the best place to call home..................................................24 Wine Tasting.............................................................29 Parenting: A puppy is for life... ..........................30 Film Review...............................................................32 Local Lab: Engineering for the future..............33

Konect is delivered to 5,500 homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston every month.

Copies are also left at the libraries, community centres, convenience stores and other locations within the area.

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THE KIRKNEWTON DOCTOR

Who Did Remote Consultations – 18TH Century Style His memorial dominates the Kirknewton cemetery - you can’t miss the green plaque with the profile of Dr William Cullen every time you go along the Main Street towards Linburn Road. But who was he, and why such a prominent memorial in Kirknewton?

The current pandemic has normalised for us would reply very promptly, often enclosing a remote consultations with doctors and other prescription to be made up by a local surgeonapothecary. His service was charged at a health professionals; but Dr William Cullen starting rate of one guinea (£1.05p) – only built his private medical practice in the 18th available to the wealthy, since this price century largely via remote consulting. His was way out of the reach of even a skilled network of correspondence was more like that workman of the time. Sometimes letters of a modern doctor than the usual pattern of would also come to Dr Cullen surgery visits and home calls of his own times.

Dr William Cullen from the patient’s doctor, or from concerned relatives. He built his private A renowned doctor and corresponded with patients and enlightenment figure, he was medical practice fellow doctors all over Scotland Professor of Medicine at the in the 18th century and beyond, to the New World University of Edinburgh, a largely via remote and India, a reflection of the founding member of the movement of people from Royal Society of Edinburgh, consulting” Scotland around the world. and well-respected as a He was initially reluctant to publish his work, but lecturer in agriculture and chemistry as well copies of his lectures printed in editions pirated as medicine. In 1778 he purchased land and from student notes persuaded him otherwise. a house in Kirknewton, along Leyden Road It was partly the income from his writing that on the land where Ormiston House was later financed his country pursuits at Kirknewton, built. Whenever he could get away from his and his private practice as a doctor greatly professional duties in Edinburgh it was his added to his wealth and renown. delight to cultivate his garden here and to work on developing the Much of the fascinating correspondence surrounding farm. between Cullen and his patients and colleagues With the way he has been preserved and is now in the Sibbald set up his private Library of the Royal College of Physicians in practice based on Edinburgh. After 1780 Cullen was able to make correspondence, copies of his own letters, using a very new it’s not too much technology. His friend and colleague, James of a stretch of Watt, invented a machine that used chemically the imagination impregnated paper to run off single copies of to guess he was documents, and William Cullen was among the accustomed to first to make use of it. working from The achievements of the physicians of the home too!

18th century have been overshadowed by the He would receive a written request for advice and

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more dramatic advances in the understanding and practice of medicine of the 19th century.

Although the 17th century saw some major developments in our understanding

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of anatomy and physiology, it was only in And his pupils, whether they became the 19th century that doctors got to grips ship’s doctors or country-based physicians, with cell biology and disease processes. The remembered the teaching and the man be-wigged physicians of the 17th and 18th himself with gratitude and great fondness. He centuries still clung to the ideas of antiquity was also very highly thought of by his private about the importance of balancing the body’s patients with whom he dealt very carefully, often ‘humours.’ This was the conservatively, because they reason for their obsession were at a distance. His advice with bowel movements and The Kirknewton to them rang the changes their reliance on bleeding retreat enabled this on themes that sound very the patient for many different very busy, successful modern: do not eat too much, kinds of illness. The film ‘the professional man to drink with moderation and take Madness of King George’ gives a grisly but accurate lead a healthier life plenty of exercise. impression of these methods himself in his later The Kirknewton retreat enabled at work. this very busy, successful years” But William Cullen professional man to lead a encouraged his students healthier life himself in his later to observe their patients’ symptoms very years. The prominent plaque in the cemetery closely, and to pay close attention to their own here was installed at the beginning of the 20th experience of which treatments worked and century by the Royal College of Physicians which did not. His teaching centred on theories in Edinburgh, who had called him a “giant about the nervous system which were later among giants.”

(He was a former president of found to be inadequate (he invented the word the College). The plaque is located above the neurotic). But his attention to the actual patient entrance to the walled enclosure surrounding was part of the emergence of what we would the tomb of his son, judge Lord Cullen. now recognise as evidence-based medicine.

This article is a re-write of an article we first published in Konect in 2011, and uses research by Jane Corrie of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Documents from Cullen’s correspondence-based practice (Image Credit: Iain Noon)

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SPOTLIGHT

Graham Stevenson

Caring Is at the Heart of New Home Care Company Livingston man, Graham Stevenson is set to make a big difference in the local area as he opens a new award-winning home care company, Home Instead.

The company is bringing innovative, companionship-led home care services for older people across West Lothian and surrounding areas.

Undeterred by all the restrictions and issues brought about by the pandemic, Graham was determined to set up his new company so that he can provide care for people in his own community.

Graham, who lives in West Calder studied Biomedicine and Pharmacology at Dundee University. Throughout his career, he has been able to combine his medical and management skills working alongside medical professionals in their local communities.

During this time, he could see as people get older that they often need some additional support to help them to continue living in their own homes and how difficult it can be to find the right support, particularly after a period of hospitalisation.

Graham’s family has also experienced first-hand the need for a different kind of care for our older generation and it was his grandmother who was the inspiration for his move into home care.

Graham explains: “My grandmother, now 95, is still living in her own home, which is of course where we would all like to be and as the saying goes ‘home is where the heart is’.”

“I’m thrilled to be launching Home Instead and we will be providing only the best of care for our clients, the care we would want for our own loved ones. @KonectMagazines

“I am also delighted to say that we are also looking to recruit 50 caregivers to join our team to help support older people across the area to stay safe in the comfort of their own homes.”

At Home Instead they know that quality care cannot be delivered in short, rushed visits so care calls are a minimum of one hour.

Time is taken to carefully match caregivers to their clients so that they share common areas of interest and can form long and trusting relationships.

Home Instead services are tailored to the needs of individual clients and ranges from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, post-discharge care, personal care, medication reminders, shopping and errands. The service is totally flexible to meet client needs and is available from 1 hour to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To find out more about Home Instead Livingston, the services they provide or the career opportunities available, please call 01506 346046 or visit their website (see below).

This article was contributed by Home Instead Livingston www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston CALDERS | 13

LIFE COACHING

Even Christmas can CHANGE We have all been confronted with so much uncertainty this year and many of us are feeling stressed and tired and just want life to return to something we recognise as ‘normal’.

But, if Covid has given us anything, it is the knowledge that there is no ‘normal’. Change happens to all of us and, this year, has reminded us that we have far less control than we ever realised.

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year and our Christmas celebrations certainly won’t look the same. There will be no office parties, no seasonal markets and no large gatherings. But, we are being given a golden opportunity to rethink our priorities and do things differently. We can still spend time with our loved ones and, who knows, we may even enjoy the toned down celebrations

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so much that we make them a permanent feature of the festive season for years to come.

Traditionally, Christmas is followed by a headlong dash to make those life-changing resolutions. Year after year, we declare that we will give up chocolate, go to the gym, take up running or write that novel. This year, we can still do our Vision Boards but, alongside those career and social goals, we could include positive images of friendship, love and contentment to draw those positive things into our lives.

Along with the challenges it brought, 2020 has shown us all just what we are capable of.

Let’s celebrate that and take that new- found confidence forward into a healthy and happy new year.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

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ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

TIME FOR CHANGE

After a challenging year it is without doubt December is going to be slightly different from the usual social festivities and Christmas markets.

As we gladly welcome in 2021 there is always a huge surge of ‘change’ in the salon.

Transformations, makeovers and a need to overhaul style seems to fall in line with the opportunities the start of a new year brings.

With that in mind, I think there are some really simple ways of changing things up. Why wait till January? I think we all need a bit of change and injecting some colour into your hair just became a lot easier. Colour fresh masks have arrived in Wonderland, with a vibrant array of tones from golden, caramel and copper right through to the bolder statement shades like mint, deep blue, and rose blaze. If your hair is light you can experiment with the brighter vivids. If it is darker opt for adding a caramel glaze or chocolate hue. They are colour depositing treatments and so work very much like a deep conditioner, and only take ten minutes with no mixing to do.

With colourful packaging and a huge range to choose from they make an ideal stocking filler for those who like to have fun, or are also a brilliant idea for maintaining colour in between appointments or if you can’t get out to visit a hairdresser.

Time to embrace change, Merry Christmas and here’s to a colourful 2021.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk @KonectMagazines

Remember your Pharmacist is here for you this Christmas With so much else to think about at this time of year, it’s easy to forget what health resources you might need over Christmas & New Year.

Here are some top tips from your local Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy Team to help keep you on track:

Diarmaid Scollay

Repeat Prescriptions: Remember to order them well in advance of the holiday period and don’t order more than you need. Did you know Lindsay & Gilmour offer a handy, free, collection & delivery service? Find out more online at www.lindsayandgilmour.co.uk

Stock up your medicine cupboard: Running low on indigestion tablets? Want to be prepared for the dreaded winter coughs and colds? Your Lindsay & Gilmour pharmacist can advise on what’s best to have in your medicine cupboard for minor ailments or illnesses to help you feel armed!

Remember, Lindsay & Gilmour pharmacies offer the NHS Scotland Pharmacy First service at all of their branches, allowing patients to access advice and appropriate treatment for minor illnesses without the need for a GP appointment.

Know your opening times: Make a note of the opening hours of your GP Practice and local Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy over Christmas and New Year.

Your nearest branch and Pharmacist: 173 Main Street, East Calder, Diarmaid Scollay - 01506 881935 West Calder Health Centre, Laura Murphy - 01506 871232 / 01506 870471 34 Main Street, West Calder, Ross Darling - 01506 871 164 / 01506 357841 CALDERS | 15

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Bringing Joy and Comfort in Midwinter We all need some comfort and joy during these dark days. Lesley has a tactic for cheering us up: just remember that Spring will come, and they can’t take that away from us!

Let your garden bring comfort and joy to you during the winter, we don’t even have to wait for Spring to be delighted by flowers, leaves and fragrance. Our patio doors look out onto this Oriental Hellebore and it started flowering at the beginning of November and will continue to produce its glorious and hardy flowers into March.

There are many different varieties available with a great range of colours and they are very easy to grow. They prefer a little shade from the full rays of the summer sun.

A few evergreen shrubs in pots arranged

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Oriental Hellebore where you can see them from inside can work wonders for our happiness in the winter.

We have a top 10 evergreen plants for pots on our purple piglet project for ‘bringing the outdoors indoors’ by looking outdoors to your patio from the cosiness of indoors.

Choose plants like Pieris, Viburnum, Skimmia, Variegated grasses and Golden Choisya.

Pick up the leaflet on your next visit and get some good cheer!

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Welcome to the undergrowth As I write this, the weekend is nearly over and there’s only one word to describe it - dreich (surely, it’s the best Scottish word). The mist has hung heavy making the air feel thick and the drizzle soaked us to the bone.

It’s not all bad news though, as the colours of autumn fade and we await the first snowfall there is still plenty for us to admire thanks to mother nature. During a cycle I was so dis-tracted by the way the cobwebs were weaving through the gorse bushes I cut it short near Armadale, returned home and promptly went out with the camera.

The work undertaken by the spiders was mesmerising and incredibly varied. The mist didn’t burn off like I’d hoped but somehow it seemed to make the cobwebs even more beautiful.

On top of that, I heard the high-pitched call of the long tailed tit as they bounced through the air followed by the goldcrest - what a discovery! The smallest bird in the UK was flit-ting between trees looking for insects but sadly evaded me for any @KonectMagazines

decent pictures. The cycle path between Bathgate and Blackridge is an excellent place for bird watching, es-pecially as those who inhabit the territory will be used to people passing so frequently.

Next month we can’t wait to bring you a picture of the bohemian waxwings which have now made landfall in Scotland for winter. They’re just a wee bit too far north for us at the moment!

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 CALDERS | 23

West Lothian is the BEST place to call home West Lothian was recently named as the “most financially viable” area to live in Scotland.

The word may be getting out. Those of us lucky enough to live here already know that West Lothian is a great place to live. It’s an overlooked gem in many ways that our city-dwelling neighbours are largely unaware of. Now, some research recently carried out gives it a new label: the “most financially viable” place to live in Scotland.

It’s an interesting label to add to the list of good reasons to live here.

The research was carried out by finance company Moneybarn, which ranked nearly 400 locations across the UK using a range of financial indicators. West Lothian scored very highly on rent affordability, rates of pay and house prices, boosting its total score to the number one most financially viable place to live in Scotland.

As we wrap up this gruelling year, we decided to take an uplifting look at why else living, buying, renting or investing in West Lothian has a rosy outlook.

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TOP OF THE CLASS

In The Times Scottish School League Tables published earlier this year, West Lothian has six schools in the 50 top performing secondary schools in Scotland. The six are Linlithgow Academy, West Calder High School, James Young High School, St Margaret’s Academy, Whitburn Academy and Inveralmond Community High School.

AND RELAX: GREEN SPACES AND SCENERY We don’t have the drama of Highland landscapes, but we do have plenty of open spaces and beauty spots. This year has highlighted more than ever the value of spending time in green spaces. Properties with access to green spaces, for both buyers and renters, are in very high demand - and West Lothian has plenty. You can have a some of everything here, with the Bathgate Hills, the country parks, Union Canal, woodlands...the possibilities are endless.

WORK / LIFE BALANCE

Nestled as we are between Edinburgh and Glasgow with excellent transport links, the cities are within very easy reach for both work and play. With many people

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now working from home too, and some who may never go fully back to the office, housing needs are changing. There is increased demand for properties with a study/home office or space to run a business, so there’s a lot of movement just now - and West Lothian is again a perfect destination to get the space to work from home but retain proximity to the cities.

EVERY KIND OF SHOPPING

The Centre in Livingston is the third biggest retail centre in Scotland and there is virtually nothing you can’t get here. And there’s more: for different retail experiences, West Lothian’s smaller towns offer a variety of boutique and independent businesses, with a strong “shop local” ethos to support our independent traders and eateries. Widespread working from home may lead to a resurgence in demand for products and services in our town centres and local high streets, further developing and enhancing the character of our towns and villages.

PLENTY OF CHARACTER

The character of our towns and villages is partly a result of an incredibly rich historical heritage.

West Lothian has been the oil capital of the world in the shale oil heyday; the birthplace and playground of royalty; a religious headquarters, when the powerful Knights Hospitalier had their moment at the top. It’s been a commanding location for a long time! And fantasy history?

Our characterful sites are frequently used as a filming locations, most recently for the hit TV series Outlander, which has boosted tourism to the area.

So it’s not surprising that some of the best properties for sale or rent in the country are in West Lothian. And, as the most financially stable part of Scotland, you can buy, sell, invest and rent property here with more confidence than anywhere else.

This article was written in conjunction with Turpie & Co Estate & Letting Agents who have extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market.

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WINE TASTING

THE SEASON FOR

Sensational Sherry

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Sherry’? Is it the dusty bottle at the back of the kitchen cupboard, located somewhere behind the fish sauce and cider vinegar and occasionally glugged into an exotic culinary dish? Or the strange brown bottle brought out for Granny’s annual Christmas tipple?

This winter I suggest you explore what Sherry has to offer. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to buy Sherry. Retailers compete on price and new stock arrives in store. It’s time to step beyond Granny’s Harveys Bristol Cream (which, incidentally, is delicious poured through a large segment of fresh orange into a goblet of ice!) and look for those obscure labels off the beaten track. To start with go in search of Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso or Pedro Ximenez.

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Fino; seasalt dry on the palate, it should be served chilled and treated like a white wine. Manzanilla means Camomile in Spanish and is so named because of its delicate flavour. Amontillado is an amber colour, dry and nutty. Oloroso has a rich, raisiny aroma on the nose but is dry and nutty on the palate. Pedro Ximenez is my favourite, a deep dark brown colour, dense with dried fruit aromatics and dark chocolate. It’s incredibly sweet. Viscous in the glass and so unusual, you’ll remember the first time you try it.

Enjoy in a glass or pour over your favourite vanilla ice cream, grab a spoon and fall in love.

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. CALDERS | 29

PARENTING

A puppy is for life, not just for Christmas...

…or at least that’s what they used to say. But 2020 has brought fears of a new puppy crisis, meaning Christmas might not be the biggest problem.

I put my hand up and happily say that we are one of those families who have welcomed a new arrival this year. But ours was by no means a pandemic puppy. On the contrary it was a long time coming. After careful consideration we decided the time was right. Who could have known the right time would turn out to be so wrong in so many other ways.

I have no doubt that there are many out there who have jumped into puppy parenthood without enough thought about night-time walks in the rain and picking up poop for the next however many years. And of course, about what to do when life and work returns to something more “normal”. But that doesn’t mean all new puppy parents have jumped into it without forethought.

We spent weeks and months thinking and researching before finding our breeder. Of course, there was still lots to learn when our new arrival finally came. Not the least of which was finding out where to go to get all the things they need like food, toys and advice.

One gem of a place we’d never had need of until now is Scott’s Pet Supplies in Pumpherston.

We popped in just the other day in search of the perfect puppy advent calendar.

While there we couldn’t resist

picking up some treats from what can only be described as a puppy pick ‘n mix. And we were lucky to get useful tips about run free fields and training treats as well. The kids were busy spying dog toys– safe to say the dog will be getting more presents under the Christmas tree than me this year!

Turns out having a puppy is more like having a baby than I ever could have imagined. Sleepless nights, trouble with feeding, constantly worrying if you are doing the right thing…only they reach the terrible twos a lot quicker than kids and when it comes to teething, they are already the proud owners of a set of razor-sharp puppy teeth.

But we wouldn’t be without our fur baby now.

Like with kids I can hardly remember what life was like before. And I certainly don’t take any small amount of joy for granted this year.

So to new puppy parents I’d give the same advice as to new parents…if you are worrying about it that probably means you are doing a great job, it does get easier and in the meantime don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

To prospective puppy parents…don’t rush into it, good things come to those who wait.

Have a pawsome Christmas everyone!

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

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Solution in the February edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Used for measuring (4), 3. Goes before (8) 9. Against (7), 10. Removes sensation (5), 11. Immediate environment (12), 14. Uncooked (3), 16. Edition (5), 17. To colour (3), 18. Very keen (12), 21. Not dead (5), 22. European country (7), 23. Simultaneously (8), 24. Happy (4) DOWN: 1. Item of clothing (8), 2. Writing material (5), 4. Stick, cane (3), 5. Significant (12), 6. Broken (7) 7. Type of window (4), 8. Amazement (12), 12. Birds dwellings (5), 13. Received gladly (8), 15. Not losing (7), 19. Spin around (5), 20. Sour (4), 22. Farewell (3).

SUDOKU Solution in the February edition of Konect

Right off the bat, I have to make this clear.

Wolfwalkers based solely on its animation is absolutely breathtaking. Every frame of this film is just like a work of art and in my opinion is a type of animation I feel is missing from modern kid’s films because they are mostly made by Disney or Pixar.

However, where a lot of my issues come from are its story and characters. The main character is very rebellious. We are told that no-one is allowed into the woods, yet mere two seconds later she ignores this advice. This leads to a character who is more frustrating than relatable. Sadly, this rebellious mindset from the beginning lessens the impact of scenes later on.

Due to this issue, I felt it hard to engage with the story as the main character’s actions drives the plot forward. For most people these issues will mean nothing. However, since I critically look at films, the story and the characters for the first 45 minutes didn’t click with me; but at the same time the last 45 minutes are just simple enthralling.

The characters and the story kick into high gear and I see its true potential as being a masterpiece of animation. I honestly loved the last 45 minutes and I wish the whole film was like that.

Wolfwalkers is a really good film that could have been fantastic, but for kids it’s a must-see. It’s a high recommendation from me for family watch.

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LOCAL LAB

Engineering for the Future Picture in your mind what an Engineer looks like. Are they wearing a hard hat and looking at a complex schematic drawing? Are they wearing a lab coat and looking down the lens of a microscope? Or are they sitting in front of a computer writing code?

These might seem like different jobs, but they are all engineering.

In the UK there is currently a shortage of engineers and importantly within the current engineering workforce there is a lack of diversity. There have been several initiatives to attract teenagers to By the time study engineering, children reach the age of but they have 7, they have not been very already ruled successful. out career paths Research as not being for suggests that them – or not a reason for being for people this is because like them” by the time children reach the early age of seven, they have already ruled out career paths as not being for them – or not being for people like them e.g. based on gender, ethnic or socio-economic background, or perceived cleverness.

Dr Helen Bridle, an engineer from Heriot-Watt University is trying Percentage to deconstruct old of Males & Females stereotypes about Employed what engineering is and who does engineering in her new project called Engineering Science Capital, funded by the EPSRC. She is bringing together engineers and creative arts professionals to design and run fun activities with children aged 3-7 to showcase the breadth and diversity in engineering. @KonectMagazines

Working with nurseries, schools, parents and teachers, she hopes to inform and inspire about the wide range of engineering careers that exist.

Helen’s project will find out what activities and approaches work best to engage 3-7 year olds with engineering, and the results will recommend the best ways to include engineering in early years education.

By opening-up the world of engineering to children now, we will help build a thriving and diverse engineering sector in the future.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AND FIND OUT MORE: • Teachers can access a classroom pack and curriculum-linked activities

• Families can receive ideas for easy, fun and low-cost activities to do at home

• Engineers can get help in communicating their work All the above is in development, please email Helen at h.l.bridle@hw.ac.uk for more details about the project, to find out when our new website will be launched and be the first to preview our Engineering song being developed with Hopscotch Songs.

Updates about the project will be posted on the HWU website and the Heriot-Watt Engage social media channels @hwengage The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects.

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SHORT STORY

Government Restrictions and Regulations?

Don’t get me started! I remember that Christmas like it was yesterday.

My wee cousin Mairi from Westfield tells me she’s got to go with her partner Jayden to Livi for this new government regulation. ‘Not that far’, you’re thinking, but they don’t have a car and there’s no bus running. So they start walking.

This is December, mind. They don’t arrive until after the Civic Centre is shut.

Jayden’s not a happy chappy, he hadn’t wanted to take time off work, what with being a self-employed joiner. I should add that Mairi’s expecting her first and her waters have just gone. No time to get to hospital so Jayden starts looking for somewhere to take Mairi. No luck with finding anywhere, shops shut, and he’s getting a bit desperate until one guy says they can use his storeroom round the back. No heating and one dingy light. At least it’s got a roof.

It’s a bit scary for Mairi; no family around and Jayden’s a decent bloke but she doesn’t know him that well - they just met that spring. Anyway Mairi has her baby there that night; a healthy wee laddy and they are so happy, that wee family.

Mairi’s just recovering, and Jayden too, when there’s a chapping at the door.

Jayden opens it to a bunch of guys who look like they sleep rough. They say they’ve come to see the baby. Well, Jayden’s not so sure. But how could they know about the baby? They say they heard about it on Messenger, and that they’ve just rushed from Sheephousehill. So anyway Jayden lets them in - at least they have masks on - and it’s like they’re totally amazed by what they see. They kneel down next to the baby, not too close mind. And then they leave, changed forever by this special wee baby. His name? Jesus.

This short story was contributed by West Lothian resident Lisa Abison, as a fresh and light-hearted take on the Christmas story, 2020-special version.

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