Dell Directory August 2021

August 2021

THE SEASONAL TOUCH: WINE TASTING:

LOCAL HISTORY:

BATTLE OF

RULLION

GREEN

PLUS: THE NEW NORMAL, lynne's Column, Puzzles, and more local features inside!

P28

THE DELL DIRECTORY

A

s I write this we’re still in the wonderful spell of warm weather that has made the staycation season very pleasant, and exploration of the local area continues!

The obelisk on the cover is one we pass frequently, in front of Dreghorn Barracks. It commemorates the Battle of Rullion Green, as Colinton was the location of a significant turning point that led to the confrontation. I headed up into the Pentlands one hot day on the trail of the battle. It’s nice to have a focus for a walk sometimes but I mostly just wanted to write a local history article - it’s been a while since I published one.

All our usual columns are here, I hope you enjoy this issue. We try to keep them practical, relevant, entertaining and interesting. As ever, please let me know what you think and get in touch if you have an interesting story you’d like to share with the local community.

THIS ISSUE Local History: Battle of Rullion Green..............8 Health: Do I need and X-ray........................... 14 Puzzles.................................................................. 15 Lynne’s column: Me time................................. 16 Recipe: Gluten-Free Vegan Tropical Oat Bars................................................................ 22 Spotlight: EMG Autos........................................ 24 Wine tasting: Pimms.......................................... 28 The Seasonal Touch: There’s no place like home.............................................................. 34 Local Environment: What long ears you have............................................................... 36 Clubs & Classes/Puzzle Solutions................ 38

COVER IMAGE: Local History: The Battle of Rullion Green. See P8-9.

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

The Dell Directory is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes in the Colinton, Craiglockhart and Kingsknowe areas. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe THE DELL | 3

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THE BATTLE OF

RULLION GREEN If the hills could talk, they would have some incredible stories to tell. The Pentland Hills have seen a lot of action, and this month I went looking for the site of the battle which is commemorated by the large obelisk outside Dreghorn Barracks in Colinton – the Battle of Rullion Green.

The Battle took place in the Pentlands in 1666 and was the culmination of decades of a specific religious struggle in Scotland.

Scotland had broadly always viewed monarchs as the first among equals when it came to religious matters. But James VI strongly believed in and pushed the concept of the divine right of kings, i.e. that the monarch is not accountable to his people or parliament, but has authority direct from God alone and is therefore only accountable to God. In terms of the Kirk, this implied that the king was spiritual head of the church. James’ successors pushed this too. And that was the sticking point.

Thousands of Scots signed a pledge in 1638 called the National Covenant, resisting the changes imposed on the Kirk. It was a struggle for religious freedom. Those involved in the resistance movement were known as the Convenanters. It caused decades of struggle, suffering and torture, especially during the reigns of King Charles I and II. Failure to swear an oath declaring loyalty to the King and, crucially, his position as head of the church, led to torture and execution of many Covenanters.

Battle of Rullion Green Memorial at Dreghorn Barracks, Colinton 8 | THE DELL

The battle here in South West Edinburgh in 1666 was a final showdown for the Convenanters, sparked when an elderly man in Kirkcudbrightshire was beaten by soldiers for not having enough money to pay the fine for failing to attend Government-approved church.

It was one of many such cruelties, but this time the event sparked an organised rising.

A troop of around 3000 Convenanters - a mixture of professional soldiers and @KonectMagazines

ordinary citizens under the experienced leadership of a Colonel James Wallace - assembled from Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Lanarkshire and headed to Edinburgh with the aim of petitioning the Government again, and hoping to get more support and volunteers for their cause. They took an arduous route in terrible weather via Bathgate, with a good number getting disheartened and deserting on the way. They got as far as Colinton on 27th November 1666, when they heard that the gates of Edinburgh were armed with canons against them, and there was no support forthcoming. Many more deserted and left. Wallace reluctantly turned the remains of his army back, planning to retreat back to the safety of the west.

The way west, however, was blocked by a Government army which had been sent to pursue them. It was led by General Tom Dalziel of House of the Binns. So the Convenanters headed east and then south instead, towards Biggar (roughly along the current A702) using line of the Pentland Hills as cover. They halted at Rullion Green, just south west of Flotterstone, to rest, regroup and wait for stragglers. They had dwindled to around 900 men.

Convenantors put up a stiff fight but were vastly outnumbered. Fifty died on the slopes of Rullion Green, and the rest fled over Turnhouse Hill and into the bleak winter’s night in the hills. Some were shot as they fled.

Residents in the surrounding areas tended to wounded survivors. Women came out from Edinburgh the next day to wrap the dead and prepare them for burial. Some died from their wounds whilst trying to get home. Many were buried in the graveyards in Penicuik and Glencorse. Others were taken prisoner and hanged at Mercat Cross in Edinburgh. Over the course of the next couple of months, Covenantors all over Scotland were hanged or transported to slavery in the West Indies and American colonies. It was the end of the uprising and a period of violent repression against the Covenanters ensued. The actions of Tam Dalziel after the Pentland Rising earned him the sobriquet “Bluidy Tam”.

They clashed around Glencorse and Turnhouse Hill. The Covenantors had the advantage of high ground and held off the vanguard, but when the rest of the government force arrived, there were around 3000 armed men. The

You can walk through to Glencorse from this side of the Pentlands, which is exactly what Dalziel and the government forces did that day. Clear waymarked routes from Harlaw in Balerno or Bonaly lead to Glencorse, and from there you can keep walking to Turnhouse Hill. (There are signs to Scald Law, and Turnhouse is on the way). Or you can walk from Threipmuir via Loganlea. It’s a little trickier to get to Rullion Green itself; I don’t believe there is a waymarked path from Glencorse – if there is I couldn’t find it. I took the picture of Rullion Green from the gate at Rullion Green farm, which is private property, but did not walk across the field.

MAIN IMAGE: The slope of Rullion Green, with Turnhouse Hill in the background

This article was contributed by Helen-Jane, editor of Konect magazines. With thanks to thereformation.info and Historic Environment Scotland for background on the battle.

A vanguard of Dalziel’s army was in Currie at the time and, learning of the route the Convenantors had taken, decided to cut straight through the hills and intercept them.

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HEALTH

Do I need an

X-RAY?

This is a question Physiotherapists often get asked and the answer depends on the response to two further questions: 1. Clinically, what are we looking for?

2. Will the result change the proposed management of the problem?

These questions are very important. Before any type of investigation, such as x-ray, MRI scan or CT scan, there must be a clear clinical question to be answered to ensure that the best investigation is being used. Patients often believe that a single x-ray or MRI scan will show everything in enough detail to give a definitive diagnosis but this is not the case – they have to be targeted. The correct test must be done to get the answer needed. So, how might this work for the following conditions?

I have low back pain – do I need an x-ray?

If a patient has constant low back pain, a history of osteoporosis, and the clinical question is could this be an insufficiency fracture, where bone density is poor and a fracture has developed, then an x-ray would be indicated. Knowing a fracture is there would change the advice on management and follow-up.

If the situation was different, in that the patient had low back pain on and off for several weeks after lifting plant pots in the garden and mechanical back pain was suspected, an x-ray would simply show the bones of the back with a level of wear and tear at the joints as expected for their age. This would not change the management advice of keep moving and the pain will settle in 4 – 6 weeks. An x-ray is not needed.

I have sprained my ankle – does it need an x-ray?

In this case we have specific guidelines to help the decision making. The Ottawa rules for x-ray of the ankle were developed in 1992 in an effort to provide simple clear guidelines for clinicians as an aid to decision making to help avoid unnecessary x-rays. The guidelines suggest an x-ray is needed after an ankle sprain if there is: • Bony tenderness on palpation along the posterior aspect of the lower 6cm of the lateral malleolus (fibula) or the medial malleolus (tibia) • Inability to walk four weight bearing steps at time of injury or in the A & E department An ankle fracture is treated by immobilising the ankle for long enough to allow the bone to heal. An ankle ligament sprain is best treated with gentle exercise, so it is important to know the difference. Many of us know the expression “rules are made to be broken.” Sometimes a clinician may advise an x-ray even although the Ottawa ankle rules suggest it is not needed. This can be due to unusually high levels of pain or swelling. If you have any doubts about your own ankle after a bad sprain, seek medical advice.

You may need an x-ray, or you may not, but in whichever case you should always be reassured by the clinical reasoning, understanding why the decision to x-ray or not to x-ray was made.

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

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SUDOKU ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 38

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Take away (6), 8. Irish lochs (6), 9. Couch (4), 10. Wraps around (8), 11. Disregarded (7), 13. Hard, strong alloy (5), 15. Hints (5), 17. Supply (7), 20 Easy going (8), 21. Ashen (4), 23. Heavy mass (6), 24. Woken up (6).

^^^ Crossword solution in the September edition

DOWN: 1. Nothing (4), 2. Vegetable (6), 3. Umpire (7), 4 Drudge (5), 5. Type of fish (6), 6. Tends sheep (8), 12. Ran very fast (8), 14. Authors (7), 16. Power, stamina (6), 18. Gas (6), 19. Prickly plants (5), 22. Untruths (4).

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Last month I wrote about staycations and all the great things that can be enjoyed on our doorstep. As restrictions eased, we were all relieved to be able to socialise more with family and friends whose company we had missed for so long.

Happy as I was about this, a part of me felt slightly bad that I was also starting to crave some me time. After so many months of home being everything – living space, office, classroom – the desire to spend some time elsewhere was surely understandable but it seemed wrong to want to do so alone. I was, after all, extremely grateful to have had my family with me throughout the whole of lockdown.

Worried that I was actually much more of an antisocial introvert than I ever gave myself credit for, I mentioned this to a few of my local Mum chums and was mightily relieved to hear that many of them felt the same way.

It got me thinking that there is a hole in the market for this type of break. There are companies that specialise in holidays for singles, couples, families, young age groups, older age groups and even pets.

But what about women who have partners and/or families who they love very much but just would like to step away from them for a short break to recharge their own batteries and remember what they enjoy doing for themselves? I have a working title of WOMB

holidays (Women or Mum Breaks) but fear that perhaps needs some work. I feel the basic premise, though, is fairly sound.

The location wouldn’t need to be anywhere exotic nor would it need to be particularly opulent. Just somewhere clean and comfortable with dry towels on the rails (rather than piles of soggy ones on the floor) and bedrooms where you can actually see the floors (rather than being masked by piles of laundry). Maid service would be a must. Someone else to make your bed, clean your bathroom and replace your toilet rolls. Dress code would be informal and comfortable – elasticated waists or bathrobes and slippers. The cuisine wouldn’t have to be too fancy. Any kind of food would be acceptable just as long as it was prepared by someone other than yourself. And somewhere you could choose to eat alone in your room but also have the option to dine in a relaxed communal area where you could exchange chat with the other like-minded guests about how much you love the families you’ve left at home and how much more you will love them when you return to them after your recharge time.

If I go off-grid a bit in August rest assured no offence is intended. There are just some times when I would like free time to be me time.

Lynne lives in Colinton with her husband and two children. She dreams of being a freelance writer when she grows up but mostly just avoids growing up!

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ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

New ideas at your local pharmacy Is your bathroom, or your teenagers’ bathroom, overflowing with plastic bottles and containers? You could come into the pharmacy and take a look at some of our new ranges that come with no plastic packaging.

• Toothpaste tubes are one of the hardest things to recycle, try our new ‘Truthpaste’ which comes in glass jars in delicious peppermint & spearmint flavour, with charcoal for extra whitening, or the children’s version in mild mint • Shampoo and conditioner is available in bars, lavender & geranium, with argan oil and there’s an orange and lavender shaving bar • Soap, in many fragrances with no packaging at all, smells fantastic!

• Jasmine and rose or mint scented deodorants, in a cardboard tube • We also have some lovely loofahs

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There is a range of more environmentally friendly household products too, with fully recycled paper products and dilutable cleaning materials to make up in your own reusable bottles.

Our Tisserand range of essential oil products can help you combat stress and other worries with packages designed to help you ‘De-stress’, ‘Sleep well’ and ‘Be Happy’.

Other natural products include local, prizewinning Pentland honey made by bees working with pollen and nectar very local to where we live and so helpful in combatting allergies. We also carry a range of Burt’s bees lip, hand and skin products with an especially lovely range for expectant Mums including ‘Mama Bee’s Belly Butter’ – rich and moisturising.

This column was contributed

by Colinton Village Pharmacy

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FOOD & DRINK

Naturally sweetened

It’s back to school this month and the perennial search for easy, healthy packed lunch snacks.

This is a perfect naturally sweetened flapjack-style bar ideal for packed lunches, graband-go breakfasts or as a healthy pick-me-up snack. The combination of slow-releasing oats, seeds and protein powder with the fresh and dried mango keeps the body energised throughout the day. Ideal as a pre- or post-workout snack. The bars will keep in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for up to three months. A healthy alternative to shopbought snack bars for children and adults!

Ingredients:

• 250g dried mango slices, without sugar, chopped • 3 limes • 200g frozen or fresh mango chunks • 150ml (1⁄4 pint) light olive oil • 175g gluten-free rolled oats • 175g self-raising gluten-free flour • 30g / 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, optional • 1⁄2 tsp baking powder • 30g mixed seeds (e.g. sunflower, sesame, pumpkin) • 100g desiccated coconut

Nutrition:

* Per serving: 254kcal, Fat 15.2g (of which saturates 5g), Carbohydrate 23.7g (of which sugars 7.6g), Protein 3.6g.

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Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan /gas mark 4.

2. Place the dried mango pieces in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 15 minutes to soften, then drain.

3. Zest then juice the limes.

4. Place half of the dried mango in a food processor with the fresh mango, lime juice, lime zest and oil, and process to form a thick puree.

5. Place the oats, flour, protein powder, baking powder, seeds and coconut in a large bowl. Stir in the remaining dried mango. Pour in the puree and mix thoroughly.

6. Spoon the mixture into a greased and lined baking tin that is approximately 25cm by 30cm. Bake in an oven for 30 minutes until golden brown. Leave to cool in the tin then cut into slices.

Makes 16 bars • Preparation time: 15 minutes • Soaking time: 15 minutes • Cooking time: 30 minutes @KonectMagazines

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Stuart and his daughter

“I’m a dad, first and foremost,” says Balerno resident Stuart Wightman of EMG Autos, when I ask him what he does when he’s not at work.

I caught up with Stuart just as he was back maintenance, and when the owner needs to at the garage last month after a spell off with change, Stuart knows the car intimately and has Covid, to see how things have been going for full confidence in selling it on to a new owner. the business.

The reviews speak for themselves: Stuart has run EMG Autos since 2011, when “Absolutely brilliant service, Stuart came and he set it up in Saughton Mains Drive and picked up my car and took it into the garage named the business after his grandad. After for repairs and brought it back when finished. leaving Balerno High School, Stuart served The price was great value for all the work he an apprenticeship with Western Mercedes, had done and I felt safe and trusted what he then worked for Brian Miller Porsche. When an had to say, very honest man. Would highly opportunity came up for him to set up his own recommend and would defo use again.” garage, he was ready for “I bought a used car from it. “I’d always liked finance this place about a month and business, besides I’d like to thank my team for ago and was massively the practical mechanics all their hard work in pulling impressed. Stuart couldn’t work. And for my own us through, they have been have been more helpful and garage, I wanted everything knows his stuff, but done just right - to charge incredible and deserve that clearly equally was neither pushy a fair price for a good job. I recognition. And I’d like to nor condescending. He even wanted to offer a personal thank my local customers for serviced the car and had it touch, and for my customers after we’d agreed to be able to put their belief their support for the business, valeted on the sale.

Can’t fault the in me.” especially during the past guy and would happily do Now with a team of five, business with him again: 18 months ” he has been successful highly recommended!” in building the business’ Back to his off-duty activities, Stuart is very reputation based on being trustworthy and active in the Balerno community where he grew offering outstanding, friendly customer service. up, and likes to support other local businesses.

It’s been a tough time over the past 18 months, He can be found in one of the local pubs, or as for so many local businesses, but Stuart eating out with his daughter, or on the golf pivoted to develop the used car sales side of course at Dalmahoy. the business, and the same ethos seems to “I’d like to thank my team for all their hard work have been a winning approach. in pulling us through, they have been incredible “We sold 57 cars in the past four months,” he and deserve that recognition. And I’d like to says. “We deal in cars with low mileage, a full thank my local customers for their support for the service history and 2 keys.” Some of the used business, especially during the past 18 months.” cars they sell are vehicles that EMG Autos have looked after themselves for the service and See www.emgautosedinburgh.co.uk 24 | THE DELL

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WINE TASTING

In the way mulled wine is synonymous with winter and cold weather, so too is summer, garden parties and Pimm’s No. 1 Cup. A cool, refreshing, long drink, Pimm’s is a delicious alternative to wine and feels more sophisticated than punch. I first tasted Pimm’s at a summer wedding reception; it is very easy to drink and very easy to forget it is a gin-based spirit!

Photo: Joanne Frette

Proudly displaying the Royal Warrant on its crisp white label, Pimm’s is the quintessential Great British summer drink. It has been served at Wimbledon since 1971 and evokes images of lazy hazy summer days. Developed by James Pimm in London in the mid-19th century, today Pimm’s has a Scottish connection; the gin-based spirit is distilled in Fife! It is made using a closely guarded secret recipe that apparently only 6 people know. It started out as a health remedy to aid digestion (of oysters!) but is now one of the UK’s most popular summer drinks brands. On the nose it is easy to detect fragrant orange, warm spices like clove and herbal botanicals.

The classic way to prepare Pimm’s No. 1. is in a tall glass or pitcher. Serve 3 parts lemonade to 1 part Pimm’s and pour over sliced summer fruits, cucumber and ice.

Wimbledon may have finished but I think there will be enough of the summer left to justify having a bottle of Pimm’s No. 1 in your drinks cabinet.

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. 28 | THE DELL

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I’ve been off adventuring this month.

I might be passionate about all things ‘home’ but my thirty-year ‘past life' in the travel industry has left its mark and this travel junkie loves nothing more than hearing the words ‘This is your captain speaking welcome aboard!’

However, with travel restrictions still upon us, I switched jet engines for the motor variety and headed south, touching down in the land of the mighty pasty and cream tea. I love exploring Cornwall with its gorgeous beaches, incredible food, pretty ports and dramatic landscapes - whatever the weather!

Yes, holidays have a lot to offer but as the trip ends, despite my wanderlust spirit, I’m always ready to come home.

There’s nothing quite like that first cuppa, the comfort of your own bed and the sanctuary of a space created just for you. Despite my drive to discover pastures new, there comes a point in any trip where I begin to crave the soothing surroundings of home. Turning the corner into my street there’s always a sense of relief that it’s pretty much exactly as I left it. There’s reassurance in the familiar and the psychology behind it is clear. We’re much more likely to feel safe and comforted by our surroundings if they’re well known to us. The primitive part of our brain reminds us that we’ve survived exposure to this place before.

Someone, something or somewhere familiar is less likely to hurt you expectedly and so you’re drawn back towards it.

Travelling inspires us and can fill our minds with countless decor and gardening ideas.

The fun part though is trying them out back 34 | THE DELL

at the ranch. Recent events have forced us to spend more time in our home than we ever thought possible so it seems reasonable that we’d seize any chance to escape it.

While a change of scenery can undoubtedly do us the power of good, it transpires that returning to our haven and re-establishing the rhythm of life at home is equally important.

These past many months have taught us the importance of a good routine and its impact on our sense of wellbeing. Whether that’s sticking to a beneficial bedtime or mindfully watering your plants, it all helps.

Yes, it seems there’s a lot to be gained by getting away but, in the end, there’s no place like home.

The Seasonal Touch column is contributed by Lynn McMurray, Balerno resident and enthusiast of all things ‘home,’ serving the local community and beyond with her home & gift business The Seasonal Touch. www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk @KonectMagazines

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

What long ears you have We’re all familiar with the story of the tortoise and the hare but did you know the brown hare can reach speeds of up to 45mph if running from predators.

Sorry tortoise, but you don’t stand a chance!

Whilst brown hares were an introduced species, this dates back to the Roman times (or even earlier) and are therefore considered a naturalised species, meaning they receive the same protection through wildlife acts as our native species. Sadly, brown hare are the victims of wildlife crime through an activity known as hare coursing.

I’ll spare everyone the grim details but it’s important to me to let people know of these activities, which unfortunately does go on in the Lothians.

They can be found in a huge variety of habitats from wide open fields, cutting their way through the grass to dense woodland.

A great time to see them is in early spring, when you might be lucky enough to see them boxing. This is one of their mating rituals and is usually a female rebuking the 36 | THE DELL

advances of an amorous male. It can be a prolonged affair, and I’ve watched them cover huge distances in the fields as the flirting continues.

This hare was photographed in local fields and as it ran closer, I held my breath in case it heard me, but it thankfully passed in front, and scampered off into the distance leaving me with a lovely memory of a wonderful encounter.

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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SOLUTIONS

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

SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD

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.

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Want to know about local history?

Visit: www.colintonhistory.org or Email: enquiries@colintonhistory.org COLINTON GARDEN CLUB Club members share their love of gardening, gardens and nature, and work together to preserve and add value to our quality of life here in south-west Edinburgh. Monthly meetings on a Monday currently via Zoom.

For more information see www.colintongardens.org.uk or Email: membership@colintongardens.org

ACROSS: 1. Chateau, 5. Raced, 8. Identical, 9. Ode, 10. Eaten, 12. Mirrors, 13. Relationships, 15. Instant, 17. Ahead, 19. Who, 20. Ambulance, 22. Yield, 23. Enthral.

DOWN: 1. Crime, 2. Ale, 3. Extinct, 4. Uncomfortable, 5. Ruler, 6. Crocodile, 7. Dresses, 11. Telescope, 13. Railway, 14. Scarlet, 16. Award, 18. Dwell, 21 Nor.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 15

LUNCHCLUB Every Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, 3 courses £4. Spaces are limited, first come first served. Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. Please visit: www.oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre.org.uk PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP Tuesdays, am session and pm session for two age groups (all under 5s). Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. Contact for details Tel.: 0131 466 0678 or Email: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre@gmail.com OXGANGS NEIGHBOUR CENTRE CAFE - FULLY OPEN 10.00am to 1.00pm. Bacon rolls, baked potatoes, toasties, specials, teas, coffees and cake. Sit in or takeaway.

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 www.konect.scot for information.

38 | THE DELL

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