Dell Directory December 2022

December 2022

THE DELL DIRECTORY

LOCAL WALK:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

WINE TASTING:

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t’s been enjoyable pulling together the December issue of The Dell Directory and the seeing festive and ever-practical columns from our contributors, I hope you enjoy them.

Festive traditions, seeing family and exchanging gifts is lovely, and those of us who can enjoy these things are very fortunate - because many can’t. Without support many won’t even see Christmas let alone enjoy it. If you are a regular Dell Directory reader, you’ll have read our many features through the year on community initiatives and local charities, and these organisations need your support now more than ever.

Here are some of the comments we’ve had from local charities we’ve featured: “Thank you so so much, Your article has resulted in three very good enquiries about volunteering! For once I am speechless!”

“The amazing article you allowed onto your publications has made such a difference to us and we hope the community will benefit too from the exposure you have facilitated.”

Of course, without our loyal business advertisers we wouldn’t have a magazine to print the information, and without your custom they wouldn’t have a business to advertise.

So, to every one of you who has ever called someone from the magazine, a business or a charity: thank you, it truly makes a difference.

We don’t produce a January magazine, so we’ll be back with a February magazine.

Have a fantastic festive season! @KonectMagazines

What’s On: Shine a Light....................................8 What’s On: Christmas in the Park.....................9 Spotlight: Trail Cruizer...................................... 11 Ask Your Pharmacist: Winter ailments......... 12 Puzzles..........................................................12 / 22 Health: Hot or cold for pain?........................... 14 Wine Tasting: Festive Fizz Favourites.......... 22 Lynne’s Column: Magic is not just for Christmas............................................................. 30 What’s On............................................................. 31 I  Food: But what does that chocolate cake mean?......................................................... 32 Local Environment: Beauty in the detail...... 36

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

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 THE DELL | 3

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GERRY AITKEN Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

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

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WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk

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The event previously known as “Christmas on the Corner” is back as “Christmas in the Park” on Wednesday December 14th from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in Spylaw Park.

CVE has come full circle having held our festive event outdoors at the top of Spylaw Street for many years, then at the Dell Room of Colinton Parish Church for many more years until 2019. Something happened in 2020 and in 2021 to scupper our plans’ we’ll not dwell on that.

This year, we will make use of CVE’s corner of Spylaw Park by The Shed (ex-coach-house) which we have owned since last year. While we

work on raising funds to turn the building into Colinton’s Community Heritage Hub, we have been doing what we can to improve ‘meanwhile’ use. To that end we have improved the plumbing with the addition of hot water, upgraded the electrics, and installed a large kitchen sink to use for gatherings and local community events.

So, we are very much looking forward to reestablishing this family-fun event - fairy lights will light the way to Santa’s grotto, music will magically play, mulled wine and hot chocolate will be there to warm you. There will be a craftmaking activity to keep the youngsters busy too.

During a busy time of year this is a lovely opportunity to meet neighbours, family, and friends for relaxing Christmas chat and cheer.

Important letters can be posted to Santa; tombola or raffle prizes will be won or lost, and music will welcome you to this season of celebration. There will be a craft-making activity to keep the youngsters busy too.

Please join us at Christmas in the Park on Wednesday 14th December from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at The Shed in Spylaw Park.

This article was contributed by Colinton Village Enterprises.

To become a member of CVE, or to donate to our project, please visit cventerprise.org or email us at colintonvillage@gmail.com – we would love to hear from you

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New Mountain Bike Coach starts a new adventure: “I want everyone to enjoy mountain biking as much as I do and make the most of many current trails favoured here in the Pentlands” Sam Goldie is talking about his new adventure company and role as a mountain bike coach based in Colinton (Pentlands).

“Starting out delivering The Dell Directory to help towards a new bike and being an enthusiastic mountain biker now for many years, I’ve lived, studied and cycled close to some of Scotland’s most popular mountain trails. With a wealth of experience gained on the Pentlands, downhill racing at venues such as Fort William and the Borders at Innerleithen, Golfie and Glentress and a few Summers in Morzine (the French Alps) on their vast mountain bike trails I pursued biking to the next stage. On leaving school I was accepted on the B.A.S.E. (Borders Academy of Sporting Excellence) degree course for Mountain Biking Performance (the only registered/ recognised of its type in the UK) and for the last 3 years developed a strong understanding of Coaching and Riding techniques spending most of each week on the hillside.

maintenance arm and as a qualified bike mechanic fixing many bikes of all ranges from road to mountain bikes of varying specifications when I’m not on the hills!!

“When finishing the course I returned to Edinburgh (from Innerleithen) and launched in the summer www.trailcruizer.co.uk offering a bespoke coaching service for all ages. I am fully registered/first aid compliant/ insured on a wide range of terrain and from beginners to experienced riders. I currently offer my services to the Edinburgh Bike Club and coach two groups every weekend on Corstorphine Hill. At Trailcruizer I am offering hourly rates for individuals or groups (up to 6) here on the Pentlands or if preferred at other trail locations and happy to provide gift vouchers for Christmas or birthdays ranging from £20 - £100.

For further information go to the website below for contact details or call me on 07483 838980 or email me on trailcruizercoaching@gmail.com www.trailcruizer.co.uk

“During my 3-year course and to help fund my study I spent much of the summer months (when not in Morzine) growing a small bike @KonectMagazines

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ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

We have an excellent range of vitamins and other health boosting products in the pharmacy.

As we see less of the sun consider a Vitamin D supplement. High dose vitamin C and Echinacea can be helpful to prevent infection.

Keep paracetamol in the house for all aches, pains and temperature. Steam inhalation is usually the most helpful treatment for blocked noses/cold symptoms. Come and talk to us about how to keep yourself fit and healthy this winter. If it’s too late for prevention then come and see us for help - the majority of these ailments can be treated via selfcare and simple over-the-counter medicines which we can help you with via our NHS Pharmacy First service.

HOW CAN I COPE WITH CHRISTMAS PRESENTS THIS YEAR? You maybe don’t normally think of asking the pharmacist this question, but we have some lovely, healthy gift ideas this year. You could try steering away from the usual pressies and give your loved ones a treat that will make them feel the better for it! (See below for some ideas) HOW CAN WE HELP AFTER CHRISTMAS? - In the new year we will be introducing a new medicated weight loss service, which can be used by certain patients.

- We can’t emphasise winter vitamins, and balanced diet, enough; ask about the best support for you.

- Maybe some of those relaxing essential oils are what you will need for yourself, after the festivities are all over! (There’s a new range to help with menopause symptoms)

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

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PUZZLE

Solution in the February edition

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. A red fruit (6), 8. On every side (6), 9. Deceased (4), 10. Hold back (8), 11. Sprinkle (7), 13. Weeps (5), 15. Concerning (5), 17. Farewell (4-3), 20. Acquainted (8), 21. Require (4), 23. Disclose (6), 24. Thick, oily substance (6).

DOWN: 1. Finished (4), 2. Outlaw (6), 3. Expedition (7), 4. Severe (5), 5. Terror (6), 6. Completely (8), 12. Green vegetables (8), 14. Bravery (7), 16. Allied (6), 18. Beast of burden (6), 19. Feminine (5), 22. Simple (4).

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HEALTH

HotorColdfor pain?

What works best to treat pain, a hot pack or an ice pack? This is a very common question and the answer will vary depending on what is wrong and how long you have had the problem. As a basic rule of thumb, cold is best for an acute injury and heat is used to treat achy muscles or chronic pain.

If you have a new injury, such as a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle, it will hurt. During the first 3 - 5 days following injury the damaged tissues become inflamed and swollen as your body starts the healing process. This is when cold can be a really useful first-aid strategy. Cold acts as a local anaesthetic. We used to think that an ice pack applied to the injury would constrict blood flow to the injured

area to help keep swelling down, but we now know that this is probably not the case. Cold will not reduce swelling but it definitely eases pain.

If you have a sprain, a cold pack made from crushed ice or frozen peas can be wrapped in a damp towel and laid against the skin for 10 - 15 minutes to ease pain.

This can be repeated every 3 - 4 hours but

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do look after your skin. Over-enthusiastic use of cold packs can damage skin and cause frostbite. Swapping one problem for another is never good news!

Heat, however, can be used in an ongoing fashion to treat older injuries or manage the chronic pain from arthritic joints or back pain. Heat will stimulate the circulation bringing oxygen and nutrients to an injured area to help the healing process. Warm muscles and other soft tissues are easier to stretch safely. A hot pack around your neck or at your low back for 15 minutes can help relax tight muscles prior to gentle stretching exercises so that loosening tight joints and gaining more movement becomes much easier.

Again, heat must be applied safely. I have seen the damage done to the low back when a hot water bottle filled with boiling water burst. The skin damage required medical treatment and dressings for several weeks. Heat can be safely applied

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via a microwavable hot pack made of wheat or gel, again wrapped up to protect skin. You can now also get long thin hot water bottles designed to be wrapped around the neck for all round warmth and comfort. Electric heated pads or blankets can be used too. Heat can be applied for 15 - 20 minutes several times a day to help with pain control, or before gentle exercises to help regain movement and loosen stiff joints.

In summary, cold packs are used as a first aid treatment to help with pain in the first few days of an injury. Heat is used after this to help with the treatment of injured and painful joints and muscles. Heat and cold are simple treatments, but they really can make a difference.

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

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Winter Colds & Coughs As darker mornings and colder temperatures arrive, sadly so too comes the inevitable cold and cough season that we’re faced with each winter.

Whilst the idea of hibernating under our duvets through the winter months, pleasantly shielded from the rest of the world sounds incredibly appealing, life does indeed go on. And we’re subsequently exposed to a variety of germs and seasonal bugs as we go about our everyday lives that can leave us feeling dreary and under the weather.

This year, many of us are also finding that our immune systems are compromised following

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previous Covid infections, making it harder than usual to shake off what would seem like very typical colds and coughs. There are of course simple steps that we can take at home which can help to naturally boost our immunity, such as getting adequate sleep, hydrating well, eating a healthy & varied diet, and staying active through the winter months.

However, did you know that aromatherapy can also be used to help ease the side effects of a stuffy nose or troublesome cough? Or that massage can help to flush the body of toxins and speed up your recovery?

If you’d like to find out more about these and other natural ways to feel your best this winter, feel free to call or enquire at www.sophielouisehealth.com for a complimentary consultation and I’ll be happy to help.

This article was contributed by Sophie Louise, The Therapy Room, Woodhall Road, Colinton.

See www.sophielouisehealth.com

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WINE TASTING

PUZZLE

DECEMBER SUDOKU

Cheers! I’m looking forward to a glass of festive fizz this month, and while I love Champagne, I’d like to introduce you to Champagne's pocket-friendly cousin, Crémant.

Champagne and Crémant are both French sparkling wines, produced using the ‘Method Traditional’ technique.

Both are in sturdy Champagne bottles; the neck wrapped in foil, sealed with a mushroom shape cork and wire cage.

The family resemblance continues with corks that ‘pop’ and in the flute glass.

Both Champagne and Crémant have tiny, pin prick size bubbles which race to the surface of wine.

See page 38 for Sudoku Solution

On the nose there are similarities, both have a complex aroma, resulting from secondary fermentation in the bottle. There are a few differences, for example, the types of grapes used but the most notable though is the price tag. Crémant wines offer incredible value for money!

Sparkling wine from the prestigious region of Champagne can be called ‘Champagne’, while ‘Method Traditional’ sparkling wine from the rest of France is called Crémant. Look out for Crémant d’Loire, Crémant d’Jura and Crémant d’Alsace. My favourite is Cremant d’Alsace ‘Brut Extra’ Meyer Fone NV from de-burgh. com at £15.99 a bottle.

If you’d like to pop Champagne, I

recommend Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut.

A classic Champagne with fine bubbles and on the nose, a gorgeous aroma of baked apple and honey, dry and delightful on the palate. It is usually priced around £40 a bottle but is on promotion (at time of print) at Majestic at £24.99 a bottle.

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 22 | THE DELL

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Magic Christmas

IS NOT JUST FOR

I always find December a very nostalgic time of the year. It’s dominated

by Christmas but also by a feeling of rounding off the year, of looking back and taking stock.

I still clearly remember the excitement of this time of year as a small child myself and of then seeing the magic afresh through the eyes of my own children.

Memories of my childhood Christmases are warm and happy feelings. I’d be lying, of course, if I said it wasn’t also a bit about the presents, but the endearing images are of the anticipation of it all. The putting up of the tree and the ceiling decorations; hanging strings of cards on the wall; writing that all-important note to Santa and watching in awe as my mum held it on a wee shovel in the coal fire until it disappeared up the chimney.

I was always jealous of my parents and older siblings who could stay up so much later as that meant they’d be able to enjoy seeing the festive decorations for longer than me. I was envious that my cat would be able to see Santa and pondered that, if the tale was true that animals could speak at midnight on Christmas Eve, she might exchange a few words with the bearded man himself. I even loved the fact that the TV magazine pages were decorated in fancy font for the holidays rather than just showing the plain day and date at the top of the page and I always felt sad when we got to early January and the pages went back to their plain old print font.

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get down the chimney?” were met with an airily pleasant “Because he’s magic!” and that was all the answer I ever needed.

As we get older, we tend to lose our ability to believe in magic but it still exists all around us if we remember to look. Those moments where we finally find something that we’ve long been looking for; when an old friend we’ve been thinking about gets in touch out of the blue; the smiles on the faces of our children; the warmth of a hug from a loved one; when our teenagers clean their rooms without being asked…

OK, so that last one was a miracle but you get my drift!

Every day offers opportunities to appreciate the good things in life and to inject some magic into the lives of those around us. A kind word or thoughtful gesture can buoy someone up more than we sometimes realise yet take so little effort on our part.

As 2022 draws to a close I hope that everyone is able to enjoy the festive season and appreciate the magic of it all but remember to find some magic in every day, not just at Christmas.

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! @KonectMagazines

SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER Pop up Craft Sale - Charity Crafters - a local group making and selling craft to donate profits to charity are having a “pop-up” sale at Currie library 10.00am until 4.00pm. Come along and get your Christmas gifts and cards.

SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER Torchlight Procession & Music event - With pipers leading the way, walk from Bonaly Store to Colinton Parish Church, for music and singing. Organised

by Colinton Parosh Church, donations welcome for Shelter Scotland. See poster on p8.

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER Christmas in the Park - The Shed, Spylaw Park, Colinton. 5.30pm-7.30pm. Santa’s Grotto & post box; mince pies & mulled wine; tombolas & raffle; Christmas craft making; live music, pre-loved books.

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS All meets are at Juniper Green Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road, 10.00am - 12 noon. New members welcome. Further details from our Club Sec. Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk

WED 7TH DEC: 603 Squadron - an illustrated talk by Bill Simpson.

WED 21ST DEC: Members’ morning coffee & Christmas lunch in The Kinleith Mill, Juniper Green, 10.00am - 3.00pm.

WED 11TH JAN: Former railway stations in Edinburgh - a talk by Brian Sharry

WED 25TH JAN: A morning wi’ the bard - with contributions from Fergus Gillies, Douglas May & Jim West, Juniper Green Parish Church Hall,10.00am followed by a Burns lunch in The Kinleith Mill, Juniper Green.

WED 1ST FEB: Opening & running a garden centre shop - An illustrated talk by Ewan Patterson (Merryhatton).

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. @KonectMagazines

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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!

But what does that chocolate cake mean?

There are many, many reasons to eat that have nothing to do with hunger! At least in the Western world, we eat because we are happy, sad, stressed, proud, anxious, annoyed, angry, depressed, excited or bored! We eat as a way of celebrating, but we may also turn to food when we’re deeply troubled.

Parents give edible treats as a reward, and sometimes withhold treats in order to punish.

So from our earliest days, we think of food as a reward. Is it any wonder that, even as adults, we reward ourselves with chocolate or cake – because we have been so stressed, or have worked so hard?

With the holidays approaching, you may be thinking about a dish you make, or something you bake, every Christmas. Maybe it’s a family recipe that has been handed down over many years. When you tuck into it, you’ll experience more than just pleasing flavours. For you are biting into family memories and meaningful traditions.

I’ve been remembering my Grandma’s 24-hour salad. It’s an American recipe that was a family tradition when I was growing up. I don’t have the recipe in front of me, but I know the ingredients include white cherries, mandarin orange segments, pineapple chunks, lemon juice, condensed milk, slivered almonds, whipping cream and mini-marshmallows. It’s quite sweet, but the lemon juice makes it a bit tangy too.

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I love this concoction, but it wasn’t a big hit with my British family, so I stopped making it. Maybe they just couldn’t get their heads round the idea that it contained marshmallows. Or maybe it was because I called it a “salad” when it seemed to be a dessert. Americans label many things “salad” that would not be called that here.

(Perhaps, because a salad is assumed to be healthy, we use that term as a sneaky way of getting more desserts!)* This year I will make this dish again, because it’s delicious, and because it will bring me good memories of my Grandma arriving at our house at Christmas with a large melamine bowl and calling out, “I’ve brought my 24-hour salad!”

For me, food has always meant love. If I love you, I will want to make something delicious for you. This is why I like to give home-baked gifts, and why, if you come for dinner, I will really struggle to “keep it simple”.

This Christmas, whatever the size of your food budget, I hope that you will find joy in the tasty meals and treats you give and in those you receive. *Similarly, I make pumpkin bread but my British friends call it cake!

I FOOD is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Suzanne, is a freelance writer/editor. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. @KonectMagazines

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I don’t need to think about walking in the woods in the morning anymore. It requires no mental effort, no decision, my feet just take me there. Such is the way with habits I suppose, good or bad. Each day is like another fine thread of spider silk, woven in with those preceding, reinforcing, pulling you along, until it is as strong as steel and a part of you.

Of that I’m glad this morning – it was a restless night, pressures of the work week playing heavily on my mind. I wonder how I will muster the energy to achieve anything. Yet, almost instantly, nature works its magic.

It’s a misty morning, following on from last night’s Beaver Moon. Suspended from a low branch, a perfect spider web captures my attention, and I am pulled in. Outlined in microscopic water droplets it gracefully spans right angle between vertical and horizontal.

The architect and master of this beautiful geometry now safely tucked away in a silken shelter within a crevice of bark. Giant hollies line the next section of path, their multiple trunks lean, twisting and muscular, like so many forearms tensed, holding aloft their spiky cargo in preparation for the coming season.

It is nearing the year’s end, the time when nature hunkers down and people too will hide away for a couple of weeks. The winter break has a psychological importance for us too, an opportunity to spend time with family, to ground ourselves in the comforting and 34 | THE DELL

familiar, to recharge after the year’s work. This year more than many it will be an important survival strategy for us all.

I scramble and slither my way down to the riverside. The night-time churning of my subconscious has left me feeling both tired and melancholy, drawn to the comforting burble of the dark water. I head for a spot by a huge beech tree and just stand motionless there for several minutes. I let the sound of the rushing water wash over me. The wind whips up fine powder which dances like a snowspirit across the field. I lean back against the trunk of the tree, feeling its massive structure support my weight as easily as if I were a blade of grass. This two-hundred year old giant, its roots thrusting deep into the soil beneath my feet, like a lightning rod grounds me. I recharge.

Returning to my woodland circuit, a pheasant’s call, very close, grabs my attention. My eyes scan the undergrowth to no avail. Then another call. There he is, up on a stone wall, resplendent in red, green and gold, breast @KonectMagazines

feathers gleaming like bronze armour. And then, with a few croaks of protestation, he flaps off, down into the meadow beyond from which an unseen compatriot beckons. To my right a flutter amongst the long stalks...a bullfinch! One of my all-time favourite birds.

Familiar enough to know that gentle call, that stubby little beak and brushed rose breast which warms the soul, but an infrequent enough spot to induce that instant of surprise, that dopamine hit, when I see one. He is joined by a wren at its sentry post nearby, churrchurring in alarm. I begin to notice details that I have passed over previously. A rusting old gateway in the wall, overgrown with ivy.

A large, decaying sycamore stump, its bark peeling away, but from which a ‘sapling’ now sprouts. How incredible, how resourceful, I think, that this youthful plant can grow literally from its own remains. Perhaps we humans can

too. Do we too often see ourselves as a fixed entity, rooted in our own life history, unable to change? Maybe we’re never too far gone to transform, to renew, no matter what long history or devastating damage we have sustained.

A robin comes close, partnering me for a few yards, encouraging me like a well-wisher on the side-lines of a marathon and I emerge from my sojourn among the trees with just a little more spring in my step, my encounter with these woodland characters raising my spirits, like characters on a page spelling out that all will be ok. As I swing back round on to the main road the radio in a workman’s van blares...”Don’t…Stop…Thinking ‘bout tomorrow....Yesterday’s gone. Yesterday’s gone...”. My stride lengthens and I return home, ready for another new day.

For ideas of places to walk in nature near you visit www.konect.scot/articles

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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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

It can be easy to overlook the ordinary or the things we see everyday. I have to be honest, I usually walk past mallards but when I was out looking for otters on the Water of Leith there were a group of ducks hanging out in the shadows and it made for quite an appealing setting.

Female ducks never quite have the eye catching colours of the males. They can sometimes be thought of as unremarkable but much like the humble house sparrow, there is beauty in the detail of their mottled plumage. Then there’s that flash of purply blue towards the end of the wing, the jewel in the crown if you ask me.

for a long walk with plenty wildlife to be seen including kingfishers, dippers, otters, and even a fox if you’re lucky! With BBC Winterwatch basing themselves in Edinburgh for the next series (usually at the end of January) you might even be able to spot the crew at some point too.

I had been hoping she might’ve had a little wing stretch or stuck out her foot a little but no, she was quite content preening her feathers.

After breeding season is finished, ducks tend to become flightless for a few weeks as they go through their annual moult so I suspect she was just paying close attention to the feathers and getting herself in top condition for winter.

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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Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

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SOLUTIONS

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

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

LOCAL FLORAL ART CLUB - Sit back and enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat. You might even win one of the arrangements.

Meet: Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Meggatland, off Colinton Road EH14 1AS. 7.30pm 9.30pm on the 1st Monday of the month. Wine / Tea / Coffee available.

Contact: Joyce Rutherford 0131 443 2536 or Email: joyce.rutherford@btinternet.com COLINTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB - We meet fortnightly from 15th September in St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue from 7:45 – 9:15, £5 per evening. We have an excellent teacher and live music so come and join us, with or without a partner, you’ll be made very welcome.

PUPPY & ADOLESCENT DOGS GROUP CLASSES - A great way to socialise and learn all the basic obedience tricks for your pup. Group classes take place in a puppy-proof garden at 2 Woodfield Park. It’s a block of 5 classes spread over 5 weeks.

Classes take place on either Saturday or Sunday morning and last for 45 min. For more information visit www.headstartdogtraining.com or call 07366 464040.

THE SWING CAFÉ - Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road, Colinton EH13 0JD. Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm. Please come for breakfast (10am-12noon), lunch (12noon-2pm) or some delicious home baking (available all day). We also offer afternoon teas (2pm4pm), by pre-ordering on 07564 081472. There will be gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options available. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's menu. Sit in or take away. We look forward to welcoming you.

DESTINATION JUDO @ CRAIGLOCKHART - Craiglockhart sports Centre.

Wednesdays 3.45pm (5-8 year olds) and 4.30pm (9+ year olds). Judo is a dynamic sport based on a combination of balance, co-ordinationation and reaction. Most importantly judo helps children become more self aware, disciplined, and polite.

Of course we teach all this in a fun way. For information please email callum@ destinationjudo.com or call 0131 467 9043.

ACROSS: 7. Concentration, 8. Uttering, 9. Easy, 10. Smashes, 12. Omens, 14. Knell, 16. Jollier, 19. Show, 20. Estimate, 22. Investigation.

DOWN: 1. Colt, 2. Access, 3. Entices, 4. Brags, 5. Stream, 6. Nonsense, 11. Munching, 13. Hostage, 15. Lawyer, 17. Limits, 18. Hefty, 21. Tool.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 22

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY - Want to know about local history? Visit: www.colintonhistory.org or Email: enquiries@colintonhistory.org COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY - Keep up to date with latest news about the Lit on the Church website www.colinton-parish.com 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 southwest Edinburgh. Monthly members’ meetings on a Monday, plus outings and events.

For more information see: www.colintongardens.org.uk or Email: membership@colintongardens.org 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: Tel.: 0131 466 0678 or Email: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre@gmail.com Oxgangs Neighbour Centre Cafe 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.

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