Konect Linlithgow May 2016

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MAY 2016

linlithgow

WIN!

A night at Williamscraig luxury holiday cottage!

FEATUREs

s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

The Linlithgow Players The Scottish Owl Centre Local walk - A Shoreline Stroll plus local businesses, community information and more!

A new community magazine for the Linlithgow area

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Competition

M e ss ag e f rom th e e d itor nother busy month of speaking to a whole range of local people about what they do, for work and interest and usually both! For example I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely couple who run the rather unique Scottish Owl Centre down the road in Polkemmet Country Park, Rod and Niccy Angus – Rod is inspirational with his knowledge of owls, definitely a case of work and interest all in one.

FEATUREs Scottish Owl Centre Williamscr aig Holiday Cottages The Linlithgow Player s

06 11 14

REGULARS Vet’s Tip Local People Kids puzzles Parenting in West Lothian Proper ty Matter s Recipe Walk

17 18 22 23 24 28 30

And after the fantastic response to the Court Residence competition last month, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that another local business is offering a chance to escape for a night in your local area – Williamscraig luxury holiday cottages, just up in the hills and complete with hot tubs! See page 11.

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Williamscraig draw Crossword & Sudoku

11 34

COMMUNITY What’s on & Useful Information Clubs & Classes

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An interview with the local lady responsible for looking after the lovely gardens at Water Yett, a local walk to enjoy on a spring evening, plus our usual columns are here.

If you have an event on in the next couple of months that you’d like to promote to the local community, or if you’re involved in a club or hobby group, please let me know and we’ll make sure it’s included next month in the community pages at the back of the magazine.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Front cover: Blackness Castle and the Bridges visible from the shore between Bo’ss and Blackness.

Photo by Konect.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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Advertising Enquiries CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print.

Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print.

The Konect magazine is delivered to 7500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.

/KonectDirectory

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FEATURE

Great Grey Owl “Education, Inspiration, Conservation.”

“When was the last time you saw an owl in the wild?” is the question that Rod Angus, founder of the Scottish Owl Centre in West Lothian’s Polkemmet Country Park, poses to anyone asking why he has dedicated his life to these magnificent birds.

“The answer,” he says, “is usually along the lines of ‘maybe once, a long time ago.’ There are over 200 species of owl in the world but hardly anyone has actually seen one.”

There are very few visitor centres in Britain dedicated wholly to owls. As Rod explains, “It’s a totally different ethos here to a falconry centre.

Falconry displays are all about the hunting prowess of the birds, which are very spectacular.

Falcons and hawks have been kept and trained for millennia. But owls are wild nocturnal creatures.

They are trained to the glove of course but they 6

are silent, stealth hunters, they swoop past without you hearing them – and they are slightly more likely to refuse to fly on demand!” So although the highlight of a visit to the Centre may well be one of the entertaining flying displays, the focus is not on dramatic hunting techniques but on everything to do with owls and their habitat.

As Rod says,’’The owl becomes an environmental educator. Through the study of owls we can understand a broad spectrum of issues to do with conservation and natural history.”

There are approximately 120 owls resident in the centre at Polkemmet, representing species from all over the world. The uniqueness of the centre, whose motto is “Education, Inspiration, Conservation,” means that it attracts people to study owls at all levels – from preschoolers to PhD students (they currently have a PhD student doing a project on owl communications). “No creature exists in isolation,” Rod says, “it’s all about their environment. Already by keeping them in captivity you’ve removed a bit of what it is to be an owl. So there is no petting of the owls here; the ethos is KONECT

always to make them accessible without dumbing them down to just fluffy big-eyed things. We want to inspire visitors with the wonder and the design of these birds. People love to learn so we give interesting presentations. I keep abreast of latest research and we discuss how to impart up to date natural history information to the public.” (You can hold the owls for photo sessions after the flying displays). Rod’s wife Niccy was formerly a teacher (secondary and nursery), so she designs educational material that is fun and interesting for kids from pre-school age. She also takes care of all the art and design side of the business, designing the signage and interpretative boards around the centre.

Rod’s interest in birds dates back to very early childhood. He attended a boarding school in Kent and remembers watching the birds and reflecting on how they were so free (“a boarding school can be quite a traumatic environment.”) One of the teachers was a keen amateur ornithologist and encouraged Rod’s interest in birds; he ended up setting up a bird club at the school. He trained as a bird ringer in the 70s, and was employed at an RAF base to monitor and look after the bird and wildlife population. He was involved in a couple of foundational ornithological studies on the west coast - of buzzards and barn owls. He also helped establish the Machrihanish Seabird Observatory. “I took part in the British Trust for Ornithology’s Project Barn Owl in Argyll between 1995-1997, which involved knowing the owls’ habitats, tracking them, finding nests and counting them. Barn owls like ruined buildings best – they need to be sheltered and private. We discovered that the majority of Scotland’s small barn owl population is in the south west.” Rod had also attended an owl symposium at Chester Zoo, and on a family holiday visited a small private owl centre. They became increasingly inspired to set up their own owl centre, and Rod got his first owls in 2002, starting off by taking them to shows and doing flying demonstrations. They finally set up an owl centre in their home town of Campbeltown, converting an old hospital for use as both family home and owl centre. They ran it successfully for several years, but as their own children left home they eventually decided that in order to make the owl centre sustainable they had to move to the more populous Central Belt. They considered many options before choosing Polkemmet Country Park, where the old walled garden provided a good sheltered spot, in addition to the proximity KONECT

Rod, Niccy and “Sarabi”, the Milky Eagle Owl. to the new junction 4a of the M8. So after much hard work the new Scottish Owl Centre opened in 2011. Besides Rod who is obviously an authority on owls, the team consists of a senior keeper Trystan, who previously worked for the World Owl Trust, and a second keeper Lauren, from Armadale, as well as a valuable team of volunteers.

The aviaries are carefully designed to give the owls their privacy and make them feel secure, but at the same time make sure they are visible to visitors. The owls which are used in flying displays are introduced to the public as chicks so they are used to being handled. The large purpose-built flying arena is an indoor area so they are not affected by the all-too-predictable rain and can fly every day.

As Rod admits, keeping birds in captivity is very unusual for an ornithologist. But he says, “I don’t find it hard to reconcile; all our owls are bred in captivity and they are happily breeding well – if they were not happy they would not breed. It’s very unusual to get close up to an owl in the wild. Like any zoo, if we didn’t study them we’d never see them to learn about their needs and conservation issues surrounding them and 7

their habitat. Humans are intimately involved with the natural environment, and it’s essential to unde rstand it for humans and animals work together.”

Rod’s top five owl facts • O wls have eyes but they can’t move them.

• O wls have ears but you can’t see them.

• O wls have wings but you can’t hear them.

• O wls lay eggs but they don’t build nests.

• O wls hunt at night so you rarely see them.

And what do they do outside of work? Niccy is a member of Livingston Players (you may have seen her in their recent production of Steel Magnolias…) and of Shotts Opera Group, and is a keen hillwalker with Linlithgow Ramblers. And Rod’s interests outside of work? “Anything birdrelated but also classical music and opera and extensive theological reading.’’

Visit the Scottish Owl Centre in Polkemmet Country Park, 7 days a week April - August: 10.30am – 5pm (last entry 1 hour before closing).

Admission charges apply, please see website www.scottishowlcentre.com for full details.

Daily Flying Displays: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm.

There is ample free parking at the Polkemmet Visitor Centre car park, and a cafe adjacent (the Courtyard Cafe – separate from the Scottish Owl Centre, check cafe opening times direct with the cafe)

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KONECT

Williamscraig Holiday Cottages Tucked away in the hills on the way to Torphichen is the estate of Williamscraig, containing four-star self-catering cottage accommodation – the Williamscraig Holiday Cottages.

With gorgeous views over the Ochils from this spot, it’s popular with visitors to Linlithgow… and owners Findlay and Rose Erskine are generously offering a Konect reader a chance of a night’s stay there!

The property has been in Findlay’s family since 1981. It was originally a farm serving Williamscraig House, which was built in 1830 and the farm cottages at the same time. At its peek a total of twelve men and women were employed to run the 260 acre farm; now there is one man covering the same area …

Findlay and Rose moved in in 1999 and converted an old barn for their own home, then some other houses which they now rent out. In 2012 they converted some of the agricultural buildings into luxury holiday cottages which are full of character – all have hot tubs, and a wood-burning stove for atmospheric cosiness on those cooler days.

Following the success of these cottages, in 2014 he built four new cottages, all designed to fit in with style of the existing historic buildings on site, making a total of 7 holiday cottages.

With the interiors luxuriously furnished, and each cottage also featuring outdoors facilities including picnic table, barbecue, chiminea, it’s a perfect getaway whatever the weather. Check out Williamscraig for next time you need overflow accommodation for family and friends. There is a new swing park that has been a really big hit with families, and they have a lot of hen parties at weekends.

See www.holidaycottageslinlithgow.co.uk KONECT

win!

A night’s stay for two at one of the Williamscraig luxur y cottages.

To enter simply answer this question: “How many holiday cottages are there at Williamscraig?”

Text or email the answer, your name, phone number and email address to 07854 492638 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Closing date for entries 15th May 2016.

Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

(Available dates for the night’s stay to be agreed directly with Williamscraig Holiday Cottages management) 11

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

Linlithgow Players Local theatre is the training ground for many a household-name actor, and amateur dramatics – far from being about actors forgetting their lines or the set falling to bits – is an opportunity to experience great theatre in your own community at a low cost.

Linlithgow’s own dramatic society, the Linlithgow Players, are in the final stages of rehearsals for their spring production, which this year is a contemporary award-winning play “The Weir” by Irish playwright Conor McPherson. I met with a member of the cast, Thérèse Gallacher, in the Star and Garter to learn more about this production and about local theatre in general.

“The play is set in a pub on the west coast of Ireland. Liz Drewett, the Players member who selected this play, is directing it. She decided to stage it in a real local pub rather than making up a set in our usual venue [Linlithgow Academy].

The Star and Garter generously agreed to let us use their upstairs function room, which is perfect,” explains Thérèse. “There will only be 40 seats per night, in the upstairs bar itself, so the actors and audience will be very close which will allow us to capture the atmosphere of a small pub.” The story follows three regulars having their daily pint in the small Irish pub, when a woman from Dublin comes in. The men are telling ghostly stories, but when the woman shares her own story, it’s clear that we are all haunted by different kinds of ghosts. It’s a play about the human experience and the intimate setting of the bar will really draw the audience into the stories.

So the cast is working on their Irish accents for this production, whilst the group as a whole is engaged at various stages of the production cycle for their other three annual shows: every August they are invited by Historic Scotland to perform a costumed re-enactment at Linlithgow Palace; in the autumn they put on a “Play & Wine” evening

The cast in rehersal at Linlithgow Primary School, which is a series of one-act plays, often with material written by members themselves; and every January a pantomime.

Thérèse says, “The great thing about the group is that you can try different things – acting, directing, light and sound, costume-making, set design. For me the real attraction of the Linlithgow Players is the variety of productions undertaken, the challenges sought, and the willingness to seek out and be involved in different projects.” As an example of different projects, a couple of years ago they were invited to perform a 16th century play, “Interlude,” in the Great Hall at Stirling Castle. It was originally performed for James V in 1540. The play was lost, and as part of a three year academic project it was reconstructed from the known parts and from letters describing the event.

And in 2014 they were one of just seven groups in Scotland selected to take part in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Open Stages project.

They were mentored by Dundee Rep, and received training from RSC practitioners. They staged “What You Will?”, their devised and modern take on Twelfth Night, locally in 2015 and the production culminated in a performance that summer in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

So if you’ve never tried local live theatre before, this month is a good time – see the poster opposite for ticket details for The Weir.

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Vets TIPS We’re lucky here in Linlithgow to have so much countryside near at hand, from Beecraigs Country Park and the loch on our doorstep.

It’s great for us dog-owners, meaning we can get out for long walks now spring is here. But as well as longer days, spring also heralds the arrival of something not so pleasant – ticks.

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites whose numbers peak between spring and autumn. They can’t jump or fly but latch on to your pet – or you – as you brush past them. There are generally lots around Beecraigs because of the deer, and they’ll be anywhere where there is, or has been, sheep or cattle. And as hedgehogs and foxes are also tick carriers they can be found in gardens.

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We always see an increase in ticks and tick-related problems between now and the end of the September –not just in dogs but cats too.

Tick bites aren’t painful so aren’t always noticed - always check your pet after a walk, especially if they’ve been in long grass. The most common areas are the head, ears, legs and belly. Look carefully as they can be as small as a poppy seed, swelling to the size of a match-head after feeding on blood.

Be careful removing any you find – the mouth can be left behind and cause your pet an infection.

Special tick tweezers are available or speak to your vet, who will be well-practised in getting rid of them safely.

Lyme disease caused by ticks is luckily rare but its symptoms include a rash, a raised temperature, lack of energy and lameness – speak to your vet if you’re concerned.

Stuart McMorrow is head vet at the Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road, 01506 844165, www.westportvets.co.uk

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17

LOCAL PEOPLE

Eileen Murray Travel and gardening

Eileen Murray grew up in Linlithgow and travelled during her career, practising nursing and midwifery in London, Zambia, Bahrain, Australia and the Bahamas before settling down in Edinburgh.

Returning to her native Linlithgow in 2002 the energy that drove her all over the globe had to be expended on something…

“My cousin had invited me back to Linlithgow when I was living in Edinburgh, and that evening there was a fantastic sunset over the loch and I wished to come back permanently. My flat looks out over the palace, church and loch, an inspiring view.” From her window she could also see a wee piece of rough land grassed over in front of a stone wall. “I started thinking, ‘what could I do with that piece of land?’ My starting inspiration

came following a trip to Rome where I had seen some pink azaleas in huge terracotta tubs placed around the colosseum .” Eileen was advised that the council were replacing the concrete planters that used to be on the High Street. She requested seven of them, placed them on that rough strip of land, and Burgh Beautiful now provide the bedding plants for them.

That was the beginning of the regeneration of the garden on Water Yett, which is now a neat grassed area with a blaze of colourful flowers and shrubs bordering it for most of the year. Eileen purchased flowers for the planters and tidied up the weeds and rubbish from the strip of land. For the past few years the grass cutting has been carried out by the High Maintenance team of the council’s Neighbourhood Environment Team. The garden you see today has developed gradually over the past few years, with Eileen adding flowers, shrubs and features each year. “I’ve learnt a lot about gardening as I go along,” she explains. “I get ideas from visiting Botanic Gardens, and also random

Linlithgow Bridge scouts helping install Snappy the crocodile .

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Eileen Murray in the Water Yett garden things that catch my eye, or materials that I can re-use to good effect in the garden.” I spot a bug hotel, a birdbath, a sink with tadpoles in it. There are large upright posts for climbing plants, logs and various quirky features including a crocodile (“Snappy”) with a stone head and logs for a body.

Eileen’s busy touch has wandered beyond the strip of land on Water Yett though….the wooden Nessie on the loch side, and small areas of garden around the flats and carpark. “Some of the other features have been donated by people who have taken an interest in the garden,” she explains.

Eileen went on a willow weaving course a couple of years ago, and some of her woven willow features have made their way into the garden.

Last Christmas she made woven willow angels which were sold at the Advent Fare with proceeds towards Burgh Beautiful funds.

It’s clearly a lot of heavy work, and a huge amount of time. “Yes,” Eileen agrees, “but I feel community gardens are so important – gardens are to be enjoyed, and this one is seen by a lot of people.

When I am working in the garden, many people comment re how much they enjoy and appreciate the Community Gardens. I especially enjoy children coming around with their parents and/ or grand-parents as they enjoy alligator, crocodile, turtle and tadpoles. The garden brings so much pleasure.”

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19

Parents in West Lothian

d How To Keep The Old MacdngonYoalur Song Clean While Not Losid Wellies In The Mu About a week ago I was sitting in the Centre in Livingston, taking a break from manic shopping with my two wee monsters, and the place was heaving and buzzing with kids’ chatter and varied squeals and moans according to each little cherub’s mood.

“Mummy, she’s got my juice!” from a boy with a keen sense of justice and lack thereof …

“Daddy, I want popcorn!” from a peckish pigtailed pre-schooler …

“Mummy, I’m tired!” from a weary child in a superman onesie, complete with sewn-in sixpack …

“Noooooooo give to me!” from an aggrieved, chubby-faced toddler …

It twisted my heart to hear these things; I would dearly love to be rudely ordered to surrender some toy or foodstuff, but thus far my little boy Quinn who is coming up for 3 has delayed speech and only uses a couple of words sporadically.

I’m constantly worrying about whether he will speak, how will it affect his ability to make friends if he doesn’t, will he be able to say “I love you Mummy.”?

We do lots to encourage him, and just now the theme of our bedtime books is ‘farms’. Recently while driving we had a breakthrough - as we belted out a particularly rousing rendition of ‘Old MacDonald’ Quinn quietly interjected in the duckverse with ‘wack-wack’ (close enough for me and certainly surprising enough for me to nearly crash the car) so a trip to see some real ducks (and KONECT

Our column is West Lothia t: Nicola Jengaenga li ves in n with Quin months an d her hubby n 2, Penny 10 Channa, 33 .

Nicola & Ch anna both w ork, jugglin schedules w ith g their two tin the ever-evolving dem hectic y overlords, ands of in some tim and also sq ueezing e for each ot her!

In this new bl the adventu og for Konect she chro nicles res (and m isad Mummy an d Daddy wh ventures) of a the happy ti o aim to wri m ng all babies in w es they can from life w onderful W est Lothian ith their !

other assorted residents of Old MacDonald’s farm) was soon high on the agenda.

Cue a trip to Craigie Farm! It’s on the way to Queensferry through some pretty winding roads, and when we arrived we had a look for the animals. First up were the pigs and their piglets. Lots of interesting country smells around that area but after a bit of coaching Quinn was repeating ‘pig’ more or less perfectly! Next! Across a little road to the next field to see two ponies (I called them horses for simplicity and also so that the appropriate line in Old MacDonald would still scan smoothly) and after a little coaxing I got a whispered ‘hoss’ – superb! Next, to the chickens and their tiny baby chicks in their little hot house – after some spirited efforts to encourage Quinn to ‘cluck’, the actual noise elicited sounded a lot like a bad word so that project was quickly abandoned …

After a quick bite in the café, and a trolley-dash in the farm shop (chicken stock, tablet, fresh bread; check, check, check!) we braved the newly gusty weather for a go in the play park just outside the café area. This area has been re-done with fake grass underfoot so it is now possible to partake in the sliding and swinging fun without looking like you’ve attended a wet Glastonbury.

In the car on the way home we had another go of ‘Old MacDonald’ – I could see in the mirror a couple of words were mouthed as we sang.

The only audible contribution from Quinn? The chicken noise which wasn’t quite ‘cluck’ … oh well.

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Featured local propertIES

South Lodge, Craigbinning

Hamilton Way, East Whitburn

Combining Scottish tradition and modernity in a great location

Country style and substance – right next to the town

With panoramic views and a semi-rural location, South Lodge is a 4 bedroom property that effortlessly combines the best of tradition with the best of modernity.

The house is just 12 years old and yet its Scottish vernacular style makes it look as if it has been an architectural feature of the landscape for over a century. It is a solidly built, double-fronted house with mansard windows, and is set in an acre of ground with substantial, easily maintained gardens and outbuildings over a 1 acre plot.

Set on an elevated position overlooking a large green, 6 Hamilton Way is a truly imposing 6 bedroom family home that is built in a pleasingly elegant Palladian style.

The views to the rear of the house are out across mature trees and pasture, owned by a nearby equestrian centre. The house is on an exclusive estate, which is located around a large, central and well maintained village green, well away from the main road. It makes it an extremely safe place for children.

South Lodge, Craigbinning – Offers Over £499,000

Hamilton way, East Whitburn – Offers Over £475,000

West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448

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Linlithgow Community First Responders - Local heroes Further From Festival - what was that all about?

& OFFERS RS VOUCHE l from locaes business

LOCAL PEOPLE Nicola Welsh - “There are no rules for grieving LOCAL WALK Check out the view from Cockleroy Hill plus local businesses, community information and more!

A new community magazine for the Linlithgow area

- when Torphichen was the centre of Scotland Trusted Trader Scheme LOCAL WALK A walk with features at Witch Craig & OFFERS RS VOUCHE l from locaes business

plus local businesses, community information and more!

A new community magazine for the Linlithgow area

If you run a business locally and want to be included, please call : Charlene on 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk If you are involved in a commmunity group or charity in Linlithgow we will list your organisation in the Clubs and Classes section FREE. Please contact editor@konectdirectory.co.uk If you have an interesting story relating to Linlithgow or a local personality, we may be able to feature you. Please contact editor@ konectdirectory.co.uk www.konectdirectory.co.uk Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory 26

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Recipe & Food Notes

by Anne Pinkerton

Seasonal Foods

seasonal pleasures like rhubarb for pies, fools or just simply stewed with yoghurt for pudding.

If you need inspiration look at the website www.eattheseasons.co.uk for seasonal food information, tips and recipe ideas.

Here is a homely dish using new season produce.

Rhubarb and Orange Pudding 250g new pink rhubarb cut into short lengths 50g butter 200g sugar 1 small orange, rind grated and juice strained 2 eggs, separated 1/4pt milk with the egg yellows beaten in 50g plain flour

Method Set oven to 160oC. Put the rhubarb into a 2 pint oven proof dish. Cream the butter, orange rind and 2 tablespoons of the sugar till soft. Beat in the rest of the sugar with the flour alternating with the egg/milk mixture. Add the orange juice, mix well.

Beat the egg whites till stiff and gently fold into the rest of the pudding mix. Pour over the rhubarb and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top will be firm and there will be a delicious sauce with the fruit at the bottom. Serve with cold, plain yogurt or Cornish cream.

May is the start of the new season for fresh local food.

We’re lucky to have growing areas from the warmth of the Channel Isles and the west of Wales and the cooler areas of Scotland, giving us spring lamb, sea trout, Jersey Royal and Ayrshire or Pembroke potatoes, watercress, rhubarb and asparagus all ready at much the same time.

People who like to gather “wild food” will be able to find nettle, dandelion and wild garlic leaves for more interesting salads, quiches or soups.

We’ve become used to expecting a huge variety of fruit and veg all year but this has in some ways restricted what we eat. Fewer varieties of individual plants are grown for mass markets so we eat a smaller range of trace nutrients.

There are always some staples on the shelves such as apples so perhaps we forget about

Rhubarb and Orange Pudding

The Countdown to Summer in West Lothian The clocks have gone forward; the nights are getting lighter and the final countdown to summer has begun!

With the spring season in full force, some of our top attractions have now re-opened for the season. Take a stroll through Hopetoun House and Grounds, enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the canal at The Linlithgow Canal Centre or take a visit to Annet House Museum for a fun and educational day with the family.

There are a whole host of events coming up throughout May, for you and the family to look forward to. The Festival of Museums will be taking place at Almond Valley Heritage Centre on the 14th & 15th May. West Lothian Rangers Services have also released their Events Program for 2016 which includes a number of outdoor activities for children to enjoy

throughout the summer at West Lothian’s country parks. With our final event in the May calendar being the West Lothian Highland Games which will be taking place in Bathgate on the 28th of May. So check out these fabulous events and let’s get excited about summer in West Lothian!

If you haven’t seen our fabulous new Visitor Guide yet, then check out our leaflet stands at locations across West Lothian or you can simply check out our online version which is available on our website www.visitwestlothian. co.uk

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian.co.uk, Facebook. com: VisitWestLothian and Twitter.com: @teamwestlothian

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WALK

A shoreline stroll Karen Murray takes a stroll along the Forth

A walk along the shoreline of the Firth of Forth is always a fabulous way to blow away the cobwebs, clear your head and chill out, particularly when the winter is receding and the spring is bursting forth.

While I have continued to walk throughout the winter as I enjoy the exercise, and a winter walk on a crisp day can’t be topped, there is something special about spring, as the buds start bursting and when leaving work the sky is bleached a lighter shade of pale by the last of the daylight.

So when I had a chance to sneak out of work a bit early and catch some time before dusk, I decided to head to the Forth and take a walk. You could of course walk for miles but I

didn’t have long before dark so I decided on Blackness toward Bo’ness. There are a couple of lovely beaches at Blackness with great views over the water, towards the Ochill Hills.

The dramatic 15th century Blackness Castle (otherwise know as Fort William in the TV series Outlander!) provides the scenic backdrop, and if you have time it is an interesting, historic place to visit with ruined parts and complete rooms, turrets and towers and lots of room for exploring.

With no time to linger, I planned a stroll along the shore towards Bo’ness, enjoying the peace and tranquillity. There are a few parking spaces for your car on the road near the boat club in Bo’ness. Heading west away from the castle, you follow a track above the shore which is really for access to the owners of the houses along there that all have spectacular views. At the end of the track a narrow path continues in the same direction and you can wander along it enjoying the views across the water, lights beginning to dot along the opposite shore and all manner of lights on the various barges and machinery moored in the Forth. Behind you as you walk away from Blackness, the Forth Bridges can be seen and admired.

You don’t have to stay on the track however, you can step down onto the shore and walk along there. I love walking right on the shore as close to the water as possible, but you might find it a bit stony and prefer the path; the choice is yours.

After a while you will have to walk on the path above the shoreline, going straight ahead at a signpost. You will come to some denser woodland, where the path splits. Keep to the

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path closer to the shore which veers close to the beach as you get near to Bo’ness.

At a fork, stay right following the water. The path eventually leaves the Firth of Forth to go left behind Carriden Boat Yard. This brings you to an access road where you go right to busier road, then left. You can take a little diversion here if you fancy and walk up to see Carriden Parish Church and then further up the hill, the ruins of an older church.

If you have made the ecclesiastical diversion, then retrace your steps to where the path left

the shore and ultimately back to Blackness. You could continue on away from the shore and into the town of Bo’ness and then grabbing public transport back to Blackness to pick up your car later, but the round trip although it is not a circular walk is a satisfying one and more views over the water on the way back are always going to be different than those on the way there as the light changes so much.

The round trip is about 5 miles and will take between 2 to 2.5 hours depending on diversions to churches, visits to castles and general taking in of views…

Homes & Gardens

Extensions West Lothian company 1st Choice Living provide their tips for a successful home extension project.

Most people’s needs for their home change over time. More space, updating the home, changing the style – there are many reasons to embark on a home extension project! Many people are moving to a more open plan design, while others are investing to increase the value of their home, and for others the trend of working from home brings a need for a home office or two. But where to start?

First of all, you might want to get a rough idea of whether or not you need planning permission, which can help give you some idea of costs.

Just adding a porch or modifying the internal layout doesn’t require permission, nor do many other kinds of changes but you need to refer to the West Lothian planning page to be sure: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/10804/ Householder-planning-application-guidance.

Even then it helps to have a professional help you navigate the possibilities, because sometimes it gets tricky and a mistake made at this stage can be very expensive. Imagine you have decided on the approximate scope of your project - a stylish orangerie perhaps, or a single or double storey extension – you need to consider what the budget might be.

We spoke to Derrick Findlay of home improvements company 1st Choice Living in Bathgate about things to think about when planning an extension: “The starting point is, ‘What is the purpose of the room to be?’” says managing director Derrick Findlay. The design and therefore the budget requirements start from there. “The

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design is paramount and can transform the way you live”, he says. 1st Choice has an in-house architect to work on the design with you, advise on what is most likely to get planning permission, and apply for all relevant permissions all the way through to the final building warrant. Derrick’s top tip – go for the biggest extension you can with the space you have available. You may have to compromise perhaps on the interior decorating or other details, but in the end it is much easier to upgrade these than expand the walls another day!

1st Choice always offer a pre-install build meeting - all the details of your project are discussed at the outset, including right down to where the power points are going to go. They can be changed of course but it’s important to think through all the details and the interior design, think about where the sofa is going to be, where the desk is going to be. This is where you really think through the realities of living in your new space and the experts are there to help you.

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“Once the design is right, the build is the easy bit,” says Derrick. It can be done any time of the year except when the temperature falls below 5 degrees. A responsible builder will ensure you have a schedule of work and a timeline so you have the reassurance of knowing that everything is on track. For larger projects that 1st Choice carry out, Derrick fully manages them himself and keeps in regular contact with the home owner.

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Snagging stage. It’s a fact of life that sometimes things go wrong despite the best of planning, or perhaps your initial use of the space threw up some unanticipated problems. 1st Choice offer a 10 year warranty on labour and materials and, like any professional builder will stay in touch during the handover period and make sure the home owner continues to be delighted.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Solution in the June edition of konect

Across 7 A large sea (13) 8 Disclosed (8) 9 Opposed to (4) 10 Move forward (7) 12 Allude to (5) 14 Learn (5) 16 Not coolest (7) 19 Zn (4) 20 Fizzy drink (8) 22 Practical example (13) Down 1 Not there (4) 2 Picture house (6) 3 Think about (7) 4 Unrefined (5) 5 Breathe in (6) 6 Insensitive (8) 11 Thorough (8) 13 Mallets (7) 15 Physician (6) 17 Tiny (6) 18 Show embarrassment (5) 21 Let fall (4)

SUDOKU

Sudoku solution on page 39

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37

WHAT’S ON

Saturday 28th May

and Useful Information

Linlithgow Farmers Market The Cross, High Street, Linlithgow.

Thursday 5th May Gallery Talk & Tour: Sandy Moffat RSA OBE and Sandy Wood in Conversation Join Sandy Wood, the curator of the James Cumming RSA: Symbols of the Mind exhibition, and renowned Scottish artist, Sandy Moffat, as they explore the work of James Cumming, with a particular focus on the Linlithgow mural, Community: A Festival of Time.

At Linlithgow Burgh Halls, 7-9pm. Suitable for age 14+. Free, booking essential, please call 01506 282720.

Friday 13th May Fun-filled Fundraising Night!

At the Rose Club, Braehead Road. Disco and raffle, see page 37 for details.

Friday 27th May Family Friendly Badger Watch Join the Ranger Service in Beecraigs Country Park to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch. Suitable for: Families. Meet: Sutherland Building, opposite the Visitor Centre.

Time: 8pm-9.30pm. Cost: £3.65 adult, £2.50 child.

Book with the Rangers on 01506 844516, email: mail@beecraigs.com

library information Linlithgow Library The Vennel, High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EH Tel: 01506 775490 Email: linlithgow.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening hours: Mon & Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm Tue & Thur: 9.00am - 7.00pm Wed: 9.00am - 3.00pm Sat: 9.00am - 1.00p Storytime: Stories and art activities for children 3-4 years during term time - every Monday and Friday 10.30am. Linlithgow Book Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6pm to discuss their chosen novel. Bookbug sessions: Stories, songs & rhymes suitable for all under 3’s and their grownups.

clubs & classes

Linlithgow Bridge Playgroup

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

Chalmers Hall, Main Street, Linlithgow Bridge Tue-Thu: 9:15 am - 11:45 am during term time. No minimum number of sessions. £7 per session. For more information contact lbplaygroup@gmail.com

2nd West Lothian Scouts The Scout Hall, 6 Dog Well Wynd, Linlithgow.

Beavers (age 6-8) meet Wednesdays; Cubs (age 8 - 10.5) meet Mondays; Two Scouts troops (age 10.5 -14) meet Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Group Scout Leader Nick Moody at scouts2wl@hotmail.co.uk.

Substantial waiting lists for all sections - new adult volunteers always welcome.

The Caring Cafe Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ The Caring Cafe is a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers have a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am - 12noon (Lunch available after the café in the Lowport Centre cafeteria).

For people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them.

Contact Margaret or May from Linlithgow Link on 01506 845137 or email Co-ordinator@linlithgowlink.org.uk

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To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.

Linlithgow Speakers Are you and your staff interested in improving speaking in public and leadership skills? Do you know about Toastmasters? Linlithgow Speakers is a local voluntary group that can help develop these skills. We are looking for new members in Linlithgow. Come and visit on Tuesday night (we meet every second Tuesday at 7.30 at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow. Please contact me for more information: Sheila Fraser 01506 650953 or 07968 233324.

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory. co.uk. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www. konectdirectory.co.uk

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Attractions/Days Out Newliston House

4

Bathrooms

Bathgate Bathroom Studio 10 Duffy McLean 26 S and S 2

Building Supplies

MKM Building Supplies

10

Cake Maker

Truly Scrumptious Designer Cakes 29

Car Service & Repair GM Motors

4

Estate Agent

Motorhome (hire/sale)

Garden & Landscaping

Removals

Turpie 24

Beatsons 12 Gardens Galore 16 JGM Landscapes 9 The Garden Studio 12 Verdant Lawns 4 Woodford Timber 40

Garden Buildings

Champfleurie Estate Ltd Garden Buildings

Heating Services Duffy McLean

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Joiner

Catering

Kitchens

C and W Cleaning Services 36 Hydro Kleen 36 Food Creations

E-Cigs

Ecig Studio

Doors

UPVC Doors

Electrician

Simply Electrical

29 5 9 36

Geoff Vinter Joinery GR Construction Duffy McLean S and S

Locksmith

Linlithgow Locksmith Saltire Lock & Security

Linlithgow Removals

Security Services

Saltire Lock & Security

Soft Furnishings

Knight Shades Blinds

Theatre/Entertainment Linlithgow Players

21 16

Trusted Trader Scheme

36

Vet

8 5 27 35 15

West Lothian Trusted Trader 27

27 16

Mackie and Brechin 17 West Port Veterinary Clinic 17

Windows

1st Choice Living

33

26 2 8 27

Mobility

Ableworld 13 Med Ecosse 20

Solution to April Crossword

Solution to Sudoku Page 34

Across: 7 Vision, 8 Auntie, 9 Asia, 10 Athletic, 11 Insects, 13 Pelts, 15 Bills, 17 Ponders, 20 Nibbling, 21 Only, 23 Issued, 24 London.

Down: 1 Zips, 2 Pirate, 3 Infants, 4 Yacht, 5 Sneeze, 6 Sinister, 12 Noisiest, 14 Roughly, 16 Labour, 18 Drowns, 19 Birds, 22 Loot.

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Motorhome Hire Scotland

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free.The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

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