PLUS: health, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, what’s on, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!
As we were putting the August Konect together we were enjoying July’s warm sunny days. We may have had four seasons by the time this magazine is distributed, but fingers crossed for a dry weekend 15th - 16th August for the Pentlands Open Studios Art Trail! See page 43 for details.
A stroll along the Union Canal is always great way to clear the head, and with it wending its twisty way from Edinburgh through West Lothian with many access points, it’s possible to find a stretch of it to fit a short walk in to your day as you commute or go about daily life. For the walk feature this month William Weir beautifully describes an evening walk between Ratho and Hermiston.
It’s back to school soon, and the recipe idea in this issue is for some easy, healthy homemade packed lunch snacks. As usual there is plenty going on locally covering all interests from music, food, nature, arts and crafts so do check the What’s On, Clubs & Classes and other community pages.
As ever, feel free to get in touch to let me know what you think of the content, and I hope you enjoy Konect this month.
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Daytime’s heat has begun to subside, but it’s still a balmy evening as we step off Hermiston House Road onto the canal path at West Hermiston Bridge. The sounds of songbirds fill the air – from the strident virtuosity of the song thrush, each clipped phrase as surprising as the last, to the blackcap’s twisting, turning repartee and the blackbird’s liquid melody –these cheerful voices encourage us on our way.
We head west along the old canal towpath, now popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists alike. It’s easy to see why – amidst these tranquil surroundings a little more of the day’s cares seems to fall from the shoulders with each stride we take. The narrow strip between path and canal is a riot of wildflowers. Diffuse creamy clouds of meadowsweet, pinkishwhite umbels of valerian, magenta clover and thistle, and pungent hogweed too with its attendant, red-bodied flies, all jostle for
position, giving way nearer the water’s edge to reeds and fuzzy-topped bullrushes.
On the far side of the canal, silvery willows stoop as if wishing to kiss its still surface whilst, near-side, cherry trees are beginning to bear fruit. We look through their swaying limbs to rolling fields beyond. To the south are potatoes, planted in rich rusty earth gathered into lines of steep hills and furrows. The crop has burgeoned rapidly in the fertile soil – just a few short months ago, we watched proud pheasants strut the bare furrows. To the north is a golden expanse of wheat. As we walk, we spot a few hares lolloping around the edges.
I catch occasional disturbances of the water out the corner of my eye. Each time I turn and look only to see ripples expand in rings from the spot where a fish has plucked an insect from the surface before disappearing below. It’s worth remaining alert – I have seen otters here on occasion. The invertebrates experience an onslaught from above as well as below; swallows hawk the canal line, wheeling and swooping to feast on an airborne bounty.
It’s easy walking, on a perfect level - the canal having been engineered to track exactly the contour of 73 metres above sea level. Our paces lengthen, arms swinging like metronomes. After half an hour or so, the canal widens and we catch glimpses of Ratho Park Golf Course through gaps
in the mature woods opposite. Then it’s not too long before we see an assortment of barges lining the opposite bank, signalling our arrival at the pretty Ratho moorings.
As twilight sets in, there’s something Turner-esque about the tree-lined winding hole this evening, overlooked by the old Bridge. The Bridge Inn stands adjacent, a perfect halfway stop for sustenance before returning home.
relay of night and day, to footsteps, bird song melodies and even the bat’s ultrasonic echoes. To tune into them is to open a channel to the great comforting power of nature and her perpetuity. Perhaps that’s one reason why many have come before us in decades past, to use and enjoy this peaceful space –here’s to many more doing so for a long time to come.
GET THE ROUTE ON OS MAPS!
As we set off eastward on the return leg, the sun is a deep red orb hugging the horizon. This signals a change of shift in the natural world as swallows retreat to roost and are replaced by their nighttime counterparts –bats. The frequency of ultrasonic clicks on my bat detector tells me these are soprano pipistrelles. We watch mesmerised as sharp black silhouettes execute deft fluttering turns, clicks merging to a zipping buzz each time they home in on an insect.
I fall to thinking as our walk concludes, so many of nature’s rhythms have been evident here tonight. From the slow annual cycles of growth in field and hedgerow, to the daily
An easy, level walk, taking 1.5 - 2hrs for the return trip.
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.
TONY HARPER’S HAIR STUDIO
46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno
To book an appointment please phone the salon on 0131 451 5133 and leave a message with your name, phone number and your stylist’s name and they will call you back within 48 hours
For updates please see our Facebook page and salon windows
It’s recommended that everyone should have their eyes tested at least every two years, which is important as optometrists can detect other potential health issues via eye checks – it’s about more than vision correction. But there are also plenty of simple steps you should follow on your own to help preserve the health of your peepers.
ACT FAST: If you injure your eye or have an unexplained loss of vision, go to A&E. See your optician as soon as possible if you suddenly have flashes, floaters or headaches.
WEAR PROTECTION: Don industrial-grade safety goggles if you’re doing building or DIY, and especially when working with wood or metal, so you don’t end up with damage to your cornea – and your vision.
WEAR SHADES – ALL YEAR ROUND: Whenever it’s sunny, wear sunglasses to protect against conditions such as agerelated macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, both of which can cause blindness. Look for the label UV400, the CE mark or lenses that meet British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1. Children need to protect their eyes too.
FOLLOW THE 20-20-20 RULE: After 20 minutes of screen activity, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. This will help prevent eye strain caused by blue light from digital devices.
DON’T SMOKE/TAKE STEPS TO QUIT: Smokers are at higher risk of AMD and cataracts. Chemicals from tobacco can damage blood vessels behind your eyes.
TAKE A BRISK WALK: Regular exercise is good for your eyes as well as your body. One study showed that people with glaucoma who walked four times a week lowered their eye pressure. This raised eye
pressure can cause vision loss. Physical activity may also help protect against AMD.
CUT OUT ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS:
There’s a link between diets containing a lot of fatty and/or sugar-packed foods like pies, cakes and biscuits, and age-related eye diseases, such as AMD and cataracts.
EAT GREENS: To boost eye health, eat a healthy diet including dark, leafy greens like kale or spinach. Studies have found that lutein, present in these vegetables, may help prevent AMD and cataracts and maintain good vision. Meanwhile, the vitamin A in carrots and sweet potatoes helps maintain good vision.
EAT FISH: Research has found that eating fish just once per week can reduce your risk of early AMD by up to 40%. Meanwhile, a Harvard study found that women who ate the least fish, which contains crucial omega-3 fatty acids, had the highest risk of dry eye syndrome. Best for omega-3 are cold water fish like tuna, sardines and mackerel.
GET ENOUGH REST: Having sufficient shut-eye will help you avoid eye strain, discomfort and dry eyes. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to an increased risk of glaucoma.
The health column was written by Susannah Hickling
THE TRAVELLING AUCTIONEERS
• Is your home overflowing with unwanted antiques, heirlooms or collectables?
• Would you like to turn that clutter into cash?
• And do some of your items need a touch of TLC to restore them before they head to auction?
BBC’s The Travelling Auctioneers is back on the road, looking for people to take part in the show. Whether you are navigating life transitions, considering downsizing, or simply feeling overwhelmed by your collections, we want to hear from you! This is a chance to rediscover treasures, learn from our experts, and have fun in the process.
The Travelling Auctioneers features an auctioneer and a restoration expert who take their travelling auction-house-come-restoration-workshop around the country, helping families discover the hidden value in their unknown treasure. They identify valuable items and pieces in need of restoration to reach their potential before returning to the area for a live auction event to give these items a new home for years to come and raise some money for something close to the family’s heart. Apply today by visiting www.stvstudios.com/ take-part/the-travelling-auctioneers
You can also text or WhatsApp us on 07342 393 786 to request an application, or email auctioneers@stv.tv
can visit your office / home or please drop into our office at Bridge Road to speak to us
How true are recent media headlines that fewer than one in ten will enjoy a comfortable retirement?
Summer started with heavy rain, then a heatwave before a further dampener of headlines thundering that only 9% of people could look forward to a ‘comfortable’ retirement. As is often the case with shock-horror statistics, the reality is rather more nuanced.
A Retirement Living Standards (RLS) report from Pensions UK categorised the costs of retirement (excluding housing costs) based on three different standards of living:
• Minimum: defined as “Covers all your needs, with some left over for fun”,
• Moderate: defined as “More financial security and flexibility”, and
• Comfortable: defined as “More financial freedom and some luxuries”.
The headlines related to the top-tier category. An alternative banner of ‘Over four in five on target to reach a Minimum standard of living in
retirement’ would have been equally accurate, but less attention-grabbing.
Pensions UK calculates that for a single person living outside London to achieve the Comfortable level requires a gross income of £54,720. Even including the State Pension, reaching the Comfortable tier requires a significant amount of private pension and/or investment income. But before you think you can make do with the Minimum, remember that summer rain and the fact that the bottom-rung retirement level assumes only a single week’s UK holiday. Depending on what type of retirement you would like, will depend on the level of pension you will need. You should review your pension regularly to ensure the contributions and investment you have will provide the retirement you want to achieve.
The value of the investment and the income from it can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back what they originally invested, even taking into account the tax benefits.
The Money Matters column was contributed by Mark Galloway, Independent Financial Adviser at Scotia Wealth Management and based in Balerno.
Let the sunshine in
Natural light breathes life into your home and even boosts your mood and cognitive performance, according to studies. The good news is that small design changes can make an immediate difference.
WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE - First, consider how daylight moves through your home and how you use each space. A room with bright, morning light makes a perfect home office, while evening light is welcome in a living room. There may be ways to rethink each room’s layout and design, adding a desk by the window or painting a dining room a soft, earthy colour to counteract cold light. Move bulky furniture away from natural light sources and avoid overcrowding windowsills.
WINDOWS AND WINDOW TREATMENTSNext, look at window dressings. Raise blinds that hang across the top of a window, and extend curtain poles if necessary, allowing fabric to be drawn clear of the glass, possibly with tie-backs. Another relatively easy, affordable transformation is to swap heavy, lined curtains for sheers, voiles or lightly textured linen. Café curtains, shutters with tilting slats and slim Venetian blinds also offer privacy without blocking daylight entirely.
A LIGHTER FEEL FOR FURNISHINGS - Light could be interrupted by bulky furnishings, making a room feel darker. If you’re upgrading furniture, slimmer pieces raised on legs, glass tables and open shelving create a sense of visual lightness.
USE PALER, BRIGHTER FINISHES - For lighter, brighter rooms, you’ll generally want to choose paler colours for paint and wallcoverings. Pale rugs and pretty throws will help if you have dark floors or sofas. Look at satin and eggshell painted surfaces, glossy cabinetry, and glass, lacquer and metallic accents to help bounce light around. Beautiful shades of warm chalky neutrals, plaster pinks, soft putty and pale olive will reflect light while feeling characterful and modern.
EMPLOY MIRRORS STRATEGICALLY - A mirror can create the illusion of space and even double the apparent size of a room. Position one opposite a window or place it near a light fitting. In a bedroom, an oversized floor mirror leant in a dark corner is practical and attractive, and in a bathroom or cloakroom you could consider wall-to-wall mirroring above the dado or lower-level tiling.
LASTING IMPACT - If you have the budget, there are many ways to “borrow” light or create a greater connection to the outdoors. Swap a solid door for one with glazed panels; add skylights, roof lanterns, interior windows or floor to-ceiling glazing, or go really bold with an open-tread staircase or a glass floor. You could go open-plan or replace an external wall with bi-fold glass doors. You’ll need a good builder and may have to get planning permission and building control approval, but the results could revolutionise your home.
The interiors column was written by Katherine Sorrell
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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!
* Per serving: 254kcal, Fat 15.2g (of which saturates 5g), Carbohydrate 23.7g (of which sugars 7.6g), Protein 3.6g.
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
“I don’t like sherry” is something I hear quite often when I’m presenting a wine tasting. Sherry conjures up ghosts of Christmas’s past. Memories of Granny enjoying a cheeky sherry poured from a dusty bottle stored in the back of the cupboard. While other retro drinks have enjoyed a revival, sherry can’t seem to shift this dated reputation.
I think it’s time to relook at sherry and start appreciating one of the most fascinating and versatile wines in the world. I would like to introduce you to a fun, refreshing twist that gives it the fresh start it deserves. Meet the Manzanilla Spritz.
Made in the beautiful coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in southern Spain, Manzanilla is a wonderfully dry style of sherry. Thanks to the cool Atlantic air and a magical layer of yeast called flor, it develops delicate flavours of green apple, toasted almonds, chamomile and a gentle salty tang that reminds me of standing beside the sea.
Served over ice with sparkling soda or premium tonic and finished with a slice of grapefruit or orange, it becomes something entirely different. Crisp, elegant and effortlessly refreshing, it’s the perfect summer aperitif and a brilliant introduction for anyone convinced they don’t like sherry.
The beauty of a Manzanilla Spritz is that it doesn’t hide the wine’s character—it simply lets it shine in a more approachable way. Before long, curiosity takes over and people begin asking about Fino, Amontillado and Oloroso. That’s when the real adventure begins.
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
GERRY AITKEN
Juniper Green
Painter & Decorator
www.aquateccarpetcleaning.co.uk
be realistic, I love the promise that a new year holds, the “clean slate” potential!
II’m amazed that people in the community continue to ask, “So did you get any shoes for your daughter’s wedding?” Yes, I did!
sn’t it interesting that we wish one another a “happy new year” long after singing Auld Lang Syne – for weeks after boxing up the Christmas decorations and returning them to the loft.
Surprisingly, the shoes I needed were in our front porch. I’m not sure if they are mine or belong to one of my daughters – we are all the same shoe size. But they fit, looked passable with my Mother of the Bride outfit, and didn’t hurt my feet. I could easily walk in them ... even do a slow run if necessary. And it was necessary.
Regardless of what’s going on in our world and various concerns about issues in our own country, we hope that 2025 will be a good year. It would be wonderful to see peace achieved in at least one area where war is currently raging. And, on a personal level, we also hope to see growth and progress in our own life and in the lives of those we know and love, occasions to celebrate, good health and maybe even some fun surprises in the next 12 months.
The wedding day was well planned. The bride came up with her plan. Then her Dad, the King of Spreadsheets, provided further planning and timing detail. And the two of them arrived at Balerno Parish Church just slightly late in the hired classic car. I wasn’t so fortunate.
I’m focusing on the “new” in “Happy New Year”. I’ve not exactly made any new year’s resolutions. This tradition seems to be becoming less popular - social media posts regularly tell us that we don’t need to strive to improve, we are “enough” as we are, we shouldn’t load ourselves up with goals and then feel guilty when we can’t achieve them. Although I agree that it’s good to
The wedding was scheduled for 11.30, so we started early. I warmed up some pastries and made coffee for the bridal party, to keep them going as they prepared for the event. Then I quickly got myself ready, choosing not to opt in to the hair and makeup treatments that had been going on in our lounge since seven a.m. I also spent time steaming
bridesmaids’ dresses to remove the wrinkles ... too much time. I wasn’t very good at it, so eventually I let a bridesmaid take over. All of a sudden, it was time for me to help my daughter into her wedding dress. The makeup artist and the photographer helped too – it was a real sisterhood! By this point, the bridesmaids were headed to the church, but my best friend, Debbie, from Illinois stayed by my side, doing whatever she could to help. My husband waited dutifully outside with the classic car driver.
If you live in Balerno, you too may have been delighted to see snow falling early morning on New Year’s Day. I stood at our glass patio door and watched as sleet turned to big white snowflakes that quickly covered our garden and bedecked the trees. It was a wonderful illustration of the “it’s all fresh and new” theme.
Signing up for a Pilates class was a new thing for me at the beginning of 2024. And it has been a positive change. I may not be as proficient as many in the class, I struggle to do some of the stretches because of a knee issue, and I sometimes have a hard time resisting dancing to the background music when I should be listening to the instructor. But I know the exercise is doing me good. I’m not sure what new thing(s) I will do/ encounter this year, but I will keep my eyes and ears open for them.
I guess Debbie and I probably should have left for the church before the bride did. But it didn’t happen that way. Instead we found ourselves alone in a quiet house. Looking around I noticed several packed bags. We were staying overnight at the reception venue – were these the bridesmaids’ cases and were they meant to go in my car? I handed Deb my car keys and she quickly loaded the cases. By then it was nearly 11:30! “We’d better go,” I said. “Where are the car keys?”
“I think I left them in the kitchen.”
But they weren’t in the kitchen … or in the lounge. I must have started hyperventilating then, because I remember my friend saying, “Suz, just breathe!” Recalling that we had a spare car key, I ran, in the fairly comfortable shoes, to get it. At last we were on our way!
When my eldest daughter was in primary school, she decided to try something new. I heard about it from another mum, who had been at the school to watch her daughter do Highland dancing in an assembly. “I didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said. So I explained that she didn’t, although she was in a ballet class. “That’s strange,” said my friend. “At the assembly the children who took Highland dance lessons were invited to go to the centre of the floor and perform. I thought your daughter did rather well.”
Later I asked my child why she had done this. “Oh,” she said. “I thought the teacher said, “Will all children who would like to do Highland dancing please come forward now? So I went.”
Parking near Balerno Parish Church was impossible. As I drove past, I noticed friends from my Pilates class and The Mill Cafe standing outside to watch the wedding proceedings. They saw me frantically searching for a place to park, and one of them pointed towards Larchfield. So I drove down there, clock ticking away. Near the bottom I found a space just big enough for my small car, and we headed for the church on foot.
Do something new this new year.
I ran as fast as my fairly comfortable shoes (and my knees) would allow me to. My friend, not used to the roads in this country, tried to get to the church by walking through the centre of the mini roundabout! I’m not sure if the Pilates ladies heard me yell, “Debbie, you’re going to get yourself killed! Come up here to the crosswalk!”
real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.
SUZANNE GREEN
We made it; I think we were about 15 minutes late. The doors to the church were closed and I wondered if they’d gone ahead without us. Then one door opened a crack and the minister peered out – was there a twinkle in his eye as he asked us, “Would you like to come in?” I picked up my corsage by the door, determined to put it on as inconspicuously as possible during the ceremony. And together the Mother of the Groom and I proceeded down the aisle and took our seats!
It was a beautiful ceremony, and I was overwhelmed by all of the smiling faces and the almost tangible love and support emanating from friends and family. The bride and groom were clearly very happy and the atmosphere was joyful.
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you the car key failed to plip the car open when it was time to drive to the reception in Biggar. But that’s exactly what happened. My husband and I were both ferrying guests, but my car was the one with the problem.
Before I could start hyperventilating again, Debbie’s husband managed to locate a physical key inside the modern day “key” that one carries around and sets in a car so that the push-button start will work. (Honestly!) He got the car open, and I pushed the start button! Well, we were late again, but I did
arrive in time to get one haggis bon-bon canape and it was superb.
I think that was the end of the chaos. The meal was delicious, the flowers were gorgeous and the wedding cake was a work of art. My husband and I both gave speeches (I adlibbed mine). The couple sang a duet, “I Got You, Babe” and their first dance was a beautiful choreographed waltz. My daughter performed a powerful cover of Etta James’ song, “At Last”, as well as “Pink” from the Barbie movie (with back-up from her pink-clad bridesmaids).
Paul McCartney didn’t show up. I’d emailed him an invitation when I learned the wedding day was his birthday. But the email address I’d found via Google must not have been a good one. So that was disappointing, but at least I didn’t have to worry about him upstaging the bride.
Soon my daughter will move country to USA, just as I moved from the States to UK 40 years ago. And adjusting to that will be a far bigger challenge for me than staying on schedule or finding comfortable wedding shoes.
realLIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.
THE WEDDING AT BALERNO PARISH CHURCH
This summer I’ve been growing four varieties of salad leaves from Seeds of Scotland, because it’s one of the most high-value crops you can grow.
Think about it: a bag of a few leaves costs around £1 in a supermarket. From 4 £2:50 packets of seeds I need to grow about 10 bags worth to get my money back.
I’ve sown 4 x 60 module trays = 240 plants; call it 250 because some of them were multi-sown. I’ve got so many seedlings I’m giving them away.
Each plant has the potential for perhaps 10 bags of salad leaves before they bolt, if you keeping picking leaves from the bottom as the plant grows. So by my calculation that’s got a potential market value of £2500! The seeds will last a few years so you don’t need to plant and eat them all at once! Sow in succession throughout the summer until around September – leave 2 to 3 weeks before sowing each batch so that you have a continuous crop.
Salads are not fussy about their soil, and need only a shallow depth. Besides being high-value, they are one of the easiest crops so ideal for the lazy gardener.
Yes folks, if you want to save money, grow salad leaves.
Salad seedlings
This column is contributed by Shona Harrower. Shona lives in Colinton and is passionate about low maintenance food production. She is Chair of the Friends of Campbell Park (FCP)
Balerno teenager Cameron Sproul recently completed a 3000 mile bike ride from Balerno to Spain, to raise money for Edinburgh-based homelessness charity, Social Bite.
Setting off from Balerno, Cameron headed south west for Cairnryan where he took a ferry to Northern Ireland. He then rode north to the Giant’s Causeway before taking the west coast of Ireland from Sligo to Dingle, then to Cork where he caught a ferry for Bretagne, France. He followed the very warm Atlantic Coast of France, through the Medoc wine region, and continuing south through along the Velodyssee bike route.
Crossing into Spain, Cameron followed the pilgrim route El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James), taking him to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where Saint James is alleged to be buried, and which attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
Cameron says, “Some key challenges on my journey were heavy rains and wind, the Connor Pass which was a tough climb but was rewarded with stunning views, and most challenging of all was my phone falling out the phone mount on a fast downhill and getting run over by a bus almost instantly! The sudden change of weather from cold, rainy days in northern France to temperatures surpassing 30 degrees was challenging! However, my trip has been amazing, and people have been very friendly and kind. For accommodation I have spent most nights wild camping, some nights in houses or campsites and one night on a “reclining” seat on the ferry (it didn’t recline very far).”
Cameron is raising funds for the Edinburghbased charity Social Bite. Social Bite supports people experiencing homelessness with meals, accommodation and jobs. Cameron used to help deliver Konect magazines in Balerno so we’re delighted all that fitness is turning out to be so useful!
He is aiming to raise a total of £3000, i.e. £1 for every mile he cycled! Cameron is safely home but his Just Giving page is still live for donations, and if you can sponsor a few miles every single pound makes a difference. Please donate via Cameron’s page at justgiving.com/page/ sproulcyclestospain
See more about the work of social bite here: www.social-bite.co.uk
AUGUST SUDOKUS (HARD*) (EASY)
AUGUST CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7 Corporations (13), 8. Emotions (8), 9.Poverty-stricken(4),10.Modified(7),12.Confess(5), 14. Incident (5), 16. Place of education (7), 19. Slice open (4), 20. Sidewalk (8), 22. Chances (13).
* We have added an extra sudoku puzzle this month due to popular demand! Let us know what you think
15TH-16TH AUGUST PENTLANDS OPEN STUDIOS 2026 ART TRAIL
The annual Pentlands Open Studios Art Trail takes in the villages of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Colinton following the upper valley of the Water of Leith, It’s a beautiful walk at around 4 miles long but can be navigated by bike, bus or car as well as on foot.
We are hosting 25 wonderful, talented artists and makers this year across 12 different venues, including artist studios and community exhibition spaces. As well as enjoying the experience of meeting and talking to our artists and relaxing in our pop-up cafes, you can participate in our Prize Draw by collecting a unique stamp from each studio you visit. Our 1st Prize (10 or more studios visited) is a £250 voucher to spend with one of our artists of your choice.
PENTLANDS OPEN STUDIOS’ 2026 CROWDFUNDER - Double Your Donation:
We need your help to keep going. If you believe in what we are doing and can help us to hit our Crowdfunder target of £500, Creative Scotland will double it to £1,000! So please back the Pentlands Open Studios’ Crowdfunder, support the Art Trail’s 2026 artists and enjoy artist rewards for donors. Every £1 becomes £2! Follow the link: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/postudios2026
To find us and everything you need to know to plan your visit in advance of the big weekend, go to our website postudios.org and keep an eye out for our posts @pentlandsopenstudios on Facebook and Instagram.
SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST
Newbridge & Ratho Station Farmer’s Market - Fresh produce, craft and street food. 11.00am - 3.00pm at Newbridge Bowling Club, 19 Old Liston Road, Newbridge, EH28 8SS. FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT WATER OF LEITH VISITOR CENTRE - £7 per child unless otherwise noted below. More info and booking essential via: waterofleith.org.uk/ whats-on
• TUE 4TH AUG - River Dipping for 5-10 year olds, 1.30 - 3:30pm
• THU 6TH AUG - Art in the Woods for 5-10 year olds, 1.30 - 3:30pm
SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST
Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST
Flower Walk in Campbell Park - Join our monthly Saturday flower walks with our Biodiversity Officer and enjoy a gentle, informative walk in the park. Bring a phone with a plant ID app and a x10 hand lens if you have them; a small selection on plant id books will also be available. 10.30am - 12noon. Meet at the pavillion, Campbell Park, Woodhall Road, EH13 0PJ.
SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST
Dog Show at Ravelrig RDA - Fun for all the family with lots of fun dog classes, refreshments and a special demonstration of dog behaviour techniques by Pack Leader Canine Rehabilitation. Please come along, at Ravelrig RDA, 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno, EH14 7NH. 11.00am - 3.00pm.
SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST
Currie Horticultural Show - The annual celebration of everything homemade! Baking, growing, knitting, photography, painting and more! Balerno High School, 1.30pm – 4.00pm, entry £3. Exhibition categories include flowers, fruit, vegetables, baking, preserves, needlework, painting, jewellery and photography. See currieshow.weebly.com for entry form and details.
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WHY NOT ART in the Park?
This year as, you may have heard or seen, the building of Colinton Village Hub is progressing rapidly towards completion in Spylaw Park.
For Colinton Village Enterprise this is very exciting, but means that Art in the Park has to be postponed until next year.
Undaunted by the cries of disappointment all round, we have joined up with the Colinton Tunnel’s latest community painting project, which involves local groups working with muralist Chris Rutterford and the mural team, to create fresh illustrated boards for the Colinton Tunnel.
The organisers, Eddie Banks and Mike Scott, suggested a coinciding of the date for the Pentlands Open Studios Art Trail (POSt) would be ideal for celebrating all the creative arts, which will be provided for in the lovely new Colinton Village Hub from next year.
So, on the POSt week-end of Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August from 9am till 5pm each day we invite you to join in the pleasures of “Creating in the Park!”
In addition to creating new mural works with the Tunnel folk, CVE will provide music and dancing, painting and performance with a guest appearance from the inimitable Elaine C Smith, hotfoot from the Fringe!
As ever our Pit Stop Café will serve teas, coffee and juice (10am to 4pm), with an array of irresistible home-baking, including prize-winning gateaux specially created for the novel Crazy Cakes Competition.
You can bring friends and family to see for yourselves how the building is rising so quickly towards completion. You’re sure
to be inspired to take up the final funding challenge, before Colinton Village Hub is open for business next year – not forgetting the return of Art in the Park!
You can support the Hub project directly by visiting: www.cventerprise.org
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
COMPASS PLAYGROUPAre you looking for a nurturing childcare setting in Balerno? Compass Playgroup provides a fun, safe, and supportive environment where little ones learn through play and grow in confidence. Children aged 2-5; Aligned to Edinburgh Council School Calendar; Caring, Experienced and Qualified Staff; Regulated by the Care Inspectorate; Morning session £18, full day £25. Find out more and register your interest. W: www.compassplaygroup.com E: membership.compass@gmail.com
BALERNO FOLK CLUB -
Based in Balerno Bowling Club, Ladycroft, Balerno. Held on last Tuesday of January - June, then summer break then SeptemberNovember. Nothing in December. Doors open 7.45pm. Start time 8.15pm. Each month we feature a booked act; in January we have a Burns Night. Entrance: Members £7, Non-members £10. Contact trishs46@yahoo.co.uk
ALL EARS BOOK CLUB - We meet monthly on a Wednesday evening at The Hub@531. We’re different from your usual book club as we listen, rather than read. What do we listen to? Anything that appeals: fiction, non-fiction, politics, history, the possibilities are endless. Come and join us and become part of our story! Find us on Facebook, or email Mairi or Liz on allearsbookclub@gmail.com for more information.
DALMENY ART AND CRAFT
GROUP - We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in Dalmeny Church Hall at 2.00pm. Various crafts practised including quilting and bobbin lacemaking and 2 artists. All welcome.
LOTHIAN OVAL RACING CLUBCommunity Stockcar Radio Control Car Club. Monday nights. 6.00pm10.00pm. £6 per meeting. Douglas Hall, Dalmahoy, EH27 8EB. E: info@theracehall.co.uk or T: 07972 702642
BALERNO PARISH CHURCH
GUILD - We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month
from October to March. There are interesting talks, activities and fellowship. 7.30pm, The Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church.
ORIAM WALKING FOOTBALL
CLUB - We run a local Walking Football Club, established in 2015, for women aged 40+ and men aged 50+. Our sessions, which are very much mixed ability, take place at Oriam Sports Centre, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, on a Mon and Fri 12.30-1.30pm, and Wed at 12.00-1.00pm and 8.30-9.30pm We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.62 but we do have monthly membership schemes available. Please contact Alan Davies on 07568 723303
Email: alan_davis@live.co.uk
RATHO LUNCH CLUB - Lunch club for older residents living in Ratho & Ratho Station. Pop in for great company, great food, great value. Run by Queensferry Care, Ratho Lunch Club is held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month 12-2.00pm at Ratho Community Centre. The Ratho Ravers meet 10.00am-12noon and many enjoy light exercise and company before lunch is served.
PALM DEMENTIA CAFE - The PALM cafe is held on the last Tuesday of the month from 3.00-4.15pm in the St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno. The cafe serves the communities of Currie, Balerno and Juniper Green, providing a space for people with dementia and their carers to meet others for support and social contact. Activities include music, movement, reminiscence and craft. A small voluntary donation is requested to cover the cost of refreshments. For more information please contact Clare Dow on claremdow@gmail.com
FLAGGY FRIDAYS - Does your child have an interest in flags of the world? Come and join us for Flaggy Fridays! Each week we will focus on a different flag of the world. In just 30 minutes we’ll learn a brief summary of the flag’s history, why a flag has its colours, layout, its old flag(s) then end with a fun quiz! First class FREE trial. Online Zoom club. Email flaggyfridays@gmail.com to join THE HUB@531 - Community space in the heart of Juniper Green village, offering regular groups and events and hireable meeting / small event space. Social activities and clubs for all ages, including Come
for a Cuppa, Book Bug, Knitting, Yoga and much more. 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE. See hub531.appointedd.com for information and to book activities. Facebook: “The Hub at 531” BALERNO SWI - We meet on the first Tuesday each month from September to May in Balerno Community Centre at 7:30pm, when we have speakers or demonstrations followed by a cuppa and time to chat. Anyone interested can see more about us on our Facebook page, “Balerno SWI”
PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUBCome and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret’s Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 6.45pm. Table money £4. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information see W: bridgewebs.com/pentland E: mthkjb@gmail.com
ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON CLUB - The Club was formed about 1946 and meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter. It is non-competitive. For details, call Julia Roberts on 07904 813145
THE MEETING PLACE - A community cafe for those 65 and over and all unpaid carers. Every Monday 10.00am - 4.00pm. Lunch £5 if you wish and ALL refreshments free. Free exercise classes, bingo, dominoes, crafting and much more. 99 Forthview Crescent, 42nd Pentland Scout Hall. For info contact: themeetingplacejcb@gmail.com
BALERNO RAMBLERS
WEEKEND GROUP - A busy walking group with a programme of interesting walks in a variety of locations. Some walks may be more challenging than the midweek programme.
MIDWEEK GROUP - Meet for walks in Lothians, Fife, Borders and further afield. For walk details contact P. Harper on 07738 486416. Follow Balerno Ramblers on Facebook.
PENTLAND SINGERS
COMMUNITY CHOIR - Rehearsals every Tuesday at 7.30pm in Balerno Parish Church.
Singing a wide range of choral music, with local concerts twice a year, no previous experience required and new members always warmly welcomed. Actively seeking new members. Further information:
W: www.pentlandsingers.org.uk
E:pentland_singers@yahoo.co.uk
KNIT ‘N’ KNATTER - Ratho Library, Ratho Commuity Centre, Thursdays 2pm to 4pm. Tea & coffee provided. Bring along your wooly creations. Ratho Library 0131 333 5297
PENTLAND JUNIOR SINGERS
- Rehearsals every Tuesday 6-7pm, Balerno Parish Church. For young people aged 8 to 14. Come and sing a wide array of choral music in a fun and supportive environment. More information:
- Anchor Boys (P2-3) and Junior Section (P4-6) Thurs 6.007.30pm. Company Section (P7S6) Sun 6.30- 8.30pm, Gibson Craig Hall, Currie. E: 65edinburghbb@gmail.com T: 07730 414371
RATHO COMMUNITY CENTRE
• Gentle Exercise Group, every Thurs from 10am-12 noon
• Gentle Exercise Group, every Thurs from 10am-12 noon
• 50+ Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm
• Book Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm
• Knit and Natter Group Thurs from 2pm-4pm
Tel: Ratho Community Centre 0131 333 1055
JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS - Family and kids friendly board-game group open to all. Come join us to play all sorts of board-games. Children are free with any adult (£3/adut) Meetings every 2nd Friday 6pm to 9pm see boardjg.co.uk for details of contact eric@boardjg.co.uk
PENTLAND CALEDONIA
PIPES AND DRUMS - Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums are looking for new members, players or learners. We teach pipes and drums free. We meet in Balerno Community Centre every Friday 7pm - 9.30pm. You can find us on Facebook. For information call Deeanne on 07885 612583.
JUNIPER GREEN TENNIS
CLUB - This small friendly LTA affiliated club in the heart of Juniper Green is open to all to join. There’s an extensive junior coaching programme, as well as adult coaching and social sessions. For membership check out our website clubspark.lta. org.uk/JuniperGreenTennisClub and follow us on Facebook.com/ junipergreentennis. We look forward to welcoming you!
PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH & FITNESS CLASSES - at Prime Sports Physio & Pilates Studio & Gym - Our expert physios, Pilates & yoga instructors and personal trainers offer a programme of 22 classes per week to promote wellbeing, health, strength and fitness. We’re delighted to now offer a monthly class membership as well as individual class bookings. Visit: primesportsphysio.co.uk to book classes. E: hello@primesportsphysio.co.uk for more info.
BARREFusion - A Barre class with a twist! Elements of Ballet & Yoga. Includes signature Fuse moves, Cardio bursts & Strength work. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at www.bookwhen.com/ heidimacdonaldfitness. Fridays 9:15am, Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church. For further details: M: 07982205111
E: heidi.instructor@gmail.com
ART CLUB - This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online learning will focus on technique, pencil work and colour. Outdoor classes will be a visual appreciation of colour, depth and nature through pencil and other mixed media like watercolours. We encourage individuality and celebrating being your own true artist. First class is a FREE trial. E: balernoartclub@gmail.com T: 07591990020 Insta: @everychildisanartist_
TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT
