Konect Balerno December 2025

DEC 2025 / JAN 2026

CLUBS & CLASSES: SPOTLIGHT: COMPETITION:

PLUS: real life, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, what’s on, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

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t’s the season fairy lights, spicy hot drinks and Christmas events to attend. Check the What’s On pages for plenty of ways of enjoying the season out and about locally. There are still a few Christmas fairs coming up, and it’s always good to support local causes and charities for whom these are important fundraising events - and you always find unique and interesting gifts too.

Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking are offering Konect readers the chance to win a pony trek! Read about their very special herd of ponies on pages 8-9 and enter the prize draw! They offer trek gift vouchers for a thoughtful and different Christmas gift.

The Regen Room in Livingston is in the spotlight on page 11. Supporting recovery, performance and general well-being, they are easy to get to and have plenty of parking. In the run up to new year and with health in mind, their treatment gift vouchers would also make a perfect Christmas gift.

There is more of course, and all our regular columns. I hope you enjoy this last issue of 2025. We take a break over Christmas and Hogmanay, so there is no January issue; we will be back with the February Konect.

Wishing all our readers, advertisers and local organisations featured in Konect a wonderful and peaceful festive season.

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

Feature: Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking................................................... 8 Spotlight: The Regen Room......................... 11 Puzzles.............................................14 / 38 / 42 Money Matters: Which ISAs?......................16 realLIFE.........................................................20 Recipe: Chunky “Clam” Chowder..............26 Wine: Port.........................................................27 Local Environment: Merry Christmas........36 What’s On: December..................................40 Clubs & Classes: All Ears Book Club........43 Clubs & Classes.......................................44-45 Puzzle Solutions.............................................45

COVER IMAGE: Wishing all our readers a peaceful festive season!

Konect is delivered monthly to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe BALERNO | 3

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Student-led treks are tailored to suit all abilities

Explore the Pentland Hills with an unforgettable pony trekking adventure with Exmoor Pony Trekking.

Run by the Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking Section, this student-led, not for profit organisation has been caring for these remarkable ponies since 1965. Every Remarkable Ponies

trek supports the welfare and conservation of this rare native breed while offering riders a chance to escape city life and reconnect with nature.

This is your opportunity to ride one of the UK’s oldest native breeds.

Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced rider, our treks are tailored to suit all abilities. Our friendly, experienced trek leaders prioritise safety and fun, ensuring every rider has a memorable experience.

Depending on the season, your trek takes place across one of two stunning Scottish locations: • PENTLAND HILLS (September to May) – ride from Swanston Farm in Edinburgh through peaceful, rolling countryside with spectacular views • OCHIL HILLS (June to August) – explore the remote beauty of Glendevon with breathtaking scenery

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We also host Pony Birthday Parties, perfect for children who dream of spending time with ponies. Parties include short supervised rides, hands-on grooming and the chance to learn about pony care and history. It’s a fun, educational, and truly unique way to celebrate a special day surrounded by nature, friends and our herd of twelve wellloved ponies.

Looking for a thoughtful gift idea? Trek vouchers make the perfect present for friends and family – ideal for birthdays, Christmas or any special occasion.

To find out more or book your trek today visit: exmoorponytrekking.co.uk

WIN A PONY TREK! Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking are offering Konect readers a chance to win an ‘All abilities afternoon trek.”

The trek runs for 1-1.5 hours on a weekend.

There is a strict weight limit of 66kg (due to the ponies’ size). If you win and are over this weight, alternative, same-value prizes are available including a “Pony Meet & Greet” or a merch bundle.

Winner will receive a voucher via email from EUEPTS for an all ability afternoon trek, or if over the weight limit, one of the alternative, same-value prizes.

To enter the prize draw, simply answer the following question:

HOW MANY PONIES ARE IN THE EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY EXMOOR PONIES HERD? A) 8

B) 12

C) 23

Closing date for entries Fri 19th Dec 2025

Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code (above) to enter your answer. Winners will receive a voucher by email from EUEPTS.

FULL T&CS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE.

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THE “You’re not broken. You’re built to recover” This is the core message of The Regen Room, a new health and wellness business in Livingston. Offering a range of science-backed wellness therapies, The Regen Room is dedicated to helping people regain the energy, focus and balance that modern life can rob from us, as well as supporting recovery and performance - from the inside out.

“Our advanced, non-invasive therapies work with the body’s natural ability to heal and thrive,” explains founder James O’Mahoney.

“Whether you’re living with ongoing pain, managing stress, rebuilding after illness, or simply striving to feel your best—your body is capable of more. You just need the right conditions to heal.”

James speaks from experience. After chemotherapy, he was suffering the long-term effects of the treatment and various ongoing issues. A quest to find true, deep healing led him to discover Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Red Light Therapy, both of which were so thoroughly transformative to his health and energy that he wants to share them with others. So he set up The Regen Room, along with Co-founder Shay Lynch, whose own journey for answers in the face of some challenging diagnoses led him to a deep belief in root-cause resolution. Their shared enthusiasm for science-backed wellness

ROOM therapies, lifestyle changes and empowering people to take control of their health, drives everything at The Regen Room. “Our goal isn’t to replace medicine,” says James. “It’s about giving people a complementary path to recovery that works in harmony with the body’s natural healing response.”

If you are feeling like your energy has vanished, your focus has dulled, and your body just isn’t keeping up any more, why not try a different approach? Start a new journey to return to vitality, and elevate your wellness.

Therapies are available in various packages and include:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A safe, non-invasive therapy that helps deliver more oxygen to your cells, supporting deep healing, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall vitality.

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Vielight Neuro Gamma: leading brain photobiomodulation device. It uses gentle pulses of light, delivered through a headset and nasal applicator, to stimulate and nourish brain cells — supporting focus, memory, and mental energy.

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The crossword solution will be published in the FEBRUARY edition of Konect

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Light wind (6), 8. Add up (6), 9. Not pretty (4), 10. Take away (8), 11. Tenth month (7), 13. Deprived (5), 15. Two times (5), 17. Remaining (7), 20. Booklet (8) 21. Assists (4), 22. Floats (6), 23. Unlocked (6).

DOWN: 1. Horrendous (6), 2. Refute (4), 3. Childhood illness (7), 4. Investigate (5), 5. Barely (8), 6. Coerced (6), 12. Engaged (8), 14. Stopping place (7), 16. Gun or knife (6), 18. Bowed (6), 19. Nearby (5), 21. Pinnacle (4).

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The Chancellor’s budget may have looked to reform individual savings accounts (ISAs) to “improve returns for savers”.

Statistics published by HMRC in September show that in 2023/24, subscriptions to cash ISAs were double those to stocks and shares ISAs. ISA’s are attractive as investors do not pay any personal tax on income or gains,.

Rachel Reeves’s is widely believed to propose the current £ 20,000-a-tax-year subscription limit for ISAs would be reduced for cash ISAs. With a total amount invested in cash ISAs of £360 billion, this means a lot of tax-free interest. Cutting back on the amount flowing into cash ISAs could reduce tax loss, even though the prospect of enhanced returns is a better story to present to the public.

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Before you rush to arrange a pre-Budget cash ISA, it is worth reflecting on what you are trying to achieve.

If you just want to move an accessible cash deposit to a tax shelter, remember the personal savings allowance (PSA), the amount of interest you can earn on your savings each tax year without paying tax on it.

If you are setting aside money for long-term growth, then, as the Chancellor suggests, there could be better options. The total value of stocks and shares ISAs grew more rapidly than cash ISAs over the ten years to April 2024. Investing in shares should be regarded as a long-term investment and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances. Cash ISA’s may be popular, but popular may not be the right solution for you.

The Money Matters column was contributed

by Mark Galloway, Independent Financial Adviser at Scotia Wealth Management and based in Balerno.

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SUZANN E GREEN

C I

innamon, nutmeg, ginger and sn’tcloves. it interesting one Thesethat are we thewish spices of another a “happy new year” long the season! after singing Auld Lang Syne – for Thanks to Starbucks, most weeks after boxing up the Christmas people can now easily conjure up what is decorations and returning them to the loft. meant by ‘pumpkin spice’! I also need to Regardless of what’s on incloves our world buy cinnamon sticks going and whole for mulling wine.concerns about issues in our and various country, we hope thatlove 2025for will be a Iown used to assume that my these good year. wouldtobe see spices wasItdown thewonderful fact that Itogrew peace in in at America least onethat areawas where up in aachieved small town war is currentlyGerman raging. And, on a personal predominantly background (my level, we also hope to see growth and family included).

I have Christmas recipes progress in our own life and in thecookies), lives for pffefernusse (strongly spiced stollen fruited, bread), and to of those(awe know spiced and love, occasions snickerdoodles, a typeand of cookie celebrate, good health maybecoated even in cinnamon sugar and States. some fun surprises in popular the next in 12the months.

Actually, the origin of snickerdoodles is I’m focusing on the “new” in “Happy debated, though many think they areNew of Year”.

I’ve not exactly made any new year’s German origin. resolutions. This tradition seems to be Ibecoming thought gingerbread from Germany less popularcame - social media posts too, but apparently was brought to strive regularly tell us that itwe don’t need to Western Europe by an Armenian monk in to improve, we are “enough” as we are, we 992 AD. Gregory of Nicopolis is said to shouldn’t load ourselves up with goals and have settled in northern France and taught then feel guilty when we can’t achieve them. gingerbread baking to Christians there Although I agree that it’s good to until his death in 999.

Like most

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be realistic, I love the promise that aadapted new recipes, it has changed and been year holds, the “clean slate” potential! over the years – at one point it didn’t even contain ginger.

If you live in Balerno, you too may have been delighted to see snowcookies falling early morning My favourite oatmeal contain a on New dose Year’sofDay. I stood nutmeg, at our glass healthy cinnamon, and patio door andthey’re watched as sleet turned cloves – and of American origin.to big white snowflakes that quickly covered And I guess these spices are treasured our garden andthough bedecked the trees.

It was a globally, even in many countries wonderful illustration of theused “it’s all and they are more commonly forfresh savoury new” theme. dishes.

Cinnamon, onea of the world’s oldest Signing up for Pilates class was a new spices, favourite. thing forhas me to at be themy beginning of Way 2024. And it before I was addingchange. it to pumpkin has been a positive I may purée not be as or makingas cinnamon rolls, it was being to proficient many in the class, I struggle used in Ancient Egypt, China and of India do some of the stretches because a knee for medicine and embalming. rich issue, and I sometimes have a It’s hard time in antioxidants, and some believe it’smusic resisting dancing to the background beneficial in helping reduce when I should be listening to inflammation the instructor. and against heart disease.

But Iprotecting know the exercise is doing me good.

I’m notmy sure whatvisited new thing(s) I willProject do/ When family The Eden in Cornwallthis thisyear, year,but ourI will guide described encounter keep my eyes some of the ways early cinnamon traders and ears open for them. protected their monopoly on it. My favourite When my eldest daughter was in primary was her account of how they spread tales school, she decided to try something new. I of giant birds that collected the bark from heard about it from another mum, who had trees in unknown lands, using it to build been at the school to watch her daughter their nests. The local people would have do Highland dancing in an assembly. “I to lure the birds away, or wait until the didn’t were know unattended, your girl did itintoo,” said.their nests ordershe to get So I explained that she didn’t, although she hands on the cinnamon. It was therefore was in a ballet class.

“That’s strange,” said considered to be a dangerous business. my friend. the assembly thedecided childrenitwho And some “At competing traders took Highland dance invited wasn’t worth the risk, lessons despite were the fact that to go to the centre of the floor and perform. by the time of the Roman Empire cinnamonI thought your daughter did rather well.” was often worth more than gold by weight.

Later I asked my child why she had I think I might fight off giant birds fordone this this. “Oh,”festival she said.

“I thought themany teacher precious spice!

Though said, “Willuse all itchildren whodishes, would like to as do cultures in savoury such Highland dancing please tagine or curry, I think of itcome as a forward unique now? Soyou I went.” flavour add to something sweet to make it truly special.

For meyear. cinnamon is Do something new this new the taste of Christmas. real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect.

Balerno and writes regularly for Konect.

She is married to Andy and they have two She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. daughters. adult

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FOOD & DRINK

Inspired by the classic American chowder, this indulgent chunky soup features a thick and creamy non-dairy milk base, tender potatoes, fragrant aromatics, and oyster mushrooms as the perfect substitute for clams. An ideal vegan option for Christmas eve or Christmas Day starter.

Serves 4-6 | Prep Time 15mins | Cooking Time 30 mins | Dietary requirements: Dairy-free, Egg-free, Vegan Ingredients (Mushrooms):

• 1 tbsp olive oil • 250g/8¾oz king oyster mushrooms, sliced. If you can’t get oyster mushrooms, substitute with small button mushrooms, halved.

• 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 tsp soy sauce

Ingredients (Soup Base):

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 medium onion, diced • 2 celery stalks, diced • 2 medium carrots, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 120ml/4fl oz dry white wine • 1 litre/1¾ pints vegetable stock • 3 tbsp plain flour • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bitesized pieces • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 2 tsp kelp granules or dulse flakes. If you prefer not to have the taste of the sea, replace with 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste • 100ml/3¾fl oz vegan cream

Method:

1. Heat the oil on a medium heat in large heavy based pan. Fry the mushrooms until soft, then add one clove of garlic. Fry for 1 more minute.

2. Add in the soy sauce and mix well to coat the mushrooms. Place the mushrooms in a bowl and set to one side.

3. Heat the remaining oil and fry the onions until soft. Then add the celery, carrots and the rest of the garlic and fry until tender.

4. Add the wine and turn up the heat to boil.

Once boiling reduce the heat and stir in the flour, stirring for a minute to remove any lumps.

5. Gradually stir in the stock then add the potatoes and herbs. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Return the mushroom mixture to the pan.

6. Add the kelp/dulse or parsley/dill, and season to taste.

7. Stir through cream and serve with crusty bread.

This recipe was contributed by Claire Bannerman, Vegetarian for Life’s (VfL) dedicated Roving Chef for Scotland working mostly in West Lothian and Forth Valley. Nourishing Plant Based Food : Life Long Skills, Not Quick Fix Pills. [ vforlife.org.uk ] 26 | BALERNO

WINE TASTING

Port season is here! Although available throughout the year, winter is the season we appreciate it most.

In 1659 two events coincided helping create Port as we know it today. The British government placed an embargo on French wine, and a Portuguese Abbot confessed the secret to his delicious wine: he added grape spirit (brandy) to his wine during fermentation! By adding brandy to the wine, the process of fermentation was halted, leaving a naturally sweet, fruity ‘fortified’ wine.

Port styles vary and so do the prices! White and Ruby Ports and youthful, fruity and uncomplicated. Serve these slightly chilled and enjoy!

Aged Tawny is delicious! The label will state how long the wine has been aged in oak casks. Aged Tawny is aged 10, 20, 30, 40+ years. As the Port ages, the vibrant red colour becomes a reddish-brown, ‘tawny’ colour. A 10-year-old will tend to retain some fruit with a suggestion of nuts, dried fruit and caramel. The older the tawny port, the more the nutty, dried fruit notes dominate.

Vintage Port is a very special style of Port.

It’s only produced in exceptional years and only from the best grapes. It can age for decades, evolving and developing complexity in the bottle. Sediment will form in the bottle, so Vintage Port needs to be carefully decanted.

Late Bottled Vintage Ports (LBV) are a user-friendly style of port. These wines are bottled later following cask aging, they are ready to drink on release but retain much of the depth of vintage port.

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 BALERNO | 27

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Is it just me or has this year absolutely flown by? It’s fast approaching Christmas and it only feels like yesterday we were welcoming in the new year and I was gearing up for my 40th birthday trip to Kenya.

It was a really lovely summer, especially in comparison to last year which I remember being a bit more wet and windy. I’d been looking forward to watching and photographing the foxes I spent time with last year, but they didn’t show up. Neither did my hares or dippers, so it’s safe to say my photography took a bit of a back seat. I had a wonderful week on Mull in May hosting a workshop, which I’m looking forward to doing again next year. It’s always such a joy to share that incredible island with others and watch people experience its wildlife for the first time.

is usually achieved through strategically placed nuts.

Given I haven’t been out much, this image is from a couple of years back when I bribed some squirrels to take part in a Christmas photoshoot. It takes them a while to get used to it and even more time for them to sit in just the right place. They’re naturally inquisitive animals and this task

Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.

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I hope this photo brings a smile and a touch of festive cheer—wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and a happy, healthy start to the new year.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.

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SATURDAY 13TH DECEMBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm

SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER A Very Merchiston Christmas Fair A morning full of festive fun, delicious treats, and family-friendly activities. Explore charming stalls, pick up unique gifts, and enjoy a magical atmosphere that’s a perfect start to the festive season. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy! Merchiston Castle School, 294 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh, EH13 0PU. Time: 10.00 - 13.00. Tickets are free – please sign up to allow us to cater for numbers accordingly. Link for booking: www.trybooking.com/uk/FIPF We will be fundraising at the event in support of NHS Lothian Charity.

SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER Christmas Fair at Ravelrig RDA Santa’s Grotto, crafts, games, tombola, raffle, refreshments, gifts, festive baking, horse selfies.

Christmas Carols by the Pentland Singers. 12.00noon - 3.00pm, 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno, EH14 7NH MONDAY 8TH DECEMBER Colinton & Merchiston Community Choir Christmas Concert - We have a delightful programme of Christmas Music including Vaughan Williams “Fantasia on Christmas Carols”, Cornelius “Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar”, Telemann “Der Jüngste Tag wird bald sein Ziel” and a lovely selection of carols. Memorial Hall at Merchiston Castle School, doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £10 or £5 for under 18s available from choir members or at the main door of the Memorial Hall. Cash only. For more information about our choir, please see www. colintonchoir.org or our Facebook page. We are grateful to Merchiston Castle School for the use of the Memorial Hall.

WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER Christmas Fun and Fundraiser At The Hub@531. Make your own festive cocktails, then join our own local sommelier for wine pairing with cheese with some fun twists! Tickets £18 with an option to top up with a donation. 7.30 – 10.00pm, book online via hub531.appointedd.com

TUESDAY 16TH DECEMBER Festive Music and Doors Open At The Hub@531. Please drop in and join the festive cheer at the Hub@531. We're delighted to welcome back the Pentland Singers for some carol singing, and there will be mulled wine and mince pies, tea, coffee and juice on offer. All very welcome to pop in and out, throughout the event! 4.30 - 6.00pm, 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green.

MONDAY 26TH JANUARY An Artist’s View – Historic Water of Leith Mills Alan Lucas, son of the artist Edwin G. Lucas, takes us on a trip down the Water of Leith from Currie, via Juniper Green and Colinton Dell, to Slateford.

His talk is richly illustrated by his father’s paintings, made during the 1930s-40s, together with historic and contemporary photographs of the same scenes.

Expect to see many of the mills that used to operate on this stretch of the river. 7.00pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ. £7, MEMBERS FREE. Booking and info at www.waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on

Meet in Edinburgh Pentlands Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road from 10.00am - 12noon. New members welcome.

Further details from Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford on 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk • WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER “Railway Modelling” an exhibition and illustrated talk by David Laing • WEDNESDAY 7TH JANUARY - “North Sea Wind Farms” an illustrated talk by Rod Seville.

• WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY - “The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service” an illustrated talk by Dave Farries.

• WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY - “The Worlds End Murders” an illustrated talk

by Tom Wood.

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. 40 | BALERNO

BALERNO | 41

s on …

5

DEC SUDOKU (HARD*)

Digital Security

vents - please book online or email to enquire

ndays 7-9pm on 10th & 17th February nts with a mental health and wellbeing focus. et new people and help inform our plans for this Tea, coffee, juice & biscuits available. st turn up.

IT Security Training for older adults

.30-9.30pm / Friday 21st 2.30-4.30pm ote bags - All materials are supplied, booking at Hub@531 nly for Wed evenings, ages 12+ welcome on ession.

531 Lanark Road,

Juniper Green

pm - Textile Repair Lab with Dianne EH14 5DE sewers. . Suitable for beginners / intermediate ce zips/buttons and repair rips/holes in your In person training deloivered over 3 or woven garments using a range of creative 4 FREE sessions to help older adults iques including visible/invisible mending ring one or two textile items repair. feeldamaged more confident and to safe online

e a more advanced atelier workshop for experienced sewers in

MONDAYS 3.00-4.30pm

m - Menopause Chat - wellbeing - 2ndand Feb 2026 (4 weeks) 12th Jan info menopause. Drop in or book your space.

Wednesdays 11.15-1.15pm (3 weeks) 12th Jan - 2nd Feb 2026

harity and we welcome your donations when you attend!

Booking is essential - please ensure you can attend every class in a block

These sessions are supported by ACEIT HUB BOOK THE HUB and finded with a grant from Edinburgh City www.hub531.appointedd.com d@gmail.com Council community grant fund

Pentlands Community Space SCO049766 Please book your space online at

hub531.appointedd.com or email

hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com Pentlands Community Space SC0049766 hub531.org

42 | BALERNO

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 14. See page 45 for solutions.

For fans of audiobooks and podcasts…

The Pentlands Open Studio Art Trail is passionate about promoting creativity and the arts in our community.

Launched to great acclaim in 2025, we welcomed hundreds of visitors across ten studios, featuring eighteen artists over one weekend in August. It was so successful, we will be back over the weekend of August 15th/16th 2026, even bigger and better.

This Art Trail is a unique event which provides a fantastic opportunity to meet and talk to a whole range of highly respected, professional, award-winning artists about their work and creative processes within their own specialist fields. We include a wide diversity of art and craft practices to ensure a varied and inspirational experience for our visitors.

Situated in the southwest of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentlands Hills, the trail borders the beautiful Water of Leith and takes in the villages of Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno and, along the way, will be lovely places to stop, relax and refuel.

Put the date in your diaries now and to find out more, go to our website POStudios.org and subscribe to our newsletter or find us on Instagram @POStudios

New book club down here in the south west suburbs! We meet monthly on a Wednesday evening at The Hub@531 in Juniper Green from 7pm to 9pm, and we’re keen for people to join us.

Meetings are usually on the second Wednesday of the month, but do check first in case the next date has changed for any reason.

We’re a little different from other book clubs: we listen rather than read.

And we will listen to anything. Books (of course), but there’s also a whole world of podcasts, plays, TED talks … anything that can be spoken is fair game. It’s early days yet, but so far we have listened to a book about conspiracists by investigative journalist Jon Ronson, followed by a comparison of UK and US political podcasts. Our listen for December is The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet. Who knows what will come next, could be anything from Homer to Jilly Cooper….

Our next meeting is Wednesday 17th December at 7.00pm, followed by 14th January. Join us and become part of the story! (p.s. you can find us on Facebook or, if that’s not your thing, you can email Liz or Mairi on allearsbookclub@gmail.com for more information. Or just turn up!)

BALERNO | 43

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

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 CLUB Community 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 Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or dericandjoan@ btinternet.com 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 44 | BALERNO

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 3.004.15pm 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 CLUB Come 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.

W: www.ramblers.org.uk/balerno or, www.facebook.com/BalernoRamblers E: enquiries@balernoramblers.org.uk BALERNO RAMBLERS 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.

JUNIPER GREEN NURSERY PLAYGROUP - Juniper Green Community Centre. We are a small friendly playgroup with very experienced staff. We take children who are from 2 to 3 years old for morning sessions (9.15-11.15) cost £15 which includes a snack. No parent duties required. For more information please email: junipergreenplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk or call: 07308 033386 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. @KonectMagazines

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: W: www.pentlandjuniors.org E: pentlandjuniors@gmail.com CURRIE 65TH BOYS BRIGADE - Anchor Boys (P2-3) and Junior Section (P4-6) Thurs 6.00-7.30pm. Company Section (P7-S6) Sun 6.30- 8.30pm Gibson Craig Hall, Currie.

Contact 65edinburghbb@gmail. com or 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! @KonectMagazines

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 PARACISE - Gentle to moderate exercise to music you’ll love. Working on balance, mobility, flexibility & posture.

All STANDING. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at bookwhen. com/heidimacdonaldfitness Wednesdays 10:45am Balerno Scout Hall - bring water. For further details call Heidi on 07982 205111.

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_

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD P E B M G W L U X U R B A N A N A U P A D L T C O M M E N C F E E L P R E O H S T A L A D A P T E D E I D C T O I L E T E V I C T O I H T U V I L A D D I T I O N I U I P C L I G N O R U N C L E S G

Y

Y

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G

Y E L S E E

K

ACROSS: 7 Banana, 8 Luxury, 9 Feel, 10 Commence, 11 Adapted, 13 Stall, 15 Evict, 17 Toilets, 20 Addition, 21 Vile, 23 Uncles, 24 Ignore.

DOWN: 1 Made, 2 Gallop, 3 Watched, 4 Plump, 5 Expert, 6 Bracelet, 12 Dividing, 14 Council, 16 Chilly, 18 Loving, 19 Tipsy, 22 Lurk.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PUZZLES ON P38/42

(EASY)

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 KONECT.SCOT FOR INFO.

(HARD)

BALERNO | 45

Christmas on the (Different) Corner!

– Join our festivities in Colinton Thursday 18th December

5pm–7pm

St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue Come along for Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine, mince pies, tombola, crafts, and fun activities for all ages.

We’ll also be taking a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come with The Shed project aka The Community Heritage Hub in Spylaw Park project! Thanks to Rollo Developments Ltd., much of the strip-out work is complete: internal walls and the mezzanine have been removed, scaffolding surrounds the building, and the mural by Firrhill High School has been carefully recorded for reproduction at a later date. These preparations are paving the way for exciting construction work in the coming months.

This festive gathering is also a chance to thank those who have supported us and to share

what’s coming in 2026—including ways you can get involved. Our dedicated Trustees— Lorraine O’Shea (Chair), Pam Wardell (Vice-Chair), Julie Johnson (Treasurer), Kim Anderson (Secretary), Jennie Loudon, Mandy Easton, and Elise Anderson—have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, but we always welcome extra hands and skills.

Whether you are interested in fundraising, social media or videography, event planning, or community engagement, or have ideas for local initiatives, your support makes a real difference.

Every contribution—big or small—helps us reach our fundraising targets for the community hub. You can donate now by scanning the QR code above.

Thank you for your patience during the works and for being part of this exciting project. Keep an eye on @cveheritagehub (Instagram) and 'Colinton Village Enterprise SCIO' (Facebook) for updates and upcoming events.

Contact us at colintonvillage@gmail.com we’re happy to hear from you.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This article was contributed by Colinton Village Enterprise SCIO

46 | BALERNO

WE APOLOGISE TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THE DELAYS IN OPENING, IT IS OUTWITH OUR CONTROL. WE AIM TO BE OPEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE