PLUS: real life, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, what’s on, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!
heading towards the summer, a feeling of abundance comes through in the columns and contributions to this month’s Konect.
The garden column is about growing your own food forest, and as ever you can see the information from this column in practical action by visiting Campbell Park in Colinton anytime. Joining in the Park’s 90th Birthday celebrations on 14th June would be a good way to meet the Friends of Campbell Park and find out more - as well as get some birthday cake! There is a delicious and easy berry recipe on page 24, and with warmer weather (hopefully!) approaching, the Seagull Trust at Ratho have contributed a piece about safe enjoyment of the Union Canal.
I recently came across some work of a Dr William Wilkie, and noticing his family came from Ratho and that he served as minister at Ratho Parish Church, I decided to look into who he was. It turns out he was quite an interesting character, so I’ve written a short biography-style article about him for the local history article this month. It led me into looking into old ague cures to try and understand his behaviours, and the history of potato farming!
With a packed What’s On section and everything you need for help with looking after home and garden too, hope you enjoy Konect this month!
All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638
“The Scottish Homer”,“the Potato Minister”, esteemed colleague of Adam Smith, David Hume and other giants of the Scottish Enlightenment; these are just some of the characteristics of William Wilkie, Minister at Ratho and Enlightenment eccentric.
His name has faded, but he was famous in his time for his achievements - and unusual behaviour, in particular relating to bedclothes!
William Wilkie was the son of a farmer at Echline, a family descended from the Wilkies of Ratho Byers. He was born in October 1721. At that time, the area from just this side of Cramond in the east, to Abercorn in the west, was all the Parish of Dalmeny. William went to school in Dalmeny Parish School – likely the first school in Queensferry, which had been established as recently as 1671 (now the Masonic Lodge building). Education was not free, but his parents must have had enough money to send their son to school. He showed much promise, especially in literature and poetry, and went to Edinburgh University at age 13.
At university, William befriended giants of the Scottish Enlightenment including John Home, Adam Smith, Adam Ferguson and David Hume. Home’s biographer wrote that Wilkie was “regarded by his college friends as the ablest of the distinguished students of his day.” Whilst they all went on to publish hugely influential works in philosophy and economics,
William Wilkie went down a different route which included poetry, the pulpit - and potatoes.
His father died while William was just two years into his time at university, leaving financially straitened circumstances. He had been leasing a farm at Fishers Tryst (south of Edinburgh) and William took over the lease, throwing himself into farming, at which he excelled, as well as the care and support of his mother and three sisters. He maintained his studies in theology and philosophy and at age 24 obtained his licence as a preacher. It was to be another eight years before he secured a ministerial position with the church. In the meantime, he pursued his work in agriculture as well as working on what was to become his major published work of poetry several years later.
Potatoes were a relatively new crop in Scotland. Dedicated potato farms didn’t appear in Edinburgh until around 1725, so at the time William Wilkie was farming potatoes were in their first couple of decades of serious development here. Typically, Wilkie did very well at cultivating them - better than all his neighbours, although less well at business. One source quotes him as saying, “I can raise crops better than any of my neighbours, but I am always cheated in the market.”
The original Queensferry school (now Masonic Lodge), possibly Wilkie’s first school
Being often distracted with his learning and writing, he gained a reputation for being eccentric. He was always dressed in several layers of clothing even in warm weather, and liked many blankets at night. One anecdote relates
to an occasion when he was staying with relatives for the night, and asked for plenty of blankets. “His female friends in the family collected twenty-four pairs, and put them on his bed. When asked in the morning if he had had abundance of bed-clothes, he answered that he had just enough, and had slept well.”
In around 1752 William was appointed by the Earl of Lauderdale (of Hatton House) as assistant minister in the Parish of Ratho, becoming minster three years later when the incumbent John Guthrie passed away. Nicknamed “the Potato Minister” due to his dedication to that crop, his absent-mindedness set his parishioners talking –notably sometimes forgetting to take off his hat before entering the pulpit!
He apparently hated clean bed sheets. As a frequent visitor at Hatton House and highly respected by the Earl of Lauderdale, on one occasion when pressed by Lady Lauderdale to stay the night, “he agreed, though with reluctance, and only on condition that her ladyship would indulge him in the luxury of a pair of foul sheets!”
Whilst clearly noteworthy by contemporary commentators, it’s likely that these behaviours were related to his on-going health battle with ague – a form of malaria that used to plague damp and marshy areas of the UK. Inducing perspiration was considered a way of “flushing it out”, and wet sheets were used to reduce fever. There is no mention of a relationship or a Mrs Wilkie in any of the records. Possibly the recurring battle with ague and requirement for piles of blankets and “foul sheets” could have been a problematic!
series in the style of Homer (hence the sobriquet “Scottish Homer”), it gained him some fame in Scottish literary circles. The work imitated Homer so well in fact that one reviewer wrote,” a person ignorant of Greek, will, I believe, better conceive what Homer is in the original by perusing the Epigoniad, than by reading even the excellent translation of Pope.”
In 1759 William Willkie won the prestigious professorship of Moral Philosophy at St Andrew’s University. He initially juggled his pastoral role at Ratho with his teaching at St Andrews, but eventually settled in St Andrews where he continued to devote his leisure time to agriculture and in particular the development of moorland farming.
William Wilkie was a man of contrasts, widely considered to be “superior in genius to any man of his time,” but uncouth, slovenly and using tobacco to “an immoderate excess.” The contemporary politician Charles Townsend said “he had never met with a man who approached so near to the two extremes of a god and a brute as Dr Wilkie.” An excellent conversationalist with deep general knowledge, his company was appreciated in many circles.
Thrifty but not mean, in his latter years he donated regularly to charity. He said, “I have shaken hands with poverty up to the very elbow, and I wish never to see her face again” - possibly referring to his time as a young man when he inherited a struggling farm and had to support the rest of his family.
He succumbed to his on-going health issues and died at age 51, and is buried in St Andrews.
William’s major published work was an epic poem called the Epigoniad, published in 1597. A huge, nine-book
This article was contributed by Helen-Jane Gisbourne. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.
Ratho Parish Church, where Wilkie was minister
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
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK. One in eight men will get it, according to Prostate Cancer UK. Being older, a family history and being black increase your risk, in which case it’s worth talking to your GP about testing.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?: There often aren’t any. However, if you have difficulty starting to pee or emptying your bladder, a weak flow, dribbling urine once you finish, a sudden urge to urinate or you need to go more often, particularly at night, then see your GP. That said, these symptoms more usually indicate an enlarged prostate, which is not cancer.
HOW CAN YOU TEST FOR PROSTATE CANCER?: Your GP can do a PSA blood test and a digital rectal examination to see whether your prostate feels hard or lumpy. If referred to a specialist, you may have an MRI scan and a biopsy.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?: There are more treatments than ever before, including monitoring, surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy (where radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate), hormone therapy to stop your body producing cancer-feeding testosterone, and chemotherapy. But treatments often have side effects like urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
WHAT’S NEW IN SCREENING?:
Prostate cancer doesn’t have a screening programme; the PSA blood test isn’t reliable, often giving false positives and false negatives. But men between 45 and 61 with a mutation in genes called BRCA1 or BRCA2 might soon be screened.
For more information, visit; www.prostatecanceruk.org
The Edinburgh & Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group is a self-help group, managed by and for men with prostate cancer, their families and carers. They run a buddy programme and have regular meetings in Edinburgh and Livingston. See: elprostatecancersupport.co.uk
As warmer weather approaches and visitor numbers rise, Seagull Trust Cruises Ratho Branch is urging the public to take extra care around Scotland’s canals.
The Union Canal is already seeing increased footfall, cycling, paddle sports activity, and family visits, and with this seasonal surge comes a heightened risk of accidents and unsafe behaviour near the water.
The charity, which provides free therapeutic cruises for people with additional support needs, relies on a safe and respectful environment to operate. In previous years concerns were raised about speeding cyclists, unsupervised children close to the water’s edge, dogs off leads near wildlife, and individuals entering the canal in unsuitable locations. These behaviours not only endanger the public but also disrupt moored boats, wildlife habitats, and the smooth running of accessible cruises. But this year there is another concern - crocodiles!
With water temperatures remaining cold even in spring and early summer, accidental immersion can lead to cold water shock within seconds. Seagull Trust Cruises is reminding visitors that canals are working waterways, with hidden hazards such as uneven banks, deep silt, submerged objects, and limited space for boats to manoeuvre. The charity is encouraging everyone to stay alert, avoid risky shortcuts, and keep towpaths clear for all users, including those with mobility aids.
Stuart Rennie, Immediate Past Chair of Seagull Trust Cruises Ratho Branch, emphasised the importance of shared responsibility: “The canal is a wonderful community space, but it only stays safe when everyone treats it with care. Our volunteers work hard to provide calm, enjoyable cruises for people who benefit greatly from time on the water. We’re asking
ABOVE: “The crocodiles don’t bite and we thought it would be a fun way to get across a serious message about water safety this summer.”
Seagull Trust Cruises run over 2000 cruises per year and take approximately 22,000 passengers and their carers on morning or afternoon trips of around 23-hour duration. Canal Day Cruises are FREE for the elderly, infirm, and those with additional needs. Our beneficiaries come from far and wide to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of cruising on our canals and the benefits to their health and wellbeing.
the public to help us protect that experience by acting responsibly as the weather improves.
The crocodiles don’t bite and we thought it would be a fun way to get across a serious message about water safety this summer.”
For information and bookings, please contact: 07511 055081 or email: rathobookings@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk
This article was contributed by Seagull Trust Cruises, Canalside, Baird Rd, Ratho, EH28 8RA. Scottish charity number SC027163.
When the Bank of England met in early February, their summary was “Although above the 2% target currently, inflation is expected to fall back to around the target from April”
Less than four weeks later, the Iran war began. The UK’s March inflation figures showed the first impact of the oil price jump, with annual inflation to 3.3%.
Inflation is the rate at which the general prices for goods and services rise over time. It is a big issue for people with savings because it reduces the purchasing power of your money.
If a bank account that pays 1% interest, you’ll have 1% more money after a year. But if inflation is more than 1%, your money won’t buy as much as it did before. Over the short term this may not be significant, but over time this loss can increase.
Savings goals are the things you want to achieve in future, whether it’s buying a new car, saving
for retirement or sailing around the world. Once you’ve set your goals, you can work out how to achieve them – some will be suited to long-term investments, some to short-term savings.
How do you protect your money against the effects of inflation? The only rule is that cash savings accounts are generally not the best places to put your money long term – the interest is almost always lower than inflation, so your buying power is reduced.
Cash savings have their uses, especially for money that you want to spend soon. But if you’re planning to put money aside for five years or more, it might be better to invest.
A simple starting point is to check with your financial adviser.
The value of your investment and any income from it can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested.
The Money Matters column was contributed by Mark Galloway, Independent Financial Adviser at Scotia Wealth Management and based in Balerno.
The crossword puzzle can be found on page 41. See page 45 for solutions.
Mini Summer Berry Nests
At their most flavourful – and abundant – during June and July, sweet and succulent strawberries combine with other soft fruits in these irresistible treats, and are easy to make with the children.
Makes 12
Ingredients:
• 50g butter
• 1 x 270g pack of 6 frozen filo pastry sheets (defrosted) – use 3 sheets
• 150ml double cream
• 1 x 400g tin low-fat ready-made custard
• Grated rind of 1/2 orange and 1 tbsp juice
• 3 tbsp strawberry jam
• 450g mixed berries (whole raspberries and blueberries, and strawberries, halved or quartered)
• Icing sugar, sifted, to decorate
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4.
2. Warm the butter in a small saucepan until melted and use a little to grease a 12-
hole deep muffin tin. Separate the pastry sheets and brush each one with butter, then cut into 12 rectangles.
3. Lay one piece in each section of the muffin tin, then arrange a second and third piece, each at a slight angle to the previous one, to give a jagged, nest-like effect.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Leave in the tin to cool.
5. When cooled, carefully take the pastry cases out of the tin and arrange on a large serving platter. Whip the cream until it forms soft swirls, then fold in the custard and orange rind. Spoon into the filo cases.
6. Warm the jam and orange juice in a small saucepan, stirring until the jam has melted. Add the berries and coat with the jam glaze, then spoon into the nests. Dust the top edges of the pastry nests with a little sifted icing sugar and serve.
For more sweet and savoury recipe inspiration using strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, along with nutritional information, visit www.lovefreshberries.co.uk
You never stop learning about wine. There’s always a new vintage, a hidden gem of a producer, a different style to taste or an unexpected food pairing to discover. Just when you think you’ve got a solid grasp of the wine world, something comes along and surprises you all over again. Most recently for me, that surprise was Indian wine.
I’ll admit, I was sceptical. India’s climate brings heat, humidity and monsoon rains, hardly the classic conditions we associate with fine wine. Textbooks would have us believe the grapes would struggle and the wines would lack balance and finesse. But at a recent tasting, I tried wines from Sula Vineyards including Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, and I was genuinely blown away.
While the aged Shiraz was very enjoyable, it was the white wines that completely stole the show. The Viognier in particular was delicious. The nose was beautifully perfumed; it was almost like walking through a tropical garden in bloom. There were layers of spice, generous texture and real personality in the glass. I would happily have a glass of the viognier chilled to drink alone or paired with a grilled seafood or perhaps a spiced fish dish.
Wine has been made in India for centuries, but modern winemaking techniques, cooler high-altitude vineyards and careful vineyard management are transforming quality. It’s exciting to see a wine region challenge expectations like this.
Indian wine? Definitely one to watch and even better, one to taste! Cheers!
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 www.swirlsipsocialise.com
SMALL AD BIG Impact
To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.
AITKEN
GERRY
Painter & Decorator
A widely anticipated food shock is coming - thanks to Trumpelstiltskin’s mess in the Straits of Hormuz, but there is something we can all do to help alleviate a crisis at home.
It’s not difficult to grow a little food at home, even if you’ve only got a windowsill, everyone can do it. Container gardens also work well on balconies and patios, but if you really don’t have any suitable growing space of your own, you could volunteer at your nearest community garden. Better still, you could become a gorilla gardener and start sowing seeds when no-one is looking, making use of unused greenspaces and street corners in your neighbourhood.
In fact, the Friends of Campbell Park all started with two gorilla gardeners who planted wildflowers all along the fence between Woodhall Rd and the Bypass. The wildflower seeds failed, but the action got the attention of the Southwest Parks Manager, Craig Dunlop, who to their surprise and delight offered to help! Unfortunately, he’s just retired but we look forward to continuing the very successful partnership with his replacement, Jennifer Johnstone.
If you are lucky enough to have a garden, and plenty of people do in southwest Edinburgh, you might be surprised to learn that you only need 6 dwarf fruit trees for an orchard. Even if you have just one fruit tree,
you can underplant it with edible companion plants to form a self-supporting fruit tree ‘guild’. If you have space for several fruit trees, you might find Pippa Chapman’s downloadable Food Forest Design Workbook helpful. We’re using it in the Campbell Park community orchard to help our tree carers co-create perennial planting designs between their fruit trees. That work in progress is very visible right now and has started with the formation of 20 new ‘no dig’ raised beds to connect the fruit trees in small clusters of adjacent trees. It’s important to retain good access for harvesting the produce so we aim for about an arm’s length into the middle of any bed, or a maximum width of 2m.
The next most important thing is to grow food and plants that you like. Andrea Magowans Castlelaw Cubs grew sunflowers from seed which they have planted in ‘Cubs Corner’, surrounded by potatoes, one of the best high calorie staples for growing and storing, along with your apples and plums.
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)
The Wellness Centre
The pressures of modern life mean that more people than ever are reaching out for emotional support and for the past 16 years, the local community has been quietly supported by the dedicated work of The Wellness Centre.
The Wellness Centre, situated at 4 Bridge Road in Balerno, is a professional counselling service offering compassionate support to children, young people, adults, couples and families from all walks of life. The service is funded by St Mungo’s Church and welcomes everyone, regardless of background or beliefs.
Over the years, the Centre has become a trusted source of support for many local people facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship difficulties and emotional overwhelm. As well as self-referrals, referrals regularly come from GP practices, schools, social services and CAMHS, reflecting the confidence that local professionals place in the service. We open Monday to Thursday and on average over this past year have had 58 counselling appointments each week. Professional standards and ethical care are central to everything the service offers. The Wellness Centre is an organisational member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and operates fully within BACP ethical guidelines. We currently have a team of forty counsellors working with us, all of whom are professionally qualified to at least
Diploma level and are individual members of a recognised professional counselling body such as COSCA or BACP which gives additional reassurance that all our counsellors fully comply with the ethical guidelines of these organisations.
The team at The Wellness Centre believes deeply in creating a safe, welcoming and compassionate environment where people can talk openly and find support during difficult times. Whether someone is struggling with loss, anxiety, family pressures or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, the service exists to remind people that they do not have to face things alone.
At the heart of The Wellness Centre is a simple but powerful vision: to care for people well, support emotional healing, and help individuals and families across the community find hope and strength for the future.
Here are some comments from former clients about their experience:
“Such a comfortable and welcoming environment. Felt so safe and peaceful. I enjoyed coming early before my session and just enjoying the space”.
“You can tell your story without judgement. It’s a very safe place to be vulnerable.... amazing skills of the counsellor”.
“I feel much stronger and I am no longer afraid”.
“A calm, respectful and safe place even when I felt at my most vulnerable”.
“Caring, highly skilled and professional service”.
If you wish to refer yourself for counselling we would welcome an application from you via our website Counselling — St Mungo’s Church or you can call us on 0131 451 5226
This article was contributed by Lynn Millar BACP (Accred) COSCA (Accred) – Director of Counselling
Isn’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.
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. 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
be realistic, I love the promise that a new year holds, the “clean slate” potential!
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.
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.”
Do something new this new year.
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
JUNE CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the JULY edition
ACROSS: 7. Type of fruit (6), 8. Astute (6), 9. Encounter (4), 10. Fluttering (8), 11. Diary (7), 13. Honestly (5), 15. Regularly (5), 17. Nearest (7), 20. Pupils (8), 21. Encourage (4), 23. Chortles (6), 24. Four score (6).
Join our monthly Saturday flower walks with our Biodiversity Officer, Jonathan. As part of our plant-monitoring work, he will be walking around the park and welcomes anyone who would like to join him.
Vertical [LEFT]
IT’S A GREAT WAY TO:
• Help support our annual plant survey,
• Learn to recognise edible plants, grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees,
• Enjoy a gentle, informative walk in the park
DATES (10.30am - 12.00noon):
• 2 May • 13 June • 18 July
• 15 August • 19 September
MEETING POINT: By the Pavilion
WHAT TO BRING: A mobile phone with a plant-ID app and a x10 hand lens if you have them. A small selection of plant identification books will also be available.
FRIDAY 5TH & SATURDAY 6TH JUNE
Currie Beer and Curry Festival - Featuring 36 casks of independent beer ranging from light, citrus ales to rich porters and stouts, alongside a selection of ciders, lagers, wines and prosecco. Live music will include Bedlam House Band and Blue Soul (Fri) and Jammy Devils with Bob Miller and North Dogs (SAT). The curry, including a vegetarian option, will be prepared by the Kasbah in Marchmont. All money raised is donated to local charities and good causes. Currie Community Centre, 6.00pm – midnight. Tickets in advance at: cbdrt.com/events/beer-festival/2026
SAT 6TH TO SAT 14TH JUNE
Great Big Green Week - Programme of events at The Hub@531, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE. See details and booking online at: hub531.appointedd.com
SUNDAY 7TH JUNE
Newbridge & Ratho Station Farmer’s Market - A new village market, this is the second event. 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.
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE
Flower Walk in Campbell Park - Join our monthly Saturday flower walks with our Biodiversity Officer Jonathan. As part of our plant-monitoring work he will be walking around the park and welcomes anyone two would like to join him. It’s a great way to help support our annual plant survey, learn to recognise edible plants, grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees, 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 to12noon. MEET AT THE PAVILLION.
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE
Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm
SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
Campbell Park’s 90th Birthday PartyFrom 2.00pm at Campbell Park, Woodhall Road, Colinton. Starting 2.00pm at the main gate with a tour of the new signage. FREE BIRTHDAY CAKE, orchard sharing picnic and more! SEE PAGE 37.
SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
RNLI Queensferry Open Day - All welcome to come along to our annual Open Day at Hawes Promenade, South Queensferry with lots for all the family to see and do. Alongside our lifeboat proudly on display we will have a range of stalls and activities. 12noon - 4.00pm. Please check ‘RNLI Queensferry Lifboat’ Facebook page for further details.
SATURDAY 20TH JUNE
Malleny Garden Plant Fayre - Join us for our a fabulous day of flowers, plants, stalls and more. We invite you to enjoy a day at Malleny Garden with our incredible National Collection of 19th century shrub roses. The garden will be in full flower and fragrance while hosting our new Malleny Garden Fair. This is a plant focused day with local plant nurseries, horticultural organisations, community groups, stalls and food and drink. Parking is limited. Please consider walking, cycling or public transport. Malleny Garden, Balerno, 10.00am - 3.00pm.
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
Open Day at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - Model Railway, train rides, drive-a-loco, tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, toilets and picnic area. 10.30am - 4.00pm. Almondell Model Engineering Centre, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF
TUESDAY 30TH JUNE
River Dipping - For 5-10 year olds. Fun afternoon in the Water of Leith discovering what lives below the surface. Wear wellies if you have them. 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. £7 per child, accompanying adult free of charge. Booking and info at waterofleith.org.uk
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.
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.
BALERNO FOLK CLUBBased 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
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT.SCOT FOR INFO.
The Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) Art Trail launched last summer to great acclaim with wonderful levels of community engagement. So, we are back this year (15/16th August) bigger and better with new artists joining our original line up plus new venues to ensure we keep our Art Trail fresh and stimulating for both returning and new visitors.
This year we are featuring 25 respected and professional artists and makers spread across 12 locations, ensuring a great mix work and experiences. You will visit a range of artist studios and local venues based in or near our four participating villages which make up the backbone of the trail – Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno, all situated along the borders of the beautiful Water of Leith.
At POSt we are passionate about forging inspiring creative connections within our community and the
Art Trail is an unmissable opportunity to meet and talk to our artists and makers, including two of our new contributors this year, Dorothy Black and Marianne Hazelwood.
DOROTHY BLACK, a post graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, and has exhibited widely in the UK and abroad. She is renowned for her powerful draughtsmanship and arresting images. The female figure, pattern and nature are key inspirations. dorothyblackart.com @dorothyblackart
ABOVE: by Dorothy Black BELOW: by Marianne Hazlewood
MARIANNE HAZLEWOOD is an RHS award-winning botanical artist and studied Botanical illustration at the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh. Marianne collects and grows her own specimens and specialises in detail, creating photorealistic depictions of plants which illustrate the structures, patterns and tones within the plants themselves. mariannehazlewood.co.uk @mariannehazlewood.co.uk
Dorothy Black Marianne Hazlewood
All our artists are looking forward to meeting you this August so make sure you save the date in your diary - 15th/16th August 2026 - POStudios.org | @POStudios
WE APOLOGISE TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THE DELAYS IN OPENING, IT IS OUTWITH OUR CONTROL. WE AIM TO BE OPEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
