Konect Balerno March 2025

MARCH 2025

HEALTH: LOCAL HISTORY: FOOD & DRINK:

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elcome to March, when it can feel that the winter has more than outstayed its welcome and we grab onto every sign of spring! Joanne in her wine column is hastening the approach of spring with some springtime sips to try. Hang in there, the clocks go forward on 30th March.

There is a wee mystery photo from the Seagull Trust in Ratho which the Trust would like some help solving, see page 46. And with both Wales and Ireland celebrating national saints days in March, the recipe feature looks at food from our Celtic neighbours. The local history article looks at the history of the site of Balerno Mill, which was in Currie, and one of the most colourful characters associated with a mill working family to have come out of Currie.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local History: Balerno Mill and the Currie Clairvoyant...............................................8 Health: Prevent PJ Paralysis........................16 realLIFE.........................................................22 Wine: Springtime Sips....................................28 Local Environment: Meet Kevin..................36 Puzzles........................................................ 38 / 43 Recipe & Food Notes: Our Celtic Neighbours.........................................................40 What’s On: March............................................42 Puzzle Solutions................................................45 Local History: Do you know these people?..........................................................46

COVER IMAGE: Mother’s Day - Sunday 30th March

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

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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LOCAL HISTORY

BALERNO MILL AND THE CURRIE CLAIRVOYANT The first thing to note about Balerno Mill is it was never in Balerno, it was a Currie mill just down from Waulkmill Loan.

The earliest mills on the Water of Leith ground corn or, at waulk mills, prepared wool cloth to remove oils and make the cloth thicker. Of all the mills that developed between Balerno and Juniper Green, Balerno Mill has it’s origins as a waulk mill but went on to have the most varied story of all the local mills before finally closing in 2010.

The exact date when Balerno Mill was established is not recorded but by 1788 what was described as the old fulling mill (fulling is another word for waulking) was leased to Alex and William Nisbet and William McNiven, who used the site to start the first papermill in the area. Their lease was to be for over 50 years but by 1799 the business had failed. Paper milling had already been well established over at Penicuik and by 1805 two other mills (Kinleith and Balerno Bank – in Balerno) were underway in the vicinity. These mills greatly expanded the population of Currie and Balerno but while pay was better than farmwork, it was hard and contentious.

The Statistical Account of Scotland of 1793, in reference to the sizeable ‘paper manufactory’ of Nisbet and MacNiven, stated “The paper trade employs children from 10 or 12 years of age, a period when they can do nothing very laborious, and when their morals - from idleness and neglect - are very apt to be corrupted”. Indeed by 1808, a full 63 years before trade unions were legalised, paper workers from several mills 8 | BALERNO

in and around Edinburgh, conspired together “for the purpose of compelling their masters or employers to raise their wages” and were taken to court by the equally hard nosed mill owners; the workers won - the court dismissed the criminal libel as not relevant.

The next record of Balerno Mill paper works appears in 1825 when it was being operated

by Messrs. Kilgour & Paterson. Certainly the demand for paper was expanding; the number of book publishers in the city had more than doubled in the three decades prior to 1819 as they dealt with Edinburgh’s legal and educational need, its undoubted medical supremacy, and then was further increased

by Walter Scott who had created the new trend for the historical novel.

Sadly none of this appears to have helped business at Balerno Mill, as again by 1826 the company had fallen into bankruptcy. Within two years the papermill restarts under the guidance of a Mr Laing and for 21 years George Laing & Co. operated the mill, no doubt aided by the partnership of the Penicuik papermaker Mr Cowan who ran the business with him and continued for a few years after Mr Laing died. It was during this manufacturers tenure at Balerno Mill that a certain millworker, Mr William Home, described as a “bitter, morose and unhappy man” and his eldest son John worked at the mill. But William was no ordinary millworker; the

illegitimate son of the 11th Earl of Home produced some startling offspring. John emigrated to America and soon managed a mill in Philadelphia. Another son Daniel surpassed even his illustrious legitimate cousins (the 12th Earl was father to Prime Minister Alec Douglas Home) by becoming feted across the world

by Kings and Queens as one of the most celebrated men of his time.

By 1852 the Balerno Mill was in new ownership, again as a papermill, under James and William Durham. Sadly the history of company failure raised its head one more time and both they and their business was declared bankrupt in 1868.

At this point the mill story might have ended. It burnt down and lay empty for the next 30 years; but the publishing and book trade in Edinburgh needed supplies so once again Balerno Mill was raised from the ashes. This time the Fife firm of John Darney & Son of Kinghorn established a glue and gelatin works; glue being in demand for bookbinding and gelatin for photography and printing. Darney’s would have created the buildings that then existed until after 2010, but the firm was gone by 1908 to be replaced by the company many will remember, the leather works of J Hewit & Son. By now the Balerno Mill site was know by its other name, Kinauld, as it was no longer outwith the original small settlement of Currie, set around Currie kirk, and Balerno Bank Mills had for years become a major papermill upstream.

At the beginning of the 1800’s a Hugh Hewit was a shoemaker at Potterrow in Edinburgh and the family business then expanded into a leather warehouse and tannery before taking on the Kinauld site as a second leather works in 1913, finally consolidating all their business there by 1969. The illustrious Home family would be proud that by 1975 Hewits had become ‘by Royal Appointment’ as their bookbinding services and leather is supplied to the Royal Library at Windsor. The company recently relocated to Livingston but can be proud that, for more than half of the recorded operations at Balerno Mill, their company is a final testament to the site’s extraordinarily varied and colourful past.

This article was contributed by James Thomson.

First published in Konect 2013

DANIEL HOME

Daniel Home’s family might have lived in modest mill workers’ cottages in Currie where his father and brother worked at Balerno Mill, but Daniel, whose mother was a clairvoyant, went on to forge a truly illustrious lifestyle; he is unquestionably the most colourful person to have come from Currie.

Daniel Dunglas Home became an internationally famous medium, an ornament of Victorian spiritualism, holding seances for the rich and famous in England, France, Italy and Russia.

His hosts included Napoleon III, the King of Italy and the Queen of the Netherlands, who were all impressed by his paranormal abilities.

His heady contacts knew no bounds; when he married in St Petersberg, his best man was Alexander Dumas - author of The Three Muscateers. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stated that Home was unusual in that he had four different types of mediumship: the ability to let spirits speak, to let spirits speak through oneself, to see things that are out of view, and physically move objects and levitate - the latter in which he had no equal.

Debunkers tried to prove that Home was a hoax, offering theories that Home chloroformed his sitters or travelled with a hidden monkey responsible for levitations and movements of furniture. Houdini claimed he would duplicate Home’s levitations, but cancelled the event.

Home was, perhaps, the most celebrated medium of all time.

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HEALTH

Prevent

PJ Paralysis

If you have been visiting a friend or relative in hospital recently, or even been in hospital yourself, you may well have seen posters and displays urging you to help “Prevent PJ Paralysis.”

The important message to get out of your Pyjamas (PJs) started in the UK in 2017 as a measure to help patients and it has now become an international movement with the next global online summit taking place in July 2025. The message is to get up, get dressed and get moving to speed up your recovery.

We have known for decades about the many benefits of exercise for both our physical and mental health. However, being unwell, particularly if you are in hospital, is still associated with needing rest to get better.

Studies have shown that wearing pyjamas and night clothes during the day can reinforce feelings of being unwell and can actually hinder recovery.

We now know that around 3 in 5 older patients in hospital have no medical reason to be on bed rest. Staying in bed can be detrimental to health in so many ways including:• Making breathing harder so you more likely to get a chest infection • Increasing the risk of developing a blood clot called a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) which can lead to stroke • Digestion can be affected causing stomach pains and constipation Muscles need to be used to stay strong and we need muscle strength to remain independent.

It is a startling fact that people over the age of 80 can lose 10% of their muscle mass for every 10 days they stay in hospital. This is the equivalent of aging by 10 years in just 10 days!

The simple act of getting up and getting dressed can really help prevent the problems caused by inactivity. This in turn leads to improved outcomes including increased wellbeing, maintaining independence, a reduced chance of needing admission to 16 | BALERNO

a care home and a faster discharge from hospital. As Professor Brian Dolan has pointed out, “patient time is the most important currency in health and social care.” People do not want to be in hospital and getting home to loved ones safer and sooner is the goal.

Friends and relatives can really help with this. Often it is our instinct to be kind and to do things to help our loved ones when they are unwell. The best thing we can do to help, though, is encourage the end of PJ paralysis by bringing in clean clothes and well-fitting shoes to be worn in hospital during the day instead of night clothes. Encourage your loved one to get up and sit in a chair or move around the ward. Hospital staff will let you know appropriate activity levels.

The principals of preventing PJ paralysis were first brought in specifically with older adults in hospital in mind but are now being extended to all of us, as we are all at risk of deconditioning due to prolonged bed rest, of losing muscle strength, risking falls and losing independence.

Remember the benefits of getting up, dressed and moving – let’s end PJ Paralysis!

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

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SUZANN E GREEN

I

sn’t it interesting that wish one ’ve not jumped on thewe “know your another a “happy new year” long family history” bandwagon as so after singing Lang Syne – for many peopleAuld have.

It’s not that I weeks after boxing the Christmas have no interest inup knowing what decorations thethere loft. my forebearsand gotreturning up to. It’sthem just to that are so manyofother to world do/ Regardless what’sthings goingI’d on like in our need to do in this life,about and Iissues can’t seem and various concerns in our to keep up with them.

And then also don’t own country, we hope that 2025 will Ibe a really enjoyIt researching – anything! good year. would be wonderful to see achieved at leastwho oneloves areadoing where Ipeace do have a retiredinrelative wardetective is currently raging. on telling a personal the work.

He isAnd, always me level, we alsoour hope to see growth and stories about well-known ancestors progress in our own about life and in the and also his theories who we lives may of those weto.know love, be related Oftenand these areoccasions well-knownto celebrate,figures good or health andSometimes maybe even historical royalty. he some fun in old thephotos next 12from months. sends me surprises a couple of the 1800s or earlyon1900s and asks whether I think I’m focusing the “new” in “Happy New it’s the same person pictured in both (in their Year”. I’ve not exactly made any new year’s youth and then years later)seems and I’mtohappy resolutions.

This tradition be to comment. when- social he relates a long becoming But lessoften popular media posts story I have at being supportive, regularly telltouswork thathard we don’t need to strive and I do thatwe because I know he to improve, are “enough” as enjoys we are, we sharing it so much. shouldn’t load ourselves up with goals and then when welisten can’ttoachieve If, likefeel me,guilty you regularly BBC them.

Although I agree that it’s goodato Radio 4 you may have caught

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FEBRUARY, 2025 BALERNO | MARCH, 2025

be realistic, I love the promise that a new year holds, the “clean slate” potential! programme called The Gift, which tells the If you live in Balerno, youDNA too may been stories of people who do testshave to find delighted to see snow falling early morning out about their family history – and then wish on New Year’s Day.several I stoodpeople at our glass they hadn’t!

I heard describe patiothey doordiscovered and watched sleet turned how theyas had siblings or to big white snowflakes that quickly half-siblings they had never knowncovered about our garden bedecked thethat trees. was a before.

One and woman found out the Itman wonderful illustration ofher theDad “it’s was all fresh and she’d always known as not her new” theme. biological father. She was conceived through one of her extra-marital affairs.

Signing upmum’s for a Pilates class was a new thingaspect for meof atfamily the beginning of I2024.

And it One history that do find has been ahas positive I may and not be as interesting to do change. with surnames how proficient many in thehave. class, I struggle to people gotas the one they Recently I had a a young shop-owner in doconversation some of thewith stretches because of a knee England who has the surname issue, and I sometimes have a“English”. hard time resisting dancing the background music Although she had atoproper English accent, when I should besupported listening to the instructor. her jet-black hair the fact that her But I know exercise is doing meingood. people hadthe come from somewhere Asia.

I’m notwanted sure what thing(s) will do/ “They to fitnew in here,” sheIexplained, encounter this year, but I willto keep my eyes “so they changed their name English!”

She and ears for them. went on toopen describe how some of her German ancestors settled daughter in Lancashire for When my eldest was and, in primary similar swapped surnamenew. for I school,reasons, she decided to trytheir something “Lancaster”. heard about it from another mum, who had at the herthe daughter Ibeen wonder howschool many to of watch us know origin and do Highland dancing in anname. assembly.

“I a meaning of our own family I googled few names learn what meant.

Nesmith: didn’t knowtoyour girl didthey it too,” she said. a of knives orshe nails; Stewart: keeper of Somaker I explained that didn’t, although she the Weir:class. someone whostrange,” lived by a dam wasestate; in a ballet “That’s said or on a“At river; owner orchildren operatorwho of myweir friend. theMiller: assembly the a mill.Highland I knew that my surname took dance lessons was werehistorically invited that person whooflived near and the village to gooftoa the centre the floor perform. I green.

I’vedaughter learned itdid was also given thoughtBut your rather well.” to someone fond of wearing the colour green.

Later I asked my child why she had done My name was“IRay. It has this.maiden “Oh,” she said. thought thevarious teacher meanings, including “king” “son said, “Will all children who and would likeofto do grace”.

But I was happy to come give it forward up when I Highland dancing please married.

Now, when someone asks about my now? So I went.” family history, I can say with a straight face Do something new this new year. that I’m an ex-Ray. 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.

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WINE TASTING

Spring is in the air! Buds are bursting into bloom and the evenings are stretching out. The change is season invites us to swap our bold, fireside winter reds for something fresher and brighter. Spring is a time of renewal, and your wine glass should reflect that!

This springtime, think zesty, aromatic whites; perhaps an English Bacchus, bursting with elderflower and citrus, or a crisp Albariño with notes of sea salt and sunshine. Rosé season officially begins, with Provence-style pinks offering delicate strawberry and lime notes which are perfect for a picnic.

As temperatures start to rise, look out for light, juicy reds. I really like Fleurie from Beaujolais, it has gorgeous floral label and the wine has delicious notes of raspberry and very light tannins. Beaujolais and cool climate Pinot Noirs can be slightly chilled, making them delicious pairings with cold cuts of spring lamb or asparagus dishes.

Wine tasting in spring is an experience all its own. The fresh air sharpens your senses, making floral and fruity notes pop!

To celebrate the arrival of spring, I will be drinking a glass or two of Fiano di Sicilia, a white wine made on the island of Sicily.

Fiano has a delicate floral nose, with a light perfume and bright citrus notes.

The acidity is fresh and clean, and the wine perfectly pairs with grilled fish or seafood.

Spring is fleeting, but a glass of this will make it last just a little longer!

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 28 | BALERNO

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JACK BROWN EYECARE – Rotary Community Member Jack Brown Eyecare, with practices in Elder Street, Westside Plaza and Juniper Green, has become the fourth Rotary Community Member associated with Currie Balerno Rotary, joining Lindsay & Gilmour, Circle Security and Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club.

“One of our key values is ‘Care & Community’, and so it is very important for us to find ways to give back to our local community.”

This is a statement of Jack Brown Eyecare’s commitment to serving the local community and Andy Connell, one of the directors at Jack Brown Eyecare, sees a partnership with Currie Balerno Rotary as a natural development of that policy. Through the Juniper Green practice it has supported the resurfacing of the Juniper Green tennis club and via the Wester Hailes practice it has supported the Holy Trinity Foodbank. Both of these are also supported by Currie Balerno Rotary; and on seeing the help Rotary is giving to Wester Hailes High School, Jack Brown Eyecare have offered to make a contribution to that, too - demonstrating this shared objective of helping those in need in the community.

Andy and his business partner Barry Duncan are already scheduled to speak to Rotary on 5 March. They will now be doing so as representatives of a Rotary Community Member.

Currie Balerno Rotary serves the communities of Ratho, Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton, Colinton, and Wester Hailes. To know more about us, go to our website at cbrotary.org, follow us on facebook. com/cbrotary1020 or contact Mike Rowe at PR@cbrotary.org or on 0131 449 5701.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Kestrels have been a bit of a sore spot for me when it comes to photographing them until recently. I’ve watched them hovering over a field, using their excellent eyesight to spot a mouse or vole scurrying around in the grass.

They can see in ultraviolet light, which allows them to see the urine trails around rodent burrows. They’re excellent hunters, and I watched this one stoop down from the tallest tree to grab this vole. Whilst they hover, they keep their head perfectly still.

It’s well worth watching a video of it as it’s quite incredible to see.

I’ve been lucky to have a pair hunting not far from my house recently. They were very confiding, allowing me to walk under them as they perched on an overhead wire, where usually they’ve been quite distant.

I’m not one for naming wild animals but my husband has christened this one Kevin.

You can tell it’s a male because it’s got a grey head, whereas the female is generally brown all over. They’re beautiful little birds and much like the foxes I saw last year, they come with a certain sense of nostalgia 36 | BALERNO

as they featured heavily in the Animals of Farthing Wood.

It’s always enjoyable coming across wildlife like this in such an urban environment and though I hope they might nest over the summer, it’s unlikely given it’s quite busy but you never know.

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.

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

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MARCH SUDOKU (EASY)

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 45

MARCH CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the APRIL edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Fasten to (6), 4. Enquiring (6), 9. Reduce length (7), 10. Loosen (5), 11. More (5), 12. Stretches (7), 13. Twisted together (11), 18. Requiring (7), 20. Not inner (5), 22. Assists (5), 23. Needing a drink (7), 24. Hurried (6), 25. Stopped (6).

DOWN: 1. Reply (6), 2. Type of fish (5), 3. Small country house (7), 5. A trick (5), 6. Severe (7), 7. Lubricate (6), 8. Enquire into (11), 14. Used for sewing (7), 15. Worship (7), 16. Fasten (6), 17. Ragged (6), 19. Hand out (5), 21. Trials (5).

HALF-PAGE Hz ADD SOLUTION DETAILS 38 | BALERNO

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Two national saints days occur in March: St David of Wales and St Patrick of Ireland. It’s interesting to consider what traditional foods are connected with Scotland’s neighbouring Celtic countries. Both the political and social history and climate of Wales and Ireland have had huge influence on the crops and cooking of the people of these two lands.

Roman imports never influenced Ireland so food was limited to what flourished on this mild, Atlantic-weathered landscape. Oats, wheat and rye, a little later peas and beans, and then dairy cattle hence milk, butter and cheese became the staples and were very important exports.

By the 16th century potatoes arrived, changing the habits and the diet of the pre-industrial population and in time led to the disastrous reliance on this one crop, causing the famine and massive depopulation of the whole island in the 19th century.

Wales is more mountainous and has poorer soils and a harsher climate than Ireland; but it has land links with England and became heavily industrialised in the 19th century. However, people in the two countries had similar basic cooking utensils which led to similarities in

Ingredients:

• 1kg potatoes. Maris Piper or King Edwards are best • 100g butter • Salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg, a little oil

Method:

1. Peel the potatoes if you prefer but it is not necessary.

2. Bring to the boil in a pan of water and cook the potatoes for 3-5 minutes. Drain and cool a little till you can handle them.

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foods. These were a flat griddle and a three legged cooking pot which stood in the fire on the hearth. Hence stews, soups, flatbreads, cheese, autumn fruit and nuts with the addition of the occasional luxury of meat or game became the cuisine of both countries.

Potato cakes, leek soup, Cawl, Bara Brith and Laver bread (nori seaweed) are the traditional foods of Wales. The Irish are proud of their Irish stew, soda breads, pancakes, beer, corned beef (salt beef) champ, Boxty (potato bread), colcannon (bubble and squeak) and cheeses.

All these dishes are good to eat while the days are short and not too warm. They are comfort food at its best and quickest, using ingredients most people have to hand and do not take a great deal of work - just slow, gentle cooking.

3. Oil or well-butter an oven proof metal dish, put a sprig of thyme or some dried thyme leaves on the bottom of the dish.

Slice some of the potatoes and carefully arrange them in circles in the dish. Slice the rest of the tatties and gently mix together with the melted butter, salt, pepper, a little grated nutmeg and a bit more thyme. Turn all this into the dish and firm down.

4. Cover with a circle of non-stick paper and bake in a hot oven, 180o, for 1¼ to 1½ hours. Turn out to serve.

5. Serve with colds meats, grilled chops or fried sausages or black pudding.

Leeks are the national symbol of Wales and are worn in the headgear of the armed forces on St David’s Day. They are good eating at this time of the year.

Ingredients:

• 3 or 4 leeks sliced • 1 onion finely chopped • Chicken breast cut in 4 or 5 pieces • 3 or 4 rashers bacon cut small • 75g butter or some oil • 2 tablespoons plain flour • 3/4 pint milk, or mix of milk and chicken stock.

• Salt, pepper chopped fresh coriander, chives or parsley.

Method:

1. Peel the potatoes if you prefer but it is not necessary.

2. Bring to the boil in a pan of water and cook the potatoes for 3-5 minutes. Drain and cool a little till you can handle them.

3. Oil or well-butter an oven proof metal dish, put a sprig of thyme or some dried thyme leaves on the bottom of the dish.

Slice some of the potatoes and carefully arrange them in circles in the dish. Slice the rest of the tatties and gently mix together with the melted butter, salt, pepper, a little grated nutmeg and a bit more thyme. Turn all this into the dish and firm down.

4. Cover with a circle of non-stick paper and bake in a hot oven, 180o, for 1¼ to 1½ hours. Turn out to serve.

5. Serve with colds meats, grilled chops or fried sausages or black pudding.

• Depending on the time of year and family tradition: carrots, cabbage, kale, turnip, swede or parsnips

Method:

It’s a brave person to offer a recipe for this, as with most traditional food every family has its own way of doing it!

Ingredients:

• 1kg neck of mutton chops, chump chops or shoulder of lamb • 500-750g potatoes • 3 or 4 onions chopped • 100g pearl barley

1. Brown the meat in a little oil (not traditional), put in an ovenproof casserole dish and layer up on top whichever other vegetables you fancy.

2. Brown the onion in the same oil, then add it to the meat. Add the barley and seasoning. Some say white pepper is needed. Add water to just cover the contents of the casserole.

3. Slice the potatoes and layer on top to make a lid. Bake in a medium oven for 2 hours or till the meat is very tender and the potatoes are brown and crispy.

This recipe and food notes were contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and can have pleasure preparing meals for their family and friends.

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SATURDAY 8TH MARCH Balerno Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SUNDAY 9TH MARCH The Dells in Spring - Hands-on guided walk for adults, focusing on tree identification and spotting signs of spring. What trees are in flower and how can you identify them before the leaves appear? Are other plants appearing in the meadows and woodlands?

What creatures can be seen? Is there fungus to be spotted? 1.30 – 3.30pm. Meet at Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. Tickets £7 via waterofleith.org.uk TUESDAY 11TH MARCH Tartan Tea Party - With “It’s in the Bag” at Colinton Library. Join Sam and Rosie as they journey to the North of Scotland for the annual Tartan Tea Party. With lots of well known Scottish nursery rhymes and songs, this is guaranteed fun for little ones aged 0-2! 10.30am, please call the library on 0131 529 5603 to book your space.

FRIDAY 14TH MARCH Author event: Alison Page - Come and listen to Corrie’s Library Capers at Currie Library. ‘Things take an unexpected turn when Corrie volunteers to lend a paw with Arran’s mobile library. The islanders miss their muchloved books so Corrie turns to her pal Tabitha for assistance. But how can a retired riding school pony help?’ 1.30pm, call the library to book your child’s place: 0131 529 5609 SATURDAY 29TH MARCH Kilimanjaro Concert - Former Currie High School pupil Catriona Duncan presents this fundraising concert to support the charity Dig Dee, which runs water and sanitation projects in Bomet county, Kenya. Catriona is now a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. She is studying percussion and will be playing marimba in the concert. This is a relatively unusual instrument and to hear it ‘up close’ in Balerno is a rare opportunity. She will be joined by some of her friends, all students at RCS, on woodwind and brass instruments and they will play duets and solos in a varied programme of classical music. These young people are already very accomplished musicians and it is a wonderful opportunity to hear them play and support a good cause at the same time.

42 | BALERNO

Balerno Parish Church, 2-3pm. Tickets £7.50, children under 18 are free but must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased from Balerno church office or you can email catrionaaduncan@gmail.com or text 07393 950252.

MONDAY 24TH MARCH Colinton Garden Club Members’ Evening Speaker will be Professor Kevin Frediani, Curator of Dundee University Botanic Gardens. All meetings are held at 8pm at Dreghorn Loan Hall, Colinton, and new members are always welcome MONDAY 31ST MARCH Spring Concert – Handel’s Messiah - With the Colinton & Mechiston Community Choir. All are welcome to join us at 8.00pm in the Memorial Hall at Merchiston Castle School, 294 Colinton Road, EH13 0PU. We will be singing parts 2 and 3 of the magnificent Handel’s Messiah. Tickets £10 or £5 for under 18s available from choir members or at the door - cash only. Doors open 7.30pm and plenty of tickets will be available.

We will be led by our excellent Director of Music, Tim Coleman and accompanied by the well known Morley Whitehead on the organ and also by a Quartet, a Double Bass, a Timpanist and 2 Trumpets. It should be a wonderful evening.

Please do come along. For more information about the Choir, please see colintonchoir.org or our Facebook page.

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.

All meets are in Edinburgh Pentlands (formerly Juniper Green) Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road 10.00am - 12noon.

New members welcome.

Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH “Staffa” an illustrated talk

by Karen McCormack.

MARCH SUDOKU (HARD)

March Crossword and ‘EASY’ Sudoku on page 38. See page 45 for solutions.

BALERNO | 43

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

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 12-1pm We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.40 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 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 44 | BALERNO

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 ADULT ART CLASSES & SOCIAL - Free taster class! Learn Art in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Based on the drawing theories of Betty Edwards - this class is appropriate for all levels. Our teacher Jane holds a BA from Hallam University with over 25 years experience teaching art, design and photography. Come develop your core skills and have a cuppa with others who share a love of Art. Thursdays 10.00am-12.00pm, Currie Community Centre, 280 Lanark Road West.

W: justvillagesocialevents.co.uk E:nicole@justvillagesocialevents.co.uk 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 7pm. Table money £4. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information see W: bridgewebs.com/pentland E: mthjkb@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 M.Timmins on 07917878955. 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 £13 which includes a snack. No parent duties required. For more information: W: junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb. co.uk E: junipergreenplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk T: 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 PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH SINGERS - Rehearsals & FITNESS CLASSES - at every Tuesday 6-7pm, Balerno Prime Sports Physio & Parish Church. For young Pilates Studio & Gym - Our people aged 8 to 14. Come expert physios, Pilates & yoga SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY and sing a wide array of choral instructors and personal trainers music in a fun and supportive offer a programme of 22 classes CROSSWORD environment. More information: per week to promote wellbeing, W: www.pentlandjuniors.org or health, strength and fitness.

E: pentlandjuniors@gmail.com We’re delighted to now offer a monthly class membership as TH CURRIE 65 BOYS BRIGADE well as individual class bookings.

- Anchor Boys (P2-3) and Visit: primesportsphysio.co.uk Junior Section (P4-6) Thurs to book classes.

6.00-7.30pm. Company Section E: hello@primesportsphysio.co.uk (P7-S6) Sun 6.30- 8.30pm for more info.

Gibson Craig Hall, Currie.

Contact 65edinburghbb@gmail.

BARREFusion - A Barre class com or 07730 414371. with a twist! Elements of Ballet & Yoga. Includes signature Fuse RATHO COMMUNITY CENTRE moves, Cardio bursts & Strength • Gentle Exercise Group, every work. Drop-in (contactless Thurs from 10am-12 noon payments taken) or pre-book • Gentle Exercise Group, every at www.bookwhen.com/ Thurs from 10am-12 noon heidimacdonaldfitness. Fridays ACROSS: 1. Attach,alternate 4. Asking, 9.

Shorten, • 50+ Group Wed 9:15am, Ogston Hall, Balerno 10. Untie, Extra, 12. Extends, from11.

2pm-4pm Parish Church. For further details: 13.•Intertwined, 18. Needing, 20. Outer, Book Group alternate Wed 22. Helps, Thirsty, 24. Rushed, 25. Ceased. M: 07982205111 from23.

2pm-4pm E: heidi.instructor@gmail.com DOWN: 1. Answer, 2. Trout, 3. Cottage, • Knit and Natter Group Thurs 5. Stunt, 6. Intense, 7. Grease, 8. Investigate, PARACISE - Gentle to from 2pm-4pm 14. Needles, 15. Idolise, 16. Anchor, moderate exercise to music Tel:Frayed, Ratho19.Community Centre 17.

Issue, 21. Tests. you’ll love. Working on balance, 0131 333 1055. mobility, flexibility & posture.

SOLUTIONS TO MARCH All STANDING. Drop-in JUNIPER GREEN BOARD(contactless payments taken) SUDOKUS ON PAGE XX GAMERS - Family and kids or pre-book at bookwhen. friendly board-game group com/heidimacdonaldfitness open to all. Come join us to Wednesdays 10:45am Balerno play all sorts of board-games.

Scout Hall - bring water. For Children are free with any adult (£3/adut) Meetings every further details call Heidi on 07982 2nd Friday 6pm to 9pm see 205111. boardjg.co.uk for details of ART CLUB - This club suits contact eric@boardjg.co.uk children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online PENTLAND CALEDONIA learning will focus on technique, PIPES AND DRUMS - Pentland pencil work and colour.

Caledonia Pipes and Drums Outdoor classes will be a visual are looking for new members, appreciation of colour, depth and players or learners. We teach pipes and drums free. We meet nature through pencil and other in Balerno Community Centre mixed media like watercolours. every Friday 7pm 9.30pm.

We encourage individuality and (EASY) You can find us on Facebook. celebrating being your own true For information call Deeanne on artist. First class is a FREE trial.

07885 612583.

E: balernoartclub@gmail.com T: 07591990020 JUNIPER GREEN TENNIS Insta: @everychildisanartist_ CLUB - This small friendly LTA affiliated club in the heart of TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB Juniper Green is open to all OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL to join. There’s an extensive DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, junior coaching programme, as well as adult coaching TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT and social sessions. For membership check out our NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS website clubspark.lta.org.uk/ ARE FREE. THERE IS A JuniperGreenTennisClub and SMALL CHARGE FOR follow us on Facebook.com/ BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT. junipergreentennis. We look SCOT FOR INFORMATION. (HARD) forward to welcoming you! @KonectMagazines

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Attach, 4. Asking, 9. Shorten, 10. Untie, 11. Extra, 12. Extends, 13. Intertwined, 18. Needing, 20. Outer, 22. Helps, 23. Thirsty, 24. Rushed, 25. Ceased.

DOWN: 1. Answer, 2. Trout, 3. Cottage, 5. Stunt, 6. Intense, 7. Grease, 8. Investigate, 14. Needles, 15. Idolise, 16. Anchor, 17. Frayed, 19. Issue, 21. Tests.

SOLUTIONS TO MARCH SUDOKUS ON PAGES 38/43

(EASY)

(HARD)

BALERNO | 45

LOCAL HISTORY

DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PHOTO?

This photo is from the archives of Seagull Trust Cruises in Ratho, who would like to draw on local knowledge to solve a mystery.

The photo originally came from the late Ronnie Rusack. Ronnie was owner of the Bridge Inn in Ratho and operated two restaurant barges on the Union Canal.

He was a founder member and former Chairman of Seagull Trust Cruises.

The photograph shows a group of people leaving Ronnie's boat "Pride of the Union" at the aqueduct across the River Almond on the western outskirts of Edinburgh. The mystery is that the filename which Ronnie gave the photo is "KingSpain.jpg".

The man carrying the red lined coat resembles King Juan Carlos in the mid 1980s. The man in uniform looks like an equerry. Some of the people look Spanish and the uniform is Spanish.

46 | BALERNO

There is no record of King Juan Carlos visiting Scotland. There was a short State visit to England in 1986.

It seems unlikely that this is the King of Spain but the group look important so who could they be?

There are few people alive who could have been involved. The young man leading (with the look of a Civil Servant) will be at least in his 70s now.

If you can shed any light on this photo, who the group is and why Ronnie would have called it the King of Spain, please contact editor@konect.scot

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