OCTOBER 2026
FEATURE:
CHARITY:
LOCAL HISTORY:
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ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are helping to raise awareness by spotlighting the fantastic local charity Breast Friends and Family. They have capacity to help current and past breast cancer patients. And if you are inspired to do some fundraising in October please consider them. All details on pages 8-9. We’ve got two local history articles to enjoy in this issue – one from Bruce Jamieson on “Linlithgow’s Tune”, and one from a National Museums of Scotland curator who shares his recollections of “Spying on the Royal Navy” during his time at Port Edgar, South Queensferry. Just through the hills at the former Bangour Village Hospital, the site development is taking shape. Master developer Ambassador Homes is passionate about the history and heritage of the location, and along with West Lothian estate agents Turpie & Co are hosting a pop-up event based in the show homes on 3rd October. Local residents are welcome to visit and learn about what is on offer - see pages 16-17. There is lots on as we head into the last quarter of the year. Check the What’s On section, and if you are running a festive fundraising fair in November or December let me know about it so I can include it in the November issue! Thanks for reading Konect and supporting the local area in every way!
All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638
Local Charity: Breast Friends & Family........... 8 Living Well: Living Grief.....................................10 Life Coaching: “It’s not where you start”.......12 Property Matters: Homes, Interiors & Lifestyle Event.......................................................16 Local History: The Roke.....................................18 Feature: Ways to avoid rogue traders...........23 Garden Project: Bird feeding...........................25 Vets Tip: Microchipping.....................................27 Local History: “Spying on the Royal Navy”.. 28 Money Matters: Junior ISAs..............................30 Puzzles:..........................................................31 / 34 Recipe: Pumpkin Chilli Con Carne.................32 Wine: Wine for the Master Vintner..................34 What’s On: October Events..............................35 Film Review: All of a sudden............................38
COVER IMAGE: Breast Friends and Family Calling fun fundraisers! (Page 8)
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At “The Heart” in Bathgate, a series of peer support groups, activities, treatments and therapies offer “all the things that make you feel you can get back to normal” during and after – sometimes long after - breast cancer treatment.
Located on Glasgow Road in Bathgate, “The Heart” is the home of local charity Breast Friends and Family. The charity was set up in 2018 by Hazel Orr, after the organisation that had supported her through her own cancer journey closed. Hazel didn’t want other breast cancer patients to be without the wonderful support she had experienced, so she set up Breast Friends and Family with a clear vision in mind of what she wanted to offer. Their services are for patients undergoing treatment at St John’s Hospital. Initially supplying a surgery support goodybag (including items such as mastectomy bras, headscarves for those losing their hair due to chemotherapy, cooling towels and creams) and operating out of Hazel’s home for several years, the charity grew rapidly, with support groups meeting at various coffee shops and even in Hazel’s living room! Since January 2025, Breast Friends and Family now have the luxury of space at their own premises to offer a range of supports, supplementing NHS care by “providing breast cancer patients with the little things that make a big difference.” Regular groups at The Heart include peer support for patients (twice a month) where, in the private and non clinical 8 | LINLITHGOW
environment, you can talk, compare experiences, laugh or cry. There is a separate group for patients with secondary breast cancer. And the husband of a current patient recently set up a group for family and friends, in recognition of the fact that a patient’s family benefits from peer support too. There is a treatment room for massage, as well as a range of classes including relaxation, yoga and reiki - and even a crochet class. All classes are free of charge to patients, and are small groups. By attending a patients’ group at The Heart, you know you are with people who absolutely understand what you are going through, so it’s easier than facing a regular yoga or exercise class. The Heart has a wheelchair ramp and is fully accessible. One of the volunteers, Rhona, was originally a patient supported by Breast Friends and Family, and explains, “I was completely blown away by the kindness I was shown, and by the thought that had gone into the goody bag I was given for my surgery. Knowing how much that bag meant to me, and how it showed the love and care from the charity, I started volunteering for them as soon as I could.” Words such as care, compassion, friendship, hope, love and kindness, are all encapsulated in the name “The Heart,” which was chosen for the new premises after patients were asked to describe what Breast Friends and Family meant to them. An expanded range of goody bags is still a core part of the charity, and includes a Surgery Bag, a Chemo Bag, a Radiotherapy bag, and a Menopause Symptoms Bag (breast
cancer treatment can bring on menopause symptoms). Each one is carefully assembled to contain selected products that alleviate and support treatment - creams, lotions, body washes, cooling spray, lubricants, headscarves, and more. There is a monthly open coffee morning at The Heart on the last Saturday of the month, anyone is welcome to come and see what the charity is about. Drop in anytime between 10:30am and 1pm. Upcoming open coffee mornings are on 26th September and 31st October. The charity is entirely funded by donations and by fundraising activities. There are no paid staff, although some of the exercise and activity instructors are paid by the charity to lead the classes, which are free for patients. “We all love the fundraising part of it,” say Rhona and Hazel. There are two main fundraisers each year, in April and October. “We regularly come up with different ideas for events - the same people come back time and again to our events so we like to keep it fresh and interesting for everyone!” They are fantastic social occasions, when the whole Breast Friends and Family extended “family” come together to have fun and raise essential funds for the charity.
Breast Friends and Family are always looking for people to support them with fundraising activities. Doing the Kilt Walk, sponsored runs or other activities, holding stalls at events, hosting your own fundraising event – any way you can get involved makes a difference. If you have any fundraising ideas, or would like to fundraise for Breast Friends and Family, please get in touch with them at the contact details below.
Coming up this month (October), they have a Fashion Show where ten patients will share their journey. There is an annual Christmas Fayre in December. And the April 2027 fundraiser will be Ladies Day for the Grand National. “We want breast cancer patients, past and present, to know we are here, and what support we offer,” says Hazel. “Taking that first step through the door is the most difficult. But we have people here who recovered 10 to 20 years ago – they are all welcome, because once you’ve had breast cancer it never really leaves you.” Breast Friends and Family Address: 133 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 2QN E: info@breastfriendsandfamily.co.uk W: www.breastfriendsandfamily.co.uk Facebook: @BreastFF Charity registered in Scotland No. SC048332. LINLITHGOW | 9
LIVING WELL
Grief is often associated with bereavement, but for many carers it can begin long before a loved one dies. Known as living grief, it’s the emotional response to the changes and losses that can occur when caring for a person living with dementia, frailty, a long-term illness or other life-changing condition. These changes may affect memory, independence, communication and personality, leaving carers feeling as though they are gradually losing parts of the relationship they once knew. Living grief is not about losing hope; it’s about recognising the impact of change. Carers may experience sadness, loneliness, frustration, guilt, anxiety or simply a sense that life is different from what they expected. These feelings are a normal response and can come and go over time. To help address this often-overlooked experience, Carers of West Lothian, working in
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partnership with IMPACT (Improving Adult Care Together), has developed a dedicated online resource focused on living grief. The website provides information, guidance and personal reflections to help people understand their feelings and find support. It also encourages carers to look after their own wellbeing and seek help before reaching crisis point. For older adults, carers and families across West Lothian, recognising living grief can be an important step towards feeling understood and less alone. It reminds us that grief is not only about loss after death, but can also be part of the caring journey itself. To learn more, visit www.livinggrief.org.uk. For information, advice and support, contact Carers of West Lothian on 01506 448000 or email office@carers-westlothian.com The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian
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LIFE COACHING
, "It s not where you START START"" ‘It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish’ goes the old song but sometimes it can feel like a tall order to make the kind of progress we want. That fabulous home, great new job or the relationship we dream of can be elusive and it can feel like our goal is just around the next bend. Change is hard, whether it’s those major life goals or the seemingly more accessible desire to eat better, walk more or get to bed before midnight. The most troubling aspect of all this is that, when we set ourselves a goal and then don’t achieve it, our harsh inner critic tells us we are lazy, don’t work hard enough and don’t deserve the positive changes we really desire. But, despite what that inner voice tells us, not achieving what we think we want with all our hearts isn’t due to laziness or lack of motivation. It’s mainly down to those limiting beliefs and that sense that we are just not good enough to reach those goals and make that difference to our lives, persistence and setting out short and long term goals can make all the difference. Change is always going to be hard at the beginning but persisting with those small steps and setting a goal for the next few weeks instead of using ‘never’ and ‘forever’ language. A thirty day consistency challenge, whether that’s no sugar, no complaining or taking a daily short walk is a great place to start. The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See orrganise.co.uk 12 | LINLITHGOW
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PROPERTY MATTERS
T
he much-anticipated development at Bangour Village Estate is the venue for an up-coming Turpie & Co pop-up event.
Turpie & Co’s regular pop-up events showcase hand-picked local services, offering guests a chance to enjoy quality interactions and exclusive shopping experiences with the businesses, and with each other, in a social and relaxed setting. The next event on 3rd October will be hosted within Ambassador Homes’ stunning show homes at The Crescent, Bangour Village Estate. In recognition of the history and the emotional investment locally in the development of Bangour Village, Turpie & Co along with Ambassador Homes warmly invite the local community to attend the pop-up event, to enjoy a morning of shopping and mingling as well as to learn more about the homes themselves. Ambassador Homes are the master planners for the entire Bangour area, and whilst parts of the site are being developed by other builders, Ambassador Homes retain all the heritage buildings and a large portion of the village to develop in accordance with the unique
ethos that they bring to the special sites they acquire. The emphasis is on building a lower volume of beautiful and sustainable, future-proof homes in sympathy with the natural environment and the heritage of the site. The Crescent is their centrepiece at Bangour, a planned suite of stunning new homes facing the heritage buildings and with elevated views across the landscape. Every home at The Crescent will have solar panels and EV chargers as standard. At the upcoming pop-up event, Mercedes-Benz of Grangemouth will be in attendance with a range of their electric cars for guests to explore. This is an opportunity to see the cars without showroom pressure and to and enjoy relaxed discussion about their innovative technology. An integral part of an intentional lifestyle is your wardrobe. Too often relegated to the “too hard” basket, dressing for success - or simply finding clothes that make you feel fantastic every day - is achievable. When
everything else is “just right”, why not invest in feeling good in what you wear? Personal stylist Leigh Maybury of Life with Style will be at the event with a boutique selection of clothes and accessories, and will be on hand to consult as you shop. Leigh focuses on her clients’ lifestyle needs and helps them beat wardrobe overwhelm. Guests at the pop-up event will be able to admire in person the stunning interior design and furnishing in The Crescent show homes. Each was created in consultation with local interior designer Home by Lauren. Lauren will also be designing the interiors for the upcoming ‘Heritage’ apartment conversions that will be launching soon. She will be at the pop-up event showcasing some of her furnishings that can be purchased on the day. There will be drinks and nibbles, and the management and staff from Turpie & Co and our partners warmly invite the local community to join us. You’re welcome to come “just to look!”
SATURDAY OCTOBER 3RD 2026 | POP-UP HOMES, INTERIORS AND LIFESTYLE EVENT Ambassador Homes Show Homes, The Crescent, Bangour Village | Pop in between 10am & 2pm 16 | LINLITHGOW
INVITE YOU TO A
HOMES, INTERIORS & LIFESTYLE EVENT SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2026, 10am - 2pm AT THE CRESCENT, BANGOUR VILLAGE You are warmly invited to browse the 3 stunning show homes and find out more about the Ambassador Homes development. This exclusive lifestyle event is being held in partnership with: Mercedes-Benz of Grangemouth: Explore their range of Electric vehicles Life With Style by Leigh Maybury: Shop with a personal style consultant Home by Lauren: The interior designer behind the show-homes Fizz, soft drinks and nibbles | Pop in between 10am and 2pm
The Crescent, Bangour Village
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LOCAL HISTORY
There have been very few years when “Linlithgow’s Tune”, “The Roke and the Row”, has not been heard on Marches Day usually played by Linlithgow Reed Band. RIGHT: The Linlithgow Reed Band pose outside St Michael’s Church.
The tune first appears in published form in 1663 when it was included in a collection of sheet music, “Musick’s Hand-Maid”, collated by John Playford who operated a business from the front porch of Temple Church in London.
ABOVE: John Playford’s 1663 publication “Musick’s Hand-maid” 18 | LINLITHGOW
During the Cromwellian controlled Commonwealth, Playford mainly published serious music but after the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660 livelier tunes were printed and these included what Playford called “A Scottish March”. Over the years, the melody became known as “Lord Linlithgow’s March”. It was a popular refrain and Playford sold many copies, including one to Samuel Pepys, the diarist, who was a frequent customer The “Lord Linlithgow” in question was George Livingston, 3rd Earl of Linlithgow: a military man who, at the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy, was Colonel of the Scots Regiment of Foot Guards.
The old Lochlee Parish Church Later, the 3rd Earl was appointed Major General of the government forces in Scotland and then, in 1684, Justice General – a position he held for four years until the reign of the Stuarts ended with the arrival of William of Orange. He died in 1690 and was buried in the family vault in St Michael’s Kirkyard. The words to the tune were added 78 years after Lord Linlithgow’s death, appearing in a collection of songs and poetry published in 1768 by Alexander Ross, an Aberdeenshire schoolmaster. His humorous lyrics concern the antics of a Scottish housewife who is attempting to spin linen thread in order to make herself a sark - a smock dress. She was using a distaff and spindle - a simple spinning device which involved placing a handful of yarn (the row) on a stick (the roke) which was then rocked backwards and forwards while a heavy weight (the spindle) pulled and twisted the yarn into thread.
SPINDLE
DISAFF
The “auld wife” in Ross’s song inadvertently sets fire to her ball of yarn and laments the loss of the material with which she was going to make her simple clothing. She goes on to complain that women are no longer content with home-made products but want the latest bought fabrics and fashions. The same complaint was made by the Rev. Walter Jardine of Bathgate, writing in the Old Statistical Account in the late 18th century.
“The alteration in dress since 1750 is remarkable. The good wife and her daughters were dressed in gowns of their own spinning but now they wear the finest printed cottons, and sometimes silk gowns of different shapes, sizes and colours.”
Ross died in 1784 and was buried in Lochlee Churchyard close to the school in Angus where he was the headmaster. Alexander Ross may have gone but he has left Linlithgow with the lyrics to the familiar Marches tune. Sadly, the words of the six-verse song are in in broad Scots and not the easiest to sing, eg: “She chokit and bokit and cried like tae mang”? But the tune is memorable – and well loved by Lithca’ folk.
This article was contributed by Bruce Jamieson, Local Historian LINLITHGOW | 19
0131 235 1048
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AVOID Stay safe and protect your home. Chairman of Taylor Roofs, Jamie Taylor, has seen a lot of damage and distress caused by rogue traders. Here he shares the five main things to look out for to avoid being taken in by a rogue traders. You can also watch Jamie and the team explain things on their YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@TaylorRoofs TIP 1: Don’t accept a verbal quote at the door Rogue traders are notorious for cold calling and saying they were ‘just working in the area’. TIP 2: Do your research to make sure the company is legitimate Is it a limited company registered at Companies House? How long has it been trading?
TIP 3: Check their online presence and accreditations. Check out their website and social media, and look for reviews and membership of schemes like Trusted Trader and accreditation with professional trade associations like NFRC.
TIP 4: Make sure there’s a physical address for a place of business. Make sure there’s a business address you can go and visit to sort things out if things go wrong.
TIP 5: Make sure you get everything in writing. Don’t rely on verbal promises or vague start or completion dates. Insist on it being clearly stated in black and white. This article was contributed by Jamie Taylor, Chairman of Taylor Roofs | taylorroofs.co.uk
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So many of us enjoy watching our feathered visitors feeding and preening in our gardens. Nowadays we spend a lot of money buying food for them, but remember when we were growing up they only got left over bread, fat and sometimes peanuts! So the advice from the RSPB and BTO this spring to change our bird feeding habits came as quite a shock. We have been encouraged to rethink how we feed birds in order to reduce the risk of spreading diseases that can kill them. The first thing we did at home was to stop putting food on the flat surface of our bird table as they can harbour diseases, hanging feeders appear less of a threat. But what to do with our lovely bird table? We turned it into a support for a small planter, seen here with Granny’s Locks and a bedding Viola. It does need diligent watering as the shallow planter holds very little water and no rain ever gets in there.
Other best practices include regular disinfecting feeders with disinfectant suitable for birds. Water is important for drinking and preening, it should be changed very regularly and kept fresh, again cleaning with disinfectant is recommended. Only put out small amounts of food, after all, in nature birds are used to food sources coming and going with the seasons. It is recommended that you stop providing seeds and peanuts from March to October when the risk of disease is greatest, but do provide fat/suet and mealworms. After October you can reintroduce seeds and peanuts to your offering.
By making these changes we all can reduce the spread of diseases for birds and still enjoy welcoming our feathered visitors into our gardens. The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
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The response from Konect has been incredible to the point that I am currently working through a backlog of appointments Email editor@konect.scot for information on our flexible advertising packages www.konect.scot
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When did you last check your pet’s microchip details? It is 10 years since microchipping of dogs became compulsory in Scotland, England and Wales. And while for cats, microchipping law currently only applies to England, we would strongly recommend it. To microchip your pet, your vet injects a tiny identification chip, about the size of a grain of rice, under their skin between their shoulder blades. The procedure only takes a few seconds. That chip holds contact details for the animal’s owner, which must be registered with an authorised database and it is your responsibility as the owner to make sure your pet’s microchip details are correct – and current! This is very important as those microchip details are the only way that you can be contacted to be reunited with your pet should they go missing. A common issue in dogs and cats - and one we frequently encounter when lost pets are handed into our branches - is that the details registered on an animal’s microchip are not up to date. This means we have no way of contacting their owners. You can bring your pet into any Westport Vets branch, and our team can scan their microchip to confirm the microchip number and help direct you to the company it is registered with. Please note that microchip contact details can only be updated or changed by the animal’s legal owner. Stuart McMorrow is senior vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, Unit 42 Mill Road Road Industrial Estate, Linlithgow EH49 7SF. 01506 844 165 | westportvets.com LINLITHGOW | 27
LOCAL HISTORY
PORT EDGAR - A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE PART 1: “SPYING ON THE ROYAL NAVY”
In this two-part series, Colin Hendry shares a personal account of the time he spent at Port Edgar between 1978 and 1992. His own observations, and the reminiscences of people who had been here when it was the Royal Navy base HMS Lochinvar, left him realising just how important it is that these people must not be forgotten. I joined the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland (now National Museums of Scotland) in 1973, attached to the Country Life section. As a government museum we had various stores for the collection, on former military bases scattered inconveniently at locations across Scotland. So when the former Royal Navy premises at West Camp, Port Edgar, became available in 1978 to house the entire collection, we eagerly secured it. The Royal Navy, which had latterly berthed its Ton Class minesweepers of the Fishery Protection Squadron at Port Edgar, moved to Rosyth in 1975, and the former HMS Lochinvar (the Navy name for the base at Port Edgar) became vacant.
The West Camp was formerly the accommodation, hospital and administration centre for the base. The primary two-storey accommodation buildings bordered the seafront west of the breakwater, with a steel fence topped by barbed wire stretching for several hundred yards. Within the perimeter, two rows of coiled barbed wire extended for the entire length. A street separated the two-storey buildings from the row of singlestorey administration offices and stores on the south side. These included a Guard Room, Victualling Store, Boiler Room, Activities Rooms, and the Married Quarters Office. The Married Quarters themselves were the three blocks of houses (Numbers 10-19) on the south side of Shore Road entering South Queensferry. About 100 yards further west was the Officers’ Wardroom building which faced upriver, and between them lay a large underground air raid shelter.
Our tenure began in 1978 when I first visited to make plans for housing the collection. Large items such as carts, tractors, ploughs and so on, were naturally to be stored on the ground floors, whilst smaller items - horses’ harness, joiners shops, trades and agricultural hand tools - went on racks on the upper floors.
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The site retained many mementos from its previous tenants. A large sign at the gate announced “Ministry of Defence Property - Entry Restricted.” The Guard Room was the most intriguing with its prison-type internal gate leading to the rear and several individual cells, each with wooden benches for sailors to sleep off their alcohol indulgences. On the key-board were still all the building keys in numerical order. A notice on the door of a flat-roofed and nicely carpeted extension to the block at the east end announced “Fleet Chief Petty Officers Lounge” (this extension has recently been demolished). A rating’s cap was found in an attic. The air raid shelter remained open and wound its way underground in darkness from entrance to exit, the bulkhead lights still in place, and large yellow signs on a few scattered buildings with “SHELTER” and an arrow pointing to the nearest one. Outside the Married Quarters Office, two glass-fronted noticeboards still contained information documents, and a large bronze alarm bell was mounted on the wall.
It was indeed an incredible place to be, made more so by the location of my designated office. This was upstairs in the hospital area at the west end of the two-storey sections, which had housed the operating theatre, and two adjoining rooms with swing-doors - mine being the anaesthetist’s room - and had a fantastic large plate glass window giving a stunning panoramic view out over the Forth. I came to consider this to be surely the best office-with-a-view in Britain - stretching east well beyond the Bridges, Inchcolm and Inchkeith, west beyond Crombie to Grangemouth, and of course directly over to Her Majesty’s Naval Base Rosyth. I’d always had an interest in the military so the naval activity in the Forth captured my attention immediately, and I began noting down the comings and goings of the vessels. Binoculars, marine-band receiver and a logbook were kept at the ready as Royal Navy, Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service and Royal Fleet Auxiliary traffic was regular every day. And occasionally a barge would be towed out from Rosyth by tugs flying red flags and moored in a danger zone off Hopetoun. After a significant time of preparation the tugs would move away and a huge underwater explosion would erupt in
dramatic fashion, followed a couple of seconds later by the deep “BOOM!” and my glass window rattled with the shock wave. These were experimental tests on the effect of underwater explosions on hulls, tests after which the seagulls always loved the edible collateral damage!
My log of ship movements with photographic records is documented in my book, “Spying on the Royal Navy and NATO - Military Activity in the Firth of Forth during the 1980s”, available at the Port Edgar Chandlery. The main event, as far as I was concerned, was witnessing the movements before, during and after the Falklands War of 1982.
Since arriving at Port Edgar, we had occasionally been visited by veterans, many for nostalgic reasons, and they shared with us their experiences at HMS Lochinvar. The idea dawned on me just how appropriate - in fact necessary - a display here would be about the base’s history. And so was born “The Scottish Naval Collection”, an exhibition housed in the former Fleet Chief Petty Officers’ Lounge, which concentrated on the naval history of Port Edgar, but also encompassed other aspects of general naval life. In the second part of Colin’s reminiscences, coming in the November issue of Konect, he shares his observations on the Forth during the Falklands War, and the story of the Scottish Naval Collection museum. This article is an abridged version of “Port Edgar - A Personal Perspective” by Colin Hendry. Colin worked at Port Edgar as a museum curator from 1978 to 1992 and was instrumental in setting up “Scottish Naval Collection” exhibition here. LINLITHGOW | 29
With an uncertain job market and high property prices, parents and grandparents are understandably worried about helping children find their financial feet. For parents and grandparents looking to build a meaningful nest egg, the Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA) is one of the most powerful, taxefficient tools available. The strength of a JISA lies in combining long-term compounding with taxefficient growth: • Complete Tax Exemption: All interest, dividends, and investment growth inside a JISA are free from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. • A £9,000 Annual Allowance: You can contribute up to £9,000 per child each tax year, choosing cash for security, stocks and shares for longterm growth potential, or a mix of both. (Note: Cash ISAs are not available through SJP) • Collective Family Support: Only a parent or legal guardian can open the account, but
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grandparents, family members, and friends can contribute directly—making it an ideal gift for birthdays or milestones. • Protected for the Future: Savings remain safely locked away until the child turns 18, when full legal control passes to them. • Remember: The value of investments can rise and fall. Positive returns are more likely if you invest for the long term, but this is not guaranteed and you could get back less than you invest. Beyond JISAs, UK-resident children also hold their own standard tax allowances (£12,570 Personal Allowance and £3,000 CGT allowance), but parental gift rules can complicate direct savings outside tax wrappers. A JISA bypasses these hurdles, making it a simple, effective vehicle for funding university fees or building that important first-home deposit. Starting early turns modest, regular gifts into real financial freedom in adulthood. The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is the Principal of Calderwood Financial, an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place.
The crossword solution will be published in the NOVEMBER edition of Konect
OCTOBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7. Moscow’s country (6), 8. Clears throat (6), 9. Continent (4), 10. Extra (8), 11. Picture houses (7), 13. Head organ (5), 15. Wooden barrier (5), 17. Go backwards (7), 20. Fell (8), 21. Limit, boundary (4), 23. Event, incident (6), 24. Idea (6). DOWN: 1. Pet name for cat (4), 2. Property, manor (6), 3. Yellow fruits (7), 4. Corrosive liquids (5), 5. Six-string (6), 6. Explanations, hypotheses (8), 12. Recognise (8),14. Title (7), 16. Fighting (6), 18. Occurrences (6), 19. Warn (5), 22. Enlarge, develop (4).
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RECIPE & FOOD NOTES
This fright-night feast isn’t just for Halloween – it’s the perfect winter warmer the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
• 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra to drizzle • Salt and black pepper • 1 tsp yeast extract • 500g beef mince • 1 tbsp tomato purée • 1 small onion, peeled and diced • 1 green pepper, deseeded and diced • 1 x 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed • 1 x 500g carton tomato passata • 1 tsp chilli powder (heat of your choice) • ½ tbsp dark brown soft sugar • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 700g baby potatoes • 1x 300ml tub crème fraîche • 30g watercress, finely chopped
Serves 4 Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4.
2. Peel and halve the pumpkin (or butternut squash) and scoop out the seeds. Dice half of the pumpkin into 1cm cubes and reserve. Chop the remaining pumpkin into large chunks, place in an oven tray, drizzle with oil and season. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until cooked through. 3. Meanwhile, place a large pan on a medium-
high heat. Add the oil and heat until beginning to smoke. Add the minced beef and fry until browned. Drain the beef onto some kitchen paper. 4. Turn the heat down to medium. Add the beef back to the pan, then add in the onion, diced pumpkin and green pepper, cooking until the onions are translucent. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a further minute before adding the kidney beans, passata, chilli powder, sugar, yeast extract and chopped tomatoes. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 1 hour. 5. Place the potatoes in an oven tray, drizzle with vegetable oil and season. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through and crisp on the outside. 6. Once the roasted pumpkin is cooked, remove from the oven and place into a blender. Add a ladleful of liquid from the chilli and blend until smooth. Add to the simmering pan and stir through. 7. Mix together the crème fraîche and watercress, and season to taste. 8. Divide the potatoes between four bowls. Add a ladleful of chilli and serve with a generous dollop of crème fraîche.
For more recipe inspiration, visit www.watercress.co.uk; for more information on the health benefits of watercress, visit www.thewatercresscompany.com 32 | LINLITHGOW
LINLITHGOW | 33
OCTOBER SUDOKU
One of my favourite events in my calendar is the Court and Charter dinner hosted by the Royal Company of Merchants in Merchants Hall, Hanover Street. The dinner is an elegant, formal occasion with stellar menu and wine list- selected by me! Our guests include the Master Vintner of Vintners Guild in London. The dinner is very grand and while I love the pomp and circumstance, my favourite part is selecting the menu and wine. I visited the tasting kitchen of our caterer, Culinarians and selected a truly fabulous menu. Our intermediate course this year is duck parfait with buttermilk. It’s a really interesting and challenging course to find a wine for! There is a delicate balance of rich duck and sweet buttermilk, gentle textures and savoury structure. The intermediate follows salmon with white wine and comes before a rich duck main. There were lots of wine pairing options to choose from. A rosé would be quite nice but the dish has an autumnal flavour rather than a summer character. I moved away from rosé and decided to do something a little different instead. I wanted something that would surprise our guests. I decided to serve a red Italian wine called Nebbiolo, but instead of serving at its usual temperature, we will serve it slightly chilled. Serving the wine chilled helps brings out the acidity and cherry fruit (one of the fruits often paired with duck) without overwhelming the palate with spice and tannin. As the wine warms, it will pair perfectly with the main course. I hope the Master Vintner enjoys my selection! 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 34 | LINLITHGOW
The crossword puzzle can be found on page 31. See page 38 for solutions.
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER Linlithgow Artisan Market - Linlithgow’s monthly artisan market on the first Saturday of each month. Stalls on the High Street, the Vennel and also indoors in the EH49 Hub (old Library). Lots of unique and local stalls offering foods and drinks, meats, fish and game, fruit and veg, arts and crafts, dog treats, plants, and lots more. 10.00am – 3.00pm. SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER Craft Fair - Over 20 stalls selling unique handcrafted gifts and products. Some stallholders local with others coming from further afield and coming to the area for the first time with some new and unusual crafts. A coffee bar will be open all day offering filled rolls, home baking and refreshments. Entry to the Fair is free, so why not start your Christmas shopping early or enjoy a morning or afternoon out with friends!! Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. 10.30am - 2.30pm
TUE 20TH TO SAT 24TH OCTOBER 9 to 5 The Musical - LAMP (Linlithgow Amateur Musical Productions) presents 9 to 5 The Musical at Linlithgow Academy Theatre from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th October, 7.30pm (Sat matinee 2.30pm). Get ready for big laughs, brilliant catchy songs and plenty of heart from this fabulously feel good musical. Tickets from £15, available at linlithgowmusicals.co.uk or by calling the box office on 07862 211 525. WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER West Lothian in the early Middle Ages - West Lothian History and Amenity Society talk, by Dr Tim Clarkson, Independent researcher and historian. 7.30pm, Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS. Included in Society membership, or non members by donation on the night.
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER Clarinet Celebration - Emma Johnson, internationally acclaimed clarinettist, will play a wide range of well-known pieces for the instrument, accompanied by pianist Gregory Drott. Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild. St Michael’s Parish Church, 7.30pm. Tickets: £18/£8. Included with a Season Ticket. www.linlithgowartsguild.org.uk
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER Caledonia Classical - Experience the anthems of Scotland’s finest bands, performed live by a string quartet in an intimate candlelight setting. Greatest hits from Scotland’s most iconic bands, from Deacon Blue to Simple Minds, Paolo Nutini to The Proclaimers, performed live, under the gentle glow of hundreds of candles. Bo’ness Town Hall, 5.00pm – 6.00pm. Tickets from £16.50 via SOLAS Presents Eventbrite page
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER Linlithgow Family Adventure - Discover more about Linlithgow’s wildlife, history and landscape with these fun filled sessions featuring hands on actives. Aimed at ages 5 and up. Entry to the palace is not included. 10.00am – 12noon. Meet at Linlithgow Palace (entry to Palace not included). Free but booking essential via: www.historicenvironment.scot/ whats-on
SAT 24TH AND SUN 25TH OCTOBER Pumpkin Trail at House of the Binns - Find the petrifying pumpkin signs hidden around the grounds of the House of the Binns to unscramble the spooky word and win a tasty treat! 10.00am and 12.30pm each day, tickets £6 + booking fee per child (under 18), accompanying adult free. Book via House of the Binns Eventbrite page. House Of The Binns, Linlithgow, EH49 7NA (a NTS property)
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. LINLITHGOW | 35
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... LINLITHGOW SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE - New to Scottish Country Dancing? Come and try! Danced at school and would like to try again - come and join in. You do not need a partner – just soft shoes and a smile. A great way to meet new friends while having fun and exercise. Kirk Hall, St Michael’s Church, Linlithgow. Wed 19:3021:30 & Fri 19:30-22:00. Affiliated to the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. www.linlithgowscdc.org THE GAELIC CIRCLE - Free dropin workshop for Gaelic Beginners, 10am - noon on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. We meet in rooms FF1/2 of the Linlithgow library. We work on simple reading passages, encourage student-tostudent conversation, play simple card games, and address any grammar points that may arise. The workshop is wholly run by learners, is very informal, and is free! For more details, contact Rob McEwan T: 07742558580 E: raibeartmac@gmail.com KINNEIL WALKS - Organised by Step Forth (Falkirk Council). Meet at Kinneil Estate and Museum, Bo’ness, EH51 0PR, every Mon and Tues, 10.30am – 11.30am. All of our walks are free, led by trained volunteers who will help you feel comfortable and included. No need to book simply come along on the day. You are welcome to get in touch before your first walk. We can help with any questions you might have and keep you updated in case there are any changes. E: stepforth@falkirk.gov.uk FALKIRK DISTRICT WARGAMING CLUB - We now meet at the Low Port Centre, Linlithgow, every Monday evening 6-10. Members play a wide selection of historical, fantasy and sci-fi miniature wargames as well as RPG’s and board games. Tables and scenery are available for whatever you wish to play. £20 annual fee and £3 per visit (FIRST TWO VISITS FREE). Drop in (don’t be scared), or introduce yourself on the Facebook page. Details here falkirkwargamesclub.org.uk CYCLING WITHOUT AGE SCOTLAND LINLITHGOW CHAPTER (CWAS LINLITHGOW) - We offer Free Trishaw rides around
36 | LINLITHGOW
the beautiful town of Linlithgow. We have two types of Trishaws the normal two seater and a wheelchair accessible one. These Trishaws allow people of all ages who might have limited mobility access to our many routes. Our friendly, qualified volunteers are happy to give guided tours around the town. Please contact us to arrange a tour. T: 07835 938469 E: cwaslinlithgow@gmail.com FB: Cyclingwithoutagescotlandlinlithgow WEST LOTHIAN SAILING CLUB - A group of friendly locals who sail on picturesque Linlithgow Loch on Sunday afternoons. We welcome beginners and experienced sailors to sail a range of club dinghies or your own boat, for fun, to develop skills, to race, all with safety equipment and support. Dinghy sailing is many things - social, good exercise, challenging, exciting, competitive, confidence building, scenic and relaxing. For more info: westlothiansailing.org.uk E:membership@westlothiansailing.org.uk LINLITHGOW CYCLE KITCHEN - Bring your bike along for free advice and support for repairs and maintenance from qualified mechanics from 1st Step. Fortnightly on Tuesday evenings, 5-7pm, at the Hub (6-7 The Vennel, Linlithgow). Drop in on the day, or book a free stand via Eventbrite (Linlithgow Community Development Trust). Visit movefogood.org or the LCDT social channels for more information and future dates. E: hello@trust-linlithgow. org.uk T: 01506 846991 LED BUGGY AND SLING WALKS Every Wednesday, meet at 10.30am at the Hub (Linlithgow Community Development Trust, 6-7 The Vennel, Linlithgow). Short walks around Linlithgow with a friendly qualified walk leader. Free. Drop in on the day. Buggies, prams, carriers, slings all welcome! Visit moveforgood.org for more details. E: hello@trust-linlithgow.org.uk T: 01506 846991 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE LIVES - Cyrenians OPAL (Opportunities for Active Lives) works with people aged 60+ promoting active and fulfilling lives, creating and enriching communities which empower all to remain independent, living at home and socially connected. OPAL supports over 25 Community Groups throughout West Lothian for people to attend, engage with others and build new friendships. They also provide a time limited one-to-one befriending service built to improve confidence. To find out more please contact 01506 815 815 or opal@cyrenians.scot
BLACKNESS SCOTTISH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - A friendly group who usually meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month (Sept to May) at 7.00pm, Blackness Community Hall (beside former Blackness Primary School). New members and visitors welcome. Come along to make new friends, hear speakers, see demonstrations and learn new craft skills or revisit old ones. Contact Maureen on 07546 552970 for more details. SANGSCHULE – WEST LOTHIAN’S COMMUNITY SINGING GROUP - For over 30 years, Sangschule has been bringing people together from West Lothian and around to enjoy folk songs, particularly Scottish. We’re not a traditional choir; no need to be a confident singer, or to be able to read music or remember song words – we teach tunes by ear and provide song sheets. Linlithgow Academy each Wednesday evening. Facebook: ‘Sangschule West Lothian’ T: 07557 797139 E: sangschule@hotmail.com BELLSBURN BOWLING CLUB - A welcoming and friendly lawn bowls club open for all ages and abilities. Join us for social or competitive playing. For more information, see our Facebook page and website www.linlithgowsportsclub.com/bowlszone, or email linlithgow.sports.club. bowls@gmail.com GIRLGUIDING - Girlguides have a range of groups from age 4-14. All girls are welcome to join in, learn life skills, do crafts, earn badges and go on adventures. Visit girlguiding.org.uk for times and days available across West Lothian. THE CARING CAFE - For people living with dementia and their carers. Come and join us at one of our monthly cafés. Come for the whole session or just drop in. For information please email westlothianservices@alzscot.org. Third Wednesday of the month, 10.30am - 12noon. Queen Margaret Hall, 53 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA. LINLITHGOW & BO’NESS PROBUS CLUB - We are a friendly and sociable club for retired and semiretired men and women. We meet every second Wednesday morning from September to May in Linlithgow Rose Social Club. Tea/coffee is available from 10.00am followed by a wide range of interesting talks. We also have occasional outings, meals, musical activities and fun games mornings. Visitors and potential new members are very welcome. Details and the current programme are available at www.bolinprobus. org
LINLITHGOW SPORTS CLUB - A friendly club with lawn bowls, squash and tennis on offer. For more info go to www.linlithgowsportsclub.com LINLITHGOW SPEAKERS - Do you need to develop and improve your public speaking skills? We have been helping people in the Linlithgow area do that for almost 20 years. At our friendly, supportive and fun events, you will also improve your listening, thinking and leadership skills. Develop at your own pace and grow in confidence. When? Every second Tuesday. Where? Mel Gray Centre by Canal Basin. Dates and further info at www.linlithgowspeakers.org.uk. Guests are always welcome. LINLITHGOW AND DISTRICT ART GROUP - Mixed group of amateur artists from beginners to more advanced members dabbling in mixed mediums. Professional tutors who develop our skills, outdoor painting trips, exhibition visits and gallery talks. Meet Tuesdays 7.009.00pm in the Low Port Centre. We are a friendly bunch and welcome new members. Contact: Brian: E: brianmcdonagh1948@gmail.com T: 07909 577272 or, Margaret: E: magsbruce1@bluehyonder.co.uk T: 07906 021875 Facebook:‘Linlithgow&DistrictArtGroup’ WEST LOTHIAN DADS OF NEURO DIVERSE CHILDREN - A support Group for Dads and Granddads of neuro diverse children, providing a safe space to talk about the additional challenges and benefits we face. We meet up at 7.00pm on the last Thursday of every month at Cross House, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL. You can Join the Whatsapp group by messaging Richard on 07788 583445. SAMBALISTIC - A friendly bunch of people covering all abilities and ages, enjoying drumming/percussion together. Practice - Thursday evenings during term-time at Linlithgow Academy (7.30 - 9.30pm). All instruments supplied. No musical knowledge required. We offer performances throughout the year. You may have seen us at local galas/ fairs! Why not come along and have a go? Or if you wish to discuss an event, just turn up on Thursday or email sambalistic@live.com LINLITHGOW FLORAL ART CLUB - A friendly group who meet on third Wednesday of each month (Sept to May) in the Rose Social Club, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, 7:30 pm. Come along, bring a friend and
sit back and enjoy an entertaining and colourful demonstration by a qualified demonstrator, followed by refreshments and a chat with your friends. All designs created in the demonstration are raffled. Contact Pamela Galloway: E: pjgalloway.18@gmail.com T: 07742 060877 WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES – AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - Come along and try Australian Rules football! We are recruiting for the 2022 season for both our men’s and women’s teams. If you’re looking for a new sport, new friends and looking to get fitter then get in touch today! No experience is required and our team of coaches are on hand to teach you all there is to know! We train at Linlithgow Academy every Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm, see you there! Find us on social media. W: linktr.ee/WestLothianEagles E: westlothianeagles@gmail.com TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOW - Wednesday evenings from Sept 2026 – May 2027. Longcroft Hall, Phillip Avenue, EH49 7BH. Main Hall 8pm – 9:45pm. Annual Membership £15; Juniors (Under 18s) £8; weekly fees £3 Adults/£2 Juniors. Play Table Tennis in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Men, Women and Juniors welcome. The Club has active assured status and is affiliated to Table Tennis Scotland. For the more competitive, a team plays in Stirlingshire and Midland Counties League. Contact Jonathan Cameron, E: linlithgowtabletennis@gmail.com W: linlithgowtabletennis.co.uk WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given. For more information see; W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274. LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA - We are a friendly group who meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm (term-time) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Any players with a minimum standard Grade 5 or equivalent (no audition) from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Contact us via
email: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com through our website: linlithgowstringorchestra.uk or search for us on Facebook. CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). For information: T: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £36. Follow our Facebook page, visit: westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.
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SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
The latest film by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, All of a Sudden, is one that, while admittedly a bit long with a runtime of 3 hours and 16 minutes, kept me glued to the screen.
ACROSS: 7. Digest, 8. Eroded, 9. Clog, 10. Yachting, 11. Robbing, 13. Fiend, 15. Minus, 16. Request, 18. Eighteen, 19. Iced, 21. Famous, 22. Ornate. DOWN: 1. Dill, 2. Neighbourhood, 3. Staying, 4. Mercy, 5. Contributions, 6. Remnants, 12. Original, 14. Reunion, 17. Cease, 20. Eats.
SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 34
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
38 | LINLITHGOW
It follows two characters, both named variations of Marie: one is a French woman struggling to run a nursing home, and the other is a Japanese stage director who has been told she has cancer and only months to live. We watch ACROSS: 7. Digest, 8. Eroded, 9. Clog, the two form an unlikely bond as confront 10. Yachting, 11.they Robbing, 13. Fiend, 15. Minus, 16. Request, 18. Eighteen, their respective hardships, whether it’s fighting for 19. Iced, 21. Famous, 22. Ornate. more humane treatment in a care facility or facing DOWN: 1. Dill, 2. Neighbourhood, the realisation that their health4.could at 3. Staying, Mercy, deteriorate 5. Contributions, 6. Remnants, 12. Original, any moment. 14. Reunion, 17. Cease, 20. Eats.
Filmed with remarkable tenderness and beauty, SUDOKU leading actors VirginieSOLUTION Efira and TaoTO Okamoto truly PAGE shine, delivering some ON of the finestXX performances of the year. Many scenes are dialogue driven and deeply philosophical, touching on themes of care, capitalism, and mortality. Without their incredibly strong performances, none of the film’s emotional weight would land—especially a moment near the end that nearly had me in tears with its authentic, understated beauty. Shot in a 1.50:1 aspect ratio, the film’s framing is consistently striking, and its use of darkness is surprisingly effective.
The result is a final product that is nothing short of extraordinary, a masterwork from one of Japan’s finest contemporary directors. All of a Sudden deserves to be seen on the biggest screen you Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept can find.
responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do endorse any advertisers in Coming Soon tonot UK cinemas this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of publisher. The Film Review is contributedtheby Robert Ewing. Lothian Publications Robert is passionate about filmPublisher: as an art form, and Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. West Lothian EH54 6GU. Robert lives in Kirknewton. He attended the Toronto Design: International film Festival in Magazine September for the North Alan Stewart Design American premier of All of aT:Sudden. 07729 911858