There is plenty on in the area for the children during the school holidays, including a visit to Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston, always a fantastic day out; see their advert on p5, and check the What’s On section for more ideas for all the family.
The history article this month strays up into the Bathgate Hills, subject of excitement and drama - literally - in London when silver was discovered here in the 17th century, see pages 8-9.
The food spread gives us a peek into a wine tasting within the Ribbon in Edinburgh thanks to Joanne’s usual wonderful wine column, and a summery beef recipe to try.
As ever, you will find everything you need for home and garden in the pages of this magazine. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.
All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638
is delivered to 7500 households in Queensferry, Kirkliston and Winchburgh. Copies are also left at libraries, community centres and other locations throughout the area. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe
KING JAMIE’s
BATHGATE SILVER MINES
When a local collier found some unusual stones at Hilderston, near Cairnpapple in the Bathgate Hills, he couldn’t have imagined the stir in London his discovery would cause – and the personal embarrassment of King James VI himself.
He took a sample of what he suspected to be silver ore to a well-known metallurgist and mining engineer in Leadhills, Sir Bevis Bulmer. Bulmer was very excited; the silver potential was so promising that the landowner, Sir Thomas Hamilton, went ahead in early 1607 and took a mining lease for Hilderston from King James VI. In fact he took a lease for all mineral rights in the area, including Ballencrieff, Bathgate, Drumcross, Tartraven and Torphichen, and the king, with whom he was on friendly terms, made him “Master of the Metals and Minerals whatsoever within His Highness’s Kingdom of Scotland.”
Hamilton and Bulmer started exploiting the silver at Hilderston straight away. They were presumably smelting on site; we have no details of the process, except that an old map of area shows a smelter house and furnace at the mines.
making £500 profit per month. King James sent a commission to investigate and bring back ten tonnes of ore for testing at the Tower of London. Hilderston was described as being “apparently inexhaustible.”
The first large samples of ore on their way to London were lost at sea in December 1607, but by February 1608 ten tonnes had been procured, with Thomas Hamilton’s co-operation, barrelled and taken to the Tower for testing. Initial results were promising and by May 1608 Hilderston was taken over by the Crown and put under the management of Bulmer. (The legality of the takeover was questionable and Hamilton was later paid £60,000 Scots in compensation – a rather good deal for him).
“The King was furious and banned any other plays dealing with contemporary events.”
The Bathgate discovery caused a lot of excitement in London. Four years previously, shortly after his coronation in 1603 uniting the crowns of England and Scotland, James VI had expressed concern about the depletion of England’s silver mines, and had already discussed new prospecting projects with Sir Bulmer. Scotland had previously relied on English mines for silver; perhaps James was keen to prove what his native kingdom could contribute. Robert Cecil (Lord Salisbury) described the silver as “the best token that ever I received out of that kingdom, or any other kingdom of that quality.” The Crown automatically had rights to a tenth of all metal output and by the end of 1607 the Hilderston mine was reported to the Privy Council as
At the time of the Crown takeover, fifty nine men were employed at the mine producing ore from a single shaft which Bulmer had named “God’s Blessing,” because of “the wonderfull works of God, that he had seene, which never before, the like thereunto, within any of his Majesties kingdoms [were] known to be.” Another politician in London, Sir William Boyer, wrote in August 1608 that the mine “far exseeds annye that euer was in Garmanie.” In October 1608, the King imported miners from Germany and later from England. At least six further shafts were sunk.
In expectation of the large quantities of rich ore, a processing plant was constructed at Linlithgow and a significant amount of money committed. (The exact location of the plant in Linlithgow has been lost). The finishing touches were made to the smelting mill here in March 1609 - a
boy was sent from Linlithgow to the mines at Hilderston to order metal to be brought to the mill, and wine, ale and bread was laid on for the “meltars and workmen at the Melting Mill, the first day they began to melt.”
In the meantime, trials in England on the sample ore were still on-going. The problem was they were returning different results for the yield of silver. Very thorough testing using different methods by different experts indicated by December 1608 that things were not all as they had initially seemed. The ore was of variable quality. One trial reported: “Until the same redd-mettle came unto 12 faddomes (18m) deepe, it remained still good; from thence unto 30 fathome (55m) deepe it proved nought.” In August 1609 a further 400 barrels of ore were taken from Hilderston to London. Reading about all the trials, it’s almost as if they were desperately willing for some good results to justify the nationalisation - which was starting to look rash. It took a long time to accept that the mine was in fact exhausted almost before it started; the best silver had been near the surface, and Hamilton had already taken it.
As an indication of the high profile the Bathgate project had in London, a play called “The Silver Mine” was written and staged at Blackfriars Theatre in 1608, during the time that the mine was under consideration for Crown acquisition. The script of the play has not survived, but it caused a political furore as it included a slanderous representation of the King, his
Scottish mine project and all his favourites. Three of the actors were imprisoned; the author fled. James was furious and banned any other plays dealing with contemporary events.
The accounts from May 1608 onwards demonstrate how unprofitable the nationalised silver mine was. Finally in March 1613 the Crown gave up. It was let to a private firm, and abandoned shortly afterwards.
There was some mining in the same spot in the 18th century for lead and zinc. And an attempt in the 1870s to find nickel ore, but no metals of value were found and it was abandoned. Today, you can see three depressions in the ground near the road which are remains of the 18th century shafts, and the ruins of a building which was associated with the silver mine. It’s a very quiet spot near Cairnpapple, and I enjoyed walking around the site and imagining the industry and excitement here, 400 years ago.
NOW: “Windy Wa”, the site of the silver mine as it is today
This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, Konect editor. First published in Konect in 2017.
Say goodbye to plain white ceilings and hello to bold colours, patterns and materials.
We’re entering the era of the decorated ceiling. This hugely under-appreciated area of our homes has recently started to become more of a focal point –an area employed to introduce style, colour and character.
Decorative ceilings have a long and impressive history, all the way back to the elaborate designs of the Ancient Greeks and coffered ceilings (made of a grid of recessed panels) of the Romans. The Baroque and Rococo periods saw extravagant, gilded stucco – in the Palace of Versailles, for example – intricate wood carving and marvellous frescoes. In Victorian times, UK homes often had tinted ceilings with plaster mouldings. Then in the 1960s came Artex, a coating which allowed nonplasterers to create stippled and swirled designs. It went
out of favour in the 1980s with the recognition that older Artex contained asbestos.
So, what is possible today?
MAKE A STATEMENT WITH PAINT: The dramatic ‘colour drenching’ fashion means painting walls and ceiling the same shade. In a white or pale room, you could cover the ceiling in a deeper colour to add unexpected interest. Alternatively, if you have a picture rail, you could paint the area above it the same colour as the ceiling. Using a dark colour lowers the ceiling and creates a cosy atmosphere, while light colours make the room seem more airy.
MURALS, TROMPE L’OEIL AND PAINT EFFECTS: With a steady hand, lots of patience and some artistic flair, it’s possible to paint anything you like on a ceiling, whether that be an abstract design, geometrics, bold stripes or florals. Handpainted drifting clouds or a starry sky look beautiful in a
bedroom or living space.
WALLPAPER PERFECTION:
Wallpapering a ceiling is tricky and will probably involve a professional. But the expense and effort should be worth it: a ceiling covered in a statement wallpaper is a glorious thing. In an otherwise plain room, this could be the finishing touch, or it could be a continuation of the walls.
MATERIAL CHANGE: How about stepping away from plasterboard and installing a ceiling made from rustic timber, tongue-and-groove or wooden slats? Some wood panelling is also acoustic: helpful in an apartment or a busy home. If you’re feeling daring, you could consider other materials, such as Victorian-style tin tiles, cork (another acoustic option), glossy ceramic tiles or even tented fabric for a quirky, circuslike feel.
This column was contributed by Katherine Sorrell
When we were young we might have found ourselves rebelling as a ‘default’ when some-one told us what to do.
When we have little control of what is going on around us it’s easy to develop the habit of defiance, declaring ‘no’ when parents, teachers or other authority figures appear to boss us about and disregard our voice. Whether this habit was formed as a small child, at school or in an early job, what we regard as an unfair rule can invoke a strong reaction that may be completely out of proportion to what we are actually dealing with. When we find ourselves poised to argue, it’s important to check whether the current situation requires the same degree of emotional self-defence as we once needed. There is absolutely nothing wrong with healthy rebellion against ideas we disagree with and feel strongly about when it takes the form of discussion that takes account of the views of others. Being mindful of automatically opposing everyone else’s viewpoint and expressing our views in a way that isn’t seen as challenging can help us avoid a reputation as someone who just isn’t that comfortable to be around.
Our inner rebel may have served us well when we were growing up and dealing with life’s challenges and there is absolutely nothing wrong with using basic assertiveness skills and expressing our thoughts, but it’s important to remember that we have limited energy and what we do have is needed when there are real challenges to deal with.
The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is available for appointments at Forth Physio, Queensferry, and at Linlithgow Chiropractic. She is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk
KIRKLISTON - Fico’s Italian Bistro, 15 Main Street, Kirkliston EH29 9AE EVERY MONDAY @ 7PM* *EXCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS Join us online for
We’ve had a few warm spells so far this summer, and hopefully will get some more. But when the weather warms up, it’s crucial to stay hydrated.
The average person loses around half a litre of water a day in sweat, even in cool conditions. When the weather is hot or you do a lot of exercise, that can be much higher.
Water is essential for countless functions, from our blood system delivering everything our cells need, to our kidneys and digestive system processing waste, to lubricating joints and eyes. And it gives your skin a healthy glow. In fact, up to 70% of our body is made up of water, and babies have a higher percentage than adults.
Babies, older people – who often don’t feel thirsty – and people with certain conditions such as heart or respiratory issues, are more vulnerable to the effects of dehydration.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU’RE DEHYDRATED? Once your fluid levels drop, even just a little bit, the signs of dehydration show quite quickly. You feel tired, struggle to concentrate and may have a headache.
Over time, if you consistently fail to drink enough, you could have constipation and develop urinary tract infections. Your risk of kidney stones increases too.
When summer temperatures rise, there’s a chance of serious acute consequences of dehydration. You could develop heat exhaustion, which could lead to heat stroke. This is a medical emergency where your temperature reaches dangerously high levels, but your body cannot cool itself down.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION?
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Feeling or being sick
• Clammy skin or skin rash and excessive sweating
• Fast breathing or heartbeat
• Cramps in arms, legs or stomach
• High temperature
• Extreme thirst
If someone is showing several of these symptoms and you suspect it’s heat exhaustion, it’s important to cool them down by taking off unnecessary clothes, spraying or sponging them with cool water, and giving them a cold drink of water or a sports drink. If they’re still unwell after half an hour, they might have heat stroke, and you should call 999.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE SURE YOU STAY HYDRATED? Experts recommend between 1.5 and 2 litres of fluid a day – ideally water, but squashes, juices and other soft drinks, including tea and coffee, are good too. Avoid alcohol – it’s a diuretic, making you pee more and thereby eliminating vital water from your body.
Drink a glass of water when you wake up, as you sweat during the night, and carry a bottle of water with you during the day.
Some vegetables are high in water, including melons, cucumbers, courgettes and tomatoes, making them an ideal addition to your summer diet.
You can tell if you’re getting dehydrated by checking the colour of your urine. It should be almost clear. If it’s very yellow or dark and strongsmelling, you need to drink more.
Finally, keeping a log is one of the best things you can do. Either keep a written note, or download a hydration app which can also remind you if your intake is looking low for the day.
This column was contributed by Susannah Hickling
The above phrase is a little lesson in Gaelic, which roughly translates to “the bird with the sunlit eye” which is a beautifully descriptive phrase for the white tailed eagle. It’s one of two native species of eagles we have in Scotland.
The white tailed eagle is our biggest bird of prey, with a wingspan of up to 8ft. Their size gives them the nickname of “flying barn door” which is apparent when you see them soaring in the sky.
They were heavily persecuted and the last white tailed eagle was shot in 1918 before a reintroduction project began in 1975 on the Isle of Rum. They’re now mainly found in the Highlands and Islands but this image was taken on the Isle of Mull during a photography workshop I was co-leading earlier this month. Whilst I was away, the oldest wild white tailed eagle in the UK passed away at the grand age of 32. Frisa lived an incredible life on Mull, one which saw her raise a total of 25 chicks with her partner Skye. He has since taken up with another female, which is quite normal for birds of prey.
I took this shot from a boat, which is licensed to feed the birds a small amount of fish each day. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve done this trip over the years but seeing these birds power up the loch never gets old.
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.
Most of our gardens have got a dull, dusty looking corner that we’d like to freshen up. Deep shade and dry soil are the hardest conditions in which to get plants to survive, but ‘partially shaded’ areas are relatively easy to manage. Partial shade is where the plants can see the sky if they look up but they don’t see any sunshine. If your partially shaded corner is also very dry you will need to water very regularly to get the plants established.
There are a few tips to achieving a lush bright look: Choose golden leaved deciduous (lose their leaves in winter) plants like Golden Marjoram, Golden Philadelphus, golden Japanese Maple and golden Spiraea.
Choose plants with evergreen leaves with white and green variegation to add some sparkle: Euonymus Emerald Gaiety, Brunnera Jack
Frost and Cotoneaster horizontalis variegata (a third of your plants should be evergreen).
Choose plants with white flowers to add a freshness like Viburnum tinus, Vinca minor Gertrude Jekyll and white foxgloves.
See our small demonstration garden, ‘Bright Shade’, when you visit us this summer to explore our summer event art in the garden
The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
JULY CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the AUGUST edition
ACROSS: 7. Picture house (6), 8. Annually (6), 9. Successor (4), 10. Type of artist (8), 11. Space craft (7), 13. Loosen (5), 15. Perfume (5), 17. The mean (7), 20. Put into order (8), 21. Knitting stitch (4), 23. Taken without consent (6), 24. Almost (6).
In an elegant summer twist to the traditional Sunday lunch, this beef joint is marinated in rosé wine and herbs, and served with roasted garlic and red onions.
Serves 6
Prep 5 minutes, plus marinating Cooking time 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
• 1 x 1.3kg lean topside, silverside or sirloin joint
• Salt and black pepper
• 3 large sprigs of fresh rosemary, cut into smaller sprigs
• 300ml medium rosé wine
• 4 fresh bay leaves, torn
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 whole unpeeled garlic bulbs, cut in half horizontally
• 2 large red onions, peeled and cut into wedges
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180-190°C, fan 160-170°C, gas mark 4-5.
An elegant summer twist
2. Place the joint on a chopping board. Make several slashes over the surface with a sharp knife, taking care not to cut any butcher’s strings or meat bands. Season on both sides and push the rosemary sprigs into the slits.
3. Place the beef in a strong, large plastic freezer bag and add the wine, bay leaves, oil and garlic. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 6 hours/ overnight, turning occasionally.
4. Remove the garlic and bay leaves from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and transfer to a large non-stick roasting tin with the onions. Place the beef on top of the onions, pour over the marinade and open roast for the preferred, calculated cooking time, basting occasionally with any rich meat juices. (For rare, 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes; for medium, 25 minutes per 450g plus 25 minutes; for well done, 30 minutes per 450g plus 30 minutes). Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
5. Transfer the beef to a large warm plate, cover with foil and leave to rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve with the pan juices, red onions and garlic, and a new potato salad.
For more recipe inspiration, visit: www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk
Edinburgh’s skyline is iconic and instantly recognisable. A recent addition is the Ribbon Building which whips above the W Hotel and St James Quarter.
Within the Ribbon sits the W Lounge where I recently had the pleasure of meeting Wine Director and Sommelier, Sumith Alahakoon who expertly guides his guests through the extensive wine list.
My friends and I had a table in W Lounge, located within the Ribbon. The 360 degree views across Edinburgh are breathtaking! It’s usually my job to select the wine, but this evening, I could relax!
To my delight Sumith selected a beautiful red from the South of France, Cigalus Rouge 2021 by Gérard Bertrand. The wine is a blend of Syrah, Carignan, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Each grape variety has its own superpower: Syrah is silky with peppery spice, Carignan gives dried fruit and baking spices, Grenache brings a bright top note and freshness and Mourvèdre delivers inky brambles, earthiness and sophistication. Bertrand carefully blends this combination and wraps it in an oak barrel, aging it for 12 to 14 months. The resulting wine is magical! Deep ruby in colour, the nose is full of dark red and black fruits, there’s spice, black cherry and vanilla with a hint of chocolate on the finish. The tannins weave together to give the wine structure and a velvet finish. For dessert, to pair with my Sticky Date Cake arrived a perfectly chilled and frosted bottle of ”umelicious” Kamoizumi Umeshu Saijo, Japanese plum liqueur. It was the perfect pairing!
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
Although you may not be familiar with Takeshi Kitano’s entire filmography, you are likely acquainted with some of his work, whether by seeing the heavily edited version of Takeshi Castle, where he portrayed the evil Count Takeshi, or through his roles in Battle Royale or the live-action Ghost in the Shell film.
Takeshi Kitano is an icon of Japanese media, yet I believe his work is greatly underappreciated. His film Hana-bi (Fireworks) is a true masterwork, not just of Japanese filmmaking but of filmmaking as a whole. Written, edited, directed by, and starring Takeshi Kitano, Hana-bi follows Nishi as he leaves the police force due to professional and personal circumstances. To cope with this tragedy, Nishi makes several decisions to enjoy the final moments with his wife, who is suffering from terminal cancer.
Takeshi Kitano is a master of expressing so much emotion with little to no dialogue. The opening shot of Kitano as he proceeds to assault car cleaners evokes immense emotion despite the sparse dialogue. Hanabi was ahead of its time in its portrayal of depression and how Nishi can never escape violence, even when seeking happiness. It results in a film that is equal parts joyful, with moments of light-hearted humour, and filled with sheer, unfiltered violence. All of this is accompanied by an incredible score from Joe Hisaishi that is nothing short of extraordinary. Hana-bi is a masterpiece, a film that will undoubtedly be remembered as a true classic, and one that everyone should experience, if you can find it.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.
WEEKDAYS THROUGH JULY
Craigies Clubhouse Farm Activity Club
Limited space left. Join us at The Clubhouse at Craigies Farm this summer, where children can explore, learn, and enjoy the very best of Scotland’s countryside during the holidays! Our activities will vary each day (it is a working farm, after all!), and include animal care, gardening woodworking cooking, bushcraft. Half and single day bookings available, information and booking at craigiesclubhouse.co.uk. West Craigie Farm, Queensferry, EH30 9AR
WEEKDAYS THROUGH JULY
Football summer camp
At Kirkliston Leisure Centre, hosted by City Football Performance. Whether you’re looking to get ready for a busy season ahead and develop your technical, tactical & physical aspects with our UEFA Qualified coaches or you’re looking for low-cost childcare over the summer full of games, goals and exciting practices, CFP has something for you! Information and booking via eventbrite, search “City Football Performance”
VARIOUS DATES IN JULY
Afternoon Concerts
Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild, at St Michaels Parish Church, Linlithgow – see page 29 for details.
WED 2ND, MON 14TH & WED 30TH JULY
Linlithgow Family Adventure
Join Historic Environment Scotland Rangers to discover more about Linlithgow’s wildlife, history and landscape with fun filled sessions featuring many hands-on actives. Linlithgow Palace, 10.00am – 12noon, suitable for children aged 5 and over, must be accompanied by an adult. FREE, but booking essential via: historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on
SATURDAY 12TH JULY
Coastal Capers
Come along to Blackness Castle and explore the seashore with Historic Environment Scotland Rangers. Make some art and learn about the creatures that live call the shore their home. Suitable for ages 8 - 12, must be accompanied by an adult. Older/younger children also
welcome to attend. Blackness Castle, 1.003.00pm. FREE, but booking essential via: historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on
SATURDAY 12TH AND SUNDAY 13TH JULY
Days Out with Thomas Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Union Street, Bo’ness. Ride a real steam train behind Thomas; photo with Percy; Thomas & Friends themed activities and giveaways, visit Museum of Scottish Railways and much more. Tickets £23/£19, pre-booking advisable as they sell out, information and booking at: www.bkrailway.co.uk/page/thomas
SUNDAY 3RD TO SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST
Ferry Fair
Queensferry’s annual event with a week of fun activities for all the family, with parade and crowning of new Fair Queen on Saturday 9th August. All details at www.ferryfair.co.uk
SATURDAY 9TH & SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST
Open Day and Train Rides
Public Open Day for all the family with train rides, tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, picnic area. Train rides £5. Almondell Model Engineering Centre, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF.
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.
RNLI QUEENSFERRY
FUNDRAISING TEAM seek new volunteers to support local fundraising events and activities including bucket collections, Open Day and Christmas activities; time commitment is flexible. If you would be interested in learning more, please do get in touch: queensferry.fundraising@gmail.com
SUMMER EVENTS AT HOUSE OF THE BINNS
JULY 12TH - 1940s DAY AT THE HOUSE OF THE BINNS
Join us at the House of the Binns for our 1940s Day on July 12th! 10:30am – 3pm. Why not dress in your vintage best and learn about the Binns during the war and engage with historic reenactment groups as they bring to life the country during this tumultuous time.
• LIVING HISTORY (EDINBURGH LDV & HISTORY FROM THE HOME FRONT)
• COSTUMED GUIDED TOURS
• THE CODEBREAKERS TRAIL (CHILDREN’S TRAIL)
• BEST DRESSED COMPETITION
2ND AUGUST - COVENANTERS DAY AT THE HOUSE OF THE BINNS
The House of the Binns Team are thrilled to have The Sealed Knot (the oldest & biggest re-enactment society in the UK) bring the Covenanting Times to life on the front lawn of the House of the Binns. 10.30am - 3.00pm
• THE SEALED KNOT is the oldest re-enactment society in the UK, a registered educational charity, and the single biggest reenactment society in Europe. They bring the 17th century to life, giving you a glimpse into the past. Experience what a war torn country looked like and how people lived through this turbulent time. Meet the soldiers and the camp followers to find out what life was like.
• CHILDREN’S TRAIL - Search for the notorious 17th centrury General Tam who is on the run from the covenanters and planning a secret attack. Follow the clues and find out just where he might be hiding
• COVENANTER COMPETITIONS
• GUIDED TOURS - Learn how “Bloody Tam” came to be such a fearsome & notorious enemy of the covenanters
Off the A904, Binns View, Linlithgow, EH49 7NA | www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/house-of-the-binns
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
QUEENSFERRY SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUBDancing for adults every Thursday from September 11th until April in St. Andrew Hall, The Loan, South Queensferry at 7:30 – 9:30 pm. This is a fun way to exercise, meet new friends and learn a new skill. The first night is free then £4 per evening for non-members which includes refreshments at breaktime. Come and give it a try. For more information contact: queensferryscdc@gmail.com
QUEENSFERRY TENNIS
CLUB - Queensferry Tennis Club is a welcoming and vibrant community-based tennis club offering a friendly environment for tennis players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. QTC provides a space for social play, competitive matches, and coaching opportunities with Neil Harden from Deuce Academy. The club’s inclusive atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community, where members can come together to enjoy the sport while building lasting friendships. Please email queensferrytennis@gmail.com for more information
KIRKLISTON COMMUNITY CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS
- The benefits of being outdoors are well known and you don’t have to go far locally to enjoy it. Come and join in some activities with KCCV and help to maintain the village planters, a small orchard, wildflower area, public gardens and spaces as well as our monthly litter picks. We’re a small friendly group aiming to enhance Kirkliston. For more information contact www.kccv.org.uk or message 07925 383569
WINCHBURGH STORYTELLERS
- A chance to make friends and practice telling stories / hearing new tales, in a safe supportive space. Everyone’s welcome to come and listen and/ or participate. A story can be myth, legend, life story, fairy or folk tale- 10 minutes maximum. It’s all about oral storytelling, not reading aloud. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at Winchburgh Community Centre, 7.30pm to
9.00pm. For more information go to marytatterhoodtales.wordpress. com/winchburgh-storytellers
RUNTRIBE QUEENSFERRY - A free, friendly and sociable run club based in South Queensferry who meet every Tuesday 6.25pm at the Seal Monument. The aim of our club is not about time or distance, our aim is to run, socialise and have a good time whilst doing it. We also go for an optional drink at the pub after our weekly session. To find out more, message Emily on 07395 817833 or follow on instagram @ RunTribe_queensferry
YOGA & CHAIR MOBILITY
- Yoga: Fridays 09.30- 10.30. Kirkliston Community Centre. For mixed ability students. Classes include asana, movement, pranayama and relaxation.
Chair-Based Mobility. Tuesdays 1.00-2.00pm (with optional extra 30 mins for refreshments) Winchburgh Community Centre. A class for anyone who would prefer to sit. Includes some standing practice, breath work and mindful movement. Ideal for anyone with movement restrictions. One-to-One sessions can be arranged in person or via zoom. For more info E: yogawithjo21@hotmail.com or, facebook.com/yogajostilwell
LITTLE ARTISTS ART CLUB FRIDAYS - A relaxing class, to unwind & get creative before the weekend ahead. Fridays 12.45-1.45 South Queenferry P1-7. Each week we will focus on a different animal or nature piece, learning facts & working in two different age groups, pencil work in colour/monochrome. For information please contact 07591990020 or see Instagram everychildisanartist_
DANCE FITNESS - Wednesdays South Queensferry. P1-2, 3.003.40pm, P3-7, 3.40-4.30pm. Each week, we will learn a new routine together as a group, to some great music. Children will have the opportunity to suggest their favourite songs. Dance Fitness is for boys and girls of all ages. This class can either compliment your
present dance school classes or be a brand new class for you.
HAPPY BODY STUDIO - PILATES & FITNESS - Pilates for all: Monday 18:00 & Thursday 9:30am. Kirkliston Community Centre.
Personal Training & 1:1 sessions available. Pilates is a form of movement that emphasises the activation & strengthening of the core muscles. Pilates can help us improve movement, ease general aches & pains & strengthen our core & stabilising muscles. Everyone can benefit from Pilates. Very suitable for beginners. To learn more visit: www.happybodystudio.com
WINCHBURGH WARRIORS
NETBALL CLUB - We are a recreational netball club for anyone over 18. We will support you whether it’s your first time, or it’s been a long time - we got you! Sessions are every Monday 18:45-19:45 at the Winchburgh Sport and Wellbeing Hub (Xcite). First session is free, then £4 thereafter. If you have any questions, drop us an email info. winchburghwarriors@gmail.com
ABERCORN CURLING CLUB
- Play weekly on Tuesday evenings at Kinross Ice Rink from September - March with league games and competitions to take part in. All ages and abilities welcome, from beginners to those who’ve curled before. No equipment needed for beginners. Transport can be provided. Fancy a go? Taster sessions can be arranged. It’s active, social and fun. For more information contact abercorncc@gmail.com
YOGA - Whilst moving our bodies in a way that feels good is important, it’s not the only thing that can improve wellbeing. In this Yoga class there will also be breathwork, discussion, meditation and more. It’s not some obscure practice that only the limber and enlightened can do, this is for everyone who has an urge to connect with themselves and their
community. 9am Saturdays, Thomas Chalmers Centre, bookwhen.com/ramyoga.Pay as you feel - £1-£10 per class
SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD
CLEANFERRY - CleanFerry is a group of local volunteers dedicated to reducing the amount of litter in and around South Queensferry and Dalmeny. Evidence shows that cleaner environments have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and more widely benefit the community. Whether you want to do meet new people, do something with friends, gain credit for your Duke of Edinburgh or simply feel good about helping the community CleanFerry is keen to welcome new volunteers. If interested email
Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Primary School (from mid-August to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk
FRIENDS OF FERRY GLEN
SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD
- A volunteer garden team that maintains local areas through weeding and planting, as well as special projects. The group also enjoys tours, social outings and events together. Contact Neil mckinlayassociates@hotmail.co.uk
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
BABY AND TODDLER
KIRKY CRAFTERS - Meet new friends and explore your creative side. Meet Thomas Chalmers Centre, The Square, Kirkliston. Fortnightly on a Monday except July and August. For more information please contact Ann on 0131 333 1834 or email ann_ denholm@btinternet.com
GROUP - Thursdays 9.30am – 11.30am at the Church Hall on The Loan, SQ. Mums, Dad’s, Grandparents, Carers all welcome. A small fee of £3.00 is payable to cover the rent of the hall, snack for little ones and tea/ coffee for the adults. Just turn up, or for more information join the Facebook group, search “South Queensferry Baby and Toddler Group”
WINCHBURGH ART CLUB
We meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall.
Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
friendly group that meets at the residents lounge at 40 Shore Road, Queensferry to enjoy various entertainments eg. quizzes, games, occasional guest presenters and tea/ coffee/delicious cake. First Wed of each month, 2.003.30pm. £2 per meeting. For more information contact Lorna Russell on 0131 331 5570 or email lorna.russell@qccc.org.uk
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SUPPER CLUB - Run by Queensferry Care, for people with a diagnosis of dementia, or other cognitive impairment, and their carer. This could be a family member, friend or neighbour. This is a unique service in that we support both the carer and the cared for person. It provides an opportunity to meet with others to enjoy an evening meal at The Haven (Queensferry) or a local restaurant. For information contact mail@qccc.org.uk
KIRKLISTON LUNCH CLUB
- Meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the Kirkliston Community Centre, 16-18 Queensferry Rd, Kirkliston EH29 9AQ. It is for any older person who’d like to meet and eat with others. The cost is no more than £5. Run by Queensferry Care, for more information please contact mail@qccc.org.uk
KIRKLISTON KNITTING
GROUP - From beginners to experienced knitters. Meet at Kirkliston Library on Mondays 1.30pm. 16 Station Road, Kirkliston, EH29 9BE.
WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB - Would you like to develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment?
TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT
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.
