Konect Queensferry March 2026

MARCH 2026

LOCAL HISTORY: FOOD & DRINK:

SPOTLIGHT:

The NEW monthly community magazine for Queensferry, Kirkliston, and Winchburgh

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e’ve enjoyed pulling together a pot pourri of different content for Konect this month. There is no particular seasonal theme but as ever, highlighting and supporting our fantastic local organisations and businesses, and celebrating everything our area has to offer.

Local business Volta Automotive shares their expertise on what to look for when purchasing a second hand electric vehicle, and how there is more than meets the eye to understanding EV battery life, see page 19. For the local history article, I looked into the history of the crossing, pre-bridges, focusing on this side of the Forth. The bridges are rightly very celebrated, but it was fascinating to look into the old landing places and how it was managed previously.

I hope you enjoy the article.

Look out for the “Ferry Welcome” event on 22nd March, the programme of talks from Queensferry Heritage Trust, HippFest across in Bo’ness, and plenty more going on locally for all the family.

“Core memories are made where little boots explore” is the message from Almond Valley (page 7) and is so true. Almond Valley is a fantastic day our, very easy to access in Livingston with plenty of parking, and outdoors fun and adventure for kids and indoors areas for rainy days too!

I hope you enjoy Konect this month! If you are involved in community groups or events that you would like help publicising in future issues, please drop me a line.

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

P19 Local History: Piers & Perils - Before there were bridges...............................................8 Life Coaching: Smile!........................................ 14 Puzzles.................................................................. 18 Spotlight on Volta Automotive........................ 19 Garden Project: Auricula Theatre.................. 21 Film Review: Little Amelie................................ 22 Wine: Changing Seasons................................ 22 Recipe: Rhubarb Ice Cream.......................... 23 What’s On: March.............................................. 28 Clubs & Classes...........................................30-31 Puzzle Solutions................................................. 31

COVER IMAGE: Rhubarb Season: Try our ice cream recipe on page 23.

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Copies are also left at libraries, community centres and other locations throughout the area.

It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe QUEENSFERRY | 3

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LOCAL HISTORY

THE BUSINESS OF PIERS & PERILS – BEFORE THERE WERE BRIDGES

In October 1809, a most melancholy accident occurred at the Newhalls Pier [now Hawes Pier, South Queensferry], owing to the very reprehensible practice of driving the coaches to the water’s edge along the piers, to receive passengers from the boats.

A young lady and a female servant were precipitated with the coach, into which they had just entered, into the water, and drowned before they could be extricated. The mother of the lady and a gentleman had nearly shared the same fate. Since that fatal day, which will not be speedily forgotten, the practice of driving on the pier has been abandoned.”

Since even before the days of Queen Margaret (see sidebar) who, nearly 1000 years ago embarked at the rocky ledges the Binks - to cross the Forth at its narrowest navigable point near Edinburgh, the best way of crossing this strip of water has been in constant evolution.

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When boats where the only means of crossing, it was a complicated business with shared ownership of landing places, boats, and the rights to charge for crossing. In the 11th century, land totalling 17 acres had been dedicated by Queen Margaret to guarantee free access to the crossing for pilgrims en route to St Andrews. With land ownership changing over the centuries, local landowners leased out launch and landing rights to boat owners, who offered crossing services independently.

One of the main problems with this was the lack of safety checks on individual vessels and the difficulty of regulating the crossing.

In the late 18th century the economic model was changed – boat owners were no longer allowed to run a crossing service, and all vessels were

owned by the landowners. Both landing rights and vessels were leased out to operators. This led to safer boats as they were regularly inspected by the owners, and the crossing was much more regulated.

However, the landing places themselves were not well-maintained, and there were not enough of them given how busy the crossing had become for both commercial and private traffic. Funding for landing-place maintenance was allocated from percentage of the gross freight takings, and was insufficient to cover the necessary costs. The writer of the Old Statistical Account of South Queensferry, in 1796, describes watching people board and disembark at one of the landing places: “It is painful for a spectator to witness the difficulties passengers meet, the dangers to which they are exposed getting to and from that place, as

they have to scramble a considerable way among rocks and large stones, rendered slippery by being covered with wet seaweed.

To this landing place the boatmen are often obliged to carry, with much jeopardy to themselves, the great mail on the north road.”

At the time of the tragic accident quoted at the top of this article, there were two piers here on the south side of the Forth – one at New Halls which was then a separate hamlet (the site of today’s Hawes Pier), and one in South Queensferry itself at the harbour. There were also natural landing places, including the Binks rocks, Queen Margaret’s original launch location.

The New Statistical Account of Queensferry tells us that in 1809: “There were no suitable piers, no superintendents, boats only at the North Ferry, where all the boatmen lived, other traffic at the wharfs unconnected with the passage, and the arrangements at the piers so incomplete, as to admit of passage only four and a half hours in each tide. The rates and dues belonged to individuals, and the jurisdiction was such, that the proprietors could not be compelled to keep the piers in a state of repair.”

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LIFE COACHING

There’s an old saying that goes, ‘laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.’ This has always felt harsh, implying as it does that we have to stuff our feelings down in order to be socially acceptable and to fit in.

How many times has someone we don’t really know told us to cheer up or smile, and how annoying can that be, especially when we might be feeling a bit overwhelmed and smiling to order might be the last thing we want to do. Apart from the intrusive nature of these messages there are times in all of our lives when we just don’t feel like switching on the cheer.

Most of us were raised to be polite, to say please and thank you and to brush off our own feelings if they risk causing upset to

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others. So, if someone tells us to ‘cheer up’ we never say ‘no I don’t feel like it thanks’ and offer instead one of those forced half smiles that has nothing at all to do with genuine jollity, because that’s what is expected and we don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

In an effort to make others feel good we often ignore our own comfort and squash our own feelings down. How much better could all our lives be if all our smiles were genuine and came from the heart? The next time someone tells you to cheer up, remember it’s ok to ignore them and be exactly who you are 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 orrganise.co.uk

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0131 235 1048

58mm Vertical [LEFT]

MARCH CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the APRIL edition

ACROSS: 7. Swap over (6), 8. To be on a ship (6), 9. Not new (4), 10. Outside (8), 11. Angry (7), 13. Funeral fires (5), 15. Almost two pints (5), 17. Below (7), 20. Observing (8), 21. Story (4), 23. Educational establishment (6), 24. Required (6).

DOWN: 1. Female sheep (4), 2. Recording room (6), 3. Burglars (7), 4. Belief (5), 5. Every sixty minutes (6), 6. Widest (8), 12. Inconvenience (8), 14. Combining (7), 16. Calculate (6), 18. Respect (6), 19. Foolish (5), 22. Vegetable (4).

MARCH SUDOKU

WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS LOCAL! If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby.....get in touch via

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 31

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Got a story? editor@konect.scot and we may be able to share it.

(You need to live and/or work in the Queensferry, Kirkliston, or Winchburgh areas to feature in this magazine)

ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

BUYING A SECONDHAND EV? QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK ABOUT THE BATTERY “With petrol or diesel cars, buyers base a judgement about engine condition on age and mileage. But EVs are not like this. The most important element is the battery, and its condition can vary significantly based on several factors - even if two cars have identical mileage and age,” says Kevin Mackay, Director of Volta Automotive.

Volta Automotive is a local business specialising in testing the State of Health (SoH) of EV and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle batteries. “The health and longevity of a battery are affected by factors such as the number of fast charges, whether the battery has been left on charge for long periods of time, temperature, day to day management of the battery, and repeated extreme charging and discharging,” Kevin explains.

As a buyer of a secondhand EV or PHEV, there is no way you can tell how the battery has been treated, and consequently it’s difficult to judge how much life you can expect to get from it and what its true value is.

That’s where Volta Automotive comes in.

They provide a professional Battery State of Health assessment, which is a measure of the battery’s current performance compared to its original condition.

The chart illustrates how one car might have covered 124,300 miles with a battery health of over 90%, while another with the same mileage might have a battery health as low as 65%. A sample of cars manufactured in 2023 found that battery degradation was approximately 1.4% per year on average. This means one of these cars could have an additional 17 years of battery life compared to the other. Purchasing the one with the lower battery health would make a costly battery replacement necessary for continued viability – and this would need to be reflected in the sale price.

“The benefit of the tests I provide is the independent verification for buyer confidence and assurance,” says Kevin. “Overlooking the

State of Health (SoH %)

SOH vs Mileage ALL

Mileage (mi)

battery State of Health when purchasing a used EV could be a very expensive mistake.”

If you already own an EV or PHEV, it’s worth getting a battery SofH assessment done to check on the range capacity, detect any hidden defects, predict battery replacement and to discover ways you can maximise your battery’s lifespan. When it comes to selling your car, a battery certification can also lead to a higher sale price and faster sale.

For more information on tests available, contact Kevin at Volta Automotive on 07701 260 120.

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A few years ago we talked about the Auricula Theatre in our entrance courtyard.

Sadly time took its toll and the wooden shelves rotted and started to collapse.

A replacement was needed as we get so much enjoyment from the displays every time we come in or out. This time I used pressure treated timber but built the theatre to the same as the original as that had worked very well. I bought some lead roof flashing for the top to throw off the rain, but we still need to water regularly as no rain reaches the pots.

Facing west it receives no direct sunlight so we can only display plants that like partial shade We pot them up into terracotta pots with saucers beneath. The Primula auricula varieties, with fleshy leaves and incredible ‘painted’ flowers make their best displays

in late spring and early summer, so we supplement the displays outwith the peak Auricula season.

Early in the year primroses bring colour, along with winter flowering heathers and dwarf bulbs like crocus and irises. After the auricula season we add ferns and houseleeks followed by bright spots of colour from cyclamen. For the festive season we add jam jars full of variegated holly, indeed pots of flowers help to freshen up the display throughout any of the seasons.

The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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Living aboard with your children is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witnessing different cultures, learning multiple languages, developing new skills, and experiencing a country that many only dream of visiting can be transformative. For Amélie, being a foreigner born in post war Japan is an experience that only a select few will ever know. Little Amélie or The Character of Rain is a French animated film based on the memoir of the same name, in which we follow young Amélie as she spends her early years in Japan. Little Amélie is visually stunning and emotionally charged, packing an impressive amount of power into its brief 1 hour and 18 minute runtime.

Brimming with childlike innocence, the film lets us see the world through Amélie’s eyes, whether it’s her ability to speak fluently at age three despite never uttering a word before that, or the way the ocean parts like a biblical epic when she visits the beach.

These flourishes are visually beautiful and help elevate the film’s core narrative. Being a foreigner in post war Japan is not the same as facing the xenophobia one might encounter in Japan today. A quick side eye is nothing compared to being blamed for the bombings.

And for a child, how could she possibly be responsible? She was neither a soldier nor a scientist at Los Alamos. It’s this harsh reality of post war Japan that grounds Little Amélie and elevates its material into something truly magical.

In UK Cinemas now 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.

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My family and I love Nick Nairn’s beautiful Port of Menteith restaurant and cook school, located on the northern shore of the Lake of Menteith. It was a cold, damp, dreich day, with limited visibility of the Lake. However, the welcome into the restaurant warm and the menu was filled with a rich assortment of delicious comforting dishes.

My main dish, ‘Rump of Menteith hills hogget’ (meat from a young sheep, hogget bridges the gap between tender lamb and rich, intense mutton) was served with braised lentils, salsa verde, chicory and roasting juices. It was delicious and perfect for a cold February day! The hogget was cooked beautifully, and was savoury and delicious, but tender and distinctive.

The braised lentils were the perfect accompaniment to the meat. It’s always nice to see a menu feature locally sourced, seasonal produce.

I was pleased to be tasked with selecting the wine. What to pair with everything? Hogget, black pudding, venison and red onion tart tatin. De Burgh Wine Merchants supply the wine and created a lovely wine list.

I wondered if I should select a pinot noir to pair with the different dishes. In the end I chose a Primitivo from Puglia, in the south of Italy. In the ‘heel of Italy’ the weather is hot and the grapes ripen, creating a rich, juicy wine with warm ripe characteristics. While my selection wasn’t perhaps a classic pairing for a lamb dish, this wine bought a touch of sunshine and warmth to a chilly day.

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

RECIPE & FOOD NOTES

Rhubarb is in season in Scotland from early spring, March/April. Why not make this indulgent and creamy rhubarb ice-cream!

A delicious and unique treat for when you grow tired of the same old vanilla and strawberry flavours. This recipe is really easy and does not require any churning!

Rhubarb is a source of potassium which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Research suggests that an adequate intake can help prevent high blood pressure.

Ingredients:

• 500g of chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb (7 or 8 medium sized stalks) • 300g of sugar. If you prefer a tarter taste from the rhubarb, use slightly less sugar.

• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice • 240g double cream • (Optional) Add 1tsp of vanilla essence and ¼ teaspoon of red food colouring to the cream before whipping for a more intense pink colour.

Method:

1. Place the rhubarb and sugar into a saucepan and cook over medium heat for approx. 10 -12 mins, until the rhubarb becomes soft and the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and leave to cool.

2. Place the rhubarb mixture into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.

Transfer the mixture into a bowl, cover and leave in the fridge for 15-20 minutes 3. Once cold, stir the lemon juice into the rhubarb puree.

4. In a separate bowl beat the cream until stiff peaks form.

5. Add the chilled rhubarb puree into the whipped cream folding in gently.

6. Transfer into a shallow freezer safe container and cover.

Recipe supplied by Nutrition Scotland www.nutritionscotland.org QUEENSFERRY | 23

Continued from p9

Besides the dangerous state of the piers and lack of supporting infrastructure, the accident may also have been a factor in pushing an application to Parliament in 1809 for a change in the way the crossing was regulated. The resulting Act of Parliament established a Trust, with Trustees drawn from various public offices, as well as the proprietor of New Halls estate and all those in the counties bordering the crossing who had a personal net worth of over 200 pound Scots. The Trust had the authority to construct piers, access roads, boatmen’s houses and other infrastructure. A mix of public and private funding was secured, with Parliament advancing half of the money and the other half met by individuals.

Scottish civil engineer John Rennie was engaged for the works, and by around 1812 four new piers were constructed on the south – New Halls Pier (replacing the original one), a small pier at Port Neuk (behind Honey Pot Creative, almost no remains), a pier at Port Edgar and Long Craig. Hawes Pier and Long Craig Pier slope into the sea, designed so that they can be used even at low tide. While Hawes Pier has been in constant use and has been resurfaced, the stonework on the Long Craig Pier is original, albeit repaired in places. The South Queensferry Lighthouse, nestled between the RNLI shop and the cruise ticket office, was built in 1812 as part of the works too, and was in operation until the Hawes Pier Light was installed in 1877.

The Act introduced other regulations relating to the crossing, including that “not more than two thirds of the boats and yawls to remain at each side.”

The New Statistical Account quotes the following traffic figures for the crossing in 1811: An average of 228 persons crossed

Long Craig Pier

per day, and up to 447. Annually, there were 1515 carriages, 4254 carts; 18,154 horses, 18,037 cattle, 23,151 sheep, 2018 dogs and 5590 barrels.

The arrival of steam navigation around 1820 was another major change. The steam boat “Queen Margaret” launched in 1821, made the crossing faster and less dependent on calm weather. Porters to attend to passengers on each side were employed by the trustees. It was more expensive to cross in the dark than in the light. Passengers exempt from the crossing fee included “mail horses or expresses from the post-office; soldiers on march, horses of officers, ordnance

Hawes Pier from the west 24 | QUEENSFERRY

William Brassey Hole, The Landing of St Margaret at Queensferry A.D. 1068, ‘National Galleries of Scotland’

carts, volunteers, if in uniform; carts carrying vagrants with the legal passes.”

Newhalls Pier (and Newhalls Inn) had become Hawes Pier and Hawes Inn by the time Robert Louis Stevenson visited in the 1880s, and set his novel Kidnapped here.

The protagonist David Balfour is tricked into boarding a ship at Hawes Pier, with the promise that “the boat’ll set ye ashore at the town pier, and that’s but a penny stonecast from Rankeillor’s house.”

Hawes Pier was used regularly by passenger and cargo ferries until the opening of the Forth Road Bridge in 1964. The pier is now used by primarily by the RNLI and commercial sight-seeing tours. Long Craig

THE QUEEN’S FERRY Queen Margaret was born in Hungary, the daughter of an 11th century English prince of the House of Wessex, who had been exiled there. When her father was named heir to the English throne in 1057, he took his family, including Margaret and her siblings Edgar and Cristina, back to England. Dying shortly after, he left Edgar as heir, who inherited the throne after the death of Harold at the Battle of Hastings. But he was never crowned – with the Normans victorious, the royal family fled north, not before Edgar had spent some time in the custody of William the Conqueror. They landed in Scotland and were welcomed by King Malcolm III. Within a year, Margaret was married to King Malcolm – it’s possible that they were previously betrothed. The wedding took place in Dunfermline where Malcolm had a palace. A devout catholic, Margaret funded a free ferry for pilgrims and the poor to cross the Forth to St Andrew’s Cathedral, and she also funded hostels on each side of the crossing. The settlements developed, giving rise to the name Queen’s Ferry (north and south). Margaret established a priory at Dunfermline which was later elevated to an Abbey and became the burial place of Scottish kings – and of Margaret herself.

Malcolm and Margaret’s marriage was a long and happy one; she was extremely active and influential in Scottish religious life, and while Malcolm was not particularly religious himself he was happy for her to pursue her reforms. They had eight children.

Margaret died at the age of 49 within days of learning that her husband and one of her sons had been killed at the Battle of Alnwick.

pier is used and maintained by the Scouts.

Old stonework is still visible on the piers at Queensferry Harbour. Port Edgar was heavily used by the Royal Navy during both wars, and the associated development there makes it harder to trace the earlier infrastructure.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.

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HippFest, Scotland’s Silent Film Festival, returns for its 16th year to the historic Bo’ness Hippodrome from 18th to 22nd March, promising five flapper-filled days of silent film and live music.

The festival, which is a project of Falkirk Council, will showcase the earliest decades of 20th century cinema with a sensational line-up of film screenings, live music, workshops and more.

Centred in and inspired by Scotland’s first and oldest cinema it features exceptional screenings, commissions, workshops, community events and touring. It’s an emphatic celebration of the silent era, pairing the magic of the silver screen with the virtuoso talent of some of the best musicians and accompanists on the live circuit today.

In anticipation of this year’s HippFest, Festival Director Alison Strauss said, “We cannot wait to welcome audiences to the 16th edition of HippFest. This year’s programme contains a wealth of musical talent, both Scottish and

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international, with a spectacular selection of silent film, from rediscovered classics to revelatory new discoveries. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from we invite you to join the Festival community. You’ll discover not only great films and live music but also the beautiful town of Bo’ness and the surrounding region where each day is packed with screenings, activities and opportunities to get involved. We hope you’ll join us for this celebration of cinema at its best.”

View the programme and book your tickets at: www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/hippfest HippFest is a project of Falkirk Council, supported by Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland, with additional support from National Lottery funding through Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network.

HAVE YOU RECENTLY MOVED TO QUEENSFERRY?

OR PERHAPS YOU’RE “FERRY BORN-AND-BRED?” However long you’ve lived in the town or local area, if you’re interested in Queensferry’s heritage you might like to discover Queensferry Heritage Trust (QHT) - a local membership group aiming to protect Queensferry’s heritage and promote its potential.

Queensferry Heritage Trust collaborates with many local groups, including Queensferry History Group, The Briggers, GreenFerry, Queensferry & District Community Council and the Scottish Civic Trust. But a highlight of QHT activities is our Autumn/ Winter/Spring talks programme.

Talks take place on Wednesdays at 7:30pm at the Masonic Lodge on Stoneycroft Road (next to the

Hawthorn Bank Community Garden) and, whilst the 2025/26 programme is nearing its end, a few talks remain: • WED 11TH MARCH - Evolution’s Iceberg, Guy Douglas, author

• WED 25TH MARCH - 111 Places You Shouldn’t Miss, Gillian Tait, author • WED 15TH APRIL - Queensferry Heritage Trust AGM & Magic Lantern Show, Frank Hay There’s also a planned QHT members’ visit to the House of the Binns in April or May, DATE TO BE CONFIRMED. The talks are open to all and free to QHT members, or £5 per person per talk.

Membership runs from 1st October and is only £10 per person for 12 months of benefits (all talks, Newsletter, visits etc).

QUEENSFERRY HERITAGE TRUST LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU! Visit our website: queensferryhistory.org We are on Facebook!

Contact: mail@queensferryheritage.org.uk Queensferry Heritage Trust is a Registered Charity No SCO45644

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WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH Women of Winchburgh social evening - Join us for an engaging and informative talk exploring the story behind the School Yard Kitchen. There will also be an opportunity to sample their delicious chocolates. Tea and coffee will be provided - just bring your own mug. Women of Winchburgh is a SWI group.

Members free, non-members £8 cash on the door. Winchburgh Community Centre, 7.00pm (doors 6.45pm) SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 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 7TH TO SUNDAY 15TH MARCH Fife Food and Drink Week - The third annual Fife Food & Drink Week. Lots of tasty events such from special menus to markets, and talks to tastings at venues across the Kingdom. All details are on the Welcome to Fife website at welcometofife.com THURSDAY 12TH MARCH House of the Binns Tours restart - Guided tours of the House of the Binns (National Trust for Scotland) reopen today for the season, and run Thursdays to Mondays until 31st October. Closed Froday 13th March.

Access to the house is via guided tour only.

Our guided tours are filled with rich storytelling and explore an impressive collection of family portraits, furniture and porcelain that reveals the lives and interests of the family through the centuries. NTS members free, other tickets £14/£11/£8. Info and booking at nts.org.uk/ visit/places/house-of-the-binns. Binns View, Linlithgow, EH49 7NA 28 | QUEENSFERRY

SUNDAY 15TH MARCH Kirkliston Village Market - A village market serving locals with quality produce and products from independent businesses in and around Kirkliston. Third Sunday of every month, corner of Manse Road/ Liston Place, 11.00am – 3.00pm. See kirklistonvillagemarket.com WED 18TH TO SUNDAY 22ND MARCH HippFest - Scotland’s Silent Film Festival, venues in Bo’ness Hippodrome and other locations in Bo’ness and Linlithgow.

See page 26 for details SATURDAY 21ST MARCH Antique Fair - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA, Early entry 9am £2, public entry 10am - 3pm £1.

Ample free parking, disabled access, on-site catering. In aid of Linlithgow Heritage Trust, Contact Bob on 07946 045149 SUNDAY 22ND MARCH Ferry Welcome - A Multi-Cultural Celebration of all people living in South Queensferry and the surrounding area. Bring some food, share some music or show us your dancing, and most importantly bring yourself! 1-4pm at Queensferry High School - Theatre and Dining Hall. To find our more or get involved contact ferrywelcome@forthspan.org 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.

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

RCCG SOLID ROCK PARISH KIRKLISTON - The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Join us every Sunday for a time of worship. Service starts 11am.

Kirkliston Community Centre, 1618 Queensferry Road, Kirkliston, EH29 9AQ. Join our prayer meeting every Tuesday Zoom link: bit.ly/srprayer CHRIST CHURCH QUEENSFERRY - Looking for hope, truth, and community? Christ Church Queensferry is a Bible-believing church made up of ordinary people from Queensferry.

Whether you’re a committed Christian or just exploring faith, you’re welcome to join us on Sundays at 10:30am in Rosebery Hall, South Queensferry, for worship, teaching, and friendship.

You’ll find a warm welcome and a message that matters.

For more information visit christchurchqueensferry.org or find us on Facebook.

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 30 | QUEENSFERRY

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, 3.00-

3.40pm, 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.

Mum & Baby Postnatal Pilates: Thursday 11:0am, Conifox Adventure Park.

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 19:15-20:15 at the Winchburgh Sport and Wellbeing Hub (Xcite). First session is free, then £6 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 CLEANFERRY - CleanFerry SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY is a group of local volunteers dedicated to reducing the CROSSWORD amount of litter in and around South and S D S C Queensferry W C Dalmeny.

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I E N T C L cleanferry2@gmail.com A B S O R B email Y 0 E D Y M SOUTH QUEENSFERRY BABY AND TODDLER ACROSS: -7.Thursdays Tomato, 8. Treaty, 9. Swim, GROUP 9.30am10. Portions, 11.30am at11. theAbsence, Church13.

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Just 18. Adhere, 19. Dirty, 21. Also. turn up, or for more information join the Facebook SOLUTION TOgroup, SUDOKU search“South Queensferry Baby ON PAGE XX 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 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk FRIENDSHIP CLUB - A 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, 2.00Disclaimer:£2 The publisher cannot accept 3.30pm. per meeting.

For responsibility for loss or damageLorna caused more information contact by error inon the0131 printing331 of an5570 advertisement.

Russell or We do not endorse any advertisers in email lorna.russell@qccc.org.uk this publication. All material is accepted WINCHBURGH for publication on the SPEAKERS understanding it is CLUB Would youoflike to copyright- free.

No part this publication develop your speaking skills, may be reproduced without prior consent of overcome the publisher.nerves, gain confidence, build strong Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. leadership skills, and improve Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, your communication in a relaxed West Lothian EH54 6GU. and friendly environment? Come along or Design: send us a message Magazine to find out how Winchburgh Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858 Speakers Club can help. We

meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Bowling Club ( (from mid-August to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk FRIENDS OF FERRY GLEN - 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 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 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. TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT. SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

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SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 18

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

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