Konect Balerno April14

konect APRIL 2014

FEATURES

Francis Cummings Music can transform a life

Marriott Dalmahoy Homecoming 2014 offer 2 for 1 if you have a top 100 Scottish surname!

S& OFFER ERS H C U O V cal from lo ses s e busin

plus local businesses, community information and more!

Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green & Baberton

The cover story this month is a Balerno resident who was interviewed by our writer Suzanne for the Village People column. Francis is dedicated to changing lives through music - see the article on page 8.

In Pat's Thought for the Month this issue she has some ideas for the Easter holidays, and there are a few other ideas on the What's On page.

Message from the Editor

And if you have one of the most popular 100 Scottish surnames, you're eligible for a special 2 for 1 offer from the Pentland Restaurant at the Marriott Dalmahoy! - see the article on page 24 for details of their innovative Homecoming 2014 celebration offer.

We're delighted to welcome more local businesses than ever in konect this month. Thank you for your support of local businesses and for reading konect!

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638

Advertising enquiries Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory www.konectdirectory.co.uk The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Baberton. Copies are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Front cover photograph

by Amy E Green: Francis Cummings

Contents Features Francis Cummings

8

Marriott Dalmahoy Homecoming 2014

24

Regulars Thought for the Month

18

Technology 40 Money Matters

51

Recipe and Food Notes

56

Competitions and Puzzles Crossword and sudoku

52

Community What's on

58

Useful Information

58

Clubs & Classes

60

Index of Advertisers 62

3

Curtains & Soft Furnishings

by Quintessential

0131 466 3290 • 07779 720 653 info@quintessentialsoftfurnishings.co.uk www.quintessentialsoftfurnishings.co.uk

Local, Friendly Dog Grooming Service

Large & Small Breeds Evening & Weekend Appointments also available

Please contact: Pauline: 07738 570612 Kay: 07950 436746 www.curriedoggrooming.co.uk

Make No Pain Your Gain The Next Generation of Virtually Pain-Free Hair Removal

We are one of Edinburgh’s only specialists in virtually pain free laser hair removal, using the most up to date technology

30% OFF ALL TREATMENTS IN APRIL

Pay Per Session with No Upfront Fees

Visit Soprano Ice in Therap-Ease Treatment Centre 382 Morningside Road Edinburgh Tel 0131 447 9990 or visit our website www.therap-ease.biz 4

MORNINGSIDE, PENTLAND, COLINTON AND NOW BALERNO T: 0131 441 4581 E: morningside.pentland@monkeymusic.co.uk

Cleanleeness is your local domestic cleaning service.

We supply all products, are fully insured and we are not an agency.

Cleanleenes provides you with the same vetted cleaner every week. We base the clean around your needs and requirments and will work with you to plan this.

For more information visit: www.cleanleeness.com or contact us at:

01506 300801

info@cleanleeness.com 5

APRIL OFFERS AT

RICCARTON GARDEN CENTRE AMAZING DEAL ON COMPOST

4 bags multi-purpose compost (50ltr) Bedding packs 4 packs for £10

Osteospermum 4 for £10

only

£10 Herbaceous and Shrubs 3 for £10

COFFEE SHOP 0131 449 4004

Coffee Shop ● Open 7 days ● huge car park ● Riccarton Mains Road (nr Heriot-Watt)

COUNTRY DOGS DOG WALKING

Tailored Dog Walks to suit your dogs needs • Quality care and attention • Maximum of 3 dogs walked together • Private Pentlands Playing Field within the Pentlands Regional Park • Safe collection and drop off service • Trixie transportation crates • Trustworthy & reliable • Competitively priced • Fully insured • Advanced disclosure checked Call Peter 07711 806 031 0131 449 4224 Country Dogs Balerno 6

From a small repair to fully fitted kitchens. The Kitchen Doctor will take care of everything

Electrics | Plastering | Painting | Plumbing | Worktops | Joinery + 30 years experience + No call out charge + All work guaranteed

www.kitchendoctor-scotland.co.uk

We supply and service all makes and models of appliances.

Double Glazing Doctor Four Seasons Scotland Limited

The Lothians finest...

• If we can’t fix it - it can’t be fixed.

• Does your conservatory leak?

• Do you have broken locks, hinges handles?

• Are your sealed units misted or broken?

• Is your original supplier no longer in business or just won’t honour your existing guarantee?

Don’t panic. Call the Good Doctor now and get a clean bill of health!

Keep your existing windows & upgrade to our energy saving glass.

Your Local Home Improvement Company.

four seasons

The Conservatory Complex and Innovation Studio: Riccarton Garden Centre, Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat - Sun 11am - 4pm.

0131 449 7000 (24/7)

Scotland Limited

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Village people

Francis Cummings Music can transform a life

by Suzanne Green

Balerno resident Francis Cummings is married to Lindsey, a GP. They have three children: Rachel (18), Daniel (14) and Benjamin (9). Francis is Director of Music for Sistema Scotland, a charity committed to changing lives through music.

“There was no music in our family. We lived in a council house in Dumbarton. Dad worked in a factory and Mum was a cleaner.”

But new doors began to open for Francis Cummings when a school scheme gave him the opportunity to learn to play an instrument free of charge. “I was desperate to learn piano,” he says. “And somehow my parents managed to buy me one. Then every Saturday I went along to the Junior Conservatoire, where I learned to play the violin.”

Francis studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Later he completed a postgraduate degree at the University of Leeds. He spent most of his 20 years as a professional violinist with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, performing in festivals in Japan, Australia, USA and throughout Europe.

He and Lindsey married in 1992, and she had to get used to him travelling regularly.

But after they started a family, Francis reconsidered his frequent absences. When Daniel was born, and was later diagnosed with

autism, it became clear to Francis that he needed to make a career change. “It was a very painful time for us,” he says, “though Daniel is a beautiful child.”

In 2007 the Cummings family moved from Manchester to Edinburgh, where Francis became Director of Music at St Mary’s, a specialist music school. He taught there for nearly five years before responding to the pull he was feeling to get involved with Sistema Scotland.

Based on and partnered with Venezuela’s El Sistema (established in 1975 by Maestro Jose Antonio Abreu), the charity uses music making to foster confidence, teamwork, pride and aspiration in children and their wider community.

It has established two “Big Noise” orchestras for children in Raploch, Stirling and Govanhill, Glasgow – areas where there haven’t always been opportunities for young people. Lending her support to the Big Noise is one of Scotland’s most famous classical musicians, Nicola Benedetti – the children’s official “Musical Big Sister.”

“It’s wonderful to see socio-economic barriers being broken down,” says Francis, “and to realise we are helping to make a more level playing field.” He believes learning an instrument is a creative way to help develop kids’ health and well-being, and there are many things they can learn from it. Smiling, he describes how Sir Alex Ferguson used to regularly take his team to hear the Big Noise and observe their perfect example of teamwork.

Francis Cummings considers music to be his calling, and he devotes himself to it – whether he is working with his Big Noise pupils, tutoring undergrad students or leading worship at church. He knows first-hand that music has the power to transform a life.

Find out more about Sistema Scotland: makeabignoise.org.uk/ sistema-scotland/

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A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS, ESTABLISHED FOR 50 YEARS

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SCOTLAND’S LARGEST MATTRESS STOCKIST BEDS AVAILABLE FOR SAME DAY DELIVERY SHOWROOM WHEATLANDS MILL GALASHIELS TD1 2HQ 01896 751 301

FACTORY OUTLET 2 BRIDGE STREET NEWBRIDGE EH28 8SR 0131 333 1903

SHOWROOM 266 MORRISON ST EDINBURGH EH3 8DT 0131 229 1137

www.grovebedding.com 9

You’ll be amazed

LOOKING FOR N E W W I N D O W S LOOK NO FURTHER THAN FOUR SEASONS

Any 4 windows fully fitted for 5 windows fully fitted for

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Argon Gas filled for super efficiency.

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A Rated Kite marked white pvcu windows with multi point locking system.

Includes timber or PVC trim finish.

Conservatories

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Roofline

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YOUR LOCAL HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY RICCARTON GARDEN CENTRE, Riccarton Mains Road, Currie. Open 7 Days. Mon - Fri 10 - 4, Sat - Sun 11 - 4. * Subject to window sizes up to 1.5 mt sq in white pvcu.

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Kitchens

d

?

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at what we do...

THINKING ABOUT A BUILDING PROJECT, BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? Call or visit us now for a FREE no obligation consultation & advice.

DON’T MOVE – IMPROVE WITH FOUR SEASONS. With the current state of the property market, most home owners do not feel confident getting a reasonable price for their home. But there are other affordable options available. Instead of moving why not extend your home instead?

Attic conversions rden extensions, ga s ge rooms & gara e et pl m co to a house build.

Finding a reliable and trustworthy builder often seems like an impossible task.

This is where Four Seasons excel. From design, using our in-house architectural services, through to completion every project is overseen by an allocated Project Manager who will keep you informed of progress at all times.

Four Seasons currently have 8 major projects at various stages of construction underway and we are happy for any potential new clients to view our work.

THE FOUR SEASONS STEP BY STEP EXTENSION PROCESS • Consultation with Four Seasons architectural services, surveyor & builder • House extension design • Client approval • Planning permissions • Four Seasons building team begins & completes work

Extensions |

Driveways |

Orangeries | All can be seen at...

0131 449 7000 four www.fourseasonsscotland.com seasons Scotland Limited

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Key in lock. Jacket on newel post. Feet out of shoes. Ah, yes…that familiar welcome home as you sink into your Sofas & Stuff sofa.

It’s the shape you decided on from the dozens we offer. It’s stuffed anywhere from cloud soft to supportive. It’s covered in the fabric, colour, texture and fibre you found most sympathetic from our huge range of samples (Belgian linen and Harris tweed are becoming very popular).

And, if you have exceptionally long legs, or wanted a sofa a bit higher in the back, say, you may have opted for a ‘made-to-measure’.

By operating off the high street, at Sofas & Stuff we save you (and ourselves) stress and money. So you’re able to park near and for nothing. And we’re able to offer a lifetime guarantee on every frame and spring.

Window-shop the range on our website. Or, for information and directions to your nearest Sofas & Stuff, let’s speak on 0131 346 2440.

sofasandstuff.com 8-11 ANGLE PARK TERRACE, EDINBURGH EH11 2JX

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Spotlight on

Hydro Kleen (Scotland) We might keep our kitchen and bathroom surfaces clean, but how often do we think about what bacteria might be lurking underfoot in our houses?

of insects in a sample of water from cleaned carpets, and enough pollen to pollinate an entire meadow. A real nightmare for allergy sufferers.”

“One thing that I am constantly surprised about is how neglected carpets can be,” says Lindsay Russell of Hydro Kleen (Scotland).

“We have been inspired to produce a range of packages to cater for all of our customers, from the Asthmatic Package, which keeps dust mites at bay for 12 months, the cat and dog loving Pet Package and the Newborn Baby Package.

“Many people never get them professionally cleaned, some people do it themselves and have carpets that are wet for two or three days.

Some people wait until the carpets are visibly dirty and this is a real danger. I have an honours degree in Biological Sciences and know that the bacteria levels on any type of flooring that isn't cleaned regularly is massively high."

Lindsay continued, "A study carried out several years ago showed that there were body parts of 30 species

All of this is with our customers in mind and its a rare day where we have more than two customers with the same requirements.”

“You can call us on 08000 463 422 from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week so that you can always get hold of us when it counts.

We are available seven days a week, with our weekend slots often being booked well before our midweek slots.”

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GET CARPETS THOROUGHLY DEEP CLEANED FOR THE PRICE OF FREE no tion obliga s te o u q

All work is 100% guarante e for yo d satisfac ur tion

2

It’s the perfect time of year to have your carpets and upholstery Spring cleaned by Hydro Kleen

• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Cleaning • Stain Protection • 24/7 SERVICE

08000 463 422 Mob: 07789 007 072 Tel:

www.hydrokleenscotland.co.uk Email: info@hydrokleenscotland.co.uk 13

• Garden Design • Landscaping & Tidy ups • Fencing & Turfing • Hedge Trimming & Tree Felling • Interior/exterior Removal Services • Driveways & Patios • Painting Exterior & Interior • Garden Maintenance

Tree Surgery We are established NPTC qualified and public liability assured, operating across Central Scotland.

“No job too big or small”

Free site visits and advice call 07833 website coming soon

Proprietor Stevie Purdie’s key focus and expertise on all aspects of tree surgery from pruning, felling, section dismantle dead wooding and stump grinding.

Geoff Milne The Complete Joinery Service

For friendly professional advice please give us a call on

07952046494

or email us at:

3 Glenbrook, Balerno Edinburgh, EH14 7JE

www.specialbranchscotland.com

07815 065843 / 0131 449 4441 gmilnejoinery@hotmail.co.uk

gardeningworld@hotmail.co.uk or specialbranchscotland@gmail.com Konnect (JAN2014).ai

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20/01/2014

458038

14:04

Our Five point Grass Care Programme includes: 1.

1.

Hollow tining, raking off, removal of tining plugs andlawn sand moss treatment – Early Spring (March/early April).

2.

Weed kill, Fertiliser and secondary moss kill treatment application - Mid Spring (mid-late April).

3.

3.

Scarifying, raking off and removal of all waste.

4.

4.

Mid Summer Fertiliser and weed-killing application if applicable.

5.

Autumn Fertiliser application (only).

C

Being professional gardeners, we love to see the gardens in our care flourish.

M

Y

CM

MY

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Give us a call on 0800 9700 415 to arrange an appointment. www.taurusgardening.com

LANDSCAPING • LAWN CARE • MAINTENANCE

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LOG CABINS • PLAY EQUIPMENT • GATES • FENCING • DECKING • TRELLIS

Like us on Facebook

Buy online at www.woodfordtimber.com

Woodford Timber Products (Scotland) Ltd Williamson's Garden Centre, Houston Mains, Uphall Broxburn, EH52 6PA Tel: 01506 238115 Fax: 01506 238116 www.woodfordtimber.com email: woodfordtimberproducts@gmail.com

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D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

Kirknewton

No obligation FREE QUOTES Local Business

Fencing • Decking • Removals Regular Garden Maintenance • Garden Design • Clearance and more....

Call Dan now on: 07970 700192 dgreaves@hotmail.com

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Thought for the Month

Easter Holidays

By Pat Banfill Children look forward to time off from school, though older ones are aware of exams looming in the summer term.

There are many events advertised locally and further afield, and you could invite another family to join yours on a day out.

Parents often find childcare complicated in the holiday period, and not everyone can take time away from work then, so may not look forward to them so much. How can we do a bit more than just get through them?

There are seasonal foods to enjoy (look in any supermarket), or try making hot cross buns or a special cake together at home.

One principle is to try to create good memories in your family, and this includes families which don’t contain children.

What can you do to celebrate the season? Who knows what the weather will be like from day to day, but deciding to go out somewhere different, suitable dressed, whatever the weather, in itself may become memorable.

You might decide to grow some seeds in pots or in the garden, or you could offer to help another household with some spring cleaning in the house or in the garden.

All of these ideas and many more can be used to build good memories into your family, and form the basis for the next season of life together.

Pat Banfill, Pastoral Assistant, St Mungo’s Church, Balerno. www.stmungos.org

Principal: Ms K. Sara J.Wood

Lessons for age 2 years and above New Adult Ballet Class!

Edinburgh College - Sighthill Campus Ratho Community Centre New Classes starting soon - Craiglockhart

Treasure Island performance - Howden Park Centre

07723 589 280 info@edinburgh-ballet.co.uk www.edinburgh-ballet.co.uk

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new cla That sh please. could g

Teenage Drama Are You Aged 12-15 And Enjoy Drama?

Join Us At Juniper Green Church Hall on WEDNESDAYS from 5-6.30pm

THEATRE AND FILM PERFORMANCE THROUGH TO RED CARPET OSCAR-STYLE AWARDS EVENING IN JUNE For details call JULIE on 0131 453 3284 or email info@thedramastudio.com

www.thedramastudio.com

> Classes > Senior and Teen 19

Cut • Colour • Occasion Hair Ups • Bridal Hair Cover Edinburgh and the Lothians . . . will travel further for Bridal

Colour Promotion - Receive £15 off when you book a cut and colour - quoting this advert

07808 709781 laura@lauraelizabethhd.co.uk www.lauraelizabethhd.co.uk www.facebook.com/LauraElizabethHairDesign

Do you work to a 9-5 work day and are currently unable to make time for your dental appointments?

TEL: 0131 449 5545 www.balernodentalcare.co.uk

Early morning and late night appointments are available, and due to popular demand a further late night has been added to meet patient needs.

LATE NIGHT APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 20

Spotlight on

Bernie Rowen Consulting Psychology and Astrology When you were preparing to leave school, did it ever occur to you to go to an astrologer to find out what your vocation could be?

There are so many careers to choose from - do you have the right temperament for nursing, or maybe you should have been a journalist, or a p.a. or why not an astronaut?

Psychology and astrology blended is known as psychological astrology. It takes into account the strengths and weaknesses you posses, and astrology can see if this would be constant or if you will change your mind…after all life is not static, and the planets move in predictable patterns.

LEAP (life empowerment awareness process) is a system where we look at the family patterning to ascertain if we have adopted negative patterning from our childhood or recent past.

J U N I P E R

Bernie Rowen is a registered psychotherapist with many a modality under her belt. She brings a fresh idea to counseling and talking therapy by the inclusion of astrology data to develop the most individual treatment possible, so why not invest in yourself?

Bernie Rowen Consulting It’s never too late to have a happy future Astrology readings ♦ Counselling ♦ Hypnotherapy Call

Bernie Rowen 01506 798573

Registered Psychotherapist

B E A U T Y ROOM

Appointments: 0131 478 4777

www.juniperbeautyroom.co.uk

624A Lanark Road, Juniper Green, Edinburgh EH14 5EW 21

Hairtech

Spotlight on Regional finalists live hairdressing competition 2014 Hair Tech of Currie are in the regional line up for the prestigious L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy.

"We are so excited to be chosen for a second year running. The salon has been open for 21 years and this is a great way to be recognised for all the hard work our team put in everyday to making sure our clients leave the salon feeling amazing. We put all our ideas together and created a moodboard with our predictions for autumn/winter 14/15 fashion trends. We then had to interoperate these ideas into our model's cut and colour, and then photograph the finished result”.

The next stage of the competition will put Hair Tech through their paces. Competitors must create a live model look and demonstrate an awareness for Autumn/ Winter 2014/15 trends in just 30 minutes, the model look must be original, modern and inspirational.

The team of judges are looking for a trend-setting, show-stopping total look that can inspire clients and hairdressers.

Hairtech would like to thank their model Roberta and Marshall Hall photography for making this possible!

Hairtech

Are pleased to announce we are finalists again for the Scottish region of the L'Oreal Colour Trophy

Open Tues-Sat Late night Thurs

0131 449 2991 17 Bryce Rd, Currie, EH14 5LT

You want someone to take the time and listen to you…

You want to have choice.

You want your teeth to look better.

You want pain free dentistry.

You want to see the same faces each time you come for routine check.

But most of all you want someone you can trust.

Let us look after you.

WINNER:

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB Telephone: 01506 857717 www.broxburndentist.com

If you would like an appointment please give us a call, we would love to see you 22

Your Local Florist We deliver to Edinburgh and The Lothians Get your 1st order with FREE Delivery when you mention Konect

Julie Keir We can supply arrangements t: 0131 449 9531 for all occasions: Birthdays, Anniversaries, m: 07738 063080 Funerals, Parties w: www.flowersbyjak.com & Weddings e: jules@flowersbyjak.com Sarah’s Fitness

t. 07540 894287 e. sarahhardie@hotmail.co.uk

Kettle class

Mondays 7.15 - 8pm Currie High School ÂŁ4.50 per class

Designed to shape and sculpt your body in as little as 20 minutes

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Spotlight on

Pentland Restaurant at the Marriott Dalmahoy Homecoming Scotland 2014 promotion 2 for 1 on all main courses To celebrate the year of Homecoming Scotland 2014 the Marriott Dalmahoy, one of Edinburgh’s leading hotels, is running an innovative promotion to attract locals to try their award-winning Pentland Restaurant. The hotel has chosen the 100 most common surnames in Scotland (taken from the General Register Office for Scotland) and throughout 2014 is offering people who bear one of those surnames an exclusive 2 for 1 promotion* on all main courses.

Dalmahoy Estate has a history dating back to King Alexander III (1241-1286). During this long history, Dalmahoy House has had just three owners. The first owners were the Dalmahoys (around 1265), descendants of Sir Alexander de Dalmahoy. The Dalrymples bought the house from the Dalmahoys around 1720, and the Douglas family acquired the house from the Dalrymples – although it is not known how! – around 1760 and it has been in their family ever since.

The house is owned today by the 21st Earl of Morton, a direct descendant of the Douglas family. The heraldic emblazonments from each of these families can still be seen today on the walls of the house. To celebrate this history, the hotel is also extending the promotion to those who bear the names of the former owners (Dalmahoy, Douglas and Dalrymple).

The Pentland Restaurant offers traditional food with a modern twist, cooked by Head Chef James Thomson. It is an AA Rosette award winning restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere in stunning surroundings,

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If your surname is listed here, you are eligible for the 2 for 1 promotion* in 2014 at the Pentland Restaurant, Marriott Dalmahoy.

Smith Brown Wilson Thomson Robertson Campbell Stewart Anderson Macdonald / Mcdonald Scott Reid Murray Taylor Clark Mitchell Ross Walker Paterson Young Watson Morrison Miller Fraser Davidson Gray

Henderson Johnston Hamilton Graham Kerr Simpson Martin Ferguson Cameron Duncan Hunter Kelly Bell Grant Mackenzie Mackay / Mckay Allan Black Macleod Mclean / Maclean Russell Gibson Wallace Gordon

Marshall Stevenson Wood Sutherland Craig Wright Kennedy Jones Burns White Muir Murphy Johnstone Hughes Watt Mcmillan Mcintosh Milne Munro Ritchie Dickson Bruce King Crawford Millar Cunningham

Sinclair Williamson Hill Mcgregor Boyle Shaw Fleming Moore Christie Douglas Donaldson Alexander Forbes Mcintyre Findlay Jamieson Aitken Reilly Thompson Hay Chosen Dalmahoy Dalrymple Morton Braid Marriott

with views over the hotel’s championship golf course.

It is open for breakfast and dinner.

To book your 2 for 1 main course, please call the Pentland Restaurant on 0131 333 1845 (select option 5 to get through to the restaurant).

For more information on Homecoming 2014, visit the website: www. homecomingscotland. com. * Promotion subject to availability, terms & conditions apply. Pre-booking essential, photo ID will be required.

Maximum table of 6.

The Clean Team Now doing a CARPET CLEANING SERVICE

Professional oven cleaning service: ovens, ranges, hob, BBQ, microwaves or extractor unit.

Give us a call for a free no obligation quote

Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Perth & Kinross New name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team

www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100 or 07540947979

Bringing back the Home Help with our Home Assist Service

edinburgh@diamondhomesupport.com www.diamondhomesupport.com

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From £12 per hour

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TONY HARPER’S Hair Studio

46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno

0131 451 5133

Ladies & Gents Hairstyling

IRONING AID

Free pick-up & delivery - next day service

0131 538 5223 07877 381940

Check out our daily, weekly & monthly deals on facebook at tony-harpers-hairstudio

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FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs.

Family owned and operated since 1994

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk medeco67@aol.com

Accredited Motability Dealer

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New store now open at: 1st Floor, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh

Carpets Vinyls Laminates Rugs Beds Made to measure Blinds 3 Pentland Court View, Currie, Edinburgh EH14 5NP

Tel: 0131 449 6961 28

Making your house a home CARPETS from Crucial Trading We have something to suit all budgets Turnaround for most carpets is 7 days We also have a great selection of: VINYL, LAMINATE & DESIGNER FLOORING including Amtico, Karndean & Marmoleun We can also help you with : FABRICS, MADE TO MEASURE CURTAINS, BLINDS AND WALLPAPER Flooring T: 346 1838 Interiors T: 313 1881 3-4 Western Corner, Murrayfield, Edinburgh Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9.30 - 5.00 Wed & Sat 9.30 - 1pm

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Red Hot

WINDOWS Unit 1, Mosshall Ind Estate Blackburn, EH47 7LY

01506 630036

Loca family l -ru busine n ss

redhotwindows@btconnect.com

Your Local Balerno Locksmith     

Window repairs ■ Supply and fit windows and doors ■ Trade welcome Major credit cards accepted See website and facebook page compliant for photos of our work www.facebook.com/redhotwindows www.redhotwindows.co.uk

UPVC Patio Door Repairs Lock Changes/Upgrades British Standard 5 Lever Insurance Approved Locks Fitted 24 Hr Emergency Lockout Service Window Locks Supplied & Fitted

0131 500 0153 Or Call Tom On

07542781131 For All Your Security Needs www.caledonianlocksmiths.co.uk

BABERTON GOLF CLUB SPECIAL 2014 LIMITED OFFERS ON MEMBERSHIPS See the fantastic new clubhouse and course improvements!

Full Memberships—CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER WITH ENTRY FEE REDUCED 6 Day Play Sun—Fri, Midweek Play Mon—Fri, Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

WINTER GOLF ON SANDBASED GREENS AND NO MATS FROM £18 PER ROUND Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri email: manager@baberton.co.uk

Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun website: www.babertongolfclub.com

Be part of the changing face of golf at Baberton!

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COLIN NIXON MOT SALES & SERVICE CENTRE

Looking for a quality, reliable second hand car?

Come to a local well-established business for honest advice and excellent customer service.

On-site selection of pre-selected quality, low-mileage vehicles ... or tell us what you need and we will source a suitable vehicle to your specification and budget

All vehicles have had our stringent pre-sales service 12 month warranty* We only deal with good quality cars so you can buy with confidence

Tel: 01506 882 185 Email: info@colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Web: colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Edinburgh Road, East Calder EH53 0ET

ESTABLISHED OVER 25 YEARS *some vehicles excepted

34

35

TEL: 01501 744545 or 0131 610 5439 ALL TYPES OF ROOF WORK & MASONRY PAINTWORK UNDERTAKEN GUTTERS CLEANED FRONT & BACK FROM £20 GUTTERS RENEWED WITH U.P.V.C. PLASTIC & CAST IRON GUTTERS REPAIRED OR RENEWED ALL TYPES OF FLAT ROOFS REPAIRED - ALL TYPES OF CEMENT WORK UNDERTAKEN ALL EXTERIOR PAINTWORK & WOODSTAINING UNDERTAKEN

BEFORE

AFTER

ROOFS POWERWASHED & COATED

from

£700

- PROTECTS AGAINST MOSS & FUNGI - INCREASES LIFE OF ROOF TILES

DP_ KonectDirectory_120x90mm:Layout 1 26/02/2014 12:18 Page 1

We don’t

cut corners! we clean them

Book online!

Weekly, fortnightly, monthly or just a one-off service Contact your local office:

0131 278 0521

www.dailypoppins.com

36

All areas independently owned and operated

SMART TECH VEHICLE SOLUTIONS Smart repairs ● Bodyshop repairs ● Alloy wheel refurbishment ● Car valets

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Unit 18 Camps Industrial Estate East Calder, EH27 8DF

Sm art T ech

Free estimates available All work fully guaranteed

D.A. WARD MOTOR ENGINEERS Servicing Car Sales Tyres

Repairs M.O.T Testing Exhausts

Tel : 0131 458 3123 626/3 LANARK ROAD JUNIPER GREEN • EH14 5EW

37

£20 off FU

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Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs Bumper scuffs

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ChipsAway Available: Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Call ChipsAway Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call F & N Georgeson now to arrange your free estimate

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ED IRS NTE A P A RE AR U G Y

DELL ROOFING Currie Established 22 years

● 24 HOUR CALL OUT ● FREE ESTIMATES ● INSURANCE WORK UNDERTAKEN ● MAINTENANCE WORK WELCOME ● FELT ROOF WORK ● POINTING ● SLATING &TILING ● CHIMNEYS AND GUTTERS

0131 449 7193 or 07594 355109 www.dellroofing.co.uk

38

39

Technology

Pet Projects Pet owners are famously free with their cash: nothing’s too expensive for a beloved dog, cat, budgie or Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. It’s taken a while for the technology industry to notice, but now they have and there are all kinds of high-tech gizmos for your furry or feathered friends.

Forget automatic pet flaps and antibark collars: the new wave of pet tech includes health monitors, cameras and even exercisers.The star of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show - or its pet division at least - was Voyce, which is essentially a fitness tracker for dogs.

Another way to get an insight into your pet’s life is to shell out for an Eyenimal camera. The Petcam is available for cats and dogs, attaches to your pet’s collar and records whatever he or she sees; you can then transfer the footage to your computer. Expect to pay around £60.

Some pet gadgets appear to be practical jokes, but the GoDogGo is perfectly serious: its Automatic Ball Thrower is a £99 gadget based on the automated tennis ball machines that tennis players use in training.

Petcube

It isn’t cheap - it’s around £200 for the collar and another £10 per month but the pitch is that by monitoring your dog’s activity, breathing, heart rate and calories it’ll give you early warning of any potentially dangerous and expensive health problems.

Voyce will go on sale later this year, and it’s entering a market that’s already looking a bit crowded: in addition to Voyce there are pet fitness trackers including Fitbark (around £60) and Whistle (also around £60).

If you think that’s a bit odd, wait until you hear No More Woof: the £50 No More Woof gadget promises to convert doggy brainwaves into human speech. Don’t expect to engage in scintillating conversation with your Shih-Tzu, though: the repertoire is currently limited to “I’m hungry”, “I’m tired”, and “who are you?”

The developers say that No More Woof is a work in progress, though, and early sales of the device will enable them to make it smarter, more useful and - we hope - more comfortable. We can’t imagine our own dog putting up with a No More Woof headset for more than a few seconds.

40

GoDogGo Automatic Ball Thrower

Voyce fitness tracker for dogs

The GoDogGo will happily hurl tennis balls 5 to 10 metres, exercising your dog while you sit back and relax.

Have you ever wished you could take your pet bird for a walk? The people behind the Feather Tether hope you have, because their £12.99 bird harness means your bird can go wherever you are without fear of injury or “the tragedy of fly-aways.”

The harness comes in five sizes and a range of colours.

If you can’t always be with your pet, Petcube might be the answer: it’s a smartphone-powered gadget which contains a wide-angle camera and microphone for streaming high definition video and audio to your iPhone or iPad. There are speakers and a low-intensity laser pointer to transmit your voice and amuse your cat respectively.

Eyenimal Petcam

It’ll cost around £160 when it goes on sale in May. If you don’t have a pet, the iPhone/iPad app also enables you to log into other people’s public Petcubes (with their permission) and annoy their pets instead - and if it’s just the laser pet toy you want, the Frolicat Bolt automatic laser toy is currently £20.01 on Amazon.

Buster the Dog

Alistair Taylor

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE Tel: 0131 334 2080 Mob: 07768 632867 Ask for Kerr Middleton Rhone cleaning & repairs - cast iron or plastic Roof repairs - tiles or slates Moss removal, pressure washing Free estimates & advice given Over 35 years experience

• • • •

BVMS MRCVS www.pentlandvetclinic.com 100% Small animal practice Modern surgical, medical, x-ray laboratory and dental facilities Boarding cattery available 24 hour Emergency Service

0131 451 5111

5 Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 5PX

Claylands Cottage Cattery DOG DAYCARE & HOME BOARDING

Tel: 07807 856 940

• Quality Dog Walking/Daycare • Home boarding in our country farmhouse • Experienced & knowledgeable dog handler • Professional service • Disclosure Scotland and insured • Trustworthy & reliable • Exercised on 7 acres of secure private land

HAPPY SCAMPERS

1 Humbie Holdings Kirknewton, EH27 8DS

www.happyscampers.co.uk

...for contented cats

Established in May 2006, we provide first-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests.

Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below.

A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured

Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.

www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk

41

JOINERY SERVICES Adriatik Sula Currie

Mob: 0777 834 7117

email: adriatiksula@hotmail.com All aspects of joinery Kitchen fitting, flooring & much more High quality work â– Free estimates

Alexander Aitken Plastering 51 Dolphin Rd, Currie Call Sandy

07966 695595

Plaster work, rough casting, ceramic tiling & general maintenance

A & A Electrical Solutions Ltd Balerno All electrical work Private or commercial No job too big or small All work guaranteed Free estimates Professional and reliable service

Alan: 07969 929327

or email alskie@hotmail.com

Gerry Aitken Painter and Decorator Juniper Green

Tel: 07798 565321 Ames Taping Coving Artexing Interior Exterior 25 years Experience 42

43

BRUSHSTROKES

K.MELVILLE PAINTER / DECORATOR INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, INSURANCE WORK

Over 16 years experience All work guaranteed

TEL: 0131 451 5372 MOB: 0797 192 3397 CCTV (Home and Commercial)

Email: brushstrokes@blueyonder.co.uk 66 Forthview Crescent, Currie, EH14 5QT

Tag Cleaning Services Local window and gutter cleaning service

Established over 30 years Free quotations on request Tel : 0131 449 2807 (Office) Neil : 07711 581 384 (Mob) www.TagCleaningServices.co.uk

Specialists in

Home Extensions & Brick Stone work Extensions Sunrooms Garages (conversions) Porches Renovations/alterations Chimney repairs Patio/driveways Garden walls Stonework/lime pointing Architect services

All aspects of building work undertaken including bricklaying, stonework lime pointing, extensions, driveways and garden walls.

All trades supplied ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED

0131 453 6259 07931 101 523

www.deanjonesbuildingservices.co.uk 44

e Trad & l i Reta o t n Ope

Hutchison Terrace Store NEW extended opening hours

Mon to Fri: 7.30am - 5pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm

Pop in seven days a week for competitive prices on all brands of paint and decorating supplies.

We have great deals on these and many more items in-store.

www.thepaintshed.com

6 Hutchison Terrace Edinburgh EH14 1QB

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See our new website for prices

0131 443 7900 SCAN ME WITH A

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45

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● Four editions reaching 42,000 local households ● Flexible packages ● Low cost adverts start at £21 + vat per month

BILL REID & SON DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING

0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno

Jack Watson JOINERY To be included, call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

Snow Clearing & Path Salting

WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

07981 366 988

Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk

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NO JOB TOO SMALL CALL FOR A QUOTE

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C and W Cleaning Services www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk

25/02/2013

16:40

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Your local Blinds ■ Carpets ■ Rugs ■ Upholstery ■ specialists Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available

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kitchens, flooring, doors, decking, fencing locks etc

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Special care bathrooms No call-out charge Supply & fit or fit only

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THOMSON ROOFING SERVICES (SCOTLAND) LIMITED

LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS • • • • • • • • • • • •

Flat Roofing Specialists Traditional Slating and Tiling

Lead and Zinc Works Guttering and Downpipes All uPVC Fascia and Soffit Works Stonemasonry, Roughcasting and Pointing Complete Exterior Painting Free Photographic and Home Reports All General Building Works Repairs and Renewals Statutory Notice Repair Specialists Insurance Backed Guarantees

The Workshop Shed Cockdurno Farm Balerno, Midlothian EH14 7HZ www.thomsonroofingservices.com info@thomsonroofingservices.com

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All roof All roof systems systems require require maintenance maintenance to meet to meet the the anticipated anticipated service service life, life, which which much much of the of the timetime the the building building owner owner is not is not made made aware aware of of this this requirement requirement at the at time the time of installation. of installation.

WithWith Thomson Thomson Roofing Roofing Services Services FREE FREE photographic photographic roofroof report, report, we will we will inspect thoroughly, record document potential inspect youryour roofroof thoroughly, record and and document any any potential problem areas suggest immediate remedies solutions problem areas and and suggest immediate remedies and and solutions to to extend the service lifeyour of your extend the service life of roof.roof.

Roofing RoofingProblems?

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I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

50

Money Matters

2014 Budget: How it Affects You

By Personal Money Management Tax

The personal allowance will be increased to £10,500 from 6th April 2015. What does this mean? Very simply it means that everybody will be able to earn £10,500 and pay no tax whatsoever.

Savings/Investment

Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs are to be merged into a single new ISA with an annual tax free limit of £15,000 from 1st July 2014. What does this mean?

This is really good news because you don’t need to worry about over subscribing to a cash ISA or under subscribing to an investment ISA. You now have £15,000 of which you can choose to invest all of it into a Cash ISA or all of it into an Investment ISA in any proportion you like.

Pensions

The really good news was in changes to pensions.

At present when somebody retires they may have

a pension pot and can take 25% as a tax free lump sum. With the remaining 75% they can either buy an annuity, a guaranteed unitised product or go into what is called Capped Drawdown.

In Capped Drawdown the annual amount you can draw from your pension is determined by the Government’s Actuary Department (GAD) which at present is around 5% of your pension pot for a 65 year old. The Chancellor is proposing that since it is your money, which you have saved for, you can now choose to drawdown as much as you like. The new legislation should come in April 2015.

As always the above is a summary but should you require any further information regarding your individual circumstances please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for a no fee consultation.

Written by Dr PM Marshall. PhD, DipPFS, AFPC

51

Puzzles Crossword

Solution in next month's konect 1

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Across 1 Denied (7) 5 Not ours (5) 8 Amazing (9) 9 Spot (3) 10 Nap (5) 12 Replies (7) 13 Nearly (13) 15 Mum’s mother (7) 17 Healed (5) 19 Lodging house (3) 20 Ethereal (9) 22 Dizzy (5) 23 Convent (7) Down 1 Disagreements (5) 2 Supporter (3) 3 Used for cleaning (7) 4 Insistence (13) 5 Sailboat (5) 6 Vests, boxers (9) 7 Fulfil (7) 11 Made clear (9) 13 Fishing (7) 14 Sale by bidding (7) 16 Covered with fine powder (5) 18 Hold up (5) 21 Employ (3)

4 Insistence (13)

13 Fishing (7)

5 Sailboat (5)solution on page 54 Sudoku

14 Sale by bidding (7)

6 Vests, boxers (9)

16 Covered with fine powder (5)

7 Fulfil (7)

18 Hold up (5)

1 Made clear (9)

21 Employ (3)

Sudoku

Weren't you even a little bit curious to see what happens if you wind the window down in a car wash?

52

0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com

Alistair McLellan of Balerno

Painter & Decorator Interior 路 Exterior No job too small 路 Free estimates

Tel: 0131 451 5394 Mobile: 07894 703020 53

Appliances of

Edinburgh

0131 300 0746 • 07768 914991 Sales, Spares, Repairs & Servicing Washing Machines Cookers Tumble Dryers Dishwashers & Vacuum Cleaners 400 Lanark Road West, Currie Solution Mar 14 crossword 1

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Most makes & models

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s: 1 Cash, 3 Chess set, 9 Upbraid, 10 Email, 11 Spring greens, 14 Let, 16 Bongo, Across: 1 Cash, 3 Chess23set, 9 Upbraid, 18 Roller-skater, 21 Riots, 22 Bayonet, Pedestal, 24 Golf.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility

10 Email, 11 Spring greens, 14 Let, 16 Bongo,

for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

1 Counsels, 2 Sober, 4 Hid, 5 Skeleton keys, 6 Staunch, 7 Tale, 8 Cannibalises, The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this 17 Hip, 18 Roller-skater, 21 Riots, 22 Bayonet, er, 13 Aperitif, 15 Twofold, 19 Tango, 20 Grip, 22 Boa. publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods

23 Pedestal, 24 Golf Down: 1 Counsels, 2 Sober, 4 Hid, 5 Skeleton keys, 6 Staunch, 7 Tale, 8 Cannibalises, 12 Goner, 13 Aperitif, 15 Twofold, 19 Tango, 20 Grip, 22 Boa

54

and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

539 Lanark Road, Juniper Green

535 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE

Family Run Local Italian Restaurant

0131 453 3643

For reservations & enquiries:

Fish & Chips Pizzas Kebabs Pastas

Tel: 0131 442 2715 or Email: ristorantealborgo@hotmail.co.uk Lunch 12-2pm 2 course £9.50 ● 3 course £11.50 Dinner 5.30pm onwards Closed Mondays

Kids Menu And introducing Kids

Now available 2 courses £5.95 3 courses £7.95

Pizza Parties

Homemade Ice-Cream Beers, Wines & Cider Off Sales

Home Delivery available 5-10pm Opening Hours: every day 4.30-11.30pm Mon-Sat 4.30-11.00pm Sunday

55

Recipe and Food Notes

Potatoes

By Anne Pinkerton Most of us eat potatoes, in some form, daily; they can be crisps, chips, baked, roast, mashed, as salad, in meat stews and curries or just plain boiled.

There are different varieties of potato more suited to each method of preparation. All are delicious if made with care, for example King Edward for roast, Maris Piper for baked, Pentland Ivory or Golden Wonder for mash, Desiree for salads.

The main research station for potato development was situated to the south of the Pentland Hills as part of Edinburgh University, hence the Scottish sounding names.

Potatoes play such an important part in our daily food that it seems strange to think they are in fact a new comer to our diet.

It was not until South America was “discovered” by Spanish explorers in the 16th century that Europeans first ate the tubers of a plant which grew in the high Andes mountains.

The tubers were small, ranging in colour from white through pink to purple, and sometimes quite bitter. Adaptation to local conditions made them the staple diet of Britain and Ireland by mid 18th century.

The first potatoes each spring are a special pleasure as they herald the beginning of the new season.

Cyprus and Egypt send their beautiful thin-skinned earthy harvest as early as February. “Jersey Royals” from the Channel Isles are a really special treat, only available from April to June. The first crop in Scotland is usually from Ayrshire.

Potatoes deserve to be treated with the same care as any other vegetable. They do not need to be peeled except for roast and the crisp skins of baked potatoes are a positive delight.

56

The Best Ever roast potatoes Peel and cut into egg sized lumps, King Edward or Lady Balfour potatoes. 4 bits per person Method Put in a pan and cover with cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain the water off and dry the potatoes a little. Meanwhile heat some sunflower oil (or even better, goose fat) in a roasting tin.

Sprinkle a handful of plain or whole wheat flour over the potatoes and replace the pan lid. Shake the pan hard to coat each piece with a little flour and to knock the hard edges off the spuds. Turn the potatoes into the smoking, hot oil or fat, baste and roast for one hour.

Check every 20 minutes and turn them to achieve an all over golden crisp crunchy roast potato. These are a great pleasure eaten with any roast meat.

Potato salad This need not be a sad mixture of old, cold potatoes covered in dull bottled mayonnaise. Made in anticipation and with thought, it should be a glorious part of any cold meal 200gm Anya, Pink Fir Apple, Desiree or other salad potatoes per person Well flavoured oil of your choice, (olive, sunflower, rapeseed (Canola) and if liked a little walnut or sesame to give extra taste) Onion chopped Chopped herbs;-mint, parsley, chives, sorrel, lovage, thyme.

Vinegar;- red or white wine, cider or balsamic Salt, pepper, mustard, chopped gherkins or cappers, marigold flowers.

Method Gently boil potatoes for about 20 minutes. While still hot cut into even, bite size pieces and then turn them in a dressing of oil, onion and salt and ground black pepper. Leave to cool and soak up the flavours. This can be up to 24 hours. Taste for salt. Make a well -flavoured vinaigrette dressing (3 oil to 1 vinegar) turn the potatoes in this second dressing and add herbs, gherkins and other flavours to compliment the meal.

Potatoes are good at soaking up rich flavours and if baked in cream, stock or layered with other root vegetables they make a winter meal more interesting. The classic dish of this kind is:

Gratin Dauphinoise (below) 750 gm Maris Piper or any floury potato sliced thinly 4 cloves garlic chopped salt, black pepper ½ litre boiling milk 250ml double cream Method Heat oven to 200/ gas 6. Generously butter a shallow oven-proof dish. Layer the potatoes and garlic in the

dish. Pour in the seasoned milk, then add the cream.

Bake for up to an hour. It should be crisp on top and luscious below.

You can add grated Gruyere but this is not classic!

Baked Potato (top) The simplest food for when you are hungry but feeling in need of comfort must be the baked potato.

Wash and dry the potato and stab it a couple of times to prevent it exploding in the oven.

Microwaved spuds are good but real baked potatoes with a crisp dry skin are even nicer. I think they are best with butter and pepper, but you can add almost anything from tinned fish to curried beans and cheese as a topping.

In the privacy of your own kitchen who cares!

Potatoes are good food.

57

What’s On and Useful Information Saturday 26th April

Tuesday 15th April Children's activity afternoon pondlife at Harlaw Harlaw House Visitor Centre. Come along to Harlaw House Wildlife Garden and discover what animals lurk in the pond and take part in fun nature activities. Drop in any time between 13.30 - 15.30. Lots of fun activities for children in the Visitor Centre and the Wildlife Garden. Suitable for 5 - 8 year olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact the Pentland Hills Regional Park Service.

Saturday 12th April Balerno Farmers Market Main Street (pedestrianised), Balerno, 9am – 1pm.

Green Hairstreak Survey Bonaly Country Park 13:30 – 15:30.

Join a Ranger to help survey this locally rare butterfly. Having decreased in numbers in several regions, this butterfly is fond in small colonies in the Regional Park. Booking: Essential. Bring: Sturdy footwear and waterproofs. For more information and to book contact the Pentland Hills Regional Park Service. Cost: Free.

Honey Pot Ceramics - craft workshops for ages 5 – 15 10.30am – 12 noon and 1.30 to 3pm daily. £12 per head.

Activities include jute bag decorating, throwing a pot on the wheel, candle making, glass fusing, canvas painting. Fully supervised, includes juice and snack. Located within EICA Ratho Climbing Centre. Call 0131 333 6348 or email :info@ honeypotceramics.com for more info and to book.

Library Information Balerno Library 1 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EQ 0131 529 5500 e. balerno.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Opening times

1.00pm - 8.00pm 10.00am - 5.00pm 10.00am - 2.00pm

February Activities

Bookgroup - Last Mon of the month 6.30 - 7.30pm Bookbug (rhymes and songs for babies and toddlers) – every Fri 10.30 - 11am Storytime for under fives every Tues at 10.30am Bookbugs Bookbug delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and preschool children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust.

58

Saturday 26th April - 7.30pm

Monday 28th April

Structured/supervised holiday activities

Mon & Wed: Tues & Fri: Saturday:

Balerno Village Screen

Juniper Green Community Market The Dental Surgery Car Park, 577 Lanark Road, opposite Juniper Avenue, Juniper Green. 9am – 1pm.

Star Trek - Into Darkness (Cert 12A) Screening takes place at St Joseph's Hall. Tickets available from 1 April via www.balernovillagescreen.com, the Mill Cafe or Balerno Post Office.

To include your event here email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

Potter Around - Supervised craft sessions every day in the school holidays from 10.30-12.30. £12. Booking essential. Activities include oil painting and potter’s wheel classes, canvas painting, clay modelling, knitting, potter's wheel, Zentangle art, felting. Located at Overton Farm, Kirknewton. To book call 01506 238961 or email: chat@potteraround.co.uk. See www.potteraround.co.uk.

Currie Library 210 Lanark Road West, Currie EH14 5NX 0131 529 5609 currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Wed: 1.00pm - 8.00pm Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm

February Activities

Bookbug (rhymes and songs for babies and toddlers) – every Thurs & Fri 10.30 – 11am Bookgroup 1st Wed of the month 7 - 8pm Arts and Crafts every Thurs 3.30pm

Useful Numbers The Pentlands Medical Centre 44 Pentland View, Currie, EH14 5QB 0131 449 2142

Honey Pot - Arts & Crafts Studio Where you can drop in anytime to:

Open 7 days 10am - 5pm

Paint your own pottery or throw clay on a pottery wheel Make: Clay hand & foot or silver imprints, soaps, bath bombs and other cosmetics, jewellery, glass fusing & decopatch

We are also available for Birthdays & Hen parties, Group Bookings as well as Corporate Team events.

NEW Candle Making Make your own chunk candles with your choice of fragrance

0131 333 6348

EICA Ratho, EH28 8AA

We have an exciting range of Easter Holiday Activities available for booking now, for details: www.honeypotceramics.com Honey Pot Ceramics

Gordon Macdonald MSP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency

Pentlands MSP - ADVICE SURGERIES Wester Hailes Library

1st Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Carrickvale Community Centre

2nd Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Currie Library

3rd Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Pentland Community Centre

4th Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Ratho Community Centre

5th Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

See details @ www.gordonmacdonaldmsp.info 59

Clubs & Classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

BABERTON 172nd Pentland Scouts (Baberton)

BALERNO Monkey Music St Josephs Centre, 2 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EH Monday (during term time) 9.50am - Jiggety-Jig (2+) 10.30am - Heigh-Ho (1 - 2 years) 11.10am - Rock ‘n’ Roll (3months - 1 year) Tel - 0131 441 4581 Balerno Girls' Brigade Ogston Hall in Balerno Parish Church Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.30pm Contact Marion Milne on 0131 449 4441 or email marion724@talktalk.net Village Playgroup, Wraparound and Afterschool Club Balerno Community Centre Available 8am - 6pm, 5 days a week Preschool play from age 2 years Breakfast / Afterschool Club up to 8 years Full or part time childcare Call 0131 451 5756 Pilates Classes Balerno Parish Church - Mondays 6.35 - 7.35pm - Post Beginners/Intermediate 1 7.35 - 8.35pm - Intermediate 2/Advanced 8.35 - 9.35pm - Beginners Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com Balerno Footsteps 4 Fitness Mondays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Thursdays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Fridays 10am at Balerno Parish Church Hall Contact 0131 477 7733 www.bf4f.org.uk Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums Balerno Community Centre Every Friday 7pm-9.30pm New members welcome Free tuition on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133 Adult daytime swim club Balerno High School Contact Balerno Community Education Office on 0131 477 7733 for more info

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51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall Contact Lawrence Mitchell on 0131 449 4680 Currie Rugby Football Club Malleny Park Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org Pentland Art Club Meet at Balerno High School Art Room Every Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm Demonstrations, speakers, work evenings; All mediums; New members welcome Please contact Denise Cunningham on 0131 449 3468 Compass Playgroup Dean Park Primary Pre-School Centre 2-5 years, wide variety of activities Mon to Thurs (school term time only) 9:00am - 11.45am Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery Call 0131 449 4530 (during opening hours) for more information or email info@compassplaygroup.com Balerno Parish Church Guild Balerno Parish Church New Hall First and third Wednesdays (commencing October) at 7.30pm Varied syllabus with many interesting speakers; Tea/coffee is served at the end of the meeting New members and visitors warmly welcomed Balerno Folk Club Held on the last Tuesday of each month in Balerno Bowling Club Doors open 8pm; Evening begins 8.20pm; Guest artist on stage at 8.30pm; Members and guests welcome For further info contact Morag Dunbar on 0131 449 5014 or John Stirling on 0131 449 3456 Pyjama Drama - NEW! Balerno Scout Hall, Ladycroft.

Creative and imaginative play sessions for children aged 2-5 years Tuesdays, beginning 8th April (Classes during term and out of term) 9.30am – Raindrops (22mths – 2.5 years) 10.15am – Rainbows (2.5 – 5 years)

Balerno SWRI Balerno Community Centre 7.30pm First Tuesday of every month (except July & August) We usually have a speaker but we also have “in house” evenings; There is usually some business to be discussed and we enjoy a “cuppa” whilst chatting; New members or visitors welcome, just come along Children’s swim scheme Balerno High School Tues, Wed and Fri pm; Sat and Sun am Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info Minis @St Mungo’s Group for babies and toddlers with their carers on term time Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 - 11.30am in St Mungo’s church building, Ladycroft, Balerno; All welcome; For more information see www.stmungos.org Pentland Flower Club Drama Studio, Balerno High School First Friday of the month at 7.15pm (excluding January, February, July and August); Visitors and new members are always welcome Contact Lis Daly on 0131 442 2146 Balerno Baby and Toddler Group Balerno Parish Church Hall 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN For children 0-5 years and their carers Term-time Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am

CURRIE Fitsteps - Get fit 'Strictly style!'

Ballroom and Latin dance fitness class - no partner required Wed 6.15 - 7.00pm Inveralmond Community High School - £4.00 Wed 7.30-8.15pm St Mary's Hall, Bathgate - £4.00 Thurs 7.30-8.15pm Currie Community High School - £4.50 Classes start week beginning 6th Jan 2014 For more info contact Lianne on 07737 927463 Email: moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com Like us on facebook

Bridge Club Meetings in Gibson Craig Hall on Mondays at 1:30pm, September to June For more information contact the Secretary on 0131 449 3527 Chat’n' Chill for S1-S6 Teenage Café Church Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Games, Café, Chat Every second Friday 4-6 pm Contact Viola on 07806 806920 for more info Currie Youth Club Various activities and facilities available including Gym Teds for childern Sound and Music room; Youth club facilities Sports hall Playgroup Lunch club and Football teams See http://cyc.smartchange.org Coffee and Craft Currie High School, Sun Room Mon 7 - 9pm Bring your own craft and share your knowledge and experience with other crafters and perhaps learn something new All welcome £2.00 per night; Refreshments are included Currie Playgroup Currie Baptist Church Hall Preschool play from age 3 years Mon-Fri, 8.45 - 11.45am (term time) £6.50 per child per morning Wraparound and Lunch Club for children attending Currie Nursery Wrap around £5.00; Lunch club £2.00 See www.currieplaygroup.co.uk 42nd Pentland Scout Group Currie Forth View Crescent, Currie Beavers: Tuesdays 18.15 - 19.30pm call Martin Elliot 07752 182793 Cubs: Mondays 18.15 - 19.45pm call Wendy McEwan 07773 446694 Scouts: Mondays 19.45 - 21.45pm call Ross Brown 07729 714445 Air Cadets 2463 (Currie & Balerno) Squadron Forthview Crescent Mon and Thu 7-9.30pm 0131 449 7449 for more info The Octagon Club For Adults with Special Needs and Learning Difficulties Meets in Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, 7 - 9pm on Wednesday Evenings from mid September until June for table tennis, snooker, badminton, table games, “tuck shop” etc.

Contact Alastair Hardie on 0131 453 3556 Boys Brigade - 65th Edinburgh (Currie)

Company Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Anchors (Boys P2 & P3) Thursday 6 - 7pm Juniors (Boys P4, P5 & P6) Thursday 7 - 8.30pm Company/Seniors (Boys P7 - S6) Friday 7 - 9.15pm For further info contact Jim Webber on 0131 451 5112 Currie & District Local History Society Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the GibsonCraig Hall in Currie Visitors welcome; For further information contact Mr P.D. Cowlishaw on 0131 449 2520 or pdcowlishaw@hotmail.com Currie SWRI Meet in the Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, on the second Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 7.15pm New members and visitors welcome Balerno and District Ramblers Midweek Group meets on a Wednesday at Currie Library Car Park, Lanark Rd West at 9.15am for 9.30am start Contact K Gordon 0131 449 2534 or A Blyth 0131 449 5020 Saturday and Sunday Group meets at Pentland View Carpark, Currie, at 8.45am for 9am start Contact E Scroggie on 0131 441 1666

Book Group Currie Library First Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm

JUNIPER GREEN Pilates Classes Juniper Green Parish Church - Thursdays 6.45 - 7.45pm - Beginners 7.45 - 8.45pm - Beginners/Post Beginners Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com 31st Pentland Scouts (Juniper Green) 45 Lanark Road West, Currie Beavers - Wednesdays 6.30pm Cubs - Mondays 7.00pm Cubs - Tuesdays 6.30pm Scouts - Fridays 7.00pm Contact - Mary Dick on 0131 449 7043 Juniper Green SWRI Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX Contact 0131 539 9886 Juniper Green Nursery Playgroup Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX Contact 07948 554889 or see website at www.junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk

OTHER AREAS

Currie Baby and Toddler Group Gibson Craig Hall Friday 9.30 - 11.30am (term time only) Adults £2.00; Kids go free Parents/Grandparents/Carers/Childminders are all very welcome; Snack provided for the kids and tea and coffee for the adults Loads of space to play Baby Group Currie Library Thursdays 2.00 - 3.30pm Come along for an informal tea or coffee and chat with other parents and babies 50p per week

Potter Around Studio at Overton Farm Kirknewton, EH27 8DD Clubs including oil painting for both children and adults; jewellery workshops; fused glass; candle making; knitting; scrapbooking; kids craft club; Warhammer club Craft shop, beads, children’s parties, baby prints and more Plus drop in any time for pottery painting For all class times, bookings and more information call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk. www.potteraround.co.uk

Karate Currie High School; Mondays 7.30 - 9pm Adults and Children over 6 years Please contact 0131 449 3510 or 0131 445 2945 for more info or email patricia.shearer@edinburgh.gov.uk Messy Church at Currie Kirk Usually the last Friday of the month 2 - 3.30pm for children from Pram to Primary age, accompanied by an adult Crafts, stories, games and fun Please register through www.curriekirk.org or currie_kirk@btconnect.com or tel 0131 451 5141

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings See our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk

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Index of Advertisers Aerials Aerial Man 44 Appliance Repairs Appliances of Edinburgh 54 Bathrooms MacKenzie Contracts 47 Bathrooms & Kitchens Ken Dunton 47 Splash Bathrooms 6 Beauty Juniper Beauty Room 19 Soprano Ice 4 Building Services Almond Building Company 42 Dean Jones Building Services 44 EH1 Contracts Ltd 53 Four Seasons 11 MacKenzie Contracts 47 Building Surveyor David Hastings 50 Car Sales Colin Nixon 34 Hermiston Motor Co 39 Hope Scott Garage 64 Juniper Green Garage 37 Car Service/Repair Alan Drysdale Motor Engineers 37 Chips Away 38 Colin Nixon 34 D A Ward Motor Engineers 37 DSL Auto Repair 35 Finishing Touch 35 Hermiston Motors Co 39 Hope Scott Garage 64 Smart Tech Vehicle Solutions 37 Carpet Cleaning C & W Cleaning Services 47 Fiona's House Cleaning 25 Hydro Kleen Scotland 13 Carpets James Erskine Interiors 28 Murrayfield Carpets & Interiors 29 Pentland Carpets 28 Cattery Claylands Cottage Cattery 41 Children's Activities Edinburgh Ballet 18 Honey Pot Ceramics 59 Monkey Music 5 The Drama Studio 19 Village Playgroup 18 Chiropody and Podiatry Pentland Footcare 23 Cleaning Services Cleanleeness 5 Daily Poppins 36 Fiona's House Cleaning 24 Dentist Balerno Dental Care 20 No 9 Dental Practice 22 Double Glazing Double Glazing Doctor 7 Double Glazing Repairs 45 Four Seasons 10 Red Hot Windows 31

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Electrician A&A Electrical Solutions 42 A.F.A Electrical 32 D Sykes Electrical Contractors 30 John Nothard 42 Financial Services PMM 51 Fitness KM Fitness 26 Lis Dick Pilates 26 Sarah's Fitness 23 Florist Flowers by Jak 23 Vicky's flowers 18 Funeral Directors Porteous Funeral Directors 30 Furniture Grove Bedding 9 Sofas and Stuff 12 Garden & Landscaping Capital Gardening Services 16 D Greaves 16 Evergreen Balerno 14 Riccarton Garden Centre 6 Taurus Gardening 14 Woodford Timber Products 15 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 31 Ratho Park Golf Club 47 Hairdresser Hairtech 22 Laura Elizabeth Hair Design 20 Tony Harper's Hair Studio 26 Handyman Bits 'N' Pieces 46 Home Help Cliff Dalley 23 Diamond Home Support 25 Home Improvements Double Glazing Doctor 7 Ian Merriman Ltd 50 Ken Dunton 47 Kitchen Doctor 7 S & S Home Improvements 2 The Paint Shed 45 Window Wizard 38 Hypnotherapy Bernie Rowen Consulting 21 Ironing Services Ironing Aid 26 Joiner Adriatik Sula Joinery Services 42 Central Scotland Joinery 43 Dean Jones Building Services 44 Geoff Milne 14 GK Wilson Joinery 47 Jack Watson Joinery 46 Procut Joinery & Building 45 Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith 53 Caledonian Locksmiths 31 Mobility Med -Ecosse 27 MSP Gordon Macdonald MSP 59

Oven Cleaning The Clean Team 25 Shiny Bright Ovens 55 Paint Supplies The Paint Shed 45 Painter/Decorator Alistair McLellan 53 Brushstrokes 44 Gerry Aitken 42 Personal Assistant Cliff Dalley 23 Pet Services Claylands Cottage Cattery 41 Country Dogs 6 Currie Dog Grooming 4 Happy Scampers 41 Physiotherapy Centre for Sport and Exercise 20 Plastering Alexander Aitken Plastering 42 Playgroup Village Playgroup 18 Plumbing Services Bill Reid & Son 46 Coval 42 Jim Gladstone 38 Shandon Plumbing 46 Weir Gas Services 46 Property Maintenance Cleaning & Maintenance 41 Psychology Bernie Rowen Consulting 21 Restaurant Al Borgo 55 Roofing Dell Roofing 38 Edinburgh Quality Builders 63 EH1 Contracts Ltd 53 Fairmile Roofing 17 Gray & Son 36 Thomson Roofing Services 48 Security Services A.F.A Fire and Security 33 Soft Furnishings Blind Design 28 James Erskine Interiors 29 Quintessential 4 Style Rite 29 Takeaway Pentland Fry 55 Telephone Engineer John McGraw 50 Tiler Barry Edwards Tiling 53 Tree Surgery DeLisle Tree Surgeon 16 Maxwell Tree Care 16 Special Branch Scotland 14 Upholsterer James Erskine Interiors 29 Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic 41 Wheel Repair Finishing Touch 35 Window Cleaner Tag Cleaning Services 44 Windows Red Hot Windows 31

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