Konect Linlithgow February 2017

FEBRUARY 2017

linlithgow

KING JAMIE’S BATHGATE SILVER MINES Magali Redding - Founding a Nationwide local Charity in Linlithgow Plus businesses, community Services for Seniors information New Year New Kitchen & more!

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38

FEATURE

MES S AG E FR O M THE ED ITO R

W

elcome to the first Konect of 2017. We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things Linlithgow and West Lothian! We’re starting off with a local history feature. I spent a bit of time over the holiday learning about the excitement and drama - literally – in London when silver was discovered in the Bathgate hills, and a silver processing plant was built here in Linlithgow, see pages 6-7.

We launch a new “local people” column this month.

Each month local writer Louise Taylor will interview someone from the Linlithgow area who has an interesting or unusual hobby or job, or is involved in local charity work. If you or someone you know would be interested in being the interviewee please drop me an email. The first column is on page 11.

We’ve also been looking at services for seniors in West Lothian, and there is a feature on this in the West Lothian section of the magazine. And the new year is a good time to think about a new kitchen, so the home improvements column this month is about kitchen design. As usual you can find pretty much everything you need within West Lothian.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk Cover Image: Young Love

CONTENTS Local History Auctioneer’s Talk Local People Walk Vet’s Tip Puzzles Useful Information Clubs & Classes February Foodpicks WEST LOTHIAN VIEW Home Improvement Property Matters Charity – Cyrenians Parenting in West Lothian Food & Drink Visit West Lothian

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

06 08 11 38 40 42 44 45 46 WL3 WL10 WL16 WL21 WL22 WL24 47

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 10th of the month prior to print.

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 13th of the month prior to print.

The Konect magazine is delivered to 7500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 3

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KONNECT FEB

LOCAL HISTORY

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

“OUR SHERIFFDOM OF LINLITHGOW” IN THE SPOTLIGHT When a local collier found some unusual stones at Hilderston, near Cairnpapple in the Bathgate Hills, he couldn’t have imagined the stir in London his discovery would cause – and the personal embarrassment of King James VI himself.

He took a sample of what he suspected to be silver ore to a well-known metallurgist and mining engineer in Leadhills, Sir Bevis Bulmer.

Bulmer was very excited; the silver potential was so promising that the landowner, Sir Thomas Hamilton, went ahead in early 1607 and took a mining lease for Hilderston from King James VI. In fact he took a lease for all mineral rights in the area, including Ballencrieff, Bathgate, Drumcross, Tartraven and Torphichen, and the king, with whom he was on friendly terms, made him “Master of the Metals and Minerals whatsoever within His Highness’s Kingdom of Scotland.”

Hamilton and Bulmer started exploiting the silver at Hilderston straight away. They were presumably smelting on site; we have no details of the process, except that an old map of area shows a smelter house and furnace at the mines.

The Bathgate discovery caused a lot of excitement in London. Four years 6 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

previously, shortly after his coronation in 1603 uniting the crowns of England and Scotland, James VI had expressed concern about the depletion of England’s silver mines, and had already discussed new prospecting projects with Sir Bulmer. Scotland had previously relied on English mines for silver; perhaps James was keen to prove what his native kingdom could contribute. Robert Cecil (Lord Salisbury) described the silver as “the best token that ever I received out of that kingdom, or any other kingdom of that quality.” The Crown

The King was furious and banned any other plays dealing with contemporary events automatically had rights to a tenth of all metal output and by the end of 1607 the Hilderston mine was reported to the Privy Council as making £500 profit per month. King James sent a commission to investigate and bring back ten tonnes of ore for testing at the Tower of London.

Hilderston was described as being “apparently inexhaustible.”

The first large samples of ore on their way to London were lost at sea in December 1607, but by February 1608 ten tonnes had been procured,

with Thomas Hamilton’s co-operation, barrelled and taken to the Tower for testing. Initial results were promising and by May 1608 Hilderston was taken over by the Crown and put under the management of Bulmer.

(The legality of the takeover was questionable and Hamilton was later paid £60,000 Scots in compensation – a rather good deal for him).

At the time of the Crown takeover, fifty nine men were employed at the mine producing ore from a single shaft which Bulmer had named “God’s Blessing,” because of “the wonderfull works of God, that he had seene, which never before, the like thereunto, within any of his Majesties kingdoms [were] known to be.” Another politician in London, Sir William Boyer, wrote in August 1608 that the mine “far exseeds annye that euer was in Garmanie.” In October 1608, the King imported miners from Germany and later from England. At least six further shafts were sunk.

In expectation of the large quantities of rich ore, a processing plant was constructed at Linlithgow and a significant amount of money committed. (The exact location of the plant in Linlithgow has been lost). The finishing touches were made to the smelting mill here in March 1609 - a boy was sent from Linlithgow to the mines at Hilderston to order metal to be brought to the mill, and wine, ale and bread was laid on for the “meltars and workmen at

PHOTO CREDIT: Kirkro ads Colle

ction

the Melting Mill, the first day they began to melt.”

1910: A postcard showing the site of the silver mine.

In the meantime, trials in England on the sample ore were still on-going.

The problem was they were returning different results for the yield of silver.

Very thorough testing using different methods by different experts indicated by December 1608 that things were not all as they had initially seemed. The ore was of variable quality. One trial reported: “Until the same redd-mettle came unto 12 faddomes (18m) deepe, it remained still good; from thence unto 30 fathome (55m) deepe it proved nought.” In August 1609 a further 400 barrels of ore were taken from Hilderston to London. Reading about all the trials, it’s almost as if they were desperately willing for some good results to justify the nationalisation - which was starting to look rash. It took a long time to accept that the mine was in fact exhausted almost before it started; the best silver had been near the surface, and Hamilton had already taken it.

Crown acquisition. The script of the play has not survived, but it caused a political furore as it included a slanderous representation of the King, his Scottish mine project and all his favourites. Three of the actors were imprisoned; the author fled.

James was furious and banned any other plays dealing with contemporary events.

As an indication of the high profile the Bathgate project had in London, a play called “The Silver Mine” was written and staged at Blackfriars Theatre in 1608, during the time that the mine was under consideration for

The accounts from May 1608 onwards demonstrate how unprofitable the nationalised silver mine was. Finally in March 1613 the Crown gave up. It was let to a private firm, and abandoned shortly

afterwards.

There was some mining in the same spot in the 18th century for lead and zinc. And an attempt in the 1870s to find nickel ore, but no metals of value were found and it was abandoned.

Today, you can see three depressions in the ground near the road which are remains of the 18th century shafts, and the ruins of a building which was associated with the silver mine. It’s a very quiet spot near Cairnpapple, and on a bleak day last month I enjoyed walking around the site and imagining the industry and excitement here, 400 years ago.

NOW: “Windy Wa”, the site of the silver mine as it is today.

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 7

BY DENNIS CLARK

AUCTIONEER’S TALK

With global interest in antique auction houses reaching an all-time high, has there ever been a better time to buy at auction?

But what do you know about this fascinating world? And what do you need to know before jumping into it? If you are considering going to an auction house, don’t be daunted or feel out of your depth. Simply follow these insider tips to buying at auction: • You will often benefit from taking time to do a little research about any item you may be interested in buying from auction. This will allow you to check approximate prices that a similar item may have achieved at auction, rather than in a retail environment • Pick an auction house that specialises in a variety of antiques and collectables but, more importantly, that sells the type of item(s) you are interested in purchasing. Visit the auction house’s website before viewing days or sale to see the catalogue. Each item for sale with normally be included, alongside an image • Before the sale day, try to attend one of the organised view days in 8 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

order to view the item in person and satisfy yourself of its condition. If you are unable to attend in person, you can ask the Valuer/ Auctioneer for a ‘condition report’ and/or additional images – this should not incur any additional charge • When you attend the auction on the sale day, make sure you have a set budget in mind, as it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day. If you cannot attend in person, you may leave an ‘absentee bid’ with the auctioneer, so they can bid on your behalf. Some auction houses may allow you to bid by telephone for higher value items or to bid on-line, via a live auction platform. While bidding by telephone or on-line offers the comfort of your own home, you must consider that bidding on-line may incur additional charges (2-3% on top of the sales price is norm) • If you are lucky enough to bid successfully on an item, you should ensure that you pay for and collect the item within the required timescale. Most auction houses will ask for you to do so within 7 working days of the sale.

When nuying, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the auction house’s terms and conditions. These will be available on their website or you can ask for a copy of these

when you visit.

Next time, I will be focussing on current trends, styles and which items are in fashion.

SOLD £850.00 An 18ct gold three stone diamond ring, set with three brilliant cut diamonds in white gold claw setting, approx.

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BY LOUISE TAYLOR

LOCAL PEOPLE

Motivated by her daughter Gaelle, Linlithgow lady Magali Redding founded the charity Eczema Outreach Scotland (EOS) back in 2011. Here, Magali tells us how the charity supports families with eczema, how it’s grown and what she loves about Linlithgow.

“My daughter Gaelle developed severe eczema as a baby. One day she asked “why am I the only scratchy girl?” Of course she wasn’t, but I realised there were no support groups in Scotland for us to meet other children living with the condition, and their parents. I decided to set something up myself, to help other families struggling to cope with the impact of eczema on life.”

Originally the goal of the charity was to simply meet others, provide information and emotional support.

Now Eczema Outreach Scotland have a much wider range of services, all aiming at empowering families through building their knowledge and confidence to deal with the underestimated burden of eczema on day-to-day life. Through their personalised support service, the team of 4 part-time family support workers mostly deal with parents’ feelings of frustration and isolation, children’s low self-esteem, treatments during schools hours, bullying and many other aspects of the condition that are often

misunderstood by others. An Outreach Worker also delivers eczema training to Health Visitors and workshops in classrooms.

Magali says of the charity, “Since 2012, we’ve been running a programme of events throughout the year to bring families together; they can listen to dermatologists, share tips and create new bonds. Meanwhile, the kids meet other kids with eczema and who can relate to their struggles and hopes.”

EOS started out with a board of three trustees from Linlithgow, who wanted to help get the charity off the ground. Soon, they recruited externally to bring some new skills and expertise in healthcare, finance, family services and marketing.

Originally based above the Language Room on the High Street, the team grew to meet the increasing demand for the group’s unique service (currently helping more than 640 families across Scotland) and moved to bigger premises at the Bryerton House. “It was important to us to stay in Linlithgow, because it promotes the town when professionals come to meet us and the community here has been so supportive of the charity since its inception. However, we are under increasing pressure with funding so any help from local businesses or

benefactors would make a big difference.”

Magali is passionate about living in Linlithgow too. “I’ve lived here for 13 years. As I am raising my 3 daughters in this town, I find it very family-friendly; it has everything we need. With the loch, the palace and the canal on our door step, we’re spoiled here!”

For Gaelle, now 11, it’s about the parks, strolling to her guitar lesson at the other side of Linlithgow and meeting friends at the leisure centre. Magali added: “The network of friends we have made over the years in Linlithgow has become our extended family; there is a real sense of community here.”

The local people column is contributed by Louise Taylor.

Louise lives in Linlithgow and as well as writing, she likes running and researching family history.

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 11

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n a i h t o West L

VIEW

his section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian! We’re looking forward to another year of all things local, interesting articles, competitions and great offers from local businesses.

If you have information or services you would like to share with 40,500 households in West Lothian every month, please get in touch with us. We can help spread your message if you are a business, charity, social enterprise, running an event or have an inspirational story to share.

Please refer to page 3 for our contact details.

NEW YEAR, NEW KITCHEN! - Plan a new kitchen to suit your lifestyle and budget, and the hottest new hobs on the market SERVICES FOR SENIORS - we learned about just some of the services available for seniors and the fantastic work being done by volunteers in the community PARENTING - our regular column on surviving parenthood in West Lothian PROPERTY MATTERS - if you’re buying, selling or letting in West Lothian, keep up to date via Turpie & Co’s Konect topical column VALENTINE’S DAY - suggestions from Visit West Lothian for Valentine’s Day in their regular column

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If you’re planning a new kitchen think about what you want from it.

If you enjoy cooking and spend a lot of time there, you may want to set up a working triangle - a tried and tested layout for maximum speed and efficiency. This involves having your cooking surface, sink and refrigerator at each point of the triangle so you can move quickly between them. It may seem a tad rigid but when you’re entertaining guests you don’t want to be slaving away all evening while they enjoy all the fun.

If, however, your kitchen is more of a showpiece with the oven as a handy place to hide presents, then the working triangle doesn’t matter - as long as you have your Prosecco cooler in a handy place - you’re sorted!

Open-plan kitchen / diner becomes ‘broken-plan’ with the addition of an island

CHOOSING YOUR KITCHEN Set a budget. Be realistic but don’t be fooled into buying cheap; a good quality kitchen is an investment that will last for years. It can also add value to your home and deliver the wow factor should you ever want to sell Think about what you would prefer, not what you think will match the age of your property. A Georgian home can look quite stunning with an ultra-modern, minimalist kitchen, just as a new-build can be given a homely feel with a traditional style influenced by Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh What space do you have available? If your area is limited, a single line kitchen (all on one wall) can work best. It’s simple, straightforward and great for smaller budgets. If you have a large kitchen a U-shape can be the best for giving you maximum storage options.

If you have an open-plan lounge/ kitchen adding an island will not only give you more space it can create a welcome dividing line between the two rooms – known as ‘broken-plan.’ If you’re not sure about planning it yourself, a professional kitchen company will help you make the most of your available space, especially if you’re looking to change the shape, along with plumbing and power sockets

DID YOU KNOW? The hob is used more often than any other kitchen appliance.

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GAS HOBS: Gas is still the favoured fuel of the professional chef. Boiling, simmering, searing and flambéing can all be controlled instantly. There are numerous gas hobs on the market, some with wok-burners which give an instant, intense heat for cooking stir-fries. You can buy a decent four-zone, gas hob with a wok-burner from trusted manufacturers for under £200.

ELECTRIC HOBS: Electric ceramic hobs look sleek and stylish and can deliver different cooking zones to suit the size of pots you use. They’re also easy to keep clean and you can own one from just over £100. The one downside is they don’t cool down as quickly as a gas hob when turned off. For this you’d need to look at a ceramic induction hob.

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PROPERTY MATTERS

BY CRAIG TURPIE

Selling your home is only one component of the process, and for most it is not as exciting as the buying component

Many estate agents put substantial emphasis on their ability to find a buyer, and they highlight this as a primary reason to sell through them.

However, in many ways, finding a buyer in the current market is the easy bit! Most switched-on agents have access to most of the buyers in the market, either via their website, property portals like Righmove, Zoopla, S1 Homes as well as their sale boards or existing database of registered buyers.

But the issue is not actually about selling. For most people it’s about moving. Selling your home is only one component of the process, and for most it is not as exciting as the buying component. Yet agents continue to seek to impress prospective sellers with claims about their successes, their investment in technology, their advertising, etc. and how all of these will help clients to sell their home.

That’s fine, but what next? There seems to be a huge gap in estate agency service that provides the reassurance WL10 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

homeowners deserve when they are moving. A significant number of sales fall through prior to missives concluding and the chances of a sale failing to complete can be considerably reduced if the seller’s agents are as concerned about the whole move in context as they are about the sale in isolation. So often, it is issues relating to linked sales or purchases that can be the cause of problems, be they legal, structural or emotional.

An Estate Agents aim should be to make the process of buying and selling the celebration it should be, rather than the daunting process it often is. So when you are considering which Estate Agent to trust with the sale of your home, choose one who’s as interested in your moving plans as they are in your sale. Because that’s what relevant service is all about!

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.

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LEISURE & FITNESS NEW YEAR ...

NEW YOU Made a new year resolution to get fit and lose some of the pounds you piled on over the festive period?

Then take advantage of our Leisure Club membership offer and start the year as you mean to go on.

Contact our Membership team for more information and for a no obligation showround. There are no contracts and no joining fees, so no minimum commitments required.

Join today and receive your first month FREE and second month HALF PRICE!*

dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk

0131 335 8012

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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 enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk Accredited Motability Dealer

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

OLDER PEOPLE ACTIVE LIVES Getting out and meeting people – new friends and old friends – is something most of us take for granted and it’s essential for a healthy, happy life.

But many people, especially older ones, can encounter barriers. A lack of confidence and feeling lonely if you have no-one to go with, or just not knowing where to start meeting people, can stop you from being able to get out. The problem of loneliness been increasing in recent years, with families becoming more dispersed as people have to move further afield to find work, and the range of services provided by councils has had to be reduced. It’s a crippling but almost invisible problem to suffer from. One local lady describes how low she had got on her own,

I kind of slumped, I wouldn’t open the curtains or pick up the phone.

WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

The Cyrenians charity have partnered with the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership to provide befriending services to older people in West Lothian. Their new OPAL (Older People Active Lives) scheme helps people who would like to increase their confidence, reduce loneliness and meet new friends. The Cyrenians have been working with people who are excluded from family, home, work or community, for whatever reason, for many years, and in their experience many problems can be traced to social isolation - people feeling disconnected from their local communities. Befriending is a way of preventing this. The following services are delivered via team of local volunteers: One to one support: Volunteers make weekly home visits which both the volunteer and their buddy really look forward to. And besides enjoying the visits for their own sake, the aim is to get to a stage where the older person can get out to groups and start to develop their own local friendships. Volunteers will help identify what groups may be of interest, and accompany their buddy initially if necessary until they are confident to attend by themselves.

They can also offer support to build confidence with using public transport or shopping independently following a fall or a stay in hospital.

Telephone support: a weekly friendship call, for a chat and check-in and help build a trusting relationship.

Groups: Besides helping people access the many groups that already run in West Lothian, OPAL also organises several groups for the over 60s to meet new people and strengthen friendships whilst getting out and doing something they enjoy.

They try not to duplicate activities that are already available, but to add to the range available and are always looking for new ideas. Their groups include a fortnightly Nibble and Natter Digital, Singing for Health, and a book group. There is support to maintain regular attendance.

After meeting a befriender and spending a few months gently re-integrating into the community, the lady quoted above says,

My befriender saved my life… This gives you a future - I didn’t think I had a future.

Are you interested in joining our team of volunteers? Our contact details are on the opposite page >

VOLUNTEERING Our team of local volunteers are essential to the success of services. We are always looking for more to join us! If you could help by lending us your time and skills to make a real difference, please get in touch via the contact details below.

One of our volunteers, Laura, says,

Singing for Health Above: The Singing for Health group is run in partnership with Ageing Well, at the Ability Centre, Carmondean fortnightly on Wednesdays 2.30-4.00pm.

Information: Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), Registered Charity No. SC011052.

Below: Nibble and Natter is held fortnightly on Wednesdays 1.30-3.30pm in Royal Scot Court sheltered housing on Academy Street, Bathgate.

I look forward to going to see Mary.

It gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are actually helping somebody. She lights up when she sees me, it’s lovely and it makes me feel better as a person.

GET IN TOUCH If you or someone you know in West Lothian is over 60 years old and in need of help with their social life, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact OPAL, (01506) 815 815 Nibble and Natter

opal@cyrenians.scot

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SENIORS FEATURE

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUBS

MOOD - MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

We’re here to help you get more from your computer/ laptop, iPad/tablet or phone/smartphone devices.

Mental Health Options for Older People with Depression.

Scottish Seniors Computer Clubs is run by volunteers to assist over 50’s with their devices. Volunteer tutors will help you find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share!

We aim to help prevent or alleviate mental health problems through participation and social interaction in a group setting. Group activity can help to combat isolation and loneliness, and build self-esteem and confidence. The range of activity and discussion groups include art, games, quizzes, reminiscence and discussion, and we also offer support to link with partner organisations to offer other courses.

We meet weekly at various locations in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

West Lothian branches meet at: Bathgate: James Young Bar, Hopetoun Street Thursday mornings 10am - 12 noon Contact : Chris Cosgrove (Bathgate Computer Club) Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

Linlithgow: Star and Garter (The Bistro Café), Station Rd Wednesday nights 7pm – 9pm Contact: Dougie Baird (Linlithgow Computer Club) Call 07929 120129 or just call in.

Livingston: Muffin Break Café, Almondvale Centre Tuesday mornings 10am - 12 noon Contact: Chris Cosgrove (Livingston Computer Club) Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

Referrals are accepted from health and social services voluntary organisation, carers and individuals. Following a referral an appointment will be arranged to meet with the person concerned and, where appropriate, their carer/(s)/family, to explain the project and assess individual need. MOOD also assists carers by signposting other services and agencies which may offer information and support.

For further information or to make a referral, please contact Caroline Donaldson, Project Leader, Paula Lally or Liz Shaw on 01501 749974.

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm (An answerphone service is used outwith these hours.

Staff will contact you as soon as possible) Email: moodproject@tiscali.co.uk Address: The MOOD Project, Reveston Lane, Croftmalloch Road, Whitburn, EH27 8HJ

SCOTTISH CHARITY No. SC028944

For more information: Please visit: sscc-scotland.wixsite.com/seniorscomputerclubs or Find us on Facebook

WL18 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

WINTER SALE NOW ON! YOUR LEADING MOBILITY AND STAIRLIFT RETAILER Ableworld Broxburn stocks a very wide range of products including larger items such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds and rise and recline chairs but also many smaller items to help with day to day tasks. The aim is to help people to lead easier, more comfortable and independent lives.

FREE STROLLEY TROLLEY (WORTH OVER £40)

*WITH ALL RISER RECLINER CHAIRS £550 AND OVER PLUS 6 MONTHS FREE INSURANCE ON ALL SCOOTERS, POWERCHAIRS, WHEELCHAIRS AND RISER RECLINERS Pa Fre rk e in g

BROXBURN ABLEWORLD 2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5NN

Tel: (01506) 856565 info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk Formally Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to Industrial Estate

Further details on all our stores can be found on: www.ableworld.co.uk facebook.com/

ableworld

twitter.com/

AbleworldUK

www.ableworld.co.uk

Ableworld are the main mobility retailer in the area approved as a Community Equipment Dispenser NHS Vouchers Welcome Where Applicable *VAT Exempt - Ask in Store for Details. MRP - Manufacturers Recommended Price. Previous Price - Sold for 28 Days in Last 6 months at our Nantwich Store Insurance/Warranty is arranged by Ableworld UK Ltd and provided through Mark Bates Ltd t/a Premier Care, Premier House, Londonthorpe Road, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 9SN who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN 308390.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL19

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

WL20 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

BY NICOLA JENGAENGA

tame the wiry thicket of a future world-class tobogganist without having your eardrums burst Given that photos of my other half and my delightful progeny are sometimes published alongside the text of this column, it may not have escaped your notice that my kids are mixed race. More specifically they are half-Scottish, half-Zimbabwean – which means a number of things…

more professional solution is now required. But where to find a barber of sufficient moral courage to pit his wits, hairdressing equipment, and professional reputation, against the might of QuasiZimbabwean locks?

1. They have mildly interesting names – Quinton and Penelope (Zimbabweans love a good classic, old-style name).

We had heard from a friend that TopCuts, situated opposite the open-air Greggs in the Livingston Centre, (and their equipment) might be made of sterner stuff, and we set out to get our eldest neatly shorn.

2. They are DEFINITELY getting pushed into doing winter sports as they get a bit older, how many others will be eligible to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympics in downhill-skiing, skelton, or toboggan?

3. They have the most unmanageable hair that you can imagine, and its taming and coaxing into a halfway understandable style is a tiring daily job.

Quinn’s hair is particularly unruly – its consistency is something close to a brillo-pad that has been recently run over by a lawn mower, and it grows like a weed. This means that every so often this has to be tackled by a visit to a hairdresser.

Until now we have managed to hack bits off in a vaguely symmetrical way while he has been sleeping, but a

It started off promisingly, with the friendly barber inviting Quinton to sit on the special booster seat, and making a big fuss of him. He wasn’t a fan of the big cape to wear and even less a fan of the clippers as their buzzy, loud, teeth came close to his ears and his hair started falling to the floor!

Slight chaos ensued as we tried to bribe Quinton with a phone, a tablet, and snacks – but all of our go-to tactics to calm a melt-down were to no avail.

Quinn struggled to his feet on the barber’s chair, nearly rupturing other patron’s ear-drums with his screaming and crying, but with heroic persistence the determined barber continued to cut his hair. She

never became impatient or exasperated, continuing to coo softly to him that he was a good brave boy as she clipped and snipped. He calmed right down when she started to sing nursery rhymes to him and he hushed a little to listen.

The end result was a beautifully shorn boy, a happy mummy and daddy, and a crowd of waiting onlookers who had just witnessed their first incidence of what can only be described as extreme-barbering.

Well done TopCuts!

The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga.

Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the ever-evolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other!

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FOOD & DRINK

11TH – 15TH FEBRUARY 11TH – 15TH Popeseye SteakFEBRUARY (160g approx) with choice sauce Popeseye Steak of (160g approx) + Side Dish with choice of sauce + Box of+Sea Salt Praliness Side Dish + Bottle of Calogera Prosecco* + Box of Sea Salt Praliness (white or rose) + Bottle of Calogera Prosecco* (white or rose)

£25.00 £25.00

*Also available with Cairn O’ Mohr non-alcolholic sparkling wine *Also available with Cairn O’ Mohr for £20.00 non-alcolholic sparkling wine for £20.00

Tel: 01506 830 716 www.hopetounfarmshop.co.uk Tel: 01506 830 716 Hopetoun Farm Shop is located www.hopetounfarmshop.co.uk next door to New Hopetoun Gardens Hopetoun Farm Shop is located on the A904 near Newton next door to New Hopetoun Gardens on the A904 near Newton

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February is a strange month for food.

There are no traditional celebrations with special food to look forward to and the new harvests of spring feel miles away. The weather can be cold and the days still seem short; a time when comfort food is needed.

Even in the 16th century the British had a poor reputation for food with French cooks who thought we used too much butter on our vegetables. Fine words count for little but before potatoes became our staple the root veg selection was limited and all of them were the better for some buttering up...flattery.

So we need to look to our roots. Carrots, celeriac, swedes, Jerusalem artichokes, beetroot, sweet potatoes, parsnips and spuds. There are also winter leaves to enjoy such as leeks, chicory and onions and, in neither category, butternut squash. All these can be roasted; indeed a mixture of root vegetables drizzled with oil and a little thyme make a perfect accompaniment to any grilled, baked or roast meat. If there are any leftovers they can become a warming lunchtime soup with the addition of a fried onion and stock from a cube and perhaps some red lentils.

Layering up thin sliced root veg and cooking them in a shallow dish in the oven is another good way to enjoy them. Butter, milk, cream, orange juice or stock will each give a different result. Good seasoning with black pepper, salt and herbs such as rosemary, thyme, lemongrass or ginger make the gratin more interesting. Bread crumbs mixed with a little strong cheese scattered on top will give a crunchy texture to the finished dish.

Some good combinations are:- Sweet potato and potato with milk and cayenne; carrots and parsnips with stock, parsley and ginger; beetroot with orange juice and thyme; potato, cooking apple and fried onion with dripping or butter; celeriac, black pepper, lemongrass

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

we need to look to our

and creamy milk. And not to be left out, Bubble and Squeak -mash, cabbage or any other green leaves. All these need to be baked in the oven at 160oC for about 40 minutes. You can cheat slightly by pre heating the sliced veg for a few minutes in boiling water, draining well and then layering them as you please.

Butternut squash was recently being sold sliced thin and suggested as a substitute for lasagne. Since it was reduced I bought it and tried it, layered up with spinach in a nutmeg white sauce. This is a good way to use this lovely squash.

Leeks or chicory are good blanched, baked in a good cheese or béchamel sauce and eaten for super with a baked potato. If you wrap either veg in a slice of ham and then bake it you have a more substantial meal. 30 to 40 minutes in a hot oven is needed.

Ambrose Heath, the great early 20th century food writer, has this dish in his chapter for February, which is also good with root vegetables.

RECIPE

Gammon baked in milk • 6 gammon rashers (1 per person) brought to a gentle boil for 10 minutes in water (Total weight about 850gm) • Teacup (half a mug full) bread crumbs • 3 level teaspoons brown sugar • Teaspoon mustard • Teaspoon Worcester sauce • 1 yolk of egg • Milk

atin Gcoldrweather comfort food

Butter a shallow baking dish. Lay the dried gammon in and cover with a paste made from all the other ingredients except the milk. Then add enough milk to not quite cover the meat. Bake at 150oC for 3545 minutes. Top up the milk if it looks to becoming dry. This is good with mashed potatoes with the zest and juice of an orange added.

If you need more inspiration for roots there are dozens of recipes for their use in breads, patties, chutney, scones, jam, pickles, tarts and puddings.

And there is always Gardener’s Pie… Shepherd’s Pie without the meat.

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Outside Catering Food Creations can provide a range of outdoor catering, supplying not only the food but staff and an outdoor bar.

From simple buffets for small groups all the way to multi-course meals for large numbers, we are happy to work with you to provide the perfect catering solution.

Delivered to your chosen venue or your own home, we will work with you on menus to impress, and help you to deliver an enviable experience.

Contact us now events@foodcreations.co.uk www.foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations @Food_Creations

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

LOVE IS IN THE AIR... IN WEST LOTHIAN! February is the month of love, so why not enjoy a romantic Valentines Day with your loved ones in West Lothian?

With great restaurants to have a romantic, candle-lit dinner, fantastic walks for a loving stroll, you are never short of something to do with your loved ones in West Lothian!

With a great variety of restaurants in West Lothian, you are sure to find something that both you and your loved one can enjoy. From rural restaurants, to country pubs, trendy bars and cute cafĂŠs, you are sure to have the most romantic meal this Valentines Day in West Lothian.

After your fabulously romantic dinner, why not take a stroll in the fresh air, and enjoy some quality time together taking in West Lothian’s scenic views. Take a wander around Linlithgow Peel and appreciate the stunning views over the loch and areas surrounding WL24 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Linlithgow Palace. Enjoy a wander through one of our many country parks, from Almondell and Calderwood to Beecraigs Country Park, there is just so much choice!

Alternatively enjoy an adventure-packed day and try some crazy golf at Paradise Island Adventure Golf or take a day trip to Five Sister Zoo and meet a wonderful variety of animals!

There is so much to do in West Lothian, to plan the perfect Valentines Day for your loved one, take a visit to our website and find the restaurants, walk, activities and events for you.

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk Facebook: VisitWestLothian Twitter: @teamwestlothian

Call now to boost your business

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14/3 Blackburn Road, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH28 2EY

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 37

WALK

BY KAREN MURRAY

In the process of looking for a new place to stretch the legs, I came across an article from the Woodland Trust about relatively new woodland, planted as Scotland’s First World War Centenary Wood.

first colourful display of wild flowers made an appearance in 2015. This display gets better each year. The Woodland Trust aims for this wood to become a haven for local wildlife, including insects, goldfinches and pipistrelle bats and it will link up pockets of existing woodland, creating new wildlife corridors.

Nestled in the Pentland Hills, Dreghorn Woods was officially opened in 2015. Owned by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), it’s one of four large areas of woodland being created through the First World War Centenary Woods Project. It includes a stone structure created as a space to rest, reflect and remember those who lived through the First World War. Eventually more than 50,000 native trees will be planted in the Pentland Hills to create a living, growing memorial.

The site for the woodland is steeped in military history and has been used as a training ground for over 100 years. During WWI many troops had their first experience of trenches on this mock battlefield.

One of them was Captain William

A grove of rowan trees within the woods is dedicated to the hundreds of soldiers from Leith who died in the Quintinshill Rail Disaster. Rowan, known in folklore as the traveller’s tree, was chosen to also remember those who never returned from the long journey from Scotland to the front lines.

People from the local community have been helping to sow five acres of wildflowers and plant native trees including rowan, cherry, birch and Scots pine. Several thousand trees have already been planted and the 38 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

There was a very specialised kind of mud there. We called it Dreghorn Sludge. It caked on to your kilt so that the pleats lacerated your knees like knives

Ewart Gladstone-Millar. His daughter Lynne Gladstone-Millar is a local historian who successfully campaigned to preserve the training trenches. His first posting was to Mortonhall and every day the soldiers marched to the training trenches in the Dreghorn Woods to prepare themselves for France.

Lynne remembers her father saying: “There was a very specialised kind of mud there. We called it Dreghorn Sludge. It caked on to your kilt so that the pleats lacerated your knees like knives.” That sludge is now nurturing the new trees that have been planted.

The new trees include an avenue of 50 wild service trees, planted to provide an annual flash of red during autumn when visitors can embrace the views across the city from the ‘Rest and Reflect’ stone seating area.

The avenue is known as ‘The Weir Todd Walk’ and is dedicated to Euro Millions winner Chris Weir’s husband Colin Weir’s grandfathers who served in the First World War, and his father who served in the Second World War. Chris said: “William, Jimmy and James were all very public spirited and wanted to be in the service of their country. The Weir Todd Walk is dedicated to their memory and is a place for all to enjoy, reflecting on the service of many Scots servicemen.”

Dreghorn Woods is situated near the Dreghorn Barracks so you might come across a group of soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment Scotland, marching with rather scary looking guns! Don’t worry – the guns aren’t loaded, but you may just need to skip out of the way rather promptly.

Don’t let that put you off – anyone is welcome to wander

these woods. Dreghorn Wood is only a small part of this vast arena. It makes for a compact walk and will stretch the legs but if you have the inclination and equipment you could walk to the Castlelaw Hill Fort over the other side of the hills.

There are no waymarked routes but there is a map of the area at the entrance to the wood.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the exit for Dreghorn off the A720 city bypass. If you are going East cross over the bypass and then take the sliproad down to join the bypass again exiting to the left.

There is a barrier but if your car is too high (like mine) you can park before the barrier and walk in.

Coming from the East simply take the Dreghorn Link slip and then the first left to the same place. There is a car park and access to the woods.

Walking along a tarmac road you will soon see the map of the area and a gate to your left giving to access to the Pentland Hills.

DREGHORN BARRACKS: Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment Scotland walking though the Woodland Trust’s First World War memorial planting

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CONTRIBUTOR: The walk feature is written by Karen Murray. Karen lives in West Lothian and is passionate about walking in the great outdoors having been brought up to love walking by her Father (still hillwalking in his 80s).

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 39

VET’S TIP

DENTAL DISEASE | PROTECT YOUR PET If we humans get toothache, one of the most obvious symptoms is that we find it tricky to eat. Not so with dogs and cats.

Recently, I had a case of a dog hit by a car – one of its upper canine teeth had split and blood was pouring out.

The dog was offered food - it wasn’t due for its op until the next day - and it scoffed the lot. It’s a good example of how dogs and cats don’t show signs of tooth pain meaning problems can easily be missed.

BY STUART McMORROW

Dental disease is very common in dogs and cats. If you don’t brush their teeth twice a day, you can end up with problems. Be careful what you give your dog to chew – their jaws can be more powerful than their teeth, so they can end up cracking a tooth on something too hard.

A good rule of thumb is to use your thumbnail – if you can press your thumbnail into the toy and leave a small indent, it’s OK. Just to make it even trickier to spot dental disease in pets, around 60 per cent of the tooth is below the gum line. But modern veterinary clinics are now much better equipped to deal with dentistry in pets. At annual booster vaccinations and our Friends of Westport six-month checks, our vets will exam your pet’s teeth, helping to pick up problems early.

The Vet’s Tip is contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road.

Call: 01506 844 165, or visit: www.westportvets.com

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

MAC | FEATURED CAT Mac has just had his first birthday and is looking for his forever home. A playful chap, he occasionally gets overexcited which can lead to a wee nip. For that reason he cannot be rehomed with young children. He would particularly like a home with a garden where he could feel the grass beneath his paws and chase the leaves.

Being able to burn off his energy whilst exploring a new outdoor environment might be just what he needs to curb his occasionally exuberant behaviour indoors.

He also enjoys spending an hour or two on your lap, cosying in on these colder afternoons. He may be ok with other cats but most of all would benefit from having someone around a lot of the day to give him lots of attention. Mac has been fully health checked, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. A home visit can easily be arranged.

Call 01506 298107 or “Contact Us” at www.cats.org.uk/west-lothian 40 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

Keep your Friends o pet in tip heWaltehscatrepoprlatfn top shape from just £7 per month To find out more call us on

01506 844 165

or pop into the surgery

8 Preston Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AU

BUSTER THE DOG

your business... ...invest in some local advertising this year!

“We advertise with Konect for several reasons. The magazine covers our local area and we find that people hold onto the magazine and refer to it to find local businesses. I know I read the magazine myself every time” Audrey Gaffney, Ableworld Broxburn

To be included please contact: Charlene 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

konect The Lothians’ largest-circulation local magazine series

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 41

PUZZLES

Solution in the March edition of konect

CROSSWORD

Sudoku solution on page 47

SUDOKU

42 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

ACROSS 1 Fasten to (6) 4 Enquiring (6) 9 Reduce length (7) 10 Loosen (5) 11 More (5) 12 Stretches (7) 13 Twisted together (11) 18 Requiring (7) 20 Not inner (5) 22 Assists (5) 23 Needing a drink (7) 24 Hurried (6) 25 Stopped (6) DOWN 1 Reply (6) 2 Type of fish (5) 3 Small country house (7) 5 A trick (5) 6 Severe (7) 7 Lubricate (6) 8 Enquire into (11) 14 Used for sewing (7) 15 Worship (7) 16 Fasten (6) 17 Ragged (6) 19 Hand out (5) 21 Trials (5)

By Hester, P3, LBPS

Promoted by the Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange

to raise funds for local youth good causes in Linlithgow and area

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 43

COMMUNITY

BLOOD DONATION | DATES Donations of blood will be welcomed at any one of the four sessions run by the Blood Transfusion Service which are taking place on Sunday 19th and Monday 20th February in The Low Port Centre in Blackness Road, Linlithgow.

New donors, (i.e. anyone in good health over the age of 17 years) are always needed and they, along with all the existing volunteers, will be welcomed along to the Sessions to ensure that hospital demand for blood and blood products can be met in the coming days ahead.

LINLITHGOW SESSIONS: Sunday 19th February 2017: 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm Monday 20th February 2017: 2.30pm - 4.15pm & 5.30pm - 8.00pm As every minute, someone in Scotland is receiving a blood transfusion, there continues to be a constant urgent need for more blood donors; so it is very important that those who can give blood do come along.

Donors must make sure they have had something to eat and drink before donating.

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON | LINLITHGOW Saturday 18th February

West Lothian Highland Society Monthly Ceilidh.

Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, 7.00pm.

Band will be Keith Robertson Duo; Piper - Alvis Kerr or Callum Davidson; Singer - Scott Gardiner.

Members - £6.00, Non-Members - £7.00.

Saturday 25th February

Rotary Annual Coffee Morning. St Michael’s Kirk Hall, 10am-12noon. Entry £2.50. Homemade scones, biscuits and cakes. Promoted by the Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange to raise funds for local youth good causes in Linlithgow and area.

Saturday 25th February

Linlithgow Farmers Market.

The Cross, High Street, Linlithgow.

TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK OR CALL 07854 492638.

LIBRARY INFORMATION Linlithgow Library

The Vennel, High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EH Tel: 01506 775490 Email: linlithgow.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening hours: Mon & Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tue & Thur: 9.00am - 7.00pm. Wed: 9.00am - 3.00pm.

Sat: 9.00am - 1.00pm.

STORYTIME: Stories and art activities for children 3-4 years during term time - every Monday and Friday 10.30am.

LINLITHGOW BOOK GROUP: Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6pm to discuss their chosen novel.

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 44 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

BOOKBUG SESSIONS: Stories, songs & rhymes suitable for all under 3’s and their grown-ups.

Council Information Service (located within the library) is open 9-2.30 Monday to Friday

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

2nd West Lothian Scouts The Scout Hall, 6 Dog Well Wynd, Linlithgow. Beavers (age 6-8) meet Wednesdays; Cubs (age 8 - 10.5) meet Mondays; Two Scouts troops (age 10.5 -14) meet Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Group Scout Leader Nick Moody at scouts2wl@hotmail.co.uk. Substantial waiting lists for all sections - new adult volunteers always welcome.

Please contact us in advance on: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com or search for us on Facebook.

Badminton Club Small, friendly club meets Wednesday evenings at Lowport Centre, 7-9pm. We are looking for new members who have played before. Adults only please.

The Caring Cafe

Linlithgow and District Embroiders Guild

Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ. The Caring Cafe is a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers have a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am - 12noon (Lunch available after the café in the Lowport Centre cafeteria). For people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. Contact Margaret or May from Linlithgow Link on 01506 845137 or email Co-ordinator@ linlithgowlink.org.uk

Linlithgow and District Branch of the Embroiderers Guild meet the last Wednesday of the month in Linlithgow Academy Library from 7pm till 9pm, September to May. Variety of Speakers and classes. Beginner or experienced, or not a stitcher all are welcome.

Linlithgow Bridge Playgroup Chalmers Hall, Main Street, Linlithgow Bridge. Tue-Thu: 9:15 am - 11:45 am during term time. No minimum number of sessions. £7 per session. For more information contact lbplaygroup@gmail.com Linlithgow Speakers Are you and your staff interested in improving speaking in public and leadership skills? Do you know about Toastmasters?

Linlithgow Speakers is a local voluntary group that can help develop these skills. We are looking for new members in Linlithgow. Come and visit on Tuesday night (we meet every second Tuesday at 7.30 at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow.

Please contact me for more information: Sheila Fraser 01506 650953 or 07968 233324.

Linlithgow Keep Fit Club We meet every Thursday from 19:00 - 21:00 at the gym at the rear of Linlithgow Academy. We have limited spaces for new male members. We resume on the 27th August. Call Brian on 07984 930235 or email gallacherbrian@hotmail. com for further information.

Linlithgow String Orchestra The Linlithgow String Orchestra for adults (18+) with a minimum standard Grade 5 meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, High Street Linlithgow (£3 per week). New players from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands.

Sunshine Singalong Kirk Hall, St Michael’s Parish Church, second Thursday every month 12 – 1.30pm. Caring for those living with memory loss. Light lunch then singing your favourite songs. A warm welcome awaits you, no church connection needed, just turn up on the day. Disabled parking in the Vennel Car Park adjacent to Kirk Hall.

Seedlings – Tots and Toddlers church St Michael’s Church Hall, Thursday’s 10-11am. Bring your 0-5 year old children or grandchildren for craft activities and singing. Coffee, cake, new friends. Just come along on the morning.

Scottish Seniors Computer Club Star and Garter (The Bistro Café), Station Road. Wednesday nights 7pm – 9pm. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Contact: Dougie Baird, Linlithgow Computer Club. Call 07929 120129 or just call in.

Physio Led Pilates The Scout Hall in Linlithgow, Monday evenings 6pm & 7pm and Sunday mornings at 10am. The Old Pavilion in Linlithgow Wednesday evenings 6:30pm.

At Physio Led Pilates you can feel assured that exercises will be performed safely, effectively and modified to the appropriate level for you under the expert guidance of an experienced Physiotherapist. For booking and further information please see www.physioledpilates.com

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FOODPICKS

Five of our top picks to make the special person in your life very happy indeed 1. FOR THE PERFECT AFTERNOON DATE Visit The Tower and enjoy a champagne afternoon tea overlooking Edinburgh Castle - the perfect romantic afternoon date.

2. F OR THE SERIOUS FOODIE If you have a serious foodie in your life, surprise them with a little known foodie experience at Sheraton’s One Square. Dining On The Pass sees you enjoy a five or seven course dinner right inside the kitchen. Their friendly head chef will host your evening and design a unique menu especially for you - the good news is it’s not as expensive as you might think, go and check it out.

3. FOR THE STEAK LOVER What’s more romantic than sharing steak? Try the Chop and Ale House in Linlithgow. This cosy bothy style restaurant specialises in steak and chops. Enjoy with a bottle of Champany Own Label wine.

Alternatively, Monteiths on the Royal Mile is a low-lit intimate restaurant, ideal for a Valentine’s dinner. We recommend the chateaubriand for two.

4. TRADITIONAL The Italians do romance the best. If your loved one likes nothing more than a traditional meal out, give Mamma Roma’s a try.

They’ve been going since 1995, they must be doing something right!

5. THE SURPRISE CHOICE I’ll never know why 21212 isn’t better known, it deserves to be. If you’ve been to most of the top restaurants in Edinburgh and are looking for fresh inspiration, we recommend you give 21212 a try - they do a lunch and dinner service and you can choose, 3, 4 or 5 courses.

The monthly Foodpicks column is contributed by local blogger Erica Douglas of www.foodinburgh.com. Erica provides us with inspiration on where to eat and drink next in and around Edinburgh and West Lothian. Join the Foodinburgh Supper Clb for a monthly digest and offers for some of their favourite monthly choices.

46 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

BY ERICA DOUGLAS

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio

WL7

FENCING/GATES Welding & Fabrication Solutions Ltd

BUILDING SURVEYOR David Hastings

WL8

FOOD & GROCERIES Hopetoun Farm Shop

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING C and W Cleaning Services WL24 James Burnett WL24 CATERING Food Creations

WL24

CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT Jump Station WL20 Young Engineers WL20 CLEANING SERVICES Dusters Cleaning Services Inside & Out COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers

4 4 WL14

DOORS uPVC Door Shop

10

ELECTRICIAN Simply Electrical MC & Co. Electrical

WL6 WL1

ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine Remax Turpie & Co.

WL12 (Back Cover) 48 WL11

Solution to December Crossword

4

WL22

FURNITURE & INTERIORS Shapes 9 GARDEN & LANDSCAPING New Hopetoun Gardens GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd HEATING SERVICES Capital Heating Dewar Plumbing Red Hot Condensing Boilers HOMES FOR SALE CALA Homes JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd Geoff Vinter Joinery

LOCKSMITH West Lothian Locksmith Company WL8 MOBILITY Ableworld WL19 Med Ecosse WL15 MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Hire Scotland WL14

WL9

PAINTER/DECORATOR David J Lane Nu Walls

WL1 WL6

2

PLUMBING SERVICES D-Mac Services Scotland

WL4

REMOVALS Linlithgow Removals Man With Van Ltd

4 WL8

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader

WL8

WL6 WL5 WL7 5 WL5 10

TUITION Sax Lessons

WL20

VET Mackie and Brechin 41 KITCHENS West Port Veterinary Clinic 40 Ekco WL2 S and S 12 WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES Andrew James Windows & LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION Conservatories WL6 The Leaflet Lady 37 Greenburn Glass WL9 LEISURE & FITNESS Dalmahoy WL13

Solution to Sudoku Page 42 Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication.

Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods 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.

Across: 1 Eels, 3 Checkers, 9 Contact, 10 Nicer, 11 Achievements, 14 Gem, 16 Paths, 17 Dye, 18 Explanations, 21 Comma, 22 Showing, 23 Domestic, 24 Ends

Down: Down: 1 Exchange, 2 Lunch, 4 Hit, 5 Conversation, 6 Excited, 7 Sure, 8 Caterpillars, 12 Eaten, 13 Messages, 15 Maximum, 19 Onion, 20 Iced, 22 Ski

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

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