Konect Linlithgow May 17

MAY 2017

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Gardening Scotland - Discount for Konect Readers Plus local Linlithgow’s Caring Cafe businesses, community REGAL ANIMATION information AquietwordfromLinlithgow & more!

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The community magazine for the Linlithgow area

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FEATURE

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

W

hen a quiet and unassuming chemist from Linlithgow made a recommendation to his colleague about chloroform, the impact on surgery was transformational. It’s a fascinating story, see the feature on pages 8-9.

This month it’s all about enjoying your garden - in it or from the shelter of a conservatory. Scotland’s Gardening Festival at Ingliston is at the beginning of June, and they are offering Konect readers a discount on ticket entry. And if you don’t have a garden, there is a number of allotment schemes in the local area although several do have waiting lists – our parenting column writer Nic got her allotment this year (see her column in the West Lothian section) so I’m sure we’ll be hearing about the joys of gardening with the added dimension of children “helping.”

The prospect of slightly better weather also brings more options for getting active. It’s a good time if you want to get into good habits over the summer which will stick longer term. There are articles this month on taking small steps to make changes in food and exercise; the food column concentrates on a good breakfast; and there is the local orienteering club, a great activity for all the family see the info in the West Lothian section.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

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

Cover Image: Gardening Scotland ‘A great day out for all the family’

CONTENTS A quiet word from Linlithgow Local People Regal Animation Vet’s Tip Puzzles What’s On Useful Information Clubs & Classes WEST LOTHIAN VIEW Gardening Scotland Parenting in West Lothian Conservatories & Sunrooms Property Matters Visit West Lothian Health & Fitness Charity of the Month Recipe and Food Notes Music Review

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

08 10 46 49 51 52 52 53 WL2 WL11 WL12 WL18 WL22 WL24 WL26 WL28 WL30 54

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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LOCAL HISTORY

The face of Bathgate bairn Dr James Young Simpson is painted on the “pioneering spirit” First buses. What is not painted there is a patient strapped into a chair screaming while the surgeon cut, because Simpson put an end to that with his discovery of an effective anaesthetic. The full story is extraordinary and features a Linlithgow-born chemist who was pivotal to Simpson’s success.

Before anaesethetic, the quicker a surgeon (“a savage armed with a knife”) worked the better the patient’s chance survival. One doctor wrote, “a patient preparing for an operation was like a condemned criminal preparing for execution.” Many died from the shock of pain, and exploratory surgery was out of the question. Patients’ desperate attempts to anaesthetise themselves with drugs and alcohol was fraught with danger. Surgeons were often traumatised themselves, and like many aspiring doctors Simpson almost abandoned medicine after witnessing his first operation. But he was so deeply affected that his driving motivation became “Can nothing be done to prevent this suffering?”

In pursuit of this he was to meet many people but perhaps the most important was David Waldie, born in 1813 in the building that is now the Four Marys, 67 High Street, Linlithgow. David attended the local grammar school then graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in 1831. He returned to Linlithgow and ran a surgery and apothecary at 67 High Street. In 1839 or 1840 he moved to Liverpool to work for the Liverpool Apothecaries Company. Meanwhile, Simpson, who was just two years older than Waldie, also graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons and went on to open a medical practice in Edinburgh with a particular interest in obstetrics.

It was at that time the lowest of medical arts, shrouded in mystery, but it became his professional speciality.

Simpson’s career flourished as his reputation grew. A Professor at the shockingly young age of 29, he was appointed to the Midwifery Chair at Edinburgh University (first getting married, apparently an essential requirement!).

But he believed it was his duty as a physician to alleviate pain. On hearing about ether trials in America he 8 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

enthusiastically adopted it, delivering the first baby with ether for the mother in January 1847. At the same time he was appointed Queen Victoria’s physician.

However ether was not a viable solution for various reasons. David Waldie, who had also been experimenting with anaesthetics in Liverpool, had worked out why it was problematic and had perfected a way of separating pure chloroform from chloric ether. Meanwhile in Edinburgh, Simpson and two friends were sampling various narcotic drugs most evenings to see what worked. A neighbour came in every morning to “see if the experimenters had survived!”

In October 1847, on a trip back to Scotland, Waldie visited his old acquaintance Simpson who spoke of his trials with various vapours. He told Simpson in detail about chloroform and suggested it would work well, promising to prepare some and send it up when he returned to his laboratory.

Waldie was delayed in sending the sample, but Simpson didn’t wait; he’d learnt enough to be able to get some pure chloroform prepared locally. On 4th November 1847 Simpson and his colleagues were trying various drugs as usual. Simpson pulled out the phial of chloroform, they took it simultaneously, and were “all under the table in a minute or two.” When Simpson came to on the floor he realised straightaway that he’d found something “far stronger and better than ether.” The night turned into quite a party as they took chloroform to knock themselves out again and again! He wrote to Waldie informing him of the “good results of our hasty conversation.”

Many people welcomed the discovery, but it was also met with opposition and prejudice. While abhorring the pain of surgery, people were suspicious of pain relief, believing that to avoid pain was in some way unnatural and wrong.

CHLOROFORM - NOT A GOOD CHOICE FOR CRIMINALS...

The chloroform-soaked rag is the weapon of choice of vintage crime fiction anti-heroes. But in reality...it takes around five minutes of inhalation before it knocks you out. Do not try this at home! Chloroform is dangerous. Its use was eventually discontinued when it was proven to cause respiratory and cardiac failure.

And pain-relief for childbirth was definitely contrary to the God-ordained course of nature! But chloroform gradually won over. Friends in high places helped - Queen Victoria used it for delivery of her eighth child in 1853, and again for her ninth.

It revolutionised the operating theatre where it reigned for nearly 100 years. By the time it was eventually replaced by safer anaesthetics, massive advances had been made in surgery as a result and many lives saved.

PIONEERING SPIRIT: Sir James Young Simpson is shown on local bus livery.

TEST: Simpson and colleagues try chloroform for the first time.

Waldie’s family and friends felt he should have been better acknowledged. Waldie himself, although a modest personality, gently expressed his disappointment. A brief footnote in Simpson’s account of the discovery stated, “Waldie had mentioned the perchloride of formyle (chloroform) among others as worthy of a trial.” Waldie’s point was, “I had not merely mentioned it, but distinctly recommended him to try it.”

Waldie’s career took him to Calcutta in 1853 (his diary of the Overland route is a unique record of daily life on ship and visits on shore at that time). He ended up setting up his own factory and was a successful analytical and manufacturing chemist in India until his death in 1889. His company is still going there (www.waldies.com).

Local history feature by Helen-Jane Shearer. HelenJane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

• The commemorative plaque above the entrance to The Four Marys was arranged for the centenary of Waldie’s birth (1913) by the Spence family, local chemists, who owned 67 High Street after the Waldies.

• A memorial cup was arranged by Waldie’s friends in 1922, and is carried each year at the Linlithgow Marches.

• Annett House Museum in Linithgow has a display on Waldie’s life, “From chloroform to Calcutta”.

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 9

LOCAL PEOPLE

Margaret Str Volunteer achan: Co-ordin ator

THE CARING CAFÉ ARTWORK WAS CREATED BY LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN

Dementia Awareness Week runs from 29th May to 4th June 2017, and what better way to acknowledge it than getting to know the ladies behind Linlithgow’s Caring Café.

The Caring Café is run in association with Alzheimer Scotland, Linlithgow Link and the local churches. It started in April 2013, and is one of nine cafés in West Lothian providing regular support to local people with dementia and those caring for them.

Margaret Strachan is a volunteer co-ordinator for the Caring Café, and explains: “We run the café once a month in the lounge of the Lowport Centre, and whilst there’s always someone there from Alzheimer Scotland to provide advice, we try to make it very much a social event. We often have themes depending on the time of year, and music is popular too. Those who come along will have varying stages of dementia, so the café allows a safe environment for people to build friendships, feel supported and ask for any advice.”

The Caring Café is run entirely by volunteers, who give their time (and baking skills!) to the café each month. “Lots of people and groups in Linlithgow have helped by making very welcome donations; including fresh flowers to have on the tables, and local primary children often coming along and singing for everyone.”

Margaret’s two colleagues, May and Margaret, also work for Linlithgow Link who support the Caring Café. The Link 10 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

has been running in the town for more than 35 years and provides help for (mainly) elderly people in the community, who might feel otherwise socially isolated. Last year it was awarded the Queen’s Award for voluntary service.

May runs the “Tuesday Club” and says: “We hold the club every week in the Bield, providing activities which helps people to get out of the house. We have speakers, music and outings to places that people might otherwise be unable to get to. Or sometimes it’s just a cup of tea and a blether!

Local children have also been great at helping make gifts for our members at Easter and Christmas; it’s little things like that which make a difference.

Most of our volunteers are drivers so we can offer a car service to take our members to hospital appointments, as it’s often difficult for them to get there – and they’ll wait with them too. We also have a “Befriending” service, but we urgently need more volunteer befrienders! You don’t need to drive to do this.”

Margaret, May and Margaret are all local to Linlithgow; they agree that there is a lot to do here for people of all ages and it’s a lovely place to live.

“The involvement individuals and groups in Linlithgow have with both the Caring Café and Linlithgow Link, shows how much the town still very much values our community.

Linlithgow’s motto is ‘St Michael is kinde to straingers’ and that’s exactly what we still see here in the town.”

If you would like to find out more about the Caring Café, or volunteer to be a Befriender, visit www.linlithgowlink.org.uk or email co-ordinator@linlithgowlink.org.uk.

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

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his section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian! With new developments and the population ever-growing here, it’s an exciting time for all of us, as services and facilities spring up to accommodate.

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. See page 3 for our contact details.

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Look inside this section for: CONSERVATORIES AND SUNROOMS Add value to your life and your property GARDENING Ideas and ticket discount for Scotland’s Gardening Festival PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN Our regular column on surviving parenthood in West Lothian CHARITY OF THE MONTH Living with ME in West Lothian

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Scotland’s garden festival - Gardening Scotland - is the perfect family day out, with an abundance of activities to keep both children and adults entertained. Taking place from Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th June at the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, it is the perfect time of year to enjoy the sunshine and get some inspiration for your outdoor space.

An impressive explosion of colour, scent and design awaits visitors to the dazzling new 125m Floral Walkway at this year’s show. The Walkway will showcase some of the UK’s top specialist nurseries, and besides being a spectacular show it will provide you with inspiration and practical ideas for your own garden. Martin Dare said: “We wanted to add something a little different this year.

The Floral Walkway will be a real showstopper with an enormous variety of colours, scents and exciting textures – even the most horticulturally-informed guests will be impressed.” Green fingered enthusiasts have the opportunity to learn about everything from window box arranging to vegetable growing by attending a host of workshops and Q&A sessions. A centrepiece on the Floral Walkway will be a dinosaur-themed Show Garden featuring a wide range of pre-historic plants including horse tail, ferns and palms as well as a Velociraptor.

The dedicated Big Back Garden area will this year feature its biggest range of learning and interactive activities which are sure to excite children of all ages. From seed planting to bouncy castles, grow-your-own areas to bee-keeping and woodland nature displays, there will be activities galore to teach your little ones about all of the adventures they can enjoy in Scotland’s great outdoors.

While children under 16 go free to Gardening Scotland, don’t forget that the event caters for parents too. With Champagne and Pimms bars, a stunning 125 metre floral walkway, fabulous show gardens, local produce, healthy eating, a cookery theatre and so much more, there really is something for everyone.

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GARDENING PROJECT

CREATE YOUR OWN HERB TOWER THIS SUMMER! You can have instant height on your patio with this tower of pots, if you use herbs rather than summer bedding plants you will also have a ready supply of herbs to hand and your family and friends will be very impressed with your creative skills!

it with compost and sit the next empty pot on top to show you how much space you have to fit in your plants.

Remove the empty pot and plant herbs around the edge, firm the compost and sit on the now filled second pot.

Repeat the process to the top.

To create the herb tower you will need three pots of decreasing size, multi-purpose with added John Innes compost and your choice of young herb plants. You need a 50-75mm (23”) space all round for your plants – so if you start with a 40cm wide pot you’ll need something like a 25-30cm pot and a 15-20cm pot as well.

We suggest you choose Sages and Parsley for the bottom, Oregano and Marjoram for the middle and Thymes for the top. Depending on the sizes of your pots you will be able to fit in 4 plants at the bottom, 3 plants in the middle and either 1 or 3 Thyme plants in the top pot.

We suggest you plant it in situ as it is a bit awkward to move in one stack.

Start with the largest bottom pot. Fill

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WHEN A PRESTIGIOUS CLUB IN EDINBURGH NEEDS A FANCY PAINT JOB DONE, WHO DO THEY CALL? The historic Royal Scot’s Club on Abercromby Place recently redecorated. You could be forgiven for thinking that the imposing pillars in the main entrance hall are genuine marble; they have been expertly re-marbled by special effects painter David Lane of Lane Decor, a West Lothian-based business.

“The club contacted me to re-marble the pillars as they were last done in the 70’s and didn’t go with the current decoration. They were looking to get a grey painted marble effect,” explains David. “I decided on the final colour to make them look real, but got confirmation after each stage and process. The pillars still had to be dominant over the new decoration so it would all look well balanced.

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PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

...avoid a scone-centered spiritual awakening while living off the fat of the land Long time readers of this column will be familiar with my fascination with all things horticultural. There is nothing more awesome to me than putting a minute speck of practically nothing into some dirt then weeks later discovering that the speck has taken it upon itself to metamorphose into a carrot, beetroot, spinach, or courgette.

And if you’re thinking, “Whatever Nicola, these things come in packs in the supermarket! Get with the times!” I put it to you that if you have only ever tasted a spud supplied by Mr Sainsbury and his ilk, then you remain ignorant of the true taste of a potato. And you have my pity.

Can you imagine my joy therefore, when I recently got the exciting news that I had made it to the top of the list for a plot at Deans Meadow Allotments?

We went to choose our plot and measured it up - next was the back breaking work of clearing the ground and digging over the soil. A local saw mill supplied us with and sawed up some treated wooden planks for us to create raised planters with, and we got ourselves a garden bench/box to keep some tools and wellies in...

But what to grow? The agony of choice gripped me! So it was off to Dobbies Garden Centre to purchase the raw materials of our first harvestto-be!

I’m a bit addicted to Dobbies.

Quite a lot of the time it’s a purely hunger-driven trip; the scones!

The purchase and consumption of their perfectly baked, fluffy, tall, sumptuous scones is as close to a genuinely spiritual experience as I will ever have.

So I steered past these snacky distractions and got to the veg seedling sections - potatoes first.

What a choice - each variety of potato had a description written next to where it was stacked. All manner of characteristics are described to help one choose a potato that will perfectly suit one’s tuberific needs... “pale-fleshed tuber” “dry in texture” “excellent masher” “resistant to blight” “red skinned”.

In the end all of these descriptions didn’t matter when I saw that one of the varieties was actually called,

“Nicola”. No-brainer then. But still let’s look at the description and see what we are getting ... “A very attractive and delicious potato.” So with my selfesteem strangely buoyed, and the future wording of my headstone decided upon, we stuffed them into our trolley and with some onions, garlic, peppers, herbs, and tomato seeds, completed my haul.

An obligatory trip to the outdoor playpark, and the traditional ‘oh god where are the children – ah they’re hiding in yet another display-shed’ moment, and we made it out with our haul. I’ll report back with the progress my little farmers have made when the crops start making an appearance!

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!

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL11

01506 676 444

20% off all window, door and roofline orders taken this month.

T’s & C’s apply.

FREE Laminate Flooring or Internal Decoration to All Conservatory/Sunroom orders taken this month. T’s & C’s apply.

Whether it be a Replacement Conservatory, New Build, Sunroom or Orangery we can cater for every need.

You can replace your conservatory using your existing base at a fraction of the cost of a new build.

We have many Bespoke replacement roof options to offer:Traditional Glass or Polycarbonate, Livin Roof, Traditional Slate or Tile, Lightweight Tile and GRP Fibre Glass Options.

SHOWROOM OPEN 7 DAYS BY APPOINTMENT

WL12 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Enjoy a drink and watch the sun go down over your garden, safe from the midges and sheltered from the cool of the evening...

Characterised by a large proportion of glazing, conservatories and sunrooms are characterful and versatile, they add value to your property and, done properly, provide you with extra space indoors whilst allowing you to enjoy more of the outdoors and natural light. They can be installed fairly quickly and at much less expense than a full extension. A conservatory works well as a play room, home office, dining room or just extra living and entertaining space - even in the summer the evenings can get a little cool for sitting out, but with a conservatory you can make the most of the evening light, even after the midges have driven you inside after your BBQ! For it to add value to your life as well as your property, plan carefully so that it suits your lifestyle and is usable all year round.

CONSULT LOCAL EXPERTS There is a huge range of options to accommodate almost any property type. Technology in frames and glazing is constantly moving on apace and local companies have their finger on the pulse and will be able to advise you on your options specifically for your property type, budget and space availability. Ask about issues such as planning permission, security on doors and windows, heating and insulation, guarantee and maintenance issues.

Conservatories: Victorian or Edwardian are the classic conservatory designs, Victorian has a rounded end and Edwardian has a square or rectangular end.

P or T-shaped designs tend to be suitable for larger properties.

Edwardian Conservatory

With a conservatory you can make the most of the evening light, even after the midges have driven you inside after your BBQ! DESIGNS Sunrooms: A contemporary looking, solid-roofed extension with panoramic windows rather than walls, it maximises the amount of natural light while still providing the feeling of a solid, enclosed space under a fully-tiled roof.

Contemporary Sunroom

Gable Front: Square or rectangular conservatory with triangular gable at the front. The steeper pitched roof adds light and space to your conservatory by creating an incredibly bright, airy and sophisticated living space.

Lean to: Often the lowest-priced option, usually simple rectangular shape and gently sloping roof and are perfect for homes with smaller gardens or one-storey properties.

Orangerie: has more structure and less glazing than a conservatory, so needs a more solid base. They tend to be more expensive. The main feature is the lantern rooflight surrounded by flat roof.

USE YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND Heading into summer, heating may not be the first thing on your mind but it’s essential if you plan to use your conservatory in winter. You can extend your current central heating, placing radiators against the dwarf walls, or take the opportunity to fit underfloor heating. Some systems use convectors, set under the perimeter of the floor and covered with decorative grilles. Most modern conservatories use double glazing filled with Argon gas for heat insulation and noise reduction.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL13

Which spacekube are you?

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There is a spacekube for everyone.

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WL14 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

14/04/2017 09:36:00

Keeping cool in the summer is less of a problem here in Scotland but on the few days a year when it’s actually too warm, opening windows, doors and vents is usually sufficient to get a breeze. However installing blinds is a must to block dazzling sunlight at any time of the year, help heat control in the summer and to cosy it up and help insulate in the winter.

If entertaining and parties are your thing, a room with bifold doors opening onto decking or the garden is perfect; you could even add a drinks bar in the conservatory... In autumn and winter pull down the blinds and switch on the fairy lights.

DECOR You can get away with all sort of things for conservatory décor and furnishing and make it really special. Paint the walls the same colour as the adjacent room to make it feel really part of your home, then have fun with the furniture and accessories. Use the floor, too, as a bridge between the conservatory and the house. Tiled, slate, stone and terracotta floors are beautiful and help reinforce the link between indoors and outdoors. Scatter rugs to add instant warmth and character. Many people choose rattan furniture for a conservatory and it can look fabulous, adding a touch of exotic style to the room. Another

favourite is metal furniture and for a contemporary effect, faux wicker furniture (for both indoors and out) now comes in all sorts of vivid colours and surprisingly sculptural shapes.

Take advice from a knowledgeable local company, always use the best materials, insulation, glazing and roofing you can afford, and you’ll have a beautiful and practical room that will be an asset to your home for years to come.

MORE SPACE, LESS TIME WITH ‘SPACEKUBE’ The new SpaceKube from Ekco is a custom-engineered extension that is built off-site then added to your home in a few short weeks. It’s made from high-grade, sustainable products and will add value to your home in the same way a conservatory, sunroom or traditional extension would.

EKCO is a home-improvements company specialising in quality German kitchens, bathrooms, doors and windows.

This means they can create your spaceKube with your current needs in mind but you can adapt it for another use once the family has flown the nest. So, what may be an extra en-suite bedroom just now, can be adapted in later years to a sun-room where you can open the bi-fold doors and enjoy your summer garden – without having to set foot outside.

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Showroom Open § Mon: Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm § Sat: 11.00 am - 3.00 pm § Sunday: 11.00 - 3.00 pm Freephone 0800 756 5286 Williamson’s Garden Centre | Mains Holdings Uphall, West Lothian EH52 6PA harveybruceinteriors@gmail.com

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15

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0800 977 8800 | crsmith.co.uk/fix *Supercedes offers. Only valid when LOTHIAN presented to technical assessor at point of sale. Minimum order value of £100 after discount applied. FIX from CR Smith reserves the right to WL16all|other KONECT WEST improve and amend the products in this publication, without prior notice. © Copyright CR Smith 04/17. Registered in Scotland No. SC51530 CR Smith, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL17

PROPERTY MATTERS

Think you’re saving money? It’s often worth closer inspection!

Over the past 12 months, we have witnessed the return of some impressive rates of growth in property values across West Lothian. In this sellers’ market, it has appeared virtually a foregone conclusion that whichever agent you chose to sell your property, a buyer would be found within a few days. Subsequently, vendors can often become less discerning over their choice of agent and may, understandably, be tempted to appoint the agent who charged the lowest fees.

However, in a sellers’ market, this approach usually turns out to be a considerable false economy, as the difference between a good agent and a mediocre one can be highly significant.

If the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive agent is typically up to about 0.75% of the asking price, then this represents a difference of £1,500 in fees on a £200,000 sale. However, the ability of a good agent to negotiate the best terms is worth far more than this amount and this starts long before any offers are received.

Take for example the skills, experience and confidence of a well-established agent who knows the local market well enough to recognise when the conditions might allow for a sale to potentially break through the ceiling price for properties previously sold in the area. When such opportunities arise, the agent must typically be able to back up their optimism with statistics for a surveyor to support the valuation in the Home Buyers Report and mortgage survey. But what if there are no comparable sales to benchmark against, and the reason for the WL18 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

bullish valuation is based solely on their current list of registered buyers who’s search criteria closely matches this particular property type and their knowledge of similar properties being in short supply. The agent must have strong credentials and a credible track record for any building surveyor or mortgage lender to support their recommendations and this is where real value can be added to a client’s eventual selling price.

Only once this value has been established and exceptional marketing material produced does the role of a skilled negotiator come into play as they must now convince the market that this is the new value of properties in that particular area.

Low cost or self-service agents with little or no knowledge of the local area and no active buyers from whom to gather market intelligence, must rely solely on previous sales data and will therefore rarely be able to positively influence property prices.

The Real selling price of a property is the Offer price agreed minus the professional fees and this Real figure can often be overlooked with so many other things to consider when choosing the right selling agent.

The same Low cost/’self-service’ agents also rely on turnover of stock, rather than the actual amount they charge and with stock levels current in short supply, they may be feeling the pinch more than the higher quality agents therefore more focussed on arranging the sale at any price, rather than negotiating the best terms for their client.

Full service agents have a reputation to protect, and they are passionate in their quest to secure the best price for their clients. So, in the examples shown below, the additional £1,500 in fees could actually have protected a potential net loss of £20,000 or more!

AGENT FEE NET PROCEEDS OF SALE BENEFIT TO SELLER (£)

£

Example - For a property with a Home Report of £200,000. The following scenarios show the difference in the net figures received for the sale after agents’ fees have been deducted and also the difference a professionally managed campaign can yield in terms of valuation, offer and selling price in relation to Home Report Value (See below).

It’s your equity. So when choosing the right agent to sell your home, what is more important to you – low fees, or the most money in your pocket, and the security of a well-managed sale?

SELLING PRICE (AGREED OFFER)

£

?

£190,000

£200,000*

£210,000

0.5%

1.0%

1.25%

£189,050

£198,000

£207,375

-

NB: This table is a guide only and any combination of fees/selling price can apply in each case. * Denotes HR Value

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.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL19

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25BRPL17(SNM)KonectDirectoryFullpage APRIL 2017.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2017 13:07 Page 1 25BRPL17(SNM)KonectDirectoryFullpage APRIL 2017.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2017 13:07 Page 1

Are you a first time buyer?

Buying Buying your your first first property property can can be be exciting, exciting, but also confusing and expensive. but also confusing and expensive.

However, getting on the property ladder may be easier than you think with the help

However, getting on the property ladder may be easier than you think with the help of Aberdein Considine. of Aberdein Considine.

Sean MacMillan, Partner in charge of Aberdein Considine’s West Lothian SeanEdinburgh MacMillan, Partner has in charge Aberdein West Lothian and branches, pulledof together fiveConsidine’s tips every first time buyer and Edinburgh branches, pulled together five tips every first time buyer should read before buyinghas a house. should read before buying a house.

1) Calculate how much the whole process 1) Calculate will cost how much the whole process will cost Write down how much you’ll be paying for solicitor’s Write down howfees much you’ll be paying for solicitor’s fees, mortgage and calculate any overlap with fees, mortgage fees and calculate any overlap with your current rental property - it all adds up. your current rental property - it all adds up.

2) Investigate your mortgage options 2) Investigate your mortgage options We would advise all first time buyers to make an We would advise time buyers to make an appointment with all an first independent financial adviser appointment with an independent financial adviser (at Aberdein Considine the mortgage advice is free (at Considine advice is free butAberdein please check if you the are mortgage using an alternative but please checkcharge if you are using an alternative adviser as many a fee). adviser as many charge a fee).

With access to thousands of mortgage products and With access to thousands of mortgage products some exclusive deals, independent advisers are and some exclusive independent advisers perfectly placeddeals, to tell you not only how muchare each perfectly placed to tell you not only how much lender will give you but also how that translateseach into lender will give you but also how that translates into monthly payments. monthly payments.

The initial appointment takes less than one hour and The initial appointment takes less thanobtain one hour your adviser will with your permission a and your adviser will with your permission a in 'decision in principle' on your behalf. Aobtain decision 'decision in principle' on your behalf.

A decision in principle or alternatively termed a mortgage promise principle or aalternatively a mortgage promise means that lender is intermed principle willing to lend that means that a lender is in principle willing to lend that amount of money to you. amount of money to you.

This is of course subject to a full mortgage This is of course subject a full mortgage application from you andto verification of your salary application from youThe anddecision verification of your salary and commitments. in principle means and commitments.

The decision in principle you are in a position to narrow your search tomeans you are in ainposition narrow and yourstart search to properties a certaintobudget viewing. properties in a certain budget and start viewing.

3) Find a local solicitor 3) Find a local solicitor It pays to have a local solicitor to advise on the It pays to a local to advise market in have the area you solicitor are looking to buy.on the market in the area you are looking to buy.

With our vast experience of the property market, With our vast experience of the property Aberdein Considine is uniquely placed tomarket, assist you Aberdein Considine is uniquely placed to assist you in buying your ideal property at the cheapest in buying your ideal property at the cheapest possible price. possible price.

Trends develop very quickly in the Edinburgh and Trends develop very quickly the Edinburgh Lothians property market andinbecause of bothand the Lothiansofproperty market and because both volume transactions I am carrying outofand mythe volume of transactions I am carrying out and my detailed knowledge of the local market, I am able to detailed of the local market, able toin keep myknowledge clients ahead of the game.

As Iaam resident keep Lothian my clients ahead of thethe game. a resident in West myself, I know areasAs and properties West I know the areas and properties to lookLothian out formyself, and have my finger on the pulse for to look out for and have my finger on the pulse for current price trends. current price trends.

Most importantly prior to setting out house hunting importantly to setting out house IMost will take the timeprior to explain precisely how hunting the Isystem will take the time explain precisely the works and to what pitfalls to look how out for. system works and what pitfalls to look out for.

4) Viewings and research 4) Viewings and research You now have an idea of your budget and a solicitor You nowso have idea of your budget and a solicitor in place it’s an time to start looking. in place so it’s time to start looking.

Register with property portals such as the ESPC, Register with property suchspeaking as the ESPC, On the Market etc. It isportals also worth with the On theagents Marketto etc. is alsoadvice worth speaking with the estate getIt some and registering to estate agents toon get some and registering to get information their newadvice properties first. get information on their new properties first.

You should view a minimum of five shortlisted You shouldand viewalso a minimum five shortlisted properties read the of home report carefully read the home carefully properties and aalso making decision.

We can report help you with any before before making a decision. questions you may have. We can help you with any questions you may have.

5) Note interest and make an offer 5) Note interest and make an offer Once you have identified the right property you Once have your identified theto right you with shouldyou contact solicitor noteproperty your interest should contact your solicitor to note your interest with the seller's solicitor/estate agent. the seller's solicitor/estate agent.

At this stage your solicitor should advise on the best At this stage your best process which willsolicitor usually should involve advise makingon anthe opening process which will solicitor usually involve making negotiating an opening offer to the seller’s and thereafter seller’s solicitor and thereafter negotiating offer to the on your behalf.

I would note that at Aberdein on your behalf. note that at Aberdein Considine we doI would not charge any fee for unsuccessful Considine we do not charge any fee for unsuccessful offers or for noting interest – we are on your side and offers or for noting interest we are onyou your side and we want to help you get the– property desire. we want to help you get the property you desire.

If you would like to speak to Aberdein Considine’s If you would like visit to speak to Aberdein Considine’s property experts, our branches in Livingston or propertyRoad experts, visit our branches Livingston or Lothian or call 01506 420800 orin0131 222 9000.

Lothian Road or call 01506 420800 or 0131 222 9000.

we we know know how how the land lies the land lies www.aberdeinconsidine.com www.aberdeinconsidine.com

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

LIFESTYLE

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS TRY ORIENTEERING ROUTES AGAIN IN WEST LOTHIAN! IN WEST LOTHIAN! Summer is finally on its way – the nights are light, the flowers have blossomed and there is a packed programme of events in West Lothian to look forward to! It’s time to take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy the great outdoors, with West Lothian’s fantastic events, attractions and country parks.

Join us on Saturday 27th May for the West Lothian Highland Games in Bathgate’s Meadow Park. The day is set to be a fantastic, colourful and musical spectacle featuring highland dancing, solo piping as well as Pipe Bands, traditional heavy events such as the tug of war and so much more! With a variety of other family attractions including food stalls and demonstrations there will certainly be something there for all the family to enjoy!

Spring season also means that some of West Lothian’s top attractions have opened their doors once again for the season. Outlander fans will be delighted that the iconic Hopetoun House has opened its doors again to the public, so enjoy a day strolling round both the House and Grounds, exploring the real filming locations of the fantastic TV series. Linlithgow Canal Centre has also re-opened, the perfect opportunity to take the family out for a nice relaxing boat trip along the Union Canal!

Orienteering is an outdoor adventure activity that exercises both the brain and the body.

The aim is to navigate between control points marked on a special map and decide on the best route get from point to point until you reach the finish. You can go on your own, with friends or in a family group. You can run, jog or walk whatever suits you. People of all ages are welcome to take part and it is particularly suitable for family or other groups.

You don’t need any special equipment to take part, just suitable footwear and clothing which should include leg cover i.e. tracksuit bottoms or similar, bearing in mind it might be a bit muddy!

Interlopers Orienteering Club are putting on a series of events in local parks in the future.

The dates and locations are: • 6th May

Almond Park, Livingston

• 3 June

Calder Wood

• 1st July

Dechmont Law, Livingston

• 2nd September

Eliburn park, Livingston

rd

If you haven’t seen our fabulous new Visitor Guide yet, then check out our leaflet stands at locations across West Lothian or you can simply check out our online version which is available on our website.

There will be a series of courses available for complete beginners to those with a little more experience. Help and assistance will be on hand to tell you what to do.

Just turn up between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:

(Costs are £3 per child or £6 for adults or family groups).

Website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:

www.visitwestlothian.co.uk VisitWestLothian @teamwestlothian @VisitWestLothian

WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Full details will be available nearer each date at www. interlopers.org.uk or contact events@interlopers.org.uk Website: Facebook:

www.interlopers.org.uk @interlopersorienteering

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL23

HEALTH & FITNESS

Summer is approaching and with it thoughts of sunny days, lighter clothing and how to shift those few stubborn pounds - you could start another diet, join a club, get your meals delivered - the options are endless … but with 98% of dieters not maintaining their weight loss for more than two years you might want to try a different approach.

This time, instead of overhauling your whole diet you could start by making some small changes. If for example you want to keep fuller for longer, try: a glass of water half an hour before eating; chia seeds on your porridge; an apple as a mid-morning snack; swapping your sugar laden yoghurt for full fat Greek yoghurt with your own fruit and raw honey; almonds as your on-thego snack.

Look at your lifestyle too. Stress is often the cause of weight around the middle –due to the release of cortisol and adrenaline – your body kicks into fight or flight mode, releasing fat and glucose for energy. With prolonged high levels of cortisol, your body becomes confused about what it needs to do and therefore the glucose (blood sugar) levels stay high, which tells the body to store fat. So it’s important to take time to relax.

Gradually, without too much effort, these small changes will become natural habits and you should start to see significant improvements to your health and weight – result!

LOUISE EWART, Personal Weight Loss Coach You’ll find more advice on small changes for big results and healthy sustainable weight loss at:

Weight Loss with Louise louise50@virginmedia.com

WL24 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

10,000 steps per day may seem a daunting amount, but it’s the default target set by Fitbit and other popular fitness devices. And it’s generally accepted as a good target for a healthy minimum daily activity.

Equivalent to about 5 miles (8km), reaching the 10 000 steps requires some restructuring of daily activities for most – for example, walking to get lunch every day, planning an evening walk. Remember though that all steps are not equal – your own target will depend on your gait, the length of your legs, current level of fitness, and so on.

Walking 5 miles a day is a good start and for those of us not so drawn by the idea of running or lifting weights, it’s an attainable and effective goal to aim for. However it’s just as easy to try and incorporate more strenuous activities into your day, exercises that can be done from home. Your regular walk can become a run; or something as simple as a kettlebell or dumbbells at home can make all the difference (although take care to learn how to lift properly to avoid hurting yourself).

Another option is enrolling in local fitness classes, and there are many different ones to chose from. The group atmosphere can help with motivation and the regular weekly classes provides a structure meaning you don’t need as much personal planning to incorporate fitness into weekly plans.

The key point is that whatever your current level of fitness and activity, you need to push yourself a little further in order to make a difference. Whatever stage you’re at, take that first step...

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However if new member pays for 3 months up front, vouchers can be used immediately.

NEW Cardio Equipment now arrived

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL25

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

WEST LOTHIAN ME/CFS SELF-HELP GROUP Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is commonly referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS). The condition causes long-term fatigue and a number of other symptoms which vary from sufferer to sufferer.

WLMESH supports sufferers and their families, friends and carers. We have a Hub at Kirkton Campus, Livingston, where we host drop-in sessions and holistic therapy days with services such as Bowen, Reiki and Hypnotherapy for our members. We currently have three monthly meetings and also organise various social events throughout the year.

Some of our previous social activities have included canal boat trips, Christmas Dinner and Party nights.

ME/CFS symptoms differ in severity and frequency, and include:

Volunteer with WLMESH: Do you have some spare time?

Do you have any experience serving on committees or willing to learn as you go? Do you have a talent for fundraising? If so, you could be a valuable asset to us!

Sponsored Event: Are you fit and active? Do you run, cycle, swim or even hill walk? If you would be interested in doing a sponsored event or have any other sponsored event ideas we’d love to hear from you.

Easyfundraising: Do you shop online? By creating an account at Easyfundraising.org.uk every time you shop online from selected retailers, those retailers will donate a percentage of what you have bought to the charity you’ve chosen to support. Visit Easyfundraising.org.uk today!

The Big Give: If you would like to donate please visit www.thebiggive.org.uk and search for WLMESH.

• Mental / Cognitive difficulties such as poor concentration, poor short term memory, reduced attention span and brain fog • Pain - muscular and joint pain as well as headaches or migraines • Mental and physical fatigue • Sleep issues - disturbed sleep, hypersomnia, insomnia • Recurring sore throat often with tenderness around the lymph glands The cause of the condition is unknown. A number of sufferers have attributed it to being triggered by a viral infection, typically glandular fever. ME/CFS can affect anyone. It is thought to affect around 250,000 people in the UK, and is three times more common in women than in men. There is no definitive test that proves you suffer from it; usually your GP will run a series of blood tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms such as anaemia or an underactive thyroid.

If you are a sufferer or family/friend and need support, or able to help our group in any way, please get in touch:

WLMESH is a charity and we rely heavily on donations from the public and fundraisers to run the WLMESH Hub in Livingston and activities offered to members. If you would like to support our charity you can do so in several ways...

www.wlmesh.co.uk WLMESH Hub, 3A Baird Road, Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH54 7AZ Call 07804 586553 or email enquiries@wlmesh.co.uk Charity Registered in Scotland No SC023544

WL26 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Family owned and operated since 1994 Family owned and operated since 1994

Accredited Motability Dealer Family owned and operated since 1994 Accredited Motability Dealer Accredited Motability Dealer

0800 169 5182

0131 440 42255182 0800 169 Showroom Opening Times 0800 5182 0131169 440 4225

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 10am - 4pm

0131 440 4225Times Showroom Opening Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday Showroom Opening Times10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Ind Est, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk

enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk

- Friday 5pm UnitMonday 13-16, 32 Dryden Road,9am Bilston- Glen Ind Est, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Ind Est, www.med-ecosse.co.uk enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk

Saturday 10am - 4pm

enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL27

FOOD & DRINK

“Unforgettable” Breathtaking venues, incredible food, and an attention to detail, all add up to making your wedding day the most memorable and special occasion you could wish for.

Let Simon Preece Food Creations

Scottish Wedding Awards 2017 Winner help make it your perfect day!

events@foodcreations.co.uk www.foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations

@Food_Creations

The Clean Team

Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Perth & Kinross

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

Give us a call for a free no obligation quote

New name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team

www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100

To be included please contact JENNY on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or, CHARLENE on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

WL28 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

...or a little of what you fancy does you good We have a vast choice of high quality food but even so we still get it wrong. In the midst of the plenty there are people who can’t afford to feed their families properly and at the other end of the spectrum many people have eating disorders and anxieties about food and its preparation.

Choice is not always the answer. It’s said that the population of Britain was best fed and least unfit during food rationing, when choice was limited and food was often dull. (Look at old photos and you will see what a slim population we were!) But despite all the publicity about good diets and sensible eating habits most of us still buy too many snacks, accept too much processed food, think we don’t have the time to cook, and live sedentary lives rather than being active and exercising.

Since the 1870’s food reformers have tried to make us aware of the harm we can do to ourselves as we eat and have promoted many different - and some strange - ideas.

Maximilian Bircher-Benner was one of the people who believed that a diet of raw fruits and vegetables held the most nutritional value. He built a clinic in Switzerland and many went to be treated. He and his sisters worked on recipes to make raw food more appealing, and he insisted people take exercise and help in the garden. His book “Food Science for All” was a hit. His patients were not permitted coffee, alcohol, chocolate or tobacco.

Bircher’s legacy is Muesli. His ideas came from seeing the simple way of life followed by shepherds in the Alps.

THE BASIC MESSAGE IS: Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables Eat less red meat but include some oily fish in the week’s meals. Have small quantities of all the basic food groups Base meals on a starchy food either rice, potatoes, pasta or bread Eat some protein from eggs, fish, meat, beans or pulses Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (soya), cheese, milk, butter Use unsaturated oils and fats especially extra virgin olive oil in small amounts Drink plenty of fluids including water Enjoy your food, eat when you are hungry, share meals with friends and family and be happy MUESLI: A pleasant breakfast

MUESLI (The Original Recipe) • Juice of half a lemon • 2 or 3 small apples • 1 tablespoon nuts, either walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts • 1 tablespoon raw rolled oats, soaked overnight in 3 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon either cream and honey or condensed milk METHOD: Grate the apples (including pips and core) into the lemon juice to stop the flesh going brown. Mix all the other ingredients together.

This is a pleasant breakfast. It’s not a million miles away from good quality cereals offered in packets, but beware of the extra sugars in the granolas and sweetened dried fruits such as mango. Buy dry fruit not the softened varities. You are being sold expensive water!

Healthy eating is not unpleasant. It just requires us to think a little so we can re-establish sensible habits.

But one cannot live on muesli alone! There’s a huge amount of good impartial advice. Look at www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthy-eating. Put the sugar smart app on your phone and see how much sugar is in what you are about to buy - I saw that there were 4.6 sugar lumps in a can of vegetable soup!

The Good Food BBC site has detailed sites for a balanced diet for men and a separate one for women www.bbcgoodfood.com.

did you know?

Bircher worked with another food reformer - John Harvey Kellogg. They both believed in cold baths, sun bathing and chastity. Kellogg promoted the use of yoghurt douches and enemas and thought his cornflakes would lead to a healthy life and suppress libido. The Kellogg brothers were both religious vegetarians. Corn flakes were first sold by their Sanitas Food Company and were promoted as a healthy alternative to the cooked meat and egg breakfast of the day. Other food reformers have left their legacy in what we buy to this day; Grahame Crackers and McVitie’s digestive biscuits.

Both products were believed to help digestion and lead to a healthier way of life.

The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL29

MUSIC REVIEW

DOING THE WORD LIKE NOBODY ELSE CAN Although often heard on Tom Robinson’s BBC 6 show, and with tracks lining up on film soundtracks, Colchester songwriter Johnno Casson, has not as yet crashed through the mainstream for which we should all hang our heads in shame.

Recording for a decade under the aliases Old Tramp and Snippet, his latest album “Future Melancholy Pop Music” (Folkwit Records) has cast aside the trading names.

In interviews Johnno has described this collection as being his most personal to date, and over 47 minutes the listener is indeed immersed in his personality. These songs are not identikit creations, but proper sparking pop the kind you used to like back in the day, before everyone just moaned about their exes.

New business?

Let us help you get going

Please contact Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

konect The Lothians’ largest circulation magazine

Current single “Bad Man” sets out the stall. Unapologetic electro acoustic pop bursting with melody and invention, and unashamed to acknowledge the singer’s own status as an old man, a foolish man, but a man ready for the day. Other songs reference a working class childhood spent under the blazing mid-seventies sun, not from an overly sentimental perspective, more channelling the memories of endless days and youthful energy to power the present.

The contrast between more innocent times in society and the absurdity of some aspects of modern living are highlighted in “I Remember” and “Ain’t Got Time For”, the latter a melodica peppered laugh out loud dismissal of the worthless celebrities and leaders who monopolise the media. Included in this list that there is not time for are ridicule and cruelty, qualities alien to Johnno’s music. Give this bloke a chance.

/KonectDirectory The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr.

James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.

WL30 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

@KonectDirectory

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*subject to availability

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL31

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KONECT LINLITHGOW | 45

SPECIAL FEATURE

From the first Toy Story to the latest Jungle Book...the wonderful immersive fantasy world of animation has come on apace in the last couple of decades, and continues to push new boundaries.

A creative team working on a movie taking shape at Bathgate’s Regal Theatre aims to put their organisation, Regal Animation, alongside Pixar and DreamWorks...well perhaps not quite, but Director Fraser Murdoch definitely has a clear vision for where Regal Animation could go.

Amongst other things, they are producing an original animated movie from scratch.

Fraser is a Visual Effects Artist from Fife who met Scott Kyle, Artistic Director of the Bathgate Regal, when they were both working on the set of the hit TV series Outlander. Fraser already had the plot and “world” of his proposed movie sketched out. He invited Scott on board as a producer, which is how the project came to West Lothian.

The more they worked together the more he realised Scott would be perfect for the lead role in the animation. And in addition to doing the voice acting, Scott was keen to support by providing studio space at the Regal Theatre in return for some help from Fraser with some improvements at the theatre.

“It’s very exciting to be setting up a new Scottish animation studio and drawing on local talent,” explains Fraser. I met him and some of the team at a workshop in Bathgate and watched the creative process in its very early stages. The team that day consisted of the three voice actors, the Assistant Director, a camera team and Fraser himself. So where do you start with such a project?

“I started with the script, which is mostly complete although it’s not set in stone and may evolve with input from the actors,” explained Fraser. “And a character designer has done some initial sketches of the characters.” Every production is a little different, but generally in a big DreamWorks or other animation, the process commences 46 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

with story reels, (“the animatic”), a video consisting of a series of still images of all the actions which will take place.

Fraser explains, “It’s kind of like an A to B, or may consist of the framing for the shot and the character in its very basic form, with for example its arm shown in its A position then its B position in the next frame. Or a drastic facial expression change, like from happy to shock.” This animatic video is timed as close as possible to how the animator sees it being in the end, and is continually adapted at each stage including after the voices are recorded. “The animatic keeps getting updated and is still called an animatic, or story reel, or pre-visualisation (“pre-vis”), until we are done and we call it the final movie.” The animator (or a team of them) is the actor no-one sees, so puts a lot of their own performance into the characters. “At Regal Animation we’re using this process but I wanted to allow the actors to give more to us, to bring their own ideas, movements, timings and so on into the scene,” says Fraser, “So we’ve recorded all facial and body movements as well as their voices – like motion capture, but for visual reference.”

A fourth voice actor was also recorded - he wasn’t filmed as his character is a radio presenter and is not seen in the movie. Fraser says, “We recorded his voice in a car one afternoon - and it worked out well!”

In parallel, Fraser is working on all the backdrops, and a 3D modelist, working from the artist’s drawings of the characters, is creating the 3D versions which Fraser will animate.

How long will the whole project take? “We started in 2015; it will be complete in 2018. But we’re not working on it full time.” There have been around 16 people involved so far, and that number could double. The end product will be an 8-minute animation which is like the opening scenes and credits that you would get on a TV series. It’s a scene from towards the end of the story, and the next scene will take you back to previous events – a fairly classic model. The hope is that based on this initial work they will be able to get funding to create a full episode. Fraser’s dream is that they could go on to create a series of episodes.

A rendered 3D character created from conceptual drawings (shown left)

Getting ready to record Entries are open NOW for the Regal Animation competition for Best Animation! For more information and entry details visit, www.filmfreeway.com/festival/RegalAnimationShowcase The winner will be announced at the Regal Animation Showcase event (see below) - we really want to see great animations come through the submissions and for the nominees to be in attendance on the night! We look forward to hearing from you!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH 2017 ( 7:30pm - 9:00pm ) Over 3 hours of incredible entertainment and imagery, including a screening of the Oscar-winning film The Lost Thing with lead CGI artist Tom Bryant attending for a live Q&A session. *More details to be confirmed nearer the time.

Voice actors providing additional ‘character’

The best of last year’s showcase is available on DVD at www.bathgateregal.org/merchandise

A background from the proposed series ‘Bab: The Man Who Took Too Much’ To get in touch, or to find out more information about Regal Animation, please visit: www.regalanimation.co.uk @regalanimation

@regalanimation

Contributor: Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Fraser Murdoch and Scott Kyle at a project workshop at the Bathgate Regal Theatre for this article. Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 47

SPECIAL FEATURE

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN Matching cats needing a home with people needing a pet is one of the core aims of Cats Protection West Lothian.

Along with a neutering programme and educating people on the care of cats, a dedicated band of volunteers hold a re-homing day at Newyearfield Centre in Livingston every six to eight weeks. I attended a rehoming day recently to chat to the volunteers.

Cats Protection is the largest feline charity in the UK. The local branches are run with administrative support from the national charity but they do all their own fundraising. There are on average around 30 cats in foster homes throughout West Lothian at any time awaiting a permanent home, so if you’re looking for a cat to join your family there is likely to be one here for you!

Cats come into their care in two ways: when an owner can no longer take care of their cat, for example a landlord states ‘no pets’, homelessness or even relocation for a new job.

When Cats Protection is asked to collect a stray cat, they have a careful process for checking that the cat is a genuine stray in order to avoid accidentally taking someone’s pet; cats are notorious for wandering for days, particularly if they are not neutered, but eventually return home! Local Cats Protection volunteers then provide home and care until a permanent home is found. “We also get quite a few cats whose owners are elderly and moving into care homes,” explains Gill, volunteer and branch treasurer. “It’s a comfort to them to know that their beloved cat will be well looked-after and rehomed”.

All Cats Protection cats are fully vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped and no cat is rehomed until the vet is happy with that cat’s health. Also, no healthy cat or kitten is ever put-to-sleep, although this does happen, this is only carried out on the instruction of our branch vet. The bills for all of this work are covered by the branch.

Neutering is extremely important and is one of the main aims of the charity. The Cats Protection website states that, “Cats are prolific breeders – one unneutered female can be responsible for producing 20,000 descendants in just five years. One unneutered female cat can produce 18 kittens a year.” For this reason Cats Protection subsidises a neutering programme, available for anyone on benefits or on a low income and living in the EH postcode area can have their cat neutered for just £5. This is only possible with the help of 48 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

every vet in West Lothian who has signed up to the scheme, so please contact your local vet for details.

Cats Protection West Lothian also help reunite owners with lost cats via their Facebook page (@catswestlothian), and provide advice on cat general care. They work closely with other local organisations such as Petsearch West Lothian and share resources, with West Lothian and Edinburgh Pet Food Banks. They are also extremely grateful to local business Pet Planet www.petplanet.co.uk, the internet retailer based in Livingston who generously donate bags of food and litter and toys. Pets at Home have also been a great source of help with providing a space for a food donation bin as well as kindly donating beds, bedding, toys etc.

ASKIT: Looking for her forever home

BILL: Waiting for adoption

VOLUNTEER: If you would like to get involved in anyway, to foster cats, help fundraise and be part of the Cats Protection family, please get in touch! We meet once a month at Inveralmond High School, Livingston, 1st Tuesday of every month at 7pm-9pm.

Cats Protection is a charity registered in Scotland No. SC037711

KIDNEY DISEASE Kidney disease is a condition which cats are very prone to, particularly as they get older – so from around seven years onwards. In fact, it’s been estimated that between a quarter to a half of all cats over 15 will be affected.

So if your cat is entering his or her senior years, it’s a good idea to be aware of the symptoms and the fact that kidney disease is a strong possibility, not least because while kidney disease can’t be cured, it can be well managed.

Take Groucho for instance. The 16 and a half year old had lost his appetite last year and his owner Marjorie Irvine, one of our receptionists, was becoming concerned. Tests showed that he did indeed have kidney disease but after two days on fluids and antibiotics, he was on the mend and now with careful diet management, good home care and regular veterinary checks he is managing well.

That’s the good news – the bad news is that it can be difficult to spot as cats do tend just to get on with things and not show signs of distress. Loss of appetite, like Groucho, is common, as is weight loss, increased drinking and increased urination. If you are at all concerned, do contact your vet as a blood and urine test will reveal if there is a problem and, as with most conditions, early diagnosis is best.

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

GROUCHO

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

MAXWELL | FEATURED CAT Maxwell is a very friendly 10 year old boy who loves to be near people. He will headbutt or rub faces for attention and has the loudest purr imaginable. Maxwell came to us very overweight but with regular weight checks and a proper diet this should correct itself.

Keep your Friends o pet in tip heWaltehscatrepoprlatfn top shape from just £7 per month

We are looking for a home with someone or a family who are at home a lot and safe access to a garden.

To find out more call us on

If you think you could offer this loving boy a forever home please contact us at www.cats.org.uk or phone 01506 298 107 and a home visit can easily be arranged.

or pop into the surgery

MAXWELL

01506 844 165

8 Preston Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AU KONECT LINLITHGOW | 49

BUSTER THE DOG

Mackie

Veterinary Surgeons Ltd

Established

1 9 3 0

Brechin

“All creatures great and small, we care for them all�

Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions.

Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.

Linlithgow Branch Surgery, 256 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ES Tel: 0131 333 3203 reception@mackieandbrechin.co.uk www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk

24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE At our Kirkliston Surgery, 29 Main St, Kirkliston, EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203

Please contact Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

PUZZLES

COMPETITION

CROSSWORD FOR 2 TO

TICKETS

‘THE D

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The Dime Notes dig back into the blues-drenched sounds of clarinet-driven 1920’s New Orleans jazz, unearthing a repertoire of stomps, blues, and forgotten gems of the era from musicians such as Jelly Roll Morton, Johnny Dodds, and Red Nichols.

The band are made up of hugely experienced musicians from the international jazz scene, led by the legendary Chris Barber’s long-time clarinetist David Horniblow.

Sunday 11 June, 1.30pm. (Non-auditorium) Tickets £13.00 (or £11.00 Concession) Solution in the June edition of konect ACROSS: 7. Scratch (6), 8. Lower spine (6), 9. Settee (4), 10. Very young frogs (8), 11. Normally (7), 13. Closes (5), 15. Not heavy (5), 17. Moves up (7), 20. Keeps you dry (8), 21. Coffee shop (4), 23. Aggravates (6), 24. End (6) DOWN: 1. Repeat (4), 2. Yellow fruit (6), 3. E.g. snake (7), 4. Scottish river (5), 5. Level (6), 6. Skilled (8), 12. Dieting (8), 14. Mortified (7), 16. Terror (6), 18. Getaway (6), 19. Dental care (5), 22. Blaze (4)

Solution on Page 54

SUDOKU

Howden Park Centre, Livingston Box Office: 01506 777666 www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk To win 2 tickets, simply answer the following question: HOW MANY CENTS MAKE A U.S. DIME? Email your answer, along with your name, phone number and email address to: win@konectdirectory.co.uk Closing date for entries: 15th April 2017

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON | LINLITHGOW

LIBRARY INFORMATION

Sunday 14th May

Linlithgow Library

Race for Life at Hopetoun House 5k or 10k, whichever event you choose and whether you do it in a tutu or just an old pink t-shirt, this is beating caner.

A 5k is great for all ages. Run, jog or walk the only thing that matters is that you’re part of it. Want to push yourself further? Join a 10k. Come along and help us support this fantastic cause. Register online now for both the 5k and the 10k. www.hopetoun.co.uk. Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.

The Vennel, High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EH Tel: 01506 775490 Email: linlithgow.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

Thursday 18th - Saturday 20th May

The Memory of Water Production by the Linlithgow Players. Linlithgow Burgh Halls 7.30pm. Bar open from 7pm. Tickets £9, available from www.linlithgowplayers.org, 07847 735077 and Far From the Madding Crowd.

Saturday 27th May

Linlithgow Farmers Market The Cross, High Street, Linlithgow.

Saturday 27th May

Grounds Walk at Hopetoun House Ranger-led walk will lead you through the nature and history of Hopetoun’s designed landscape and serves to compliment the tour offered inside of the House.

Look out for wildlife whilst enjoying the specimen trees and plants of the designed landscape. Cost: Grounds entry fee £4.55 adult £2.80 child. Meet: Main Visitor Car Park. Booking essential, please contact the ranger service on ranger@hopetoun.co.uk or 0131 319 3956.

Saturday 27th May

Badger Watch Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch. Suitable for adults and children over 12 years. Meet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country Park.

Time: 8pm – 9.30pm. Cost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child.

Meet outside Beecraigs Visitor Centre. Free, booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 284516 or email mail@beecraigs.com

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.

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 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 TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK

THEATRES HOWDEN PARK CENTRE has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666

Saturday 27th May

Spring Fair St Ninian’s Craigmailen Parish Church, Linlithgow intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm in the Longcroft Hall and Grounds 52 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

BATHGATE REGAL hosts an exciting programme of film ,music, theatre, comedy and children’s events.

For upcoming events see website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

Linlithgow Writers Circle NEW! We meet every second Wednesday in the Linlithgow Tap in Linlithgow, from 7.30pm until 10pm. It’s for aspiring writers in and around Linlithgow to come together and write, share our work for critique and make some writing friends. It’s free to come along. For further details email: linlithgowwriters@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook.

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.

The Caring Cafe 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 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. 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.

Linlithgow and District Embroiders Guild 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.

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 Monthly Mindfulness Meditation & Qigong Class Starting Sunday 12th March 1:15-3:45 at The Old Pavilion at Linlithgow Cricket Ground. FREE class for cancer patients (past and present) and their families / carers and friends - no expereince required. Email: Trish@bosombudsofscotland for more information All details are on our website: www. bosombudsofscotland.org Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Mon, Wed & Thurs nights in Linlithgow. Brownie units (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs nights in Linlithgow. Guide units (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri nights in Linlithgow. Senior Section unit (girls 14 - 25 years) Fri nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 53

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

WINDOW CLEANING ACCESSORIES GARDEN BUILDINGS CS Window & Gutter Cleaning 5 My Handbag Heaven 56 Champfleurie Estate Ltd WL5 ATTRACTIONS/DAYS OUT GIFTS WINDOWS Gardening Scotland WL2 New Hopetoun Gardens WL4 Andrew James WL12 CR Smith WL16 BATHROOMS GYM/HEALTH CLUB Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL32 Dalmahoy Hotel & CC WL25 Ekco WL14 HEATING SERVICES S and S 12 SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD Mech A Tech WL1 BLINDS & SHUTTERS HOLIDAY HOUSE Harvey Bruce WL15 Chalet Tummel Bridge 5 BOOKSTORE HOMES FOR SALE Far From The Madding Crowd 5 CALA 55 BUSINESS SUPPORT JOINER GSI Events WL1 Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL8 BUTCHER Geoff Vinter Joinery 6 John Lawson Butchers 7 KITCHENS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Ekco WL14 James Burnett Carpet Cleaner WL6 S and S 12 Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL8 CATERING Food Creations WL28 LAWYER Aberdein Considine WL21 CLEANING SERVICES Across: 7 Boater, 8 Attack, 9 Ugly, 10 Dramatic, Dusters Cleaning Services 4 LOCKSMITH 11 Italics, 13 Nippy, 15 Trout, 17 Untying, CS Window & Gutter Cleaning 5 WL Locksmith Company WL20 20 Orchards, 21 Myth, 22 Blends, 23 Author COMPUTER SERVICES MOBILITY Down: 1 Nought, 2 Stay, 3 Predict, 4 Banal, Sprint Computers WL31 Ableworld WL23 5 Steadily, 6 Scrimp, 12 Laughing, 14 Unusual, Med Ecosse WL27 16 Rarely, 18 Notion, 19 Crush, 21 Mute CONSERVATORIES Andrew James WL12 MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 51 CR Smith WL16 Motorhome Escapes WL31 Motorhome Hire Scotland WL32 DOORS UPVC Doors 6 OPTOMETRIST Hendry Optometrists 2 ELECTRICIAN Clan Electrical 4 PAINTER/DECORATOR David J Lane WL8 ESTATE AGENT Nu Walls WL8 Aberdein Considine WL21 Tru Decor 5 Remax WL17 Turpie WL19 PLASTERING Drummmond Miller WL20 Nu Walls WL8 Purple Bricks WL20 PLUMBING SERVICES FENCING/GATES Capital Heating WL6 Welding & Fabrication Solutions 7 Morland & Martin 11 FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS REMOVALS Grove Bedding WL9 Linlithgow Removals 6 Harvey Bruce WL15 RESTAURANT The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Dalmahoy Hotel & CC WL25 or damage caused by error in the printing of an Beatsons WL6 advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers SECURITY SERVICES GardeningScotland WL2 in this publication. All material is accepted for WL Locksmith Company WL20 publication on the understanding it is copyright Keith Rowntree 4 TRAVEL free. No part of this publication may be reproduced New Hopetoun Gardens WL4 PRS Independent Travel Expert 5 without prior consent of the publisher.

WL Landscaping & Gardening WL6 Woodford Timber WL7 VET Publisher: Wyndford Farm Plants 4 Mackie and Brechin 50 Lothian Publications Ltd. Overton Farmhouse, West Port Veterinary Clinic 49 Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

54 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

D R E A M H O M E S A N D I N C E N T I V E S† D R E A M HJO CAE N T I V E S† UMSETS AASNKD CI N AL JUST ASK CALA

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The Oaks The Oaks Off FriarsBrae Brae Off Friars Linlithgow,EH49 EH496AY 6AY Linlithgow,

TAIILLO ORREED D II N NC CE TA EN N TT II VVEESS†† AANNDD * 1000% % PA PA RR TT E X C H 10 HAAN NG GEE * A V A I L A B L E AVAILABLE

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12 2 || C 0011550066 555511 55 1 C AALLAA..CCO O..UUKK KD_MAY *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject KD_MAY *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations Up based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 weekavailable period,on part exchange considered to CALA’s purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. to 100% part exchange and other incentives selected plots, subject to termssubject and to CALA’sconditions purchasing criteria, terms and conditions.

Up to 100% part exchange and otherforincentives on selected plots, subject to terms and and not in conjunction with each other or any other offer.

Visit cala.co.uk/terms full termsavailable and conditions and purchasing criteria. conditions and not in conjunction with incentive. each other or any otheraoffer. cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria. †Plot specific Please consult SalesVisit Advisor for further details or visit cala.co.uk/terms. †Plot specific incentive. Please consult a Sales Advisor for further details or visit cala.co.uk/terms.

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