The Dell Directory April 2025

April 2025

COMMUNITY: WHAT'S ON:

LOCAL WALK:

T

he magazine has a distinctly springlike feel, with local businesses ready to help you with all those tasks in home and garden that have had to wait until the spring, and other fun content such as Joanne’s springtime wine pairing challenge!

Friends of Campbell Park are gearing up for the biggest ever Big Lunch which will take place next month – save the date, see page 9 for details. And Oxgangs Befriending are looking for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of older peop le locally, if you feel you can spare just an hour a week please contact them, see page 8.

Pentland Open Studios is a new initiative to create a studio art trail in the communities along the Water of Leith, starting this summer, which will be great for artists and the community alike. Local artists are invited to participate, see page 42 for details.

There is much more as ever! I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

Wishing all our readers and customers a lovely Easter weekend.

P36 Charity: Oxgangs Befrienders..............................8 What’s On: Campbell Park Big Lunch...............9 Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis – what is it?........14 Community: Meet, bond, have fun!

Hub@531...................................................................20 realLIFE......................................................................26 Puzzles.......................................................................28 Recipe: Nectarine Tart..........................................30 Wine: A Springtime Challenge...........................31 Local environment: Little bird, big voice.........36 Walk: Hare Hill & the lime kiln.............................40 Community: Pentland Open Studios...............42 What’s On..................................................................46

COVER IMAGE: Wishing all our readers a very Happy Easter!

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

The Dell Directory is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes in the Colinton, Craiglockhart and Kingsknowe areas. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe THE DELL | 3

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Yes, the clue’s in the name, and the Friends of Campbell Park (FCP) hope the 2025 BIG LUNCH will be THEIR BIGGEST YET! SAVE THE DATES: Sunday afternoon 25th May OR 1st June, depending on the weather.

New for this year’s big community picnic will be a BIG CENTRAL ARENA. We hope that visitors will bring picnic blankets and chairs to spread all around the outside of the arena so that everyone can enjoy a good view as the program of events unfolds.

Visitors will also have the chance to print their own BIG BUNTING to help decorate the community orchard and perhaps enjoy a drink at the BIG BAR. The Colinton Inn will be selling a range of bottled beers and soft drinks, and donating a share of profits to the Big Basketball / MUGA fundraiser which will be launched at the event.

A BIG BBQ will once again be provided by the Edinburgh Cricket Club with a range of Asian food and snacks for sale, whilst FCP volunteers will serve hot drinks for sale in the Pavilion Kitchen.

We have two BIG BANDS to start and finish the show: Ian Boyter’s musical mates will help get the party started at noon with their usual mix of BIG JAZZ classics. Then to help us relax and watch the sun go down Dave and Rob Ashton of The Fat Possums (facebook. com/thefatpossums), a father and son duo, will entertain us with songs by Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Blaze Foley and even Taylor Swift.

In the BIG ARENA local PT coach, Connor McGourt, the Mr Motivator of Revolution Fitness, will help get the crowd warmed up with a communal BIG STRETCH. Then our canine community will be invited to compete in THE BIG WOOF. Prizes will be awarded for the speediest dog in the agility course, waggiest

tail, funniest face, cutest face, and the face most like its owner.

Edinburgh United Football Club will encourage the audience to participate in a BIG GAME, to be followed by a gentler gardening themed activity, THE BIG PLANT, with members of Colinton Carden Club.

We just love funny man and BIG MOUTH Sandy Brechin who will MC the entire program.

If our big bar has succeeded in oiling enough vocal cords, Sandy will lead the crowd in a communal BIG SING. No picnic would be complete without a BIG CAKE, so the home bakers of Colinton will be invited to bring forward their home-made cakes to a judging table. The FCP committee will award two prizes: the most beautiful cake and the most delicious cake. Finally the audience will be invited to enter the arena to enjoy a share of all the donated cakes and to help start THE BIG CLEAR UP. We hope to see you all at the Campbell Park 2025 BIG LUNCH for plenty of BIG FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN. This article was contributed by the Friends of Campbell Park. Check our page at www.Facebook.Com/FOCPK for latest news.

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Join us for our next events

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Understanding dementia Thursday 29th May, 2pm - 3.30pm Lauder Lodge, Portobello

Lets talk about dementia Saturday 7th June, 11am - 12noon Murrayside care home, Corstorphine

Scams and fraud awareness talk Friday 4th April, 11am - 12pm

To book please call 03301 734 876

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HEALTH

Rheumatoid Arthritis – what is it?

What exactly is Rheumatoid Arthritis? This is a question that was asked last week in our Physio clinic so let’s find the answer.

First of all, did you know that there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related conditions? The most common types are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but also include Psoriatic arthritis, Juvenile arthritis and Gout. Different types of arthritis cause different types of pain and require different treatments.

RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease where the body’s natural self-defence system becomes dysfunctional. Our immune system is really good at triggering inflammation to protect us from bacteria, viruses and other infections, but with RA, the inflammation becomes overactive and attacks our own healthy tissue such as the lining of joints, called the synovium.

This causes pain, swelling and stiffness in joints. This joint stiffness can be a particular problem first thing in the morning and takes more than 30 minutes to ease as you get up and get going with your day.

diagnose as there is no one single test that proves you have RA and many conditions can have similar symptoms. You may well be sent by your GP to see a Consultant Rheumatologist if RA is suspected.

There is a range of treatments available for RA which includes medication, Physiotherapy and surgery. There are four main groups of medication that can help and these are painkillers such as Paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, Steroids including corticosteroid injections into the affected joint, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine are two common DMARDs prescribed. You may need to take drugs from several of these groups at the same time for the best response.

RA affects around 400,000 people in the UK over the age of 16 with most people receiving their diagnosis between the ages of 40 – 60.

It affects women more often than men and it is thought that having a relative with the condition increases your chance of developing RA. Smoking and being overweight can also increase your chances of developing this condition. It can affect any joint in the body but is usually felt in the small joints in the hands and feet first, with both sides of the body often affected at the same time.

If you have RA, you will notice that symptoms get worse from time to time – a flare up. These can happen for no specific reason but paying attention to stress management and ensuring you get enough sleep can help reduce flare ups. Gentle exercises and the use of heat or cold can really help with joint pain. Keeping physically active is important to maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Swimming, walking, and cycling can help fitness without putting undue stress on your joints as can Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. There is much that can be done to help once you have the correct diagnosis for your arthritis.

A diagnosis of RA is made taking into consideration your symptoms, a physical exam of the joint or joints affects, blood tests and x-ray or scan results. It can be difficult to

The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh physiogrange.co.uk

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If you want to get involved in the local community, meet people, contribute and have of fun – consider volunteering at Hub@531!

Hub@531 has been up and running for over two years now, and with a busy programme of well-attended clubs and events, it’s buzzing!

“It’s a really lovely place to volunteer at,” says Trustee and volunteer Kirsty Cumming, “We can never have too many volunteers, and there is something for everyone.”

Kirsty’s own involvement began when there was an initiative from the Community Council in Juniper Green to convert the disused toilet block, at 531 Lanark Road, into a useful community space. Kirsty went along to one of the first meetings and became thoroughly invested in the vision. Several years and a lot of hard work later, the vision has been brought to life and Hub@531 is proving to be a muchvalued community resource.

Groups here tend to focus on activities which support wellness and reduce isolation – a broad remit, and there is a correspondingly diverse range of groups on offer. The space feels more like a large living room than a community hall, and this environment brings its own special atmosphere to groups which thrive in a smaller space, where people get to know each other and connections are made.

Regular groups include crafting, yoga, community cafe, bookbug, book group, gardening, language learning and more. Some are weekly and some monthly, and all are free of change and provided on a “donate if you can basis”. Volunteers are always welcome, and roles range from meet and greet, offering 20 | THE DELL

tea/coffee and playing scrabble with visitors at the community cafe! You can put in as much or as little time as you feel you can manage, and it’s a great way to feel engaged in the community and to do something positive, knowing you are making a big difference to the people who rely on the groups to help with their own wellness or isolation.

The Trustees are keen to try and meet the needs of the community, so if you are would like to set up a group and share a skill or interest you have, please contact them. Hub@531 space is free of charge for community groups, and they help to promote your group on the regular timetable. In addition businesses can hire the space to run their own activities, so there is plenty going on.

If you would like to volunteer, to start a community group, or to hire space as a business, Hub@531 will be delighted to hear from you! Please contact: HUB531LANARKROAD@GMAIL.COM There is capacity in most of the groups, so please come along if you are looking to meet people locally. The timetable of regular and one-off events is at: https://hub531.appointedd. com/, or call in Mondays for a cuppa between 10:30 and 12 to speak to someone about what’s on offer. See also www.facebook.com/ Hubat531 for updates.

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SUZANN E GREEN

R I

I wasthat talking sn’t itecently interesting wewith wisha one young mum who she was another a “happy newsaid year” long expecting a baby boy.

“So–you after singing Auld Lang Syne for didn’t a surprise?”

I asked. weeks afterwant boxing up the Christmas “Oh, no!” sheand replied, listing them all theto practical decorations returning the loft. reasons why it was better to know. “But after Regardless of what’s going on in our world all that hard labour,” I continued, “don’t you and various concerns about issues in our think it would be fun to have a surprise?” own country, we hope that 2025 will be a I compared it to unwrapping your Christmas good year. It would be wonderful to see presents early and then wrapping them up peacebefore achieved in at least one area again the big day.

(I actually didwhere that war iswhen currently And,it definitely on a personal once I wasraging. a child and stole level, hope morning.) to see growth and my joywe on also Christmas But she just progress our she owncouldn’t life andimagine in the lives smiled andinsaid not of those we know and love, occasions to knowing. celebrate, good health and maybe even This conversation reminded me of similar ones some fun surprises in the next 12 months.

I’d had with friends when describing surprise I’m focusingtrips on from the “new” in “Happy anniversary my husband.

On New such occasions, never knowmade until we’re at theyear’s airport Year”. I’ve Inot exactly any new where we areThis actually going. resolutions. tradition seems to be becoming lesstopopular social media posts When we went Venice I- thought I’d spoiled regularly tellwhen us that we don’t need to strive my surprise I accidentally read part of an to improve, are “enough” as weaverted are, we email I wasn’twe meant to see. I quickly shouldn’t load with goals and my eyes, but notourselves before I’dup seen Venez..., then feel guilty weif can’t achieve which made mewhen wonder we were goingthem. to Venezuela.

Had my husband made Although I agree that it’s good to

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THE DELL DIRECTORY APRIL, 2025 BALERNO | FEBRUARY,| 2025

bebig realistic, I love the promise that a new a mistake?

We only had a long weekend.

Would we even able slate” to fly topotential!

South America year holds, the be “clean and straight back again in that time?!

If you live in Balerno, you too may have been At Edinburgh Airport I learned actual delighted to see snow fallingthe early morning destination - butDay. not before we’d mistakenly on New Year’s I stood at our glass queued for a plane boundas forsleet Birmingham. patio door and watched turned to Ibig tried hardsnowflakes to mask mythat disappointment, white quickly covered because I really my husband’s our garden andappreciated bedecked the trees. It was a efforts: “Well … I’ve never been Birmingham, wonderful illustration of the “it’stoall fresh and so this will be an adventure …” new” theme.

“What?!” he for exclaimed. must have missed Signing up a Pilates“We class was a new a gate change announcement!” thing for me at the beginning of 2024. And it We the newchange. gate, where thenot sign hasrushed been atopositive I may besaid as “Venice”.

I told husband whereto proficientDelighted, as many in themy class, I struggle I’d were heading, and he of explained do thought some ofwe the stretches because a knee that theand proper Italian name for a our destination issue, I sometimes have hard time was Venezia. resisting dancing to the background music when Iofshould be listening to the instructor.

Some my friends say that not knowing But I know the exercise is doing good. where they were going would be a me nightmare, I’m not surebecause what new thing(s) do/ presumably they’d needI will to plan. encounter thishusband year, buttells I will keep my eyes But when your you the weather and earswhether open for forecast, tothem. pack a swimsuit, and whether you’ll need hiking boots When my eldest daughter was or in trainers, primary what more do you need to know? If someone school, she decided to try something new. I cares enough to organise a special surprise for heard about it from another mum, who had me I don’t want to ruin it for them. I can cope been at the school to watch her daughter with a little inconvenience - even if it’s a trip to do Highland dancing in an assembly. “I Birmingham. didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said.

When I was about toshe turn didn’t, 16 my friends So I explained that although she organised an elaborate surprisestrange,” birthday said party was in a ballet class. “That’s for Unfortunately, I figuredthe it out.

But rather myme. friend.

“At the assembly children who than their fun, I gave the performance of took spoil Highland dance lessons were invited a thatcentre night. No onefloor realised I’d tolifetime go to the of the andthat perform.

I been expecting the party.

That was nearly thought your daughter did rather well.” 50 years ago, and my best friend still mentions I asked my child why she hadon done itLater occasionally, remembering the look this.

“Oh,” she said.

“I thought the teacher my face. I nod my head and say, “What a said, “Willsurprise all children who would like to do wonderful that was!”

Highland dancing please come forward On reflection, I’m not so sure I would now? So I went.” have managed such a convincing act if Do something this actually new year. that anniversarynew trip had been to Birmingham. real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Suzanne, freelance writer/editor, in real LIFE isa contributed

by Suzannelives Green.

Balerno and writes regularly for Konect.

Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor.

She is She is married Andy and theytwo have two married to Andytoand they have adult adult daughters. daughters.

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58mm Vertical [LEFT]

APRIL CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the MAY edition

ACROSS: 7.Type of hat (6), 8. Assault (6), 9. Not pretty (4), 10. Exciting (8), 11. Style of writing (7), 13. Cold (5), 15. Freshwater fish (5), 17. Loosening (7), 20. Fruit trees are grown here (8), 21. Legend (4), 22. Mixes together (6), 23. Writer (6).

DOWN: 1. Zero (6), 2. Remain (4), 3. Foretell (7), 4. Boring (5), 5. Evenly (8), 6. Economise (6), 12. Chuckling (8), 14. Uncommon (7), 16. Seldom (6), 18. Idea (6), 19. Squash (5), 21. Dumb (4).

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APRIL SUDOKU

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FOOD & DRINK

IMAGE CREDIT: Costas Millas

Nectarine Tart

In season until the end of May, South African stone fruits, which include the sweet and succulent nectarines used here, are available when European varieties aren’t.

Serves 2

Preparation time 25-30 minutes, plus chilling Cooking time 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp honey • Fresh or dried lavender (optional) • 2 South African nectarines, stones removed, sliced • 40g toasted flaked almonds, plus extra to serve • 1 sheet ready-rolled shortcrust pastry (rolled to 3mm/1/8in thick) • 1 heaped tbsp raspberry jam • Vanilla ice cream to serve

For more recipe inspiration, visit : www.southafricanfruit.co.uk

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Method: 1. Line a baking tray with a sheet of greaseproof paper. Using a 16-18cm saucer or ring mould, draw a circular outline on the paper.

2. Drizzle the honey inside the circle and then sprinkle with lavender, if using.

3. Arrange the nectarine slices on top of the honey, allowing them to overlap slightly.

Sprinkle the toasted flaked almonds over the nectarines.

4. Cut out a 20cm diameter circle from the rolled-out shortcrust pastry. Brush one side of the pastry with raspberry jam and place that side over the nectarines.

5. Tuck the pastry nicely around and over the nectarines, and press the edges down slightly with a fork.

6. Transfer the baking tray and tart to the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4.

7. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.

Carefully turn the tart onto a plate and serve with vanilla ice cream and an extra sprinkling of toasted flaked almonds.

WINE TASTING

Ah, asparagus—spring’s green gift!

Vibrant, snappy, and oh-so-delicious, but a known troublemaker for wine pairings.

Fear not! With the right bottle, this tricky veg can sing in harmony with your glass.

Here’s how to tackle it with style.

Sancerre: A Classic French Affair - For a foolproof match, look no further than a crisp Sancerre. The high acidity and flinty minerality of this Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc slice through asparagus’s grassy notes like a dream. The wine’s citrus zing elevates a simple dish of grilled asparagus with lemon and sea salt.

New World Sauvignon Blanc: A Zesty Alternative - If you prefer a more exuberant style, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—think Marlborough—brings a juicy, tropical twist.

The passionfruit and gooseberry flavours counterbalance asparagus’s green edge beautifully. Try it alongside asparagus risotto finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

An Unexpected Hero: Grüner Veltliner - For those seeking adventure beyond Sauvignon Blanc, Austria’s Grüner Veltliner is a knockout option and one of my favourite combos. Grüner’s signature white pepper spice and citrus lift work wonders with asparagus, particularly in a spring salad with goat’s cheese and toasted almonds!

A Recipe to Try: Asparagus & Goat’s Cheese Tart - Pair delicate puff pastry, creamy goat’s cheese, and roasted asparagus with any of the above wines for a match made in heaven. The tart’s richness tames the veg’s sharper notes, allowing your wine to shine.

So, don’t fear the spear— embrace asparagus season with the perfect pour!

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com THE DELL | 31

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

For such a small bird, there’s a lot to say about them.

Surprisingly, they’re not the smallest bird in the U.K. (that’s the goldcrest) Their scientific name is “Troglodyte” which means cave dweller, referencing their behaviour of building nests which only have a small opening. They’ll roost together in winter and up to 60 have been recorded in one box, their size is definitely a benefit to staying warm.

The males can build up to twelve nests in an effort to impress the ladies, who have the ultimate decision on whether he’s mastered the key wren DIY skills.

According to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, per unit weight, it sings at ten time the power of a crow-ing cockerel. Speaking of their song, if you’ve ever listened to it then you can appreciate how complex it is considering how short it usually is. Some sources say their song can contain up to 64 notes in just a few seconds.

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This is a great time of year to hear them as they defend their territories and sing to attract a mate. I’ve always found them particularly tricky to photograph as they don’t hang around on an attrac-tive perch long before they’re back in the undergrowth looking for food, which is another reason why they might be called cave dwellers.

They weigh about the same as a £1 coin, proving that powerful bird song isn’t about size.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.

Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.

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I set off into the hazy morning sunshine, heading south-east between the fields at West Rigg, and I’m immediately rewarded by the sight of geese and whooper swans grazing in the field to my left. The whoopers’ necks loop elegantly as they stoop to pluck grass with smooth yellow and black bills - my destination, Hare Hill, their distant backdrop.

To start this walk, I parked in a small layby at the end of Cockburnhill Road where it meets Rigg Road above Balerno. An easier start is from Threipmuir car park, but I’ve chosen this slightly wilder route today. The lane crosses over the Bavelaw Burn and where it bends right towards Bavelaw Mill Farm I leave the track.

I pass through a couple of gates, reaching a line of wizened beech trees, beyond which sheep graze on heathland. I can see the steading of Wester Bavelaw uphill and to the left, sheltered from the prevailing westerlies by a stance of Scots pine. Instead of taking

the more waterlogged direct route, I plot a course ahead - aiming between the peak of West Kip and the notched summit of Hare Hill.

I stride through thick clumps of rushes, picking up sheep tracks where I can. I soon reach a lone, windswept hawthorn at the fringes of the heather. From there, I bear left towards the steading. A red grouse and skylark rise from the heather ahead.

On reaching Wester Bavelaw, I skirt the pines and pass through a gate before turning right towards a small plantation, searching for my next destination - an old, disused lime kiln. The track traces the wood’s western perimeter, where I watch a kestrel flying fast and low like a fighter plane over the heath.

Just as I’m beginning to think I’ve overshot the lime kiln, through the whooshing of the wind in the treetops I hear the faint, fluid song of a mistle thrush. It seems to beckon me towards the trees. Could the lime kiln lie within the wood? I enter the trees and happen upon a sun-kissed clearing. It has an enchanted feel to it. Moss is growing on rounded hummocks, curious shapes accentuated by the low sun, looking as though they might animate as forest trolls at any moment. There is, however, no sign of the kiln.

Exiting the wood at its southern end, I finally see what I’ve been looking for. A high grass-topped mound by a stream marks the site of the kiln. On closer inspection only a few fragments of collapsed stonework remain - possibly the access point to the underground fires. Lime kilns were used

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I retrace my steps back through the wood to its northern edge then strike east about 150 metres to join the gravelled track of the Red Road, which traverses the hills to Nine Mile Burn. The wind has picked up and I lean into it, breathing harder now as the path climbs the flank of Hare Hill. On reaching a signpost by

a bench a fine vista of the Pentland plateau extends before me – from Scald Law and the Kips to Green Law and Cock Rig. The route to the top of Hare Hill cuts back up to my left beyond a drystone wall. The summit itself is a collection of cairns around the edge of a curious depression - the site of another old quarry, now enjoyed as sheltered grazing by a handful of sheep.

From the summit I take a bearing towards Threipmuir Reservoir’s Redford Bridge in the distance and descend the northern slopes partway, crossing a patch of scorched muirburn.

After about 200 metres, a small wooden post comes into view. Around its base is a small cairn-like heap of crumpled metal and rubber.

The post bears a small plaque with four names and a date: 25-3-43. It was at this spot, almost exactly eighty-two years ago, just after midnight

on a cloudy March night, that a Junkers 88 A-14 aircraft, in an unsuccessful raid on Leith Docks, overshot the city and, flying low, crashed into the hillside, killing all four crew. I stand there GET THE for a while, the wind ROUTE ON whistling in my ears, OS MAPS! gazing out across the city, wondering what it must have been like that night.

Turning back around, I’m relieved when the summit cairns loom back into view. From there I follow a track eastward in the direction of Black Hill, eventually wending its way down to Green Cleuch. I look down at the pretty little valley, with its path winding alongside the Logan Burn. In comparison to the solitude of Hare Hill it’s a scene of relative bustle, with walkers and cyclists passing by. A raven’s croak echoes between the slopes. I turn northward up the valley, heading back via Bavelaw Castle. In doing so, the sight of thousands of young trees peppering the previously barren lower slopes turns my thoughts from the past to the future…. what will the next 200 years hold in store for these hills?

CREDIT: All image by William Weir

to heat limestone, producing quicklime for mortars and agriculture, right back to the earliest civilisations. However, 19th century industrialisation saw use of small kilns like this one gradually die out. Further along the stream grassy undulations mark the site of quarrying where the limestone was sourced.

Walk time approximately 3.5 hours. Rough ground without marked paths in places.

This article was contributed by William Weir.

William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.

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Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) is looking for local professional artists and makers to join their new collective.

The plan is to include a wide diversity of art and craft practices from painting to textiles and printmakers. Highly respected and award winning within their specialist fields, the six founding artists practise and exhibit at national and international level. Their work can be seen on the artist pages on the website at POStudios.org.

operates on a not-for-profit basis and is run by a small team of volunteers.

We warmly welcome other artists in the catchment area to apply. The first open studios trail is to take place over the weekend of 30/31 August 2025. Details along with the application form can be found on the website.

• Volunteer to help. There is a lot to do before the studios open and when they do, help running the event will be needed.

“We are expecting POSt to benefit both artists (who typically work alone) and the community (who rarely get to meet the artists and see their practices) by bringing them together in a studio art trail connected by the beautiful Water of Leith walkway,” says Founder, John Elliott.

The open studio trail is located near Edinburgh in the villages of the upper valley of the Water of Leith: Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno. POSt 42 | THE DELL

If you would like to help, please consider the following: • Offer sponsorship. If you are a local business, and have your logo appear on the website and the ‘brochure’ leaflet.

• Help make noise. Donations will enable running the website, buying banners, and printing posters and brochures.

Beyond the open studios weekend, we also plan to hold related events at other times such as artists talking about their work and artist/maker workshops where the public can learn new skills or improve. These will be done in association with our sister organisation, the Pentlands Book Festival.

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POStudios.org @PentlandsOpenStudios

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We can visit your office / home or please drop into our office at Bridge Road to speak t o u s ….

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

COLINTON BROWNIES Spaces available to join now (Monday evenings). At Girl Guiding’s Colinton Brownie units we welcome all girls to explore their creative side, get out and about into the great outdoors and start to learn to look after themselves, others and our world.

Girls aged 7-10 years have fun, learning and adventure. For info about joining now contact: colintonbrownieslist@gmail.com GLENLOCKHART PROBUS CLUB - For ex-business men and women. We meet to hear talks, mostly by outside speakers, on a wide range of subjects.

The venue is Mortonhall Garden Centre, at 10.30am. on the last Thursday in the month, January to November. Occasionally there are additional outings. Contact: E. glenlockhartprobus@outlook.com ORIAM WALKING FOOTBALL CLUB - We run a local Walking Football Club, established in 2015, for women aged 40+ and men aged 50+. Our sessions, which are very much mixed ability, take place at Oriam Sports Centre, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, on a Mon, Wed and Fri 12:30-1:30pm. We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.20 but we do have monthly membership schemes available.

Please contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or dericandjoan@ btinternet.com OXGANGS WRITE AWAY! WRITERS' GROUP - Whether you are a beginner or not, wouldbe novelist, journal-writer or poet, come along and share, learn, be inspired or simply listen. We meet at Oxgangs Library every 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6.00pm - free tea/coffee and biscuits too! For more information, contact Robert Carroll Robert.

Carroll@edinburgh.gov.uk or katiemoon7754@gmail.com 44 | THE DELL

REDHALL WALKING GROUP A gentle walking group exploring areas such as the Union Canal, Colinton Dell and the Water of Leith. Improve your health and wellbeing and meet new people.

Meet at Redhall Walled Garden entrance on main road at 97 Lanark Road. Mondays 10.00am - 11.30am Fun, friendly and free.

Contact: emily@elgt.org.uk or 07943 530806.

Facebook @GreenspaceTrust ST CUTHBERT'S PLAYGROUP - 10.00am - 11.30am - Every Monday during school term time. £2 per family. Toys, snacks and a fun songs! St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. Contact Rev Nicki McNelly for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com FORGET ME NOTES - The Forget Me Notes Project is a charity that uses music to build community and combat isolation in a variety of settings On the first and third Monday of each month - 2.00pm - 4.00pm in St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton.

Join us when you can, for an hour of music and memories, followed by refreshments. All welcome. Please contact Rev Nicki for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com (www.forgetmenotes.org.uk) COLINTON FRIENDLY BRIDGE CLUB - Colinton Cottage Homes’ Hall every Monday from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Please contact Ken McLeod on 0131 466 0888 for more information.

TEA AND TOTS - Stay and play for ages 0-5 with their parent/ carer - all are welcome! Toys, crafts, refreshments, song-time and more. Every Thursday during school term time, 10am-11.30am at Redeemer Church, 64 Bridge Road, Colinton, EH13 OLQ. FREE. E:admin@redeemeredinburgh.org T: 0131 441 7327

ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON CLUB - The Club was formed about 1946 and meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter. It is noncompetitive. For details, call Julia Roberts on 07904 813145.

PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUB Come and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret's Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 7pm. Table money £4. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information see www.bridgewebs.com/ pentland or email mthkjb@gmail.com.

COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY - Meetings start with coffee, tea and wine at 7.30pm and are held at Dreghorn Hall, 22 Dreghorn Loan, EH13 0DE. Full programme details are at www.colinton-parish.com/ colinton-literary-society.html COFFEE, CAKE AND COMPANY - Drop in for a free coffee between 10.30am and 12pm on Mondays at Redeemer Church Edinburgh, 64 Bridge Road EH13 0LT. We are mostly retired people, but all ages are welcome! More details at redeemeredinburgh.org/ccc THIS WOMAN RUNS - We are a small group of local women who support and empower each other to be healthier and happier. We meet Wednesday’s at 7.30pm at the bottom of Thorburn Road, or Sunday’s at 8.00am in Spylaw Park for a quick warm up, 30-minute run at the pace of chat/your pace, and then a gentle cool down. We’d love to see you there! All free, run by friendly local volunteers www.thismumruns.co.uk/joina-local-run WAVERLEY SPEAKERS CLUB - Meets in Morningside Parish Church, fortnightly on Tuesdays

at 7.15pm. Our aim is to improve members’ public speaking skills in a supportive atmosphere. Each evening has three prepared speeches MARCH CROSSWORD* of eight minutes, evaluated constructively by another member. Eight impromptu short speeches also O O P follow, S evaluated. New members will be made mostOwelcome.

Contact Douglas.Lothian@ R lenlothian.com W R O N G LOCAL FLORALYART CLUB - Sit back and enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat.

You might even win one of the arrangements. Meet: Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Meggatland, off Colinton Road EH14 1AS. 7.15pm 9.00pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September.

Trial first visit only £5. Wine/ *SORRY! tea/coffee available. Contact: A technical error meant that last Joyce Rutherford on 0131 443 month’s was printed with 2536 orcrossword joyce.rutherford@ the wrong puzzle clues. btinternet.com COLINTON SCOTTISH SOLUTIONDANCE TO SUDOKU COUNTRY CLUB 28 -ON WePAGE meet fortnightly from September to end of March/ beginning of April in St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue from 7.45 - 9.15. We have an excellent teacher and live music so come and join us, with or without a partner, you’ll be made very welcome. Tel: 07751186359 or 07483814988.

THE SWING CAFÉ - Tues to Sat 10.00am-2.00pm. Please come for breakfast (10.00am12.00noon), lunch (12noon -2.00pm) or some delicious home baking (available all day). We welcome groups Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept and if you would like to book responsibility for loss or damage caused

a table, please contact 07514 689258. There are glutenfree, vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's menu. Sit in or take away. We look forward to welcoming you.

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY - Want to know about local history?

W: www.colintonhistory.org E:enquiries@colintonhistory.org COLINTON GARDEN CLUB - Club members share their love of gardening, gardens and nature, and work together to preserve and add value to our quality of life here in south-west Edinburgh. Monthly members’ meetings on a Monday, in the upper Hall, Dreghorn Loan and start at 8.00pm. We are a friendly and thriving club and new members are very welcome, plus outings and events. The annual subscription is £10.00. per household.

For more information see: W: colintongardens.org.uk E: membership@ colintongardens.org.uk LUNCHCLUB - Every Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, 3 courses £4. Spaces are limited, first come first served.

Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. Please visit: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre.org.uk PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP - Tuesdays, am session and pm session for two age groups (all under 5s). Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. T: 0131 466 0678 E:oxgangs neighbourhoodcentre @gmail.com

MARCH CROSSWORD* O O P S O R W R O N G Y

*SORRY!

A technical error meant that last month’s crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle clues.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 28

by error in the printing of an advertisement.

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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. DETAILS, TONorth, 75 WORDS, Geddes House,UP Kirkton Livingston, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A Magazine Design: SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT.SCOT Alan Stewart Design FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. T: 07729 911858

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THE DELL | 45

designed and built himself. The exhibition features mechanical clocks but also interesting and amusing machines such as drawing machines, ball runners and automata.

These fascinating machines use gears, levers and other mechanisms to create movement.

This hands on exhibition allows you to get involved, setting the machines in motion and watching the results. 10.00am – 4.00pm, FREE ENTRY. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. SAT 12TH AND SUN 13TH APRIL Lothians Model Railway Exhibition - Make tracks for the Student Union at Heriot Watt University to visit the Lothians Model Railway Exhibition. Sixteen working layouts, trade support Lego railway for the kids, shunting puzzle for everyone, on site cafe and ample parking. Great day out for enthusiasts and families. 10am-4.30pm. 30 mins early entry for individuals with disabilities and sensory conditions. Adults £6, kids FREE with paying adult, free colour guide. More info www.lothianmodelrail.co.uk SATURDAY 12TH APRIL Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SUNDAY 13TH APRIL Water of Leith Visitor Centre Silver Anniversary Celebration - Join us as we celebrate 25 years of the Water of Leith Visitor Centre! This Silver Anniversary event is packed with activities for all ages—immerse yourself in the past, present, and future of this community hub. Enjoy a guided walk around Slateford, get creative with crafts and a memory collage, or share your ideas for the next 25 years. Explore the wonders of the water with river dipping, discover wildflowers, and follow the silver thread walk. Warm up with homemade soup and baking as we mark this special milestone together. Whether you’re a longtime friend of the Centre or discovering it for the first time, come celebrate, explore, and be part of the next chapter! 1.00-4.00pm, free. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. www.waterofleith.org.uk SATURDAY 19TH APRIL Mesmerising Mechanisms - Ian Graham, proprietor of Colinton Clocks is once again hosting a free, hands-on exhibition at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre featuring a collection of wooden machines he has 46 | THE DELL

Easter Holiday Activities at Water of Leith Visitor Centre • TUESDAY 8TH APRIL – River Dipping.

1.30pm – 3.30pm • TUESDAY 15TH APRIL – Spring Discovery Session.1.30pm – 3.30pm • THURSDAY 17TH APRIL – Trash to Treasure. 1.30pm – 3.30pm All £7 per child, accompanying adult free. More information and booking via www.waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on

All meets are in Edinburgh Pentlands (formerly Juniper Green) Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road 10.00am 12noon. New members welcome.

Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk • WED 2ND APRIL - “Edinburgh International Festival“ an illustrated talk by Kate Garbutt and Leon Gray.

• WED 16TH APRIL - “The Woodland Trust in Scotland” an illustrated talk

by Benedict Bate.

• WED 7TH MAY - “Building a Brand - Woodrow’s of Edinburgh” an illustrated talk by Megan Brown.