The Dell DIrectory December 2025

December 2025 /January 2026

CLUBS & CLASSES:

FOOD & DRINK:

COMPETITION:

PLUS: real life, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, what’s on, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

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t’s the season fairy lights, spicy hot drinks and Christmas events to attend. Check the What’s On pages for plenty of ways of enjoying the season out and about locally. There are still a few Christmas fairs coming up, and it’s always good to support local causes and charities for whom these are important fundraising events - and you always find unique and interesting gifts too.

Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking are offering Dell Directory readers the chance to win a pony trek!

Read about their very special herd of ponies on pages 8-9 and enter the prize draw! They offer trek gift vouchers for a thoughtful and different Christmas gift.

There is more of course, and all our regular columns. I hope you enjoy this last issue of 2025. We take a break over Christmas and Hogmanay, so there is no January issue; we will be back with the February Dell Directory.

Wishing all our readers, advertisers and local organisations featured in The Dell Directory a wonderful and peaceful festive season.

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

Spotlight: Rowanbank Gardens.................. 7 Feature: Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking................................................. 8 Recipe: Chunky “Clam” Chowder............18 Wine: Port......................................................19 Feature: Re-gifting.......................................28 Puzzles..................................................30 / 34 Clubs & Classes: All Ears Book Club......30 Local Environment: Merry Christmas.......36 The Lazy Gardener’s Diary........................37 realLIFE.........................................................38 What’s On: December Events...................42

COVER IMAGE: Wishing all our readers a peaceful festive season!

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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GERRY AITKEN Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

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Scottish Home Improvement Award Winners 2025 Best Architectural Practice Highly Recommended 2025 Best Architect

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Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 • E: junigig@aol.com

Buying a new home at Rowanbank Gardens has now become easier thanks to a range of superb incentives making moving to the multi-award-winning development both easier and more cost-effective.

With just nine of the 93 apartments available for private sale remaining, the award-winning development by boutique developer Artisan Real Estate is located in the vibrant Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine, within easy reach of Edinburgh city centre. It is set around a large communal garden space filled with fruit trees and planting beds and has been recognised as setting new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon living, whilst providing the highest standard of living both inside and out.

The nine apartments currently available are a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, with Artisan offering a range of generous incentives for buyers looking to reserve the remaining apartments. These include a £10,000 deposit contribution, cash-back to help with moving expenses, two years membership at the local gym and wellness centre and a contribution to the Land & Building Transaction Tax. Buyers can also benefit from a much easier and hassle-free moving experience with ‘Made Move Easy’ by Artisan. The scheme helps buyers sell their existing home whilst reserving an apartment at the same time. Artisan organises the sale of the existing home together

with its trusted estate agent partner - and even covers the costs of estate agent fees and the Home Report.

Rowanbank Gardens has consistently set the bar high for environmental performance and technical excellence whilst providing an extremely high quality of life in a wonderfully landscaped external setting. It is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual air source heat pumps in all apartments, providing both heating and domestic hot water, which combined with industry-leading insulation, provides supreme energy and cost efficiency.

Airy, sun-drenched open plan living spaces have been designed to make the most of natural daylight which is maximised by full-length picture windows.All the new apartments include oak hardwood floors and carpets throughout as standard – together with contemporary bathrooms and fully fitted kitchens with state-ofthe-art appliances and worktops supplied by Kitchens International.

Externally, large landscaped green areas - including new trees, herb and vegetable growing beds, high-quality garden furniture and play equipment, flowering sedum roofs and even a communal potting shed - combine to create a powerful and unique sense of community for all residents.

Two-bedroom apartments at Rowanbank Gardens are available from £330,000, with three-bedroom apartments from £450,000.

To view the apartments and to discuss the range of incentives available, book an appointment through the Rowanbank Gardens’ website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.

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Student-led treks are tailored to suit all abilities

Explore the Pentland Hills with an unforgettable pony trekking adventure with Exmoor Pony Trekking.

Run by the Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking Section, this student-led, not for profit organisation has been caring for these remarkable ponies since 1965. Every Remarkable Ponies

trek supports the welfare and conservation of this rare native breed while offering riders a chance to escape city life and reconnect with nature.

This is your opportunity to ride one of the UK’s oldest native breeds.

Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced rider, our treks are tailored to suit all abilities. Our friendly, experienced trek leaders prioritise safety and fun, ensuring every rider has a memorable experience.

Depending on the season, your trek takes place across one of two stunning Scottish locations: • PENTLAND HILLS (September to May) – ride from Swanston Farm in Edinburgh through peaceful, rolling countryside with spectacular views • OCHIL HILLS (June to August) – explore the remote beauty of Glendevon with breathtaking scenery

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We also host Pony Birthday Parties, perfect for children who dream of spending time with ponies. Parties include short supervised rides, hands-on grooming and the chance to learn about pony care and history. It’s a fun, educational, and truly unique way to celebrate a special day surrounded by nature, friends and our herd of twelve wellloved ponies.

Looking for a thoughtful gift idea? Trek vouchers make the perfect present for friends and family – ideal for birthdays, Christmas or any special occasion.

To find out more or book your trek today visit: exmoorponytrekking.co.uk

WIN A PONY TREK! Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking are offering Konect readers a chance to win an ‘All abilities afternoon trek.”

The trek runs for 1-1.5 hours on a weekend.

There is a strict weight limit of 66kg (due to the ponies’ size). If you win and are over this weight, alternative, same-value prizes are available including a “Pony Meet & Greet” or a merch bundle.

Winner will receive a voucher via email from EUEPTS for an all ability afternoon trek, or if over the weight limit, one of the alternative, same-value prizes.

To enter the prize draw, simply answer the following question:

HOW MANY PONIES ARE IN THE EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY EXMOOR PONIES HERD? A) 8

B) 12

C) 23

Closing date for entries Fri 19th Dec 2025

Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code (above) to enter your answer. Winners will receive a voucher by email from EUEPTS.

FULL T&CS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE.

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Expert care

Our teams care for a wide range of conditions, providing your loved ones with a home for life.

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Expert care

Our teams care for a wide range of conditions, providing your loved ones with a home for life.

• Residential care • Dementia care • Nursing care • Nursing dementia care • Respite care If you’re considering a care home, call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com/scotland

Trusted to care Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine

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FOOD & DRINK

Inspired by the classic American chowder, this indulgent chunky soup features a thick and creamy non-dairy milk base, tender potatoes, fragrant aromatics, and oyster mushrooms as the perfect substitute for clams. An ideal vegan option for Christmas eve or Christmas Day starter.

Serves 4-6 | Prep Time 15mins | Cooking Time 30 mins | Dietary requirements: Dairy-free, Egg-free, Vegan Ingredients (Mushrooms):

• 1 tbsp olive oil • 250g/8¾oz king oyster mushrooms, sliced. If you can’t get oyster mushrooms, substitute with small button mushrooms, halved.

• 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 tsp soy sauce

Ingredients (Soup Base):

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 medium onion, diced • 2 celery stalks, diced • 2 medium carrots, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 120ml/4fl oz dry white wine • 1 litre/1¾ pints vegetable stock • 3 tbsp plain flour • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bitesized pieces • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 2 tsp kelp granules or dulse flakes. If you prefer not to have the taste of the sea, replace with 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste • 100ml/3¾fl oz vegan cream

Method:

1. Heat the oil on a medium heat in large heavy based pan. Fry the mushrooms until soft, then add one clove of garlic. Fry for 1 more minute.

2. Add in the soy sauce and mix well to coat the mushrooms. Place the mushrooms in a bowl and set to one side.

3. Heat the remaining oil and fry the onions until soft. Then add the celery, carrots and the rest of the garlic and fry until tender.

4. Add the wine and turn up the heat to boil.

Once boiling reduce the heat and stir in the flour, stirring for a minute to remove any lumps.

5. Gradually stir in the stock then add the potatoes and herbs. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Return the mushroom mixture to the pan.

6. Add the kelp/dulse or parsley/dill, and season to taste.

7. Stir through cream and serve with crusty bread.

This recipe was contributed by Claire Bannerman, Vegetarian for Life’s (VfL) dedicated Roving Chef for Scotland working mostly in West Lothian and Forth Valley. Nourishing Plant Based Food : Life Long Skills, Not Quick Fix Pills. [ vforlife.org.uk ] 18 | THE DELL

WINE TASTING

Port season is here! Although available throughout the year, winter is the season we appreciate it most.

In 1659 two events coincided helping create Port as we know it today. The British government placed an embargo on French wine, and a Portuguese Abbot confessed the secret to his delicious wine: he added grape spirit (brandy) to his wine during fermentation! By adding brandy to the wine, the process of fermentation was halted, leaving a naturally sweet, fruity ‘fortified’ wine.

Port styles vary and so do the prices! White and Ruby Ports and youthful, fruity and uncomplicated. Serve these slightly chilled and enjoy!

Aged Tawny is delicious! The label will state how long the wine has been aged in oak casks. Aged Tawny is aged 10, 20, 30, 40+ years. As the Port ages, the vibrant red colour becomes a reddish-brown, ‘tawny’ colour. A 10-year-old will tend to retain some fruit with a suggestion of nuts, dried fruit and caramel. The older the tawny port, the more the nutty, dried fruit notes dominate.

Vintage Port is a very special style of Port.

It’s only produced in exceptional years and only from the best grapes. It can age for decades, evolving and developing complexity in the bottle. Sediment will form in the bottle, so Vintage Port needs to be carefully decanted.

Late Bottled Vintage Ports (LBV) are a user-friendly style of port. These wines are bottled later following cask aging, they are ready to drink on release but retain much of the depth of vintage port.

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

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Three in five adults in the UK received an unwanted gift last Christmas. That equates to around 31 million unnecessary presents, many of which ended up in landfill.

In a bid to simultaneously put a stop to this staggering seasonal waste and to help families who may be struggling to make ends meet, one local Community Interest Company is launching a brand-new Re-Gifting Tree project.

This season, all Leith Collective stores across Scotland feature a Christmas tree adorned with gift tags. Each tag bears the name of a gift, from a children’s book or a warm scarf to a box of chocolates or toiletries set. Visitors to the store can take a tag and drop off the corresponding gift at the store, where they will be collected and distributed to those in need this Christmas. Crucially, the emphasis of this project is on re-gifting good quality, unopened presents, rather than encouraging people to purchase new items.

The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “We live in such a divided society where some people are literally throwing away unwanted presents while many others are struggling to afford basic essentials such as heating and food, let alone Christmas presents.

By launching our Re-Gifting Tree project, we hope to keep as many unwanted presents as possible out of landfill and instead direct them to people who will truly appreciate them.”

The Leith Collective’s popular Christmas Tree Exchange project is also back this year. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Instead of sending them to landfill, they can drop them off at The Leith Collective stores where they will be passed on to struggling families whose budgets can’t stretch to non28 | THE DELL

essentials such as festive trimmings.

Commenting on the return of the Christmas Tree Exchange, Sara added; “We need to pull together as a community because everyone deserves to enjoy the sparkle and magic of waking up to a Christmas tree with a present beneath it.”

Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at The Leith Collective at Livingston Designer Outlet, as well as Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal and Dundee’s Overgate store, during opening hours completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.

For more information about The Leith Collective head to www.theleithcollective.com, email info@theleithcollective.com, or call 07447 659 999.

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58mm Vertical [LEFT]

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

For fans of audiobooks and podcasts…

^^^ Solution in the FEBRUARY edition

ACROSS: 7. Light wind (6), 8. Add up (6), 9. Not pretty (4), 10. Take away (8), 11. Tenth month (7), 13. Deprived (5), 15. Two times (5), 17. Remaining (7), 20. Booklet (8), 21. Assists (4), 22. Floats (6), 23. Unlocked (6).

DOWN: 1. Horrendous (6), 2. Refute (4), 3. Childhood illness (7), 4. Investigate (5), 5. Barely (8), 6. Coerced (6), 12. Engaged (8), 14. Stopping place (7), 16. Gun or knife (6), 18. Bowed (6), 19. Nearby (5), 21. Pinnacle (4).

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 45

DECEMBER SUDOKU

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New book club down here in the south west suburbs! We meet monthly on a Wednesday evening at The Hub@531 in Juniper Green from 7pm to 9pm, and we’re keen for people to join us.

Meetings are usually on the second Wednesday of the month, but do check first in case the next date has changed for any reason.

We’re a little different from other book clubs: we listen rather than read.

And we will listen to anything. Books (of course), but there’s also a whole world of podcasts, plays, TED talks … anything that can be spoken is fair game. It’s early days yet, but so far we have listened to a book about conspiracists by investigative journalist Jon Ronson, followed by a comparison of UK and US political podcasts. Our listen for December is The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet. Who knows what will come next, could be anything from Homer to Jilly Cooper….

Our next meeting is Wednesday 17th December at 7.00pm, followed by 14th January. Join us and become part of the story!

(p.s. you can find us on Facebook or, if that’s not your thing, you can email Liz or Mairi on allearsbookclub@gmail.com for more information. Or just turn up!)

ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

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DEC SUDOKU (HARD*)

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 30. See page 45 for solutions.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Is it just me or has this year absolutely flown by? It’s fast approaching Christmas and it only feels like yesterday we were welcoming in the new year and I was gearing up for my 40th birthday trip to Kenya.

It was a really lovely summer, especially in comparison to last year which I remember being a bit more wet and windy. I’d been looking forward to watching and photographing the foxes I spent time with last year, but they didn’t show up. Neither did my hares or dippers, so it’s safe to say my photography took a bit of a back seat. I had a wonderful week on Mull in May hosting a workshop, which I’m looking forward to doing again next year. It’s always such a joy to share that incredible island with others and watch people experience its wildlife for the first time.

is usually achieved through strategically placed nuts.

Given I haven’t been out much, this image is from a couple of years back when I bribed some squirrels to take part in a Christmas photoshoot. It takes them a while to get used to it and even more time for them to sit in just the right place. They’re naturally inquisitive animals and this task

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

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I hope this photo brings a smile and a touch of festive cheer—wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and a happy, healthy start to the new year.

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.

THE LAZY GARDENER’S DIARY:

L azy gardeners aspire to be A wash with fresh food easily Z enful, mindful, less need for deeds Y ears of thoughts distilled into seeds

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I n earth give back to regenerate A circular route from farm to plate R ead this diary and connect with me Y ou’re welcome any time at the F.C.P.

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SUZANN E GREEN

C I

innamon, nutmeg, ginger and sn’tcloves. it interesting one Thesethat are we thewish spices of another a “happy new year” long the season! after singing Auld Lang Syne – for Thanks Starbucks, weeks aftertoboxing up themost Christmas people can now easily conjure uptowhat is decorations and returning them the loft. meant by ‘pumpkin spice’! I also need to Regardless of what’s on incloves our world buy cinnamon sticks going and whole for and various concerns about issues in our mulling wine. own country, we hope that 2025 will be a I used to assume that my love for these good year. It would be wonderful to see spices was down to the fact that I grew peace achieved in at least one area where up in a small town in America that was war is currently raging. And, on a personal predominantly German background (my level, we also hope to see growth and family included). I have Christmas recipes progress in our own life and in the lives for pffefernusse (strongly spiced cookies), of those we know and love, occasions to stollen (a fruited, spiced bread), and celebrate, good health and maybe even snickerdoodles, a type of cookie coated in some fun surprises in the next 12 months. cinnamon sugar and popular in the States.

I’m focusing the of “new” in “Happy New Actually, the on origin snickerdoodles is Year”. I’vethough not exactly debated, manymade thinkany theynew areyear’s of resolutions.

This tradition seems to be German origin. becoming less popularcame - social media posts I thought gingerbread from Germany regularly tell us that itwe don’t need to too, but apparently was brought to strive to improve, we are as we are, in we Western Europe by“enough” an Armenian monk shouldn’t load ourselves up with goals and 992 AD. Gregory of Nicopolis is said to then feel guilty we can’t achieve them. have settled in when northern France and taught Although I agree that it’s good to gingerbread baking to Christians

38

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

be realistic, I love theinpromise that a new there until his death 999. Like most year holds, the “clean slate” potential! recipes, it has changed and been adapted over – at one it didn’t even If youthe liveyears in Balerno, youpoint too may have been contain ginger. delighted to see snow falling early morning on New Year’s Day. I stood at our glassa My favourite oatmeal cookies contain patio door andofwatched as sleet turned healthy dose cinnamon, nutmeg, andto big white snowflakes that quickly covered cloves – and they’re of American origin. our garden bedecked the treasured trees. It was a And I guessand these spices are wonderfuleven illustration “it’s countries all fresh and globally, thoughofinthe many new”are theme. they more commonly used for savoury dishes.

Signing up for a Pilates class was a new Cinnamon, of the world’sofoldest thing for meone at the beginning 2024. And it spices, has to be mychange. favourite.

Way has been a positive I may not be as before I was adding to class, pumpkin purée to proficient as many in itthe I struggle or rolls,because it was being domaking some ofcinnamon the stretches of a knee used Ancient Egypt, have Chinaaand issue,inand I sometimes hardIndia time for medicine and to embalming.

It’s richmusic resisting dancing the background in antioxidants, and some to believe it’s when I should be listening the instructor. beneficial helping reduce inflammation But I knowin the exercise is doing me good. and protecting against heart disease.

I’m not sure what new thing(s) I will do/ When my family visited encounter this year, but The I willEden keep Project my eyes in Cornwall thisfor year, our guide described and ears open them. some of the ways early cinnamon traders When my eldest daughter was in primary protected their monopoly on it. My favourite school, she decided to try something new. I was her account of how they spread tales heard fromcollected another mum, whofrom had of giantabout birdsit that the bark been at the school to watch her daughter trees in unknown lands, using it to build do Highland dancing in an assembly.

“I their nests. The local people would have didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said. to lure the birds away, or wait until the So I explained that she didn’t, although nests were unattended, in order to get she their was in a class. “That’s strange,” said hands onballet the cinnamon.

It was therefore my friend. “At the business. children who considered tothe be assembly a dangerous took some Highland dance lessons invited And competing traderswere decided it to go to the centre of the floor and perform. wasn’t worth the risk, despite the fact that I thought yourofdaughter didEmpire rather well.” by the time the Roman cinnamon was worth goldhad by weight.

Lateroften I asked mymore child than why she done “Oh,” shefight said.off “I thought the for teacher Ithis. think I might giant birds this said, “Willfestival all children who would like to do precious spice!

Though many Highlanduse dancing please come forward cultures it in savoury dishes, such as tagine or Icurry, now? So went.”I think of it as a unique flavour you add to something sweet to Do something new this new year. make it truly special. For me cinnamon is the taste of Christmas. real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne 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.

Could you help change a life?

Grieving the loss of a parent can be a lonely time. Heriot’s foundation enables bereaved children to receive a nurturing education with specialist support at Scotland’s leading independent school.

If you know of a child who has lost a parent and would benefit from a supported foundation place or to donate to the life changing work of the Heriot’s foundation, please contact the Admissions team for information at admissions@george-heriots.com

george-heriots.com George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust. Scottish Charity Number SC011463.

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The Pentlands Open Studio Art Trail is passionate about promoting creativity and the arts in our community.

Launched to great acclaim in 2025, we welcomed hundreds of visitors across ten studios, featuring eighteen artists over one weekend in August. It was so successful, we will be back over the weekend of August 15th/16th 2026, even bigger and better.

This Art Trail is a unique event which provides a fantastic opportunity to meet and talk to a whole range of highly respected, professional, award-winning artists about their work and creative processes within their own specialist fields. We include a wide diversity of art and craft practices to ensure a varied and inspirational experience for our visitors.

Situated in the southwest of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentlands Hills, the trail borders the beautiful Water of Leith and takes in the villages of Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno and, along the way, will be lovely places to stop, relax and refuel.

Put the date in your diaries now and to find out more, go to our website POStudios.org and subscribe to our newsletter or find us on Instagram @POStudios 40 | THE DELL

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SATURDAY 13TH DECEMBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm

SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER A Very Merchiston Christmas Fair A morning full of festive fun, delicious treats, and family-friendly activities. Explore charming stalls, pick up unique gifts, and enjoy a magical atmosphere that’s a perfect start to the festive season. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy! Merchiston Castle School, 294 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh, EH13 0PU. Time: 10.00 - 13.00. Tickets are free – please sign up to allow us to cater for numbers accordingly. Link for booking: www.trybooking.com/uk/FIPF We will be fundraising at the event in support of NHS Lothian Charity.

SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER Christmas Fair at Ravelrig RDA Santa’s Grotto, crafts, games, tombola, raffle, refreshments, gifts, festive baking, horse selfies.

Christmas Carols by the Pentland Singers. 12.00noon - 3.00pm, 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno, EH14 7NH MONDAY 8TH DECEMBER Colinton & Merchiston Community Choir Christmas Concert - We have a delightful programme of Christmas Music including Vaughan Williams “Fantasia on Christmas Carols”, Cornelius “Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar”, Telemann “Der Jüngste Tag wird bald sein Ziel” and a lovely selection of carols. Memorial Hall at Merchiston Castle School, doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £10 or £5 for under 18s available from choir members or at the main door of the Memorial Hall. Cash only. For more information about our choir, please see www. colintonchoir.org or our Facebook page. We are grateful to Merchiston Castle School for the use of the Memorial Hall.

WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER Christmas Fun and Fundraiser At The Hub@531. Make your own festive cocktails, then join our own local sommelier for wine pairing with cheese with some fun twists! Tickets £18 with an option to top up with a donation. 7.30 – 10.00pm, book online via hub531.appointedd.com

TUESDAY 16TH DECEMBER Festive Music and Doors Open At The Hub@531. Please drop in and join the festive cheer at the Hub@531. We're delighted to welcome back the Pentland Singers for some carol singing, and there will be mulled wine and mince pies, tea, coffee and juice on offer. All very welcome to pop in and out, throughout the event! 4.30 - 6.00pm, 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green.

MONDAY 26TH JANUARY An Artist’s View – Historic Water of Leith Mills Alan Lucas, son of the artist Edwin G. Lucas, takes us on a trip down the Water of Leith from Currie, via Juniper Green and Colinton Dell, to Slateford.

His talk is richly illustrated by his father’s paintings, made during the 1930s-40s, together with historic and contemporary photographs of the same scenes.

Expect to see many of the mills that used to operate on this stretch of the river. 7.00pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ. £7, MEMBERS FREE. Booking and info at www.waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on

Meet in Edinburgh Pentlands Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road from 10.00am - 12noon. New members welcome.

Further details from Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford on 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk • WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER “Railway Modelling” an exhibition and illustrated talk by David Laing • WEDNESDAY 7TH JANUARY - “North Sea Wind Farms” an illustrated talk by Rod Seville.

• WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY - “The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service” an illustrated talk by Dave Farries.

• WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY - “The Worlds End Murders” an illustrated talk

by Tom Wood.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. 42 | THE DELL

Christmas on the (Different) Corner!

– Join our festivities in Colinton Thursday 18th December

5pm–7pm

St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue Come along for Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine, mince pies, tombola, crafts, and fun activities for all ages.

We’ll also be taking a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come with The Shed project aka The Community Heritage Hub in Spylaw Park project! Thanks to Rollo Developments Ltd., much of the strip-out work is complete: internal walls and the mezzanine have been removed, scaffolding surrounds the building, and the mural by Firrhill High School has been carefully recorded for reproduction at a later date. These preparations are paving the way for exciting construction work in the coming months.

This festive gathering is also a chance to thank those who have supported us and to share

what’s coming in 2026—including ways you can get involved. Our dedicated Trustees— Lorraine O’Shea (Chair), Pam Wardell (Vice-Chair), Julie Johnson (Treasurer), Kim Anderson (Secretary), Jennie Loudon, Mandy Easton, and Elise Anderson—have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, but we always welcome extra hands and skills.

Whether you are interested in fundraising, social media or videography, event planning, or community engagement, or have ideas for local initiatives, your support makes a real difference.

Every contribution—big or small—helps us reach our fundraising targets for the community hub. You can donate now by scanning the QR code above.

Thank you for your patience during the works and for being part of this exciting project. Keep an eye on @cveheritagehub (Instagram) and 'Colinton Village Enterprise SCIO' (Facebook) for updates and upcoming events.

Contact us at colintonvillage@gmail.com we’re happy to hear from you.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This article was contributed by Colinton Village Enterprise SCIO THE DELL | 43

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 and Fri 12.30-1.30pm, and Wed at 12.00-1.00pm and 8.30-9.30pm We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.62 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 6.45pm. 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 edinburghpentlands.church/ church-life/church-andcommunity-groups/colintonliterary-society/ 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/ join-a-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 of eight minutes, evaluated constructively by another member. Eight impromptu short speeches follow, also evaluated. New members will be made most welcome.

Contact Douglas.Lothian@ lenlothian.com LOCAL FLORAL ART CLUB - Sit back and enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat. You might even win one of the arrangements. We meet at The Braidhills Hotel from 7pm to 8.45pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September. In October and only for October we are at Marchmont St Giles Church .Trial first visit in Sept or Oct only £5! Wine/tea/ coffee available in the hotel.

Contact: Joyce Rutherford 0131 443 2536 or joyce. rutherford@btinternet.com COLINTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB Come and join us on alternate Thursday evenings from September to March for an evening of fun dancing to live music. We meet in St Cuthbert's Church Hall Colinton from 7.45pm to 9.15pm.

Dances are called but as this is not a teaching class some knowledge of Scottish Country Dance steps and figures is beneficial. For further details phone 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 and if you would like to book 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

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD P E B M G W L U X U R B A N A N A U P A D L T C O M M E N C F E E L P R E O H S T A L A D A P T E D E I D C T O I L E T E V I C T O I H T U V I L A D D I T I O N I U I P C L I G N O R U N C L E S G

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ACROSS: 7 Banana, 8 Luxury, 9 Feel, 10 Commence, 11 Adapted, 13 Stall, 15 Evict, 17 Toilets, 20 Addition, 21 Vile, 23 Uncles, 24 Ignore.

DOWN: 1 Made, 2 Gallop, 3 Watched, 4 Plump, 5 Expert, 6 Bracelet, 12 Dividing, 14 Council, 16 Chilly, 18 Loving, 19 Tipsy, 22 Lurk.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PUZZLES ON P30/34

(EASY)

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT.SCOT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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