The Dell Directory June 2025

June 2025

LOCAL HISTORY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: LOCAL WALK:

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he walk feature this month takes us into the Heriot-Watt campus, thanks as ever to our knowledgeable guide William Weir who shares his highlights of the flora and fauna, see pages 8-9. It’s nice to be reminded that there is a lovely series of carefully thought-out trails to be enjoyed right here on our doorstep within the campus.

Loneliness Awareness Week takes place in June, run by The Marmalade Trust who say, “It's all about creating supportive communities by having open, honest conversations. Loneliness is a natural human emotion - we are hardwired to need social connections. By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.”

That’s an attractive vision for our villages!

There is plenty going on this month, for all ages and interests. Browse the What’s On and all the Clubs & Classes. This section is a core part of The Dell Directory every month. There is something for everyone and we know it has made a difference to a lot people over the years.

I spent a very pleasant afternoon at Hopetoun House one day last month. I’d not written about it before, so thought it was time to highlight it as a place of interest not too far away and well worth a visit, see pages 22-23.

As ever, thank you for reading The Dell Directory, I hope you enjoy the magazine this month!

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

Local Walk: Around Heriot-Watt.................. 8 Wine: Sancerre by any other name..........20 Local History: When the king at turtle soup at Hopetoun........................................22 realLife...........................................................26 Puzzles..........................................................28 Recipe & Food Notes: Making your food summery...............................................30 Local Environment: Fluffballs on the move...............................................................36 What’s On: June Events.............................42 Clubs & Classes.................................... 44-45 Puzzle Solutions...........................................45

COVER IMAGE: June: It's summertime

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The dawn chorus is still in full swing. A joyful, chaotic choir of birdsong emanates from the campus’ Central Woodland and lifts my spirits as I begin my walk, striding along a sun-streaked path beneath the clear blue of a pristine spring morning.

There’s a wonderful array of paths and routes on offer through Heriot Watt’s landscaped grounds – the Discovery Trail, the Tree Trail, the Bird Trail, the Heritage Trail - which to choose?

Today, I’m doing a loop within a loop, to take in a selection of the best this local campus has to offer. Starting at Car Park K, I head south, soon coming to an old, whitewashed milestone (reclaimed from the A1 near Dunbar). Turning right here takes me through a grassy area of elegantly curved stone brochs. One of these sits atop a mound and I ascend to stand there a while, taking in the songs of chiff chaff, chaffinch and thrush, which echo from the woods through air thick with the heady scent of hawthorn.

At the halls of residence buildings, I bear left, entering the wood and passing beneath a

canopy of lime-green new leaves. Wild garlic is in abundance, each flowerhead an umbrella of delicate white star-like blooms. One clump is situated by some railings, a little way beyond which stand a neat array of gravestones. This peaceful spot is small burial ground once used by the Gibson-Craig family who, for centuries, owned the estate. The Heritage Trail and Tree Trail coincide here and lead me past a splendid array of specimens, from Mountain Hemlock of North America to Sawara Cypress of Japan. It’s a squirrel paradise; I watch one pair engaged in a spiral chase up a nearby trunk, the leader gripping a sprig of foliage between its teeth.

I emerge at the south-west corner of The Lawn, once overlooked by Riccarton House (now the site of the University Library). Here, a blackcap sings its twisting, turning song from the top of a large holly. Going past the library, I come to what was the fire pond for the old house, now home to an industrious moorhen who is busy adding material to its nest island. Enormous sequoiadendron, the giant redwoods - nature’s skyscrapers - stand sentinel here, their silent strength lending and air of calm as I pass beneath an elevated corridor to reach The Loch.

The centrepiece of the campus, The Loch is a beautifully landscaped oasis. Majestic trees and benevolent blue skies are reflected in its gently rippled surface. The sharp, high-pitched cry of a coot rings out from near a tree-topped island while a heron hunches on the far bank, watching as mallards dabble. Crossing the bridge at the eastern end, I stop by the

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shore as a family of Canada geese paddle over. They are remarkably bold and even seem keen to show off their brood – two adorable golden, fluffy goslings.

From here I cut diagonally across the grass, down some steps, and back beneath the elevated walkway, following signs for the chaplaincy. I turn left, then right to bring me back to The Lawn and trace its north and western edge. I’m back at the library now, but this time turn with my back to it and head west. On the right are tall oaks and Scots pine, their tops a cacophony of caw-ing from the resident rookery. Turning left at another halls of residence building, I cross the road (The Freeway) and strike out towards West Gait and the edge of the campus.

GET THE ROUTE ON Just before a ‘Road OS MAPS! closed’ sign, I turn onto a path which takes me to the north edge of the estate, following a wooded route parallel to the A71. In the shade, trunks of young rowan, beech and cherry are spotted with prettily patterned snails. Finally, the path turns parallel to Currhiehill Road again and, on reaching Boundary Road North, I turn left, back into the campus, following a pleasant, pine-lined forest path to arrive back at the brochs, and my starting point.

A university’s campus is in many ways a miniature community - a world within a world.

In the way Heriot-Watt have woven the natural fabric of the estate into theirs, I feel I’ve found many little worlds here today. Why not see which of them you can uncover?

Now a chance to really stretch the legs. Just before reaching Curriehill Road, I turn left and follow a wooded path uphill and round the perimeter of the campus. The cool shade of the trees is welcome as the sun arcs higher.

It’s also a chance to savour the joys of the late spring wood. Fragrant carpets of bluebells nod demurely as I pass. Two young woodpigeons cause a commotion in the branches high overhead, testing their wings on their nest. After some effort one fledges successfully, making off through the trees, wind whistling in its wings.

Shouts from a football match signal that I’m passing the Oriam. I round the back of the building and pass the car park which bustles with weekend sports club drop-offs. I cross the Avenue to walk alongside Boundary Road East, continuing on the verdant Hermiston Walk.

To my right is woodland again, dense with Rhododenron, Holly, Laburnum and Oak. The gentle trickle of a small stream is my relaxing

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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CREDIT: All image by William Weir

soundtrack. I then turn left to walk the length of the campus on Research Avenue North, the way lined with young lime trees, as willow warblers’ laidback calls drift across the fields.

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WINE

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is powerful, vivid and distinctive. On the nose you find tropical fruit mixed with gooseberry and grapefruit, layered with floral honeysuckle.

The winemaker’s goal is to produce the best example of Sauvignon Blanc they can. They have explored every angle and produced a polished, precise expression of the grape variety. You’ll be forgiven for thinking this is the best example of Sauvignon Blanc available!

However, have you tried Sancerre?

Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Loire region of France. The wine is named after the place it comes from, rather than the grape variety. Here, the winemaker invites you to not only experience their best expression of the grape variety, but to taste where the wine comes from. This is the idea of ‘terroir’.

Sancerre from the northern hemisphere is less tropical in character than that produced in NZ. When I taste Sancerre, I’m reminded of a summer herb garden after the rain. There’s petrichor, wet stone, green herbaceous notes of broken leaf. Sancerre has an incredible freshness and minerality that I haven’t found anywhere else.

Generally, Sancerre and NZ Sauvignon Blanc are fermented in stainless steel tanks, rather than oak casks. The wine is dry, the acidity is racy and mouthwatering. Both styles can be enjoyed on their own or but also with food, I’d have either with shellfish, or a goat’s cheese salad.

Why not experiment? If you usually buy Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, why not try Sancerre and visa versa?

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 20 | THE DELL

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WHEN THE KING ATE TURTLE SOUP AT HOPETOUN Way back in the mists of time, the hamlet of Abercorn was briefly the seat of the Bishop of the Picts; then the location of a medieval castle which was destroyed by the crown during the infamous spat between James II and the Black Douglas; then, on the former castle lands, the magnificent Hopetoun House was built, where King George IV dined as a friend.

Such is the cycle of fortune, and Hopetoun House, commissioned by a widowed Lady Hope for her son, is today a Georgian time capsule, a family home, a spectacular events venue, a film location, and a wonderful place to while away a summer’s day exploring both indoors and out.

The historic Hope family’s rise to prominence dates to when Sir James Hope (1614-1661) acted as lawyer for a lead mining heiress, Anne Foulis. Anne was defending her right to inherit her father’s lead mining fortune at Leadhills in Lanarkshire. Esteemed legal talent was in the family - James’ father was King’s Advocate for Charles I. Sir James won the case for Anne, client and lawyer fell in love, and married. Thus the valuable lead mines came into possession of the Hope family, giving their fortune and status a huge boost.

James and Anne’s son, John Hope, purchased the lands of Abercorn in 1678, where he planned to build a magnificent house for himself and his family.

He also purchased the Barony of Niddry Castle.

But tragedy struck before John managed to build his house.

At just 32 years of age, and

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with two very young children, John was one of many passengers lost at sea when HMS Gloucester, carrying the Duke of York and an entourage of courtiers to Edinburgh in 1682, was wrecked off the English coast. Family tradition has it that John gave up his place in a rescue boat for the Duke of York, sacrificing his own life for that of the future King. (The wreck was identified just three years ago, in June 2022, and Royal Museums Greenwich website provides fascinating detail about the journey and the shipwreck, rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/ hms-gloucester-shipwreck-history-james-ii) John’s widow Lady Margaret Hope took on management of the family businesses until their son Charles was of age. (He was just one year old when is father died). And, in 1699, on the occasion of Charles’ marriage, Margaret commissioned the building of Hopetoun House. Perhaps she and her husband had discussed the vision for it before he died, or perhaps the brief she gave the architect was entirely her own. In any case, she entrusted the work to the renowned Scottish architect William Bruce. Bruce’s work today remains in the central core of the original home. There were also formal gardens in French style behind the house.

Charles was created the first Earl of Hopetoun in 1703, just after he turned 21. The title was possibly granted in recognition of his father’s sacrifice for the Duke of York back in 1682. Charles decided to extend the house considerably, and in 1721 he commissioned William Adam to create a much grander, more palatial home. This is the house we see today.

The work took a long time – so long in fact that Charles didn’t live to see it completed, neither did William Adam. William’s sons John and Robert, also renowned architects, finished the interiors. The house was completed in 1767.

Many members of the Hope family had distinguished military and political careers.

The 4th Earl (1765 - 1823) was described

by Napoleon Bonaparte as one of the most formidable generals in the British Army - a compliment indeed from a brilliant military leader. There is a statue of the 4th Earl in the courtyard of Dundas House, the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland, of which he was Governor. He served as LordLieutenant of Linlithgowshire, as did several subsequent generations of the family. The 7th Earl was the first Governor General of Australia.

For a family with many close links to the royal family, Hopetoun has received only one royal visit. In 1822, George IV visited for lunch at the end of his state visit to Scotland. It was the first state visit to Scotland from a reigning British sovereign in 170 years. It was carefully stagemanaged by Sir Walter Scott and included a lot of tartan pageantry. Highland dress had been banned following the Jacobite rebellions, but the ban had been repealed some 40 years previously; the decision to dress the King in Highland outfits was seen as an act of reconciliation. On his last day in Edinburgh, the King arrived at Hopetoun House at 1:15pm where crowds were waiting (in the rain) to see

him and where a lavish, multi-course lunch had been prepared. But the King limited himself to some turtle soup and three glasses of wine. Using Lord Hopetoun’s sword, he then knighted Sir Henry Raeburn, the Scottish portraitist, and Captain Adam Ferguson, Keeper of the Regalia in Scotland, and within 2 hours he was off again, heading to Port Edgar where the Royal Yacht waited to take him back to London.

Uniquely, many of the rooms at Hopetoun remain unchanged from when they were built, so you get a peak into real Georgian style.

Much of the furniture is original, along with artwork collected by the various earls. Fans of the time-travel fantasy TV series Outlander flock to Hopetoun House as it was used as a filming location, but just a visit is in itself a form of timetravel - as you wander through the rooms you may as well be in Georgian times.

A visit is highly recommended. The excellent guides at Hopetoun can provide much more detail – guided tours are available at specific times as part of the entry fee. Besides the fascinating interiors, furniture, art and family stories, the grounds provide serene walking trails through a variety of designed landscapes.

There is of course an excellent tea room.

See www. hopetoun. co.uk. Open for the season until 28th September.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after a visit and guided tour of Hopetoun House.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines THE DELL | 23

SUZANN E GREEN

IA

days ago I placed anone sn’t itfew interesting that we wish order at a well-known another a “happy new year” coffee long shop and theLang barista asked after singing Auld Syne – for if after he could name my Christmas coffee. weeks boxing up the Poor lad. He’d a loft. decorations andprobably returningnever themhad to the pet and desperately wanted to name Regardless of“OK,” what’sI said. going“Ionguess in our you world something! and various concerns about issues in our can call her Suzanne.” own country, we hope that 2025 will be a According to the stats, the average Brit good year. It would be wonderful to see spends over £2,000 each year in coffee peace achieved in at least one area where shops. I don’t think that’s me, but it’s likely war is currently raging. And, on a personal that I spend far more money on takeaway level, we also hope to see growth and coffees than I think I do. It seems such progress in our own life and in the lives a justifiable treat. Less than a fiver, no of those we and love, occasions calories, andknow the perfect antidote to a to cool, celebrate, good health and maybe even rainy climate! some fun surprises in the next 12 months.

It’s not the caffeine I crave. I drink decaf.

I’mthis focusing on theof “new” in “Happy At point some you will wrinkleNew your Year”.inI’ve not exactly made any newvery year’s nose disgust, but there are some resolutions.

This traditioncoffees seems to drinkable decaffeinated outbethere. becoming less - social media posts And most of thepopular well-known coffee places regularly tell usone. thatIt’s wesimple: don’t need to strive serve a good I prefer not are “enough” asI’d werather are, we to improve, lie awakewe at night, and also shouldn’t load ourselves up with not be addicted to caffeine.

(I’vegoals seenand how then feel guilty when can’t achieve coffee drinkers get awe headache if theythem. haven’t a fix that it’s day).

Althoughhad I agree good to

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

realistic, I love theI could promise thatfour a new Ibe used to boast that drink cups of coffee and go slate” right topotential! sleep … I year holds, thethen “clean was young. But a day came when, after If you live in Balerno, you too may have been making this claim, I experienced my first delighted to see snow falling early morning caffeine-fuelled sleepless night. I guess I on New Year’s Day. I stood at our glass wasn’t young anymore. patio door and watched as sleet turned to Most of the time I drink coffee without milk. I big white snowflakes that quickly covered suppose that’s I’m antrees.

Americano. our garden andbecause bedecked the It was a Iwonderful don’t want a fancy coffee machine, illustration of the “it’s all fresh and because I don’t wish to get up whenever I new” theme. want another cup. Instead I make a large Signing up forcover a Pilates class a new cafetiere full, it with mywas ‘cafetiere thing for me at the beginning of 2024.

And it cosy’ and have it with breakfast. has been a positive change. I may not be as Or I drink it with something sweet, so I can proficient as many in the class, I struggle to appreciate how the slightly bitter taste do some of the stretches because of a knee contrasts with and complements the sweet issue, and I sometimes have a hard time thing I’m eating. In restaurants I ask for resisting dancing to the background music a black coffee with my dessert, and the when I should be listening to the instructor. server says this is no trouble for them. But But I know the exercise is doing me good. obviously it is - most seem to forget about I’m not sure what new thing(s) I will do/ delivering coffee until dessert is finished, encounter this year, but I will keep my eyes no matter what you’ve requested. When and ears open for them. this happens, I try really hard to ignore When my eldest daughter was in primary my cheesecake or warm brownie (with school, shemelting decided try something new. I ice cream ontotop!) until the server remembers request.

In the case ofhad heard about my it from another mum, who melting I will try to their been at ice the cream, school to watch hercatch daughter eye to ask them again. will get up“Ifrom do Highland dancing in Or an Iassembly. the table and chase them. didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said.

Soyou I explained that she or didn’t, although she If are on the road, you’re in a hurry was inyou a ballet strange,” (and don’t class. need a“That’s decaf), you cansaid my friend. the assembly theone children get a fairly“At decent coffee from of thewho took Highland lessons were invited machines that dance big name coffee places to go tointhe centre of the floor and perform. install shops.

I bought one of these in I thought your daughter Balerno recently, and Idid wasrather sure well.”

I heard people laughing cups Later I asked my and childclinking why shecoffee had done inside that she machine. anyone had this. “Oh,” said. “IHas thought the else teacher this Should report it?to do said,experience?

“Will all children whowe would like Perhaps was justplease a delusion no doubt Highlanditdancing come- forward brought by overdosing on whatever now? So on I went.” chemical is used in the decaffeinating Do something new this new year. process. 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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(HARD*)

JUNE CROSSWORD

^^^ Crossword solution in the JULY edition

ACROSS: 7. Eighth month (6), 8. Son of a monarch (6), 9. Knock unconscious (4), 10. Family member (8), 11. Award (7), 13. Strangely (5), 15. Begin (5), 17. Fun-loving (7), 20. Single-storey residence (8), 21. A long walk (4), 22. Obstructs (6), 23. A rat (6).

DOWN: 1. Mumble (6), 2. Destroy (4), 3. Gazing (7), 4. A fruit (5), 5. Annual celebration (8), 6. Place of learning (6), 12. Fight (8), 14. Scowls (7), 16. Ridicules (6), 18. Mean (6), 19. Nearby (5), 21. Conceal (4).

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^^^ Hard sudoku solution on page 45

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FOOD & DRINK

Makingyourfoodfeel Summery To us in Scotland June is often the kindest month and with luck we can enjoy the wonderful very long days, flowers and food from the garden or allotment.

Gardeners may have their first new potatoes and broad beans, herbs will be well up and there are elderflowers, sorrel and garlic leaves we can harvest from the wild.

June is often a month people plan for outside events, galas and weddings. Summer celebration food is a British strength. Think of cold, decorated poached Scottish salmon, bowls of strawberries and meringues and puddings decorated with crystallized flowers or fruit. Rare roast beef sliced thin with tiny new potatoes and mint, followed by stewed apricots and cream are all simple and delicious.

This may all be a bit of a dream when you have a family to feed, not enough time and less in the budget than you hoped. There are still ways to make your food feel summery and leave you with to time to enjoy the long days and good weather if we get any.

PASTA WITH CREAM AND NEW VEGETABLES - Cook which ever shape of pasta you most enjoy and when it is ready have the following ready to add:

• A dash of olive oil • 1 egg beaten into ¼ pint double or whipping cream • Cooked asparagus chopped or new tiny broad beans or fresh peas just cooked.

• A rasher or 2 of thin crisp cooked bacon per person, broken up • Salt and a good grinding of black pepper • Chopped chives or mint or sorrel leaves.

Chose the herb which will go best with the veg you are eating. eg. mint with peas.

At the last moment add the veg, oil, herbs, bacon and then the cream and egg to the hot, drained pasta. Give it a quick mix to coat the pasta with the rest of the ingredients and there you 30 | THE DELL

Flower Petal Salad are…a quick summer meal making expensive ingredients go further and still tasting good.

FLOWERS IN FOOD - There are several flowers which are good to eat and when added to salads or as decoration to puddings give the dish a summery look, including nasturtiums, snapdragon, violas, borage, chive flowers and pot marigolds. For fun you can crystallize rose petals with egg white and caster sugar and use them on cakes. Both violets and roses can be found in the cake decorating shelves of the super-market.

ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL - On a dry day pick about 10 big heads of elderflowers. If you can, take them home quickly or keep them in a paper bag till you are there. This is because the dry flowers carry the yeast which will give the syrup a genuine flowery taste. If the flowers are wet they will make an unpleasant flavoured brew.

Put the elderflower heads in a heat proof bowl.

Slowly dissolve 450gm of sugar in ¾ pint of water. When this is done bring the syrup to the boil and then pour it over the elderflower heads.

Cover with a clean cloth and set aside to go cold.

Leave for a day to steep.

Bottle in a screw topped jar and keep in the fridge.

This can be diluted to taste with fizzy water, used to make elderflower water ice or be added to the fruit when cooking gooseberries.

This recipe and food notes were contributed

by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and can have pleasure preparing meals for their family and friends.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Few sights can melt a heart faster than a trail of tiny mallard ducklings wobbling after their mum.

Covered in soft yellow and brown down, these little paddlers are born adventurers. Mallards usually lay 8–13 eggs, and after about 28 days of incubation, all ducklings hatch within 24 hours of each other - because no one wants to be left behind!

Mallard ducklings are precocial, which means they’re up and moving almost immediately.

Within hours of hatching, they’re following mum to the nearest water source, learning to swim, dive, and dabble like pros. They might look like they’re just splashing about, but they’re busy picking up essential survival skills—and the odd water flea or two.

Staying warm is a full-time job when you’re a fluffy ping-pong ball, so ducklings huddle together or tuck under mum’s wings when they’re tired. While they can feed themselves from day one, mum keeps a watchful eye, warning them of danger and sometimes performing a very convincing “broken wing” act to lure predators away.

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In just two months, these fluffballs grow into fully feathered young ducks, ready to take their first flight. Until then, they’re busy exploring the world one paddle at a time adorable, curious, and just a bit clumsy.

So next time you see a family of mallards on your local pond, take a moment to admire the ducklings’ determination. They’re not just cute - they’re tiny dynamos navigating life’s big pond.

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 was shocked when I heard Councillor Val Walker had died. We were

elected to the City Council at the same time, in May 2022, and both served the Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart Ward though from very different political parties. We never sat on the same Committees, with her chairing Culture and Communities and me dividing time between the Education, the Transport, and the Governance Committees, though we often met at Merchiston or Craiglockhart Community Councils and from time to time on the stairs at City Chambers. On the Tuesday before she died my wife visited me. I spied Val along a corridor so called out and introduced her to my wife. We passed some pleasant minutes conversation on the stairs and that was the last I saw of her.

IIIIwas shocked when II heard Councillor Val had We were was shocked when Councillor Val Walker had died.

We were Iwas was shocked Iheard heard Councillor ValWalker Walker haddied. died.

We were I was was shocked shocked shocked when when when Iwhen heard I Iheard heard Councillor Councillor Councillor Val Walker Val Val Walker Walker had died. had had died. died.

We were We WeWard were were We didn’t always see eye to eye and came to blows once or twice jostling for credit on elected to the City Council at the same time, in May 2022, and both served the Fountainbridge

elected toto the City Council the same time, in May and both the elected tothe the City Council at the same time, in May2022, 2022, andserved both served theFountainbridge Fountainbridge elected elected elected to the to City the Council City City Council Council at theat at at same the the same time, same time, in time, May inin 2022, May May 2022, and 2022, both and and both both served served the Fountainbridge the the Fountainbridge issues, most notably when Controlled Parking Zones were rolled out.served However I Fountainbridge held athe lotsame of and Craiglockhart Ward though from very different political parties.

We sat on and Craiglockhart Ward though very different political parties.

We never on the and Craiglockhart Ward though from very different political parties.

Wenever never sat on the same and Craiglockhart and and Craiglockhart Craiglockhart Ward Ward though Ward though though from from from very from different very very different different political political political parties. parties. parties.

We never We We never sat never onsat sat sat the on on same the thesame same same respect for Val and our working relationship is a reminder that those with various outlooks and Committees, with herher chairing Culture and Communities and me dividing time between the Committees, with her Culture and Communities and me time between Committees, with chairing Culture and Communities and medividing dividing time between the Committees, Committees, Committees, with her with with chairing her herchairing chairing chairing Culture Culture Culture andstill Communities and and Communities Communities and for me and and dividing me me dividing dividing time between time time between between the the the the coming from different positions can come together a common good, be friendly and Education, the Transport, and the Governance Committees, though we met Education, the Transport, and the Governance Committees, though we often at Education, the Transport, and the Governance Committees, though weoften often metat Education, Education, Education, the Transport, the the Transport, Transport, and the and and Governance the the Governance Governance Committees, Committees, Committees, though though though we often we we often met often atmet met met atat at treat each other respectfully.

Merchiston or Craiglockhart Community Councils and from time to time on the stairs atatCity Merchiston or Craiglockhart Community Councils and from time to time on the stairs Merchiston or Craiglockhart Community Councils and from time to time on the stairs City Merchiston Merchiston Merchiston or Craiglockhart ororCraiglockhart Craiglockhart Community Community Community Councils Councils Councils and from and andfrom time fromto time time time totoon time time theon on stairs the thestairs at stairs Cityat atatCity City City Chambers.

On the Tuesday before she died my wife visited me.

I spied Val along a corridor Withshe a she history working in library services she looked very muchso Chambers.

On the Tuesday before died my wife visited me.

I spied Val along a corridor Chambers.

On the Tuesday before died my wife visited me.

I spied Val along a corridor so Chambers.

Chambers.

Chambers.

On the On On Tuesday the theTuesday Tuesday before before before she died she shemy died died wife my myvisited wife wifevisited visited me. me.

I me. spiedI Ispied Val spied along Val Valalong aalong corridor aacorridor corridor so so so so called out and introduced her to my wife. passed some pleasant minutes conversation on the part withWe small stature and speaking in a quiet whisper but called out and introduced her to my wife.

We passed some pleasant minutes conversation on called out and introduced her to my wife.

We passed some pleasant minutes conversation on calledcalled called out and out out introduced and andintroduced introduced her toher her mytowife. tomy mywife.

We wife. passed We Wepassed passed somesome pleasant somepleasant pleasant minutes minutes minutes conversation conversation conversation on on on the stairs and that was the last II saw of her. woe betide those who underestimated Val for she could hold the stairs and that was the last of her. the stairs and that was the last I her. saw her. the stairs the the stairs and stairs that and and was that that the was was last the the I saw last last Iof Isaw saw saw ofofof her. her. her own with strength and or boldness.

We didn’t always see eyeeye to to eye and came to blows for on Ward We didn’t always see eye and came to blows once or twice jostling for credit on We didn’t always see eye and came blowsonce once ortwice twicejostling jostling forcredit credit on Ward We didn’t We We didn’t didn’t always always always see eye see see toeye eye eye eyeto toto and eye eye came and and came to came blows tototo blows blows once once or once twice oror twice jostling twice jostling jostling for credit for for credit credit on Ward on onWard Ward Ward issues, most notably when Controlled Parking Zones were rolled out.

However I held a of The world continues and a By-election soonheld butaalot most notably Controlled Parking were rolled out.

However issues, most notably when Controlled Parking Zones were rolledHowever out.follows However lot of issues,issues, issues, issues, most most notably most notably notably whenwhen when Controlled when Controlled Controlled Parking Parking Parking ZonesZones Zones Zones were were rolled were rolled rolled out. out. out.

However However I heldII aIIheld held held lot of aalot lot lotof of of respect for Val and our working relationship is a reminder that those with various outlooks and whoever is elected in her place will have bigvarious shoes to fill. respect for Val and our working relationship is a reminder that those with outlooks and respect for Val and our working relationship is a reminder that those with various outlooks and respect respect respect for Val for for and Val Val our and and working our ourworking working relationship relationship relationship is a reminder isisaareminder reminder that those that thatthose with thosevarious with withvarious various outlooks outlooks outlooks and and and coming from different positions can still come together for aa acommon good, be friendly and coming from different positions can still come together for common good, be friendly and coming from different positions can still come together for common good, be friendly and was a come good and I common shall miss her. coming coming coming from from different fromdifferent different positions positions positions can Val still can can come still still together comeCouncillor together together for a common for for aacommon good, good, be good, friendly be befriendly friendly and and and treat each other respectfully. each other respectfully. treat each other respectfully. treat treat treat each treat other each each other respectfully. other respectfully. respectfully.

With aa history working in library services she very much working in services she looked very With ahistory history working library services shelooked looked very much With With With aWith history aahistory history working working working in library inininlibrary library library services services services she looked she she looked looked very much very verymuch much much the part with small stature and speaking in a quiet whisper but the part with small and in the part with smallstature stature andspeaking speaking inaaaaquiet quietwhisper whisper but the part the the with part part small with with small stature small stature stature and speaking and and speaking speaking in a quiet inin quiet whisper quiet whisper whisper but but but but woe betide those who underestimated Val for she could hold woe betide those who underestimated Val for she could hold woe betide those who underestimated Val for she could hold woe betide woe woebetide betide thosethose who thoseunderestimated who whounderestimated underestimated Val for Val Val she for for could she shecould hold couldhold hold her own with strength and her own with strength and boldness. her own with strength andboldness. boldness. her own her her with own own strength with with strength strength and boldness. and and boldness. boldness.

Email: cllr.christopher.cowdy@edinburgh.gov.uk Mob: 07514 318649 The world continues and By-election follows soon but The world continues follows The world continues andaaaaaBy-election By-election follows soonbut but The world The The world continues world continues continues and aand and By-election and By-election By-election follows follows follows soon soon soon but soon but but @CouncillorCowdy whoever is elected in her place will have big shoes to whoever is elected in her place will have big shoes to fill. whoever elected inher herplace place willhave have bigshoes shoes tofill. fill. whoever whoever whoever is elected isisis elected elected in herinin place her will place have will will big have shoes big big to shoes fill.toto fill. fill. was a good Councillor and I shall miss her.

Promoted by R Mohiuddin on behalf of CVal Cowdy, both of Edinburgh Conservatives, 16 Quality Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH4 5BU. Val was good Councillor and shall miss her.

Val was aCouncillor good Councillor andII miss I shall shallher. missher. her.

Val was Val Val awas good was aaagood good Councillor Councillor and I and shall and Ishall miss miss her.

Email: cllr.christopher.cowdy@edinburgh.gov.uk cllr.christopher.cowdy@edinburgh.gov.uk Email: cllr.christopher.cowdy@edinburgh.gov.uk Email:Email: Email: Email: cllr.christopher.cowdy@edinburgh.gov.uk cllr.christopher.cowdy@edinburgh.gov.uk cllr.christopher.cowdy@edinburgh.gov.uk @CouncillorCowdy @CouncillorCowdy @CouncillorCowdy @CouncillorCowdy @CouncillorCowdy @CouncillorCowdy

Mob: 07514 318649 Mob: 07514 318649 Mob:07514 07514 318649 Mob:Mob: 07514 Mob: 07514 318649 318649 318649

Promoted by R Mohiuddin on behalf of C Cowdy, both of Edinburgh Conservatives, 16 Quality Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH4 5BU. Promoted

by RbyMohiuddin on behalf of CofCowdy, both of Edinburgh Conservatives, 1616 Quality Street Lane, EH4 5BU. Promoted R Mohiuddin on CCowdy, Cowdy, both of Edinburgh Conservatives, Quality Street Lane,Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 5BU. Promoted Promoted Promoted Promoted by R Mohiuddin by by byRRRMohiuddin Mohiuddin Mohiuddin on behalf on on onof behalf behalf behalf Cbehalf Cowdy, of ofofCCCCowdy, Cowdy, both ofboth both Edinburgh both of ofofEdinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Conservatives, Conservatives, Conservatives, Conservatives, 16 Quality 16 16 16Quality Quality Street Quality Lane, Street Street Street Edinburgh, Lane, Lane, Lane, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 5BU. EH4 EH4 EH45BU. 5BU. 5BU.

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CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! FRIDAY 6TH & SATURDAY 7TH JUNE Currie Beer and Curry Festival - 40 tasty real ales, lager, wines, cider, prosecco and alcohol-free offerings. Live music.

Organised by Currie, Balerno and District Round Table and volunteers. All profits are given to local charities and good causes. Currie Community Centre, 6.00pm – midnight. Tickets in advance at cbdrt.com/events/beer-festival/2025/ SATURDAY 7TH JUNE Great Big Green Week - A host of free activities, stalls and information at TheHub@531, from 10.00am – 2.30pm. Drop in to hear from Edinburgh Community Solar Cooperative. Book to attend our river adventures (sessions for children 8+ and adults) or to make your own beeswax food wraps.

FRIDAY 13TH JUNE Rock Art - Paint pebbles or learn how to wrap stones using string (Japanese stone wrapping), our multi generational craft gives an opportunity for old and young to get together and enjoy some creative time. Free, donations welcome. 2.30pm – 4.00pm at The Hub@531, Juniper Green. Book via The Hub@531 online at hub531.appointedd.com SATURDAY 14TH JUNE Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm WEDNESDAY 18TH JUNE Macrame plant pot holders - Join us to have a go at creating your own plant pot holders using twine. Free, donations welcome. 7.30pm – 9.30pm at The Hub@531, Juniper Green. Book via The Hub@531 online at hub531.appointedd.com SATURDAY 21ST JUNE Make Music Day Festival - At Currie Library. Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician — young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion! If you are a local musician / group and would like to come and play please email your details at currie.library@ edinburgh.gov.uk. We will host live acts between 11.00am and 5.00pm.

“Unearthed Edinburgh” photography competition, by Edinburgh Libraries Run by Edinburgh Libraries, the theme celebrates both the city’s wonderful green spaces and gardening as forces for creativity, resilience and connection. We welcome photos which celebrate any green space in the city, from the Meadows to your window box! The competition is free to enter and open to all. All entries must be submitted via Edinburgh Collected (edinburghcollected.org) where they will become part of a community archive of Edinburgh memories.

Tell us in the accompanying description what makes the picture special to you and remember to add the tag “unearthed”. Entries will be judged on both their photographic merit and on the accompanying text.

There are fantastic prizes to be won!

• 1ST PRIZE – £100 book token • 2ND PRIZE – £50 book token • 3RD PRIZE – £25 book token The competition runs until 31 July 2025.

Make sure to read the Unearthed Edinburgh competition guidelines and terms and conditions - zurl.co/BvAtt - or if you have any queries, contact informationdigital@ edinburgh.gov.uk SUNDAY 29TH JUNE RNLI Queensferry Open Day - Our annual Open Day returns to Hawes Promenade in South Queensferry with lots for all the family to see and do. Alongside our lifeboat proudly on display we will have a range of stalls and activities. 12.00pm - 4.00pm. Please check RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat Facebook page for further details.

RNLI QUEENSFERRY FUNDRAISING TEAM seek new volunteers to support local fundraising events and activities including bucket collections, Open Day and Christmas activities; time commitment is flexible. If you would be interested in learning more, please do get in touch: queensferry.fundraising@gmail.com

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

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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 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. 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/ tea/coffee available. Contact: Joyce Rutherford on 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 APRIL CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Scrape, 8. Lumbar, 9. Sofa, 10. Tadpoles, 11. Usually, 13. Shuts, 15. Light, 17. Ascends, 20. Umbrella, 21. Cafe, 23. Annoys, 24. Expire.

DOWN: 1. Echo, 2. Banana, 3. Reptile, 4. Clyde, 5. Smooth, 6. Talented, 12. Slimming, 14. Ashamed, 16. Horror, 18. Escape, 19. Floss, 22. Fire.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKUS ON PAGE 28

(EASY)

OXGANGS NEIGHBOUR CENTRE CAFÉ - 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Bacon rolls, baked potatoes, toasties,specials, teas, coffees and cake. Sit in or takeaway.

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.

(HARD)

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