PLUS: real life, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, what’s on, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!
We’ve enjoyed pulling together a pot pourri of different content for The Dell Directory this month. There is no particular seasonal theme but as ever, highlighting and supporting our fantastic local organisations and businesses, and celebrating everything our area has to offer.
Local business Volta Automotive shares their expertise on what to look for when purchasing a second hand electric vehicle, and how there is more than meets the eye to understanding EV battery life, see page 17. For the local history article, I took advantage of a lovely meander across in South Queensferry to look into the history of the crossing, pre-bridges. The bridges are rightly very celebrated, but it was fascinating to look into the old landing places and how it was managed previously. I hope you enjoy the article – “semi-local” lad Robert Louis Stevenson gets a mention, and South Queensferry is always a lovely place for a walk, coffee, independent shops and ice-cream (speaking of ice cream, the recipe this month from Nutrition Scotland offers a seasonal ice cream idea).
“Core memories are made where little boots explore” is the message from Almond Valley (page 7) and is so true. Almond Valley is a fantastic day our, very easy to access in Livingston with plenty of parking, and outdoors fun and adventure for kids and indoors areas for rainy days too!
I hope you enjoy The Dell Directory this month! If you are involved in community groups or events that you would like help publicisingin future issues, please drop me a line.
All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638
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THE BUSINESS OF PIERS & PERILS –
BEFORE THERE WERE BRIDGES
In October 1809, a most melancholy accident occurred at the Newhalls Pier [now Hawes Pier, South Queensferry], owing to the very reprehensible practice of driving the coaches to the water’s edge along the piers, to receive passengers from the boats.
A young lady and a female servant were precipitated with the coach, into which they had just entered, into the water, and drowned before they could be extricated. The mother of the lady and a gentleman had nearly shared the same fate. Since that fatal day, which will not be speedily forgotten, the practice of driving on the pier has been abandoned.”
Since even before the days of Queen Margaret (see sidebar) who, nearly 1000 years ago embarked at the rocky ledgesthe Binks - to cross the Forth at its narrowest navigable point near Edinburgh, the best way of crossing this strip of water has been in constant evolution.
When boats where the only means of crossing, it was a complicated business with shared ownership of landing places, boats, and the rights to charge for crossing. In the 11th century, land totalling 17 acres had been dedicated by Queen Margaret to guarantee free access to the crossing for pilgrims en route to St Andrews. With land ownership changing over the centuries, local landowners leased out launch and landing rights to boat owners, who offered crossing services independently.
One of the main problems with this was the lack of safety checks on individual vessels and the difficulty of regulating the crossing. In the late 18th century the economic model was changed – boat owners were no longer allowed to run a crossing service, and all vessels were
owned by the landowners. Both landing rights and vessels were leased out to operators. This led to safer boats as they were regularly inspected by the owners, and the crossing was much more regulated. However, the landing places themselves were not well-maintained, and there were not enough of them given how busy the crossing had become for both commercial and private traffic. Funding for landing-place maintenance was allocated from percentage of the gross freight takings, and was insufficient to cover the necessary costs. The writer of the Old Statistical Account of South Queensferry, in 1796, describes watching people board and disembark at one of the landing places: “It is painful for a spectator to witness the difficulties passengers meet, the dangers to which they are exposed getting to and from that place, as
they have to scramble a considerable way among rocks and large stones, rendered slippery by being covered with wet seaweed. To this landing place the boatmen are often obliged to carry, with much jeopardy to themselves, the great mail on the north road.”
At the time of the tragic accident quoted at the top of this article, there were two piers here on the south side of the Forth – one at New Halls which was then a separate hamlet (the site of today’s Hawes Pier), and one in South Queensferry itself at the harbour. There were also natural landing places, including the Binks rocks, Queen Margaret’s original launch location.
The New Statistical Account of Queensferry tells us that in 1809: “There were no suitable piers, no superintendents, boats only at the North Ferry, where all the boatmen lived, other traffic at the wharfs unconnected with the passage, and the arrangements at the piers so incomplete, as to admit of passage only four and a half hours in each tide. The rates and dues belonged to individuals, and the jurisdiction was such, that the proprietors could not be compelled to keep the piers in a state of repair.”
Common Skin Conditions
Skin conditions can affect us all from old to young, at any time of the year. At your local pharmacies we can help and advise on many of these conditions. From fungal infections to dry skin, we have products and advice to relieve your symptoms.
Fungal skin conditions such as ringworm or athletes foot can be frustrating. We can provide antifungal creams and advice to help you clear these. Key considerations are keeping the affected area clean and dry and treating for at least 7 days after symptoms have cleared to prevent reoccurrence.
Dry skin conditions are uncomfortable and can disturb sleep. Regular moisturisation (at least four times daily) is key as well as considering what you are using to wash with. At times an antihistamine can be helpful to reduce the itch. Often regular longterm use of these products can be required for maintenance. We can provide a range of different products to suit your needs.
Eczema flares, commonly on hands or skin flexures, can be sore, we can provide short courses of mild steroids to bring things under control, combined with regular emollients to maintain the skins surface.
Cold sores are a viral skin infection requiring quick treatment to reduce spread and discomfort. Aciclovir cream five times daily can provide quick relief and prevent the infection spreading.
We can provide a range of these products on the NHS Pharmacy First Service, please pop in and chat to our colleagues. A larger range of skin conditions can be discussed with our prescribing pharmacist if required.
This Ask the Pharmacist column was contributed by Nicola Darge and Juliette Paton, Pharmacists at the Colinton Pharmacies.
BUYING A SECONDHAND EV? QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK ABOUT THE BATTERY
“With petrol or diesel cars, buyers base a judgement about engine condition on age and mileage. But EVs are not like this. The most important element is the battery, and its condition can vary significantly based on several factors - even if two cars have identical mileage and age,” says Kevin Mackay, Director of Volta Automotive.
Volta Automotive is a local business specialising in testing the State of Health (SoH) of EV and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle batteries. “The health and longevity of a battery are affected by factors such as the number of fast charges, whether the battery has been left on charge for long periods of time, temperature, day to day management of the battery, and repeated extreme charging and discharging,” Kevin explains.
As a buyer of a secondhand EV or PHEV, there is no way you can tell how the battery has been treated, and consequently it’s difficult to judge how much life you can expect to get from itand what its true value is.
That’s where Volta Automotive comes in. They provide a professional Battery State of Health assessment, which is a measure of the battery’s current performance compared to its original condition.
The chart illustrates how one car might have covered 124,300 miles with a battery health of over 90%, while another with the same mileage might have a battery health as low as 65%. A sample of cars manufactured in 2023 found that battery degradation was approximately 1.4% per year on average. This means one of these cars could have an additional 17 years of battery life compared to the other. Purchasing the one with the lower battery health would make a costly battery replacement necessary for continued viability – and this would need to be reflected in the sale price.
“The benefit of the tests I provide is the independent verification for buyer confidence and assurance,” says Kevin. “Overlooking the
battery State of Health when purchasing a used EV could be a very expensive mistake.”
If you already own an EV or PHEV, it’s worth getting a battery SofH assessment done to check on the range capacity, detect any hidden defects, predict battery replacement and to discover ways you can maximise your battery’s lifespan. When it comes to selling your car, a battery certification can also lead to a higher sale price and faster sale.
For more information on tests available, contact Kevin at Volta Automotive on 07701 260 120.
Mileage (mi)
State of Health (SoH %)
Rhubarb is in season in Scotland from early spring, March/April. Why not make this indulgent and creamy rhubarb ice-cream!
A delicious and unique treat for when you grow tired of the same old vanilla and strawberry flavours. This recipe is really easy and does not require any churning! Rhubarb is a source of potassium which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Research suggests that an adequate intake can help prevent high blood pressure.
Ingredients:
• 500g of chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb (7 or 8 medium sized stalks)
• 300g of sugar. If you prefer a tarter taste from the rhubarb, use slightly less sugar.
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice • 240g double cream
• (Optional) Add 1tsp of vanilla essence and ¼ teaspoon of red food colouring to the cream before whipping for a more intense pink colour.
Method:
1. Place the rhubarb and sugar into a saucepan and cook over medium heat for approx. 10 -12 mins, until the rhubarb becomes soft and the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and leave to cool.
2. Place the rhubarb mixture into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, cover and leave in the fridge for 15-20 minutes
3. Once cold, stir the lemon juice into the rhubarb puree.
4. In a separate bowl beat the cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Add the chilled rhubarb puree into the whipped cream folding in gently.
6. Transfer into a shallow freezer safe container and cover.
Recipe supplied by Nutrition Scotland www.nutritionscotland.org
My family and I love Nick Nairn’s beautiful Port of Menteith restaurant and cook school, located on the northern shore of the Lake of Menteith. It was a cold, damp, dreich day, with limited visibility of the Lake. However, the welcome into the restaurant warm and the menu was filled with a rich assortment of delicious comforting dishes.
My main dish, ‘Rump of Menteith hills hogget’ (meat from a young sheep, hogget bridges the gap between tender lamb and rich, intense mutton) was served with braised lentils, salsa verde, chicory and roasting juices. It was delicious and perfect for a cold February day! The hogget was cooked beautifully, and was savoury and delicious, but tender and distinctive. The braised lentils were the perfect accompaniment to the meat. It’s always nice to see a menu feature locally sourced, seasonal produce.
I was pleased to be tasked with selecting the wine. What to pair with everything? Hogget, black pudding, venison and red onion tart tatin. De Burgh Wine Merchants supply the wine and created a lovely wine list.
I wondered if I should select a pinot noir to pair with the different dishes. In the end I chose a Primitivo from Puglia, in the south of Italy. In the ‘heel of Italy’ the weather is hot and the grapes ripen, creating a rich, juicy wine with warm ripe characteristics. While my selection wasn’t perhaps a classic pairing for a lamb dish, this wine bought a touch of sunshine and warmth to a chilly day.
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
Besides the dangerous state of the piers and lack of supporting infrastructure, the accident may also have been a factor in pushing an application to Parliament in 1809 for a change in the way the crossing was regulated. The resulting Act of Parliament established a Trust, with Trustees drawn from various public offices, as well as the proprietor of New Halls estate and all those in the counties bordering the crossing who had a personal net worth of over 200 pound Scots. The Trust had the authority to construct piers, access roads, boatmen’s houses and other infrastructure. A mix of public and private funding was secured, with Parliament advancing half of the money and the other half met by individuals.
Scottish civil engineer John Rennie was engaged for the works, and by around 1812 four new piers were constructed on the south – New Halls Pier (replacing the original one), a small pier at Port Neuk (behind Honey Pot Creative, almost no remains), a pier at Port Edgar and Long Craig. Hawes Pier and Long Craig Pier slope into the sea, designed so that they can be used even at low tide. While Hawes Pier has been in constant use and has been resurfaced, the stonework on the Long Craig Pier is original, albeit repaired in places. The South Queensferry Lighthouse, nestled between the RNLI shop and the cruise ticket office, was built in 1812 as part of the works too, and was in operation until the Hawes Pier Light was installed in 1877. The Act introduced other regulations relating to the crossing, including that “not more than two thirds of the boats and yawls to remain at each side.”
The New Statistical Account quotes the following traffic figures for the crossing in 1811: An average of 228 persons crossed
per day, and up to 447. Annually, there were 1515 carriages, 4254 carts; 18,154 horses, 18,037 cattle, 23,151 sheep, 2018 dogs and 5590 barrels.
The arrival of steam navigation around 1820 was another major change. The steam boat “Queen Margaret” launched in 1821, made the crossing faster and less dependent on calm weather. Porters to attend to passengers on each side were employed by the trustees. It was more expensive to cross in the dark than in the light. Passengers exempt from the crossing fee included “mail horses or expresses from the post-office; soldiers on march, horses of officers, ordnance
Hawes Pier from the west
Long Craig Pier
William Brassey Hole, The Landing of St Margaret at Queensferry A.D. 1068, ‘National Galleries of Scotland’
carts, volunteers, if in uniform; carts carrying vagrants with the legal passes.”
Newhalls Pier (and Newhalls Inn) had become Hawes Pier and Hawes Inn by the time Robert Louis Stevenson visited in the 1880s, and set his novel Kidnapped here. The protagonist David Balfour is tricked into boarding a ship at Hawes Pier, with the promise that “the boat’ll set ye ashore at the town pier, and that’s but a penny stonecast from Rankeillor’s house.”
Hawes Pier was used regularly by passenger and cargo ferries until the opening of the Forth Road Bridge in 1964. The pier is now used by primarily by the RNLI and commercial sight-seeing tours. Long Craig
THE QUEEN’S FERRY
Queen Margaret was born in Hungary, the daughter of an 11th century English prince of the House of Wessex, who had been exiled there. When her father was named heir to the English throne in 1057, he took his family, including Margaret and her siblings Edgar and Cristina, back to England. Dying shortly after, he left Edgar as heir, who inherited the throne after the death of Harold at the Battle of Hastings. But he was never crowned – with the Normans victorious, the royal family fled north, not before Edgar had spent some time in the custody of William the Conqueror. They landed in Scotland and were welcomed by King Malcolm III. Within a year, Margaret was married to King Malcolm – it’s possible that they were previously betrothed. The wedding took place in Dunfermline where Malcolm had a palace. A devout catholic, Margaret funded a free ferry for pilgrims and the poor to cross the Forth to St Andrew’s Cathedral, and she also funded hostels on each side of the crossing. The settlements developed, giving rise to the name Queen’s Ferry (north and south). Margaret established a priory at Dunfermline which was later elevated to an Abbey and became the burial place of Scottish kings – and of Margaret herself. Malcolm and Margaret’s marriage was a long and happy one; she was extremely active and influential in Scottish religious life, and while Malcolm was not particularly religious himself he was happy for her to pursue her reforms. They had eight children. Margaret died at the age of 49 within days of learning that her husband and one of her sons had been killed at the Battle of Alnwick.
pier is used and maintained by the Scouts. Old stonework is still visible on the piers at Queensferry Harbour. Port Edgar was heavily used by the Royal Navy during both wars, and the associated development there makes it harder to trace the earlier infrastructure.
This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.
MARCH SUDOKU (HARD)
Crossword and Sudoku (EASY) can be found on p32. See p45 for solutions.
MARCH CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the APRIL edition
ACROSS: 7. Swap over (6), 8. To be on a ship (6), 9. Not new (4), 10. Outside (8), 11. Angry (7), 13. Funeral fires (5), 15. Almost two pints (5), 17. Below (7), 20. Observing (8), 21. Story (4), 23. Educational establishment (6), 24. Required (6).
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Joel Delahunty, Head Grower for The Free Company based at Cockdurno Farmhouse near Balerno.
Joel was delivering a course called “Growing Food At Home” and sharing tips on how they fill their Edinburgh Organic Fruit & Veg Box scheme all year round using ‘no dig’ regenerative farming methods.
Joel’s workshop on seed germination was insightful. All their annual plants are started early in seed trays indoors to give them enough time to reach maturity within our very short Scottish 5-month growing season outdoors.
Equipment required includes a waterproof heated seed mat plus an old fridge, each of which can be acquired for under £20. Mr H seems remarkably unphased by the fact that his beer fridge has been repurposed for my new seed propagation chamber. The overnight fridge temperature rose to 25 degrees with a single 10” x 20” seed mat placed in the bottom. My first germination test achieved 100% success for 10 out of date butternut squash seeds! They’ve been pricked out into a module tray and moved to an indoor grow tent until it’s safe to move them outside to the greenhouse. I may have to give some away as I wasn’t really expecting any of them to succeed.
Joel shared his 6-month calendar of which seeds he’ll sow each month to have them ready for planting in their final positions six weeks later. Timing it seems, is everything.
This column is contributed by Shona Harrower. Shona lives in Colinton and is passionate about low maintenance food production. She is Chair of the Friends of Campbell Park (FCP)
Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) is seeking friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver this year’s Art Trail on 15th –16th August, open daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Set in and around the villages of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Colinton in the beautiful Pentland Hills, the annual trail invites visitors to explore working studios, meet professional artists and discover a wide range of artwork. Volunteers play a vital role in making the weekend welcoming and enjoyable for all.
We are looking for:
• Flyer and poster distributors to help publicise the event in local villages ahead of the trail.
• Trail wardens to guide visitors between studios and villages during the trail weekend.
• Information hub volunteers to answer questions and hand out printed materials during the trail weekend.
• Studio support volunteers to assist artists in welcoming visitors and managing footfall during the trail weekend.
Shifts during the art trail are available in the morning or afternoon on one or both days.
Volunteering is a great way to support a much-loved local arts event, meet talented artists, experience the trail from behind the scenes and spend time in inspiring surroundings. As a thank you, volunteers will receive free coffee and cake during their shift. No previous experience is required — just a positive attitude and willingness to help.
To register your interest and indicate your preferred role and availability, please email volunteers@postudios.org
Help us make this year’s Art Trail a memorable celebration of art and community.
This article was contributed by Nicola Brisley, POSt Volunteers Coordinator. Website: postudios.org
be realistic, I love the promise that a new year holds, the “clean slate” potential!
IWsn’t it interesting that we wish one another a “happy new year” long after singing Auld Lang Syne – for weeks after boxing up the Christmas decorations and returning them to the loft.
ith my daughter’s wedding date fast approaching, I am starting to think about what to wear. For months friends have been asking me, “Have you got your Mother of the Bride outfit?” And I confess I have not given it much thought – there are lots of other things to do.
Regardless of what’s going on in our world and various concerns about issues in our own country, we hope that 2025 will be a good year. It would be wonderful to see peace achieved in at least one area where war is currently raging. And, on a personal level, we also hope to see growth and progress in our own life and in the lives of those we know and love, occasions to celebrate, good health and maybe even some fun surprises in the next 12 months.
I do understand that I am not allowed to wear the dress I wore to my other daughter’s wedding. (I did suggest it, but received horrified looks). I also understand that, while I don’t have to match the bridesmaids, what I wear shouldn’t clash with their dresses. And I need to look good – without taking any attention from the bride. These are all the givens. Add to that my own requirements: that it be comfortable to wear and not extortionately priced. A lot to ask for, but I’m not too worried.
Unfortunately, I am going to have to wear something on my feet too. And this is the part of the equation that strikes terror in my heart. I’m sure I will be able to find shoes that go with whatever dress I end up purchasing. But … will I be able to walk in them?
I’m focusing on the “new” in “Happy New Year”. I’ve not exactly made any new year’s resolutions. This tradition seems to be becoming less popular - social media posts regularly tell us that we don’t need to strive to improve, we are “enough” as we are, we shouldn’t load ourselves up with goals and then feel guilty when we can’t achieve them. Although I agree that it’s good to
If you live in Balerno, you too may have been delighted to see snow falling early morning on New Year’s Day. I stood at our glass patio door and watched as sleet turned to big white snowflakes that quickly covered our garden and bedecked the trees. It was a wonderful illustration of the “it’s all fresh and new” theme.
For years I have struggled to find shoes that look good with smart outfits and also feel comfortable. Friends agree with me that this gets more and more difficult as women get older. Our feet want support, so flats are out and heels are out.
Some women tell me they have switched to wearing little white trainers with dresses. But I can’t do the “little” part with my size 8 feet! Nevertheless a couple of years ago I bought some white trainers for this purpose. It was my birthday and my husband and I were going out for a meal. I was happy with my dress, but the trainers seemed to call attention to the length of my feet! It made me think of a clown’s shoes. And I recalled someone telling me about her adolescent son, who’d had a recent growth spurt. “All of a sudden he’s so tall and thin – and his feet are so long! When he turns sideways, he looks like a capital ‘L’!” Vanity kept me from wearing white trainers that night. Instead I slipped on a pair of not-thathigh heels. Big mistake. By the end of the evening I was walking barefoot down Princes Street, not caring that the pavements were freezing in April!
Signing up for a Pilates class was a new thing for me at the beginning of 2024. And it has been a positive change. I may not be as proficient as many in the class, I struggle to do some of the stretches because of a knee issue, and I sometimes have a hard time resisting dancing to the background music when I should be listening to the instructor. But I know the exercise is doing me good. I’m not sure what new thing(s) I will do/ encounter this year, but I will keep my eyes and ears open for them.
When my eldest daughter was in primary school, she decided to try something new. I heard about it from another mum, who had been at the school to watch her daughter do Highland dancing in an assembly. “I didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said. So I explained that she didn’t, although she was in a ballet class. “That’s strange,” said my friend. “At the assembly the children who took Highland dance lessons were invited to go to the centre of the floor and perform. I thought your daughter did rather well.”
Later I asked my child why she had done this. “Oh,” she said. “I thought the teacher said, “Will all children who would like to do Highland dancing please come forward now? So I went.”
I own many pairs of shoes. But it’s not because I absolutely love footwear! It’s because I buy a pair – convinced they fit, and then start getting issues with them later. Even when I was a girl, shoe shopping was difficult. I remember visiting a shop with my Grandma once, and apologising to the sales assistant: “Sorry, I guess my feet are too big.” Grandma corrected me, “Your feet are not too big, Suzie. Their shoes are too small!”
Do something new this new year.
If you are coming to the wedding, do me a favour and don’t look at my feet.
real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.
real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.
SUZANNE GREEN
Work hard, be kind, be yourself.
At George Heriot’s School, our values matter.
We deliver a sector-leading education, one which creates kind young people who think independently, work hard, and discover their full potential in an inclusive environment.
Visit george-heriots.com and apply for a place for your child today.
George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust. Scottish Charity Number SC011463.
SAT 7TH MARCH & SUN 8TH MARCH
Oxgangs Primary School Stage Club - Oxgangs Stage Club makes its debut show! Around 40 Oxgangs pupils have been working hard on what will be an incredible show. Come support our pupils dancing, acting and singing their way through Peter Fae the Pans. Churchill Theatre, Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DR, Saturday 7th March @ 12.00noon and Sunday 8th March @ 7.00pm. Tickets £8, available at fienta.com/s/ peter-fae-the-pans-ops
MONDAY 9TH MARCH
Interceptor Sewers - Water of Leith Conservation Trust Member Talk. Join Andy Arthur (Threadinburgh.scot) for this journey into the river’s ‘dirty’ past and how Victorian Edinburgh cleaned up the Water of Leith. 7pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ. £7, members free. Booking and info at www.waterofleith.org.uk/ whats-on/
MONDAY 9TH MARCH
Book Presentation: debut novelCatherine Awoyode has recently published her first novel "Alora, the Prophecy" at just 13 years of age. We will have the pleasure of hosting her presentation in Colinton Library on the 9th March, for International Women's Day (week), where she will tell us about how she wrote it and published it. 6.00pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thornburn Road, Colinton
WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH
“Phenomenal Women’s Poetry” workshop - We have the privilege to host Kate Millar's workshop "Phenomenal Women's Poetry" at Colinton Library. Millar is a poet, essayist and educator from Edinburgh who will accompany us in a journey to the legacy of women's voices in poetry through writing exercises. Everyone is welcome. 6pm – 8pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thornburn Road, Colinton.
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
WED 4TH MAR - “A Virtual Walk Through 1950 & 1960’s Edinburgh” an illustrated talk by Stuart Sinclair
WED 18TH MAR - “Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance” an illustrated talk by Neil Malcolm and Alan Hunter
WED 1ST APRIL - “The Mystery of the Stone of Destiny” an illustrated talk by David Maule
Spaces are limited. To book your space contact Colinton library at:0131 529 5603 / colinton.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
SATURDAY 14TH MARCH
Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm
MONDAY 23RD MARCH
Spring Concert from the Colinton & Merchiston Community Choir - We will be performing Mozart’s Requiem, accompanied Morley Whitehead on the organ and a small orchestra, all under the direction of our inspiring Director of Music, Timothy Coleman. Memorial Hall, Merchiston Castle School, 8pm (door open 7:30pm). Tickets £10 and £5 for under 16’s, available from choir members or at the door (cash only). We are very grateful to MCS for the use of the Memorial Hall.
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.
CONSERVING THE PAST, CREATING THE FUTURE: AN
UPDATE FROM COLINTON VILLAGE ENTERPRISE
Work continues behind the hoarding in Spylaw Park as the former “Shed” begins its transformation into Colinton’s Heritage Hub.
Although the site may look dramatically changed, key historic elements remain. The original stone walls are still in place, and each stone from the dismantled pillars has been carefully numbered and stored for rebuilding once the structural work is complete.
Recent archaeological investigation has reshaped our understanding of the building’s history. Early Ordnance Survey maps show a different structure on the site in 1855. By 1894, however, the footprint matches the present building, following significant changes in the area including construction of the Colinton Tunnel as part of the Balerno Branch Line. Over time, the building appears to have shifted in use — from agricultural purposes to a coach house, later adapting for motor vehicles and eventually serving the railway.
Below ground, progress has been slower than planned due to the discovery of bedrock. While this added time and complexity to the groundworks, it has enabled the new foundations to be securely anchored. A new concrete floor has now been poured, marking a significant construction milestone. Attention will soon turn to the next major phase — rebuilding and raising the roof.
SUPPORTING THE PROJECT
This redevelopment is a community-led effort, and continued support is vital as we move into the next stage.
If you would like to contribute:
• Scan the QR code (below) or
• Visit cventerprise.org/donate to donate via bank transfer
We are holding a public meeting on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7.00pm at Dreghorn Loan Hall, offering an opportunity to hear more about the project’s progress and future plans.
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
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 Alan Davies on 07568 723303. Email: alan_davis@live.co.uk
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
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 CLUBCome 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/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. 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 CLUBCome 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
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A thriving local grassroots jazz club is continuing to strike a chord with audiences across Balerno and Juniper Green. The Juniper Green Note, based at Baberton Golf Club, recently celebrated another sellout evening, this time featuring acclaimed Scottish violinist and vocalist Seonaid Aitken.
Founded and curated by local pianist John Elliott, the club began as a small pop-up jazz night and has grown steadily through word of mouth. It has quickly earned a reputation for presenting high-quality live music in an intimate, friendly setting — the kind of room where audiences listen closely, feel part of the performance, and even have space to dance.
Seonaid’s appearance proved a perfect match for the club’s welcoming atmosphere. Her expressive playing and engaging stage presence created a memorable evening, with several audience members taking to the floor as the night unfolded. It’s this
relaxed, inclusive feel that keeps people coming back.
The Juniper Green Note’s success reflects a strong appetite locally for shared live experiences rooted in community. However, with performances now frequently selling out — and no tickets available on the door — early booking is essential. New acts are already booked well into 2026.
If you’d like to support this growing grassroots music night and make sure you don’t miss out, visit greennote.club to purchase tickets in advance and also sign up there to the mailing list for upcoming concerts.
