Spotlight Magazine - Issue #16 - November / December 2021

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Welcome to the November/December issue of Spotlight Magazine!

W

ell, we’ve nearly made it to the end of another challenging year. I hope you are able to celebrate the end of 2021 however and with whomever you like.

Also, let’s hope that we all remain free to go about our lives without too many restrictions in place. To help you do this, we have a very special edition of Spotlight for you that celebrates the best of business in the local area and (hopefully) inspires you with some Christmas gift ideas for the special people in your lives.

A warm welcome to Oir - the latest subscriber to join the Spotlight family. Have a look at pages 26 & 27 to see some of the fantastic, luxury organic soaps that are available from this new business. Like many local enterprises, it is run passionately

by Jolene Roberts, a lady with a mission to make great soap that is kind to the planet by reducing single use plastic in its packaging. As we have witnessed, the recent COP26 has brought issues like this to the front of everyone’s mind so it is great to see change happening at a local level. As always, we have a thought provoking article in this issue by Rev David Cameron that touches on these themes, entitled No Earthly Good?

There has never been a better time to Shop Local than now. It saves you time (no waiting for deliveries or making trips to out of town retail parks), it supports the local economy and saves on transportation and fuel as theres often no postage or shipping involved! Better yet, as this issue demonstrates, there are some wonderful gifts available to buy on your doorstep! Check out our special features on pages 21-23. Bear in mind that there is also a late night shopping event planned for the 2nd and 3rd of December on Queensferry High Street when many of your favourite local shops will stay open late for you to shop after work.

Once more, last month, we hosted, courtesy of our friends at Ferguson’s Carpeting & Flooring, another Spotlight Social evening. With refreshments supplied by The Little Parlour this was event designed to bring all business and community magazine contributors to see how we can best support each other in our day to day lives. This might be through a business referral or sharing valuable knowledge and experience. It is great example of how Spotlight is so much more than a printed magazine. To take part in the next one, you simply need to be a Spotlight subscriber.

Spotlight continues to work with our community partners at Queensferry Parish Church, The Rotary Club of South Queensferry and the Queensferry & District Community Council to bring you news of what is happening in the area. In this issue, we are also reporting on a new initiative, Queensferry Community Development Trust, and Friends of South Queensferry Cemetery and the Vennel Kirk’s Church Burial Ground. I’m delighted to also feature Kirkliston’s Village Hall Association which, although is not new, is being featured here for the first time. If you run an organisation or charity that would benefit from being featured in Spotlight, just drop us a line at spotlight@wordsandpicturesUK.com and we’ll happily discuss your requirements. We’re especially keen to hear from more groups in Kirkliston, Newton and Dalmeny.

As the year draws to a close, our thoughts naturally turn to the year ahead but perhaps, like me, you have given up trying to predict what will happen next in this crazy world! So maybe it is best to simply take each day at a time. Let’s limit our focus to just another day, a week and maybe month, one by one. I wish you good health and happiness for 2022 and would like to thank all our readers, contributors, advertisers and distributors for having helped Spotlight go from strength to strength over the last year. Please submit your contributions for the January / February edition by Friday 31st December at the very latest.

Alistair Pryde Spotlight Editor

Special thanks: Special thanks to all our contributors, contact details are listed with features where appropriate.

Advertising sales & enquiries: spotlight@wordsandpicturesUK.com

Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this publication, Spotlight Magazine is not responsible for 3rd party content submitted in good faith from contributors. Due to Covid-19 restrictions in place, readers should check with advertisers directly before making bookings or purchases. Spotlight Magazine is a Words & Pictures publication. Write to us at 48 High Street, South Queensferry, EH30 9HN.

Back issues available online at: www.wordsandpicturesUK.com/Spotlight

Keep your stories coming: spotlight@wordsandpicturesUK.com

Cover picture: Christmas Tress decoration, available from Allium photographed by Alistair Pryde.

Editorial & pictorial enquiries: alistair@wordsandpicturesUK.com

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No Earthly Good?

O

liver Wendell Holmes, Snr., is attributed with the quote “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” The same sentiment found its way into Johnny Cash’s song in the 70’s - ‘No earthly good’ where he sings: “You’re shinin’ your light, and shine it you should, / But you’re so heavenly minded you’re no earthly good”.

As a Church minister I can understand why such a sentiment might well be labelled at us in the church and yet at the heart of Christianity is an invitation to a way of living that calls us to become so heavenly minded that we become of great earthly good!

When confronted by his critics Jesus on one occasion was invited to sum up what his message was and simply put he said : “Love God – Love others.” These two invitations would ensure that anyone who followed him would know from the outset that the upward and the outward were intrinsically linked – one inspired the other and one revealed the fruit of the other.

Towards the end of his ministry and before leaving his disciples, he set before them a more specific manifesto, found in Matthew’s gospel at chapter 25 verses 31-46. Here he invited those who would follow him to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, to welcome the stranger, provide for those in need, care for the sick and visit the prisoner. All in all a sure fire way to ensure that his followers didn’t become so heavenly minded that they were of no earthly good!

Our words and our actions go hand in hand and nowhere is this going to be seen more clearly than at events happening at the end of the M8 this month.

The month of November will begin with the eyes and ears of the world on a certain city not 50 miles from us here in Queensferry – Glasgow. It will, as we all know, be hosting COP26.

By the time you read this one key issue will have become clear – was it just a talking shop or will it result in life saving actions that will help save this glorious and fragile planet we call home?

We will all have our own views on the outcome of such an event and the decisions and promises made by those who will be there. Along the way we will no doubt we’ll be invited to carry out a lifestyle audit reflecting on the ways we impact our planet – so how about undertaking a similar audit on the manifesto set out by Jesus?

For all of us, the gifts, talents, abilities and resources that we have at our disposal can be used to bring change and transformation to those around us and to the glorious and fragile planet we call home So let me invite you to find your inspiration for such an adventure - you might even explore becoming so heavenly minded that you become of even greater earthly good!

Happy world changing!

David Rev David Cameron

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The Ferry Brewery The first brewery in the Ferry since 1851

H

ow much do you know about the Ferry Brewery? Regular visitors to the first brewery to operate in Queensferry since 1851 may know, but many readers will be unlikely to be aware of the rich traditions and history of beer brewing that are associated with the area. It’s something that Mark Moran has worked hard over the years to recreate and remain faithful to… and the evidence is in the beer that is made.

For example, there’s the wee heavy Loony Brew which goes on sale on New Year’s Day, in celebration of the wellknown Loony Dook. Not to mention the very tasty Ferry Fair – a lighter ale that celebrates the crowning of the Queen at the annual Ferry Fair Festival. Or perhaps you’d prefer the Burryman IPA? This is brewed using ingredients such as the root of the burdock, the same plant that adorns the Burryman on his annual tour of the burgh!

Visitors to the Ferry Brewery’s tap room at Bankhead Steading will be regaled of these tales and stories by Mark as he tends bar to his thirsty customers. It’s no coincidence either that these stories are so detailed, or that the beers are so thoughtfully brewed in sympathy with their surroundings. Mark worked with the Queensferry History Group to research the origins of brewing in the area and to ensure that it was encapsulated in the beer itself.

A walk around Queensferry will reveal this history to you – from the obvious Brewery Close (site of just one of the breweries in the ‘Ferry back in the day) to some slightly more obscure references. For example, did you know that the streets Moubray Grove, Lowrie Gait and Young Drive all take their names from witches that were burned at the stake during the 18th century at Ferrymuir?

It is these same 3 witches that also inspired one of Mark’s best-selling beers, award-winning Witches Brew.

The history doesn’t stop there with bridges and ferry boats and other icons of the place all skilfully woven into the range of beers that Mark makes. There is a long list of historical figures more closely associated with art of brewing that have also inspired Mark, making sure that he follows in their footsteps.

For example, John Martine was a very well-known brewer in Queensferry.

Between 1831 and 1832, Martine wrote the Brewing Manuscript which subsequently inspired The John Martine Series from the Ferry Brewery including 2020 Beer of the Year, Black, a Licorice Porter and award-winning Ferry Stout! In the manuscript, Martine makes frequent references to the purchase of malt, from kilns owned by John Dudgeon, owner

DISCOUNT VOUCHER Take 15% OFF all beers during the month of January & February 2022 www.ferrybrewery.co.uk of Almondhill Farm. Thomas Miller, originally a shipowner, turned to brewing and made a Porter Beer, also emulated

by Mark. Miller was so successful that he gifted the town 10 oil lamps to illuminate parts of the original high street!

Not all the beers available are inspired by the past, and Mark is creating history with their modern canned range in their Koolship Series and Mixology Series using a mixology style that has a range of flavours and infusions.

There really is a lot to learn (and drink!) at the Ferry Brewery – well worth a visit for a tour, or just a drink. The Ferry Brewery is independent multi award-winning and their beers are either award winners or finalists in several beer competitions. For availability and timings, check out their website or @ TheFerryBrewery on Facebook and see some of the fabulous range of beers available in our Shop Local feature on pages 21-23. You can contact the Ferry Brewery at Bankhead Farm Steading, Bankhead Rd, South Queensferry or on 0131 331 1851 or by emailing info@ ferrybrewery.co.uk

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Protecting What Matters After speaking with Alastair from Whyte Sharp Independent in the May/June edition of Spotlight, we followed up with him to find out more about what he is speaking to people about just now, with regards to their finances.

We always talk about the basis of a sound financial plan being secured by protecting what matters most to you, and the last 18 months have shown that this has never been so important. Whether it is protecting your family from the financial impact of losing a loved one or ensuring that there continues to be a regular income payable into the household should there be a disruption to an income source. This could be due to illness, particularly in these times when more and more people are becoming self-employed and suddenly wouldn’t be entitled to the £96.35 Statutory Sick Pay for 28 weeks that an employed individual

would be entitled to. Over 50% of the UK adult population don’t have protection in place*, and we always ensure that it is something we speak about every time we conduct a review with both new and existing clients to make sure there is a plan put in place to insure against these risks. 46% of households feel that losing their income

is one of their biggest worries if they are unable to work, yet households are 4 times more likely to insure their pet than their income** The insurance market is as competitive as ever, and with many of our clients looking to either take out new cover or review cover already in place then we are getting a good insight into how competitive it really is, and what each insurer is offering as part of their packages as this has also changed a great deal over the years. Many providers are now offering what they call Added Value Benefits which means that by taking insurance out they may offer you access to 24/7 GP appointments by phone or video call, or offer prescription delivery services.

It might be that a more personal touch is more important and that is why some are offering services such as mental health counselling, nurse services, and even second medical opinion services. They usually don’t require a claim to be made to use some of these services either.

We are also finding that people are seeking advice specifically in this area rather than trying to organise this either directly or through a comparison website. One reason for this is wanting to know exactly what they should be insured for, and how much insurance they need as there are many different options out there which can make it seem complicated. Another reason is that there could be underlying health issues or a history of family illness which is making it difficult to obtain cover directly. By taking advice then the adviser would be able to give guidance on which companies would be able to offer insurance in specific circumstances.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your overall financial plans, including protection, then please don’t hesitate to contact Alastair. Why not arrange to speak with him at either his office in South Queensferry or St Andrews by calling 07368 936848 or 01334 470999. You can also reach him via email at alastair@ whytesharp.co.uk *credit:FCA, Financial Lives Survey, 2020 **credit: Legal & General, Deadline to Breadline, 2021

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Shop Local This Christmas!

H

ave a look at these great gift ideas, all available locally. There is a local late night shopping event, Festive Ferry, in which many of these businesses participate that takes place on 2nd and 3rd December. It is worth checking out their facebook pages and websites for details of special offers. Many of our advertisers are offering discounts and deals to readers - check out the very special rates from Rogue Detailing and The Ferry Brewery for example. Elsewhere in this issue you can see some of the fantastic products on offer from Allium, Oir and The Little Parlour.

Luxury, organic, handmade soaps by Oir - a new local business in Queensferry.

Choose from 6 fantastic scents that include peppermint, lavender, patchouli & tea tree; rosemary, ho leaf and geranium; lemongrass, pink grapefruit, clary sage and rosemary; cedarwood, clary sage, rose geranium and vetiver; rose geranium; lemongrass and cinnamon.

There is also an unscented version. £10 each. For more details see feature on p26- p27. Visit oirsoap.co.uk, and use the code SPOTLIGHT to get 20% off all purchases.

If you would like to spoil your four legged friend this Christmas then The Little Pad has a range of doggy treats to suit every budget. From advent calendars to luxury treats visit the shop at 44 High Street, South Queensferry or visit facebook @TheLittlePad. 21

For the beer lover in your life, a trip to the Ferry Brewery might be all they need for Christmas, there’s so much to choose from. For example, you could start with some canned beers from their flagship range which include a lovely pils, a sturdy porter beer and a beautiful Vienna lager. Or if you are feeling more adventure, try some cans from their koolships range which include several IPAs and New England IPAs. Or bring your beer tasting right up to date with the funky new mixology style flavours and gose beers Cans start from £2.25 each.

Christmas Pack if you order before the end of December 2021. Club membership is limited so don’t wait! Email the brewery direct at orders@ferrybrewery.co.uk for more details or to buy a voucher.

See our feature on p30 - p31 for a stunning range of gifts for everyone. From artisan, locally produced works of art, to gifts designed with quirky Scottish humour in mind, a visit to Allium is a must for any Christmas shopper.

Or you can always choose from the award winning range of bottled beers including the fantastic John Martine series or from some of the best known and loved flavours that have helped make The Ferry Brewery so popular, including Ferry Fair, 40/-, Witches Brew and Burryman.

Bottled beers start at £3 each.

For anyone who missed out on a school photo this year, bring the kids to Words & Pictures at 48 High Street, South Queensferry. Book in for a school photo all prints and blocks are 3 for the price of 2. Make an appointment online at either www.wordsandpicturesuk.com or facebook @wordsandpicturesUK. You can also call the studio on 0131 319 2105.

Pop into the Ferry Brewery and you will also be able to choose from a specially available range of Christmas beers and Kegs (£21 each). We have, however, saved the best for last... The Ferry Brewery Beer Club! For just £299 you will receive a case of 12 beers every month during 2022. You will also receive a Club 22

For the ultimate car lover gift though, it has to be the Rogue membership.

This comes with a Bloody Good Clean, The Littlest Rogue, 30% off all future bookings, a £20 merchandise voucher and a hand picked box of goodies. Visit facebook @Rogue.Detailing.SQ or www. roguedetailing.co.uk for more details.

For the petrol heads and car lovers in your life, Rogue detailing has a range of offers. See p36- p37 for more details but a great value gift idea is this range of vehicle cleaning products: Any 3 bottles (500ml) with a free bag from £24.00 save up to 50%!

We can’t get enough of the sweet (and savoury) treats on offer at The Little Parlour. This year, you can fill a hamper with all sorts of sweets, treats, biscuits, candies, chocolate bars and more. There are luxury items too like speciality coffees, jams, conserves and even an alcohol free liqueur! The Little Parlour staff are on hand to advise, pack, wrap and deliver. Check our the advert on p29 for a voucher to redeem instore when you visit.

If you’re not sure what the motorist in your life would like, then the easy option is always a voucher! These gift vouchers available for car detailing services or car care products in store and are nicely packaged to look good under the tree!

23

Kirkliston Village Hall Initiative A

proposal by the Kirkliston Village Hall Association (KVHA) to erect a new hall will encourage greater cohesion between long term and new residents and will make the village a better community. It is also reasonable to assume that the demand for facilities in the village will increase over the next few years due to the new housing developments taking place so demand for such a facility is growing.

result, vulnerable residents in Kirkliston are not able to access the same support services as other residents of Edinburgh.

To date, KVHA has conducted two surveys which indicate that there is sufficient demand in the village to justify another community hall. The usage of other facilities also indicates that there is little spare capacity elsewhere. KVHA has received letters of support from other groups struggling to secure hall space. Dialogue with future user groups also indicates that this is a sustainable concept. Local MSPs, MPs, Councillors, and the Community Council have also lent their support to the project.

The KVHA committee consists of six members with a diverse range of skills, experience and existing community involvement. The various members collectively have strengths in business planning, banking, IT and legal/compliance, structural engineering and is supported by consultancy from a community centre manager with 35 years experience.

Most recently, a cheque was presented to the KVHA Building Fund for £4023.33 raised from the Charity Classic and Vintage car show held at ConiFox Adventure Park on Sunday 15 August.

KVHA would like to thank all those who attended and who helped organise the event, especially to ConiFox and their team for hosting the event. A short video of the event is available at youtu.be/ KZgp8aRpo9Q. A repeat show in 2022 is planned for Sunday 14 August.

A new hall would also support groups providing services for vulnerable families, like Homestart, who currently find it difficult to provide services in the village because of the lack of premises.

Homestart has been unable to secure regular permanent premises in Kirkliston and this prevents them from seeking local volunteers to extend services. As a 24

Friends of South Queensferry Cemetery and the Vennel Kirk's Burial Ground

F

riends of South Queensferry Cemetery and the Vennel Kirk's Burial Ground has been established with support of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Cemeteries Management Team.

The Friends Group will liaise with the Edinburgh Cemeteries Management Team on an agreed program of maintenance, preservation, and improvement.

Among the aims and objectives of the Friends Group is the preservation, conservation, sympathetic restoration, and enrichment of both sites for the public benefit, including exploration of ways to enhance safe, enjoyable, educational, and respectful visitor experience to the cemetery and burial ground.

A Friends Volunteer Group has been established which aims to build upon the maintenance carried out by Edinburgh

Council and to include litter picking, flower planting and maintenance, tidying, path sweeping, maintenance of bird, bat, and insect boxes, etc.

The Friends Group welcomes enquiries, both from people interested in joining the Committee and those who would like to join the Friends Volunteer Group.

Contact: Neill Walker, fsqcvk@hotmail.com or Jane Harkin, 07554 007763

Òir Soap: Sustainable Luxury J

olene Roberts has become increasingly conscious of her personal impact on the planet and felt that using an average of a bottle of shower gel each week was too much - 52 bottles in the recycling every year for showering alone. Also like many of us, Jolene loves a little luxury, which is sometimes conflicting!

“I wanted to find a better alternative, that also supported small businesses, so started buying handmade soap. It was with mixed experience. I found significant differences in quality including moisture, scent and lather, and while some were great, others were still made with some unnatural and unsustainable ingredients.

Once I’d figured out that I wanted to use a completely natural soap bar, I looked into how to make soap myself. I’m very crafty and love a project, and this seemed

like the perfect hobby. I found it really relaxing and was instantly hooked. So hooked, I decided to set up Òir.

For me, my soap had to be practical and help people ditch the shower gel, but also feel like luxury, it needed to feel like a real treat in the shower. And crucially, it had to be made from 100% natural and sustainable ingredients. Palm oil was a no-no right from the off due to its links to rainforest deforestation. This made it a lot trickier as palm oil is a great base for soap which, is why it’s so heavily used in the industry. But I’m not one to take the easy route!

My husband had to forego his man-cave for a while as batches of soap appeared from everywhere. But after a lot of trial and error, and the love of family and great friends who provided loads of constructive feedback, Òir was born.” Òir means gold in Gaelic, a nod to Jolene’s roots, and the luxury she has managed to create. The final product has been perfected through rigorous testing, refining and enhancing.

Every bar of soap is handmade in South Queensferry, there’s no fancy equipment, chemicals or a factory. It’s just Jolene and her passion for premium quality products that don’t cost the earth.

Visit oirsoap.co.uk, and use the code SPOTLIGHT to get 20% off all purchases.

Transformed Gardens at The Haven are Officially Opened F

riday 17th September saw the opening of The Haven garden at Queensferry Churches Care in the Community centre for senior citizens and other groups.

With Covid restrictions limiting the normal range of Rotary activities, the Queensferry Club focused on improving and refurbishing community facilities. Club members carried out a complete renovation, redecoration and replanting of the garden.

At the reception Liz McIntosh, Joint General Manager of The Haven, thanked President Derek Clark, Immediate Past President Irene Brownless and project leader Craig MacKenzie on behalf of QCCC. She said the Rotarians' hard work had transformed the gardens which are really appreciated not only by Day Club Members but also by staff and visitors.

Before

Images show the transformation that took place, together with the plaque in memory of the late Rev John Carrie, which was lovingly restored by Rotarian, Gerald Smith.

After 28

Christmas Hampers!

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Hampers start from £10, to order just visit the shop or reach out to us as follows:

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Phone: 0131 629 5160 Instagram: @littleparloursq Facebook: @thelittleparloursq Email: littleparloursq@gmail.com

29

Christmas at Allium!

Everyone at Allium believes in thoughtful gifting with objects that can be kept for many years and this extends to practical items that can be reused in day to day life. The Organic Company make a fantastic range of products to help you do just that.

Naasgransgarden £28; High Hat Family Snow Globe by Naasgransgarden £24

The Organic Company My Organic Bag £22; The Organic Company Make up pads £8.50

Scotland has a wealth of talented makers and designers and Allium shows off many of the best. Ivy and Twine is a small business based in Fife making a fantastic range of vegan, eco-friendly candles, wax melts and lotions. Highland Stoneware has been creating highly collectable hand-painted pottery since 1974, continuing to add to their range of practical yet beautiful pieces. Finally, based right here in Queensferry, Rosie Hay Ceramics and Simmerdim Design.

Rosie hand throws pottery with amazing glazes while Sally at Simmerdim Design not only makes stunning glass art but is also part of the team at Allium.

Swedish Santas, or Tomte, are designed

by Naasgransgarden and feature a range of characters to bring joy to Christmas.

The Forth Bridge decoration is made in Fife by a family run business and comes in three tartan colourways, lightweight, it’s especially good for posting.

Left to right from front: Max and Elmer Glass Bauble by Naasgransgarden £20; Forth Bridge Hanging Decoration by LT Creations £6; Max and Elmer (Set of 2)

by Naasgransgarden £26; Tall Santa by 30

Continuing the focus on handmade and locally sourced products we have a range of homeware gifts made in Fife as well as pens hand turned in Edinburgh which are made using a sleeper from the Forth Bridge. The selection of jewellery includes colourful pieces from Edinburgh based Twiggd and fine and sterling silver 14Ten Designs which is handmade at Allium itself!

Left to right: Highland Stoneware vase £44.75; Ivy and Twine candle £15; Rosie Hay Ceramics Burner £35; Ivy and Twine Hand & Body Wash; Body Lotion £13 each; Ivy and Twine Wax Melts £8; Simmerdim Glass Heart £19

It's great to inject a bit of humour so for a quirky gift idea Allium has a range of ideas from various Scottish designers.

Clockwise left to right: Whisky drinks set

by LT Creations £45; Irregular Star Fine Silver Necklace by 14Ten Designs £47.50; Mantle Clock with Harris Tweed by LT Creations £36.95; Forth Bridge Pen by Thistle Woodcraft £25; Sterling Silver and 9ct Gold Necklace by 14Ten Designs £65; Rainbow Necklace by Twiggd £40

4A Hopetoun Rd, South Queensferry EH30 9RA From left to right: Queensferry Born & Bred Mug by Snappy Crocodile £12; Empire Biscuit Coaster by The Grey Earl £5; Yer Ma Wee Pal Mug by The Grey Earl £12.50; Mountains Coaster Box Set by Hole in my Pocket £16.50; May the Forth Mug

by Hole in my Pocket £10

Hours: 10.00-17.00 Mon – Sat 12.00 – 16.00 Sun Phone: 0131 319 2140 Web: www.alliumqueensferry.com Facebook: @alliumqueensferry Email: gallery@alliumqueensferry.com 31

South Queensferry

GARDEN SERVICES Landscaping, Garden Design, Grass Cutting, Fencing, Pruning, Slabbing, Turfing, Planting, Tidy-Ups, etc.

Call Tommy Callaghan on 07745 469 449 or 07724 350 907 FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

ferrydecor@hotmail.com queensferry.decorators

Robert& Sons Bennie Funeral Directors Est. 1923

‘Providing the same caring and professional family service in Kirkliston and Queensferry as we have in Linlithgow for more than 90 years’ Please call:

(0131) 335 0146 or 07831 230 319 for personal attention.

21 Station Road, Kirkliston EH29 9BB

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Do you suffer from: • Back or neck pain • Joint, ligament or tendon sprains • Muscle tears or strains • Work-related arm pain (RSI) • Frozen shoulder

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Also at: Gyleview House, 3 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle EH12 9DQ formerly JW Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinics

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Queensferry & District Community Council Queensferry & District Community Council QDCC has continued operating remotely throughout the pandemic, using various online tools. Monthly meetings are held on the evening of the fourth Monday of every month except December, open to the public and are currently conducted using MS Teams video conferencing. Anyone wishing to join the meeting or to raise any points should email us through our website: www. queensferrycommunitycouncil.co.uk Planning: Major housing developments in construction at South Scotstoun and Ferrymuir; two more in the pipeline at Springfield and Builyeon Rd (mixed use) subject to approval, and Scotstoun House (Arup site) has been submitted for housing. Details of those and other developments are available in our monthly newsletters on our website. The next phase of developments under City plan 2030 was approved by CEC in Sep and now moves to a statutory period of representation before being submitted to Scottish Ministers.

Local policing: Traffic police have continued monitoring of the town following complaints of antisocial driving behaviour, particularly late evenings.

However, complaints reported have fallen significantly to very low levels. Please continue to report incidents using 999 (emergency), 101 (non-emergency), the online Police Scotland contact form and please feel free to chat with local officers as you see them out and about.

Education & Recreation: Edinburgh Leisure has increased available capacity at the QHS Leisure facilities in line with CEC COVID guidance. Book through www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ venues/queensferry-high-sports-complex. Current plans are to commence the Open All Hours youth facility on Friday evenings from January.

Health & Wellbeing: Operational problems with a local pharmacy have been escalated to NHS by our MSP for support.

The Ferry Elves are back this Christmas, looking for donations to help out local families. Please check our Facebook page or website for details.

Transport: The High St prep work has been completed at the Hawes area with a new fit for all turning circle and work has now moved on to the west end for pedestrian crossings and a pavement at the Plewlands House corner. Funding for the full work is still awaiting a decision.

Please check out our monthly newsletters on our website for much more local information.

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Available in Dalmeny & Kirkliston 18-19 Main Street Dalmeny EH30 9TU 0131 319 1778 The Glebe Kirkliston EH29 9AS 0131 333 3348

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