Spotlight Magazine - Issue #08 - South Queensferry, Kirkliston, Dalmeny & Newton

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New coworking space Rotary news Whats on near you in February & March

plus photo highlights from Christmas

ISSUE #8 // FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020

HIGH STREET IMPROVEMENTS

LO C A L

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Welcome to the 8th Edition of Spotlight Magazine

W

elcome back to the 8th edition of Spotlight Magazine, your friendly local guide to what’s on in South Queensferry, Kirkliston, Dalmeny and Newton... and welcome also to 2020! The Christmas and New Year festivities will seem a long way in the past, but there are still a few photos we’ve not published since issue 7 from the Christmas in Queensferry lighting-up ceremony and the Rotary’s clubs ever-popular Santa’s Sleigh Tour.

in the centre of Queensferry. Anyone who is fed up working from home but dreads the commute take note!

Elsewhere in the issue you will find our usual summary of what’s on in the area over the next two months. Don’t forget that if you have an event to promote in this section, just drop us a line at hello@ spotlight-mag.co.uk and we’ll happily include it.

We’re excited about the year ahead and have plans to engage with the local community on an even broader scale than before, so look out in future issues for increased coverage of news and events that matter to you.

This issue also features two major local news stories; the long-awaited project update from Ironside Farrar on the High Street refurbishment works, on behalf of Edinburgh City Council. Also, we have a feature on an exciting new development at the newly refurbished Quantum House

The Editorial Team, Spotlight Magazine

Special thanks: Thank you to all our contributors, contact details are listed with features.

Advertising, design & print: Print Be www.printbe.co.uk

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, nor for the events featured in the What's On section. Spotlight Magazine is a Words & Pictures publication.

Write to us at 48 High Street, South Queensferry, EH30 9HN.

Distribution: Direct Letterbox Marketing www.directletterboxmarketing.co.uk

Keep your stories coming: hello@spotlight-mag.co.uk

Cover picture: Maja Wojcik photographed by Alistair Pryde.

Editorial & pictorial content: Words & Pictures www.wordsandpicturesUK.com

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SQWORKS

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works is a new co-working space in the heart of Queensferry. It offers dedicated desks (8 in total), meeting room use, 24/7 secure access, kitchen facilities and wifi for only £250 per month.

SQWorks customers get their own desk, chair, lamp and lockable storage. You can also try a desk for a day (9-5 access) for only £10.

Created by Mike McGrail, owner of Getgo Studio, also based in the building, it came about after he identified a need for a co-working space in the town after moving here with his family.

moving my own business into the recently refurbished Quantum House building (often known locally as ‘The Legion), I knew it would be the perfect place to create a co-working space.

“We moved here 4 years ago and I very quickly said to my wife ‘I can’t believe there’s no co-working space, I’m going to make it happen’. It took a while, but after 10

There’s a real mix of businesses using the space already, including a removal company, marketing agency, charity fundraiser, documentary maker and town planner. I’m delighted to be able to help local businesses work more effectively”.

Judith Parke of Wellbeing Outfit had this to say about working from SQWorks: “I’ve been here since it opened and it’s made a huge difference to my work, allowing me to seperate my office from home. I love the fact that I can use it at any time of day or the week. The space is very nicely decorated and the facilities are great”.

Co-working has really risen in popularity over the last few years, and with more and more people becoming freelancers, or starting businesses, that trend is only likely to continue. They must offer flexibility, a welcoming environment and all of the tools required for an effective workspace.

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With SQWorks, customers must commit to an initial two-month period and thereafter, can leave with 30 days notice. This is a key advantage of a co-working space versus taking a binding lease for a full office, often with a three-year minimum.

SQworks is also ideally situated for customers out-with Queensferry, with Kirkliston very close-by and a number of other surrounding towns. With its proximity to the Queensferry Crossing, it’s also an option for those based in the closer areas of Fife. Ample free local parking is another big advantage.

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There are limited spaces left! If you’re interested in finding out more, please email Mike on hello@sqworks.co.uk or visit www.sqworks.co.uk for more information.

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LJM VA Services Ten Reasons to hire a virtual assistant It’s a new year and a new decade, so perhaps a chance to review the structure of your business and find some new, more efficient ways of working?

any type of business. Being overwhelmed with menial admin tasks can cost you time, and time = money.

Reduce costs: Whether it be training, office equipment or desk space costs, hiring a VA will reduce your business outgoings. We work remotely which means there is no need for the increased overhead of business premises.

2020 is to be the year of self-care and taking time to find the balance in our personal and work life. This is where hiring a virtual assistant can help! Our main goal is to help ease the load from the mundane day-to-day tasks that take up a significant amount of time, time which should be spent focusing on what you do best. Whether its sales, delivery or business development, your area of expertise is what you should be concentrated on and by delegating the time consuming tasks to a virtual assistant you will quickly see the benefits.

No need to recruit: Reduce the stress of hiring admin staff. We work on flexible hourly contracts where there is no obligation or expectation of long term commitment.

The TOP TEN REASONS to hire a Virtual Assistant in 2020

Client care: We can be available when you are not, responding to customers/ clients when you are offline or trying to focus on a project.

Be more organised: a VA can manage your diary, ensuring your time is maximised, travel is booked and expenses are submitted on time.

Time: Time is precious and needs to be used efficiently when you are running

Social media management: In 2020 16

social media will continue to grow, it is therefore imperative for small businesses to have a presence online. It can however be very time consuming creating consistent engaging content. This is where we can help, we can create and manage your social media content, reaching your target market at the right time, on the right day with the right message.

travel and accommodation and will even produce a nifty itinerary pack for you to take with you.

Holiday cover: Whilst on the topic of travel, when hiring a VA, you don’t have to worry about being off on holiday. We can oversee the general enquires and administration for you while you relax and switch off.

Website content: It might be time for a refresh of your website. Although we are not technical coders or web designers, we can help with website updates, image refreshes and content re-writes. All of which will help increase your SEO.

Data entry: Are your business expenses building up? Timesheets for employees not matching up? We can help bring everything up to date and into order, freeing up time and relieving the burden of the financial year end.

No employee costs: There is no need to worry about sick pay, holiday pay, or tax contributions when hiring a VA, we take care of those expenses ourselves.

If you would like to discuss any of the above information or if you have a specific project you’d like to run by us, please get in touch and we would be happy to help.

Travel: Trying to source the most economical way of travelling can be tiresome. We can help find and book the best rates on domestic and international

Lauren McAlpine, Director and Virtual Assistant at LJM VA Services

Providing flexible admin support to small businesses.

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Independent family funeral services with that personal touch from Steven Herriot who has been looking after families since 1999.

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Just done your tax return?

Why using an accountant might be a good idea for the new year

D

o you work for yourself, run your own business or do you simply have to submit a self assessment tax return? If yes, then the chances are you’ve just completed the process recently as it’s that time of year. Here’s another question: Has the process left you exhausted and worried that you’ve either made an error, or paid too much in tax?

something they will advise you on, based on your individual circumstances. They will go through paying yourself through dividends, understanding what you can and can’t claim through company expenses and the benefits of using the different VAT schemes that are available.

If the answer to any – or all – of these questions is yes then it might be time for you to consider using a professional accountant. Here’s 3 reasons why it might be a good idea.

Save you time. When you work for yourself, as a contractor, a limited company owner, a freelancer or consultant, your priority is to generate business and keep your promises to your customers. Having to do the admin, and monitoring what you are owed and what you owe can be time consuming and reduce the time you have available for customers. An accountant, who is fully conversant with the latest tax laws, rules and regulations and deadlines, and the format HMRC requires all the information to be submitted in, can save you hours and hours of time.

Reduce your tax liability. A good accountant will know the most tax efficient way of running your business. Knowing the most tax efficient way to operate is

Prevent tax penalties and fines. It is crucial for your profitability to avoid any late penalty fines. Did you know that businesses and individuals regularly

Whether it is for personal or business reasons, most people agree that every penny counts and it is no difference with tax affairs, especially as you also have a legal responsibility to address them... are you sure you know how?

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receive fines that can range between £150 for a day late submission of annual accounts to a massive £1,500 fine for a six-month delay? There are also different deadlines for VAT, corporation tax, personal tax, and PAYE. These can vary from company to company too, depending on your date of incorporation. If this sounds like a headache you don’t need, an accountant will work to a strict timetable that ensures you file everything on time. Your returns need to also be filed in the right way, and there can be penalties for errors. If you currently work as a contractor, are considering becoming a contractor or own a business that hires contractors, there are many tax implications to get familiar with. Self-employed contractors working through a limited company can benefit from tax advantages, but you must comply with new IR35 rules in order to do so lawfully. and shape. A telephone consultation is free and without commitment, so if the memory of your most recent tax assessment or submission is something you want to avoid in the future, it might be worth getting in touch!

At SBS Accountancy, we can discuss your requirements and tailor a service that is right for you. We work to provide a solution you can afford and that will add value to your business, whatever the size

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ROTARY MAKES A DIFFERENCE AT HOME AND OVERSEAS

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SANTA COLLECTION SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES

anta was out and about with his sleigh in Queensferry at Christmas and, as always, the donations received were a testament to the kindness and public spirit of locals and visitors alike. The total raised was a magnificent £3,879.89. This sum will be increased by 25% through Gift Aid. President Jim McCulloch of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry said: '

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Santa and his sleigh is a firm favourite in the Queensferry calendar. It never fails to bring out the generosity of Queensferry people. All funds raised go to local causes. On behalf of the club, I thank everyone who contributed. I must also thank the management of Craigie's Farm Shop and Deli, New Hopetoun Garden Centre, the local Tesco supermarket and Scotmid in South Queensferry for allowing Santa and his helpers to collect on their premises. Thanks are also due to all the Rotarians who helped - particularly Lorna Prentice, Richard Brown, Derek Clark, all the elves and drivers and of course Santa himself.'

Funds from Santa's Sleigh support the annual Senior Citizens' Concert and other Rotary projects throughout the year such as Rotary Youth Service. From quizzes in local primary schools to facilitating international exchanges of university graduates, Rotary offers local young people a range of opportunities for learning and personal development. Some of the many organisations which have also been supported include Queensferry Churches Care in the Community, Scouts in Queensferry and Kirkliston, the Sea Cadets, Craigie's Educational Trust, primary schools in Queensferry and Kirkliston, Christmas in Queensferry and Christmas in Kirkliston. Several payments are also made to assist individuals with particular needs whose circumstances are brought to the attention of the club.

To find out more about Rotary in South Queensferry, visit www.rcsq.org.uk

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ROTARY CLUB BOOSTS FUND FOR NEW MERCY SHIP

es, they also assist in upgrading shorebased medical facilities with equipment donated to the charity in Europe and the US. Founded in Texas by Paul Harris Fellow Don Stevens, Mercy Ships have been operating since 1978. The UK branch was founded in 1996. In many parts of Africa, two out of three people have no access to surgery so the visiting Mercy Ship represents the only hope for thousands. The ship also carries a large number of Land Rovers to bring patients who live inland with no access to transport for treatment.

At the last business meeting of 2019, the Rotary Club of South Queensferry unanimously agreed to donate ÂŁ1,000 towards the construction of a new vessel for Mercy Ships.

This faith-based organisation operates the largest charity-run hospital ship in the world. Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the Africa Mercy delivers free, vital medical care to some of the world's least developed countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Equipped with a complete surgical hospital, the ship spends up to ten months in various African ports treating dental and eye problems, cleft lips and palates, tumours, club feet, childbirth injuries, burns and various other conditions. The Mercy Ships team also mentors and trains local medical professionals to improve their skills and enable them to offer after care to the patients who have been operated on. In many cas-

The club's donation of ÂŁ1,000 goes towards Rotary's 1 Million Dollar Challenge to raise money for medical equipment for the new hospital ship Global Mercy at present being built in China. Thanks to the Rotary Global Grants Scheme, the club's donation will be matched by funding from Rotary Foundation.

To find out more about Mercy Ships, visit mercyships.org.uk 24

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n i s a m t s Chri y r r e f s n e e u Q I t may seem a long time ago now, but since the last issue of Spotlight was printed, another successful Christmas in Queensferry event took place. Local residents turned out in large numbers to see local stage performances, fireworks and, of course, the Christmas lights being switched on.

Keith Giblett, Chair of the Christmas in Queensferry Committee had this to say to the committee members, sponsors and participants, “A very big thank you to you all for delivering an outstanding event... with another large crowd which has grown year on year. I hope you are proud of what you have delivered to the Community of Queensferry very well done. CiQ could not deliver a quality event without your input, support and time attending meetings, working through the tasks and of course being there on the night making sure all goes to plan. To all the sponsors large or small and those in kind we could not deliver this event without them.�

Here are some photographic highlights. Did our camera catch you?

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Ferryhandy

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Andrew Millie Your Local Home Decorating Specialists • • • • • • • • •

All interior & exterior decorating Wallpaper Hanging Specialist Wallpaper Striping Artexing Ames taping Common stairs Plastering Coving Spray painting

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WHAT’S ON in and Around South Queensferry in February/March

FEBRUARY

treasure hunt, with everything from silver and copper to toys, textiles and vintage clothing.

Opening times/prices: Saturday: Early entry from 8.15am £6pp.

General entry 10am to 4.30pm £5pp.

Sunday: 10am to 4pm £4pp.

Under 16: free. Cash only entry. The RHC charge £5 per vehicle car parking fee.

Saturday 1st. South Queensferry Artisan Craft Market, hosted by Artisan Antics.

1.30pm to 5.30pm, Port Edgar Scout Hall.

Monthly Maker’s Market where you will find a selection of beautifully handcrafted gifts from local artisans and makers.

Sunday 16th. Snowdrop Sunday (Scottish Snowdrop Festival)

Sunday 2nd. Dundas Castle Wedding Showcase. Hosted by Dundas Castle.

1pm to 4pm, Dundas Castle, South Queensferry, EH30 9SP. Fantastic opportunity to see the Castle beautifully set up for a wedding, with the team on hand to answer any questions. A selection of recommended suppliers such as photographers/ florists will be attending the event also.

Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance due to limited space. Further information: email hollie@dundascastle.co.uk or call 0131 319 2039.

Saturday 8th. Winter Wildlife Workshop

12pm to 1.30pm (drop in anytime) Drop into the castle and give wildlife a helping hand this winter. Make a bird feeder, bird box or mini beast home to take away.

Included in normal admission price.

Friday 14th. Spring Fling Ceilidh to raise funds for Queensferry Rowing Club

7pm to 10.30pm, Port Edgar Scout Hall Tickets £15/£10 for U18s. For tickets email Lorna Bark: secretary@queensferryrowing.org or buy from QRC shed.

BYOB, includes half time food.

10.30am to 4pm As part of this annual festival Hopetoun’s grounds are open for one day only. Explore the natural snowdrop display in the Hopetoun hundred acres, there will be maps and a trail for children and adults to follow along the way.

Warm up with delicious food and hot drinks in the Stables Kitchen, open exclusively to Snowdrop Sunday customers.

Ranger led walks at 10.30am & 2pm which must be pre-booked by emailing ranger@ hopetoun or by phone on 0131 319 3956. £5 adult/£2.50 child.

Further general information: email enquiries@ hopetoun or call 0131 331 2451.

Thursday 20th. Gin Lamp making class @ Honeypot Creative Café, run

by The Scottish Bag Co.

7-9pm The Scottish Bag Co wlll be running their 1st gin lamp class for 2020, be creative and learn to make your very own lampshade from scratch.

Cost is £45 which includes everything needed to make your bottle lamp, except the fabric.

Book your place by contacting The Scottish Bag Co.

Friday 28th. Queensferry Sports & Community Hub quiz night.

7pm @ The Hub, 30 Ashburnham Road, EH30 9JN. To raise funds for maintenance and improvement to the community facilities.

Tickets are £5 each or teams of up to 6 £25, available at reception at The Hub or call 0131 629 8115. Ticket includes a finger buffet.

Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th.

Edinburgh Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair.

Scotland’s largest antique fair! Up to 300 stalls under one roof. A fabulous opportunity to

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Feb 29th. Open Mic Night, hosted by Kirkliston Gala page.

7.30pm @ Kirkliston Bowling Club, Bowling Green Road, EH29 9BG. Make the most of the extra night and support Kirkliston gala day while enjoying a great selection of live music. Tickets £10, available from www.kirklistongala.co.uk

£16 per child, tickets and more information can be found: www.honeypotcreativecafe.com

Saturday 21st. Superhero Saturday – Show and Disco

1.30pm to 5.30pm, Port Edgar Scout Hall.

Monthly makers market where you will find a selection of beautifully handrafted gifts from local artisans and makers.

Conifox, Kirkliston, EH29 9ER. Come along to Conifox to see 6 skilled Superheroes perform their dance moves, and marvellous martial arts in the marquee. The superhero show will be followed by a meet and greet with all the kids. Get dressed up as your favourite superhero to join in the fun!

Tickets £12.95 per child/£7.50 per adult – cost includes Day entry into the adventure park.

Show slots: 9.30am/11.15am/1.30pm.

Tickets can be bought online www.ticketsource. co.uk

Saturday 7th. Great Scottish Bake off in Aid of Muscular Dystrophy.

Saturday 28th. Introduction to Sea Kayaking - Hosted by Sea Kayak Alice

MARCH Saturday 7th. South Queensferry Artisan Craft Market.

10am to 1pm, Thomas Chalmers Centre, Kirkliston, EH29 9AS Bakers of all abilities and age are invited to wow the guest judges. In addition to the Bake Off competition this is also a coffee morning for everyone to enjoy and raise funds.

Saturday 7th to Sunday 8th March. Scottish Motorcycle Show 2020 9am to 5pm both days, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, EH28 8NB. Scotland’s premier motorcycle show.

Tickets: single day adult ticket £15pp.

Under 12’s are free of charge. Tickets available in advance from www.scottishmotorcycleshow.com

Saturday 14th. Little Fix – The Little Mix Tribute Show

3pm to 5pm, Conifox, Kirkliston, EH29 9ER. Family friendly event, watch the UK’s official number 1 tribute to Little Mix. Tickets and more information available at www.kirklistongala.co.uk

Saturday 21st. Princess Party, hosted

by Honey Pot Creative Party.

Session 1: 12.30pm to 1.30pm Session 2: 2pm to 3pm Honey Pot Creative Café, Port Neuk, South Queensferry, EH30 9TD. Come and have a magical painting afternoon with two very special Princesses. Belle and Cinderella will be there for a painting afternoon.

28 Mar at 09:30 – 29 Mar at 16:00 A weekend aimed at paddlers who are new to sea kayaking and also those who want to refresh skills at the start of the season.

More info - http://seakayakalice.co.uk/ coaching/introduction-sea-kayaking/ During the weekend will aim to give you the skills to get started safely and build skills and confidence for more paddling.

Saturday 28th. Linlithgow Gin Festival - Hosted by Scottish Gin Festivals Saturday, 28 March 2020 from 12:00-23:00 Linlithgow Burgh Halls, Kirkgate The Cross, EH49 7AH Linlithgow Scottish Gin Festivals is an event brand that represents 100% Scottish craft gin, Scottish tonic and local tapas. Our shows tour the country from top to bottom and beyond (the islands), bringing our unique event to venues and locations big and small. Expect the best as we work together with local distillers and other service suppliers from each region around Scotland.

Tickets from www.tickettailor.com

DISCLAIMER: All information quoted from 3rd parties and used in good faith. Details accurate at time of printing. No responsibility or liability can be assumed by the publishers for the use of information displayed here.

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Queensferry High Street Town Centre Improvement The latest update from the environmental consultants, Ironside Farrar, on South Queensferry’s town centre improvement project.

• Installation of a three-way signalised junction at the foot of the Loan to improve road safety and deliver a pedestrian crossing.

Progress so far: Since the last consultation project update in June 2019 a detailed package of construction drawings has been prepared to take forward the £2million project.

• Promotion of an Environmental Order to restrict heavy vehicles passing through the High Street (not heavier than 7.5 tonnes), allowing limited HGV service access between 6am and Midday.

Following detailed design discussions with the project Steering Group the scope of the works will include the following:

• The same number of car parking spaces retained on the High Street.

• New high-quality granite footway and carriageway surfacing with whinstone kerbs and reclaimed cobbles, all laid on a high strength concrete base.

The project will focus on resurfacing the main High Street, narrowing Newhalls Road leading up to the Hawes Car Park to create additional parking spaces and the construction of a new turning circle at the West end of the Hawes Car Park.

• Retained two-way traffic – the road will be narrowed to 4.5m wide in line with Edinburgh Designing Streets Guidance.

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The project is now in the Tender phase and we expect the contract to be awarded in March 2020 with construction due to start in April 2020.

to function. Details relating to the programme and phasing of the works will be made public when a contractor has been appointed next year.

When the contract is awarded, we will hold community update meetings with residents and businesses, so the contractor can meet stakeholders in the Town Centre and discuss programming and access requirements.

Community & Business We will be creating a package of measures to support the needs of local business and residents in advance of work starting. It is our intention to establishing a Community and Business Forum to develop proposals for business support and ensure good channels of communication between the Council, the Contractor, and the Community.

The Queensferry & District Community Council continues to provide invaluable support in taking the project forward.

When the work starts, we will continue to hold quarterly community meetings and we will issue regular updates regarding works programming, access arrangements and construction progress from the contractor.

Construction At this stage we don’t know how the contractor will phase and undertake the work, however, due to the restricted nature of the site we anticipate the High Street will need to be physically closed for almost a year. Works shut-down periods have been written into the contract for the Ferry Fair and the Christmas 2020 trading period to allow the Town Centre

A meeting was held with business representatives in September 2019 to discuss the planned road layout, access requirements during the construction phase, likely phasing of the works and ideas for an Open for Business campaign. The project team will be supporting Stakeholder Liaison and Communications for the project in 2020 until completion.

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More information If you need any more information about the project at this stage please contact me on the following email david.sinclair@ edinburgh.gov.uk

In advance of the works start date we will arrange meetings for local residents and businesses to meet the project team and contractor. In the New Year we will setup drawings and plans in a venue on the High Street (to be agreed) so you can see the plans in more detail.

We will be arranging for project updates to be posted on the Queensferry and District Community Council Facebook page and Website as well as community noticeboards in the Town.

If you wish to be either included or removed from the mailing list, or to have your data amended please contact gillian.smith@ironsidefarrar.com

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