December 2020
TRINITY SPOTLIGHT
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Welcome To The December Trinity Spotlight Welcome to this festive edition of the Trinity Spotlight. I am writing this introduction the last week of November and already Christmas trees and decorations are up around me. After the year we have had, I think everyone just needs a bit of cheering up - and what’s more cheery than twinkling Christmas lights. Though the Christmas music is getting annoying already. In the last issue Tracy Griffen, who regularly contributes a fitness article, mentioned her new book which had just been released - Get Fit and Enjoy It. This issue we have some copies of her book to give away - check our our competition on Page 30 to see how you could win a copy. On a local note, The Friends Of Starbank Park have created a 2021 calendar featuring images of Starbank Park. You will find information on how you can get a copy of the calendar on page 41. As always I will be taking a break from the Spotlight in January and will restart 2021 with a February/March issue. I hope that you all have a fantastic Christmas and New Year, whatever restrictions Covid may bring. Lets hope 2021 is a much better year than 2020 has turned out to be.
Contents 6 The Gift Of A Great Book 10 Hard Sudoku 12 Fitness : The Path Of Least Resistance 16 An Update From Councillor Jim Campbell
The Trinity Spotlight Editor : Sue Hutchison T : 0131 618 6622 (Always include area code when calling)
18 Health : Surviving A Winter Lockdown
M : 07817 206 418
20 Pets : Dear Santa Paws
E: sue@trinityspotlight.co.uk
27 The Power Of Symbols
Office : 98 Ferry Road, Edin, EH6 4PG
28 Wardie Bay Residents Association Update 30 Competition Time 32 Finance : Be Canny With Credit Cards 34 The Best Apps For .... Santa 36 Kazak Rugs 38 General Knowledge Crossword 39 Trinity Community Council 40/41 Community Information/Puzzle Solutions 43 Recipe - Winter Braised Lamb Shanks
February/March 2021 Issue Artwork Deadline - 29th January Distribution Date - 10th/11th/12th February 4
Best Wishes Sue
www.trinityspotlight.co.uk “All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that is it legal/ copyright free and permission has been given for use in this publication. The views and opinions by contributors to this magazine may not represent the views of the publisher. The Trinity Spotlight magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication”
Distribution Johnson Distribution Services. www.jdsdoor2door.co.uk Printing Cowan Print : www.cowanprint.net
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DOG SHIRTS
Comfortable & Warm! Variety of colors and sizes available Custom designs available on request Ideal Xmas gift for dog loving friends or family. For more information please email comfydogclothes@gmail.com 7
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HARD SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition! Thats all there is to it. You solve the puzzle with reason and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up. Its fun. Its challenging Its addictive. (Soln on pg 40)
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The Path of Least Resistance
By Tracy Griffen
Us humans are smart. Not only can we communicate very effectively, but we are also extraordinarily good at making our lives easy. One way to consider it as ‘the path of least resistance’, which is a principle in physics - “the path of least resistance describes the physical or metaphorical pathway that provides the least resistance to forward motion by a given object or entity, among a set of alternative paths. The concept is often used to describe why an object or entity takes a given path.” (from wwww.definition.net) In other words, we’re hard-wired into taking short cuts. We’d rather sit instead of stand, we’d rather drive instead of walk, we’d rather use a remote control, or some other ‘labour saving’ device. Conversely, for the body to be in shape, we need to exert some kind of effort. In other words, to get fit, we need to make our lives more difficult for ourselves. This in itself is the quandary most of us face when we ‘just can’t be bothered’ to exercise. The longer this goes on, the more difficult it is to start. There are two other scientific principles of interest: Newtown’s first law about inertia: “a body at rest will stay at rest unless a force is applied” perhaps explains why it’s so difficult to get off the sofa. It’s an amusing conundrum that our ‘natural state’ is to conserve energy. Back in the hunter gatherers days, we’d reserve energy so we could go hunt or harvest. Nowadays when the kitchen is full of calorie-laden food, we need to go out of our way to make our lives a wee bit more difficult. Finally, the principle of homeostasis. That is, the human body tries to maintain equilibrium (maintaining body temperature is an example of this). I like to think that homeostasis is sometimes why it can feel difficult to get rid of body fat. The body is comfortable, and is not necessarily inclined 12
to use up fat stores unless it has to. As you can see there’s a range of scientific theories as to why it may feel difficult to get moving. But the irony is a fit body will have a more robust immune system, a perkier metabolism and more feelgood neurotransmitters pinging around. So you have to outsmart a complacent body into knowing it will feel better in the long run. If you’d like to make it easy to get fit, check out my new book ‘Get Fit & Enjoy It: Learn Effective Exercise without a Gym’, only £7.99 with free delivery from www.getfitandenjoyit.com.
To win a copy of Tracy’s new book check out our Spotlight competition on Page 32.
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An Update From Councillor Jim Campbell As 2020 draws to its close, I’m sure none of us foresaw what it would bring. Its been a year dominated by the Coronavirus pandemic. There is no doubt this has had a devastating impact on too many families. Its also had a very significant impact on Council services and budgets. Many services have had to adapt with Council Officers working from home, using email and the internet. For example, planning permission for new and long awaited Trinity Academy sports facilities at Bangholm were approved by Members in each sitting at home in a Development Management Sub-committee. Council, Committees, Parent Councils and Community Councils have all been held online. The last Trinity CC included a ‘virtual’ presentation from Officers on the Council’s plans for the Granton Waterfront. Another example is the proposal to reduce the speed limits to 20mph on Granton Road and Craighall Road following an amended electronic TRO process. Similarly, our Housing Services are now largely on-line. Other services are still a long way from normal. Only a few libraries, for example, have reopened. The City Chambers and most Council buildings remain closed. Schools were re-opened after the summer holidays, following their unprecedented closure. The reports from that early ‘lock-down’ suggest a very inconsistent experience amongst local learners; real concerns linger around the long term impact of those months of lost education on our younger learners. Keeping schools open is quite rightly a priority; a huge amount of work went in to making this happen as safely as possible. And some services kept going while observing all guidance: Waste collection (excepting the suspension of Garden Waste) and Health & Social Care. The most significant ongoing impact is on the Council’s budget. The 2019/20 financial year saw the Council having to use reserves for the first time in 13 years to balance the books (which we must do by law). Our Auditors remarked on the low level of our reserves, and that we only achieved 77% of the savings we had committed to. This 16
year the challenge is greater. Scottish Cities, Edinburgh in particular, have been significantly disadvantaged by lost income during the pandemic. Parking charges, bus dividends (from fares), commercial rent, lets, fees & other charges have all been way below forecasts. This reduced income, and increased costs from COVID, add to a hole approaching £100M. So far, The Scottish Government has made good about £30M of this (mainly covering the cost side, distributed through agreement with COSLA). Regrettably, Scottish Local Authorities have not been compensated for lost income, unlike their English counterparts. Council Officers have no alternative but to identify large in-years savings to avoid a crippling call on our depleted reserves. This comes on top of two global challenges and one very specific (and familiar) to Edinburgh. Demographics makes rising demand for Health & Social Care all but inevitable. This chunky area of spending is subject to problematic arrangements with the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board and NHS Lothian. Greater financial transparency and discipline is desperately needed. Second, the Council’s admirable commitment to being ‘carbon neutral’ by 2030 is uncosted (though many drivers might feel they are paying already). Our ability to innovate, as demonstrated by the coronavirus vaccine effort, perhaps illustrates just how rapidly new technology could help us achieve environmental goals without much disruption to our ways of life. The specific: trams. No one seems to expect home working to be fully reversed. Few anticipate a return to air travel for business, or to a lesser extent, leisure, any time soon. Those, together with an unease to allow our city to grow, fatally undermine the tram business case. An updated analysis suggest this could cost the Council up to £95M; I doubt our reserve could cover that and I fear it might not capture the changes in behaviour that are coming. Lets hope I’m wrong. My best wishes to all as we move into a New Year. As ever, I can be contacted at the City Chambers on 0131 529 4235, or better still, by email: jim.campbell@edinburgh.gov.uk
ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE FOR JUST £25 AND REACH 5000 LOCAL RESIDENTS CALL 07817 206418
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The Power of Symbols What is a Symbol?
A symbol is something that represents a faith, an ideology, an idea, a meaning, a relationship … A symbol is felt via the heart, not our thinking brain. It is not something that we need to intellectualise over, it can simply evoke a feeling, a meaning, a truth within us. Looking at a symbol can give us a feeling of safety, comfort, sanctuary, faith and hope. It may be a religious symbol – the Cross, the Jewish star, the hand of Fatima, etc, or it may be something more personal a flower, a bird, a tree, a heart … Symbols have been around for centuries and transcend language & time – they allow people to go beyond what is known or seen by creating linkages between very different concepts and experiences. They’re a means of complex communication that often can have multiple levels of meaning and serve as vehicles of understanding and connection between peoples.
By Gillian Dalgliesh
Symbols in Hypnotherapy
Clients often contact me because there’s something wrong in their lives and they would like to change it. However, sometimes it can take quite some effort for them to actualise in their minds what having positive change would actually look like and feel like. With hypnotherapy, I can rapidly enable clients to shift their unconscious blocks. Then, with intuitive coaching techniques, we can identify exactly what clients want to manifest in their lives and allow their subconscious to show them the symbol that represents their healthy & positive transformation. The regular visualisation of this symbol can underpin their wellbeing, and help them to move towards a fuller and deeper understanding of their power & purpose and a more peaceful & fulfilled life. Gillian Dalgliesh is a Clinical Hypnotherapist & Intuitive Transformational Life Coach. Gillian sees clients in person and also works internationally online. See ad for contact details.
Symbols & Meditation
Through the art of meditation, all the major religions around the world have harnessed the power of symbols in the quest for spiritual transformation. Symbols are more than just historical and cultural icons. They can help us move toward a fuller and deeper understanding of our spiritual identities.
How Do Symbols Benefit us?
Through working with symbols we can have access to the energy and meaning that comes from the inner world. Symbols can communicate more directly than words. Often symbols have a strong religious or spiritual quality that conveys their sacred energy, an energy which gives real meaning and nourishment to our surface lives. Visualising a symbol enables us to FEEL the collective vibrational energy of what gives us wellbeing in our lives without having to list each and every actual specific thing!
Are you struggling to deal with issues in your life? Weight Loss? Anxiety? Stress? Smoking? Phobias? Alcohol? Confidence? If so, then hypnotherapy may be the solution. Find out more about my holistic approach to resolving client’s issues on my website www.gilliandalgliesh.com or call me on 07593 082 349 for a free consultation 27
Wardie Bay Residents Association Update With the flocks of migrating knots currently swirling over Granton Harbour, we’re very much aware of the seasons at Edinburgh’s waterfront. And, with December here already, it’s a good time for us all to reflect on a year like no other. The Wardie Bay Residents Association (WBRA) holds its AGM this month. It’ll be a bit different from previous years, over Zoom, but we’re aiming to add a bit of festive cheer with attendees in their best Christmas outfits and seasonal backdrops rather than the usual bookcases! WBRA, representing some 200 households, was formed in 1989 to oppose the land reclamation at Wardie Bay and infilling/ development of East Granton Harbour. Successfully protecting this unique area from being built on, Granton Harbour with its knots, oystercatchers, cormorants and seals was designated a Special Protected Area. Wardie Bay with its eco-system of sandeels became part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This remains a wonderful unspoilt place on our doorstep, with increased community use of the beach especially. We’ve continued to give a voice to residents’ concerns about developments along the Waterfront, including a succession of plans for the Granton area, and worked with Sustrans to produce a design resource of community ambitions for LGR for any future developments. We suspect too we were the only street to positively campaign for – and celebrate – being included in the 20mph zones! (We continue to campaign for 20mph enforcement!). One campaign we lost though, with devastating effect, was against the
realignment of the bend at the Old Chain Pier. The long-standing promise by the Council to only do this work if the road was pushed back from the listed cottages by the harbour at the same time was reneged on. The result has been a massive increase in traffic since 2015, including HGVs now with a straight run along LGR. Therefore, much of our focus remains on traffic along the front, with its everincreasing volumes. As new Waterfront developments spring up, from Leith to Newhaven and West Granton, we need joined-up Traffic Impact Assessments, and proper transport infrastructure. Today, the community here continues to be active in a number of ways in safeguarding our local built and natural environment. Earlier this year, we managed a mammoth final litter picking session locally before Covid restrictions stopped all group activities. A positive impact from the pandemic has been our WhatsApp group, set up to support each other, and resulting in a greatly increased sense of community. You may also have noticed we’re taking part in #ShineBrightScotland, displaying lights in the Harbour cottage windows - built in the 1840s, they are one of the highest concentrations of listed buildings anywhere in Edinburgh and an absolutely unique development (in Scotland!) of brick built terraced houses. It’s good to shine a light on these listed cottages! To finish off - WBRA is open to all residents of LGR, Wardie Square/Steps and Granton Square - residency in the area gives automatic membership. So, please do get in touch (wardiebayresidents@gmail.com) to be added to our email list. We’re always looking for people to get involved in our committee too. The AGM is on Wednesday 16th December at 7:00pm – zoom details nearer the time. Jim Glass, Chair, WBRA
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COMPETITION TIME To win a copy of Tracy Griffens new book, ‘Get Fit & Enjoy It: Learn Effective Exercise without a Gym’, simply answer this question : What is your favourite walk in Edinburgh? Email your answer to sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk or send a postal entry to Tracy Griffen Fitness, 3 Balfour Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5BY. Closing date for entries is 18th December. Winners will be chosen at random.
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ALL ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL WORK re-wires electric shower shop fitting smoke alarms lighting, sockets testing & inspection landlord certificates
0131 5550892 07543698172
info@mcelhoneelectricalservices.com www.mcelhoneelectricalservices.com 35
Kazak Rugs
By Piotr Wesolowski
In the attempt to define a Kazak rug, many collectors focus on geography. Kazak rayon however is but one administrative part of present-day Azejberjan; it shares history and, to an extent, ethnicity with the entire Caucasus.
The Caucasus is ethically complex; its history witnessed great many migrations; Turkic tribes moving West, Georgians and Armenians moving East. Owing to this peculiarity of the region, most scholars, view Kazak as a Caucasian rug originating from villages within Kazak and the surroundings parts of the country (Akstafa, Shulaver and Tovuz) and some territories abroad (Borchalou in Georgia, Fachralo and Lake Sewan in Armenia). The Lake Sewan district includes such Kazak works as Lori Pambak, Lombala, Yeravan and of course Lake Sewan (often referred to as) Shield Kazaks. Antique rugs from these areas are collectively referred to as the Kazak school. All these rugs may feature different weaving techniques or materials, they share several patterns and colours leaving, for the most, a large margin for unpredictability and creative whimsicality more or less typical to their geography and ethnicity. 36
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General Knowledge Crossword
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Community Spotlight
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Across: 1 Bisect, 4 Ice bag, 9 Traitor, 10 Islam, 11 Omega, 12 Saffron, 13 Crash course, 18 Tipster, 20 Igloo, 22 Trial, 23 Leonine, 24 Spaced, 25 Knight. Down: 1 Button, 2 Shane, 3 Cutlass, 5 Cliff, 6 Belarus, 7 Gemini, 8 Dress circle, 14 Replica, 15 Unicorn, Status, 17 Solent, 19 Tilde, 21 Lying. 40
Community Spotlight
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Accountants TaxAssist Accountants Auctioneers Ramsey Cornish
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Baby Massage Classes Scents of Wellbeing 11 Building Services Penplaid 34 Ronald G Graham 30 Sam Soave 29 Care At Home Eidyn Care 25 No Place Like Home 7 Carpet & Flooring Knots About Rugs 36 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Aquatec 19 Christmas Events Christmas At The Botanics 1,21-24 Cleaning Services Creme de la Creme Complementary Therapies Gillian Dalgleish Scents of Wellbeing Computer Services AV & PC Homehelp Cornice Specialists City Crafts Ltd
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Counselling Services Bright Light
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Decorating Services AM Decorating Craighall Decorators DCM Construction EH5 Decor
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Dog Clothes Comfy Dog Clothes
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Driveways Alpine Paving & Driveways 25 Edinburgh Driveways & Landscaping 35 Dry Cleaning Raeburn Laundrette
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Education Academy Of Personal Independence Electricians Kelly Electrical McElhone Electrical
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Gardening Interest Christmas At The Botanics 1,21-24 Gift Membership - Royal Botanic Gardens 7 Gardening Services Stewart Gardening
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Gas & Central Heating TB Mackay Energy Services 14 Scott Findlay Plumbing & Heating Engineers 31 Weir Gas Services 29 Gift Shops Six Degrees The Treasure Trove Glaziers Trinity Glazing Handyman Services House Hero Sam Soave
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Health & Fitness Griffen Fitness 12 Tai Chi & Qigong Relaxation Classes 15 Trinity Fit Space 19
Landscaping Services Edinburgh Driveways & Landscaping
Laundry Services Raeburn Laundrette Nurseries Edzell Nursery Summerside Kindergarten
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Organic Produce Real Foods
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Oven Cleaning Shiny Bright Ovens
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Pet Shops Patch’s Pet Supplies
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Plastering Services City Crafts Ltd DCM Construction
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Plumbing Services Scott Findlay Plumbing & Heating Engineers Weir Gas Services
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Qigong Classes Tai Chi & Qigong Relaxation Classes 15 Roofing Services Edinburgh Roofing 8 Ronald G Graham 30
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Hearing Services Hear Here
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Homeware Six Degrees
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Hypnotherapy Gillian Dalgleish
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Joinery Services Penplaid
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Well-being Academy Of Personal Independence
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Window Renovation Craftworx
Rugs Knots About Rugs
Distribution Date : 10th/11th/12th February
To include your advert or community/charity events contact Sue Hutchison. T : 07817 206418 42
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Tai Chi Classes Tai Chi & Qigong Relaxation Classes 15 Tree Surgeons trees4scotland 13
February/March Issue
Artwork Deadline : 29th January
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Paving Services Alpine Paving & Driveways 25
Health Food Shops Real Foods
Kitchens Dream Doors
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Language Tuition Speak Out With Confidence 29
E : sue@trinityspotlight.co.uk www.trinityspotlight.co.uk
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