28 Nov – 3 Jan
By Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company
Directed by Jemima Levick
Useful Numbers
Corstorphine Library: 0131 529 5506
Corstorphine Community Centre: 07580 659 676
City of Edinburgh Council: 0131 200 2000
East Craigs Medical Practice: 0131 339 6670
Ladywell Medical Centre East: 0131 334 5000
Ladywell Medical Centre West: 0131 334 3602
Parkgrove Medical Centre: 0131 312 6600
Royal Infirmary: 0131 536 1000
Western General: 0131 537 1000
Sick Kids Hospital: 0131 536 0000
NHS 24: 111
Police - Non Emergency: 101
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
Airport: 08444 888 333
National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50
Gas - Emergency: 0800 111 999
Scottish Water (24hr): 0800 0778 778
Next Deadlines
20th October
Murrayfield Grapevine
Nov/Dec/Jan 2025/26 edition
20th November Corstorphine Grapevine Dec/Jan/Feb 2025/26 edition
(see website for full details)
Whilst every care is taken in preparing this booklet to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or omission caused by an error in an advert. Artwork is accepted from advertisers on the condition that it is legal and copyright free and that the advert is fair and accurate. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers or the views expressed by contributors, nor do the publishers necessarily share such views. We reserve the right to refuse articles and advertisements. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Welcome to the Oct/Nov edition of your local business directory, the Corstorphine Grapevine.
Well the summer is over and the temperature is dropping. As we move towards the autumn please remember that the clocks go back one hour on Sunday 26th October.
I am delighted to continue to offer a service to many local companies and also local groups and charities. Please contact me on the email below if you would like something to be included.
Over the last few months we have been updating you on the progress with the tunnel at Balgreen. Please see page 56 for the latest update. Donations are still required to complete it so please help if you can.
Believe it or not the next edition of the Corstorphine Grapevine will cover the months of December / January and February 2026 so if you would like to advertise anything for the Christmas period or maybe your new year sales then this is a great edition for you to be part of. Just contact me at the number below, or email. This edition will be distributed in the first week of December.
Until then please take care, and keep well.
Best wishes, Jill
The Corstorphine Grapevine is printed by Cowan Print Tel : 01236 821177
APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
BOOK ONLINE Also Find me on Facebook & Instagram: @yawara.massagetherapy
Alba Lifestyle Unit 1, West Gorgie Parks, EH14 1UT yawara.massagetherapy@gmail.com www.yawaramassagetherapy.com
Bruce
SUDOKU
How to play: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition! You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there is no maths involved and no adding up. Solutions on Page 64
In conversation with West Edinburgh Vets
Welcome to the Grapevine Karen!
Tell us a bit more about yourself…
Hey everyone I’m Karen, vet and owner of West Edinburgh Vets on St John’s Road. I moved to Edinburgh from California in 2008 after falling in love with the city when I visited, so it was a dream come true when I was accepted to study for my vet degree at the Royal (Dick) Vet School. I love my family, all things arts and crafts, and animals are my life!
Are you local to Corstorphine?
Most of my team live here, but I’m now out towards Currie, where I live with my husband Matt, my daughter Ivy who’s 8, and her Grandad Norman, plus our two dogs Sid and Olive. My mom LeeAnn visits from the states for around half the year to help look after Ivy in the holidays – I literally couldn’t do this without them all supporting me, it’s a team effort!
How did you choose Corstorphine?
We fell in love with the building first, and the people soon after. Corstorphine has a sense of community I don’t think I’ve experienced anywhere else. People care about each other, and about their pets too – which makes my job so much easier.
Apparently you’re award winners now?!
Yes!! And we’re so proud!! It’s all credit to my team – they’re AMAZING. We all love pets, and we pride ourselves on making
sure we look after people too. To have been nominated and voted for by our clients means the world to us.
What should our readers remember about your practice Karen?
We’re proud to be independently owned and run. We have the expertise and clinical equipment to do more than your average first opinion clinic, but above all, we really care – about pets and about the people who love them.
163 St John’s Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7SD 0131 560 2770 contact@westedinburghvets.co.uk www.westedinburghvets.co.uk
Company Registration Number- SC626847
0131 334 5046
0783 461 8625
thomas@keylandscapes.org www.keylandscapes.co.uk
Key Landscapes provide all hard landscaping work; including fencing driveways patios walling and artificial grass.
We also offer advice on products, landscape design and have an extensive portfolio of work.
All work is guaranteed and we are fully insured.
www.keylandscapes.co.uk
Saturday 25th October 2pm - 4pm The Corstorphine Astoria C 18 Kirk Loan
Come along to join in with lots of friendly chat, meet new people and enjoy refreshments.
Held every Friday 10am - 12pm at Saughtonhall United Reformed Church 87 Saughtonhall Drive, EH12 5TR. For further information contact: 07881 288909
Admission £3 per person
Enjoy Floral Demonstrations by Qualified Demonstrators Meets monthly (2nd Monday) 7 for 7.30pm St Thomas’s Church Hall Glasgow Road For further information contact Johan White 0131 445 4842
Do you suffer from:
Back or neck pain
Joint, ligament or tendon sprains
Muscle tears or strains
Work-related arm pain (RSI)
Frozen shoulder
Tennis or Golfer’s elbow
Arthritis or generalised joint pains
Headaches
Stiffness following fracture or injury
JW Physiotherapy
1:1 & 1:2 pilates sessions NOW AVAILABLE
Forth Physio clinics offer high quality physiotherapy & healthcare services in Edinburgh city. We have experienced Chartered Physiotherapists specialising in musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders and Care of the Elderly as well as Women’s health and occupational health.
Our two clinics are convenient for residents in the west of Edinburgh. Our headquarters are in the historic South Queensferry and our satellite clinic is in South Gyle which also has parking, disabled parking and is close to buses, the tram and an easy walk from the Gyle shopping centre. We are available for face-to-face and virtual appointments.
COVID safe We comply with all required regulations relating to Covid 19 infection control
IThe Importance of Reading in the Internet Age
by John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor
n the last Corstorphine Grapevine I mentioned a number of local organisations that every member of the local community can get involved with, if they wish. The Corstorphine Fair, The Lit (The Corstorphine Geographical and Literary Society) The Corstorphine Trust and Friends of St. Margaret’s Park. There are however many more local groups and community organisations out there and a quick search on the internet will show there is something for everyone in our community.
As someone whose mother worked in Corstorphine Library for many years, I have always understood the importance and value of reading. Now, in the internet age, and soon the artificial intelligence age, reading to establish what is fact and what is fiction is more important than ever. In my first book, The Mayor of Kalymnos*, I have blended both, as it is a work of fiction, but in real life it is essential to be able to separate them for a number of reasons. It can now be difficult to work out fact from fiction, even images of a model advertising clothes which featured in the magazine Vogue were not a real person but a model generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
The increased use of social media and screen time is linked to the rise in mental
* www.themayorofkalymnos.com
health issues, anxiety, poor sleep patterns, body image issues and other problems in society. For many, the internet is now an essential part of daily life especially for those who cannot access banks and other important services, such as ordering repeat prescriptions, but when so much information is online, it is more important than ever to read up on the background of what you are seeing online, to establish the original source of the information that is presented and to separate fact from fiction. This is equally important to avoid the increasing risk of being scammed by mail, email, on the phone and on the internet. Crooks no longer need to burgle your house to steal your money of possessions, they can do it without entering your home, if they access your phone or your computer.
So, be extra vigilant at all times, sadly this means being less trusting that we may have been in the past and check everyone to make sure they are genuine. Never give out important information on the phone, by email or on social media. Never reveal passwords or take any chances that might prove to be costly in the long run. If someone phones you asking for such information – hang up.
John Barrett
High Quality Living at MultiAward-Winning Development in Corstorphine, Edinburgh
Stunning Three-Bedroom Balcony Flat Now Available at Rowanbank Gardens
Rowanbank Gardens is a stunning residential development by boutique developer Artisan Real Estate, located at the heart the vibrant Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine.
With just 93 apartments available for private sale, the multi-award-winning development is set around a large communal garden space filled with fruit trees and planting beds. It has been recognised as setting new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon living whilst providing the highest standard of living both inside and out.
One Rowanbank Garden’s most outstanding living spaces is this stunning three-bedroom first floor balcony flat priced at £450,000, one of 11 stylish apartments currently available.
The airy, sun-drenched open plan living space has been designed to make the most of natural daylight which is maximised by full-length picture window with stunning views over the communal gardens and planting beds.
All the new apartments include oak hardwood floors and carpets throughout as standard –together with contemporary bathrooms and fully
fitted kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances and worktops supplied by Kitchens International.
Rowanbank Gardens has consistently set the bar high for environmental performance and technical excellence, whilst providing an extremely high quality of life in a wonderfully landscaped external setting.
It is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual air source heat pumps in all apartments, providing both heating and domestic hot water, which combined with industry-leading insulation, provides supreme energy and cost efficiency.
Externally, large landscaped green areasincluding new trees, herb and vegetable growing beds, high-quality garden furniture and play equipment, flowering sedum roofs and even a communal potting shed - combine to create a powerful and unique sense of community for all residents.
Financial incentives currently on offer include cashback - plus contributions towards deposits, legal fees and Land and Building Transaction Tax.
The three-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens is available for £450,000. The two-bedroom apartments at start from £330,000.
To view the apartment and to discuss the range of incentives available, book an appointment through the Rowanbank Gardens’ website at website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.
The airy living space offers wide-open views across the communal gardens
The large balcony off the main living space overlooking the gardens
The sun-drenched bedroom has access to its own balcony with luxurious carpets as standard
Corstorphine Churches
Websites
Become a Puppy Raiser
Media
Home
Alcove
Storage
Floating
Under
St David’s Carrick Knowe 118-132 Saughton Road North office@sdckchurch.org.uk.
Corstorphine Community Church www.corstorphinefaith.org.uk
Corstorphine Old Parish www.corstorphineoldparish.org.uk
Craigsbank www.craigsbankchurch.org.uk
St. Andrew’s www.clermistonstandrew.wixsite.com
St. Anne’s, 1, Kaimes Road, Corstorphine www.stannescorstorphine.org.uk office@stannescorstorphine.org.uk
St. John the Baptist and St. Kentigern www.ssjohnbandkentigern.org.uk
St. Ninian’s www.corstorphinestninians.org.uk
St. Thomas’ www.saintthomas.org.uk
thinking about volunteering?
ARE YOU LOOKING TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY ?
contact louise, volunteer coordinator on 07778 888 536 or email volunteers@ccchub online
KEEPING CONNECTION AT THE CORE OF THE COMMUNITY
Policing Officers PC Michael Bent PC Susan Fulton
Please contact us at:
Officers attend or provide reports for both Corstorphine and Murrayfield Community Council meetings.
Police activity updates can also be seen on Twitter: Edinburgh Police North West @PSOSNWEdinburgh
Please report crimes via 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Keep your Spine in Shape
Your spine is the backbone of your entire body – literally and figuratively. That means poor spinal health may negatively impact you from head to toe. How can you keep your spine in shape?
EXE RCISES (to Do & Not to Do)
Some common exercises help promote spinal health in the form of proper posture while others promote poor posture and put the spine at risk. A strong core supports the spine, whereas a weak core can lead to pain and injury. To build the core, think bent-leg knee raises, stability ball exercises and other exercises that strengthen the core muscles (remembering to keep your spine protected at all times by avoiding rounding the back / neck). On the other hand, avoid exercises / movements that unduly stress the spine: slumping while sitting and bending forward immediately after sitting come to mind, as do exercises that make you prone to rounding your back (traditional sit-ups, toe-touches, etc.).
Please seek exercise advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
SLEE P MATTE RS
Your sleep position and the overall quality of your sleep play a big role in spinal health. The ideal position for the spine during sleep places you on your back with a pillow underneath the knees. As you might imagine, lying on your stomach is the worst position. Your pillow and mattress also matter, so make sure you choose the right ones for you, or your spine will let you know with neck and/or back pain. (Talk to your healthcare professional for suggestions.)
NUTRITION E SSENTIAL S
Believe it or not, certain foods promote a healthy spine (and vice versa). For example, adequate water intake is necessary to nourish not only the body’s cells, but also the spinal intervertebral discs. As you might imagine, water helps keep the discs (and thus the spine) from getting stiff and becoming subject to injury. In addition, an antiinflammatory diet is key to preventing back pain and other spine problems due to inflammation. Think foods such as omega-3 fish and lean proteins, fresh produce, avocado and olive oil while reducing intake of pro-inflammatory foods (most fast foods and processed foods, sugar-laden sweets, etc.).
CHIROPRACTIC C ARE
No conversation about spinal health would be complete without mentioning chiropractic, an entire health care profession founded on the principle that a healthy, properly aligned spine may have far-reaching effects on the entire body. Research asserts chiropractic’s effectiveness in treating back pain, neck pain and various other musculoskeletal conditions, and the goal of chiropractic care is to improve spinal health and help prevent pain from returning.
Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery Registered Chiropractors
240 Queensferry Road Blackhall, Edinburgh, EH4 2BP 0131 332 0063
Enjoy the show!
By Caroline Knight
While we can’t do anything about the changing seasons, we can alter the way we look at them. Most people feel a little sad that summer has passed but now is the time to appreciate one of the greatest performances staged by nature –completely free of charge.
While we humans add on a few layers of warm clothing, plants do the opposite. They cast off their seasonal mantles. This means we are privy to some wondrous colours, improving in intensity as October progresses. Leaves are a type of food processing factory and as they wind down, they shed layers. First to go is the outer chlorophyll and when it fades, we can see yellow, orange and red anthocyanin.
Star performers
Some of the best autumn colour comes from Japanese maples. In fact, most of the Acer family excel at this time of year, offering gold, red, orange or scarlet hues. The Juneberries, or Amelanchiers, and Liquidambar, known as the sweetgum tree, also put on a great display.
It’s a good time to note your favourite trees and shrubs, as the planting season looms. Perhaps you have room for just one more?
There is still some flowering interest in October, including Nerines, with bright pink blooms, autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Asters, Chrysanthemums and Dahlias.
Before the clocks go back on Sunday, 26 October, there are tasks to tackle.
• Plant spring-flowering bulbs and remember that flowers in casual groups are far more effective than singles or straight lines. Plant as early in the month as possible, so that the soil is still warm and roots have a chance to sprout. Don’t be tempted to plant tulips just yet, however. The warm, wet soil conditions that can be normal for October mean that the risk of fungal disease is high.
• Divide perennials that are outgrowing their space and exchange interesting clumps with friends.
• Prune back shrubs that look too large or untidy, bearing in mind that winter seed heads are invaluable for birds. Take care not to prune anything that might be a bit tender, because frost gains access through new cuts.
• Prune roses now, so that they don’t rock in the winter winds, which can loosen their roots.
• Scarify and aerate the lawn to get rid of dead grass and open up the airways.
• Set the lawnmower blades high and give the lawn a final trim.
• Aim to achieve contrast with evergreens, placing maroon and dark-leafed shrubs next to variegated or yellow-leafed specimens. We are about to enter the season when foliage comes first.
Enjoy this month of transition; it can be a magical time.
Jobs for October
Nerine flowers provide valuable nectar for insects late in the season.
There are still Asters like Michaelmas daisies blooming in October.
Pyrus Chanticleer is one of the last trees to lose its leaves.
Both the red oak and pin oak have red leaves in autumn.
Visitors £5 for your first visit, £10 thereafter.
Annual memberships available.
All Welcome
British Sugarcraft Guild Edinburgh Branch
We meet on a monthly basis to share and learn new skills in the art of Sugarcraft.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month (not Jul/Aug) at 7.15 in Strachan House Care Home, 93 Craigcrook Rd, EH4 3PE
www.facebook.com/EdinburghCake
Or contact Christine on 07890440814
Local Property Experts You Can
Count On
If you’re thinking about moving, talk to a legal team that knows the area - and what matters most to you.
We’re based right here in Corstorphine, and we understand the local market, the community, and how to make the process run smoothly.
l Free Initial Property Valuations
l Fixed Estate Agency Fees
l Friendly, Straightforward Advice
Whether you’re selling your home or buying your next one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call us for a free valuation: 0131 316 4666
Arthritis-friendly fitness
Many people believe that exercising with joint problems is a bad idea, but science suggests otherwise. What are the best activities for you?
When you’re in pain and feeling more than a little creaky, exercising probably isn’t top of your wish list. But the right kind of physical activity can help reduce arthritis pain as effectively as paracetamol and ibuprofen, according to the charity Versus Arthritis. It can also strengthen joints and might even slow down the progression of arthritis.
The best form of exercise will depend on how arthritis affects you and your level of fitness. Here are some research-backed activities, though, if in doubt, speak to your GP first.
Hopping
A 2022 UK study found high-intensity impact training – in this case, hopping – improved bone growth and cartilage development in older people with osteoarthritis and could help prevent further musculoskeletal decline if you have hip problems. A Finnish study found that jumping improved knee cartilage quality.
Yoga
This mind-body form of exercise is considered safe for people with knee osteoarthritis. It can reduce pain and stiffness and improve function in the joint. A University of Pennsylvania study found that yoga can also help alleviate hand osteoarthritis. Iyengar yoga, with its emphasis on gentle movements, is often recommended.
Tai chi
The ancient martial art of Tai Chi has been shown in research studies to lessen pain and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis. It’s also recommended for people with arthritis of the hip. Other benefits include improved strength and balance, as well as reduced pressure on joints, muscles, and bones.
Treadmill walking
Chronic inflammation contributes to joint pain and joint damage, especially if you have the autoimmune condition rheumatoid arthritis.
One study found 20 minutes of moderate exercise on a treadmill was enough to produce an anti-inflammatory effect. Otherwise, regular, straightforward walking can strengthen muscles, reduce pain and improve knee flexibility.
Water aerobics
Exercising in water, even if it’s simply walking or jogging, can help relieve the pain and stiffness of a bad hip or knee if you have osteoarthritis. Different studies have also found that water-based exercise, including swimming lengths, can be beneficial for individuals with an inflammatory form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid or spondyloarthritis, which often affects the spine.
Cycling
Pedalling gives you a good workout while going easy on the joints. It also strengthens muscles that help support the knees, ankles and feet. So it’s suitable if you have knee problems, while research has also suggested it’s good for hip osteoarthritis.
Resistance training
Researchers at Versus Arthritis concluded that resistance training is one of the most effective ways to reduce arthritis pain. Using resistance bands, which can be easily done at home, can also help build strength and flexibility. For best results, combine resistance training with stretching exercises.
Arthritis exercise advice
Versus Arthritis, www.versusarthritis.org, has a wealth of information and exercises
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, www.csp.org.uk, suggests a range of exercises for arthritis
Nuffield Health, www.nuffieldhealth.com, offers a free joint pain programme
Cleland Roofing Solutions Ltd started up at an office right next to Turnhouse Golf Club, and have recently opened a larger site in Gorebridge. In the near future we will be opening a new office in the borders as the company expands. We have 8 vans with 8 squads, working and covering all of Scotland. All of our teams carry out all types of roofing works and roughcasting which include:
SLATING AND TILING
BUILT UP FELT SYTEMS
GUTTER REPAIR AND RENEWAL
VELUX SUPPLIED AND FITTED ALL LEAD WORKS
RENDER AND HARLING
MEWP WORKS
ROPE WORKS
All the tradesmen are City and Guilds qualified. We have IPAF and PASMA certificates.
Full Members of all accreditations shown below. Fully insured for all working at height, gas and rope works.
Marie Curie is calling on all budding bakers to sign up to its autumn baking fundraiser and help raise some much-kneaded dough.
From hosting cake sales to running bake-off challenges and cupcake decorating competitions – every bake makes an amazing difference for people living with a terminal illness.
When signing up, all participants will be sent a fundraising pack with a free Marie Curie daffodil cake stencil, cake flags, posters, and a special recipe pack featuring autumnal recipes from celebrity bakers.
To sign up, please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/autumn
Caley is holding its annual Apple Day on Sunday, 5 October, 10am - 4pm at Saughton Park . th The event is free and open to all - come along
Tales of the supernatural
Whether you’re a sceptic, a believer or just love scaring yourself silly, dare to discover these books and other resources about true-life encounters with the paranormal.
Don’t Read This Book Before Bed by Anna Claybourne
Published by National Geographic Kids, this book describes itself as ‘Thrills, Chills and Hauntingly True Stories’. It’s aimed at a reading age of five to ten years and is filled with true stories of real-life monsters, doomed domains, menacing mysteries and strange disappearances.
The Lady in the Bay Window by William C Grave
The author didn’t believe in ghosts until he purchased his home in Sheffield in 1995.
Aptly named Grave shares his experiences in 25 true stories, recounting each spinechilling encounter as it happened. He also includes a visit from a famous paranormal investigation crew and a local spiritualist medium. Profits from this book will be donated to Cavendish Cancer Care.
Real Haunted Churches and Cathedrals by Zachery Knowles
One of a series of 17 themed books, this edition uncovers sinister tales of ghostly monks, restless souls and spectral priests who refuse to rest. These are real-life experiences that turn sanctuaries into places of terror.
Hauntings: A Book of Ghosts by Neil Oliver
Best-selling historian Neil Oliver travels the British Isles on a deliciously spine-tingling tour that spans several centuries and explores more than 20 sites – castles, vicarages and towers, lonely shorelines and forgotten battlefields – to unpick their stories.
AUDIO and VIDEO
Diane Morgan Believes in Ghosts
Diane Morgan, who you will know from her shows as the mockumentary presenter Philomena Cunk, was commissioned by the BBC to search their vaults for the best true tales of ghost hunting, hauntings and unexplained phenomena. Guests telling their stories include Sandi Toksvig and Toyah Willcox. http://tiny.cc/BBCghosts
Uncanny
From ghostly phantoms to UFOs, Danny Robins investigates claims of paranormal encounters. This is a regular podcast series and there are some interviews on YouTube, including one where Jason Manford details a close encounter of the spooky kind at the Adelphi Theatre in London. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m0010x7c or search on Spotify for the podcasts or YouTube for ‘BBC Uncanny’.
Haunted
This Netflix series offers chilling first-person accounts from people who have witnessed horrifying or bizarre supernatural events and other unexplained phenomena that continue to haunt them. There are a total of 18 episodes over three series, originally broadcast between 2018 and 2021.
OCTOBER
School Holidays
Local Schools
Monday 13th - Monday 20th (incl.)
Teacher In-Service Day Monday 20th
School pupils resume Tuesday 21st
Edinburgh Academy
Monday 13th - Monday 27th (incl.)
Teacher In-Service Day Monday 27th
School pupils resume Tuesday 28th
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Monday 13th - Friday 24th (incl.) (resume Monday 27th October)
Monday 13th - Monday 27th (incl.)
Teacher In-Service Day Monday 27th
School pupils resume Tuesday 28th
British
Facebook: search for Ladywell Medical Centre East and follow the page for information/updates.
NOVEMBER
Investing can be daunting. Where’s the best place to put your savings? What level of risk are you willing to take? How might fluctuating markets affect your investment? And how can you monitor performance?
We understand. Which is why we aim to take the stress out of the process. At St. James’s Place, our distinctive approach to investment management calls on the expertise of some of the world’s leading fund managers. Which means the potential for healthy long-term investment performance is within your grasp.
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What’s more, being local means we’re here to help whenever you need us. The value of an investment with SJP will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select, and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.
LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Want to do something fun and sociable but waiting lists are too long?
Corstorphine Dementia Project has self-funded places available NOW!!!
You can book a day every week, or more, at Corstorphine Dementia Project, Carrick Knowe Church
Meet like-minded people and have fun doing a range of activities
Keep your mind and body active
Maintain your independence
Enjoy a tasty 2-course lunch
Be supported by skilled staff
Give your relatives/carers a break and peace of mind
Transport provided
For more information please email: contact@cdp-edinburgh.org.uk or phone 0131 478 7784
Corstorphine Connect Sight Loss Group
If you have been diagnosed with any aspect of sight loss and are feeling a little isolated, why not come along and chat to others in a similar situation.
We are a small local group who meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month for coffee, cake and a chat. Each month we will either have some entertainment or a guest speaker to provide interesting talks for the group.
We are RNIB affiliated and can hopefully help direct your concerns to the right people. But it’s not just about that… it’s about friendship, a chat and hopefully a laugh or two!
For more information contact Neil Atkinson at RNIB on 0131 3785630 or 07858 687528.
So why not join us 2pm to 3.30pm at The Astoria Centre, Kirk Loan, Edinburgh EH127HD, On the 3rd Saturday of every month - apart from June! That’s when we have our annual outing!
We look forward to meeting you.
Whisky galore
A wee dram has become a big success for Scotland.
Whisky is as Scottish as the kilt or the bagpipes. It’s also a major contributor to the UK economy. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, 44 bottles of Scotch whisky are shipped per second to over 160 markets. Exports were worth £5.4 billion last year, accounting for 22% of all UK food and drink exports.
What is Scotch whisky?
This drink containing just three ingredients – water, yeast and cereals – must be made in Scotland to be called Scotch. It must also be matured in oak casks for at least three years and have a minimum alcohol content of 40% by volume. Most whiskies are blends, while just over one in ten bottles are single malts, distilled in a single distillery.
What’s its story?
Scotch, first mentioned in tax records in 1494, benefited from various misfortunes to enjoy its
Good news
BARBIE BREAKS BARRIERS
Toy company Mattel in partnership with the charity Breakthrough T1D has launched a Barbie with Type 1 diabetes. Dressed in blue, the colour of diabetes awareness, the doll wears diabetes tech, including a continuous glucose monitor on her arm and a pink insulin pump at her waist. The aim is to make children with the condition feel more confident.
current success. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, monks turned their hand to distilling, improving the quality of what was previously rough stuff.
French vineyards had a phylloxera beetle infestation in the 1880s. It decimated the French wine and brandy industries, but the savvy Scots quickly replaced brandy, France’s favourite spirit, with whisky. France remains one of the top three markets for Scotch, along with India and the USA. The tipple’s popularity in America is partly thanks to Prohibition. Whisky was exempt because it could be prescribed as a medicine.
WINNING IDEA
App developer Andrew Thompson from Staffordshire has been awarded the British Citizen Award for creating the Mood Tracker app that has been credited with helping thousands living with bipolar to manage their condition. Andrew, who received a bipolar diagnosis aged 50, approached Bipolar UK with an idea for an app to help people monitor their moods. Mood Tracker has been downloaded by 50,000 people since launching in 2022.
GOOD WOOD
The National Forest planted more than 150,000 trees during 2024/2025, bringing the total planted since the early 1990s to over 9.85 million. Covering 200 square miles of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, the National Forest aims to bring the benefits of trees to areas scarred by coal mining and clay extraction. The visitor economy across the area has increased by nearly 30%, with over 8.2 million visitors in a typical year.
Image: Mattel.
THE BALGREEN TUNNEL PROJECT
At last! The east side of the tunnel is completed
The comments from everyone have all been positive and it has been so encouraging.
A few people mention their concern that the mural may be damaged but our artists are well known and the “taggers” are unlikely to damage this quality of art. Taggers are looking for blank walls to mark their territory. Certainly nothing has been damaged since work began.
Our community is proud of the transformation. We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to GoFundMe Balgreen tunnel. However we will not be able to finish the west side of the tunnel
unless we can raise more funds. Any ideas are welcome.
We have applied to the Network Rail Community Fund for a grant and as the tunnel belongs to them we are hoping to be successful. Any other ideas of sources of funding? One lady has commissioned an otter - her favourite animal. The photographer from Saughton Gardens has supplied photographs for the artists to work from so it really will be a local animal as is the squirrel already painted.
What local animals or wildflowers would locals be prepared to pay to have painted?
Anyone can contact us via the QR code at the tunnel or by email bigweebalgreentunnelproject@gmail.com Balgreentunnel.wordpress.com
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A traditional French dish of slow-cooked beef in a red wine sauce, this stew
Ingredients
• 1kg diced braising steak (or chuck steak)
• Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp plain flour, seasoned
• 4 tbsp Borderfields Gold Infusions Aromatic Thyme
Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil
• 200g smoked streaky bacon lardons
• 6 small shallots, peeled and diced
• 2 leeks, trimmed, washed and diced
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• Half a bulb of garlic, cut in half horizontally
• Half a 750ml bottle of Merlot red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 750ml rich beef stock
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary and thyme, leaves finely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 star anise
For more recipe
www.borderfields.co.uk.
Recipe created by Rachel Green (Rachel-green.co.uk) with photograph by Michael Powell (www.michaelpowell.com).
• 200g wild and chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped
To serve
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Creamy mashed potato
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C, fan 150°C, gas mark 3.
2. Season the beef well with salt and pepper and toss in the seasoned flour.
3. Heat half the oil in a frying pan and fry the beef in batches over a medium-high heat until browned on all sides, turning now and then. Once browned, using a slotted spoon, transfer to a large flameproof casserole.
4. Add a little more oil to the pan and fry the bacon lardons for 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to the casserole.
5. Add a splash more oil to the pan and cook the shallots and leeks over a low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring until softened. Add the garlic and half garlic bulb (face-side down) and cook for a further minute.
6. Transfer to the casserole, pour over the wine and stir in the tomato purée, stock, herbs and star anise. Bring to a simmer, stir well, cover with a lid and cook in the oven for 1½-1¾ hours.
7. Add the remaining oil and mushrooms to the frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes over a high heat until golden brown, turning often.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven, stir in the mushrooms, return to the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes more until the sauce has thickened and the beef is completely tender. (If the sauce is too thin, add a little cornflour paste and simmer for another couple of minutes.)
9. Scatter over some chopped parsley and serve immediately with some creamy mash.
inspiration using the Borderfields range of Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oils, visit
TIPS TO KEEP PETS CALM FOR FIREWORKS
Autumn is on the way! The nights are getting darker, leaves on trees are changing colour, Halloween is right around the corner, and so is Bonfire Night. Fireworks can bring a lot of stress for our pets, here are some of our top tips for keeping them safe and comfortable during this time:
Safe Space
Make a cosy den for your pet with their favourite blankets, toys, treats, and water. Keep curtains and windows shut.
Comfort Them
If your pet seeks comfort when fireworks are being set off, give them a cuddle!
Walk Before Dark
Take dogs for walks before it gets dark and fireworks are likely to be set off. Keep them on lead to ensure they can’t run off.
Joint health matters
Joint pain can significantly affect your pet’s mobility and quality of life. It’s more likely they’ll develop a condition in their later years but, at any age, genetic conditions and old injuries can cause lifelong pain and increase the risk of arthritis.
Prevention
For puppies and kittens, it’s important to avoid over-exercising while their bones and joints are still developing. Carrying excess weight also puts extra strain on joints, so maintaining a healthy body condition is essential. Look for high-quality pet food that includes ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health and mobility.
Background Noise
Use the TV or radio for background noise to drown out the sound of fireworks.
Keep Animals Indoors
Keep cats and hutch animals (i.e. rabbits) indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
Pheromone & Calming Sprays
Use calming pheromone plugins and sprays on blankets to help beat anxiety.
Recognising the signs
Your pet might become withdrawn, unusually sensitive when touched or have trouble sleeping. But the most obvious signs of joint pain are physical. They include difficulty jumping or using stairs, limping after exercise and generally being slow to move.
Treatment
A visit to the vet is the best first step. Your vet will perform a physical examination to check for stiffness, swelling or pain. In cases of significant discomfort, they may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications.
Helping them adapt
While rest is important, don’t stop exercise altogether. Gentle movement helps prevent joints from becoming too stiff.
Some small changes at home will help:
• Use a ramp to make it easier to access furniture or vehicles
• Put a rug or a mat on slippery floors to prevent falls
• Ensure their bed is low, accessible and supportive
– memory foam beds are a great option
Glow through the gloom
By Kate Duggan
5 autumn beauty updates to keep you going until spring.
1
Many of us neglect our arms and legs during the colder months. If they’re not on show, why bother? However, skin is often drier in autumn and winter, and a good body scrub can be a treat rather than a chore. DAISE’s Vanilla Glow Exfoliating Body Scrub leaves skin feeling soft and lightly scented. The best bit? A 510g tub is just £8 from Boots. If you’re super organised and already buying Christmas gifts, it’s worth knowing that DAISE has been all over TikTok, so this scrub is likely to be a hit with teens.
2 Follow your body scrub with a pampering oil. Truly’s Golden Glaze Luxury Body Oil is packed with nourishing ingredients, such as argan oil and hyaluronic acid. It also gives your skin a hint of shimmer – perfect for parties. A little goes a long way, so a £30 bottle from Boots should last several weeks.
3
4
While we all know the perils of sunbathing, most of us prefer our skin at least slightly bronzed rather than ‘pale and interesting’. Autumn is no exception. A touch of colour can really lift your face and your mood. My new favourite self-tan is Self Glow by James Read’s First Light TT Serum (£32). It instantly gives you that glow that looks as if you’ve just returned from two weeks in France and develops into a natural-looking tan over a few hours. It also contains five types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump your skin. And it works on all skin tones. For best results, apply it with the kitten-soft Sunbrush Face & Body Glow Brush (£25) for a flawless finish. www.jamesreadglow.com
If you struggle with rosacea, you’ll know that cold weather and wind can often trigger a flare-up. Rosalique’s 3-in-1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula (£29.99) could be your new daily essential. This is makeup meets skincare, soothing your skin while instantly covering redness. It’s also really handy for hot flushes or unwanted blushing. The cream feels much lighter than the heavy foundations you may be using, and it provides SPF50 as well. It’s garnered tens of thousands of five-star reviews – with good reason. www.rosalique.co.uk
5
Many of us love light, floral or citrusy fragrances in spring and summer, but find ourselves yearning for warmer, gourmand scents come autumn. I’ve been spritzing on Edeniste’s Vanille Irrésistible for the last few weeks. Along with vanilla, the notes include patchouli, vetiver and bergamot. To me, this is a warm and comforting fragrance, sensual and grown-up. It makes me feel like a 1940s Hollywood starlet curled up by a log burner while a storm rages outside. At £110 for 30ml, it is a luxury buy. However, you could always add it to your Christmas wish list…
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