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 dmdlaw.co.uk
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 January
Murrayfield Grapevine
February/March 2026 edition
19th February
Corstorphine Grapevine
March/April 2026 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.
Hello and welcome to your local business directory The Corstorphine Grapevine.
So after getting used to the winter time change and after recovering from Halloween we are on the fast track to December and Christmas. As usual there are lots of fun events in Edinburgh. Please have a look at the websites below for information:
www.edwinterfest.com/edinburghchristmas
www.edwinterfest.com/hogmany
As usual I have included the Christmas posting dates (page 22) school holidays and Doctors holidays (page 16) for your information. I hope that you find this useful.
Please take a moment to look at page 38 and read about the Christmas Support Project. If you can help please donate, there are various locations. There isn’t much time left.
I would like to thank all of the advertisers that have appeared in the Grapevines throughout 2025 and I hope that we can continue to be of use to you. Thank you readers for your support and lovely comments which are greatly appreciated.
I hope that you all have a lovely time over the festive season and wish you all the very best for 2026.
The Corstorphine Grapevine is printed by Cowan Print Tel : 01236 821177
Why a stretch goes a long way
As we age, our muscles tighten and range of motion in our joints decreases. This can impact even the most active lifestyle and hinder your normal day-to-day activities. Tasks that used to be simple, like zipping up a dress or reaching for a can off the top shelf, may become extremely diffi cult.
A regular stretching program can help lengthen your muscles and make daily activities routine again.
The word flexible comes from the Latin word flexus, which means “to bend.” Flexibility is the degree to which an individual muscle will lengthen. Stretching increases flexibility, which will help you perform daily activities and reduce the risk of muscle, joint and tendon injuries. Stretching also improves circulation, increasing blood flow to the muscles. Increased blood flow provides more nourishment to the muscles and gets rid of more waste by-products in the muscle tissue itself. Improved circulation can also help speed up recovery time if you suffer a muscle injury.
What’s more, stretching can help eliminate or decrease low back pain, one of the most common kinds of structural pain, affecting a large percentage of the population. Muscle tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, and low back muscles is a common cause of low back pain. Stretching these muscles will often eliminate the pain. Keep in mind that every joint is tied to another joint, so if one muscle is tight, it is going to affect another joint or muscle.
One of the greatest benefits of stretching is that you’re able to increase your range of motion, which means your joints can move further before an injury occurs. Stretching after you exercise (at least after you’ve warmed up a bit) has proven to be much more effective than
pre-workout stretches, because by the time you’ve completed your workout, the muscles are “warm.” Post-exercise stretching also helps reduce soreness, improves workout recovery, and ensures muscle and tendons are working properly.
There are no disadvantages to stretching - unless, of course, you do them improperly, which is actually easy to do if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before starting any stretching program:
DON’T bounce when stretching; hold your position for the specified time.
DON’T stretch cold muscles; always do some type of warm-up for at least five minutes: jogging in place, walking on a treadmill, light jump rope, etc.
DON’T overstretch. There should be a little discomfort, especially if you’re not used to stretching, but it should not be painful.
DON’T stretch a muscle improperly. If you are not sure of the proper stretch or how to perform it, get some assistance from a professional.
Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery Registered Chiropractors
Fill in the grid so that
3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with
You solve the puzzle logic - there is no maths
Solutions on Page 64
Cleland Roofing Solutions Ltd started up at an office right next to Turnhouse Golf Club. We have 10 vans with 10 squads working covering all of Scotland. All carry out all 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.
16 Lady Brae, Gorebridge, EH23 4HT 146/2 Turnhouse Road Edinburgh EH12 0AD 0131 364 4212 enquiries@clelandroofingsolutions.co.uk www.clelandroofingsolutions.co.uk
George Cleland -Managing Director
SAFER SHOWER IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY
Call Bathing Mobility on 0131 241 2447 for a free home consultation
Edinburgh’s award winning gardening service Call
Gardening
Garden Tidies, Domestic and Commercial Maintenace, Hedge Cutting, Weed & Invasive species treatments
Fencing
Fence replacements, Removals and repairs
Landscaping
Decking Raised beds, Stone installation, garden levelling
Soft Landscaping
Turfing, Lawn care programmes, Plantscaping, Planting plans fully designed and installed Sheds
Supplied and Installed
Trees
Tree Felling & Removal, Planting, Pruning, Crown lifts & Crown reductions
Garden waste collections
Local Medical Centres
Ladywell Medical Centre West:
Tel: 0131 334 3602
Ladywell Road Mon - Friday 8am-6pm
Closed every Monday - Friday between 1-2pm for staff training
Closed: Staff Training:
Wednesday 28th Jan from 1pm
Closed: Dec 25th & 26th and Jan 1st & 2nd
For further information please refer to our website www.ladywellwest.co.uk
Ladywell Medical Centre East:
Tel: 0131 334 5000
26 Featherhall Avenue Mon - Friday 8am-6pm
Closed every Monday - Friday between 1-2pm for staff training
Closed: Staff Training: Wednesday 28th Jan from 1pm
Closed: Dec 25th & 26th. Jan 1st & 2nd
For further information please refer to our website www.ladywelleast.co.uk
Facebook: search for Ladywell Medical Centre East and follow the page for information/updates.
Parkgrove Medical Centre:
Tel: 0131 312 6600
22B Parkgrove Terrace Mon - Friday 8am - 6pm
Closed every Monday - Friday between 12-1pm for staff training
Closed: Dec 25th & 26th. Jan 1st & 2nd
For further information please refer to our website www.parkgrovemedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk
Barclay Medical Practice East Craigs:
Tel: 0131 339 6670
10 Bughtlin Market Mon - Friday 8am - 6pm
Closed: Dec 25th & 26th. Jan 1st & 2nd
Patients are advised if they need medical assistance during practice closures, they should call NHS 24 on 111 or visit www.nhsinform.scot where you can find lots of helpful information and details of the NHS 24 Online app. Alternatively in a medical emergency do not hesitate to call 999.
Please remember to ensure that you have organised your repeat prescriptions to cover holiday periods.
DECEMBER
Shortest Day Sunday 21st
Christmas Day Thursday 25th
End of Term Dates
Local Schools
Last day of Term Friday 19th
Edinburgh Academy
Last day of Term Friday 19th
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Last day of Term Friday 19th (lunchtime)
St George’s Last day of Term Thursday 18th (Nursery, Junior School and Lower School will be dismissed at 12 noon.
Upper School will be dismissed from St Gyles’ Cathedral at approx 4.45 pm)
JANUARY 2026
Back to School
Local Schools First day of Term Tuesday 6th
(Monday 5th Staff resume)
Edinburgh Academy
First day of Term Tuesday 6th
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
First day of Term Wednesday 7th
St George’s First day of Term Tuesday 6th
(Monday 5th Staff resume)
FEBRUARY
Valentine’s Day Saturday 14th
Mid Term Holiday Dates
Local Schools
Monday 16th – Fri 20th (incl)
Return to school on Mon 23rd
Edinburgh Academy
Monday 16th – Fri 20th (incl)
Return to school on Mon 23rd
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Monday 16th – Fri 20th (incl)
Return to school on Mon 23rd
St George’s
Monday 16th – Fri 20th (incl)
Return to school on Mon 23rd
(School closes for Half Term on Friday 13th at 3.50pm)
Dates
for your Diary
C. S. Gardening & Landscaping
Last UK Posting Dates 2025
Investing can be daunting. Where’s the best place to put your savings? What level of risk are you willing to take? How might fluctuatin g 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. 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. Call today to find out more
Charity Shop Open
Bag a bargain, browse the books, buy some bits n bobs
Zumba
Babies Group (birth to 2 years) waiting list
Sewing Group
Men's Shed Social & Workshop
Gentle Seated Exercise- waiting list
Lunch Club*
Jewellery Making*
Gentle Seated Exercise- waiting list
Morning Craft Group
Moving Forward- Widowers Group
Afternoon Craft Group
Walking Group (8km)
Sporting Memory Group
Lunch Club *Limited spaces available
Men's Shed Workshop- waiting list
Crochet and Knitting Group
Junior Youth Group (P7-S1)
Senior Youth Group (S2- S6)
Art Group
Music, Songs & Fun- 5yrs and under
Music, Songs & Fun- 5yrs and under
Community Shed Workshop
Community Shed Workshop
Community Garden
Gentle Strollers
Crafts & Games- 3yrs-7yrs
Corstorphinecommunity centre.org.uk
RENOVATIONS
Making friends. Having a great laugh every week. Keeping my aged brain active.
IRENE, PEEBLES
I’m really enjoying my course at Speak Out! A nice little Italian break on a Monday morning.
I’m very much looking forward to continuing in the new year with the lovely ladies in my class!
SUSAN, EDINBURGH
Preventing mental decline as we age
Studies show a significant increase in mental health issues among those over 50 in the last 10 years. Numbers of dementia patients are up, as well as rates of depression. But all is not lost!
Researchers agree that learning a new language can do wonders for your mental health, and is especially helpful for those 50. It keeps your brain active as you pick up new words and concepts, which helps strengthen memory and keeps your mind sharp. For older adults, this mental workout supports long-term cognitive health and has even been proven to slow age-related decline. Plus, every bit of progress - like understanding a sentence you couldn’t before - boosts confidence and gives you a real sense of accomplishment.
It’s also a great way to relax and stay present. Focusing on pronouncing a new phrase can quiet a busy mind and lower stress. And since language learning is all about speaking and building connections, you also build your social network, which is of huge benefit for emotional well-being later in life.
Speak Out Languages in Edinburgh has become known for helping adults to build confidence to speak a new language in a relaxed, friendly environment.
To find out more, contact Ruth Allan at hello@speakoutwithconfidence.com 07825 597056 or check out Speak Out’s new January classes at www.speakoutwithconfidence.com
Boxing Day turkey biryani with pomegranate and toasted almonds
A one-pot flavoursome family meal that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey and any vegetables, such as parsnips, carrots and sprouts.
Method
1. Melt the butter and oil in a large, lidded casserole over a medium heat. Fry the onion for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Add the garlic, ginger, chilli, turmeric, nigella seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon and balti paste, stirring well. Next, add the rice and cook for a further 3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat.
2. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Season with a little salt and pepper, and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 12 minutes. Next, add the leftover vegetables and turkey, stirring gently to combine. Replace the lid and cook for a further 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave to steam for 10 minutes. Using a fork, gently break up the grains and then stir through the coriander and lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds, toasted almond flakes and chopped coriander and serve immediately.
Serves 4
Preparation time 20-25 minutes
Cooking time 35-40 minutes
Ingredients
• 30g butter
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely crushed
• 5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 red chilli, finely sliced
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp nigella seeds
• 6 cardamom pods
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp balti paste
• 300g easy-cook basmati rice, rinsed in cold water until clear
• 700ml chicken stock
• Sea salt flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 350g leftover Christmas vegetables (parsnips, carrots, sprouts), roughly chopped
• 450g leftover cooked Golden Turkey, pulled into pieces
• A handful of chopped coriander, plus extra to serve
• A squeeze of lemon juice
• 4 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• 50g toasted almond flakes
Murrayfield Podiatry & Reflexology Clinic
8 Coltbridge Avenue, Murrayfield, Edinburgh 0131 337 2226
Podiatry: 0770 4689 342
Reflexology: 0746 0684 166
Vaji Naji BSc (Hons) MRCPod
Members of the Royal College of Podiatry & HCPC registered
Minoo Hakim
The Association of Reflexlogists
l Home Visits
l Routine Podiatry & Advice
l Hand and Foot Reflexology
l Nail Surgery & Dry Needling
l Biomechanics & Orthotics
l Evening Clinic on Mondays 6-9 pm
Christmas Support Project 25
West Edinburgh Community Support Group in collaboration with organisations, Churches and businesses are once again organising the Corstorphine Christmas Support Project.
The Project is based at St Thomas Church, 75-79 Glasgow Road EH12 8LJ
The aim of the project is to work alongside local Primary Schools, Early Years Centres Local Health Professionals and Social Care to help families in the wider Corstorphine Area and Murrayfield and Roseburn, who would benefit
from additional support at Christmas time. Self referrals will also be considered.
We are looking for donations from the local community that we will include in the packages distributed in the two weeks leading up to Christmas.
Donations of Non Perishable Foodstuffs, Cleaning Products and Toiletries would be gratefully appreciated. We are also looking for Stocking Filler Type items to include in the gift bags given to each child.
Donations can be handed in to the list of donation points below from 1st November until 9th December.
W Corstorphine Community Centre
5 Kirk Loan Mon- Fri (9.20am -3.30pm)
W Nationwide Building Society
77 St John’s Road
W The Gift Tree - 5-7 Station Road
W Costa Coffee - 145 St John’s Road
W Royal Bank of Scotland 237-239 St John’s Rd
W Corstorphine Library - 12 Kirk Loan
W West Edinburgh Vets 163 St John’s Road
W Corstorphine Chiropractic
1b Drumbrae Avenue
W Murrayfield Medical Practice13b Riversdale Crescent
W Neilson - 162 St John’s Road
W Murrayfield Pharmacy 115 Corstorphine Road
W Murrayfield Medical Centre 35 Saughton Crescent
W St Thomas Church Mon. Wed. -
9.30am - 12.00pm
W Drumbrae Library Hub - 81 Drumbrae Drive
W Rannoch Centre - 6 Rannoch Terrace
Monday - Friday 1pm - 4pm
W Café Frokada - 27 Parkgrove Street
W Munro Centre - 6 Parkgrove Street
Monday - Thursday 9am - 12pm
W Mid Yoken Bar and Lounge
75 Craigmount Brae
W The Torfin - 245a St Johns Road
W The Works - Unit 35 The Gyle Shopping Centre
W Antony Zein Hair Salon - 102 St John’s Road
W Dunbar Funeral Directors - 263 St John’s Road
W Barclay Medical Centre East Craigs 10 Bughtlin Market
W The Tarbet - 243 St John’s Road
W Sunrise Dental Clinic - 74-76 St John’s Road
W Up MO Cafe - Drumbrae Leisure Centre
30 Drumbrae Terrace
W Co-op Corstorphine - 141 St John’s Road
W Barclay Medical Centre Maybury Turnhouse Road
Further Donation points will be added and publicised through various points. For further information contact: Tommy 07938 742645
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
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.
We comply with all required regulations relating to Covid 19 infection control
The many advantages of reading - for all ages.
by John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor
In the last edition of the Corstorphine Grapevine, I mentioned the importance of reading in the internet age. Since then, I have noticed that 2026 has been declared the National Year of Reading, and I have contacted some local schools to ask what can be done to help encourage children to enjoy reading more.
Today, one in ten children in the UK aged 5 to 18 do not have a book of their own. The proportion of children who enjoy reading is falling and they, and adults, are now more likely to read social media posts than books. One in five children age 1113 never pick up a book voluntarily and parents are now reading less frequently to their children, with less than half of under-fives being read to frequently.
Many years ago, I met Dolly Parton, when she was in the UK promoting her Imagination Library charity, which donated a book every month for 5 years, to children whose families were too poor to own any books, as she had also been brough up in a poor house with no books.
Why this matters is that habits formed in childhood last a lifetime. Many 18-year-olds now struggle to concentrate long enough to read long novels, even after gaining entrance to university. Those who read regularly report sleeping well and feeling generally more happy. Reading also helps reduce
feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression, compared to those who do not read. As we begin 2026, one New Year’s Resolution for us all, which would cost nothing if we use our local library, is to take the time to read more.
When I wrote my first book, The Mayor of Kalymnos, I decided to use the proceeds of sales to support a cancer charity and Sunflower Scotland, who help families affected by war in Ukraine. The £10 raised from every sale has been forwarded to them and combined with concerts I have organised, several thousand pounds has now been raised.
If you would like a light read in the New Year and to know that 100% of the price paid for the book will go to a good cause, either pop in to McLean’s newsagent in Corstorphine High Street for a copy, or contact me on the website www.themayorofkalymnos.com or phone 0780 1057 446 and if you live in the area I will drop off a signed copy to you.
John Barrett
• All Digital Aerial & Satellite Installation & Repairs
• Domestic & Commercial
• Fully Guaranteed Free Estimates
• Sky Installations, Foreign Satellites
• Motorised Systems Installed & Repaired
• 20 Years experience
Evergreen appeal
By Caroline Knight
The value of evergreens is highlighted during winter when there are low light levels, few flowers and very little colour. At this time of year, these plants are elevated to become the stars of the outdoor stage.
Evergreens are stalwarts of structure. They create privacy, interest and texture once the garden has been reduced to a winter skeleton. These plants provide havens for wildlife at a time when there are few places to hide. From an aesthetic point of view, you can be sure that if your garden looks good during winter, it will be great all year round. There are some beautiful evergreen conifers, but also shrubs, grasses, climbers, ferns and perennials. Just remember that evergreen plants DO lose their leaves, but rather than shedding them all at once when the cold weather hits, they drop gradually throughout the year. And don’t be fooled by the name: evergreens can be yellow, golden, orange, cream, red, pink and lime, as well as every shade of green you can imagine.
Groundcover
• Bergenia is known as elephant’s ears because of its large, rounded foliage. It will survive just about anywhere, covering the ground in a cluster of colour-changing lush leaves, from which beautiful blooms emerge in early spring.
• Euphorbia myrsinites measures only a centimetre or two high. It loves sunny, free-draining soils and rock gardens.
• Others in the same family include the tall, spectacular Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii, loved for its huge heads of lime-green flowers in spring.
• Creeping thyme, Thymus serpyllum, thrives in gaps and cracks, helping to stop weeds from claiming difficult-to-reach areas. Its foliage releases a delightful aroma when crushed.
• Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle) is a shade-loving evergreen that will help to anchor the soil and prevent erosion, as well as fill gaps that weeds can populate.
• Creeping phlox will cover the surface of a sunny bed and give you a carpet of flowers in spring.
• Hellebores, known as Christmas or Lenten roses, produce wonderful flowers during winter.
• Evergreen heuchera (coral bells) come in an astonishing range of foliage colours.
• If you have poor, arid soil and perhaps some seaspray to contend with, Helianthemum rock roses will perform magnificently.
Hedging
Hedges bring style, biodiversity and environmental benefits to any scene, making beautiful boundaries whether in public parks, rambling manor gardens or social housing schemes.
If it’s topiary and ‘clipability’ that you’re seeking, look at yew. More unusual evergreen possibilities include Pittosporum, Fargesia (clumping bamboo), Choisya (Mexican orange blossom), evergreen Euonymus (spindle), Griselinia (especially for a sunny seaside location), Escallonia, Photinia, and privet.
Even leylandii (Cuprocyparis leylandii) has its loyal supporters, not least wildlife. Maintenance is key: leylandii does not need to eat up the neighbours provided it’s clipped at least once a year.
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
CORSTORPHINE FLORAL ART CLUB NewmembersWelcome
The Murrayfield Club
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
St Ninian’s Parish Church
Tuesdays and Thursdays - 11am - 1pm Coffee and Tea
A chance to blether and make friends or just enjoy a change of scene. All Welcome, No Commitment Scottish Charity No. 16557
Breast Feeding Support Group
Meet Tuesdays 11.15am -12.15pm Rannoch Centre 6 Rannoch Terrace
Edinburgh EH4 7ES - just behind Drumbrae Hub
This is a group for mums and babies experiencing breastfeeding challenges. Please do come!
We are very excited to be back and would love to see you and your baby
For more information call 0131 286 5023 (Stewart Team)
Christmas Greetings from StAnne’s
All are welcome to the following festive Services
Sunday November 30
11.00am Advent Sunday (short Communion)
Sunday December 7
11.00am Advent 2
Sunday December 14
11.00am Advent 3
Wednesday December 17
6.30pm Service of Reflection
Sunday December 21
11.00am Advent 4 with Pop up Nativity and Holy Communion
7.00pm Carol Service
Wednesday December 24
4.00pm Christingle Service
11.30pm Watchnight Service
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!!!
0131 334 5046
0783 461 8625
thomas@keylandscapes.org www.keylandscapes.co.uk
For more information please email: contact@cdp-edinburgh.org.uk or phone 0131 478 7784
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
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.
Happy, Healthy New Year!
As we head into the next twelve months full of good intentions, here are some guides to help you feel your all-round best.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? By Dr Julie Smith
From building confidence to managing stress, clinical psychologist and online sensation Dr Julie Smith shares all the skills you need to get through life’s ups and downs. Written in short, bite-sized entries, it offers solutions that might just change your life.
The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel
Money can’t buy you happiness, it’s said. Well, according to best-selling author Morgan Housel, it can! Armed with his insights, you’ll learn to sidestep common spending traps, make smarter investing choices and wield money to its fullest potential to enhance your enjoyment of life.
The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest
If you’re in the pivot period – bridging the space between where you are and where you want to be – this is a book of daily meditations on finding the courage to become the person you’d like to be. You just need to convince your mind to act consistently on what your heart already knows.
The List That Changed My Life by Olivia Beirne
This fiction best-seller takes you on a hilarious, heart-warming journey. Georgia will never, ever take a risk, unlike her braver sister, who discovers she won’t be able to complete her ‘tick list’ before she hits 30 – and turns to Georgia for help!
Hack Yourself Healthy by Julia Bradbury
The TV presenter and author travels the world to explore different approaches to health, while embarking on a rigorous journey to reclaim her own following a cancer diagnosis. Here she shares the ultimate health and wellness hacks.
Podcast and YouTube: Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place
Fearne delves into life, love, loss and everything in between by chatting with inspiring individuals who have made a change in their lives or helped others find different ways of seeing life.
TV Series: Change Your Mind, Change Your Life
Can therapy change your life? Matt and Emma Willis join people’s transformational journeys as they are paired with leading therapists. On BBC iPlayer.
Film: The Pursuit of Happyness
A 2006 drama starring Will Smith as a homeless salesman. Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, this film shows that even in the face of overwhelming odds, some people can still transform their lives.
Peaks of Perfection at Rowanbank Gardens
High Quality City Living at Multi-Award-Winning Development in Corstorphine, Edinburgh
Buying a new home at Rowanbank Gardens has now become easier thanks to a range of superb incentives making moving to the multi-awardwinning development both easier and more cost-effective.
With just nine of the 93 apartments available for private sale remaining, the award-winning development by boutique developer Artisan Real Estate is located in the vibrant Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine, within easy reach of Edinburgh city centre. It is set around a large communal garden space filled with fruit trees and planting beds and has been recognised as setting new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon living, whilst providing the highest standard of living both inside and out.
The nine apartments currently available are a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, with Artisan offering a range of generous incentives for buyers looking to reserve the remaining apartments. These include a £10,000 deposit contribution, cash-back to help with moving expenses, two years membership at the local gym and wellness centre and a contribution to the Land & Building Transaction Tax.
Buyers can also benefit from a much easier and hassle-free moving experience with ‘Made Move Easy’ by Artisan. The scheme helps buyers sell their existing home whilst reserving an apartment at the same time. Artisan organises the sale of the
existing home together with its trusted estate agent partner - and even covers the costs of estate agent fees and the Home Report.
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.
Airy, sun-drenched open plan living spaces have been designed to make the most of natural daylight which is maximised by full-length picture windows.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.
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.
Two-bedroom apartments at Rowanbank Gardens are available from £330,000, with three-bedroom apartments from £450,000.
To
High quality open plan living at Rowanbank Gardens
We’d love to see you at our
Sunday 21 December @ 4:30 pm
Carols by Candlelight
Wednesday 24 December @ 4:30 pm
Christmas Eve Communion
Thursday 25th December @ 10:30 am
Christmas Day Family Service
St Thomas’ Church, 75-79 Glasgow Road, EH12 8LJ
Phone 0131 285 8782
www.saintthomas.org.uk
churchoffice@saintthomas.org.uk
All are welcome.
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.
• Lead Work
• Slating & Tiling
• Flat Roofing
• Single ply
• uPVC Fascias & Gut
• Pointing & Cement Work
• Roughcasting & Harling
• Emergency Roofing • Exterior Painting • Joinery
Sunday 7th December
9.40am ‘Wee Service’ in the Church Hall for families with young children
10.30am Holy Communion
Wednesday 10th December
1.30pm Holy Communion
Saturday 13th December
2.00pm Scotmid Memorial Service
Sunday 14th December
9.40am ‘Wee Service’ in the Church Hall for families with young children
Wednesday 17th December
6.30pm Corstorphine Community Carol Service
Sunday 21st December
9.40am ‘Wee Service’ in the Church Hall for families with young children
10.30am Lessons and Carols
Wednesday 24th December
10.30am Nativity Service www.corstorphineoldparish.org.uk
First aid for furry friends
When accidents happen, knowing the right first steps could save your pet’s life while you get them to a vet.
First steps
Approach your pet carefully, as pain or fear may cause them to lash out. Keep a pen and paper handy or have someone else listen in to the call to the vet, as it can be difficult to remember instructions under stress.
Wounds
If the wound only has surface bleeding, just clean it with tepid water. If there is significant blood, apply pressure with a clean dressing. However, if you can see anything in the cut or it’s down to the bone, leave it to your vet to handle.
Choking
Are they choking or coughing? If it’s the former, they’ll be struggling to breathe, so you need to
Christmas Eve
6.00pm Family Service 11.00pm Carols in Church
11.30pm Watchnight Service
Thursday 25th December Christmas Day 10.30am Family Worship
open their mouth to see anything that’s stuck. Try to avoid using your hands to remove the object, as your pet might bite, and take care not to push it further in.
Seizure
This will be frightening for both you and them. Keep the room quiet and dim the lights, and keep your pet cool. If possible, video the seizure to show your vet.
Is it urgent?
Remember, if your pet reacts or tries to resist, they should be able to wait for professional treatment.
Training courses
Pet first aid courses are widely available. Taking one is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll know how to respond to a crisis with confidence.
and more
THE ULTIMATE HEALTHY GIFT LIST
By Susannah Hickling
Chocolate
Research has shown that dark chocolate may lower the risk of heart disease, reduce levels of bad cholesterol and improve brain function. It’s packed with antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage in the body. Keep it to a couple of squares though.
Gym membership
Olive oil
A bottle of great-quality extra virgin olive oil not only enhances a salad but has amazing health benefits. It’s high in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, giving it anti-inflammatory properties and helping protect against conditions like heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
Journal
Regular workouts can improve your strength, cardiovascular fitness and bone density. Going to the gym can also boost your mood and help you lose weight. Receiving an annual membership in your Christmas stocking is a great way to get –and stay – motivated.
Air fryer
A gorgeous book for jotting down your feelings and experiences makes a special present. What’s more, research has found that journalling can improve psychological well-being and physical health too – one study even suggested it could lower blood pressure and reduce sick days.
These mini-cookers are energy-efficient, popular, and a healthier way of cooking foods you’d usually deep fry. Breaded chicken, chips and the like require far less, if any, oil, making them lower in fat. Of course, fatty foods are best eaten in moderation.
Board game
Electric toothbrush
One review of 56 studies found that using a powered toothbrush for three months led to an impressive 21% reduction in tooth-decaying plaque. It also resulted in an 11% decrease in gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, compared with a manual toothbrush.
There are so many great board games on the market. They’ll give you lots of laughs over the festive period, which will boost feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Meanwhile, playing board games regularly can help boost memory and may help ward off cognitive decline.
Quality time
Spending time with loved ones won’t cost the giver a penny but it’s a truly precious gift. If you’ve found yourself rushed off your feet of late, take a conscious decision to put aside more hours to do fun things together. Plenty of time to devote to others? Consider volunteering – research has shown it improves mental and physical health.
ALL THE WOMEN is the story of MUMs (Malawi
Underprivileged Mothers).
Prompted by a few photographs of mothers and babies in a maternity unit in Malawi.
The charity began in the spring of 2005 and grew beyond any expectation. The first MUMs recipe book was published at Christmas that same year and over 55,000 books were sold in 12 years. The journey described in this book shows what can be done when working together for women and children in most need.
From Scotland to Malawi, all the women in this story are striving for the same goal, to make a positive difference. How the money was raised and accounted for is described in detail – along with the challenges faced, the inspirational people met and the heartbreak and joys experienced.
Take back control
We all feel overwhelmed at times. Here’s how to find calm amid the chaos and cope when you’re stretched too thin.
Take a breath
Make that all-important to-do list but, rather than panicking when you look at it, pause and take some slow, deep breaths. There are plenty of short breathing exercises on the internet. And there’s nothing like a cup of tea to help give you some perspective and soothe that sensation of overwhelm.
Decide what to put to one side
Some things will be more urgent than others. What can you put on hold? Determining that will help you feel more in control.
Know when to say no
As well as a list of things to do, consider having a ‘no’ list – the jobs you can refuse or which are just not important in the great scheme of things. This will help you prioritise.
Delegate
Corstorphine Churches
Websites
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
Don’t feel you have to do everything yourself. Ask for help and offload chores onto other people. Can you get them to make some phone calls? Ferry the children around? Cook dinner? This will bring a sense of relief. You’ll also feel you’re not tackling this mountain of work on your own.
Take tasks one step at a time
one down into a series of smaller tasks. Prioritise and set a date and time for them if you can. But try to avoid too much future thinking and just focus on the next job or decision.
A problem shared
Talk about it – it’s amazing how explaining how we feel and the challenges we’re facing can help us put things in perspective and even find a solution. It will also lighten the emotional load.
Do something easy
Go for the easy wins to make you feel more in charge of your life. Clean a drawer, do the ironing or something else that will give you visible results and a sense that you’re making progress.
Do what you enjoy
Don’t neglect yourself when you feel as if you’ve got too much on your plate. Make time for the things that give you joy, whether that’s sport, art, music or meeting up with friends. This will keep your emotional energy up. Aim for good-quality sleep, which will make you feel more alert and able to take on the seemingly insurmountable.
Give yourself a pep talk
You’re now left with a list of jobs that you have to tackle. To make them more manageable, break each
It’s tempting to put yourself down or feel sorry for yourself when you’re under a lot of stress. But make a conscious effort not to spiral into negativity. Instead, practise positive self-talk. Tell yourself you’re going to be OK, you can handle it, you just need to give yourself a few moments, and then you’ll come up with a plan. Above all, be kind to yourself.
Cheap tricks
From DIY eye masks to simple storage solutions, here’s how to level up your beauty routine without breaking the bank.
• It’s nigh on impossible to squeeze the last bit of lotion or cream out of a tube. Rather than snipping off a corner, cut across the tube three centimetres from the end. The cut-off section can then slot over the rest of the tube, keeping the contents within easy reach but protected from drying out.
• Alternatively, attach a sandwich bag clip to the base of the tube. Slide it up to squeeze more lotion out. This works well for things like toothpaste that you don’t want to get on your fingers.
• Sandwich bag clips are also handy for keeping hairbands together. Just loop them on and clip it closed. You should be able to store at least 20 hairbands on a large bag clip – that’s 20 that won’t end up disappearing into the void with all those odd socks and claw clips.
• Speaking of claw clips, store and display them on a kitchen towel holder. This also works for scrunchies.
• Battling to find your body oil in the bathroom cupboard? Try a revolving beauty organiser. While they’re easy to get hold of these days, most are a tad plasticky. If you can’t find one you like, search online for revolving spice racks instead. Many have shelves rather than slots for the spices and they come in a variety of materials, including wood and metal. They’re also often cheaper than beauty organisers.
• If your lips are dry and flaky (hello winter!), mix a little sugar with olive oil to make a homemade, moisturising lip scrub.
• Run out of shaving gel? Use conditioner. It won’t give you quite as close a shave but it will leave your skin softer.
• Stop your makeup brushes from getting damaged or dirty by keeping them in an old glasses case.
• Do you love curling up with a hot water bottle but don’t have a cover for it? Pop the bottle into a woolly hat and secure it with a hairband around the neck.
• Are you a lover of lipsticks but can never find the one you want? Store them standing upright in an ice-cube tray.
• If your eyes regularly feel dry or gritty, you might have blocked oil glands. The easiest way to unblock them is by regularly using a heated eye mask. You can buy an electric one online but, for a quick fix, you can make your own in less than five minutes. Half fill a long, clean sock with rice and knot it closed. Pop your DIY eye mask into the microwave. Heat in 20-second bursts, checking regularly until it’s good and warm but not so hot that it’s going to hurt. And relax…
Christmas Services at St. Ninian’s
The dates and times for our Christmas Services are:
Sunday 14th December, 10:30am
Gift Service for children who won’t otherwise receive a Christmas gift. Donation gratefully received.
Sunday 14th December, 3:00pm
Blue Christmas Service for anyone who finds Christmas difficult, particularly those who have been bereaved.
Sunday 21st December, 10:30am Family Nativity Service
Sunday 21st December, 6:30pm Service of Nine Lessons & Carols
Wednesday 24th December, 8:00pm
Christmas Eve Service (Christmas songs from 7:30pm)
Thursday 25th December, 10:30am
Family Worship for Christmas Morning
Good news
MICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN
Two 13-year-olds from Devon, Eva Wishart and Emily Smith, launched a £4,000 crowdfunding appeal and raised 250 harvest mice. They then released them in a Tiverton nature reserve in a carefully managed operation. Despite early setbacks – including losses to a neighbour’s cat – the pair succeeded in creating a protective ecosystem for Europe’s smallest rodent, whose numbers had been badly affected by habitat loss and farming practices. Eva is now hoping to reintroduce common lizards into the nature reserve.
PATIENTS WON’T NEED PATIENCE
The UK aims to cut clinical trial start-up times from an average of nine months to just ten weeks, by implementing a more efficient, standardised contracting process and cutting bureaucracy. A pilot mRNA norovirus vaccine scheme only took 70 days, proving that faster pharmaceutical development and quicker access to cuttingedge treatments are realistic. Historically strong in medical research, the UK could once again become a global hub for life sciences, the Government believes.
THINKING DIFFERENTLY
A nationwide campaign wants to highlight and encourage the achievements of dyslexic business leaders. One in three entrepreneurs has the condition, contributing at least £4.6 billion a year to the country’s GDP, according to the charity Made By Dyslexia, which teamed up with Virgin Unite and Virgin StartUp. Virgin StartUp has designed a free accelerator programme for dyslexic entrepreneurs to help them use their unique way of thinking to unlock the potential in their business.
CHILDREN’S PUZZLE PAGE
MAGIC NUMBER
To find the magic number, just add the numbers together that are next to each other, and put the answer in the circle below them!
CHRISTMAS WORDSEARCH
What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Snowflakes.
What happens if you eat Christmas decorations? You get tinselitus. What type of photos do Elves take? Elf-ies!
JOLLY
LIGHTS
MERRY
NORTH POLE
REINDEER
SANTA
SLEIGH
SNOWFLAKE
SNOWMAN
YULE
From humbug to heartwarming
Hidden phrase: We wish you a merry Christmas - Traditional song
Hidden phrase: We wish you a merry Christmas –Traditional song
NUMBER ANSWER :
It’s sometimes said – lightheartedly – that Charles Dickens invented Christmas. Of course, he didn’t create the holiday but he did breathe new life into it, reshaping it into the warm, festive celebration we know today.
Money matters
At the heart of this transformation lies ‘A Christmas Carol’, a novella so iconic that Scrooge has become shorthand for miserliness. Ironically, Dickens only wrote it to patch up his shaky finances after the disappointing sales of an earlier book, ‘Martin Chuzzlewit’.
The gamble paid off – ‘A Christmas Carol’ was an instant sensation, inspiring countless stage and film adaptations. Riding the wave of its success, Dickens quickly followed up with four more Christmas novellas between 1844 and 1848 (with ‘The Cricket on the Hearth’ even outselling ‘A Christmas Carol’) and later added 17 short stories to the holiday editions of his magazines, ‘Household Words’ and ‘All the Year Round’.
Christmas past
Pre-Dickens, Christmas was nothing like it is today. By the 19th century, the grand feasts of medieval times had all but disappeared. The Puritans had worked hard to suppress them and, even after the monarchy was restored, the old communal revelry never truly came back. In the rapidly expanding industrial cities, things were bleaker still – the season had become little more than another stretch of working days. There were no 12 days of merriment, no pause for joy. Shops remained open and business continued as usual.
Dickens, ever the social observer, saw this as a tragedy. He believed Christmas should be about community, generosity and human connection. While his personal faith was sincere (if unconventional), his Christmas stories rarely dwell on religious ritual. Instead, they highlight the social side of the holiday. Scrooge doesn’t
dash to church once he reforms; he goes to visit friends. And ‘The Pickwick Papers’ features perhaps the most memorable Victorian party scene of all: the Christmas Eve ball at Manor Farm, where everyone, from the Pickwickians to local villagers, is welcomed into a riot of food, laughter and dancing. Festive spirit
Recreating that feast today would be in equal parts delightful and disastrous. First, the sheer tidal wave of alcohol – hot punch, mulled ale, spiced claret, endless brandy – would alarm even the most tolerant doctor. Second, some of the traditional games teetered on the edge of madness. Consider ‘snap-dragon’, a Victorian party favourite. Picture this: the room goes dark, a ghostly figure enters carrying a tray of raisins drenched in brandy and set ablaze. The guests must snatch the fiery fruit with their bare fingers – burns be damned – before sitting down to yet more drink, including a wassail bowl where apples hissed and bubbled in the heat. In Dickens’ world, Christmas wasn’t just about goodwill and cheer; it was about shared revelry, reckless fun and the kind of generosity that could penetrate even a miser’s heart.
How Charles Dickens reinvented Christmas.
47
24 Funerals
Porteous Family Funeral Directors 45 Furniture Repairs
James Erskine 41 Gardener
CS Gardening & Landscaping 20
JDS Gardening 14 Gardening Hard Landscaping
Alpine Paving 30
Evergreen Balerno 55
JDS Gardening 14 Key Landscapes 47
Gardening Supplies/Services
JDS Gardening 14
Health/Fitness
Discover Chiropractic 6 Fit20 23 Forth Physio 39
Murrayfield Podiatry Clinic 37
Homeshare Scotland 3 Jewellers
Jewellery By Design 17 Joiners
Allanbrook 26
Crispin Carpentry & Construction 21
J C Walker 61
J & L Joinery 32 Maple Joinery 19
Locksmith 1st Call Locksmiths 5 Music
Oven Wizards 5 Painters & Decorators
AM Decorating 21 Carrick Decorators 31
Physiotherapist
Forth Physio 39
Plasterer
DCM 55
Plumber/Gas & Heating Services
Corstorphine Gas Services 8
Geoff Lennie 5
J & E MacGregor 29
Rightio Plumbing & Heating 27
rmi Corstorphine Gas & Plumbing 61
W A M Smith 33
Podiatrist
Murrayfield Podiatry Clinic 37
Roofing Maintenance
Cleland Roofing Solutions Ltd 12 Edinburgh Roofing Services 15
Roofing Contracts 43 Morningside Roofing 51
Probuild Contracts 11
Rubbish Removal JoeJunk 26
Security 1st Call Locksmiths 5
Silicone Sealant Solutions
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1
Out With Confidence 30 & 31
Care JDS Gardening 14 Upholsterers
Erskine 41
Upholstery Cleaner Chores@Work 26
Scottish Fiddle Orchestra 18 Voxbox 53 New Homes Rowanbank Gardens 49 Oven Cleaner
