www.murrayfieldgrapevine.co.uk
Useful Numbers
Balgreen Library: 529 5585
City of Edinburgh Council: 200 2000
Murrayfield Medical Practice: 337 6151
Riversdale Crescent
Murrayfield Medical Centre: 337 2166
Saughton Crescent
Royal Infirmary: 536 1000
Western General: 537 1000
Sick Kids Hospital: 536 0000
NHS 24: 111
Police - Non Emergency: 101
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
Edinburgh Airport: 08444 888 333
National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50
Gas - Emergency: 0800 111 999
Scottish Water (24hr): 0800 0778 778
Next Deadlines
18th April
Corstorphine Grapevine May/June 2025 Edition
19th May
Murrayfield Grapevine
June/July/August 25 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 April/May edition of the Murrayfield Grapevine, your local business directory.
Spring is in the air as Easter approaches. Please find details for Easter Church Services on page 38. For your easy reference a list of school holidays for the next couple of months are listed on page 44.
I am delighted and proud that the Murrayfield Grapevine continues to support many local businesses, and also local groups and charities.
Articles of interest and also local events can be found throughout the publication so please have a look through all the pages. You might even have a try to solve the puzzles that are included.
If you have a business that you would like to advertise then please get in touch. I would be pleased to help. Contact information is at the foot of this page.
The next edition is the summer edition covering the months of June, July and August, and it will be distributed in the first week of June.
In the meantime please take care.
Best wishes, Jill
The Murrayfield Grapevine is printed by Cowan Print Tel : 01236 821177
and a focus on long-term
Colette provides gentle yet thorough cleanings, ensuring patients feel comfortable and at ease while maintaining excellent oral health with a caring and professional approach.
Over 40 years legal experience serving Murrayfield
Local property experts you can count on Contact us today for your free valuation
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
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.
formerly JW Physiotherapy
Solutions on Page 60
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
C. S. Gardening & Landscaping
Established 2005
For all your gardening needs, including tree & hedge cutting, grass mowing, slabbing, fencing, turfing, contract work, general maintenance & much, much more. Free estimates.
Contact: Colin Spence 21 Broomhall Gardens, EH12 7QA
Phone: 0131 334 8602
Mobile: 07720 843446
Email: csgardening92@yahoo.co.uk or csgardening@fsmail.net
8 Coltbridge Avenue, Murrayfield, Edinburgh 0131 337 2226
Chartered Accountants
Podiatry: 0770 4689 342 Reflexology: 0746 0684 166 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
CaLEy SprINg
Bulb Show
5th & 6th April 2025
Saughton Park, Edinburgh, EH11 3HR
The show is open
12pm-5pm on Saturday
10am-4pm on Sunday
Free Entry Display of Blooms
Gardening activities
Plant sales
info@jbdlinlithgow.com jewellerybydesignlinlithgow jewellerybydesignlinlithgow
LINLITHGOW
Murrayfield Community Council (“MCC”) held an Ordinary Meeting via Zoom on 25 February 2025.
Please see the MCC website for the full Minutes of meetings.
Murrayfield Community Council
Helps the people of the area to have their say on any matter affecting their lives, their welfare, their environment, its development and amenity.
Reduce your Stress Burden
Pay attention when people talk about the sudden onset of bizarre and unusual ailments. This is especially true at this time of year. The answer can be found in a little word with big implications: stress. Our bodies endure stress, which can be simply defined as anything that causes a reaction. There are three main areas in which we experience stress: physical, emotional and chemical. Stress involving any of these areas can affect us profoundly. Here are some of the common signs of stress, along with ways to reduce your stress burden.
Community Council elections
Nominations for the recent Community Council elections closed on 27 February. As the number of nominations to MCC did not exceed the number of ordinary seats, a poll was not required and the 11 nominees will be duly elected at the first meeting of MCC after the new term starts on 28 March, i.e. at the meeting on 8 April. Three of the six seats available for representatives of registered Local Interest Groups have been taken up by Donaldson Community Association, the Friends of Roseburn Park and Saughtonhall Community Association. Of the 47 Community Councils in Edinburgh eight failed to secure the minimum number of nominees required to form a Community Council.
Craigleith Drive tunnel
The Council is costing detailed plans for the safety measures which are to be put in place here. The aim is to keep Craigleith Drive open but make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The local residents who have pursued this project are pleased with the Council’s response and await confirmation of when the work will be done.
Ellersly/Kinellan/Murrayfield Roads road safety
The residents who have been working on this project for 10 years are seeing some progress at last. They hope
Next meeting:
Tuesday, 8 April 2025 at 7:30 pm.
(This meeting may take place in Murrayfield Parish Church rather than the Centre, if it coincides with a lighting refit at the Centre.)
Please see the MCC websitewww.murrayfieldcc.org.uk for full minutes of meetings.
to establish the same co-operative relationship with the Council as the Craigleith residents enjoy.
Planning
21 Murrayfield Avenue – The recent planning application, for a two storey building at the end of the rear garden to be used as “ancillary accommodation” with vehicular and pedestrian access from the rear lane, attracted 33 objections and no letters of support. The house at 21 Murrayfield Avenue is a “C” listed building within the Coltbridge and Wester Coates Conservation Area. The number of objections should ensure that the application receives Committee scrutiny.
BT Street Hub at Murrayfield tram stop – Planning permission has been refused. The reasons given mirror the points made in MCC’s objection.
Balgreen tunnel
Drainage work at the Balgreen side of the tunnel took place during the mid-term school break. Yellow rattle to deter weeds is to be planted here. The bulbs that were planted by the Community Payback Scheme last year may not have survived the drainage work. Painting of the mural should start once the temperature reaches 10°. The project group has been awarded over 50% of its grant application by the Western Funding Panel and the remainder by the South West Panel.
Forthcoming concerts at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in 2025
Saturday, 31 May - Robbie Williams
Friday, 8, Saturday, 9 and Tuesday, 12 August - Oasis Thursday, 21 August - AC/DC
The Billy Joel concert originally scheduled for 7 June 2025 has been postponed until 6 June 2026.
STRESS SIGNAL S
Unusual fatigue: Stress weighs on you physically, emotionally and mentally. It wears you down and drains you. Can’t get out of bed in the morning? Stress may be what’s keeping you there.
Sleeplessness: You may feel like sleeping for a day or two, but stress tends to keep you up at night.
Impulsivity: If you find your eating habits changing suddenly, you may be turning to comfort foods to deal with stress. The same is true with impulse buying, particularly when it involves items you don’t really need.
Anger/impatience: Stress can make you short-tempered and easily roused to anger, even if your demeanour is normally calm, quiet and reserved.
Lack of concentration/forgetfulness: Stress usually occupies our mental time, so much so that we can have trouble remembering things or make more mistakes. Never forget your keys in the morning? When you’re stressed, you just might.
Physical ailments: Back pain, neck pain and pain in general that doesn’t have a clear cause (e.g., an injury) is often related to stress. The same is true for colds and flu; stress can lower your immune system, increasing your risk of developing illness.
WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
Work it off: Find the time to exercise. Whether it’s a quick trip to the gym, a peaceful run or a brisk walk with family or friends, exercise puts the focus somewhere else for a while. Biochemically, exercise has a big anti-stress benefit. It helps reduce levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) and increases your “feel-good” hormones, endorphins.
Get away from it: This can be challenging, but doing what you can to distract yourself can go a long way toward reducing stress. Schedule a holiday, visit old friends, take a long walk; whatever it takes to remove yourself from your stress environment.
Smile about it: It’s much harder for stress to exist in a fun, laughter-filled environment, so put yourself in a position to smile when you’re under stress. After all, laughter truly is the best natural medicine. Talk about it: When you’re stressed, your mind can be a continual stream of negative, overwhelming, stressed-out thoughts. Don’t keep it all to yourself; sometimes the best way to reduce your stress is to vent about it and get a neutral perspective, rather than staying in a bottled-up, stressed-out state.
Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery Registered Chiropractors
240 Queensferry Road Blackhall, Edinburgh, EH4 2BP 0131 332 0063
CORSTORPHINE FLORAL ART CLUB
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
thinking about volunteering?
JOIN OUR TEAM AND VOLUNTEER WITH US
we are currently looking for volunteers for A new walking group & our charity shop
interested? please contact louise, volunteer coordinator on 07778 888 536 or email volunteers@ccchub.online
corstorph ne commun ty centre, 5 kirk loan, edinburgh EH12 7HD
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.
Trusted to care. Join
Murrayside care home, Corstorphine Understanding dysphagia and modified diets
Friday 23rd May, 11am - 12pm
In our interactive workshop learn how we support those living with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) to continue to live well. A chance to ask questions and sample modified twists on classic dishes.
please
Recreation Hall and Grounds, 22a Saughtonhall Avenue EH12 5RN
Sunday 15th June 2025 1pm to 4pm
We welcome donations of home baking, adult & children’s tombola prizes. (We do not accept books, bric a brac, used items, electrical goods).
Donations can be delivered to the above address on Saturday 14th June between 1pm and 3pm or to arrange collection please contact helenb.sca@gmail.com
We are always in need of volunteers for setting up and helping at the fete. If you would like to be part of our friendly volunteer team please contact helenb.sca@gmail.com
Saughtonhall Community Association is a Scottish Charity, SC012605, regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
FREE ENTRANCE!
(Please note many of our stalls are cash only)
THE BALGREEN TUNNEL PROJECT
Last month we heard that our application for a community grant has been approved.
This means that at last, there is nothing to stop us going ahead with the Mural in the Balgreen tunnel. We hope to start work in the middle of April, ideally during school holidays. We have a group of professional graffiti artist working on the final designs. They will work together and the transformation will be amazing.
We will put the start date on our website Balgreentunnel.wordpress.com
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)
Call Alexander Hunter
EWater Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink
by John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor
very time it rains, many people wonder why water falling from the sky, free of charge, costs us so much by the time it comes out of our taps. Few people realise that their Council Tax bill includes such a large amount for water and sewerage. If you have a Band G home, it is over £1,000 this year. As this is included in your Council Tax bill many people don’t fully appreciate what they are being charged for and where this money goes.
It goes to Scottish Water, a publicly owned organisation which is accountable to the Scottish Government. Sadly, much of your water is wasted, with leaks in Scotland of over 450 million litres per day. In 2022 Scottish Water’s leaky pipes caused the loss of an estimated 185 Olympic swimming pools worth of water each day. Previously, they also discharged raw sewage and toilet waste over 500 times in one year into the River Almond - to the west of Edinburgh, where people swim and fish and children play.
For many years I have been involved in raising the profile of the water crisis at home and abroad, relating to a number of issues. From the availability of clean drinking water and sanitation abroad, to the need to wash hands regularly to help reduce disease at home. While we have so much water in Scotland it is easy to forget that millions of children have no access
to clean drinking water, leading to many deaths, especially in the under 5 age group, where over 1,000 children die each day, much more than in many wars.
I recently organised an event in Edinburgh to highlight this issue, at which a film on the subject was screened followed by a panel of experts leading a discussion about what needs to be done at home and abroad. Later in the year I hope to organise a public screening of that film when the Filmhouse in Lothian Road reopens. In the meantime, if you would like to know more about this issue just Google – Brave Blue World or watch the film of the same name, if you have Netflix.
Before then, take a look at your Council Tax bill, to see how much you are paying for water and sewerage, before it all goes down the drain.
John Barrett
Blackhall Lawn Tennis Club
Do something today that your future self will thank you for!Join a friendly thriving tennis club nestled in the heart of Blackhall which caters for all levels and ages.
Working from home and want a fun way to get some exercise during the day or want to get fit and meet new people?
Nestled at the end of Keith Terrace, off CraigcrookRoad, Blackhall LTC has three Advantage Pro astro courts with new LED floodlighting.
Our new coaching team of Olivia Smart and Nina Szownadzeare hugely enthusiastic and experienced Level 3 coaches and offer an extensive menu of coaching options, from Parents & Children, Cardio, Individual, Matchplay and all stages of Junior Development. Easter and Summer camps offered as well.
More information on membership and contact details can be found at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/blackhallltc
This Latin American-inspired recipe requires marinating to ensure super-tasty and succulent lamb – making a great midweek meal that’s big on flavour and small in effort!
Serves 4
Preparation time 10 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Almost 80% Homes Now Sold at Rowanbank Gardens, Edinburgh
Two New Show Homes & ‘Assisted Move’ Scheme Help Boost Sales for 2025
Following a busy start to 2025, almost 80% of all apartments available for private sale have now been sold – with buyers having their last opportunity to snap up a dedicated parking space, with just one remaining at the development.
Rowanbank Gardens now provides the highest standard of living both inside and out, and enjoys a deserved national reputation for excellence in high quality sustainable living and environmental performance, having scooped several prestigious Scottish and UK-wide homes awards during the past 12 months.
Eager buyers have been wooed by two stunning fully furnished show homes which provide the perfect platform for showcasing the high-quality internal living spaces enjoyed by both the two and three-bedroomed apartments.
sale of the existing home together with trusted partner estate agent partner, and will even cover the costs of estate agent fees and the Home Report.
“It’s been a very successful start to the year for Rowanbank Gardens,” explains Izzy Bastiani, Regional Sales Associate Scotland at Artisan Real Estate Limited. “All remaining homes are now available to move in now, and we are excited that our ambitions in enabling Rowanbank Gardens to become a blueprint for high quality sustainable living are now being fulfilled.”
Ingredients
• 8 lean lamb cutlets or 4 lamb loin chops
For the marinade/sauce
• 4 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• Grated zest and juice of 2 oranges
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tbsp hot pepper sauce
To serve
• Quinoa and sugar snap salad
Method
1. To prepare the marinade, in a large shallow non-metallic dish mix all the ingredients together. Place the cutlets or chops in the marinade mixture and coat well on both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or, if time allows, overnight.
2. Preheat the grill to moderate/medium. Remove the cutlets or chops from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Grill the cutlets under the preheated grill for 6-8 minutes each side, or to preference.
3. Meanwhile, heat the reserved marinade in a small pan until piping hot and pour over the cutlets before serving.
4. Serve the lamb with a quinoa and sugar snap salad, or salad of your choice.
Buyers can also benefit from the prospect of a much easier and hassle-free moving experience with Artisan Assisted Move – meaning you don’t need to wait until your current home is sold before reserving at Rowanbank Gardens. The new scheme helps buyers sell their existing home whilst, at the same time, reserving one of the last remaining apartments. Artisan will organise the
Artisan’s significant investment in supremely costeffective energy efficiency as well as high quality living space and amenity is proving attractive to value-savvy buyers. The development has been recognised as setting new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon development, challenging many of the traditional norms associated with new apartment buildings in city centre areas.
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. And all new homes include oak hardwood floors and carpets throughout - plus fully fitted kitchens with the latest contemporary appliances and worktops supplied by Kitchens International. Buyers also benefit from stylish fully fitted bathrooms - with everything covered by a two-year trouble-free warranty.
Rowanbank Gardens was awarded the prestigious Apartment Development of the Year title at the 2024 Scottish Homes Awards, while its superb design and sustainability credentials have been recognised by winning best Scottish residential development at the Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards.
One of the Two Stunning New Show Homes at Rowanbank Gardens
Murrayfield Parish Church
www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk
The Church Of The Good Shepherd www.goodshepherdmurrayfield.org.uk
Saughtonhall United Reformed Church www. saughtonhall.com www.facebook.com/saughtonhall
Easter Service Information
Murrayfield Churches Together are offering a range of Easter Services this year
Tuesday 15th April at 7pm
Stations of the Cross at the garden of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Thursday 17th April at 7pm
Communion Service at Saughtonhall United Reformed Church.
Thursday 17th April at 7pm
The Institution of the Last Supper at the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Friday 18th April at 2pm
Liturgy of the Cross Service at the Church of the Good Shepherd
Friday 18th April at 7pm
Good Friday service at Murrayfield Parish Church
Easter Sunday 20th April
Sunday services at each of the church buildings to celebrate Easter (please check the congregations’ websites for further details).
All Welcome
Coltbridge Bowling Club
1a Coltbridge Gardens Roseburn, Edinburgh EH12 6AQ
Coltbridge Bowling Club is a small, friendly bowling club which is idyllically situated on the banks of the Water of Leith at Roseburn.
We welcome new members, experienced or not, men, women and children (from 8 years old).
Bowls really is “the game for all”. If you think that you may be interested in playing bowls and joining our club please get in touch for more information.
Burgoyne on 07836 225 782,
Beattie on 07724 443 969 or visit our website for more information
And one chance for you to help give care that makes all that possible. Care that protects someone’s dignity –instead of leaving them alone or in pain.
Every five minutes, someone dies without the support they need. By donating and wearing your daffodil this March, you can help Marie Curie Nurses bring expert end of life care when there’s no cure, whatever the illness.
The Great Daffodil Appeal only happens once a year. This is your chance to make it count. For information and to donate visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
To mark Stress Awareness Month in April, reach for a read to boost wellbeing.
When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté
Drawing on scientific research and his own acclaimed clinical work, Dr Maté provides the answers to questions about the mind-body link in this international bestseller. He reveals the role stress and our emotional makeup play in common conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome and heart disease. Case studies include Betty Ford (breast cancer), Ronald Reagan (Alzheimer’s) and Lance Armstrong (testicular cancer).
Nature’s Remedies for Stress and Fatigue by Jo Dunbar
Stress can lead to devastating long-term illnesses such as adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome and, more recently, long Covid. Many people feel burnt out but do not understand how this affects their body or what to do about it. Having helped people for more than 20 years, Jo Dunbar offers a healing approach that involves nutrition, herbs, exercises, meditation and lifestyle changes, without rejecting mainstream medicine out of hand.
Stress Proof: The Ultimate Guide to Living a Stress-Free Life by Dr Mithu Storoni
This practical guide to overcoming stress arms you with the too ls you need to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Each chapter examin es a common stress agent and gives simple ways to minimise its harmful effect. Dr Storoni shows that by strengthening your natural defences, you will keep your mind sharp and your body resilient.
The Stress Less Activity Book by Anna Barnes
Puzzle solving and colouring are two of the best paths to relaxation, so if you’re craving a moment of peace, a distraction from your daily worries – and the satisfaction of solving a challenge – this is the ideal collection of activities, all designed to shift your focus and reclaim your calm. Discover over 100 dot-to-dots, Sudoku puzzles, crosswords, mazes, word ladders, spot the difference, colouring pages and more.
The Little Book of Mindfulness by Tiddy Rowan
Mindfulness is an increasingly popular discipline for alleviating the symptoms of stress, as well as bringing calm and contentment. A practitioner herself for more than 30 years, Tiddy Rowan has collated over 150 tips, techniques, exercises and guided meditations that will enable people to follow the breath, still the mind and relax the body.
Help Your Child Deal with Stress – and Thrive by Dr Stuart Shanker with Teresa Barker
There are many sources of stress for your child – from exam pressure, pressure exerted online or in the playground, or related to health, with a lack of sleep and anxiety at home being contributing factors. Dr Shanker argues that by teaching children the art of self-regulation, you can transform their behaviour and help them identify, talk about and manage their emotions. In turn, youngsters will develop the confidence, skills and emotional strength needed to navigate the modern world.
• All Digital Aerial & Satellite Installation & Repairs
• Domestic & Commercial
• Fully Guaranteed Free Estimates
• Sky Installations, Foreign Satellites
• Motorised Systems
Installed & Repaired 20 Years experience
Local Medical
Centres
Murrayfield Medical Centre:
Tel: 0131 337 2166
Saughton Crescent Mon - Friday 8am-6pm
Closed for staff training every Thursday between 12.15-1.15 pm
Closed for Easter Weekend*:
Fri 18th April & Mon 21st April, also Monday the 5th of May all day
www.mmc.org.uk
Murrayfield Medical Practice:
Tel: 0131 337 6151
Riversdale Crescent Mon - Friday 8am-6pm
Closed*: every day, Mon-Fri 12.30-1.30 for staff training
Closed for Easter Weekend*:
Fri 18th April & Mon 21st April, also Monday the 5th of May all day
www.murrayfieldmedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk
* Dates correct at time of printing
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.
APRIL
Edinburgh Science Festival 5th - 20th April
Good Friday Holiday April 18th
Easter Monday Holiday April 21st
School Easter Holidays
Local Schools
Monday 7th April – Mon 21st (inclusive)
Return to school Tuesday 22nd
Edinburgh Academy
Monday 7th April – Tues 22nd ((inclusive)
Return to school Wednesday 23rd
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Mon 31st March – Fri 11th April (inclusive)
Return to school Monday 14th
Easter weekend Fri 18th – Mon 21st
Return to school Tues 22nd
St George’s
Thursday 3rd April – Mon 21st (inclusive)
Return to school Tuesday 22nd April
MAY
May Day Monday 5th
Victoria Day Monday 19th
Spring Bank Holiday Monday 26th
School May Holidays
Local Schools
Monday 5th and 6th
Return to school Wednesday 7th
Victoria day Monday 19th
Return to school Wednesday 20th
Edinburgh Academy Half Term 19th - 21st
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Mid Term commences after school on Friday 9th
return to school Tues 13th for Senior school
return to school Wed 14th for Junior school
Off Monday 26th return Tuesday 27th
St George’s
Half Term Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th (inclusive)
Return to school Thursday 29th
Dates for your Diary
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.
By Caroline Knight
Why do we often refer to plants by their botanical, Latin name, rather than their common name?
The answer is very simple. It means that wherever you are in the world, the botanical name for a plant will be the same. Take the lily, for example. Many plants commonly referred to as lilies are not from the genus Lilium. The African lily is actually Agapanthus and it is related to garlic, the snowdrop and the daffodil. A water lily is a member of Nymphaea, an aquatic genus of plants in the family Nymphaeaceae. Peace lily is a tropical houseplant which belongs to the genus Spathiphyllum, meaning ‘spathe-leaf’ in Latin. The plantain lily is actually a Hosta, a day lily is a Hemerocallis and Peruvian lilies are Alstroemeria. Latin names are essential if we are to converse accurately about plants. Aiming for clarity
The way that plants are named (nomenclature) is relatively simple. They are grouped into the framework of family, genus and species. The name that appears on the label – for example, Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) – will generally consist of two words, the genus and the species. The genus comes first and starts with a capital letter. All plants in the same genus will share characteristics as they have a common ancestor. In this case, they are members of the birch family, Betulaceae. The species, which starts with a lower-case letter, is an individual member of the genus; there could be several thousand species in one genus. Carpinus japonica is the Japanese hornbeam, a different species.
Each additional word on a plant label can tell you more about the individual plant itself.
Terminology
explained
The natural progression of improved knowledge, ideas and understanding results in an everchanging succession of linguistic terms. Here are just a few:
Perennial: A non-woody plant that is expected to live for more than two years.
Biennial: A non-woody plant that produces green growth during the first year, then flowers during the second year, before dying down.
Biennials often leave viable seeds.
Annual: Normally a non-hardy flowering plant that lives only for one warm season.
Shrub: A woody plant that doesn’t die down to ground level in winter. It usually has several stems.
Subshrub: A low-growing shrub, such as lavender, rosemary and small heathers, with woody stems.
Top Grafted: Often refers to a certain species of tree or shrub that has been grafted onto a longer stem.
Pollination group: Fruiting plants such as apple trees require pollination from other apple trees in the same group, in order to produce viable fruit.
Self-fertile: Certain types of fruit trees do not need another tree nearby to achieve successful pollination. Insects pollinate the tree using its own flowers.
Triploid: A fruit tree of this type needs two compatible partners for complete pollination.
Homebuyer roof reports / surveys
Free photographic survey/report with all estimates
Annual maintenance programmes available to suit all budgets
City of Edinburgh Council approved contractor
Insurance Company approved contractor
Full Public Liability Insurance
All works fully guaranteed
We will beat any like for like quote by 10%
An Asiatic lily is a true Lilium by name
Digitalis, known as foxglove, is a biennial plant
Keeping Pets Cool
Summer is great fun, but pets can struggle to stay cool in the heat. Follow these tips to prevent heatstroke and keep your dogs and cats safe: Keep them hydrated: Always provide plenty of fresh water, refilling bowls often and adding ice cubes for extra coolness.
Avoid peak heat: Offer shady, cool spots to rest Walk dogs during early mornings or evenings, and never leave pets in parked cars. As a general rule, if you cannot put your hand comfortably on the pavement for >5 seconds it is too hot to walk. Know the signs: Watch for heavy panting, excessive drooling, or lethargy.
If you suspect overheating, act quickly Gently pour cool water over your pet rather than draping them in wet towels, as this can trap heat. Remember - “cool first, transport second”, it can very quickly become a life threatening condition.
It is not uncommon during summer for us to treat pets who got themselves trapped in conservatories or were stuck in cars, as these are a high risk a car’s interior can rise up to 20°C above the outside temperature in just 10 minutes, reaching >40°C on a warm day
By Susannah Hickling
Many of us would like to look slimmer around the middle, and there are good health reasons for it too.
The size of your waist says a lot about your health. In fact, it’s often a better indicator than BMI of how likely you are to develop conditions linked to excess weight, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and certain cancers. This is because you can have a healthy BMI and still be carrying too much unhealthy fat.
The fat on your belly that you can feel –subcutaneous fat – may mirror fat built up around organs such as your liver and heart –visceral fat. That is the stuff that poses a risk to your physical well-being.
Here are some ways you can work towards having a flatter tummy:
Eat less To lose belly fat, you need to lose weight elsewhere. Trick your brain into thinking it’s eating more by using a smaller plate and take up most of it with two servings of veg. Skip seconds.
Eat healthily Include plenty of veg and protein, such as beans, pulses, fish, eggs and meat in your diet. Carbs should be wholegrain, with potatoes, bread, rice and pasta making up no more than a third of your meal.
Shake your salt habit Too much sodium has been linked to fluid retention and more body fat, especially around the middle. So use other seasonings rather than salt in when cooking, don’t add it to meals and stay away from salty snacks such as crisps.
Take a walk Exercise helps you burn more calories. It’s recommended everyone gets active for 150 minutes a week. Brisk walking counts, with the added advantage that it makes your digestion more efficient and helps reduce belly fat.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves short bursts – perhaps 30 seconds – of high-intensity exercise, such as sprinting or cycling, followed by short periods of lowerintensity exercise or rest. Some research has shown HIIT can reduce waist circumference. Workouts need only last 10-30 minutes and be done several times a week.
Practise planks Resistance training is good for maintaining muscle mass and regular planks, in particular, tone muscles around your core. It involves holding the high position in a push-up (or resting on your forearms) for as long as you can.
Sleep well An American study found that people who didn’t get enough zzz put on more weight, especially around the middle. Of course, being awake longer also leads to more opportunities to snack. In another large international study, going to bed after 10pm was associated with a larger waistline. Aim to go to bed early and get at least seven hours’ sleep.
Say yes to yoga One study of women with abdominal obesity found that those who took a 12-week yoga programme had a slimmer waist at the end. Yoga also tackles stress – again associated with a larger midriff.
Hit the HIIT
The African Children’s Choir is returning to Scotland.
Come and hear their remarkable performance at Corstorphine Craigsbank Church, Saturday 12 April, 7.00pm.
Tickets are by donation (suggested £10) with under 16s FREE. Tickets from administrator@craigsbankchurch.org.uk.
EASTER SERVICES with Corstorphine Craigsbank and East Craigs
Join us at one or all of our Easter services
• Sunday 13 April, Palm Sunday Service at East Craigs Church Centre, at 10.30am
• Thursday 17 April, Maundy Thursday Communion, East Craigs Church Centre, 7.00pm
• Friday 18 April Good Friday Service at Corstorphine Craigsbank Church at 7pm bringing together all churches in the greater Corstorphine area. The carrying of the cross starts at St Ninians Church at 6.30pm
www.craigsbankchurch.org.uk
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
Easter Drama
Taster Workshops
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
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
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
150 YEARS
The game of snooker was invented in April 1875 by British Army officer Sir Neville Chamberlain (not the wartime politician!) while stationed in India. The word ‘snooker’ referred to an inexperienced soldier.
90 YEARS
The first round-the-world telephone call was made on 25 April 1935. The president and vice president of AT&T spoke to each other from separate rooms in New York City via 25,000 miles of wire and radio channels that travelled around the globe.
75 YEARS
The first Formula One World Championship race, The British Grand Prix, was held at Silverstone, Northamptonshire on 13 May 1950. The winner was Italian driver Giuseppe Farina, competing for Alfa Romeo.
The same month, fuel rationing ended in the UK, five years after the end of the Second World War.
65 YEARS
Dr Martens boots went on sale in the UK for the first time on 1 April 1960. Originally designed as a work boot, it proved the perfect footwear to accompany the cultural revolution of the 1960s. The first Dr Martens boots in the UK were an eight-eyelet cherry-red coloured smooth leather design which became known as style 1460 and are still in production today.
In June 1960 the first Single-Handed TransAtlantic Race began. It was won by British sailor Francis Chichester in 40 days in Gipsy Moth III.
50 YEARS
The tech company Microsoft was founded by high-school friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA on 4 April 1975.
On 19 June 1975, Lord Lucan was convicted in his absence of murdering his children’s 29-yearold nanny, Sandra Rivett. He disappeared after the killing and has never been seen since.
25 YEARS
Vladimir Putin was inaugurated as president of Russia on 7 May 2000 after serving as acting president from 31 December 1999.
On 10 June 2000, the Millennium Bridge opened in London. It closed two days later when it was found to sway when people walked in step. Nicknamed the “Wobbly Bridge”, it reopened in February 2002 after dampers were fitted.
2005
In March, UK employment reached a record high, with nearly 28,600,000 people in work and unemployment benefit claimants at the lowest level for 30 years.
UK airports handled 227 million passengers in 2005. By 2023, that had increased to nearly 273 million.
Petrol prices topped £1 a litre in some areas, because of the rising cost of crude oil.
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
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.
By David Martin / Under the Millennium Bridge, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
email: bookings@ccchub.online for enquiries/ stall bookings
By Kate Duggan
Here are five homegrown brands that need to be on your radar.
Leighton Denny
Leighton Denny nail polishes are chip-resistant and free from chemicals like formaldehyde and parabens. Meanwhile, the crystal nail files leave nails smooth and help prevent breakage. www.leightondenny.com
Emma Hardie
REHAB
boost your skin’s health and treat issues
Find out which products work best for
consultation. One of their hero products is the Repairing Nourishing Mask, £39.
REHAB products are designed to minimise damage, boost your hair’s health and give instant results.
The London-based brand’s Dose Hair Oil Capsules (£26) are lightweight and non-greasy but give instant smoothness and shine, while nourishing your hair with ingredients such as argan oil and jojoba. Choose from five different oils. www.rehabyourhair.com
Floris London
The brand isn’t just headquartered in the UK, it also makes every skincare product here. At £52 for 100ml, the Moringa Cleansing Balm is a cult classic for a reason, removing even waterproof mascara with ease and leaving skin feeling amazing. www.emmahardie.com
Established in 1730, Floris London is the oldest English fragrance brand still in existence and remains family run. Cherry Blossom is perfect for spring and summer – delicate, floral and sensual with a hint of spice. Try the Cherry Blossom Hair Mist (£65) for a subtle natural fragrance. You’ll be swishing your hair all day in appreciation. www.florislondon.com
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
CROSSWORD PAGE 24
Hidden phrase:
Hidden phrase:
Wonder is the seed of knowledge; Francis Bacon
Wonder is the seed of knowledge; Francis Bacon
Charity Shop Open
Bag a bargain, browse the books, buy some bits n bobs
Babies Group (birth to 2 years)
Sewing group
Men's Shed Social & workshop
Gentle Seated Exercise
Lunch Club*
Jewellery Making Group * - New group
Gentle Seated Exercise
Morning Craft Group
Moving Forward- Widowers group
Afternoon Craft Group
Wellbeing group- New group
Walking Group (8km)
Sporting Memory Group -waiting List
Lunch Club*
Men's Shed Workshop
Crochet and Knitting Group
Junior Youth Group (P7-S1)
Senior Youth Group (S2- S6)
Art Group
Music, songs and fun- 5yrs and under
Music, songs and fun- 5yrs and under
Community Shed workshop
Community Shed workshop
Community Garden
Gentle Strollers
Crafts and Games (ages 3-12)
Corstorphinecommunity centre.org.uk
Accountant
Hollis Accounting Ltd 13
Tax Assist 19
Aerial / TV Services
Access Aerials 41
Douglas S Mackay 43
Architects
Karen Parry Architects 29
Beauty
Avon 49
Beds Grove Bedding 32 & 33
The Bed Shop 7
Blinds/Curtains
James Erskine 31
Builders/ All Trades
Maximize Building & Renovations 25
Pentland Brickworks 49
Probuild Contracts 3
Property Revival Solutions Ltd 51
Cabinet Maker
A.J. Milne 24
Care At Home
Lynedoch Care 29
Care Home
Murrayfield House– HC One 14
Murrayside - Care UK 27 Carpets
James Erskine 55
Carpet/Rug Cleaning
Chores @ Work 21
Chiropractor
Discover Chiropractic 23
Computer Services/Training
AV&PC 55
PC Doctor 49
Dentist
Cornerstone Smile 5
Door Specialist
CR Smith 2
J & L Joinery 20
Drainage Service
Cullen Plumbing & Heating Ltd 8
Currievale 31
Driveways
Alpine Paving 47
Edinburgh Paving Company 41
Evergreen Balerno 43
Key Landscapes 45
Electricians
Access Electrical 41
Allanbrook 13
D Sykes 51
K Electrics Ltd 1
Maximize Electrical 55
Estate Agents
D J Alexander 63
DMD Law 6
Flooring
James Erskine 55 Food/Deli Real Foods 64 Funerals
Porteous Family Funeral Directors 18
Furniture Repairs
James Erskine 13
Gardener
CS Gardening & Landscaping 12
Glendevon Gardening Services 39
Gordon’s Gardening 8
JDS Gardening 53
Gardening Hard Landscaping
Alpine Paving 47
Evergreen Balerno 43
JDS Gardening 53
Key Landscapes 45
Gardening Supplies/Services
JDS Gardening 53
Health/Fitness
Blackhall Lawn Tennis Club 35
Discover Chiropractic 23 Forth Physio 11
Murrayfield Podiatry Clinic 12
Tai Chi & Qigong 21
Jewellers
Jewellery By Design 17
Joiners
Allanbrook 13
J C Walker 59
J & L Joinery 20
Locksmith
1st Call Locksmiths 8
New Homes
Rowanbank Gardens 37
Painters & Decorators
AM Decorating 43
Carrick Decorators 25
Physiotherapist
Forth Physio 11
Plasterer
City Crafts Ltd 20
DCM 59
Plumber/Gas & Heating Services
Geoff Lennie 31
J & E MacGregor 19
Rightio Plumbing & Heating 5
rmi Corstorphine Gas & Plumbing 14
W A M Smith 21
Podiatrist
Murrayfield Podiatry Clinic 12
Printer
Cowan Print 59
Roofing Maintenance
Cleland Roofing Sols Ltd 57
Edinburgh Roofing Services 15
Kemp Roofing Contracts 47
Morningside Roofing 28
Probuild Contracts 3
Rubbish Removal JoeJunk 21
Security 1st Call Locksmiths 8
Silicone Sealant Solutions
Peter 12 Solar Specialists Access Electrical 41 Solicitors
DMD Law 6 Flemings 9 Tree Care
JDS Gardening 53 Tuition
MathsHelp 29
Upholsterers James Erskine 13
Upholstery Cleaner
Chores@Work 21 Windows CR Smith 2
Considering Selling or Renting?
