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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
19th February Corstorphine Grapevine March/April 2025 Edition
19th March
Murrayfield Grapevine April/May 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.
Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition of the Murrayfield Grapevine in 2025.
Full of many local businesses that are ready to help with what you need.
As usual I have included the various dates for your diary that may be of interest to you, including the school holidays for February and Easter. You will find this information on page 42. Please remember as we move towards Spring that the clocks go forward one hour on Sunday 30th of March, which might not be so great for the mothers celebrating Mothers Day on the 30th, who will lose an hours sleep !!
John Barrett has very kindly sent me an article highlighting the wonderful work by the Maggie’s Centre, please see page 26. He is organising a fundraising concert on their behalf on the 22nd of March (please see page 36). It will be a fabulous night indeed so why not have a great night out supporting a wonderful local institute.
Throughout the directory you will find local information and events so have a look through the directory to find them. I am always delighted to be able to highlight local groups and charities. The next edition will cover April/May so watch out for it dropping through your door in the first week of April.
Best wishes, Jill
The Murrayfield Grapevine is printed by Cowan Print Tel : 01236 821177
our website - www.ivyandvinegardening.co.uk
Cleland Roofing Solutions Ltd started up at an office right next to Turnhouse Golf Club, and have recently opened a larger site in Gorebridge. In the near future we will be opening a new office in the borders as the company expands. We have 8 vans with 8 squads, working and covering all of Scotland. All of our teams carry out all types of roofing works and roughcasting which include:
SLATING AND TILING
BUILT UP FELT SYTEMS
GUTTER REPAIR AND RENEWAL
VELUX SUPPLIED AND FITTED
ALL LEAD WORKS
RENDER AND HARLING
MEWP WORKS
ROPE WORKS
All the tradesmen are City and Guilds qualified. We have IPAF and PASMA certificates.
Full Members of all accreditations shown below. Fully insured for all working at height, gas and rope works.
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
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.
Making Moving Easy at Rowanbank Gardens, Edinburgh
New Scheme Launched to Help Buyers Secure a Dream
Move in 2025
Moving to a new home at Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh is now even easier thanks to an innovative scheme launched by developers Artisan Real Estate.
Artisan Assisted Move looks set to get 2025 off to a flying start by helping potential buyers sell their existing home whilst, at the same time, reserving one of the last remaining apartments at the multi-awardwinning development.
The new scheme means that buyers don’t need to wait until their current home is sold before reserving at Rowanbank Gardens. Artisan will organise the sale of the existing home together with trusted partner Umega Estate Agents - and will even cover the costs of estate agent fees and the Home Report.
for Rowanbank Gardens, with just 25 apartments remaining for private sale. Artisan Assisted Move means buyers can act now to secure one of our last remaining plots – and making it a very happy New Year!”
The scheme works by kick-starting a series of simple steps to make the process of both home selling and buying as straightforward as possible. Umega Estate Agents provide an initial valuation and marketing report on the buyer’s existing home, while Artisan’s chartered surveyor partners provide a property home report.
“Artisan Assisted Move is great news for buyers who want a dream New Year move to Rowanbank Gardens,” explains Izzy Bastiani, Regional Sales Associate Scotland at Artisan Real Estate. “Working together with our trusted partners, our aim is to take away our clients’ worries about selling their current home whilst ensuring a professional and proactive process throughout.”
“It’s been a very exciting start to the year so far
Umega then market the property live on the main UK property portals whilst proactively driving interest and negotiations. A trusted solicitor partner will then carry out conveyancing on the house sale once an offer has been accepted. The scheme covers costs including such estate agency fees, home report, national online advertising and all photography and videography.
The new scheme has been launched following a busy end to 2024 with almost three quarters of all 93 apartments available for private sale at Rowanbank Gardens now sold. The development provides the highest standard of living both inside and out, whilst enjoying a deserved reputation for excellence in sustainable living and environmental performance. Rowanbank Gardens 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.
Solutions on Page 56
Welcome home! Artisan’s Izzy Bastiani at Rowanbank Gardens
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
UPDATE
Well, best laid plans of mice and men etc.
The Balgreen Tunnel project
We were all set to make a start on the entrances to the Balgreen Tunnel on the last weekend of November but our professional graffiti artist was unwell that weekend. Since then the weather has been too coldnot for the artist but the paint can only be applied when the outside temperature is above 10 degrees C.
Meanwhile we have applied fo a grant from North West Edinburgh Community Grants Fund as we feel this would be an excellent local improvement to our environment. Nothing is straightforward though. The tunnel lies exactly on the boundary of North West Edinburgh and South West Edinburgh. Our application has been amended to seek half of the money we required from each of these Community Grant funds. We will hear if we have been successful in February. We are keeping our fingers crossed that 2025 will be the year that Balgreen Tunnel is transformed.
OUTDOOR WOODCARE
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 (starts 28/1)
Gentle Seated Exercise
Morning Craft Group
Moving Forward- Widowers group
Afternoon Craft Group
Wellbeing group (ends 12/2)
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)
The Maggie’s Centre
by John Barrettformer local Member of Parliament and Councillor
As the New Year unfolds many people have made resolutions, for the year ahead. Most of which will then be broken by the end of the month. Each year I plan to lose some weight, but still manage to gain a few pounds, despite my best intensions. Giving up smoking, taking more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, eating a more healthy diet, are all popular resolutions, which we often break all too easily.
One reason for living a more healthy lifestyle is not just to feel better, but also to help ease the burden on the NHS, which appears to be near to breaking point, with increasing demands on it for a variety of reasons. More than 50% of A & E admissions at the weekend in some places are alcohol related and many cancers are sadly directly linked to lifestyle choices we all make. Whatever the cause, the NHS is there to do its best to deal with everything that is thrown at them.
From my own first-hand experience of being diagnosed with cancer some years ago, and also knowing many good friends and family members who have had the same experience, I know that although it is not something that anyone wants to experience, we are lucky to have the
Western General Hospital on our doorstep with its amazing staff, and the Maggie’s Centre to help and support patients and their families and is something we should all be very thankful for.
That is why I have decided to organise a fundraising concert on 22nd March, with all proceeds going to the Maggie’s Centre.
The Murrayfield Grapevine have once again kindly offered to support and advertise this event free of charge and in this edition of The Grapevine you will see the advert with the full details of the evening, which will be in the Astoria Hall, Kirk Loan, (next to Winston’s pub) and will feature The Applebeggars, who will play an evening of classic 60’s and 70’s songs from the Beatles and more, plus a number of their own original compositions.
Tickets at £20 can be bought by going to www.corstorphinetrust.co.uk/concerts and there will also be a raffle and an opportunity to donate on the night. If you would like to find out more, see the advert in the Grapevine, or give me a ring on 0780 1057 446.
John Barrett
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
Community Council elections
Nominations for the forthcoming Community Council elections will be open from 5 to 27 February. If the number of nominations exceeds the number of places (12), an election will be held on 27 March. Members of the public are encouraged to consider standing.
The Lodge Hotel, 6 Hampton Terrace
An appeal against the grant of an HMO Licence for this property has been lodged by a group of local residents and will be heard by a Sheriff.
A planning application for an extension has been lodged. MCC does not propose to object to the planning application but notes that Listed Building Consent has not been sought.
Ellersly/Kinellan/Murrayfield Roads road safety
This edition of the Murrayfield Grapevine contains an article on this project, which is led by a group of local residents and supported by MCC.
Craigleith Drive tunnel
The Council is preparing detailed plans for the safety measures which are to be put in place here. These include building out three of the four adjoining pavements and installing speed bumps on either side of the tunnel.
Murrayfield Community Council
Next meeting:
Tuesday, 25 February 2025 at 7:30 pm on Zoom.
If you are not on MCC’s mailing list, but would like an invitation, please email secretary@ murrayfieldcc.org.uk.
Please see the MCC websitewww.murrayfieldcc.org.uk for full minutes of meetings.
Planning
21 Murrayfield Avenue – A planning application has been lodged for a two storey building to be constructed at the end of the rear garden and to be used as “ancillary accommodation” with vehicular and pedestrian access from the rear lane. The house at 21 Murrayfield Avenue is a “C” listed building within the Coltbridge and Wester Coates Conservation Area. Concerns have been raised by a number of neighbours. Only in exceptional circumstances does MCC lodge objections to applications for “householder” developments. MCC decided not to depart from this policy. The meeting was reminded that the right to object is not limited to neighbouring proprietors.
Balgreen tunnel
There are plans to have a mural painted at the entrance and exit to the tunnel once the temperature is reliably above 10 degrees. The middle section of the mural should be completed in the Spring. The group running this project has applied to the Council’s Community Grants Fund and is in the process of applying for a Scotmid Community Grant. The funding will be used for artists’ designs and time, paint, posters and the upkeep of the mural designs.
Six Nations matches at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in 2025
1 February – Scotland v Italy
9 February - Scotland v Ireland
8 March – Scotland v Wales
On 23 January Scottish Rugby held one of their regular meetings with local residents to discuss the arrangements on match days. The meeting was also attended by Scottish Rugby’s partner agencies, Police Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council and Crexcell, their traffic management consultants.
To mark National Love Your Pet Day, here’s a selection of books on how companion animals enrich our lives.
Dogs and Their Humans: Stories of Healing and Hope by Noel Fitzpatrick
In his 30-year career, Noel ‘Supervet’ Fitzpatrick has seen people from all walks of life come through his doors in desperate need of help. Through stories of his cases, Noel shares his unique perspective on our often uplifting and hilarious –and sometimes heartbreaking – relationships with our canine companions. Chosen by Waterstones as one of their best nature writing books of 2024.
How to Train Your Human: A Cat’s Guide by Babas
Written from the perspective of one wise and witty kitty, this book discloses the best-kept secrets of how your cat chooses you, loves you and subtly trains you to fulfil its every wish! Translated from the Italian by Katherine Gregor and accompanied by elegant black-and-white illustrations by Andrea Ferolla.
The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
Beautifully written, this sensitive story celebrates heroism and loyalty. The Hunter children must go abroad, so they reluctantly leave their Labrador, old bull terrier and dainty Siamese cat in the care of a friend. But the faithful animals only know they must get home again – somehow. So, the trio set off on a perilous journey through wilderness. But how will the domestic animals fare against the forces of nature? And will their owners be waiting for them?
The Healing Power of Pets by Marty Becker and Danelle Morton Medical research has increasingly proven the healing effect pets can have for the ill, the elderly, the stressed-out and the emotionally disengaged. Here, vet Dr Marty Becker, co-author of bestsellers ‘Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul’ and ‘Chicken Soup for the Cat and Dog Lover’s Soul’, shares a collection of stirring stories and medical miracles – how animals can prevent, detect, treat and, in some cases, cure a variety of maladies.
Heroic Animals: 100 Amazing Creatures Great and Small by Clare Balding Ever since Alexander the Great named a city after the horse that saved his life in battle (and another after his dog), history wouldn’t be the same without the tales of amazing animals. Picking out the most heroic and heart-warming (and sometimes hilarious) animals from history – from Bobbie the Wonder Dog who travelled more than 2,500 miles to find his way home to Paul the World-Cup-predicting octopus –presenter and bestselling author Clare Balding highlights the timeless special bond between human and animal.
The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read by Louise Glazebrook
Your dog is communicating with you all the time, but unless you know the signs, you aren’t picking up on what it wants you to know. In this invaluable guide, dog behaviourist, trainer and TV presenter Louise Glazebrook gives owners the skills and confidence to interpret their pooch’s needs and behaviour, and build a happier relationship for life.
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.
COVID safe
We comply with all required regulations relating to Covid 19 infection control
Keep your Spine in Shape
Your spine is the backbone of your entire body – literally and figuratively. That means poor spinal health may negatively impact you from head to toe. How can you keep your spine in shape?
EXE RCISES (to Do & Not to Do)
Some common exercises help promote spinal health in the form of proper posture while others promote poor posture and put the spine at risk. A strong core supports the spine, whereas a weak core can lead to pain and injury. To build the core, think bent-leg knee raises, stability ball exercises and other exercises that strengthen the core muscles (remembering to keep your spine protected at all times by avoiding rounding the back / neck). On the other hand, avoid exercises / movements that unduly stress the spine: slumping while sitting and bending forward immediately after sitting come to mind, as do exercises that make you prone to rounding your back (traditional sit-ups, toe-touches, etc.).
Please seek exercise advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
SLEE P MATTE RS
Your sleep position and the overall quality of your sleep play a big role in spinal health. The ideal position for the spine during sleep places you on your back with a pillow underneath the knees. As you might imagine, lying on your stomach is the worst position. Your pillow and mattress also matter, so make sure you choose the right ones for you, or your spine will let you know with neck and/or back pain. (Talk to your healthcare professional for suggestions.)
NUTRITION E SSENTIAL S
Believe it or not, certain foods promote a healthy spine (and vice versa). For example, adequate water intake is necessary to nourish not only the body’s cells, but also the spinal intervertebral discs. As you might imagine, water helps keep the discs (and thus the spine) from getting stiff and becoming subject to injury. In addition, an antiinflammatory diet is key to preventing back pain and other spine problems due to inflammation. Think foods such as omega-3 fish and lean proteins, fresh produce, avocado and olive oil while reducing intake of pro-inflammatory foods (most fast foods and processed foods, sugar-laden sweets, etc.).
CHIROPRACTIC C ARE
No conversation about spinal health would be complete without mentioning chiropractic, an entire health care profession founded on the principle that a healthy, properly aligned spine may have far-reaching effects on the entire body. Research asserts chiropractic’s effectiveness in treating back pain, neck pain and various other musculoskeletal conditions, and the goal of chiropractic care is to improve spinal health and help prevent pain from returning.
Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery Registered Chiropractors
February is a great time for thinking about practical improvements which could help transform your garden. One of these is the exciting proposition of planting a tree. February is well within the bare-root season and prices are as low as you’re likely to find.
Ground work
A garden without a tree feels strangely lacking in purpose, though you have to be careful if you have a small plot. It’s all about choosing the right tree for the space, together with adequate preparation. Tree roots tend to take the path of least resistance and need space underground to prevent what is known as root heave, where roots push up the paving above. Prepare the soil well so roots don’t congregate at the surface. The amount of space which is generally adequate between a tree and a building is around two thirds of the maximum height of the mature tree. A tree specialist should be consulted for more accurate advice. Remember that a root barrier will allow trees to be planted closer to buildings.
Other factors such as loss of light and debris from falling leaves, seeds or fruit should also be taken into consideration when choosing a tree.
Acers. Select an appropriate variety. Some Japanese Acers measure under two metres at maturity, but other maples, as they are often known, can grow to 40 metres!
Amelanchier. This large shrub, also known as the Juneberry or snowy Mespilus, provides interest over different seasons, making it an excellent choice.
Crataegus. Hawthorn trees are an ancient species commonly found in hedgerows. There are also cultivars with pink and red blossom which make ideal garden specimens. Birds love the berries.
Euonymus. The native spindle is a remarkable large shrub which has fiery autumn foliage and beautiful fruit. Its pink berries burst open to reveal orange seeds. Loved by wildlife, the cultivar E. ‘Red Cascade’ is wonderful in a garden.
Malus. The crab apple is ideal for many small gardens, with spring blossom and edible fruit coveted by birds. It’s a winner for wildlife.
Prunus. Who doesn’t love a flowering cherry in spring? Check the height and spread if it’s for a small garden, as some can grow into a medium-sized tree.
Reduce your workload
Give some thought to your upcoming workload. Many people employ help outdoors during the growing seasons, and often all year round. The easing of a burden can be a very positive move and one which can bring new enthusiasm.
Consider contracting out your least-enjoyable tasks. Do you detest mowing the lawn or cutting hedges, for example? Cleaning the patio and paths is another job you might prefer to be without, yet someone locally will be pleased to help.
Euonymus europaeus, autumn colour with berries
By Caroline Knight
Amelanchier in spring
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
FEBRUARY
Valentine’s Day Friday 14th
Mid Term Holiday Dates
Local Schools
Monday 10th – Fri 14th (incl)
Return to school on Mon 17th
Edinburgh Academy
Monday 10th – Fri 14th (incl)
Return to school on Mon 17th
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Monday 10th – Fri 14th (incl)
Return to school on Mon 17th
St George’s
Monday 10th – Fri 14th (incl)
Return to school on Mon 17th
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
* Dates correct at time of printing www.mmc.org.uk
www.murrayfieldmedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk
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.
(School closes for Half Term on Friday 7th at 3.50pm)
MARCH
Mothering Sunday March 30th
British Summer Time Begins
Clocks forward 1hr Sunday 30th
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 (incl)
Return to school Tuesday 22nd
Edinburgh Academy
Monday 7th April – Tues 22nd (incl)
Return to school Wednesday 23rd
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Mon 31st March – Fri 11thApril (incl)
Return to school Monday 14th
Easter weekend Fri 18th – Mon 21st
Return to school Tues 22nd
St George’s
Thursday 3rdApril – Mon 21st(incl)
Return to school Tuesday 22nd April
Dates for your Diary
Tea Dance
Tickets subsidised by communities mental health and well being grant
STEPPING INTO SPRING
As the winter chill fades and the promise of spring emerges, it’s the perfect time to prepare your dog for outdoor adventures around Corstorphine and Edinburgh, some general tips include:
Ensure up-to-date Parasite Prevention
With warmer weather, parasites become more active - especially in green spaces like Corstorphine Hill and Cammo estate, where wildlife is common Speak to your vet about the most suitable products
Gradually Increase Exercise
If your dog, like many of us, has had a lazy winter, ease them back into regular walks
Start with short strolls and gradually increase the length and intensity of walks
Fantastic local walks include Corstorphine Hill, Cammo Estate, and the Water of Leith Walkway
If you’re concerned about your pets weight, Westport Vets offers free weight clinics for our clients' pets to help track progress and set up a tailored plan.
Monitor for Allergies and Hazards
Springtime brings pollen and flowering plants, which can trigger allergies If you notice itching, red skin, or excessive sneezing, speak to your vet
Be cautious of toxic spring plants such as daffodils, and rhododendrons, which are common in local parks
By following these steps, you can enjoy corstorphine’s best dog-walking spots while keeping your pup healthy and happy!
By John Bishop, Don Page, Jim Forbes and Rab Houston
After 10 years of demands for road safety improvements, local residents in the neighbourhood of Ellersly, Kinellan and Murrayfield Roads finally have some cause for optimism. Last year, a City Council report endorsed action on three proposals to control traffic speed and improve safety, particularly for walkers and wheelers:
Improved speed limit signage and carriageway marking on both Ellersly and Kinellan Roads with a vehicle-activated speed display.
A crossing place near the east end of Ellersly Road.
Pavement widening on Ellersly Road.
This very welcome development followed a residents’ petition and a well-received representation to Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Committee, supported by Murrayfield Community Council (MCC) and City Councillors.
Our campaign has recently been broadened to include Murrayfield Road as a natural extension of the high-volume traffic corridor of Ellersly Road and the Kinellan Road “ratrun”. We welcome updated traffic volume and speed surveys which are in the pipeline for each of these residential roads, to confirm the need for traffic calming and provide a baseline.
A traffic calming action plan will follow these surveys. Meanwhile, detailed plans are now being drawn up by Edinburgh Council to integrate pavement widening on Ellersly Road with a rescheduled carriageway resurfacing project. Realignment at the Ellersly/Murrayfield Road junction will be designed to provide an easier and safer crossing place for walkers and wheelers.
We recognise that similar issues of excessive speed, “rat-runs” and inadequate provision for pedestrian safety are present on many other roads across the Murrayfield area. Delivery of the actions listed above will provide a model for all of us.
Want to know more?
Contact johnbishop@btinternet.com or attend a meeting of MCC (for details, see murrayfieldcc.org.uk
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)
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
This is a drop in group for mums by mums with a health visitor or midwife there More info - call 0131 286 5023
Please do come along. We would love to see you and your baby
Or www.feedgoodfactor.org.uk
This rich and deeply delicious dish is based on a classic Moroccan tagine. It’s the perfect winter warmer, with a spicy hint.
Serves 6
Preparation time 25-30 minutes, plus overnight marinating Cooking time 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
• 6 small lamb shanks (or lamb neck chops) about 1.5kg in total
• 2 onions, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 red peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, bashed
• 1 orange, thickly sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks, bashed
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 x 750ml bottle red wine
• 1 tbsp ras el hanout (see below)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp date syrup or molasses
• 125g small pitted black olives
• 75g dates, pitted and chopped
• 4 tbsp freshly chopped coriander
For the ras el hanout
• 3 cardamom pods, seeds only
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cayenne
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground ginger
To serve
• Couscous, coriander and pomegranate seeds
Method
1. A day ahead, place the lamb shanks in a large ceramic bowl or plastic container. Add the onions, peppers, garlic, rosemary, orange slices, cinnamon sticks and some salt and pepper. Pour over the wine and leave to marinate overnight in the fridge.
2. To make the ras el hanout, place the cardamom seeds, coriander seeds and cumin seeds in a small dry frying pan and place over a medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they are browned and starting to release their aroma. Let cool, then grind to a fine powder in a spice grinder (or a mortar and pestle). Mix with the ground spices and store in a jar until required.
3. The next day, strain the marinade juices into a jug, reserving all the vegetables and set both aside. Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Heat half the oil in a 6-litre cast iron casserole with lid over a high heat. Fry the shanks for 5 minutes until browned all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining oil and the reserved vegetables to the pan (but not the orange slices) and fry for 5-6 minutes over a medium heat until browned and sticky. Stir in the ras el hanout spice mix and stir for 1 minute.
5. Return the lamb to the pan with the orange slices, the marinade juices, tomatoes and date syrup, stirring well. Bring the stew to the boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer over a very low heat for 2 hours until the lamb is starting to fall from the bone. Remove the lid, stir in the olives and dates, and cook uncovered for a further 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the coriander and adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve with the couscous, herbs and pomegranate seeds.
Bookcases
Media
Alcove
Storage
Floating
Recipe extract from A Cookbook for Winter: More Than 95 Nurturing and Comforting Recipes for the Colder Months, published by Ryland Peters & Small, price £22, with photography © Ryland Peters & Small.
LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Want to do something fun and sociable but waiting lists are too long?
Corstorphine Dementia Project has self-funded places available NOW!!!
You can book a day every week, or more, at Corstorphine Dementia Project, Carrick Knowe Church
Meet like-minded people and have fun doing a range of activities
Keep your mind and body active
Maintain your independence
Enjoy a tasty 2-course lunch
Be supported by skilled staff
Give your relatives/carers a break and peace of mind
Transport provided
For more information please email: contact@cdp-edinburgh.org.uk or phone 0131 478 7784
4. A cat called Oil Can Harry is the nemesis of which cartoon mouse?
5. What breed of dog features on the logo for the footwear brand Hush Puppies?
6. What two colours are the stripes on the top hat worn by the title character in the Dr Seuss book The Cat in the Hat?
7. In 2024, Donald Trump caused controversy in a debate with Kamala Harris when he claimed that immigrants were eating pet cats and dogs in which city in Ohio?
1. According to legend, what breed of cat was almost left behind from Noah’s Ark and had its tail cut off accidentally when Noah closed the door of the Ark?
2. What is the name of the dog in traditional Punch and Judy puppet shows?
3. Which share more DNA with humans?... cats or dogs?
8. Taking its name from the largest state of Mexico, what is the smallest of all the dog breeds recognised by the UK Kennel Club?
9. The name of which fictional cat is also the surname of the second US President to be assassinated?
10. Which fictional dog graduated from Dogwarts University with a double first in the subject of Engineering for Dogs?
Your hair dilemmas – solved.
My hair feels lacklustre and all-round ‘meh’.
Try a clarifying shampoo. These are deepcleaning shampoos that remove mousse, gel and other hair products, as well as hard-water minerals, chlorine and pollutants, all of which can weigh hair down. Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, £28, is a great choice, but Noughty Detox Dynamo, £8.99, is well worth trying if you’re on a tighter budget.
Clarifying shampoos should only be used once a week, at most. Follow with a deep-conditioning hair mask, rinse well, and your hair should feel much softer, lighter and silkier.
How can I heal my damaged hair?
Hair that’s extremely brittle or damaged needs an extra-gentle approach, so switch to a sulphate-free repairing shampoo and conditioner. Living Proof Restore Shampoo, £29, and Conditioner, £29, are good options. If you don’t mind splashing out, treat your hair to a bond-repair leave-in treatment like Living Proof Triple Bond Complex, £42. Ideally, have a break from hair dye (especially those containing bleach) and heated hair tools for a few weeks. If you can’t face the day without the latter, use the lowest setting and plenty of heat protector spray. My hair is thinning.
Women often find they lose more hair than usual during pregnancy, menopause and stressful times. While it’s normal, it can still be distressing. Focusing on scalp health can sometimes help. Look for a leave-in peptide serum, such as The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, £20.80.
Alternatively, pharmaceutical hair products aimed at treating hair loss can be effective in some cases, but not others. The active ingredient in women’s hair loss treatments is usually minoxidil. Women shouldn’t use products aimed at treating male hair loss as these often contain finasteride, which is rarely effective for women and can cause numerous side effects.
If you’re losing a lot of hair or have bald patches, book an appointment with your doctor as your hair loss may be caused by low iron or another deficiency. Your GP may also be able to prescribe topical steroids or another treatment.
Any tips for frizz-free hair?
To counteract frizz caused by damp or humid conditions, try using a hair oil on dry hair to repel moisture. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Seven Oil Hair Elixir, £15 for members, can work wonders. It’s also worth investing in a silk pillowcase or hair bonnet to reduce friction caused by tossing and turning while you sleep. And squeeze your hair when you’re towel drying it; don’t rub it. Frizz is often a sign of damage, so you may want to look at our previous tips for repairing your locks.
Another day, another scam – internet rackets seem to be everywhere, trying to trick you into handing over your money or handing over details that can be used to get your money.
Tricks of the trade
There are many different ways. Some scammers create fake but convincing versions of official websites, such as banks or the taxman, or by setting up fake shops that are advertised on social media.
Some do it on dating apps, gaining people’s trust before coming up with a sob story and asking for financial help. And others do it with dodgy items on auction sites that aren’t what they claim to be. Most commonly, online fraudsters con people with messages or emails designed to get them to click on a dodgy link. That link will pretend to be a site like PayPal or eBay, asking you to sign in; when you do, the scammers have your login details for the real versions of those sites and can cause serious financial damage.
There have recently been lots of spurious emails pretending to be from Royal Mail and from courier firms asking for payments for
AI can lie
deliveries that don’t exist. There has also been a proliferation of dodgy online shops on social media selling mountain bikes, musical instruments, sunglasses and designer clothes for prices you’ll never see in any legitimate store.
How to stay safe
• It’s wise to be suspicious online and to never click links in emails no matter how official they seem.
• Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls too, especially any that ask you to confirm personal information.
• Don’t use the same passwords on multiple websites, or use passwords that are easy to guess. Your phone and your web browser make it easy to generate strong passwords and store them safely so you won’t forget them.
• Keep an eye on your banking app for any unusual transactions; if you see anything, call your bank straightaway.
You can find out more about safer internet usage at the UK Safer Internet Centre: www.saferinternet.org.uk.
One of the scariest developments in online fraud is artificial intelligence – AI for short. It can be used to create very convincing but fake photos, write in the style of other people and even copy people’s voices: there have been examples of AI-generated voices being used to mimic people’s children in scammers’ phone calls.
Be careful what you share online so that scammers can’t use that information to pretend to know you or be you. Agree on a safe word or phrase with your family. This gives you a chance to verify their identity if you get a call that feels suspicious. And, if you can, step away from the PC or phone for a minute or two when faced with an unusual message or call; that’s often enough just to help you realise it’s not real.
Love me and the world is mine. David Reed
Hidden phrase:
Love me and the world is mine. David Reed
By Susannah Hickling
You’ve got anaemia
Iron deficiency can be the result of blood loss, poor iron absorption or pregnancy. Other symptoms are tiredness, looking pale and shortness of breath. A blood test will check your red-cell count. Anaemia can be treated with iron tablets.
You have a vitamin B12 deficiency
Low levels of vitamin B12, which helps the body make red blood cells, can also have you shivering. It’s usually down to insufficient B12 in your diet – it only comes from animal food sources including fish, meat, eggs and dairy products, and from supplements.
You might have hypothyroidism
Brrr, it’s chilly out there! But it might be more than just the weather.
If you’re freezing a lot of the time or you think it’s perishing even when it’s hot, there might be a physical cause. Here are some possible reasons:
You’re underweight
If you have a low BMI, you don’t have much body fat or muscle to keep you warm.
You’re overweight
Having more fat doesn’t necessarily give you better insulation. A 2018 Cambridge University study found people with more muscle mass were less likely to lose heat when exposed to severe cold and more likely to heat up faster than nonmuscular people, including those with more fat.
You’re a woman
Females may be more sensitive to cold than men because, typically, they are smaller and have less body surface area to emit heat. They also have a higher core temperature, making the contrast with chilly air starker, and they have a lower metabolic rate, which means they burn food for energy more slowly and produce less heat.
You’re getting older
As you age, your metabolic rate slows and you start to lose muscle mass – as much as 10% each decade after age 50.
Your thyroid helps control your metabolism. If it’s not producing enough hormones, the body’s processes slow down. This can make you feel tired, depressed – and cold. A blood test can diagnose the condition, which can be treated with tablets.
You have circulation problems
Narrowed arteries and clotting disorders can make you feel the cold, especially in your hands and feet.
You could have diabetes
Diabetes can cause kidney, nerve and circulation problems, making you chilly. Feet, in particular, may feel cold if you have nerve damage.
How to stay warm
Wear layers
Start with thermal underwear and finish with a fleece.
Keep moving
Get up and move around at least once an hour to keep circulation going. Try repeatedly standing up from the sofa and sitting down again, and step-ups on the stairs. Do ten of each. Do the housework
Vacuuming or vigorous cleaning will heat you up and make your home look nice.
Put your feet up
It’s colder nearer the ground, so keep your feet off the floor when you’re sitting. Have a cuppa
Regular hot drinks and bowls of soup are warming when it’s parky.
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