The Dell Directory February 2025

LOCAL HISTORY:

WINE TASTING: HEALTH:

elcome to the February 2025 issue of The Dell Directory, the first one for this year.

We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local and focusing our articles on all that is best about our local area. On that note, the local history article starts with a quote from Lord Cockburn nearly 200 years ago, describing his residence at Bonaly as a “paradise”!

Suzanne’s Real Life column encourages us to try something new this year. She mentions pilates was her new thing last year, and coincidentally, the health column this month is all about pilates. While the promise of a “whole new body” is too good to be true, finding a new class for exercise or other interest is always a good thing! So do check the Clubs & Classes section at the back of The Dell Directory for ideas.

There is much more of course! Thanks as ever for reading The Dell Directory and supporting local businesses and organisations, I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

LORD COCKBURN OF BONALY TOWER

“I set up my rural household goods at Bonaly, in the Parish of Colinton by the northern base of the Pentland Hills; and unless some avenging angel shall expel me, I shall never leave that paradise.”

Thus wrote Lord Henry Thomas Cockburn (1779-1854) in his famous Memorials of His Time, of Bonaly Tower on the edge of the Pentland Hills. Cockburn bought the land with its farm house in 1811 from the trustees of James Gillespie (1726-97), the snuffmaker of Spylaw and founder of James Gillespie’s School. The tower was designed for him by his friend and eminent Edinburgh architect William H Playfair in 1836.

Henry Cockburn was born on 26th October 1779 in one of the flats on the east side of Parliament Square in the High Street of the Royal Mile. His father, a somewhat distant figure, was Sheriff of Midlothian and a Baron of the Exchequer. Of his mother he wrote in his Memorials:

“My mother was the best woman I have ever known. If I were to survive her a thousand years, I should still have a deep and grateful recollection of her kindness, piety, her devotion to her family, and her earnest gentle, and Christian anxiety for their happiness in this life and the life to come.”

ten days in which I was not flogged, at least once.’ He studied law at Edinburgh University rising in that profession to become a judge, Whig reformer and conservationist then Lord Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland.

“One of Cockburn’s notable court cases was his defence of Dr Robert Knox the anatomist, who had unquestioningly accepted corpses from the infamous body snatchers Burke and Hare”

He was educated at the High School and explained: ‘six hours a day were spent on Latin ... out of the whole four years of my attendance there were probably not

He was described by Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) as, ‘small, solid and genuine.... a gentleman, I should say and perfectly in the Scotch type, perhaps the very last of the peculiar species’. One of Cockburn’s notable court cases was his defence of Dr Robert Knox the anatomist, who had unquestioningly accepted corpses from the infamous body snatchers Burke and Hare. Sir Walter Scott accused Knox “of trading deep in human flesh”. Although Cockburn gained Knox vindication it was not without disgrace; Knox had to leave the city. In 1822 Cockburn’s success in the defence of Stuart of Dunearn for killing Alexander Boswell in a duel was hailed in the House of Commons as: ‘The speech that had not been surpassed by any effort in the whole range of ancient or modern forensic eloquence’. In 1828, following the Burk and Hare murders, Cockburn again exhibited his brilliance in his successful defence of Helen MacDougal, Burke’s mistress.

Cockburn was appointed SolicitorGeneral for Scotland in 1830 in the same year as his friend and fellow judge Francis Jeffrey (1773-1850) was appointed Lord Advocate by the Whig Prime Minister, Earl Grey. In 1831 he was elected Lord Rector of Glasgow University and in 1834 he was elevated to the Bench as Lord Cockburn.

Cockburn and Jeffrey were strong supporters of Parliamentary reform and drafted the First Scottish Reform Bill which was enacted in 1834. For Whigs it meant the enfranchisement for those of ‘property and intelligence’ – householders who paid £10 rates or landowners. It increased the Scottish electorate from 5000 to 60,000 but excluded the working class and, fearing a step too far towards democracy, Cockburn said: ‘It is impossible to exaggerate the ecstasy of Scotland where to be sure it is like liberty given to slaves’. However, in his old age and looking back to these halcyon days he cautioned against a future which would bring Reform Bills ‘every twenty years or less’ and: ‘I wish I could believe that any people who have obtained the means of engrossing supreme power can be induced by education to refrain from grasping it.’

In his later years he wrote Life of Jeffrey (published posthumously in 1856). His Journal, 1831-44 in two volumes in 1874 and his autobiographical, Memorials of his Time give a highly descriptive and humorous descriptions of Edinburgh and the numerous ‘intelligentsia’ of its ‘Golden Age’.

He died peacefully at his country retreat Bonaly Tower on 26th April 1854 soon after returning home from Ayr where he had been engaged in the Justiciary Court. He was buried in Dean Cemetery. His statue, by William Brodie in 1863 is in the northeast corner of Parliament Hall in Edinburgh.

In addition to his strong support of parliamentary reform Cockburn’s legacy to Edinburgh was his intense dedication to the preservation of medieval Edinburgh. He saved John Knox’s House from destruction in 1816 during the road-widening proposals for the High Street and was saddened by the tree-felling in Bellevue

LORD COCKBURN

From the etching in Crombie’s Modern Athenians

and Drumsheugh when new building projects were proposed.

His name is best known today from the work of the Cockburn Association (The Edinburgh Civic Trust) founded in 1875 which is dedicated to ‘the maintenance and improvement of the amenity of the City of Edinburgh and its neighbourhood.’

The Cockburn Conservation Trust (1978) ‘acquires, restores and sells neglected buildings of historic or architectural interest in Edinburgh.’ Cockburn Street formed in 1856 which runs from the High Street in the Royal Mile in a curve downhill to Market Street was named in his honour.

This article was contributed by David Dick, who lives in Craiglockhart. First printed in Konect in 2018

“A

Whole New Body”

As we move away from winter towards spring, it is an ideal time to think about our fitness and how we might want to improve it.

Joseph Pilates is famous for saying that if you take up Pilates as a form of exercise, “In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20 sessions, you will see the difference. And in 30 sessions, you will have a whole new body.” That sounds wonderful, but what is it all about?

Pilates has become very popular and in recent years we have seen such an increase in the opportunities to participate in Pilates classes across Edinburgh. We asked Amy Kellagher, a Chartered Physiotherapist and qualified Pilates instructor, who works at the McNaughton Physiogrange.

WHAT IS PILATES? It takes its name from the late Joseph Pilates, who developed exercises that focused on developing the body’s core muscles to improve body awareness and posture. These exercises are based on biomechanical principles backed up by medical research.

Mat work Pilates is mainly performed lying on a mat and involves specific controlled strengthening exercises for the muscles that support your spine from your neck to your pelvis. It uses breathing to coordinate each movement.

THE 8 PRINCIPLES OF PILATES ARE:

Effective breathing - to release any tension and stiffness in the body

Concentration - to promote correct alignment and body awareness

Control– muscle control is important when working against gravity in mat work exercises

Centering – Pilates exercises facilitate core muscle strength

Precision – precipitates greater awareness and control of movement

Flow – even continuous flowing movements are encouraged

Integrated Isolation – helps you recognise, then correct, poor movement patterns

Routine – repetition leads to greater skill and benefits

WHY DO PHYSIOTHERAPISTS RECOMMEND AND TEACH PILATES?

Pilates has been accepted and researched by Physiotherapists because it is seen as an intelligent form of exercise that is safe for all ages and abilities. Research shows that a first episode of a simple low back pain resolves within 6 weeks. The alarming fact is that 80% of those people who have simple back pain will go on to have a second episode within 3-12 months. One of the problems thought to contribute to this recurrence is weak core muscles. It is well documented that the muscles trained in Pilates help to support the spinal joints to help prevent recurrence of back pain.

HOW TO GET STARTED? Make sure you do your research and find a suitably qualified Pilates instructor. It is beneficial to have a Pilates trained Chartered Physiotherapist to get the best of both worlds if you have had or suffer from back problems. Discuss with your Pilates instructor whether a 1 to 1 session may be sensible initially or whether you can go straight into a class situation.

As Joseph Pilates has also said:-

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young.”

Do consider whether Pilates can help you have both a happy and healthy 2025 – maybe a whole new body awaits!

The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh physiogrange.co.uk

SHOW YOURSELF

SOME

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about couples. This year, spend some time on yourself.

BIG YOURSELF UP - Silence the negative voices in your head by paying yourself some compliments – just as you would a friend. Congratulate yourself for a job well done or for having the courage to tackle something difficult. And compliment others too - lavishing praise on others can boost self-esteem.

BUY YOURSELF A GIFT - Got your eye on a fabulous pair of shoes? Buy them! Or pick out a gorgeous bouquet for yourself. Or book a hair appointment and splash out on a new colour or style.

TAKE A WALK - Make some time for a stroll outdoors, even a short one, and just be at one with your thoughts. Really take notice of what’s around you and take some invigorating deep breaths.

COOK SOMETHING YUMMY - Try out a dish you’ve been meaning to create for a while and make it just for you rather than for a dinner party. It might be so successful you decide to get friends around to enjoy it another time.

HAVE A GOOD CLEAR-OUT - Eliminating things that don’t bring you joy is good for the soul. Dive into your wardrobe, clear out all those clothes that no longer fit, and take them to a charity shop so someone else can enjoy them.

PULL THE PLUG ON SOCIAL MEDIA and you’ll love yourself for it. Social media can make for a lot of dissatisfaction about your own life, so strictly limit it.

Isn’t it interesting that we wish one another a “happy new year” long after singing Auld Lang Syne – for weeks after boxing up the Christmas decorations and returning them to the loft.

Regardless of what’s going on in our world and various concerns about issues in our own country, we hope that 2025 will be a good year. It would be wonderful to see peace achieved in at least one area where war is currently raging. And, on a personal level, we also hope to see growth and progress in our own life and in the lives of those we know and love, occasions to celebrate, good health and maybe even some fun surprises in the next 12 months. I’m focusing on the “new” in “Happy New Year”. I’ve not exactly made any new year’s resolutions. This tradition seems to be becoming less popular - social media posts regularly tell us that we don’t need to strive to improve, we are “enough” as we are, we shouldn’t load ourselves up with goals and then feel guilty when we can’t achieve them. Although I agree

that it’s good to be realistic, I love the promise that a new year holds, the “clean slate” potential!

If you live in Balerno, you too may have been delighted to see snow falling early morning on New Year’s Day. I stood at our glass patio door and watched as sleet turned to big white snowflakes that quickly covered our garden and bedecked the trees. It was a wonderful illustration of the “it’s all fresh and new” theme.

Signing up for a Pilates class was a new thing for me at the beginning of 2024. And it has been a positive change. I may not be as proficient as many in the class, I struggle to do some of the stretches because of a knee issue, and I sometimes have a hard time resisting dancing to the background music when I should be listening to the instructor. But I know the exercise is doing me good. I’m not sure what new thing(s) I will do/ encounter this year, but I will keep my eyes and ears open for them.

When my eldest daughter was in primary school, she decided to try something new. I heard about it from another mum, who had been at the school to watch her daughter do Highland dancing in an assembly. “I didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said. So I explained that she didn’t, although she was in a ballet class. “That’s strange,” said my friend. “At the assembly the children who took Highland dance lessons were invited to go to the centre of the floor and perform. I thought your daughter did rather well.”

Later I asked my child why she had done this. “Oh,” she said. “I thought the teacher said, “Will all children who would like to do Highland dancing please come forward now? So I went.”

Do something new this new year.

real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

SUZANNE GREEN

Lemon Pot Puddings

These delicious individual hot lemon puddings are the perfect sweet treat after a hearty winter supper or Sunday lunch.

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing

• 175g golden caster sugar

• Zest and juice of 2 large lemons (you will need about 120ml lemon juice)

• 4 medium eggs, separated

• 75g plain flour

• 130ml milk

• 2 tbsp flaked almonds

• Icing sugar, for dusting

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180oC/fan 160oC/gas mark 4. Grease six 175ml ovenproof ramekin dishes with butter.

2. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Beat in the lemon zest then beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Sift over half the plain flour and fold in, then fold in the lemon juice and milk. Sift over the rest of the flour and fold in. Gradually fold the egg whites into the mixture.

3. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared ramekin dishes and sprinkle over the flaked almonds. Place the dishes in a large roasting tin and pour in enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden on top. Serve immediately, dusted with icing sugar.

Makes 6 | Ready in 40 mins

TIP - These puddings will form a lovely layer of thick lemon custard under the sponge topping so take care not to overcook them. They will still have a slight wobble in the centre.

FEBRUARY SUDOKUS (HARD*) (EASY)

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Fasten to (6), 4. Enquiring (6), 9. Reduce length (7), 10. Loosen (5), 11. More (5), 12. Stretches (7), 13. Twisted together (11), 18. Requiring (7), 20. Not inner (5), 22. Assists (5), 23.Needingadrink(7),24.Hurried(6),25.Stopped(6).

DOWN: 1. Reply (6), 2. Type of fish (5), 3. Small country house (7), 5. A trick (5), 6. Severe (7), 7. Lubricate (6), 8. Enquire into (11), 14. Used for sewing (7), 15. Worship (7), 16. Fasten (6), 17. Ragged (6), 19. Hand out (5), 21. Trials (5).

* We have added an extra sudoku puzzle this month due to popular demand! Let us know what you think

^^^ Easy sudoku solution on page 37 ^^^ Hard sudoku solution on page

^^^ Solution in the MARCH edition

We’ve just returned from an incredible trip to Japan. Our adventure was filled with sights, sounds, flavours and new experiences.

One tasty revelation was Sake, a drink I’ve generally not had much exposure to and one I wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. But, when in Rome…in this case, Japan, we decided to try it, and we loved it!

Sake, Japan’s iconic rice wine, is a drink steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. But what is Sake and what makes it so special? The production process for Sake is more akin to beer brewing than wine production. Sake is made with polished rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. The starch inside the rice grains is converted into sugar which is then fermented into alcohol. The rice is polished to remove its outer layers and the polish effects the final Sake’s flavour profile.

There are different styles of Sake which are versatile and can be enjoyed warm, cold or at room temperature. Premium Sake, like Ginjo or Daiginjo are best served chilled in small ceramic cups, to enhance their fruit and floral profile. Like still wine, Sake is available as a dry or sweet product.

Before going to Japan, I hadn’t realised how versatile Sake is. I am excited to try the different styles and flavours and explore new food pairings. While we won’t be going to Japan again soon, I think we will try and bring some of the colours home.

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

ORIAM WALKING FOOTBALL

CLUB - We run a local Walking Football Club, established in 2015, for women aged 40+ and men aged 50+. Our sessions, which are very much mixed ability, take place at Oriam Sports Centre, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, on a Mon, Wed and Fri 12:30-1:30pm. We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.20 but we do have monthly membership schemes available. Please contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or dericandjoan@btinternet.com

OXGANGS WRITE AWAY!

WRITERS' GROUP - Whether you are a beginner or not, would-be novelist, journal-writer or poet, come along and share, learn, be inspired or simply listen. We meet at Oxgangs Library every 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6.00pmfree tea/coffee and biscuits too! For more information, contact Robert Carroll Robert. Carroll@edinburgh.gov.uk or katiemoon7754@gmail.com

REDHALL WALKING GROUPA gentle walking group exploring areas such as the Union Canal, Colinton Dell and the Water of Leith. Improve your health and wellbeing and meet new people. Meet at Redhall Walled Garden entrance on main road at 97 Lanark Road. Mondays 10.00am - 11.30am Fun, friendly and free. Contact: emily@elgt.org.uk or 07943 530806. Facebook @ GreenspaceTrust

ST CUTHBERT'S PLAYGROUP - 10.00am - 11.30am - Every Monday during school term time. £2 per family. Toys, snacks and a fun songs! St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. Contact Rev Nicki McNelly for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com

FORGET ME NOTES - The Forget Me Notes Project is a charity that uses music to build community and combat isolation in a variety of settings On the first and third Monday of each month - 2.00pm - 4.00pm in St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. Join us when you can, for an hour of music and memories, followed by refreshments. All welcome. Please contact Rev Nicki for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com (www.forgetmenotes.org.uk)

COLINTON FRIENDLY

BRIDGE CLUB - Colinton Cottage Homes’ Hall every Monday from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Please contact Ken McLeod on 0131 466 0888 for more information.

TEA AND TOTS - Stay and play for ages 0-5 with their parent/ carer - all are welcome! Toys, crafts, refreshments, song-time and more. Every Thursday during school term time, 10am11.30am at Redeemer Church, 64 Bridge Road, Colinton, EH13 OLQ. FREE E: admin@ redeemeredinburgh.org T: 0131 441 7327

ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON CLUB - The Club was formed about 1946 and meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter. It is noncompetitive. For details, call Julia Roberts on 07904 813145

PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUBCome and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret's Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 7pm. Table money £4. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information

see www.bridgewebs.com/ pentland or email mthjkb@gmail.com

COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY - Meetings start with coffee, tea and wine at 7.30pm and are held at Dreghorn Hall, 22 Dreghorn Loan, EH13 0DE. Full programme details are at www. colinton-parish.com/colintonliterary-society.html

COFFEE, CAKE AND COMPANY - Drop in for a free coffee between 10.30am and 12pm on Mondays at Redeemer Church Edinburgh, 64 Bridge Road EH13 0LT. We are mostly retired people, but all ages are welcome! More details at redeemeredinburgh.org/ccc

THIS WOMAN RUNS - We are a small group of local women who support and empower each other to be healthier and happier. We meet Wednesday’s at 7.30pm at the bottom of Thorburn Road, or Sunday’s at 8.00am in Spylaw Park for a quick warm up, 30-minute run at the pace of chat/your pace, and then a gentle cool down. We’d love to see you there! All free, run by friendly local volunteers www.thismumruns.co.uk/join-alocal-run

WAVERLEY SPEAKERS

CLUB - Meets in Morningside Parish Church, fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7.15pm. Our aim is to improve members’ public speaking skills in a supportive atmosphere. Each evening has three prepared speeches of eight minutes, evaluated constructively by another member. Eight impromptu short speeches follow, also evaluated. New members will be made most welcome. Contact Douglas. Lothian@lenlothian.com

LOCAL FLORAL ART

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

CLUB - Sit back and enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat. You might even win one of the arrangements. Meet: Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Meggatland, off Colinton Road EH14 1AS. 7.15pm9.00pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September. Trial first visit only £5. Wine/ tea/coffee available. Contact: Joyce Rutherford on 2536 btinternet.com

COLINTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB

SOCIETY - Want to know about local history? W: www.colintonhistory.org E:enquiries@colintonhistory.org

COLINTON GARDEN CLUB

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Eels, 3. Checkers, 9. Contact, 10. Nicer, 11. Achievements, 14. Gem, 16. Paths, 17. Dye, 18. Explanations, 21. Comma, 22. Showing, 23. Domestic, 24. Ends.

DOWN: 1. Exchange, 2. Lunch, 4. Hit, 5. Conversation, 6. Excited, 7. Sure, 8. Caterpillars, 12. Eaten, 13. Messages, 15. Maximum, 19. Onion, 20. Iced, 22. Ski.

SOLUTIONS TO FEBRUARY SUDOKUS ON PAGE 38

- We meet fortnightly from September to end of March/ beginning of April in St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue from 7.45 - 9.15. We have an excellent teacher and live music so come and join us, with or without a partner, you’ll be made very welcome. Tel: 07751186359 or 07483814988

THE SWING CAFÉ

Sat 10.00am-2.00pm. Please come for breakfast (10.00am12.00noon), lunch (12noon -2.00pm) or some delicious home baking (available all day). We welcome groups and if you would like to book a table, please contact 07514 689258. There are glutenfree, vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's menu. Sit in or take away. We look forward to welcoming you.

- Club members share their love of gardening, gardens and nature, and work together to preserve and add value to our quality of life here in south-west Edinburgh. Monthly members’ meetings on a Monday, in the upper Hall, Dreghorn Loan and start at 8.00pm. We are a friendly and thriving club and new members are very welcome, plus outings and events. The annual subscription is £10.00. per household. For more information see: W: colintongardens.org.uk E: membership@ colintongardens.org.uk

LUNCHCLUB - Every Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, 3 courses £4. Spaces are limited, first come first served. Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. Please visit: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre.org.uk

PARENT AND TODDLER

ACROSS: 1. Eels, 3. Checkers, 9. Contact, 10. Nicer, 11. Achievements, 14. Gem, 16. Paths, 17. Dye, 18. Explanations, 21. Comma, 22. Showing, 23. Domestic, 24. Ends.

DOWN: 1. Exchange, 2. Lunch, 4. Hit, 5. Conversation, 6. Excited, 7. Sure, 8. Caterpillars, 12. Eaten, 13. Messages, 15. Maximum, 19. Onion, 20. Iced, 22. Ski.

SOLUTIONS TO FEBRUARY SUDOKUS ON PAGE 38

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY SUDOKUS ON PAGE 28

GROUP - Tuesdays, am session and pm session for two age groups (all under 5s). Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. T: 0131 466 0678 E:oxgangs neighbourhoodcentre @gmail.com

OXGANGS NEIGHBOUR CENTRE CAFÉ - 10.00am to 1.00pm. Bacon rolls, baked potatoes, toasties,specials, teas, coffees and cake. Sit in or takeaway.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT.SCOT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY

Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm.

MONDAY 10TH TO FRIDAY 14TH

FEBRUARY

Edinburgh Leisure Half Term Holiday Camp - At Craiglockhart Tennis Centre. Full day muiltisports camps for P1 – P7. Each day brings something new, with activities like tennis, badminton, football, hockey, dodgeball and more. Plus, enjoy arts and crafts, fun games, and more. Day £47.74, sook by day, or a full week. Info and booking at www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ february-holiday-camps

MONDAY 24TH FEBRUARY

Colinton Garden Club Members’ Evening - Speakers will be Richard Ennos, David Bryce and Cliff Dalley. All meetings are held at 8pm at Dreghorn Loan Hall, Colinton, and new members are always welcome. March event – Monday 24th March, Speaker will be Professor Kevin Frediani, Curator of Dundee University Botanic Gardens.

THURSDAY 27TH FEBRUARY

Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band Fundraising Concert - Enjoy an evening of Scottish music with performances from our talented pipe band and other special local performers. Balerno High School 7-9pm doors open 6.30pm, tickets £10 (children/teens free) at the door or email bdspbconcert@gmail.com

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

All meets are in Edinburgh Pentlands (formerly Juniper Green) Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road 10.00am - 12noon. New members welcome.

Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY“West Lothian’s UFOs” an illustrated talk by Ian Wark.

WEDNESDAY 19TH FEBRUARY“The National Trust of Scotland” an illustrated talk by Claire Grant.

WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH“Staffa” an illustrated talk by Karen McCormack.