The northern boundary of King George V Park comprises the rear wall of a long shed opening onto the former Royal Bank of Scotland carpark.

It’s hidden behind a screen of trees and shrubbery, but a foray into the interior reveals a remarkably ambitious and peculiar mural.

Reading from left to right, it begins with mostly aquatic creatures, including a frilled-neck lizard, a huge frog, octopus, sea snake, turtle, seal (possibly) and hippopotamus (maybe).

EDINBURGH MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS

[CONTRIBUTED]

In considering the various schemes on which the Town Council have embarked, and the result of their operations, it has to be remembered that all municipalities in the country have of recent years undertaken a great many new functions, and that great difference of opinion has existed, as to whether they were right or wrong in doing so.

Friends of King George V Park and Scotland Yard Parks seek new committee members to play an active role in protecting and improving these treasured spaces at the heart of our community.

‘You could be a user of social media and boost the profile of the park,’ says longstanding stalwart and secretary Judy Conn. ‘You could be involved in ongoing interactions with the Council and/or the New Town Quarter developers.

As you read this, Spurtle stalwarts are already delivering advance copies of the printed May issue to businesses, street boxes, and subscribers the length and breadth of the barony and beyond.

Readers may soon plunge into Page 1 like young mothers into wallpaper catalogues, finding there rather astounding news on waste and an absence of consultation. They may swoon at news of refurbishment, smile enigmatically at an expected cost, or ponder the mysteries of alleged inappropriate uses in residential areas.

EDINBURGH LICENCE TRANSFER COURT.

[…]

A DIRTY BACK ROOM.

Christina Cameron or M’Callum, executrix of the late Hugh M’Callum, asked for transfer of the public-house certificate at 11 East Register Street, held by her late husband.

Spurtle’s hustings for the Edinburgh Northern & Leith constituency took place last night, with numbers attending the Zoom event never dropping below 72 (including 6 organisers) and probably exceeding that on shared devices.