NO SHORTAGE OF OPINIONS ACROSS SPURTLESHIRE
We’re an opinionated and contradictory bunch in these parts.
Everyone brimming with views, but not always keen to give vent to them in public and in person.
Perhaps this explains the recent rash of pronouncements around the barony, signs offering advice on everything from self-help to the creative big picture.
ACCIDENT WITH A MINCING MACHINE—Yesterday, a lad employed in a butcher’s premises in Thistle Street Lane was working at a mincing machine, when he accidentally or inadvertently placed his left hand under the knife, and chopped off four of his fingers.
The Scotsman, 16 May 1860
[Image: Wikipedia, creative commons.]
UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCE OF LOCKDOWN?
Does adversity bring out the best in you? Or is it warm sunshine that brings a blush to your cheek and a song to your heart?
If you said yes to either question, you may be distantly related to the Chinese ornamental rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) which is currently delighting locals in Hopetoun Crescent Garden.
Local authorities yesterday started a scheme to help newly self-employed people facing hardship because of coronavirus.
In Edinburgh, one-off grants of £2,000 are available under the Newly Employed Hardship Fund. Payment will be made early this month.
Depute Leader Cammy Day says the money is aimed at preventing newly self-employed workers from falling through the net by providing critical funding to keep their business afloat.
UNHELPFUL PREVIEW HERE
As you read this, copies of the May Spurtle are not fluttering from the presses like so many cherry blossoms borne on a gentle breeze across the Barony of Broughton and beyond.
Rather, in the absence of working print-shops, Issue 295 remains trapped in the egg-bound bowel of the Editor’s computer.
CHILD MURDER
Elizabeth Smith or Walker, residing in Upper Greenside Lane,[1] was placed at the bar charged with administering a quantity of comrise sublimate[2] or other poison to her son aged two years and two months on Thursday last, in consequence of which the boy died immediately or soon thereafter, and was thus murdered by the said accused.
1 MAY DEADLINE – DON’T FORGET TO COMMENT
Ediston and Orion Capital Managers, the entities behind the proposed New Town North development between Dundas Street and King George V Park, have issued their latest newsletter to subscribers.
In it they summarise their initial feeback to over 50 comments and questions received since the latest consultation on their plans went online on 9 April.
MELANCHOLY CASE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE CALEDONIAN MERCURY AND DAILY EXPRESS.
Sir,—Permit me, through the medium of your journal, to inquire if there is such a person as a police surgeon in this city, and it is his duty to attend to persons found in the streets or in the common-stairs in a state of insensibility, and likewise if it is the duty of policemen to call him to such?[1]
POLICE SEEK WITNESSES
Police seek witnesses after a man was assaulted near King George V Park at around 2pm on Saturday 25 April.
The victim was verbally abused in the park by 4 men, who accused him of taking their photograph. They followed him through the Rodney Street tunnel, continuing to shout, before demanding money, then racially abusing and assaulting him at the Tesco end.
They ran off through the tunnel when Tesco staff came to the victim’s aid.
