UNHELPFUL PREVIEW

As you read this, advance copies of the April Spurtle are already disappearing from local shelves like daffs at night from municipal flowerbeds.

This month we kick off with campaign news and determined locals who won’t take being ignored for an answer. We continue with the latest on efforts to keep a dear green space available to the local community, dip briefly into follicles, and conclude Page 1 with a sneak look at a project the developers would rather we didn’t bang on about.

Wonderful light.

'He either fears his fate too much/Or his deserts are small,/Who dares not put it to the touch/To win or lose it all.'

James Graham, 1sst Marquess of Montrose (1612–5-).

Driver completely unapologetic about blocking pavement for pram-pushers and wheelchair users" 'Have you ever tried to move house?'

Not a great look for Broughton removals. @Broughtons1970

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There may not be a massive variety, but Edinburgh offers plenty of ‘food for free’, to use a term popularised by Richard Mabey in his 1972 book on foraging.

In the autumn, Blackberries are ubiquitous along paths and on hillsides.

In the spring, shady and damp conditions such as those found along the Water of Leith walkway are ideal for wild garlic (Allium ursinum), whose unmistakeable and pungent aroma fills the air here.

Hands-on approach to fine art. Paolozzi would have been delighted.

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Not entirely true. No. 7 in an occasional series celebrating Spurtleshire's street-name signs.

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Police Scotland issued a press release today which we reproduce below unedited and in full.

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Power-napping in yesterday's sunshine. Photo courtesy of Spurtleshire resident Tim Smith.

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A formal 125-year lease agreement has begun between Edinburgh Council and the Royal High School Preservation Trust. Work will now begin on turning the historic structures and new additions into a home for St Mary’s Music School and a public performance venue.

RHSPT chair Willie Gray Muir said, ‘As we prepare to move ahead into the redevelopment phase, we look forward to collaborating closely with the local community as we keep them up-to-date on progress.’ Work is expected to finish in 2026.