Edinburgh Council has published the final list of candidates standing in the Local Government Elections on 5 May.

For Spurtleshire, they are as follows.

Ward 5 - Inverleith

Scottish Green Party - BANDEL, Jule

Scottish Conservative and Unionist - HERRING, Stuart

Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life - HOLDEN, Phil

Scottish Libertarian Party - LAIRD, Tam

Independent - MCNAMARA, Stephen

Scottish Conservative and Unionist - MITCHELL, Max

As you read this, advance copies of the April Spurtle are already drifting across Broughton like spring snowflakes on a northerly wind. Brace yourself.

Issue 316 begins with an icy editorial blast. It continues with news of a 6-month freeze, a much loved unlovely structure left out in the cold, and a frosty response to calls for consultation. Politicians beware – the hustings are coming.

On Thursday last week, a tram reached York Place for the first time since 10 February – but just to test the newly reconfigured track.

Accompanied by dozens of tram contractors, the tram took the better part of an hour to inch its way from halfway along York Place to the current end of the tram line: a large planter at the top of Broughton Street. At points along the way, contractors measured the distances from the overhead line poles and the central reservation to crucial parts of the tram.

Spot of bother for the St James Quarter

Is the St James Quarter starting to rust?

Rather surprisingly, the answer may be yes. At least parts of it, if one local’s misgivings prove correct.

Antony Jack lives close to the Quarter’s St James Square, and has been a long-suffering observer of its progress over the years.

In recent weeks, since colder weather has set in, Jack has noticed the appearance of these reddish-brown spots on the steps of the Grand Stair.

As you read this, advance copies of the March Spurtle are already spreading in all directions across the barony like confused pedestrians trying to cross York Place.

Page 1 begins with the word ‘Last’ and ends with the word ‘objections’. In-between there are thoughts on green flags and where not to find one, Edinburgh’s air and where not to breathe it, proactive approaches to Picardy Place, and a hippopotamus in a hamster cage.

Officials have recommended that the application to install temporary seating outside the Category A-listed 23 Elm Row be refused (21/05858/FUL). Councillors on the Development Management Subcommittee are due to consider the case on 2 March.

The applicant proposes a timber-decked outdoor seating area outside the Joseph Pearce bar and restaurant, with a pergola type structure for coverage.