As you read this, advance copies of the May Spurtle are already spreading across the barony like half-frozen political canvassers ducking into shops to get out of the wind.
Page 1 begins with a glaring absence, a brilliant presence, and mind-boggling Council self-contradiction. It continues with confirmed plans for the Beaverlands, then tapers to a wobbling close on Leith Walk. No officials were harmed in the writing of these reports.
If you’re passing Canonmills Newsagents this sunny Wednesday, pop in and congratulate Anwar and Ruby. Today, they’re celebrating 21 years in charge of the popular local shop at 3 Howard Street.
The pair first learned the business in partnership with Ruby’s sister Zahida and husband Mohammad (who later ran the M.A. Store on East Claremont Street) in Musselburgh.
Next, in 1985 they took over a newsagent in Colinton Mains, before switching to Canonmills in 2001.
Dear Spurtle,
An interesting City Centre hustings. If there’d been more time I’d have liked to hear answers to my question:
Why should local voters trust candidates representing mainstream parties when MSPs at Holyrood prioritise Edinburgh as a touristic cash-cow for Scotland?
Jack Bunsby
George Street
‘More like Just a Minute than University Challenge’ was how chair Carol Nimmo proposed Wednesday’s hustings for the City Centre ward should proceed. She presumably wanted candidates to avoid hesitation, repetition, or deviation and warned any who weren't succinct that they faced being dinged by the merciless Spurtle Bell.
Dear Spurtle,
By just walking round the city, there is clear evidence that bin hubs not only look unsightly but encourage fly-tipping.
Can any reader provide pictures of the new bins hubs (now installed for several weeks) which are not graffitied or need emptied or have objects dumped beside them or have bins simply thrown within the railings?
If so, please share because all I see is our city streets looking more and more like dumping grounds.
Jane Thomson
Bellevue Road
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A temporary road closure will be in place next week from 9 am on Tuesday 12 April to 5 am on Wednesday 13 April.
‘Surfacing and lining work’ means eastbound lanes at York Place and Broughton Street will close completely, in addition to existing closure of westbound lanes. Traffic will not be able to exit Broughton Street by turning left onto Picardy Place.
Clearly signposted diversions will be via Abercromby Street, Albany Street and East London Street and/or London Road, Regent Road and South St David Street.
The Stafford Centre, on Broughton Street, is looking for two new volunteers in its work with people living in the Edinburgh area who experience mental-health difficulties.
Managed by Support in Mind Scotland, the aim of this local resource is to help people manage their mental health, gain greater self-confidence and become more integrated within the community.
There are two roles needing filled.
The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s oldest heritage watchdog, has launched a Manifesto for the City in advance of next month’s Local Government Elections. You can read it in full HERE.
The 4-page document stresses a need to rebuild trust between citizens and elected representatives.
It calls for: