As you read this, printed copies of the July Spurtle are already appearing across the barony like half-eaten fish suppers on a pre-Lockdown Saturday morning.
Issue 297 starts with shameless public nudity, whereby hangs a tail. It continues with suggestions for Council officers to chew over, more doubts on discussions in a crisis, and thoughts about a stuck-up local whom few people seem ever to have liked much.
News from the Mews is about to take another dark turn.
Over the next three weeks, the court journalism reproduced here will cover one of the most notorious Edinburgh murder cases of the 19th century, rendered even more shocking at the time by the perpetrator being a woman and the victims babies.
The Atlas Guest House at 30 London Street seeks full planning permission and listed building consent to remove a stone wall behind the premises, extend the driveway, increase the garden wall's height, and install new metal bi-fold driveway gates.
A fine of 1s each, with the option of 24 hours’ imprisonment, was imposed on each of five boys, whose ages ranged from 12 to 15 years, for playing football on Sunday evening last in Gilchrist Court, Greenside.
Edinburgh Evening News, 14 April 1886
The Royal Botanic Garden will reopen to the public on Wednesday 1 July.
But be aware. If you want to visit the oasis in Inverleith, you’ll need to book a free time slot online before you turn up. You can do so HERE.
The pre-booking requirement applies to everyone, including members, carers, children, and babies (up to 8 people per booking) between 10am and 5pm (last entry at 4.45pm).
At the City Police Court, a woman named Jessie Irvine or Aitchison was ordered to pay a fine of £5, or go 30 days to jail, for keeping a disorderly house and harbouring loose women in Simpson’s Court, Greenside Row, on and since 5th November last.
Edinburgh Evening News, 2 February 1885
For many children, reaching the end of their primary-school careers is an emotional experience.
The last day in particular can be a time of high drama: of laughter, tears, and heartfelt hugs.
Not this year. Covid-19 has kept young people at home, or at least a soul-sapping 2m apart. And so many have found new ways to let their pent-up feelings out.
The simple messages on railings outside Broughton Primary School say it all.
James Graham pleaded guilty, at the City Police Court, to having behaved in a disorderly manner yesterday in a stair leading to, and knocked in the panel of the door of his brother-in-law’s house in New Broughton. He also assaulted the two constables who arrested him. A fine of 20s was imposed, with the option of ten days in jail.
Edinburgh Evening News, 11 September 1883