ISSUE 333 – COMING SOON!

Submitted by Editor on Sat, 30/09/2023 - 00:00

As you read this, advance copies of the October Spurtle are already appearing across the barony.

Issue 333 begins with latest developments in 2 local planning sagas, one artfully tweaked, the other as flat-footed as before. We shed light. We also include news of rumbling giants in the New Town, which some locals love and others hate. Pillars of the community with local connections and an outing in Leith occupy the architectural/artistic slot on Page 1’s coveted top-right.

SIX SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE LOCAL PLANNING DEMOCRACY

Submitted by Editor on Wed, 27/09/2023 - 00:01

Community council calls for collaborative approach

For many people who approach it – occasionally and without previous experience or specialist training – the Scottish planning system is an intimidating mystery.

Certainly, some of its fundamental principles – such as the right of appeal for developers but not for objectors – perpetuate a postwar government bias towards rebuilding over conservation.

HIDDEN OPEN DOORS

Submitted by Editor on Mon, 25/09/2023 - 14:17

The annual Doors Open Days offer public access to buildings which are not usually accessible. In several senses,  they reveal much about the city.

One of the things that appeals to visitors here is that so many museums and galleries are open to the public. In contrast, they are disheartened that so many seemingly ‘public’ places are strictly private: the gardens of the New Town being a classic example. Visitors (and some residents) peer longingly over fences and walls at the forbidden fruits within.

THE ODD COUPLE

Submitted by Editor on Tue, 19/09/2023 - 10:58

North Clyde Street Lane.

No. 26 in an occasional photo series celebrating Spurtleshire street-name signs.

#Edinburgh 

#hyperlocal

#news

WANDERING INTO PATRIOTHALL

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 14/09/2023 - 00:00

Stockbridge in Edinburgh has a reputation for being a ‘posh’ residential area and an attractive destination, especially at the weekends.

Visitors’ itineraries often combine a trip here with other places along the Water of Leith Walkway such as Dean Village. According to the 2023 Skinny Guide to Edinburgh, its ‘scenic streets are a manna for influencers’ and full of ‘bougie shops’, brunch spots, as well as an ‘astounding number of charity shops’.