Police Scotland have announced the recovery of a man’s body from the Canty Bay area of North Berwick.

The family of Richard Forbes has been informed, pending a formal identification.

Mr Forbes, owner of the Smoke Stack restaurant on Broughton Street, was last seen at the Drift Café in North Berwick on 18 March. Appeals for information and a widespread police search followed.

Police say there are no apparent suspicious circumstances.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

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April 1863

WORKING MEN’S HOUSES AT STOCKBRIDGE.

Last night, the foundation-stone of a range of houses at Stockbridge, intended for working men, was laid by Dr Begg, in presence of a considerable number of spectators.[1]

It will be remembered that about eighteen months ago Dr Begg inaugurated, by the same ceremony, the commencement of the erection of another row of houses for a similar purpose at the west end of Water Lane,[2] leading from Canonmills to Stockbridge.

As examined at length and from various perspectives in Issue 295, the Covid-19 pandemic will have long-lasting effects on the future of Edinburgh.

Scotland’s economy, demographics, housing, and tourism needs will all be fundamentally reshaped compared to the expectations most people had of them only a few short months ago.

NO SHORTAGE OF OPINIONS ACROSS SPURTLESHIRE

We’re an opinionated and contradictory bunch in these parts.

Everyone brimming with views, but not always keen to give vent to them in public and in person.

Perhaps this explains the recent rash of pronouncements around the barony, signs offering advice on everything from self-help to the creative big picture.

1860–63

ACCIDENT WITH A MINCING MACHINE—Yesterday, a lad employed in a butcher’s premises in Thistle Street Lane was working at a mincing machine, when he accidentally or inadvertently placed his left hand under the knife, and chopped off four of his fingers.

The Scotsman, 16 May 1860

[Image: Wikipedia, creative commons.]

UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCE OF LOCKDOWN?

Does adversity bring out the best in you? Or is it warm sunshine that brings a blush to your cheek and a song to your heart?

If you said yes to either question, you may be distantly related to the Chinese ornamental rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) which is currently delighting locals in Hopetoun Crescent Garden.

Local authorities yesterday started a scheme to help newly self-employed people facing hardship because of coronavirus.

In Edinburgh, one-off grants of £2,000 are available under the Newly Employed Hardship Fund. Payment will be made early this month.

Depute Leader Cammy Day says the money is aimed at preventing newly self-employed workers from falling through the net by providing critical funding to keep their business afloat.

UNHELPFUL PREVIEW HERE

As you read this, copies of the May Spurtle are not fluttering from the presses like so many cherry blossoms borne on a gentle breeze across the Barony of Broughton and beyond.

Rather, in the absence of working print-shops, Issue 295 remains trapped in the egg-bound bowel of the Editor’s computer.

1860

CHILD MURDER

Elizabeth Smith or Walker, residing in Upper Greenside Lane,[1] was placed at the bar charged with administering a quantity of comrise sublimate[2] or other poison to her son aged two years and two months on Thursday last, in consequence of which the boy died immediately or soon thereafter, and was thus murdered by the said accused.