An item of "Breaking News". Will appear on the Breaking News page and the front page.
Harald Tobermann, a Pilrig resident with strong opinions on the matter, has sent us the following extract.
It comes from The Times of 26 December 1799, and neatly foreshadows heated exchanges across many kitchen tables in these parts over the last few weeks concerning the beginning and ending of decades.
We end 2019 with a brief reminder from the photo archive that – contrary to some assertions – it is possible to enjoy this time of year in Edinburgh without fireworks, funfairs, amplified music, or exploding bratwurst.
We wish all our readers a very happy and peaceful 2020.
Normal Spurtle news coverage will resume online on Friday. The printed version will next appear on 1 February. Tell us if there are events or issues you'd like covered.
Since the Phoenix reopened under new management as the Broughton Bar this autumn, we have heard nothing but positive comments about the refurbished, welcoming establishment and its upgraded menu at the heart of the barony.
If its aim has been to ‘embrace the new, while giving a respectful nod to the familiar,’ then it has amply succeeded.
Have you ever noticed how otherwise unremarkable signs sometimes precis, characterise, or remind you of works of literature?
Of course you have.
See if you can match the following examples found around Broughton to various kinds of poem, short story, drama, or novel. All but one began life in print. All but one have appeared as film or television.
Initial clues to the titles (in italics) and authors appear below each image.
No local knowledge is required.
Answers at the foot of this page on 1 January.
Mr Lindsay McArthur again seeks planning in principle consent to demolish Smithies Ale House at 49-51 Eyre Place. The proposal is to build in its place a block of flats (Ref. 19/05565/PPP).
The design by Stockbridge-based David Blaikie Architects comprises a new 3-storey building. It would have: a basement for laundry, storage, bins, and bikes; four 1-bedroom + study flats on 2 floors; one 3-bedroom flat in the attic.
This is a bitter-sweet day for Bellevue residents.
Sweet: because the characters at the heart of this story are genuinely happy and optimistic about the change in their circumstances.
Bitter: because so many residents in the neighbourhood will miss them terribly.
Mohammad and Zahida Anjum are retiring today from their M.A. Store after 35 years.
The couple moved to Edinburgh from Birmingham in 1974, and first managed a convenience store in Musselburgh for five years.
The Scottish Government Reporter today rejected Drum’s appeal against Edinburgh Council’s refusal of planning consent for demolition/redevelopment of the site on and around Stead’s Place (Ref. PPA-230-2274; Breaking news, 30.1.19).
The Reporter’s reasoning is elaborated in 82 points across 16 densely worded pages. You can enjoy them all at leisure in the pdf attached below.
The new ‘gas governor’ that recently appeared in Bellevue Crescent is to be redesigned.
Today we get you properly in the Christmas mood with this, the third in our series of delicious recipes first published in the pages of Mrs Williamson’s 1854 book The Practice of Cookery and Pastry, Adapted to the Business of Every Day Life.
For more on this remarkable local figure, see Barclay Price’s article in Issue 289.
This may not be the most exciting item we bring you this Christmas, but it may yet prove to be among the more useful.
Below we reproduce a briefing issued by the Place Management part of the Place Directorate bit within City of Edinburgh Council.
Bin-collection arrangements have been confirmed for the festive period as follows: