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About us
Spurtle is the community newspaper for Broughton in North Edinburgh (see the map below for our news and distribution area outlined in blue). We aim to accurately report local affairs, raise issues, publicise the work of local action groups, make connections between 'the news' and Broughton life ... and generally stir things up a bit. (A Scots spurtle is a wooden rod for stirring porridge. Some readers may be 'spurtle-leggit' – have thin, spindly legs.)
We'll support people looking for a fair deal but not protect privilege. We're not beholden to any commercial entity or connected to any political or religious group. We are a not-for-profit organisation run by unpaid volunteers, funded through advertising and annual subscriptions (£12) from supporters.
Spurtle began in February 1994. It was put together by a small group of locals inspired by the success of the anti-Poll Tax campaign, the struggle to save London Street Primary School, and the achievements of local residents associations.
Since 2007, editorship has revolved quarterly between long-standing contributors to the paper: Alan McIntosh and John Ross Maclean are currently at the helm. Maria Hart handles layout and production. George Hosey helps with distribution. David Sterratt and John Dickie (the latter a founder and former editor) were instrumental in creating and now curating this website, which Alan McIntosh oversees and helps to update. These are not exclusive or permanent arrangements: new team members, contributors and potential editors are welcome to get involved. We actively encourage readers' continued supply of news, opinions, ideas, help and enthusiasm.
We publish in 3 formats: print (distributed free throughout Broughton via newsagents, a wide variety of shops, pubs and cafés), pdf (emailed to subscribers), and now online. We welcome readers' continued news, opinions, ideas, help and enthusiasm. Subscriptions (£12) run from October to October. Cash or cheques made out to Spurtle can be left at our postal address (below), along with a note of where printed or pdf copies should be delivered.
Contact us
By post at: Spurtle, c/o Narcissus Flowers, 87 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ, UK
By telephone at: 0131 558 8574
By email at: spurtle@hotmail.co.uk