1866

THE SEWING MACHINE.

(MACPHERSON’S PATENT.)[1]

When we posted news this morning that Tattie Shaw’s is planning a phased reopening for collections, we had no idea of the tsunami of interest that would follow.

Edinburgh’s Vitamin C-starved hordes have been melting Spurtle’s social media and greengrocer James Welby’s mobile phone ever since.

So much so that, now, in the interests of public order and business sanity, we’ve taken down our original article and are instead posting appeals to delay placing any more new orders for the timebeing.

Not sure there’s much more to be said …

Ever since Drum Property closed down the majority of shops and local businesses on Stead’s Place, the mute shutters have served as a sounding board for every kind of local opinion, outpouring, oath, and obscenity it’s possible to imagine.

What looked at first like a kind of silencing has had just the opposite effect.

Thanks go to observant Spurtle contributor D.M., who captured the following images over recent days.

We really enjoy these suggestive vignettes, and present them without further comment.

LOCAL MARKETS NOW (VIRTUALLY) BACK TO NORMAL

For obvious reasons, Stockbridge and Leith Markets can’t operate in the confines of Kerr Street and Dock Place just now.

But if you’re missing the beards, bustle and fresh produce of pre-coronavirus weekends, don’t despair.

Both markets are now operating in virtual space thanks to the website Neighbourfood.

1864–66

THEFT OF A WATCH AND CHAIN.

Isabella Raphael or M’Pherson and John Robertson were charged with the theft of a silver watch, a gold chain, and twenty shillings in silver from the person of a gentleman.

It may only be May, but the summertime is coming.

To judge by this correspondent’s hayfever, the trees are blooming. And in the back green, the wild urban garlic grows as we’re treated to the next-door neighbour’s booming blether.

Despite all the uncertainties, frustrations, and sadnesses that accompany it, we’re in a mood to celebrate the positives of this peculiar once-in-a-lifetime interlude that is lockdown.

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.