Skip to main content

SLOW PROGRESS ON CLADDING

Submitted by Editor on

The Housing (Cladding Remediation) Scotland Act 2024 was passed in May last year and came into force on 6 Jan 2025. It allows Ministers to assess and fix buildings ‘within scope’, and to evacuate buildings if necessary. In some cases, they could use these powers without owners’ and residents’ agreement.

 

JOHN DICKIE REMEMBERED

Submitted by Editor on

John Dickie, founding editor of the Broughton Spurtle, died on 28 December 2024, aged 83. His funeral took place at Warriston Crematorium on 20 January. Below we publish a slightly extended version of the eulogy delivered on that occasion, written jointly by his sons Mure, John and Andrew Dickie.

 

*****

 

ISSUE 347 – PUBLISHED TOMORROW!

Submitted by Editor on

As you read this, advance copies of the February Spurtle are already appearing across Broughton like buses whispering over setted potholes in the small hours of the night.

 

Issue 347, the first of 2025, starts soothingly, like an HGV grinding its gears at 5.30 in the morning, and continues with paused plans and active parents before rapidly sliding downhill.

 

On Page 2 we have avian bobble-hats, a black cat, bee and prominent Baptist. Gubbed hubs, fresh funds and slow but better explained progress follow.

 

NEW DRAFT GUIDANCE ON PURPOSE-BUILT STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

Submitted by Editor on

Yesterday, councillors on the Planning Committee voted to take forward draft non-statutory guidance on purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) for public consultation. 

 

An important aim is to protect the health and wellbeing of students by ensuring that Edinburgh’s PBSA is of good quality and built in the right places. However, this is balanced by a second aim which is to provide new residential dwellings for non-students. All new housing should not negatively affect the existing character and community of the surrounding area.

 

JOHN DICKIE:—FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Submitted by Editor on

The funeral service for John Dickie, founding editor of the Spurtle, will take place at Warriston Crematorum’s Lorimer Chapel at 10am on Monday 20 January.

 

All who knew John are welcome. Donations will go to Freedom from Torture.

 

The funeral will be followed by a gathering with tea, coffee and sandwiches at the Joseph Pearce bar on Elm Row, where the family will share memories and photographs.

 

Subscribe to