Skip to main content

Breaking news

An item of "Breaking News". Will appear on the Breaking News page and the front page.

BROUGHTON'S DARK DEATHTRAPS

Submitted by Editor on

The following report comes from the Caledonian Mercury of Saturday 23 October 1790. 

It recounts in a slightly muddled fashion the consequence of crossing an artificial stream which ran between Canonmills Loch and the mills along today's Canon Street.

Ainslie's later map of 1804 (below) shows a bridge on the south side of the loch, but only the very narrowest (if any) passage over the stream a little to the north. 

HELPING YOU TO HELP OTHERS

Submitted by Editor on

Ever thought of widening your horizons, helping others, broadening your work skills whilst between jobs or during education?

Volunteer Edinburgh’s recruitment fair today will let you meet a wide range of local organisations actively seeking the people they need.

It runs from 11.00am until 7.00pm in St Paul’s and St George’s Church on York Place. Admission is free.

‘We need to inspire, attract and engage more volunteers,’ says VE’s chief executive Harriet Eadie’.

LOCAL SCOUTS GO EXTRA MILE

Submitted by Editor on

Slightly beyond the western bounds of Spurtleshire, but distance was no object this weekend for Broughton’s Scouts (11th Troop).

They set out to de-jungle the Edinburgh AIDS/HIV Memorial that sits by the Water of Leith below the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. 

They also gave the bench a new coat of paint, cleared the plants surrounding it, and created a ‘bug city’ from the branches and off-cuts.

NO STINK ABOUT WALNUT WHIP AT St JAMES Q&A

Submitted by david on

A Q&A session for local residents was held at the St Mary's Cathedral Parish Centre on 1 October, to enable the public to understand the project and allow those who will be affected by the disruption to air any concerns, writes Caroline Roussot, who was present.

Martin Perry of the site owner THRE (Henderson) and Mike Prentice of CBRE represented the developers.

LOCALS HAIL PARK IMPROVEMENTS

Submitted by Editor on

Local residents who organise themselves to take an active interest in their neighbourhoods can make a noticeable and very welcome difference.

Take the Friends of Pilrig Park.

Three years ago, the Friends group started regular clearance and clean-up days. Wooded areas were opened up and made to feel safe and welcoming. And with light flooding through, the wildflowers soon began to flourish and spread.

LIFT-OFF FOR PASSION ON THE CORNER

Submitted by Editor on

The fifth annual Postcard exhibition in association with the NHS Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2015 has begun, write our friends at the Gallery on the Corner

Over 100 people attended to witness the unveiling of 280+ works donated by artists near and far. Spurtle picked favourites to show here (details at foot of page).

One artist said:‘ Contributing to this exhibition is important to me as I applaud the Gallery’s aims, which are unique, positive and outward thinking’.

SPURTLE TO THE RESCUE

Submitted by Editor on

As Broughton swelters in ferocious heat and blinding brightness, Spurtle has responded by manufacturing thousands of emergency sunshades for local people. 

Produced on A3 sheets of solar-reflective, ultra-thin, compressed wood pulp, these collapsible innovations will fit most pockets with ease, but can swiftly be unfolded with a little practice to afford protection from the sun’s harmful rays. 

TRIPLE TRIUMPH AT DRUMMOND TENNIS CLUB

Submitted by Editor on

Drummond Tennis Club held its annual tournament over six weeks between the start of August and the middle of September. Mark Fergie talks us through some remarkable results.

Alistair Stiven (right) took on the current club champion Calum Friar in the singles and after losing the first set he fought back and took the title for the first time on a championship tiebreak. 

Later on he won the doubles with Calum, defeating Foxwell and Johnston.