Breaking news

An interesting item for sale at Lyon & Turnbull later this month stands at the junction of three stories published by Spurtle in recent years. 

Described as an ‘extremely rare broadside’ printed on two sheets, Lot 19 is a poster dating from the late 1860s and was published in Birmingham by anti-slavery campaigners of the day.

It reads: 'The Committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society have received the following communication from Jamaica.

City of Edinburgh Council looks set to develop a more coherent strategy for the use of public space. 

A report will go before the Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee (CPSC) in March, and – if approved – a two-year project to compilie a ‘Public Spaces Manifesto’ would follow. 

The manifesto – cutting across many CEC departmental boundaries and covering all parts of Edinburgh – would, among other matters, address: 

Drummond Community High School S6 student and deputy headboy Greig Howitt, 17, has been highly commended in the youth category of the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition, writes David Sterratt.

He 'fell in love' with photography three years ago when he was given an old digital SLR camera belonging to his mum before a trip to South Africa. He taught himself how to use the manual settings, and since then  has 'never put the camera down'.

We’ve said it again and again and again and again. 

REVIEWED BY RHYS FULLERTON 

Every January, the Scottish National Gallery puts on an exhibition to rival most. 

The Henry Vaughan bequest, featuring 38 of J.M.W. Turner’s stunning watercolours, has been shown each January, as stipulated, for over 100 years. 

The strict condition of its timing only enhances the generosity of the gift, as limiting the watercolours’ exposure to daylight has helped preserve them for all these years.

A year ago I started writing my online musings for the Spurtle. I began by bemoaning the late indicators of Broughton, those who don’t value the lowly pedestrian’s safety and regularly try to mow us down. 

The pre-application notification for major redevelopment of the former Royal High School on Regent Road will be submitted to City of Edinburgh Council on Tuesday. 

The proposal envisages a mix of luxury hotel, café/restaurant, conference/meeting rooms and exhibition space. 

Ever since Locanda de Gusti disappeared into the West without warning, readers have been asking what would replace the landmark premises at 7–11 East London Street. 

Refurbishment works there have seemed so extensive and taken so long that rumours have circulated locally of an underground bunker linking to the Mansfield-Traquair Centre.

The truth is now out. The Riparian Rooms – a new restaurant with over 100 covers –  is to open here on 30 January.

This traditional Scottish dessert of oats, cream, whisky and raspberries is a delicious alternative to trifle and New Year resolutions. 

Can you resist this tempting new twist on an old favourite from Paul Dow, head chef at the Magnum?

Sabayon

2 egg yolks

30g caster sugar

30ml whisky

In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar and whisky together over a pan of simmering water until thickened and frothy.

PREVIEWED BY RHYS FULLERTON

Last year was a fantastic one for art in (or near) Broughton, and 2015 has already started strongly. Here I preview some of what’s on offer locally over the first few months.

As always, January begins with a flourish at the Scottish National Gallery with Turner in January. The Henry Vaughan bequest has been exhibited each January for over 100 years, free of charge, as stipulated. I’ll be writing about it shortly, and recommend making time to see this wonderful exhibition.