The Edinburgh Reporter June 2022

Council matters
Councillors are eventually
ready to run the city
Cycling for all A rich tapestry Burke & Hare
Give the trishaws a try
in Holyrood Park
Andrew Crummy’s project to
feature in documentary
New book details the crimes of
an infamous deadly duo
Lee is the man
Vital appointment announced
at Easter Road
Page 4 Page 8 Pages 12-13 Page 20
Page 22
June 2022
EDINBURGH’S FREE LOCAL NEWSPAPER...A CAPITAL READ FROM START TO FINISH
Musicians from Oi Musica, Kinetika
Bloco and Brass Blast rehearse
on Portobello prom
Band together for Jubilee!
Portobello street band musicians are off to London to play for The Queen
Martin P McAdam
EDINBURGH street band specialists
Oi Musica have gathered a one-off
performance group of Scotland’s top
street musicians together for the
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations
which will feature a UK recordbreaking
12 sousaphone players.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant
takes place on Sunday 5 June, with
more than 6,000 costumed
performers processing down the Mall
to Buckingham Palace in front of an
international TV audience of millions.
Oi Musica will feature in the
Carnival section of the Pageant – one
of only two Scottish performance
groups to do so – alongside the cream
of the UK’s carnival, circus and
outdoor arts performance companies.
The 32-strong troupe will join
the ranks of Kinetika Bloco –
a carnival powerhouse and Youth
Company in Residence at London’s
Southbank Centre.
Read more on page eight

2 NEWS
Editorial
MAY HAS been rather a long month
beginning with the local elections and all
the discussions about forming a council of
one colour or several. It does seem that our
online readers are very interested in what
happens at the council - on the day of the
election results our visitor numbers were
about five times as high as they
normally are.
I hope that by the time this paper goes to
press there is some settled will at the City
Chambers and that the new councillors can
get to work. There is certainly plenty for
them to do.
“The streets are dirty - and what are
those gold and black things over there?
And Cockburn Street - are those shacks for
eating in?” This from an Australian friend
returning to Edinburgh who lamented the
state of our city centre.
I have to agree. It is self-evident to all of
us who live in the city that considerable
cleaning up and repairing of roads and
pavements has to be done in the city even
if only to spruce it up in time for any
Festival visitors later this summer.
Our centre pages are devoted to a more
uplifting story - a film may be made about
Andrew Crummy, the designer of The Great
Tapestry of Scotland who has used his
illness in a creative way.
Our resident foodie, Juliet, has been
quaffing beer this month as you will see on
page 17. Most recently she was aboard
Fingal so watch this space or read online
about the food she enjoyed there.
In a nod to vanity I have changed my
profile photo above - taken by the
American iphoneographer Jack
Hollingsworth who I spent time with in
London recently at a conference. Credit is
due to him for taking a photo I actually
like...he claims to have taken 1 million
photos on a phone. It was more than a little
odd to be in Olympia with hundreds of
others - and not a single mask in sight.
Perhaps this is now the new normal. I hope
so and I am sure you do too. If you have any
story tips then please do get in touch.
Phyllis Stephen Editor
Letters to the editor
Ending veterans’ homelessness for good
Dear Editor,
When someone has served their country in
the Armed Forces, the least we can do is
support them when they make the move back
to civilian life. Yet every year thousands of
veterans end up sleeping rough, sofa surfing
or living in unsuitable hostels because they’re
unable to access housing and slip through the
net. Those that have served their country,
often through the most trying of times,
deserve better.
The Armed Forces Covenant states that
anyone who has served in the Forces should
face no disadvantage, and this includes
accessing social housing. Veterans, who are
especially vulnerable to homelessness, should
be prioritised for support.
We’ve seen a dramatic rise in the number
of homeless veterans seeking help since the
pandemic. With the rising cost of living crisis,
we know the situation is going to get worse.
Too often former members of the Armed
Forces miss out on housing support because
they aren’t identified as a veteran. As leading
voices in the veterans housing sector, we’ve
BRINGING THE NEWS TO YOU
THERE ARE 6,000 copies of the Edinburgh Reporter distributed
through a network of city businesses and public buildings.
The paper is also distributed at Stockbridge Market on the first
weekend of the month.
You will find copies at Farmer Autocare, Summerhall, Art & Craft
Collective, EICC, LifeCare on Cheyne Street, Coffee Angels, Rose
Theatre Café, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Western
General Hospital, and some city supermarkets.
If you can, then please subscribe to have your copy delivered to
you each month. It helps us to cover the overheads of bringing
the news to you in print and online.
We distribute door to door on some selected streets. If you
would like us to include your street then please suggest it to us.
ter.ooo/subscribe
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TOUCH
TODAY!
joined the No Homeless Veterans [www.
nohomelessveterans.org.uk] campaign to urge
local authorities to do more.
It’s vital that when someone needs help with
housing, they are asked whether they’ve
served in the Forces. If they have, this should
be recorded. Once identified, they can be
directed towards support that’s available.
Many, particularly in Scotland, already do,
but all local authorities across the UK should
be identifying veterans quickly. There is no
need for them to be sofa surfing, bouncing
from hostel to hostel, or sleeping on the
streets. Our heroes deserve better and it’s
inexcusable to leave them out in the cold.
Planning News
AN APPLICATION has been
lodged for new signage on number
65 George Street with some fit out
works which will allow
Abercrombie & Fitch to open in the
former Jack Wills unit.
Caffè Nero is moving to the
former TSB premises on the corner
of Castle Street and Rose Street and
has applied for permission to fit out
the premises at 19 Castle Street.
The coffee shop will have dual
elevations.
The £15 million MacMillan Hub
just off Pennywell Road is making
progress with the contractors
Robertson Construction Limited
now on site.
Plans have been submitted for
conversion of the former Port Edgar
Naval Barracks on Society in South
Queensferry to housing with a café
and single serviced apartment.
There are 49 apartments planned
by Lar Housing Trust.
The former BHS store on Princes
For advertising and
editorial enquiries
please email:
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Yours sincerely
Richard Gammage, CEO, Stoll • Andrew Lord
MBE, CEO, Alabaré • Bernard Stonestreet,
Executive Secretary/Founder • East Sussex
Veterans Hub • Tim Stockings • CEO, Haig Housing
Sheena MacKay, Case Manager, Help for Heroes
Steve Bentham-Bates, CEO • Help 4 Homeless
Veterans • Moira Bayne, CEO, Housing Options
Scotland • Colonel (Ret’d) Tony Gauvain, Chair/
CEO, PTSD Resolution • Emrys Rogers, Head of
Housing & Assurance, Royal Air Force Benevolent
Fund • Mark Shields, Head of Community Support,
Royal Air Forces Association • Brigadier (Ret’d)
Martin Nadin OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish
Veterans Residences
Street is to become an upmarket
fashion retailer, Flannels. The 24,000
square feet is to be let by LaSalle
Investment Management on behalf
of the British Coal Pension Fund.
This is their first store in Scotland
- with a handful of others spread
from the east to west coasts
of England.
There is an online consultation
event on 7 June from 4.30pm to
6.30 pm for the A-listed former
Scottish Widows building next to
the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
The site at 15 Dalkeith Road
could become 200 houses and
green offices.
Plans have been lodged for Plots
13 - 125 West Craigs by Smith Scott
Mullan Associates for Dunedin
Canmore. This development of 125
new homes with roads and
infrastructure including hard and
soft landscaping will be built on a
site 100 metres north east of 19
Turnhouse Road.
About us...
We write about news relating to the Edinburgh area. If you
have any news, or if you would like to submit an article or
photograph for publication then please contact us
Editor: Phyllis Stephen
Designer: Felipe Perez
Photos: Martin P McAdam
/EdinReporter
edinburghreporter
@EdinReporter
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
07791 406 498
editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

3
North Edinburgh lay
down the gauntlet
as a festival venue
Martin P McAdam
Reaching Kidical Mass
Young cyclists take to the city’s streets asking for safer places to go
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
KIDICAL MASS is an event which calls for
better and safer infrastructure for children so
that they can ride bikes more safely.
It is up to politicians to take action to improve
the infrastructure on our roads and streets, and
the hope is for more, not less, action for future
generations. The ride took place through the
city’s streets with children on balance bikes,
others with stabilisers, some on scooters and
others aboard bikes ridden by adults - in trailers,
on seats behind and seats on crossbars.
There was loud music and a lot of ringing of
bicycle bells to alert other road users to the
approaching group of hundreds of cyclists of all
ages. And there was a lot of chatter and laughter
along the whole route.
A spokesperson for Blackford Safe Routes,
which organised Kidical Mass Edinburgh along
with Edinburgh Critical Mass, SW20 and
Newington Safe Routes, said: “The vision is for
children and young people to be able to safely
and independently travel by bicycle wherever
they live. Our motto is “Space for the next
generation”. A child-friendly city is a city that is
good for people of all ages. Kidical Mass gives
young people a voice and a presence in the
public realm. Our cities and streets belong to
them too.”
Some of the young
cyclists who
brought their
parents along
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
SEVERAL HUNDRED people attended
the free North Edinburgh Community
Festival in West Pilton Park. Organised by
a steering committee under the
chairmanship of Willie Black, the event
had something for all the family. This
included stalls where potential
employers expanded on available jobs
and career paths.
Mr Black said: “The festival was a huge
success and proves what can be done in
this area. People worked to create the
festival with partnerships among a
variety of organisations - there were 58
community stalls sharing news of their
activities with people who attended.
Everyone has said it was a tremendous
day for them. The music from Tinderbox
and others went down a storm.
“We plan to create a North Edinburgh
Festival Society and hope the council will
back us on that. This would challenge
Edinburgh’s festivals to bring more into
areas like North Edinburgh.”
Cllr Cammy Day said: “I used to be a
community worker in North Edinburgh
and I got to know a lot of the projects
and local heroes. I helped organise one of
the first community festivals in
Waterfront Park which was a huge
success and a lot of local people were
involved in that. But since 2012 there
have been no community festivals here
or galas so it was very exciting to see this
coming together.”
Thomas Brown

4 POLITICS
Council now in session
Politicians thrash it out at the City Chambers
Out and about in
the Lothians
By JEREMY BALFOUR
Cllr Cammy Day
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
THE CITY OF Edinburgh Council has taken on
a new look with a freshly formed administration
made up of the councillors who will run the city
for the next five years now agreed.
A minority Labour administration with
Labour Cllr Cammy Day as Council Leader will
now be in charge of the capital.
In the run up to the first full council meeting a
variety of parties tried to forge alliances of the
various combinations which might run the city.
One such proposal was the proposal by SNP
and Greens to run the council as a minority
coalition of 29 councillors. That looked likely to
be successful.
The other alternative was a plan by the
Edinburgh Labour group to run the council with
their 13 elected members as a minority
administration, with some kind of cooperation
among the opposition parties of the Liberal
Democrats and Conservatives. This is widely
regarded by critics as Labour putting Tories into
power in Edinburgh, but the reality is that the
Labour Group only required assistance from the
opposition on the day of the administration
being established. Moving forward they will hve
to look to all other parties for support. Whether
or not that kind of new politics is achieved will
become evident in the days and weeks ahead.
The Labour plan was widely denounced on
the eve of the council meeting by SNP MPs and
MSPs representing Edinburgh who wrote a letter
to Cllr Cammy Day, leader of the Edinburgh
Labour Group saying that such a pact with the
Tories was “unthinkable”. But it is not clear
whether there is much of a pact, and it certainly
appears to short of a formal coalition.
The local politicians - Angus Robertson MSP,
Cllr Adam McVey
Cllr Kevin Lang
Ash Regan MSP, Ben Macpherson MSP, Gordon
Macdonald MSP, Deidre Brock MP, Tommy
Sheppard MP and Joanna Cherry, QC, MP
- pointed out that the electorate “resoundingly
rejected” the Tories in the election at the
beginning of this month. Conservative numbers
were reduced from 18 elected councillors to
nine, with some elected members such as Cllrs
Cameron Rose and Mark Brown losing what
they might have regarded as safe seats.
Cllr Cammy Day new Council Leader said: “I
am really proud to be Leader. We have made a
commitment that our manifesto will be at the
forefront, but that we will work with every party
across the chamber to deliver the best we can for
the city.
“We are clear that there are similarities in all
parties’ manifestos and it is up to others to come
and work with us on a joint programme. I think
it is an opportunity for a progressive group to
lead the council here in Edinburgh.”
Cllr Adam McVey the Council Leader for the
last five years said: “I am very disappointed for
The Rt Hon Lord Provost
Robert Aldridge
the people of Edinburgh. They voted for
progressive politics overwhelmingly. What we
have is a coalition deal between Labour, Lib
Dems and the Tories after 40 years of losing
elections in the city and recording their worst
election result ever. Labour have put the Tories
into power and I don’t think that is acceptable.”
McVey did confirm that the SNP will work
across the chamber to implement the progressive
policies they stood on, but warned that these
policies are not shared by the parties that he
believes Labour now have to rely on.
Cllr Kevin Lang became leader of the
Edinburgh Liberal Democrats as Cllr Robert
Aldridge became Lord Provost. He said: “We will
continue to sit as a constructive but robust
opposition party. We voted to put Labour in
place, but we are very clear that where we agree
we will vote with them and where we disagree
we will say so and vote accordingly. They cannot
take us for granted, but I think it a good thing
that Labour will have to reach out and engage
with other political parties.”
THERE ARE MANY aspects of being the
MSP for Lothian region that I love, from
working through issues with constituents
to holding the Scottish Government to
account in the Parliament Chamber.
However, my favourite part of the job is
travelling around the region and meeting
with businesses, charities, and other
groups to learn about the work that
they are doing in our communities.
The conversations that I get with these
people and organisations provide a
window into the innerworkings of
many of the institutions that make
our city flourish.
I have often found myself in these
meetings wishing that that there was a
way I could provide this kind of access to
my constituents. A way for the people of
the Lothians the get a better
understanding these institutions, some
of which they rely on in their every day
lives and others that they interact with
occasionally for pleasure and leisure.
It is for this reason, I have started my
podcast, Out and About in the Lothians.
Over the course of this session of
Parliament, I will be travelling around the
Lothians bringing you in on
conversations with people who work
hard to make our communities better.
From Charities to local businesses, I will
be seeking out a wide range of people to
give you a broad view of what is going on
in our area.
So far, we have had excellent
conversations with a range of
organisations. Dale MacPhee from the
Waldorf Astoria (The Caledonian Hotel)
gave us a peak behind the curtain on
how one of the largest hotels in
Edinburgh operated during the
Pandemic. Ann Leslie gave an interesting
explanation of how LAR Housing Trust
provides midmarket housing for those in
need in Edinburgh. And finally, in the
most recent episode David Field gives us
an engaging look at the running of
Edinburgh Zoo and how they are making
the Zoo more accessible for everyone
in Lothian.
Episodes will be released every two
week and will last between 10 and 25
mins, making them the perfect length for
listening on part of a commute or during
a lunch break.
You can find the Podcast on most major
players, including Spotify and Amazon
Music. You can also find it at the podcasts
website: outandaboutinthelothians.
buzzsprout.com

5
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TOUCH
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enquiries please
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edinburgh
reporter.co.uk

6 NEWS
IN MEMORY OF...
Sir Angus Grossart
Born 6 April 1937. Died 13 May 2022
SIR ANGUS Grossart, CBE, Chairman of
Noble Grossart has died aged 85.
A long time resident of the New Town,
we photographed him most recently at the
Sir Walter Scott Pageant in autumn 2021.
The two knights of the realm shared a
similar career path both becoming Scottish
advocates, and both loving the capital.
Others have recounted his successful route
to becoming the man who had his own
bank, but we turned to people who knew
him well to get a sense of who Angus
Grossart was.
Sir Tom Farmer said that he first met Sir
Angus in the airport car park in 1968.
He recounted: “It was midnight. I had
just come off the last flight from London,
and heard someone trying to start a car,
but the battery was flat. I went over to see
if I could help, and offered him a lift into
town. I asked for his car keys and said I
would get his car fixed and delivered to
him the next day. He was impressed that I
sold him a battery for his car - even that
late at night.
“We developed a friendship and he
became someone who I could speak to and
ask for advice. He had a tremendous
impact on Scotland in many ways
including in the fields of arts and culture.
He has made his mark here and will be
impossible to follow. He has left
a great legacy and many people will not
know that some things only happened
because of Angus. The best tribute to
him will be for others to carry on doing
good things.”
Author Alexander McCall Smith
remembered him fondly and said: “Angus
was a towering presence in Edinburgh. He
made a major contribution to the arts and
always did that in a modest and
unassuming way.
“I shall remember him for his kindly
manner, for the twinkle in his eye, and for
the quiet way in which he did the things he
did. Sometimes you had to listen very hard
to catch his words, but it was always
worthwhile. He brought light and fun to
Edinburgh and all Scotland. He leaves
behind him a great and inspiring legacy.”
The former Rt Hon Lord Provost, Frank
Ross said: “Sir Angus was an unsung hero
of Edinburgh and Scottish society. In
addition to his business interests his
support for the cultural and civic elements
of the capital was immense.
“A fitting tribute for his work was the Sir
Walter Scott 250th anniversary event
which Sir Angus was the driving force
behind. Without doubt the most
significant civic procession Edinburgh has
seen for several generations.”
Rory Knight Bruce, an author and
journalist, who considered Sir Angus a
“kind and good friend”, portrayed Dandie
Dinmont in the pageant .
Knight Bruce said: “Having known
Sir Angus and his wife Gay for more than
forty years of good friendship, it was the
greatest privilege to be invited to take
part in Angus’s wonderful commemorative
service at St Giles Cathedral to honour
Sir Walter Scott last October.
“Between us we hatched that I should
come dressed as Scott’s Dandie Dinmont
(the character of the Border farmer in ‘Guy
Mannering’ who kept Dandie Dinmont
terriers). We managed to get 47 Dandies
and their owners into the cathedral,
and to process them afterwards down
The Mound to The Scott Monument
with not a cocked leg or snarl in sight.
The poet Philip Larkin once wrote that
there are in any man’s life only twelve
good days - this was truly one of mine.
“The day before, by chance,I met Angus
at the New Club and he told me that he
had been junior counsel in the celebrated
Argyll v Argyll divorce case. Newspaper
photographs at the time show him walking
into court. “I wonder who will play me in
the forthcoming television drama of the
case,” he asked. Sadly he did not make
the cut.
“We are all Jock Tamson’s bairns,”
he was fond of saying. That was his
genius: To make you feel equal to him as
a man nothing short of a genius himself.
Our weakness was to believe him.”
Local charity expands its Meals on Wheels service
By OLIVIA THOMAS
LIFECARE Edinburgh is continuing its
vital meals on wheels service longterm.
Set up at the start of the lifesaving
project has quickly become an integral
part of the organisation’s core service.
The charity, which turned 80 last
year, has provided more than 16,200
meals to date, helping hundreds of
older people to live well and
independently in their own homes.
The service is additional to the charity’s
registered outreach care and day
centres, help at home services, carers
support and its innovative Vintage
Vibes programme. The charity also
runs a busy community hub and café
on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge which
recently reopened post pandemic.
LifeCare’s Meals on Wheels was set
up thanks to a large emergency grant
secured at the start of the pandemic
- and recent funding from £eith
Chooses the participatory budgeting
programme which allocates funds
locally - will help the service to
continue. The charity took all
necessary steps to launch the service
as a social enterprise ensuring its
sustainability long-term. Customers
now contribute a monthly fee which
helps the charity recover some of its
costs and clients benefit from knowing
they can rely on the service for years
to come. Help is available for those on
low incomes.
Meals are freshly prepared in the
community café on Cheyne Street and
Chef Tony with his assistants prepares
nutritious meals to go
delivered by the friendly Help at Home
team. Chef Tony creates nutritious
meal choices that older people look
forward to, and have great pleasure in
eating. From soups to casseroles to
pies to hot wholesome puddings,
two-course lunch menus are provided
in advance with all dietary needs
catered for including cultural and
religious considerations, personal
preferences and medical needs.
Naomi Potts, Business Development
Manager at LifeCare Edinburgh said:
“We are hugely proud of our vital
Meals on Wheels service which has
already provided positive, practical
support to hundreds of local older
people living across the north of the
City. Meals on Wheels is available to
anyone over the age of 50 living in
north Edinburgh or Leith with health
and/or support needs. Having a hot
two-course meal delivered makes the
day a little bit brighter, it gives older
people something to look forward to
and the team are always happy to stop
and have a chat at the door.
“We know the service provides
reassurance for friends and family
unable to visit as often as they would
like, it’s a comfort to know that their
loved one is eating well and that
someone is visiting that day. We’re
encouraging people to contact us
directly if they or someone they know
could benefit from LifeCare’s Meals
on Wheels or any of our other key
support services.”
www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk
LifeCare delivers
hundreds of meals

7
Ready in a
wee minute
Friends group behind the new park café
By OLIVIA THOMAS
WORK HAS begun in Roseburn Park on the
new community café which is being created
from the old toilet block there.
The Friends of Roseburn Park (FoRP)are
reporting on progress every few days on their
website where they say that the internal walls
have now been demolished to make way for the
new facilities.
This project has been a decade in the making
and is designed to attract more visitors to the
park just next to Murrayfield Stadium along with
the Armoury mural created three years ago.
The council contributed £66,000 to the project
which supplemented the Friends 'buy a brick'
campaign along with other grants.
The derelict building was built in 1903 and
designed by the city architect, Robert Morham
as a pavilion. It has been closed since 1982 and
with the roof about to collapse this is a just in
time refurbishment.
The FoRP as a voluntary group have pushed
the project forward with assistance from
architectural designer Craig Proudfoot of One
Foot Square, who will also be project manager,
and technical input from Paul Harding.
Jim McDonaugh said ”At last! This is exactly
what our community and park visitors have been
waiting for! The refurbished building will be so
better than the present eyesore - FoRP are
returning the exterior to the way it would have
Doors Open Days is back
A HIGHLIGHT of the events
calendar will take place once
more this September with
Doors Open Days returning
to Edinburgh and East
Lothian offering free access
to some buildings normally
out of bounds to the public.
The online and in person
programme will be curated
by the charity which supports
temement owners, Under
One Roof (UOR).
The Standing Strong
theme highlights the value of
maintaining buildings.
Mike Heffron, Chief
Executive of UOR Scotland,
said: “We are delighted that
we can keep the doors open
in Edinburgh and East
Lothian this year. Doors Open
Days is much-loved by the
public in the East of Scotland,
and this year we will continue
to help the public have a
special inside look at
buildings, spaces and other
hidden treasures.”
“UOR will also be putting
our own spin on the events
this September, such as
adding a dedicated hub in
the city centre where the
public can find out more
about the full Doors
Open Days programme
of buildings, events,
and tours.
We will also be hosting
in-person panel discussions
and talks, and offering free
information sessions for
tenement owners who are
looked when it was first built, 116 years ago
– and the interior into a warm and inviting café.
Visitors will have somewhere to go for a hot
drink and a snack – maybe even a light
meal- when the work is complete.
"It has not been a straight forward project, but
working with experienced café managers FoRP
have come up with a design that gives 30
square metres of floor space as well as a
spacious public toilet, kitchen and storage.”
Pete Gregson said “It’s been a rollercoaster
– on so many occasions I thought we had
taken on the impossible; I can’t believe
there will still be something to show to my
kids in the park that will be there long after
I am gone.”
Former Lord Provost and Ward
Councillor Frank Ross said: “Converting
the old toilet block into a café for the whole
community to enjoy is a great idea. It will
help to support local jobs and volunteering
opportunities, while providing a warm and
accessible space for local people to meet up.
"The conversion, which will include an
accessible toilet, has the backing of local
residents and I was delighted to secure the
Council funding for the FoRP to allow it
to proceed.
"Additionally, income from the café will help
to support other projects led by the Friends of
Roseburn Park to improve the overall amenity
and quality of the Park.”
looking for support with
the management and
maintenance of their
own building.”
Doors Open Days is
organised nationally by the
Scottish Civic Trust, is part of
European Heritage Days and
is supported by Historic
Environment Scotland.
Susan O’Connor, Director
of the Scottish Civic Trust,
said: “We are intrigued to find
out what UOR will bring to
our enthusiastic audience in
the East this year. Edinburgh
and East Lothian have some
of the most important
buildings and spaces in the
country - we can’t wait to see
what they do!”
doorsopendays.org.uk
The Drinks Bakery
EDINBURGH FIRM The Drinks Bakery is
celebrating after striking a seven-figure
deal with Waitrose.
The company’s range of premium
savoury snacks will be stocked in 230
stores all over the UK.
The deal will mean that the Drinks
Bakery which entrepreneur Andy Murray
founded in 2016 will double in size.
Murray appeared on Dragons’ Den and
Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones tried out
many of his products.
Dragons’ Den Investor Peter Jones said:
“The Drinks Bakery is one of the best
brands I’ve ever seen in the Den and
Waitrose is a perfect match for Andy’s
delicious Drinks Biscuits.”
Andy Murray said: “I keep having to
pinch myself that this is all really
happening, it’s going to be fantastic to see
our Drinks Bakery range on the Waitrose
shelves and online. We’ve been working
hard to grow the brand over the last few
years and this news is a massive stepchange
for the business.
“I’m a lifelong foodie and growing up my
mum would make her own savoury snacks
to pair with the aperitifs she and dad would
enjoy. My vision in founding this company
was to raise the bar on the common
savoury snack and create thoughtful and
delicious snacks to match and complement
different drinks, from wine and whisky to
gin and craft beer.”
Virgin Atlantic axes flights
from to Edinburgh to Barbados
VIRGIN ATLANTIC, which launched Edinburgh-Barbados service
in December, has announced it will not carry on flying from
Edinburgh to Barbados this winter. The airline says passengers
who have already booked flights to Barbados for winter 2022-23
will be contacted by the airline or their travel agent and will be
re-booked via Manchester, or can choose a voucher or full refund.
Virgin flies three times a week from Manchester to Barbados
from October to March.
Robin Gauldie

8 NEWS
Friends of
Craiglockhart
Continued from page one...
Together they will form a 120-strong
marching band of samba drums, steel pans,
brass and wind players - providing the
soundtrack for 200 costumed youth dancers.
With 320 performers channelling their
energy, talent, passion, pain and joy into an
extraordinary performance, this is a large-scale
carnival piece that will be spectacular,
intoxicating and powerful.
This collaborative performance piece is
inspired by the hopes and dreams of young
people, its choreographed dancers animating
200 beautiful silk flags designed by school
pupils across the Commonwealth as part of
Thames Festival Trust’s River of Hope project.
Centring the experience of being young in
Britain and across the Commonwealth today,
River of Hope looks to the future, celebrating
youth creativity and imagination.
A SLICE OF NEW ORLEANS
Inspired by New Orleans’ inimitable high
school marching bands on a trip to Mardi Gras
in 2012 (many boasting a dozen-strong wall of
sousaphones at the back of their band), Oi
Musica set the record in 2013 for the most
sousaphones to play in one band in the UK,
with 10 players at a Mardi Gras event in
Edinburgh. They broke the record in 2018 in
Glasgow’s George Square with 11 players. And
now, in collaboration with Kinetika Bloco, they
are set to break the record again – with a
dozen sousaphone players drawn from all
over the UK.
Olivia Furness, Creative Director of Oi
Musica said: “Oi Musica is thrilled to be
part of such a large-scale and spectacular
event, and we are grateful for the
opportunity to unite so many of Scotland’s
top carnival musicians for the occasion.
River of Hope focuses on the legacy of the
Queen’s 70-year reign, looking to the
future and asking young people what their
dreams for the next 70 years might be. As
an organisation with a strong youth focus,
we are delighted to be part of this.”
Roll up for tickets to dinner
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
Stan Richardson will be heading to
London for the Jubilee pageant
TABLES AND tickets are now
available for the Sunflower
Charity Dinner.
The event will be held at the
City Chambers and there will be a
three course meal, raffle and
silent auction to raise funds to
send humanitarian aid directly
into Ukraine, rather than to
neighbouring Poland.
Truckloads of aid have already
been sent to Kharkiv, and the
most recent set off for Odesa and
Mykolaiv a week or two ago.
Tickets for the black tie event
are selling fast and anyone who
would like to enjoy an evening
in the splendid surroundings of
the City Chambers is urged to
buy now.
Loch Fyne are supplying
oysters.
By joining the Charity Dinner
“Scotland for Ukraine” you will
contribute money to buy vital
supplies such as dry food, baby
products, and mobility aids.
Friday 17 June from 6pm to 11pm
at the City Chambers. Tickets on
www.eventbrite.co.uk
Martin P McAdam
THE FRIENDS of Easter Craiglockhart Hill were
the very first friends group on the Local Nature
Reserve (LNR).
WHO ARE YOU?
Friends of Easter Craiglockhart Hill comprise a
Community Engagement Worker - Dan Rayner
who works with volunteers Jim and Jenna Heath
(Scrap team) and Erin Heath (Seeding & Planting
co-ordinator).
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
Our aim is simple: To remove all scrap metal
material from the LNR and replace it with
wildflowers and trees, to make the LNR a safer,
healthier, and more beautiful place to visit,
explore, and enjoy.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
The scrap team conduct patrols of the LNR,
identifying and collecting scrap metal. We
transport the metal to recycling facilities, who
pay us for it. Profits are used for buying
wildflower plugs and seeds. Seeds are planted
and developed by Erin, assisted by various
groups of volunteers.
Our Metals-to-Petals initiative is important as
the scrap metal we find is a remnant of the site’s
previous uses. The metal is largely what has
been discarded from various phases of
construction undertaken over the years, old
fencing lines etc.
Lots of this metal is hidden in thick
undergrowth, some protruding from the
ground, and most is rusty and sharp. The metal
poses an immediate danger to humans and
wildlife, and leeches potentially harmful
chemicals and minerals into the ground
affecting soil and aspects of the food-chain.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Production of rewarding volunteering activity
• Improved mental & physical health & wellbeing
• Community engagement
• Reduction of environmental impact
• More beautiful and biodiverse woodland
PEOPLE READING THIS COULD HELP BY…
Joining our group, reporting any scrap metal,
donating time for volunteering - we are looking
for people who can volunteer from home,
growing on seeds until they are ready to plant
out. It’s a good activity for families and
individuals. The first two van loads of metal
produced a profit of over £100, which we used
to buy primroses adding colour to our woodland
trails, and attracting pollinators.
We almost have enough metal for a third and
hopefully final van load, but who knows how
much more metal we will unearth.
www.eastercraiglockharthill.org

9
It’s a snapshot
of activity
Cycling Without Age removes
barriers for enjoying the outdoors
Cycling without age
Pilot project in Holyrood Park is gaining traction
By KIRSTY LEWIN
IMAGINE sitting in a comfortable trishaw, a
good friend or relative beside you, being
pedalled on traffic free roads through
Edinburgh’s iconic Holyrood Park. You’re
enjoying the fresh air, taking in the fabulous
scenery, relaxing to the sounds of bird song,
and you may even see an otter in St Margaret’s
Loch. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? If Car Free
Holyrood gets its way, this could soon be a
reality for many people who don’t have the
strength or mobility to walk, wheel or cycle
themselves through the park.
Car Free Holyrood is a group of residents
campaigning to open Holyrood Park’s private
road network for people walking, wheeling,
and cycling by ending access for throughmotor-traffic.
The group wants the park to be
more inclusive and accessible for all. They are
now working with Cycling Without Age
Scotland on a trial involving two trishaws in
the park. If Historic Environment Scotland
Ishiuchi Miyako
backs the trial, and if the trial is successful, Car
Free Holyrood hopes a permanent Cycling
Without Age Scotland Chapter can be set up in
the park to provide free trishaw rides.
Cycling Without Age Scotland trishaws are
piloted by volunteers and there are more than
thirty Chapters across Scotland. Each Chapter
is different, reflecting local circumstances and
needs. Volunteer pilots say they find the
experience fun, empowering, rewarding and
life-affirming. Over thirty volunteers have
already signed up to pilot the trishaws in
Holyrood, and Car Free Holyrood is now
calling on more people to volunteer. Training
and insurance will be provided, and you don’t
need to be a cyclist to sign up. You’ll always be
on traffic-free roads so there’s no traffic to deal
with, just you, your happy passengers, and the
smiles and waves of passers-by.
The trishaws are power assisted, comfortable
to pilot, have soft bespoke cushions, and the
seat is easily accessible for passengers. They
also have seat belts, retractable hoods and even
have a waterproof blanket.
Having free trishaw rides in our most
famous city park would demonstrate that it’s
both possible and essential to improve access in
a fun, inclusive and climate-friendly way. Let’s
hope Historic Environment Scotland gets
behind the trial by providing storage for the
trishaws and all the support the project needs.
If you’d like to get involved with the trial
and sign up as a pilot, please contact:
carfreeholyrood@gmail.com
Flying solo at Stills gallery
By OLIVIA THOMAS
TO COINCIDE with the Edinburgh
Art Festival, Stills will present a
solo exhibition by Ishiuchi Miyako
- an influential post-war Japanese
photographer whose work has
rarely been seen in the UK.
It will be the first time Miyako’s
work has been exhibited here.
The show runs from 28 July to 8
October 2022 and includes a
selection of work from some of
her most celebrated series
including Mother’s, the series with
which she represented Japan at
the Venice Biennale in 2005.
The work was commissioned
by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Museum in 2007 to capture
everyday objects which had
once belonged to victims of
the atomic bomb in Japan.
Photographs from the series
Frida, made at The Frida Kahlo
Museum in Mexico City where
Miyako photographed Kahlo’s
garments such as corsets,
cosmetics and shoes will also form
part of the exhibition at Stills.
The artist will come to
Edinburgh for a rare visit in the
late summer.
BIKE LIFE is the walking and cycling index
produced by charity Sustrans. The latest
report shows that:
• Around 66% of Edinburgh residents walk
at least five days a week.
• Around a quarter of those living in
Edinburgh cycle at least once a week.
• Around 70.7 million journeys of up to
three miles are still made by car.
• 78% of those who responded to the
survey said they would walk if they had
shops or other services close to home.
About a quarter of people living in the
capital do not cycle, but would like to, and
most said that more segregated cycle lanes
would help them to use a bike.
They also said that secure bike storage
would help. The council has installed
106 secure cycle parking hangars in the
last two years, with a total of 180 hangars
planned as an initial phase.
The number of people on the waiting list
is growing and there is no more agreed
funding . When the council last discussed
more storage units last year a report from
the Director of Place Paul Lawrence said:
“Cyclehoop Ltd were awarded the contract
to supply, install, manage and maintain
180 units at a contract value of £576,000.
The cost of providing the additional units
would be £351,000 for each of the next
two financial years.”
Daisy Narayanan, Head of Placemaking
and Mobility at the council, said: “As ever,
this report provides a fascinating snapshot
of people’s walking, wheeling, and cycling
habits – and the immense benefits active
travel can bring, not only to our own health
but the environment, the economy and the
quality of life here.
“Transport accounts for just under a
third of Edinburgh’s emissions and it’s clear
that there’s an urgent need to aid and
encourage more sustainable ways of
travelling if we’re to meet our 2030 net
zero target. Responses to the Walking and
Cycling Index provide an excellent guide
for the kind of changes we need to make –
people are telling us what we need to do to
help them to travel by foot, wheel or bike,
particularly for shorter journeys.
Thankfully, there’s already a great deal of
work underway to support this. Our
strategy for 20-minute neighbourhoods
will mean people across Edinburgh can live
well locally, meeting most of their daily
needs in their own community. The
approach is designed to improve access to
services where it is most convenient and
helps to support local businesses, creating
thriving, vibrant towns and local centres.”

11
CANDERSONS SWEET SHOP
HERIOT GALLERY
LEITH WALK POLICE BOX
LOVE YOUR BUSINESS
BIRTHLINK THRIFT SHOP
Debbie Anderson invites you to take
yourself back to your childhood with
all the traditional jars of sweets in her
shop. Chewits and fudge will take you
back a decade or two. Open from
10am except Mondays.
102 Leith Walk EH16 5DT
0131 554 1401
Newly established gallery in the New
Town art district which will feature
curated group shows and solo shows.
The owners promise it will be
”challenging and compelling art”.
Innovative new works and a collection
of art books to buy.
www.heriotgallery.com
Very reasonable rates allow start-ups
to use this small pop-up space as the
first rung on the ladder. From food to
political parties and all manner of
organisations in between. Have a look
at their pop-up garden when you visit.
Croall Place EH7 4LT
hello@leithwalkpolicebox.com
Love Your Business networking club is
relaxed, informal and good fun, and is
continuing online on the last Thursday
of the month with a host of inspiring
speakers sharing their entrepreneurial
journeys and invaluable business tips.
www.lybnetworking.com
Facebook/howtolyb
Donate unwanted items to this shop
on Gilmore Place knowing that they
will find a loving new home. Very little
ever goes to landfill. Visit the shop to
pick up a copy of our latest paper and
also to admire their innovative and
ever-changing window displays.
birthlink.org.uk
NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION
DI GIORGIO’S CAFFE & BAR
EDINBURGH DOG & CAT HOME
CRAIG BANKS TAILORING
SALENTO
Subscribe today and have your own
copy of The Edinburgh Reporter
delivered to your front door from
next month. - in a compostable
envelope. A small payment of £3
a month will help to support local
independent news.
ter.ooo.subscribe
Di Giorgio’s have a variety of cakes and
slices, coffee with a smile and pasta
and lasagne to go. Morning rolls and
ciabattas are also available, but this is
brownie heaven. Do ask about their
birthday cakes.
Open 7 days 10-4pm
1 Brandon Terrace EH3 5EA
The charity rescues reunites and
rehomes any animal in need, and
works tirelessly to secure happy and
loving forever homes. New trustees
include David Field CEO of Edinburgh
Zoo and Matt Smith of THINK.
0131 669 5331
edch.org.uk
Bespoke tailoring for men. Craig’s
focus is on making the highest quality
personally tailored attire that others
will aspire to. His pyjamas and dressing
gowns will make your video calls or
working from home very stylish.
0131 226 7775 • 45 Thistle Street
EH2 1DY • craigbankstailoring.com
Beautiful wee shop on Dundas Street
packed to the gunwales with lovely
Italian goods all handmade. Lynne
parcels them with great care in the
shop’s trademark turquoise tissue
and ribbons. Their new must see
website is online now.
www.salentoshop.co.uk
THE COBBLED ROASTERY
INDEPENDENT WINE COMPANY
BIRCH TREE GALLERY
ART & CRAFT COLLECTIVE
ERIC LIDDELL COMMUNITY
Vlad and Scott have a unique style at
48 Thistle Street with great coffee and
above average chat and chess. The
pair have now celebrated a year in
business at their city centre micro
roastery. Coffee also available to order
online if you are working from home.
cobbledroasters.co.uk
A specialist importer of boutique fine
wines from Italy. Carefully hand-picked
award-winning wines of premium
quality sourced from winemakers
direct. Oleg and Elvira visit every
vineyard. Free UK delivery - same day
delivery to Edinburgh available.
independent.wine
The gallery focuses on original
paintings, prints and fine crafts
inspired by nature. Wide price range to
accommodate various budgets.
Jurgita warmly welcomes you to
Dundas Street. Open Tuesday to
Saturday 11am-4pm.
birchtreegallery.co.uk
A unique gallery and gift shop in
Edinburgh’s Southside - a cornucopia
of all forms of art. Buy handmade art
and craft from independent artists.
Linsay says: “If we don’t have it, we can
probably find it for you.”
artcraftcollective.co.uk
0131 629 9123
Same location. Same facilities.
Great new name. The Eric Liddell
Community welcomes you.
Rooms for hire and office space for
registered charities.
0131 447 4520
15 Morningside Road EH10 4DP
frontdesk@ericliddell.org
ARDGOWAN DISTILLERY
BROUGHTON PLACE HAIR
THE WATERSHED
STOCKBRIDGE MARKET
TORRANCE GALLERY
For the whisky lovers buy awardwinning
Ardgowan Shipwright online
- described by the company’s own
whiskymaker, Max McFarlane, as “a
sumptuous dram”. Special offer
includes free shipping and a slate
coaster while stocks last.
shop.ardgowandistillery.com
Luxurious, elegant salon with a very
happy and friendly atmosphere where
the aim is to make your experience
relaxing, enjoyable and glamorous.
Appointments essential.
Tel 0131 556 4478
2a Broughton Place EH1 3RX
www.broughtonplacehair.com
The floating café with outdoor seating
is owned and run by Lindsay and sits
just next to the Leamington Lift Bridge
on the canal. With their range of
smoothies and coffees accompanied
by macarons and a host of other treats,
it is not to be missed.
EH3 9PD
You may know about Leith (Saturdays)
and Stockbridge (Sundays) Markets
but did you know that you can order
online and pick up all of your shopping
at once? Using the NeighbourFood
site you simply choose what you want,
pay and then collect your shopping.
www.neighbourfood.co.uk/markets
The Torrance Gallery on Dundas Street
will be offering a varied programme as
ever. New Spring Exhibition until 28
May. Winners of 2021 Prestige Awards
Best Independent Art Gallery. Join the
gallery’s mailing list to be kept up to
date with details of each show.
torrancegallery.co.uk

12 FEATURE CANCER TAPESTRY
Martin P McAdam
All part of life’s rich
Phyllis Stephen speaks to
filmmaker Jon Gill about his
planned documentary
Andrew’s visceral
paintings on which the
tapestry will be based
(above and left)
Statue of Dr Helen
Crummy, MBE, outside
Craigmillar Library
(below)
Andrew Crummy
with an early sketch
The name Andrew Crummy goes
together with The Great Tapestry
of Scotland like bread and jam.
The result of a massive community
arts project, the work is now
housed in a bespoke building
down in Galashiels.
And the surname Crummy and Edinburgh -
particularly Craigmillar - also run together as
Andrew's late mother Dr Helen Crummy,
MBE, began the Craigmillar Art Festival, a
famous community event. There is a statue in
Dr Crummy's memory outside the Craigmillar
Library, and the Craigmillar Tapestry, also
created by Andrew, was officially launched on
World Community Arts Day in 2017. It is in
the spirit of community art that Andrew has
produced much of
his own work.
As with many
creatives, the urge to
turn something bad in
life into something good
overtook Andrew when
he was diagnosed and
treated for throat cancer in 2017. The tapestry is a
work in progress, although he has completed
drawings upon which it will be based. He talks to
people with cancer, and uses these chats to
interpret their personal stories with his talent.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland is made up of
164 panels, and The Cancer Tapestry is likely to be
as big if not even bigger. Crummy does not regard
the new work as something which belongs to him,
regarding it as something which belongs to
everybody, and that he just started it.
Award-winning filmmaker, Jon Gill, plans to
make a documentary series about the tapestry. Jon
explained the story so far. He said: "I first heard of

13
The response to the
idea to create a
Cancer Tapestry has
been fantastic
tapestry
Andrew from my friend Rodney Mountain who is
an ENT surgeon at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Rod gave me the potted version of Andrew’s story
and I instantly thought, ‘This is a documentary’.
"And at this stage, I didn't know Andrew, but
I've since met him on Zoom during Covid and
I went across to his studio about a year later.
It's just an amazing story. And I'm constantly on
the lookout for great stories that otherwise
wouldn't be told.
"To do the story justice I need to put a lot of
time into it and I need to cover some of that time
with sponsorship. Just like any film each episode
will need funding. I have a musician who is
scoring it for me. I think it is an uplifting story
because Andrew is so deeply knitted in with
the project.
"With Rod’s experience as a neck cancer
specialist he knew the prognosis for this particular
type of cancer was good - and in the course of
some conversations on the phone that he had with
I’m constantly on the
lookout for great
stories that otherwise
wouldn’t be told
the patient, he realised who he was. He had seen
some of Andrew's drawings in hospital that he
done very early on in his treatment, and they were
really visceral.”
So a tapestry was born. Andrew Crummy said:
"The response to the idea to create a Cancer
Tapestry has been fantastic. With many wishing
to tell their story of care and compassion. The first
panel has been completed and involves over 100
people. With the many we have already involved
from those in healthcare to patients, family and
friends they all wish to add a stitch and to
share a story.
"At present we have ten panels up and running.
An important part of this growing tapestry is a
documentary series being made by Jon Gill. It will
attempt to tell the many stories in a series of short
documentaries, as it is really important to share
these stories.
"Cancer touches every family and community
and to create a large scale tapestry that contains
many, many stories we need support."
Jon said: "Two things happened. Andrew
thought 'this bloke (Rod) thinks I'm going to
survive', which obviously he really liked. And, of
course, whereas anybody else might see it as an
opportunity to just create a new piece of work,
Andrew with his background in community arts
saw it as an opportunity to involve people - and
that the Cancer Tapestry would be the people's
story of cancer.
"What the cancer tapestry has become beyond
those two things, is therapy, because everybody
who gets involved with it whether for their own
sake, or for the sake of somebody that they know,
who has been affected by cancer, it means
something to them.
"His work is such that there are spaces for them
to put something of their own story into it,
whether it's designing something in a space that
means something to them, or they're simply
stitching a section of the tapestry.”
Jon Gill won the FiLMiCFest competition run
by FiLMiC Pro in 2019 with a film about the
projectionist at the independent cinema, DCA, in
Dundee. He also won the Dublin Smartphone
Film Festival in 2020. Recently Gill submitted a
new film called Lockdown part of which he made
in his pyjamas in the city centre in Dundee.
He said: "Much to my wife and daughter's
embarrassment I went to Dundee with them
one day. They went one way and I went
another and I filmed myself in the
middle of Dundee in my
pyjamas which actually was
quite liberating." Lockdown
has been shown in Sydney and
in San Diego where it won the
best ultimate mobile prize.
Jon said: "It was completely
different to making a film
about somebody else. It was
just an extended joke over
two minutes."
Gill usually makes
films shorter than five
minutes long , but
The Cancer
Tapestry will be
a whole series.
If backing the project is of interest to you,
then please email Jon at jon@playful
communications.co.uk
Chief stitcher,
Heather Swinson
with the
first panel

14 NEWS
City base for
Gleneagles
Live well with Moda
New way of renting in the city is available at The McEwan
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
MODA LIVING has opened to new residents
at its first Scottish next generation
neighbourhood, The McEwan, in
Fountainbridge. The McEwan offers a whole
new way of renting in Scotland with luxury
apartments just ready to walk into.
Moda makes the process very simple and
accessible with no deposits and no fees, so that
everyone can move into a new home within
two days.
The Edinburgh development provides
everything needed for modern living, including
spacious, interior designed apartments, and the
real bonus of shared space including a cinema
room, private dining room, communal lounges,
an outdoor roof terrace, work from home
spaces and a 24/7 gym.
From fruit and water to rubber and beer,
Fountainbridge has a lot of history and strong
entrepreneurial spirit captured through the
building and community. The building takes its
name from William McEwan, who opened the
Fountain Brewery in the area in 1856. The
brewery became the largest in single-ownership
in the UK, producing two million barrels a
year. The barley leaf motif is part of the
scheme’s design features – coming into play in
the landscaping detailing.
Moda will comprise 476 new homes in three
blocks with large public squares and gardens.
There’s a home for everyone here - from studios
to one-beds, two-bed sharers and threebedroom
duplex apartments. Each home
features design by interior designers Amos and
Amos, is fully furnished and complete with top
spec tech including low-energy Samsung
appliances, Wi-Fi and 50% off Sky Q packages.
Residents may decorate to put their own touch
on their home and pets are welcome.
With panoramic views over the city, the
seventh floor offers a space for residents to
meet, socialise and collaborate. The private
dining room provides the perfect spot to host
friends, the cinema room can be booked out
for everything from sports viewings to movie
nights and the lounges are the perfect spot
to enjoy an after work drink or meet with
other residents.
The 24/7 gym can be used to pump-up or
wind-down, the courtyard, with its ongoing
activation schedule is the perfect spot to meet
other residents, and the roof terrace, with
stunning views over the city and beyond,
makes for the ideal setting to watch the sunset
or enjoy a sunny weekend.
There are 100 co-working spaces, at The
McEwan providing space to work from
home or collaborate with others. With
85% of the workforce expecting to
work from home at least 1-2 days a
week indefinitely, residents also
have full access to co-working
spaces and bookable meeting
rooms, with coffee stations and
super-fast Wi-Fi.
The development is also the first
and only residential development
in Europe to be awarded a
Fitwel 3 Star Rating
thanks to Moda’s
commitment to develop
neighbourhoods that
are built with health
and wellbeing at their
Amanda Rennie, General Manager, The McEwan
core by featuring state-of-the-art amenities
putting residents’ health and wellbeing first.
Moda wants to create neighbourhoods with
community at the heart with a focus on
combating isolation. Not only will the
state-of-the art amenities provide a space for
the residents to come together, an extensive
events programme - from rooftop yoga to
BBQs - will give residents the chance to mix
and mingle.
Amanda Rennie, General Manager at The
McEwan said: “My background is in hotels and
hospitality and that’s exactly what drew me to
Moda. Unlike most home providers, Moda is a
hospitality led landlord - your rent will give
you far more than just four walls. From an
extensive list of services to make life easy and
amenities that mean your home extends way
beyond your home, living at Moda works
around the lifestyle of a busy city dweller.
“What really makes Moda stand out
is the community; the co-working
spaces encourage collaboration, the
social spaces create places to meet
new people and the events bring
like-minded individuals together.
At our other developments the
community that has naturally
developed has been what makes
Moda such a unique place to
live and I can’t wait to bring
that to Edinburgh.’
Anyone looking to move
into Moda The McEwan
can register for priority
booking here:
www. modaliving.com
GLENEAGLES Townhouse, the first
expansion beyond Perthshire for
Gleneagles Hotel will open from 6 June.
The 33-bedroom hotel, members’ club
and all-day restaurant is based at 39 St
Andrew Square.
The Townhouse has an all-day
restaurant, The Spence, open exclusively
to members and hotel resident guests for
the opening period before everyone else
is invited to experience the venue in
early summer.
Within the restaurant there is a central
bar underneath the glass-domed ceiling.
There is a Members’ lounge and snug
designed for breakfast meetings,
brunches and lunches as well as evening
social events. The roof terrace
Lamplighters will be exclusively for
members with views to the Old Town and
New Town.
Marking a new chapter in the listed
building’s history, the Townhouse was
originally home to the British Linen
Company before later becoming the
Bank of Scotland.
Over the last five years, Ennismore
Design Studio has painstakingly restored
the building, creating 33 unique rooms
and suites, some of which overlook the
bustling St Andrew Square.
For reservations and more information
please call 0800 917 4656 or email
reservations@gleneaglestownhouse.com
Art on show in
the SJQ car park
AN EXHIBITION by Scottish artists
and designers whose livelihoods
were impacted by the pandemic will
be on show in the St James Quarter
car park from 3 to 5 June. FLAIR
features work of 50 independent
producers and is jointly organised
by the Scottish Design Exchange
(SDX) and event stagers 3D2D.

15
A place for your book group
Archipelago Deli invites groups to use their back room
Caroline Walsh
ARCHIPELAGO IS a small, independent
organic bakery on Dundas Street, but don't get
confused. There are two shops with the same
name and the same owner.
One is the bakery and the other, Archipelago
Provisions, is a deli, but both are owned by their
effervescent head baker, Caroline Walsh.
The deli, which is further up the hill
underneath Birch Tree Gallery, has a wee back
room which Caroline will happily allow groups
to use as a meeting place. She has a vision that
this might appeal to members of book groups
or discussion groups who are now desperate to
meet again in person, but who do not want to
use their private homes. Archipelago has the
perfect space with a variety of tables allowing
for many different configurations and with a
capacity of up to 18 people.
The lovely room is very versatile, and with a
door which opens to an outside terrace, there is
plenty of ventilation for summer evenings.
Edinburgh born Caroline opened the deli as
a complement to her original bakery (which has
now been in operation for eight years), selling
Italian and Spanish foods like olive oil, a huge
range of chocolate and tinned fish - which is
now apparently a "must have" for foodies who
are in the know. She worked with Deutsche
Bank and museums and galleries before setting
up in business on her own.
Caroline said her lack of formal training does
not hold her back. She said: "I can cook and am
passionate about it. I finally decided I was
confident enough to do it after catering
successfully for friends many times." She also
took a course in professional bread making with
Andrew Whitley before opening the bakery
which uses 100% organic flour, and where the
bread is based on old fashioned technique and
natural ingredients. She explains that bread had
got a bad reputation as a bad carbohydrate -
whereas in fact, the opposite is true.
Contact Caroline for further details on renting
the back room at Archipelago Provisions 23c
Dundas Street, EH3 6QQ. 07932 462 715
www.archipelagobakery.co.uk
15% discount on all shipping and packing materials when quoting code PS101

16 FOOD AND DRINK
Café review: Room and Rumours
By Charlie Ellis
CROSSWORD
Compiled by David Albury
Arch café culture
Another new coffee hangout in Edinburgh’s Old Town
ACROSS
1 Able to be moved (6)
4 Note confirming money has been
paid (7)
9 Army units (9)
10 Additional, more than usual (5)
11 Very large rodent from South
America (5)
12 Emphasise (9)
13 Large flightless bird (7)
15 Trick someone into doing
something (6)
17 Very harsh (6)
19 Bracelets (7)
22 Altruistic (9)
24 Smallest amount (5)
26 Immature stage of an insect (5)
27 Unaware of something (9)
28 Tell a story (7)
29 Out of the expected way (6)
DOWN
1 Type of fine goatskin leather (7)
2 Baby’s pram (5)
3 Luxurious car (9)
4 What is left over (7)
5 Shout of encouragement (5)
6 Complicated with interelating
parts (9)
7 Go on a journey (6)
8 Sufficient (6)
14 Person who looks after money
for a club (9)
16 Sweethearts (4-5)
18 One part of a serial (7)
19 For a short time (6)
20 Fulfill the needs of someone (7)
21 Miserable (6)
23 South American animal related
to the camel (5)
25 A love affair (5)
AN EXCELLENT recent addition to
the Edinburgh speciality coffee scene
is Room and Rumours on East
Market Street.
It’s part of a new section of the city
that is emerging as the nearby
Caltongate area is developed.
Though, just a few metres from the
Royal Mile, this Arches area was a
neglected one for many years. It’s
now changing rapidly with new
buildings, workplaces and new
businesses, including several eateries
- this café among them.
Room and Rumours has been
attracting a lot of attention for its
highly rated donuts. These vary in
flavour from day to day and include
vegan options. They are certainly
ideal if you need a sugar boost on a
long work day or while exploring the
city (Room and Rumour’s proximity
to Waverley Station makes it an ideal
spot to visit before or after a long
train ride). However, the hugely
tempting donuts should not eclipse
the very fine coffee that Room and
Rumours serve.
On our first visit we were treated
to superb coffee (rich and creamy
cortados) and outstanding customer
service from the friendly and
knowledgeable barista. Room and
Rumours rotate the coffees they are
using, changing every few weeks. We
were served a roast by the highly
regarded Clifton Coffee, based in
Bristol. They’ve also been using
beans by Girls Who Grind (an all
female roastery, based in the south
west of England).
More recently, they’ve offered
Hundred House Coffee, ethically
sourced from sustainable, ecoconscious
growers from around the
world. They were serving Hundred
House’s Sweet Valley beans from
Colombia, with notes of golden rum
and pineapple. Among the decafs
they’ve used has been an excellent
Santa Maria by Origin roasters
(based in Cornwall). In all cases, the
quality of the coffee served was
outstanding, a testament to the
consistency of their baristas and the
well chosen beans.
The coffees were made with skill
and precision with their under the
counter machine. As well as making
cracking coffee, this gives space to
the place. You don’t have to talk to
the barista over or round the coffee
machine. Though relatively small
and snug, the very high ceiling gives
the place an open, airy feel. Room
and Rumours felt calming and
welcoming. It’s been busy on each
of our visits, again indicating the
consistent quality.
On the back of Santu’s arrival on
the Canongate, Room and Rumours
Coffee is another fine addition to
the Old Town and to Edinburgh’s
coffee scene.
Room and Rumours Coffee
25 East Market Street (Arch 12 & 13)
EH8 8FS
ANSWERS
Across: 1 Mobile, 4 Receipt, 9 Regiments, 10 Extra, 11 Coypu, 12 Underline, 13 Ostrich, 15 Entrap,
17 Severe, 19 Amulets, 22 Unselfish, 24 Least, 26 Larva, 27 Oblivious, 28 Narrate, 29 Astray.
Down: 1 Morocco, 2 Buggy, 3 Limousine, 4 Residue, 5 Cheer, 6 Intricate, 7 Travel, 8 Enough, 14
Treasurer, 16 True-loves, 18 Episode, 19 Awhile, 20 Satisfy, 21 Sullen, 23 Llama, 25 Amour.
Jubilee Tea at The Grand
EDINBURGH HAS a number of
events planned to commemorate
the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
ranging from street parties to
special events during the holiday
weekend. The Queen’s Jubilee
Afternoon Tea, will be served
at The Register Club on St
Andrew Square, aiming to be the
grandest of them all.
From 1 June to the end of the
month, at Cheval The Edinburgh
Grand, the offering will be
available daily at the landmark
hotel’s flagship cocktail lounge.
A feast fit for royalty, The
Queen’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea
experience will invite guests to
dine in the spectacular
surroundings of The Register
Club and indulge in a range of
sweet treats as well as a savoury
selection using the finest
seasonal produce.
For an additional cost, you can
even toast the Queen’s 70 years
on the throne with a glass of
Champagne and sandwiches
include Coronation chicken, and
Duck egg mayonnaise and
smoked Scottish salmon.
www.theregisterclub.com

17
Culinary delights in the capital with Juliet Lawrence Wilson
Brewing nicely
Taking Dad out for a beer and pizza is very rewarding
IT’S NO exaggeration to say that I’ve
a wonderful father. The lovely Lawrie
could never do enough for his only
darling child. Even at my grand old
age a quick call to daddy can
guarantee a taxi ride, shelf up
putting or a reliable shoulder to cry
on. I’ve often wondered how and
when I could possibly repay him.
Well that day recently came with an
invitation to Stewart Brewing, aka:
Heaven in Loanhead.
Whilst obviously situated in an
industrial estate, the largest craft
brewery in Edinburgh has a beautiful
set up. With a rather pretty outside
seating area, a cool bar and pizza
eatery and shop where you can buy
beer and a funky t-shirt at the same
time, it’s a great place to visit. We
begin with a welcome beer. We were
there to try three new offerings,
Beinn Brewing, inspired by
Scotland’s scenic landscape, that will
be stocked in Lidl at the bargain
price from £1.59 a can. Dad opts for
the Beinn Hazy (New England IPA)
and not to my surprise, requests one
of the cans on display rather than
chilled, as he wants to ‘taste it’. Old
school, but he has a point. I opt for
the straight from the fridge Citrus
Belter, conditioned with orange zest
delivering a delightful, refreshing
hint of fruitiness.
And then we’re onto the grand
tour. I’ve been shown around wine
caves and whisky bonds where silent
magic is undoubtedly happening but
seeing the action of a brewery is
infinitely more exciting. Stewart
Brewing have adorned their huge
beer tanks (probably not the
technical term) with some fabulous
artwork. The hiss of the gas and
industrial pipes are something of a
turn-on, even for an almost beer
virgin like me. Stewart Brewing have
an eye-catching graphic colourful
branding and it was quite something
to see the blank cans piled high on
pallets waiting to be adorned with
their groovy labels.
Back to the hospitality area and
the pizzas are wafting their
deliciousness from the wood fired
oven. Head Brewer Craig Scotland
takes us through a tasting and his
enthusiasm and knowledge of his
craft is absolutely infectious. The
beer is cracking and the pizzas
divine! They even served a
marshmallow and condensed
milk dessert pizza. Genius, and
perfect with Tropical Trossachs, a
pale ale with sweet pineapple and
ripe mango.
Should you buy Stewart’s new
Beinn Brewing Lidl beers?
Absolutely. Ought you to head for an
evening of beer and pizza in
Loanhead? Book it now. It’s the
perfect spot for a night out with
pals or a work jolly. You can even
book a session to make your very
own beer. I’ve some handyman jobs
needing done round the house and
it could very well be the tradesman/
dad’s reward.
Stewartbrewing.co.uk
Chef Patron
Kamil Witek
Causing quite a stir
Exquisite tasting menu holds many delights in sunny Leith
BACK IN THE day the
Edinburgh restaurant scene
was defined by three things:
Location times three. Happily
Kirsty and Phil’s philosophy
no longer applies and it’s
heartening to see the usually
reserved folks of the Burgh
not only accepting hidden
gems but rejoicing in the
eliteness of finding them.
Aurora is such a place.
Situated on the unlikely
Great Junction Street this
cosy and charming small
restaurant is causing
quite a stir.
Rightly so. At a recent
dinner I was invited to try
their six-course tasting
menu with matching wines.
In my experience ‘twas often
the case that tasting menus
were all very lovely but the
atmosphere deadly dull. You
definitely can’t say that about
Aurora. They were playing
Luther Vandross at one point,
an element of the evening I'd
return for alone. Chef Patron
Kamil Witek has put together
a menu of astonishing
accomplishment and
imagination. Natch, there’s a
plant-based option but both
menus are interchangeable.
Cesar our sommelier
presents some of the most
complex, but delicious, wines
I’ve tasted including some
natural and orange wines.
The dishes are small but
satisfying, each clearly
involving much thought and
experimentation.
Whilst the presentation is
exquisite the service comes
with a relaxed air of
cheerfulness. How refreshing.
My favourite dishes were Ox
Tail, XO Sauce, Daikon,
Asparagus and Aged
Carnaroli Rice, Saffron,
Liquorice.
Sadly I’ve not much
improved from my lack of
concentration in the
classroom. The delightful
server was clearly instructing
us to eat the Amuse Bouche
in one. Yours truly managed
to squirt quail egg yolk over
not only myself but at least
one other dining companion.
It’s just as well fine dining has
become more relaxed and
evening clothes machine
washable.
Edinburgh folks love a
discovery and Aurora is
definitely the restaurant I’ve
heard the most about
through my discerning dining
chums so book now and be
one of the first to know.
187 Great Junction Street
0131 554 5537
auroraedinburgh.co.uk

18 WHAT’S ON
CULTURE • LITERATURE • EVENTS • MUSIC • MUSEUMS...
Pianodrome
Neil Hanna
comes to town
It’s second sitting for the most innovative amphitheatre
Chris Scott
S!nk play The Grand Pianodrome at
The Pitt during the 2019 Fringe
IF YOU HAVE never heard of pianodrome then
imagine an amphitheatre structure made completely
from old upright pianos, some of which are
still playable.
(Also where have you been?) This summer a
second Pianodrome is being created and installed at
the former Royal High School thanks to an
anonymous donation from “a very kind
philanthropist”. This new iteration - called The Old
Royal Pianodrome - will be shown first at the
Hidden Door Festival this month. The 10 metre
diameter circular amphitheatre created from more
than 40 pianos will be unveiled and then remain
in place for four months, with performances during
the Fringe.
The music played in its embrace at Hidden Door
will be “wide-ranging from classical to jazz, and
contemporary according to its creator Tim Vincent-
Smith. He said: “It is deliberatley genre fluid. My
band s:ink is an experimental acoustic
improvisational trio and the original idea for the
Pianodrome came from constructing a dream space
for us to play in. It turns out that a lot of other
people like playing here too. Zoe Baez of The
Hebrides Ensemble said this was the perfect place
for a child to hear classical music. We also
collaborate with Tinderbox and Soundhouse.”
From June to September members of the public
will have the opportunity of experiencing the former
school building in its new role as a cultural hub,
when Pianodrome comes to town. Plans to convert
the building into the new home for St Mary's Music
School in the form of a national music centre have
already been approved.
Previous incarnations of the Pianodrome created
by the community interest company at the Botanics
in 2018, at The Pitt in 2019 and also at Leith Theatre
all created by Vincent-Smith and his crew. More
recently there were ten piano sculptures displayed on
the Leeds Piano Train in September last year and
you can now see those sculptures in Ocean Terminal
where they are sited in the former Debenhams store.
Be sure to take notice of the elephant tusk sculpture
outside in the stairwell which is also created from
bits of pianos. As well as the installation at the
former Royal High there will be drop in events,
workshops and performances.
Pianodrome Producer and Director Matthew
Wright, said: “Since we first invited audiences to play
with and sit on our upcycled piano sculptures we’ve
been delighted to find ourselves part of an
enthusiastic, growing culture of do-it-yourself
creative expression in the city. The new Pianodrome
Amphitheatre is a chance for us to work with this
community, and a growing list of partner
organisations, to create a welcoming, sustainable,
playful and magical musical space where new sounds
and ideas can be shared and celebrated by all.”
Pianodrome Director and Lead Artist Tim
Vincent-Smith, said:"In the same way that we, at
Pianodrome, take beautiful old pianos and give them
new lives as interactive sculptures, the new National
Centre for Music will take the iconic Old Royal High
and make it really sing. It is a great privilege and a
pleasure to be given this opportunity to play a small
part in the commencement of this wonderful
transformation."
David Martin, Hidden Door's Creative Director,
said:"We are honoured to be hosting the world
premiere of a new Pianodrome at this year's Hidden
Door Festival in June. While our event breathes new
life into Edinburgh's forgotten spaces, Pianodrome
gives new life to abandoned instruments, and
through their inspirational creativity they generate
new space for performers and audiences to
experience in a completely unique and often
interactive way.
“Their imaginative vision epitomises the spirit of
the festival, so it is fantastic to be working in
partnership together to put on a programme of
theatre, music and spoken word performances that
will provide unforgettable experiences for anyone
lucky enough to find a seat at the Pianodrome
during Hidden Door.”
Jack Hunter
Summerhall is
festival ready
SUMMERHALL has published its 11th
Summerhall Festival Programme
running 5-28 August.
Consciously smaller than previous
years, the 2022 programme is a
carefully crafted and vibrant mix of
theatre, dance, visual arts and music.
Full of the avant-garde creativity that
Summerhall is best known for, this
programme typifies the spirit of
community and vitality with which the
Edinburgh Festival Fringe was founded.
The programme encompasses work
from over 15 countries and explores
topics ranging from identity and the
power of love to the global struggles
against racism, transphobia and
climate change.
Summerhall has created two brand
new artist bursaries for 2022. The Mary
Dick Award supports artists with
disabilities to present their work, while
the two Meadows awards support
artists of colour who base their practice
in Scotland. They join the existing
Autopsy and Eclipse Awards which
support Scotland-based artists
producing boundary-pushing work
and underrepresented artists
presenting work at the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe respectively.
Mary Dick Award-winner Jack Hunter
(pictured) performed an excerpt from
his debut comedy One of Two in the
Anatomy Lecture Theatre – marking
the full reopening of all Summerhall
spaces for live performance ahead of
the festivals.
Summerhall is also proud to
welcome back the Taiwan Season, Start
to Finnish and Big in Belgium, Pro
Helvetia’s Swiss Selection and Paines
Plough’s Roundabout.
Summerhall Executive Director
Graham Main said: “We are thrilled to
be launching such a diverse, exciting
programme of theatre, music, dance
and visual art for 2022 - the 75th
anniversary of the Edinburgh Festivals.
We’re looking forward to welcoming
artists and audiences alike to enjoy this
unique, community space, with all the
atmosphere of creativity and
exploration that the festivals bring.”
The Royal Dick, the Gallery Bar and
the Pickerings Courtyard Bar will be
open until late throughout the festival.
festival.summerhall.co.uk

19
Playing at the Custom
George Monbiot
with Katie Paterson
House this month...
Leithers Live will be using the historic building as a backdrop
THE SECRET HISTORY of Leith will be enacted at one
of its most historic buildings when the Custom House
becomes the backdrop for a new play.
The performances, by Citadel Arts Group, will allow a
rare behind the scenes look at the Georgian Custom
House - which is currently awaiting redevelopment.
Liz Hare, artistic director of Citadel Arts Group
and director of Leithers Live said: “We are very excited
about this. It is the first time we have performed a site
specific work.
“It will be wonderful to see the play come to life inside
the Custom House and outside on the Shore - which is
where some of the scenes in the play take place.”
The new work is based on the novel ‘Leithers One
Family’, by William Haddow, which traces the history of
the port from mediaeval times to the present day.
It has been adapted by ten different writers from the
Citadel Arts Group, with each episode taking place at a
different time in history.
Author William Haddow said: “If you look at the
geography Leith really should be the capital of Scotland.
But Edinburgh realised it had to have access to the sea
and so they bought the Shore. It created something like
apartheid between Leith and Edinburgh. It’s quite a story.
“The history of Leith is amazing – when you look at
what’s involved. There’s no town with the same length
and depth of incredible history like it in the whole
of the UK.”
Leithers Live covers the whole range of life in
the port, with characters including bankers,
smugglers, fishwives and pickpockets - right up to
the modern day invasion of hipsters and gourmet
coffee shops.
Lizzie MacLean, who is one of the playwrights
involved said working on the play had been a joy.
“I joined the Citadel writing group during lockdown
and it has been a great experience. I’ve learned such
a lot – both from the other writers and from the actors.”
Leithers One Family was originally adapted into a
podcast during lockdown before being re-adapted for
live performance.
Una Richards, CEO of Scottish Historic Buildings
Trust said it was a great opportunity to use the building in
a creative way and for people to see inside the building,
which is normally closed to the public.
Gregor Davidson (above),
Mark Kydd (right) and Mairi
Jayne Weir and Debbie Whyte
reahearse with Mark (below)
“As part of our commitment to the community of
Leith, we are delighted to welcome Citadel Arts to the
Custom House to perform Leithers Live.
“After such a long time in lockdown, it is wonderful
that the Custom House is being brought back to life with
such an enthusiastic progressive performance.”
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is currently discussing
the future of Custom House, which was bought by
Edinburgh City Council in 2015 for £650,000, after 30
years as a storeroom for the Museum of Scotland.
Leithers Live: The Custom House Play, June 17 and 18,
Performances at 2pm and 7pm
Tickets: ftennick@hotmail.com Tel: 01875 340 717
Eric Robinson
Birth and life at
Ingleby Gallery
A NEW EXHIBITION by Katie Paterson that tells
the birth and life of our planet in a single object – an
object that uses dust gathered from material dating
from pre-solar times to those of the present – is on
display at Ingleby Gallery. The artist was joined by
author, journalist and environmental activist George
Monbiot during his UK book tour. Monbiot said:
“Very powerful and moving and sad and strong, an
astonishing achievement, one of the most arresting
and exciting exhibitions I've ever seen.”
Paterson said: “I’ve always made artworks that
deal with nature, time and climate, but this is the
first that isn’t afraid to be political and confrontational.
It is both celebratory and mythical, and yet it is also
the saddest work I’ve ever made, mourning life lost
and expressing a dystopian vision.”
In the centre of the gallery (a simple, light-filled
cube some eleven metres square) stands a single
plinth. On it, will sit a large jar, a glass urn, the
ancient form of funerary vessel. Around the walls a
long shelf will hold a series of small vials, 370 of
them in all, each containing a tablespoon of dust,
21g of powdered matter – the posited weight of a
human soul – each one a layer of time waiting to be
poured, into the urn.
Married to art
A NEW EXHIBITION at Harvey & Woodd at the
top of Dundas Street represents the careers of
by Beatrice M.L. Huntington (1889–1988) and
her husband William ‘Spanish’ Macdonald
(1883–1960).
Huntington’s works span seven decades and
show her development and versatility as an
artist from early sketches and designs through
to formal portraits. Key examples in the
collection show her brief but significant
engagement with the European avant-garde in
the 1920s as well as influence from her husband
as they travelled together in Spain and France.
A group of later works, dating from her return
to painting after her husband’s death in 1960
represent her later style.
Macdonald is represented by a body of work
from his time in Spain, mainly painted during
the 1920s, but also by examples of his
portraiture and notably by a lively self-portrait.
The collection includes a vibrant and very
personal portrait of William Macdonald By F.C.B.
Cadell, who was a close personal friend of both.
An exhibition of work by Beatrice Huntington and
William Macdonald 13 - 25 June.
Neil Hanna

20 BOOKS
Deadly deeds
Serial killers for Science
The to-ings and fro-ings of murderous
duo Burke and Hare are laid bare
in Jan Bondeson’s book Murder
Houses of Edinburgh
Much has been written about
those fiends of the Old Town,
Burke and Hare, Edinburgh’s
most celebrated serial killers,
who murdered a number of
people for the purpose of
selling their bodies for
dissection at the anatomy school of Dr Robert Knox.
William Burke was born in 1792 in Urney, County
Tyrone, as one of two sons to middle-class parents. In
1818, he deserted his wife and family, moving to
Scotland, where he became a navvy helping to
construct the Union Canal, settling down near Falkirk
with his common-law wife Helen M’Dougal. After
moving to Edinburgh, he became a hawker selling old
clothes to impoverished people, before trying his luck
as a cobbler. About the mystery man William Hare,
little is known except he was an illiterate Irish lad who
turned up in Edinburgh in the mid-1820s, living in a
small lodging-house off Tanner’s Close, West Port, run
by a man named Logue. When this individual died,
Hare moved in with Logue’s Irish-born wife Margaret.
In 1827 Burke and Hare both worked as agricultural
labourers in Penicuik; they became friends and it has
been suggested that Burke and Helen M’Dougal
moved into the Tanner’s Close lodging-house as well,
drinking and carousing, and leading a riotous life.
WORTH MORE DEAD
In late November 1827, an old army veteran named
Donald died at Hare’s lodging-house, owing £4 worth
of back rent. Thinking that the old man would be
worth more dead than he had been alive, Burke and
Hare sold his body to the celebrated Edinburgh
anatomist Robert Knox, at his anatomy school in
Surgeon’s Square, for £7 10s. This princely sum paid
up, without any awkward questions asked, for the
cadaver of the old soldier, set the two ruffians thinking.
What if they murdered various down-and-out
characters in the slums of Edinburgh, in a way that
made it difficult to tell that they had been deliberately
done to death, and then sold the corpses to Knox?
There is reason to believe that their first victim was a
miller named Joseph who lodged in Hare’s house.
After he had been sedated with some liberal tots of
whisky, Burke pinned him down by laying across his
upper torso, as Hare suffocated him to death with a
pillow. In total they claimed sixteen victims, all killed
in the same manner, among them the young prostitute
Mary Paterson, and the invalid lad James Wilson, and
a street character known as Daft Jamie. Their final
victim was an Irishwoman named Margaret Docherty,
whose body was discovered by some other lodgers
who called in the police. Burke and Hare made haste
Portraits of serial killers
William Hare and William
Burke circa 1850
to sell the cadaver to Dr Knox, but the public-spirited
lodger identified the body in his dissection-room and
the two ruffians were arrested.
At the trial of William Burke, which opened on
Christmas Eve 1828 before the High Court of
Justiciary in Parliament House, the slimy Hare turned
King’s evidence, blaming Burke for everything. Burke
was found guilty of murder and was sentenced to be
hanged and publicly dissected. Awaiting execution,
Burke made a partial confession, putting much of the
blame on Hare. He was hanged on 28 January 1829 in
front of an enormous crowd and publicly dissected by
Professor Munro a few days later. His mounted
skeleton stands at the Anatomical Museum of the
University of Edinburgh, whereas Surgeon’s Hall has
his death mask and a book bound in his skin. Helen
M’Dougal made a swift escape from Edinburgh,
pursued by an angry mob. Although Daft Jamie’s
Awaiting execution, Burke made
a partial confession, putting
much of the blame on Hare
family urged that Hare should also be prosecuted, this
was not possible according to the legislation of the
time. Hare also left Edinburgh in a hurry, probably for
his native Ireland, although no historian has been able
to track him down. A cutting from the Newry
Commercial Telegraph of March 31 1829 claims that
Hare turned up at a public house in Scarva, County of
Armagh, with his wife and child, but he was
recognised by the mob and run out of town.
TALL TALES
According to an article in Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper
of December 22 1861, the Canadian correspondent of
The Scotsman had heard a story that Hare had died in
that country. The Weekly Scotsman of August 26 1916
prefers a more sanguinary tale: Hare got employment
at a lime kiln, but the other workers found out about
his true identity and threw him into the lime so that he
was blinded; he ended his days as a blind beggar in
London’s Oxford Street. In an article marking the
centenary of the murders, the Nottingham Evening
Post of November 26 1927 prefers the version that
Hare ended up as a blind beggar selling matches in
London’s Burlington Arcade for forty years.
There has been a good deal of gibbering, from
various ill-informed ‘internet monkeys’, that Burke and
Hare lived on the southern side of what is today the
West Port in Edinburgh’s Old Town, but a map in the
1884 book The History of Burke and Hare by George
MacGregor, and perusal of the 1852 Ordnance Survey

21
Knox’s house was stoned and
windows broken while he
sneaked out through the back
door taking refuge at a friend’s
Tom Duffin
map of Edinburgh, clearly demonstrates that the two
villains lived on the north side of this thoroughfare,
roughly where the large modern tenement called
Webster’s Land is situated today. The MacGregor map
may well be somewhat over-simplified and on the
Ordnance Survey map it looks like if there is another
tenement between Burke’s house and Grindlay’s Close,
whereas Hare’s humble dwelling is situated behind
another, taller house in the West Port, and accessed
through Tanner’s Close.
ON THE MAP
The 1893 Ordnance Survey map shows Tanner’s Close
and Hare’s house still intact, although the building
situated at the site of Burke’s house now has a different
shape. In July 1902, the Edinburgh newspapers could
announce that Hare’s house was to be demolished as
part of a slum clearance. Burke’s house had been
pulled down some time ago, it was stated. Thus
nothing remains today of two of Edinburgh’s most
celebrated murder houses; both Tanner’s Close and
Grindlay’s Close have disappeared from the Edinburgh
map, for good.
Many Edinburgh people were outraged that Robert
Knox, who was widely thought to share the moral
responsibility for the murders, had escaped entirely
without punishment. On February 12 1829, a large
mob congregated on Calton Hill, before setting out for
Knox’s house at 4 Newington Place, carrying with
them a life-sized effigy of the anatomist, clad in a
gaudy waistcoat and bearing the label ‘Knox, the
associate of the infamous Hare’. They hung the effigy
from the branch of a tree and tried to set it alight;
when it failed to catch fire, they instead tore it into
Below Burke’s House from
The West Port Murders
(Edinburgh 1829)
little pieces. Knox’s house was stoned and many
windows broken, the railings destroyed and the front
garden trampled. The fearful anatomist sneaked out
through the back door and took refuge in a friend’s
house. Knox remained in Edinburgh until 1842, but
his career never recovered. He then moved to London
and died there in obscurity in 1862.
It is not generally known that Robert Knox’s house
at 4 Newington Place, from which he had such a
narrow escape from the Edinburgh mob back in 1829,
is still standing today. In 1885, the terrace of
Newington Place was incorporated into Newington
Road, and the houses renumbered; in Victorian times,
a shop was constructed in its front garden. This shop is
today Euroclean Dry Cleaners, and behind it, Dr
Knox’s old house at what is today 17 Newington Road
is daily passed by throngs of people oblivious of this
curious relic from the days of Burke and Hare.
This is an edited extract from Jan Bondeson’s book
Murder Houses of Edinburgh (Troubador Publishing
2020), of which signed copies are available at
Edinburgh Books in the West Port.
Robert Blomfield’s son Will,
at the exhibition launch at
University of Edinburgh
Blomfield is
back in town
By TOM DUFFIN
A NEW EXHIBITION of photographs by
the talented student photographer Robert
Blomfield has just opened at the University
of Edinburgh Main Library in George Square.
Blomfield’s three sons helped to launch the
five-month long photographic display which is
hosted in the library and is free for all to visit
until 1 October.
Since Robert’s work was “rediscovered” four
years ago when it was shown at the City Art
Centre, he sadly passed away, and his family
made the decision to place his Scottish
photography work in the care of the University
where he studied medicine and later became
a doctor at “The Royal” in the 1950s and 60s.
Curator Daryl Green said: “In this exhibition
you will encounter Edinburgh through Robert’s
lens, from when he first stepped off the train
platform in Waverley station through to the
late 1960s.
“These photographs reveal how he
developed his eye and his skills in the darkroom
and how he became a student of light.”
Blomfield’s work would be classed as “street”
photography and brilliantly captures moments
of life in the city, and within his own life at
university here. For the first time we also see
his colour work, and some experimental shots
taken by attaching his camera to a telescope.
As one of the visitors to the exhibition
commented, the shot of the brand new
Forth Road Bridge is also remarkable for
having more pedestrians than cars.
I thoroughly recommend a visit, ideally
combined with a walk through the Meadows as
Robert Blomfield would have done more than
60 years ago, and where Edinburgh life is just as
varied and interesting. Take a camera, walk in
his footsteps and capture some moments
yourself. Blomfield’s legacy should be that we
can all become students of light.
Please do share your Blomfield inspired
images on social media. #StudentOfLight
Exhibition open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.

22 SPORT
Marshall signs
Jack seeks a
speedy sponsor
for the Hibees
Scotland hero agreed two-year deal
By OLIVIA THOMAS
EXPERIENCED goalkeeper David
Marshall will join Hibernian FC on
1 July 2022.
The 37-year-old Scotland
international has penned a
two-year pre-contract agreement
to become a Hibee and will move
to the Club when his contract with
English Championship side QPR
expires at the end of next month.
Marshall, who has 47 caps
for Scotland, was his nation’s
hero as the Scots qualified for
Euro 2020, making crucial saves
in penalty shoot outs against
Israel and Serbia.
He has made over 550 club
appearances featuring in the SPFL,
the English Premier League and
the Champions League to name a
few and joins from QPR where he
Backing for Johnson
Hibs’ new manager keen to win over support and prove doubters wrong
By JOHN HISLOP
CAN LEE JOHNSON succeed where Shaun
Maloney failed and bring back the feel-good
factor to Easter Road?
His arrival was greeted by a mixed response
amongst fans after reports that former Malmo
boss ate Champions League winner Jon Dahl
Tomasson had been linked with the vacancy.
There was a lot of support among the fans for
the Dane, but the new Hibs boss is taking it all in
his stride.
He said: “I understand it; I wasn't a massive
name as a player and there were some big
football names being bandied about.
“But it's not about me; it's about creating a
united identity that we can all be proud of.
Hopefully we can not only win, but win the way
we want to.
"I want an aggressive team in terms of forward
thinking. I want players to play forward and run
forward, to make sure we are playing with such a
tempo and a high line that we can force errors
and dictate the game.”
After making more than 450 appearances in
was their number one until an
injury curtailed his season.
Hibernian FC Manager, Lee
Johnson, said: “I’d like to offer
David a very warm welcome.
He’s an excellent goalkeeper and
actually a player that I’ve tried to
sign before.
“His experience will be
invaluable for us both on and off
the pitch. It’s vital that our senior
players aren’t just great characters,
but also help us set the standard
around the training ground and on
matchdays. He is a fantastic
addition to this squad, and I’m
looking forward to working
with him.”
Head of Recruitment, Ian
Gordon, said: “We have a young,
talented, ambitious team, but we
know that if we want to be
successful, we need to have a good
balance in terms of experience and
leadership, and David Marshall fits
that mould perfectly.
“He is a real professional, who
England and Scotland as a player, 40-year-old
Johnson made an early step into management
being appointed by Oldham Athletic in
League One at the age of just 31, which made
him the youngest manager in the EFL (English
Football League).
He guided the Latics to safety and led them to
their best league finish in five years – alongside
introducing a high-quality style of football.
Johnson worked his way up the EFL and after
a spell at Barnsley, he was appointed by his
former club and English Championship side
Bristol City.
Again, he steered the Robins away from the
relegation zone in successive seasons whilst
implementing a fresh approach and ethos
around the Club.
The Robins continued to progress
under his management as he turned
them into Play-Off challengers and took
them on a memorable EFL Cup journey.
His Bristol City side saw off a
number of Premier League outfits,
including Jose Mourinho’s
Manchester United, before
will push on the other ‘keepers and
really help accelerate the
development of our younger
goalkeepers like Murray Johnson.”
narrowly losing in the semi-final to Manchester
City, which led to Pep Guardiola hailing
Johnson’s style of play.
In his last managerial position, Johnson
helped Sunderland lift their first piece of
silverware in 14 years winning the EFL Trophy at
Wembley Stadium and reaching the Play-Offs.
He departed the Black Cats in January 2022 sat
in 3rd place in League One.
Hibs’ Executive Chairman, Ron Gordon,
commented: “Throughout this process we have
been very clear on the type of profile, the style of
football, and the experience we want our new
Manager to have, and that aligned approach
enabled us to be incredibly thorough and
vigorous during our search.
“We will support him in the transfer
window, so he can put his own stamp
on the squad as we look forward to,
what will hopefully be a really successful
2022/23 campaign.
“We are all looking forward to
Lee
Johnson
working with him, and his staff,
to bring sustained success to
our fantastic football club.”
SCOTTISH racing driver Jack Davidson is
seeking a new business sponsor.
A Race Instructor with Palmer Sport,
Jack, who is twenty years of age and
started racing when he was just eight
years old, is currently competing in the
JCW Mini Challenge UK Series.
Aged fourteen he progressed from
club level and British level karting to
racing cars. In 2017, after five lap records,
and twelve race wins, Jack was crowned
Fiestas Junior British Champion aged
just fifteen.
He’s looking for a Scottish business
with a national presence that can get
involved in his current race series now, as
the season, which involves races at
Brands Hatch, Knockhill and Silverstone
to name but three prestigious racetracks,
has only just started. With Jack having
performed really well in the second half
of last season eventually finishing third,
he is tipped to win the series this year.
“Last season I was involved in some of
the closest finishes the series saw,” said
Jack. “I hope to keep driving well, and
feel that I have a very good chance of
winning the Championship this year. I’ve
set my sights on this to help me fulfil my
ambition of driving in the BTCC
Championship in 2023.”
“It would be fantastic to attract a new
business sponsor. They’d certainly
achieve good media profile if they get
involved now.”
Run to support the British Touring Car
Championship since 2020, the Mini
Challenge UK series first started in 2002.
The races are frequently televised on
ITV4, along with several other platforms.
“The races receive televised
coverage all over the Country,” added
Jack, “Sponsoring me would be a
very effective way of building
brand presence.”
“If any interested parties would like to
get in touch with me, I’d be delighted
to give them more details on how the
sponsorship could work to benefit
us both.”
Jack can be contacted directly at
jackdavidsonracing@gmail.com

23
Chloe to race at
the Classic
Phil Wilkinson
By OLIVIA THOMAS
THE BIGGEST motoring event in
Scotland will take place on 18-19
June at Thirlestane Castle when
there will be live motorsport,
memorabilia on display and a
classic car show.
Chloe Grant, who began racing
at the age of seven, tested the sprint
track in her Graham Brunton
prepared F4 car which will race on
the castle's refurbished driveway.
There will be more than 50
contemporary classic and vintage
cars including Formula 1 cars
using the track over the weekend.
Sir Jackie Stewart will also do a
parade on the driveway in the car
which led him to his first Formula
1 world championship in 1969,
giving visitors the chance to watch
him live and snap a picture of the
Flying Scot, one of Scotland’s top
sporting icons.
The event is being held in aid of
Race Against Dementia, a global
charity set up by Sir Jackie Stewart
to raise funds for research into a
cure for dementia, a disease which
globally impacts 50 million people
including his beloved wife, Helen.
Chloe Grant said: “The Sir Jackie
Stewart Classic is a great
opportunity to showcase Scottish
motorsports and get up close and
personal with some of the greatest
cars ever made. I am really proud
to be joining the sprint in such an
amazing location and all for such
a great cause.”
The front lawn of the Castle will
host memorabilia from Sir Jackie
Stewart OBE’s prestigious career
including a stunning display of
cars driven throughout his career
including his Formula 1 cars.
Elsewhere, the Borders Vintage
Automobile Club will celebrate its
50th anniversary by bringing more
than 1,200 vintage and classic cars.
The event will showcase the best
of Scotland’s culture, from local
produce in the food and retail
village, to arts and crafts, as well as
activities for children of all ages
including kart simulators, rides,
games, a bouncy castle, bungee
trampolines and more.
Tickets start at £20 for adults
and £15 for concessions, with kids
under 12 able to attend for free.
Find out more or book tickets at:
www.sirjackiestewartclassic.com
Hearts must learn from their super-sub hoodoo
By JAMIE MCINTOSH
TWO RANGERS substitutes
scored goals leading to Hearts
missing out on Scottish Cup
glory at Hampden. It was
ironic, as in spite of a successful
season, it hammered home
just how far the team has to go
to close the gap with
Scotland’s two top teams.
Hearts huffed and puffed for
the first 45 minutes and
succeeded in nullifying the
Europa League finalists and
had Ellis Simms buried the
golden opportunity that
fell his way after just ten
minutes, then the outcome
might have been a completely
different one.
Ryan Jack and Scott Wright
came off the bench to see
Rangers end an emotional
week on a high. The Scottish
pair, along with fellow outfield
substitutes Glen Kamara and
Fashion Sakala highlight the
quality that the Old Firm sides
have at their disposal.
It was the same story when
Hearts visited Celtic Park last
month. The men in maroon
were playing well until Celtic
brought on Georgios
Giakoumakis, Liel Abada, Reo
Hatate, Tom Rogic and James
Forrest, who took the game
away from the visitors.
With Hearts’ third-place
finish guaranteeing groupstage
European football of
some form until December,
Hearts must begin next season
with a bigger squad to help
cope with the hectic Thursday-
Sunday fixture schedule.
For that third-place finish
they will receive a substantial
financial reward. With any
luck, former Hearts man,
Aaron Hickey will finalise a
move from Bologna for
£15-20 million, of which,
Hearts are entitled to a sell
on clause which is reported
to be at least 10%.
The excellent recruitment
Hearts have made in the last
two years means they will be
recruiting from a position of
strength. With the money
earned from their efforts this
season, sporting director Joe
Savage and manager Robbie
Neilson will hope to find the
right additions.
John Souttar pulled on the
maroon jersey for the last time
at Hampden and was arguably
Hearts’ best player on the day.
Ball-playing centre backs are
very difficult to find in the
modern-day era, which is why
Souttar will be difficult for
Hearts to replace. Peter Haring
is yet to agree a new contract
at Tynecastle.
Hearts have had a great
season. They failed to cap it off
with silverware, but the
transformation at the club in
the last 12 months shows they
are on the right track.