We are taking part in #SilverSunday with Age UK on Sunday 6 October by offering a free tour for elder visitors. We have an option of a tour of the Castle and a step-free option to see the castle digitally.
Join our knowledgeable guide for a FREE tour of Lauriston Castle. Find out about Willian and Margaret Reid, the last owners of Lauriston, and see for yourself the wonderful gift they left the nation.
Silver Sunday is the national day for older people, which is co-ordinated by Age UK. Age UK’s Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities and the generations around them.
A collection of eight luxury apartments has been released by the award-winning Scottish housebuilder, Cruden Homes, at the highly sought-after West Craigs Green development in the heart of West Edinburgh.
This exclusive collection offers a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, all with stunning views of the nearby Lennie Park and Turnhouse golf course. The two-bedroom units feature private balconies, providing an ideal spot to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.
With prices starting from £220,000, each apartment boasts an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, designed with both comfort and style in mind. High-quality fixtures and fittings are included as standard. This release marks the second phase of apartments within the development, following the successful launch of the first phase in early April 2024, which saw strong levels of demand.
In addition to the new apartments, the West Craigs development includes a range of three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses, and four-bedroom townhouses, each with private gardens.
The West Craigs area is undergoing significant transformation, evolving into a vibrant and friendly neighbourhood with abundant green spaces, including the newly established Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. Future plans include a new primary school and nursery, café, and health centre within walking distance.
Conveniently situated between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh city centre. It benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail, and tram stops in close proximity.
The Gyle Shopping Centre is easily accessible on foot or by car, offering a range of amenities such as high street shops, a supermarket, and eateries.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said:“West Craigs Green is a vibrant, community-focused development, and is perfectly located for those who wish to live in more scenic surroundings with all the benefits of staying close to the city centre.
“Many of these spacious apartments have balconies providing scenic views of Lennie Park and Turnhouse golf course. We had a great response to the first phase of apartments and it highlights the strong demand for quality housing in this area.
“This new release of apartments further enhances this wonderful development, making it an excellent choice for first-time buyers, young professionals, and those looking to downsize.”
A number of incentives are available for home buyers looking to move into West Craigs Green, including part exchange and assisted move packages, along with Land and Buildings Transaction Tax support, furniture packages and flooring.
Prices for the latest release of apartments range from £220,000, with first completions expected in November 2024.
To view or find out more about reserving a property at Cruden Homes’ latest West Craigs Green development, visitwww.westcraigsgreen.co.uk or call 0131 600 0095.
The sales and marketing suite, along with the show home, are open Thursday to Monday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Queens Manor on Queensferry Road to enjoy an Open Day held at the home on Friday 21st June 2024.
Queens Manor hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a tasty BBQ prepared by their hospitality team, musical entertainment, pet therapy and even a surprise visit from a local ice cream van, which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.
Staff at Queens Manor made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments and fun, such as burgers, hot beverages and tasty trifle prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all, as well as furry visits from Doc, Frank & Elvis and musical entertainment from Margo the Butterfly singer – it really was a team effort from all!
Resident, Jean Gillies, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surrounded by lots of great people, and the refreshments & fun kept flowing into the afternoon. The weather held out until we finished.
“Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together. The entertainment was amazing – from the dogs and guineapigs, to the singer and a special shout out to the ice cream man! the van took me back to times I spent with my family at the beach all enjoying 99’s!”
Shannon Cullen, Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment at the home, said: “Staff at Queens Manor are dedicated to making sure that the home is a hub of the local community and residents, and this event, along with all their hard work, has definitely paid off.
“It was a resounding success, with everyone having a great time!”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Queens Manor Care Home provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.
At 10:30 on Saturday 29 June 2024 The Royal Scots Regimental Association will lay wreaths and conduct a memorial service at Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh (EH4 6AD), to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima and the Regiment’s role in one of the defining battles of the Second World War.
Regimental records show that between 4 April and 22 June 1944 1st Battalion The Royal Scots lost a total of 89 men – their names will be read out during the ceremony. A further 200 were wounded, many seriously, in the intense fighting around Kohima.
The Battle of Kohima was one of the most bitterly fought battles of the Second World War and a pivotal moment in the war against Japan in the Far East.
The success of the British 2nd Division (including theRoyal Scots) and the Indian 5th Division ensured the safety of British India and turned the tide against Japanese forces in South East Asia.
On Saturday 29 June 2024 The Royal Scots contingent will form up in the Lauriston Castle car park at 10:30 and will march the short distance to the Royal Scots Memorial Garden behind a piper and their Association Standards.
All others are welcome to congregate at the Garden. The service will commence at 10:50 and will be conducted by Reverend Ian May, the Padre of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.
The wreath laying will be led by Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.
Malcolm Warrack, son of Lt Col Morren Warrack who fought at Kohima with the regiment, said: “A group of Royal Scots Veterans felt very strongly about the lack of some form of local memorial specifically for their fellow soldiers who did not come back from the Burma Campaign and Kohima in particular.
“George Rogers, Ian Henderson and Morren Warrack co-ordinated the preparation and creation of this Memorial Garden in the 1990s.
“They spoke often about the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East so it is particularly fitting that 80 years later on 29th June 2024 we remember them.”
Brigadier Lowder added: “The Royal Scots feel very strongly that we should mark the battle of Kohima which witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the war.
“Some Royal Scots who took part in crucial battles to delay the German advance to Dunkirk in May 1940 subsequently found themselves in the Far East where the war continued for a further 3 months after victory in Europe was declared in May 1945. Many made the ultimate sacrifice; we will remember them.”
An emergency meeting following the death of an Edinburgh school boy in a road traffic accident was held by concerned parents last night (Thursday).
The meeting was called after an Edinburgh child died on 1 March as he cycled to school. On the same day, there was a serious road incident involving a Davidson’s Main Primary School pupil.
The parents from Davidson’s Mains Primary School organised the meeting to call on the city council to speed up road safety improvements for children coming to and from the school.
The meeting was attended by Scott Arthur, Chair of City of Edinburgh Council Transport and Environment Committee, local Councillor Norman Work and Dave Sinclair, Local Traffic and Road Safety Manager at the council.
At the meeting, the Council Transport team committed to make small scale improvements as soon as possible.
Parents were told that the current city-wide backlog of road safety plans would take 10 years for the Council to act on and that, in general, cases would only be considered in chronological order.
Kim Pratt, vice chair of the Davidson’s Mains Primary School Parent Council, said:“Parents are deeply concerned that our children are forced to navigate dangerous roads to and from school every day because Edinburgh Council are dragging their feet to improve road safety.
“At the rate that Edinburgh Council is acting, our children are growing up and leaving school before the surrounding roads are made safe.
“The Council have told us we must have a travel plan before they will act but the process is unclear and bureaucratic. Very few schools in Edinburgh have managed to complete the process. It feels like another excuse for the Council to delay.
“The Council have the power to make our roads safer and they must act faster and more decisively to protect our children travelling to and from school, not just in Davidson’s Mains, but across all of Edinburgh.”
Felicity Neyme, from the Davidson’s Mains School Road Safety Team said:“As a parent, seeing Edinburgh strive for net zero by 2030 fills me with hope. But that future can’t be achieved without clean air and safe streets for our children. That’s why it is important that Parent Councils collaborate with local leaders.
“Together, we can work to deliver tangible goals like improved pedestrian crossings and a reduction in car dependency around schools. This is about protecting our kids on their journey to school but it’s also about creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all of Edinburgh, aligned with the city’s inspiring net zero vision.”
Rod Alexander, from the Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes Association said:“The Association is fully supportive of the actions by the Primary School Parent Council to improve safety on the routes to school following the tragic death of a school child at Barnton and the serious accident involving a Davidson’s Mains school pupil on Main Street.
“We are concerned that the planned upgrade to the roundabout and crossings at the west end of Main Street have still not been completed a full seven years after a fatal accident on one of the crossings, and believe that priority should also be given to upgrading the crossing on Main Street at Silverknowes Road.
“We want to work with both schools in our local area to ensure priority is given to these and other projects to improve pupil safety, particularly recognising that children are being encouraged to walk and cycle to school to reduce car use.”
A recent survey conducted by the Parent Council found that 98% of parents responding to the survey thought that road safety for pupils could be improved.
In June 2019, the Council’s traffic survey showed that the average speed limit on Silverknowes Road East was 28.7 mph, despite being a 20 mph zone.
This is a main route to school for some pupils and there are no crossings. A crossing patrol assistant helps children cross safely at pick up and drop off times but is not present on every school day.
Despite the Council promising to investigate in 2023/24, no improvements have been made.
Queens Manor care home on Queensferry Road was full of animal mischief when 8 year old beagle Lucy came to visit this week.
Residents at Queens Manor were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friend roaming around their garden and the home.
Coral Wiltshire, Deputy General Manager said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their visitor today.We are such an animal friendly home and we knew that having Lucy in to say hello would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult being away from their own family pets.
“We have found that having animals in the home gives residents something to look forward to, encourages them to engage in activities and sparks conversation which can lead to unlocking memories and emotions.
“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”
Anyone who has a dog or cat will not be surprised that pets are great for company and encouraging engagement and reminiscing too.
Resident Caroline Taylor was very excited by seeing Lucy: “I have always loved dogs and really enjoy spending time with them.
“They give so much love and ask for nothing in return.”
Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides Dementia Care, residential care and respite care.
Lauriston Castle officially launched it’s 2024 programme this week with a visit from Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker alongside members of the multi-award winning Edinburgh Living History.
Convener Walker rose to the occasion and joined Edinburgh Living History in full Edwardian dress for a tour of Lauriston Castle.
Situated in the Cramond area of the city, this 16th century castle has breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and will play host to an eclectic programme of events over the coming months.
Pic Greg Macvean 03/04/2024
Lauriston Castle with Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker in period costume
The Lectures series features discussions on everything from whisky to a history of Edinburgh photography.
Under the Adult Crafts Workshops there are sessions on watercolour painting, crocheting and much more.
In the Family Events section there’s everything from ghost tours to workshops on space!
There is also a range of Costumed Performances where visitors can experience reenactments of Edinburgh life from days gone by.
As well as these there are also Themed Tours, Theatre Performances, Atmospheric Film Screenings and Garden Events. We’re also working with partners like Edinburgh International Magic Festival and Edinburgh Horror Festival.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit Lauriston Castle this week. Edinburgh Living History and our fantastic Museums & Galleries colleagues were kind enough to welcome me and provide a chance to explore one of our most unique venues.
“In the coming months there’s an excellent range of events taking place as part of the Lauriston Castle 2024 programme. From lectures on circular fashion to the grisly history of anatomy in 19th century Edinburgh all the way through to adult creative workshops and family events there’s truly something for everyone.
“I’d encourage all our residents and visitors to take advantage of these.”
About Lauriston Castle:
For more than 400 years, enchanting Lauriston Castle has overlooked the River Forth at Silverknowes, near Cramond. Set among 30 acres of woodland and beautiful gardens, Lauriston Castle is a special place to visit.
The Castle itself has a beautiful Edwardian interior, from which we take inspiration for many of our workshops. Downstairs are the servants’ quarters, including the maids’ hall and the atmospheric old kitchen, where a warm welcome awaits you during the winter months.
Why not double up a day visiting the Castle grounds with a picnic, and historic Cramond is right on our doorstep so you can make a real day out visiting this part of Edinburgh.
Free car parking is available within the Castle grounds off Cramond Road South. Lauriston Castle is easy to reach and is close by car from the City Bypass. It sits between Davidson’s Mains and Cramond.
You can take numerous buses to Davidson’s Mains, or Silverknowes Terminus; both are around 10 minutes’ walk from Lauriston Castle. Visit Lothian Buses website for details of local services.
Pic Greg Macvean 03/04/2024
Lauriston Castle with Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker in period costume
Booking:
Pre-booking and advance payment are essential for all events.
In person – At Lauriston Castle – (Go through Courtyard by Mimi’s Café and ring the bell on the green door) Monday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
For further information (non-booking information) about any event, contact Margaret Findlay, Learning and Programmes Manager, on 0131 529 3993 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk
An 11-year-old boy has died following a collision on Whitehouse Loan in Cramond.The Cramond P7 pupil who died after being struck by a bin lorry on Friday (1st March) has been named as Thomas Wong.
His family has asked for privacy. Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances.
The incident happened around 8.20am on Friday, 1 March near to the junction with Braehead Road.
The boy was riding a bicycle when he was involved in a collision with a bin lorry.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.
The driver of the bin lorry was uninjured.
Inspector Andrew Thomson, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the boy’s family and friends at this time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information which has not yet been passed to Police to get in touch.
“I would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.
“Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this time.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 0578 of 1 March, 2024.”
