Category: Cramond

MD appointed at ‘Scotland’s finest care home’

A LEADING figure in the development of care homes and hospitals in Scotland is to take the reins as a dedicated Managing Director of Edinburgh’s finest care home.

Graeme Kelly, who is currently a Director at Walker Healthcare, will move across to the newly created role at its newest development, Cramond Residence, as it looks to build on growing demand as consumer confidence recovers within aspects of the sector that can demonstrate a positive track record over the past 12 months.

The home, which enjoys a leafy location, was purpose-built in 2018 by Walker Healthcare as a boundary-pushing advancement in both comprehensive luxury and clinical care for older people.

The latest technology and awareness of the importance of infection-control were factored into the design and specification from the outset, with small-group living in nine self-contained living pods as a cornerstone of the design alongside awareness of the benefits of the latest technology in everything from laundry systems to ventilation.

Graeme, 62, from Fife, has been astonished at the lengths that the care home’s teams have gone to provide rich and stimulating care, while managing to keep Covid-19 at bay, with very few cases recorded at the home to date.

Graeme said: “From day one we set out to create a new upper tier in the care home sector. Infection control was of utmost priority at this development long before the pandemic – and you can see how the design of the home is shaped around it.

“The Cramond Residence team, like so many key workers, have been truly inspirational throughout the last year. They’ve given the residents here the best possible care, hospitality and experiences and have provided families with reassurance

“We’re starting to see confidence returning and new enquiries are increasing month on month. Those that have put off a relative’s stay in a home are now ready to commit, if they can be reassured by the track record of the home, over the past year.

“All of our staff and residents have now had the vaccine too – and while we can’t for one second become complacent – we are grateful for our record so far in the pandemic.”

Graeme’s move over from Walker Healthcare, where he has worked since 1989 and which built and owns the home, coincides with the phased retirement of Eileen Gray.

The home offers nurse-led care, as well as offering a varied lifestyle programme. During this pandemic this has seen residents embark on a “Grand Tour of Scotland”, with distilleries, museums and attraction providing virtual tours and experiences.  

Cramond Residence is a purpose-built care combining unparalleled luxury; true five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards – with places available from £1850 per week.

The home offers high quality person centred care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

The nine small bubble group living facilities have up to eight bedrooms, a private lounge, dining and snug facilities.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Cramond P7s to design dream bedroom for new showhome

CREATIVE pupils at Cramond Primary school are being given the opportunity to see their dream bedroom become a reality, thanks to a project with a major housebuilder.

Eileen Kesson, interior designer at Envision, is partnering with Cramond Primary for a design competition which will see children in P7 create their ultimate bedroom, complete with a budget, their choice of materials, and a floorplan.

Eileen, a renowned designer with more than 20 years’ experience, will give the children a full overview and brief today, with a moodboard to be created and presented later in the month.

Coordinated by CALA Homes, Eileen and Principal Teacher at Cramond Primary School, Yasmeen Naeem, the winning project will form the design for a bedroom at the new showhome at CALA’s Cammo Meadows.

Yasmeen Naeem said: “This is a fantastic experience for our pupils to enhance their design and artistic skills – the children are all already very excited for their presentation from Eileen and can’t wait to get started.

“Not only is it an excellent project for bringing out some creative ideas, having a proper project with a timescale and budget is hugely beneficial and gives pupils a flavour of real-life work.

“We’re sure this will be one of our most popular projects – it’s something different and engaging, making it ideal for remote learning.”

The lucky winner will get to visit their real-life dream bedroom at the showhome, located minutes from Cramond Primary, later this year when the showhome has been designed and furnished.

Eileen Kesson said: “I’ll be setting out a real-life scenario and portrait of a family for the pupils to use to create their ideal bedroom.

“With many children learning from home, it’s important that their bedrooms are their own, separate space with areas to play, learn and sleep so I’m looking forward to seeing what the pupils come up with.”

This is the second bedroom design competition of its kind that CALA has organised, the first being with West Barns Primary School in Dunbar in 2018, where P6 and P7 students designed a bedroom in a showhome at its nearby Castle Bay development.

Cammo Meadows is the housebuilder’s latest development of detached family homes in Edinburgh. The first phase of the development includes a collection of five-bedroom detached homes, with terraced homes and apartments to be built in later phases.

Neighbouring the Cammo Estate, the development is located minutes from Cramond Primary School and is surrounded by 23 acres of green outdoor space, a wildflower meadow, and new woodland to be created as part of the build.

Built in 1975, Cramond Primary School is a non-denominational school which serves Cramond and the surrounding areas of northwest Edinburgh. The school has more than 400 pupils, and is part of the Royal High School cluster.

For more information on Cammo Meadows, please visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/cammo-meadows/

Beware rising tides at Cramond

The rising tide times around Cramond Island this weekend will mean RNLI are likely to see calls to help walkers cut off by the tide.

Two weekends ago, the volunteers at Queensferry RNLI were call out three times (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) to evacuate stranded walkers.

The causeway leading to and from Cramond Island will be unsafe to use at points throughout the weekend.

If you’re fortunate enough to live nearby and decide to walk across for your essential exercise, plan ahead before you go to reduce the risk of being cut off by the rising water.

  • Check the forecast and tide times before you go
  • Let someone know where you’re going & when you’ll return
  • Take a fully charged phone
  • In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard

Follow the rules this weekend

Last weekend we saw large numbers of vehicles parking inconsiderately in and around certain areas in Edinburgh including Portobello, the Pentland Hills, Cramond Brig, Marine Drive and South Queensferry.

Chief Inspector Neil Wilson, from St Leonard’s Police Station, said: “We are fortunate to have so many wonderful parks and open spaces in the city, but please remember that several car parks which would usually accommodate these areas are currently closed to the public and some of our popular areas for exercising have limited parking available.

“I appreciate that people are keen to head out to exercise and enjoy what Edinburgh has to offer, but you should have a backup plan in the event that you can’t park your vehicle safely. Do not park irresponsibly, as you may restrict local residents and other road users or block access for emergency services.

“Parking your vehicle on a pavement or on a road in such a way as to cause an obstruction is not only an offence, but puts other road users and pedestrians at risk.

“We will be paying particular attention to key areas this coming weekend in response to the recent parking issues and officers will carry out enforcement action if necessary.

“People should also be mindful of the current guidelines in respect of meeting others outdoors.

“The Chief Constable has already made it clear that our approach throughout the pandemic has not changed. Police Scotland officers will continue to support people to follow the regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility.

“People should not leave their home unless for essential purposes. The best way to stay safe is to stay at home.”

For the latest guidelines from the Scottish Government, visit its website here:

 http://ow.ly/zaQO50DjBaB

Police appeal following deliberate fires in Silverknowes & D Mains

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a series of fires in Silverknowes and Davidson’s Mains early this morning

A number of incidents were reported to Police Scotland in the area between 4.55am and 5.55am.

These included four vehicles on Silverknowes Eastway, Silverknowes Avenue and Cramond Road South as well as within a property of Main Street, Davidson’s Mains and a post box on Silverknowes Road.

Nobody was injured in any of the incidents. Each of the fires is being treated as deliberate and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg of Edinburgh CID said: “Our enquiries into this series of incidents are ongoing and we are working to establish the full circumstances.

“We would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity to come forward as soon as possible.

“In particular we would be keen to speak to anyone with dashcam footage or private CCTV in the area.

“If you have any information which help our investigation please call 101, quoting incident 0341 of 27 January, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

New Year, New Home? Property trend predictions for 2021

Why ‘urban village’ living is topping the wishlist of prospective homebuyers

Life as we know it changed dramatically in 2020. The way we work, socialise, and unwind has been fundamentally affected by the global pandemic and, in response, it is evident the priorities of prospective homebuyers have been altered significantly.

As we enter the New Year, the property experts at AMA Homes share their top property trends to look out for in 2021 and reveal which of their award-winning luxury developments ticks all the boxes.

Topping the trends in 2021 is the desire for ‘urban village’ living. The ideal urban village location offers residents all the comfort and sense of community that comes from village life, but couples it with the added bonus of having all the amenities of a large city within close proximity.

The rise in popularity of urban village living is, in part, related to the significant increase in professionals working from home. With many now opting to make home-working their permanent choice, the daily commute is no longer a deciding factor in the homebuying process. As a result, urban village living is being added to homebuyers’ wish lists.

Instead, many are succumbing to the appeal of urban village life – a slower paced way of living, a closeness with nature, a connection with neighbours, and a feeling of belonging. Yet all the benefits and convenience of remaining close to the city centre, where theatres, bars, restaurants, and shops are just a short journey away.

Ticking all the boxes of urban village living and therefore fast emerging as a property hotspot is Cramond – a quaint coastal village situated in the north-west of Edinburgh, at the mouth of the River Almond where it enters the Firth of Forth.

A peaceful and picturesque setting, Cramond offers residents an idyllic outdoor lifestyle less than 20 minutes from the capital.

It is here you will find Caer Amon, an award-winning development of luxury apartments from AMA Homes. The 32 ultra high-spec apartments are set within a series of gardens and landscaped courtyards. The exterior white walls sympathetically echo the whitewashed cottages at Cramond harbour, whilst the interiors have an unmistakably contemporary light and spacious feel. They benefit from zoned underfloor heating and excellent insulation, making them highly energy efficient.

The development was designed by Richard Murphy Architects, a world-renowned practice that has 20 RIBA awards to its name. From the very first Maggie Centre in Edinburgh, which was nominated for the 1997 Stirling Prize, to his own home on Hart Street, which won the RIBA House of the Year in 2016, Richard Murphy has created ground-breaking, innovative buildings, and Caer Amon is no exception.

28 properties at Caer Amon have already sold but house-hunters will be pleased to hear two apartments at Caer Amon have just been re-released; 30/11 Brighouse Park Cross – available now at the fixed price of £820,000, and 29/5 Brighouse Park Cross – available now at a fixed price of £500,000.

Commenting on the rise in popularity of the urban village lifestyle, AMA Homes Director, Behnam Afshar, said; ‘What we are witnessing is a major shift in the housing market which is directly related to wider changes in peoples’ lifestyles.

‘Urban village living offers the best of both worlds and nowhere is this better encapsulated than at Caer Amon – a peaceful neighbourhood in a stunning coastal location, a mere five miles from all that the Scottish capital has to offer.’

According to Behnam, the fast-paced property market shows no sign of easing up as we enter the New Year, therefore homebuyers interested in finding out more about urban village life at Caer Amon are advised to book a viewing in the first instance, strictly by appointment only.

2020 may have been an unpredictable year, with many homebuyers questioning their priorities, but it is clear from the performance of the property market that urban village living will continue to provide the ideal answer for many in 2021 and beyond.

Cramond Island walkers urged to beware of high tides this weekend

The RNLI are warning those who live near to Cramond Island and planning a walk across this weekend to be aware of the high spring tides that may cut off your path on the tidal causeway.

Spring tides happen every lunar month throughout the year without regard to the season. During this time the earth, sun and moon are lined up in a row which results in a higher swell.  This makes the high tides higher and the low tides lower than other days throughout the month.

The next high spring tides will start today (Friday 15 January) and continue throughout the weekend. This means the danger of being cut off by the fast-rising tide while walking to or from Cramond Island is higher than usual.

Current Scottish Government guidance allows for exercise that starts and finishes at the same place, providing you remain within your local authority area. This means that people living near to Cramond may decide to choose this option for essential exercise, but the RNLI are urging those people to consider the unusually large tides expected this weekend.

The island is popular with walkers who take the opportunity to venture across at low water. When the tide rises, under-prepared walkers can find themselves stranded. Over the last two months, the volunteer crew at Queensferry RNLI have been called to evacuate a total of nine people and two dogs who found themselves cut off by the tide.

To avoid this happening over the weekend, the lifesaving charity are asking walkers to check the tide times before crossing.

Michael Avril, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead for Scotland said: ‘Our volunteers remain on call, ready to respond, but the need for our help can be avoided if walkers plan ahead by checking the tide times before setting off.

Spring tides will make the high tides higher and they will also come in quicker. The danger in this is that people can get cut off quicker without even realising until it’s too late.’ 

To check the safest times to cross, text CRAMOND to 81400 or visit: https://www.queensferrylifeboat.co.uk/cramond-tides

The coast is a dangerous and unpredictable place and Michael urges those who intend to walk this weekend to act before you go to get the necessary help to you if needed.

He said: ‘Accidents happen, and it is important that you are able to call for help if you need it. If you find yourself or spot others in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard straight away. Stay calm and don’t try and wade through the water as this could be dangerous.’

For more information of how to stay safe at the coast, please visit the RNLI website: www.rnli.org.uk

Top property trend predictions for 2021

Why ‘urban village’ living is topping the wishlist of prospective homebuyers

Life as we know it changed dramatically in 2020. The way we work, socialise, and unwind has been fundamentally affected by the global pandemic and, in response, it is evident the priorities of prospective homebuyers have been altered significantly.

As we approach the New Year, the property experts at AMA Homes share their top property trends to look out for in 2021 and reveal which of their award-winning luxury developments ticks all the boxes.

Topping the trends in 2021 is the desire for ‘urban village’ living. The ideal urban village location offers residents all the comfort and sense of community that comes from village life, but couples it with the added bonus of having all the amenities of a large city within close proximity.

The rise in popularity of urban village living is, in part, related to the significant increase in professionals working from home. With many now opting to make home-working their permanent choice, the daily commute is no longer a deciding factor in the homebuying process. As a result, urban village living is being added to homebuyers’ wish lists.

Instead, many are succumbing to the appeal of urban village life – a slower paced way of living, a closeness with nature, a connection with neighbours, and a feeling of belonging. Yet all the benefits and convenience of remaining close to the city centre, where theatres, bars, restaurants, and shops are just a short journey away.

Ticking all the boxes of urban village living and therefore fast emerging as a property hotspot is Cramond – a quaint coastal village situated in the north-west of Edinburgh, at the mouth of the River Almond where it enters the Firth of Forth. A peaceful and picturesque setting, Cramond offers residents an idyllic outdoor lifestyle less than 20 minutes from the capital.

It is here you will find Caer Amon, an award-winning development of luxury apartments from AMA Homes. The 32 ultra high-spec apartments are set within a series of gardens and landscaped courtyards.

The exterior white walls sympathetically echo the whitewashed cottages at Cramond harbour, whilst the interiors have an unmistakably contemporary light and spacious feel. They benefit from zoned underfloor heating and excellent insulation, making them highly energy efficient.

The development was designed by Richard Murphy Architects, a world-renowned practice that has 20 RIBA awards to its name. From the very first Maggies Centre in Edinburgh, which was nominated for the 1997 Stirling Prize, to his own home on Hart Street, which won the RIBA House of the Year in 2016, Richard Murphy has created ground-breaking, innovative buildings, and Caer Amon is no exception.

28 properties at Caer Amon have already sold but house-hunters will be pleased to hear two apartments at Caer Amon have just been re-released; 30/11 Brighouse Park Cross – available now at the fixed price of £820,000, and 29/5 Brighouse Park Cross – available now at a fixed price of £500,000.

Commenting on the rise in popularity of the urban village lifestyle, AMA Homes Director, Behnam Afshar, said; ‘What we are witnessing is a major shift in the housing market which is directly related to wider changes in peoples’ lifestyles.

‘Urban village living offers the best of both worlds and nowhere is this better encapsulated than at Caer Amon – a peaceful neighbourhood in a stunning coastal location, a mere five miles from all that the Scottish capital has to offer.’

According to Behnam, the fast-paced property market shows no sign of easing up as we enter the New Year, therefore homebuyers interested in finding out more about urban village life at Caer Amon are advised to book a viewing in the first instance, strictly by appointment only.

2020 may have been an unpredictable year, with many homebuyers questioning their priorities, but it is clear from the performance of the property market that urban village living will continue to provide the ideal answer for many in 2021 and beyond.

Residents celebrate Scotland’s national day with pride

BUBBLED-UP pensioners at a care home are proudly flying the Saltire flag as a week of dedicated activity culminates in a glamorous St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh Ball today (30 November).

Thanks to the hard work and creativity of its lifestyle and kitchen team, Edinburgh’s Cramond Residence has enabled a bumper week of patriotic activities in the lead up to the celebration of Scotland’s patron saint.

This has included heather and tartan broach making, bunting making, an interactive history presentation, Gaelic lessons and a ceilidh dancing tutorial and practice – all helping its community enjoy the ball while keeping stimulated, engaged and active.

The ball will feature a traditional haggis neeps and tatties lunch with ingredients from local suppliers, along with a dram of whisky – and a virtual ceilidh performance.

Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Co-ordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “In these times it is lovely to see our home pull together and really revel in the spirit of St Andrew’s Day.

“It’s been very educational too – and the residents feel great pride in their roots, the historic Scottish language, traditional dances – and of course the food and drink.

“The whole team are looking forward to the ball – a big celebration is something all of our residents deserve.”

Activities are resident-led and aim to make life as fun and fulfilling as possible. The Lifestyle Team are continually looking for new exciting and engaging activities to implement into each month’s carefully-planned programme.

The home has even recently arranged a Grand Tour of Scotland thanks to a tie-up with the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), bringing virtual tours of many of Scotland’s best attractions, including the National Galleries of Scotland, Rosslyn Chapel and the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum to the home over the coming weeks.

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents utilising a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

Each resident enjoys a luxury room with en-suite bathroom facilities. The Care Home maintains a minimum ratio of 1:4 of care staff to residents during the day.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Local groups receive awards for Keeping Scotland Beautiful

The efforts of 14 Edinburgh groups have been acknowledged by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful at an online seminar yesterday.

North Edinburgh is well represented among these green-fingered groups, with awards for Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Fresh Start Growers, Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Friends of Lauriston Castle Estate, Friends of Starbank Park and North Edinburgh Arts Gardening Group.

The other capital groups to receive awards are Balerno Village Gardeners, Craigentinny Community Gardening Project, Craigentinny Primary Parent Council, Friends of Morningside Cemetery, Friends of Saughton Park, Inch View Care Home, Inspiring Hillside and Northfield Community Growing Group.

Annually Keep Scotland Beautiful runs two community environmental improvement programmes in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society; the competitive Beautiful Scotland campaign and the It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative.

In total 197 groups, those who would in previous years have been out creating and maintaining community gardens or allotments, looking after habitats for wildlife and adopting streets, have been issued with Certificates of Recognition for the work volunteers and supporters did manage to carry out to brighten up and pull their neighbourhoods together during this year’s health pandemic.

A full list of the 14 groups from Edinburgh can be found in the attached table (below).

Edinburgh-groupsDownload

Faced with the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of communities and individuals across Edinburgh. 

Throughout lockdown and the following months, groups have worked tirelessly to improve their communities through horticulture, environmental responsibility and working in partnership for the benefit of residents, visitors and our natural environment. 

Despite circumstances this year, 47 new entrants were welcomed to the network, and although judging and mentoring visits were not able to take place due to restrictions across Scotland, groups were still supported with online seminars, networking events, question and answer sessions and a weekly e-newsletter.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said, “We know that lockdown resulted in many people reconnecting with green and blue spaces local to them.  Yet, it has also been a particularly challenging year for the communities who strive every year to protect and enhance the places they live and work in. 

“We have been amazed by the desire of communities, volunteers and local authorities to stay connected, motivated and inspired by each other, all with a steadfast determination to do things to make a difference, even if this had to be done differently this year.  

“I’d like to thank all the groups in Edinburgh for the efforts they have made to keep Scotland beautiful this year.”

Although many of the groups had to stop or curtail their planned activities for the year, we have been blown away by what they have managed to achieve – whether that be setting up a food bank, encouraging and supporting others to grow their own, creating virtual garden tours, connecting their members through online catch ups and keeping their neighbourhoods bright and cheerful. 

Andrea Van Sittart, RHS Head of Community Outreach said: “It’s truly inspiring that so many Scottish communities continued to support others in need this year.

“From a phone box larder in Muthill to planter kits for others in Inverkip, the groups have shown incredible creativity and ingenuity responding to the needs of their diverse communities through this challenging time. Congratulations to all groups on their amazing efforts.”

If you’d like to join the network in 2021, check out the website for inspiration and details on how to get involved:

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/BeautifulScotland or www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/IYN