Suburban living the ‘perfect balance’ for city dwelling family

Striking the perfect balance when it comes to location can be difficult for house hunters, but the charm of suburban living is enticing an increasing number of professionals and families to the outskirts of the city.

Stuart Brown, 41, and his partner Lucy Forbes, 29, recently took the plunge and moved out of the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh to its leafy outskirts at David Wilson Homes’ Cammo Meadows development.

The couple, who both work as estate agents, weren’t necessarily looking for a new build apartment, just one that had three bedrooms and plenty of living space – a feature that has worked in their favour since welcoming their first child earlier this year.

Stuart, who is originally from Glasgow, said: “Lucy and I agreed that we needed more space, so decided to take the plunge and move from Morningside to the outskirts of Edinburgh.

“We were looking for a three-bed property with some green space close by, and good transport links as we both work in the city centre. As estate agents, we had a rough idea of what we wanted, but we weren’t set on any particular area or house type.

“From the minute we walked into the Shearwater show home, we knew this was the apartment for us. It felt like home. The location, the high-quality finishing touches and the three spacious bedrooms ticked all the boxes for us. We didn’t know at the time, but the ample space would end up being essential as we welcomed our little one to the family.

“The flooring and finishes were also to our liking, meaning minimum work required from us and we could move straight in. However, the living space was what really sold the property. Our apartment has an open-plan kitchen/living area which leads out onto its own terrace. The airy layout really enhances and connects the space, with plenty of light coming from the number of windows throughout.

“We’ve just experienced winter in our new home and, because we get a lot of sun through the windows, we’ve found this helped keep the apartment cosy. It’s a much more energy-efficient property than our last home.”

When they aren’t relaxing in their open-plan living space or on their suntrap terrace, the family venture out into the local area.

Cammo Meadows benefits from having Cammo Estate back onto the development, providing residents and four-legged friends with an array of woodland trails and scenic routes. Cramond’s golden sands are also just a ten-minute drive from the development.

Stuart said: “The development is well located next to Cammo Estate, which has been great for walks at weekends.

“The City Bypass and motorway are also nearby so it’s been easy for us to drive into town or travel to Glasgow or St Andrews to see family and friends. Lucy’s family live just five minutes down the road too, which is always handy with a little one!”

When it came to the final touches, Lucy and Stuart had no doubts that the apartment would be perfect from the 5-star house builder due to the care and attention to detail the builders and the David Wilson Homes team had taken.

Stuart added: “It helped that the buying and moving in process was straightforward – the team quickly responded to any queries and provided clear information on our new apartment as soon as they had it. We really couldn’t fault the customer service.

“Initiatives such as free flooring and a contribution towards our deposit were also massively beneficial in helping us get our key in the door – especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

“As a family, we are thoroughly enjoying living in the suburbs. It’s the perfect retreat from busy city life.”

A final phase of apartments launched at Cammo Meadows on Saturday 30th November. Prices start at £272,995 for two and three-bed apartments. For more information on apartments at Cammo Meadows, visit:

 https://www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/dev001558-cammo-meadows-apartments/

CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL LEADER CAMMY DAY RESIGNS

CAMMY DAY STATEMENT:

“I have today resigned as Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council.

“The recent commentary on my personal life is detracting from the important work this Labour-led Council does for the people of Edinburgh.

“It undermines the dedicated efforts of my colleagues and Council officers. That’s why it’s time for me to step aside as Leader.

“It undermines the dedicated efforts of my colleagues and Council officers. That’s why it’s time for me to step aside as Leader.

“I have yet to be contacted by the police but want to reiterate that I will cooperate fully with their ongoing enquiries.

“I am hugely proud of what we’ve achieved for the Capital during my time as leader and truly believe that Edinburgh is a better, fairer city as a result.

“I’m also proud to have led a way of successfully doing politics across divides, finding a way to deliver on our priorities for our people and our city.”

LIB DEM Group leader Kevin Lang commented: “I’m pleased Cllr Day has resigned. The allegations made against him are extremely serious. The police investigation and other processes need to be allowed to run their course.

“For the Council, it’s now important to choose a new Leader who can focus properly on the big issues facing our City. We need to agree a new budget, grapple with a worsening crisis in homelessness, and have a big decision to take next month on the new visitor levy.

“Liberal Democrat councillors will be considering carefully how all of this is best achieved ahead of the next Council meeting and the election of a new Leader.”

Timberbush Tours embarks on job creation and new investment round

25 new jobs to be created as coach tour operator extends coach fleet with £2.5m investment

The exponential growth of coach tourism remains strong in Scotland with the country’s leading coach tour operator investing more than £2.5million to enhance and upgrade its coach fleet and seeking to recruit a new generation of driver-guides trained to tell ‘Scotland’s story’.

Timberbush Tours, which specialises in day and multi-day coach trips across Scotland and the North of England as well the private and corporate travel sectors, has placed orders for seventeen new coaches of varying capacity. The new vehicles, from manufacturers MAN, as well as agents BASE Coach Sales and Coachtraders are scheduled for delivery in March and early April.

The vehicles will be distributed across its three Scottish locations – Inverness, Glasgow and its Granton, Edinburgh hub.

Additionally, the company is about to embark on a recruitment drive. It is seeking to employ driver guides who will be trained by the company to enhance the visitor experience. Driver guides provide a fun and informative insight into Scotland’s historical places of interest, ancient culture, and breath-taking natural landscapes.

In total, Timberbush Tours will look to recruit and train 25 driver guides, to be based at each of its centres.

Commenting on its new investment round and recruitment strategy, Steve Spalding, CEO of Timberbush Tours, said: “We are excited to invest in new state-of-the-art vehicles to bolster our fleet and they’ll be manned by driver guides who we consider to be the best in the Scottish coach tour business.

“Our training will be intensive and rigorous in preparation for the season ahead.

“We want our customers to see the very best of Scotland narrated by driver guides who inject fun and their own personality into the experience whilst they sit back and enjoy the experience of travelling in the most environmentally advanced coaches available.” 

Drylaw Good Apples: Drop-In session

MONDAY 16 DECEMBER from 4 – 6pm at DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Anyone interested in finding out more about our wonderful new project in the secret Orchards in Drylaw – we are having a drop-in session to talk about what you would be interested in doing. We will be offering special activities for children and adults.

Come and meet the new Good Apples, Alia ( youth worker), Paul ( gardener) and Natalie (project lead) for a chat, apple pie and mulled apple juice.

Monday 16th Dec 4-6pm drop-in at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

No need to book- all ages welcome!

Sean Woodburn Memorial Trust support for local footballers

Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Denise Syme of the Shaun Woodburn Memorial Trust for their very generous donation of £1,465.

This donation will go towards helping our teams who are travelling to Craig Tara Tournament in May 2025.

The purpose of the Shaun Woodburn Memorial Trust was to raise funds for children up to 18 yrs of age and to help them in any sporting endeavour that they have. The fund is registered as an SCIO in Scotland and is registered with the appropriate government bodies.

The funds generated by the Trust will be used to help individuals, and clubs to purchase equiptment to be used in any sporting endeavour, football, rugby, hockey, basketball etc, these funds will only be used within Edinburgh and the Lothians and focusing on the more under priveliged areas of our community.

Shaun was a very talented young man, and not only in a sporting sense.

He regularly sponsored and mentored others in various ways , particularly fitness, and the trustees are all family and close friends of Shaun , and as such we are determined to keep his legacy going forward into the future.

Thank you from all at Craigroyston CYFC

Mum shares her struggle with grief and suicidal thoughts in a bid to help others unable to cope with loss this Christmas

Wendy Chambers, a mum from Glasgow, has opened up about her struggles with grief that led to suicidal thoughts before receiving free bereavement support she says saved her life.

Wendy has bravely shared a video detailing her experience in the hope it will help others struggling to cope with the death of a loved one by reaching out to Cruse Scotland, the bereavement support charity she turned to for help that “pulled her from a very, very dark place.”

In the video, shared across the charity’s social media accounts, Wendy opens up about how she suffered the loss of both parents just 10 weeks apart during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Her way of coping was to make herself so incredibly busy; helping others, working extra hours, and studying for a Master’s degree – to ultimately avoid her grief. After two years, however, the pain and unresolved grief had built up so much, it almost cost the mum her own life.

Wendy said: “My days were literally full from morning ‘til night and I didn’t have any time to think. That coping mechanism lasted until August 2022, when my life and my head were so busy that I planned to take my own life.

“That’s when I contacted Cruse Scotland, and they provided me with face-to-face counselling support.”

Wendy has chosen to share her story now as she knows Christmas is a time when loss is felt particularly acutely and wants to raise awareness of the bereavement support available to others who may be going through a similar, painful experience. Wendy also hopes to inspire others to donate to the charity to keep the vital services free and accessible for all who may need them.

In a written blog she also has published on the charity’s website, Wendy recalled how tough that first Christmas without her parents was:

“I remember standing in a queue with a basket full of gifts for my daughter, Mia, when I noticed a box of my Mum’s favourite chocolates – Walnut Whips.

My first instinct was to grab a box as a stocking filler, and as I reached out my hand, that pain of loss swept over me once again and I just crumbled right there in the queue, sobbing loudly, tears streaming down my face, the folk around me just staring not sure what to say or do.”

Fiona Arnott-Barron, CEO of Cruse Scotland, said: “Wendy’s story is really alarming – a vibrant woman who was so overwhelmed by her grief that she considered suicide.”

“More alarming however, is that Wendy’s story is not unique. Sadly in Cruse Scotland, we hear stories like hers every single day. Our Helpline is there to listen and support people who are so devastated by the death of someone close that they cannot imagine continuing without them.

“This vital support can only be given to children, young people and adults in Scotland if we have the funds to provide this service for everyone who needs us. If we cannot raise enough funds, then the harsh reality is people like Wendy may not be able to get the support they need. And so, this Christmas we are asking; Will you be a life saver?”

The charity say that even a donation of £10 can save a life – as that covers the cost of a one-hour call to their bereavement Helpline from someone who is in desperate need of support, just like Wendy was.

Wendy added; “Cruse Scotland pulled me from a very, very dark place and saved me from myself, and for that I will always be grateful.”

If you need support with your grief, to hear Wendy’s story, or if you are in a position to donate to Cruse Scotland this Christmas, visit www.crusescotland.org.uk/christmas

EVOC announces new CEO

EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council) is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Crawford

Following a comprehensive recruitment process, led by EVOC’s Board and involving representatives from the Third Sector and Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface partners (Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network and Volunteer Edinburgh), Bruce will take up the CEO position today – Monday 9 December 2024. 

Bruce brings a breadth of strategic leadership experience to the role, as a CEO, Trustee and Volunteer. As Director of Grange Associates, he has supported charities and social enterprises to develop and succeed, offering advice in a range of areas including governance, strategy, policy, change management, diversity, risk management, business planning and sustainability.

As Chief Executive for Scottish Curling, Bruce led successful negotiations that secured £2m funding for covid recovery from the Scottish Government and played a key role in developing strategies and campaigns to ensure that the Olympic profile and success were capitalised to maximum effect.

He is also a member of the Sustainability Committee for World Curling and is the chair of the James Gillespie’s Trust. 

Diarmaid Lawlor (EVOC Convenor) said: ““We are delighted to appoint Bruce to lead EVOC. This has been a competitive and thorough recruitment process.

“The core of strong Third Sector organisations is clear purpose, tangible impacts, sustainable finance, and, particularly relevant to this situation, great people.

“Bruce’s appointment completes EVOC’s internal staffing restructure and we look forward to working with him and the wider Third Sector to finalise our strategic priorities, working towards ‘a strong sector for a strong city’.”

Responding to news of his appointment, Bruce said: “I am delighted to be appointed to lead EVOC as its new CEO, working with the staff and board, listening to members and consulting with stakeholders as we support the voluntary organisations that serve our communities.

“I am looking forward to hearing from colleagues across the sector as we develop our new strategy and set priorities, which will help us to make an impact and address the challenges that lie ahead.”

Free Concert: Bach’s Magnificat at St Mary’s Episcopal Catherdral

SUNDAY 15th DECEMBER at 3.30pm

🎵 Don’t miss our upcoming performance of J.S. Bach’s famous Magnificat!

✨ Free-entry! No need to book to hear this beautiful choral music!

❄️ This liturgical performance will be interspersed with short readings for Advent.

https://tinyurl.com/5359me5s

Deja Vu: Nominations open for Colinton Fairmilehead by-election

Nominations opened on Friday (6 December) for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election.

The by-election is being held following the resignations of Councillor Marco Biagi (SNP) and Councillor Louise Spence (Lib Dems) last month.  

On Thursday 23 January 2025, Colinton/Fairmilehead residents will go to the polls to elect two new councillors to represent the ward which also includes Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston.

The current electorate is 19,907 and turnout at the most recent by-election was 37.4%.

A Formal Notice of Election was also published today explaining how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are on the Electoral Register. 

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Tuesday 17 December.

Returning Officer for the City of Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said:The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period for the Colinton / Fairmilehead ward.

“I would urge all residents in the ward to make sure they are registered and have their details or preference of how they would like to vote up to date in plenty of time.

“Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 23 January 2025. Details of these will be announced in due course.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can give a rank to as many or as few candidates as they like.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election. Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 7 January 2025, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is Wednesday 8 January 2025, and for a proxy vote the deadline is Wednesday 15 January 2025.

Chancellor calls for business-like relationship with EU

  • Rachel Reeves calls for business-like relationship with the EU to drive more trade, support businesses and boost economic growth that benefits working people
  • Chancellor to put making working people better off at the heart of economic reset with the EU
  • Reeves to be the first UK Chancellor to address EU finance ministers since the UK left the EU

Making working people better off must be the aim of our economic reset with the EU, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will tell a meeting of finance ministers in Brussels today.

Reeves becomes the first UK Chancellor to attend a meeting of EU finance ministers since the UK left the EU – a clear signal of the UK Government’s commitment to reset the relationship with the EU and realise the economic potential of our shared future.

In her speech, the Chancellor will set out that part of the government’s mission to drive economic growth and make working people better off, a central part of our Plan for Change, will be achieved through a closer relationship with the European Union.

She will talk to three key areas of the UK-EU relationship: tackling shared challenges, including the war in Ukraine; championing free trade as a driver of economic competitiveness; and strengthening bilateral economic partnerships.

She will go on to say that by taking these on together, we can have a meaningful impact on putting more money in people’s pockets through lower prices and better jobs through increased investment.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will say: “This is the first time a British Chancellor has addressed the Eurogroup since Brexit. And there could be no more important moment to do so, than now.

“It is a signal of the new UK Government’s commitment to resetting our country’s relationship with the European Union; and the importance I place in realising the economic potential of our shared future.”

She will add: “I know that the last few years have been fractious. Division and chaos defined the last government’s approach to Europe. It will not define ours.

“We want a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and pragmatism. A mature, business-like relationship where we can put behind us the low ambitions of the past and move forward, focused instead on all that we have in common.

“And all that we might achieve together to keep our countries safe, secure and prosperous.”

On strengthening economic ties, she will say: “I believe that a closer economic relationship between the UK and the EU is not a zero-sum game. It’s about improving both our growth prospects.

“The reset in relations is about doing what is the best interests of our shared economies and those that depend on it.

“That means breaking down barriers to trade, creating opportunities to invest and helping our businesses sell in each other’s markets.

“That’s why I’m here today; that’s what our reset seeks to achieve.”

Ms. Reeves will also underscore the importance of the UK and EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine over 1,000 days since Russia’s invasion, delivered most recently through a G7 loan of $50bn backed by the extraordinary profits on immobilized Russian sovereign assets. She will say that Ukraine’s national security ensures the UK and Europe’s national security too.

While in Brussels, the Chancellor will also attend a series of bilateral meetings with European counterparts. International economic partnerships are a crucial part of the government’s number one mission to grow the economy and make every part of the UK better off.

There will no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement. But, following their meeting on 2 October, the Prime Minister and President of the European Commission Ursula von de Leyen agreed to strengthen the UK-EU relationship and put it on a more solid, stable footing.

The EU reset feeds directly into the government’s Plan for Change to be achieved via its five missions – one of which is growth. The reset will help contribute to the government’s ambitions to grow the economy, invest to create an NHS fit for the future and tackle irregular migration.

The UK and the EU share the world’s second largest trading relationship, facilitating over £660 billion (€750 billion) in trade each year. The UK and EU countries together also comprise 24 of NATO’s 32 allies, united in a commitment to collective security.

The government will publish a Trade Strategy in 2025, renewing the government’s commitment to free and open trade.

It will support the government’s Industrial Strategy and Net Zero ambitions and enhance economic security. As part of this, the government will work with the EU to identify areas where the government can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, including the economy, energy, security and resilience.

Global partnerships are crucial to the UK government, with direct benefit to the domestic economy – the International Investment Summit held in October secured a record breaking £63 billion of investment and nearly 38,000 jobs are set to be created across the UK as a result.

Today’s Eurogroup attendance comes after Reeves’ speech at Mansion House in November, where she set out that advocating free and open trade especially with economically important partners was in the UK’s national interest. Reeves’ visit to Brussels comes ahead of her next international visit, which will be to Beijing in the new year.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “If our economy is to grow then we must export more. That’s why we urgently need a better trading relationship with our closest and biggest market, the European Union. The current arrangement isn’t working for our members. 

“Right now, UK firms wanting to trade with Europe are struggling under huge regulatory and paperwork burdens.   

“Businesses will be encouraged to hear the Chancellor talking about a reset in our relationship with the EU which genuinely breaks down barriers to trade.  

“A better deal can’t come soon enough for UK exporters. It’s vital that talks move at pace in the coming months to make life easier for businesses to thrive.”