Category: South Queensferry

Barnardo’s Bridge adventure adds ‘Ultimate Experience’ for lucky few

‘Your View on the Forth Bridge is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for those lucky enough to secure a ticket’

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has brought joy to thousands and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Scotland’s leading children’s charity. And now, after a six-year hiatus, the famous Barnardo’s Scotland ‘Your View’ event atop the iconic Forth Bridge is bringing back its much-coveted ‘Ultimate Experience’.

Your View – now in its seventh year – affords members of the public one of the most sought after and unique experiences in Scotland; namely the chance to ascend 361 feet up the historic bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.

This memorable experience has brought joy to thousands and raised vital funds for the work of Barnardo’s Scotland.

In addition to the popular Your View event over three days in September, the reprised Ultimate Experience, which is limited to a lucky few ticket holders, provides an extended tour which affords visitors the chance to stand at track level of the legendary bridge for some amazing photo opportunities.

And that’s not all: Thereafter, visitors will descend another level for a bridge walk under the railway track on the pathway out on to the Forth.

This remarkable experience culminates with refreshments and a certificate during a further historic talk and exhibition of historical artifacts in the 1930s-listed Bothy which most people will have never even spotted even if they have crossed the bridge many times. This 2½-hour ultimate experience will be offered twice a day across the weekend.

Your View 2025, which is run in conjunction with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, will take place from Friday, 19th to Sunday, 21st September, with tickets going on sale at 10am tomorrow (Monday 16th June).

To date, more than 6,000 visitors have experienced the event and there have been around a dozen marriage proposals on the vertiginous viewing platform.

Best of all, though, the event has raised more than £375,000 to fund the work of Barnardo’s Scotland. To find out more, or to book tickets for the event, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.

This year’s Your View event also coincides with a celebration of 200th anniversary of the railway and the 10th anniversary of the Forth Bridge gaining World Heritage status.

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Your View is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for those lucky enough to secure a ticket. Not only is it a never-to-be-forgotten experience for those atop the iconic bridge, it is also a crucial fundraiser for Barnardo’s Scotland as we continue to support children, young people and their families throughout the country, notably in our fostering service.

“Right now, Scotland is facing a foster care crisis at an unprecedented rate, with too many children still entering the care system and an insufficient number of loving homes to accommodate them. The impact of the crisis is felt most by children in the care system. Without enough potential foster homes, children are already at risk of being placed in unsuitable situations as a last resort.

“As I am often reminded, tickets for Your View sell out very quickly indeed, so I would urge all of those keen to attend to sign up as quickly as possible. The return of the ‘Ultimate Experience’ this year is particularly exciting as it really does give one a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the bridge that only a precious view people will ever get to witness.

“Your View would not be possible without the generosity of Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, and I wish to thank both organisations and our wonderful volunteers for making this special weekend happen.”

Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s Director of Engineering and Asset Management, added: “Few landmarks are as instantly recognisable and deeply cherished as the Forth Bridge, and as proud custodians, we couldn’t be happier to open it up for such a unique and special event.

“It’s a rare privilege to experience the bridge up close, and even more meaningful knowing that every step to the top supports the incredible work Barnardo’s Scotland does for children and families. We’re delighted again to support this fantastic event and look forward to welcoming visitors up on to one of Scotland’s most iconic structures.”

Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve.

“The Your View event is one example of how we do just that, raising valuable funds to support disadvantaged children and families in Scotland.

“It has been an honour to work alongside Barnardo’s Scotland once again, to offer members of the public this memorable experience on one of the most iconic, unique and admired structures in the world – the Forth Bridge.”

Also featuring over the weekend will be the famous ‘Briggers’. The Briggers are a Forth Bridge research and presentation group of volunteers based in South Queensferry.

Named after the bridge workers, the group was formed to identify the names of the 73 men and boys who died constructing the Forth Bridge, they provide details on the history of the bridge and the people involved in its construction.

For more information on this year’s Your View event, please visit: 

www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.

For more information on becoming a foster carer with Barnardo’s in Scotland, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/foster, or call 08000 277 280. The charity’s friendly and supportive staff are available from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

At Barnardo’s, our purpose is clear: Changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful. Last year, we worked with thousands of children across Scotland through more than 150 services and partnerships.

Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK. This included 150-plus services in Scotland.

For more than 150 years, we’ve been here for the children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong.

Over the course of the financial year 2023-24, more than 16,000 people volunteered for Barnardo’s across the UK – a total of 1.7 million hours of their time. To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.

Tomorrow: Edinburgh to host The Great British Care Cycle Relay

Cycling adventure begins at Glencairn Care Home to shine a light on the care services at the heart of every community

The Great British Care Cycle Relay, which celebrates the care services at the heart of every community, is set kick off at Glencairn Care Home in The Grange, Edinburgh at 9.00am tomorrow – Thursday 12 June.

It includes five individual, day-long cycle rides in Scotland, England and Wales totalling around 500km, with colleagues, supporters and families of all ages and abilities taking part and visiting care services enroute.

Eleven cyclists, including one from Renaissance Care, are taking part in the Scottish leg of the relay. The group will cycle a 123km loop, passing through Stenhousemuir and Winchburgh and visiting care homes such as Canmore Lodge Care Home in Dunfermline, Caledonian Court in Larbert and Linlithgow Care Home. The cyclists will also stop off at Alzheimer Scotland’s new and expanded facilities in the city.

The Great British Care Cycle Relay also takes in a 94km York route through North Yorkshire, a 103km Nottingham route in the Midlands, a 125km route through Cardiff and South Wales and a 110km finale from Brighton to London on 16 June. By the end, Championing Social Care expects over 70 cyclists to have been involved.

The end of the relay marks the start of Care Home Open Week 2025 (16 to 22 June), which aims to highlight the amazing work that is modern care.

Ian Condie from Dunfermline is taking part in the race with his wife Jenny, he said: “We’re looking forward to the cycle, but with a little trepidation!

“At 123 kilometres, it’ll be the longest distance we’ve ridden on our tandem this year, although as part of the route goes through Fife, it will be familiar territory for us.

“This is a cause close to our hearts, as having lost my 98-year-old mum in January after a short illness, we’ve had first-hand experience of the fantastic job those involved in the care sector do for both those receiving care and their families. Mum as a resident at Orchardhead Care Home in Rosyth for the last couple of years and had been happy and well looked after there. It’s good to give something back.”

Organiser of The Great British Care Cycle Relay, Championing Social Care, is encouraging those people who want to take part, but are not cyclists, to instead to cheer the riders on as pass by or help give them a warm reception when they visit care homes enroute.

The care home gatherings will provide an opportunity for the cyclists to connect with fellow colleagues, share stories, and enjoy the contagious enthusiasm that radiates throughout the relay.

Championing Social Care Trustee and Founder and Chair of the Great British Care Cycle Relay, Vishal Shah said: “The Great British Care Cycle Race is a fabulous precursor to Care Home Open Week.

“It’s now its third year and our largest one yet. It connects the joy of cycling with visiting the incredible care services at the heart of communities up and down the country. The aim is to bring more of the general public closer to understanding what it’s actually like to live and work in care and help dispel the negative narratives that often are shared.

“As a keen cyclist, any opportunity to get on a bike is always taken, but this relay is particularly special. My motivation for taking part stems from a deeply personal connection, as my grandmother lived with dementia and received incredible support from social care, which enabled her to live a life of quality and purpose.

“We were supported as family to not only navigate this journey but also enjoy the special connections and memories that we continued to create and share together.”

Robert Kilgour, Chairman of Renaissance Care said: “We’re proud to host the launch event here at Glencairn Care Home. Care homes play a vital role within communities delivering essential support to older adults and easing pressure on the wider health and social care system. 

“Every day, our dedicated staff bring compassion, expertise, and commitment to promoting the physical and emotional wellbeing of our residents. We’re extremely proud of the work they do, and this event is a welcomed opportunity to shine a light on the outstanding work happening across the social care sector.”

In 2024, over 5,500 care services took part in Care Home Open Week, which represents around a third of the total number of homes in the country. It is hoped this year’s event will have even higher participation from care services, communities and government ministers.

Local cruise ship levy could raise over £1 million for Edinburgh

A cruise ship levy could help to ensure residents benefit from Edinburgh’s popularity as a cruise ship stop.

In a formal response to be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy consultation, the council has expressed strong support in principle for a levy to help it manage tourism sustainably at Edinburgh’s ports.

The response also calls for any legislation to be based on evidence and involve greater consultation with ports and the cruise ship industry, as well as close working with other local authorities and regional partners.

Close to 217,500 cruise ship passengers visit Edinburgh and the region annually, with a significant number docking in Leith, Newhaven and South Queensferry. Currently, passengers are exempt from paying local visitor levies.

While any legislation to introduce a national Cruise Ship Levy is still to be developed, comparisons to similar sized destinations suggest it could raise over one million pounds for Edinburgh and the region.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Next summer we’ll become the first city in Scotland to launch a visitor levy, but under the Scottish Government’s legislation cruise ship passengers will be exempt.

“We consider it fair to treat all overnight visitors to Edinburgh the same, whether they choose to stay in a hotel, a short-term let, a campsite or a cruise ship.

“With public finances under increasing pressure, we believe this legislation should be used to empower councils to raise more income locally to better manage cruise ship tourism and pollution in our waters. As such, income raised should be ringfenced for the local area.

“In our waters we’re seeing more ships docking year on year, larger ships, and with that comes an environmental impact. Cruise ship tourism affects local communities and services just as other tourism does.”

You can view the City of Edinburgh Council’s draft response to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy Consultation.

A final version will be submitted shortly, including amendments agreed at a meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 27 May.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals ‘deliver significant benefits to city and Scotland’

Early-bird tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession on sale Friday, 30 May at 10am

Ahead of releasing early-bird tickets for this year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and the ever popular Torchlight Procession on Friday at 10am, event organisers Unique Assembly today publish the report on Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals 2024-25.

Encompassing both Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay New Year festival, the report highlights the substantial positive impact these events have on both the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole. 

Created and designed by Unique Assembly on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council, the seven weeks of winter events and attractions not only brought festive cheer to residents and visitors to the city who came together to enjoy the capitals world famous celebrations, but also provided significant economic and community benefits which continue to impact positively year-round.

Visitors to the city centre enjoyed a feast of festive fun in the heart of the capital – discovering the traditional Christmas Market including the iconic Christmas Wheel and Around the World Starflyer, visiting the outdoor Ice Skating and new Ice Bar experience, enjoying family funfair rides and illumination trails, watching live music concerts, festive shows and community events, and of course that all-important visit from Santa himself. 

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals continues to support local communities with over 160 local community groups and charities engaged with through the Edinburgh’s Christmas Schools & Communities Initiative, distributing more than 8,000 free community tickets and ride tokens to people across the city.

In addition, being a platform for local talent and community events is an important part of Edinburgh’s Christmas, including the Winter Windows Schools Competition, which showcased artwork by pupils from 24 schools, displayed beneath the Castle in the beautiful setting of Princes Street Gardens.

While many people want to join and enjoy the city centre festivities it is not that simple for some and therefore a new Silent Light Projection Show brought Christmas cheer and festive illumination to communities across the city.

In 2024, working with the Council’s Education Team, the Winter festivals were able to bring that cheer to Granton Primary School, Stockbridge Primary School, Gilmerton Community Centre and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. 

EWF24-25 – UAL POST EVENT REPORT final May 25Download

The report underscores the Winter Festivals’ commitment to the local community through its charity partnerships. 

This year, Edinburgh’s Winter Festival directly raised funds for local charities One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland, supporting crucial work in fighting inequality and homelessness within Edinburgh.

Furthermore, the festivals continued their support, both financial and operational, for Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness and When You Wish Upon a Star through the annual Santa Fun Run, confirming the commitment of both organisers and festivalgoers to giving back.

The Concert in the Gardens also played a role in charitable giving, with donations from ticket buyers for supporting Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Overall more than £15,000 was donated by visitors through both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay events.

While audience and sales data for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was impacted by the cancellation of the major outdoor events, pre-cancellation data confirms that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay continues to attract local audiences (33%) as well as visitors to the city (31% international and 36% from the rest of the UK).

Edinburgh’s Christmas data shows that a similar mix of Edinburgh & Lothians residents (37%), visitors from Scotland (21%) and elsewhere in the UK (32%), while a good number of international visitors (10%) attended this winter. 

Across a total attendance of over 2.8million to Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, strong attendance from international visitors demonstrates the international appeal which not only boosts the local economy but also enhances Scotland’s global tourism profile.

In addition, 74% of market stall traders in the Christmas Markets were Scottish, supporting the local creative crafts, drinks, food and gifts industries both financially and through profile. While 76% of artists and creatives who took part in Edinburgh’s Winter festivals events were local.

In the annual audience survey over 70% of visitors from out with the city cited Edinburgh’s Christmas as the primary reason for travelling to Edinburgh, staying an average of 1.85 nights.

Over 90% of respondents were satisfied to extremely satisfied with their experience with over 95% agreeing that Edinburgh’s Christmas is a valuable and iconic part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, bringing a festive spirit to the city.

90% also said they are more likely to return to Edinburgh during the festival season because of their experience. The average spend was £537 across eating out, attractions, retail and in bars and pubs. 

An increasing number of local residents are taking up their special ticket offer at Edinburgh’s Christmas with 101,500 discounted EH postcode tickets sold this year.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The findings of this report demonstrate that Edinburgh’s world-famous winter festivals don’t only draw a huge international crowd, boosting the economy and adding to the city’s vibrant calendar of events, but, crucially, they deliver significant benefits to Edinburgh’s local communities, businesses and charities.

“This is despite the cancellation of last year’s outdoor events, showing just how far reaching the programme events is. I look forward to finding out more about this year’s plans, which look set to brighten the city in the winter months.” 

Roddy Smith, CEO of Essential Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals are a crucial period for our city centre and again it is very pleasing to see our residents and visitors coming in such large numbers. 

“With such a varied and appealing Festival programme, combined with the high quality hospitality and retail offering in the city centre, Edinburgh continues to be an attractive destination to enjoy the festive season.  We are already looking forward to what’s in store for this year.”

Louise MacLean, Business Development Director, Signature Group, said: “The Winter Festivals in Edinburgh provide a vital boost for hospitality in December. The surge in footfall, driven by visitors seeking festive entertainment, food, and drink, brings a much-needed increase in sales to all our venues across Edinburgh but particularly George Street and the New Town.

“Since the eastward shift in footfall with the appeal of St James, the Winter programme is not just welcomed by us, it’s crucial to our Christmas trade which often sustains us through the hard month of January. 

“We can plan for this due to knowing that Unique Assembly’s festivals will bring revellers to the city. From there, we must ensure these visitors become our guests.”

Despite the cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to weather conditions over the four days, the festival still welcomed significant numbers to its many sold out indoor events with over 25,000 attending over the four days including The Night Afore Concert with Idlewild and the Bairns Revels and New Year Revels in Assembly Rooms, the ever popular Hogmanay Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral, as well as a late addition with Hot Dub Time Machine playing a quickly arranged intimate Hogmanay gig in Assembly Hall.

The new first of  January club nights in Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches closed this year’s festival on New Year’s night.

The popular free New Year’s Day First Footin’ Cultural Trail attracted an audience of over 15,000, including many family groups to 18 venues across the Old and New Towns, this year extending its footprint welcoming Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches into the programme.

First Footin & Sprogmanay presented 44 acts with 298 performers for the event programme, and as part of its participatory music event, Come Away In, renowned folk artist Karine Polwart welcomed 150 participants to join a community choir for uplifting performances on New Year’s Day at St. Giles’ Cathedral. 

Sprogmanay welcomed a family audience of 5,500 to take part in lots of New Year arts, crafts and activities, including magic, dancing unicorns and giant I-puppets through a collaboration with National Museum of Scotland. Free family ceilidhs took place in Assembly Roxy and Portobello Town Hall offering a truly Scottish experience for families on New Year’s Day both in the city and beyond. 

Despite the cancellation of outdoor events, a survey of attendees at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay saw 71% say they were satisfied to extremely satisfied with their festival experience, 93% agreed it is a valuable part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, 89% said the event made them feel proud to be part of Scotland’s celebrations and 90% would recommend Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to friends or family.

Those who travelled to join the celebrations stayed an average of 2.25 nights spending £958 on their stay. 87.5% of visitors spent money on eating out, 79.5% in bars and pubs, 56% on attractions or tours, and 56% on retail. 

The total economic impact of the Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals was calculated last year at £198M, combining the financial impact of both Edinburgh’s Christmas (£150M) and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (£48M).

This represents a return of £244 for every £1 invested by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC funding contribution of £812,456 towards Edinburgh’s Hogmanay), whilst making a significant contribution to the year-round health and prosperity of the city. 

Alan Thomson from Unique Assembly said: “We take a lot of heart from this report that even having lost our outdoor events at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to weather, the Winter Festivals have still delivered not just wonderful and joyful opportunities for people to come together, but also huge benefits for the people of Edinburgh and for Scotland across traders, local families, communities and charities and our tourism businesses.

“We are working on our plans for this coming winter’s celebrations and look forward to sharing those with you very soon.”

This report demonstrates that Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals ‘continue to be a vital asset to the city and Scotland, providing not only memorable experiences but also significant economic benefits and valuable support to local communities and charities’.

Edinburgh based housing association secures £13m funding injection

  • £13m refinancing loan from Royal Bank of Scotland enables Manor Estates Housing Association to continue to maintain and improve the quality of its affordable housing while delivering new homes in South Queensferry.
  • Funding injection forms a key part of the bank’s commitment to invest £7.5bn into the UK affordable housing sector between 1 January 2024 and year-end 2026.     

Manor Estates Housing Association Ltd (MEHA), a registered social landlord and charity based in Edinburgh, is celebrating its 30th anniversary as it secures a £13 million funding injection from Royal Bank of Scotland.

The organisation, which has been providing social housing in Edinburgh since 1995, will use the funding to refinance a former housing loan and the balance will be used to fund MEHA’s mission to maintain and improve the quality of its affordable housing.

With around 1,100 homes across the capital, MEHA has a long-standing commitment to delivering excellent housing services, developing new housing, with effective governance and financial management to secure the long-term future of the organisation. As proof of MEHA’s commitment to housing, they have recently completed the first phase of a new development in South Queensferry.

This support from Royal Bank of Scotland is part of the NatWest Group’s broader ambition for the UK affordable housing sector to fund £7.5bn across the UK between 1 January 2024 and year-end 2026. 

Kathryn Miller, Corporate Services Director & Depute CEO of MEHA, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Royal Bank of Scotland and are looking forward to a long and positive working relationship between both organisations.

“Part of the new funds will help fund improvements in our housing stock over the next few years.’’  

Jamie Landa, Real Estate Finance at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “Royal Bank of Scotland and the wider NatWest Group continues to be one of the leading lenders to the UK social housing sector.

“Manor Estates Housing Association (MEHA) has a long history in providing quality and affordable social housing in key regions of Edinburgh and the East Coast and we are delighted to be able to facilitate further support for their ongoing projects here in Scotland.

“As the organisation enters its 30th year in operation, it is great to help it prepare for the future and create opportunities for more people to enjoy access to affordable social housing.”

This funding injection comes after Royal Bank of Scotland concluded a lending transaction of £19 million for social housing developer Eildon Housing Association, with the Housing Association planning to deliver nearly 800 new homes in the Scottish Borders.

More information on Royal Bank’s social housing ambitions can be found here.

Tough Mudder to take over Edinburgh: 7th June

Scots get ready – Tough Mudder is back, and it’s coming in harder, faster, and muddier than ever before.

On Saturday 7 June 2025, Hopetoun Estate in South Queensferry will play host to one of the grittiest, most adrenaline-pumping obstacle courses in the UK. Just 35 minutes from Edinburgh and 50 minutes from Glasgow, this brand-new location is the ultimate test of strength, endurance, and sheer willpower.

Nestled along the shores of the Firth of Forth, this 6,500-acre playground is unlike anything Tough Mudder Scotland has seen before. Think winding woodland trails, deep mud trenches, beachside terrain, and epic water obstacles that will push you to your absolute limits.

With breathtaking views across to the hills of Fife, don’t let the scenery fool you, this course is designed to break you down before building you back up.

The toughest choice you’ll make all year:

5K – 12+ Obstacles: A fast and furious dose of Tough Mudder action. Shorter? Yes. Easier? Absolutely not. This course packs a serious punch.

15K – 20+ Obstacles: The ultimate challenge for Mudders ready to go the distance. Expect lung-busting climbs, mud-soaked trenches, and brutal obstacles that will push every muscle to its max.

At Tough Mudder Scotland, you don’t just face the obstacles, you conquer them together. From scaling the slippery heights of Everest 2.0 to plunging into the ice-cold shock of Arctic Enema, every challenge is designed to test your Scottish grit.

You’ll haul teammates over the Block Ness Monster, brave the electrifying sprint of Electroshock Therapy, and power through relentless mud trenches – all with the support of fellow Mudders by your side.

This is more than just a race; it’s a brotherhood forged in mud, sweat, and sheer determination.

Located just 35 minutes from Edinburgh and 50 minutes from Glasgow, this one-day event unfolds against the stunning backdrop of Hopetoun Estate, where finishers will receive a commemorative medal, finisher’s t-shirt, and a well-earned sense of accomplishment after conquering the rugged, mud-soaked terrain like no other.

For more information, registration details, and updates, visit: 

https://toughmudder.co.uk/events/scotland/

Scenic family homes come to market amid ‘phenomenal’ interest

Househunters urged to book viewing slots as early as possible for sought-after location

THE newest chapter at one of Edinburgh’s most in-demand residential developments is opening, as a new collection of high-spec family homes are now welcoming viewings.

Riverside Road and Primrose Drive mark an important phase in the transformation at Craigiehall Meadows, where the once abandoned home of the British army, is fast becoming a flourishing community.

Launching on May 3, the development will welcome viewings by appointment, offering buyers a first look at the new, spacious, family-focused homes on offer in one of the capital’s most desirable settings.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, said: “The appetite for Craigiehall Meadows has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we’re thrilled that Hillside is now almost completely sold out, just months after launch.

“We’ve seen demand from a broad range of buyers, but at its heart, the demand comes down to this just being an exceptional place to live, with high-quality homes set in a beautiful setting surrounded by nature.

“In this next phase, we’re offering exactly what many families are searching for, spacious homes at a highly competitive price.

“Riverside Road and Primrose Drive represent the next step up, larger homes with room to grow, and we fully expect interest to soar as buyers see what’s coming next.”

The launch follows the runaway success of Hillside Road, where 26 semi-detached homes were snapped up at an astonishing rate, with just a small number remaining available.

Riverside Road will feature 27 detached homes, comprising 21 four-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom properties.

Buyers can choose from a range of distinctive styles: Holly, Hazel, Oak, and Yew for the four-bedroom homes, and Pine and Alder for the five-bedroom homes, with prices ranging from £550,000 to £600,000. 

Every home has been thoughtfully designed to provide generous space with beautiful, landscaped gardens, quality finishes and modern, energy-efficient features that cater to the needs of growing families.

A short walk away, Primrose Drive will feature eight substantial five-bedroom homes, each of the same luxurious Willow style with prices ranging from £565,000 to £575,000.

These expansive properties will include garages, spacious kitchens and generous living areas and bedrooms all set along a quiet, tree-lined avenue designed to offer privacy and space.

Tzana added: “The show homes give buyers their first chance to truly visualise what life at Riverside Road and Primrose Drive could be like.

“These homes have been meticulously planned with modern family lifestyles in mind. From the modern finishes to spacious gardens, every detail has been considered, and we expect viewing slots to fill very quickly.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since work started on site. The transformation has been nothing short of incredible.

“Hillside is now bustling with new residents and it’s already feeling like a proper community. Seeing families move in, kids playing outside, and people walking their dogs through what was once a closed-off site, it’s a brilliant turnaround.

“There’s a real buzz around the place now and it’s fantastic to see the area thriving again.”

Set against a backdrop of mature woodlands and tracing the banks of the River Almond, Craigiehall Meadows enjoys a rare combination of tranquillity and connectivity.

Just minutes from Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny, it offers families the chance to enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle while remaining well-linked to the capital.

Once the site of the Scottish Army Headquarters, Craigiehall has played a significant role in modern history.

First established in 1939 to house military families, it was instrumental in operations following the German surrender in Norway in 1945 and remained an active base for regiments including The Black Watch until its closure in 2019.

During a recent visit, local MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton praised the transformation, saying: “What I love about the Craigiehall Meadows development is that they are lovingly restoring 1960s housing to the highest specification possible, so that they’ll have a new lease of life where families will enjoy them for decades to come.”

Viewings are strictly by appointment and now open for the Riverside Road and Primrose Drive show home, with appointments available on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May.

Those interested are encouraged to contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 or property@ralphsayer.com to secure a slot, early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

Explore the world heritage on your doorstep with trove.scot

This World Heritage Day, rediscover the Forth Bridge with HES’s new digital portal

In celebration of World Heritage Day on 18 April, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is highlighting how its new platform trove.scot can make it easy and exciting to discover more about the unique World Heritage site of the Forth Bridge.

The  Forth Bridge was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2015. It is one of the world’s greatest cantilever trussed bridges, and was innovative in both style, materials and scale when it was first built. Even today, the distinctive industrial silhouette of the Forth Bridge is iconic across the world.

On trove.scot, visitors can explore archive records and images to walk through the immense process of building the bridge through photographs and artwork, and digitally get into the nooks and crannies that are inaccessible in person.

James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at HES, said: “World Heritage Sites are globally important and part of everyone’s heritage, and we are excited to make them more digitally accessible than ever.

“With trove.scot, both local residents and visitors from all over the world can learn more about this unique and world-famous site.”

Unlock Scotland’s world heritage anytime, anywhere with trove.scot, the key to Scotland’s past.

Tomorrow: Free drumming session at South Queensferry Library

How about some feelgood drumming session this weekend?

@edmcfest director Morgan Njobo is bringing his signature drumming workshop rooted in the South African rhythms to South Queensferry Library at 2pm tomorrow – Saturday 1st March.

No fee/booking required.

@Edinburgh_CC

@TalesOfOneCity

Cala Homes unveils trio of new showhomes in South Queensferry

The homebuilder has unveiled a brand new four-bedroom Showhome of Support, as well a three-bedroom showhome and three-bedroom show apartment at Rosebery Wynd

LOCAL businesses from in and around South Queensferry have been put in the spotlight by Cala Homes (East) as it unveiled its second ‘Showhome of Support’ within the area.  

Situated within the homebuilder’s Rosebery Wynd development off Builyeon Road, the impressive four-bedroom Buchanan townhouse showhome has provided a platform for local retailers to promote their wares and showcase the very best that businesses in the area have to offer.  

The initiative forms part of Cala’s South Queensferry Community Pledge – a bespoke package of community support designed to assist with local projects which bring benefit and value to the local community, in a meaningful and measurable way. 

Expertly designed by the team at Show Business, the showhomes feature items from several local businesses from the area, including: Harbour Lane; Craigies Farm Beacon Stores; Lifestory; Catalog Interiors; The Bonnie Home; An Independent Zebra; Edinburgh Mercantile; Chloe Gardner Art and Ormis.

Jenni Colquhoun, studio manager at Harbour Lane, said: “We were thrilled when Cala approached us to style their new showhome with some of our pieces.

“South Queensferry’s high street is a gem which is filled with unique, vibrant independents that draw people to this truly special area, so it’s fantastic to see a housebuilder of that size celebrating and supporting the businesses at the heart of this community.”

As well as the new Showhome of Support, the award-winning homebuilder has also unveiled a new three-bedroom Balvenie showhome and three-bedroom Almond show apartment which are now available to view at Rosebery Wynd.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Forth Bridges, each of the homes within this new development offer a unique versatility that suit any lifestyle, with flexible spaces perfect for hosting friends and family, working from home or even transforming into a home gym or hobby room.

Homes within this vibrant new community benefit from all the beauty and convenience South Queensferry has to offer, all while being within easy reach of Scotland’s capital. The development perfectly combines semi-rural and urban city living, with Edinburgh just 20 minutes away by train and excellent commuter links to Fife and beyond.

What’s more, the development is surrounded by plenty of green space and is positioned within close proximity to a number of walking and cycling routes, as well as excellent local schools and a range of amenities, including independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Elaine Doyle, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We’re delighted to showcase the incredible talent of South Queensferry’s local businesses through our new Showhome of Support at Rosebery Wynd.

“This initiative is a key part of our South Queensferry Community Pledge, and by featuring locally sourced items from various artisans in our new four-bedroom Buchanan townhouse, we’re providing a unique platform for these businesses to showcase the best of their wares.

“With the addition of our new three-bedroom showhome and three-bedroom show apartment at Rosebery Wynd, we’re excited to offer even more choices for prospective buyers, whether it be first time buyers, downsizers or growing families alike.

“We expect demand for these homes to be high, so I would recommend to anyone who is interested in making the move to South Queensferry to book a viewing appointment with a member of our expert sales team, who will be able to discuss the range of incentives Cala can offer.”

The four-bedroom Buchanan Showhome of Support is available to view now, as well as the three-bedroom Balvenie and three-bedroom Almond apartment. To book a viewing, visit the Cala Homes website or call the sales team on 0131 608 5652.

Prices for two-, three- and four-bedroom homes at Rosebery Wynd start from £249,995 and £434,995. To find out more, visit: www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/rosebery-wynd-south-queensferry

Cala’s Showhome of Support initiative is one of many activities designed to bring meaningful and measurable benefit to South Queensferry through the town’s Community Pledge.

The housebuilder is currently supporting Queensferry and District Community Council’s (QDCC) ‘Community Chest’, which will see a total of £5,000 distributed to local organisations in 2025.

Groups can apply for up to £1,000 of funding until the deadline on Thursday, 31 December 2024. To apply, visit the application form link on the QDCC website.

To learn more about the South Queensferry Community Pledge, go to: 

www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/queensferry-heights-south-queensferry/community-pledge