Category: South Queensferry

School song created as part of project between Edinburgh Napier and Echline Primary

Project fosters creativity alongside leaving legacy for Primary Seven pupils

A project involving pupils from Echline Primary School and students and staff from Edinburgh Napier University has hit the right note with the creation of a new school song.

Echline Feels Like Home has been written, performed and recorded by primary seven pupils at the school, supported by staff and students from Edinburgh Napier’s music department.

The song – which is now available on Spotify – was devised over a number of writing sessions within the primary school before being recorded by around 50 pupils in June at a studio within the University’s Merchiston-based School of Arts and Creative Industries.

The project – which was the brainchild of Edinburgh Napier music academic Dr Zack Moir and his brother Jude Moir, headteacher at Echline Primary School – saw the pupils work with Edinburgh Napier music education students and embrace their creativity to write and produce the song which will now be left as a legacy gift to the school to be sung for years to come.

The song itself features lines such as ‘We are friends ‘til the very end, and we’re always there to show we really care’ as the primary seven pupils were encouraged to reminisce on their time at the school and sing about some of their favourite experiences from throughout the last seven years.

The project gave Edinburgh Napier music education students a valuable opportunity of working in a school setting and teaching pupils about writing songs and producing music.

The backing track to the song was recorded and performed by a number of Edinburgh Napier music students as they too gained valuable performing, working with young people, and collaborative project experience.

Dr Zack Moir, Associate Professor of Music at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It was great to be able to create an opportunity for our music education students to get into a school and work with these excellent young people.

“It was beautiful for me and my colleague Bryden Stillie to get to see our students running workshops, leading writing sessions, and just getting the pupils to feel excited about music and helping them to really believe that they are capable of writing songs and singing!”

Jude Moir, Headteacher at Echline Primary School, said: “The project was fantastic from start to finish. It allowed us to think deeply about our values as a school, and what aspirations we had for the future.

“Working alongside the University students gave the project authenticity and made the creative process very real and exciting. This is something the children will remember forever, and the fact we can listen on Spotify was the icing on the cake.”

The full track is now available to stream at numerous places online including Spotify.

UCI Cycling Men’s Elite Road Race: Road closures announced

SUNDAY 6th AUGUST

The route for the UCI Men’s Elite Road Race has been announced. This forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the “biggest cycling event ever.”

The race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 9.30am. We expect the event to attract many visitors from across the world to follow the race as it makes its way from the capital to Glasgow. The city will be busy and some roads will be closed as the event passes through.

Route

Competitors will start off in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood Park. The race then heads up the Royal Mile and through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing under Edinburgh Castle.

They will then head down the Mound and towards Stockbridge before moving onto Queensferry. Competitors will then cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing. The race will eventually finish in Glasgow’s George Square, covering a distance of 270km.

Road closures

These roads will be closed from 6:30pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:

  • Queens Drive
  • Horse Wynd
  • Dukes Walk

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:

  • Canongate
  • New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:

  • High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:  

  • High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)

The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
  • Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)  

The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
  • Bank Street
  • North Bank Street
  • The Mound
  • Hanover Street
  • Queen Street Gardens East
  • Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
  • Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
  • South-East Circus Place
  • Circus Place 
  • North-West Circus Place

These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Kerr Street 
  • Deanhaugh Street
  • Raeburn Place
  • Comely Bank Road
  • Craigleith Road

These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
  • Hillhouse Road

These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).

Vehicle crossing points on closed roads

On 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal. The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.

  • St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
  • Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
  • East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Whitehouse Road – Maybury Road A90 Queensferry Road 9:45am to 9:55am

Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.

You can find more information, on the event website 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. I

f you have any questions, please email events@edinburgh.gov.uk

Lovell Homes launches new homes beside the seaside 

Leading property developer Lovell Homes is launching sales of new homes at The Crossings at Bridgewater Village development on Saturday 17th June.

Located in the charming and historic harbour town of South Queensferry, just ten miles north-west of Edinburgh, the development is named after the three bridges that span the Firth of Forth and provides magnificent views of these.

The Crossings at Bridgewater Village, ultimately comprising 113 homes, will offer a fabulous selection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, and a choice of two-bedroom apartments.

With an initial release of two and three-bedroom Aberdour, Crail and Bothwell house types, homes will be priced from £265,000, with a sales cabin open onsite as of 17th June. Interested parties are encouraged to visit and find out from themselves what a Lovell home can offer them and their family.

Cleverly designed with modern day living in mind and built to the highest standards, these homes are aimed to appeal to a wide range of buyers, including young professionals, growing families or those looking to downsize.

Each home has been thoughtfully created with modern lifestyles in mind, such as open-plan kitchen/dining with French doors to the rear garden. In addition, new homeowners will be able to pick furnishings and fittings to reflect their lifestyle and personality, choosing from Lovell’s Inspirations’ range.

Lovell is also offering incentives to buyers to help them get started, receiving a personal inspirations package, which helps new buyers customise their homes to their taste; or delivered through the helping hands scheme, through which Lovell covers the cost of selling their existing home. A financial advisor will be available to help buyers make their decision.

Compared to older homes, the average Lovell homes boasts energy efficient insulation, use 30 percent less water, come fitted with efficient appliances, and uses up to 80 percent less electricity for lighting due to only using energy-saving bulbs.*

John McGill, Development Director for Lovell Partnerships Ltd, said: “We are very much looking forward to the sales launch for our new homes at The Crossings and welcoming potential buyers to the sales cabin.

“Located in the charming and historic town of South Queensferry, in the shadow of the three historic Forth bridges, our fabulous properties are beautifully stylish, with a modern look and design.

“With convenient access to Edinburgh and the amenities of the local area, this new development will be perfect for young professionals, families, and those seeking a welcoming community.”

Further information on The Crossings development is available at: 

https://www.lovell.co.uk/developments/the-crossings-at-bridgewater-village-south-queensferry/

*https://www.lovell.co.uk/your-lovell-home/energy-efficient-lovell-homes/

Sea Cadets set up Sea Hives to boost marine life at Port Edgar Marina


Sea cadets have installed a sea hive to benefit local marine life and biodiversity at the Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station in South Queensferry.

Over the weekend, on a cold and overcast Saturday, eight junior cadets – all aged between 10 and 12 from nearby Methil and Queensferry Sea Cadets units – gathered at the Firth of the Forth against the backdrop of the iconic three bridges, first to assemble and then to install the sea hive, under the guidance of Mr David Francis of SeaHives Ltd.

“I measured the bolts used to fit the sea hive together,” one of the cadets, Jae (10) proudly announced. “I put the shackles on, which were used to attach the sea hive to the pontoon,” said Addie (11).

The sea cadets themselves have taken ownership of the exciting initiative, and not only with their hands-on approach in building and setting up the hive. The young people will be monitoring the variety and quantity of marine life that settles into their newly-installed hive over the coming months.

“We will be taking photos with an underwater camera once a week to see which marine life has moved in,” explains sea cadet Edward (10).

“I am excited because it will bring in new marine life,” said Ella (11), with Jude (10) adding that he is hoping that plenty of fish and barnacles (sticky little crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters and shrimp) will decide to make the sea hive their home.

Sea hives are artificial reefs designed to resemble the marine environment, providing surfaces for marine to settle on. Among the marine life that could decide to ‘move in’ are octopus, prawns, rock-dwelling fish and tube worms.

“We are really excited to be working with SeaHives Ltd on this venture, which started six months ago for us,” said Adam Ranklin, Boat Station Manager at the Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station.

“It was great to see how fully engaged the cadets were in the set up and installation of the sea hives. They were very hands-on throughout, using drills and tools as well as taking charge in making decisions about the sea hives. It was a new and very positive experience for our junior sea cadets.”

David Francis of SeaHives Ltd said: ‘What a great bunch of Sea Cadets there were at Port Edgar! They really know how to work as a team to get the job done.

“Their boat station is an ideal location for a sea hive as it provides access to the plankton and nutrient rich waters of the North Sea, in an environment protected from extreme tidal and wave action.

“The sea hive will also provide shelter from predators for small fish and invertebrates like crabs and octopus to grow and breed.

“Sea hives are manufactured partly from processed and recycled fishing nets, an excellent example of how plastic can be re-used with a positive purpose.”

The sea hives project follows local and national forums among the cadets, called Cadet Voice, where the young people decide on the issues closest to their hearts to action. Being more environmentally responsible emerged as one of the young people’s top priorities.

Installation of sea hives will also take place next week at the Sea Cadets Thrapston Boat Station in Northamptonshire, with an eye to installing more sea hives at other Sea Cadets boat stations across the country.

As sea cadet Remy (11) says, “Sea cadets spend many hours on the water – so it’s only right that we should look after our marine environment.”

For more information on Sea Cadets, visit www.sea-cadets.org

To find out more about sea hives, see www.seahives.com

South Queensferry: Have your say on active travel at drop-in session

Do you live in Queensferry? The city council wants to improve walking, wheeling and cycling conditions there, creating more travel options for daily trips to school, work and in your local community.

Come to their drop-in at South Queensferry Community Centre, School Lane on Thursday, 30 June between 3pm and 7pm to meet the project team and find out more

https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/southqueens…/

RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat Station Open Day

SUNDAY 26th JUNE 12 – 4pm

Want to see our boat up close? Chat to some of our crew? Enjoy burgers and cakes? Maybe win a raffle or tombola prize? Play games?

Our Open Day is back in just under 2 weeks time! It is the first we have been able to hold since 2019 and we look forward to seeing you all again!

Work to start on 980 home Queensferry development

CONSTRUCTION work is set to begin at a prime Cala Homes project that will see 980 homes delivered to South Queensferry.

After 10 years in the planning, the first spade will hit the ground at Cala Homes Builyeon Road development next week. The site, which is located south of Builyeon Road, lies between the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge approaches.

The 44-hectare development has provision for a new primary school, a care home and commercial units including a food store, restaurants and fuel filling station, as well as 980 high-quality homes.

Bulk earth works are expected to be complete by the end of this year, with drainage and infrastructure works for the main spine road – a realignment of Builyeon Road – forecast to be completed next March.

Total section 75 (planning gain) contributions by Cala for the Builyeon Road site will exceed £11 million, which in addition to the delivery of a new primary school and local transportation improvements, sees significant contributions put towards other education provision and healthcare within Queensferry. Cala’s nearby Queensferry Heights development will see a further £2.5 million raised through Section 75 payments.

Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director with Cala Homes (East), said: “The site designs for Builyeon Road has been heavily shaped by engagement with the local community and as we prepare to kick-start this important development, we will focus on keeping the community fully informed of ongoing progress.

“We have set up a dedicated website to share updates on site progress, at www.cala.co.uk/builyeonroad

“It is fair to say this project has been a long time in the making and we are pleased to reach this important milestone and to push forward in providing much needed homes and community facilities for South Queensferry.”

Family-owned civil engineering contractor I&H Brown specialises in residential infrastructure and have been contracted by Cala to undertake the bulk earthworks. The site will be enrolled in the Considerate Constructors scheme and I&H Brown will be keen to hear about any local community benefit schemes in the area while work is underway.

Duncan Brown, Director with I&H Brown, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cala Homes to deliver the infrastructure at their major Builyeon Road development in South Queensferry.

“Our involvement follows extensive community engagement by Cala Homes to design the masterplan and we are excited to help them realise their vision for the site.’

The development designs were carefully crafted with local community in mind following online consultations and engagement with the local community – guided by the Queensferry District Community Council (QDCC).

Keith Giblett, Chair of Queensferry and District Community Council, said: “After many years of uncertainty, it is great to see the site work starting. We’ll be continuing our intensive engagement with Cala.

“We also look forward to finding out how the local authority will allocate the considerable funds that this site will generate through planning gain payments.”

Derek Lawson added: “This is a major project in a prime location that will provide the market with incredible options for those looking to enjoy life in South Queensferry.

“It’s also exciting to be a massive step closer to bringing local amenities to the area in the form of the new commercial area, school and care home.”

For more information on Builyeon Road, please visit:

https://www.cala.co.uk/builyeonroad

Princess Royal opens new Sea Cadets Boat Station at Port Edgar Marina

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal has officially inaugurated the new Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station in Edinburgh’s picturesque Port Edgar Marina on Friday (1 April 2022).

As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, the event provided the opportunity for The Princess Royal to meet with cadets and watch them as they paraded and got out on the water, enjoying boating, sailing, rowing and paddlesports activities.

“We are delighted to have welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to the opening of Port Edgar Boat Station and we see it as the first of many occasions our Admiral will be able to engage with cadets and support the valuable work taking place within the charity to launch young people for life, whatever their background,” said the CEO of Sea Cadets, Martin Coles CBE.

“Sea Cadets works with 14,000 young people across 400 units to broaden their horizons and create possibilities, helping young people to develop into resilient, confident young people.”

“In the current climate of global conflict and economic strife, not to mention the impact of the pandemic, our young people are facing more challenges than ever before, so investing in their future has never been more crucial.

“Our new residential boat station will provide ample opportunities for even more young people to enjoy boating and water sports, earn qualifications and take part in courses such as first aid, navigation and meteorology held on site.”

More than 80 cadets, including royal marines cadets and junior cadets from across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England participated in the opening event.

Twelve cadets were able to represent the ‘Cadet Voice’ and discussed with their Admiral the issues most important to them.

Guests attending included Brigadier John Thomson QVRM TD PhD DL (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh), Captain Neil Downing (Captain Sea Cadets) and Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL (President of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets), as well as representatives of the Royal Navy, youth, education and maritime sectors.

The Princess Royal has been an active supporter of the youth charity for many years, commissioning both the former and current Sea Cadets flagship, the TS Royalist.

The new Sea Cadets boat station in Port Edgar Marina is well located to serve young people across the region with good transport links and offers superb facilities both on and off the water.

Transport Scotland risks legal action at taxpayers’ expense, says MSP

South Queensferry residents are embroiled in a bitter battle with Transport Scotland to secure road access to their new homes. 

Transport Scotland have refused access to the Ferrymuir Gait road forcing all residents from the new development to travel through the existing Varney Estate.

All 124 houses on the development must now use Henry Ross Place despite Ferrymuir Gait being the most direct route into the housing development.

Heavy construction traffic used Ferrymuir Gait throughout the build. 

The developer has offered to upgrade the road to adoptable standards and Edinburgh Council has indicated a will to adopt the road once this takes place.

Transport Scotland could risk court action if the refusal to permit access continues. 

Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury said: “There is considerable anger among residents from both developments.  They are strongly in favour of Ferrymuir Gait being used to access the new development.

“Despite my attempts at mediation, this issue has remained irreconcilable for many months, and looks like it will inevitably end in legal action.

“For the sake of the use of one road, Transport Scotland appear to be willing to drag this through the courts at what will inevitably be great expense to the taxpayer.

“I do not believe that the Scottish public will see legal action to prevent residents’ access to new homes as a good or explicable use of public funds.

“It seems to me that it is clearly in the public interest – from the point of view of the residents and the Scottish taxpayer – that this matter be settled reasonably between the two parties.

Police statement: Antisocial use of vehicles at South Queensferry

Following complaints from residents and businesses in the Hawes Promenade area, local community officers and officers from Road Policing have been targeting the area to combat the antisocial use of vehicles and associated behaviour.

Sergeant Sandra Watt from the Community Policing Team at Corstorphine Police Station said: “Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a priority for us in Edinburgh. We’ve been made aware by the local community of antisocial behaviour issues in the Hawes Promenade area involving vehicles, and we’ve responded with a dedicated initiative.

“We are focussing on engagement, deterrence, disruption and where necessary enforcement by conducting both high visibility and plain clothe patrols in marked and unmarked vehicles. During the weekend of 29th and 30th January we engaged with over 50 drivers and issued an antisocial behaviour warning.

“On Friday 4th February 2022, our Road Policing colleagues implemented a road check at the Hawkes Pier car park. Twenty two cars were stopped, checked for defects and advice was given to drivers with regards to driving and parking in a considerate manner. One driver was charged with careless driving.

“Our Community Policing Teams will continue to work with our Road Policing colleagues and our partners at the City of Edinburgh Council to deal with the antisocial use of vehicles in the area”

Anyone with information regarding criminal or antisocial behaviour in their area can contact Police Scotland through 101, our website scotland.police.uk/contact-us or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.