March garden plant of the month: Ivy

A touch mysterious and quietly ever-present: ivy (Hedera) is the big source of greenery that represents a stable element in the garden through all four seasons. This ground-covering or climbing foliage shrub is a hardy and evergreen. There’s a wide range of leaf colours, whilst all ivy species grow quickly and are easily trained, they can therefore be used to cover fences, wire fencing, summerhouses or walls. As groundcover, ivy gives weeds no chance, which makes it the most decorative fellow-gardener ever. 

Continue reading March garden plant of the month: Ivy

Weather: RED ALERT for wind and snow extended into Friday

Edinburgh area between 15:00 Thu 1st and 02:00 Fri 2nd

A spell of heavy snow and blizzard conditions is expected. The snow will be accompanied by very strong easterly winds leading to severe drifting. Some places could also see significant ice build up due to freezing rain from later on Thursday evening, most likely in the south of the area.

Long delays and cancellations of public transport seem highly likely. Some roads are likely to become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers. Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are very likely to occur, along with damage to trees and other structures due to heavy snow or ice.

Police Scotland is urging people to avoid travelling on the roads across an area affected by red and amber weather warnings.

‘Silent killer’: Scotland must make improvements to achieve the best air quality

(L-R) Chair of Corstorphine Community Council, Steve Kerr and Committee Convener, Graeme Dey MSP pictured during a visit to Manse Road in Corstorphine, Edinburgh by the Scottish Parliament’s Environment Climate Change and Land Reform Committee. The Committee were visiting as part of their inquiry into the impact of poor air quality on children, the elderly and local residents. Parliament

A Holyrood Committee has outlined a number of recommendations in order for Scotland to try to achieve the cleanest air in Europe. Lothian’s Green MSPs are calling for action to tackle concerns raised in the committee’s report. Continue reading ‘Silent killer’: Scotland must make improvements to achieve the best air quality

Tens of thousands of drivers get increased fines for using mobiles at wheel

More than 26,000 motorists have been caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving in the first year since harsher penalties came into force. Among these are 500 novice drivers who have had their licences revoked for using their phone behind the wheel in their first 2 years of driving. Continue reading Tens of thousands of drivers get increased fines for using mobiles at wheel

Scots urged Scots urged to stay well in wintry conditions, to look after themselves and vulnerable neighbours.

NHS 24 is advising people to take a few simple steps to stay well during this blast of wintry weather and what to do if illness does strike. Continue reading Scots urged Scots urged to stay well in wintry conditions, to look after themselves and vulnerable neighbours.

There but not there: Hearts’ fallen heroes honoured in national WW1 campaign launch

Ghostly figures of First World War soldiers or ‘Tommies’, have taken up their position on the Tynecastle turf  today as part of a new nationwide fundraising campaign to commemorate 100 years since the end of the Great War later this year. Continue reading There but not there: Hearts’ fallen heroes honoured in national WW1 campaign launch