Tag: Balerno

‘Ello, ‘ello, ‘ello: Community project receives backing from the Scottish Land Fund!

Balerno Village Trust has been awarded  £239,005  to acquire a former police station which the group plans to transform into a vibrant community hub that is accessible for all ages and stages of life.

The hub will provide smaller community spaces for hire, after school care, and support for youth activities. 

The grant is one of 10 totaling £1,453,569 announced today by the Scottish Land Fund. 

The Scottish Land Fund reopened to applications in April 2021. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets for over a decade. 

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary, Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said:  “Vibrant community spaces are the lifeblood of our towns and villages- places where people can meet, access services, and simply enjoy being together.

“The latest awards from the Scottish Land Fund will deliver exactly that; welcoming, reliable facilities offering childcare, recreation and wider opportunities for local people. I warmly congratulate each successful project and look forward to seeing the benefits they will bring to their communities in the years ahead.” 

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “The focus of this round of SLF funding has been on providing groups with the funds to secure spaces where they can come together as communities in both rural and urban locations, forging social ties and helping to meet local needs.” 

Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said:“The successful projects announced today across Scotland are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities.

“Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust, for example, will acquire the village shop and store building in the village thanks to an award of £92,239.

“This will secure a vital local service, support economic activity, and maintain a much-valued gathering place for residents and visitors alike.  

“All these projects will help retain population, attract visitors and create jobs. Ownership will give community groups greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.” 

Emma Galloway, Balerno Village Trust, said: “We are delighted to receive funding from the Scottish Land Fund that will enable the Trust to purchase Balerno Police Station. 

“Occupying a prominent place in the heart of our village, it is a really important and valuable asset to our community. 

“We are looking forward to renovating it and creating a vibrant community hub with childcare facilities that will make Balerno an even better place to live, work or visit” 

Other groups receiving funding are: 

Alloa Community Shed 

Award  £185,800 

Alloa Community Shed will purchase Marshill House in Alloa town centre to provide a space for people to learn and connect, to improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation.  The space will offer lessons in DIY and act as a community hub for local people.  

Avich & Kilchrenan Community Heritables 

Award  £45,040 

Avich & Kilchrenan Community Heritables will purchase two churches at Dalavich and Kilchrenan, to operate as complimentary community spaces.  The two hubs will cater for a variety of existing and new community activity and will also form part of a proposed Christian and clan heritage trail. 

Barthol Chapel Community Hub 

Award £100,465 

Barthol Chapel Community Hub will acquire Barthol Chapel Parish Church in Barthol Chapel, Aberdeenshire. The group will develop the building into a flexible multi-use community hub.

The hub will provide venue hire for community groups, sports activities and life events. In addition, there will be a community café, and the group will host exhibitions and concerts in the space. 

Friends of Fearn Abbey 

Award £93,600 

Friends of Fearn Abbey (FoFA) wish to acquire Fearn Abbey. They intend to reopen it as a space for social gatherings, performance, historical interest, reflection and life events. 

Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust 

Award £92,239 

Glenelg and Arnsidale Development Trust (GADT) will acquire a shop with a store building (used for stock) on the main street of Glenelg, Kyle, retaining it for the benefit of the community. 

Glenuig Community Inn Ltd  

Award £352,800 

Glenuig Community Inn Limited will purchase the Glenuig Inn and associated buildings in Glenuig, Lochaber, Highland. GCI have been leasing the inn since March 2025 and will continue to run the inn and develop the site to better meet the needs of the local community.

The group will continue to operate the pub, restaurant and accommodation to create an inclusive community space with events for the community. 

Polmont Community Hub 

Award £82,001 

Polmont Community Hub SCIO (PCH) will purchase Polmont Community Hub and the surrounding greenspace.  The group currently operate the space, and acquisition will allow for continued use by local community groups, a playgroup, and a venue for events.  

Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust 

Award  £198,658 

Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust will purchase three parcels of land close to the shoreland on Rousay, Orkney, close to the islands’ only pier.

This will enable the group to create a multi-phased project to deliver facilities for the community, promote tourism, visitor accommodation and a community-led island marina. 

Spark 

Award £63,961 

Spark will acquire the former library premises of Beatlie School Campus, Livingston. The group will continue to deliver a service supporting socially isolated people in Craigshill and South Howden.

In addition, they will create a collaborative third-sector hub where organisations share resources and support joint initiatives. 

Appeal after peregrine falcon found dead in a trap

Wildlife officers are appealing after a protected bird of prey was found dead in a trap near Balerno, Edinburgh.

The dead peregrine falcon was found around 100 yards from a public path on the edge of a small woodland south of Wester Bavelaw on Thursday, 23 November, 2023.

Wildlife Crime Officer, Detective Constable Daniel Crilley, said: “This protected bird was found in a baited pole trap that is illegal.

“Peregrine falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and forensic tests are being done as part of our ongoing enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who has information that could help pour investigation to get in touch.

“If you can help please contact us via 101, quoting incident number 1376 of Friday, 24 November, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

More information on wildlife crime can be found on the Police Scotland website: 

https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/wildlife-crime/

Have you seen Martin?

Missing person – Martin Moran, Balerno

POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 26-year-old man reported missing from Balerno.

Martin Moran was last seen around 6am on Friday, 18 November, near Larch Grove House in Balerno and it is believed he has walked in the direction of Bridge Road, Balerno.

He is described as white, around 6ft, of slim build, with short fair hair. When last seen he was wearing a beige trench coat, black trousers, black shoes and a black hat.

Sergeant Gary Stout said: “Martin’s family are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare and I am asking anyone who may have seen him or knows where he is to get in touch.

“If you can help please call us on 101, quoting reference number 1479 of Friday, 18 November, 2022.”

Fatal road crash near Balerno: Do you have information?

Road policing officers are appealing for information following a one car fatal road crash on the A70 near Balerno.

The incident happened around 7.05am on Saturday (16 April), and involved a black VW Passat.

Emergency services attended and the driver, a 58-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are aware.

Sergeant Nicola Young said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family of the man who died and our investigation to establish the full circumstances is ongoing.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle before the crash or who has dash-cam footage that might help with our enquiries to get in touch.”

If you can help please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0771 of Saturday, 16 April, 2022.

Children become Roadstars at launch of new road safety learning resource

Children at Dean Park Primary in Balerno became Roadstars for the day as they helped launch a new road safety learning resource for children, developed by Road Safety Scotland.

Aimed at children aged 3-11, the free online resource is designed to get the youngest road users thinking about road safety in an active and immersive way, with interactive missions to help them practice staying safe around roads and traffic. 

Roadstars was developed with input from children and teachers at Dean Park Primary, who shared their thoughts on learning and road safety to help shape the resource.

With the help of three animated superhero characters, Roadstars evolve over the primary school years, tasking children with appropriate missions to develop their road safety skills as they grow and learn.

For the youngest, the Early Years level teaches ELC and P1 children a song and dance outlining the road safety basics.

The First level, aimed at P2-P4, features engaging videos with interactive questions that embed and test children’s learning, while the Second level targets P5-P7 with a series of 360° interactive experiences that challenge older children’s attitudes and behaviours.

The new online resource is available to enjoy in class or at home, and is linked to Curriculum for Excellence.

Debbie Nicol, Assistant Director, Road Safety Scotland, said: “We know how important it is for children to be immersed in positive road safety attitudes from a young age, both in the classroom and at home.

“Roadstars is an important new resource for children at every level of primary school, free for teachers, parents and carers to access online.

“By teaching and reinforcing the importance of staying safe around roads and traffic at a young age, we can provide children with road safety skills that will last a lifetime.”

Nicola Kurth, Head Teacher at Dean Park Primary School said: “At Dean Park we are committed to promoting the Health and Wellbeing of all pupils.

“It has been a fantastic experience for pupils to engage in supporting the development of this new resource. The characters are very engaging, and we look forward to using the resource to enhance our road safety activities.”

Roadstars is launched as part of Scotland’s first Road Safety Week (21 – 27 March), a new annual awareness week by The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland which encourages road users to take greater personal responsibility and work together to make Scotland’s roads safer.

Organisations across Scotland – including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, CoSLA and Good Egg Safety – are marking the week by hosting a series of events, from child car seat checks to community action campaigns, to pledge their commitment to keeping Scotland’s roads safer.

In its inaugural year, Scotland’s Road Safety Week will also urge organisations throughout Scotland to pledge their support on social media by posting the message: – Working together to make Scotland’s roads safer. #ScotRoadSafetyWeek.

For more details about Roadstars, visit roadsafety.scot.

#ScotRoadSafetyWeek

Seven years on, Police seek witness to Newmills Road incident

Police Scotland has released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries in connection with a serious incident which occurred in the early hours of 27 August 2015 at Newmills Road in Balerno. 

Officers are keen to speak to a man who was on the number 44 bus travelling west from Edinburgh City Centre towards the Balerno area late in the evening of 26 August, 2015. 

CCTV footage has shown that the man alighted from the bus at Newmills Road, Edinburgh, shortly before midnight and detectives believe he may have vital information relating to the incident.

Detective Inspector Jon Pleasance, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This man may have witnessed something that could assist with our investigation and therefore it is vital we speak to him.

“There is no reason to believe he was involved in the incident itself, and he may have not realised that what he potentially saw or heard could assist police.

“I would ask if you are this man, or you recognise this man, please get in contact with police.

“Although this incident took place in 2015, we are determined to bring the offender to justice and are appealing for any information that can help with our enquiries.”

Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident 0080 of 27/08/2015. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Winter Windows light up the city with festive cheer

This year’s Winter Windows from Edinburgh’s Christmas, with the support of the city council’s department of Arts and Creative Learning, have been unveiled, with 38 colourful festive designs by schoolchildren from across the city being turned into vibrant stained-glass masterpieces for all to enjoy. 

The windows have gone on display over five locations across the capital – the City Chambers Quadrangle (above), Granton, Gracemount, Duddingston and Balerno – spreading messages of festive cheer. 

The overall winner of the competition was Jackson Lobban, P5A, from St. Peter’s Primary School and was chosen by the Lord Provost himself.

All winning entrants were invited to receive their awards at a special reception at the City Chambers on Thursday evening. 

This year’s Winter Windows are inspired by the theme of ‘Connections and Kindness’, allowing Edinburgh’s school children to reflect on the connections made and kindness that they have received and shown throughout the pandemic. Participants were encouraged to create their entries using sustainable, up-cycled materials. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas festival has been running the Winter Windows contest since 2014 with the aim of encouraging and inspiring creative talent in local youngsters.

The displays will be available to view at the above locations until 4 January.

Walter Anderson: body found

Around 9.50pm last night (Saturday, 4 September, 2021) police were called after the body of a man was discovered in the river at the rear of Harlaw Road in Balerno.

The deceased has been formally identified as Walter Anderson (84) who had been reported missing from the Edinburgh area.

His relatives are aware.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The media and members of the public are thanked for their support during the police investigation.

Rugby club entrepreneurs bid to kick old working habits to touch

Ambitions to roll out model to more sports clubhouses

TWO senior figures at one of Scotland’s top community rugby clubs have launched a new remote office venture, transforming under-utilised clubhouse facilities and offering salvation for home-workers.

“Breakout” has re-imagined the vast top floor of Currie Chieftains’ Malleny Park clubhouse, creating a stylish, safe and comfortable workspace, able to be used by anyone working outside the office.

The idea emerged during lockdown, with Mark Cairns, Head Coach of the Balerno-based club realising that the long-term future of work was changing, with many homes unsuited to home working, with many put off by the stress and environmental impact of daily commutes.

At the same time, the club had been hit by the pandemic, with the clubhouse – like thousands across the country – sitting dormant.

Edinburgh-based Mark, CEO of Breakout, is also the founder of Coach Logic, a sports analysis and communication platform, and like millions of others has worked from home for much of the pandemic.

The 37-year-old father of two, said: “In all honesty I was getting fed up with my home slowly becoming my office. I was finding it difficult to switch off from work, when I realised the club could be a great working space.

“We hope to inspire more spaces like this. There are a lot of sports clubs with underused spaces, which are normally utilised in the evenings but almost never during office hours.

“Many are in semi-rural and suburban locations, surrounded by families but requiring a sizeable commute to city centre workplaces.

“Hopefully these clubs can see Currie leading by example. We think we can slowly but surely, make a positive change for a lot of communities.”

“Our values and mission are very clear – we want to impact people’s work life and environment one space at a time and we think introducing the Breakout idea to the world is a step in the right direction.”

Fergus Scott, current captain of Currie Chieftains first team and general manager of Breakout, said: “Mark and I have put in a lot of hard work to make the co-working space a reality.

“We have received a lot of support from the local community as well, as more people are having to work remotely from outside the office, so the idea of having a space like Breakout is massive for them.”

The Breakout co-working hub has also partnered with coffee specialists, Forth Roasters, to offer quality sit-in and takeaway coffee and snacks on site.

Andy Russell, managing director of Bureau, which has provided contemporary furnishings and is primed to work with Breakout at future sites, said: “People have always seen co-working spaces as a city centre-based business.

“But the pandemic has enforced a new trend of remote work environment, which made the opportunity for suburban co-working spaces to emerge, and there isn’t better space than your local sports club.”

The Breakout team are now on the lookout for the next sports venue which they can transform into the next remote co-working centre.

For more information on Breakout, visit: https://breakout.club/

The Avenue in Balerno welcomes first buyers

SOON-TO-BE newlyweds have snapped up their “dream home” in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable new postcodes.

As the first-footers in “The Avenue”, part of the final phase of homes at Ravelrig Heights by CALA Homes (East), Craig and Alise are the first to enjoy life in one of the eight impressive five-bedroom homes on the crescent shaped The Avenue.

As well as some showcase interiors, each home at The Avenue features a large driveway with electric gate entrance, a double garage with self-contained accommodation above and gardens up to a third of an acre in size.

The Avenue features two house types, the Waverley, the house type purchased by Craig and Alise which spans 3726 square feet, and the Roxburgh which spans 3252 square feet. 

Craig, a portfolio manager, said: “We weren’t planning to move so soon but because of everything that happened during the pandemic, we spent a lot of time at home and wanted a bit more space.

“After looking at a few developments, we still weren’t set on buying a new home, but when we looked at The Avenue it just made sense. It’s amazing coming somewhere where our money can go a lot further.

“We wanted some place quieter, but still reasonably close to Edinburgh city centre and close to my parents. Alise used to live in Balerno so we always talked about starting a family here as the schools and community are really great. After seeing The Avenue, we were like ‘yeah this is it’.”

Welcomed by a statement double staircase, upper galleried landing with an upper balcony and large rear garden, the development stood out to Chris and Alise for its family-friendly charm.

Alise, an events coordinator said: “When we walked in and saw that staircase that was it for me, I was like I need to live here. Every part of the house just had that wow factor.

“We knew there was a garden but when we stepped out we were in shock. I had never seen a home with a garden this big. From the kitchen you can slide the doors open and step right out which is perfect especially for the summer.

Designed with light and spacious living in mind, The Avenue’s homes benefit from designs equipped with an open planned kitchen, built-in appliances, bi-folding doors and under floor heating.

Alise added: “We knew CALA had a great reputation and were going to look after us but they truly do go above and beyond.

“The journey doesn’t end when you move in. We have the development manager checking in regularly to make sure everything is alright and that we’ve settled in well. We can’t speak highly enough about CALA.”

Craig added: “We are both very active people so the space above the garage has been amazing as we’ve been able to convert it into a home gym.”

With a separate home office, The Avenue offers buyers an ideal place to work from home with a range of outdoor networks into the countryside and excellent transport links into the capital.

Homes at Ravelrig Heights start from £795,000 with homes on The Avenue ranging from £1,095,000 – £1,215,000.

For more information on The Avenue, Ravelrig Heights, Balerno, please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/theavenue or call 0131 516 6832.