Horseplay at Queen’s Manor!

Care Home Residents Enjoy A Visit From Miniature Shetland Ponies

Queens Manor Care Home, on Queensferry Road, was full of fun when two miniature Shetland ponies came to visit.

Residents at Queens Manor Care Home were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friends roaming around the home as John and Elaine from Therapy Ponies Scotland paid a visit with Wilson & Flicker.

Residents, staff and visitors alike loved seeing them wandering the home and into rooms, paying everyone a special visit.

Resident Frank Heathcote was surprised by Flicker as he appeared in his room: “It’s not everyday you see a Shetland pony in your come walking into your room – he was so friendly and soft!”

Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment, Shannon Cullen said: “Our residents really loved their visit from the adorable pair.

“We are such an animal loving home and knew that having the two miniature Shetland ponies here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus. 

“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we reconfirmed the level of enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Resident Joyce Shand was very excited by the little duo: “I have always loved ponies and horses of all sizes and today was great!

“It was wonderful that Wilson & Flicker were able to come into see everyone. I really enjoyed seeing them trotting along the corridor and seeing them both wearing their little shoes!” 

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. 

Queens Manor Care Home provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Local Care Home hosts Open Day

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Queens Manor on Queensferry Road to enjoy an Open Day held at the home on Friday 21st June 2024.

Queens Manor hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a tasty BBQ prepared by their hospitality team, musical entertainment, pet therapy and even a surprise visit from a local ice cream van, which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.

Staff at Queens Manor made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments and fun, such as burgers, hot beverages and tasty trifle prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all, as well as furry visits from Doc, Frank & Elvis and musical entertainment from Margo the Butterfly singer – it really was a team effort from all!

Resident, Jean Gillies, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surrounded by lots of great people, and the refreshments & fun kept flowing into the afternoon. The weather held out until we finished.

“Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together. The entertainment was amazing – from the dogs and guineapigs, to the singer and a special shout out to the ice cream man! the van took me back to times I spent with my family at the beach all enjoying 99’s!”

Shannon Cullen, Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment at the home, said: “Staff at Queens Manor are dedicated to making sure that the home is a hub of the local community and residents, and this event, along with all their hard work, has definitely paid off.

“It was a resounding success, with everyone having a great time!”

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. 

Queens Manor Care Home provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Furry friend visits Queens Manor

Queens Manor care home on Queensferry Road was full of animal mischief when 8 year old beagle Lucy came to visit this week.

Residents at Queens Manor were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friend roaming around their garden and the home.

Coral Wiltshire, Deputy General Manager said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their visitor today. We are such an animal friendly home and we knew that having Lucy in to say hello would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult being away from their own family pets.

“We have found that having animals in the home gives residents something to look forward to, encourages them to engage in activities and sparks conversation which can lead to unlocking memories and emotions.

“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Anyone who has a dog or cat will not be surprised that pets are great for company and encouraging engagement and reminiscing too.

Resident Caroline Taylor was very excited by seeing Lucy: “I have always loved dogs and really enjoy spending time with them.

“They give so much love and ask for nothing in return.”

Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides Dementia Care, residential care and respite care.

Broughton pupils memorial unveiled

Today Broughton High will be hosting the formal unveiling of the brand new memorial plaque and sculpture erected in honour of the memory of five High School students – Leif Rohde, Paul Taylor, Billy Feachen, Carol McGowan and Melody Mak – who sadly lost their lives together in a tragic road accident on Queensferry Road on 13 March 1990.

The plaque was designed and commissioned by relatives of those young people. There are 5 daffodils to represent each student, complementing the 5 memorial trees that were planted by the sculpture & plaque after the accident.

The unveiling marks the conclusion of a project that has been years in the planning.

Broughton HS Parent Council

Care Home opens Coronation Garden in celebration of King Charles III

Excitement was in the air at Queens Manor Care Home on Queensferry Road where residents and staff have been busy celebrating the King’s Coronation throughout the weekend.

Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King. 

Over the bank holiday weekend celebrations were kicked off by welcoming 30 students from Fettes_College into Queens Manor as part of their service day – where they send over 200 students off into the community to give back to and help others, as part of ‘the big help out’.

They helped us get our garden summer ready, provided entertainment for everyone & also spent time chatting, mingling and laughing with residents, visitors and staff at our Royal coffee morning. Thank you to Rhys (Head of Outdoor Pursuits at Fettes) for continually working with us to grow the relationship we have between Queens Manor and the College organising this day. 

We then opened our Queens Manor Coronation Garden – named & official opened by our very own Doris. Having watched the garden come together directly outside her bedroom, she advised us of her name suggestion – to which we loved! 

The garden features a new garden bench with a plaque commemorating the newly crowned King Charles III and hand crafted, wood burned signage created by our friendly handyman Damyan, alongside our King Charles III rose that we have planted beside the garden.

Joined by members of our local community, the students and staff from Fettes, our community police officers (Paula and Euan), residents, staff & visitors, we had our grand opening.

Our gardener Andy led the way with his pipes, there was a speech from Donna (General Manager) and ribbon cutting by Doris, followed by a beautiful violin recital of God Save The King by Fettes student Ione accompanied by singing by all. 

This was topped off by having a cocktail mixology session in our café – the afternoon really couldn’t have been any better!

The weekend came to a close yesterday with a garden party fit for the royals – With a 6 piece saxophone & clarinet band in the morning, a singer in the afternoon, garden games, followed by plenty of fizz & snacks.

The whole home came together to celebrate our new King and talk about the new era the country is entering.

Donna, General Manager at Queens Manor said: “We’ve all had such a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, such a momentous occasion.

“Many of our staff and residents had never witnessed the coronation, or at least cannot remember it – so it was great to contribute to so many memories.  Our in house lifestyle team worked so hard to ensure that everyone could celebrate how they wanted – covering all aspects of mind, body and soul”

Doris Duncanson resident at Queens Manor said: “I really can’t thank the team here enough for helping the idea of ‘The Coronation Garden’ come to life.

“The whole weekend was amazing – from the students from Fettes coming in, officially opening the garden and watching all of the entertainment at Queens Manor throughout the weekend – it’s something I will cherish forever.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care, dementia carer & respite care.

Appeal for information following wilful fire raising in Craigleith

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a car was deliberately set on fire in the Craigleith area.

The incident happened around 5.35pm on Monday, 13 February 2023, on Queensferry Road, close to the junction with South Groathill Avenue. A Volvo XC40 was significantly damaged. 

DC Fiona Murray said: “We are keen to speak to two men seen in the area at the time. “The first is described as late teens to early twenties, slim build, wearing dark jogging bottoms, a grey hooded jumper and dark coloured trainers. 

“The second is described as late teens to early twenties, slim build, wearing a dark coloured tracksuit and dark trainers.

“Officers have been carrying out enquiries and are keen to speak to anyone who may have been within the area at the time and saw anyone acting suspiciously before or after.

“The road was busy with traffic at the time and a passing dash cam footage may assist with our investigation.”

If you have any relevant information then please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2803 of Monday, 13 February, 2023, or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Up & Running heads back to its roots with new Edinburgh store

  • Up & Running Founder and CEO Gillian Macfarlane was born and bred in Scotland –
  • She is realising her ambition of opening a store here in the same year that Up & Running celebrates its 30th anniversary –

The UK’s leading independent running shop, Up & Running, is preparing to open its doors for the first time in Scotland on Queensferry Road in Edinburgh. 

The latest addition to the city spells good news for runners and fitness enthusiasts alike as the store promises a wide selection of running shoes and kit, as well as offering free gait analysis, advice and guidance. 

The shop, which is set to open in June, will also be host to a free weekly Social Run Group, leading weekly 5k runs around the city for all abilities, providing a great opportunity to meet other local runners.

Six new jobs have been created with the opening of the new store and the company is actively recruiting for a Store Manager, Assistant Manager as well as full and part time sales assistant positions. The roles provide an ideal opportunity to combine a passion for running while connecting with other runners, running clubs, groups and fitness enthusiasts.  

This comes at an exciting time for Up & Running as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary year. The first Up & Running store opened in the North Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate in 1992 and a further 28 stores nationwide have opened since, as well as building a successful online business.

Discussing the new Edinburgh shop, founder of Up & Running, Gillian Macfarlane said, “Scotland holds a very special place in my heart as its where I was born and grew up. It’s long been an ambition to open a store here so I’m pleased to finally be realising this ambition in what is such a milestone year for Up & Running.”

Gillian continued, “Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a thriving running community and is well known for its longstanding Edinburgh Marathon. For these reasons it felt like a good fit for Up & Running and we can’t wait to meet local runners and play a part in their running journey”

For more information about Up & Running visit upandrunning.co.uk and to submit your CV to apply for one of our roles please email careers@upandrunning.co.uk

Police witness appeal after man struck by car on Queensferry Road

Road policing officers are appealing for information following a road traffic incident in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 3 June 2021).

Around 5.25pm, police received a report a man had been struck by a car on Queensferry Road, Edinburgh near its junction with Parkgrove Road. Emergency services attended and the 33-year-old man was taken, by ambulance, to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for assessment. Medical staff describe his condition as stable.

The female driver of the car was uninjured.

The road was closed for several hours to allow for collision investigators to carry out enquiries.

Sergeant Jennifer Forbes said: “This was a busy time of evening with lots of people and several motorists in the area. I would appeal to them to contact us with any information they may have as it could assist our enquiries in establishing what has happened. In particular, anyone with a dash cam is asked to check it as it may have captured images which could aid our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2696 of 3 June, 2021.

Plans for Orchard Brae development to go on display

The public will have the chance to view and shape the details of an exciting new residential development at Orchard Brae on Queensferry Road, in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre.

Undertaken by real estate investor Palm Capital together with Edinburgh-based 7N Architects, the plans propose to bring a mix of apartments and townhouses to the area.

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was submitted to The City of Edinburgh Council last month, highlighting the intent of the developer to lodge a planning application this year.

The proposals incorporate a mix of 62 apartments and townhouses with associated landscaping, parking and infrastructure on land surrounding Orchard Brae House.

The plans incorporate 20 percent family housing and 25 percent affordable housing, complying with the City of Edinburgh Council policy.

The proposals for this sustainable residential development aim to enhance and maintain the existing trees and landscape as well as converting 30 percent of the current car park surface into green roofs and gardens.

If approved, the proposals would also bring new residential streets and active frontages to Orchard Brae with private gardens whilst retaining the woodland fringe to Queensferry Road.

Palm Capital has now organised a digital community consultation to take place on Wednesday 21st October to provide residents with further information on the emerging proposals.

Through this consultation process, the developer is seeking input and ideas on the proposed scheme from the public, which will assist in informing the basis of the developer’s future planning applications.

With the temporary suspension of public events for major planning applications by the Scottish Government due to COVID-19, these have moved online to a dedicated website highlighting the proposals.

The website, which can be accessed at www.orchardbrae.scot, will go live on Wednesday 21st October, and a digital consultation event will take place on the same day from 3pm to 8pm. Consultants will be available to answer any questions and receive feedback through a two-way chat system during these hours. Feedback can also be submitted via the website.

Any representations or suggestions for changes to the proposals shared during the online event will be included in a Pre-Application Consultation report to accompany future applications.

Hard copies of consultation boards and feedback forms, or further information, can be obtained by phoning 0131 202 3259 or in writing to: Orbit Communications, 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE or by emailing: hello@orchardbrae.scot  

The deadline for submitting feedback will be Friday 6 November.

Commenting on the proposed consultation event, Gabriel Rudert from Palm Capital said: “Providing the local community with the opportunity to help shape our proposals for this exciting new residential development at the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre is important to us.

“During the event, all residents will have the opportunity to enquire further about the proposals and give their feedback, which will be thoroughly considered when shaping the eventual planning application.

“We would urge all those that can to participate in this consultation process and have their views heard.” 

Three charged following local thefts

Three men were arrested following a call to Strathalmond Green after people were observed acting suspiciously at a garage there. Stolen property from another break-in to a garage in Queensferry Road was recovered in their possession.

The men, aged 20, 20 and 21, have been charged in connection with a total of six acquisitive crime offences and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Two stolen bicycles with a value of a £1,000 have been recovered and returned to their owners as a result of this inquiry.