edinburghsouthwest iss59_services

Issue 59 - January 2012

T h e e s s e n t i a l g u i d e t o S o u t h W e s t E d i n b u r g h

S o u t h W e s tS E R V I C E SS E R V I C E S

2 January 2012 Please mention when answering an advert


S o u t h W e s tS E R V I C E SS E R V I C E S

HANDYMAN25 .........Gordon Wright32 .........David Breeze

KITCHENS22 .........The Kitchen Doctor

JOINERS13 .........Caldwell Joiners & Building Services25 .........Malcolm Campbell27 .........Charles Taylor Woodwork33 .........JJ Joinery

PLASTERER32 .........Cross Check Plastering

PLUMBERS23 .........Morningside Plumbing21 .........Fairmilehead Technical Services26 .........Scott Findlay31 .........J & M MacGregor

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE23 .........Alexander Crombie

ROOFING7 ...........Buckstone Roofing18/19 ....Storm Shield28/29 ...24 Roofing

REUPHOLSTERY & FRENCH POLISH26 .........James Erskine

SOLICITOR1 ...........Mary McQueen

STATIONERS16 .........Stationery Express

STONEMASONS13 .........Scott & Brown21 .........Morningside Stonemasons

TREE SERVICES22 .........Potters

ARTICLES8 ...........Carbon Conversations24 .........Winter Recreation30 .........Morningside Heritage

ACCOUNTANTS6 ...........Tax Assist

AERIALS17..........Aerial Man32 .........Malcolm Kinnear

BATHROOMS2 ...........Bubbles10/11 ....BMAS31 .........J & M MacGregor

CAR SERVICES9 ...........GW Martin

CLEANING SERVICES12 .........Cleaning Doctor23 .........GM Cleaning

COMPUTER SERVICES15 .........One36 Computing17. .........SortmyPC

DECORATORS6 ...........J C Lindsay15 .........Kenneth Bayne Lamb27 .........Colin Lowie

DOUBLE GLAZING5 ...........Bryant & Cairns

ELECTRICIANS21 .........Fairmilehead Technical Services

GARDEN SERVICES6 ...........Doogs Gardening Services25 .........Douglas Dalgleish Garden Design33 .........GB Landscapes

GAS & HEATING23 .........Pentland Gas & Heating21 .........Fairmilehead Technical Services26 .........Scott Findlay31 .........J & M MacGregor

www.

.co.uk

Designed by:

Hello

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data contained in this document is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Edinburgh South WestPO Box 27113EdinburghEH10 5XW

Contents

07809 3815710131 447 [email protected]@edinburghsouthwest.comwww.edinburghsouthwest.com

Welcome to the December issue of the EdinburghSouthWest magazine.

This month we have information from Colinton Village Events highlighting December events in the village as well as information about the Pentland Singers forthcoming concerts. It’s certainly the time of the year for charity fundraising and do please have a look at the information on behalf of Huntington’s Disease.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the magazine over the last year. As you know we always like to welcome contributions from local groups, schools and charities. If there’s something you would like us to include in future issues please just contact us and, if you have comments or ideas to help us keep improving then please let us hear them – it is after all a community magazine!

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and look forward to hearing from you in 2012,

Gillian & The Team

January 2012 5Please mention when answering an advert

DOOGSDOOGSGarden maintenance

to a high standard

Garden tidy-ups a speciality

Call Doogs on

References available

also

TaxAssistAccountants

TaxAssistAccountantsSAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY,

REDUCE STRESS!Let us deal with the Inland Revenue

• Accounts and Taxation• Self Assessment

• Bookkeeping, Payroll and VAT• Fixed Fees

Call TaxAssist Accountants today for afree initial consultation on 0131 445 3330

2 Biggar Road - Edinburgh - EH10 7BQ

‘The Small Business Champions’TaxAssist Accountants is a national network of small business accountants


The aim is simple: halve your carbon footprint (the UK average is 12 tonnes per year) within five years. This is much easier said than done, and here is where Carbon Conversations is particularly effective. Rea Cris participated in the November 2010 course. She said: “It’s open to anyone, of any background, of any inclination. […] I think some people do get put off. They say, ‘Oh, I’m not an environmentalist’ well, you don’t have to be one. [...]. It’s very open and welcoming and it’s a safe environment to voice any concerns you want.” Carbon Conversations helps ordinary people reduce their individual

carbon footprint and become confident talking about issues in their families, communities, workplaces and beyond. Marina Vons-Gupta, a facilitator for the programme, said: “All of a sudden, breaking habits becomes an achievable goal […]. [Participants] also often realise how (perceived) obstacles to changes are […] the product of obsolete conventions.” The course is comprised of a 128-page workbook covering topics like food and water, travel and transport, and home energy. In addition, facilitated discussions and games focus on showing participants the impacts of certain activities and how

change is possible. Lisa Ostenson, who also took part the 2010 November sessions, particularly liked the board games. She said: “Different scenarios happen in your life […] and you have so much money and all of these choices have an impact on your carbon […] It was fun just to chat about the different scenarios and kind of see what people thought was a good idea and what was a bad idea.” Carbon Conversations seems to be working. During the programme, most participants cut their carbon by about 1 tonne and made plans to halve their total emissions over the next four to five years. TES is ideally looking for established community groups to host the course. Groups should comprise six to ten people and be available to meet once a fortnight for six sessions (12 weeks in total). However, all participation is very welcome and groups can be formed from individual interest, as well. Community volunteers facilitate the course, so participants are only charged a small fee of £15 to cover materials. Facilitator training is also available through TES for anyone who has done the course. For more information or to register your interest, please contact Lauren Bruce on 0131 650 6064 or at [email protected]

Transition Edinburgh South begins new

round of Carbon Conversations

Transition Edinburgh South (TES) is recruiting participants for a nationally recognised course in personal sustainability and community building. From local food to light bulbs and greener travel, the Carbon Conversations programme gets down to the everyday challenges of climate defence!

Cutting carbon can be as simple as a change in the kind of lightbulbs used

Pic: Samantha Celera

By Sarah Stewart8 January 2012 Please mention when answering an advert

Providing the complete garage service

Comprehensively equipped workshop

Fully trained technicians

Servicing & Repairs

MOT Testing while you wait

Service & Courtesy Since 1973

CALL US TODAY

0131 447 6185/17070131 447 6185/17070131 447 6185/1707or email: [email protected] Times Mon-Thu: 07.30-17.00 Fri: 07.30-16.00 Closed Weekends11 Jordan Lane - Morningside - EH10 4RA

www.gwmartinltd.co.uk

Jordan Lane

G W Martin

Nile Grove

A702

Her

mita

ge Tc

e.

Canaan Lane

How to find us!

37 years experience caring for you and your car37 years experience caring for you and your car

G.W. MARTING.W. MARTINLTD

(Motor Engineers)

All WorkGuaranteed Free Collection &

Delivery within EH10Easy Parking


Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

BMAS realise that clients like to keep their independence and daily bathing is key to their well being and enjoyment. Redesigning existing bathrooms to either walk in showers or walk in baths helps people bathe safely and stay at home. It is also important to create a beautiful bathroom that does not look clinical or disabled. BMAS have fitted 100’s of walk in baths and walk in showers throughout central Scotland. Their

experience, skills and listening to customer needs keeps costs down, and their business benefits from a lot of happy customers referring friends and family members to them. Says Bobby Clyde (managing director) ‘Every installation is different. We like to offer the personal family touch and the very best possible advice and solutions to meet the client’s needs and budget. We have many years of experience and advice to pass on to customers.

We manage the whole process from beginning to end, taking the hassle and worry away. Our tradesmen are experts in each aspect of the job..... plumbing, joinery, electrical or flooring. Therefore we can deliver exactly what the client is looking for at the most affordable prices.’ Bobby continues ‘At BMAS we plan everything meticulously to ensure each job goes to plan and within the timescales. I am very proud of the testimonials on our website about our reliability, service and expertise... plus we hoover and clean up! It is very satisfying to help people that require a walk in bath or walk in shower’ We always try to integrate with a client’s existing layout and we only sign off as complete when both the BMAS installation manager and client are completely satisfied that the standards have been fully met.’ The range of features and products from BMAS is astounding..... from powered WC seats, anti slip trays, grab rails, safety posts, level or low level access, the list goes on and on. A visit to the BMAS Edinburgh showroom lets everyone see how a walk in bath or shower can work for them as well as showing the high standard of installation and workmanship. If you can’t make it to the showroom, a free no obligation home consultation/survey by Bobby Clyde is available throughout Scotland.

The Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) is a friendly locally run family business, just on your door step. BMAS specialise in making bathing easier for those who find they are struggling with the bath or shower they’ve had for years.


We Clean Carpets Carpet Tiles Oriental Rugs Upholstery Leather Curtains Mattresses

We Remove Spots & Stains Odours Chewing Gum Dust Mites

We Apply Stain Protector Dust Mite Killer

Commercial Maintenance Contract Work

Emergency Fire & Flood

gdoctor.co.uk www.cleanin Tel: (0131) 449 6450

Call FREE: 0800 695 3434

CARPET, CURTAIN & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

& PROTECTION WITH A 100% GUARANTEE!

New Owner Same Great Service

Richard Hoskinson

Edinburgh South West

CleaningDoctor®

As good as new

Fabric and leather sofas and armchairs cleaned

and stain protected.

Curtains cleaned in situation – there is no

need to take them down.

Cleaning that gets right down to the base of

your valuable carpets.

Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Curtain Cleaning

Look… It’s dry in only 30 minutes

with the Dry Fusion™ system.

“Hello, I’m Richard Hoskinson, Cleaning Doctor. I am totally dedicated to giving you the Best Ever™ carpet, curtain and upholstery cleaning and stain protection services, all at sensible prices and backed up with my 100% risk-free, money-back Guarantee on every job.”


Caldwell Joiners and Building Services

MOBILE: 07773 774749TEL: 0131 620 4175E-MAIL: [email protected]

We are based in Edinburgh and provide clients with a range of Joinery and Building services including:

• Installing fully fitted kitchens • Constructing attic conversions• Carrying out high-quality property renovations• Preparing and fitting all types of flooring and skirting• Involving all other aspects of joinery and building works.

For further information, or to obtain a free no obligation quote, please feel free to contact us.

Quality is our Guarantee and we work with all our clients to ensure that we give them exactly what they want at a price they can afford


Red - Hot Firewalk challenge

celebrating Burns in style’

Celebrate Burns Night..!Red-Hot Firewalk, Tusitala,

Friday 27th January 6pm - 9pm


243a Morningside RoadEdinburgh EH10 4QU

T: 0131 447 3045F: 0131 447 3069W: www.stationeryexpress.org

With over 23,000 productsavailable we’re bound to have what you’re after!

Student and Tradediscounts available.

Ask in store for moredetails!

For all your Stationery Needs

Stationery Express is a traditional stationer based in the Morningside area of Edinburgh. With over 18 years experience, it is our business promise to provide our customers with high quality stationery at affordable prices.

We can supply a huge variety of products from paperclips to pens and pencils, and from boxfiles to larger office goods such as filing cabinets.

Together with our team, we have over 40 years experience in the stationery trade. This experience enables us to not only supply stationery to retail customers but also furnish supplies to business customers of all sizes.

Can’t find what you’re after in store? We have a catalogue with over 23,000 products with most available in store the next day.

Stationery Express… For all your stationery needs


What Could Be Simpler...?Are you looking for professionally designed,competitively priced advertising for the local area?Edinburgh South West is distributed to the Colinton,Morningside, Merchiston, Craiglockhart, Comiston,Greenbank, Braid, Buckstone, Swanston andFairmilehead areas. Contact us to see what we can offer.

call us on:0131 447 786307809 381571or email:[email protected]

Many of our advertisers are taking advantageof our 3 and 6 month packages. These offergreat savings and mean for many businessesthat one or two customers is all that's neededfor the advert to pay for itself.


S o u t h W e s t20 January 2012 Please mention when answering an advert

229574

P l u m b i n g - H e a t i n g - E l e c t r i c a l

Fairmile Technical ServicesOne Call for All

Heating

Gas

Plumbing

Electrical

High efficieny boilers, sytem design, installation, servicing and repairs. Grants may be available under the A1 Low Carbon Scheme

All aspects of domestic gas work and landlord certificates

High efficiency unvented hot watersystems, bathrooms, showers, general plumbing and repairs.

Installations, repairs, testing inc. PAT and certifications

Call John on

0131 445 2754 or

07738 826 659All Small Jobs and Jobbing Welcome

andSJIBApproved

NICCertified

WE ONLY USE LIME BASED MORTARS AND STONE REPAIR SYSTEMS

(Stonemasons and Stone Restoration)Time served Tradesmen Specialising In Wall Repairs,

Stone Building and Repair, Lime Repointing,Chimneys Repaired and Rebuilt.

All Aspects Of Masonry Repair and Building.

Prompt Free Competitive Estimates • 25 Years In The Trade

Based In Comiston Road, EH10, We cover all Edinburgh and Lothians etc.

Please Call Free: 0800 112 0447 (Ask For James)

www.stonemasonsedinburgh.com


Bring your kitchen back to life

All makes of appliances fittedAll work guaranteed

Before After

From a small repair to fully fitted kitchens

Kevin Cairneyt: 0131 447 0090

m: 0785 013 3570

The kitchen Doctor will take care of everything

Electrics ~ plastering ~ painting ~ plumbing ~ worktops

Gordon PotterTel: 07402 699043email: [email protected]

TreeServices

• Tree surgery

• Tree felling

• Firewood

• Site clearing

• Pruning

• NPTC qualified


Morningside Plumbing“From Installations to Repairs”

• Toilet Repairs• Tap Repairs• Shower Repairs• Leak Repairs

• Central Heating• Blockages• Bathroom Installations• Shower Installations

All types of general work plumbing undertaken

Call to arrange a free estimate or for advice

Tel: 0131 478 1682

Email: [email protected]

www.morningsideplumbing.co.uk

Pentland Gas & Heating Services

George Clark, 60 Thomson Drive, Currie

0131 449 545507986 680258

Boiler replacements

Full Central Heating Systems

All Gas Appliances Installed, Serviced and Repaired

Landlords Safety Inspections

Unvented Hot Water Systems

Free EstimatesFully Gas Safe Registered

Free EstimatesFully Gas Safe Registered


In the deeper winters people did not need to venture so far as the Braids to practice their axels and twirls. In the booklet Morningside Memories published by the Morningside Heritage Association an older resident reminisces about skating at Mortonhall – which was possible, on the site of what is now Mortonhall Tennis Club, when the Braid Burn flooded the area sufficiently.

Skating also regularly took place at Blackford pond when the ice was thick enough – local shopkeepers posted notices to advise their customers if the ice was ‘bearing.’ There was apparently some debate as to whether the good skating ice should be disturbed for the benefit of the resident ducks! We would be grateful to hear from readers who might remember

In our postcard below we can see how some of the previous residents of South West Edinburgh enjoyed themselves on the ice high up on the Braids when the winter bit hard enough to create a natural skating pond. It must have been quite a sight to behold with dozens taking to the ice.

taking part in these events. The area was also well served by curling clubs who practised ‘the roaring game’ on ponds or artificial rinks at Blackford, Craiglockhart, Hunter’s Tryst, Mortonhall and Tipperlinn to name but a few. Indeed Merchiston Curling Club, one of Scotland’s oldest and which is still in existence, appears to have had a number of homes in Ardmillan, Harrrison Park and Slateford, no doubt moving in order to keep one step ahead of those Victorian property developers! Curlers appear largely to have moved indoors to the Haymarket Ice Rink when it opened in the early 20th century – but, again, we would be delighted to hear from anyone who has curled on a local pond since then.


Winter Recreation

Local Life

For further information, or to obtain a free no obligation quote please call Malcolm.

MALCOLM CAMPBELL JOINER

E-mail: [email protected]

• Installation fully fitted kitchen (all trades)• Cills, Ropes, Locks Sash & Case windows all conservation work.• Architraves, soldier skirtings and mouldings.• No job too small, call out service available.

All types of joinery work, fully insured and

guaranteed workmanship.

Established 1981

Tel: 0131 443 8938 24 hr answering service.

Mobile: 07976 931 381

SERVICES and much more…!

LOCAL

A professional & friendly service.

from £22 per hr- no hidden charges

fully insured

work guaranteed

call Gordon on

www.handymanedinburgh.comor


Would you like to work forthe EdinburghSouthWest?

We want to expand our team so if you can answer 'yes' to these questions why not get in touch?Have you selling experience?Do you enjoy a challenge?Are you self motivated?

07809 381571 • 0131 447 [email protected]


24Roofing &Building Ltd.

Roofing &Building Ltd.

Flat Roofing

Slating & Roof Tiling

Masonry & Stonework

Leadwork

Pointing

Harling & Roughcasting

Emergency Roof Service

58 Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 2NH

[email protected]

0131 667 0609

WinterRoof Check

Get your roof checked for damage before the winter begins

FREE

FREE ESTIMATES & PHOTOGRAPHIC REPORT

INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEES

Total strip and re-slate (before) During During During Total strip and re-slate (complete)


The trail is circular and child friendly and takes from one and a half to two hours to complete. The route gives an overview of Old Morningside, pointing out places and buildings of interest, and providing some historical detail. Although there is a suggested route to follow, the trail can be picked up at any point on the map. The trail starts at the gates of Braid Burn Valley Park and ends at the Toll House of the Hermitage of Braid. Parking is free in this area so cars can be left here without the worry of parking fines! Some photographs have been included to encourage any children (and adults) to see if they can find the places in the pictures. Copies of the trail and map are available, free of charge, from many local shops, the library, the Morningside Glory pub and the Braid Hills Hotel. We hope it is enjoyed by all who venture out to explore Morningside. A village steeped in history!

For anyone who is interested in walking and local history, there is a new Morningside Heritage Trail which has now been completed and published under the auspices of the Morningside Heritage Association.

Morningside Heritage Trail. Available from local library and shops. Free

Morningside Heritage Trail


T a k i n g c a r e o f g e n e r a t i o n s o f T V w a t c h e r s s i n c e 1 9 6 5

We are a family firm established in 1965 and have movedwith all the technologies - black & white, colour and nowdigital. You can be assured of our experience for thebest results and pice of mind.

0131 441 46189am - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday51 Bonaly Crescent, Edinburgh EH13 [email protected]

K I N N E A R A E R I A L S

Digital TV aerial specialistsInstallation, RepairsPlasma/LCD wall installationDigital Upgrades, Why wait to analogue shutdown?Free estimatesExtra TV points

FREEEstimates

email: [email protected]

David BreezeHandyman Service

and much more - small jobs no problem

www.davebreeze.co.uk

07894 881319 • 0131 660 9443Mobile: Phone:

07894 881319 • 0131 660 9443Mobile: Phone:

In the home or office:

In the garden:

• Flat-pack furniture collected, assembled & fitted • Small Electrical jobs • Door locks & handles • Draught excluders • Joinery • Tiling • Showers, baths & basins resealed • Kitchen units

• Fences & Gates • Metalwork • Decking • Painting • Sheds • Walls repaired/repointed • Gutters • Mowing, hedge cutting & strimming

Available NOWfor all internal plasterworks

Nick on 0778 474 8361or 0187 581 5913info@crosscheckplastering.co.ukwww.crosscheckplastering.co.uk

Free estimatesFully insuredCity and Guilds approved

SKIM COATINGPLASTERBOARDINGBONDINGDOT&DABPATCHINGPLASTER REPAIRS


Nearly New SaleNearly New SaleNearly New SaleThe National Childbirth Trust Edinburgh South

NCT members early entry 9.45amBecome a member at

www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/home Other enquires: 08442436124

or email: [email protected]

Craiglockhart Parish Church, EH14 1HS (Craiglockhart Drive North)

Saturday 28th January 201210.00am-11.45am

The National Childbirth Trust offers information and support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. We aim to give every parent the chance to make informed choices. We try to make sure our services, activities and membership are fully accessible to everyone.

Registered no. 2370573 (England) Registered office: Oldham Terrace, London W3 6NH Registered charity No 801 395

Admission by donationAdmission by donation

High quality children’s and maternity clothes, toys and equipment including moses baskets, travel cots, real nappies, toys, pushchairs, highchairs, books, games, puzzles and lots more!

MOBILE - 07969 564 777OFFICE - 0131 441 7137

EMAIL - [email protected]

For a reliable, quality service please contact Gareth

• Landscaping• Fencing• Paving

• 2012 Garden MaintenanceSnow/Ice Clearance


edinburghsouthwest iss59_services

Documents

advertt h e e s s e

c e ss e r v

c e shandyman25

c e s2

j c lindsay15

scott findlay31

scott brown21

morningside plumbing21