Lauriston Castle
Northfield and Willowbrae
Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Meadows Barbecues and the danger of fire
Visitors to Lauriston Castle will be treated to an adventure in all things Alice later today when Cramond hosts a Wonderland-themed family day out.
Taking inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s children’s classic, which turned 150 this year, families will be treated to a game of ‘Queen of Hearts’ croquet on the lawns of Lauriston Castle, a ‘Mad Hatter’s tea party’ in the Castle’s Glasshouse, and Wonderland-themed baking in the Castle’s ancient kitchen quarters.
The event – which is completely sold out – is part of Lauriston Castle’s packed summer programme of arts and crafts, lectures, theatre and events.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Edinburgh’s Culture and Sport Convener, said: “This summer’s series of events at Lauriston Castle will ensure families are never short of things to see and do over the school break. The Alice in Wonderland croquet tea party has been a complete sell-out, but there are still tickets left for a host of fantastic and quirky activities that will keep the kids entertained on a budget.”
Find out more at the Council’s Edinburgh Museums website.
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The City of Edinburgh Council and Northfield and Willowbrae Community Council have had productive talks with Morrisons Supermarket about improving the site in Portobello Road.
The first change to be made is that Morrisons have started work on designing a new entrance to their site from Baronscourt Park – a route which is currently considered dangerous but popular with local people.
Local councillor Alex Lunn said: “It is not yet certain when the Park will be built but this is an step an important forward.
“Making progress on the site has been a goal and this new project is largely due to the efforts in building partnership by the community council.”
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The Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership has a small amount of funding to help promote walking and cycling in the area.
This is what they plan to do:
“Install three new benches in selected locations across Inverleith. We are keen for these to be used to encourage walking in the area, and understand that the chance to stop for a rest is an important part of this for many people. If you know of an area that you think might be ideal to place a new bench, please let me know! Suggestions will be considered by the INP and hopefully you will spot them soon.
“Organise a Festival of Walking and Cycling in September in Inverleith Park. Please tell us what you’d like to see at this event, or if you have ideas of groups who might like to get involved?”
The date of the next Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership public meeting is 24 August.
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The Festival sold tickets for its venues across the city, which included the EIFF’s home at Filmhouse, its venue partner Cineworld, and at Festival Theatre Edinburgh, the Traverse, Dominion Cinema, Odeon Lothian Road, Royal Lyceum Theatre and Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen.
Ken Hay, CEO Edinburgh International Film Festival, commented: “There have been some truly memorable moments at the Festival this year, from the spectacular opening night World Premiere of THE LEGEND OF BARNEY THOMSON, Ewan McGregor’s sold out In Person at the Lyceum, the skype Q&A with the stars of our Documentary Award Winning Film THE WOLFPACK, the sensational screening of BACK TO THE FUTURE with the RSNO performing the score live, and the opportunity to meet filmmaking legends, Haskell Wexler and Johnnie To. Our audiences have obviously responded to our rich and diverse programme and we are thrilled to see the increase in admissions.”
Read all of our Edinburgh Film Festival reviews here.
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Firefighters in the City of Edinburgh have reminded people to safely dispose of barbecues to help prevent needless fires.
Last year the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended 57 fires in and around the Meadows between the months of May and August. The majority of these incidents involved bins and/or disposable barbecues.
One of the main causes of the fires was the careless disposal of barbecues into bins, some of which already contained combustible materials.
This type of incident ties up valuable SFRS resources as well as causing inconvenience for park staff and users.
Station Manager Jonathon Miller said: “Following the guidance provided will prevent resources from one of Scotland’s busiest stations being tied up at minor, easily prevented small fires on the Meadows.
“This can also delay our attendance at more serious, possibly life threatening, incidents and divert firefighters away from important community safety and training activities.
“We will be conducting routine joint visits with City of Edinburgh Council Park Rangers during the summer to offer advice on BBQ safety as well as offering free home fire safety visits to park users.”
The following simple tips should be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable BBQ and lead to a reduction in fires on the meadows:
- Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.
- All BBQ’s should be raised from grass areas to avoid burning or scolding
- Keep a bucket of water or large bottle of water nearby, in case of emergencies.
- Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about five centimetres (two inches).
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive your barbecue – use only barbecue firelighters or starter fuel on cold coals.
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- Do not leave the barbecue unattended.
- After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it.
- Hot ashes can melt a plastic wheelie bin and can cause a fire.
- Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a barbeque.
- Use one of the two designated BBQ bins on the meadows (Middle Meadows Walk/Bruntsfield links)Sign up here for a daily email from The Edinburgh Reporter !
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