The article below, apparently written on Christmas Day 1790, appeared in the Caledonian Mercury on 1 January 1791.

It is possible that the subject matter appealed to some Presbyterian editor sucking in his cheeks at the celebration of a Rome-ish mass south of the Border. But it is more probable that the Editor enjoyed the deadpan humour of a supposed 'member of the Church of England' urging abstemiousness in terms that would have struck many disapproving or hypocritical Scots as excessive.

As you read this, advanced copies of the December/January Spurtle are already appearing across the barony like Lockdown-busting shoppers from Newcastle trying to keep a low profile in parties of 30.

Page 1 steps gingerly into the traffic, looking both ways before tumbling headlong into a rain-filled pothole. It carries news of stable development, local views (and their possible absence), and the great smell of coffee not everybody likes.

Are you bored?

Are you not bored but in need of distraction?

Do you like having your brain teased?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, Spurtle’s quizzical ramblings may be just what the doctor ordered.

Every day this week, Monday–Friday, we’ll be adding five clues to this page. You’ll then have until midnight on 4 December to EMAIL us your answers and provide a very specific solution.

Attached below is the extensive response by New Town & Broughton Community Council to Ediston's planning application for the former RBS site between Dundas Street and King George V Park.

In July last year, Spurtle responded to recent downpours by examining the current and long-term efficacy of Edinburgh’s £43M Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme (FPS).

As part of that, we reported the conclusion of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA):