As you read this, electronic copies of the June Spurtle are already speeding their way across the virtual barony like spring bees late for an appointment.

Issue 296 starts traditionally on Page 1, with news of a fetching 13-year old recently sighted locally after a prolonged absence. She is joined by the latest on new routes proposed for Broughton and beyond, a pew hue, and a local industry insider’s views on the potential benefits of business as abnormal.

At last week’s meeting of the Policy & Sustainability Committee, councillors unanimously agreed to appoint a ‘service provider’ to deliver a consultation on the future, from 2022 onwards, of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals (Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay).

This decision followed earlier consultation with the All Party Oversight Group, which will continue to oversee the appointment and consultation processes.

DOSH TRUMPS TRANQUILITY

At yesterday’s virtual meeting of the Policy & Sustainability Committee, councillors considered <

Edinburgh’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres will reopen on Monday 1 June on an appointment-only basis.

1869–73

ONE GUINEA REWARD.[1]—JOHN FRASER, a Skinner, recently residing at Ann’s Court, Canonmills,[2] having deserted his child Hugh, aged four years or thereby, who has become chargeable to the Parish of St Cuthbert’s, the Subscriber will pay the above Reward to any party who will give such information as will lead to the apprehension of the said John Fraser.

He is about 35 Years of Age, Middle Size, Fair Complexion, Roman Nose, and wants the Fourth Finger of one of his hands.

We hesitate to report this, given that our last account of a reduction in Edinburgh crime was followed almost immediately by an assault on our doorstep. However, these rather startling figures are worth noting.

Statistics released by Police Scotland yesterday suggest violent crimes and housebreakings have reduced in the capital.

March 1869

Letters to the Editor.

THE WATER SUPPLY.

Sir,—I will be obliged by your inserting the inclosed correspondence. Bailie Russell is not only high in authority, but one of the Special Committee for inflicting the proposed legislative enactments that are likely to saddle us with hundreds of thousands.

Inverleith House in the Botanic Gardens has secured funding to deliver a three-year programme of multidisciplinary engagement between artists and ecology scientists.

In partnership with the Serpentine Galleries in London, the gallery will be called Climate House, and offer a transformative, transdisciplinary space ‘welcoming the broadest possible audience to challenge the Climate Crisis’.