UNHELPFUL PREVIEW HERE

As you read this, copies of the May Spurtle are not fluttering from the presses like so many cherry blossoms borne on a gentle breeze across the Barony of Broughton and beyond.

Rather, in the absence of working print-shops, Issue 295 remains trapped in the egg-bound bowel of the Editor’s computer.

1860

CHILD MURDER

Elizabeth Smith or Walker, residing in Upper Greenside Lane,[1] was placed at the bar charged with administering a quantity of comrise sublimate[2] or other poison to her son aged two years and two months on Thursday last, in consequence of which the boy died immediately or soon thereafter, and was thus murdered by the said accused.

1 MAY DEADLINE – DON’T FORGET TO COMMENT

Ediston and Orion Capital Managers, the entities behind the proposed New Town North development between Dundas Street and King George V Park, have issued their latest newsletter to subscribers.

In it they summarise their initial feeback to over 50 comments and questions received since the latest consultation on their plans went online on 9 April.

1859

MELANCHOLY CASE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE CALEDONIAN MERCURY AND DAILY EXPRESS.

Sir,—Permit me, through the medium of your journal, to inquire if there is such a person as a police surgeon in this city, and it is his duty to attend to persons found in the streets or in the common-stairs in a state of insensibility, and likewise if it is the duty of policemen to call him to such?[1]

POLICE SEEK WITNESSES

Police seek witnesses after a man was assaulted near King George V Park at around 2pm on Saturday 25 April.

The victim was verbally abused in the park by 4 men, who accused him of taking their photograph. They followed him through the Rodney Street tunnel, continuing to shout, before demanding money, then racially abusing and assaulting him at the Tesco end.

They ran off through the tunnel when Tesco staff came to the victim’s aid.

Police Scotland today issued the following press release. With the exception of added subheadings, we reproduce it unedited and in full.

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RECORDED CRIME DOWN DURING SCOTLAND’S CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE

Recorded crime has fallen by around a quarter since measures to support physical distancing came into effect, early indications suggest.

There is a timeless hush about Edinburgh these days.

Sometimes, it’s like a tonic for the soul. Sometimes, it’s unsettling and peculiar.

Yesterday afternoon, it was simply confusing when the gentle notes of a saxophone seemed to enter Greenside Row from every direction simultaneously.

Spurtle wandered in circles searching for the source, till finally tracking it down to a lone musician high up on the northwest face of Calton Hill.

HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY.

This Court resumed yesterday—the Lord Justice-General, Lord Deas, and Lord Ardmillan on the bench.

Elizabeth Adams and John M’Intyre pled not guilty to the charge of stealing, on the 5th or 6th of April last, from the pocket of Alexander Ferguson, house-painter, when in Catholic Chapel Lane, leading from Broughton Street to St James’s Place,[1] a silver watch and gold pencil-case. The jury found the charge proven, and the prisoners were each sentenced to six years’ penal servitude.

Debate Night is returning to BBC Scotland with a revised format this month.

The programme, hosted by Stephen Jardine, will feature a panel of (socially distanced) politicians and public figures as usual.

But the questions will come from a ‘virtual audience’ seething in the comfort of their own kitchens and sitting rooms. Your involvement is actively sought.

‘Debate Night is the only place where people are regularly able to put their questions and experiences directly to Scotland's policymakers in their own words,’ says Jardine.