No 56 Autumn 2012 Hidden Treasures of the Water of Leith The Water of Leith has a fascinating heritage and this summer we launched a special exhibition and family fun day to celebrate the unique archaeology, geology and industrial heritage of the river. Ulriika and Abi, who have joined us for the summer, spent months researching the history of the river from its source in the Pentland Hills down to Slateford. They created 10 information posters on the following subjects: The River’s Geology, A Tribal Land (early settlements along the river), Ancient Discoveries (celebrating the archaeology of the river), Historic Wonders (the special features, monuments and bridges of the river), and Mill Heritage, which included a collection of all the items made in the mills. Finally the history of the villages of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Colinton and Slateford was revealed. The exhibition was opened on 22nd July along with a special fun day, which formed part of the British Festival of Archaeology. Around 100 visitors enjoyed the day and were treated to many fun ‘historical’ activities. We created a Bronze Age camp in the Dells complete with fire lighting from flint, an authentic shelter, hunting games and creating nettle string. Visitors could try their hand at Archaeology on a dig, metal detecting, and fossil hunting near Bogs Bridge. At the Centre visitors tried their hands at ancient crafts, grinding grain into flour and could dress up in Bronze-Aged costumes courtesy of Historic Scotland. We had expertise from Edinburgh Geological Society and Archaeology Scotland, and lots of help from our volunteers and staff who all helped to make it a really special day. The event and exhibition was funded by the City of Edinburgh Council’s South West Neighbourhood Partnership and we hope it will tour local centres and libraries in the autumn. In the meantime you can see the exhibition daily at the Visitor Centre. Above - The Hidden Treasures Exhibition and Fossil Hunting in the Dells. Below - The Bronze Age Camp, Archaeological Dig FLOOD UPDATE Work on the flood defence scheme continues apace. The main areas of work are as follows: Veitch’s Square in Stockbridge - Now that the piles are in, concrete works are starting in this area. The concrete bases for the demountable barriers at Falshaw Bridge are underway with Glenogle Road only open to pedestrians at this point. Stockbridge Colonies - the defences are at different stages of construction at various locations. Some sections At Ettrickdale Place are nearing completion while a short section at Reid Terrace has only just started. The new bridge at Bell Place is in and working. Rocheid Path is open and the section of Walkway across the Tanfield footbridge and on to Brandon Street is now passable. Warriston Road - At Canonmills, the concrete wall is progressing and preparations are in place to start the masonry works at Warriston Crescent. Further downstream, there has been a delay with installing the steel piles; a section is presently standing proud, but it is anticipated that works will re-start here soon. On the opposite bank, Warriston Road, temporary works are in place to allow the piling to be carried out, with works at an advanced stage for the new flood gates at Boat Green and the old arristonW Viaduct. St Marks Park / Bonnington - Downstream of the Viaduct, the new wall and high level footpath are well under way although the section next to the viaduct has yet to start construction above the piles. The road closure and traffic management are still in place on Warriston Road, but pedestrians can pass through without much difficulty. There is a small section of defences being built just downstream of St Marks Bridge. This has closed the Walkway here with a diversion being via Warriston Road and St Marks Park. Downstream of this point, the flood defences are largely complete with only tidying up and landscaping remaining. There have been some delays to the works; for example the contractor lost time when dealing with the high flows in July so that completion is currently expected to be early in 2013. BIG ANNUAL CLEAN-UP What a spring and summer it has been with record rainfalls and repeated flooding to the river and the walkway. This, however, did not halt the efforts of thousands of Volunteers during our Annual River Clean-up between April and June. Events were kicked off at the Visitor Centre with a Slateford Clean-up attended by 38 volunteers. Then 20 groups continued the effort until the whole river was covered. We must thank all the teams involved, see the list below, but a special mention goes to the 45 volunteers from the Lloyds group who attended a day-long task in the rain in May and the 50 or so Geocachers (pictured) who managed to retrieve this fridge-freezer from a very awkward spot in Juniper Green. Our thanks also goes to; Edinburgh University, Edinburgh Sport’s Club, Coltbridge Residents Association, The Dean Village Association, Colinton Amenity Association, St George’s School, Clifton Hall School Clean-up, two teams from The Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Group Give and Gain Day, Geocachers, Roseburn Primary School, Lloyds Banking Group, Firhill School Business placement, The Scottish Government, The Rock Trust, The Leith Agency, Merchiston Castle School, ICAS Group, The Green Team and Inverleith Community. The Geocahers posing with the fridge-freezer at Juniper Green Maid in Leith Project nets a Walker of Leith raises an £750 Donation amazing £2350 Fans of real ale had a real treat last summer as marketing and communications agency, The Leith Agency, commissioned their very own beer brand ‘Maid in Leith’, with plans for all agency profits to be donated to the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. During April Alistair Baird, accompanied by his Fronted by a ravishing raven-haired mermaid the labradoodle Tula, was the Walker of Leith. He walked label on the craft beer read, ‘If your wee fins are pure the river every day for 8 consecutive days, clocking up knackered, it’s time for the catch of the day. Maid in an impressive 100 miles. His aim was to raise funds Leith is a golden ale with a crisp, dry flavour and a for the Trust and highlight the issues relating to dog sweet, hoppy aroma. That means ‘magic’ to you and poo along the river. We followed his progress daily and me. To keep my home looking beautiful I’m giving all he provided a daily news blog and some wonderful my lovely profits to the Water of Leith Conservation photos. When he completed his walk he had raised Trust’. We are delighted to be on the receiving end over £1000 and was delighted. Then a very generous of such a creative fundraising solution, and we have donor, impressed by his efforts, matched the total raised...bringing the grand total to £2350. These are netted a donation of £750 from sales of the beer. Alistair’s words when he finished the walk: To celebrate the end of this project, staff from the Leith Agency joined our volunteers for a clean-up in “We made it! It’s been an amazing week and I have Stockbridge. really enjoyed the challenge. Thank you so much to everyone who donated or pestered others into giving A Very Tasty Duck Race and for all your kind, supportive words along the way. This year’s Duck Race will take place at the Visitor Thanks to my mum, Joyce and Eve who sold enough Centre on Sunday 16th September at 3pm (the fun macaroon bars to rot half of Central Scotland’s teeth, day will start from 2pm with races starting at 3pm), to all the fantastic volunteers and staff at the visitor and we are delighted to announce the tastiest centre who kept my caffeine levels up, to Tula who prizes for the Yellow Duck Race. Michelin starred provided the kind of hilarity that only she can. I’d Restaurants in Leith; The Kitchin and Restaurant also like to thank Helen at the Trust for not dismissing Martin Wishart have both donated Lunch for two as my crazy idea when we first spoke about it in the winter! our top prizes! In addition around 10 other eateries Without her energy, hard work and patience this would not have been anywhere near as successful as it was. along the river have donated vouchers to make this Our river is in very safe hands. Finally I’d like to thank the most edible race yet. For details of all the races, my grandparents who first introduced me to the Water the fun day and how to buy tickets visit: of Leith when I was a toddler. Margaret has been a www.waterofleith.org.uk/bigevents/ resident of Stockbridge for all of her 85 years and we sadly lost Arthur last year - he is sorely missed by all. CHILDREN’S AUTUMN EVENTS This is dedicated to them. “ £4 per child (adults free) & start at 2.00pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 Plant Sale raises £1000 [email protected] We had yet another wonderful Plant Sale at the Visitor Centre in May. With more plants, cakes and Tuesday 16th Oct – Autumn Antics visitors than ever we were delighted to raise over Thursday 18th October – Winter Wilderness £1000. Thank you to all the members and volunteers Survival Skills who helped make the day. Wildlife News.... Planning Update..... It has not been the best year for breeding birds along • The re-development of The Shore area in Leith the river. The Murrayfield Swans have had a tough is complete and looks very smart.