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Merchiston Community Council restores canal path benches
The benches on the towpath along the Union Canal have been upgraded by the local community council.
A spokesperson said: “The towpath along the Union Canal is much used not just by cyclists and runners but by walkers too, including several walking groups organised especially for older people.
“So the benches located at intervals along the route are much used. Two of them at the Ashley Terrace Bridge, which were more than thirty years years old, had become wobbly, uncomfortable and and unsafe, so Merchiston Community Council arranged to have them inspected by local craftsman Richard Ryrko of Doublestop Dynamics, who has made park benches for other city spaces such as The Meadows & Bruntsfield Links. He has worked on other canal-based projects including the refit of boats and the construction of boathouses.
“We were delighted when Richard advised that there was no need to discard our two benches and that they could instead be refurbished. With the help of Scottish Canals who own the towpath, and of Edinburgh City Council who gave us a community grant, the benches were removed and transported to Richard’s workshop where the teak and metal parts were carefully dismantled, repaired, treated and reassembled to fit them for the next twenty years.
“One appreciative comment from a member of the public reads “We had a look at the new bench on the canal, and were impressed. It looks classy, and is surprisingly comfortable, and I feel I’m an expert on benches…… Congratulations all round!” .“
Well done to the community council.
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Granton:hub Heritage Walk
Granton:hub invite you to join them on a walk on 14 December leaving from the hub at Madelvic House EH5 1HS, gathering at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. The walk will be a loop coming back to the hub around noon. Book on Eventbrite.
Eric Liddell Community – Christmas lights
The Christmas lights will be switched on at the Eric Liddell Community at Holy Corner on 4 December at 6pm. But get there earlier at 5o’clock to hear the music!
The Voice House Community Choir will sing carols outside on the Chamberlain Road steps and will migrate to the warmth inside afterwards where they will continue to perform. Drookit the members of the Scots Music Group will also perform. As well as music there will be “Arts & Crafts Stalls, Mulled Wine & Mince Pies, Community Produce Stall, Raffle and Hampers, Santa‘s Grotto and Kids Activities, Choir & Live Music”.