Strollers Walks 2019

Here are the provisional dates for your diaries:-

Date	Day	No	Where	Leader
17 January	Thursday	237	Historic Walk –  FountainBridge	Karen MacCormick
19 February	Tuesday	238	Historic Walk –   Linlithgow	Karen MacCormick
20 March	Wednesday	239
18 April	Thursday	240	Cramond – Iron  Mills	Ian Kirkpatrick
21 May	Tuesday	241	Tweedbank and Melrose area	Alistair Buchanan
19 June	Wednesday	242
16 July	Tuesday	243
15 August	Thursday	244
24 September	Tuesday	245
16 October	Wednesday	246
14 November	Thursday	247
5  December	Thursday	248	Christmas Lunch	Drew Young

Strollers Walk number 236 - The Christmas Lunch

The December walk was held in the Royal Scots Club in Abercromby Place and a very nice lunch was had by all.

Our thanks to Mr Jim Cooper for piping the Strollers into lunch and also to the Strollers Performers for entertaining the lunchers with their songs commemorating the First World War, the founding of the RAF and the NHS.  

All the best for Christmas and the New Year and we look forward to seeing you on the coming walks in 2019.  

Chairman's note - thanks for including we in one of your songs. Sadly, I was on a train to London that day so didn't hear it. I am touched that you thought of me. 

Strollers Walk 235 from Haymarket to Davidsons Mains

On a hot and balmy sunny day (yes this was the November walk!) forty eight Strollers caused pedestrian chaos at Haymarket Station to meet up for the walk to Davidsons Mains. It must have been the mention of a pub at the end of the walk or the Greggs next door to it which appealed or just to say that they had been on a walk so that they could come to the Strollers Lunch!  

Following the tram lines, and trying hard not to get anyone run over, we set off to join up with the railway footpath which ran parallel to the railway line. It was originally constructed during 1853 by the Caledonian Railway however it lay disused for more than a century and the trains ran along what is now the Western Approach Road to the Caley Station. The line was finally commissioned during September 1964 by British Rail who then closed the Caley Station. 

Joining the footpath at Roseburn we crossed the Water of Leith and wandered down past Ravelston and Craigleith whilst the Strollers tried to work out where they were and also to catch up with the front markers who were taking the word ‘strolling’ to a new level.  

Strangely at Craigleith, no one seemed keen to leave and go for a bit of retail therapy at the shopping centre. It’s based in the old quarry which supplied a lot of the stone for the New Town. We passed under the bridges at Drylaw with some very impressive graffiti artwork on them which may have been done as part of the Graffiti festival held in Leith in September 2018.  

Pretty soon, quicker than walk estimate, Davidson's Mains came into view. It was possibly named after William Davidson, a wealthy merchant, who bought the Muirhouse area, in 1776. Prior to the 19th century it was known as Muttonhole. Wouldn’t it have been good if they had kept that name? 

Stopping at the top of Silverknowes to point out the closest pubs and cafes, it was amazing how quickly 48 Strollers can disappear at the mere mention of food and drink.  

Our thanks to our leader Drew, for arranging and getting the weather to go with it.

Strollers Walk number 234 from Penicuik to Roslin

It must have been the mention of Greggs as a meeting place which attracted thirty three Strollers to the walk from Penicuik to Roslin! 

The forecast was good but it did start to rain as we set off along the old railway line, which caused a few comments to today’s organiser as he had told his wife not to bother taking her rain jacket! Luckily it didn’t last long and the sun came out highlighting the golden Autumn leaves on the trees bordering the walk. 

The path went through new housing estates which were just being started when the walk had last been done in 2008. Some of the buildings had been built in the style of the old paper mills that used to stand on the banks of the Esk. Leaving the railway line a series of wide gradual steps took us down to a bridge in Roslin Glen Nature Park. As recently as 2014 there used to be a weir here, which Colm had a picture of, but it fell into disrepair and collapsed. It was built to channel the water into the adjacent old gunpowder mill. We stopped here for lunch as there were some seats and a picnic table. 

Some Strollers went down to investigate the mill ruins while the rest of us stuck to the path and read the information board which told us about the scale and size of the mills. Built in 1804 to supply powder for the Napoleonic war, the mills continued production until 1954. They supplied the mining and quarrying industries as well as munitions used in a number of wars, including the Crimean, Boer and First and Second World Wars. The council took over the area from the Forestry Commission in 1970 when they demolished the buildings for safety reasons and incorporated it into the Roslin Glen Nature Park. 

Crossing the road into the main part of the park at the lower section of Roslin Glen took us to an area known as ’Bleachfields where, in 1719, Robert Neilson started bleaching. It is believed that goods made in Dunfermline bearing the Royal Arms for Queen Victoria were bleached there.  

Having come down into the Glen it was now time to go back up some 20 odd steps to Rosslyn Castle where the more adventurous went under the castle for a better look from the other side.  

The rest of us made our way up to the car park and the non-car Strollers were just in time to catch the bus back to Edinburgh. It’s all about timing.  

Look forward to seeing you on the next walk. 

Strollers Walk number 233 - Pencaitland

Nine hardy Strollers ignored the doom and gloom of the weather forecast and made their way to Pencaitland for a circular walk. Never trust a weather forecast as it was warm and bright and we had the feeling of being overdressed for the conditions.

More surprisingly, given the overnight and early morning rain, the path was dry underfoot. No repetition of muddy ‘Moira’ today.

We were walking the route called the Hamilton Hike round the Winton Estate, where the Strollers had once gone for Christmas Lunch transported on an LRT double decker bus!

Our starting point was at the Sinclair Bridge in the centre of the village following the Ormiston Express train route, which has been decommissioned and gives respite along with the Walkers Roost Box. This is basically a wooden seat made to resemble a train! Passing another walking group coming the other way, we crossed the river by Kingfisher Bridge and went along the edge of a small wood and pond, till we met up with the old Ormiston to Pencaitland Railway line. We then followed it until it met the junction for the Macmerry Line. Our guide was a bit hazy at this point as we had a choice of 3 ways to go, but luckily a ‘local’ set us on the right ‘tracks’ and we set off again along the Hamilton Hike. 

We stopped for a short time to enjoy a break and some lunch, partly because we realised that we weren’t where we should be on the Hamilton Hike but were following the walk that had been scouted!  Following the path back to the entrance to Winton House we then got back on the right path and then met the group of walkers doing the route the other way that we had met earlier.

The walking route was nice and easy and one we will revisit at a later date hopefully when the forecast is better.

Our thanks to Ronnie for arranging and getting the weather to go with it.

Look forward to seeing you on the next walk. 

Outing to Carlisle and Carlisle Castle on 23 August

Our fourth outing of the year was on 23 August.

61 of us left an overcast Edinburgh a bit late, as someone was held up due to their train being delayed. By the time we were in the Borders, it was drizzling.  Our coffee stop was at a very busy Woollen Mill in Moffat.  When we reached Carlisle, the heavens opened and it poured, however by the time we found the car park for the Castle it wasn't too bad but there was an uphill walk to the Castle and its entrance.

Our party was split into two groups. The first going immediately on the tour and the second either going for coffee at the cafe in the Castle or going into the centre of town which was about 5 minutes’ walk away.  We were in luck as there was a market on that day.

We then switched over. Unfortunately we had to wait in a blustery wind for the 1st group to finish. A very interesting place and we needed more time to see everything. We then had a long walk back to the bus which took some people with walking difficulties a while. An interesting fact our guide was Scottish and he made the comment that the English had entrusted the Keys of the Castle to him!

It was then time to make our way to the Dryfesdale Hotel outside Lockerbie up a very narrow tree lined road - just as well there was nothing coming the other way as there were no passing places! We had to phone to say were going to be late but that did not detract from a lovely high tea in pleasant surroundings.

We were obviously late in getting back so some did not manage to be dropped off nearer their homes as Douglas Austin had brought a car up from the Borders to Waterloo Place for the driver and he took the bus away.

Outing to Deanston Distillery and Callander on 24 September

The final outing of 2018 was attended by 31 and so we had a smaller bus. As our driver has been doing guided tours he gave us some very interesting facts and kept us entertained all day. The weather was lovely and sunny most for of the day. 

 Our coffee stop was at Dobbies Stirling and on this outing we had plenty time to do some shopping.

We then had a short drive through the countryside and up a narrow road to the Distillery, which looked like a mill. We found out later that it was originally a cotton mill!

On arrival, we were split into two groups with a 10 minute gap between us setting off. The tour began with watching a video on the history of the mill and distillery before we were taken round by a very informative and enthusiastic young lady. I believe the other lady was also very good.

After the tour we were given two different samples to taste. As there were a few of the ladies who don't drink, I do believe some of the gentlemen on the tour had a lot more to drink! Our treasurer even managed to get samples for the driver to take home with him.  Well, if you don't ask you don't get!

There was time to purchase some goodies, although we’re not sure if anyone availed themselves of the £5 discount on a bottle of whisky before we were on our way to Callendar with time for lunch and more shopping.

High tea was at the King Robert Hotel Stirling and those who were on the Bannockburn outing recognised where it was, the name was the giveaway - yes it was right next door to Bannockburn.

I think a lovely meal was had by all (well no one seemed to complain) and the service was excellent.  All too soon it was time to return to Edinburgh and once again the bus was being picked up by Douglas so there were no local drop offs! 

A good finale to our 2018 summer outings. We'll have to wait to see where 2019 will take us.

Outing to the Borders show at Kelso on 27 July

Fifty five of us set off on sunny Friday 27th July to visit the Borders show at Kelso.

Our first stop was at Carfraemill for tea or coffee and scones, very enjoyable. Joan passed out all the tickets and we then headed to Kelso and the show.

We had loads of time to wander around and to sample the many "freebies" available. Word has it that the gin and cheese stalls were well supported!! There was plenty to see and do. Some of us managed to sit in the sun whilst watching the show jumping. It was such a beautiful day and a very worthwhile visit.

After the show we headed to the Kingsknowes Hotel in Galashiels for a lovely high tea, despite the excessive heat in the restaurant, think we picked one of the hottest days of our summer. Everyone was happy to make our way home in our lovely air conditioned coach.

Strollers Walk number 232 - Earlston

Nineteen Strollers met in Earlston for a walk around and up Black Hill (1,030 feet). On the top you can still trace the concentric rings of the British fort for which it was named. It is also said to be possible to make out the remains of the cave-dwellings of the Votadini, the tribal confederation in this part of Scotland.

We didn’t quite start at the usual 11.00 as some Strollers experienced slight scheduling problems with the coffee shop and the eternal question of ‘how long does it take to pour a coffee and make a bacon butty?’ Obviously a long time when there is only one person serving. 

It was time to walk up Speedy’s path to Cowdenknowes Mains and then follow the sign round to Black Hill.  No one seemed up for the old Doris Day song as the hill seemed a lot steeper than was suggested and people were too busy trying to breathe. It was also a bit worrying that the buzzards kept circling above us as we walked! The views however got better as we climbed up the hill.

Reaching a spot for a lunch break the ‘fitter’ Strollers continued to the top of the hill and the magnificent views of the borders. Looking north down on Earlston; to the south-east Ruberslaw (Denholm); to the south Peniel Heugh (Ancrum) and to the south-west, the Eildon Hills at Melrose, with the Big Cheviot and the hills around Peebles in the distance. In total a view of around 1,200 square miles of The Borders. As well as being able to see the rain clouds in the distance! Would we beat them down?

Next we headed back down and followed the path through the farm and down the road to the new High School then back to Earlston. And, yes, our leader Moira lived up to her nickname of ‘Muddy’ as the path at the end of the walk had turned into a swimming pool in sections. We knew it had been too good up till then.

In Earlston, it was time to thank ‘Muddy’ Moira for a very energetic walk, but worth it for the views, and head off for a tea/coffee but avoiding the coffee shop from the morning.

Look forward to seeing you on the next walk. 

Strollers Walk number 231 Longniddry to Haddington

Sixteen Strollers met at Longniddry station to walk along the old railway line to Haddington. This was a good place to meet as it gave the option of travel by train, bus or car to get to the start of the walk.

Longniddry lays claims to being where the first meeting of the Scottish Women's Rural Institute took place organised by Catherine Hogg Blair in 1917 as well as home for a time to John Knox, and Pierce Brosnan.

It was a dullish start to the walk but it was a warm day and in the enclosed surroundings of the railway line it was a relief to be out of the sun. As we walked we should have seen views of Redhouse Castle, a 15th century tower house, as well as Hopetoun Monument on top of Byres Hill, dedicated to John Hope, the 4th Earl of Hopetoun (1765-1823). With the growth of trees and bushes there wasn’t much to see.

Our leader almost passed the stopping place for lunch but luckily others pointed it out to him. It started to rain after a short break so we decided to keep moving and then met a group of riders who couldn’t pass until brollies were put down as the first horse was very nervous of the shape of them. We then only had to contend with groups of cyclist who all seemed to appear at one time. Obviously rush hour traffic between Longniddry and Haddington.

As we approached Haddington, there were signs of a lot of new house building going on.  It may be this disruption that caused our leader to lose his sense of direction and take us straight to the main road to get into Haddington rather than along the nice quiet path. We had time for people to grab a snack or meal before catching buses back to Edinburgh.

Thanks to Ronnie for leading the walk and trying not to lose us too many times!

Death of a pensioner

I'm sad to let you all know that one of our number passed away recently.

Pete McPherson (of RF and other pensions' departments) died in South Queensferry. His funeral was on earlier this month.

Pete was the second in charge in the department I first worked in and he was a real character. Just before I retired, HR found the photo he'd taken of me in 1978 in my personnel file. 

I'll always remember him as our eccentric photographer. 

Strollers Walk number 230 - Crossing the Forth Road Bridge, North Queensferry and part of the Fife Coastal Trail

Twenty four Strollers met at South Queensferry to cross the Forth Road Bridge and do part of the Fife Coastal Trail to Inverkeithing. Some had a slightly longer walk to the starting point as the bus driver let them off at the wrong stop.

Given the overnight rain, conditions were actually ideal for going across the bridge - not much wind, not too hot and no rain. With only buses and taxis allowed to use the bridge, it was nice and peaceful though you could still hear a hum of noise from the new road bridge. The views were worth crossing for as was the sight of three maintenance men above our heads showing the Strollers the alternative route back!

It was then down the steps into North Queensferry where the ferry from South Queensferry used to dock pre bridge days. Onto the Fife Coastal trail where part of the path has been nicely laid in brick and stone sets. We stopped at one of the many quarried sites for a quick bite to eat and rest and to admire the house that had been built at the top of the quarry. Stone from these quarries was used to build the docks in Leith and Liverpool as well as the pavements of London.  Pressing on down to the water’s edge, we looked out to sea at the marker buoy where the seals were sleeping. We then passed the plaque for Lieutenant George Paton who was killed protecting his men from a grenade during a training exercise here in the First World War and then continued on to Inverkeithing passing the site where the breaker’s yard used to be that broke up ships like the Mauretania. There is still a metal recycling plant there now which breaks up metal into tiny bits and exports almost 200,000 tonnes a year. 

We finished near the Ferrytoll Park and Ride for some to get the bus back across the bridge and others to go off into Inverkeithing for a spot of lunch.

Outing to Bannockburn on 12 June

45 pensioners left Edinburgh slightly later than usual on an overcast morning and were delayed by the Taxi Drivers’ kids’ outing. The kids had great fun spraying the bus with water and throwing water bombs at it. As we had the big bus it was the driver and the ones sitting at the front who got the worst of it. 

On the way to the coffee stop at the MacKinnon Mills, we had a little rain but after that the weather cleared and we had sunshine for the rest of the time.  It turned out we could have had more time to shop but on the plus side, we saved some money!   

As we were too early for Bannockburn our driver took us for a drive to Stirling to see the castle and put us in the mood for Bannockburn.

At Bannockburn we were split into two groups, the first to do the experience and the other to enjoy the sun, eat more food, shop or visit the monument in the grounds.

Part of the experience was to re-enact the battle. The English won in the first group but the Scots prevailed in the second although it was a bit bloody as we managed to kill off a lot more Scots than in the original battle!  

As the battles took longer than we had anticipated we did not have as long at the Kelpies as some would have liked before we went for a very enjoyable High Tea at the Grange Manor, Grangemouth.

We were even told by the staff where to find doggy bags so we could take home the scones etc. that were left!

Strollers Walk number 229 Peebles to Innerleithen

Peebles to Innerleithen is a walk we’ve done before but as it is flat, difficult to get lost on and as there are plenty of places for coffee, it was a good choice since Eleanor was leading it while Drew was slogging his way round golf courses up north and other regular leaders were not available.

14 Strollers gathered on a slightly chilly and dull morning in the car park at Peebles. We set off past the grounds in front of Peebles Hydro where some very nice new homes have been built and it was great to see they are very much in keeping with existing properties (other Councils could learn a thing or two).

Turning left up Janet's Brae we soon came to the underpass and got onto the quiet pathway built by Sustrans along the old railway line. The hoped for sunshine never broke through but it was a good temperature for walking.

The point for anyone wishing to cut the walk short at Glentress was missed by the leader as she was too busy chatting but it was not too far to Cardrona where two Strollers called it a day.

Lunch, if required, was eaten “on the hoof” as the majority decided it was a tad cool to sit down to eat so, after a few minutes rest at Cardrona, we continued on towards Innerleithen.

Along the way we passed an orchard of fruit trees which Jack Dodds told us was part of the Scottish National Collection.

                .

On arrival at Innerleithen, the group dispersed to get food etc. with many getting the bus back to Peebles.

This year's P60s for Staff Pension Scheme Members

Our P60s this year look different from those that we've become used to over the years.

I've received an e-mail from the Secretary to the Trustees with some further information. Hope this helps. If you have any questions, please e-mail our mailbox.

This year the P60 shows two amounts one from ‘previous employer’ and one for ‘current employer’. The reference to employer is in respect of the pensioner payroll facility changing from Standard Life’s payroll to Mercer’s payroll. Each of them have a different tax reference so this is why they are shown as previous employer and current employer.

If you have to complete a UK tax return, you should use the pension amount shown in the current employer section.

From next year onwards the P60 will show one amount.

Outing to Traquair House and Peebles - Wednesday 16 May 2018

The first outing of 2018 took place on Wednesday 16 May. Our coach with 55 on board left just after 10am for the drive to Traquair.

The tearoom there was well prepared for us and it was so warm that we were able to sit outside in the sun. People who were visiting the house and grounds for the first time were impressed with how well they were presented. The trees were newly in leaf and were stunning.

Lewis, our driver, was not the only one who ventured into the maze!

The beer shop did well with sales of Traquair Ale which is made at the side of the house. (Chairman's note - this was the bit I really wanted to savour!)

Back on the bus at 2.15pm, we made the very short journey into Peebles where we had some time for a walk or shopping. The Greentree Hotel was very busy that day so our high teas was at 4.30pm. The meals were excellent, compliments all round to the chefs and waiting staff. A really good venue.

The bus left Peebles at 6pm and we were back in Edinburgh just under an hour later.

We all agreed that our first outing this year was superb.   

Summer Outings 2018 - Dates and Venues

The Committee have chosen some dates and venues for this summer's coach outings, as follows:

• Wednesday 16th May - Traquair House and Peebles
• Tuesday 12th June - Bannockburn (National Trust for Scotland)
• Friday 27th July - Borders Union Show - Kelso
• Thursday 23rd August - Carlisle Castle and Carlisle
• Monday 24th September - Deanston Distillery and Callander

Letters and reply forms will be sent out in due course but get the dates in your diaries.

Strollers Walk No. 228 - Thursday 19th April 2018, Cramond Island - Guided Walk

It was a bit of a shock to turn up at Cramond for the April walk and find it was sunny, dry and warm, not something that could be said of the previous week. 

Forty Strollers assembled for the walk out to Cramond Island led by 3 guides from the Cramond Association. It’s always good to be with someone who knows the tides as well as giving some insight into the island and the surrounding area. 

We set out on to the causeway to walk out past the pylons, which look like a Toblerone bar,  built to during World War II though a couple have been removed to allow quick access back to  the harbour for the smaller yachts in the event of bad weather. The causeway is in actual fact built over the sewage pipe which passes under the island to exit on the other side. It now only supposed to be a back up to Seafield but there are thoughts that it does get used more than it should. 

Onto the island to hear about the history from its time as a home for fallen maidens, a farm, a place to hold a duel and settle old scores, its time as a fishing area and its history from World War II up to today where it hosts raves and is generally left in a sorry state. There was also evidence of the ice-age creating the lines on the rocks, as well as the site of the old quarry which at one time was used as a pleasure area for people staying o the island but is now filled in.   

Our own Ian S’s grandparents at one time occupied the house on the island and his mother and aunts holidayed there. It is also thought that the ‘duck’ house and the island were the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. It was soon time to head back before we became another RNLI statistic and enjoy lunch back on shore.   

Our thanks to Ian K for arranging the walk and to the Cramond Association guides.    

 Look forward to seeing you on the next walk. 

Strollers Walk No. 227 - Wednesday 21st March 2018, Musselburgh to Prestonpans

Walk No. 227:   Musselburgh to Prestonpans on the John Muir Way
Date:                Wednesday 21st March 2018

Start at:         Fisherrow Harbour
With the sky looking very grey and a westerly breeze to help push them on their way 37 Strollers met up at Musselburgh Harbour to walk the John Muir Way to Prestonpans. The Harbour was once a thriving fishing port from where the ‘fishwives’ with the baskets on their backs would then go into Edinburgh to sell the fish, and with the coming of the train all the way down to the borders to places like Galashiels.
Setting off along the trail to the mouth of the Esk and across the footbridge, down past Goosegreen where there wasn’t a goose to be seen, and on to the promenade to go past Levenhall Links and the ash Lagoons. This is where the ash from Cockenzie Power Station used to be dumped, but with its closure the lagoon area has been turned into a bird sanctuary and a boating pond. From there we followed the cycle path along to where Morrison’s Haven, or Harbour, used to exist. A lot of its trade was with the Baltic countries, which brought over rock salt, as well as trade with Portugal, France and Holland.A lot of bricks and coal was exported from the harbour. It fell into disuse in the 1920’s and was then filled in. There were mills and a fort in the area as well. On to Prestonpans to end our walk at the the totem pole and see the murals which depict the history and culture of Prestonpans. You can follow the trail of them round the town.

There is also a Prestonpans Tapestry, but it is not currently on display anywhere, as far as we know. It was last displayed in Lorient, Brittany in August 2017.

Thanks to Drew for arranging this walk. See you next month.

Other Tapestries:

The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry, which depicts scenes from Scots world-wide is currently on view in Stanley Mills, just north of Perth.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is not on view at present but is scheduled to be displayed at New Lanark from May 2018.

Strollers Walk No. 226 - Thursday 22nd February 2018, Historic Walk - Dunfermline

Walk No. 228: Historic Walk - Dunfermline
Date :              Thursday 22nd February 2018

Dunfermline must have known the Strollers were coming as the sun came out for them to do a walk round the town centre, the Abbey and Pittencrieff Park. 46 Strollers met at the Bus Station to be led round the town by our tour guides Karen and Helen.
Starting at the High Street, taking in the grand town hall and walking along Bridge Street, with no sign of the stream underneath, to the gates of Pittencrieff Park where we heard how the original owner had diverted the main road into Dunfermline to avoid it going past his house. The estate was then bought by Andrew Carnegie who donated it to the town as a park. His wife Louise erected the splendid gates at the entrance to the park dedicated to his mother, daughter and granddaughter.
We then entered the park to hear about the many trees that were planted and the introduction of the grey squirrel there, as well as the many libraries and other foundations that Carnegie set up around the world. Going back further, the park was also the site of the original castle of Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland, with Dunfermline as his capital. His second wife Margaret became Saint Margaret after her death. It was under her guidance that Dunfermline Abbey was started as a church and built by Benedictine Monks from England. The Palace was built by James VI for his wife Anne of Denmark and it’s where his sons were born.
It was then down to the Andrew Carnegie Museum, which our guides had arranged to be open for us, to learn more about the background and history of a man who went from being the son of a weaver to the richest man in the world. There were also connections with SL by way of a donation to the family of an SL employee killed while stopping a runaway horse in Edinburgh and also that Carnegie’s estate in Skibo had been bought from SL, presumably as trustees of the estate after the previous owner went bankrupt.
Finally back up to the Abbey to hear a ghost story, or as it turned out how someone came back to life after being buried and how she went on to live a long life and have children. The graveyard is also the resting place of William Wallace’s mother and an elder tree stands above her grave. The Abbey also had a rule for a long time that the gravestones could be no more than 12 inches high so as not to be unsightly or be in danger of falling over.
Our thanks again to our Guides Karen and Helen for making the day a very interesting one and we’ll see them again next year.