As you read this, printed copies of the September Spurtle are already returning to Broughton streets like students tiptoeing up common stairs and greeting their friends in a masked whisper.

Hands over your ears … Issue 299’s Page 1 roars into action with three planning stories and the small matter of a small helipad in the second New Town. You will be left puffin.

On Page 2 we examine an odd-shaped solution, multi-tasking, road chaos, Christmas conundrums, and the niceties of up-close-and-personal social distancing. There’s plenty to get steamed up about.

OUR FAMILY TIRAMISÚ

The Italian word tiramisú can be translated as ‘pick-me-up’ – what better name for a dessert which combines coffee, mascarpone cream, and cocoa? Tiramisú is definitely one of those staple desserts in our family, and makes an appearance at most family meals and occasions – regardless of the season.

The columns of 19th- and early 20th-century Scottish newspapers carry items of national and international importance, as you’d expect. But surprisingly, they also teem with the business of myriad social and sporting clubs operating in every town and city across the country.

Two examples of local topical interest illustrate this below.

WRINGING HANDS IS NOT ENOUGH, SAY LOCALS

Feelings are running high over Lothian Buses’ decision to sell off the site of the former Tramways Bowling Club.

PROPOSALS INCLUDE TEPEES AND GLASSHOUSE

Thor’s Bars Ltd of Lancaster seek planning permission for a pop-up event on the roof of the Waverley Mall (20/03336/FUL).

The proposal comprises a bar in a glasshouse, and two canvas tepees housing another bar and food trucks.

DEVELOPERS TO LAUNCH NEW CONSULTATION

A changed economic climate in the wake of Covid-19 has forced Ediston and Orion Capital Managers to scrap plans for an upmarket hotel as part of the New Town North development between Dundas Street and King George V Park. [See update at foot of page.]

1900–01

NEARLY A TRAGEDY.—James Douglas, a labourer living in the Canongate, was convicted in Edinburgh Police Court to-day of creating a disturbance in a house in Gilchrist Lane on Tuesday, and threatening to stab Catherine Staiton or Murphy with a pocket knife.

Douglas knew the woman, and called at the house under the influence of drink and created this disturbance, dramatically pulling out a pocket knife and exclaiming, “It’s a knifing match.”

City of Edinburgh Council has brought forward plans by Collective Architecture to repair, redevelop, and landscape the Category B-listed Powderhall Stables at 165 Broughton Road (20/03162/FUL).

The aim is to produce affordable work, artist-studio, and event spaces, with an emphasis on flexible uses indoors and outside, by the end of next year.