Our own eyes and anecdotal evidence from others suggests that some motorists on otherwise quiet roads in Edinburgh are driving far too fast at the moment.

We’ve seen several incidents where drivers have sped towards ambling pedestrians in the city centre – some of them crossing roads, some of them walking beside the pavement to maintain social distancing – forcing them to scurry for safety.

It doesn’t seem to be malicious – more likely thoughtless opportunism on uncharacteristically wide open spaces.

Dangerous driving

 1857 

DISTRESSING FATAL ACCIDENT—Yesterday, a portion of an old wall in Jamaica Street Lane fell upon two children at play beside it; one of them was killed on the spot, the other much hurt.

The wall, which was not in good repair, is perhaps a little more than three feet high from the pavement of the lane, but on the other side there is a sunk area in front to the house No. 21, the depth of which from the ridge of the wall must be fully six feet.

Ediston and Orion Capital Managers have now made available some plans, summaries, and visualisations for a mixed-use development on the site of the former Royal Bank of Scotland complex between Dundas Street and King George V Park.

Broughton Scouts want all their Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, and adults to enjoy this Easter with a Virtual Sleep Out.

From now until Sunday 19 April, they invite participants to pick a safe location in their house and build a den, pitch a tent, or swing a hammock.

They should pack everything they need, bring some food, and undertake some challenges before sleeping in the chosen location overnight. They can do this as many times as they want, and will earn a certificate for their efforts.

How to explain this, spotted two days ago at the end of Iona Street? 

The news has grown increasingly weird over recent years, but this is probably not evidence of an alien abduction. 

Coronavirus has brought out the worst and best in people over the last few weeks, but this is probably not a sign that revellers attending illegal raves are taking off their shoes so as not to disturb residents on the way home.

1847–48 

 DARING ROBBERY. 

It is with regret, that we have to record another of those daring outrages which have of late been the disgrace of our city.

On Thursday night, about twelve o’clock, a gentleman who resides in Broughton Place was knocked down on his way home, in the lane which branches off from the east side of Elder Street,[1] and robbed of his watch and five pounds.

Napier students upgrade online presence

Feast your eyes!

The Spurtle website has had a major upgrade, thanks to a student team from Edinburgh Napier University.

Since January, the group – codenamed Black Lagoon – have been working on the 3rd-year Napier 'Projex' scheme, which pairs students with clients.

ONLINE CONSULTATION STARTS TODAY

The third public consultation on plans for the New Town North development between Dundas Street and King George V Park will go live online today at noon.

Developers Ediston, on behalf of Orion Capital Managers, propose homes, build-to-rent apartments, premium office spaces, and a high-class hotel.

Retail outlets, gym/health facilities, extensive landscaping, and new public realm are also part of the mix.

Spring comes to Greenside

It's one of the gloomiest and most precipitous streets in Spurtleshire, but even this narrow descent to Greenside Row is not immune to the changing of the seasons.

When our photo was taken on Tuesday morning, this sometimes thundering canyon was instead filled with birdsong, amorous pigeons, and the imminent promise of fresh starts in the shrubbery.