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Green shoots everywhere! Although, as I write, face masks must still be worn when moving around in indoor public places, there is no doubt that life is returning to normal. Covid-19 is now rarely the first item on TV and radio news bulletins, traffi c on the roads is back to pre-lockdown levels (unfortunately!) and here at Edinburgh Life we are getting out and about again, as postponed events are now happening. This issue is a good barometer of the post-pandemic recovery: For the first time in many issues, we have a society event to report, with the Royal Scots Club hosting its Beating Retreat reception in East Queen Street Gardens. Our regular About the City pages have many stories where people are meeting people, and our Food and Drink section features places that are bouncing back, including Hendersons, which is re-opening in September and Edinburgh Cocktail Week, which returns with 100 bars participating over a fortnight in October. There are also some significant milestones that can now be properly celebrated, and all are recognised in this issue: The Edinburgh Decorative and Fine Arts Society celebrates its 50th anniversary; George Watson’s Ladies’ College opened its doors 150 years ago; Sir Walter Scott was born 250 years ago, and the Floral Clock in West Princes Street Gardens is now commemorating the 350th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. There may be a few bumps along the road before the spectre of Covid is truly behind us, but – as they say - although we’re not quite out of the woods, there is definitely lots of light at the end of the tunnel! As autumn begins, I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Edinburgh Life.

Peter Bourhill Editor

Publisher/Editor Assistant Editor

Peter Bourhill 07850 938407 Harriet Bourhill

Features Illustrator

John Burnett

Lydia Bourhill

Contributors

Jan Bondeson Nicholas Hotham Catherine Stratford John Walmsley

Circulation Social Media

William Allison Lydia Bourhill

Design

Alasdair Anderson

Contributing Photographer

Doug Corrance Don Munro

Front Cover: Harvest time in Midlothian, with Edinburgh and the Fir th of Forth in the distance

£2.50 September/October 2021 EdinburghLife

www.edinburghlifemagazine.comand the Lothians

Sir Walter Scott his mark on our city

EDFAS celebrates 50th Battle of Prestonpans biggest re-enactment yet

Murder in George Street infamous Victorian crime

Prince Philip a celebration

Wester Hailes in 1979 fascinating photographs George Watson’s Ladies’ College 150th

Residential Property About the City F o o d & D r i n k

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This page: Early autumn in East Princes Street Gardens Back Cover: Sunday stroll along the Water of Leith at Colinton

September/October 2021 EdinburghLife 1