The Green Banana, Marchmont

Marchmont Crescent/Roseneath Place, Edinburgh EH9

A 100m x 2m crescent-shaped strip of land that was formerly a dumping ground for bottles, fag ends and dog dirt has been planted up with more than 40 varieties of shrubs and flowers.

However, this isn't the work of an 'In Bloom' committee – the 'Green Banana' has been taken over by guerrilla gardeners, led by an octogenerian botanist.

Join them from 11a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday mornings of each month.

EH15 Training Restaurant

The rooftop restaurant and bar is based in The Club, Edinburgh College’s premium spa facility, with swimming pool, health suite, gym, hair and beauty salons.

EH15 offers the opportunity for fine dining at affordable prices while giving hospitality students experience of working in a real restaurant.



Edinburgh College, 24 Milton Road East, Edinburgh EH15 2PP

eh15@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

http://www.theclubedinburgh.com/

@eh15restaurant

Edinburgh Trades

The Edinburgh Trades, or The Convenery Of The Trades Of Edinburgh, to give the organisation it's full name, represents the Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh, and has done so since about the year 1562. The 14 trade bodies include Surgeons (incorporated in 1505) and the comparatively juvenile Candlemakers (incorporated in 1753).

To arrange a visit to to Ashfield to view the artifacts connected with the various trade contact the Convenery through the website or check for current exhibitions.

Ashfield, 61 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HL

edinburgh-trades.org

 

The Dean Gardens, Stockbridge

Dean Gardens Administration, PO Box 28508, Edinburgh, EH4 1ZS

deangardens.org

Encompassing over seven acres, the Dean Gardens are the largest of the four 'pleasure grounds' to border the Water of Leith.

The lay-out of pathways, lawns and the wooden pavilion are virtually unchanged from the original Victorian era plans but the tennis court has been replaced with a well equipped children's play area.

Unlike the private amenity gardens of Queen Street, membership of Dean Gardens is available by application, rather than by address. Membership cost is around £130 per annum.

Helen Crummy Memorial

In the 60s, one of Helen Crummy's three sons showed an interest in music but, when she asked the headmaster for violin lessons he said it was hard enough to get the kids to learn the basics, let alone music lessons.

Undeterred, Helen and others founded The Craigmillar Festival Society – a venture which has been lauded worldwide for its innovative approach to community arts, social change and community action (at one point, the CFS bypassed the Scottish Office and won funding from the European Community, helping neighbourhood projects and generating 700 jobs).

The sculpture, by Tim Chalk, was unveiled in 2014, the 50th anniversary of the Craigmillar Festival and shows Helen with her son...and his violin.

East Neighbourhood Centre, 101 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh EH16 4DS

Craigentinny Marbles

Also known as the Christie Miller Mausoleum, the Craigentinny Marbles were built as a tomb and monument to William Henry Christie Miller.

Miller left instructions that after his death (in 1848) he was to be buried in a 20-foot-deep pit in a field on his estate above which there was to be a monument 'in commemoration of the private virtues of the deceased, for, as a public character he was unknown.' A large and elaborate mausoleum was completed in 1856 and decorated with sculptured friezes by Alfred Gatley depicting 'The Overthrow of Pharaoh in the Red Sea' and 'The Song of Moses and Miriam'.

Today the mausoleum looks quite odd nestled among 1930's bungalows.

Although considerably altered, William Miller's residence, Craigentinny Castle, still survives and is today better known as Craigentinny Community Education Centre.

3C Craigentinny Crescent, Edinburgh EH7 6QA 

Corstophine Hill & Tower

Corstorphine Hill, one of Edinburgh's largest public parks has been designated as both a Regionally Important Geological Site and a Local Nature Reserve. It is managed by the Ranger Service, assisted by the Friends of Corstorphine Hill who organise events and tours of Corstorphine Hill Tower.

While in the area, look out for Alexander Stoddart's Kidnapped statue (64 Corstorphine Road) depicting the novel's characters David Balfour and Alan Breck Stewart at their final parting on Corstorphine Hill.

http://corstorphinehill.org.uk