That this House recognises that in February 1976, a small volunteer group from Balerno and Currie, working alongside Heriot Watt University students, launched the first issue of the Currie and Balerno News, in response to local concerns over area development, commuting pressures, and a desire for community cohesion; congratulates the paper’s founders Graham Priestley, Ray Smith, Moria Young, Tina Harkess, Jim Sheach, Jon Side, Mel Young, and the many volunteers, contributors, advertisers, editors and delivery teams who have maintained an unbroken, monthly publication for 50 incredible years; acknowledges the newspaper’s growth from a 10 page black and white A4 leaflet to a 48 page full colour magazine, supporting five unique communities in Currie, Balerno, Juniper Green, Baberton Mains and Colinton; celebrates its resilience through changing times, including during the Covid 19 lockdowns; welcomes the vital role the publication plays in fostering a sense of local identity, reporting on events, initiatives and resident achievements, and serving as a platform for local voices and grassroots communication; and looks forward to the continued success of the Currie and Balerno News and its volunteer led team as it enters its next half century of service to its communities.
