First of all my apologies as I will be on holiday the first two weeks of the summer syllabus
I will post all syllabus evenings on the Dark Room events page .
It is clear from the comments at the AGM last night that the earlier start was not popular. It is not for me to dictate this, I merely suggested it as ometimes the light gets very flat the later it gets. However, we will revert back to the later time of trying to leave no later than 7.15pm.
It was always the practice to meet at CROFTHEAD FARM. This allows car sharing if people want to do this.
I do respect that people who are working might find it difficult to make these times and some people might want to go directly to the venue .
It might be useful to indicate your prefernce and whether you are going or not on the events page or in the dark room , so others can make decisions and know what they are doing.
Remember these events are for the members benefit,and so called retirees lead very busy lifes. It would therefore be helpful if members communicate what they would like me to organise. There is no point in organising events that are not popular. I am happy to hear your views on any of this.
I am also conscious that for various reasons some members dont want to be too far from home , so if you have favourite photography venues, locally , please let me know. If I can do it I will.
I also would like to fire out a challenge for the summer syllabus, this may help in some venues more than others. Especially, if you have been to the venue several times and if you are struggling to find subject matter.
Remember there is always a picture to be had, the light is always different or try another viewpoint.
1 Challenge yourself, if you are stuck stand on a spot and make yourself take 5 different pictures. Look up , look down, look behind, look close, look far away. Try portrait , try landscape, change settings, do ICM , do double exposure, always remebering composition . Make them all a picture .
2 Find a swan, a pint , a bridge , a door , a church , something derelict , a flower , an object in the wrong place, a person, isolation etc etc. Make a picture from any of these and we will have a viewing later in the year.
The First night on the syllabus is scheduled for a visit to COLINTON TUNNEL, and an exploration of the village if you desire.
There is a poetry trail of Robert Louis Stevenson run by The Colinton Conservation Trust .
Colinton Tunnel was part of the now abandoned station and was taken over as an art project, is covered in mural paintings.
It is situated in a lovely dell, created by the Water of Leith, in lovely woodland abundant with wildlife.
The walk along the riverside after you have gone through the tunnel is beautiful with a traditional Arched Viaduct at the entrance and smaller bridges further along the river, if you keep walking its roughly a mile and a half into Slateford.
The path is downhill and suitable for a mobility scooter but is a an uphill journey on the way back.
However the actual tunnel is very close to the parking area under the viaduct.
The opening into the car park is easily missed, it is a single track with a bend, so doesn't at first glance look like more than a track . It does however broaden out into a car parking area under the bridge . Albeit limited. The opening is on the left , just before you cross over the viaduct. If you go over the bridge, you are 'A Bridge Too Far "
You will find lots of info online and I have included a link of the route from Crofthead . Roughly 30 mins from Crofthead.
Below is a link of the satellite location of the tunnel
FAQ - Colinton TunnelColinton Tunnelhttps://www.colintontunnel.org.uk › faq
Colinton Area | Village HistoryAll About Edinburghhttps://www.allaboutedinburgh.co.uk › colinton-village...
Second night of Summer Syllabus Mon. June 2nd 2025 Royal Observatory and Blackford Hill Edinburgh
approx 30-45 mins driving distance .
We will meet at Crofthead as normal at 6.30pm and intend to leave by 6.45 pm.
We will car share where possible .
Any changes to this to be indicated on the dark room page .
Access to Blackford Hill and Royal Observatory . There is a reasonable car park on the left of the observatory, this is the public car park .
Although there is a car park at the front of the observatory this is for staff.
After parking, however, cross over the staff car park and take the path to the right of the observatory .
This is an easier path, although with a gradual incline and suitable for a mobility scooter.
However it will end at a flat grassy area before the ground rises to a steeper Knoll and view point with a panoramic view of Edinburgh and the Forth. Before the ground rises there are seats and wide expanses of short grass, you will not get the panoramic view of Edinburgh, but still some shots to be had here .
Remember the challenge in the first post.
The other path that leaves from the public car park , to the left of the observatory is steeper, rougher, wilder, but is part of the nature conservation area. This provides different views.
At the top of this track, if you chose to use it, take the right track, roughish and steepish for around 5/10 mins, but will lead you to the same viewpoint. There are seats at the top .
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZGG4Lejpm8vf96SJ6
3rd Night of SUMMER SYLABUS Mon June 9th . BringAlong A Doggy
We will meet at Crofthead as normal at 6.30pm and intend to leave by 6.45 pm.
We will car share where possible .
Any changes to this to be indicated on the dark room page .
This evening is much closer to home, we tried it out last year and it was good fun .
The idea is if you have a dog you can bring the dog along and the members who attend will try to get some action or portrait photos of their dogs .
I have identified an area in Kirkton Campus that is ideal and well away from roads etc , although there will be possible dog walkers in the area .
I have included a map.
You will see the Kilandean Allottments and on the other side of the road there is parking.
Parking is limited however.
From the car park you can go under the underpass on the river side of the car park and this will take you past the allotments. A pleasant flat walk along the riverside to a large wide grassy area with some seating. Slightly further on there is some woodland on the right with some suitable fallen trees for Jumps etc.
It is not necessary to have a dog to attend this evening, so if you you want to try something slightly different then please come along. Maybe a few treats in your pocket will help .
If doggy owners can bring any props like Frisbees, balls , or anything lightweight that will add to the action please feel free to do so.
Killandean Allotments CommunityFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com › Facebook Groups
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uQw6ssqvxcHB5NVM9
I will be posting more information in the next couple of days to at least cover the first few weeks when I am away.Spouses and doggys welcome .