The end is in sight ...

I don’t know about you, but for me it’s been a long winter. Signs of spring appeared in the last few weeks, but for us March’s cheery daffodils were mostly viewed through a window – because of a combination of illness in the children and some frankly rubbish weather.

But − it does seem like the end is in sight. In the last couple of days it hasn’t exactly been wall-to-wall sunshine but it’s been warm enough for me to feel that it’s OK to give the chesty baby a bit of fresh air (in contrast to the freezing haar we had this time last week), and we’ve even been able to hang the washing out for a few hours. Things are looking up.

And, excitingly, Edition 14 of Edinburgh for Under Fives is finally coming together. After a year of enrolling researchers, compiling, editing, commissioning features written by parents and carers, collecting some gorgeous photos (including the one for the cover, taken by Susan of Clear Photography), liaising with our new and lovely designer (Marie of MAMi Designs) and our new and lovely web agency (Starbit Media), we have not only a book that’s currently about two thirds designed, but a new website that will be launched when the book’s published. As ever, being an old-fashioned type, I love the solid and flick through-able nature of the printed version, but the online stuff is really exciting – it’s searchable, contains maps with arrows so you can see exactly where you’re heading, and will be compatible with smartphones and tablets so you can access it when you’re out and about.  It’s been a long time coming but definitely worth the wait.

So, when will all this be available? Our best aim is for the end of May, but there’s still a lot to do so we’ll keep you posted if it’s likely to be any longer. It’ll certainly be ready for the summer season to give you all sorts of ideas for getting out and about around Edinburgh with your littl’uns. But in the meantime, here’s the cover. Hope you like it.