Sorry to hear that Bigjack.
I used to take my boy to nursery along Merchiston Pl and I can confirm it's a horrible rat-run (when it should be a quiet residential street).
I had a few near misses at the junction with Merchiston Ave. And cars always try to pass you on the bends, even when they can't see past...
Holding primary all the way through is the only answer (not easy I know, and that doesn't help much at the junction)