Record ticket sales ahead of this weekend’s Royal Highland Show

Friday and Saturday sell out

This weekend, the gates will open on Scotland’s largest outdoor event, the Royal Highland Show, with its event organiser RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), confirming that tickets for Friday and Saturday have now sold out.

This year has also seen higher ticket sales recorded than in previous years, with ticket sales up 15% on the same time last year.

Friday and Saturday car parking is also sold out and attendees without parking tickets are encouraged to use public transport.

**Pics free to use** RHASS and Edinburgh Trams

Up to 55,000 visitors will make their way to Ingliston, Edinburgh on each of the four days of the Show from today Thursday 20th until Sunday 23rd June to experience ‘acres of epicness’ during the unforgettable event which includes a mix of the traditional and unexpected.  

Now in its 202nd year, the Royal Highland Show sees an influx of visitors from as far a field as Argentina, USA and Australia and exhibitors and competitors from all corners of the UK arrive during Show week.

This transforms the Royal Highland Centre into the sixth largest population in Scotland, bigger than Paisley and Dunfermline, with the Show contributing almost 40 million pounds to Edinburgh’s economy each year.

While tradition remains at the heart of the Royal Highland Show, the event is far from conventional. 

Sitting alongside the traditional aspects including livestock competitions and parades – around 6,000 animals flock to the Show over the four days – visitors can expect to see sparks fly in the heat of a farriery competition, daredevil BMX riders Showing off their flips and tricks and be on the edge of their seats in the forestry arena as they are entertained by axe throwers, live chainsaw carving, and pole climbers.

The dedicated kid zone located in the Countryside Area will include live Sealpin Gundog and birds of prey flying demonstrations. The RHET Discovery Centre will also allow young visitors to turn their hand to milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow and take part in honey tasting and candle making.

After the Show on Friday and Saturday, legendary country music promoters, Farmers Bash present the Royal Highland Hoolie which brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre.

Eight live folk and country music acts will perform including headliners Tide Lines and Derek Ryan. Limited tickets are still available for the Hoolie which can be purchased from www.royalhighlandShow.org

Those attending both the Show and Hoolie are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible. Travelling by Edinburgh Tram to Ingliston Park and Ride visitors will be able to get a shuttle bus to the Show or if travelling by bus, Lothian Buses 97 and 98 services will run direct from central Edinburgh to the Show.  Visitors who do wish to drive are required to book parking tickets in advance as no parking tickets will be available on the day.

David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS, said: “We’ve officially sold out across two days! The site transforms into the sixth largest population in Scotland the week of the Show; effectively we transform the venue into a mini town which is no mean feat, but our dedicated team have been working around the clock over the last three and a half weeks to ensure visitors have the best experience possible when they visit us this weekend.

“Our traditional Show elements very much remain at the heart of the weekend, with the best of British livestock and equine competing but we also have so many unexpected and family-friendly activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

“From music to BMX stunts, cookery displays, the farrier competition, sheep sheering and birds of prey and sheepdog demonstrations, there really is something for everyone.

“With large crowds anticipated, we are encouraging those travelling to the Show to consider using public transport whenever possible. The Show is located just minutes from the tram and dedicated Lothian buses will drop you right at the door of the event. We’re looking forward to welcoming this year’s Show-goers through the gates come Thursday!”

Visitors are also encouraged to download the Royal Highland Show app ahead of Show day to make the most of their day out. Through it, Showgoers can view the Show programme, competition schedules and access an interactive map of the Show.

Those who missed out on tickets for this year will be able to catch a one-hour daily programme featuring key event highlights, interviews, and stories from each day of the Royal Highland Show via RHS TV.

The programme will broadcast on Freeview channel 278 and will also be available to watch on demand on the Royal Highland Show Website.

For further information including travel information, booking car parking or Hoolie tickets visit www.royalhighlandShow.org

Concern over missing man

UPDATE: 72-year-old Gary Hardie missing from Edinburgh has been traced.

POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 72-year-old man missing from Edinburgh.

Gary Hardie, was last seen in the Mountcastle Loan area at around 6.20pm yesterday (Wednesday, 19 June, 2024).

He is described as being around 5ft 8in in height, of stocky build with white hair. When last seen he was wearing a beige jacket with a light brown leather collar, blue jeans and light brown loafers.

He is known to frequent the Drylaw area.

Inspector Grant McCulloch said: “Gary is vulnerable and concerns are growing for his welfare. Our enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing for anyone who has seen Gary or who has any information on his whereabouts to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3505 of 19 June, 2024.

UPDATE: 72-year-old Gary Hardie missing from Edinburgh has been traced.

BBC ALBA launches search for up-and-coming Highlands and Islands artist to open Belladrum main stage

BBC ALBA has teamed up with The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival during the 13th year of coverage to launch a search to find the best of Scotland’s up-and-coming musical talent.

Celebrating 20 years of Belladrum – and its longstanding support of Scottish artists – the search brings the spirit of the much-loved family festival to life to find the best talent ‘homegrown in the Highlands – and Islands’, with the winner given the opportunity to open the main stage.

Open to solo artists and bands from the Highlands and Islands (where at least 50% of its members have a Highland home address) across all genres, the talent search will showcase the top newcomer with a prime slot in the Hot House Arena on Thursday 25 July, kicking off the weekend of live music and arts.

The winner will also have the opportunity to play an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio which will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer as part of the broadcaster’s festival coverage.

Musicians can apply by submitting a bio and link to their music to tartanheart@bbc.co.uk, with entries judged by a panel of experts, including representatives from Belladrum, the BBC and Scottish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Julie Fowlis, before the shortlist goes to a public vote on the Belladrum website.

Julie Fowlis comments: “The Belladrum Tartan Heart festival has become one of Scotland’s most popular and iconic music festivals, set in the most beautiful Highland surroundings. It’s the kind of festival that every musician wants to play!

“I’m honoured to be part of the judging team for this year’s talent search, which affords an amazing opportunity to an up and coming artist from the Highlands and Islands to perform at the festival. If you’d like to play Bella this year, this is your chance.”

Calum McConnell, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, said: “We’re proud supporters of the arts in Scotland, and committed to bringing coverage of the likes of Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to viewers across the nation through funding from MG ALBA.

”We’re always keen to showcase our homegrown talent, so what better way to extend our annual support of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in its 20th anniversary year than with a search for the next best ‘homegrown’ talent from the Highlands and Islands.

“Our Belladrum festival coverage is always a highlight in the BBC ALBA summer schedule and with the winner earning a spot on the main stage, we hope this can give an emerging artist the boost to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Fatherson, Frightened Rabbit and Twin Atlantic, who all played at Belladrum early on in their careers.”

Belladrum brings together top musical acts, comedy, cabaret, spoken word, dance, drag and even wrestling as part of the annual family-friendly festival. A wealth of new names have been added to the festival’s 20th anniversary line up in recent weeks, with returning festival favourites and artists making their first visit to the Highland event, including mighty rock music legends, Toyah & Robert, and the UK’s biggest country music export, The Shires.

A band with one of the most long-standing relationships with Belladrum, Twin Atlantic, will also make a welcome return, headlining The Garden Stage this summer – having first made their break on the festival’s emerging artist stage in 2008.

These acts join the previously announced headliners Deacon Blue, James Arthur and Sugababes, alongside Ocean Colour Scene, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Calum Beattie, Teenage Fanclub, Jack Bugg and many more, with this year’s event themed around ‘love’.

Dougie Brown, Belladrum festival producer, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with BBC ALBA in search of the most exciting up and coming artists from across the Highlands & Islands.

“Since the very first festival in 2004 Bella has been proud to showcase the best in emerging music alongside household names and festival favourites.

“Numerous artists careers have grown in parallel with the festival and there is nothing better than watching an artist’s career blossom and invite them to return to the festival to perform on bigger stages and to bigger audiences over the years.”

The talent search is now open, with entries accepted via email to tartanheart@bbc.co.uk until 9am on Friday 12 July.

Find out more about Belladrum and get your tickets at tartanheartfestival.com. For those unable to attend, BBC ALBA will be bringing the best of the festival to viewers at home with its annual live coverage broadcast across the weekend, available on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer.

Watch live or on demand from 25 July: Belladrum on BBC ALBA.

Queensferry One: Breathing new life into a historic naval base

Queensferry One, located in Rosyth on the northern bank of the Firth of Forth, has transformed from a historic military hub into a pivotal development site within the Forth Green Freeport.

This rejuvenated industrial zone is poised to become a powerhouse of innovation and growth, particularly in Scotland’s burgeoning renewable energy sector.

From Naval Heritage to Industrial Innovation

Queensferry One’s storied past as a naval dockyard began in the early 1900s, supporting the Royal Navy’s operations throughout both World Wars. The Rosyth Dockyard played a crucial role in shipbuilding, repair and refitting, with its expansive dry docks and cranes becoming iconic landmarks. After the decline of naval activities, the site shifted focus, adapting to the needs of the modern industrial economy.

In recent years, Queensferry One has embraced its role as a hub for new industries. The shift from military to civilian use has paved the way for extensive redevelopment, positioning the site as a strategic asset within the Forth Green Freeport.

The Role of Scarborough Muir Group in Queensferry One’s Transformation

A driving force behind the redevelopment of Queensferry One has been Scarborough Muir Group (SMG), a 50:50 joint venture between the Yorkshire-based property developer, Scarborough Group International, and Inverkeithing-based contractor, Muir Group. Since acquiring the site in the late 1990s, SMG has been instrumental in transforming the former naval dockyard into an oven-ready development site.

Following planning permission for enabling works in 2003, SMG embarked on an extensive land remediation strategy to prepare the site for development.

This ambitious project included the challenging task of demolishing a bomb-proof bunker that had stored fuel for naval ships during wartime. The bunker, comprising over one million tonnes of reinforced concrete, was meticulously broken up using explosives.

The resulting material was repurposed as hardcore for various infrastructure projects throughout Fife, showcasing a sustainable approach to redevelopment.

The comprehensive remediation works were completed in early 2023, laying the groundwork for the creation of up to 1.2 million square feet of employment space across 120 acres of land.

A Strategic Gateway to Renewable Opportunities

With the designation of Special Tax Site status under the Forth Green Freeport, which became effective from 12 June 2024, Queensferry One is ideally positioned to attract a diverse range of businesses, particularly those in the renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The Freeport’s incentives, including tax reliefs and streamlined customs processes, alongside the site’s oven-ready status, provide an attractive proposition for companies looking to invest in Scotland’s industrial and economic future.

Simon McCabe, Chief Executive at Scarborough Group, said: “Scotland’s push towards a net-zero future is accelerating and, with significant renewable energy projects slated for development, the demand for high-quality, strategically-located industrial and logistics space is at an all-time high.

“Queensferry One offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses to establish a presence within the Forth Green Freeport, providing a flexible accommodation options tailored to their operational needs.”

Spanning over 120 acres, Queensferry One boasts ample room for development, offering flexibility and space for businesses to grow and innovate. With its proximity to the Forth’s deep water access points, and excellent transport links including rail and motorway connections, the site is primed for companies in the renewables and manufacturing sectors.

A Vision for the Future

The inclusion of Queensferry One in the Forth Green Freeport initiative brings a wealth of opportunities not only for businesses but also for the local community. The expected influx of investment and development is set to create significant employment opportunities, reinvigorating the local economy and fostering long-term growth.

The strategic location of Queensferry One offers businesses direct access to the vibrant energy sector in Scotland. With the ongoing development of offshore wind farms and other renewable energy projects in the North Sea, the site provides an ideal base for companies looking to capitalise on Scotland’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices.

Simon McCabe added: “Our focus is on providing a platform where businesses can thrive in a supportive and innovative environment.

“The combination of Queensferry One’s rich history, strategic location and Freeport benefits creates a compelling case for companies seeking to relocate or expand their operations in Scotland.”

As Queensferry One continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of adaptation and growth. From its roots as a naval dockyard to its future as a linchpin in one of Scotland’s two Green Freeports, Queensferry One is set to play a pivotal role in the country’s journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

For more information, visit www.queensferryone.co.uk or follow Queensferry One on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Agriculture Bill to become law

Supporting sustainable and regenerative farming and crofting

MSPs have backed legislation that will transform how the Scottish Government supports farming and food production.

The Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill will ensure the Scottish Government can help farmers and crofters to produce more food more sustainably, supporting their essential role in climate mitigation and nature restoration. It will allow for a framework of payments that is responsive to the sector’s needs.

This legislation will also drive support for rural communities, the economy, and for land management and the environment.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Agriculture is vital to our economy. Our Vision for Agriculture sets out how the Government will support farming and food production in Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. 

“The Bill provides a future framework that will help deliver this Vision, supporting farmers and crofters to meet our immediate and long-term food needs sustainably and to adapt to new opportunities and challenges. It will enable the delivery of support schemes that will ensure that agriculture continues to play its part in cutting emissions, mitigating climate change, enhancing nature and biodiversity, together with food production.

“Our food and farming sectors have a critical role to play in a sustainable, resilient food system. As we transition to a new framework of support, we will do this in a way that is just, that ensures no cliff edges in support and by taking our agricultural industry and rural communities with us.”

Cineworld Edinburgh announces Screen Day with £4 tickets

·       SCREENX DAY TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY JULY 6

·       TICKETS REDUCED TO £4 PER FILM, ALL DAY, ONLY IN SCREENX

·       OFFER VALID ACROSS 23 CINEMA SITES IN THE UK 

Cineworld is delighted to announce SCREENX DAY, an exclusive, one-day event featuring some of the hottest blockbusters in the cutting-edge ScreenX format. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 6th, and prepare for an unparalleled cinematic adventure across 23 locations in the UK.

To celebrate this state-of-the-art experience, the event will give aviators and Fremens across the country a chance to experience some of their favourite blockbusters in the revolutionary format for only £4.00 a ticket.

ScreenX uses advanced technology with 270-degree projection to create panoramic viewing that surrounds you in your seat. With the film extended beyond your peripheral vision, guests are transported into their cinematic universe of choice in a world first, available only at Cineworld. 

For one day only, Cineworld is bringing back some of the biggest billers including:

  • Dune: Part Two – Enter a futuristic sci-fi world and immerse yourself in the heat of the battle for Arrakis with screens projecting an incredible desert expanse
  • Top Gun: Maverick – Catch this adventure-filled epic with footage exclusive to the ScreenX experience. Six cameras in the cockpit combine with the expanded sidewall projection to bring you along for each dynamic flying sequence like never before. Director Joseph Kosinski reveals “We weren’t able to use two of the side cameras in the [standard] film, but in ScreenX we were able to use that footage on the side screens, so what you’re seeing in ScreenX is live action footage on the side of the screens which is a first!”
  • Meg 2: The Trench – Immerse yourself in the under-sea-action of Meg 2 now in 270 degrees for the ultimate heart-racing jumpscares. With screens wrapping round your head, director Ben Wheatley notes “With ScreenX, that feeling of looking into the film that’s wrapping all around your head really amplifies a lot of the action stuff. With the Meg 2: The Trench there’s a lot of intense action that is really served well by ScreenX.”
  • Migration –The first ever animated film to be shown in ScreenX, take flight with the Mallard of ducks for this family favourite uplifting tale 

Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld Cinemas, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Cineworld’s inaugural ScreenX Day! For just £4, experience a revolutionary 270° view with projections expanding onto the side walls of the auditorium.

“Whether you’re soaring with Top Gun: Maverick or adventuring with Migration, you can surround yourself and your whole family with movie magic at Cineworld on July 6th.”

Tickets for the first ever ScreenX Day can now be purchased on the Cineworld Website or the Cineworld app.

#ScreenXDay

#ExperienceScreenX

ScreenX Day 2024 is sponsored by the Royal Air Force.

Screenings to take place at the following locations: 

Ashford
Barnsley          
Basildon         
Belfast
Brighton  Castleford       
Crawley
Didsbury          
Edinburgh      
Hull     
Leeds White Rose       
London – Hounslow      
London – The O2 Greenwich   
London – Wandsworth  
Milton Keynes 
Newcastle upon Tyne  
Newport – Spytty Park  
Rushden Lakes 
Sheffield          
Speke 
Watford           
Wolverhampton           
York

Benefact Group launches new Charity Heroes Awards

Benefact Group has launched the Charity Heroes Awards 2024, a new awards programme designed to celebrate and support charities working tirelessly to make positive change.

The Awards are open to charities based in the UK and Ireland and entries are open between Monday 17 June and Friday 26 July. Winning charities will be awarded £5,000 and runners up will receive £1,000.

Charities are invited to apply online via a quick and simple form for one of six awards categories:

AwardWhat judges will be looking for…
Volunteer of the year Volunteers who have gone over and above, making positive impact for charities, dedicating their time and energy to a great cause
Climate action projectCharities which have inspired and motivated action to tackle the climate crisis
Local community initiativeA project which has reached the heart of a local community to tackle a local issue
Digital fundraising initiativeInspiring digital fundraising which has created new sources of income and motivated supporters
Small charity, big impactA small charity (with a turnover of less than £1m) that has made a big impact
Charity leader of the yearA charity CEO or other senior leader who is a role model for others by championing a cause and inspiring change 

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 28 November. An additional colleagues’ choice award will also be announced during the ceremony.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, says: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Benefact Group’s Charity Heroes Awards 2024. This new Awards programme celebrates and supports charities working tirelessly to make positive change. 

“Benefact Group is a family of award-winning specialist financial services companies and the third largest corporate donor to charity in the UK. Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. All of our available profits go to good causes and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.”

Benefact Group has donated over £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and has been recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK1. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025.

For more information and to enter your charity for an award visit https://benefactgroup.com/awards

Charity Heroes Awards is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Local teenagers take part in innovative Frame Running study

Ian and Poppy experienced improved physical and mental health due to Frame Running

A new study found that Frame Running has the potential to positively affect health and wellbeing of young people with limited mobility.

Frame Running (formerly known as RaceRunning) is an adapted sport for children, young people and adults who cannot run and who rely on aids for mobility and balance.

A Frame Runner is a three wheeled frame where the individual is supported by a saddle and body plate. The athlete propels against the frame using their feet, and steers using handlebars like those on a bike.

Researchers observed a trend towards improved muscle strength after 12 weeks of Frame Running training and many participants noticed an improvement in their performance of activities including being able to walk for longer and walking uphill. Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust jointly funded the study.

Poppy’s story

One of the study participants, 13-year-old Poppy, has paralysis and weakness in her upper body and core due to a rare neuromuscular condition called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) which she developed at age six.

“For Poppy, Frame Running and participating in the study has been life transforming. As a result of developing acute flaccid myelitis, Poppy had to learn to sit, stand and walk again and uses a wheelchair,” says Laura, Poppy’s mother.

“She also has a gastrostomy (feeding tube) to help her get the nutrition she needs and uses a ventilator at night to help her breathe. Before the illness, Poppy was a very sporty child and loved running, but as a result of the illness, she could no longer run or take part in any sport safely – until she discovered Frame Running.

“The opportunity to try Frame Running was a positive turning point in Poppy’s life. She left one of her early sessions with a massive smile on her face and said ‘Mummy, I am so happy that there is a sport that I can do.’ She felt strong and accomplished and it gave her a huge confidence boost.”

The results of the study are significant as people with cerebral palsy and conditions such as AFM may be at increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to reduced mobility.

Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties walking and can find it challenging to take part in physical activities. This can lead to a lack of exercise that often starts early on in childhood and persists throughout their lives.

Dr Marietta van der Linden from the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh says: “Our research showed that Frame Running can have a wide range of benefits, not only on outcomes of fitness and physical fitness but it also allows young people to feel part of a club, make friends, compete and go fast.”

In the pilot study, 15 children and young people with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury affecting coordination took part in a one-hour weekly Frame Running training sessions for 12 weeks.

Results show that Frame Running is a feasible, enjoyable and safe activity for children and young people with severe walking difficulties.

In the study interviews, children said that they enjoyed the sense of freedom and speed of Frame Running and that it provides them with opportunities to be active and competitive.

Parents liked that Frame Running could also serve as physiotherapy or as part of their rehabilitation strategy. The data collected before and after the study showed positive trends indicating improvements in resting heart rate, muscle strength, and self-reported performance of activities such as being able to walk for longer and walking uphill.

However, further studies with more participants are needed to verify this.

Action Medical Research are pioneers in funding innovative early research which paves the way for new treatments and management of medical conditions.

Dr Caroline Johnston, Senior Research Manager at Action Medical Research, said: .“The success of this research in demonstrating the health benefits of Frame Running is significant as it could result in people with mobility problems and cerebral palsy participating in physical activity and reducing their risk of heart disease and diabetes,”

The research has stimulated additional research funded by the MS Society investigating the feasibility of Frame Running for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

“We found very similar themes in our study involving people with MS, but there were some interesting differences as well, which highlights the importance to regard each health condition and each person individually,” says Dr Marietta van der Linden.

Ian’s story

Participating in an innovative Frame Running study has transformed the life of thirteen-year-old Ian from Edinburgh who lives with cerebral palsy. Ian’s mother Sheena came across RaceRunning, now known as Frame Running, in 2019. In Frame Running people use a Frame Runner, a three wheeled frame where the athlete is supported by a saddle and body plate.

The athlete propels against the frame using their feet, and steers using handlebars like on a bike. Ian, even though he was only eight at the time, really took to the sport and has been Frame Running ever since. Hi – hi

The study that Ian took part in 2019 was funded by Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust. The pilot study, led by researchers Dr Marietta van der Linden at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and Dr Jennifer Ryan of Brunel University in London, aimed to investigate the potential benefits of regular exercise on the health and mobility of young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury affecting coordination.

Ian was one of 15 young people who took part in the study, which found that Frame Running had the potential to positively affect health and wellbeing: Researchers observed a trend towards improved muscle strength and many participants observed an improvement in their performance of activities including being able to walk for longer and walking uphill.

The results of the study will inform the design of future larger studies involving participants from both the UK and abroad.

Dr van der Linden comments: “These results are promising and we hope that these custom-built running frames can enable children with cerebral palsy to take part in aerobic activities that can help improve their overall fitness.

“We are delighted that Ian has really taken to Frame Running and hope that this example will inspire other young people who have mobility issues to benefit from the exercise and freedom that comes with Frame Running.”

Ian’s mum, Sheena, comments: “Ian really enjoyed being part of the study and trains twice a week. Frame Running has given Ian a sense of physical independence and made him realise that he can achieve great things.

“Ian challenged himself to climb 8,810 steps which is equal to the height of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and he did it! I am thrilled at what Ian has achieved including winning the Rotary Young Citizen Sporting Hero award.

“I really hope that he has shown what is possible with Frame Running.”

Chief Executive at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, John Cowman, said: “It is so brilliant to see the results for this study which clearly show that frame running has a very positive impact on the health and wellbeing of young people with limited mobility.

“Hopefully, this research will pave the way for it to become more widely available for children, young people and adults who rely on aids such as this to take part in sports and to be able to enjoy all that it has to offer.”

Have your say on improvement plans for Granton Medway

TWO CONSULTATION SESSIONS NEXT WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE

The City of Edinburgh Council has appointed AtkinsRéalis to look at potential opportunities for improvements to two areas of open space at Granton Medway.

The first site is the area of land between the two rows of housing blocks to the south of Granton Medway. The second site is the larger area of grassland siting to the north of Granton Medway.

At this early stage we are looking to gather local knowledge from the residents to help us inform both developments and shape the improvements for the communities who use them most. These improvements are looking to address accessibility, safety, biodiversity, flood water management, and general landscape improvements.

To facilitate this, we will be holding 2 separate consultation events on Wednesday 26 June for residents to drop in and talk to the team together with the city council’s Housing team at the following venues and times:

Granton Medway Orchard Garden: 11am – 2pm at The Salvation Army Community Centre, 36 Wardieburn Drive, Edinburgh, EH5 1BZ

Granton Medway Community Park: 4pm – 7pm at the entrance to the park on Granton Medway (Outdoor)

Dalry Primary pupils celebrate arrival of safer streets

A new ‘school zone’ has launched at Dalry Primary School with a day of festivities to celebrate safer streets and improved air quality.

Pupils are now set to benefit from wider, people-friendly footpaths and reduced motor traffic at key drop-off and pick-up times along Springwell Place and Cathcart Place, either side of the school.

The scheme has been delivered thanks to a grant from Sustrans’ Temporary School Streets Fund.

Dalry Primary School has worked with the Council and Sustrans to collaboratively design the project, including new artwork by local artist Shona Hardie, featuring designs inspired by ideas created with pupils at workshops last year.

These are complemented by planters and seating to help deliver a more relaxed environment for pupils and local people.

Activities to celebrate the launch of the project started with a ‘walking bus’ from Tynecastle High School to help children and parents walk to school safely. They were joined by performers from Leith-based Think Circus, who captivated pupils with a number of interactive workshops throughout the day.

After school activities also included a ‘Dr Bike’ session, allowing children and parents to have their bikes checked and repaired for free, while The Bike Station’s ‘Wee Bike Library’ presented bikes of different sizes for kids to try out. Parents were also able to sign up for a free bike from the library.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I firmly believe that no parent should have to worry about their child walking or cycling to school, and I’m delighted that this new initiative will help to create a safer environment during the busy pick-up and drop-off times in the school day.

“These improvements at Dalry Primary are also designed to benefit the whole community. We’ve worked with a fantastic artist to create colourful street art and a more relaxed environment for everyone to spend time along Cathcart Place, Springwell Place and Dalry Road, and we hope local residents and visitors enjoy the fun designs and opportunities to rest as much as pupils.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the changes and helping parents to more easily walk and cycle with their children every day. These results will also help us as we continue to explore ideas to help people to travel more safely around the wider local area.”

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans said: “We are excited to launch the school zone at Dalry Primary in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council. In Scotland and across the UK, we have been working with stakeholders to transform the surrounding streets near schools. The result is a safer, happier and more pleasant environment for pupils, parents and the wider community.

“Nearly 50 percent of pupils in Scotland either walk, wheel or cycle to school, according to our latest Hands Up Scotland Survey results. Innovative projects like the Dalry Primary school zone will help to empower more pupils and families to leave the car at home and enjoy an active commute.”

Elaine Honeyman, Headteacher at Dalry Primary School, said: “It’s fantastic to see this scheme underway after lots of discussions with parents, residents and of course, our pupils.

“The safety measures are already proving popular with the children as they arrive at school. Pupils have told me that they are enjoying all the improvements to our school area, particularly the colourful street art and the playful aspect that this adds to the surrounding streets.”

Among the enthusiastic pupils are two P6 Junior Road Safety Officers.

Umaima Rakha Parveen said: “I think the street art is an interesting way to distract the young people and will help them to stay away from the roadside and stay safe.”

Attri Roy said: “The parents and children can use the seats to rest on when they arrive at school and many children will love to play on the seats.”

The school zone outside Dalry Primary School reduces motor traffic on Cathcart Place and Springwell Place (where the school has its entrances) on school days between 8:15 and 9:15am, Mondays to Thursdays between 2:30 and 3:45pm and Fridays between 11:30 and 1pm.

Local access continues for residents of Cathcart Place and Springwell Place, emergency services and blue badge holders during these times.

Such projects offer a number of benefits for everyone, including increasing walking, cycling and active lifestyles for pupils, parents and carers, while also reducing the speed of traffic, congestion and pollution around school gates.