Greyfriars Bobby set to pass go in new Monopoly Edinburgh game

A brand new official version of Edinburgh MONOPOLY is to hit the shops – exactly 20 years on from the first. And for the first time ever in Scotland the playing tokens will be customised to one city.

Amongst the tokens, to be voted by the public, could be a bust of Edinburgh’s most famous son Sir Sean Connery – or, arguably daughter, Elsie Inglis.

“Dedicated” Edinburgh icons that are favourites to ‘Pass GO’ and become tokens in the new game include a panda, comedic mask and miniature castle. There will be six in all – and the public will get to decide.

Other customised tokens could be a miniature of Sir Chris Hoy, a book, rugby ball or an Auld Reekie chimney mini replica.

And in a clear nod to Edinburgh’s most popular pooch the producers Winning Moves UK say the MONOPOLY Scottie dog – which is the most popular of all the original MONOPOLY tokens – will almost certainly change to the beloved Greyfriars Bobby, a legend that has enthralled millions of visitors over the years.

The original Edinburgh board hits the shops in 1998, which was Edinburgh themed but not completely. The tokens were the MONOPOLY originals. But this time the tokens get the boot – including the MONOPOLY boot, racing car, Scottie dog and top hat.

In 1998 it was the first time that any regional board based on a city or town in the UK, outside of London, was produced. Since then there have been several, including Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, but none – until now – have customised playing tokens.

Winning Moves UK’s Benjamin Thompson made the announcement by the statue of Greyfriars Bobby yesterday. He said: “We are now a whole generation on from when Edinburgh first historically ‘Passed GO’ – the very first city in the UK to do so.

“Scotland’s capital city has grown and changed enormously, now with its own Parliament and a whole new generation of people.

“The tokens will be customised for the first time in Scotland and will all be dedicated to Edinburgh,” he adds. “The MONOPOLY streets will all be Edinburgh landmarks and also new will be the Chance and Community Chest cards which will be very heavily Edinburgh themed. One could send players back three spaces for getting stuck in traffic on Queensferry Road. Whilst another could reward players with a VIP visit around Edinburgh Castle.”

The public will get to vote for the landmarks, cards and playing tokens.

“It’s a universal love story – and our mission for this game is for it to be a Love Letter to Edinburgh,” adds Mr Thompson. “The perfect fit and we are absolutely sure Bobby WILL feature prominently in this game.”

The public is now invited to send in suggestions and ideas for the game – both serious and fun.

Every single one of the famous MONOPOLY spaces from the London original like Mayfair and Park Lane – 28 in all – will be getting an Edinburgh makeover. And very many of the Chance and Community Chest cards will also be Edinburgh themed too.

Winning Moves’ Bejamin Thompson added: “We are expecting to be very spoilt for choice for landmarks to fill this board. This very special edition will go into production to be ready in time for this Christmas (2018) and will hit shop shelves this October.

“The game will be sold not just in Edinburgh shops but to the world via Amazon and online. It will be a global seller and further showcase Edinburgh to the world.”

Landmarks that could star on the board include (of course!) Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyrood House, Princes Street and The Royal Mile. The MONOPOLY sets of streets will be themed in sets from heritage to tourism, culture to shopping, education to business and sport to media. The four train stations on the original MONOPOLY will be handed over to a ‘travel’ set. That’s because unlike in the original London MONOPOLY there are not going to be four main line train stations to choose from.

Suggestions can be made to edinburgh@winningmoves.co.uk or via the official Edinburgh MONOPOLY Facebook page. Or by traditional post to Edinburgh MONOPOLY, Winning Moves UK, 7 Praed Street, London W2 1NJ.

Polls close at 23.59pm on 30^th April 2018.

How about a tram? Oh well, just a thought …

When Rabbie met Elvis

Music and stories at Makin’ a Brew

My luv is like a … blue suede shoe!

It’s that time of year when the story of Robert Burns is told again and again at events and gathering all over the world; his poems recited and his songs sung. Wonderful as Burns’ story is, it’s so well known that you seldom learn anything new about Scotland’s national Bard.

So imagine the delight, then, when twa wandering minstrels shared their groundbreaking new research: that our very own Robert Burns was also the inventor of rock’n’roll!

The ‘truth’ was revealed at ‘Makin’ A Brew’, an entertaining family and children session at Craigroyston Early Years Centre last week.

Makin a Brew is a Youth Music Initiative-funded project for parents, their
children and the staff at Granton and Craigroyston Early Years Centres.
Led by musician Gica Loening and storyteller Clare McNicol, music and
storytelling sessions are held each week at the centres, encouraging
parents to take part, share and enjoy ryhmes, games, stories with their
children.

Makin’ a Brew has made a wee CD and accompanying booklet of their
songs so families can carry on enjoying them at home too. They also run
occasional events like last week’s Burns event featuring the Twa Rabbies, as well as ceilidhs, and the chance for parents to have some one to one
tutoring in music , song, story -whatever is their passion!

You can find out more about Makin’ a Brew sessions by contacting Craigroyston (332 3855) or Granton (552 4808) Early Years Centres.

More pictures and some video footage on

Facebook page

Neil faces gaming challenge for Sick Kids

The things you’ll do for kids: Dad’s ready to face My Little Pony and Dora the Explorer!

A big-hearted dad-of-three is taking on a 24-hour video gaming marathon in aid of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF) after his 5-year-old son Conor was treated at the Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RSHC).

Neil Gow (38), of South Queensferry, will be raising funds as part of the sixth annual Sick Kids Save Point – a 24-hour video gameathon and biggest charity games event in the UK, which will take place between 9 and 11 October.

Neil said: “My son Conor was just 18-months-old when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and during the subsequent time spent in hospital, our family received tremendous ongoing support from hospital staff and the wider hospital community, including the SKFF. The calm environment the Foundation helps create in the RHSC is so important and we especially noticed it in the days when Conor was seriously ill in the high dependency unit.

“When Conor is sick, having diabetes can have a big impact on his overall health as it’s much harder for him to get the glucose he needs. This has resulted in him being admitted to the RHSC on several occasions and put on a drip in order to help him get the nourishment he needs. When this happens Conor must have bloods taken regularly – something which can prove to be extremely traumatic for him.

“There have been times when he had to be sedated in order to take the sample which is really distressing for everyone involved so it was fantastic to hear that the Foundation have funded some vein finding machines to help put needle phobic children at ease.”

The SKFF has funded a number of state-of-the-art AccuVein devices in recent months. Costing more than £3,500 each, this equipment shines a special light over a child’s body to reveal the veins located underneath the skin, allowing nurses to carry out any needle-based procedures more quickly and accurately than ever before.

Neil continued: “Conor is now a fairly regular visitor to the RHSC, attending clinics there or at St. John’s Hospital in Livingston once a quarter, so I really wanted to give something back to those do so much to care for him. As a big video game fan, I felt the SKSP is the perfect way for me to raise some money from my own home.”

Over the last five years more than 300 gamers from across the globe have completed the Sick Kids Save Point challenge, helping to raise more than £70,000 for the SKFF.

Having taken part in the unique fundraiser twice before, this year Neil’s fundraising will see him take on family-friendly games only in a bid to get some extra support from his three children. Evie (8), Conor (5) and Maya (1) look set to help Dad Neil tackle everything from Super Mario Kart to Hello Kitty and Dora the Explorer!

Data analyst Neil explained: “I love Sick Kids Save Point as it’s such a unique fundraiser that you can make as elaborate as you like. This year I’ve decided anything with a rating of 12 or more is off limits, so for 24 hours I’ll be taking on some of my childrens’ favourite games. I imagine concentrating on My Little Pony in the middle of the night is going to prove somewhat difficult so I’m going to make sure I get plenty of sleep the night before and eat well throughout the day to help keep my concentration up!

“I’m always blown away by people’s generosity when I fundraise for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation and I’m sure this year will be no different. I’d especially like to thank everyone at gaming forum GRcade who continue to selflessly support my efforts and the wider SKSP mission.”

The SKSP event continues to grow in popularity, having gathered support from a number of Scotland’s top games companies including Rockstar North and Blazing Griffin, as well as industry giants Codemasters UK, Playstation Access, Paradox Interactive and Capcom UK, who have donated prizes for entrants.

Edinburgh actor Tom Freeman, organiser of the event, said: “With plans afoot to transfer services to a flash new hospital in Little France, the work of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation will be vital in smoothing the transition from a building many people across the country will have strong emotional ties to. That’s why this year Sick Kids Save Point is pushing to have our best year ever.

“Sick Kids Save Point is the biggest charity gaming marathon in the UK. I’m proud we’ve raised around £72,000 for our local children’s hospital. This year we want to get that figure to £100,000 and show the world games are for everyone.

“Don’t believe the naysayers. Playing games for 24 hours is not easy. It’s not too late to sign up and take on this unique marathon challenge, playing games past the fun barrier and raising money to support sick children and their families.”

Rachel McKenzie, head of voluntary fundraising at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many gamers like Neil take part in this year’s Sick Kids Save Point event – now the biggest charity games event in the UK.

“Thanks to our hardy participants, Sick Kids Save Point has helped raise a tremendous amount of money over the last five years and we’re extremely thankful to the individuals – and teams – who are getting involved this year as we try to raise a further £30,000. I would encourage any ambitious gamers out there to get involved.”

For more information about Sick Kids Save Point visit www.sickkidssavepoint.org or follow the event on twitter @SKsavepoint or on facebook at @SickKidsSavePoint.

Tay-riffic fun at Youth Work Games!

Muirhouse Youth Development Group’s (MYDG) fourth annual youth work games took place on 14th & 15th July, bringing teams of young people, staff and volunteers from across North Edinburgh and Aberfeldy to compete in the decathlon event at the headquarters of Wildfox events, on the banks of Loch Tay (writes KATIE TUFF).

This event brings together youth organisations who may not necessarily work together on a regular basis, to show teamwork, companionship and friendship through the events and social interactions. Creating opportunities for young people to get involved in sport and exercise in a unique but inclusive way.

This year was the biggest yet with 13 teams competing for the sought after youth work games trophy. The ten events took place over the two days by the banks of Loch Tay, which was a beautiful setting for the first event, the cross country run, followed by the tandem bike ride race and finishing off the day in wetsuits with a swim and canoe on the Loch.

MYAdventure were working in partnership with MYDG , taking the lead on some of the events and were part of the staff team. Both Leaders and young people gave it their all to get points for their teams with some friendly competition and great participation from everyone.

As evening set on the athletes village, we were joined by the Dancing Feet Ceilidh band who gave a great night of live music with leaders and young people dancing around the marquee to some old Scottish classics, and learning some new moves (some a bit confusing!), culminating in everyone getting involved for a final rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ to finish off the night.

The second day was welcomed with beautiful sunshine and some tired but enthusiastic young people raring to get going. The Swamp football tournament kicked off the day’s events, accompanied by archery, tree climb, tug of war and long jump all leading up to our final and most anticipated event, the assault course.

This year we had Perth and District YMCA Ybounce bring along their inflatable assault course and slide. The assault course had everyone getting involved ending in a youth leaders vs. youth work games staff showdown. This proved to be the favourite amongst all the events.

The prize giving ceremony was next on the agenda with most teams receiving medals. This year our Youth Work Games trophy winners and overall champions were Kids in the Street from Craigmillar ,who annihilated any competition by winning most medals and scoring an impressive 25 points over the two days! Granton Youth Centre came second with 12 points and the Breathe project from Aberfeldy third with 10 points. Rowlands from Selkirk were the recipients of the Sportsmanship award for showing enthusiasm, teamwork and all round good spirit for the event.

This year we received funding from the North Edinburgh Partnership to run the event, without which it would not have taken place to the level that it did. It was great to see so much enthusiasm and excitement around the event, with young people coming together, getting to know each other and work as part of a team.

It is our hope that the experience can be looked back on and the skills learned can be transferable back in the youth organisations after the event. A huge well done and thank you goes to everyone involved!

Plans are now being set for Youth Work Games 2016 for a bigger and better event, if you are interested in hearing more or want to book up for next year, please contact MYDG office on 0131 332 3356.

Katie Tuff, Muirhouse Youth Development Group

Good Friday event at Starbank Park

Are you looking for something to entertain your kids or grandkids this Easter? Perhaps involving a bit of fresh air and exercise? Better still, while you relax and let them get on with it? Maybe some tea/coffee?

The Friends of Starbank Park are organising an Easter Egg Trail on Good Friday. It will last one hour from 10:30 to 11:30.

There will be a mixture of eggs to find and some of the eggs have a special prize attached!

To be eligible, children should be aged between three and eight years old.

And to follow? Well, there’ll be some sunflower seed planting – which means you can bring the children back at regular intervals to see how their own particular sunflower is growing!

Bill Rodger, Trinity CC

BBBRRRacing: Fancy a day at the beach?

Zoo Arts Extra Beach Day

Forget about the Christmas shopping: stock up on some real happiness!

Sunday 14 December

12 noon from North Edinburgh Arts (or meet us there).

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of sand, sea, sky, fire, food & art!

All Ages: Children should be with a responsible adult.

There are limited spaces for unaccompanied children, so please book early and sign a permission form if your children want to come by themselves.

Time: 12noon at North Edinburgh Arts, returning approx. 4pm

Cost: Free (a £1 deposit secures your place and your snacks & drinks). Donations welcome.

A pleasant walk from NEA to the small beach on West Shore Road (25 minutes).

ZAE will provide: snacks & hot drinks, fire, extra waterproofs, etc. plus creative materials & activities.

If you prefer not to walk, please meet at NEA to get full directions and maybe even give or receive a lift. If you travel by bus Get the 24 at 12.05 or 12.35 from Pennywell Road to Granton, before West Harbour Road on Waterfront Avenue. The walk from there is less than 10 minutes.

Follow Zoo Arts Extra on Facebook here to keep up to date with all of their events

Dads Rock add midweek date at Prentice Centre

Dads Rock are to introduce a new midweek playgroup for dads and their kids at The Prentice Centre. Starting next week (Wednesday 30 July), there will be Dads Rock play sessions (one hour) every Wednesday at 10am – as well as the usual Saturday (ninety minute) slot.

More Dads Rock news:

Weekly Play/Catch up: North Edinurgh Silverknowes Beach (beside the cafe) – Tuesdays 10 – 11am

Outings and Events:

Wednesday 30 July – City council Playday – Grassmarket 12-4pm

Saturday 9 August – Festival Show at the Botanics – ask at groups for tickets; they are free and it’s open to the whole family. Tickets given out on a first come basis!

Saturday 16 August – No Edinburgh sessions (our usual holidays)

For further info visit the Dads Rock Facebook page

MYDG host annual Youth Work Games

MYDG host their annual Youth Work Games 2014

Sixty-five young people, by the banks of Loch Tay and the very enthusiastic staff and volunteers from Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG), Granton, Citadel and State Street proved to be the perfect concoction for this year’s youth work games.

MYDG’s annual event brings together youth organisations from across North Edinburgh and Glasgow to compete in 10 events over the two-day residential hosted by our sponsors Wildfox events just outside Aberfeldy, at Kindorchit by Loch Tay.

This year the event took place in early July with a Commonwealth Games theme; the group were raring to go and the beautiful sunshine added to the enthusiastic spirits of those participating.

The first of the events was the cross-country run, followed by the tandem bike ride, then into some wetsuits for a swim and canoe in Loch Tay.

Evening entertainment was the amazing Corra ceilidh band with the participants creating a massive strip the willow right out the marquee and into the field, dancing the night away! As bedtime loomed none of the young people showed signs of tiredness, but went to their separate tents to tell stories and laugh until the wee hours of the morning!

As the sun rose on the second day so did the young people, sleepy but excited about the day ahead. With a buzz in the air, breakfast was eaten and the last events were well underway. Swamp football, tree climbing, archery, long jump and tug of war with the finale as a particularly fun assault course, involving balloons and blindfolds.

The swamp football proved to be one of the favourite events as the young people and leaders slid around the grass in an attempt to score some goals, additional water from the loch was brought in to make it extra soggy! With over 65 young people, volunteers and staff members all contributing to the games it was a great to see the teamwork camaraderie and sportsmanship throughout the two days of the games: everyone encouraged each other to participate and showed good teamwork, keeping energy up and motivation high for every event.

Pilton Youth and Childrens Project (PYCP) went on to win the games overall, with the other teams from other organisations claiming medals in each event. Bridging the Gap (from Glasgow) won the sportsmanship award for their enthusiasm and all round spirit throughout the whole event.

It was great to see relationships build up across various organisations and young people. Plans are beginning to take shape for an even bigger and better event in 2015, so watch this space!!

MYDG will be hosting a mini Triathlon on the 22nd July and a Commonwealth opening ceremony event on the 23rd July – for more information contact Katie Tuff 0131 332 3356.

Katie Tuff

Jackie’s Christmas Bingo

Wednesday 17 December

Doors Open 7.00pm, Eyes Down 7.30pm