Tag: leisure

Snooker’s biggest stars heading for Edinburgh

Snooker’s all-time greats head for the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh next month for the BetVictor Scottish Open, with the star-studded line up and first round match schedule now confirmed.

Gary Wilson will be aiming to win the title for a third consecutive year, in a fantastic field which includes Scotland’s top player John Higgins, world number one Judd Trump, World Champion Kyren Wilson and many more green baize giants. The event runs from December 9th to 15th at the superb Meadowbank Sports Centre venue in the heart of Edinburgh.

Tickets are STILL AVAILABLE but must be booked fast now that the draw is out. They start at just £15 for one session, or £25 for an all-day ticket which gives fans the chance to watch a wide range of the world’s top stars. For all ticket details visit www.wst.tv/tickets

Gary Wilson, who beat Joe O’Connor in the 2022 final and Noppon Saengkham to retain the title in 2023, starts his defence against China’s Long Zehuang on the opening morning of the tournament on Monday December 9th.

Huge first round clashes over the first two days include:

Gary Wilson v Long Zehuang – – Monday December 9th at 10am

John Higgins v Ian Burns – Monday December 9th at 1pm

Mark Allen v He Guoqiang – Monday December 9th afternoon

Judd Trump v Ishpreet Singh Chadha – Monday December 9th at 7pm

Mark Williams v David Lilley – Monday December 9th evening

Kyren Wilson v David Grace – Tuesday December 10th at 1pm

Mark Selby v Stuart Carrington – Tuesday December 10th afternoon

Luca Brecel v Julien Leclercq – Tuesday December 10th afternoon

Shaun Murphy v Daniel Wells – Tuesday December 10th at 7pm

Ronnie O’Sullivan v Xing Zihao – Tuesday December 10th at 7pm

Neil Robertson v Fan Zhengyi – Tuesday December 10th evening

WST’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Tom Rowell said: “Edinburgh has proved a fantastic location for this event and the players have enjoyed packed crowds and a sensational atmosphere over the past two years.

“So we’re delighted to return to the Meadowbank Sports Centre especially with an incredibly strong line-up of our sport’s leading players. Tickets are already selling fast as this is the opportunity to watch world class sport from as little as £15. With such a high standard on the tour and so many epic matches already this season, there has never been a better time to watch snooker live.”

This is the third of four events in the BetVictor Home Nations Series, with the leading money winner across the series to bank an extra £150,000 bonus. Neil Robertson currently leads the way, just ahead of Kyren Wilson, with Judd Trump third. So there’s plenty at stake aside from the battle for the Stephen Hendry Trophy in Edinburgh.

The BetVictor Scottish Open is televised by Eurosport, discovery+, DMAX and many other broadcasters worldwide.

Lost Shore Surf Resort makes waves with Grand Opening

Scotland’s first inland surf resort, Lost Shore Surf Resort, officially opened with an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony at its £60m site in Ratho, near Edinburgh, marking a new era for the nation’s adventure tourism.

Founder Andy Hadden, joined by Ratho Primary P7 House Captains, Scottish Junior Series Champion Robyn Larg, and professional surfer Ben Larg, proudly cut the ribbon at Europe’s largest and most advanced wave pool.

Andy Hadden said: “This is a dream come true. We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to experience Scotland’s new hub for world-class surfing, hospitality, and wellness.”

The resort, powered by Wavegarden technology, generates up to 1,000 customisable waves per hour and features luxury lodges, the Spear Sauna, and top Scottish eateries like Civerinos and Five March. 

The Wavegarden Cove is the most energy-efficient technology in the sector, consuming just 250-450 kilowatts per hour (kWh), or less energy than a single chair lift at a ski resort. 

With over 130 jobs created and a projected £11m annual boost to the local economy, Lost Shore Surf Resort is set to become a Scottish icon.

Edinburgh: ASICS Running Moves Your Mind City Tour

THE ASICS Running Moves Your Mind City Tour is coming to Edinburgh on Saturday 9th November.

ASICS is bringing the Running Moves Your Mind City Tour to a number of locations across the UK, offering consumers a unique experience that combines music with exercise and allows people to move their mind with ASICS.

Taking place in Castle Street, Edinburgh, consumers will be able to get involved in an immersive silent disco product trial experience, gait analysis and product consultation.

Full details of the event can be found below:

ASICS Running Moves Your Mind City Tour event details:

When is ASICS Running Moves Your Mind City Tour?

Saturday 9TH November, 9am – 4.30pm

Who can attend?

ASICS Running Moves Your Mind is a free-to-attend event for anyone, however spaces are limited so please sign up HERE.

What is ASICS Running Moves Your Mind City Tour?:

ASICS are bringing the Running Moves Your Mind City Tour to several locations across the UK, offering consumers a unique experience that combines music with exercise and allows people to experience ASICS superior comfort and move their minds.

What can consumers expect from the ASICS Running Moves Your Mind City Tour?:

Consumers can participate in a guided Silent Disco run around the city, soundtracked by a dedicated uplifting soundtrack.

In addition, consumers will be able to participate in a product discovery session with ASICS brand ambassadors and a free 10-minute gait analysis session.

How to find out more details about Running Moves Your Mind City Tour:

To find out more about Running Moves Your Mind City Tour in Edinburgh, visit:

Register on Eventbrite

Flight Club launches new food and drinks menu 

And they’re celebrating with a free drink for all who come to try it between 14th – 18th October!

Flight Club, the lively and fairground-inspired bar known for its craft cocktails, sharing plates, and Social Darts combo, is launching a reimagined menu: delectable new dishes, upgrades to the favourites and a fresh selection of gorgeous drinks. 

Launching on 14th October, the revamped food menu is geared towards dishes that can be enjoyed by groups of friends (and can be eaten with a dart in hand!). The drinks list has had a makeover too, featuring some stunning newcomers and an expansion of its low-and-no-alcohol offering, culminating in an impressive selection of delicious booze-free options to choose from. 

To celebrate the arrival of this exciting new menu, from 14th – 18th October 2024, Flight Club is offering a free drink from its new Signature Spritz menu (or beer if a spritz isn’t your thing) for those who come in to eat (T&C’s apply)*.  

All-new dishes 

Lovingly designed by Arnaud Kaziewicz, Flight Club’s Head of Food Development and Masterchef: The Professionals finalist, the new menu consists of tapas-style small plates, pizza paddles, and a crowd-pleasing selection of grills and salads.  

Mix-and-share dishes include South Korean pork belly bites with chilli and honey glaze, Yakitori beef skewers made from prime British beef marinated in soy and ginger, and Middle Eastern sliders with plant-based lamb, smoked Applewood cheese, gherkins, and slaw.

New sourdough pizza flavour combinations include the gorgeous Gorgonzola portobello: tomato sauce, mozzarella and grilled portobello mushrooms, finished with white truffle oil and Italian pork and fennel sausage: plant-based sausage, caramelised onions and salsa verde. 

Other newcomers include a poké bowl with coconut lemon rice, crunchy slaw, cauliflower, lettuce, and red pepper sauce and a chicken tikka wrap with coconut raita, tomato, lettuce, and cucumber. 

Freshly crafted beverages 

The redesigned drinks line-up includes four new cocktails, a new selection of signature spritzes, and a significant increase in low- and no-alcohol options.  

New cocktails include ‘Highland Blush’, a combination of raspberry gin, whisky, raspberry, lemon, almond, and vegan foaming bitters and ‘Take a Trip’ – Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and lime, topped with Trip Cucumber & Mint. Another new entry on the cocktail list is ‘Nunya Beeswax’.

This tequila number was created at Flight Club Bristol as a one-off for Bristol Cocktail Weekend 2023. The drink was such a hit it was named Cocktail of the Year. Naturally, it had to feature in the new line-up. 

Arnaud Kaziewicz, Flight Club’s Head of Food Development said, “This menu refresh has been months in the making, involving countless taste tests and iterations to get every dish and cocktail completely right.

“We’re hugely passionate about delivering a truly memorable experience at Flight Club and our food and drinks is a big part of that. We always want to give our customers something new to sink their teeth into and we’re excited to finally share this with them.” 

Scottish Cycling launches Women & Girls Strategy

Scottish Cycling has launched its first Women & Girls Strategy to coincide with Scottish Women and Girls in Sport week.

The strategy, launched at West Lothian Cycle Circuit with the support of Sports Minister Ms. Maree Todd and double Paralympic champion Jenny Holl, aims to make a step change in female participation in cycle sport.

Despite making up over 50% of the population of Scotland, women are under-represented in cycling, a situation familiar to many sports, and whilst women’s participation is on the up, Scottish Cycling is determined to accelerate this process.

Whilst Scottish Cycling already implements a number of initiatives to make cycling a more female friendly sport, the strategy outlines how the whole organisation, and the Scottish Cycling community, can come together to make a tangible difference.

Speaking at the launch event, Ms Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, said: “Women & Girls in Sport Week is the highlight of my year every year, so to launch this strategy during this week is just fantastic.

“When we were discussing the UCI Cycling World Championships, which were held in Scotland last year, one of the opportunities we saw was to try and get more women cycling,

“Lots and lots of women would like to cycle, but very few of them do, and this strategy is about tackling that. I’m really keen that women and girls have the opportunity to participate in sport; that’s what this week is all about, and that’s what this strategy is about, and I’m absolutely certain it’ll have an impact.”

Scottish Cycling Chief Executive, Nick Rennie, commented: “The launch of our first Women & Girls Strategy is a huge moment for Scottish Cycling and our community, and follows on from our commitment last summer to shift the dial on female participation in our wonderful sport.

“Scottish Cycling already has a number of initiatives aimed at females, which are slowly starting to shift the gender balance, however that rate of progress isn’t quick enough for our liking, and so this strategy, and supporting action plan, aims to really accelerate our work in this area.”

Double Paralympic champion, Jenny Holl, added: “It’s really great to see Scottish Cycling stepping up and pushing for more diversity within the sport, particularly in the women and girl’s space.

“For me, now is the perfect time – having watched the Elite Women’s Road Race at the Glasgow ‘super worlds’ last year, it’s clear to see that there is the support and appetite for women’s cycling in Scotland, we just need to help people access it.”

After extensive consultation with the cycling community and key stakeholders earlier this year, Scottish Cycling refined its strategy to make its vision as clear as possible.

The strategy is broken down into five focus areas, the five Rs: Ride, Race, Role Models, Recognise and Relationships, which are all as important as the next if the organisations 2027 targets are to be achieved. These include a 30% increase in female members and event entries, a 10% increase in retention within the Performance Pathway, 20% more coaches, and a number of new partnerships with other organisations who can help support the fulfilment of these goals.

The strategy clearly outlines the vision, and steps that will be taken to get there, but sitting below this is an Action Plan, which goes into the detailed interventions, and sets annuals targets to keep Scottish Cycling on track to reach its 2027 goals.

You can read the Strategy here

Further detail can be found in the Action Plan here

Scottish Cycling can’t do this alone, so if you have thoughts on the strategy, action plan or want to show your support, please get in touch via: recreation@scottishcycling.org.uk

For partnership or commercial opportunities within the Women & Girls cycling space, please contact pete.matthews@scottischcycling.org.uk

National swimming framework spotlighted in the capital

A NEW framework that aims to revolutionise water safety in schools has been celebrated in Edinburgh.

Scottish Swimming, in partnership with Scottish Water, hosted a landmark event yesterday at Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool to celebrate The National Primary School Swimming Framework.

The celebration introduced Scotland’s most decorated Olympian Duncan Scott MBE and double Paralympian Toni Shaw as ambassadors for the Framework and highlighted the critical importance of swimming education in primary schools across Scotland.

The National Primary School Swimming Framework aims to ensure pupils across Scotland, particularly at Primary 4/Primary 5 level, learn basic water safety and drowning prevention skills to be safer and more confident in, on, and around water.

Olympic champion Duncan Scott MBE shared: “Swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a life skill that can help save lives. I’m honoured to be part of this initiative that aims to make swimming accessible to every child in Scotland.

“The fact that over 9,200 pupils have already benefited from the pilot phases is encouraging, but it’s crucial that we continue to bridge the gaps and ensure equal opportunities for all our young people.”

During the event, attendees heard from Scottish Swimming, Scottish Water, sportscotland, Duncan and Toni, as well as seeing a lesson in progress with children from Niddrie Mill and Castleview primary schools.

Paralympian Toni Shaw added: “Swimming has transformed my life, and I believe every child should have the chance to experience its benefits.

“This framework is a step in the right direction, but we need to ensure it reaches every corner of Scotland. Inclusive swimming education is not just about creating champions, it’s about empowering all children with confidence and safety in the water.”

The Framework, now available for schools across the nation, has already made significant strides. More than 9,200 pupils have participated in two phases of pilots carried out across nine local authorities in Scotland.

Craig Burn, Director of Sport at sportscotland said: “The National Primary School Swimming Framework represents a significant step forward in our efforts to improve water safety and swimming education across Scotland.

“By partnering with Scottish Swimming and other key stakeholders, we’re creating a comprehensive approach that will help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills. We’re excited to see the positive impact this will have on young lives, potentially reducing drowning incidents.”

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Scottish Water is proud to support this new framework. Water safety is paramount – with Scotland’s natural landscape which has approximately 30,000 inland waters and 6,000 miles of coastline, coupled with worryingly high drowning statistics.

“This framework will be key to creating ‘Generation Swim’ and ensuring more children across the country get the basic – but vital – water safety knowledge and skills to help keep them safer in, on and around water.”

The National Primary School Swimming Framework offers flexible delivery models, allowing schools to adopt different approaches based on their circumstances, such as universal or targeted programmes for non-swimmers.

It focuses on water safety education, with the Water Safety Code integrated throughout, aligning with Water Safety Scotland’s drowning prevention initiatives.

The framework’s development has been supported by the Scottish Government through sportscotland, with additional credibility added by the inclusion of Education Scotland and Water Safety Scotland.

To learn more about the National Primary School Swimming Framework or to support its implementation, visit:  

https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim/school-swimming-framework

Ladies Day at Musselburgh: Tickets now sold Out

Musselburgh Racecourse’s hugely popular Ladies Day is heading for an 8,000 capacity sell-out with fewer than 300 general admission tickets remaining.

Ladies Day, in partnership with Pommery Champagne, is one of Scotland’s most glamourous sporting and fashion events, and with luxury fashion prizes valued at more than £4,000 the Friday 9 August race day is the place to be.

This year’s style awards is sponsored by Tiger Lily Boutique and the “best dressed” top prize includes an invitation to visit Champagne Pommery in France – with the winner enjoying two nights at four-star hotel accommodation in Reims and £1,500 spending money.

The East Lothian course are delighted to welcome TV and radio personality, Rylan Clark, who will be behind the decks for the popular After Racing Party which is open to all Ladies Day ticket holders following the last race.

Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “The popularity of our five star Ladies Day meeting never wanes and we are confident that 2024 will be yet another sell-out.

“With only one table available in our VIP Marquee and less than 400 general admission tickets remaining, we are looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere and when the racing finishes, firm favourite Rylan will keep the party going.

“Around 50-100 tickets are sold each day so for anyone thinking of attending Ladies Day our advice would be to snap up a ticket now or risk being disappointed.”

Gates open on Friday 9 August at 11.30am, and provisional first and last race times are 2.20pm and 4.50pm.

For further information on Musselburgh Ladies Day or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/ladies-day-2024

Free ice cream and family fun at Musselburgh Racecourse

One of Musselburgh Racecourse’s most popular family events returns on Tuesday (23 JUL) with the Luca’s Ice Cream Family Raceday.

On the turf seven competitive Flat races will keep the adults on their toes but off the track a whole host of fun activities will entertain younger family members.

Gates open at noon and one hour before the first race (provisionally scheduled for 2.15pm) the next generation of jockeys will compete in pony races, while a dedicated Clip Clop zone offers free fairground rides for all ages and free face painting.

Hosted with support of Honest Toun ice cream producer Luca, each child will receive a free ice cream – more than 1,200 were handed out last year.

The day will also feature the Mini Queen’s Cup which will see 5 year olds take to the track on happy hopper inflatables.

Musselburgh Racecourse’s Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “We know the kids love to dance so we have organised a kid’s disco which will take place in between the racing throughout the day.

“For the pony loving children or those youngsters who want to try their hand at horse riding, we will also have free pony rides.”

Two of Australia’s favourite furry TV pups will also make a popular return to the East Lothian track to say “g’day” to young racegoers.

Aisling added: “Luca’s Ice Cream have kindly donated one free ice cream per child, and with free entry for children aged 17 years and under when accompanied by an adult, it really is the perfect day out for all the family.”

Gates open at noon on Tuesday, first race is scheduled for 2.15pm and the last race at 5.20pm. A courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations will take racegoers to and from the racecourse.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Care home’s full of spring chickens! 

Cracking egg-perience sees pensioners raise their own chicks and ducklings

A LUXURY Edinburgh care home has been chirping with joy, after taking part in a unique conservation project, that saw its residents welcome a range of chicks and ducks into the world. 

The idea, hatched by Cramond Residence’s unique lifestyle team, saw the home welcome seven chicken eggs and five ducks which stayed in the residence for two weeks in total. 

The residents were equipped with everything necessary to incubate eggs and support the chicks and ducklings with their first steps, allowing them to look after the new chicks for a short time before they are returned to the Incredible Eggs team.

The project was made possible as part of an initiative with Incredible Eggs, who aim to educate and preserve wildlife by offering hatching kits to schools, nurseries and care homes.

Cramond Residence’s Head of Lifestyle, Elaine Vallance said: “This was an amazing experience and all the residents loved handling them and seeing them run free in the library. We had a group of residents watch a chick hatch, they said it was a magical experience.

“For people living with dementia, caring for a pet can be a source of comfort and joy, offering them a meaningful sense of purpose.

“When we became aware of the hatching kits at Incredible Eggs, we just knew it would be the perfect activity to bring to the home and I’m so happy to see how much joy it has brought the residents. 

“We’ve had a great experience previously with bringing animals into the home. Activities such as our therapet sessions have been of real benefit to our residents and always create a buzz in the home. 

This is just one of many mental and social wellness-boosting activities that residents at Crammond Residence can enjoy as part of its lifestyle programme, which frequently organises various creative activities.

As dementia specialists, Crammond Residence is aware of the importance of providing dementia patients with a sense of purpose and achieves this, in part, through the various animal-care projects it provides.  

Incredible Eggs, which has been running for more than 10 years, ethically produces all its hatching kits, ensuring that both the animals and their carers can get the most out of the conservation projects.

Michael Cowan, Branch Manager for Incredible Eggs said: “We’d like to say well done to the Cramond Residence Lifestyle team for providing such an uplifting and joyous experience. 

“It’s wonderful to hear how the kit had such a positive impact on the residents. Feedback such as this never fails to warm the heart and it was our pleasure to have helped make it happen.”

The home’s lifestyle team launched a pet therapy initiative last summer, where different pets such as dogs, welcomed into the residence each month. 

The sessions have been hugely beneficial in improving the mental and physical well-being of residents who are always happy to see a furry friend. 

Established in 2018, Cramond Residence delivers unwavering nurse-led care alongside specialised services such as respite and dementia care. Presently, the care home accommodates 74 residents across nine beautifully designed homes.

The home boasts incredible facilities, including a cinema, functional exercise room, games room, and an elegant dining experience where residents can host their family members for a meal.

Residents enjoy excellent amenities as well as freshly cooked meals and various activities to participate in, guaranteeing a fulfilling and stimulating life at the care home. 

Every resident receives a personalised care plan crafted by healthcare professionals, subject to continuous evaluation and refinement, ensuring access to optimal care.

Tours of the North Edinburgh Cramond Residence are available. These tours enable prospective residents and their families to experience the residence, meet the team, and address any additional needs.

To learn more about Cramond Residence, please visit Cramond Residence’s website or contact them directly at enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

To find out more about Incredible Eggs, please visit: ttps://www.incredibleeggs.co.uk/

Go For Gold mini games challenge

EDINBURGH LEISURE – GO FOR GOLD

Tennis fever may be over but as the world hots up for the next big sporting occasion, Paris 2024, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging kids to go for gold this summer with their own mini-games challenge.

Featuring a variety of kids and family summer activities including AquaDash, Clip n’ Climb, soft play, Come & Try Coaching sessions, Holiday Camp & Coaching programme, racquet sports and more, kids are being encouraged to try as many activities as possible to complete a Game Card, which will be entered into a prize draw for some amazing prizes.

Go for Gold Game cards can be picked up from any participating Edinburgh Leisure venue.  Each game card has a 5 x 5 grid of activities.  Once an activity is completed, children will receive a bespoke gold sticker to fill their card. After completing at least one activity from each column, the finished card can be submitted at any participating venue to enter a prize draw. 

The prize draw will take place during the week commencing 19 August.

*There will be three winners who can choose from a choice of:

  • Soft play membership for one month for up to 2 children
  • Clip ‘n Climb for 2 children or 1 adult and 1 child
  • Aquadash for 2 
  • 1-1 35-minute dive lesson with European Junior Athlete

Angela McGowan, Edinburgh Leisure’s Coaching Programme Manager said: “Few of us will ever be Olympians, but we know that keeping active is good for everyone and our Go For Gold summer mini games is Edinburgh Leisure’s way of encouraging kids to get the active habit in a fun and sociable way during the summer holidays, while encouraging kids to achieve their own medal.”

The Go For Gold promotion will run at most Edinburgh Leisure venues from 15 July – 11 August 2024.

*Terms and conditions apply – check Edinburgh Leisure website for more information. www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/go-for-gold*