Tag: Ratho

Tarmac’s development plans for Ratho Cement Works unveiled

The public is to be given the opportunity to view proposals by Tarmac for an exciting residential-led mixed-use development on land including the former Cement Works to the west of Baird Road, Ratho.   

The Bairdview development, if approved, will deliver an ambitious residential neighbourhood and sustainable extension to the village. The fully integrated neighbourhood will provide a new and attractive entrance to Ratho and afford the potential to provide enhanced community and commercial facilities.  

Proposals for the 56-acre site will deliver circa 300 homes, including family, market, and affordable housing, with a range of tenures, house types and densities built to the highest environmental standards. This will serve to address housing pressures in the village and West Edinburgh over the next 10 years.   

A 60-bed care home and retirement housing for the village are also outlined in the proposals.   

Tarmac intends to bring forward a Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) application, establishing the principle of development on the partially brownfield site for the mixed-use development. It believes that the environmental impact can be mitigated and that the wider social and economic benefits would be significant.    

Delivering a high-quality, low carbon sustainable development at Bairdview will re-balance the village to the north of the Union Canal with local amenities, a green network of parks and woodland and a central hub of enhanced community facilities. The proposals have specifically been aligned with the new City Plan 2030.   

Supporting the delivery of business, retail, and leisure development in the village, the development would also provide scope for the expansion of Ratho Primary School and public realm, landscape and active travel improvements at the northern gateway to the village.   

Proposals will also improve transport infrastructure and connections with the A8 and A71, including more effective public transport bus services. It will also aim to deliver improved footpath linkages, including safe routes to the primary school.   

The development has also been designed as “20-minute neighbourhoods”. These are places that are designed so residents can meet their day-to-day needs within a 20-minute walk of their home; through access to safe walking and cycling routes, or by public transport.

Development at Bairdview will assist in reducing the need for car journeys and reducing the carbon footprint in line with the City’s zero-carbon strategy response to the climate crisis.    

Development proposed is within acceptable walking distance of local facilities, walking distance to any employment cluster and bus and cycle routes. Provision is made for public transport and the National Cycle Route also lies near the site. 

Consultations have been ongoing with Ratho Community Council and local stakeholder groups for this unique investment proposition. Tarmac wish to bring forward a wider Place Plan for Ratho and has indicated that the community could receive a share of any land capture uplift from the development in the form of a unilateral obligation.       

Due to ongoing developments surrounding the COVID-19 virus and social-distancing measures, the Scottish Government has issued guidance encouraging developers to use online or digital engagement methods whilst public gatherings are prohibited.

On Wednesday, 1 December 2021, between 4 pm and 8 pm, the development team will be available at www.bairdview.scot to answer your questions through a dedicated chat system as part of the digital consultation.    

This will enable visitors to communicate directly with the design and advisory team and for them to answer any questions.   

Visitors who do not have online access to hard copies of exhibition materials can request them from hello@bairdview.scot or contact Orbit Communications on 0131 202 3259 or at 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE.    

Proposals are available to view online now.    

A representative for Tarmac said:  “We’re excited to be giving the local public the chance to view exciting proposals for Bairdview.   

“The development would bring significant environmental, social and economic benefits to the local community for existing and future generations in the medium to long term.    

“These proposals will greatly assist in the regeneration and expansion of this part of the city, and we are consulting extensively to ensure that people from across the local area have an opportunity to input their views and shape our ambitious proposals.    

“We encourage all interested parties to speak to the team on 1 December and to put any questions you have to them.”  

City climbers to scale new heights

A new climbing slab wall, suitable for novices and intermediate climbers has been unveiled at Europe’s largest indoor climbing wall, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho.

Fifteen new lines, suitable for novices and intermediate climbers, will increase the offering to these groups by 50%. These new lines will allow up to 45 more colour coded, graded climbs to be set within the arena. A third of the lines, five in total, have the addition of auto belays, meaning a climber doesn’t require a partner to ‘belay’.

Nic Crawshaw, Climbing Operations Manager at EICA: Ratho explained: “Designed as a venue for national and international competitions and as a national centre for climbing, our fantastic facility at the EICA: Ratho caters particularly well for advanced and elite climbers. 

“The installation of these new lines will enhance and make the climbing experience more accessible for new and the less experienced climber, and especially children and young people, disability climbing groups, and people involved in our Active Communities programme. 

“With increased wall space suitable for these groups, we hope that it’ll increase the number of people getting involved in climbing for the first time. However, given the design of the new wall, it will also provide a few technical challenges for the more advanced climber too. It’s all about bringing climbing to more people.”

The project was funded by Edinburgh Leisure, who manage the facility at EICA: Ratho, and match funded by sportscotland, with an endorsement from Mountaineering Scotland. King Kong Climbing Walls from Cumbria built the walls after being successful in a tendering process.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “We work closely with partners across the country including Edinburgh Leisure to create the right facilities that will provide more opportunities for people to get active in their local communities.

“So, it’s great to see this new climbing wall at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, which will further enhance the already fantastic facilities that are available at Ratho and specifically create opportunities to help less experienced climbers develop their skills.

“Our investment in facilities such as this is made possible thanks to the National Lottery players who raise £30million each week for good causes. Without that level of support, developing community facilities like the new climbing wall would not be possible.”

Stuart Younie, CEO, Mountaineering Scotland said: “Following the debut of climbing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Ratho provides a unique and important facility for the sport both at a national and international level.  

“It provides both a gateway for new participants and also an important training venue for those who are working towards competing at the highest levels in the sport. The new slab wall will open opportunities for more people to enjoy the benefits of participating in climbing as part of a clear participation pathway giving them the opportunity to progress and develop their skills.

“By supporting this project Mountaineering Scotland and the ClimbScotland programme also hope it will underpin further investment and support for the development of climbing at all levels to ensure the EICA: Ratho is a truly world class facility.”

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity on a mission to help keep people active and well always. They run over 50 sport, leisure and school venues and are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.

Their Active Communities Programme harnesses the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity. Each year they support around 10,000 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to get active – empowering them to improve and protect their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

For more information:
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena

CALA Homes sponsorship boost for new inclusive Ratho United

A NEWLY founded football club that is bringing the joy of the sport to a part of Edinburgh has been boosted with sponsorship of a popular age group by CALA Homes (East).

Ratho United – which emerged in early 2020 to give local children an opportunity to train and play with their friends – was founded on an ethos of inclusivity, welcoming around 100 children from throughout the local area, with mixed boys and girls teams.

The CALA Homes logo will adorn the strip of its 2014 teams, which consists of six and seven-year-old boys and girls, training once a week and playing friendly matches, ahead of their first tournament in August. 

Mikey Stewart, volunteer coach and committee member, said: “Given how young the club is, having CALA’s backing is a major boost.

“We have a great mix of youngsters, from the new homes here as well as the old – with some members joining from further afield because of the welcoming nature of our club.

“We’re reliant on the support of sponsors – the big next step for us is a more permanent home – as we’re currently moving between various locations.”

Craig Lynes, Managing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “While we sold our last home in Ratho two years ago, we recognise that our homes have left a big impression on the village.

“It’s really important to us that we get behind groups like Ratho United as their contribution to the community is invaluable. Their ethos of inclusivity is something that we’re delighted to support.”

CALA has played an important role in Ratho’s recent development, selling the final homes at its Craigpark development in 2019.

Prior to this it completed two further developments, The Moorings and The Glebe, while it even created a canal basin with berths for 14 barges, handed over to Scottish Canals.

Ratho United is a community football club for boys and girls aged between five and 10, with a clear vision to promote and develop health in fitness in children.

It also promotes sportsmanship, fair play, respect and self-discipline as well as the wider community spirit and development of friendships.

For more information on Ratho United, please visit: https://www.rathounited.club/

Climbing Arena to reopen on Monday

Following the reopening of six of its leisure venues on Monday (14 September), Edinburgh Leisure will be reopening its Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho next Monday, 21st September 2020.

A climbers’ paradise and Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, booking goes live for climbing members at 9pm on Thursday, 17 September, and to non-members on Friday, 18 September.  Members will be able to book climbing sessions eight days in advance, while for non-members, it’s seven days.

Customers wishing to book the gym facilities at EICA: Ratho, will be able to book three days in advance for members, and two days in advance for non-members – which is the same terms as at the other six Edinburgh Leisure venues, which recently opened.

Emma Ogilvie-Hall, Manager at EICA: Ratho said:  “We know our climbers have missed the fantastic facilities at Ratho, and we’ve missed them and can’t wait to welcome them back.

“Like our other venues, things will be different but our climbers will still be guaranteed the warm Edinburgh Leisure welcome. Everyone is having to adapt to very different circumstances but the feedback from customers to the reopening of our six other venues has been very positive to the changes that we have put in place, which after all, are here for the health and safety of our staff and customers.”

The main changes that customers will see are:

  • Only climbing on the walls and bouldering in the main arena will be available, as will the gym.  However, the bouldering room will remain closed.
  • Other services remaining closed for the time being include Clip ‘n Climb: the two cafés and Scrambles soft-play.  Edinburgh Leisure will be following Government guidelines when considering the reopening these services.
  • No coaching will be available but an experienced climber can bring in two guests.  These can be signed in and paid for on arrival but payment will be cashless.
  • Safety signage guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
  • Additional sanitisation stations have been installed throughout the venue for use before and after each visit.
  • Customers will need to book all climbing sessions in advance.
    • Sessions have been changed to reduce congestion in the building.   Customers will be able to book in for either a morning or afternoon session.
    • The climbing sessions will run from 10:00 – 15:30 and 16:00 – 21:00 (Monday to Friday), and 9:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 to 17:00 (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Equipment can be hired online at the time of booking or in person on site but payment will be cashless.
  • Climbers will need to arrive ‘climb-ready’. Change facilities will not be available for use. There will also be reduced number of customer toilets. 

An Edinburgh Leisure spokesperson explained:  “We’re delighted to be re-opening EICA: Ratho and have been busy preparing for our customers return.

“As you can imagine, bringing Edinburgh Leisure’s diverse range of venues and services ‘back to life’ in a COVID-19 environment is a big and complex task.  Our number one goal is to provide our customers with a clean, safe and enjoyable Edinburgh Leisure experience.”

Edinburgh Leisure, like every leisure trust in Scotland, is facing huge financial challenges.  They continue to lobby the Government for financial support for the sector to ensure the sector survives and can continue to contribute to the country’s health and wellbeing.

June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said:  “Edinburgh Leisure is committed to ‘building back better’ to a sustainable Edinburgh Leisure and to continue making a positive impact to the citizens of Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing – as we have done for the last 22 years.

“Never before has health and wellbeing been so important. And Edinburgh Leisure remain committed to supporting the people of Edinburgh to be active and enjoy good health.”

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives.  They do this by running over 30+ sports and leisure facilities across the city and deliver their Active Communities programme, which helps improve the lives of people affected by health conditions, poverty, inequalities and disabilities. 

For more information:   https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena

A first for Scotland: Recovery on board a canal boat in Edinburgh

On Tuesday (19th November), Joe Fitzpatrick – Minister for Public Health, Sport and Well-being will cut the ribbon and formally launch Scotland’s first canal boat providing services for the recovery community.

The Sorted Project is an Edinburgh charity established in 2008.  In recent years they have been hiring a canal boat on the Union Canal to support men and women in recovery from substance dependency and associated mental health issues.  The success of this work inspired the National Lottery Fund to support the commission of a fully accessible purpose-built canal boat named Panacea.

The service provides a tranquil environment where training and volunteering opportunities are available.

Project Manager Karen Bradford said: “We decided to launch Panacea on this date as it would be a special way to say thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund and to everyone who buys a National Lottery ticket.  

“Activity in recovery is an essential part of being well.  Our work helps to build resilience through being part of a community, being part of a crew and building hope for the future.  Learning to drive and crew a 60ft boat is a powerful way to learn new transferable skills and build self-belief and confidence.

“Funding from the National Lottery Community Fund has enabled us to develop this unique project and we have included people in recovery in not only shaping our work, but also designing the boat.  It’s a tremendous achievement and we are all very proud indeed.”

Tuesday 19th November is a significant date which sees the launch of Panacea and the 25th Birthday of the National Lottery. 

The boat was designed and built by specialist boat builders, Crafted Boats in Stoke Prior near Bromsgrove.  It was transported by road to Sandpoint Marina in Dumbarton.  A Sorted Project crew of 9 including staff, board members, volunteers and participants sailed the boat all the way back to Ratho near Edinburgh.  The journey took 4 days and was a wonderful experience and a great achievement for everyone involved.

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “It is a pleasure to launch the Panacea which offers such a unique and enterprising way to help people recover from their substance use and improve their mental health.

“Our drugs strategy challenges services to better meet the complex health and social needs of those who are most at risk and deliver services that address their specific circumstances.

“The Sorted Project is delivering a service which offers individuals the chance to develop their confidence and skills in a tranquil and relaxing setting where they can focus on their recovery.”

The Sorted Project is now delivering this unique service and aims to reach recovery communities along the Union Canal.

The launch event starts at midday with the ribbon cutting ceremony taking place at 3pm.

www.facebook.com/sortedproject

‘Phenomenal demand’ for European Climbing Championships tickets

Hosts of the IFSC European Climbing Championships, which will take place from 4-6 October 2019 at Edinburgh’s International Climbing Arena at Ratho, are reporting huge demand for tickets. Continue reading ‘Phenomenal demand’ for European Climbing Championships tickets

Crest of a Wave: First for Scotland as surf park gets go-ahead

The team behind Wavegarden Scotland and Scottish surfers alike are celebrating the news that the planning application to build a Wavegarden Cove at Craigpark Quarry has been given the green light.

The disused quarry near Ratho will now be transformed into a world-class surf park and family leisure attraction – a first for Scotland. Continue reading Crest of a Wave: First for Scotland as surf park gets go-ahead

Scramble to the EICA at Ratho and get your kids active with Edinburgh Leisure’s soft-play membership

Inspire kids to get the active habit. Join in the adventure with Edinburgh Leisure’s soft-play membership, where children get to sample the world of sport and fitness from an early age. For those signing up to become a member in February 2019, March is completely free! Continue reading Scramble to the EICA at Ratho and get your kids active with Edinburgh Leisure’s soft-play membership

So long, Super Ken!

Friends and colleagues past and present got together at Muirhouse Millennium Centre earlier this week to say a belated ‘thank you’ to Ken Smith, manager of the Pilton Retreat at Ratho.

Ken’s been retired for a wee while now, but given all that’s been going on at Ratho there hasn’t been the time to say a proper goodbye to the man who has been at the helm of the Retreat for more than 25 years.

Pilton Retreat provides a self-contained play environment in a rural location, primarily for groups & schools involved with children and families from North Edinburgh. A little piece of countryside on the outskirts of the city, the retreat has welcomed tens of thousands of local children for nearly fifty years.

Remarkably over those fifty years the charity has only had five different chairpersons and Tracey Berry, the latest incumbent, welcomed guests to the Millennium Centre gathering on Monday.

Another former Chair, Scott Marshall, first became involved with the Pilton Retreat in 1984 and interviewed Ken for the manager post in 1992. He told guests: “Ken is a real grafter who can turn his hand to anything. He worked so effectively alongside Davie. We often used to say that, had the council been managing a project that operated sen days a week for eleven months of the year, they would have needed at least six staff: we had Ken and Davie!

“The committee were relieved of much of the pressure and stress of operating the Retreat thanks to Ken’s dedication.”

Scott went on: “Since Ken’s retirement the current Board members have a real appreciation of just how much Ken did to keep the project operating despite all the many challenges we have faced over the past twenty-five years.

“I sometimes thought that if Ken had continued in his political life (he was a former district councillor) he would have made an excellent MSP, but he chose to serve a project that supported children and young people. Ken, we are grateful for your service and commitment over all these years.”

Former Forthview teacher Irvine Wright is a current member of the Pilton Retreat Board. Children have been busy drawing pictures and writing messages to wish Ken well, and Irvine read a few of these out to highlight ‘Super Ken’s’ qualities:

  • The Superman of Ratho
  • Encouraging
  • Never Give Up
  • Persevere
  • Resourceful
  • Considerate
  • Admirable
  • Helpful

“All across North Edinburgh everyone will recognise something like this picture, these qualities. Ken has shown all of these qualities over the years. Helpful and resourceful, Ken has been so obliging, well beyond the call of duty.

“It’s easy to be all these things when things are going well, a whole lot harder when things aren’t going quite so well. Thank you, Ken – and thank you for still being available to pick up the phone to give advice when we try to deal with emergencies!”