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:

Eric Liddell 100 announces the 100 recipients of the Eric Liddell Recognition Awards

Five overall winners will attend the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’ in November, hosted by Scottish broadcasters Sally Magnusson and David Tanner, and presented by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.

The Eric Liddell 100 proudly announces the recipients of the prestigious ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards,’ honouring 100 outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Scotland’s athletics, sports and community work.

The Eric Liddell 100 which is led by The Eric Liddell Community has partnered with four other organisations – Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, and Scottish Disability Sport to honour individuals who have demonstrated the charity’s core values of passion, compassion, and integrity.

Throughout the year, 100 individuals have been recognised with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards,’ receiving a unique pin badge and certificate. Each of the five organisations has also nominated one individual to attend the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’ with Jamie Murchie from Largs Academy nominated by Scottish Rugby, Luke Davidson of Inverness Harriers nominated by Scottish Athletics, Orlagh MacIver from the Black Isle nominated by Youthlink Scotland, Andy Biggar from Edinburgh nominated by The Eric Liddell Community, and Ron McArthur, from Forth Valley nominated by Scottish Disability Sport.

Launched by The Eric Liddell Community charity, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic gold medal in Paris 1924, 100 years on, celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures through a series of initiatives, events and activities, with the final event of 2024 being the ‘National Eric Liddell 100 Awards’.

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are absolutely delighted to celebrate these 100 outstanding individuals who embody the core values of Eric Liddell – passion, compassion, and integrity.

“Each of the recipients of the Eric Liddell Recognition award has made a significant contribution to athletics, sports and their community in Scotland, and we are proud to recognise their achievements.

“We look forward to honouring five of these exceptional individuals further at the National Eric Liddell Awards, and we are thrilled to have such esteemed hosts and the presence of our Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to mark this special occasion.

“This is the first year of these awards, and we hope to make this an annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell’s legacy.”

Luke Davidson, nominated by Scottish Athletics for the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’, demonstrated his exceptional athletic talent and dedication to his Christian faith when winning the Scottish Senior 800m title this year.

Luke Davidson said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be attending the National Eric Liddell Awards. Like Liddell, I dedicate my whole life to my faith. My commitment to integrity and passion towards my this reflects the values he championed. I strive to embody those principles throughout everything I do, whether that be training, competing or practising my faith.

“I train for athletics six days a week, but I don’t compete or train on Sundays; that’s why I switched into the 800m at the Scottish Seniors this year even though I am really a 1500m runner. The 1500m was scheduled for Sunday and I don’t run Sundays – so I felt very much like Eric Liddell at Grangemouth this year.”

Jamie Murchie, PE teacher at Largs Academy nominated by Scottish Rugby, said: “I am truly honoured to be one of the five individuals attending the National Eric Liddell Awards in November.

“The School of Rugby started around 9 years ago, it was an idea I had with the Rugby Development Officer at Ardrossan Accies, about bringing more rugby opportunities to the school. It’s just grown year on year from there and we currently have 175 students enrolled.

“Around 40% of players transition to supporting Ardrossan Accies Rugby Club and a further 10% to other local clubs. The pathway really helps with development of their rugby, but above all I just like getting kids out playing and enjoying the game.”

Hosted by Sally Magnusson – respected broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner, the awards will also feature elite sports people who have shown their dedication to Eric Liddell’s core values.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, who serves as Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, will present each nominee with an award highlighting their achievements.

Full list of Award Winners:

For more information on the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’ and how to get involved, please visit https://ericliddell.org/events/eric-liddell-awards-gala-dinner/

Strollers up for the Cup

The Civil Service Strollers who are based at Christie Gillies Park on Marine Drive are on their way to Ayrshire this Saturday as they take on Irvine Meadow in the 2nd round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (writes CHARLES LAING).

The Strollers have been in fine form this month,  winning their last 4 games and moving up to 9th in the Scottish Lowland League after defeating Broxburn on Saturday.

They also beat Dalry Thisle also from Ayrshire to reach the 4th round of the South Scottish Challenge Cup – thanks in no small part to striker Mackie Scott, who bagged 5 goals in 3 games!

So it’s fingers crossed for a good result and one step closer to a final at Hampden Park versus Hibs or Hearts!

Broughton RFC celebrate one hundred years of rugby in North Edinburgh

100 years ago this weekend, a group of young men took to the muddy Wardie Playing Fields for their inaugural outing as Former Pupils of @BroHighOfficial against United Colleges.

FORWARD a century & today celebrates a historic moment with Broughton Men playing Forrester RFC at 3pm.

Help Craigroyston kids play in Craig Tara football tournament

Craigroyston YFC 2013 year group are trying to raise funds to attend a big football tournament in Craig Tara.

It’s a big cost for parents who may struggle to go but don’t want to let their kid to miss out. We have 4 mile sponsored walk, race night, bake sale, raffles and loads of other things happening but one of the mum’s has also set up a crowdfunding page.

You’ can find out more and make a donation here:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/craigroyston2025

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

Linlithgow Rose Ladies CFC celebrates ScottishPower’s new grassroots cup sponsorship deal in women’s football

Leading renewable energy firm ScottishPower has announced a major expansion to its support for women’s and girls’ football with the sponsorship of all Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) cup competitions.

The four separate trophy competitions are open to over 75 senior female teams from right across the country that all play out with the ScottishPower Scottish Women’s Premier league.

The exclusive sponsorship announcement was made at Riverside Park in Dundee, where the first ever Scottish Women’s Cup final was played in 1970, and cements ScottishPower’s position as the most prolific sponsor of the women’s game in Scotland.

That inaugural match saw Stewarton beat Aberdeen Prima Donnas 4-2 with Scottish football legend and Stewarton-born striker Rose Reilly, who attended today’s launch, playing a major role.

The announcement also comes just weeks after the 50-year anniversary of the Scottish Football Association lifting its ban on women’s football and officially recognising the Scottish Women’s Football Association.

The notable deal will see the four SWF competitions become:

  • The ScottishPower National League Cup – previously the Championship & League One Cup and currently held by Rossvale
  • The ScottishPower Regional League Cup – previously the SWFL Cup and currently held by Glenrothes Strollers
  • The ScottishPower Regional League Plate – previously the SWFL Plate and currently held by Linlithgow Rose
  • The ScottishPower Highlands & Islands Cup – previously the Highlands & Islands League Cup and currently held by Buckie Ladies

ScottishPower is already the exclusive Principal Partner for Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL), sponsor of the Scottish Youth Challenge Cups at all three age groups and the first ever title sponsor of the Scottish Women’s Highlands and Islands League.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, said: “I’m delighted to announce the expansion of our support for women’s football in Scotland. As a business that serves communities right across Scotland, we are dedicated to energising the game from its grassroots whether in the far north, central belt or very south of the country.

“With over 75 clubs and hundreds of women competing for all four of these prestigious trophies, we’re thrilled to be playing our part in supporting SWF as they ensure that grassroots football for women in Scotland continues to thrive.”

Commenting, Aileen Campbell, CEO, Scottish Women’s Football said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to have our Principal Partner ScottishPower expand into our senior cup competitions. This is the first time in our history that all senior cups have had a title sponsor which underlines the growth in the women’s game.

“We’ve already seen the great value this partnership has given the Highlands and Islands League and the Youth Challenge Cup. Expanding support as title sponsors for our senior cups is a clear indication of ScottishPower’s commitment and recognition that women’s football is growing at all levels, giving support to women right across Scotland as they go for cup glory.”

Despite early success in her footballing career in Scotland, Rose Reilly was barred from playing the game in her native country. She later joined AC Milan in Italy. During her time at the club, Rose won eight Serie A titles, four Italian Cups and twice won the Golden Boot.

Speaking at the launch event in Dundee, Rose said: “When I won the cup with Stewarton, there was no support from authorities for women’s football, but we did it anyway. It was unofficial.

“We’ve come a long way since then, and it’s great to see companies like ScottishPower recognising the women’s game and adding to its value like this. I can’t wait to watch the cup finals.”

Champions League Ready? Mapping Europe’s Best & Worst Stadiums

  • Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park tops the list for best European football stadiums, and will host several key group stage matches in the 24/25 Champions League season
  • Tickets to a Borussia Dortmund match average just £30, with an impressive Google review score of 4.7/5 and a capacity of 81,365
  • In contrast, Germany’s BayArena in Leverkusen holds the lowest rating, scoring 4.32

With the Champions League kicking off next week, Europe is abuzz with excitement for the new football season. As 96 group stage matches are set to unfold across the continent, fans are eagerly anticipating thrilling games and unforgettable moments in iconic stadiums.

To enhance the fan experience, luggage storage network Stasher has rated the continent’s top football venues. Discover where to catch the best action and enjoy the ultimate football experience this season.

The top (and bottom) five stadiums and their scores

Top 5Bottom 5
#StadiumCountryScore#StadiumCountryScore
1Signal Iduna ParkDortmund, Germany5.9450Bay ArenaLeverkusen, Germany4.32
2Santiago Bernabéu StadiumMadrid, Spain5.9249Ljudski VrtMaribor, Slovenia4.33
3Camp NouBarcelona, Spain5.7348King Baudouin StadiumBrussels, Belgium4.35
4Old TraffordManchester, England5.5247Estadio El MadrigalVillarreal, Spain4.36
5San SiroMilan, Italy5.4446Stadium of LightSunderland, England4.36

Of the 50 stadiums analysed, Signal Iduna Park (5.94) – home of Borussia Dortmund and site of the Euro 2024 semi-final – ranks in first position as the best stadium in Europe.

Known for its famous yellow-wall and notoriously good atmosphere, this stadium ranks well in all categories, with a large capacity (81,365), reasonable average ticket price (35€ just under £30), and very good public accessibility, complemented by excellent Google reviews (4.7/5).

Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium ranks second. With a high capacity (81,044) and outstanding disabled access, it also offers a very low cost of a pint 2.5€ (around £2.10) and great Google reviews (4.6/5), making it a top choice. Barcelona’s Camp Nou ranks third, just losing out to its Spanish rival. The largest stadium in the list with a capacity of 99,354, Camp Nou also boasts great disabled access and good public transport connections.

Coming in fourth, but reigning supreme in the UK, is Manchester’s Old Trafford (5.52). Renowned for its exceptional disabled access and excellent transport links, this iconic stadium boasts a capacity  of 74,140 and very positive Google reviews (4.6/5).

Completing the top five is Milan’s legendary San Siro, the shared home of rival clubs Inter Milan and AC Milan. For years, rumours of its demolition have circulated, threatening to erase a piece of football history.

Recently, however, these plans were halted due to arguments for its cultural significance (https://footballgroundguide.com/news/san-siro-rebuild-demolition-updates).

German stadiums top and tail this list, with Leverkusen’s Bay Arena coming 50th on the list. Expensive beers, average disabled access and weaker Google reviews (4.4) give it the lowest score of any stadium on this list.

English stadiums rank well overall, with four of them featuring in the top 10. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium secures a strong position at 6th, surpassing its fierce North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and their new stadium since 2019, which closely follows at 7th. Meanwhile, the iconic Wembley Stadium claims the 8th spot in the rankings.

Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, in Tbilisi Georgia, is the ideal destination for budget-conscious sports enthusiasts. Not only does it offer the cheapest tickets on this list at €10 (around £8.40), but it also serves the most affordable beer, with an average pint costing €1.67 (just under £1.50). The stadium once recorded an attendance of 110,000 in 1979 when FC Dinamo played against Liverpool, but has since undergone extensive renovations, resulting in a significantly reduced seating capacity.

England has consistently the most expensive tickets – taking the 5 most expensive rankings in our table. Old Trafford’s average ticket price is a staggering €118 (around £100). The stadium with the highest cost of a pint is the Emirates Stadium in London, home to Arsenal FC (7,45€ or £6.30).

Germany offers the cheapest tickets of any west European country – with tickets typically costing €30 – €35 (£25 – £30).

To see the full data for each stadium please visit Stasher’s dedicated webpage here.

Edinburgh City FC announces sponsor partnership with Nuffield Health

Edinburgh City Football Club (ECFC) of the Scottish Professional League (SPL) League 2, has partnered with Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest trading charity.

The partnership spotlights Nuffield Health’s comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing which spans physical and mental health — from personal training, health assessments, GP services, and physiotherapy to providing mental health support or hospital treatments for serious conditions.

The arrangement provides both health and wellbeing and traditional medical services to players and staff of ECFC and hopes to raise awareness for its network of services among Edinburgh community members and football fans.

In addition to working to promote the partnership through traditional and social media activations, Nuffield Health will be the ECFC First Team Jersey Sleeve sponsor and Headline sponsor of the ECFC Under 18 Academy Team for the 2024 / 2025 season.

“This is a momentous day for Edinburgh City Football Club as we work with one of the most recognized and respected names in healthcare in Scotland and the UK,” says John Dickson, Chairman of ECFC of the partnership.

“Giving our athletes access to Nuffield Health’s fitness and well-being will make the difference as we work toward a winning season in League 2.”

The Director of Wellbeing, Scotland of Nuffield Health, Naomi McMinn, believes “Edinburgh City FC is deeply entrenched in the local community and will serve to exemplify the value of a focus on wellbeing as it relates to health.

“We are confident that this partnership will help us positively impact the health outcomes for many more people in Edinburgh and Scotland.”

Edinburgh City Football Club is a semi-professional senior Scottish football club which plays in Scottish League Two, the fourth tier of the Scottish Professional Football League.

ECFC made SPFL history in 2016, by becoming the first team to progress to league football, via the pyramid system and becoming the first “third” senior football club in Edinburgh. ECFC currently plays its home games at Meadowbank Stadium.

Scots Paralympians congratulated

First Minister: athletes at the top of their fields inspirational

As the 2024 Paralympic Games draws to a close, First Minister John Swinney has commended Scottish athletes for their world-class performances which will inspire future generations.

21 Scottish athletes took part individually or in team events, securing 11 gold medals, eight silver medals and one bronze medal – contributing to ParalympicsGB’s overall medals tally of 124 medals.

Athletes from Scotland broke records in pursuit of gold medals, including Stephen Clegg’s record-breaking S12 backstroke time, Jenny Holl’s effort as pilot for Sophie Unwin on her way to gold and a world record in the Women’s B 3,000m individual cycling pursuit, and Sammi Kinghorn achieving a gold medal while setting a new Paralympic Record for the Women’s T53 100m.

The First Minister said: “I want to pay tribute to and congratulate all of the ParalympicsGB squad, including the 21 Scots on the team, for your performances in Paris.

“You are all athletes at the top of your field, and Scotland has been cheering you on throughout these Games.

“Your performances will inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to take up sport, achieve their own goals and become more active in their own lives. The next generation will be inspired by where you are now, and the Scottish Government and partners will work to ensure there will be opportunities for them to follow suit.”

Forbes Dunlop, CEO of sportscotland, said: “On behalf of everyone at sportscotland I want to congratulate every single one of the Scottish athletes who have represented Paralympics GB in Paris over the last couple of weeks.

“There have been some extremely strong performances from our athletes, including personal bests, Paralympic and World records and a very impressive haul of medals, demonstrating the enormous level of commitment and talent across the team. 

“All of this success is down to years of hard work from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport and we are proud to be part of the ‘team behind team’ supporting the athletes.”

Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, said: “Congratulations to all the Scottish Paralympians and their significant support networks in Paris.

“The performances are testimony to the inclusive approach Scottish Governing Bodies of sport are taking to ensuring para-athletes are supported.

“Not all of us will be able to reach the heights of these international high-performance athletes however, what we can do is commit to working in partnership to ensure that children, young people and adults can access quality PE, comprehensive sporting opportunities and the chance to move more every day.”