Tag: Sport

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.

Eric Liddell’s legacy lives on

‘THE FLYING SCOTSMAN’S’ INSPIRING STORY IS CELEBRATED AT THE NATIONAL ERIC LIDDELL AWARDS

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, presented eight winners with the National Eric Liddell Award, with Eric Liddell’s daughter and Scottish Rugby Icon, Chris Paterson, in attendance.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, over 360 guests gathered at George Watson’s College for the National Eric Liddell Awards presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The awards celebrated some of the 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, partnered with four other organisations throughout 2024 – 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 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 (above), Andy Biggar from Edinburgh nominated by The Eric Liddell Community, and Ron McArthur, from Forth Valley nominated by Scottish Disability Sport. 

Additional awards were also presented during the evening by the event’s Gold Sponsors Optos, with The Optos Science and Technology Award being awarded to The Data Education and Schools Project, run by The University of Edinburgh and received by Professor Judy Robertson and Jo Spiller.  

Scottish Olympians, Eilish McColgan and Stephen McGuire were also recognised with Eric Liddell Sporting Achievement Awards, recognising Eilish’s participation in four Olympics and Stephen’s Gold Medal success in the Paris Paralympics this summer.  

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. 

The awards were hosted by Sally Magnusson – respected broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner.

Throughout the evening, Sally Magnusson shared stories behind the creation of her brilliant book on Liddell, ‘The Flying Scotsman’, nodding to important people in attendance on the evening, including Patricia Liddell Russell, Eric’s Daughter, and Sue Liddell Caton, Eric’s Niece. 

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “The National Eric Liddell Awards were an incredible finale to what has been an unforgettable year celebrating Eric Liddell’s legacy.

“We were absolutely delighted to honour the eight award winners at the National Eric Liddell Awards and thrilled to have such esteemed hosts, along with 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 a bi-annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell’s legacy.”  

In her welcome message for the National Eric Liddell Awards Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, said: “As Patron of Eric Liddell 100 it has been a pleasure to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s and the UK’s most remarkable individuals, ‘The Flying Scotsman’ Eric Liddell.

“The 2024 Olympics took place in Paris, 100 years since his Gold medal success at the 1924 Games in the same city. This provides us with an opportunity to remember, and share, his remarkable story.

This celebration highlights not only his sporting achievements but also his life, beliefs, and the legacy he left behind, which continues to inspire people around the globe.” 

As the centenary year of Eric Liddell’s Gold medal win in the 1924 Paris Olympics comes to an end, the work accomplished in 2024 will ensure that Eric Liddell’s Legacy will live on for generations to come.

To find out more about Eric Liddell 100 please visit: 

https://ericliddell.org/the-eric-liddell-100/  

Gregor Townsend enjoys friendly rivalry with Fijian veteran at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory

The Scottish Rugby coach chatted with Rav Ravutia about the upcoming Scotland V Fiji match at Murrayfield to be played today – Saturday, November 2 with a 5.40pm KO

Scotland international rugby coach Gregor Townsend enjoyed some friendly rivalry as he chatted with a Fijian veteran, whilst launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2024.

The rugby legend was visiting Lady’s Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh when he was introduced to staff member, Fijian national Rav Ravutia, ahead of his side’s Nations Series opener against Fiji on November 2.

Aswell as discussing the upcoming match, Gregor was interested to hear about Rav’s story and how he came to serve in Scotland and later work for Poppyscotland.

Rav, 51, was first introduced to Scotland after visiting the capital with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band who were invited to perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1998.

Upon returning to his homeland, the following year Rav resigned from the Fijian Army after eight and a half years service and flew to Scotland to sign up for the British Army.

Serving from 1999 to 2023, Rav was a member of the Royal Scots and later the Adjutant General Corps. 

After leaving the Army he was a member of the Royal Scots Regimental Association Fijian branch in Edinburgh but found himself unemployed and with a forces disability was unsure where to turn.

With the help of fellow veteran friends, Rav was introduced to Poppyscotland.

Rav said: “Last year I was introduced to the work of Poppyscotland and very quickly was made extremely welcome. That is when I began my new career here as a veteran poppy and wreath maker.

“It is an absolute honour to work for this charity and goes to show just one of the many ways they can help veterans following service.”

Rav continued: “It was great to meet Scotland international coach Mr Townsend as he launched the Poppy Appeal and in particular ahead of Scotland playing my national team Fiji next month. We spoke about my time in the army and of course had some good chat about the rugby. In fact, I asked him to please go soft on Fiji!”

Gregor said: “It was a real privilege to meet the veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory upon launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal, and great to meet Rav and share some friendly rivalry ahead of our Nations opener with Fiji.

“Every year Poppyscotland supports hundreds of veterans and their families, helping them live life fully after service.

“Show them you care, wear a poppy. Your donation can change lives for our Armed Forces community.”

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country.

The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

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

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:

Eric Liddell Recognition Award WinnersDownload

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.”