Edinburgh Rugby feted at Westminster
Dinner with the rugby elite this evening
Traffic disruption expected tomorrow
EDCM this morning
Blue Peter Badge for Forth Bridge
Mike Crockart, MP for Edinburgh West, tabled an Early Day Motion this week celebrating the success of Murrayfield-based Edinburgh Rugby in the Heineken Cup. The team’s win against London Irish means they are the first Scottish team to make the quarter finals of the premier club competition in eight years.
Commenting, Mr Crockart said:
“I’m absolutely delighted for the team on their well deserved victory and progression through to the quarter finals. Not only have they worked incredibly hard for their place in the last eight, but they have also managed to secure home advantage. It is no mean feat!
“Of course we shouldn’t forget the near 11,000 people who supported the team at their last outing. I would encourage residents from across Edinburgh and beyond to join the burgeoning black and red army by attending the quarter final with Toulouse on 7th April.
“Edinburgh Rugby’s success is not only a boost for the team but for Scottish rugby as a whole. The fact that tickets have already sold out for Scotland’s opening match in the 2012 RBS Six Nations against England demonstrates the good health of Scottish rugby. Saturday’s crowd will be a sell-out 67,000.
“At a time when we are trying to encourage people of all ages to participate in sport and live a more active life, the high profile achievement of the Edinburgh team really does help. I am sure that Edinburgh Rugby will have many more fans by spring.”
The full text of Early day motion 2658: That this House congratulates Edinburgh Rugby on getting through to the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup, the first Scottish team to do so for eight years; notes that the team is the first Scottish side to secure home advantage in the last eight; applauds the near 11,000 individuals who turned out to support Edinburgh Rugby in the game against London Irish; welcomes the boost that the team’s performance will give to rugby in Scotland; further welcomes the affordability of tickets which are just 5 for students and under 18s, 10 for concessions and 15 for advance adult tickets; wishes Edinburgh Rugby the very best of luck as the club performs in rugby’s premier club competition; and encourages residents of Edinburgh and beyond to join the burgeoning black and red army by attending the quarter final with Toulouse on 7 April 2012.
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Designed to become an annual charity event staged alternatively in Edinburgh and London the night before the game, the Glengoyne Auld Enemy Dinner has been brought to fruition by several Scottish and English internationalists from across the decades, joining forces to raise money for Help for Heroes and The Bill McLaren Foundation.
Open to supporters as well as rugby legends, the first event will take place tonight at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. Scotland and England captains from the past 40 years are already confirmed to attend, including Jim Telfer, Finlay Calder, Brian Moore and Matt Dawson, and countless Calcutta Cup veterans.
As well as providing warming drams throughout the evening, Glengoyne is recognising the past exploits of the iconic game and is honouring the occasion by releasing a limited edition Glengoyne 1990 Single Cask bottling, proceeds from which will go to the two chosen charities.
Neil Boyd, Commercial Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, commented: ‘‘Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whisky is both proud and delighted to sponsor the inaugural 2012 Auld Enemy Dinner. Established itself in 1833, Glengoyne recognises and celebrates the passion that is synonymous with this great rivalry, and the commitment and dedication of those that compete annually for the famous Calcutta Cup.
“Glengoyne is equally proud to support both Help for Heroes and The Bill McLaren Foundation, excellent charities which are perfect partners for this great occasion. We look forward to this the inaugural Auld Enemy Dinner and to a long association with the event.”
Stuart Reid, a veteran of Scotland’s 2000 Calcutta Cup win, explained: “In the past, nothing has been done on a regular basis to celebrate the uniqueness of the oldest and arguably the most famous rugby fixture in history. Thanks to the support of Glengoyne, the Auld Enemy Dinner gives us that occasion.
“We will now have the opportunity to bring former players together and invite guests to mix with them and hear their stories of a great sporting occasion. The fact that we are raising funds for two great charities will make the event extra special.”
With a vast array of renowned players and coaches attending, including John Rutherford, Gregor Townsend, Scott Hastings, Kenny Logan, Sean Lineen, Rob Wainwright, Mike Teague and Peter Winterbottom, it will be an evening to look back on great matches and forward to the 129th Calcutta Cup meeting the next day.
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The City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police are advising the public who will be travelling through Haymarket on Saturday to plan ahead:
The Scotland v England Rugby match on Saturday 4 February 2012, which kicks off at 5pm, is sold out. This means that over 67,000 fans will be making their way to and from Murrayfield stadium on match day.
The Council say:-“Please allow extra time if you are travelling via Haymarket as the area will be very busy and there are tram works in progress which will cause delays.
For your safety there will be pedestrian diversions in operation so please follow instructions from the stewards and police officers who are there to assist you.”
Road closure information can be found on the council website.
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It’s Friday so it must be time for Edinburgh Coffee Morning…at 8.00a.m. this morning at Centotre, and indeed every Friday morning. Follow them on Facebook.
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Blue Peter awarded the Forth Bridge a Gold Blue Peter Badge last night on the show. You can read more about the accolade here on the BBC. Mike Crockart MP for Edinburgh West is to table an Early Day Motion recognising the Forth Rail Bridge being presented with this exclusive honour.
Commenting Mr Crockart said:
“This is a fitting tribute to the Rail Bridge and to those who risked and lost their lives in its construction.
“That the Bridge is the first manmade structure to receive the award, joining one of the most exclusive clubs, is recognition of its world-class engineering. It’s wonderful that Edinburgh West is home to such an iconic structure.”
Photo – John Preece
Web – http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography
