Cyclists killed in Cornwall – Trams – Hyperlocals – Sandcastles at the Zoo – Knitting –
Two men who worked with Aberdeen Asset Management in Edinburgh and Philadelphia have been killed while cycling in Cornwall, on a charity cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The company has issued a statement:-
It is with great sadness that Aberdeen Asset Management confirms the passing of Andrew McMenigall and Toby Wallace, two much loved and valued colleagues who were yesterday involved in a fatal cycling accident in Cornwall.
They were on a charity bicycle ride from Land’s End to John o’Groats to raise funds for the Kirsten Scott Memorial Trust. Kirsten was a colleague at Aberdeen who lost her battle with cancer in October 2011. The aim of the Trust is to provide grants to young people under the age of 26 in order for them to fulfil ambitions, enhance their personal development, and make a positive contribution, either at home or overseas.
Andrew was married with two daughters. He joined Aberdeen in 1997 and was a senior investment manager in the global equity team based in Edinburgh. A keen tri-athlete, Andrew graduated as an Officer in the British Army from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst before completing an MBA from the University of Edinburgh.
Toby was married and was a senior relationship manager in our Philadelphia office. He joined the company in 2000 as a graduate trainee from Jesus College, Cambridge. While at college Toby became a winning Blue in the 1998 and 1999 University Boat Race. In 2012, Toby again used his skills to great purpose as a member of an eight man crew which rowed across the Atlantic. The challenge also raised money for the Kirsten Scott Memorial Trust.
Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “I knew both Andrew and Toby well. They were dedicated and popular members of our senior team. The fact that they died in such tragic circumstances while trying to help others less fortunate tells you much about their selflessness and humanity. This is a terrible time for the company. More importantly our thoughts are with the families of Andrew and Toby. We will be doing everything we can to support them.”
Please find below a link to Andrew and Toby’s Virgin Money Giving page for their bike ride if you would like to make a donation to the Kirsten Scott Trust.
Devon & Cornwall Police said:-“Two cyclists have died following a road traffic collision with a lorry in Newquay.
Police were called at 8.37am on Tuesday 2 July 2013 to the A30 eastbound, approximately one mile before the Fraddon exit.
Emergency services were called to the scene.
One man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on police bail while investigations continue.”
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The Scotsman have the evidence that trams will be running in Edinburgh by Christmas. It is good news indeed that soon we will be able to take back the streets, get rid of all roadworks around the capital and enjoy our beautiful city again. Oh – and we will have a brand new way of getting to and from the airport. This is far short of the original vision for the tram to go to Leith and beyond, but who knows, even that may yet be possible in time?
Our photo today is of Shandwick Place when it was empty of roadworks…
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Today The Edinburgh Reporter is away to university. Well sort of. We have been invited along to speak about Scottish hyperlocals of which there are relatively few, compared to England and Wales.
Will Perrin who started the King’s Cross blog some time ago has written this piece on Talk About Local where we get a mention…. and he will be speaking at the event.
Part of the discussion today has to be about how to fund these digital publications, and how to ensure that everyone who contributes gets paid for their work.
Oh and there is a hilarious video being shown at the Arts and Humanities Research Council event today which you can watch here:-
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Spades are at the ready as a whopping 90 tonnes of sand has arrived at Edinburgh Zoo for the construction of its first ever Sand Zoo!
Created as part of celebrations for the Zoo’s centenary and sponsored by holiday company Thomson, the Sand Zoo will feature a three-and-a-half metre high sand sculpture 100 that will be surrounded by life size key animals from the Zoo, including a panda, penguin, one-horned rhino, koala and monkey all interacting with the numbers.
The sculpture is being created by Sand in Your Eye, a team of expert sculptors who have created magical sand and ice sculptures across Europe. Creating the giant Sand Zoo is less complex than it sounds; it will take the team only eight days to complete their creation, included the time needed for the sand to be compacted before carving can begin.
Jaime Wardley, Artistic Director for Sand in Your Eye commented:-
“Sand sculptures are very versatile, allowing us to create a large sculpture in the space of a week that could easily take a year in another medium like stone. The relatively simple process of creating sand sculptures means can be constructed anywhere and allow passers-by to be able to view the entire creative process and enjoy the result for months afterwards.”
Along with the sculpture, Edinburgh Zoo will also feature a beach in the city that will measure 12 metres by 12 metres. The beach in a city will be made out of 30 tonnes of sand and there will be fun for the whole family with deck chairs and parasols for sunbathing, buckets and spades for making sand castles and ice creams for sale. The perfect mini-break, visitors can listen to the calls of the Zoo’s buff-cheeked gibbons or the roars of Jay the lion while they relax and enjoy these summer holidays.
Jo Paulson, Events Executive for Edinburgh Zoo comments:
“This is Edinburgh Zoo’s first ever Sand Zoo and we are all excited to see the finished result. At the moment there is a very large quantity of sand sitting on the lawn; it’s quite amazing to think that in a few days it will be transformed into a seven metre by three metre wide 60 tonne sculpture. The Sand Zoo is a great and interactive way for visitors to help us celebrate the Zoo’s 100th birthday.”
Located on the main lawn outside of the Zoo’s Mansion House, the Sand Zoo will be open to the public from Friday 12 July and is free with zoo admission.
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We asked on Twitter the other evening for all you knitters to come forward if you would like to have this book and maybe write a wee review for us…. So come on all you crafty folk!
This lovely book has arrived in the post. Would one of you knitters like to review it for us?? pic.twitter.com/LFsoMsgoQ8
— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) July 2, 2013
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
