On Monday 10 March 2014 Meggetland, Edinburgh will have a new Café Venue, The Canalside. The café project, a result of collaboration between Boroughmuir Rugby and Community Sports Club (BR&CSC) Social Investment Scotland, will open the doors to Sporting and Community clubs in the South West of Edinburgh to have a venue to call their home.
Boroughmuir Rugby, who were the main users of the venue took the unique step of becoming a charity, which aims to drive sporting success and participation across all ages and genders. Their social and community objectives was also support a sporting hub were sporting clubs, who were without a clubhouse, could share in the same venue.
Chairperson of BR&CSC, Bill Watson commented:-“Two years ago, our new Board was appointed to build a more self-sustainable club and to provide a home for all community sports in the southwest of Edinburgh. The completion of this café is a result of months of hard work and shows our commitment to the sporting success in our community.”
Bill went on to say: “These are exciting times for sporting clubs in Edinburgh leading up to the Commonwealth Game this year, we are confident we can support the legacy programme of a new generation of sporting heroes to come as a result.”
Elizabeth Brough Community Development Manager who works closely with the clubs in the South West said: “What BR&CSC have been able to do here, is help protect the future development of our sporting programmes around Meggetland and provide an attractive café for all visitors to come and enjoy, regardless if they are there to watch sport or just enjoy the coffee.”
Community consultation has been instrumental in transforming the venue from a traditional rugby club, to an attractive environment for everyone wishing to take advantage of the unique café culture with good coffee and wholesome food.
Submitted by Justin Tito
