It is thought that 730 flags were raised this morning by 53 Commonwealth countries. In Edinburgh, the flag-raising was also be an opportunity for the City of Edinburgh Council to celebrate the start of Legacy Week which runs till the end of the week.
At 10 o’clock this morning the Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh who is the Queen’s representative in the city raised the Commonwealth Flag above the City Chambers. The Rt Hon Donald Wilson who is also the Lord Provost was ably assisted by children from the Royal Mile Primary School.
He first of all read out the message from Her Majesty the Queen before processing outside with the children. Then after a photo call he went up on to the balcony above the archway into the quadrangle to raise the flag in the breeze. It was not the best of weather but the short ceremony drew a small crowd of onlookers.
Almost eight months since thousands of people took to the streets of Edinburgh to cheer on the Queen’s Baton Relay, Scotland is reflecting on the excitement and impact of the Commonwealth Games during Legacy Week (9-15 March).
For young and aspiring athletes, Edinburgh Leisure’s Kirkliston Leisure Centre will be offering an under-5’s coaching session on Wednesday (11 March). The session will include a mini Commonwealth Games. To register interest, contact the venue.
If those under-5’s keep at it, they might join one of the Capital’s athletics clubs one day. Coach Kevin Maguire will deliver a training session on the High Jump to athletes on Monday (9 March). Edinburgh received High Jump equipment from Glasgow 2014 which is available for those with an interest in athletics to try out. There are many clubs in Edinburgh for those that become serious about sport. Find out how you can join an Edinburgh-based club at ClubSport Edinburgh.
Three performance athletes will also be visiting Forrester’s Community Sports Hub on Friday (13 March). Maria Lyle, Robin Love and Sammy Kinghorn will take part in a paralympic experience with young people who have physical and sensory impairment. Parents and carers who wish to look into sport and physical activity opportunities for disabled children should speak with their school Head Teacher or Active Schools coordinator.
The Royal Commonwealth Pool became the first venue in Commonwealth Games history to host the competition for a third time when it was home to the 2014 diving events. This weekend, the Games legacy will be clear to see when the Edinburgh Leisure-managed venue will welcomes top medal-winning talent to splash into action. The Edinburgh International Long Course Swimming competition will see swimmers from various disciplines compete over three evenings (13, 14, 15 March). Find out how to get tickets to these events at Scottish Swimming.
Last year was the City of Edinburgh Council’s Year of Walking. Walking is an ideal activity for those getting back into fitness and to help residents get back on the right path, walking routes and pedometers are available to loan from Edinburgh’s libraries. Find out more about walking in Edinburgh and how to count your steps at the Council’s walking page.
When the Year of Walking comes to an end in April, the Council will welcome in a Year of Cycling. For children who are just getting into cycling, Active Edinburgh is offering starter races for eight to 16 year olds at Ingliston during Legacy Week on Sunday (15 March). Find out more about getting fit and keeping active on the Council’s sport page.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
