News
Update on the Sampling Marquee in Roseburn Park on 3 February and 8 March
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Recently the Community Council heard of a proposal by “Famous Grouse” to erect a marquee in Roseburn Park from which free whisky samples would be provided to those attending the above international rugby matches. Letters were sent both to the Parks Department and to the Licensing Board voicing our reservations both about licensing the Stadium and about the advisability of erecting the marquee outside the Stadium grounds. We did send a copy of our letter to Mr Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Government Justice Minister, and in his sympathetic reply he stated that “Logic dictates to me that the availability of a licence for the stadium negates the need for facilities elsewhere”. However, this proposal was approved, although the Council has laid down a number of requirements to try to reduce the nuisance that was caused after the last match, and in particular to control potential problems arising from the marquee. Following the match on 3 February there did seem to be evidence of some improvement over the previous occasion, particularly with fewer plastic beer glasses originating from the Stadium being taken away and left lying around, although there have been reports of some of the other usual problems outside the grounds. The provision of toilet facilities alongside the marquee no doubt helped considerably. This match took place on a Sunday, with people returning to work the following day, thus reducing any enthusiasm for too much jollification. We shall see how things go after the March match.