WHILE it is possible to have sympathy with the Friends of the Meadows, or those who use the area regularly for leisure and pleasure, the continual objection to almost every event planned there are becoming a little tiresome.
In an effort to appease many of the protestors the council has done much over the last few years.
Protective surfacing has been laid to reduce the damage caused to the grass. But most of all, some events have been taken away from the Meadows. I
n recent months the Taste of Scotland culinary show took place instead at Inverleith Park, which was also the venue for the start of the MoonWalk.
Edinburgh is rightly proud of its ability to stage major events.
The problem is that places are needed to mount them and an area the size of the Meadows is one of a number of ideal locations, as is Holyrood Park, Leith Links and even Princes Street Gardens, which is home to Winter Wonderland.
The only major events due to be staged on at the Meadows are now the Ladyboys and the Moscow State Circus. There is now talk of a possible funfair but even were it to be given the all-clear three events can hardly be classed as overuse.
Certainly the Meadows, like all the city's magnificent parks, must be protected. But such a fantastic setting cannot be wrapped in cotton wool.
Rail dangerTHE shocking images we carry in today's paper of youths climbing down the platform and crossing the main railway line at Waverley are beyond belief.
How youngsters can demonstrate such stupidity and lack of care over their own safety is shocking.
No wonder rail bosses want to crack down on those who trespass on railway lines.
But how can they expect to get their message through when some are prepared to risk life and limb just for the sake of taking a dangerous shortcut from one platform to another.
With 144 incidents of trespass reported at Network Rail's 18 managed stations in 2008, the potential for serious injury or death is a major problem. At Waverley Station alone 13 incidents were recorded last year, which is truly shocking.
New posters carrying coffin-shaped warnings are to be used in a bid to deter trespassers. There is also the question of a £1,000 fine. Some may be lucky just to get away with that.
The full article contains 408 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
