Skaters on board

New park 'has everything you need'

Skatepark opens

If heaven is a half-pipe – that’s two facing skate ramps to the uninitiated – then Saughton Park must be the new Eden in Edinburgh.

The Council’s most recent youth investment – a 24/7 park for the skating, blading and BMXing communities – opened in May.

Every inch of the park was designed by skater and BMX rider David Sowerby, allowing skaters to test their skills on a variety of bowls, lips, rails, flats, boxes and ramps.

Scottish graffiti artists Rough Nation were also brought in to add a series of bold, dramatic murals throughout the park.

Local resident Kevin Slater was one of the first to test out the new park.

He said: “This will bring the old guard back to the skateboard just as easily as it brings the kids.”

But if you think this is simply a hideaway just for skaters, think again.

The facility has been designed to accommodate BMX and bladers too.

Nick Scott, who has been BMXing for seven years, said that one of the strengths of the park was its flowing design. “Edinburgh’s got it at last,” he said. “The skatepark has everything you need.”

Another skater, Adam Paris, agreed. “I’d even go so far as to say that this will change the face of Scottish skating,” he said.

Skating and BMXing have always been close-knit communities and it is hoped the park will strengthen these ties.

Edinburgh Skatepark project member Sam Paterson, who has been campaigning for the facility for ten years, believes the time is perfect for the skatepark to make its mark on the city at large.

“Saughton has a festival every year, and I’d be very keen for the park to be involved in that in the future,” he said.