Hoy calls for better training facilities for Edinburgh

Chris Hoy made history at the Beijing Olympics as the first British athlete in 100 years to win three Olympic medals at the same Games. But, returning to Britain, Hoy has voiced his concerns about the lack of training facilities for youngsters and has appealed to government for funding to combat the problem. With the Meadowbank velodrome under threat of closure, council leader Jenny Drawe plans to appeal to first minister Alex Salmond for funding. Edinburgh Council plans to build a £25 million revamped sports complex at Meadowbank, with the velodrome set to go. The council has promised to build a new training facility elsewhere in the city.

Local man’s mammoth triathlon effort to raise big funds for hospice

Joppa-born businessman John Bunting raised £7,000 this summer for St Columba’s Hospice after cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Bunting, the director of private equity at Ernst and Young, is dedicated to raising money for the hospice after the staff cared for his mother during her battle with lung cancer until her death in April. After completing the 952-mile cycle and two marathons so far Bunting is currently in training to swim the English Channel next year to raise even more money for the hospice. On completing his cycle Mr Bunting said: “It was a very emotional journey. It was a wonderful experience to spend that time on my own. At times it was freezing cold, but the memory of my parents kept me going. They were with me all the time."

Edinburgh fail to find their form in Dublin

Edinburgh’s Rugby Union squad sit at second to bottom in the Magner’s League after a crushing 52-6 defeat at the hands of Leinster on Friday 12 September. Edinburgh’s injury-riddled side could not hold off the barrage of tries from Leinster, who scored six without reply. It was Leinster’s Luke Fitzgerald who stole the show with a hat-trick of tries on the eve of his 21st birthday, reflecting his team’s dominance throughout the match. Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson admitted that he needs "to look at our game management and focus on the positives of our start.” The teams are set to meet again on 11 October at Murrayfield in a Heineken Cup clash.