West Lothian Courier

Skate park in village to receive makeover Call to bid for share of airport cash

- Courier reporter Courier reporter

A popular skate park has been given a facelift thanks to bighearted volunteers from West Lothian Youth Inclusion Project.

After a busy spell during the holidays, the popular skate park was in need of some rejuvenati­on and protection from the elements. The young volunteers from YIP offered to help Winchburgh Community Council by painting the skate park in Winchburgh.

Winchburgh Community Council secured some funding for paint and approached the Youth Inclusion Project to help out.

Specific skate park paint called ‘ Skatex’, which is durable and grips well, was used to cover the ramps. Executive councillor for health and social care, Anne McMillan commented: “This is a great example of partnershi­p working.”

A spokespers­on for West Lothian YIP said: “The young people were enthusiast­ic and worked hard over two sunny days to complete the job, and the transforma­tion has gone down well with the local community.” West Lothian’s charities are being urged to nominate themselves to become Edinburgh Airport’s Charity of the Year for 2017.

The airport’s current partnershi­p with Guide Dogs Scotland ends on December 31 and bosses are looking for a new charity to work with.

Submission­s must be in by October 31 and the winner will partner the airport throughout next year.

Gordon Dewar, the airport’s chief executive, said:“The staff voting for our Charity of the Year at Edinburgh Airport is always an exciting time in the calendar — and I look forward to reading the submission­s that come in.

“Guide Dogs Scotland has been a tremendous organisati­on to work with in 2016 and the partnershi­p has inspired our staff to hold numerous fundraisin­g events as well as hosting puppy training and familiaris­ation visits to the airport. We’ve even adapted our internal processes; including giving untampered confiscate­d items at security to our charity — a first for a UK airport.

As Edinburgh Airport continues to grow 2017 has the potential to be another record-breaking year — that highlights what a great opportunit­y for third sector and voluntary organisati­ons that this really is.”

Guide Dogs Scotland Community Fundraiser Kyla Stratton said:“Being Edinburgh Airport’s Charity of the Year for 2016 has been a real boost for Guide Dogs Scotland.

“As well as weighing in with valuable fundraisin­g drives, the airport team have supported key campaigns like Guide Dogs Week, helping us to reach a bigger audience with our messages about supporting people with sight loss.”

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