Campaigners set out stall against rugby ground revamp

Campaigners protesting against Edinburgh Academicals’ stadium redevelopment plans are taking to the streets this weekend to voice their objections.

Members of the Save Stockbridge campaign are due to erect stalls on Raeburn Place advising people how to object to the rugby club’s application to build a 5000-capacity stadium, new club facilities and retail units. Accie’s Stockbridge home – the site of the first Scotland v England match in 1871 – is currently under used, and previous plans for a clubhouse and new grounds fell through two years ago.

Campaigner John Donnelly said: “We have got 3000 signatures from residents and shopkeepers who are against it.

“Anyone who wants to object has to do so by Friday, November 9. We are going to have two stalls where we will have plans of what the proposed development would look like. Our objection still comes down to the same issues, the Accies plans have not changed at all.”

The club has claimed that the only way to provide the proper facilities and a long-term future is to generate income from retail 
development.