Steve Cardownie: Time for rethink over Great Edinburgh Cross Country Run

Earlier in January I expressed my disappointment that, as part of the council administration's budget proposals, funding was being withdrawn from The Great Edinburgh Cross Country Run and that as a consequence it had ran its last race.

The Great Edinburgh Cross Country helps showcase the city at home and abroad

I lamented the fact that this great opportunity to showcase Edinburgh throughout the sporting world would now be lost and, although the city is internationally renowned for its cultural festivals and events (and rightly so), the city should really do more to promote itself to the world of sport.

The coverage by the BBC and international TV channels of this race – and of the wonderful scenery and architecture of the city – did just that!

Well, now that the Scottish Government has provided Edinburgh with an extra £12.4 million to spend, why not take the opportunity to restore this event to the sporting calendar?

Perhaps the City’s contribution of £100,000 could be reduced by 25 per cent, which should be acceptable to the other funders and organisers of the event and allow Scotland’s capital city to display its not inconsiderable attributes to an international sporting audience.