Teens thanked for helping wheelchair users access hub

A GROUP of teenagers have improved wheelchair access to a community hub in Craigmillar after being set a challenge by charity Action for Children Scotland.

The 12 youngsters were recently honoured for their hard work at the Thistle Centre by MSP Kenny MacAskill and MP Sheila Gilmore.

Run by charity Thistle Foundation, the centre is a popular meeting and drop-in space for Craigmillar residents. It is also home to the Thistle Gym, which is open to the local community and offers specialist equipment and classes for people with disabilities and health conditions.

Over a period of six weeks, the youths aged 14-18 created a monoblock entrance to the Thistle Centre and fitted new concrete ramps for wheelchair users. The group also cleared trees and fencing to improve access to the building.

Ethan Sawyers, 16, of 
Niddrie, said: “I left school after summer. It wasn’t for me. I like hands-on stuff, not sitting in a classroom. I have enjoyed being out with the other lads and it feels good to be making a positive difference to the community. We have learned how to lay monoblock and other construction skills. I would like to be a joiner so it has been good work experience.”