A special centenary celebration is being held in Edinburgh this weekend to showcase 100 years of protecting playing fields across Scotland.
Fields in Trust Scotland is staging the sporting event featuring a clash between a Murrayfield Wanderers select and The Co-Optimistsat Roseburn Park, one of Edinburgh City Council’s 55 protected parks.
Former Scottish Rugby International and Co-ops President Euan Kennedy said: “The Co-optimists Rugby Club are pleased to support Fields in Trust in their centenary year as we both believe that preserving our parks and green spaces is so important to promote exercise both in sport and recreation”
Fields In Trust (FIT) is a charity dedicated to protecting valuable playing fields. Trustee and Chair of its Scotland Committee Ewan Gillies said: “The day will celebrate the value and importance of our parks and green spaces for everyone, from those taking part in sport to those simply enjoying being out in fresh air with friends and family. For 100 years FIT has safeguarded these spaces for generations of families and now have 320 parks safe from development in Scotland with Edinburgh City Council protecting more than any other local authority. As we enter our second century, we want to at least double that figure and raise awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits of outdoor spaces.”
Protection is achieved through a legal document that means FIT needs to be consulted if anyone tries to develop a park for housing or commercial activity such as offices or warehouses.
On a busy day in Roseburn Park on Saturday 5th April the event will see Murrayfield Wanderers Ladies Team take on Lismore Ladies; a skills training session with Murrayfield Wanderers Girls; Murrayfield DAFS (Cricket) All Stars and Dynamos showcase soft ball cricket and drills; with the finale highlight at 3 pm Murrayfield Wanderers Select vs The Co-Optimists.
Before the match The Lord Provost of Edinburgh Councillor Robert Aldridge will unveil a plaque recognising the protection of Roseburn Park and Edinburgh’s foresight in protecting so many Parks and Green spaces.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: "For a century, Fields in Trust has championed the protection of Scotland’s green spaces, ensuring future generations have places to play, relax, and connect with nature. This celebration at Roseburn Park is a testament to the enduring value of our parks—not just as sporting grounds, but as vital spaces for health, well-being, and community spirit. It will be my pleasure to unveil the plaque and look ahead to the next 100 years of safeguarding these cherished places for all."
Wanderers President David Young added: “Having the opportunity to participate in sport brings a lifetime of physical and mental benefits for the young and old but that can only happen if we safeguard those spaces where people can come and play. Knowing that our home, Roseburn Park, is protected is something we are delighted to celebrate with Fields in Trust. However, while we will showcase our best in sport, we should also remember that every day parks such as ours are also for people socialising, walking the dog, pushing the pram, jogging or running. They are vital spaces for all and forever.”
Jim McDonaugh, Chair of Friends of Roseburn Park, expressed their gratitude to City of Edinburgh Council and to Fields in Trust. "Since 1906, generations have enjoyed the 23,000sqm of public green space in the heart of the Roseburn’s & Murrayfield’s Community. Each year, The Park is enjoyed by thousands of visitors; both old and the young, cricket players, rugby players, cyclists, dog walkers, those stopping for coffee at the cafe and those just passing through. This legal protection from Fields in Trust ensures that this precious space will be retained and protected as a public park for generations to come."
The celebrations are being held on Saturday April 5 2025. The timetable for the day is:
11.30
Murrayfield Wanderers Ladies Team vs Lismore Ladies (west section of park)
13.00
Murrayfield Wanderers Girls Practice Session (west section of park)
13.45
Murrayfield DAFS (Cricket) All Stars and Dynamos soft ball cricket and drills. (the Oval)
14.45
Plaque Unveiling
15.00
Murrayfield Wanderers Select vs The Co-Optimists (no1 pitch in west section of park)
16.30
Retire to MWFC Clubhouse
Fields in Trust was formed in 1925 to protect the future of the UK’s parks, playgrounds, sports fields and green spaces. It is the only UK charity working to secure legal protection for all parks and green spaces. In practice, this means they can never be sold off for development and will be retained as a public park, playing field or recreation ground forever.
It uses data to identify where protecting parks and green spaces will make the biggest difference to the health and wellbeing of communities and then engages the landowners to show them how valuable their green space is.
By working collaboratively, FIT aims to sign a unique and binding legal commitment that means their green spaces will be protected for the benefit of local communities and nature forever. More than 3,000 parks and green spaces are under their protection across the UK.
For further information, check outFields in Trust’s mission by visiting www.fieldsintrust.org.
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