Roger Baird Opens New Playground

FORMER Scotland and British & Irish Lions winger Roger Baird was delighted to officially open Braidburn School’s new playground in October 2017, which was made possible by Wooden Spoon funding.

Some £60,000 was needed to transform the playground at the Edinburgh school which caters for 94 pupils aged between 3 and 18. The pupils have complex additional support needs and it is one of the largest special schools in the local area. Many of the youngsters are unable to access mainstream outdoor play resources, and this can limit their ability to experience fun and engaging play with their peers and family.

However, thanks to the hard work of the Friends of Braidburn School (FoBS), a £25,000 donation from Wooden Spoon and other donations they now have their own amazing facilities which have made a big difference to them all.

Roger Baird opens Braidburn School playground in October 2017, Roger is pictured with Acting Head Teacher Euan Alexander.

On Tuesday 10th October, Baird, who earned 27 caps for Scotland between 1981 and 1988 and toured with the Lions to New Zealand in 1983, visited the facility along with members of the Wooden Spoon Scotland committee. He unveiled a plaque in the playground and took time to meet a number of the staff, children and parents.

Baird said: “I am very honoured to be here to see your amazing school and these brilliant new facilities in the playground.

“There really is something for all children here and it is always just wonderful to see kids having fun with their friends, getting out in the fresh air and learning at the same time.

“I know the Wooden Spoon Scotland committee are delighted that they were able to help you realise this dream and I am very pleased to have played a small part too and seen the smiles on all the children’s faces.”

Acting Head Teacher at Braidburn School, Euan Alexander, said: “I had a tear in my eye when these facilities were officially opened because I know how much they will mean to the children at our school. I would like to say thank you to Wooden Spoon and it is great that a number of their committee have now seen the playground – and how much fun everyone has here – for themselves.”