Edinburgh Evening News reports

BILL LOTHIAN


PLANS for a "stadium within a stadium" at Murrayfield to provide a better atmosphere for players and spectators have been put to the Scottish Rugby Union by an ex-internationalist.

Dunfermline-based architect Ken Oliver, capped against Australia in 1980, has written to the SRU urging the body to consider installing demountable seating along the running track in front of the West stand.



Former Gala player Oliver is also proposing to "black out" the top tier of the grandstands so that the venue assumes the appearance of the 20,000-capacity multi-sports ground many experts feel Edinburgh badly needs.

Oliver estimates the cost of installing 2000 seats which can be easily removed and stored outwith matchdays would be around £240,000 though the optimum number might be as high as 4250 (covered) for a cost of £680,000.

The temporary stand would be steeper and closer to the pitch - eliminating the gap between fans and players caused by the running track.

Mr Oliver said: "I have been made aware of debate highlighted by the Evening News along the lines of where would be the most suitable ground for Edinburgh Gunners, for whom I hold a season ticket.

"A flexible solution using the bottom tiers and filling in the running track area would create a much more appropriate atmosphere for the Gunners, who I am convinced are capable of better crowds than those drawn to matches in Belfast, Dublin, Limerick and South Wales as well as serving a useful purpose for BT and Bell Lawrie Schools Cup Finals.

"I remain convinced the market is there but a further switch of venue would have a detrimental effect on attendance in the short term.

"So, why not take advantage of the existing infrastructure at Murrayfield with suitable modification?" Under the scheme, Mr Oliver envisages the temporary stand being erected in "10 man hours per 100 seats, dismantling in three quarters of that time."

He suggests that, when not required, temporary stands could be also used on the rugby ground's back-pitches and hired out to other sporting events in summer.

Note from ED
I suspect this might be the same Ken Oliver who was Scottish Schools 880 yds Champion whilst at Galashiels Academy

This article was originally posted on 27-Jan-2006, 13:16 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 27-Jan-2006, 13:26.