Edinburgh Council urges Oasis fans to 'behave' during Murrayfield gigs amid safety concerns
Edinburgh council chiefs have issued a plea to Oasis enthusiasts to be "considerate" in anticipation of the band's forthcoming Murrayfield performances. The rockers are set to electrify the Scottish rugby stronghold for three nights on Friday, August 8, Saturday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 12, marking their much-anticipated reunion tour.
This will mark the first occasion in 16 years that the Gallagher brothers will share the stage in Scotland. The concerts, poised to be one of the country's musical highlights of the year, coincide, of course, with the influx of millions to Edinburgh for its globally acclaimed festivals.
On Friday, August 1, City of Edinburgh Council leader Cllr Jane Meagher stated that the upcoming shows would constitute "rock history" and confirmed additional transport services would be available via tram, rail, and bus routes.
Nonetheless, she cautioned gig-goers to conduct themselves appropriately and advised those without tickets to steer clear, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
"We are keen for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after," Cllr Meagher said. "Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it's important that we remember our residents.
"We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. We're urging people to only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket."
ScotRail has announced it will be providing extra trains and carriages during August as part of its Edinburgh Festivals uplift. Additional services are also planned for the Oasis concerts, with Murrayfield conveniently located a brief walk from Haymarket station.
Concertgoers are advised to head "promptly" to Haymarket station after the events and gather in the holding area on Haymarket Terrace, where they will be guided to the correct queue. It's recommended that tickets are purchased ahead of time to expedite travel.
"There's real excitement building ahead of Oasis at Murrayfield, and we're thrilled to be helping fans travel to these massive shows," Phil Campbell, ScotRail's customer operations director, explained.
"With more trains running throughout August for the Edinburgh Festivals, and additional late-night services for the gigs themselves, the train is the best way to get to and from the concerts."
He went on to advise: "We're encouraging everyone to plan their journey in advance, make the most of the extra services, and soak up the atmosphere of a great night in the capital."
The council's caution was issued the same day Police Scotland launched its operation to safeguard festival-goers in August. Operation Summer City will feature a heightened police presence in the city centre throughout the month.
Extra officers from across Scotland, as well as national and specialist units, have been called in.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Chief Inspector Brian Manchester, silver commander for Operation Summer City, said: "We know that a high-visibility policing presence provides those in attendance with a level of reassurance and so we'll have dedicated patrols across the city centre throughout this month as part of Operation Summer City.
"Our officers will be available to offer crime prevention advice or attend to any incidents that occur, so please don't hesitate to approach them if you need any help. If you're planning to visit Edinburgh during the Festival, make sure to plan ahead, including your return journey, and keep a close eye on your belongings and purchases.
"Edinburgh is one of the safest places to live, work and visit within Europe and we want to maintain this status throughout The Festival. Please help us keep everyone safe."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
8 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Oasis: Liam and Noel Gallagher delivered most 'ground-shaking' performance at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium
The run of three Edinburgh concerts by Oasis at Murrayfield Stadium start from Friday. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Oasis provided the most 'ground-shaking' performance at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium when they last played there in 2009, according to analysis of seismic data. The Gallagher brothers' last Scottish gig has topped the chart for the most powerful seismic concert at the venue in the past 20 years, the British Geological Survey (BGS) said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Liam Gallagher, of Oasis, at the concert at Knebworth in Hertfordshire in 1996. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire | PA The June 2009 Oasis gig beat the Red Hot Chili Peppers in June 2004, Kings of Leon in June 2011 and Taylor Swift in June last year – when measuring the peak earth-shaking power of each event. The measurements were taken from a nearby seismic monitoring station, some 4km from the venue. At peak power of 215.06Kw, the Oasis gig was more than twice as powerful as the next strongest one by the Red Hot Chili Peppers at 106.87Kw. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The rankings were revealed ahead of Oasis's comeback tour arriving in the Scottish capital this weekend, meaning there could be another 'shakermaker'. Oasis are set to return to Wembley Stadium in September for their final Live 25' shows in the capital. | AFP via Getty Images The power output is not related to the volume of the band or the crowd, rather it is the movement of fans jumping and dancing in time to the music, with the height of the jumping and weight of the crowd also potential factors. It means this cohort of Oasis fans' seismic output could perhaps be compared to those of previous years. BGS seismologist Callum Harrison said: 'In 2009, seismic signals generated by Oasis fans were consistent with a crowd energy of 215kW at its peak – enough to power around 30 of the scooters featured on the iconic Be Here Now album cover. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our network of sensors around the country is sensitive enough to pick up ground movement from a source miles away that may not be detectable to humans – and precise enough to register exact timestamps for when the events occur. 'The peak energy reading was recorded around 8.30pm on that June evening back in 2009, which correlates to the time the band first took the stage and performed Rock 'N' Roll Star, which couldn't be more fitting in terms of topping our seismic music chart.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The BGS keeps an archive of continuous ground motion recordings from seismic sensors around the country, dating back several decades. Mr Harrison said: 'In this instance, we are only looking back over 20 years. However, geological processes occur over vast timescales that can be difficult for humans to comprehend. 'Improving our understanding of historical earthquakes is an important part of BGS research in trying to understand and mitigate the seismic risk around the country.' Ahead of the sold-out gigs at Murrayfield, which start on Friday, Mr Harrison said it was 'certainly possible' they could top the previous gig's output in 2009, adding: 'We'll just have to wait and see.'
Scotsman
8 minutes ago
- Scotsman
UK ministers sign new partnership with Edinburgh Festival Fringe to promote 'Brand Scotland' overseas
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A new partnership with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society will help sell 'Brand Scotland' around the world, the Scottish Secretary has said. Ian Murray said the landmark agreement would encourage investment and growth and 'put more money in people's pockets'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The talented members of La Clique put on a mesmerising show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Picture: Lisa Ferguson It is the third such deal to be signed, following on from agreements with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Scottish Chambers of Commerce. The Scotland Office hopes the schemes will help promote Scottish produce and talent overseas. The Tattoo, for example, will support 'Brand Scotland' in trade missions to Japan and Australia. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray | PA Speaking today during the first week of Edinburgh's summer festivals, at the newly-refurbished Filmhouse, Mr Murray will say the arts sector is an important part of the UK's soft power, building links and relationships around the world. 'For some, art and culture is a tool of power, of wealth,' he will say. 'For others it is a tool of nation building, of defining who we are and who we are not. For me, it is something which transcends states and systems, and teaches us something about the human condition which other experiences simply cannot do. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But that value, that treasure, that ability for our cultural pursuits to let us see into our souls and those around us is something we cannot take for granted.' Commenting ahead of his speech, Mr Murray said: "Scotland's excellent arts and culture sector opens doors right around the world. From the global stage of the Edinburgh Fringe to the pageantry of the Military Tattoo, our arts and creativity don't just entertain - they build the relationships and showcase the innovation that drives real economic returns for communities across Scotland. 'Our partnership deal with the Edinburgh Fringe will help us sell Brand Scotland around the world, helping us deliver the economic growth that will put more money in people's pockets." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tony Lankester, chief executive at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: 'The Edinburgh Fringe is arguably one of the UK's finest cultural exports and, in recognising that, this partnership gives us the opportunity to proudly put it at the heart of a global conversation. 'We're proud of the artists and audiences who make the Fringe possible and who create this joyous celebration of creativity each year. Putting the Fringe at the centre of Brand Scotland recognises that work, and opens up a world of new platforms for participants.' The Scottish Secretary will also announce the first round of successful bids from the overseas Brand Scotland fund, which is investing £250,000 this financial year to 'promote Scottish soft power, culture and trade opportunities worldwide'. Funding has also been provided for initiatives including supporting an event in Berlin with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, a 'Travelling Museum of Whisky' in Bolivia, a celebration of Scottish heritage and craftsmanship in Switzerland, and St Andrew's Day events to promote Scottish exports and cultural engagement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK Government said the Brand Scotland programme complemented the work it was doing 'to strike trade deals around the world, and to reset relationships with our European neighbours'.
Scotsman
8 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Oasis short story inspired by the band ahead of Murrayfield gig
Author Paul Cuddihy As Oasis come to Edinburgh as part of their reunion tour, Paul Cuddihy's short story Married With Children charts a life in parallel with the band and a friendship that can't live forever. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... My daughter was born on August 29th, 1994, the same day that Definitely Maybe was released. It was Martin who informed me when I phoned to tell him my news. 'Have you listened to it yet?' 'I've been a bit tied up here, Martin.' Oasis on tour in Cardiff 'It's incredible. You'll love it.' I stared at the stack of coins on top of the phone. I still had plenty of people to call after Martin, who was now giving me a track by track review of the album. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'They're both doing well,' I said, cutting across his description of Cigarettes and Alcohol. 'Who is?' 'Lauren and the baby.' 'Oh right. Great. That's great.' 'She's called Erin.' 'Who is?' 'The baby. My daughter. Erin.' 'Cool name.' 'Thanks.' There was a pause, a moment of silence where it felt our paths were about to diverge. I didn't think that at the time, though. Only much later. 'We'll have to wet the baby's head,' Martin said. 'I'll need to see how long they're keeping Lauren in for. It was a C-section she had.' 'I've no idea what that means, mate.' I started to explain but realised it would just be a jumble of words he'd instantly forget. 'I'll call you later,' I said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'No problem… and if you get a chance, have a listen to that album.' 'Definitely.' 'Maybe!' he said, gleefully accepting the punchline set-up. I fed more coins into the phone and dialled the number. I'd already called Lauren's parents and they were coming up to visit in the afternoon. My mum answered. 'Hi granny,' I said. 'Oh, Kevin,' she said and started crying. My dad's voice took over, wavering but still able to form words as I told him the news and he fumbled about in search of the right questions to ask, the ones my mum would have instinctively known. 'They're still just babies themselves,' she said through her sobs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We were both just nineteen, Lauren and I, so maybe she was right, but it didn't matter anyway. My mum had said she thought students were supposed to be smart when I told her Lauren was pregnant. Lauren was too scared to come with me, which I understood as I had been terrified when we'd told her parents. Her dad glared at me but didn't say anything before walking outside to pace up and down the garden in the rain. Her mum went into the kitchen to put the kettle on, leaving us with an embarrassed silence we didn't know how to fill. Two years later, Oasis were playing at Loch Lomond. Martin was getting tickets for both gigs. I couldn't go. 'Surely you can make one of the nights?' he said. 'Money's a bit tight just now with Lauren off work after having Roisin.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Don't worry about that. I'll get the tickets. Whatever night suits.' 'And it's not really fair on Lauren, leaving her on her own with the kids.' 'It's only one night.' 'I know, but…' 'I'll speak to her if you want. I'm sure she won't mind.' 'No.' It wasn't just about the money, although there was the ticket and the travel and the booze, and I'd feel guilty about spending it. I wasn't a charity case either. I knew Lauren wouldn't mind. If I mentioned it to her, she'd tell me to go. The truth was, I didn't want to. I wanted to come home from work and hold my baby daughter, still almost fresh out of the wrapper, as Erin clambered up on to the couch, kissing and cuddling her sister while I cautioned her to be gentle. I didn't know how to explain that to Martin. 'Sorry, mate,' I said. 'You don't know what you're missing.' I finished the song and propped my guitar against the side of the chair. 'Does that sound okay?' 'What's a wonderwall anyway?' asked Lauren. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I started laughing, and Roisin did, too, just as she copied everything we said or did. I'd already been warned on countless occasions about swearing in front of her. Erin didn't glance up from the book she was reading. 'What's so funny?' said Lauren. 'It's a line from a song. The one that Travis sing.' 'I thought that was about the rain.' 'No, that's a different song. This one's called Writing To Reach You and it's got that line in it about a wonderwall.' 'So what is it then?' 'It's just a word.' 'Is it a real word?' 'I don't know.' 'It doesn't sound real to me.' 'Well, neither does supercalifragilisticexpialidocious but you sing that all the time to the girls.' Lauren shrugged, her hands caressing the large bump that would soon become another daughter. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Mummy, sing it. Sing the fragidocious song,' Roisin said, tugging at Lauren's skirt. I loved and hated Wonderwall in equal measure. No, that's not true. It was my favourite Oasis song. When I first heard it on the radio, I couldn't believe how good it sounded and hoped the DJ felt the same, so much so that he might immediately play it again. He didn't. It made me want to pick up a guitar. I knew I was too old and too married with children to become a rock star, but learning a few chords meant I could start a singsong at a party. In this case, it was Martin's engagement party, and he'd asked me to play a few songs with him. I would be Noel to his Liam, with him taking centre-stage, which was fine by me since it was his night – along with Katie, his fiancée, of course – and Oasis were his band much more than they were mine. And even though I loved the song, it also reminded me of the Oasis gig that Martin finally managed to drag me along to in December 1997, with the aid of a free ticket and some coaxing from Lauren. It was an early Christmas present slipped into a card that she got Erin to give me, knowing I was less likely to say anything in front of our daughter. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I don't want to hear any moaning. You're going with Martin and that's it. Merry Christmas.' It was after they had finished Wonderwall that the band stormed off stage, claiming one of them had been hit with a bottle. 'More like a feather,' I said on the bus home. Martin wasn't so bothered. He had a ticket for their second Glasgow gig the following night, but this was my first experience of seeing the band, and it had lasted all of about fifty minutes. 'See after that farce, I'd close the curtains if Oasis were playing in my back garden,' I said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The house was filled with the noise of teenage girls, speaking in a language I didn't understand and at a pitch that made me worried my ears might start bleeding. It was Erin's birthday. Fifteen years gone in the blink of an eye. There were six of them heading to the local Italian restaurant. I had booked the table and was the taxi service, but we wouldn't be there. It was a brief taste of independence and impending adulthood for them, although I was picking up the bill as well. Then it was back to our house to disrupt the peace again. Roisin wasn't bothered about not being invited – we'd enjoyed a family celebration the night before – but Anna sulked because she was only nine and idolised her oldest sister. She'd already invited herself into Erin's bedroom when the party girls returned home. 'Did you see they've split up,' Lauren said as I waited at the foot of the stairs for the stampede of teenagers. 'So I heard.' 'It's really sad.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I know, but I don't think they were getting on for a while, so maybe it's for the best.' 'It's still sad, though.' 'These things happen… and they'll probably get back together again at some point anyway.' 'Do you think so? Katie seems pretty adamant.' 'What about?' 'The split.' 'But they're brothers, so I'm sure they'll kiss and make up.' 'What are you talking about?' 'Oasis splitting up. What are you talking about?' 'Katie and Martin.' 'They're splitting up?' 'Yes!' 'How do you know that?' 'Katie put a post out on Facebook about it.' I sent Martin a text message. It had been a while since we'd spoken or met up, and it was easier just to type 'Hope you're doing okay' than call him. I hoped his reply might be a song lyric and tried to guess what he'd choose. Would he not be looking back in anger, or was it getting better, man! Maybe I could tell him to stop crying his heart out and he'd tell me he was feeling supersonic. 'Fine, thanks', he eventually replied a couple of hours later. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, the years which had drifted by were instantly forgotten, the distance between us contracting too, as we slipped back into the easy rhythm of friendship as if it had only been the previous week we'd got together. We sat in my back garden now, jackets on and wearing woolly hats. We were too old for bucket hats, I said. I nursed a half-drunk pint of Guinness while Martin stared at his full glass while taking frequent sips of the water Lauren had brought out for him. She hugged him gently, as if she was worried she might break him. 'I'll leave you two boys alone,' she said. 'No, grab a seat and sit with us,' Martin said. She didn't protest or insist on heading back into the house. The small speaker sat on the table and I linked it to my phone via Bluetooth. 'What do you want to listen to?' I said. 'Let me guess… Oasis!' said Lauren. 'As long as it's not Live Forever.' 'Oh, Martin,' Lauren said. She stretched an arm across the table and he held her hand. Her thumb stroked the back of his hand, soothing him, telling him how she felt, how we both felt. It was my favourite touch, if it was possible to have such a thing. Lauren's hand in mine. Ever since I had held it as we walked through the local park in the midst of our first date. It always just felt right. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'You do realise you two have lasted longer than Oasis,' Martin said. There was no jealousy in his voice, though, not even after two failed marriages and a son who was now an adult he never saw. No one thought we would last. Not our parents, or our friends. Maybe not even us, although there was never any time to stop and think about it, submerged as we were in nappies and bottles and sleep deprivation. Our babies were all grown up now and having babies of their own. When Erin told us she was pregnant, I joked that I was too young to be a granddad, but our tears, Lauren's and mine, were joyful ones. 'I've got two tickets for Murrayfield,' he said. 'I want you to have them.' 'Are they spare ones?' 'No.' Lauren started crying. 'It's fine, Lauren. Don't be sad. Honestly, it's kept me going this past year, the thrill of getting them and then thinking about the gig and trying to guess the set list. I'm sure it'll be amazing' 'But you might still make it,' I said. 'I won't.' 'But how do you know?' 'I just do.' 'I don't know what to say.' 'Say you'll take the tickets.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I told you before, I'd close the curtains if they were playing in my back garden.' 'You can go with Lauren.' She made a face. 'Take Erin then. It's near when her birthday is.' 'You remember her birthday?' 'She's the same age as Definitely Maybe. How could I forget that?' He closed his eyes as Noel's voice filled the evening air, singing Half The World Away. I could have done the same and let my thoughts drift to wherever they chose to go, but instead I watched Martin. It wasn't that I wanted to commit this image to memory – I preferred to remember a younger and happier face – but I knew there wouldn't be many other chances just to look at him, words of love permanently lodged in my throat because that's not how we ever spoke to each other. 'Remember that time I snogged Caroline Aherne in a Manchester nightclub,' he said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We both started laughing. I hadn't been there, of course, another trip to an Oasis gig I missed. 'How could I forget? You mention it every time you hear that song.' 'It's a great song.' 'A great TV show.' 'It was a great kiss, too.'
