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Edinburgh Reporter
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Rachel sets Rigg Race record and mum also wins
Rachel Caves smashed the female course record in the annual Balerno Rigg Race, covering the distance of around six miles in a tremendous time of 35min 03sec, and her mother won the female 50-plus category. The Harmeny Athletic Club athlete was seventh overall and slashed 22 seconds off the previous best set in 2006. Furthermore, the Balerno resident was just under four minutes adrift of race winner Robert Simpson (Shettleston Harriers). He clocked a time of 31min 23sec, not far behind the previous record of 29min 46sec set in 2010. Another Balerno-based runner, Ewan Mitchell (Harmeny Athletic Club), was third on 32mn 03sec. He edged James Wright (Lothian Running Club) into third place and Wright crossed the finishing line only nine seconds behind the local athlete. A total of 175 runners took part with the last placed finisher coming home in a time of 1hr 09min 29sec, but the organisers congratulated every entrant. Each finisher received a medal including Rachel's mother, Marian, who came home in 66th position in 44m 13sec to win the female 50-plus division. Entrants came from well-known clubs like Hunters Bog Trotters and Carnegie Harriers and from as far afield as Glasgow, Penicuik, the Borders, Fife, Linlithgow, Portobello and Musselburgh. Mark Doughty, listed as South Melbourne Running Club, finished in 40th position in a time of 41min 53sec. Historically, the race is traditionally held on the Monday evening of the Balerno Children's Gala towards the end of May and the event dates back to a walking race held for workers at Balerno Mill and held on Gala Day. It evolved into a running race in 1963, turning into a popular local event, traditionally attracting runners of all abilities. The route of the tough race has changed many times and, for several years, it was run in the reverse direction to the current event which starts at Malleny Park, near the centre of the village. The runners head up through Balerno and climb over 200m towards Threipmuir Reservoir where they turn right at Red Moss, a protected site of scientific interest. Runners then head along East Rigg, offering panoramic views of the Pentland Hills, and sometimes into a tough west wind, before plunging back down to a steep descent at Cockburnhill. A long straight follows before the athletes turn left into Johnsburn Road and a gentle downhill slope back towards Malleny Park. Traditionally, locals stand on street corners to cheer on the athletes, and there were knots on people dotted around the course this year, despite the biting wind and dull conditions. Steven Brown, the race director, said the weather was not as pleasant as in previous years, but running conditions were good and he added: 'There were some great performances throughout the field. 'Particularly noteworthy was the incredible performance of Rachel Caves, breaking the female course record. 'It was a very tough competition in the men's event with a great win and time of 31min 23sec for Robert Simpson. Ewan Mitchell won a tight battle for second overall and first local and congratulations to everybody who finished.' THEY'RE OFF: The start of the Balerno Rigg Race. Picture Nigel Duncan Rachel Caves setting new course record for a female at Balerno Rigg Race. By Nigel Duncan Scott Jenkins juggling round the six mile course and into ninth spot. Picture Nigel Duncan Fancy dress for the Balerno Rigg Race for Sally Stewart (191), Rhona Panton (300) and Ishbel Smith (190). Picture Nigel Duncan Group nearing the finish line at Balerno Rigg Race led by Neil MacRitchie (114). Picture Nigel Duncan Checking: Jennifer Misak (Moorfoot runners) on the watch. Picture Nigel Duncan Dancing to the finish in Fancy dress at the Balerno Rig Race, that's Eleanor Stratford. Picture Nigel Duncan THUMBS UP: Roisin Murray (Linlithgow Athletic Club) going well. Picture Nigel Duncan American Football theme for this runner, Mark Coull. Picture Nigel Duncan Like this: Like Related
Scoop
16-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Young Leaders Convene In Bangkok To Drive Global Food Systems Reform
Press Release – FAO The gathering highlights how young professionals merge traditional knowledge with innovation to address food insecurity and climate change. From Nepal to Fiji, youth are leading sustainable, community-driven solutions. Bangkok, Thailand, 15 May 2025 Global agrifood systems are at a critical juncture. Despite economic growth and reducing poverty over recent decades, far too many people still suffer from malnutrition and undernutrition, and rising obesity remains widespread. At the same time, unsustainable agricultural practices are eroding natural resources and contributing to climate change. Urgent action to transform food systems is needed to ensure a healthier, more equitable, and environmentally sound future. To address the issue more than 100 young changemakers from over 50 countries, gathered in Bangkok for a youth conference to raise their voices and shape global conversations ahead of the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), taking place July 27–29, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where leaders will reflect on progress, strengthen collaboration, and unlock finance and investments to accelerate food systems transformation. The gathering highlights how young professionals merge traditional knowledge with innovation to address food insecurity and climate change. From Nepal to Fiji, youth are leading sustainable, community-driven solutions. 'As global food systems remain dominated by the few, youth are challenging the status quo,' said Dr Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub (the Hub). 'They are laying the groundwork for a more just and participatory model, where access to nutritious, sustainable food is not a privilege, but a guaranteed right for all.' Robert Simpson, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, said that over the last few years, there have been multiple, overlapping and cascading crises — conflict, climate shocks, the pandemic, and natural disasters — all putting pressure on food systems. 'Asia and the Pacific hosts over 350 million undernourished and more than a billion food-insecure people,' he said. 'Youth are key to transforming food systems—with their energy and creativity, they can change how we produce, consume, and manage food and waste.' Participants included graduates of the Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) – a flagship initiative of the Hub designed to accelerate systems thinking and institutional change. With the vision and leadership of the Government of Germany, YLP supports changemakers from developing countries build their leadership skills. For example, in Thailand, youth are advocating for a national food bank, supporting farmers' return to sustainable practices, and transforming supply chains. 'As youth leaders actively shaping food systems in our own countries, we have much to learn from one another. We uncover new paths forward by sharing how we have tackled challenges, led policy engagement and collaborated with different stakeholders,' said Nantaporn Thirapongphaiboon, Associate Director at the Global Food Banking Network and YLP alumna. Conference participants drew from insights gathered through six previously held virtual global youth consultations and showcased breakthrough, youth-led solutions that are transforming food systems worldwide. These discussions contribute to a Youth Declaration which will be released at UNFSS+4. The Declaration will call for more inclusive and participatory decision-making, highlighting the urgency for food systems transformation that will nourish people and the planet. 'The UN Food Systems Summits and the World Food Forum Youth Initiative exemplify how youth-led collaboration is reshaping the global food landscape. By empowering young leaders, we are planting the seeds of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems for generations to come,' said Kazuki Kitaoka, Director of the FAO Office of Youth and Women. The outcomes of the Bangkok conference will directly inform UNFSS+4 and feed into broader efforts such as the WFF flagship event and COP30, amplifying youth voices across global policy platforms. The conference was organized by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its World Food Forum Global Youth Action Initiative (WFF Youth Initiative) and key global youth leaders. Further, the design of the event was done with the insights from youth representatives of the Stakeholder Engagement and Networking Advisory Group of the Hub and the Youth Policy Board, a youth-led advisory body within the WFF Youth Initiative providing strategic input across its activities.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Young Leaders Convene In Bangkok To Drive Global Food Systems Reform
Bangkok, Thailand, 15 May 2025 Global agrifood systems are at a critical juncture. Despite economic growth and reducing poverty over recent decades, far too many people still suffer from malnutrition and undernutrition, and rising obesity remains widespread. At the same time, unsustainable agricultural practices are eroding natural resources and contributing to climate change. Urgent action to transform food systems is needed to ensure a healthier, more equitable, and environmentally sound future. To address the issue more than 100 young changemakers from over 50 countries, gathered in Bangkok for a youth conference to raise their voices and shape global conversations ahead of the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), taking place July 27–29, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where leaders will reflect on progress, strengthen collaboration, and unlock finance and investments to accelerate food systems transformation. The gathering highlights how young professionals merge traditional knowledge with innovation to address food insecurity and climate change. From Nepal to Fiji, youth are leading sustainable, community-driven solutions. 'As global food systems remain dominated by the few, youth are challenging the status quo,' said Dr Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub (the Hub). 'They are laying the groundwork for a more just and participatory model, where access to nutritious, sustainable food is not a privilege, but a guaranteed right for all.' Robert Simpson, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, said that over the last few years, there have been multiple, overlapping and cascading crises — conflict, climate shocks, the pandemic, and natural disasters — all putting pressure on food systems. 'Asia and the Pacific hosts over 350 million undernourished and more than a billion food-insecure people,' he said. 'Youth are key to transforming food systems—with their energy and creativity, they can change how we produce, consume, and manage food and waste.' Participants included graduates of the Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) – a flagship initiative of the Hub designed to accelerate systems thinking and institutional change. With the vision and leadership of the Government of Germany, YLP supports changemakers from developing countries build their leadership skills. For example, in Thailand, youth are advocating for a national food bank, supporting farmers' return to sustainable practices, and transforming supply chains. 'As youth leaders actively shaping food systems in our own countries, we have much to learn from one another. We uncover new paths forward by sharing how we have tackled challenges, led policy engagement and collaborated with different stakeholders,' said Nantaporn Thirapongphaiboon, Associate Director at the Global Food Banking Network and YLP alumna. Conference participants drew from insights gathered through six previously held virtual global youth consultations and showcased breakthrough, youth-led solutions that are transforming food systems worldwide. These discussions contribute to a Youth Declaration which will be released at UNFSS+4. The Declaration will call for more inclusive and participatory decision-making, highlighting the urgency for food systems transformation that will nourish people and the planet. 'The UN Food Systems Summits and the World Food Forum Youth Initiative exemplify how youth-led collaboration is reshaping the global food landscape. By empowering young leaders, we are planting the seeds of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems for generations to come,' said Kazuki Kitaoka, Director of the FAO Office of Youth and Women. The outcomes of the Bangkok conference will directly inform UNFSS+4 and feed into broader efforts such as the WFF flagship event and COP30, amplifying youth voices across global policy platforms. The conference was organized by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its World Food Forum Global Youth Action Initiative (WFF Youth Initiative) and key global youth leaders. Further, the design of the event was done with the insights from youth representatives of the Stakeholder Engagement and Networking Advisory Group of the Hub and the Youth Policy Board, a youth-led advisory body within the WFF Youth Initiative providing strategic input across its activities.
CBC
06-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Finding local alternatives to 'red-state' American liquor
A spirited B.C. boycott of U.S. liquor in response to U.S. tariffs is creating a bit of a stir as "red-state" products get yanked from local shelves. Industry expert Robert Simpson suggests local alternatives to some American favourites.
