Sunday March 5th 2017
From left to right, Gary Locke, Peter Wright and Professor Chris Oliver cut the ribbon to open the trail
Written by editor Phil Bowen. Photography by Rachel Bowen.
Great show of community spirit as a crowd of 150 come along to George V Park Bonnyrigg to see the opening of the David Dunn Fitness trail.
David Dunn was a local man tragically killed in 1994 whilst courageously stopping an armed robbery at the Bank of Scotland in Bonnyrigg High Street.
The fitness trail is aimed at both adults and children in order to help them get fit and stay fit.
At the opening ceremony Darius Namdaran, the energetic and enthusiastic chair of the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community council, described how Bill McDonald came to the community council three years ago with the idea to create the trail in George V Park.
Darius said ” Without Bill, the driving force behind this trail, to raise the funds and ensure it happened we would not be here today.”
The trail was funded by Tesco, Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh Airport, Councillor Bob Constable’s local funding and the Coal Industry Social Welfare fund. Midlothian Council will maintain the trail for the next ten years.
David Dunn’s wife Jessie and their son David unveil the fitness trail sign.
Local piper Sam Fleming plays at the opening ceremony.
Dunn family friend and former Hearts and Raith Rovers manager Gary Locke spoke at the opening ceremony saying
“David Dunn was a local hero and this is an everlasting memory to him and means a lot to the family. This trail sums up what he did that day for the community.”
David Dunn, son of the late David Dunn also spoke saying
“Dad was born and bred Bonnyrigg and he would be very happy that this trail is now part of the community.”
Orthopaedic surgeon and Professor of physical activity for health at the University of Edinburgh, Chris Oliver said
“If everyone can avoid a sedentary lifestyle by incorporating physical activity into their daily and weekly routine by using this trail then they may live seven years longer.”
Another local man and former Scotland Rugby player Peter Wright was on hand to officially cut the ribbon to open the trail with Gary Locke and Professor Oliver.
The Borthwick and District Pipe band lead the crowd around the newly opened trail.
David Dunn’s son David tries out the fitness trail equipment.
Darius Namdaran, Chair of the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council
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