Linn Park Equestrian Centre
On this day of celebration of St Andrew I would have liked to write something uplifting and joyful but unfortunately I find myself disappointed and quite apalled by something I found out yesterday. Glasgow City Council, the council which will host the Commonwealth Games in July 2014 and is publicly promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for its citizens, has taken the decision to close down one of its best kept secrets and rarest gems. In a bid to save money it has decided to close the Linn Park Equestrian Centre, the only local government run riding school in Scotland.
Linn Park is situated on the south side of the city. It covers over 200 acres and is the second largest public park in the city. It nestles between Muirend and Netherlee to the west and Croftfoot and Castlemilk to the east. In fact it borders some of the most infamous areas of deprivation in the city. Yet, here we are only a few years away from the Commonwealth Games, the biggest investment in health and sport in generations and the councillors have seen fit to close a valuable and, for many people, life-changing facility to save the measly sum of £48000.
The parkland was bought in stages. In 1919 the first 180 acres, part of the lands of the Maxwells of Pollok, was purchased for the people at a cost of £10000. In 1927 a further 18 acres from the grounds of Cathcart Castle was added at a cost of £2300; the final 4 acres was bought in 1933 for the princely sum of £150. This beautiful and wild parkland now boasts some of the most unspoiled woodland and river walks, a golf course , orienteering course, childrens playgrounds and, of course, the riding centre. It is an all weather facility and caters for pre-school and primary age children,severly disabled children and adults. It allows children from difficult circumstances an opportunity to work with horses, teaching care and compassion for animals. It shows them a way of living that is far removed from their normal lives and well out of the financial reach of most people in the city.
Glasgow comes way up at the top of every category used to decide on levels of social deprivation in Scotland including health, education, income, employment, housing and crime. Why on earth do they want to take away something so small in the grand scheme of things, but so important for the greater good of their people? Surely a little imagination could turn the whole thing around. Open a tearoom in the empty stables, get lottery funding, get better at collecting their council taxes[never Glasgow's strong point].
It has to be worth trying because it is truly worth saving. If you agree, let Glasgow Council know how you feel. They’re already talking about giving the horses away in advance of the closing date of 31March, 2009.
I too was horrified when I heard what Glasgow Council planned for the equestrian centre. It is over four years since I took up riding in the Lynn Park when I developed a neurological problem which left my balance impaired. Riding has been great for my core balance and though I still have difficulty in walking any distance, I no longer look as if I’ve had a good bevvy! Yes, I have seen some children with learning difficulties enjoy the fun of being on a horse, but the majority of folk, young and old, are there to keep fit, learn a new sport, or simply get out and about in the beautiful surroundings of the park. As I hadn’t seen any adverts for the equestrian centre other than the brochure which I got at the Linn Park, I used google and lo and behold there it was! (I even found an old picture of me on McEwan before he was retired!) I feel that Glasgow City Council does not appreciate this wonderful asset or the terrific work done by its staff and at a time when teenagers are looking for things to do, is it be sensible to close this establishment? I don’t think so! By the way, according to the Herald of Nov 27, 2008, the saving on closure is even less – a measly £43000.
Anyone hows feel as upset as I do about Linn Park Equestrain Centres closure, please sign the online petition to save the riding school.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savelinnridingschool
I too am absolutely disgusted that Glasgow City Council are prepared to close down this amazing resource that countless number of people have taken great pleasure from. In addition over the years the Centre has built up a well deserved reputation for working with children with a disability, their patience and skills should be recognised and discouraged not discarded. I cannot believe the citizens of Glasgow if they are informed of this will allow this to happen. I only learned of this recently but given the relatively paltry sum required to maintain this, surely this can be found.