Hearts in mouth for fundraiser

A charity zip slide, planned to take place at Tynecastle stadium in March, will see dozens of people whizzing their way across the pitch, from around 80 feet up the Roseburn Stand to the touchline of the Gorgie Stand.

The inaugural Erskine Zip Slide has been organised by veterans' charity Erskine, which runs the Erskine Edinburgh Home in Gilmerton, and it is hoped that around 150 people will take part - one at a time.Freespirits Outdoor Activities will oversee the event, which will run from 9am until 5pm, with Action Scaffolding supplying the scaffolding.

East of Scotland fundraiser for Erskine, John Fyfe, 54, said: "It is the perfect and challenging way to raise vital funds for the veterans in our care here in Edinburgh and beyond.

"I would encourage supporters of Erskine and Heart of Midlothian FC to put their nerves to the test and sign up for this brilliant fundraising challenge."

Mr Fyfe, who lives in Livingston, added: "There will be a platform at the top level of seats in the Roseburn Stand to give a flat surface for the participants to start from, and the rope will go from there right the way along the pitch until just before the touchline at the Gorgie end. It's definitely not for people who are scared of heights.

"It is a fairly long slide that goes the full length of the pitch from inside the stand."

His 16-year-old son Drew - who has volunteered at the Erskine Edinburgh Home for two years - will be taking part in the challenge.

The fifth-year pupil at James Young High School in Livingston said: "I was desperate to take part because I've always been too young to sign up for anything like this before. I'm not scared of heights, but it looks a long way down. I hope to raise as much as I can."

The zip slides will take place at staggered times throughout the day, with participants starting off in line with the top row of seats on the Roseburn Stand.

Erskine hopes to raise around 30,000 from the event, which will take place on March 26, to help veterans across Scotland in its care.

People taking part must be over 16. Registration costs 20 and participants must commit to raising a minimum of 100 for Erskine.

A spokesman for Hearts said: "When Erskine contacted us about the zip slide, we were only too happy to provide the use of Tynecastle stadium for the day.

"The event certainly won't be for the faint-hearted but will hopefully help raise a lot of money."

For more information call Erskine's fundraising department on 0141-814 4555, or download a registration form at the charity's website www.erskine.org.uk.