PE in schools - 'This is as important as the three Rs'

THE fact that fewer than one in four of the city's schools can give their pupils two hours of physical education a week is a sad indictment of our education system.

Many adults who were brought up hoping that a sunny day might mean a maths lesson could be abandoned in favour of a game of rounders will struggle to understand why teachers cannot deliver on this basic Scottish Government pledge.

Parents who are familiar with the intensive and competing demands of delivering the modern curriculum and the severe lack of space in many schools, however, will simply shake their heads in frustration.

But in many ways teaching kids about the value of exercise and the discipline of organised games is just as important as the three Rs.

Fears about obesity in children are often overblown, but the primary years - where Edinburgh performs worst - are the most important for introducing youngsters to the huge benefits of an active lifestyle, something many will not learn at home.

Edinburgh has taken significant steps to improve the situation in recent years, but the huge distance that remains between us and the goal is there for all to see.

The SNP government has failed to deliver on a series of pledges, but few more important than this.

Full speed ahead

THE Capital's debutant representative in the round-the-world Clipper Race has rarely bothered the winners' podium.

The crew of Edinburgh Inspiring Capital had to look on, in fact, as the Spirit of Australia won the race this week with a leg to spare - and the Antipodeans will take pride of place as the 10 yachts end their journeys at Hull this Saturday.

But the city's namesake was by no means embarrassed and always competed well, sometimes in difficult seas such as those which claimed one yacht, the Cork Clipper, off Indonesia in January.

More importantly, our entry blazed a trail for Scotland, garnering much worldwide publicity for Edinburgh and giving a once in a lifetime opportunity for those who took part, including some of the city's unemployed youngsters.

There was already talk of the Capital being represented again next year - and possibly thereafter.

Now efforts are being made to include the Forth in one of the 14 legs of the race, possibly even the finale.

We wish those efforts well and look forward to the sight of 10 magnificent Clippers racing under the Forth Bridge towards Leith.

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