Edinburgh accommodation fears eased by campsite plan

Accommodation in Edinburgh has been increased for the duration of the G8 summit following news that a temporary camping facility will be created.

Live8 charity gig organiser Sir Bob Geldof had called for one million people to descend on the city for a day of demonstrations on July 2 in support of the Make Poverty History agenda to pressurise world leaders attending the G8 summit in nearby Gleneagles.

There were fears that thousands of people would arrive in Edinburgh without having booked accommodation, particularly following the announcement that a sixth Live8 concert would be taking place in the city on July 6.

But these have been eased by Edinburgh Council's decision to turn Hunter's Hall Park into a camping facility for 15,000 people between Friday 1 July and Friday July 8.

The site will be ringed by a mesh wire fence and will be subject to 24-hour stewarding.

It will also have toilet facilities, drinking water, temporary lights and possibly catering facilities.

Council leader Donald Anderson said: "While we are doing what we can to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents in Edinburgh, we reiterate our call to everyone who comes to Edinburgh to make sure they have transport and accommodation before they set out."

There will be a booking procedure for the campsite, but details are yet to be announced.

See the council's G8 summit website or contact the G8 Enquiry Line 0131 200 2343 for more information.

The G8 summit is taking place at the Gleneagles Hotel in Pershire between July 6 and July 8.XXX