renovation programmes five weeks apart,” says John. “This will be based around cleaning some debris out by scarification, aeration, topdressing and overseeding.”


the combination of a hectic fixture list and a number of large corporate events led to us carrying out a more sedate renovation programme, which consisted of scarifying the pitch, hollow coring and topdressing with a straight sand (fifty tonnes) and overseeding with Bar 7.” With two major concerts pencilled in for late June - highly acclaimed American rock bands, Bon Jovi and The Kings of Leon, will be playing within the space of four days - the knock on affect is that John has to manage the way he will be organising this year’s end of season renovations. “We won’t have the time to implement a full blown renovation, so we’ll look to complete two small mini-


“Aeration is a key element to keeping the pitches playable, using a combination of different size tines and aeration equipment. We try to aerate the pitches on a three to five week cycle, depending on weather, fixtures and usage.” Edinburgh is notorious for heavy spells of rain, which can create another set of problems. Fertiliser applications often leach out of the soil profile before they have had chance to feed the plant. The feeding programme is a combination of granular and liquid products, which tend be applied on a 12-14 day rota depending on the plants needs. Having the lights has definitely increased the amount of nitrogen required. “With between 600-900kg of nitrogen being applied to the stadium pitch, it would seem the combination of the


TWENTYQuestions


Peter Hope - not a fan of the Edinburgh tram project, but pass him the gravy boat!


Who are you? Peter Hope, Senior Groundsman at Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Scottish rugby.


Family status? I live with Fiona and our two springer spaniels, Baillie and Heather.


Who’s your hero and why? My grandmother, a very wise old woman.


What is your dream holiday? I’d love to tour New Zealand.


What annoys you the most? The great, unpredictable Scottish weather!


What would you change about yourself? Nothing! We are what we are, that’s what makes people unique.


Who wouldn’t you like to be? Head of the tram project in Edinburgh - what a shambles!


Favourite record, and why? The Rolling Hills O’ The Borders, by Scocha. It says a lot about the land where I live.


Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? To avoid eating


out of the same bowls as the dogs, I must say ‘Princess Fiona’.


If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Buy Princess Fiona a farm.


If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? A grand piano when, in the right hands, it is a great instrument.


What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Think about what you’re about to do, and take your time! (Bill Elwood)


What’s your favourite smell? Home made steak and kidney pie awash in gravy.


What do you do in your spare time? I don’t have much of that, but I usually re- introduce myself to Fiona and the dogs! (stops them growling!)


What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? Are you happy at your work?!!


What’s your favourite piece of kit? My hands.


What three words would you use to describe yourself? Robust, reliable, resilient.


What talent would you like to have? The ability to play the bagpipies


What makes you angry? Oh no, I can’t name him!


What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? Bring back hanging.


leaching, having the lights and undersoil heating are the driving factors of the increased feeding regimes. This, in itself, causes other problems, such as thatch build up, shallow rooting and soft leaf tissue. We are well aware of these issues and are working hard to understand the complexities of these issues.” John uses the services of the STRI, with Jay Dobson keeping an eye on the agronomic issues and reporting her findings and advising him.


“It’s been an eventful nine years,” says John. “I’ve witnessed some interesting times and learned a lot about stadium management. My new role may be somewhat removed from the day to day work of maintaining the pitch. However, I will be more than happy to ensure that Jim and his team have the right tools, equipment and training to ensure Murrayfield is up there with the best when it comes to providing a playing surface for Scotland’s rugby teams.”


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