MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
June 30, 2010, Wednesday
IT'S a world record attempt that has a touch of the Buck Rogers about it.
Eighteen gamers will strap on their body armour and zap each other with ray guns for at least 24 hours to raise money for a host of local charities.
Portobello gaming arcade Dark Ocean hopes to hold the world's longest game of "laser tag" on Sunday.
The game involves kitting out gamers with light-sensitive targets and laser guns.
The stunt has never been attempted before, and if it is successful it will involve players battling it out without a break for a minimum of 24 hours.
The event is the brainchild of new Dark Ocean owner Ronald Gray, 35, from Leith.
The former Royal Marine swapped his rifle for ray guns when he took over the business two months ago.
He said: "We're raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support because one of my managers had cancer.
"As an ex-Royal Marine the forces charity Help for Heroes is also close to my heart, while my daughter is currently receiving treatment at the Sick Kids hospital, so we're raising money for the Friends Foundation.
"Some of the money will also go to Barnardo's and the Lothian Autistic Society."
Edinburgh East MSP Kenny MacAskill, who as justice secretary has launched several crackdowns on guns, will reveal that he has no objection to ray guns when he launches the event at 3pm on Sunday.
Mr MacAskill said: "I am pleased to be invited along.
"Although I have little experience of laser gaming, I am delighted to support a local event and raise some much-needed cash for a number of charities."
The bid will also receive support from the Edinburgh Wolves American football team.
Mr Gray said he had not set a fundraising target, but was committed to raising as much money as possible.
He said: "When you set a target there is the temptation for people to stop giving when the target is reached, so I've left it open."
He added that the business had been "flourishing" since he took over.
The arcade was at the centre of controversy when it opened in late 2007 after police warned it could become a "flashpoint venue" for rival gangs from Craigentinny/Lochend and Portobello/Northfield.
However, Mr Gray said fighting had never been a problem and the only battles that take place happen with fake weapons inside the building.
He said: "Before I took the business over I was a regular visitor and I never noticed any trouble at all.
"One of the locals who objected to the plans at the time is actually a frequent visitor now. She loves the place."
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