Monday 11 February 2008
sportscotland’s mission to enhance community sports facilities across the country continues with an investment of £595,451 from the Building for Sport programme. This investment will benefit four communities in Lockerbie, Buckie, Forfar and Cumnock.
Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell said:
“This is an exciting time for sport in Scotland and I am delighted to see sportscotland investing in quality sport facilities, which will enrich communities across the country.
“These state-of-the art facilities will, I hope, encourage more people to become physically active, and in doing so, become healthier.”
The ‘roaring’ game of curling is set to benefit with Lockerbie Ice Rink receiving an investment of £214,151 to upgrade facilities at the rink. It is the home rink of the current European Curling gold medallist skip David Murdoch and his team mate Euan Byers. The upgrade of the rink will include improved insulation, upgraded refrigeration plant, installation of energy efficient lighting, installation of a lift for wheelchair users and upgrading of changing facilities. The upgrading will allow Lockerbie Ice Rink to continue to develop curling and ice skating at all levels within the local community and schools.
The rink has been established for the past 40 years and the upgrading of the facilities will see the continuation of the wide variety of curling activities that take place there. These include: junior curling, elite curling, wheelchair curling, curling for people with learning difficulties, curling for the over 50s and ‘turn up and try’ days. The rink is also an important facility for all elite curlers in the South West of Scotland and is a training venue for West of Scotland Institute of Sport curlers. There are currently 53 clubs using the rink club and they have produced a number of outstanding curlers including Scottish, European and World champions. In addition the upgraded facilities will benefit the skaters using the rink by extending the skating season and allowing skating during the Easter holidays.
Alistair Stevenson, Chairman of the Lockerbie Ice Rink said: “All those involved at Lockerbie Ice Rink are absolutely delighted with the news that sportscotland has chosen to support the rink. The major upgrade project could not be achieved without sportscotland’s award and the assistance of their team.
“There are many hard working staff and volunteers that have contributed to the success of the ice rink as a well run community facility. The ice rink has excellent links with local schools and community groups and is focused on development participation in curling and ice skating at all levels. We are proud of the many national and international achievements and of the social enjoyment the rink brings to the local area. The ice rink has been an asset to the community for over 40 years and this announcement will ensure that it will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.”
Also receiving an investment of £200,000 is Moray Council to assist with the provision of a new synthetic turf pitch at Buckie. The new 3rd generation (3G) full-sized synthetic turf pitch, the first 3G pitch in Moray, will be located at Buckie Community High School and shared between the school and the wider community. The pitch will be a valuable resource for the development of football within local clubs, providing pathways for players to progress in the game as well as offering an excellent base for the delivery of coaching programmes.
Additionally Forfar Farmington Football Club in Angus is set to receive a £131,300 investment to help construct a new changing pavilion and upgrading of the existing football pitch. The club, which is seen as one of most progressive women/girls clubs in Scotland, will benefit from an improved playing surface and also good quality changing facilities allowing them to develop and grow as a club.
The other recipient of a sportscotland Building for Sport investment is Cumnock and District Leisure Group to assist with the extension of the Visions Leisure Centre in Cumnock. The extension will create a dedicated aerobics/Teenzone area significantly increasing the Centre’s capacity to deliver sports and physical activity programmes to the local community. This investment builds on the previous sportscotland Lottery investment of £700,000 awarded to the Group in 2003 towards the construction of the centre.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive, sportscotland said: “This investment of £595,451 from sportscotland’s Building for Sport programme demonstrates our commitment to helping communities provide quality, accessible facilities that meet their local priorities. This is vital if sport is to thrive in Scotland.
“It is great to see communities from all over Scotland benefit from this investment which will widen sporting opportunities locally, increasing participation in a range of sports and supporting those with aspirations to compete at a higher level.”
- Launched in March 2004, the Building for Sport Programme (BfS) is divided into two strands: Community Facilities and Training and Competition Facilities.
- Applications for the Community Facilities Programme covers the provision or upgrading of facilities for the local community.
- The Training and Competition Facilities Programme concentrates on the provision or upgrading of centres designated as a national or regional facility by the relevant national governing body for sport.
sportscotland Building for Sport Programme – February 2008 Community Facilities Strand
Applicant: Lockerie Ice Rink
Project Title: South of Scotland Ice Rink Club Facility Upgrade
Award: £214,151
Contact for Press: Alistair Stevenson, Chairman, Lockerbie Ice Rink
Tel: 01576 202123
The upgrade of roof panels and insulation, upgrade refrigeration plant and cooling tower, installation of energy efficient lighting, upgrade changing facilities and improve accessibility throughout the facility.
Applicant: Moray Council
Project Title: Buckie Synthetic Turf Pitch
Award: £200,000
Contact for Press: Peter Jones, Communications Officer, Moray Council
Tel: 01343 563601
To construct a dual purpose facility to be shared by Buckie Community High School and the wider community. Project consists of a 3rd Generational full-sized synthetic turf pitch with fencing and floodlighting.
Applicant: Forfar Farmington Football Club
Project Title: Forfar Farmington Facility Development Project
Award: £131,300
Contact for Press: Colin Brown, Chairman
Tel: 01307 473055 or 07795 594555
Changing facility comprising new changing pavilion/clubroom and upgrading of existing football pitch.
Applicant: Cumnock & District Leisure Group
Project Title: Visions Leisure Centre Extension
Award: £50,000
Contact for Press: Donald Howe, Director/Treasurer
Tel: 07773 065274
Construction of new first floor to create a dedicated aerobics/Teenzone area. In addition the fitness gym will be extended into the aerobics area of existing gym/aerobics room. The new facilities will also improve the meetings, training and conference facilities at the Centre.
Community Facilities Strand – four awards totalling £595,451