Healthier future for Western Isles thanks to new Lottery Funding
Monday 26 June 2000
sportscotland underlined the strength of its commitment to developing sporting opportunities for Scotland's island communities with the announcement today (Monday) of a half million pound investment in the construction of a sports centre in the Western Isles.
Harris Sports & Leisure Committee will benefit from an award under sportscotland Lottery Fund's new Sports Facilities Programme and will receive the maximum offer of award available under the programme of £500,000.
The new sports centre for Tarbert on the Isle of Harris will feature a swimming pool, sauna, children's pool and fitness room. The project will also include the provision of a cafeteria and the upgrading of the main grass football pitch which will be next to the new centre.
A major appeal of the new facility is that local schoolchildren will benefit greatly from the new development as it will be located next to the local primary and secondary schools, both of which are in need of easy access to proper sports facilities. Currently the nearest alternative sports facilities are 40 miles away in Stornoway.
Donald J Morrison, Projects Administrator, who is also Development Officer for Harris Development Ltd, said: "This indeed is a major breakthrough and a significant step forward in trying to complete the funding package.
"The award has boosted community confidence and also lifted the morale of the steering committee, who have worked relentlessly on the project. They now see the light at the end of tunnel and they are hopeful that the new Harris Sports Centre will become a reality, sooner rather than later."
Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, added: "sportscotland has a commitment to help bring sport into the lives of every person in every corner of Scotland and we are delighted to respond to the vision of the local community who put this project together.
"Access to quality facilities on your doorstep can be a major factor in encouraging members of the community, whatever their age, to get involved and get more active and we are glad to play our part in achieving this goal."
- Today's announcement brings to £2m the amount so far invested in capital projects in the Western Isles through the sportscotland Lottery Fund.
- Eleven projects, involving total project costs of over £5m have received funding including:£946,000 of sportscotland Lottery Fund support towards an all-weather sports facility in Stornoway; £150,000 to Lewis & Harris Youth Club Association for the Ardvoulie Outdoor Activities Centre and £100,000 to Back Football and Recreation Club towards an all weather playing field.