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Helensburgh celebrates its first all weather pitch

Tuesday 31 July 2001

Sports enthusiasts in Argyll and Bute are celebrating the start of work today to create Helensburgh and Lomond’s first multi-purpose synthetic grass playing field.

"...we anticipate [this area’s first modern sports facility] will be used by one in every fifteen people in Helensburgh and Lomond"

The new state-of-the-art all weather pitch, being created by Argyll and Bute Council supported by an award of over £350,000 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund, will replace an existing playing field used by local schools. Due to poor drainage and lack of funds, many of the youth football teams have been unable to play for long periods and were forced to postpone more and more home matches.

It is hoped that the Astroturf surface will eliminate many of these problems and prove to be a vital asset to the school and the local community. The council are also using the opportunity to upgrade the changing facilities and extend the rugby pitch.

Councillor Ronald Kinloch, Chair of the Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, said: “It is a delight to see work begin on site for what will be this area’s first modern sports facility, which we anticipate will be used by one in every fifteen people in Helensburgh and Lomond. Once again partnership working has proved to be the key to success at both national and community level.”

 Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting a project which will improve the sports facilities for the community of the Helensburgh area.

“Targeting the school environment as a priority, will help to ensure that young people are introduced to the benefits of sport during their formative years leading to enjoyment and participation into adulthood.”  

  • The start of work ceremony will take place at Playing Fields, Hermitage Academy, Campbell Street, Helensburgh on Friday 3 August at 11.30 am.
  • In attendance will be Councillor Ronald Kinloch, Chair of Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee; Local Councillors Eric Thomson and George Freeman and Martin Bowie, Project Manager for sportscotland.