A SCOTS sporting body is set to invest over £1.5m to develop sport facilities across the country.
The public body, sportscotland based in Glasgow will provide the investment from their Sports Facilities Fund.
£1,506,263 will be shared to the 18 projects that provide a space for sport and physical activity.
National Lottery players provided the investment by raising £30m a week for causes across the UK.
One of the projects includes a facility upgrade at Waysiders/Drumpellier RFC in North Lanarkshire which is expected to allow growth in youth and female rugby in the area.
The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena will receive new bouldering with the aim to become the only climbing centre in the UK with Olympic standard facilities for the three climbing disciplines.
Chief Executive Officer of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “The ambition behind the projects receiving investment in this latest round of Sport Facilities Funding is inspiring, particularly as we are facing exceptionally challenging times with significant financial pressures at all levels.
“We know, however, that sport and physical activity have an important role to play in bringing communities together and building resilience.
“Thanks to the continued commitment of our local partners, more people will have an opportunity to become physically active and feel part of their local community.”
The goal of the investment is to make sport more accessible and inclusive to rural communities and those lacking sport spaces.
A multi-games area will become the Isle of Gigha in Argyll and Bute’s first facility for sport and physical activity with funding of £55k.
Jane Millar, Business Development Manager for the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust said: “The lack of sports provision on the island has been identified for a number of years by the community.
“Therefore we are pleased to be working in partnership with Gigha Primary Parent Council and Live Argyll Active Schools to drive forward the community’s ambitions.
“The funding secured from sportscotland has been instrumental in starting the process and the delivery of multi-use games area would not be possible without their support.
“Ensuring there is a dedicated and safe space for the community to participate in sports is crucial to attracting and retaining the island’s younger generation in particular.
“The facility will also support the wellbeing of our residents and will help facilitate opportunities to enhance their interest and skills in sports.”
Glasgow Girls and Women FC has been awarded £100,000 towards a new 3G pitch at Budhill Park in Springboig.
David McDermott, Development Manager for Glasgow Girls and Women FC, said: “The award from sportscotland’s facilities fund will support us to install a new 3G pitch and floodlights at our existing facilities at Budhill Park.
“This development will enable our existing football teams to train and play football matches at the same location and will foster a greater feeling of togetherness amongst our club members.
“It will also enable greater numbers of young females across our community to fully engage in football focused activities and derive significant benefits from participation in our great sport.”
