| A community project to create an all-weather, multi-purpose sports pitch in Moray has been awarded up to £100,000 by the economic and community development agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). |
| The Elgin Sports Community Trust (ESCT) hopes to start work on the development within the next few weeks. ESCT was formed in 2017 with the aim of creating and maintaining accessible and affordable social and sporting facilities for Moray communities. The Trust secured a 99-year lease of the common good land at Borough Briggs Road as an ideal location to develop a centralised all−weather sports facility for Moray communities. Planning consent was awarded in August. Once developed, the new pitch is expected to be used by schools, community groups, and sports clubs across Moray. Karen Chamberlain, development manager with HIE, said: “This is a fantastic project by the Elgin Sports Community Trust, that will provide wide-ranging benefits to the community for many years. “It will help attract and retain talent in the area, particularly young people, and encourage all ages to enjoy an active and social lifestyle. “We are very pleased to be able to provide support and look forward to seeing the project take shape.” Dave Allan, ESCT Chairman, said: “We are delighted and extremely grateful to HIE for this fantastic grant. Not only has HIE assisted us financially but the advice we have received from them throughout the design and planning stages has been priceless. “It’s a great example of how strong a community we have here and will directly benefit those suffering from social isolation and from health and welfare issues as well as inspire talented sportspeople to remain in the area.” |
