Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Sue Webber for the Lothians region has warmly welcomed UK Government funding for grassroot football facilities in the area.
Sue Webber’s call comes after £2 million worth of UK Government funding was awarded to 18 projects across Scotland.
In the Lothian region, two projects were successful with the UK Government awarding £100,000 to City of Edinburgh Council which will help North Merchiston FC upgrade the facilities they use at Tynecastle High School.
A further £100,000 was also awarded to Edinburgh Leisure which will help resurface pitches at the Saughton Complex, which are used by Hutchison Vale Football Club.
The UK Government money for North Merchiston is being supported by £60,000 worth of funding from Axiom Edinburgh, with a further £15,000 boost dependent on a successful application to the Scottish Rugby Club Sustainability Fund.
The upgrading of the 2G pitch at the High School will stop poor weather halting matches and extend the opening hours of the pitch.
Edinburgh Leisure are supporting the UK Government’s funding for the Saughton Sports Complex to the tune of £50,000. The resurfacing of the 11-a-side pitch will allow continued use of football and rugby training sessions, including for women and girls and a free-to-use facility when scheduled activities aren’t taking place.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Sue Webber said: “This funding from the UK Government is absolutely fantastic news for these communities in Edinburgh.
“These facilities are so important for the teams and communities who use them and the enjoyment of playing football and other sports really brings them together.
“As we recover from the pandemic, physical activity will play an important role in helping our communities in Edinburgh and I know the funding will be put to great use by Tynecastle High School and the Saughton Sports Complex.
“Many local facilities have sadly been lost in the capital due to savage SNP cuts to our local council budgets in recent years so it is excellent to see the UK Government step up and deliver this funding at this time.”