2 weeks Ago By Ryan Nicolson
A NEW 3G pitch in Lerwick has been given final council approval – after another lengthy debate and vote. Shetland Islands Council (SIC) will put forward £690,000 towards the synthetic surface project – £210,000 more than it had initially been asked for. However income from the pitch will be used to pay back the full amount to the SIC’s reserves, following an amendment by council depute leader Gary Robinson.
An amendment from councillor Arwed Wenger to dismiss the £1.46 million project entirely failed to find a seconder. The final green light came at today’s (Wednesday) full council meeting after more than an hour of debate and a vote.
External funders such as sportscotland, Scottish Football Association and Scottish Rugby have already agreed to provide more than half of the total costs of the project. The Scottish Football Association has pledged £500,000, with sportscotland committing £200,000. Scottish Rugby has added £50,000, with both Shetland Rugby and Shetland Football Association putting £10,000 in.
The synthetic surface will replace the current Clickimin rugby pitch, and can be used for football and rugby – as well as by pupils of Anderson High School, Bells Brae and Sound primary schools. More to follow..
