A long-awaited sports facility has now opened its doors to an Aberdeen community.
The full-size all-weather 3G synthetic pitch at Dyce Academy has been designed for use as both a football and a rugby pitch, and is the first of its kind in the city.
It will be used by local school pupils, the wider community and Dyce Boys Football Club, Dyce Amateur Football Club, and Dyce Rugby Club.
Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing said: “The new 3G pitch demonstrates this council’s commitment to the city’s sport and physical activity strategy, allowing people to be more active, more often.
“The new 3G pitch will be used by Dyce Academy pupils as well as those of Dyce Primary School, and it will be available for use by the local community.
“This new facility for Dyce is another fantastic example of how the Council and local clubs can work together to create real change in their communities.”
However, yesterday’s opening comes more than a year after the facility, which has been funded by both the city council and the Scottish Government, was initially supposed to be opened.
Last night, Aberdeen Donside MSP Mark McDonald said: “Obviously I’m sure the community will be pleased that the pitch has finally been completed.
“While it’s disappointing that it was so horrifically delayed to the point that the funding deadline was nearly missed, the community can now start reaping the benefits of the facility.”
The authority has contributed £255,000 with another £300,000 coming from the Scottish Government’s Cash for Communities scheme.
Mr McDonald said the Euro 2016 football tournament showed the importance of modern facilities in sporting success.
“What we have seen from the recent European Football Championships is that those countries which invest in appropriate facilities, particularly all weather ones, have reaped the benefits of that.
“We want to ensure as many young people as possible can benefit from state-of-the-art facilities in Scotland.”
Dyce Boys Football Club, Dyce Amateur Football Club, and Dyce Rugby Club will be given priority use of the pitch in the evenings and weekends.
Bookings can be made through Sport Aberdeen for other clubs and community groups from August 15.
