Plans to build a new sports centre in Elgin have taken a step forward as golfers marked the closure of a local driving range by raising funds towards the venture.
The practice venue at Elgin Golf Club will shut at the end of the year, after being an integral part of the century-old course for decades.
Its forthcoming conclusion was marked with an activities day on Saturday, the proceeds from which went towards making the Moray Sports Centre project a reality.
The scheme is being led by former international athlete Kathryn Evans, who yesterday thanked the 150 people who turned out and helped raise £400 towards it.
She added: “It was a really good day, and I appreciated everybody coming along despite the pretty chilly temperature.
“It was great that so many kids get involved, some of whom had never swung a golf club before.”
Boards displaying detailed plans for the proposed £12million sports venue were set up at the event, offering an insight into what it is hoped to look like.
Land in the south-east of Elgin, off Linkwood Road, has been earmarked for the building and organisers aim to have the funds in place to begin construction next year.
Ms Evans said: “A lot of the people who attended didn’t know a huge amount about our plans, so I was able to have some useful chats with them.”
The driving range will make way for 114 new houses and 20 flats in the south of the town, with a new facility opening on Birnie Road next year.
