Work on the £1.2million new sports development in Fraserburgh is nearly complete.
The volunteer led project, organised by the South Links Sports Development Trust, was launched with the help of £455,000 of funding from the Scottish Government.
It was also given a cash boost with lottery money, support from local businesses and funding from the EU.
The running track was built last year and work is now underway to put the finishing touches to the grass football pitch and a cycle track.
Convener of the Trust Graeme Clark said the work was nearing completion but had been subject to delays caused by the weather.
He said: “Construction started last May and the project carried on until the end of last summer.
“By that time the running track had been completed but there were delays towards the end of last summer due to the heavy rain and again this summer due to the dry spells causing problems for the grass.
“The contractors are now back and completing the seating for the football pitch with additional draining works.
“We’re progressing towards a handover from the contractors and are hoping to have games of football being played on the pitch next month.
“The running club and public have been using the track and the football pitch is in the finishing stages.
“Once we’re past completion of the pitch we will announce an official opening day.”
Banff and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson visited the South Links Sports Development yesterday to see how the project was progressing.
He said: “As well as providing some really first-class facilities, this project serves as a good example of the local community working in partnership with various funders, including the Scottish Government.
“I congratulate those involved in the project on the tremendous progress achieved.
“This is a great contribution to the social regeneration of Fraserburgh.”
Fraserburgh and district SNP councillor and chairman of the Fraserburgh regenetration group, Brian Topping, said he had also updated the politician on other regeneration projects in the coastal town.
He said: “I’m particularly pleased that the project attracted significant funding from the Scottish Government into the town.”
