Housebuilder pitches in for all-weather surface

L-R Sir David Hamilton (former MP for Midlothian), Andrew Mickel (director of Mactaggart & Mickel), Steven Dixon (chair of Dalkeith Thistle Community FC) and Jim Bryant (former Midlothian councillor) 

A donation from housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel Homes has given a huge lift to a community football club.

Dalkeith Thistle Community Football Club has used the £25,000 cash injection to purchase an all-weather Astroturf playing area as part of a shirt sponsorship deal. The windfall means the club can reduce costs on external training facilities.

Steven Dixon, chair of Dalkeith Thistle Community Football Club said, “This generous funding will make a tremendous difference – for the club, our players and the wider community. The new all-weather surface means we can organise more training sessions each week within our own grounds without having to travel to other venues. We will also save money on hire costs, so the benefits will be felt for years to come.”

Andrew Mickel, director of Mactaggart & Mickel added, “Stevie leads a superb team at Dalkeith C.F.C. Every one of them is totally committed to the club, to the players and to providing a true community hub.  For our part, we are proud to be making a positive contribution to the communities surrounding our developments.”

Mactaggart & Mickel Homes has a development across the road from the club at Thornybank Green, and is also building new homes at  Millerhill within the new Shawfair community near Danderhall.