A new £1.46 million synthetic pitch in Lerwick will open this week, with school groups set to be amongst the first users of the all-weather facility.
Dalkeith-based Allsports Construction and Maintenance led the creation of the pitch, known as North Loch Park, alongside local subcontractor Shetland Plant Hire.
Work got underway in April, with the pitch built on the site of a former grass rugby pitch. Shetland Islands Council said the previous pitch was well used during the winter months, but had no floodlighting and was often waterlogged.
The new all-weather pitch has improved drainage and six LED lighting columns, allowing for year-round use for football and rugby. The playing surface uses an infill material made from the cob of sweetcorn as an organic and sustainable alternative to rubber crumb. This is the first full-size pitch to use this product in Scotland.
The rugby pitch is 100m-long by 68m-wide, with H-shaped rugby posts permanently installed, and white pitch markings. The football pitch is 95m-long by 68m-wide, with yellow pitch markings.
There is also a five-metre run-off zone around the whole pitch, with a spectator railing around the perimeter, two pitch-side team shelters with seating, and a storage container for pitch maintenance equipment.
After construction work was completed, the pitch was tested against international governing body standards for artificial turf to ensure it provides a consistent and safe playing surface. It is now certified to both the FIFA Quality Mark for football and to World Rugby requirements, for rugby matches and training.
The pitch will be opened on Friday morning by councillor Davie Sandison, chair of Shetland Islands Council’s education and families committee, alongside representatives from the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Rugby, as well as local clubs.
After the opening, pupils from Bells Brae and Sound Primary Schools, and Anderson High School will have a chance to play small-sided games on the pitch.
Davie Sandison said, “I’m really pleased to see this pitch now completed which has been a long-held ambition for many in our community. This will be a year-round sports facility, extending the playing season into the darker months of the year, and for people of all ages to use.
“I’d like to thank all those partners who have contributed funding towards the project, and all those who have been involved in the planning, design and construction. I really hope that this new pitch will contribute to keeping more people more active, and will help the sports groups who use it to thrive.”
Graeme Sutherland, north regional manager at the SFA, added, “The Scottish FA have enjoyed a strong working relationship for nearly two decades with stakeholders across Shetland. This significant financial investment, through our partnership with the department for culture, media, and sport in the UK Government, reaffirms our commitment to local communities, the people within them and the grassroots game we all love and enjoy.
“The new North Loch Park adds an excellent sporting asset to the impressive facilities already available in Shetland and I’m confident that the local football community will benefit.”
