Opening of Achiltibuie Playing Fields
A new playing field serving the Wester Ross community of Achiltibuie, Wester Ross, will be opened on Saturday (6 June).
It is a community development, which will also benefit the neighbouring local primary school, whose pupils can safely access the site. The field complements the Big Lottery-assisted Coigach Community Hall, which opened 10 years ago.
The total cost of the playing field is just over £200,000 with construction being carried out by Ullapool Construction. Consultants were the Sports Turf Research Institute, Bingley.
Funders were sportscotland, £80,000; The Highland Council, £25,000; Highland 2007, £15,000; HIE Skye and Wester Ross, £15,000; Robertson Trust, £10,000; Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, £10,000; Crofters Commission Development Scheme (CCDS), £7,000, with contributions from RACE and the National Playing Fields Association towards initial survey costs.
Scottish Wildlife Trust donated the land, released by local crofters, and were equally generous in funding fencing, cattle grid and a substantial environmental shelter belt. The local community capitalised on this later by getting some support from the Big Lottery under its Breathing Places scheme (pond-building, picnic tables, scientific equipment for the school).
The balance of fund-raising was met locally over five years. It was set in motion by four local stalwarts doing a sponsored cycle ride from Lands End to John O'Groats. They were Mark Irvine, Chairman of the Playing Field Users’ Group, Bob Johnson, Steve Husband and Angus MacLeod, enthusiastically supported by Mary Hewett.
Mr Irvine said: “I am delighted that, at last, Achiltibuie has an outdoor sports facility which will be a major benefit to the whole community, but particularly to the children.”
Pupils from Achiltibuie Primary School will be centre stage at the opening ceremony, which begins at 1.45 pm. Marshalled by Head Teacher Al Fraser and former Highland Council Convener, David Green, the pupils will formally open the playing fields. The afternoon will feature a number of fun events including a penalty shoot out between the Playing Field Committee and the local fire brigade volunteers.
Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland said: “sportscotland is delighted to have supported the development of the community playing field at Achiltibuie with an investment of £80,000 from its Sports Facilities Fund.
She said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to enhancing sporting opportunities by providing quality, accessible and well-designed facilities at the heart of local communities. The playing field will be a tremendous asset to Achiltibuie and the surrounding areas and will enable many more people to achieve active, healthy lifestyles.”
Councillor Sandy Park, Convener of The Highland Council, who is attending the opening ceremony, said: “The Council is delighted to have assisted this important community project, which will make a major contribution to the recreational facilities in the area and the long-term health of the community.”