Sport / Turf lifted as 3G pitch project set to get underway
CONSTRUCTION on a long-awaited 3G synthetic pitch at the Clickimin is set to begin this week.
The turf was lifted today (Monday) at the former rugby pitch as contractors move onto the site to start work on the £1.46m project.
Work is expected to take around four months, and will see a synthetic surface, perimeter fence and six 15-metre high LED floodlights installed.
The new facility will offer improved drainage over the current grass pitch, allowing year-round use of the pitch for sports such as football and rugby.
The longer playing season and availability of the pitch in almost all-weather conditions is expected to support the future growth of local football and rugby clubs for adults and juniors.
Organic infill material will be used on the new pitch, rather than rubber crumb used on many other 3G pitches elsewhere.
The grain material, made from the cob of sweetcorn, is biodegradable and sustainable.
The new pitch at Clickimin will be the first full sized pitch in Scotland to use this material.
Councillors agreed in December 2024 to fund a contribution of £690,000 towards the project, with more than half of the project costs coming from sources such as Scottish Football Association, sportscotland and Scottish Rugby Union.
The main contractor for the construction work is Allsports Construction and Maintenance Ltd, based in Glasgow, plus local subcontractors.
Education and families chairman Davie Sandison said he was pleased to see the work get underway, saying the pitch would be “an asset for the community for many years to come:.
“This outdoor synthetic pitch will help to overcome the challenges of our frequently inclement weather, and extend the playing season in the darker months,” he said.
“People of all ages will be able to enjoy competition and recreation, keeping folk physically more active, more often, contributing to better health in our community.
“I look forward to seeing the new pitch open later this summer.”
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
