A TERRIFIC and well-deserved shot in the arm for community sport in the Gretna area.
That was the view of Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell and constituency MSP Oliver Mundell to confirmation of a £44,309 grant towards new floodlights at Raydale Park, home of Gretna FC 2008.
It is estimated the total cost of the project will be more than £59,000.
The money from the UK Government is part of £2million targeted at Scotland in the latest round of an on-going investment programme aimed at improving grass-roots multi-sports facilities.
In all, there are 23 projects north of the border, selected in collaboration with the Scottish Football Association, and aimed at improving access to facilities across the country.
In a joint-statement, David Mundell and Oliver Mundell highlighted widely acknowledged evidence that physical and mental health was improved by exercise.
The local representatives said: “We are both delighted that the Gretna bid has been successful. The replacement floodlights will not only be a benefit to the football club but also to the wider community.
“The Raydale Community Partnership has done some excellent work in developing and maintaining the ground and the new more efficient lights will be an investment in the future.
“They will be particularly appreciated in the long dark winter nights.”
