Chair of sportscotland officially opens new hockey facility
Shetlands new Regional Hockey Facility was officially declared open on Saturday (30th August) by Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland.
The facility next to the North Mainland Leisure Centre at Brae comprises a new synthetic surface, laid by TigerTurf, along with refurbished changing rooms, new equipment store, new dugouts, new spectator shelters and new hockey goals.
The £600,000 project was funded by sportscotland (£250,000), the Shetland LEADER 2007-13 programme (£200,000) and Shetland Recreational Trust (£150,000).
At the opening ceremony Mrs Martin said: “We are delighted to have supported Shetland Recreational Trust with an investment of £250,000, which has helped to transform the hockey facilities available to the whole community.
“sportscotland is committed to maximising the opportunities for communities to become involved in sport and this investment shows our commitment to help develop and support a world-class sporting system at all levels, which will inspire future generations to be the best they can be.”
Joe Irvine, Chairman of Shetland Recreational Trust, said: “As those who have already played hockey here can testify, this is a first-class facility.
“We are extremely grateful for the financial support of sportscotland and the LEADER programme.
“The facility now allows us to host regional hockey events and hopefully it will be a firm foundation for the continued success of Shetland Hockey Association competitions as well as Shetland teams at all age groups.”
The opening ceremony was followed by Hockeyfest, a family fun day with games for adults and children as well as hockey-related activities designed to allow people to give the sport a try.