Scottish sports performance centre

If we could create a few more of these around the country then it might actually help us develop some half decent players.  Still a step in the right direction, just hope there are plans to fill these places with some quality coaches


National Sports Centre - Edinburgh



EDINBURGH has beaten off competition from Dundee and Stirling to host the new national sports performance centre, ministers announced this morning.


The huge £30million facility will be located in the parkland setting of Heriot-Watt University’s campus in the west of the city.

It will feature a Hampden-sized pitch, an outdoor synthetic pitch, four outdoor natural football and two rugby pitches, a nine court sports hall, a 3G indoor football pitch and a fitness suite.

It will serve as world class facilities for sports science and medicine all linked together by a spectacular sports promenade.

Scottish architects Reiach & Hall said the centre’s roof is inspired by the angle and trajectory of what is recognised as one of the greatest goals in football history, Brazil’s Roberto Carlos’ strike against France in 1997.

The successful bid was made by Heriot-Watt University, together with Edinburgh City Council and will be formally announced by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University, said: “This is tremendous news, for the bid team and, I believe, for the future of performance sport in Scotland.

“We have the go-ahead to create a world class sporting facility, combining the expertise we already have at Heriot-Watt, with a tremendous location, design and setting which have proved a winning formula and will continue to do so for Scotland’s up and coming sports men and women.”

Cllr Richard Lewis, the city’s sport leader, aded: “This is absolutely fantastic news for Edinburgh and all those who love sport across Scotland. Heriot-Watt University and the capital will provide an excellent home to the next generation of top athletes and those involved in helping them achieve their aims. Our bid enjoyed great support from the community and local sport groups will also be able to take advantage of this world-class facility on their doorstep. I’m really looking forward to working with Heriot-Watt as they develop their plans in detail ready for future Olympians and cup-winners in 2016.”

The proximity of the centre to Edinburgh Airport, around 10 minutes away, was among the benefits highlighted during the bid process, meaning that international teams can easily access the site.

In addition Edinburgh earlier said it would up the £25m funding from the government by £5m, allowing it to invest in more equipment and facilities.