Methlick celebrates becoming "sporting Mecca" with MUGA opening
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The community turned out to celebrate the opening of a new sporting facility in Methlick on Sunday.
The Multi-Use Games Area, known locally as Methlick MUGA, is an outdoor facility which has been designed to be used for football, basketball or tennis, as well as for less structured sporting activities.
A driving force behind the facility becoming reality, local businessman Jay Allan said: "I first realised that something like this could be a reality for Methlick when I was involved, alongside my father, in building Lairds [cricket pitch].
"I think we're making Methlick a sporting Mecca, we have so many fantastic facilities now.
"This just proves that you can do anything if you put your mind to it."
The microphone was then passed to fellow MUGA committee member James Hall, who explained that the community had raised over £8000 of the total £140,000 cost fundraised, showing a real desire by locals to have the facility in place.
The rest of the funding was secured from various sources, including local wind farm funds.
He said: "We are very proud to have this facility in Methlick, but it isn't only for the people of Methlick - people will come from round about to Methlick to use the MUGA.
"It will be open 365 days a year - yes even Christmas day if you're really keen or just want somewhere different to open your presents!
"We have installed floodlights and these will be in use through the winter."
Methlick Community Council chairperson Linda Hendry said: "This is really something to be proud of, and we have been thinking about the long term plans from the very beginning to make sure that it will continue to be a great facility for the people of Methlick.
"It's exciting to know that the young people here today will stand here again in 20 years time celebrating 20 years of the MUGA, and beyond.
"Thank you to everybody who has made this moment possible."
A ribbon was cut by Lady Aberdeen and Methlick Primary pupil Fraser, captain of last term's winning house Gight, to great cheers before revellers swarmed onto the court to check out the facilities, try their hand at shooting hoops or scoring goals and learn more about the correct way to set up the tennis courts.
Revellers could also bask in the sunshine with food from the barbecue or an ice cream, and later in the afternoon they were treated to some sporting demonstrations, including Methlick's version of the Wimbledon finals, to inspire users.
The facility is accessed by entering a code into the keypad, and the code can be acquired by booking a slot online.
It can be booked for one hour slots, charged at £5 per hour which goes towards the ongoing running costs estimated to be around £3000 per year, and will be open from 8am-9pm 365 days a year.
A number of local groups have already secured regular use bookings.
For more information or to book a slot you can visit the Methlick MUGA website: clubspark.lta.org.uk/MethlickMUGAPlayPark
