A project to build a multi-use games area (MUGA) on the Isle of Gigha is in line to receive £50,000 of UK Government funding.
The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust (IGHT), which is behind the plans to create a five-a-side-sized court with goals and markings to enable a range of sports to be played, has been earmarked to receive the funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund.
The trust has been working in partnership with Gigha Primary School Parent Council and liveArgyll Active Schools for the last two years to try deliver a MUGA after a community consultation revealed that 98 per cent of respondents would like to see a sports pitch facility on the island.
The MUGA will be located adjacent to the small playpark on the island, which neighbours the Gigha Hotel and Wee Isle Café.
Securing a full funding package has been challenging for the project team, with the parent council raising £5,000 through local fundraising activities.
They say the Shared Prosperity Funding, if approved, will be one of the final pieces that will help the project move forward for delivery.
Jane Millar, business development manager at the IGHT, said: “The lack of sports provision on the island has been identified for a number of years by the community, therefore we are pleased to be working in partnership with Gigha Primary Parent Council and liveArgyll Active Schools to drive forward the community’s ambitions.
“The Shared Prosperity Funding will bring us one step closer to the delivery of a multi-use games area.
“Ensuring there is a dedicated and safe space for the community to participate in sports is crucial to attracting and retaining the island’s younger generation, in particular. The facility will also support the well-being of our residents and will help facilitate opportunities to enhance their interest and skills in sports.”
It is one of nine community projects across Argyll and Bute which will share more than £300,000 of funding, if agreed by councillors. A decision will be made at a full council meeting on Thursday.
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