SPORTS FACILITY FUNDS: JOHNSTONE URGES TALKS WITH USERS
Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and sport spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, is calling for consultation with user groups to determine how £20million should be used to improve sporting facilities.
The public funding from Sportscotland is expected to be topped up by other bodies to upgrade existing sites and create new centres.
Alison Johnstone MSP, a former competitive athlete and qualified athletics coach, said:
"While I welcome investment in facilities that cater for a broad range of needs, it's vitally important that we see meaningful consultation with all user groups. In deciding where this money is spent we must listen to the needs of athletes, coaches, governing bodies and leisure facility users.
"The demise of Meadowbank stadium in Edinburgh is a classic example of what not to do. We need to ensure new and upgraded facilities come with realistic maintenance budgets and appropriately trained staff. We need to make sure no area is left behind in the race to create a Commonwealth Games legacy.
"Given the health issues our society faces from inactive lifestyles, and the growing cost to the NHS, we must take every opportunity to make sport accessible, enjoyable and affordable."