Players over the moon at 3G pitch news

Dunblane footballers are set to benefit from a new state-of-the-art football pitch being installed.

Stirling Council has confirmed that a new 3G surface will be installed at Dunblane High School later this summer.

The surface will replace the current pitch at the school - which has been deemed unsafe to play on, resulting in 280 children having to travel to pitches across the Forth Valley every weekend to play games for Dunblane Soccer Club.

A Stirling Council spokesman said:“We are delighted to confirm that we are replacing the pitch at Dunblane High School with a 40mm 3G all-weather pitch, as part of the approved Lifecycle programme. The specification is designed to enhance school PE provision, as well as support local clubs within the community and surrounding area.

“Construction will begin in June and will be completed for the start of the new term in August.”

The 10-year-old 2G astroturf surface is due to be replaced this summer - however under the terms of the PPP contract signed with FES - who are responsible for maintaining the school - there were fears that a surface of the same style would be installed.

The soccer club campaigned for a new all weather pitch to be fitted and chairman David Dale welcomed the news.

“We are absolutely over the moon,”he said.“It’s something that we have been trying to get for some time and it is great that they have now finally agreed to do it.”