Work starts at Barry Buddon

THE STARTING gun has been fired for construction work at the Tayside venue for shooting events at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Barry Buddon, by Carnoustie, will host all elements of the shooting competition at the games.

Work has started to transform the 2,600 acre Ministry of Defence (MoD) range from an infantry training area into a sporting venue.

The work is being carried out in conjunction with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “We are pleased to have concluded negotiations for the use of Barry Buddon and are grateful to the Ministry of Defence for their support of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“Barry Buddon will be a world-class venue for the shooting competition at the games and represents an opportunity for those outside of Glasgow to be part of the celebrations.”

How the site is to be used before, during and after the games period, will take into account the MoD’s operational requirements and the Site of Special Scientific Interest status.

It is an EU Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area for birds under the European Birds Directive.

Shooting is one of 17 sports that make up the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the largest sporting and cultural event ever held in Scotland.

The planning application to create additional temporary ranges at Barry Buddon was approved by Angus Council earlier this year.

The ranges will remain fully operational to military users until much closer to the Games.

Chairwoman of the Angus Steering Group for the XX Commonwealth Games, Councillor Jeanette Gaul, said: “It is great to see the construction get under way.

“Angus is looking forward to being a host venue and we have been working hard with Glasgow 2014, Dundee City Council, the MoD and other partner agencies to make sure all visitors have an enjoyable stay and that athletes can enjoy the top-class facilities at Barry Buddon.”

Above: an artist’s impression of small bore shooting at Barry Buddon Commonwealth Games complex. Below: construction work has started at Barry Buddon as the ranges are prepared ahead of next year’s games.