Sports centre up and running

A multimillion-pound sports facility will open to the public for the first time this weekend.

Sports and community groups will join forces to unveil the new Deveron Community and Sports Centre on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

The facility, which forms part of Aberdeenshire Council’s £12.5million commitment to the development of sports and community facilities in Banff and Macduff, features a climbing wall, sports hall and two squash courts.

Local clubs and groups will exhibit their skills during the open day. The public will also get the chance to take part in a number of free activities, such as exercise classes, which require prior booking by calling the centre on 01261 455 777, and fun sessions in the refurbished swimming pool.

“Will enable people to live healthier lifestyles”

John Cox, the chairman of the Banff and Buchan area committee, described the centre as “first-class”. He added: “The opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in sports and build their skills through community learning and development at this centre are second-to-none and it really complements the new Macduff Community and Sports Centre which opened at the end of last year.”

Anne Allan, chairwoman of the authority’s communities committee, said: “The new centre will provide learning opportunities, a huge range of activities which will enable people to live healthier lifestyles, and new facilities for the community like the climbing wall.”

The centre includes a floodlit all-weather pitch, three tennis courts, a cycle track, and a 400m running track.