MONARCHS ON A MISSION
Speedway club seeks new venue as Armadale shuts its doors
The Edinburgh Monarchs are set to end their 26-year spell at Armadale Stadium following the sale of the site.
The chequered flag will fly for the final time at the end of the 2022 season and leaves the club’s future uncertain – although remaining within West Lothian is still a possibility.
In a statement the club confirmed that they have been formally served with a notice to vacate the stadium but admitted they were ‘understanding’ of the decision made by the landlords.
The statement read: “Following 26 wonderful seasons, speedway racing will cease at Armadale Stadium at the end of the 2022 season.
“The West Lothian venue, which has hosted the most successful era of the Monarchs, will close later this year as notice has been formally served that the club must vacate the stadium.
“The current stadium owners are ending their tenure as landlords and intend to sell the site this year. They have been supportive landlords and the club is understanding of their change of circumstances.
“Armadale Stadium may not have been the plushest of homes for the Monarchs but the club has enjoyed much success and many terrific times both on and off track at the stadium.”
Monarchs chairman Alex Harkess said: “Armadale Stadium has been a happy place for the club over what has been very many years. We are thankful to have had it as our home and will be sad to see it go, but we must now look to the future and that is exciting.
“There is life beyond Armadale Stadium for the Monarchs.
“For the remainder of this season, the team has a job to do. It is still early days and a place in the play-offs is very achievable. With the continued excellent support of our fans, we can get there.”
The club are working hard to secure the future of the club and have confirmed that West Lothian Council have ‘expressed their support for retaining the Monarchs in the area’ with discussions between the council and the club ongoing.
Monarchs co-promoter John Campbell added: “For many years there has been a threat to the existence of Armadale Stadium. Throughout that time we have been developing plans and casting a wide search over the local area for a new stadium.
“This will be a significant challenge but as a club, with our wonderful supporters, we are known to rise to challenges again, and again, and succeed. That is what we will do here.
“We are working hard at it and will continue to work even harder still.
“The two critical ingredients for our new stadium are finding the right site and securing the necessary finance. We are putting out a call to anyone who can assist us in these areas to please come forward and contact the club.”
The statement continued: “If you are able to assist the club in its bid to move to a new stadium, or can support the move financially, email future@edinburghmonarchs.co.uk with details of how you can help.
“The Monarchs Fans Trust and Monarchs Grand Draw continue to play a vital role in ensuring the continuation of the Monarchs presently and into the future. The steadfast support of these initiatives by Monarchs fans will be crucial in delivering a bright future for the club.
“The club will keep supporters informed of all updates regarding the future where possible over the coming weeks and months.”
A West Lothian Council spokesperson added: “Discussions over potential alternative sites for a new stadium in West Lothian are ongoing.”