Strathaven Rugby Football Club have been awarded £670,769 by the council-administered Renewable Energy Fund (REF) to construct an indoor training facility.

The proposed grant will be funded from West Brown Castle windfarm which contributes into the REF.

The award is 44% of the total project value of £1.5 million, with other funding streams secured or in the process of being considered.

President of Strathaven RFC Colin Dalgarno said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant which takes us closer to our overall budget for the project.

“It gives me great pride to say that building this facility will give Strathaven RFC the best grassroots rugby facilities in the West of Scotland.

“Having an indoor training facility will allow us to train consistently at all age grades throughout temperamental weather conditions whilst also being able to provide our community access to a multi-use sports facility year-round, helping us have an impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of not only our members but the wider South Lanarkshire community.

“In addition to these benefits the impact that having a significant solar panel and battery storage system installed along with the planned tree planting will contribute hugely to the club goal of becoming carbon neutral, while also reducing the clubs outgoings to allow us to focus on investing further monies into sports facilities for our community.”

Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development, Alison Brown, said: “This is a fantastic development which will benefit the whole community of Strathaven and beyond.

“It will help continue to grow wheelchair, walking, youth, girls and senior women’s sections of the club.

“Other organisations in the community such as Strathaven Dynamo AFC, Strathaven Striders and the Scouts and Guides will also have access to the facility at dedicated times.”