City of Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael was given a tour of the new rugby facilities at Canal Parks and was then supported by Highland Rugby Club Co-Captains Rory Cross and Stuart MacDonald as she kicked the first rugby ball on the brand new 3G synthetic pitch.
Speaking about the newest addition to the Bught Park area, the Provost said, “The new Canal Parks facilities are absolutely incredible and further enhance the extensive leisure provision located at this side of the City.
“It really is such a stunning setting and I am sure the visiting teams will be very envious not only of the facilities but also the location that Highland Rugby Club is lucky enough to have. There can’t be many other rugby venues around the country that can boast such a beautiful backdrop as the one we have at Canal Parks.”
Responding, Andy Little, Chairman of Highland Rugby Club said he was absolutely delighted with getting access to the playing surfaces, “We were pleased to have the Provost visit the site and see for herself what the venue has to offer to the City but also to the wider Highlands.
“We are pleased to work in partnership with The Highland Council, the Contractor and High Life Highland to access the new 3G pitch while the finishing touches are being put to the pavilion. This means our teams will get a week’s worth of training on their new ground prior to their first matches against Gordonians and RAF Lossiemouth this weekend (30th September)”.
The Provost concluded, “I look forward to coming back to see all the facilities in use by the Club and the wider community in the forthcoming weeks, month and years and in the meantime wish the Highland teams all the very best of luck on their new pitches and hope they bring home their first senior teams home wins at Canal Parks this weekend.”
The facilities at the new venue will be operated by High Life Highland, the Council’s arms-length charity in partnership with Highland Rugby Club. Community access will become available to individuals, community groups, and organisations early in the New Year.
