Our latest story from the Advertiser's archives goes back 15 years to the news that a new all-weather sports pitch in Garelochhead was to be funded by the National Lottery.
Here's how we reported the news in the Advertiser on February 5, 2004...
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AN ALL-WEATHER, multi-purpose sports pitch is set to be built at Bendarroch Park in Garelochhead.
Argyll and Bute Council has confirmed that a new floodlit synthetic grass area to accommodate a wide range of sports will be available before the end of the year.
Work on the pitch, which will be funded through a £107,499 award from the Lottery’s New Opportunities Fund, is due to start in early summer.
Garelochhead and Cove councillor George Freeman said: “I am absolutely delighted at the news that the council has been successful in obtaining an award from the New Opportunities Fund for the Bendarroch Park.
“It will provide a brand new facility on the site of the disused tennis court and will be available to be used by both the school and the community.
“The creation of the all-weather games area is part of a larger development in the park, which includes new changing rooms and which will complement the existing grass pitch.
“I would like to thank the council officers and others who have put a great deal of time and effort into the success of this project. It is good to know that the community will soon benefit from the fruits of these labours.”
Cherry Lyne of Garelochhead Community Council said that along with the tenants and residents association and Garelochhead Primary, they had been involved in lottery funding applications for some years regarding the pitch so the news would be welcomed by everyone.
“There is no great playing facility here," Cherry said, "and the weather is horrendous, so we need something that can be used all year round and in all weather.
“It is going to be very exciting and we will attempt to form a management committed to manage it within the community.
“It will be a great boon to the entire community.”
The new pitch will come as part of a £231,539 award for Argyll and Bute which includes a new floor at Mid Argyll Sports Centre.
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