Largs Thistle have been awarded a government-backed grant to install floodlighting at Barrfields.
The grant is part of the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme funded by the government and is investing over £320 million between 2021 and 2025 to level up facilities across the UK.
The award to Thistle was given after an application through the Scottish Football Association, which is committed to raising the standards of football grounds and training facilities across the country.
Work on the floodlights will start as soon as the logistics are in place and it’s hoped that the new lights could be in place by the end of January 2025.
Thistle chairman, Alistair McMaster, said, “We are delighted with the award of this grant. It is a huge boost for both the club and the town. Floodlights will mean that Barrfields will be available to ourselves and the local community throughout the year to host matches and other events. It’s an exciting development for the future and long-term sustainability of the club. We have worked closely with Largs Colts throughout this process and it is great that the youth of Largs will also benefit as a result of there being more opportunity with young Colts and Thistle players taking preference to play and train at Barrfields.
“Everyone at the club will continue to work diligently to ensure that all conditions of the award are met quickly thereby allowing work to start as soon as practical.
“We wouldn’t have been able to get to this stage without significant contribution from several third-parties and further announcements will follow over the next month or so when further details and full thanks will be given.