A project that will see three state-of-the-art synthetic sport pitches built in Dumfries and Galloway is to receive government funding totalling £1 million.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government committed £600,000 from its CashBack for Communities programme to help install two 3G sports pitches in the region as part of a £5 million investment in grass roots sport across Scotland.

Speaking after the summer cabinet meeting in Stranraer today, First Minister Alex Salmond confirmed that the funding had been increased to help a third pitch be built and ensuring all-weather facilities will be available to communities in Stranraer, Dumfries and Annan.

The additional £400,000 investment will come from sportscotland - Scotland's national agency for sport.

First Minister Alex Salmond said:"Our commitment to grass roots sport in Scotland is clear, with millions invested by this government since we took office in 2007.

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"Earlier this year, we bolstered that commitment by giving £5 million confiscated from criminals to projects that will help community clubs across Scotland beat the weather and train all-year-round in state-of-the-art facilities.

"Today's announcement of an additional £400,000 will mean the communities of Stranraer, Annan and Dumfries will each benefit from a 3G synthetic pitch, growing the participation in sport throughout the region and increasing the chances of unearthing future Scottish sporting stars in Dumfries and Galloway."

The total cost of the three pitches project is estimated at £1.5 million. The government funding package comprises £600,000 from CashBack and £400,000 from sportscotland. Dumfries and Galloway Council and sportscotland are currently in discussions about a package to meet the additional funding requirements.

The Stranraer pitch will be located at Stranraer Academy; in Dumfries it will be at Dumfries High School; The pitch in Annan will be at Annan Athletic Football Club.

CashBack for Communities uses money taken from the proceeds of crime to fund a programme of free diversionary activities for young Scots and larger facilities projects to benefit communities across Scotland.

Since its launch in 2007, more than £41 million has been reinvested back into communities in Scotland through sporting, cultural, youth and third sector organisations. More than half a million young people have benefited.

(GK)