The Kippen sports field has been given a makeover courtesy of Kippen Sports Development Limited (KSDL) and the Criminal Justice team from Stirling Council.

Councillor Graham Houston and Councillor Ian Brown visited the Kippen playing field to witness improvements.

KSDL (formally KSDG before it achieved its Limited and charitable status) was set up in late 2007 in order to upgrade the field to bring football back to Kippen and to make the area a multi-sports facility, to be used by the whole community.

The developments to the facility were staggered over the last four years and ranged from eradicating mole hills, a new drainage system, leveling the playing field to meet the Scottish Football Association requirements for junior football and rugby, a new 'type two' surfaced road and grass sown on the field.

Fencing has also been erected to protect the field until it is ready for playing on, a redevelopment and extension have been added to the pavilion including a disabled toilet, changing facilities and showers, kitchen area and social room.

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There are also further plans to create a racetrack for runners and to build a storage unit for equipment.

Funding for the project was raised through various channels including local fundraising, and award money from various sources including Gift Aid, Scottish Community Foundation and Scottish Rural Development Programme.

A total of £125,000 was raised.

Chair of Kippen Sports Development Limited, Tom Connelly, commented: "With terrific community support, grant funding agencies together with time freely given, we are delighted with what has thus far been achieved. Work with the sports field and pavilion is well up to schedule for a grand opening next spring. Today we take the time to express our thanks to Stirling Council and the assistance and work undertaken by the Criminal Justice’s Community Payback Task Squads."

Council Leader and Portfolio holder for Policy, Strategy and Social Care, Graham Houston, added: "It is great to see how the community have pulled together and achieved so much in such a short space of time. It is a good example of community spirit, determination and provides an invaluable example to others that may want to do something similar in their local community. A further thank you must be given to the Criminal Justice’s Community Payback Task Squads who fulfilled their role in repaying the community for their past by helping to create something so worthwhile in a rural village."

(JG/GK)