A state-of-the-art Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) has officially opened at St Barbara's Primary School in Muirhead. The new installation provides a high-quality sports environment for both the school's pupils and the wider local community.

The facility is equipped with a 100-metre running track featuring solar-powered "cat eyes" to improve visibility for users. This track circles a full-size netball court, which includes dedicated bench and buffer zones. The space is designed for versatility, with markings for tennis and mini goals that allow for cross-court football matches.

Beyond the main surface, the surrounding area has been returned to grass and fitted with goals for small-sided football. Since its completion, the MUGA has become a central hub for the school, used daily for PE lessons, outdoor learning, and sports training.

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Head Teacher Sheelah McKinney described the new facility as a game-changer for the school community: "The new MUGA has proved transformative for our school. It has completely enhanced our outdoor provision and has given children a safe, high-quality space to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy being active together. We are using it nearly every day, and the enthusiasm from pupils has been wonderful to see."

Pupils have expressed significant praise for the development. Jack, a P7 pupil, said: "It's brilliant. We can do athletics, basketball and football all in one place. The running track is my favourite, especially when we're racing. It makes PE much more exciting."

The project was designed to be inclusive, featuring an accessible entrance from Drumcavel Road to allow local residents to use the facility outside of school hours. To ensure the area remains safe and welcoming, new CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the MUGA and its surroundings.

Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families, welcomed the development: "This fantastic new facility at St Barbara's Primary School demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in high-quality learning environments for our children and young people. The MUGA will support health, wellbeing and community engagement for years to come. It was great to hear that it is already being used so regularly and making such a positive difference."

Reflecting the school's identity, the MUGA has been finished in colours inspired by the St Barbara's Primary logo, and the school badge is set to be integrated into the surface design.