£200k for rugby club

ANNAN RFC have received a £200,000 grant towards their clubhouse renovation ambitions.

The six-figure sum has been awarded from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund to help upgrade the pavilion at Violetbank.

Estimated to have a total cost of around £1.4 million, the new space will include additional changing rooms, an office space, a fully equipped kitchen, and multi-purpose spaces for community groups and club functions.

Annan Rugby has good links with a number of community groups, so the improved facility will support greater access for under-represented groups and multi-generational participation.

NHS referral programmes, inclusive sport festivals and youth mental health workshops will also be supported by the new pavilion.

The aim behind the fund is to support capital projects which are designed to create or improve the places where people take part in sport and physical activity in their local community.

Neil Moffat, president of Annan RFC, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be receiving this funding from sportscotland.

“It’s a massive step forward for Annan Rugby Club and will make a real difference to what we can offer both on and off the pitch.

“The new facilities will give us the space to grow, improve the experience for our players and volunteers, and facilitate further engagement with the local community.

“It’s a really exciting time for everyone in the town and those involved with the club.

“We believe this facility is the missing link in terms of engaging players, parents, supporters and sponsors, which will ensure a sustainable future for Annan Rugby.”

Chief executive officer of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “Everyone involved at Annan RFC has demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that sporting opportunities will be greatly increased in their local community and more people will experience all the positives we know that sport brings.”

Additional funding applications are ongoing, with work expected to begin in the spring of 2027.