A STATE-of-the-art sports facility in Gullane has been completed in time for the Gullane Games.

The new all-weather pitch, which will be home to rugby, football, hockey, cricket and basketball sides, was completed in time for the annual week-long celebrations.

Mike Mackie, chairman of the Gullane Sports Development Trust, was delighted to see the facility open off the village’s Memorial Recreation Park.

He said: “It is completed and we got the hand over just last Friday. There were a few snags but it is now being used and we are absolutely delighted with it.

“We wanted to try to get it opened in time for the Gullane Games and, thankfully, with a bit of running around at the end, we managed to use it on Saturday for the hockey.

“The kids are using it and it is open for all and everybody to use.” Planning permission was given by the local authority in September.

Residents raised £80,000 to ensure the facility became a reality, with the plans receiving fundraising grants, including £150,000 from Viridor earlier this year.

Work is still to be carried out on a changing and storage area but Mr Mackie was hopeful of progress being made within the next 12 months.

He said: “We are looking at the second phase of the project and are still in the course of obtaining funding for the building. It will be a modest changing facility and storage facility and it is hoped to have that completed by March 2016.” An official opening is being held on September 6, with details of an opening ceremony being drawn up.

Mr Mackie added: “We are just wanting to mark the occasion formally.

“The facility will be used before then but we want to invite the individuals and groups that have supported the trust both financially and with help to get us to where we are.”