NEW changing facilities at Haddington Rugby Club have been opened after months of refurbishment work.

A lift has been installed to allow for disabled access and new changing rooms have been added, while the existing changing facilities have also been given a makeover.

The latest work is the final stage of a £350,000 redevelopment project over the last four years, the seventh major alteration to the clubhouse since it was built in 1963.

The National League Division 3 side welcomed Councillor John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, to open the clubhouse before their match with Perthshire.

Mr McMillan said he was “delighted” to open the new facilities and presented a plaque to club president Clifford Livingstone to mark the occasion. He followed in the footsteps of former provost Harvey Gardiner, who opened the original clubhouse more than 50 years ago.

Mr McMillan also praised the work of the club’s volunteers in getting the project over the line.

He said: “You must be really proud of what you have here.”

Mr Livingstone said: “We are delighted to finish this important work, providing modern extended changing rooms for both sexes and mobility access to all levels of the club.”

The new disabled lift was opened by Kris Paterson, vice-captain last season, who spent months in hospital after suffering a serious spine injury following a farm accident. He opened the lift alongside Jim Littlefair of charity Hearts and Balls, which helped fund it.

Much of the project was funded by Viridor Credits. A spokesperson said: “Viridor Credits are delighted to award funding towards the upgrade of these facilities and we know that this will encourage more people to use them and sustain the club in the longer term.

“It’s great the club has been so forward-thinking in seeking improvements and the funds have gone a long way to making Haddington RFC one of the best-equipped clubs in the area.”

Nick Rennie of Scottish Rugby said: “We’re pleased to be helping a hard-working club like Haddington improve their facilities to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible. We’re sure that this latest upgrade of their changing rooms will help them grow the game further.”