Built by East Ayrshire Council and managed by East Ayrshire Leisure, the FIFA*1 synthetic grass pitch is a key part of the modern sporting facilities now available to the young people from Doon Academy, Dalmellington, Bellsbank, St Xavier’s and Patna Primary Schools and the local community.

Facilities include the synthetic grass pitch, which can be used for training or competitive matches; a swimming pool and a fitness suite, which has been completely upgraded with new equipment suitable for all levels of fitness. There is also a multi-purpose hall which can be used for table tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and dance.

Pupils from the local schools displayed their skills in a number of sports including football, swimming and basketball and showed Kris Boyd, and the invited guests, the new facilities.

Kris Boyd said: “I was absolutely delighted to be asked to officially open Doon Valley synthetic pitch and unveil the official plaque.

“When you have a look around it is hard not to be impressed by the state of the art facilities on offer which will really benefit the local schools, the wider community and of course local club, Craigmark Burntonians, who train on the new pitch.

“I joined the youth development programme with Kilmarnock when I was 12 years old and started my professional career with the club so I know firsthand how important it is to have access to good, local training facilities when you are starting out. Youth development within football is a real passion of mine, so I applaud East Ayrshire Council for investing in sport and our future sportsmen and women.” Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “I was delighted to welcome back to Ayrshire, Kris Boyd, a former Scottish Internationalist, Kilmarnock favourite, and now with Rangers, to officially open this magnificent facility in Dalmellington.

“Through this investment, we have provided the Doon Valley with a state of the art facility which will be well supported by the local community and extremely well used by the local schools. Our aim is to have sporting facilities that are second to none; the Ayrshire Athletics Arena is another prime example of our ambition. We are building a strong legacy for our athletes, and our young people, into the future with easy access to the very best sporting facilities and equipment available.” Out with school hours East Ayrshire Leisure will manage the facility and provide fitness classes, kids and school holiday programmes and swimming lessons. Public swimming sessions and a full range of fitness classes and activities are also available.

A full range of fitness classes and activities are also on offer.