Published:
Gordon Strachan, Scotland national coach, is impressed with work at Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, after leading a Scottish FA delegation on a tour of the site.
It is one that should inspire the next generation of international players, not just in football, to fulfil their potential and we look forward to seeing this magnificent centre when it is complete.
Building is under way for the £33m state-of-the-art multi-sport centre which will be the crown jewel of the Scottish FA’s Performance Strategy as well as the performance base for Scottish Rugby Union, sportscotland institute of sport (East), Basketball Scotland, Scottish Handball and Scottish Squash and Racketball.
Mr Strachan was joined by his assistant coach, Stuart McCall, and Scottish FA Chief Executive Stewart Regan, who were all hugely impressed by the work in progress on the centre which is due to open in autumn 2016.
Gordon Strachan said, “It’s terrific that the Scottish Government has recognised the need for such a top-class facility and it certainly looks impressive even at this early stage of the build process. It is one that should inspire the next generation of international players, not just in football, to fulfil their potential and we look forward to seeing this magnificent centre when it is complete.”
The multi-sport centre will include a full-sized indoor pitch with seating for 500, top-level grass and synthetic outdoor pitches, a high performance strength and conditioning centre, a high performance medical centre and hydrotherapy pool, fitness centres, studios and support services
Stuart McCall believes people cannot fail to be impressed by Oriam. “The centre will have the best in indoor and outdoor facilities, and world-class sports science and medical provision. It really will give elite athletes the best chance possible to achieve the highest standards.
“The facility provides that platform for excellence and I am sure our national youth teams at all age levels will relish the surroundings and put in the effort and commitment necessary to reach the peak of their performance.”
Stewart Regan added, “This is the realisation of that vision created in 2011 on the back of the Review of Scottish Football authored by Henry McLeish.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government, Edinburgh City Council, Heriot-Watt University, sportscotland and all our other partners and sports governing bodies for their collective efforts in making Oriam such an exciting world-class performance centre for Scotland.”
Catriona McAllister, Oriam’s Chief Executive, said, “Everybody who comes to see the structure is blown away by the size and scale. All our partners are extremely impressed by the progress made so far and this was a fantastic opportunity for the Scottish FA team to see the project first hand.
“Once the build reaches conclusion, Oriam will not only be a high-performance facility which meets and exceeds the needs of our nation’s performance teams in a number of sports, but crucially it will be a centre which everybody in the nation, from grassroots to greatness, can use and benefit from.
“It will be a state of the art facility right at the heart of Heriot-Watt University. Oriam will provide a unique opportunity for Scotland’s top athletes, the local community and Heriot-Watt staff and students to excel and inspire future generations.“