A spur of the moment request has netted pitch lighting for an ambitious Perth football club.
Martin Glen was passing Perth High School when he spotted work getting under way on the new £80 million development.
He suspected pylons and lighting around the MUGA games pitch might be surplus to requirement.
Now Martin admits Fair City Kids and East of Scotland First Division side Kinnoull have “scored big time” from his cheeky call to Tayside civil engineering contractors Kilmac.
“Fair City Kids teams had been training on the site so we were aware of the plans for the new High School,” said Martin.
“Like a lot of clubs, we have been struggling for facilities. Fair City Kids are coaching youngsters from tots from three-years-olds up through the age groups. We are looking at adding an amateur team and a 2007 born side for next season.
“I first got involved with the club nine years ago and I’m just back.
“It has really grown under the leadership of chairperson Gail Hamilton and her support team.
“There are around 600 youngsters involved every week, along with 72 on the coaching side of things. We also have 20-30 refugees attending.
“The girls section covers U8, U10 and U12 and the women’s team plays at football festivals every month.
“We are in the process of a tie-up with Kinnoull, who are based near Tulloch Works.
“It’s a work in progress but the concept would be to become a feeder club and produce players at that level in years to come.
“The idea of approaching Kilmac came from a flippant comment at one of our matches and I had spotted their vans at the High School."
He added: “It was a case of nothing ventured, nothing gained.
“The upshot was a phone call on spec to Kilmac. They have come up trumps along with main contractors Robertsons. Everyone has been incredibly supportive.
“The lighting will allow us to train during the long dark winter nights, possibly on an area next to the enclosed pitch. With spring round the corner, we are in no rush so we will take our time to map out the detailed plans. This will be a summer project.
“We want to make the most of this very welcome, but entirely unexpected gift.
“Hopefully we can secure backing from another local business to help with the cost of concreting the pylons into the ground.”
Greg Hutcheson, contracts manager with Kilmac, said: “We have been delighted to support the Fair City Kids.
“Our main clients, Robertsons, gave the green light to gift the equipment to the club. It’s great that the columns and the 24 halogen lights can be recycled and benefit the local community.
“The MUGA was only around six-years-old so it’s all in very good condition. The galvanised columns look good as new.
“The biggest challenge was working out how to get them to the park in Tulloch. From tip to toe the columns come in at 17 metres.
“Thankfully Martin Smith at Cupar-based Iron Mix wanted to help out the club and they arranged a flatbed to transport the pylons from the High School to Tulloch Park.”
