A brand new sports pitch and high-spec changing pavilion has been completed and transferred to council ownership, bringing a health and wellbeing boost to an East Lothian town.

The facilities form part of the Letham Mains development in Haddington and will be made available to the local school, Letham Primary, as well as youth teams and the general public – operated on behalf East Lothian Council by the charitable trust, enjoyleisure.

Conforming to Sport Scotland natural turf pitch requirements, the playing surface and drainage was installed by Penicuik-based sports specialists, SportsMasters.

The pitch can be adapted to be used for a range of different sports, including football, rugby and hockey and is anticipated to be available for full use from the 2025/26 season to allow the grass to take root.

Cala Homes commissioned the work as well as constructing the changing pavilion, which benefits from a PV solar panel array to boost sustainability credentials and lower running costs.

Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director with Cala Homes (East), said: “The overarching vision at Letham Mains was to create a vibrant and healthy community and expansion to the town.

This sports facility is emblematic of this, and is a timely boost for the young people who will be able to train and bond through using it. We hope it is embraced by the school and youth teams and serves the community for generations to come.”

Councillor Colin McGinn, Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, said: “It’s vitally important that new developments bring a broader benefit to our region, whether through investing in infrastructure, or projects like this at Letham Mains.

As a result of the creation of this fantastic facility, residents can now benefit and I hope that it encourages more young people to keep an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Bill Axon, Chief Executive of Enjoy Leisure, said, “As East Lothian’s health and wellbeing charity, we’re committed to increasing activity participation levels across all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. With the introduction of this new pitch and pavilion, we’re hopeful that we’ll be a step closer to meeting our mission of creating happier, healthier communities.

We look forward to working in partnership with East Lothian Council to manage this new facility.”

The completion of works at the sports facility marks the latest milestone at Letham Mains, a masterplan development of 810 homes delivered by a mix of private developers and housing associations.

It includes a new linear park, civic square and Letham Primary School, the first school in East Lothian to be entirely funded by developer contributions.

More than 20,000 native species of trees and hedges have been planted across the site, including birch, oak, hawthorn and willow trees, while a series of footpaths including pedestrian bridges have been completed.

To find out more about using the new Letham sports pitch and pavilion, please contact enjoyleisure at the Aubigny Sports Centre in Haddington.