Plans are unveiled for a new £4.5m national shooting centre
PLANS have been unveiled for a £4.5 million national shooting centre in West Lothian, which would play host to events at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The proposal, put forward by the Scottish Target Shooting Federation (STSF), has already secured the support of Lothian and Borders Police.
The STSF said it hoped to create a "long lasting legacy" and has offered the force's Firearms Training Unit the opportunity to create a permanent base at the Scottish National Shooting Centre once the games are over.
The new facility would involve a major expansion from an existing clay pigeon shooting site at Morton Farm, five miles from Livingston.
During the games it would host pistol, rifle, clay pigeon, smallbore rifle and archery events for more than 200 athletes.
It would become the base for Scotland's shooting associations after the games.
The STSF is already in discussions with police about licensing and security aspects, while Glasgow 2014 officials have already inspected the site and will make their selection at a later date.
John Douglas, the Earl of Morton, who owns the land on which the centre would be based, has backed the proposal to develop the facility.
He said: "Morton Farm is a very good site to host the Commonwealth Games because it's only 30 minutes from Glasgow and you have Edinburgh Airport nearby.
"There's also quite a few hotels in the area and plenty of accommodation for competitors and spectators.
"Once the games are over it would allow Scotland to host a range of international sporting events.
"I understand there are already plans to cater for police firearms training.
"This would be a world-class facility and it would be a big draw for clubs around the world."
Assistant chief constable Iain Livingstone supports the proposal.
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Friday 18 May 2012
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