New chapter at Grangemouth – as keys are handed over to Community Sports Trust

Tuesday 27th May 2025

Colin Hutchison (centre) with Falkirk Council representatives and Ian Noble of the Grangemouth Community Sports Trust (second from right)

Green light for Grangemouth rescue plan

Grangemouth Stadium has officially entered community management following the handover of keys to Grangemouth Community Sports Trust this week.

The move marks the start of a one-year Community Benefit Licence approved by Falkirk Council, which enables the Trust to run the stadium while working towards a longer-term Community Asset Transfer (CAT).

If approved, the transfer would represent one of the largest and most significant CATs of its kind in Scotland.

Council support

The licence enables the venue to remain open and active throughout the busy summer athletics season and beyond.

Under the agreement, the Trust will operate the stadium on a full repairing and insuring basis for a nominal rent of £1 per year, reflecting the community benefits.

To support the transition, the Council is providing up to £120,000 of revenue financial support over two years. It will also carry out capital works worth up to £350,000 to improve the condition of the facility and give the Trust the best possible start.

Previously costing the Council around £600,000 a year to operate, the stadium will now benefit from charitable rates relief, which for 2024/25 was £157,917, along with greater flexibility to access grant funding.

As a registered charity with national connections, the Trust also has the experience and partnerships needed to manage the stadium and develop its potential as both a local sports facility and a national athletics venue.

First events announced

The first major event under the Trust’s management takes place on 1 June 2025, with a busy calendar of activity planned for the months ahead.

Already we understand that 25 track and field events have been booked in for the summer season.

We are looking at the likes of Scottish Schools, Scottish Championships, Para Champs, Event groups meets like our Throws GP and league meetings coming up over the next few weeks.

Colin Hutchison, Chief Executive of scottishathletics said: ‘Grangemouth Stadium is a cornerstone of the local community and an iconic sporting venue in Scotland.

‘We are delighted to have worked with Falkirk Victoria Harriers, Forth Valley Flyers and other local partners to form Grangemouth Community Sports Trust (GCST) and keep the Stadium open through the Community Benefit Licence.

‘I would like to thank Falkirk Council for the financial support they have committed to help GCST succeed and sportscotland for their support in helping protect a key national competition facility.

‘The hard work starts now for GCST and all the partners involved. The long-term future of Grangemouth Stadium is still uncertain and the support of partners, local businesses and the local community will be essential to delivering the vision.’

Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said: ‘The handover of Grangemouth Stadium is a significant milestone for the Trust and Scotland’s athletics community. It also ensures continued access for the local community.

‘We’ve worked closely with the Trust to make this possible and have put in place financial and practical support to help them succeed.

‘Their plans show real ambition and care for the venue’s future, and we hope the community will get behind them and come along to the events and activities planned over the months ahead.

‘If the longer-term transfer is approved, it would represent one of the largest Community Asset Transfers of its kind in Scotland – a major step in local ownership of a national-level facility.’