The Borders region is set to enhance its tennis infrastructure with the commencement of construction on a new £3.8 million indoor tennis facility at Galashiels Academy. This initiative marks a significant development for the local sports scene, as it will introduce the first covered tennis courts in the area.
Funded by the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis (TSIT) Fund in collaboration with the Scottish Borders Council (SBC), the new facility will feature three artificial clay courts, which will be constructed under a protective canopy. This addition is expected to complement the existing sports provisions at the academy, which has already established itself as a hub for athletic activities.
The Borders boasts a vibrant tennis community, with 12 registered clubs and over 1,500 active members. The introduction of this new facility is anticipated to further invigorate local interest in tennis, providing a space for both casual players and serious athletes to train and compete.
Galashiels Academy will become the fourth site developed under the TSIT initiative, joining other notable facilities at Oriam in Edinburgh, Moray Sports Centre in Elgin, and the King George V sports complex in Dumfries. These sites collectively aim to promote tennis across Scotland, particularly in areas where access to indoor courts has been limited.
In addition to the tennis courts, the new facility at Galashiels Academy will also include two canopy-covered padel courts. Padel is a rapidly growing sport in Scotland, and this addition will provide further opportunities for local residents to engage in this exciting game.
The Galashiels Academy community campus, which opened its doors to students in January, is designed to be a focal point for community engagement and physical activity. SBC leader Euan Jardine emphasized the importance of the new tennis centre, stating that it will enable individuals of all ages to become more active while also serving as a training ground for the region's rising tennis stars.
Meanwhile, the indoor tennis facility in Dumfries has also recently celebrated its official opening. This centre has already begun serving the community by offering three courts for schools, clubs, and players of varying skill levels, highlighting the growing emphasis on making tennis accessible to all.
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