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Dad's dream becomes reality as community rallies round top-notch Black Isle facility


By Hector MacKenzie

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Honour of first serve on new court went to Moira Reid (82), five times winner of Avoch championship with representatives of Avoch Amenities Association, councillors and representatives of Rosehaugh Estate.. Picture: Gary Anthony. Image No.044150
Honour of first serve on new court went to Moira Reid (82), five times winner of Avoch championship with representatives of Avoch Amenities Association, councillors and representatives of Rosehaugh Estate.. Picture: Gary Anthony. Image No.044150

A POIGNANT community drive to create a world class sports facility at the heart of a Ross-shire village will provide a lasting legacy to the local man whose tragic death became a catalyst to make the dream a reality.

The opening of a multi-use games area in the Black Isle village represents a major achievement in realising a £300,000 vision to create a transformational facility in an area which prides itself on having sport at its heart.

Avoch Amenities Association (AAA) was inspired to see through a project started by the late George Jack, who died on New Year's Day in 2017 at the age of 36 after being struck by a car while making his way home after a stint working in the village's popular pavilion.

Mr Jack had chaired the AAA which drew up plans for a football pitch, tennis and sports courts next to the village's sports pavilion.

The opening of the facilities at a family fun day at the weekend followed a determined drive which saw locals and well-wishers rally round a series of fundraising events.

She had previously spoken of building a legacy by providing a modern facility everyone could be proud of.

Mr Jack's widow, Jillian, said yesterday he would have been "absolutely delighted" to see the project come to fruition. She said: "He always hoped he would live to see his own kids play on the court."

Poignantly, the couple's daughters Kacie and Alys were amongst those trying out the news facilities on Saturday.

As delighted locals tried out the new courts on Saturday, AAA committee member Andy McLeman said the next phase of the project would be to redevelop a derelict bowling green into a five-a-side football pitch and establish a toilet block. he pavilion has been developed as a social club which is providing a stream of revenue to help meet costs. The next step has been priced at around £150,000.

AAA was successful in securing funding from the Suez Communities Trust and Highland Council’s Leader fund towards the first phase of the £300,000 refurbishment.

A number of businesses also helped with fundraising which was further boosted with a well-supported Vuelta de Isla Negra – a round the Black Isle cycle ride inspired by a Spanish event.

Mr Jack died of his injuries in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on January 9 and it was later revealed that three of his organs were donated to recipients – one of whom later contacted his family to say he was doing well.


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