Murdo Fraser MSP said he is “disappointed” with the response of the Scottish Government to his plea for a financial model to help secure the future of sporting venues such as the Dewars Centre in Perth.
The Scottish Conservative politician was reacting to contributions made in a Members’ Business Debate on the Dewars Centre that he had brought to the Chamber at the Scottish Parliament.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I was pleased with most of the speeches from fellow members during the debate but I am disappointed with the response from the Scottish Government to what is a very serious issue. All we got was a lot of warm words from Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, after I had put forward the suggestion that the Scottish Government should engage with bodies such as Scottish Curling to address this issue. They have been campaigning for the future of ice rinks such as Dewars across the country, to ensure a bright future for the sport.
“The Scottish Government should be looking at providing funding to local authorities to help sporting facilities like Dewars but there was no positive news at all from the Minister at the debate. At a time when local councils have had their budgets slashed by the Scottish Government, we are seeing more and more sporting venues like the Dewars Centre being put under financial pressure, and consequently under threat of possible closure.
“Sports like curling and indoor bowls are vital in terms of encouraging fitness, reducing barriers to inequality and fostering a sense of community. I was delighted to be granted the Members’ Business Motion on the Dewars Centre but the Scottish Government really need to step up to the plate here and look at how they can help secure the future of facilities like Dewars."”
Following the debate, John Swinney MSP issued a written apology to the Presiding Officer and MSPs who had attended the debate, after he had stated that a comment made by Douglas Lumsden MSP, that funding from the UK Swimming Pool Fund was additional to the previously allocated funding by the UK Government was incorrect. Mr Swinney later realised he was actually incorrect and that the funding was allocated in March 2023, and not October 2022 which he had wrongly stated.
