​SPORTS IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN TO BE GIVEN SHARE OF £55M SCOT GOV SUPPORT

Spectator sports in Midlothian and East Lothian will receive a share of a £55million package announced by the SNP Scottish Government.
 
The support will help teams, such as Bonnyrigg Rose, Musselburgh Athletic and Whitehill Welfare, cope with a difficult period where they have been unable to welcome fans to matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Amongst the funding, £30m will go to football, £20m to rugby and £2.2m to ice hockey and rinks.
 
The money goes over and above what has been provided by the UK government in Barnett consequentials and means the SNP Scottish Government can provide the funds each sport needs.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie said:
 
“Sport is an integral part of the lives of the people of Midlothian and East Lothian and I know the strength of feeling there has been from fans of different sports as many have contacted my office with their concerns.
 
“That is why I am delighted the SNP Government has responded by engaging with our sporting bodies and tailoring a funding package to each sport that has gone above and beyond what was provided by the UK government in Barnett consequentials.
 
“This has been a difficult time for many sports in the area, this will provide the support they need. I would urge everyone in Midlothian and East Lothian to ensure we keep following guidelines and doing our best to suppress the virus. If we can all do that then we can eventually return to stadia and watch our favourite team play.”