Running track faces steep financial hurdle

A condition survey found significant repairs were required

Concerns have been raised about the future of a premier running track in the Highlands.

The facility, at Queens Park Athletics Stadium, is used primarily by Inverness Harriers.

However the athletics club, which recently financed a condition survey of the track, said £400,000 of urgent remedial work was now required to ensure it could continue to hold accredited elite level competitive events.

Championship, league, open and disability athletics competitions have all taken place at the site.

The only all-weather track in the Highlands has also played a vital role in the careers of eight Commonwealth Games and nine Great Britain athletes produced by the club.

President of Inverness Harriers Athletics Club, Charles Forbes, said it would be a hammer blow for the whole region if the facility were to close as a competitive venue.

He said it continued to play a pivotal role for many athletes, including Olympic hopeful Megan Keith.

High Life Highland, the organisation running leisure facilities on Highland Council's behalf, said it was working with the local authority to consider the options available for maintenance and the long-term refurbishment or replacement of the track.

A spokesperson said it had written to Inverness Harriers and said further exploration with UK Athletics and Labosport - which carried out the survey on the track - was needed to ensure a sustainable proposal could be agreed for consideration.