Stirling to host 'world class' home of Scottish cricket

The Scottish cricket team has qualified for next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

Stirling is set to become the home of Scottish cricket with the construction of a "world class" new facility.

The proposed move, agreed between Stirling Council and Cricket Scotland, would see the sporting body relocate from Edinburgh to New Williamfield.

A new pavilion would be built at the home of Stirling County Cricket Club, which would serve as a training ground for the Scotland team.

If the project is agreed, international matches would also be hosted there.

The local authority's community planning and regeneration committee has already given approval in principle for the move, and upgrading work at New Williamfield is expected to begin later this year.

It's hoped the first international matches can be played there next summer during the T20 World Cup qualifiers.

The new facility would form part of a planned sports village at Forthbank in Stirling, which is also set to be home to Scotland's National Centre for Curling.

Cricket Scotland is currently based at the Scottish Cricket Academy at Ravelston in Edinburgh.

The facility at New Williamfield could host international matches from next summer

The pavilion and ground would be shared with Stirling County Cricket Club

Cricket Scotland's Keith Oliver said the national side's qualification for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand made this an "exciting year for cricket in Scotland".

"We're very excited and very much look forward to moving in to a new world-class centre for cricket in the heart of Scotland, with excellent facilities and an upgraded ground," he said.

"The new facility, which will be of One Day International standard, will serve as the perfect training centre for Scotland's players at all levels and international teams seeking a training base outwith their own season.

"It will provide a world-class facility for players, members of the club, the local cricket community and visitors to watch matches at all levels and to truly engage with our increasingly popular sport."

Les Sutton of Stirling County Cricket Club said he was "delighted" to welcome Cricket Scotland to New Williamfield.