Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has raised the possibility of Proceeds of Crime funding being used to help finance the redevelopment of the 3G pitch in Fort William with Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

After raising the issue with the Cabinet Secretary, Dave has written to formally register his bid for the 3G pitch redevelopment to be considered in the next allocation round from the Proceeds of Crime fund.

Dave said: “The Proceeds of Crime fund is an excellent way of ensuring that some of the damage caused by criminal activity is righted. A redeveloped 3G pitch at Fort William will be an valuable resource for football and shinty teams in the wider Lochaber area, and I believe this would be an excellent investment for the proceeds of crime.

“The Lochaber Sports Association and the Highland Council have been looking into developing a new state of the art sports complex, and if funding can be secured from the Proceeds of Crime fund the redevelopment of the 3G pitch would sit very well with these wider plans for investment in Fort William’s sports facilities.

“Previous rounds of funding have seen substantial investments in projects, and I would hope that the Proceeds of Crime fund could contribute at least 50% of the cost of the redevelopment."

Note:

A copy of the letter Dave sent to Mr MacAskill is below.

Dear Kenny,

Cashback Proceeds of Crime

I understand that the next round of allocations from the Proceeds of Crime fund is coming up. I would like to press the case for funding to be provided for the redevelopment of a 3G pitch which requires a new surface in Fort William.

Lochaber Sports Association and Highland Council are working to develop a new state of the art sports centre which would be used for both football and shinty, and the redevelopment of the 3G pitch would fit well with this wider investment.

I hope you will agree with me that these facilities would be hugely beneficial to the Fort William and Lochaber community, and that the decision will be made to contribute at least 50% of the costs of the redevelopment from the Proceeds of Crime Fund.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Thompson

MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch