THE president of the Scottish Rugby Union, Rob Flockhart, officially opened Selkirk Rugby Club’s impressive new changing rooms extension at Philiphaugh on Sunday.

The ceremony was watched by a large crowd of parents and young rugby players, who had all been involved in Selkirk Rhinos’ annual mini-rugby tournament which ended just prior to the opening.

Before inviting Mr Flockhart to cut the ribbon and declare the new facilities open, Selkirk Rugby Club president Rob Forrest paid tribute to the sports organisations, businesses and individuals who had worked so hard to bring the ambitious project to fruition.

“I would like to extend special thanks to Scottish Rugby, sportscotland and to the Hearts & Balls Charitable Trust for their generous financial assistance, as well as to Selkirk Rugby Club ex-president Elliot Henderson for his incredible support and commitment.”

Mr Forrest also highlighted the contributions made by Allied Surveyors Scotland director Jim Harold, who designed the new building, and project manager Dennis Henderson, as well as those of the local tradesmen involved in building and fitting out the new extension.

Before cutting the ribbon, SRU president Rob Flockhart congratulated Selkirk Rugby Club on “a fantastic achievement”, praising the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved in the venture.

“This is a huge move forward for the club, and the Scottish Rugby Union is thrilled it is in a position to help such an exciting development through its Club Sustainability Fund.

“Enthusiasm is what community rugby is all about, and I can see by the numbers of youngsters and parents here today that such enthusiasm and energy remain at the heart of the game’s grassroots.

“I wish Selkirk Rugby Club every success in the future, and I take great pleasure in now declaring this new extension officially opened.”

The new building is situated at the east and of the Philiphaugh grandstand, and comprises three new changing rooms, three sets of showers and a special physiotherapy/rehabilitation area for injured players.

The funding Selkirk received from Scottish Rugby is part of a £400,000 tranche shared by 14 clubs across the country in the first round of support from the SRU’s Club Sustainability Fund.

The successful clubs also received National Lottery funding from sportscotland to the value of over £600,000 for their projects, which have a combined cost of £3.8 million.

Altogether a total of £1.6 million has been earmarked by Scottish Rugby through the Club Sustainability Fund for investment in the domestic game across a four-year period.