THE Maroons have gone green - and they're saving a fortune.

Forward-thinking officials at Gala Rugby Club took out a loan to install solar panels at Netherdale.

And they are already making around £6,000 worth of energy savings in the first year as well as reducing the club's carbon dioxide emissions by over 11 tonnes.

As part of ongoing improvements at the 104 year old club, officials approached Resource Efficient Scotland for an on-site assessment that focused on measures to reduce the costs for heating, lighting and water.

In total potential savings worth over £21,000 were identified.

Graham Low, president of Gala Rugby Club, told us: “We are very pleased with the help we have received from Resource Efficient Scotland.

"The initial advice we received encouraged us to look at alternative heating technologies and we are very excited about the prospect of being part of a sustainable district heating scheme."

While installing a new heating system was recommended, this was put on hold as it was reported that Scottish Water might be planning to install an anaerobic digestion plant close to Gala Rugby Club.

During the initial assessment, using photovoltaic technology was considered, but the Netherdale facilities were not used significantly over the summer period, so it was decided that this was unlikely to be an economically attractive option.

However, last summer, the Scottish Rugby Union asked to use the facilities at Gala for various sporting activities including significant use over the summer.

This made the case for PV technology more attractive and the club applied for and received a Resource Efficient Scotland SME loan to help it purchase and install panels.

Mr Low added: "The loan we received for the PV panels has not only enabled us to save a lot of money, but is also a very visible sign of our commitment to reducing the Club’s environmental impact.”

It is expected that the PV installation will provide the club with around 70 per cent of its electricity consumption.

The reduction in operating costs will help to ensure that Gala Rugby Club is at the heart of the Galashiels community for many years to come.

Zero Waste Scotland is encouraging other businesses and clubs in the Borders to follow Gala's example.

Scottish Government loans of up to £100,000 are available to help them make positive efficiency changes which save money and reduce waste.

Examples include installing LED lighting, better insulation, boiler upgrades and renewable technologies.

In addition to financial assistance businesses also receive their own Resource Efficient Scotland expert advisor.

Zero Waste Scotland Chief Executive, Iain Gulland, said: “We know many businesses share our vision of maximising resource efficiency and keeping costly waste to a minimum, and often it’s the initial investment needed that’s the missing ingredient.

"The SME Loan Fund is a great way for enterprises to make optimum use of energy, water and waste under expert guidance at no extra cost - ultimately delivering savings while helping the environment.”