One of Scotland’s former top livery and competition centres will re-open its doors to equestrianism on June 1.
Renamed and rebranded as ‘Blue Ridge Equestrian Centre’ the site at Sheildhill, Falkirk previously known as Kingsbarn has been purchased by Slamannan farmer and businessman Alasdair Beaton and his family.
The Beaton’s move to re-establish the centre comes just three months after selling agents Baird Lumsden set a closing date on the sale of Kingsbarns on behalf of liquidators Grainger Corporate Rescue.
“We only received the keys to the centre during the last fortnight, so it has been very hectic to get the centre up and running again,” confirmed Mr Beaton’s wife Linda, on Tuesday.
She said the family is excited for the future of Blue Ridge and they hope the news they are re-opening the centre will be well received by the Scottish equestrian community.
According to Mrs Beaton, the centre will be managed on a day-to-day basis for the family by Lisa Mcilreavy.
Blue Ridge EC will open its doors to horses on full livery only, from June 1, but Mrs Beaton confirmed they certainly plan to host competitions including British Showjumping further down the line.
An open day will take place at Blue Ridge EC on Sunday, June 14, 2015, for anyone wishing to look around.
“The day will include free pony rides and demonstrations and will give everyone the opportunity to see the facilities,” explained Mrs Beaton.
The Beatons are well-known amidst the farming community in Central Scotland, breeding and showing pedigree Texel sheep from their farm at Wester Crosshill.
Indeed, Mr Beaton previously set a world record, in 2011, with the purchase of a £33,600 record priced Texel ewe called Elle at Carlisle.
The Beatons, who have always had horses on their family farm, have also forged an association with British Showjumping in Scotland over recent years.
Under the banner of the family’s building firm Chemcem Scotland’s premier Bridge Care Company Mr Beaton sponsors top showjumper Ron Brady and also supports BS competition across the country.
Showjumpers at the annual Royal Highland Show vie for top honours in the Chemcem Accumulator competition, a feature top score class that includes a ‘Joker’ fence.
This contest will take place for 2015 at Ingliston on the newly developed all-weather Ring 6, on the Sunday of the four-day agricultural showcase.