£900k Blairgowrie and Rattray pavilion opens with surprise tribute to local stalwart

Sandy Thomson says he's 'proud, relieved, chuffed and slightly overwhelmed' to see the Blairgowrie and Rattray community pavilion open.

By Morag Lindsay

February 3 2025, 12:37pm

Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Trust trustees Donna Gillie, Sandy Thomson, Perth and Kinross councillor Caroline Shiers, Peter Scobbie, First Minister John Swinney and Morag Young at the opening of the new pavilion. Image: Richard Wilkins/DC Thomson.

Blairgowrie and Rattray’s new £900,000 sports pavilion has officially opened at the Davie Park football ground.

And the launch event featured a surprise tribute to the local stalwart whose dedication helped make it possible.

The social area in the new building is to be called The Thomson Room, after Sandy Thomson.

The Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Trust (BRCFT) chairman learned of the honour when First Minister John Swinney presented him with a plaque with his name on it during the opening ceremony.

Sandy said it was a momentous day for the whole community.

“It’s fair to say I am proud, relieved, chuffed and slightly overwhelmed to see this project finally come to fruition after so many years,” he said.

Sandy Thomson at pavilion, holding plaque which reads 'The Thomson Room' in front of group of people touring facilities — Sandy was delighted to see the new plaque at the Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Trust pavilion. Image: Richard Wilkins/DC Thomson.

“But most of all, I am just delighted that we now have a facility of this calibre in Rattray for the local community.

“This is a community building and will hopefully benefit people of all ages and abilities for many years to come.”

Pavilion there for entire Blairgowrie and Rattray community

David Park is home to Blairgowrie Junior FC and the headquarters for all levels of football in the town.

This includes a number of youth teams for both girls and boys.

There’s also a new women’s team and an over-35s team.

And walking football sessions enable people of all ages to get involved in the beautiful game.

Blairgowrie and Rattray women's football team posing for team photo in goalmouth — Blairgowrie and Rattray women’s football team are among the groups who will make use of the new community pavilion Image: Ethan Williams

Around 400 people are part of teams affiliated with Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Trust. And the number is growing every year.

The new pavilion boasts changing rooms, toilets and showers.

There’s also a flexible social space and meeting rooms, a kitchen, reception area, a ticket booth and public toilets.

The facilities will also be available for use by the wider community.

Latest stage in £2m Davie Park boost

Sunday’s opening event was the culmination of several years of hard work and fundraising.

Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Trust has invested around £2 million in Davie Park over the last few years.

Group of people cutting blue ribbon to declare Blairgowrie and Rattray community pavilion open — Roland Bean from the Gannochy Trust; Aileen Campbell from Scottish Women’s Football, First Minister John Swinney, Sandy Thomson, Cameron Watt from the SFA and Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade at the official opening of the Blairgowrie and Rattray community pavilion. Image: Richard Wilkins/DC Thomson.

The pavilion is the second phase of the ground’s development.

The first phase, involving a new 3G pitch, floodlighting, fencing and a car park, was officially opened in 2022.

Mr Swinney, who is also the local MSP, said: “This club has made an extraordinary contribution to the community in Blairgowrie and Rattray over many years.

“To everyone who has contributed to achieving this – the funders, the volunteers and of course to Sandy himself – thank you for all that’s been accomplished.”