A new sports pitch has opened at RM Condor near Arbroath which will further strengthen its ties with the community.
The 3G astroturf pitch will be used by both the Royal Marines at Condor and sports teams including Arbroath Football Club and Arbroath Rugby Club.
The commanding officer of 45 Commando, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Cheesman, opened the venue, which was attended by the football and rugby teams as well as members of 45’s own rugby and football sides.
Lt Col Cheesman said: “This week we marked the official opening of a new 3G astroturf pitch at RM Condor with the contractors, unit football and rugby teams and representatives from Arbroath football and rugby clubs.
“This wonderful new facility enables competitive team sports to be played up to and including full contact rugby in all weathers and at all times of the day under floodlights.
“As always, I am keen to welcome the local community on to Condor as much as possible and this fully synthetic playing surface that looks and feels like grass is another fantastic opportunity to strengthen ties between ourselves and eastern Scotland.
“The 45 Commando Group have just began the Force Generation training process so that we can assume the role of lead commando in May 2015 and be ready at a moment’s notice should we be required around the world.
“As a result, our training year will be very busy and this astroturf will help maximise the huge physical and moral benefits of competitive team sports in the limited time available.”