SPORT and exercise has a new home in East Renfrewshire following the transformation of the former Barrhead High School site.

A state-of-the-art sports pitch and running track has been unveiled at the site on Aurs Road, which had been the location of the old Barrhead High building until its demolition earlier this year.

The synthetic 11-a-side pitch will provide a hub for sport and recreation and is intended to benefit both Barrhead High pupils and a range of local sports clubs in the community.

This new facility will be used by pupils across all year groups during PE lessons, as well as for extra-curricular activities.

The old Barrhead High was in use for almost half a century before being replaced by a new £30million campus next to the old school last year.

The site of the former school now also provides car parking, while the skate park has been demolished and relocated to the new school.

Andy Sinclair, headteacher at Barrhead High, said: “This new facility will enable us to continue to develop the sporting opportunities for the school, which in turn will have a positive effect on efforts to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

“The fantastic quality of these new pitches will allow our pupils to take part in more outdoor sport and leisure activities.

“Sport is not only a great form of exercise but also encourages our pupils to refine important skills, such as teamwork and leadership.”

Councillor Paul O’Kane, convener for education and equalities at East Renfrewshire Council, added: “I am delighted that this brilliant new facility is now complete and ready for our young people to take advantage of.

“This first-class outdoor sports pitch and running track ensures East Renfrewshire continues to provide the best learning environments for our young people to benefit from.”