A CRUNCH PUBLIC meeting that will decide the future of a proposed regional sports centre for Moray is to be chaired by a local MSP.

Richard Lochhead has been invited to oversee the meeting at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre in Elgin on Monday.

The meeting has been called by local businessman Sandy Adam, who announced last month that he had secured suitable land on which to build a multi-sports facility that it is hoped will become a base of excellence for young sportsmen and women in the region.

Mr Adam is urging individuals, organisations and above all sports clubs in Moray to be represented at Monday’s meeting so that their views on the facilities that should be included are fully taken into account.

“I’m delighted to have been asked by Sandy Adam to chair the public meeting and am looking forward to hearing everyone’s views as to how we make the most of this amazing opportunity to deliver a regional sports centre in Moray,” the MSP said.

He added: “Having convened a Sports Summit in 2012 to help drive forward the agenda, I’m well aware of the demand for first class sports facilities locally.

“Following that meeting some modest upgrades to local facilitates were introduced and a Moray wide audit of sports facilities was conducted.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of sport in Moray to attend the meeting and make sure their views are heard.

“A new sports centre in Elgin would be a real and popular game-changer for Moray and would help provide a healthier and brighter future for our young people in particular.

“We have an incredible opportunity here and to make sure the project is a success, we need all agencies to be part of the public meeting and to work together going forward.”

Monday’s meeting convenes at 6.30pm – further details can be obtained through a new Facebook Page that has been set up to inform on the creation of the Moray Sports Centre.