At Fraserburgh FC we reserve the right to use nautical references in our press releases.
The past 12 months have been as challenging as they have been unusual, and hopefully our progress on the pitch is there for all to see even through the Covid Pandemic – but the club continues to move forward off the pitch as well as on.
It seems like a long time ago we started a crowd funding to help with our supporter toilet and referee changing facility upgrade. It was clear in August 2020 that the return of supporters and normal use of changing rooms would not be available, so we started the crowdfunding in September with the aim of raising £5,000. By the end of September more than £8,000 was donated. Thanks to the generosity of the local public and supporters worldwide.
Combined with generous donations from the FRASERBURGH FC SUPPORTERS CLUB and a grant from SCOTTISH FOOTBALL PARTNERSHIP meant that the work was underway by the end of October.
We are delighted to announce that these upgrades are fully completed and ready for use when we emerge from the grip of Covid.
At Fraserburgh FC we appreciate that without the Refereeing fraternity there would be no game, and we now have changing facilities to match the claim. We can now boast comfortable changing facilities for 3 match officials, a fourth official and space to review performance with a referee observer.
The supporters toilet facilities will be there for all to see when we welcome crowds back to Bellslea park. Enhanced Male, Female and Disabled facilities will make for a better matchday experience and ensure optimum hygiene facilities are available as we emerge from the global pandemic with some handwashing habits that will last a lot longer.
The old turnstiles were approximately 100 year old patented ‘Ellison’ types. With hundreds of thousands of rotations on the clock they were still looking good, and have made a new home in the Fraserburgh Heritage Centre. We believe the only other set are in the Hampden Museum. These have made way for our new entry system, which some are already calling ‘the wheelhouse’, so our supporters can enter through the gate on the Seaforth Street corner.
Our Scottish Cup game against Banks O’ Dee was only possible due to the thermal pitch coverings we invested in following our successful Scottish Cup run in 2018, which culminated in a famous meeting with Glasgow Rangers at Bellslea. Following our successful Scottish Cup run this year, with support of the SCOTTISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, FRASERBURGH FC SEASON TICKET HOLDERS, all our SPONSORS and main CLUB SPONSOR – McWILLIAM we are delighted to have purchased a permanent automated camera live streaming system. So all our games in future will be recorded and live streamed whenever possible. During the pandemic, all games at Bellslea park will be available on a PPV basis. The full possibilities of this system will be explored for years to come.
Unfortunately the SHFL season 2020-21 did not turn out as anyone hoped, but the steps taken on and off the park ensures we’re in a great position to head into calmer seas ahead.
Until then – Hold Fast.
Fraserburgh FC
