The new floodlit branded pitch was made possible after Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, won the prestigious Europe-wide ‘More Than Football’ Award in 2021 for its Big Hearts Supporters Movement, with the prize being a bespoke Musco Mini-Pitch for a local venue.

The facility has transformed an ageing tarmac sports area into a dedicated space for football and physical activity, creating greater opportunities for pupils to take part in sport throughout the year.

A number of potential locations across the city were explored before South Morningside Primary School was selected. The school, which was recently named TES Primary School of the Year, stood out because of its strong football culture, enthusiasm for sport, award-winning girls’ football team and commitment to widening participation in physical activity.

Working alongside the City of Edinburgh Council and South Morningside Primary School, Robertson Construction Central East played a key role in bringing the project to life as part of its commitment to supporting local communities. It helped by preparing drawings, guiding the school though the planning process, coordinating site preparation and project management.

Robertson supply chain partners also donated specialist services, including surveying by Malcolm Hughes Land Surveyors Ltd, excavation and ductwork installation by AHF Construction and electrical works for the new lighting by OCS. Fire protection was provided by StopFire to seal the service routes and Miller Fabrications made and installed the players’ benches, water bottle holders and cable protection bollard.

The project builds on the achievement of the school’s award-winning girls’ football team, which attracted national attention following success in schools football despite having no dedicated pitch on which to train and play. The transformed space is expected to support the next generation of players, helping more young people access sport and physical activity year-round.

David Cairns, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “This initiative has been a true team effort, working alongside Big Hearts, City of Edinburgh Council and our supply chain partners to deliver a vibrant new sports space. We are committed to delivering meaningful, long-lasting benefits in the communities where we work, and we hope the pupils make the most of their new space and enjoy every minute on the pitch.”

James Dalgleigh, convenor for Education, Children and Families, City of Edinburgh Council, James Dalgleigh, said: “This is a fantastic addition to South Morningside Primary and would not be possible without the generosity of Big Hearts Community Trust in gifting the facility they won and Robertson Construction who kindly did the work at no cost.

“It has been fantastic to see the children enjoying their new space which has been completely transformed from an old tarmac to a brand new, state-of-the-art sports pitch. This will allow the facility to be used even in the dark and should become a real asset for the local community.”

Craig Wilson, chief executive, Big Hearts, Community Trust, said: “Big Hearts’ commitment to improving young people’s wellbeing through participation in sport stretches across the whole city and this is a brilliant example of partnership in action.

“It was important for our charity to find the right venue for the Musco pitch: where it was needed and would make a difference every day. Football is already played widely at South Morningside Primary School, with their girls’ team doing brilliantly well, and parents running sessions on evenings and weekends and even more will now be possible.

“We’re genuinely thrilled that pupils are now able to enjoy a state-of-the-art sport facility without having to leave the school grounds.”