A major upgrade to the playing surfaces at Oriam is now complete ushering in a new era of sporting excellence at the Edinburgh venue.
The £800,000 project, funded by Heriot-Watt University, has resulted in the renovation of three synthetic pitches. Each was uplifted and then replaced with cutting-edge materials using sustainable innovations. Such is the quality of the new playing surfaces that they have achieved the prestigious FIFA 2 Star* MX Elite Professional Standard and IRB Compliant World Rugby certification.
Oriam Outdoor Synthetic Pitch
This upgrade is expected to have a lasting impact on Oriam’s customers and professional athletes and teams who use the venue, including the Scottish Rugby Union, Scottish Football Association, Heart of Midlothian FC, and Heriot-Watt University Sports Union. It also reaffirms Oriam and Heriot-Watt University as a hub for sport and exercise in Scotland, catering to professional, university, and recreational athletes alike.
The project was led by Oriam’s Head of Operations, John Lowe, and took just six months to complete. Reflecting on this achievement, John said:
Heriot-Watt University’s £800,000 investment not only ensures Oriam remains a leader in world-class sports facilities but also demonstrates remarkable ambition.
John lowe, oriam head of operations
“It has been an honour to oversee the synthetic pitch replacement project.
“Heriot-Watt University’s £800,000 investment not only ensures Oriam remains a leader in world-class sports facilities but also demonstrates remarkable ambition. Completing the project from financial approvals to installation in under eight months is a testament to the dedication of my colleagues and the successful collaboration with Sportex and Sports Labs.”
The refurbishment was carried out by Sportex, a company who specialise in sports surfacing. Luke McGeechan from Sportex highlighted their commitment to sustainability during the process:
By recycling these materials, we not only minimise waste but also promote a more eco-friendly sports industry
Luke McGeechan, sportex
“At Sportex, we are proud to support sustainability through our Sportex Recycling programme. By carefully removing, separating, and repurposing the old turf from Oriam, we’ve minimised waste while promoting a more eco-friendly sports industry.”
Oriam Synthetic Pitch Projects Team - (from left): Murray Brown, Oriam Duty Manager; Graeme Stewart, Sports Labs; John Lowe, Oriam Head of Operations; Joe Grace, Sportex; Euan Robertson, Oriam Duty Manager.
The arrival of the new playing surfaces highlights the University's commitment to deliver the best facilities for its students. This continued investment in sport has seen Heriot-Watt attract top sporting talent from across the world through the introduction of a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses and the University's innovative Sports Scholarship Programme, which allows student athletes to balance their studies whilst continuing to compete at the highest level.
Academy Synthetic - Heriot-Watt Football Club - Men's 1's Training Session
Lynda Johnstone is Global Director of Estates and Facilities at Heriot-Watt University. She said on the new pitches:
By embracing cutting-edge, sustainable innovations, we have reaffirmed Oriam’s position at the heart of sports and exercise in Scotland
Lynda Johnstone, Global Director of Estates and Facilities, Heriot-Watt University
"This major upgrade to the playing surfaces at Oriam is a an £800,000 investment by Heriot-Watt University and showcases our continued commitment to providing world-class facilities for athletes at all levels, from students to professionals. By embracing cutting-edge, sustainable innovations, we have reaffirmed Oriam’s position at the heart of sports and exercise in Scotland.”