Delay to revamp of track used for training top Scots athletes

A running track that has played a role in preparing athletes for major championships since the 1980s could be closed until well into next year following a delay to laying a new surface.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games medal winner Megan Keith used Queens Park in Inverness to help her train for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and other competitions.

The facility has been out of action since early June when work on the £650,000 revamp began. The venue was due to be reopened next month.

But Highland Council has warned of the possibility of an extensive delay after more defects than previously thought were discovered in the track's original bottom layer.

A Highland Council spokesperson said: "Following removal of the existing running track surface, more extensive defects were identified within the underlying track base and perimeter kerbing than had originally been anticipated.

"These defects could only be fully assessed once the existing surface had been removed. Additional remedial works were therefore required before installation of the new surfacing could proceed."

The spokesperson said its contractor had advised that the repairs had created "significant programme pressures".

They said the installation of the new top surface could be deferred until next spring.

Athletics club Inverness Harriers said the delay would be a "serious blow" to training and its competitive programme next spring.

The club is using Culloden Academy as a temporary venue. A spokesperson thanked the school and community sports complex for its help.

Inverness athlete Keith, who won a bronze medal in the women's 5,000m at this summer's Commonweath Games, has made extensive use of Queens Park for preparations for major championships.

Other world-class Scots athletes including Kirsty Law, Jamie Bowie and Jayne Barneston - who has held the Scottish high jump record since 1985 - have also trained and competed at the venue.