GCST Takes Over Grangemouth Stadium in Landmark Community Milestone

Grangemouth Community Sports Trust (GCST) has officially taken over the running of Grangemouth Stadium, marking a pivotal moment in the venue’s history and offering a renewed future for athletics and community sport in central Scotland.

This milestone follows a unanimous agreement by Falkirk Council to lease the facility to the newly-formed charity for a symbolic £1 per year under a one-year Community Benefit Licence, with the potential for a second year. The move is a major step toward a full Community Asset Transfer (CAT), which, if completed, would represent one of the most significant CATs of its kind in Scotland.

Saving a Sporting Icon

Grangemouth Stadium has long been recognised as one of Scotland’s most important athletics venues – a training ground for Olympians, home to national events, and a pillar of community participation. However, faced with annual maintenance costs of £550,000 and financial pressures from the Council’s Strategic Property Review, its future had been under threat.

In response, GCST was formed with support from Scottish Athletics, local clubs including Falkirk Victoria Harriers and Forth Valley Flyers, and partners such as sportscotland. Its purpose: to secure the stadium’s future through community leadership, inclusive programming, and sustainable financial planning.

“This is a huge moment not just for athletics in Falkirk, but for community empowerment across Scotland,” said Ian Noble of GCST. “Our aim is to preserve and enhance the Stadium as a local treasure and national resource.”

Council and Community Working Together

To support the transition, Falkirk Council is committing up to £120,000 in revenue support over the first two years. In addition, the Council has pledged up to £350,000 in capital works to improve the stadium’s condition – including much-needed upgrades to the changing rooms – giving GCST the best possible start.

Crucially, the Trust’s charitable status means it can now benefit from business rates relief worth over £150,000 annually and access new funding streams unavailable to the Council.

Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said: “The handover of Grangemouth Stadium is a significant milestone for the Trust and for Scotland’s athletics community. Their plans show ambition and care for the venue’s future. If the longer-term transfer is approved, it would represent one of the largest community asset transfers of its kind in Scotland.”

First Events Underway

The Trust officially took over on 1 June 2025 and is already gearing up for a packed summer. Twenty-five events are booked for the season, including the Scottish Schools Championships, Scottish Para Athletics Championships, Throws Grand Prix and several league fixtures.

Colin Hutchison, Chief Executive of Scottish Athletics, welcomed the transition: “Grangemouth is an iconic athletics venue and a cornerstone of the community. We are delighted to be working with GCST to secure its long-term future.”

Building a Sustainable Future

GCST’s business plan sets out a clear path to financial sustainability, including revised pricing structures, a reduced-cost operational model, and expanded community engagement. Over the next decade, the Trust will prioritise inclusive programming, increased volunteer involvement, and environmental sustainability. Already, volunteer hours at the stadium are estimated to be worth over £370,000 per year.

With more than 72% of residents within walking distance of the stadium living in the most deprived areas of Scotland, the facility plays a vital role in reducing inequalities and supporting health, wellbeing, and youth development.

As GCST steps into its new role, the message is clear: Grangemouth Stadium is not just staying open – it is being reborn, as a flagship model for community sport in Scotland.