Picky running track reopens to a resounding welcome from athletes

Extensive refurbishment of the Picky running track was completed this week, with the painting of the white lines. 

The track, which was installed in 2000, has been given a new lease of life thanks to 50-50 funding of around £483k from the Council and sportscotland. 

The Council’s Leisure and Culture Service Manager, Garry Burton, said: “We are delighted to have crossed the finishing line, and we know that local athletes are excited to get back to training on a fantastic new track. 

“The track was closed in April and the works have taken longer than we originally hoped. However, specific weather conditions were required to allow different sections of the replacement works to take place – and the weather simply wasn’t playing ball! 

“Despite the wind and rain on Tuesday, I am aware that members of the Orkney Athletic and Running Club were gathering at the track to celebrate its reopening, and we understand that they are delighted with the end result.” 

The works saw the old rubber track surface stripped away, replaced and a new surface installed, a new base put in place for the javelin run-up and the surfaces were painted, including the final part of the jigsaw with the introduction of the white lines. 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “This is a fantastic example of the Council working with colleagues at sportscotland for the benefit of the wider community. 

“The delight being shown by the Orkney Athletic and Running Club in organising an event on Tuesday evening despite the poor weather demonstrates how welcome this investment has been. The new track is an excellent addition to Orkney’s sporting facility portfolio now, for Orkney 2025 and well into the future.” 

Sportscotland Chief Executive, Forbes Dunlop, said: “The physical and mental health benefits of sport are well documented, but equally important is the ability to create a space where everyone is welcome to participate at their own level. 

“Despite a challenging financial climate, Orkney Islands Council has demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring people in Orkney will have the chance to take part in sport for many years to come with the refurbishment of the Pickaquoy running track.” 

The Orkney Athletic and Running Club issued an appeal for all members to join them at the new track on Tuesday for a “Ready to Relay” event involving mixed teams of primary, secondary, seniors, supporters and volunteers. 

The Club stated: “The track is complete and looking amazing. We’ve waited all year for this, so let’s make it a memorable return to the track together! We know the forecast looks dire but that’s not going to stop us marking the occasion. 

“Thank you to everyone who has helped us over the past five months: The Pickaquoy Centre, OIC Sport and Leisure and all of our club volunteers. Thank you to the contractors for a fantastic looking track and to Orkney Islands Council and sportscotland for investing in our sport, health and wellbeing. Last but not least, thank you to all the athletes for staying positive through a very challenging season – it's all going to have been worth it.”