New chapter begins for Grangemouth Stadium as keys handed over to community trust
Grangemouth Stadium has officially entered community management following the handover of keys to Grangemouth Community Sports Trust (GCST) on Monday 26 May 2025.
The move marks the start of a one-year Community Benefit Licence approved by Falkirk Council, which enables GCST to run the stadium while working towards a longer-term Community Asset Transfer (CAT).
If approved, the transfer would represent one of the largest and most significant CATs of its kind in Scotland.
Council support
The licence enables the venue to remain open and active throughout the busy summer athletics season and beyond.
Under the agreement, GCST will operate the stadium on a full repairing and insuring basis for a nominal rent of £1 per year, reflecting the community benefits.
To support the transition, the Council is providing up to £120,000 of revenue financial support over two years. It will also carry out capital works worth up to £350,000 to improve the condition of the facility and give GCST the best possible start.
Previously costing the Council around £600,000 a year to operate, the stadium will now benefit from charitable rates relief, which for 2024/25 was £157,917, along with greater flexibility to access grant funding.
As a registered charity with national connections, GCST also has the experience and partnerships needed to manage the stadium and develop its potential as both a local sports facility and a national athletics venue.
Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
The handover of Grangemouth Stadium is a significant milestone for Grangemouth Community Sports Trust and Scotland’s athletics community. It also ensures continued access for the local community.
“We’ve worked closely with the Trust to make this possible and have put in place financial and practical support to help them succeed. Their plans show real ambition and care for the venue’s future, and we hope the community will get behind them and come along to the events and activities planned over the months ahead.
“If the longer-term transfer is approved, it would represent one of the largest Community Asset Transfers of its kind in Scotland – a major step in local ownership of a national-level facility.
Colin Hutchison, Chief Executive of scottishathletics said:
Grangemouth Stadium is a cornerstone of the local community and an iconic sporting venue in Scotland. We are delighted to have worked with Falkirk Victoria Harriers, Forth Valley Flyers and other local partners to form Grangemouth Community Sports Trust (GCST) and keep the Stadium open through the Community Benefit Licence.
“I would like to thank Falkirk Council for the financial support they have committed to help GCST succeed and sportscotland for their support in helping protect a key national competition facility.
“The hard work starts now for GCST and all the partners involved. The long-term future of Grangemouth Stadium is still uncertain and the support of partners, local businesses and the local community will be essential to delivering the vision of GCST.
First events announced
The first major event under GCST management takes place on 1 June 2025, with a full calendar of activity planned for the months ahead.