The introduction of a state-of-the-art indoor tennis facility at Heriot-Watt University marks a significant milestone for the sport in Scotland. The Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre, with a cost of £4.5m, was officially inaugurated in Edinburgh on Wednesday, with the Honourable Maree Todd, Minister for Sport, in attendance to commemorate the occasion.
The opening ceremony was graced by various dignitaries, including the esteemed Principal and Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Richard A. Williams. A highlight of the event was a tennis session led by Oriam’s Tennis Manager, Danny Curtis, which provided expert coaching to approximately 100 local primary school children.
The construction of the Indoor Tennis Centre (ITC) began in September 2022 and was made accessible to the public in December of the same year. The funding for this facility was made possible through collaboration between Oriam, Heriot-Watt University, the LTA, LTA Tennis Foundation, sportscotland, and Tennis Scotland through the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis (TSIT) fund.
Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing, and Sport at the Scottish Government, expressed her enthusiasm for the ITC, highlighting its positive impact on the local and student communities. She emphasized that the facility would offer increased and improved opportunities for year-round tennis in an affordable and inclusive environment, promoting physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
The opening of the ITC is a significant development for the local community and future Scottish tennis athletes. It will serve as the base for the Oriam Tennis Programme and the Heriot-Watt University Tennis Club, hosting their classes, training sessions, and competitions.
Ross Campbell, Executive Director of Oriam, commended the hard work and dedication of the project team and partners, citing the overwhelmingly positive response from the tennis community since the facility’s opening. He encouraged players of all levels to take advantage of the new courts and explore the various tennis programs on offer.
The establishment of the Oriam ITC addresses the increasing demand for top-level tennis facilities in Scotland. Its presence not only fulfills the local need for such facilities but also fosters greater participation in the sport.
The opening of this world-class tennis facility at Heriot-Watt University exemplifies the commitment to promoting sporting excellence in Scotland, with a focus on creating a conducive environment for individuals to engage in physical activity and pursue their sporting aspirations. It is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the tennis community in the region and contribute to the overall development of the sport throughout the country.