Boroughmuir Rugby at Meggetland secures new pitch funding and renewed backing for the Banshees

There has been plenty of good news at Meggetland this autumn. Boroughmuir Rugby and Community Sports Club has seen new funding for its home ground, renewed support from a long-standing sponsor and national recognition for one of its driving forces.

In September, sportscotland announced that Meggetland Recreation Ground would receive £200,000 towards the development of two new pitches, understood to be all-weather. It was one of 16 projects backed by the Sport Facilities Fund, which prioritises plans that widen access to sport in local communities.

Edinburgh telecoms company Commsworld has also renewed two sponsorship deals with the club. It will back Boroughmuir's men's National League 1 first team for a further year and support the Boroughmuir Banshees girls' squads for two more years. That sits alongside its existing sponsorship of the Boroughmuir Rugby Academy. Commsworld, founded in Edinburgh more than 30 years ago, says the partnership reflects its belief in supporting communities around the capital.

The club describes itself as a home for all, and its clubhouse is used throughout the year by local groups, from dementia coffee mornings and Strong and Steady classes for older people to knitting groups, antenatal classes and children's dance lessons. The club counts more than 650 members, 440 youth academy players and over 120 volunteers.

The Banshees themselves have a remarkable story. Gillian Nimmo started Boroughmuir's women's section with two players and built it almost single-handedly into a thriving set-up, with mental health at the heart of its culture. This autumn she was shortlisted for the Heart of the Club Award run by the mental health charity LooseHeadz, a lifetime award for the person who keeps a club going through thick and thin. LooseHeadz co-founder Rob Shotton said the shortlisting was a chance for the rugby community to say thank you.

The club's home matches, mini and youth festivals and community events keep Meggetland busy all year, and local businesses continue to sign up as partners.

With new pitches on the way, the club is well placed to welcome even more players in the years ahead.

Fixtures, membership and community activities are listed on the Boroughmuir Rugby website.