Friday September 4th 2026
The facility has transformed an ageing tarmac sports area into a dedicated space for football and physical activity
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Pupils at South Morningside Primary School are now able to make use of a new state-of-the-art multi-sports pitch delivered through a partnership between Big Hearts Community Trust, City of Edinburgh Council, Robertson Construction and its supply chain partners.
The new floodlit, branded pitch has been provided at no cost, transforming an ageing tarmac sports area into a dedicated space for football and other physical activities.
The facility was made possible after Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, won the Europe-wide ‘More Than Football’ Award in 2021 for its Big Hearts Supporters Movement volunteering programme.
As part of the prize, the charity was awarded a bespoke Musco Mini-Pitch to be installed at a local venue.
Several potential locations across Edinburgh were considered before South Morningside Primary School was selected.
The school, which was recently named TES Primary School of the Year, was chosen due to its strong football culture, enthusiasm for sport, award-winning girls’ football team and commitment to widening participation in physical activity.
Robertson Construction Central East worked with the City of Edinburgh Council and the school to deliver the project as part of its commitment to supporting local communities.
The company prepared drawings, supported the school through the planning process and coordinated site preparation and project management.
A number of Robertson’s supply chain partners also contributed specialist services at no cost.
Malcolm Hughes Land Surveyors Ltd provided surveying, while AHF Construction carried out excavation and ductwork installation. OCS completed the electrical works for the new lighting, StopFire provided fire protection to seal service routes, and Miller Fabrications manufactured and installed players’ benches, water bottle holders and cable protection bollards.
The new facility builds on the success of South Morningside Primary’s award-winning girls’ football team, which attracted national attention after achieving success in schools football despite having no dedicated pitch on which to train and play.
It is hoped the new facility will help more pupils access sport and physical activity throughout the year, while supporting the next generation of footballers.
Convenor for Education, Children and Families at Edinburgh Council, James Dalgleish, said: “This is a fantastic addition to South Morningside Primary and would not be possible without the generosity of Big Hearts Community Trust in gifting the facility they won and Robertson Construction who kindly did the work at no cost. “It has been fantastic to see the children enjoying their new space which has been completely transformed from an old tarmac to a brand new, state of the art sports pitch. This will allow the facility to be used even in the dark and should become a real asset for the local community.”
Chief Exec of Big Hearts Community Trust, Craig Wilson, said: “Big Hearts’ commitment to improving young people’s wellbeing through participation in sport stretches across the whole city and this is a brilliant example of partnership in action. It was important for our charity to find the right venue for the Musco pitch: where it was needed and would make a difference every day. Football is already played widely at South Morningside Primary School, with their girls’ team doing brilliantly well, and parents running sessions on evenings and weekends and even more will now be possible. We’re genuinely thrilled that pupils are now able to enjoy a state-of-the-art sport facility without having to leave the school grounds.”
David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “This initiative has been a true team effort, working alongside Big Hearts, City of Edinburgh Council and our supply chain partners to deliver a vibrant new sports space. We are committed to delivering meaningful, long-lasting benefits in the communities where we work, and we hope the pupils make the most of their new space and enjoy every minute on the pitch.”
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