The man set to lead Aberdeen’s public sporting body has admitted that investment in new facilities is not “on the horizon”.
Burgess of the city Colin Taylor is set to be the next chairman of Sport Aberdeen.
This is the arms-length council body that manages the city’s swimming pools, golf courses, gyms and other facilities.
He is set to be appointed at next week’s full council meeting.
Yesterday Mr Taylor, who replaces Fred Dalgarno, unveiled his vision for the organisation in the face of increasing funding cuts.
Last year, the body had its financial settlement from the council cut by more than £400,000, leading to the closure of Hazlehead and Kincorth swimming pools.
And the Dons season ticket holder revealed his backing for the new stadium and training facility plan at Kingsford.
He said: “We know we, like everyone, are facing funding cuts in future. That’s not a criticism of the council because it is the same everywhere.
“I have been involved in the organisation since the start in 2010 and it has really changed immensely since then.
“We have successfully recruited a very strong management team who know all about sport and leisure, and our membership is up 60% in the last six months so that is very good.
“I think the future will have us modernising our facilities piece by piece.
“We want to maintain and keep the existing facilities.
“But I can’t see any new buildings on the horizon honestly.”
Mr Taylor was admitted as a Free Burgess of the City of Aberdeen in 1986 and, after serving as an assessor and senior assessor, he was elected as Dean of Guild at the Burgesses’ annual meeting in 2014.
Born in Aberdeen and brought up in the village of Hopeman on the Moray Firth, his schooling was in Hopeman before attending Mile End Primary and the Grammar School in Aberdeen.
He is currently the interim chairman of the Aberdeen Seafarers’ Centre, and is also treasurer of Hopeman Golf Club.
Mr Taylor also backed the multi-million pound plans for a new Dons stadium and training facilities between Westhill and Kingswells.
He said: “It’s a difficult one but (the club) said they have tried to place it in lots of places and this is the last chance.
“I have been to modern stadiums and they are really terrific.”
