A Club Built for the Community.
A Facility Built for the Future.
Our Vision
Oban Lorne RFC is more than a rugby club — it is a community asset at the heart of Oban and Argyll. Like many grassroots sports clubs across Scotland, we recognise that to be truly sustainable and serve our community for generations to come, we need to diversify what we offer and how we operate. Our vision is to transform Glencruitten into a Community Sports and Events Hub — a multi-use facility open to all, generating income that gets reinvested directly into sport, youth work, and the local community.
The facility will host large-scale events, community gatherings, weddings and functions, a café open to all, performance and fitness facilities, NHS-linked health services, a safe space for youths with links to the high school and school hostel, and remain the home of Oban Lorne RFC. Oban sits at the heart of West Highland and island culture — home of the Royal National Mòd — and Glencruitten has the potential to become a genuine venue for the kind of large-scale events the town and surrounding area deserve. It will create local jobs, support local businesses, attract visitors, and provide a welcoming space for the whole community.
Clubs across Scotland are having to adapt and diversify to remain viable. Oban Lorne is leading the way in Argyll.
Milestone Timeline
Progress updates as they happen — straight from the committee.
Floodlights
After more than 7,000 volunteer hours over three years, new floodlights are installed at Glencruitten — the first tangible step towards the Sports and Events Hub.
50-Year Lease
Oban Lorne RFC has secured a 50-year lease of the pitches and clubhouse at Glencruitten — the foundation everything else is built on.
Digital Scoreboard
A new digital scoreboard, donated by the Matheson family in memory of club legend Hamish Matheson.
Security Fencing
Perimeter fencing around the main pitch is being installed now, funded by SSE Renewables and a vital step towards hosting large-scale events.
Path Network
Reinstating an old path through the trees near the bottom pitch, linking to Glencruitten and the Glen2 area — keeping this green space open to all.
The Stand
A new stand is ordered and on its way, funded through SSE Renewables, the Sponsor a Seat campaign, and key sponsors.
Funding & Support
Phase 1 would not have been possible without the generosity of the following organisations, businesses, and individuals. We are deeply grateful to every one of them.
SSE Renewables Community Fund
£100,000 grant
Oban Common Good Fund
£10,000 grant
Back of Beyond Broadband
Floodlights sponsor
MKM Building Supplies
Main stand sponsor
Scottish Sea Farms
Stand donation
John MacLachlan Quarries Ltd / Argyll Resources Group
Stand supporter
D&K Lafferty
Stand seats and club development supporter
Matheson Family
Digital scoreboard — in memory of Hamish Matheson
Babcock International
Floodlights donation
A&L McRae's Barrachander Quarry
Concrete for floodlight foundations
Sinclair Plant
Groundworks
Cameron Surveys
Topographic surveys
Gordon & Strathern
Charity Golf Day fundraiser
Argyll & Bute Council
Guidance and support
Every member, volunteer & supporter
Three years of fundraising and hard work
What's Next — The Hub
Phase 1 has been transformational. The floodlights, fencing, path network, digital scoreboard, and new stand will make Glencruitten a genuinely viable venue for the events and activities we need to make the Community Sports and Events Hub a reality.
Phase 2 — the clubhouse development itself — is in the planning and funding stage. We are working with architects, funders, and the local authority to develop a scheme that will deliver the full vision: a new clubhouse with a café, function space, performance facilities, NHS-linked services, and youth spaces.
Plans are in development, funding applications are in progress, and the community will be kept updated every step of the way. We are committed to doing this properly — and to doing it with the community, not just for it.