An Olympic gold medallist will return to the north-east later this month to officially open a new sports complex in Elgin.
Heather Stanning, from Lossiemouth, made headlines across the world when she won the coxless pairs rowing event with Helen Glover at the 2012 and 2016 Games.
The athlete will visit the Moray Sports Centre in Elgin to cut the ribbon on the facility – while also giving locals the chance to go head-to-head with her on a rowing machine.
A question and answer session will also be held with local primary school children to inspire them to reach their athletics goals.
Ms Stanning believes the new amenities will help nurture the next generation of talent.
She said: “A centre like this is seriously important for the region. There are so few facilities like this in the north of Scotland, so for the residents of Moray to have it here on their doorstep is fantastic.
“I’m sure even after the excitement of having a new facility dies down, you’ll see it being used all year round, providing a space for sport, exercise and activity unlike what anyone locally has previously had.”
The new £12million centre, which is being financed by the Moray Sports Foundation, opened last month with fundraising continuing to add more facilities to the complex, which currently employs about 40 people with hopes it will rise to about 100.
Chief executive Kathryn Evans said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Heather home to the official opening of our state-of-the-art facility.
“We have a fun-filled day planned and are delighted that Heather will be able to spend time with us, meet our members and race those daring enough to take her on.”
Heather Stanning will visit the sports centre on Friday, August 30.
