A CENTRAL Fife pigeon racing club has won big in the latest round of National Lottery funding.

The grant comes from Awards for All Scotland, which gives between £500 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities together.

And Crossgates Flying Club were awarded £9492 in order to help the older members of the group continue with their hobby by modernising their system for racing pigeons.

Currently, the pigeons have to be caught and have a rubber ring removed when they come back from a race, but a new electronic timing system will make it easier for the elderly and infirm and help create a level playing field.

Keith Cochrane, secretary for Crossgates Flying Club, believes the new system will make a big difference.

“It’s definitely beneficial for our elderly and infirm members,” he said. “Instead of needing to be caught, the pigeons will have an electronic tag and will be electronically timed when they walk over a pad.” This upgrade, which requires specific electrical equipment and a generator, will not be physically up and running until next year.

“We’ve already purchased the items,” explained Mr Cochrane, “However, modifications need to be made to the lofts and these are due to take place in the winter, during the close season. The new system is hoped to be in use by April next season.”