I have followed the spat between the organising committee of the CWG 2014 and Scottish Squash and Racketball with bemusement.
It beggars belief that, as soon as we build an all-glass court in this country, we dispose of it to some far-flung country. Squash is a medal prospect at CWG and potentially future Olympics, having recently been shortlisted for inclusion with two other sports for the 2020 Games.
Our world-class squash players are presently at a disadvantage to those from other squash nations such as England, Egypt, France, etc. These countries all have an all-glass facility and their athletes are able to practise and compete in preparation for the big events. Our athletes have to prepare on old-school perspex or plaster courts and are at immediate disadvantage when they go on to an all-glass court.
The sports minister should mediate in this spat and ensure that our loss is not Canada's gain. It is, after all, the taxpayer's money.
Dr C A Looby, Edinburgh
I write to add my dissenting voice to the ridiculous notion that we should build a £850k squash court, use it for a couple of weeks and then give it to Canada.
While I am sure Canada would make fantastic use of the facility, I would much rather it was used in Scotland by the taxpayers and lottery ticket buyers that paid for it.
Scotland endures more than its fair share of inclement weather, which ties in with its record of producing fine players, including the former world No.1, Peter Nicol MBE.
These athletes deserve to be using the best of facilities, and I am sure that, if there is a problem keeping it in Glasgow – space there is apparently too precious in the long term – it could be housed elsewhere in Scotland.
Morrison's Academy in Crieff, Perthshire, famous for former pupils such as Ewan McGregor and Judy Murray, is planning a new sports facility, which will include squash courts, I am sure they would be more than willing to accommodate this fabulous court. Crieff is a small town, but has three juniors playing regularly for their country. They and other local players would be more than happy to see this court installed in their back yard.
David Brown, chairman, Crieff SC
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