Plans for the construction of the £750,000 Saughton Skatepark in Edinburgh has been handed a major funding boost after sportscotland agreed to contribute £131,705 towards the scheme.

The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) is behind the development of the 2,100sq m (22,604sq ft) facility, which has been designed by Dave Sowerby and will incorporate beginners areas, intermediate ramps and competition-standard features. After 10 years in planning, the Scottish Government confirmed it would approve the council's plans earlier this month, and it is now expected that work will get underway on the new skatepark in June, lasting around six months.

Louise Martin, sportscotland chair, said: "This long-awaited new facility will provide the young people of Edinburgh with a purpose-built environment to hone their skateboarding, BMX and in-line skating skills, and at the same time boost their levels of physical activity." CEC sports leader, Deidre Brock, added: "The addition of a skatepark and improvements to play facilities will complement the sporting provision, making the Saughton area a genuine sports hub in the city. The sheer range of different activities on offer will benefit people of all ages."