Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has launched a project to build a new centre of excellence for riding and carriage driving in the centre of Scotland, following the forced closure of Bannockburn RDA last year.

Despite fierce campaigning, public fundraising and numerous attempts to resolve the legal dispute with the landlord at Bannockburn, the group sadly had to cease operating. This has left hundreds of disabled children and adults without a local riding and carriage driving facility.

Using funds generated through the ‘Ride-On’ campaign during 2014, RDA UK has begun the process of researching potential new sites in the Stirling area. The aim is to build a new centre capable of operating at the same scale and standard as Bannockburn.

RDA chief executive Ed Bracher said: “Getting a new site identified and the fundraising underway is now a priority.

“To that end we have already found three potential sites in and around Stirling, and have started positive discussions with all those involved. We are also bringing together a steering group to help shape the future of the centre once a site has been agreed.” RDA UK has been contacting supporters of Bannockburn about the project to get their involvement where possible. The charity is urging anyone else who feels they can be of help or who wants to be kept up to date with developments to get in touch.

Ed added: “This project will only succeed with the help and support of as many people as possible.

“We will need some specific skills to get this centre off the ground – but mostly it will take the dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who understand that Stirling deserves the very best facilities for its disabled children and adults.” To register your interest in the Central Scotland RDA Project, visit www.facebook.com/CentralScotlandRDA. To donate to the Ride-On campaign, go to www.justgiving.com/RDAstirling-rideon.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has launched a project to build a new centre of excellence for riding and carriage driving in the centre of Scotland, following the forced closure of Bannockburn RDA last year.

Despite fierce campaigning, public fundraising and numerous attempts to resolve the legal dispute with the landlord at Bannockburn, the group sadly had to cease operating. This has left hundreds of disabled children and adults without a local riding and carriage driving facility.

Using funds generated through the ‘Ride-On’ campaign during 2014, RDA UK has begun the process of researching potential new sites in the Stirling area. The aim is to build a new centre capable of operating at the same scale and standard as Bannockburn.

RDA chief executive Ed Bracher said: “Getting a new site identified and the fundraising underway is now a priority.

“To that end we have already found three potential sites in and around Stirling, and have started positive discussions with all those involved. We are also bringing together a steering group to help shape the future of the centre once a site has been agreed.” RDA UK has been contacting supporters of Bannockburn about the project to get their involvement where possible. The charity is urging anyone else who feels they can be of help or who wants to be kept up to date with developments to get in touch.

Ed added: “This project will only succeed with the help and support of as many people as possible.

“We will need some specific skills to get this centre off the ground – but mostly it will take the dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who understand that Stirling deserves the very best facilities for its disabled children and adults.” To register your interest in the Central Scotland RDA Project, visit www.facebook.com/CentralScotlandRDA. To donate to the Ride-On campaign, go to www.justgiving.com/RDAstirling-rideon.