GRETNA are going Green with ambitious plans to build the country's first eco-stadium.
Owner Brooks Mileson has the backing of the Scottish Executive as the SPL new boys prepare to start work on a development which will be the first of its kind.
Gretna have been unable to play at Raydale Park this season because it does not meet SPL requirements and have used Fir Park as a base for their maiden top-flight campaign.
They had looked at the possibility of upgrading their own stadium but a new plan has swept those thoughts aside.
Mileson and chief executive Graeme Muir have met the Executive and another summit is proposed within the next few days as the plans for the ground at a site near Gretna town centre take shape. It would incorporate a 6000-seat stadium and offer a host of community benefits such as astroturf pitches.
Muir said: "We are looking at the possibility of playing in an eco-stadium. Basically, the whole place would be green. For instance, rainwater that falls on to the stadium would be collected in a tank.
When we go to football on Saturday, we see sprinklers spraying good drinking water on a park. We'd use what was in the tank.
"It's that sort of thing. Brooks is right into the idea - he's even recycling his fag packets.
"Seriously, I'm not an expert on these things but it sounds good and a massive thing is that it would give the club the chance to put in community facilities.
"These could benefit the area and it is very positive."
No timescales have been put in place although Muir insists it won't take long and further outlined the proposals by adding: "Potentially, this is a big first for Scotland and it would be situated at the gateway to the country.
"I am excited about the idea as is Brooks. Redeveloping Raydale would have seen us just put 6000 seats into the ground. But when we talked about moving to another site, we were asked if we would be interested in becoming involved with this eco-stadium.
"People have sought to get behind us after hearing about the initiative.
"Someone asked if we got relegated would we still do it? Of course we would.
"This has nothing to with playing in the SPL. This is about helping to provide a facility."
Muir insists Mileson would be leaving a legacy of his time at Gretna if the plan, as he expects, develops over the new few weeks.
He said: "Here are Gretna and Brooks. As a country, for the generations of the future, this is a chance to do something in many different fields - not just build something for 90 minuteson a Saturday.
"Brooks needs to pump in his money regardless so surely it is better to do it and leave something that will last for generations."
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