Plans for £30m equestian centre

Backers say the centre will be the biggest of its kind in the UK

Plans have been unveiled for what has been hailed as Britain's biggest ever equestrian centre in Lockerbie - creating about 150 jobs.

A private consortium has earmarked local farmland for the 300-acre leisure centre, at a cost of £30m.

The centre would have four outdoor and three indoor arenas, a cross-country course and more than 100 stables.

Equestrian Villages Ltd also wants to build a neighbouring residential area of 65 houses and 50 holiday chalets.

The company's chief executive, Andrew Dixon, said the development would have a major economic impact.

How many kids ring me up every week saying they want a chance, they want an opportunity and they are going to get it here which is fantastic Karen Dixon

"There is nothing of this kind in Great Britain anywhere," he said.

"Others will say we have got one but not one on this scale and not to this standard and with this location.

"Lockerbie, with its roads, rail and air support to say nothing of its scenery, is a fantastic place to locate it."

International training

Mr Dixon added that there was the potential for an employment boost on site and with other related businesses nearby.

His wife Karen Dixon, one of the UK's top three-day eventers, is fronting the Queensberry Club Equestrian Centre plans.

A veteran of four Olympics, she said the aim was to establish the complex as a centre for excellence and an international training ground for the 2012 games.

Olympian Karen Dixon is supporting the Lockerbie proposals

She said the quality of training at the centre would draw people to the area as well as provide great opportunities for local riders.

"How many kids ring me up every week saying they want a chance, they want an opportunity and they are going to get it here which is fantastic," she said.

"It is so accessible to so many places."

Talks have been held to establish how local education providers could utilise the development to provide quality training.

The principal of the nearby Barony College, Russell Marchant, said there was huge scope to provide an equine course of national importance.

He said anybody coming through studies at a centre with such facilities and staff would have a "great start in the equestrian world".