The Patron of Scottish Rugby, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, officially opened Glasgow Warriors’ new training base at Scotstoun Stadium today following its £18million redevelopment.

As part of the ceremony, The Princess Royal undertook an hour-long tour of the new facility before unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. Her Royal Highness was joined by Warriors head coach Sean Lineen, Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, and representatives from the sporting world.

During the tour, the Royal delegation observed an indoor fitness session with members of the Warriors squad as well as a rugby coaching session with local school children.

Speaking at the launch, Glasgow Warriors head coach, Sean Lineen, said: “Glasgow Warriors are currently top of the Magners League and the facilities here at Scotstoun will become central to the future success of Glasgow Warriors both on and off the field.

“Not only will some of the country’s elite international rugby players be working here each day, but the stars of the future will be encouraged and nurtured through the use of such world class surroundings. This is a great day for Glasgow Warriors and Scottish Rugby.”

Councillor Purcell added: “Today marks the start of a new era for sport in Scotland, with the improved facilities further enhancing Scotstoun’s international reputation as a world-class sporting venue.

“Scotstoun will play a key part in our preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, when some of the world's top athletes will compete in our city.  More importantly the new facility will provide a real and lasting legacy for all of our communities as we build a more active Glasgow for future generations.

"But this is only the start.  Along with the other planned Commonwealth Games arenas, including the National Indoor Sports Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Scotstoun will ensure that Glasgow is recognised as a centre of excellence in world athletics."

Scotstoun Stadium’s capacity is 5,000 – with the flexibility to increase in the future. The stadium redevelopment will allow Scotstoun to bid for world-class events. As well as a refurbished track and field, there is a full-length indoor warm-up track, conditioning suites and state-of-the-art media facilities.

The facility attracted £4 million in funding from sportscotland, with the remaining £14 million cost funded by Glasgow City Council.

Glasgow Warriors will use the new complex as their training base from June 2010.

A partnership between Scottish Rugby, Glasgow City Council and Culture and Sport Glasgow will also see the facility become a centre of excellence for rugby.