The stand at Gala Fairydean Rovers' Netherdale ground is turning 60 this weekend.

To celebrate the milestone, the football club is launching a new scheme, granting free entry to all those involved in the club’s charitable trust.

The initiative kicks off with their Lowland League match against Gretna today (Saturday).

The stand, a Historic Scotland A-listed structure, reopened in 2022 after a £1.45 million refurbishment programme.

It was designed by architect Peter Womersley and has been a topic of debate since its opening on November 21, 1964.

Despite the mixed opinions, the stand has gained a reputation as a 'modernist masterpiece', drawing visitors from across the globe.

The souvenir programme cover for the game this Saturday, November 23The souvenir programme cover for the game this Saturday, November 23 (Image: Gala Fairydean Rovers FC) Ryan Cass, chair of the football club, said: "We wanted to mark the occasion of the stand turning 60 to recognise the fantastic work of the Community Trust by extending free entry to all of our league fixtures to all of the players in the various sections and the parents or guardians of all of our young players.

"They are all part of the Fairydean Rovers family and we wanted to recognise that.

"Our new main sponsor SPG has been a long-term supporter of community football in Galashiels and along with the Trust we continue to develop and grow the game in the town."

The Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Community Trust, established in 2020, has more than 300 players and around 100 volunteers.

The trust encompasses various sections, including Para/Disability football, the Over 50’s Walking squad, a women’s and girls’ section, and an amateur football team.

The GFR Academy, the largest part of the trust, provides football for children and young people in the town and wider Borders area.

Graeme McIver, chair of the Gala Fairydean Rovers Community Trust, added: "The stand at Netherdale continues to attract interest from across the UK and the world.

"At the time of the stand’s opening 60 years ago then it was primarily only male, adult football that could take place regularly on the grass pitch a couple of times a week.

"Since the laying of the artificial surface in 2012 there has been an explosion of seven day a week community use and the growth of football in the town.

"We are delighted that the club has extended this kind offer for free entry to league games for all of those involved in the Trust and strengthen the ties of the GFR family."

A special souvenir programme, packed with historical information about the stand, will be on sale at the game, priced at £3.