Edinburgh Monarchs speedway search for new stadium after owners announce plans to sell Armadale

Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway will leave Armadale Stadium after 26 years at the end of the 2022 season.

The West Lothian venue, which has hosted the team’s most successful era, will close in October after the landlords formally signalled their intent to sell the site this year.

Officials say the club is working to secure the future of the Monarchs in a new venue and discussions are ongoing with West Lothian Council who have expressed support for retaining the Monarchs in the area.

Monarchs co-promoter John Campbell said, “For many years there has been a threat to the existence of Armadale Stadium. Throughout that time we have been developing plans and casting a wide search over the local area for a new stadium.

The Monarchs have competed at Armadale since 1997. Edinburgh Monarchs

“This will be a significant challenge but as a club, with our wonderful supporters, we are known to rise to challenges again, and again, and succeed. That is what we will do here.

“We are working hard at it and will continue to work even harder still.

“The two critical ingredients for our new stadium are finding the right site and securing the necessary finance. We are putting out a call to anyone who can assist us in these areas to please come forward and contact the club.”

The Monarchs compete in the British Speedway Championship against teams from across Britain.

The team currently sits in ninth place ahead of Scunthorpe Scorpions and Newcastle Diamonds.

Chairman Alex Harkess said: “Armadale Stadium has been a happy place for the club over what has been very many years. We are thankful to have had it as our home and will be sad to see it go, but we must now look to the future and that is exciting. There is life beyond Armadale Stadium for the Monarchs.

“For the remainder of this season, the team has a job to do. It is still early days and a place in the play offs is very achievable. With the continued excellent support of our fans, we can get there.”

The club said they hope to update fans regarding the future where possible over the coming weeks and months.