Overview
Annan RFC, a well-established rugby union club located in southwest Scotland, recognised the growing need to improve its facilities to better support club ambitions, its players, and the local community. Central to this vision was the enhancement of the club's Main Pitch to allow for extended training hours, year-round usability, and the hosting of evening matches and community events.
Kellwood Lighting supported Annan RFC through the design and supply of a bespoke lighting system - a key step in future-proofing the club’s facilities against changing weather patterns and shorter daylight hours, especially during the Scottish winter months.
Objectives and Challenges
Relatively common and unusual requirements needed to be considered:
Sport Scotland/CIBSE Lux Levels – design and supply a solution to meet or exceed Sport Scotland recommended illumination for competitive Rugby Union games.
Sustainability - minimise energy consumption and maintenance costs to support the club's Net Zero and Carbon Management activities.
Existing Columns – configure the proposed lighting solution to use the existing 8-column arrangement, ensuring bracket compatibility and long-term durability.
The work
Kellwood delivered a comprehensive lighting solution for the main pitch, underpinned by advanced photometric modelling in DIALux. The design used a total of 21 Nicholson 2 Series luminaires, strategically positioned on the existing 15-metre Columns.
By installing lower-wattage luminaires along the central axis of the pitch and higher-wattage units at the perimeter corners, light distribution was optimised according to the column spacing. This also significantly reduced the total power consumption, requiring only 25kW to achieve the prescribed illumination levels:
| Parameter | Average Lux (Eav) | Uniformity (U0) | Glare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | >200lux | >0.6 | <55 |
| Design Level | 222 lux | 0.720 | <54 |
The results
Annan RFC has invested in a future-proof sports lighting solution that combines exceptional optical performance, efficiency, and durability. The installation not only raises the club’s facility standards but also contributes to the broader goal of supporting grassroots rugby development across the region.
- Enhanced training capacity: Evening sessions can now be conducted year-round.
- Compliance: Lighting levels exceed typical standards for community-level rugby.
≥64% forecast energy saving
≥70% forecast energy saving
