LORD Glasgow officially declared open the new Fairlie Bowling clubhouse on Saturday, August 9 in front of invited guests and members.

Honorary president, Lord Glasgow said he was honoured to open the beautiful clubhouse which had been built in only nine months.

Club treasurer Neil Renton spoke of the history of the bowling club which began in 1888. When an arsonist burned down the clubhouse in 1979 the members purchased a portable building which still stands today.

He introduced president Andy Allan, a 13 times champion of the club who introduced the speakers.

He told of how - when the club offered social memberships a few years ago - 50 new permanent members joined, including architects Eric McMillan and Paddy Cronin who brought new energy and a trigger point for the development.

Jane Kerr Projects gathered in funds and grants from such bodies as sportscotland, Ayrshire Leader and local orgnisations such as Kelburn Wind-farm committee as part of the £320,000 venture.

Mr Allan said it was “a dream come true” and the next phase would, hopefully, be astro-turf lawns for youth and disabled bowling.

Architect and member Eric McMillan said that the “A plus classification” clubhouse of 240 square metres was energy efficient with underfloor heating.

Among those he thanked was Mr Jim Munro, chairman of the forward planning committee, who had put in “immense efforts” to get the new clubhouse.

President Allan unveiled a special bar crest which was donated by McMillan and Cronin.

Mr John Kent, Principal of Inverclyde Sports Centre, expressed the congratulations of sportscotland on “the fantastic building”. He said that volunteers drove sport forwards and Fairlie not only developed facilities but coaching opportunities.

Largs editor Drew Cochrane, as chairman of Kelburn Wind-farm Trust, spoke of the special bond of the Fairlie members such as dedicated greenkeeper George Grant, and he was sure that the trust would help in future improvements.

Mr Arthur Hutchison of Skelmorlie Bowling Club proposed a toast to the future of Fairlie on behalf of the kindred clubs.

Mr Stuart Cumbrae McFarlane, vice-chairman of Bowls Scotland, said that Fairlie reflected the good image that bowling had achieved at the Commonwealth Games.

Special guest, North Ayrshire MP Katy Clark described the new “beautiful” clubhouse as a massive achievement for the village, and put the bowling club in a very good position.