Scottish champ delivers winning bowl
Wednesday 4 February 2004
Former Scottish title holder and current international bowler Gary Mackie will deliver the first Jack and bowl to mark the opening of the new eight-rink indoor bowling centre. The facility will be the first of its kind in Fife and aims to improve the quality and accessibility of leisure provisions in the area.
"The new indoor bowling centre... has already attracted seven hundred new members to the club."
sportscotland have committed £200,000 of Lottery funds from its Sports Facilities Programme to the development of the eight-rink indoor bowling centre. It is hoped that the arena will stage national and international competitions, such as the Indoor Bowling Association’s Scottish and UK championships. Hosting events of this stature, not only raises the profile of the sport for spectators, but can also encourage participation in the game at grassroots level.
Abbeyview Bowling Club first begun in 1967 when it emerged from a hut alongside tennis courts and a putting green to become a successful six-rink outdoor bowling club with a thriving membership, which has now reached its full capacity. The indoor bowling centre will be a valuable addition to the area, allowing up to 2000 new members to join the club and experience the game of bowls. The centre will also provide users with access to the three lounge areas, cafe, bar and restaurant facilities, helping to generate further economic benefits for the local community.
Stuart Roxburgh, Club Secretary said: “We are grateful to sportscotland for their support to the development of this new facility which will provide a huge boost to the Abbeyview area of Dunfermline. The new indoor bowling centre is seen by many as the jewel in the crown of the regeneration process and has already attracted seven hundred new members to the club. We are hopeful that this facility will prove financially viable to the community and provide invaluable resources to existing bowlers as well as to beginners.”
Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland said: “We are delighted to support the development of this new eight-rink indoor bowling centre with a sportscotland lottery award of £200,000. It is hoped that the facility will provide a catalyst to encourage more people of all ages to get involved in sport and physical activity. sportscotland are continuing to work closely with partners and key organisations to help more Scottish communities gain wider access to quality sports provisions.
- The opening ceremony will take place at Abbeyview Bowling Centre, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 4HA at 12:00 noon on Saturday 7 February 2004
- Other contributors included Abbeyview Bowling Club, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Fife Council, Interbrew UK Ltd., Social Investment Scotland and Lloyds TSB