An Aberdeenshire bowling club has been praised for its efforts in involving members of the community.
Councillor Alison Evison said Portlethen Bowling Club had the interests of the community at heart and praised members’ work with both youngsters from local primary schools and residents of Lethen Park Care Home.
She made the comments while discussing the club’s application to take over Bourtree Pavilion as part of the council’s community asset transfer scheme.
Members of the Kincardine and Mearns area committee heard the pavilion would be used by the club to generate income through social events.
Councillors heard that the club, which has 90 members including seven juniors, took over the clubhouse several years ago and has since raised £60,000 by running a small bar.
They now want to upgrade the clubhouse using the cash, and to further assist want to take over the lease of the pavilion for social events.
Area manager Willie Munro told councillors that if the club took over the pavilion, they would save the authority about £2,500 a year in maintenance costs.
Mrs Evison, who represents North Kincardine, welcomed the move and said: “This is a group that really has the interest of the community at heart.
“In days when we’re hearing about problems of mental health in communities, it’s really important that something like this is supported to provide a social outlet for the community.
“Portlethen isn’t full of community resources, and this is an important one we should encourage.”
Councillors unanimously supported the application, which will now be referred to policy and resources for a final decision.