A Peterhead bowling club will lock its gates for the final time this weekend after nearly a century.
Victoria Bowling Club was damaged by a blaze in the summer of 2014 and members have been forced to operate out of a temporary clubhouse for more than two years.
A protracted row over the ownership of the site ensued until it was discovered Aberdeenshire Council gave up responsibility for the site two decades ago and was unable to claim insurance.
Eventually, the local authority offered chairman John Noble and his members a £40,000 grant to keep the club afloat but the organisation is due to fold.
Last night Mr Noble said: “It’s a complicated situation – there was a fire, it was discovered the lease was not renewed and the council couldn’t claim fire insurance.
“I negotiated with the council and eventually got them to agree to give the bowling club £40,000 to put something up ourselves.”
Mr Noble said the length of the negotiations meant many members left the club and in June this year the society held a “crunch” meeting.
“The council were helpful in terms of making a business plan and wanted to help with £40,000.
“But as a club we decided we needed enough people to justify the council money. We decided we would need 15 people to sign the business plan and commit to being members for five years. Only 12 agreed to sign.
“This Saturday, September 10, will be our last day of playing after 95 years. It was quite an asset to the town – it’s very sad.”
The club will hold one final members dinner before distributing any remaining assets to charities nominated by the group.
Mr Noble is working on a book charting the history of the club and it is understood the council will put up a permanent display in the town’s community centre.
Last night council leisure boss John Harding said: “It is sad to hear that Peterhead Bowling Club have decided to close. The council has been working with the club to support their recovery club after the devastating fire, however we recognise that this is a decision for the club and its members.
“Aberdeenshire Council is committed to supporting community groups and clubs and will continue to do so”
