Confusion reigns over the future of a long standing Ayrshire bowling club after the green went up for sale today by auction.
Dunaskin Doon Bowling Club and Green, near Patna, went under the hammer today with a guide price of £85,000.
A marketing ad on Rightmove said the premises provides a “unique investment opportunity” as 0.69 acres of land with access road, parking and detached traditional clubhouse were up for sale.
A Timed Online Auction was set from 10am to 3pm today, with the property since being “removed by the agent” online.
The auction comes just two weeks after Dunaskin Doon Bowling Club committee and members launched a fundraising plea online to save the club for future generations to enjoy as the landlord of the premises they play from looks to sell up.
The club - which has enjoyed a presence in the village for 140 years - has been at the heart of the community since 1883, when it first formed for the villagers of Dunaskin.
It has been used ever since by generations of families, with the club even kindly offering their green and clubhouse to allow friends from Rankinston to finish their bowling season when Rankinston Bowling Club sadly closed.
The committee and members insisted in a Facebook post they are “not over yet” as they “are working hard to meet the valuation” given by the landlord.
Dunaskin Doon Bowling Club said on Facebook: “We’ve hosted clubs from all over Ayrshire and Glasgow, including recently the CISWF triples match.
“Too many recreational clubs have now been lost in the Doon valley with more under threat by council cuts and rising costs.
“We don’t want our club to be another statistic or conversation in future years remembering when Dunaskin had a bowling club.
“So we are taking matters into our own hands and trying to raise the funds to purchase the club, meaning we can secure this club for generations.”
The post added that celebrations to mark the club’s 140th birthday are already at the planning stage with the opening of the green still planned to go ahead for this season on Saturday, April 22.
Dunaskin Doon Bowling Club’s plea comes hot on the heels of Doon Valley Railway, who need to raise £250,000 by July 31 or risk losing their heritage railway museum, cafe, gift shop, and customer toilets amongst others, as the owner of the buildings they occupy also looks to sell up.
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