Judy Murray is guest of honour at Dumbarton Tennis Club's grand reopening
Tennis royalty visited Dumbarton, to officially open the town’s brand new floodlit courts.
Judy Murray, mum of icons Andy and Jamie Murray, officially opened the new facilities at Dumbarton Tennis Club - which is one of the oldest in Scotland.
And she was blown away by the enthusiasm of members at the club, which was previously known as Kirktonhill, saying: “What a welcome from the kids at Dumbarton Tennis Club for the official opening of their resurfaced courts.
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“It’s one of the oldest clubs in Scotland, dating back to 1898, and the only tennis club in West Dunbartonshire.
“I was thrilled to see the transformation. When I opened the new clubhouse back in 2018 the courts were very old black tarmac with potholes and loose gravel, so it was great to come back and see such a huge number of members and guests supporting the amazing work of the committee and coach Duggie McKechnie.
“We had a lot of fun - and rain - and cake. It’s a wonderful example of an inclusive and welcoming community facility.”
Judy was one of a number of VIPs to attend the grand opening, with Lord Speaker John McFall, MP Douglas McAllister and representatives from SportScotland and Tennis Scotland all paying a visit.
Paul Donnelly from the club said: “Dumbarton is one of the oldest active clubs in Scotland, however recent years have been difficult with courts in a poor state of repair, and a lack of floodlighting hampering any attempt at year-round play.
“The new facilities are the result of two years of tireless work from our committee, which has raised in excess of £100,000 to redevelop the club.
“Funding has come from a range of Scottish Community Landfill Funders (Suez, Levenseat, and Pattersons Quarry), from Arnold Clark, and from the fundraising efforts and donations from individual members, all of whom we are extremely grateful to.
“In addition to the new courts and lights, we have installed disabled access gates to ensure wheelchair users can take advantage of the courts and have opened the facility to non-members so that everyone in the area can benefit.
“We are the only club in West Dunbartonshire, so providing a first class facility that all the community can enjoy and ensuring we are accessible to everyone is something we are delighted to have been able to do. It is already proving to be hugely popular and will be something this area will benefit from for years to come.”
And he was delighted to welcome Judy to G82, continuing: “Judy spent around three hours at the club, delivering coaching clinics to over 40 local children, and you could see just how much they enjoyed it.
“Following this she officially opened the facility by saying a few words and cutting a specially made celebration cake.
“We are hugely grateful to Judy for coming to do this and for the time she gives, not just to our club, but to supporting and promoting tennis in Scotland.
“The event was hugely busy with members and visitors of all ages and was also attended by our local MP, Douglas McAllister, Lord McFall, and representatives from Sports Scotland and Tennis Scotland.
“This is a great time to get involved at the club, not only do we have fantastic new facilities, but we are currently offering great value cut price memberships from as little as £20 for kids, to £60 for adults.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the club is welcome to come along for a visit, and information is available across social media and on: clubspark.lta.org.uk/DumbartonTC.