Kinburn Park Project

President of St Andrews Lawn Tennis Club Bernhard Struck, Professor of history in the University of St Andrews, prefaced his presentation by saying that tennis had been a passion of his since the age of four, and that in his view it was an even greater sport than golf (a brave thing to say to an audience of many passionate golfers in a room overlooking the iconic 18th green of the Old Course!). The Tennis Club will celebrate its centenary next year. Bernhard began by describing some of the club’s highs and lows during this past century – including how Rotarians James Murray and David Bateman each played their part in helping it through some challenging times. The year 2024 was pivotal for the Club. Fife Council contacted Bernard to say that they did not have funds to  maintain Kinburn Park and were not renewing the Bowling Club’s lease for this reason. They asked if the Tennis Club would be interested in taking over. At that point, however, the Club’s membership was decreasing, its long-term sustainability was in question and there were no funds to spend on the courts and clubhouse, which were badly in need of upgrading. How could the Club address these challenges and keep Kinburn Park as a green space for the community both now and in the future? Since 2024 the Club has become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and submitted a Community Asset Transfer application to Fife Council to bring Kinburn Park into community ownership. As a starting point it has also suggested a vision for the future including upgrading existing clay courts, introducing padel courts (the existing courts are already popular and generating money) and a café, upgrading the clubhouse and creating a flexible outdoor space for community events. He urged members to access the questionnaire  www.standrewsltc.com and add their ideas to help shape the future of this special space in the heart of St Andrews. John Scott thanked Bernhard for his inspiring presentation, and for his work on and passion for this vital community project.