We, the undersigned, call on Scottish Borders Council and Live Borders to halt plans to close and repurpose Tweedbank Indoor Bowling Club and to protect this vital community facility.

Live Borders has confirmed its intention to close the indoor bowling stadium at Tweedbank and convert it for gymnastics and soft play. While this recommendation is due to be considered by Scottish Borders Council, there is a growing concern within our community that this decision is already a fait accompli.

Tweedbank Indoor Bowling Club is not just a sports venue, it is a lifeline for many people across the Central Borders. It provides a safe, welcoming environment where individuals of all ages, particularly our senior members can stay active, socialise, and maintain their mental wellbeing. Its loss would leave a significant gap in community provision and increase the risk of isolation for many.

This decision would end indoor bowling in the Central Borders. For a region with a strong bowling tradition, this would be a devastating blow.

Our club has a proud history. We have produced multiple international players, won Scottish titles, and continue to compete successfully. Our gents’ team earned promotion last season and now face being unable to compete at the higher level they worked so hard to achieve, simply because their home venue is being taken away.

We are also deeply concerned that this decision fails to recognise the club as a long-established and valuable community and sporting asset. As tenants, we have had limited influence over the decision-making process, despite engaging constructively throughout.

We fully support investment in local sports facilities and recognise the importance of gymnastics and children’s activities. However, this must not come at the cost of removing an existing, successful, and much-loved facility. There must be a way to support both.

We call on Scottish Borders Council and Live Borders to:

• Reject the closure of Tweedbank Indoor Bowling Club
• Protect the bowling hall and playing surface from alteration
• Work with the club to find a solution that allows bowling to continue alongside any future developments

The loss of this club would not just mean the closure of a building, it would mean the loss of community,  heritage, and a vital support network for many.

Save Tweedbank Indoor Bowling Club.