Buchan Indoor Bowling Club was built on a site previously used as a Filling Station – Caravan Sales and Garden Centre.
The buildings were transformed into a 4 Rink bowling area with a kitchen, lounge and bar area upstairs with snooker hall and bar area downstairs. The work was carried out by Buchan Brothers a local building firm who had bought the whole property. When the work was completed in 1986. Buchan Indoor Bowling & Leisure Centre was born.
The first President of the club was Mr. George Taylor. The first Annual General Meeting was held on the 24th. August 1987 where Mr. Taylor was re-elected President, with Mr. Doug Gammack appointed Vice President.
As early as 1987 moves were being made by the Directors of the said building firm (Buchan Brothers) to dispose of the club. In February 1988 at a Special General Meeting it was agreed that the committee should enter negotiations with the Directors regarding the buying of the centre. At the AGM held in August 1988 Mr. Doug Gammack was appointed President with Mr. Arthur Gammack elected Vice President. (Arthur was later to be elected President of the SIBA albeit while a member of Fraserburgh Indoor Bowling Club). During February 1989 an ultimatum to buy or close was put forward by the Directors. A stay of closure was granted to allow adequate funds to be sourced for the purchase. This purchase was to be made by the members. From October 1989 the club was run on a monthly rental basis but the directors decided to close at midnight on the 22nd. November. All was not lost. A club member Mr. Ron Fraser got involved and offered to run the club with a hand picked team. Ron showed great determination and dedication and worked tirelessly with his team to secure the funding for the purchase. On the 29th. April 1990 a cheque was presented to the Directors and a new era was born. The club was renamed Buchan Indoor Bowling Club.
The summer of 1991 saw the laying of a wooden floor to replace the existing concrete one (a massive task). The work was carried out by a local firm, Andrew Findlay Joiners. Andrew was assisted at the installation of the floor by member volunteers all doing their little bit for the club. A board is displayed in the bowling hall showing the work in progress. A new wooden floor has since been installed by Dales Sports Surfaces.
Many changes have taken place with the building:
The club is a Members club, owned and run by the members. All work carried out in the club since the club's beginnings, is on a voluntary basis. The success of the club depends on the continuing support and dedication by all who volunteer; this we hope continues for many years to come.
In 2013 the club was presented with the S.I.B.A. 75th. Anniversary award for Service and Achievement in Indoor Bowling in Scotland. A Trophy presented by Mr. and Mrs. W. Duff. The club is exceedingly proud of this recognition.
We at Buchan Indoor Bowling Club have a lot to be thankful for and we strive to continue the good work.
Let us not forget the hard work and dedication of previous committees and members, some sadly no longer with us and ensure that the club continues to flourish for many years to come.
Buchan Indoor Bowling Club welcomes everyone with an interest in this fascinating sport and opens its doors to prospective members of all ages, abilities and agilities - from juniors to great-grandparents, from absolute beginners to national level players.
