Sport in Kilmarnock is to receive a boost thanks to a £54,000 funding award from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund to Kilmarnock Tennis Club.

The club has been awarded £54,000 towards two new multi-court playing surfaces for tennis, padel and pickleball.

The courts will be the only padel and pickleball courts in East Ayrshire.

The club’s new courts are among 18 projects across Scotland to share a total of £1,506,263 from sportscotland to develop existing facilities or create a new home for sport and physical activity.

Kilmarnock Tennis Club has grown its membership from 140 to 270 in the last four years, and the existing four courts can no longer meet the demands for tennis at the club.

The new courts will be available for members and non-members and allow the club to grow its programmes and facilitate more events.

This investment has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK.

Gordon Semple, Kilmarnock Tennis Club president, said: “We are very grateful to sportscotland for their support in helping us bring new sporting facilities to Kilmarnock.

"The venue will allow the local community to play tennis as well as try the new sports of padel and pickleball.

“We believe that this will enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of the community in one of the most deprived areas of Scotland.

"The central location of the facility will make it easily accessible for local schools, colleges, and community groups, extending our existing partnerships and increasing overall participation.”

Forbes Dunlop, chief executive of sportscotland, added: “Projects like the new courts at Kilmarnock Tennis Club not only create opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity, but can also provide a place for communities to come together.”