A BARRHEAD bowling club has been left facing an uncertain future after a falling tree caused extensive damage.

Shocked members at Arthurlie Bowling Club were yesterday counting the cost of the freak accident.

They were horrified to learn a giant tree had crashed into their clubhouse, with three-quarters of the building being completely destroyed.

The incident took place in the early hours of Monday morning, when Barrhead was being battered by strong winds.

Keith White, chairman of the management board at Arthurlie Bowling Club, told the Barrhead News: “We are very much shocked by the incident and anxious abou tto what the next bowling season will bring in April.

“This is very worrying for our members but we can only try to remain positive.”

Luckily, no-one was inside the building when the tree came crashing down.

Mr White added: “The building is far too dangerous to enter and we haven’t been able to get near it to properly assess the damage.

“It is likely that the tree wasn’t in a very good condition when it came down.

“The treasurer, who stays nearby, heard the crash on the night. Fortunately, as it was so late, no-one was inside.”

It is now hoped that, following an insurance payout, the building can be repaired.

However, with the new bowling season due to start in April, members face a race against time to get things back to normal.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “Following this incident at Arthurlie Bowling Club, our priority has been to arrange the safe removal of the fallen tree and assess all other nearby trees on our land to ensure they are healthy and not a risk.

“We have been working with the bowling club and will continue to liaise with them closely in the coming weeks.”