A POPULAR sports facility has undergone a game-changing improvement thanks to community donors.

Hillhead Sports Club in Glasgow's West End has received a £20,000 boost for its main Fraser Stand after two local businesses stepped in to help after the budget couldn't stretch to meet repair costs.

Club bosses had hoped to pull off changes to the stand which would allow for better protection from the city's unpredictable weather prior to the pandemic.

However, the international lockdowns, supply issues and increasing costs put an end to the plans until those surrounding them stepped in.

The works, completed earlier this month, saw the replacement of protective screens to the front of the 152-capacity stand, which offers prime viewing of the club’s main rugby pitch and its cricket square and outfield.

Sean Kelly of Richard Austin Alloys and John Gilmour from George Gilmour (Metals) Ltd stepped in to help carry out the renovation at no extra cost to the club after hearing of its plight.

Together they designed and fabricated 22 lighter aluminium screens to replace the heavier mild steel screens, which were difficult to move as well as having a poorer appearance.

Glasgow Times:

Alan Wilson, Hillhead Sports Club chair, said: “The incredible kindness and support shown by the late Sean Kelly of Richard Austin Alloys and John Gilmour of George Gilmour (Metals) really is a game-changer for Hillhead Sports Club and ensures our Fraser Stand is fit for purpose in 2023.

“We had long hoped to undertake these essential works only for the pandemic and then supply chain issues to conspire against us. However, there was collective determination to get the job done and this, together with the generosity of these two local businesses, combined to accelerate the project from autumn of last year.

“Everyone at the club is thrilled to have seen the works completed this month and we all share in the sincere gratitude to the late Sean and John, who have demonstrated the community spirit which is the very essence of amateur sports clubs such as Hillhead.”

Gary Kitchener and Andy Scott, respectively President and Secretary of Hillhead Jordanhill RFC, completed the onsite finishings alongside a very happy Barney the dog, who will be able to keep his fur dry throughout the season.

The Fraser Stand at Hillhead Sports Club, which lies on the grounds of Hughenden War Memorial Playing fields, just off Great Western Road, opened in August 2015, is fully covered and includes provision for three disabled spectators.

Hillhead Sports Club provides facilities for cricket, rugby, tennis, shinty and ultimate frisbee and boasts a fitness club, gym, restaurant, bar and indoor space for fitness sessions, social events and hospitality.