Millport Bowling Club is hoping to bowl over visitors with a brand new putting green and outdoor seating area as the summer season kicks off.

The club, which is celebrating its 152nd year on the island, has a healthy membership of more than 60 regular players, and has had a fresh influx of new faces in time for the sunnier weather.

Committee member Christine McCubbin reveals the whole club is excited by the additions, and she hopes the new putting green will attract families and visitors during the summer.

She said: “We’ve had a putting green before but it wasn’t up to standard, so we changed it and modernised it.

“The putting green used to be on three different parts of the grass, but now we have a picnic area and French bowls on there as well.

“It is the only putting green on the island that is open to visitors, and we are trying to keep it casual to attract people.

“It is £3 for a game of putting and people can take as long as they like, with scorecards and a pencil to make it more competitive.”

The club have also created a new outdoor seating area to allow visitors to sit longer and make their time at the green more of an occasion.

Christine explained: “We have installed new benches around the place and also purchased three picnic tables.

“It’s a great addition because on good days members and visitors can sit while having their teas and coffees.

“We’re trying to make a visit here more of an occasion, and encourage families to come and spend a couple of hours.

“Two adults and two children can have a few hours of bowling for £12, which we think is fantastic value for money.”

The club’s greens are set to host tournaments throughout the summer - including one of the oldest in Ayrshire which is played annually between Largs and Millport.

Christine reveals the club are looking to get younger islanders involved in the sport, with a special introductory offer for new members.

She added: “If you’ve not been a member and want to try bowls for the first time, we offer a £30 membership fee for the first year.

“This gives you access to all the facilities we offer, and it’s really aimed at younger people to get them interested in playing.

“We are working with the schools to get children along throughout June and play fun games with them.”

For more information on the club visit the Millport Bowling Club page on Facebook.