Bolt from the blue as archers force bowling club to jack it in

THEY have lived in harmony for 160 years, but now a bolt from the blue from an ancient archery society is set to force Edinburgh's oldest bowling club out of business.

The Royal Company of Archers fired off a letter last week warning the Edinburgh Bowling Club it will have to vacate its historic home off Meadow Lane.

The bowling club has leased the land from the royal company – based in the neighbouring Archers Hall – since it was formed in 1848. But it is understood the archers, who are the Queen's official bodyguards when she is in Scotland, are now targeting the land for redevelopment.

Ian Millar, secretary of the bowling club, said it was unlikely the club would find a new home.

"Everyone is extremely disappointed by this," he said. "Our members come here from all over the city not just for bowling but for social reasons as well.

"People, myself included, have very fond memories from this place. We will call a meeting with all the members and then we'll have an idea what people want to do."

Although the club, which has 100 members, was in the middle of a 25-year lease, the archers decided to utilise a clause which allows either side to walk away from the agreement at any time. Officials were told last week that the agreement was being terminated as of November 30.

Bowling club president Brian MacFarlane added: "To get a new location in the centre of the city would be impossible, and when you come together with another club the name wouldn't stay the same, so it looks like the Edinburgh Bowling Club name won't continue."

It is understood student accommodation is being considered for the bowling club site.

The company's Captain David Younger said forcing the club to close was not a decision taken lightly. He said: "This is something we have to do for our future, but we have a good relationship with the club and will do all we can to try and help them find a new home."

The company, which has more than 500 members, has been based at Archers' Hall, on the west side of Buccleuch Street, since 1777. The huge sandstone house is now used primarily for private functions and meetings.

Formed in 1676 as a private archery club, it was granted the Royal charter by Queen Anne in 1704 and, since King George IV visited Edinburgh in 1822, has provided the bodyguard for the sovereign while in Scotland.