As you may know, we recently engaged with a company called ETC Sports to investigate the possibility of installing lights at the courts. This will bring many benefits in providing additonal playing time after dark, allowing increased hours for matches, social play and coaching. 

We worked with ETC Sports to submit a planning application to the Council. They have now ruled that there is no permission required as this work is not categorised as a development. As such we are now in position to move forward with the project. 

The system we have selected has been carefully chosen to minimise light spillage outside the courts. This has been a critical aspect of our considerations given the proximity of the neighbouring homes and gardens. The system is called "Tweener" and uses LED strip lighting attached to the top of the fence either side of the courts. We will be the first Tennis Club in Scotland to install this system. This type of lighting has significantly less light spillage compared to traditional pylon mounted floodlights. Other benefits include easier installation and lower running costs. 

The two short promotional videos below illustrate how little light seeps beyond the boundary of the courts. As you can see, while the courts are perfectly illuminated almost no light spills outside the playing area. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k8SuUQCruUs

https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=21&v=enUzCeOvNqA&feature=emb_logo

Additionally, the diagrams below indicate the illumination levels on the courts and surrounding areas. The second and third diagrams compare Tweener with traditional pylon mounted floodlights; 

We are now in detailed discussions with the supplier about costs and installation timing. Our hope is to have the system installed by next Spring, ideally in time for the new season matches starting in April. 

Watch this space for further information in the coming weeks. 

Update 11/2/22

Some electrical remediation work has been required in preparation for the floodlights going in. This work has now been completed, including the installation of a new electrical distribution board in the clubhouse. We are now waiting on a firm installation date for the floodlights from the suppliers. 
 

Update 28/4/22

We have now finalised and agreed the contract with ETC Sports to carry out the installation work. We are hopeful this will take place in May but await a firm date.