Long-term lease agreed with club for pitches and pavilion
Published: Monday 19 May 2025
A football club in existence for nearly 150 years is to take over the lease of pitches and a pavilion in Stonehouse.
Royal Albert FC, founded in 1878, were granted a 25-year lease for Tileworks Pitches and Pavilion.
The pitches and pavilion were previously managed by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC). However, following a review of its business plan, the SLLC Board announced in March 2024 that it could not sustain service delivery from this facility and control was to be returned to the council.
The site consists of a metal framed changing pavilion, car parking, two 11-a-side grass pitches, one 9-a-side pitch and two synthetic 5-a-side pitches.
Royal Albert FC committee member Ross Thomson said: "We would like to thank everyone who has helped us get to this point and to the council for their help during the process.
"The support we have received from the community in Stonehouse has been remarkable. The hard work starts now for us.
"We have big plans going forward. As well as our current sides we have also just started our walking football section for the over 50s and we aim to start our girls section this year."
Executive Director of Housing and Technical Resources, Stephen Gibson, said: “It’s great news for the club and its supporters that a long-term agreement has been reached for them to use the Tileworks pitches and pavilion.
“I am sure this security will allow them to grow as a club, and it’s exciting to hear the plans they have for the future. I wish them every success.”
25 August 2025
Overnight closures for street in Hamilton
25 August 2025
Wide range of community groups to benefit from Local Action Fund
22 August 2025
Local Action Fund split to support wide range of local projects
21 August 2025
Funding boost is widely shared in Hamilton West and Earnock
21 August 2025
South Lanarkshire exam results reveal increases across the board
19 August 2025
Community group to redevelop derelict buildings
19 August 2025
Campaign continues to urge everyone to stop engine idling
18 August 2025
New chief executive for SLLC
18 August 2025
Rural roads clean-up campaign fills 1200 bags of litter
15 August 2025
Major improvements on way for road in East Kilbride