Ayr Rugby Football Club is going through a significant transformation at its historic Millbrae ground in Alloway, representing one of the most ambitious renovations in Scottish club rugby. This redevelopment showcases Ayr’s commitment to securing its long-term future, enhancing its role in the community, and offering top-notch facilities for players, members, and locals alike. I spoke to Brian Williamson the Chairman of Ayr RFC about the exciting new project. Brian stated that the project is “really exciting” and it couldn’t be achieved without the “amazing legacy donation from Alan Macdonald who sponsored his club through his company Don Construction”. Alan donated an incredible 5 million pounds worth of sponsorship to the club.
Since the donation, the project has already made notable strides. The first phase brought about a new access road and car park, enhancing connectivity and accessibility to the site. Phase two introduced a state-of-the-art all-weather pitch with floodlights, enabling training and matches to occur year-round, no matter the weather. These initial upgrades have already improved the club’s daily operations and matchday experience, but the upcoming stage is expected to be revolutionary.
Phase three, which is currently pending final planning approval from South Ayrshire Council, aims to completely revamp the clubhouse and its surrounding facilities. Ayr have received funding from Sports Scotland to the tune of £200,000 and the SRU with £250,000 and they are raising as much as they can for the last stage of the revamp. The plans feature a significant extension of about 288 square meters and a full interior renovation. New additions will include a modern strength and conditioning gym, a multi-use studio for classes like yoga and pilates, a golf simulator room, and a club shop. The clubhouse will also have upgraded changing facilities that include male, female, accessible, and gender-neutral spaces, along with new referee rooms and improved restrooms. Environmental sustainability is a key focus, with new heating, lighting, and ventilation systems, as well as solar panels to lower energy costs and emissions. The revamped bar, lounge, and function area will serve as a contemporary social hub for both rugby and community events.
The redevelopment isn’t just about rugby-it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive community space that can be used all year round. The club hopes the improved facilities will attract more people into the sport, boost youth development, and generate steady income through events and community partnerships. However, such ambition comes with challenges. The multi-million-pound project requires significant fundraising and ongoing financial management, especially as operational costs such as utilities and insurance continue to rise.
Despite these hurdles, Ayr RFC’s leadership has made clear that the revamp is an investment in both the club’s future and the wider community. The upgrades honour the club’s proud history while positioning it for decades of success, on and off the pitch. With better training resources, greater inclusivity, and a focus on sustainability, Millbrae is set to become not just a home for rugby, but a cornerstone for sport and community life in Ayrshire.
