Real Tennis Court, 19, Crosbie Road, Troon

Rectangular-plan real tennis court adjoining asymmetrical, 2-storey house (Fryers & Penman, circa 1905) converted for use as nursing home. Whitewashed harl; timber strapping at upper level; glazed pitched roof. Commissioned by a Mr J O M Clark (a thread manufacturer from Paisley), the Sun Court Nursing Home was originally a private residence called Lindisfarne. The real tennis court (a near contemporary with the house) was commissioned by the same Mr Clark during a period of revived interest in the game.

It was built by Joseph Bickley, who also designed courts at Moreton Morrell and Canford Hayling Island. Despite its present state of disrepair, and the fact that much of what can be seen today actually dates from its restoration during the 1960s, this particular court remains one of only two in Scotland - the other being at Falkland Palace, dating from the time of James V and said to be the oldest surviving court in Britain. Furthermore, there are said to be only 38 such courts surviving in the world - others situated in Australia, France, USA and England.

The Sun Court tennis court was in use until 1928. Subsequent uses included that of a gunnery instruction school when both it and the adjoining house were requisitioned during the war. Numerous functions followed until the 1960s when the court was restored and used as it was originally intended until the early 1990s. Today, it acts as a store for the adjoining nursing home - its condition deteriorating (1997). (Historic Scotland)

1997: Historic Scotland reports that the court is being used as a store for the adjoining nursing home and that its condition is deteriorating. June 2001: External inspection shows improvement to the court's condition, with the harling and roof both in good condition. The building appears well maintained, but is still only used for storage. September 2002: A demolition application is lodged. 2 October 2002: The Troon Times reports that the demolition application has been submitted to make way for a £1.4 million extension to the present nursing home and the new build of a block to the rear. The previous owners, who restored the court upon purchase in 1967, have objected to the application. Troon Community Council is also against the plans, as is the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland. SCT strongly objects, citing a number of expressions of interest in using the court facilities, though the owners have hitherto prohibited its use. May 2004: SCT reiterates its objections to a resubmitted application. 5 May 2004: The Carrick Herald reports on the application. 30 June 2004: The Troon Times reports that 250 letters of objection have been received. 24 sheltered flats would be built on the cleared site, and the owners regard demolition as the only way to comply with Care Commission standards. 1 July 2004: The Ayr Extra reports that planning officials have recommended refusal. 8 December 2004: The Troon Times reports that the demolition application remains active, though the owner is working with the Tennis and Racquets Association who hope to return the court to use. A feasibility study and business plan are being put together. October 2006: Local authority report that the building lies within Troon Conservation Area. The 2004 application is still pending as representatives were made to the local plan public enquiry which has delayed the planning process.

June 2008: The Sunday Herald reports on a letter campaign to restore and re-open the courts. The article reports a demolition application made by the owner was refused in 2007.

December 2009: External inspection that the building appears to have altered little since the last visit by SCT. There are some indications that pigeons may be infesting the building.

January 2011: A member of the public contacts SCT to advise the building remains derelict with some of the windows boarded up and the door has recently had new locks fitted for security.

March 2012: Local planners report the building remains at risk.

18 May 2012: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit.

2 June 2014: Local planners report the building owner is in discussion with the Council and Historic Scotland, although the building remains at risk.

12 September 2014: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. The loss of render continues.