Anyone for tennis? Not in Wick you won't
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Two brothers who took the opportunity to have a game of tennis in Wick sparked a row with the organisation running the recreational facility.
Daniel Lyall (20) and Bryan Newlands (40) were heading to Thurso for a game of tennis when they saw there were players using the courts of Rosebank Playing Fields.
Bryan said: "I think especially just now with the lockdown it's good to have something to do like go out for a run or have a game of tennis. We both work hard and we both think it's important to get some exercise."
Seizing the opportunity, the brothers went over a low fence and entered the court. The other players seemed unperturbed by their presence, they claim.
"We approached the two gentlemen there, wondering how they got in, and they said they had a key. We thought this could save us a lot of trouble and we could play here in the future rather than travel."
Bryan said the two players explained that they had received the key because they work at nearby Caithness General Hospital. Frontline staff from the hospital are the only people permitted to use the facility, says the group running it.
"It's an outdoor sport and you're allowed to play golf and bowls. As far as I know, the bowls team had a key to go into the Rosebank Playing Fields."
The day after their game, a post on the Facebook page for Rosebank Playing Fields condemned anyone using the facility who has not the proper authorisation.
It reads: "It has been brought to our attention that people, children in particular, have been seen in the grounds and the tennis courts of Rosebank Playing Fields. They have gained access by either climbing the fence or wall. The facility is closed and anyone gaining access without our permission will be reported to the police.
"At the moment the only people permitted to use the tennis courts are frontline staff from Caithness General who have our permission for free entry and keys. Please message us here if you see anything you think we should know about. Thank you."
The brothers think the post was directly aimed at them and said they would like some "updated information" on when the leisure facility will be open.
"How long must me and my brother travel to Thurso? We've been checking daily for updates and there's nothing on the Facebook page to let you know," said Bryan.
Daniel agreed and added: "There's nothing on the page and no government guidelines. It looks like they're not interested in opening at all at the moment."
The Rosebank Playing Fields is an outdoor sports and leisure facility managed and run by Wick Youth Club.
The club was contacted through social media and said that before commenting it needed "to clarify a couple of things with the police". No further comment was forthcoming, however.
