Dunterlie Park

Did the cheers of football fans ever echo through Dunterlie Park as loudly as the rumble of trains passing by? Here at Dunterlie Park, the second ground to bear this name, the roar of the crowd mingled with the sounds of the Glasgow, Barrhead and Kilmarnock Joint Railway. Arthurlie Football Club called this place home from 1906 to 1919. Dunterlie Park wasn’t a grand stadium. It was a simple ground with a small open stand and a pavilion nestled in the southern corner. Imagine the scene on August 25, 1906. Arthurlie triumphed 5-4 over Vale of Leven in their first league match here at this very spot. Dunterlie Park witnessed thrilling victories and crushing defeats under the watchful eyes of its dedicated fans. The ground’s intimate setting brought supporters close to the action. They could almost feel the thud of the ball and hear the players’ shouts. But the story of Dunterlie Park is not just one of football. It’s a story intertwined with the history of Barrhead itself. This ground stood as a testament to the community’s passion for the sport, their loyalty to their local team. The final league game played at Dunterlie Park unfolded on April 3, 1915. Arthurlie won 5-3 against Lochgelly United. This victory marked the end of an era, as World War I and the subsequent suspension of the Scottish Football League brought an end to matches at this particular Dunterlie Park. The grounds later became part of Shanks Industrial Park, a stark reminder of the passage of time. Though industry now occupies this space, the echoes of cheering fans and the thrill of the game still linger in the air of Dunterlie Park.