He played for the Perth county cricket team, was president of the Scottish Cricket Union, and at the age of 55 scored a century playing for Wolfhill. In 1925 A.K. Bell built Doo’cot Cricket Park, which includes the Doo’cot Cricket Pavilion and two cricket pitches. The Gannochy Trust continues to support cricket in the present day, looking after Doo’cot Park and supporting cricket through our grants programme.
Cricket has a long history in Scotland; the first recorded match took place in 1785 and the first cricket club was established in 1821. A.K. Bell grew up playing cricket and in 1885 was described as ‘a sure catch in the long field’. His passion for the game was life long and he enthusiastically supported young cricketers – this included purchasing equipment for them. In later life A.K. Bell developed a friendship with the famous Australian cricketer Don Bradman.
In 1937 A.K. Bell gifted Doo’cot Cricket Park to The Gannochy Trust, entreating the trustees to maintain the pavilion and grounds in ‘proper repair’ and ‘pay for instructors and groundsmen and other staff and necessary implements and tools’. Accordingly, the Trust employs a specialist cricket grounds person and works closely with partners, providing funding to develop and deliver cricket across Perth and Kinross.
The Gannochy Trust provides funding to a number of different charities with the aim of supporting cricket to thrive in Perth and Kinross. The Trust has a particular interest in developing cricket so that it is inclusive and accessible for all. We currently fund Live Active Leisure to deliver cricket in schools; cricket club development; coach education; and no limits disability cricket. Cricket Scotland also delivers a disability cricket programme which The Gannochy Trust funds.
The Doo’cot Cricket Pavilion was designed by local Perth architects Smart, Stewart and Mitchell. A beautifully distinctive and unusual listed building, the pavilion is clad in larch wood and requires year round maintenance. The two-storied pavilion has facilities for players on the ground floor. The first floor has space for cricket teas or meetings and a comfortable veranda for watching cricket matches.
In the grounds there are two cricket pitches and practice nets. The open vistas from Doo’cot Park include views across farmland and down to the river Tay. The grounds are expertly looked after by our specialist cricket grounds keeper. Cricket games are listed on the fixtures board and parking is available right next to the pavilion and grounds.
The Perth Doo’cot Cricket Club play up to 60 fixtures a year at the park, spread across their 1st, 2nd and 3rd X1 and junior cricket teams. Most games are played on a Saturday with a few played on Sundays or during the week. You are welcome to come to Doo’cot Park to watch any cricket game. No booking is required – please just bring your own seating and refreshments.
To find out when cricket games are taking place, you can check the fixtures board at Doo’cot Park or check the Perth Doo’cot Cricket Club website.
Players of any ability and level of experience are welcome to join Perth Doo’cot Cricket Club. There are regular training sessions for senior and junior players. The club has a women’s team and supports girls’ cricket. Members of the club welcome all players with warmth and enthusiasm.
To find out more about activities at Perth Doo’cot Cricket Club, including upcoming games, please visit their informative website.