An Olympic sport faces being sunk in South Ayrshire – unless plans for a new leisure centre are revisited.
Council bosses want to erect a £40 million facility in the heart of Ayr town centre.
But their early proposals make no mention of diving, which currently has a home at the closure-threatened Citadel.
Concern is now high among the sport's leading figures that up-and-coming stars could be forced as far afield as Edinburgh to pursue their career.
Peter Smith, a former Commonwealth diver who is now president of Ayr Diving Club, told Ayrshire Live: "The current plans make no mention of diving and that's our worry.
"If that comes to pass, it would tear an Olympic sport away from the people of the south west of Scotland.
"We are the only diving facility south of Edinburgh, and by removing us, we would lose the potential of so many up-and-coming divers who have or have not yet been able to access this sport."
Peter represented Scotland at the Edinburgh Games in 1986 and in Auckland, New Zealand four years later.
And he knows the importance of providing a local facility to the next generation of stars.
Ayr is one of only four diving clubs in the whole of Scotland alongside Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee.
Peter, 50, said: "To lose Ayr Diving Club and its facilities would have a massive impact on the overall Scottish Diving scene.
"I was able to reach the Commonwealth Games by doing the majority of my training at Ayr Baths.
"Sure, I was up against divers who had access to far better facilities, but it's proof that this part of the world can compete.
"So many people have happy memories of throwing themselves off the diving boards in Ayr and it's vital we maintain that in the town.
"We have people travelling to our club from miles around and the potential is there for it to be massive."
John Scott, Conservative candidate for Ayr at the upcoming Holyrood election, said: “I’m not myself convinced that the current plan for the former Hourstons building is the right one but – at the very least – if the proposal is to relocate those facilities currently available at the Citadel, then this has to include diving facilities and diving boards.
"Freezing out individual divers and organised groups like Ayr Diving Club would be a backwards step for no apparent reason and this needs to be reconsidered by the council.”
Council leader Peter Henderson insisted the diving club's feedback would form part of a public consultation currently underway.
He told Ayrshire Live: "I have already been in touch with the club and their representations have been put forward as part of the consultation.
"The consultation, as it should, will inform any final decisions on the proposals.
"It is pleasing to see the community engagement with the proposals and views as to what should be included in order that we create a centre to cater for every need."
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
