One of Scotland’s oldest golf clubs is locked in a survival battle after incurring unexpected roof repairs throwing up a £40,000 bill.
The club, which can trace roots and heritage back to the mid-1700s when golf was played on nearby Leith Links, has raised approximately half the required amount through a £100 levy of the 232 members and grant applications, if successful, could take the club closer still to the target.
But a crowd funding appeal has been launched for roughly £10,000 with club captain, Stuart Mathie, admitting concerns for the immediate future.
“The area of our roof most affected covers the gent’s and ladies locker rooms as well as the member’s bar and cellar area” says Stuart, a retired security manager at the University of Edinburgh.
“The demise of the Hirsel golf club (near Coldstream) this week has got every club thinking ahead and the worry is that if we cannot raise the required amount to secure the damaged area then some of our members might migrate elsewhere.
“So, yes, it is no exaggeration to describe our situation as a bit of a survival battle.
“As it is some clubhouse refurbishment has had to be put on hold but at least other parts of the roof require only remedial work.”
Lochend golfers play on the City of Edinburgh Council owned Craigentinny course. Stuart adds:
“Part of the problem is that we have no income stream other than our membership fees.
“A series of fund raising events are underway but the club are reluctant to commence any work until the sum required is raised.
“Ironically this comes at a time when the condition of our course has rarely been better especially given the recent rain and if work can get underway we would hope to be given a given a break winter weather.”
The club also refers to its heritage, stating: “By the late 1800’s when golf became more popular many regular players at Leith Links decided to move on: some headed for the Braids where they formed Edinburgh Thistle, others headed down the coast to Muirfield to establish The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. However a group of local people remained faithful to Leith and continued to play on the Links from 1891 and formed Lochend Golf Club.
To assist the venerable Lochend Golf Club go to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LochendGolfClub
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
