THE FUTURE of golf at the Letham Grange estate near Arbroath has been underpinned by a major investment of £125,000 in new greenkeeping equipment.

The recent purchase of grass cutting machinery, earth and sand moving equipment, is a clear sign that an overseas venture capital group, who are also currently underwriting legal proceedings over ownership of the hotel and sporting complex, are anticipating a positive outcome in the courts.

Development company Voil, based in the Cayman Islands, are maintaining the golfing facilities and supporting the golf club, while liquidators Grant Thornton continue to pursue the Taiwanese Lui family over disputed transfers of the Letham Grange funds and titles.

Ian Lumsden, of Voil, confirmed that there were 16 members of greenkeeping staff keeping the two courses in top condition.

Voil’s faith in the facility is being recognised by an increased membership at Letham Grange, up by 150 to 545 with a projected target of 600 by the end of the year.

The facility is currently being run exclusively as a golf club, with accommodation in an adjacent building for visiting golfing parties.

”Our head greenkeeper, Gary Tough, is doing a fantastic job, as is Stewart Melrose who is running the professional’s shop,” said Mr Lumsden.

Advertisements placed in Scottish golfing magazines are paying dividends and the club is keen to make sure that local people are aware that the courses are back to their best.

Letham Grange is a member of the North East concession scheme which allows reciprocal discounts among members of a number of clubs in this part of Scotland.

“Letham Grange has turned the corner and we are getting people back,” commented Mr Melrose.

Grant Thornton are seeking to acquire title to the hotel so the business can be marketed and sold, but the Lui family managed to block transfer of ownership when they won leave to appeal against the initial decree in favour of the accountants.

The case then went to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, when Lord Carloway dismissed the case as “dilatory,” but the Lui family appealed again and Grant Thornton were left with little option but to close the hotel.

The litigation process continues and is due to be considered by the House of Lords.