The Scottish charity regulator OSCR has found that Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee is meeting its charitable aims after a complaint over the trust spending £4.75m on a golf centre extension.
CGLMC described the findings as “anticipated” as it announced that construction on the extension at the world famous links will start next month.
A spokesman for OSCR said: “We recently conducted an inquiry into this charity in response to concerns we received.
“The charity’s purposes are in fact quite wide, and include encouraging and promoting public participation in the sport of golf in the area of Angus and promoting development of recreational facilities as well as promoting community development within the Carnoustie area.
“We found that the charity is acting to further its charitable purposes and the charity trustees are acting consistently with their duties.”
Carnoustie councillor Bill Bowles revealed in June that he had complained to OSCR and said he would appeal the decision.
He said: “I have written to the CEO of OSCR stating my unease at the way the investigation was conducted.
“I believe there were three individual complaints about the way the CGLMC conducts its business as a charity and even though I specifically requested a meeting with OSCR to discuss the concerns I was not given that courtesy.
“I am completely at odds with the thinking that the provision of an unnecessary and unwanted bar and restaurant less than 40 metres from an existing bar and restaurant and in direct competition with it and the golf clubs and without agreement in any local plan is a benefit to the community.
“I have appealed the decision and described the inquiry as shoddy at best and incompetent at worst. I have not yet received a reply.”
Meanwhile the construction for the extension has been awarded to Ogilvie Construction Limited, with the overall cost set to be within the £4.75m planned budget for the project.
The work is due be completed by December next year.
Donald MacDonald, managing director of Ogilvie Construction, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract for such a prestigious project and look forward to working with Carnoustie Golf Links to deliver a first class facility that is in keeping with the venue’s iconic status.
“Our teams have extensive experience and understanding of the needs of the tourist and leisure sector and will complete the building to the highest modern construction standards.”
The new building will provide a state-of-the-art golf practice and training facility along with a modern bar and restaurant with views over the golf course.
A spokesman for Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee said: “We now look forward to progressing this ambitious project in partnership with Ogilvie.
“The building will be open to all members of the public and the local townspeople will be strongly encouraged to make use of this community asset.”
