Scotland’s national tourism organisation is extremely encouraged to see so much time and effort being placed on ensuring the fairways at Letham Grange are back in use as soon as possible.
A rescue bid to save the courses is underway following last month’s shock closure and the business plan will be put to the golf committee on Thursday.
The shutters were brought down on the hotel when Letham Grange directors Neil Rimmer and Paul Rodgers posted a notice on the front door of the Victorian mansion indicating legal difficulties over the hotel’s future operation.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s meeting, James Lakie from VisitScotland told The Courier they hoped the club committee will gain acceptance for a plan which would see the two 18-hole courses back in action.
“Letham Grange has acted as a hub for golf holidays over the years and it is clearly a loss for the local tourism industry,” he said. “We would hope that the situation can be resolved quickly.
“It is, however, extremely encouraging to see so much time and effort being placed on ensuring all is being done to get the courses up and running again. Those involved should be highly commended and we hope both the Old and the Glens are playable again very quickly.
“Angus is in the fortunate position to have a wealth of quality golf courses and accommodation and it’s important to continue this trend. Letham Grange and its golf courses clearly have a role to play going forward.”
A liquidator has now been appointed over the management company which was responsible for running the hotel and they have begun the quest for creditors and others affected by its sudden demise.
Letham Grange was at the centre of a complicated ownership wrangle involving Taiwanese businessman Dong Guang (Peter) Liu, which is believed to have resurfaced. Letham Grange Management Company Ltd was appointed to run the hotel following the outcome of the original liquidation proceedings against Mr Liu in February 2009 and hundreds of thousands of pounds were invested in a modernisation scheme.
Creditors have now approved the appointment of Melissa Jackson of The MacDonald Partnership plc (TMP) as liquidator over the management company.
The golf club committee submitted a proposal to the previous operators of Letham Grange to enable the golf club to run the golf courses and provide some basic clubhouse facilities.
The committee has decided to take the proposal to the next stage and consulted with Letham Grange management, Angus Council, the Scottish Golf Union and potential sub-contractors to develop a business plan. If the plan is viable and robust an EGM will be scheduled in early March to share details of the plan, fees and payment methods with members.
Club captain Nick Jackson has said that a very strong show of support will be needed if the plans are to progress, so golf club members have been urged to ensure that all fellow members are receiving the details.