Dalmuir Golf Course discovers fate as local MP swoops in

Dalmuir Golf Course has had its funding removed by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) – but it is set to remain OPEN whilst attempts are made to safeguard its long-term future.

bunkered.co.uk has learned that local MP Douglas McAllister is set to head up a ‘task force’ that will attempt a community asset transfer (CAT) of the Clydebank facility.

McAllister, formerly the provost of WDC, says he has had assurances from the council that it will continue to operate and maintain the much-loved course for the foreseeable whilst he and a working group try to transfer running of the course to the local community.

This claim has been corroborated by a current sitting member of the council, who told us the “course will continue to operate whilst this process is ongoing”.

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Scottish Golf CEO Robbie Clyde is understood to part of McAllister’s ‘task force’.

Speaking to bunkered.co.uk shortly after the council meeting wrapped up tonight, McAllister said: “I’m from Clydebank and played Dalmuir growing up. It means a lot to me. I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.

“Now is the time to step forward and make Dalmuir a golf course that is run by the community for the community.

“As I told representatives of the council, if the course goes, it’s gone for good. I couldn’t let that happen. I’ve had positive conversations with Robbie at Scottish Golf and I’m confident we can make a success of this. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get stuck in.”

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What is a Community Asset Transfer?

According to the Local Government Association, a community asset transfer is “the transfer of management and/or ownership of public land and buildings from its owner (usually a local authority) to a community organisation for ‘less than best consideration’ – i.e. less than the highest obtainable or estimated market value. This discount is based upon a presumption of long-term local social, economic or environmental benefit.”

The transfer is based on the expectation that it will benefit the community socially, economically, or environmentally. 

Hollandbush in South Lanarkshire recently completed its own CAT with the help of Scottish Golf.

A post on the club’s Facebook page last month read: “On behalf of the committee, a huge thank you to our golf/social members, starters staff and greenkeepers for their dedication to Hollandbush.

“To our communities from the bottom of our hearts we thank you all. We will be working now to move forward with the help of SLC to make Hollandbush bigger and better.”

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content