The Machrie’s on the market

Recession to blame as Islay links enters administration

One of Scotland’s top golf venues, The Machrie Golf Links, has been put up for sale, signalling the loss of 15 jobs from within the industry.

The business, which includes the island’s 16-bedroom hotel, has been placed into administration as a result of reduced spending in the tourism industry.

The Machrie’s championship golf course, designed by Willie Campbell in 1891, is rated within the world’s top 100 courses.

However, due to its position in the Inner Hebrides, the club depends on visiting golfers, with fewer making it to the Isle of Islay amid difficult financial times.

Three staff remain at the hotel and golf club to assist the administrators in looking after the facilities and the maintenance of the course.

Blair Nimmo, joint administrator and head of restructuring for KPMG in Scotland, said: “Both the hotel and golf course have excellent reputations and are regarded as destination venues for visitors to Islay.

“Despite this, Machrie Hotel & Golf Links has unfortunately, like many other companies in the tourism and hospitality sector, been impacted from tightening consumer spending and troubled economic conditions.

“Taking Islay’s prominence as a tourist hotspot into account, with its high number of whisky distilleries and other attractions, we are optimistic a buyer will be found for this quite excellent facility.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered