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A popular Edinburgh municipal course is to be redeveloped into a ‘family-friendly’, multi-activity public space. 

Portobello Golf Course – which dates back to the 19th century – will be reduced from nine holes to six, with FootGolf and Frisbee Golf to be introduced in a bid to attract more families to the council-run facility.

Work on the changes is due to begin with weeks.

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A statement on the Edinburgh Leisure website said: “In order to ensure public open space is managed and utilised for the benefit of all the community now is the right time to explore new ways of maximising the potential of the golf course and widening the number of ways people can enjoy being active.

“In response to the ongoing decrease in use at Portobello, we have been exploring the potential to reconfigure Portobello Golf Course to attract more young people and families into the game.

Portobello Clubhouse

“Portobello Golf Course will not be closing but we are looking to make it a family friendly area with lots of different golfing activities, including frisbee golf, foot-golf and a 6-hole beginners, juniors and family friend fun course. Our proposal will provide the perfect pathway for junior golf, which is limited within the city.

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“We are working with our current members to find a workable solution and they are being offered the opportunity to use Craigentinny Golf Club, only 1.5 miles away from Portobello, and will of course, also have access to Portobello too.”


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered 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.

Deputy Editor

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