25 jobs go as golf complex closes

A GOLF complex which has been a feature of the Royal Deeside landscape for more than 20 years has gone into liquidation.

A buyer is being sought for Inchmarlo Golf Centre in Banchory with 25 members of staff out of a workforce of 30 being made redundant with immediate effect.

The 18-hole and nine-hole golf course, plus a driving range, has been closed down with a buyer also to be offered the management of 44 privately-owned villas, which are rented out as holiday lets.

Blair Nimmo of KPMG LLP was appointed provisional liquidator on Thursday at the request of the company’s directors.

Mr Nimmo said the company had experienced trading difficulties for some time andhasbeensupported by its main shareholder, who had injected significant funds into the business since its acquisition in 2008.

Shareholders were left with no alternative but to appoint liquidators given that no further investment was available.

The villa rental operation will continue for a short period while a buyer is sought although no new bookings are being made.

The five remaining staff will assist in office administration and the operation of the rental business.

Mr Nimmo said: “The golf courses have been local fixtures for the last 20 years and we will take all steps possible to find a new owner. It is with regret that we have had to make a number of redundancies on appointment but unfortunately there was no other option.”