A rescue bid is being mounted by golfers at a collapsed Angus resort hotel to bring world-famous fairways back into use as soon as possible.
In the wake of last month’s shock closure of the Letham Grange hotel and golf complex near Arbroath, this week has brought two significant developments in efforts to sort out the latest chapter in the complicated history of the development.
A liquidator has now been appointed over the management company which was responsible for running the establishment and they have begun the quest for creditors and others affected by the hotel’s sudden demise.
At the same time, the captain of the popular Letham Grange Golf Club has revealed that the club committee hope to gain acceptance for a plan which would see the two 18-hole courses the highly-rated 6632-yard par-73 Old and the less demanding par-65 Glens quickly playing again.
The shutters were brought down on the hotel late last month when Letham Grange directors Neil Rimmer and Paul Rodgers posted a notice on the front door of the Victorian mansion indicating legal difficulties over its future operation.
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. She said efforts were continuing to complete the financial picture of the failed resort, which had 20 staff at the time of closure.
She said, “Whilst we are making every effort to contact those who have pre-booked events and even paid deposits to Letham Grange Golf Hotel, we are keen to hear from anyone who believes they may be a creditor or unable to hold any events planned to be held at the hotel. Letham Grange is clearly an important local facility and its closure at this stage will have unavoidable consequences for the local communities.”HopeHowever, there is more than a glimmer of hope that the popular courses will be reopening.
“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,” said club captain Nick Jackson. “The proposal was well received and the committee and investors are working together to explore opportunities to get golfers back on the course as soon as possible.”
Following what Mr Jackson said were “cordial and positive” discussions, the committee have decided to take the proposal to the next step and consult with Letham Grange management, Angus Council, the Scottish Golf Union and potential sub-contractors, to develop a business plan.
“This business plan will be presented to the committee at a meeting scheduled for February 24,” said Mr Jackson.
“If the plan is viable and robust, an EGM will be scheduled in early March to share details of the plan, fees, payment methods with members.
“The support of the golf club members is critical to the success of this proposal for the golf club to operate the golf courses going forward, and the committee is extremely grateful to those members who provided their support so far. However, a very strong show of support will be needed if the plans are to progress, so members are urged to ensure that all fellow golf club members are receiving the details.”
Members are urged to send their email contact details to the club at secretarylggc@aol.com.