A LARGS councillor is calling for urgent improvements at a tourist attraction which has been out of action for the past three summers, in a bid to find a new operator.
Mackerston Putting Green is based on the scenic south side of the town, but was out of action during the pandemic - and last year failed to find a new operator.
And as the new summer season approaches it still remains closed, with crumbing facilities.
Conservative councillor Tom Marshall said: "I have told the council to get one of the problems sorted, which is that the starter box - where you get your putting clubs - is not in very good condition and needs to get fixed, and to advertise for a new operator
"The putting green is cut twice a week yet it has been lying empty for the past few years.
"Quite frankly it is quite ridiculous that the council and KA Leisure have not done sufficient work to find an operator."
The greens are owned by North Ayrshire Council but have been leased to KA Leisure in recent years, and then further sub-contracted to operators.
The last operator of Mackerston Putting Green was local businesswoman Toni Dawson, and, prior to that, well-known Largs resident Roderick McGinty.
Councillor Marshall continued: "It would appear that the council has taken its eye off the ball here and are not up to speed on this in terms of getting a new operator on board.
"I don't want this attraction to fall by the wayside for another summer, and ideally I would like to see new operators as soon as possible."
The putting green at Mackerston was built in the 1920s and regularly hosted putting competitions over the years under the auspices of The Brisbane Queen Festival.
Cllr Marshall added: "It is an important tourist attraction and one of the reasons why people like to come and visit Largs.
"We need to act now to bring it back, or it may never happen."
A KA Leisure spoksperson said: "The lease KA Leisure held for Mackerston Putting Green expired in March 2020 with the option of extending the lease not taken up. However, we continue to operate the Barrfields Putting Green in Largs."
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are currently assessing the condition of Mackerston pavilion, with a view to undertaking some improvement works.
“We are also preparing a marketing schedule to advertise for any interested parties who may wish to lease the facility and operate the putting green during the coming season.”
North Ayrshire Council and KA Leisure have been approached for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel