Dalmuir golf course saved from closure after community takeover

A “cherished” golf course in West Dunbartonshire is to be leased by the council to a local community organisation for £1 in a bid to save it from closure.

In March this year, West Dunbartonshire Council made the decision to shut Dalmuir Golf Course as part of broader cost-saving measures, but a motion stated that officers would explore options for a community asset transfer or lease with groups currently using it.

The council wanted to close Dalmuir because of its declining membership which has fallen by over 30% between 2021 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025.

As a result the council subsidised the course by £145,000 which is roughly £805 per member.

A new group for Dalmuir has since been set up with the founding members representing all four anchor clubs namely Clydebank Overtoun Golf Club, Radnor Park Golf Club, Clydebank Seniors Golf Club and Kilbowie Golf Club who, in total, have around 180 annual memberships and around 5,000 day-visitors to the course.

The group, although new in its constitution, has provided enough evidence that within its membership they have considerable voluntary sector and golfing experience, with each member demonstrating commitment to the successful operation of a community-led facility.

They have also been supported in creating its constitution by West Dunbartonshire Council for voluntary services and are in the process of securing charitable recognition.

An update was brought to a special Infrastructure Regeneration and Economic Development (IRED) committee this afternoon where members provided positive feedback on the proposals.

Chairman councillor David McBride said: “This is an absolutely fantastic report and the speed of which it has been produced really is a testament to everyone involved.

“I think it really shows you as well that there was a real capacity there within the local membership of the course and this is something that I think potentially should have happened prior to now so that the golf club could possibly be thriving now.

“We know in recent times that the membership has reduced and golf clubs are struggling all over Scotland.

“Golf is a difficult and expensive sport to take up and quite often you are introduced to it by perhaps someone within the family so I think having this at the heart of the community, who want to make sure it thrives, can only be a good thing and we will certainly see more young people playing golf.”

Councillor Clare Steel praised the achievements of the new golf organisation and highlighted the power of community action in a difficult situation.

She added: “As a local councillor for this ward I feel that it would be remiss of me not to say how much of a good news story this is for everyone involved but especially for the community and the golfers.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to look at community assets that people get so much from but certainly with the help of all the council officers we have obviously found a solution for everyone involved.

“I would like to congratulate everyone and I think that the dedication and the initiative have not only preserved a cherished local space but also demonstrated the power of community action in the face of funding challenges.

“It is a great achievement and I think it is a really proud moment and I think everyone who came forward within the group to take this over should be really proud of themselves – not just for today but for future generations.”

The lease of Dalmuir Golf Course, Clubhouse and Shop is now expected to start on Tuesday, July 1 for an initial period of three years. The initial rental will be £1 subject to review.