Closure-threatened Scottish golf course saved as McGinn-backed campaign pays off

THERE’S good news this evening for Scotland hero John McGinn – not to mention thousands of golf fans in the central belt – after politicians pledged NOT to close threatened Dalmuir Golf Club.

We told you how the Aston Villa ace, brought up in Clydebank, had joined a campaign to keep his local municipal course open after a proposal by West Dunbartonshire council chiefs to either close it or reduce it to 12 holes.

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Council bosses subsidised the course to the tune of £106,000 last year and are facing a fresh squeeze on costs.

Closing the course would have meant NO publicly available golf provision in the local area, though.

And that sparked a strong backlash against the plans, with golf heroes such as Oban’s Robert MacIntyre and Martin Kaymer’s caddy Craig Connelly also getting involved as thousands signed a petition to keep the facility alive.

Douglas McAllister, provost of West Dunbartonshire council and leader of the majority Labour group, wrote on X/Twitter: “Generations of Bankies have enjoyed our stunning municipal golf course at Dalmuir.

“I’m proud of the Scottish Labour councillors at WDC who will vote against the proposal to close the course.

“We are the last line of defence against SNP underfunding of local councils.”

McAllister added later: “We won’t reduce the size of the course. The Labour group are committed to this.

“Hope that helps to clarify matters and allay fears. 100% Guarantee.

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“I can’t state it any clearer than that. I hope many of our local residents will consider joining.”

SNP West Dunbartonshire wrote on X/Twitter: “We won’t be closing, shortening, or harming golf course.

“Labour have a majority and will do what they want, including making it 9 holes/reducing maintenance etc.

They’ve committed not to close it, but they made the same promise to Skypoint of course, so that doesn’t mean much.”

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