The Scotsman Letters (28th July 2006 )

We must all chip in to save golf course

CONGRATULATIONS are due to Portobello Golf Club on the celebration of their 150th anniversary this week. The captain, Kenny Craigie, and his fellow council members ran a professionally- organised and well-supported open competition.

As a visitor to Edinburgh I was pleased to take part in such a prestigious event and noted the large number of children and parents that were enjoying participating in golf for fun and family entertainment.

When I read that the council are suggesting that they build on this land I felt I must write this letter to emphasise the great loss to the city if this were to transpire.

The destruction of Portobello Golf Club would deprive the citizens of Edinburgh of two public facilities at one stroke: football pitches and a historic Scottish people's golf course. This potential loss can only be prevented by the residents of Edinburgh petitioning the local authority in a constructive and concentrated manner.

Brian Smith, Croft Street, Penicuik