Scottish golf is victim of arson

Scottish golf is victim of arson

On December 31^st Swanston Golf Academy, a newly-built facility on the outskirts of Edinburgh was subject to an arson attack. According to the facility’s resident PGA pro Mike McNally, the arson occurred in the midst of the night. 

 “In the early hours of New Year's eve we received the shocking news that our newly-built Swanston Golf Academy had been set alight and burnt down by arsonists.

“This is devastating after what has already been a particularly trying year for us all.

“This news will come as a blow not only to the Swanston community, but to the wider golfing community. Golf is such a key sport, now more than ever, in keeping us active and boosting our mental health during the ongoing pandemic.”

The Swanston Academy expects financial hardship as they attempt to limp toward a healthier future. Their insurance does not cover the entirety of the damage caused. To help cover this shortfall, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched. It is hope that this will pay for an entire rebuild of the property. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised more than £12,000 toward its target of £100,000.

The crowdfunding page notes the club’s eagerness to get back to business as usual. It regards the club as being a hub of support for the Swanston community. For Club captain Graeme Millar and club manager Mike Robson, the key to supporting their community through golf is by launching their new website.

The site will “[provide] programmes to attract and support juniors, ladies, girls and beginners, as well as fuelling current Swanston Golf Club members.

“We feel for our members, visitors and the 170 juniors who will no longer be able to practice their golf at what was our fantastic purpose-built academy.”

Swanston Academy hopes that in launching their website they can support keen golfers across their community whilst they push forward with the rebuild of the academy.