Co-op Bank provides funding for £3m Kintyre golf development

By SCOTT REID
Published on 27/06/2012 00:00

The first phase of a major scheme to develop a luxury golf resort in Kintyre has completed on the back of a £3 million funding deal.

Kintyre Development Company, which is part of US-based golfing tourism business Southworth Development, used the cash to restore two hotels.

The Royal Hotel in Campbeltown and the Ugadale Hotel at nearby Machrihanish were purchased by business partners Joe Deitch and David Southworth in 2008, to accommodate golfers visiting the newly developed Machrihanish Dunes golf course, also owned by the company.

The £3m of funding was provided by the Co-operative Bank, led by its Edinburgh corporate banking centre.

The restoration of the hotels forms the first part of the development of the village area at Machrihanish Dunes into a new holiday destination. Other moves have included the renovation of the Old Clubhouse Pub and the creation of eight stone cottages for fractional ownership.

Phase two of Southworth’s plans will include the creation of a golf club house and an additional 24 cottages.

David Southworth said: “The Royal and Ugadale hotels hold a special place in Campbeltown history and it is gratifying to see them back to their former glory.

“For many, the hotels were places where friends and families would celebrate grand occasions. For us, it begins another chapter in our pursuit to make Campbeltown and Machrihanish a world class destination.

“We would very much like to extend our thanks to the Co-operative Bank.”