15 jobs lost as historic Islay golf course folds

The luxury Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, laid out in 1891 by pioneering designer Willie Campbell, has been put on the market after a reduction in tourism spending saw it fall into trouble shortly before Christmas.

Administrators at KPMG have been forced to lay off 15 of the resort's 18 staff, while the remaining three have been kept on to maintain the golf course.

Buyers are being sought for both the 71-par course, rated among the world's top 100, and the 16-bedroom hotel, which also has 15 separate lodges, a restaurant and shop.

Both property company Mendougal 21, which owns the course, and Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, which operates the hotel and course, have been placed into administration.

Blair Nimmo, joint administrator and head of restructuring for KPMG in Scotland, said: "Both the hotel and golf course have excellent reputations and are regarded as destination venues for visitors to Islay.

"Despite this, Machrie Hotel & Golf Links has, unfortunately, like many other companies in the tourism and hospitality sector, been impacted from tightening consumer spending and troubled economic conditions.

"Taking Islay's prominence as a tourist hot spot into account with its high number of whisky distilleries and other attractions, we are optimistic a buyer will be found for this quite excellent facility."

A number of golf firms and clubs have followed a similar fate over the past few years. Their high fees have made them a prime target for consumer cut-backs as households continue to trim budgets.

The future ownership of Loch Lomond golf club, which has been home to the Barclays Scottish Open for a decade and boasts members including Prince Andrew, was uncertain for several years after its US owner Lyle Anderson's company fell into administration in January 2008. Its members last year struck a deal with Bank of Scotland Corporate to stage a member buy-out.