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Longside Golf Club, Aberdeenshire. (1906 - 1920s) 

Early course at Faichfield; Later course at Inverquhomery.

It was reported in April 1906 that Longside was to add to its attractions with the addition of a nine-hole golf course. The officers at the club were; Dr Bruce, president; Dr Wood, captain; J M Whyte, secretary; George Smith, treasurer. Several sites were inspected for suitability and negtiations were finally entered into with Sir George Macpherson Grant, Bart. of Ballindalloch, who was the proprietor of land on the estate of Faichfield,  for the lease of two field for ten years.

The new course at Faichfield in April 1906.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 3 April 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

There was a large attendance for the opening of the course which took place on Saturday 7 April 1906. Dr Wood the captain, invited Mr Burnett-Stuart to perform the opening ceremony, report below.

Description of the course and the opening ceremony in April 1906.   

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 10 April 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In April 1907 a team of ladies from the Longside club played a friendly match at Craigewan.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 16 April 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In June 1907 a mixed foursome eight a side match was played at Longside against Peterhead Golf Club, the visitors won by 7 matches to 1.

The annual meeting was held in the Public School in April 1910, Dr. Wood, club captain, presided. Following were winners of the captain's monthly competition for the year; William Holmes, John Whyte (Forehill,) Charles Simpson (Knockleith,) J Keir (Kinmundy,) William Farquhar (Longside,) P K Stewart (Edinburgh,) J M Whyte (Longside.) The treasurer submitted his statement and despite all the expenses on course improvement and rent there was still a small balance in hand. The following officers were appointed; Captain, Dr. Wood; secretary, Rev. Robert Mackay; treasurer, George Smith; committee - Messrs Hutchison, Rallt, Younie, Henderson, Beddie, Bruce. Alexander Wellington was appointed green-keeper, replacing David Young. With reference to the present tenancy which was held by the club from Mr Macpherson Grant, proprietor of Faichfield, the club instructed the secretary to ask the proprietor to grant a yearly tenancy at a reduced rent. The club awaited a reply.

Report on the financial situation in December 1911.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 12 December 1911. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The club seems to go into abeyance prior to WW1.

Ordnance Survey Map showing Faichfield, location of the earlier golf course.

O.S. Map Revised 1900; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1902}.

The club reappears in the early 1920s.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 16 May 1922.Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

In June 1922 a bazaar was held to raise money for the Longside Golf and Tennis clubs. The total amount raised was expected to reach £300. 

In 1923 it was listed as being a 9-hole course with a membership of 100.

From 1925 to its closure in the late 1920s, the secretary was J M Birnie, Bank House, Longside and the green-keeper A Wellington. Membership was 60. Visitors’ fees were 4/- a week, 7/6d a fortnight and 10/- a month. Sunday play was not allowed. The station at Longside was 1 ½ miles away. Local hotel was the Bruce Arms. It's interesting to note that the green-keeper was A Wellington, could this have been Alexander Wellington who held the same position at the earlier pre-WW1 club? 

Due to the adverse weather conditions in April 1927 the mixed foursome competition, which was planned to open the course for the season was abandoned, a few hardy souls ventured out but had to give in due to the conditions. After tea, laid on by the lady members, the prizes for last years competitions were presented; Ladies' Challenge Cup, Mrs Birnie; Gent's Challenge Cup, Mr Wallace Hutchison; Ugie Cup, Mrs Spence; Bruce Quaich, Herbert Fowlie; Captain's Prize, John Spence.

In the semi-finals of the Bruce Quaich in August 1927 William Russell beat Herbert Fowlie by 2up and W M Bruce beat W S Cran by 2 and 1. 

The reason for the closure of the club is still to be found. 

Location of the later Longside course in the 1920s. 

The current Longside Club opened in 1979.