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

Early course at Faichfield prior to WW1; Later course at Inverquhomery House in the 1920s.

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

"Colonel Cleek" golf columnist at the Buchan Observer pays a visit in 1909.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 6 July 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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 went 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 1922.

Report on the formation of the club in 1922.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 2 May 1922. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

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

Report and description on the new course at Inverquhomery House in May 1922.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 23 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.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 3 April 1923. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

First match played on the Inverquhomery course in May 1923 against Strichen Golf Club.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 29 May 1923. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 14 August 1923. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Report on the annual meeting in February 1924.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 26 February 1924. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

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?

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 12 May 1925; "Longside Golf Club - Mrs Hutchison of Cairngall will open the course for the season on Thursday 14th at 3.30 o'clock, and will present the various trophies won last season. All members and friends invited. A Foursome Competition will afterwards be played. Tea will be served at about 5 o'clock."

Competition result and report on the course in August 1925.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 25 August 1925. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Fund raising in April 1926.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 13 April 1926. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 31 August 1926. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

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, full report below.

Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser Tuesday 3 May 1927. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

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. Also in August a friendly match was played against Peterhead at Inverquhomery, the visitors  won by ten matches to one.

Nothing further was found.

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

Ordnance Survey Map from the 1900s showing Inverquhomery.

O.S. Map Revised 1899; © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1902}.

The current Longside Club opened in 1979.