On Thursday evening (22nd October) the Captain received an email from Bidwells (on behalf of the Pitlochry Estate Trust) to advise that following negotiations with a group of local businessmen, an agreement had been reached outlining a long-term lease of Pitlochry Golf Course and Clubhouse, transferring management from Pitlochry Golf Course Limited.

The group consists of past Captain Stephen Carruthers; former Committee member Richard Drummond; and Richard's business partner (and former member) Jon Eramus - collectively known as Pitlochry Golf Limited.

The Committee met with Stephen and Richard on Friday night to hear about the background to this news, and some of their plans for the future. After a discussion lasting over an hour, the Committee were unanimously positive about this proposed change.

On Saturday morning, prior to the Jimmy Wilson Texas Scramble and Prizegiving, the Captain relayed the news to some 80 members gathered in the clubhouse, followed by a brief overview from Richard. After a couple of questions for clarification, there was a warm round of applause, indicating the support of the members present.

Stephen, Richard and Jon plan to write to all Club members during November, outlining some of their plans and requesting feedback. We are also in discussions about a possible presentation at the AGM on Tuesday 15th December.

With the transfer scheduled for 01 January, more details will be forthcoming over the winter months. In the meantime, Pitlochry Golf Course Limited have confirmed that they will close the Clubhouse from the 1st of November, and we are proposing McKays Bar and Restaurant in the main street as an alternative venue for golfers' food and refreshments until the new proprietors re-open the Clubhouse in the New Year - likely to be around the end of January.

The Club now hopes that the celebrations of the Centenary Year can be extended into 2010, as the course, clubhouse, and Club itself, enter a new era.