§ Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date the Ayr Town Council acquired the Belleisle golf course and the old racecourse; what areas these grounds cover, and on what terms these properties were acquired; and whether he is aware that these municipal open spaces have recently been let for grazing at an annual rent of £225?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am informed that the Ayr Town Council purchased Belleisle Estate, which extends to approximately620W 290 acres, on 15th May, 1926, at a cost of £25,000, no restrictions of any kind being made in the title grant to the council. Part of the estate was laid out as a golf course; part was used to extend and improve the existing golf course on the old racecourse; and the remainder was laid out for the use of the public. The old racecourse, which extends to about 64 acres, was given by Royal Charter to the Burgh in the fourteenth century.
Following on representations from the South Ayrshire Agricultural Committee, the town council decided to let the lands for grazing during the present emergency, and have let them to the highest offerer at a rent of £225 per annum. The public are not restricted from the right to play golf or games or from the right of access, and the gardens, etc., are open to the public as formerly.