Successful businessman warns of golf ‘open goal’

Project Work and Other Clients Press releases
02-JUL-Unchained-Golf-2
Padraig Harrington in action

Scotland’s most prestigious golf tournament may cause problems for local businesses and residents, a leading hotelier has warned.

Parking is to be suspended around the village of Gullane, East Lothian during the 2013 Open Championship – with no alternatives being provided by the council.

And cars are being diverted from driving through the main street unless they have been issued with a special pass.

Tens of thousands of golf enthusiasts are expected at the 2013 Open at Muirfield, Gullane between 14-21 July.

But in addition to severe restrictions, parking in Gullane’s Main Street will be suspended 24 hours a day and no additional space has been provided for the hundreds of visitors, workers and residents who need daily access to the centre of the village.

Rob Reeley, who owns the Golf Inn, Gullane says this will lead to problems for staff and customers, many of whom will be forced to trawl around Gullane searching out a parking space. In addition, only a handful of passes have been provided to the Golf Inn to allow access for its staff cars into the town.

Influx

He said: “East Lothian Council have agreed to issue us with seven passes. But not only is this insufficient for our staff, it does not cover our residents, many of whom have come to play golf around East Lothian as well as watch the Open.

“No additional parking has been made available in the vicinity to replace the 50 or so lost spaces or to cater for the influx of visitors.

“We are already receiving complaints from guests who have rooms booked as we explain the potential difficulties. We are worried about the effect this parking problem might have on our trade and that of the other businesses in Gullane.

“Surely creating some additional parking on Goose Green limited to pass holders would have been a simple solution that would ease the problem without causing any real cost or disruption?

“It just seems like a huge own goal from East Lothian Council in terms of helping local businesses to maximise the potential revenues from this great sporting event.”

The 11-bedroom hotel is expecting 28 guests during the Open, who have a dozen cars.

Its staff start work at various times from 6am and some finish at 2am meaning public transport is out of the question.

Holyrood PR provides media relations and public relations support for Unchained Restaurants, which owns the Golf Inn and the Goblin Ha’ in Gifford, East Lothian.

Could your business benefit from PR support, including photography and video? Then give us a call – you’ll find all of our contact details here.