Edinburgh golf course greens damaged by vandals using e-bikes

An Edinburgh golf course has been damaged by vandals churning up the surface on e-bikes.

The damage has been a common occurrence over the past few weeks at the Edinburgh Leisure-run Craigentinny Golf Course.

“As a small club with many long-term members, we are at our wits end,” said Peter Anthony, the vice captain of Lochend Golf Club, which is based at the course.

Vandals have damaged greens at Craigentinny Golf Course in Edinburgh by chruning up the surface with e-bikes | Contributed

The vandals had been striking almost every night for a spell earlier in the summer, with the latest damage being caused earlier this week.

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“Three greens - the 14th, 16th and 17th - have been damaged the most,” added Anthony. “Others have been damaged as well, but not as bad as these three. The damage has been caused by youths on electric bikes and scooters.”

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Leisure told the Edinburgh Evening News that steps are being taken to try and stop the ongoing situation.

A statement read: “We understand how frustrating this ongoing damage is for golfers and the local community. Edinburgh Leisure is continuing to work closely with Police Scotland to help identify those responsible and do everything we can to reduce the risk of further incidents.

“While it’s difficult to completely prevent this type of behaviour, we are actively exploring options and working with our partners to find practical and effective solutions.

Lochend Golf Club members are at their “wits end” over the ongoing damage to the Craigentinny course | Contributed

“In the meantime, our grounds team is working hard to repair any damaged areas and keep the course in the best possible condition. We are committed to providing an enjoyable experience for everyone who visits and would like to thank our customers for their patience, understanding, and continued support.”

Similar damage was caused to greens at the Braids, another course under the Edinburgh Leisure umbrella, last year in the build up to the historic Dispatch Trophy tournament.