Salmon farmer’s funding helps junior golfers stay on course

Young golfers in Stornoway will be teeing off in style after Bakkafrost Scotland provided funding for new equipment.

Stornoway Golf Club’s junior section now attracts up to 30 young people, aged from eight to 16, along to its free weekly sessions. While some youngsters have their own golf clubs, the club did not have enough to share among those without. 

Donnie Macleod, Bakkafrost Scotland Farm Manager at West Loch Roag, whose son Magnus is one of the junior players, said: “Everyone has been so pleased that we’ve been able to help.

Brilliant job

“The volunteers do a brilliant job teaching golf to kids of various ages, and this donation has helped supply much-needed equipment to give more youngsters access to the sport. The junior section is now thriving, its numbers are growing each year.”

While Stornoway Golf Club is more than 100 years old, the current junior section has only been in existence for the last two years – but there are already signs it will more than play its part in ensuring the future of the sport locally is bright.

Junior section co-ordinator Jane Nicolson said: “We are getting anywhere between 15 and 30 youngsters along to the sessions, depending on the weather, and we are now able to ensure everyone has clubs to play with. There is some real potential being shown too.

Developing skills

“We really appreciate the support Bakkafrost Scotland has given us, it means a lot. These sessions empower young athletes by promoting physical activity and mental resilience, it builds their confidence, they get to socialise with their peers and it fosters a sense of community. The focus is not only on learning and developing skills, but also to have fun.”

Bakkafrost Scotland’s Community Fund offers support for projects that promote health and wellbeing, stewardship of the natural environment or economic development within the communities it serves.