PROBE INTO GOLF CLUB BLAZE
Police investigate ‘devastating’ fire
Investigations were continuing this week into the cause of a fire that ripped through a historic West Lothian golf club.
Ten fire crews raced to Uphall Golf Club after receiving a call at 1.30am on Saturday morning but the building was gutted as a result of the blaze.
Police say they are treating the fire as unexplained and are now investigating the cause.
Club officials thanked the local community for its support and said they had been able to open nine holes on Course 2 for play on Monday before the bad weather descended.
In a Facebook statement, the club said the “devastating” fire had destroyed the clubhouse.
It continued: “You will have no doubt seen many of the pictures of the effects of the fire, and, while we are extremely thankful there were no injuries or fatalities, we are saddened that a great deal of the club’s history has been lost.
“May we also take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the emergency services who attended the scene and worked tirelessly for hours on end to bring the blaze under control.
“And so while work goes on to determine the cause of this horrible event, as a club we now look to the future and start the journey on the next chapter of the club’s fine history.
“Many of the club’s committee spent most of Sunday at the scene and are already working on plans to move forward. As you’d expect the course is currently closed and will remain so until we can determine a safe routine for play.
“Our members safety is our top priority and that is why we would ask you not to visit the clubhouse area and carpark until we can provide clear guidance for members.”
On Monday morning, the club added: “Happy to say that we have opened the nine holes of Course Two for play.
“All bookings on number one course have been moved to number two course at times as close as possible to your original time.
“The greens team will be working as normal.
“As previously advised the car park at the club will be closed and we are in discussion with the building control team to try and get access to at least part of the area for the future.
“We are also trying to get access to Houstoun House car park temporarily, but as the hotel is closed at the moment, we’ve not been able to get a formal answer from them.
“We will keep you updated with any news as we get it. If you require to bring a vehicle, please park considerately and safely and remember this is done at members’ own risk.”
A police spokesperson added: “Around 1.45am on Saturday, February 6, emergency services were called to Uphall Golf Club in Broxburn following a report of a large fire. Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire, which is currently being treated as unexplained, are continuing.”