A right of way dispute has erupted in Strone after the owner of Dunselma House erected fencing across the High Road, blocking access to Blairmore and Strone Golf Club for local residents.
Golf club officials insist the move is unlawful, citing their deeds which confirm a heritable and irredeemable right of vehicular and pedestrian access dating back to 1896, whilst locals have started a petition opposing the obstruction.
The closure has left members and visitors struggling to reach the course, with the only alternative route being the steep and narrow Whites Brae.
Graham Thomson, secretary of Blairmore and Strone Golf Club, said the decision came without any prior notice or consultation.
He added: “The owner of Dunselma has unilaterally erected a fence across the High Road blocking access for house owners, dog walkers and golfers.
“The golf club has not been informed in advance of this action.
B”esides, having used this route since our inception in 1896, the right of access is included in the deeds of the land owned by the club.”
Mr. Thomson added that concerns over the deteriorating condition of Dunselma Coachhouse appear to have prompted the closure, maintaining that the owner has been attempting to remediate the building for several years, but the structure has weakened to the point where they are worried it may collapse.
Councillor William Sinclair confirmed he was contacted by Kilmun Community Council on September 26, after residents discovered the road had been closed.
Mr. Sinclair commented: “When I arrived I was met by a closed road, and many residents asked why the council had done this.
“I had to advise them it was not Argyll and Bute Council but the owner.
“Just because someone owns a road does not mean they can close it without consultation.
“I will be pursuing a solution because it is clear the golf club needs to remain open for business.”
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council confirmed that a dangerous building notice was issued by the body relating to the Coachhouse opposite Dunselma House.
A council spokesperson explained: “Public safety is our priority and a legal obligation for the council.
“Given the dangerous condition of this private property, building standards has served a dangerous building notice.
“The owner has chosen to preclude access around Dunselma House by erecting fencing to mitigate the danger.
“This meets the requirements of the dangerous buildings notice.”
The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority, which acts as the local planning authority, stressed it had no involvement in the decision.
A spokesperson added: “The National Park Authority has not been involved in this matter, as such we have no comment to offer.”
However, Mr. Sinclair emphasised that the legal position remains contested: “The golf clubs deeds make clear their right of access, this issue cannot simply be brushed aside.”
The owner of Dunselma House has been approached for comment.
