EXCLUSIVE: Perthshire charity probed by watchdog after bowling club sale complaints
The Scottish charities regulator says it is investigating GrowBiz following its decision to sell the bowling club in Coupar Angus.
By Morag Lindsay, The Courier, August 6 2026
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/5550478/coupar-angus-bowling-club-growbiz-charity-probe/
A Perthshire charity is at the centre of a regulator investigation amid complaints about the sale of a run-down community building in Coupar Angus.
It comes after GrowBiz Scotland put the former Strathmore Bowling Club on the market.
GrowBiz says it is in the process of concluding the sale to a local businessman.
However, critics claim the bowling club vacated the premises nine years ago on the understanding they would be run for the good of the community.
And they say it would be wrong for GrowBiz to benefit financially from the sale.
The Scottish charities regulator says it is investigating GrowBiz following its decision to sell the bowling club in Coupar Angus.
By Morag Lindsay, The Courier, August 6 2026
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/5550478/coupar-angus-bowling-club-growbiz-charity-probe/
A Perthshire charity is at the centre of a regulator investigation amid complaints about the sale of a run-down community building in Coupar Angus.
It comes after GrowBiz Scotland put the former Strathmore Bowling Club on the market.
GrowBiz says it is in the process of concluding the sale to a local businessman.
However, critics claim the bowling club vacated the premises nine years ago on the understanding they would be run for the good of the community.
And they say it would be wrong for GrowBiz to benefit financially from the sale.
Coupar Angus locals Michael Gallagher, Lynda McGregor and Clive Luhrs are unhappy about the way GrowBiz has treated the old Strathmore Bowling Club. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson
Scottish charity regulator OSCR told The Courier: “OSCR has an ongoing inquiry into GrowBiz Scotland.
“In line with our published policies, we cannot comment any further at this stage.”
Charity insists bowling clubs sale will benefit Coupar Angus community
GrowBiz told us most locals support its plans.
And it says proceeds from the sale will be reinvested locally.
“In line with our published policies, we cannot comment any further at this stage.”
Charity insists bowling clubs sale will benefit Coupar Angus community
GrowBiz told us most locals support its plans.
And it says proceeds from the sale will be reinvested locally.
The Coupar Angus bowling green has seen better days: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson
“We think the most important benefit we can offer is finding a buyer who can invest in the site as a community facility,” a spokesperson told The Courier.
“That’s now happening.
“We will also be there for anyone in Coupar Angus who wants to set up a business or go self-employed.”
Questions over Coupar Angus bowling club’s community status
Two Coupar Angus residents have told The Courier they contacted the charities watchdog over the bowling club sale.
Coupar Angus campaigner Michael Gallagher says it came as a “tremendous shock” to the community when GrowBiz put the building on the market in February this year.
It was initially given to Forward Coupar Angus after local groups were invited to apply to take it over, on condition that it was used for the benefit of the community.
The community trust announced it was winding up in 2022 and again the directors invited applications from local groups.
This time GrowBiz, which offers support to businesses across rural Scotland, was successful.
But Mr Gallagher claims it failed to adequately maintain the building and insists it should not be profiting from the sale.
Charity salutes ‘new owner’ and his community commitment
GrowBiz told us: “We are aware of complaints from one individual.
“We are confident that they are making inaccurate claims.
“We still take our responsibilities as a charity very seriously, and will engage with OSCR to answer any and all questions.”
The charity says it is in the process of selling the building to John Ferguson, of local car dealership Lamb and Gardiner, who has “set out clear intention to offer the site for community use”.
It says this could include volunteering opportunities and jobs in restoring the grounds, offering the buildings as a community events space and a community garden.
The Courier has made a number of approaches to Mr Ferguson.
However, he has not responded.
But Derek Sangster, who chairs GrowBiz’s board of trustees, told us: “Given the site’s history as a community facility, GrowBiz was keen to identify a buyer with a clear commitment and aspiration to community benefit.
“We believe this sale delivers the best opportunity for the site’s positive and sustainable future, for the benefit of Coupar Angus.”
“That’s now happening.
“We will also be there for anyone in Coupar Angus who wants to set up a business or go self-employed.”
Questions over Coupar Angus bowling club’s community status
Two Coupar Angus residents have told The Courier they contacted the charities watchdog over the bowling club sale.
Coupar Angus campaigner Michael Gallagher says it came as a “tremendous shock” to the community when GrowBiz put the building on the market in February this year.
It was initially given to Forward Coupar Angus after local groups were invited to apply to take it over, on condition that it was used for the benefit of the community.
The community trust announced it was winding up in 2022 and again the directors invited applications from local groups.
This time GrowBiz, which offers support to businesses across rural Scotland, was successful.
But Mr Gallagher claims it failed to adequately maintain the building and insists it should not be profiting from the sale.
Charity salutes ‘new owner’ and his community commitment
GrowBiz told us: “We are aware of complaints from one individual.
“We are confident that they are making inaccurate claims.
“We still take our responsibilities as a charity very seriously, and will engage with OSCR to answer any and all questions.”
The charity says it is in the process of selling the building to John Ferguson, of local car dealership Lamb and Gardiner, who has “set out clear intention to offer the site for community use”.
It says this could include volunteering opportunities and jobs in restoring the grounds, offering the buildings as a community events space and a community garden.
The Courier has made a number of approaches to Mr Ferguson.
However, he has not responded.
But Derek Sangster, who chairs GrowBiz’s board of trustees, told us: “Given the site’s history as a community facility, GrowBiz was keen to identify a buyer with a clear commitment and aspiration to community benefit.
“We believe this sale delivers the best opportunity for the site’s positive and sustainable future, for the benefit of Coupar Angus.”
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