SCOTTISH entrepreneur David Moulsdale has been rebuffed in his bid to buy a leading Scottish golf club, writes Scott Wright.

The Herald has learned that landowner Derwent London has rejected an offer from Mr Moulsdale, founder of Optical Express, to acquire Cawder Estate and the long-term lease of Cawder Golf Club in East Dunbartonshire.

The decision will be circulated to members today.

The development comes after The Herald revealed on Thursday that Mr Moulsdale intended to put the Bishopbriggs club, which has two courses in the shadow of the Campsie Hills, “at the centre of his plans to create a resurgence of golf in Scotland.”

READ MORE: Optical chief tables bid for leading Scottish golf club

In an email sent to members on August 24, the club said the entrepreneur planned to invest in the estate, with a proposal to build a golf academy. It emphasised the offer would not lead to the land “being used for commercial or residential developments and that there is no likelihood of this changing in the future.”

The club said Mr Moulsdale would “grant the club an extended rent free period to allow us to improve our financial position”, if successful. No one at the club was available for comment yesterday. Mr Moulsdale could not be reached for comment. Derwent declined to comment.