Johnstone & Wightman urge independent review of governance of Musselburgh Racecourse
Alison Johnstone and Andy Wightman, the Scottish Green MSPs for Lothian, are adding their weight to calls for an independent review of the governance of Musselburgh Racecourse amid a management crisis that is putting 150 local jobs at risk.
The East Lothian venue, which sits on Common Good land and has hosted horse racing since 1816, is set to lose its licence from the British Horseracing Authority over concerns at the way the business is run.
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
“The people employed at Musselburgh racecourse are understandably concerned for their future and the bickering between East Lothian Council and the Lothian Racing Syndicate who jointly run the course is not helping. This is a major local employer and the secretive way it is run has put its future in jeopardy.”
Andy Wightman MSP, Land Reform spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
“Musselburgh racecourse uses common good land and should be run transparently in the interests of the community but instead its management is shrouded in secrecy. East Lothian Council’s leadership have stuck their heads in the sand in response to very serious allegations about governance and votes of no confidence in management. The racecourse needs to be opened up to public scrutiny if it is to have a future.”
Musselburgh Racecourse workers ‘fearing for livelihoods’ (Evening News)