A north-east golf club has kicked out its captain amid claims he took a gun on to the course during a tournament.
Officials at Newmachar accused Peter Thomson of behaving in a “reckless and irresponsible” way.
The club’s management committee said Mr Thomson “appeared on the course with a gun” on two separate occasions.
He was also accused of making “inappropriate comments” in the presence of lady members and club guests.
Yesterday, when approached by the Press and Journal, Mr Thomson’s wife Janice said her husband denied all the allegations.
She added: “All he wants to say at the moment is that we are taking legal advice and he denies all the allegations.”
Mr Thomson – whose alleged conduct and behaviour led to a string of complaints at the prestigious club – took over as captain in January, having previously served as vice-captain.
A letter sent to members said the management committee had “unanimously decided” to expel Mr Thomson for conduct which had “injured and discredited the character of the club”.
It continued: “Mr Thomson on two separate occasions appeared on the course with a gun.
“One of the occasions took place during an inter-club match when both members and non-members were present.
“No evidence was found of permission having been given for such armed presence on the course and even had such permission been given, to be on the golf course armed with a gun during an afternoon when the course was busy, was seen as reckless and irresponsible.”
It is understood the gun was a .22 rifle – commonly used to control vermin and other pests.
The letter also claimed Mr Thomson’s “inappropriate comments” had gone “beyond what was acceptable”.
It said: “Golf clubs are not known for their political correctness and ribbing and banter tend to be part of the game.
“The management committee believed that the comments made and actions of Peter Thomson went well beyond what was acceptable conduct.”
Although a full investigation was carried out by the club, police were not contacted.
Mr Thomson, who works as a drilling manager, did not accept that any of his conduct had been unacceptable.
On his Facebook page, his “likes” include Shooting Times and Country Magazine, The British Association of Shooting and Conservation, and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.
In 2013, Mr Thomson signed an online petition urging the Scottish Government to drop all proposals to licence air guns in Scotland.
At the time, he wrote: “Airguns and their use is a great way for youngsters to learn use of firearms and firearms safety… and that includes the ability to conduct shooting in your own back yard.
“The legislation as it stands at present is quite sufficient to take care of illegal use of airguns.
“The general public does not need to foot the bill for another expensive piece of bureaucracy which will become even more expensive to manage in years to come.”
