A court has heard that the former manageress of an exclusive country club, where Princess Diana used to take Prince William and Prince Harry, stole hundreds of pounds of members’ cash.
Members from Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Craigendarroch, Ballater, told how Tracey Finnie pressured them into signing up quickly to get an extra two months free. The 47-year-old is alleged to have amassed £808 from the scam.
The huge country pile, previously known as the Hilton Craigendarroch, was frequented by the late princess and her sons when they spent holidays in the north.
Club members gave evidence at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday.
Retired media technician Robert Thompson, 70, said: “I remember taking out the membership. I had £308 in cash.
“I handed over the money and she gave me the membership card. I can’t remember what she did with the money.”
He identified Finnie as the woman who processed the transaction.
Suzannah Torrance, 36, told the court: “My husband and I are members. She said if I paid by a certain date we could get two months free. I knew who she was, because she was always working in the reception.
“I offered to pay by cheque, but she said they didn’t accept it, and that the card machine was not working. I went out to get cash from the village. I paid about £200.”
David Clark, 70, also said he was pressured to sign up quickly. The self-employed farmer added: “She told me if I paid by a certain date I could get two months for free.
“I thought it was an offer because I was a loyal customer. I normally go swimming there on a Thursday, so I asked if “I could go up the following week.
“She said no, it needed to be done that weekend. So I went in specially on the Saturday. I paid in cash.”
Finnie, of Adelaide Road, Chichester, denies embezzlement between February and March in 2014. The trial was adjourned until July 18.
