SCOTLAND’S Sports Minister has stepped into the row over Musselburgh Racecourse after concerns were raised at Holyrood.

Aileen Campbell MSP contacted East Lothian Council’s chief executive Angela Leitch following a move last month by the local authority to take greater control over the course.

Ms Campbell’s office confirmed that she spoke to the chief executive seeking assurances that a long-term solution to the current crisis would be found.

And she made it clear that she would continue to monitor the situation.

The intervention by the minister came as Lothian MSP Miles Briggs, who chairs the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on Scottish horseracing and bloodstocks industries, called on her to chair a meeting of all interested parties to secure the future of Musselburgh Racecourse following changes to its management structure.

East Lothian Council last month agreed to scrap Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee (MJRC), which has overseen the running of the course for nearly two decades and was made up of four councillors and three members of Lothians Racing Syndicate (LRS) in partnership.

In its place it introduced the new Musselburgh Racecourse Associated Committee, made up of four councillors and two racing experts.

Staff at the course were told they would be transferred into council employment.

East Lothian Council said the move was temporary and essential if the course was to retain its licence to race.

It followed demands from the British Horseracing Authority, which issues licences, for an independent review of the governance of the course after years of discord between LRS and councillors on MJRC.

The findings of the review have been kept confidential after the council ruled they were commercially sensitive, but the local authority said the move to create a new management committee was among options given.

LRS, however, has disputed the move, claiming it was “illegal” and accusing the local authority of making a “power grab” for the course.

The syndicate received high-profile support from well-known industry names including trainers Lucinda Russell, Peter Scudamore and Nicky Henderson.

Conservative Mr Briggs said he wrote to Ms Campbell asking her to intervene amid growing concern. He said: “Musselburgh Racecourse is a very important venue and has the opportunity to become one of the best racecourses in Britain, but it could go the wrong way if we are not careful.

"We need everyone to sit down at a round table on neutral-territory to establish a long term plan for its future. That is why I asked Aileen Campbell to chair a meeting at the Parliament.”

A spokesperson for the minister confirmed she had held talks with the local authority.

He said: “Following the decision by East Lothian Council, the Minister for Public Health and Sport Aileen Campbell has been in contact with the council chief executive to discuss this matter.

“We have sought assurances from the council that a long-term sustainable solution can be achieved that will safeguard the future of this national asset that brings significant economic benefit to Scotland and the local economy. We will continue to engage with all relevant parties involved to arrive at a mutually beneficial solution.”

A council spokesperson said: “Elected members have unanimously agreed to implement the independent review’s option of operating the racecourse as a newly-formed/compliant associated committee, initially on an interim basis. A report will be presented to a future council meeting assessing all options identified by the review.

“The council will continue to work constructively with our partners and interested stakeholders. We will consider any invitation to discuss the matter further.”