Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club looking to raise £100,000 to help combat coastal erosion around course

One of the Highlands' premier golf clubs is looking to raise six figures to combat coastal erosion around the course over recent months.

Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, which has played host to a number of national championships and is believed to be the 15th oldest golf course in the world, say they have seen 5-6 metres of erosion around some parts of the course since October.

The club had already set up a sub-committee to combat erosion due to a number of previous issues, and they have decided that the primary initial focus should be on the teeing ground areas at the first and second holes.

With costs projected to be £140,000 plus VAT, the club has launched a Go Fund Me with the hope of recouping a six-figure sum.

This comes after meetings with both the Highland Council and Scottish Water, as well as efforts to receive grants from various national bodies including Nature Scotland.

"At Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club we need to think of our members, the many visitors who travel to play here from around the world and for future generations to come," the club's statement read.

"We also have to think about members of the public to being able to gain access to the left side of the first and second holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse to either watch the Dolphins, to walk their dogs or just to enjoy the stunning scenery this area offers.

"From a golfing perspective, the areas between the first and second tees will also a priority going forward but with no real support, this is proving to be really difficult.

"The foreshore is owned by the Highland Council yet they are unwilling to do anything of any note and where the path way for members of the public to use was evident before, the storms have taken this away and the Highland Council have stated that they do not see the protection of the path as being a priority!

"The associated costs to restore and protect this unique area of land will run into the tens of thousands so we hope that you will support us in this project. All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.

"Our historic Scottish Links Championship golf course brings in thousands of visitors from around the world on an annual basis where many local businesses benefit as a result so we will make every effort possible to ensure this continues for the future."

At the time of writing, over £5000 had already been raised through the Go Fund Me via 54 donations.

Some of the contributors commented on how much they enjoyed visiting the golf course and surrounding area, with Jim Hartsell saying: "This is a brilliant gold course and wonderful, friendly club."

Fiona Lackie commented: "We want to help preserve Chanonry Point for the future and help the golf club too."

Nigel Murby Wright added: "I value this great community, natural environment and historic precinct asset."

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