ONE of Scotland’s oldest golf courses has set up an emergency fund in a bid to tackle “major issues with coastal erosion and damage to the links”.
Members of the Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, believed to be the 15th oldest golf course in the world, have said they have seen five to six metres of erosion at parts of the course since Storm Ciaran in October.
The club – founded in 1793 – said it was grateful to the support shown by their local MSP Kate Forbes, but that the process to get assistance from the local authority and Scottish Water has been “slow”.
In 2022, the Fortrose club set up a committee to focus on coastal erosion prevention and repairs, but the poor condition of the course has escalated after several storms leading to concerns around plans to host the World Hickory Open Championship in October this year.
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After identifying teeing ground areas as the primary focus of any repairs, the clubs projected costs are set at £140,000 plus VAT. A Go Fund Me page has been launched.
“As a club, we are continuing to work away on this project for the protection of our links for future generations to come given that we are one of the oldest golf courses in the world,” said club manager Mike MacDonald.
He added: “Over the last 12 plus months, we have met with various representatives from the Highland Council, our local authority, and Scottish Water to highlight the coastal erosion issues, which, unfortunately, were realised with the storms at the end of October last year washing away around five to six metres in places.
“This whole process has been slow, with so much time being spent by the sub-committee to try to get some help/assistance.”
A statement further showed the historic clubs frustration towards Highland Council, stating: “The foreshore is owned by the Highland Council, yet they are unwilling to do anything of any note and where the pathway 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."
In a post on social media, US golf writer Lorne Rubenstein showed his support, posting: “One of my favourites in the Scottish Highlands.
"I always advise anyone who asks for suggestions to play @FortroseGC1793. It’s a treasure, now under extreme stress.”
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