COMMUNITY FUND GRANTS BEING TEED-UP

ROYAL Dornoch Golf Club is seeking applications for its 2023 Community Fund.

Last year, nearly £12,000 was paid out to organisations falling within the IV25 area postcode.

In January, the club – rated among the world’s finest links courses – sealed a new 100-year lease with Highland Council on Common Good Land where golf has been played for hundreds of years.

The new agreement will see up to £50,000 teed-up annually by the club for the benefit of the Dornoch community.

That cash, drawn from visitor income, will be dispersed by the town’s Common Good Fund.

Neil Hampton Community Fund — General Manager, Neil Hampton

But general manager Neil Hampton has stressed that the golf club’s popular Community Fund will continue to support local groups and charities.

“We are delighted that the community is going to benefit from the annual payments which have been agreed as part of the new lease,” he said.

“But the club remains committed to the Community Fund, which has paid out more than £50,000 since being created by our Council of Management nine years ago, and we are again seeking applications from local groups and individuals.

“Royal Dornoch attracts visitors and members from around the world, but we are rooted in the town and the local community.”

In the wake of the pandemic, the fund paid out £5,000 to both the NHS Sutherland and the Dornoch Resilience Group.

Last year signalled a return to normality and £500 donations were made to a wide variety of local causes, ranging from the town’s Bonfire Night to sporting equipment and travel grants.

“The process for applicants to follow is simple and straightforward,” said Neil.

“The fund was set-up to support all manner of community projects in the Dornoch and Embo area.

“Applicants should contact the club for a form to explain what they are planning, what resources are needed and how a grant from the golf club would help them.”

Completed application forms should be returned to the Community Fund, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Golf Road, Dornoch IV25 3LW or by emailing rdgc@royaldornoch.com by Friday, March 17.