COASTLINE PROJECT BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT

INNOVATIVE measures to protect Royal Dornoch’s Struie Course from the threat posed by coastal erosion continue to attract national recognition.

The ambitious project aimed at restoring under threat salt marshes on the Dornoch Firth coastline has enjoyed acclaim at an array of Scottish and UK awards.

It has now been shortlisted for the Best Sustainability Project at the 2025 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Luxe Scot, will be presented at a ceremony and awards dinner at the P&J Live venue in Aberdeen on March 20.

The shortlist for the Best Sustainability Project, sponsored by RAWCharging, features Royal Dornoch, Carnoustie Golf Links, the Fife Golf Trust “Seven Golf Courses for Nature” and Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course.

General manager Neil Hampton has welcomed the latest recognition comng the way of the Struie project.

“This is very much a team effort, with Eoin Riddlell and Scott Aitchison’s greenkeepers working in tandem with partners including Green Shores, Dr Claire Maynard and the University of St Andrews, NatureScot and Dr Alistair Rennie, along with volunteers and youngsters and staff at Dornoch Academy,” he said.

“Chestnut fencing and thousands of plants have been placed on the shoreline to create wave breaks and encourage regeneration. The project will pick up pace again in the spring.

“It is very encouraging to see progress being made.

“The Struie Course is a major asset to the golf club and that is recognised by the investment being made in a new irrigation system and the acquisition of adjacent land which offers scope for future expansion.”