The Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club located in the Highlands of Scotland, unfortunately experienced some of the worst damage in the history of the club at the end of October 2023 brought on by Storm Ciaran.
Of course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie was not alone as Scottish golf clubs up and down the east coast of the Home of Golf nation also suffered damage.
Unfortunately, Storm Ciaran flexed its muscles menacingly at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links, as the accompanying photographs taken of the opening two holes sadly reveal the extent and seriousness of the damage caused.
Of course, it was not the first storm to leave its mark on Scottish golf courses and it certainly will not be the last. It is for this reason the club set up a ‘Coastal Erosion’ sub-committee at the end of 2022. As well, the club had been in discussion prior to Storm Ciaran with Scottish Water, the local Highland Council and Nature Scotland in seeking to identify ways and finance to protect the course from the likelihood of storm damage.
View off the first tee at Fortrose and Rosemarkie showing the enormous storm damage – Photograph – Fortrose and Rosemarkie GC
View clearly showing the enormous storm and erosion damage down the first and second holes – Photograph – Fortrose and Rosemarkie GC
Another view giving you idea how much has been lost due to the enormous storm damage – Photograph – Fortrose and Rosemarkie GC
“Tragically, our worst fears were realised last October where five to six metres to the left side, in part, were lost, down both the opening two fairways,” said Mike MacDonald, General Manager at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.
“It goes without saying, neither the committee nor the club members and our supporters expected the devastating extent of damage that took place during that time”.
Our sub-committee will strive to seek the much-needed financial support where possible. However, it is pleasing to single out local MSP Kate Forbes for her support and understanding as Fortrose and Rosemarkie works to seek these funds needed to restore the course to its pre–Storm Ciaran picture postcard outlook.
Of course, the club has not been idle working tirelessly to bring the club to a point whereby it can now commence work from today – Monday, 26th February 2024 – in looking to repair and rebuild the damage caused by the storm and, at least try to restore the proud boasting a recorded history back to 1793 back to near its former picture postcard glory.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie GC in all its glory
This initial work to restore and further protect the opening two tee-off areas with rock armour (around 110 metres to cover both tees and the areas around the tees) is estimated to cost £140,000 plus VAT.
At Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club we also need to be not only be conscious of our proud members, our many visitors who travel to play here from around the world and for future generations to come but we also also are very conscious of members of the public in being able to gain access to the left side of the 1st and 2nd holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse to either watch the dolphins, walk their dogs or simply enjoy the stunning scenery this area offers.
From a golfing perspective, access to areas between the 1st and 2nd tees also is a strong priority going forward but without the financial support to carry out the club’s plans, this is proving difficult. By way of background, the foreshore bordering the course is owned by the Highland Council and it is the Highland Council we must rely to finance that work needed to be undertaken to allow safe and proper access for members of the public. Without their financial guarantee, no work in this regard can proceed.
As well, it is estimated the associated costs to restore and protect this unique area of land will run into tens of thousands of Pounds.
“It is why the club kindly seeks your financial support if you are in a position to do so”, said Mike. “All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.
We really hope that as a golfer and/or member of the public that you will be able to support us! Thank you so much for your consideration and donation if you are able to do so where we have set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page!
Mike MacDonald, General Manager,
Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club
Ness Road East, Fortrose, Ross-Shire
Scotland IV10 8SE
Tel: +44 (0)1381 620529
Website – www.fortrosegolfclub.co.uk
Email: secretary@fortrosegolfclub.co.uk
2024 – HOST CLUB OF THE WORLD HICKORY OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
THE 15TH OLDEST RECORDED CLUB IN THE WORLD (1793)
- 47 – SCOTLAND’S TOP 100 GOLF COURSES – GOLF WORLD
- 30 IN THE TOP 100 FUN GOLF COURSES IN GB & I(OVER 2,000 COURSES IN GB & IRELAND)
