Construction of a new clubhouse for Lochcarron Golf Club can now tee off thanks to the fundraising efforts of the club committee.

Through their four-year fundraising campaign together with money from green fees the committee managed to generate £23,000 towards the £116,000 project.  The committee also secured £33,000 funding from Ross & Cromarty Enterprise and £60,130 from sportscotland.

Lochcarron Golf Club has 160 members from the local area.  The nine hole course also attracts hundreds of tourists a year and the addition of a new clubhouse is expected to boost both membership and visitor numbers.

The clubhouse will be built on a site currently owned by Highland Council next to the course and construction will not interfere with play.  Local architect, Frank Burstow, has prepared the design, which includes a small lounge, toilets, changing rooms, kitchen and an office.

Club chairman Norman Cameron said:  "We carried out a community consultation a few years ago which identified the need for a clubhouse.  We are delighted that all the funding is now in place and can look forward to having an attractive clubhouse to complement our course.

"We hope that our improved facilities will attract new members and more visitors, increasing local tourism business, as well as providing better recreational opportunities for local residents.

"I would like to thank sportscotland, Ross & Cromarty Enterprise and the Highland Council for their generous support, and also Lochcarron Community Council for their continued assistance.  A special thanks must go to our members, visitors, local businesses and other supporters who have contributed to our fundraising."

Gordon Cox, chief executive of RACE said: "It's heartening to see a community pull together like this and take a lead in their own development plans and we are particularly pleased to have been able to support this project.  The development meets strong local demand for new facilities as well as making a major contribution to the area's tourism industry."