Land purchase paves way for new golf course at Torvean

Highland Councillors have been advised that officers have reached agreement in principle to purchase the land required for a new golf course at Torvean, which forms part of the major investment in sports facilities in Inverness.

This means that the new course can be located entirely within one area of land at Charleston, bounded by General Booth Road and the A 82 trunk road, including three existing holes (16-18) and the existing practice area.

A new course is needed as a number of holes are required to accommodate the Inverness West Link road.

The Council will now proceed with the detailed design of the new course with Mr Stuart Rennie, of Rennie Design Golf Course and Landscape Architects, who will work closely with representatives of Torvean Golf Club as the design is developed.

Mr Rennie is from Muir of Ord and was educated at Dingwall Academy before heading south to set up his golf course design business.

The design work will culminate in a full planning application for the golf course, clubhouse and maintenance building.

The purchase of the land will also enable the development of up to 160 new homes on land adjacent to the new golf course (subject to obtaining planning permission) as well as the extension to Kilvean Cemetery.

The Council is also planning to appoint a project manager for the Torvean sports hub – located at holes 10 -13 of the existing course - liaising with interested parties and potential funders.