People in and around Dornoch are to be given their say on a proposal by Highland Council to grant a long lease to the operators of the town’s famous golf club.
The council’s six Sutherland members will today discuss the potential disposal of the land, part of which is held by the Dornoch Common Good Fund.
Discussions between council officials and the Royal Dornoch Golf Club have centred on the drawing up of a 99-year lease.
The lease is required by the club to maximise the outside funding it can attract towards its ambitious plans for a new clubhouse.
Councillors are being recommended to authorise an eight-week community consultation in line with the Community Empowerment Act.
A report notes that while members are required to take account of the feedback, they are not bound by it.
The area committee would then make a recommendation to the full council.
The club last month tabled plans for the proposed new twin-gabled clubhouse to replace the current one, which has been in use since 1909.
Keppie Design has produced the plans which include a feature clock tower between the 1st tee and the 18th green of the Championship course. Parking would also be increased from 65 to 100 spaces.
Club general manager Neil Hampton was reluctant to discuss the project in advance of the outcome of the meeting and the potential community consultation.
He said: “Things are still in discussions and negotiation and we don’t want to say anything at the moment.”