A Highland golf club captain was delighted when then-first minister Alex Salmond backed efforts to repair massive erosion caused by storms.
But months later, the application for cash aid for Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club on the Black Isle seemed to be bunkered.
Phillip Thorn said when he and Mr Salmond were playing the course in June last year, he pointed out an area where large chunks of coastline had been washed away.
Mr Salmond suggested Mr Thorn should send an application for funding to the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, which distributes money seized under proceeds of crime legislation.
A bid was made on September 30 last year, but Mr Thorn feared that the matter had stalled, despite his round of golf on the Black Isle being highlighted by Mr Salmond in his new book, The Dream Shall Never Die.
But after the Press and Journal raised the issue with the former SNP leader yesterday, the funding application could be back on track.
Mr Thorn said: “Mr Salmond phoned me later yesterday and he has set up a meeting on May 21 with the minister of sport in Edinburgh to see what we can do about accessing funds.
“He was also talking about the club and saying how it was a great example of a community course.
“We really want to try and get something done because the worst thing is that this disappears into a black hole and is forgotten about.”
Mr Salmond, who resigned as first minister after the independence referendum, said: “Where there’s a will there’s a way. There is an application in, which obviously I will support.
“I am no longer first minister but I have made it clear to the club that I will continue to back their application.
“I am sure the government will endeavour to help Fortrose and Rosemarkie, given it is such a good club.
“I am quite certain the government will find a way to help such a wonderful course.
“These applications take a lot of time. I know my colleagues in government will find a way to support it.
“The Scottish Open goes back to Castle Stuart next year, which might well provide an opportunity to move forward for the club.”