Dwindling player numbers have prompted a Moray golf course to turn to housing in an attempt to safeguard its future.
The amount of visitors to the Kinloss Golf Course has dramatically reduced since the RAF pulled out of the village in 2012.
Now a masterplan is being drawn up to alter the layout to create a nine hole course where once there were 18 holes and free up space for new homes.
Up to 20 could be could be built on the site with 16 cabins and six “glamping pods” being provided for holiday makers.
Architect Neil Sutherland from developers Makar said: “Courses all over the country are facing pressures causing by falling numbers of golfers and the numbers here dropped significantly when the RAF base closed.
“This is effectively a rural business seeking diversification opportunities.”
Moray Council’s planning committee approved a draft masterplan yesterday which will lead to an eight-week public consultation.
Mr Sutherland explained the homes would be set within the existing woodland and are expected to be clad with timber. The firm has already built five homes in the area.
Forres councillor Aaron McLean, who used to play the course regularly, said: “It is an ambitious development, which is good to see in Moray and should boost the tourist industry.”