Members snap up memorabilia before demolishment of historic Scottish clubhouse

The old clubhouse at Royal Dornoch will be demolished next month after a new £13.9 million replacement at the world-renowned Sutherland opened its doors last month.

Before it disappears, though, members were offered the chance to see if there was anything they wanted to get their hands on from the old clubhouse, which dates back to 1909.

“It was especially busy for the first couple of hours as members snapped up everything from tables and chairs to curtains, shoe cleaners and pots and pans, in addition to pictures, signage and locker doors for souvenirs,” said secretary Neil Hampton.

Money raised is being donated to charity

“We have raised well over £3500 already in donations to the Captain’s Charity, which is supporting Mikey’s Line and the East Sutherland Rescue Association, and the club’s Heritage and Junior Foundations.

“By the time the dust settles, I suspect we might even double that figure because we have had an offer for all the kitchen equipment and clubs in the region will have the opportunity to snap up anything that they can make use of.”

The demolition process will begin on 2 February and Hampton added: “We have appointed Nairn specialists G.F. Job for the project, and it will take around eight to 10 weeks to level the site.

“It’s not about bringing in a wrecking ball and bulldozers nowadays. The internal work takes place first, with different materials going into separate skips for recycling.

“The future use of the site has yet to be decided but, in the short term, it will be landscaped and in good shape for the start of the golf season.”

The three-storey new clubhouse has been completed two years after the project was given the green light and will be used by visitors from all around the world.

“I’m delighted to say our new clubhouse is being warmly embraced by local members and townsfolk and we look forward to welcoming golfers from around the world to see it for themselves in the spring,” added Hampton.