SCDI: Golf is a key driver of Highland tourism

With long-established sporting estates and a world-class natural environment for outdoor pursuits, the Highlands has always had an attraction for travellers and enthusiasts from all over the world and there is no doubt that since the end of the pandemic, we have seen visitor numbers return strongly to the region and continue to be a key driver across rural economies.

I moved to the Highlands over 20 years ago to take up a role in the golf/hospitality industry and since then, golf tourism has gone from strength to strength in the region and shows an upward trend for demand that continues to see our region's reputation as a golf destination grow around the world.

It used to be the case that the majority of golfers would make short trips to the region to play one or two well-known courses as part of a Scotland-wide trip and their time here and economic value was limited by the desire to go to other well-known areas such as Fife, East Lothian or Ayrshire where they could be assured of enough great courses and hotels to fulfil all their golfing desires and social media feed.

With the lure of Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands) and Nairn as the must-plays in the area and their reputations being enhanced by further investment, we can add all the other gems of our region to a growing list of new investments, like the second course at Castle Stuart and the in-planning Coul Links at Embo – all of which can and will drive greater economic growth to the region.

When we add the high-quality hospitality offerings, cultural and heritage experiences and whisky distilleries, it is no surprise that next spring will see the Scottish golf tourism week come to the Highlands for the first time. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the best of our region to the worldwide golf tourism industry. Let’s make it count.

Grant Campbell is SCDI’s regional manager for the Highlands and Islands.