ROYAL Dornoch Golf Club and Dornoch Cathedral share a heritage dating back hundreds of years.
Clergy lured north from St Andrews are credited with bringing golf to the Highlands.
As 2024 marks the 800th anniversary of St Gilbert laying the foundation stones, the ancient Cathedral is responding to a financial crisis.
[Golf event application form click here]
Now, the world-famous golf club is playing its part in a major fundraising drive.
On October 5, the Struie Course is hosting an event which will benefit the Dornoch Firth Parish and the Cathedral fund.
Neil Hampton, general manager at Royal Dornoch Golf Club (left), the Rev Carol Anne Porter and fundraising committee convener John McMurray launch a charity golf day to support the Highland Cathedral.
The event is being sponsored by Morrison Construction, the company building the new clubhouse, which is on target for a 2025 opening.
A four-person team challenge has been teed-up, with prizes for the top three, along with rewards for a hole in one, nearest the pin and the longest drive.
The £70 per head entry fee includes pre-round tea/coffee and a bacon roll and a one-course dinner.
In addition to a raffle, a range of items will be auctioned, including golf and in-demand whiskies.
Entry forms can be secured from fundraising committee convener John McMurray via johnmcmurray1400@gmail.com and 07801496609.
The Rev. Carol Anne Porter, locum minister, said: “We are so pleased to have support from Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
‘The club’s generosity will help us ensure the Cathedral stays open and in the best condition possible for all those who, in visiting or sharing in worship here, find peace and perspective.
“We are grateful to everyone involved organising and participating in the event.
“I’m sure it will be a memorable and enjoyable day among friends old and new.
“We are also delighted that through the support of Royal Dornoch, our main sponsor for this event is Morrison Construction, the contractors building the new clubhouse.”
Neil Hampton, general manager at Royal Dornoch, noted that the town had been built on the Cathedral and golf.
“It was worrying to learn that the Cathedral is facing financial challenges, and the club is eager to back the fundraising campaign,” he said.
“I’m confident the autumn golf day will be well supported, and some fabulous items have been secured for the raffle and the auction.
“The Cathedral dates to 1224 and, with a Grade A listing, it is regarded among Scotland’s most historic church buildings.
“The Cathedral and the golf courses are vital to the economic wellbeing of the town, attracting visitors in their droves every year.
“There have always been close ties between the church and the golf club, with several past captains serving as ministers, and local members and visitors worshipping at the Cathedral.
“Written evidence of golf being played here dates to 1616 and historians believe it was brought north from St Andrews by visiting clergymen.”
Dornoch Cathedral was at the heart of a media storm in 2000 when Madonna and Guy Ritchie chose it for the christening of their son, Rocco.
Ten years later, entrepreneur Elon Musk and Hollywood actress Talulah Riley were married and left the church in a horse-drawn carriage.
Earlier this year it emerged that a shortfall of more than £50,000 was anticipated in the kirk finances, posing a threat to the future of a popular tourist attraction staffed by volunteers which is also used for concerts and events, in addition to worship.
