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Royal Dornoch bids fond farewell to historic clubhouse as demolition begins

9 February 2026

Nairn-based Helica appointed to oversee project management and clerk of works

The demolition of Royal Dornoch Golf Club’s historic clubhouse has officially begun, marking the end of an era and the start of a new legacy for one of the world’s most renowned golf clubs.

Following the recent opening of its new £13.9 million clubhouse, Club Captain Gary Bethune took a symbolic sledgehammer to the former clubhouse to signal the start of a six-week demolition programme. The works are being project managed and overseen by Nairn-based Helica, with contractor G.F. Job carrying out the sensitive demolition.

The former clubhouse had served Royal Dornoch for more than 116 years, welcoming generations of local golfers, members, visitors from around the world, major championship winners, celebrities and royalty.

Officially opened on 3 July 1909 at a cost of £1,607, the clubhouse replaced an earlier wooden Golf House with three rooms and a corrugated iron roof. Among those present at the opening was Scots-born American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, then the world’s richest man, who served as Vice-President of Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

Over time, however, the facilities were no longer fit for purpose. The new clubhouse represents a £13.9 million investment in the future of Royal Dornoch, delivering best-in-class facilities and complementing wider renovation works across the club, all designed to ensure the Royal Dornoch experience continues to meet the expectations of modern golfers while retaining its traditional character.

Ahead of the demolition, members were invited to return to the building one final time to collect memorabilia and mementos, ensuring that memories of the much-loved clubhouse will live on.

Club Captain Gary Bethune said: “In one way it is sad to see the clubhouse going. It has served us well for most of the last 116 years, but nothing is forever and it was undoubtedly time to move forward. Like many others, I said my fond farewells in early December when I locked the doors one last time. We had raised a glass or two to the old dear and shared fond memories that will be with us forever.

“In a way I grew up in the clubhouse, where my grannie Bunny Bethune was the caretaker in an era. Now we have embarked on a new chapter in the history of Royal Dornoch with the opening of the fabulous new clubhouse – only the third in our near 150-year history – before Christmas.

“We are looking forward to welcoming golfers from around the globe to our stunning new home when they come to play the Championship Course.” 

Ewan MacGregor, Managing Director at Helica, said: “The old clubhouse is an iconic part of Royal Dornoch’s history and holds many special memories for both the local community and golfers from around the world. Helica is proud to be overseeing the sensitive demolition of such a significant building alongside G.F. Job, ensuring the process is carefully planned, well managed and carried out with care.”

Once demolition is complete, the site will be levelled and landscaped ahead of the start of the new season, completing the transition from a historic home to a new era for one of golf’s greatest clubs, as it continues to welcome golfers from around the globe.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Helica by BIG Partnership. For more information, please contact Hannah Fisher at hannah.fisher@bigpartnership.co.uk or on 07972 111484.

Notes to editors

About Royal Dornoch

Founded in 1877, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is one of the world’s most revered links golf destinations. Its Championship Course is consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 links courses, renowned for its natural design, challenging greens and timeless coastal setting in the Scottish Highlands.

In May this year, Royal Dornoch will host the Senior PGA Championship, providing an early test for the Club’s teams and showcasing its new clubhouse facilities on the championship stage.

The Club will also celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2027 and will host the Curtis Cup in 2028.  For more information about Royal Dornoch, please visit: www.royaldornoch.com

About Helica Projects

Helica (Scotland) Ltd, established in 2012, provides project management, NEC Supervision, CDM advisory services and quality control services to the property development and construction industry. Known for its expertise and reliability, the company’s experienced team has delivered projects across housing, infrastructure, corporate, and specialist sectors. For more information, please visit:  www.helica-projects.com/  

Helica Projects Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Royal Dornoch Clubhouse

New  Royal Dornoch Clubhouse

The New Royal Dornoch Clubhouse major transformation, this environmentally friendly, three-storey sandstone building  blends contemporary design with traditional Scottish charm. It offers luxurious amenities, including a spacious bar and dining area, stunning views of the surrounding golf course, and improved facilities for both members and guests. The new clubhouse also showcases state-of-the-art locker rooms, event spaces, and a pro shop.

Helica Projects Royal Dornoch Clubhouse 1
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53no. New Build affordable flats and 4 commercial units in the centre of Inverness

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Moda Springside, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh

Moda Springside, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh

337 no. Build to Rent flats for Moda Developments at Fountainbridge, Edinburgh

Helica provided full-time Clerk of Works services to Robertson Major Projects on the first phase of the Moda Springside development at Fountainbridge, Edinburgh for Moda Developments. The project involved the construction of 337 Build to Let fully furnished flats which were a mixture of studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom flats. Helica worked with the contractors on a daily basis to ensure all snagging was completed to high standard, then liaised with the client to arrange property inspections and handovers upon completion. The flats were completed in June 2022.

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Upper Achintore Housing Development, Fort William

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37 no. New Build affordable housing with a mix of houses & flats on the site of the old Upper Achintore Primary School in Fort William

The Upper Achintore housing development involved the demolition of the old Upper Achintore Primary School and construction of a residential development on the site. Helica acted as Clerk of Works on the project which involved creating 37 new build affordable housing units for The Highland Council and Highland Housing Association. The housing was a mixture of 2 bedroom houses, 3 bedroom houses and flatted properties which were completed in July 2021.

Helica-Upper-Achintore-1
Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston Community Company

Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston Community Company

12 no. New Build affordable housing with a mix of houses & flats on outskirts of Fort Augustus

Helica provided Clerk of Works services on the project for the Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston Community Company to create 12 new build affordable housing units on the outskirts of Fort Augustus. The housing was a mixture of 2 bedroom houses, 3 bedroom houses and flatted properties which were completed in August 2021.

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An Talla by Loch Ness

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Re-development of Dochgarroch Hall into a restaurant, gift shop & visitor centre on the banks of the Caledonian Canal near Loch Ness

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The former Dochgarroch hall was stripped out and re furbished. A new building was constructed adjacent to the old hall and constructed using a timber frame with stone work built externally to match the existing hall. The old and new buildings were linked together with a modern glazed link which forms the seating area of the restaurant.

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