Castle Stuart welcomes acquisition by 'world class' golf destination developer Cabot

Castle Stuart golf course in the Highlands has welcomed the resort’s sale to “world class” Canadian developers Cabot.

The centrepiece of the site, soon to be known as Cabot Highlands, is Castle Stuart Golf Links, named among Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.

Plans to build a second course that will play around the site’s 400 year-old castle has now been launched.

Construction of the course will begin in 2023 with an estimated completion date in 2024.

It will be designed by architect Tom Doak.

The acquisition of the course, the company’s first European project, was announced on Monday.

Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and co-founder of Cabot said: “Castle Stuart has been synonymous with the region since it first opened thirteen years ago.

“We are honoured to be a steward of the land and carry the original vision for the property forward. Our goal is to create unforgettable memories in magical places, and there are few places in the world more awe-inspiring than the Scottish Highlands.”

Tom Doak said: “I’m thrilled to partner with Ben Cowan-Dewar and the Cabot team. We have been searching for the perfect destination for years. Our goal is to create a distinctly Scottish golf experience that appeals to players at all levels with an authentic links-style course that puts the golf holes front and center.”

The legacy property will feature houses and cottages “inspired by the alluring landscape of the Scottish countryside”.

When owners are not in residence, their homes will be available as luxury accommodations for visiting guests.

The Cabot Highlands property will be completed with retail, restaurants and communal gathering points.

Retiring managing partner, Grant Sword, said: “I wouldn’t have missed the journey for all the tea in China. Working with my friend and our founder, Mark Parsinen, was a privilege. He was an artist at what he did and he was never happier at work than when he was in the field.

“He empowered the team at Castle Stuart and they responded by always finding creative solutions and establishing a superb culture of excellent customer service.

“Myself, the partners, and more importantly Mark’s wife Dede and the family, are all unanimous that this is a really exciting way forward.

“What Ben has done at Cabot is amazing. He and his team have been a joy to work with in finalising this deal and the process has been enormously respectful on all sides.”

General Manager Stuart McColm and the existing team at Castle Stuart now become part of the Cabot family and will continue to play a leading role in the story going forward.

Stuart McColm said: “I’ve been involved with this special property since 2006 and I too can’t think of a better partner than Cabot to lead our next chapter.

“The future is hugely exciting and we can’t wait to deliver on the many great plans for Cabot Highlands that will bring a significant boost to the region’s economy while at the same time delivering a very special, world class golfing experience.”