Hotel plan threat to golfing view

One of the most famous views in world golf could change forever if planners approve a controversial multimillion-pound extension of a landmark St Andrews hotel. Rusacks on Pilmour Links overlooks the 18th hole of the Old Course, and owners Macdonald Hotels are seeking permission for an ambitious development.

ONE OF the most famous views in world golf could change forever if planners approve a controversial multi-millionpound extension of a landmark StAndrews hotel.

The Rusacks on Pilmour Links overlooks the 18th hole of the Old Course, the backdrop for some of the greatest stories of triumph and tragedy in the history of the game.

That instantly recognisable vista could now be set to change as owners Macdonald Hotels seek permission for an ambitious development.

The project would see a five-storey extension built next to the hotel, providing an extra 44 bedrooms.

A new glass-fronted roof restaurant offering views across St Andrews Links andWest Sands would top off the revamped building.

The proposed extension, which is expected to cost in excess of £5 million, is being discussed with planners in Fife.

But the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council’s planning convener Howard Greenwell has written to Fife Council raising concerns about the scale of the development and the materials to be used, which he said were not in keeping with the town’s conservation area.

A spokesman for StAndrews LinksTrust said the trust had no plans to make any representations to the council at this time.

A spokesman for Macdonald Hotels said: “The submitted plans have been finalised following extensive consultation with Fife Council and Historic Scotland to create a contemporary design interpretation that retains the existing hotel as the focal point of the street.”

A golfer tees off on the 18th hole of the Old Course in St Andrews with Rusacks Hotel on the right, and, below, an artist’s impression of how the proposed hotel extension would look.

Picture: Kris Miller.