The links erosion needs urgent action

The coastal erosion at Montrose and the disquieting threat to the historic golf links is acquiring a new urgency. The figures are alarming. Research shows the sea has encroached by 70 metres in 30 years.

It will cost an estimated £5 million to install rock armour to fortify the site, money the Montrose Links will have to find themselves, which adds to the pressure they are under.

They have already had to compromise over the 25 years of tackling the erosion, realigning the 2nd, 3rd and 6th holes. Now, they say, they are simply running out of room. Should the situation continue to deteriorate it could also result in an amalgamation of the two courses, and a permanent loss of historic, treasured golfing real estate. It would be a tragedy if the links as we know them were lost.

Golf has been played there for more than 450 years and the course has features put in place by Old Tom Morris himself.

A solution must be found, and if rock armour is that solution then the funds must be available for these defences. Hopefully the community and government authorities can contribute what is needed.

Golf is a proud part of Scotland’s heritage. Of course these links bring considerable revenue to the region but it’s more than that.

It’s a part of our history, and it should be preserved.