TRAVEL: New Scottish resort

The North Ayrshire coast will undergo a facelift this year when Irvine Bay is transformed into a world-class golf resort.

The development, forecast to cost £60m and take around 20 months to complete, has been designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd - the mastermind behind such courses as the Castle at St Andrews and the Machrihanish Dunes at Kintyre - and will be overseen by former head greenkeeper of the Old Course at St Andrews, Euan Grant.

The brains behind this development are investment and development company Credential Holdings Ltd and KPT Ltd who are working in a joint venture to transform the North Ayrshire coast into one of the most prestigious resorts in the country, even with big names such as Royal Troon only miles away.

The decision to continue the project even with courses like Troon and Prestwick nearby was made due to a lack of pay and play courses in the North of Scotland, creating almost a niche for tourists and locals alike.

"It was important for us to make it a pay to play course so that it is accessible and not just another private members course," said Derek Porter, Group Managing Director of Credential Holdings Limited.
"We want as many local people to get involved as possible so those with a neighbouring postcode will pay less to play on the course. We also intend to build a caddie academy to train local teenagers."

The classy resort, which is scheduled to be completed by 2010, will include a top quality par 70 course as well as a 220,000 square foot complex that houses a Hotel, a pro shop and a restaurant as well as a spa for those looking to wind down after a tough time on the links.