Few modern links courses have shaped Scotland’s contemporary golf conversation like Castle Stuart. Set above the Moray Firth, with its sweeping coastal views, distinctive art-deco inspired clubhouse and routing that makes full use of the Highland landscape and remains the established centrepiece of Cabot Highlands.

Now, with the official opening of Old Petty the destination starts a significant new chapter, becoming a 36-hole golf experience that brings together contemporary links design, Highland heritage and the global vision of Cabot.

Located just five minutes from Inverness Airport, the worldclass.golf destination combines acclaimed golf, refined on-site lodging, dining and a growing real estate offering, while remaining closely connected to the history and character of the land around it.

That connection has become even stronger with the arrival of Old Petty, the new Tom Doak-designed course that sits alongside Castle Stuart and opens fully to the public following a successful preview play period in 2025.

“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,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, co-founder and CEO of Cabot.

Cabot Highlands occupies a setting that feels inseparable from the identity of the Scottish Highlands. The Moray Firth provides a constant coastal presence, while the surrounding landscape offers open skies, historic landmarks and the natural drama that has long defined this part of Scotland.

The property is designed around golf, but its appeal reaches beyond the scorecard. Guests can stay on site, dine in the clubhouse and use the destination as a base from which to explore Inverness and the wider Highlands. This broader sense of experience is central to Cabot’s approach. Across its global portfolio, the brand has built its reputation on destinations that combine world-class golf with hospitality and lifestyle, while remaining deeply faithful to the natural landscapes that define them.

Each property is shaped to preserve and highlight its setting, creating golf experiences that feel distinctive, authentic and closely connected to the land.

At Cabot Highlands, that connection is particularly visible. The historic Castle Stuart stands as the centrepiece of the property, while the arrival of Old Petty brings golfers closer to the land’s heritage, with sightlines to the castle from 13 of the new course’s 18 holes.

Castle Stuart remains the anchor of Cabot Highlands and has long been recognised as one of Scotland’s most distinctive modern links experiences, combining strategic design, generous playing corridors and sweeping views across the water.

Its sense of place is closely tied to the castle that gives the course and wider destination much of its character, and the location, being set above the Moray Firth, make it truly remarkable.

Completed in 1625 by James Stuart, First Earl of Moray, Castle Stuart celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2025, a milestone that reinforced the depth of history surrounding the property.

To mark the anniversary, Cabot Highlands launched its official tartan, created in collaboration with Highlands designer Clare Campbell and woven at the last remaining operating tartan mill in the Highlands.

Inspired by the natural tones of the Scottish Highlands and the legacy of Castle Stuart, the tartan reflects the way Cabot is building a modern destination identity while remaining grounded in local heritage.

“Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Castle Stuart was an incredible milestone and we’re honoured to have marked the occasion by unveiling the official tartan of Cabot Highlands,” said Mark Wright, General Manager and Regional VP Cabot Highlands.

Castle Stuart’s role within Cabot Highlands is therefore more than architectural. It provides the emotional centre of the destination, linking the modern golf experience with centuries of Highland history.

As the property continues to evolve, Castle Stuart remains the established landmark around which the next phase of Cabot Highlands is being shaped.

The opening of Old Petty marks a defining moment for the destination. Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak alongside associate Clyde Johnson, the new 18-hole course has been created as a natural companion to Castle Stuart rather than a direct imitation of it.

Old Petty takes its name from Old Petty Church, which also sits at the centre of the property and was established in 1839.

The course first opened for preview play during a limited window in August and September 2025, giving golfers an early opportunity to experience the layout before its full public debut. The response was strongly positive, with visiting golfers praising the course’s natural routing, coastal setting and integration with the Highland landscape.

“Old Petty was designed to work in harmony with this extraordinary landscape, and seeing golfers embrace it so enthusiastically is deeply rewarding. This is a special piece of land, and Old Petty brings a fresh perspective that feels authentic and enduring,” added Cowan-Dewar.

The routing is one of Old Petty’s defining strengths. The course begins and returns close to the clubhouse, with opening and closing holes that criss-cross to create a distinctive sense of theatre.

The second hole plays past Old Petty Church before the third moves close to Castle Stuart, immediately establishing the course’s relationship with the history of the site.

From there, the layout moves through a varied natural landscape. The 10th uses the Moray Firth as a backdrop, the 14th returns towards the tidal estuary, and the short par-three 17th provides a memorable penultimate challenge before the course moves back towards home. Throughout, Old Petty feels designed to reveal the land rather than overpower it.

For golfers, the appeal lies in the contrast between the two courses. Castle Stuart offers the established modern classic, while Old Petty brings a new architectural vision and a fresh interpretation of the same Highland setting. Together, they give the destination greater depth, variety and international appeal.

With two 18-hole courses now available, golfers can build a fuller itinerary around Cabot Highlands, staying on site and playing both Castle Stuart and Old Petty in one memorable visit.

The official opening of Old Petty therefore marks more than the launch of a new course, but reflects the continued development of Cabot Highlands as a complete destination.

As Cabot Highlands moves into this new chapter, Castle Stuart remains the landmark and Old Petty becomes the discovery.

With 36 holes now set against one of Scotland’s most atmospheric landscapes, Cabot Highlands has a fuller story to tell and an even stronger reason for golfers to travel to Inverness.