Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club sits on Chanonry Point on the Black Isle — a narrow peninsula where bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen from the fairways. Founded in 1888 and designed by James Braid, it is one of the most scenic and affordable links courses near Inverness. We provide private golf transfers to Fortrose & Rosemarkie from Inverness, airports and across Scotland.
About the course
The course occupies a thin strip of links land jutting into the Moray Firth, with the sea visible from almost every hole. At under 5,900 yards, it is short by modern standards, but the tight fairways, firm greens, and near-constant wind make it a demanding test of accuracy. The seaward holes are spectacular — particularly the stretch along the shoreline where dolphins regularly surface just metres from the fairway.
Fortrose is one of those courses that Scottish golfers know well but visitors often overlook. The setting is extraordinary, the green fee is modest, and the pace is relaxed. After your round, Chanonry Point — a five-minute walk from the clubhouse — is one of the finest dolphin-watching spots in Europe. It is an experience that combines golf and Highland wildlife in a way no other course can match.
The drive from Inverness
Fortrose is just 20 minutes from Inverness via the Kessock Bridge and the Black Isle. The drive crosses the Beauly Firth with views across to Ben Wyvis, then follows the A832 through the villages of Munlochy and Avoch before reaching Fortrose. Your driver will collect you from your Inverness hotel or the airport and deliver you to the club.
Inverness area golf itineraries
- Fortrose + Castle Stuart — Dolphins then championship links, 25 minutes between courses
- Fortrose + Nairn — Short links then classic championship test, 35 minutes apart
- Golf & Dolphins Day — Morning round at Fortrose, afternoon dolphin watching at Chanonry Point
Travel times to Fortrose & Rosemarkie
Nearby Highland golf courses
Castle Stuart Golf Links
25 minutes west
Nairn Golf Club
35 minutes west
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
1 hour north
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Frequently asked questions
Can you see dolphins from Fortrose & Rosemarkie golf course?
Yes. The course sits on Chanonry Point, one of the best places in the UK to see bottlenose dolphins. The resident Moray Firth pod is regularly seen from the fairways, particularly on the seaward holes during the incoming tide. It is not uncommon to pause mid-round and watch dolphins feeding just offshore.
Is Fortrose & Rosemarkie a links course?
Yes. It is a traditional short links on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Moray Firth, with the sea on three sides. Founded in 1888 and designed by James Braid, the course is tight, windswept, and full of character. At under 5,900 yards it rewards accuracy over power.
How far is Fortrose & Rosemarkie from Inverness?
The course is approximately 20 minutes from Inverness, on the Black Isle across the Kessock Bridge. It is one of the closest links courses to Inverness and makes an ideal half-day outing combined with a visit to Chanonry Point for dolphin watching.