Cabot purchased the famed Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness in 2022 and immediately announced plans to design and build a second championship course playing around the estate’s 400-year-old castle. The new course, christened Old Petty, opens for play today at the resort that is now known as Cabot Highlands.
Between now and September 30, only those booked for a £330 round of golf on the Castle Stuart course will have access to play Old Petty at the preview green fee price of £190.
Mr Cowan-Dewar walked the 18 holes at Old Petty a couple of weeks ago with course designer Tom Doak, and will be returning later this month to play the course for the first time: “Unlike past projects, I have not hit a shot yet, so I am eagerly anticipating my return!”
What led you to your initial acquisition of Castle Stuart?
Scotland has some of the most incredible golf courses in the world and it had been a dream to find the perfect project there.
I first walked Castle Stuart Golf Links when it was under construction, as it was developed by a friend of mine, Mark Parsinen. I always marvelled at what he and Gil Hanse were able to create at Castle Stuart, and I was fortunate to spend time with Mark before he passed away in 2019.
When the opportunity arose for Cabot to acquire the property in 2022, I considered it a true honour and a privilege to build upon its existing legacy and carry forward Mark’s ultimate vision for a second course. And, with Cabot Cape Breton located in Inverness, Nova Scotia, and Castle Stuart located in Inverness, Scotland, it felt fated for Cabot to expand with this incredible destination.
Old Petty was designed by Tom Doak (Image: John Paul)
How much has it cost to get Old Petty up and running?
Getting Old Petty designed, built and running has been a labour of love from many people with the focus on bringing Tom Doak’s vision to life for a true links course running along the ocean.
Some factors people might not initially consider include archaeology, boreholes, hydroseeding, creating a boardwalk through the reeds and taking electricity poles down. We also had the ability to build one centralised maintenance complex, which will help the operation for many years ahead.
How many people will be playing Old Petty today?
We’ll have around 100 people out on the opening day of preview play. The level of bookings and interest in Old Petty have been extremely encouraging and surpassing expectations.
And what about Castle Stuart?
Demand has been higher than expected with travellers coming from all over the UK, Europe, North America and beyond.
Old Petty has been ‘a labour of love’ (Image: John Paul)
How does Old Petty fit into Cabot Collection’s broader expansion strategy?
Our plans always revolve around a spectacular piece of land and ensuring the true beauty shines through in our development.
With Old Petty now open, we’re thrilled to give travellers another reason to discover [[Inverness]] and embrace the charming culture of the Scottish Highlands. Cabot Highlands is becoming an experiential resort destination and we can’t wait to unveil the expanded clubhouse, with some exciting changes afoot for 2026.
What in your opinion is the most satisfying aspect of the new course at Cabot Highlands?
Old Petty provides a distinctly enchanting experience as the holes wind around the historic Castle Stuart and past Old Petty Church. I hope golfers will delight in their own favourite elements – whether it be the seaside views, the organic contouring or the timeless feel.
If we’ve done a good job, the land tells the story and players will leave with unforgettable moments and a deeper love for the game of golf. Providing new opportunities that leave a lasting impact among our guests is what remains most satisfying to me.
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