More and more golfers are appreciating the quality of the courses to be found in the Golf Highland region.

In an article for The Links Magazine, respected golf travel writer Allan McAllister Ferguson has drawn-up a list of 15 Scottish courses deserving of attention – and a visit.

He departed from the well-worn trail taking in the heavy hitters to suggest a string of great value courses for first-time visitors to Scotland or regular golf tourists.

“I dislike the hackneyed phrase ‘hidden gems,’ but regarding the courses that follow it’s 50 percent correct: They’re all gems, though not hidden; they’re just not on the radar screens of most North American golfers,” he noted.

“Besides providing welcome respite from the rigors of the more famous championship tracks, these are where you’ll most likely rub shoulders with the Scots, both on the courses and in their homey clubhouses.

“Plus, they give excellent golf at a reasonable price: None costs more than £80 (about $100).”

Golspie Golf ClubThe Links list includes Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Carrbridge, Golspie, Wick and Durness, and the writer also flags-up the variety of golf on offer on and near the North Coast 500 route.

Allan certainly enjoyed his time in the Highlands, observing of the High9s course Carrbridge: “Under a crystal-blue sky, breathing fresh Highland air, with stunning views all around, this is as good as it gets.”

And at Durness in the north-west, he rated the testing last hole among the best par 3 challenges in the country.