And finally… simply the crest

That prompted the Keppie Design architectural team to turn to Glasgow-based RM Sculpture Studios to carve club crests to adorn the exterior of the building, which will be completed in the next few weeks.

Skilled stonemason and sculptor Roddy McDowall, whose commissions include the sandstone entrance signage for Trump Turnberry, was invited to replicate the famous Highland tiger and horseshoe shield.

A chance work experience venture while at Hillhead High School paved the way, at 16, to an apprenticeship at the Glasgow Building and Printing College, followed by three years at the City and Guilds London Art School.

“This was a pretty straightforward project for me,” said Roddy, whose skills are in demand for prestigious restoration and preservation projects on listed buildings across the country, including the former Jenners department store on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

Other commissions have included a larger-than-life-size sculpture of St Mungo for City of Glasgow College, and restoration projects on The Gallery of Modern Art, The Mitchell Library in Glasgow and Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall.

“One of the challenges with the Royal Dornoch crests was making sure that the design would translate from a 2D image into 3D carvings which would stand out on the clubhouse walls.

“Dunhouse Quarry supplied me with a template version and initially I created a clay model based on that, to make sure the client was happy.”

Royal Dornoch’s then club captain Professor David Bell, predecessor Willie MacKay and successor Gary Bethune made a trip south to give the design their stamp of approval.

They joked that given his experience as a dentist, Gary was well placed to offer advice on the wildcat fangs!

“It was good to get their feedback at that early stage of the process,” said Roddy.

Using a scaled-up model of the coat of arms, Roddy set about engraving sandstone to create the initial outline, before setting to work with a mallet and chisel to carve the finer details.

Roddy (38), whose craftsmanship has developed over 22 years, noted that his work for the clubhouse will stand out even more when the links wind makes its presence felt.

“When dust begins to settle on the nooks and crannies and the natural stone slowly begins to change, the coat of arms will stand out even more. Weathering will continue to enhance the look with a natural patina.”

Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton confirmed Roddy’s work has been well received by members and visiting golfers since scaffolding erected during the construction phase was removed.

“The Highland Tiger club crest is an integral part of Royal Dornoch’s heritage and it was always going to enjoy a high profile on our new clubhouse, which will enjoy a soft opening in December,” explained Neil.

“Traditional skills like stonemasonry are in short supply nowadays so we were delighted that Roddy could take on this commission as part of the overall clubhouse project.

“Members and visitors from around the world will certainly know where they are when they see the historic coat of arms above the doors.”