Plans for a Highland golf course could be at risk because of a rare species of fly.

US golf entrepreneurs Mike Keiser and Todd Warnock want to transform 805 acres of land in Sutherland into an 18-hole course.

Conservationists believe the development could damage the habitat of the Fonesa's seed fly, however, which is only found in the coastal area near Dornoch where the pair want to build their course.

The proposed site is part of a protected area which includes designated sites of scientific interest.

Craig Macadam, conservation director at charity Buglife, said: "The fly is an endemic species, extremely vulnerable to extinction.

"Recent survey work by Scottish Natural Heritage found that populations had dropped significantly since the 1970s.

"Its habitat should not be put under threat from yet another golf development."

Scottish National Heritage said: "We've advised that surveys be carried out as part of the environmental impact assessment."

A spokesman for the developers' agents added: "The applicant is currently undertaking an environmental assessment of the site and its surroundings with the objective of achieving a development proposal that responds appropriately to the environment."