Castle Stuart Golf Links has been given approval to create a second championship course.

The new Palmer Tribute Course, named after golfer Arnold Palmer, will be located to the south of the existing course.

Highland Council's planning committee welcomed the development at the venue, which will host the Scottish Open next month.

Stuart McColm, general manager at Castle Stuart Golf Links, said: "We are extremely pleased that the committee has approved plans for a second world-class course at Castle Stuart Golf Links.

"This decision will allow preparations to continue towards construction getting under way later this year.

"The new course will provide a huge economic boost for Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland.

"It will strengthen the Highlands' position as a leading golfing destination and, along with new transport links, help visitors regard it as a gateway for visitors to the Home of Golf."

He added: "Together with the Arnold Palmer Group, we are acutely aware it has to be developed in the correct way, with community backing and with the support of local and national statutory bodies to protect a sensitive environment.

"As a report to the committee pointed out, our work on the existing course has demonstrated we can create something with worldwide appeal to bring benefit to the area while working within the regulatory framework."