Owned and managed by East Lothian Council, the course is the oldest surviving in the world where golf has been continuously played.

It is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records based on official document validation of a playable course on the site on 2 March, 1672.

Blue Thistle Ltd has secured private investment backing for the restoration through binding shareholder agreements.

The plan is to breathe new life into the course, the venue for six Open Championships between 1874 and 1889, to restore the course to its previous condition and refurbish its facilities in a seven-year investment plan.

Proposals for the plans have been submitted to the local authority.

“The Musselburgh Links Course has an immensely important role in the history and development of the game Scotland gave to the world, and it is our wish that be recognized and returned to its former glory,” says Robin McGregor, director of Blue Thistle.

“The investment is in place to launch this project, and our shareholders remain satisfied the business plan is well positioned to give them a good return on investment over the medium to long term. Essentially, we wish to make Musselburgh great again.”

To that end, Blue Thistle have consulted with architects Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert (the men behind the recently redesigned Ailsa course at Turnberry).

“We want to re-imagine parts of the course, re-specifying a host of iconic features that were in play at the time of the late 19th century Open Championships, such as the famous ‘Pandy Bunker’ on the sixth hole which have been lost through time and due to the expansion of the adjoining Musselburgh racecourse,” McGregor said. “The course will be a challenge for the modern golfer using today’s clubs and equally for the traditionalist and historical golfer who play with hickory-shafted clubs.

“Moreover, some new tees and greens will be built, new practice facilities created and we shall spearhead a major campaign to establish and grow a ‘grassroots’ program to encourage local juniors to take up the game on a course which replicates a genuine Open Championship course of yesteryear.”