The redevelopment will create a single Dornoch campus for the North Highland College UHI’s hospitality and professional cookery curriculum, the University of the Highlands and Islands’ golf management degree, and the University of the Highlands and Islands Centre for History.

Plans for the new 650 sq. m. extension, proposed to be clad in natural stone and timber cladding, incorporate a new entrance and reception area for the facility, as well as specialist teaching space for the golf management degree, the first of its kind in the UK. Internal redevelopments to the house itself will also provide increased administration space and teaching space.

The dynamic facility will enable learning and research in an environment that promotes a culture of academic excellence to a global learning audience. Offering a seamless and collaborative interface between learning and the local community, the space will nurture a vibrant, practical and scholarly atmosphere that will attract world-class students and staff.

Accommodating all educational activity for the Dornoch campus on one site will play a key role in the sustainability of North Highland College UHI in the Sutherland area with the revitalised campus offering facilities that will both address the needs of the College and support key economic drivers for the area. The campus will initially accommodate three key provisions – the curriculum in golf and hospitality together with the Centre for History.

Michael Dougall, architect at Sheppard Robson, said: “It is a privilege to be involved in the redevelopment of Burghfield House and the continued growth of the North Highland College UHI. Our proposals seek to enhance the current experience at Burghfield House through the addition of a new teaching wing.

“The form of the extension is intentionally subservient to the existing house, however a new building frontage was required to welcome staff and students to the campus. Golf teaching spaces have been located above a new building entrance offering glimpses to the activity, so familiar to Dornoch, on arrival.”

Debbie Gray, a director of the North Highland College UHI, and project manager for this development, added: “We are delighted with progress made by Sheppard Robson and the team involved in bringing this development to the planning stage. The Dornoch campus plays a key role in the development of tertiary education for North Highland College UHI and we very much look forward to confirming the funding package in the near future.”