Crofters fear livestock would be forced off the earmarked land

The Askernish course in South Uist was originally designed by legendary golfer Old Tom Morris in 1892.

However, a number of crofters fear it will mean losing rich common grazing land if its restored to its original 18-holes design.

The commission to meet with crofters on Wednesday night to discuss the plan.

In a statement released ahead of the meeting, the commission said it is neither for or against the development.

It went on: "We would, however, urge communities to at least carefully consider any opportunity for economic growth in the area as it may be that it can co-exist with traditional crofting practices and benefit the whole community including the crofters.

'Genuine concerns'

"In this case we realise some crofters have genuine concerns about their grazing rights and the current usage of the area and these must be worked through at an early stage to see if a solution exists.

"There are examples in Brora and Durness where golf and communal grazing of stock co-exist and there may be lessons there."

Following a visit to Askernish by experts last December, there is now a plan to restore the Western Isles' nine-hole links course to 18 holes.

Old Tom won The Open championship four times - a feat matched by his son Young Tom Morris.