THE BRIEF
Delivering planning permission for and launching a premier destination.
Developer FM Group and Nicklaus Companies appointed Orbit Communications to deliver an integrated communications programme to transform Ury House and Estate near Stonehaven in North East Scotland into one of the most exclusive residential golf communities in the world.
The project also marked the launch of Europe’s first Jack Nicklaus-branded residential golf community.
The multi-million-pound development includes the restoration of the historic Ury House, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, luxury lodges, new homes including affordable housing, and a high-quality hotel and leisure destination.
Known worldwide as the ‘Golden Bear’, Jack Nicklaus is an 18-time major championship winner, including the Opens he won on Scottish soil, twice at St Andrews and at Muirfield.
We were tasked with building stakeholder support, promoting the development nationally and internationally, and supporting the successful determination of multiple planning applications.
Our Approach
- Delivered a strategic public affairs programme across multiple planning applications.
- Developed and implemented a stakeholder engagement strategy involving local councillors, the community council, MSP, MP and key community organisations.
- Created clear communications materials explaining the vision and economic benefits of the development.
- Planned and delivered the PR campaign announcing Europe’s first Jack Nicklaus-branded residential golf community.
- Secured interviews, feature coverage and high-profile media opportunities around the project launch.
- Designed and developed the project website together with supporting marketing materials for buyers and investors.
Outputs & Outcomes
We helped position Ury House and Estate as one of Scotland’s highest-profile leisure and residential developments.
Our public affairs programme helped build positive relationships with stakeholders and supported the successful progression of planning applications.
The launch of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and residential community generated exceptional media coverage across more than 60 outlets spanning national newspapers, international media, specialist golf publications, business titles, construction press, travel media and broadcast coverage.
This activity significantly raised the profile of the development and established Ury House and Estate as Europe’s first Jack Nicklaus-branded residential golf community.
