A private club in Aberdeen is to consider allowing female members for the first time in its 160-year history.
The Royal Northern and University Club in Albyn Place will set up a committee to consider the move after members became split on the issue.
While the vast majority of its 700 members are in favour of modernisation, it is understood there is a hard core of around 50 to 60 men who are resisting change.
One member said there was broad support for modernising the club.
Last month, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews admitted women for the first time following a historic vote.
The source said: “After what happened at the Royal and Ancient, people now think things have to change.
“I think around 80% of members are in favour of modernisation but there is still a small group who don’t want change.”
The club was founded in 1854 by 116 members, mainly drawn from local gentry and property owners.
It was given its royal status after Queen Victoria visited in 1863 to unveil a plaque of her late husband, Prince Albert.
Ladies are allowed in the building, which has its own restaurant and guest rooms, but have to either be signed in by a member or be part of a corporate function.
One committee will be set up to examine the end of male-only membership while another will look at the original rules of club, including issues such as dress code.
In a statement, club chairman Vijay Jandial, membership chair David Burnside and past chairmen Fred Dalgarno and John Craig said: “The outcome of the recent EGM was unsatisfactory for everyone.
“However, the majority of the members feel there is a need to modernise the rules and also address some membership issues, including the possibility of having lady members.
“We have taken on board the criticism of various issues made at the EGM and we propose setting up two sub-committees to consider them.”
The statement added: “It is our sincere hope that, by adopting this open process, we can make progress towards making the Royal Northern and University Club even better and suited to meet the challenges in the years to come.”
City Labour councillor Angela Taylor clashed with First Minister Alex Salmond last year over the privileges of female members at Aberdeen Royal Golf Club, which hosted the AAA Scottish Open earlier this year.
Last night, he said: “I think it is fabulous that the male member of the Royal Northern have come to the decision themselves to move forward and look at this issue.
“In today’s society, there is absolutely no place for clubs that are male-only. It is antiquated and it is dated. Women enhance membership, not detract from it.”