SNP urged to finally halt controversial Coul Links development
It’s time for the Scottish Government to reject controversial proposals for a golf development at Coul Links, says Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess.
Ariane’s comments follow a recent appraisal by NatureScot that recommended a rejection of the plans based on their impact on local nature, as revealed today in The National.
Ms Burgess led a 4500 strong petition calling on the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning to review the controversial application, which she has said would be an act of ‘environmental vandalism.’ The application was ‘called in’ in February 2024.
Coul Links is one of the last areas of undeveloped, species-rich dune habitat in Scotland. It is a site of environmental and scientific significance, holding several important international environmental designations.
Ariane said:
“This is a really important analysis, and I hope that the SNP will listen to it and take action. It should mark the end of the saga and a rejection of this totally inappropriate and destructive development.
“Planning permission should never have been granted in the first place, and I have joined campaigners across the area in objecting to it.
“Coul Links sand dunes are very rare habitats, with a variety of vegetation and species dependent on them for their survival. The developer’s plans fall badly short in terms of our efforts to protect our planet and improve our biodiversity.
"East Sutherland is already well served by high-quality golf courses. Coul Links must be protected by the Scottish Government, and marked safe from these destructive plans for yet another private golf course.
“It would be an act of environmental vandalism. We must not prioritise profits over public use of these beautiful spaces that are becoming few and far between.”