Scottish Ministers refuse plans for controversial golf course at rare wildlife site near Embo

A wildlife charity has said it is “relieved and uplifted” after the Scottish Government stepped in to refuse plans for a controversial golf course in the Highlands.

Communities for Coul (C4C) had submitted plans to create a “world-class” 18-hole golf course near Embo, as well as a hotel.

The Coul link applicants claimed the golf course was needed to improve rare wetland habitat, but RSPB environmentalists said rare species at the internationally protected site would be threatened and that the plans would cause “irreparable damage”.

Scottish Ministers announced on Wednesday that they will save the wildlife site, as the golf development would have caused “permanent and irreversible damage”.

The decision letter outlined that ministers agreed “that the proposed development would result in significant adverse effects on nationally and internationally important habitats and species”.

This echoes a previous decision made in 2020, when similar plans for an 18-hole golf course at the site near Embo, East Sutherland, were refused.

Highland Council granted planning permission for the site in 2023, despite the fact that the land has been designated as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and 700 public objections were submitted in relation to the application.

Communities for Coul say the site has become “so degraded that it needs the very best in 21st century conservation to restore and protect it”.

The applicant previously stated that having the course on “about 0.1%” of the SSSI would generate enough cash to restore and protect the whole area.

RSPB Scotland, who campaigned against the development, said the area as a “very special place for nature”.

Duncan Orr-Ewing, director of RSPB Scotland, said: “We are relieved and uplifted at today’s decision by Ministers which recognises the incredible importance of Coul Links, a view shared by thousands of people across the UK.

“It is a very special place for nature and allowing this development would have damaged it beyond repair.

“This is the second time that thousands of people have said this is not the right location for a golf course and the second time Ministers have refused permission following recommendations from a public inquiry.

“We hope developers will now realise that this type of damaging proposal, that goes against planning policy and harms protected sites, will not be accepted.

“Places like Coul Links should be at the heart of the Scottish Government’s commitment to nature recovery, so future generations can benefit from a resilient environment where wildlife thrives. Scotland can halt and reverse nature loss but only if we protect the most important places for nature.”

Jo Pike, chief executive of Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re pleased that Scottish Government Ministers have listened to the public inquiry’s recommendation and to the thousands of people who spoke up for nature at Coul Links. Thank you to everyone who supported this cause.

“Going forward, it is essential that designations such as those at Coul Links are used to quickly assess when a site is unsuitable for development.

“This process and outcome show how highly the people of Scotland value nature and how much they are willing to fight for it, no matter how many challenges we face.

“Nature is our life support system, and it must be protected if we are to build a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”