Coul Links plan could damage the landscape and access rights, say charities.

Two of Scotland’s biggest walking charities are set to join forces today (Friday 22 March) to oppose “damaging and inappropriate” plans to transform wild Highland dunes into an 18-hole golf course.

Ramblers Scotland and ScotWays plan to tell a public inquiry in Dornoch that the proposals threaten to permanently transform Coul Links near Embo in Sutherland – with negative impacts for the landscape, informal outdoor recreation and public access rights at the protected site.

Helen Todd, Ramblers Scotland’s campaigns and policy manager, said: “Coul Links is hugely valued by people seeking to enjoy solitude and nature amongst its wild and special dunes. These ill-conceived plans could restrict public access and harm visitors’ and residents’ enjoyment of the area.

“We must stand up for memorable, quiet places like Coul Links – before they’re lost forever. They form an important element of what makes Scotland so special, especially when contrasted to Highland honeypots like Skye or Glencoe.”

John Mackay is ScotWays’ honorary advisor and is scheduled to give evidence at the inquiry on Friday 22 March. He said: “Coul Links is a special place, having one of the finest beaches on the Moray Firth. It sits alongside the Loch Fleet basin, backed by the local hills to the north, all of which combine to create a very fine natural landscape.

“Coul and its wider setting, and the nature conservation interests of this area, are important assets for the many holiday visitors to Embo. They should be protected against development.”

“Coul is one of the few truly special places in Scotland, where unexpected encounters with the wild are not only possible, they are likely”

Walkers have the legal right to cross Scotland’s 550+ golf courses, as long as they avoid interfering with play and keep off greens.

However, the design of the Coul Links course will make it difficult for people to avoid such interference, especially when the course is busy. Seven holes cut across an important core path, which also forms part of the newly-developed John o’ Groats Trail.

The charities’ evidence includes an article from a local resident on what Coul Links means to her. She writes: “Coul is one of the few truly special places in Scotland, where unexpected encounters with the wild are not only possible, they are likely.”

The first phase of the inquiry began on Tuesday 26 February, focusing on ecological issues. A coalition of seven conservation charities including RSPB Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Wildlife Trust argued that the plans seriously threaten biodiversity and wildlife.

Inquiry reporters will make a recommendation to the Scottish Government, who will ultimately decide the fate of Coul Links. That final result may not be announced for many months after the inquiry ends.

Highland councillors voted in June 2018 to grant planning permission for the course, despite their own planning officials, Scottish Natural Heritage, concerned residents and a range of environmental groups advising them to refuse the application. After a public outcry, two months later this decision was ‘called in’ by the Scottish Government for further scrutiny at a public inquiry.

The inquiry is being live-streamed here.

Image courtesy of Ramblers Scotland.