Greens urge ministers to stop delaying and reject ‘deeply damaging’ Coul Links golf development.
Scottish Greens Nature spokesperson, Ariane Burgess MSP has urged the Scottish Government to finally make a decision on the long-running Coul Links golf course proposal, warning that ministers must stop delaying action on a development that would damage a protected coastal habitat.
Plans for a golf course at Coul Links near Embo in Sutherland have been controversial for years. The site forms part of a rare and internationally important dune system with multiple environmental protections.
Ariane 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, but the Minister has yet to rule on it.
Scottish Greens Environment spokesperson, Ariane Burgess MSP said:
“Ministers need to stop dragging their feet and finally make a decision on Coul Links.
“This proposal has been hanging over an internationally important nature site for far too long and local communities, campaigners and environmental organisations all deserve clarity.
“Coul Links is one of Scotland’s most valuable and fragile coastal dune systems with a variety of vegetation and species dependent on them for their survival.
“Building a golf course on a protected habitat like this would be deeply damaging and completely at odds with Scotland’s commitments to protect nature.
“The billionaire developers’ plans have fallen badly short in terms of our efforts to protect our planet and improve our biodiversity.
“There is no need for this destructive course, not when nearby East Sutherland already has plenty of high-quality golf courses.”
Ariane added:
“Scotland is facing a climate and nature crisis, which means we should be actively protecting rare habitats, not leaving them in limbo.
“Coul Links must be protected by the Scottish Government, and marked safe from these destructive plans. Ministers should stop delaying and reject this damaging development once and for all.
“A vote for the Scottish Greens in May is a vote to protect Scotland’s nature and ensure our most precious landscapes are safeguarded for future generations.”