Coul Links looking North towards Ben Bhraggie February 2016 Coul Links looking North towards Ben Bhraggie February 2016 (© copyright Ian Horsfield 2023, all rights reserved)

Coul Links (golf or not)

Coul Links lies just to the north of Dornoch on the east coast of Sutherland in Scotland. It is an area of dynamic coastal sand dunes, with internationally important wetland features, bordered to the east by Embo beach and the North Sea and to the north by the mouth of Loch Fleet. Immediately to the west lies improved farmland and to the south the village of Embo. The centre of the links is positioned at approximately 57.9°N, 4°W, grid ref. NH814939. The land forms part of Coul Farm. It is proposed that a golf course will be built on Coul Links. The Highland Council Impact Assessment form accompanying the initial planning submission states that "The proposed development has the potential to affect nature conservation interests on and around the site that are designated as being of international and national importance (Ramsar, Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest). In addition, there are recorded archaeological remains and the archaeological potential of the site is high". The site is a hive of biodiversity, home to over 1,400 species.

 

Drone's-eye fly-overs of the southern section of Coul Links with views towards the northern section that show the dune slacks in their Winter flooded condition can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13nh1l5LTCk and dry in early September at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-hjFAyc_IE

 

After The Highland Council approved the planning application for a golf course at Coul Links, against the advice of its planning officer and of SNH (now NatureScot), the case was called in by Scottish ministers. A Public Inquiry was held in February/March 2019.

ttps://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=119883

The inquiry reported to ministers in November 2019. On 21 February 2020 a decision was announced, “The Scottish Government has considered the reporter’s findings carefully and agree with the recommendation that planning permission should be refused.” “The likely detriment to natural heritage is not outweighed by the socio-economic benefits of the proposal.”

 

The Scottish ministers' reasoning suggests that a golf course routing at Coul Farm more sympathetic to the ecosystems of the dunes and respectful of their protection classifications could have met with little objection.

 

June 2022 saw a very similar scheme to the original entering the planning process. That application was validated in February 2023. The groundhog is not one of the species that make Coul Links worthy of environmental protection. At considerable time and taxpayer expense, a Public Inquiry confirmed that Coul Links is a site of national importance. The revived golf course proposal is being justified on the grounds of local (East Sutherland) economic benefit. That benefit would to a significant extent be gained at the expense of other golf tourism destinations within Scotland.

 

Details of the current planning application can be found at  http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/  reference 23/00580/FUL.

 

The report to councillors from the Highland Council Area Planning Manager North recommending refusal of the planning application can be found at Item 6.2 at https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4894/north_planning_applications_committee

 

coullinksgolf.com

 

This website aims to collect and provide links to items appearing on the internet that concern Coul Links and the proposal to site a golf course on that dune land. There is little editorial input beyond the brief description above and now extensive timeline below (and in the news archive) and our efficiency, or otherwise, in locating and correctly labelling relevant links. (A number of the links provided have become obsolete as interested parties have become inactive in the months/years since Scottish Ministers refused planning permission for the first proposed golf course at Coul Links.)

 

We hope that this website can serve to help people make an informed decision on support for or opposition to a golf course on Coul Links. The golf course plan has, regrettably but understandably, created deep divisions in local opinion with a quantity of questionable rhetoric reported in the local press, ("Cars and cats kill more birds than golfers." councillor McGillivray, The Press & Journal 13th November 2017). During the progress of the first planning application, the planning submission, consultee responses and public comment on The Highland Council planning website very possibly constituted a more reliable source of facts than did the media coverage listed in the lower part of this page. Along with media links, at the foot of this page we will seek to include any information that we can source, be it press releases or data, published by the developers or their agents.

 

When older news updates (now in the news archive page) sometimes read as being critical, it was no more than simple frustration with the demise of communication with the public from the original would-be developers and their failure to submit documents within the deadlines set by the Public Inquiry. We also admit to a growing frustration with the re-emergence of the discredited first proposal dressed up as fresh thinking.

 

coullinksgolf.com had intended to remain active to report on outcomes for Coul Links such as a management agreement and prospects for the recovery of the Northern Brown Argus butterfly presence after the fire of late March 2020. It will now remain active to monitor the progress of the second golf course planning proposal.

 

For links to media coverage of the Coul Links saga, scroll to lower on this page.

 

NEWS FLASH - 1 December 2023 - Rumours are emerging of American interest in buying Golspie Golf Club (sited between Coul Links and Golspie). The Club has called an EGM for 7 December.

 

NEWS FLASH - 1 December 2023 - The owner of Coul Links has bought a full page advertisement in The Northern Times print edition in which he presents a list of pledges he will personally deliver if the golf course plan comes to fruition. Amongst these are a fully-funded SSSI management plan and the employment of a Coul Ecology Officer. He reassures us that he will remain the owner of Coul Links but neglects to mention that it is under his family's ownership that the management plan was not renewed and the deterioration in the condition of the dunes has taken place.  

 

NEWS FLASH - 30 November 2023 - Rumoured to have been doing his best work in the Inverness corridors of power, twice-bitten, never shy Coul Links golf cheerleader Councillor McGillivray is feeling sufficiently confident to submit copy to The Press & Journal. In an opinion piece parroting Communities for Coul messaging, he emphasises the poor state of the economy, "there is no public money", perhaps hinting that he believes the Scottish Government will have no financial appetite for a second Public Inquiry. 

 

NEWS FLASH - 30 November 2023 - On its Facebook page on 29 November, Communities for Coul declared "Coul Links is one of very many Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in trouble. Experts estimate it will cost approx. £500k over a 3-5 year period to properly restore it. THE GOLF COURSE DEVELOPERS HAVE COMMITTED TO SPENDING THIS MONEY" (Their caps.) When does this committed spend start? Is this ring-fenced environmental restoration spend? Or is it spend on golf course construction as somehow environmentally restorative? Can golfers and non-golfers alike please hold the developers to account on this commitment?

 

 NEWS FLASH - 29 November 2023 - See Item 6.2 at https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4894/north_planning_applications_committee for the Highland Council Area Planning Manager North's report to committee recommending refusal of Communities for Coul's golf course planning application.

 

NEWS FLASH - 27 November 2023 - After more than three and a half months of zero information, the Communities for Coul Facebook page springs to life to appeal directly to Highland councillors for their support. However, it's a risk to assume that councillors can't tell fact from fiction. "The development will create up to 400 much-needed jobs for young people" - not even their own economic experts predict 400 jobs for young people. The development will "help stem our depopulation crisis" - The Highland Council website states that the population of the Highland Council Area increased by 13.9% between 2001 and 2021. The rare dune system will be rescued from "the invasive species currently threatening to overwhelm it" - their environmental experts don't suggest that the dune system is about to be overwhelmed. Deal in facts and the golf course application will stand or fall on its merits. Treat the public and their representatives as fools, and you deserve to fail.

 

NEWS FLASH - 27 November 2023 - The Northern Times reports that "Highland Council planning officials are recommending that the controversial application for a championship golf course at Coul Links be refused".

 

NEWS FLASH - 24 November 2023 - Perhaps what's been quiet in the Coul debate has been a voice that resonates with the experience of being there - a place that is simply good for the soul. Whether or not you want to see golf at Coul, it may be timely that NotCoul has released a video about the essence and life-enhancing qualities of Coul Links. The heartfelt wonder expressed by the contributing experts contrasts sharply with the monetise-or-dereliction narrative delivered elsewhere by the planning applicant's hired-gun expertise. See the video at  https://youtu.be/Bnm7krCGoGQ

 

NEWS FLASH - 24 November 2023 - The Communities for Coul company has written to Highland councillors in advance of the North Planning Applications Committee meeting of 6 December at which the Coul golf course application will be considered. The "primary concern" is to invalidate the objection submitted by NatureScot, though space is given to questioning the expertise of organisations such as the RSPB and to some dog-whistle localism. The company states that "all the information given and assertions made are factual".

 

Unfortunately, by the second paragraph the letter may have taken some liberties with "factual" with what is by now the persistent description of the application as being "community-led".

 

The application would appear to be "community-led" only in as much that, without a mandate provided by any local population, 5 individuals have set up a company, included the word "communities" in its name and positioned themselves, via their company, as actors for the community. Which community is unclear but it seems to be one with a consensus to closely align itself with the commercial interests of the developer whose application for a golf course at Coul Links was found to be unconvincing, and inevitably damaging, by a Public Inquiry and by Scottish Ministers.

 

Can it be "factual" to suggest that a planning application is community-led when that community is made up of the 5 directors of the applicant company? If the Communities for Coul company is content to be so woolly about what "community-led" might mean, how can any other of the information and assertions it presents be confidently accepted as "factual"? Scrupulous clarity should be a prerequisite of the stewardship of a site as diverse and precious as Coul Links.

 

NEWS FLASH - 1 November 2023 - The Coul Links golf development is slated to appear on the agenda of the next Highland Council North Planning Applications Committee meeting scheduled for 6 December. 

 

NEWS FLASH - 29 September 2023 - The Highland Council has published notices in The Edinburgh Gazette (22 September) and The Northern Times (28 September) announcing that the agents acting for Communities for Coul have submitted additional information in support of the Coul Links golf course planning application. This opens another 28 day window (from publication date) for public representations and comments.

 

NEWS FLASH - 02 September 2023 - The Northern Times, usually an unquestioning reporter of attempts to build a golf course on the protected land at Coul Links, has picked up on an article published in The Ferret on 27 August that reveals a "direct link" between Communities for Coul and the US developers behind the discredited first application to build on Coul Links. Finally some light of publicity being shone on the blindingly obvious.

 

NEWS FLASH - 30 August 2023 - The Northern Times reports that the Coul Links golf application will not be considered at the September North Planning Application Committee meeting and will now be examined at the 1 November meeting.

 

NEWS FLASH - 10 August 2023 - On its Facebook news page, Communities for Coul has returned to the story that only a golf course sited in natural sand dunes beside the sea at Coul Links can be commercially viable. A golf course on the slopes of Coul Farm, overlooking the dunes and the sea, would not attract the necessary number of visitors.

 

Texas has a golf industry worth $1.7billion and 907 golf courses (travelmag.com). golf.com ranks Trinity Forest the number one golf course in Texas - it has hosted PGA tour events. Trinity Forest is not sited on sand dunes, of which Texas has many. It is laid out over an almost flat former landfill site. Coul Links designers Coore and Crenshaw designed Trinity Forest.

 

Testament to the abilities of Coore and Crenshaw. And stretching credibility for C4C to imlpy that they need nature to do the design work for them to create a commercially viable course at Coul Farm.

 

NEWS FLASH - 4 August 2023 - With their Coul Links golf course application likely to be considered at September's meeting of the Highland Council North Area Planning Committee, Communities for Coul is making a concerted effort to discredit NatureScot, its methodology and its objection to the planning application. (See Links to local press towards the foot of this page.)

 

NEWS FLASH - 31 July 2023 - Some mixed messaging from the Mike Keiser camp.

 

Golf Digest (25 July) reports that Cabot Highland has broken ground on their new Tom Doak designed golf course adjacent to the now re-named Castle Stuart course. The site is largely gently sloping farmland - "The golf features at the new course will need to be imagined and constructed, like those at Castle Stuart were". (Golf Digest ranks Castle Stuart the 72nd best golf course in the world.) "Cabot Highlands and the Doak Course adds another magnetic force that should not just attract players to the north of Scotland, but also keep them there longer".

 

Meanwhile, the Observer/Guardian (30 July) reports Coul Links planning applicant Communities for Coul doggedly repeating the line that Coul Links "can't be just another golf course. It has to be a world-class golf course ... on genuine links land right next to the sea, following the natural contours, not some artificial obstacles created on flat farmland".

 

Cabot will no doubt be thrilled to hear their new project dismissed as sub-standard - "just another golf course". The Highland Council Planning Committee might take note that a commercially viable golf course could be imagined and constructed on non-environmentally-valuable land at Coul Farm. 

 

NEWS FLASH - 1 June 2023 - The Coul Links golf course application is not listed for consideration in the published agenda of the Highland Council North Planning Applications Committee meeting on 7 June.  https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4805/north_planning_applications_committee/attachment/81676 The next meeting is scheduled for 9 August. 

 

NEWS FLASH - 17 May 2023 - The Highland Council Planning website has published the Consultation Response from The Highland Council Ecology Officer (dated 16 May). "We object to the proposed development due to insufficient current ecological information to allow a robust assessment of the ecological resources of the site and associated impacts." And: "We also object to the proposal as it is contrary to National Planning Framework 4 Policy 3b that states 'Development proposals for national or major development, or for development that requires an Environmental Impact assessment will only be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposal will conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity, including nature networks so they are in a demonstrably better state than without intervention'".

 

NEWS FLASH - 12 May 2023 - The week finishes with 1,045 public comments published on the Highland Council Planning website - 726 objections, 311 support comments. 70% against the current golf course plan, 30% in favour.

 

NEWS FLASH - 10 May 2023 - The previous admirable positivity of the Communities4Coul Facebook messaging seems to have lost discipline as their story has lurched to a focus on the objectors. As they loudly announce, objectors NotCoul have distributed a news-sheet to homes in Dornoch, Embo, Brora and Golspie. And, unhelpfully for the golf project, as the C4C tone becomes more confrontational, the first planning application's more toxic and discredited support has resurfaced.

 

NEWS FLASH - 5 May 2023 - NatureScot comment published on Highland Council planning website. "We therefore object to this proposal as it will result in unavoidable adverse effects on natural heritage interests of national importance." "If the planning authority intends to grant planning permission against this advice, you must notify Scottish Ministers."

 

So the Highland councillors on the North Planning Applications Committee will have to decide whether they yet again burden taxpayers with the expense of kicking this can down the road to Scottish Ministers.

 

NEWS FLASH - 4 May 2023 - Of 986 public comments so far published on the Highland Council Planning website, 669 (67.8%) are objections. In a Northern Times article of 1 May, Communities for Coul prefer to zoom in on the local area, claiming that 129 support comments have been submitted by people from Dornoch Firth communities - "The figures clearly show a genuine enthusiasm locally for our plans". This "genuine enthusiasm" represents a retreat from the always incredible claims of "unequivocal support" claimed in the communities4coul.scot website. 129 supporters make up less than 2% of voters in Dornoch Firth communities - not a great return on the Communities for Coul spend on door drops to every address, press ads and online encouragement all instructing local people on how to submit their support.

 

NEWS FLASH - 4 May 2023 - At a presentation to a public meeting organised by Dornoch Community Council, Community for Coul's environmental consultant Dr McMullen suggested that the combined expertise of RSPB Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland, The Scottish Wildlife Trust, Plantlife, Buglife, The Marine Conservation Society and Butterfly Conservation might be of less value to an assessment of Coul Links than his personal expertise. Surprisingly, at the Public Local Inquiry into the first Coul Links golf course proposal, Dr McMullen failed to present a sufficiently persuasive case for the environmental benefits of a golf course cut through a SSSI. 

 

NEWS FLASH - 20 April 2023 - Would-be Coul Links golf developer Mike Keiser's plans for ownership of a Highland Coast golf destination gradually emerge into the daylight. In a support comment submitted to Highland Council Planning published today, the owner of Pitcalzean Farm, Nigg, a site subject to a planning application for a golf course in 2021, reveals that Mr Keiser was the developer behind that application. The likelihood of Mr Keiser's invovement was flagged-up in our news story of 25 April 2021 (see News Archive). The Nigg application was sadly stymied by zoning problems - the site would have hosted a dramatically good golf course.

 

With the acquisition of Castle Stuart, the rebranding as Cabot Highlands and the addition of a second course, Mr Keiser has the first piece of his golf destination in place. Proximity to Royal Dornoch, a legendary influence in Keiser folk-lore, provides the credibility and tradition for the marketing. More pieces are needed to provide critical mass - with Nigg having disappointed, a Coore & Crenshaw course at Coul Links starts to look like a necessity.

 

The question is then, "Where next?". The pitch to the existing, long-established, local golf clubs is that Coul Links will bring enhanced visitor revenue for neighbouring clubs. It is very easy to see quite the opposite happening. Visiting golfers drawn by Royal Dornoch play their second round, or second day's golf, at Coul Links rather than at Brora or Tain. With much reduced visitor revenue, those existing clubs become non-viable. Some high quality, historically interesting golf real estate becomes available at a knock-down price and Mr Keiser has control of his golf destination.

 

And Keiser destinations are funded by accommodation - local providers are left to pick up the crumbs. As the Cabot Highlands General Manager said, "you're coming back, eating our food, sleeping in our beds, and drinking our wine. It's masterful".

 

NEWS FLASH - 15 April 2023 - The Highland Council planning website now gives a new Standard Consultation Expiry Date of 12 May (moved from 9 April) which suggests that there is more time for the public to send comments of support or objection. The Highland Council Ecology Team has been added to the list of consultees.

 

NEWS FLASH - 30 March 2023 - After engaging with the developer prior to the Coul Links golf course planning application, a 'Conservation Coalition' of seven environmental organisations - Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, Plantlife, Marine Conservation Society, The National Trust for Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust - has re-entered the debate, calling for the public's help again to save Coul Links. https://www.buglife.org.uk/news/conservation-coalition-calls-for-publics-help-again-to-save-coul-links/    https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/save-coul-links-why-we-will-be-objecting-again

 

Meanwhile, planning applicant Communities for Coul has distributed a 4 page printed brochure, "Coul Times" to local addresses calling for support comments to The Highland Council. https://www.communities4coul.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Copy-of-Digital-or-Traditional-Tabloid-Template-%E2%80%93-289mm-x-380mm.pdf

 

NEWS FLASH - 20 March 2023 - Quoted in an article in Links Magazine, Cabot Highlands (was Castle Stuart) General Manager Stuart McColm said "If you're staying with us for the week, a five-night stay, you're going to play the two courses at least once. You're also going to play Nairn, Dornoch, Fortrose, Brora, and others potentially. We want to take control of all of that. You stay with us and, and if you want to go for a tee time at Dornoch, we'll take you and pick you up. Because you're coming back, eating our food, sleeping in our beds, and drinking our wine. It's masterful". Cabot is associated with prospective Coul Links developer Mike Keiser.

 

NEWS FLASH - 17 March 2023 - Very contrasting public comments listed today in the Highland Council planning portal. The certainty of an "era of some prosperity" from Councillor McGillivray https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=RPM8MCIHGB800 and a more forensic assessment from Peter Batten and Denise Lloyd https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/files/8A5AE85983B4AEE3C89F54ECB533AEE5/pdf/23_00580_FUL-Peter_Batten___Denise_Lloyd-2975655.pdf

 

NEWS FLASH - 17 March 2023 - A number of local and national media outlets have picked up the story of renewed opposition from Ramblers Scotland to the Coul Links golf plan. The organisation has a petition live at www.ramblers.org.uk/coullinks 

 

NEWS FLASH - 10 March 2023 - The Highland Council has placed a notice in The Northern Times announcing the planning application for a golf course at Coul Links. Comments supporting or opposed to the golf course have to be submitted within 28 days of the publication date. Representations can be made online at http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/ (application reference 23/00580/FUL) or by writing to The Head of Planning and Building Standards, ePlanning Centre, The Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. (See notice in Documents section below.)

 

NEWS FLASH - 1 March 2023 - A planning application for a golf course and accompanying infrastructure at Coul Links was validated by The Highland Council on 28 February. Details and all documents submitted to date are available at https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/ with the reference 23/00580/FUL.

 

NEWS FLASH - 22 February 2023 - The Highland Council has granted planning consent for the first phase of a hotel at Coul Links. See https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QTTOG0IHIR700&activeTab=summary 

 

The Northern Times reports that "Edward Abel Smith, who owns the site and heads Coul Enterprises, the company behind the ambitious luxury eco hotel initiative, has said the project is entirely reliant on planning permission being granted for the golf course". (The planning application was made by agents on behalf of Mr Abel Smith who is not listed with Companies House as a director of Coul Enterprises Limited.) The applicant has declared that hotel and golf course are linked applications. So, with the golf course application yet to be validated, it seems strange that the hotel application has been granted so soon.

 

NEWS FLASH - 9 February 2023 - Via a Northern Times article published at 11.27, Communities for Coul announces submission to The Highland Coucil of a planning application for a golf course at Coul Links. A C4C post at 13.32 confirms the submission. The text published by The Northern Times is reproduced in other media outlets (see links below). It is suggested that mowing the vegetation/habitats within a Site of Special Scientific Interest down to 15-25mm does not constitute development and is somehow beneficial to the natural environment. Good news for SSSIs everywhere.

 

The planning application lands as The Scottish Government is due, next week, to adopt National Planning Framework 4. NPF4 is intended to answer questions such as, "how can planning best support our quality of life, health and wellbeing in the future? (by building golf courses for wealthy American tourists) and "what policies are needed to improve, protect and strengthen the special character of our places? (golf courses to be built on Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest).

 

Rather confusingly the Communities for Coul "Planning Latest" web page reports that the "formal Planning Application" was submitted on 3rd September. Two paragraphs later it states that "we were free to submit our formal application" only after a consultation period that ended on 11th September.

 

 

Coul Links golf course current proposal

 

Also see News Archive. The company fronting the proposal has an online presence at  https://www.communities4coul.scot and https://www.facebook.com/Communities4Coul/ For an alternative reading visit https://notcoul.org and https://www.facebook.com/groups/266150027087512/?mibextid=HsNCOg

 

After a local councillor made a shambolic attempt to resurrect the original golf course scheme, with added par 3 course, in Autumn 2020, a more concerted effort to relaunch the project surfaced in January 2021 with the publication of https://www.communities4coul.scot. Communities for Coul, a private limited company registered in Scotland, suggests that Brexit and Covid have changed the economic climate to such an extent that the benefits will outweigh any environmental concerns and further that the new golf course proposal “is now an environmental project with a golf course at its heart".

 

A week later the owner of Coul Farm announced his intention to build a hotel overlooking the links – construction to be started when the golf course receives planning approval.

 

In April 2021, Communities for Coul announced that Mike Keiser, the developer behind the original golf course plan, had been “selected” to build the revived golf course, funding the project should planning consent be granted.

 

Communities for Coul proceeded to stage a postal ballot and series of tightly managed online question and answer sessions to establish a narrative of consultation and public support. Meanwhile The Scottish Government’s Dynamic Coast project mapped areas of coastal flooding where the golf course is to be routed and forecast that the dune edge would retreat inland by up to 93 metres this century. Meanwhile Foveran Links in Aberdeenshire, home to Trump International Scotland golf course, of which Donald Trump said “this will be environmentally better after it is built than it is before”, lost its Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status due to irreparable damage - extravagant promises of local jobs have never materialised. Parallels will inevitably be drawn.

 

Having declared that the original layout was the only one available at Coul Farm for a “world-class” golf course, Coore and Crenshaw have made modifications to their routing to make small concessions to specific environmental concerns and adopted the mowing of existing vegetation to create fairways. 

 

A scoping application was submitted to The Highland Council in March 2022 with the aim to “file a planning application in 2022 and start work on the project in 2023”. Communities for Coul appealed for £150,000 of crowdfunding to meet the costs of expert support (a target reportedly reached on 26 September 2022). A Proposal of Planning Application Notice (PAN) was submitted on 19 June 2022.

 

Also in June, Cabot, a company associated with Mike Keiser, acquired Castle Stuart golf course near Inverness, renaming it Cabot Highlands and announcing plans for a second course and accommodation on site. Communities for Coul published the opinion that its chosen developer’s plans for Cabot Highlands would have “a significant negative economic impact on the towns and villages of the Dornoch Firth” so Coul Links, from the same developer, was needed as a counterbalance to prevent “very bad news”.

 

The aim to submit a planning application for Coul Links in 2022 was not met. However, with Cabot Highlands, Mike Keiser has put the first piece in place for a new Highland golf coast destination - as the Cabot Highlands' website https://cabothighlands.com depicts it, "Cabot's first UK property in its diverse collection of world-class golf and master-planned communities". Communities for Coul, a limited company perhaps misleadingly referred to in press coverage as a "community group', announced on 9 February 2023 that a planning application for Coul Links has been submitted. The deadline for public comments on the application is 12 May 2023.

 

There are two online petitions to "Save Coul Links". One is still live from the first planning application and currently has attracted more than 93,800 signatures https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/conserve-coul-links-for-nature-not-golf-1  The second is specific to the new planning application  and has already gained more than 24,100 signatures towards its 25,000 target https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-coul-links-protected-nature-from-destructive-deja-vu-golf-course-1

 

 

Planning applications to The Highland Council

 

Reference: 23/00580/FUL

Application received: 5 February 2023

Proposal: Construction of an 18 hole golf course, practice area, access, parking, ancillary intrastructure and the change of use of existing buildings to form clubhouse, pro shop, maintenance shed and ancillary facilities

https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage

 

Reference: 17/04601/FUL

Application received: 29 September 2017

Proposal: Development of 18 hole golf course, erection of clubhouse, renovation of existing buildings for maintenance facility, pro-shop, caddy hut, workshop, administration building, information booth, formation of new private access from C1026

http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OX1OGYIHH0I00

Reference: 17/04404/FUL

Application received: 20 September 2017

Proposal: Drilling of two boreholes and construction of water storage reservoir (maximum capacity 20000cu.m) for irrigation of (future) golf course

http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OWKTCLIHG4S00

 

 

Documents

 

NatureScot consultation comment (objection) - NEWS FLASH - 5 May 2023
NatureScot consultation comment 5 May 20[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [873.7 KB]
Coul Links Golf Course planning notice - NEWS FLASH - 10 March 2023
Coul Links planning ad 10 March 2023.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.0 MB]
Communities for Coul ballot paper - NEWS FLASH - 9 June 2021
Communities for Coul ballot paper June 2[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.2 MB]
Report to Scottish Ministers
Dated 27 November 2019. 302 pages
NA-HLD-086+-+Report.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.3 MB]
Note of pre-examination meeting
Dated 5 November 2018. Circulated 7 November 2018
note of pre-examination meeting_562098.p[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [120.5 KB]
Scottish Ministers' call in letter to The Highland Council 24 August 2018
NA-HLD-086 - CALL-IN LETTER DIRECTION 2[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [58.9 KB]
Scottish Wildife Trust letter to Ramsar Convention 17 August 2018
Scottish Wildlife Trust et al letter to [...]
Adobe Acrobat document [714.1 KB]
Not Coul Ramsar Appropriate Assessment press release 18 June 2018
Ramsar AA Coul Links Golf PR by Not Coul[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [212.1 KB]
Report by Area Planning Manager (30 May 2018)
PLN_031_18.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [874.5 KB]
Not Coul press release - letter to Chair of Committee - please reconsider and why 13 June 2018
NC Press Release - Council Planning Chai[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [223.0 KB]
Not Coul letter to Chair of Highland Council North Area Planning Committee 11 June 2018
NotCoulLetter_ChairHighlandCouncilNorthP[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [215.6 KB]
Loch Fleet SSSI citation
Loch Fleet SSSI citation.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [31.5 KB]
Loch Fleet SSSI map
Loch Fleet SSSI map.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.4 MB]
Loch Fleet SSSI operations requiring consent from Scottish Natural Heritage
Loch Fleet SSSI operations requiring con[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [22.4 KB]
Scottish planning policy 2014: extract: A natural, resilient place
scottish planning policy 2014 extract.pd[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [133.7 KB]
Conservation partnership letter to Todd Warnock/Mike Keiser August 2016
Conservation partnership letter to Todd [...]
Adobe Acrobat document [303.5 KB]
Coul Links Golf press release 25 October 2017
Coul Links Golf Press release 25-10-17.p[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [894.8 KB]
Coul Links Golf press release final 29 September 2017
Coul Links Golf Press release Final for [...]
Adobe Acrobat document [32.7 KB]
Scottish Natural Heritage response to Highland Council
Coul Links planning application - SNH re[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [257.2 KB]
Scottish Natural Heritage further response to Highland Council
snh further response 25 may 2018.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [332.6 KB]
SEPA response to Highland Council
Revised 23.03.2018
SEPA response 12Dec2017.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [296.7 KB]
Coul response
Letter (unpublished) to The Northern Times from Dr Tom Dargie dated 19th August 2016
Coul Response _ Dargie Unacknowledged Le[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [327.0 KB]
NotCoul pamphlet August 2016
NotCoul pamphlet.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.9 MB]
Coul Links Golf Course press release
5th September 2016
160831 Press Release Final.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [141.9 KB]
Coul Links Golf Course press release
29th September 2017
Coul Links Golf Press release Final for [...]
Adobe Acrobat document [32.7 KB]
Castle Stuart and Coul no comparison
Letter to The Northern Times from Dr Tom Dargie and Andrew Weston published 17 November 2017
NorthernTimesNovFuss.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.8 MB]

 

 

Background literature

 

Site Management Statement

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwjUs9Di6ojJAhUGthoKHYQkC24&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgateway.snh.gov.uk%2Fsitelink%2Fdocumentview.jsp%3Bjsessionid%3D0d9c260708c6632e2dad4ab847f4bb000c17af4178a65ecfb153d0c2ee37b94e.e38KahaMax4Rai0Oax8Sb3mMa3z0%3Fp_pa_code%3D984%26p_Doc_Type_ID%3D3&usg=AFQjCNHoxIq_tSbeMhJQXtO1Ojmr_ZMJ_Q

 

Coul Links / Loch Fleet species data

https://regions.nbnatlas.org/feature/1099#group=ALL_SPECIES&subgroup=&from=1850&to=2017&tab=speciesTab

 

The Management Plan for Loch Fleet NNR - Scottish Natural Heritage

http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A1622682.pdf

 

Sand Dune Vegetation Survey Of Scotland: Moray Firth

www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/research/181_3.pdf

 

Flora Of East Sutherland - BSBI (pages 37, 39)

bsbi.org.uk/vc107_flora_2013.pdf

 

Survey & Assessment of Lowland Heathland Lichen Habitats (pages 14, 16, 44)

http://www.britishlichensociety.org.uk/sites/www.britishlichensociety.org.uk/files/about-lichens-downloads/Lichen%20Habitats%20-%20Lowland%20Heath,%20Dune%20And%20Machair-pp1to58.pdf

 

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Coul Links golf development

http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-campaigns/coul-links/

 

RSPB
Casework Coul Links
 
Scottish Government FOI response concerning communication between Defra and the Ramsar Secretariat
 
Scottish Parliamentary questions concerning Coul Links
 
1 August 2018
LSE - Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
Trump golf course partially destroys Site of Special Scientific Interest
 
 
 

LINKS

Our aim is to include links to any web coverage of Coul Links. We apologise for the fact that there will inevitably be ommissions that evade our searches. When multiple outlets reproduce a press release almost verbatim, only the link to the first published is included. It is probable that some older links are no longer viable.

 

30 November 2023

The Press & Journal

Jim McGillivray: There's no public money, so why write off private Coul Links investment?

https://wwwpressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/6274588/coul-links-golf-private-investment-jim-mcgillivray-opinion/

 

28 November 2023

The Northern Times

Coul Links rejection recommendation 'right response', says Green MSP

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-rejection-recommendation-right-response-says-g-334252/

 

28 November 2023

The Scottish Daily Express

Controversial plan to turn Highland dune system into world-class golf course stuck in the rough

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/community-standards/controversial-plan-turn-highland-dune-31549216

 

28 November 2023

The Northern Times

Councillors under pressure as Coul Liunks decision meeting looms

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/councillors-under-pressure-from-both-sides-as-coul-links-dec-334230/

 

28 November 2023

BBC

New Coul Links golf course recommended for refusal

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cprpwy140dvo

 

27 November 2023

The Press & Journal

Coul Links golf course plans could be REFUSED on environmental grounds

https://pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/6271985/coul-links-environment-recommendation/

 

27 November 2023

The Northern Times

Coul Links golf course application recommended for refusal by Highland Council planners

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-golf-course-application-recommended-for-refusal-b-334052/

 

01 September 2023

The Northern Times

Investigative journalism platform uncovers direct link between Communities for Coul and US golf developers

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/investigative-journalism-platform-uncovers-direct-link-betwe-35121/

 

30 August 2023

The Northern Times

Highland Council delays decision on Coul Links application

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/highland-council-delays-decision-on-coul-links-application-324986/

 

27 August 2023
The Ferret (in tandem with The Sunday Post)

Group labelled 'astroturfing front' for US golf developers

https://theferret.scot/golf-astroturfing-coul-links/

 

4 August 2023

The Northern Times

NatureScot's Coul Links objection branded 'unfair, unjustified and innaccurate'

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/nature-scots-coul-links-objection-branded-unfair-unjustif-322191/

 

4 August 2023

The Press & Journal

Coul Links: community group claims NatureScot objection is 'unfair, unjustified and inaccurate'

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/6012217/coul-links-naturescot-objection-unfair/

 

30 July 2023

The Observer

An 'AstroTurf front' for developers? Row over plans to build an eco golf course on a Scottish heritage site

https://www.the guardian.com/environment/2023/jul/30/an-astroturf-front-for-developers-row-0ver-plans-to-build-an-eco-golf-course-on-a-scottish-heritage-site

 

19 May 2023

The Northern Times

Coul Links landowner promises 'crossing' over Loch Fleet if golf course gets go-ahead

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-landowner-promises-crossing-over-loch-fleet-if-314213/

 

18 May 2023

The Northern Times
Dornoch Area Community Council votes 4:2 to support Coul Links

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/dornoch-area-community-council-votes-4-2-to-support-coul-lin-314099/

 

17 May 2023

BBC News

Nature agency's concerns over new Coul Links golf course

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islans-65621229

 

17 May 2023

The Insider

NatureScot objects to plans for golf course at Coul Links

https://www.insider.co.uk/news/naturescot-objects-plans-for-golf-course-29999116

 

17 May 2023

The Herald

Coul Links: Golf course plans suffer NatureScot blow

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/23529361.coul-links-golf-course-plans-suffer-naturescot-blow/

 

17 May 2023

The National

NatureScot object to plans for Coul links golf course

https://www.thenational.scot/news/uk-news/23529140.naturescot-object-plans-coul-links-golf-course/

 

17 May 2023

The Times

Naturalists object to billionaire's Coul Links golf course plan

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/naturalists-object-to-billioaire-s-golf-course-plan-gj8w8dkcq

 

17 May 2023

Horticulture Week

NatureScot objects to plans for a luxury golf course at Coul Links

https://www.hortweek.com/naturescot-objects-plans-luxury-golf-course-coul-links/lanscape/article/1823079

 

17 May 2023

Third Force News

Coalition rounds on developer as its plans will damage site of national importance

https://tfn.scot/news/coalition-rounds-on-developer-as-its-plans-will-damage-site-of-national-importance

 

17 May 2023

Buglife

NatureScot objects to plans for a luxury golf course at Coul Links

https://www.buglife.org.uk/news/naturescot-objects-to-plans-for-a-luxury-golf-course-at-coul-links/

 

12 May 2023

The Northern Times

NatureScot's objection to Coul Links welcomed by Green MSP Ariane Burgess

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/naturescots-objection-to-coul-links-welcomed-by-green-msp-a-313488

 

12 May 2023
The Northern Times

Green light for Coul Links would be 'life-enhancing' for East Sutherland, says Runrig star Rory MacDonald
https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/green-light-for-coul-links-would-be-life-enhancing-for-eas-313490

 

9 May 2023

The Northern Times

'We are unable to support this proposal': NatureScot deals blow to Coul Links plan

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/we-are-unable-to-support-this-proposal-naturescot-deals-b-313134/

 

4 May 2023
The Press & Journal
Coul Links golf plan could help stop drain of young people from Sutherland

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/5685415/coul-links-plan-drain-young-people-sutherland-dornoch-golf/

 

1 May 2023

The Northern Times

Coul Links developers claim opposition to golf course plan is being whipped up by national organisations as hundreds of objections made to Highland Council

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-developers-claim-opposition-to-golf-course-plan-i-312252/

 

26 April 2023
The Press & Journal

Coul Links: Objectors outnumber supporters 2 to 1 - but should the powers that be just concentrate on what locals think?
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/5658376/coul-links-objectors-support-local-golf-plan-c4c/

 

20 April 2023

The Press & Journal

Would-be golf course developer backs Coul Links plan

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/news/highlands-islands/5637712/golf-coul-links-plan-objections-support/

 

16 April 2023

The Ferret (also The National)

Coul Links developer donated to climate denial group

https://theferret.scot/coul-links-developer-donated-climate-denial-group/

 

7 April 2023

The Northern Times

Coul Links golf course development in spotlight as public consultation period nears end

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-golf-course-development-in-spotlight-as-public-co-309568/

 

7 April 2023

The Northern Times

Coul Links debate - AGAINST: 'Harm to landscape and access to vital dunes'

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-debate-against-harm-to-landscape-and-access-t-309561/

 

7 April 2023

The Northern Times

Coul Links debate - FOR: 'Course will help to protect environment'

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-debate-for-course-will-help-to-protect-enviro-309558/

 

7 April 2023

Environment Journal

Irreplaceable Coul Links area threatened by golf course

https://environmentjournal.online/articles/irreplaceable-coul-links-threatened-by-golf-course/

 

6 April 2023

The Northern Times

Coul Links promotional video criticised for use of stock imagery

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-promotional-video-criticised-for-use-of-stock-ima-309473/

 

3 April 2023

Butterfly Conservation

The threat to Coul Links is back

https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/the-threat-to-coul-links-is-back

 

31 March 2023

The Press & Journal

Coul Links: Environmentalists issue new appeal to public to stop golf course plans

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/5563330/coul-links-save-rare-species-golf-course/

 

30 March 2023

RSPB

Save Coul Links - here's why we will be objecting (again) and what you can do to help

https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/save-coul-links-why-we-will-be-objecting-again

 

30 March 2023

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Conservation Coalition calls for public's help again to save Coul Links

https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/conservation-coalition-calls-for-publics-help-again-to-save-coul-links

 

30 March 2023

Scottish Field

Conservationists object to Coul Links golf course

https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/news/conservationists-object-to-coul-links-golf-course/

 

29 March 2023

The Highland Times

Green MSP Raises Concerns Over Video Fakery in Coul Links Campaign

https://thehighlandtimes.com/green-msp-raises-concerns-over-video-fakery-in-coul-links-campaign

 

29 March 2023

The Scotsman

Video featuring 'fake' locals branded 'embarrassing' in US billionaire's bid to build championship golf course on scenic Scottish Highland dunes

https://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/video-featuring-fake-locals-branded-embarrassing-in-us-billionaires-bid-to-build-championship-golf-course-on-scenic-scottish-highland-dunes-4083196#

 

24 March 2023

The Northern Times

Dornoch Community Council to hold special 'fact finding' meeting before deciding its stance on Coul Links

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/dornoch-community-council-to-hold-special-fact-finding-mee-308095/

 

20 March 2023

Links Magazine

Could the Scottish Highlands become a golf destination on par with St. Andrews?

https://linksmagazine.com/could-the-scottish-highlands-become-a-golf-destination-on-par-with-st-andrews?utm_campaign=insider3.20.23&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=251498948&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--iH-Cys_ZxcRLwPxZ-rrXw7psp-0tggTpNB4cx_g6pBABIGgeT0-_-8dYaegXk05vAp0BUugJVxqlv38dXonOcNkmSmw%utm_source=newsletter

 

17 March 2023

Sky News

Walking group fighting fresh plans for Coul Links golf course in the Highlands 'that will cross John o'Groats Trail'

https://news.sky.com/story/walking-group-fighting-fresh-plans-for-coul-links-golf-course-in-the-highlands-that-will-cross-john-ogroats-trail-12836284

 

17 March 2023

The National

Group behind Coul Links golf course proposal defend plans

https://www.thenational.scot/news/23393992.group-behind-coul-links-golf-course-proposal-defend-plans/

 

17 March 2023

The Northern Times

'Deeply concerning': Green MSP Ariane Burgess speaks out against renewed Coul Links plan

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/deeply-cpncerning-green-msp-ariane-burgess-speaks-out-aga-307156/

 

17 March 2023

BBC News

Walking group opposes fresh plans for Coul Links golf course

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-64979971

 

16 March 2023

Scottish Daily Express

Fears over iconic Scottish sand dunes as developer plots new 18-hole golf course

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/fears-over-iconic-scottish-sand-29477612

 

16 March 2023

The Highland Times

Green MSP condemns return of Coul Links threat

https://thehighlandtimes.com/green-msp-condemns-return-of-coul-links-threat/

 

16 March 2023

John O'Groat Journal

Ramblers Scotland gear up for fresh fight against Coul Links golf course plan with launch of petition

https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/ramblers-scotland-gear-up-for-fresh-fight-against-coul-links-307044/

Also The Northern Times

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/ramblers-scotland-gear-up-for-fresh-fight-against-coul-links-307038/

 

16 March 2023

The National

Ramblers Scotland voices opposition to revived Coul Links development

https://www.thenational.scot/news/23390734.ramblers-scotland-voices-opposition-revived-coul-links-development/

 

16 March 2023

Walkhighlands

Walkers fight to once again save Highland dunes

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/walkers-fight-to-once-again-save-highland-dunes/

 

7 March 2023

The Press & Journal - Planning Ahead Highland

Major plans unveiled for Coul Links golf course

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/5469706/major-plans-unveiled-for-links-golf-course-cafe-bistro-on-the-cards-for-inverness-and-99-new-homes-planned-in-alness/

 

24 February 2023

The Press and Journal

First impression of planned £20m eco-hotel for Coul Links golf resort

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/5434822/coul-links-golf-eco-hotel/

 

24 February 2023

Golf Business News

Planning consent given for Coul Links hotel

https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/courses/planning-consent-given-for-coul-links-hotel/

 

23 February 2023

Bunkered

Boost for Coul Links as hotel permission granted

https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/boost-for-coul-links-as-hotel-permission-granted

 

22 February 2023

The Northern Times

Planning consent granted for first phase of £20 million Coul links eco-hotel

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/planning-consent granted-for-first-phase-of-20-million-coul-304334/


10 February 2023

Beyond the Contour

Mike Keiser, Coore & Crenshaw's Coul Links Planning Application Resubmitted

https://beyondthecontour.com/mike-keiser-coore-crenshaws-coul-links-planning-application-resubmitted/

 

9 February 2023

Golf Course Architecture

Community group sublits new planning application for Coul Links

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/community-group-submits-new-planning-application-for-coul-links

 

9 February 2023

The Northern Times

Major milestone reached as community group lodges fresh planning application for championship golf course at Coul Links

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/major-milestone-reached-as-community-group-lodges-fresh-plan-302789/

 

2 February 2023

Chronicle Herald

Opinion - Raymond Plourde: Pop Cabot's trial balloon now

https://ecologyaction.ca/resources-media/press-releases/opinion-raymond-plourde-pop-cabots-trial-balloon-now?fbclid=IwAR1IX8R8YhTyGofnJ_01eZe5s3V34jx4x9-PmzochNNaJbJHdSVPqLWi-S4

 

2 February 2023

The Herald

North Coast 500: Staffing shortages threaten Scotland's tourist route

https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/23293068.north-coast-500-staffing-shortages-threaten-ecotlands-tourist-route/

 

4 November 2022
The National

Plans for Sutherland golf course backed as 'essential' for local economy

https://www.thenational.scot/sport/23100211.plans-sutherland-golf-course-backed-essential-local economy/

 

3 November 2022

The Northern Times

New owners of Dornoch Hotel get behind bid for championship golf course at Coul Links and donate £10k to community group pushing plan forward
https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/new-owners-of-dornoch-hotel-get-behind-bid-for-championship-292311/

 

3 November 2022

Ross-Shire Journal
Easter Ross town of Tain could tee up spin off from new world-class Coul Links golf course at Dornoch, claim owners of luxury hotel
https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/easter-ross-town-could-benefit-from-new-golf-course-claim-292421/

 

3 November 2022

Golf Business News

Dornoch Hotel owners back plans to build new course at Coul Links

https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/courses/dornoch-hotel-owners-back-plans-to-build-new-course-at-coul-links/

 

24 October 2022

The Northern Times

Community group behind renewed bid for Coul Links golf course reaches £150k fundraising target towards costs of submitting planning application
 
21 October 2022
Bunkered
Keiser "Coul Links can be one of the greatest courses in the world"
 
20 October 2022
Golf Business News
Design tean rates Coul Links site as potential for 'one of the world's great courses'
 
26 September 2022
Sports Illustrated
Chasing (and Building) Authenticity: Mike Keiser's Approach to Good Golf and Good Business
 
11 August 2022
The Press and Journal
Planning chairman tells members to 'keep and open mind' on new Coul links golf course plans
 
2 August 2022
BBC News
New Coul Links golf plans outlined to council
 
27 July 2022
The Press and Journal
Coul Links: golf course plans still driving a wedge between rival groups
 
27 July 2022
The Press and Journal
Coul Links: revived golf course plans go on display to the public in Sutherland
 
19 July 2022
The Press and Journal
Coul Links: Group behind golf course plans issues challenge to environmental critics
 

17 July 2022

surfbirds.com

Internationally protected Coul Links once again under threat from golf course

https://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/blog/2022/07/17/internationally-protected-coul-links-once-again-under-threat-from-golf-course/

 

15 July 2022

ENDS Report

Golf course plans could see decline of second rare dune habitat, warn NGOs

https://www.endsreport.com/article/1793224/golf-course-plans-decline-second-rare-dune-habitat-warn-ngos

 

12 July 2022

The Herald

In the shadow of Trump. Coul Links golf course controversy

https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/20272522.shadow-trump-coul-links-golf-course-controversy/

 

12 July 2022

birdguides.com

Coul Links once again under threat from golf course

https://www.birdguides.com/news/coul-links-once-again-under-threat-from-golf-course/

 

9 July 2022

The Northern Times

Environmental coalition voices concern over renewed Coul Links golf course plan

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/environmental-coalition-voices-concern-over-renewed-coul-lin-280978/

 

8 July 2022

The National

Coul Links golf course: Concerns raised over plans to build on Sutherland dunes

https://www.thenational.scot/news/20265711.coul-links-golf-course-concerns-raised-plans-build-sutherland-dunes/

 

8 July 2022

The Press and Journal

The Coul Links saga continues: Application for world class course could be in by autumn

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/4505563/coul-links-golf-plan-could-be-submitted-by-early-autumn/

 

8 July 2022

The Times

Charities united against golf course on wildlife site

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/charities-united-against-golf-course-on-wildlife-site-w8t7p08x5

 

8 July 2022

The Herald

Coul Links: New golf course plans raise concerns

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/20265305.coul-links-new-golf-course-plans-raise-concerns/

 

8 July 2022

STV News

Internationally protected site 'under threat' from 18-hole golf course

https://www.stv.tv/highlands-islands/national-trust-rspb-scotland-and-five-others-in-environmental-coalition-warn-of-coul-links-golf-course-plans

 

8 July 2022

BBC News

Coul Links: Environmental groups voice concern at golf course plans

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-62065217

 

8 July 2022

RSPB (press release)

Internationally protected Coul Links once again under threat from golf course

https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/coullinks2022/

 

27 June 2022

The Press and Journal

A 'perfect fit': Canadian golf course resort operator acquires Castle Stuart with plans for second course and luxury homes

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/4465494/a-perfect-fit-canadian-golf-resort-operator-cabot-acquires-castle-stuart/

 

24 June 2022

The Northern Times

Public exhibition to be held in Embo next month on Coul Links golf course plan

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/public-exhibition-to-be-held-in-embo-next-month-on-coul-link-279415/

 

8 June 2022

Sports Illustrated

Coul Links Prospects Heating Up Again

https://www.si.com/golf/travel/a-new-duel-in-the-desert-at-mexicos-cabo-del-sol

 

2 May 2022

Bunkered

Conservation groups hit back at plans for "world-class" links

https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/conservation-groups-hit-back-at-plans-for-world-class-links

 

4 April 2022

STV News

Plans resurface for golf course developemnt on protected site

https://news.stv.tv/v/plans-resurface-for-golf-course-development-in-sutherland-on-protected-site

 

31 March 2022

Bunkered

Crowd-funding campaign launched for new Scottish course

https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/crowd-funding-campaign-launched-for-new-scottish-course

 

25 March 2022

Golf Business News

Coul Links developers submit more 'environmentally sensitive' plan

https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/courses/fresh-coul-links-plan-promises-to-be-environmentally-sensitive/

 

25 March 2022

BBC News

Group says golf project would protect dune habitat

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv2xx77xx4zo

 

25 March 2022

Golf Course Architecture

Coul Links project resurfaces with submission of scoping application

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/coul-links-project-resurfaces-with-submission-of-scoping-application

 

25 March 2022

The Northern Times

Communities for Coul reach major milestone with submission of 'scoping application' to Highland Council for championship golf course at Coul Links

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/breaking-news-communities-for-coul-reach-major-milestone-wi-270055/

 

25 November 2022

The Press and Journal

Fresh Coul Links plan promises to be 'environmentally sensitive' as major golf course project moves a step closer

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/4095818/fresh-coul-links-plan-promises-to-be-environmentally-sensitive-as-major-golf-course-project-moves-a-step-closer/

 

25 November 2021

The Northern Times

Sutherland beaches at risk of being lost within 30 years due to coastal erosion

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/sutherland-beaches-at-risk-of-being-lost-within-30-years-bec-255794/

 

22 October 2021

The Northern Times

'Coul' response to council

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-response-to-council-254760/

 

15 October 2021

Business Insider

Satellite photos show how Trump wrecked a sensitive sand dune system in Scotland to build a luxury golf course

https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-trump-luxury-golf-course-wrecked-scotland-sand-dune-system-2021-10?amp

 

15 October 2021

The Northern Times

Cool response to request for Coul Links support letter

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/cool-response-to-request-for-coul-links-support-letter-253968/

 

16 June 2021

The Press and Journal

New bid for controversial luxury 18-hole golf course in Highlands given boost after public vote

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/3238957/new-bid-for-controversial-luxury-18-hold-golf-course-in-highlands-given-boost-after-public-vote/

 

16 June 2021

The Northern Times

Local poll result shows majority backing for golf course at Coul Links

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/public-vote-backs-golf-course-plan-241718/

 

6 June 2021

The Press and Journal

First look at what a proposed £20m eco hotel in the Highlands could look like

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/3205720/first-look-at-what-a-proposed-20m-eco-hotel-in-the-highlands-could-look-like/

 

4 June 2021

The Northern Times

Coul Entreprises lodges planning application for first phase of its £20m eco hotel development in Sutherland

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/20m-eco-hotel-plans-lodged-with-council-240048/28

 

May 2021

Transition Black Isle

Coul Links - Mike Keiser back in the picture

https://www.transitionblackisle.org/coul-links.asp

 

28 May 2021

The Northern Times

East Sutherland communities to be canvassed to gauge level of local support for renewed Coul Links golf course plan

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/east-sutherland-communities-to-be-canvassed-to-gauge-level-o-239627/

 

17 May 2021

The Northern Times

C4C to hold 'Town Hall' meetings to update East Sutherland communities on Coul Links golf plan

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/c4c-to-hold-town-hall-meetings-to-update-east-sutherland-c-238493/

 

29 April 2021

Bunkered

Coul Links announces return of Mike Keiser to proposed development

https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/coul-links-announces-return-of-mike-keiser-to-proposed-development

 

29 April 2021

The Northern Times

'Major milestone' as Communities For Coul tee up golf course architect Mke Keiser

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/major-milestone-as-communities-for-coul-tee-up-golf-course-236647/

 

24 April 2021

The Northern Times

Loch Fleet crossing a 'fantastic idea'

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/loch-fleet-crossing-a-great-idea-235931/

 

19 April 2021

ecohustler.com

More golf courses in Scotland too coarse for the environment

https://ecohustler.com/nature/more-golf-courses-in-scotland-too-coarse-for-the-environment

 

31 March 2021

Planet Golf

Farmer reveals plan to rebuild lost Scottish links at Castlecraig

https://www.planetgolf.com/news/farmer-reveals-plan-to-rebuild-lost-scottish-links-at-castle-craig

 

28 March 2021

The Northern Times

Coul Links Hotel developer launches 'Coul Collective' and calls for local businesses to become involved

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-hotel-developer-launches-coul-collective-and-ca-232961/

 

27 March 2021

Ross-Shire Jounal (also 28 March 2021 The Northern Times)

'Worls class' Easter Ross golf course vision has history behind it as Nigg farmer reveals plans for major development which would tee up boost for local economy

https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/world-class-golf-course-vision-revealed-for-easter-ross-233039/

 

27 March 2021

Bunkered

Highlands farmer hopes to build new 'world class' Scottish course

https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/highlands-farmer-hopes-to-build-new-world-class-scottish-course

 

25 March 2021

The Northern Times

Coul Links an election issue

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-an-election-issue-232735/

 

25 March 2021

The Press & Journal

Farmer unveils plans for world class golf course on site at Nigg

https://www.pressand journal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/2999584/golf-course/

 

21 March 2021

The Scotsman

Coul Links: Leading economist says new Scottish government guidance could pave way for golf course approval as pandemic highlights need for 'crucial' investment

https://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/coul-links-leading-economist-says-new-scottish-government-guidance-could-pave-way-for-golf-course-approval-as-pandemic-highlights-need-for-crucial-investment-3173134

 

21 March 2021

The Guardian

Renewed Highland golf course plan has environmentalists crying 'Fore!'

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/mar/21/renewed-highland-golf-course-plan-has-environmentalists-crying-fore

 

19 February 2021

The Northern Times

Dornoch hotelier plans four-star upgrade if renewed Coul Links golf course plan successful

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/dornoch-hotelier-plans-four-star-upgrade-if-renewed-coul-links-golf-course-plan-successful-228362/

 

18 February 2021

The Press & Journal

Clubs chip in support for move to revive Coul Links plan

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/2912014/coul-links/

 

17 February 2021

Brora Golf Club news

Brora support for new Coul Links plans

https://broragolfclub.co.uk/news/brora-support-for-new-coul-links-plans

 

10 February 2021

The Northern Times

Lease agreement reached over Coul Links

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/lease-agreement-reached-over-coul-links-227593/

 

9 February 2021

Bunkered

'Defeated' golf course plans to be resurrected

https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/report-coul-links-plans-set-to-be-resurrected

 

5 February 2021

BBC Sounds - Good Morning Scotland

starting 1:16:50 in

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000rwkg

 

5 February 2021

The Press & Journal

Highland community to lease site earmarked for revived golf course plan

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/2874139/coul-links-golf/

 

5 February 2021

BBC News

Coul Links: New plans for golf course in Sutherland

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-55932945

 

29 January 2021

The Northern Times

Investors prepared to back Coul Links Hotel

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/investors-will-back-coul-links-hotel-226276/

 

28 January 2021

The Press & Journal

Plans to build eco hotel if Highland golf course development is revived

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/2848609/eco-hotel/

 

26 January 2021

The Press & Journal

Controversial golf course plans could be back on as campaign group calls refusal 'grave disservice' to area

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/2842054/controversial-golf-course-plans-could-be-back-on-as-campaign-group-calls-refusal-grave-disservice-to-area/

 

22 January 2021

The Northern Times

Community group formed to revive Coul Links golf plan

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/community-group-formed-to-revive-coul-links-golf-plan-225637/

 

13 December 2020

The National

Scotland 'let down' by Trump over £1 billion boost fail, ex-advisor says

https://www.thenational.scot/news/18940631.scotland-let-down-trump-no-economic-boost-appears-sssi-lost/

 

9 December 2020

Scottish Construction Now

Sand dunes damaged by Trump's golf links at Menie stripped of conservation status

https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/article/sand-dunes-damaged-by-trump-s-golf-links-at-menie-stripped-of-conservation-status

 

7 December 2020

The Courier
Number of planning decisions overturned by Scottish Government raises fears for local democracy

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/1789903/number-of-decisions-overturned-by-scottish-government-raises-fears-for-local-democracy/

 

21 October 2020

Planetgolf

Approval for second Trump International golf course in Scotland

https://www.planetgolf.com/news/approval-for-second-trump-international-golf-course-in-scotland

 

20 October 2020

The Northern Times (also Ross-Shire Journal 21 October 2020)

Two-year obstacle to new Coul Links plan

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/two-year-obstacle-to-coul-links-plan-215720/

 

2 October 2020

The Northern Times

Golf course at Coul Links in the frame again

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/coul-links-course-in-the-frame-again-213744/

 

19 September 2020

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Coul Links decision should draw a line in the sand

https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/coul-links-decision-should-draw-a-line-in-the-sand/

 

14 September 2020

The Scotsman

Campaigners pledge to fight new plan for golf course at wildlife site

https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/campaigners-pledge-fight-new-plan-golf-course-wildlife-site-2970275

 

10 September 2020

Links Magazine

Dumbarnie and Coul Links: How two acclaimed links course proposals met vastly different fates

https://www.linksmagazine.com/dumbarnie-and-coul-links/

 

14 August 2020

community.rspb.org.uk

We need your votes! Save Coul Links campaign shortlisted for Scottish Charity Awards!

https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/we-need-your-votes-save-coul-links-campaign-shortlisted-for-scottish-charity-awards

 

1 July 2020

The Planner

Planning reporters delivered an improved performance during 2019/20

https://www.theplanner.co.uk/news/planning-reporters-delivered-an-improved-performance-during-201920

 

29 June 2020

John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier

Focus must be on socio-economic benefit from spaceport, says Thurso councillor

https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/focus-must-be-on-socio-economic-benefit-from-spaceport-says-thurso-councillor-204318/

 

17 May 2020

The Northern Times

As I see it: It is now over to Coul Links opponents to develop the area for eco-tourism

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/the-way-i-see-it-it-is-now-over-to-the-coul-links-opponents-to-develop-the-area-for-eco-tourism-199914/

 

9 May 2020

The Herald

The walk: Littleferry - great for wildlife, but not for golf

https://www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/18433044.walk-littleferry---great-wildlife-not-golf/

 

 

 

 

Letters to Northern Times 24 November 2017
Northern Times letters 24.11.17.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.8 MB]
Print | Sitemap
To golf or not to golf? © copyright Ian Horsfield 2023