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 be gained at the expense of other golf tourism destinations within Scotland.

 

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 - 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.

 

An online petition to "Save Coul Links protected nature (Loch Fleet Ramsar SSSI & SPA) from golf development vandalism" currently has attracted more than 92,600 signatures https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/conserve-coul-links-for-nature-not-golf-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

 

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.

 

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]
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