Scottish Government refuses Coul Links golf course plans

THE Scottish Government has refused planning permission for the controversial plan to build an 18-hole championship golf course at Coul Links near Dornoch.

Highland councillors gave the project the go-ahead last June, before Scottish ministers called in the planning application for further scrutiny.

Following a public inquiry, the government has refused permission.

The developers of the proposed course had said that far from interfering with wildlife in the area, as argued by opponents, it would improve and protect the area of land between Dornoch and Embo, and would also bring much-needed jobs to east Sutherland.

Included in the plans was a clubhouse and the renovation of existing buildings to form a maintenance facility, along with a pro shop, caddy hut, workshop, administration building and information booth.

A group of conservation charities opposed to the project included RSPB Scotland, Butterfly Conservation Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Related article: Coul Links golf course plans slammed as 'damaging and inappropriate'

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.