Scottish ministers reject Coul Links golf course plan for second time

Revised 18-hole proposal at Sutherland site blocked over environmental concerns

By LineZotpaper

Published21 October 2026

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Scottish ministers have again rejected plans for a golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland, ruling that the revised 18-hole development would cause significant harm to nationally and internationally important habitats and species. The decision overturns Highland Council's 2023 approval and marks the second time the controversial project has been blocked.

Plans to build a golf course on the Coul Links dune system at Embo, near Dornoch, have been refused by Scottish ministers for a second time, following a previous rejection in 2020.

Ministers took over the application in February 2024 amid concerns about its impact on protected wildlife sites. The proposed development, backed by the group Communities for Coul, included an 18-hole course, a practice area, access parking and conversion of existing buildings into a clubhouse and pro shop.

A report to ministers described the Coul Links dune system as of "exceptional importance" with a range of habitat types that "may be unparalleled within Scotland." It concluded that even in the best-case scenario for managing environmental impact, the development would still cause significant harm. Concerns were also raised about potential effects on the Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance.

A coalition of seven conservation charities, including RSPB Scotland, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, National Trust for Scotland, Plantlife Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Ramblers Scotland, welcomed the decision. Jo Pile from the Scottish Wildlife Trust said the outcome shows "how highly the people of Scotland value nature." Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy called it a rejection of a "damaging and inappropriate application at one of the east coast's last undeveloped dune systems."

However, Communities for Coul director Gordon Sutherland described the decision as a "huge blow for the area," arguing the golf course would have brought investment and jobs. He said the plans offered "a real opportunity to restore and sustainably protect the Coul Links site, while also creating lasting economic benefits."

Landowner Edward Abel Smith said he was "absolutely gutted" and that the golf course would have been "transformational for the area." He challenged conservation groups to now invest in the site's protection, stating: "As they seem to find Coul Links such an important site, I look forward to seeing them now come forward to arrest its continuing degradation with time, resources and, of course, money."

Analysis

Why This Matters

The decision reinforces the weight given to protected habitats in Scottish planning policy, setting a precedent for future developments on fragile dune systems.
It highlights ongoing tension between economic development in remote rural areas and environmental conservation, a recurring issue in the Highlands.
Local communities face continued population decline without the jobs and investment the golf course was expected to provide.

Background

Coul Links is a rare and intact dune ecosystem on the east coast of Sutherland, recognised for its biodiversity. The first golf course proposal, led by US businessman Todd Warnock, secured planning permission from Highland Council in 2018 but was refused by ministers after a public inquiry in 2020. A revised plan was approved by Highland councillors in December 2023, but ministers again called it in for scrutiny, eventually rejecting it in October 2026.

Key Perspectives

Conservation groups: Argue the development would irreversibly damage an internationally important dune system, fragment habitats and harm protected species. They welcome the rejection as a victory for nature. Communities for Coul: Contend the golf course would bring vital economic stimulus and employment to an area losing working-age population. They say the project included measures to restore and protect the site. Scottish ministers: Based their decision on expert advice from NatureScot and a report finding unavoidable significant adverse effects on habitats and species, even with mitigation. Landowner Edward Abel Smith: Expresses frustration that conservation groups blocked development but have not committed resources to manage the site's degradation.

What to Watch

Whether conservation groups respond to the landowner's challenge by funding active management of Coul Links.
Any potential judicial review or further legal challenge from the developer.
The future of other major development proposals on sensitive coastal sites in Scotland.

Sources

Coul Links golf course plan rejected again by Scottish ministers · BBC Scotland
Coul Links golf course plan rejected again by Scottish ministers · BBC Scotland

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedScottish ministers rejected the Coul Links golf-course plan for a second time.BBC Scotland: “Controversial plans to build a golf course in Sutherland have been rejected for a second time by Scottish ministers.”
SupportedThe revised 18-hole proposal was refused over environmental concerns.BBC Scotland: “Ministers said the proposed 18-hold course, which was approved by Highland Council three years ago, would have a significant adverse effect on nationally and internationally important habitats and species.”
Partly supportedThe revised development would cause “significant harm” to nationally and internationally important habitats and species.BBC Scotland: “Ministers said the proposed 18-hold course, which was approved by Highland Council three years ago, would have a significant adverse effect on nationally and internationally important habitats and species.”
SupportedThe decision overturned Highland Council’s 2023 approval.BBC Scotland: “Ministers said the proposed 18-hold course, which was approved by Highland Council three years ago”
Partly supportedThe report said the development would still cause significant harm even under the best-case scenario for managing its impact.BBC Scotland: “It said the development would still cause significant harm to the links, even in the best-case scenario for managing and reducing its impact and the worst-case scenario for the site's future condition without the project.”
SupportedMinisters took over the application in February 2024 amid concerns about its possible impact on protected wildlife sites.BBC Scotland: “Scottish ministers took over the decision on the application in February 2024 because of concerns about its possible impact on important protected wildlife sites and to assess its potential economic benefits.”
SupportedThe report described Coul Links as “of exceptional importance” and said its habitat types “may be unparalleled within Scotland.”BBC Scotland: “The new report to ministers said that the Coul Links dune system was of "exceptional importance" with a range and quality of habitat types that "may be unparalleled within Scotland."”
Partly supportedJo Pile said the outcome shows “how highly the people of Scotland value nature.”BBC Scotland: “Jo Pile, from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "This process and outcome show how highly the people of Scotland value nature and how much they are willing to fight for it, no matter how many challenges we face."”
SupportedA coalition of seven conservation organisations welcomed the decision.BBC Scotland: “The decision has been welcomed by a coalition of conservation charities”
SupportedBrendan Paddy called it a rejection of a “damaging and inappropriate application at one of the east coast’s last undeveloped dune systems.”BBC Scotland: “Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy welcomed the rejection of a "damaging and inappropriate application at one of the east coast's last undeveloped dune systems".”
SupportedGordon Sutherland described the decision as a “huge blow for the area.”BBC Scotland: “Communities for Coul, said it was a "huge blow for the area".”
SupportedEdward Abel Smith said he was “absolutely gutted” and that a golf course would have been “transformational for the area.”BBC Scotland: “Coul Links landowner Edward Abel Smith, said he was "absolutely gutted" at the decision, and said a golf course would have been "transformational for the area."”