Scottish ministers reject the Coul Links golf course near Dornoch for a second time

Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for an 18-hole golf course at Coul Links in Embo, near Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands. The decision letter was issued October 21, according to the Scottish Government's planning appeals division (DPEA). It is the second time ministers have turned down a course on the site. Golfweek and the BBC both reported the ruling.

Why it was refused

Ministers agreed that the course "would result in significant adverse effects on nationally and internationally important habitats and species," STV News reported, quoting the decision letter. The site is part of the Loch Fleet Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the BBC reports the plan also raised concerns about the Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet Ramsar wetland site.

The government reporters, David Buylla and Stuart West, wrote that the dune system is "of exceptional importance" even by SSSI standards, according to The Scotsman.

How it got here

Highland Council approved the revised plan in 2023, and ministers called it in for review in February 2024. The plan from Communities for Coul included the course, a practice area, parking and a clubhouse and pro shop in existing buildings.

An earlier version was rejected in 2020. That proposal involved Mike Keiser, the developer behind Bandon Dunes, with Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw lined up to design it, Golfweek reports. Keiser said at the time he was moving on. Local clubs including Royal Dornoch, Brora and Golspie backed that earlier plan, according to Golfweek.

What both sides said

Communities for Coul director Gordon Sutherland called the decision "a real blow for our area's economy and its unique environment and a slap in the face for local democracy." He added: "We do not envisage that this opportunity will present itself again."

RSPB Scotland director Duncan Orr-Ewing said the group was "relieved and uplifted," and the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Jo Pike said ministers had listened to the public inquiry's recommendation.

What it means for golfers

No new course is coming to Coul Links, and the applicant's own comments suggest this could be the end of the effort. Golfers planning a Highlands trip still have Royal Dornoch, less than two miles south of the site, along with nearby courses like Brora and Golspie.