Call to block golf mogul’s plan for Highland dunes
● Conservationists say 18-hole course risks rare wildlife
Conservationists are calling for Scots to oppose proposals from Donald Trump’s key golfing business rival to create a new championship course in one of the most picturesque and environmentally sensitive sites in the Highlands.
American billionaire investor Mike Keiser, whose golf resorts are ranked among the best in the world, has submitted plans to Highland Council for an 18-hole course on dunes at Coul Links in Embo, Sutherland, not far from the renowned Royal Dornoch.
BATHGATE
A report prepared for the developer estimates the project would create around 250 new jobs and generate more than £60 million for the local economy over ten years.
But the Scottish Wildlife Trust, RSPB Scotland, Buglife Scotland, Plantlife Scotland, Butterfly Conservation Scotland and the Marine Conservation Society claim the development, which includes a clubhouse and pro shop, would be a “disaster” for Scotland, destroying irreplaceable natural heritage and important habitats for rare wildlife.
“It is essential for nature that Coul Links remains undisturbed,” said Davie Black, from the charity Plantlife.
“The proposed destruction of Coul Links, one of Scotland’s last remaining coastal dune systems, would be a disaster and must be wholeheartedly opposed by all those who care about nature and heritage.
“Coastal dune systems are threatened ecosystems across the UK, and no more must be bulldozed to make way for sterilised fairways.
“Already too many irreplaceable Scottish habitats have been carved up to make way for golf courses.”
Coul Links hosts a dune ecosystem of global significance and is protected by multiple conservation designations.
It is home to a wide range of plants and creatures, many of which are unique to the area or nationally scarce. These include sea centaury, purple milk-vetch, moonwort and frog orchid, as well as the curlew, whinchat and Fonseca’s seed fly.
Jonathanhughes,chiefexec- utive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and a former local resident, added: “It seems extraordinary that this internationally important dune system is under threat from yet another golf course proposal, and it’s vital we protect it for future generations to enjoy.”
A spokesman for the developers said a broad range of ecological and environmental experts had been hired to come up with a layout that would minimise the impact on the landscape and wildlife.
He added: “We fully appreciate the special nature of the site and are confident that the proposals, and the Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken as a requirement of planning, demonstrate that the protection and enhancement of the area has remained a top priority throughout.”