Threatened Scottish sand dunes are saved
Landmark decision sets important precedent for preserving protected wildlife sites.
Conservation groups are celebrating, following the Scottish Government’s decision in late February to refuse planning permission for a controversial golf course at Coul Links in northeast Scotland, home to a globally important, wildlife-rich system of sand dunes.
Jo Pike, chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, praised individuals for making a real difference by taking the time to stand up for nature: “We hope this decision will act as a clear signal that protected sites should be just that – protected,” she says.
Plans for the golf course from US developers were initially given the green light by Highland councillors in June
2019. However, Scottish ministers called in the planning application for more detailed scrutiny.
Following a public inquiry, the government refused permission: ministers said the plan would have supported economic growth and rural development but agreed the golf course would have significant effects on wildlife and habitat.
Coul Links has three distinct levels of national and international protection and is one of the last areas of undisturbed dune lands in Scotland with a mosaic of saltmarsh and mudflats. It is home to large numbers of both wintering and breeding birds, including curlews, ringed plovers and Arctic terns, as well as rare plant life, including coralroot orchids and purple milk vetch.
Given its protected status, conservationists were critical that the plans to develop were even considered: “These damaging proposals threatened a site of global importance for nature and should never have made it this far,” says Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland.
“This is a landmark decision of international significance and shows that we can no longer put short-term profits above nature. We are facing a global climate and biodiversity crisis and we very much welcome the leadership role provided by Scottish ministers at this critical time.”
The developers have until 3 April to seek a review of the decision.