Sadly, The Highland Council voted in December 2023 to allow internationally-protected dunes at Coul Links to become an 18-hole golf course.

Councillors ignored their own experts, the evidence-based pleas of campaigners and the clear recommendations of Scottish Government agencies and policies.

More than 1,100 people had signed our petition to save Coul Links, which is a globally-important wetland site near Embo and home to spectacular dunes, rare wildlife and the John o’ Groats Trail long-distance route.  

We're pleased that in early 2024, the Scottish Government 'called in' the council's terrible decision to back the bid. This means that government planning experts will now review the case at a Public Inquiry in November 2024. They will then send a report with recommendations to Ministers, whose final decision is expected in early 2025.

We believe the course would permanently harm access, the landscape and the experience for walkers. In fact:

- Seven holes will cross the John o’ Groats Trail core path
- Access will be limited by the creation of greens and fairways
- The pleasure of enjoying the natural dune landscape will be lost forever. 

You can view Ramblers Scotland's formal letter to the Minister here. This latest bid was submitted just three years after a previous Public Inquiry blocked an extremely similar plan.

Thanks to everyone who continues to fight to save Coul Links, again.