The rejection of plans for a championship golf course at Coul Links has been described as a bitter disappointment for East Sutherland, with supporters warning that a major opportunity for jobs, investment and environmental restoration has been lost.

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP David Green has criticised the Scottish Government’s decision on Wednesday 21 October to refuse planning permission for the development near Embo, arguing that local communities will now miss out on substantial economic benefits.

The proposed course was expected to attract around £50 million in private investment, with an independent economic assessment forecasting support for up to 400 full time equivalent jobs and approximately £12 million annually for the local economy.

Those figures were projections rather than guaranteed outcomes, but supporters believe the development could have helped address longstanding concerns about depopulation and limited employment opportunities in East Sutherland.

The plans had also received support in a local community ballot, although opposition remained among residents concerned about the environmental consequences.

Highland Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the proposals in December 2023, before Scottish Ministers called in the application for further examination.

Following a public inquiry, ministers concluded that the development would cause significant harm to nationally and internationally important habitats and refused permission.

However, Communities for Coul, the organisation behind the proposal, maintains that the project would have delivered substantial funding to improve the natural environment.

The group says its plans included £1 million over the first two years for habitat restoration and controlling invasive species across the wider Coul Links site.

It argues that this investment would have continued throughout the life of the golf course, with the restoration programme operating under NatureScot’s oversight.

Supporters have compared that commitment with what they say is NatureScot’s existing annual budget of £20,000 for the area, arguing that the proposed development offered an opportunity to tackle invasive plants more extensively.

Green said:

“I am bitterly disappointed at the Scottish Government’s decision to reject the proposal, as I know many across East Sutherland will be too. It simply runs contrary to the needs of people here.

“Let’s not forget, the proposal had widespread support in the local community.

“It would have provided valuable opportunities for young people to stay and work in a county that we know is struggling with depopulation.

“This will be seen as missed opportunity for a project that would have offered skilled jobs and real community benefit.

“The Scottish Government must therefore explain how they plan to address the gaping hole left by their decision.

“Ministers must also explain how they will replace long-term habitat management funding that has now been lost.

“The budget offered by NatureScot, an organisation facing uncertainty due to government reforms simply doesn’t touch the sides.”

Communities for Coul has also expressed concern that the refusal could discourage future investment in the area.

Its director, Gordon Sutherland, said:

“The Ministers’ decision to reject our application for planning permission is a real blow for our area’s economy and its unique environment, and a slap in the face for local democracy.

“It will be hugely disappointing and dispiriting for all the many people in East Sutherland who have supported our proposals from the outset.

“Our plans offered a real opportunity to restore and sustainably protect the Coul Links site, while also creating lasting economic benefits and new employment opportunities in an area that is being decimated by the continuing loss of working-age population.

“We do not envisage that this opportunity will present itself again.”

The Scottish Government’s decision follows planning reporters’ findings that the proposed course would cause significant environmental harm and conflict with development policies.

For those who supported Coul Links, the question now is how East Sutherland can attract investment, retain younger residents and secure the funding needed to manage its protected coastal habitats.

The refusal brings the latest golf course application to an end, but the wider debate over economic opportunity and conservation in the Far North remains unresolved.