A DELAYED inquiry into plans to build a golf course on a protected Highland beach has concluded, with the only step left for SNP ministers to make a decision.
A Scottish Government reporter submitted their final recommendations on proposals for Coul Links, near Dornoch, late last week, The National understands.
Ministers do not need to follow the recommendations, which will not be made public until after a ruling is made.
The proposals to build an 18-hole course at Coul Links were called in by SNP ministers last year after the Highland Council’s approval sparked anger from major conservation groups including RSPB Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, and Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Coul Links is a triple-protected site, forming part of the Loch Fleet Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet Special Protection Area (SPA), and the Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet Ramsar site – meaning it is protected under the 1971 international Convention on Wetlands.
The inquiry was forced into a delay after the Scottish Government changed its policy on Ramsar sites – offering them greater protections – while it was still ongoing.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “On 29 August 2025, the reporters submitted their report and recommendation to Scottish Ministers, who will make the final decision on the planning application.
“Ministers are reviewing the reporters’ findings and will issue a decision as soon as possible.
“As the application remains live, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Communities for Coul (C4C) have since publicly led on revised plans they claim will be net-positive for the Ramsar site, and contribute between 270-400 full-time jobs and £8-12 million per year to the economy.
A “Conservation Coalition” of environmental and wildlife charities has launched a bid to pressure ministers to throw out the plans again.
The coalition said the site is home to a globally endangered insect, the Fonseca’s Seed Fly (Botanophila fonsecai), and warned that 43% of Scotland’s native wildlife species are in decline.
Anne McCall, RSPB Scotland director, said: "The wildlife we love is being pushed to the brink and for species to recover we need to protect the places that are most important for nature.
“Time and again people in Scotland and beyond have stood up for nature, joining us in calling for Coul Links to be saved from damaging development.
“As Ministers consider their decision, we are once again asking people to join us in saying this unique and protected site is not the right place for a golf course."
