Deputy First Minister dodges question on replacing lost Coul Links investment

Far north MSP David Green has demanded to know what the Scottish Government will do for Sutherland after Ministers rejected the multi-million Coul Links golf course.

The Scottish Government rejected the proposal last week after many months of consideration, ending hopes of millions of pounds of investment and hundreds of local jobs.

Speaking at First Ministers Questions, Mr Green said: “Last week, the Scottish Government ignored local public opinion and rejected the Coul Links golf course in my constituency.

“Ministers have said no to 400 full-time equivalent jobs, no to £12 million a year for the local economy, no to £1 million for habitat restoration, and no to a community share worth hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.

“Given Sutherland faces severe population decline, many of my constituents simply despair at this decision.

“Does the Deputy First Minister understand why? And will she explain to my constituents how she intends to replace the opportunities this government has rejected?”

In response, the Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth MSP said: "The strength of views on both sides should be expressed by supporters, as Mr Green has set out, but also by opponents. The Government is committed to supporting sustainable economic growth across the Highlands. Our decision letter accepts that the proposal would deliver local and regional tourism, as the member sets out.

"However, to conclude, those benefits did not outweigh the identified impacts on nationally and internationally important natural heritage interests - so the loch fleet site of scientific interest and the Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet RAMSAR site.

She added: "The full reasoning for the minister's decision on this is set out in the decision letter and the accompanying reporter's report which is published on the DPA website. I cannot comment beyond those documents as the member will understand."

Following the exchange, David Green, Caithness, Sutherland Ross MSP: “Anyone who was bitterly disappointed by the Scottish Government’s decision to reject Coul Links will have had little to smile about today.

“This was an opportunity for the Deputy First Minister to explain to my constituents what the Government will do for East Sutherland to make up for the opportunities Ministers have rejected.

“Unfortunately, the Deputy First Minister swerved the question. Ministers should come to East Sutherland, look my constituents in the eye and explain how they intend to replace the lost opportunities for jobs, affordable homes, and community investment.”

He added: “Long-term habitat management funding is central to those next steps. The government must be left in no doubt that the status quo isn’t acceptable.”