Coul Links inquiry set to start at Embo
Hearings into the controversial proposal for a championship golf course at Coul Links, near Embo, begin today, Monday November 11.
This is the second inquiry by the Scottish Government into a proposal for a golf course at Coul Links – a previous application was rejected – and the hearings will take place at the Old School, Embo, from November 11-15.
A wide range of experts, business people, councillors, politicians and members of the public are expected to give evidence.
Directors of developers Communities for Coul (C4C) will argue the case for the golf course alongside others including David Bell, Professor of Economics at the University of Stirling.
Coul Links landowner Edward Able-Smith will show his support for the golf plan.
Dr Tom Dargie, a coastal ecologist and leader of local campaign group Not Coul, will speak against the proposal as will Dr Chris Ellis of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, and Professor Jim Hansom.
Also speaking against the development on environmental grounds are Dr Theo Loizou and Chris Cathrine.
Professor JJ Lennon, founder of the Moffat Centre, will challenge the developers on their socio-economic claims.
Elected representatives will also weigh in too, with Ariane Burgess MSP speaking out against the proposal while veteran politician Jamie Stone MP will pledge his support (see page 16) for the course, which, if approved, will be built on land protected for its natural assets.
An evening session will be held on Thursday, November 14, for members of the public to express their views.
Speakers at the evening public meeting will come from a variety of backgrounds, including a falconer, two artists, several golfers and a greenkeeper.
