Thank you to those who have been following our Save Coul Links campaign. A few of you have been getting in touch recently to find out what’s happening and what you can do to help. Kate Bellew, our Senior Conservation Planner explains the latest news as the case heads towards a public inquiry.
Coul Links Inquiry Process Kicks Off
Following an overwhelming public response, the Coul Links proposals have been ‘called-in’ for examination by the Scottish Government and will be considered at a public inquiry at some point early next year.
A pre-examination meeting will be held on Wednesday 31st October to discuss the arrangements for the inquiry. The meeting will be at 10:00am at the Carnegie Hall, Clashmore, Dornoch, IV25 3RG. We encourage anyone keen to provide support to go along to watch the proceedings if they can.
Those of you who objected to the proposals should have received a formal letter and invite to this meeting from the Scottish Government. The letter also asked for people to confirm if they wish to take part in the inquiry or hearing sessions. A number of different parties have confirmed they wish to take part, including the local group Not Coul, the British Lichen Society, the Botanical Society of Scotland, the Highland Biological Recording Group, the Tain and District Field Club, Scotways, Ramblers Scotland as well as a number of local residents.
RSPB Scotland continues to work closely with our conservation partners Buglife Scotland, Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Plantlife Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society, the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust to do all we can to help save this internationally important wildlife site. We will be attending the pre-examination meeting and also providing representations at the public inquiry to ensure a full examination of the wildlife impacts of this damaging proposal.
Stay in touch with our campaign
Look out for content from @RSPBScotland on Twitter, and RSPB Scotland and RSPB Highlands & Islands on Facebook as well as messages from our conservation partners Buglife, Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Plantlife Scotland, Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Please do like, share, retweet and engage with our campaign #SaveCoulLinks
It is particularly heartening that conservation partners have come together to participate in and help this campaign. An excellent way forward for bodies such as the RSPB, helping to prevent them from being singled out if they conduct campaigns.