Tycoon golf course bid gets the bird

Wildlife charity claims Trump-style links will harm native water fowl in the area

- DAN VEVERS

THE Scottish Government has been urged to block controversial plans by a US billionaire to build a new golf course on a Highland bay.

Wildlife charity RSPB Scotland said Holyrood ministers should call in the development at Coul Links in Sutherland, on protected coastal dunes.

The proposal was approved at a Highland Council planning committee by a majority of two last month.

Campaigners warn it sits on one of Scotland's last remaining undeveloped dune systems, considered internationally important for tenure.

RSPB Scotland has written to planning minister Joe FitzPatrick, asking that permission be refused on eco grounds.

The charity says the dunes are a safe haven in winter for birds including the teal, widgeon, oystercatcher and dunlin.