The Trust has responded to news that Scottish Natural Heritage is reviewing the status of the Foveran Links Site of Special Scientific Interest in Aberdeenshire, a unique dune system that has been significantly damaged by the Trump International Golf Links.

Our Chief Executive Jonny Hughes said: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust was strongly opposed to the Trump development. Our main objection was that there would be severe and irreversible damage to around 40% of the Foveran Links SSSI, one of the best sand dune systems of its type in North Western Europe. Therefore, it would be unsurprising if the SSSI status is removed.

“Almost ten years on from the decision to approve the Trump development we have the chance to prove we’ve learned a lesson. Rejecting the application for a golf course at Coul Links, arguably an even more important area than Foveran Links, would show that Scotland is able to protect its very best natural heritage. Otherwise, you would have to question what is the point of having protected areas?”

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Background to the Trust’s involvement with Trump International Links (pdf)