A new petition has been launched calling for the protection of the Waters of Philorth Nature Reserve, a much-loved coastal landscape near Fraserburgh that is now under threat from proposed development.

The petition, started by Julie, Ken and Will Ramsay of Friends of Philorth, urges people to speak up against plans by Ground Golf to build a new golf course at Mains of Cairnbulg. The proposal includes extending parts of the course into the nature reserve, with three of the eighteen holes planned within the dune system.

For those who know the area, the Waters of Philorth is far more than a stretch of land. It is a place used every day by the local community, valued for its open access, wildlife, and natural beauty. It forms part of the area’s heritage and is widely seen as one of the most important natural spaces along this stretch of coastline.

The petition highlights concerns that development of this scale would result in significant changes to the landscape. The dunes, which have formed naturally over time, are a key part of the ecosystem and help protect the coastline. Once altered, they cannot simply be restored to their current state.

Supporters of the campaign are also questioning how the proposed “shared use” of the land would work in practice. While the development is presented as open and accessible, many feel that the introduction of a managed golf course would inevitably change how the area is used, reducing the freedom and informal access that people currently enjoy.

The petition has already begun to gather support, with local residents and others adding their names to show that this place matters and should be protected for future generations.

Julie, Ken and Will Ramsay describe the Waters of Philorth as “a wee paradise” and are calling on others to stand with them in protecting it.

Sign the petition

If you would like to support the campaign and help protect the Waters of Philorth, you can add your name here: https://c.org/XhNBHbKFPK