I walked the Castle Stuart site with Gil Hanse last year -- it is an interesting piece of property with numerous holes right on the water -- eight if I recall -- and most are immediately adjacent to the sea.
As for the hotel, it will be back of the upper holes, equally dramatic that overlook the sea. It is surely an intriguing mix.
My understanding from speaking with Mark Parsinen on several occasions is that Kingsbarns was built a lot more cost effectively than most people recognize. I think Mark is very careful in regards to cost, and it is my understanding from speaking to several involved with the course, that it has generally been a financial success.
That said, the former super complained about the soil quality and about the difficulty of keeping Kingsbarns links-like. He said the same mistakes won't be made at Castle Stuart. I'd be betting Castle Stuart is a home run -- Gil is spending a lot of time and energy to make it so and is aware the project will put him on the map. It is his Pacific Dunes, so to speak.
As for my thoughts on Kingsbarns -- well, you can nitpick the shaping, but they did use Robert Price to advise on the dune formation they created, and he's an expert. I have played Kingsbarns five times and always enjoyed the experience. The options off the tee are almost limitless, but the approaches to the greens can be tricky. The front nine is outstanding, with a fine mix of holes (I love the short 6th, and the 8th, with its funky green). There is no denying the terrific 12th, though the green might be too large, and the 14th offers a variety of shots off the tee. The 15th is a great three, and the 16th and 17th are also intriguing. The 18th just doesn't set up right to my eye -- but that's probably just me.