Access & Conservation News
- Sheildaig Result
- Interconnector Power Line
- National Forests Future
- Telecom Mast on Stac Pollaidh
- Everyone Campaign
- Strathfarrar Access Summer
- Forest Paths & Irish Mountain Paths
- Snapshots
Shieldaig to Remain Hydro Free
By Mike Dales
On 16th March 2004 the Scottish Executive threw out the proposals for a hydroelectric scheme in the Shieldaig Forest area of the Wester Ross National Scenic Area (NSA). The Minister concerned, Lewis Macdonald, saw no need for a public inquiry and rejected the proposals outright.
Ever since the first application was made for planning consent in 1996 by the developer, Highland Light and Power (HLP) of Dundee, the MCofS considered the Shieldaig proposals to be the biggest indicator of the potential threat to wild land in Scotland for several decades. The battle to save this part of the Torridon Mountain range from an inappropriate form of industrialisation has been our longest running and hardest fought campaign, the entire process taking more than eight years, including a public inquiry in 1997, whose findings were never made public as HLP withdrew their application. Re-worked proposals came in 2003, which included the use of 23,000 helicopter flights during construction over a two-year period.
We twice gave evidence at Highland Council hearings but the Council chose not to object to the proposed scheme.
HLP offered financial incentives to Gairloch Community Council and despite a great deal of opposition from Gairloch residents, they supported the scheme. It then emerged that the entire proposal was within the Torridon and Kinlochewe Community Council ward, who had formally objected. This was a turning point in the story and demonstrated to politicians that local opinion was probably on balance against the proposal.
All 848 objectors were sent a copy of the Scottish Executive’s letter to HLP explaining the reasons for the rejection; namely its potential impact on nature conservation interests, landscape issues, water quality and affect on the tourism economy. We believe this is excellent news that vindicates the stance we took and demonstrates the strength of national and regional policies, and countryside designations, when decision-makers choose to implement them.
The Shieldaig outcome is likely to have consequences for some time to come. Whilst government is reluctant to give locational guidance for where renewable developments should be, the Shieldaig decision does give a strong steer to keep away from our finest scenic areas.
The MCofS would like to offer special thanks to Bob Aitken, Dorothy Breckenridge, John Mayhew, Will Boyd-Wallis, Richard Gilbert, Andrew Johnston, Tom Forrest and Ian Blake for their efforts. We also thank our many members who wrote letters of objection over the years.
Beauly to Denny Power line
By Kevin Howett & Mike Dales
The MCofS has commented on a consultative document from Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) looking into the development of a 400KV electricity transmission line from Beauly to Denny. This is proposed as a replacement for the current 132KV line between the same two places. This is the ‘Interconnector’ between Scotland and England and is being upgraded in order to be able to export the extra power provided by the current wind farm applications (many of which are being planned close to this line, particularly in Perthshire). The higher-grade line would require pylons to be up to 50% higher than current ones (which can be seen alongside the A9 at Drumochter). SSE have identified a ‘preferred’ route, which deviates from the current line in several places particularly the following:
- Beauly to Fort Augustus section
- Strathmashie to Dalwhinnie Section
- the Pass of Drumochter to Glen Errochty
- Strathearn, either side of Crieff
Putting aside the question of whether the line is actually needed, given the lack of clear government policy direction on energy supply, we are mainly concerned about the landscape impact of the bigger pylons and the re-routed line running through several wild areas. SSE have chosen the route to take account of ‘tourism’ sensitivities, but have not taken account of the impact on the hitherto wild character of sections 2 and 3. For instance the Strathmashie to Dalwhinnie section would cut across the area leading into the wild and remote Dirc Mhor, a prime rock-climbing site set within a wonderful situation.
There are certain decisions that could lessen the visual impact of the pylons. Following the existing line would protect remote areas as it mainly follows straths where roads and other telephone infrastructure already exists, but the bigger pylons would impact more on communities who live there. Certainly concern has been expressed by The Cairngorms National Park Authority, who prefer the wild land alternative for this reason, and Roseanna Cunningham (MSP) and Annabelle Ewing (MP) have commented to SSE on the impact of the redirection around Crieff and its impact on local people.
Whilst SSE claim that under grounding the cables would be economically unviable, we suggested that the remotest section of all through the Corrieyairack should be buried. This would enhance this ancient route which is currently despoiled by pylons. But there is an argument that since the upgrade is being justified to cater for the highly subsidised wind farm developments, perhaps some of this subsidy could go towards lessening the impact on the most sensitive sections by under grounding?
The consultation in March was the first of several opportunities to participate in this process. A report on this consultation is expected in May, and the process will continue after that. See our website, or alternatively visit the Scottish and Southern Energy site at http://www.scottish-southern.co.uk/
The Future of Scotland’s National Forests
By Kevin Howett
There are 667,000 hectares of Scottish land owned by Scottish Ministers and managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. This is nearly one tenth of the land mass of Scotland. They produce timber for wood processing industries and directly employ about 1,000 people, but they also offer recreational and conservational benefits.
However, they have come under much criticism in past years for monocultured sitka spruce crops, planted in inappropriate parts of the hills, managed by clear fell systems resulting in damaging impacts on scenic value, wildlife and access.
The MCofS has been involved for 14 years through Scottish Environment Link in getting changes to the way Forestry Commission manage their plantations and we have participated in local environmental liaison groups such as at Aberfoyle. Things have changed to better benefit wildlife and recreation as a result, but much more could be done.
This timely consultation document on the future of these ‘National Forests’ however, seems to have been issued with very little publicity and even MCofS and Link members were unaware of it until close to the deadline for responses (February 2004). The purpose of the review is “to take stock of the … estate and to ask whether its current size, nature and geographical distribution are appropriate for the 21st century”. The document explained various key issues for the future and the MCofS response to each of the questions posed, can be found on our website.
The document offers ideas for meeting the vision of “forests [that] benefit everyone in Scotland, promoting vibrant and healthy communities, enriching natural environments and creating opportunities for economic development” and includes such issues as creating new forest areas around towns, local community management or ownership, sale of areas to the private sector, projects recreating wilderness, improving the biodiversity of plantations and changing the objectives of management to focus on conservation and landscape, even including continuous cover rather than clear fell! On the other hand they look to diversifying and increasing income by such developments as wind farms.
The main point we have made is that we agree with the future vision, but feel that the key to achieving it lies in ongoing consultation and maintaining the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders over a prolonged and continuous period. If this consultation is a one-off opportunity to engage with the public, then it is unlikely to provide sufficient momentum to achieve this vision. If on the other hand, it marks the beginning of a long-term continuous dialogue with all those with an interest in Scotland’s forests, then the exercise will have been worthwhile.
This could be an opportunity to change the focus of the management of our national forests so that they become exemplars of diversity for conservation, landscape and recreation. You may still be able to comment. Contact Kenny Murray, at the Forestry Commission and ask for a copy of the paper if you feel you have something to contribute. Tel: 0131 314 6408; Email: kenny.murray@forestry.gsi.gov.uk; Website: www.forestry.gov.uk/consultations.
Stac Pollaidh saved from Mast Desecration
By Mike Dales & Kevin Howett
The MCofS had objected to a proposed ‘Tetras’ Police radio mast on the side of Stac Pollaidh. Discussions with the developers have indicated that the site was chosen to give maximum radio coverage and the alternative would be to have two masts situated further east and west. Our view was that it was better to keep the Stac Pollaidh area free of masts and access tracks as it is an important tourist icon and the alternative masts could be situated where there is already built infrastructures. The area is also one of the largest National Scenic Areas in Scotland protecting a unique landscape that should not be incrementally degraded, even for increased telecommunications cover for Police. We understand that Highland Council Planning Department received a number of objections to this proposed development and we are glad to report that the developers have withdrawn the proposal and are to investigate alternative locations which are less sensitive.
Everyone Campaign
Scottish Environment LINK is once again running its “everyone” campaign in the run-up to the European Elections on June 10th. The “everyone” website at www.everyonecan.org contains manifestos and information from all the parties, plus details of the main environmental issues that you might want to press your candidates on. If you take the European election seriously then visit the “everyone” site.
Strathfarrar Access Summer
The pilot scheme we ran with the landowners and SNH during the winter period to allow for access by car up the Strathfarrar glen finished at Easter. Many people took advantage of the system to allow for longer days hill walking and winter climbing.
The normal system of gate opening times is now operational through the summer. The gate-keepers (Tom and Maureen Hogg), from whom permits must be sought on the day you visit, are unavailable during the summer to open and close the gate outside these times. The estates that make up the Deer management group of the area are concerned about vehicle access during the hours of darkness and possible poaching, but have extended the times for this summer in recognition that walking and climbing can take a fuller day. Please note that the last permitted entry is 1 hour before the gate closing time. The opening times are:
- June 9am - 8pm
- July 9am - 8pm
- August 9am - 8pm
- September 9am – 7pm
- October 9am – 6pm
These times are for Wednesdays through to Mondays and the glen is closed to vehicles all day Tuesdays, and Wednesday mornings until 1.30pm.
Paths Issues:
By Mike Dales
Forest Paths Project
The MCofS is working with Forest Enterprise and Highland Birchwoods to identify mountain paths within forests that could be improved through the use of funding from the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme. The allocation of European money for the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area will lead to an injection of around £500,000 into mountain footpath work throughout Highland and Argyll.
The first paths to be tackled are likely to be on Beinn a’Bheithir and the Glen Lochy approach to Ben Lui. A Corbett that is likely to have its approach route improved is Beinn Mhic-Mhonaidh on the west side of Glen Orchy. We will keep you informed of progress with this project, and of paths that are to be improved using these funds.
Irish Mountain Paths
Footpath erosion is becoming a major issue in the Irish mountains, and one of the most badly damaged paths is to be found, perhaps not surprisingly, on their highest mountain - Carrauntoohil in County Kerry. I was invited to visit the mountain in September, along with guests from the USA, plus Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI) members and Mountain Meathail activists from across Ireland. Mountain Meathail is a volunteer path-building group.
The damage to the upper section of the Devil's Ladder on Carrauntoohil is very bad and in urgent need of sensitive and appropriate repair. The MCofS is liasing with MCI and Mountain Meathail to provide them with advice as they seek to address the problems on the mountain.
Following the visit to Kerry I also attended the Irish Uplands Pathworks Symposium in the Wicklow Mountains. This brought together a range of path managers from all over Ireland. There was significant enthusiasm amongst the audience for Ireland to play an active part in any attempt to resurrect the British Upland Footpath Trust (BUFT), which has been dormant for some years now. A change of name would be necessary, but if BUFT is to be re-launched, then we may as well consider the relevance of its title.
The momentum generated from the Wicklow Symposium led to a meeting at Plas y Brenin in North Wales at the end of January, to discuss the resurrection of what was BUFT. The MCofS was represented at this well attended meeting by Nick Halls and Mike Newbury, and the outcome is that there is a strong desire across the UK and Ireland to form an Upland Footpath Trust, and for it to become the forum for sharing good practice in upland path management.
Snapshots
In addition to the major tasks reported elsewhere, we have carried out the following access and conservation tasks over the past four months.
- Responded to Wester Ross Local Plan consultation.
- Responded to SNH’s “Scotland’s Future Landscapes” consultation.
- Secured a place on the new National Access Forum.
- Assisted the Forestry Commission in identifying a number of mountain paths across the Highlands that should be repaired over the next year.
- Written to the Scottish Executive with concerns about the current wording of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- Briefed local club members for the inaugural meeting of the Perth & Kinross Local Access Forum.
- Liaised with SNH staff on the preparation of the 2004 Hillphones information.
- Continued progress on developing a web-based access database.
- Inspected recent path work on Ben Ledi and provided comment to Forest Enterprise.
- Given club talks to the SMC (East) and the Air Na Creagan Club.
- Attended meetings of Upland Path Advisory Group.