If the answer is yes, MCofS has just learned of a hydro electric scheme in the village of Invervar. This is the primary setting off point for the 4 Munros to the north (Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg and Creag Mhor). Hydo schemes, in the appropriate location, are to be welcomed as a way to tackle man-induced climate change. The scheme in this instance is not large enough to grossly affect the aesthetics or conservation of these hills.

The difficulty of this scheme is the potential impact on the access to these hills, which have already been the focus of controversy and misleading information that may dissuade the less confident person wishing to access their rights responsibly. This is compounded in the current planning application for the hydro scheme through misinformation provided by the consultant in the Environmental Statement. This very report is meant to provide an objective assessment of the impacts of the development.

The MCofS official response can be read here.

The official deadline has recently been extended to 9th September. I would urge you to make a response yourselves also, as in these cases the number of responses hold important weight as well as those from representative organisations such as MCofS. As you will see in the official response when posted, our main concerns are-

1. an objection to the denial that this is the primary access point for 4 very popular mountains
2. provision for access during and after construction needs to be overtly specified
3. consideration of the impact on car parking as current car park will be used for the construction compound
4. an objection to the repeated discussion of access to Schiehallion not being affected (a red herring as the primary access implications are for the Carn Mairg group)
5. an objection to the claim that “this is not a location which adds significantly to the region's recreational potential”

Please add your voice!

The planning application has reference 07/00004/HYDRO, and was received at Perth & Kinross Council on 07/08/2007 (view application)
The Environmental Statement can be downloaded from the associated documents section (if you're using Internet Explorer, not neccesarily with other browsers! Try this link instead.) Be warned that at 11Mb it's a big download though.

If it is not available via the link above, a copy of the Environmental Statement can be obtained as detailed below. We have made the two page section most relevent to our concerns, and which our response addresses, available here:

extract from Environmental Statement (pdf 13Kb)

More information can be found on the local community website www.invervar.org, through which you can also make an objection.

The Environmental Statement can also be viewed at:
The Public Library, Bank Street, Abefeldy PH15 2BB or
Perth and Kinross Council Offices, Pullar House, 35 Kinnoul Street, Perth PH1 5DG
Post Office, Bridge of Balgie, Glen Lyon, Perthshire PH15 (except Wednesday or Thursady)
The Scottish Executive Library at Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh, EH11 3XD.

Copies of the Environmental Statement may be obtained from Invervar Hydro (01887-877267) at a charge of £30 per hard copy and £20 on CD. Copies of a short non-technical summary can be made available.

Any representations to the application should be made in writing to The Scottish Executive, Energy Consents Unit, 2nd Floor, Meridian Court, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6AT, (energyconsents@scotland.gsi.gov.uk) identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation, not later than 28 August 2007. All representations to the Scottish Executive will be copied in full to the planning authority, and made available to the public on request, unless the individual requests otherwise.