02 May 2003

A Dundee based company, Highland Light and Power, have submitted their application to develop a hydro electric scheme in the Shieldaig and Slattadale areas of Wester Ross. Their advertisement appeared in the Public Notices section of the Scotsman newspaper (Friday 2nd May). The notice

The MCofS opposed previous proposals for a hydro scheme in this area, and has made a robust objection again on this occasion. We will also be campaigning to encourage outdoor recreationists who appreciate this fine area of wild land to make their own personal objections.

We have been expecting this application to come forward for well over 2 years now. The developers have certainly taken a long time putting their revised plans together, but now that their application has been made we must do everything we can to oppose this scheme and ensure that this wonderful part of Wester Ross is protected from this destructive and unwanted scheme.

MCofS news release - 27 May 03
MCofS news release - 13 Sept 03

LATEST At a meeting of Highland Council Planning Committee on 20th August 2003, the councillors declined to refuse the application, and voted to let the Scottish Executive decide on it. The minutes of the meeting can be read here (item 25) Press & Journal report West Highland Free Press report Report in The Sunday Herald Following this, a group of councillors invoked a procedure to revoke the decision. The application was heard again at a full meeting of the council on September 11th, but on a 32-27 vote, the decision was unchanged. The final decision therefore rests with the Scottish Executive. It can decide to accept the proposal, accept it with conditions, order a public inquiry or reject the scheme outright. A ministerial decision is expected by 12th February 2004. Report from The Scotsman - 21 Nov '03 The Scottish Executive announced it's rejection of the planning application on 16th March '04. full story

The MCofS objection can be read here

Among 800 other objections which have been submitted is a detailed one from the John Muir Trust which can be read here, and this one from the Scottish Countryside Activities Council.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) also submitted objections.
The SNH objection is based on the scheme’s likely effect on freshwater pearl mussels in the River Kerry, a candidate Special Area of Conservation; on breeding black-throated divers, and on the landscape and visual amenity of the Wester Ross National Scenic Area. These objections are reproduced in the Low Impact website

Letter to The Scotsman

The Scottish Executive have been holding a public consultation on reform of the Public Local Inquiries system. The MCofS has submitted a response to this consultation, based on our experience of the original inquiry into the Shieldaig Hydro scheme. read the response here.

HLP have been promoting details of their scheme through their website at www.highlandlightandpower.co.uk.

A local group now have their own website promoting an alternative view.
It can be found at www.lowimpact.demon.co.uk.

Another interesting article, 'Scotland as Europe's renewable energy capital?', putting the Shieldaig scheme in perspective, has been published in the Scottish Wild Land Group's latest magazine, and can be read on their website.

Scotsman article - 26 May 2003

Background:

previous story Previous planning application for this scheme MCofS Comments on Renewable Energy