A way forward on Dumyat works
‘Eyesore’concerns aired to power firm
Outraged hillwalkers and cyclists got the chance to voice their concerns with Scottish Power bosses over controversial works on Dumyat Hill this week.
Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) began a programme of work to restore a path on Dumyat as part of the Beauly-to-Denny powerline mitigation works.
But regular users of the route say its natural charm is being destroyed and work at the iconic route has been temporarily halted.
SPEN bosses last week stopped the work following the criticism. On Friday, representatives of the company met with critics and among the issues discussed were views on look of the new path, loss of the natural rock outcrop, “over engineered” construction, the need to tackle boggy areas, lack of signs warning of the work and width and steepness of the new path.
After the discussion, which was facilitated by Stirling Greens Councillor Alasdair Tollemache, it was agreed that the section of path which has been started will be completed.
Once the section is finished there will be a period when people can provide feedback on the work.
There will also be parts of the path where potentially no work will be done and issues over the boggy section are still to be resolved.
If it’s decided that the path construction is not what people want then it will be restored to the way it was.
SPEN transmission director Pearse Murray said: “The recent meetings have been constructive and we’re pleased to be able to take forward a range of improvements that have been initiated locally and endorsed by both the Beauly Denny Legacy Steering Group, and the Beauly Denny Partnership Group.
“Contractors working on the project are highly experienced specialists, with an extensive track record of working in environmentally sensitive areas.
“We apologise for the shortterm impacts while the work is underway, but the end result will deliver improvements in keeping with the local landscape and the vision that was approved by the partnership group.”
Councillor Tollemache said: “It was useful to have representatives from Bridge of Allan Community Council and Friends of the Ochils present as well as other regular Dumyat users.
“This ensured a range of views and perspectives were aired. SPEN were very receptive to the issues which we raised and have committed to responding positively to these concerns. Signage is now in place alerting hill users to the works which is a welcome measure.”
SPEN have also held a meeting with Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP, Keith Brown, over the work.
He said: “I’m deeply concerned that the path works that have been undertaken in the last few weeks have created a real eyesore and have raised questions as to whether these mitigation works, which were in themselves to enhance the local area following the line installation, are being carried out in compliance with conditions previously set out.”