Old Glencoe water tanks set to go
Scottish Water says it is preparing to demolish its redundant water tanks on land belonging to Glencoe Heritage Trust within days, despite a last-ditch plea to a local MSP from the area’s community council.
According to Alister Sutherland, chairman of Glencoe and Glen Etive Community Council, the area’s local community company – of which he is also secretary – has spent 10 years trying to acquire the infrastructure of the old Glencoe water supply from Scottish Water to secure its hydro power potential.
In a letter urging local MSP Kate Forbes to take up the case on the community’s behalf, Mr Sutherland stated: ‘We have, during this time, been in communication many times with Scottish Water and I have even offered to go to Dundee to meet with them. They have not bother to answer me when I suggested this.
‘Scottish Water has denied our request... and it now says it is coming to fill in the tanks on July 2 – next Monday.’
And Mr Sutherland continues: ‘Unfortunately this situation comes about due to a difference of opinion between the community and the crofting landlord, Glencoe Heritage Trust – a charity.
‘We would be very grateful if you could contact Scottish Water and try to get their demolition postponed at least until the right to buy has been explored.’
However, a spokesperson for Scottish Water told the Lochaber Times: ‘These redundant water tanks are not situated on Scottish Waterowned land, which means we are not in a position to sell them. We are currently preparing to demolish the structures, in accordance with the wishes of the landowner.’
And the water authority confirmed the tanks would be demolished on Monday July 2.
Asked for her views, Ms Forbes said this week: ‘I have been contacted by the chair of Glencoe and Glen Etive Community Council about the old water tanks on the land of Glencoe Heritage Trust.
‘I am aware of the differences of opinion on what should be done with these assets, and I’m happy to work with any community group to generate new sources of income.’
However, a trustee from Glencoe Heritage Trust told the Lochaber Times that the feasibility of using the tanks for a hydro scheme had been explored several years ago and the trust had been advised by experts this was not a viable option and the idea was shelved.