Monument could be put in danger
Underground cables for a new hydro substation could put an ancient burial cairn near Appin at risk.
Historic Environment Scotland says proposals for the new sub-station position at land north of Elleric House, Fasnacloich, and its revised grid connection route for Allt Eilidh Hydro scheme has the potential to affect Salachail cairn.
The round burial cairn, likely to be from the Bronze Age with a kerb of 16 stones and 12.5m in diameter, is a nationally recognised ancient monument.
Experts raised concerns that putting in underground cables close to it could disturb the ground so have advised that the council’s archaeological unit is consulted and an exclusion zone is marked around the monument’s area before and during any work.
Historic Environment Scotland also said all staff and contractors should be told about the cairn and its importance, if the plan goes ahead, to help save it from any accidental damage.
And West of Scotland
Archaeology Service has also called for an archaeological watching brief to be approved between planners and itself before any development or groundbreaking work for Glen Creran Hydro Ltd starts, so it can be sure any items of interest or finds uncovered in the area are recorded.
Meanwhile, near Dalavich, plans have been submitted by superfast 5G and 4G provider EE for a 35m high lattice tower as part of a new telecommunications equipment compound at forestry land west of Barnaline Lodge.
Proposed access would be by a private track of the 60mph limit Lochavich Road.
Over on Mull, Dervaig’s Bellachroy Hotel is hoping planners will approve a scheme for a new accommodation building and a replacement laundry. Changes to car parking, new fencing and a bridge access as well as other ground work are also going before the planning authority.
Back on the mainland, a retrospective bid for a replacement jetty at Amulree, Kilchrenan, is also among this month’s planning applications.