Public outcry over Glen Etive hydro plans

Conservationists, mountaineering groups and members of the public have lodged vociferous objections against plans to build multiple hydro schemes in Glen Etive.

Seven planning applications have been submitted to Highland Council to build run-of-river schemes at sites across Glen Etive on land owned by the Dalness Estate, all of which have received numerous objections.

There has been significant opposition to the developments from the public in particular – the first time this has happened with run-of-river hydro schemes in Scotland.

If planning permission is granted to the applicant, Dickins Hydro, the schemes will be built within the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area, the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne Special Protection Area and within Wild Land Area 9 Loch Etive Mountains.

The application for the Allt Fhaolain scheme alone has had more than 30 objections from mountaineering groups, conservation organisations and members of the public. Objectors claim the development would affect the water supply to the popular Inbhirfhaolain mountain hut, which belongs to the Dundee-based Grampian Club and has provided shelter to mountaineers since 1961.

Former Scottish Natural Heritage board member Nick Kempe argues these hydro scheme applications are a ‘wake-up call’ for those who care about the landscape.

He told the Lochaber Times: ‘Unbelievably, Scottish Natural Heritage, the government agency with responsibility for our national scenic areas, has concluded that over five miles of permanent new access track, 15 hydro intakes and seven new buildings can be constructed in Glen Etive without affecting the integrity of the landscape there.

‘As a former board member of SNH, I believe they have got it badly wrong – following this logic SNH would not object to a dam across Glen Coe – and Highland Council should reject its advice and the planning applications.’

Among the most noticeable groups to complain is the John Muir Trust, which has lodged objections to three of the proposed hydro schemes on wild land grounds.

John Low, policy officer for the John Muir Trust, said the schemes would have a ‘terrible visual and physical impact’ on what he describes as an ‘inspirational’ landscape.

‘It’s clearly not the right place,’ he said. ‘The impact on the landscape and its scenic qualities would be significant.

‘The fact a number of organisations, groups and many individuals are making the case against these proposals highlights a growing call for these applications to be rejected.’

Dickins Hydro was contacted by the Lochaber Times in regard to its seven planning applications but was unable to comment before going to press.