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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Windfarm campaign calls for planning inquiry on Skye
Just over a week ago major new grid infrastructure, the Skye overhead replacement line, was approved by the Scottish Government. These developments, said Andrew Robinson, a spokesperson for Skye Windfarm Information Group, said could 'massively change Skye's landscape and cause untold damage both to the local environment, and to tourism, the island's key industry". 'The Scottish Government,' he said, 'have the power to initiate planning inquiry commissions. These are when you look at a big, strategic plan. Three times we've written to Gillian Martin, the energy minister, to say that we think on Skye because of its unique nature they should have a planning inquiry commission to look at what it's appropriate to build here. But they refused that. They just said that the existing planning process is enough.' Skye, one of Scotland's top tourist destinations, currently has two windfarms, but there are a further eight at various stages of planning and scoping. These include Edinbane, Ben Aketil, Glen Ullinish, Glen Ullinish II, Ben Sca, Balmeanach and Breakish. One of these applications, for an extension at Ben Aketil, in which nine turbine will be removed and substituted with 200m high replacements, is now at the desk of the Scottish Government reporter following an objection by the Highland Council, and will be the subject of a local public inquiry on the island this week. Scottish Windfarm Information Group campaigners (Image: Vicky Allan) In a previous letter to the Scottish Government, Robinson said: 'There is an urgent need to take a strategic look at all of the plans proposed for Skye. At present residents are overwhelmed by the individual planning applications they face, and may wish to object to. 'The paperwork for each application is huge. Communities are expected to comment and respond to each application yet we have no resources. The developers, usually funded by overseas private equity companies, have access to consultants, PR and marketing experts and endless legal and planning advice. 'The proposed plans will be overwhelming. They can not be justified on basis of need as Scotland stands to more than meet its renewable energy targets if the current consented wind farms across the country are built. The plans will cause untold destruction to Skye's fragile and beautiful habitat.' Read more: A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Ministerial powers to refer certain planning questions to a Planning Inquiry Commission apply to cases where there are considerations of national or regional importance and a proper evaluation of them cannot be made unless there is a special inquiry for the purpose; and that the technical or scientific aspects of the proposed development are of so unfamiliar a character as to jeopardise a proper determination of that question unless there is a special inquiry for the purpose. 'There are however existing and well-established consenting procedures for renewable and grid infrastructure, including for the consideration of any cumulative impacts arising. Therefore, we have no plans to constitute a Planning Inquiry Commission. 'The Scottish Government has an ambition, as set out in our Onshore Wind Policy Statement, for 20GW of Onshore Wind by 2030 and we are working with the onshore wind industry to ensure that the delivery of this ambition supports our regional and national economies, communities and nature. The UK Government's Clean Power Action Plan respects the Scottish Government's onshore wind ambitions for 2030.'
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Why I visited Skye to cover wind farm controversies
The island, in other words, is the current centre of an increasingly heated debate taking place across many areas of rural Scotland over the planning and consenting process for clean energy infrastructure. Skye, host to three million visitors each year, is the target home of eight proposed windfarms at various stages of planning, some of them repowering older sites and replacing smaller turbines for those twice their size. It is also to see an expansion of powerlines and other associated energy infrastructure. I write about climate and environment and I've no doubt that Scotland absolutely does need to push forward on the path to Net Zero to do our fair share in trying to halt climate breakdown. But it's also important to me that we tell the stories and reactions of people and communities on the ground, look at the issues they are raising and listen to their views on strategy, policy and the sector which transforming their environment even as it decarbonises the grid and seeks financial profit. Wherever we live in Scotland, we do need to get our heads around the rapid roll out of infrastructure set to take place over the coming years. And aside from those involved in working within the sector, the people who are looking at it most closely are those who live right next to the new wave of wind turbines, substations, battery parks and powerlines. Often, I found, when I visited Skye earlier this month, those pushing back against onshore wind, considered themselves quite green – vegans, wildlife lovers, followers of relatively low-impact lifestyles. Among them is Andrew Robinson, a spokesperson for Skye Windfarm Information Group (SWIG), who lives in an off-grid cottage in the north of Skye, powered by solar panels and heated by a woodburner, increasingly surrounded by wind turbines. When, last week, it was announced that the Scottish Government had granted planning permission for the Skye Reinforcement Overhead Line, he was not celebrating. The 1,500-member Skye Wind Farm Information Group, expressed their disappointment Robinson described it as a 'failure of democracy', saying: 'The Highland Council objected to the plans in November 2023. As the local planning authority, such an objection would normally trigger a public inquiry, but, instead planning consent has been given and the Council's objection ignored.' SWIG noted that residents noted that a powerline of such a scale would only be required and consented to if more windfarms were planned on the island. READ MORE: 'This decision today,' suggested Robinson, 'could be seen as a presumption from the Scottish Government that all the wind farms proposed for Skye will be built.' Next week will see a public inquiry into one of those proposed windfarms, near Dunvegan on Skye, where developer Nadara has proposed removing 12 turbines at Ben Aketil Wind Farm and replacing them with nine new ones, along with a battery storage scheme. Other wind farms have been rejected by councils and gone through the process. Some have had permission accepted, others have been refused. Still more are yet to come – including a giant wind farm near Hawick, as wells as Hill of Fare wind farm in Aberdeenshire. Winds of change on Skye wind farm controversy (Image: Derek McArthur) Many across Scotland will be watching. The level of concern across the Highlands over clean energy infrastructure was demonstrated just last weekend, by a large turn out for a public meeting in Beauly's Phipps Hall. 53 Community Councils representing over 72,000 residents across the Highlands expressed unanimous support for a joint statement calling for a pause in the wave of major energy infrastructure developments. The Ben Aketil public inquiry is about this one wind farm and the impact it will have on the island and its landscape, but campaigners raised wider issues with me. How many more onshore windfarms do we need to decarbonise our energy system? Why are particular areas carrying so much of the change? Are demand, grid capacity and generation all rising in concert? And are campaigners right to point out, as some do, that Scotland already has sufficient onshore in the pipeline and little more is needed? Are they justified in calling for a more 'considered' approach to consent? Or does Scotland still need to push forward with greater urgency? Are these wind farm and pylon objectors in danger of stalling vital progress towards Net Zero and a decarbonised grid? You can read my articles on the application and surrounding issues in the Herald this Sunday and next week when we will be live-blogging from the inquiry.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Controversial Skye powerline revamp approved
Controversial plans to upgrade 99 miles (160km) of overhead powerline in the Highlands have been approved by the Scottish government. SSEN Transmission said its line from Ardmore, near Portree on Skye, to Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness was reaching the end of its operational life. The £480m revamp includes burying nine miles (15km) of cable underground to avoid spoiling views of Skye's Cuillin mountains. Highland Council objected to the project in 2023 because of concerns about the impact on other landscapes, while campaigners said they were "deeply disappointed" it had now been given the go-ahead. SSEN Transmission said the green light from the Scottish government, known as Section 37 consent, was the last hurdle in the planning process for its Skye Reinforcement project. The existing power line was constructed in three sections between 1956 and 1989. SSEN Transmission said the new line would have greater capacity and could take power from new renewable projects. Managing director Rob McDonald said: "The Skye Reinforcement project is crucial to maintaining local network reliability and will play an important role in helping the UK achieve its energy security and clean power ambitions. "This project and our wider investment programme will also be a major driver of jobs and economic growth locally and across the north of Scotland, bringing substantial opportunities for communities and businesses." The Scottish government said the replacement would lead to an increase in renewable energy provision, and protect the security of electricity supply to about 32,000 homes and businesses. More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds But Skye Wind Farm Information Group said Highland Council's opposition to the revamp should have triggered a public inquiry. Spokesman Dr Andrew Robinson said: "Instead, planning consent has been given and the council's objection ignored. "This is a failure of democracy." The group said the project would require new electricity towers, and two "giant" substations at Edinbane and Broadford on Skye. It said large camps to house construction workers would also be created near Broadford. Dr Robinson added: "Other options to build a smaller scale line, replacing the existing infrastructure and allowing some extra capacity for smaller-scale, community-owned wind farms were never properly considered." He said the group might look into seeking a judicial review, a legal process where a judge looks at a decision made by a public body. Highland Council said it would not be appropriate for it to comment. Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston accused the Scottish government of "riding roughshod" over local democracy to meet renewables targets. SSEN Transmission said new steel electricity towers would be needed on about 68 miles (110km) of the route between Fort Augustus and Edinbane. Wooden poles would carry the line from Edinbane to Ardmore. SSEN Transmission - which is responsible for the electricity network in the north of Scotland - said an overhead line at Kylerhea in Skye, to the mainland would be replaced and closely follow the route of the existing overhead line. Substations at Broadford and Edinbane in Skye would be replaced. The Cuillins are one of the best-known mountain landscapes in Scotland. Its Cuillin Ridge is described in climbing as one of Europe's best mountaineering routes. It is seven miles (11km) long and its summits include 11 Munros - which are peaks over 914m (3,000ft). Power line to be buried to avoid spoiling views Planned £400m power line upgrade moves forward SSEN Transmission
The National
09-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Skye power line approved despite council and resident objections
SSEN's "Skye reinforcement" project seeks to replace the existing, single circuit overhead line which is reaching the end of its operational life, according to the company. SSEN has said the line needs to be strengthened to maintain electricity to homes and businesses in Skye and the Western Isles, as well as renewable energy developments which are set to rely on the new line to carry electricity into the national grid. READ MORE: Zonal pricing could save Scottish glass sector £20 million, report says However, campaigners have said extensive surveys were carried out on SSEN's "preferred route" and no others without informing communities. It has also renewed calls against a large camp for up to 350 workers which will move to the Skye during the construction of the new electricity line, adding to the population of the town of around 1000 people for an estimated five years. Food and facilities company Sodexo is seeking permission from Highland Council for a camp for SSEN workers in Broadford, Skye. To meet the required increased capacity of the replacement line, steel structures will be required from Fort Augustus to Edinbane, extending the existing steel structures where they currently terminate at Broadford; with wooden poles remaining from Edinbane to Ardmore. Around 15km of the circuit will be undergrounded as it passes the Cuillin Hills and another 9km where it connects to Fort Augustus substation. The planning submission was submitted to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit in September 2022. Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, said: 'We welcome this positive decision. The Skye reinforcement project is crucial to maintaining local network reliability and will play an important role in helping the UK achieve its energy security and clean power ambitions. 'This project and our wider investment programme will also be a major driver of jobs and economic growth locally and across the north of Scotland, bringing substantial opportunities for communities and businesses. 'We trust that the Scottish Government's new guidance, setting out a 52-week determination period, will see future projects progress in line with the acceleration needed to achieve the country's clean power mission. "As we now move to the delivery phase of the project, we are committed to working constructively with local communities and businesses to minimise and mitigate construction impacts, alongside maximising the economic, infrastructure and job opportunities this investment will bring." The Skye Wind Farm Information Group said they were "deeply disappointed" to learn that the Scottish Government granted planning permission, with Dr Andrew Robinson stating: 'The Highland Council objected to the plans in November 2023. As the local planning authority, such an objection would normally trigger a public inquiry, but, instead planning consent has been given and the council's objection ignored. This is a failure of democracy." A second camp has also been proposed by Balfor Beauly. It is believed the accommodation could see another 350/400 people in the town. READ MORE: Views sought on plans for major renewable 'energy park' in Perthshire Robinson added: "The power line brings with it pylons, quarries, trenches and giant substations at Edinbane and Broadford. The two workers camps proposed either side of Broadford village, housing up to 800 workers are only needed to build the power line and the substations. "These should have been included in the original planning paperwork for the OHL but instead have been salami sliced into separate applications. "Whilst SSEN told us the existing line is old and needs replacing, their new power line will be much larger, at a size only necessary to take the electricity from all the wind farms proposed for Skye. "Other options to build a smaller scale line, replacing the existing infrastructure and allowing some extra capacity for smaller scale community owned wind farms were never properly considered. "This decision today could be seen as a presumption from the Scottish Government that all the wind farms proposed for Skye will be built.'
Scotsman
09-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Ministers issue long-awaited decision on powerline upgrade on Scotland's most visited island
Community groups have said they fear the upgrade will attract more windfarm applications. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Controversial plans to upgrade a powerline stretching across Scotland's most visited island have been given the go ahead. SSEN Transmission, the developers behind the grid infrastructure upgrade, lodged plans to improve the overhead line between Skye and Fort Augustus. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These were objected to by Highland Council in 2023 and the decision has been sitting on ministers' desks ever since. Controversial overhead line upgrade for Skye consented by ministers after more than two years of decision making | SSEN The Scottish Government confirmed on Monday that SSEN Transmission's plans to replace the 'outdated infrastructure' have now been approved. Community groups on Skye, who have called for a pause on further windfarm developments on Skye, said they were disappointed by the move. Residents have argued it could be seen as 'a presumption from the Scottish Government that all the windfarms proposed for Skye will be built.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are currently some nine new windfarm developments for the island that have either been approved, are in planning or to waiting to be extended or repowered, including one which is due to go under inquiry later this month. SSEN insisted the existing, single circuit overhead line is fast reaching the end of its operational life, with its replacement 'critical' to maintaining network reliability and security of supply for homes and businesses in Skye and along the line's route, and in the Western Isles, which is currently supplied by two subsea electricity distribution cables. The company said the power line is currently 'operating at its capacity limit, preventing the connection of new renewable electricity in the area' and that its replacement will have a greater capacity for new renewable electricity generation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Andrew Robinson, a spokesperson for the Skye Wind Farm Information Group (SWIG), which has over one thousand members, said: 'We are deeply disappointed to learn that the Scottish Government have today granted planning permission for the Skye Reinforcement Overhead Line. 'The Highland Council objected to the plans in November 2023. As the local planning authority, such an objection would normally trigger a public inquiry, but, instead planning consent has been given and the council's objection ignored. 'This is a failure of democracy. 'The power line brings with it pylons, quarries, trenches and giant substations at Edinbane and Broadford. The two workers camps proposed either side of Broadford village, housing up to 800 workers are only needed to build the power line and the substations. 'These should have been included in the original planning paperwork for the OHL but instead have been salami sliced into separate applications.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The group has argued SSEN's upgrade to the current infrastructure 'will be much larger, at a size only necessary to take the electricity from all the wind farms proposed for Skye.' Dr Robinson added: 'Other options to build a smaller scale line, replacing the existing infrastructure and allowing some extra capacity for smaller scale community owned wind farms were never properly considered.' Industry bosses have long spoken about their frustrations with the Scottish Government's delays when consenting on projects, including the powerline upgrade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Earlier this year, Scottish ministers committed to a new 52-week decision making period on priority applications for transmission infrastructure. Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, welcomed the Scottish Government's decision for Skye after what has been about a two hour wait for the company. He said: 'We trust that the Scottish Government's new guidance, setting out a 52-week determination period, will see future projects progress in line with the acceleration needed to achieve the country's clean power mission. "As we now move to the delivery phase of the project, we are committed to working constructively with local communities and businesses to minimise and mitigate construction impacts, alongside maximising the economic, infrastructure and job opportunities this investment will bring." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said the move showed a decision made by the council, who local communities elected, was 'overruled by Scottish Government officials in Edinburgh.' The Conservative politicians said: 'This is a story repeated across the Highlands and Islands where, time and time again, local democracy is ridden roughshod over and all just to meet SNP renewables targets. 'It is part of a concerning pattern of centralised decision-making that suits the government in Edinburgh and large energy companies, but which sidelines local communities. 'Highland Council's rejection of the project last year reflected the very real concerns of those living in the affected areas.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'This project will replace outdated infrastructure to ensure security of energy supply to the residents of Skye and the Western Isles, and increase provision of renewable energy to the system.
