Assurances over Affric hydro disruption

Members may have noticed the scar of hydro construction at Abhainn Gleann nam Fiadh in Glen Affric.

The MCofS was concerned about the quality of work on this hydro scheme and raised it with the developer. We have since been assured that 'best practice' is being followed and the area will be fully reinstated, with monitoring to ensure that happens.

On a national scale, we have written to Scottish Ministers and to planning authorities seeking and receiving assurances that planning conditions on track restoration will be met and enforced.

The Abhainn Gleann nam Fiadh development was brought to our attention by a member worried about what he saw as unnecessarily widespread disruption to the area of surrounding the pipeline route, and the fact that some of the silt catchment measures appeared to be overflowing.

MCofS Chief Executive Officer David Gibson wrote to Green Highland Renewables, saying that, although we were supportive of the technology, we sought assurances that the scheme is being inspected regularly to ensure that contractors on site are meeting planning obligations relating to protection of the environment, and that the works will be reinstated in accordance with the conditions of planning permission once complete.

Green Highland Renewables CEO Mark Mathieson responded to confirm that full reinstatement would take place and would be monitored.