EE offer talks on Glen Etive phone masts

In the wake of publicity about the siting of mobile telephone masts in Glen Etive, phone company EE has agreed to review their proposals.

The company has offered to meet with Mountaineering Scotland and other organisations to discuss the way ahead.

On Wednesday EE confirmed that it had already withdrawn the proposals in order to review the number and siting of masts in Glen Etive.

And they have offered to meet with us to discuss these sites, together with others across the Highlands area, which they need to build to deliver essential mobile coverage as part of the network for Scotland's emergency services.

Alarm bells rang when EE applied to Highland Council regarding the masts in Glen Etive, and Mountaineering Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage both registered concern at the effect of phone masts in prominent positions in one of Scotland’s most famed and beautiful glens.

The site was also within the Ben Nevis and Glencoe National Scenic Area.

In its objection, submitted to The Highland Council, Mountaineering Scotland argued that other locations in the glen could be used where the visual impact would be less severe – an argument also forwarded by SNH.

It stated: “As an organisation representing those who enjoy a range of outdoor activities, we recognise the importance of effective mobile telecommunications, especially in the context of safety in the hills. However, we believe that in the case of this proposal, that viable alternatives are available to the developer. We object to the proposal and would urge EE and BT Group to think again."

EE acted promptly on learning of the objections and has contacted Mountaineering Scotland offering to discuss ways to mitigate the impact of the masts, whether through siting or disguising their appearance.

The proposed masts, both in Glen Etive and other locations in the Highlands are primarily intended to extend the range of coverage for the Emergency Services Network, used by police, ambulance and fire etc, but will also provide commercial 4G coverage.