Latest decisions affecting wildness

Trust responds to Shetland Islands Council decision on revised Viking Wind Farm and Glen Etive hydro schemes approval

In the past two days that Trust has responded to two decisions affecting wild places. In both cases we had raised objections in an attempt to protect the wild qualities of the areas in line with our policies.

Shetland

Following the decision by Shetland Islands Council to raise no objection to a revised application by Viking Energy which would increase turbine heights, the John Muir Trust issued the following response:

“The John Muir Trust has a number of members on Shetland and has long supported the stance of Sustainable Shetland to protect the landscape, wildlife and ecosystems that will be damaged by this giant development. We are naturally disappointed at today’s decision and remain convinced that any development on this scale should be properly scrutinised at a Public Local Inquiry.”

(Find out more.)

Glen Etive

The Trust has reacted with dismay following a decision by councillors yesterday to approve the planning applications for hydro schemes proposed for Glen Etive to which it objected in August 2018.  The Trust had objected to three of seven proposed schemes - those located in Wild Land Area 9: Loch Etive Mountains - due to wild land impacts (the Allt Mheuran, Allt Ceitlein and Allth Chaoarainn schemes).

(Find out more, including the letter we sent supporting action being taken to try and avoid damage to the Loch Etive Wild Land Area.)

Image credit: David Lintern - Glen Etive with Allt Mheuran in foreground