Here you can find a selection of letters and objections that the SWLG has written about recent development proposals. Please contact us (admin@swlg.org.uk) if you would like any more information on any of these or would like us to respond to/act on other issues not mentioned here.
Letters and Objections
Ben More Farm hydro, Crianlarich - In January 2019 we wrote to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority to object to a proposal for a run of river hydro scheme at Ben More Farm.
Hill access tracks upgrade between Allt Ruighe na Riog and the River Dulnain - In January 2019 we wrote to the Cairngorms National Park Authority to object to new track construction.
Run of river hydro power schemes in Glen Etive - In January 2019 we wrote to Highland Council regarding two alternative proposals submitted by the developer for two run of river hydro schemes in Glen Etive.
Loch a'Bhraoin hydro-electric scheme - In November 2018 we wrote to Highland Council to object to the installation of a hydro scheme on land at Loch a'Bhraoin, adjacent to the Fannichs, Beinn Dearg, Glencalvie Special Landscape Area and the Fisherfield-Letterewe-Fannich Wild Land Area.
Glen Etive run of river hydro schemes - In August 2018 we wrote to Highland Council to object to three run of river hydro schemes and comment on another, all proposed for construction in Glen Etive.
Cairngorm artificial ski slope - In March 2018 we wrote to the Cairngorm National Park Authority to object to the installation of a beginner and intermediate artificial ski slope (and associated services).
Invervar Lodge extension track - In January 2018 we wrote to Perth and Kinross Council to object to the proposed extension to the track west of Invervar Lodge in Glen Lyon. Our main objection concerned the purpose of the track.
Coul Links Golf - In December 2017 we wrote to Highland Council to object to the development proposal for a golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland. We are one of several conservation groups opposing this development.
Glendoebeg track, Fort Augustus - In November 2017, we objected to a proposal for an extension to existing hilltrack at Glendoebeg, Fort Augustus. One of our main concerns was the lack of detail in the application.
Ben More hydro scheme - In July 2017, we objected to a proposal for a run of the river hydro scheme at Ben More Farm, Crianlarich, mostly on the grounds of visual impacts. Our main concern was the proposal to retain the access track for the scheme as a permanent feature.
Camusrory track - In July 2017, we wrote to Highland Council regarding a track in a wild land area claimed to be to reduce erosion and visual scarring due to vehicle use, and justifying this by the SNH requirement to cull and hence extract adequate numbers of deer. This estate has been extracting deer for decades without such provision.
East Glenquioch hydro scheme - SWLG objected to Highland Council regarding the construction of a hydro scheme on the East Glenquoich Estate on the Allt Fearna (January 2017).
White Corries Ski Centre access road - SWLG objected to Highland Council regarding the planning application for a new forestry grade mainenance access road from the car park base station to the plateau, top station of chairlift at the White Corries Ski Centre in Glencoe (September 2016).
Garrochie Estate hill track - SWLG wrote to Highland Council to object the planning application submitted for a new hill track on Garrochie Estate (July 2015).
Ardessie Burn hydro scheme - our objection to a terribly inappropriate hydro scheme proposal in the Wester Ross National Scenic Area, one of Scotland's finest - and supposedly most protected - landscapes.
Caplich wind farm - our objection to a proposed wind farm threatening several of Scotland's wildest areas.
Talladh-a-Bheithe wind farm - our objection to a wind farm proposal that would industrialise part of Rannoch Moor.
School Wood housing development, Nethy Bridge - our objection to a proposed housing development in the Cairngorms National Park that would destroy an important area of ancient woodland.
Hill tracks campaign - launched in June 2013 in partnership with several other organisations, an appeal for members of the public to help stop the spread of hill tracks. This continues our long-running campaign to persuade the Government to bring unregulated hill tracks into the planning system.
Scarista wind turbine - SWLG objection to a proposed turbine at Scarista, on the coast of Harris.
Stronelairg wind farm - SWLG objection to large wind farm proposed for the heart of the Monadhliath mountains
Bhlaraidh wind farm - The SWLG objection to this proposed wind farm above Loch Ness
Nathro Hill wind farm - The SWLG objection to the wind farm proposed for Nathro Hill in Angus
Cairngorms New Town - The SWLG was recently involved in a legal challenge to prevent the construction of a new town in the Cairngorms National Park. Tim Ambrose gives the background to the case and an update on its progress. Disappointingly, the challenge was rejected in September 2012. The Cairngorms Campaign is leading an appeal against this judgement, with the SWLG's support - please help to fund this appeal if you can.
Hill access tracks upgrade between Allt Ruighe na Riog and the River Dulnain - In January 2019 we wrote to the Cairngorms National Park Authority to object to new track construction.
Run of river hydro power schemes in Glen Etive - In January 2019 we wrote to Highland Council regarding two alternative proposals submitted by the developer for two run of river hydro schemes in Glen Etive.
Loch a'Bhraoin hydro-electric scheme - In November 2018 we wrote to Highland Council to object to the installation of a hydro scheme on land at Loch a'Bhraoin, adjacent to the Fannichs, Beinn Dearg, Glencalvie Special Landscape Area and the Fisherfield-Letterewe-Fannich Wild Land Area.
Glen Etive run of river hydro schemes - In August 2018 we wrote to Highland Council to object to three run of river hydro schemes and comment on another, all proposed for construction in Glen Etive.
Cairngorm artificial ski slope - In March 2018 we wrote to the Cairngorm National Park Authority to object to the installation of a beginner and intermediate artificial ski slope (and associated services).
Invervar Lodge extension track - In January 2018 we wrote to Perth and Kinross Council to object to the proposed extension to the track west of Invervar Lodge in Glen Lyon. Our main objection concerned the purpose of the track.
Coul Links Golf - In December 2017 we wrote to Highland Council to object to the development proposal for a golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland. We are one of several conservation groups opposing this development.
Glendoebeg track, Fort Augustus - In November 2017, we objected to a proposal for an extension to existing hilltrack at Glendoebeg, Fort Augustus. One of our main concerns was the lack of detail in the application.
Ben More hydro scheme - In July 2017, we objected to a proposal for a run of the river hydro scheme at Ben More Farm, Crianlarich, mostly on the grounds of visual impacts. Our main concern was the proposal to retain the access track for the scheme as a permanent feature.
Camusrory track - In July 2017, we wrote to Highland Council regarding a track in a wild land area claimed to be to reduce erosion and visual scarring due to vehicle use, and justifying this by the SNH requirement to cull and hence extract adequate numbers of deer. This estate has been extracting deer for decades without such provision.
East Glenquioch hydro scheme - SWLG objected to Highland Council regarding the construction of a hydro scheme on the East Glenquoich Estate on the Allt Fearna (January 2017).
White Corries Ski Centre access road - SWLG objected to Highland Council regarding the planning application for a new forestry grade mainenance access road from the car park base station to the plateau, top station of chairlift at the White Corries Ski Centre in Glencoe (September 2016).
Garrochie Estate hill track - SWLG wrote to Highland Council to object the planning application submitted for a new hill track on Garrochie Estate (July 2015).
Ardessie Burn hydro scheme - our objection to a terribly inappropriate hydro scheme proposal in the Wester Ross National Scenic Area, one of Scotland's finest - and supposedly most protected - landscapes.
Caplich wind farm - our objection to a proposed wind farm threatening several of Scotland's wildest areas.
Talladh-a-Bheithe wind farm - our objection to a wind farm proposal that would industrialise part of Rannoch Moor.
School Wood housing development, Nethy Bridge - our objection to a proposed housing development in the Cairngorms National Park that would destroy an important area of ancient woodland.
Hill tracks campaign - launched in June 2013 in partnership with several other organisations, an appeal for members of the public to help stop the spread of hill tracks. This continues our long-running campaign to persuade the Government to bring unregulated hill tracks into the planning system.
Scarista wind turbine - SWLG objection to a proposed turbine at Scarista, on the coast of Harris.
Stronelairg wind farm - SWLG objection to large wind farm proposed for the heart of the Monadhliath mountains
Bhlaraidh wind farm - The SWLG objection to this proposed wind farm above Loch Ness
Nathro Hill wind farm - The SWLG objection to the wind farm proposed for Nathro Hill in Angus
Cairngorms New Town - The SWLG was recently involved in a legal challenge to prevent the construction of a new town in the Cairngorms National Park. Tim Ambrose gives the background to the case and an update on its progress. Disappointingly, the challenge was rejected in September 2012. The Cairngorms Campaign is leading an appeal against this judgement, with the SWLG's support - please help to fund this appeal if you can.
