New telecommunication masts in wild areas

See the letters of objection to Highland Council on planning applications for new telecommunication masts in wild areas (November 2023).

Hilltrack between Barrisdale Estate & Loch Quoich

In March 2022 we objected to the planning proposal, part retrospective and part new construction, of the hilltrack between Barrisdale Estate & Loch Quoich. The objection letter can be viewed here.

Alchany Wind Farm extension

In September 2021 we objected to the proposed Alchany Wind Farm Extension. Details of the proposal can be seen in our objection letter here.

Construction of a temporary meteorological mast near Tomich by Cannich

In February 2021 we e-mailed Highland Council objecting to this proposal. A copy of our e-mail can be viewed as a pdf here.

Good News: Highland Council's South Planning Application Committee decided to REFUSE the application on the 27 April 2021.

In August 2021, following an appeal against the refusal, we sent additional comments to the DPEA. These comments can be viewed as a pdf here.

Inappropriate location for a campsite

On December 1st 2020 we wrote to Highland Council objecting to a campsite planned for a coastal location of fine seascape quality and wildness character. Our letter can be viewed here.

Proposal for hilltracks in Glen in the Glen Lethnot area.

In May 2020 we sent 3 letters to Angus council objecting to related proposed developments in the Glen Lethnot area. The letters, which contain many common points can be viewed here. Letter 1, Letter 2, Letter3.

Construction of vertical launch space port and associated infrastructure Land 2600M SW of Dunbuie Talmine Tongue

In April 2020 we wrote to the Highland Council to object to this planning application. Our letter can be viewed here.

Resurfacing and formalising of hilltrack and formation of borrow pits. Land 4345M NW of Keeper's Cottage Pitmain Kingussie

In April 2020 we wrote to the Cairngorm National Park Authority to object to this planning application. Our letter can be viewed here

Retrospective planning application for upgrading a Glen Clova Hill track

In April 2020 we wrote to the Cairngorm National Park Authority to object to a retrospective planning application for upgrading this hill track. Our letter can be viewed here

Resurfacing of hill track; land 2890M NW of Carn Sgulain, Newtonmore

In May 2019 we wrote to the Cairngorm National Park Authority to object to a retrospective planning application to resurface this hill track. Our letter can be viewed here.

Cairngorm National Park Proposed Local Development Plan

In April 2019 we commented on the Cairngorm National Park's Proposed Local Development Plan. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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). Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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). Our letter can be viewed here.

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). Our letter can be viewed here.

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). Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

Caplich wind farm

Our objection to a proposed wind farm threatening several of Scotland's wildest areas. Our letter can be viewed here.

Talladh-a-Bheithe wind farm

Our objection to a wind farm proposal that would industrialise part of Rannoch Moor. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. Our letter can be viewed here.

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. A report on the construction of hill tracks outside the planning system was published and can be viewed here. 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. Our letter can be viewed here.

Stronelairg wind farm

SWLG objection to large wind farm proposed for the heart of the Monadhliath mountains. Our letter can be viewed here.

Bhlaraidh wind farm

The SWLG objection to this proposed wind farm above Loch Ness. Our letter can be viewed here.

Nathro Hill wind farm

The SWLG objection to the wind farm proposed for Nathro Hill in Angus. Our letter can be viewed here.

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.