Understand
Highland Council raises no objection to Glen Earrach hydro scheme near Loch Ness
Overview
Highland Council's south planning applications committee has voted to raise no objection to the proposed Glen Earrach Pumped Storage Hydro scheme near Loch Ness, subject to strict conditions regarding daytime rock blasting and dam wall appearance. The Scottish Government will make the final decision on the project, which would use Loch nam Breac Dearga as an upper reservoir and Loch Ness as a lower reservoir. While supporters highlighted the need for renewable energy, concerns were raised by councillors and fishery boards regarding local road disruption, loss of native woodland, and potential ecological damage to Loch Ness and the River Ness.
Key points
- Highland Council's south planning applications committee voted to raise no objection to the Glen Earrach Pumped Storage Hydro scheme.
- Conditions for the project include restricting rock blasting to daytime and blending the dam wall into surrounding hills.
- The Scottish Government will make the final decision on whether the hydro-electric project proceeds.
- The project proposes using Loch nam Breac Dearga as an upper reservoir and Loch Ness as a lower reservoir.
- Concerns were raised about up to 178 daily lorry movements during construction, potential damage to local roads, and loss of native woodland.
- The Ness District Salmon Fishery Board warned that the scheme's effect on water levels could cause irreversible damage to the ecology of the loch and River Ness.