Rural survey prompts concern over ‘threat to quality of life and wellbeing’
A Scottish Government survey on long-term priorities for rural areas could result in a “direct threat” to wellbeing and quality of life, a Caithness campaign group has warned.
Save Caithness – launched last year to help communities oppose large-scale energy developments in the county – is urging its supporters to comment on the Rural Delivery Plan.
The Scottish Government describes the plan as “an opportunity to take a fresh look at [how] to bring about change and address the issues in mainland rural Scotland”, covering topics from transport, housing and health to land reform, connectivity and economic development.
The survey closes on March 17.
Save Caithness was set up by Tony Shaw, one of a group of residents in the Bowertower area opposing the proposed Swarclett Wind Farm.
In its latest newsletter, Save Caithness notes that three sections of the Rural Delivery Plan survey “are of particular interest regarding energy/industrialisation”.
It goes on: “As proposed by the Scottish Government, these items look like a thinly disguised attempt to legitimise whatever they choose to do in the name of rural residents. If people do not disagree with the statements [in sections 3, 13 and 19 of the survey] we are effectively handing over authority to the Scottish Government to do as they please.”
In a separate summary, the group says: “The important thing is to ensure that your views are expressed especially against what seem like attempts to legitimise aims that are a direct threat to the quality of life and wellbeing of rural residents.”
Launching the survey last month, Scotland’s rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The Rural Delivery Plan will introduce, for the first time, a vision for rural Scotland with specific objectives and achievements we want to reach, how we intend to get there and how we will measure success along the way.
“This builds on our record of support for rural communities, such as preserving direct support for farmers and crofters, to improving online connectivity, and comes on the back of a lot of work with partners and communities to better understand the opportunities in our rural communities, as well as the particular challenges rural Scotland faces.
“Our vision is for a vibrant and sustainable rural Scotland with a thriving economy where families are able to access the services they need. I would encourage all those with an interest to take part in the survey and tell their friends and family so that the plan we produce reflects their experiences and what is most important to them.”
The Save Caithness newsletter also highlights a March 15 deadline for comments to Highland Council on a proposed wind energy development at Hill of Lychrobbie, Dunbeath. The group says: “This is an application for two giant 150m turbines [specifically 149.9m] overlooking the A9 and close to Latheronwheel.”
The plans include a battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure.
Those in favour of the development say it is being planned by “local people who are diversifying their agricultural enterprises” and “will make a significant contribution to renewable energy targets”.
One objector points to “severe and unacceptable risks to air traffic, cultural heritage, local wildlife and the visual integrity of this protected environment”. Another says the turbines “will overshadow and spoil the environment in the tiny village of Latheronwheel” and have “adverse impacts on many species and on biodiversity”.
