by Neill Bo Finlayson nfinlayson@obantimes.co.uk
Conservationists, mountaineering groups and members of the public have lodged vociferous objections against plans to build multiple hydro schemes in Glen Etive. Seven planning applications have been submitted to Highland Council to build run-of-river schemes at sites across Glen Etive on land owned by the Dalness Estate, all of which have received numerous objections.
There has been significant opposition to the developments from the public in particular – the first time this has happened with run-of-river hydro schemes in Scotland. If planning permission is granted to the applicant, Dickins Hydro, the schemes will be built within the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area, the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne Special Protection Area and within Wild Land Area 9 Loch Etive Mountains.