Petitioner: James Treasurer on behalf of the Friends of the Great Glen
Status:
Closed
Date Lodged:
23 April 2015
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to take steps to designate the Loch Ness and Great Glen as a National Scenic Area; to recommend a priority application is made to UNESCO for the area to be afforded World Heritage protection; and to take appropriate steps to discourage further wind turbine developments and support the restoration of sites damaged by wind turbines.
Summary:
26 May 2015: The Committee took evidence from James Treasurer. The Committee agreed to write to Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Renewables, the John Muir Trust and the Scottish Government. Link to Official Report 26 May 2015
22 September 2015: The Committee agreed to close the petition, under Rule 15.7, on the basis that the local authority is actively updating its development plans in line with national guidance and after consultation. Link to Official Report 22 September 2015
Written Submissions:
Do you think that Loch Ness and the Great Glen are sites of international importance and are icons of the highlands and of Scotland?
Loch Ness is the second most popular tourist draw in Scotland. Do visitors and locals want to visit the area to see wind turbines?
Do you think that the existing planning system is capable of protecting the world’s most beautiful landscapes, such as Loch Ness and the Great Glen, given the prospect of 500 wind turbines within a 22 mile radius and more to follow?
The Stronelairg development near Loch Ness, according to SNH, will cause enormous environmental damage. Do you think that sensitive upland and wild land areas in the Scottish Highlands are being adequately conserved using the current planning system?