Written by David McPhee –
Scottish National Heritage appraisal asked local authorities, park
authorities and partnership organisations about their future vision of
Scotland.
A Scottish Government commissioned report has been submitted by the
Scottish National Heritage covering all issues surrounding the future of
the country’s ecosystem and how it can contribute to climate change projects.
Local councils, in particular, stated their preference for renewable energy
expansion, but were insistent that safeguards are put in place so that
wind, hydroelectric or solar energy should not come at the expense of the
local ecosystem or areas of natural beauty.
The report entitled ‘Scoping a Strategic Vision for the Uplands’ also spoke
to stakeholders about their vision for Scotland’s future and how this could
be developed.
As Aberdeenshire Council’s stated its support of renewable energy it was
resolute that wind turbines, carbon storage and water run-off “cannot and
should not be done everywhere. Finding appropriate places to do them, with
adequate incentives to land managers, could be a focus for any vision.”
Though in favour, Stirling Council was insistent that any renewable energy
expansion be “subject to local planning policies and acceptable landscape
and environmental impacts.” While South Lanarkshire Council asked for a
“more holistic view of the wider climate change issues.”
Mark Wrightham, Policy and Advice Manager, said: “This report is meant to
be a broad indication recognising there are a lot of important links that
flow across the boundary – social and economic benefits. There seems to
have been general agreement as a starting point as to the benefits of the
uplands.”
“I think there was recognition that the uplands have a lot of potential for
renewable energy development, but also concerns from some sectors that that
needed to be balanced with landscape considerations, such as the more
spectacular and iconic parts of the uplands.”
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