THE public outcry to stop hydro power stations in Glen Etive was overwhelming … overwhelmingly unwelcome, according to some locals. Last week councillors gave the final go-ahead for controversial schemes in the valley, which is best known globally as the Highland scene of the James Bond movie Skyfall. They did so despite a mass social media outcry to “save the glen” by stopping the developments. That campaign is now facing a backlash from those who openly resent what they see as largely “outsiders” trying to hold back renewable energy and economic development. There are just nine or so residents in the valley, but far more in neighbouring Glen Coe. There the local community council supported the hydro schemes, which are run-of-river projects rather than the more visually impactful dams previously built around the Highlands.
Herald 24th March 2019 read more »