‘Solar’ so good at Grantown’s Inverallan Church after Highland Council’s U-turn
Three cheers for the unanimous decision of the Highland Council Review Board to back installing solar panels on Inverallan Church ('Prayers answered? Hope for church after Council U-turn over solar panels', Strathy 30 January).
Or perhaps this should be only two cheers, considering the years of unnecessary delay and considerable extra costs?
Back in 2022, Councillors on the planning committee had the opportunity to approve the entire modernisation project including the solar panels, and came within 3 votes of doing so.
Inexplicably, it was our two local councillors – Bill Lobban and Russell Jones who spearheaded opposition to approving the panels.
They proposed and seconded a climate - and community - unfriendly motion calling for “the prohibition of installation of photovoltaic panels”.
This was despite it being obvious from the planning papers that the viability of the whole project depended on solar panels.
Regrettably, our councillors’ costly rejection was carried by 8 votes to 5.
If Inverallan clears the final planning hurdle of gaining Listed Building Consent, it will not be the first B-listed church in Scotland showcasing rooftop solar panels.
In 2021 St Andrew’s Episcopal Church was given the green light to install 22 photovoltaic panels and two hot water solar thermal panels on its roof to help reduce the church’s carbon emissions.
See https://www.oikoumene.org/news/from-faithful-living-to-solar-panels-scottish-episcopal-church-is-addressing-climate-change).
Gus Jones
Convener, Badenoch & Strathspey Conservation Group
Nethy Bridge.
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Top Stories
Holes in Highland Council’s planning department very evident to public
It was great to see a good news story on the front page of the Strathy about planning approval for PV solar panels on Inverallan Church (‘Prayers Answered?’ January 30).
It was also encouraging to read the strongly worded comments from Councillor Bill Lobban.
What this long-running struggle does show up are yet again major failings in the management by planning officials and operation of Highland Council’s Southern Area Planning Committee.
What a farcical state of affairs this story has been.
Will Highland Council make sure that lessons have been learnt?
Or will it just be swept under the carpet...?
My money is very much on the latter.
Gordon Bulloch
Grantown.
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Support for continued operation of Cairngorm funicular is vital
Those in contention over whether to repair or revive the Cairngorm Mountain Railway (CMR) should surely accord priority to its revival over the miserable defeat represented by demolition.
Your issue of January 30 does not seem to mention either the spanner thrown in the works by the civil engineer responsible for the successful Skye Bridge nor the reports that experts - the Swiss firm Messrs Garaventa - are to advise, including on-the-spot discussions for resolution of the repair plans.
Therefore, it's a policy puzzle of your area and my own strongly held view as a lover of your area and CMR fan is that revival is the vital priority, almost irrespective of costs.
How could the CMR's demolition possibly be justified?
Charles Wardrop
Perth.
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Will levy plan end up too taxing for region’s tourists?
The recent approval of Edinburgh's visitor levy raises several concerns that merit immediate attention.
As reported, the city council has decided to implement a five per cent charge on overnight stays which may have serious implications for local businesses and the tourism industry as a whole.
While the concept of a visitor levy is not new, we must consider the current economic climate when implementing such taxes.
With many businesses still recovering from the financial setbacks of recent years, adding additional costs could deter potential visitors leading to a decline in tourism revenue rather than the anticipated boost.
Local councils must strike a balance between generating revenue and ensuring that our cities remain attractive destinations.
The recent discussions surrounding this levy echo the sentiments of Winston Churchill, who wisely noted: “The price of greatness is responsibility’.
It is the responsibility of Highland Council - who are currently consulting on similar proposals - and other local authorities to consider the long-term ramifications of such decisions on Scotland’s broader economic landscape.
Instead of placing burdens on visitors and local enterprises, we should be fostering an environment that supports innovation and growth.
It would be prudent for the council to revisit this decision and to see themconsider alternative measures that promote sustainable tourism without penalising our hospitality sector.
Decisions made today will shape the future of our communities.
Therefore, let’s ensure they promote growth and resilience rather than risk stagnation.
Alastair Majury
Dunblane.
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Pumping out a bit of poetry to keep warm
As we cope with this cold winter weather I felt it appropriate to write this poem about life with an air-source heat pump.
"You must get an air-source heat pump",
Says the government with a smile,
They are a brilliant source of heating,
Reducing global warming for a while.
But although I regret to say it,
The information's a little flawed.
Your home must be super insulated,
With big pipes beneath your floor.
The equipment can be expensive,
And installation will cost money.
Bringing a building up to standard,
The disruption's far from funny.
And when you plan to get one fitted,
Ensure you have sufficient space.
Stuff in that once useful cupboard,
Must now be found another place.
They will tell you it's cheap to run,
But that may not be the case.
The pump can use a lot of power,
Working to give you a warm space.
Heat pumps are not a thing of beauty,
And sometimes have quite a buzz.
You must not upset your neighbours,
Who may not always feel the love.
When faced with severe cold weather,
The heating may be struggling to cope.
Your electric bill could be very high,
As all your hopes go up in smoke.
When your system requires maintenance,
Unfortunately costs can be quite high.
But, worse still if there's a breakdown,
There may not be an expert standing by.
For old houses, cottages and flats,
Heat pumps may never be efficient.
You may spend an awful lot of money,
And the payback may never be sufficient..
There are those who really love them,
And think they're quite fantastic.
But many have been disappointed,
And are rather less enthusiastic.
Unless you are very fortunate,
And have a well insulated home.
Carefully consider your heating plans,
And perhaps take note of this poem.
Barbie Miller
Grantown.
