53 community councils from Kiltarlity to Caithness unite to demand pause on energy projects across Highlands
“From today, we can say to our elected members, our MSPs, and our MPs: take that to Scottish Government, take that to the UK Government – and crack on!”
That was the closing call from Cllr Helen Crawford as she brought a packed public meeting in Beauly to a powerful close yesterday, following unanimous support for a joint statement from 53 community councils calling for a pause on major energy infrastructure developments sweeping the region.
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Hosted at Phipps Hall, the Highland-wide convention of community councils drew a turnout far exceeding expectations. Crowds spilled into the doorways and extra seats had to be laid out on the stage as around 300 people took part in total – including 43 who joined remotely via video call.
Described as the largest gathering of community councils in Highland Council history, the event welcomed delegates from Skye, Caithness, Nairn and dozens of communities in between, collectively representing more than 72,000 residents.
Applause frequently broke out in passionate response to key points from speakers, with a sense of shared frustration and solidarity clearly evident in the room.
The event culminated in unanimous support for a joint statement drafted by the hosting panel, backed by all present with a show of hands.
The statement acknowledged the reality of climate change but rejected what it described as the "unjust and unnecessary industrialisation" of the Highlands.
A three-point call urged elected members to “urgently support and protect our communities at national level,” warning that “community consultation is inadequate” and that decisions made locally are being “consistently disregarded by the Scottish Government.”
It also called for a national “planning enquiry commission” to assess the “whole cumulative impact” of energy developments, and demanded a “pause for all major applications” until a “clear national energy policy” and full “economic impact assessment” are in place, citing risks to both tourism and population stability in the Highlands.
In her opening remarks, convention chair Cllr Helen Crawford stressed that the event was a “time to speak” for CC members.
“This is your time to speak, so that we can hear the totality of what the pylon lines, the substations, wind turbines, pumped hydro, battery storage, workers camps, all that ancillary infrastructure, what that totality means for the Highlands,” she said. “You know your community and you represent them and your voice matters.”
Speaking for Kirkhill & Bunchrew CC, Cameron Kemp called for elected members to support and protect communities at a national level.
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“As far back as 2019, Scotland produced significantly more wind energy than required domestically,” he said.
“Despite this surplus, renewable infrastructure continues to disproportionately target the Highlands, sterilising vast swathes of land including vital peatlands, forestry and farmland. We currently have amongst the highest electricity prices in Europe.
“We are told of community benefits, but this does not equate to what is to be taken away from us. The negative impact on families, people’s mental health, local businesses, the value of homes, has not been assessed or properly compensated for.”
Kiltarlity CC’s Susan Ogston said developments such as the proposed Fanellan substation threatened to “change our village forever”.
She said: “If SSEN is allowed to use our roads as a thoroughfare, the character and charm of our community will be irreversibly altered. But this is not just about aesthetics – it’s about our health, our safety, and our way of life.
“The number of community councils represented here today is a testament to our shared commitment. Now, we call on our councillors and politicians at both local and national levels, to match that commitment.
“Let us stand together. Let us make our voices heard.”
James Duncan, representing Strathdearn, said: “At this very moment, we have thirteen wind farms surrounding our community, but we also have another six in the pipeline, bringing the total number to 19 wind farms surrounding our beautiful and idyllic landscape.
“When these windfarms are all up and running, our wee Glen, which is 22 miles long and about six miles wide, will produce enough power to run 70 per cent of all housing in Scotland – all this while we pay more for our energy than anywhere in Europe and watch almost helplessly while our beautiful flora and fauna are irreparably damaged.
In the far north, Stuart Mills of Halkirk CC, said his area had been “under siege” from developments.
“We must remind ourselves are business ventures designed to make a profit. In coming up with a plan, we need to value our current quality of life and provide reliable and cheap power to all users, recognising our local environment and housing stock.”
Sheila Campbell-Lloyd, speaking on behalf of Ardross, spoke passionately about how her community was “feeling overwhelmed”.
“We currently have seven windfarm schemes in scoping or planning around our area, added to the five that are already in place, or being constructed,” she explained.
“Enough is enough. We need to press the pause button, step back and really consider what we are doing, because when our beautiful countryside is lost, it will be lost forever.”
More coverage to follow.
