'Five commitments I want from energy giant SSEN over massive Highland power line plan' by son of clan chief
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THE heat is being turned up on an energy giant to show it's being totally transparent over a contentious overhead power line that has sparked "deep opposition and concern".
Strathpeffer-based Colin Tarbat, eldest son of the Mackenzie clan chief at Castle Leod, is calling on SSEN to prove consultation over its proposals for a reinforced line between Beauly and Spittal in Caithness is not just a tick box exercise and to be open over the financial imperatives.
"Being asked to choose the least-worst of three proposals agreed behind closed doors appears unjust at best, an abuse of power and community democratic rights at worst."
In a letter to SSEN shared with a broad range of Highland politicians and representatives, he says many believe consultation to date has been "insufficient" and want the proposals reconsidered.
Outlining three main concerns, he warns consultation to date has been "a tick box exercise" and voices concern people most impacted are not getting a meaningful say.
He said: "Being asked to choose the least-worst of three proposals agreed behind closed doors appears unjust at best, an abuse of power and community democratic rights at worst."
He says the push to net zero – cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible – "must not be used as a tool to avoid public scrutiny, and mask the financial incentives from which SSEN will benefit and impacted communities will not".
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He notes most of Scotland's electricity consumption is already provided by renewable energy and says "a lack of openness can breed profound mistrust, resentment and a suspicion of greenwashing".
The third key concern is the impact on the Highland economy.
He said: "Unsurprisingly, more than half of tourists to Scotland would rather not visit scenic areas dominated by man-made structures such as pylons. Yet, SSEN's proposals are being made in an area heavily dependent on tourism, with thousands of businesses trying to recover the £1.5bn pre-pandemic visitor spend which supported 43 per cent of the workforce in some areas."
Noting Highland Council efforts to make his home village of Strathpeffer an area of special architectural and historic interest, he warns of "a lack of joined-up thinking" over SSEN proposals which look set to impact the village.
He wants SSEN to prove it is taking community feedback on board and will consider alternative options such as "subsea cabling, underground cabling, re-use of existing routes, or the possibility of alternative routes".
He said: "If proposals prioritise Net Zero over the potential impact on community, economy, heritage and landscape, the impacts need to be clearly considered, stated and quantified ahead of a thorough debate with those most affected."
He calls for "clarity on how SSEN will profit over the project lifecycle and fresh thinking on how financial benefits could best support those most impacted. e.g. preferential energy pricing for affected communities".
And he wants the "true environmental cost" of emissions, mining and resource-use required to source, manufacture, import, construct and maintain pylon materials and infrastructure throughout their lifecycle spelled out.
A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission said: “We remain fully committed to working closely with the local community and wider stakeholders to help inform the design of this nationally significant project."
It said its engagement "will be on-going, we will be working closely with the local community and stakeholders, seeking their input throughout the development of the project".
