Leading nature conservation charity, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, welcomes the rejection of plans for a hydro-electric development in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Highland Council.

Earlier this year, the Trust objected to the proposal for a hydro-electric development that would damage the nationally significant habitats within the An Teallach SSSI in the north-west Highlands.

An Teallach is instantly recognisable for its dramatic mountain landscape and is a nationally protected SSSI due to its assemblage of upland plants in grassland and heathland habitats. The proposed development would have been on the Ardessie Burn – known for its waterfalls – and would have included extensive creation of tracks, damaging the fragile upland environment.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust supports the development of new small scale hydro-electric facilities as part of Scotland’s energy portfolio but only where there would not be unacceptable loss, modification or fragmentation of important species, habitats and ecosystems. 

The Scottish Wildlife Trust Living Landscape Policy Officer, John McTague, said: “SSSIs are some of the most important sites for biodiversity in the country and make up a vital part of landscape-scale conservation efforts. 

“We commend the Highland Council for rejecting this application and acknowledging that the negative impacts on biodiversity, and the importance of this designated site, outweighed the amount of energy produced.  

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust believes that nationally designated sites are not the appropriate location for energy developments and Scotland should take care to site renewable energy developments in areas that will not cause negative impacts on biodiversity. “

To read the objection letter, please click here.