Climbers and hillwalkers face losing the use of a remote Highland hut if a hydro-power scheme goes ahead, its owners said.
The Grampian Club has used the Inbhirfhaolain hut in Glen Etive for 57 years, but a planned scheme would taint its water supply, making the hut uninhabitable, it said.
The Dundee-based club has objected to the proposals by Fulham-based Dickins Hydro Resources to install a hydro scheme near the former roadmen’s hut.
The club said the sole water supply is from the nearby Allt Fhaolain burn at a designated collection point, a feature which appeals to many who favour a simple approach to enjoying the mountain environment. The hut is hired out at a cost of just £6 per person a night, and during the past seven years attracted occupancy of more than 4,500 bed-nights, providing a significant boost to the local economy, it said.
The 230-member club took the tenancy of Inbhirfhaolain hut in 1961 and bought the property and surrounding land in 1991.
Club spokesman David Gibson said: “The proposed scheme is a direct threat to this unique, low-cost accommodation which will be uninhabitable if the scheme goes ahead.
“Neither the developer nor its contractors have contacted the club nor have they made any assessment of impacts on occupancy resulting from changes to the water supply.
“They have not considered the broader issues arising from the scheme which would affect the amenity of the hut, which has provided low-cost accommodation for climbers and hillwalkers in Glen Etive for almost 60 years.
“If this scheme goes ahead, it is obvious that people will no longer be able to use the accommodation, and our members stand to lose the value of the property and its income, which is in any case reinvested in the property. The property may well be a write-off.
“The hydro power scheme threatening our property is one of no fewer than seven schemes proposed by Dickins Hydro within an 11km stretch of Glen Etive, which is part of the Ben Nevis Glen Coe National Scenic Area.
“If approved, these schemes would have a significant visual and physical impact on the wild land and amenity of the glen for walkers, climbers, photographers and canoeists and we hope that the Highland Council will exercise appropriate judgement in its assessment of the planning applications.”
The Grampian Club said the application states that during construction the flow in the river can be expected to be disrupted for periods of time, but has not considered the impact on occupancy of the hut.
“The risk of contamination during construction is stated in the application and the club is concerned about this and the ongoing agitation of the water which will be unfit for human consumption, with significant consequences for occupancy of the hut and its financial viability,” it said. “Had the applicant bothered to establish the water source for the hut this would have been obvious.”
It added that noise from the powerhouse turbines will be constant and intrusive in the secluded glen. Any noise from the turbines would detract considerably from the amenity and enjoyment of visitors to the hut, the club said, leading to a decline in occupancy and income as the deterioration in the hut’s established reputation and amenity became widely known.
The development would be visually intrusive, it added. The spokesman said the club also had rights to the water supply and access to it beyond its property boundary.
A spokesperson for Dickins Hydro said: “Dickins Hydro has been made aware of the concerns of the Grampian Club today and is currently considering the comments of the club and will issue a response once it has fully considered them.”
More details are on the Highland Council website.
Wainwrightwalker
20 July 2018How exactly will this taint the water supply?
Surely all you need is a water filter system. As long as you know this, you bring it with you and can still use the hut?
Keith
21 July 2018The tainting issue is from agitation of the water which occurs esp during construction this leads to a high mineral content which makes the water unfit for human consumption.
Why should water filters be used when this water has been untainted for decades prior to this hydro scheme?
Wainwrightwalker
21 July 2018Many thanks for reply. Makes more sense now.
Oldmanofthehills
23 July 2018The problem is that we need electricity or when fossil fuels get scarce our entire civilisation will grind to a halt - town, suburb and remote district - and hydro is more dependable timewise than wind. So the Scottish government is sensibly encouraging minor developments. Indeed the first hydro scheme I ever saw about 60 years ago was giving power to a Lodge.
However in this case the proposed hydro provider has neglected the impact during construction or afterwards which I think is a breech of proper process under CDM regulations and has not made any provision to ameliorate the disruption.
(Taking water from above the new dam by provision of more piping, sound proofing of turbine hall etc etc.)
Billy Stevenson
13 August 2018I have enjoyed visiting
Glen etive for more than 50 years.this project has given
No consideration to any person or providers within this beautiful Glen. The changes to environment,views,animals and noise will be outrageous.this following the massive clearing of forestry, having damaged the road surface. What will be next!!!
John Sinclair
13 August 2018A few facts
1.Glen Etive is not remote
2.Glen Etive is not unspoiled
3.Glen Etive has a community, no one is asking what they would like
4.Glen Etive school use to have 22 children
5.Glen Etive is fast becoming a play park for the few if not already