2nd Community Councils Convention on the Impact of Major Energy Infrastructure Projects
Some 60 Community Councils from the HIghland region, representing about 80,000 people gathered for the 2nd Convention, held on 12th August in Inverness. Sleat Community Council was one of the host groups. Community groups and councils from outside the area also attended, and 11 MPs and MSPs from the region, but no representatives from Scottish or UK governments came along.
The Convention called for an immediate pause on major energy infrastructure planning approvals. While recognising the need for net zero, current planning policy is seen as prioritising energy targets over environmental protection, community wellbeing, and infrastructure capacity. Issues include “salami slicing” of large projects to avoid full assessment, strain on inadequate rural roads, and risks to landscapes, biodiversity, and tourism. A more balanced, regionally sensitive approach is being called for.
Watch the video recording here. A BBC piece can be viewed here, and the Inverness Courrier report is here.