Shieldaig Hydro Scheme (Badachro and Horrisdale Rivers)

The welcome news has been received that the Scottish Executive have turned down the application to build the Shieldaig Hydro Scheme. The threat has now been lifted on the Badachro and Horrisdale rivers and one of the finest & remotest tracts of wild land in the whole of the country. Although the impact on the opportunity for canoeing was not specifically given as a reason for refusal, letters of concern by paddlers added to the large number of objections and helped make the case against the scheme.

In the announcement by the Scottish Executive, Deputy Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald said :

"We have a responsibility to balance renewable energy benefits with potential negative impacts on the environment and local communities. In this instance the potential impact of this scheme, now and in the future, on an area of national and international significance is simply too high and outweighs the potential benefits."

The SCA welcomes this decision and hopes that it signals a fuller assessment of the impact of planned hydro electric schemes and a greater consideration of the range of renewable energy sources available.

Last updated 22/3/04