At the end of May, NEMT sent out a four question survey to all members to get guidance on how to respond to the proposed Loch Fearna / Quoich pumped storage scheme. We received back 21 replies which, not surprisingly, covered a wide range of views.
Opinion was divided equally across all of the four questions, with no majority for either routinely objecting or not objecting. This is useful information because it suggests that NEMT should avoid taking any extreme position on the subject. However, many replies agreed with the theme that a "core principle of the NEMT is to protect our environment for the future". Most people recognised that, as we move to increased use of intermittent energy sources for generating electricity, "energy storage capacity must be greatly increased".
Two people argued that the "current commercial free for all" isnīt working and that there is "a need for a long term strategic approach". While NEMT agrees with this point, convincing our politicians to adopt a planned strategic approach rather than let market economics decide things might be a tough ask.
Two other people made the point that it might be better to focus our efforts on campaigning against intrusive onshore wind farms such as the Hill of Fare and giant pylons.
So, what are we going do about the Loch Fearna / Quoich scheme when it moves to a full planning application? The matter needs to be discussed at the next Trustees meeting but is likely to comprise some of the following,
Thank you to all members who took part in the survey.
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