Former councillor wades into Aberfeldy hydro debate from other side of the world
Debate over controversial proposals for a hydro scheme at the Birks of Aberfeldy has reached the other side of the world.
- By Sandra Gray
- Published in the Courier : 13.02.12
- Published online : 13.02.12 @ 05.33pm
Despite moving to Tasmania almost a year ago, former Highland Perthshire councillor Ken Lyall has been keeping a close eye on proceedings in his old ward via a blog.
During his time with Perth and Kinross Council, he supported the plans as they would have provided much-needed cash for the Aberfeldy Common Good Fund.
His views, however, landed him in hot water with the SNP following his reported difficulties with a constituent over his support for the proposed hydro scheme.
Mr Lyall was suspended from the party and made the subject of an inquiry after concerns were raised over the contents of email correspondence to constituents, although he was later reinstated.
Freed of the constraints of what were part of being an elected councillor, he has now spoken out about the return of plans for the Birks of Aberfeldy.
Describing the ongoing balloting process as ''a sham'', Mr Lyall said he hopes the scheme is given the green light.
''The vast majority of the town are either supportive or do not mind — this referendum will prove nothing,'' he said. ''I hope it goes ahead despite the dithering of local councillors.''
His opinion, however, has been disputed by resident Andrew Pointer, who advised the former councillor that during a community council ballot many locals opposed the hydro scheme.
He also asked why Mr Lyall was in favour of the proposals.
''I just don't understand why you, as a fervent SNP supporter, are so keen to assist the landed gentry in this way and despoil the town's key asset in the process,'' Mr Pointer put it to Mr Lyall.
''It is a disgrace that SEPA, Scottish National Heritage and Perth and Kinross Council approved this scheme in a gorge which is such a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI), part of the River Tay Special Area of Conservation and probably the important tourism attraction for the area.
''The Perth and Kinross tourism survey concluded that visitors to the Birks bring over £1 million to the local economy. It would be economic madness to risk ruining the waterfalls for the sake of £50,000.''
These arguments, however, were described by Mr Lyall as ''quite illogical''.
He responded: ''You are saying that you don't need a majority, you just need to turn up mass-handed to any community council meeting and complain.
''Your argument does not hold any water, as usual. I have travelled halfway around the world to get away from people like you."
08.53am - 16.02.2012 RON ROSE - STIRLING, SCOTLAND Report This
In a democracy, it is surely the majority of stated views and not the perceived or privately held, yet unstated views, which must drive decisions irrespective of turnout. Even the UK Government has finally accepted this point by removing the minimum turnout requirement (applied in 1979) for any independence referendum. Does Mr Lyall think they are wrong?
06.40pm - 16.02.2012 Austen Brown - West Kilbride, Ayrshire Report This
The construction of a hydro scheme has little or nothing to do with democrtacy. As usual, people with little or no financial interest wish to have 'control'. Those opposing the plans on tourist grounds might consider that most water falls in Scotland in winter when there are no tourists in sight
07.10pm - 16.02.2012 Austen Brown - West Kilbride, Ayrshire Report This
Should objectors on tourist grounds wish to make a positive contribution, they might consider asking that a higher summer compensation flow is maintained at peak viewing times. A similar arrangement occurs at the Falls of Clyde
10.18am - 17.02.2012 RON ROSE - STIRLING, SCOTLAND Report This
As a former resident of my birth town, I can assure Mr Brown that there is plenty rainfall most of the year round, he does however make a valid point and a good suggestion re compensation flow during the relatively short "height of summer" period. For the record, I am neutrally stanced.
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