By John Lamont MP
People across the Scottish Borders feel very strongly about what is happening to our countryside.
I regularly hear from local residents who are very frustrated by the sheer number of energy projects that are being proposed near our towns and villages.
Recently, I saw the depth of this feeling at the first ever South of Scotland Convention of Community Councils, which was held in Jedburgh.
The event was organised by Bob Hope, the chair of Leitholm, Eccles and Birgham community council, who deserves a lot of praise for bringing together local politicians like myself and MSP colleague Rachael Hamilton alongside representatives from dozens of local councils to discuss the situation.
At the event, I signed a joint statement calling for a pause on energy infrastructure projects across the South of Scotland.
Across the Borders we are seeing application after application for major infrastructure developments: wind farms, solar farms, battery storage sites, data centres and mega-pylons. They risk overwhelming rural communities and permanently altering beautiful landscapes that define our local area.
What concerns residents most is how remote and unaccountable the decision-making process feels. Local objections are brushed aside, consultation often seems tokenistic, and responsibility is endlessly passed between governments.
While there is plenty wrong with the Labour government's approach, the problem in the Borders seems to be the SNP's failure to establish an effective planning framework and a system that works for all.
At the convention, people spoke with passion, frustration and, in many cases, anger. They feel decisions are being taken by those far removed from the consequences, with little understanding of rural life or the cumulative effect these projects can have on jobs, tourism, farming and quality of life.
It was telling that, while representatives from across the political spectrum were willing to unite behind a common statement, the SNP would not sign it. The relevant Scottish Government minister also did not even attend, an absence that spoke volumes.
The lack of engagement on this critical issue has left Borders residents feeling that their views are being ignored by the SNP government.
Decisions of such a vast scale should not be dictated from the top down without regard for those who live with the consequences.
I will continue to stand up for Borders residents, challenge unfair and excessive developments, and fight to ensure local voices are respected.
