By John Lamont MP
begins
We all know that we have been inundated in recent years by proposals for mega-pylons, broadband poles, solar panel sites, wind farms, data centres and battery storage systems.
The sheer scale of new energy infrastructure being proposed across rural Scotland, especially in our area, is astonishing and alarming.
I think we all understand the need for some new developments but the volume of projects being proposed in the Borders is far beyond what is necessary.
On top of that, projects need to understand and respect the views of local communities. Every scheme should have the support of the residents who actually live and work in the area affected.
I don't believe the current energy infrastructure projects are proportionate or reasonable. I also don't think those behind most projects have listened to the views of the communities they will impact.
Rural communities like ours are being asked to carry a disproportionate burden for the expansion of Scotland's energy infrastructure. It's wrong and it needs to change.
We live in one of the most beautiful parts of Britain and we all want to see the local landscapes protected and maintained for future generations to enjoy too.
I believe our collective passion for the countryside is the main reason that plans for kilometres of mega-pylons and other massive energy infrastructure projects have been so poorly received in the Borders.
We don't want to see the countryside scarred, the environment damaged permanently and habitats lost for good.
I raised these concerns recently with the chair of Ofgem, Mark McAllister, at the site of the mega-pylons scheme.
I also pushed the UK government for more information on recent proposals for financial compensation. There is so little detail about what is being proposed it is almost impossible to know who will even benefit from this scheme or how much they could receive.
However, even if some small number of people receive some compensation, local objections are not about the money. Our concern is the impact that pylons and related electricity infrastructure projects will have on our environment, landscapes and communities.
As your MP, I will continue to stand up for the Borders and make sure our rural communities are not simply treated as a convenient place to put giant infrastructure projects without proper consideration of the consequences.
Protecting Scotland's energy future is important but it shouldn't come at the expense of our countryside.
