Warning: SSEN substation plan threatens to “devastate” tranquil Loch Ness site near famous Boleskine House
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Trustees of historic Boleskine House are leading a Loch Ness-side community’s fight against an electricity substation upgrade they say would “devastate” the local environment.
The property, made famous through associations with past owners including occultist Aleister Crowley and Led Zeppelin rock star Jimmy Page, sits in a tranquil and scenically stunning location.
The charitable Boleskine House Foundation’s trustee chairman Keith Readdy, who has been rebuilding the fire-ravaged mansion for the last five years, is backed by members of the surrounding community.
They want power giant SSEN to reconsider a planning proposal that would double the footprint of the Foyers switching station between Inverfarigaig and Boleskine.
They say it would remove the visual barrier screening the substation from Boleskine House and other properties, while “damaging our natural heritage and wildlife”.
However, SSEN say the plan remains in the early stages and vowed to work with residents to “mitigate” the effects of the substation expansion
As part of the upgrade proposed, 2.5 acres of forest that screens the site from view - including registered ancient woodland - would be logged.
Mr Readdy, community representatives and small business owners are horrified by the potential impact on the character of a species-rich habitat valued by locals and visitors alike.
Consultation on an early stage Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) by SSEN ends today.
Mr Readdy is urging others who value the Loch Ness-side environment and the heritage of Boleskine House to make their voices heard at this and other planning stages.
He said: “Local businesses in the area run holiday lets and this would be devastating for them.
“The great attraction here is the peace, quiet and solitude and we will have lorries and substations built around us, becoming industrialised.
“From a Boleskine House Foundation perspective, I’d like to make it clear that we support Scotland transitioning to net-zero. There’s nothing about this we’re against in terms of the grid and energy capacity.
“It is the design and the way it is situated, the removing of trees, and the impact that’s going to have.
“We, alongside the local residents group, are addressing that with SSEN in the hope they will take it on board as a real public consultation exercise not just a box-ticking exercise.”
As well as investing in a £1.5 million rebuilding of Boleskine House, the Foundation has worked to replenish the biodiversity of the environment around it, reinvigorating natural wetlands and creating wildflower walks and nature pathways.
When it is complete, possibly as early as next year, it will be open to the public on a controlled basis with emphasis on being a venue for retreat, serenity and good health.
Mr Readdy added: “In that light, you can see how proposals to log a hectare of trees right next door, putting in pylons and huge extensions in place, are at odds with those aspirations. “
For the last eight years, married couple Philip Crowe and Anna Low have poured similar energy and expense into reviving the former Foyers Hotel as the bespoke, luxury Foyers Lodge guesthouse.
The property is now a multi-awarding winning success, listed in national and international publications as being as one of the best adult-only hotels in the world, among the best affordable hotels in Europe, along with a host of UK and Scottish accolades.
The couple are also dismayed by the SSEN proposals.
Mr Crowe said: “It is the tranquillity of the area that is the big attraction for people.
“We have invested all our money, time and effort in making a success of Foyers Lodge over the last eight years, at a property that lay empty and unloved.
“I’m very concerned about the impact this would have on our business and, equally, on the beautiful, untainted serenity of the whole area.
“I’m a realist and recognise the need for progress in energy infrastructure.
“We are facing a flurry of hydro scheme applications, such as the Loch Kemp project, and another is proposed directly across Loch Ness from us.
“As a small business providing jobs for local people and investing in the community, I’m worried.
“I think the attitude of SSEN is a little bit disingenuous. They are planning infrastructure for projects not yet approved.
“We’re saying it is really sharp practice and unjustified on behalf of SSEN.
“Loch Ness is surely one of the top five attractions in terms of bringing in international visitors, yet we risk turning the loch into one great theme park for hydro-electric pumped storage.
“If they want to kill tourism in this area, they are certainly going the right way about it.”
Councillor Helen Crawford of the Aird and Loch Ness Ward is unable under strict voting rules to comment in a way that might prejudge the planning decision.
But she acknowledged that feelings were running high in the local area, adding: “As a matter of principle, developers of major infrastructure such as that at Foyers are obliged to ensure that the consultation process is robust and genuine.
“I am watching many of these consultations across my Ward, and I am hearing loud and clear from people who are concerned that the consultations are not being conducted in a meaningful way.
“People have expressed concern to me about the consultation process, and the impact that developments will have on their way of life including their health, businesses, the Highland landscape, and cultural heritage.
“I have heard from many Boleskine residents in particular and am closely following the issue regarding the woodland.”
A spokeswoman for SSEN Transmission said: “We’re proposing to extend the existing switching station at Foyers to accommodate new electrical infrastructure and replace the existing equipment which is fast approaching the end of its operational life.
The project involves expanding the switching station site by around 30m x 118m, replacing the electrical transformers at the substation as well as replacing the existing underground cable connection between the switching station and power station.
“We’re aware of the concerns from Boleskine House Foundation around potential tree felling in the area, and will continue to liaise with them as the project develops further.
“The project is still in the early development phase and we will continue to work with all stakeholders as the project progresses to take on board any feedback and mitigate the impact of our project wherever we can.”
Some of the woodland near Boleskine House under threat of felling is listed in the Ancient Woodland Inventory. It falls within the Ness Woods special conservation area, Easter Ness Forest SSSI and the Inverfarigaig SSSI.
SSEN’s own submission contains a report the woods contain rich plant habitat and species including bats, red squirrels, badgers and otters.
Boleskine House, stretching to 35 acres in grounds, has a 260-year history and was once home to Archibald Campbell Fraser, son of executed Jacobite leader Lord Lovat.
