Environment

Holyrood Notebook by Edward Mountain

Campaigners from Caithness and Sutherland are among those who have joined forces to demand a rethink on large-scale energy developments in the north.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: Hike or bike to Ben Bhraggie above Golspie leads to fine views, but the easier tracks for cycling are in the glen below

Far North MP Jamie Stone and Highland MSP Ariane Burgess issued statements after Ofgem confirmed an energy price cap rise from April.

Dunnet Climate Cafe organised a special event at the weekend for local people to show their love for the community forest at Dunnet.

A Thurso musician and filmmaker has just released his first solo album based on the soundtrack of his recently acclaimed eco film.

A Highland partnership that has worked to reduce waste is to look back at its achievements as it gets ready to wind up after three years.

A new film is hoping to inspire less confident people out into the Caithness countryside to help with relaxation and wellbeing.

Gales of up to 70mph are set to batter the Highlands this weekend, the Met Office has warned.

Labour energy minister Michael Shanks says the north hosting such projects is ‘doing a favour for the rest of the country’.

A farming union leader has accused UK government representatives of choosing to “stick their heads in the sand” over changes to inheritance tax.

Campaigners have claimed that parts of Caithness and Sutherland will resemble “an apocalyptic wasteland” if plans for a new line of pylons go ahead.

Consultation events are being planned for Thurso and Halkirk in early March to outline plans for a battery energy storage facility near Spittal.

The owner of the now deserted Caithness island of Stroma has shared tales of life on the island in a new film.

Weather Watch by Keith Banks

Achalone residents say they have already experienced the noise disturbance and visual impact of a substation construction project.

A Highland councillor has advised those opposing the Banniskirk Hub scheme that a scaled-down development may be the best they can hope for.

SSEN Transmission says it has sought to achieve “the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective” in its Banniskirk Hub plans.

The chairman of a rural community council has warned that the push for major renewable energy schemes will “destroy the county that we live in”.

Residents are suffering “major anxiety” over the huge Banniskirk Hub scheme and fear they could be forced from their homes if it goes ahead.