YOUR VIEWS: Highland energy map is vital for local democracy

Local voices needed in planning system

Highland Council has rightfully agreed to implement Cllr Helen Crawford’s important motion to help communities deal with the plethora of Big Energy planning applications, including producing a regularly updated energy development cumulative impact map; something that is desperately needed to show councillors and residents the terrifying industrial tsunami that is engulfing us.

Other local authorities would be well advised to follow Highland Council’s lead on this.

Meanwhile, it suits the Scottish Government to excitedly leap into bed with the UK government with all the decorum of a ravenous Labrador in a dog food testing facility in a blatant joint attempt to efficiently speed up the destruction of our rural environment by the same global investment companies, against the wishes of the very people they are paid to protect.

The recent consultation announced by the UK government and excitedly embraced by Scottish ministers is a democratic outrage. It is intent on removing local voices and centralising planning powers to the benefit of the profit driven multinationals.

Campaigners have been aware for some time that forces within the SNP, both here and in Westminster, are ignoring the desperate situation their own constituents are finding themselves in with mental distress and devalued homes and speaking up and lobbying for the Big Energy companies that are merrily colonising our environment for profit .

The most distasteful part of this new “consultation” is to do away with the automatic public inquiry being triggered by a local authority objection to a large industrial development.

Local authorities should be listening to the people who live in the locality and representing their views – they don’t always but that is their job. To take away the opportunity for developers and their plans to be scrutinised in a public forum by crucially independent experts is a disgrace. That is our right and to deny us that means the only path open to us is court action against the Scottish Government for rubber stamping the demise of our way of life.

It is a crass and deliberate act to crush local democracy by those we pay to serve us.

The Holyrood elections are not so far away and every MSP should look in the mirror and ask themselves if throwing their rural citizens under Big Energy’s gravy train was worth it as constituents prepare to punish those who chose the side of the wealthy multinationals instead of theirs.

Lyndsey Ward

Spokeswoman for Communities B4 power Companies

Beauly

Creating a supportive environment

At the end of National Befriending Week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of friendship and connection in our lives. This week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the power of companionship, kindness and the positive impact that befriending can have on our communities.

Befriending isn’t just about social interaction; it’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and supporting one another through life's challenges. Many people, especially those who may feel isolated or alone, benefit greatly from a simple act of friendship. Whether through a friendly chat over a cup of tea, a phone call, or a shared activity, these gestures can make a world of difference.

For the past couple of years, I have been a volunteer for Marie Curie’s Companion at Home service. This service is vital for people living with a terminal illness, providing them and their loved ones with support from a companion for a few hours a week.

Having someone to talk to makes such a big difference to people affected by a terminal illness. We know that living with a diagnosis or as a carer for a loved one can be isolating, and we know the importance a regular visit from someone can make.

I encourage you to take part in volunteering with organisations that focus on befriending initiatives. Together, we can create a supportive environment that encourages everyone to feel valued and connected.

Let’s make a conscious effort to be there for one another, not just this week, but every day.

Jennifer Russell

Volunteer Companion

Marie Curie Scotland

Check your kidneys

I’m writing to you to encourage your readers to check their kidneys because we found that almost three in 10 people in Scotland (29 per cent) do not know the leading signs of chronic kidney disease, an illness that has no cure and affects one in 10 people in the UK (7.2 million people).

There has never been a better time to start a national conversation about kidney health, as the earlier someone is identified as having chronic kidney disease, the more can be done to prolong their kidney health and ultimately avoiding progressing to kidney failure which requires dialysis or transplant.

As part of our national Bloody Amazing Kidneys awareness campaign, we’re encouraging people to take a few minutes to see if they might be at risk of developing kidney disease. You can check yours at: www.kidneycareuk.org/kidneyhealthchecker-letter

Claire Maddison

Patient support and advocacy manager, Scotland

Kidney Care UK

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