Anger over hydro electric scheme

Residents are worried about noise pollution and water supplies

A campaign has been launched against plans for a hydro electric scheme in a Highland Perthshire glen.

Shawater Ltd has applied for permission for a 1.2MW power station in the heart of Invervar in Glen Lyon.

The proposed power house would be built in the old smithy, 100m from the majority of homes in the village.

The Invervar Community Association said the proposal would "blight" the community. The developers have been unavailable for comment.

Residents have called for the plans to be modified to minimise the impact on the village, tourism and the environment.

Devastating impact

Campaign spokesman Fiona Grant said: "We support a sensitively sited hydro scheme being built on the Invervar burn but this proposal will have a devastating impact on the community.

"We have raised these concerns with our local MSP John Swinney about out homes being bombarded with noise and the private water supply from the burn drying up.

"This is an ill-conceived scheme that rides rough shod over local concerns."

Other objectors to the scheme include the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, the Scottish Ramblers and the Scottish Canoe Association.