Poetic result for mini hydro plant

Apr 17 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

BONNIE lassies and other country lovers will continue to soak up “The foaming stream deep-roaring fa’s” after a small hydro scheme is built above Robert Burns’ eloquently-described falls in the Birks of Aberfeldy.

The assurance given by landowner Donald Ogilvy Watson when he sought consent to construct a 985kw hydro electric plant, taking water from an existing weir on the Urlar Burn above the spectacular waterfalls, immortalised in 1787 by the Bard.

In his song, The Birks o’ Aberfeldie, Burns wishes above all else to be joined by his Bonnie Lassie of the moment to “spend the lightsome days” where “The braes ascend like lofty wa’s, The foaming stream deep-roaring fa’s, O’erhung wi’ fragrant spreading shaws, ...”

Satisfied there would be no adverse effects on the popular 21st century visitor attraction – and designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) – councillors on the development control committee of Perth and Kinross Council gave unanimous approval to the hydro scheme.

A licence from SEPA for the scheme has already been granted to the applicant, which stipulates conditions on the amount of water which can be extracted from the burn, the committee were told.

This would ensure that there would be no water extraction from the Urlar Burn during periods of low water levels.

Mr Ogilvy Watson, who lives at Urlar Farm, told the committee: “I need to diversify the farm operation and this hydro scheme is key to that.”

He explained that the scheme will utilise infrastructure of the former Scottish Water public supply for Aberfeldy which became redundant when a new system to pipe water from Killiecrankie came ‘on stream’. He also said that rent paid by him to Perth and Kinross Council, as owners of the Birks, could be ploughed back in to the Aberfeldy community.

After being given a detailed account of the proposed scheme, including the consultation process and potential benefits, by the applicant and his technical advisor, Development Control convener Willie Wilson moved approval of the application – as recommended by the council’s development quality manager Nick Brian.

Councillor Wilson commented: “We live in a society which wants to face two ways – to be a greener society and also to maintain ecological conditions in the countryside.”

He was seconded by ward councillor Ken Lyall, who said he was satisfied all regulations and conditions were in place. “I think there is a perception that this would affect tourism in the Birks but I am confident that the flow will not be visually affected too much.

“I am also pleased that proposed rent would go to the community.

“I think all-in-all it will be a good thing for the area.

“We are crying out for good hydro schemes and I think this will be one we can be proud of.”