Holyrood Debates Beauly/Denny Inquiry
The debate prompted by MSP Murdo Fraser resulted in MSPs of all parties condemning the conduct of the powerline inquiry - the biggest in Scotland’s history. In September 2005, the developers submitted applications to the Scottish Ministers to construct and operate the line. In August 2006, Scottish Ministers referred the application to a public inquiry. The inquiry started in February 2007 and it is hoped that the report of the inquiry will be submitted to Ministers during the course of 2008 for a final decision.
The proposed powerline would cut through four local authorities: Highland Council, Perth and Kinross, Stirling and Falkirk Councils. All four councils have lodged objections to the proposal. There has also been an objection from the Cairngorms National Park Authority, and a further objection was made by Clackmannanshire Council. In addition to this, 17,295 objections were made to the then Scottish Executive. |
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Murdo Fraser said: “My motion today refers to concerns raised about the handling and conduct of the public inquiry. Already before it began, this was something of a David versus Goliath contest. On one side is a multi-million-pound national company with very deep pockets; on the other community groups and charities that are stretched and find it difficult to fund expert advice against the legal and technical experts fielded by the Applicants.
Evidence Dismissed
“Evidence is being dismissed by the Reporters, stating that the evidence is inadmissible due to missing deadlines. Professor Andrew Bain OBE, an Economist and Former Visiting Professor at University of Glasgow said after giving evidence: “The reporters struck out some of the evidence I was giving on the grounds it should have been submitted at an unreasonably early date – in fact, before I’d even seen the material I was commenting on. The effect of this is there has been no significant criticism of key evidence. I knew it was going to be difficult but the procedures they are adopting make it difficult for the truth to come out.”
“Also, evidence that is being taken by the Reporters is not being fully examined as the reporters are rigidly sticking to the inquiry timetable. There is no chance to investigate important evidence.
Broader Issues
“Another problem with the inquiry is that it seems to presuppose that this power line is needed and that overhead transmission lines are the only way to transmit power from the Highlands to the rest of the UK. There is no real opportunity to question whether this power line is needed at all. And there is no recourse to fully discuss alternatives such as under-grounding or sub-sea transmission. There are broader issues at stake not being considered.
“Evidence being dismissed. Evidence not being fully investigated. The poor treatment of witnesses giving evidence. An assumption that a power line is needed. No real chance to discuss alternatives. I believe that all of this is fundamentally wrong. Many of people giving evidence do not have faith in this public inquiry after attending it. I do not want to see this public inquiry give a decision when it has lost the trust and faith of the people giving evidence.
Open & Transparent
“In conclusion Presiding Officer, I would like to quote your predecessor George Reid. When considering the proximity of the proposed route to the Wallace Monument, George Reid said “I cannot think of any other country which would permit such a blight so close to a landmark which symbolises the right of the people to be a nation.”
“With so much at stake, we must have a public inquiry that is open and transparent and so that all the views and evidence can be aired and the public can be satisfied with its conclusions. This is a serious issue that will impact on Scotland for generations to come. This public inquiry must get it right.”
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