Joint Statement:
An on site meeting took place at Dumyat last Friday between a number of stakeholders and SPEN . There was an opportunity for SPEN and the contractors to explain how the path was being constructed . A number of people representing different organisations expressed their views these included the following:
The visual look of the path
The loss of the natural rock outcrop
The over engineered construction
The need to do something about the bogging area
The original lack of signage
The width of the path
The steepness of the path
After a discussion facilitated by Councillor Alasdair Tollemache the following was agreed:
1The section of path which has been started will be completed
2 Once this is completed there will be period when people can look at this and feedback given
3 There will be parts of the path where potentially no work will be done
4 The bogging section will be resolved
5 if there is a feeling amongst the stakeholders that he path construction is not want people want it would be removed
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
SPEN STATEMENT
Dumyat Hill Path Statement
The recently started project to improve the Dumyat Hill path has given rise to some local concern. The project was approved by the Beauly Denny Partnership Group, which includes representatives from Stirling Council, the Scottish Government Central Scotland Green Networks and SP Energy Networks, and was designed following an extensive period of consultation. The work is intended to address the ongoing deterioration of the existing path as it continues to grow in popularity, and was taken forward by SP Energy Networks as part of its commitment to invest in local visual mitigation projects following the construction of the new power line.
In order to address the concerns raised, recent meetings have been held with a range of stakeholders, including a number of local elected representatives. The discussions covered the sensitivity of the Ochil Hills landscape and provided an opportunity for SP Energy Networks and its contractors to explain the construction process and the techniques employed.
SP Energy Networks Transmission Director, Pearse Murray, said:
“The recent meetings have been constructive and we are pleased to be able to take forward a range of improvements that have been initiated locally and endorsed by both The Beauly Denny Legacy Steering Group, and the Beauly Denny Partnership Group. The contractors working on the project are highly experienced specialists, with an extensive track record of working in environmentally sensitive areas. We apologise for the short-term impacts while the work is underway, but the end result will deliver improvements in keeping with the local landscape and the vision that was approved by the Partnership Group.”