Environmental Issues

There are a number of environmental issues which are becoming increasingly relevant and important in relation to the management of fisheries in general and the Deveron in particular.

We would like to highlight some of these issues and provide links to sources of further information for those fishermen and visitors who may be concerned about the effects.

Windfarms

There is a very large scale windfarm proposed for the Clashindarroch forest (Bogie system). This project is currently 'on-hold' after the application for the proposal was refused after a Public Inquiry. Our chairman, Malcolm Hay, made a representation to the Public Inquiry which was instrumental in presenting the case against the windfarm.

Further information on the Clashindarroch proposal can be found on the website set up to provide information to the local communities affected.

An interesting article on the environmental effects of windfarms, starting with a description of the landslide failure at Derrybrien in Ireland which caused considerable damage to local rivers and fish stocks, can be read on the New Scientist website.

Another report concerning the failure at Derrybrien and the issues raised about building on blanket bog can be downloaded from the SWAP site.

Another serious failure from the Braes of Doune wind farm near Stirling affecting the River Teith Special Area of Conservation is documented by the Friends of the Braes.

Scottish Rural Development Programme.

SGRPID (Scottish Rural Payments & Inspections Directorate ) formerly SEERAD has announced a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland over the next seven years but remains in draft until approved by the European Commission and translated into domestic legislation by the Scottish Parliament.

It brings together a wide range of formerly separate support schemes including those covering the farming, forestry and primary processing sectors, rural enterprise and business development, diversification and rural tourism. It includes measures to support and encourage rural communities and delivers the LEADER initiative for local innovation in rural areas.

Each of the 11 regions for SRDP will establish a set of 'Regional Priorities', in consultation with local stakeholders, which will contribute to the five key SRDP outcomes:

• improving business viability
• enhancing biodiversity and the landscape
• improving water quality
• tackling climate change
• supporting thriving rural communities

Individuals, businesses and formally constituted groups are invited to put forward proposals on how they would contribute to these Regional Priorities. Regional Proposal Assessment Committees will select those proposals offering to deliver the greatest benefit.

Rural Priorities will be delivered jointly by SGRPID, SNH and FCS through area offices.

For further details, please see the Rural Priorities information leaflet. The leaflet is also available in pdf format (315kb).