Chair's update -

Stuart Dean provides an update on the many issues Affecting the Ochils
Friends of the OchiIs continues to be involved in numerous issues that demand our attention and it is important that, as an organisation, we make sure that our voice is heard when appropriate. Many of these issues are ongoing and key decisions rest with other parties, but we are doing all we can to ensure that, when decisions are made, they respect the value to so many people of the Ochils landscape. Let me give you a flavour of some of them.

We now hear that the developers of the Burnfoot Hill wind farm wish to revisit the whole issue of the grid connection from the windfarm to the National Grid, and are in discussions with Clackmannanshire Council over a new route down the scarp faces to the substation at Fishcross. This is in spite of the council stating in the BFH conditions that such a route was not approved. If the developer decides to pursue such a route FotO will be making strong representation to the council and others on the matter.

Some of you may be aware that Paradise Pool on the Wharry Burn on Sheriffmuir has been seriously damaged by the landowner. The burn has been rerouted and the water level in the pool lowered by five feet; this well-known wild swimming beauty spot is no more. Following a letter of strong complaint by FotO, the matter is now in the hands of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

A German wind farm company, WBO, has submitted a planning application to Fife Council to erect five wind turbines, each 120 metres high, to the North West of Saline. These would have a significant impact on views both from and into the OchiIs, as well as adding to the cumulative impact of windfarms already consented such as Green Knowes and Burnfoot Hill. FotO has submitted a formal objection. Meanwhile, an application to Perth and Kinross Council for wind turbines above Athron Hall in the OchiIs above Milnathort – to which we objected – has been withdrawn.

As Nicki Baker's update on the Beauly to Denny powerline details, we are now awaiting a decision by the Minister and we desperately hope that, whatever the outcome, the OchiIs landscape will be saved from further damage.

We continue to work closely with both the Ochils Landscape Partnership on its development, and the various access forums on core path developments. One such issue to which we are giving our attention is the way that a replacement bridge over the Gannel Burn in Tillicoultry Glen is handled by all concerned. Evidently the present bridge has a limited life span, but we are concerned that any replacement does not detract from the'quality of wildness'of that place. Our position on such matters will be informed by the draft policy statement enclosed with this newsletter, and I would ask that you help the committee to finalise the policy through the consultation.

Finally, the FotO leaflet has been updated and reprinted and will be used to extend the profile and understanding of the organisation, hopefully increasing our membership! And I look forward to seeing you at our AGM on 10 November at 7.30pm in Alloa Town Hall.

Thank you for your continued support of FotO; it gives the Committee both strength and confidence when dealing with the many issues affecting the OchiIs.

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