The Scotland Futures On-line survey

This is an opportunity to make your views know about what you do or don’t want happening to the land of Caithness!

The Scottish Land Commission is inviting people throughout Scotland to take part in events and also a survey. The events are intended to explore how land can be used to shape the future of the local community as part of wider efforts to build a fairer, greener Scotland.  The Commission is particularly keen to hear from residents, community groups, landowners, businesses and anyone with an interest in how land decisions affect life in the far north of Scotland. Read more about the background and access the survey form here

The Caithness event will take place at the Norseman Hotel, Wick, at 7pm on Thursday, September 4 and you can book your place here

Agritourism Survey

There is also currently a very disappointing Agritourism survey under way.  It seems more of a data collecting exercise for existing businesses rather than significantly informing the Scottish Government's aim -

“The Scottish Government is actively supporting the growth of agritourism through the Scottish Agritourism Strategy and its implementation. This strategy aims to boost the sector's value, increase the number of participating farms, and enhance visitor experiences while promoting sustainable practices. "

In our view, a survey should be much wider and cover all rural tourism rather than the restrictive definition of Agritourism put out by the body Scottish Agritourism -   "tourism or leisure on a working farm, croft, or estate that produces food or fleece".

If they want the sector to grow they should be trying to identify what is stopping more people from getting involved. In Caithness, it is obvious.  What farmer or landowner would want to invest in holiday accommodation say, if they feel continually at risk of the immediate environment being trashed by giant turbines or other energy related industrialisation?

The minister responsible for Agritourism is Mairi Gougeon, who serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and the Islands. We urge you to write to her making your views known regarding the limitations for Agritourism in Caithness unless some form of landscape safeguards can be put in place. Link here.

Objections: Ayre Offshore Wind Farm

 As Highland Renewables Database points out "It is premature to consider this application and it should not be considered in isolation, but rather as part of the application for the whole wind farm" ** their

Objections guidance and details here

Finally, Thanks! Many thanks to all those who contributed to the recent press coverage regarding Lochquoy and Olrig Hill. The front page item remained in the top four most popular web items for most of the week. The quotes and photos of people are what make a real difference to getting peoples attention!

** closing dates are not always as defined on the portal - for example 30 days after the press notice often means that the closing date is amended to later.

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Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you can help us or we can help you!

Interested in helping to save the landscape and rural environment of Caithness?

Save Caithness has two main aims: i) to embark on carefully selected specialist campaigns intended to take a pro-active approach to protecting our rural environment and raising awareness of the serious issues faced by residents and wildlife and ii) to provide useful general guidance on how to object to energy related planning applications along with facilitating access to more detailed information about current applications  Stay updated about our activities by signing up for our mailing list here.