Write a Letter to Politicians and others
Whilst some might think that our battle is won, now that SSE have submitted an application for an underground cable, it is important to keep up the political profile of the campaign. Two good reasons for this are: first, that the overhead line from Ullapool to Beauly might yet re-emerge if the application fails, and second, that other areas in the Highlands and Islands are still to be blighted by pylons and industrial developments as a result of the decision to take the link to Beauly.
The purpose of writing to politicians is to let the decision makers know the level of public opposition to the development of pylons through the Highlands and beyond. You can also usefully write to the company behind the power line proposals, Scottish and Southern Energy. For maximum impact, it is best to send a letter, not an e-mail. However, we recognise that e-mails are quicker and cheaper, so e-mail addresses are given where possible.
When planning applications for overhead power lines are submitted, we will aim to get as many people to object as possible. In this case, e-mails are equally acceptable, and we will provide a pro-forma letter to help with some general points, but please add your own thoughts to these.
Our current campaign issues page is currently being updated, so please check contact details before writing. People to write to are:

•   Members of Scottish and UK Parliaments - responsible for long term strategic planning in energy policy.

When writing to object, you should aim to keep to topics such as environmental effects for which there is good scientific evidence, or your personal opinion about matters such as the high value of Scottish landscapes and why they should not be spoiled. Note that there is now good evidence of a link between high voltage power lines and childhood cancers, and this will be of relevance to parts of the line that pass close to houses or schools.
  Write to Newspapers and Magazines
By writing to newspapers (local and national) and magazines, you can help to raise public awareness of what is being proposed.
The magazines to write to are those whose readership is likely to care about our landscapes. Examples are those dealing with hill walking and climbing, nature, or natural heritage.
If you are a member of an organisation then you might also write a letter to the editor of their journal. A few examples are:
•   John Muir Trust
•   Scottish Wildlife Trust
•   RSPB
•   The Ramblers
•   The Mountaineering Council of Scotland
•   The British Mountaineering Council
•   The National Trust for Scotland
  Tell your Friends and Colleagues
The more people that know, the better!
  Link to this web site
If you have a business or personal web site, please include a link to this site. This is an important way of publicising our campaign. Let us know, and we will include a link to your site in return.
  Give a Donation
As a voluntary organisation, we are largely dependent on donations to fund our work.
All donations are gratefully received - if you would like to help in this way, then please e-mail us, and we will give details of our postal address.


Page last updated 27 October 2008