Finlay Carson MSP has declared his support for the Highland Convention’s call to pause large-scale energy infrastructure developments until a clear national energy strategy is in place. While over 50 Highland community councils have already backed the Convention, Mr Carson is urging communities across Galloway and West Dumfries to do the same.
“This is exactly the kind of message we need to send from Galloway,” Mr Carson said. “Our region is facing an onslaught of wind farms, pylons, and battery storage proposals—often with little or no meaningful consultation. Local voices are being ignored, and our landscapes and livelihoods are at risk.”
In Galloway, residents have been left devastated by the Scottish Government’s approval of the Kendoon to Tongland pylon scheme, despite overwhelming local opposition and a public inquiry recommending refusal. Most recently the Stop Lairdmannoch campaign has been supported by 100’s of objections.
Since 2022, over 30 major energy projects—including wind farms with turbines exceeding 200 metres—have been approved in Dumfries and Galloway alone
“These are not community-led projects,” Mr Carson added. “They are industrial-scale developments imposed on rural areas with no regard for the cumulative impact on our environment, tourism, or quality of life.”
“I fully support the aims of the Highland Convention. While we must continue to tackle climate change, we cannot do so at the expense of our rural communities, our natural environment, and our democratic processes. The current approach to planning right across Scotland is fragmented and unfair, and it risks undermining the very fabric of our rural way of life. I continue to urge the Scottish Government to listen to the voices of local people and to act now to ensure that development is both sustainable and just.”
The Highland Convention’s statement:
- Recognises the urgency of climate action but opposes unjust industrialisation of rural Scotland.
- Demands meaningful community consultation and respect for local democratic decisions.
- Calls for a national planning inquiry into the cumulative impact of energy infrastructure.
- Urges a pause on all major applications until a coherent national strategy is in place.
Mr Carson is encouraging community councils and local groups in Dumfries and Galloway to submit a short statement of support by 10 August, which will be presented at the next Highland Convention in Inverness on 12 August.
Statements should be sent to: [email protected]
CC: [email protected] (Help Save Mochrum Fell group)
“This is a crucial moment for rural Scotland,” Mr Carson concluded. “Let’s stand together to ensure our communities are heard and protected—before it’s too late.”