Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
22/07/2013

Sound Of Barra To Be Protected

The Sound of Barra, located in the Western Isles, is to be designated a site of Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The move by the Scottish Government will help protect a pristine marine environment as well as give its wildlife and habitats international recognition.

The decision for the SAC, which has been met by fierce opposition over fears it would restrict fishing in the area, was approved following an independent review which looked at the scientific case for the designation.

The reviewers concluded they are satisfied that the scientific data was robust.

As part of the new status, Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse has accepted the recommendation for designation with boundary changes to remove non-qualifying habitat. This means the world famous Traigh Mhor beach airport is no longer within the site boundary.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

The Sound of Barra will now be put forward to the European Commission for inclusion in plans for an EU-wide network of SACs.

Mr Wheelhouse said: "Thanks to generations of careful stewardship by the local community, Sound of Barra is a diverse and precious environment, home to important seal populations with reefs and sandbanks that support many species.

"The concerns of the local community have been taken into consideration and we will be implementing a new bottom up approach to the management structure to ensure as much local involvement as possible. I want all those with an interest to have the opportunity to work constructively together on securing a bright future for Sound of Barra and the wider region. I look forward to visiting again shortly to discuss the next steps with the local community.

"The scientific case for designation as a Special Area of Conservation has been found to be robust and that's why, after careful consideration, I've decided to accept the proposal. The outstanding beauty of Barra and its growing reputation as an important nature location can only be enhanced by SAC status, increasing tourism to the island.

"There have been a wide variety of views on designation – some for, some opposed – during an extensive period of consultation and consideration. And I understand that there are some concerns from local interests about economic impact.

"I hope that they will be reassured by my decision to focus the SAC on only relevant habitats and reduce down the overall size. I also believe that a viable local fishing industry can be fully compatible with SAC designation."

(JP/MH)

Latest Construction News

22/11/2024

SP Energy Networks has announced a major investment in Britain's electricity grid, selecting 19 preferred partners to deliver a £5.4bn supply chain programme. This significant initiative aims to meet increasing energy demand and facilitate future growth. The selected companies, many of which are ...
22/11/2024

Edinburgh City Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on a new strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider Waverley Valley. The vision aims to create a more vibrant and welcoming city centre, attracting investment, supporting businesses, and enhancing the visitor ...
22/11/2024

Ener-G Services Limited, a leading UK electrical engineering company specialising in renewables, marine, and offshore sectors, has expanded its operations in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. The company has leased Unit 6E at Kingshill Commercial Park, a 2,500 sq ft space, on a 5-year lease. This new ...
22/11/2024

A consortium of leading scientists, industry experts, and academic institutions has joined forces to accelerate Scotland's offshore wind sector. The £2.5 million project, led by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore cluster (FTO), ...
22/11/2024

The Port of Aberdeen and Turner & Townsend were highly commended in the 'Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure Project of the Year' category at the APM Project Management Awards 2024. The award recognises excellence in project management and the positive impact on end-users. The £420 million ...
22/11/2024

South Lanarkshire Council's £10 million fire safety improvement programme has reached a significant milestone, with CCG (Scotland) completing installations in over 1,700 high-rise residences across East Kilbride and Cambuslang. The Glasgow-based construction firm has been working closely with the ...
22/11/2024

SSEN Transmission, a key player in the UK's energy transition, is set to further expand its workforce and move into a new, sustainable office space in Glasgow. The company's commitment to net zero and the increasing demand for green energy workers has led to significant growth, with the number of ...
22/11/2024

Scottish Water is investing in the upgrade of its Loch Eck clean water plant in Dunoon. The project involves replacing outdated dry well pumps with new, more reliable pumps capable of operating in both wet and dry conditions. WGM Engineering, an RSK Group company, has been tasked with carrying out ...
22/11/2024

Scottish Land & Estates has expressed serious concerns over the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill, particularly the provisions that would allow ministers to force landowners to sell large estates in lots. Sarah-Jane Laing, the organisation's chief executive, stated that while the land-based ...
22/11/2024

Clark Contracts employees have once again shown their commitment to community engagement by volunteering at Silverburn Park in Leven. On Thursday, 21st November, 16 members of the team spent their day planting over 400 trees and carrying out other landscaping tasks. This latest volunteering effort ...
Morris & Spottiswood LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedSEEIT3DCF Concrete PumpingMaccaferri LtdDiscount Kitchens and Bathrooms LtdShopfronts ScotlandJSJ Foam Insulation LtdEarth Tech LPS LTDSolway Ecology Consulting Ltd
Terms and Conditions
2024/11/23 07:14:04