When Words Are Not Enough
Over the last two weeks, we all witnessed something quite remarkable at the TKUP Public Inquiry. It was a defining moment when community action groups came together to hold SSEN to account for their actions and decisions over the last three years. We saw and heard communities from Kintore to Tealing speaking the truth as they articulated, in many cases, the most technical arguments in a highly professional way. We listened to speakers telling deeply personal stories, racked with emotion, as they spoke from the heart.
I am sure everyone will agree that the Inquiry Reporters demonstrated fairness, empathy and even-handedness, allowing, on occasion, people to stray off topic. Most of all, we were given the chance for our voices to be heard.
Behind these remarkable two weeks was something so much more. It was the tears and frustrations of taking on a mighty corporate giant with immense financial backing, provided by the taxpayer, and seemingly limitless manpower and resources. The chance of a Public Inquiry was once a distant dream. Ordinary, hardworking people who, together, formed action groups up and down the TKUP corridor turned that dream into reality through determination and sacrifice.
It would be impossible to single out the individuals who gave such outstanding speeches, whether technical or personal, as there were so many. But we all know who you are, and we applaud you and will be forever grateful.
Aberdeenshire and Angus Councils are to be commended for the points they raised, particularly at the Conditions Hearing. The Community Councils delivered outstanding submissions that were clearly the result of hours of meticulous preparation, bearing in mind they are volunteers who sacrificed their time without reward.
No invention or great achievement takes place without the first thought or step that one person, or a group of people, takes. In our case, it was the campaign groups from Kintore to Tealing that began as small seeds of hope. To all those groups, I thank you all.
Turning now to APAG members, working groups and committee, words are not enough to thank you for your work and sacrifice over the last three years, and for your submissions and contribution towards the hearings.
So, what happens next?
The battle is not yet over. As you may be aware, the Reporters asked SSEN to scope in agriculture. This is highly significant. SSEN has indicated that it will supply a response to the Reporters by 3 July. The groups' project team is ready and waiting to respond vigorously, and may be given a number of weeks to do so. This should trigger a hearing on agriculture, on a date still to be decided.
At this stage, no one can predict where this may lead. Bear with us, please, as there is still work ahead of us.
