A busy day in Brechin!

A full hall listened to the applicant, SSEN, and to those opposing or concerned about the proposal, discuss various points concerning agricultural safety, at the final TKUP Public Inquiry Hearing. A huge thank you to all who spoke and all who came along to listen.

Main discussion points were:

*Whether it is incumbent on the applicant or the operator to minimise safety risk?

*Why safety was not factored in at the design stage?

*Has the precautionary principle been engaged and has the ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable) risk been achieved?

*That 75% of fields along the line will have an increased safety risk.

*Farmers unable to irrigate face impacts on yield and quality of crops grown.

In addition the discussion included-

The difference between electrocution and electric shock and the consequences.

Heights of machinery in working mode and whether a lower height can be achieved?

Advice not routinely given to farmers about safety in regards working near high voltage lines, specifically regarding arching.

Harvesting different crops and care needed to

protect crops from damage during process.

The need for a bubble auger to be up or down, with a half way stage not possible with some vehicles.

A peaceful effective agricultural environment, much of which is Prime Agricultural Land will have a significant risk to its viability.

The judgements farmers would need to make including whilst operating at night.

The reliance SSEN are putting on folk following procedures.

The lack of individual surveys on the 120 affected holdings.

Reporters asking if there are any remedies/ mitigation.

Have any alternatives been considered?

The Hearing closed with thanks to all involved and dates given for closing submissions from parties involved in the Hearings (mid Oct, with early Nov for SSEN)

If you missed the proceedings they are available to view on the DPEA You Tube channel.