A PLANNING application for a phone mast in the Cairngorms has been withdrawn amid numerous objections.
Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS) welcomed the withdrawal, having previously objected to the proposed location, which was 400 meters from Ryovan Bothy and situated in a remote area of the national park.
The proposed location was a popular hill for hikers and mountaineers and an important habitat for capercaillie, a red-listed bird, or other rare species.
The proposed location was also on the ground of the Abernethy Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) designated for capercaillie and osprey, the Cairngorms SAC designated for freshwater and upland habitats, and the Cairngorms Massif SPA designated for golden eagle.
The RSPB feared the “adverse effects on capercaillie, which is one of the species for which Abernethy Forest SPA and Cairngorms SPA are protected".
RSPB also pointed to the fact it might have affected the red-throated diver and black grouse.
“As well as being a prime example of Scotland’s upland habitats, Ryvoan has a particular place in the hearts of those who love the mountains,” said Kat Jones, director of APRS.
“Ryvoan bothy has been the starting point for many a mountain adventure and the experience of coming up the path from Glenmore and then out into the expanse of mountains is really special.
"We welcome the withdrawal of this planning application which would have had an unacceptable impact on this special place.”
APRS said that the construction of Ryovan’s phone mast would have “minimal” benefits due to the recent construction of a mast at Lanchoil.
“There are other masts being proposed in remote hill-areas of Scotland to achieve the same hollow targets, which don’t focus on benefit to people and businesses, but rather geographical coverage alone.
"We, with communities and other charities, are calling for a rethink which protects our landscapes and special places,” said Jones.
