Why Are the Scottish Highlands Being Paved Over for "Green" Energy? | #LifeInScotland

Scotland is already a net exporter of energy. So why is Scotland being forced to tear up the Highlands for even more high-capacity power lines and pylons that don't benefit Scotland? This is an issue that's taking place in (almost literally) my backyard: SSEN is planning on building massive new high-voltage power lines and support pylons throughout the Highlands to siphon even more energy south to England, where its growing population and data centers need it. And what does Scotland, already a net exporter of energy, get in return? Almost nothing. I wish this were a joke, but it's real. Despite being a net exporter of energy, Scotland as part of the UK has to buy energy from elsewhere, and the UK has the highest energy costs in all of Europe despite sitting on massive offshore oil reserves in the North Sea. This is appalling behavior from Westminster, and adds fuel to the argument that Scotland would be better off independent. I don't normally discuss world events on this channel, but this one directly impacts my daily life as well as what I'll be able to film up here in the Far North, and thus it is relevant to my life and this channel. Video Chapters: 00:00 -- Intro 01:25 -- Enjoying middle age in my Scottish Highlands cottage at the end of summer 07:42 -- Opening Remarks 10:37 -- Scottish Highlands Sightseeing: Ousdale Broch, Caithness 18:14 -- Why Are the Scottish Highlands Being Torn Up For New SSEN 400kV Pylon Lines to Bring Power to England? 26:02 -- Annabelle Kitty Interlude 26:41 -- Outro: Sightseeing in Brora, Sutherland In this episode we go sightseeing at Ousdale Broch in Caithness, as well as Upper and Lower Brora in Sutherland. Annabelle also makes another kitty cameo! But the primary focus is this power pylon nightmare SSEN is trying to inflict upon the Highlands. Relevant information, including how to file an objection: IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The SSEN Transmission Line Application. SSEN submitted their application to construct a 400kV pylon line through our area earlier this month. In total the line between Spittal and Beauly will be 173km long, will contain 529 pylons up to 71m in height which will vary according to the terrain. It will be the largest project to be proposed in our area for many decades and has a likely duration of 4 years. The outcome will be decided by the Energy Consents Unit and The Highland Council will only be consultees with limited powers. If you wish to comment here is what to do: WHERE TO SEE THE DOCUMENTS: ON-LINE OPTIONS: SSEN: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/p... Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit: https://www.energyconsents.scot/Appli... The Highland Council: https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/appli... HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS Write to the Energy Consents Unit: All representations should focus on relevant planning reasons for objection (given overleaf) and should be headed Spittal to Loch Buidhe to Beauly 400 kV OHL Connection / Reference ECU00006008. Written or emailed representations should be dated, clearly stating the name (in block capitals), full return email and postal address of those making representations. Your comments can be brief or more detailed but should adhere to the above guidance. By email to: [email protected] By post to: Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay 150 Broomielaw Pier Glasgow, G2 8LU Although the Highland Council are only consultees in this instance it may be useful to copy your comments to them at [email protected] Possible Planning Reasons for your Comments If your comments include objecting to the proposed route - please frame in your own words, and say what you are asking for (e.g. refusal, reconsideration of the route, a public inquiry). For the cinephiles: this video was filmed with two cameras -- a Canon R50 in 16mm with ND filter, and my Samsung Galaxy S25 Android phone. With the Canon, I shoot 8-bit Rec. 709. No filming in log, no LUTs. Audio captured with wireless Rode lav mics. Background music courtesy of Artlist. Edited in Adobe Premiere. Maybe I'll start up a Patreon or something so I can afford better equipment, but hey, this is what I've got right now, so hopefully you enjoy it. SEO / AIO stuff: #AmericanExpat #ExpatLife #LivingAbroad #GenerationXLife #VlogLife #ScottishHighlands #LifeInTheHighlands #SutherlandScotland #FarNorthScotland #RemoteLiving #CountryLivingUK #FollowMyJourney #ExploreScotland #TheAmericanHighlander