A controversial hydro scheme in a Highland glen famed for a starring role in the 007 movie Skyfall has been given the go ahead – near to another proposed development that is being reviewed by councillors.
A number of objections were raised opposing the project on the Allt Fhiondhan in Glen Coe, particularly regarding visual impact on the landscape and it being in the vicinity of butterfly colonies.
Historians also highlighted the area may have been involved in events surround the infamous Glencoe massacre.
But councillors unanimously supported the development proposed by renewable energy firm Vento Ludens, just south-west of the Glencoe caravan and camping site.
Planning officer Laura Stewart said the company had put in place measures to minimise the visual impact, with plans to replant any trees that are removed during construction.
Local councillor Andrew Baxter said this was one application where the renewable energy company had come up with firm proposals to reduce any impact on the landscape and environment.
The scheme proposes one main intake to abstract water from Allt Fhiodan and three smaller secondary intakes to take water from three of its tributaries.
The development also includes a buried pipe extending to a powerhouse housing the turbine to return abstracted water to the Allt Fhiodhan.
The pipeline measures 1,685 metres in total and the scheme is expected to generate 920,000kwh per year, enough to power around 220 homes.
The approval comes as councillors are being asked to review another proposal for other three small scale hydro electric schemes in the glen.
The three projects in Glen Etive, near Glen Coe, are among seven that were approved by members of a Highland Council planning committee last month.
Now councillor Baxter has secured enough support to have the plans reviewed next Wednesday.
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The three proposed schemes are opposed by a campaign, Save Glen Etive.
Mountaineering Scotland, a body representing the interests of hillwalkers, climbers and skiers, also opposes them.
The area is a National Scenic Area and a Wild Land Area well known as a location for the 2012 James Bond movie Skyfall.
The developer Dickins Hydro said they were aware it was within a special area and would attempt to reduce the impact on the environment.
Glencoe and Glen Etive Community Council supports the project.
