Key appointment to Coire Glas Community Liaison Group
A permanent chair has been appointed to the Coire Glas Community Liaison Group (CLG).
Riddell Graham, who was Director of Industry and Destination Development at VisitScotland until his retirement in September, was confirmed in the role at a CLG meeting held by videolink on Wednesday 27 October. Councillor Ben Thompson, whose Caol and Mallaig ward includes the Coire Glas site, had filled the position of temporary chair until a permanent appointment could be made.
Mr Graham will oversee regular meetings of the CLG, which gives representatives of the community an opportunity to discuss the progress of the proposed Coire Glas pumped storage hydro facility near Loch Lochy. His recent consultation experience includes chairing the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group, which was created to support tourism during the COVID 19 crisis, and chairing the Gaelic Tourism Strategy Implementation Group.
Coire Glas received planning consent in October 2020 and SSE Renewables is currently conducting necessary investigative work before a final decision is made on whether to proceed with its construction. The scheme would create enough capacity to power three million homes for periods of up to 24 hours and make a significant contribution towards Scottish and UK Government zero emission targets.
Ian Innes, Coire Glas Project Director, said: “We are delighted that Riddell has agreed to chair the Coire Glas CLG. He has considerable experience in public engagement and will ensure the Liaison Group is an effective means of community consultation. The role of the CLG is crucial to the development of Coire Glas and we look forward to moving ahead under Riddell’s chairmanship.
“On behalf of SSE Renewables, I would also like to thank Cllr Thompson for stepping in to chair the first two meetings of the CLG. His contribution to the launch of the CLG has been critical in making sure it will be a robust and effective body.”
Riddell Graham said: “It was a privilege to be asked to serve as chair of the Coire Glas CLG and I am looking forward to working with members of the community in Lochaber, and the Coire Glas project team at SSE Renewables, as the development progresses.
“I have witnessed the importance of effective community consultation during my time at VisitScotland. This experience will be useful in shaping the way the CLG operates and making sure it is a meaningful platform for consultation for the duration of this exciting project.”
More details of the Coire Glas project, and further updates on Coire Glas CLG meetings, can be found at: www.coireglas.com.
For more information please contact Alan Greenwood:
Email: Alan.Greenwood@sse.com
Mobile: 07342 142714