In my opinion, those of us who live here are privileged to be in this milieu. Within a more local context, it should be noted that the local Hill of Fare is a watershed, and following rainfall on its tops, many springs and burns emanate in different directions. A local map indicates that the Auchorrie Burn is one such, flowing in a northerly direction downhill through many parts of Midmar. I do not have access to a map of subterranean aquifers which may feed local springs, but perhaps one such exists. It is to be hoped that if and when the proposed “ Hill of Fare ” development goes ahead these ancient water routes will not be disturbed and no disruption to private water supplies to in the area will not occur. There have been concerns raised by knowledgeable local inhabitants, specialists in the field of hydrology, who no doubt are aware of water networks, above and below ground. I, personally, am not aware that these putative issues have in any way been addressed by the developers. Have any such surveys been undertaken by them or anyone else? Is it of any concern to them in their grand scheme of things? My own communication, sent months ago, to the developers, probably one of hundreds, judging by the strength of local opposition to this project, has not been responded to.
I presume one individual is ‘ small fry ’. I applaud the ongoing efforts of those who have pursued a reasoned collective approach, which I wholeheartedly endorse and hope that some responses may be forthcoming, to reassure the local populace. In my humble view, householders still need information on the following, amongst other significant considerations of logistics, aesthetics, and environmental damage, with associated financial implications:
Will private water supplies be negatively affected?
If so, what recompense will be available to householders? Would this development destabilise local water routes, leading to flooding or droughts? It is to be hoped that our community representatives will ask pertinent questions regarding such environmental impact issues, when consultations resume. Local issues notwithstanding, it is evident that global warming is contributing to climate change, in most places on the planet. We, in this ‘ small ’ corner of the world, are not immune. An ostrich - like approach will lead nowhere. Whilst, on a global scale, most individuals may be relatively powerless to arrest the momentum, it is not inconceivable that, on a local front, some influence may be brought to bear, despite the change, nationwide, in political governance and prevailing attitudes to “ Nimbyism ”. It is a collective quest worth pursuing through appropriate channels . ‘ The best laid plans o ’ mice and men gang aft a ’ gley ’. Robert Burns Article by Faith Mackenzie Autumn 2024
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