Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed plans by SSEN to hold a further consultation event over their Blackhillock 2 Substation Project later this month.
Douglas- who raised concerns with SSEN that local views were not being fully taken into account- made further contact with SSEN and has been told that another event will be held in Longmore Community Hall in Keith on Thursday April 20th from 2pm until 7pm.
SSEN have also told Douglas that they will be extending the consultation period by two weeks to give more time for local people to give their feedback on SSEN’s preferred site. The consultation period will now run until 5th May 2023.
Douglas says that he hopes this extension and announcement of a new meeting will allow as many concerned local people as possible can give their views on the project.
He has encouraged as many people as possible to make it along to the meeting on the 20th April and if they are not able to, make their feelings known during the consultation period, which now has almost a month to run.
The news of a further meeting in Keith has also been welcomed by local Scottish Conservative Councillor Tracy Colyer.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “From my inbox, I know how strongly people in Keith and the surrounding communities feel about these plans for Blackhillock 2.
“Many of them felt that SSEN were not fully taking local views into account, which is why I relayed my concerns to them and sought reassurances on behalf of local residents.
“I’m pleased that these concerns have been taken on board and that a further extensive consultation event will take place in Keith on 20th April.
“I’d encourage all local people with an interest in this project or who want to find out more to go along to speak with SSEN representatives and share their feelings directly with them.
“For those that cannot make it along that afternoon, it is also welcome that the consultation period is going to be open for further two weeks and I’m sure local residents will make their views known.
“This project must continue to be developed with the views of the local community in mind, which is why I am committed to closely engaging with SSEN to ensure that is the case.”
Keith and Cullen Councillor Tracy Colyer added: “As the local councillor, I have been engaging closely with local communities over their concerns on this project and what impact they feel it will have on their area.
“That is why it is so important there is as much opportunity for them to give their views to SSEN.
“It is positive that they are now committed to holding another local event in Keith and giving another fortnight for views to be given and I’d welcome any local resident to also share their views with me, that I can relay to SSEN.”
