Battery hub plan on Perthshire battlefield sparks conflict

Battlefield Conflict Erupts Over Proposed Battery Hub in Perthshire

Residents of Perthshire are in uproar over plans to construct a battery storage hub on the historic site of the 1644 Battle of Tippermuir near Tibbermore village. The controversial proposal, which involves building a 50-megawatt battery storage system for renewables, has sparked heated debates among locals.

The application, submitted in May, outlines a plan to set up between 20 and 30 battery units, switchrooms, a substation, and ancillary equipment enclosed by fencing, along with two large water tanks for fire safety measures. However, residents fear that the project will disrupt the landscape and harm the surrounding area, dubbing it as an “industrialisation of Tibbermore”.

The Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT) has raised concerns about the potential irreversible negative impact of the development on the battlefield site, which is considered to hold regional and national significance. The site is located within Historic Environment Scotland’s Inventory of Historic Battlefields and is believed to be the resting place of approximately 300 soldiers killed in the battle.

YLEM (BESS) North Ltd, the company behind the project, maintains that the infrastructure’s benefits are balanced with environmental and heritage conservation efforts. Despite the assurances, Methven and District Community Council remains staunchly opposed to the battery storage system, advocating for its relocation to a more suitable brownfield site.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has raised concerns about flood risk and has submitted a holding objection to the proposal pending further information. While consultants acknowledge the potential impact on any undiscovered heritage assets at the site, they argue that it would not necessarily hinder development.

The Battle of Tippermuir, also known as the Battle of Tibbermore or St Johnstone, took place in September 1644 and marked a significant event during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in Scotland. As the debate continues, both proponents and opponents of the battery hub project are striving to find a middle ground that addresses community concerns while promoting sustainable development.

In conclusion, the clash between heritage preservation and modern infrastructure development highlights the delicate balance between progress and conservation in historical landscapes. As stakeholders navigate this complex issue, the outcome will not only shape the future of the proposed battery hub but also influence how we reconcile the past with the present in our ever-changing world.