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Home | Farming and Environment | The human cost of ‘progress’
 
Farming and Environment | 14th November 2024
 

The human cost of ‘progress’

 
 
RURAL IDYLL: Sandra and Bill's retirement is in danger of becoming anything but!
 

Gilly Fraser meets a couple whose dream of a perfect
retirement in the Newcastleton hills has turned into a nightmare

A couple who moved to Liddesdale five years ago say plans by Scottish Energy for a new cross-border energy connection are the final nail in the coffin for their dreams of a quiet, peaceful home with uninterrupted panoramic views.

Sandra Murray and her husband Bill, who was formerly a shepherd, bought their home four miles north of Newcastleton nine years ago and moved into it permanently when they retired. They had no idea of the headaches lying ahead.

“First of all the Duke of Buccleuch planted Sitka Spruces in front of us, then we learned Oxygen Conservation are intending to rewild Hartsgarth Farm behind us,” Sandra said. “On top of all that, we’ve had multiple windfarm proposals. So SPEN’s plans for giant pylons are the final nail in the coffin to be honest.”

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