Your article (First major hydropower projects in Great Britain in 40 years given go-ahead, 26 June) describes the proposal to build three pumped storage schemes in the Scottish Highlands. But it does not mention the huge environmental cost.

One scheme, the Loch Kemp project, will draw water from Loch Ness and pump it into the upper reservoir created by enlarging Loch Kemp. A giant power station is to be built in protected ancient woodland on the shores of Loch Ness. This woodland is a special area of conservation, an internationally recognised site, and will be partly destroyed by the power station and access road.

This will cause the loss of ancient hazel trees, and one of the best sites for lichens in Britain will be no more. The shoreline around Loch Ness will be severely impacted by the drawdown from the hydro activities and, according to the Ness District Salmon Fisheries Board, the salmon population in the loch could become extinct.

Yes, we need renewables, but do we have to destroy protected sites and Britain’s most iconic loch to achieve this?
Neil Mackenzie
Gorthleck, Inverness-shire