Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess has accused the Scottish Government of repeatedly failing to protect the country’s most precious landscapes, following alleged unauthorised damage at a protected glacial site in the Highlands.
The damage occurred at the Parallel Roads of Lochaber, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Achnabobane, Spean Bridge, an area shaped by ancient glacial processes and considered a key part of Scotland’s natural heritage.
Large-scale activity involving heavy machinery has reportedly taken place without consent, including the removal of soil and the creation of hard standings.
Three men have now been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the incident.
“This is yet another example of Scotland’s natural heritage being trashed while the Government looks the other way,” said Burgess.
“The maximum fine for damaging a SSSI is just £40,000, a fraction of what unscrupulous landowners are making by selling off parcels of land to unsuspecting buyers.”
Burgess has long campaigned against misleading land sales in fragile scenic areas, where buyers are lured in with promises of “buildable” plots, despite having little or no prospect of gaining planning permission.
In some cases, this has led to illegal development and irreversible environmental harm.
“We’re seeing a pattern: land sold as ‘buildable’ when it’s anything but,” said Burgess.
“Buyers lose their savings, communities lose their landscapes, and the environment pays the price.”
She linked the current case in Lochaber to other recent environmental flashpoints, including the controversial approval of an experimental salmon farm at Loch Long and the greenlight given to the Flamingo Land development at Loch Lomond.
“Whether it’s Loch Long, Loch Lomond or the Parallel Roads of Lochaber, the message is clear: this Government is failing to stand up for Scotland’s nature,” she said.
“It’s time for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and a serious rethink of how we protect our most precious places.”
Online property giant Rightmove has responded to a letter from Burgess raising concerns about misleading land listings.
They confirmed they have contacted agents including Braveheart Auctions and Future Property Auctions, requesting a full review of listings for compliance.
Rightmove also confirmed that any non-compliant listings that weren’t updated have now been removed.
Burgess welcomed the move, but said it must go further.
“It’s encouraging that Rightmove is taking this seriously,” she said.
“But we need more than just reviews, we need action.
“These listings are fuelling environmental damage and financial loss.
“They must be removed, and the Government must rethink how it safeguards Scotland’s landscape.”
She is now calling for:
- A full review of penalties for damaging protected sites
- Immediate action to stop misleading land sales
- Stronger planning enforcement and transparency
- A halt to developments that threaten national parks and nature reserves
