A FURIOUS row is brewing in Glen Etive, with climbers claiming a new hydro-power scheme is going to leave them without water.

The Inbhirfhaolain hut, has been a stop for walkers for decades, and, since 1991, has been owned outright by the Grampian Club, a Dundee-based mountaineering, climbing and hillwalking group.

The accommodation in the former roadmens’ hut is basic – a sleeping platform, a dining table, some chairs and a wood-burning stove – the views out over Glencoe are breathtaking and well worth the £6-per-person-per-night cost.

While there’s a kitchen with an electric stove, anyone wanting a cup of tea or a bowl of porridge in the morning need to fetch water from the nearby Allt Fhaolain burn.

But members of the Grampian club say that could all stop if a proposed scheme by Dickson Hydro for a run-of-river hydropower scheme in the burn gets the go-ahead from Highland Council.

They fear that the disruption during the building of the scheme, and the possibility of contamination during construction could effectively end the burn as a water supply for the hut.

The club are angry that nobody from the developers consulted with them before putting the planning proposal in.

In their objection to the council, they say they believe the firm has either not taken “sufficient research into the proposed scheme, or that they simply wish to maintain secrecy in the hope that it will not come to the notice of those directly affected”.

They’re also worried about the visual impact of the scheme, which will “have the appearance of an industrial facility” which will be “totally unsuited to its surroundings.”

David Gibson from the club said: “The proposed scheme is a direct threat to this unique, low-cost accommodation which will be uninhabitable if the scheme goes ahead.

“Neither the developer nor its contractors have contacted the Club nor have they made any assessment of impacts on occupancy resulting from changes to the water supply.

“They have not considered the broader issues arising from the scheme which would affect the amenity of the hut, which has provided low cost accommodation for climbers and hill walkers in Glen Etive for almost 60 years.”

The club say during the last seven years they had attracted occupancy of more than 4,500 bed nights. They fear that the hydro-power building could lead to a substantial loss of business.

Gibson added: “If this scheme goes ahead, it is obvious that people will no longer be able to use the accommodation, and our members stand to lose the value of the property and its income, which is in any case reinvested in the property. The property may well be a write off.

“The hydro power scheme threatening our property is one of no fewer than 7 schemes proposed by Dickins Hydro within an 11km stretch of Glen Etive, which is part of the Ben Nevis Glen Coe National Scenic Area.

“If approved, these schemes would have a significant visual and physical impact on the wild land and amenity of the glen for walkers, climbers, photographers and canoeists and we hope that the Highland Council will exercise appropriate judgement in its assessment of the planning applications.”

A spokesman for the developer said: “Dickins Hydro has been made aware of the concerns of The Grampian Club today and is currently considering the comments of the Club and will issue a response once it has fully considered them.”

A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “The application is currently under consideration.”