Should The Harris Superquarry Go Ahead?
TABLE OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 LOCATION OF THE SUPERQUARRY 3
1 SUMMARY
There is considerable environmental opposition to the development of the Harris
superquarry. This is unlikely to stop the development on its own, but if the
Scottish Office decides that the project can go ahead environmental
restrictions are likely to be imposed on the operation to minimise, as far as
possible, the impact. The reasons for the development centre round the need
for economic development to bring jobs and prosperity to this remote area. The
life of the quarry is expected to be around 60 years and provide an initial 30
jobs, rising to 80 as the quarry reaches peak production. The question is if
a superquarry is the best solution to the problems of a remote rural area.
What will happen when the jobs come to an end and would another form of
investment not be more appropriate to their needs? Would the presence of a
quarry restrict the choice for further development? Could an integrated
approach be adopted and a 2nd generation quarry planned? The decision of
whether or not to go ahead cannot be delayed indefinitely as Norway and Spain
are looking at developing their own. If it is to go ahead then an early start
will give Harris a stronger position in the market.
2 INTRODUCTION
This report examines the controversy and key issues surrounding the superquarry
at Rodel, Lingerbay on the southern coast of the Isle of Harris (Figure 1) and
attempts to find an acceptable solution. The quarry will hollow out the heart
of the mountain but leave enough of a shell to leave the skyline largely
unaffected. The whole question of whether or not it should go ahead or not is
the subject of the current public enquiry in Stornaway. A decision must be
made soon. The market for aggregates is limited, Norway and Spain (Section 3.1,
1991) have their own sites and are also looking at the potential for developing
them.
FIGURE 1 LOCATION OF THE SUPERQUARRY
(Glasgow Herald, 20/10/94)
3 THE ISSUES SURROUNDING THE DEBATE
3.1 History
1927 A detailed geological survey identified the deposit of anorthosite.
1965 Planning permission was given in principle to quarry the rock. The
remit covered a larger site than is planned today.
1966 Some small scale quarrying took place but found an on site rock crushing
plant and a deep harbour were necessary for economic viability.
74-76 Outline planning permission was given for quarrying, shipping and
loading facilities but this was never acted on.
1977 The Scottish Office issued National Planning Guidelines. Harris was
identified as one of 9 potential sites. (The Scotsman 18/7/93)
would be no more work to do, or the government would run out of funds. All
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