Chameleon Magazine

In a rare twist where democracy actually worked, Highland councillors just did something outrageous: they listened to the locals. Objectors in Beauly are “over the moon” (and not just because there’s still no substation there beaming EMFs into their begonias).

That’s right — the proposal for a shiny new electricity substation at Fannellan was unanimously refused, with councillors collectively deciding: “Maybe we don’t need to slice up the countryside for once.” Groundbreaking stuff.

⚡️ When the Grid Met the Glens — And Lost

Developers arrived armed with diagrams, buzzwords, and the classic argument: “It’s vital for infrastructure!” But locals countered with an even stronger line: “We like our view, our peace, and our wildlife — and we’re not keen on glowing fences humming at 3am.”

For once, the argument wasn’t won by a big folder full of feasibility studies. It was won by people who are actually from there. Imagine that. The Highlands: 1 — Power Giants: 0.

Rumours that a councillor shouted “Not in my Fannellan!” remain unconfirmed.

So while National Grid types grumble into their site maps, objectors are busy celebrating the only kind of green energy project that doesn’t involve flattening hills and trenching through meadows. Democracy, folks. Occasionally, it zaps back. 🌿⚡️

🗣️ Challenges 🗣️

Is this local democracy in action or just a short-term delay before the pylons march in anyway? Should we be defending landscapes or powering cities? We want your take — smart, sassy, or savage — in the blog comments, not buried in a Facebook echo chamber. 🌍💬

👇 Comment, like, and share if you’ve ever yelled “NOT THE SUBSTATION!” at a planning meeting.

The best responses will be featured in the next magazine issue. 🎯📝