Country's most scenic areas are being destroyed for profit, say campaigners

Private profits are destroying Scotland’s wild lands, conservation groups have warned.

Campaign groups slammed a decision to approve three run of the river hydro schemes along Glen Etive and warned about the impact they will have on the glen.

The John Muir Trust, Mountainerring Scotland and Save Glen Etive objected to three of the seven applications in the glen, because of their potential impact on a “popular and accessible scenic landscape” within a wild land area.

John Low, policy officer for the trust, said around one third of councillors opposed the decision.

He added: “The John Trust took a measured approach when objecting to the proposals as we are very concerned at the continued diminishing of Scotland’s wild places at the hands of developers whose sole objective is private profit.

“While we are disappointed at the blanket approval of all three schemes within the wild land area, we welcome the fact that the local community plans to monitor the developments to ensure they are properly restored after construction work.”

Chief executive of Mountaineeering Scotland Stuart Younie said: "This is a disappointing decision by Highland Council.

"It brings into question the purpose and value of allocating special designations which are intended to help protect our finest landscapes.

"We understand the arguments being made in support of the proposed developments but feel there was a wider point of principle at stake today”

James Bond's Skyfall and Braveheart were filmed at Glen Etive. White water kayakersconsidered its river to be one of the most challenging routes in Scotland, including grade 4 rapids with a range of waterfalls and pools.