Members of a Loch Lomond environmental group have voiced their “enthusiastic” support of the redevelopment of Sloy power station, near Arrochar.

The Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is backing SSE Renewables’ plans to convert the Sloy power station, north of Tarbet, into a new 'pumped hydro storage' facility.

This marks a major change in the group's stance on large scale renewable energy projects as previously they were steadfastly against any such plans.

The Friends have reviewed their opinions in response to current environmental circumstances.

John Urquhart, group chairman, said: “Global warming is creating new imperatives. As a conservation charity, we have a duty to react.

“I have no doubt we have an important role to play in addressing the issues which are being created at our local level.

“Without doubt this is a radical departure for the Friends, but the trustees believe the current circumstances give them little option.

“Nonetheless, for some, it remains a controversial matter, so we have asked our members to make sure we have their backing. To date, only five per cent have voiced dissent.

“The Friends was set up almost half a century ago to fight plans for a pumped storage hydro-electric installation which was to be built inside Ben Lomond.

“Their campaign was successful, and the Ben Lomond scheme was never built.

“How ironic that today the Friends will be enthusiastically supporting this project.”

The Friends presented nine points outlining their support for the power station which are:

1. The station will help tackle “crises affecting energy, climate and nature define the current period and influence every facet of the national park” which is in line with their policy.

2. The Friends have previously supported small scale community based renewable projects, such as the hydro-electric projects at Callander, Lochgoilhead and Arrochar and now need to reconsider their position in relation to larger schemes.

3. Due to park’s upland glaciated topography, high rainfall and closeness to central Scotland, the area has a variety of advantages for renewable energy production, storage and distribution and major users of the land have yet to cause significant environmental damage.

4. The rapid roll out of land-based wind power and energy storage systems are vital measures in decarbonising the atmosphere and improving the country’s energy security situation.

5. Decarbonising the atmosphere is essential to resolving the climate and nature crises which threaten the National Park – and protecting the area is at the heart of the group.

6. They believe that very large wind turbines and photovoltaic schemes as well as energy storage facilities in appropriate locations on the edge of - and possibly in certain circumstances, in carefully selected areas within - the area would not necessarily affect the park’s special qualities.

7. Organisations using the land should contribute towards the preservation of the park and to any community benefit funds. Agreements with said groups should be used to support the Friends’ work to help provide for the preservation, promotion, and appreciation of the park’s qualities.

8. They believes a share of income from such developments could create significant benefits and opportunities for visitors, communities, and nature – for example, the introduction of a modern low carbon public transport system around the park.

9. The Friends should adopt a leadership role in recognising the importance of renewable energy and storage systems and should be actively encouraging and facilitating their development.

The 'pumped storage' plan would see excess energy from the electricity grid used to pump water from Loch Lomond to the upper Loch Sloy, where it would be stored before being released to power the grid when wind output is low and customer demand is high.

More information on the Friends and the chance to donate to the group can be found on their website: www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk.