I hate to start on a negative note but I fear we are dealing with people who have no connection with this area and on a greater level, the countryside and nature in general. The companies and individuals responsible for this heartbreaking development are only going to be on this earth for such a short time. A blink of an eye in the whole scheme of things.
It is not theirs to destroy. I wonder, as they get older and start to realise what really matters in life, will they have regrets? What will they have gained? Job satisfaction? Money? Empty, meaningless things. What they will have taken from people is so much more. Unfortunately, by then it will be too late.
On a personal level The Loch and surrounding areas have been an important part of my family's existance for a century. For as long as I can remember we have gathered there for picnics. Rainy, sunny, windy, midge-ridden marvellous picnics. It is the place the Ross's come together. We laugh, play games, dance, eat and be merry. Family members (and pets) have come and gone but the loch remains. I only need to visit the area on my own and the sound of laughter, music and happy memories flood back. It is a place for reminiscing, pondering, problem solving, grieving and rejoicing. It has an atmosphere, a mood. It has the capability to inspire, calm, comfort and exhilarate and remind you what is important.
The area means so much to so many. What is happening to our whole country is a tragedy. Its strength is its beauty. Why are people trying to make such a small place in the world something it's not. This onslaught of industry infrastructures will not only leave an ugly scar across the heart of this breathtaking, local treasure forever; many, many, beating hearts will be scarred too.
Never has the description 'heartbreaking' felt more apt.
