What use is landscape photography? I’m sure some of you might have asked this in the past and wondered just why we do it. Does the world really need another photograph of a beautiful location at sunset regardless of how amazing? Then again, what use is climbing, tennis, sprinting, golf, painting, writing, etc, etc. They are all very popular activities, some even get Olympic status and support from the government, and yet they are all, ultimately, useless (beyond the fitness aspects, but I suppose Zumba counts as well on that front).

However, unlike all of these activities, landscape photography can actually do good. We’ve seen examples in many countries of photographs that have changed the direction of government policy. If you want a great example, Peter Dombrovskis’ photograph of Rock Island Bend that was pivotal in stopping Tasmania's Hydro-Electric Commission damming the Franklin River.

This last couple of weeks have seen a somewhat smaller campaign building against another hydro scheme, but this time in Glen Etive in Scotland. There are seven proposed ‘run of river’ hydro schemes proposed which will effectively affect every large tributary of Glen Etive. Sadly, Scottish Natural Heritage has said that these schemes, including 8km of new roads through the landscape, many 20m+ intake constructions, 7 turbine house buildings over 5m tall, “will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the National Scenic Area or the special qualities for which it has been designated.”

Although there have been many organised objections, I have approached a few well known photographers to contribute images of the area which I will be submitting on behalf of On Landscape. The two schemes that are most significant to photographers are probably Allt Mheuran, including “Robber’s Falls” and Alt Fhaolain, which sits next to Grampian Mountaineering Club’s Inbhirfhaolain hut.

You can find more about the schemes on Park’s Watch Scotland here. The deadline for objections is 28th of August.

I’ve included a few photographs over the next couple of pages to demonstrate the beauty of this area. If the visual impact of landscape photography can help affect the planning in these sensitive areas of national importance, it will have one up on most pastimes and activities.

We’ll keep you posted of progress.

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Allt Mheuran, Glen Etive, Scotland - Colin Prior