A PETITION calling for Dumfries and Galloway Council to hold public consultations on two planning applications for shooting ranges in the Eskdalemuir valley has surpassed 10,000 signatures.
The proposals submitted by land owners at Over Cassock Farm and Clerkhill have been met with widespread objection from people across the region and beyond.
If they are approved, the area could become a new training ground for US soldiers and a host long-distance shooting competitors from all over the world.
Nearby residents argue the developments would exacerbate disturbing noise pollution already created by recreational shooters in the area.
However, the gravest concerns relate to the impact on the community at Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre, which sits less than five miles away from both proposed sites.
An online petition is now urging council leader, Elaine Murray, and Steve Rogers, head of economy and development, to re-evaluate the proposals and consider them major developments, therefore making way for closer scrutiny and public consultations.
Hanna Casement, who started the change.org page, wrote: “In this peaceful valley, home to the largest Buddhist Temple in Europe, with its long-established community, a range for military style gun training is completely unacceptable.
“This new development of agricultural land, is likely to go ahead without any public consultation or regard for the impact it will have on lives and livelihoods, value of property and mental health.
“The installation of a facility, contrary to the religious beliefs of Eskdalemuir residents and thousands of visitors who come here to use the Temple or to attend courses offered by Samye Ling is offensive, grossly insensitive and completely inappropriate.”
Furthermore, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, Samye Ling’s abbot, said last month that in recent years there’s been “more and more” gunfire heard near temple, which he described as “deeply upsetting”.
He added: “I like to live in harmony with the good people in this region.
“Almost everyone in the whole valley around Samye Ling is Buddhist, and for a Buddhist it is absolutely unthinkable to kill. So to hear a lot of loud gun shots is deeply upsetting for them all.
“We really want to ask the authorities not to let these firing ranges be so close to our monastery and to move them somewhere else.”
A post on the monastery and spiritual retreat’s website last week urged people to write to the council objecting the plans.
It said: “Planning permission is not yet granted but shooting has already begun. As well as existing duck and pheasant shoots, which have grown in recent times, the valley’s residents have reported prolonged machine gunfire, said to be linked to US military training using high calibre weapons.
“If this is already happening without planning permission, what can be expected if it is ever granted?”
Campaigners have also received backing from South Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine, who is urging the local authority to undertake stricter reviews of the plans.
She said: “Little consideration has been given to the effect on the valley’s other economic activity, mainly nature tourism and, of course, the presence of Samye Ling Tibet Buddhist Monastery and Centre for World Peace and Health which attracts thousands of visitors each years. Given the size of the area concerned, as well issues of safety of public and livestock, right of access and noise, I believe it should be considered for planning under the category of a major development.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council were approached for comment.
