Over the last two years, various groups and individuals have been attempting to represent their own and the community’s wish to challenge the Springfield Solar Farm development. Through most of that time, we have been fortunate enough to have help from legal professionals that are expert in the area and in sympathy with the concerns of the community. This help has been given entirely for free up to this point.

However, things changed when we learned that the case would be going to a full public inquiry and the huge amount of work and technical expertise required. This, along with the Pre Examination Meeting that was called, required proper representation, rather than just informal advice, if we were to do justice to the work done by the community up to that point. It was only in late August that TLA was established and representatives were able to meet with John Campbell KC and discuss how to move forward, including potential fees.

The Reporter for the Inquiry encouraged local groups and interested parties to collaborate where they held a shared viewpoint.  Coming together as The Lammermuir Alliance to be represented by one legal expert avoids duplication and also keeps costs to a minimum. 

All four organisations remain separate entities with different roles, responsibilities and remits.  The organisations also come to the Lammermuir Alliance with very different histories, finances, resources, and expertise.

All the groups of TLA have considered how much they could contribute and a substantial portion of the fees have been covered. Due to confidentiality of the professional fees, we cannot state here how much each of the groups have contributed. The £10,000 target however, is the shortfall that has been calculated, plus a very small amount of contingency so we can deal with the changing situation to some degree.

John Campbell was identified and selected through very early discussions between all the now member groups of TLA. He was approached through professional connections of committee members. He agreed to work with us, providing informal advice on many topics over the past two years. John is a retired KC, whose expertise lies in exactly this area of planning law and public inquiries. His experience and knowledge has been and will continue to be invaluable in ensuring the wishes of our community are represented professionally.

A quote from a member of the community: “The success so far of the legal representation provided, goes a long way towards justifying the route taken.”

Our surveys show that this is a really significant matter for residents across East Lammermuir and that almost all residents closest to this development oppose it. We recognise that there is a cost-of-living crisis and it is really important that you do not put yourself into unnecessary financial hardship when considering what amount to donate for this cause.

Based on the size of our immediate community, we estimate that if every adult resident pledged £130 towards this funding appeal, we would be well on our way to meeting all of the costs.

OCA SCIO is administering the fundraiser, so in doing so it is of course unavoidable that the bank account signatories may see any incoming bank transactions. However, other than this, all donations will be kept completely anonymous. No other members of OCA committee or any other TLA group will be given access to any identifying information relating to donations.

The decision was taken not to use a 3rd party online fundraising platform where totally anonymity could be guaranteed, partly to avoid the fees charged and partly because of the urgency of access needed to the funds.

Unfortunately, OCA SCIO, nor any of the TLA groups are set up to claim for gift aid.

Yes, you can. Please contact treasurer@oldhamstocks.org.uk to arrange a meeting to make a cash donation.

We will be keeping a close eye on the incoming funds and will contact the community to stop further donations once the target is reached. At the end of the public inquiry, any remaining funds will be donated to the Scotland Air Ambulance Charity.