Wildlife groups across the Highlands are urging the public to help protect Loch Ness and surrounding habitats from a proposed hydroelectric development they warn could “permanently damage” one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.

Local community organisations and national conservation bodies have joined forces in opposition to the Loch Kemp Pumped Hydro Scheme, located above Loch Ness in the Great Glen. It is one of four existing or proposed developments linked to the loch.

Buglife, the Boleskine Biodiversity Group, the British Lichen Society and the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board are among those raising alarm.