Help Overcome A Threat to Kagyu Samye Ling's Peace

Peace is Priceless  

Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Monastery and Buddhist Centre for World Peace, set amongst  the rolling hills of Eskdalemuir, is a precious beacon of peace, both locally and globally. 

A Buddhist sacred place and seat of learning for pilgrims from around the world, Samye Ling also attracts thousands of visitors of all faiths and walks of life. From school groups and students to families and ex Service men and women, all are welcome to enjoy the beautiful temple, contemplative Peace Gardens and restorative benefits to physical and mental health of its natural environment.

Now our precious haven of peace and harmony is under threat of being caught in the noise of gunfire, midway between two high velocity gun firing ranges. 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?
 

PLEASE HELP TO PROTECT PEACE IN OUR BEAUTIFUL VALLEY BY OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED GUN RANGES
Time is short - the closing date for objections is 18 March 2021 - so please email the planning department asap.  
Simply copy and paste, or adapt the following letter.

Email to: planningrepresentations@dumgal.gov.uk 

With reference to : Clerkhill range planning ref number - 20/2013/FUL | CHANGE OF USE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND TO FORM TARGET SHOOTING RANGE, TRAINING CENTRE AND CAR PARKING AREA (RETROSPECTIVE)

Over Cassock range planning ref number - 20/0630/FUL | CHANGE OF USE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND TO FORM RIFLE RANGE AND ERECTION OF ASSOCIATED BUILDING (RETROSPECTIVE) 

To whom it may concern,

As a frequent visitor to Eskdalemuir and in particular to Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery & Tibetan Centre, I am distressed to learn of the proposed plans, to which I strongly object for their potentially detrimental effect on the precious amenities and for reasons stated below.

SPIRITUAL  - The peaceful Eskdalemuir Valley has been home to the internationally renowned Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Buddhist Centre since it was established in 1967. With a resident community of some 50 monks, nuns and lay people, it is also the spiritual home for countless others who regularly gather to attend teachings as well as ceremonies to pray for world peace.

CULTURAL - One of the most visited tourist attractions in Scotland, every year Samye Ling welcomes thousands of visitors of all faiths and walks of life. From families, school groups and students to Inter-Faith groups and recovering ex Service men and women, all are welcome to enjoy the beautiful temple, contemplative Peace Gardens and the restorative benefits to physical and mental health of its natural environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL - Alongside it’s wild and natural beauty, the most precious quality of the Eskdalemuir valley is the peace and quiet, which make it a haven for wildlife and for people seeking respite from the stress of modern day life, now more than ever after Covid-19.

The proposed developments in the area would be in direct conflict with all the above resources, nearby land uses, religious and peaceful activities on the following grounds:

NOISE POLLUTION High velocity shooting ranges would destroy the peace of the environment, cause distress and detrimentally affect the activities and health of residents, visitors and wildlife.

EARTH POLLUTION  The areas where shooting is taking place becomes littered with spent gun cartridges made of plastic, lead and other metals which pollute the soil and harm life.

WATER POLLUTION Pollution of water sources by lead shot used for pheasant and duck shooting and the ammunition used in the high calibre, military weapons is toxic.  

Therefore I urge the planning department not to grant permission for these shooting ranges which are so damaging to the area’s peace and quality of life.

Yours sincerely,

Full Name

Postal Address