The Mountaineering Council of Scotland

MCofS Objects to Muaitheabhal Wind Farm

Beinn Mhor Power has recently submitted a revised planning application to erect a wind factory at Muaitheabhal on the Isle of Harris. The site is of wildlife, landscape and historical significance. The MCofS have submitted the following response to the Energy Consents Unit of The Scottish Executive:

23 October 2006

Mr H Steel
Energy Consents Unit
The Scottish Executive
2nd Floor, Meridian Court
5 Cadogan Street
Glasgow G2 6AT

Dear Mr Steel

Section 36 Renewable Energy Planning Application:
Beinn Mhor Power - Muaitheabhal Wind Farm

We refer to the revised submission made by Beinn Mhor Power relating to the proposed Muaitheabhal Wind Farm on the Isle of Harris. The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) objects to the proposals.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is the sports governing body for hillwalkers, climbers and ski-tourers and receives core grant funding from sportscotland in recognition of this status. We are a membership organisation with over 2500 individual members, and 144 affiliated clubs with a further 7,000 members. Our Committee structure is entirely voluntary and appointments are the result of a democratic process. The professional staff complement is made up of seven posts at our Perth office.

The MCofS welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation, which is of great significance to the landscape of Scotland's mountains and therefore people's enjoyment of them. We offer our response to this consultation and request that we are kept informed and involved in the ongoing consultative process.

We believe it would be wrong to develop such a massive industrial factory on a site that is renowned for its wildlife, landscape and tourism values.

The view of the Council is that despite the revised proposals made by Beinn Mhor Power, the development is wholly inappropriate for the following reasons:

  • The unique archaeological and historical context of the proposed site, particularly the view of the hills from the Callanish standing stones, will be ruined by the intrusion of the proposed development
  • The site impinges on an area of national scenic importance: the view from surrounding mountains, which are very popular with climbers and walkers, will be significantly affected, as will the economic benefits accruing to the local population directly and indirectly through tourism
  • The area is recognised as a habitat for Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles: the reduction in the number of turbines will not mitigate the permanent damage done to their habitat

In view of these issues, the Council urges the Scottish Executive to call a Public Inquiry to examine these issues and their impact in more detail.

Finally, we would like to stress the importance we place on ongoing dialogue and will welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in this response with you.

Yours sincerely

David Gibson
Senior Officer

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