“The MCofS is concerned that developments, which may appear sustainable in one respect, should not be allowed to happen without a consideration of their overall impact. The MCofS whilst fully supporting the development of renewable sources of energy does not believe that these should go ahead without due regard to their impact on the landscape, on flora and fauna and on recreational activities including hillwalking and mountaineering.”
(MCofS Development in Mountain Areas Policy).

1. The MCofS believes it is essential that consideration be given to all aspects of society's attitude and approach to energy. There needs to be a defined overall energy strategy including current and predicted use of fossil fuels, electricity generation, transmission network, demand management, waste reduction and energy conservation. In addition, all environmental impacts need to be assessed.
2. The MCofS supports Government stated aims to reduce the UK's emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants contributing to anthropogenic climate change. However, we believe this will only be achieved if a more comprehensive approach is taken than currently being practised. In particular, there is a need for considerably more action to be taken to reduce society's energy consumption and improve energy conservation.
3. In Scotland's uplands and areas valued for their wild land character there should be a much stronger presumption against developments involving wind turbines, roads, transmission lines and modification of water systems. Throughout the country there should be a presumption against wind turbines with a height to the tip of the vertical blade of greater than 50 metres.
4. Considerably more effort should be placed on guiding developments to appropriate locations so as to minimise their negative impacts on Scotland's cherished landscapes, habitats and wildlife, and thereby reducing their potential to harm our valuable tourism industry.
5. Marine sources, particularly off-shore wave and tidal stream, offer the greatest potential for harnessing large amounts of energy from renewable sources. Research, development and implementation should focus on such marine technologies and on mitigating their environmental impacts, together with photovoltaic cells, solar heating panels and other underutilised technologies. It is essential that these receive adequate financial support.
6. There should be considerably greater encouragement of the use of small-scale renewable technologies (such as solar heating panels and small wind turbines) by individuals and local communities. Greater local self-sufficiency in energy should be encouraged.
7. A National Forum should be established by the Scottish Executive to facilitate open discussion about the development of energy from all sources, including renewables, and the associated infrastructure that would be required and the impacts these developments would have both locally and nationally. This Forum should include comprehensive representation of recreation, environmental, tourism and community interests, as well as the energy industry.

Keith Miller; 11 June 2004