Windfarms
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Since our debate two years ago on the relative merits of renewable energy developments in Scotland, we have received many letters on the subject from members both in support and against. Since then the number of wind farm developments in particular has increased dramatically and greater concern is now being expressed. The MCofS position is outlined in our submission to SNH's consultation on 'Landscape'. These pages are to inform members of the current situation and discuss what stance MCofS should be taking, leading up to a discussion which took place at our Annual Gathering in June 2004.
Introduction to the discussion by Kevin Howett Material for the Discussion compiled by Keith Miller |
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Tell us about applications
To facilitate MCofS input to planning applications for windfarms, it would be very helpful if information on any proposals at whatever stage could be e-mailed to info@mountaineering-scotland.org.uk with a “Windfarm + location” subject. Information on paper can be posted to the MCofS office.
Details of proposals to upgrade the electricity infrastructure, the power transmission line from Beauly to Denny, and the MCofS response, can be read here.
We have also responded to a consultation on the extension of power lines to the Western Isles, here.
WEB LINKS
Numerous websites providing information on windfarms, from Government Departments to national and local groups to developers....
Map of Windfarm Distribution in Scotland
(courtesy of Views of Scotland)
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Jan 2007 - RSPB call for opposition to revised Lewis windfarm proposals November 2006 - New application for windfarm at Lochluichart September 2006 - Skye Windfarm Action Group (SWAG) appeal for the funds September 2006 - Scottish
Ministers reject a planning application for installation 24 wind
turbines, up to 104m (341ft) high, at Abercairny, near Crieff, on
conservation grounds. December 2005 - Objections to the Beauly to Denny Electricity Transmission Line proposal can be registered online before the 12th December deadline through www.pylonpressure.com more December 2005 - An application has been submitted to Highland Council for a 129 MW Wind Farm near Garve, Ross-Shire. more info November 2005 - Measured
against Kyoto baselines, Scottish greenhouse gas emissions have fallen
by 10.1%. The latest figures show that Scottish carbon dioxide
emissions (the main greenhouse gas) fell by 7.7% between 1990 and 2003. May 2005 - Summary of current significant developments. May 2005 - A Public Inquiry is being held into an application by Catamount Energy Ltd and Force 9 Energy Ltd to build a windfarm in the Sma' Glen in Perthshire. The applicants will argue against Perth and Kinross Council's reasons for refusing the application - mainly for landscape and visual effects reasons - and claim that the scheme would have 'no significant visual effect'. The inquiry, in the Drummond Arms Hotel, Crieff, will open on Tuesday, May 24, before Scottish Executive reporter Janet
McNair. It is expected to last around four weeks. 4 Nov 2004 - The expected
planning application has been made for what would be the worlds largest
onshore windfarm, to be built on the island of Lewis. The applicants,
Lewis Wind Power Ltd, a joint venture between AMEC and British Energy,
are proposing to build 234 wind turbines across 40km of internationally
important peat bog near Stornoway. 6 oct '04 - The Scottish
Executive have announced that two new windfarm developments, at Doune
and Farr have been given the go ahead. Plans for a 'Forum on renewable
energy' were also announced. The Enterprise and Culture Committee of the Scottish
Parliament has issued a wide ranging report calling for a
"fully-fledged" energy policy, and criticising the over dependence on
on-shore wind farms.
Highland Council have refused a planning application for 4 out of 5 test masts in Morvern & Ardnamurchan.
Residents of the Island of Gigha have bought three second hand turbines to establish a community windfarm. |
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