Positive energy

Published on 28/10/2012 21:06

As A native of Uig, I share Ian Stewart’s dismay (Letters, 27 October) at the news that a wind turbine has been approved for a site in the vicinity of the “Fairy Glen” – in Gaelic, more prosaically, Baile nan Cnoc (Township of Hillocks) – where the fairies heard the MacArthur piper plead for a third hand to wield his sword (according to the Trotternish variant of an old Skye legend). My point is that the site, including Caisteal Eoghain (which isn’t a castle) has a special atmosphere, which will be destroyed by the intrusive presence of an actual three-armed Venus Demolish.

That this approval was announced in the week a local newspaper reported research indicating that the Hebridean seas offer rich potential for the development of wave-power was particularly ironic. It seems reasonable to ask the planners to reflect that, if there are more discreet, and equally (if not more) efficient ways of producing ecologically positive energy, they should think again.

Aonghas MacNeacail

Carlops

Peeblesshire

As SOMEONE who is not opposed in principle to generating electricity from wind power, I was interested to see whether Ian Stewart’s concerns were justified.

Having missed the “Fairy Glen” during my visits to Skye, I took the search engine route to have a quick look and, although I could spot not a single Pixie, I could see that the potential to do so was there in the picturesque setting of rock and greenery. Siting even one 150ft wind turbine in this location seems an abomination to me and would surely be a big mistake from a tourism standpoint.

The fact, as reported by Mr Stewart, that it has been approved by Highland Council despite record objections does not surprise me. Like Mr Stewart, I also look forward to seeing the First Minister’s reply as to how many local complaints have to be voiced before they are taken into account. Wind power is fine, but planners have to use common sense. The next time I visit Skye, I fervently hope the “other-worldy and charming place” is still there.

Terry McGeary

Carnegie Hill

East Kilbride