Trust uses stones in bid to derail isle's wind farm

Published on Wednesday 15 April 2009 22:01

CAMPAIGNERS are calling on Scotland's energy minister to use a visit to the Western Isles today to reject a controversial 53-turbine wind farm.

Energy minister Jim Mather will be on Lewis to spell out the opportunities that renewable energy offers the area.

It is expected one item of discussion will be the proposed wind farm for the Eishken estate. If built, opponents warn it would damage the view of the famous Callanish Stones, a top tourist attraction on Lewis.

However, Western Isles Council supports the wind farm and it is widely expected it will imminently be given the go ahead.

Stuart Brooks, chief executive of the John Muir Trust, which campaigns to protect Scotland's wild land, said: "We can tackle climate change without defacing the world-renowned landscapes that define Scotland and its people."

He added: "If approved by Scottish ministers, this poorly sited wind farm could seriously jeopardise the future of the tourist industry on the Western Isles.

"The wild and remote land that surrounds the Callanish stones is a touchstone to Scotland's international reputation for stunning, ancient landscapes."

The charity highlighted that approval would mark the first major breach of one of 40 National Scenic Areas in Scotland, established to protect the nation's natural beauty.

"The wrong decision could undermine the integrity of National Scenic Areas, as well as delivering a hammer blow to one of Scotland's signature landscapes," he said.

Beinn Mhr Power, behind the wind project, has said the proposal for the hills on the Eishken estate in South Lochs would create about 95 jobs.

Angus Campbell, the leader of Western Isles Council, highlighted a recent study by the Scottish Government that found that onshore wind energy offered the best hope for regenerating the economy of the Outer Hebrides.

"Particularly now, when the islands are facing severe economic challenges, the prospect of a development going ahead in the near future would be a major boost for the people of these islands," he said.

"The comhairle (council) is confident that the minister will have the economic interests of the islands to the fore in his consideration of the Eishken project, and I would urge him to listen to the democratically elected representatives of the communities, rather than narrow interest groups, such as the John Muir Trust who have no interest in, nor responsibility for, the people of the Outer Hebrides."

It had been expected Mr Mather would announce a decision on the 185 million wind farm today, but a Scottish Government spokesman said this would not be happening.

He said the application was still under consideration. Instead, Mr Mather would discuss renewable energy as an economic strategy and would not focus on one particular project.