Tourists '˜put off' by wind farms and quarries

More than half of Scots are put off visiting scenic areas in Scotland by large developments such as wind farms, pylons and super-quarries, a new poll has found.

More than 50 per cent of visitors are 'less likely' to visit beauty spots if they contain large-scale infrastructure. Picture: John Devlin

The YouGov survey commissioned by conservation charity the John Muir Trust found 55 per cent are “less likely” to visit beauty spots in Scotland if they contain large-scale infrastructure, such as commercial wind farms, electricity transmission and super-quarries.

Around a quarter said these would make no difference to their decision and they would still go, while 3 per cent said they would be more likely to visit.

Trust chief executive Andrew Bachell said: “Visitor expenditure in Scotland’s National Parks alone is worth £187 million a year, with further revenues brought in by tourism businesses in scenic areas from Shetland to the Borders.

“So when a clear majority of people say they’d be put off ­visiting scenic sites like wild land areas by the existence of large-scale wind farms, giant pylons, super quarries and other inappropriate commercial developments, policy­makers have to pay attention, before it’s too late.”