The Lewis Windfarm (again)

Lewis and Harris 14

Image by tomatoman

goffik Apr 22, 2008 14:05:19

I see the Lewis wind farm proposal has been turned down - http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/67062/news/callanish_and_its_environs.html (and more here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/22/windpower.greenpolitics)

Although I'm hugely in favour of wind power I always thought this one was way off the mark.

There must be plenty of other places throughout mainland Scotland that could support such a scheme, without knackering beautiful, unspoilt and environmentally important sites, and, of course, people's lives. Somewhere more central would surely be more practical.

The plans to dominate a large part of the island, destroying irreplacable peat moorland, not to mention the pylons that would criss-cross otherwise untouched swathes of the Highlands, were greatly opposed (11,000 residents alone!), and thankfully, those who can do something about it actually listened!

The article quotes the amount of jobs created and revenue generated - but I wonder how comparable that would be to the loss of tourism as a result?

I know a lot of people who will be very happy with this news.

G x

Trish Apr 22, 2008 14:33:10

Replying to goffik

Yup - me, Im soooo relieved... I was mortified when I found out what they were planning ... I think anyone who's been there would probably feel the same .... Yes, work is needed, but not like this.

PHEW

t
xxxxx

Jane Apr 22, 2008 14:55:04

Replying to goffik

I struggle with this issue.

I am a huge fan of birds and of nature and of Lewis and the fragile natural environment. Consequently, I am all for windfarms. Bring 'em on!

We all need electricity, and sensible people with brains in their skulls want it to be produced ethically and as carbon neutrally as poss.

So when a local says: "The environment, the landscape and the peatlands are worth far more than any wind farm" I wonder if they know what they're really saying. Without windfarms, if we continue as we are, there will be no environment, no landscape and no peatlands to enjoy because the climate WILL have changed.

Littlestone Apr 22, 2008 16:11:28

Replying to goffik

Although I'm hugely in favour of wind power I always thought this one was way off the mark.

Aye, it's a tricky one for sure. Wind farms seem like a good idea but ponder this for a mo from today's Independent -

"It would have involved 88 miles of road, eight electrical substations, 19 miles of overhead cables, 137 pylons, 18.3 miles of underground cables, and five rock quarries."*

And if I've read it correctly the power produced from those turbines, and all that infrastructure, would not have fed the Isle of Lewis power needs but the (Scottish) mainland. Fed what? More people with more electrical goods produced by a greedy global electrical market? None of that seems environmentally friendly in the long run, not to mention (and I don't think it's been stated in the press) the effect on the 'sacred' Lewis landscape. Seems sometimes like we're lurching from one frying pan into the nearest fire. That ain't the answer.

* http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/biggest-onshore-wind-farm-plan-rejected-813320.html