Windfarm is 'an act of vandalism' — archaeologist
A leading Lanarkshire archaeologist has added his voice to those expressing concern that Europe’s largest windfarm is now to be built in Clydesdale.
Ed Archer, from Lanark, said this week that both Dr David Bellamy and local MP David Mundell were correct in pointing out that the creation of the windfarm at Abington was a “disaster.”
“It was a pity that the Scottish Government had disregarded their protests and South Lanarkshire Council’s opposition to the erection of the turbines,” he said this week.
Mr Archer went on to say: “I have also been involved in opposing this development alongside the West of Scotland Archaeological Service.
“Both Dr Carole Swanston and myself have indicated that the building of these turbines in an area of high archaeological importance is irresponsible.
“Work over the past decade has shown that the area earmarked for development was the birthplace of Scottish history.
“It was in this area that the earliest evidence of Man appearing in Scotland has been located, dating back 9500 years.
“If that is not enough, the area contains an extraordinary collection of prehistoric monuments varying from Standing Stones to henges to a complete Bronze Age village complete with its own cemetery.
“The setting of these monuments will be affected.
“But what is of great concern are the areas earmarked for development and what will be discovered and, subsequently, destroyed.”
He said that monuments of later periods were also to be found in the area.
These include Iron Age forts/Roman forts and roads and, finally, medieval settlements.
“The reason for this is that the area was an important north/south route leading from England to Scotland.
“In essence, this particular area of Lanarkshire was a cultural crossroads. To destroy it would be an act of vandalism for which future generations will not forgive us,” stressed Mr Archer.
by George Topp, Lanark & Carluke
7 August 2008
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